Costa Calida 6 – 12 March 2025 Issue 2070

Summer Flights

Ryanair keeps Murcia connected this summer

HOLIDAYMAKERS

flying to and from the Region of Murcia will still have plenty of travel options this summer as Ryanair announces its 2025 flight schedule from Corvera Airport. The airline will operate eight routes, connecting the Costa Calida to Birmingham, Bournemouth, Dublin, East Midlands, Glasgow, and London Luton and Stansted.

This summer’s schedule has two fewer destinations than last year, as flights to Manchester and Marrakech have been removed. However, Ryanair has increased overall seat availability by 7 per cent, ensuring more passengers can take advantage of these routes.

The airline also highlighted its contribution to the local economy, stating that the summer schedule will help support over 450 jobs in the region. To celebrate the launch, Ryanair is offering special fares starting at €21.99 for travel until the end of April. These discounted tickets are available to

book on www.ryanair.com.

Elena Cabrera, Ryanair’s spokesperson for Spain, welcomed the new schedule, emphasising that it offers residents and visitors great travel opportunities for summer 2025.

With these flight options, travellers can enjoy easier access to and from Murcia, making it even more convenient for tourists to visit the region while giving locals greater connectivity to popular UK and Irish destinations.

Champions of Cartagena

DESPITE rainy conditions, the Cartagena Half Marathon went ahead on Sunday, March 2, with Estanislao Lorencio and Llanos García crossing the finish line first in their categories. Lorencio, from Cehegín, set a record time of one hour, eight minutes, and 16 seconds, while García, from Cartagena, defended her title.

The 10k race also saw strong performances, with Víctor Requena and Paula Fernández taking the top spots. However, due to the bad weather, the children’s races were cancelled. A yellow weather alert for rain and coastal conditions had been issued, but after as-

sessing the situation, local authorities decided to proceed with the main events.

Runners were advised to take extra care on wet surfaces, but the determi-

ned participants powered through. The awards ceremony was attended by Cartagena’s Sports councillor, José Martínez, who congratulated the winners and all those who braved the conditions.

The event proved that not even heavy rain could dampen the city’s passion for running.

OUIGO is selling train tickets from Murcia to Madrid starting at €9. Sales open at 12 o’clock on Thursday March 6 for travel between June 30 and December 13. The company suggests booking early for the best prices. Children aged four-13 get a €2 discount, and those under three travel free if they don’t need a seat. With two trains each way daily, it’s an easy and affordable way to reach the capital.

Costa Calida • Issue No.

Ryanair’s Costa Cálida routes.

Image: Shutterstock/ Mike Fuchslocher

New sports courts

LOS ALCAZARES has two brandnew multi-sports courts, giving local children more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. The new facilities, located next to CISSMU and in Plaza Ramón Serna, are designed to encourage exercise and shared play.

The courts are open for children to play basketball, football, and other sports in a safe and accessible environment. Local officials, including the councillor for Parks and Gardens, Ginés Hernández, and Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera, visited the new installations to see the improvements firsthand.

These additions aim to promote an active lifestyle for young residents, providing a free space where they can socialise and stay fit. With easy access and modern surfaces, the courts are expected to become popular spots for after-school games and weekend matches.

Residents are encouraged to visit and make the most of the new facilities. Whether it's a quick match with friends or regular training, the courts offer a great place to stay active and have fun.

Summer plans

FOR the last few summers, jellyfish and anti-jellyfish nets have been a hot topic in towns around the Mar Menor. While many locals and visitors want the nets to return, environmental experts warn about their impact on the fragile ecosystem.

At a recent meeting with mayors from the Campo de Cartagena and Mar Menor, Los Alcazares mayor Mario Pérez Cervera announced that his town has asked the Mar Menor Scientific Advisory Committee to assess possible solutions before summer. The goal is to find a balance between keeping swimmers happy and protecting marine life.

Other coastal towns support the request, hoping for a unified approach instead of each town making its own decisions.

The idea is to apply common measures across all municipalities, making beach policies clearer and

fairer for everyone.

The meeting also covered other issues, such as improving transport connections and working together to bring tourists to the area all year round. But with summer approa-

March for Equality

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR is getting ready for its annual March for Equality, and registration is now open.

The event will take place on March 12 and is organised by the town’s Sports and Equality departments to promote gender equality and bring the community together.

The 5.5-kilometre walk will start at 9.30am from the Las Salinas Visitor Centre. It’s a relaxed route, perfect for all ages and fitness levels, and a great way to enjoy the outdoors while supporting an important cause.

After the walk, everyone is invited to share a lunch, giving participants the chance to connect, chat, and enjoy a friendly community atmosphere.

ching, the jellyfish net debate remains front and centre. Finding the right solution won’t be easy, but local leaders are determined to find a way to keep both beachgoers and the environment in mind.

It’s a simple way to show your support for equality while spending a morning outdoors with others. To sign up, just visit the link on the town hall Facebook page and fill out the form. So, grab your trainers and join in for a fun and meaningful day!

Jellyfish nets debate continues.

Guide to banks in Spain Top EU Pension System

Spain’s best and worst banks ranked

PEOPLE love simple, straightforward banking. So which banks are truly meeting those needs in Spain? Let’s look at the winners and losers.

A study published by the Spanish Consumer Association (OCU,) has revealed the best banks in Spain according to their customers. They asked thousands of bank users how they felt about their banking experience. Spoiler alert: it’s not the giants of the banking world that are leading the pack. Instead, it’s the newer, online-based banks that are stealing the spotlight, offering low fees, excellent customer service, and ease of use. Let’s break down what makes these banks so popular and why some of the biggest names in the business are left in the dust.

The fall of the traditional banking giants

For the big players - think BBVA, Banco Santander, Banco Sabadell, CaixaBank, and Unicaja - the news is grim. Their ratings are lower than the average, with many customers criticising the lack of customer support, convoluted fee structures, and appalling web experiences. These old-school institutions, laden with physical branches, are struggling to compete in an increasingly digital world.

SPAIN ranks among the top EU countries in pension income, with retirees receiving 77 per cent of their late-career earnings, according to Eurostat’s Aggregate Replacement Ratio, with data extracted in June 2024.

This places Spain just behind Greece (78 per cent) and ahead of Italy (75 per cent), making Southern Europe one of the most pension-friendly regions.

However, the gender gap in Spain’s pension system is striking. Spanish men receive an average of 83 per cent of their pre-retirement salary, while women receive just 63 per cent. This makes Spain one of the most challenging countries in the EU for female retirees. However, just last year, Spain introduced the Parity Law to address gender inequality.

Across the EU, pensioners receive an average of 58 per cent of their late-career earnings, but disparities are evident. At the lower end, Croatia (35 per cent), Lithuania (36 per cent), and Ireland (39 per cent) provide the least pension income relative to wages. Among the EU’s largest economies, Germany’s rate is just 49 per cent, significantly lower than France’s 59 per cent.

While some of these banks are making efforts to improve, the results are clear - customers are voting with their feet, opting for newer, leaner alternatives.

Top of the class: Newer, online banks take the crown

Don’t be fooled by the big names - it’s the smaller, tech-savvy banks that are getting the highest ratings. Caja Rural de Asturias tops the list, followed by the international N26 and Caixa Guissona. ING and Pibank round out the top five, offering customers a level of service that’s hard to beat in Spain.

Interestingly, the big banks, not so much. No big surprises here: the traditional banks have failed to meet the mark for many customers.

Spain allocates a significant portion of its GDP to pensions, following a broader Southern European trend. According to Eurostat’s social protection statistics, old-age pensions accounted for 12.9 per cent of the EU’s GDP in 2021, with Greece (16.4 per cent) and Italy (16.3 per cent) leading the way.

Spain’s pension expenditure remains substantial, ensuring higher-than-average replacement rates for retirees.

EU clamps down on cash Spanish airline Volotea steps in

New rules to curb crime

THE EU is tightening its grip on cold, hard cashslapping a continent-wide cap on how much can be splashed in one go. From 2027, payments in physical euros will be restricted to a maximum of €10,000 across all 27 member states. The move aims to crack down on money laundering, shady deals, and tax dodgers who love to keep things off the books.

For years, different nations have played

by their own rules - some strict, others as loose as a lottery winner on payday. While Spain and France already have tight caps (limiting cash transactions to just €1,000), others like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands have let citizens pay in cash without a second thought. Now, Brussels is stepping in to level the playing fieldand not everyone’s happy about it.

Critics claim the move is just another step towards a cashless society where every penny is traceable. Privacy campaigners argue that, while the measure targets crime, it also penalises law-abiding citizens

who prefer to pay in notes rather than plastic.

What does it mean for you?

If you’re in Spain, you won’t notice much difference - the country already enforces a tough €1,000 cap on cash payments between individuals and businesses. But in nations where cash has flowed freely, this is a game-changer. Belgium, Italy, and Portugal will need to slash their current €3,000 limit, while Poland - where transactions of up to €15,000 are allowed - will be hit hardest by the new rules.

Love it or loathe it, from 2027, if you’re planning a big-ticket cash splurge, you’d better think twice… or switch to card!

THOSE travelling to Spain could soon have alternative flight options as Spanish airline Volotea has offered to take over some of Ryanair’s scrapped regional routes.

The announcement follows Ryanair’s decision to cut its Spanish services by 18 per cent this year, equating to around 800,000 fewer seats.

Ryanair is set to completely withdraw from Valladolid and Jerez airports while also reducing operations in Santiago, Vigo, Zaragoza, Asturias, and Santander. The Irish airline has blamed rising airport charges and insufficient incentives from Spain’s airport operator, Aena, for its decision. Volotea’s CEO, Carlos Muñoz, assured that the airline is prepared to step in. “If Ryanair leaves regional airports, no one should worry because Volotea is there,” he stated.

The airline, which specialises in connecting small and medium-sized cities, currently operates from Asturias and Bilbao and plans to open two more bases in Spain within the next five years.

Volotea has reported its most profitable year yet, with sales growing 17 per cent year-on-year, generating €811 million in revenue.

Meanwhile, Volotea has been caught up in a legal dispute over extra airline fees. Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs recently fined five airlines a combined €179 million for charging for hand luggage, seat selection, and ticket printing. Ryanair received the largest penalty at €107 million, while Volotea was fined just over €1 million.

Cash crackdown: Brussels lays down the law.

Not all Spanish banks are created equal: Your guide to banks in Spain.

Credit: Shutterstock, M21Perfect

Carnival raincheck

BAD weather has disrupted Carnival celebrations across Murcia, forcing several parades to be postponed. In Cartagena, the main Carnival Parade (Gran Desfile de Carnaval), originally planned for March 2, will now take place on Sunday, March 9, at 6.00pm.

Some events, including the visiting dance groups’ parade and a smaller procession before the traditional Burning of Don Carnal (a ceremony marking the end of Carnival),

reworks display will still go ahead on March 9, following the parade. Check out your local

Share One Woman

for Women’s Rights.

Rain delays Carnival celebrations.

Scenic route Cartagena recreated

CARTAGENA is looking to secure European funding for a major urban renewal project that will improve roads, public spaces, and community facilities in nine northern neighbourhoods. The €19.5 million ‘ReCrea’ plan, if approved,

will receive 60 per cent funding from the EU and aims to boost infrastructure, mobility, and local services by 2029.

The project will focus on areas including San Anton, Ciudad Jardin, and Los Barreros. One of the

biggest changes will be the transformation of Calle Pedro Díaz into a pedestrian-friendly route with wider pavements, a bike lane, and more greenery. The Vía Verde walking and cycling path will also be extended to the Instituto Politécnico, and a new pedestrian bridge will connect Los Barreros and Los Dolores.

In addition to better roads, the plan includes €3.5 million for upgrading 14 public buildings, such as community centres and sports facilities. In San Anton, the old health centre will be repurposed as a hub for health and social organisations.

The project also focuses on sustainability, with plans for high-speed internet, environmental sensors, and digital urban management tools.

If the EU funding comes through, the city will involve residents in shaping the final details before work begins.

A NEW eco-friendly path linking Playa Honda and Villas Caravaning is almost finished, with 90 per cent of the work done. Cartagena’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, recently visited the site with local residents to check on the progress.

The project, which cost over €220,000, will give walkers and cyclists a safe and scenic route along the coast. “We’ve used eco-friendly materials, including a surface that lets water drain naturally,” said Arroyo. To make it safer at night, 24 streetlights will be added in the final stage.

The 400-metre path replaces an old, uneven track that often floods, making it hard to walk on, especially in sum -

mer. “Lots of people use this area in the warmer months, but the old path wasn’t good enough for the crowds,” the mayor explained.

Local groups, including the Playa Honda Neighbourhood Association and Carthagohonda Women’s Centre, have played a big role in the project. Residents are happy with the upgrade, saying they have been asking for it for years.

This project is part of Cartagena’s Sustainable Tourism Plans, which aim to improve public spaces while protecting nature. A new swing has also been installed, and more improvements are planned for the future.

Path connects Playa Honda and Villas Caravaning.

Play-off clash

FOOTBALL fans in Murcia will get to see top international action as Ukraine takes on Belgium in the UEFA Nations League playoffs. The match will be held at Estadio Enrique Roca de Murcia on Thursday, March 20, kicking off at 8.45pm.

This is an important game for both teams as they fight for a place in the next stage. Ukraine will be looking to make the most of playing in Spain, while Belgium, known for its strong attack, will aim to take control early.

Fans can expect a competitive match, with both teams bringing experienced players to the pitch. Belgium’s squad is packed with stars from top European clubs, while Ukraine has shown great determination in recent competitions.

The stadium is expected to be full of energy, with both local fans and visiting supporters creating a great atmosphere. With so much at stake, this play-off promises to be an exciting battle on the road to the next round.

Turtles released

SINCE 2010, a total of 50 rescued loggerhead turtles have been rehabilitated and returned to the sea in Murcia. The latest two, weighing 31.75 kg and 12.6 kg, were freed at Torre Derribada beach in San Pedro del Pinatar after receiving care at the El Valle Wildlife Recovery Centre.

Both turtles were found entangled in fishing nets, one near San Pedro del Pinatar and the other close to Isla Grosa in San Javier. Thanks to the quick response of local fishermen, they were safely transferred for treatment. After thorough medical examinations and rehabilitation, they were deemed fit for release.

The loggerhead turtle is classified

as vulnerable in Spain and endangered globally. Threats include plastic ingestion, accidental capture in fishing nets, and habitat destruction. To help monitor their well-being, the turtles were fitted with microchips and identification tags as part of Spain’s Marine Turtle Tagging Programme.

Authorities continue to study the threats facing marine species under a project funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. Conservation efforts like these play a crucial role in protecting marine life, and officials have expressed gratitude to the fishing community for their ongoing support in safeguarding these remarkable creatures.

Fast track

A NEW six-kilometre bike lane linking Santa Ana, Miranda, and El Albujon is set to open before summer. Cartagena’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, confirmed during a site visit that 60 per cent of the project is already complete, with work progressing smoothly.

The bike lane, part of Cartagena’s sustainable urban mobility plan (CartaGo), is backed by a €1.5 million investment. It aims to improve connections for both cyclists and pedestrians, creating safer and greener routes. Arroyo highlighted that the new lane, the longest built so far in Cartagena, uses innovative materials that help reduce heat, which should improve the comfort of users.

With this project, the city plans to double its cycling network to 35 kilometres, making it easier for residents in northern neighbourhoods to reach the city centre and key work areas. The two-way lane, ranging from two to 2.5 metres wide, follows a tree-lined path and features 3,000 safety markers. Its eco-friendly asphalt helps combat the urban heat island effect.

This eco plan adds to other ongoing mobility improvements, including new connections from La Algameca to Navantia.

Rescued turtles return home.

Ukraine and Belgium clash. Image:

NEWS Travel

Cantabria - Where nature meets tradition

CANTABRIA is a wonderful destination for campervan explorers. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from beautiful beaches and mountain views to rich cultural traditions. There’s no shortage of places to explore and things to do in this charming region.

Coastal beauty

If you love the sea, you’re in for a treat. Cantabria’s coastline is a blend of golden beaches and dramatic cliffs. Take a drive along the Costa Quebrada, where rugged cliffs meet crashing waves - a sight you won’t forget!

with Hispavan Campers

Playa de Somo is a top destination for surfers, offering consistent waves and a lively atmosphere. On the other hand, Playa de Oyambre is the perfect spot to unwind, with its soft sand and mountain views

Festivals and traditions

If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss the Batalla de Flores in Laredo, where the streets burst with colour as floral floats parade through the town. In Santander, the Semana Grande festival is another highlight, with music, dancing, and fantastic food stalls - you won’t want to miss it!

Traditional villages

Cantabria is home to charming traditional villages that offer a glimpse into its history. Santillana del Mar, a beautifully preserved medieval town, features cobbled streets and historic buildings.

For a taste of rural life, visit Barcena Mayor, one of the oldest villages in Spain set in a picturesque mountain valley. To travel further back in time, don’t miss the Cave of Altamira, famous for its prehistoric cave paintings that provide a glimpse into ancient life.

Stops and routes

Travelling by campervan means you can stay wherever the views are best. The coastal town

Flood tragedy

A 50-YEAR-OLD farmer from Ramonete, Lorca, has died after being swept away by floodwaters. His body was found near the river’s mouth on Monday March 3, confirmed by Lorca’s mayor, Fulgencio Gil, and the Guardia Civil.

The man, identified as José Hernández, went missing on March 2 when heavy rains caused the Ramonete ravine to overflow. He was driving his white van near the flooded area when the rising water tra-

pped his vehicle. He called his sister for help, but before she arrived, a sudden surge of water carried him away. Neighbours attempted to save him using a rope, but the current was too strong.

Search teams, including the Guardia Civil and emergency services, worked through difficult weather conditions using helicopters and drones to locate him.

Hernández was well-known in the communi-

ty. He had spent his life farming, caring for his sheep and greenhouses. He leaves behind a wife, a son, and a daughter studying engineering in Valencia.

In response to the tragedy, Lorca Town Hall declared three days of mourning. A minute of silence was observed in Plaza de España, and all public celebrations were cancelled to honour his memory.

Officials urge residents to stay cautious around flood-prone areas.

Coastal concerns

THE mayor of San Pedro del Pinatar, Pedro Javier Sánchez Aznar, has called on the Spanish government to speed up the regeneration of La Llana Beach. He raised this issue during a meeting with Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen.

The beach is an important natural and tourist attraction, and its restoration is essential for both the environment and the local economy.

Another key concern discussed was the need for a flood prevention system in El Mojon. The mayor requested the construction of flood control barriers

and a Controlled Storage Area (ZAC) in Lo Romero. These measures aim to prevent flooding in vulnerable parts of the town, protecting homes and businesses from water damage.

The mayor emphasised the urgency of these projects, highlighting their importance for local residents and the region’s sustainability. He urged the central government to move forward quickly with planning and implementation.

The meeting brought together mayors from different towns in the Mar Menor area, all advocating for environmental and infrastructure improvements in their communities.

Football clash

LORCA will host an exciting football match as Spain’s U-21 team faces the Czech Republic on Friday March 21. The game will take place at Francisco Artés Carrasco Stadium and will help the teams prepare for the UEFA U-21 European Championship this summer in Slovakia.

Officials announced the match recently, including Murcia’s Director of Sports, Francisco Javier Sánchez, Lorca’s mayor, Fulgencio Gil, and Spain’s U-21 coach, San-

ti Denia. This is the third time Spain’s U-21 team has played in Lorca, following games in 2003 and 2009.

The match is part of celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Murcia’s Football Federation. Tickets are now on sale on the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s website. Prices start at €15, with special seats available for people with reduced mobility.

The Czech team will train at Pinatar Arena, a top sports facility.

Floodwaters claim life in Lorca.

Image: Lorca Town Hall

Mums Fundraiser

CELEBRATE the 10th anniversary of the Raise a Glass to All Mums Fundraiser on March 31, starting at 1.00pm at Restaurant Ruf Mari in Los Urrutias, Cartagena. This fun-filled event promises live music by Plan B, featuring pop, soft rock, and all your favourite tunes. Whether you want to sing along or dance the afternoon away, there’s something for everyone.

The delicious menu includes salad, chicken and chips, vegetables, and a sweet treat of either crème brûlée or ice cream. For just €12 (paid in advance), you can enjoy great food, live music, and

fantastic company, all while supporting a good cause.

A raffle will also be held, with proceeds benefiting PAPS, Malcolm’s Cats, and LIPS. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a day out and give back to local charities.

For more details and bookings, contact Elaine on 0034 711 069 906, Jaqui on 0034 680 145 593, or Lotta on 0034 634 132 864. You can also email animalespe rrosdelsol@hotmail.com.

Don’t miss out on this fabulous event! Come along, have fun, and make a difference!

MABS Mazarron, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by cancer, is hosting a fundraising auction to support its vital work.

The event takes place on Wednesday, March 19, at Trevi Bar in Camposol, with doors opening for viewing at 2.00pm and bidding starting at 3.00pm.

For just €1 entry, visitors can browse a variety of quality Lots, including some exciting mystery

Charity auction Quality dining

items. The auction promises to have a great atmosphere, but bidders are reminded that this is a fundraising event, so only serious offers will be considered.

MABS Mazarron provides practical support to cancer patients and their families, offering services that make a real difference during challenging times. Events like this auction help the charity continue

its work in the local community.

Whether you’re looking for a bargain, enjoy the thrill of an auction, or simply want to support a great cause, this is an event worth attending. Grab a friend, bring your bidding spirit, and join in for an afternoon that combines fun with fundraising.

For more details, visit

RESTAURANTE La Madre del Amor Hermoso, located on Avenida la Romería Virgen del Carmen in Lo Pagan, is a local favourite known for its affordable yet high-quality food.

Their Menú del Día, priced at €13 midweek and €15 on weekends, is a popular choice, offering delicious and well-prepared dishes.

For those looking for something different, the à la carte menu has plenty to choose from, including juicy burgers, steak, fresh fish, and traditional tapas. The burgers, in particular, are a standout.

The restaurant also offers special menus for events like Father’s Day, making it a great place for celebrations.

The service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. A daily happy hour adds to the appeal, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal and unwind with family or friends.

SPANGLES Ladies’ Harmony Chorus is hosting Spangles and Friends music event on Thursday, March 27, at 5.00pm at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Los Alcazares.

This event will be packed with music, dancing, a quiz, and raffle prizes. Spangles will be joined by King’s College Adult Choir, El Ritmo del Sol, and you can dance the evening away to Han Koek’s tunes, so expect a great mix of songs and entertainment.

Tickets cost just €5, and all money raised

Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed meal with family or a casual bite with friends, it’s a great spot to enjoy quality food without breaking the bank. Many visitors keep coming back, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re in Lo Pagán, this is definitely a place to try!

Reserve your table now by calling 674 518 057. Restaurante La Madre del Amor Hermoso is located on Avenida la Romería Virgen del Carmen, Lo Pagán, San Pedro del Pinatar.

Sing along

will support Spangles’ fundraising efforts. It’s a great chance to enjoy live music, have fun with friends, and support a good cause.

For tickets or more

details, contact Spangles on WhatsApp: 669 283 985 or email info@ spangleschorus.com. Get your tickets now and enjoy an evening of great music, good company,

Trevi Bar or follow MABS

Image: Shutterstock/ Monkey Business Images

Image: Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus/ Øyvind Dammen

Image: Bernie McGeer

Whale rescue mission

A RESCUE team have successfully freed a whale from fishing nets just off the Polish coast in the Baltic Sea. The team of wildlife experts spent an hour cutting away nets from the whale which had been spotted on Wednesday morning February 26 near a popular beach resort in Miedzyzdroje.

WWF Poland’s Konrad Wrzecionkowsi described the rescue: “The situation was very stressful for him, but with time, when the nets were getting looser, he seemed to understand that we were trying to help him and the untangling became easier.”

A WWF rescuer described the “great and positive impression” the whale left on him.

The team used boathooks on extended poles to remove the nets rather than knives to avoid harming the whale. Once they eventually managed this “he swam off into the sea,” said Wrzecionkowsi. He described how the whale had made a “great and positive impression” on him, but mentioned that the rescue was a stressful and potentially dangerous operation. “You have to approach these animals with a lot of respect,” he said. “We knew that if it chose to wave its tail, we would all find ourselves in the water.” The whale was at least twice the length

of the three metre (10 feet) boat the rescuers were in. Whales ordinarily live in the open waters of large oceans, though some occasionally swim from the Atlantic Ocean through the Danish Straits into the Baltic Sea. The rescuers hope the whale finds its way back to the more suitable environment of the Atlantic Ocean.

Battle for Crete

ACCORDING to research, the largest number of Greek settlers outside of Greece are based in Melbourne, with some 400,000 people who claim Greek heritage with a further 130,000 in Sydney.

Much of the exodus from Greece took place after the end of the Second World War and also following the Greek Civil War which ran from 1946 to 1949.

Prior to this however, the there was a strong link between the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand troops) and Greece due to the failed Defence of Crete in 1941 which saw the ANZACs joining Greek and British soldiers as well as local partisans trying to stem the Nazi invasion of the island.

Basically, it was a military disaster for

the Allies and they were forced into a retreat from Maleme to Hora Sfakion under relentless fire from the German war machine with the ANZAC troops having to undertake a 100 kilometre trek.

Now, 84 years after the historic Battle of Crete, a group of Greek-Australians is preparing to honour the sacrifice of the ANZACs in a unique way in Greece.

This May, the team will retrace the 100-kilometre retreat in order to honour the mainly Australian sacrifices whilst at the same time, they hope to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. It’s not going to be an easy march as it will take at least five days with those taking part having to cope with climbing across the rugged terrain of rural Crete.

Credit: Flickr: Gillaume Baviere

Unveiling of Perth’s Battle of Crete memorial.

South Americans in Spanish market

SOUTH AMERICAN interest in Spain’s property market has surged, with purchases rising by 325 per cent over the past decade. Transactions jumped from 988 in 2014 to 4,198 in 2024, re ecting broader migration patterns and economic opportunities.

While South Americans account for just 2.5 per cent of non-EU property buyers, their growing presence is reshaping the market. This shift coincides with Spain’s rising foreign population, which reached 48.6 million in 2024. More than 1.3 million South and Central Americans now hold residence permits, with Colombians leading the in ux. In 2023 alone, Spain’s Colombian population grew by 124,566, making it one of the fastest-growing communities. Venezuelans and Peruvians are also settling in increasing numbers, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, where 40 per cent of Spain’s South American residents live.

The pro le of buyers is evolving, with a uent investors from Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia driving demand for luxury properties. Many purchase high-end homes for residency purposes or to accommodate children studying in Spain. As a result, the supply of properties priced above €800,000 has surged by 150 per cent since 2019. Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Alicante have become key hotspots for these buyers. Beyond numbers, this trend re ects deeper cultural and economic ties between Spain and Latin America. The growing South American presence is not only transforming real estate but also strengthening historical connections and investment opportunities in Spain’s property sector.

Cable now restored

THE undersea bre optic cable connecting Latvia and Sweden has been fully restored after being damaged in January.

According to reports, engineers and a specialised repair vessel completed the reconnection on Friday, February 28.

Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC) stated that “the functionality of the cable, equipment and connections in Ventspils and Gotland have been tested, and the service to LVRTC customers has now been completely restored.”

Final work is still ongoing, as the cable needs to be lowered to the seabed, but favourable weather conditions are expected to allow completion soon.

The cable was damaged on January 26, in Swedish economic waters, 130 km from the coast of Latvia. Swedish authorities initially seized a vessel as part of the investigation - a Vezhen dry cargo shipying the Maltese ag, according to Baltic

News Network (BNN).

Although there were initial concerns about sabotage, Swedish prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist later clari ed: “The damage to the cables was caused by a combination of adverse conditions - weather conditions, de ciencies in the equipment and lack of shipping knowledge.”

The Swedish prosecutor’s o ce ruled

Travellers targeted

A NEW report from the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Ireland

to repeal its trespass laws, arguing they prevent Traveller and Roma communities from practising their traditional nomadic lifestyles.

Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty, an Irish human rights lawyer, released the memo on Tuesday, February 25, highlighting that the legislation criminalises Travellers for residing on both public and private land.

The 2001 Trespass Legislation, along with the Housing Miscellaneous Acts

out deliberate sabotage, acknowledging the ship had caused the damage but determining it was accidental, according to a report by LSM+.

Despite Sweden’s ndings, Latvia’s State Police have launched a criminal investigation under three articles of the Criminal Law, including damage to property.

of 1992 and 2002, allows authorities to evict and imprison Travellers who settle in unauthorised locations. Additionally, local authorities have placed boulders on

traditional halting sites, further restricting movement. As a result, only 15-20 per cent of Travellers continue to live in mobile homes or trailers, often in overcrowded and substandard conditions without access to basic utilities like water and electricity.

O’Flaherty’s report aligns with previous recommendations, including a 2019 review by a government-appointed expert group, which also suggested repealing these laws until su cient transient sites are available. Despite these calls for reform, the Irish government has stated that a review of the trespass legislation is “not currently considered.”

The report also draws attention to broader issues facing these communities, including poor living conditions, housing and employment, and a high prison population.

The cable under the Baltic Sea was damaged in January of this year.

Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland.

Amsterdam bans AI tools

AMSTERDAM has officially prohibited the use of generative AI by municipal employees, citing concerns over misinformation, hate speech, and potential data leaks.

The ban affects popular platforms like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, and Midjourney, according to an internal memo obtained by local broadcaster AT5. Authorities fear these tools could inadvertently spread false information or compromise sensitive city data, undermining public trust.

Officials argue that unregulated AI could amplify propaganda and hateful content, making strict oversight necessary. The municipality has clarified that employees may only use AI tools that comply with Dutch regulations and Amsterdam’s internal policies.

This move follows previous digital restrictions in the city, including a

An example of generative AI software, which Amsterdam has now banned for city employees due to concerns over misinformation, data leaks, and hate speech.

ban on TikTok for work phones in 2022 and a similar block on Telegram last year.

By proactively monitoring AI developments, Amsterdam aims to stay ahead of potential risks while maintaining a secure digital environment.

Despite the restriction, the city is piloting ‘Chat Amsterdam’, an initiative to explore AI’s potential

in public administration. This controlled approach seeks to determine whether AI can enhance efficiency without exposing the city to security threats.

As European cities navigate the challenges of artificial intelligence, Amsterdam’s firm stance could set a precedent for future municipal AI policies.

Baby rhino debutante

NOVA the white baby rhino made her first public appearance at Belgium’s Pairi Daiza zoo on Wednesday February 26. She entertained visitors whilst playing and jumping alongside her mother Ellie in a public enclosure. Born on January 2, Nova was a long time coming after the 18-month gestation period! Following her birth, she had been kept in a secured and heated space to gain weight and strength safely. She had already met other rhinos at the zoo accompanied by her mother earlier in the week.

The zoo has shared videos of Nova timidly greeting them, including her brother Kodjos, half-brother Willy and his mother Madiba. Pairi Daiza is a privately owned zoo and botanical garden located by the Bel-

gian town of Brugelette. It has won several awards as the ‘Best Zoo in Europe’ and is certified ‘Three Stars’ in the Michelin Green Guide. Nova is the fourth child Ellie has given birth to at the zoo, and one of a subspecies of rhino from Southern Africa that are endangered. Two genetically different subspecies are found in northern and southern Africa. Only two northern white rhinos, both female, are known to exist.

The vast majority of the 18,000 southern white rhinos inhabit South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. They were at near extinction levels in the early 1900s but protection and management measures implemented at the start of last century have improved their classification to ‘near threatened’.

Nova is one of a near threatened subspecies - the Southern African white rhino.

SOS for Rome’s cinemas

DIRECTORS and actors in Europe and the US are campaigning to save some of Rome’s most iconic cinema buildings.

Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Jane Campion and Ken Loach are just a few of those supporting 87-year-old architect Renzo Piano who recently wrote to the La Repubblica newspaper.

“This is my heartfelt appeal to ensure that the cinemas, these precious ‘places for the people’ are preserved in the urban fabric of our cities, and in particular those of Rome,” wrote Piano, who designed the Pompidou Centre in Paris and London’s Shard.

Concern for Rome’s cinemas grew in late February when asset management companies Colliers Global Investors and Wrm Capital paid a reported €50 million for nine cinemas.

Some, like the Adriano, built as a theatre in 1898 and now a multiplex, still function although others were

closed years ago.

The acquisition coincided with a proposed legislation to change the regulations which currently prevent Rome’s cinemas from being converted into anything other than cultural centres.

Instead, the new legislation would allow up to 50 of the city’s oldest but closed cinemas to become shopping centres, supermarkets or hotels.

Scorsese has written an

open letter signed by 500 of cinema’s biggest names that asks politicians including prime minister Giorgia Meloni and Italy’s president Sergio Mattarella to block the development plans.

“Such a transformation would represent an irrevocable loss, a profound sacrilege not only to the city’s rich history but also to the cultural legacy for future generations,” Scorsese wrote.

‘Bad nudist’ crackdown

NO ifs, no buts: beach wardens in a German sea resort, have officially been given the power to tell textiles to take a hike.

Rostock, on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast, has declared new rules demanding visitors on designated nudist sections do exactly what it says on the tin - go nude. The port city’s new regulation means anyone wearing clothes in designated naturist-only zones could face a ban.

Local authorities, who oversee 19km of pristine coastline scattered with 37 official nudist beaches, have decided enough’s enough after a flurry of complaints from both sides of the sunbathing divide. According to the new guidelines, ‘The presence on nudist beaches is reserved exclusively for people practising nudism. Clothed bathing and clothed sunbathing are not permitted.’

INTERVIEW

Roxana

City patrols will politely remind any overly shy swimmers that it’s time to peel off their cossies or move along. No fines will be issued yet, but officials are determined to keep these sandy stretches in the spirit of Freikörperkultur (Free Body Culture), a long-standing German tradition that kicked off some 130 years ago. Germany, boasting more than 3,700km of coastline on both the North and Baltic Seas, has long been a nudist haven. The Freikörperkultur movement, or FKK for short, promotes a celebration of the human body and a belief in better mental and physical health through naturism. However, times are changing, with fewer younger people joining the movement. Critics also claim the crackdown might be out of date and unenforceable - but for now, it’s no clothes, no problem.

Ștefan from Romania

- Speaking European

Many Romanians have chosen to relocate to southern Spain in search of a better quality of life. Roxana Mihaela Ștefan, a 37-year-old Romanian woman from Constanța, moved to Benalmadena about two years ago with her family.

EWN: Why did you decide to move here?

Roxana: A vacation here eventually led to our final move two years later. There were several key reasons behind our decision: a better healthcare and education system, the warm climate, and an overall im proved quality of life.

Roxana Mihaela Ștefan.

EWN: What do you work at here?

Roxana: I work in the tourism industry, managing several holiday apartments on the Costa del Sol.

EWN: How do you find the cost of living compared to Romania?

Roxana: Lower. Food is slightly cheaper, and dining out at a restaurant is affordable. We also save on fuel since there are good transport connections

to Malaga. Additionally, unlike in Romania, here public schools offer extended hours with extracurricular activities for a very low fee.

EWN: How is life in the Malaga area?

Roxana: The job market isn’t particularly well-paid, and you won’t get rich here, but the peaceful lifestyle makes up for it. For children, there are plenty of opportunities, from sports to beautiful places to visit. Also, the weather allows them to spend a lot of time outdoors.

EWN: Do you see yourself returning to Romania?

Roxana: We’ve invested here, and I don’t think we’ll be going back to Romania anytime soon.

ADRIANO CINEMA: Built as a theatre in 1898 and still functioning .

Photo credit: Flickr/Truus, Bob and Jan

Credit: Shutterstock, Alex Vog

New rules on bad naturist etiquette in Germany means absolutely no clothes!

Do you see the current political climate in a negative light? Your VOICE

IT’S hard to deny that politics today feels more chaotic and divided than ever before. Across the world tensions are rising, alliances are shifting, and leaders are clashing, making it difficult to predict what lies ahead. Whether it’s international conflicts or internal political struggles, there’s no shortage of challenges that are shaping the future.

Take the US, for example. Recently, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a public exchange at the White House that grabbed a lot of attention. Their discussion focused on Ukraine’s mineral wealth, highlighting just how complicated the situation in Ukraine has become.

Trump’s comments about Zelensky and ongoing debates over US involvement in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia are only deepening the divide between the two countries and making the balance of power even more precarious.

With everything happening around the world, it’s hard not to see the political landscape as more unstable and polarised than befo -

ying to divide Europe and other western nations.”

Judith Dominique Wolfenegg agrees, writing: “Since Pato Donald is turning the most powerful democracy into a western North Korea, we are sitting on a gunpowder keg... Americans are taking it to the streets already, more and more of them regret their vote.”

David Cooke expresses his concerns, saying, “Negative... Eurolandia is full of power hunger socialist coalitions giving their cultures away to illegal immigrants and separatists bit by bit while the working class follow along paying for it instead of fighting back...”

Deb Horses also paints a negative picture, writing, “We are living bad times. The USA used to influence the world in many positive ways (to be honest, negative too), but right now, that influence is more negative than anything else. Remember Ghost Busters? How the Slim fed off of negative spirits? Well, we are at that point... As level-headed Europeans, we need to band together with a positive and uniting Spirit.”

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Refinery plans

THE UK government will spend £200 million (€241 million) on attracting new companies to Grangemouth, once Scotland’s only remaining oil refinery has closed. When decommissioning is completed by May, more than 400 people will be out of work, although the closure will also affect thousands of indirect jobs.

Out of the red

PHARMACEUTICAL group Almirall, headquartered in Barcelona, reported a net profit of €10.1 million last year, compared with €38.5 million losses in 2023. Markets welcomed the 2024 results that were announced in late February, with Almirall shares rising to €9.45, giving the company a value of €2.017 billion.

On top

WOMEN occupied 43.4 per cent of seats on the boards of the UK’s FTSE 350 companies, compared to 42.1 per cent in 2023, the annual FTSE Women Leaders Review announced. Percentages were even higher for the country’s largest FTSE 100 companies, which climbed from 42.6 per cent to 44.7 per cent.

Going up

VODAFONE SPAIN reported revenues of €913 million for the third quarter of its fiscal year between October 1 and December 31, an increase of 1.1 per cent on the preceding quarter’s €903 million. The company’s adjusted gross operating profit after leases reached €320 million, 0.63 per cent up on the second quarter.

Two suitors

HONG KONG-BASED CK Infrastructure has lodged a £7 billion (€8.4 billion) bid for a majority stake in Thames Water, according to the Financial Times. This offer coincides with another from the US private equity group KKR which has made a separate £4 billion (€4.8 billion) offer for another majority holding.

STAT OF WEEK

€14 billion

in excess capital for Spain’s banks this year, 37 per cent more than the total for Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, Bankinter and Unicaja between them in 2024.

Unexpected exit

UNILEVER showed the door to its chief executive Hein Schumacher on February 25.

In a move that apparently surprised the Dutch businessman, he will step down on March 2 and leave on May 31.

Unilever’s board, which includes billionaire activist investor Nelson Peltz, ‘was unified in its decision to oust Schumacher’ an insider told Reuters.

Shares in the company, which owns Marmite, Domestos, Ben & Jerry’s and Hellmann’s amongst other brands, have risen by 9 per cent since Schumacher took over in July 2023, but fell 3.4 per cent with the news of his exit.

Schumacher’s departure came shortly after the company announced that turnover increased by 1.9 per cent to €60.8 billion in 2024. With a €6.4 billion net profit, the

FATIMA BAÑEZ, who was Spain’s minister of Labour and Social Security between 2011 and 2018, has returned to multinational energy company Iberdrola.

Currently president of the CEOE Foundation attached to the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations, Bañez joined the board of Iberdrola’s US subsidiary Avangrid in 2022 but left when the company was de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange. The former minister now

company’s full-year results were viewed as ‘underwhelming’.

Chairman Ian Meakins said the board was ‘pleased’ with Unilever’s 2024 performance ‘but there is much further to go to deliver best-in-class results’.

Nevertheless, on February 25, Meakins thanked Schumacher for resetting Unilever’s strategy, ‘for the focus and discipline he brought to the company and the solid financial progress delivered during 2024.’

Schumacher will be replaced by Unilever’s chief financial officer, Argentinean Fernando Fernandez, who joined the company in 1988.

According to media reports, the board prefers Fernandez’s ‘appetite’

for executing the next phase of the company’s turnaround.

The outgoing chief executive will receive his fixed pay of €1.85 million until May31, plus a payment in lieu of the remainder of his notice period.

Fernandez will receive a fixed salary of €1.8 million.

Big names at Iberdrola

joins the board of Iberdrola Energia Internacional, the sub-holding com pany that coordinates Iberdola’s activities in Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Portu gal and other countries inclu

SPAIN’S Cabinet has approved Aramco’s purchase of a 10 per cent holding in Madrid-based Horse Powertrain. The Saudi Arabian oil company announced in June that it would acquire a stake in the automotive firm that is jointly owned by Renault and the Chinese car manufacturer Geely.

This required the Spanish government’s permission, which Aramco received in late October although it was not made public until now.

Aramco paid €740 million for its 10 per cent stake, giving Horse Powertrain a market capitalisation of €7.4 billion.

ding Australia. The company has been headed since January 1 by Hugh Elliott, Britain’s ambassador to Spain until September 2024.

Argentina farewell Just Eat

NETHERLANDS’ investment group Prosus has paid €4.1 billion for the online food delivery firm Just Eat.

The company, founded in Denmark and later headquartered in London, was acquired by Dutch company Takeaway in 2020 to create Just Eat Takeaway, dropping its London dual listing and trading only in Amsterdam.

Although the company was worth €17.1 billion at the height of the pandemic, the €20.30 per share that Prosus paid was a 49 per cent premium on Just Eat’s average price over the last three months.

TELEFONICA is selling its Argentina operations to Telecom Argentina for $1.25 billion (€1.19 billion).

The Spanish telecommunications multinational has been a presence in Argentina for the last 30 years but had intended since 2019 to scale down its exposure to Latin America, company sources explained.

Following the announcement on February 24, Telefonica shares immediately rose 1.5 per cent while those of Telecom Argentina, which is partly owned by Clarin, the country’s largest newspaper, gained 3.4 per cent.

Argentina’s president Javier Milei warned that his government intended to appraise the deal as a possible monopoly that would put 70 per cent of the country’s telecommunications in the hands of one group.

Another instantly-recognisable Iberdrola name belongs to the footballer and coach Vicente del Bosque who took Spain’s national team to World Cup victory in 2010.

Iberdrola sponsored the Spanish side between 2009 and 2016, and Del Bosque joined Iberdrola Energia Internacional board in 2014.

Ercros losses

SPANISH basic chemicals company

Ercros lost €11.7 million last year, compared with a €27.6 million profit in 2023.

Figures submitted to Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) revealed that sales of €643 million were 9 per cent down on the previous year. When taking into account the company’s total income of €700 million in 2024, which included services, these fell 8 per cent.

The Ercros results coincided with rival takeover bids from Italian company Esseco and Bondalti in Portugal, both of which await a decision from the CNMV.

Meanwhile both have been rejected by 27.5 per cent of Ercros shareholders.

BROOKFIELD is expected to finalise the $1.7 billion (€1.62 billion) purchase of National Grid’s US operations by the end of September.

The Canadian asset manager is acquiring National Grid’s onshore wind, solar and battery plants in North America as the FTSE 1000 company disposes of part of its portfolio.

Now focusing on infrastructure rather than energy generation, National Grid is also preparing to sell Grain LNG, its liquid natural gas terminal on the Isle of Grain in the Thames Estuary.

SIR JIM RATLIFFE, the UK’s second-richest man, also owns 28.94 per cent of Manchester United.

Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, now managing the football club’s finances, has ordered the closure of the Old Trafford staff canteen and plans to replace the current free lunches with fruit.

Players will still receive free meals, but the team’s non-players will be offered only soup and bread as Ratcliffe aims to save £1 million (€1.2 million).

Photo credit: Unilever

Photo credit :pp.es

FATIMA BAÑEZ: Former minister joins Iberdrola Energia Internacional board.

HEIN SCHUMACHER: Has stepped down as Unilever chief executive.

3I Group 3.963,00 3.982,00 3.959,00 33,79K Admiral Group 2.876,7 2.881,0 2.866,0 10,47K

Airtel Africa 141,40 143,10 141,40 85,69K Anglo American 2.348,5 2.353,0 2.331,0 64,94K

Antofagasta 1.745,50 1.749,50 1.732,50 31,29K

Ashtead Group 4.811,0 4.836,0 4.801,0 32,91K Associated British Foods 1.890,0 1.904,5 1.889,5 19,35K

11.954,0 12.018,0 11.914,0 108,03K Auto Trader Group Plc 775,20 776,80 773,60 34,27K Aviva 539,00 544,40 537,66 382,47K

B&M European Value Retail SA 275,03 277,20 274,90 78,75K

BAE Systems 1.645,50 1.666,50 1.552,00 3,22M Barclays 306,77 310,70 306,45 2,63M Barratt Redrow 422,50 426,00 422,40 72,03K

Beazley 879,50 882,00 877,50 57,9K

Berkeley 3.648,0 3.664,0 3.602,0 29,15K

BP 437,80 438,90 437,30 1,15M British American Tobacco 3.069,0 3.080,0 3.065,7 166,8K BT Group 157,95 160,15 157,65 744,71K Bunzl 3.196,0 3.334,0 3.186,0 247,21K

150,25 150,55 148,95 689,2K

Cola HBC AG 3.372,0 3.381,8 3.354,0 21,94K

2.782,00 2.783,00 2.773,00 55,02K

Euro

EUR/GBP: Down from £0.84 to £0.82

EUR/USD: Unchanged at $1.04

The euro has traded in a wide range over the past month. Starting with a slump at the end of January as another European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate cut coincided with stagnant Eurozone GDP growth.

Early February extended the EUR selloff amid tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. Before the euro was able to claw back a good portion of its gains thanks to a weakening US dollar and the prospect of a peace deal in Ukraine.

However, the euro then came under pressure again as the exclusion of European representatives from US-Russia discussions on ending the war in Ukraine raised concerns about Europe’s influence in the peace process.

Looking ahead, the euro likely faces more bumps in the road as

Currency outlook: US dollar rocked by Trump’s tariff agenda, Euro undermined by Ukraine uncertainty

the fallout from Germany’s federal election, the Ukrainian peace process and erratic US trade policy are all likely to infuse volatility into the single currency.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Up from €1.18 to €1.20

GBP/USD: Up from $1.23 to $1.26

Trade in the pound has been erratic over the past month. In late January, Sterling strengthened due to improved UK eco-

nomic optimism and Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ growth-oriented speech.

However, these gains were swiftly reversed after the Bank of England (BoE) delivered a dovish interest rate cut and halved its 2025 growth forecast.

An unexpected uptick in UK GDP brought fresh relief, before GBP investors largely shrugged off stronger-than-expected UK inflation and wage growth figures, on the expectation the BoE will sti-

ll cut rates again in May.

Turning to March, the main focus for GBP investors will likely be the Chancellor’s Spring Statement. Expect any tax hikes or spending cuts to sap Sterling sentiment.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Down from £0.81 to £0.79

USD/EUR: Unchanged at €0.95

The US dollar has faced significant volatility in the first four wee-

ks of Donald Trump’s second term in office.

This has been primarily driven by the President’s scattergun approach to his tariff announcements, with USD investors left reeling by his inconsistent position on trade.

On the more positive front for the US dollar was the Federal Reserve’s decision to pause its cutting cycle and a hotter-than-expected US inflation print.

No doubt USD investors will be kept on their feet by Trump in the coming weeks. With the President’s erratic policy announcements likely to infuse further volatility into the US dollar.

Currencies Direct have helped over 500,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

Looking ahead, the euro likely faces more bumps in the road.

Heaven help them all

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I’M assuming that most of our readers observed the White House / Trump meetings involving Starmer and Zelenskyy this week. As far as Starmer was concerned, I considered his interview an embarrassment.

It made the same impression on me as the pathetic ‘deal’ that ridiculous Reeves recently negotiated with China for some pitiful investment of 600 million peanuts over the next five years. When Starmer gleefully extracted the Kings invitation ‘trump’ card from his inside pocket, he was like a self-centred schoolboy, inviting teacher to attend his dad’s birthday party! Heaven help the UK.

Zelenskyy of course was a totally different concern. What the UK public were (naturally) not informed of was the fact that after the event, he was subsequently escorted from the oval office and ultimately the White House, missing the lunch altogether. The problem with it all is that the

only way to end this ever-running, terrible conflict, is by compromise.

Zelensky was being offered a way to restore the best part of his country, while saving thousands of lives. Still, I understand chicken nuggets at Burger King filled the buffet gap.

Mind you, signing the restaurant receipt for $12.50, was not quite the bill he had in mind after a brunch with Trump! In my opinion, always wearing that ridiculous t-shirt, which is so obviously a PR throwback to his show biz days, depicts he most certainly is not the right man for the job. I await the slings and arrows.

Yet again, I reiterate that in my opinion the irresponsible idiots who sanction sex ‘education’ films for children as young as four, are no better than the sick paedophiles that lure youngsters into their homes and force them to watch sleaze.

It is the same type of attitude that has lowered the standards of British education to such an extent that thousands of pupils are leaving school hardly able to read or write. Their ‘leftie’ legislations have meant, that not only are vast numbers of young people virtually illiterate,

this incompetent bunch of educationalists then proceed to dumb down exam questions, thereby creating a high pass rate in a further attempt to hoodwink us all in to believing they’re doing a good job. Give us a break.

The minute the first ‘eight o’clock shadow’ long haired schoolteacher took off his tie, perched his behind on the edge of his desk and told his pupils to call him ‘John’, the die was cast for the biggest plunge in education and moral standards since the British school system began. I thank the Lord my children have all been educated in Spain and truly feel sorry for British parents, who must often feel they have to protect their offspring from the very people they should be able to trust implicitly. Heaven help them all. Thanks for all your letters and even the few words of encouragement in public places. They really do mean a great deal. Certainly, sends the ol’ boys’ fervour up.

Keep the faith. Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.co

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

Street art sensation

A MASSIVE mural in Eindhoven, titled Echoes of Harmony, has been voted the best in the world for 2024.

Standing 20 metres high, it is also the largest piece created in the city by Dutch street art duo Studio Giftig.

The international street art platform Street Art Cities nominated Echoes of Harmony as one of the top murals of the year. After a public vote, the artwork claimed first place in the Expert Spotlight category, which recognises exceptional murals selected by top curators, directors, and gallery owners.

This is not the first time Studio Giftig, founded by Kaspar van Leek and Niels van Swaeman, has earned international recognition. In 2022, one of their murals in Tilburg was also named the best in the world. ‘We’re beyond excited’, the artists shared on Instagram, celebrating their latest win.

Located behind Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, the mural portrays a street musician and a concert violinist embracing, symbolising music’s ability to break down barriers and unite people.

Art lovers don’t need to visit a museum to admire this masterpiece, anyone walking along Jan van Lieshoutstraat near the concert hall can see this award-winning work of urban art.

MONEMVASIA’S mayor has blasted ‘mountains of moaning’ over plans for a cable car in the town’s storied Upper City, insisting the scheme is set in stone - and could be just the ticket for boosting tourism!

Mayor Iraklis Tricheilis says the newly completed architectural plan for the cable car is a ‘minor intervention’ designed to offer easy access to the elevated part of the historic castle town in southern Greece, especially for those who struggle with the notoriously steep climb.

Mayor dismisses critics

CHURCH leaders have addressed requests for gluten-free bread and alcohol-free wine in the Eucharist but have upheld traditional requirements.

They ruled that wine must be fermented grape juice, as removing all alcohol would violate Church law. Similarly, bread must be made from wheat flour, meaning alternatives like rice or potato flour are not allowed.

Bishop Michael Ipgrave emphasised two key principles: the necessity of these elements for consecration and the belief that receiving Communion in one form - such as only the

“This project has been in the works for years,” he stated.

Critics had accused the mayor of undermining Monemvasia’s unique heritage, but Tricheilis was swift to dismiss these rocky relations. He insists the delicate design won’t chip away at the site’s medieval charm.

Local sentiment appears to be largely on his side. According to Tricheilis, most residents

Wine & wafers

bread or wine - still counts as full participation. He reassured that those unable to partake physically are still spiritually included.

However, some worshippers struggle with gluten or alcohol intolerance. Rev Canon Alice Kemp raised the issue at the Church’s General Synod meeting, suggesting that gluten-free and alcohol-free options could remove the ‘injustice’ of exclusion.

Despite this, Church leaders

upheld their stance that only wheat flour bread and fermented grape juice wine would be allowed.

The General Synod’s Legal Advisory Commission clarified that alcohol can be partially removed from wine, but some alcohol must remain to meet legal requirements. For gluten-free options, they stated that low-gluten wafers are acceptable, but alternatives made from rice, potato, or tapioca flour cannot be used.

are backing the cable car, hoping it will reel in extra revenue for local businesses. Ticket sales are expected to cover the operational costs - giving Monemvasia a financial

lift as well as a physical one.

So, while some critics might be feeling a little on edge over this project, the mayor remains unshaken. For him, it’s a rock-solid move towards making Monemvasia’s lofty heritage accessible to all.

Mayor dismisses critics of Monemvasia cable car.

Credit: Shutterstock, Georgios Tsichlis

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY:

The Origins

ON March 8, women around the world are celebrated for their contribution to society. That’s because this date is ocially recognised as ‘International Women’s Day’. This acknowledgement is largely down to one woman, Clara Zetkin, who was deeply involved in politics for most of her adult life. She was considered to be a German Marxist theorist, communist activist, and, most of all, advocate for women’s rights. This was demonstrated by her role as the editor of the SDP women’s newspaper Die Gleichheit (Equality) between 1891 and 1917. In addition, she undertook the role of leader of the newly founded ‘Women’s O ce’ at the SDP in 1907. In fact, this latter role led to her participation in the second International Conference of Working Women, which took place in Copenhagen in 1910. This is a very poignant event in

Key Events

SINCE its inception in 2011, the concept of International Women’s Day (IWD) and all that it stands for has spread far and wide. Some of the key milestones in its calendar are as follows:

1913: First observance of IWD in Russia, with socialist women organising protests and rallies demanding better working conditions, equal rights and the right to vote.

1922: Vladimir Lenin declares March 8 IWD in honour of the role women played in the Russian Revolution.

1975: United Nations marks IWD, setting 1975 as International Women’s Year.

history because it is where the idea for a ‘women’s day’ was rst proposed. Zetkin put forward the notion that there should be a speci c day on which women are celebrated every year in every country More than 100 women from 17 countries attended that momentous conference.

Collectively, they represented unions, socialist parties, and working women’s clubs, and even included the rst three women ever to be elected to the Finnish parliament. They wholeheartedly supported the proposal, and International Women’s Day was founded.

While no speci c date was chosen, International Women’s Day was honoured for the rst time on March 19, 2011, with Austria (Austro-Hungary), Denmark, Germany and Switzerland participating.

2001: IWD website launches as a free, not-for-pro t, user-generated resource hub to ‘Support the Supporters’ and grow mainstream awareness of IWD.

2003: IWD march in Mexico City on March 8 becomes one of the largest IWD events globally, with hundreds of thousands of participants. March 9 is #UNDÍASINNOSOTRAS, (A Day Without Us), where women ‘disappear’ by not going to work, school or public spaces

2005: Google launches its rst IWD Google Doodle.

2019: The largest international IWD concert, ‘Global Citizen Festival: Power of Women,’ is held in New York City.

Accelerate Action

EVERY year, International Women’s Day is centred around a theme, and 2025 is no di erent. This year’s theme is the very powerful ‘Accelerate Action’. It is positioned as a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources and activities that positively impact the advancement of women in society.

While it is recognised that signi cant barriers to gender equality still exist, the best way to press forward is to understand what works and to do more of it faster. This is what ‘Accelerate Action’ is all about: providing the necessary support and resources to ensure that initiatives that work are implemented quickly and on a larger scale. In this way, meaningful changes that empower women and promote equality can be realised. According to the International Women’s Day website, current projections indicate that at the present pace of progress, full gender parity will not be a reality until 2158, a staggering ve generations from now. This prediction underpins the need for change and the choice of theme for 2025.

Most Powerful Woman 2024

EVERY year, Forbes creates its top 100 list of ‘The World’s Most Powerful Women’, an incredible accolade for women who have made their mark on the world. This list is determined by four main criteria: money, media, impact and spheres of inuence. This results in a list of 100 women across nance, technology, media, and beyond.

Top of the list for 2024 is Ursula von der Leyen, who holds the esteemed title of President of the European Commission, European Union. Born in 1958 in Brussels, Belgium, von der Leyen is a prominent German politician and physician with a distinguished career in public service. Throughout her political career, she has held multiple positions within the Ger-

man government which has led to more than 14 years of experience as a Federal Minister. This includes the role of Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence which she held between 2013 and 2019. This is signi cant because it made her the rst woman to hold this position, where she was responsible for overseeing Germany’s military and its strategic direction through various global challenges.

Aside from politics, Ursula von der Leyen also boasts an impressive academic record in medicine. After obtaining her medical licence in 1987, she went on to obtain a doctorate in 1991, followed by a Master of Public Health in 2001.

Ursula von der Leyen attends talk in

Strike the #AccelerateAction pose.

Tune in to TKO Radio

THE Costa Blanca’s favourite radio station, TKO, is now available across the Costa Calida and parts of Murcia on 106.5FM.

TKO has been entertaining listeners since its first broadcast back in 2004 and since then it has established itself as the number one English-language station on the Costa and a firm listener favourite with its mix of charismatic presenters, top tunes and cash prize competitions. TKO offers a mix of music from across the decades, with the occasional new tune, whilst providing news and information from across the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida courtesy of Spain Today Online.

Added to the initial 91.9FM signal, the 106.5FM frequency allows local residents and holidaymakers alike to listen to TKO Radio from Alicante Airport to Cartagena and out to Corvera Airport.

You can also listen online at www.tko.radio through the radio player, on your mobile phone, and even on your smart device, such as Alexa. You can find all the information about how to listen

TKO Radio Spain on the website’s Listen Live page. The TKO day starts with the Early Riser with Spencer James, Chris Dyson hosts the Bigger Breakfast Show and Carla Stone the Light Lunch. Rob Charles in the Afternoon, home of the €500 Mystery Voice, starts at 2pm while Tea Time with Toddy takes you throu-

gh the afternoon to the evening from 5pm to 7pm. Paul Baker’s Gold Show ends the daily line up, followed by a variety of specialist music shows through the evening and into the night. Kick-start your weekend with the force of nature that is Trev Massey on the All Weekend Wake up, Saturday and Sunday mornings 9am till 12 noon, followed by Eva Ford’s Something for the Weekend till 3pm. Other popular weekend shows include the Top 40 countdown and for nostalgia fans Songs that Don’t get Played on the Radio anymore.

Fun Day Roadshow

TO say hello to the people of the Costa Calida and Murcia, TKO Radio is hosting an all-day roadshow at Los Narejos’ La Zona Terraza, Los Alcazares on Saturday March 8 - and you are all invited. The TKO team will be setting up at the popular local bar from midday until 7pm, promising a fun day filled with great entertainment. There will be prize competitions, live acts, give aways and you can test your knowledge speed quizzing.

There will also be a big hog roast to share, plus a fantastic treat for the children when the TKO Teddy makes an appearance to say hello and have photos taken with them.

Come and meet some of the TKO team, and sing and dance the day away!

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Sierra Nevada strike

SKI fans who had planned to spend the long weekend in Sierra Nevada were left disappointed on Saturday, March 1 when unions called workers out on strike.

Negotiations over conditions between workers of Cetursa, the company that runs the resort, and their employers broke down, leading to a walkout, with the Pradollano resort already packed with families hoping to get some ski practice in.

The slopes were completely closed, according to a statement from union officials, early Saturday, March 1, and remained closed all day and night.

According to those unions involved in calling the strike, unless demands are met, stoppages will continue Saturday, March 8, 14, 22, 29, and again the first three Saturdays of April.

Cetursa has announced it will refund anyone affected who already has bought a forfeit, and those who have bought them online will receive an automatic refund.

Axarquia Open-air libraries

THE authorities of Velez-Malaga have started to install BookCrossing points in various parks of the town. This way, some public spaces of the town will become open-air libraries, according to the town hall.

BookCrossing is a community-driven project that encourages the free exchange of books. The concept behind it is simple: readers can take any book, enjoy it, and then return it for others to read. Everyone can also contribute by leaving behind books they have finished. The project wants to promote a love for reading, knowledge-sharing, and free access to literature for all.

BookCrossing movement is not new for Velez-Malaga. The Axarquia town already has designated book exchange points along the beaches of Torre del Mar, Caleta de Velez, and Benajarafe. In fact, Torre del Mar expanded its beach library in April 2024, due to increasing demand. The facility now offers a shaded reading area, board games, a book lending and storage service.

Mallorca Promising future for Palma

THE renovation of Palma’s Paseo Marítimo is scheduled for completion by April 2025, following almost two years of extensive work. The transformation will bring significant improvements to the seafront, with wider pedestrian and cycling paths, making it more accessible for everyone. New green spaces, rest areas, and enhanced lighting will provide a more pleasant environment.

While businesses along the promenade have faced challenges during the construction period, they can look forward to increased foot traffic and tourism once the project is finished. The new layout will create an inviting space for outdoor events and cultural activities, boosting the local economy.

The overhaul also prioritises sustainability, with eco-friendly design elements and a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. This transformation is set to position Palma as a modern Mediterranean city.

Costa Blanca South Lights, Camera, Alicante

CIUDAD DE LA LUZ Film Studios in Alicante is expecting a strong 2025 after a very successful 2024, which hosted major productions.

A top North American studio - possibly Universal, Paramount, Warner Bros, Disney, or Sony - is in talks to film a major project there, potentially booking the entire facility for the year.

SPTD, which manages the studio, is leading negotiations under strict confidentiality. If secured, this production could delay other projects, requiring careful scheduling.

In 2024, the complex hosted 14 productions, generating €60 million. Highlights included Venom 3, Bad Influence, Under Paris, and The Tigers, along with TV series like The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and The Law of the Sea.

SPTD is also improving infrastructure, including a €1.17 million solar power project to boost energy efficiency. These upgrades reinforce Ciudad de la Luz as a key player in the global film industry.

Almeria

Major Almeria investment

PUBLIC buildings across Almeria Province are receiving a significant boost thanks to government investment aimed at preserving cultural heritage and improving community spaces. The initiative, which funds essential renovations, ensures that key facilities remain accessible and functional for future generations.

Among the standout projects is the rehabilitation of the Gabriel Espinar municipal library in Huercal-Overa. With a grant of €626,000, the library has undergone extensive improvements to enhance accessibility and preserve its historic character. This investment highlights the commitment to maintaining vital learning spaces and cultural hubs. Another major success story is the transformation of the Molino del Lugar in Zurgena. Once an old mill, the building has been restored and converted into an ethnographic museum, showcasing the area’s rich history. Funded with €650,000 from the PIREP programme, this development brings new opportunities for tourism and education.

Costa Blanca North

€15 million transformation

AFTER years of disuse Benidorm has formed plans for the old bullring, it is to be converted into the new Benidorm Open Arena.

Three parts of the modern vision for the arena have been announced by the town council. The first is the Live Arena, with €10.5 million worth of investment in this space used to rehabilitate and convert the bullring ‘into a large multifunctional space for cultural, social and sports activities’ according to Mayor Toni Perez. Some €3 million of investment will go toward a Youth Arena, with a youth centre. Perez said they aim to create a space for integration, training and leisure for local young people. Finally, there is the Arena Encuentro, a development of local connections and communities around Plaza de Toros improving public spaces, with green zones and resting areas. The plans are dependent upon EU funding although the city is guaranteeing €6million investment. They could have the space completed by 2029.

Wacky waiting spot

A BUS stop in Fowey, England, has been getting creative makeovers from locals for the past 20 years.

Known as the Pretty Bus Stop on Lankelly Lane in Cornwall, its first transformation was done by Jane Tinsley to discourage vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Since then, the stop has been decorated in a variety of themes, including a tea room, a yacht race, a library, and even an Elvis tribute. Each year, volunteers take turns giving the bus stop a new look, especially in winter.

Sarah Worne, an artist who has been involved since 2021, recently created a plant-themed design called Thyme to Stop. It features real and painted pots of seedlings and plants, giving the stop the feel of a greenhouse. “It was cold heading into February, and everyone needed a bit of warmth,” Sarah said. “This design makes it feel cosy while people wait for the bus.”

Sarah enjoys the project because it brings joy to others. “I always like keeping busy and doing things that make people smile, just for fun,” she added.

The bus stop even has a dedicated Facebook page with over 2,700 followers, showcasing its many designs over the years.

“We love getting the community involved,” Sarah said.

Lost & found

AS glaciers melt worldwide, ancient artefacts - from wooden tools to human remains - are being uncovered, drawing archaeologists to icy mountain regions.

Norway is at the forefront of glacial archaeology, with over 4,500 artefacts found, accounting for more than half of global discoveries.

According to Espen Finstad, co-leader of the Secrets of the Ice project, these finds reveal ancient trade and hunting routes that once crossed the glaciers, dating back to the Stone Age.

For centuries, these objects remained frozen, but rising global temperatures have

exposed them.

The summer of 2024 saw rapid melting, leading to a surge of discoveries.

Finstad’s team explored nearly a dozen sites and recovered two of the best-preserved arrows they had ever seen, one lying fully intact on the ice, requiring no excavation.

Arrows are common finds, as reindeer hunting was a major activity in the Iron Age and medieval times. Some arrowheads were made from distant river mussels, highlighting extensive trade networks.

Remarkably, some prehistoric arrows still had fletching, the delicate feathers used for stabi -

Biggest fondue in history!

FRANCE has just pulled off the ultimate melt-off, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest cheese fondue ever cooked up by humans - and it’s left the Swiss in a right gooey mess.

The Juraflore cheese company in Les Rousses, eastern France, took on the colossal challenge at Fort des Rousses, preparing an eye-watering 4,800-pound vat of cheesy, boozy goodness.

They didn’t skimp on the ingredients, either! The giant copper cauldron was packed to the brim with 40 wheels of comté cheese - each matured for nine, 15, and 21 monthsalong with Chardonnay and Sauvignon white wines, a whopping 4.4 pounds of garlic, 3.3 pounds of white pepper, and 121 pounds of cornstarch to keep things smooth and creamy. And not just that - chefs used a giant food processor to mix the molten marvel into the perfect consistency.

lisation, making them rare and valuable.

With glaciers continuing to recede, archaeologists anticipate even more discoveries in the near future.

Juraflore didn’t just set a new world record, they also neutralised the Swiss! Their 4,800-pound fondue smashed the previous unofficial record of 3,175 pounds, held by La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland since 2009.

With a Guinness World Record’s adjudicator present to certify the attempt, there’s no doubt about it - France has stirred up history and left Switzerland feeling ‘grately’ disappointed...

Ancient artefacts uncovered.

Image: Secrets Of The Ice / Facebook

PETS

Caring for senior pets

AS pets age, their needs change, and it’s important to provide them with the right care to ensure they live a happy, healthy life in their senior years.

One of the first steps in caring for an older pet is to schedule regular veterinary check-ups. Senior pets should visit the vet more often - at least every six months - to monitor their health and catch age-related conditions early, such as arthritis or dental issues.

Older pets may benefit from a special diet that is lower in calories, higher in fibre, and rich in nutrients to support joint health and organ function. Regular exercise is still important, but may need to be less intense. Short, gentle walks and mentally stimulating activities, like puzzle toys, can help keep your pet fit and prevent obesity.

A soft, supportive bed and easy access to furniture or car seats are important for older pets with mobility issues. It’s also important to monitor for signs of pain, such as limping or difficulty climbing stairs, and consult your vet for pain management options.

Lastly, regular grooming is essential. Their coats may require extra care, and cleaning their ears and teeth can prevent infections. By adapting your care routine, you can help ensure your older pet enjoys a high quality of life.

TIP ‘Windows to Wellness’

EACH breed of cat and dog has its own set of needs for how often they need to be groomed, pets with longer fur need to be groomed more regularly than shorterhaired breeds.

Ewa’s pet-sitter house-sits across Europe

TERESA, Ewa’s owner, travels between a number of countries in Europe. It’s not always possible to take Ewa with her so Teresa finds housesitters through HouseSitMatch. The pet-sitters stay with Ewa and care for her when Teresa and her husband are away. The service means that Ewa gets to stay in her own home where she is safe and comfortable, without too much disruption. And it saves Teresa money too!

HouseSitMatch saves you money

We promote collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care! It’s a real win win!

HouseSitMatch is safe - all members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which housesitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - safe and undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.

If you’re planning travel this year, join now. Get organised today:

1. Register as a house-sitter or a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Join for as little as £89 / €99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos

4. Sitters apply for the available house-sits, you hold a video inter-

view via the site and match! How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and homeowners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5

Excellent

Unbelievably good service! HouseSitMatch take the worry away from leaving your dog. Lamia and her team helped me through the whole process of finding the right sitter for my slightly nervous dog.

HouseSitMatch’s professional approach and secure platform allowed me to have confidence in the people who applied to look after my dog.

All sitters are checked and referenced before they can approach available ‘sits’, so I found it easy to select the person based on their likelihood of getting on with my pet and our home location.

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

Teresa, dog owner

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

Claws for celebration!

CUTTING your pet’s nails can be a simple task if done correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you keep your pet’s nails trimmed and healthy.

1. Gather the right tools

Before you start, ensure you have a pair of pet nail clippers and some styptic powder in case you accidentally cut too close to the quick.

and relaxed. You may want to do this after a play session or cuddle time. Gently handle their paws and get them used to having their nails

touched for a few days before trimming.

3. Inspect the nails

Look for the clear or slightly pinkish ‘quick’, which contains blood vessels. Avoid cutting this part, as it can cause bleeding. angle, following the natural curve of the nail. For cats, trim only the sharp tip to avoid discomfort.

5. Reward your pet

After each session, reward your pet with praise or a treat to reinforce positive behaviour. If you’re unsure about trimming your pet’s nails or if your pet is particularly nervous, consider seeking help from a professional groomer or vet. They can guide you through the process or perform the task for you, ensuring your pet stays safe and comfortable.

This is Ewa, and like her owners she lives between two homes.

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

WE BUY Persian carpets, fur jackets and coats, pewter and silver of all kinds 90/100/800, silver-plated cutlery, jewellery and watches of all kinds, amber, coral, coins, medals, porcelain. Inheritances and household liquidations, military until 1945, photos, medals etc. Fair pricecash Tel. 688 335 497 (312158)

CASH PAID for boot fair items. Call Jane 611 299 681 (312314)

CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your lifedamaging everything that is important to you.

English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are

treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

INSURANCE

ABBEYGATE Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure.com (302721)

MASSAGE

ELEGANTE, slim Sophie. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (303958)

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

LOOKING for motorhome or caravan. Fair price paid in cash. Tel 688 335 497 (312158)

WE BUY high quality vehicles, also customs. No obligation offer. Tel 688 335 497 (312158)

OTHERS

EDS? We have the solution, Kam agra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

VIAGRA & Cialis – Best & Cheapest in EU. Extra promotion this week! FREE delivery in 48 hours. Call/text WhatsApp +34 603 624 444 (312343)

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New generation Subaru Forester retains its go-anywhere ability

By Mark Slack ROAD TEST

SUBARU has revealed prices and specifications for its all-new Forester e-BOXER, marking the official UK launch of the latest generation of Forester. Back in 1997 the first-generation Subaru Forester was launched, arguably making it one of the first ‘crossover’ SUVs. Its rather subtle styling, compared to most large SUVs, won it many fans and it was, and remains, surprisingly capable off-road. It’s not merely a rutted track or field only vehicle.

The new and latest generation All-Wheel Drive Forester retains the Subaru’s renowned all-weather, go-anywhere ability with prices starting from €47,233/£38,995 for the Limited model, rising to €52,072/£42,995 for the range-topping Touring variant.

Subaru’s signature combination of Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and e-BOXER hybrid powertrain has been retained and Subaru say the famed 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine features 24 technical improvements.

With 220mm of ground clearance and good approach and departure angles and a 1,870kg towing capacity it’s one of the most durable and practical estates. Despite its ride height the Forester

looks less SUV and more estate which will appeal to those who eschew the current trend for everything SUV.

Inside the Forester there is a new 11.6-inch full HD infotainment system that very sensibly retains physical buttons and switches for climate control and other key functions. The updated infotainment suite includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as enhanced navigation supporting both Apple Maps and what3words - ideal for tracking down remote locations. The interior is also equipped with both Type-C and Type-A charging ports, so electronics can be

DGT cracks down on speeding

THE Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has reported that over 1,100 drivers were caught in 2024 exceeding speed limits by more than 80 km/h on interurban roads.

Such offences are classified as crimes against road safety under Article 379 of the Penal Code and can result in prison sentences of three to six months, fines of six to 12 months, or community service for 31 to 90 days. Additionally, all offenders face a driving ban ranging from one to four years.

Most of these speeding violations were detected by fixed speed cameras as well as Pegasus, the DGT’s aerial radar system mounted on helicopters. Among the most serious cases, one driver was caught speeding at 238 km/h on the A-7 motorway, making illegal overtakes and ignoring road signs.

Another motorist was recorded driving at 206 km/h on the N-610, a road with a 90 km/h limit, after evading a routine checkpoint in Valladolid. A motorcyclist was also stopped for travelling at 185 km/h on a section of the A-7 where the limit is 80 km/h.

The DGT highlights that excessive speed was a factor in 21 per cent of fatal accidents in 2024. Driving at high speeds not only increases the risk of crashes but also worsens their severity. The agency urges drivers to obey speed limits to help save lives and improve road safety.

easily topped up, even when in the wilderness.

Other practical touches include a generous boot capacity and an optional hands-free power tailgate. All-round direct vision has been optimised through carefully designed pillars and an extensive glass area, something on which the Forester was always ahead over more visionary claustrophobic rivals.

This is complemented by the new 360° Multi-View Monitor system, aspherical door mirrors, and LED cornering lamps.

The Limited trim model starts the and includes 18” Alloy Wheels, Illumina-

ted Ports & Wireless Charger, Memory Driver Seats, Electronically Adjustable & Heated Front Seats, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Wireless Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™, 360 Degree Surround View Camera.

Moving on to the mid-range Field version from €48,977/£40,440 additional features over LIMITED trim include Privacy Glass, Heated Steering Wheel, Powered Gesture Tailgate and In-built Satellite Navigation. Heading the line-up is the Touring model that features larger alloy wheels, Heated Rear Seats, Power Sliding UV Glass Sunroof, Black Leather Interior Trim.

Love Bugs parade

IN 1938, the Volkswagen company came up with the idea of producing an affordable ‘people’s’ car which became known as the Beetle.

Since that time, it became a favourite around the world and was produced in huge numbers and different styles from then (with a move to military vehicles during the Second World War) until the last traditional Beetle was made in 1997.

Anxious to take advantage of the popularity of the Beetle, Volkswagen designed and produced an updated version known as the ‘New Beetle’ which was roomier and slightly sportier but it didn’t find favour with the new generation of drivers and was taken out of production in 2003.

Part of its popularity was rekindled by a series of Disney films with the original Herbie – The Love Bug (a sentient Beetle) being one of the highest grossing movies of 1969 which was soon followed by a further four films all of which continued to promote Herbie to ardent film goers.

In 1965, the Belgian VW Club was created and now in its 60th year it has run its 16th Love Bugs Parade in the Jubel Park in Brussels where some 300 Beetles were attracted from across Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg.

The event was a huge success with many visitors enjoying and discovering the wide range of different versions of the Beetle from the traditional version, the Surf Van, split window versions and different types of military versions.

Love Bugs parade in Brussels.

Credit: Shutterstock, Krzysztof Dzidek

Formula 1 and LEGO

FORMULA ONE and the LEGO Group are set to enhance the fan experience this year with new interactive activities and a fresh range of LEGO F1 products.

Following a successful launch last year, the partnership will now bring immersive at-race experiences and exclusive merchandise to select Grand Prix events worldwide.

Starting March 1, LEGO Speed Champions sets allow fans to recreate F1 moments in brick form. This will be followed by the launch of LEGO F1 Collectibles on May

1. These join the existing LEGO DUPLO and LEGO City collections, offering something for fans of all ages.

Beyond the products, LEGO will introduce dedicated LEGO Fan Zone Activations at select F1 races, giving attendees the chance to participate in exclusive build challenges, photo opportunities, and hands-on experiences celebrating F1’s engineering excellence.

Fans attending races will have access to the LEGO Pit Shop, popup stores featuring the full F1 product range, including sets repre-

senting all 10 Formula 1 teams. Additionally, LEGO stores in Europe, the US, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, and China will host racing-themed activities and play experiences. For those unable to attend races, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres and LEGO Discovery Centres worldwide will introduce build challenges designed to educate children about F1’s technical aspects. Meanwhile, a new LEGO F1 game will launch on the LEGO website and LEGO Play App, allowing fans to engage with the sport digitally.

Mourinho hit with four-match ban

JOSÉ MOURINHO has been handed a four-match suspension and a €42,600 fine following comments deemed ‘contrary to sporting ethics’ by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). The Fenerbahçe manager made the remarks after Monday’s fiery 0-0 draw against Galatasaray, accusing the fourth official of bias and directing comments at the rival bench that led to allegations of racism. The controversy erupted when Mourinho stated in his postmatch interview that Galatasaray staff ‘jumped like monkeys’ in reaction to a refereeing decision. While Galatasaray officials condemned the remark as racist, Fenerbahçe insist his words were taken out of context. The TFF disci-

. Credit : Shutterstock, ph.FAB

plinary council ruled that Mourinho’s behaviour violated fair play principles, issuing a two-match ban for his statements against the fourth official and another two-match ban for his remarks about Galatasaray’s bench. The suspension adds further strain on Mourinho’s squad, who are already six points behind Galatasaray in the league standings. Fenerbahçe are reportedly considering an appeal, arguing that their manager’s words were misinterpreted. Meanwhile, Turkish football fans remain divided over the federation’s decision, with debates raging about the consistency of officiating and disciplinary rulings in the league.

Real Madrid leads Europe in wages

REAL MADRID is the club with the highest wage bill in European football, spending €272 million per year, according to industry estimates.

At the top of their payroll is Kylian Mbappé, signed on free in the summer of 2024 from PSG. The French star’s annual salary reaches €31.25 million, excluding bonuses. Other important earners from the Real Madrid squad include David Alaba (€22.5 million) and Vinícius Júnior (€20.83 million).

Just behind Madrid is Bayern Munich, with a total wage budget of €264 million. The Bundesliga giants invest a big part of this sum in top players like the Englishman Harry Kane, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and midfielder Joshua Kimmich, who lead their squad in salaries.

Despite an underwhelming season by Pep Guardiola’s team, Manchester City completes the podium with a €242 million salary outlay. Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish are the top

earners at Etihad, according to Capology’s experts.

The next clubs on the list are Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG, and Chelsea, all exceeding €200 million in annual salaries. Barcelona, known for their financial difficulties in recent years, follows in eighth place (€192 million), while Liverpool and Inter Milan round out the top 10. Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, ranks only 26th in wage spending. Despite operating on a €78 million salary budget, just over double Mbappé’s wages alone, the team coached by Xabi Alonso continues to perform excellently on the pitch.

Kylian Mbappé comes out tops.

Fenerbahçe’s José Mourinho was handed a four-match ban and a significant fine after controversial remarks during the derby against Galatasaray.