Costa Blanca South 26 Dec 2024 - 2 Jan 2025 Issue 2060

2024: Year of success

“The region that just keeps on winning”

THROUGHOUT 2024, the Costa Blanca has continued to shine on the global stage, solidifying its position as one of Spain’s top destinations.

Alicante has received widespread acclaim, recently being named the second-best city in the world to live in, according to the prestigious InterNations survey. With over 5 million expatriates contributing to the survey, Alicante was ranked among the top 50 cities globally for offering an exceptional quality of life.

The spotlight remains on the Costa Blanca for its culinary excellence, as Alicante has been awarded the title of Capital of Spanish Gastronomy for 2025. Alicante’s rich culinary heritage and growing prominence in Spain’s food scene are expected to attract food enthusiasts from around the world.

The Costa Blanca also excels in environmental quality, leading Spain with 86 Blue Flags in 2024. Municipalities like Guardamar del Segura have consistently maintained these prestigious awards for over 15 years.

Alicante has also received recognition through the SICTED (Comprehensive System for Spanish Tourism Quality in Destinations) Awards. With over 9,700 participating companies and destinations, Alicante was honoured for its excellence in tourism management, earning awards for Best Destination and Best SICTED Management Team.

The Costa Blanca property market remains one of Spain’s most dynamic regions. As we move into 2025, experts predict continued growth, with sales volumes expected to increase by around 5 per cent. This sustained demand ensures that the region remains a top choice for international buyers.

While the future is uncertain, one thing is clear: The Costa Blanca will continue to captivate visitors worldwide. Whether it’s the thriving property market, the growing reputation as a culinary destination, or its commitment to excellence, the Costa Blanca is poised to maintain its status as a sought-after destination in 2025 and beyond.

Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2060 • 26 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS VRIJ LIVRE ILMAINEN

F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G

Image: Turismo Costa Blanca Facebook

Dynamic and captivating

THE Madhatters & Pint Depot will host their annual New Year’s Day swim on January 1, 2025, at 2.00pm at La Zenia Beach in aid of DEBRA Spain Charity. Everyone is welcome to join in as a swimmer or a sponsor. To get involved or to make a pledge, contact The Pint Depot by email at pintde pot@gmail.com.

New Year swim

After the swim, the famous Madhatters’ entertainment will continue at The Pint Depot bar. All donations are greatly appreciated, so spread the word to friends and family and come along to support this great cause.

darity with those facing the challenges of Butterfly Skin or Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare and currently incurable genetic condition.

DEBRA stands in soli -

People with Butterfly Skin endure daily struggles, spending hours on end applying bandages to protect their delicate skin.

Everyone is welcome to join in.

The absence of ‘skin glue’ in their bodies means these individuals require constant care and attention.

Despite its rarity, this condition affects hundreds of people in Spain alone, with more than 500 individuals currently battling this disease.

For more information

about DEBRA and how you can support their cause, visit their charity shop located at Calle Luis de Góngora, Local 37, Urb. La Marina, 03177 San Fulgencio or call (+34) 616 076 072.

Grab a bargain

ORIHUELA has launched its second Shopping Voucher campaign, an initiative designed to boost Christmas sales and support local businesses.

Councillor for Commerce Vicente Pina emphasised its importance, stating that the campaign is ti med perfectly to coincide with the increased spending of the holiday season.

He highlighted the dual benefits of the programme, which not only provides savings for families but also delivers direct support to local commerce and hospitality sectors.

The campaign offers vouchers in varying amounts where consumers pay half the value: €10 vouchers for €5, €20 vouchers for €10, €50 vouchers for €25, and

€200 vouchers for €100. Vouchers can be purchased online at orihuelabonoconsu mo.es. In-person sales will start on Thursday, December 26, from 9.00am to 2.00pm and 3.00pm to 6.00pm, continuing until all vouchers are sold. The in-person sales points include the Department of Commerce in Orihuela town, with the queue starting at the City Hall Car Park, and the Old Tourist Office at Orihuela Costa Town Hall.

Vouchers can be redeemed until Tuesday, December 31, at participating establishments. A full list of these businesses are available on the website: orihuelabonoconsumo.es.

DEBRA Spain Charity

Boosting Christmas sales.

Image: Marco Ortiz-MOF / Shutterstock.com

Spanish workplace changes 2025

Workweek cut to 37.5 hours

SPAIN is set to wave goodbye to the 40hour work week - but not everyone’s celebrating. In a deal that’s left employers fuming, Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz has teamed up with unions to cut the maximum workweek by 2025. This isat least in theory - a win for workers. Or is it a ticking time bomb for businesses?

Signed and set to be sealed, the agreement marks the first overhaul of Spain’s workweek in over four decades. But with employers walking out of talks

and tensions flaring between Díaz and the Ministry of Economy, the fight for shorter hours is far from over. Read on to find out what’s happening and how this could affect working in Spain as a foreigner.

In a bold move that’s already ruffling feathers around the country, Spain’s Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz has clinched a historic deal with major unions to reduce the maximum working week to 37.5 hours by 2025. The agreement, which excludes employers’ associations, marks the first major shake-up of Spain’s workweek in over 40 years. With the ink barely dry, this agreement is already shaping up to be one of Spain’s most controversial moves. Will it deliver a better work-life balance for Spain’s workers, or will businesses buckle under the strain?

Stay tuned - 2025 could be the year Spain’s workplaces change forever.

Transport Discounts Extended

“Fares reduced until June 2025”

SPAIN HAS con rmed an extension of its public transport discounts until June 30, 2025, o eringnancial relief to millions of commuters amid rising living costs.

The scheme includes free travel on commuter and medium-distance trains, 50% discounts on Avant train tickets for regular travellers, and half-price fares on metro and city buses.

Subsidies are jointly funded by local councils and the national government. Initially introduced in 2022, the programme aimed to reduce reliance on private cars while making public transport more accessible. However, its impact on reducing car usage has been modest.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente stressed that a ordability alone isn’t enough to shift preferences. “If someone paying

A New Year of Hope: “Gratitude in Every Moment”

€0.36 for a bus ride is o ered a faster, more comfortable service for €0.70, I believe they’d choose the better option,” he explained. Puente highlighted the importance of investing in improved punctuality, frequency, and comfort to attract more passengers to public transport.

Looking ahead, the government plans to launch a new subsidy model starting in July 2025. The revised scheme will focus on supporting frequent users and the most vulnerable groups, ensuring ongoing accessibility while balancing costs and quality improvements.

For now, the extension o ers a temporary reprieve for commuters. As Spain works to modernise its public transport system, the challenge will be balancing a ordability with longterm investment in service upgrades.

As you read this, the joy and whirlwind of Christmas will already be a memory, and we stand on the cusp of a new year—2025 is calling. For most, this is a season of reection, celebration, and planning. It’s a time to re ect on what we’ve achieved, take stock of what we’ve lost and set intentions for where we want to be this time next year.

But 2024 has been a year marked by pain, loss, and unimaginable challenges for many in our community and beyond. Here in Spain, the devastating storms of Dana tore through lives, leaving thousands homeless and grieving the loss of loved ones and possessions—priceless memories that no storm could ever truly replace.

Yet, amid the devastation, one thing shone brightly: **hope.** Communities came together, united by love, kindness, and the belief that tomorrow could bring healing and restoration.

Hope is what allows us to move forward, even in the face of heartbreak. For those who have lost loved ones, it is hope that helps us adapt to a new life we never anticipated. As we approach 2025, let us all embrace hope and gratitude as

guiding lights for the year ahead. This is the moment to remind ourselves that life is eeting and precious. Let’s commit to living fully in the present—cherishing today as its gift. Let us appreciate the people we have instead of longing for what we don’t. Let’s practice gratitude for the blessings around us and extend kindness to those less fortunate. 2025 is not about chasing perfection— it’s about *progression*:

- Progressing in loving our neighbours.

- Progressing in cultivating gratitude.

- Progressing in nding peace and joy in the present moment.

The past year has shown us how quickly life can change, but it has also reminded us of the strength we nd in togetherness. Wherever you are on December 31st, whoever you may be with, raise a glass—not just to the year that has passed but to this moment, right now. Let us spread the greatest gift of all: **hope**. Let us make 2025 a year lled with gratitude, kindness, and love for ourselves and one another.

Happy New Year, dear reader. May it be a year of abundance, inner peace, and boundless hope for all.

It’s official: Spain’s workplaces could change forever in 2025

Season of success Santa Pola’s surge

STUDIO32 has wrapped up its recent production of A Broadway Christmas to glowing reviews.

The company’s efforts extended beyond the stage, as they used proceeds from the show to support several charities. Generous donations included €1,000 to the Valencia Flood Disaster Appeal and €500 each to AAN, Debra Butterfly Children, ECCH, Kids Against Cancer, and the Alzheimer’s San Fulgencio branch.

Despite their recent success, Studio32 is wasting no time. The cast and crew are gearing up for their next production, Sister Act, and the group is actively seeking new members to join their talented ensemble.

As the new year begins, Studio32 is eager to welcome fresh faces. They are particularly interested in attracting young people aged 20 to 40 to join the cast. If you’ve ever

considered stepping into the spotlight, this is your chance!

An open evening will be held at Lakeview Bar & Restaurant, Calle Toledo, 16, 03170, Quesada, on Thursday, January 9, at 7.30pm.

If you don’t fit into the target age range, don’t wo-

rry everyone is welcome!

If you don’t fancy being on stage, how about behind the scenes? Studio32 is also looking for volunteers to join their technical team. They offer hands-on opportunities to work with their excellent lighting and new sound equipment.

ACCORDING to the National Institu te of Statistics (INE), Santa Pola had 38,556 official residents as of January 1, 2024, an increase of 849 people from the previous year. Over the last decade, the town’s population has grown by 21.45 per cent. This figure represents a historical peak, marking seven consecutive years of population growth.

Santa Pola ranks 10th in population among municipalities in the province of Alicante, with the capital city leading at 358,720 residents, followed by Elche with 243,128 and Torrevieja with 94,803. Orihuela, Benidorm, Alcoy, San Vicente del Raspeig, Elda, and Denia follow in population size before Santa Pola.

In 2013, Santa Pola experienced

a historical high of 34,134 inhabitants, but this declined sharply to 31,529 in 2014 during a period of economic crisis. The population remained stable through 2018, fluctuating slightly between 31,137 and 31,745. Significant growth began in 2019 with 32,306 residents and has continued each year, reaching 38,556 in 2024. Of this population, 19,363 (50.22 per cent) are women, and 19,193 (49.78 per cent) are men.

While the official statistics reflect registered residents, Santa Pola’s actual population throughout the year is much higher due to its status as a tourist destination. Many of its seasonal inhabitants remain registered in their places of origin.

Studio32 made various donations.

Image: Scavengers / Facebook

The town’s population has grown over the last decade.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

Seasonal smiles

GENEROUS donations have brought smiles to the children of the San Jose Obrero Orphanage this holiday season.

On Tuesday, December 17, gifts were delivered by The U3A Torrevieja Branch, La Finca Fillies, and the Torrevieja Maritime Association and Naval Association Torrevieja Branch. The Maritime Association members also contributed a €100 Primark voucher. The giving doesn’t stop there. Another collection is planned for the Three Kings celebration, with some of the orphanage children helping to gather the many gifts organised by The Oasis. This will take place on Friday, January 3 at noon at The Oasis, Calle Arbizu, San Luis.

Singing success

A huge congratulations to The Costa Blanca Singers as they wave goodbye to 2024 in style.

The group enjoyed many successful performances in local areas throughout the year, culminating in a packed December with public and private events.

Their contributions to local charities have been unstoppable. As a non-profit making group, The Costa Blanca Singers regularly donate significant amounts.

If you missed some of their events, you can see video footage on costablancasingers.com, which is where you will find so much information. You can discover who they are, where they sing, current bookings for 2025, blogs, FAQs, a gallery, and details on how to contact them to book a performance or join in the fun of singing with them. Their Facebook page is also available for you to join to avoid missing updates.

Or, you could simply turn up

The singers regularly donate significant amounts to charity

at any open rehearsal on Wednesday afternoons when they meet at 1.45pm at The Social Centre La Marina urbanización.

As well as the fun of singing together this is a wonderful way to meet new friends, belly laugh at the fun in rehearsals and belong to a wonderful family of

enthusiastic people who like to sing and socialise together.

The Costa Blanca Singers would like to say a big thank you for the continued support and fabulous Facebook comments. From all at the Costa Blanca Singers: “Have a fabulous, fun and healthy 2025.”

Bus transfer from La Zenia, Torrevieja, Quesada, La Marina and Elche

Marina

Elche

Image: Costa Blanca Singers

Smiles all round

Image: Lynda Adams

Jolly’s Golf- Driving for Charity Exceeding expectations

JOLLY’S GOLF has announced that they are ending their 2024 fund raising campaign called Driving for Charity with a positive result.

Accumulated donations are going to be used to buy Christmas presents for the children of struggling families in Rojales.

They have said that gifts will be presented to the children at the social cultural centre on Saturday January 4 from 5PM.

Turning the event into a party for the families, local band FMC are giving their time and performing fantastic hits to ensure the event is thoroughly enjoyed by everyone attending.

There is still time for anyone wishing to contribute to donate gifts or funds.

Dona tions can be given to the Sponsors of Jolly’s golf: Jolly’s bar or The Right Move Insurance office in Quesa da before the event.

Any additional funds raised over and above the gifts that have already been bought will be donated to those families who need a little help this festive season.

The hope is that by giving the families support they can buy much needed essentials.

Members of Jolly’s Golf who have been manning the fund-raising campaign have invited everyone to join in

at the toy presentation to give it a party atmosphere.

Watch as donations bring Christmas cheer and joy to little faces and local families and support a group who want make sure no child goes without at Christmas.

Rojales Town Hall have given their full support to this worthy cause.

MINGLE Bells charity event at the Marina Bar Calle las Rosas once again proved to be an outstanding success, this year raising funds for the charity ‘Donacions Torrevieja y Alredores’.

The event took place on Friday 20th December and proved to be a packed house of people ready to enjoy a two course Christmas lunch, followed by a quiz, spot prizes and a raffle. Santa popped in to serve mince pies and a rendition of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ to rather comical lyrics proved to be highly amusing.

The event raised 389 euros on the raffle alone and topped with a generous donation from a recent birthday collection of 182 euros and a further 100 euros from the bar it totalled 671 euros for this worthwhile charity who provide

food and help to the poor and homeless in the area.

A big thank you must go out to everybody who donated to this event, whether in money or raffle gifts.’ The Food Company’ must take a bow for also giving a generous voucher which helped towards this ever popular event. One mustn’t forget the exceptional team at the Marina Bar who seem to go from strength to strength every year working so hard to help things run smoothly and to provide a quality Christmas lunch. Organisers David and Lorraine Whitney were again thrilled with the turn out and with the generosity of people in these difficult times. Already they are thinking of next year’s ‘Mingle Bells’ event and have new ideas in mind.

The funds raised will be used to buy presents

Photo Credit: Flickr Ravi_Shah

Prizes that were donated for the raffle

Optimistic Outlook

2024 January Ed: 2010

THE Costa Blanca, excluding Benidorm, concluded the last 15 days of 2023 with an outstanding average occupancy rate of 57.2 per cent, contributing to an impressive annual average of 72.9 per cent.

This exceptional data marked a significant increase of 4.1 percentage points over the 2019 records, which registered an annual occupancy rate of 68.8 per cent. While January and December recorded the lowest monthly occupancies, it’s noteworthy that each month in 2023 surpassed the 2019 figures. Au-

gust emerged as the peak month with a remarkable 91 per cent occupancy.

The balance between national and international tourists remained fairly even, with international visitors gaining ground and increasing by 3.5 points, reaching 48.4 per cent.

Among international tourists, the British de -

mographic led with 12.8 per cent, followed by the Belgian contingent at 5.5 per cent, and the Norwegian group at 4.7 per cent.

These positive trends reflect the resilience and attractiveness of the Costa Blanca as a sought-after destination, even amidst changing tourism landscapes.

Image: Costa Blanca Org

ATTRACTIVE COSTA BLANCA: The Palm Grove of Elche.

Pink Harmony

JOIN the celebration at La Zenia Boulevard on Saturday February 3 from midday until 4.00pm for a fun-filled day of music, art, and solidarity in su pport of those battling cancer.

Starting with a live broadcast by Radio Suns hine, the event will feature performances by several

musicians and singers, covering a range of musical styles from timeless classics to contemporary hits. At 3.00pm, a minute of silence will be observed to

the Pink Ladies will be present at merchandise stands, offering pink-coloured scented candles and other exclusive items for purchase.

Every donation or purchase contributes to raising vital funds in support of the fight against cancer. Don’t miss this special day where music, dance, and solidarity come together to create ‘Pink Harmony’, leaving a positive

Olympic Week

GET ready for the ninth Valencian Community Olympic Week, making its way to Torrevieja!

The Real Club Náutico Torrevieja will host the regatta, also serving as the Spanish Cup for the Europe, Flying Dutchman, and RC IOM classes.

Mark your calendars for February 9 to 11, when the western port will witness the IOM Spanish Cup, boasting 40 registered participants.

Following that, from February 16 to 18, the Spanish Cups for the Europe class and the Flying Dutchman class will unfold on a regatta course near the ‘Lo Ferrys’ area.

2024 February Ed: 2014

This edition sets a remarkable record with over 600 registered sailors which is an outstanding achievement in itself! Rafael Chirivella, vice president of the Sailing Federation of the Valencian Community, expressed their commitment to leveraging the extensive coast of the Valencian Community to remain an international meeting point for sailors.

With 21 modalities, four venues, and eight European and national titles at stake, this sports project, born as part of the Madrid 2006 candidacy, has continuously grown each season due to the commitment of the Valencian Community Sailing Federation to keep this competition alive.

2024 February Ed: 2013

Image: Pink Ladies & Panthers / Facebook

PINK LADIES: Don’t miss this special day.

Image: Real Club Náutico Torrevieja

Sailing regatta.

Torrevieja’s winner

markable personal and professional journey, spanning a lifetime of dedication and commitment.

Bob Marquess IN honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, Torrevieja is proud to announce Josefa Carmona Melgarejo as the recipient of the City’s Award 2024.

This prestigious accolade recognises her re-

Josefa is not only deeply cherished and admired by her community but also continues to make significant contributions to the city.

The Women’s Award is bestowed upon outstanding local women who exemplify excellence in

of the City’s Award 2024.

their personal and professional endeavours,demonstrating exceptional effort, social engagement, and positive impact on the community.

The awards ceremony on Friday, March 8, at 8.00pm will be held at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre.

Admission is free and open to all until full capacity is reached.

Best in Europe

2024

March Ed: 2019

George Cunningham ONCE again, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport has proven itself by winning the title of the best airport in Europe in its category.

This is the fourth time it has achieved this impressive recognition.

The Airports Council International (ACI) awards this honour, which shows the airport’s commitment to providing excellent services and facilities.

The airport’s success is measured through the Airport Service Quality

(ASQ) programme, which carefully evaluates various aspects of the passenger experience, including accessibility, facilities, staff friendliness, security, and wait times.

The ASQ programme relies on feedback from travellers, which gives a clear picture of their satisfaction with the airport’s services.

Laura Navarro, the director of the airport, is proud of this achievement.

She highlights the airport’s dedication to prioritising passengers’ needs and mentions the ongoing efforts to improve facilities and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for every traveller.

Recipient

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Fourth win.

Image: ALC

Shipmates’ support

George Cunningham

THE shipmates of the Torrevieja Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNATB) make donations to different charities each year.

This year one of the shipmates’ four chosen charities to receive a donation was the Movers & Shakers.

The Association of Movers & Shakers (AMS) is a charity supporting people with five neurological diseases and their families.

The local Almoradi-based group working across the Costa Blanca meet regularly each Friday between 1.00pm and 3.00pm at O’Brien’s Bar and Restaurant El Raso and can be contacted by email at info@amscb.org.

es or by phone on (+34) 711 008 250.

AMS also have a Facebook page and their website amscb.org.es has more details of the five diseases including Huntington’s,

Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

RNATB shipmate Brenda Maw nominated the Movers & Shakers as one of the charities for this year and was at the presentation of the donation from the RNATB Treasurer, Carl Louden to the AMS President, Marion Smith.

Also present were their Treasurer, Peter Jones (not in photo) along with members Steve and Diane Douglas, Andrew Busby, David Smith (Huntington’s sufferer) and Mick Gray together with the

RNATB Welfare Officer, Kath Marks and Standard Bearer, Nicola Louen and shipmates Brenda Maw and Graham Shelton.

For those interested in joining or learning more about the RNATB, meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5.00pm at the Lakeview Bar & Restaurant in Alicante.

Alternatively, contact Tony Jenkins by email: ChairmanRNATB@ gmail.com , by phone on (+34) 693 866 709 or by WhatsApp on (+44) 7057 6117222.

Topping the charts

THE Valencian Community stands out in real estate activity, surpassing the national average with 18.08 sales per thousand inhabitants.

Ed: 2024

Alicante Province leads this trend with an impressive figure of 24.35 sales per thousand inhabitants, indicating strong demand for both new and used homes.

Overall, the Valencian Community records 95,652 purchase and sale transactions, solidifying its position in the Spanish real estate market.

Foreign housing demand in this region is also notable, doubling the national average.

The Valencian Community attracts a remarkable 29.26 per cent of foreign buyers, with individuals from the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland leading the tally.

Alicante Province stands out with 43.95 per cent of foreign buyers, followed by Castellon and Valencia.

In Alicante Province, specific municipalities such as Torrevieja, Alicante, and Orihuela demonstrate significant real estate activity.

These areas collectively represent 36.5 per cent of all home sales in the province, according to data from the Ministry of Mobility, Transport, and Urban Agenda.

Despite a slight decrease in sales compared to the previous year, these municipalities remain vital in the Alicante real estate scene.

Torrevieja, in particular, maintains its status as the primary city for home sales in the Vega Baja region, despite a minor decline in sales in 2023.

It continues to attract buyers, especially in the new construction market.

It’s not only the buying and selling market that is hitting an all-time high. Rental prices for housing in the province of Alicante are also soaring and breaking records in the first quarter of 2024.

Supporting charity.

Image: Royal Naval Association Torrevieja

Cultural winners Seriously soaring

Ed: 2026

2024 May

ALMORADI in the heart of Vega Baja has now been awarded ‘Cultural Town of the Year’.

Culture is a big part of Almoradi’s identity and it goes way back to a theatre built in 1908 by a local named Don Mariano Cortés. This laid the foundation for a long tradition of cultural involvement.

But it’s not just the arts that shine in Almoradi, the town’s food scene is also famous.

Thanks to its gardens, Almoradi has a rich culinary tradition focused on its prized artichokes.

Since the 1960s, these tasty treats have been celebrated, leading to the creation of the ‘Alcachofa Vega Baja del Segura’ Quality Mark and the Restaurant Association.

Every year, Almoradi hosts the prestigious ‘National Artichoke Congress’, a big food event that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the Valencian Community.

The weekly market, with over 300 stalls spread across more than a kilometre, has been a central part of Almoradi’s community since 1583.

Recognised for its historical and modern importance, the market was declared of Provincial Tourist Interest in 2011.

Alongside this tradition is the Animated

Market, offering a fun mix of concerts, workshops, and entertainment every Saturday.

Besides its cultural and culinary attractions, Almoradi also has beautiful natural landscapes.

The council has created green routes like the Water Route, encouraging visitors to explore the area’s heritage and water-related infrastructure.

This 18 km circular route starts and ends at the Almoradi Ecomuseum, providing insights into the region’s history and close ties to nature.

ALICANTE-ELCHE Miguel Hernández Airport achieved its best April on record, welcoming 1,590,828 passengers.

This marks the fourth consecutive month of record-breaking numbers, surpassing April 2023 figures by 10.8 per cent.

International travellers remain predominant, contributing 1,365,202 passengers, marking a 10.1 per cent increase.

National traffic also saw a notable rise, with 223,594 passengers, up by 15.8 per cent compared to the previous year.

Breaking down international visitors by nationality, the United Kingdom topped the list with 552,320 travellers, followed by the Netherlands (102,913), Belgium (81,690), Germany (81,538), and Norway (71,056).

In terms of flights, the air port managed 10,100 movements in April, up by 9.2 per cent from the previous year.

For the first four months of the year, the air -

2024 May Ed: 2029

port handled a total of 4,819,105 passengers, marking an 18.5 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2023. Operations also increased, with 30,829 flights recorded, representing a 15.2 per cent rise compared to the same months in the previous year.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Almoradi

Almoradi’s Tourism councillor José Antonio Latorre with mayor, María Gómez García.

Charity champion

EURO WEEKLY NEWS

would like to say congratulations to Maria Wilson, President of the AACC Orihuela Costa and Maria and the Pink Ladies.

Maria has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.

The BEM is awarded for an achievement or contribution of a very ‘hands-on’ service to the community and Maria has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to charity fundraising. Her dedication spans

over a decade of tireless efforts, during which she has raised funds for the AACC and promoted early detection programs in Orihuela Costa.

Maria’s advocacy for early detection is deeply personal, stemming from her own experience in 2010 when a routine mammogram at Torrevieja Hospital detected two malignant lumps.

Following her mastectomy, Maria and a group of friends established the first Maria and the Pink Ladies fundraising group, initiating the inaugural ‘Walk for Life’ along the Torrevieja promenade.

• Maria and the Pink Ladies & Panthers have collectively raised an impressive €576,515, all of which has been donated to AACC (and previously AECC).

• The presentation of Maria’s BEM by the British Ambassador will be held on the Orihuela Costa. Additionally, Maria will be invited to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next year, further recognising her significant contributions to charity.

• Maria’s well-deserved recognition with the BEM is a testament to her unwavering dedication and the profound impact of her charitable endeavours. Well done, Maria, on this remarkable achievement!

Community spirit

MORE than 7,000 revellers flooded the streets of Elda for their Moors and Christians’ festivals which took place over five days starting from June 12.

2024 June Ed: 2034

As the Moors and Christians’ festivals in Elda come to a close, we spoke with Aitana Cerdán to understand their significance.

Fifteen-year-old Aitana, a resident of Elda, has been actively participating in the Moors and Christians’ festivals for the past seven years.

“For me and for the people of Elda, the Moors and Christians’ festivals are much more than just parades and dinners,” Aitana says.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling in words, but it’s about the whole town coming together. The streets of Elda are filled with a wonderful sense of community and tradition. It’s an incredible feeling.”

Over the years, Aitana has paraded with

different comparsas (troupes), each offering a unique experience.

Aitana adds, “While the main elements of the festival have stayed the same, there have been significant changes over time.

“For example, the date of the celebration has moved from the beginning of the year to June when it’s a little warmer.

“The number and variety of participating groups have also increased, adding more colour and vibrancy to the event.

“Some people think the parties are just one big party,” Aitana jokes.

“While it’s true there’s a lot of fun and celebration, most participants feel a deep passion and enthusiasm for the festivals.

“It’s about the connection between people, the gatherings, and the parades. Very few people aren’t genuinely festive. It’s much more than just a party; it’s a celebration of our culture and community spirit.”

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2024

June

Ed: 2033

Well done Maria.

Gastronomic offerings

Ed: 2036

2024 July

ALICANTE has showcased its culinary delights in Oviedo, the ‘Spanish Capital of Gastronomy’.

Alicante’s councillor for Tourism, Ana Poquet, expressed her excitement about presenting Alicante’s gastronomic offerings, along with its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and leisure activities.

“We are thrilled to be in Oviedo to showcase Alicante’s culinary delights as part of our successful tourist diversification efforts,” the councillor confirmed.

Poquet emphasised the privilege of experiencing Oviedo’s success as the current ‘Capital of Gastronomy’, a title Alicante hopes to inherit next year.

Oviedo’s mayor Alfredo Canteli shared insights into how the title ‘Spanish Capital of Gastronomy’ has significantly boosted tourism and the local economy.

“This recognition has transformed Oviedo into a bustling tourist hub,” the mayor noted, praising the local ho -

teliers for their constant efforts in organising diverse activities and special menus that have elevated Oviedo’s profile.

The gastronomic event featured a menu highlighting Alicante’s specialities, including salted fish, ‘coca amb tonyna’, candied artichoke, and two rice dishes.

Fernando Nieto from La Vendimia Restaurant prepared an Iberian secret with vegetables, while Óscar Cerdá from Jorge Gastrobar Restaurant presented a sweet senyoret rice.

For dessert, guests enjoyed a tartlet with nougat mousse, all paired with wines from DO Alicante.

Miguel Hernández

Ed: 2037

Alicante Airport soaring high 2024

Airport has set a new record, closing June with 1,772,559 passengers, the highest number ever achieved in a single month.

This surpasses the previous record set in May by 1.32 per cent and marks a 17.7 per cent increase compared to June 2023.

International travellers make up the majority, with 1,532,755 passengers, reflecting a 16.8 per cent increase.

National traffic also saw a significant rise, with 237,528 passengers, a 24 per cent increase from the previous year.

Among international travellers, the United Kingdom contributed the most with 612,123 passengers, followed by the Netherlands (103,953), Germany (103,131), Belgium (85,689), and France (81,876).

In terms of flights, the airport handled 10,953 movements in June, the highest ever for the month, and a 15.9 per cent increase from June 2023.

For the first half of the year, the airport managed a total of 8,341,151 passengers, 17.9 per cent more than the same period in 2023.

The total number of flights operated between January and June was 52,801, a 15.2 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Showcasing Alicante’s culinary delights.

Elda Festival: A Global Sensation

2024 August

Ed: 2040

IT is official, the Moors and Christians of Elda are making a global impact.

Elda Town Hall has now confirmed that the celebrations which are held in June are formally gaining international attention.

This year, more than 7,000 revellers filled the streets for the festival, which has been declared of National Tourist Interest.

These fiestas have been celebrated since the early 19th century.

Following the 2023 initiative of inviting foreign journalists to experience and promote the festivities, this year continues with the same goal: to increase visibility and achieve the Declaration of International Tourist Interest.

Prominent journalists from the USA, Bulgaria, France, and the United Kingdom attended the event, with Reuters covering the celebrations in countries such as Germany, Poland, India, and

Indonesia, as noted by councillor for Tourism, Rosa Vidal.

Media outlets like the French ‘Le Petit Journal’, the Argentinian ‘La Nación’ and ‘Eco Medios’, and the international ‘Euro Mundo Global’ (EGM), have published articles about the unique aspects of the celebrations in their digital editions.

Last year, journalists from Portugal, Argentina, and Great Britain reported on the Moros y Cristianos festivities in Elda, publishing articles in various media outlets.

Additionally, the respectful representation of the two cultures that once clashed over the Iberian Peninsula - Moors and Christians - is highlighted during the festivities.

After this year’s fiesta, EWN spoke to 15-year-old Aitana, an Elda resident who has been actively participating in the Moors and Christians festivals for the past seven years.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling in words, but the streets of Elda are filled with a wonderful sense of community and tradition. It’s an incredible feeling.”

“It’s a celebration of our culture and community spirit.”

The coverage emphasises the cultural and social significance of the event, portraying a historical episode from Spain that resonates strongly in America.

A genuine holiday hero

DURING his holiday on the Costa Blanca, Private Josué David Lozano Parra of the Army’s 11th Extremadura Brigade became a true local hero by rescuing several people from drowning.

2024 August Ed: 2042

The incident took place on a busy beach in Orihuela where two young children were caught in a strong current.

Without hesitation, Private Lozano dove into the water.

He reached the children and guided them toward an approaching lifeguard.

Whilst this was happening, two more people had entered the water in a bid to help the children but they soon found themselves in trouble due to the same current.

Once again, Private Lozano stepped in, helping them safely reach the shore.

Like something out of a movie, just when it seemed that everyone was safe, Private Lozano then noticed two more people in distress, the eldest son

and the mother of one of the children that he had already rescued.

The son had lost consciousness but was brought to shore with the help of a human chain which was formed by other beachgoers.

The mother, however, was still stranded and exhausted so Private Lozano entered the water once more to bring her back to safety.

Using the last of his energy, Private Lozano managed to get the mother out of danger.

The Army has expressed great pride in soldiers like Josué David Lozano Parra, “whose selflessness and courage” they say “reflect the best of military values.”

Drowning deaths on beaches are exhibiting a concerning trend of occurring outside the traditional summer season in Spain.

What makes this particularly alarming is that these deaths are happening during a time when beach rescue services are often not yet operational.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elda.

Making a global impact

Balcony braveheart

2024 September Ed: 2043

FELIPE DAVID SOUZA, a young Brazilian who has resided in Alicante since 2019, will be honoured for his bravery during the city’s Volunteer Day celebrations in November.

Councillor for Security, Julio Calero, plans to formally recognise Souza’s courageous act of saving a child from a precarious situation.

The councillor personally visited the hero to express the city’s gratitude and inform him of the upcoming recognition.

He praised Souza’s selflessness and bravery, emphasising that the city is deeply appreciative of his life-risking rescue.

On August 19, Souza became a local hero when he risked his life to save a child hanging from a balcony.

Souza, who works as a painter, was on the job renovating a house near Plaza de Galicia in Alicante when he heard a commotion outside around 6.00pm.

Initially thinking it was a fight, he soon discovered the real emergency: a six-yearold boy was precariously positioned with one leg dangling from a balcony and strug-

Let’s get

Ed: 2044

2024 September

IF you are looking to own a unique piece of art while supporting a great cause, now’s your chance!

Garry Dutch is auctioning three stunning paintings by artist Mike, featuring rock legends Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, and Metallica’s James Hetfield.

gling to get the other leg out.

Without hesitation, Souza dashed to the scene.

Despite not having time to put on his shirt, he climbed out onto the building’s ledge and made his way several metres across the void.

With only his hands for support, he reached the frightened child and brought him back to safety inside his home.

All proceeds will benefit the Rock Against Cancer charity.

Bidding is open until the end of the Rock Against Cancer concert, which takes place on September 13 and 14.

This annual music festival, held at Torrevieja’s Parque Antonio Soria, has been a major event since 2009 and has grown significantly over the years, now attracting top tribute bands from across Europe.

This year’s event will feature two days of authentic rock, with performances running from 6.00pm until 2.00am on both nights.

Additional festival hi-

ghlights include charity merchandise, food trucks, and free entry for children under 12 (when accompanied by an adult).

Tickets are available at the box office or the Rock Against Cancer website, rock againstcancer.es, for €25 per day or €40 for both days.

Rock fans will be delighted to hear that Friday will be opened by RoxXxet from Switzerland.

Local bands include Finn Lizzy Band (a tribute to Thin Lizzy), Keeng (a tribute to Queen), and to close the day on Friday, Quo-incidence (a tribute to Status

Quo) from the UK. Saturday kicks off with Uprising Muse Tribute, a band from Albacete.

Rock along to Like a Stone (a tribute to Audioslave and Soundgarden) and the best tribute band to Rage Against The Machine. To end the event enjoy the SAD European Metallica Tribute.

As you can see, a good show is guaranteed.

To bid on these one-ofa-kind artworks, you can attend any pre-concert fundraising events, contact Garry via his Facebook page at facebook.com/garry.dutch, or place your bid during the concert.

BALCONY BRAVEHEART: Alicante hero.

Living legacy

Ed: 2048

2024 October

THE Costa Blanca community has always been known for its generosity and commitment to supporting worthy causes, and this spirit was on full display during the Stevie Spit Charity Memorial Day held on Sunday, September 29.

The event organised by fellow entertainer, Nikki G, raised an incredible €7,000 in honour of Stevie Spit, a beloved local figure who was dedicated to helping those in need.

Stevie’s legacy lives on through the numerous charities he championed, and the event, hosted at The Emerald Isle in La Florida, was a testament to his lasting impact on the community.

Throughout the day, a series of cheque presentations highlighted the success of previous fundraising efforts.

Memorial Day

Elche Children’s Home and the San José Orphanage, both causes Stevie passionately supported, each received generous donations of €10,000.

The Samaritans in Spain, an organisation dedicated to mental health support, was awarded €2,000.

In addition to these larger donations, several other deserving organisations were also recognised and received €1,000 each.

These included San Fulgencio Men’s Shed, which provides a community space for men to come together; Pink Ladies & Panthers,

a cancer support group; Big Reds Animals Association, which works tirelessly for animal welfare; Rock Against Cancer Spain, which raises funds through music events; the Royal British Legion, supporting veterans; Happy Pets Rescue, a charity dedicated to finding homes for abandoned pets; and the ECI Afghan Charity, aiding those affected by the crisis in Afghanistan.

Stevie Spit’s enduring legacy is not just in the joy and laughter he brought to others but in the lasting impact of his charitable work.

Your

VOICE

Jingle bells or when the clock strikes twelve

Which one do you like more: CHRISTMAS or NEW YEARS?

As the holiday season reaches its peak, many of us are reflecting on the festivities we’ve enjoyed and those yet to come. Christmas, with its festive decorations, family gatherings and exchanging of gifts, brings a feeling of warmth, nostalgia and love. Meanwhile New Year’s brings excitement with the idea of fresh beginnings and lively parties.

With Christmas day now behind us and New Year’s Eve fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to consider which of these two special and highly anticipated days we truly enjoy the most. We asked our Euro Weekly News readers to share their thoughts.

Not everyone gets caught up in the excitement of these holidays. Tom Langston, for instance, feels that “both are just another day in the week.” He’s not the only one with this view, as fellow reader Gordy O’Keeffe shares that he would much rather enjoy some quiet time at home than out partying. He also raises the point that “for chefs and hospitality workers, both are awful busy times.”

Valeria Olivares Piñeiro is on team Christmas, stating that New Year’s is “just another day in the diary.” Judith Dominique Wolfenegg agrees, highlighting some of the negative aspects associated with

New Year’s celebrations - she criticises the traditional use of fireworks, saying that they “scare all the animals to death and are also more than just unpleasant for old.”

Karen Callander, however, is a fan of New Year’s Eve and enjoys saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new. She shares that “every year hopefully brings health and happiness.” She also adds that while Christmas is a nice time to spend with family, it has become “too commercialised.”

Some of our readers, like Deb Horses and Tim McMahon, prefer not to choose a favourite. Deb explains that after the excitement of Christmas, she starts looking forward to the next celebration, and Tim enjoys both holidays equally, each for different reasons. In contrast, Norman Munns takes a very different stance, simply declaring, “Neither!”

In conclusion, this week’s EWN Sunday Poll has received very mixed reactions, with some readers choosing one celebration over another, some enjoying both equally, and others happy to skip the celebrations altogether. Regardless of your choice and how you celebrate it, Euro Weekly News wishes all of our readers a joyful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Jet-set jackpot

ALICANTE-ELCHE Miguel Hernández Airport is on track for a record-breaking 2024, with September adding to its success.

The airport registered 1,801,340 passengers in September alone, surpassing previous figures from July and August of last year and marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared to September 2023.

This brings the average number of passengers to an impressive 60,000 daily.

International travellers dominate, with 1,560,979 passengers, a 15.5 per cent increase, while national traffic also rose by 14.1 per cent, registering 239,317 passengers.

More than 85 per cent of the passengers were international, with the UK leading the way with 620,468 travellers, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

From January to September, a total of

14,094,464 passengers were processed, a 17 per cent increase from 2023, while 88,059 flights were handled, reflecting a 15.1 per cent rise.

The airport has already surpassed the figures for 2022, when 13.2 million passengers were registe-

red.

The next targets are to exceed the 15 million passengers recorded in 2019 and the 15.7 million in 2023, with forecasts predicting that these milestones will be surpassed in the coming months, setting an all-time record.

2024

October Ed: 2050

THE Save My Life 12 Charity Gala, held on Sunday October 13, at Benidorm Palace, was a resounding success. Over 900 attendees gathered for an afternoon of entertainment and fundraising, demonstrating our community’s strong commitment to supporting abandoned and abused animals. The event raised an astounding €37,000 for the charity, which was understandably overwhelmed and humbled by the support shown. In a post on their Facebook page, they said, “We honestly and truly are lost for words by the amount raised at our Save My Life 12 Charity Gala Benidorm. This is absolutely unreal, and we are overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.”

This epic fundraising extravaganza featured 10 fantastic acts, including dance and magic performances. However, the stars of the show were undoubtedly Beatrice and Little Man (Yoda) two dogs from the shelter who left many of the audience overcome with emotion. Just a few short months ago, it was doubtful if Little Man was going to make it, and Beatrice the 13-year-old blind lady was only taken out of the shelter six days ago. The event itself offered many different opportunities to raise desperately needed funds, including two very special items in the auction: a mobility scooter and framed Mayweather memorabilia. Collectively, these two items raised a staggering €6,000.

Christine Climent, the owner of Benidorm Palace, also expressed her gratitude, saying, “A million times thank you to everyone who attended our gala fundraising day. Without your support, we couldn’t keep on doing what we do.”

NEWS Travel

BILBAO - Perfect city for art and nature lovers

with Hispavan Campers

BILBAO is a charming city located in the heart of the Basque Country. With its scenic riverfront, world famous museums and proximity to breathtaking landscapes, it is a perfect destination for both art and nature-lovers.

Exploring Bilbao with a campervan from Hispavan is a unique experience, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the city’s cultural and natural wonders while also discovering the Basque coast and countryside at your own pace.

Explore Bilbao’s city centre

One important tourist attraction is the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. With its stunning architecture and incredible art collection, this is definitely a must-see. Afterwards, head to the historic Casco Viejo and explore its narrow streets, beautiful architecture and peaceful squares. Stop at one of the local restaurants in the Plaza Nueva to sample some tapas, or visit the Gothic-style Bilbao Cathedral - the oldest building in Bilbao.

Relax by the river and walk along the Ría

Take a relaxing walk along the Ría de Bilbao, which runs through the city. Stroll along the banks and enjoy some incredible views of the city, or take a break in one of the many riverside parks.

Hike in the surrounding nature

Near the city, you can find the Pagasarri mountain, which offers panoramic views

of the city and surrounding countryside. Alternatively, visit Aralar Natural Park located in the Sierra de Aralar mountain range, where you can explore the famous prehistoric caves or visit San Donato Chapel.

Visit the Basque Coast

If you’re planning a trip during the summer months, why not drive to some nearby beach towns and enjoy some sun, sand and surfing? Plentzia is known for its clean beach and calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, whereas Sopelana is famous for its dramatic cliffs and strong waves, making it a perfect spot for surfing.

Visiting Bilbao with a campervan from Hispavan offers the perfect blend of freedom, comfort and flexibility. With Hispavan’s fully equipped campers, you can experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene and also easily access nearby natural wonders at your own pace, and without feeling restricted by accommodation bookings and schedules.

SUMMARY

From its iconic museums to its beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges, Bilbao has something for everyone. With a campervan from Hispavan, you can experience Bilbao for yourself, combining comfort, convenience and flexibility.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

El Bocaito playa

EVERY year, like clockwork we make a pilgrimage to this restaurant to sit and eat next to the sea at Guardamar del Segura. El Bocaito is a little oasis, in and amongst the flocking tourists and beach goers.

The beachfront restaurant is always been peaceful and doesn’t scream tourist spot.

Their presentation and eye for detail when it comes to their food, sets them above the rest.

During our visit we craned our necks to look at every plate being served to other tables, feeling no small amount of food envy as we waited for our own food to arrive.

We got to try fresh fish dishes, shellfish, perfectly cooked steaks. I would recommend their tapas menu to anyone wishing to try something both authentically Spanish and unique to this restaurant.

You get the impression when you sit down to eat that they love making the food they serve.

There’s a care to the presentation, wine pairings that are offered thoughtfully by

staff who seem invested in your enjoyment.

It has a modern, white interior but it feels welcoming and clean without feeling clinical and cold.

The staff are always friendly and patient as we and our visitors use the opportunity to practice a little Spanish over the menu. They are not necessarily a cheap meal, averaging at about €30 per person with wine but they are well-priced for both the portion sizes you receive and the care taken over their food and clients.

Av/ Europa, 11 Guardamar del Segura, 03140 966725524

Afternoon tea

JOIN the fun at De Barra’s Irish Bar on December 28 at 2:30pm at their Afternoon Tea Party.

Enjoy unlimited tea and coffee for just €15 per person, or upgrade to unlimited cava for €20 per person (90 minutes). Indulge in individual sweet and savoury platters.

The fun continues at 3:30 p.m. with live music by the fabulous Wayne Stewart.

Bookings only. Call or WhatsApp (+34) 711 066 651 to reserve your spot.

De Barra’s Irish Bar is located at Calle Pico Lobo, 8, 03189 Orihuela

San Luis

New Year’s disco: El Cortijo Paredón

Abigail Frazer

FEATURING music from Duncan Disorderly there will be a free disco December 31 to celebrate the beginning of the New Year in style at Paredón’s El Cortijo.

If you enjoy music this is the place to be for the last evening of the year.

The disco will have all the best hits ranging from the 60’s up to the 2000’s, which means that there will be music to enjoy for people of all ages.

It is promising to be the perfect place to dance away the last night of 2024 the night’s festivities will begin at 8pm.

The bar and restaurant have emphasised that tables are filling quickly for New Year’s Eve and that it would be best to book ahead by phoning 965 648 108.

El Cortijo Paredón, located between Pinoso and Yecla, is known locally as a centre for the community to enjoy food and drink in.

Visitors can take advantage of their fantastic facilities like the swimming pool, darts area and pool table not to mention petanca pitches. They run regular events, including bi-weekly auctions, live music and a traditional carvery every Sunday. Their menus are available online, they serve delicious traditional pub food and have a fish and chip Friday, all day breakfasts and a grill menu that you can also take advantage of all day long. Find out more about their future events by visiting their website el cortijo paredon or their Facebook page.

Cafeteria El Jardin

ENJOY AND RELAX WITH OUR GREAT COFFEE! AND...

ENJOY AND RELAX WITH OUR GREAT COFFEE! AND...

Breakfasts Sandwiches + Rolls Cakes Drinks

Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 1.30pm / 3.30pm - 8pm Sunday 8.30am - 1.30pm Plaza General Llopis 3, Dolores Just in front of the Town Hall

Image: The Jack / Facebook

Photo Credit Pexels Eduardo Tommasini

Image: Wayne Stewart / Facebook

The Nutcraker

BRING a little magic to the middle of January and capture that fleeting feeling of the festive season with the Kiev Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker.

The Ballet are embarking upon their annual tour of Spain’s many beautiful theatres and auditoriums with a classic tale told through the most elegant of dances.

And luckily for those of us in the Costa Blanca South, they’ll be stopping to perform at the Teatro Circo, in Orihuela.

Accompany Clara and the Nutcracker on their captivating fantasy adventure from 7pm on Sunday January 12, 2025.

The Kiev Ballet company said “This is a magical and enchanting ballet that has captivated audiences of all ages for generations.”

Whether buying tickets for an avid follower of ballet or for someone with child-

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hood memories of the brave Nutcracker soldier and the villainous mouse king, this performance is certain to bring joy.

First adapted to the stage in the late 1800’s, the story of The Nutcracker has a long history with ballet which may explain why the Kiev Ballet’s performances of it are so expressive.

Abigail Frazer

East wind sends Mary Poppins to Elche

HEAR all your favourite music and experience the magic of P.L. Traver’s Mary Poppins in this incredible homage.

a spoon full of sugar and chim chim cher-ee.

Gran Teatro said that: “Viento del Este is an enchanting show with live vocals that will delight young and old alike.”

In this performance the ballet company will keep true to the original music of Tchaikovsky and the choreography of Marius Pepita and Lev Ivanov from 1892.

To create incredible memories, you can book your tickets via the Teatro Circo Orihuela website for just 22 Euro a ticket, get in quick whilst tickets are available.

The East Wind: A tribute to Mary Poppins will arrive at the Gran Teatro in Elche on Saturday January 4, the show will start at 5pm.

17 actors from the Taules Teatre group will take to the stage to bring you a musical performance to sing or hum along with.

Expect childhood favourite songs to feature in the show, as the performers sing tracks from the original composition by the Sherman Brothers for the Disney film from 1964.

The theatre has said that a few of the heart-warming numbers you’ll hear include supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,

The musical tribute will last for 80 minutes and ticket costs start at €18 and €20 respectively.

They can be bought from the theatre itself or online from vivaticket, get them while they last.

The theatre company, Taules Teatre, who will bring this gorgeous tale to life are renowned for the quality of the productions they put on, making this show an unmissable way to start 2025.

Visiting the Gran Teatro is an experience worth having all on its own with its beautiful gold balconies and red velvet brocade it is a jewel in the centre of Elche.

DENMARK

Rules relaxed

DRIVERS of ambulances and fire engines do not risk penalty points or losing their licence when speeding to an emergency but are responsible for damage to persons or other vehicles. Under updated traffic regulations the Transport Ministry revealed that they could now be exempted in ‘harmless’ situations.

Time off

A BUPL trade union survey of 1,000 parents with children aged under six found that half took sick leave when their child was ill, although 20 per cent admitted to leaving them in daycare because they could not take time off from work. It was vital to make it easier for parents to stay at home with a sick child, BUPL said.

PORTUGAL

Cry wolf

IDENTIFIED wolf packs fell from 63 recorded between 2002-2003 to 58 between 2019-2021, according to the National Wolf Census coordinated by the Nature Conservation and Forests Institute (ICNF). Findings suggested a 20 per cent reduction in wolves’ presence, particularly in Tras-osMontes and south of the Duero.

Bard in Lisbon

LETTERS found by Barcelona University professor, John Stone, revealed that John Preston from Lisbon’s English College ordered two copies of Othello from London in 1765. The request hinted at British and Irish communities in Lisbon and a wider local community that read in English at that time, Professor Stone said.

EURO PRESS

FRANCE

Times past

A GOLD electronic watch once worn by Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), France’s wartime hero and former president, fetched €537,920 at auction in Paris on December 16. His descendants decided to auction this and the other personal objects they inherited on the death of De Gaulle’s son Philippe last March.

BELGIUM

Puss in Boat

IRELAND FINLAND

Toxic spill

WATER company Uisce Eireann admitted responsibility for a chemical spill in Cork last June which killed tens of thousands of fish along eight kilometres of the River Allow. An Environment official said water quality recovered within days, but the longterm effects on the fish population would last for several years.

Class struggle

AN Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report found higher levels of prejudice against Travellers and Roma than any other ethnic group. It also became clear that parents were reasonably comfortable with having both groups in their child’s class at school but were less happy to have them as neighbours.

ITALY GERMANY

Getting on

ITALY’S population aged in 2023 to the extent that there are now six over-64s for every child under six, while the average age of 46.6 years had grown by 0.2 per cent on the previous year. The National Statistics Institute also found that the overall population of 58.97 million had declined by 25,971 compared with 2022.

Demo data

THE Interior Ministry revealed that 260 police officers were injured during protests held during 2024, a 195.5 per cent increase on 2023. There have been 11,556 full-scale protests in Italy so far this year, up 12.1 per cent, although the 299 serious incidents occurring during demonstrations were 14.8 per cent lower.

Early proof

AN AMULET found at a Roman burial ground in Frankfurt dating back to between 230 and 270AD contained a minute silver scroll with a Latin inscription referring to Christ and St Titus. Predating earlier finds by at least 50 years, it is considered the ‘oldest Christian testimony found north of the Alps’.

Diesel deal

OIL company Neste’s renewable diesel fuel is being used as the initial fill for new diesel vehicles leaving BMW manufacturing plants in Munich, Dingolfing, Leipzig, and Regensburg. The Neste-BMW collaboration affecting more than half of BMW’s global production has already begun, the companies announced.

Photo credit: FB/Artcurial Paris

HET POEZENBOOTJE, a cat sanctuary on a barge moored at Nieuwevaart on the outskirts of Ghent, will remain some months more at the present site which it has occupied for 28 years. The Waterways Authority has found a new home for the barge but must still install mooring bollards at the new location.

Wi-Fi off

CITING the ‘exorbitant’ €173 million cost of equipping trains with Wi-FI, national rail operator SNCB is instead launching a new scheme that will focus on enhancing mobile data connectivity. It plans to do this by modifying the coating of train windows to provide improved access to 4G and 5G networks.

SWEDEN

ICE Pact

FINLAND, which signed the ICE Pact with the US and Canada to develop a joint icebreaking programme to halt Russian and Chinese advances in the Arctic, will replace one of its eight vessels. “Functional winter navigation is part of the overall security of all Europe,” Transport minister Lulu Ranne declared.

Cold outside

FINLAND experienced its lowest temperature this winter on December 15 when the Tulppio weather station near Savukoski registered 38.2 degrees below freezing. Lapland currently fluctuated between extreme cold and relatively mild weather, the Finnish Meteorological Institute explained, bringing rapid changes.

NETHERLANDS

Fly rights

THE VNV union called for changes in the regulations that bar pilots with type 1 diabetes from flying. The union claimed the Transport Ministry’s refusal to join a European trial created an unfair situation and the Netherlands should have joined the UK, Ireland and Austria in assessing how safely diabetic pilots could fly.

Still growing

POPULATION projections from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) show that the present 105,000 annual growth rate will decline over the next five years to 82,000. Nevertheless, CBS predicted that the country would have 19 million residents by 2037 and 20 million by 2058, driven by immigration and longer life-expectancy.

Mega expansion

DATA centre services company atNorth has acquired 30 hectares of land at the industrial park in Hamre where it will build a mega-data site. The same company, which already runs data centres in Stockholm, Denmark and Finland, recently expanded its installations in Iceland where it currently operates three sites.

No mystery

A POLICE investigation ruled out wrongdoing in the deaths of three employees within six months at the Northvolt factory that produced electric-vehicle batteries. The case was closed following extensive tests by the National Board of Forensic Medicine which found no signs of exposure to any dangerous substance.

NORWAY

No bangs

OSLO will see in the New Year with a sound and light display instead of fireworks in a joint celebration that is costing 1,750,000 kroner (€148,522) and features powerful lasers over large sections of the city. Residents are also encouraged to watch from their current locations instead of gathering at Radhusplassen Square.

Cabs capped

BEGINNING in January, the government has announced that there will be a maximum charge for taxi fares in cities and large towns, together with limits on tariffs for distance and time. The Trade and Industry Ministry said it was introducing the new regulations to deter abusive prices charged by rogue operators.

LEGENDARY OWNER: Charles de Gaulle’s watch sold at auction.

Community support

2024 November Ed: 2053

TORREVIEJA residents have contributed an impressive 78,000 kilos of aid to support those affected by the recent DANA in the province of Valencia.

Mayor Eduardo Dolón expressed deep gratitude, commending the people of Torrevieja for their remarkable

compassion and solidarity.

He acknowledged the swift response from individuals, organisations, associations, and businesses who contributed various donations for the thousands impacted by the natural disaster in Valencia.

The mayor gave special thanks to the many anonymous volunteers who have been working

tirelessly at collection points, ensuring the aid materials are organised and ready for transport. He also highlighted the efforts of local businesses and municipal staff who have dedicated substantial resources to support the affected towns.

Additionally, 40 local police officers have volunteered to travel to the impacted areas.

Don’t blame it all on red underwear!

LIKE Brits, the Spanish are fairly superstitious by nature, but what brings good or bad luck can be quite different...

First off, let’s delve into the world of magpies, those black and white birds with a reputation for their supposed mystical influence. In Britain, the saying ‘one for sorrow, two for joy’ reflects the superstition the number of magpies you encounter can predict future fortune. Victorians were so panic-stricken they nearly hunted them to extinction, but the Spanish aren’t bothered at all...

Our four-leaf clover finds its Spanish counterpart in the horseshoe. Both are talismans of good luck. But while we scour the fields for our elusive clover, Spaniards hang their horseshoes over doorways to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.

And what about New Year’s Eve?

While we Brits sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and toast the New Year, Spaniards traditionally eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight, one with each chime, each one repre -

senting a month of prosperity for the coming year. And to boost their chances of even more good luck they don red underwear that night too! Oops!

Finally, the differences in good luck superstitions between Spain and Britain highlight the fascinating tapestry of beliefs that shape both cultures. Whether it’s grapes for prosperity or magpies for predictions, these superstitions add a layer of charm to everyday life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Supporting the people of Valencia.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Path to Compliance: Realities of light enclosures for patios and terraces in Spain

PATIOS and semi-open porches have long been a hallmark of Spain’s charming Mediterranean architecture, offering cool breezes and shaded retreats. While the allure of outdoor living is ingrained in Spain’s lifestyle, it’s essential to be informed about the regulations surrounding enclosed spaces. Here are five eye-opening facts to consider:

Unseen Consequences of Light Enclosures . The enchantment of Spain’s outdoor spaces often leads property owners to enclose patios, semi-open porches, terraces, and more with light aluminium enclosures. Although easy and cost-effective to install, these light enclosures require a major

licence due to their substantial impact on property dynamics. Enclosed areas contribute to property size, alter its description, affect ventilation and light, and increase the number of premises. Ignoring these factors can lead to unexpected legal complications.

Legal Implications and Fines . The Spanish system mandates that these light enclosures, regardless of their lightweight nature, necessitate a major licence. Failure to obtain the proper licence can result in fines and even demolition orders if detected by authorities. Fines, often surpassing €300 per sqm, can escalate quickly. For instance, a modest 10sqm enclosure could trigger a

€3,000 fine. Additionally, these unlicensed structures can disrupt the property’s selling process and devalue its market price.

Safeguarding Your Investment. If you’ve already installed such enclosures, a solution exists. A retrospective licence from a qualified Spanish Architect can shield your extension from objections, fines or demolition orders by any authority, irrespective of future legal changes. This proactive step can provide peace of mind and protect your property’s value.

Conditions for Obtaining a Retrospective Licence. The process to rectify unlicensed enclosures retrospectively is straight forward. Depending

on your location, the building work must meet specific conditions. In Murcia, extensions must be at least four years old, while in Almeria, the requirement is over six years. Alicante mandates completion before August 2010. Notably, extensions previously fined or ordered for demolition are ineligible for retrospective licences. The Path to Resolution. Obtaining a retrospective licence is straightforward. Upon confirmation, Martinez de la Casa Architects will schedule a visit to survey your extension or pool, requiring only your NIE and current Title-Deeds. The resulting Retrospective Licence, stamped by the Official College of Architects or No -

tarised, will be delivered within a guaranteed 10 working days.

Seeking Clarity and Compliance. Martinez de la Casa Architects leads the way in Building Certification in Spain. Cost-wise, a Pool Retrospective Licence (Certificate of Antiquity) is €326.70 Iva inc and Extensions cost is €363 IVA incl, (covering all extensions on the property).

Beyond retrospective licences, we offer Energy Performance Certificates (€121 IVA incl) and Habitation/Occupation Licences, providing comprehensive solutions for property owners.

To clarify uncertainties or embark on the easy path to retrospective compliance, call 665 810 411 (English) or explore our wealth of over 300 clients testimonials at www.martinezdelacasa.com. Your property’s value and legal standing deserve the utmost care.

Unity in Remembrance

ON Sunday November 10, Royal Naval (RN) Veterans led a procession of Standards accompanied by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums to the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras (Church of a Thousand Palms) in Mil Palmeras on Sunday’s Remembrance Day.

While the UK observed Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph in London, the Costa Blanca and Mar Menor communities in Spain gathered at Mil Palmeras.

British Army Veteran Kevin Reardon and his team worked with the local Royal Naval Association branch to ensure high standards were maintained.

Once again, the tiny church was brimming over with most of the 500 congregation of veterans

and members of the general public outside, utilising the large display screen and sound system provided by the Pilar de la Horadada Town Hall, and able to join the Remembrance Service led by Pastor Keith Brown, of the Hope Christian Fellowship Church in La Marina.

Coupled with the gravity of our memories of recent wars and conflicts, the event was a particularly sombre and moving affair as, together with Jose Maria, the mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, his councillors from both the government and the opposition parties, many Spanish and families of all nationalities, and the British Vice Consul from Alicante, Sara Munsterhjelm, the community was able to come together as one, in it’s mutual sorrow and respect for all those

Military, Service and Civilians that made sacrifices in order to provide us a life without tyranny.

Readings were delivered in both languages, and Cindy Fitzpatrick’s rendition of Hallelujah moved attendees. The Last Post and Reveille were played by bugler Ian Gibson, while hymns were accompanied by the Costa Blanca International Concert Band. Proceeds from the offertory went to veterans’ charities and local support for the Valencia DANA.

The event concluded with the National Anthems of Spain and the UK, followed by a procession to the International Garden of Remembrance. There, a minute’s silence was held in tribute to those lost, especially those affected by the recent tragedy of the DANA storm in Valencia.

Marathon magic

THE first Elche-Alicante International Marathon, set for November 30 next year, attracted 300 participants on its first day of registration.

2024 November Ed: 2055

National runners hail from 21 Spanish provinces, including Albacete, Almeria, Barcelona, Vizcaya, Caceres, Castellon, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Gerona, Guadalajara, Lérida, Madrid, Murcia, La Rioja, Salamanca, Segovia, Seville, Toledo, Valencia, Valladolid, Zaragoza, and Alicante.

Internationally, participants include those from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Registrations are open on the event website, ma ratonelchealicante.com . The marathon course spans a flat

42-kilometre route, beginning with 11 kilometres through Elche’s city centre, followed by a 20-kilometre stretch connecting Elche and Alicante, and concluding with 11 kilometres through the city of Alicante.

Uniquely, the Elche-Alicante marathon is one of only two marathons in the world, alongside Boston in the USA, to start and finish in different locations. In Boston, runners start in Hopkinton, following a tradition that will now find a parallel in this Spanish event.

The marathon’s marketing plan aims to attract participants from over 30 countries, with six nationalities represented after just one day of registration.

Image: Royal Naval Association of Torrevieja

A sombre and moving affair.

2024 November Ed: 2054

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Bowing out

THE taxpayer’s stake in NatWest, rescued by a government £45 billion (€54.5 billion) bailout in 2008, has dropped to below 10 per cent, chief executive Paul Thwaite revealed. The Treasury has gradually reduced its stake, Thwaite said, and the bank could be fully privatised during the first six months of 2025.

Drink up

STARBUCKS, which has opened 20 new coffee shops in Spain in 2024, announced that it planned to open another in Lloret de Mar (Girona) this month. The US chain, based in Seattle, arrived in Barcelona 2002 and has 180 Spanish outlets, making Spain Starbucks’ third mostimportant market after the UK and France.

Yes and no

BOOHOO has finally relented and said Frasers Group, which holds a majority stake of 28 per cent in the online fashion company, can have a seat on its board. However, it also stipulated that the “appropriate candidate” could not be Frasers Group owner, Mike Ashley, or his associate, restructuring expert Mike Lennon.

Jobs lost

BSH will close its Esquiroz (Navarra) factory which produces Bosch, Siems, Balay, Gaggenhau and Neff household appliances. In a letter to its 600 employees, the German company said the “persistently difficult evolution of its markets” and “fierce competition” meant that production was no longer viable in Esquiroz.

Second attempt

GREETINGS cards and gifts retailer Card Factory was forced to defend its chairman Paul Moody after shareholders, who voted against his re-election in June, attempted to eject him again. On this occasion, they said that Moody was a white male and the company had failed to meet diversity targets.

STAT OF WEEK

BRITAIN’S farmers, already reeling from the future implications of changes to the inheritance tax, are preparing for huge losses following the second-worst harvest in 25 years.

Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show that the harvested wheat crop fell to 11.1 million tons this year, compared with 14 million in 2023.

According to Tom Lancaster from the non-government organisation, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, farmers will lose £600 million (€722.8 million) between them this year.

Only the pandemic-hit 2022 harvest was worse than 2024’s, when the wettest September-May period ever registered prevented farmers from sowing on time and later impaired growing conditions for winter crops.

Consumers, apart from those following Jeremy Clarkson’s popular farming series, were largely unaware of the problems, as imports compensated for shortfalls.

AIR EUROPA announced on December 16 that it foresaw a record turnover of €2.9 billion by the end of 2024.

With a gross operating income of €205 million and sales of €2.76 million, this was 6.3 per cent more than last year. Although Spain’s second-largest airline omitted to add a 2024 profits forecast, the company posted a €165 million net profit last year, compared with €470,000 in pandemic-hit 2022 and €28.6 million in 2019.

Bare minimum

THIRD-QUARTER figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) showed that each employee now costs a Spanish business-owner €2,205 every month.

This was 4.1 per cent more than during the same period last year, and analysts assessing the Ministry of Labour will take that into account when increasing the minimum interprofessional wage (SMI).

This is calculated at 60 per cent of the average salary and is aimed at maintaining purchasing power.

€36 billion

paid in dividends in 2024 by companies quoted on Spain’s stock exchange, €6 billion more than last year and well above pre-pandemic 2019’s €31.7 billion.

Growing pains

“The farmers have had to bear the brunt of the bad weather,” Lancaster told The Telegraph.

Meanwhile, wheat-growing acreage plunged by 11 per cent and total wheat, oats, barley and oilseed rape production fell by 13 per cent compared with the previous year.

Added to the prospect of immediate financial losses, farmers must face the consequences of the government’s decision to reverse the

Flying

Losing patience

BASQUE steel company Sidenor could scrap plans to acquire the 29.9 per cent stake belonging to train manufacturer Talgo’s majority shareholder, Trilantic.

Talking to the EFE news agency on December 15, Sidenor’s chairman Jose Antonio Jainaga said that acquiring the Talgo holding “wasn’t a matter of life or death.”

Sidenor would pay Trilantic €4 per share, putting a value of €150 million on its holding and €500 million on Talgo itself, compared with Hungarian consortium’s €5 per share proposal that was vetoed by Madrid, but would have paid Trilantic €185 million. “If the shareholder doesn’t want us in Talgo, we’ll step back and stop wasting time and energy,” Jainaga declared.

Agricultural Property Relief, which meant that family farms could be inherited without paying death duties.

A parent will still be able to pass tax-free land on to their children, but only if they live for another seven years.

The tax changes will kill the family farm, farmers have warned in a series of protests, the latest on December 11.

“Air Europa’s operating figures continue to improve in terms of passenger numbers and occupancy volume as it responds to a continually growing market,” chief executive “Jesus Nuño de Rosa said.

The company, which is 80 per cent owned by the Hidalgo family’s Globalia, with the remaining 20 per cent in the hands of IAG, prepares to take delivery of three Boeing 787 Dreamliners for longhaul flights and a Boeing 737 MAX for medium and short-haul routes.

Favouritism

MEINRAD SPENGER, MasOrange chief executive, complained that Telefonica received preferential treatment.

Spain’s government now has a 10 per cent holding in Telefonica, which was privatised in 1997, and the Markets and Competition Authority recently approved a 20 per cent increase in the charges for accessing its cables, towers, duct chambers and ducts.

The escalating cost of using this infrastructure came at a time when Telefonica had 50 per cent profit margin on duct charges, Spenger said.

“More than 17 million households have MasOrange fibre and we want to roll out more, but they are penalising us and that’s not right.”

NATIONWIDE, whose £2.8bn (€3.4bn) Virgin Money takeover was finalised in October, has injected £650m (€787.4m) into Virgin’s Clydesdale Bank division.

At the time of the deal, which created the UK’s second-largest savings and loans group, Virgin Money’s board was accused of selling out for too low a price.

The Mail on Sunday has +revealed most of this capital infusion was necessary to maintain the bank’s financial strength and bring Clydesdale’s accounting system into line with Nationwide’s ‘more conservative’ approach.

BELEAGURED

Harland & Wolff (H&W), forever famous for building the doomed Titanic, is nearing a £70 million (€84.8 million) government-backed rescue deal. This includes job guarantees for H&W’s 1,000 workers, Sky News said.

Ministers announced following months of negotiations, H&W and its four UK shipyards would be acquired by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia after going into administration last September.

State-owned Navantia will benefit from improved terms on a government contract to build three Fleet Solid Support vessels for the Royal Navy.

THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved Carlsberg’s £3.3 billion (€4 billion) takeover of soft drinks maker Britvic. The CMA decision on December 17 arrived one day before the deadline for the first phase of its investigation which began last October. Having confirmed the deal, which will be completed on January 16, the regulator said it would not be carrying out an in-depth scrutiny of the Danish company’s takeover of the Britvic, known for Robinsons squash and 7UP labels.

Photo credit: aireuropa.com

AIR EUROPA: Airline predicts record revenues for 2024.

LONDON PROTEST: UK farmers demonstrating on December 11

3I Group 3.548,00 3.569,00 3.486,00 2,48M

Group 2.597,0 2.611,0 2.568,0 956,99K Airtel Africa 105,30 105,70 102,90 19,3M

American 2.333,5 2.340,5 2.279,0 6,7M Antofagasta 1.613,50 1.613,50 1.567,50 1,88M

Group 5.030,0 5.054,0 4.946,0 1,92M

British Foods 2.054,0 2.060,0 2.037,0 1,81M

10.256,0 10.280,0 10.084,0 3,83M

Trader Group Plc 786,80 791,60 778,00 3,16M Aviva 457,20 459,10 451,90 13,98M B&M European Value Retail SA 362,70 364,10 351,60 29,22M BAE Systems 1.156,00 1.165,50 1.149,50 12,5M

260,25 261,25 254,80 68,23M

Redrow 432,90 435,90 426,30 8,94M

Beazley 808,00 809,00 792,50 2,57M Berkeley 3.898,0 3.916,0 3.880,0 965,78K BP 379,05 380,00 373,75 89,56M British American Tobacco 2.879,0 2.891,0 2.856,0 5,69M BT Group 145,00 145,70 143,15 40,02M

3.268,0 3.276,0 3.236,0 1,74M

124,95 125,55 123,85 35,74M

2.648,00 2.649,00 2.623,00 4,45M

BUSINESS EXTRA

Other plans

ALEJANDRO CORCOS-

TEGUI, Spanish head of JPMorgan Chase’s Infrastructure Coverage for Europe, Middle East and Africa, leaves the US bank in the New Year. According to an internal memo, Corcostegui was leaving to “pursue a project outside the firm” although further details were omitted.

Saga continues

SAGA agreed on December 16 to a 20-year partnership with Belgian insurance company Ageas, which will pay the over-50s specialist £80 million (€54.5 million) upfront. This would be followed by £30 million (€36.3 million) in both 2025 and 2026.

CANAL+ shares fell 16 per cent when the French media giant debuted on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on December 16.

Shares dropped from an opening price of 290p (€3.50) to 241p (€2.91), putting a £2.4 billion (€2.9 billion) value on the company behind the Paddington Bear films.

This was considerably lower than the £6.7 billion (€8 billion) that parent company Vivendi had been aiming at and means Canal+ has been overtaken by UK rival ITV, worth £2.8 billion (€3.4 bi-

Initial slump for Canal+

Bouncing back

SHARES in pharmaceuticals company

Grifols rose 5.5 per cent to almost €10 on December 16 before eventually settling at €9.71.

Grifols has finally begun to bounce back after refinancing its debt with a €1.3 billion guaranteed bond issue which will fall due in 2007.

The Barcelona-based global leader in blood plasma-derived medicines continues its recovery after Brookfield Cor-

poration dropped takeover plans in late November. The deal fell through because Grifols rejected the Canadian asset management company’s €10.5 per share offer as “significantly undervalued.”

The company saw its shares plummet by 37 per cent since January this year after short-seller Gotham City Research questioned the size of Grifols’ debt and the veracity of its bookkeeping

llion).

Vivendi sources pointed out that share price volatility was to be expected in the initial weeks of trading as Vivendi investors sold their shares.

Canal+, which operates in Europe, the French Overseas Territories, Africa and Asia-Pacific, has 27 million subscribers. Two-thirds are located outside France, hence its decision to float in London owing to the City’s access to international investors.

Chief executive Maxime Saada also maintained that the UK was more attractive when compared with what he called “an unfavourable regulatory and tax regime” in France.

Parent company Vivendi, founded in 1984, began as a French pay-TV channel but has since then become a streaming platform, teaming up with rivals including Netflix and Disney to offer bundled subscriptions.

Naming names

MOVISTAR will pay a rumoured €50 million for the naming rights for the Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid, which in 2025 will change its name from the WizInk Centre to Movistar Arena. Online bank Wizink had the option to renew its contract but instead plans to take a “new strategic direction” for the 2025-2028 period, sources said.

Grim outlook

UP to 316 people, 90 per cent of Lycamobile’s personnel, could lose their jobs owing to ‘pretty serious challenges’. The company sells pay-asyou-go sim cards for cheap overseas calls but lost £24 million in 2022 and is engaged in a clash with the taxman over an allegedly unpaid £51 million (€61.8 million) VAT bill.

CANAL+ FLOAT: Initial share slump for company behind Paddington Bear.

Blessed are we

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

Well. Here we are again, hopefully most of us are still rejoicing in the birth of our Lord as we celebrate Christmastide. I hope you have all had a happy and joyful few days, relaxing in the company of friends and family as we stuff ourselves with the ginormous indulgencies that will subsequently take us months to shed off, but who cares? Think ourselves lucky it’s all still legal and not offending anyone! It did get me thinking about former Christmases. Deep in my past of course, the worst Yuletide I can recollect is without doubt the one I spent whilst incarcerated in the early seventies. Not probing too deep into the whys and wherefores for my internment, I had actually found myself behind bars after being tricked by Diana Dors and her conniving lawyers into pleading guilty to and offence I had not in fact committed. And there I was for Christmas. Almost unbelievably on Christmas Eve, the guvnor had presented the cons with an actual menu of the repast we could expect on the following day. And what a menu it was. Turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, greens and gravy, followed by Christmas pud and custard. Both I and my fellow ‘guests’ could hardly believe it. Prison fare at the time, mainly prepared by the inmates, was questionable to say the least, so this previously unheard-of event was certainly something to look forward to. I had already let it be known that I would tear down any decorations that miraculously appeared in the block, so the doom and gloom which permeated the whole miserable place was very much in evidence the following day; Christmas trees, paper chains and sparkling presents didn’t exactly abound as we arose to share the birthday of our Lord! However, as a special treat cell doors were left open for longer periods and, as an exceptional luxury, prisoner’s beds could be left unmade for the whole day – what paradise! We approached the advent of dinner with a certain trepidation; could it perhaps be a somewhat riot

encouraging joke on behalf of the authorities? It wasn’t; what it actually turned out to be was a demonic disaster. The metal impregnated tray that the whole thing was served up on was responsible for the lumpy gravy slopping into the custard, the sprouts were overcooked and utterly waterlogged, the roast potatoes were burnt offerings and the turkey was slice so thinly when you held it up it resembled the folds of a curtain with the light showing through, and it was all cold, (don’t ask what the pud represented!) I couldn’t eat mine. As we all filed out the guvnor was handing out boiled sweets. I refused those as well. After returning to my miserable cell, I lay on the bed and joined the other prisoners as we relapsed into total silence, all gazing at the ceiling and visiting the realms of imagination that contained our loved ones and friends. Thank the Lord it never happened again. Have a wonderful time and stay safe and free. Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Harry Potter expanding

THE magic of Harry Potter is spreading even further over the next year.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set to cast its spell on audiences in Brazil in 2025 and the Netherlands in 2026.

Dutch audiences can look forward to an immersive experience with stunning visual effects. Arthur de Bok, CEO of Stage Entertainment, highlighted the production’s universal themes: “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child offers an intense experience with a globally beloved story about friendship and making your own choices. We aim to create unforgettable memories for Dutch audiences.”

Since its debut in London in 2016, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has mesmerised audiences worldwide. The play has sold over 11 million tickets and earned 60 major theatre awards, including nine Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards.

The story, created by J K Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, follows Harry Potter’s next generation at Hogwarts. Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender expressed their excitement about the play’s international growth: “The story and themes of Harry Potter - friendship, courage, sacrifice, and the challenges of parenting - resonate globally. We’re thrilled to bring the magic to new audiences in Brazil and the Netherlands.”

INTERVIEW

Speaking European: Making

Music: Rainnaídh O’Connor

NOT getting the flight back from holiday led Rainnaídh from Ireland to the Orihuela Costa 18 years ago.

“I’m a very spontaneous person, I’d completed my second degree and came over for a break, I just didn’t get back on the return flight.”

Rainnaídh says she lo ves Spanish culture:

“The Spanish are so welcoming and relaxed about everything… and I’m a night owl, I like the culture of eating late in the evening and that the food is about spending time with family and friends.”

Rainnaídh is a full-time singer.

In a pivotal moment 7 years ago, she made a country track that shot to number one in the Irish country charts.

Now, she sings and plays percussion in No Fences a Celtic pop rock duowhere she works with musician Wayne Stewart.

She’s also a member of the Fire and Rain show where she’s teamed up with Dragon Girl, Natasha Oliver, a fire performer and dancer to bring incredible shows to the Costa Blanca.

Like the icons show, a fire performance combined with an homage to the women who’ve shaped pop music over the last 40 years both spectacular and not to be missed.

Fire and Rain travels from Orihuela Costa to anywhere within a two-hour radius for their very successful shows visit their Facbook to book with them.

Her New Year’s resolutions are “to travel to her fiftieth country and to keep developing her shows so they remain exciting and fresh.”

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

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production in London.

Credit: Instagram @cursedchildldn

A busy life in Spain as a singer and musician

Photo Credit: Rainnaídh O’Connor

Montforte fiestas

2024 December Ed: 2057

THIS distinction is granted by the Spanish Federation of Journalists and Tourism Writers (FEPET) and the Spanish Federation of Hospitality.

Spain’s numero uno

2024 December Ed: 2057

MONFORTE DEL CID is preparing for its Moors and Christians Patron Saint Festivities in honour of the Immaculate Conception, which will take place from December 5 until December 9.

The roots of these festivities go back to the Middle Ages, with historical references from the 16th century that describe gunpowder displays during processions for Saint James. By the 18th century, the patronage shifted to the Immaculate Conception, similar to the celebrations enjoyed today.

One of the most anticipated events of the celebration is the dramatic re-enactment of historical battles, which will take place on December 7 and 8 in front of the town’s castle. These re-enactments are a major highlight of the festival, drawing over 1,500 spectators each year.

The title, announced by Mayor Luis Barcala, aims to promote local cuisine and involve both the public and professionals in various activities throughout the year.

This recognition, which follows a successful second candidacy, places Alicante in the spotlight for its unique culinary traditions, high-quality local products, and the expertise of its hospitality professionals. Collaborators in this achievement include prominent organisations like Turespaña, ONU Turismo, and Fitur, which were part of the jury.

Mayor Barcala celebrated the award as a milestone for the city, emphasising the potential economic impact, estimated to exceed €15 million, and its contribution to promoting Alicante’s strategic focus on gastronomic tourism. He described the designation as a turning point for the city’s visibility and development.

Alicante’s culinary scene, anchored by its iconic rice dishes and a variety of fresh, high-quality products, plays a crucial role in the city’s hospitality sector, which accounts for one-third of local employment. Gastronomy also serves as a major draw

for tourists, with studies showing that between 25 per cent and 40 per cent of travellers select destinations based on food and spend an increasing portion of their budget - up to 26 per centon culinary experiences.

Tourism councillor Ana

Poquet expressed excitement about the recognition and the extensive programme of activities planned to maximise the opportunities it brings. These efforts will include targeted promotional initiatives at national and international events and fairs. In addition to the gastronomic achievement, Mayor Barcala highlighted another accolade for the city: Forbes magazine’s ranking of Alicante among the top three best cities to live in, alongside Valencia and Malaga.

One of the most anticipated events.

Soap or handwash?

THE debate between bars of soap and liquid handwash continues as both have their benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right option often depends on personal preferences, hygiene needs, and environmental considerations.

Bars of soap have been a household staple for generations. They are effective at removing dirt and bacteria, and modern formulations include moisturising ingredients that prevent skin from drying out. Bars are also eco-friendly, often packaged in recyclable paper or cardboard, and they last longer, making them a cost-effective choice. However, some people worry about shared bars in communal spaces, fearing that they may harbour germsthough studies suggest this risk is minimal.

Liquid handwash, on the other hand, offers convenience and hygiene in shared settings, as it is dispensed without direct contact. It often includes added fragrances and antibacterial agents, catering to a wide range of preferences. However, liquid handwash typically comes in plastic bottles, contributing to environmental waste. Additionally, it may be more expensive over time due to faster consumption.

Ultimately, both options are effective for hand hygiene when used properly. Opt for bar soap to minimise waste or liquid handwash for convenience and shared spaces, aligning your choice with your priorities.

Spot the difference

ARTHRITIS is a general term that refers to inflammation of the joints, causing pain, swe lling, and stiffness. It encom passes over 100 different con ditions that affect the joints, the most common of which is os teoarthritis.

Understanding the difference between arthritis and osteoar thritis can help clarify their cau ses, symptoms, and treatments.

Arthritis is an umbrella term that includes several types of joint disorders, such as rheuma toid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. These conditions can be triggered by a variety of fac tors, including autoimmune di seases, infections, or metabolic issues. In some forms of arthri tis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune sys mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation and da mage.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis

Weathering well

COLD weather can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. Proper care during these months is essential to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Start by switching to a gentle, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping natural oils. Follow up with a rich moisturiser containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in hydration.

Apply sunscreen daily, even in winter, as UV rays can still damage your skin. Use a humidifier indoors to combat the dryness caused by heating systems, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from within.

Protect your skin from harsh winds by wearing scarves or masks and opt for non-irritating fabrics like cotton or silk. For hands and lips, which are particularly vulnerable, use thick hand creams and lip balms.

Avoid long, hot showers, as they can dry out your skin. Instead, use lukewarm water and pat your skin dry gently. With these steps, you can maintain healthy, resilient skin all winter long.

Home hair masks

CREATING your own hair masks at home using common kitchen ingredients is an easy, cost-effective way to nourish your hair and restore its shine. Here are a few simple recipes tailored to different hair needs:

1. For Dry Hair: Mix two tablespoons of coconut oil with one ta blespoon of honey. Apply this mois turising mask to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo.

2. For Oily Hair: white with the juice of half a lemon. This mask helps balance oil produc tion and adds shine. Apply to your scalp and hair, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse with cool water to avoid cooking the egg.

3. For Damaged Hair: Mash half an avocado and mix it with two ta blespoons of olive oil. Rich in vitamins and fatty

acids, this mask repairs and strengthens hair. Apply evenly, leave for 30 minutes, and wash out.

Using natural ingredients allows you to avoid harsh chemicals while pampering your hair. For best results, use these masks once a week and enjoy healthier, shinier locks.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF

SPICES have long been a staple in both traditional cuisines and modern wellness trends. From turmeric to chilli peppers and ginger, these spices are increasingly hailed as superfoods with health benefits.

But do they truly live up to the hype, or are these claims overstated?

Turmeric, for example, is known for its active compound curcumin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. While laboratory studies show that curcumin may have potential

cancer-fighting effects, its low bioavailability means that the benefits of consuming turmeric in regular meals are limited. Chilli peppers, on the other hand, are packed with capsaicin, which is thought to aid in weight management and heart health. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of chillies can lower the risk of mortality, but eating too many can cause memory issues in some people.

Ginger, frequently used to alleviate nausea, is also gaining attention for its potential role in reducing inflammation, particularly in autoimmune diseases. However, it’s important to note

SPICES

that consuming large amounts of spices can lead to negative effects. For example, daily consumption of over 50g of chilli peppers has been linked to cognitive decline. Similarly, turmeric’s therapeutic effects are often exaggerated unless consumed in concentrated supplements. Experts recommend moderation, as spices should complement a balanced diet rather than replace medical treatments. While they do contribute to antioxidants and flavour, expecting spices to be miracle cures is unrealistic. Overall, more research is needed to fully understand their health benefits.

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Costa del Sol Community together

A heartfelt Facebook post from Animal Heroes drew attention to the devastation caused by the DANA floods at Last Chance Animal Rescue in Pizarra, urging the community to help. The post inspired Buena Vida Spain, a Marbella-based property and renovation company, to step in. What started as a small effort to help quickly grew into a large-scale operation, with 38 volunteers and numerous local businesses joining forces to restore the shelter and improve conditions for the animals.

The initiative showcased the power of community and compassion, as people from different backgrounds came together with a shared goal. Despite the progress made, the shelter still requires ongoing support, including donations and professional help from electricians, roofers, and other skilled workers. To adopt a pet or contribute, visit lastchanceanimalrescuespain.org.

Axarquia

One train away

A proposed train between Nerja and Algeciras could transport up to 60 million passengers annually, significantly alleviating road congestion. In a key move to enhance mobility along the Costa del Sol and in southern Andalusia, the Ministerio de Transporte is advancing plans for the coastal railway.

This project could improve connectivity by extending the existing Cercanías line from Málaga to Estepona and potentially to Algeciras. This would connect Tarifa with the Costa del Sol as a more efficient transport option.

The 183-kilometre network, potentially extending to 195 kilometres with Algeciras included, would reduce traffic on the A-7 motorway and local roads. A recent feasibility report highlights the Málaga-Estepona section as the most viable, with extensions to Nerja and Algeciras requiring additional measures.

Still in the planning phase, this would modernises the region’s transport infrastructure.

Mallorca

Record-breaking charity

THE charity campaign Hoteles de Narices has achieved a historic fundraising total of €83,399 this month, surpassing last year’s results by €18,284.

The name Hotel de Narices (hotels of noses) stems from the collaboration between FEHM (Mallorcan Hotel Business Federation) and the NGO Sonrisa Médica, an organisation whose hospital clowns with red noses bring humour and joy to hospitalized children in the Balearics.

The campaign, running for 3 months, includes raffles, gastronomic buffets, and marathon fundraising activities.

This year’s edition involved 15 hotel companies, including nine chains: Protur Hotels, Mac Hotels, All Sun, BQ Hoteles, Garden Hotels, Mar Hotels, Viva Hotels, Zafiro Hotels, and Hipotels; as well as six independent establishments: Playa Esperanza, Rei del Mediterrani, Houm Plaza Son Rigo, Amic Horizonte, Sea Club Mediterranean Alcudia, and Icon Rosetó.

Costa Blanca North Benefit Concert

The Rafael Domenech auditorium in Benidorm hosted a benefit concert on December 21, featuring the Symphonic Band and the Musical Union of Benidorm (UMB). This event was a highlight of the forty-third Music-Cultural Days, running from November 25 to January 1, which celebrates musical culture in the region.

The concert attracted around 400 attendees, including the mayor, the Councillor for Culture, and members of the Municipal Corporation. UMB introduced a Row 0 initiative, allowing attendees to donate to support musical entities affected by the DANA on October 28. The funds will be managed by the Federation of Musical Societies of the Valencian Community.

Under conductor Rafa Gomez, the band performed works such as ‘A mi madre’ by Roque Baños, ‘Symphonic Overture’ by James Barnes, and ‘Leonardo Dreams’ by Saul Gomez. During intermission, UMB president Mª Carmen Garcia presented Paula Garcia with the Musician of the Year award.

Almeria

Spirit of giving

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Gingerbread Man joined Los Bandidos this Christmas to deliver joy to the Red Cross in Mojácar. Thanks to their efforts, 48 local kids received gifts from Santa or will get presents from the Three Kings.

Los Bandidos went beyond toys, supporting the Red Cross all year with food, toiletries, and essentials. For Christmas, they raised funds through a run, party sales, and a bottle raffle. Local businesses like the Alfaix Village Store and Blu pitched in with prizes, while members donated generously over the past few months.

John and Marie, who organised the donations, shopped in Almería and Roquetas del Mar, bringing back bags of toys, games, and books. The delivery brought tears to the eyes of volunteers, with caroling, dancing, and festive treats to celebrate.

Costa Calida Helicopter rescue

On December 22, two hikers, a 58-yearold man and a 6-year-old girl, were airlifted to Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena after accidents on local trails. At 12:22 pm, emergency services were called about a hiker who had fallen on the Peñas Blancas to Perín trail in a hard-to-reach area. Firefighters and a helicopter rescued the man and transported him to the hospital. Meanwhile, an environmental officer helped the man’s companion, a woman, back to her vehicle.

At 1:08 pm, another call reported a 6-year-old girl had fallen on the Monte Roldán trail and was bleeding. The helicopter was rerouted, and she was airlifted to the hospital. Both hikers are recovering thanks to the quick response of local emergency teams.

PETS

THE holiday season is the perfect time to show your furry friends some extra love with thoughtful gifts. Whether you’re shopping for your playful dog or your curious cat, there are plenty of options to make their tails wag and whiskers twitch.

For dogs, consider durable chew toys or interactive puzzle feeders that challenge their minds and keep them entertained. Cosy blankets or orthopaedic beds can provide extra comfort, especially for older dogs. If your pup enjoys outdoor adventures, a new leash, harness, or winter jacket could make the perfect gift.

Happy holidays to all our customers, pet owners and pet-sitters

WE want to close this year by wishing all our customers past, present and future a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for your support during these recent years. We enter 2025 with a renewed energy and excitement at helping many more customers in Spain, the UK and beyond.

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Perfect pet gifts

Cats love gifts that appeal to their playful and curious nature. Feather wands, laser pointers, or catnip-filled toys are great for keeping them active and happy. For added comfort, consider a plush cat bed or a window perch where they can relax and watch the world go by. Scratching posts or cat trees are also excellent choices to keep their claws healthy and their minds engaged.

Don’t forget treats! Healthy, pet-friendly snacks are always a hit. By picking gifts that match your pet’s personality and needs, you can make this holiday season extra special for your four-legged family members.

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LATIFAH

Happy holidays to all our friends!

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BUILDERS

BLINDS

POOLS

ITV cost differences

THE dreaded ITV (Spain’s version of the MOT) is more than just a legal headache; it’s a financial minefield, apparently. Shocking new data from consumer watchdog FACUA reveals that ITV costs can more than double depending on where you live. From Madrid’s sky-high fees to Mallorca’s budget-friendly rates, drivers are being hit with a postcode lottery.

Where’s the priciest

In Madrid Municipality, where ITV stations are free

to set their own rates, drivers of diesel cars fork out a whopping €66.02 - the highest in Spain. Madrid’s liberalised market means no price caps, leaving diesel drivers paying 40.1 per cent more than the national average of €47.12.

Even discounts for online bookings or off-peak slots aren’t enough to soften the blow for many.

Petrol car owners aren’t far behind, with rates in the Basque Country topping out at €52.68. Meanwhile, sunny Mallorca shines for

THE SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) has come a long way in the 50 years since its inception. Once a niche market for rugged off-road enthusiasts, SUVs have now become one of the most popular vehicle types on British roads, accounting for one in three cars. But how did these bulky vehicles rise to such prominence, and is the tide beginning to turn against them?

SUVs gained popularity for their commanding road presence, spacious interiors, and perceived safety. Families found them ideal for their

the thrifty motorist, with prices as low as €17.01 for petrol vehicles.

How to get cheaper car inspection rates in Spain

Your ITV might be uniform across the board, but the costs are anything but. Before booking, check out rates in nearby regions and look for discounts. And don’t leave it too late - driving without a valid ITV risks hefty fines, void insurance, and sky-high repair bills if something goes wrong.

ITV by the numbers: Petrol and diesel inspections in 2024

• National average petrol inspection: €39.29 (+10.5 per cent from 2023)

• National average diesel inspection: €47.12 (+9.3 per cent from 2023)

• Cheapest petrol: Mallorca (€17.01)

• Most expensive diesel: Madrid (€66.02)

To find your nearest public ITV test centre go to: https://www.dgt.es/cono ce-la-dgt/con-quien-tra bajamos/itv/

Not so popular

versatility, while advancements in technology made them more luxurious and efficient than their predecessors. Automakers capitalised on this trend, offering a wide range of models to suit different budgets and lifestyles.

However, their popularity has sparked growing concerns. Critics argue that SUVs are less environmentally friendly than smaller cars due to their higher emissions and

fuel consumption. Additionally, their size can pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas. As awareness of climate change and road safety grows, some cities are introducing measures to discourage SUV ownership, such as higher taxes and restricted parking.

While SUVs remain a dominant force, shifting priorities toward sustainability could signal a future decline in their popularity.

The all-new Škoda Elroq

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

ŠKODA’S founding fathers Vá clav Laurin and Václav Klement gained their first experience with electrification 116 years ago. In 1908, two electric motors joining forces with a 4.5-litre petrol engine made the Laurin & Klement E the company’s first hybrid. In the late 1930s, electric beer lorries were built in Mladá Boleslav. Between 1991 and 1994, several hundred units of the Škoda Eltra 151L, based on the Fa vorit and the Pick-up, were sold first in Switzerland and later in other Eu ropean countries.

The modern era of electric mobili ty at Škoda began in 2011 with the Octavia Green E Line. The engineers built 10 prototypes to test the feasibility of electric powertrains. Škoda’s first fully electric production model was the Citigoe iV launched in early 2020.

des a rear-view camera, Blind Spot Detection and SmartLink. Elroq prices start from €37,952/£31,500.

The all-new Elroq is the Czech brand’s first all-electric model in

Elroq is the latest addition to Škoda’s growing electric portfolio, which will include various new models over the coming years. The compact SUV is the electric alternative to the Karoq and offers list price parity with its ICE counterpart. Available with

tputs start at 170 PS for the entry-le vel Elroq 50 model.

The excellent aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.26 are the result of many design tweaks, among them specially moulded exterior mirrors. An active cooling roller blind behind the front apron opens automatically when cooling air is required for the battery system.

The Elroq always comes with a central, 33cm/13inch infotainment infotainment display as standard. Drivers can define up to five shortcuts for frequently accessed vehicle functions and up to four for

A physical button bar below the infotainment display provides quick access to menus controlling the assistance systems, driving modes, parking functions and climate con -

The Elroq 50 with rear wheel drive and a 55 kWh battery is the entry-level model, offering a range of up to 370km/230 miles. Located on the rear axle, its electric motor develops a peak output of 170 PS and a maximum torque of 310 Nm. The Elroq 60 has a battery capacity of 63 kWh and offers a range of around 418km/260 miles. Its motor develops 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque.

Padel fastest growing game Football piracy blow

IN a historic ruling, Spain’s Supreme Court has ordered Puerto Projects and its notorious administrator, Igor Seoane, to pay a jaw-dropping €31.6 million in damages for streaming LaLiga matches illegally.

This was a big win for media giant Mediapro, coming after nearly a decade-long legal wrangle over stolen broadcasts from the 2014-15 LaLiga season. The once-popular pirate sports streaming site, was at the heart of the racket, offering free access to premium content and cashing in on sneaky ad revenue. The illegal streaming service showed La Liga, Premier League, and Champions League football among many others. All streaming was offered for free in exchange for viewers watching pop-up ads.

They raked in millions in ad revenue and became a cult website in the process.

Barcelona-based Mediapro, which spearheaded the legal fi ght, has emerged victorious in what’s being hailed as a pivotal moment for intellectual property rights. The ruling not only shuts down Rojadirecta in Spain but also secures a hefty payout for the damages caused by the si-

te’s sneaky operations.

The Supreme Court ruling cites massive financial losses for LaLiga and Mediapro, with the illegal streams siphoning viewers from legitimate broadcasters. Mediapro’s courtroom triumph marks the culmination of a campaign to not just banish Rojadirecta but to hold its operators accountable for their years of dodgy dealings.

Lords Olympic plans

LORD SEBASTIAN COE, the four-time Olympic medallist and current World Athletics president, has unveiled a bold and controversial vision as part of his campaign to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

One of Coe’s most critical proposals is the introduction of “clear, science-based policies” to protect the integrity of female sports.

Coe referred to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Italian boxer Angela Carini quit her Olympic battle against the Algerian Imane Khelif, a fighter who previously failed a gender test, reigniting debate over fairness in women’s sports. He added, “We’ve

been very clear in World Athletics that transgender athletes will not be competing in the female category at elite level.”

Coe is also challenging tradition by proposing a rethink of Olympic scheduling to address the growing impact of climate change.

Coe criticised the current IOC structure, describing it as “too much power in the hands of too few people.” He vowed to empower IOC members, involve athletes in decision-making, and modernise the Games.

Coe faces six rivals for the IOC

• Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr.

• David Lappartient (France)

• Johan Eliasch (Sweden)

• Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe)

• Morinari Watanabe (Japan)

• Prince Feisal al Hussein (Jor-

The winner will be announced in March 2025. The IOC has never had a female president in its 130-year history.

test-growing sports in the world, not least in Germany, Sweden and Italy.

In 2023, the number of padel courts in Germany rose to 420, and the number of players licensed by the German Padel Association grew from 1,100 in 2022 to 2,500 in the following year. These increases indicate that Germany could play a central role in the European padel scene in the coming years.

And the game’s boom doesn’t stop there. In a report published by Deloitte, in 2023 alone, over 2,657 new padel clubs were opened worldwide; basically, more than 50 new clubs opened per week.

This explosion in popularity is helping to revive some flagging tennis clubs.

with a net in the middle and two service sides, but the court is partially surrounded by glass panes, which can be used as barriers to bounce the ball off. Players use a short, plastic, lightweight racket making it more accessible and like a lighter form of tennis. It is also a social event in which, often, competitively is outweighed by the friendships struck up on court.

Originally invented in the early 60s in Mexico, the sport spread through South America and then travelled to Spain via Argentina, where it was promoted in the 1970s by Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a real estate developer of many tourist complexes on the Costa del Sol in Malaga.

Sour second defeat

BRITISH boxer Tyson Fury stormed out in protest to the judges decision after his rematch with World Champion Oleksander Usyk yesterday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Tyson Fury’s hopes to avenge himself after his fi rst defeat by the Ukranian earlier this year turned to dust as the judges declared Usyk the winner on points.

Despite Fury’s obvious anger and his promoter Frank Warren describing the judges’ unanimous decision as ‘crazy’ the majority of boxing fans and publications supported the 116-112 outcome.

Although the fi ght

was thrillingly close, Usyk’s performance appeared to be more strategic and controlled than the British fighter’s which sparked

Fury’s angry reaction may be due to wounded pride as Usyk remains the only proboxer to have defeated Fury, also known as The Gypsy King. As to the future, although Warren says Fury will ‘take some time to assess his options’ retirement is unlikely for the 36 year

If Fury decides to fi nally accept his defeat by Usyk, a battle with boxer Anthony Joshua may be likely. As these two prominent British fi ghters have never had a showdown, it would certainly be something fans are desperate to

Pierluigi Collina’s face was used as the streaming service’s logo.

Fury’s defeat allows Usyk to maintain his world titles.

Padel pairs game

Credit: BearFotos - Shutterstock.