Costa Blanca South 30 Jan - 5 Feb 2025 Issue 2065

Skyward connections

Boosting travel connections to Poland, Austria and beyond

TONI PÉREZ, the President of the Alicante Provincial Council, is working on improving Costa Blanca’s connections with new markets, including Poland, Austria, and Moldova, while also strengthening relationships with North America, especially the US and Canada. He remains focused on key markets like the UK, Italy, and Finland, which bring in the most travellers.

Pérez is in discussions with airlines like Ryanair, Jet2, SkyUp, Fly Play, and easyJet. Ryanair, which has seen an 18 per cent increase in passengers this winter, will introduce new routes to Poland and Austria and will base two more planes at the airport. SkyUp will start

a new route from Moldova with two weekly flights and continue serving Ukraine. Jet2 and Jet2 Holidays are expanding their services with more UK routes. Fly Play, an Icelandic airline, is planning to increase flights between Reykjavik and Alicante from two weekly to daily during the summer. easyJet is also increasing flights by 12 per cent and adding routes to Naples and Athens.

Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2065 • 30 Jan - 5 Feb 2025 FREE

A NEW virtual reality (VR) project will allow users to explore the life of the inhabitants of Santa Pola Fortress from the 16th to the 19th centuries, using cutting-edge immersive technology. Starting in February, visitors will be able to step back in time with advanced VR glasses, experiencing a sensory journey through the fortress’s historical, architectural, and social settings.

Virtual voyage

The historical recreation of the Santa Pola Fortress offers the opportunity to experience various stages of the fortress’s evolution. The experience will be available to the public at the Museo del Mar.

Borja Merino, the councillor for Tourism, explained that the goal of the project is to provide an accurate and detailed representation of the fortress at different points in history.

“The virtual reality experience allows users to fully immerse

themselves in the site’s past, offering both a visual and sensory perspective on the fortress’s construction,” the councillor confirmed. “This project has significant educational and tourism value, enhancing visitors’ understanding of the monument’s historical, architectural, and social context.”

For more information call (+34) 966 691 532 or email: secreta riamuseo@santapola. es.

Shop & win

THE Pinoso Merchants Association has launched its Valentine’s Day loyalty shopping campaign, running until February 15.

Participation is simple: customers can send a photo of their purchase receipt to the ACP Chat Bot on (+34) 644 280 755.

As part of the campaign, various prizes will be offered, including a raffle for two dinners for two people at Nou Embolic.

Marching for hope

THE Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in Elda-Petrer will host the annual ‘Green March’ on Sunday, February 9, to mark World Cancer Day.

Ana Juan, the president of the AECC, shared, “This year’s theme for the march is ‘Together Against Cancer’. It’s a charity event with a registration fee of €5, which includes a gift pack featuring a green commemorative t-shirt and a backpack. We are grateful to our sponsorsFinetwork, the Red Cross, and the Elda and Petrer councils - for their support. All proceeds from registration will go directly towards funding our psychology service.”

Participants can register until February 8 at the

gift pack will include a commemorative t-shirt.

Idelsa headquarters in the Casa Grande del Jardín de la Música. On February 7 and 8, registrations will also be accepted at the Clara Campoamor Centre in Petrer.

The march will begin at Plaza Castelar, starting with a manifesto reading

at 10.45am, followed by the five-kilometre walk at 11.00am. The route will pass through the streets of Elda and Petrer, with music provided by the Comparsa de Cristianos de Elda troupe and the Asociación Musical Virgen del Remedio de Petrer.

The

Ready to renew the TIE?

WE are now well into 2025, a significant year for those who obtained residency in Spain under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

In 2020 over 35,000 Brits registered for residency in Spain under the Withdrawal Agreement. “An awful lot of these people will be coming up for renewal this year,” he says in an Upsticks to Spain YouTube video. “I’m not sure if we are ready for it here, and we also need to find out the specific process,” he continued.

There are various ways to apply for residency: either from having residency before Brexit; or from making an application after the extension to the Brexit deadline. For the former, it will just be a question of going down to the local National Police station. For the latter, the procedure has not yet been clarified by the Spanish government.

So far, the only thing for sure is that there are a lot of renewals coming up in 2025. While Chris doesn’t foresee too many problems for TIE card holders in renewing their residency status, if the card’s date passes its expiry date, this could cause problems for the cardholder, especially in terms of banks, contracting insurance, contracting utilities, and the like.

Guardia’s shock warning

CHECK the floor before you open your car says Guardia Civil: Spanish authorities urge drivers to check the ground near their car before getting in.

In any case, the situation needs clarifying because if not, National Police stations around Spain are going to

Navigating Spain’s renewal process What

have an avalanche of people enquiring at their front desks.

As always, Euro Weekly News will endeavour to keep its readers updated. Those concerned who would like someone to sort it out for them, a good place to start is Upsticks to Spain.

€1K parent grant

THE Spanish Social Security system is offering a special new €1,000 grant to families with children born after 2007.

To qualify for the full amount, you need to meet certain income thresholds. For a family with one child, the income limit is set at €14,011. But it goes up for larger families: €16,112.65 for two children, and

€18,214.30 for three. The idea is simple: the more children you have, the higher the income limit. Partial access is possible if you earn more than the maximum threshold.

The amount you’re entitled to will be based on the difference between your earnings and the income cap, so it’s gradual.

The Social Security system has a contribution requirement

based on your age when your child was born or adopted. For those under 21, you don’t need to have made any contributions, but for those between 21 and 25, at least 90 days of work in the last seven years is required.

Anyone over 26 needs to show 180 days of contributions in the last seven years, or 360 days in total throughout their career.

If you prefer the traditional route, head down to a Social Security Centre with a prior appointment. If you’d much rather go digital, you can also apply online via the Social Security Electronic Headquarters website.

It’s a simple but important help for many parents across Spain, so don’t let it slip through your fingers if you think you might qualify!

You grab your keys, hop in the car, and head off to work, the shops, or school. It’s second nature, right? But the Guardia Civil has recently issued a stark warning amid a wave of sly robberies across Spain: you need to check the ground before you climb into your car.

How ‘seed planting’ works:

As you’re about to get into your car, a stranger taps on your window and tells you that you’ve dropped something on the ground. They point to a banknote, a wallet, or a set of keys, placed intentionally just next to your car.

You step out to pick it up, but you’ve been set up. While you’re distracted, a second thief slips into the car from the other side and grabs whatever valuables are within reach - from your handbag to your shopping bags. They’re in and out before you even realise what’s happened.

Top tips to avoid falling victim:

1. Always keep an eye on your belongings. Make sure your valuables are visible, but not tempting.

2. Don’t trust strangers who try to distract you. If someone taps on your window or calls your attention, stay alert. They could be setting you up.

3. Look down before you get in your car. This simple step could save you from being the next target. Stay switched on, stay safe.

Spain targets high-value payments

New regulations to curb fraud

SPAIN will introduce new regulations for high-value credit and debit card transactions starting in 2025, aiming to curb fraud and modernise its tax system. These measures require banks and payment platforms like PayPal and Bizum to report annual cardholder spending above €25,000 to the Tax Agency.

The changes include stricter monitoring of businesses and freelancers, with monthly reports on digital and card payments linked to business activity. The government says the new rules are meant to increase transparency, ensure fair taxation, and reduce financial crime.

Digital payments have surged in recent years, making it more challenging for tax authorities to track large-scale transactions. By implementing these regula-

tions, Spain hopes to close loopholes and promote fairness in its economy. While the first reports won’t be due until 2026, businesses and financial institutions have time to prepare for compliance. However, small businesses have raised concerns about additional administrative burdens, especially as they continue recovering from recent economic challenges.

Individuals and business owners are encouraged to review their financial reporting systems and keep records well-organised. Despite the initial inconvenience, these measures align with global trends toward better regulation of digital financial flows. Spain’s efforts to improve oversight and transparency are expected to contribute to a more equitable financial landscape.

Spain offers a €1,000 grant to eligible families.

Life savers Pink paradise

BASIL, a resident of Orihuela Costa, recently underwent an emergency procedure at Torrevieja University Hospital to have a pacemaker fitted. The unexpected situation required him to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance with lights flashing.

The patient has expressed deep gratitude for the care he received, praising the ambulance staff, doctors, and nurses for their professionalism and quick action, which he credits with

saving his life. He gave special thanks to the doctor who performed the procedure, highlighting his kindness and expertise during a stressful time. This was not the first time the family experienced the dedication of the hospital staff. Basil’s wife, Maggie, was also recently admitted as an emergency case. Both Basil and Maggie commended the exceptional care and attention provided to them, expressing their appreciation for the hospital’s staff.

FLAMINGOS are stealing the show once again at El Hondo Natural Park wetland that spans the municipalities of Elche, Crevillente, Catral, and Dolores. This vital natural area in Alicante is a sanctuary for many bird species, with the amingos as its star attraction.

Recently, MeteOrihuela showcased photos by Germán Morales, capturing the birds wading through the park’s water. The images highlight the beauty of this ecological treasure.

El Hondo is one of the top spots for amingo sightings in the Valencian Community.

Torrevieja Hospital receives praise.

Image: MeteOrihuela / Facebook

One of the top spots.

Lights, camera, a new life

ABI and Darren’s journey to Spain began in 2017 when they met in Newcastle, UK. With Darren’s experience living and working in Spain and Abi’s family holiday home in Mallorca, they soon realised Spain was special to them.

In 2019, Abi took redundancy and saw it as the perfect chance to start afresh.

The couple moved to Spain, where Abi became a Zumba instructor, and Darren launched Perfect Home Cleaning Services in 2021.

A Caribbean cruise in 2023 sparked a new idea when they attended a Silent Disco. Seeing potential in their area, they created Shhh Silent Disco.

Not long after, Abi came across a social media post inviting couples who had started a new life abroad to apply for the television show A New Life in the Sun. Intrigued, she filled out an application, and after a screen test interview, they were selected to be featured in the 2025 series.

The show followed Abi and Darren’s journey as they worked.

While the filming was unpaid and required a few days each month, the couple managed to keep their businesses running smoothly alongside their TV appearances.

A major highlight of their journey -

and the finale of the show – was their wedding in Guardamar in October 2024.

Abi and Darren have ambitious plans for Shhh Silent Disco in 2025. Their entrepreneurial journey will also continue to be featured in A New Life in the Sun Revisited throughout the year.

Horsing around

ANDREW J DANIELS

MBE is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime.

In June, the retired foster carer for children with life-limiting conditions, pianist, and choral singer will cycle the entire length of the River Rhine to raise money for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales.

The route, stretching 820 miles from Switzerland to the Netherlands, is a monumental undertaking, but Andrew is determined to make every mile count.

A long-time volunteer and advocate for the rescue centre, Andrew has witnessed first-hand the transformative impact the centre has on the lives of the animals it saves. Founded by Susan and Rod Weeding, Easy Horse Care provides sanctuary to horses and donkeys that have been abandoned or mistreated.

“These animals have endured so much, and the care they receive at the centre is nothing short of extraordinary,” says Andrew. “It’s a privilege to be part of this effort, and I’m excited to take on this challenge to support their incredible work.”

The fundraising campaign aims to cover the centre’s ongoing expenses, including food, veterinary care, and upkeep

for the animals. “Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.”

Andrew is also encouraging people to get involved beyond donating.

“Please share the campaign link, organise fundraising events like quizzes or sponsored walks, and help spread the word about this vital cause.

If you would like to sponsor Andrew, head to the website: gofund.me/ 3b4f6691

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

Andrew is a long-time volunteer for the rescue centre.

Image: Andrew Daniels

Abi and Darren have ambitious plans.

Image: Abi & Darren

Tourism triumph Rotary run

ALICANTE has become the tourism leader in the Valencian Community, welcoming over 4.8 million visitors in 2024, according to the Hotel Monitor 2024 report by HOSBEC. This solidifies its position as the most popular destination in the region, surpassing Valencia and Castellon, and marks a significant rise from 2023, driven mainly by the growth of international tourism.

In total, the Valencian Community recorded more than 31 million overnight stays and 9.7 million hotel guests in 2024, reflecting a 7 per cent increase in stays and a 3.2 per cent rise in tourists compared to the previous year.

Alicante led the way with 4.8 million visitors, followed by Valencia with 3.6 million, and Castellon with 1.2 million.

International tourists played a key role in this growth, with a 9.1 per cent increase across the Valencian Community. Foreign visitors generated more than 15.8 million overnight stays, outnumbering domestic tourists. The UK market was the largest, making up 29.3 per cent of foreign tourists, followed by France, Italy, and the Netherlands, the latter standing out for its longer average stays (3.7 days).

Alicante also topped the region economically, with an average daily rate (ADR) of €104.30, marking a €7.10 increase from 2023. The average income per room (RevPar) reached €75.40, surpassing the regional average of €71.41 and showing an €8 increase from the previous year.

THE Rotary Club Elche Illice has announced that the profits from the 10th Rotary 10K Jainser run, set for February 9, will benefit the Al Taufik soup kitchen. This essential organisation serves approximately 150 meals daily to disadvantaged individuals and families.

Since its inception in 2015, the Rotary 10K has become a cornerstone event in Elche, combining athletics with a commitment to social causes. Previous runs have supported various initiatives, such as a medical tent for DYA (2016), adapted vehicles for Aspanias (2017), addiction prevention with Proyecto Hombre (2018), and the Conciénciate association’s shelter for the homeless (2024).

The race will follow an urban circuit approved by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, featuring a fast, flat route. Starting and finishing at the Manolo Jaén

athletics stadium, the course will pass through Avenida de la Libertad and Avenida de la Universidad.

Open to runners of all ages and abilities, the event includes an inclusive category for participants with functional diversity.

Registrations are open until February 6, 2025, via the event’s official website, 10kro tary.es . The participation fee includes a bib,

accident insurance, and a commemorative technical t-shirt. All finishers will be invited to enjoy lunch.

With more than 850 participants already registered from a maximum of 1,200, the race has drawn interest from more than 10 nationalities, including runners from the United Kingdom, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Chile.

The race is open to runners of all abilities.

Santa Barbara Castle overlooking Alicante.

Elche in motion

ELCHE has made a significant advancement in mobility with the launch of a municipal bus service connecting the central urban area to its major districts. Mayor Pablo Ruz described the development as “historic,” noting that it addresses a long-standing need for better transportation in the region.

The mayor also announced a new direct bus service launching in May that will connect the AVE station to the beaches of El Altet. This service will include two daily trips: one arriving at the beach by 11.45am and another timed to connect with the final train back to Albacete and Madrid.

The new district bus service has been highly anticipated for over 40 years.

Among the most successful routes are the R11, connecting the Business Park to the airport, accounting for 35 per cent of users, and the R10, which links Torrellano to the city centre and serves 17 per cent of passengers.

Ruz highlighted the importance of these routes in improving access to key locations, such as the Business Park, which employs over 7,000 workers, and cultural landmarks like La Alcudia, where the iconic Lady of Elche was discovered.

The AVE-El Altet line is also expected to boost tourism, making it easier for visitors from cities like Madrid and Albacete to reach Elche’s beaches.

Global Costa

AS of 2024, foreig ners make up 27.6 per cent of Alican te’s population, which exceeds 1.95 million people. This is a significant increase from just 5.5 per cent in 1988 and 20.4 per cent in 2022.

The rise in in ternational resi dents is noticeable across the province, with many newcomers settling in both coastal cities and inland towns. A large portion of these new residents are retirees or second-home owners.

the largest group being the British (5,802), followed by African (698) and American (286) residents.

Several towns in the region now have foreign populations that surpass the local ones. For example, in Rojales, 68.6 per cent of the population is foreign, with

San Fulgencio has 65.93 per cent foreigners, mostly British (3,331), with African (277) and Asian (113) populations. In Algorfa, 59.09 per cent of the population is foreign, pri -

marily British (1,471), with smaller African (60) and American (47) groups.

In San Miguel de Salinas, 54.58 per cent of the population is foreign, with 2,191 British residents, along with significant African (181) and American (123) communi -

Hondon de los Frailes has 52.81 per cent foreign residents, with the British being the largest group (501), and smaller populations from America (15) and Asia (14).

Finally, Benijofar has 50.25 per cent foreigners, including 903 British residents, as well as significant Asian (70) and African (36) populations.

New bus service launched.

International residents.

Image: UnaiHuiziPhotography/Shutterstock com

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

ORIHUELA has announced its cultural and walking routes for February, highlighting the area’s rich historical, artistic, and natural heritage.

Kicking off on February 1, the ‘Three Gothics’ route will guide participants through Orihuela’s Gothic treasures, including visits to the Cathedral, the Church of Santas Justa and Rufina, and the Church of Santiago.

Another cultural highlight is the Museum of Sacred Art tour on February 2, focusing

THE mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has shared the 2025 calendar of sporting events.

Torrevieja is known for its excellent sports facilities, especially the large Sports City, which spans over 349,000 m². This area offers topnotch facilities for various sports.

In 2024, the city invested more than €13 million into new and improved sports infrastructure. A highlight is

February fun

Various walking routes.

the ‘Parque de la Siesta’, a 44,000 m² outdoor sports complex with 10+ facilities, including paddle tennis, basketball courts, hockey fields, mini football areas, and the world’s largest paved pump track for cycling and skateboarding.

The La Mata Sports Pavilion is another addition, featuring a modern, two-storey, air-conditioned space with a sports court.

on selected masterpieces. On February 15, discover Orihuela’s cultural legacy with stops at sites like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monserrate.

February 20 offers the ‘Afternoon of Convents’ route, exploring historically significant convents. The route also explores the ‘San Isidro Murals’ route, showcasing art depicting the life of Orihuela poet Miguel Hernández.

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty of Orihue -

Sportopia

Torrevieja also has six urban sports courts that support major events like the 2021 Women’s Handball World Championship. These venues help draw sports teams and visitors throughout the year, boosting off-season tourism.

In 2024, Torrevieja hosted over 129 sports

events, bringing in €8.5 million and almost 18,000 overnight stays. The city is also known for its maritime activities, with 2,000 mooring points across three nautical clubs for activities like sailing, scuba diving, and sport fishing.

Torrevieja is becoming a top destination

la with routes like the ‘Sunset from Campoamor’ on February 6, offering scenic twilight views. On February 16, explore the stunning ‘Los Acantilados de Cabo Roig’ coastal cliffs. Wrap up the month on February 22 with the ‘Flowering of the Torremendo almond trees’ route, a seven-kilometre journey to witness this natural spectacle.

Weekly registrations are available on the website: ori huelaturistica.es or via WhatsApp on (+34) 673 836 385.

Excellent sports facilities on offer.

for both professional athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts,

offering world-class facilities for all types of sports.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Artichoke affair Most underrated

DOLORES has announced the date for its annual event celebrating one of Vega Baja’s most prized products: the artichoke. This vegetable is recognised and appreciated worldwide, and the gastro-cultural artichoke festival honours its significance. The festival boosts tourism and establishes Dolores as the region’s key culinary tourism destination.

The seventh Artichoke Festival will take place from April 24 to 27. Alongside the End of Campaign Artichoke Festival, attendees can also enjoy art, culture, and cuisine. Most importantly, the event shines a spotlight on a crop

SANTA POLA is leading the way in tourist accessibility by installing NaviLens codes at 50 points of interest throughout the town.

Mayor Loreto Serrano and councillor for Tourism, Borja Merin, have unveiled the innovative guidance system which is designed to assist individuals, particularly those with visual impairments, in navigating the area.

The councillor explained that the NaviLens colour codes can be easily read using the free NaviLensGo app

that is deeply connected to the traditions and farmers of Dolores.

Artichokes grown in Dolores have unique qualities. They are cultivated using traditional irrigation methods, and the soil - high in salinity due to its proximity to the El Hondo natural park - produces a crop with a distinct white colour, firm texture, and longer shelf life. These characteristics set the Dolores artichoke apart, reflecting its roots in the region’s agricultural heritage. As a member of the Artichoke Association ‘Vega Baja’, the municipality maintains a special connection to this celebrated product.

Scan-ta Pola

on smartphones. The system allows for detection from a distance, while users remain in motion, without needing to focus. The information gathered is converted into audio and automatically translated into the user’s preferred language.

The mayor emphasised, “With the implementation of NaviLens, Santa Pola is taking a major step towards full accessibility, offering

ACCORDING to ‘Viajar’ magazine, Biar stands out as the most underrated town in the province of Alicante.

While places like Altea and Guadalest enjoy widespread recognition for their beauty, Biar often remains in the shadows despite its numerous attractions.

The magazine’s recent list highlights towns that, despite their charm and historical significance, don’t receive the attention they deserve. Biar, in the Alto Vinalopó, combines rich history, traditions, and stunning landscapes.

Unlike neighbouring tourist towns like Villena and Alcoy, Biar’s appeal lies in its historical depth and scenic beauty rather than tourism-driven economies. The town boasts a remarkable medieval

in Spain’s hisand Christians.

castle that played a pivotal role in Spain’s history, witnessing events such as the reconquest and conflicts between Moors and Christians. Situated 650 metres above sea level, Biar historically served as a crucial passage between Castile and the Mediterranean, shaping its cultural and historical identity. Visitors are captivated upon arrival by its ancient castle and 12th-century Muslim-built walls. Despite its hidden gem status, Biar remains relatively undiscovered by tourists who often opt for more popular

both residents and visitors a valuable tool that improves mobility and access to key information throughout our municipality.”

The 50 NaviLens codes are strategically placed in key areas of Santa Pola, such as the beaches, Fortress Castle, and other popular tourist spots. They provide valuable details about local services, heritage sites, and accessible routes.

coastal destinations or well-known towns. The magazine emphasises that Biar’s impressive heritage and natural beauty make it a deserving destination for travellers looking beyond the beaten path in Alicante Province.

Ayuntamiento de Biar

Rich history and traditions.

Prized product.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

Fiesta frenzy

SAX is gearing up for five days of celebrations during the Moors and Christians festival from February 1 to February 5. This lively event is a key tradition in the Valencia and Alicante regions, re-enacting the battles of the Reconquista. Enjoy stunning costumes, parades, dramatic performances, and the sounds of marching drums and mock battles. Called ‘Moros y Cristianos’, it showcases the historical clashes between Moors and Christians.

The origins of the festival date back to 1627, when the people of Sax made a solemn vow to honour Saint Blaise, the town’s patron saint. Over time, this tradition grew into the grand event it is today, commemorating the Reconquest of Sax by the troops of James I in 1239. Initially a modest religious ceremony with arquebus salutes in honour of Saint Blaise, the celebration evolved significantly over the centuries. Since 1942, the festival has been exten-

ded to its current five-day format.

The festival is also known for its diverse and historic groups, representing both Moors and Christians. The se groups began forming in the late 19th century, with the first being the Moors and Christians themselves, followed by others such as the Morocco, Garibaldinos, Turks, Alagoneses, and Arab Emirs.

The newest group, the Knights of Cardona, was established in 1989.

Gearing up for five days of celebrations.

TORREVIEJA has introduced a new tourist guide tailored speci cally for children. This initiative addresses the increasing number of families visiting the city’s Tourist O ce who seek recommendations for kid-friendly activities.

Unlike traditional guides aimed at parents, this one is

Torrevieja tots

designed for children to explore Torrevieja in an engaging and independent way. It features a visually appealing format with fun illustrations and QR codes that provide additional information. The goal is to o er a modern,

interactive experience that introduces young visitors to the city’s cultural, natural, and recreational attractions.

The guide highlights popular spots like the beaches, Mata-Torrevieja Natural Park, bowling alley, library, swimming pools, water park, and nautical activities. It also includes a comic and a retelling of one of Torrevieja’s legends.

Available for free at the Tourist Info on Paseo Vista Alegre, the guide is expected to become a go-to resource for visitors and locals alike, o ering a fresh way to explore the city through a child’s perspective.

Heart smart

LOS MONTESINOS will host its rst Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) event on February 8 at 9.00am in the Plaza Sagrado Corazón. The event, open to everyone, aims to teach basic rst aid skills and emphasise the importance of responding e ectively during a cardiac arrest.

The council, in partnership with the San Miguel basic health area, will conduct two workshops for adults and one for children aged six and up. Marina García, an emergency doctor and certi ed CPR instructor, will lead the sessions, supported by a team of local health professionals.

Participants will also enjoy a healthy lunch and have the opportunity to ask health workers any questions they may have. “We started this cam-

ROJALES Pantomime Group started 2025 by handing over donations to two very worthy charities.

Age Concern and Help at Home recently received €1,500 each to help them with the vital work that they do to support the local community. The money was raised as a result of the hard work and commitment from the cast and supporting crew of the Dick Whittington Pantomime that was pre-

paign last year with CPR workshops in schools, which received great feedback. It’s vital to extend this knowledge to the broader community because being prepared can save lives,” said Isabel Garcí, councillor for Health.

No prior registration is needed - just show up if you’re interested!

Two worthy causes

sented in December 2024. The donation to Age Concern was accepted by the president and the donation to Help at Home was received by the Group’s president along with the coordinator for Quesada. Further donations are to be made to other local charities in the coming weeks with an

amount of €5,000 being donated in total.

The group are already discussing plans for this year’s pantomime. If you would like to join the group in any capacity, front or back stage, email Alison at dw2024rojalespanto@gmail.com for further information.

Pedal power

SAN VICENTE DEL RASPEIG has been announced as the host for the International Junior Cycling Grand Prix in 2025. The event, scheduled for March 1 and 2, will be part of the junior world cycling circuit for the first time and stands out as the only competition of its kind in the Valencian Community.

Sports councillor Ricardo Bernabeu emphasised the significance of this milestone, stating that it enhances the town’s profile on both the national and international sports stage. He also highlighted the challenging nature and scenic appeal of the selected routes.

The competition will feature a time trial stage within San Vicente’s urban centre and a linear stage passing

through various towns on the Costa Blanca, including Agost, Castalla, Onil, Jijona, Ibi, and Tibi, before returning to San Vicente.

The councillor has encouraged the public to attend, promising “an unforgettable experience” that will help establish San Vicente as a key destination for cycling and sports tourism.

Scream Street

FOR the third time, Petrer is hosting its popular zombie invasion and survival gymkhana, titled ‘Scream Street, Survival Gymkhana’. Following two highly successful Scream Streets, this year’s event promises another thrilling night of challenges and excitement.

Scream Street is scheduled to run from 11.30pm. on Saturday, February 8, to 4.00am on Sunday, February 9. Participants must check in between 9.30pm and 10.30pm at the Clara Campoamor Municipal Centre, which will serve as the logistical base for the event.

The event involves navigating through a series of 10 challenges while avoiding zombies. Participants will start and finish at Parque del Campet and will venture

NEIL MCBIRNIE once again proved he is the top angler when fishing El Bosquet, a commercial fishery of four canal-like sections just north of Catral. He had already done well earlier in the week winning his section on Tuesday and went one better on Thursday 23 winning overall from peg 12 with 15.16 kgs of carp. That said, the fishing was not easy and several did not weigh in. This was round 8 of the Carp-r-Us Winter Series, fished on sections 1A-7 and 8-16.

The fishery is on the northern edge of Parc Fondo and attracts lots of wildlife,

through streets, squares, parks, and municipal facilities trans formed into eerie, horror-themed settings. This year’s event coincides with Zombie Pride Day on February 4, honouring George A Romero, the filmmaker widely regarded as the father of the zombie genre.

While participants often join in groups, individual registrations are also welcome, with teams being formed at the event.

Fishing is not easy

especially birds. A pair of bitterns are the most recent visitors and again they put in an appearance. That pleased Trevor Morrey who, most unusually, never had a bite from peg 3. Instead, Tony Felstead on peg 1B waltzed that section with 10-32 kgs of carp using pole and maggot tactics. This has been the favoured method during the winter but other baits are now creeping back in. Dave Hutchinson - nice to have his wife Marlene rejoin the club although she did not

draw a good peg on the day - using similar tactics weighed 6-86kgs for second on that stretch.

Neil did not have it all his own way on 8-16. Alan Smith got off to a great start but then bites petered out. He weighed 9.40 kgs using soft pellets but was overtaken by Willy Moons on peg 15 who using feeder and corn weighed in 11.48 kgs. The fish have been moving away from peg 8 and thus the lower numbers proved miserable fishing.

Part of the junior world cycling circuit.

Image: FITFUR

Councillor, Alejandro Ruiz.

Agua aid

TORREVIEJA has approved an agreement guaranteeing a total discount on water and sewage bills for large families and single-parent households living in the municipality. This initiative expands the coverage of the Social Fund, which has traditionally supported retirees and pensioners with limited resources, to include these additional groups.

The grants will cover 100 per cent of water and sewage expenses for eligible households throughout the year. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria. The property for which the discount is requested must be registered as the applicant’s habitual residence.

The discount applies to annual water consumption of up to 300 cubic metres; any usage beyond this limit will not be covered. By applying, individuals authorise the city council to verify their residency.

Band of blessings

AFTER a successful Christmas season, the Costa Blanca International Concert Band proudly donated €1,000 to the Helping Hands Charity in El Chaparral, Torrevieja, on Friday, January 24.

Helping Hands Food Bank supports local families in need by providing essential supplies, including food, clothing, and hygiene items.

Each week, the charity distributes basic food parcels to ensure families have access to the necessities.

The Costa Blanca International Band, composed of musicians from Spain, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK, is eager to continue showcasing their

THE Aspe Merchants Association has launched ‘WhatsAspe’, an instant messaging platform to share promotions, exclusive offers, events, and contests directly with consumers. Joining is easy, save the association’s number and start receiving updates on your mobile.

The association stated, “With ‘WhatsAspe’, we want to connect

talents and supporting charitable causes throughout 2025.

The band is always welcoming new musicians. If you’d like to join, contact Graham on (+34) 711 056 343 or email robinsongraham256@google

WhatsApp WhatsAspe

more closely with our customers, meet their needs, and support local businesses, the heart of our community.”

Councillor for Commerce Antonia García Morote highlighted the town council’s support for innovative ini-

mail.com

You’re also invited to attend one of their rehearsals, held downstairs at the San Miguel library from 4.00pm to 7.00pm every Friday. Newcomers will receive a warm welcome!

tiatives. She encouraged residents to join ‘WhatsAspe’, saying, “This collaboration makes Aspe more dynamic and appealing while strengthening our local commerce.”

The first promotional campaigns will launch soon, offering exclusive opportunities for consumers. Save the number (+34) 722 707 393 to start benefiting from ‘WhatsAspe’ today!

Volunteers who work for the charity and Graham Robinson, band chairman with Pat Shepley, band secretary holding the cheque.

Image: Graham Robinson

France least welcoming

FRANCE has emerged as the least welcoming destination for British tourists, according to a recent online poll that’s sparked widespread debate.

When a British tourist asked on Reddit, “Which country have you felt most unwelcome as a Brit?”, France was the overwhelming answer. While countries like Argenti na, Spain, and Russia were mentioned, France - and particularly Paris - topped the list of places where Brits reported feeling uncomfortable or unappreciated.

Common complaints included experiences of ru deness in restaurants and shops, even when efforts to speak French were made.

One user wrote, “Everywhere we went, we tried speaking decent French, but only one restaurant reciprocated.

“Most places showed no effort at all.” Another respondent added, “Paris left me with a very negative

Credit : Shutterstock,Aleksandr Ryzhov

British passports on a European map highlight the challenges and perceptions of UK tourists travelling abroad post-Brexit.

impression of France. I’ve never encountered so much rudeness elsewhere.” Such stories have fuelled the perception that France, despite its popularity as a holiday destination, can feel unwelcoming to some British travelers.

The debate has also brou-

ght attention to a broader issue: the rising tension between tourists and locals in popular European destinations. While France bore the brunt of criticism in this discussion, countries like Spain, Italy, and Croatia have also seen growing pushback against tourists due to concerns over overtourism.

Boot Camp

IF you are one of the 8,500 or so new conscripts to the Swedish Armed Forces in 2025, apart from any inconvenience to you life, be aware that your feet could be in danger!

In late 2023, the Swedish Armed Forces purchased 10,000 pairs of boots as well as other equipment in order to ensure that conscripts were able to be properly clad when taking on their new roles.

This was because, there appeared to be a number of ‘disappearances’ when conscripts and serving members of the forces had completed their time and a lot of equipment was never returned to the quartermaster’s store.

Now, the Swedish Conscript Council has sounded an alarm about the new boots in particular which they believe are genera-

ting a number of problems with conscripts’ feet.

The boot in question, known as the Attackkänga 5.11 was supplied by an international company whose European Headquarters is based in Sweden.

The view of the Conscript Council, is that this boot not only has a narrower fit than its predecessor but it also lets in moisture which has led to members of the Armed Forces complaining about nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and other problems with their feet.

It now transpires that the boots had never been properly tested to ensure that they were suitable prior to placing the initial order and it was believed that they may have some problems, but time was of the essence which is why the order was placed.

Swedish conscripts are too big for their new boots.

Credit: Osquar

‘Black Gold’ jewellery

I Coal You jewellery.

POLAND’s Upper Silesia, a region rooted in coal mining, is finding new ways to honour its heritage.

Known for its ‘Black Gold’, the area is transitioning from an industrial powerhouse to a creative hub where coal is being repurposed into unique jewellery. For centuries, Upper Silesia, southern Poland, played a crucial role in fuelling Europe’s industrial boom. The region’s miners worked tirelessly in the coal mines, creating a legacy of resilience. Today, while large-scale mining has di-

minished, the cultural and historical significance of coal remains a big part of the region’s identity.

The local dialect, once banned in Poland, survives as a symbol of Silesian pride. This distinct culture is also evident in the architecture of mining towns like Nikiszowiec, where rows of tenement houses still tell stories of generations of miners.

Upper Silesia’s coal is now being transformed into hand-crafted jewellery, merging its industrial past with artistry. Katarzyna Depa,

founder of the jewellery brand I Coal You, is leading this trend. Speaking to a news source, she said, “Jewellery from coal is first and foremost a symbol of mining hardships... showcasing this coal in the form of jewellery also gives us the impression that, if not for coal, then nothing would be here.”

Depa’s clients include tourists looking for unique souvenirs and locals who see these pieces as a tribute to their heritage. Her designs are inspired by the 19th century.

Ireland’s undersea shocker

TROUBLE beneath the waves? An astonishing 75 per cent of all transatlantic internet cables pass through (or near) Ireland, making the country a key link in global communications.

These vital lifelines power everything from TikTok feeds and emergency services to banking systems and secret military communications.

However, some experts fear Ireland may be leaving itself wide open to potential sabotage.

Cables have become cutting-edge targets with recent incidents in the Baltic Sea - where internet cables were mysteriously severed between Finland and Estonia, then Finland and Germany, and even Sweden and Lithuania.

With these ‘snips in the deep’ making headlines, questions are surfacing about who exactly guards the cables in Irish waters and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) stretching 230 miles from the shore. The suspected attacks have apparently rattled political and military circles across Europe.

Neutral territory or a gaping hole in Europe’s defence? Ireland famously upholds a policy of neutrality, is not part of NATO, and has no submarines. What’s more, its defence spending ranks among the lowest in Europe. But experts like Senator Gerard Craughwell, who

Sponge growing on an underwater cable near Ireland.

has campaigned on defence issues for a decade, warn that neutrality won’t protect Ireland if rogue actors decide to pull the plug.

Those in the know believe an undersea cable attack would trigger chaos beyond Ireland’s shores. It would hurt not just Ireland, but Britain and Europe, too. With $10tn in financial transactions flowing through subsea cables globally every day, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

NEWS Travel

Toledo - the City of Three Cultures

with Hispavan Campers

TOLEDO, often referred to as the ‘City of Three Cultures’, is a mesmerising destination in central Spain where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage intertwine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient city offers a rich history, beautiful architecture and a labyrinth of streets that take you back in time.

Whether you’re drawn to its medieval charm or its breathtaking views, Toledo has something for everyone. With a Hispavan campervan, you can explore Toledo at your own pace - venturing into the city’s historic centre, enjoying overnight stays surrounded by nature, and travelling comfortably without the limitations of traditional accommodation.

Explore Toledo’s historic centre

Begin your visit at the Toledo Cathedral and walk through the Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, a unique example of Mudéjar art. As you make your way through the winding streets, stop by the Alcázar of Toledo, a fortress turned military museum. Don’t miss the Plaza Zocodover, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample some marzipan, a local specialty.

Admire panoramic views

For the best views head to the Mirador del Valle. This viewpoint across the Tagus River offers an unforgettable perspective of the city’s skyline, with its

towering cathedral and medieval bridges. It’s the perfect spot for photos or a picnic in your campervan.

Visit El Greco’s legacy

Art enthusiasts should visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco’s masterpiece, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’. See more of the artist’s works and learn about his life in the El Greco Museum, located in a traditional Toledo home.

Day trips around Toledo

With your campervan, you can easily explore beyond the city. Just 30 minutes away is Consuegra, which is home to a collection of windmills and a historic castle, offering a glimpse into the world of Don Quixote. Alternatively, explore the Cabañeros National Park, the perfect spot for nature lovers. Hispavan campervans provide the perfect way to explore Toledo and beyond.

SUMMARY

Whether you’re uncovering the history of Toledo’s ancient streets, taking in the panoramic views, or exploring nearby villages and parks, a Hispavan campervan makes anything possible. Experience the perfect blend of freedom, comfort, and adventure as you immerse yourself in the beauty of Toledo.

School25 Finland NASA inspired by Alhambra

A DECISION has been made by the Finnish Police force that it will increase its presence in schools during 2025 with the aim of reaching every student either directly or remotely.

A national School25 team has been set up within the Southwestern Finland Police to provide national online lessons to all comprehensive and upper secondary schools in Finland.

The main team members come from various parts of Finland and are familiar faces on police social media channels including TikTok and Instagram and with several million views will be known to a large number of Finnish schoolchildren.

Although it is intended that there will be regular face-to-face appearances at di erent schools across the country, it would be dicult to visit every single one so a lot of thought has been given as to how best to present the aims of School25.

Schools will be invited to stream online lessons and according to team leader, Chief Inspector Arttu Visuri “The rst online lesson will take place in the spring and schools will shortly be informed about its timing and content.”

The police aim to use lessons and other content aimed at young people to improve students’ education on legality and police interaction with children and young people.

SECURING Portuguese citizenship is becoming a lengthier process, with some applicants now waiting up to two years for a decision. This extended timeline is due to a dramatic rise in nationality requests, which have exceeded 1.4 million over the past six years, according to Secretary of State for Justice Maria

NASA IS looking to the past to shape the future of Mars exploration. The space agency has drawn inspiration from the Alhambra, the stunning 13th-century palace in Granada, to develop sustainable systems for human settlements on the red planet.

“Besides online lessons, we will also increase police presence and crime prevention content on the social media channels popular with children and young people,” commented Senior Constable Minttu Hernesniemi.

It is no coincidence that responsibility for the lessons was assigned to Southwestern Finland Police Department as that division rst started interacting with schools in 2021.

The Alhambra’s engineering genius lies in its water management. The Nasrid Dynasty designed a six-kilometre canal that precisely channels water at a 1 per cent slope, preventing erosion.

With a 45-metre-high pressure regulation tower and a storage system, the palace achieved self-sufficiency centuries ago. NASA sees these ageold techniques as a blueprint for Mars habitats,

where water is scarce and sustainable infrastructure is critical.

By studying the Alhambra, NASA hopes to adapt these medieval innovations for the harsh environment of Mars. The idea is to build systems that ensure steady water supply, just as the Nasrid engineers did.

This collaboration between history and mo-

dern science highlights how ancient solutions can inform cutting-edge technology.

As NASA pushes forward in the space race, the lessons of the Alhambra remind us that history holds invaluable insights for the future. The link between a Moorish masterpiece and Mars is a testament to human ingenuity across centuries.

Portuguese nationality wait times increase

José Barros. In 2022 alone, Portugal processed 300,000 applications, a significant increase from the 100,000 handled in 2013.

The surge in applications has overwhelmed the existing system. Despite the

launch of a new online platform by the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) in 2024, delays persist.

Maria José Barros acknowledged that the platform’s performance “is not what we would like,” contri-

buting to the lengthy waiting periods. While urgent cases are prioritised, standard applicants must often endure long delays.

This situation has caused frustration among those hoping to become Portuguese

citizens, particularly expats trying to establish their lives in the country. Although Portugal remains a popular destination for relocation, prospective applicants should be prepared for extended processing times.

Credit: Finnish Police

The four Finnish Police social media stars.

The Alhambra in Granada, a medieval architectural marvel, is now a key focus of NASA’s research for its innovative water systems and sustainable engineering.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

What’s on in February at The Club - Quesada?

ONE of the best live music venues in the Costa Blanca has a month of unmissable gigs lined up.

February will be busy at The Club Quesada with tribute bands, famous performers and a Valentine’s Day meal.

Starting on February 1, The Fly will perform their U2 tribute act from 9pm.

Watch Blondie at their Atomic best on February 7 with a tribute concert from Wild Card at 9pm, on both occasions you can get there early and order food from 7pm. Tickets cost €10 per person.

For Valentine’s Day dinner, celebrate with a delicious three-course meal, a glass of cava and live music for just €25 per person.

On February 15 take advantage of lower ticket prices and experience the Fakeighties show for just €5 entry. You can hear all your favourite music from the 80s. Just for Kicks will be playing all the best music from the 50s and 60s on February 20, tickets cost €10

On February 21 Alex

Tipping will bring you all the best hits from Michael Bublé, Elton John and Elvis for just €5 entry. A Phil Collins tribute act takes to the stage on February 22 and The Club Quesada will complete February with a show from Greg Bannis of Hot Chocolate fame on February 28. Tickets can be bought on their website.

Move it with Madagascar musical

THE musical version of Madagascar is dancing its way to the Gran Teatre Elche.

The family fun theatre production is bound to raise little smiles on February 15 and 16 at 12pm and 5pm as theatre goers follow the journey of Alex the Lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo from being the stars of a New York Zoo exhibits to being out of their depth in the dangerous but exciting wilds of Africa.

Just like in the film, the musical shows Alex and the gang making their way on to a ship bound for Africa to save a friend. Their ship is taken over by a crew of slightly odd penguins desperately trying to make their way to

Antarctica and through a series of unfortunate events they land in the crazy musical world of King Julien and his band of lemurs on the island of Madagascar. Suddenly the once looked after zoo animals have to find a way to fend for themselves. This musical has all your family’s favourite catchy hits from the movie, live in person.

The production is 80 minutes of musical mayhem and brilliance, from great actors and actresses. Ticket costs start at €20 but there are concessionary tickets available, check when booking online. Let the rhythm have you move it, move it with well-known DreamWorks characters, sing along and have a great afternoon with family.

Welcome to the Carnaval

THE TORREVIEJA CARNAis on its way, with multiple events throughout February and The Carnaval is a national treasure, with incredible events and parades held annually. This year’s Carnaval is bound to be a month of excitement and fun with Torrevieja’s councillor for Festivities, Rosario Martínez, saying that the Carnaval had received a subsidy of €100,000

It kicks off on Friday, February 7 at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre with the proclamation of the Carnaval and a film premiere. The following day there will be the Coronation Gala for the Car -

On Saturday, February 15 the 16th Drag Queen Gala takes place in the

International Auditorium. On Sunday, February 23 there is a Grand Parade Competition which decides whose group’s costumes and designs are the best and finally on Saturday March 1 there is the Grand Night Parade. This is the parade that attracts thousands of visitors to travel from all over the world with its floats and entertainers, outstanding costumes and performances it’s a truly spectacular city-wide performance.

On Sunday March 2 in the International Auditorium there will be the national Chirigotas Competition where groups of traditional singers compete to see who will be the winning act.

Organisers have said “Don’t miss this party full of magic and tradition!”

AFTERNOON TEAS

BUTTERFLIES

HOME-MAD E CAKES SAVOURIES & SA NDWICHES

Open Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday

Cafeteria El Jardin

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

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

Breakfasts

Sandwiches + Rolls Cakes Drinks

Monday to Saturday

8.30am - 1.30pm / 3.30pm - 8pm Sunday 8.30am - 1.30pm

Plaza General Llopis 3, Dolores Just in front of the Town Hall

The Best of Soul Mystery Man

STRAIGHT from New York, the Best of Soul is heading to Alicante. Witness a celebration of the most iconic singers and timeless hits in Soul history. Enjoy legendary classics from artists like Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and The Temptations.

Five powerful voices accompanied by an ensemble of double bass, cello, violin, viola, drums, percussion, piano, and saxophone, will bring new life to some of the greatest Soul and Doo Wop songs. Expect unforgettable renditions of classics like When a Man Loves a Woman, Soul Man, Up on the Roof, Duke of Earl, and Stand by Me.

The performance is set against an evocative backdrop inspired by the spiritual and artistic landmarks of New York City, where creativity and music thrive on every street corner. Enjoy the Best of Soul at Teatro Principal, Pl. Ruperto Chapí, s/n, 03001, Alicante, on February 13, starting at 8.30pm.

For more information or to book tickets head to the website: moonwrecords.com, email info@moonwrecords.com or call (+34) 966 897 921.

THE international exhibition ‘The Mystery Man’ has opened at the Gran Teatro’s exhibition hall, offering an exploration of the life of Jesus of Nazareth through the lens of the Shroud of Turin. The exhibit will remain in Elche until March 24.

Comprising five rooms, the exhibition provides a detailed account of the Passion of Christ, featuring original archaeological artefacts.

Visitors can also delve into scientific studies that examine the Shroud of Turin, including the carbon-14 dating, three-dimensional imaging, and iconography revealing the real image of Jesus.

This exhibition is part of the Jubilee Year activities and has already drawn over 250,000 visitors worldwide.

First launched in Salamanca in 2022, ‘The Mystery Man’ has since toured various cities, including Guadix, Granada, Venice, Caravaca de la Cruz, Sigüenza, and Barcelona, where it attracted over 40,000 visitors.

Tickets are available for purchase on the official website, themysteryman.com, or at the Gran Teatro box office.

Top notch food at great value

EL CORTIJO PAREDON

is a great restaurant just outside Pinoso. They have an indoor restaurant and bar and an incredible outside terrace with covered areas for shaded seating and a pool. Their regular live music, bingo, pool league makes them a great family day out and every two weeks they hold an auction. They pride themselves on being a hub to the local community.

They say they opened the restaurant with a view to giving ‘something back to a community that provides a meeting place for many of us… that also has a friendly bar with helpful staff’. They have certainly achieved their goal with staff that are friendly and attentive.

Food-wise they have a

good-sized menu that is comprised of primarily great British pub grub, they do all-day-breakfasts, basket meals like chilli cheese bites (all served with chips), fish shop fry days and so much more. They also cater to gluten-free needs with an entire menu of options. One of their most raved about food items is their Sunday carvery, served between

1pm and 4pm every week, a single course costs just €11.50, two courses are €14.50 and you can enjoy three delicious courses for just €17.50.

You can visit them in person at: El Cortijo, Paredon 5, Carretera Yecla, Pinoso, 03657, Alicante Phone to book a table on: 965 648 108.

Avd La Paz 63, Jacarilla, Alicante 03310

Photo Credit: El Cortijo Paredon website.

Germany goes dry in January Drunk driver

SOMETIMES it’s difficult to understand the thought process that goes through a drunken individual’s mind when they decide to do something that is clearly stupid.

All was quiet at the Bydgoszcz-Sródmiescie police station in northern Poland on Friday January 24 when at 2pm there was the sudden sound of a car engine revving and then a loud bang at the entrance of the police station.

This was repeated on a number of occasions as the driver of a small Peugeot vehicle kept hitting the entrance, reversing and hitting it again until he managed to break the toughened glass and drive right into the station.

As one officer had to jump for cover to avoid injury, others approached the car and after removing the driver turned off

the ignition to make the vehicle safe.

After breathalysing the individual, a 45-year-old Georgian, it was discovered that not only was he drunk, but was actually 7.2 times above the drink driving level.

Approval was received from the local prosecutor to arrest the driver and charge him with driving while intoxicated and destruction of property.

So amazed were the local police by this reckless action, they have continued investigations to try to discover the real reason for this determined attack on the police station.

Commissioner Lidia Kowalska speaking to Polish organisation TVP World said that “Everything indicates that he did it on purpose. He tried several times to force the glass door leading to the reception.”

DRY JANUARY has become a hit in many countries across Europe, but none more so than Germany as figures have revealed that around 50 per cent less alcohol was purchased in supermarkets this month than December of 2024.

The figures were published by the federal statistical office, Destatis, and the numbers are quite simply unbelievable, when you consider that Germany has one of the highest regular alcohol drinkers per capita in Europe.

However, importantly, excess alcohol consumption has been decreasing in the country, and the last few years justify that, with Germans opting to take better care of their health and ditch the popular vice.

Dry January was first coined by the UK charity Alcohol Change back in 2013, and it preaches a simple message: stay off the booze for the month! Millions have given it a try since, with some managing to

succeed, and others unable to shake the habit.

Drinking is seen as a stress reliever, something to celebrate with, and forms a large cultural foundation of many societies. It is popularised and glamorised to a degree, so getting the entire population to go dry in January was always going to be impossible.

Germans have done well it seems though, with the official offshoot campaign of Alcohol Change’s scheme launched by the Blue Cross in 2023, with astounding results by the first looks of it.

The 2023 ministry of health figures show that Germans are drinking less than in 1995.

The interior of the police station.

Credit: KWPwBydgoszczy

Germany’s dry January.

FRANCE DENMARK

Speak up

A COMMITTEE with members drawn from local authorities, universities, businesses and associations, will study how to improve teaching foreign languages throughout Danish schools. This will include more lessons combined with professional development for language teachers and closer links to businesses.

Data leak

A HEALTHCARE centre attending to 130,000 patients revealed that ‘sensitive information’ stolen during a December 2024 cyberattack has since been leaked. Police in South Jutland warned that the leaked details were not necessarily dangerous but could be used as background information for a scam.

EURO PRESS

FINLAND

Spring letdown

EACH spring, residents and tourists flock to the Roihuvuori park in Helsinki to enjoy the cherry blossom but they are likely to be disappointed in 2025 as well as in future. City officials explained that a contractor had over-pruned 100 of the park’s 152 cherry trees, affecting their ability to blossom for up to four years.

Photo credit: CC/Nemo bis

Drink to that

AT the end of last year, once it was clear that Donald Trump would be the next US president, French cognac producers increased their shipments. Distributors across the Atlantic also began stocking up as both expect Trump to reduce the country’s trade gap by imposing a 10 per cent tariff on foreign goods.

Film show

CINEMAS throughout the world emptied during and after the pandemic and many are still battling to survive, although the National Cinema Centre (CNC) singled out France as an exception. Last year saw a million more cinemagoers than in 2023, the CNC said, and revenues had returned to 2019 levels.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

Side hustle

POLICE searched properties belonging to Miguel Arruda, an MP who represents the populist CHEGA party in the national parliament. Although he has not been arrested, Arruda is accused of stealing luggage from airport carousels in Lisbon and Ponta Delgada (Azores) ‘for several months’ police sources said.

Good results

THE Algarve wine industry produced 1.98 million litres of wine in 2024, the sector’s best result in 15 years and 20 per cent more than in 2023, the Algarve Wine Commission (CVA) announced. This surpassed original estimates, the CVA president said, which had forecast an increase of between 8 and 10 per cent.

ITALY

School attack

A TEACHER at a Seregno high school was admitted to A and E with blood running down her face after a pupil slapped and punched her when they were alone in a classroom. The attack, which left the woman unable to work for some time, coincided with a wave of student violence against teaching staff.

Alien invasion

THE government will spend €10 million over the next two years on eradicating non-native blue crabs from the Po delta where they are decimating clam fisheries. Measures include catching and disposing of around 2,600 tons of the alien crabs in the Upper Adriatic affecting the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna areas.

IRELAND

Blame game

A GARDA whose nose was broken by a colleague during a night out will receive €8,000 in damages. Initially Denis Lordan demanded €60,000 from Ronan O’Shaughnessy but was awarded €13,000 which Judge Michael Walsh cut to €8,000 on appeal, ruling that Lordan was 40 per cent responsible for the incident.

Sea rescue

CREWS from RNLI lifeboat branches in Howth and Skerries, called out to assist a fishing boat that ran onto rocks off the North Dublin coast, were able to rescue one person and save the vessel from sinking. Nearby fishing boats tried to help but could not approach the rocks where the boat had run aground.

GERMANY

Lesser peril

THE Global Polio Eradication Initiative said that by mid-January, 11 poliovirus samples had been collected in Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Sachsen and Bayer. In all these instances the virus, unlike the dangerous ‘wild’ poliovirus, had originated in the oral polio vaccine that contains live, but weakened, polioviruses.

In safe hands

WHEN Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Odessa was a prime target and by July 2023 its Art Museum had been hit by a rocket, although by then all the paintings were in store. As the storage conditions were not ideal, all the artworks have been transferred to Berlin where many will be on show until June 22.

Jammed up

MOTORWAYS in northern Belgium suffered a record 159 kilometres of traffic jams on working days last year, the Flemish Traffic Centre revealed. This was the highest level of tailbacks ever recorded, and significantly higher than an average of 147 kilometres in 2023 and 142 kilometres in pre-pandemic 2019.

Armed drones

A DEFENCE select committee approved a proposal to arm the Belgian army’s drones. One of the MPs behind the resolution said military adversaries already used drones to target innocent civilians, and pointed out that as well as defending the nation, it was vital to fully exploit ‘the full potential of technology’.

NETHERLANDS

Unwanted guests

WATER boards trapped 65,811 muskrats last year, 29 per cent up on 2023, plus 862 nutrias whose numbers increased by 13 per cent. Neither are native to the Netherlands and cause flooding by tunnelling through dykes and river defences while threatening wildlife by eating the vegetation they depend on.

Back to school

THE government will promote the ‘often underestimated’ teaching profession with radio and online commercials as well as video displays in public places. The campaign, giving details of a €6,200 month salary, is aimed at attracting professionals in other jobs as well as students, the Education minister said.

SWEDEN

Indirect route

NATIONAL security adviser Henrik Landerholm routinely put travel costs incurred when visiting his girlfriend in Berlin on his official expense account, the Aftonbladet newspaper reported. Landeholm said he often left or returned via Berlin on business trips without realising that this was not covered.

Turn-off

MICHAEL LOHSCHELLER chief executive of rival electric carmaker Polestar said that Elon Musk’s ‘pure arrogance’ and his increasingly vocal presence in politics was putting off many potential Tesla buyers. “We get a lot of people saying that they don’t like all this,” Lohscheller told a Bloomberg interviewer.

NORWAY

Animal welfare

ANIMAL rights activists hailed Norway’s sovereign wealth fund for asking the 8,800 companies in which it invests to respect animal welfare. This entails acknowledging the World Organisation for Animal Health code whose recommendations include sparing animals ‘hunger, thirst, fear, distress, pain and injury’.

Red-blooded

NORWAY’S Environment Agency called for a ‘drastic’ reduction in red meat consumption owing to the greenhouse gases involved in its production. If each person ate no more than 350 grammes each week, this would cut Norway’s carbon dioxide emissions by an annual 2.3 million tons, the agency said.

ROIHUVUORI PARK: Famed for its cherry blossom each spring.

Wetherspoon in Spain? Airport selling solar

BELGIUM’S largest airport at Zaventem in Flemish Brabant is planning a scheme in which it will sell off its solar power, generated by panels, to residents of nearby regions in Kortenberg, Machelen, Steenokkerzeel and Zaventem.

The airport operator promises the discount to the first 100 families who sign up to the scheme, with the offer amounting ‘to about €124 off their annual energy bill’ of first-come, first-serve families, according to a report.

The pilot project is run in collaboration with Bolt, an energy platform, and comes in tandem with the airport’s initiative, as well as Belgium’s, to have zero carbon emissions on all operations in airports in the country by 2030.

The broader aims of Belgium to reduce

its carbon footprint involve addressing the buildings and the infrastructure managed by airports, but not the CO2 emitted by aircrafts themselves, as this would not be feasible in such a short space of time.

Plans are being discussed throughout Europe however, of tackling the carbon crisis of airplanes, and in the near future we could see important developments in this regard, as the world looks to attend to sustainability needs and save the planet from a meltdown.

The pilot scheme is part of a larger European project, named Stargate, in which Brussels airport is actively collaborating with a consortium of 21 different partners to develop initiatives for sustainability-bolstered airports and aviation.

CHAIRMAN and founder of popular UK and Ireland pub chain JD Wetherspoon is eyeing up a potential overseas project. He feels opening its pubs in destinations such as Benidorm might be a promising idea after his company came under fire from tax implications in the UK.

The founder of the pub chain, which is a common favourite among British pub goers, feels that opening a Wetherspoon on foreign soil may help his company tackle UK chancellor Rachel Reeves’ new Budget plans.

So could a Benidorm ‘Spoons’ become a reality? Sir Tim said: “We are looking at it. We think there are probably 100 to 200 franchise partnerships in the UK. Now it’s a question of going abroad, and it’s a possibility. There is now an opportunity for fran -

chises abroad, but not in China.”

The move would be a first for Sir Tim and his chain, as in its 45 years of operation, Wetherspoon has never ventured outside of its domestic shores.

The news came as a result of the frustration on tax levies imposed on pubs such as We -

therspoon amid the Budget rulings Rachel Reeves has implicated on the UK. Sir Tim gave his perspectives on Wednesday, January 22. The company told investors that they have to deal with an added £60 million burden driven by the rise in costs as a result of Rachel Reeves’ Budget.

Brussels airport’s new solar scheme.

Credit: @BrusselsAirport, Twitter.

Finland’s moon move

FINLAND has streng thened its ties with NASA, pledging to play its part in the future of space exploration.

Finland has just become the 53rd nation to sign up for NASA’s Artemis Accords, making waves in the world of space exploration.

With its bold move, Finland is now officially part of the global effort to explore the moon and beyond, pledging to follow a path of peace and cooperation with its international counterparts. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday January 21, at the Winter Satellite Workshop in Espoo, Finland, where Finnish officials and NASA representatives gathered to mark the momentous occasion.

What does this actually mean?

Rydman - Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairsproudly announced the nation’s participation, highlighting Finland’s long-standing contributions to the space industry.

“Finland has been part of the space exploration community for decades,” Rydman said. “Our Finnish companies and research institutes have played pivotal roles in producing innovations and technologies that have advanced space exploration.”

Polish government wants expats home

THE Polish government is making a direct appeal to Poles living abroad to consider returning home.

A press release was published on Monday, January 20, on the Republic of Poland’s official website. It’s titled: ‘New Year’s resolution to make: come back to Poland!’

The government highlighted the nation’s transformation over the past two decades and laid out an inviting case for Polish expatriates to repatriate:

Finland’s new membership in the Accords is not just a signature on a document - it’s a solid commitment to the safe and responsible exploration of space that benefits all of humanity.

Rydman added that joining the Artemis Accords strengthens Finland’s partnership with the United States and other allies, positioning the Nordic country as a key player in the future of space exploration.

“This cooperation will open up exciting opportunities for the Finnish space sector as we enter a new era of lunar and planetary exploration,” he stated.

• Thriving economy: Poland’s economy is booming, offering attractive salaries and interesting career opportunities.

• Improved quality of life: With a steady rise in living standards, increased wealth, and a focus on safety and stability, Poland is presenting itself as an ideal environment for professionals and families alike.

• High demand for expertise: Industries across the board are seeking skilled professionals, making it a particularly attractive option for expats with specialised knowledge.

The government is encouraging citizens to utilise their Polish passports to freely resettle, offering repatriation support and guidance.

Poland’s modernisation and EU integration have led to substantial

changes in the country’s landscape. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that returning expats would not only benefit from these improvements but also contribute their skills to further enhance Poland’s growth. The government stated, “We have evolved from a typically emigration-oriented country to a magnet that attracts foreigners looking for a better future for themselves.”

Polish couple in Warsaw.

Astronaut on the moon, space exploration.

Swedish authorities seize vessel

SUSPICIONS of sabotage have sur faced following significant damage to an undersea fibre optic cable linking Sweden and Latvia.

Swedish authorities have seized a vessel as part of the investigation, with the Swedish Security Service and Latvian authorities collaborating alongside NATO to uncover the cause.

The cable, which connects the Latvian city of Ventspils to Swe den’s Gotland Island, was damaged early on Sunday, January 26.

Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Sili ņa stated to reporters, “There is most likely external damage, and it is significant.” Latvia has been coordinating closely with NATO and other Baltic nations to assess the situation.

According to Sweden’s prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist, “We are now carrying out a number of concrete investigative measures, but I cannot go into what they consist of due to the ongoing preliminary investigation.”

In the wake of the incident, NATO deployed personnel to the Baltic Sea. NATO Chief Mark Rutte highli -

ghted the increasing risks to infrastructure and stressed the need for robust responses, stating that the organisation would monitor Moscow’s ‘shadow fleet’, suspected of avoiding agreements and potentially engaging in malicious activities.

Unlike gas pipelines and power cables that can take months to repair, damaged fibre optic cables in the Baltic Sea have typically been restored within weeks. Latvia’s state broadcaster LVRTC assured the public that end users would experience minimal disruption.

Italy’s oldest bank’s takeover bid

MONTE DEI PASCHI, an Italian lender group based in Tuscany, has launched a sensational €13.3 billion takeover bid for its competitor Mediobanca, who outperforms Italy’s oldest bank in every metric.

Experts are saying this move could turn the Italian banking sector on its head.

According to their offer, shares in investment bank Mediobanca would be €15.99 each, trumping Thursday’s closing price by 5 per cent.

The offer entails that Mediobanca investors would stand to receive 23 shares in Monte Paschi for every 10 Mediobanca shares they hold, which would be lucrative for both parties and generate some serious growth and movement in the Italian banking industry.

The Tuscan bank, which has a market ca -

pitalisation of around €9 billion, said that this potential deal “aims to deliver significant profitability levels and to maintain a solid capital position.”

Amid the news of the takeover, shares in the bidding bank have plummeted by 4 per cent, with stocks in Mediobanca soaring by around 7 per cent.

Mediobanca, their fierce competitors,

hold a €13 billion market value, and they are seen as superior to Monte Paschi in economic growth potential and asset strength.

The current takeover bid from Monte Paschi would help to generate €700 million a year extra in pre-tax synergies alone, with the Tuscan giants crossing their fingers that this deal can be executed smoothly.

Italy’s oldest bank makes an audacious bid.

Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.

Credit: Instagram @evika_silina

Norway to forgive debts

Marc Menendez-Roche NORWAY is rolling out the red carpet for fresh graduates with a debt-free dream! The Scandinavian nation is upping its game in student debt forgiveness, enticing bright minds to swap city lights for serene, sparsely populated landscapes.

Starting this month, employed grads who brave Norway’s less central zones can have a whopping NKr25,000 (around €2,100) of their student debt wiped clean each year. With the average debt for 2023 graduates sitting at NKr427,000, this could be a lifeline to financial freedom!

The scheme isn’t just expanding; it’s doubling down! Graduates in Norway’s northernmost regions of Finnmark and Nord-Troms can now erase up to NKr60,000 of their student debt each year, up from the previous NKr30,000.

But that’s not all. The government is also using debt forgiveness to lure graduates into undersubscribed professions.

Teachers specialising in Sami or Kven languages, natural sciences, or foreign languages have tailored schemes to lighten their financial load.

With younger populations dwindling in remote municipalities, keeping talent in these areas is more vital than ever,

especially with geopolitical tensions simmering with neighbouring Russia.

As Norway navigates this debt-free idea, the balance between encouraging rural residency and long-term community growth remains delicate. Stay tuned as Norway’s graduates take the plunge into debt-free living, chasing both career dreams and country charm!

New Portugal-Spain bridge

PORTUGAL and Spain have agreed to build a new bridge over the Guadiana River, connecting Alcoutim in the Algarve with Sanlucar de Guadiana in Andalucia. This €13 million project aims to boost cross-border trade, tourism, and commu nity ties, while impro ving the quality of life in the region.

The agreement, signed by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, is part of a broader plan to strengthen cross-border cooperation under the Common Cross-Border Development Strategy. This new link will integrate the road networks of the Algarve, Alentejo, and Andalucia, creating a vital

Credit : Shutterstock, florenzo7

The International Bridge over the Guadiana River, a key connection between Ayamonte, Spain, and Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal.

connection between the two countries.

Funding for the bridge comes from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), making it one of two international crossings announced at the 2024 Portugue -

se-Spanish Summit in Faro. Officials hope the bridge will support economic growth, address rural depopulation, and encourage tourism in both regions.

This isn’t just a bridge - it’s a step toward revitalising the area. Once completed, it’s expected to foster cultural and social exchange, strengthen the Euroregion EUROAAA (Algarve-Alentejo-Andalucia), and promote territorial cohesion. By connecting the two banks of the Guadiana, the project will bring new opportunities for businesses and residents alike, symbolising closer ties between Portugal and Spain.

Paris athletes returning medals

PROFESSIONAL athletes - some 100 of them - that were lucky enough to win a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games have reluctantly had to return their accolades as significant wear and tear began to form on their prized possessions. The IOC is taking immediate action.

Athletes took to social media to voice their concerns, and the situation, which the International Olympics Committee (IOC) are intensely looking into, has culminated into a bit of a joke for many sport fans.

‘Paris 1924’ was just one of the labels the faulty medals received on sites such as X, in reference to the last time Paris hosted the Games.

Athletes commented that the medals felt like ‘crocodile skin’. One athlete pos-

ted that ‘after leaving them on my skin for a little while with a little sweat and letting my friends handle them, they are not as high quality as you would expect’.

American figure skater Nyjah Huston pointed out that her medal had deteriorated badly in quality, saying on a social media post ‘it looks like it’s been to war’.

One potential reason behind this, according to French investigative outlet La Lettre, is the varnish previously used on the Paris medals was known to contain chromium trioxide, a powerful oxidiser that is also known to be a potent carcinogen.

So the Paris Mint, the organisation who produces the medals, decided to change the varnish for an alternative, which has not worked out well.

Credit: Shutterstock, vepar5

Medals are deteriorating.

Students can have some of their debt wiped clean.

LOW-COST airline Ryanair is set to slam the brakes on its Billund Airport (BLL) base come April 2025, citing Denmark’s new air travel tax and skyrocketing airport costs as the reasons for this drastic decision.

The fallout? Up to 60 jobs could be left stranded, including pilots, flight attendants, and engineers. While Ryanair plans to keep flying from Billund, the closure of the base means no more Ryanair crew will be stationed at the airport, leaving the local community grounded in worry.

Kalorama Festival moves to June Ryanair closing Billund

LISBON’S popular Kalorama music festival is moving from its traditional late-August spot to mid-June this year. The new dates - June 19, 20, and 21, 2025 - promise to bring the festival’s signature energy to Lisbon’s summer season a bit earlier than usual.

This change, approved by the Lisbon City Council, was prompted by artist availability. According to festival promoters Kalorama Festival Unipessoal, LDA, holding the event in August limited their ability to secure top talent. By shifting to June, the festival can feature a more diverse and higher-quality line-up.

As explained in a city proposal, this adjustment allows the festival to attract a broader array of performers, ensuring an even better

This move mirrors Ryanair’s turbulent relations with other European hubs, with recent clashes over airport fees in Rome and Bordeaux adding fuel

experience for attendees.

In addition to improving the line-up, the new timeline provides extra days for setting up and taking down the event at Parque da Bela Vista. The festival will now have a total of 41 days allocated, from May 26 to July 6, which should minimise disruptions for local residents.

Another key factor in the date change is Lisbon’s summertime rhythm. August is peak holiday season, with many locals away on vacation. By moving to June, Kalorama aims to draw a larger crowd from Lisbon and beyond, ensuring a lively atmosphere for the fourth edition of the festival.

to the fire. Although Ryanair has yet to officially confirm the shutdown, whispers from Danish aviation insiders and anonymous sources point to the newly imposed tax - a hefty addition of around 30 DKK (around €3) per shorthaul ticket - as the primary trigger.

This isn’t Ryanair’s first detour from Billund either. The airline previously pulled out in 2015 following a spat with unions, marking the second time Billund has been left high and dry by the budget carrier.

Stay tuned for more.

The World Stage at Rock in Rio Lisboa, captured on May 26, 2012, showcases Lisbon’s vibrant festival scene, setting the standard for unforgettable music events at Parque da Bela Vista.

Credit : Shutterstock, Gustavo Miguel Fernandes

Ghost ship haunts Polish port

A RUSTING Russian tanker that’s been abandoned in Poland’s Port of Gdynia since 2017 is back in the spotlight, raising eyebrows and security concerns as whispers of espionage swirl around its rusty hull.

The Khatanga, a 23,000-tonne product tanker, has been docked and deteriorating for over six years after failing a Port State inspection. The inspection uncovered serious structural issues and crew competency concerns, forcing the vessel into indefinite limbo. But now, with Poland’s military intelligence and security agencies taking a keen interest, the once-forgotten ship is causing a storm - and not just in the Baltic Sea.

Abandoned by its owners, Murmansk Shipping Company, after

their 2020 bankruptcy, the Khatanga has been left to rot without so much as a skeleton crew to keep it afloat. The situation came to a head during recent winter storms when the tanker broke loose from its moorings not once, but twice - on December 15 and January 12prompting frantic efforts from nearby tugs to prevent a disaster.

Poland’s Port of Gdy-

nia, which plays a vital role in NATO logistics and houses the Polish Navy’s operations, is now facing tough questions. Is the Khatanga merely a derelict danger, or could it hide something sinister?

With memories of the Eagle S tanker loaded with Russian spying gear still fresh, suspicions are mounting over what might be lurking aboard the Khatanga.

Nude statues

VICTOR ROUSSEAU was a Belgian sculptor whose work has graced different cities around Europe, but it appears that one of them is a bit too risqué for the woke Burgers of Brussels.

Although he worked in a classical style, most of his outdoor groups were produced in the 20th century and one of them, known in French as Maturité (Maturity) was completed in the 1920s.

It consists of six figures, an elderly man in the centre flanked by various male and female statues and has for many years been situated outside Brussels’ Central Station, but it was removed to allow for the creation of a new park in the area.

Now, despite the fact that it is a well-known and much regarded piece of sculpture, it has been decided by the

Brussels Council that with its collection of nude figures it is no longer in keeping with current values and its future is undecided.

Prior to its removal, the Royal Commission on Monuments decided that the group was in poor condition and applied for protected status, but this was declined although the Brussels Council did agree to put the group on the heritage conservation list.

This move then gave the council the ability to move the statues which it couldn’t have done had the statues been given protected status.

The council has indicated that there are sufficient numbers of statues created by Rousseau around Brussels, so this one doesn’t need to return and it would rather see a modern sculpture take its place.

Credit: Shutterstock, maradek

Aerial drone vision of tugboats and ships entering harbour docks.

Maturité by Victor Rousseau with no fig leaves needed.

1 Million residents overpaid taxes

A MAJOR calamity plagued France when faulty IT networks on the Gérer Mes Biens Immobiliers (GMBI) platform, which allows residents to declare their property status and pay housing taxes, meant that over €1.3 billion was overpaid by citizens.

The system was launched in 2021 to help property owners declare their property and how they use it. They can declare for instance, that they occupy the property, or rent it out to someone else.

But the system malfunctioned horrendously in 2023 when it charged over a million residents with masses more tax than they actually owed, leading Cour des Comptes, a French public auditing agency, to release a report this week.

The agency said that “all efforts must be made” to avoid such a “loss” to the state again.

“More than a million taxpayers were wrongly charged taxe d’habitation or tax on vacant homes,” auditors said in the damning report calling out the French government. It continued, that the system issues in 2023 had “very serious financial consequences for the state,” going on to point out key errors in the operations of GMBI since its first rollout.

They issued a stark warning to the French government, adding: “In a very difficult financial context for public finances, every effort must be made to ensure that a loss of this magnitude does not recur with regard to 2024.”

Elderly scammed by fake police in Holland

REPORTS of pensioners in Holland who have been scammed by criminals pretending to be policemen have soared in 2024, with many arrests made, but up to 2,000 residents successfully robbed of their precious valuables, or cash.

The figure rose to around 8,000 reports made by those over the age of 70 alone, compared with only 544 in 2023, as police - the real ones - are working around the clock to catch the devious impersonators.

Police high impact crime chief Sybren van der Valden Walda gave a statement to news outlet NOS, insisting that these specific fraudsters are a serious threat to the elderly population, and to the national police of the Netherlands.

“This type of scam has exploded in the last year,”

he commented. “It is becoming more organised and is exclusively aimed at people over the age of 70.”

It is said that the fraudsters call the resident they want to target first, informing them that their personal data has been found in possession of burglars and offering to come and collect their money and jewellery to

keep it safe.

“They get the information about their victims from data traded on the internet,” van der Velden Walda said.

Recently, reports about these scammers were raised in Goor, Best-Oirschot and in Beilen. “The errand boys are sent to various addresses in one night,” said the chief.

Elderly at risk of police scams.

IT systems on the GMBI site meant €1.3 billion was overpaid by one million citizens.

Credit: Anglophone-direct.

New uniforms

AFTER a number of trials as well as complaints from members of the Irish Police Force (Garda) a more modern uniform was introduced on January 24.

Slowly but surely, different pieces of uniform have been brought into service and the last two, baseball caps and warm sleeveless jackets (gilets) have been issued to all ranks from inspectors to beat officers, an estima ted 14,000 in total.

The decision was made because it was conside red potentially dange rous for officers to conti nue to wear peaked caps which could be easily knocked off in in chases or scuffles but they will be retained for official duties including parades and appearance in court whilst ranks of superin tendent and above will also keep them.

Officers had pre -

viously complained that in the winter in particular the normal uniform could leave them cold which is why the blue gilets which can be worn under reflective jackets have been introduced.

With the arrival of Storm Éowyn with its strong winds and cold weather, officers will be

be embarrassing for them.

Despite this temporary setback, associations representing members of the Garda have welcomed the changes in uniform which have seen old fashioned and often cumbersome clothes replaced over a three year period.

The waste not, want not app

EVERY year, EU countries produce over 59.2 million tonnes of food waste, which corresponds to 132 kg per inhabitant.

The numbers are even more dramatic if we consider that over 37 million people can’t afford a quality meal every second day. At a global level, one-third of all food produced for human consumption ends up as rubbish. The majority of food waste is produced in households, in restaurants and catering, and in retail.

Behind this amount of food waste are hidden economic and environmental impacts. Data estimates that for food waste produced yearly in Europe, there’s an associated market value of €132 billion. Furthermore, food waste has consequences in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, use of cropland, freshwater resources, and fertilisers for food production.

There is however an app that revolutionises how we think about food. The Too Good To Go app connects businesses that have unsold, surplus food with consumers eager to save both money and the environment. The simple, yet powerful system allows restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and other food vendors to list their surplus food at the end of the day on the app.

Consumers can then browse these

offerings and purchase a ‘magic bag’ with a surprise selection of food at a significantly reduced price that would otherwise have gone in the bin. Not only does this help businesses recover costs by reducing waste disposal fees, but it also offers people access to delicious, affordable meals.

Since its launch, the app has grown into a global movement, operating in numerous countries and saving millions of meals from landfills. By turning food waste into an opportunity, Too Good To Go is fostering a culture of sustainability and encouraging individuals and businesses alike to play their part in reducing waste while benefiting your wallet, your business, and the environment.

Smart new baseball caps introduced for Irish police officers.

Dealing with food waste.

Your VOICE

Opinions about Trump remain deeply divided.

Do you think Donald Trump is going to be remembered as a good president?

DONALD TRUMP’S presidency remains one of the most debated chapters in American history. Now the 45th and 47th president of the Unites States, this controversial character is certainly making his mark on history.

From his sweeping policy changes, to his divisive opinions, he knows how to make headlines. Supporters praise his bold approach to issues like the economy, trade, and foreign relations, while critics highlight controversies and challenges that define his administration, his shocking and unpredictable moves, and his chequered past.

Trump is bringing big changes to the States, and sparking debates all around the world. But the question remains, how will history remember him?

We asked our Euro Weekly News readers if they think Trump will be remembered as a good president.

Bernard Nathan expressed strong support for Trump, stating, “Trump derangement syndrome is still alive and well, judging by the comments here. Absolutely pathetic. Trump has done more good for America in four days than Biden did in four years.”

China Li argued that Trump’s re-election is evidence enough, saying “If he wasn’t a good president the first time, I doubt the vast majority of the American public would have

voted for him.”

Johnny Wilson offered a contrasting view, stating, “He is not even a good human being.” Similarly, Jack Santo responded emphatically, “Absolutely not. Not in any way imaginable.”

Valeria Olivares Piñeiro expressed concern, predicting that Trump’s presidency could have far-reaching consequences: “ He is going to cause a lot of serious problems. For the US, but even more for the rest of the world.”

Garry Turner offered a different perspective, pointing out that Trump’s legacy depends on who is judging it: “The question should be, for whom?”

While some commenters remain cautiously optimistic, others voiced their skepticism. Steve Holt said, “Yes, he’s off to a good start,” whereas Angela Edgley said “It’s early days yet. Americans have a different mind-set when it comes to who they vote for. (They don’t mind crooks being President).”

It’s clear that opinions about Trump remain deeply divided - you either love him or you hate him. Whether he is remembered as a transformative leader, a controversial figure, or both will likely depend on the lens through which history views his presidency. As Deb Horses said, “Only time will tell. In any case, he’s shaking things up more than expected; no doubt about that.”

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Kier buyback

INFRASTRUCTURE services company Kier Group announced a £20 million (€23.5 million) share buyback, saying that it had continued to ‘trade well’ over the past six months. The group had an £11 billion (€13 billion) order book by December 31, up 2 per cent from £10.8 billion (€12.8 billion) on June 30.

Bond success

SPAIN launched a €15 billion 10-year bond placement in its first syndicated issue of 2025 on January 22, with demand in excess of €110 billion. The BBVA, Credit Agricole, Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and Santander banks were chosen for placing the bond, which will mature on April 30, 2035.

Bag sales flag

CHARLES ANDERSON steps down as Mulberry’s finance chief on January 31. His departure comes two months after the luxury handbag label said it would halt faltering turnover and increased losses after UK sales fell 14 per cent to £31.3 million (€37 million) in the six months ending September 28.

No takers

NO bids were received for a €460-million contract that was put out to tender by Spain’s ‘bad bank’ Sareb to build 3,770 low-rental properties. Sareb, in which the government holds a 51 per cent stake, also offered to provide 50 plots of land as well as the concession to charge rents below the market price for 80 years.

KPMG probe

THE Financial Reporting Council (FRC) said on January 20 that it would examine KPMG’s work on the 2022 accounts carried out for Entain, which owns Ladbroke’s and Coral. Entain declined to comment on the KPMG probe but its shares fell by almost 2 per cent amid uncertainly regarding the FRC’s investigation.

STAT OF WEEK

€30 billion

We’re not going

SANTANDER’S chairwoman Ana Botin declared that the Spanish bank had no intentions of leaving the UK.

“We love the UK. It’s a co-market and will remain a co-market for Santander. Full stop,” Botin said during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Scotching rumours that the bank was planning an exit owing to the UK’s excessive red tape, she commented on the advantages of post-Brexit Britain.

“The UK does not have to agree with 27 countries now,” she pointed out.

Santander, which has 14 million customers in the UK and employs 20,000

people at 400 branches, has been present in the UK since 2004 when it acquired Abbey National.

Its chairwoman admitted that regulation was a source of frustration but said that this did not apply solely to the UK.

“Let’s take a pause on regulation because that is constraining growth, big time,” she said, warning that Europe risked becoming ‘a museum’ despite generating so much innovation and so many startups.

“The issue is that they start here and then they go to the US. I think Europe has a huge opportunity to lead,” Botin said.

Meanwhile, Chance-

will have been made in profits by Spain’s Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Unicaja, Bankinter and Sabadell banks in 2024, according to financial analysts, Jefferies.

llor Rachel Reeves has attempted to intervene in a Supreme Court case in hopes of reducing the £30 billion (€35.5 billion) compensation payments faced by UK banks due to the car finance mis-selling scandal.

Santander has set aside £295 million (€349 million) to cover future payouts resulting from the November 2024 ruling ‘to cover operational and legal costs and potential awards’ it announced at the time.

Sabadell turnaround

THE BBVA bank’s Banco Sabadell takeover bid, which turned hostile in May 2024, now looks less appealing to wavering Sabadell shareholders. Shares in the Catalan bank have risen 1.76 per cent to €2.24, meaning that they are worth more than the BBVA offer of €0.29 from the October dividend and a BBVA share for every 5.0196 Sabadell shares. The original BBVA bid offered a 17 per cent premium to Sabadell shareholders, although this was well below the 30

Not popular

DOUG GURR has been named interim chairman of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.

Amazon’s former Country Manager in the UK and president of Amazon China replaced Marcus Bokkerink who, according to the Financial Times, was forced out as the government felt the regulator was ‘insufficiently focused on economic growth’.

Gurr’s appointment, which will involve investigating technology companies, was greeted by unions as a ‘slap in the face to workers’.

Blackstone to sell HIB

PRIVATE equity fund Blackstone is said to be preparing the sale of Hotel Investment Partners (HIP), valued at €6.5 billion.

Unidentified market sources that were quoted by Cinco Dias, reported that Blackstone intends either to divest in 2025 via the sale of its 65 per cent stake in HIB or by launching an initial public offering. Should Blackstone choose the second option, this would be one of the biggest listings in recent years.

Blackstone bought HIP from Banco Sabadell for almost €631 million in 2017, acquiring the Hispania chain for almost €2 billion in 2018. The business currently owns 73 hotels with 22,000 rooms in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

THE Telefonica board terminated chief executive Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete’s contract on January 18.

Sources said that the government had asked Alvarez-Pallete to leave on January 17, and he resigned the next day.

Marc Murtra, chairman of the defence and IT company, Indra Sistemas, which is 26 per cent publicly owned, has now taken his place.

The decision was apparently influenced by the government’s opinion that Alvarez-Pallete ‘lacked ambition’ for Telefonica’s industrial strategy and had failed to focus sufficiently on technological innovation, the same sources maintained.

ASDA must carry out an £800 million (€946.2 million) upgrade to its IT structure by February or face a multimillion fine.

per cent that BBVA had initially intended before the news filtered through to the stock market.

At that time, analysts were undecided as to whether the proposed BBVA takeover was on course for success or, on the contrary, that it would fail.

Instead, there is now a shortfall of around one cent and approximately 0.2 per cent for Sabadell shareholders who would lose money if the deal were to go through at present.

Not too worried

ALTHOUGH new US president Donald Trump prefers fossil fuels to renewable energy, the majority of financial experts have recommended holding onto Iberdrola shares.

Nevertheless, the Spanish energy company’s plans include investing €25.5 billion in renewables between 2024 and 2026, and the US will account for 25 per cent of the total.

Speaking to the CNBC news channel at the World Economic Conference in Davos on January 22, Iberdrola chairman Ignacio Galan said the company had increased its US presence and investments under previous governments.

These included the first Trump administration, stated Galan, adding that he was ‘optimistic’ regarding the future.

The supermarket chain is hurriedly trying to unravel technology it inherited from former majority owner Walmart and move to a new version. Failure will incur a penalty charge for using the Walmart system, with these charges rising quickly to ‘millions of pounds’.

Staff quoted by the Telegraph doubted that the upgrade would be ready on time.

“IT and Asda don’t mix,” one employee said.

DESPITE Bloomberg reports that Rio Tinto and Glencore were in early-stage merger talks, Reuters later said that negotiations “were no longer active.”

British-Australian Rio Tinto and Glencore, registered in Jersey, are the world’s largest copper miners and according to analysts quoted by Reuters, Rio might be interested in Glencore’s copper assets but not its coal.

Meanwhle, insiders said that Rio would have to pay ‘a significant premium’ if it were interested in Glencore, whose shares currently trade at £3.50 (€4.14).

Photo credit: CC/Kippelboy

BANCO SABADELL: Shares now worth more than BBVA offer.

ANA BOTIN: No plans to leave UK, Santander chairwoman insisted.

3I Group 3.766,00 3.809,59 3.753,00 58,67K Admiral Group 2.662,0 2.663,0 2.641,0 13,61K Airtel Africa 129,70 130,80 126,10 545,82K Anglo American 2.385,5 2.428,0 2.384,5 402,54K Antofagasta 1.697,64 1.720,00 1.696,50 59,13K Ashtead Group 5.268,0 5.324,0 5.254,0 63,31K Associated British Foods 1.901,5 1.905,0 1.878,0 55,37K

11.098,0 11.118,0 11.052,0 56,27K Auto Trader Group Plc 766,20 771,60 764,00 74,51K Aviva 507,00 507,40 503,40 215,69K

B&M European Value Retail SA 319,00 319,00 315,40 58,56K BAE Systems 1.222,00 1.235,50 1.217,43 224,26K

290,15 291,24 287,55 1,94M Barratt Redrow 438,65 438,90 432,70 126,38K

Beazley 830,50 833,00 827,50 24,75K

Berkeley 3.794,0 3.794,0 3.752,0 7,53K

BP 418,10 420,55 417,60 2,21M

British American Tobacco 3.127,0 3.141,0 3.089,0 937,13K BT Group 140,70 141,05 139,20 1,32M

3.376,0 3.376,0 3.362,0 15,42K

134,80 135,15 134,45 248,39K

15,93K

2.670,00 2.694,98 2.667,00 135,7K

5.405,0 5.428,3 5.385,0 3,67K

2.493,0 2.496,0

656,50 673,37 656,50 73,41K

BUSINESS

Streets ahead

MERCADONA’S market share rose by two percentage points to 29.5 per cent by the end of 2024 despite closing 18 stores last year. The supermarket chain’s closest rival Carrefour, had a 7. 4 per cent market share which fell by one percentage point.

Best payers

ALDI, which employs 45,000 people in the UK and is the country’s best-paying supermarket, is increasing its basic hourly rate from £12.40 (€14.67) to £12.71 (€15.04). London employees with higher overheads will receive £14 (€16.56), up from £13.65 (€16.15).

Cruises and wind power

BELFAST HARBOUR has unveiled an ambitious, £313 million (€370.5 million) investment programme for the next five years.

That includes spending £90 million (€106.5 million) on a deepwater quay for the largest cruise ships and the vessels used by offshore wind turbine companies.

“We will enhance our reputation as a leading port for cruise tourism while promoting our expertise as the island’s only port with offshore wind facilities,” Dr

Small goes big

STELLANTIS announced on January 22 that its Zaragoza and Vigo plants will produce STLA Small electric vehicles (EVs).

The choice of the Spanish factories has now been confirmed following a delay of several months owing to discussions with the Italian government.

Jobs in Zaragoza and Vigo are assured for the next 10 years as the installations

prepare to produce Segment B vehicles for Stellantis, which own 14 brands including Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Opel.

These vehicles are smaller than Stellantis’s compact models due to be built at Italy’s Pomigliano plant, which will also produce the STLA Small.

Taking into account the gigafactory in Zaragoza, Stellantis is making a total investment of approximately €5 billion.

Theresa Donaldson, chair of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said.

Nor would this be the first time that Belfast has accommodated wind power companies as Dong Energy (later Orsted) used the port between 2013 and 2018 as its base for installing wind farms in the Irish sea.

Once these had been built, the quay was used by cruise ships.

Belfast Harbour’s chief executive, Joe O’Neill, said plans for 30 offshore windfarms within 200 kilometres of Belfast were a ‘superb opportunity’ for the port.

The first stage of the deepwater quay supporting cruise tourism should be completed between 2027 and 2028. Stage two, due by 2030, would strengthen the deepwater quay’s infrastructure, O’Neill explained, enabling the port to take a leading role in assembling and installing the next generation of offshore wind turbines.

On condition

ECOFIN, Europe’s Economy and Finance ministers, gave the go-ahead to Spain’s modifications to its Recovery and Resilience plan that will give access to of €25 billion from EU funds. Ecofin also reminded the Spanish government that fiscal reform was the main condition for receiving this fifth payout and had to include an increase in the tax on diesel.

Clear waters

LAWRENCE GOSDEN, chief executive of Southern Water, told a parliamentary committee that 15 years of low bills were responsible for Britain’s spate of sewage spills and cuts in the domestic supply. Regulator Ofwat has now allowed the company to spread a 53 per cent increase in charges to customers over the next five years.

BELFAST HARBOUR: Joe O’Neill and Dr Theresa Donaldson unveil future plans

Photo credit: Belfast-harbour.co.uk

What a gig that was!

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

IT’S seldom a surprise when I come across references, or internet observations which are relevant to my incarceration of many years ago. Even though it’s more than 50 years since the event, I also will never forget the whole unsavoury experience.

My biggest mistake was accepting the biased and detrimental legal advice of my one-time close celebrity friend Diana Dors and her star struck lawyers, apropos my trip to the local pub with her knife-carrying insalubrious husband Alan Lake.

To protect Lake and in order to avoid a lengthy press covered trial, they had persuaded me to forego my plea of self-defence and plead guilty to an act of criminality I didn’t actually commit. Convinced by everyone that with my totally clean record the Judge would show leniency for a first offence, I duly arrived at court bearing a shopping list of items to be purchased on the way home!

At the time I was riding high. I had

sold three and a half million copies of my hit song ‘Little Arrows’ and, after years of often dubious accommodation, had purchased a beautiful country house which I had moved into with my wife and two children. I was also preparing for a second tour of South Africa and Australia, where I had already achieved two number one hits. At long last, with my career buzzing and money in the bank, I had made it and things were really looking up.

On that fateful day, the whole caboodle came crashing down in less than one hour. With the fabrications of the prosecution witnesses and a judge who was undoubtedly not a Rock n Roll fan, the trial was a complete disaster. In utter shock, I heard myself sentenced to three years imprisonment for a pub brawl in which no one was seriously hurt.

With no experience of court rulings, as far as I was concerned, three years was a length of time that is impossible to envisage - it may have well have been an eternity. To separate the kaleidoscope of thoughts and emotions which careered around my spinning head as I succumbed to the

bowels of Reading Assizes was impossible. I had of course made no alternate arrangements and was utterly stunned by the length of my almost unbelievable sentence.

As the key turned in the lock of my tiny ‘holding cell’, one of a row of small cupboards linked by a single plank of wood on which to sit, I sank into both despair and worry; despair as to my inability to do anything about my situation and worry as to how my wife Mary and the children would cope with my inconceivably long absence from the family. I sat in that confined space for some five hours, until I was finally shipped (in handcuffs) to the now defunct Oxford prison.

As we alighted from the prison bus, wafting through the night air from the gloomy barely discernible barred windows and accompanied by the jangle of grating metal, came the rasping chorus of rough male voices and the unmistakably familiar refrain of ‘Little Arrows! What a gig that was - It’s in the book. 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.

New EU airline rules

PASSENGERS in France could soon see clearer rights and more robust protections under updated EU regulations. The new rules aim to address common travel headaches such as delays, cancellations, and rerouted flights.

The proposed changes redefine ‘cancelled flights’, now including flights departing more than an hour earlier, returning to the departure airport, or landing in a completely different city. Compensation will be mandatory for these situations, along with delays of three hours or more. Airlines must also improve communication, clearly outlining passengers’ rights and providing straightforward options for refunds, new tickets, or rerouting. Additionally, travellers forced to book pricier replacement flights due to cancellations could claim reimbursement from the airline.

The rules stop short of addressing disruptions caused by airline staff strikes, leaving this a grey area. However, the overall measures are intended to provide more transparency and fairness for passengers.

Poland, currently presiding over the EU Council, aims to finalise these regulations by mid-2025. French travellers can look forward to a smoother, less stressful experience, with the potential for these changes to take effect as early as next summer.

INTERVIEW

Speaking EuropeanChelsea Campbell- Ireland

I spoke with the Irish darts player Chelsea Campbell to find out about her future career plans and how she arrived in Spain.

“I’M originally from Cork and I came over on holiday with my partner nine years ago, we were here for two weeks, I was lau ghing and joking saying imagine working in Spain. I went up to a bar and asked about a job, they said… no problem, come back in five months time. It was amazing how it all just fell into place. We said we’d do a year and eight years later we’re still here.”

And now Chelsea has left working in bars to work on her darts career.

“I play locally… but I am now with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).

“I started before Covid, they were

short on numbers at the Lucky Lion. I started playing better and better players. I was negative at first… I had to get in the right mindset.” The future looks bright for Chelsea, she says she’ll be travelling every month to the UK and the Netherlands to play in the PDC women’s series, “and I have an opportunity to play on TV, my darts games can be followed on Darts Connect. I’ve just gained three sponsors for this series.”

What is she most proud? “I got to play pairs with one of the biggest darts stars, Fallon Sherrock, the first female to beat a man on the PDC stage.”

Promising smoother travel.

Credit : Shutterstock, ZinaidaSopina

A darts champion in the making.

Photo Credit: Chelsea Campbell

The city of dreams, droughts, and disaster: A love letter to LA

FROM COAST TO COAST

PRESIDENT:

I SPENT much of my adult life in the megacity where you either need to be rich, famous, or stunningly beautiful. And guess what? I was none of those, so 20 years ago, I packed up and left. But here’s the thing - no matter how much I wouldn’t choose to live in LA anymore, I can’t deny that this city is a place where dreams come true, but only if you work hard enough and have the stamina to survive the rollercoaster ride that is life in the heart of California.

California is home to the fifth-largest economy in the world. As of 2024, California’s Gross State Product (GSP) stands at $4.1 trillion, placing it ahead of entire countries like India and the United Kingdom. Only the US, China, Germany, and Japan are bigger players. This powerhouse economy thrives thanks to diverse industries - from tech in Silicon Valley to Hollywood, agriculture, and manufacturing. If you’ve ever marvelled at California’s influence, you’re looking at an economic machine.

But here’s the paradox of LA: despite its success, there are always those who seem determined to tear it down - even its own people. Conspiracy theories about the fires that ravage the area pop up constantly, with theorists eagerly amplifying the controversy.

But LA? Oh, LA. It’s a place like no other. If it had a middle name, it would be Diversity. It catapults aspiring artists to stardom while sheltering humble souls just trying to scrape by and send money home. It’s gorgeous, it’s horrendous, it’s convenient, and it’s chaotic. In a thou-

sand ways, it’s where love and hate got married.

And then there’s the traffic. Long weekends? Ha! More like a massive parking lot. But let’s be real: LA is like life itself - it offers both the finest and the vilest things, often at the same time. It all depends on where you’re standing and how you walk. From Sunset Boulevard in the west to the east, you’ll witness the dramatic contrasts between wealth and poverty.

As I reflect on the devastation caused by the Palisades-Eaton fire, my heart goes out to the people of LA. The destruction is so extensive that it’s hard to grasp. For perspective, imagine the size of Sevilla.

Many students often ask why, in such a wealthy area, a fire can’t be contained despite having access to the best resources. Here’s what I say: LA isn’t the flat, uniform city we see in the media. The topography is a maze of hills, winding roads, inaccessible terrain, dry patches, and vast expanses of land, all impacted by drought and unpredictable development.

Despite the chatter about conspiracy theories, the reality is simpler - and far more terrifying. The LA area has been slammed by extreme weather, including one of the worst droughts in years, combined with powerful Santa Ana winds and an unforgiving, rugged landscape. The result? A deadly furnace, where all these factors collide to create a catastrophic wildfire disaster that no one could have predicted.

As I look back on my time in LA, I’m reminded of its contradictions: the brilliance, the beauty, the chaos, and the reality. Healing will take time, but it will come. Meanwhile, the thriving heart of Angelinos will never be extinguished.

Self-driving buses in Sweden?

Volvo’s pioneering self-driven buses will shape the future of transport - and save the environment, bosses hope.

VOLVO BUSES have partnered with Swedish public transport operators VL to trial an ‘innovative’ self-driving support system for bus drivers, and bosses are optimistic for the pioneering plans for the future of global transport.

VL and Svealandstrafiken VL will join forces with Volvo to create the revolutionary addition to a bus driver’s repertoire as part of the eBRT2030 project, to give sustainable and commercial autonomous

solutions to drivers - and cars on the roads.

Trials will be expected to get underway in spring in Vasteras, in Sweden, with the swanky new Volvo 7900 electric bus being tested in real-world environments to see how it fares.

In an interview, Volvo Buses lead project manager Joakim Jonsson said: “We hope to be able to minimise the monotonous tasks that drivers have to carry out, which will improve their wor -

king environment. The new technology can also help to reduce wear and damage to the buses, make travelling more comfortable for passengers, and increase road safety.”

The technology has been created with the intention to relieve driver stress, bolster passenger safety, as well as comfort, and reduce any negative impacts on the environment. It utilises the tech to navigate buses in and out of bus stops seamlessly.

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

LUCCA MOVALDI

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

Passion, pineapples, pickpockets

THE other day I was in Mercadona buying some fruit when I saw an attractive woman, hovering near a pile of pineapples and openly irting with an unsuspecting victim, wait for the perfect moment, relieve him of his wallet and try to scarper. But before I could call a security guard she’d legged it.

Maybe puts a spin on looking for love while shopping? In Spain, an upside-down pineapple in your trolley signals passion, perishables suggest a ing and tinned goods mean commitment. Maybe puts a spin, too, on that ‘middle of Lidl’ quirk: when shoppers come out with something they hadn’t gone in for. (Pals once came out with kilts and chainsaws. Only went in for milk.) But unlike at Mercadona also come out WITH their wallets!

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

All this happened on Tuesday 14. I rst thought it must have been Tuesday 13 - Spain’s unlucky day! (Apologies for sounding so grumpy but NO country’s safe from professional thieves.)

But all’s not lost! Not only has my latest thriller, ‘The Girl across the Lake’, just been published in paperback, but will shortly join the previous one, ‘The Couple across the Street’, as an audiobook on Audible, narrated by my good friend, the actor Rayner Bourton (the original ‘Rocky’ in ‘The Rocky Horror Show’)... Happy listening!

Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Prots to Cudeca cancer charity.

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

Finnish doctor burnout

IN a new study in Finland published by the Finnish Medical Association, it was revealed that over half of the 3,000 physicians reported time demands too strenuous on their daily schedule, leaving them unable to properly carry out their work. Attention to detail and complete focus is paramount in a doctor’s life, so this study highlights the urgent need for some change in Finland.

Most doctors in Finland are struggling with not only demanding schedules, but poorly functioning IT equipment and an inherent lack of resources as well, that hinders them, ultimately, from carrying out their work correctly.

Being a doctor is a little different than working from nine to five in an office, and carrying out your job incorrectly can result in the death of a patient, or severe com-

plications, rather than a stern meeting with HR as a result of not submitting your work on time.

Researcher Peppiina Saastamoinen from the Medical Association said that the most common stressors have remained constant over the years, with demanding schedules the most frequent complaint.

Saastamoinen also noted that general practitioners, or GPs reported

in general more frequent complications pertaining to recovery times from a stressful shift than other doctors, and were at the highest risk of burnout among the entire healthcare community.

The researchers found that nearly 60 per cent of all doctors studied reported poorly functioning IT equipment as the primary stressor that deters them from carrying out their job properly.

Credit: CytoCyncBiz, Twitter.

Safer dolphins

FISHERMEN operating some 300 French fishing boats in the Bay of Biscay are receiving a one month holiday as they are banned from fishing in order to protect dolphins.

Even the European Union has become worried about the number of accidental catches and death of dolphins (usually common or striped dolphins) in the area and with the support of various environmental groups has been lobbying the French government to take action.

There will therefore be some temporary bans during 2025 and 2026 with the good news being that even prior to these bans, deaths have fallen from more than 6,000 in 2017 to around 1,500 in 2024.

This ‘emergency measure’ (the most drastic closure of commercial fi shing in the Bay of Biscay for around 80 years) is unlikely to be a long term solution, but gives scientists and environmentalist time to consider options.

“We now need to prove scientifically that this works,” said France’s Minister of Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher,

whose goal is to reopen the Bay of Biscay by February 2027 reported RFI.

One measure that is definitely being planned is the installation of acoustic buoys designed to warn or repel dolphins from fishing danger zones as well as the introduction of cameras on board fishing vessels to record actions of their skippers (although this latter requirement is being tested in a French Court).

Compensation is being paid to those who are banned from fishing, but whether this is a reasonable amount which filters down from boat owners to crew remains to be seen.

Secrets of Spain’s oldest woman

LIFE is precious, and we should do all we can to look out for our health to ensure we live until a grand old age. Spain’s oldest woman Angelina Torres Vallbona is a testament to that, as the 111-year-old, turning 112 very soon, shared her breakfast routine, as well as the things that made her life special.

She gave a small interview with Spanish news outlet Efe , insisting that there is “no secret” to her impressive age, stating that she has “never been sick.” So, she must be doing something right!

The lady, who resides in Barcelona, says she sips “a glass of water with a few drops of lemon and a teaspoon of sugar” for her breakfast

every morning.

But aside from the nutritional aspects of her daily life, which Angelica did not go into too much detail on in her interview, she emphasised that she loves regular strolls out and about, and stays forever grateful to her family, her fantastic long life, and

all those around her. She aspires to be “friends with everyone.”

The 111-year-old concluded by sharing some endearing insights into her life, revealing that she “had many friends” who “loved me a lot,” and that she “laughed a lot, and enjoyed my family.”

Striped dolphins are common in the Bay of Biscay.

Credit: Animalia

Credit: Gerontology Wiki

Angelina Torres Vallbona, Spain’s oldest woman at 111.

Pillow talk Active ageing

PREVENTING neck pain caused by pillows begins with understanding the crucial role of proper neck alignment during sleep. An unsupportive or poorly chosen pillow can force your neck into awkward positions, leading to discomfort and stiffness upon waking.

The right pillow should maintain the natural curve of your neck and support the head without elevating it too high or allowing it to sink too low.

For back sleepers, a medium-thickness pillow that supports the neck’s curve while keeping the head aligned with the spine is ideal. Side sleepers benefit from a firmer pillow to fill the space between the shoulder and head. Stomach sleeping, which strains the neck, is best avoided altogether.

Shutterstock / Prostock-studio

If unavoidable, use a very thin pillow or none at all to minimise strain.

Materials also matter. Memory foam and contour pillows are popular for their ability to adapt to the shape of your neck, offering tailored support. A study published in Physical Therapy Science found that ergonomic pillows significantly reduce neck pain, improving sleep quality and posture over time.

REGULAR exercise is essential for older adults to maintain physical and mental health. It helps improve mobility, balance, and strength while reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Additionally, staying active enhances mood and overall quality of life.

For seniors, low-im pact exercises like walking, swimming, or

bands, helps maintain muscle mass and bone density, reducing the risk of falls.

Balance exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, improve stability and coordination, while stretching routines enhance flexibility and range of motion.

Chair-based exercises

professional before starting any new routine to ensure safety and effectiveness. Consistency, even with moderate activities, can help more mature people stay independent, healthy, and energised for years to come.

Regularly replacing worn-out pillows and experimenting with types that suit your sleeping style can make a noticeable difference. Prioritising neck support ensures restful, pain-free nights.

cycling

are excellent options. These activities are gentle on joints while promoting cardiovas cular health. Streng th training, using light weights or resistance

ACHIEVING optimum oral health involves following the correct sequence for brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. While many people have their own routines, experts suggest a specific order to maximise effectiveness and protect your teeth and gums.

Start with flossing to remove food particles and plaque trapped between teeth. This step allows toothpaste to reach areas between the

Floss, brush, rinse

teeth more effectively when you brush. Next, brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, focusing on all surfaces, including the back molars and gum line. Use gentle, circular motions and a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damage. Brushing too hard or excessively - more than twice a day -

can wear down enamel and irritate gums.

Finish with mouthwash to flush out any remaining debris. Using mouthwash last ensures it isn’t rinsed away immediately by brushing. By following this order - floss, brush, and rinse - you can achieve cleaner, healthier teeth and gums.

Healthy hoovering Common diet myths debunked

WHEN it comes to nutrition, myths often overshadow facts, leading to confusion and misguided choices. Here are some common diet myths debunked:

Myth 1: Carbs make you gain weight

Carbohydrates are often blamed for weight gain, but the truth is that we gain when our calorie intake is higher than the amount we burn, regardless of the source. Whole carbs like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are nutrient-rich and essential for energy, the key is moderation.

Myth 2: Fats are bad for you

Not all fats are created equal. While trans fats and excessive saturated fats can harm health, healthy fats like those found in avocados and olive-oil are good for you - They support brain function, hormone production, and overall well-being.

Myth 3: Gluten-free is better

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and while avoiding it is important for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, there are no proven health benefits for everyone else. In fact, many gluten-free products are heavily processed and contain higher amounts of sugar, fat, or calories to improve their flavour.

Myth 4: Detox diets cleanse your body

Your body has its own detox system - your liver and kidneys. Detox diets often lack scientific backing and can deprive your body of essential nutrients. A balanced diet with plenty of water is all you need. By separating fact from fiction, you can approach nutrition with clarity and make healthier choices. Always consult a professional for personalised advice.

HOUSEHOLD chores can play a significant role in enhancing physical and mental well-being. Activities such as hoovering, gardening, or scrubbing not only burn calories but also improve muscle tone, balance, and flexibility. These everyday tasks act as low-intensity exercises, helping individuals stay active, particularly those who may not engage in regular structured workouts.

Beyond the physical benefits, housework can also support mental health. A study published in BMC Geriatrics found that performing household chores is associated with improved brain function in older adults. The research revealed that individuals who engaged more frequently in tasks like cooking or cleaning had greater brain volume in regions linked to memory and learning, highlighting

the cognitive advantages of staying active at home.

Moreover, household chores can foster a sense of accomplishment, reduce stress, and bring structure to the day, all of which contribute to mental clarity and overall happiness. While chores may not replace vigorous exercise, their physical and psychological benefits for overall health and well-being make them a valuable addition to daily routines.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

Costa del Sol

Robbie Williams cruise

BRITISH singer Robbie Williams will be in Malaga in April to give a concert as part of the official blessing of a new cruise ship in Malaga port. There will be just 2,000 tickets on sale to the general public.

The new ship, ‘Mein Schiff Relax’, is part of the inTUItion class of the TUI Cruises company. On the same day, two other ships from the same operator will also be docked at the port, the ‘Mein Schiff 5’ and the ‘Mein Schiff 7’, whose passengers will also be able to enjoy the concert and the ceremonial smashing of a bottle of Champagne.

TUI Cruises have prepared the exclusive Robbie Williams event originally with a mind to entertain their passengers, staff and crew but are now offering 2,000 tickets to the public as well. The tickets will go on sale soon, and links to the online box office will be posted on the Port of Malaga website.

The official blessing ceremony and Robbie Williams concert will take place at Malaga port on April 9.

Axarquia

Help for working parents

ALMUÑECAR Town Hall is again assisting families where both parents work and need help with childcare. “Following the successful Plan Correponsables 2024 programme, we are launching the same scheme this year,” said Social Services and Children’s Education councillor Maria del Carmen Reinoso.

Funded by the Junta’s Inclusion, Youth, Families and Equality department, the town hall will roll out a programme of recreational, sports, leisure and spare time activities for Almuñecar and Herradura children on the days when they are free, but their parents are working.

This was a priority during the holidays, national holidays or ‘puente’ long weekends, Reinosa said.

During the first quarter of 2025, the local government will set up a free play centre in Almuñecar and one in Herradura for children aged three to 12.

This year’s Plan Corresponsables would cover Andalucia Day on February 28, Easter Weekwhich falls in April - and the May Crosses.

Mallorca The Big Apple

MALLORCA and United Airlines have announced an extension of their non-stop flight service between Palma and New York for summer 2025.

The new schedule will increase seat availability by over 50 per cent compared to the previous summer, and flights will now operate until October 24, a month longer than in 2024.

Additionally, flight frequency will rise from three to four times a week. To accommodate the increase, United Airlines will upgrade the aircraft from the Boeing 767-300 to the larger Boeing 767-400.

Antonio de Toro, sales manager at United Airlines, expressed excitement about the expanded route, emphasising its significance as the only direct flight between Mallorca and the United States. Since launching the route in 2022, United has increased its global seat offer by more than 75 per cent.

This expansion provides Mallorca residents with more travel options to New York City.

Costa Blanca North

An international explosion

ALICANTE stands out as one of Spain’s most demographically intriguing provinces, showcasing a unique blend of small towns and bustling cities. It is notable not only for its population diversity but also for the remarkable growth it experiences each year. With an increasingly international presence, Alicante boasts the highest percentage of foreign residents in the country, encompassing over 180 nationalities.

According to Datadicto, as of 2024, Alicante had in excess of 1,950,000 residents, with more than a quarter of the population being foreigners.

These changes are particularly noticeable in Costa Blanca North, where three towns stand out as being ‘conquered’ by foreign populations. As of 2022, Benitachell’s foreign population was an astonishing 61.4 per cent of the town’s total. Teulada had a foreign population making up 54.5 per cent of the total residents. L’Alfas del Pi followed a similar trend with 51.3 per cent.

Almeria Europe loves Almeria

THE tourism markets of Iceland, Poland, and Slovakia are doubling down on their support for Costa de Almeria as a top travel destination. Fernando Giménez, Almeria’s Vice President of Tourism, shared this exciting update after a series of meetings with tour operators, airlines, and travel platforms at FITUR, one of the world’s largest tourism fairs. This year, Hungary has also joined the list of countries connected to Almeria through charter flights. These flights are expected to bring in high-spending tourists, with most staying for seven to 10 nights. The region is especially attractive to travellers looking to escape crowded destinations and enjoy outdoor activities like golf, hiking, and cycling.

Giménez highlighted the steady growth of flights from the UK, Belgium, and Luxembourg, with new routes being added to meet demand. He stressed the importance of maintaining these connections while expanding charter flights from Iceland, Poland, and Slovakia.

Costa Calida King backs Cartagena

AT the opening of FITUR 2025, King Felipe VI took a keen interest in Cartagena’s new tourism project, ‘Cartagena, City of Submarines’. During a warm greeting with Cartagena’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, and regional president Fernando López Miras, the King was clearly fascinated by the city’s plans to highlight its deep-rooted naval history.

The project celebrates Cartagena’s connection to submarines, from the birthplace of Isaac Peral, the submarine inventor, to the city’s role as home to Spain’s submarine base and cutting-edge naval shipyards. “We want to turn this history into a unique tourism experience,” said Mayor Arroyo, mentioning plans to display real submarines and open Peral’s childhood home as a museum.

The plan also seeks to position Cartagena as a key player in Mediterranean heritage, aiming for UNESCO World Heritage status. Mayor Arroyo also discussed potential international alliances, including Mexico’s Marías Islands.

Breakfastgate

POLITICIANS and environmental groups in Norway were not impressed when a large number of plastic cups containing breakfast cereal washed up along the Norwegian coast.

There was a wide range of cereal from Kelloggs, Lucky Charms, Cheerios and other brands which suggested that they must have originated from the USA.

The matter was debated in the Norwegian Parliament and the Minister of Defence was asked to raise the matter of the sudden appearance of this breakfast cereal with his Ameri-

can contacts.

What were considered very important clues to the origin of the unwanted marine waste was the discovery of a number of labels apparently emanating from a US vessel which also washed up on Norwegian beaches.

After considerable investigation, it appeared more than likely that the cereal boxes came from the USS Harry S Truman, an aircraft carrier which had been in Norwegian waters in November and after enquiries from several different parties, an admission was received from an Ame-

rican spokesperson.

It seems that a number of pallets containing breakfast cereal were dropped into the North Sea as they were being transferred from one ship to another and the US forces were unable to recover them.

The general feeling from those involved in Norway is that rather than wait until the matter was publicised in the media, the Americans should have alerted the Norwegian government to the accident, but there is some relief that it was an accident rather than the deliberate dumping of unwanted product.

Flying taxis in Germany

IN an outrageous move from the German transport sector, headed by its minister Volker Wissing, flying taxis may actually be a thing in Germany within the next few years, with test routes already mapped out.

His ministry presented a brand new campaign to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to light and available to the public for use to ‘revolutionise air mobility’ in the country, with Wissing hoping other nations will follow suit.

Test routes are to be planned for 2026, with nationwide operations expected to commence by 2032.

In the highly exciting set of developments for Germans, the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport

(BMDV) aims to make the country a pioneer for Europe in the development of drones and eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts).

German authorities in the transport industry have major plans to allow this new creation to boost the sector but also to ensure Germany as a country becomes the ‘centre of technology’ throughout Europe.

Wissing remains convinced that the project will not only benefit the wealthiest in Germany, but that the flying taxi will be available for everyone to make use of.

“AAM will not be an elite project for business travellers, but to benefit society as a whole. Especially when cargo drones and eVTOLs can be used in regions that are currently difficult or impossible to reach using conventional means of

The USS Harry S Truman.

Credit: U.S. NavyFacebook

The flying cab: More than just fantasy?

PETS

Lupa relaxes at home with her dog-sitter

LUPA loves to hide in plain sight, usually among the blankets on the sofa. And of course, dog-sitters always remark that she seems to like this one spot. It’s comfortable and she can relax at home. Lupa’s owner Gillian tells the sitters that it’s her sofa, she rests there. She likes having dog-sitters at home, each sitter plays a new version of hide and seek, but Lupa always hides here.

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 housesitters 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 undis-

turbed. 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 home owners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

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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.

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Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

pet owner

Walkies month

JANUARY is officially recognised as Walk Your Pet Month, making it the perfect time to prioritise your furry friend’s health and happiness. After the busy holiday season, this month offers an opportunity to establish a fresh routine that benefits both you and your pet.

Daily walks are essential for your pet’s physical and mental well-being. For dogs, regular walks help maintain a healthy weight, reduce anxiety, and provide essential mental stimulation. Even cats, with proper training, can enjoy the outdoors on a leash, offering them a chance to explore and stay active.

Walking your pet also benefits you as the owner. It’s a simple way to stay active, improve your mood, and strengthen the bond with your animal companion.

January’s cooler temperatures are ideal for enjoyable

outings, but be mindful of safety - use reflective gear in low-light conditions and protect your pet’s paws from

Celebrate Walk Your Pet Month by stepping outside, staying active, and enjoying quality time with your pet. Both you and your companion will reap

training.

Even cats can enjoy the outdoors with proper

APPLIANCE

BLINDS

DRAINS

SOLAR ENERGY

Solar EV Revolution

APTERA has unveiled its groundbreaking solar-powered EV, the Launch Edition, at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. This futuristic vehicle offers up to 40 miles of daily solar-powered travel and a total range of 400 miles when fully charged, redefining the future of sustainable driving.

Built from lightweight carbon fibre composite, the car’s innovative design reduces energy consumption and manufacturing complexity. Integrated solar panels on the hood, roof, dash,

many drivers. Consuming just 100 Watt-hours per mile, it surpasses the efficiency of leading EVs like Tesla’s Model S. Aptera’s total range of 440 miles, including its solar-powered capacity, outperforms competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ and Lucid Air Grand Touring. The vehicle’s practical integration of solar technology sets it apart from other EV concepts, offering immediate

benefits like reduced reliance on charging infrastructure and a smaller carbon footprint.

While an official release date is pending, Aptera is gearing up for large-scale production, supported by a partnership with LG to secure battery supplies through 2031. This Launch Edition EV marks a significant leap toward accessible, renewable transportation, proving that sustainable technology can be both functional and inspiring.

Aptera’s solar-powered EV redefines efficiency with 40 miles of daily solar travel.

Photo credit: Aptera Motors official website

Hyundai reveals INSTER Cross pricing

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

HYUNDAI’S first small SUV EV was revealed in June last year, with pricing and specification for the 01 and 02 trim levels announced in October. INSTER’s distinct styling is complemented by a myriad of technology and convenience features, and with the introduction of the INSTER Cross there’s an outdoor-focu sed interior and exterior design to the small EV.

The exterior design comprises of 17” alloy wheels, distinct front and rear bumpers, unique Cross side skirts and embossed black claddings, with body coloured door mirrors and exterior door handles, rear spoiler with integrated brake light, LED rear lights, automatic headlights with dusk sensor, automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, LED Daytime Running Lights and rear lights, full projection LED headlights, heated door mirrors with power folding function and electric adjustment and roof rails also featured on the striking trim level. Phew!

single charge. As with the INSTER 01 and 02 models, a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump is fitted as standard, to both optimise range and charging times.

A 49kWh battery is standard, providing a maximum power output of 115PS and up to 358km/223 miles on a

The interior includes reclining and sliding rear seats with 50/50 split, height and reach adjustable steering column,

manual driver’s seat height adjustment, heated front seats and steering wheel, climate control single zone air conditioning, ambient lighting, automatic dimming rear view mirror, privacy glass - rear windows and tailgate, keyless entry with Start/Stop button and an electric-opening glass sunroof.

The optional Tech Pack adds Vehicle-to-Load functionality with an internal three pin plug, and a Digital Key.

Building on INSTER’s technology, comfort and safety features, the INSTER Cross boasts an Electric Glass Sunroof, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind Spot View Monitor and myriad of other driver features. Additionally front and rear parking sensors with rear camera and parking guidance system, Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go function, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, front and rear USB-C charging ports and a wireless phone charging pad.

INSTER Cross is priced at €34,000/£28,745 and available in five exterior colour options, including an exclusive colour, and optional finishes including Atlas White at €354/£300, Abyss Black costing €709/£600 and the two Matte colours - Amazons Green and Aero Silver - an €946/£800 option. Inside, and exclusively for the INSTER Cross, a special colour and trim combination of grey cloth with lime-yellow accents.

Information is based on UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

Pinturault’s crash shakes

Kitzbühel

SKIING fans held their breath as French star Alexis Pinturault suffered a harrowing crash during the Kitzbühel downhill race, right in front of his family. The accident left him clutching his knee in pain, and he was airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Alexis Pinturault in action during the Men’s Giant Slalom event at the Audi FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup on the Gran Risa course, Alta Badia, Italy in 2015.

event all the more distressing.

The fall occurred on a challenging section known as the compression, where Pinturault lost balance and slammed into the safety netting. Although he briefly stood up, he quickly sat back down, clearly injured. Medics responded immediately, flying him to St Johann hospital. His wife and daughter, Olympe, witnessed the ordeal, making the

Other skiers also fell on the same stretch.

Austrian Lukas Feurstein, Italian Dominik Paris, and Frenchman Florian Loriot took tumbles there. Loriot’s crash was severe enough to require air evacuation as well. Fellow French skier Nils Allègre remarked, “It’s a tricky spot. You have to distribute your weight perfectly or you go down. It wasn’t easy to

manage.” With multiple incidents at that particular section, questions have been raised about the safety of the course. For now, the skiing world waits for updates. All thoughts are with Pinturault and Loriot as they begin their recovery. This incident is a sobering reminder of the risks these athletes face each time they hit the slopes.

Messi wants Barcelona

FOOTBALL legend Lionel Messi has dropped the ultimate bombshell for fans of the beautiful game - he’s got his eyes set on a sensational return to Barcelona! After lighting up Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, the Argentine maestro has reportedly told a family friend that the Catalan club, where he cemented his legacy, is calling him home.

Whispers of a return to Barcelona refuse to die down. Family friend Yanina Latorre fanned the flames, telling La Nacion: “He [Messi] told me that when he finishes here [in Miami], where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona.” When pressed on the possibility of staying longer in Miami, Messi reportedly shut it down, saying: “No, my place is there.”

For Messi, Barcelona is more than a club - it’s home. Forced to leave in 2021 after financial turmoil rocked the Camp Nou, Messi’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain broke hearts across Catalonia. But a return - in any capacity - would bring his legendary

story full circle.

While a playing comeback could be complicated by Barca’s ongoing money troubles, an ambassadorial role could see Messi back in Blaugrana colours, off the pitch if not on it.

With one last MLS campaign to go, Messi faces a crossroads. Will the lure of a hero’s return to Barcelona prove irresistible, or can Inter Miami persuade their talisman to

Tennis champions

THE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS FEDERATION has named Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek its World Champions for 2024, following a year that’s been nothing short of extraordinary. Both players delivered stellar performances, with Swiatek shining on the women’s side and Sinner making history for Italian tennis.

Iga Swiatek clinched the women’s singles award after a phenomenal season. Among her accomplishments: a French Open title, four WTA 1000 crowns, and an Olympic bronze medal. She also helped Poland reach the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals.

Swiatek’s consistent excellence, coupled with her ability to perform on the biggest stages, earned her the honour over Aryna Sabalenka, who captured the Aus-

tralian and US Open titles.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner became the first Italian player ever to claim the ITF World Champion title. His 2024 season saw him finish at No.1 in the rankings, amassing an impressive 73-6 record. Sinner’s highlights include victories at the Australian and US Opens, as well as the ATP Finals, and he played a key role in Italy’s Davis Cup defence. The ITF emphasised that these awards are based on ‘objective criteria’, with a focus on performances at Grand Slams, team events, and the Olympics. The decision recognises the remarkable achievements of both players, cementing their place among the sport’s elite and setting the stage for another thrilling season ahead.

Messi during his presentation in Miami.

Iga Swiatek holding the French Open trophy.

Credit : Shutterstock, Leonard Zhukovsky