Euro Weekly News - Mallorca 19 - 25 February 2015 Issue 1546 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

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19 - 25 FEBRUARY 2015

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Help for expat drivers EWNâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;EXCLUSIVE By Iain Dempsey IN a David and Goliath-type case, an expatriate advice bureau is threatening to take the Spanish Government to court over a driving licence debacle. As confusion reigns over whether or not EU citizens have to change their driving licences for a Spanish one, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Spain has vowed to pursue the Spanish traffic authority through the courts. As reported in the Euro Weekly News (EWN), the Spanish traffic department (DGT) has said that people holding the old style UK paper licence with an expiration date of more than 15 years must

OSCAR IN THE MIDDLE FLICKR

ISSUE NO. 1546

change it after being resident in the country for two years. Crucially, though, holders of the new style plastic photo card licence, valid for a total period of 10 years, do not have to change

theirs until the date runs out. This may not be the case if the DGT protocol is followed as some of these licences may include specific categories. Turn to Page 4

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INDEX News 1 - 16 Finance 17 - 22

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Duke and duchess to pay off debts

Letters 23 Leapy Lee 24 Daily TV 30 Time Out 32 - 33 Health & Beauty 34 - 35 Food 37 Homes & Gardens 40 Property 41 Classifieds 42 - 43 Boating 44 - 45 Motoring 46 Sport 48

INFANTA Cristina of Spain and her husband Iñaki Urdangarin have been requested to pay €254,000 to the Ministry of Finance from the sale of their mansion. The couple applied for permission from a judge to sell the property located in Pedralbes (Barcelona). Half of it was placed under embargo by the judge at the beginning of the Noos case. The judge accepted the couple’s petition and is now asking more than €250,000 to be put towards paying off a debt owed to the Tax Office. In addition, 3 per cent from the total value of the home - around €210,000 - will be counted as tax, as the couple are not registered as residents of the European Community; the Duke and Duchess of Palma have lived in Switzerland since 2013. The buyer’s identity has not been revealed, although the couple have already received a €300,000 deposit from a Barcelona lawyer who represents said buyer.

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substantial 15.3 per cent higher than in 2009, according to Mr Martinez. Last year’s average spending per tourist per day was €107, 9 per cent higher than in 2009. The total value of overnight stays in 2014 amounted to €111.3 million, almost 3 per cent more than the previous year. The largest number of tourists

Fallen lamp FOUR people suffered minor injuries last Sunday (February 15) as a result of a street lamp which fell onto them in Avenida del Tren (Inca). Driverless car A 75-YEAR-OLD woman died last Saturday (February 14) after being run over by a car without a driver in Ses Salines. The vehicle started moving backwards as its owner had forgotten to put the handbrake on. Better information CALA MINOR has edited new tourist guides in Spanish, Catalan, English, German and French with updated information which can be collected at the Tourism Office of Son Servera and Sant Llorenç. Classic cars record A TOTAL of 365 classic vehicles (290 cars and 75 motorcycles) paraded around Palma last Sunday (February 15) in the largest classic vehicle meet-up registered in the history of Mallorca.

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came from Germany, with 4.1 million visitors, followed by Britain (3.3 million), Spain (2.2 million), Italy (more than 600,000), and France (more than 400,000). Mr Martinez explained that the number of Germans is now similar to the figures registered before the beginning of the financial crisis, and the number of Spanish tourists has gone back to those of 2010.

Flamenco: an authentic taste of the real Spain PROUD AND FLAMBOYANT: Spain’s famous dance form.

SIDE from bullfighting, Don Quixote, paella, sun, sand and sangria, nothing screams ‘Spain’ more than flamenco. The frilly dresses, the plaintive cries of the songs, the flowers in the hair, the intense finger strumming of the guitar and the staccato of clapping hands are so synonymous with Spain that flamenco has been featured in tourism campaigns for the country down through the ages. Originating in Andalucian gypsy culture, flamenco has become a worldwide, symbol representing all things Spanish. Visit any tourist shop in Spain and there will be row upon row of flamencothemed statuettes, dolls, pictures, fans, key-rings, ashtrays and dresses, as the tourism industry learned long ago that flamenco is one of the main draws for

Quote of the Week It’s not the worst injury I’ve seen, but it’s the biggest goring wound I’ve ever had to operate on,’ said Dr Enrique Crespo who was called to operate on an American man who was viciously gored by a bull at the Carnaval del Toro festival in western Salamanca.

Lower than average THE Balearic Islands have registered 179 flu cases per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure which is lower than the national average. The data was released by the National Network of Epidemics Surveillance, from the Carlos III Health institute.

THE 13.5 million tourists who visited the Balearic Islands in 2014 spent €12 billion, a record figure in the history of the Islands. Jaime Martinez, Tourism and Sports councillor of the Balearic Regional Government, said the results were expected to be even better this year. The number of people holidaying on the islands last year was a

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Tourism fair THE Balearic Island’s Tourism Agency participated between February 12 and 14 in the International Tourism Fair of Milan, seeking to promote the islands’ tourism attractions in the Italian market.

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Tourist numbers rally in 2014

Photo: Francesco/flickr

Better treatment THE FSIE private schools union trade has voiced complaints claiming that the Education Regional Department is not properly assisting students with disabilities in semi-private schools.

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foreign visitors. One of the country’s biggest flamenco festivals kicks off tomorrow (February 20) in Jerez, one of the birthplaces of the flamboyant and proud form of dance. The Festival de Jerez attracts the most famous flamenco artists in Spain, and performers and students from all over the world descend on Jerez to take part in specialised workshops and classes taught by only the best instructors. But for the casual observer, fan, or visiting tourist looking for some authentic Spanish flamenco, the outstanding list of shows over the two-week festival makes the Jerez event a must-visit if you’re looking for that genuine flavour of Spain. The Festival de Jerez runs from February 20 to March 7. For more information visit www.festivaldejerez.es

Number of the week

12.8

million is the number of people in Spain at risk of poverty and social exclusion, and the number finding themselves in the situation is still rising, according to the European Anti-Poverty Network.

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ews watch

Unveiled car

PALMA’S airport hosts until today (February 19) the national presentation of the new electric car of German company Audi, called Audi a3 Sportback e-tron.

Failed escape A MAN was taken into custody after he hit a car in Can Pastilla and crashed against 11 other cars when he attempted to escape. The breath test gave a result three times over the limit.

Charity concert A CHARITY concert organised by Mallorca Sense Fam will be held today (February 19) at 7pm in the TRUI Teatre in Palma. Tickets are €10 and proceeds will be donated to local poor families.

Eco awards A TOTAL of 38 organisations in the Balearic Islands have received Eco-Management and Audit Scheme Awards (EMAS) for their environment-friendly policies.

Short movies THE natural park S’Albufera in Mallorca has launched a Micro-film contest of threeminute movies recorded with mobile devices featuring the park. Participants can send their files to micrometratges albufera@gmail.com until April 24.

Jazz swing A JAZZ SWING concert will be held today (February 19) at 8pm in El Pesquero (Passeig maritime, Moll de la Llonja) in Palma.

And finally... A WILD boar caused havoc at Madrid’s Barajas airport when it broke through a perimeter fence and caused runways to shut. The beast set off security alarms around 100 metres from the nearest stretch of runway, and an incoming flight from London was delayed by 20 minutes, and another from A Coruña by 10 minutes.

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CAB vows to help expat drivers over licence fines From Front Page However, the problem is the department has been giving out contradictory advice, with reports of some expats having been fined for non-compliance. The DGT has been using an option in the EU directive that has never been made law, so insisted that people changed their photo card licences before January 19, 2015. This included photo card licences with categories in Group Two (BTP, C1, C1E, C, DE D1, DE). This would be all UK licences issued before 1997, says CAB Spain. Set up by Myra Azzopardi Swainson, the bureau has now vowed to help any expat drivers who have been fined for not holding a Spanish EU licence. “The protocol is not enforceable because it is only an option of the EU directive and cannot be brought into being without being made law and transposed into the Spanish ‘normativa’,” said Myra. “Spain has used the EU directive option to demand that all expats

LICENCE FINE: ‘No law in place’. Inset: Myra Azzopardi Swainson. change their licences, but there is no law in place that requires them to do so, and therefore they shouldn’t be fined. It’s a mistake, it’s not enforceable and we have written to

the DGT asking them to amend what they’re saying and to clarify what ‘normativa’ is being used to implement this demand. “We are willing to pursue this through the courts if there is no amendment from the DGT.” Myra added that CAB Spain has one solid case of a person being fined for breaching the DGT regulation, and it will fight for anybody else fined by bringing the matter to the courts. “We are confident that drivers cannot be fined if they haven’t changed their photo card licence, but our advice is for people to make their own decisions as to whether or not to change their licence. Until the DGT makes an amendment it still stands that a person can be fined, even though it’s not the law.” CAB Spain has urged anyone who has been fined under the directive to contact them on 952 797 821. Their website is www.citizensadvice.org.es

Our View

Headache-inducing motoring problems

‘E

XASPERATING’ would be a fitting word to describe the recent spate of problems, confusion and rule changes regarding driving in Spain, particularly for expats. It would appear that the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing when it comes to the Spanish system for implementing new road and driving regulations, and it is becoming increasingly frustrating to be a motorist simply wanting to get around. The issue of UK driving licenceholders needing to change to a Spanish licence is one that is interpreted differently in different parts of the country and national departments often contradict each other. People are now incorrectly receiving fines for €200 for an out-of-date ITV inspection because systems are not being updated immediately.

Speeding fines are due to go EUwide in the near future, and that is bound to throw up another plethora of headaches, questions and confusion. Put simply, nobody really knows where they stand. There needs to be nationwide agreement on motoring issues and better systems put in place so people are aware of what they can and can’t do on Spanish roads. We all love this country – it’s our home – but some of the inefficient systems in place can be at times testing. On a lighter note, we loved the story about the Malaga shoeshine man who, having registered the @riodejaneiro Twitter handle years ago, handed it over for free to Rio City Hall to help them promote next year’s Olympic Games. We think the Brazilian authorities should invite Javier Castano – who earns €30 a day shining shoes – for an all-expenses-paid trip to Rio.

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Paris hotel MALLORCA Hotel Company Melia will inaugurate the ‘Melia Paris La Defense’ in March, its sixth hotel in the French capital which represents the biggest four-star hotel inaugurated in the city for the past 10 years.

DJ returns FRENCH disc jockey David Guetta has announced he will perform in Magaluf next summer on August 21 at the Hotel BH Mallorca.

Info boards CAPDEPERA Council has placed new information boards in places such as Cala Rajada, Plaça dels pins and Plaça del Centre Cap with maps, details of services, etc.

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Marratxi poor get help with electricity bills POORER families in Marratxi will benefit from an agreement signed by electricity company Endesa and the town council. The company has committed to guaranteeing the power supply for families on low incomes. In these cases, the company will avoid cutting off the supply as soon as they receive notice from the council that the family is benefiting from municipal aid. In addition, energy bills generated by poorer families who are at risk of poverty will be paid by the council.

Gender pay gap THE gender pay gap in the Balearics is the lowest in Spain, together with the Canary Islands. Women in the Balearic Islands earn 16.7 per cent less than men doing a job of the same kind, while the national figure is currently at 23.9 per cent, according to the data provided by labour union UGT. The figures also showed that the rate is the highest since 2002 and the result of a progressive increase since the beginning of the financial crisis. It is estimated that a woman will have to work 11 and a half years more than a man to be able to qualify for the same pension when they retire.

Leap in low-cost travellers LOW-COST airlines brought a total of 33,809 passengers to the Balearics in January. These figures translate to a 17.9 per cent increase compared to the

same month in 2014, according to data provided by the Industry, Energy and Tourism Ministry. The Balearic Islands are one of the

autonomous communities in Spain registering the highest increase on last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s figures, only exceeded by Madrid, which saw a leap of 34 per cent.

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Prices fall in the Balearic Islands PRICES in the Balearic Islands have fallen by 1.2 per cent in January, compared with the previous month. The National Institute of Statistics (INE) measured a reduction of clothing, transport and footwear prices on the islands. The annual Consumer Price Index (IPC) in the Islands is currently at -1.1 per cent. The biggest reductions were in clothing and shoe prices, which have fallen by 12.9 per cent in the Balearic Islands, followed by transport costs, which have dropped by 2.1 per cent, and culture and leisure services, down 1.6 per cent. In addition hotels, cafes and restaurants’ prices have fallen by 0.6 per cent. On the other hand, property prices have increased by 0.6 per cent, as well as food, alcoholic

REDUCTION: In clothing and shoe prices. beverages and tobacco, which have registered a 0.3 increase.

Palma airport’s great results PALMA airport increased its number of flights by 6.5 per cent in January.

In total, 5,951 flights were registered, according to airports

authority, AENA. The number of passengers also showed positive results, a total of 564,900 people, which translates into a 2.6 per cent growth if compared to the same month in 2014. A positive trend has been registered as it is the third consecutive month during this year’s low season in which the airport has shown growth.

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Worker injured A 56-YEAR-OLD man was severely injured after the electricity pole he was working on fell to the ground. The accident took place in Felanitx and the man taken to the Juaneda Clinic.

Noisy party

A MAN has been jailed for 20 years for murdering his former partner by stabbing her 19

FORTY youths in Bunyola insulted and chased a Local Police officer back to the station after she attempted to stop the party they had organised in a local square due to residents’ complaints about the noise.

Body found GUARDIA CIVIL in Palma Nova are investigating the death of a 67-year-old man who was found in an advanced state of decomposition at a restaurant’s warehouse in Peguera.

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20 year sentence for murdering ex partner Cristian Bortes

Shotgun siege in Alcudia

times. The accused, Joan BP, will also have to pay €150,000 to the two children they had in

common. A 500-metre restraining order has also being issued against him for a period of 25 years. The incident occurred in February 2013, when the woman GUN THREAT: opened the door of her Police had home in the town of to to Arta. The man was carrying a large knife subdue and an awl. the young The couple had man. maintained a friendly relationship after their break up and the victim let him inside the property. However, he started stabbing her repeatedly using both instruments, GUARDIA CIVIL subdued a man after he locked up to 19 times. After himself inside his home in Alcudia with a shotgun the murder, the and threatened to shoot those who approached accused tried to him. commit suicide by The incident happened on Monday (February stabbing himself, but 16) when, according to the information released was finally stopped by by police, the 20-year-old man locked himself up Guardia Civil officers. in the family home in Calle Amoros.

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Burglary suspect arrested in Inca A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested by Guardia Civil for allegedly breaking into a home in Inca. The man had reportedly taken objects worth up to €15,000, including a motorcycle and two bikes. Police were alerted by a resident who reported the various objects missing as well as motorcycling equipment and several helmets. On the same day, officers found the motorcycle at a construction site and after several hours of surveillance, caught the alleged burglar red-handed while he was trying to recover the stolen vehicle. After a home search, police officers were able to return all the stolen items to the victim.

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Protection for the black vulture in Palma

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Tree cut

Phone guide A MOBILE phone application called Watch About will provide information on Andratx’s hiking routes. Visitors will be able to choose a route as well as learning about its main interest points.

Political moan POLITICAL PARTY Proposta per les Illes of Inca has complained about the lack of maintenance around the town’s municipal sports facilities, green areas and streets.

CLOSE to 70 volunteers will work towards preserving the Black Vulture in Palma de

Mallorca this year. Two associations, the Foundation for the Black Vulture’s Conservation (BVCF) and the Wildlife of the Mediterranean Foundation will work together to protect the 160 vultures currently living in an area of around 5,000 hectares in the Tramuntana mountain range. Black vultures are BLACK VULTURE: Iconic species.

Juan Manuel Garcia Butron on Wikimedia Commons.

A 100-YEAR-OLD large black poplar located at the Port de Soller road (Ma-1134) has been cut by the council to increase safety.

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an iconic species in the area, as Mallorca is the only Mediterranean island where they can be found, thanks in part to the efforts of these associations during the past 30 years. “In 2014, 17 baby vultures were seen flying around the area, but we also had three pairs which left their nests as they felt threatened by humans,” said head of the foundations, Juanjo Sanchez.

Improved waste-water plant THE Balearic Islands regional government will spend €4.8 million to improve and renovate the municipal waste-water treatment plant in Sa Coma (Sant Llorenç des Cardassar). Plans were unveiled by regional

government spokesperson, Nuria Riera, who explained that the council would be in charge of putting the project out to public tender. Payment for the project is to be made in 10 annual instalments.

The main concern for experts is the vultures’ development cycle. Baby vultures are born weighing around 200 grammes and can only be independent after they have reached around eight kilos. However, loud noises scare their mothers away, forcing them to leave their nests and their babies, which consequently die. “Two loud noises would be enough for the mother to fly away,” said Sanchez. Amongst the volunteers’ duties will be to make sure visitors are aware of the negative impact that their presence has where vulture nests are located and to advise them to take alternative routes.

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Plans for sports facilities SANTANYI COUNCIL will pay €1.2 million to improve the town’s sports facilities. Plans are to create a municipal gym, which the council says will offer services at very affordable prices. In addition, two new changing rooms will be added and the smaller pool will undergo renovations. A new entrance hall, a reception, a waiting room, several offices, toilets and a room for multiple uses are also to be built. Mayor Llorenç Galmes stressed the great importance of this investment, which has been made in response to requests from the area’s residents.

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University researchers could predict obesity

Helping entrepreneurs in Arta with new office

INVESTIGATORS at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) have identified a nutrigenomic biomarker that could predict obesity. The Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology Laboratory of the UIB have created a method to predict and prevent obesity and health conditions related to being overweight. The tendency towards obesity is the result of several factors, say the researchers, which often have to do with pathological and physiological changes which occur in different stages of life. Investigators at the UIB believe that the kind of diet followed by a mother during pregnancy could register in the baby’s genes and chromosomes, and could determine a higher or lower tendency for descendants to suffer from obesity.

YOUNG entrepreneurs and business owners in Arta are to benefit from a new space in the Ses Escoles building. The public offices previously located in the municipal building have been relocated to

Can Solivelles. Arta Council will provide those who request it with a space where they can develop their business projects. “The idea is for them to have their own office at an affordable price.

In a second stage, we will create a business incubator. If the experts think the project is viable, the owners will be given a series of resources and services to develop it,” said the mayor, Bartomeu Gili.

Balearics show positive figures

ON THE MOVE: Looking for work.

MORE than 26,000 Balearic residents left the islands to work in a different province in 2014, according to a new study. The data, provided by the human resources company Randstad, also shows that 65,098 people arrived on the islands to work, consequently resulting in a positive employment figure of 29,935 workers. The job mobility rate (measuring workers who leave to a different province to work) was at 10.6 per cent, slightly lower than the national average, which amounts to 12.6 per cent.

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E W N 19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca COSTA BLANCA NORTH

No charge JAVEA Town Hall opposed Generalitat regional government plans to privatise parking at the port. Parking is already a problem in the area and restricting the harbour would be detrimental to the fish market, sources said.

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News from our editions With six editions and read by more than half a million people, EWN is Spain’s largest free local English-language newspaper

NEWS DESK Wanted man caught TORREMOLINOS police arrested a 19-yearold Estonian man upon discovering a Tallin court had issued a European detention order for him. The youth had a pending 18month jail sentence in Estonia for drugtrafficking.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Fishing tackle

New jobs

A SECONDARY school in traditional fishing town Villajoyosa has introduced a vocational course on fishing to the syllabus. It hopes to attract young people to a rapidly-disappearing occupation.

JANUARY saw 1,050 work contracts signed in Elda, more than any other municipality in Alicante Province municipality. Despite the town’s extensive number of footwear factories, most of the new jobs were in service industries.

Clear speech FOREIGN tourists reporting crimes at Benidorm’s SATE office increased by 40 per cent last year. Of the 1,750 people seeking help in their own language, 1,148 were from the UK or Ireland.

Paint job THREE graffiti artists were arrested for defacing five carriages of a train held up at Alcoy station. Rail operator Renfe intends to prosecute and will reclaim the cost of cleaning the carriages.

Need to know PINOSO asked the central government whether crude oil will finally be stored there. Two six-year licences granted to Invexta Recursos to study the project have expired, the town hall reminded Madrid.

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

Agricultural visits STUDENTS from the University of Almeria have spent some time in the Almanzora valley visiting goat farms. The visits were to learn more about their management.

Lucky seven SEVEN entrepreneurs in Almeria are benefiting from a cash injection intended to launch new businesses. The businesses include Whatsabi Sushi Tapas, El Patio de Vecinas and Kebap Mag.

Fire fire ALMOST 30 per cent of 1,087 call-outs for the fire service in Almeria City were for bins and containers. In total, the fire station in Almeria City attended 162 fires in bins, 91 in homes and 75 in cars.

Chacon triumphs FRANCISCO CHACON EGEA from Mojacar Bike has triumphed at the 40 kilometre

Victim protection COW SHARK: Had to be winched from the beach.

Two sharks visit TWO sharks recently visited the Marina Baja. One, a bluntnose sixgill shark commonly known as the cow shark, was washed up in Albir where it was found early in the morning by two beach cleaners. The 2.7-metre shark was probably young as an adult grows to around five metres, municipal biologist Jose Manuel Perez believed. It had been dead for around 15 hours, but bore no external wounds and possibly died from the same virus that has recently killed dolphins, Perez said. MTB race in Turre. He was announced the winner after a photo finish with Daniel Estevez Fernandez from Filabres.

Plastic cover ALMERIA Province has 29,596 hectares of agricultural land under plastic cover, 10.5 per cent more than 2010. El Ejido accounts for 41 per cent with 12,286 hectares.

Fines lights ALMERIA Province has provided €50,000 to finance the replacement of 725 street lights in Fines. The new lighting is expected to save the town approximately 60 per cent on its annual electricity bills.

COSTA DEL SOL

Zombies in Coin ALMOST half the scenes of a Spanish Walking Dead-style television series, Rabia, have been filmed at locations in Coin and the Guadalhorce valley. The series is due to be launched in April.

The harmless cow shark, which would normally live at a greater depth, could also have approached the shore in search of fish. It was winched from the beach by the Local Police and later collected by Valencia University biologists. The other, a four metre thresher shark weighing 109 kilos, was caught in the nets of Benidorm fishing boat, La Cartagenera, as it trawled a few kilometres from the coast. It later fetched €3 a kilo at Villajoyosa’s fish market.

Greener lighting LED streetlights are being installed on Marbella streets in an attempt to save energy, reduce bills and make the area as attractive as possible, while caring for the environment.

English guide TWENTY thousand copies of Disfruta Mijas Senda Litoral, a user’s guide for the recently completed coastal path that runs along Mijas’s beaches, will be printed in English and distributed at establishments along the route before Easter.

Russian film festival MARBELLA will be hosting the third edition of the International Russian Cinema Festival from March 1-6 at the Palacio de Congresos Adolfo Suarez. Original versions of 11 popular Russian films will be screened with Spanish subtitles.

MORE than 8,000 victims of gender violence in the Valencian Community are safeguarded by a computer system that allows police and Guardia Civil to control and protect victims’ movements.

Gas theft SEVEN people have been arrested in Puerto Lumbreras, Murcia, for stealing 200 butane gas bottles from a warehouse in the town.

Motorway fire A VEHICLE caught fire a few metres from the exit of Orihuela-Benferri on the A-7 motorway. Firefighters extinguished the flames and no one was injured.

Earthquake AN earthquake measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale occurred about seven miles off the coast of Torrevieja. It is the fifth earthquake in the area in four months.

AXARQUIA

Aiding Saharans A TOTAL of 4,000 kilos of food has been raised by the association ‘Friends of the Sahara People’ in Velez-Malaga. It was donated by local schools and will be given to the Saharan community in the refugee camps of Tinduf (Argelia).

Dealer caught GUARDIA CIVIL officers in Comenar (Axarquia) arrested a Colombian man who was carrying 88 grammes of cocaine ready for distribution.

Car accident TWO men suffered severe injuries after their vehicle swerved violently off the A-7 motorway in Velez-Malaga and rolled over.

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A long waiting list for moorings THERE are still around 3,000 people waiting for mooring spaces listed with the APB Balearic Port Authority. The authority has confirmed that it is aware of the problem but that the situation has greatly improved in the last number of years. “We know there is still a long list, but when we came to power there were

5,654 on the waiting list, now those figures have been cut to 3,000 and we’re working to reduce the rest even further,” said APB director Antoni Duedero. Some boat owners have been on the waiting list for years, but the APB is contacting people to see whether or not they still want a mooring.

Rubbish exports are not wanted THE Ornithological Group of the Balearic Islands (GOB) is to team up with Northern Ireland’s Green Party in a joint effort to stop rubbish from Northern Ireland being exported to Mallorca. They have held meetings in Mallorca to stop the exportation of manure and other kinds of waste to Mallorca for incineration. “Amongst the actions agreed are to gather our own data on air contamination produced by the rubbish incinerator and to request an audit on the company in charge regarding the financial and legal aspects of their contract,” said a press release from GOB.

Bar trade picks up PALMA bars and restaurants have registered their best winter since the beginning of the financial crisis in 2008. Despite the bad weather at the beginning of the year, 2015 has so far treated bar and restaurant owners better than in previous years and their performance shows a positive trend.

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S CANDINAVIAN P RESS

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Stories making headlines in Europe

GERMAN PRESS Drinks ban

BRITISH PRESS Fewer controls DENMARK: Danish airports have called for fewer security controls, citing inconsistency and inconvenience to passengers.

Scout island DENMARK: An island off the coast of Copenhagen has been purchased on behalf of the Danish Scouting Organisation for activities and lessons.

A cut above SWEDEN: Hairdressing is the most common job among foreigners living in Sweden, according to the country’s official statistics agency.

Alien existence DAME Helen Mirren has described the royal family as “aliens” because they live in a world that nobody else can imagine. The 69-year-old actress has played the Queen four times on film, television and plays.

Fans anger

Most romantic SWEET manufacturer Rolo’s ‘Do you love anyone enough to give them your last Rolo?’ has been voted the most romantic ad of all time by UK television viewers. It beat the classic Milk Tray man ads and the Nestle coffee couple.

Prince promoted

ENGLAND rugby fans have expressed their anger at six different international jerseys costing £90 each being released for sale in the space of only 10 months, ahead of this summer’s Rugby World Cup.

PRINCE ANDREW has been promoted to rank of vice-admiral by the Queen ahead of his 55th birthday on February 19. He joined the Navy at the age of 18 and fought in the Falklands before retiring at 41.

Schedule change SEVENTY per cent of head teachers plan to change term dates when they are given powers to set schedules in September, in order to facilitate families looking for cheaper holidays during offpeak times.

DAME HELEN MIRREN: Royal family live “alien” existence.

Safe drivers SWEDEN: Forty-seven per cent of European drivers polled believe that Swedish motorists are the least reckless in Europe.

Bad year NORWAY: Norwegian Air Shuttle posted its first loss for seven years in 2014. The company had a loss of €120 million last year.

A-ha back! NORWAY: Eighties pop sensation A-ha, from Norway, will reform for a concert in Brazil this summer to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Neo-Nazi rise NORWAY: The head of Norway’s intelligence agency has said that the country is increasingly under threat from neoNazi groups.

Photo: Isriya Paireepairit/flickr

TWO Chechen men have been detained for attacking police officers called to an erotic massage parlour in Volgograd where the Chechens had caused a brawl following what they deemed to be an ‘unsatisfactory’ service.

Powerful Putin

Flu epidemic

Little press freedom THE Reporters Without Borders group has placed Russia 148th in the world in terms of freedom of the press rankings. They say the climate for the press has become “oppressive” thanks in part to the crisis in the Ukraine.

Attacks rise ATTACKS on asylum seekers in German shelters are on the rise. In the last three months of 2014 there were 67 attacks, including arson and graffiti.

No reparations GERMANY’S economy minister has rejected renewed calls from Greece for war reparations from the Nazi occupation.

Strong quarter THE fourth quarter of 2014 gave the German economy a strong boost mainly through consumer spending. GDP expanded by 0.7 per cent.

AN American man has been jailed for 70 years in the United States for shooting dead a 17-year-old German exchange student in Missoula, Montana.

Whopper delivery

RUSSIANS consider Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to be the most powerful force in the country, ahead of the FSB, the military, the Orthodox Church, the parliament and the media, according to a new poll.

MORE than 1,000 schools in Russia have closed amid a worsening flu epidemic that has affected one in five citizens. The closures are to prevent the spread of the flu that has killed one girl in Yekaterinburg.

THE Social Democrat Party is urging the government to ban the sale of energy drinks to under18’s because of potential health risks.

Jail for shooting

RUSSIAN PRESS Unsatisfactory service

EUROPEAN PRESS

WHOPPER MEAL: Home delivery for Germans.

World Press Photo of the Year A PHOTO of a male gay couple in St Petersburg has won the World Press Photo of the Year 2014. Taken by a Danish photographer, Mads Nissen, the photo confronts Russia’s atmosphere of intolerance towards homosexuality.

BURGER KING in Germany has introduced a home delivery service but so far only eight of the 685 nationwide branches ace currently taking part in the scheme.

Polish visit POLISH President Bronislaw Komorowski is to visit Germany on February 20 and 21 where he will be the guest of honour at a feast in Hamburg.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

inance F

EWN

business & legal Spain acted on Falciani List in 2013 SPAIN knew about the Falciani List of HSBC clients with Swiss bank accounts almost two years ago. In April 2013 national daily El Pais published dozens of names on the list leaked by former bank employee Herve Falciani. They included that of Santander’s late president Emilio Botin, who paid Spain’s tax authority €200 million to

legitimise a €2 billion fortune held in Switzerland. Other Spanish names included Alfons Godall, former vice-president of Barcelona football club, former Supreme court judge Ramon Lopez Vilas and Fernando Alonso. The Formula 1 driver stressed that he was a Swiss resident and HSBC client until 2011 but neither had, nor

Scramble for Aena shares DEMAND for Aena’s €58 shares was five times greater than anticipated. Part-privatisation plans for Spain’s airports operator were shelved last November following auditing doubts, but flotation finally went ahead without hitches. The government benefited from the delay as the original share price was intended to range from €41.50 to €53.50 but this was raised to between €43 and €55 and then €53 and €58. The final price at the top end of this range put Aena’s equity at €9.7 billion. A relatively low 88,972 requests from small investors allowed a minimum allocation of 25

shares, although just over 9 per cent of the total was set aside for bigger orders. Maximum investment was set at €19,720 for 340 shares. Despite the demand, the government decided not to increase the number of shares available to private investors, although the 21 per cent initially reserved for anchor investors was not taken up. The quintupled demand meant that the offer price was three times higher than London-based TCI, plus Spanish fund Grupo Alba and Ferrovial - one of Heathrow airport’s biggest shareholders had agreed to pay.

usiness extra

Blow-out SPAIN’S wind farms had 22,986 megawatt output by the end of 2014. Despite possessing Europe’s second mostimportant capacity, it inaugurated the fewest installations last year, sufficient to produce 27.5 megawatts.

Film facts CINEMAS in Barcelona, La Coruña, Alicante, Oviedo and Madrid are dearer than in any other Spanish city, charging at least €8 per person. Cheapest are Huelva (€4.90), Almeria (€4.75) and Granada (€4.50).

Rumasa makes a profit RUMASA, now publicly-owned, made €191,000 last year. The group was almost bankrupt and its founder Jose Maria RuizMateos owed Hacienda millions in unpaid taxes when it was expropriated in February 1983. It has assets of approximately €160 million through selling Rumasa companies and subsidiaries. This amount must cover

reprivatisation contracts and lawsuits launched by the former owner’s family, the government explained. Last year’s profit came from the interest on investments in Spain’s public debt but Rumasa now employs nine workers instead of 60,000. They deal with court cases and collection and settlement of payments from privatisations.

LA VEU DEL PAÍS VALENCIÀ LA MAREA

A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM

STAT OF WEEK THE 4.48 billion journeys made on all types of Spain’s public transport fell by 0.2 per cent in 2014. Rail travel increased by 0.6 per cent and air travel by 2 per cent.

has, any problems with Hacienda. Spain’s Finance ministry, then headed by Elena Salgado, advised those involved beforehand so they could put their tax affairs in order. This earned Hacienda €250 million in what was described as the biggest regularisation operation ever known. EMILIO BOTIN: Paid taxman €200 million.

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 16

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) 3i Group 472.20 Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 453.75 Admiral Group 1,449.00 Aggreko 1,675.50 Anglo American 1,213.75 Antofagasta 736.00 ARM Holdings 1,059.00 Ashtead Group 1,071.00 Associated Britsh Foods 2,888.00 AstraZeneca 4,513.25 Aviva 540.75 Babcock International 1,063.50 BAE Systems 522.50 Barclays 256.00 Barratt Developments 482.80 BG Group 966.95 BHP Billiton 1,577.50 BP 452.63

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -0.90 -0.19 4.85 1.08 -10.00 -0.69 -6.50 -0.39 9.25 0.77 5.00 0.68 -3.00 -0.28 -2.00 -0.19 -17.00 -0.59 -37.75 -0.83 -0.25 -0.05 -3.50 -0.33 -0.50 -0.10 -0.45 -0.18 0.90 0.19 -7.85 -0.81 8.50 0.54 -1.57 -0.35

NET VOLUME 4,602.56 5,990.93 4,064.69 4,309.19 16,878.77 7,214.01 14,906.73 5,415.98 23,029.80 57,581.29 15,976.57 5,368.48 16,516.43 42,394.21 4,787.19 33,369.48 33,138.41 83,059.53

See our advert on page 21

1.35016

0.74064

Units per €

US dollar ...................................................................1.14153 Japan yen..............................................................135.407 Switzerland franc ..............................................1.06379 Denmark kroner...................................................7.44411 Norway kroner ....................................................8.63291

currenciesdirect.com/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226 C O M PA N Y

PRICE(P)

British Amrcn Tobacco British Land Co BT Group Bunzl Burberry Group Capita Group (The) Carnival

3,610.25 831.00 440.20 1,877.00 1,853.00 1,146.50 2,879.50

C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G.

DOW JONES

NASDAQ

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 16

C O M PA N Y MMM 3M Co AXP American Express Co T AT&T Inc BA Boeing Co CAT Caterpillar Inc CVX Chevron Corp CSCO Cisco Systems Inc KO The Coca-Cola Co DIS Walt Disney Co DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil Corp GE General Electric Co GS Goldman Sachs Group Inc HD Home Depot Inc IBM International Business Machine... INTC Intel Corp JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase and Co MCD McDonald's Corp MRK Merck & Co Inc MSFT Microsoft Corp NKE Nike Inc PFE Pfizer Inc PG Procter & Gamble Co TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies Corp UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc VZ Verizon Communications Inc V Visa Inc WMT Wal-Mart Stores Inc

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 165.94 78.08 34.66 149.73 85.13 112.78 29.43 41.99 104.17 76.18 93.37 25.15 189.00 111.89 160.40 34.36 99.62 59.67 95.65 58.81 43.87 92.04 34.64 85.90 108.00 121.25 109.44 49.31 269.63 85.81

+0.03 -2.40 +0.05 +1.64 +1.60 +1.92 -0.03 -0.18 +0.59 -0.11 +1.00 +0.26 -0.78 -0.27 +1.88 +0.235 +1.18 +0.10 +0.56 -0.07 +0.78 +0.04 -0.23 -0.13 -0.04 +1.66 -0.40 -0.21 -1.28 -0.08

+0.02% -2.98% +0.14% +1.11% +1.92% +1.73% -0.10% -0.43% +0.57% -0.14% +1.08% +1.04% -0.41% -0.24% +1.19% +0.69% +1.20% +0.17% +0.59% -0.12% +1.81% +0.04% -0.66% -0.15% -0.04% +1.39% -0.36% -0.42% -0.47% -0.09%

1.8M 34.9M 16.1M 3.4M 5.6M 7.5M 50.7M 10.8M 5.2M 2.3M 12.1M 33.1M 2.7M 5.1M 3.7M 18.0M 11.2M 16.5M 6.8M 7.9M 40.3M 3.8M 23.4M 6.3M 2.2M 3.8M 3.7M 14.6M 2.1M 5.6M

C O M PA N Y

18.25 -0.50 1.10 -5.00 -8.00 -11.50 -20.50

0.51 -0.06 0.25 -0.27 -0.43 -0.99 -0.71

NET VOLUME 66,927.21 8,476.82 35,679.76 6,299.23 8,276.98 7,667.65 6,268.80

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

$ 18.43 $ 51.50 $ 2.09 $ 13.84 $ 3.7499 $ 52.52 $ 12.90 $ 3.58 $ 6.29 $ 6.92 $4

4.33 ▲ 30.71% 7.91 ▲ 18.15% 0.30 ▲ 16.76% 1.88 ▲ 15.72% 0.4999 ▲ 15.38% 6.83 ▲ 14.95% 1.61 ▲ 14.26% 0.42 ▲ 13.29% 0.69 ▲ 12.32% 0.73 ▲ 11.79% 0.42 ▲ 11.73%

Zynga Inc. $ 2.24 Career Education Corporation $ 5.34 MediciNova, Inc. $ 3.62 Presbia PLC $6 Ballard Power Systems, Inc. $ 2.66 Moneygram International, Inc. $ 8.6013 Ambarella, Inc. $ 50.71 VelocityShares 3x Inverse Silver ETN $ 50.26 Hollysys Automation Technologies, Ltd. $ 23.45 Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. $ 28.78 Dawson Geophysical Company $ 6.89

0.42 ▼ 15.79% 0.925 ▼ 14.76% 0.56 ▼ 13.40% 0.67 ▼ 10.04% 0.26 ▼ 8.90% 0.8387 ▼ 8.88% 4.46 ▼ 8.08% 4.39 ▼ 8.03% 2.02 ▼ 7.93% 1.88 ▼ 6.13% 0.42 ▼ 5.75%

Most Advanced Rocky Brands, Inc. Columbia Sportswear Company Amyris, Inc. SkyWest, Inc. SAExploration Holdings, Inc. CyberArk Software Ltd. VisionChina Media, Inc. ReachLocal, Inc. InnerWorkings, Inc. Alcobra Ltd. Energy XXI Ltd.

Most Declined

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) CHANGE Centrica 279.30 -7.70 Coca-Cola HBC 1,160.50 -3.50 Compass Group 1,118.00 -1.00 CRH 1,819.00 -1.00 Diageo 1,834.25 -2.75 Direct Line Insurance 316.25 -0.75 Dixons Carphone 424.20 -1.80 easyJet 1,723.00 16.00 Experian 1,197.50 -0.50 Fresnillo 854.50 -24.50 Friends Life Group Limited 410.65 0.15 G4S 284.15 -1.65 GKN 378.90 -0.10 GlaxoSmithKline 1,552.00 -1.00 Glencore Xstrata 290.85 4.25 Hammerson 690.00 -1.00 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,008.50 2.50 HSBC Holdings 601.05 2.85 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,014.00 -11.00 InterContinental Hotels 2,601.00 -18.00 International Cnsldtd Air 558.25 4.25 Intertek Group 2,525.00 -70.00 Intu Properties 372.30 -1.70 ITV 230.00 -0.50 Johnson Matthey 3,444.50 -2.50 Kingfisher 343.90 1.10 Land Securities Group 1,246.50 -3.50 Legal & General Group 269.00 -1.00 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 75.60 0.25 London Stock Exchange 2,397.00 -3.00 Marks & Spencer Group 494.40 0.40 Meggitt 554.25 2.75 Mondi 1,258.00 1.00 Morrison (Wm) Sprmrkts 184.15 0.65 National Grid 880.25 -9.95 Next 7,230.00 5.00 Old Mutual 216.00 0.00 Pearson 1,363.00 1.00 Persimmon 1,661.00 3.00 Prudential 1,598.50 -1.00 Randgold Resources 5,092.50 -12.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,612.50 -47.50 Reed Elsevier 1,159.50 -0.50 Rio Tinto 3,152.50 1.00 Rolls-Royce Group 932.75 -11.75 Royal Bank of Scotland 386.90 -2.10 Royal Dutch Shell 2,134.50 -14.50 Royal Dutch Shell 2,221.25 -15.25 Royal Mail 451.50 5.00 RSA Insurance Group 443.25 -1.15 SABMiller 3,538.00 80.50 Sage Group (The) 469.15 -2.25 Sainsbury (J) 267.00 0.20 Schroders 2,946.00 1.00 Severn Trent 1,994.00 -25.00 Shire 5,112.50 -17.50 Sky 929.50 10.50 Smith & Nephew 1,158.50 -4.50 Smiths Group 1,182.50 -3.50 Sports Direct Interntnl 681.00 -0.50 SSE 1,545.50 -22.50 St James's Place 897.50 -1.50 Standard Chartered 955.40 -1.00 Standard Life 401.10 1.90 Taylor Wimpey 141.15 0.65 Tesco 242.90 1.30 Travis Perkins 1,973.00 -7.00 TUI AG 1,145.00 -10.00 Tullow Oil 407.80 2.80 Unilever 2,768.00 -21.00 United Utilities Group 943.00 -11.00 Vodafone Group 231.83 -0.57 Weir Group 1,851.50 -40.50 Whitbread 4,979.00 -21.00 Wolseley 3,876.00 -9.00 WPP Group 1,452.50 5.50

% C H G. -2.68 -0.30 -0.09 -0.05 -0.15 -0.24 -0.42 0.94 -0.04 -2.79 0.04 -0.58 -0.03 -0.06 1.48 -0.14 0.25 0.48 -0.36 -0.69 0.77 -2.70 -0.45 -0.22 -0.07 0.32 -0.28 -0.37 0.33 -0.13 0.08 0.50 0.08 0.35 -1.12 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.18 -0.06 -0.24 -0.84 -0.04 0.03 -1.24 -0.54 -0.67 -0.68 1.12 -0.26 2.33 -0.48 0.07 0.03 -1.24 -0.34 1.14 -0.39 -0.30 -0.07 -1.43 -0.17 -0.10 0.48 0.46 0.54 -0.35 -0.87 0.69 -0.75 -1.15 -0.25 -2.14 -0.42 -0.23 0.38

VOLUME 14,270.68 4,234.03 18,669.33 14,870.32 46,195.29 4,757.25 4,912.87 6,790.27 11,868.68 6,477.30 5,783.45 4,441.44 6,293.41 75,670.71 37,595.21 5,413.60 4,774.02 115,153.73 28,923.29 6,193.36 11,305.69 4,195.41 4,915.76 9,295.57 7,066.59 8,052.59 9,877.70 16,055.47 53,865.76 8,330.43 8,084.70 4,421.69 4,619.89 4,284.87 33,451.12 11,056.58 10,617.82 11,154.51 5,084.18 41,097.32 4,732.70 40,601.30 13,149.37 44,665.81 17,656.66 24,807.90 83,893.97 54,714.01 4,471.50 4,508.76 55,845.15 5,076.51 5,113.82 6,656.36 4,835.79 30,283.68 15,793.47 10,401.28 4,671.92 4,072.55 15,481.00 4,671.13 23,666.13 9,569.12 4,567.86 19,657.64 4,924.32 N/A 3,692.73 35,789.26 6,515.44 61,642.59 4,038.24 9,082.89 10,080.80 19,042.47

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

EWN

There is no easy solution IF you are in business chances are there are going to be occasions when you have to address an audience. When you are watching someone else speaking at an event it comes across as a bobby’s job. Don’t believe it. For many people, standing up in front of a packed audience, and setting one’s stall out, can be the most unnerving experience of their lives. Curious as to how speakers respond to such situations a test was carried out. Several heroic figures, including a mountaineer and a fighter pilot, were wired up. Whilst doing their ‘day

Talking shop Mike Walsh Mike Walsh was for 20 years Regional Assessment Manager for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Britain’s biggest quality assurance body for businesses.

www.michaelwalsh.es • 966 786 932

jobs’ the stress of their doing so was barely noticeable. However, wired up when public speaking their heart rate and blood pressure shot up to the red section on the gauge.

Constantly referring to notes as you are speaking, or reading from a written speech, is a no-no. You will still trip over your own tongue, your delivery will be met with polite response, but the impact of what you want to say will be negligible. There is no easy solution. Like much else, some can and some can’t. These fortunates tend to be the exhibitionists of life, the selfconfident. For the rest of us, we would prefer a visit to the dentist. Those called to the soapbox have their own tricks to help them through the ordeal. I cottoned on to mine

when in my early 20’s. I had two tricks up my sleeve. I never look at the audience. It is there, but for me it is wallpaper. What I do is deliver as though I were talking to myself. It works, for me. It might for you too. My other ploy I learned quite early on. I noticed that amongst the hundred or so faces staring up at me, there was one soul who appeared to be responding well to my presentation. Ignoring the rest of the audience, I spoke directly to her as though we were having a one-to-one meeting. Again, for me, it worked like a charm.

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

Money remains the top source of stress Loose change A look at finance for females

Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

WE’VE got our mind on our money and our money on our minds - constantly, according to a new survey. Apparently, even more than family responsibilities and personal health concerns, a massive 72 per cent of adults say they are stressed out about money. While another 22 per cent say that they have extreme stress about money. The main triggers that lead people in general to panic about money include paying for unexpected expenses, paying for essentials and saving for retirement. Basically, handing over money for anything and everything.

And it’s women, not men that seem to be having sleepless nights over money worries. Fifty-one per cent of women surveyed say they lie awake at night worrying about money, versus just 32 per cent of men. Another effect of money stress is that women are more likely than men to say stress affects their eating, with 41 per cent saying they’ve eaten too much or had unhealthy food during the past month because of stress - for men it’s 24 per cent. This is of concern since medics often point out that serious

stress can lead to obesity and illnesses such as cancer. From those surveyed in this recent study, when asked how they try to de-stress, the

majority said by watching TV or surfing the internet, while these activities were then followed by napping, alcohol and smoking.

To de-stress meet a friend and have a chat about it

MONEY WORRIES: Causes include paying for unexpected expenses, essentials and saving for retirement.

Bank did not pay council tax Q. I purchased an apartment in Mallorca in 2013. I was assured by the solicitor and the Notary, and the contract confirmed, that no debt was owed on the property. I am now receiving bills for 2010 and 2011 from Calvia Town Council for the yearly Council Tax.

The property we bought had been repossessed by the bank several years ago for non-payment of the mortgage. I no longer remember which bank it was. Can you please advise me on how to resolve this matter? S.M. (Mallorca)

You and the Law in Spain By David Searl

A. There may be good news for you. First, if you have a sales contract signed by the bank stating that the property is sold clear of all debts, this makes them responsible for the payment of any back Council Tax. If you want to know who sold you the property, try looking at your contract. It might be the bank itself or a company set up by the bank to handle the many thousands of repossessed properties that Spanish banks now hold. These banks quite often do not pay all the back taxes on their properties, especially Council Tax, also known as the rates, and in Spanish as ‘IBI,’ short for the ‘Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmobiliarios.’

Because the Statute of Limitations restricts collection of this tax to four years, the town halls generally send out

notices only when the cut-off date approaches. If it takes the bank six years to move the property, they have escaped two years of Council Tax. Yes, your lawyer should have checked to make sure this IBI was paid up to date, and the Notary should have asked to see paid-up receipts. These lapses indicate poor legal service, but they are not sufficient grounds to bring a case against either of them. However, the bank has made a false statement in its contract with you. Have your lawyer start proceedings against the bank to recover the amount. He may advise you to pay the tax first and then act against the bank, or perhaps the bank will simply pay the bill. Spanish banks usually pay up promptly in these cases because they are in fact guilty of false statements in a contract.

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.

These are a worrying combination of ‘de-stress’ activities as they are largely unsocial, and to combat money stress, experts recommend seeking emotional support from family and friends. It’s found that people without a shoulder to lean on tend to suffer worse from stress. For example, 43 per cent of people without emotional support said their stress has increased in the past year, compared with 26 percent of those with support. So instead of de-stressing by watching box sets, it’s better to meet a friend for a coffee and have a chat about money worries if needs be. And if money issues are taking their toll on your stress levels, then start to look at how you deal with money. Break bad habits and slowly begin to implement small changes that can create big differences!

BUSINESS EXTRA

Madrid helps out STANDARD & POOR’S calculated that borrowings by Spain’s autonomous communities and town halls will drop by 30 per cent this year. The €26 billion needed to refinance their debts and €11 billion to finance budget deficits will be covered by the government’s funding system for local entities, the rating agency said.

Subway contract CONSTRUCTION company ACS won a €380 million East Side Access contract, boosting the US expansion plans of the group headed by Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez. The company has been present in New York since 2005 when it won its first contract to work on the city’s subway system.

Happier bunnies INDITEX, owners of the clothing label Zabel, confirmed that it stopped producing garments using angora after the animal defence association PETA revealed abuse in Chinese factories where rabbits are skinned alive for their hair. The chain, which stopped using fur last year, has blocked all orders while they investigate suppliers.

OPINION & COMMENT

Rapid service I AM one of the first to complain about poor service, particularly when it’s the result of government cutbacks or trade union blackmail. The UK’s Passport Service seems to have suffered dreadfully during the last year with the most horrendous backlogs. It is only fair that, with great pleasure, I can now acknowledge the current situation in that particular department. On January 18 I Googled ‘How to renew a UK passport from overseas.’ I immediately got a lot of information and the opportunity to complete an online application. The next day I posted the old passport and a couple of photos to Belfast as instructed. On February 4 our friendly local courier-delivery man knocked on the door and handed me a package which contained the new passport! That’s 19 days from start to finish. I am very grateful for such efficient service and thank those concerned most sincerely. I don’t think I’ll be making the same sort of report about changing my British driving licence for a Spanish one. It’s taken two weeks just to get the application form! John Westwood, Tormos (Alicante)

Pat on the back WE’RE staying in Calahonda and I just wanted to say how much we enjoy Leapy Lee’s articles. Thank you for stating the obvious and having the gumption to write it publicly! I wish our politicians back home would take it on board. Diane and John (Wales)

Drying up I WAS interested to read about Cortijo Grande and the majestic environment that it once was. Today all I can say is: “What is happening to that wonderful valley formerly an oasis in an otherwise arid landscape?” As Ric Polansky points out, the golf course was a challenge to golfers of all levels. Now it is a dried-up shadow of its former self. Why? No-one knows for sure. The owner remains silent

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Letters

19 - 25 February 2015/ Mallorca

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Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com, posted to Euro Weekly News, C/Moscatel 10, P-62, Polígono Industrial, Arroyo de la Miel, 29631 Benalmadena, Málaga, Spain or faxed to 0034 952 440 887

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WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:

Not so cheap EXPATS are quite right to object to losing their vote. I think it is disgusting that only five countries in the world do not give their expats the vote and Britain is one of them. As for Michael Warren of Fuengirola, how lucky he is to afford to spend five winter months here! My husband served six years in the Second World War and was wounded in Germany. I worked from 1942 and came to Spain when my husband retired. There were no company pensions in our day unless you were a civil servant and we had his 89-year-old mother to look

we would be nowhere near the £10,000 threshold, he informed us that Hacienda talks to HMRC. We would still be liable here in Spain as they would be told that we have paid nothing in the UK. Also, if not covered on time we would also incur Spanish tax fines. So whilst Michael thinks ‘expats are really in heaven, unlike nonexpats,’ it is not all profit. Having said that, we would still not move back to the UK. Richard Prowse, Cartagena (Murcia)

Just wonderful AN operation was necessary and I found myself in Torrevieja hospital. A place of dedication, professionalism, and above all, tremendous kindness. The staff’s attention to detail was simply marvellous. Rita Tobin (by email)

www.euroweeklynews.com

on the subject. Rumours abound. One suggests that the underground irrigation system is badly broken in various places. Whatever the reason, the simple truth is that the course is no longer watered and it would appear that all but one staff member has been released. This, reputedly the oldest golf course in Almeria, would appear to have been tragically abandoned by its owner. The beautiful valley of Cortijo Grande is simply being allowed to wither and die in front of our very eyes. What future do homeowners face when the golf course finally yields to desert and scrub in the absence of life-saving water? Derek Martin, Turre (Almeria)

EWN

Why not us? NELSON MANDELA was a great man and our daughter is on the short side, but this photo from Johannesburg really brought it home to me. Andrew Martinson (by email)

after. Her husband died in his 50s due to wounds received in the First World War and she could not exist on £20 per week. That is why she had to live with us. Now Spain has had nearly all my money. In my 87th year with no family, I can assure Mr Warren the cost of living is very high. I just hope I die before my money runs out. (Name and address supplied)

Ups and downs I NOTE Michael Warren is an expat pensioner living here for five months only. I understand he is tempted to become a permanent expat as we are doing so nicely with the exchange rate increasing our pensions, thus rendering our heating allowance unnecessary! I beg to inform him that in December 2008 the euro and pound reached parity on the

exchange rate, giving us a vast drop in our pensions for a very long time. The rate was way below our average and forced many expats to leave Spain, particularly if renting their homes. It caused great hardship to those only on state pensions when they dropped by a third of their value. As far as I can see we are only back where we started with the euro. Love the Euro Weekly though! Jean Mudge (by email)

Tax snag MICHAEL WARREN is right about the higher exchange rate, but there is a downside. When you are tax resident here you are only allowed to earn €6,000 per annum before tax kicks in. On telling our accountant that we would move our tax paperwork back to the UK where

THE Labour party ignored us during 13 years in office. The Conservative party has had nearly a full term to correct this anomaly. My French and German neighbours here in Spain have a vote for life. UKIP, give us back our vote please! We are in the European Union because...? Brian Johnston, Benalmadena (Malaga)

Streets ahead I DON’T usually bother to write to papers, but I would just like to say how much I prefer the Euro Weekly News to its competitors. I find its format and content better than ever. Your writers too are excellent. A case in point is Nora Johnson’s recent article about the House of Lords. An anachronism in a modern democracy, it’s way past its sell-by-date. The unrepresentative, undemocratic House of Lords should be scrapped without delay and replaced with a much-reduced and democratically-elected second chamber. Hardly surprising so many of the electorate don’t bother to vote! Chris Taylor, Granada

The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

Anti-British BBC at it again LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT

HEY’RE at it again, aren’t they? Once again the BBC’s antiBritish ‘aunties’ have attempted to undermine and basically insult our heroes of yesteryear. Their coverage and biased reporting of the Dresden bombing anniversary was not only a disgrace, but had they adopted this stance at the time of the event, would probably have resulted in them all being hanged as traitors. With hardly a word about the brave air crews who lost their lives during this and many other dangerous missions, they paraded a biased bunch of ‘survivors’ who made our brave airmen sound like IS in the sky. One after another these ‘eye witnesses’ reeled off a

BIASED: BBC’s coverage of the Dresden bombing anniversary. succession of horrific tales of the death and destruction that rained down from the allies onto the ‘innocent’ citizens of the German city of Dresden. With suitably pained, sympathetic expressions, the news vendors of this so-called British institution delivered what can only be described as a damning indictment of the allied forces

involved in these operations. Typical. You know what their main problem is? Ninety per cent of these newscasters are too young. Too young to remember the thousands of Britons who were also wiped out by the relentless onslaught of the German luftwaffe. Too young to have been among the citizens of our great cities, who

crowded into tube stations and cellars as the indiscriminate bombing of the enemy flattened their homes and institutions. Too young to remember the blood and gore as our own innocent men and women ‘exploded’ in the streets. This terribly misplaced sympathy for the enemy is a most dangerous path to traverse. It is the attitude that loses wars and brings disaster and defeat to those who are weak enough to practise it. Thank God Churchill never had this type of pacifist attitude. We were coming to the end of an horrific war - for the second time! Millions of military personnel and civilians throughout Europe had been lost to the animals of the German Nazi party. Despite protestations of innocence, I have no doubt that the citizens of Dresden and Berlin took to the streets in triumph and celebration at every victory

Hitler and his psychopaths announced. Horrific and wrong as it may have been, it was war. A war that through the sacrifice of millions the allies had won. The people of the allied forces needed to teach these people a lesson, they wanted revenge. And why not? Their bravery in the face of often overwhelming odds must never be forgotten and never ever undermined, particularly by a bunch of BBC pillocks who, when the time comes - as surely it will - will probably hand us all over to IS on a pacifist plate. Well, we wouldn’t want to ‘offend’ anyone, would we? Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Sensible ban or Nanny State? IT has been announced that the UK is to ban people from smoking in RUTH REILY of The Sleep Centre, cars when children are present. Should Spain follow the UK’s lead, or is Albox would be in favour of a similar the Nanny State going too far in telling people what they can do? ban in Spain. “My husband and my daughter are both asthmatic, so I am already in favour of banning smoking in enclosed spaces such as cars. “Our children are precious so I completely agree with the UK’s ban on it and would be happy to see Spain go down the same route.” Dr Helen Webberley, who runs online GP service MyWebDoctor.co.uk believes smoking in vehicles should be banned in the UK and Spain. She said: “We are all very aware of the dangers of smoking these days and it is very distressing to see people smoking in cars when there are other non-smoking passengers in the car. “It is even more distressing when those passengers are MARK: Thinks it will be BOB: Smoking should be a DR WEBBERLEY: Smoking children. Smoking should be should be banned everywhere. unenforceable. banned everywhere and especially personal choice. in enclosed spaces.” Alan, the owner of Eurodog smoke in a confined space where Mark who is The Sky Doctor, Kennels, Mijas Costa, said he thought there are children, and as a parent Internet installations thinks that it that it was inconsiderate of adults to they are being irresponsible. would be an unenforceable law:

STREET TALK

“Although I think the ban would be a good thing, I think it is one of those laws that will never happen, I mean where do you stop. I think it is a good thing to deter kids from smoking, as kids usually follow what their parents do. “I do think, however, kids are wiser now and will choose for themselves.” Michelle, the owner of Ace of Shades Blinds and Awnings, Mijas Costa, commented that “if you are alone in your car and wish to smoke, then that is up to you, but when there are others in the car, especially children, then you should refrain from doing so.” Bob Pratt, owner of The Royal Oak, believes it should be everyone’s personal choice whether they smoke in a car or not, but, as a non-smoker he doesn’t allow smoking in his car: “I don’t like smoking in cars as a non-smoker, but I don’t think it should be illegal and I won’t let people smoke in my car, but I wouldn’t ask them to stop if I was in their car. Each to their own.”

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015/ Mallorca

Cassandra Nash

A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene

www.euroweeklynews.com

Bon voyage

The lilywhite boy THE Spanish have fallen out of love with their politicians. They hail them with the harsh criticism that they are “all the same” and they aren’t referring to ideology. No party is free from accusations of political-financial corruption and politicians are seen as power-hungry shysters. The Podemos party is not escaping unscathed as its co-founder Juan Carlos Mondero failed to declare €425,000 earned by ‘advising’ Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Bolivia. He has now coughed up €200,000 to keep Hacienda happy, but the taint remains. Those who accuse others of corruption and of belonging to the caste must be whiter than white themselves.

A time experiment PODEMOS has overtaken the PSOE and would be the second-most voted party if elections were held now. That’s some achievement for a fledgling party although Podemos couldn’t form a

TRAVEL PLANS: Your name and itinerary could be a part of new database. government with that vote and polls suggest that it has reached its ceiling. Harold Wilson famously said that a week is a long time in politics and there are three months before the local and regional elections in May. Those three months could stretch into an eternity where anything can happen, especially to Podemos as all eyes turn to Greece and

Syriza to gauge what could be in store for Spain.

He’s behind you! CIUDADANOS has crept up behind the three front-runners. Ciudadanos? Rather a tongue-twister for the non-Spanish,

OPINION & COMMENT THE same sectors that agonised about Spain’s ‘life means life’ sentence are now agonising over PNR. This means Passenger Name Record, a database listing a passenger’s name and itinerary. If centralised it could track and identify known or suspected jihadists worldwide but while Brussels drags its feet over this, Spain is proceeding with its own version. It is meeting opposition as PNR could abuse data protection directives and ‘fundamental rights’ opponents say. A Metroscopia opinion poll showed recently that 67 per cent of the Spanish, regardless of political leanings, want reviewable life sentences. Probably that number, or more, approve of PNR. As for expats, anyone travelling to or from Evesham, Edinburgh, Ebbw Vale or Enniskillen is probably less concerned about data protection than knowing they will arrive all in one piece. Ciudadanos is often shortened in print to C’s. It spread from Cataluña since its beginnings as a non-nationalist party in 2006 with the ambition of focusing on ‘the real problems’ of citizens. Its leader Albert Rovira recently said: “Podemos wants revenge and Spain needs justice” and for that alone C’s deserves forgiveness for using the greengrocer’s apostrophe.

FINANCE

EUROPEAN PRESS

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19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

EWN

Form 720. What Do You Need To Do In 2015? We are approaching that time of the year again, when anyone who is resident in Spain needs to submit their annual Form ‘Modelo’ 720 listing their overseas assets. The deadline is 31st March, so you need to start thinking now about what you need to declare this year. If you have previously submitted a form you only need to declare assets if they have grown a certain amount, or if you have sold them. Exchange rate movements may mean you need to declare assets you did not expect to. Summary of the rules There are three reporting categories and you have to report all assets in a particular category if the value of your total offshore assets in that category amounts to over €50,000. You need to report even if your personal share of assets is less than €50,000. You are obliged to report assets if you are the owner, a settlor who can

rate to be used is that as at 31st December of the relevant year.

By Peter Worthington, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks benefit from a trust you settled, authorised signatory, or you have the authority to dispose of the asset. This includes assets held by a company, a trust or fiduciary. In most cases, assets are valued using the wealth tax rules as at 31st December each year. For assets held within financial institutions, you also need to declare the average balance over the last three months of the year. You need to report the value of the assets in Euros. The exchange

2015 declaration You declare assets owned as at 31st December of the previous year. So for your 2015 Form 720, you declare the assets owned as at the end of 2014. If you have already submitted a Form 720, you only need to report again if: • The value of an existing asset grew by more than €20,000, or • You sold an asset/closed an account, or • You obtained a new asset. Exchange rate movements need to be taken into account. The Pound to Euro exchange rate at 31st December 2013 was 1.20. If at that date you had Sterling denominated assets of £250,000, they were valued at €300,000. On 31st December 2014 the £/€ exchange rate was 1.28. This means that even if your £250,000 investment had not grown in

value, in Euros it is now worth €320,000. The increase of €20,000 means that you need to report the growth on this year’s form. Exchange rates may play an even bigger part this year, depending on how central bank policies in Europe, the UK and anywhere else you hold assets play out. The introduction of the obligation to report all overseas assets in Spain - and the penalties are very high if you do not - was a huge change for residents of Spain, whether Spanish or foreign nationals. Many are paying more tax as a result particularly those who declared assets for the first time, or incorrectly declared them previously. These assets will now be assessed for wealth tax, and any income they produce for income tax, and you have to declare them accordingly. Combined with higher income

taxes and wealth tax, some expatriates have considered leaving Spain. However Spain actually remains a tax efficient country for British retired expatriates if you take specialist advice. Form 720 need not necessarily be such a concern either. You should review your assets now to make sure they are in the best structures going forward. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

WE went to Barcelona last week for a jolly, taking advantage of our island residents’ discount on flights. The last time we went was when La Gidg was three months old and we (deludedly) thought that it would be easy to do a pit stop in Barcelona on our way back to Mallorca after her christening. It was hell, she didn’t stop crying for the whole 48 hours of our visit and we could not wait to leave the hotel and get home. With that in mind we knew that we wanted to visit Barcelona again, but when she could express herself in other ways that weren’t ear piercing screams. So, now that Gidg is nine years old and very good at making her feelings clear, it was with reasonable confidence that we booked again to go. But this time not in a hotel but in a funky Barcelona crash pad with www.barcelonacheckin.com/en. The apartment was very nice, big enough for the three of us, with all the bits that you might need including one of those fancy coffee makers and it even had some TV in English. But we weren’t there to stay

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OPINION / FEATURE

On the Barcelona bus

TOURIST BUS: I love the traffic and the city buzz, but I’d forgotten how tiring it is.

Vicki Mcleod

Family Matters in, we were there to go out! And out we went. The apartment

Bridge articles by

was right in the middle of Barcelona which was very exciting! I know it sounds a bit odd coming from someone who voluntarily lives in a village: I really love the traffic and the buzz of the city, but I’d forgotten how tiring it is. So we went around the city on the

tourist bus which is nice to be able to flop on there, instead of walking and just be driven around and told what is what. We were in need of some expert advice on the Saturday morning when we had to make a quick pass by a health clinic, so the guys at Barcelona Check

JAVEA BRIDGE CLUB

In told us where to go. After that we awarded ourselves the rest of the day to eat tapas at ‘The Best Tapas Restaurant in Barcelona’ Cerveceria Catalana (can’t be sure it’s the best we’d have to go round them all in the interests of fairness, but they were definitely very good), take a disco nap back at our crash pad, and then later we met up with a very old friend to have something called ‘Flexitarian’ food (that’s veggies, oily fish and more veggies) at Flax and Kale (http://www.teresacarles. com/fk/). We all felt very cosmopolitan whilst drinking our cold pressed juices. Then it was Sunday, and time to go back to sleepy village life. We didn’t really find our city legs in the time we were there; perhaps you can take London out of the girl after all. Or maybe we just have to go back for longer and soon! www.familymattersmallorca.com

♠♥ ♦♣

Avenida de Paris, 2, Javea, Alicante. www.javeabridgeclub.com or Tel: 96 646 3671

Hesitations and unauthorised information Step 3. Having decided there was UI, THERE are often misunderstandings concerning a player’s right to redress the director asks himself whether the UI suggested a course or type of action. If following a hesitation by an opponent. Say the director is called to a table at not, no adjustment. This is a subtle the end of a hand, and a claim is made point and best illustrated with an that an opponent had obtained example: unauthorised information (UI) from his partner’s hesitation. The claimant states S W N E that his side was damaged. There is a 3♦ X 5♦ 5♥ four-step process that the director must 6♦ 6♥ all pass go through before he awards an adjusted score: Step 1. He must be satisfied that The 5♥ bid was made after a long there was indeed a hesitation. If one or both of the ‘offending’ side argue that thought. East might have been thinking there was no hesitation, there is nothing of passing, or doubling or even something stronger, before he settled the director can do. No agreed hesitation, therefore no UI on 5♥. Yes, there was a hesitation by East but West had received no and no adjustment. Step 2. Having established to his information that would help him in his satisfaction that there was a hesitation, decision over 6♦. No UI, no adjustment. the director must decide whether or not Step 4. Finally, having accepted UI the hesitation conveyed UI. If not, no was conveyed by the hesitation, the adjustment. A player is entitled to stop director must judge (Law 16.B.1(a)) and think when he has alternative whether the recipient had chosen “from continuations to consider – it is not among logical alternatives one that www.euroweeklynews.com demonstrably have been automatic that this results in passing UI. could

suggested over another by the extraneous information”. Modifying the previous example: S 3♦ No No

W X 6♦ 7♥

N E 5♦ 5♥ No 6♥ all pass

7♥ makes. 5♥ was bid in tempo but 6♥ was preceded by long thought. The director is summoned and, on examining West’s hand, allows the result to stand. Passing 6♥ was not a logical alternative as West was clearly strong enough to drive past 6♥. So why bid 6♦ rather than 7♥ directly? West is legally entitled to bid 6♦ and his motivation is irrelevant (he might have hoped to double a 7♦ sacrifice). The director was happy that East’s hesitation played no part in West’s 7♥ bid, therefore no adjustment.

We play duplicate four days a week, starting at 3pm (arrive by 2.45pm please). Monday – no fear, Tuesday & Friday – open, Wednesday – host system, so you will be assured of a partner. On Thursday – lessons. We’d like our articles to be interactive so if you have bridgerelated comments, problems, etc, send them to: questions@javea bridgeclub.com and we’ll do our best to answer.

FEATURE

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WE DO!

19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

EWN

Advertising Feature

Expect nothing and you will not be disapppointed Commentary by Moneycorp EUR Investors’ attitude to the euro at the moment seems to be that if they expect nothing they will not be disappointed. There was certainly no evidence that they were discouraged by the inconclusive Eurogroup meeting on Wednesday, when Greece asked for concessions on the terms of its bailout and the rest of the euro zone said no. The euro did lose a quarter of a US cent and it fell by a cent against sterling but the Swiss franc, the Canadian and Australian dollars and the northern Scandinavian crowns all lost more ground. The EU’s skill at kicking the can down the street is legendary so, when the

Eurogroup meets again next Monday, investors’ expectations will still not be lofty. A positive result could therefore send the euro higher. USD The dollar got off to a cracking start last Friday when the US employment data smashed expectations. Although the rate of unemployment ticked up from 5.6 per cent to 5.7 per cent, it only did so because greater confidence among job-seekers encouraged more of them to look for work. January’s 257k increase in non-farm payrolls was comfortably ahead of analysts’ forecasts and with upward revisions to earlier months, the number of people in work exceeded expectations by 170k.

Clarisse Musselwhite is Moneycorp’s Account Manager for Mallorca

She can be contacted on Tel: +34 902 887 243 Mobile: +34 687 932 472 Email:mallorca@moneycorp.com

902887243 mallorca@moneycorp.com However, the dollar’s gains were more than reversed this Thursday when the Bank of England governor said that UK interest rates could rise “more quickly than implied by current market yields.” The pound moved higher as a result of his comment. On the week the dollar therefore scored a net loss of nearly a cent against sterling, though it added a quarter of cent against the euro.

CAD The Loonie got off to a good start last Friday with news that the Canadian economy had added more than the forecast number of jobs in January and that US job creation in the same month had smashed expectations. That picture rather soured on Tuesday. Although the Bank of Canada governor said in Istanbul: “I honestly reject the notion that I’m talking down the dollar,” comments from some of his colleagues persuaded investors that it was game-on for another BoC rate cut. The Loonie’s situation worsened on Thursday when the Bank of England governor said that UK interest rates could rise “more quickly than implied by current market yields.” The pound moved higher as a result of his observation. On the week the Canadian dollar fell by a net two cents against sterling and it was down by a third of a US cent.

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

Thursday BBC ONE 5:30pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:30pm Death in Paradise 10:30pm EastEnders 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:45pm Question Time 12:45am Artificial Intelligence: AI

BBC TWO 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Two Tribes 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Cycling 9:00pm The Great British Sewing Bee 10:00pm Reinventing the Royals 11:00pm Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am A Cook Abroad

ITV 5:00pm Mel and Sue 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:15pm ITV News and Weather 7:45pm Emmerdale 8:45pm UEFA Europa League Live 11:10pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:55pm The Great War: The People's Story 12:55am River Monsters

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm The Political Slot 9:00pm Location, Location, Location 10:00pm Cucumber 11:00pm My Tattoo Addiction 12:05am The Romanians are Coming

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm The Classic Car Show 9:00pm Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole 10:00pm Britain's Biggest Primary School 11:00pm The Mentalist 11:55pm Castle 12:50am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Arrow 10:00pm Ross Kemp: Extreme World 11:00pm The Making of Critical 11:30pm Quiz Nights 12:30am NCIS: Los Angeles

Friday BBC ONE 5:30pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm EastEnders 10:00pm The Musketeers 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Graham Norton Show 12:20am Bluestone 42

BBC TWO 5:15pm To the Manor Born 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Two Tribes 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Antiques Road Trip 9:00pm Mastermind 9:30pm Food and Drink 10:00pm Italy Unpacked 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:05am 2001: A Space Odyssey

ITV 5:00pm Mel and Sue 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Bear Grylls: Mission Survive 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights 12:40am Air America

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 9:00pm The Million Pound Drop 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm The Last Leg 12:10am Catastrophe

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm The Billion Dollar Wreck Hunt 9:00pm Secrets of St Paul's Cathedral 10:00pm NCIS: New Orleans 11:00pm NCIS 11:55pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 12:50am True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

SKY1 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Flintoff: Lord of the Fries 10:00pm Stella 11:00pm Quiz Nights 12:00am Bruce Almighty

Saturday BBC ONE 5:30pm Final Score 6:20pm Pointless 7:10pm BBC News 7:20pm Regional News 7:25pm Weather 7:30pm Now You See It 8:00pm The Voice UK 9:25pm The National Lottery 10:15pm Casualty 11:05pm BBC News 11:20pm Weather 11:25pm Match of the Day 12:50am The Football League Show

BBC TWO 4:45pm The Go-Between 6:35pm The Great British Sewing Bee 7:35pm Flog It! 8:30pm How We Got to Now with Steven Johnson 9:30pm Dad's Army 10:00pm Reginald D Hunter's Songs of the South 11:00pm Gambit 12:20am Spider

ITV 3:05pm The Chase 4:05pm Doc Martin 5:05pm Big Star's Little Star 6:05pm Local News and Weather 6:15pm ITV News and Weather 6:25pm You've Been Framed! 7:30pm Planets Got Talent 8:00pm Saturday Night Takeaway 9:25pm Take Me Out 10:40pm The Jonathan Ross Show 11:40pm ITV News and Weather 11:55pm I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry 1:55am Jackpot 247

CH4 5:15pm Come Dine with Me 6:15pm The Big Bang Theory 6:45pm The Simpsons 7:10pm The Simpsons 7:40pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Homes by the Sea 9:00pm The World's Weirdest Weather 10:00pm Silver Linings Playbook 12:25am Green Zone

CH5 3:10pm Ice Road Truckers 4:05pm Columbo: How to Dial a Murder 5:35pm Columbo 7:25pm NCIS 8:05pm NCIS 9:00pm 5 News 9:05pm Law and Order 10:00pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 11:00pm World Championship Boxing: Live From Monte Carlo 1:15am Super Casino

SKY1 3:00pm Inside RAF Brize Norton 4:00pm Sun, Sea and A&E 5:00pm The Simpsons 5:30pm Modern Family 6:00pm Modern Family 6:30pm Modern Family 7:00pm Modern Family 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 9:00pm Hawaii Five-0 10:00pm Bruce Almighty 11:55pm Hawaii Five-0 12:55am NCIS: Los Angeles

TV LISTING

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Sunday BBC ONE 3:00pm Escape to the Country 3:45pm Eat Well for Less? 4:45pm Your Home in Their Hands 5:45pm Lifeline 5:55pm Songs of Praise 6:30pm BBC News 6:50pm Regional News 6:55pm Weather 7:00pm The Big Painting Challenge 8:00pm Countryfile 9:00pm Call the Midwife 10:00pm The Casual Vacancy 11:00pm BBC News 11:20pm Regional News 11:25pm Weather 11:30pm Match of the Day 2 12:40am Super League Show

BBC TWO 5:30pm The Wonder of Animals 6:00pm Alaska: Earth's Frozen Kingdom 7:00pm Speed Dreams: The Fastest Place on Earth 8:00pm The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway 9:00pm Top Gear 10:00pm Dragons' Den 11:00pm Meet the Ukippers 11:50pm Blackthorn 1:30am Countryfile

ITV 3:10pm The Chase 4:10pm Tipping Point 5:15pm Octopussy 7:40pm Local News and Weather 7:45pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Get Your Act Together 9:15pm All Star Family Fortunes 10:00pm Mr Selfridge 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:20pm Bear Grylls: Mission Survive 12:20am Aviva Highlights

CH4 3:00pm The Big Bang Theory 3:25pm Love Happens 5:35pm Location, Location, Location 6:35pm A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 7:30pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Four Rooms 9:00pm The Auction House 10:00pm Indian Summers 11:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 12:05am Moonrise Kingdom 1:50am Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares USA

CH5 4:20pm Stand by Me 5:55pm Honey, I Shrunk the Kids 7:45pm WarGames 9:55pm 5 News 10:00pm Top Gun 12:15am Young Guns

SKY1 3:00pm Emergency Animal Rescue 3:30pm Emergency Animal Rescue 4:00pm Modern Family 5:30pm Modern Family 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm About a Boy 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Holidaymakers 9:00pm The Flash 10:00pm Hawaii Five-0 11:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Monday BBC ONE 5:30pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm Inside Out 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm New Tricks 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Waterloo Road 12:45am The Graham Norton Show

BBC TWO 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Two Tribes 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Top Gear 9:00pm University Challenge 9:30pm Only Connect 10:00pm A Cook Abroad 11:00pm House of Fools 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Broadchurch 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm ICC Cricket 12:40am The Jonathan Ross Show

CH4 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm The Political Slot 9:00pm Dispatches 9:30pm Food Unwrapped 10:00pm NHS: ÂŁ2 Billion a Week and Counting 11:00pm Catastrophe 11:35pm Bodyshockers 12:40am 24 Hours in A and E

CH5 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Criminals: Caught on Camera 8:30pm Car Crash TV 9:00pm Police Interceptors 10:00pm Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole 11:00pm 10,000 BC 12:00am The Jackal

SKY1 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Holidaymakers 10:00pm Arrow 11:00pm Modern Family 11:30pm Modern Family 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Tuesday BBC ONE 5:30pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm Holby City 10:00pm The Gift 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Child Birth: All or Nothing 12:35am Growing Up Down's

BBC TWO 3:45pm Africa 4:45pm Open All Hours 5:15pm To the Manor Born 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 7:00pm Two Tribes 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Wanted in Paradise 9:00pm Natural World 10:00pm Inside the Commons 11:00pm Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 5:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm UEFA Champions League 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm UEFA Champions League: Extra Time 12:40am Carry on Henry

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm The Political Slot 9:00pm Mary Portas: Secret Shopper 10:00pm The Romanians are Coming 11:00pm Immigration Street 12:00am Kid Criminals

CH5 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 8:00pm Police Interceptors 9:00pm Costa Del Casualty 10:00pm Killer Psychopaths 11:00pm 10,000 BC 12:00am World's Biggest Hips

SKY1 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Flash 10:00pm Critical 11:00pm Ross Kemp: Extreme World 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

Wednesday BBC ONE 5:30pm Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 9:00pm The Great Comic Relief Bake Off 10:00pm The People's Strictly for Comic Relief 11:00pm BBC News 11:25pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm A Question of Sport 12:15am Film 2015

BBC TWO 5:15pm Three Up, Two Down 5:45pm Hi-De-Hi! 6:15pm Flog It! 6:50pm A Party Political Broadcast by the Labour Party 7:00pm Two Tribes 7:30pm Eggheads 8:00pm Wanted in Paradise 9:00pm Suffragettes Forever! The Story of Women and Power 10:00pm Wolf Hall 11:00pm Up the Women 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather

ITV 5:00pm 1000 Heartbeats 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm The Brit Awards 2015 11:20pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 12:00am Perspectives

CH4 5:00pm Come Dine with Me 6:00pm Four in a Bed 6:30pm The Simpsons 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:55pm The Political Slot 9:00pm The Restoration Man 10:00pm 24 Hours in A and E 11:00pm Junk Food Kids: Who's to Blame? 12:05am CITIZENFOUR

CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 8:00pm Cowboy Builders 9:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 10:00pm Jack the Ripper 11:00pm Autopsy 12:00am Trauma Doctors

SKY1 3:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 4:00pm Modern Family 4:30pm Modern Family 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm The Fanatics 10:00pm Stella 11:00pm Flintoff: Lord of the Fries 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles

OPINION & COMMENT

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What a klass act - there are no klassroom prizes here!

arents have been making the headlines recently. The singer/radio DJ Myleene Klass took to social media after receiving a ‘bonkers’ email suggesting she paid £10 towards a ‘kindle and a desk’ for two of her daughter’s schoolfriends’ birthdays. However, Myleene’s ‘publicity stunt’ (the email reportedly sent over a year ago) seems to have backfired when she was confronted by angry mothers mortified at having their email correspondence publicised on Twitter, together with Myleene’s own joke reply (a ‘unicorn’ for her daughter’s birthday and a ‘Ferrari and Leonardo

Nora Johnson

Breaking Views A Costa del Sol resident for a number of years, Nora is the author of psychological suspense and crime thrillers. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/norajohnson

DiCaprio’ for her own). Whatever you think about such donations, Myleene shared her personal experience with the entire nation, humiliating those involved. Now, let’s face it, it’s not the kids at issue here, it’s the parents. Take, for instance, the parents of Alex Nash, five, who were invoiced for a £15.95 ‘child’s party, no show fee’ after he missed his classmate Charlie’s birthday party. Alex’s

MYLEENE KLASS: Her publicity stunt backfired. father subsequently found the invoice in his son’s schoolbag, went public and was threatened with court action if he didn’t pay up. In neither of these cases was it necessary to

publicise the issue the way they did. Why didn’t Alex’s parents simply discuss it with Charlie’s calmly and rationally? Myleene may have changed all the names in her tweet, but everyone

at her daughter Ava’s school will know who she was talking about. And it’s the children - Ava and Alex - who’ll suffer from their parents’ behaviour. They’ll be the ones ignored in the playground, not invited to future parties. As for Myleene, a more grownup approach would have been to buy the children gifts she thought appropriate, and make her views known privately to the offending parents. But where are the innocent times, back in the day, when money wasn’t such a big deal for kids? Now it's all about money and ‘how much will I get?’ What happened to: just be grateful you got

something? And what about: you don’t invite people so they give you something, but because you like them, want to spend time with them? We shouldn’t begrudge today’s kids having all the latest gadgets and whatever. But in so doing they risk growing up, to misquote Oscar Wilde, knowing the price of every gadget under the sun and the value of nothing. Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89;£0.79) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Eleven-year-old Alexander experiences the most awful day of his young life - a day that begins with gum stuck in his hair followed by mishap after mishap. So when Alexander tells his happy-go-lucky family about his terrible day, he finds little sympathy and begins to wonder if only bad things happen to him. But he’s not alone when his mum, dad, brother and sister all find themselves having their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Directed by Miguel Arteta, starring Ed Oxenbould, Steve Carrell and Jennifer Garner. Run time 81 minutes. Rated PG.

TODAY TODAY

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Visit the stars, for details on our expanded range of services

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 19 11 S Tues - 17 8 S Wed - 16 9 Cl

15 8 C 18 10 S 18 11 S

tars

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Refuse to be miffed by whatever disagreements or difficulties clutter your world. The sooner you get on with things, the better for your peace of mind.

6-Star Quiz

Fri Sat Sun -

SCORPIO (October 24 November 22) You’re not the only member of the zodiac who’ll have to toughen up. It’ll pay you to chill on Tuesday, be patient on Wednesday, and put your potent insights into orbit.

Sudoku Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 December 21) The full moon in your own sign is a powerful ally against this week’s planetary fracas. Speak from the heart and reject any ambiguous emotional games.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

CAPRICORN (December 22 January 20) There’s a financial theme to many of your plans and ideas. Above all, spend with care and examine all offers carefully.

LOTTERY UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

Saturday February 14

Friday February 13

14 25

15 34

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

24 42

LUCKY STARS 3

REINTEGRO 27

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA 16

19 47

Fri Sat Sun -

S Sun,

14 6 Cl 16 3 Cl 17 4 S

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 6 S Tues - 14 3 S Wed - 15 4 S

Mon - 18 8 S Tues - 16 7 Cl Wed - 17 7 C Cl Clear,

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 9C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun Fog,

Sn Snow,

MAX MIN

18 8 C 21 10 S 21 9 S

Mon - 22 11 S Tues - 20 9 C Wed - 19 9 C

C Cloud,

Sh Showers,

Th Thunder

Nonagram How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case C) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

Average: 7

Very good: 12

Good: 9

Excellent: 15

aper, cape, capo, carp, clap, clop, cope, corp, crop, kelp, leap, lope, opal, pace, pack, pale, pare, park, pawl, peak, peal, pear, peck, perk, plea, plow, pock, poke, pole, pore, pork, prow, rape, reap, rope, warp, wrap, caper, copal, coper, copra, crape, loper, opera, pacer, paler, pawer, pearl, place, poker, polar, poler, polka, power, prole, prowl, recap, carpel, cowpea, packer, parcel, parole, placer, plower, repack, ropewalk, WORKPLACE

Word Ladder SOFT

Move from the start word (SOFT) to the end word (RUSH) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.

38 48

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Murcia

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CLEAR MAX MIN

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Mon - 22 11 S Tues - 20 11 Cl Wed - 18 9 Cl

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Fri Sat Sun -

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Mon - 21 11 S Tues - 19 10 S Wed - 18 10 S

Madrid

Mallorca TODAY:

17 11 Cl 19 10 S 19 12 S

TODAY:

MAX 18C, MIN 8C

18 9 Cl 18 10 Cl 22 11 S

Sunday February 15

Saturday February 14

39 44

LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Mon - 18 10 S Tues - 16 9 Sh Wed - 16 9 C

TARGET:

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Your emotions, extra expenses and other domestic pressures are on the boil. Put off major decisions until next week.

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 13 S Tues - 18 12 S Wed - 18 11 C

SHOWERS MAX 16C, MIN 11C

TODAY:

MAX 14C, MIN 8C

16 9 S 18 9 S 17 9 S

CLEAR

17 10 Cl 17 11 S 18 12 S

Benidorm

SUNNY

MAX MIN

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Scanning the rest of the star-signs, you’ll see that you have many things in common this week: challenging influences at work and play, and during other clogging capers.

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Move forward on this week’s positive waves of optimism. Treat yourself, but don’t overindulge your temptations. The planets aren’t dancing to all your wants and desires.

Fri Sat Sun -

Malaga TODAY:

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 11C MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) If it doesn’t rain, it pours, so keep an umbrella of humour to hand. Have a much happier trend for your workaday, social and financial prospects.

Y S our

TODAY:

MAX MIN

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You will see the advantage of working towards a new location, or even a specific makeover for your domestic scene. Either way, wait for a further green light, especially where money’s concerned.

1. According to Lewis Carroll’s 1871 book Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, what does the White Queen offer Alice ‘every other day’ as an inducement to work for her? 2. According to the title of Jeanette Winterson’s 1985 novel, what Are Not the Only Fruit? 3. Humble Pie was the title of the 2006 autobiography by which famous British chef and restaurateur? 4. In Roald Dahl’s children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, what is the name of the eccentric chocolatier who owns the chocolate factory? 5. ‘To begin at the beginning: It is Spring, moonless night in the small town, starless and bible-black, the cobblestreets silent and the hunched, courters’-and- rabbits’ wood limping invisible down to the sloeblack, slow, black, crowblack, fishingboat-bobbing sea’ is the first line of which 1954 radio drama by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas? 6. What is the one-word title of the 1999 novel by Joanne Harris that tells the story of Vianne Rocher, a young single mother, who arrives in the French village of Lansquenet-sousTannes at the beginning of Lent with her six-year-old daughter, Anouk and opens a shop called La Céleste Praline?

MAX MIN

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TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Don’t jump from one financial frying pan into another. Take it easy on all fronts, especially where your money, emotions and other people's moods are at odds with your ideas.

LITERALLY FOOD AND DRINK

Almeria

CLOUDY MAX 14C, MIN 9C

RUSH

RUST RUSH

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Your efforts to get your message across might be best delayed for seven days. Keep your ideas and emotions grounded.

Alicante TODAY:

SOFT LOFT LOST LUST

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) It’s both a vertical and horizontal week. What goes right somewhere could easily go wrong elsewhere. Sensitive Venus conspires with touchy Mars to trigger tensions and troubles.

1. JAM, 2. ORANGES, 3. GORDON RAMSAY, 4. WILLY WONKA, 5. UNDER MILK WOOD, 6. CHOCOLAT

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Housesitters found for Jim and Jewel from website By Lamia Walker of HousesitMatch HIGHLAND terriers Jewel and Jim travelled over from Scotland two years ago with owner Jackie from Glasgow. The puppies are great companions; she moved to southern Spain when her husband passed away. They had always enjoyed holidays in Costa Almeria and she now lives in a sunny house by the coast with her dogs. Time has passed and they have all settled into coastal life. She wants to travel more independently to visit family and friends abroad. But what to do with the dogs? After looking online for a suitable local

solution, she decided to invite housesitters into her home to care for the dogs and property while she travels. She found a website which allowed her to build an online profile and to have a look at the sitters before she made a commitment. She connected with several sitters. Within six months she booked three housesitters for different holidays, all experienced. All that for £65 per year. ‘Very good value’ she said! Download your Free Easy Guide to Housesitting from here www.bit.ly/eurown001 To find a petsitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com or call Lamia on +44 (0)186 5521508.

How can I stop my puppy’s biting? David THE Dogman

Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10 thru 11. Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm

THERE are a few methods to stop your puppy’s biting. The most important thing to remember is to stop the bad habit before it snowballs into a bigger problem. Startle your dog and redirect his behaviour. Just as your puppy bites down, make a sudden, abrupt, high-pitched and loud ‘AWRP’ sound.

It’s the same sound a littermate would make if bitten by the puppy. The sound should be so sudden and sharp your puppy is immediately startled and stops the behaviour. If done correctly, you’ll be surprised how instantly your pup removes his mouth and looks bewildered. At that point, quickly substitute a toy, such as a ball, your puppy can chew on. This redirects your puppy’s biting behaviour to the ball. Also you can ignore your dog. Leave the room when your puppy bites. This is an easy training method that even children can use. Your puppy will learn that every time he bites he

loses his playmate, and that’s no fun at all. No matter what method you use, do not entice your puppy to bite you. Games like tug-of-war and waving your hands in front of your puppy could encourage him to bite. Little puppies like to chew on everything, from your fingertips to your socks. But now is your chance to redirect his bad behaviour onto his toys. If you help him during this stage, he will easily grow out of it. Good luck, have patience and always praise him when he stops any unwanted behaviour.

Guided tours to remember Spanish Civil War

CROSS MADRID TOURS is a newly-created concept designed to offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the culture, history and architecture of Madrid. Visit the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, the principal sights of the capital, and of course, bars for tapas tasting, in small groups with specialist guides. There is also a choice of tours organised for children. However, what makes Across Madrid unique are the tours to discover the events, which took place in and around Madrid during the Spanish Civil War. These include visiting the battle sites where Nationalist troops and the International Brigades were engaged in heavy fighting at Jarama and

Peter Fieldman London-born journalist and author, Peter spends his time between Paris and Madrid. His novel ‘1066 The Conquest’ available on Amazon or www.1066TheConquest.com

www.pfieldman.blogspot.com

Brunete as well as in the centre of Madrid. These specialist tours are selected and led by Dr Almudena Cros, a researcher on the subject whose family was directly involved in the war. Dr Cros, who has degrees from Warwick University and is Professor of History at the American Suffolk University in Madrid, has been working for a number of years as a consultant, interviewer and interpreter on numerous projects, books and documentaries related to

the Spanish Civil War and has lectured on the subject. Her first-hand knowledge and ample experience interviewing war veterans and survivors brings to

life the realities of the conflict and its aftermath in an unparalleled manner. The first half of the tour

reconstructs what the city centre looked like in the war, with the help of photographs from that period. Dr Cros will share her family’s wartime story in her native Madrid, illustrated by their photographs and documents of the time. The use of authentic materials recovered from battlefields and military memorabilia provides an exceptional insight into the Spanish Civil War. Dr Cros is deeply involved in organising and attending commemorative trips, events and ceremonies related to the

International Brigades in Spain and other countries as well as helping relatives of the volunteers trace the steps of their family members during the Spanish Civil War. To find out more about the available tours and prices visit the web site: ACROSS MADRID or email info@across madrid.com. A donation from the proceeds of this particular itinerary will be made to the Friends of the International Brigades Association (Asociación de Amigos de las Brigadas Internacionales/AABI).

KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE: Dr Almudena Cros.

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Aroma El Toro has the ‘X’ Factor NOW edging closer to the final of Mallorca’s Got Talent, the competition is closing in also! Friday was yet another busy night for the crew at Aroma El Toro, providing outstanding entertainment, outstanding hospitality, and along with the outstanding cuisine… a great evening was enjoyed by all. Paul Martin was as usual the evening’s host, entertaining the audience with his wide repertoire of both classic and

MALLORCA’S GOT TALENT: The competition is hotting up. contemporary tunes. Not surprisingly there was no shortage of talent on display. The overall winner was the lovely Jessica, second was

Rushene (also known as Roxy), and in a very deserved third place Niki Ledwidge. Little Serena Martin, gave a fabulous performance, but with

only so many places available she did not go through to the final, yet at only six years old, plenty of time to shine!

Delfino’s Restaurant and Bar DELFINO’S Restaurant was first founded by a Dutch man called Hank and has been established since 1985 when Hank created his very own house special dish, the pepper steak. Many long standing customers still have fond memories of Hank, and the current head chef is the daughter of the original cook. The unique pepper steak with the secret ingredients of the sauce is a must to try and this dish alone accounts for 70 per cent of the sales at Delfino’s. For Sunday lunch there is also a choice of roast beef, pork, honey roast ham, and breast of turkey that are all slowly cooked for 16 hours to ensure that the flavour is completely marinated into the tender cuts. All these meats are served with Yorkshires, pigs in blankets, a choice of six veggies and stuffing. Daily specials include some good old fashioned traditional dishes, on Tuesdays bangers and mash, Wednesdays liver and bacon, and on Thursdays the delicious homemade chicken, ham and leek pie. Every Friday is popular with everyone’s favourite, market fresh

DELFINO’S: Watch the world go by while you dine al fresco. cod, chunky chips and marrowfat peas. Using only the best fish and crispy beer batter, Delfino’s are serving probably the best fish and chips in Mallorca. If you wish to relax and enjoy a beer before you eat, there is a separate bar area equipped with TV, should you wish to watch sport, or maybe enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and bar snacks. You can watch the world go by while you dine al fresco on any two of the large sunny terraces which display beautiful flower beds,

relaxing surroundings, and by night intimate soft lighting. There is also ample parking, as there are three car parks nearby. As Delfino’s has become popular both with locals and visitors, it is advisable to book, especially for the Sunday Carvery. You will find Delfino’s at Calle Andratx, Palma, Costa den Blanes, Portals, Calvia, which is only five a minute walk from the famous marina at Puerto Portal. For reservations please call 971 676 449 or 639 601 410.

Tomorrow, Friday, will be the last heat of this season’s competition. As an added extra to the grand final a ‘wild card’ will be chosen from all entrants who did not yet go through. All names will be put into a draw, and literally picked from a hat, therefore giving them a shot at the 1,000 euro prize! One of the entrants for tomorrow’s heat, will be Santiago, a 22-year-old Spanish opera singer, not to be missed. The evening kicks off around 7.30pm. Be early to ensure a seat. Tickets for the final are selling fast, and there will soon be limited availability. Don’t miss out on a great night out. X Factor vocal coach, Lloyd Wade will be in attendance on the judges panel, and possibly a

mystery celebrity guest. Mallorca’s Got Talent Grand Final tickets for Saturday February 28 at the Western Water Park Theatre are now in limited supply! Call into Aroma El Toro to pay and collect or call numbers below. Tickets include a fantastic meal and great show with all the finalists. Tickets also include exclusive entrance to the Winners after show party at Aroma Restaurant, with a great performance by X Factor vocal coach and judge for the evening, Lloyd Wade! Tickets €20 Children under 12 €15 VIP (balcony) €35 (includes cava)

PLEASE NOTE: Already 150 tickets reserved. This event will sell out!! To reserve please call: 971 232 842 or 666 001 807

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015/ Mallorca

uesday was Pancake Day and it was a signal for me to break out the flour, milk and eggs, and spend the day splattering the walls and whipping up batches of my wife’s favourite food. Perhaps not favourite; it’s simply that pancakes are rarely on the menu for us at other times of the year, and so on this one day we really go to town. Even if I say so myself, I am pretty darn good at making these yummy frisbees and I have pancake tossing down to a fine art. Okay so I’m not so good at catching them, but you can’t have everything. The exception to the once a year rule is if we find ourselves visiting the US to see friends. On these occasions, the Princess will not hesitate to indulge herself and when breakfasting in local restaurants, it’s a safe bet that this will be her food of choice. On our way from Yosemite to San Francisco recently, we stopped at a roadside diner for a late breakfast. It was like something out of Happy Days and we half expected to see

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OPINION & COMMENT

An annual battering Colin Bird Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-the-wall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.

the Fonz saunter in. No sooner had we parked ourselves in a window booth, than a pretty little gumchewing waitress appeared at my elbow, and taking the obligatory pencil from behind her ear, prepared to write down our order. ‘What’s your pleasure guys?’ she drawled (all Americans drawl). I was tempted to tell her, but I ordered some bacon, sausage and eggs-over-easy with lots of toast, instead. The Princess asked if they happened to have pancakes. Our waitress paused in mid chew and with a disbelieving expression replied, ‘Do we have pancakes? hellooo! Then

PANCAKES: Perhaps I should make them at home more often! realising that the accent was hardly West Coast, declared, ‘Oh you’re Brits. Cute. Yeah sure we got pancakes -

medium or large stack?’ Being familiar with the American idea of portion control, a medium stack was ordered, This turned

out to be eight pancakes. On another occasion six of us had decided on a very smart restaurant for breakfast at the San Diego marina. We were en route to Mexico and needed to fuel-up for the journey. Predictably my lady ordered her beloved pancakes, but this time didn’t hold back and the Everest sized mound duly arrived - dripping in melted butter and maple syrup, the whole edifice topped with strawberries and an assortment of exotic berries. Two bites in and amid much lip smacking, she declared loudly, ‘If there’s such a thing as a gastronomic orgasm, I’m having it!’ The clatter of forks dropped onto expensive crockery echoed around the elegant dining room. I’m thinking that perhaps I should make pancakes at home more often.

NATO the flawed defender Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

tto Von Bismarck Germany’s Iron Chancellor, who unified Germany in the 20th Century: “People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war, or before an election.” What about before a war, sir? There seems to be a belief that in terms of the unthinkable NATO America has the edge on modern Russia. This is self-delusion on a par with the ‘home by Christmas’ canard spouted at the outbreak of the Great War. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) was ostensibly created in 1949 to thwart Soviet ambitions. This marketing arm of America’s vast arms industry takes the gold medal at starting

conflicts, in defiance of international law. It is remarkably inept at ending them. Stephen Lendman, 80-year-old Research Associate for the Centre of Research on Globalisation: “I was never scared through the Cold War. I am scared now. America won’t drop its idea of waging a full size war in the region.” Ukraine is Europe’s biggest country. He speaks for many. If America gets its eagerly sought for conflict with Russia, the battlefields do not stop at the end of your urbanisation. You read about the Western Front: in the next war you are the Western Front. The casualty rate will be far worse and irrecoverable. America hopes to fight Russia to the last Ukrainian, Pole, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian. Dream on. The days of fighting trade wars on the soil of proxy states are over. America’s

AMERICA: Believes it has the edge on modern Russia. industrial heartlands, what is left of them, are firmly fixed in the cross-hairs of modern Russia’s formidable means of response. Not my opinion; I researched the beliefs of a wide range of experts on modern warfare. NATO is a busted flush. In 1990, Germany’s hippie-army, with US military hardware, had a total of 38,300 formidable

weapons, plus the back-up of the British Army of Occupation. It’s gone. Next year the last British soldier goes home too. As in 1939, Germany’s army is now significantly smaller than is Turkey’s or Poland’s. With or without Germany, a war with Russian cannot be won. It is conceded that the Baltic States would be occupied in 24-

hours. Brussels concedes that the Bloc’s (NATO) response will be enough for only two categories of missions. Limited participation in a humanitarian operation and operations (frontier customs) to enforce an embargo; Sleep well. NATO is a paper tiger capable of little more than doing what a sniper’s bullet can do more cost effectively, but less profitably when it comes to regime change. To bring NATO up to strength would require a drop of 20/25 per cent in European living standards. The performance of NATO’s fighter jets is an embarrassment, as is its means of submarine warfare; it is way behind that of modern Russia. We have not heard the term MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) since the end of the Cold War. Today, if America’s war lobby wins, as did Britain’s in 1939, we can all kiss our backsides goodbye.

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Provided one makes an order, however small, once you get on a company’s mailing list the annual catalogue arrives By Spain’s best known automatically each year. expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years. One set of catalogues I always enjoy receiving is WITH most of the winter those of Chiltern Seeds. cutback done, now is the If you wish to obtain time to think about catalogues for the first growing things from time they can be ordered seeds. Not so much from www.chilternseeds. flowering annuals as one co.uk or info@ would have done in the chilternseeds.co.uk. UK, but half hardy and There are three hardy perennials and a few catalogues available, biennials such as holly- namely a ‘Preview’ of new hocks that have grown in varieties on sale with good Spain since Roman times photos and descriptions, and of course vegetables. the main catalogue of From now onwards one some 4,000 varieties, can start to raise seeds in many of which are rare or trays or pots in unobtainable elsewhere propagators or and the ‘VegBook’ heated catalogue with greenhouse or many newly Order on tables discovered seeds from placed in and front of a the internet heirloom window in a varieties of sunny spare or catalogue vegetable and bedroom or herbs. For underbuild. instance there are The seeds available 23 types of basil available include seeds that you with very varied leaf might have collected from colours and flavours, 22 a favourite plant last varieties of marigolds and summer and autumn, 19 types of hollyhock and seeds from the limited five types of bananas, one collections available in being a dwarf type only discovered Spanish horticultural shops recently and garden centres or growing in cold Chinese selections from UK or mountains. A selection of French sourced seed each is on my order form. The main advantage of catalogues or packets purchased in airport shops growing from seeds is the when travelling to exotic wide range of varieties available for both climes. Although many flowering and edible plants companies now have their but care is required. There are six important catalogues on the internet it is still interesting to success factors. 1. Obtain or make up obtain the catalogue books from some companies to your own fine seed enable one to browse compost. A useful mix through ever increasing suitable for most seeds is interesting offers and have two parts of sieved and a handy up-to-date sterilised garden compost, one part peat or peat reference book.

Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner

GROWING SEEDS: Label pots and seed trays with waterproof pens. substitute, one part sharp sand, and one part vermiculite. 2. Label pots and seed trays with waterproof pens. 3. Keep emergent seedlings only just damp. 4. Warm the greenhouse until the risk of

frosts are past and then shade to keep temperatures low. Our greenhouse is on the west side of the house to reduce the hours of sunshine, as in Spain the temperature in unshaded greenhouses can easily rise to a hundred degrees

centigrade. 5. If growing plants in pots or trays, grow strong plants and harden them off before planting out in the garden or in containers. 6. Above all patience and constant vigilance. If you have never grown

anything from seed there is a detailed step by step guide in the book ‘Your Garden in Spain - From planning to planting and maintenance.’

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

PROPERTY

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PRICE 1,995,000€ alluring features; five double bedrooms - four of which boast en suite bathrooms, dreamy master bedroom with sea view balcony, dressing room and large bathroom complete with Jacuzzi bathtub. The upper level offers open plan hallway and vast terrace and roof terrace with sea view. Other noteable features include; a/c hot and cold throughout, BBQ, heated swimming pool, underfloor heating. Generous covered terraces and sun terraces with childproof garden areas. An added bonus is there is also the possibility to purchase a 10mtr mooring

in Port Adriano which has recently been renewed with a 25 year lease. With this comes a 10 metre day boat both of which are available at a much reduced rate if purchased with the villa. Location The location is highly prestigious and sought after. The port of Adriano has been developed by Philippe Stark and extended with berths for Super yachts with 60 metre moorings, as well as many exclusive shops, restaurants and bars. Unique Mallorca Established for over 15 years, Unique Mallorca’s main office is situated in El Toro - Puerto Adriano, in south west Mallorca. We also provide a team of multinational real estate professionals who offer a highly personalised service - tailoring each property search to match your true lifestyle requirements and providing full support throughout the buying process. www.uniquemallorca.com 971 699 312/971 699 329

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BOATING

Cruise entertainment on another level IF she can live up to the hype, Carnival Cruise Lines innovative and breathtaking Vista cruise ship will revolutionise the world of cruising, particularly for fun-seeking families. Featuring an IMAX cinema, a suspended cycling track with panoramic views, icecream parlours, a water park, a raft-riding water tube slide and an on-board brewery (for the parents), the new Vista cruise ship will change the cruising experience in ways unimaginable.

VISTA: Will revolutionise the world of cruising, especially for families. Due for launch in May 2016, Vista packs enough entertainment into its 133,500 tonnes to keep its

guests amused and absorbed for far longer than a couple of weeks. Vista comes in at 1,055 feet in length with a capacity for nearly 4,000 passengers and features diversions that wouldn’t be out of place at Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Making the most of its outdoor space, the ship will house a waterpark, the SkyRide (800 feet cycling track suspended from an upper deck), a jogging track, private cabanas with outdoor patio, a giant

column with coloured LED screens, restaurants, cafes, shops and bars. She is due to sail all over the Mediterranean for five months before relocating to New York. “It really is exciting to be back in Europe for 2016,” Erin Johnson, Carnival’s managing director for the UK and Ireland told MailOnline. “The Caribbean is still a priority for us but we are really happy to be sailing out of Europe again as we felt it made sense for

us to offer a full European season to our customers in the UK and further afield. The high-altitude sky ride and the world’s first IMAX at sea will bring something new and exciting to the cruise industry and we believe the compelling itineraries will attract a strong base of repeaters and new to cruise.”

There will be a New England-inspired seafood shack, a burger joint, a steakhouse and a pub with its own on-board brewery. Accommodation comes in the form of staterooms and Havana-style cabanas with outdoor areas. The Vista looks set to raise the bar for cruising up to the next level.

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AST year was a momentous year for Husqvarna motorcycles. Enjoying record figures in sales and turnover, a total of 16,337 motorcycles were sold. Passing the magical

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MOTOCROSS BIKES: Almost 6,000 sold worldwide.

achieved during the brand’s 111 years of motorcycle production. Husqvarna gained significant market share in the enduro competition segment as well as making an outstanding restart into the motocross segment, where close to 6,000 Husqvarna motocross bikes were sold worldwide. As such the brand has re-established its position as a key player within the offroad motorcycle segment.

Audi continues with growth in January AUDi has made its bestever start to the year in terms of sales. It delivers around 137,700 cars in January, up 10.3 per cent over the same month last year. Following the record-

breaking sales in 2014, the company once again saw growth in all regions of the world, particularly in North and South America, with sales up 15.1 per cent to 16,200 units. In particular, the

popular A3 family (+58.1 per cent) and the new Audi TT (+15.0 per cent) contributed to the successful start to the year worldwide. “Audi has made a good start to the New Year even though the global economic uncertainties remain considerable,” says Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management for Sales at AUDI AG. “With the successful January results we have laid the foundations for further growth in 2015.” In the United States, the company continued its string of recordbreaking figures, achieving its 49th recordbreaking month in a row. US deliveries climbed to 11,541 units (+14.3 per cent) in January. Sales in Canada grew even faster, up 26.3 per cent. Demand for the Audi A3 and the Audi Q3 in particular helped drive sales. Both models went

AUDI SALES: Have made a good start to the new year. on sale last year. Audi also made a successful start to 2015 in Europe. The mid and full size models offered continued to prove popular among customers in Germany. Sales of the Audi A4 increased by 36.1 per cent, sales of the A6 rose by 14.2 per cent, while sales of the A7

Sportback were up 35.2 per cent. Across all models, deliveries in the German market grew by 13.6 per cent to 19,804 units. In the United Kingdom (+8.1 per cent) and Spain (+7.0 per cent), Audi significantly exceeded sales compared with the same month last year as well. The Audi Q5

in particular proved a firm favourite in both countries. In the United Kingdom, demand for the mid size SUV rose by 81.7 per cent, in Spain the same figure increased by 67.5 per cent. Audi achieved the largest growth in its top 20 markets in Turkey, with sales up 109.8 per cent to 1,785. In the Asia Pacific region, Audi topped the figure for the same period last year by 14.3 per cent to around 59,700 units. The company achieved high double digit rates of growth in South Korea (+31.5 per cent) and in China (+15.1 per cent), the largest market in the region. Worldwide, the A3 family (+58.1 per cent) and the Audi TT (+15.0 per cent) in particular boosted the brand’s sales. The new TT was launched in the initial markets last fall.

E W N 19 - 25 February 2015 / Mallorca

SPORT

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Sport MotoGP season looms Veteran soldier

Afghanistan Light Dragoons soldier Guy Disney has become the first jockey to ride over fences with a prosthetic leg, coming home third on Ballyallia Man in the RA Gold Cup at Sandown last Friday.

Mallorca’s best guide to local sport

IT was the youngsters’ time to shine over the Valentine’s weekend as the match between the seniors of Ibiza RFC and El Toro RC was postponed. But matches were nevertheless fiercely contested as the seniors of tomorrow took part in the ninth leg of the Michel Rodier Under-14 Trophy at Principes de España Stadium in Palma. Teams from RC Ponent, Agora Portals and the combined El Toro RC and Mallorca Bocs team participated in 35minute matches. RC Ponent proved too strong for the competitors, coming out on top and extending their lead at the top of the table. RC Ponent were also hosts for the Rugby Day for the clubs’ younger teams and again, were the strongest side, winning all their matches in the Under10 category and winning the Under-12 category too.

By James Warren THE first MotoGP race of the season in Qatar is drawing closer as the MotoGP teams round up the first of two preseason tests in the Far East. It has given many of the riders the opportunity to sample the new 2015 machinery. It became obvious that, yet again the man to beat is reigning double World Champion Marc Marquez. He spent his time putting in laps aboard both the 2014 and 2015 RC213Vs, trying different setups and fine-tuning the new chassis. Day three of the test proved he wasn’t to be messed with as he smashed the Sepang lap record with a 1’58, the only rider to do so. Repsol team mate Dani Pedrosa was also on

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Rugby youth shine through

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MAN TO BEAT: Double World Champion Marc Marquez. fine form as he just missed out on a flying 1’58 lap due to a small mistake. He did however put in a blistering sub 2’00 race simulation and signalled his intentions to put a mediocre 2014 behind him.

Surprise of the test was Italian Andrea Iannone on the Ducati. He ended the test third on a revised version of last year’s GP14.2. He and teammate Andrea Dovizioso are eager to ride the new GP15 to

be launched in time for the second Sepang test. The two Movistar Yamahas of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo finished up fourth and fifth, both riders testing new exhaust parts and a new seamless upshift gearbox. It was also the first proper test of the new Suzuki GSX-RR with Aleix Espargaro and rookie maverick Vinuales, posting respectable 10th and 12th positions, putting the new prototype ahead of many other seasoned teams. The new Aprilia RS-GP however didn’t fare as well, still having much work left to do to be competitive in time for March 29. The teams stay in Malaysia for the Sepang 2 test on February 23.