Costa de Almeria 9 – 15 November 2023 Issue 2001

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Issue No. 2001

9 - 15 November 2023

HERE'S WHY EXPATS LIVING IN SPAIN ARE GETTING NO FUSS CREMATIONS

Brits living in Spain are beating the rising costs of funerals by doing this As expats living in Spain, we plan for most eventualities in a foreign country. There is a lot to think about when a language barrier could cause problems down the road. But there is one important matter that most of us fail to get ready for.

It's something that is certain to come and cannot be avoided...

Death!

A recent report 1 shows the average cost of dying in Spain is continuing to rise, with the average price of a burial without luxuries or extras in October 2021 more than €3,700.

But these costs can mask real variations from city to city, ranging from €2,500 for a burial in Cadiz to over €6,000 for the same in Vigo!

With funeral costs much greater than many expats had anticipated, it can be hard for many to find a way to give the send­off their loved ones deserve. And to make matters even worse, the funeral process in Spain is much faster than you may be used to at home in the UK. The funeral fee has to be fully paid prior to the funeral being conducted and that often means that the invoice needs to be settled immediately.

Certainly, within 40­72 hours of the passing of your loved one!

But as expats, can you do something to avoid these excessive costs for your loved ones?

Yes absolutely.

The solution is simple...by planning with a Golden Leaves no fuss direct cremation.

Many expats are now choosing this cheaper no­fuss option.

And it's no wonder with the paperwork that comes with organising a funeral in Spain.

Recently, people's thoughts on a funeral have changed with more and more opting for a no fuss direct cremation as it allows families to organise a more personal send­off without the additional cost and a traditional funeral service.

What is a direct cremation plan?

A Golden Leaves direct cremation plan is a cremation with no funeral service.

So there is no expensive coffin, no viewing at the chapel of rest and no mourners.

However, families can choose to have the ashes returned or respectfully disposed of.

Is a direct cremation a good idea?

Here are top 7 reasons for choosing a direct cremation 1. Save money 2. Don't want family going through an upsetting service at a funeral directors or 'tanatorio' 3. Don't believe in funerals 4. Prefer to leave money to family than spend it on funeral costs

5. Family would rather have a celebration of life than a funeral service 6. Few people or no one to attend a funeral or family having to travel thousands of miles 7. Save time dealing with bureaucracy and red tape Why a direct, 'unattended' cremation is the best choice for expats in Spain in 2023 Given the rising costs of funerals in Spain, it's even more important to lock in a cost and plan that will not increase in the future and meets all your needs.

With a Golden Leaves direct cremation plan in place, the cost of the funeral director and the cremation will be protected from any rising costs in the future.

What Next?

To get a quote for a Golden Leaves Direct Cremation Plan call 0034 966 493 082 or drop into our office located at Avenida De La Pla 123 – 125, Edificio Caribe, Local 1, Javea 03730, Alicante 1 ­ https://www.ocu.org/dinero/seguros/informe/servicios­funerarios­morir­sale­caro

FREE

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LOCAL HONOURED

IRISH national, Stephen O’Con­ nell, who is currently living in Cantoria, Almeria, has been awarded an Honorary CBE for his contributions to the Prison Service and to charity.

Mr O’Connell is the UK’s for­ mer Deputy Director of Public Sector Prisons and Chair of In­ volve Kent. Hugh Elliott, the British Ambassador to Spain, presented him with the dis­ tinction at his official residence in Madrid on Thursday November 2.

Stephen O’Connell played a national role on HMPPS’ emergency response, exhibit­ ing strong and consistent lead­ ership that was very much in Turn to page 2

Stephen O’Connell CBE

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Credit: British Embassy Madrid

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2001 • 9 - 15 November 2023

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Kids culture

THE boys and girls of Garrucha experienced an unforgettable afternoon of theatre on Saturday, November 4.

Theatre in childhood is one of the best forms of expression, fun and development. Studies have shown that children’s theatre has a powerful impact on them and their develop­ ment. It helps children develop the ability to see the world through other perspectives, to imagine new worlds, new pos­ sibilities and new ideas. A free theatre show was held for the children of Garrucha last Friday, which focused on Christian values and important moral lessons. It not only entertained the audience and offered culture, but also encouraged inter­ action between the children attending, making them partici­ pants in a philosophy that unites, creates friendship and makes them feel like protagonists of a show specially created for them. The chocolate and cake at the end was the icing on top of a fantastic performance and special afternoon.

Vera beach awards THE beaches of Vera have once again been recognised by the ‘Ecoplayas Awards’ in their 17th edition. The Technical Association for Waste and Environmental Management, ATEGRUS, endorsed the Veratense coast as a clean and sus­ tainable beach for the second tie, with the renewal of the honourable ‘Ecoplayas Award’ on all its beaches: Las Mari­ nas­Bolaga, Puerto Rey, El Playazo and Cala Marques.

The beaches of Vera are known for their cleanliness as well as their natural beauty and stunning views. The new flags will be erected shortly. The delivery of the Ecoplayas Flags took place within the 22nd International Congress and Exhibition of Beaches­Ecoplayas, in Marbella.

LOCAL NEWS from Front page

Well-deserved line with the agency’s values.

He has also dedicated his time to improving the health and well­being of disadvantaged people through the charity In­ volve Kent.

HMA Hugh Elliott stated that, “Stephen has generously dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. He is a natu­ ral leader who has the ability to inspire others around him.

That is why I am delighted to present him with this well­de­ served Honorary CBE.” Stephen declared, “I am in­ credibly proud and humbled to have been awarded an Honorary CBE by her late majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The award reflects over 35 years of working with so many outstanding people in prison who inspired and motivated me throughout my career.

“I could not have achieved what I did with the Prison Ser­ vice and Involve Kent without the love and support of Imel­ da, my wife of 34 years, and our two children Tara and Adam.”

106 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

NIBS EXTRA Paris to Almeria THE recent campaign of the destination ‘Costa de Alme­ ria’ is now being advertised on public transport in none other than the city of love, Paris. Adorned among the public transports of Paris, alongside buses and metro stops, is the image that reads the slogan #AlmeríaEl­ SolQueNeed.

Turre fire ON Friday November 3, a fire broke out on Rambla Hornos, which, thanks to the quick intervention of the brave Levante Firefighters, was controlled in a short time. Luckily, the fire only af­ fected the cane field where it was located, and has now been fully extinguished.

Photo exhibition FROM November 4 to November 30 the Vera In­ ternational Photo Club will present its photography ex­ hibition at The Centre of Art in the Fuente de Mojacar.

Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm.

Sweet Mojacar THE town of Mojacar has re­ ceived the official plaque that certifies it as a ‘Ferrero Rocher Town’. The famous chocolate company held a vote for the title, and it seems as though Mojacar was the sweetest!

Bye-bye bank ALMERIA is one of the provinces where the most homes are bought in cash, with 7,073 properties being acquired without going through the bank. It joins the growing trend of buying a property without having to ask the bank for money.

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Gender peace THEATRE, storytelling and posters against gender vio­ lence will soon fill the schools of Huercal­Overa in Almeria.

The Huercal­Overa Town Council, through the Depart­ ment of Equality, has planned to commemorate the Interna­ tional Day against Gender Vi­ olence which is November 25, with a programme of activi­ ties focused on the young generation.

These activities include sto­ rytelling, theatrical perfor­ mances and poster exhibi­ tions that will be in various schools and centres around the area.

The councillor for Equality, Maria del Mar Meca, stated that “for another year we have designed this pro­

REMEMBRANCE DAY: A solemn occasion.

Armistice Day Maria del Mar Meca with the poster

gramme with the objective of continuing to educate our young people on the impor­ tance of eradicating Gender Violence and sexist attitudes in relationships. Our children and young people are a key piece in the elimination of this

THE Almeria studio Paralela, directed by the ar­ chitect Pedro Francisco and the interior designer Alexia Martinez, have signed one of the most outstanding proposals of the current edition of Marbella Design & Art. Marbella Design and Art is a leading fair for avant­garde design that brings together today’s leading designers and innovative art.

The proposal, ‘Transversal’, has the concept of an ambiguous ‘temple’, capable of transporting the visitor to other places of memory.

‘Transversal’ is captured in a space as if it were an empty box, perforated with an earthy, quasi­ stone materiality. The box is covered and pro­ tected at its entrances with an overlapping strip ALBOX has renewed its public lighting to improve the effi­ ciency of the municipality.

The Provincial Council of Almeria has recently helped Albox with an important ac­ tion that has drastically im­ proved its lighting efficiency by improving and renewing the systems.

This act will not only benefit the residents of Albox but will also achieve greater energy savings. It has an investment of more than €1.5 million and represents a reduction in con­ sumption, in addition to im­ proving the municipal lighting system in general.

Deputy for Development, Infrastructure, Territorial Struc­ ture and Water, Antonio J Ro­ driguez said, “these actions are fundamental for the munici­ palities and their day­to­day

Image: Finestrat Ayuntamiento / Facebook

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Credit: Ayuntamiento de Huercal-Overa

LOCAL NEWS

type of violence, education is essential for this.”

The town council invites the people of Huercal to ‘par­ ticipate in the different pro­ grammed activities that aim to work towards the eradica­ tion of gender violence’.

Avant-garde that, as it is introduced into the space, is trans­ formed into equipped walls, where different construction elements appear inside.

A play of materialities, which generate a tran­ sition from the ethereal (the reflections of light) to the most tectonic (the stone), are used. This concept of an architectural temple is possible thanks to the wide versatility of applications of surfaces.

The proposal has outstanding support in terms of product placement from many differ­ ent companies, as well as the additional collabo­ ration of more than 10 other firms.

Albox alight lives, because in addition to improving the electricity sup­

ply, they represent a great sav­ ings to municipal accounts .

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ON November 11 every year, Armistice Day is commemo­ rated in memory of the end of the First World War. Also known as Remem­ brance Day, it is a solemn occa­ sion celebrated in many coun­ tries around the world to honour the historic signing of the armistice agreement be­ tween the Allies and their last remaining enemy, Germany.

In the Commonwealth it is more commonly known as Re­ membrance Day, while in the United States, it is called Veter­ an’s Day. When was the armistice signed?

It was officially signed by the Allied Supreme Commander, French Marshal Ferdinand Foch, at 5.45am on November 11, 1918, at Le Francport near Compiègne in northern France.

The armistice came into force at 11am Central Euro­ pean Time (CET), on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It represented a commitment to cease fighting between both sides and brought an end to hostilities that had been going on since 1914 on land, sea, and air.

How did WWI start?

Increasing diplomatic ten­ sion between the European powers reached breaking point on June 28, 1914, when Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Aus­ tro­Hungarian throne.

As a result, Austria­Hungary held Serbia responsible, and declared war on July 28 of the same year. Russia quickly came to the defence of Serbia which dragged Germany, France, and Britain into the conflict by August 4. In Novem­ ber that year, the Ottoman Empire also joined in.

Honouring Veterans on Armistice Day

Armistice Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacri­ fices made by countless indi­ viduals during the First World War and to all military person­ nel who have sacrificed their lives for their countries in sub­ sequent conflicts.

The traditional British, Cana­ dian, South African, and AN­ ZAC commemoration is for a minute’s silence to be held on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.

Observances typically in­ clude ceremonies at war memorials, military parades, and the laying of wreaths to honour the fallen. In Great Britain, the National Service of Remembrance is always held on the nearest Sunday to November 11 at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London. This year, it will take place on Sun­ day 12. Starting at 11am, the service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and wom­ en involved in the two world wars and later conflicts.

Why are poppies recognised as a symbol of remembrance?

Inspired by the famous war poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, writ­ ten by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, red poppies are often worn as a symbol of remem­ brance.

After seeing poppies grow­ ing in the battle­scarred fields of Ypres in Belgium, the Cana­ dian doctor composed the now famous poem in the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend.

As described on the Royal British Legion’s website, red poppies are a show of support for the Armed Forces commu­ nity, those currently serving, and ex­serving personnel and their families. They also serve as a symbol of remembrance for all those who have fallen in conflict.

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Almeria’s Rich List PHOTOCREDIT. EP

THE annual Forbes ‘Rich List’ has been released, as it is every November, and this year Almeria has definitely made a splash in that sea of cash!

These are the richest men from Almeria according to Forbes: Manuel Lao, from Cirsa, brothers Eduardo and Francisco Martínez Cosentino and Tomas Olivo, owner of the Gran Plaza shopping center in Roquetas de Mar. Manuel Lao, aged 79, is

MANUEL LAO: Founder of gaming & leisure company, Cirsa.

the founder of the gaming and leisure company ‘Cirsa’. He holds the title for

the Almerian with the most money, according to the Forbes list. Manuel was

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

“Great Scott!”

Famous quote from Back to the Future which was made in 1985. While it's unclear exactly why director Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale went with ‘Great Scott!’ for Doc Brown's trademark phrase, it was born out of a belief that the character should have one.

born in Doña Maria, he has lived a good part of his life in Barcelona, where he carries out his business activity. His assets, which also include a company in the Argentine market, amount to €1.2 billion.

In position 70 on the list of Spaniards with the most money, appear the Almeria Cosentino brothers, Eduardo and Francisco. They are owners, together with their brother Jose, of one of the most important companies globally. The Almeria group, which has consolidated brands such as Silestone, Dekton or Sensa, is divided into the shares of the three brothers. The family’s assets exceed €500

million.

Tomas Olivo, who among other properties owns the ‘Gran Plaza’ shopping centre in Roquetas de Mar, is among the 10 people who have the most money in Spain, with assets worth €3.5 billion.

He is the businessman with businesses in the province of Almeria who currently has the most money, with strong growth, going from 17th position to sixth.

These are the Almeria stars that currently shine in the famous Forbes’ list of the great Spanish fortunes, which happens to be on a whole, 37 per cent richer than in 2022.

LOCAL NEWS

BLUSTERY DAYS! GUSTS of wind trav­ elling at over 140 kilometres per hour have been recorded this past week in ar­ eas around Almeria.

The wind storm that has seemingly smashed into the province of Almería has already caused numerous incidents, with at least six peo­ ple being injured and images of other chaos in many loca­ tions.

The wind gusts have reached over 140 kilometres per hour in some parts of the province.

The strongest in the region was recorded at the weather station lo­ cated in Cabo de Ga­ ta where it showed a gust of 141.4 kilo­ metres per hour.

Residents have been advised to stay alert when travel­ ling by car and avoid the beach or any water sports, al­ though somehow we can’t imagine there will be many planning a surfing session any time soon!

Credit: Facebook

Tree blown over in Almeria.

Jan 1, 1985 First mobile call in UK made by Ernie Wise to Vodafone.

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Drawing contest ON Friday, November 3, the Aguilas Town Council hosted the awards ceremony for the children’s drawing contest of the students of Ecoescue­ las Litorales.

The theme of the competition was ‘The sea is life, take care of it’.

It was promoted by the Education Department of the town council and the Aguilas Nautical Club, and aimed to raise awareness among young people about the importance of car­ ing for the marine environment and its biodiversity.

At the ceremony, chaired by the councillors of Education, Elena Casa­ do, and Culture, Maido Simo, the participants were accompanied by the coordinator of the ‘Litoral Ecoschools’ programme, Elena Aré­ valo, and the director of the Águilas Nautical Club, Pedro Juan Pérez Castejón. During the event, Casado highlighted ‘the commitment’ of the council, in coordination with the Aguilas Nautical Club, to continue working on awareness activities about the importance of conserving the marine environment and its bio­ diversity.

Dolphin saved!

TWO heroes in Almeria have saved the life of a dolphin calf that was drowning in Aguadulce last week.

The Equinac association whose main objective is to address the strandings of sea turtles and cetaceans in the province of Almeria, re­ ceived a message last Wednesday from the 112 Andalucia Emergency Ser­ vice in which it was alerted to the sighting of a baby dol­ phin that was trapped be­ tween illegal pots near the Aguadulce fish farm.

The poor creature, who’s mother stayed by its side throughout, struggled to stay afloat and his strength was quickly failing. Dolphins are mammals that need to breathe and the nets were keeping him underwater. At least the blowhole (nose) should be out of the water or the dolphin can drown.

The association knew that

HEROES: The fisherman’s footage of the rescue.

it was practically impossible to arrive in time and that the only option to save the dolphin was the interven­ tion of the two fishermen who had reported the case to them, Miguel and Jose Ramon. These two impro­ vised heroes were given in­ structions to try to carry out a complex rescue.

The frantic men managed to cut the rope after a few

LOCAL NEWS

Demand for ‘dignity’ Credit: Facebook

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agonising minutes of diffi­ cult manoeuvres, and the calf was able to swim free with its mother.

“From Equinac we want to greatly congratulate this in­ tervention by Miguel and Jose Ramon to whom this little dolphin owes its life,” declared the association.

So it seems that not all heroes wear capes, some wear fishing hats!

ALMERIA firefighters took to the streets on Monday, in a protest to demand its ‘digni­ ty’.

The protest has come about due to an apparent 15 years without a salary increase alongside a total lack of resources. It is re­ ported that they don’t even possess a de­ fibrillator.

Due to an inability to reach an agree­ ment with the Almeria City Council, the firefighters took to the streets on Monday, November 6, in their first demonstration against these ‘unfair conditions’.

The absence of defibrillators is one of the main concerns. “We do not have any.

There was one in a vehicle, it was used and currently we do not have any, if there is a cardiac arrest in our presence, we could on­ ly perform CPR,” they have warned.

The spokespersons for the firefighters, with a staff of 92 people, also demanded greater staffing and compliance with the commitments that the mayor of Almeria has been conveying.

Jan 28, 1985 Charity record ‘We are the World’ was recorded.

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9 - 15 November 2023

JOAQUIN DE LA MUELA, the oldest singer from Almeria has passed away at the age of 87.

On Sunday, November 5, the leg­ endary Almeria singer Joaquin de la Muela, died, and will now join his wife Pilar, who he was struggling to accept that he had lost.

His happy and carefree character earned him special affection through­ out his life in the world of entertain­ ment.

Joaquin was a part of ‘Los Icaros’, the first group from Almeria, which without recording an album, per­ formed on TVE up to six times.

Eventually each one went their own way, but on October 18, 2015, Joaquin returned to the stage after 50 years with a concert at the Auditorium The­ atre in Roquetas de Mar where he presented songs from his album ‘Rec­ ollections’ and also some classics from previous albums.

On September 22, 2017, at the age of 81, he presented his fifth studio al­ bum, ‘Homage to my friend Antonio Machin’ and dedicated it to his wife Pilar de El. In fact, music was his

Credit: Personal website

Eternal voice

OLDEST SINGER: Joaquin de la Muela.

refuge for more than 60 years.

His voice will now eternally sing over the Almeria region, with his his­ tory in its heart.

THE strength of the ‘Costa de Almeria’ destination has cap­ tivated World Travel Market professionals.

The Provincial Council of Almeria has returned to a new edition of the World Travel Market with the aim of continuing to promote in­ ternational tourism as a source of wealth and em­ ployment for the province of Almeria.

The provincial deputies Carlos Sanchez and Jose Juan Martínez were representing the Provincial Institution and the destination ‘Costa de Almeria’ in the 44th edition of one of the most impor­ tant tourism fairs in the world, which was held at the Excel London venue until

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Worldwide travel November 8.

The Provincial Tourism Ser­ vice of the Provincial Council has set the objective of rein­ forcing the presence of the British market in the destina­ tion ‘Costa de Almeria’ and further increasing air connec­ tions with the United King­ dom.

The president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, visited the Almeria exhibitor inside the Andalu­ cia Pavilion and greeted the delegation from the province of Almeria that has been made up of both the provin­ cial deputies and the coun­ cilor of the capital, Joaquín Pérez de la Blanca, and the

THE fantastic puppet festival ‘Titeremurcia’ is once again being presented in Aguilas, with shows being held at the Francisco Rabal House of Culture.

The Aguilas City Council will collaborate with the 22nd edition of ‘Titeremurcia’, Internation­ al Puppet Theatre Festival of the Region of Murcia, for another year.

The festival is taking place until November 13 in different spaces in the Region of Murcia, with a total of 49 activities including plays,

representatives of the munic­ ipalities of Roquetas de Mar and Mojacar.

Moreno, who has present­ ed the Andalucia Crush cam­ paign, has recognised how Almeria is a stronghold of the autonomous community within the so­called ‘experi­ ence tourism’.

Since the recovery of inter­ national tourism began after the forced pause of the pan­ demic, the United Kingdom has once again established it­ self as the main country of origin of tourists to the desti­ nation ‘Costa de Almeria’ and the WTM becomes the per­ fect framework in which to grow within this market.

Puppet Festival films and workshops.

This weekend, ‘Amalia and the Shadows of the Moon’ from the Animamundi Theatre company will be shown on November 11 at 6pm with an entry price of €5.

Tickets are now on sale and can be pur­ chased through the festival website www.titeremurcia.com.

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An efficient investment Credit: Agencia Andaluza Twitter

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PROJECT INVESTMENT: Guillermo Casquet and energy team in Arboleas.

TWO million euros has been invested in order to lower the electricity bill of 19 mu­ nicipalities in the province of Almeria.

The towns and cities of Andalucia are currently bet­ ting on energy sustainability.

This is demonstrated by the 41 projects that 19 town councils and local entities in the province of Almeria have carried out to make their schools, municipal buildings and other infras­ tructures more energy effi­ cient. They have so far in­ vested €3.1 million and for this they have received aid

from the Andalucian Gov­ ernment.

Through the Andalucian Energy Agency, an entity at­ tached to the Ministry of In­ dustry, Energy and Mines, these projects have been in­ centivised with just over €2 million co­financed with FEDER Funds through the Programme for the energy development of Andalucia, as explained by the territori­ al delegate of Industry, Ener­ gy and Mines, Guillermo Casquet.

Casquet explained that, “this type of action improves municipalities, globally,

since all towns need help for their municipal buildings, for their schools or for the in­ stallation of charging points for electric vehicles. Hence the importance of these en­ ergy improvement actions financed by the Government of Andalucia.”

The mayor of the Ar­ boleas Town Council, Jose Juan Ramos, has highlighted that “this is a demand that this municipality has had for a long time, and that the An­ dalucian Government has been sensitive to this need, hence the good reception that he has had.”

Holy Hill

IN 1518, on November 9, an earthquake shook the town of Vera, caus­ ing dire damage to buildings and claiming the lives of many loved ones.

The Holy Hill in Vera or as locals call it ‘Espir­ itu Santo’, is known for being a place of divinity, a holy area where many go to think, pray and talk to God. A rest­ ing place.

To commemorate the tragic event from 1518, on Sunday November 5 many residents climbed up the Holy THE fruit growers of Alme­ ria are expected to greatly benefit from awaited Euro­ pean aid.

Due to the province of Almeria sitting within the highly affected area due to the lack of water, European aid will be allocated here in a large percentage.

According to data pre­ sented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, fruit growers in the

Spirit Hill in a touching trib­ ute to the victims of the earthquake.

Some 150 torches illumi­ nated their path, and many flowers were set out and offered around the grass and nature.

Live music was also played, alongside poetry and tradi­ tional Spanish hot chocolate with cake.

This annual event brings together the residents of Vera, as they stand to­ gether in the memory of that tragic day many years ago.

Fruitful aid province of Almeria will be among the most benefited

by European aid due to the drought and war in Ukraine.

This data states that the total budget allocated to aid in Spain is €81,082,911, and as Almeria is declared as

one of the territories most affected, the unit amount of aid will be €270.90 per hectare for fruit trees and €90.63 per hectare for nuts.

A fruitful glimmer of hope for those that have been struggling due to these cir­ cumstances!

FEATURE

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9 - 15 November 2023

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Protect and grow your wealth Whether you have capital to invest, or it’s time to review your portfolio to keep it on track, there are five key aspects to address for successful investment.

1) Tax and estate planning considerations A tax-efficient structure can keep most of your investments in one place and provide legitimate protection from paying too much tax. Ensure as much of your hard-earned wealth as possible is placed in the most suitable structure to limit your tax liabilities. Also consider your estate planning wishes, so your capital can be passed to your heirs as easily and tax efficiently as possible.

Here in Spain, with a foreign tax and succession system and various changes over the years, it is crucial to take advice from someone who is well-versed in the nuances of the Spanish regimes and how they can impact your wealth.

2) Your appetite for investment risk Of course, no risk often means

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

no returns. And arguably even bank accounts carry risk, as we saw with the last banking crisis.

We also have inflation risk, where the rising cost of living erodes the spending power of bank deposits over time. Most of us recognise that for some of our assets, exposure to market movements gives us a better chance of outperforming inflation and producing real returns over the medium to long term.

However, the starting point has to be to obtain a clear and objective assessment of your appetite for risk.

Otherwise, the result will be an investment portfolio that is not suitable for you.

There are some sophisticated ways of evaluating your risk appetite, involving psychometric assessments and consideration of your other assets and the investment objectives.

3) The optimum investment portfolio Every set of investments can be forecast to display a given amplitude of risk. Low amplitude, less investment risk but also lower likely returns. A higher amplitude of risk brings greater potential returns but also higher investment risk. The key is ensuring your investment portfolio matches your attitude to risk.

It is extremely difficult to effectively assess your own risk profile; you will benefit from third party professional objective guidance.

Otherwise your portfolio may be

too risky or too cautious for you.

Another key initial step is to establish your objectives. Are you looking for income, growth, or preserve your wealth for children?

What is your time horizon? Your adviser should then help you build a portfolio to match your risk profile and objectives.

4) Diversification The next component is to ensure your investments are suitably diversified and not over-exposed to any given asset type, country, sector or stock.

By spreading across different asset types (such as equities, government bonds, corporate bonds, property, cash) and geographical markets, you give your portfolio the chance to produce positive returns over time without being vulnerable to any single area or stock underperforming.

This sound investment approach can be extended by utilising a 'multi-manager', approach.

5) Reviews

Finally, review your portfolio around once a year to re-balance it, which your adviser should do as part of their continuing service. As asset values change, your portfolio can shift away from the one designed to match your risk profile and objectives, and you may need to adjust your weighting. Consider if your circumstances have changed and the implications for your portfolio.

Regular re-balancing helps control risk and can have a positive effect on portfolio performance.

Five key principles which applied well can help you have the peace of mind to sleep at night, while your investments and investment managers work to your requirements.

Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice.

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

10 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023 THE Vera Town Council pro­ gramme of ‘Your Winter Beaches’ project, was present­ ed last week and began on Sunday, November 5.

The project consists of win­ ter activities on the beaches of Vera which include yoga, zum­ ba, beach volleyball, dancing, skating, training, beach tennis and many more. These activi­ ties are taking place on Sunday

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Winter beaches One for all mornings and aim to energise the coast during the winter sea­ son.

The mayor of Vera, Alfonso Garcia Ramos, and the council­ lor for City Promotion, Carolina

The mayor and councillors with the poster for the project.

The mayor and the councillor for City Promotion.

Perez, presented the final pro­ gramming of the project which held its first Sunday of activities on November, 5.

The mayor stated that “the objective is to break seasonality and promote sports and healthy leisure on the beach with free activities for all seg­ ments of the population, be­ cause enjoying an incredible day on the beaches of Vera can also be done in winter.”

It is known to all that au­ tumn and winter days on the Levante coast of Almeria are THE Boy Scouts are an international organisation that encourages boys, and now girls, to take part in activities outside and to become responsible and independent young adults.

Many boys and girls of all nationalities currently attend the Boy Scouts in

quite pleasant, with sunny days where the temperature is around 20 degrees.

The council has announced the next day of this pro­ gramme is on Sunday, Novem­ ber 12, from 11am to 1pm, with functional training classes at Playa Las Marinas ­ Bolaga (next to Laguna de Puerto Rey), skating in the Plaza de la Pergo­ la, beach volleyball in Puerto Rey (in front of Marau Beach Club) and yoga on the naturist beach (in front of Charca del Gato recreational area).

IN Cuevas del Almanzora, the council has present­ ed the campaign for the International Day against violence against women with the slogan ‘If they touch one, they touch us all’.

The Cuevas del Almanzora Town Council present­ ed the campaign for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is commemorated annually on November 25 and it is titled ‘If they touch one, they touch us all’.

In this show of solidarity and clear representa­ tion of the town’s morals, Mayor Antonio Fernan­ dez Liria and the councillor for Social Policies and Equality, Melchora Caparros, have announced the extensive programme of actions that the council has prepared to commemorate this date. This in­ cludes posters, workshops and information points on the subject.

Spanish Scouts Spain, and this weekend Arboleas vibrated with the scout essence!

During Saturday and Sunday, the Boy Scouts illuminated the Arboleas

surroundings with their values, friendship, and adventurous spirit. They played team games on the local sports grounds, embarked on daring adven-

tures in the countryside, visited the Arboleas Museum, practised trust and team spirit in workshops and even had a giant sleepover!

They left a positive mark in every corner, and will surely now be ready for a rest!

12 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

MORE than 1,200 participants have run in the solidarity race organised by the Jesus Peregrín Foundation. The City Council and the Provincial Council of Almeria have joined for another year the celebration of the ‘6 hours Non Stop’ race in its fourth edition and organised by the Jesús Peregrín Foundation.

It has brought together more than 1,200 peo­ ple in the Torrecardenas shopping centre in Almeria. The objective of this ‘solidarity, non­ competitive’ race is once again aimed at raising funds for the project to welcome and rehabili­ tate more than 300 abandoned children at the Kamalapur train station, Dhaka (Bangladesh), where the foundation currently works, and in which the ‘Javerian’ missionaries collaborate.

Both administrations have valued the ‘festive, playful and supportive’ atmosphere of this event that ‘has been consolidated’ and around which ‘many families gather, enjoying a few hours where the important thing is participation’.

More than 60 sponsors and collaborators have joined for the event, collaborating in its soli­ darity project to help these children, in addition to the financial contribution of sponsors and col­ laborators and the registration for participating in this run. Almeria shopping centre will donate €1 for the project for each of the laps that the participants undertake.

With the registration and celebration of the race, the organisation estimates a collection for this project of around €30,000.

At 9am, authorities, organisers and collabora­ tors cut the ribbon that began this race. It con­ sisted of six hours of walking, running, through a route of approximately 1.5 kilometres in which it has also been possible to see runners with their pets, baby prams, and accompanying the partici­ pation of people with disabilities.

Jesus Peregrín, president of the foundation that bears his name, thanked, !the invaluable collaboration everyone provides to this race.”

ANTAS has won a total of 700,000 in the ONCE lot­ tery from the draw on November 1.

Seller of these daily coupons, Pedro Antonio Morata, is the one who has brought the luck to the town after he sold 20 sepa­ rate coupons which all ended up having a worth ON Friday, November 3, the elderly residents of the Antas Day Centre, ac­ companied by the mayor, Pedro Ridao and the councillor for Works and Services, Felix Rodríguez, attended the coexistence between Faam Centres held in Cuevas.

There the elderly were able to participate in many activities including crafts, bingo and dances, with some of them even daring to go up on stage to have a boogie!

The council of Antas have expressed their grat­ itude to Faam for organis­ ing these days of coexis­ tence which the elders enjoy so much.

LOCAL NEWS

Lucky Antas of €35,000 each!

Pedro has been a seller for the organisation since December 1999 and dis­ tributes from his kiosk, lo­ cated on Paseo del Huerto, number 19.

The ONCE coupon of

November 1 was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Emergencies 112 Region of Murcia.

You’ve heard of the luck of the Irish, but it seems November is the luck of the Antas!

Senior meeting Often it is the little things in life that we take for granted, but when life

begins to slow down, we appreciate them that much more.

Credit: Red Cross Almeria Facebook

Solidarity Race

euroweeklynews.com

Volunteer Santiago Rodriguez leading the workshop.

Red Cross workshops LAST week, the charity Red Cross Almeria set its sights on concentrating on health in seniors citizens.

The group participated in activities aimed at the elderly of the El Ejido dis­ trict, that were organised by the 10th Healthy Week Participation area along­ side the Poniente Health District.

At the event was an in­ formation table on the

prevention of cardiovas­ cular diseases by the Au­ dika centre, which took people’s blood pressure and performed a free au­ diometry.

Red Cross volunteer and Doctor, Santiago Ro­ driguez, then led an infor­ mative workshop which was focused on common myths related to health and full of helpful and practical advice.

LOCAL NEWS

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9 - 15 November 2023

EWN 13

Refugee roots UKRAINIAN children, who are currently living as refugees in Almeria, are working to keep the heritage of their roots alive.

As of today, 60 per cent of Ukrainian children and ado­ lescents residing in the province of Almeria are refugees.

The Association of Ukraini­ ans is a recently founded or­ ganisation in Almeria. Direc­ tor, Anastasiia Lvryk explained that “the children did not have any attention for a long time,” and this project sought to change that.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, the popula­ tion of Ukrainians in the province of Almeria has grown significantly, above all, many children have been dis­ placed and forced to start a new life.

After a year and a half, adapting to a new place is still a challenge for Ukrainian chil­ dren and adolescents. In addi­

Credit: Shutterstock

KEEPING HERITAGE ALIVE: The youth of Ukraine.

tion to the great cultural dif­ ferences, the main barrier that young people continue to face is the language.

For this and other reasons, this new association has be­ come a breath of fresh air for both Ukrainian children and parents, and not only for refugees but for those who al­ so decided to establish their home in Almeria before the conflict began.

The Association of Ukraini­ ans has already begun to hold workshops for children to help them not only learn the

language, but also meet oth­ ers in their situation. Tradi­ tional Ukrainian food is often offered, as well as cultural classes so that the young peo­ ple do not forget their roots.

They also hold Spanish classes for parents and, most importantly, provide a safe space and community.

All hold out hope for peace to come for Ukraine soon, but in the meantime, these chil­ dren can only do the best that they can to adapt to these cir­ cumstances that they have been given.

Fully equipped p open p p plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house.

14 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

ON Thursday October 26 the Poppy Appeal was launched in the Mojacar Area with a lunch at Miraflores. The event raised €446 . Thank you to all who supported the event, es­ pecially Ben and his staff at Miraflores, Ann from Palomares who generously provided a super raffle and to Steve Jack­ son who performed a great medley of popular old favourites.

Over 100 boxes of poppies have now been distributed in Mojacar, Los Gallagos, Turre, Al Faix, Palomares, Villaricos and Antas. Remembrance Day this year is on Saturday November 11 and there will a two­minute silence at 11am, hopefully with a bugler to play the last post and reveille.

The Standard of the Mojacar Royal British Legion will be in attendance. The event will be at the entrance to the Mo­ jacar Outdoor Chapel, adjacent to Scottie’s Restaurant. Ev­ eryone is welcome. Afterwards there will be coffee or a beer in Scottie’s at 11.10 to toast absent friends.

Following this event there will be a Menu del Dia lunch at Shea’s at 1pm and a Special Remembrance Day Quiz at 2pm, hosted by Tony Matthews. If you would like to have a lunch and/or Quiz please contact Nick on 699 953 222 to book a place and choose your menu.

On Sunday November 12 it is Remembrance Sunday and there will be a Service at the Mojacar Outdoor Chapel at 10.40. Afterwards there will be a lunch at Sensations. Ring Nick if you would like to join up for lunch.

Give a gift CHRISTMAS: Donate a gift to ensure that a child will receive one.

NOW that the spooky season of Halloween is over, many have set their sights on the biggest and brightest holiday of the year, Christmas.

Although some may be cringing at the shops full of tin­ sel and trees, it is well known that the Christmas train is one that cannot be stopped, so you may as well just jump on

board, even if it is the start of November!

This time of year is full of laughter, smiles, families, fab food and most of all, presents!

The latter being the part that our young generation antici­ pate most, with letters being written to Santa all over Spain and parents everywhere preparing their bank accounts!

Unfortunately, not all chil­ dren are lucky enough to expe­ rience this excitement. For many different reasons, a lot of little ones will not be waking up to presents on Christmas day, or even bother writing a list. However, in every dark­ ness there is the possibility for light, and Albox Council have decided to shine through this November.

The council of Albox have

LOCAL NEWS

Ciaran chaos Credit: Wikipedia

Poppy Appeal raises €446

euroweeklynews.com

organised a present donation service, where individuals or companies donate a gift to en­ sure that a child will receive one, that otherwise would not have.

To make the happenings even happier, a video will be made of the ‘three kings’ going around the town and collect­ ing these presents, which will be played in education centres and shared on social media as recognition of these good deeds.

If you would like to partici­ pate, send an email to albox cultura@gmail.com.

The last date to join is November 17.

That’s the spirit Albox!

Making Christmas cute and inclusive and bringing cheer to all!

THE province of Almeria currently holds the unfortunate title of most incidents reported from the violent storm Ciaran.

Almeria has been the province where the highest number of incidents have been emerged with a total of 156 being reported due to the impact of the storm ‘Ciaran’. The majority of these being related to the strong gusts of wind recorded during the day.

These incidents were mainly caused by the falling of trees, electrical or telephone wiring on public roads, stones falling onto roads and the displacement of street furniture objects such as containers, signs and billboards, as well as falls of parts of roofs from buildings.

Two people currently remain in hospital from injuries due to these incidents, whilst a total of five have been reported as being ‘seriously injured’.

Many of these reports came from Almeria Capital but incidents have also been recorded in the municipalities of Roquetas de Mar, Abrucena, Albox, Cantoria, Carboneras, El Ejido, Enix, Gergal, HuércalOvera, La Mojonera, Níjar, Pulpi, VélezBlanco, Vélez- Rubio and Viator.

Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors as much as they can and to avoid travel wherever possible.

Basically, be the CALM within this STORM!

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

9 - 15 November 2023

The Croatian Kiss: Cultural or controversial?

Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP

PHOTOSHOOT: The ‘kiss attack’.

THE Croatian Foreign Minister, Gordan Grlic Radman, has recently caused some controversy with his gesture of a kiss on the cheek.

On Thursday November 2, during a photo­ shoot at an EU conference in Berlin, Radman leant towards the German Foreign Minister, An­ nalena Baerbrock to shake her hand. In addition to this he offers a kiss on the cheek, which she accepted, if not a little awkwardly.

The happenings were caught on camera and quickly went viral online, with the outrage at the incident spreading like wildfire. Many feminist groups were quick to criticise the Croatian For­ eign Minister with one women’s right activist, Rada Boric slamming his actions as ‘highly inap­ propriate’.

In many cultures, a kiss on the cheek is a com­ mon form of greeting. Monika Jankovic who was born and raised in Croatia told Euro Weekly News that “yes it is very common, if you know someone or if you are being friendly. Men kiss other men like this, there is nothing sexual in it.”

from Year 1985 2,000 EDITIONS ago, the Span­ ish galleon ‘Our Lady of Atocha’ was discovered off the Florida Keys.

At the time of her sinking ­ along with many others from the same fleet ­ during a hurri­ cane on September 6, 1962, the ‘Nuestra Señora de Atocha’ was heavily laden with a cargo of around 40 tons of gold and silver. There was also copper, tobacco, gems, and indigo on board. The ship went down ap­ proximately 30 leagues (140 km) from Havana, Cuba, with the loss of 260 sailors. Remark­ ably, five survived by climbing the mizzen, which remained above the water.

Where was the Atocha sail­ ing from?

She was transporting this valuable treasure to Spain after being loaded at the ports at Cartagena and Porto Bello in New Granada (present­day Colombia and Panama, respec­ tively), and Havana.

When asked what she thought of the kiss that the German media are calling the ‘kiss attack’, she responded with “I can’t understand why it’s such a big deal, maybe it’s a cultural thing. Did the ‘victim’ complain?”

Former Croatian Prime Minister, Jadranka Kosor took to the social media platform, X, to ex­ press her outrage, writing that “Violent kissing of women is also called violence, is it not?”

Annalena Baerbrock is said to be on first name terms with the Croatian Foreign Minister, who some are now dubbing as her ‘attacker’, and has not yet officially commented on the incident, however sources close to her have been report­ ed to play down the kiss to German tabloids, suggesting that the German Foreign Minister will not be pressing charges.

Gordan Grlic Radman seems to be quite baf­ fled at all the backlash, as he told reporters “I don't know what the problem was… we always greet each other warmly. It is a warm approach to a colleague.”

Our Lady of Atocha

Credit: Wikipedia By Paul Hermans - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

BRONZE CANNON: Salvaged from the Atocha.

Named after the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Atocha in Madrid, the heavily fortified vessel was built in 1620 in the Cuban capital of Havana, at the request of King Philip IV. The Atocha sailed at the rear of the 28­ship Spanish fleet, serving as the almirante (rear guard) to prevent an attack from the rear by other vessels.

Who found the sunken galleon? Divers from an Ameri­ can commercial treasure hunt­ ing expedition led by the leg­

endary deep­sea explorer Mel Fisher recovered most of the galleon’s wreck on July 20, 1985.

His discovery, estimated to be worth around $400 million, make the Atocha’s one of the most valuable shipwrecks ever found. Following a lengthy court battle against the State of Florida, Mel Fisher’s Treasure Salvors, Inc was ultimately awarded sole ownership of the rights to the treasure by the US Supreme Court.

EWN 15

16 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Working with the community since 1985 LAST week’s edition of Euro Weekly News was number 2,000 which was a major milestone in the history of the paper which was first published as The Entertainer on July 11 1985.

Throughout this edition, we will be featuring several stories from 35 years ago just to give a taste of what was happening, some items tragic, some nostalgic, some important and some which are just amusing.

We are known as the People’s Pa­ per and above all else, we are com­ mitted to communicate, educate and entertain our much respected readership and provide an outlet for our advertisers, old and new.

Keeping in contact with the com­ munity across all of the areas where the newspaper is issued is really im­ portant and we issue the newspa­ pers 52 weeks in the year regardless of national holidays, economic downturns and of course the pan­ demic. How things have changed in 35 years and one of the most obvi­ ous has been the fact that many of the team now work remotely, something which really gathered momentum because of the lock­ down and the need to keep the pa­ pers running which of course also led to the extension of our website so you can read the papers online.

This event can’t be allowed to pass without mentioning our longest serving team member Linda Hall Gonzalez who has been writing for

• Mary Casnello Look forward to every Thursday!

• The Canary News Superb. Congratulations! An Epic Achievement!

• Edward Timon Magnificent! No small task at all.

Well done all round, really some­ thing to be very proud of.

Celebrating the 2000th edition.

the papers for more than 30 years and whose continued involvement we value greatly.

To celebrate the 2,000th edition, those of us who work out of our Head Office sat together and toasted our achievement with an old fash­ ioned slice of celebratory cake be­ fore adjourning to a local Spanish restaurant where we enjoyed typical first class Spanish hospitality.

We had one incredible surprise when unbeknown to the directors of the company, much valued advertis­ er José of Club del Sol tennis, padel and squash club created a brand new advert for his regular Costa del Sol front page piece which stated; Congratulations on your 2000th is­ sue of Euro Weekly News The success of our business is be­ cause we have been advertising with you for over 20 years, every week.

Navigating forward with Edition 2001 Dear Readers, As we unveil Edition 2001, we, Michel and Steven Euesden, publishers of Euro Weekly News, reflect on our remarkable journey and the essence of our mission, now encapsulated in this significant number.

Over three decades ago, our mission was born: to help non­indigenous individuals seamlessly integrate into Spain’s diverse com­ munities. We aimed to bridge cultural and lin­ guistic gaps, a purpose that still guides us to­ day.

At our core, we’re committed to raising aware­ ness for the needy and vulnerable within our com­ munity. We believe in the power of storytelling to illu­ minate hidden issues, amplifying the invaluable work of local charities, championing noble causes, and sharing narra­ tives of resilience.

In a world often marred by negativity, we remain resolute as a beacon of hope. Amidst the chaos, we firmly believe there’s an abundance of hope, inspiration, and positivity. Euro Weekly News is your sanctuary,

where stories warm your heart, celebrate your community, and rediscover innate goodness.

Our mission transcends information; it seeks to empower you. We equip you with insights to thrive in your chosen homeland, navigate Span­ ish culture, and participate actively in local communities.

As we present Edition 2001, we are pro­ foundly grateful for your trust. Your reader­ ship drives our enduring commitment to ex­ cellence. Our resolve remains unwavering, our mission resolute, and our dedication to serving you, our cherished readers, stronger than ever.

Thank you for being part of the Euro Weekly News family. Together, we will illuminate the path, offer hope, and celebrate the remarkable stories that en­ rich our community, our lives, and our world.

With sincere thanks and a commitment to the future,

Michel and Steven Euesden Publishers Euroweekly News

• Joy Finnell King Congratulations !!!!!!!!

• Linda Miller I love having my EWN through e­ mail.

• Vivien Sutcliffe Euro Weekly Newspaper Thank you. For me the community spirit and information has been in­ spired. I retired to Southern Spain in 2001. Onwards and upwards Team EWN. • Jan Leaver Congratulations! x • Christine Climent Congratulations to you all, here’s to many more years EURO WEEK­ LY NEWS • Mary Kavanagh Kirby Love EWN. Feel something is miss­ ing if I don’t get my copy. It’s a mine of information. Long may it continue. Thanks.

• Irish­Artist Michael Thanks so much for sharing this!

Yes, your weekly newspaper is a great resource for all of us on the coast and long may it continue!

• Chris McGovern It’s a fabulous weekly paper, thank you so much. I’m amazed by the quality and information that is in it.

• Lois Bennett Always pick up a copy & look on­ line • Stephen Tiley Congratulations loved reading it and still catch up online. Great pa­ per.

18 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

IN a tranquil corner of eastern France, an eco­ friendly concept borrowed from neighbouring Germany is taking root.

Cinerary forests, also known as sanctuary forests, have emerged as an enchanting alter­ native to traditional cemeteries.

These natural settings are becoming increas­ ingly popular as more people choose not only to be cremated but to have their ashes in­ terred beneath the canopy of a majestic tree.

This idea, which has been flourishing in Ger­ many for some years, is now spreading to re­ gions in France. Nancy, an eastern French city, is also embracing this trend by planting trees within a cemetery. Soon, residents will have the option of finding their final resting place surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Chantal Finck, the councillor in charge of public service quality, recognises the growing demand for sanctuary forests and explains the city’s forward­thinking approach.

The councillor confirmed: “We are the first major city in France to take an interest in the cinerary forest.

“This is because it meets a societal and envi­ ronmental need and we are completely con­ vinced of this.” Starting in December, the ash­ es of the city’s residents will be buried free of charge, without the customary flowers, wreaths, or headstones.

This eco­friendly and serene approach to burial is undoubtedly a step towards a more harmonious connection between life, death, and nature.

NEWS

Europe’s Cool List The Big Apple from Year 1985

ON Halloween, National Ge­ ographic Traveller (UK) re­ vealed The Cool List 2024, the editors’ selection of des­ tinations set to make the news over the next 12 months.

The Cool List identifies top places and around the world where tourism spaces benefits communities and the environment as much as the visitors and locals them­ selves.The full results can be seen in the December 2023 issue of National Geograph­ ic Traveller (UK), on UK newsstands from November 2.

Pat Riddell, editor of Na­ tional Geographic Traveller (UK), said: “Where it’s culi­ nary excellence, solar eclipses, night trains, new national parks, rewilding ini­ tiatives, ancient wonders re­ visited or cultural land­ marks, we’ve curated some of the best travel destina­ tions for the next 12 months.

“The Cool List 2024 also

Credit: Visit Saimaa

Sanctuary forests

euroweeklynews.com

COOL DESTINATION: Finland’s largest lake, Saimaa.

has a strong focus on the UK and Europe, with almost half the entries offering our readers easy access to some of the world’s most alluring destinations close to home.” In keeping with our name, Euro Weekly News has chosen to publish the European list with plenty of

Mar 18, 1985 Australian soap, Neighbours began.

tips for cool destinations next year Albanian Alps, Albania Belfast, Northern Ireland Emilia­Romagna, Italy Europe by train Galloway & Southern Ayr­ shire, Scotland Nordland, Norway North Yorkshire, England Pompeii, Italy Saimaa, Finland Tartu, Estonia UEFA Euro 24, Germany Valletta, Malta Wales Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

ON a chilly February 7, 1985, in the heart of the bustling metropolis, New York City’s mayor at the time, Ed Koch, stood before a captivated crowd and declared that the iconic song “New York, New York” was about to become the official anthem of the Big Apple.

This timeless anthem offers a unique perspective, painting New York through the wide­eyed gaze of an out­ sider, a small­town dreamer with high hopes, who believes, ‘If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere’.

It was composed by the Broadway duo of John Kander and Fred Ebb for Liza Minnelli to perform in the 1977 film ‘New York, New York’, set against the backdrop of the 1940s.

But it was the velvet­voiced Frank Sinatra who lent an immortal quality to the song just three years later, ce­ menting it in the hearts of generations to come.

So, as you stroll down the bustling streets of the Big Apple, remember that you’re not just walking on con­ crete; you’re walking to the beat of ‘New York, New York’, a song that en­ capsulates the dreams and ambitions of a city that continues to inspire and enchant the world.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

from Year 1985 Linda Hall TWO THOUSAND editions ago, Spain’s entry into Europe was in the news. On June 12, 1985, Felipe Gonzalez, presi­ dent of the Spanish govern­ ment, signed the Treaty of Ac­ cession in Madrid’s Palacio Real, accompanied by the For­ eign minister Fernando Moran and Manuel Marin, junior min­ ister for Relations with Euro­ pean Communities. Fernando Moran (1926­2020), an author and diplomat before his 1982­ 1985 term as Foreign Minister, was responsible for much of the spadework that led to Spain’s entry into the Euro­ pean Economic Community, which then had 10 members.

On March 29 that year, Moran gave details of his negotiations in Madrid to a plenary session of the national parliament in Madrid. “Our history is in Eu­ rope and outside Europe, but we shall all be inside Europe,” he told MPs. Spain will put an end to the historic inferiority complex that has caused its isolation and it will definitively recover its course and role in Europe. “I take for granted ev­

9 - 15 November 2023

Spain joins the EU erybody’s European vocation and your favourable support for our negotiating position in the last stage of the negotia­ tions,” Moran concluded.

All MPs from all parties vot­ ed in favour of forging ahead with the plans to join Europe and hours later, Moran and Marin were received by King

Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia who earlier that day had also received Felipe Gonzalez.

After signing the Accession Treaty on June 12, 1985, Spain officially entered Europe on January 1 the following year, along with Portugal and brought the number of EEC countries up to 12.

EWN 19

20 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

€100 on offer THERE is no question that prices have been rising dramatical­ ly across the world and sadly we in Spain have been hit, although per­ haps not as hard as some other coun­ tries.

If you don’t have a great deal of money coming in, have fami­ lies to feed or are alone and don’t want to just cook for yourself, a little treat occasionally which gets you out and about is worth considering.

We at Euro Weekly News believe it is our role to help readers consider all of their options and also perhaps spread a lit­ tle festive cheer by sponsoring a reader’s survey with a difference.

For all that Franco can be blamed for, he is credited with the concept of creating the famed Menu del Dia as a way of showcas­ ing Spanish regional cooking and in 1965, he passed a law requiring certain restau­

Choose your favourite Menu del Dia and receive €100.

rants, especially those in the newly emerging tourist areas, to offer a reasonably priced lunch.

The concept was taken up across Spain and by the 1970s most towns had at least one or two restaurants offering this three course meal at an economic price.

There are still plenty of cafés, ventas and restaurants offering the Menu del Dia and we want to hear all about your favourite.

What’s more, the person who submits the best recommendation will receive €100 from EWN to spend in that establish­ ment.

Your email to editorial@euroweekly news.com will help others to find the best meal deal and also promote your favourite restaurant to other readers with the best recommendation announced in our De­ cember 7 edition.

NEWS

Cats are forbidden THE Svalbard archipela­ go is a distant European haven that has become (in)famous for some of its more unusual laws.

Located approxi­ mately 1,040 kilome­ tres from the North Pole and 800 kilometres from mainland Nor­ way, Svalbard has been under Norwegian sovereignty since 1920, according to a news source.

Svalbard is home to Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement, which boasts some peculiar regulations. Visitors can freely migrate there without a visa, yet they must comply with sev­ eral distinctive local laws. Nearly 60 per cent of the island is pep­ pered by glaciers, and the mercury seldom ris­ es above zero.

Despite this, Longyearbyen is home to a few thousand peo­ ple and sits amidst one of the largest un­ touched wildernesses on the globe, teeming with polar bears, rein­ deer, and a diverse col­ lection of birds. This is also the reason that cat lovers might be disap­ pointed as these pets are banned so as to safeguard the various species of birds.

The lack of a materni­ ty ward requires that expectant mothers have to depart for Nor­ way at least one month before they are due to give birth. Those with severe illnesses must re­ locate to the mainland due to Longyearbyen’s limited healthcare facili­ ties. The island experi­ ences polar night from October to February, and the midnight sun from April to August, making it an ideal spot for witnessing the mes­ merising Northern Lights, sometimes visi­ ble even during daylight in winter.

22 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

BORNHOLM, a remote Dan­ ish island, has committed to eliminating waste by 2032, setting an example for sus­ tainable waste management.

Challenging Denmark’s waste habits, which rely heavily on incineration, Bornholm’s plan is a daring one.

Denmark’s incinerators, while converting waste into energy, still emit greenhouse gases, hindering the country’s climate goals. In contrast, Bornholm currently recycles about 70 per cent of its waste and relies on incineration for about 25 per cent.

The zero­waste goal aligns with Bornholm’s ambition to be carbon­neutral in its ener­ gy sector by 2025, primarily utilising renewable energy sources. Bornholm’s innova­ tive approach includes the composting of disposable dia­ pers, which are typically non­ biodegradable. By using com­ postable diapers made from plant­based materials, waste is transformed into valuable compost within 10 days, with

Zero Waste

Live Aid

CELEBRATING BORNHOLM: A bold step towards zero waste by 2032.

a low carbon footprint.

Bornholm also harnesses organic waste, such as pig ma­ nure, to produce renewable gas for heating and electricity.

Community involvement is a vital aspect of Bornholm’s journey to zero waste. Locals rent shelves at second­hand shops to sell unwanted items, reducing waste and promot­ ing reuse. Online platforms fa­ cilitate the sharing of unused objects, fostering a culture of

waste reduction. Challenges remain, such as the need to ship recycling categories to mainland Europe and the complexity of recycling prod­ ucts with multiple materials.

However, Bornholm’s dedica­ tion to education, partner­ ships, and community in­ volvement positions it as a pioneering example of sus­ tainable waste management, inspiring similar initiatives globally.

NEWS

from Year 1985

Image: Shutterstock/ Miha Creative

Catherine McGeer

euroweeklynews.com

Bornholm’s path to zero waste represents a broader movement toward reducing, reusing, and recycling and recognises the moral impera­ tive to steer society toward sustainability. This small is­ land’s efforts have the poten­ tial to make a significant im­ pact, reducing waste, minimising environmental harm, and inspiring similar waste­reduction initiatives worldwide.

2,000 EDITIONS ago Live Aid was in the news. The biggest live concert the world had ever seen was set for Saturday July 13, 1985. Tickets were just £5 with a £20 charity donation. After the Coldstream Guards band opened with the national anthem, at one minute past midday on a hot and sunny Saturday, Status Quo took to the stage.

Guitarist Rick Parfitt who had homes in Alhaurin el Grande and Marbella and who would, much later, set up a real estate agency in Marbella, said, “I will never forget the feeling as we walked out on to that stage ­ it was just magical.” Live Aid was the next step after the success of two successful charity singles that had been released. It was organised to try to save the cri­ sis in Ethiopia. Approximately one million Ethiopians died of malnutrition and images of starving citizens were broadcast on television.

The two concerts, in the UK and the USA, featured 16 hours of music, they were attended by 172,000 people, were broadcast to more than 100 countries around the world and more than 1.5 billion people watched.

In all, a total of 60 artists took part in both events.

The Wembley concert finally ended with Bob Geldof on stage and 72,000 people joining in with ‘Do They Know Its Christmas?’. in July.

The original target of Live Aid was to raise £1 mil­ lion: in the end the amount actually raised was closer to £150 million.

Heavily guarded yet infiltrated A PORTUGUESE man man­ aged to infiltrate the heavily­ guarded One Police Plaza in New York City, and enter the Joint Operations Centre of the NYPD.According to a news source, on October 28, 65­ year­old José Luís Soares gained access by getting under

the gate of one of the build­ ing’s two garage entrances.

The important police facility is located on Park Row in Civic Centre, Manhattan, near New York City’s City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge.Citing court documents, the news outlet revealed that although they

were guarded by uniformed armed police officers, he sub­ sequently passed through sev­ eral security checkpoints.Once inside the 14­storey building, he eventually passed through a door that was clearly marked ‘staff only’ and made his way to a roof on the second floor.

What happened next?

Incredibly, Soares then found himself inside the Joint Operations Centre, on the sec­ ond floor. This is a room staffed by police officers who observe the numerous surveil­ lance cameras that are located across the city.

“It’s supposed to be one of the safest buildings in the city.

This just shows the incompe­ tence of some of the people we are hiring. What a breach,” a Manhattan, New York, police officer told the source.

As a result of his actions, Soares was charged with two counts of criminal trespass.

The Portuguese national of­ fered no explanation for his ex­ cursion and was ordered to complete an alternative sen­ tencing programme until Jan­ uary 8, 2024.

24 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

DENMARK Royal designer QUEEN Margrethe II of Denmark, with 50 years on the throne, unveils a surprising role as a costume designer for Netflix's ‘Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction’, released in September 2023.

Remarkably, she didn't accept payment for her creative contributions, showcasing her dedication to the craft alongside her royal duties.

Green partnership DENMARK's Ambassador Prytz highlighted the establishment of a Green Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, showcasing Denmark's commitment to support Vietnam's green transition. This partnership, the fifth of its kind globally, aims to facilitate synchronised green development at all levels in Vietnam. Vietnam will participate in the Just Energy Transition Partnership and the adoption of the National Power Development Plan VIII.

NORWAY

euroweeklynews.com

EURO PRESS THE NETHERLANDS

Credit: Twitter

Unusual poll station AFTER the collapse of the Dutch coalition government earlier this year, the Netherlands are hosting elections on November 22, with an unexpected twist. One of the poll stations available will be none other than the iconic Anne Frank House! It will be closed to the public on that day and open to voters from 9am to 7pm.

TikTok craze TIKTOK is at it again. Now, the platform is

GERMANY

The Dutch Treat. making the traditional Dutch ‘crompouce’ into the latest ‘must eat’. A crompouce is a sweet Dutch treat that is a mix between a croissant and a tompouce. One local baker has said that thanks to the recent social media swarm he currently sells more than 400 a day!

FRANCE

EUROPEAN PRESS

IRELAND Potato shortage ACCORDING to the Irish Farmers' Association, this year’s potato harvest has been described as ‘the worst in living memory’. Continuous rainfall and subsequent flooding have left 60 per cent of the potato crop unharvested. The agricultural disaster could cause significant economic strife for the potato industry, affecting farmers and consumers alike.

Lotto alert AN Irish Lotto player in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan, has yet to claim their €1 million prize from the August draw, sparking concern.

With the deadline just two weeks away, the National Lottery is urging ticket holders to come forward. Ticket holders have been urged to recheck their numbers in order to secure the life-altering sum.

PORTUGAL

Christmas tree

Brit extradited

Language battle

Tourists rescued

A 63-FOOT Norway spruce is en route to the US Capitol's West Lawn as the 2023 Christmas tree. It will be adorned with thousands of local ornaments, and light up the Capitol after Thanksgiving in the 53-year tradition of the US Capitol Christmas Tree initiative.

LAST week, a 70-year-old British citizen was extradited to Germany in connection with the alleged murder of an individual who was discovered deceased in a bathtub on January 2 in 1979. The victim's last known whereabouts were on December 30, 1978. It is suspected the victim met his demise as a result of being struck with a bronze pestle.

IN the latest step in a long-running battle over whether to make the French language more inclusive, President Emmanuel Macron has urged its speakers "not to give in to the zeitgeist" by using gender-neutral nouns. His comments this week come as the Senate voted in favour of a proposal to ban so-called inclusive writing from official texts.

FIVE tourists were rescued from the Algar Seco caves, in Lagoa, on Portugal's Algarve, after being trapped by strong waves during the remnants of Storm Domingos. A seriously injured 28-year-old German was rushed to Faro Hospital. Four other Czech nationals suffered minor injuries, with two of them being sent to Portimão hospital for observation.

Norway’s spaceport NORWAY has taken a giant leap in the satellite launch race with the inauguration of the Andoya Spaceport, situated north of the Arctic Circle. Isar Aerospace's ‘Andoya Spaceport’ aims to be Europe's first fully operational orbital launch site. Crown Prince Haakon presided over the ceremony, marking a significant milestone in European space exploration.

ITALY

Legal pot

5 Star flight

THE German government has approved legislation aimed at legalising recreational cannabis by the end of this year, albeit with certain restrictions. The proposed law is currently under review by the German Parliament. If passed, it would grant adults the ability to cultivate their own marihuana plants for personal use within their own private residences or designated registered non-profit social clubs.

AIR FRANCE has now introduced new menus in La Premiere and long-haul Business cabins. Michelinstarred chefs Renaut and Pic create dishes on Paris departures, while Jean-Charles Bredas designs the Business menu for select international stations.

These menus prioritise fresh, local ingredients and French origin for meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs.

Sustainable fish is sourced from Paris departures, and vegetarian options are available.

BELGIUM

FINLAND

Unemployment up THE unemployment rate in Portugal rose to 6.5 per cent in September, according to provisional estimates published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). That figure is 0.4 percentage points higher than in the corresponding month of 2022. It is also 0.1 per cent points more than it was in August. However, the number of people employed was the: 'highest since records began'.

SWEDEN

Rental taxes

Treble tour

Sled innovations

Record time

THE Italian government plans to increase taxes on short-term rentals by those who rent more than one flat, according to Reuters. The move comes in the wake of criticism of Airbnb and other rental platforms for contributing to a shortage of affordable housing for residents in popular tourist destinations. However, the government has scaled back its initial plans, as earlier drafts included a tax increase even for individual flats.

BELGIUM native and Manchester City football player, Kevin De Bruyne, took the gobsmacking FOUR trophies that his team won last season back to his hometown of Ghent, Belgium last Wednesday. After surprising players by visiting his former club he also attended an event with 700 fans at the Bikloke Music Centre. The footballer said he was “proud to be home”.

IN Rovaniemi's Sled Fair, the spotlight was on the electric sled by Aurora Powertrains Oy, attracting sledding enthusiasts. Despite the interest, concerns over the practicality of long-distance trips without charging stations remain, highlighting the early development stage of electric sleds compared to traditional gasoline snowmobiles.

CROSS-COUNTRY skiing on natural snow has started in record time this winter in Sweden.

Kläppen in Sälen was the first to open just over three weeks ago. Now, Lindvallen in Sälenfjällen has opened, with a total of four kilometres of tracks for free-riding prepared. In Dalarna, the Idre fjäll facility has also opened early.

Earthquake fear FEAR has gripped residents of Pozzuoli, a town near Naples and around the volcanic area known as the Campi Flegrei (from the Greek for burning), since a supervolcano sparked a swarm of earthquakes. There were more than 1,000 earthquakes in September and about 500 smaller ones so far in October. The government has been planning for a possible mass evacuation of tens of thousands of people.

Daring dealers DRUG dealers in Belgium have become so daring that once drugs have been seized by Customs, they are trying to steal them back as they are often impounded for some time before destruction. The government is to be lobbied to make it a requirement that they are destroyed within days of seizure.

Cyber security CELEBRATING its fifth year, the Cyber Security Nordic event commenced in Helsinki, focusing on Europe's cybersecurity. The event featured prominent experts and discussions, with a pivotal panel scheduled to discuss the challenges of countering Europe's escalating cyber threats.

€50,000 prize SWEDISH artist Lap-See Lam is one of five candidates compete to win Finland's biggest art prize, Ars Fennica 2023. With their work currently on display at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, on November 22, one of them will walk away with €50,000. Lam has created a fairy tale for four walls and one floor, about children who are captured by an underwater monster that forces them to satisfy his hunger, with children.

euroweeklynews.com

9 - 15 November 2023

The Tao philosophy LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I’VE been an advocate of the Tao philos­ ophy for many years. Although I always respected the Christian and other be­ liefs, none ever really sparked any per­ sonal recognition of the whys and wherefores of life. Wandering some­ what blindly through the religious rea­ sons, explanations and different ideas for our manifestation never really left me any more knowledgeable of the true purpose of our existence.

And then, completely out of the blue, I was introduced to the Tao philosophy; a remarkable belief which reveals the order and wisdom of individual life and the way it harmonises with the universe as a whole. Gradually it all became clear.

I know that sounds a bit loopy from Leapy, but it was true. Our soul or spiri­ tual fragment is all a part of the one cre­ ation.

Complicated? Not really. Imagine tak­ ing a bottle or a glass phial and filling it

with sea water. You then seal it and re­ turn it to the sea. Although it is separate it is still a part of the oneness. When it breaks, it once more rejoins the vast ocean it originated from. And that’s it.

When the human body dies it releases the soul back into the creation.

Once you come to terms with this you can set out on any journey that the manifestation you have chosen to exist in is capable of. The whole scheme of things slowly unfolds. Five to eight hun­ dred lifetimes are considered the ‘norm’. Each time it leaves the body the soul or spark moves slowly through the seven levels, which each contain seven levels, until the created ultimately be­ comes the creator.

The whole belief enables you to live either a full and purposeful life, or if you choose, one that appears to construct nothing at all. Many a young soul attains high success, while older souls often pre­ fer to tend the gardens of their accom­ plished employers. To label me a racist is actually ridiculous. I truly believe that for an individual spirit to traverse the levels of creation it needs to experience every­ thing. Murderer, victim, success, failure,

black, white, yellow, dying in violence, or at peace. The Tao philosophy even ex­ plains phobias. If you have a fear of horses it may be that in a past existence you were trampled underfoot by a steed in some conflict or another. Talking of wars, don’t think because of my lack of column comments I’m not deeply in­ volved in views of the horrendous con­ flict between the Israeli community and Hamas.

In modern warfare civilians are always the victims. Forty million died under the policies of Hitler and Western leaders of the Second World War. Tunnelling is al­ so not a new idea.

The Japanese adopted the same tac­ tics in Okinawa, resulting in the deaths of thousands of their tragic ‘human shield’ civilians above ground. It’s the unfortunate nature of these disputes. Of course under Tao beliefs it’s not those that die that are the true victims, they simply revisit the ocean of their creation.

It is the survivors who are truly suffering.

May the cosmos help them all.

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.

EWN 25

from Year 1985

GIBRALTAR GATEWAY

Image: Alvaro German Vilela / Shutterstock.com

FEATURE

IN a significant historical turn of events, the border be­ tween Gibraltar and Spain, which had been closed for 16 years during the rule of General Francisco Franco, was officially reopened in Border reopened.

February 1985.

The closure of the border was enforced on June 8, 1969, by General Francisco Fran­ co, who held the position of political leader, Caudillo, in Spain.

This decision came shortly after Gibraltarians had over­ whelmingly voted to remain a part of the British Crown.

Franco’s intent was to exert pressure on Gibraltar with the hope of forcing it into submission.

However, his plan ultimately failed.

It wasnt until 1985 that the border would see a com­ plete reopening, a condition set during Spain’s accession to the European Economic Community.

The closure of the border stands out as one of the most transformative events in the history of modern British Gibraltar.It has had a profound and lasting impact on Gibraltar’s relationship with Spain.

This year marks a significant milestone, with 54 years having passed since the border’s initial closure, and 41 years since its partial reopening in 1982.

The memory of this period continues to shape the dy­ namics between Gibraltar and Spain, serving as a testa­ ment to the resilience of the people of Gibraltar in the face of adversity.

www.vosshomesspain.com

FINANCE Bargain price AURELIUS GROUP, which has offices in five European coun­ tries, is reportedly negotiating the purchase of the Body Shop from owners, the Brazilian com­ pany Natura & Co. If the deal goes through Aurelius would pay less than the £400 to £500 million (€459.9 to €574.6 mil­ lion) quoted in some media re­ ports, Reuters said.

Tower power VIRGIN MEDIA O2 (VMO2), the Telefonica­Liberty Global joint venture, is selling a 16.67 per cent minority holding in their mobile tower company, Cornerstone (CTIL), to GLIL Infrastructure. The telecoms company, which will re­ ceive approximately £360 million (€413 million), will maintain a 33.3 per cent stake in CTIL.

TSB stars THE TSB bank refunded 94 per cent of customers’ claims for au­ thorised push payment fraud last year, compared with Monzo’s 6 per cent, the Payments System Regulator revealed. Banks should return customers’ losses unless they suspect negligence, with stricter rules planned for next year to balance inconsisten­ cies in refund policies.

Taking a toll SPANISH infrastructure multina­ tional Ferrovial’s income in­ creased to €6.2 billion in the first nine months of the year, 12 per cent up on 2022. Its construction division grew by 8.5 per cent, but motorway concessions were responsible for the great­ est increase of 41.1 per cent, bringing a €700 million gross op­ erating profit.

Cost-cutting ONLINE derivatives trading plat­ form, IG Group, is planning hun­ dreds of redundancies as it reor­ ganises operations with a 10 per cent reduction in its global workforce, the company an­ nounced. By eliminating 300 jobs plus introducing additional measures, the company expects to make annual savings of £50 million (€57.5 million).

euroweeklynews.com • 9 - 15 November 2023

STAT OF WEEK

€20 billion

in profits during 2023’s first nine months for Spanish banks whose shares are quoted on the Bolsa (Stock Exchange), 24 per cent more than during this period last year.

Off the Grey List GIBRALTAR is close to re­ moval from the Grey List.

Countries on the Grey List are those which the Finan­ cial Action Task Force (FATF) considers fail to prevent ille­ gal activities that threaten the integrity of the interna­ tional financial system.

T Raja Kumar, the FATF president, confirmed that Gibraltar had satisfied its ac­ tion plan and, subject to an onsite inspection, would be removed from the Grey List at FATF’s next Plenary ses­ sion in February 2024. An onsite inspection is the final step prior to removal from the list.

The news would be widely welcomed by the

Photo credit: Nigel Feetham X

BUSINESS EXTRA

28

NIGEL FEETHAM: Gibraltar’s Justice, Trade and Industry minister in Paris.

community and was further evidence of the measures that Gibraltar has taken to meet FATF standards, gov­ ernment sources said.

“Everyone in Gibraltar will be delighted by this news and warmly welcome this highly positive out­

VODAFONE is bidding farewell to its Spanish subsidiary after more than a quarter of a century.

The UK­based communications in­ vestment firm Zegona will pay €4.1 bil­ lion in cash assets for Vodafone España, together with up to €900 million in Zeg­ ona preference shares that will be re­ deemable within six years of finalising the deal.

Zegona announced on October 31 that it had entered into ‘committed debt financing of €4.2 billion and a com­ mitted revolving credit facility of €0.5 bil­ lion and an equity placing of up to €600 million’.

Eamonn O’Hare, Zegona’s Chairman

come,” commented Justice, Trade and Industry minister Nigel Feetham, as he ad­ dressed a FATF plenary meeting in Paris on October 27.

“I wish to thank all of those authorities who have worked tirelessly in this pro­

cess and continue to sup­ port us in our work to ad­ dress these action points and remove Gibraltar from the Grey List at the earliest possible opportunity,” the minister said.

“We now look forward to welcoming the inspectors for the onsite visit in the coming months and the subsequent confirmation

by FATF of Gibraltar’s re­ moval from the Grey List in February 2024.

“We have totally com­ mitted to this process and look forward to continuing to engage with the FATF as we further develop our strategies in our fight against economic crime.”

Vodafone España takeover Photo credit: Flickr/Wei-Te Wong

VODAFONE: Spanish subsidiary sold to Zegona Communications.

and chief executive said the company was “very excited about the opportuni­ ty to return to the Spanish telecoms market.”

O’Hare went on to explain that the

“financially attractive” acquisition of Vodafone was the company’s third deal in Spain after successful turnarounds at Telecable and Euskaltel.

“With our clearly defined strategy and proven track record, we are confi­ dent that we can create significant value for shareholders,” he said.

Financial daily Cinco Dias quoted in­ dustry insiders who said that Vodafone, which was formerly so successful, was eventually pushed aside following a se­ ries of bad decisions both by the parent company and its Spanish subsidiary.

Covid answers

Another upgrade Planned sale off

THE government is not obliged to compensate the hospitality industry for losses caused by the Covid restric­ tions.

The Supreme Court reject­ ed appeals by thousands of bar, café and restaurant own­ ers after considering evidence from several of the compa­ nies involved and the lawyers who represent the State (Abo­ gacia del Estado).

Although the Constitutional Tribunal declared that some aspects of the State of Alarm were unconstitutional, these sentences were no basis for claiming compensation from the State, said judge Carlos Lesmes who announced the Supreme Court’s conclusions.

NEXT expects full­year profits of £885 million (€1.01 billion) after turnover rose by 4 per cent between July and late October.

This is £10 million (€11.5 million) more than the company’s previous estimates and was also the fourth time in five months that the retailer, which now owns several high street brands, has up­ graded its forecast.

A warm September discouraged sales of coats and knitwear, but compared with the same period in 2022 these in­ creased by more than 11 per cent from mid­October onwards once tempera­ tures began to fall.

Next’s share price grew by more than 3 per cent on November 1 after the com­ pany announced that it foresaw full­year sales increasing by 3.1 per cent to £4.7 bil­ lion (€5.4 billion) which was 2.6 per cent more than earlier calculations.

NUEVA PESCANOVA owner Abanca has dropped plans to sell the frozen seafood company.

“We have put the process on hold,” the bank announced after negotiations to sell an 80 per cent stake to Canadian company Cooke fell through.

Employees of the company, which is currently negotiating 76 redundancies, welcomed the sale which Nueva Pescanova also re­ garded as ideal.

Friction arose after Cooke com­ missioned an exhaustive audit and cancelled the deal.

Pescanova’s new chief executive Jorge Escudero said the project was so valuable that Abanca was in no hurry to divest itself of the compa­ ny and would renew the search for an industrial partner ‘later on’.

Increased Prisa profits EL PAIS publisher Prisa posted pre­tax profits of €121 million for the first three quarters of 2023.

This was 75 per cent more than the same period last year, with ‘robust growth’ in business, in­ come and margins in line with tar­ gets for 2023 and its 2022­2025 strategic plan, the Spanish multi­ national announced.

Revenue rose to €679 million between January 1 and Septem­ ber 30, a 16 per cent increase compared with last year.

Prisa’s operating margin of 17.9 per cent of revenue ­ six percent­ age points more than by the end of September 2022 ­ continued its ‘positive tendency’, the company said.

Hammers’ deal THE Gold family are selling part of their 25.1 per cent holding in West Ham United.

Vanessa Gold, who became the club’s joint chair on the death of her father, David Gold, has as­ signed Rothschild & Co put out feelers for buyers.

The Golds are the Hammers’ third­largest shareholders after David Sullivan (38.8 per cent) and Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky (27 per cent), who paid between £180 and £200 million (€207 and in €230 million) in 2021.

Sources cited by the Guardian suggested that the Golds would sell up to 10 per cent or possibly more depending on the offer.

UK classics for the US FORTNUM & MASON intend to expand in the US as demand grows for British tea, jam and other groceries.

Fortnum’s chief executive Tom Athron announced plans to open a warehouse in the US so it can sell directly to retail­ ers.

Athron told The Telegraph that approximately 30 per cent of the international customers who visited the Piccadilly store were from America.

“What we want to do in much the same way as we’ve done in the EU is to put some of our own stock on the ground,” he said.

FINANCE

30 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page

CLOSING PRICES 6 NOVEMBER

% CHG.

NET VOL

COMPANY

-17,00

-0,84%

855,07K

InterContinental

5.688,0

+4,20

+2,57%

669,91K

Intermediate Capital

1.400,00

2.493,0

-4,0

-0,16%

197,74K

Intertek

3.850,6

Anglo American

2.184,5

+29,0

+1,34%

464,30K

ITV

Antofagasta

1.359,00

+2,00

+0,15%

151,34K

Ashtead Group

4.927,0

+52,0

+1,07%

Associated British Foods

2.139,0

+34,0

AstraZeneca

10.282,0

-80,0

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

3I Group

2.002,48

Abrdn

167,45

Admiral Group

% CHG.

NET VOL

-182,0

-3,10%

141,46K

+16,00

+1,16%

274,90K

+39,0

+1,02%

51,10K

66,50

+1,36

+2,09%

1,02M

J Sainsbury

281,00

+9,20

+3,38%

2,14M

227,26K

Johnson Matthey

1.573,5

+31,5

+2,04%

41,77K

+1,61%

146,93K

Land Securities

613,90

+8,40

+1,39%

575,56K

-0,77%

158,54K

Legal & General

222,90

+0,40

+0,18%

7,97M

Lloyds Banking

42,38

+0,60

+1,44%

30,33M

London Stock Exchange

8.320,0

-40,0

-0,48%

78,68K

494,90

+7,00

+1,44%

517,30K

-4,00

-0,30%

264,30K 632,93K

Auto Trader Group Plc

627,20

+2,20

+0,35%

340,60K

Aviva

405,19

-1,00

-0,25%

2,08M

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

1.14807

0.87093

Units per €

US dollar (USD) ........................................1.0699 Japan yen (JPY)........................................160.02 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................0.9635 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4617 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................11.860

B&M European Value Retail SA539,80

+7,20

+1,35%

563,68K

Melrose Industries

BAE Systems

1.104,00

-2,00

-0,18%

782,84K

Mondi

1.345,00

Barclays

134,85

+1,64

+1,23%

10,95M

National Grid

1.000,00

0,00

0,00%

NatWest Group

185,70

+3,90

+2,15%

6,29M

Next

7.377,5

+120,0

+1,66%

44,39K

DOW JONES

Ocado

535,00

+25,80

+5,07%

523,84K

CLOSING PRICES 6 NOVEMBER

Persimmon

1.110,2

+37,5

+3,50%

295,10K

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE

CHANGE% VOLUME(M)

Phoenix

469,10

+1,40

+0,30%

378,04K

Prudential

889,00

+17,40

+2,00%

1,04M

3M American Express Amgen Apple Boeing Caterpillar Chevron Cisco Coca-Cola Dow Goldman Sachs Home Depot Honeywell IBM Intel J&J JPMorgan McDonald’s Merck&Co Microsoft Nike Procter&Gamble Salesforce Inc The Travelers UnitedHealth Verizon Visa A Walgreens Boots Walmart Walt Disney

92,31 150,85 266,59 177,57 192,01 239,12 148,76 52,75 57,09 48,99 313,76 294,53 186,43 147,01 37,70 150,24 141,42 266,85 102,85 348,32 105,08 151,44 208,11 168,95 536,13 35,90 243,25 21,50 165,52 83,29

+1,75 +4,40 +5,75 +3,60 +2,63 +7,29 +4,78 +0,56 +0,65 +0,78 +6,60 +7,90 +2,44 +1,61 +0,41 +1,55 +2,48 +4,88 0,00 +2,25 +4,20 +1,83 +4,20 -0,33 +4,53 +0,50 +4,67 +0,87 +0,65 +2,22

+1,93% 2,62M +3,00% 3,11M +2,20% 2,47M +2,07% 71,89M +1,39% 4,30M +3,14% 5,70M +3,32% 11,06M +1,07% 17,43M +1,15% 13,08M +1,62% 3,74M +2,15% 2,60M +2,76% 3,60M +1,33% 3,03M +1,11% 3,79M +1,10% 35,26M +1,04% 5,33M +1,78% 9,44M +1,86% 4,11M 0,00% 5,38M +0,65% 24,21M +4,16% 8,06M +1,22% 5,86M +2,06% 4,96M -0,19% 1,28M +0,85% 2,34M +1,41% 24,67M +1,96% 6,27M +4,22% 9,18M +0,39% 5,09M +2,74% 11,48M M - MILLION DOLLARS

Barratt Developments

440,20

+8,00

+1,85%

892,76K

Berkeley

4.242,0

+64,0

+1,53%

18,31K

BHP Group Ltd

2.388,00

-21,00

-0,87%

176,28K

BP

497,45

-1,15

-0,23%

6,58M

British American Tobacco 2.527,0

+15,0

+0,60%

362,87K

British Land Company

326,20

+8,20

+2,58%

498,50K

BT Group

122,11

+4,70

+4,00%

9,63M

Bunzl

2.939,0

-1,0

-0,03%

31,09K

Burberry Group

1.736,0

+13,0

+0,75%

143,34K

Carnival

883,4

+9,8

+1,12%

101,91K

Centrica

155,40

-2,20

-1,40%

17,62M

Coca Cola HBC AG

2.130,0

+26,0

+1,24%

61,67K

Compass

2.072,68

-29,00

-1,38%

302,50K

CRH

4.669,0

+34,0

+0,73%

54,15K

Croda Intl

4.465,0

+24,0

+0,54%

DCC

4.667,0

+5,0

+0,11%

Diageo

3.204,5

+20,0

DS Smith

288,71

EasyJet

Reckitt Benckiser

5.484,0

-62,0

-1,12%

176,05K

Relx

2.848,00

-41,00

-1,42%

469,53K

Rentokil

443,20

+16,60

+3,89%

5,61M

Rightmove

469,10

-4,70

-0,99%

1,21M

Rio Tinto PLC

5.359,0

+5,0

+0,09%

250,37K

Rolls-Royce Holdings

222,74

-0,80

-0,36%

5,17M

Sage

976,20

-15,20

-1,53%

304,74K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.332,00

+12,00

+0,91%

3,72K

+4,9

+1,28%

325,03K

Schroders

389,0

106,96K

Scottish Mortgage

673,87

+5,00

+0,75%

496,32K

36,40K

Segro

769,00

+20,40

+2,73%

674,88K

+0,63%

324,66K

Severn Trent

2.690,8

+22,0

+0,82%

189,47K

+0,30

+0,10%

295,19K

Shell

2.706,5

-61,5

-2,22%

1,41M

387,00

+10,00

+2,65%

967,71K

Smith & Nephew

991,00

+29,00

+3,02%

1,12M

Experian

2.624,0

+16,0

+0,61%

240,53K

Smiths Group

1.633,50

+9,00

+0,55%

73,35K

Ferguson

12.683,0

-105,0

-0,82%

11,05K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 8.420,0

+74,0

+0,89%

15,75K

Flutter Entertainment

13.745,0

+400,0

+3,00%

159,03K

SSE

1.698,50

+15,00

+0,89%

436,61K

Fresnillo

551,80

+6,20

+1,14%

107,24K

St. James’s Place

665,00

+4,40

+0,67%

323,55K

Glencore

440,90

+0,55

+0,12%

3,56M

Standard Chartered

620,50

-0,40

-0,06%

1,83M

GSK plc

1.400,00

+3,80

+0,27%

786,55K

Taylor Wimpey

113,88

+1,95

+1,74%

9,74M

Halma

1.887,5

+5,0

+0,27%

518,21K

Tesco

275,90

+1,90

+0,69%

3,16M

Hargreaves Lansdown

744,30

+17,20

+2,37%

341,91K

Tui

445,20

+13,60

+3,15%

364,05K

Hikma Pharma

1.859,00

+23,50

+1,28%

54,15K

Unilever

3.880,5

-21,0

-0,54%

263,31K

HSBC

603,80

+2,50

+0,42%

4,84M

United Utilities

1.088,00

+6,50

+0,60%

211,97K

IAG

149,50

+1,75

+1,19%

6,17M

Vodafone Group PLC

77,88

+0,66

+0,85%

8,37M

Imperial Brands

1.807,00

+19,00

+1,06%

137,38K

Whitbread

3.240,0

-72,0

-2,17%

170,09K

Informa

719,20

-3,20

-0,44%

237,05K

WPP

744,00

+16,20

+2,23%

500,63K

currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

NASDAQ CLOSING PRICES 6 NOVEMBER

COMPANY Most Advanced Roku, Inc. Shopify Inc. Palantir Technologies Inc. Affirm Holdings, Inc. Informatica Inc. JFrog Ltd. ADT Inc. Lightspeed Commerce Inc. Gildan Activewear Inc. DoorDash, Inc. Fastly, Inc.

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

+30.74% +22.36% +20.44% +19.48% +17.85% +16.56% +16.49% +15.92% +15.75% +15.67% +15.58%

39.924M 42.696M 168.822M 24.616M 1.834M 1.954M 5.956M 1.621M 1.381M 12.31M 6.857M

-42.13% -31.86% -16.97% -16.12% -15.82% -15.76% -13.56% -13.07% -12.82% -12.66% -12.62%

56.717M 10.199M 3.599M 9.859M 4.106M 2.32M 7.183M 7.911M 179,512 1.086M 1.297M

Most Declined Confluent, Inc. Remitly Global, Inc. Inari Medical, Inc. Procore Technologies, Inc. Tenable Holdings, Inc. Regal Rexnord Corporation KBR, Inc. BorgWarner Inc. Markel Group Inc. Belden Inc. Schneider National, Inc.

‘

FINANCE

euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Shopping early JOHN LEWIS said shoppers were preparing for Christ­ mas earlier this year, with sales of seasonal ranges 10 per cent higher than usual in October. Although total holi­ day spending will rise by 3.4 per cent to £110 billion (€126.17 billion), GlobalDa­ ta’s analysts predicted that British households would spend less and choose cheaper items this year.

Bank puzzle SPAIN’s high street banks ­ Santander, BBVA, Caixa­ Bank, Sabadell, Bankinter and Unicaja ­ are reporting record profits and paying out the highest­ever divi­ dends although Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank and Sabadell have between them lost 250,000 share­ holders in the first nine months of 2023. The excep­ tions are Bankinter and Uni­ caja.

9 - 15 November 2023

EWN 31

Slowdown for Aston Martin Game over ASTON MARTIN announced that it will be delivering fewer cars than planned this year.

The company ex­ pects to sell 6,700 DB12 models in­ stead of 7,000 after supply chain and software problems affected production of the sports cars produced at the Gaydon (Warwickshire) works.

Delays in DB12 deliveries were responsible for a £48.4 million (€55.6 million) loss

Aston Martin shares went down by more than 15 per cent immediately af­ ter the November 1 announcement, falling to their lowest level since May. r alk rW Prices had rallied /M C it: C d during the first six months e r to c Pho of this year in the wake of deals with Geely in China ASTON MARTIN: ‘Exceptional demand’ for DB12 model. and the US­bult Lucid, but dropped by more than 50 in the third quarter of this £38 million (€43.7 million) per cent since August. year, compared with the that analysts had predicted.

Despite the third­quarter production delays, Aston Martin said that it can still meet its target of an annual £2 billion (€2.3 billion) in INDITEX founder Amancio Ortega, who per cent stake in Telefonica, the gov­ sales by 2025. is still its majority shareholder, turned ernment would like to see 5 per cent Chief executive Amedeo down a government proposal to invest state ownership of Telefonica without Felisa stressed “exceptional in Telefonica. the State Industrial Holding Company demand” for the DB12 and According to insiders quoted by finan­ (Sepi) having to meet all of the €1 bil­ said that the company cial daily, El Economista, Spain’s incum­ lion cost. would be posting “signifi­ bent government had a disappointing Ortega’s Pontegadea investment cant growth” compared to response from Ortega in its strategy to company recently denied that it was in last year, “driven by an in­ ensure that Telefonica remains Spanish. touch with the government although El crease in volumes as well as With Saudi Arabia’s ST telecommuni­ Economista sources insisted that con­ higher gross margin,” ac­ cations company now possessing a 9.9 tacts had taken place. cording to UK media re­ ports.

Ortega says no to proposal

LONDON­based EY con­ firmed that it will no longer audit the Codere New Top­ co gaming company or its subsidiaries. In an audit dated April 21, EY referred to the “existence of materi­ al uncertainty that the group can continue as a functioning business” after Codere Newtopco acknowl­ edged net losses of €477 million in the 13 months ending in December 2022.

Fashion ASOS online fashion re­ tailer announced that sales would probably fall by 15 per cent over the coming year after report­ ing a £300 million (€344 million) loss last year. As shares dropped to 365p (€4.19) analysts foresaw that ASOS would need to raise new cash, possibly by selling its Topshop brand, as net losses reached £648.5 million (€744.3 million).

34 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Winter skin care

AS winter appears to be looming, our skin often bears the brunt of the cold, dry assault. The plummeting temperatures and harsh winds strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, crack­ ing, and sometimes eczema. To combat these effects, a shift in your skin care routine is essential.

Firstly, moisturising be­ comes paramount. Opt for an oil­based moisturiser rather than water­based, as the oil creates a protec­ tive layer on the skin that retains more moisture.

Don’t forget your sun­ screen; winter sun can be just as damaging as sum­ mer rays.

Secondly, avoid hot showers and baths. While tempting, hot water can further dry out your skin.

Instead, use lukewarm wa­ ter and keep your bathing time short.

Thirdly, stay hydrated.

Drinking water isn’t just

SKIN REGIME: In winter maintain, soft, healthy skin.

for the heat of summer.

Your skin needs hydration from the inside out, so keep up your water intake.

Additionally, use a hu­ midifier to manage the dry indoor air, and choose gentle, fragrance­free cleansers to avoid addi­ tional skin irritation.

Lastly, don’t neglect

your hands and lips. These areas are more susceptible to dryness, so apply a nourishing hand cream regularly and keep your lips protected with a balm.

By adapting your skin care regimen to the de­ mands of winter, you can maintain soft, healthy skin all season long.

36 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Advertising Feature

Škoda Cadena Automoción: Redefining automotive excellence IN the heart of Vera, Almeria, Škoda Cadena Automoción stands as a beacon of automo­ tive excellence and unparalleled customer service. As the official Škoda dealership in the region, the company has carved out a unique space in the market, providing an extensive range of new Škoda vehicles, 0­ kilometre cars, and a variety of second­ hand multi­brand vehicles. With a focus on innovation, quality, and affordability, Škoda Cadena Automoción is redefining what it means to be a car dealership in today’s fast­ paced world.

Located strategically at Carretera de Mur­ cia, 30, the dealership boasts an impressive inventory of Škoda models, known for their high­quality build, innovative designs, and a price point that gives other brands in the Volkswagen Group a run for their money.

The Škoda Octavia, a compact family sedan, is revered for its spacious interior and cutting­edge technology. The Škoda Fabia stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to efficiency and agility, per­ fect for city driving. With executive sedans like the Škoda Superb and a range of SUVs including the Škoda Kamiq, Karoq, and Ko­

encouraged to contact the dealership on +34 950 393 190 or +34 637 029 737, or visit them in person to arrange a dynamic test drive and experience the Škoda difference firsthand. The dealership welcomes visitors Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 20.00 and on Saturdays from 09.00 to 13.00.

In conclusion, Škoda Cadena Automoción is not just a dealership; it is a destination for automotive excellence, a place where quali­ ty meets affordability, and customer service is paramount. Join the Škoda family and ex­ perience the drive of your life.

Cadena Automoción not just a dealership.

diaq, there is something for everyone at Škoda Cadena Automoción.

The dealership’s commitment to excel­ lence goes beyond its impressive product line. The team at Škoda Cadena Automo­ ción is known for its exceptional customer service, professionalism, and an in­depth knowledge of the brand and its offerings.

Clients leave the showroom not just as cus­ tomers, but as part of the Škoda family, sat­ isfied and confident in their purchase.

The personalised attention, ability to ad­ dress specific queries, and the efficiency in vehicle delivery are highlights of the cus­

tomer experience here. Škoda Cadena Automoción has a rich his­ tory in the automotive sector, with over five decades of experience. The dealership en­ sures that every vehicle, be it new or used, is 100 per cent guaranteed and reviewed by the Volkswagen Group, offering peace of mind to its customers.

As we await their November campaign, potential clients and Škoda enthusiasts are

November offer: We have Škoda Days with irresistible prices across the range and immediate delivery. Only until November 30. From €99/month*, find out more information at our dealership.

INTERVIEW

Why Europeans move to Spain Each week, we plan to speak to a European who has made the decision to settle here and as part of the ongoing series, we spoke to 24-year-old Niamh Eades who left the UK as a youngster to move to Alicante.

AS a wide-eyed five-year-old in 2004, Niamh bid farewell to her Derbyshire roots and embarked on a thrilling adventure with her parents to a tiny Spanish village north of Alicante.

“I can remember being really excited about the move because a promise had been made, the promise of a horse. My passion for these majestic creatures had ignited long before, and this move was a dream come true,” she confirmed.

Niamh underwent a transformation, from British school desks to Spanish classrooms, armed with a three-month intensive Spanish course.

These were the foundational steps of a life that would lead Niamh to Alicante University, where she pursued a degree in computer engineering.

Today, she finds herself navigating the data streams of a media company as a data analyst.

It seems Niamh’s childhood dream never waned as she confirms: “I share my world with two horses and two ponies among other rescue animals.”

When asked about any challenges of living in Spain, Niamh confesses, “Being a

Niamh Eades.

horse owner in Spain (legally) is a nightmare, but worth every hurdle.

“And, what makes it all worthwhile is the weather, which is a bonus for animal lovers who spend most of their time outdoors.”

When asked if there was anything about Blighty that Niamh misses, she confirmed: “I miss the London musical theatre scene, but Madrid’s theatre scene has witnessed a remarkable evolution in the past five years.

“Still, the quirkiest discovery I’ve made about Spanish life is the need to eat popcorn while watching musicals.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

49

40 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

AS people in Europe live longer, there is an ever increasing number of elderly people who have worked for the required number of qualifying years and are entitled to receive a State Pension.

It appears that although British pensioners will see the triple lock benefit increase their pensions above inflation in April of next year, many still receive far less than their Spanish counterparts.

The rules concerning State Pensions are without doubt complicated and this has been proven by the conflicting comments that we have received on our website.

Simply visit https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/11/01/spanishpensioners-get-double-uk-amount/ if you want to see the article which has received almost 85,000 views so far.

“

In reply to Geoffrey Buxton

Definitely a major bone of contention Geoffrey. I am two years behind you and I worked from the age of 17 until I was 72 and my body said enough is enough. It is scandalous that we have a two-tier pension system, why is our old pension not good enough for the new pensioners. We should be on a level playing field, either raise the old one or lower the new one, we are all the same pensioners. Give me a political party that guarantees a one pension system and they will have my vote.

Peter Selston

I live in Spain, worked for 13 years, also 37 years paid in UK, total pension received €1,300 per month before tax.

Michael

I’m 77 years old, and get a lower pension than people retiring today, although I worked longer, why do we have a two-tier pension that has the older people worse off or are they just waiting for us to die.

Geoffrey Buxton

John Ensor, your closing comment of “solely relying on the state” is a tad offensive. I worked and contributed to the system for 50 years. This was at the levels set by government and my expectation was and is that I should receive a pension that enables me to live above the breadline. I’m mid-70s, still working two part time jobs and paying tax on every pound I earn.

Max state pension in Spain is nearing €2,900.

Michael

Looks like Spanish pensioners are better off than Spanish workers then. Lucky to have more than €1,100 per month.

James O’Donnell

Well, isn’t that a surprise?

You do not need much more income to be taxed in the UK so I would be surprised if Spanish pensioners did not enjoy being members of the tax club.

Philip

Are Spanish pensioners taxed? £26,000.00 IS A LARGE SUM. Irish old age pension far less.

Mary Rita Foster

The UK pension is so poor because people in the UK don’t kick off and just accept that all of the main parties don’t care for the UK people.

They only care about their international profile.

Giving foreign aid and gold plating their own pension.

They should be totally ashamed. But, they just don’t care.

David White

That’s rubbish!

I’m a Spanish pensioner and I don’t get anything as much as that. And yes, I am taxed on the pension.

Do you mean the sum ineuros John?

Maria Angeles García

Ivan Baker

Comments should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers.

No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

O

42 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

INTERVIEW

Chat with Panto baddie, Peter Amory John Smith AUDIENCES of a certain age will remember actor Peter Amory from Emmerdale where he played controversial businessman Chris Tate for 14 years.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) his first professional job was on the stage in 1984 and he has been a great lover of theatre ever since, although he has a long list of appearances on TV and film.

His big break was to land the role of Chris Tate who was initially quite a popular character, but following a plane crash where he became wheelchair bound, his character became increasingly resentful and became involved in numerous feuds with other characters in the soap, Talking about Emmerdale Peter said “My first contract was for just nine months, but the part kept growing and for most of the time although hard work, it was great fun.

“Working in soaps is really hard work, there’s a constant round of filming, learning lines, going into takes,

Advertising Feature Voss Homes

“normally without rehearsals and you are not very popular if you fluff your lines.

“Many people think it’s a bit of an easy life if you get a long term contract like I did, but eventually I had to get out just to do something different and rekindle my career on the stage.

“There were no hard feelings on either part and my character could have carried on longer but I just had to call it a day!”

So back to the theatre and very regular work, including pantomime where Peter has carved out something of a reputation as a baddie, but he doesn’t mind the boos as although it’s also hard work often with two performances a day, it’s also great fun especially when the children are really engaged with the show.

Credit: Costa Pantomimes

Peter Amory in his role as panto baddie.

“I do worry about some of the adult audiences however,” Peter explained, “If you get a bunch of drunks in (which does happen sometimes) they can be quite vulgar and we have to try to make them recognise that that’s not fair on the kids.

“The problem is that you can’t really improvise or speak directly to them because everyone depends on cues to ensure the panto moves on at the correct pace, but we generally manage to sort things out.”

Peter visited Ibiza with his partner eight years ago and they liked the laid back life style and the generally fine weather so much that they decided to

settle there and Peter has no problem in flying back to the UK for acting work as it becomes available.

This year however he is looking forward to appearing in Aladdin as the evil Abanza but in what may be a first, a professional pantomime with a predominantly British cast is being performed at the Auditori Teulada Moraira from November 30 to December 15.

“I have worked with Ian Dickens in the UK for many years, appearing on stage in touring productions but now he has set up Costa Pantomimes as he feels sure there is a real market for good old fashioned pantomime on the Costa Blanca.

“I’ll be appearing on stage with Fraser Hines, also a former Emmerdale star although he was also a very popular Dr Who companion.”

Asked if he had any words for those thinking of attending the panto, Peter simply said “Come along and have fun as the cast is great, especially Steve Barclay who is an accomplished Pantomime Dame.”

Property of the week

Villa Odiel in the Zurgena area A STUNNING, recently improved, larger than average, unique, two storey villa with three large double bedrooms, three bathrooms, H&C air con, double garage, 10m x 5m salt water swimming pool, six seater jaccuzi, large fly free wooden conservatory and approx 1,437m2 of land. In the Los Carasoles area of Zurgena. Approx 300 metres walk to a popu­ lar bar/restaurant. Just 20 to 25 minutes drive to the coast at Mojacar, Garrucha and Vera.

This is a very grand house, a property to be proud of and great for entertaining. All the rooms are light and airy and larger than aver­ age. Some of the furniture is also for sale. Situ­ ated in a rural area in a small group of villas so you have the benefits of country views, neigh­ bours and quick access to amenities. Access to the property is via a tarmac lane and just a short walk through an orange and olive grove takes you to the local bar/restaurant.

The villa sits on a walled and gated private plot of approx 940m2 plus there is another adjoining area to the front of the property of approx 400m2 which would be good for extra parking, growing vegetable or outdoor sports area like a tennis court etc.

Ref.VH2258

€265,000 euros

VILLA ODIEL: A very grand house, a property to be proud of and great for entertaining, set in a walled and gated private plot.

At the front of the main garden is a walled and gated and block paved driveway large enough for eight or more cars. Next to this is the 50m2 double garage with attached shad­ ed area.

A side gate takes you round to the side and rear garden with 10m x 5m recently refur­ bished salt water pool surrounded by newly laid quality tiles. The garden is mostly grav­ elled for low maintenance with a variety of mediterranean plants and palm trees.

At the rear of the house next to the rear kitchen door is a shower room/wet room with toilet and wash basin, so people do not have to come in to the villa with wet feet. At the end of the pool is a block built room for

the pool pump and cleaning equipment.

Attached to the villa is a wooden built con­ servatory with Florida style meshing and a covered dining/entertainment area with built in bbq and six seater jacuzzi.

Back at the front of the villa is covered porch and double doors going into the large, welcoming hall way/entrance room. To the right is the very spacious living room and dining room with H&C air con, storage cup­ board. The dining room looks out to the front of the house and the living room area leads out to the wooden conservatory and pool area etc.

Back in the hall way to the right is the huge fitted kitchen with intergrated appliances,

H&C air con and plus plenty of storage and worktop space. Within the kitchen is a useful utility room/larder. Also off the hallway is the downstairs bathroom with sunken bath and separate power shower.

A marble staircase leads you up to an im­ pressive landing. The master bedroom has H&C air con and an ensuite shower room with walk in power shower. It also has double doors taking you on to the sun terrace with amazing country views and down over the rear garden and swimming pool.

Also upstairs are two very large double bedrooms. It would be possible to put a fur­ ther bathroom upstairs if required. These bedrooms also have H&C air con.

For more information and to arrange a viewing of VH2258 or a meeting in our office in Huercal-Overa please contact Voss Homes on 0034 950 616 827 or email us on enquiries@vosshomesspain.com.

FEATURE/NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

DO YOU HAVE THE MAKINGS OF A MEGA-TYCOON? sages? What kind of quality sleep are they getting?

BREAKING VIEWS Well, each to their own, but I get up when I want except on Mondays when I Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. get rudely awakened by the bin men. Get dressed, cup of tea, then feed the cat and WHAT time do you get up take the dog for a long in the morning? I ask be­ walk. cause I recently read that Personally, that gives me most successful CEOs get an enormous sense of well­ up no later than 6am. Ap­ being. But then I’m neither ple’s Tim Cook gets up at a functioning sociopath nor 4am while JPMorgan’s megalomaniac. Hence the Jamie Dimon (paid probability of becoming as $34.5m last year) rises at hugely successful as Jamie 5am.

Dimon is next to zero.

I always wonder about Hence I have no interest in these chaps in power who losing an hour of my sleep. get up at ungodly hours to Nuff said. start their day, but we Nora Johnson’s 12 criti­ never know how produc­ cally acclaimed psychologi­ tive they really are. cal suspense crime thrillers Whether they take a nap (www.nora­johnson.net) NORA’S LATEST THRILLER. during the day to all available online includ­ recharge (Bill Gates ad­ ing eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), mits to a daily snooze) and what time Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at they retire for the evening? Do they leave Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer their phones on at night to check mes­ charity.

NORA JOHNSON

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

from Year 1985 IT’S a story that unfolds over nearly three decades, a tale of a notable alumna and the renowned Oxford University.

Nearly 30 years after Ox­ ford University dons re­ buffed the idea of bestow­ ing an honorary degree upon the Iron Lady, Mar­ garet Thatcher, after her death a shift in sentiment emerged from the heart of the academic institution.

As a young Margaret Roberts, she walked out of Somerville College’s halls in 1947, clutching a sec­ ond­class honours degree in chemistry.

However, the relation­ ship between Margaret Thatcher and her former college underwent a dra­ matic transformation dur­ ing her tenure as the Edu­ cation Minister under Edward Heath.

In 1985, a decision was made by the Central Uni­ versity who voted to deny her an honorary degree.

This decision came in stark protest against her

The Iron Lady policies, which included substantial cuts in educa­ tion funding.

In doing so, they made her the first Oxford­edu­ cated Prime Minister since World War II to be refused this prestigious honour.

The 1985 decision wasn’t

taken lightly.

Academics gathered and voted, with 738 against and 319 in favour of con­ ferring the degree, a direct response to the passionate advocacy of students who presented a 5,000­signa­ ture petition.

9 - 15 November 2023

EWN 43

44 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Top studies The end of bear hunting?

A RECENT survey of 1,015 prospective international students has revealed that 79 per cent of them choose France for their education, primarily because of its out­

standing quality of educa­ tion.

This research, conducted by the European study choice platform, Study.eu, sheds light on the prefer­

ences of global students in­ terested in studying in France.

In addition to the quality of education, Paris emerges as the top choice for 71 per cent of respondents, making it the most popular city, fol­ lowed by Bordeaux and Marseille.

Another compelling factor drawing students to France is the promising career prospects it offers, with 57 per cent of respondents con­ sidering it a significant pull factor.

French culture is also a noteworthy attraction, with 33 per cent of respondents expressing their desire to ex­ perience the rich cultural tapestry of the EU’s second most populous country.

Notably, a majority of stu­ dents are eyeing work op­ portunities during their studies, with 66 per cent ex­ pecting to work part­time while pursuing their de­ grees.

ON Monday, October 30, key decisions were made by Fin­ land’s Supreme Administra­ tive Court. It found that Riis­ takeskus, the nation’s game authority, granted bear hunt­ ing permits for 2022 without adequate justification, making them unlawful, according to a news source.

The hunting of bears and some other large carnivores is banned in the EU under the Habitats Directive. In Finland, in the reindeer husbandry area, permits have been granted on the basis of dam­ age, while outside the rein­ deer husbandry area, the Finnish Game Centre has granted herd management exceptions for shooting bears.

“Bear hunting has long tra­ ditions in Finland. The fact that our chance to continue this tradition is hampered feels unfair,” said Saara Heikkinen, a resident of Pu­ dasjarvi in North Ostroboth­ nia, who has marked the start of her summer holidays with the bear hunt for the past three years. However, this tra­

Credit: Canon Boy/Shutterstock.com

BROWN BEAR: The population is dwindling.

dition might now be in jeop­ ardy.

Heikkinen and her husband own three plot dogs and a grey Norwegian Elkhound, all trained for bear hunting: “The beginning of the bear hunt is what we and our dogs look forward to all year. It’s about letting the dogs do what they’re bred for.”

With the potential alter­ ation in hunting traditions, the future of these dogs becomes uncertain. She explained that for the dogs’ well­being, an al­ ternative will have to be found. Reportedly, some

Finnish hunters have explored hunting opportunities in neighbouring countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden.

In Sweden, which has a larger bear population of about 2,500, county govern­ ments issue bear hunting per­ mits.

This year, they granted 649 permits for the whole of Swe­ den. Conversely, in Finland, it’s the Game Centre’s respon­ sibility. They issued 180 per­ mits this autumn, a decrease due to the dwindling bear population which currently stands at about 1,925.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

9 - 15 November 2023

Photo: Il Giornale

Undercover cop in his underwear

A SACKED Italian policeman who became an interna­ tional laughing stock for clocking in to work in his Y­ fronts has won his job back.

And not only will he return to work he has been awarded compensation of €250,000.

The storm over the so­ called ‘furbetti del cartelli­ no’, the allegedly cheating employees of the Munici­ pality of Sanremo, broke out on October 22, 2015 when the Guardia di Finan­ za (Italy’s Finance Police) ar­ rested 43 council employ­ ees, of which, nine were imprisoned and 34 were placed under house arrest.

The suspects, some of whom were caught red­ handed, were clocking in at the office but instead going about other business: shop­ ping, meeting with friends, and even kayaking. Al­ though they faced sen­ tences of up to one year in prison the Court of Appeal decided that too much time had passed between the ar­ rests and conviction and or­ dered their reinstatement with the payment of back wages and compensation.

The last to win his appeal was the man who had be­ come the unwitting star of the operation, policeman Alberto Muraglia, caught by

ALBERTO MURAGLIA: Was caught by camera punching his time card in his underwear.

cameras punching his time card in his underwear.

His reinstatement brings to a close the investigation, which eight years ago caused a media sensation in Italy.

Muraglia has always maintained his innocence of any offence. “I happened to get off duty, arrive home and remember that I had not punched in. To avoid dressing, I went to swipe my badge even in my pyja­ mas,” he told the magis­ trate.

Muraglia can now return to being a policeman, “Be­ yond reparations, the last eight years will never be re­ turned to me,” he said

EWN 45

46 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023 Advertising Feature Grupo Platinum

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Property of the week

Heaven is this home! Love at first sight!

FEATURE/NEWS Ref SJPD31C

€299.950 euros

Fulfil your dream: A unique opportunity within your reach INCREDIBLE country house situated on a pri­ vate plot in an idyllic and privileged location. A truly special location with a beautiful mountain backdrop, sea views and yet a short distance to the best blue flag beaches in Andalucia, San Juan de Los Terreros. In the immediate vicinity of the Aguilon mountain, living at one with na­ ture, a short drive to the Aguilon golf course, a few metres from the Mina Rica, the largest Geode in Europe and a train station in the vil­ lage. This beautiful private detached home on a 600 metre plot is the perfect place for all the family, whatever your interests, golf, walking, swimming, pool, bird watching, shopping or just relaxing, there are activities for all the fami­ ly. This house is unique and must be seen to feel its beauty, call the Grupo Platinum Estates team on 950 466 112. As soon as you enter through the entrance gate you are taken over by the beauty of the space. The completely walled, and private plot, with electric gate en­ try. This property has been designed and built with love and care, in a style that is fit for the type of house and its surroundings.

COUNTRY HOUSE: In an idyllic and privileged location.

A driveway, with a covered pergola for shad­ ed parking. The property currently has two parts, each with its own door of entry and exit, great for a large family or friends. With lots of options to make changes, depending on your wishes. A large courtyard in the middle of two

buildings, both have a complete roof terrace with sea views. One side of the house currently has a hallway, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and another room destined for a bedroom, but currently used for a lounge. A lovely courtyard at the back of the building with a terrace to sit

and enjoy the sea views. On the other side of the courtyard, is another house with a hallway, toilet, large bedroom with an ensuite bath­ room, a huge lounge with a dining area off and a completely modern American­style kitchen, granite worktops and plenty of storage space.

Leading off is a large covered porch area, with glass curtains allowing the outside in on a chilly day, and leaving open the rest of the time, en­ joying the incredible views, this area is home to an outdoor kitchen with a built­in sink and storage area and fridge. Plenty of space for sofas and chairs to enjoy al fresco dining all year round in whichever spot you choose.

The terrace leads to the swimming pool area with more huge terraces for the whole family to enjoy the water and of course the views. Surrounded by gardens with easily maintained trees and plants.

This really is a home not to be missed, a rare opportunity to live in this lovely place call us on 950 466 112 to arrange a viewing in person or on live link.

Contact us now to register for your visit. **950 466 112 or **info@grupoplatinum.com

DURING the past few weeks, copious amounts of cocaine has been dis­ covered along the coast of the Dutch North Sea. These discoveries have led to many questions being asked, one of them, are these drugs not only in the sand, but also in the sea?

The North Holland Po­ lice stated that this was their “first time seeing anything like this,” and ex­ plained that the packages have been found on vari­ ous recent instances along “the entire width of the coast.”

The cause for concern regarding animal welfare has risen, with many wor­ ried that the sea creatures may be consuming these substances.

It is common for smug­ glers to dump drugs into the sea when confronted by the authorities, howev­ er, recent years and mod­ ern technology has seen a

Credit: Wikipedia

Dutch sharks on drugs?

WILDLIFE DANGER: You ok Mr Shark?

new method emerge, where smugglers dump the packages at sea with GPS trackers. Unfortu­ nately, circumstances cause those packets to be left in the waters, becom­ ing a danger to the wildlife. The effects of this drug on sharks has not yet been extensively tested, however it may make them confused and more aggressive, there­ fore being more danger­ ous to people. Apart from the safety of humans, this

would have a detrimental effect on the shark and any other sea animals, dis­ rupting the natural envi­ ronment. It is also quite improbable that underwa­ ter rehab centres exist for these poor creatures! The North Holland Police have urged anybody who finds these packages to call the emergency services imme­ diately, and to refrain from approaching any sus­ piciously behaving sharks.

Apparently they are not the easiest to drug test.

KEEPING pets at home with pet­sitters is a great and af­ fordable solution. And usually pets prefer it, to be in a famil­ iar space with familiar smells and routines maintained.

And those of you familiar with us know that we have maintained good value for our customers in the last 10 years ­ Yes, we are nearly 10 years old!

And in all that time we have only ever raised our prices once. Standard membership is still only £69 per year! Not bad for free pet­sitting in your own home.

If you’re planning a trip in the next few months register now to find pet­sitters in time.

Earlier is better than later.

Whether your trip is short or long, you need to prepare. All pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undis­ turbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the

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A petsitter cares for your pets at home

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Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com 2. Choose a Standard ac­ count (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with pho­ tos of your pet and the house 4. Post an advert for the

dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee.

You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert say­ ing when you are going on holi­ day. House­sitters see your ad­ vert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesit match.com I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excel­ lent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga How do you join?

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Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation!

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OWNING a horse can be a ful­ filling experience for both adults and children, offering unique opportunities for bonding and learning. When considering a pony for a child, it’s essential to make an in­ formed choice that ensures the safety and happiness of both the young rider and the animal. Here are some tips to guide you: Seek Recommendations: Start by asking friends, family, or local equestrian clubs for pony recommendations. Ex­ perienced horse owners can provide valuable insights into reputable farms and suitable ponies.

Assess Your Child’s Maturi­ ty: Consider your child’s physi­ cal and emotional maturity.

www.euroweeklynews.com • 9 - 15 November 2023

Pet plays vital role A SPANISH couple who cam­ paigned to have their dog as one of their wedding guests succeeded.

A recent story told of one couple’s fight to have their ca­ nine family member share the unique occasion of their wed­ ding. Happily, on Saturday, October 28 in Vitoria, their wish came true as Conchi and Roberto celebrated a historic day with their beloved dog, Mak as ring bearer, wrote a news source.

Mak wasn’t just any guest.

Adorned in a smart tailcoat, he had the significant role of carrying the rings and accom­ panying the couple down the aisle. According to attendees, he behaved great at all times.

Conchi and Roberto’s deci­ sion to have Mak play such an integral part in their wedding was not taken lightly. It in­ volved relentless efforts until finally, they obtained the green light from Vitoria City Council.

A petition on change.org

Choosing the best pony Riding and caring for a pony requires a certain level of re­ sponsibility, strength, and co­ ordination. Ensure your child is ready for the commitment and has the necessary capabil­ ities to handle a pony.

Match the Pony to the Child’s Size: The size of the pony should be appropriate for your child. A smaller pony is often more manageable and less intimidating for a begin­ ner.

Evaluate Your Budget: While affordability is impor­ tant, don’t compromise on safety and quality. Invest in a pony that is well­trained and has a good temperament.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112 24 HOUR PHARMACY FERNANDEZ ORTEGA ANGELES - MOJACAR 950 469 082 24 HOUR VETS CLINICAL VETERINARIA - MOJACAR 950 472 252

Opt for an Experienced Pony: A pony with experience in handling young riders can make the learning process smoother. An experienced pony is likely to be more pa­ tient and forgiving.

Communicate with the Pre­ vious Owner: Before finalising your decision, speak with the pony’s previous owner. Un­ derstanding the pony’s histo­ ry, behaviour, and quirks can help you prepare for its arrival.

Credit: Change .org

PETS Pets prefer it at home with pet-sitters 47

CELEBRATING: The happy couple with Mak.

championed by the couple garnered over 34,000 signa­ tures.

The newlyweds turned heads with their avant­garde fashion choices. The bride stunned in a long fuchsia and silver­grey dress with an im­ pressive train. The groom, not to be outdone, donned a black suit with silver sequin embellishments, chains on

the lapel, and a fuchsia shirt that mirrored his bride’s dress colour.

In a world where traditions evolve, this Vitoria wedding certainly set a precedent.

With Mak'’s role shining a spotlight on the possibilities for pets in ceremonies, it’s a significant step towards more inclusive celebrations that tru­ ly involve all family members.

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48

DRAINAGE

9 - 15 November 2023 • euroweeklynews.com

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TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Why not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishle gion.org.uk/counties/ spain-north ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email zur genarblchairman@gmail.com - (253989)

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REMOVALS

9 - 15 November 2023

REMOVALS & STORAGE

EWN 49

50 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

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MOTORING

Credit: CUPRA Media Centre

Electric car meets electric town

ALL ELECTRIC CUPRA: The Tavascan underground in Tavascan.

A FEW years ago, a new car make, the CUPRA started to appear on the roads of Spain and it is a subsidiary of the gi­ ant Spanish manufacturer SEAT. Nestled on the border be­ tween Spain and France in the Pyrenees is the town of Tavascan and the latest all electric CUPRA not only bears that name, but was re­ cently photographed in and around the town which houses one of the most un­ conventional hydroelectric plants in the country.

Located 500 metres deep inside the mountain and with one of the most important

waterfalls in Europe, it com­ pletely changed life in the municipality.

According to the manufac­ turers, this is a goal shared by CUPRA as the Tavascan is its first fully electric coupe SUV and CUPRA want to reinvent electrification and demon­ strate that electric cars can deliver high powered, sporty

1985 The Ford Escort was the best-selling car in the UK.

performance.

The design team was in­ spired by the purity of nature in the surrounding area and spokesperson Francesca San­ galli explained “We wanted to give the model real hon­ esty, with authentic materi­ als, colours, textures and graphic elements that give it a sophistication in tune with the natural Much of Tavascan’s natu­ ral resources, such as its more than 50 lakes, are ori­ ented towards the produc­ tion of green energy which commitment to electrifica­ tion and sustainability it shares with CUPRA.

euroweeklynews.com

SPORT

IT took Novak Djokovic just one hour and 38 minutes to overcome Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the final of the Paris Masters on Sunday, November 5.

Sunday’s effortless 6­4 6­3 victory over his unseeded op­ ponent was the 36­year­old’s 40th Masters win and the 97th title of his glittering ten­ nis career.

One week before the ATP Tour Finals in Turin, the leg­ endary Serbian star’s perfor­ mance surely send an omi­ nous warning to the rest of the field ahead of the season’s big finale.

Despite a break of almost

Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock.com

Djokovic lands 40th Verstappen storms to victory Masters title

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Played in the Paris Masters final.

two months, Djokovic showed incredible form in his 58th Masters final. He must surely arrive in the Italian city as favourite to retain the icon­ ic trophy that he lifted last year for the sixth time.

After inflicting defeat on the 32­year­old former world number three, in the post­ match interview, Djokovic said: “It’s incredible to be able to win it after quite challeng­ ing circumstances this week.

“I basically came back from the brink of losing three

matches in a row so I’m very proud of this one considering what I’ve been through this week,” the Serb enthused.

Should he be victorious in Turin, then Djokovic will end the season as the number one tennis player in the world for a record­extending eighth time.

After Italy, Djokovic will head to Malaga in Andalucia, where he will represent Ser­ bia in the finals of the Davis Cup which is being played on the Costa del Sol.

RED BULL driver Max Verstappen was in a class of his own as he stormed to victory in the Brazilian Gran Prix in Sao Paolo on Sun­ day, November 5.

In the process, the Dutch world champi­ on extended his own record for the most wins in an F1 season, now taking the che­ quered flag an incredible 17 times in the current campaign.

A safety car was deployed after Mag­ nussen and Albon came together at the start of the race. After the restart, apart from a brief period of pressure from Lando Norris until Lap 8, Verstappen was always going to be the winner at Interlagos.

Equally, the British McLaren driver claimed an easy and untroubled second place. Fernando Alonso made amends for some poor results in recent races by taking the final podium spot, the 106th of his stun­ ning career.

The Spanish former world champion looked like finishing third but he suddenly found himself locked in a battle with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in the closing laps. Alon­ so’s Aston Martin eventually crossed the finishing line just 0.053s ahead of the Mexi­ can.

Lance Stroll brought the other Aston Martin home in an excellent fifth position, followed by Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari and

Credit: Ev. Safronov/Shutterstock.com

52 EWN 9 - 15 November 2023

Max Verstappen in a class of his own.

Pierre Gasly’s Alpine in seventh.

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton ended a miser­ able weekend for Mercedes by finishing eighth. His teammate George Russell had to retire due to the car’s power­unit overheat­ ing.

Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda completed another fine day’s racing by clinching ninth in for Scuderia AlphaTauri, with Esteban Ocon rounding out the top 10 in the other Alpine.

In a bizarre moment, after lining up alongside Verstappen at the front of the grid, Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc spun off the track during the formation lap. The French driver later blamed his withdrawal on a hy­ draulic failure.