Axarquia 9 - 15 Jan 2025 Issue 2062

First baby of 2025

PARENTS, Riduan and María were not able to toast the arrival of 2025 with Champagne this New Year, although they did start the new year with the best of gifts. At 1.09am on January 1, their daughter, the rst baby of 2025 in Costa del Sol, entered the world - a girl they have called Nora.

This was the rst birth in the province of Malaga in 2025, which happened at the Costa del Sol University Hospital, according to the Junta de Andalucia in a statement.

Nora weighed three kilos 440 grams and measured 54 centimetres. Her parents, Riduan and María, arrived at the hospital from El Coto, in Las Lagunas de Mijas.

The rst baby of the year at the Maternity Hospital of Malaga, born at 1.53am,

was also a girl, Sara, daughter of Natalia and Ismael, she weighed 3.34 kilos and measured 51 centimetres.

In Andalucia, the rst baby born of 2025 was also a girl, Lola, who came into the world at the Torre-

cardenas University Hospital of Almería at eight minutes past midnight on January 1.

She is the fourth daughter of the family, and her parents, Estefanía and Miguel. She measured 48 centimetres and weighed

“Turning goals into gifts”

precisely three kilos.

In Spain, the rst two children born in 2025 both came just a split second after midnight. Lucia in Madrid, and Nayeli in Sabadell, Catalonia who both had their times of birth noted as 00.00.

VELEZ-MALAGA Town Hall, Jose Santacruz Football School and Juventud Veleño Football Club joined forces to ensure that every child could start 2025 with a new toy.

With input from the Fundacion Olivares, which assists children with cancer, they organised the ¡Juguetes para una ilusion! (Toys for Joy) initiative, a charity match played on January 4 between the football school instructors and ‘old boys’ from the Juventud team.

“It is very important do our bit for such an important task,” Sports councillor Alicia Ramirez said before the match.

She was accompanied by the football school’s president, Isaac Lopez Doncel, and Juventud Veleño president, Oliver Postigo, as she called on the local popula-

tion to attend the match en masse, bringing a new toy as an admittance fee.

All three had already done everything possible to collect as many toys as they

could for children who had to see Christmas go by without receiving a present, Ramirez added.

The morning began with a match with the very youngest members of both the school and the team, who are aged between ve and seven, together with ra es, games and fun activities before the main event began at mid-day.

Extra Lottery Luck

One man sold €200,000 in prizes

THE ‘Extra de Navidad 2025’ prize in the nationwide Organisation for the Blind (ONCE) lottery brought €200,000 to Algarrobo.

One of the ONCE volunteers Jose Antonio Paez, who has been selling ONCE lottery tickets since 2022, sold 10 third-prize tickets in Algarrobo which were each worth €20,000.

He said afterwards that he found it hard to believe that he had sold a winner on January 1 when he got the news from organisation’s Costa del Sol sector.

“I feel very emotional about it,” Jose Antonio admitted.

“I’ve been longing to give a prize and I’m really happy. It’s marvellous, I don’t know who I sold the coupons to, but it’s marvellous.”

The same number that Jose Antonio sold in Algarrobo brought a total of €700,000 to Andalucia, with €200,000 shared out in Granada and Huelva as well as Algarrobo. There was another €60,000 for Sevilla, with €20,000 for Roquetas de Mar (Almeria) and Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz). ONCE has dispersed €31.2 million, between Andalucia and six other autonomous communities.

María and Riduan with daughter Nora.

CHARITY MATCH: Making sure that every child had a toy over the holidays

Photo credit: Velez-Malaga town hall

LUCKY NUMBER: ONCE seller Jose Antonio Paez has brought €200,000 to Algarrobo on January 1.

Planning for the future Animated Torrox Parade

TORROX Town Hall is working on its Urban Agenda 2030 setting out its future strategy and operations.

During the last plenary meeting of 2024, councillors voted in favour of the Agenda, which will create a municipality that is “welcoming, fair and healthy, achieved through collective awareness and community effort.”

Torrox was committed to establishing the Urban Agenda to deal with the town’s future challenges while meeting sustainable, first-class development targets, the local government explained.

Like neighbouring Nerja, the town hall also wanted input from its 20,000 residents and launched its first round of citizens’ consultations regarding the Urban Agenda last October.

Now that councillors have approved the Torrox action plan, the details will be put on display, with a 30-day deadline for lodging appeals against the future proposals or formulating suggestions.

In the absence of either, the Torrox Urban Agenda 2030

would be understood to have been definitively adopted, the town hall explained.

The plenary meeting also approved modification to the water rates, unchanged since 2010, with households paying €1 for every 15,000 litres of water in 2025.

In contrast, the town hall will not apply the central government’s new rubbish collection tax as this would entail a 150 per cent increase in the cost.

WE have seen some spectacular Three Kings parades in the Axarquia region in January, but Torrox’s parade bursting with figures from childhood films and games, lit up its town’s streets.

On January 5, hundreds lined the Three Kings destined route through Torrox to welcome Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar to the coastal town. They were first collected by mule pulled carriage and transported to their individual floats.

“We are very happy with the way the parade went, splendidly and on time,” explained Torrox mayor, Óscar Medina.

The Parade’s floats were each centred around an animated character, from Mario and Luigi, to Harry Potter and Beauty and the

Beast. There were characters for everyone to feel a little sentimental about.

The large figurines, towered over the groups of each float who threw sweets as they made their way to the town hall building in the centre of Torrox. As darkness fell and Christmas lights were the only thing lighting the streets, the full affect of the parade could

kpool illuminations.

Once the Three Kings had completed their journey to the town hall, they met with local councillors and the mayor before taking to the town hall balcony and giving a speech.

Afterwards, they met children from their thrones in Torrox’s main square, sharing hugs and photographs with ever-

Photo credit: CC/Grenzlandstern

TORROX: Councillors voted in favour of the town’s Urban Agenda 2030.

Spain adopts proton therapy

“New treatment to revolutionise cancer care”

SPAIN is gearing up to lead a bold new charge in the global fight against cancer, promising pinpoint precision and fewer complications.

A new proton-powered treatment, known as proton therapy, has just arrived in Spain, and it’s sparking hope everywhere. Unlike traditional radiotherapy (which uses photons), this supercharged method fires protons directly into tumours, stopping the radiation from spilling over into surrounding healthy tissue.

Ten new units are set to boost the Spanish frontline by 2026:

Right now, only two private centres in Spain offer proton therapy. But from 2026 onwards, that’s all set to change. A whopping 10 new facilities will open across the country, thanks in large part to a €280 million donation from the Fundación Amancio Ortega. Expect to see these high-tech centres sprouting in Galicia, Catalonia, Madrid, Andalucia, País Vasco, Valencia, and the Canary Islands.

Galicia on the go:

• The Galician unit in the north of Spain is tipped to be the first fully operational site, with doors flinging open in January 2026.

• The Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla in Santander is expected to follow suit that same year, giving more Spaniards public access to this revolutionary treatment.

Spain set to become a European leader.

So why the delay? The hefty cost of building and running these units - and the need for specialised staff - kept Spain trailing behind. But as oncologists see it, Spain will catapult from straggler to European leader in proton therapy in just a few short years.

Stay tuned for more updates - because this cancer-crushing journey is only just starting.

Free dental care in Spain

“Spain expands healthcare services”

FROM 2025, Spain’s national health system will begin offering free dental care, marking a major milestone in accessible healthcare. For the first time, dental services will be integrated into local health centres, providing much-needed relief for those who struggle to afford private treatment.

Initially, the programme will prioritise vulnerable groups, including children under

14, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.

Low-income adults may also qualify for subsidised care, with eligibility determined by income relative to the minimum wage (SMI). This phased rollout reflects the government’s commitment to addressing health disparities while gradually expanding services.

The programme will cover essential treatments, such as emergency care, extractions, and minor surgeries, along

with preventative measures like cleanings for eligible groups. Screenings for oral cancer and biopsies will also be included, highlighting the initiative’s focus on both immediate needs and longterm health outcomes.

While the plan promises to transform oral healthcare accessibility, challenges remain. Adequate staffing, resource allocation, and public awareness campaigns will be critical to its success. The Ministry of Health has pledged to address these issues through collaboration with regional health authorities and dental professionals.

By making dental care free and accessible, Spain is taking a bold step toward a more equitable healthcare system. This initiative not only aims to improve oral health but also underscores the government’s dedication to reducing health inequalities and fostering a healthier, more inclusive society.

Returning unwanted gifts

DECEMBER is a time of gift giving; however, post-Christmas is also a time of returning those gifts to the shops they came from for a variety of reasons.

The most important thing is to know the returns policy of the establishment which may include, for example, original and undamaged packaging, a receipt, or whether a cash refund is given or a gift card of the same value of the article. In Spain, it is extremely rare that a shop would take back any product without proof of purchase, such as a paper receipt.

Another point to take into account is the condition of the products; since with any gift that has been used (or appears so), the return will be rejected.

The same goes for the packaging or box of the product: the store may request that the returned product is kept in its original box, as well as everything in it (such as cables, chargers, or spare parts). The store will need to resell the item, so it must appear as pristine as the day it was bought.

Some products have a returns deadline, such as some fashion stores which keep strict rules on this, as their turnaround could be just a few weeks, and that pullover you want to return might already be considered unsellable by the time you return it. Most will be between 30 to 60 days maximums and 14 days for purchases online.

Golden Visa scrapped

“What’s next for investors?”

SPAIN’S decision to pull the plug on the controversial ‘Golden Visa’ scheme has left potential investors and buyers scrambling to figure out what’s next. As of April 2025, this system - which allowed wealthy non-EU individuals to secure residency by investing heavily in property - will be no more.

The Golden Visa was the dream ticket for many looking to snap up a luxury home in Spain, but that door’s closing. From April, no more new visas will be issued under the scheme. However, if you’ve already got one in hand, you’re safe - for now. You’ll still be able to renew it as long as you tick the necessary boxes. read on to find out more.

First launched back in 2013, the Golden

Visa was designed to attract wealthy investors to Spain, particularly in the property market. However, under the new law published in Spain’s Official Gazette on January 3, 2025, the controversial scheme has been phased out as part of a broader set of judicial reforms. This marks the final nail in the coffin for the articles of the 2013 law that allowed non-EU foreigners to gain residency in exchange for big investments. Some are arguing that the Golden Visa boosted Spain’s economy, but others have slammed it for creating an exclusive residency system for the wealthy, often at the expense of the average EU citizen. Is ending this type of visa fair? Is this right for Spain’s economy? Or is it a move against business?

Credit: Shutterstock, Romberi

Funding for sustainable transport

FIVE Malaga Province municipalities have received €3.4 million in subsidies from the central government’s Transport and Sustainable Mobility ministry.

The town halls of Rincon de la Victoria, along with Benalmadena, Estepona, Malaga City and Torremolinos. will use the grant to finance their spending on public transport inside their municipalities during 2024.

Towns with a population of more

than 50,000 registered residents - or 20,000 when there are more than 36,000 urban units – are eligible for the government assistance so long as they have a Sustainable Mobility Plan.

Rincon de la Victoria will receive €54,743 from Madrid, with the lion’s share of €3,140,144 going to Malaga City, followed by Benalmadena (€98,003), Estepona (€44,389) and Torremolinos (€29,001).

Spreading warmth in schools

THE town hall at Velez-Malaga will invest over €160,000 to keep its children warm this winter.

Often people assume that Andalucia, with its perfect climate, would be warm all-yearround.

But temperatures in its rural areas can drop below freezing in the winter months. There is a drastic difference between coastal weather and inland weather too. As proven over the first weekend in January where at the coast temperatures reached 15 and 16 degrees whilst inland it snowed.

second semester.

In a country where houses and infrastructure are built for the summer heat temperature drops can leave teeth chattering in community buildings during the cold spells. Schools in Velez-Malaga will not have to worry about their children feeling the cold going into January as the town hall has had air conditioning installed in school buildings across Velez-Malaga to ensure children stay warm in their

On January 7 in a visit to Torrejaral School, Valle-Niza the mayor of Malaga Velez, Jesús Lupiáñez said “Education and the well-being of our children are a priority for us, and this improvement in the classrooms is a clear example of our commitment to the families of Velez-Malaga.”

The investment will not end here, although €160,000 has already been invested more improvements are set to follow. The town hall says this is to ensure more comfortable spaces for children and teaching staff.

Don’t get caught speeding!

FIGURES published by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) reveal that a speed camera located just outside Rincon de la Victoria, and affectionately known as ‘Shell radar’ due to being near the turnoff for a Shell service station, is one of the blackest spots on Spanish asphalt.

So much so that it occupies the number two position for Spain’s least noticed radar cameras out of 50. In 2024 alone, it led to the sending out of an incredible 66,869 fines.

Also on the same stretch of road was the number 4 in the listings at kilometre 978.9, just beginning to enter East Malaga, with 45,522 penalties handed out.

Don’t say you haven’t been warned!

Watch your speed to avoid a fine.

Keeping children warm this winter.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT: Rincon de la Victoria has received funding from the central government.

Credit: Shutterstock: Vitor Miranda

Photo Credit Ayuntamiento Velez Malaga.

A parade filled with magic

Abigail Frazer MELCHIOR, Balthasar and Caspar made it to Rincon de la Victoria a little early on January 4 and must have rejoiced in the incredible Three Kings displays put on by locals to welcome them.

Magic, is the only word that sums up Rincon’s parade, from incredible decorations and oats to out of this world costumes it did not disappoint.

Rincon de la Victoria’s town hall said the town “has experienced one of the most magical days of the year with the long awaited Three Kings Parade, which has lled our streets with hope and joy.”

The town had bands, dancers, acrobats and giant parade balloons. Floating dinosaurs, hippos and a nutcrac-

ker made their way through the streets.

The costumes of the parade were outstanding, with one group dressed as gigantic slices of Roscon, which when slotted together made a huge cake with a hole in the middle where multiple kings danced throughout the parade.

The oats were each themed, Frozen and Alice in Wonderland featured with huge gurines of the main characters standing on the moving stages. They had their own teams, dressed to match their theme and all throwing sweet to gathered crowds.

Each of the three kings had a oat and team of helpers handing out treats, at the end of the Parade they met with the mayor and accepted children’s letters in person.

La Maroma covered in snow

LA MAROMA, the highest peak in Malaga Province, woke up blanketed in snow on Tuesday January 7, marking the first snowfall of 2025 in the region.

This stunning transformation follows the rainfall over the Three King’s weekend.

At 2,069 metres above sea level, La Maroma’s summit is now adorned with a bright white ‘cap’ of snow, clearly visible from the surrounding Axarquia region.

This is a rare sight for the province, where snow typically only appears on the highest peaks during winter.

According to AEMET (the Spanish meteorological agency), snowfall was predicted at altitudes above 1,500 metres, and the conditions delivered.

The first snowfall of the year adds a touch of winter magic to the landscape, delighting lo-

cals and visitors alike.

While La Maroma glistened in white, much of the province experienced heavy rainfall.

Areas such as Los Reales and Marbella recorded over 30 litres of rain per square metre within 24 hours.

However, rainfall was lighter in regions like Antequera and Guadalteba. Despite the wintry

start, warmer temperatures are expected in the coming days, with Malaga’s coast forecasted to reach highs of 18°C and the interior climbing to 12°C.

La Maroma’s snowy transformation is a breathtaking reminder of Andalucia’s natural beauty and the region’s rare but enchanting winter moments.

Velez-Malaga’s conundrum

Marc Menendez-Roche

VELEZ-MALAGA is gearing up for a hotly anticipated public consultation in the first quarter of 2025. But it won’t be as simple as a ‘yes or no’ to the tram. Instead, the town’s leaders are offering a twist: could an electric bus system - the ‘tranvibús’ - be the future of public transport? The consultation is the latest chapter in a long-running saga,

with the town council working on a technical plan to present multiple options to the public. Among the proposals is the electric bus, which would run along the tram’s designated route but without the need for the traditional overhead catenaries. If this alternative wins favour, the existing tram wires could be taken down altogether.

Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez

(PP) has promised that the consultation will happen by March, but it’s been a bumpy road to get here. Despite announcing the consultation over six months ago, the town’s government has yet to make a move. Sources from the local government have said they are weighing up both technical and digital options to ensure that the consultation is both representative and guarantees genuine public participation.

While the consultation looms, the pressure is mounting. Back in April, the central government granted Velez-Malaga a one-year extension until December 2025 to justify a €3.7 million European subsidy, originally awarded in 2022.

But with the clock ticking, the town council is scrambling to figure out how to move forward with the project.

One group dressed as gigantic slices of Roscon.

Photo Credit: Facebook Ayuntamiento Rincón de la Victoria.

A bright white ‘cap’ was clearly visible. xx

Will there be a new tram or an electric bus?

Most influential

GISÈLE PELICOT, a woman who bravely faced her rapists in court after being repeatedly raped by them, has been honoured as the most noteworthy person of 2024 in an opinion poll in France.

Pelicot overtook world leaders as the most highly esteemed figure in the French public’s eye for the way she faced her aggressors across a courtroom and saw all 51 of them, including her husband, convicted of systematically gang raping her. In demonstrating such bravery, she ins pired women across France to bring the topic of rape out of the shadows of social taboo and into the forefront of public discussion.

Thirty-eight per cent of respon dents to the poll, carried out by the Odoxa Institute, who were asked who had influenced them the most in 2024, responded, ‘Gisèle’. Donald Trump came in second place, followed by Zelensky, Putin, Macron, and Elon Musk.

The Odoxa insti tute said that Peli cot’s ‘dignity but also the horror to which she was subjected have made a

massive impact upon French people’.

Gisèle Pelicot’s now-former husband, Dominique Pelicot, has been sent to prison for 20 years for drugging his wife and offering her unconscious body to dozens of rapists in their home near Avignon in southern France. He has said he will not appeal the sentence.

She is now at the centre of a heated national debate over what she denounced as the rape culture of a patriarchal society.

Push for ban on fireworks

AFTER reported injuries from fireworks on New Year’s Eve, Belgium is at the centre of a heated debate, with Flemish mayors and animal rights groups calling for a Europe-wide ban on the sale of fireworks to individuals, citing public safety and animal welfare concerns.

Several Belgian municipalities, including Brussels, have already enforced local bans on fireworks sales and use.

Despite these measures, a report by Politico said on New Year’s Eve celebrations in the capital saw 159 arrests, with police handling over 1,700 incidents. Reports of injuries to limbs and attacks on emergency workers further highlighted the dangers.

VVSG argues that a nationwide ban would be insufficient without broader European collaboration.

Animal welfare organisation GAIA has voiced scepticism about the push for an EU-wide ban, urging Belgium to implement its own restrictions immediately.

Ann de Greef, GAIA’s

director, told Politico, “When we hear that Europe has to deal with something, it is usually an excuse for politicians not to do anything in their own member state.”

Avalanche escape

A MAN was able to free himself from an avalanche on Christmas Day with just his left hand.

On entering the ski run, the snow shifted under the skier, and an avalanche ensued. The event occurred on the Madlochjoch mountain at around 2.20pm and swept the skier about 500 metres before burying him completely, leaving only his left hand still sticking out in the air.

While his partner made a call to emergency servi-

ces and began searching for the 40-year-old, the buried man was able to first dig his face free on his own and then free himself completely.

The man was airlifted to the Bludenz Regional Hospital for examination but was later released relatively unscathed. The man, a trained ski guide, was the first to ski down the slope before his partner followed.

After a deep settling noise, the entire area around

the skier began to move. At first he was able to stay upright on his skis, but then slipped and fell and was buried by the masses of shifting snow.

Both skiers were equipped with complete emergency equipment, including an avalanche airbag; in this case, it failed to deploy.

The Lech mountain rescue service scrambled two helicopters and deployed both police and alpine patrols.

Madlochjoch mountain.

Credit: Martin WeinhardtWikipedia

Gisèle Pelicot during trial.

AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST

Scran on Burn’s Night

try.

El Boquetillo Frigiliana Street Food and Cocktails take their entertainment events and style them authentically to the festivity they are celebrating.

And on January 25 at 6.30pm their Burn’s Night celebrations are going to be no exception.

From their choice of entertainers through to their menu options for the evening, customers will experience many traditional details and a real Burn’s Night outside of Scotland, so that no one need pine for ‘My dear! My native soil’.

There will be Scottish pop music from Jason Lawless and poetry and Scottish songs from Aly Lynn.

Betty Loop’s

BAR LOS AMIGOS TORROX are looking forward to welcoming Betty Loop back to their stage on Saturday, January 18.

Betty Loop is a live music duo from Malaga who specialise in multiple different music genres including funk, soul, rock and pop.

They create music via loop work, building their songs as they play, so that once a song has been put together it sounds as if there are more than two musicians on stage.

There are consistent positive reviews of their unique and entertaining style of making music. Bar Los Amigos Torrox said “they are fun” and that they are happy to welcome the great musicians back.

Betty Loop sing and make music in both English and Spanish and cover well-known songs like Summertime and Simply the Best.

Tickets to the show cost €10 for Members and €15 for Non-members, these

There is also a three-course meal including a half bottle of wine and a shot of whisky to make the traditional toast to the Haggis.

A first course of Cullen Skink, a soup traditionally made with haddock, potatoes and onion, will be followed by the famous Haggis, Tatties and Neeps, served with a whisky and peppercorn sauce.

For dessert, there are options, you can have a Cranachan, a layered dessert of oats, whisky, honey, raspberries and whipped cream or a Baileys and whisky cheesecake.

Vegetarian options are available upon booking, book ahead to not miss out, tickets cost €48 per person.

Burn’s Night celebrates the Scottish National Poet Robert Burns’ date of birth in 1759.

prices include a buffet.

Tickets are only on sale at Bar Los Amigos Torrox, and the bar have asked that people “please ignore messages from other individuals offering tickets for sale as they may in all probability be scammers.”

The Bar’s doors open 7pm for this show and the buffet begins 8pm, music will begin at about 9pm.

Visit the bar to buy tickets and avoid disappointment, their address is Bar Los Amigos Torrox, Urbanización Torrox Park Tablazo Norte, 29793 Torrox.

Films in English

Abigail Frazer

SEE the newest films on the big screen in English at Cinesur Cinema.

The El Ingenio based cinema has all the latest releases available for both children and adults, with one of the widest varieties of Original Voice films in Spain.

For adults, there is the new film from Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, We Live in Time, a rom-com drama that follows a couple over their

decade long relationship.

Then there is Better Man, the new Robbie Williams Biopic, a Musical Comedy Drama, charting the highs and lows of Robbie Williams’ personal life and career. Williams has chosen to be portrayed as a CGI Monkey.

Next up, Queer, starring Daniel Craig as an outcast American expatriate who becomes infatuated with a younger man, it is based on the 1985 novella by William S Burroughs.

There are also films for

TAKE a social hike to the one of the most beautiful monuments in Axarquia, the Aqueduct of El Águila.

January 18 at 8.15am the walking group will meet at Tamoil petrol station, Rincon de la Victoria, just off the motorway exit Km 254.

Two qualified guides from Malaga Natural Guiada Ecoturismo will take walkers along the route. Once on the pebble path to the aqueduct, ramblers will wander through varied landscapes, with caves

and grottos full of history all over a reddish coloured ravine.

The walk will go to the recreational area at Pinarillo and then move on to the aqueduct.

The route is about 15km long and should take six hours 30 minutes to complete. The team at Malaga Natural Guiada have rated it an easy-medium walk.

They have asked that ramblers bring: a ‘comfortable trekking backpack with two litres of water plus food… clothes suita-

all the family to watch like Moana 2 which pick the story up three years after the events of the first film as Moana explores other islands near her own.

Finally, there is the photorealistic Mufasa, the Lion King, which serves as a prequel and sequel to both the 2019 The Lion King Movie and the 90s animated version too. You can find out all the shows times and available dates via Cinesur’s website and book tickets online.

ble for the weather… fleece, gloves, hat, cold weather jacket, hiking shoes or boots’.

Registering on the walk costs €7 for members and €14 for non-members, the route has a limited number of places, 20 in total, so register in advance or become a member by visiting Club Deportivo Gente y Movimiento online. People must bring their own cars as transport is not provided and at the meeting point seats in the cars are distributed amongst the attendees with people sharing fuel costs.

JOIN an exclusive Burn’s Night event with traditional Scottish dishes, live music, Scottish songs and of course, poe-

Photo Credit: Facebook El Boquetillo Frigiliana Street Food and Cocktails

Photo Credit: Facebook Betty Loop

Your

VOICE

Are you affected by the noise pollution in Spain?

NOISE pollution, an often-underestimated problem, can profoundly affect human health and well-being. We all experience it, whether it’s the roaring sound of traffic, music blasting through the walls from a neighbour’s party, or the constant drilling sounds of construction nearby. It can affect our sleep, make us feel stressed, and even impact our health in the long run, leading to problems like hearing loss and heart issues. But most of all, it makes us feel annoyed and exhausted.

This was the experience of residents in the Arroyo de la Miel district in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol, as reported by Euro Weekly News last month. The neighbours complained about sleepless nights caused by unmuffled exhaust pipes, roaring engines, and music blasting from nearby festivals and fairgrounds - and they are not alone in this situation. While this, unfortunately, is a common experience for anyone living in an urban area, some people believe that noise is simply a part of Spanish culture. So, we asked our readers: are you affected by the noise pollution in Spain? One of the primary complaints from the residents in Benalmadena revolves around traffic noise, particularly “older men driving around in open-top convertible sports cars roaring up and down.” Brian Rae hi-

Anonymous witnesses

ALTHOUGH Europeans often think of Sweden as being a very safe and laid back country, there is an undercurrent of professional criminal biker gangs as well as some violence from the extreme right.

Many countries allow for witnesses in serious court cases to appear anonymously but this was never the case in Sweden and has been the cause of much disagreement and debate.

In fact there have

sion and finally, the government has decided that with effect from January 1, 2025 they should be allowed.

The reasoning behind this decision is that there is a hope that anonymous ‘whistle blowers’ will be persuaded to give details of activities by various dangerous gangs if they believe that their identity will be protected and thus they should be safe from repercussions.

Regardless of negati-

much against the concept, suggesting there would be little positive results from such legislation.

A prosecutor, a suspect, or a defendant may now apply to the district court for a witness to be heard anonymously during an investigation or trial and this may be approved if the court decides that there is a ‘significant risk’ that the witness or their relatives would otherwise be exposed to serious crime.

If this is implemented in any particular case then the identity of the witness is withheld from the court and a third party lawyer will be appointed to monitor the security in that particular

ghlighted this issue in response to our poll, describing the noise as “ridiculous” and calling for stricter enforcement against illegal exhaust systems. He noted that the persistent noise from the road outside his home prevents him from opening his windows, explaining that “it is a built-up area with no speed bumps or max speed limit signs, now due to the solid white lines being worn away they are overtaking.”

Peter Mack echoes these concerns, emphasising the need for stricter traffic noise control. He suggests that “unmuffled motos should be heavily fined.”

Not all noise complaints stem from traffic, however. Paul Slater raised a different issue - barking dogs in his neighbourhood. “It’s nonstop barking, 24/7,” he said, describing the frustration caused by his neighbours’ pets.

While specific issues, such as the barking dogs, can be challenging to address due to their nature, traffic noise emerges as a more widespread concern that many believe could be resolved. Readers suggest practical measures such as repainting road markings, introducing deterrents like speed bumps and posted speed limits, and enforcing stricter regulations on vehicle exhaust noise.

Trillions up for grabs

EUROPE could soon be plunging into the North Sea’s vast reserves, but not for oil or fish - this time, it’s all about ‘mining’ trillions of litres of water to create renewable hydrogen! Sounds bonkers? Maybe - but experts say it could spark a clean energy revolution that cements the continent’s status as a global powerhouse of green power. Here at Euro Weekly News, we love a big splash, and this one’s shaping up to be colossal.

With some of the strictest environmental policies on the planet, mostly driven by the European Union, Europe is under massive pressure to ditch dirty fuels and switch to something cleaner, smarter, and cheaper - all without relying on imports. That’s why hydrogen’s getting star billing. As long as it’s produced with genuinely green methods, it can be one of our migh-

tiest weapons in the war against climate change.

Hydrogen doesn’t puff out any carbon dioxide when used, so it’s perfect for slashing emissions - provided it’s sourced from renewables rather than fossil fuels. And if you want truly clean hydrogen, you need electricity from eco-friendly sources like solar and wind. Cue the North Sea, which is positively howling with potential.

Anonymous witnesses now allowed in Swedish courts.

Credit: James H flickr

DENMARK

Rocket science

CHECKING on retailers selling fireworks for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Safety Technology Authority found that six were unlicensed. Although this was better than 2023 when inspections revealed 26 illegal sellers, the Authority said that six locations not following the rules “were six too many.”

Off sick

A DANISH Chamber of Commerce study of official Statistics Denmark figures found that employees were signing in sick more often than before the Covid pandemic. A full-time public sector worker now took 2.4 more days of sick leave than in 2019, with a 1.3-day increase for those in the private sector.

PORTUGAL

Better pay

AFTER talks lasting several hours, the Independent Doctors’ Union (SIM) and the government reached agreement over a pay rise bringing an average 10 per cent increase by 2027. Both sides also approved measures to gradually reduce emergency work from the present 18 hours a week to 16 in 2026 and 12 in 2028.

Sagres accident

A GERMAN paraglider died after witnesses saw him losing altitude and plunging into the sea close to the Sagres Fortress in the Algarve. According to initial reports he was seriously injured although the maritime police and lifeboat crew who recovered his body later said that he was already in cardiac arrest.

ITALY

Red peril

THE president of the Italian Criminal Chambers association told the ANSA news agency that introducing ‘red zones’ where troublemakers are barred from nightlife areas in big cities was a potential threat to personal liberties. The initiative was introduced in the New Year and is scheduled to continue until March.

Bomb proof

A POLICE search of a clandestine fireworks workshop in Naples uncovered what appeared to be a terrorist bomb containing 200 grammes of high explosives, almost as much as anti-tank device. The owner told them that although it was illegal, the firework was a non-lethal banger named the President Bomb.

EURO PRESS

FRANCE

Home and away

UNPOPULAR Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, 65, who has said that she will not run for a third term, routinely comes last in the Elabe polling institute’s monthly political barometers. Despite this, she has a high international profile and the Financial Times recently named her one its 25 most influential women in 2024.

IRELAND FINLAND

New choppers

IRELAND has spent €91.7 million on acquiring four Airbus Helicopters equipped for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations as well as ‘light attack’ duties. They replace the two Airbus Helicopters Irish Air Corps received in 2003 that have reached the end of their useful service lives.

Cruel system

AN illegal, 70-metre-long drift net spotted by local anglers at the Leixlip Reservoir in County Kildare contained more than 100 fish when Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) removed it. Many of the trapped bream, perch and hybrids could return to the water, but other species had died after being ensnared for so long.

GERMANY

Explosion investigation

TWO police officers in Berlin were injured in an explosion outside a police building on January 2. The officers, who were on a routine patrol, were hurt by an unidentified object near a fence. One officer sustained facial injuries, while the other experienced sound trauma. The investigation is ongoing.

Waffle scuffle

INFLUENCER and footballer Nader Jindaoui caused ‘tumultuous scenes’ when he announced that he would be visiting a Berlin waffle shop that was offering free waffles for his fans. Around 2,000 people were present by the time Jindaoui arrived and police were forced to intervene when they began to stampede.

Dodgy dog food

CUSTOMS officers are investigating the illegal import in 2022 of approximately 36,000 kilos of minke whale meat mixed with poultry and turned into sausages for dog food. Exporting minke whale products from Norway to the EU is prohibited and the authorities are likely to press charges in the current case.

Home from Iraq

THE Finnish Defence Force (FDF) is no longer part of the international mission against Isis terrorists in Iraq that began in 2014. On their return in late December, the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Lieutenant General Kari Nisula told the last 70 soldiers that their work had been “fruitful and appreciated.”

NETHERLANDS

Yearly hazard

A BOY of 13 who lit a powerful Cobra-6 firecracker was so badly injured that a witness said he suspected that he might lose his hand. The boy was airlifted from Kamperland where he lives to the Erasmus hospital in Rotterdam, which each year treats serious fireworks injuries that surge around the New Year period.

Pay hike

WAGES increased by an average of 6.6 per cent in 2024, the largest increase in 40 years, according to the National Statistics Agency (CBS). Talking to the NOS broadcaster, a CBS economist said the rise was the result of inflation and unions demands which employers agreed to owing to ‘a tight labour market’.

BELGIUM

No spying

PRIVACY watchdog, the Personal Data Processing Committee (VTC), voiced doubts regarding local authorities’ growing use of smart cameras for speed checks. In an email to all Flemish municipalities, the VTC said they should justify using these cameras and consider less intrusive alternatives like speed bumps.

Happy New Text

MORE Belgians wished each other a Happy New Year via phone messages this year instead of greetings cards, telecoms companies announced. Proximus said that messaging rose by 70 per cent on New Year’s Eve and January 1 compared with last year, while Orange registered a 50 per cent increase.

SWEDEN

Drone warning

THE government intends to introduce fines or even a six-month prison term after July 1 for flying a drone without a permit. The Transport Department calculates that there are approximately 500,000 drones in Sweden, but only 40,000 people have applied for an obligatory licence since these were launched in 2021.

Cheaper homes

PROPERTY prices fell for the fourth consecutive month in December, with detached houses down 1.3 per cent and apartments by 1.1 per cent, although prices rose 4.2 per cent over the year. State-owned mortgage company SBAB explained that this was usual, as prices always dropped at the end of the year.

NORWAY

Flight plan

AN Amsterdam-bound KLM flight had to make an emergency landing at Torp airport not long after taking off from Oslo on December 29. None of the 182 passengers were injured during the incident, which a later inspection revealed occurred when a landing gear problem affected the aircraft’s hydraulic system.

Money worries

YOUNG people are increasingly anxious about their finances, a Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) study found. Their worries have escalated in recent years with 70 per cent concerned about higher interest rates and the cost of living while 40 per cent were also worried about Norway’s economy.

Photo

ANNE HIDALGO: Paris mayor has a high international profile.

Fridges full of good

THE mayor of Krakow, (Poland’s second-largest city), Aleksander Miszalski has taken to social media calling on those who have spare food to donate it to those in need.

He has set up four refrigerators, called ‘fridges full of good’ around different parts of the city and suburbs which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are there to remind local residents that there is still a need for assistance in feeding families in Krakow.

In addition, there are six additional locations where those with spare food may leave their excess and those in need can obtain the food that is available.

Explaining what his plans and expectations are, the mayor stated:

“You can leave food products in the fridge that we would like to eat and receive ourselves. They can be vegetables, fruits, cakes, bread, preserves, or even a jar of soup that we cooked too much of.

“Self-made products should be described accurately: what they consist of and when they were prepared. On the other hand, we do not leave raw meat, products containing raw eggs, coated articles and alcohol.

“Let’s not waste food! Let’s share it with others. In the next year’s

INTERVIEW

nearest fridges.

city budget, we have planned funds for more refrigerators full of goods so that as many residents as possible can use them in their neighbourhood.”

Like so many other countries in Europe, Poland discards millions of tonnes of edible but unwanted food each year, with more than half of that wasted coming from households rather than the many commercial outlets that exist in the city.

Speaking EuropeanMarsy Popa

From graduating in law to singing full time, Marsy Popa has had an incredible journey from Romania to Spain.

MUSIC has been part of Marsy’s identity since she was 11 years old, but she also studied law and when she completed her degree, a friend asked her to visit Spain.

“I never thought I’d come to Spain full time. I studied law and was a singer at the same time. I was very determined to build a legal career in Romania, then this invitation came to me.

“My life changed in my first two weeks in Spain, and I never went back.”

Marsy has fulfilled a lifelong dream of having a singing career here in Spain.

In Torrevieja, by happenchance she “met a musician, who put me

Tiny village hits jackpot!

THE sleepy Overijssel village of Balkbrug (population: a modest 4,000) is currently dancing in the streets after scooping an eye-popping €59.7 million in this year’s Postcode lottery. Locals with the golden postcode 7707 AZ will share an astoni shing €29.85 milliontalk about a new year’s windfall!

countryside!

in touch with the right people. One month later and I’m in the Canary Islands singing for all the hotels. I haven’t stopped since.

“When I got my first contract as an artist, it meant the world to me.”

She is now one of the bestknown performers in the Costa Blanca and has big plans for the year ahead with a Gladys Knight tribute and a separate tour in Spanish theatres.

As well as singing in the Dreamgirls trio, “I’ve worked with them since 2021, we all started together and built it together. I consider them family we are very close.”

Even future residents will cash in on the prize. One future resident who’s on the verge of moving to Balkbrug next week, has snagged a tidy €477,600 - just in time to pay for some urgent DIY for his new house!

Some residents have bagged up to €6.2 million and have wasted no time planning home improvements. Others are planning long holidays or extravagant new purchases.

Every villager in Balkbrug whose postcode starts with 7707 will get a share of the remaining €29.85 million. The exact amounts remain under wraps for nowbut watch this space as it could be another flurry of cash for the quiet

As if Balkbrug’s win wasn’t enough, another €30 million has just been dished out via the Staatsloterij. The prize is split into two bundles of €15 million after the winning ticket was sold in halves. One half went to a lucky winner in Bladel, while the other half - bought in Heemskerk - remains unclaimed. Will the mystery millionaire step forward? Someone out there is definitely sitting on a golden ticket.

So if you’ve been dreaming of a front-door overhaul or a cheeky skiing holiday, don’t forget to check those tickets. The Netherlands might just have room for a few more millionaires!

Babpipes on a military car in Balkbrug (Netherlands).

Credit: Shutterstock, Remco de Wit

Mayor Miszalski added food to one of his

Marsy has big plans.

Marsy Popa.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Take it easy

COUNCIL staff are working from abroad in locations ranging from Barbados to South Africa, with local authorities approving 731 requests in 2023 compared with 708 in 2022. Meanwhile, Office for National Statistics data revealed that public service productivity is now 8.5 per cent below prepandemic levels.

Best-sellers

ACCORDING to the latest figures from Tesla, the company headed by Elon Musk sold 2,231 models up to December 26 in Spain last year. This was not far short of Toyota’s 2,586 C-HRs in a month when both overtook the Dacia Sandero although, as in 2023, this remains Spain’s best-selling car for the whole year.

Starling winged

THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined digital bank Starling £29 million (€35 million)) for its ‘shockingly lax’ financial crime controls. These had left the online-only bank, founded in 2014, in a position “wide open to criminals and those subject to sanctions,” the City regulator said.

Big Four

MULTINATIONAL auditors

KPMG and EY each had 11 clients listed on Spain’s Ibex 35 index of leading companies, 63 per cent of the total, in 2024. Deloitte had four, while PwC with nine clients is almost certain to overtake them all in earnings, as it has a contract worth €130m with Banco Santander.

Wrong track

THE HS2 rail project was in a “very serious situation” Mark Wild, HS2 Limited’s chief executive said in late December. Constructing the railway would cost between £67 and £83 billion (€81 and €100 billion) at current prices, although the Transport Department argued these figures were “unreliable.”

STAT OF WEEK

will be paid in dividends based on 2024’s earnings by Spain’s principal banks, Santander, CaixaBank, BBVA and Sabadell in 2025.

Big money in takeovers

FOREIGN takeovers of UK-listed companies brought a 2024 fees bonanza for the City.

Investment advisers AJ Bell revealed that takeovers of British companies amounted to £49 billion (€59 billion) in 2024 compared with £17.2 billion (€20.7 billion) in 2023.

A spate of deals involving large companies inevitably drove up fees charged by banks and law firms involved.

A Telegraph analysis of filings for the 15 completed takeovers of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies revealed that banks and law firms’ fees had amounted to £1.6 billion (€1.9 billion).

Most profitable from the

ACE footballer Lionel Messi has floated his property investment trust on the Bolsa Portfolio, an alternative Spanish stock exchange supervised by the Bank of Spain.

Messi, the former FC Barcelona idol who left in 2021, now plays for Inter Miami which is owned by David Beckham.

He was named chairman of Edificio Rostower Socimi, while his wife Antonela Roccuzzo is vice-president.

Top choice

THE Amsterdam-based European stock exchange, Euronext, was chosen by 53 debuting companies in 2024.

This represented onethird of last year’s European flotations and, as in 2023, technology was the most active sector, accounting for 40 per cent of the new listings.

Another 11 companies chose to list on Euronext in 2024, including CVC Capital Partners (Jersey), together with Louis Hachette Group (France), Paratus Energy services (Norway) and Theon International (Cyprus).

City’s point of view was the £1 billion (€1.2 billion) acquisition of TI Fluid Systems by Canadian ABC Technology Holdings.

Company records showed that the banks which had advised ABC on the British brake fluid

company’s takeover received £234 million (€282.2 million).

That amounted to almost a quarter of TI’s purchase price instead of the normal 5 per cent rate, although in this case approximately £160 mi-

llion (€193 million) was commission on refinancing TI’s debt pile. TI Fluid had paid its own bankers £37 million (€44.6 million).

The Telegraph analysis also pointed out that banks and advisers would have earned even more, as the £1.6 billion did not include takeovers where no documents were published, together with those which were not completed or were rejected.

Rejected deals include

Australian mining giant BHP’s £34 billion (€41 bn) offer for its rival Anglo American, while Rightmove staved off a £6.2 billion (€7.5 bn) approach from Australian counterpart, Rupert Murdoch’s REA.

Messi turns businessman

The company’s only shareholder is Limecu Es paña 2010, the Messi fa mily’s investment vehicle, although Reuters revealed that the trust has informed Bolsa Portfolio that it will open up to admit new investors.

Founded in 2013, the company posted a €1.7 million loss in 2023 ac-

Steelworks saved

NETWORK STEEL has bought the Thyssenkrupp’s Galmed plant in Sagunto (Valencia), which produces 350,000 tons of galvanised coils each year.

The deal, which brought to an end months of negotiations, also put an end to uncertainty after Thyssenkrupp announced more than a year ago that it intended to sell the Sagunto steelworks.

The decision was prompted by plummeting steel production in Europe owing to its uncompetitively high overheads, as well as the German company’s own losses, sources said.

Neither Thyssenkrupp nor Network Steel have revealed further details although the Spanish government and unions confirmed the deal, which will maintain the current employment and working conditions of the plant’s 120 workers.

cording to Bolsa Portfolio

Edificio Rostower owns seven hotels in Spain and Andorra, three office spaces and five apartments in Spain, plus others in London and Paris.

It has now debuted at €57.4 per share, giving the company a market capitalisation of €223 million.

Be prepared

UBER EATS, which classes delivery riders as self-employed, not employees, has set aside €136.3 million for potential tax and legal contingencies.

Portier Eats Spain’s 2021 accounts submitted in July 2024 to the Registro Mercantil, equivalent to the UK’s Companies House, showed losses of €47.3 million for that year.

This was mainly the result of assigning €57.1 million to cover eventualities arising from Work Inspections in addition to 2020’s €79.2 million allocation.

The company announced in 2021 that inspectors had begun scrutinising its activities throughout Spain, adding that it was making provisions to reflect the ‘most probable’ outcome of the appraisals.

NATWEST had its best stock market year since 1993, heading the FTSE 100 index with Rolls-Royce and British Airways in 2024. Shares in NatWest which, as Royal Bank of Scotland required a €20 billion (€24 billion) bailout in 2008, climbed 83 per cent, with total returns including dividends reaching 95 per cent. British Airways owner IAG had 99 per cent returns, while shares in Rolls-Royce, with 90 per cent returns, soared by more than 500 per cent under Tufan Erginbilgic, its chief executive since 2023.

New

BILLIONAIRE brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa are considering a £13 billion (€15.7 billion) listing in the US for their EG Group.

According to the Sunday Telegraph and Mergermarket, the brothers have already engaged banks for the float whose £13 billion value would multiply by almost 13 the company’s 2023 profits of £1.1 billion (€1.3 billion).

While viewed as another snub for London’s stock market, New York is preferred as the US is the company’s most important market for its filling stations and forecourt convenience stores.

Still waiting

THE Post Office spent £136 million (€164.3 million) on paying lawyers involved in compensating sub-postmasters affected by the faulty Horizon computer programme. MPs on the Business and Trade Committee pointed out that this was more than 25 per cent of the £499 million (€602.8 million) paid so far from the £1.8 billion (€2.2 billion) fund for wrongly-accused victims.

Thousands have yet to receive compensation but one law firm alone, Herbert Smith Freehills, was paid £82 million (€99 million), MPs said

Photo credit: goodfon.com

LIONEL MESSI: Has floated Edificion Rostower on Spanish stock exchange.

TAKEOVERS: High fees for City bankers and lawyers.

10.712,0 10.730,0 10.552,0 2,45M

Redrow 426,80 432,60 422,90 2,54M

Beazley 813,00 819,00 809,00 738,01K Berkeley 3.838,0 3.878,0 3.808,0 476,46K BP 414,05 415,70 406,80 30,14M British American Tobacco 2.968,0 2.968,0 2.928,0 3,38M BT Group 147,85 148,10 145,00 16,26M

3.252,0 3.274,0 3.236,0 614,31K

136,80 138,25 136,15 42,56M

2.669,00 2.628,00 3,43M

5.235,0 5.305,0 5.160,0 839,55K

2.503,5 2.521,0 2.421,0 4,89M

544,00 545,50 538,00 1,88M

535,20

603,50 613,00 595,00 214,02K

BUSINESS

EXTRA

Talking Turkey

GARANTI, BBVA’s Turkish subsidiary, has signed an agreement with the Bit2Me platform to use its services for buying and selling clients’ cryptocurrency. This arrangement enables the Spanish bank to enter the crypto market in Turkey, a country where using digital currency is widespread.

Choc shock

WITH cocoa beans costing $11,425 (€11,035) by late December, their price soared by 167 per cent in 2024, overtaking Bitcoin’s rise of 117 per cent. Smuggling and dry weather in West Africa had combined to affect harvests, growers explained.

Non-doms choose Milan

NON-DOMS are leaving London as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to end the regime that allowed them to live comfortably in the capital.

Those staying in the UK without being domiciled paid tax on overseas earnings only if they brought their funds into the country, a practice that former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt wanted to change.

Now Reeves will go further still by scrapping the system entirely in 2025. This is producing an

Nice little earner

CRITERIACAIXA spent €983 million on acquiring a 9.36 per cent holding in global infrastructure and services company ACS in May 2024.

The La Caixa Group’s holding company, which manages its investments in non-financial sectors in addition to its CaixaBank stake, made a 24 per cent profit on the 25,431.299 shares which are now worth €1.2 billion.

Shares in ACS, headed by Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, were fetching €47.92 on December 30, not far short of the record €48.6 that they reached in 2007 before the property boom bubble burst the following year.

CriteriaCaixa’s holding, making it ACS’s principal shareholder after Florentino Perez, has also brought in €39.5 million in dividends since the purchase.

exodus of non-doms to Italy, whose tax system charges them €200,000 a year regardless of the size of their fortune, up from the €100,000 they paid until earlier last year.

For the ultra-rich, this is still a bargain and Diletta Giorgolo Spinola from Sotheby’s International Realty Italy told the UK media that the specialist company had seen ‘an explosion’ of enquiries following the non-dom tax changes.

Milan, Italy’s business capital, is particularly sought-after, Giorgola Spinola said, and rental deals in 2024 had soared 30 per cent compared with 2023, above all for properties costing between €15,000 and €30,000 a month.

Rome is also popular although Milan was where most of London’s non-doms were heading.

“Deals are concluded rapidly, as supply fails to keep up with demand,” she added.

Able to save

SPAIN’S households spent less than they earned during the third quarter of 2024, National Statistics Institute figures showed, with a saving rate of 7.1 per cent of their gross disposable income, compared with 5.5 per cent during the same period in 2023. After seasonal adjustments, the rate rose 14.2 per cent, reaching its highest level in three years.

Shutters down

APPROXIMATELY 13,500 shops closed in 2024, a 28 per cent increase on the previous year, although fewer than in 2020 and 2022, the Centre for Retail Research announced. Although figures were better than during the pandemic, the group’s Research director Professor Joshua Bamfied described them as ‘disconcerting’ while predicting that 2025 would be worse.

MILAN: Italy’s business capital attracts non-doms.

What a difference

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WELL, here we are in the year of our Lord 2025. Delighted to report the weather here on Mallorca has been absolutely great. Can’t of course say that about the UK.

Yesterday parts of it were reported to be just about snowed under. Why don’t all you lovely UK online readers just pop over? You know it makes sense! Actually, (as per usual) this Yuletide, once again took up quite a bit of my time trying to nd something decent on British TV. Yet again what a load of cheap bunkham they managed to churn out.

Terrible third rate ‘celebrity’ game shows and the usual wheeling out of a series of ancient movies, all of which should have been entitled ‘Carry on up the Khyber’ which is where most of them actually belonged. Nice to see Hattie Jacques again. This highly talented and sadly missed Lady of the theatre once told me that all the starring Carry On roles were paid the miserable sum of ve grand for every

picture, most of them were certainly worth as great deal more than that!

The only truly lovable entertainer featured over the whole three-day period was to me the late and certainly great Tommy Cooper. It really doesn’t ever seem to matter how many times you enjoy the Tommy experience he always manages to double you over with humour and perfectly clean comedy. What a di erence from the trash and obscenities most so-called comedians churn out today.

I actually met Tommy on a number of occasions at various TV and charity events (mainly in bars!) but was truly surprised after my then wife and I, who had been on a visit to my dear old Mum in her Eastbourne nursing home, decided to have dinner in a local restaurant. We had just taken our seats when in walked Tommy and his wife Gwen, who actually lived locally.

They were happy to join us and we were soon enjoying their unexpected company until the meal was subsequently served. Tommy had ordered a steak with chips, carrots and peas. We were about to tuck in when he

beckoned over the waiter. With an utterly straight face he then told the somewhat confused young man that he wanted the steak and all accompanying vegetables served up on separate plates. This was subsequently re-served as he had requested. We then proceeded to tuck in on our now somewhat crowded table, and oddly he never submitted one word of explanation for his actions.

We of course were far too polite to ask. When we were leaving, he asked if we could give them a lift home. Tommy was extremely frugal, so with his knees bent up to his chin was quite happy to squeeze all six feet four inches of himself in our mini minor.

When we nally arrived at his Eastbourne abode, he then kindly asked us to hold on he had something for us. His wife soon re-emerged and presented us with a shiny biscuit tin, a gift which later actually turned out to be full of broken biscuits! RIP Tommy. Gone aged 63. Just like that!

Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

Belgian ‘Wonder Woman’

HILDE DOSOGNE has smashed records and proven that anything’s possible - even running a marathon every single day for a whole year!

The Belgian ultra-runner crossed the nish line in Ghent on New Year’s Eve 2024, her 366th consecutive marathon, to a chorus of cheers. But don’t be fooled - despite completing the 15,444-kilometre challenge, Hilde was not completely exhausted. She said she was “glad it’s over,” but there was one nal hiccup on her last run: a collision with a spectator.

RECORD BROKEN: Belgian Wonder Woman runs a marathon every day for a year!

After 366 days of pounding the pavement, this 55-year-old bio-engineer has not only proved her resilience, but also raised a whopping €60,000 for breast cancer research. Now that’s a victory with some substance.

As she passed the nish line, her mind was already ticking over the next steps: submitting GPS data, photos, vi-

deos, and witness reports to the Guinness World Records. If all checks out, she’ll o cially hold the female record for running a marathon every day for a full year - a feat that would dethrone the previous record of 150 days held by Erchana Murray-Bartlett. She’ll also join Hugo Farias, who holds the male equivalent, with 366 consecutive marathons.

Running 42.5 kilometres a day isn’t for the faint of heart - especially when you’ve battled the u, Covid-19, multiple crashes, blisters, and even bursitis. But for Hilde, the toughest part wasn’t the physical toll - it was the mental grind.

Great fish heist

LIKE something from an episode of the popular old cartoon series Top Cat with a bit of a festive twist, Madrid Local Police have released a video showing two cats pulling off an unexpected heist on a street fish vendor.

While the unlicensed fishmonger was looking the other way, the crafty cats, who seemed to be working in cahoots, snuck up on the back of the man’s lorry to grab one of the tasty fresh fish.

One cat climbed onto the back of the lorry where fish were openly on display, paused for a moment as the fish seller looked on oblivious to what was about to happen, dropped the catch briefly before recovering it, and then they both scampered off to enjoy their sushi feast like the proud victors they were. Meanwhile, the ad-hoc street vendor remained blissfully unaware of the daylight robbery occurring around his feet, even though he nearly stepped on the cats.

Madrid police used the footage as a light-hearted reminder to people to avoid distractions while driving and enjoy the holiday season with loved ones. ‘Feliz Navidad,’ they posted, urging people to stay focused behind the wheel.

Spain new European star

WITH Germany seemingly coming under more scrutiny financially and finding it a tough task to cope with the economic hit of their main asset, the automation industry, a diamond in the rough has been unearthed - and it comes as a surprise to many.

Deputy director of the Polish Economic Institute Andrzej Kubisiak has pointed out that as Germany struggles to maintain their past sparkling performances, Spain has now emerged as the star European nation.

“Spain has done a great job in spending money effecting and coping with the energy crisis,” says Kubisiak, with current Spanish president Pedro Sanchez reiterating frugality and equal income dispersion across the community and important sectors.

“Spain coped quite well with the way out of the pandemic crisis, whe-

re there was an influx of migrants, jobs appeared and funds from KPOs (knowledge process outsourcing) appeared quickly, where new investments appeared,” he stated.

Placing an utmost importance in driving down and keeping down energy costs for Spanish citizens and companies alike, the main challenge for Poland is exactly that - how

to enact this process to begin to move things in an upward trajectory in a world bound by crises.

Kubisiak insists that the Green Deal should be atop of the Polish agenda, looking for solutions here that would see national regulations reducing energy costs, spiking a deep level of competitiveness on not only a European scale, but a global one.

Fishy thieves.

Credit: Policia Local de Madrid.

Credit: Facebook, Hilde Dosogne.

Spain the new inspiration?

Credit: China Xinhua News

Belgian ‘Wonder Woman’

HILDE DOSOGNE has smashed records and proven that anything’s possible - even running a marathon every single day for a whole year!

The Belgian ultra-runner crossed the nish line in Ghent on New Year’s Eve 2024, her 366th consecutive marathon, to a chorus of cheers. But don’t be fooled - despite completing the 15,444-kilometre challenge, Hilde was not completely exhausted. She said she was “glad it’s over,” but there was one nal hiccup on her last run: a collision with a spectator.

RECORD BROKEN: Belgian Wonder Woman runs a marathon every day for a year!

Spain new European star

WITH Germany seemingly coming under more scrutiny financially and finding it a tough task to cope with the economic hit of their main asset, the automation industry, a diamond in the rough has been unearthed - and it comes as a surprise to many.

After 366 days of pounding the pavement, this 55-year-old bio-engineer has not only proved her resilience, but also raised a whopping €60,000 for breast cancer research. Now that’s a victory with some substance.

As she passed the nish line, her mind was already ticking over the next steps: submitting GPS data, photos, videos, and witness reports to the Guin-

Spain’s success story

A DOZEN years ago, Spain was the poster child for economic despair. Its government and banks were locked in a vicious downward spiral, kept afloat only by bailouts. Young Spaniards either emigrated or took to the streets in protest over their bleak prospects. Half-built homes and deserted airports stood as grim monuments to a collapsed construction bubble.

But now the country is reportedly on course to be the best-performing, rich-world economy of 2024 on a range of economic fronts - GDP growth, inflation, unemployment, fiscal stability and even stock market performance. Economic growth and job creation are outpacing even the United States, the usual benchmark for success.

Spain’s recovery stems from reforms following the financial crisis. Overhauls in banking and the labour market have strengthened the economy, while policies encouraging renewable energy (such as scrapping

ness World Records. If all checks out, she’ll o cially hold the female record for running a marathon every day for a full year - a feat that would dethrone the previous record of 150 days held by Erchana Murray-Bartlett. She’ll also join Hugo Farias, who holds the male equivalent, with 366 consecutive marathons.

Running 42.5 kilometres a day isn’t for the faint of heart - especially when you’ve battled the u, Covid-19, multiple crashes, blisters, and even bursitis. But for Hilde, the toughest part wasn’t the physical toll - it was the mental grind.

the infamous ‘sun tax’ on solar power) have bolstered the green sector.

Tourism has rebounded spectacularly, while consulting and tech services are climbing the value chain.

Services outside tourism now account for 7-8 per cent of GDP, up from 5.5 per cent pre-pandemic. Foreign investment, including Chinese firms like CAT (a battery-maker) and Chery (a carmaker), is another feather in Spain’s cap.

But challenges remain. House prices are soaring, productivity growth lags and a fragile coalition government resists needed reforms. Spain’s success story is truly inspiring - but resting on its laurels could be a costly mistake.

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.

Deputy director of the Polish Economic Institute Andrzej Kubisiak has pointed out that as Germany struggles to maintain their past sparkling performances, Spain has now emerged as the star European nation.

“Spain has done a great job in spending money effecting and coping with the energy crisis,” says Kubisiak, with current Spanish president Pedro Sanchez reiterating frugality and equal income dispersion across the community and important sectors.

“Spain coped quite well with the way out of the pandemic crisis, whe-

re there was an influx of migrants, jobs appeared and funds from KPOs (knowledge process outsourcing) appeared quickly, where new investments appeared,” he stated.

Placing an utmost importance in driving down and keeping down energy costs for Spanish citizens and companies alike, the main challenge for Poland is exactly that - how

to enact this process to begin to move things in an upward trajectory in a world bound by crises.

Kubisiak insists that the Green Deal should be atop of the Polish agenda, looking for solutions here that would see national regulations reducing energy costs, spiking a deep level of competitiveness on not only a European scale, but a global one.

EU phone charger rules

NEW EU rules requiring all new smartphones, tablets, and cameras to come with the same charger port have come into force in order to cut waste and expense.

Electronics manufacturers are now obliged to t their devices that will be sold in the Euro bloc with a USB-C, the cable connector chosen by the European Union as the common standard for charging small electronic articles.

“Starting today, all new mobile phones, tablets,

digital cameras, headphones, speakers, keyboards, and many other electronics sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port,” the EU Parliament posted on social media site X.

The law was rst approved in 2022 following arguments with tech giant Apple, and so set the deadline to comply at December 28, 2024. Laptop manufacturers have until 2026 to adapt their machines. Although Apple has

been reluctant, they have already begun tting their devices with the USB-C ports but claimed the rule would ‘sti e innovation’. At one point, there were more than 10 di erent types of charger cables that went with di erent brands of mobile phones. This new USB-C model design has been chosen as an industry standard, as it can charge at up to 100 watts, transfer data up to 40 gigabits per second, and even be used to connect to external displays.

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND

Credit: Facebook, Hilde Dosogne.

Spain the new inspiration?

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Lucky Malaga

THE first prize of the ‘El Niño’ lottery did not come to the Costa del Sol this time. The ticket number 78908 was snapped up in León in the north of Spain, according to the prize draw held on Monday, January, 6. However, a good dose of luck did fall on the Malaga Province in the form of second and third prizes.

Ticket number 06,766, the second prize, was sold in the Venta Los Pacos de Marbella and in Malaga City, in the neighbourhood of Cruz de Humilladero. The number carried a very respectable €750,000 per series, or €75,000 each for each of the 10 tickets available that each hold that number. Malaga Province also had luck with the third prize-winning number, 66,777.

It was worth €250,000 per series of 10 tickets, so €25,000 to each of the lucky people who held that numbered ticket, more specifically in Cartama, Torre del Mar, Cala del Moral, and three in Malaga City.

Costa Blanca North Promising year ahead

ACCORDING to the hotel association HOSBEC, 2025 is once more shaping up to be a promising year for tourism in the Valencian Community. This positive sentiment is supported by a marked increase in early bookings observed in the latter months of 2024, indicating a shift in traveller behaviour. More people are now inclined to plan their trips well in advance.

As 2024 has now drawn to a close, HOSBEC has released their annual report highlighting significant achievements. The Costa Blanca recorded an impressive 77.6 per cent overall occupancy rate, marking an increase of 4.7 percentage points compared to the previous year. From May to October, the peak summer season, occupancy rates surpassed the 80 per cent mark, with a remarkable peak of 90.1 per cent reached in August. Specific destinations demonstrated their unique appeal; for instance, Calpe achieved an impressive annual occupancy rate of 81.2 per cent.

Mallorca

New Year’s escape lists

PALMA DE MALLORCA continues to be the top destination for German tourists to see in the New Year, according to data from the flight and hotel search engine Jetcost.es

This year, searches for flights for the year-end period have increased by 16 per cent, while hotel searches have grown by 19 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Between December 26, 2024, and January 6, 2025, key dates for the holiday season, Jetcost reported that Palma de Mallorca remains the top choice for Germans, followed closely by the French, Portuguese, and British.

While Europeans prefer the beaches and charm of the Spanish islands, Spaniards are also drawn to international destinations to celebrate the end of the year. London, Paris, and Rome remain the top choices for domestic tourists, although destinations like Madrid, Tenerife, and Barcelona also appear prominently.

Costa Blanca South New Year’s bundles

THE first birth in the Torrevieja Health Department for the new year occurred late on New Year’s Day at 7.25pm.

The baby, a boy weighing two kilos, was born to parents of foreign origin.

In the Torrevieja Department, over half of the 210,000 residents assisted by public health services are from abroad.

This hospital handles just over 1,000 births annually (1,057), serving mothers from 10 municipalities along the Vega Baja coastline and its nearby areas: Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Pilar de la Horadada, Rojales, Guardamar del Segura, San Fulgencio, San Miguel de Salinas, Los Montesinos, Benijofar, and Formentera del Segura.

In the Valencian Community, the first baby born in the public hospital network in 2025 arrived at Denia Hospital at 12.05am named Adrián. Adrián’s parents, Patricia Gato and Daniel Petac, are residents of Pedreguer.

Almeria

Mojacar’s big splash

MOJACAR’S New Year’s Day Swim, hosted by Mojacar Forum, marked its 10th anniversary this year. What began a decade ago with a simple idea over a drink at the Emerald Isle bar has grown into a much-anticipated annual event. Despite the chilly temperatures, participants braved the cold waters, making it another memorable day on the beach.

This year’s swim not only celebrated the event’s milestone but also served as a charity fundraiser. Funds raised were split between PAWS, the local animal shelter, and shelters in Valencia and Malaga, which were severely impacted by recent floods. In total, the event raised an impressive €5,920, with more expected from sponsorships. The amount includes registration fees, bar sales, raffle tickets, and donations.

Along with the swim, there were fun prizes for participants, including the best fancy dress, the oldest swimmer, the youngest swimmer, and the most swimmers in the water competition.

Costa Calida Jackpot joy

THE 2025 Lotería del Niño (Children’s Lottery), the Christmas Lottery held on the day of the Three Kings, brought some good news to the Region of Murcia, with several towns winning prizes, although the top prize wasn’t among them. The first prize, 78908, was sold entirely in El Corte Inglés in Leon. However, the region did receive part of the second and third prizes.

The second prize (06766) was sold in Mazarron at Loterías El Dólar and in Murcia City at L’Agustinica on Paseo de Florencia. Each shop sold 10 tickets, though the owner in Murcia wasn’t sure if any had to be refunded. In Mazarron, all four tickets were sold.

The third prize (66777) was spread across several places in the region, including Cobatillas, Lorquí, San Pedro del Pinatar, Yecla, Abanilla, and Cartagena. In Yecla, Bazar Tokio and Lotería Doña Maruja sold part of the winning tickets.

TIP ‘Windows to Wellness’

ENGAGE pets with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, indoor fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-andseek games. Training sessions and scentbased activities also stimulate their minds and help burn off energy indoors.

Stay warm!

WINTER in Spain may not bring snow, but the cold, wet weather can still pose risks to your pets.

Dogs and cats are vulnerable to chilly temperatures and damp conditions, so it’s important to take extra precautions during these months.

Limit time outdoors

While rain may not last all day, it’s essential to avoid long walks during the coldest, wettest hours. Opt for shorter, more frequent outings, and

keep them dry by using a waterproof dog coat or rain jacket.

Keep warm indoors

Cats and dogs, especially those with shorter fur, need a warm, dry space to retreat to when indoors.

Provide a soft bed away from drafts, and ensure your pet has a comfortable resting spot.

Dry their coat quickly

If your pet gets wet from the rain, dry them thoroughly with a towel or a pet-friendly hairdryer. Damp fur

can cause discomfort and may lead to skin issues.

Protect their paws

Wet streets can be slippery and harsh on your pet’s paws. After walks, wipe their paws clean and check for irritation caused by rain, mud, or street salt.

By staying mindful of the weather and taking these simple steps, you can keep your dog or cat safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout Spain’s winter season.

Happy New Year. Time to plan petcare for 2025!

LUNA is a friendly dog, and used to having company at home. She often travels with her owners but when they go abroad she is better staying at home. Lucy her owner has been using HouseSitMatch for some years now to find pet-sitters through our network. Luna is more relaxed at home and prefers being cared for in her own space. Plan ahead like Lucy to find pet care for your furry friends.

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

Luna loves her pet-sitter, and prefers staying at home.

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!

CLASSIFIEDS

CHARITY

Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)

BLINDS

BUY & SELL

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solarshade tinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (287972)

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780 Email:  info@ nlcnerja.com Website: www. nlcnerja.com Facebook:www. facebook.com/nlcnerj

CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/ kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez

CHURCH SERVICES

THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House - 951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@gmail.com

FOR SALE/WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

INSURANCE

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure.com (2887610

MASSAGE

NERJA. Hi! Beautiful masseuse, spectacular attributes. Relieve stress, personalised massage, unforgettable sensations. 641 043 610 (FU 3434)

MISCELLANEOUS

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

MOTORING FOR SALE

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

OTHERS

EDS? We have the solution, Kamag ra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for Large Glazed Areas to Reflect Heat / Glare and Stop Furniture Fading and Still Keep The View. Save Heat in the Winter to Improve Your Living Environment. ian@ solarshadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (258409)

WINDOW TINTING

MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal. Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts. Stop fading, heat & glare. 958 496 571 - 644 546 176 ian@ solarshadetinting.com (287972)

Challenges for new England Boss

FOR the first time in their history, the English men’s national football team will see a German manager at the helm.

Many feel that Tuchel’s appointment is advantageous to players and fans alike, as the manager has key experience - and success, managing for an English side, Chelsea, as he took them to victory in the Champions League back in 2021.

With his one-year contract allowing him a golden chance to win the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico next year, all eyes will be on Tuchel in his run up to a possible final, where he historically has a poor track record - Tuchel has lost seven finals. Another challenge will be how he integrates the wealth of attacking talent into the side.

But with all the challenges he will face as manager of England, he arrives to the side as one

of the most successful managers the country has seen in recent times, bringing a wealth of high-level club experience, combined with a genuine tenacity to win. Tuchel stated: “I have to prove myself and to the people who are maybe a bit con-

cerned, to prove to them how much it means to me and that it is a dream job for me.” And with a strong track record of domination in Germany, France, and England, his official start has already got fans dreaming of a World Cup triumph at last.

Hamilton’s first Ferrari speech

AS Lewis Hamilton commences his position as one of the two Scuderia Ferrari drivers for the upcoming F1 season, joining Charles Leclerc as the leading figures of the Italian team, the British driver insists that the change will prove positive for him and his career.

Many believe Hamilton’s appointment as the new racer for Ferrari for the upcoming season could do well to revitalise his career, with Hamilton ready to ‘embrace the change’.

“Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there’s a lot to reflect on. Whether you are switching industries, learning a new skill or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach,” he said on LinkedIn.

Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal has come out to defend his decision to appoint Hamilton, insisting that his calibre is still very much an appealing factor to the Italian outfit. “Look at the 50 laps he did in Vegas,” the Ferrari chief commented, as his huge second place finish last season here, as well as wins in Silverstone and Belgium justify that he isn’t ‘washed up’ just yet.

As the world’s Formula One fans set their keen eyes

on Hamilton as he prepares for his 19th season at the wheel, Hamilton leaves his supporters with a rallying message: “Here’s to 2025 - a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remem- ber. Andiamo.”

Thomas Tuchel in charge.

Lewis Hamilton, new Ferrari star.

Credit: Notracingpoint, Twitter.

Credit: ClinicalAdam, Twitter.