Mallorca 31 August – 6 September 2023 Issue 1991

Free education approved Town hall clock BATTERED

THE Mallorcan government has approved the decree to guarantee free education in stage 0 ­ three as of September, a measure that will affect 11,131 families (who will stop paying for four hours of education a day) and which will cost €37.7 million.

The extension of free education to all stages of the first cycle of Early Childhood Education will benefit 7,000 more families than the previous year. Last year it was already free for children between two and four years old.

The students of 194 educational centres or ‘escoletes’ will be the ones who will benefit from this bonus from the Ministry of Education from September.

The educational offer for children of these ages is made up of 111 public ‘escoletes’ (which depend on the municipalities) and 83 private centres. It will be a welcome blessing for parents.

WITHIN a mere hour, the tranquil landscapes of Mallorca were dramatically disrupted by the fierce impact of storm ‘Betty’ on Sunday, August 27. Betty, an exceptionally intense storm, swept its way across the island, unleashing its force from the southern to the northern regions, accompanied by hurricane ­ force winds clocking in at a staggering 122 kilometres per hour.

As the afternoon progressed, the number of incidents grew, with 112 receiving reports of nearly 300 incidents. The coastal municipalities along the Bay of

Palma found themselves at the epicentre of the storm’s fury. Amidst the chaos, six tourists suffered injuries as the windows of the Maritime Station buckled under the storm’s might.

In another unfortunate instance, a pregnant woman sustained leg cuts when a billboard succumbed to the winds in Calvia. The commo­

tion was not confined to land.

A cruise ship tore free from its moorings in the port of Palma, luckily coinciding with a firefighting exercise. Driven by the unrelenting forces of Betty, the ship drifted across the port, eventually colliding with the stern of a tanker moored at the opposite end.

ALCUDIA will begin conservation and restoration works on the town hall’s clock tower at the end of October. This action will allow the removal of the scaffolding that has covered the facade of the building since 2021.

The complete restoration of the tower will have a total cost of €169,287.92.

The works contemplate the aesthetic restoration of the facade and the consolidation of the architectural elements, as well as the implementation of measures to preserve the clock tower, so this project will not only return the tower to its original splendour, but also will ensure its structural integrity.

Credit: Palma Police

STORM BETTY: An uprooted tree was just one of the incidents reported.

Stage 0-3 education.

Credit: Freepik

No logistics park Water cut threatened

Jo Pugh

ESPORLES Council has announced a series of ‘urgent’ measures, such as prohibiting the watering of green areas, filling swimming pools or cleaning private roads, given the ‘exceptional’ situation of drought that the municipality is going through.

The council reported on Wednesday, August 23, in a statement, the use of drinking water to irrigate gardens, orchards, trees, green and sports areas, of a public and private nature, is ‘complete­

ly’ prohibited, with the exception of irrigation with purified water.

Similarly, it is not allowed to clean private roads, terraces and patios, except if

OYSTER owners, family and friends are invited to join the very special edition of the Palma Regatta from Monday, September 4, to Friday, September 8, to celebrate 50 years of Oyster Yachts.

With a new location in Port Adriano, excellent racing, friendly competition and the introduction of a cruising class, this year’s Palma Regatta is set to be the best social event in the Mediterranean this summer.

The organisers want to host a record

they are also cleaned with purified water

The filling of both public and private swimming pools, ponds and garden water features is also banned.

Sailing regatta

number of Oysters in this anniversary year, ranging from 40 to 90 feet, and have set registration fees by class size to encourage large participation.

The regattas will take place over four days, with a great sporting spirit, led by

All the measures have been adopted because the municipality’s water collection has been decreasing ‘progressively’ due to the lack of rain and the increase in consumption in the summer months.

The measures will be in force ‘until further notice’, and the council will constantly review the state of the water levels and, depending on their evolution, other restrictions will be incorporated, such as temporarily cutting off the water.

the company’s team, which encourages fun and fairness for all levels of sailing. The Oyster team and partners will be on hand to offer help before and during the event, from regatta advice to technical support.

During the regatta all owners are invited to a very special dinner to celebrate 50 years of Oyster Yachts. For more information about this event and the regatta, visit oyster yachts.com.

THE Business associations of ADED, PIMECO, AFEDECO, and ASIMA have expressed their discomfort with the pushiness of some carriers in the Transport Federation for a logistics park.

These groups have consistently opposed this project since the 2003­2007 term, under the Popular Party’s rule. Despite pressure from the associations, subsequent governments abandoned the idea. It is concerning them that certain carriers are reviving the proposal, while omitting the fact that the Balearic Islands already boast 53 logis­

tics parks, acknowledged by Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, current Minister of Business, Employment, and Energy, and former ASIMA director.

The plan for a logistics park to accommodate lorries and trailers is seen as unjustified, as Palma already possesses ample industrial estates. This appears to be a pretext for establishing a new industrial area, contradicting business interests. Bartolomé Servera, ADED’s president, said that a 10,000 metre square area, not the proposed 200,000, would suffice for trailer parking.

ESPORLES VILLAGE: Water restrictions now in place.

PARKED LORRIES: A new park is seen as unjustified.

Credit: Esporles Town Hall

Credit: Ulrich Dregler/Pixabay

Hit and run

TWO canoeists from the Costa d’en Blanes Canoeing Club were injured on Thursday evening when their canoe was rammed by a boat. Witnesses said that the boat didn’t stop and a family of German tourists was on board. The incident occurred in the Puerto Portals area.

Bin fire

LAST Friday in the Plaza de España of Palma, a rubbish bin caught fire due to a poorly put out cigarette butt. Luckily it did not cause damage because two passers­by managed to extinguish it with the water bottles they were carrying. Others ignored it.

Reservoir ban

EMAYA, the water company, has reminded people that bathing in the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs is totally prohibited, after tourists and residents were found using the lakes in the Serra de Tramunana this summer. Photos were shared of bathers on social media.

Just asleep

WORRIED passengers in Palma airport called security guards after discovering a dead man lying on the terminal floor. “He’s not dead, he’s drunk,” commented the security guards after checking the condition of the traveller.

Clever thinking

SAVVY pop concert goers sold their tickets on Twitter before the huge storm arrived on Saturday. Rauw Alejandro fans quickly put their entry tickets for the concert at Son Fusteret up for sale in the morning. They were correct, as the Puerto Rican had to cancel his performance.

Ship to stay

THE Britannia cruise ship, which broke its moorings in the Port of Palma and hit an oil tanker due to strong gusts of wind, has suspended its itinerary and will stay in Mallorca for the time being.

Shark protection

THE sharks and rays that live in the sea off Mallorca should be better protected. This was determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the global umbrella organisation for nature conservationists. Also included is a stretch of sea near Playa de Palma.

A committee of 180 international shark researchers has analysed more than 100 proposals for the protection zones for sharks and rays in the Mediterranean region, which are officially called Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) for the entire southwest coast between El Toro and Dragonera, and Cala Vella in Llucmajor.

However, ISRA zones primarily have little effect. They do not represent any sepa­

YOUR EWN HAS

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Legal after all

rate protection for sea creatures, nor do they entail any measures. They are generally seen as the first step that motivates the respective government to act. Should

the Balearic government deal with the protection of sharks around Mallorca in the future, they would prefer to consider these zones.

Inland empty homes Cancer Support Group meet-up

THE Cancer Support Group of Mallorca are holding a meet ­ up at Port Calanova on Thursday, September 21 at 11am.

This is a friendly, informal meet ­ up where you can come and meet the team, patients and people who collaborate with them. Everyone is welcome.

Pop along and have a coffee or some refreshments (every one pays for their own) and learn more about the group or tell us about yourself.

Also, on Friday, October 6 at 12pm, 41 Club are once again organising a Coffee Morning to raise funds for local cancer charities.

The €5 entrance fee includes coffee, cake and entertainment. Please bake a cake and donate it, there will be a prize for the best cake! The venue is Restaurante Sa Vinya, Es Capdella.

AMIDST Mallorca’s housing shortage, a prominent debate centres around the substantial number of unoccupied properties. This primarily spotlights Palma, often sidelining the situation in the wider Mallorca region.

Yet there emerge some staggering statistics, none more eye ­ catching than those concerning Costitx. This locale boasts a total of 1,306 residences, of which a striking 714, translating to almost 55 per cent, remain unoccupied. These vacant properties predominantly encompass sizeable homes that have been inherited, but are in

Holidaymaker drowns

FOLLOWING the violent storm on Mallorca on Sunday, the stormy sea and the high waves proved fatal to a young German holidaymaker, who went for a swim with her partner on the beach of Sa Calobra in the Serra de Tramuntana.

The 25 ­ year ­ old woman was caught by a wave at around 2.45pm and pulled away from the shore. Due to the strong waves, the woman was unable to swim back to the beach.

The Maritime rescue helicopter was called, who lifted the young woman out of the water and flew her to the Son Espases state hospital in Palma. However, resuscitation measures on the way to the hospital had no effect and the woman sadly died in hospital.

The rescuers returned to Sa Calobra to help her partner, who had managed to escape the current and was clinging to a rock. He was airlifted and taken to hospital, but escaped with cuts and bruises.

need of significant investment to render them habitable.

The dilemma resides in the fact that numerous of these village houses are unsuitable for rental due to their dilapidated state.

Moreover, it is possible that the lack of occupation stems from family conflicts or disputes.

While Costitx encapsulates the most extreme scenario, other municipalities also register elevated percentages of unoccupied dwellings ­ 41 per cent in Sencelles, 38 per cent in Llubi and Sant Joan, and 37 per cent in Montuiri.

IT has been established that the four helicopters that landed at a finca in Colonia Sant Jordi on August 10 were from a Swiss helicopter pilot school. The people on the helicopters were not tourists.

Marc Buades, an instructor pilot from the Helicopter Centre at Son Bonet aerodrome, revealed the helicopters transported 12 students and instructors.

The school’s tour across Europe aimed to accumulate flight hours and experience, spanning Switzerland, France, Portugal, southern Spain, Ibiza, Mallorca, and eventually Montpellier and Basel.

Buades confirmed proper permits and flight plans were all in order. Addressing noise complaints, he said the helicopters’ landing took 10 minutes.

He refuted claims of a Champagne party, stating the finca was a holiday rental property where a barbecue took place. The finca owner apologised for the noise.

PROTECTION ZONES: Researchers have analysed more than 100 proposals.

Credit: Wirestock/Pixabay

Big boat party

Jo Pugh

MULTIMAR Alcudia hosted its second annual Axoparty on August 22, bringing together Mallorca’s Axopar­owning community, both new and old. The day­long event featured a formation cruise on calm seas and a 10­boat raft­up with music, water toys, tapas, and plenty of refreshments.

Teddy Torkington, Multimar Alcudia Sales Manager, expressed excitement over the growth of the Finnish motorboat brand. Starting with the first sale in 2016, there are now over 50 Axopars along Mallorca’s coastline.

The event included potential Axopar owners to showcase the adventurous boats. The weather cooperated beautifully with clear skies and glass­like seas.

The Axoparty fleet, including nine Axopar 37s, a 28, and a 25, gathered outside Port Alcudia, cruising together across the Bay and around Cap Farrutx. The boats then formed a raft­up in turquoise waters between Cap des Freu and Cala Mesquida. The day featured hours of camaraderie, refreshments, and fun. After a final swim stop, the fleet returned to Port, with drone footage capturing the day’s highlights.

Multimar Alcudia, a family­run business founded in 2000, is a local leader in boat sales, charter, maintenance, and servicing.

Tired pensioners rescued

THE Guardia Civil mountain rescue unit in Mallorca successfully extracted a German family from a challenging situation. The elderly couple, both aged 75, and their 42­year­old daughter had embarked on a hike in the wellknown north­western gorge of the island on Thursday, August 24, during the heatwave. However, they quickly encountered exhaustion and required assistance.

Firefighters ascended the Torrent de Pareis from Sa Calobra and found the daughter, who had hurried down the gorge to seek help. Meanwhile, her parents remained in the Entrefoc area. The parents’ fatigue prevented them from proceeding, and as night fell, the rescuers opted to shelter them nearby and provide food and water.

A complex operation unfolded, involving teams from the Mallorca fire brigade and the GREIM mountain rescue service. Despite the seniors'’ condition, descending the gorge was ruled out. The decision was made for the firefighters to spend the night with the elderly

Scooters retrieved

THE Superpedestrian company, owner of 110 electric scooters seized by the Local Police in recent weeks in Playa de Palma and nearby areas, has paid €25,500 to recover them.

couple. The following morning, a Guardia Civil helicopter equipped with GREIM personnel was dispatched to airlift the hikers to safety. Ultimately, the seniors were safely transported to lower ground, concluding the rescue operation that spanned from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning.

Sporting donation

CALVIA Council has given €325,000 worth of aid to sports in the municipality. These are subsidies intended for 48 sports clubs corresponding to the period 20232024. The first line of aid consists of €235,000 for all sports, activities, events and sports programmes organised and recognised by each territorial federation, other recognised committees and by the council of Mallorca.

The second, of €90,000, has been allocated to collective sports clubs that have participated in national competitions and that promote the municipality of Calvia.

The deputy mayor responsible for sports, Javier Tascón, justified the aid considering that “it is necessary to support and promote the commendable work done by the sports clubs of Calvia.” Tascón, in front of the representatives of

the clubs, announced the intention to work on the continuous improvement and adaptation of the sports facilities in the municipality.

Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual pledged to update the economic amount of the aid that has been frozen since 2021 “in line with the increase in the CPI” and to guarantee its continuity. He proposed to the clubs to work together in a future promotion campaign.

The scooters were confiscated for breaching municipal safety regulations and their owner has recovered them after proving that they are his and paying the corresponding fees and their storage charge in the Son Toells municipal warehouse. Now, the Local Police will process the corresponding sanctions for failing to comply with road safety regulations.

In July, the Local Police of Palma began to remove these scooters parked in the streets of Playa de Palma, Can Pastilla and other areas of Llucmajor.

In relation to the sanctions that can be imposed for each scooter, these range from €90 to €200, depending on the type of infraction, such as obstructing public roads.

12 cruise ports in Spain.

AXOPARTY: A chance to showcase adventurous boats.

MOUNTAIN RESCUE: A complex operation.

Flight chaos

THE storm that hit Mallorca on Sunday, August 27 during mid­morning, resulted in numerous passengers being marooned, unable to either reach the island or depart from it. This caused cancellations and diversions alongside substantial delays. The situation was further exacerbated by the significance of the day: the final Sunday of August

symbolised the end of holidays for numerous tourists across the islands who were eager to return home, as well as for residents returning to Mallorca.

Upon arrival at the airport, passengers were met with flights marked in yellow, indicating delays.

Throughout the day, Aena reported a series of incidents. By seven in the evening, the

HEAT stroke in pets in the Balearic Islands is a consequence of both the local climate and the dominant breeds in the area, as outlined by experts from the Official College of Veterinarians of the Balearic Islands (Covib). The mortality rate associated with this condition hovers around 50 per cent. The specialists said that heat stroke can be triggered by various factors, including limited access to fresh air, confinement in poorly ventilated spaces, elevated humidity levels, insufficient water intake, as well as compromised respiratory function, underlying heart ailments, or seizures, among other contributing factors. The hot, humid environment and physical exertion emerge as the primary factors driv­

issues escalated, with thousands of people facing disruptions across all airports. Palma registered eight diversions, alongside 27 arrivals and 29 departures cancelled. This widespread chaos left countless passengers trapped on the island, unable to leave. Consequently, airlines were compelled to seek alternatives for their affected customers.

Hot dogs

ing the rise in pets’ body temperature, ultimately leading to heat stroke. Consequently, in the Balearic Islands, the soaring temperatures and ongoing summer heatwaves place animals at a notable risk of experiencing this critical condition.

Notably, heat stroke manifests when an animal’s body temperature surpasses 39.2 degrees Celsius. This gives rise to three distinct categories of heat­related syndromes: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Jet skis spoiling park

MEMBERS of the nautical sector have raised concerns about the illicit renting of jet skis within the confines of Alcudia Bay. Of particular note is the unauthorised practice of customers taking and returning jet skis at a location near the Pont dels Anglesos, spanning the Albufera canal. This canal finds its connection to the sea via a stretch known as S’Oberta.

The entirety of Albufera stands as a designated protected area, having enjoyed nature park status since 1988. Within this specific zone, safeguarding measures

are in place for resident birds.

Since June, several reports have been submitted to the

Muro police, Ports IB, and the Harbourmaster’s office. However, they highlight that the current environment of shifting political administrations has created a lack of monitoring, enabling this behaviour to continue unchecked.

The newly­formed Ministry of the Sea acknowledged the use of unauthorised jet skis extending beyond Playa de Muro. Additionally, they stated that the Guardia Civil has initiated proceedings against certain businesses involved in these activities.

Baby turtles rescued

THE violent storm on Mallorca on Sunday also threatened the offspring of turtles in the bay of Cala Millor.

The floodwaters almost inundated the nest where a sea turtle of the endangered species Caretta caretta laid its eggs on July 7. Employees of the Consortium for the Restoration of Fauna in the Balearic Islands (COFIB), which is responsible for the protection of wild animals,

took all of the eggs to a marine biology laboratory in Port d’Andratx, where they are now being monitored.

Trained volunteers had begun guarding the nest 24 hours a day as the hatch date approached. At around 5.30pm on Sunday, the COFIB staff opened the nest and found 60 eggs, which had developed well, and four turtles had already hatched.

Illegal jet ski rental.

Credit: Freestockcentre/Freepik

Stall requests for Alcudia Fair

Jo Pugh ALCUDIA fair will take place on September 29, 30 and October 1.

Until Tuesday, September 5, the deadline for applications for the fair will be open. For this year there will be different areas and methods of sale, so please take into account when making the request in which area your product can be classified.

To give a more artisanal and quality look , it has been decided that in this area, the product will be taken into account. Only local artisan products can be sold. To be able to make the selection, the town hall asks to attach good photographs of the product and its production process, as well as a short description of it.

FAIR

The categories are:

Food . Artisan and local products will also be taken into account. In the same way, we ask for photos of the product and a description of it and its origin.

Food Trucks. Application and photos of the product and the food truck.

Commerce, plants and live­

Better ferries

THE Valencian shipping company

Baleària plans to invest €1 billion in the next seven years to renew its fleet.

The company, owned by Adolfo Utor, hopes to obtain guarantees from the state to finance part of the construction of between eight and 10 ships.

The company, which is based in Denia, currently has a fleet of 36 boats, although some of them are chartered (they are rented).

stock and animals only require an application form.

Applications must be submitted in person at the town hall or at the electronic headquarters.

For registrations, go to al cudia.eadministracio.cat, and there you will find the highlighted procedure: ‘Registration Fira d’Alcudia 2023’.

Balconing fines

CALVIA Town Hall reports that five foreign tourists have been fined so far this summer for

balconing. The incidents have all occurred at hotels in Magalluf, and each one of the five has

been fined €36,000. They were all banned from their respective hotels, the sanctions having been in accordance with the tourism of excesses law.

Juan Feliu, the town hall’s director general with responsibility for offences and sanctions, stressed that these penalties have a “powerful deterrent effect”. “Balconing is not tolerated in our municipality. It is an irresponsible practice that can cause serious, irreversible injuries and even death.”

The company expects the delivery of a ‘fast ferry’ for 1,200 passengers and 400 vehicles in mid ­ autumn that is a twin of the Eleanor Roosevelt, a catamaran that is its flagship.

Baleària finances the purchase of its ships with syndicated loans granted by a group (pool) of banks. Sources from the Valencian company explain that its latest investments in new ship construction have been more than €400 million.

Specifically, the company has added to

its fleet between 2019 and 2023 the ferries Hypatia de Alejandría and Marie Curie, the fast ferry Eleanor Roosevelt, the electric ship Cap de Barbaria and has the fast ferry Margarita Salas under construction, which will launch in October. In addition, it has invested in the repowering of six ships so that they can run on natural gas.

Lifesaver Alexa

NOWADAYS many households own an Amazon Echo or similar device and whilst some think it exists to eavesdrop on conversation and feedback information, it is also a potential life saver.

Imagine a situation where someone in your home is having a cardiac arrest then if you have previously activated an Alexa skill by saying “Alexa activate emergency cpr” then you are set up to seek advice by shouting “Alexa Emergency CPR”

Alexa will then give you advice on how to deal with the emergency whilst you await the arrival of an ambulance (which

incidentally, you may be able to call through a contact list held by Alexa).

The more you explore the positive options such as the announcement facility whereby you can communicate with others throughout the house or activate opening the front door if you are alone and have a fall the easier it becomes to use this tool.

The more you explore the more you will find Alexa can help but for a bit of light relief just say “Alexa what’s your name?” and wait for the surprising response.

Credit: Alcudia Town Hall

BALEÀRIA FERRY: Further investment

Credit: Baleària

If you are considering buying a property in Spain, it pays to research the tax implications beforehand so you don’t have any unexpected liabilities in future.

Purchase and local taxes

For new build properties, you pay 10% value-added tax (IVA in Spain) as well as stamp duty. Pre-owned properties are subject to a property transfer tax. The rate varies between regions.

You are then liable for the ‘ Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles’ (IBI), the Spanish equivalent of council tax. Rental and notional rental income tax

If you rent out your Spanish property, your earnings are liable to Spanish income tax.

For residents, income tax is calculated using the general scale rates. You may be eligible for a 60% tax reduction against the net income if it is rented out on a long-term basis.

If you don’t live in Spain, EU/EEA residents are subject to a flat 19% tax rate on the net income after certain deductions, while non-EU/EEA residents pay 24% on the gross income with no deductions.

If you own a Spanish property that is not used as your main home, you may have to pay income tax on the

Making a home in Spain? Five financial essentials to consider

year and taxed using the ‘savings income’ rates from 19% to 28%.

If you are over 65 and selling your main home, you may not have to pay tax. If younger than 65, you could also qualify if you use the full proceeds to purchase another main home within the EU/EEA within two years.

For non-residents, capital gains tax is charged at a flat 19%.

consideration when purchasing property, especially high-end property or if you have substantial wealth.

Spain’s ‘solidarity tax on large fortunes’ is a temporary tax introduced to help with the current cost of living crisis. It should be abolished after the 2023 tax year if no further extension takes place.

Spanish inheritance tax

is liable for both wealth and succession taxes, without being eligible for any of the main home allowances. Spanish corporation tax may also be due.

By Cathal Rochford,

ods when the property is not rented out. This is generally calculated as 1.1% of the ‘valor catastral’ (or 2% if the value has not been revised in ten years).

Capital gains tax

For residents of Spain, gains from the sale of local property are added to

You may also have to pay ‘ Plusvalía municipal’ when selling a property.

Wealth tax

Spain levies an annual wealth tax on the total value of your assets as at 31 December. Residents are assessed on worldwide assets; non-residents on Spanish assets.

Every individual is eligible for a €700,000 personal allowance, and residents receive an additional €300,000 home allowance.

Spanish succession and gift tax is always due on Spanish property, regardless of the residence of the deceased or heirs.

The rates vary depending on who the beneficiary is and the value of the inheritance or gift, as well as on the region. Many regions have now eliminated, or virtually eliminated succession tax for spouses, descendants and ascendants.

Owning property through a company

"Enveloped" property is subject to

Navigating the Spanish tax system can be challenging, especially when you consider how it interacts with the tax regime in your home country. The rules and regulations surrounding taxes can be complex and change over time. Take specialist, personalised advice.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevins

Partner, Blevins Franks

Catherine McGeer

THE siesta is a term derived from the Latin ‘hora sexta’ (sixth hour) and has its origins dating back to ancient Roman and Greek civilisations. The idea of taking a short nap during the hottest hours of the day was a response to the practical need to escape the scorching midday sun and conserve energy.

While Spain is perhaps the country most associated with the siesta it is a tradition that is common in many other countries. In Mediterranean countries, Southern Europe, the Middle East, mainland China, Japan, India, and Central and South America an afternoon nap is also common. Italy calls it the riposo and the coast of Croatia refers to it as the pizolot for example.

The siesta and the long lunch break in the middle of the day seem to have become synonymous with laziness. The opposite of this is in fact true, the Spanish siesta and long lunch breaks became popular after the Spanish Civil War when Spain’s economy was in ruins. Most people needed to work two jobs. Many left early in the morning for their first job, then they came home for lunch and had a rest at midday during the hottest hours of the day, but many people needed to use this time to travel to their second job. When speaking to Spanish business owners they com ­

Time for a siesta

al residents, and tourists most said they don’t usually have time to nap, but when they do have time they love it! Julia Mansfield on holiday said “The best thing about being on holiday is having a lovely lunch out by the beach and then going back to the apartment for a siesta.’”Some long ­ time British residents who have retired on the coast say they always try to have a siesta, especially during the summer months.

mented that the ‘siesta’ time is now used for behind ­ the ­ scenes work. José Maria Fernández who owns a local shop said “I go home for lunch but then

usually come back to restock the shelves before the store reopens in the evening.”

When speaking to locals, internation­

When discussing the Spanish siesta one particularly contentious topic that takes centre stage is how long the nap should be. Answers ranged from a quick 10 minutes to a wonderful twohour nap during a summer day off. According to the experts, a 20 ­ 30 minute ‘power nap’ between 1pm and 3pm is better than coffee! These short naps can improve focus and memory, reduce fatigue, improve your mood, and productivity, relieve stress, and improve your performance.

There is also a 37 per cent reduction in coronary mortality for those who choose to regularly nap at midday.

Special delivery

COMING from the birthplace of Amazon in Seattle, we are well acquainted with online delivery. And it’s a good thing too. Living in rural Spain means relying heavily on purchasing things on the Internet. It’s either that or driving a long way.

Generally, we are delighted with the delivery times in Spain. Sometimes, even amazed at how swiftly a purchase is delivered after pushing the Buy button before bed only the night before. But we have learned that here in Galicia when we receive the ‘Your order has been delivered’ email. Delivered is a relative term.

Our online orders will

arrive by one of several different delivery companies. Or even by random taxi. My husband, Jeff, has developed a shipping matrix, so he’ll know where to expect delivery. But the CTT express guy retired recently ­ he was the one who had my WhatsApp and would call me directly, even for packages addressed to Jeff. To make sure I was home or to tell me where he hid the box. The new guy won’t come to the house, and the delivered emails are phantoms. Jeff couldn’t get a straight answer until one terse reply, ‘Your package is at the gas station.’ Our only gas station doesn’t take Ama ­

zon packages. Jeff went there to fill up and enquire about our package anyway. The attendant looked confused, only to return from the back with our box ­ headscratcher.

Random taxis often knock on the door with a package. Correos Express will come to the house. Regular Correos, our mail lady, will also come to the house to deliver for Amazon. She holds the ladder for me if I’m out pruning my fruit trees as an added service. So, we can’t complain. Logistics is better here than in the US, even in rural Spain. And the ladder­holding is always free.

EMBRACING THE PAUSE: Discovering the essence and benefits of the siesta tradition.

Image: Shuttersttock/ Dasha Petrenko

Everyone needs a dinosaur

to sweep the country. At the start of 1958 I received a message from my new agent informing me I was invited to audition for a coming season at the London Palladium in a show entitled ‘Large as Life’.

ENJOY THE FLIGHT OUR VIEW

ODD to be referred to as a Dinosaur in the somewhat derogatory letter published last week. It actually got me thinking how our existence is often steered by those among us who have endured for somewhat considerable periods. Age and experience are of course extremely important to the survival and advancement of the human race. Indeed, if we only relied on the young to guide us in this existence, we probably wouldn’t be allowed to continue beyond the age of around 25!

I do however agree that some of our older representatives can be a total pain in the proverbial to those eager to forge ahead. It got me thinking of my own experiences with those I considered to belong to an age gone by. In the early 50s, my teenage band had attained some measure of success with the introduction of skiffle, which had begun

The pop era was in its infancy and there were still only a small number of UK singers actually involved in this new form of entertainment. I duly auditioned and to my surprise and delight I was actually selected for the show. My skiffle band were not invited as it required Rock n Roll, so it was with a great sadness I decided to leave my beloved group and join the new band that was being formed from jazz and session musicians. It was led by a brilliant saxophone player Rex Morris, who later joined up with ‘Lord Rockingham’s Eleven’, having a hit with ‘There’s a Moose Loose Around this Hoose’ the following year.

The show was to be a presentation of music through the ages. This entailed beginning with minuets and culminating in the new phenomena of RnR. We were told to rehearse four songs for our spot in the final

part of the production. Rex and I attacked the rehearsals with gusto. Unfortunately the other members were jazz men who also hated the new music. Still, we were soon ready. Then the bomb dropped. The producer also despised RnR! He was in fact, yes you’ve guessed it; a Dinosaur! In the end he cut us down to one song (’Whole Lotta Woman’).

He actually went further and even excluded us from the printed programme. We always stormed the show and I even delightfully gained a short fling with Hattie Jacques, who was starring with Harry Secombe and Terry Thomas among others. But we never got anywhere. He also left us out of the Royal Variety Command Performance that year. The show itself was a resounding success but Leapy’s career hit a brick wall. All down to a Dinosaur, who actually gave the public a great show. So you see we do need our Dinosaurs. Even though they are sometimes difficult to agree with. Keep

leapylee2002@gmail.com

THERE is no question that whilst air travel is an absolute necessity in today’s world, it can be stressful and often bring the worst out of travellers.

Unless you are very rich or have a job which allows you to travel in business or first class, the majority of travellers look to get the best deal, often travelling at inconvenient times in order to save money.

It’s something of a conundrum however as the socalled economy airlines continue to create packages which only offer the barest of options such as a seat and access to the aircraft and then passengers have to go through a maze of options regarding baggage, seat position and much more before arriving at a final price.

Then to cap things off, if you don’t follow all of the instructions to the letter then you can find yourself having to pay out even more once you are at the airport to get your bag in the right place and heaven help you if you haven’t downloaded your boarding pass properly.

Assuming the flight isn’t cancelled (which is happening more and more) and you find your seat (which for most people will be cramped) you might discover that fellow passengers are drunk and fighting or that you can’t get a snack on board because it wasn’t booked in advance or the airline doesn’t take cash!

Now some airlines are offering passengers a new option whereby if you pay a premium, you will be seated in an ‘Adults Only’ cabin so in theory you won’t be sat next to screaming babies or noisy children, although how a simple curtain will silence them is not revealed.

NEATER HEATER WANT ‘SQUIRRELS’ AS CUSTOMERS

RICHARD and Tony from NEATER HEATER are urging all our readers to start preparing for next winter now. “We really want peo ple to imitate SQUIRRELS” said Tony “As we know; all the other woodland crea tures just laze about in the summer, relaxing. So when the winter comes they have to furiously compete with each other for the scraps left over or hide ­ away and hiber nate, waiting for next summer. But not the squirrels! Squirrels plan for the winter by hoard ing nuts, berries and seeds in the summer, so when winter comes they are well prepared for it, and are able to enjoy themselves on

SQUIRRELS: Are well prepared for the winter during the summer and so should you be.

those nice bright winter days when the sun does come out. They are obviously the wisest creatures in the wood. And that is what we want our customers to be.”

“What Tony is trying to say” interjected Richard, “is that when winter finally arrives in Spain, Northern Europe has been cold for months. This means that Chilly Czechs, Frozen Fins and Shivering Swedes have been stripping the shelves for months. Every year we have panicking customers calling us in December, des ­

perate to have heaters supplied and fitted by Christmas. Frequently these customers have to compromise on their choice, or be put at the back of a long queue. Every year we think to ourselves ­ ‘It’s a shame you didn’t order them in the summer when we had loads of them in stock and, equally as important, the time to process the orders’.”

NEATER HEATER is the sole Spanish distributor for BEHA and ADAX NEO convector heaters. We currently have more stock than ever before at various locations, just waiting for the ‘squirrels’. Please feel free to call us on 634 312 171 for more information, or visit our website www.neaterheater.es , or email info@neaterheater.es.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Another try

MICROSOFT made another attempt to buy Call of Duty­maker Activision Blizzard after UK regulators blocked the original $69 billion (€63.5 billion) deal. Although Microsoft claimed the new offer was “substantially different,” the UK’S Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said agreeing to review the deal was not “a green light.”

Abu Dhabi deal

BRUSSELS authorised the €600 million purchase by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign fund ADIA of 17 hotels owned by Equity Inmuebles that are run by the Mallorcabased Melia company and include the ME and Plaza de España hotels in Madrid. The deal went through in June, but had to wait until now for the EU’s go­ahead.

Pain gain

ITV is investing approximately £5 million (€5.85 million) in advertising for joint pain relief brand Flarin in return for a minority stake in the company. The Flarin deal is ITV’s first consumer healthcare investment and will introduce brand awareness to millions of UK viewers via ITV platforms, the company said.

Winter warmer

TWO months of the Brussels deadline, Spain is the first EU country to completely fill its gas storage facilities, ready to cover possible supply problems this winter. Europe has achieved storage levels which would have been hard to imagine in March 2022, said Enagas chief executive Arturo Gonzalez.

Slowdown

FACTORY output in the UK slumped to its lowest level since 2020 when the country was emerging from the first Covid lockdown, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) announced. This was the latest indication that the Bank of England’s interest rate hikes were slowing the economy, the CBI said.

STAT OF WEEK €420 million

in turnover last year - a 6 per cent increase - for the Jealsa fishery group’s subsidiary Escuris, the company which supplies Mercadonas’s Hacendado own-label tinned tuna and mussels.

Naturgy fine Ortega looks West

Linda Hall

AMANCIO ORTEGA, the billionaire Inditex founder, has expanded his real estate empire with the €213 million ($232 million) acquisition of West Loop Tower in Chicago.

The tower located on 727 Madison Avenue has 492 luxury properties distributed over 45 storeys and is Chicago’s tallest building west of the Kennedy Expressway.

The operation was carried out on August 4 by Pontegadea, the company which oversees the real estate and private equity

investments made by Ortega, Spain’s richest man and one of the world’s wealthiest people.

According to reports in the Real Deal publication, the €213 million that Ortega paid was the highest price for a Chicago residential building since be­

TRADE talks between the UK and India are nearing their final “but trickier" stages, government sources told the BBC.

As Trade secretary Kemi Badenoch visiting India for a meeting of G20 Trade ministers on August 23 and 24, conjecture that a trade deal could be struck before PM Rishi Sunak’s September visit.

“Currently there is no expectation in government that a full deal will be agreed by then,” the BBC learnt.

They hoped a deal was only months away, the sources said, but emphasised there were still some ‘big nuts’ to crack.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, promised in April 2022 that a deal would be settled “by Diwali.” Johnson’s self­imposed October deadline came

No AI qualms

CONTRARY to popular fears, more jobs could be available in professions exposed to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A Bank of Spain study concluded that the professions which used new technologies generated most employment.

The Bank’s report, New Technologies and Jobs in Europe, examined links between labour market developments and new technologies including AI in 16 European countries between 2011 and 2019.

“Results appear to be linked to the pace of technology diffusion and education, but also to the level of product market regulation (competition) and employment protection laws,” the report added.

fore the pandemic.

The US is attracting most of Ortega’s property investments, following Pontegadea’s €505 million (€487 million) purchase of a New York apartment block in October 2022 and more luxury apartments, the Kiara

Tower in Seattle, for €305 million ($324 million) at the end of last year.

Pontegadea is not limiting its US investments to residential properties, as Ortega bought an automated logistics centre in southern California’s Inland Empire Area from hypermarket chain Walmart €98.9 million ($109 million) in July.

This came 12 months after he first entered the logistics sector with the purchase of a FedEx platform in Menomonee Falls, near Milwaukee (Wisconsin) worth about €35.2 million ($35 million).

Hopes for India deal

grant more visas for Indian workers.

The UK also hopes that India will agree to allowing a greater number of UK business firms and service industries to establish themselves in the country.

“Up to 80 per cent of the UK economy is services­based,” William Bain, head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce told the BBC.

THE National High Court’s Public Prosecution department has opened an enquiry into Naturgy’s electricity prices.

The investigation follows on from a Facua consumers’ association complaint which maintained that prices charged between March 2019 and December 2020 in the area covered by the Sabon 2 power station in Galicia were illegally manipulated.

Naturgy profited €43 million from the high prices and last June, Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) ordered the company to pay a €6 million fine and €35.5 million to compensate the consumers who were overcharged. Naturgy has confirmed that it will lodge an appeal with the High Court.

Unreasonable

OFGEM has fined the US bank, Morgan Stanley £5.41 million (€6.33 million) after its energy traders communicated via private WhatsApp accounts.

and went, but the UK is still very keen to reach agreement with India.

Over the past 12 months, the trade talks have come up against several obstacles, particularly Britain’s refusal to

Wilko shutdown

THOUSANDS of jobs will be lost as Wilko prepares to close most of its stores ‘in the near future’. No buyer came to the rescue of the family­owned household and garden products chain, which has approximately 400 stores and employs around 12,500 people. As weeks of talks with potentially interested parties fell through, Wilko’s only option was to call in administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers after running out of cash.

The budget retailer borrowed £40 million (€46.8 million) last year, reorganised its leadership team and cut jobs, while selling off a distribution centre to raise cash.

Despite the chain’s economic problems, the Wilkinson family paid itself £3 million (€3.51 million) in dividends during the year ending in February 2022.

The administrators would be supporting staff “through this deeply unsettling time,” they said.

“This is one of the last areas where India would want to reach agreement at this point. “That's where it has leverage,” Bain explained.

“Having much more visa access to the UK will be part of the key things that get a deal over the line,” he said.

Another contract

STATE­OWNED QatarEnergy awarded a €598 million ($650 million) contract to Spanish engineering firm, Tecnicas Reunidas.

The contract, Tecnicas Reunidas’ fourth in two years from QatarEnergy, involves connecting the Ras Laffan industrial area with new liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks and export facilities in the north of the country.

The Spanish company will also provide connections, ancillary systems, and other support elements for LNG facilities at the North Field South Project.

Located in the north ­ east of the Qatar peninsula, North Field is the world’s largest gas field not linked to an oil field and accounts for 10 per cent of the world’s known natural gas reserves.

They habitually discussed transactions when buying and selling energy between January 2018 and March 2020, the UK’s energy regulator said. Morgan Stanley did not take ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure that staff used communication methods which could be handed over should investigators ask for information.

This was the first­ever UK fine issued under legal requirements to record and retain electronic communications relating to trading wholesale energy products, the regulator explained.

Near at hand

THE UK’s high street banks must ensure that customers can access cash within three miles of their local communities. Following the closure of thousands of branches and increased online banking, banks failing to provide a minimum service would be fined, the government confirmed, as the Financial (FCA) would make sure that banks and building societies were respecting these standards.

“Ministers are looking to banks to help protect vulnerable groups and elderly customers by maintaining present levels of cash access across the UK,” the Treasury said.

CHICAGO ACQUISITION: Amancio Ortega buys luxury apartment block.

KEMI BADENOCH: Hopes to move India trade deal talks along.

Photo credit: Flickr/Pedro Szekely

Photo credit: members-api.parliament.uk

DOW JONES

Meta blow

CCC BARCELONA DIGITAL SERVICES, whose employees scour social media for illegal content and fake news, is laying off 334 of 2,400 employees, owing to reduced demand from Facebook owner, Meta. The dismissals follow 680 temporary redundancies in March, which resulted in 100 job losses, with another 150 employees leaving amid claims of “worsening conditions.”

Making amends

POST OFFICE chief executive

Nick Read is returning part of his 2021­22 £455,000 (€532,199) bonus that was linked to findings of the Horizon enquiry. Read has apologised for “procedural and governance mistakes” that arose from the faulty Horizon IT system which resulted in erroneous accusations of false accounting and theft for 700 postal workers.

Rose in clover

Linda Hall ALISON ROSE, scandal ­ hit former Natwest chief executive, is not foregoing her £2.4 million (€2.81 million) salary package.

Rose, who received £5.2 million (€6.08 million) last year, jumped before she was pushed, resigning in July amid the ‘debanking row’ involving Nigel Farage, whose Coutts accounts were closed owing to his political views. Coutts now belongs to NatWest, still 38.5 per cent owned by the taxpayer following an emergency bailout in 2008.

Allegedly, Rose also leaked information regard­

Clean ammonia

SPAIN’S Fertiberia will work with Norwegian company Horisont Energi on developing Eurpe’s biggest clean ammonia plant.

Both companies signed an initial cooperation agreement to build the plant in February and have now signed another that gives Fertiberia a 50 per cent stake in the Barents Blue project, which has received a subsidy of 482 million Norwegian krone (€41.74 million).

The project uses natural gas from the Barents Sea gas field and will eventually be able to produce a daily 3,000 tons of clean ammonia.

The carbon dioxide resulting from the ammonia production process, will be permanently stored in a ‘geological reservoir’ on the floor of the Barents Sea, 100 kilometres off the Norwegian coast.

Up and down

ing the Ukip leader’s finances to the BBC.

NatWest revealed she would be paid while working the year’s notice specified in her employment contract. Consequently, the 53­yearold will receive a £1.2 million (€1.4 million) salary, £115,566 (€135,261) in pension payments, and approximately £1.2 million (€1.4 million) in NatWest shares.

Rose will still have access to around £26,250 (€30,723) in perks including a company car and chauffeur, life assurance, and personal security. She could also receive bonuses on top of her fixed pay package.

NatWest stressed that Rose’s notice period “would continue to be under review” and, since her pay was subject to clawback regulations, the bank could order her to return a portion of her previous pay should there be evidence of misconduct.

CASA TARADELLAS, known for ready­to­eat pizzas, ham and chorizo, reported 2022 sales of €1.16 billion, 8.5 per cent more than the previous year and the biggest increase since 2011. Despite a record year, the Catalan company announced that owing to increased overheads its profits had fallen for the first time, although it did not reveal the amount involved.

Arm’s length

CAMBRIDGE­BASED chip designer Arm intends to list on New York’s Nasdaq in September and is currently completing the formalities prior to selling shares in the US. Arm did not reveal the number of shares for sale or their price, but its proposed initial public offering (IPO) is believed to be in the region of $70 billion (€64.22 billion).

PAY PACKAGE: Defenestrated Alison Rose on course to receive this year’s salary.

Photo credit: Flickr/HM Treasury

Liability insurance for dogs

THERE has been a great deal of reader comment about the introduction of mandatory third party liability insurance for owners and their dogs.

The general opinion appears to be that it’s either a waste of time and can’t be properly enforced or it’s a money making project (as insurance is taxed) which is go­

Comments

Some 9.3 million dogs in Spain, they estimate lowest cost of insurance about €24 per dog , you do the maths. Was this law written by the insurance companies and of course each policy carries tax. What do you do if you foster dogs for a charity or a stray that is not chipped, has no legal owner, but under the new law the municipality has to take it in and fund all the feeding and vets’ bills .

Brian Flude

Does this apply to UK visitors who bring their dogs to Spain for a month or two?

Colin Compton

In reply to Brian: Such a stupid law and it will probably lead to hundreds of dogs being abandoned. Owners who would love to be able to afford a health insurance for their pet are now being forced into a public liability insurance… even if they have a gentle pet that would never harm anyone.

Tobi

Waste of time. How about compulsory insurance for cyclists????

Roy

Apparently, this still has to be passed by the various communitates which are able to ignore it if they wish. There is likely to be a three­month introductory period as nothing is in place as yet, including the online exam to ensure (not a joke) that you can handle your dogs. Here in Valencia Vox now rule, who are sceptical about welfare acts that over ­ reach the problem, so it is possible they will ignore it.

Peter Squires

I agree with Tobi, I am a pensioner with three rescue dogs and this bill will be added to an ever­decreasing income. My dogs are gentle and well ­ behaved, kept on a lead in public, are microchipped and vaccinated. This new law will solve nothing in the welfare of the mistreatment of dogs, but will only cause hardship to the

ing to particularly hurt pensioners who don’t have a great deal of spare money but rely upon the comfort of their dogs.

Currently many dogs are not chipped and there are daily reports of pets being abandoned without a thought, so maybe this will be another law ‘more honoured in the breach than the observance’.

kind souls who rescue them.

Marileen

What is the impact of this law on tourists travelling from outside the EU with a dog? Does the liability coverage they may have as part of a homeowner’s insurance policy meet the law’s requirements?

Lee Johansen

So what happens to the owners of hunting dogs as they are not even in the animal welfare law here in Spain, which is a disgrace… like they are nothing.

Brian

Yet another necessary yet useless law. Useless because it will not be policed, laws prohibiting dogs on beaches for instance. I live opposite a very busy beach where one of the laws is NO DOGS. There are hundreds of dogs allowed to roam free, unleashed with no police intervention, actually no police presence to be seen and this is in the centre of town. Dog licences should be mandatory, and enforce micro chipping for all pups.

Alan

Great treatment

Hi Leapy, I read with interest, as I always do your columns, about you having a pacemaker, and your praise for the hospitals etc. Like you I have just had my third one fitted, and I also cannot praise the Alicante hospital, and the care I have received enough. Since 2004, the treatment has been brilliant. This latest one has a device by my bed that communicates the information directly to the hospital, 40kms away, they can monitor, adjust etc ... real hi tech! ... just hope they have not put a tracker on it...hahaha. Anyway I hope yours will keep you in good shape, I will clock 80 in January, and feel very lucky to live in Spain.

PS. Last time I saw you was in a bar in Golf del Sur, Tenerife, we all got up and sang a few songs. The guy I was with, John, a drummer, had connections with the Gidea Park band , nice memories.

Best wishes regards Pete Rafferty X

PETS

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Grooming your pet

FOR UK expats settling in Spain, finding the right pet grooming service is an essential part of ensuring a happy and healthy life for their beloved pets.

Spanish weather, especially in the southern regions, can be a real challenge for certain breeds, and proper grooming becomes more than a matter of appearance. Many Spanish cities offer a range of pet grooming services to suit every budget and need.

From local groomers providing a simple wash and trim to luxury pet spas offering a full range of treatments, the choices are wide.

One thing that’s particularly pleasing for UK pet owners is the emphasis on quality and care in many Spanish grooming salons. Many establishments are staffed by trained professionals who not only understand the best aesthetic treatment for pets, but also have knowledge of skin care to help combat local climate­related issues.

Expats will also find that many groomers offer services tailored to the specific needs of different breeds.

Whether it’s dealing with a thick coat that’s not suitable for the Spanish heat or providing a trim that reflects a breed’s heritage, these groomers can provide the neces­

sary care.

Language barriers needn’t be a concern either. In many expat­friendly areas, Englishspeaking staff are common and are more than willing to discuss your pet’s specific needs. Engaging with local pet grooming services is not just about maintaining your pet’s appearance; it’s about ensuring their comfort and well­being in a new and sometimes challenging environment.

It’s a great way to make sure that both you and your pet enjoy everything Spain has to offer.

Insurance for dog owners

STARTING September 29, 2023, a significant legal change will take effect in Spain, requiring all dog owners to secure public liability insurance for their pets. This new regu­

lation, marking a noteworthy stride towards safety and responsible pet ownership, aims to provide financial security in incidents involving dogs, safeguarding both

owners and potential victims.

With an ever ­ growing number of dogs in Spain’s urban areas, the risk of accidents and unexpected incidents is increasing. Whether it leads to property damage or personal injury, the financial consequences can be substantial.

Public liability insurance acts as a vital safety net, ensuring just compensation without burdening victims or owners. Non­compliance with this essential regulation comes with severe penalties. The fines for failing to secure the mandated insurance can range from €500 upwards to a substantial €10,000, depending on the circumstances.

Spanish authorities have been explicit in their determination to enforce this rule firmly, reflecting the importance of responsible dog ownership. For both expats and lo ­

PET OWNERSHIP: New rule provides financial security.

cals, understanding and complying with this law, is now a crucial aspect of dog ownership in Spain.

This new rule aligns Spain with other European nations that have similar regulations, creating a culture of accountability and empathy.

Now is the time for dog owners to act by researching and securing the appropriate public liability insurance.

This step is not just a legal necessity but a responsible approach to pet ownership.

Spain’s move into this new era sends a clear message: owning a dog comes with well ­ defined responsibilities.

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OTHERS REMOVALS/STORAGE

THE Spanish International walking football representative side just failed to emulate the achievements of the ladies team when going out in the semi finals of the inaugural WF World Cup with a narrow 1­0 defeat to England who went on to lift the prestigious trophy.

In a tournament where an internationally inexperienced Spain team surpassed all expectations, the squad came out with great credit and many plaudits for the quality of football they played against well fancied opponents.

The group draw threw Spain in with England and the Czech Republic, both eventual finalists, but a string of fine results on day two saw Spain qualify third from a group of eight and play the Caribbean in the quarter finals.

After a tense, goalless match, the game was decided on penalties with Spain going through 2­0 after a fabulous save from Andres Herrmann and fine spot kicks from Alan Pluckrose and Fran Del Pino ­ the second successful penalty kick igniting wild celebrations from the Spanish team and their supporters.

In a footballing format that has seen many nations not particularly known for their footballing pedigree taking part it, was the traditional European power houses of Italy, England, Czech Republic and Spain that made up the last four of walking football’s biggest event.

La Vuelta 2023 begins Quality football

THE Spanish cycling Grand Tour started on Saturday, August 26, in Barcelona, and will finish in Madrid on Sunday, September 17. La Vuelta 2023 features 22 teams and 176 riders from all over the world, all eager to make their mark over the 21 stages of the race.

forced him to withdraw. Meanwhile, the UAE Emirates Team is placing their bets on young talent Juan Ayuso, who secured third place in La Vuelta 2022. He’ll be sharing the spotlight with Portuguese cyclist Joao Almeida.

On a game beamed live from St Georges Park on cable TV ,England and Spain lined up with a place in the final versus the Czech Republic awaiting the winners. In a footballing game of chess that was both technical and incredibly tense to watch, England began to dominate possession and after a series of fine saves from Herrman in the Spain goal, the home nation got the breakthrough they needed with a fine finish.

Despite a strong response, Spain couldn’t fashion the chance to regain parity and bowed out of the competition with heads held high. A loss to Italy on penalties have given Spain an official World ranking of fourth

in walking football. Mark Coleman, the Spain player/manager was asked to comment on their experience:

“I would like to pay tribute to all the players and back room staff for their fantastic contribution in ensuring that Team Spain had a strong tournament, they should feel incredibly proud of their display and are pioneers on the International stage. My coach and assistant, Mark Kavanagh, is an exceptional football man and has played a huge part in our success. I have to make a special mention to Fran, our skipper, who was immense and Andres, our goalkeeper, who won the tournament’s golden gloves award.

Among the cyclists to watch in the 2023 Vuelta Ciclista a España is the current champion, Remco Evenepoel. He will be spearheading the Soudal Quick­Step team, aiming for a second red champion’s jersey in only his second Vuelta appearance.

However, Jumbo Visma, the team that clinched both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France this year, is not to be underestimated. They’re fielding the winners of these two grand tours: Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard, respectively, making them strong contenders for overall victory.

For Spanish fans, two names shine brighter than the rest. Enric Mas, representing the Movistar Team, is looking to bounce back after a crash in the Tour de France’s first stage

Leading the charge for Britain is Welshman Geraint Thomas, the leader of the Ineos Grenadiers team. Thomas, second in the Giro d’Italia this year, will ride the Vuelta for the second time.

So far the pinnacle of Thomas’ Grand Tour achievements was in 2018 when he clinched the Tour de France title, becoming the third Briton to do so after Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.

58 athletes from Spain in World Athletics Championship 2023.

SPANISH TEAM: Played a strong tournament and should feel incredibly proud.