Costa Calida 12 - 18 Dec 2024 Issue 2058

Sparkling Cartagena

“Peter Pan and Friends Light Up the Night”

CHRISTMAS has officially arrived in Cartagena, and the city is already buzzing with holiday spirit. On Thursday, December 5, the streets were filled with light as the city kicked off the season with an incredible aerial show inspired by Peter Pan. The Plaza del Ayuntamiento and nearby streets were packed with families who came to see the magical spectacle.

Peter Pan, Wendy, and Tinker Bell flew through the sky, entertaining the crowd with their acrobatic moves. It was a fun, family-friendly event that brought the whole city together to celebrate.

Mayor Noelia Arroyo, along with other city officials, were there to enjoy the start of Cartagena’s Christmas festivities. The fun continued with the opening of

the municipal nativity scene.

This year, Cartagena has more than 750 light displays across the city’s historic centre, neighbourhoods, and districts. A huge 20-metre

Christmas tree now stands in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where daily music shows are happening

at 6.00, 7.00, and 8.00pm. There’s also a snowman in Plaza Juan XXIII, Santa’s sleigh in Plaza Castellini, and a new walk-through tree in Alameda San Antón.

Cartagena is ready for a magical holiday season, with plenty of lights, music, and family fun to enjoy. To find out more about the Christmas activities and the schedule check out cartage na.es.

“The team’s love for animals shines through”

RECENTLY the streets of Mazarron came alive for the sixth annual ‘Marcha por Ellos’ (March for Them), a charity walk supporting APROAMA, the town’s animal protection group. Locals and animal lovers turned out in force, joined by council members Silvia García, López Liderr, and Toñi Sáez, to back this meaningful cause.

APROAMA started in 2018 with a small group of people determined to help abandoned and mistreated animals. What began in a tiny backyard has grown into a bustling refuge, giving countless animals a second chance at life. The team’s dedica-

tion and love for animals shine through everything they do.

The ‘March for them’ wasn’t just about raising money, it was a day to

come together as a community, celebrate progress, and share a love for animals. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or have heard about APRO-

AMA for the first time, their work shows how even small actions can make a big difference. Want to help? APROAMA is always looking for new supporters. Check out their website to learn more, get involved, or just see how you can lend a hand. Every little bit helps, whether you’re walking, donating, or volunteering.

THE Aidemar Day Centre in San Pedro del Pinatar held its third annual Christmas market, offering a variety of handmade decorations created with recycled materials. Throughout the day, participants sold their festive crafts made during workshops held throughout the year. The event had a fun, relaxed vibe, with music playing and everyone enjoying the cheerful atmosphere. It was a great chance for family, friends, and locals to come together, celebrate, and support the talent of the people at the centre. The market not only highlighted creativity but also brought a sense of community this holiday season.

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2058 • 12 - 18 Dec 2024 FREE

Cartagena’s holiday magic.

Property crunch

RENTAL prices in the Murcia region continue to rise, with little hope for relief in 2025. According to the latest report from real estate portal Idealista, the cost per square metre for rent now stands at €8.10, marking a 6.6 per cent increase compared to last year. This rise is ongoing month by month.

The biggest increases are seen in San Pedro and Mazarron. In San Pedro del Pinatar, rent has shot

up by 27 per cent, now at €8.50/m². Local tourism and holiday rentals are driving this rise, according to San Pedro’s Tourism councillor, Javier Castejón. Mazarron, with a more modest rise of 11 per cent, now costs €8.30/m², while Lorca sees a 13 per cent increase, reaching €6.40/m².

In Cartagena, rents are up 9.6 per cent to €8.00/ m², and in Murcia, prices have risen by 4.7 per cent, with a cost of €8.60/m².

However, towns like San Javier and Los Alcazares aren’t even included in the report due to a lack of available rental properties.

This rise is making it harder for many families to find affordable housing. Real estate experts agree that the region needs more available properties to meet growing demand, with a target to increase housing stock by over 53 per cent in the coming years.

Festive launch

THE holiday season officially started in San Pedro del Pinatar as hundreds gathered at the Plaza de la Constitución to enjoy the Christmas lights, a kids’ show, and the 30th anniversary of the Municipal Nativity Scene.

Mayor Pedro Javier Sánchez, along with Drilo the Crocodile and the councillor for Celebrations, Javier Castejón, lit up the town with a dazzling display of lights. After the switch-on, kids had a blast at a fun show featuring Drilo and his friends. A new area next to the plaza is filled with rides such as a Ferris wheel and a Christmas train, plus plenty of

entertainment for kids all month, including sing-alongs and musicals.

The day also marked the opening of the Municipal Nativity Scene, a special nativity scene created by Belenes Horadada. This year’s display, which celebrates the town’s history, features biblical scenes and local landmarks, including the ‘collapsed tower’.

The JMJ Parish Choir added to the festive mood with Christmas carols, both classic and modern. The Plaza de la Constitución, home to the local business Christmas market, will be the centre of holiday fun until January 6.

Celebrating the season together.

Image: Shutterstock/ Salvador Aznar

Rental prices continue rising.

“Calls

for smartphones to carry warning labels”

JUST like alcohol, junk food and tobacco, smartphones should carry a health warning says the Spanish government amid concerns from doctors around screen time and new data revealing we spend 12 years of our lives in front of a screen.

Spain’s government purports that smartphones sold in Spain should come with a label, which alerts users and parents to their potential health impacts. This is included in the same report, which states that doctors should be more collaborative in combatting excessive smartphone use and its many associated new pseudo illnesses like Facebook addiction and other social media syndromes.

As Spain pushes for limits to children’s exposure to te chnology including social media, gambling and porn si tes, in line with other European countries, there is a call for minors to have limited access overall to digital devi ces until they are 13 years old. In fact, so utterly shocking have recent figures and analyses about screen time been, that it is now being considered a public health problem – a national pandemic. The government pushes to ban digital devices for children under three years of age and for children under six, this should be in small doses. For children between the ages of six years and 12, parents

Spain’s government calls for bans on digital devices and health warnings on smartphones

are encouraged to facilitate “dumb phones” stripped of internet access to allow for calls and messaging only.

The next move calls for warning labels of the health risks and for doctors to carry out regular check ups.

Hacienda clamps down

“Another blow to self-employed workers”

IN a move that’s left self-employed workers scratching their heads, the Spanish tax office, Hacienda, has dropped a bombshell: banks must now report every single payment made to self-employed clients, even those under the previous €3,000 threshold, according to a report from Spanish media outlet Cope.

The unexpected mea-

sure slipped quietly into a royal decree that also tweaks corporate tax rates for multinationals, which means the taxman will have eyes on transactions of any amount, whether through traditional methods or modern mobile systems like the popular Bizum.

For years, banks only raised the alarm for transactions over €3,000. As

José María Peláez, a spokesperson for the Sta-

te Inspectors Association, previously explained, withdrawing amounts under this limit typically didn’t require identification. “When you take out €2,000 or €2,500, no one asks questions. But take out €3,000, and they start filling out forms,” Peláez said.

Now, that €3,000 cushion has been binned - but only for the self-employed.

“This is a surprise measure,” said La Linterna host Ángel Expósito, who, alongside economic journalist Pilar García de la Granja, broke the news. “Banks will need to report all payments to the self-employed on a monthly basis, regardless of the amount.”

The announcement has left self-employed workers fuming, with many branding it another blow to an already strained group.

Leroy Merlin scam alert

Smartphone crackdown Festive fine surge

SCAMMERS are once again using Leroy Merlin’s name to trick people into sharing personal and banking information. Fake emails offering a ‘free Dexter toolset’ in exchange for completing a survey are circulating, but it’s all part of a phishing scheme to steal your details. The National Cybersecurity Institute of Spain (INCIBE) has identified this scam and is warning everyone to stay vigilant.

These phishing emails look convincing, featuring Leroy Merlin’s branding and enticing offers. Recipients are invited to complete a survey, with the promise of receiving a free toolset. However, to claim the reward, they are asked to pay a small shipping fee, during which scammers collect sensitive data, including banking information.

What the emails often say:

• ‘Your experience with Leroy Merlin could win you a Dexter tool set!’

• ‘Share your feedback and claim your free gift!’

• ‘Exclusive chance: Take our survey and get a free toolset!’

Clicking the link takes victims to a fake website, designed to resemble Leroy Merlin’s official page. There, users are asked to provide personal and financial details.

If you receive a suspicious email, do not click any links. Report it to INCIBE, delete it, and if you’ve entered any personal details, contact your bank immediately. For further guidance, call INCIBE’s helpline on 017.

CHRISTMAS is coming and as the festivities draw ever closer, roads are bracing themselves for one of the busiest times of the year… and it’s not only for drivers.

The increase in travel over the festive period, not only increases traffic jams and bottle-necked cities, but also means a rise in driving penalties, which may affect thousands of unlucky or over-zealous drivers.

Spain has its foot in the door for traffic fines and violations. Over 5.6 traffic violations (infracciones) are penalised annually - that’s a substantial amount of money going back to the old tax office!

Eight per cent of these fines lead to

deduction of points due to severity. In just one year, the DGT removes over 1.6 million points from driving licences, averaging 3.7 points per fine.

The most common infraction to result in points being taken from your licence is running a red light.

The second most common reason for having points deducted is putting your foot too hard on the gas and speeding representing 27 per cent and nearly 300,000 penalties annually, plus a solid farewell to two, four, or six points from the licence.

The third most common driving infringement is drink-driving or driving under the influence of drugs at 12 per cent - clocking up over 50,000 fines.

December means a rise in driving penalties, which may affect thousands of unlucky or over-zealous drivers.

surprise measure from the tax office.

Credit: Shutterstock, pabloavanzini

Credit: Shutterstock/Viewvie

Murcia leads Spain

IN November, the Region of Murcia led Spain in job creation. The number of employed people rose by 6,062, a 0.92 per cent increase compared to October, while nationally, the figure dropped by 0.14 per cent. This brings the total number of people employed in Murcia to 661,597, the highest ever recorded for November.

Unemployment also saw a major decline. The number of jobless people in the region fell by 6.47 per cent compared to November 2023, reaching 80,043 - the lowest November figure since 2007. Nationwide, unemployment decreased

by 5.44 per cent, with Murcia seeing one of the largest drops in Spain.

While the overall job market is improving, agriculture saw a slight rise in unemployment, with 128 more people out of work compared to October. However, unemployment fell in services, industry, and construction.

Pilar Valero, director of the Regional Employment and Training Service (SEF), expressed confidence in the region’s employment outlook, stating that if the positive trends continue through December 2024 could end with excellent job market results for Murcia.

LOOKING for unique gifts or last-minute Christmas presents? Head to the Age Concern Costa Calida Artisan Tabletop on December 14, from 10.00am to 2.00pm, at the Age Concern Social Centre in Camposol Sector C, located at 2B Avenida Los Covachos.

The event will feature a variety of handmade gifts, perfect for that special someone or even a little treat for yourself. Whether you’re after something personal or simply looking to support local artisans, this is the place to be.

Christmas Market

The market runs daily from 10.30am to 2.00pm and 5.00pm to 8.00pm, offering everything from handmade crafts to festive treats. But it’s not just about shopping,

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR is getting into the holiday spirit with its local business Christmas Market, which opened on December 6 and will continue until January 6 at Plaza de la Constitución. Over 20 local shops, artisans, and associations are showcasing their products, making it a great spot to find unique holiday gifts while supporting the community.

there are plenty of activities too!

Visitors can enjoy kids’ shows, concerts, the Christmas House, fairground rides for little ones, and the traditional nativity scene. It’s a fantastic way to get into the holiday mood, shop locally, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.

Age Concern, a fully registered non-profit organisation, has been supporting and promoting the well-being of over-50s in Spain since 1994. With the help of volunteers, they offer services that help people integrate into Spanish life and provide information and support on common issues faced by the over-50s.

For more information about the event or Age Concern’s services, contact 602 637 842. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shop for gifts while supporting a great cause!

Migas madness

ON Friday, December 6, the people of Los Narejos gathered to celebrate the Gran Día de las Migas (Grand Day of Migas), a fun-fi -

lled tradition that’s all about good food and great company. The event was a chance for locals to reconnect and enjoy the day with friends, family, and neighbours, including the mayor of Los Alcázares and other council members.

Migas, a classic Spanish dish, was the star of the day. Made from leftover bread fried with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes chorizo or other meats, it’s a tasty and simple meal that everyone can enjoy together. It’s typically eaten on a rainy day as it is considered a winter comfort food. The celebration was full of laughter, music, and the kind of community spirit that makes this tradition so special. And the best part? The festivities aren’t over yet, there’s still more to come in Los Narejos, and everyone’s looking forward to the next round of fun as December is filled with festive activities!

Handmade gifts for the holidays.

How Santander Insurance quietly used an Irish-based company to get a bumper €100 million payout

By Paul O’Donoghue

SPANISH firm Santander Insurance has received payments of nearly €100 million over the last three years from the Irish-based business it co-owns.

CNP Santander Insurance Life [CNPS] declared €104 million in dividends in 2023, accounts for the company show.

The firm is a Dublin-based business which sells insurance products in 12 European countries, including Spain, Italy and Austria.

The dividend payout was divided among the two CNPS shareholders. Santander Insurance, which owns 49 per cent of the firm, received €51 million.

French insurance business CNP Assurances, which holds the remaining 51 per cent, got €53 million.

The 2023 payday came after CNPS declared a €30 million dividend in 2022 and one worth €60 million at the start of 2024.

The three payments, worth a combined €194 million, mean that Santander Insurance received €95 million over the threeyear period with its 49 per cent shareholding.

CNPS recorded a strong year in 2023 with profits of €64.4 million - a €10 million increase compared to the €54.4 million it recorded in 2022.

The business paid corporate tax in Ireland of slightly over €8 million in 2023, in line with the country’s corporate tax rate of 12.5 per cent.

This compares to 25 per cent in Spain and France, where shareholders Santander and CNP Assurances are based.

The lower corporate tax rate helped CNP Santander Insurance Life build up larger profits over the years, which it is now paying out in the form of annual dividends.

The Irish entity was established by Santander Insurance in 2010 and authorised

by the Central Bank of Ireland in June 2011.

CNPS grew quickly after being established - by 2014 it had annual income of €135 million, which almost doubled the next year.

It was fully owned by Santander Insurance until December 2014, when CNP Assurances acquired its 51 per cent stake.

Asked why Santander Insurance decided to establish the corporate entity in Ireland, despite the fact that it does not sell insurance products in that market, Santander declined to comment.

CNPS has over 100 staff based in Dublin, moving to a new office in the Irish capital last year.

In January, it announced plans to ‘develop digital distribution solutions’ with YOLO Group, a fintech company

The move came after the 2023 accounts for CNPS noted that despite higher profits in 2023, its revenue dropped - from €448 million in 2022 to €392 million in 2023.

A note attached to the accounts said the 13 per cent decrease in sales was due to a ‘change in strategic focus’, as the company looks to place more of emphasis on its non-life insurance products.

Spain was the company’s biggest market in 2023, accounting for €43.4 million in insurance premiums.

Santander received a bumper payout.

Kids take over Hot spot

RECENTLY more than 200 students gathered at Cartagena’s Palacio Consistorial to celebrate the 46th anniversary of Spain’s Constitution in a fun way. They took part in a special children’s student council, where they acted as councillors and even the mayor for the day! The event was also streamed live on YouTube so others could join in the excitement. A few local councillors were there to watch the session. Mayor Noelia Arroyo was also on hand to say hello to the kids, reminding everyone that Cartagena is a ‘Child-friendly City’ recognised by Unicef. She explained how important it is to

listen to the ideas and thoughts of young people, especially when it comes to something as important as the Constitution.

This year, the students focused on Article 27 of the Constitution, which gives everyone the right to education. They came up with some fun ideas for improving school life, like more activities, computer and robotics classes, and learning through games instead of exams.

Mayor Arroyo also shared how the city is investing €8.3 million in education. The session ended with the children singing Christmas carols, what a fun way to celebrate!

TOURISM in the Region of Murcia has seen a big jump in 2024, with international visitors up by nearly 20 per cent from January to October. That’s a huge increase compared to the national average of 10.8 per cent. More than a million tourists have visited so far, with the UK, France, and Belgium leading the charge.

Along with more visitors, tourists are also spending more, €1.39 billion, a 32 per cent rise from last year. This

makes Murcia the second region in Spain with the highest growth in foreign tourism spending, only behind Castilla-La Mancha.

What’s even more impressive is that tourists are staying longer. On average, they’re spending over 12 days in the region, five days more than the national average of 7.12 days. October also showed strong

growth, with a 12.5 per cent increase in international arrivals and longer stays of 10.8 days. According to Juan Francisco Martínez, Director of the Region’s Tourism Institute, these results show that Murcia is moving closer to its goal of attracting more international visitors outside the busy summer months, making it a year-round destination.

Holiday singout

THE Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus is ready to bring some holiday cheer with their festive sing out! This fun-loving a cappella group meets every Thursday from 10.30am to 1.00pm at Las Claras in Los Narejos to rehearse and get ready for performances that always put a smile on your face.

They’re especially excited for their Christmas event on Thursday, December 19 at 4.00pm at The Pavilion in

Torre de la Horadada (Avenida Costa Blanca 124). Expect live entertainment, good company, and plenty of holiday spirit!

And if you’re a fan of delicious food, there are cheese and charcuterie boards for €20, definitely worth trying.

It’s sure to be a fun and relaxed afternoon, so come along and enjoy the music and the festive atmosphere. Hope to see you there!

Children lead the way.

Image: Cartagena.es

THE Cartagena Municipal Nativity Scene is back in Plaza San Francisco, showcasing the magic of Christmas with a touch of local tradition. It was officially opened on December 6 by Cartagena’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, alongside other members of the local government.

Nativity magic

This year’s nativity scene has some exciting new additions. Designed by Salvador Navarro with help from Francisco Valcárcel and José Alberto Rodríguez from the Fuente Álamo Nativity Association, it now

features the Perín Aqueduct, Roman quarries, and old water reservoirs surrounding the nativity. These new details give a fresh twist to the classic Christmas story.

The scene, set up under a large tent, includes 600 pieces, showing traditional nativity scenes along with famous local landmarks, like a replica of the Castillitos Battery and the La Aparecida chapel, com-

plete with figures dressed in traditional Cartagena outfits. There’s also a new 1920s-style building representing Saint Joseph’s dream, and the river has been extended with more water and a wider flow.

The nativity was blessed by José Abellán, the vicar of Cartagena and parish priest of Santa María de Gracia. To top off the celebration, there was a fun Zambombá Flamenca performance by Faustino Fernández and his group, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Full house

RESTAURANTS in Murcia are buzzing this December, thanks to Christmas parties and the bank holiday long weekend for the Constitution and Immaculate Conception holidays. Whether in the city, on the coast, or in rural villages, most places are nearly fully booked, with some already turning away last-minute reservations.

The extra-long weekend was a big win for the hospitality sector. Having Monday as a holiday meant that more people went out on Sunday night, which boosted the numbers. Even new restaurants open just a few months, are already thriving. Fewer people are travelling this year, because of the weather, but that seems to be working well for local bars and restaurants.

Group bookings are off the charts, so some parties are being rescheduled for January. Even so, diners are spoiled for choice with festive menus that remain reasonably priced, at about €50 in the city and even less in coastal or rural areas.

Seasonal fun begins

THIS Christmas, Cartagena is offering over 300 activities for everyone to enjoy with family and friends. The festivities kicked off on December 7 with a special Music in

Churches programme, featuring 12 concerts by local choirs and bands.

One of the big highlights is the first-ever Santa Claus parade through the city centre on December 22, filled with magic and fun, sponsored by El Corte Inglés. Other exciting events will take place across key spots like Los Juncos, Plaza de España, Explanada del Puerto, and Plaza del Icue, with markets, food trucks, concerts, and workshops for kids.

On January 2, don’t miss the live theatrical performance of the Three Kings at the Santa María façade. Then, on January 5, the grand Three Kings parade will bring acrobats, giant animals, and fireworks, finishing at the Town Hall Square.

There will also be over 50 childrens’ workshops, more than 100 local activities, and several exhibitions to check out. To check out the full schedule see the Cartagena City Hall Facebook page or visit Cartagena.es.

Christmas in Cartagena.

Murcia’s food scene is thriving.

Small-town dream

LLANO DEL BEAL, a humble village with just 1,500 residents, is gearing up for the football match of a lifetime. Their team, Deportiva Minera, will host Real Madrid, the reigning champions of La Liga and the Champions League, in the Copa del Rey’s Round of 32.

The match is set to take place between January 4 and 6, with the venue yet to be confirmed. While Cartagonova Stadium in Cartagena, with 15,000 seats, is the frontrunner, the Enrique Roca Stadium, boasting 31,000 seats, may step in to accommodate the hype surrounding Madrid’s visit.

Deportiva Minera earned their spot

in this round by toppling Deportivo Alavés, a La Liga team, in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Earlier, they crushed Tudelano 5-0 in a display of sheer dominance. The team, led by coach José Pérez Veiga ‘Popi,’ currently sits sixth in their Segunda RFEF group.

Club president José Blaya, thrilled by the draw, declared, “This is a dream come true. We’ll give it our all against Madrid.” Despite the daunting task of facing stars like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, the Mineros are brimming with hope and determination. For Llano del Beal, this is more than just a game, it’s a moment in the spotlight.

CARTAGENA’S Culture Department is set to boost its budget to €7.2 million in 2025, marking a 14.39 per cent increase from this year. This means an extra €910,609 will be available to enhance the city’s cultural programming and support major events.

Ignacio Jáudenes, the city’s Culture councillor, explained that this increase is part of a bigger plan by Mayor Noelia Arroyo to make culture more accessible and spread it throughout the city.

The goal is to offer more events, improve infrastructure, and help large cultural gatherings that bring people together, both from Cartagena and beyond.

A new €400,000 budget will support key cultural programmes, benefiting festivals like La Mar de Músicas, the Book Fair, theatre, and more. In addition, the budget for local celebrations like Christmas

Cartagena’s culture push

Funding increase.

has more than doubled, with €460,000 allocated for next year’s activities.

A new programme, ‘Cultura Cercana’ (Culture Close to Home), will take culture directly to local neighbourhoods, encouraging

more community participation. Plus, Cartagena’s libraries will keep their extended hours, making cultural access even easier. This increase shows Cartagena’s commitment to making culture available to everyone.

Minera’s moment of glory.

Image: X/ @realmadrid

Sweden’s ‘soft girls’

SWEDEN is undergoing a change that may just upset the peace of mind of thou sands of feminists across the globe with its new model for women: ‘soft girls’.

Not only does the term suggest the adoption of a more passive role, but is defined as a celebration of women quitting work and living off their hus bands or boyfriends.

am not struggling. I am not very stressed.”

Sweden’s global reputation for championing gender equality continues to glow, yet there is a growing movement of women like Vilma Larsson aged 25, who embraced a trend encouraging her to leave her job and dependend entirely on her male partner. Vilma, who previously worked, is now lavishing life as a stay-at-home girlfriend and claims she has never been happier than now. In a statement, she said: “My life is softer. I

And that’s no surprise given her boyfriend works remotely in finance and she splits her days between the gym, going out for coffee, cooking and travelling… with his money!

Living this relaxed lifestyle, Vilma has gained fame across social media with 11,000 followers.

The trend is gaining popularity as 14 per cent of seven to 14-year-olds aspired to be soft girls in the future in a recent survey.

Sweden’s feminist party, Feministiskt initiativ described it as being “very dangerous”, and “a step backwards” for gender equality. Others back the right to ignore pressures to be career-driven and return to traditional ‘soft’, feminine roles.

Spain’s tourism surge

SPAIN’S tourism industry is certainly looking up … up by nearly two million. In September and October of 2024, 1.58 million more foreign visitors arrived on Spanish territory than in 2023 according to the INE.

Month after month, Spain continues to see a robust wave of tourists flocking to the country for holidays or short breaks. So far in 2024, almost 83 million foreign travellers have visited Spain, which is nearly 11 per cent more than last year. This is not only affecting the tourism sector, but also sectors which profit from peaks in the tourist period. In other words, the concept of peak season in Spain seems to be fading out as tourism shows a steady trend throughout the year.

The significant influx of travellers flocking to Spain is not restricted to summer months as

Spain’s airports remain full even after the summer months as September and October see record numbers of tourists.

September and October showed almost 100,000 more travellers arriving between September and October than in July and August.

In October, 8.96 million international tourists arrived in Spain, representing 9.5 per cent more than in 2023. In September, Spain welcomed 9.6 million foreign travellers, which cumulatively means that during these two sum -

mer-autumn months, the volume of visitors grew by 1.58 million people, soaring above the 1.48 million who arrived between July and August.

President of Spain’s Tourist Board, Juan Molas said: “We are opening the seasons.”

According to Tourist Board predictions, 2024 is expected to have seen 95 million international tourists a new record for the country.

Vilma Larsson is a self-confessed ‘soft girl’ and embraces the lifestyle

Credit:Instagram:@viilmalarsson

Google’s most asked

IN Norway, Google remains a popular source of information, reflecting the country’s curiosity about a wide range of topics.

The 2024 search trends show that Norwegians are interested in both fun and serious matters.

Sports were a big focus, especially after Markus Rooth won a gold medal in the decathlon.

Many people searched ‘Hva er tikamp?’ (‘What is decathlon?’), and Rooth was among the top 10 most-searched athletes.

Music competitions also drew attention, particularly questions about Norwegian twins Marcus and Martinus, who were representing Sweden, and the disqualification of Joost Klein from the Malmö final.

1st Polish astronaut

THE first Polish mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will take off in spring 2025, Poland’s space agency, POLSA, has announced.

It will see astronaut Sławosz Uznański become only the second Pole to travel to space and the first in almost 50 years during his 14-day stay on the ISS.

The name of the mission has been designated as Ignis, meaning fire in Latin and the key objectives of the project will see Uznański undertake 13 experiments relating to technology, biology, medicine and psychology developed by interes ted parties based in Poland.

training in 2023.

Coincidentally, in 2023, the Polish government increased its contributions to the ESA by €295 million for the years 2023-2025, allowing Polish companies to participate in various programmes connected with space.

There was a huge amount of interesting in becoming Poland’s first astronaut with Sławosz Uznański beating some 22,000 potential candidates to win the honour.

Global events made a big impact on searches, with many people asking questions about conflicts in the Middle East, such as ‘Why is Israel attacking Lebanon?’ and ‘Why is Iran attacking Israel?’

There was also inte -

Popular TV shows, like the survival series 71° nord and the comedy Norges dummeste (‘Norway’s Dumbest’), also sparked interest, especially after TV personality Mayoo Indiran won the latter.

rest in health issues like monkeypox and mycoplasma pneumonia, as well as the Marius Borg Høiby case.

Not all searches were serious, though. Fun questions like ‘Why do llamas spit?’ and ‘How can I make money on Snapchat?’ show that Norwegians’ curiosity is wide-ranging, from the strange to the practical.

This pro ject will be financed by the Polish government and with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), which selected Uz nański as an as tronaut candidate in 2022 and he started

A special mission patch featuring a stylised white and red eagle (the symbol of Poland) which has flames at the end of its tail as a nod to the meaning of the Latin name with a number of other special design features has been created.

Credit: Sławosz Uznański X

Sławosz Uznański Poland’s first astronaut posed in front of Ignis logo.

Curiosity about a wide range of topics.

Image: Ascannio / Shutterstock.com

Sounds of December

MURCIA’S Plaza de Toros is bringing the energy this December with a packed schedule of concerts and a huge New Year’s Eve party, all organised by Animal Sound. It kicks off on December 14 with Kaze and Toteking. Kaze, known for his bold style, is back with his latest album Nombre Dirección, promising a show full of surprises. Toteking, a legend in Spanish rap,

will deliver tracks from his final album Luces Fuera, wrapping up an incredible 20-year career.

On December 21, Walls takes over. This pop-rock star is making waves with his album Luna 18, blending punk and pop for a fresh sound that’s grabbing attention everywhere.

Beret wraps up the concert series on December 28. With hits like Lo Siento and Cupido, and millions

of fans on Spotify, his mix of heartfelt lyrics and catchy beats always leaves a mark.

Then, on December 31, say goodbye to 2024 at the New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy DJs, an open bar, and plenty of extras like shuttle buses and catering to keep the night stress-free. Tickets range from €33 to €70 and are available online at tickelium.com Don’t miss it!

COSTA CALIDA

Txio Revuelo

TXIO REVUELO in San Javier is where bold flavours and creative cooking come together. The brainchild of Alfonso and Rubén, who first crossed paths while working at David López’s Local de Ensayo, this restaurant is a testament to their shared passion for good food and big ideas.

After the success of their first venture, Txio Restaurante, the duo decided to take a leap and open Txio Revuelo in 2022, a place with a more daring, wild vibe. The menu is a delightful mix of gourmet burgers and sushi, with standout dishes like the Butterfish Nigiri, served with truffle mayo - a must-try for sushi lovers. Then there’s the Camberrísima burger: beetroot sourdough, Paco Rosa’s top-quality beef, fried camembert, crispy bacon, and a citrusy red wine sauce that ties everything together in a way that’s nothing short of delicious.

The attention to detail here is impressive, from the carefully crafted dishes

to the stylish, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi or a burger, everything is fresh, flavourful, and perfectly presented. The service is top-notch too, making every visit a great experience.

It’s no surprise that this spot has become a favourite for locals and visitors. Definitely worth a repeat visit!

For reservations or events, visit txio revuelo.com or call +34 868 166 212.

Location: Calle Andrés Baquero, 2, San Javier.

Festive stargazing

Catherine McGeer

LOOKING for a magical way to celebrate the festive season? Finca Astronomica has you covered with a unique blend of stargazing, festive cheer, and cosy accommodations. From December 20 to 31, the venue offers astronomy events tailored for all ages and interests, making it the perfect destination for holiday celebrations.

The programme kicks off with Adult-Only Astronomy Nights on December 20 and 27, ideal for those looking for a relaxing evening under the stars. Families can join the fun on December 21 and 28 with Family Astronomy Nights, offering an engaging and educational experience for everyone. On December 24, guests can enjoy a traditional Polish-Style Christmas Eve Dinner, blending festive flavours with celestial wonders.

The celebrations continue with Christmas Dinner with Astronomy on December 25 and 26, where festive dining meets guided stargazing for a truly special experience. To cap off the year, the New Year’s Eve Astronomy Party on December 31 invites guests to welcome 2024 under a breathtaking canopy of stars.

Each event includes a delicious dinner, cosy bonfires with marshmallows, and a variety of fun activities such as archery, darts, billiards,

and interactions with friendly animals. Tailored stargazing programmes add a magical touch. Guests can extend their stay in heated glamping pods or spacious yurts. With events held in both English and Spanish, Finca Astronomica makes this experience accessible to everyone.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Visit www.astro nomy.tours or WhatsApp +34 623 140 902 for more information.

Images: Facebook/ Txio Revuelo

NEWS Travel

Cordoba - This city promises an enriching visit

with Hispavan Campers

CORDOBA, located along the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, is a city where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Famous for the stunning Mezquita, which represents its rich Islamic and Christian heritage, Cordoba offers a wealth of cultural experiences. From the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter to vibrant plazas, the city promises an enriching visit.

Travelling with Hispavan Campers lets you explore Cordoba and its surroundings at your own pace, offering flexibility and convenience.

Visit the Mezquita-Catedral

The Mezquita-Catedral is one of Spain’s most remarkable landmarks, combining Islamic and Christian architectural styles. Originally a mosque, it was later converted into a cathedral. With a Hispavan camper van, you can easily visit this iconic site and explore its beautiful arches, columns, and courtyards, without worrying about transportation or accommodations.

Wander the Jewish Quarter

Cordoba’s Jewish Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and peaceful courtyards. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, where you can visit artisan shops, the historic synagogue, and picturesque squares. The famous Calleja de las Flores offers a breathtaking view of the Mezquita. With a camper van from Hispavan, you can park nearby and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with ease.

Relax in the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a royal palace with lush gardens and fountains, is a tranquil retreat. It offers panoramic views of the city and the Guadalquivir River, making it a peaceful spot to relax.

Experience Flamenco in Cordoba

Cordoba is known for its vibrant flamenco culture. Whether it’s an intimate performance or the lively Feria festival, the city’s flamenco scene is full of passion. With a camper van, you can explore flamenco venues throughout the city and beyond, immersing yourself in the region’s traditions.

Explore Cordoba with Hispavan Campers

A camper van from Hispavan offers the freedom to explore Cordoba’s sights, including the Mezquita and Alcázar, and venture into the Andalucian countryside. With the comfort and flexibility of a fully equipped van, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure in this historical city.

SUMMARY

Cordoba’s rich blend of history, culture, and tradition makes it a must-visit destination. With Hispavan, you can create your own unique experience in this Andalucian gem.

DENMARK

Airport deal

THE government will pay 32 billion Danish kroner (€4.3 billion) to the ATP pension fund for a 59.4 per cent stake in Copenhagen Airports SA, the Ministry of Finance revealed on December 2. Subject to regulatory approval, the state will then own approximately 98 per cent of Copenhagen and Roskilde airports.

Chippy debut

THE Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip restaurant group is looking for franchisees in Denmark where it intends to open branches in all regions, the Ekstra Bladet newspaper reported. The popular chain, which was founded in Guisely (Yorkshire) in 1928, now has 84 branches in Britain and one in Malaysia.

PORTUGAL

Cure-all

SPEAKING at an international symposium in Porto, Agriculture minister Jose Manuel Fernandes said that wine, which was essential for Portugal’s economy, was under attack. “Wine is not an enemy of the environment,” Fernandes said. “On the contrary, it a friend of the economy, competitiveness and territorial cohesion.”

A nice cuppa

RESEARCHERS from the University of the Algarve took part in an international study that used 180,000 teabags to measure the decomposition rates of organic matter. Scientists who assessed the ability of 180 wetlands in 18 countries to retain carbon in the soil, said that buried teabags were “a proven method.”

EURO PRESS

BELGIUM

Ready to race

OLYMPIC gold medallist and professional cyclist Remco Evenerpoel fractured a rib, shoulder blade and hand, also dislocating his collarbone and bruising his lungs after he collided with a vehicle door while training in Oetingen. “The comeback starts now,” the 24-year-old said as he left hospital following surgery.

IRELAND FINLAND

Drink figures

A SURVEY of 7,400 over-15s found that alcohol consumption over the last 12 months had risen from 70 to 73 per cent, although this was still below the 75 per cent reported in 2018. The number of binge drinkers capable of drinking six or more drinks at one time rose from 24 per cent in 2023 to 28 per cent this year.

Cash crimes

CATRIONA CAREY, a former Ireland hockey international and Camogie player, was arrested and charged with laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct over a threeyear period. Together with two former business partners she was accused of offences linked to the UK-based company, Careysfort Asset Estates.

ITALY GERMANY

Phone ban

A NEW Highway Code comes into force in mid-December with tougher penalties for using mobile phones at the wheel, drink-driving and speeding. Talking on a phone while driving could now cost offenders up to €1,400 and a three-month driving ban, although both will be doubled when mobile use causes an accident.

Art lesson

MORE than 80 artworks seized from Italian mafia members have been put on display in Milan. Formerly hidden pictures by artists including Salvador Dali, Giorgio Chirico and Andy Warhol could now be enjoyed by the community, the National Agency for Assets Confiscated from Organised Crime (ANBSC) said.

Chocoholics

COCOA prices have shot up worldwide but despite the expense, demand for chocolate fell by just 1.6 per cent inside Germany during 2024, according to national statistics agency Destatis. In 2018, Germans ate an average 9 kilos per head and by 2023, this had risen to almost 10 kilos per person, Destatis said.

Cold war

THE DPA press agency reported that Defence officials revealed that a Russian vessel had sent up warning flares on seeing a German military helicopter on a routine operation in the Baltic. The incident coincided with stepped up Nato surveillance in response to threats to the West’s undersea cables and pipelines.

Mild autumn

WEATHER between September and the end of November was either ‘unusually or exceptionally warm’ across most of the country, the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) said. Although the average for autumn 2020 was the warmest on record, this was only 0.17 degrees warmer than 2024, the FMI pointed out.

Dos and Don’ts

FINLAND’S Food Authority recommended eating less red meat both for health and environmental reasons and switch to plant-based foods while increasing vegetable intake from 500 to 800 grammes a day. Finns were also encouraged to abstain completely from alcohol “as there is no safe level for alcohol use.”

NETHERLANDS

Changed status

DUTCH farmers applauded after the Bern Convention board approved a European Union proposal to change the status of wolves from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’. The modified level means that wolves may not be deliberately killed, captured, caged, or disturbed and breeding grounds should be respected.

No thanks

THE Netherlands has a 13,600 shortfall of full-time teachers but market research centre ROA found that 62,000 no longer work in the occupation they trained for. Previous research also showed that many of those who have left the profession were happier away from the classroom, with fewer ‘burnout’ symptoms.

FRANCE

Going it alone

CHAD, France’s last foothold in Africa’s Sahel region, said it had ended the military cooperation between both countries. “Chad has grown up, matured and is a sovereign state very jealous of its sovereignty,” Foreign minister Abderaman Koulamallah said following a visit from his French counterpart.

Past times

DURING Notre-Dame cathedral’s restoration after the 2019 fire, archaeologists said they had discovered “almost 2,000 years of history.” Finds included Gallic coins from the first century BC, the remains of a first century AD dwelling 3.50 metres below the surface and traces of fragments of a 13th century rood screen.

SWEDEN

Paint job

UNKNOWN persons used a drone to drop paint on the Russian embassy in Stockholm in the early hours of November 29, the Dagens Nyheter newspaper reported. Embassy guards alerted the Swedish authorities who deployed a helicopter to find the drone but failed to locate it, police spokesman Mats Erkisson confirmed.

Called off

AFTER South Korea was plunged into political chaos, Sweden’s PM Ulf Kristersson cancelled the visit where he was due to meet President Yoon Suk-Yeol on December 5. Kristersson, in Japan at the time, admitted that he was taken by surprise “as he hadn’t been following Korean politics very closely.”

NORWAY

Taxing position

NORWAY’S Tax Agency revealed that it collected 1,300 billion kroner (€111.5 billion) in 2023. Private individuals accounted for 685 billion kroner (€58.71 billion), businesses paid 147 billion kroner (€12.6 billion) while the petroleum tax reached 465 billion (€39.8 billion), less than in 2022 but still the second-highest ever.

Eat up

BEGINNING in 2026, pupils should receive a free healthy lunch at school each day, MPs decided at the end of November. The government will now draft plans for introducing the meals, while the 2026 national Budget will be expected to give details of plans for implementing and funding the system.

REMCO EVENERPOEL: Ace cyclist will get back in saddle soon.

Your

VOICE

Do you get fed up with Christmas music?

WITH December here, towns are glowing with festive Christmas lights, many of us have already put up our decorations and, if you’re one of the organised ones, your Christmas shopping may even be well underway.

If you’ve already made a start on the shopping, you’ve likely noticed the constant stream of Christmas music which seems to be coming from every direction - but this isn’t just to get you into the festive mood. Studies suggest that Christmas tunes can actually lead stressed-out shoppers to spend more money. It’s not just about creating holiday cheer - many retailers believe that Christmas music can remind customers of the upcoming festivities, and encourage them to buy additional items.

Whether you enjoy the seasonal songs or find that they are a soundtrack to the stress of Christmas shopping, there’s no denying that Christmas carols are an essential part of the holidays. For this reason, we asked our Euro Weekly News readers whether they enjoy the holiday tunes, or whether they get fed up of hearing them everywhere.

Many readers shared their thoughts, with opinions ranging from enthusiastic to “Bah! Humbug!”

Anne Harrison and Linda Miller simply responded to our question

with “yes,” while Gordon O’Keeffe expressed a more positive outlook, saying “I love it. Reminds me of lovely happy times.”

Amanda Jaye pointed out some artists that can be overplayed this time of the year, such as Slade, Wizard and Mariah Carey. On the other hand, John Smith shared that he can tolerate some Christmas music, mentioning festive favourites Fairytale of New York and I saw Mommy kissing Santa by Twisted Sister.

Luisa Miller highlights the importance of timing, saying that “if it started the week before Christmas I’m sure we’d all love it but not in October and November!”

Many other readers echo this opinion, including Judith Dominique Wolfenegg , who also adds that those who aren’t fans can simply “switch off the radio” and listen to something else.

Christmas music brings mixed emotions and divided opinions during the holiday season. While some embrace the festive and nostalgic songs, others find them tiresome and repetitive.

Despite the differing opinions of our readers, these songs play a big role in creating festive atmospheres in shops and in our homes, reminding everyone to enjoy the festive season.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC BRINGS MIXED EMOTIONS.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

On track

SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY

(SWR), one of the UK’s largest commuter services currently run as a joint venture by First Group and Hong Kong rail operator MTR, will be nationalised in May when its contract ends. The C2C Essex service, next in line, will be publicly owned by July 2025, the Transport ministry said.

Adif plum

INSURANCE company

Generali outbid current provider Zurich to win a €2.4 million contract to supply life insurance and accident cover for 13,000 employees of Adif, Spain’s state-owned railway infrastructure company. The agreement with the Italian company begins in early 2025 and will end in late 2026.

Small wonder

GAMES WORKSHOP is on course for promotion to the FTSE 100 thanks to the popularity of its Warhammer miniatures. Shares in the company, which was created in 1975 and valued at £4.7 billion (€5.7 billion) at close of day on December 2, have shot up 43 per cent this year and by 2,500 per cent since 2014.

Bought back

BANCO SANTANDER completed its €1.52 billion buyback scheme after acquiring 341.7 million shares at €0.50 each and obtaining a 2.21 per cent capital reduction of €170.8 million. Authorised by the European Central Bank and approved by shareholders, the measure will be passed by the board on December 17.

Bonus lost

NICK READ, who took over as chief executive at the Post Office in 2019 will lose a bonus package of £750,000 (€906,127) after deciding to step down following the Horizon accounting scandal. Read was entitled to a 2024 bonus of up to 45 per cent of his basic pay and a further 43 bonus for the coming year.

STAT OF WEEK

€3.9 billion

in joint investments by carmaker Stellantis and China’s electric car battery manufacturer, CATL, in a gigafactory and manufacturing plant in Zaragoza.

Just a business deal

ALARM bells rang in Madrid when Saudi Telecom Company (STC) acquired a 9.9 per cent Telefonica holding in shares and derivatives last year.

STC belongs to Saudi Arabia’s public pension fund and the Spanish government took until November 28 to authorise the €2.1 billion deal, owing to Telefonica’s strategic status.

Telefonica was privatised in 1997 but Spain’s state-owned Industrial Holding Company (Sepi) has now purchased a 10 per cent stake to counteract STC’s presence. Criteria, La Caixa Banking Foundation’s holding company, bought 9.9 per cent.

STC meanwhile maintained that its interest in Telefonica was exclusively financial and the company had no interest in occupying the seat on the board that it was entitled to, given the size of its holding.

Financially, STC’s acquisition has proved worthwhile. In the 15 mon-

NATWEST is on track to return to full private ownership following its £46 billion (€55.5 billion) rescue during the 2008 crisis.

Speaking to the Financial Times on December 3, chief executive Paul Thwaite said it was reasonable to expect that, barring a “big dislocation or economic event” the bank would be in private hands by the first half of 2025.

The UK government’s holding in NatWest, called Royal Bank of Scotland at the time of its bailout, is now under 11 per cent, compared with 38

Doing well

THE Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) expects Spain’s growth to have reached a healthy 3 per cent in 2024.

This is two-10ths of a percentage point higher than previous estimates and almost four times the OECD’s 0.8 per cent prediction for the eurozone. Spain’s momentum is expected to slow in 2025 but at 2.3 per cent, its advance will still be higher than the eurozone’s average of 1.3 per cent, and one-10th above the OECD’s earlier forecast.

ths since the Saudi company embarked on its Telefonica journey, it has obtained a return of more than 15 per cent on the company’s shares which were quoted at €3.75 at the time of purchase.

To this should be added two dividends already received with another due this month. In all, STC has so far had a return of 27.7 per cent on its investment.

Private

Four times better

DANONE reported a €48.4 million profit last year, its highest in three years and quadrupling 2022’s.

Although sales have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels in Spain, last year’s rose to €891.7 million, an increase of 6 per cent on the previous year and the company’s highest since 2012.

They were also 16 per cent up on 2021 before prices began to soar owing to inflation.

Sales improved for practically all Danone products, apart from yoghurt and plant-based milk drinks.

The latter accounted for 10 per cent of Danone’s sales, three percentage points lower than in 2022. In contrast, yoghurt drinks were responsible for 76 per cent of all sales.

Meanwhile Sepi, which paid approximately €4 per share has had an 8.8 per cent return, increasing to 16.3 per cent with the June and December dividends.

Criteria, which paid €3.97 per share for its stake in early April, has enjoyed a return of more than 9 per cent on its investment, rising to approximately 17 per cent with both dividends.

WEALTH management company St James’s Place intends to cut its 3,200 corporate staff by a sixth. This will result in approximately 500 redundancies in offices across the UK, the London-listed company revealed in a leaked internal memo, although the job cuts will not affect its 4,800 financial advisers.

St James’s Place said in July this year that it would save an annual £100 million (€120.8 million) over the next two years, and expected to have made savings that totalled £500 million (€604.2 million) by 2030.

CEMENTOS MOLINS announced on December 3 that it was relocating its corporate headquarters to Catalonia.

per cent in 2023.

Private ownership would enable NatWest to use its capital more strategically after the bank bought back some of the state’s shares earlier this year, Thwaite said, allowing the bank to focus on its wealth management arm, which includes private bank Coutts.

Initially this would be carried out via internal growth, Thwaite said, as he did not rule out future acquisitions.

Asda maths

ASDA has borrowed £155 million (€187 million) to settle impending debts as it allays worries regarding its financial position,

The supermarket chain co-owned by TDR Capital and Mohsin Issa has a current debt pile of £6 billion (€7.2 billion) which in 2023 cost £441 million (€532.5 million) in interest alone.

The latest loan supplements an existing loan due in 2031 and, together with £155 million of cash from Asda’s balance sheet, means it can pay off £310 million (€374.3 million) in 2025 and 2026.

Thanks to this strategy the supermarket, will no longer have obligations due this decade, Asda sources said.

The company, which has a strong international presence, explained in October 2017 that it wished to continue ensuring normal operations by moving to Madrid following Catalonia’s pro-independence referendum and separatist unrest. Molins nevertheless stressed at the time that it remained committed to maintaining its activities inside Catalonia.

The company was one of around 4,500 Catalan businesses that left the region after 2017, including CaixaBank, which moved its headquarters to Valencia.

THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) cleared the way for Shein’s £50 billion (€60.4 billion) debut on London’s Stock Exchange.

The FCA’s chief executive Nikhil Rathi explained that decisions on listings were based on the company’s disclosures. That did not cover every aspect of their corporate behaviour, Rathi told the Financial Times, aware that human rights groups had hoped the UK would, like the US, snub the Chinese fast fashion retailer.

NATWEST: Full private ownership in 2025.

STC: Saudi Arabia’s principal telecoms company.

3I Group 3.713,00 3.742,00 3.713,00 18,92K Admiral Group 2.721,0 2.723,5 2.714,0 3,99K

Airtel Africa 105,90 106,11 105,45 25,48K Anglo American 2.502,5 2.525,5 2.497,5 121,71K Antofagasta 1.754,00 1.774,00 1.747,50 15,94K Ashtead Group 6.402,0 6.448,0 6.396,0 25,44K Associated British Foods 2.249,6 2.258,0 2.240,0 21,92K

10.710,0 10.736,0 10.686,0 48,45K Auto Trader Group Plc 842,80 848,60 840,00 20,66K Aviva 484,50 485,60 481,30 226,22K

B&M European Value Retail SA 361,30 363,60 361,30 34,1K

BAE Systems 1.216,55 1.235,50 1.215,00 197,97K Barclays 266,15 267,27 266,15 534,73K Barratt Redrow 437,60 439,80 436,90 56,97K

Beazley 821,00 824,50 821,00 10,82K

Berkeley 4.080,0 4.136,0 4.080,0 3,48K

BP 380,44 380,80 378,89 580,95K

British American Tobacco 2.964,0 2.975,0 2.960,0 80,92K

BT Group 157,70 158,05 157,60 699,82K

Bunzl 3.590,0 3.596,0 3.574,0 11,11K

Centrica 130,55 131,20 130,50 405,49K Coca Cola HBC AG 2.816,0 2.822,0 2.730,0 64,55K

2.753,00 2.764,00 2.748,00 46,55K ConvaTec Group 234,00 236,28 233,60 57,03K Croda Intl 3.440,0 3.446,0 3.430,0 3,89K DCC 5.560,0 5.595,0 5.560,0 1,55K Diageo 2.438,5

BUSINESS

EXTRA

Checkmate

BURBERRY is suing B&M over trademark breaches which insiders attributed to the discount retailer’s Furberry items for pets which use the luxury brand’s distinctive beige, red, white and black colour scheme. Both companies declined to give further details when contacted by Sky News.

Steel deal

SPANISH steel producer Acerinox, whose Malaysian subsidiary Bahru Stainless ceased activities in May, confirmed its sale to Spain’s Stock Market Commission (CNMV). The plant was sold Worldwide Stainless, the country’s only cold-rolled steel, for $95 million (€90 million).

FORTY-FIVE companies have left the London Stock Exchange (LSE) this year following mergers or acquisitions, Bloomberg figures revealed.

Rio Tinto could be the next to go after activist investor Palliser Capital recommended an independent review of the Anglo-Australian mining giant’s double listing in London and Sydney.

The current arrangement had cost shareholders £39.5 billion (€47.7 billion) and was “an unmitigated failure,” Palliser said, calling for a single Australian-domiciled holding company

Stamp it out

Another option for Talgo

SPAIN’S train manufacturer Talgo has an Indian suitor.

Jupiter Wagons, which also produces trains and is based in Calcutta, is reportedly in talks with private equity firm Trilantic, which owns approximately 30 per cent of Talgo.

The presence of the Indian company, 19.24 per cent-owned by the Czech rolling stock company Tatravagonka, would in-

crease Talgo’s manufacturing capacity.

At the same time, Jupiter Wagons would contribute its services, not capital, as Talgo’s industrial partner and would not make a public purchase offer.

Should Jupiter Wagons’ talks with Trilantic prosper, this would be in line with the wishes of the national and Basque governments which want a major portion of Talgo’s capital to remain inside Spain.

on December 4.

A day earlier, Russian-born British businessman Nikolay Storonsky, chief executive of the online bank Revolut, said that listing in London was “not rational.”

“If you look at trading in the UK, you always pay a stamp duty tax, which is 0.5 per cent,” Storonsky said. “I just don’t understand how the product provided by the UK can compete with the US.”

Stamp duty was also in the sights of Alastair King, Lord Mayor of London and head of the City of London Corporation, during his speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet on December 2.

“It cannot be logically correct that we do not pay tax on purchases of international vehicles like Tesla but are taxed for investing in a British brand like Aston Martin,” he said.

Merger okayed

THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved the £15 billion (€18.1 billion) merger between Vodafone and Three, which will create Britain’s largest mobile network with 27 million customers. This now reduces the number of operators from four to three, prompting the CMA’s earlier fears that the merger could lead to higher prices and less choice for customers.

ACS trophy

TURNER CORPORATION, a subsidiary of Spain’s ACS which is chaired by Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, won a $10 billion (€9.5 billion) contract to build a data centre for the Meta conglomerate. The installation in Richland Paris (Louisiana) will handle the enormous amounts of data required to support Meta’s digital infrastructure, including AI processes.

NIKOLAY STORONSKY: Revolut chief executive criticised Stamp Duty.

Photo credit: CC/Web Summit

Be careful out there

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS

THINK IT

DON’T try convincing me anything has changed. I still well remember the case of the 16-year-old young hoodlum who became involved in a car chase with a number of police vehicles. Attempting to swerve around a police road block his car struck a young officer who was dragged along before being thrown off and sustaining multiple injuries, including a fractured leg.

The car was finally brought to a halt and the driver arrested. The charges were, stealing a car, failing to stop; possession of cannabis; failing to provide a blood sample; causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance. The officer was off work for five weeks and also suffered a psychological impact that required mental treatment and counselling.

At his trial the judge’s ruling on this young offender was a paltry, non-custodial 12-month rehabilitation order, and a fine of £100! You

really couldn’t make it up. What this basically means is that these waste of time judges are not fit to serve up slop in a prison kitchen, leave alone serve up justice on the bench. The correct way to prevent young thugs like this re-offending is to bang ‘em up in a serious boot camp. Control their every waking and sleeping moment with the strictest regulations and make them never want to be put back inside again.

But it won’t happen, will it? Nowadays, particularly under the new ‘leaders’, these young thugs will probably not even get a prison sentence (no room!) With this utterly incompetent new UK government, the ‘wokes’ and liberal lefties of British society are creating new generations of youngsters with no regard whatsoever for law and order, an utterly self-centred attitude of entitlement and the belief that despite a history of total failure, socialism is the answer to everything. To Starmer’s far left idealists it all makes perfect sense; the more dependent the people are on the state, the more they can be controlled. Their ultimate ambition is akin to communism and the bra-

inwashed young their prime targets. By the time the youngsters realise they have been duped it will all be too late. Thank the Lord my children have been born and raised in Spain, at least they were given an appropriate chance and guidance for a decent future, but be careful out there, the wokes are hovering.

Finally, this week I’m actually feeling lucky enough to even scribe the blurb. On Saturday night I flew back from Gatwick to Mallorca. As usual Leapy’s timing was perfect. Although personally partaking almost 70 years of air travel, both myself and my fellow passengers experienced one of the most terrifying flights ever. At 6pm we took off from Gatwick into a violent storm that had already diverted new aircraft landings to different airports. Somehow, we managed to lift off but a couple of hours later then proceeded to hurtle and wobble violently down into Mallorca in equally terrifying circumstances. Someone was looking down on us all. God bless the pilots who were magnificent. Never again.

Keep the faith. Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com.

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

AI speed cameras France

IS Big Brother watching your dashboard? France steps up its speed camera game with AI in preparation for 2025.

France is set to give its speed cameras a high-tech makeover, sparking debate among drivers. The country’s 2025 budget proposals include plans to equip hundreds of radars with artificial intelligence (AI), promising to catch more than just lead-footed speedsters.

If the budget passes, AI-powered cameras could roll out in 2025, targeting a range of offences beyond speeding. But what does this mean for drivers?

France’s current speed cameras are no strangers to snapping motorists breaking the law, but AI promises to take things to another level. A report attached to the 2025 budget outlines plans to harness ‘innovative technologies’ to improve road safety. Think of it as a watchful ‘synthetic eye’ on the lookout for more than just speeders. So, what might these supercharged radars catch? Here’s a taster:

Drivers failing to buckle up.

Tailgaters glued to the bumper ahead.

The dreaded mobile phone users texting behind the wheel.

With over 4,000 cameras dotting France, it’s unclear which will get the AI upgrade, but a public tender is already in the works to find tech partners for the project.

AI speed cameras to hit French roads in 2025: What you need to know.

Tree traditions

THE Christmas tree, as we know it today, has its roots in Germany, where the tradition began in the 16th century.

Early records tell of devout Christians bringing decorated trees into their homes as part of their holiday celebrations. In areas where wood was scarce, people even built wooden Christmas pyramids adorned with evergreens and candles.

One of the most famous stories surrounding the Christmas tree is that of Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer. According to legend, while walking home one winter night, Luther was captivated by the sight of stars shining through the branches of evergreen trees. Inspired by this scene, he set up a tree in his home and decorated

Record-breaking Santas Special

it with candles to recreate the beauty he had witnessed for his family.

In the UK, the tradition is often connected to Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria, who helped popularise the custom in 1840. However, it was Queen Charlotte, a German royal, who introduced the Christmas tree to Britain earlier, in 1800, by decorating one in her home.

The earliest recorded decorated Christmas tree appears in a 1605 diary from Strasburg, which was then part of Germany. The tree was decorated with paper roses, apples, and candies, showing the creative ways people made their trees festive.

THERE are definitely worse things to be known for than holding the world record for both the largest and the smallest Santa Claus. Not only is the giant Santa Claus an impressive 21 metres tall but it is adorned with over 250,000 vibrant LED lights that twinkle and shine, creating quite the Christmas spectacle. It is no wonder then that it has become known as an iconic symbol of the town, Águeda in Portugal.

Between November 18 and January 7, this colossal Santa

Claus can be seen from, well, just about anywhere in the town, I would imagine! In reality, it is situated at Largo 1 de Malo, right along the banks of the Agueda River. At the other end of the spectrum, Águeda, not content with one Santa Claus-related world record, also holds another one. This time, for the world’s smallest Santa Claus, thanks to the help of British artist Willard Wigan.

This truly tiny Santa Claus, known as a nanostructure, can-

not be seen by the naked eye. In fact, it is so small that it has been created to fit in the eye of a needle, so it must be viewed through a microscope.

As well as a mini-sculpture of the ‘big’ man himself, the intricate design also features a decorated Christmas tree, complete with Santa appearing to be climbing down the inside edge of the needle to leave a gift taken from the sack he carries over his shoulder.

Passport power

FINLAND has now overtaken Spain as Europe’s most powerful passport.

Singapore remains at the top of the global passport rankings, but European passports continue to offer exceptional travel freedom.

While Singapore retains first place on the list of the world’s strongest passports, a notable shift has occurred in Europe. Finland has climbed to second place, edging out Spain, which previously held the top spot among European countries.

Finland’s rise is impressive, moving from 13th in 2023 to seventh earlier this year, and now securing the second position globally as of December 2024.

The rankings, compiled by VisaGuide.World is widely recognised as authoritative in the travel industry, alongside the Henley Passport Index. The list assesses 199 countries and territories based on criteria such as visa-free travel, eVisas, and overall mobility. A proprietary Destination Significance Score (DSS) is also factored in, although specific DSS details are not disclosed.

Currently, Singapore leads with a score of 91.27 out of 100. Finland follows closely with 90.88, just ahead of

Spain, which scored 90.87. Denmark and Italy rank fourth and fifth, with scores of 90.63 and 90.58, respectively.

Europe dominates the top spots, with Japan being the only non-European country in the top 20. Japan has risen to eighth place, a significant improvement from 15th in late 2023.

Rounding out the top 10 are Malta, France, Austria, and Hungary, further underscoring Europe’s strong position in global mobility rankings.

Christmas baubles

EVERY year when Christmas trees are set up, they are generally adorned with lights, a fairy and most importantly a huge selection of baubles.

At one time, cost seemed to be the most important criteria and this is why China became the largest manufacturer and exporter of these decorations, but the tide seems to be changing.

Nowadays, many families are looking for quality rather than quantity with the more unusual designs being snapped up as they become available and Poland is

2023 and noted that the market was so strong that Poland exported baubles with a combined value of €68.2 million with the major market being Germany followed closely by the USA and then some distance behind, France. Whereas in the past, consumers were content to purchase cheap baubles which didn’t last very long, many are now intent on creating collections which have longevity, so unusual, well-constructed Polish baubles are appealing to the home market as well to ensure that Christmas trees look good in the long

It is not all one way traffic as it was noted that Poland not only exports, but also imports Christmas decorations with China being the biggest supplier by a long way but exports still exceed im-

The global market for Christmas ornaments has seen a drop over the past few years, but still stands at a staggering

The list assesses 199 countries.

Christmas baubles a huge worldwide market.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Christmas jobs

SOME 17,830 jobs are expected to be generated in Malaga this Christmas, a 14.7 per cent increase on the previous year. The region and its province will account for 20.6 per cent of the total hirings at the regional level. Andalucia has the highest volume of contracting for the Christmas campaign, with 86,360 temp contracts, 13.4 per cent more than the same time in 2023.

In Jaen, the logistics sector is expected to have the largest increase, with 2,286 new contractees, representing a 14.7 per cent increase. This places Malaga as the third province with the largest increase.

The hospitality industry is expected to experience a significant increase in hiring due to the tourism and catering sectors. Companies need to hire waiters with experience and other customer service-orientated profiles. Shops will bolster their staff with shop assistants, promoters, and commercial profiles.

Axarquia

Alcaucin welcomes Xmas

ALCAUCIN is raring to go with its festive favourites for Christmas 2024 including around 20 activities for all ages from the littlest to the oldest. First up, the Santa Claus post box at Correos (post office) for little ones to post their wish lists! Let’s hope they’ve been good this year.

On Thursday December 12, welcome a special Christmas workshop and on Friday December 13, the Zambombá Flamenca will hit the Town Hall Square.

For all the little ones, there will be the much-awaited visit by Santa Claus to the local school on December 17, followed by several days of craft workshops, a Christmas movie and the visit of the Three Wise Men.

Sweet lovers can lick their lips with the Christmas Dessert Contest on Friday December 20 in the Town Hall Square, a day which also marks the opening of the Christmas village. On Saturday December 21, in the same place, at 7pm, get ready for the Living Nativity Scene.

Mallorca

In memory of a Princess

PRINCESS BRIGITTA of Sweden, sister to King Carl XVI Gustaf, passed away last week in Santa Ponça, where she had resided since the 1990s. According to a statement from the Swedish royal court, her remains will be interred in the royal cemetery at Hagaparken, north of Stockholm. In tribute, flags are flying at half-mast at Drottningholm Palace and Haga Palace.

Born on January 19, 1937 at Haga Castle, Princess Brigitta was the second of five children of King Gustaf VI Adolf and Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Alongside her sisters Margaretha (90), Désirée (86), and Christina (81), Brigitta (87) was part of the group affectionately known as the Hagasessorna. Her name, Brigitta, became especially popular among Swedish girls of her generation.

Princess Brigitta, in addition to being a regular face among the European nobility, was a leading figure in the social life of Mallorca.

Costa Blanca North Benitachell’s Young Heroes

THE children of El Poble Nou de Benitachell have genuinely embraced the spirit of solidarity. For the past three years, the diligent students of CEIP Santa Maria Magdalena have been actively engaged in fundraising efforts through their annual solidarity race, and this year, they chose a significant cause: assisting those impacted by the devastating DANA.

Inspired by having two teachers from Algemesi - a town that suffered extensive damage due to recent flooding - the students decided to establish a twinning initiative with the Algemesi-based Blasco Ibáñez school. They aimed to support the students there, facilitating the repairs needed to restore their school environment.

On Thursday, December 5, the streets of the urban centre of Benitachell transformed into an energetic racing circuit, where the joy of sport, the warmth of family, and the vibrant sounds of music came together to celebrate community spirit.

Almeria

Luxury lands in Mojacar

EXCITING news for Mojacar and the wider Almeria Province: Hyatt Hotels is set to open its first five-star hotel in the area by 2026. This new addition, part of the prestigious Destination by Hyatt brand, will be located in the Macenas Mediterranean Resort, developed in partnership with Cosentino. It’s a move that promises to transform the region’s tourism scene, bringing luxury, jobs, and new opportunities.

This €40-million investment is expected to create 110 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy. For Mojacar, this is more than just a new hotel, it’s a step towards becoming a luxury destination that attracts international visitors, putting the town and the province on the map for high-end tourism. The arrival of Hyatt is just the beginning. The company is eager to explore further opportunities in the Almeria region, seeing the potential for growth and development. Hyatt’s presence will also elevate the area’s tourism sector.

Costa Blanca South

Not just for summer

THE Costa Blanca has successfully diversified its tourism offerings during the colder months, expanding beyond its traditional ‘sun and beach’ appeal. This achievement is the result of years of effort to attract visitors with a broader range of options, according to industry leaders.

Evidence of this success can be seen in data from the hotel association Hosbec, which reports that 87.5 per cent of hotel rooms across the Costa Blanca will remain open during the low season, from October 2024 to March 2025.

Interestingly, the most significant slowdown in the hotel sector is expected after Christmas, with the highest number of closures occurring in January, following the end of the holiday period. In the rest of the Alicante Province (excluding Benidorm), 90.1 per cent of Hosbec-affiliated hotels will remain operational during the low season, showing a clear commitment to maintaining tourism even in quieter months.

AGE CONCERN - WHERE YOU NEVER NEED FEEL ALONE

Volcanic victim’s vendetta

OVER three years ago a volcanic eruption on La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, buried a picturesque green-windowed house in black ash, turning it into an eerie tourist attraction. Countless homes were destroyed, but this one stood out, attracting massive crowds. Its owner, Amanda Melián, has since covered it in tarpaulin to thwart the constant stream of gawkers.

AGE CONCERN is a relatively young charity (seven years) built on the realisation that the older English-speaking community were being neglected when it comes to ‘living their best lives’.

Our vision is clear, ‘To help ALL our clients live their best lives’. We take a holistic approach. Key ingredients are care, compassion, companionship, friendship and fun - and we do have fun! Once you have that the practical steps fall into place. Older people sometimes feel that society has labelled them with a ‘sell by’ date. As if their usefulness has simply expired. That is not just sad, it’s painfully short-sighted

Whether you have funds behind you or not, healthy or infirm - as you age certain things will affect us all. Friends and family either move away or pass away. Decreasing mobility means that your world inevitably becomes smaller and the dreaded scourge of loneliness and isolation is ever present.

Loneliness is quite different from wishing to be on your own at times. Loneliness eats away at you. We see individuals who just have no desire to do very much - and that includes eating healthily or worst case scenario maintaining personal hygiene. After all why would you want to make the effort when you don’t see anyone?

Part of ‘living your best life’ is knowing you have a support network in the form of friends and a charity that is willing and able to support you. If this vision resonates, these are some of the practical steps that Age Concern offers.

Weekly coffee mornings that are easily accessible where you can meet up with old friends and make new ones.

There is a sense of ‘family’ at all our get-togethers that so many older people crave. Each one is run by an experienced volunteer who is there to help and ‘break the ice’ for new members

The essential back up from our welfare advice service is available five days a week, providing practical help, support and friendship. At Age Concern we always have the time to listen.

Visiting people at home or in their care home is integral to the ethos of the charity because we firmly believe that nobody should ever feel alone.

Our volunteers are the backbone of Age Concern. They provide a wide range of services including taking clients to their medical appointments and help with shopping. Translators can also assist at the hospital or local doctor’s visits. In fact the list is endless. They all offer their time and talents without charge.

As part of our holistic approach we have a Community Centre offering a wide range of interests from help with IT to chair yoga and much more. We also have lunches and day trips with something for everyone.

Sometimes you may want to discuss a problem face to face - that’s why we put aside every Monday morning for you. Worried about your lack of mobility? Rest assured we have a wide selection of mobility aids for personal loan.

So if you or a loved one needs us or you would like to find out more about helping us to support our older English-speaking community to ‘live their best lives’ please call or WhatsApp our Helpline number on 689 355 198 which is open 40 hours a week daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm.

Still unable to enter her home due to bureaucratic delays, Amanda feels completely abandoned by the authorities who’ve done nothing to help her recover her property. “I can’t go in. Every time we try, tourists are there taking photos,” she complains. Tourists trespass without permission, instagramming the house. “We’re forgotten, while the world takes pictures of my home. Enough’s enough.”

During her last visit, she discovered vandalism: “the final straw.” Frustrated by uncertainty, Amanda complains she was forced to cover up the house until authorities respond: “I don’t want them to expropriate it or turn it into a tourist

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

attraction, even if they offered to pay me.”

The Tajogaite volcano’s 85-day eruption in September 2021 was the most powerful ever recorded on La Palma, making parts of the island unintended tourist hotspots. Meanwhile, Amanda and her family have no choice but to live in a government-provided prefab house which doesn’t feel like home. Season’s greetings to Amanda and her family and, hopefully, a far brighter year ahead.

Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-jo hnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

INTERVIEW

Bucharest to the Costa del Sol

Originally from Bucharest, Romania, Radu’s European journey began in the UK, where he lived for 11 years after moving there in 2010 to study business management. In August 2022, he swapped Kent for sunny Manilva on Spain’s Costa del Sol, seeking a better quality of life for his family.

“IT was about starting a fa mily and dissatisfaction with the UK’s lifestyle and rising costs,” says Radu. Spain offered proximity to Romania, great weather, and affordable private nursery fees. Also, in Spain, children are very much welcomed, and it’s not unusual to see families in restaurants late in the evening and children playing in the park after dark.

sh bureaucracy is a nightmare,” Radu admits.

“Everything involves pen, paper, and appointments!”

The so-called ‘Big Brother Law’ is here, and it’s requesting 28 pieces of personal data when you check into a hotel.

But don’t worry, dear American friend, at least we don’t have to hand over our precious Social Security Number (SSN)!

Now working remotely in cybersecurity, Radu enjoys living near the beach and a slower pace of life that allows his wife to stay home with their daughter.

While he appreciates the friendly locals and stunning scenery, adjusting hasn’t been without hurdles. “Spani-

Socially, Radu’s life is enriched by friends from Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, and family from the UK. Learning Spanish remains a work in progress, though he finds the similarities to Romanian helpful in understanding the language.

While Spain feels like home for now, Radu hasn’t ruled out exploring other European countries.

For now, Radu is content, embracing coastal living and the relaxed Spanish lifestyle.

FROM COAST TO COAST

NOW, as an American, you know that the SSN is the most closely guarded number in our lives. Introduced in 1936 as part of the Social Security Act, the SSN was originally designed to track earnings for Social Security programmes. Over the years, it morphed into a national ID used by various organisations for verification. In short, it’s the treasure chest we keep under lock and key.

Here in Spain, however, things are a little different. The Spanish equivalents of the SSN are:

• DNI (National Identity Document) for Spaniards

• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) for EU and non-EU nationals

• TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) for non-Spanish residents allowed to live, work, or study here

In Spain, giving out your DNI, NIE, or TIE is as casual as handing over your shopping receipt. Spaniards happily share their numbers with anyone from a delivery person to someone claiming they need it for ‘GDPR compliance’. As an American, I can’t imagine sharing my SSN with anyone, let alone someone who’s delivering a package. We’re a bit paranoid when it comes to personal data.

Luckily, we don’t have to disclose our SSN when booking hotels, holiday rentals, or car rentals here. The new law doesn’t require it. But here’s what they will ask for:

Required Information:

• Personal Details: Full name, gen-

der, passport or ID number, nationality, date of birth, residential address, and contact info.

• Travel and Stay Details: Names and relationships of guests, check-in and check-out dates, signed accommodation contract, and its date of issuance.

• Payment Details: Payment method, card information, and IBAN or bank account details.

Starting December 2024, the ‘Big Brother Law’ demands that hotels send all this sensitive data to local authorities and the National Police or Guardia Civil. They’ll store it for one to three years for audits (all in compliance with GDPR). If you provide inaccurate info, you or the hotel could face fines ranging from €600 to €30,000. We’re still waiting for some clarification on the fine print. If a guest refuses to provide this information, they may be denied accommodation. And as for whether there will be a cancellation fee or refund - well, that’s as clear as the weather forecast! Better safe than sorry, right? Just bring your own tent.

Tourists are understandably upset, and locals - well, we’ll all be subjected to this extra check-in scrutiny. It might soon feel like signing a mortgage. But hey, there’s always a bar near the lobby.

On a brighter note, Marbella is making waves in New York! The city’s beauty and hospitality are being showcased on giant billboards in Times Square and Hudson Yards. Marbella’s 10- to 56-second ads are lighting up these iconic locations in 2024. Well done, Marbella! And speaking of hotels… seven-star hotels? Total overrated. ;)

Movaldi’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Radu Alexandru.

Credit: Radu

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

Cat-proof X mas trees

FOR cats, Christmas trees are irresistible. They combine everything a cat loves - height for climbing, dangling ornaments to bat at, and new textures to explore. The tree’s natural or artifi cial branches mimic the environment of the outdoors, sparking a cat’s instinct to climb and play.

Twinkling lights and shiny baubles only add to the allure, creating a fascinating, interactive playground. However, this can lead to toppled trees and potential dangers, such as swallowing tinsel or chewing electrical cords.

To keep your cat safe, anchor the tree securely with a heavy base or wall attach-

ment to prevent tipping. Avoid using fragile ornaments on lower branches and secure decorations tightly. Steer clear of tinsel and ribbons, which can pose choking hazards. Create a cat-friendly alternative by providing climbing towers or toys to divert their attention.

Additionally, placing citrus peels or using pet-safe deterrent sprays near the tree can help discourage climbing.

With these measures, you can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season with your feline friend.

Hugo and Mable are cared for by house-sitters

HUGO and Mable love company. They just love playing and they’re great company themselves. Their owner regularly looks for pet-sitters to come to her home and care for them when she travels abroad to see family. What’s more, as a member of HouseSitMatch she doesn’t need to pay the sitters, they simply stay for free and care for Hugo and Mable in their own home, they house and pet-sit like friends.

Do you need pet-sitters to come to your home and care for your pets?

HouseSitMatch Saves You Money - Pet-sitting is Free

If you use HouseSitMatch you find free checked petsitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets young and old in your absence. It’s a house-sitting arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchange of services - Free accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets.

If you’re travelling in 2025 join now and get organised today:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. com

Looking for a lost pet

LOSING a pet can be a distressing experience, but prompt and strategic action can significantly increase your chances of finding them. Start by thoroughly searching your home and nearby areas, as frightened pets often hide in familiar spaces. Call their name calmly and check small, enclosed spots like under beds or behind furniture. If your pet is not found, expand your search outdoors. Walk around your neighbourhood, bringing along their favourite treats or toys to lure them out. Inform your neighbours and ask them to check garages, sheds, or other hi-

HouseSitMatch can help you find pet-sitters to cherish your pets.

2. Join for as little as £89/€99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos of your pets and home

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

We’ve used HouseSitMatch for the last few years to find caring pet-sitters for our family of pets. It’s been a great experience; the sitters are caring and we’ve made some wonderful friends through the process.

Pat Creighton, Pet owner.

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 20% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.

ding places. Create flyers with your pet’s photo, name, and your contact details, and post them in high-traffic areas.

Microchipping your pet is essential for swift reunions. Ensure your contact details are up to date with the microchip registry. Additionally, use social media and local community groups to spread the word. Contact nearby shelters and veterinary clinics, providing them with a detailed description. Lastly, remain patient and persistent - many pets are reunited even weeks/months after going missing.

‘Windows to Wellness’

DURING Christmas, keep pets away from toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions. Ensure they have a quiet space to retreat, avoid decorations that could be swallowed, and maintain their routine.

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

AUDI is expanding its model range with a coupé, the Q5 Sportback. On sale in the UK from January next year it will be priced from €63,372/£52,450 with the first cus tomer deliveries due in May 2025.

The Q5 Sportback combines cha racteristics typical of an SUV, such as versatility and space, with a more sculptured silhouette and charac teristic sloping rear line. It’s sleeker than its predecessor with razor-sharp, sculp tural headlights that lend the car a pur poseful stance.

The idea of an SUV Coupe isn’t new and other manufacturers, such as BMW‘s X6 and Mer cedes Benz’s GLE, have their own entrants in this market. Audi’s Q5 Sportback arguably lacks the visual bulk of some competitors with a more design led style.

Audi Q5 Sportback - sculptured, sleek and mild hybrid power

gine reducing emissions and increasing performance. The vehicle is also capable of limited all-electric manoeuvring and parking.

Based on a platform for conventionally powered vehicles with longitudinal combustion engines, it comes equipped at launch with MHEV plus technology. The new 48-volt MHEV plus electrical system supports the

Porsche unseen exhibition

SINCE its launch in Au gust 2024, Curvistan Bangkok has reimagined leisure and entertainment as a hub for Porsche enthusiasts and beyond. Blending a bar, café, art gallery, and cultural space, it celebrates car culture, art, and design. Now, it showcases an exclusive collection: the Porsche Unseen Design Studies.

The 48-volt electrical system enables the use of an electric air conditioning compressor. This ensures the AC continues operating at full power, maintaining a comfortable interior temperature even when the

exhibition perfect for the holiday season.

This unique venue, supported by Porsche Asia Pacific and Porsche Thailand, is the brainchild of Curves magazine creator Stefan Bogner and entrepreneur Chanond Ruangkritya, known for the Porsche Design Tower Bangkok project. Together, they present the Porsche Unseen Design Studies, a limited-time

Michael Mauer, Vice President of Style Porsche, has led Porsche’s design vision for 20 years. For the first time in Thailand, concept cars from Porsche’s secret archives are displayed. Among them is the Vision Spyder, inspired by the 1950s 550 Spyder. This 1:1 scale design features a minimalist cockpit, mid-engine layout, and red racing stri-

pes.

Other highlights include scale models like the Macan Vision Safari, hypercar concepts such as the Vision 918 RS, and the futuristic Vision E Formula E car. Visitors can also preview the oneof-a-kind Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade, boasting a colour-shifting Chromaflair finish.

The exhibition runs until February 28, 2025 at Curvistan Bangkok.

as when coasting or at a red light.

The lithium-ion battery for vehicles with MHEV plus is based on lithium ferro-phosphate chemistry and boasts a storage capacity of 1.7kWh. The primary function of the belt alternator starter (BAS) is to start the engine and supply electrical power to the battery. The BAS enables stretches of electric driving

and during braking, it returns energy to the battery (recuperation) with up to 25kW of power. Partial electrification, in the form of mild hybrid will later see plug-in hybrids with a larger battery and external char -

In the UK, the Audi Q5 Sportback specification line up mirrors the SUV will be available with three engines at launch with further variants to follow. All versions come equipped with MHEV plus technology, which briefly generates up to 24PS (18kW) of additional power. All models in the series also use the S tronic seven-speed dualclutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

Q5 Sportback is priced at €3,020/£2,500 above the equivalent Q5 SUV. The powertrain line-up is consistent across both body styles, as are the specification options: Sport, S line, and Edition 1.

Porsche unseen exhibition debuts at Curvistan Bangkok.

Dutch Grand Prix

IN the past decade or so, various countries have seen the tremendous international coverage that Formula 1 races receive, hence the appearance of such unlikely venues as Azerbaijan, China and several Middle East countries.

According to Robert van Overdijk race director for the Dutch Grand Prix which is held at the Zandvoort racetrack, only the Netherlands and the UK’s Silverstone receive no support of any kind from their respective governments.

Indeed the decision to increase VAT on tickets for events by an additional 12 per cent could in fact damage the potential success of

the Dutch Grand Prix which is contracted to take place annually, with the last race due in 2026.

Things have clearly changed since Zandvoort first hosted the Dutch Grand Prix from 1950 to 1985 and then after a 35 year hiatus plus a cancellation due to the pandemic it only returned in 2021 but will not continue after 2026.

It’s all down to the finan-

ces and unless each day of the qualifiers and the actual race are pretty much sold out, then it just doesn’t work to continue to host the Dutch Grand Prix.

With three wins and a second, Dutch racing driver and current World Champion Max Verstappen has encouraged crowds at previous races, but the Zandvoort management are very aware that he could easily retire or have a serious accident so cannot rely on him

Lewis Hamilton’s farewell

IT was the end of an era for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes as the seven-time world champion bid a heartfelt goodbye to his long-time race engineer Pete Bonnington - known affectionately as ‘Bono’. Their emotional farewell unfolded under the lights of Yas Marina Circuit, marking Hamilton’s last race for the Silver Arrows before his high-profile switch to Ferrari.

Hamilton took Bono for a high-octane lap of the track - with the usually composed engineer left sweating buckets, spitting expletives, and gripping the seat like his life depended on it - which, given Hamilton’s flair for the dramatic, it probably did. Fans were on the edge of their seats, torn between roaring with laughter and dabbing at a sneaky tear.

“I don’t know why you hate testing. That is so much fun!” Bono exclaimed through fits of nervous laughter.

“The tyres get hot, there’s no grip, and then you spin. I can see why you need a physio now!”

Fans flooded social media with emotional reactions to the video of the pair’s final lap. One fan summed it up: “Pure magic”. Another described the moment as “iconic”.

While Hamilton’s red Ferrari overalls await him next season, the legacy he leaves behind at Mercedes is undeniable. He will leave a void that will be hard to fill at Mercedes.

Popular at Zandvoort racetrack the highly successful Max Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton (Left) and Pete Bonnington (Right), at the Abu Dhabi, UAE November 2022 F1 World Championship.

Credit: Shutterstock, cristiano barni