Hidden gems
Villages
named among Spain’s most charming by National Geographic
THE prestigious National Geographic has recently named four Mallorcan villages among Spain’s most charming places, recognising their rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance.
The selected four villages, Pollença, Valldemossa, Deià, and Fornalutx, offer travellers a truly Spanish experience.
Pollença, a town with Roman origins, takes visitors on a historical journey. Its charming old town, featuring cobbled streets and stone buildings, mixes medieval architecture with elegant mansions.
Valldemossa is known for its artistic legacy. In the 19th century, the village became famous for hosting George Sand and Polish composer, Frédéric
Chopin. The Valldemossa Charterhouse, where they stayed, is a key part of the village’s cultural history.
During her time here, George Sand, the famous French author wrote A Winter in Majorca. Deià is celebrated not only for its beautiful scenery but also its artistic
ties. Hidden in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, it became a favourite spot for painter Santiago Rusiñol, who described it as a perfect nativity scene. The village also attracted writer Robert Graves.
Fornalutx is often called one of Mallorca’s most beautiful villages, and its
narrow cobbled streets give it a fairytale feel, making it perfect to wander and explore.
These four villages showcase the range of experiences Mallorca has to offer. Year after year, the island continues to draw travellers worldwide, making it a top destination.
Vino voyage
VI DE LA TERRA MALLORCA is pushing forward with a new wine tourism route to spotlight the island’s unique wine culture. With 80 wineries and around 300 winegrowers, Mallorca has the perfect foundation to showcase its wine history and diverse flavours.
While other parts of Spain have embraced wine tourism, Mallorca has been slow to create a similar route, despite its historic and innovative wineries. Now, Vi de la Terra Mallorca believes it’s time to make this idea a reality, benefiting both locals and tourists while boosting winery sales.
The concept of a wine route has been discussed for years, but it’s finally moving forward with the goal to attract high-quality tourism.
Wine tourism will be a powerful tool to connect with both locals and tourists, helping Mallorca’s wines reach new audiences and boost the island’s economy.
MARGARET MILES-BRAMWELL, the founder of Slimming World, has passed away at the age of 76 at her home in Mallorca.
The weight loss organisation shared the sad news on Facebook on Sunday, February 2, confirming Margaret was surrounded by her family in her final moments.
Margaret, who founded Slimming World 55 years ago, was honoured with an OBE in 2009 for her contributions to public health in the UK.
In addition to her business interests in the UK and Ireland, she was also the founder and Principal owner of the House of Son Amar situated in Palmanyola, close to Palma and Calvia.
turn to page 2
Mallorca • Issue No. 2066
Image: Dmitrii Sakharov / Shutterstock.com
Historical cannons in Deià.
from Front page
Lasting legacy
Alongside Margaret’s work with Slimming World, Margaret was a devoted mother. She had a daughter, Claire, and two sons, Dominic and Benjamin, with her first husband, Roy Miles. After her separation from Roy, Margaret found love with Tony Whittaker in 1996 and became a stepmother to his children. Margaret often referred to Tony as her “soulmate.” The couple was married for 25 years before
Tony passed away in November 2021, a loss Margaret publicly acknowledged.
Slimming World’s post read: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our beloved founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE passed away earlier today, surrounded by her family. As well as being our guiding star and the beating heart and soul of Slimming World, Margaret will be remembered
for being a much-loved mum, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
“Since founding our precious organisation 55 years ago, she has loved, nurtured, and protected it - along with each and every member, staff member, and Consultant who’s been a part of the Slimming World family. Margaret steered her ship in the way she lived her life - with a generous spirit, passionate conviction, a wicked (and rebellious!) sense of humour, and a fierce belief in doing the right thing.
Sky expansion
BRITISH airline, Jet2, has announced an expansion in flight capacity this year, increasing available seats by 9 per cent. This means nearly 115,000 more seats compared to 2024 which will bring the total of seats to almost 1.4 million.
The airline confirmed the increase will take place throughout the tourist season, reaching a peak of 297 weekly flights, up from 276 last year. Jet2 still remains the only carrier linking the island to Scotland and operates flights from 13 UK airports during the summer months.
Mallorca will continue to be Jet2’s top Spanish destination, with over 820,000 seats.
New additions
CABOT Hotels continues expanding in Mallorca with the acquisition of a four-star hotel and the lease of eight tourist apartments, located in Cala Bona and Puerto de Pollensa, respectively.
This move aligns with the company’s strategy of growing in less crowded yet highly attractive tourist destinations.
“Our thoughts are with Margaret’s family. We take comfort, as we’re sure they do, in the hope that Margaret is now reunited with her beloved Tony - sailing off into the sunset together.”
Jet2 is increasing the number of flights.
The latest addition is the Cabot Cap de Mar Spa, a four-star hotel situated on Cala Bona beach. Recently acquired by the chain, the hotel will reopen in 2025 after undergoing renovations to meet Cabot Hotels’ standards.
The property features 71 suites across four buildings and offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, restaurant, seafront café, and a rooftop with panoramic Mediterranean views. Designed for families, friends, and couples, the hotel aims to provide a premium seaside experience.
“The acquisition of Cabot Cap de Mar Spa strengthens our commitment to expanding in new areas of the island while maintaining a focus on sustainability. Our goal is to offer guests a unique combination of comfort, sustainability, and proximity to the sea,” said Guillem Cabot, CEO of Cabot Hotels. Additionally, the company is incorporating Cabot Sivella Apartments in Puerto de Pollensa through a 10-year lease. The eight-unit complex will be upgraded to align with Cabot Hotels’ quality standards. Guests will also have access to the facilities at the nearby Cabot Pollensa Park Spa.
Beat rising costs with this food app
Fighting food waste, feeding communities
WE have all had that shock at the checkout recently - when the cashier adds up the bill for a basket of essentials for the family. It’s even more sickening when at night tonnes of surplus food gets thrown away because it is nearing its expiry date, but still perfectly good and healthy to eat.
It is even more heartbreaking when we discover the staggering reality of food waste, with an average of 132 kg of nutritious food discarded per person per year.
More than 37 million people in our communities in Europe can’t even enjoy a healthy
meal every other day. A shocking one-third of all food produced for human consumption is needlessly thrown away, with restaurants, catering services, and supermarkets the most guilty.
However, emerging from this challenge, there is hope.
The Too Good To Go app is a revolutionary platform that is changing our relationship with food. It connects businesses that have unsold, surplus food with families, single parents, pensioners and anyone looking for a way of beating the surge in living expenses we face every day. For a fraction of the
cost at the supermarket checkout, we can now have access to some of the best and healthiest
fare just ready for collection.
So, how does it work? Through this incre -
Spain’s ‘tourist ban’
HOLIDAY lovers are flustered over Spain’s so-called ‘tourist ban’ - a term coined by a section of the British press apparently intent on funnelling home tourists away from Spain back to the UK - but what’s the truth behind the headlines? Let’s cut through the noise and get to the facts about this supposed-
ly sun-blocking move in the UK’s second-favourite holiday destination.
There’s no ban on tourism in Spain and nothing the Spanish do is specifically aimed at Brits as far as can be seen. It’s true some new rules have popped up, and yes, the anti-tourism protests last year have left their mark on legislation. But sun-seekers can breathe easy, your Spanish holidays
are safe and nobody is persecuting Brits.
We can still book Airbnbs, hotels, and rental villas - this ban only stops new holiday rentals from entering the market. The catch? A few dodgy flats registered after February 22 might lose their licences, especially if they don’t have separate access from residential neighbours.
While some changes might feel like a hassle, Brits can still soak up the Spanish sun without too much worry. Just make sure you’re up to speed on the rules!
Spain isn’t closing its doors to tourists and it’s not targeting Brits - but it’s rolling out the welcome mat with a few more strings attached.
The focus seems to be shifting towards higher-value tourism, aiming to reduce overcrowding and improve quality of life for residents.
dibly innovative app, which is free to download , restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and food vendors of all kinds can simply list their surplus food stock at the end of the day allowing shoppers like us to purchase a significantly better value ‘magic bag’ filled with a delightful surprise selection at a mere fraction of the usual cost - food that would otherwise be discarded because its sell-by date is nearing.
Since its creation, Too Good To Go has fast grown into a global movement, saving millions of perfectly good meals for those who need them most.
By embracing the app, people are not only helping local businesses reduce their waste and recover their costs, but they are also gaining access to so many great offers for delicious, affordable meals. Together, consumers are turning the tide on food waste, fostering a culture of sustainability and also spreading the word about this excellent way to beat rising costs. Join the movementmake a conscious choice that benefits your wallet, your community, and our planet. Let’s redefine how we think about food and inspire others to do the same!
Spain increases minimum wage
SPANISH workers earning the minimum wage are set to receive a €50 monthly boost following an agreement between the government and unions. This 4.4 per cent increase raises the minimum wage to €1,184 per month, paid over 14 instalments - a common practice in Spain that includes extra summer and Christmas payments. The change will benefit nearly two million workers, offering them an additional €700 per year.
Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz hailed the agreement as a victory for workers, stating that fair wages are essential not just for individuals but for economic growth. Unions have long pushed for higher pay, arguing that increasing the minimum wage is about dignity as much as finances. While business organisations participated in discussions, they opposed the full increase, preferring a smaller rise. Despite their resistance, the government is expected to formally approve the measure soon, with labour inspectors ensuring
Spain’s minimum wage increase brings workers closer to financial stability, with €1,184 per month across 14 payments.
companies comply. This wage hike is part of a broader effort to align Spain with European standards. Future discussions will focus on raising the minimum wage to 60 per cent of the national average and ensuring bonuses count towards wage calculations. The government also aims to modernise outdated pay agreements that leave many workers stuck on low wages. For Spain’s lowest-paid employees, this pay rise is a step forward in the fight for fairer wages and better working conditions.
The legendary Cibeles fountain in Madrid.
Putting food to good use rather than binning it.
Fabulous figures
IN 2024, the Balearic Islands welcomed 15,311,569 international tourists, a 6.15 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the Border Tourist Movement Survey released on February 3 by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). December alone saw 182,446 international visitors, marking a 10.18 per cent rise.
Overall, Spain hosted 5.3 million international tourists in December, a 1.1 per cent increase from December 2023. For the entire year, Spain recorded nearly 93.8 million tourists, a 10.1 per cent rise compared to 2023, setting a new all-time record.
This surge in tourism
also resulted in a 16.1 per cent increase in total spending, which reached 126.282 billion euros, another record in the INE’s historical data.
The top countries of origin for tourists in Spain in 2024 were the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The number of visitors from the UK grew by 6.6 per cent, reaching 18.4 million, while France saw a 10.3 per cent increase to 12.9 million, and Germany’s numbers rose by 8.6 per cent, reaching 11.9 million.
Tourism from Asia showed the highest growth, with a 14.2 per cent increase compared to 2023. The United States also saw a solid rise,
Celestial wonders
THE astronomical calendar for 2025 promises to be a thrilling year for sky enthusiasts, with several remarkable events set to occur.
provide an extraordinary view of the Sun completely darkened.
with 4.2 million tourists (+11.2 per cent). In terms of spending, the UK led the way, with €22.6 billion spent, a 13.5 per cent rise. Germany followed with €15.5 billion, an increase of 17.6 per cent, and France spent €11.01 billion, marking a 13.1 per cent rise.
In terms of regional tourism, Catalonia received the highest number of tourists in 2024, with over 19.9 million visitors, a 9.7 per cent increase from the previous year.
The Balearic Islands followed with 15.3 million (+6.1 per cent), while the Canary Islands had 15.2 million (+9.1 per cent). Andalucia welcomed 13.5 million (+11.5 per cent) and the Valencian Community saw the largest growth, with a 14 per cent increase, totaling more than 11.9 million visitors.
Madrid also experienced a strong increase, with 8.8 million international tourists, a 12.5 per cent rise from 2023. The rest of the country saw a collective growth of 10.6 per cent
According to Mateu Esteban, the head of outreach at AstroMallorca, the island’s largest astronomical association with nearly 200 members, the year will feature a partial solar eclipse, two lunar eclipses, a rare plane tary alignment, and an exciting schedule of meteor showers.
One of the highlights will be a partial solar eclipse on March 29. During the peak of the eclipse, about 30 per cent of the Sun’s surface will be obscured by the Moon. However, to safely observe the event, special solar filters will be necessary.
AstroMallorca will offer solar glasses for the public, with details on their distribution to be shared soon. While the March eclipse is exciting, Esteban notes that it will pale in comparison to the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, which will
IN January, the Balearic Islands saw a 20.2 per cent increase in housing prices compared to the previous year, making it the third autonomous community with the largest rise. The average price per square metre is now €5,025, according to the monthly sales price report from the real estate portal pisos.com
The report also shows a 1.9 per cent increase in housing prices in the Balearic Islands compared to De-
In addition to the solar eclipse, Mallorca will experience two lunar eclipses in 2025, both of which will create stunning ‘blood moons’. These eclipses, which will give the Moon a reddish hue, will occur on March 14 and September 7. During these events, the Earth’s shadow will almost entirely darken the Moon, providing a spectacular celestial display.
Meteor showers expected.
All aboard
MALLORCA RAILWAY SERVICES (SFM) has invited municipalities along the railway corridor to participate in events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Mallorca train, starting Sunday, February 23.
This year marks 150 years since the first train in Mallorca began operating on the Palma to Inca line, which was inaugurated on February 24, 1875. This line remains the only one that has operated continuously from the late 19th century to today. The arrival of the railway to the island sparked a significant economic, social, and cultural transformation.
To preserve and promote the railway’s heritage, SFM is organising a series of events throughout the year, focusing on the train’s impact on society and raising awareness of its history in Mallorca.
The opening event will be held on the morning of Sunday, February 23, at the Palma Intermodal Station, with more details about the activities to be announced soon.
Price surge
cember 2024. Palma experienced a significant rise of 24.1 per cent, bringing the average price to €5,213 per square metre. This makes Palma the fourth highest in Spain, after Donostia-San Sebastián, where the price reached €6,914 per square metre.
th-largest increase in Spain. Madrid saw the highest rise, with a 15.9 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
On a national level, the average price for second-hand homes in January was €2,525 per square metre, marking a 1.8 per cent increase from the previous month and a 15.7 per cent rise from January 2024.
Meanwhile, the Idealista portal reported that rental prices in the Balearic Islands rose by 10.5 per cent in January, making it the nin-
In terms of rental prices, Madrid remains the most expensive community to rent, with €19.1 per square metre, followed by Catalonia (€18.4/m²), the Balearic Islands (€17.9/m²), the Basque Country (€14.4/m²), and the Canary Islands (€14.2/m²). Rental prices in Palma have also risen by 8.8 per cent compared to January 2024. Barcelona continues to have the highest rents among Spain’s capitals, with €23.6 per square metre, followed by Madrid (€21.4/ m²), San Sebastián (€17.7/ m²), and Palma (€17.1/m²).
Image: Astromallorca / Facebook
Blossoms and classics Mallorcan contenders
THE Classic Car Club of Mallorca started 2025 with its first rally, the Almond Blossom Car Rally, on February 1. This annual event is known for celebrating the blooming almond trees along the route. Usually organised by Jean Pierre Allemann, this year’s rally had to be taken over by Stan Hunter and Pam Gardner due to unforeseen circumstances. Jean Pierre had successfully organised it for 17 years, so it was unfortunate he couldn’t continue the tradition.
Stan and Pam maintained the almond blossom theme and mapped out a scenic drive through the central and eastern parts of Mallorca.
Despite forecasts of rain, the weather turned out to be dry and sunny, though a bit chilly. Fifty-eight people and 30 classic cars participated, including eight guest members and five new members. Only two cancellations were made due to the expected bad weather. While most of Mallorca experienced heavy rain, the rally route remained dry,
allowing some participants to bring their convertibles.
After the rally a delicious three-course meal at Terragust, winners were announced. First place went to Michael and Angela Dawson, second to William and Emma Morris, and third to Andy and Sadie Sutherland.
The Classic Car Club would like to say a huge thank you to Stan and Pam for organising such a fantastic rally. The next rally will take place on Saturday, March 1, organised by Blanca Ramos, with details to be announced soon.
THE Best Burger Spain platform is hosting the fifth Spanish Hamburger Championship, where top contenders from across the country compete to be crowned the most delicious burger.
The competition runs until March 2, with both the jury and consumers deciding the winner. Among the participants, three burgers from Mallorca stand out.
The Sin Sentido burger from Sexto Sentido, located at Carrer d’Enric Alzamora, 2, near Mercat de l’Olivar, features aged beef topped with home-made Romy sauce and a smoked cured bacon jam cooked in a Josper oven. It is finished with melted Mahón cured cheese and served on a home-made potato roll.
Klüg Burgers in Blanquerna presents the Royal Emmily, a burger made with a 200g smash patty of aged beef, enhanced by Emmy sauce, which blends sweet, spicy, acidic, and smoky flavours. It is topped with melted smoked Gouda cheese, guanciale jam, pickled gherkins marinated in vinegar and Asian spices, and placed on a potato roll.
Cel Blau, located at Calle Llaüt, 40, in Palma, enters the competition with La Bichota.
This burger consists of blonde beef, spicy sauce, jam, and melted raclette cheese.
To vote, consumers must visit the Best Burger Spain website: lamejor hamburguesa.com and enter a code provided by the establishment after trying one of the competing burgers.
A scenic drive through the central and eastern parts of Mallorca was enjoyed.
Three burgers stand out in Mallorca.
Fair fun fest
THE Fira del Ram will open on February 28 and run until April 27, offering visitors a wide range of attractions, games, and food options.
Join in the fun at the Son Fusteret fairgrounds, which will feature more than 150 booths and attractions. One of the highlights is a giant Ferris wheel, giving visitors fantastic views of Palma.
For thrill-seekers, there are exciting rides like the ‘V’, the Viking, and the Extreme, all designed for those craving an adrenaline rush. Children will have their own space with various attractions and skill games, and food and drink booths will be scattered throughout the venue.
The fair will be open from Monday to Thursday, from 4.30pm to 11.30pm, on Fridays
and holiday eves from 4.30pm to 1.00am, on Saturdays from 11.00am to 1.00pm, and on Sundays and holidays from 11.00am to 1.30am.
Visitors who drive can park in one of the two available car parks
nearby. Alternatively, those using public transport can take bus line 10, which stops right in front of the venue, or take the metro to the Son Fuster Vell station, which is also close to the fairgrounds.
Summit stays
IN 2024, annual visits to Mallorca’s mountain hostels reached a new record, with 40,240 overnight stays, marking an 18.8 per cent increase compared to 2023, which had already set a historical high.
The Consell de Mallorca manages a network of six mountain shelters located on public land, offering a total of 332 places. These shelters often reach full occupancy, especially during the peak hiking seasons in autumn (October and November) and spring (April and May). In just the months of April and October, the shelters recorded 10,305 overnight stays.
Looking at individual shelters, Tossals Verds had 8,119 stays, Son n’Amer had 7,795, and Muleta saw 6,051 stays. Other shelters, such as Can Boi, Pont Romà, and Galatzó, had 6,678, 5,464, and 6,133 stays respectively.
Of the 40,240 stays in 2024, 2,437 were from local school students who experienced the unique opportunity of spending a night in one of these mountain retreats.
About 55 per cent of visitors to these hostels were foreigners, with the majority coming from Germany and France. In total, hikers from over 50 countries enjoyed the retreats in 2024.
Tourism transformed
CALVIA has announced a new plan to modernise tourism by 2027, investing €20 million to attract high-spending travellers and improve local satisfaction.
and over 3,300 rooms available.
Key projects include the renovation of Magaluf Promenade and the refurbishment of Bulevar de Peguera. completion expected by next year. Additional funds will enhance Torá Beach and improve pavements across Calvia by 2025.
These efforts aim to diversify tourism, reduce summer seasonality, and attract affluent visitors year-round, particularly from the US, Australia, and South Korea. The area’s average nightly rate rose to €200 in 2024, reflecting a growing luxury tourism sector.
Calvia currently offers 51,330 hotel rooms, primarily in four and five-star establishments.
Winter operations aim to decrease seasonal fluctuations, with 24 hotels open
The municipality is also welcoming new luxury hotels, including the transformation of Mar i Pins into a five-star Aethos hotel and the opening of Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra by Blasson Property Investments. Santa Ponça Park will become Purobeach Resort Santa Ponça, while Pajarita Group will expand with two new high-quality restaurants in
Image: Ayuntamiento de Calvià
Calvia’s plan to modernise tourism.
Ferris wheel.
So n’Amer Hostel.
Image: Feria de Baleares / Facebook
Image:
Consell de Mallorca
Drunk droning
A SWEDISH man has become the first person in the country to be convicted of ‘drone-driving’ while drunk - after police caught him flying the gadget at a classic car event while over the legal booze limit.
The 55-year-old was fined 32,000 SEK (around €2,500) after officers spotted his rogue device buzzing through the sky in a restricted no-fly zone over Rättvik, central Sweden.
When police tracked the drone’s pilot, they found the man swaying by the controls - later discovering his bloodstream contai-
ned 0.69 parts alcohol per 1,000.
Sweden, known for its tough drink-driving laws, sets the legal alcohol limit at 0.2 parts per 1,000. By comparison, the UK allows up to 0.8, while Spain, France, and Belgium set the cap at 0.5.
Despite being caught red-handed - or rather, redeyed and staggering - the man tried to dodge responsibility, later blaming a ‘friend’ who conveniently wasn’t there when police swooped in.
The court wasn’t buying it and handed down the fine, to be paid over 80 days
at 400 SEK (around €45) a pop.
The conviction is the first of its kind in Sweden, with prosecutor Jenny Holden Nyström telling broadcaster SVT: “I have not seen a case like this before. I am satisfied with the verdict.”
Judge Karin Hellmont explained that the court applied the same legal framework as it would for a drink-driving case.
“It is an aircraft. Even though it flies itself, it’s controlled by someone on the ground and could drop from a great height and injure someone.”
Polish dumplings in space
POLISH astronaut to be Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski is due to travel to the International Space station with three other colleagues from different countries this spring.
He is allowed to take a small amount of hand luggage with him and three of the items that he has chosen are a Polish flag, a tiny golden heart issued by the Grand Orchestra of Christmas Help Foundation which will be auctioned for the charity and a selection of tasty Polish dumplings known as pierogis.
Clearly the pierogis cannot be taken into space without ensuring that they can be prepared on the International Space Station, so working with a small Polish family business it became possible to freeze dry the dumplings so that they could be eaten when he felt peckish.
The Polish flag is a historical item that was taken into space by the first Po-
lish astronaut Mirosław Hermaszewski in 1978 so will become a very special item to hopefully be passed on to the third Polish astronaut at some time in the future.
Hermaszewski who was 81 when he died in 2022, lived long enough to congratulate Uznański-Wiśniewski when it was announced that he had been chosen to become an astronaut and
Second-hand IKEA
IN September of last year, Swedish company IKEA through its main franchisee INGKA launched a special online site in Norway and Spain allowing the sale of second-hand goods.
Known as Ikea Preowned is was tested in Oslo and Madrid and customers could either sell their furniture and other items back to IKEA or directly to individuals with no commission to IKEA.
For many, the attraction of not having to go through the frustration of taking flat pack material and building it themselves or hiring the more competent to do it for them must have been attractive.
There is also a general feeling in the IKEA boardroom that they should be seen to positively encourage people to pass their no longer needed items on to third parties rather then just throw them away.
The original test was due to last until the end of 2024, but now, because the sites have been so successful, it has been confirmed that not only will they continue to operate, but the ‘catchment area’ will be expanded to take in the whole of Norway and Spain.
The way the site works is relatively simple as the seller enters the items which they wish to sell using their own pictures with a selling price and then an artificial intelligence-enabled database
brings in its own promotional images and measurements.
The buyer collects the furniture directly from the seller, who has the option of receiving the amount agreed upon or a voucher for future IKEA purchases with an added 15 per cent bonus which would stimulate additional sales.
was apparently the first person to contact him after the announcement was made.
This project which will be financed by the Polish government with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) is due to last 14 days and various experiments which will have been paid for by different companies will be undertaken.
Poland’s second astronaut
Credit: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski Facebook
Drone flying near commercial aeroplanes.
Credit: IKEA
First IKEA store outside of Sweden was opened in Norway.
Classic concerts at Cala Millor continue
THE Auditorio De Sa Mániga are offering multiple concerts and theatre productions over the month of February. The theatre is based in Cala Millor.
They say “These two weeks, new concerts are offered in the Auditorio sa Mániga in the framework of the Cala Millor Festival.”
On Friday, February 7 at 7.30pm Duo Soniante will perform their classical concert. The pair are from Germany and Taiwan respectively, Teresa Alda will be on violin and Malte Darko will be on piano.
Playing famous and lively works from Fauré, Rach-Maninov, Grana -
dos or Dvorak. The duo have been described as having an artistically elaborate and sonorous style suitable for a concert in the Auditorium of Cala Millor.
They play Salon Music, which is comprised of well-known classical and modern melodies played in a relaxed and entertaining way.
On Friday, February 14 at 7.30pm there will be a Valentine’s Day lyric recital given by another duo, the Pianist Francesc
Blanco and the Soprano Nadia Akaârir.
They present a set list of difficult and famous arias from opera, for example La Bohème, Rigoletto and The Barber of Sevilla and then incorporate zarzuela romances such as, La canción del olvido.
Ticket costs for both events are €2 and children over the age of five are welcome.
You can buy tickets at the box office or on the web www.samaniga.es.
Going to Great Straits
THE band Great Straits will be playing all the most famous hits from Dire Straits, in Palma, as part of their tribute tour which takes them to 23 cities in Spain in 2025.
Their concert at the Au -
the 70s and 80s. Great Straits, in tribute to them, will be playing their perfect renditions of iconic singles like Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Brothers in arms, Tunnel of Love and Money for Nothing in a show they have named The Greatest Songs of Dire Straits. The concert is led by Óscar Rosende and his band Great Straits. Take an authentic sound journey which brings to life the magic of hits first composed by Mark Knopfler in a Spanish tour. As well as Rosende, a guitarist from A Coruña who says he came to confuse Dire Straits with himself and his band there will also be nine excellent musi -
Guy Fletcher the keyboard player of Dire Straits said he was listening to the Great Straits version of Why Aye Man and “thought it was one of our recordings.” You can buy tickets starting from €40 on the Auditorium de Palma website.
Food with attitude
RESTAURANTE VANDAL, located in Palma, is a must-visit for anyone in search of a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Chefs Bernabé Caravotta and Sebastián Pérez bring a daring ‘food with attitude’ philosophy to life, with a very special menu that’s as exciting as it is delicious. The restaurant’s industrial-chic style and semi-open kitchen create the perfect atmosphere for an evening full of culinary adventure.
The menu is a world tour of flavours, with dishes inspired by the cuisines of Thailand, Peru, France, Japan, Mexico, Spain, India, Colombia, and Italy. Each dish comes with information about its origin, the utensils you’ll need to enjoy it, and suggested drink pairings to elevate your dining experience. While the layout of the menu might seem a little bit unconventional at first, their friendly staff is more than happy to guide you through it.
Each dish is a work of art packed with bold flavours, unique textures, and creative presentations. Whether you’re savouring a zesty Peruvian ceviche, or a deli-
cate Japanese-inspired creation, every bite brings something new and exciting. They also offer a very tempting selection of their own signature cocktails and mocktails.
Vandal has something for everyone as it caters to vegetarians and vegans, and even provides a separate menu for those with gluten-free and lactose-free diets, so everyone can enjoy the Vandal experience.
With its exceptional service, innovative concept, and a menu that’s both creative and delicious, Restaurante Vandal offers an alternative dining experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Restaurante Vandal Palma Plaça del Progrés, 15 Palma de Mallorca, 07013 (Santa Catalina) info@vandalpalma.com Tel. +34 871 045 174 www.vandalpalma.com
Talk about Chopin
THERE has been a slight change to the Mallorca Art Society programme in February.
The talk planned for February 4 on Michelangelo has been substituted for a talk by Art Society Chairman Sarah Collett on Chopin later in the month.
The event date has also changed and moved back slightly to February 11 at 7.30pm.
The talk is called Harmony and Discord - Chopin’s short stay in Valldemossa and will be held at the Hotel Artmadams, Palma. It will be followed by drinks and a tapas reception.
Valldemossa, in Mallorca, has history with Chopin, in autumn 1838 he stayed at the charterhouse whilst recuperating from a problematic cough and stayed with his partner George Sand and her children until February 1839. In modern times this brief stay has produced a piano festival, the beginnings of which go back to 1930. The festival is a series of concerts at the Valldemossa Monastery. Where renowned pianists and up-and-coming talent play works by Chopin.
Tickets are available to buy for €20 after members have booked on, you can email to reserve your space: mallorca@theartssociety.org.
The Art Society Mallorca say that “Our speakers are world-class experts in a huge variety of subjects covering arts and culture: painting, architecture, music, fashion, jewellery, sculpture and much more, from ancient to modern.”
Photo Credit: Auditorio de sa Mániga
INTERVIEW
Tom Pedersen, Dane in Malaga
Twenty-six-year-old Tom Pedersen has been living in Malaga for the last five years after arriving just before the pandemic hit. At first, Covid restrictions meant he couldn’t return home. Now, he doesn’t particularly want to.
EWN: Where are you from, Tom?
Tom: I’m from a tiny place in the centre of Denmark called Billund. It’s pretty different there. Nothing like this.
EWN: What are you doing here?
Tom: I manage a gym in Malaga, and ge nerally I’m just enjoying myself. Life’s good here.
Credit: EWN
Tom Pedersen from Denmark.
EWN: So, what keeps you here?
Tom: The weather, the friends I’ve made, the hours of sunlight here. It’s cool here. To be honest with you, I can’t think of anyone my age back in Denmark who doesn’t want to be living in Spain at the moment. Especially in Malaga. It’s absolutely the best place
to be right now. As a base, at least. Although, I love loads of places around the world. At only 26, Tom has set himself the goal of visiting 30 countries before his 30th birthday.
Tom: I’ve done most of Europe so far. Brazil was amazing. Peru, Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia. I’ve not got to Australia yet, but I will when I get enough time off work.
EWN: How are you getting on with the Spanish?
Tom: I get by. It’s not too bad. We used to visit here a lot because my uncle lives in Malaga.
EWN: Will you ever go back to living in Denmark?
Tom: Why? (He laughs).
Your VOICE
Should
there be bigger sanctions for feeding wild boars?
IN recent years, the issue of feeding wild boars has garnered quite a bit of attention in Spain. Many of us have seen these animals roaming the streets, scavenging for food - an occurrence that is becoming frequent in urban areas where food is easier to find. But don’t be fooled - these animals are not friendly!
In contrast, Judith Dominique Wolfenegg favours stricter sanctions, writing, “Yes! What do those people actually think (if they think at all)?
Feeding wild animals, who then logically come closer and closer in the expectation of more. And when something happens, there’s a big outcry.”
As reported by Euro Weekly News, a resident in Mijas on the Costa del Sol was recently issued a €250 fine for feeding wild boars. This highlights the growing concern over human interactions with these animals, and their consequences.
Many readers argue that the boars have been displaced and should not be punished for seeking food. Colin Wheeler states, “the wild boar were here first,” while Teresa Tracy Ramsey adds, “If only they hadn’t been driven out of their natural habitat...”
Feeding wild boars can lead to several problems, including increased aggression towards humans, property damage, and overpopulation. Despite existing bans, instances of people feeding wild boars persist, suggesting that the current penalties may not be sufficient deterrents.
The situation prompts a discussion on whether bigger sanctions are necessary to protect both human communities and wildlife. We asked our readers for their thoughts.
Nigel Armitage supports feeding the boars, arguing that humans have devastated their natural habitats through urban development, poor land management, wildfires, and deforestation. He believes, “we should at least tolerate them when they invade our habitats.”
Jeremy Newman shares an alternative approach used by his neighbours: “I feed them kitchen scraps, in collaboration with neighbours. Location is forest, so it’s an attempt to stop them coming to town.”
Meanwhile, Sian Foster warns against feeding wildlife, explaining, “You shouldn’t feed any wild animals... Stop feeding them, you endanger their lives and disrupt nature.”
This week’s poll revealed mixed opinions, with the majority leaning towards allowing people to feed the boars. Many argued that the animals have been forced into urban areas through no fault of their own and deserve compassion.
However, it is important to acknowledge the potential dangers and consequences of feeding them, as they remain wild animals.
Wild boars have been forced into urban areas.
FRANCE DENMARK
Schools threat
POLICE said that 51 Danish schools had recently received threatening emails which included bomb threats, without revealing details of the wording that was used. When the first emails arrived, they were dealt with locally, but the investigation has now been taken over by the East Jutland police force.
Rallying round
DENMARK sent four generators to Ireland following an appeal for help after Storm Eowyn left 142,000 households without electricity at the end of January. Extreme weather tested Europe’s resilience, the EU’s Crisis Response commissioner said, “but also our joint preparedness and solidarity efforts.”
EURO PRESS
SWEDEN
On time
EUROCONTROL’S 2024 report on Europe’s most punctual airports placed Stockholm’s Arlanda at the head of the list. Arlanda, one of 10 airports owned and managed by Swedavia, had an 80 per cent punctuality rate for departures, 4 per cent up on 2023 and well ahead of Europe’s 66 per cent average.
ARLANDA AIRPORT: Europe’s most punctual airport in 2024.
PORTUGAL BELGIUM
Brine peril
THE Algarve’s fishing sector wants to reverse plans for a €108 million desalination plant adjoining an Albufeira beach. Boat owners said the installation would be a ‘tragedy’ and they knew from their Spanish counterparts that concentrated brine returned to the sea would ‘kill the industry’ by killing marine life.
‘No’ to mine
PLANS to mine lithium in Boticas in northern Portugal is opposed by the local population and mayor, Fernando Queiroga, who weighed into the promoters’ claims that the project cannot be halted. Despite government authorisation, he said the municipality supported ‘all initiatives aimed at stopping the mine’.
Write on
LOUIS SARKOZY, third son of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, now writes for the far-right news magazine, Valeurs Actuelles (Modern Values), confirming suspicions that he could follow in his father’s footsteps. “He’s ebullient, cultured, creative,” editor Tugdual Denis told the France-Presse news agency.
Not any more
FRANCE infringed a 69-year-old woman’s rights by granting her husband a divorce on the grounds that she refused to have sex with him, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled. In a landmark case, the ECHR condemned ‘the outdated notions of marital duties’ that were ‘based on obligation’.
IRELAND FINLAND
Talks needed
FIREFIGHTERS in Dublin accused the government of ‘betraying’ them for failing to honour pension reform commitments. They are now calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the problem, claiming that the existing pension scheme was a ‘vastly reduced income’ although they had paid into it for so long.
Walled up
GARY GANNON, a Social Democrat MP, said it was “astonishing” that an Office of Public Works project to replace a 70-metre perimeter wall at the Workplace Relations Commission at an estimated €200,000 had instead cost €490,000 owing to setbacks and delays. “It just erodes the public’s trust,” he said.
ITALY GERMANY
Simple maths
TOURISM minister Daniela Santanche will not resign, although she faces a court case linked to accusations of accounting irregularities at her former publishing company, Visibilia. Santanche stepped down from her chief executive role after she was named a minister in 2022 and denies any wrongdoing.
Another Musk
KIMBAL MUSK, younger brother of Elon Musk, had a brief meeting with Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni while visiting Culture minister Alessandro Giuli in Rome. Musk, who is a director of the Tesla electric vehicle company, was there to discuss the use of technology at cultural sites and events.
Door check
THE Interior ministry announced that 43,500 people were turned back at the German border over the past 15 months now that stricter controls are enforced, and fewer irregular migrants can reach the country. Asylum applications had also fallen over the last 12 months, with 110,000 fewer than in 2023.
Wind power
TWO areas in the North Sea, destined for offshore windfarms and covering an area of 182 square kilometres between them, will be auctioned in 2025, with a cutoff date of August 1 for bids. “This is another major milestone in Germany’s offshore wind target,” the Maritime and Hydrographic Agency declared.
Dodgy votes
A PROBE by broadcaster VRT Ninove’s local elections last year detected what it termed ‘strong evidence’ that the far-right party Forza Ninove obtained an overall majority by using fraudulent proxy votes. Should the Public Prosecutor find that fraud took place, those responsible face five-year prison terms.
Auto-pilot
BRABANT traffic police came across a driver who was so drunk that he fell asleep on the left-hand lane of the E40 motorway between Leuven and Brussels. Found to be three times over the limit when he was breathalysed, his driving licence was confiscated and he now awaits an appearance at the Police Court.
NETHERLANDS
Russia exit
DUTCH bank, ING, is selling its Russian subsidiary to Global Development JSC, a Russian company owned by a Moscow-based financial investor. No economic details have been revealed, but ING admitted in a recent statement that it expects the transaction to reduce the company’s profits by around €700 million.
Wolf mystery
TWENTY-THREE of 91 wolves whose DNA was recorded between 2015 and 2023 are known to be dead, shot by poachers or killed in road accidents, the Volkskrant daily paper reported. A further 22 have vanished without leaving any DNA clues behind, leading experts to believe they have been deliberately killed.
Stable prices
PRICES for wood felled in Finland’s forests remained stable in December, according to the Natural Resources Institute, and were little different from those of November. Spruce logs fetched an average of €83 per cubic metre, pine logs cost €80 per cubic metre, with birch falling 1 per cent to a little under €6.
Getting older
DESPITE generous parental leave, good childcare, free education and universal health care, more Finns are choosing not to have children, with a birth rate that is lower than the 2.1 ‘replacement level’ needed for a balanced population. Approximately 15 per cent of Finns are under 15, while 23 per cent are over 65.
NORWAY
Covid risk
THE Public Health Institute (FHI) warned that it expected a new, late winter wave of the corona virus although the yearly spate of infections had been delayed until now. ‘Covid-19 waves will continue’, the FHI said, ‘but they will be less noticeable because the population’s immunity makes the infection milder’.
Doing well
NORWAY’S $1.8 trillion (€17.3 trillion) sovereign wealth fund, world’s largest, reported on January 29 a record annual profit of 2.51 trillion crowns €213.4 trillion). This was the second year of record profits with ‘massive gains’ from technology, the fund’s operator, Norges Bank Investment Management, said.
I miss the politeness
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
ONE thing I did learn on my recent London trip, was not to encourage any Uber driver into a political discussion. In the main, most Uber employees are (obviously legal) immigrants. True to any London taxi drivers form however, they are, (or consider themselves to be!) experts on just about any subject you care to mention, with current affairs undoubtedly a favourite.
The problem is, once they start, they are difficult to stop. In around a dozen journeys I found out more about Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq than any ‘Arab Spring’ discussions I’ve had since the criminal acts of Blair and Bush got us into it all. The open attitude of these cabbies rather sums up the feeling I got from most of London’s ethnic immigrant population.
The majority are extremely upbeat. From shop assistants to museum guides, I found them generally polite, enthusiastic, confident and certainly not backward in coming forward. In fact, while shopping in a local chemist, I
remarked to my companion that we needed candles. Her light-hearted suggestion of buying fork ‘andles, ala the Two Ronnies, brought a roar of laughter from the Pakistani assistant, who then proceeded to regale us with jokes from his favourite TV show, which happened to be Fawlty Towers
- ‘I come from Barcelona’ he said ‘I know nothing’! Unfortunately, this light-hearted attitude doesn’t extend to the Brits.
Personally, I think the locals simply don’t know what’s hit them. To me, most of them appeared to be living under a cloud of doomy acceptance and who can blame them?
They have been paralysed by the politically correct brigade, fleeced of free speech, overwhelmed by immigration and deprived of intellectual political leadership to the point of utter submission. They also appear to have relinquished to my mind one of their most endearing and strongest weapons of all, the wonderful British sense of humour.
Any attempt at a merry quip, particularly toward shop assistants, is met by an icy glare of suspicion while they apparently try and work out whether
you are being sexist or in some way abusive. The look I got when, purely by force of habit, I said thanks ‘love’ to a checkout girl (person!) had me looking back over my shoulder to see if she was dialling 999!
Oddly enough, I actually do believe it could all still work, but not under this bunch of political pussies and certainly not under Starmer. What they need is a Winnie or Thatcher or even a Trump. Strong decisive leadership; someone to give the British a degree of optimism. A leader who can instil a national ambition to somehow succeed in this unprecedented diversity of existence they have been subjected to by the incompetent politicians and woke happy brigade. All in all, I actually left the old country with a certain degree of sadness.
One thing I will miss however is the politeness. ‘Excuse me’. ‘Oops I’m sorry’. ‘My fault’ and ‘after you’ were expressions one doesn’t hear quite as often as one should in the country of our choice!
Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
First Lidl pub
LIDL has won a court battle in the High Court in Northern Ireland to open its first-ever in-store pub.
The German supermarket chain has now been given the legal green light to open a bar inside its Dundonald store after a complaint had been brought against the proposed project by another local trader, near Belfast.
Mr Justice Colton said he saw “no good reason for refusing the application” for a bar that would accommodate around 45 customers as well as an off-licence. The Lidl pub will stock draught and bottled beers, wine, cider, and spirits, and no doubt Ireland’s favourite crisps, Taytos. Many of the brands on offer will be those already available on the shelves of the supermarket.
The supermarket had already been granted to
Lidl has been given the green light.
go ahead with the pub project back in August 2000 but was blocked when Philip Russell Ltd, which runs a number of convenience stores across Northern Ireland, requested an injunction be filed against the plan based on its claim that the chain had failed to establish that there was first a lack of pubs in the area.
Licences for new pubs legally depend on there being a shortfall of other similar businesses within a certain radius. Philip Russell Ltd also claimed that Lidl had applied for a licence in order to get around the Licence (NI) Order 1996. However, the judge was having none of it and allowed Lidl to go ahead with their project.
DHL strike looming
TRADE union
Verdi is calling for a one-day strike of all DHL services, with the subsidiary of logistics giant Deutsche Post, insisting that high operating costs call for ‘economically viable’ increases in wage improvements.
DHL group, which operates German postal service Deutsche Post, and amasses some 170,000 employees across the country delivering mail each day, is set to see its workforces strike, with Verdi deputy chairperson Andrea Kocsis providing a statement.
“We mean this seriously, we are ready to fight for our demands.” This comes as Verdi announced they will fight for a 7 per cent wage hike and more paid leave days for its employees, who feel they are incredibly hard done by amid the financial crisis that still impacts many German sectors.
Kocsis stressed an urgent requirement for wages to be increased to cope with the soaring of living costs in Germany, labelling the logistic firm DHL’s position on wage hikes ‘unacceptable’.
Deutsche Post argued that costs in the industry were too high and demanded ‘economically viable’ salary increases to cope.
The next round of talks will commence on Wednesday February 12.
DHL workers to go on strike in Germany.
Credit: Efrem Efre, Pexels.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Still afloat
FAIRLINE YACHTS, which builds luxury boats, went into administration less than two months after it was bought by new investors, Arrowbolt Propulsion Systems, Sky News revealed. One of the 250 staff employed by the company said the insolvency was not expected to trigger redundancies.
Not yet
ABANCA, a medium sized retail bank based in Galicia, announced profits of €1.2 billion in 2024, a 69 per cent increase on the previous year. Speaking to the media, chairman Juan Carlos Escotet said that although the bank would consider a stock exchange listing, there were no immediate plans to float the company.
Going East
LONDON-BASED HSBC will axe divisions in Europe and the US, including those advising on stock market listings and takeovers, as it switches some operations to the Far East, its most important market. Most of the bank’s revenues originate there and many Asian shareholders would like the bank to relocate to China.
Mango choices
TONI RUIZ, chief executive of fashion chain, Mango, and a 5 per cent minority shareholder who took over as interim chairman following the death of founder Isak Andic in a climbing accident last December, was confirmed in the post. Andic’s son Jonathan, is now vice-chairman of Mango’s owner, Punto Fa.
Wind up
PRINCES GROUP, which makes Branston beans, said it would contemplate cutting jobs and moving production abroad if strikes go ahead as planned in February. Workers have rejected new owner Newlat’s 3 per cent pay increase and said former owners Mitstubishi had promised a rise of up to 7 per cent.
€160 billion STAT OF WEEK
current market capitalisation for Zara-owner Inditex which makes the textile group created by Amancio Ortega, the world’s 91st most-valuable company.
No Guinness sale
DRINKS company Diageo refuted rumours that it could sell Guinness or its 34 per cent holding in Cham pagne and Cognac company Moet Hennessy.
“We note the recent media spe culation around the Guinness brand and our stake in Moët Hennessy,” Diageo announced on January 26.
“We can confirm that we have no in tention to sell either.”
Nor would Guinness float on the stock market, insiders said.
Bloomberg reported the Diageo rumours on January 24, quoting ‘peo ple that asked not to be identified’ who stressed no final decision had been made, and there was no cer tainty that talks would lead to a deal.
A Guinness sale or spinoff would bring in around $10 billion (€9.6 bi llion), Bloomberg calculated, immediately sending up Diageo shares by
6.8 per cent.
This was its biggest hike in one day in the wake of a slump in shares since Debra Crew took over as chief executive in 2023, with the company reporting a decline in overall annual sales last July for the first time since the pandemic.
Guinness is now a megastar in the Diageo portfolio of more than 200 brands, which is heavier on spirits than beers, and was responsible for an 18 per cent increase in the company’s 2024 beer sales.
Newly popular with women and younger drinkers, including Generation Z, Guinness became the UK’s most popular beer in 2022 to overtake Carling lager and, as sales soared last December, Diageo had to put US shipments on hold and use its reserves in Ireland to meet demand.
Deal done
SPAIN’S state-owned shipbuilder Navantia completed its deal to acquire Harland & Wolff’s Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish facilities.
The sum involved was not disclosed but is understood to be around £70 million (€83.25 million).
Between 1,000 and 1,600 jobs have been saved, prompting Matt Robert
Bubbling up
CARLYLE is looking to sell its 60 per cent holding in Catalan cava-producer, Codorniu, unconfirmed sources revealed.
In October 2018 the risk capital fund paid €390 million for the stake, which included €90 million of debt and multiplied by 15 Codorniu’s gross operating profit.
By the end of Codorniu’s financial year in June 2024, the company reported €232 million in sales and a record net operating profit of €39 million.
from the GMB union to say that employees in all the yards would “breathe a sigh of relief” at finally working under stable ownership.
Nevertheless, the transaction involved putting H&W’s four shipyards in Belfast, Devon and Scotland into administration, enabling Navantia’s UK subsidiary to avoid taking
on the stricken company’s debts.
The deal ensures that there will be no setbacks to the £1.6 million (€1.9 bi-
Joint venture buzz
MASORANGE and Vodafone Spain, owned by UK company Zegona, are discussing a mobile joint venture.
According to the Spanish media, this would result in ‘multimillion combined resources including phone masts, equipment, transmission and staff.’
In early January the two companies confirmed that they would create a new fibre network joint venture, called FibreCo, reaching 12.2 million premises in areas where separate networks would not be economically viable.
Talks are still at an early stage and neither operator has commented on the new joint venture.
No figures have been mentioned, but should the new company materialise, insiders maintained that either party would be free to sell a stake and ‘raise millions’.
Joining
BRITISH engineering group Dowlais agreed to a $1.4 billion (€13.4 billion) takeover by Detroit-based company, American Axle and Manufacturing.
Dowlais, which makes automotive parts, said the deal with American Axle would help both companies to cope with the switch to electric vehicles. They expected to save around $300 million (€288 million) by sharing resources.
American Axle shareholders will own 51 per cent on the combined company in the cash-and-shares agreement, which represented a premium of approximately 25 per cent on the price of Dowlais shares.
llion) contract secured by Navantia UK, Harland and Wolff and the BMT Group to build three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Nothing wasted
THE Repsol board announced on January 29 that its plans to invest €800 million in a Tarragona (Catalonia) waste treatment plant could now go ahead.
Repsol explained that Ecoplant project had to be put on hold while the government’s windfall tax on energy companies was still in force.
The pioneering installation will transform and process up to 400,000 tons a year of solid non-recyclable household waste into 240,000 tons of sustainable fuel and ‘circular economy’ products, the oil and energy company said.
The plant should be operative by 2029, employing 2,800 people during construction and creating 340 jobs once completed.
WILLIAM VEREKER, chairman of Santander UK, said that he would resign later this year.
Vereker, a business envoy to former prime minister Theresa May, poured water on the Financial Times’ claims that he had clashed with Santander’s executive chairwoman, Ana Botin, regarding governance and resourcing.
“There is no substance in any suggestion of a rift between myself and Ana,” Vereker insisted, although his decision to step back came not long after Botin had to refute insiders’ claims that Santander was thinking of leaving the UK.
WH SMITH’S high street shops selling books and newspapers, are up for sale.
The chain founded 233 years ago reported a 6 per cent decline in sales in the 21 weeks ending January 25, a 6 per cent reduction on the same period last year.
In contrast, the company which is listed on the FTS 250, reported a 7 per cent increase in its travel arm’s sales which operate on railway stations, in airports and at hospitals in 32 countries.
Photo credit: Diageo
Photo credit: Flickr/William Murphy
NAVANTIA DEAL: H&W facilities acquired by the Spanish company.
DEBRA CREW: Chief executive at Guinness owner, Diageo.
3I Group 3.826,00 3.861,00 3.822,00 99,59K Admiral Group 2.695,0 2.700,0 2.684,0 15,88K
Airtel Africa 142,90 144,20 142,80 234,52K Anglo American 2.310,5 2.337,0 2.301,0 119,94K
Antofagasta 1.663,00 1.673,00 1.657,00 69,17K
Ashtead Group 5.164,0 5.214,0 5.134,0 75,14K Associated British Foods 1.862,5 1.890,5 1.857,5 41,75K AstraZeneca 11.266,8 11.316,0 11.228,0 122,3K
Auto Trader Group Plc 776,60 783,20 776,40 302,07K
Aviva 505,23 506,86 500,80 1,58M
B&M European Value Retail SA 319,20 320,20 317,00 207,67K
BAE Systems 1.225,00 1.229,50 1.213,50 485,63K Barclays 290,75 291,35 287,21 4,22M
Barratt Redrow 447,00 448,10 443,30 202,57K
Beazley 829,00 832,00 820,00 46,38K
Berkeley 3.800,0 3.836,0 3.792,0 19,04K
BP 418,70 421,00 417,00 4,37M
British American Tobacco 3.182,0 3.225,0 3.182,0 348,62K
BT Group 142,52 143,00 140,05 1,49M Bunzl 3.404,0 3.428,0 3.402,0 16,77K Centrica 141,65 142,70 140,99 1,25M
2.842,0 2.782,0 57,05K
2.783,00 2.794,00 2.773,00 197,07K
Group 240,40 243,90 240,40 314,72K
Intl 3.244,1 3.289,0 3.238,0 19,23K
5.480,0 5.575,0 5.465,0 16,14K
2.346,8 2.374,0
96,79K
688,71 691,50 674,00 120,21K
Euro
EUR/GBP: Up from £0.82 to £0.84
EUR/USD: Unchanged at $1.04
Trade in the euro has been mixed over the past month amid uneven Eurozone economic releases and dovish signals from the European Central Bank (ECB).
In terms of data, while there have been a couple of positive releases, this was largely offset by confirmation that Germany’s economy contracted for a second consecutive year in 2024.
Dovish commentary from the European Central Bank (ECB) has also dragged on EUR exchange rates, while the euro’s negative correlation with the US dollar has also infused volatility into the single currency in recent weeks.
Still to come this month is the ECB’s latest interest rate decision. An expected rate cut from the bank could see the euro end
Currency outlook: Pound rocked by UK bond market turmoil, US dollar soars amid falling Fed rate cut bets
January on a sour note, particularly if the bank hints that more easing will be needed in the coming months.
Pound
GBP/EUR: Down from €1.20 to €1.18
GBP/USD: Down from $1.25 to $1.23
The pound has gotten off to a dreadful start in 2025, with GBP exchange rates sliding to multi-month lows amid turmoil in the UK bond market.
GBP investors were rattled as government borrowing costs surged to a new three-decade high, sparking fears of additional tax hikes and spending cuts from Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
A surprise slowdown in UK inflation then offered some respite to Sterling, as bets for a Bank of England (BoE) rate cut next month helped to calm markets. Unsurprisingly, the focus now turns to the BoE’s rate decision at the start of February. With market conditions having now
normalised, we expect an announcement to cut interest rates will likely weigh on the pound.
US Dollar
USD/GBP: Up from £0.79 to £0.81
USD/EUR: Unchanged at €0.96
The US dollar continued to attract notable support over the past month, with the currency striking a new multi-year high along the way.
This was linked to expecta-
tions for the incoming Donald Trump administration, as well as the falling odds that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year.
However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the US dollar, with the currency giving up some ground as markets speculated over the timing of his tariff plans.
Going forward, it seems safe to assume that movement in the US dollar will be tied to Trump’s first moves in office. The more his remarks rattle markets, the more we are likely to see investors favour the safe-haven US dollar.
Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 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.
Trade in the euro has been mixed over the past month.
• News from Our Other 6
Costa del Sol Sport city
TORREMOLINOS will see a total of 982 foreign athletes pass through the sports facilities throughout the month of February, and it’s a big money bet that’s paying off for the town.
The presence of these athletes will generate a direct economic impact of €492,320 with 6,154 overnight stays in the town’s hotels. Specifically, a total of 42 groups, including 24 swimming teams with 562 swimmers and 18 football clubs with 420 players, are arriving in Torremolinos.
From the point of view of Torremolinos Council, it is a new sample of what we call ‘sports tourism’.
The vast majority of the swimming teams, who will train at the Virgen del Carmen III pool, come mostly from the UK, although there will also be groups from France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium and Romania. Among the football teams that will land in the town, most will come from Switzerland but there will also be teams from France, Germany, Denmark and Norway.
Axarquia Nerja’s strong economy
NERJA recently shared their unemployment figures for 2024. Nerja ended 2024 with a significant 14.9 per cent decrease in unemployment, leading the eastern Costa del Sol region. This means 237 fewer people are unemployed compared to 2023, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística) and the Argos Observatory of the Junta de Andalucia (Regional Government of Andalucia).
Mayor José Alberto Armijo called the numbers ‘very positive’, pointing out the healthy state of Nerja’s economy and the boost in job creation. He highlighted the town’s efforts to become more attractive for both residents and businesses, with a special mention to the tourism sector, which has expanded its services by hiring more staff. This growth is largely due to the high tourism occupancy in 2024.
Ángela Díaz, the councillor for Human Resources also expressed the town’s ongoing commitment to active employment policies.
Costa Blanca North A Nation decides
WITH the Eurovision excitement building, after an intense few weeks of rehearsals, press conferences, and televised performances, the time to celebrate has finally arrived. An equally combined judging panel and public vote have led to Melody being declared the winner of Benidorm Fest 2025. She will now perform her song, Esa Diva, as the Spanish entry for Eurovision 2025, which will take place in Basel in May. A total of 37 countries will battle it out at what can only be described as the ‘Olympics of pop music’.
Spain, together with France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and last year’s winner Switzerland, are automatically pre-qualified for the Grand Final. The remaining countries will first compete in two semi-finals with the top 10 from each going through to the Grand Final which takes place on May 17.
Benidorm Fest was held live at the Palau Municipal d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm and attracted a television audience of nearly two million viewers.
Newspapers •
Costa Blanca South Coastal boom
THE Costa Blanca is the true standout in the Valencian Community’s growth story, drawing people in with its unique charm, economic opportunities, and sunny lifestyle.
A recent report commissioned by the Valencian Government shows the Costa Blanca has become a key player in shaping the region’s demographic and economic expansion.
The Costa Blanca’s impact is evident in towns like Torrevieja, which now boasts 94,803 residents. Tourism and international migration fuel this vibrant area, making it one of the fastest-growing spots along the southern coast. Nearby, Orihuela adds to Costa Blanca’s influence with a population of 83,720, combining its historical appeal with steady urban development.
Whether it’s through busy towns or smaller hubs spread along the coastline, the Costa Blanca remains the heart of this Mediterranean success story.
Almeria Almeria takes centre stage
BETWEEN February 5 and 7, the city of Berlin will serve as a global hub for the fruit and vegetable industry. This marks the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Fruit Logistica, a German trade fair that provides an opportunity for professionals from across the globe to connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses within this crucial business sector.
The event is taking place at the Messe Berlin Exhibition and Congress Centre, and more than 2,500 exhibitors from 86 countries are showcasing their products and innovations.
Additionally, around 66,000 professional visitors from 145 different countries are in attendance, highlighting the global significance of this gathering.
Spain is playing an important role in this year’s event, with Almeria being represented by a delegation of over 400 individuals, from approximately 100 companies from Almeria. However, this is not surprising given its status as the national leader in fruit and vegetable exports.
Costa Calida
Toasting Murcia’s success
TWENTY-FOUR wineries from Murcia are putting their best wines on display at Barcelona Wine Week, an international trade fair. The event gives local producers a chance to connect with buyers from around the world and expand into new markets.
The wineries, representing the three official wine regions of Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas, are not only presenting their wines but also hosting special tastings in luxury hotels. A highlight of the event is a food and wine pairing competition, with the winner set to be announced.
Murcia’s wine exports continue to grow, reaching over €144 million between January and November 2024. The United States remains the biggest buyer, followed by Germany, the UK, and Canada. Exports to France have also increased by 83 per cent, bringing in nearly €7 million.
Regional officials stress the importance of events like this in promoting Murcia’s wines.
PETS
The perfect space
DETERMINING whether your cat is better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle depends on their personality, behaviour, and needs. Cats thrive in environments that align with their natural instincts, so observing your feline companion can help guide your decision.
Indoor cats are often more relaxed, content to spend their days lounging in sunny spots or playing with interactive toys. These cats may show little interest in the outside world or seem hesitant near open doors or windows. Indoor living is ideal for cats that are timid, less active, or live in urban areas where outdoor dangers like traffic or predators are a concern.
Outdoor cats, on the other hand, are adventurous and energetic, often displaying curiosity toward the outdoors. They may spend hours watching birds from the window or trying to slip outside. These cats benefit from the stimulation of exploring, climbing, and hunting.
For a balanced approach, consider supervised outdoor time using a leash or secure garden space, ensuring their safety while satisfying their instincts. Understanding your cat’s preferences ensures they live happily and healthily.
Rio loves walking with the dog-sitter
RIO is a pretty adventurous dog, and a great woods walker. Dogsitters are asked to walk him twice a day because he has a lot of energy. Moreover he’s so accustomed to having dogsitters look after him that he happily poses for photos the sitter can then send to his owner Gillian when she travels away from home.
HouseSitMatch saves you money - pet-sitting is free for pet owners and accommodation is free for sitters
We remain true to our values, promoting collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care!
1. Register as a house.sitter or a home owner on HouseSitMatch.
2. Join for as little as £89 / €99
3. Create a profile with photos
4. Sitters apply for the available house-sits, you hold a video interview via the site and match!
How does it work?
Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and home owners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.
/ Sergio Photone
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. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets.
If you’re travelling in 2025 join now and get organised today:
Trustpilot Testimonials4.9 / 5 Excellent
We’ve used HouseSitMatch for the last few years to find caring pet-sitters for our family of pets. It’s been a great experience; the sitters are caring and we’ve made some wonderful friends through the process.
Pat Creighton, Pet owner
How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!
Palentine’s treats
VALENTINE’S Day isn’t just for humans - our pets deserve a little extra love too! Treating your furry friend to something special is a great way to celebrate the occasion while ensuring they enjoy a delicious and healthy snack.
Home-made pet treats are a fun way to show you care. For dogs, heart-shaped peanut butter and oat biscuits are a wholesome choice, while cats might enjoy tuna-flavoured treats made with simple, natural ingredients. Always ensure ingredients are pet-safe by avoiding chocolate, xylitol, and excessive sugar.
Valentine’s treats are available in stores, from gourmet biscuits to themed chew toys. Some brands even offer pink or red treats made with natural colourings like beetroot.
Beyond food, spending quality time with your petwhether it’s an extra-long walk, a cosy cuddle session, or a new toy - can be the perfect way to make them feel special. After all, love knows no bounds, especially when it comes to our four-legged friends.
Shutterstock
Madrid’s ‘new signing’ for City clash
REAL MADRID are ready to unveil an unexpected ‘new signing’ when they face Manchester City in their upcoming Champions League knockout.
Madrid and City have turned into near-annual rivals in Europe’s biggest competition. They’ve faced off in the semi-finals twice and the quarterfinals just last season. Madrid famously triumphed in 2022, then City got their revenge a year later and lifted the trophy. In 2024, Ancelotti’s men sneaked past City on penalties in the quarterfinal before marching on to conquer Bayern in the semis and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, securing their record-extending 15th Champions League crown.
This time round, the first leg on Tuesday February 11 heads to the Etihad, with the decisive second clash at the Bernabeu just eight days later. Expect fireworks - and a possible new secret weapon in white.
Fans have been buzzing about Da-
vid Alaba’s long-awaited return. He’s been sidelined since suffering a devastating ACL rupture in December 2023. After more than a year out, Alaba finally made a brief cameo against Brest, enjoying eight precious minutes on the pitch.
Ancelotti is desperate to shore up a shaky defence that’s left him ‘breaking out in cold sweats’. With Eder Militao ruled out by a second ACL tear in as many seasons and President Florentino Perez keeping the chequebook firmly shut, Alaba might just be the tonic Real Madrid need at centre-back. The Austrian veteran brings 119 Champions League appearances and three final outings to the table.
Real Madrid’s ‘new signing’ for Man City clash - it’s not who you think!