“Javea’s
CHILDREN will wait with bated breath for the Three Kings to disembark at Javea port on January 5. Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar, also known as the three wise men, bring the children of Spain presents every year in grand processions that run through the city streets.
Javea’s three kings religiously arrive by boat at the main port after having completed their long journey from the Orient.
This year on the port promenade there will be multiple children’s
workshops and a storyteller to keep children busy as they wait for the kings’ arrival.
Children’s morning activities will start from 10.30am and continue till 1.30pm.
Additionally, there will be a raffle held for €1,500 worth of gifts in Javea
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The Three Kings will arrive to much pomp and circumstance at 5pm, where they will begin their procession to the Plaza del Convento.
They are usually accompanied by dancers, entertainers, orchestras and stand on beautifully crafted floats.
The parade will make its way through the streets of Aduanas and stop on Avenida Jaume I, where the Kings will say hello to everyone in attendance.
Afterwards, the procession will continue along Calle Juan Carlos I, Avenida de Alicante, Ronda Norte, Príncipe de Asturias, to its final destination in Plaza del Convento.
This unique festival which ends on January 6, with present giving, family dinners and steeped in community spirit signifies the end of the Christmas festivities here in Spain.
MUCHAMIEL Town Council say keep your agenda clear this March for the Spring in the Park festival.
They have already announced their activities and festivals for 2025 and that tickets can be bought now online.
In March the town hall has put together two days of concerts, to celebrate the beginning of spring.
On March 28 and 29 there will be various
groups in concert at the Municipal Park El Canyar de les Portelles, alongside other additional activities on these dates.
On both days, venue doors open at 7.00pm and concerts will begin at 8.00pm.
Friday, March 28’s schedule will start with La Fúmiga, one of the best-known Valencian groups of recent years.
Then Sandra Monfort, an artist who unites tra-
ditional and popular music with electronic music will follow. Finally, Quinto will take to the stage, he is one of the new must hear voices in Valencian urban music.
On Saturday, March 29, the group O’Funk’illo are set to start the festivities, a funky Sevillian group with a great collection of sounds like reggae, flamenco and even metal.
Following them the Colectivo Panamera, who are a Spanish band that fuse Latin American sounds and rhythms such as merengue or bolero and create a fantastic beat to enjoy and dance to all evening long.
Tickets to attend this event and these concerts are now available on the Endralia website.
“Avoid spam calls with these easy tips”
RECEIVING a call from an unfamiliar number can be unsettling, especially in Spain where spam calls are common. Fortunately, you can find out who’s calling without risking a call back.
There are several free and easy methods to identify unknown numbers and avoid wasting time on spammers.
Apps like Truecaller and Hiya are popular choices in Spain, instantly notifying you if a call is spam or displaying the caller’s name if known. Truecaller provides real-time identification and blocking, while Hiya offers similar features, letting you know if the call is legitimate. Both rely on crowdsourced data, meaning they become more accurate as more people use them.
If you’d rather not download extra apps, try using What sApp. Save the unknown number to your contacts, then open WhatsApp. If the number is registered, you’ll see their profile photo and name, helping you decide whether the call is worth returning.
Find out who is calling you.
A quick Google search can also help. Many spam callers are reported online, allowing you to verify whether the number is associated with unwanted calls. Some phones in Spain, such as those from Bq, include Google’s spam detection by default, warning you when calls might be spam.
Another option is checking known spam number lists on-
line. Several websites maintain updated databases of reported spam callers, making it easy to see if a suspicious number appears on their lists.
By using these simple methods - downloading a caller ID app, checking WhatsApp, searching online, or consulting spam lists - you can determine who’s calling without ever having to pick up the phone.
“What you need to know”
MILLIONS will receive a letter from the Spanish social security system in January to inform them of changes to the pension system in 2025.
The changes affect expatriates who have contributed to Spain’s Social Security system.
The letter in January 2025 will inform pensioners not only of changes in pension amounts but also
the age at which people may retire.
In 2025, the ordinary retirement age will increase by two months on 2024. Thus, it will be possible to retire at 66 years eight months if you have contributed less than 38 years and three months.
However, those who have contributed into the Spanish system for longer will still be able to retire at age 65.
Despite Spain spending record levels on pen-
sions, those eligible are set to enjoy increases in income during 2025.
Contributory pensions will rise by 2.8 per cent. This means that those who have made contributions to the system by working here will enjoy boost to their pension.
Minimum pensions will also increase by 6 per cent and by 9.1 per cent for those with a dependent spouse or widows with family responsibilities.
These increases mean that the minimum retirement pension for single-person households is set for 2025 at €12,241.6 per year and €15,786.4 in cases with a dependent spouse.
The Minimum Living Income (Ingreso Minimo Vital) will also increase by 9 per cent.
The IMV guarantees a minimum income for those whose pensions fall below this level basic level.
THE basic food shopping basket in Spain has become 9 per cent more expensive since the government announced VAT reduction measures two years ago.
The average price of a basket of supermarket shopping has increased by 5.56 per cent in 2024, even though there has been a drop of 15 per cent in extra virgin olive oil, a 10 per cent price reduction in bananas, an 11 per cent drop in potatoes, and 16 per cent less in sunflower oil. The average price of the basket is currently €32.87, with all main distribution chains supposedly moderating prices.
However, the president of the consumer association Asufin, Patricia Suárez, claims that the VAT reduction measure has not been effective due to the lack of monitoring and channels for compliance, meaning that food distributors have taken advantage and upped their prices accordingly to take advantage of the government’s measures, something the government was warned would happen.
The government will withdraw all food tax reductions as of January 1, except for olive oil, where the VAT will be kept at 4 per cent instead of the 10 per cent that was added before the inflationary crisis began.
With the new year, the VAT on basic-need foods will return to 4 per cent, while pasta and seed oils will start again at 10 per cent.
“January Pension Reforms Begin”
JANUARY 2025 will see the introduction of increased contributions for high earners in Spain as part of new reforms. The rules will affect those earning over €4,900 per month and has been introduced as part of reforms to help cover the state’s current costs for pensions.
Around 1.2 million workers in Spain currently fall into the high-earners category.
Up until now, those earning above the maximum cap of €4,720.50 per month were exempt from paying further contributions on what they earned above the maximum cap.
Also, from January onwards, those earning above the cap will pay these extra contributions charged on a sliding percentage scale depending on the value of their earnings.
From 2025, all those people earning above the new cap (set to €4,900 per month from January) will pay a further 0.92 per cent of contributions from their salary in addition to the cap rate to be paid on €4,900. This applies to those who fall into an earnings bracket between the cap and 10 per cent more than the cap, (which equates to those earning between €59,000 and €65,000 per year, approximately).
Those earning between 10 per cent and 50 per cent above the maximum cap, will pay a further 1 per cent on top of the cap rate.
Finally, those earning 50 per cent more than the maximum cap, (roughly €89,000 annually) will pay an extra 1.17 per cent in addition to the maximum cap rate.
Donna Williams
HELP of Marina Alta would like to thank everyone who has supported its fundraising and collections for the people of Valencia. Since the DANA flooding that devastated so many towns in Valencia, they have managed to raise over €30,000.
With these funds, they have purchased over 30 new gas heaters, fridges, freezers, beds, kärchers, and tumble dryers. In addition, they put a smile on one particular elderly lady’s face by replacing her special recliner chair, which had been carried away by the water. They have also bought new bed bases, providing much-needed storage and wardrobes with the replacements.
All of this followed their initial trip, back when the disaster first occurred, when they delivered cleaning products, food, water, new warm jackets, nappies, baby food, and anything else they thought the people may have needed. This trip was carried out in collaboration with Danny from Bay Radio and was a real eye-opener as to the resulting shocking conditions.
There is still so much to do to enable the people in Valencia to return their homes to a ‘liveable condition’. Therefore, they are inviting Euro Weekly News’ readers who would like to help to donate to their ‘Valencia underwater fund’ via LA CAIXA, HELP de Denia y Distri-
to, ES11 2100 9015 2102 0016 2933. Alternatively, please call 0034 634 345 014 if you would like to donate any good-condition furniture.
LISTEN now to the top 16 songs in the running to be Spain’s Eurovi sion entrant 2025.
Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland but before the main competition there’s a pre-selection process, called Benidorm Fest.
In the fourth edition of the pre-selection, artists will compete across two semi-finals, the first on Tuesday, January 28 and the second on Thursday, January 30.
After which there will be a grand final on Saturday, February 1 at which point the winning contestant will begin their journey to Basel.
All 16 tracks from the hopeful Eurovision artists were released on streaming platforms on Friday, December 20.
You can also hear them in full over on the Benidorm Fest website.
Benidorm Fest songs have previously fared well in the Eurovi-
sion song contest but as yet haven’t taken the top spot.
In 2022 SloMo by Chanel reached came the closest, in third place with 439 points.
In 2023 Blanca Paloma reached 17th place with Eaea and 100 points.
Finally, last year’s Spanish Eurovision artists Nebulossa picked up 30 points with their track Zorra and ended up in 22nd place. In 2025 contestants are hoping to creep further up the points table with a view to putting an end to Spain’s 56-year victory drought, the longest recorded of any nation.
Some of the 16 artists in Benidorm fest lineup include: Sonia and Seline with their song Reinas, Lachispa with Hartita de Llorar and Carla Frigo with Besame, a pop and electronic record.
MEMBERS of the Freemasons of Valencia Provincial DANA Flood Relief Committee have been concentrating their relief efforts on the flood disaster area that includes the town of Aldaia. Therefore, it was particularly gratifying for them to attend the last day of term at the CEIP El Rajolar primary school in that town.
Five Brethren, RWBro Rodney Bignell, Provincial Grand Master of Valencia, and WBro’s Matthew James, Peter Johnson, Sergio Pereira and Chris Ward, all suitably attired, were welcomed by the Principal and teachers. The brethren were able to visit each classroom, and hand out small toys to the exuberant delight of the assembled children, and the ‘masonic elves’ were working flat out to keep up with demand.
Lodges, individual Brethren, the Costa Blanca Golf Society, and, most importantly, the Provincial Royal Arch Chapter donated toys and sweets to the relief fund. As a result, the children, aged between two and 11, will each receive a delightful gift from the Masons of Valencia at the Three Kings celebration. It was a wonderful, joyous occasion, and once again, the delight on not only the faces of the children but also the teachers, staff, and indeed the Freemasons themselves was incredible. It made a very special day to end the school year in an area where so much tragedy has occurred.
Donna Williams
THE ENTERTAINERS have had an incredibly busy 2024, with their final gig being performed on December 25 at Chico’s in Sanet Y Negrals. This show was extra special as they were able to join the other guests in a sumptuous eight-course lunch in between performing. Their set list included seasonal songs and group favourites, as well as River at the request of one of the guests. There was even a rendition of Carol of the Bells, a modern carol which is based on the Ukrainian New Year song ‘Shchedryk’.
Throughout this year they have performed at 21 events and helped to raise an incredible €30,000 for a host of charities. What’s more many of the events they have entertained at this year have been for charities they have not performed for before, including Cancer Care, the Royal British Legion, and Cruz Roja.
Even more impressive is that in the five years the group have been performing, they have raised close to €100,000. This success looks set to continue with eight boo-
kings for events in 2025 already and again more charities to support for the first time. With their first gig currently booked in March, they are already planning to add some new songs to their playlist, and will be recommencing practice sessions in January. The Entertainers hope to see some of the Euro Weekly News’ readers at one of their events in 2025.
The Entertainers help raise €30,000 for charities.
ON January 3, the Royal Page of the Three Kings will make a special appearance in l’Alfas del Pi to collect the letters that the children of the municipality have written to their Majesties of the East. This magical event will take place on the Esplanade of the House of Culture, where the Royal Page will be present from 4.00pm to 5.30pm. This initiative is supported by the Mayoralas de la Inmaculada Concepcion 2025, who are entrusted with the mission of assisting Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar in this enchanting tradition.
THE town of Pedreguer is to be the proud owner of a brand-new health centre. Having received formal approval in May 2024, the anticipated period for the construction work is set to be 18 months. This means, that all things being well, the new health centre will be ready to open its doors by 2026.
family medicine consultations, three nursing consultations, and a specialised pediatric consultation, ensuring comprehensive care for families and children.
clinic has faced challenges related to accessibility, particularly for individuals with mobility di culties, and inadequate space to meet the needs of the growing population.
In addition to the Royal Page’s visit, the Mayoralas de Purisima will be available at the Abbey on January 3 and 4. They will be available from 11.00am to 1.00pm and then again in the evening from 6.00pm to 8.00 pm.
The highlight of this festive pe-
riod will be the grand arrival of Their Majesties, the Three Wise Men of the East, scheduled for Friday, January 5. The trio will commence their much-anticipated parade at 6.00pm, starting from the Esplanade of the House of Culture. The royal procession will wind through the main streets of the urban area, culminating in the Plaza Mayor, where a special moment is set for them to worship the child. Following the parade, an act of gift delivery will take place in the municipal tent, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and joy.
This long-awaited facility will have a total area of 1,406.25 square metres and is designed to enhance the quality of the healthcare services already available to local residents. The facility will feature ve
The new Centre will also allow for a dedicated space for women’s health services and provision for urgent medical assistance when needed.
This new facility is set to replace the existing health clinic, which is currently situated in a municipal building that previously housed the Guardia Civil barracks. The current
The design of the new Centre will prioritise modern and energy-e cient facilities, incorporating advanced thermal insulation and a well-planned ventilation system to maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor environment. This will, in turn, minimise uctuations in temperature and air quality.
BENIDORM heralded as a premier tourism destination on the Costa Blanca, shined brightly during the festive season and ended the year on a high note. Exciting forecasts from the hospitality sector employers’ association, HOSBEC, revealed occupancy rates above 80 per cent for the Christmas period, and an incredible 90 per cent for New Year’s Eve. This compares very favourably to the Costa Blanca as a whole where occupancy rates averaged between 70 and 75 per cent.
In a recent interview with EFE, Fuster and Garcia (HOSBEC President and General Secretary) shared insights into a fascinating trend transforming how families celebrate the holidays. Gone are the days of low oc-
cupancy during this festive period.
ON December 28, you may have seen some interesting news stories that might have had you scratching your head in disbelief! That’s because they were very cleverly and creatively written in celebration of Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Holy Innocents).
Many of these ‘news’ stories came from the municipal town councils and even included quotes from the respective mayors, adding further authenticity.
said they would be hosting ‘The International Underwater Film Festival’. The festival was said to feature projections on oating and submerged screens, designed so that viewers could enjoy the lms from boats, snorkelling or even diving!
the holidays falling
Even with the holidays falling midweek, families are ocking to Benidorm for a luxurious getaway, seeking comfort and joy in a beautiful setting.
It seems that much of the Marina Alta wanted to play along and came up with some very imaginative and quite believable news items. For example, Teulada Moraira was said to become the home of a new underwater restaurant named Aqualia, which would o er unique views of the seabed and menus inspired by local products.
Also with an underwater theme, Javea
“New Year’s Eve has always drawn good crowds, but what’s truly remarkable is the surge in Christmas bookings. Families are increasingly choosing to gather at hotels, swapping the stress of cooking at home for a delightful stay by the beach,” they explained.
Fuster added that the increase in holiday occupancy can largely be attributed to the welcoming family atmosphere in Benidorm’s hotels. Many families return to the same hotel multiple times year-
ly, creating a sense of familiarity that makes these accommodations feel like a second home.
In terms of visitor demographics, HOSBEC highlighted the strong presence of national tourists in Benidorm, but still with around 40 per cent of visitors arriving from international markets.
Denia announced the ambitious project of creating a historic tram. Apparently, it would link the port with the Montgo Natural Park. Not to be outdone, Benissa came up with the notion of becoming the rst ‘100 per cent geothermal municipality in Spain’ The councillor for the Environment stating they would use the heat from the subsoil to generate enough energy to cover the demands of all homes, companies and municipal facilities.
No one can say that the town councils lack a sense of humour!
Donna Williams
THE final municipal budget for 2025 for Benissa has been approved and amounts to €21.8 million. According to the mayor, Arturo Poquet, this figure reflects the town council’s intention to focus on modernising Benissa next year. “This budget is a tool that will allow us to continue growing as a municipality, with a clear focus on the most necessary investments to improve the lives of Benisseros and Benisseras,” he said. With this significant financial resource at their disposal, several key projects have been
RESIDENTS and visitors will soon have access to a wealth of information about local events in Altea, which encompass a diverse range of activities. These include festivals, cul -
planned. A major highlight is the long-awaited and much-needed Day Centre. For some time, it has been deemed crucial
to the well-being of the municipality’s older generation, and finally, it is to be a reality.
Additionally, the bu-
dget will facilitate the completion of the athletics track, a project that will be welcomed by local sports enthusiasts and help promote a healthier lifestyle among the town’s residents. Another benefit of the investment will be the improvement of the Aula de la Mar. Furthermore, the funding will be used to develop new public infrastructure projects and municipal squares and to digitise the Centre of Excellence.
The latter are seen as of paramount importance to the objective of modernisation and moving the town forward.
tural events, heritage sites, nature activities, sports events, opportunities for sun and beach enjoyment, and tourism and leisure activities. Additionally, information about local adventures and accommodations will also be made available.
The Department of Commerce has announced the successful completion of a significant project that involved
the installation of five outdoor and one indoor multi-purpose information display (MUPIS). These MUPIS are equipped with a cutting-edge multi-language digital tool that covers 96 different languages, designed to effectively guide citizens and tourists alike. This initiative has been made possible through funding provided by the government of Spain as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, which is financially supported by the European Union’s Next Generation EU programme. The project’s primary goal is to enhance the commercial tourist area of Altea, making it a more engaging destination for all. These MUPIS will serve as a crucial two-way communication channel, fostering a direct link between the municipality’s services and the citizens who utilise them. They will facilitate access to real-time information regarding local commerce, hospitality, tourism options, and municipal services.
FOUR countries account for 75 per cent of global cocoa production: the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, production has significantly declined, leading to a price increase. In fact, in recent months, Valor Chocolates in Villajoyosa reports a 300 per cent rise in this raw material.
As might be expected, this price surge has impacted nougat and the Spanish alternative turron, which is extremely popular during the Christmas season. In fact, prices have skyrocketed by between 30 and 40 per cent in the international market. According to experts, this structural imbalance between supply and demand for cocoa is set to stabilise at a higher price point than in previous years, at least in the medium term.
However, despite facing challenges that have led to an overall reduction in profits compared to the previous year, Valor Chocolates has demonstrated impressive resilience in its sales performance. The company reported a 17 per cent increase in sales, highlighting its strong market presence and consumer demand for its products.
Showcasing the brand’s commitment to expanding its reach and
sharing its rich Spanish heritage, Valor Chocolates continues to focus on international expansion. It already has an extensive international representation with a presence in over 60 countries worldwide. This focus on international markets not only enhances the Company’s business but also places Villajoyosa firmly on the map as a significant player in Spain’s chocolate production landscape.
THE Euro Weekly News Costa Blanca team came together for a fabulous Christmas lunch at La Rive Restaurant in Albir, and what a festive celebration it was!
With great company, plenty of laughs, and a delicious three-course meal (accompanied by a glass of wine… or maybe two!), the holiday spirit was in full swing.
Steven set the scene perfectly with a beautifully decorated table featuring litt-
le gifts for each guest, festive Christmas hats, reindeer antlers, and quirky holiday glasses.
The room came alive with the sound of party poppers, laughter, and shared Christmas stories, making it a truly unforgettable celebration. Cheers to festive fun and good times!
Party planning time 2025 is now underway…
ON December 25, Ryanair temporarily lost its top spot in the European flight ranking due to its longstanding policy of not operating on Christmas Day. For 24 hours, none of its planes were seen in the skies of the Costa Blanca, as the lowcost airline went from being the leader in flight operations to running zero flights.
This practice has been a tradition for Ryanair, with CEO Michael O’Leary using it as a way to “reward” employees by giving them a full day off. To accommodate this, the airline increased the number of flights on the days before and after Christmas to allow for the holiday break. On December 26, Ryanair resumed operations with 2,416 flights. Ryanair’s absence on December 25 allowed Turkish Airlines to take the top spot, operating 1,339 flights. It was followed by the Air France Group with 922 flights, Wizz Air with 800, and KLM with 755. Vueling showed the most growth among airlines, improving its performance by 62 per cent compared to 2019 and by 6 per cent compared to the previous week.
DENIA has been selected as one of seven municipalities within the Valencian Community to receive substantial subsidies aimed at enhancing the conservation of historical, cultural, and artistic heritage. Specifically, Denia’s new project has secured a grant totalling almost €637,000 for an ambitious restoration initiative centered on two significant historical structures: la Torre de la Devesa and la Bateria de Terra
This financial assistance constitutes 70 per cent of the total project budget, which is estimated to be around €1 million. The project’s goal is to meticulously restore the deteriorated bastioned military architecture of la Torre de la Devesa and la Bateria de Terra, both of which are currently in a state of severe neglect and require urgent conservation efforts.
The restoration work will not only stabilise these vital elements of Denia’s historical fortification but also allow for the establishment of new historical and artistic routes that
will illuminate military strategies employed from the 17th to the 19th centuries. By integrating educational aspects into the project, visitors and locals alike will gain a deeper understanding of the region’s historical significance. Additionally, a new Interpretation Centre will also be created within Denia Castle. It will be situated within the eastern gallery of the Palace, at the very top of this iconic monument. Access will be gained via a scenic route, which will enable visitors to engage further with the restored elements.
AS of January 1, Benidorm has introduced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), although this is considered an ‘informative phase’. This means no sanctions will be applied for the first six months of 2025. Therefore, citizens will have the opportunity to get used to the new restrictions, which will affect 74 hectares of the municipality while still reducing emissions in the higher traffic areas.
From January 1 2025, and until June 2025, citizens will have to get used to the new restrictions: “It has been created to implement the LEZ gradually so that there are no sudden changes in citizenship,” explained the councillor for Mobility, Francis Muñoz.
Benidorm’s LEZ will be divided into three zones: Levante, with 31 hectares, which covers the section of Avenida del Mediterraneo from Europa to Plaza de la Hispanidad, the surrounding streets and the old town; the Centro area, which covers 35 hectares, between the avenues of l’Aiguera and Jaime I; and the Poniente area, which corresponds to the eight hectares that make up the first line from Jaime I to Vicente Llorca Alos.
In order to manage the introduction of the LEZ, Benidorm Town Council will be launching a digital app which they hope will Go Live in February 2025, following a testing phase and securing authorisation from the DGT.
L’ALFAS DEL PI has successfully expanded its Local Police force by incorporating a new cohort of 10 officers following a rigorous selection process conducted by the Human Resources department.
These newly appointed police officers will initially serve as trainee civil servants, with the expectation that they will progress to permanent status after successfully completing
a comprehensive training course at the Valencian Institute of Public Security and Emergencies (IVASPE).
The inauguration ceremony marking the beginning of their service was presided over by the mayor of L’Alfas del Pi, Vicente Arques, along with key officials, including the councillor for Human Resources, the councillor for Citizen Security, and the chief officer of the Local Police.
The selection process for these positions has been notably competitive, spanning approximately five months and attracting a significant number of candidates.
A total of 195 applicants participated in the free shift, alongside five candidates from the mobility shift aimed at transferring officers from other departments or municipalities. In addition to filling the
current vacancies, the town council has created a job bank, which comprises individuals who successfully completed various stages of the selection process without securing a permanent position. This job bank will serve as a valuable resource for Human Resources to address future personnel needs resulting from retirements, transfers, or resignations.
IT seems like it was yesterday when the deadline for submitting your NON-RESIDENT TAX RETURNS was so far away and yet the Holiday Season has suddenly arrived.
We hope to have met our clients’ expectations when dealing with their MARRIAGES AND DIVORCES in Spain and we would also take this opportunity to congratulate those clients, from different countries, who SOLD, PURCHASED
or EXCHANGED their properties through our firm and kindly took our advice about the importance of having a SPANISH WILL drafted when being an owner of a property in Spain.
Year 2024 has been a year of hope for all those affected with Mortgage floor and costs clauses, and multicurrency mortgages, as they have been able to get their money back.
Sadly, some clients and friends passed away during this year and our condolences go out to their surviving spouses, children etc; and again, in these cases we have assisted as rapidly as possible to help the heirs when dealing with the INHERITANCE.
On a happier note we can tell you that we have LITIGATED successfully in Court in relation to many different legal matters, including SQUAT -
TER’S EVICTIONS, WILL CONTESTATION, TOURIST RENTALS and CLAIMS AGAINST THE TAX OFFICE, etc.
Finally, we would like to THANK ALL our clients and friends, who one way or another, dealt with us during this year and wish THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2025 FULL OF HAPPINESS.
We are sure that, together, 2025 will be the year of hope and recovery. We, from White Baos, will do our best to try to help and assist our clients to achieve it.
Please do not forget that, if you need our help, you can contact us. We will be pleased to assist you. You could also find some helpful legal information in our website: www.white-baos. com.
PORTUGAL has decided to stop obliging motorcyclists from taking their bikes for technical inspection from January 1, 2025.
The ITV (inspección técnica de vehículos), as it is known in Spain, has been deemed unimportant by the Portuguese parliament, who voted the legal requirement out, marking a significant shift in the country’s motorcycle regulations.
The decision is the culmination of a 12-year battle between
various political groups. The ITV is supposed to ensure the safe roadworthiness of vehicles. In Portugal, motorcycle numbers have grown by 400 per cent since 1995, and yet accidents have fallen by 80 per cent. Instead of forcing motorcyclists to pass the technical inspections, Portugal focused more on road-use education, better infrastructure, and more
policing.
The Portuguese parliament has turned around regulations against European Union rules, which has required all member countries to apply a technical inspection to motorcycles since 2014. However, Portugal has decided that it is not necessary for them, and the regulation has been reversed. This decision has led to questions about
Spain’s approach to the ITV issue, as the country has been one of the strictest since 1987.
The question now is should the Spanish do the same, especially now that the ITV has been extended to checking the condition of electric scooters?
Some fear that by eliminating the ITV for motorcycles, relaxing rules could lead to more accidents. However, Portugal has given the perfect excuse to rethink the ITV and focus on education instead.
THE second busiest airport within the European Union is Schiphol which serves Amsterdam and surrounding areas and it gets busier as spring ends and summer arrives.
It seems logical therefore and in the best interests of the travelling community that flights should be reduced by 25 to 30 per cent between June 21 and June 27.
The reason is simple,
there will be a NATO Summit held in The Hague on June 24 and 25 and to add to the ‘problems’ the closure of airspace over The Hague in anticipation arrivals will coincide with the planned closure of the Buitenveldertbaan, a key Schiphol west-east runway that runs along and above the A4 motorway.
According to the Government of The Nether -
lands, they are expecting 45 heads of state, along with their defence and foreign affairs ministers, as well as 6,000 delegation members and 2,000 journalists many of whom will travel on private or military jets. Due to these arrivals and departures, summer season flights will be dropped from the schedule during this period, to guarantee NATO delegation members are
“properly” received, according to a spokesperson.
Time will tell whether the cancellation of so many holiday and commercial flights will only have a minimal effect on the airport, as suggested by a government spokesperson, but if that is the case, environmentalists might suggest that there are too many flights in the first place!
FINLAND is introducing a new minimum income threshold of €1,600 per month from January 1, 2025, for foreign workers applying for residence permits.
According to the Finnish Ministry for Economic Affairs and Employment, the income limit applies exclusively to earnings from primary employment, excluding other forms of income. This measure ensures that workers have sufficient financial resources to avoid reliance on social
assistance, as mandated by Finland’s Aliens Act. While the minimum threshold for most foreign workers is set at €1,600, income requirements vary across different job categories. According to a report by Business Day, specialist roles require a minimum monthly salary of €3,638. Seasonal workers must earn at least €1,399. Minimum thresholds for other roles range from €1,030 to €3,638, depending on the job type and location.
The Finnish Immigration Service also stated that exceptions to these thresholds could be made in special cases, such as for the best interests of a child or for compassionate reasons.
The new threshold does not apply to asylum seekers or quota refugees. Individuals granted residence permits on compassionate grounds, plus family member of Finnish citizens are also exempt. For those already holding residence permits, the new €1,600 monthly threshold will also apply to permit extensions starting in April 2025. Failure to meet the requirement will reportedly result in rejection of renewal applications.
THE new buzzwords in the tourism sector are Sustainable Tourism and Sustainable Travel.
They are currently being used by the UN tourism board UNWOT to promote travel to villages around the world to perhaps alleviate some of the tourism pressure in bigger cities.
And Austria has been commended for its role in ensuring that “tourism remains a key driver of sustainable and inclusive development” according to UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
Austria has been vitally important in measuring tourism’s economic, social, and environmental impacts in UN member states.
Best Tourism Villages is a programme set up by UNWOT to promote tourism as a pathway to preserve rural landscapes, cultural diversity and culinary traditions.
Pololikashvili has said that “By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents.”
UN Tourism commends Austria’s clear commitment to shaping a sustainable and resilient tourism future, and its leadership at both the regional and
global level in this regard.
UNWOT’s list is comprehensive usually covering some 55 villages from across the world, but in this fourth edition of the list they’ve added more via their fast-track programme.
That means that out of 260 applications to join the best villages programme across the world Austrian villages now account for 10 per cent of the newly added tourism hot spots.
One of the newly added villages is Mittelberg, Austria which with its mountainous vistas, beautiful castle and wooden houses would be a stunning addition to anyone’s journey.
POLAND has announced the bizarre release of up to 1,000 metric tonnes (one million kilograms) of frozen butter reserves. Why? To combat surging food prices – a pressing issue as the country approaches its presidential elections in May 2025.
The Polish government hopes the move will stabilise butter prices, which have skyrocketed across Europe due to global milk shortages and inflation, as reported by CNN.
according to Statista.
butter is priced between 39.90 and 49.95 zlotys (€9.38-€11.74) depending on the brand, as reported by CNN. The auction began mid December, with a minimum bid requirement of 20 tonnes per buyer, according to the Financial Times.
Poland’s inflation rate stood at 4.7 per cent in November 2024, cited by Trading Economics, a marked improvement from the 18.4 per cent peak in February 2023,
The Strategic Reserves Agency of Poland revealed that the butter will be sold in 25-kilogram blocks to businesses at a minimum price of 28.38 zlotys (€6.67) per kilogram. This is significantly lower than the retail prices at Polish supermarkets, where
Butter prices in Poland have surged 20 per cent year-on-year at the retail level, while wholesale prices have climbed 50 per cent, further increasing pressure on households, according to CNN.
The increase in butter prices is tied to milk shortages, a shrinking cattle population, and a rise in cattle diseases across Europe.
STAFF at Schipol Airport, Amsterdam, have reported increasing aggression towards themselves from passengers over the reintroduction of liquid restrictions.
Although the changes have been effective since September and the airport has released communications to inform people about the restrictions, staff say confusion is common. This confusion ‘leads
to irritation’ and sometimes aggression.
The airport had previously been able to relax the rules due to installing advanced C3 scanners. This meant passengers could carry a much greater volume of liquids.
The reduction back to 100 ml is not due to any change in threat levels but to
achieve compliance with recent European Union guidelines.
Olivier Jankover, Director General for the International Airports Council in Europe (ACI) provided the following statement about the changes:
“Security is non-negotiable, it is at the very top of priorities for Europe’s air-
ports. However, the fact remains that those airports which have been early adopters of this new technology are being heavily penalised both operationally and financially.”
Other European airports which had installed the advanced scanners allowing passengers to carry more liquids before the ruling include Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Malta.
FOR the 35th consecutive year the world-famous ice hotel has been built in Sweden’s Jukkasjärvi.
Taking six weeks to build by 26 artists from around the world, the hotel has 12 suites each with their own ice sculptures and theme.
Celebrated as the world’s first and largest Ice Hotel it was first constructed back in 1989 and is situated next to a beautiful river in the Swedish countryside.
Room designs change every year and this year there are motifs from ancient Greek myths, with ice sculptures of a redeyed Minotaur and a beautifully carved Greek ship.
There’s a suite called Flight where small bird sculptures hover around a solid ice bed and another quirky suite called
Whoops Wrong Room where an icy Rhino appears to have crashed through the wall.
With new sculptures every year, taking a trip to visit this hotel is genuinely a once in a life-time experience.
Ice Hotel said that they are “a bucket list staple for every Arctic adventure.”
Every spring the hotel is allowed to melt away, so that next year the space can once again be filled with new and exciting Ice art.
As well as the winter suites, there is an all-year-round hotel - Ice Hotel 365, wilderness camping and cabin experiences for anyone looking to book a trip to Sweden after spring comes.
The hotel has their own onsite restaurant and ice bar on site and there are daily exhibitions of the art in the winter ice suites.
EVER since Bolt and Uber moved into Europe, licensed taxi drivers have been absolutely against complaints that they are unfair competition.
Some countries and cities have embraced their arrival whilst others have tended to make life difficult for them in order to protect the livelihood of licensed taxi drivers who have often made large investments in their vehicles and purchasing their licences in the first place.
Now the Berlin State Government has announced that it plans to introduce a minimum fare for all car-sharing services, so although it isn’t singling out Bolt and Uber it certainly looks as if they will have to increase their minimum fares in order to comply with any
new regulations.
It’s good news for the taxi services and in some
is so often the case with protective legislation, it will certainly see consumers having to pay higher prices or look for alternatives methods of transport.
Not unsurprisingly, the Taxi and Rental Car Association of Germany has indicated its support for the measure but backed
by their international parents, it is likely that the main players will take legal action to try to stop or dilute the legislation. Already, a similar case was lodged in Leipzig and the Court there ruled in favour of the legislation although it criticised the rates being imposed.
ways will boost car-sharing companies and their drivers incomes, but as
IN his Christmas Day speech Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg announced his abdication in October 2025.
The 69-year-old has said, in what is his last Christmas broadcast to the nation that he will abdicate so that his son might assume the throne late next year.
His son Guillaume, 43, currently LieutenantRepresentant, has been taking on some of his father’s duties in recent months and will assume his new title on October 3, 2025.
During his Christmas broadcast he said he was “proud to have been able to, together with the Grand Duchess, walk this path” with his nation.
And expressed that he had strived to speak out when the fundamental interests of his country and citizens were at stake.
He said he had paid particular attention “to the diversity of our population, the need for coexistence and sustainability in all areas of our society.”
The abdication has been rumoured since summer 2024 when the Grand Duke announced, at his official birthday, that his son Guillaume would soon be taking on the role
of Lieutenant- Representant.
Henri of Luxembourg will have been on the throne for 25 years next Octo-
ber, he became a Lieutenant-Representant in 1998 and ascended to the throne after his father’s abdication in October 2000.
He will step down just before what would have been his silver jubilee and has said that like the rest of his generation “the time has come to retire.”
ALDI has bolstered its presence in Alicante with the opening of its second supermarket in Javea on December 5. This new store is located on Carretera Portitxol, 43 and it has a sales area of approximately 1,200 square metres. This supermarket has a team of 13 employees, reflecting the company’s ongoing growth in the region.
In addition, in the same week, ALDI opened its first store in Benidorm on Avenida del Dr. Severo Ochoa, 35. It also has a sales area of approximately 1,200 square metres and employs 17 staff members.
With these openings, ALDI closed 2024 with 42 stores in Alicante and over 460 nationwide. This represents a significant boost in its regional footprint, with over 700 employees now working in the province.
Strategic Growth in Alicante and the Valencian Community Alicante has become a focal point of ALDI’s expansion in Spain. Since
2020, the company has opened 10 new stores in Alicante, five of which launched in 2024 alone.
Additional 2024 openings included locations in Benissa and La Nucía and Torrevieja.
Across the Valencian Community, ALDI now operates 76 stores, supported by a strong logistics network, including a
another 32,000 m² facility in Sagunto.
Currently, ALDI offers over 50,000 m² of retail space in Ali cante, nearly 58 per cent of its to tal in the Valencian Community. The supermarket chain works with over 50 local suppliers in the area, providing more than 320 Valencian products. ALDI’s model focuses on quality and affordability through its own-label products, which make up 86 per cent of its range, and by sourcing 80 per cent of items nationally. The company’s commitment to local product is evident in its long-term partnerships with suppliers, ensuring high-quality and responsibly sourced products.
Recent price cuts on over 600 products, with permanent discounts of up to 53 per cent, have strengthened ALDI’s value proposition, making it a preferred choice for families. This price reduction across categories offers a saving of over €130 per family annually.
• The company’s second store in Javea, located on Carretera Portitxol, 43, spans 1,200 m² and employs 13 people, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the local community
• The Javea opening is one of five new stores launched in Alicante in 2024, marking ALDI’s significant growth in the region
AN archaeologist believes that approximately 250 shipwrecks containing lost treasures lie hidden in Portuguese waters.
These wrecks remain unprotected due to insufficient government action.
Alexandre Monteiro, an underwater archaeologist and researcher at Nova University in Lisbon, has identified 8,620 shipwrecks scattered along the coasts of mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira. His findings are based on a detailed database of shipwrecks dating back to the 1500s, compiled from historical records.
Monteiro’s research documents around 7,500 wrecks along the mainland coast, 1,000 near the Azores, and 120 in the waters around Madeira. Among these, he estimates that about 250 may hold significant trea -
sures.
One example is the Nossa Senhora do Rosário, a Spanish shipwreck from 1589 located off the coast of Troia. Monteiro explained that his investigation uncovered detailed information about the ship, including its cargo of 22 tonnes of gold and silver and even the name of the captain’s mother.
Although the findings have been published, the researcher expressed frustration over the lack of government response. He cautioned that the absence of a contingency plan leaves these wrecks vulnerable to accidental discoveries during construction projects or similar activities.
Despite concerns, the archaeologist downplayed the risk of treasure hunters looting the sites, noting that most of the wrecks remain buried under layers of sand.
RECENT data from Eurostat shows the average full-time salary in Europe 2023 was €37,900, rising by 6.5 per cent on the previous year.
From the 26 countries included in the report, (The Netherlands is not included due to differences in methodology) Spain came out roughly in the middle, in 12th place. The average wage full-time in Spain came out at €32,587 per annum.
34.6 per cent of EU countries in the report had an average salary above the EU average. These nine countries were (from lowest to highest) France (€42,662), Sweden (€44, 619), Finland (€48,391), Germany (€50,998), Austria (€54,508), Belgium (€57,989), Ireland (€58,679), Denmark (€67,604), and Luxembourg (€81,064).
Divided into salary ranges, Spain (€32,587) fell into the €30,000 to €40,000 bracket ranking just below Italy (€32,749) and Slovenia (€33,081). Only 11.5 per cent of European countries had an average salary in this range.
30.7 per cent of countries in the report had average annual salaries falling into the €20,000 to €30,000 bracket. These included
Credit: MabelAmber@Pixabay
Which countries in the EU have the best standard of living when taking average salary and purchasing power into account?
Malta (€29,989), Lithuania (€27,178), Cyprus (€26,430), Estonia (€24,899), Czechia (€23,454), Portugal (€22,933), Latvia (€22,293), and Croatia (€21,523).
Almost a quarter of countries in the EU (23 per cent) earned an average salary of between €10,000 and €20,000 per annum. At the bottom of the rankings were Slovakia (€19,001), Poland (€18,054), Romania (€17,739), Greece (€17,013), and Hungary (€16,895).
BARCELONA is an enchanting city based on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, and capital of Catalonia. Famed for the remarkable architecture of Antoni Gaudi, the city offers a number of diverse experiences and things to see. Whether you would rather wander through the vibrant streets of La Rambla, or relax on the sandy beaches of Barceloneta, Barcelona promises an unforgettable adventure for everyone.
Travelling with a Hispavan campervan is a great way to explore Barcelona and its surroundings, allowing you to explore at your own pace without feeling restricted by schedules and hotel bookings.
Explore Barcelona City
There are several convenient parking options nearby, allowing you to easily hop on the metro and head straight into Barcelona City. Start at the Gothic Quarter, the heart of the old town, with its stunning historical sites and the famous La Rambla. Explore the narrow streets, browse the boutiques, and dine at local restaurants. Another important site is the Sagrada Familia, just a 30-minute walk away, where you can enjoy the beauty of Gaudi’s architectural genius.
Visit the beaches of Barceloneta
If you visit during the warmer months, take a trip to Barceloneta, a vibrant seaside neighbourhood in Barcelona. Stroll along the promenade, spend the day sunbathing, or enjoy some fresh seafood
at one of the local restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Take a day trip to Montserrat Nature lovers will enjoy spending a day in Monserrat, a mountain range famous for its distinctive and dramatic sharp peaks. It’s a popular spot for hikers, with its scenic trails and breathtaking views. While you’re there, make sure to visit Montserrat Monastery, a spiritual site dating back to the 11th century which is home to the revered statue of the Black Madonna.
Visiting Barcelona in one of Hispavan’s fully-equipped campervans offers the perfect blend of comfort, freedom and adventure. With Hispavan you can see everything Barcelona has to offer and explore at your own pace. It’s an ideal way to experience Barcelona and its surroundings with the convenience of a home on wheels.
Whether you’re immersing yourself in the city’s culture, hiking the stunning mountains, or unwinding on the beach, Barcelona offers something for everyone. With Hispavan, your journey through Barcelona and beyond could be an effortless and memorable adventure.
GREY silverfish are relatively new to Europe and, entomologists said, entered Denmark via Norway after first arriving in Germany in 2007, camouflaged in packaging materials. Unfortunately, the wingless insects, believed to have originated in South Africa, thrive at room temperature and are hard to eliminate, experts said.
A LAW passed in December will oblige longterm unemployed foreign residents to carry out some kind of work if they wish to avoid losing benefits. The new regulations apply to those who have not lived in Denmark for nine of the last 10 years or have not been in full-time jobs for at least 30 months over the past decade
PERCEBES (Goose Barnacles), directed by Laura Gonçalves and Alexandra Ramires, is included in the list of Academy Awards finalists competing in the Animated Film category. The film, which follows a goose barnacle’s life cycle, won the Short Film section at the Annecy Film Festival in France last June.
THE Tupperware factory in Montalvo announced that it will close on January 8, with the loss of approximately 200 jobs. The factory opened in 1980 and was entirely owned by the parent company, which filed for bankruptcy in September 2024 after plastics and the direct-selling system and parties lost their appeal.
THE 2024 Education First review of worldwide English-language skills ranked Italy 46th out of the 116 countries surveyed, with Verona having a higher level of English than any other Italian city. Overall number one spot went to the Netherlands, followed by Norway and Singapore, with Yemen at the bottom of the list.
Photo credit: CC/Ralph PH
WAGES will rise by 3.58 per cent for 532,000 employees in January, owing to a programmed adjustment for inflation calculated on the inflation rate for December, which remained stable at 3.16 per cent. The pay increase will apply to white collar workers in sectors that range from publishing to call centres.
VERONA: No communications problems for English-speaking visitors
A MOTORIST clocked at 150 kilometres an hour in an 80-kilometre zone in County Limerick was one of the 1,200 drivers who were flagged down for speeding offences over the pre-Christmas weekend, police reported. The gardai also arrested 101 people for driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
OWING to planning issues and the strain on Ireland’s grid, data centre operators are looking abroad for sites for the high-consumption installations that account for 18 per cent of electricity output. Spain, with greater access to sustainable energy, also offers more incentives while fast-tracking permit applications.
PIERRE CARDIN died childless and intestate in 2020 at the age of 98, bequeathing a legal battle to 22 family members claiming his fortune. An 11-line, unsigned document found in 2022 named nephew Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin as his sole heir and a Paris court will shortly announce if this is acceptable as a will.
THE third-generation European pressurised nuclear reactor (EPR) in Flamanville (Normandy), France’s largest to date, finally began producing electricity for local homes on December 21. Countless technical setbacks have caused a 12-year delay and quadrupled the original overall cost to €13.2 billion.
POLICE were sent out in the early hours of December 22 after a worried woman saw a child sleeping outside a Dortmund kindergarten. They found a four-year-old who told them that she had crept out of the house while her parents were asleep as she wanted to be the first to enter when the doors opened.
BMW confirmed a report by US publication Business Insider that the carmaker had sold more than 100 luxury vehicles to Russian buyers despite sanctions introduced following the Ukraine invasion. The “irregularities” were the responsibility of employees at its Hanover branch, who now been dismissed, BMW said.
FINLAND’S postal service, Posti, delivered 7 million parcels and 10 million greetings cards in the five weeks before the Christmas holidays. While most were delivered on time, cards and parcels with unclear addresses or those posted after the deadlines would arrive in the New Year, Posti sources said.
HELSINKI police said there was no insider trading involved in draft legislation for nicotine pouch flavours, which included four types made by only one manufacturer. A business rival claimed they were added by an aide to the former Education minister, to favour a factory in her home town.
THE Schieland en Krimpenerwaard water board said that urgent action should be taken to eradicate the non-native American crayfish damaging vital weirs and locks. Talking to the NOS broadcaster, the water board officials also warned that the crayfish were damaging plants and threatening native fish.
IN recent years, more than 40,000 people have been affected by a variant of the Infostealer virus that collects personal information and passwords by infecting a computer or telephone, RTL Nieuws said. Infections are rising and victims are unaware that they have been hit and their details are being misused.
A VATICAN committee will deliberate whether King Baudoin (1930-1993) should be beatified, the first step towards sainthood. Pope Francis believes the late king should be honoured in this way owing to his stance against abortion in 1990 when he refused to sign legislation decriminalising voluntary terminations.
ANALYSIS of data from 120,000 heart attacks in Sweden between 2005 and 2019, combined with weather reports, showed that heart attacks increased two days into a cold spell. Investigators saw fewer links with the change itself but found that heart attacks increased once freezing temperatures had set in.
SWEDEN has more than 200,000 moose but biologists said that climate change is reducing the birth rate amongst them, and they are producing smaller calves. Moose suffer heat stress once temperatures rise above 14C, they explained, they eat less and fail to put on enough weight to sustain them in the winter.
TWO British tourists stopped while driving a hire car on the wrong side of the E6 in Vaernes said they thought all vehicles drove on the left in Norway, unlike elsewhere in Europe. Officers pointed out that they were lucky not to have caused a collision and gave them a quick rundown on traffic regulations.
A SURVEY by Statistics Norway (SSB) revealed that 44 per cent of immigrants were not happy about their economic situation and 40 per cent admitted they would be unable to pay a large, unplanned-for bill. The SSB also found that immigrants from Africa or Asia were less financially satisfied than those from Europe.
ble hits played by a string quartet.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MU-
SEUM OF ALICANTE (MARQ) will hold a Candlelight tribute to ABBA concert in a magical live music performance.
Taking place in the museum’s Assembly Hall the concert starts at 6.30pm sharp, it will last 60 minutes and feature some of ABBA’s many incredi-
THE Lions of Teulada Moraira are holding a Burns Night Celebration.
On Saturday, January 25 at 7.00pm, The Lions of Teulada Moraira are holding a Burns night Charity supper at the Hill Top Sports Bar and Grill.
There will be authentic Scottish food, bagpipes, entertainment and a raffle. It costs €19.95 per person and all tickets are available from The Lion’s Den charity shop in Moraira.
Burns night is a Scottish celebration of the life and works of Scottish poet Robert Burns and is usually held every year on his birthday, January 25.
The tradition of celebrating his birthday has been in place since the 1800s. So, buy tickets and join in on a uniquely Scottish tradition whilst helping a good cause through the Lions club Teulada Moraira.
Their programme includes Dancing Queen, Money, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes it all, Voulez-Vous, Waterloo and many more iconic ABBA tracks.
As the name of the event suggests the music is set in an atmosphere of calm serenity with hundreds of candles flickering around
the musicians as they play at the venue.
The audience will be transported through both the music and the environment to a place of peaceful enjoyment.
There currently three dates available to choose from, although tickets are selling out quickly.
January 11 and January 19 are both 6.30pm performance times, but February 1 the show starts a little later at 8.30pm.
Tickets have to be bought online via Fever and seats are assigned on a first come first serve basis.
Families, please take note that there is an age restriction on this event of eight years old and over and children under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by an adult.
These concerts are put
on across Spain and Europe and have been a roaring success.
There are other Candlelight concerts happening at MARQ in January, for more information visit their website.
ALMOST every Sunday in a village steeped in agricultural history a farmer’s market is held to celebrate local
Bennisadeví RiuRau back in 2013, a building that was historically used to protect grapes from extreme weather, the RiuRau now holds weekly markets.
They offer food products from stalls filled with pastries, to butchers, to producers of honey.
Check out our new website www.fishyfishy.es where you can now pre order your takeaway online or reserve your table.
Check out our new website www.fishyfishy.es where you can now pre order your takeaway online or reserve your table.
Eat on our terrace where our tables are all at least 2 metres apart, booking is advisable, or pre order a takeaway for collection in the restaurant
Bird Menu up to 6.30pm only €16.50 Includes North Atlantic Cod in home-made beer batter, chips, side, tartar sauce & 1/2 bottle wine per person!!
Eat on our terrace, booking is advisable, or pre order a takeaway for collection in the restaurant. Kristalmar 30F (Next to Saxo’s) - Moraira Tel: 966 491 867
Fishy Fishy is a very popular traditional Fish and Chip restaurant and takeaway in the heart of Moraira, with TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence for 9 years from 2014 to 2023!
Serving top quality fish and chips at the best value, plus a range of home-made sauces, fish cakes, delicious burgers, roast chicken and pies etc plus a great value kids menu.
Xmas opening hours: Closed 23rd 24th 25th 26th, Open 27 & 28th normal hours Closed 30th 31st 1st & 2nd, back to normal hours from 3rd Jan
Stalls also sell artisanal products and gift items, like hand painted ceramics and crafted leather items, children’s books and crocheted items.
Residents are encouraged to bring younger generations to experience the market and visitors are encouraged to come and see how rich a culture Jesus Pobre has.
The Sociocultural Association of the Market RiuRau, who are in charge of maintaining the market and its principles have said that they “are a people sensitive to nature, in love with our culture and territory.”
And that they are all “committed to preser-
ving sociocultural and environmental heritage for the future generations.”
The initiative was first created to boost the local economy and support small production farmers.
It is held in the town square and has, since its inception, turned into a hub for local food and crafts.
During winter the market is open every Sunday barring the first Sunday of the month from 9am to 2pm.
And on the first Sunday of every month a collector and antiques fair is held in its place, from 9am till 2pm.
BENIDORM’S Christmas Square says goodbye to Santa and hello to the Royal Postman and The Three Kings.
There are a multitude of incredible traditional activities in Benidorm’s Christmas Park as we wait for the Three Kings to make their way by camel from the Middle East to Benidorm.
On Saturday January 4 before the arrival of the Royal Postman there will be traditional games from 12pm to 2pm for all the family to enjoy.
Then the Royal Postman will make his final visit to collect children’s letters to take to the Three Kings at 6pm on Saturday, January 4 in the Christmas Square.
On Sunday, January 5 from 6pm visitors and residents will be able to experience one of the most spectacular Three Kings
There will be thousands of people out celebrating and as the stunningly made floats travel through the streets, your festive period will be brought to an end surrounded by laughter and music.
For anyone wanting to wanting to line streets of the parade, the procession departs from Elche Park and follows these roads: Av. de los Almendros, C/ Marte, C/ Venus, C/ Ruzafa, C/Herrerías, Plaza de SS.MM. Reyes de España, Aigüera Park.
The parade filled with dancing, orchestras and entertainment will end at the ‘Julio Iglesias’ Auditorium.
January 6 will be your last opportunity to enjoy the ice rink, rides, bouncy castles and a Christmas market, in the Benidorm Christmas Square.
DELICIOUS Tapas and Paellas, in the historic centre of Villajoyosa, a stone’s throw from the beach.
One of my favourite places in the Costa Blanca, Villajoyosa is where my family first settled before moving further south and for half a decade this restaurant has been a staple of our visits back to the town.
of the Costa Blanca’s most photogenic beach fronts.
The restaurant’s interior is small and clean, but the terrace is the best place to sit, there are areas covered by umbrellas to keep diners out of the hot sun.
It is actually part of the town’s architectural history, as its building is one of the iconic Casas de Colores on the beach front.
The food is primarily tapas, fresh from the sea, they serve grilled sea bass, sardines, chipirones and exquisite calamari.
The best part is that diners can look out over the Mediterranean Sea whilst enjoying a meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
And afterwards take a stroll along one
There servers are patient, kind and professional, they have also been known to speak English when a client’s attempts at Spanish have gone wrong.
But you’re looking for somewhere to test your Spanish speaking skills over a menu this is the place.
A meal here is not necessarily expensive meal but it is also not a menu del dia sort of a place, with an average cost of €35 to €40 for two people’s worth of tapas.
Avinguda Dr. Jose Maria Esquerdo, 12, 03570 Villajoyosa, 865 609 940
BE brave and join other swimmers as they make their way across the Port of Gandia in their annual winter crossing.
This year marks the 23rd crossing of the port, in which valiant swimmers are invited to dive in and make the rather chilly 300-metre journey.
The watery race will take place on Monday, January 6 at 12 midday and swimmers will begin the course at Muelles frente a Playa Varadero and finish at Playa Varadero.
You can register to swim via the CRONO 4 Sports website until Sunday, January 5 at 9.59pm, joining the swim costs €6 and must be paid in advance at time of registration.
There will be changing rooms on site and hot chocolate at the end of the event for all participants.
Prizes will be given for the first three people to complete the race, for the youn-
gest and eldest participants of the race. Also, there will be a prize Three Kings Roscón for whoever wears the best fancy dress costume whilst completing the race and for a team who have the best costume. Teams must be no fewer than three people in number.
Neoprene wetsuits are prohibited for use during the swim.
The race has been organised by Natació i Esports Gandia and for those of you wanting to keep dry and warm you are all invited to watch and cheer on the competitors from the port side.
For more information go to the website Visit Gandia.
Abigail Frazer
SANTA has been incredibly busy at the Bioparc in Valencia handing out lots of presents to the critters there. The animals received a visit from Santa Claus on Monday, December 24, where he gave them gifts.
Among the lucky creatures who received toys or treats to help keep them stimulated, there were lemurs, elephants, chimpanzees and porcupines.
In a particularly cute gift delivery, the meerkats received a hand-crafted sled full of gifts pulled by paper reindeer.
Santa’s visits to the Bioparc have become a regular tradition, with multiple exhibitions and eco systems across the conservation park receiving gifts.
The park has said that the animals were: “delighted with the gifts they
received on this exceptional day.” They also said that the gift giving “is part of [their] animal welfare techniques and aims to stimulate animals of different species with elements for their entertainment that promote development of their innate abilities.”
The Christmas visits from Father Christmas have become a park tradition, in which children who participated in Expedition Africa, Bioparc’s holiday school, have collaborated.
The Bioparc is an animal conservation park in Valencia City which works to conserve ecosystems and rare species from all over the world.
If you missed the gift giving, don’t miss out on learning about their animals and conservation efforts visit them this Festive season.
PRESIDENT Elect Donald Trump has said yet again that he believes that the USA should control the world’s largest island, Greenland.
This quickly saw a short and curt response from Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede who said the island is “not for sale and will never be for sale.”
Although Greenland withdrew from the European Community several years ago, it still recognises its relationship with Denmark and actually has two seats in the Danish Parliament as well as an element of self-government.
At times likes this when the Arctic is likely to become the next area where the ‘big players’ such as the USA and Russia are going to become involved, Greenland looks like a very attractive piece of real estate.
It’s huge but only has around 50,000 inhabitants plus one large US military base which was built during the Cold War and although the Trump statement may seem bizarre, it has to be re-
WITH the invasive blue crab threatening the existence of native sh stocks and the livelihoods ofshermen, Venetians have decided to get rid of the invaders by… eating them.
membered that Alaska was purchased from Imperial Russia in 1867 and as recently as the late 1940s, then President Truman tried to purchase Greenland.
When one considers the size of Greenland, one thought that Trump may have is that if he can take over that underpopulated island then it could become an ideal location to which illegal immigrants into the USA could be sent.
From a Greenland point of view, keeping such a close relationship with Denmark means that it can almost certainly still rely upon the support of the European Union if the new American regime starts to get heavy.
With more and more international commerce, invasive species are being inadvertently carried around the world and can destroy natural fauna, the habitats of native species, and even a ect local economies. One such case is the blue crab, normally found in the Gulf of Mexi-
co; it is now taking over o the coast of Venice in Italy and eating up the local sh.
Locals have now decided to ght back by sticking the crab on its restaurant menus.
As the crabs are proli c reproducers, predatory on sh, and currently have no natural predators to keep their numbers under control, they have been causing havoc with the eel population, clams, and mussels, threatening Italy’s shing industry
and local cuisine as a whole.
At a loss for what to do about the crabs, Italians have now decided to integrate them more into their cuisine.
Several events have been held to promote blue crab meat and encourage Italian consumers to eat more of the pests. Given that a lot of Italian cuisine is already lled with shy ingredients, it hasn’t been di cult to persuade consumers to introduce the crab into their diets.
The New Year is an opportunity for reflection and a new start.
AS the clock struck 12 on December 31, people around the world welcomed the New Year with hopes, dreams and annual traditions. Some traditions are unique to each country - in Spain, for instance, people hope to bring themselves luck in the upcoming year by eating 12 grapes, one for each chime of the clock, or wearing red underwear. However, one tradition practised all over the world and carried into the New Year is making New Year’s resolutions.
From pledges to exercise more, or spend more time with loved ones, these yearly commitments offer a fresh start and a chance for self-improvement. We asked our Euro Weekly News readers whether they make New Year’s resolutions, and what promises they have made to themselves for the New Year.
A common resolution is to break a bad habit, whether it be smoking, drinking, or indulging in a sweet treat a little too often. However, Sian Agombar takes a different approach, recalling her resolution for 2024, which was to try a new restaurant every month. She found it to be “more successful than trying to give up something.”
Kenneth Faktor Carslund, on the other hand, sees little value in resolutions. In his view, it’s best to always try and be the best version of yourself and, if you need to make any changes
for self-improvement, “why wait for New Year.” He explains that if you force yourself to make a change, “you’re setting yourself up for failure in most cases.” Rodrigo J Da Silva disagrees, asserting that “you absolutely have to force yourself to do things, otherwise nothing ever gets done.”
Several readers, including Brian Francis, Tim McMahon and Gerry Wright, say that their New Year’s resolution is simply to not make any resolutions. This is certainly an easy one to keep!
Susan M Edwards Brigham, who never makes resolutions, prefers to remain hopeful and optimistic instead by wishing and praying for the best in the year ahead. Shirley Morris also avoids making resolutions, as they are “made to be broken.”
Irish-Artist Michael shares his very positive resolution - “to keep moving forward and challenge myself to do something creative and productive!”
This week’s poll question received mixed responses, with several readers avoiding resolutions, and pointing out the difficulty in sticking to them throughout the year. In the end, whether you make resolutions or not, the New Year is an opportunity for reflection, growth, and the hope of a fresh start, and we wish all our readers the very best of luck in the year ahead.
EMPLOYEES working in exclusive London restaurants like the Savoy Grill and the Ivy claim that their cover charges do not go to workers. Unions said they are considering legal action following last October’s legislation that obliges business owners to hand over all tips, service charges and cover charges to staff.
SPAIN’S gross domestic product grew by 0.8 per cent duringthethirdquarterof2024 thanks to increased consumer spending, latest figures from Statistics Institute (INE) showed. Analysts predicted that the economy will have grown by 3.1 per cent by the end of the year, compared with 2.7 per cent in 2023.
TONI RUIZ, chief executive of fashion chain Mango, will take over as interim chairman following the death of founder and principal shareholder Isak Andic in a hiking accident in Montserrat (Cataluña) on December 14. Ruiz, 55, who owns 5 per cent of Mango’s capital, has been employed by the retailer since 2015.
HIGH street footwear retailer Shoe Zone, which has 297 stores and 2,250 employees, announced store closures following the impact of the autumn budget. Expected pre-tax profits of around £5 million (€6 million) for the year ending September 2025 are down from its previous £10 million (€12 million) forecast.
QUIZ CLOTHING plans to exit from London’s junior stock market (AIM) as the chain of 60 UK stores struggles to maintain buoyancy. Delisting would be best for the company and its shareholders, Quiz said, with founder Tarak Ramzan and his family, together with other major investors voting to leave AIM.
TDR CAPITAL, which owns 67.5 per cent of supermarket chain Asda, has given up control of Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten.
The London-based private equity firm bought 80 per cent of Hurtigruten in a 2014 “take-private” transaction. Since then, the shipping company founded in 1893 has developed into one of Norway’s biggest domestic ferry operators, and also organises Northern Lights cruises.
At the same time, TDR suffered important losses after providing Hurtigruten with £310 million (€375 million) to survive the pandemic and the Norwegian company has a debt pile that has swollen to £1.16 billion (€1.4 billion). As a result, the company reported interest repayments totalling £177.6 million (€214 million) in 2023, plus a £57.9 million loss (€69.8 million).
TDR is now relinquishing its Hurtigruten holding and will hand over to creditors who include London-headquartered Arini Capital
SCRANTON ENTERPRISES, the holding company owned by various directors of Catalan pharmaceuticals company Grifols, has additional interests outside pharmaceuticals.
These include the Juve & Camps cava bodega and, according to sources quoted in financial daily Cinco Dias, Scranton is looking for an investor for the upmarket label.
The Grifols holding company acquired its Juve & Camps stake in 2017 by
paid by BBVA, Merlin and San Jose, the three partners of Crea Madrid Nuevo Norte, to acquire land for their development programme in the Spanish capital.
Management and AlbaCore Capital, as well as the US global investment management firm Barings. Letting go of Hurtigruten will allow TDR to concentrate on other portfolio companies which include Asda. After buying out Zuber Issa’s stake in June this year, TDR is now a majority shareholder with Moshin Issa and Wamart Inc holding the remaining Asda shares.
Plagued by under-investment and weak management, the UK’s third-largest supermarket chain’s market share now stands at 12.8 per cent, compared with 14.8 per cent when TDR first acquired its stake. Confronted with a debt pile of approx £6 billion, TDR has brought in Allan Leighton, a former Asda chief executive, in hopes of reviving the ratailer’s flagging fortunes.
snapping up the shares belonging to the Rosal Juve branch of the ca-
va-producing family.
Insiders explained that the Grifols executives hope
ONLY 5.8 per cent of student loans were paid over the past five years, and millions still owe £50,000 (€60,196).
The largest sum that a graduate has ever repaid amounted to £137,000 (€166,136) although another currently owes a record £252,554 (€304,059), which the National Union of Students (NUS) said was “truly alarming.”
Despite the loans, a recent NUS survey found that 17 per cent of students resorted to food banks.
SPANISH energy company Iberdrola has cleared the final hurdle towards obtaining 100 per cent of its US subsidiary, Avangrid.
Following previous consent from the Federal and Maine regulators, the New York regulator has now approved Iberdrola’s application to acquire the 18.4 per cent of the sustainable energy company not in its hands.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Avangrid shareholders will receive $35.75 (€34.33) each for their shares, which will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Those with holdings on December 2, 2024, will receive their quarterly dividend in January, and Avangrid will in future operate as a private company, maintaining its headquarters in Connecticut.
PONTEGADEA, the company that manages Amancio Ortega’s property investments, announced £18.1 million (€21.8 million) losses for subsidiary Pontegadea UK in 2023
The first time without a profit for the company the Inditex mogul created in 2014, the 2023 dip was attributed to the increased provisions for deterioration that Pontegadea UK made on its British property investments in 2023.
These provisions rose to £65.6 million (€79.2 million), 40 per cent more than in 2022 when Pontegadea’s £1.2 million (€1.4 million) profits were the lowest to date.
THAMES WATER, notorious for sewage leaks, allegedly redirected millions earmarked for environmental cleanups to other uses.
in this way to bring in some extra cash in an attempt to reduce Scranton’s debts, as it has done with other disinvestments in the past.
Juve & Camps posted sales of €25 million and a net profit of €300,000 in 2022, the last year with available figures.
Scranton, a 75% stakeholder in the company, can expect to make €80 million out of the transaction.
PRONOVIAS will finish 2024 in the red for the eighth consecutive year.
This is also the wedding dress company’s first full year with the US investment firm, Bain Capital, which took over in April 2023.
The Catalan company has reported consolidated losses of €128.5 million, well above the €98 million forecast in May, and resulting from a 2017 overvaluation of intangible assets when the company was transferred to former owners BC Partners.
“2024 has been a transition year, introducing measures for reorganising the business model in line with our 2025-2027 strategic plan,”
Pronovias sources said, predicting a recovery in 2025.
Thames Water cut back on improvements following secret discussions to gauge the risks of taking the funds.
The UK’s biggest water company with 16 million customers paid “hundreds of thousands” in bonuses and “tens of millions” in dividends as recently as March, the Guardian claimed on December 13.
The company now needs £3 billion (€3.6 billion) in emergency funding and £3.25 billion (€3.9 billion) equity investment to avoid collapse.
AVIVA, a FTSE 100 company and the UK’s largest insurer, is paying £3.7 billion (€4.5 billion) for rival insurer, Direct Line.
It is offering £2.75 (€3.31) in stock and cash for every Direct Line share while making the deal more attractive to Aviva shareholders by increasing planned dividends.
The companies plan to save £125 million (€150.5 million) by cutting between 5 and 7 per cent of their combined 33,000 workforce, affecting up to 2,300 jobs over the next three years.
3I Group 3.581,00 3.581,00 3.559,00 294,08K
Group 2.624,0 2.637,0 2.614,0 56,68K Airtel Africa 112,80 112,90 106,90 2,47M
American 2.381,5 2.384,0 2.329,5 2,55M Antofagasta
1.634,00 1.618,00 129,49K
Group 4.948,0 5.010,0 4.943,0 145,56K
British Foods 2.043,0 2.071,0 2.043,0 211,99K
10.436,0 10.498,0 10.436,0 754,28K
Trader Group Plc 793,80 793,80 784,20 421,01K Aviva 463,10 464,60 461,60 1,52M B&M European Value Retail SA 366,90 367,80 359,50 2,65M BAE Systems 1.158,50 1.170,50 1.154,00 953,89K
263,55 264,05 262,40 8,3M
Redrow 432,20 434,80 428,20 1,25M
Beazley 815,00 834,50 813,00 205,21K
Berkeley 3.896,0 3.912,0 3.856,0 89,44K
BP 381,25 383,45 381,25 13,68M
American Tobacco 2.880,0 2.893,0 2.876,0 586,44K BT Group 144,00 144,50 143,05 4,14M
3.304,0 3.324,0 3.304,0 175,54K
129,00 129,00 127,85 2,87M
2.726,0 2.708,0 329,93K
2.645,00 2.656,00 2.645,00 552,95K
Euro
EUR/GBP: Down from £0.83 to £0.82
EUR/USD: Down from $1.05 to $1.03
Over the past four weeks, the euro has struggled to hold its ground.
Escalating tensions between Russia and the West, coupled with fragile Eurozone economic data acted as key headwinds for the single currency, as did the political uncertainty that followed the collapse of the French government.
Surprisingly, the euro managed to rally in response to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) final interest rate decision of the year. Despite the bank cutting rates and signalling more monetary easing would be needed in the coming months.
The euro is likely to get off to a weak start in 2025, assuming the US dollar continues to strengthen and the ECB delivers another rate cut following its January policy meeting.
Pound
GBP/EUR: Up from €1.19 to €1.21
GBP/USD: Unchanged at $1.26
Trade in the pound was uneven over the past four weeks,
with some mixed UK economic releases infusing volatility into the currency throughout December.
This was compounded by some mixed signals from the Bank of England (BoE), with the bank ultimately leaving interest rates on hold this month, but with a growing number of policymakers calling for the BoE to ease its monetary policy again.
UK economic releases are
likely to be closely watched by GBP investors over the coming weeks. Expect to see the pound struggle if these continue to raise concerns over the UK’s economic trajectory.
US Dollar
USD/GBP: Up from £0.78 to £0.79
USD/EUR: Up from €0.94 to €0.96
The US dollar struck new
multi-year highs against many of its peers over the past month.
Additional tariff threats from Donald Trump provided a strong base for the US dollar. These gains were then reinforced by the Federal Reserve, as markets were taken by surprise by just how hawkish the bank was in its outlook for 2025.
Looking ahead, the US dollar looks poised to extend its momentum into the new year, with the start of Trump’s second term as President likely to help stoke USD demand in the coming weeks.
Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
WELL, here we go again. Another 12 months bites the dust. If I make it through to July I’ll actually be entering my 86th year on this spinning ball of often impenetrable mystery. To be honest, ageing itself is truly weird and can often be quite bizarre. Oddly the human mind still appears to be a young explorer of this ever-evolving environment, unfortunately at my age one only has to glance in the mirror to observe the structure it’s been travelling in is preparing for the yard of the knackers!
The one real advantage you have over many members of the human race is of course experience. It’s not exactly being higher in the intelligence stakes, it’s simply that you’ve been around longer. Although I had no idea what they were essentially talking about, my interest in politics actually goes as far back as the 1940s. At the age of seven or eight, I can still remember
Mum quite often remarking that she would always vote Labour as she thought they were ‘good to the poor’. I also recall that Dad never joined in the conversation, so he must have been simply not interested or merely retained different ideas. I’m obviously my father’s son! Over my many years I’ve experienced a number of UK Labour governments, generally a bunch of incompetent chancers that I maintain, apart from their one true success of the NHS introduction, have always been utterly useless to the country I loved. I’ve watched them assure the public how they were going to ‘fix everything’, guaranteed they would ‘save the nation’, preened like primal Madonna’s and were voted in simply because many enthusiasts were too young to remember what they were capable of the last time. In fact, I’ve never truly supported any of the British political parties. Without exception their main objectives have always been power, media publicity and the feathering of their own nests. The authorities and the way the politicians ran the
whole caboodle were my true reasons for never returning to the old country; subsequently, with this bunch of falsifiers and propaganda mad culturists now running it into the dirt, I’m more than delighted to reside in Spain; a nation which, although at this time are actually finding it difficult to give any of the political classes absolute power, is still somewhere I can sit and enjoy the good company of indigenous locals, with families and friends sharing the good things that a peaceful and so far non over run populace has to offer.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and trouble-free new year and may we hopefully watch the rest of the so-called free world experience precisely the same consequence. Hang in there; unfortunately for many of the planet’s population there’s still a long way to go. Thanks for all your good wishes and support of the old blurb. Means a lot.
Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@hotmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
EVER heard of ‘thermal parasitism’? Residents in Poland are facing fines of up to PLN 500 (€117) for failing to maintain minimum heating requirements in their apartments.
The move, reported by Gazeta Prawna, aims to combat ‘thermal parasitism’, where individuals turn off their heating and rely on warmth from neighbouring flats.
The Polish government has set specific temperature standards to ensure fair heating practices and avoid strain on the infrastructure. Residential areas require a minimum of 20°C, while bathrooms a minimum of 24°C.
Some housing cooperatives allow temperatures as low as 16-17°C, but exceeding this limit may result in penalties. Inspectors are conducting routine temperature checks in apartments during the heating season to ensure compliance.
The introduction of fines addresses several challenges caused by inadequate heating, such as residents relying on communal heat, which then raises overall energy expenses for others.
Heating bills can become disproportionately distributed among tenants. Also, lower temperatures can lead to dampness and mould, risking long-term damage to buildings.
Former employee of AFC Ajax in Amsterdam, Martine Meijn, from the Netherlands, decided to leave everything behind in her home country and settle in Mijas, Malaga, and she now helps run the famous Donkey Dreamland sanctuary.
EWN: What made you decide to come to the Costa del Sol?
Martine: I travelled through Spain for seven months before arri ving in La Cala de Mijas. I think north Spain is more beautiful, but colder. So, I decided to follow the coast to southern Spain.
EWN: How has been adapting to Spanish life?
Martine: Spanish ti mekeeping. In the Netherlands, when you meet, you are there five minutes before meeting time. I need to accept that. (She laughs).
EWN: How did you get involved with Donkey Dreamland?
Martine: I came as a tourist to do a donkey walk. Afterwards, I was
asked if I wanted to stay for a while to become a volunteer. That was one and a half years ago.
EWN: What are your hopes for 2025?
Martine: For Donkey Dreamland, I wish we could find plenty of sponsors to help us with the care of our donkeys. Secondly, I hope that the animal welfare gets better. Personally, I hope to build a more personal life since I have no intention to leave anytime soon. Donkey Dreamland is currently in desperate need of financial help to repair and rebuild some of its facilities. They have a GoFundMe page at gofund.me/163efc2b.
WE are based in Horley town centre, just five minutes’ drive from Gatwick airport and a short walk to Horley mainline railway station.
On offer is a range of cars starting with small everyday cars and up to family-sized vehicles to include manual and automatic transmission. We also have a variety of both petrol and diesel fuelled engines. All cars are well maintained and presented in a clean condition.
We have full 24-hour AA breakdown cover. The most popular brands used include: Ford, Vauxhall, Nissan, Citroen and Renault.
We meet our customers just outside the arrival terminal at Gatwick Airport at the authorised collection points at both the North and South terminals. We will then drive to the car rental office in Horley town centre, where the paperwork and payment are processed followed by a demonstration of the car controls and directions to the motorway if required.
The collection procedure is very efficient, taking a small amount of
time and allowing the customer to swiftly proceed with their onward journey.
At the end of the hire the customer returns the car to the rental office and will be driven to the departure terminal at Gatwick Airport.
Office hours are 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday, weekends by arrangement. An out of hours service is available for late arrivals and early morning departures. Subject to conditions.
Prices are from £89 per week, which is fully inclusive with no hidden extras, the fuel in the vehicles are taken on a like for like basis - if the tank is half full, it must be returned as so.
Debit and Credit card payment accepted. No hidden extras - Fully Inclusive Delivery & Collection - Gatwick Airport only Reservations: Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm Telephone: 0044 1293 432155 / jpselfdrive@hotmail.co.uk
USING hot tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can damage your hair. The high temperatures can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and split ends. Frequent use of these
tools can weaken the hair shaft, causing breakage and loss of elasticity. Additionally, excessive heat
can damage the cuticle, the hair’s protective outer layer, resulting in frizz and dullness.
To style your hair without heat and minimise damage, try these alternatives:
• Air Drying: After washing, gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel to remove excess water. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight styling cream and let your hair air dry. This helps retain moisture and reduces frizz.
• Braids and Twists: For natural waves, braid your hair or twist it into sections while it’s damp. Leave in overnight and unravel them in the morning for beautiful, heat-free waves.
• Rollers and Flexi Rods: Use foam rollers or flexi rods to achieve curls without heat. Roll sections of damp hair around the rollers and leave them in until your hair is completely dry.
• Buns and Updos: Create chic updos or buns to style your hair while avoiding heat. These styles add volume and texture without the risk of heat damage.
By incorporating these techniques, you can maintain healthy hair and still enjoy versatile, stylish looks without relying on damaging heat tools.
WHITE noise has emerged as a popular solution for improving sleep quality in a world where rest can be easily disrupted by environmental factors. This consistent, unobtrusive sound can mask noises like traffic, snoring, or household activities, creating a soothing auditory environment for restful sleep.
White noise works by producing a sound that contains all frequencies audible to the human ear, distributed equally. This helps to blend and cover up other sounds, making sudden noises less jarring and allowing for a more continuous sleep experience. Devices that generate white noise, such as specialised machines, smartphone apps,
or even household items like fans, are readily available and easy to use.
Research supports the effectiveness of white noise in promoting better sleep. Studies have shown that it can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, increase overall sleep duration, and improve sleep quality by providing a stable auditory backdrop. This is particularly beneficial for light sleepers or those living in noisy environments. By masking disruptive sounds and creating a consistent sleep environment, white noise can significantly enhance sleep quality, leading to better overall health and well-being.
THERE is a multi-prize-winning artistic talent in Calahonda who is beginning to take off on the local art scene.
Claire Yates has been living on the Costa del Sol for nearly 25 years. Her artistic skills and keen eye for the smallest detail lend her artworks a gentle sense of her own fun personal character to her pictures. Unlike the intensity of paintings by many photorealist artists, Claire’s art has a delicacy to it that not only visually expresses the subject of her paintings, but also tactility in the touch of the hair, the fur and even the fabrics that surround the central figures.
Born into a naturally talented family, Claire avoided the traditional artistic route and followed an education in textile design, an element that has imbued her works with a delicate tangible feel juxtaposed with shaded contrasts as sharp as the true contours of the figures she illustrates.
An address for Nerja Cave
NERJA councillors from the PP and PSOE parties voted to name a street after its Cave, discovered in 1959.
The proposal was put forward by Town Planning and Infrastructures councillor Jose Alberto Tome Rivas, who pointed out that the road leading to the Cave had no official name. It was invariably referred to as Carretera de la Cueva and the council meeting agreed that this should now be its formal address.
“Giving this street an official name is recognition of the Cave’s importance, not only as a tourist attraction but also as a symbol of our town’s cultural and scientific heritage,” Nerja’s mayor Jose Alberto Almijo said.
The Nerja Cave, a protected Site of Cultural Interest since 2006, is located 200 metres above sea level, three-quarters of a kilometre inland from the coast.
Cave paintings dating back 35,000 years were found there in 2012.
BOOKING an ITV appointment is always a challenge on the island, waiting lists are long and many people drive around with an expired ITV because they can’t find any available date.
For this reason, the Consell de Mallorca is taking its New Year’s resolutions seriously and, from January 1, will go from 20,000 annual technical vehicle inspections (ITV) to 40,000, an annual increase of 35 per cent.
This is possible thanks to three reasons: 55 new staff additions, the opening of the new station in Son Bugadelles de Calvia in the first weeks of January and a new system for booking appointments.
The appointment booking system will be through a new portal: ITV.Mallorca.es, which allows users to book a day and time slot and, most importantly, to make the payment to go directly to the inspection without having to go through the offices beforehand.
THE tourism sector in Alicante Province closed the year on a strong note, maintaining the high levels of activity seen throughout most of 2024.
Occupancy rates on the Costa Blanca exceeded 80 per cent for New Year’s Eve, a figure that was well-received by local establishments. Although slightly lower than the previous year - when New Year’s Day fell on a Monday - this performance remained impressive. Inland accommodations also saw positive results, with occupancy reaching 74 per cent, nine points above the national average.
Mayte García, general secretary of the hotel association Hosbec, noted that coastal occupancy averaged around 80 per cent, with some destinations surpassing this percentage. She highlighted the stability achieved throughout the year, attributing it to the loyalty of visitors and efforts by establishments to improve their services and activities. High demand was not limited to the coast, as inland areas also experienced strong activity.
GINES BELZUNCES, a local from Huercal-Overa, is set to make history by becoming the first person from the town to compete in the legendary Dakar Rally in 2025. Known as one of the toughest races in the world, the Dakar Rally will be a big challenge, but Ginés is ready for it.
After taking part in the 2022 Rallye du Maroc, he’s been training hard to get even better and make sure he’s fully prepared for his Dakar debut. His hard work and passion for motorsport have made him a local inspiration.
The town hall of Huercal-Overa is cheering him on, wishing him the best of luck on this exciting adventure. They’re also encouraging everyone in town to follow along and support Ginés as he tackles each stage of the race.
With the name of Huercal-Overa behind him, Ginés is all set to take on this incredible challenge, and the whole town is excited to see him race in one of the most famous events in the world.
RESIDENTS of San Javier took to the streets of Santiago de la Ribera on December 29 to voice their opposition to a proposed biogas plant in the El Mirador area in San Javier. With gas masks and the Requiem by Mozart playing in the background, they held a funeral march to highlight their concerns about air pollution, fearing it could impact the already troubled Mar Menor. The march, organised by the Stop Biogas Mar Menor platform, featured people holding candles as they gathered signatures to oppose the project.
The biogas plant, which would process animal waste, has raised alarms among locals, especially given the large number of pigs in the region of Murcia already. Environmental educator Pilar Rey pointed out that the Mar Menor area already houses over a million pigs, with the entire region’s population of pigs exceeding two million.
SENDING letters/cards in the post could potentially no longer be a thing in Norway. A government-appointed commission has proposed drastic changes to traditional mail delivery, citing declining mail volumes and unsustainable costs. If approved, these changes could mark the end of home deliveries.
Traditional mail has been on a sharp decline in Norway, with digitalisation drastically reducing the need for physical letters.
Postal delivery costs have continued to rise despite increasing the price of stamps - from NOK 5 in 1990 to NOK 37 (€3.15) today. Even so, revenues remain insu cient to
SOMETHING strange is going on under the Baltic Sea, and it’s not just the usual sea creatures causing trouble. Authorities in Finland and Estonia are scrambling to gure out why a vital underwater cable went down, cutting o power between the two countries. And, with previous failures this year on the same cable, could this be more than just a technical glitch?
In November, two other underwater cables - linking Finland to Germany, and Sweden to Lithuania - su ered similar damage. Now, some are starting to whisper that this could be the work of saboteurs.
support home deliveries.
The report outlines several recommendations:
• Letters and printed matter would be collected from sta ed postal facilities, rather than delivered to mailboxes.
• Residents with limited digital access or physical disabilities could opt for a weekly home delivery.
uncover. In other words, no quick xes here.
Credit: Shutterstock, Zoom Team
Finland and Estonia investigate mystery cable cut-offs in the Baltic Sea.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo tried to calm the nerves of Finns, assuring them that the power supply wouldn’t be a ected, but even he admits that the cause of the problem will take time to
Estonian energy operator Elering isn’t ruling out international vandalism. They’re looking into every angle, but their suspicions are growing. After all, it’s not the rst time this year that the Estlink 2 cable has faced major issues. Earlier, it was taken o ine for repairs after a short circuit. Now, this fresh disruption has left both countries scrambling for backup power. In the worst case, Estonia will tap into reservesbut this could be a bigger headache than anyone rst thought. After all, the Baltic connector pipeline between Finland and Estonia was also targeted last year, allegedly by a Chinese cargo ship. Something’s o .
FOOD bank use is on the decline in Belgium, according to the Belgian Federation of Food Banks.
The objective of the federation is to ensure those in need get at least five square meals a week, although the federation reported at the end of December, that the number of families that used the service in 2024 was down on the previous year.
Between 2019 and 2023, the demand of Belgian food banks saw continual increases.
However, that number in 2024 has topped out at 200,000, down from 210,000 the previous year, declining for the first time in years.
There are concerns, however, that simultaneously there is a decline in the amount of donations the federation’s food banks are receiving.
In Belgium, as well as donations from charitable organisations collecting foodstuffs from the public, the bulk of donations come from the retail sector, with supermarkets and food manufacturers donating their overstocks. More than 700 local associations across Belgium play a crucial role in managing surplus food from stores. These organisations ensure that safe and nutritious meals
reach those who need them most. The aid is free but is reserved for those deemed in need by their local Public Centre for Social Welfare.
According to figures, the number of people
considered as suffering poverty in Belgium peaked in 2018 at 16.4 per cent. The number has since shown a downward trend, although figures for 2024 have not yet been made public.
Did you know that more than 90% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the end of January?
Instead of making too many resolutions, why not focus on developing one simple habit?
HOW can you be part of the small percentage of goal achievers in 2025?
For starters, ditch one old habit you dislike and replace it with a new one. Simple swaps like this can set you up for success without feeling like you’ve signed up for emotional boot camp.
In a world where we’re told we can accomplish everything (no doubt), don’t overpack your shopping bag - or your schedule - and overwhelm yourself.
I’m a firm believer in “less is more.” So, why not start by decluttering patterns and habits that no longer serve you? Then, set one, two, or three manageable goals.
Why do we often fail at accomplishing new goals?
For one, we clutter our notepads with endless “I will do this and that…” lists. Instead, how about we change the way we think? Let’s evict old habits - especially the ones that overwhelm us with unrealistic expectations.
Take a different approach.
Jim Rohn wisely said:
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
It’s time to see yourself in a new light. Let go of what didn’t work - like tossing out clothes that never fit or colours that never flattered you but somehow made it into your closet because they were trendy or pushed on you by society.
MYSTERY has shrou ded the skies over Belfast in 2024 after three official reports of Unidentified Flying Object sightings (UFO) in the Greater Belfast area.
his wife first spotted the UFO through her camera in May and has seen it every night since. They described it as a bright light with holes on its underside.
Now’s the time to declare:
“Old negative thoughts and unrealistic goals - your lease is over!”
Be kind to yourself. Reflect on why past goals didn’t work. Then, take baby steps toward what you truly desire - starting with the quiet voice inside you. Yes, the one that’s been drowned out by social media, notifications, and people telling you what you should want.
This year, I’m committed to cleaning out my mental closet - the habits that stuffed it full of New Year’s resolutions - and starting fresh.
Experts say forming a new habit could take 18 days, 256 days, or an eternity (depending on your discipline and caffeine intake).
I used to play the piano. I remember the good old days when I’d lay my hands on those black-and-white keys and create colourful melodies. I felt so confident and free! But then life happened. I stopped playing for almost 20 years, and now I’m even afraid to turn on my keyboard - my fingers might creak, crack, and file a complaint with the Arthritis Association.
But as the saying goes: “Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.”
So, I’ll start simple and small. Even if I tone down my expectations dramatically, my efforts - humble as they are - will follow me, step-by-step and little-by-little.
Not too many songs - just like goals. Focus on one well-achieved goal and make it the theme song of your life in 2025. Let it sound as beautiful as you hear it in your heart!
Can you rock that New Year’s resolution and keep it playing for at least 21 days?
The first si ghting of the year was in Fe bruary, when a re sident of Crumlin contacted the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) to report an object seen on January 29 with eight to 10 lights around its perimeter.
The second incident occurred in the autumn, within Belfast’s urban area. On October 18, a witness described a UFO leaving a vapour trail, not entirely silent, as it flew over their house and towards the docks.
The third sighting was reported on October 27 by a resident of Newtownabbey. According to the report,
I’VE already written here about Madrid’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Well, Madrid isn’t the only centre of gastronomic excellence in Spain!
Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, famously clinched the prestigious title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy last year. This vibrant city continues to dazzle visitors with its rich culinary traditions, cultural treasures and natural scenery.
Renowned for its gastronomic prowess, Oviedo boasts six protected designations of origin for its cheeses, wines and cider, alongside those for beans and beef. Judges were particularly impressed by Oviedo’s dynamic gastronomic events scheduled throughout the year. Additionally, the city’s burgeoning appeal as a tourist destination, coupled with the arrival of a high-speed train, resulted in easier access for visitors.
With its rich cultural heritage and exceptional hospitality sector, Oviedo still welcomes everyone seeking a feast for
The PSNI stated that all three reports this year were “noted for police information,” without indicating that any investigations had been conducted into the sightings.
The number of reports has fluctuated since 2009, when the government’s UFO project was cancelled, citing that in over 50 years, none of the reports received had posed a threat.
While the police officially recorded three reports in 2024, it is likely that more sightings go unreported due to fears of not being taken seriously.
What is really crossing the skies over Belfast?
the senses.
And this year? Catalonia has officially been awarded the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2025 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT). This title aims to highlight regions that actively contribute to improving the quality of life of their citizens by promoting different food cultures and gastronomic innovation. It’s a prestigious award by an independent, international jury of experts from fields such as tourism, culture, hospitality and agriculture.
Finally, I leave you with this: to paraphrase the L’Oréal strapline, both Oviedo and Catalonia really are worth it. Go there!
Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
HERE’S to a New Year, my furry friend! To another year of belly rubs, playtime, treats, and endless love every day!
A WELL-PREPARED
first aid kit for your pet is essential for handling emergencies and minor injuries during travel or at home. Start with basic supplies: gauze pads, adhesive tape, and bandages to cover wounds. Include antiseptic wipes and spray to clean cuts
and prevent infection. Tweezers and scissors are useful for removing splinters and cutting bandages. Add a digital thermometer for monitoring your pet’s temperature, along with disposable gloves for hygiene. Saline solution can flush out debris from your
pet’s eyes or wounds. A pet-safe styptic powder is crucial to stop minor bleeding from cuts or nail trimming accidents. Include hydrogen peroxide, as directed by your vet, to induce vomiting if your dog ingests toxins. Pack an emergency blanket to
keep your dog warm if they’re in shock. Don’t forget any prescribed medications and a list of emergency contacts, including your vet’s information. With these supplies, you’ll be prepared to handle most emergencies until professional help is available.
Bella’s pet-sitting this year is all sorted!
BELLA’S owners take her with them whenever they can. But when they travel abroad on holiday it is best she stays at home. So, they use HouseSitMatch, finding free checked sitters via the website. It’s easy to do! Do you need pet-sitters this year?
HouseSitMatch Saves You Money - Pet-sitting is Free for Pet owners and Accommodation is free for Sitters
We remain true to our values, promoting collaborative exchange through our managed online system - Free accommodation for Free pet care!
HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked
All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.
Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed
All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets.
If you’re travelling in 2025 join now and get organised today:
1. Register as a House-sitter or a Homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com
2. Join for as little as £89 / €99 per year
3. Create a profile with photos
4. Sitters apply for the available house-sits, you hold a video interview via the site and match!
How does it work?
Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and homeowners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.
Trustpilot Testimonials – 4.9 / 5 Excellent
We’ve used HouseSitMatch for the last few years to find caring pet-sitters for our family of pets. It’s been a great experience; the sitters are caring and we’ve made some wonderful friends through the process.
Pat Creighton, Pet owner. How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!
AS cities like Madrid and Barcelona embrace sustainable urban mobility, the popularity of car-sharing services is rapidly increasing. These initiatives are transforming the way residents view transportation, offering a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional car ownership.
Car-sharing platforms like Zity, Share Now, and Blablacar allow users to access vehicles on a short-term basis, reducing the number of cars
on the road and promoting efficient use of resources. With a growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles, these services are also contributing to reduced emissions and improved air quality in densely populated areas.
Local authorities are actively supporting these initiatives, recognising their potential to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance urban living. Incentives such as dedicated parking spaces and lower registration fees are helping to encourage adoption among resi-
In addition to environmental benefits, car-sharing offers a cost-effective solution for many, allowing users to pay only for the time they need a vehicle. As more Spaniards opt for shared mobility, cities are becoming greener and more connected, paving the way for a sustainable future in transportation.
IN a striking fusion of automotive art and soccer enthusiasm, a Pagani Zonda crafted from 100,000 coins has been revealed at Art Basel in Miami. This unique piece, commissioned by car collector Jorge Gomez and created by Uruguayan artist Joaquin Arbiza, honours Argentine football star Lionel Messi, and features his face on the hood.
This sculpture is a detailed replica of the Pagani Zonda, a high-performance Italian supercar, constructed entirely from coins. Arbiza meticulously selected and placed each coin to capture the intricate features of the Zonda. The 100,000 two peso Uruguayan coins used in the sculpture feature the Carpincho, a South American capybara, on their reverse side, giving the car its unique name.
Arbiza took three years to build this masterpiece, creating approximately 500,000 solder points to secure the coins. Despite the unusual materials, the car’s weight matches that of a real Zonda, around 1,270kg.
If you’re wondering about the cost
Exceptional tribute is attracting widespread attention.
of this coin-based creation, you’ll be surprised to find out that it costs just about $4,500 in US dollars (that’s just around €4,322!), while a real Zonda would cost millions.
This exceptional tribute has attracted widespread attention, with many admiring Arbiza’s creativity and detailed craftsmanship. After its debut at Art Basel, the Zonda Carpincho will be showcased at Pagani of Miami.
By Mark Slack ROAD
AS the first model in the strictly limited Mercedes-Benz Mythos series, the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed celebrated its world premiere at the Formula 1TM Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The uncompromising realisation of a fully open, two-seater performance car with no roof or windscreen is a tribute to racing and certainly offers a different driving experience. The car celebrates Mercedes-Benz’s tradition in motorsport with its racing car design, the exclusive small series will be strictly limited to 250 models.
One of the car’s highlights is the HALO system, which the car uses instead of the conventional A-pillar. This element was inspired by the premier class of motorsport and has been part of every Formula 1TM vehicle since 2018. It protects the driver’s head in the event of an accident. The roll-over protection system also features two rigid roll
bars that are concealed beneath the aerodynamic scoops.
There are also two aerodynami cally optimised helmets designed and manufactured specifically for the Mercedes-AMG Pu reSpeed. They come in the colour of the car and have an intercom communica tion system. The helmets allow the driver and pas senger to communicate clearly, even at high speeds. As an additional feature, smar tphones can be paired with the in tercom system, allowing the driver and passenger to talk on the phone and listen to music through the helmets’ speakers.
the car from dust and scratches in the garage.
Many other features are also a tribute to motorsport. The two scoops behind the seats bear the AMG emblem and are reminiscent of legendary racing cars such as the 300 SLR, the car that Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson drove to victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia (a 1,000-mile race) in Italy. Fittingly, the PureSpeed comes in an exclusive Silver
Arrow finish in mystic silver magno. To protect the car from inclement weather such as rain or storms when parked, a protective weather cover is available as standard. It is stretched over the interior, including the HALO, and fastened to the wheel arches in the traditional way. Each customer also receives a custom-made, PureSpeed specific AMG indoor car cover. With a breathable outer skin of tear-resistant
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with 585 PS of maximum power and 800 Nm of maximum torque provides dynamic propulsion and driving performance. The radically open design makes even lower speeds feel subjectively much faster. But the objective figures are impressive as well: the car goes from zero to 100kph/62 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 313 kph/195 mph
JOE ROGAN has cast doubt on Conor McGregor’s much-hyped return to the UFC. According to Rogan, the Irish superstar’s party-filled lifestyle suggests he may never fight again. McGregor, who last competed in 2021 and suffered a devastating leg injury, has repeatedly teased a comeback. Yet Rogan remains sceptical, hinting that McGregor’s current habits are incompatible with the disciplined life of a fighter. “I don’t know if Conor’s ever going to fight again,” he noted, pointing out how McGregor “is partying real hard.”
The hesitation around McGregor’s return centers on several factors.
First, his high-profile injury has required lengthy rehabilitation, and it’s unclear if he’s fully recovered. Rogan also questions whether McGregor still has the mental drive to train intensively after years of physical and emotional wear. Another sticking point is McGregor’s absence from the USADA testing pool, a mandatory requirement for any UFC comeback. His continued social media posts featuring training clips might excite fans, but they don’t confirm an official return.
Opinions among supporters are split. Some side with Rogan, believing McGregor’s prime has passed and that his off-octagon lifestyle might permanently derail his fighting ambitions. Others argue that McGregor, once the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion, has both the talent and charisma to mount another comeback. Regardless of his next move, McGregor’s impact on mixed martial arts is indelible, transcending the sport and capturing global attention.
