Costa de Almeria 28 March – 3 April 2024 Issue 2021

Coffee morning

Jules Phillips

COMMUNITY Choir All Aloud hosted a charity Coffee Morning in Oria on Saturday March 23 to support the Children’s Ward at La Immaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa. The event surpassed expectations, raising over €1,100, with more donations still coming in. Starting at 10.30am, the morning began slowly but quickly gained momentum. Attendees enthusiastically participated in activities like lucky dips, raffles, browsing the New-to-you clothes rail, and trying their luck at winning bottles of gin. However, the real highlight was the cake and pastry stand, where treats sold out rapidly.

The sunny weather allowed people to sit outside, enjoying conversation and refreshments. Many took advantage of the face and neck massages offered by non-singing friends supporting the choir. By the

end, little remained as volunteers relaxed with a glass of wine, reflecting on the successful morning.

All Aloud chose to support the Children’s Ward after learning their yearly budget for activities was a mere €100 and the group’s Treasurer, Dr. Jan Wilson, organised the Coffee Morning to kickstart fundraising efforts.

This successful event marks a fantastic start to the group’s fundraising endeavours for the year, with many more events planned for the future including a charity concert at the Kubatin Bar in Arboleas on Friday June 28 at 7.30pm.

Photos and information about the group’s activities can be found on the All Aloud Facebook page. They

are also launching a GoFundMe page on Facebook in April, welcoming donations from the generous community. Fundraising will also continue at weekly meetings in the Kubatin Bar on Wednesdays at 3pm. Further events are being organised for May and June, including a possible concert to entertain the children in the ward.

• Issue No. 2021 • 28 M - 3 A 2024 FREE FREE

FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE ILMAINEN G F E GRATIS GRATUIT S G

Costa de Almeria

CAKE STAND: The treats sold out rapidly.

Credit: All Aloud Community Choir.

Free scholarships

ALSA is giving away 150 scholarships for people in Almeria who want to train as bus drivers. If you pass the course, you’ll snag a steady job with the company. The training, set to run between May and September, will take about two months.

The scholarship covers all the expenses needed to get your D licence, which you need to drive a bus, as well as the Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP). This includes 140 hours of face-to-face theory lessons at a driving school, 20 hours of bus driving practice, and the fees for the D licence exams, CAP,

ON Saturday, March 23, a new bookshop called ‘Sunny with a chance of Books’ opened in Mojacar Pueblo. Alongside a large selection of pre-loved and new books, the shop featured a few comfy chairs and background music.

In addition to offering books in English and Spanish, with plans to expand to include more languages, the shop also stocked handmade cards and candles, some of which even smelled like books!

and psychotechnical test.

To be eligible, you’ve got to be a woman aged 24 or older, hold a B driving licence (with 10 to 15 points), live in or be willing to move to the province where the course is happening, and pass the selection process.

Once you complete the scholarship, you’ll have all the qualifications needed to work as a bus driver, plus a permanent full-time job with ALSA in the province where you trained and receive a good pay package, social benefits, and opportunities for further training.

New bookshop

The bookshop was the brainchild of Antonia and Sue Ann, who had recently relocated to Mojacar and Vera. They missed the experience of browsing in a traditional bookshop, even though they collectively spoke six languages, they mainly read in English.

Opening the shop was a bit of a gamble, as many people nowadays prefer to get their reading material

online or on devices like Kindles. However, there are still plenty of book lovers who enjoy the tactile experience and aroma of physical books, relishing the opportunity to unwind with a good read.

Future plans for the bookshop included hosting ‘Storytime’ events aimed at children and author events to showcase new writers.

No climbing

Jayden Sinclair

PEOPLE have been fined for climbing the fossil dune at Los Escullos de Cabo de Gata: 10 fines were issued in 2023. Many do it for a nice photo, without considering the risk or damage to the natural heritage.

This continues to be a problem in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, especially at Los Escullos. The famous rock there is continuously climbed by bathers and visitors, unaware of the damage they cause.

The Junta de Andalucía opened 10 sanctioning procedures in 2023 for climbing the fossil dune of Los Escullos. Climbing is prohibited by law, and fines can range from €600 to €60,000 due to the serious threat it poses to the geological landscape.

Trampling and movement cause erosion, destroying the unique features of the dune. The

fragile nature of the formation makes climbing dangerous, with risks of falling and causing damage or injury.

The Andalucian government is working on protection measures for the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Na-

tural Park, including the preservation of the Monsul dune and Los Escullos fossil dune.

While there were talks of fencing the area, the government is considering alternative protection methods.

Credit: Creative Commons.

The fossil dune is the focus of many selfies.

Clocks go forward

DAYLIGHT Savings Time begins on Sunday March 31 at 2.00am. At this time, clocks will ‘spring forward’ as we welcome in the longer days and sunnier seasons of spring and summer.

Still growing

THE latest official data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that Huercal-Overa now has a total of 20,601 inhabitants. A figure that consolidates new resources and new services for the municipality.

New park

THE municipality of Albox has opened a new playground in the La Loma neighbourhood, around the Plaza de San Francisco. This new public facility designed for the enjoyment of the little ones will be called Parque San Juan Evangelista.

Planting trees

AS part of ‘Tabernas against Drugs’ initiative by Tabernas Town Council, they held an environmental workshop providing information for young people, including them planting conifers with the mayor’s help.

Autism Day

IN Albox, an Awareness Campaign for World Autism Day (April 2) to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion in our society. They are adding pictograms on the crossings, a vital tool for road safety.

Easter flights

ALMERIA Airport is set to host 189 flights over Easter, comprising 169 domestic and 20 international flights.

Jayden Sinclair

THE Vera Town Council is launching free courses that come with o cial quali cations, aiming to support the education of its residents. These courses cover a wide range of subjects and are provided in partnership with Grupo Dabo, a leading training centre selected by the Ministry of Education.

Residents of Vera who are interested and meet the entry criteria can obtain professional certi cations in various elds such as administration, tax assistance, agriculture, logistics, sales, tourism, computing, healthcare, transportation, social care, and leisure activities.

To enrol, individuals need to apply by April 30, 2024, either through the town council’s o cial website or by visiting the citizen service o ce to complete an application form. Once applications are received, Dabo’s training advisors will assist applicants in selecting the most suitable course

Free courses

If you meet the criteria you can study for free.

based on their interests and career goals.

The council is committed to providing the necessary resources for residents of Vera to build successful careers without the need for extensive

New clubhouse

THE clubhouse for the El Toyo golf course, eagerly awaited since its construction for the 2005 Mediterranean Games in Almeria, is finally becoming a reality. The city council of the capital, in a recent Government Meeting, approved the project for the clubhouse. The clubhouse is expected to cost over €1 million and will take around 14 months to complete.

Designed by architect Manuel Martín Mendoza, the clubhouse will have a basement, ground floor, and the option for public access to the roof. This addition not only enhances the facilities at the golf course but also elevates the image of the area as a premier tourist destination.

The council plans to improve pedestrian access and connections with the golf course’s interior paths as part of the project.

This development marks an exciting step forward for the El Toyo golf course, providing subscribers and users with a dedicated clubhouse for their enjoyment.

time and nancial investment. This initiative presents a valuable opportunity for residents to acquire o cial quali cations and enhance their skills, contributing to their future.

Chimney demolition

THE Provincial Traffic Headquarters announced a “total closure of the AL-5106 highway” on Thursday, March 21, between 12.00 noon and 3.00pm. This closure was due to the demolition of the chimney at the Thermal Power Plant in Carboneras.

The affected stretch of road was between the towns of Carboneras and Agua Amarga. This meant that the road was closed to traffic as the iconic chimney, known as ‘the skyscraper’ of Carboneras, for decades, was brought down.

The 200-metre chimney, a symbol of the Carboneras landscape, was demolished and no one was allowed within 500 metres of the site. Both the authorities and the company Endesa, which operated the plant for nearly 40 years, had planned this event. It marked one of the first major steps in the closure of the Thermal Power Plant, with further dismantling of the facilities expected to take years to complete.

Reclaimed water

ON March 22, for World Water Day, Vera Town Council awarded its prize for the Best Practices in Water Usage to Valle del Este golf course.

With the lack of rain and the low water reserves all across the province, water conservation is becoming one of the most important things to control .

Valle del Este was the

first golf course in the Almeria Levante to use reclaimed water for irrigation. This helps in using water resources wisely and shows commitment to the environment and the municipality of Vera, especially in an area with a water shortage.

Since 2015, Codeur and Valle del Este have had an agreement whe-

re Codeur supplies reclaimed water from the Vera sewage treatment plant for golf course irrigation. They receive around 300,000 cubic metres of water annually.

Steps are also being taken to use reclaimed water for irrigating gardens in the public areas of Valle del Este urbanization.

THE ‘Night with the Stars’ charity event on Thursday March 21, was a great success with over 250 people attending including the mayor of Turre, Arturo Grima Cervantes and the mayor of Los Gallardos, Francisco Miguel Reyes Martin.

Organised by Jo McGrath and Janet Corcoran, the event raised over €3,000 for the Turre food bank which is run by the Turre Evangelical Church. Hosted by Shayne Prince there were numerous acts including Kev Moore, Kayleigh Easton, Roadrunner and Marilyn Shipley. Held at the Hostal Rural in Turre, the event went o without a hitch and the guests enjoyed their meals, taking part in the ra e and of course, having a boogie. Jo and Janet were really happy with the event and the amount raised and will present a cheque to the food bank next week.

Calendar competition

Jules Phillips

VERA is offering a prize of €50 for the best photos of the town to create a calendar for 2025. Anyone aged 16 or over can enter, whether they live in Vera or not. Each person can submit up to three original photos, and one will be chosen per participant.

You can take pictures of various things in Vera, like the beaches, sports activities, family fun, local food, slow-paced life, historical sites, and traditional festivals such as the Vera Fair, Semana Santa, or Christmas.

The photos must be in

colour and not edited by AI, and they shouldn’t have logos or trademarks. They should also be new and not have won any other contests.

The 14 best photos will each win €50 and be used

+34 951 38 61 61 euroweeklynews.com

Affiliated

in the town’s calendar. All submitted photos will be displayed in an exhibition, giving credit to the photographers.

To enter, send your photos to info@destinovera.com by October 31, 2024. The Vera calendar is shown at the FITUR tourism fair in Madrid, reaching people from all over the world.

Without permits

CARBONERAS has lost out on hosting the jet ski championship because it didn’t get the environmental permits it needed. The council tried to postpone it to fix the issues, but it didn’t work. The Spanish and Andalucian Motorcycle Federation cancelled the event, which was planned to take place on April 5, 6 and 7.

The council blames the previous government for rushing into organising the championship without checking if they had all the permits. They say

the organisers didn’t include measures to protect the island of San Andrés or follow certain rules, like not refuelling on the shore or setting up a stage on the beach.

The council needed more than just promises to make the championship happen. They needed permits and had to meet certain requirements. The new council wants to make sure they follow all the rules in the future.

They also want to reassure locals and businesses that they’re commi-

tted to events that help the economy and promote healthy activities. They promise to plan future events properly and legally.

Quadbike death

A MAN died on Saturday March 23 in the afternoon after he fell into a deep ravine in Albox while riding a quadbike.

If you love photography and think you can capture Vera’s beauty, this contest is for you. It’s a great chance to show off your skills and contribute to showcasing Vera through photography.

At 1.15pm, someone called 112 to say a person on a quad had tumbled into a ravine in an area called Rambla de El Chorro, in La Aljambra. They said the person fell more than 20 metres.

The Local Police confirmed the person had died, but further details were unknown.

Your chance to win €50 and show off your talent.

Jet ski competition cancelled in Carboneras.

Credit: Josh Sorenson

Credit: Roberta F

Semana Santa

Jules Phillips

IN the province of Almeria, the Easter Week celebrations of towns such as Cuevas del Almanzora, Velez-Rubio and Huercal-Overa hold great significance, classified as National Tourist Interest Festivities in Andalusia.

In Cuevas del Almanzora the processional parades are steeped in tradition and history, making its Holy Week one of the most important in the province. Dating back to the 16th century, its roots lie in the assistance brotherhoods, which evolved over the decades to become the concept understood today.

The Holy Week of Huercal-Overa is deeply rooted in the province, boasting an enviable exquisite heritage comparable to any capital in the autonomous community and priceless artistic images. Dating back to the 19th century, its Holy Week features four brotherhoods: Borriquita, Los Moraos, Los Blancos, and Los Negros. On Easter Sunday, the people of Huercal-Overa take the opportunity to spend a day together in the countryside and enjoy typical foods including hornazos. The meeting and parade of bands on Good Friday is also well-known in the locality.

Vélez-Rubio the final of this trio of recognised Holy Weeks in the province also classified as of Tourist Interest in Andalusia. Four brotherhoods contribute with

their sacrifice and effort to make their Holy Week one of the most anticipated in the province. Its Church of the Incarnation is also a cultural and artistic gem with over 250 years of history. Its Passion has its own identity, incorporating some Levantine details such as living statues. Notable processions include Jesus Nazareno (the oldest in the locality), Our Lady of Sorrows (19th century), or the True Cross and Blood of Christ.

So, with the closing days of the festivities upon us, maybe take a trip out to visit one of the other processions and see the difference.

The colourful processions are a sight to be seen.

Credit: Turol Jones

MOJACAR has been ranked as the 11th happiest town in Spain, while Ronda clinched the number one spot.

Every year on March 20, World Happiness Day is celebrated. This day is marked by studies to determine the happiest countries. This year, Spain holds the 36th position, quite distant from the top spots.

However, the analysis hasn’t been limited to the global level. YouGov, in collaboration with Azucarera, conducted a study to identify the happiest towns in Spain.

The list is diverse in ter-

Happiest town

Mojacar one of the happiest towns in Spain.

ms of location, climate, and lifestyle. However, all these towns share a common theme of a friendly atmosphere and a relaxed, stress-

ALBOX is bringing back its Spring Festival with a new event called ‘Trajin Fest’. It’s happening on April 13 at the Fairgrounds, featuring music and lots of other activities.

‘Trajin Fest’ is born from the idea of reviving the Albox Spring Festival in a bigger and better way. It originated from two local spots, El Cordo Disco-Pub and Wassy Bar Restaurant.

The festival will offer a range of music for all ages, including pop/rock from the 80s-90s, commercial hits, reggaeton, electronic, dance, and house music.

Nearly complete

Credit: Gilles Garrofé Julianne Archer

MOJACAR mayor Francisco García recently inspected the ongoing construction of the town’s new health centre to assess the progress of the building works, which are nearing completion. Accompanying him were Jose Maldonado, the architect from Grupo Copsa construction company, and councillors Noemi Linares and María Gracia Alarcon, both members of his government team.

free lifestyle.

Over a million people participated in the study, selecting the 35 happiest towns in Spain.

Trajin

Fest

‘Trajin Fest’ aims to become a standout event in the Almanzora Valley and beyond. Alongside the music, there will be food stalls open all day, as well as opportunities for make-up, tattoos, and local businesses to showcase their products.

The Albox City Council is supporting this initiative, which comes from young people in Albox who are building their careers in the area.

The new health centre, spanning 2,398 square metres on a plot of 9,196 square metres donated by the local council, is situated in the Rambla de Campos area, adjacent to the road linking the village and the beach. It will feature an emergency area with a dedicated entrance for ambulances, comprising two doctors’ consulting rooms, two nursing consulting rooms, a critical care consulting room, and facilities for respiratory treatment and observation. Additionally, there will be six bedrooms for on-duty professionals, a waiting room, and an isolation area for patients requiring special care.

The consultation area will include family medicine and nursing consulting rooms, paediatrics facilities, a dental clinic, and multipurpose rooms for various medical procedures. The centre will also house radiology facilities with an X-ray machine. Common areas for professionals, waiting

rooms, and a spacious reception and user service area with multiple service stations will be provided, along with parking for ambulances with electrical connections near the emergency entrance.

Strategically located on Avenida de Andalucía, between the beach and the old town, the health centre boasts excellent accessibility and communication, making it ideal for emergencies. Notably, it is designed as a sustainable building.

Mayor Francisco Garcia expressed his satisfaction with the new health centre, highlighting its importance for the area and its role in expanding healthcare services, reducing the need for residents to travel elsewhere for medical care. He emphasised its convenient location and its potential to attract more permanent residents to the municipality, thus addressing seasonal fluctuations in population.

The mayor Francisco Garcia visiting the nearly competed medical centre in Mojacar

Credit: Mojacar Town hall

IN Almeria, like many other places in Spain, moving towards electric cars to fight pollution sounds like a good plan. But it’s not so easy. There aren’t enough charging points for these cars, and not many people are using electric cars yet.

In Spain, more than half of the houses don’t have their own parking spot, so it’s hard for people to charge electric cars at home. In Almeria, this problem is even worse because only 40 per cent of houses have garages.

Electric cars

Not having enough charging points in Almeria creates a few problems. Firstly, it makes it hard for people to use electric cars regularly. This means it’s tricky to switch to cleaner ways of getting around. Also, because people might keep using cars that need petrol or diesel, it adds to the pollution in the air and makes climate change worse.

For people who have electric cars, not having enough charging points

can be annoying. They need these points to charge their cars and go where they need to. This can also affect jobs and businesses that work with electric cars and technology.

To meet the goals for cutting pollution, Almeria needs to have 515 charging points that anyone can use by the end of 2025. This would help more people switch to electric cars and make sure they can charge them easily.

Poster competition

THE Al-Mosaquer Moors and Christians Association in Mojacar has released the rules for the sixth Moors and Christians Poster Contest for the 2024 event.

If you want to join in, you can submit up to three original posters that haven’t been published before

with a theme mainly focused on some of the key aspects of the Mojacar Moors and Christians Festivities. You can use any artistic technique you like to create your posters, but they need to be easily reproducible in full colour and fit within dimensions of 50 x

70 cm, without a margin and a vertical orientation. The text ‘Moros y Cristianos 2024’ must appear on the poster, but you can design as you desire.

Send your unsigned works to almosaquer@ gmail.com or via WeTransfer to the same email, including your name, nationality, date of birth, and contact information in a text file before the deadline of April 8 at midnight.

There’s a prize of €300, and the jury, chosen by the Al-Mosaquer Association, will select three finalists on April 9.

The winner will be decided by popular vote on social media between April 9 and 22, and the result will be announced on April 23. The winning and finalist posters will be part of an exhibition in Mojacar.

In the previous contest, 25 works were submitted, and the 2023 winning poster was designed by Tara Lassey, a British artist living in Mojacar for many years.

Jules Phillips

Credit: Creative Commons

Jayden Sinclair

THE filming of the Zorro series, starring Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin as the iconic masked avenger, has wrapped up in the El Chorrillo area of Sierra Alhamilla. A Mexican village was built specifically for the shooting of this eight-episode series, but it has been completely destroyed after filming concluded.

Set in 1821, the new series follows Don Diego de la Vega, aka Zorro, as he becomes the mayor of Los Angeles to improve his city. However, the city faces financial problems due to a local businessman, and Diego soon rea-

Set removed

The amazing set for Zorro has now been removed.

lises that his powers as mayor are not enough to fight injustice.

Having not used his Zorro identity for 20 years, he revives his alter ego but struggles to balance his double life, causing tension in his marriage as his wife is unaware of his secret.

In recent days, heavy

Credit: D. Martinez

machinery and lorries have been removing the set that was built for the series. Some question why such iconic sets were destroyed and not left in El Chorrillo, as they could be a boost to tourism in the area, that already boasts many places were films were made over the decades.

Water quality meets the standards.

Credit: Jules

THE beaches in Almeria meet the standards for bathing water quality. A total of 91 samples were taken across 78 bathing areas in 13 municipalities in the province. Before Semana Santa, the Ministry of Health and Consumer A airs checked the quality of bathing water along the Andalucian coast, part of their Health Surveillance Programme. The ndings indicate that Andalucia’s bathing waters are of satisfactory quality.

NEW SCHOOL

VERA Playa is set to welcome a new school, thanks to a recent decision by the town council to transfer land covering 9,655 square metres for its construction.

The site, situated on Avenida Cañada Julian and Calle Esparto, will be handed over to the Junta de Andalucia to establish a new preschool and primary education centre in the area.

The study examined 361 sampling points in 62 municipalities, testing 276 bathing areas. Almeria particularly excelled, with 91 samples from 91 locations across 78 bathing areas in 13 municipalities. The analysis covered various parameters, such as microbiological and macroscopic aspects, transparency, colour, presence of mineral oils, persistent foams, oating solids, and organic remains, all meeting quality standards in Almeria. The Ministry’s data also showed positive results in other Andalucian provinces during this special analysis.

Be safe Standards met

from the Provincial Tra c Headquarters.

JOSE MARIA MARTÍN, the government’s representative in Almeria, has led the Road Safety Commission, which recently reviewed the main data collected by the Provincial Tra c Headquarters. This commission includes representatives from local councils, the Provincial Council, the Regional Government of Andalucia, and law enforcement agencies.

The commission convened to scrutinise accident data, revealing a worrying trend for 2023. There was a notable increase in road accidents compared to the previous year.

The commission brought together representatives from various local authorities and law enforcement agencies to analyse the key ndings

The standout issue discussed was the signi cant rise in accidents throughout 2023. A total of 758 accidents were recorded, up from 653 the year before. Despite this increase, the number of fatal accidents remained the same, resulting in 32 lives lost on the province’s roads. Jose Maria Méndez, the head of Tra c in Almería, stressed the importance of a comprehensive assessment of road safety.

He highlighted the role of each administration in improving safety within its jurisdiction. Méndez pointed out that most accidents (70 per cent) occur on conventional roads, with motorists being the most a ected (seven victims).

With nearly 4,500 residents recorded in Vera Playa as of October 2023, and 640 school-age children and young people, the need for additional educational facilities became apparent. This move aims to ease pressure on existing schools such as CEIP Cuatro Caños, Angel de Haro, and Reyes Catolicos, all of which are facing overcrowding issues.

Moreover, the population is expected to grow further with the upcoming arrival of the AVE high-speed train to Vera. The municipality has been experiencing significant annual growth, surpassing 1,000 new residents each year, and recently exceeding 20,000 inhabitants.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the town council acted swiftly to allocate prime coastal land for the new school.

Mayor Alfonso García emphasised the importance of infrastructure development to support the municipality’s growth and pledged to prioritise the educational project.

García expressed hope that the Ministry of Education would prioritise the construction of the new centre in Vera, given its critical importance to the community.

CHERISHED BAND: ABBA in 1974.

ABBA royalty

Claude Norris

ONE of the world’s most cherished bands, ABBA, has been given a special honour by the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, for exceptional contributions to music and culture.

The members, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Reuss have all become the Commanders of First Class of the Order.

This marked a historic achievement, as the King welcomed the musicians to the Order of Vasa; one of the most esteemed orders of chivalry in Sweden. This was the first time in half a century that new members have been included.

The candidates were nominated by the public, and the government and the King made an official approval statement.

King Carl XVI Gustaf has shown his value of the band in the past, as ABBA performed for the marriage celebration of the King and Queen Silvia in 1976.

After 52 years of the band’s formation, ABBA’s songs continue to light up the lives of many with enchanting melodies and touching lyrics, elevating pop music to a royal level.

On May 31, an official ceremony to award the band will be held at the Royal Palace in Stockholm; a city where ABBA was born in 1972.

Credit: ABBA, Facebook

Waiting lists

THOUSANDS of residents in need of healthcare have been on lengthy waiting lists across the Netherlands; the number of patients needing medical assistance continues to rise.

In December 2024, approximately 5,300 Dutch residents were registered on waiting lists, and by March, the situation only declined, reported the Dutch Healthcare Authority.

Not only does the waiting time for treatment appear to rise, but the majority of general practitioners no longer register new patients, with mental healthcare specialists holding the patients on hold for more than four weeks at least.

The most critical cases occur in Heerenveen, Tilburg, Enschede, Leeuwarden, Apeldoorn, and Zwolle.

As the salaries and office costs hold fixed amounts across the country, the practitioners working in areas with higher living costs struggle the most. “This is a poor decision and is unfair to doctors,” argued the Association for General Practitioners in Amsterdam, Huisarten Coöperatie Amstelland.

The city council is now developing a plan of action by allocating the professionals to their own workplaces.

The Virgin de la Pieda

John Smith

SOME Spanish towns are known for street art, Smurfs or witchcraft whilst others stand out for a single event which takes place annually.

In the 15th century, a worker from the town of Guadix in Granada, Juan Pedernal, was demolishing a wall of an abandoned mosque in neighbouring Baza when his pickaxe almost destroyed a hidden 12th century statue of the Virgin.

Legend says that the Virgin uttered the words “Baza - Guadix, have mercy on me” as the pickaxe just touched her cheek and since that day she has been known as the Virgen de la Piedad (pity or compassion).

Where should the Virgin reside though? Both towns claimed her and it went to the courts but no formal decision was made, however it was agreed between the Burgers of the two towns that

it would stay in pristine state in the Merced church in Baza and once a year on September 6, a representative from Guadix could try to claim it.

Whilst it sounds easy, this is not the case as the person chosen, known as Cascamorras, a semi-religious character, dressed in a multicoloured costume, similar to that of a harlequin, leaves Guadix en route for Baza.

At 6pm on September 6, a rocket is fired and a drum is beaten and the

festival begins and to be successful the Cascamorras must recover the Virgin without a single stain appearing on his costume but locals who are out in force are armed with thick black paint and they chase him around the town ensuring that he and most of them are painted black.

From time to time, the people of Guadix are allowed to borrow the Virgin for a few days on the understanding that it is returned home on September 9.

The clean Cascamorras on his way to Baza.

Credit: Baza Council

Good Neighbours

John Smith

THESE are the last of those commended for the Good Neighbour Awards 2024 as announced by Age in Spain.

Kimberly Olsson, from Torrevieja, has a reputation locally for caring for the feral cats in the neighbourhood. But recently, while feeding the colony of cats that come to her, she found a man whom she initially thought was dead.

When she discovered he was still alive, she took responsibility for finding him shelter, washing and ironing his clothes, and dealing with the bureaucracy around getting him into the social care system.

She registered him with Helping Hands in San Luis to provide food for him and has followed this up by ensuring that he is in contact with a

social worker. Says the neighbour who nominated this Good Samaritan “He is a gentle Spanish man who had fallen on hard times. Without Kimberly I don’t know what would have happened to him.”

The final commendation was for Esther de Veer from Lloret Blau, nominated by her 90-year-old neighbour whom Esther has been helping in all sorts of ways since the neigh-

bour had a bad accident.

Apart from shopping and cooking for her neighbour, Esther has been walking her dogs and dealing with all the requirements of daily life. Her neighbour commented “As I live alone and recently celebrated my 90th birthday, it gives me great peace of mind to know Esther is at the end of the phone.

“I believe she helps others, but she doesn’t talk about it.”

Kimberley Olsson. Esther de Veer.

Villa Juan near Huercal-Overa

NEW & EXCLUSIVE TO VOSS HOMES - A very deceptively spacious, recently decorated inside and out, three bed, three bath Villa (including separate apartment) of 105m2 with H&C air con, sun terrace, 6m x 3m swimming pool and sun roof on a low maintenance garden of 223m2 with amazing country & hillside views.

Located in the sought after area of El Saltador just four mins drive into Huerca-Overa town and four mins drive to the popular village of San Francisco with shop, three bar / restaurants, doctors and chemist.

The thriving town of Huercal-Overa is only a five min drive away and it is a 25 min drive to the safe, sandy beaches of San Juan de Los Terreros. 35 to 40 mins drive to Vera, Mojacar and Garrucha.

Villa Juan downstairs has two double bedrooms and

FOLLOWING several years of investigation, the Parliamentary Ombudsman issued its findings on the way certain women were not properly advised on pension changes.

Effectively, it had previously found that those born in the UK between 1950 and 1960 discovered, often too late

two shower rooms. External stairs lead up to a separate apartment with a double bedroom and shower room. This is perfect for someone looking for a low maintenance main residence with guest accommodation, lock up and leave holiday home or property to rent out. The property is at the end of a quiet lane so there is no passing traffic and plenty of safe on road parking. This is a great place if you like to go on country walks or bike rides.

Access in to the walled and fenced garden is via an iron pedestrian gate and double gates on to the driveway for one car. The gardens are laid to gravel and tiled for low maintenance with a variety of mediterranean plants and a 6m x 3m swimming pool.

At the front of the door is a covered pergola / seating area with ceiling fan. The main entrance door leads into the light and airy living and dining room with impressive high ceiling

and windows, H&C air con and a super efficient pellet burning fire. Glazed sliding doors take you into the conservatory / second living room with views over the pool and countryside. Also downstairs is the recently fitted, modern, quality kitchen with plenty of worktop and storage room, breakfast bar and separate utility / storage room, the main bedroom with ensuite bathroom and guest double bedroom which is next to the family shower

room. Both bedrooms have built in wardrobes, H&C air con and ceiling fans.

Going back out of the front door a path leads to the rear of the villa with external stairs leading up to the sun roof where you can really enjoy the views. A door takes you into the third double bedroom with H&C air con, ceiling fan, built-in wardobes and shower room. This is perfect is you are expecting family, friends or paying guests with their own privacy.

For more information or to arrange a viewing of Villa Juan VH2336 please contact Voss Homes on 0034 950 616 827 or email us at enquiries@vosshomesspain.com

WASPI Women compensation

to do anything about it, that their rights to receive State Pension support had changed but now its March 21 document goes one step further.

It was known in advance that the British gover-

nment wanted to increase the pension age for both men and women and to ensure that in the expectation of equality they should match each other. In essence however, the Ombudsman believes that the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) did not give adequate warning to those women who were likely to be affected, meaning that in many cases there were unable to take measures to allow them to take out private pensions to cover them.

The DWP, whilst claiming that it has helped the enquiry at all times, doesn’t accept the findings which call for compensation of between £1,000 to £2,950 so the office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman is calling for the government to accept responsibility.

WASPI (the female pressure group) which claims that already more than a quarter of a million women

WASPI women continue to campaign.

have died without receiving compensation conti-

nues to campaign vociferously, being seen by many

THE Netherlands introduced ‘Amsterdam rules’ to reduce nuisance tourism with the use of specialised websites and campaigns.

The website, largely addressing visitors from England, Scotland and Ireland, holds quizzes which ask potential tourists about their plans in Amsterdam and targeting potential issues.

The city centre chief, Sofyan Mbarki, spoke about the campaign: “We are taking a different approach this time. Now we are focusing on the things some tourists associate with the city, associations which we want to demolish.”

as the natural descendants of the Suffragettes.

They have kept a very high profile and in an election year are reminding all parties that there are an estimated 3.5 million women who are affected and have the right to vote and they are lobbying Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt to table this matter in the Commons for a debate and vote.

There are potentially billions of pounds involved if compensation is offered but equally 3.5 million votes could make a huge difference in the coming election.

Stay away

Videos in the ‘Stay Away’ campaign display the problematic situations which many tourists create when visiting Amsterdam.

“The site is now live for British nationals and will soon be published in Italian, Spanish and French. There will also be a website focused on Dutch tourists from outside the capital,” stated Sofyan Mbarki.

The city centre chief said: “We want a different image for our city.”

See-through suitcases

TRANSPARENT luggage filled with water rolling down the baggage reclaim belt at Faro Airport will raise awareness among arriving tourists to save water during their stay. The idea is part of a new Turismo de Portugal campaign under the slogan, ‘Be futuristic, save water’.

“We need to mobilise tourists, we should be concerned about leaving the right footprint in the destinations we visit. This is even more relevant and pertinent when we are witnessing worsening climate change, which has an ever-increasing impact on the pressure of our natural resources,” said Lídia Monteiro of Turismo de Portugal.

“The truth is that we use more water than we need, but most of us don’t realise it. And that’s exactly what we’re aiming to do with this campaign: to challenge

tourists, those who visit the Algarve, to do things differently during their holidays, that they can visit the Algarve in a more conscious way,” she said.

One way of making an impact, “is precisely to materialise what is most symbolic about a trip,

in transparent suitcases that represent that you are travelling and, in this case, by showing how much water per day you can save.” There will be six transparent, water filled suitcases, mixed in with tourists’ luggage, “which we believe will

create interesting reactions among the new arrivals,” said Monteiro.

“We deliberately chose to stimulate the adoption of behaviour in a surprising, intriguing way, with some humour that will also arouse curiosity,” she concluded.

OnlyFans attitudes

PEOPLE generally have more negative views towards a potential partner who uses OnlyFans compared to those who watch regular pornography.

In fact, attitudes towards dating someone who uses OnlyFans are similar to those towards dating someone who has paid for sex.

A recent survey on attitudes towards sex workers found that most people in Britain wouldn’t want to date or be in a relationship with a sex worker.

But the survey also asked if people felt the same way about those who use sex services compared to those who provide them.

The survey revealed that 18 per cent of Britons would consider dating someone who has paid for sex in the past, which is

close to the 14 per cent who would date a former sex worker.

However, a majority of people, especially women, would be unwilling to date someone who has paid for sex.

People are even more hesitant to date someone who subscribes to content creators on platforms like OnlyFans, especially if they interact with the creators.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they would be unwilling to date someone who subscribes to such accounts, with even more reluctance if there’s interaction involved.

Women are particularly put off by this behaviour compared to men, with a significant majority expressing unwillingness to date someone who subscribes to OnlyFans or pays for sex.

Las Fallas

Anna Akopyan

DATING back to the 18th century, Las Fallas is included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and continues to be an event which touches the hearts of families across Spain and beyond.

During the festive week, it is impossible to miss the Falleras. Dressed in traditional costumes, the young girls and women from the local towns parade proudly down the spring streets.

Being a Fallera is a commitment. The majority of the Falleras come from families in which generation after generation, women have been partaking in the celebration.

Dressed in traditional Valencian silk, embroidered and costly, the women and girls shine in family jewels as they compete for the prestigious title of the Fallas Queen.

It is not only the royal title which is associated with wealth and status, but the mere participation, being costly due to the exceptionally crafted costumes and jewels, is well-respected in the community.

As grandmothers watch their granddaughters in family heirlooms, one can see their excitable faces, remembering their past and looking forward to the future: a spring rebirth which Las Fallas represents.

Saved by the bell

SPAIN’S National Court ordered a temporary ban on the country’s fourth most-used messaging service, Telegram, on March 22.

FACUA (an NGO for the defence of consumer rights) released a statement that Telegram would cease to offer a service sometime the following day but complained that it would cause “enormous harm” to millions of users

The Court made the decision based on copyright infringement claims from a number of companies including Mediaset, Atresmedia and Movistar Plus.

The businesses declared that Telegram was granting users to upload content without permission.

The service however continued over the weekend without any interruption.

It then transpired on Monday March 25, that the Judge had rescinded his order to allow for a police report on the platform to be reviewed as well as give an explanation of how a ban would affect users.

He also commented that to ban Telegram would be an “excessive and disproportionate measure.”

Cherry buds blossom

THE buds are appearing and will soon explode into a shower of pink petals.

The TV-Asahi cherry blossom avenue on the popular Berlin wall trail in Teltow is beginning to bud.

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is from mid-March and mid-April.

The trail was built on the border strip directly after the fall of the Wall, with financial support from a Japanese television station.

The Asahi channel launched a fundraising campaign to send this positive messa-

Large townhouse on Carpe Diem urbanisation

GRUPO PLATINUM ESTATES presents this huge four bedroom and two bathroom townhouse, with a huge garage and storeroom in the well established Carpe Diem urbanisation in Los Lobos. This closed urbanisation offers a large communal swimming pool in the centre, terraces, and relaxing space. Right in the heart of the village close to all amenities. Call us now to organise a viewing on 950 466 112.

Once inside the urbanisation, the entrance of the house has a charming porch, a lovely space to enjoy the warm afternoon sun. Inside, you feel the space, a huge living room with an open fireplace, preinstallation of air conditioning, and ceiling fans, mosquito blinds, for year round comfort.

An American style fully fitted kitchen and dining area, with a rear door to a convenient outdoor utility space. A hallway from the living room leads to a ground floor bathroom and a bedroom beyond. A closed door has a flight of stairs leading down to the oversized garage which has been

divided to offer parking for a number of cars and extra storage space. This versatile area could even be transformed into additional living quarters, gymnasium, or office, you decide. A staircase leads to the first floor, with

three very spacious bedrooms, all with balconies with views of mountains and countryside as well as fitted wardrobes, air conditioning, and ceiling fans. The main bathroom on this floor has a full bath with a shower

ge after the reunification of Germany.

Over 1,000 Japanese ornamental cherries were planted between 1990 and 2010 and still bloom once a year.

For the past 20 years people have been flocking to the area to enjoy the blossoms and take selfies.

Artist Christian Badel from Berlin is among them. “It’s nothing short of a miracle,” he says: “Where a wall once separated East and West Berlin, flowering cherry trees now line the path, scattering their petals across the street.”

above and a shower screen. A further staircase, with a landing area has been transformed into a small kitchen. A door from here leads out to a private roof solarium, a place where you can enjoy wonderful views of the mountains, countryside, and the inviting communal swimming pool.

Well situated in the village of Los Lobos, this fabulous townhouse is located right in the centre by the shops and bars. Just a 10 minute drive from San Juan De Los Terreros, renowned for its stunning beaches, fabulous golf course and all year facilities, and over 3,000 residents.

Los Lobos offers essential amenities like a supermarket, medical centre, two tapas bars, restaurant, church, school, and playgrounds. For more extensive shopping and dining options, the larger town of Cuevas del Almanzora and San Juan de Los Terreros, are just a short 10 minute drive away.

LAS FALLERAS: Dressed in traditional costumes.

Credit: Anna Akopyan

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Powering up

ROLLS-ROYCE will invest £55m (€64.4m) and create 300 jobs as demand grows for engines for large non-military aircraft, chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic announced. Half of the investment and 200 of the new jobs will go to the Derby plant while the remainder will go to Dahlewitz in Germany.

Tesla hike

OWING to stalled sales, the cost of Tesla’s Model Y went up by €2,000 on March 22 after the company announced price increases in several Europeancountries. Although the electric carmaker did not specify the countries involved beforehand, sources revealed that Spain, where the cheapest Model Y cost €42,900, would be affected.

Going further

ASTRAZENECA will pay

$2.4 billion (€2.2 billion) for Canadian cancer specialist Fusion Pharmaceuticals, which is developing nextgeneration treatments that minimise damage to healthy cells. This follows the UK company’s $1.2 billion (€1.1 billion) purchase of Chinese cell therapies company, Gracell Biotechnologies.

Slim chance

MEXICAN business magnate Carlos Slim controls practically all of Spanish property developer, Realia, after acquiring the 15 per cent owned by the Polygon Group for €138 million via FCC, which he bought in 2016, and his company Finver Inversiones. Slim now owns 92.6 per cent of Realia, valued at €865m.

Ads slump

AS advertising revenue dips, ITV is cutting jobs at its inhouse advertising agency and introducing £150m (€175.6m) cost-cutting plans a year earlier than intended. Chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall also reported further restructuring that would save an additional £50 million (€58.5 million) each year.

€2.98 billion STAT OF WEEK

turnover in 2023 for MasMovil - a 3 per cent increase on 2022 - during the company’s last year as an independent operator prior to its merger with Orange.

Going down, down

INFLATION in the UK dipped to 3.4 per cent in February, its lowest for two and a half years.

The decline in the consumer prices index (CPI) from January’s 4 per cent was partly due to slower price rises for food and restaurant price, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on March 20.

Second-hand car prices have fallen by 7.3 per cent over the last year compared with an annual decline of 5.9 per cent in January. The figure for core inflation, which omits unpredictable items like oil and food, dro -

pped from 5.1 to 4.5 per cent.

Services inflationclosely watched by the Bank of England for clues of an easing in domestic inflation - fell by 0.1 percentage point less than expected

TENDAM, best known for its Cortefiel, Springfield and Women’s Secret labels amongst others, is preparing to go public.

As predicted, based on October 2023 Reuters reports, Tendam has selected Paribas, Citigroup and JPMorgan as the lead managers and global coordinators of the initial public offer (IPO) with an estimated value of €2 billion.

Societe Generale, Credit Agricole, BBVA and CaixaBank will join the investment banks as co-managers, with the further addition of a ‘third line’ expected in coming weeks, the financial daily Cinco Dias revealed

from 6.5 to 6.1 per cent.

Earlier, analysts had predicted that the CPI would fall to 3.5 per cent instead of the 3.4 per cent that took inflation to its lowest level since September 2021 when it stood at 3.1 per

cent. It was also the fastest fall in inflation since 1978.

“Good news for you, your family and the country,” Britain’s PM Rishi Sunak said on March 30.

It was also good news for Sunak as well as the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, now that inflation gives every indication of being on track to reach its 2 per cent target by April 2024.

The February figures also give weight to the assumption that the Bank of England will now be able to cut interest rates in the summer.

Getting ready to float

on March 20.

The private equity groups CVC and Pai Partners, Tendam’s owners since 2005, have also appointed Rothschild as the operation’s financial adviser.

During the first nine months of Tendam’s financial year, which finished in February 2024, the company reported a turnover of €884.3 million, 5.2 per cent more than the previous year. It now expects a gross profit of €310 million for 2022-2023.

Inventive Spain Colour it green Nice work

TWENTY-THREE Inditex executives earned €116.5 million between them in 2023, an 11 per cent increase on 2022 and a new record for the company.

This does not include Inditex chief executive Oscar Garcia Maceiras, but covers members of the boards of Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti and Bershka, together with high-ranking employees responsible for Inditex’s Finance, Sustainability, Human Resources and Online departments.

As well as the executives’ salaries and bonuses, the €116.5 million included severance pay for those who left the company in 2023.

IBERDROLA, Spain’s biggest electricity company has accused Repsol, the country’s biggest oil company, of greenwashing.

Months of behind-the-scenes skirmishing were finally made public on March 18 when Iberdrola launched legal proceedings in Santander (Cantabria) where it is based.

Repsol’s advertising campaigns included “deception and misleading omissions” regarding the company’s environmental commitment, Iberdola said.

Repsol attempted to depict itself as an energy transition leader but was Spain’s “largest emitter of greenhouse gases”, a 107-page document submitted to the Santander court maintained.

This also pointed out that Repsol had already been sanctioned on two occasions by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for making similar greenwashing claims in its British campaigns.

SPANISH designers and innovators presented a record 2,111 applications to patent their inventions in 2023.

According to figures released by the European Union, the European Patent Office (EPO) processed 199,275 patents in 2023, an average increase of 2.9 per cent on 2022.

Spain’s applications rose by 6.9 per cent, the EPO revealed, most coming from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

Global technology company Amadeus filed 47 applications, followed by Multiverse Computing (24), Telefonica (17) and the Tecnalia Research & Innovation Foundation (17).

MIKE REGNIER, chief executive of Santander UK, said that Britain was an “unattractive” place for investment owing to its high taxes.

Talking to the Treasury Select Committee, Regnier explained to MPs that Britain’s tax rates were higher than those of many other countries which Santander UK had to contend with.

“Even in a really good year, the level of returns that we’re able to make in the UK aren’t as high as the shareholders of our parent company would expect,” he pointed out, in an oblique reference to Spain-based Santander.

Veiled warning Virgin doubts

NATIONWIDE is facing calls to consult its 16 million members regarding £2.9 billion (€3.7 billion) plans to take over Virgin Money.

On March 7, the building society announced a preliminary agreement to pay its rival’s shareholders 220p (€2.58) for each share, a 38 per cent premium on Virgin Money’s current price. The deal, if allowed to go ahead, would produce the UK’s second-largest savings and loans group with 700 branches and assets of £366.3 billion (€428.8 billion).

It would also mean taking on the Northern Rock mortgage business while providing Sir Richard Branson with an a £400 million (€468.3 million).

Lighten up

THE British American Tobacco (BAT) dismissed rumours that it could leave London to list in New York.

Tadeu Marroco, BAT’s chief executive, told the Financial Times that he doubted the benefits were as evident as some reports claimed.

“There is nothing to suggest that it’s a no-brainer to go to the US,” he said, insisting that BAT was committed to Britain despite legislation disclosed at the Conservative party’s 2023 conference.

This would eliminate smoking by increasing the legal age by one year from 2027 onwards.

Photo credit: CC/ZaratemanSuzuki

Photo credit: Simon Dawson/No 10

GOOD NEWS: Britain’s Prime Minister and Chancellor welcomed February inflation figures.

TENDAM: Cortefiel owners preparing an IPO

That’s rich

BENTLEY, now owned by Volkswagen, delivered 13,560 cars in 2023, making an operating profit of €589m with sales of €2.9bn that gave the luxury carmaker its bestever year after 2022, the company announced. “Our customers can still afford our cars,” Bentley’s chief executive Adrian Hallmark said, “even if some hesitated at first.”

Home truths

FIFTY-ONE per cent of Spanish employees whose work could be carried out remotely told an EADA Business School survey they preferred this to working in an office, and felt they were more productive. Fifty-seven per cent said they would change jobs if their company was not prepared to let them work from home.

Ice-cream spinoff

UNILEVER will de-merge its ice-cream division as part of plans to save approximately €800 million over the next three years.

The Anglo-Dutch whose brands include Marmite, Dove and Domestos bleach, also intends to dismiss 7,500 of the 128,000 people it employs worldwide, although staff will be consulted about the reductions beforehand.

Cutbacks will affect office staff at Unilever’s

WALL’S ICE-CREAM: Owned by Unilever.

London headquarters as well as employees in other countries, said chief execu-

Grape profits

SPANISH private equity firm, ProA Capital, has engaged Deutsche Bank to sell its holding in seedless grape production company, Moyca.

ProA paid €200 million for a 50 per cent stake in 2016, ahead of other funds like Alantra or MCH.

Moyca president Enrique Moya has a 15 per cent holding in the company, while founders, the Canovas family, own more

than 30 per cent.

In 2021, the last year for which official records are available, Moyca reported a €144 million turnover and net profits of €5 million.

After eight years, ProA calculates that Moyca, which finished 2023 with a gross profit of €25 million, should bring in approximately €400 million, double its original investment.

The company produces five of the world’s 10 best-selling ice-cream brands which include Wall’s, Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s and Carte d’Or as well as the popular US make Breyers.

Industry sources believe that a spinoff of Unilever’s ice cream division, whose annual revenues of €7.9 billion account for 16 per cent of the group’s sales, was the most likely result of Unilever’s future plans.

The demerger is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, insiders said. Schumacher avoided revealing where the subsequent ice-cream business, currently run from Rotterdam, would be listed.

All options were being considered, the chief executive said. “But this doesn’t mean that icecream will be a Dutch company or a UK company,” he added.

Next up

FASHION and home products retailer Next said that despite the Red Sea chaos, its prices were 2 per cent lower than in 2023 and it foresaw a 0.5 per cent deflation by the end of the first half of 2024. Shipping times had increased by up to 10 days but this was factored into prices, the company said.

Fizz fears

CAVA, Spain’s answer to Champagne, enjoyed a record year with 252 million Designation of Origin (DO) bottles sold worldwide in 2023 and €2.2 billion in sales that were 8 per cent up on 2022. Bodegas nevertheless warned that drought will take a toll, especially in Catalonia where grape production has fallen by almost 30 per cent since 2021.

tive Hein Schumacher who took over from Alan Jope in 2023.

Photo credit: CC/Chris Sampson

Tabernas Desert

Jules Phillips

ALMERIA is home to the Tabernas Desert, the driest region in Europe, covering over 280 square kilometres with its arid landscape, abundant sunshine, minimal rainfall, and temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius.

Known as the Badlands of Almeria, this area near the capital has attracted attention from universities worldwide due to its unique geology.

Despite its sparse ora and fauna, it is a sanctuary for birdwatchers, hosting breeding Bonellis and Golden eagles in the nearby Sierra de Alhamilla.

Designated as a natural park, much of the Tabernas Desert is protected by the regional government to preserve the fragile ecology and also the numerous endangered plant species. Vi-

INTERVIEW

sitors can explore the area through 4x4 tours from Tabernas town or by hiking along trails and ‘Ramblas’, including climbs to emblematic landmarks like ‘El Faro’. Make sure you take ample water and sunscreen which are essential due to the hot conditions.

Since the 1950s, the Tabernas Desert has served as a backdrop for over 500 lms, particularly famous for the ‘Spaghetti Westerns’ of the 1960s and 1970s with stars such as Clint Eas-

Credit: Jules

twood. Iconic movies like ‘A Fistful of Dollars’, ‘Conan the Barbarian’, ‘Indiana Jones’, and a recent ‘Terminator’ lm have featured its barren landscapes.

The area was once home to 14 Western lm sets, three of which remain today as tourist attractions o ering cowboy shows and authentic western experiences.

In Tabernas, visitors can also explore the 11th-century Moorish style castle, declared a monument of Cultural Interest in 1993.

Loves the lifestyle

FROM an early age, Antti Pekkarinen visited the Costa del Sol from his home in Finland as his parents owned a property here.

IT was in 2005 that he nally decided that the lure of what is known as Finland’s southern-most town (Fuengirola) was just too much to ignore and he moved over and settled here.

His rst really successful venture was a weekly Finnish language publication Fuengirola. which was a great success and is still going strong all these years later.

Antti and his wife love the Spanish lifestyle and the fact that unlike his homeland things move at their own pace, so that if something isn’t done today, it will happen but there might be a bit of a delay and “let’s not get stressed.”

make a point of returning to Finland for a month to enjoy the very short summer, that’s long enough and I don’t really miss anything except my family.”

Antti Pekkarinen your host at Kukko Events.

“One of the reasons that I moved here was for that lifestyle which is helped so much by the climate and although I

He works hard and apart from the newspaper also runs a very popular restaurant Kukko Events at Avda de Los Boliches 4, Fuengirola which is open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday and then in the evening with entertainment seven nights a week.

When asked whether he had any advice for fellow countrymen thinking of moving to Spain, he said “it is di erent for everyone depending on age, whether they have families, want to set up a business or are retiring, but my one recommendation is simply come over and enjoy it!”

The spectacular Tabernas Desert.

Spring is in the air

OTHERS THINK IT

DON’T be drawn into the misconception that the immigration foray may be letting up. Just because the biased British media has decided to ease up on its reporting; this year another 4,500 migrants have already traversed the channel to the UK’s ‘promised land’.

With the majority still appearing to be young fit men, does it not strike anyone that it is highly suspicious how they all manage to survive with no visible means of support? Many are wearing pricy designer gear and trainers, and just about all seem to carry expensive phones.

They also have to find the equivalent of £3,000-£5,000 to pay the people smugglers. Most, if not all, have travelled through a number of countries in their quest to reach soft touch Britain. How did they manage to even eat over the many months these treks lasted? They are all supposed to have originated in war torn impoverished countries, so where does all their mo-

ney come from? Someone somewhere is obviously bankrolling them. Are the women and children they’ve left behind being somehow supported? This of courses raises the obvious question as to why? Whatever the reasons, you can bet your lives it’s not from the kindness of anyone’s heart. There has to be an ulterior motive. Well I personally think someone is generating a sleeping army. There are now thousands of these fighting age Middle Eastern men entrenched all over the UK. If a non-friendly nation is paying the bills you can rest assured they will also have underground contacts creating arm caches and bomb factories everywhere.

Putting them up in hotels and lavishing them with benefits is actually verging on naïve lunacy. Don’t even bother to mention Rwanda! They should all be put into camps and intensely interrogated as to their origins, and specifically where their finances are coming from. You can rest assured that if it ever does become necessary for them to pay their particular piper; the UK could finish up looking like the aftermath of the Second World War.

The irony of that particular scenario is they will then have managed to turn the UK into something resembling the places they’re all supposedly trying to run away from! I also consider it highly suspicious, that of the thousands that have made successful crossings, one of the extremely rare sinkings usually turns out to be one that just happened to be a boat carrying women and children.

As I mentioned in a past column, if you want to throw the enemy off the scent, what better way to create a red herring than sacrificing a few female and children’s lives? Easily done; simply make their boat faulty, sit back, and when they all drown, watch the UK’s bleeding heart woke brigade give it maximum, sympathy provoking publicity. Far-fetched? I think not.

The Mid-Eastern masters of war have very little regard for human life - particularly when it suits their own evil ends. Ah well, spring and a possible election is in the air. Onwards and sideways. Never ends.

Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Jimmy Page replica guitar

THERE are a lot of very expensive ‘boy’s toys’ about at the moment, but one of the newest is a limited edition double neck Gibson guitar with a price of $49,999.

This is the same type of guitar that Jimmy Page played live with Led Zeppelin on such blockbuster numbers as Stairway to Heaven and The Song Remains

The Same and he has been personally engaged in this project as Gibson celebrates 130 years of involvement in the music business

This is officially entitled the Jimmy Page 1969 EDS-1275 Doubleneck Collector’s Edition from Gibson Custom, produced in a limited run of just 50 guitars and not only has Page been invol-

ved in development at all stages, but will have personally played each one.

But that’s not all, as it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity Book, a wooden Pick Display with Herco® Flex pick played by Jimmy Page on the specific serialised guitar, a Premium Cherry/Black Leather Strap and Vintage Replica Strap, Schaller Strap Locks, an Embroidered Dragon Guitar Shroud, and a Gibson Doubleneck Stand.

For some lucky people this will be a dream come true, but for others, they’ll stick to their somewhat cheaper Air Guitars!

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his

Apache Restaurant

TABERNAS has had a long history of Cowboys and Indians, with films and TV series and of course the Wild West theme parks that are a big draw for tourists.

Now there is a new Apache in town, the Apache Restaurant, which is run by Tito who is originally from Peru but has lived in Tabernas for over 17 years.

Only having been open for a few months, the restaurant, bought and refurbished last year, with its bold red walls, and black brickwork, certainly attracts your attention as you drive into the town.

Serving up breakfasts, tapas, three-

course lunch and evening meals, which is no different from most restaurants of this type, but what sets them apart is that they have strayed away from the normal menus that are so often found in Spain.

Adding some uniqueness to the menu, introducing some new flavours to some tapas classics, along with his own creations, gives the place an unexpected something.

With his threecourse lunchtime ‘Menu del Dia’ at from only €12, you will always find lots of the locals and workers filling out his restaurant and taking advantage of not only the good food, but the above average service.

Also catering for celebrations and special events, in a separate events room, he has most options covered, whether you are passing for a ‘cafe y tostada’, a lunch with friends, a beer over a game of table football, or you are celebrating your kid’s birthday.

Open 8.30am until 10.30pm every day except Tuesday.

Tel: 642 324 346 - Av Ricardo Fabregas, 79, 04200 Almeria, Almeria

The Last Supper

ABOUT 20 pieces of art form promises to be one of the most fascinating exhibitions in the province during Holy Week this year.

All these artworks are created by the Olula artist Agustín Sánchez Garren,

known for his masterpiece ‘The Last Supper’. This exhibition, named after the painting, will be held at the Olula del Río House of Culture, until March 31.

The artist himself described this exhibition as his most challenging and beautiful in his nearly 60 years of painting. What makes it special is that many faces familiar and dear to the artist, including his own grandchildren, are depicted in the artworks, including ‘Jesus from ‘The Last Supper’ who is portrayed as Garren’s grandson.

In addition to family members, the exhibition also honours friends of the artist, some of whom have passed away. Garren has portrayed these friends as apostles, holding a red rose in their memory.

The artist believes this exhibition will travel across Spain as galleries have shown great interest, despite it not being for profit.

At 82 years old, Garren’s passion for painting remains undiminished. The exhibition at the Olula del Río Culture House offers a unique opportunity to admire these latest works.

Sunday sailing

Jules Phillips

SUNDAY morning at 10.30am, in a small corner of the port of Garrucha, there is a flurry of activity as wet suits are donned and dinghies are prepared. The sun is shining, and it is a lovely day for a sail, and even with the lack of wind, the members of the Santa Irena Sailing Club are in high spirits as they prepare to head out onto the med.

This non-profit club with its current president, Peter Loveday, has been around for over two decades and has about 40 members of all levels of experience, from all nationalities and walks of life.

The club is well-known for its longstanding tradition of organising regattas every Sunday, when the members can meet up, prepare their boats, exchange tips and race strategies before sliding their boats down the slip into the crystal-clear harbour waters.

With safety always a priority at each regatta, there is always a safety boat which is crewed by volunteers. Jo Fraser, who is the treasurer at the club stated, “it is often difficult to find such willing participants to crew the safety boat”.

After the races, they all gather at a local restaurant to relax, unwind, and chat about the day’s racing accomplishments.

Although English is the main language of the club, there are members from around the world, so it is a real hotchpotch but there is of course another vital language that everyone needs to master, that of sailing lingo. ‘Ready about’.

Owning a boat is definitely not an essential requirement for new members as there are about 25 dinghies, five of which are owned by the club, covering various classes such as Lasers, Wayfarers, Mirrors and Snipes to name but a few.

Even if you are a bit rusty and wish to brush up on your skills or a hardened seadog, there is a place for you at this small and friendly local sailing club. For more info visit their website santaireneclubdevela.com

Spring activities

THE Huercal-Overa Town Council has revealed its line-up of spring activities, offering 48 events in sports, youth, and tourism. This season’s programme includes the lively Spring Colour Fest set for April 20, featuring a fun and colourful race accompanied by DJs for an enjoyable afternoon.

Another highlight is the ‘Captain Tomás de Morata Challenge’ on May 5, named after the historical figure who famously reclaimed the Overa Tower during Muslim rule, as depicted on the municipality’s coat of arms. This charity challenge will include running, hiking, and adapted sports.

Mayor Domingo Fernández praised the efforts of the Sports, Tourism, and Youth Departments in creating a programme that

caters to all residents, with a special focus on children and young people. The goal is to uphold Huercal-Overa’s reputation as a sports hub, providing activities for all interests and ages, from weekly events to major gatherings, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

The action began with a Judo Day on Saturday, March 23, at the Pavilion, and the El Hornillo Football Field

will host the Football Campus from April 25 to 27.

The schedule continues every weekend until the end of June, featuring Rhythmic Gymnastics, Hiking, Volleyball, a Grassroots Football Tournament, Powerlifting, Theatre, Skating, Painting, Drama, Athletics, Swimming, Chess, Yoga, Artistic Gymnastics, Parkour, Tennis, and the eagerly awaited summer pool.

Setting off from the slipway at Garrucha Harbour.

Credit: Jules

Spring activities have begun in Huercal-Overa.

Credit: Creative Commons

Painting exhibition

Jules Phillips

EXPLORE the ‘High Tide’ Painting Exhibition: A Fresh Perspective on Oceanic Artistry. With its inauguration which took place on March 25, this exhibition featuring the works of Olga Mar delves into the depths of oceanic hues, capturing the essence of the sea with each stroke. Her dreamlike underwater landscapes, where colours come alive, deep blues blend with vibrant

Run or walk

EVERY Saturday at 9am and Wednesday at the same time come and join a friendly group of likeminded people for a 5k run, jog, or walk along the Mojacar Paseo starting at 9am from the Red Cross station.

Don’t forget to take some cash as they go for coffee and tostadas afterwards.

For 2024 they are supporting the Red Cross food bank. Donations of cash, non-perishable foods, toiletries, and household cleaning products can be given to John and Marie who will ensure these are given to the Red Cross on behalf of Los Bandidos.

yellows and flashes of passionate red. Each brushstroke offering a glimpse into the unknown with colours sparking the imagination. Experience the sea’s artistry from a new angle, transporting you to vibrant worlds.

Open until April 7 at the Exhibition Hall of the Cultural Centre in Garrucha.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11.30am to 2.30pm, Thursday and Friday: 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

Now open

THE Water Museum in Nijar, managed by the town council, has reopened its doors following recent improvement and maintenance work.

Situated in the historic heart of Villa de Nijar, this municipal cultural centre highlights the significance of water and its management throughout history in the arid Campo de Nijar region.

Within the museum’s informative panels, visitors can discover various aspects, including the history of the early settlers of Nijar, the Alumbres of Rodalquilar, the Spanish-Muslim era, livestock and dry farming, the Isabel II reservoir, the colonisation towns, and modern desalination techniques.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

IF there is one thing that makes ‘El Barrio’ unique, it is their coffee, for sure. The owner, Barry can make you an expres so or a latte, but the difference is not the preparation, it is the beans. He gets his beans from a small ethically responsible company, instead of from the normal wholesale distributors in the region, giving his coffee a distinct flavour that you won’t find anywhere else.

Barrio

sage roll.

When Barry arrived in Spain from Ireland four years ago, he could never find a ‘great’ coffee in any of the bars, so when he decided to set up ‘El Barrio’ he went out of his way to make sure

that he had the best. He has the philosophy that customer service is not just important, but it is something that is vital in creating a successful business.

In his distinctive café, which he bought in 2022, you can just sit and chill with a coffee or a beer and have a slice of homemade quiche or a sau-

He has many plans for the future, including live music events on his terrace and expanding his team, but for now his friendly smile and great coffee make ‘El Barrio’ a really nice place to go to. His diverse clientele of all ages and nationalities, gives the place a nice ambience, and if you have not already visited, you don’t know what you are missing out on. Barry will be waiting to meet you from 9am to 5pm every day except Sunday.

Tips for a radiant summer

AS the temperature rises, it’s time to adjust your beauty routine for the sunny days ahead. Start by protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield against harmful UV rays. Hydration is key, so opt for lightweight, oil free mois turisers to keep your skin supple without feeling greasy.

Swap out heavy foundations for tinted moisturisers or BB creams for a natural, dewy look. Em brace vibrant hues with colour ful eyeshadows and lip tints to complement the season. Don’t forget to pamper your feet with regular exfoliation and mois turising to keep them san dal-ready.

Stay fresh all day by using setting sprays or powders to com bat shine, and keep make.up in place during hot summer days.

Lastly, re member to stay hy

drated by drinking plenty of water and incorporating juicy fruits and veggies into your diet for a radiant summer glow.

Sweat smart

SWEATING excessively can be bothersome, but natural remedies can help manage it effectively. Begin by maintaining proper hygiene with daily showers and using anti bacterial soap to combat odor. Choose loose, breathable clothing, preferably made from cotton or linen, to allow air circulation and minimise sweat accumu lation.

Stay hydrated by drinking ample water throughout the day to regulate body temperature and flush out toxins. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like yoga or deep brea-

thing exercises into your routine, as stress can trigger sweat production.

Adjust your diet to include foods rich in magnesium and potassium, such as leafy greens, bananas, and nuts, which can help regulate sweating. Additionally, consider herbal remedies like sage tea, known for its natural antiperspirant properties. By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you can naturally control sweating and enjoy greater comfort and confidence, even in the warmest weather.

Build muscle

THE 46-year-old established athlete, Linda Stjernsten, prompts Swedish women to build muscles.

Linda Stjernsten became Hedemora’s first woman in 45 years to compete in fitness at the local athletic club, becoming an inspiration to local women.

Linda began strength training as a teenager and spent 30 years preparing for her triumph on the sports stage,

Lucia Cup last year.

“I think it’s cool and stylish. We also want to show our muscles,” stated an aspiring young athlete, Emelie Hammarström about women’s position in fitness.

The main sports centre of Hedemora now has 20 per cent of women members and the 26-year-old Emelie is thrilled to work as a recruiter, empowering

gym,” she says.

A recent study by Martha Gulati from Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, proved the benefits of strength training for women.

“Of the 400,000 people in the study, only one in five women did regular weight training. And women who do muscle strengthening had a reduction in their cardiovascular mortality by 30 per cent,”

Currency Exchange for a more personalised service

MOST new expats from the UK arriving in Spain to begin a new chapter in their lives often forget that that now have to deal in a new currency, which can cause complications especially in the first few months living here and even more so if they have family or business ties to the UK.

Most incorrectly assume that their newly opened Spanish bank account for fund transfers is the only way to go, but this is the least cost-effective method not only when you consider the high exchange rates and fees but when you factor in the inconvenient time delay of up to a few days.

Using a currency company when buying your dream property in Spain can offer advantages such as better exchange rates, lower fees, expertise in currency markets, risk management tools, faster transfers, and

personalised service. Currency companies can help streamline the process of transferring money internationally for a property purchase, potentially saving you time and money.

This becomes more apparent when dealing in large transactions, such as house purchasing, when time and percentage rates for exchanges can be

a major factor.

Even small transactions can become problematic, sending money back and forth between countries, with fluctuating rates and times, and often frustrating incertitude.

Established in Spain since 1999, Currencies Direct operates nationwide with bilingual staff ready to assist and their

Mojacar office is no exception.

Their Sales Manager Sam who is originally from Essex in England, has lived in Almeria for most of his life and has been working for Currencies Direct for three years. He firmly believes that the personal touch and attention to detail that can only be offered by face-to-face interactions really helps his clients feel secure in their financial transactions with

Even with the rise of newer companies such as Wise and Revolut, giving Currencies Direct a run for their money, he strongly feels that the unique approach and more personal service gives them the edge, especially as a Currencies Direct account is free to open and has no fee structures to consider and you get a dedica-

ted account manager who can provide guidance and support especially for larger or more complex transactions.

And with the release of their own debit card and the ability to make transfers direct from their app, they are more than prepared for the future in both financial and technological advancements.

Currencies Direct has built a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, therefore placing your money transfers with Currencies Direct is a no hassle and simple process, and if you have any questions, just give them a call, or drop into their offices, and receive personalised assistance, the latest market insights, and prompt solutions whenever you need them.

Something that cannot be done with the faceless online companies that seem to be popping up every day.

Hispavan - a true one stop shop

FROM its roots in 2011, when the founder Leo Willems started buying and selling camper vans, Hispavan has grown beyond recognition and now offers a complete solution to everything you could need as a camper van owner.

From those early days, the company has always been focused on customer service and the core of the business of buying and selling top quality vans has remained the same and they are always on the lookout for more. With a growing client base who want to have a good quality but affordable camper van, Hispavan are always on the hunt to buy good quality used campervans and are able to offer potential sellers great deals.

From their base in Antas, the premises has grown into an amazing and comprehensive business, with dedicated departments for not only the sales of new and used vans, but with experienced mechanics in their engine maintenance area. They, of course, offer equipment repairs and

installation with a team on hand to get you back on the road with the briefest of delay.

The comprehensive shop is stoc ked with all the gadgets and gizmos you could possibly need, they help take the stress out of any unforeseen problems whilst holidaying in Alme ria. It is a frequent occurrence with vehicles that travel large distances, such as camper vans that you find yourself in need of an upgrade or to replace something lost or broken whilst out on the road, just give them a call, and if it is not in stock, they can get hold of it for you.

light vehicles, this means they have the latest offerings from these companies, many or which can be seen in their showroom.

With the ever-popular pastime of camper vans seemingly on the rise in Spain, and visitors of so many na-

tionalities coming to experience the amazing Andalusian sun, it is great to see that amongst the friendly and welcoming staff they speak over eight languages, so nothing need ever be lost in

In addition to all that, they have a massive secure storage facility, with plans for further expansion not too far away. This allows many campervan owners to leave their beloved homes on wheels in safe hands, for extended periods, until they want to get back out on the open road again.

Partnered with McRent they offer great rates on van rental, so for those that have not taken the financial plunge to buy a van, you can still have a getaway and enjoy the freedom that comes with camper van life.

• News Across The Regions •

Costa del Sol

The 20 happiest towns

RONDA is the ‘happiest’ town in Spain and four towns in Cadiz and Malaga Province are in the top positions.

Also making the top 20 is Benalmadena according to a study in which more than 1,000 inhabitants participated and voted for the happiest towns in Spain.

March 20 was the International Day of Happiness as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. And to mark the occasion, every year the international ranking of the happiest countries in the world is presented.

A study was carried out which set out to discover which are the happiest people in Spain. The study concludes that these towns have conditions that favour the well-being of their residents, including a warm and friendly atmosphere, a slow and calm pace, free of stress, the enjoyment of the outdoors, and local cuisine.

Axarquia Care crisis

THE Cudeca Foundation, renowned for its palliative care for cancer and advanced illness patients, faces increasing demand yearly. As the number of patients seeking their services rises, the foundation emphasises the crucial role of community support in sustaining its mission.

“Our patient count escalates each year, underscoring the significance of your collaboration to maintain our entirely free care for individuals nearing the end of life,” stated a spokesperson.

The foundation appeals to individuals to become members and contribute to their cause. Interested individuals can sign up at cudeca.org/hazte-socio or reach out via email at socios@cudeca.org or phone 692 257 053.

By extending a helping hand, supporters not only aid in providing essential care but also offer comfort and dignity to those in their final stages.

Mallorca

Calvia culinary delights

THE Calvià Destino Gastro conference on March 25 presented a new concept to promote Calvia as a culinary destination.

Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual explained that the aim of promoting Calvia as a fine dining destination is to extend the tourist season. Deputy mayor for Tourism, Eli Montserrat, wants the municipality to become a benchmark for culinary excellence.

The culinary show in April, known as La Mostra takes place twice a year, in April and October. Many of the 52 restaurants participating in the Mostra have been collaborating for many years. The Gastro Menu offered by some establishments is a tasting menu with a free format and price (from €50).

During the weekends of April, complete menus are being offered at reduced prices.

Costa Blanca North Save My Life

ON April 28, Save My Life, is holding an impressive day of live entertainment at Benidorm’s largest event venue, the Benidorm Palace.

After successful donations in the past, the charity returns to the Benidorm stage for the 11th edition of Save My Life.

The shows in the past marked the life-changing rehoming of the local cats and dogs into the homes not only of Costa Blanca’s residents but also visitors across Europe.

Last year, Save My Life raised more than €23,000, €8,000 of which were spent on Vet fees, €2,500 on food supplies, and a large amount donated to local animal charities.

Imagine Benidorm’s grand venue, filled to its 1,660-seat capacity, every ticket saving the life of an animal in need.

If you want to donate, PayPal savemylife charity@gmail.com.

Costa Blanca South Relocation quest

MARIA and the Pink Ladies, located at Playa Flamenca Beach CC, sadly have to close their office because of ongoing flooding issues.

For months, around 50 litres of water have been coming in daily from a leak in a unit two floors above.

Despite efforts to clean up by Carl, a member’s husband, the situation has become too difficult.

Because of safety concerns, the Pink Ladies have come to the difficult decision to stop working from this location.

However, they are still very much committed to helping the community and will keep arranging screening appointments for the public.

The ladies are now looking for a new place to work and are asking for help from the community to find an affordable place to rent.

Costa Calida

Underwater wine

IMAGINE wines ageing not in traditional cellars but beneath the sea’s surface. In Aguilas, Murcia, Bodegas Verónica pioneers this unique process, maturing wines at a depth of 40 metres below the sea, where darkness and marine silence contribute to their transformation. Spearheaded by entrepreneur Pedro Martínez Cáceres, this venture requires extensive knowledge of both winemaking and marine environments.

Over a decade of experimentation has refined the process, with wines of various origins and varieties undergoing underwater ageing, resulting in a reduction of acidity, moderation of alcohol sensation, and enhanced tannin definition. Despite challenges like preventing seawater contamination and adapting to marine conditions, the venture has garnered success, attracting partners and expanding operations to Cartagena.

Magic of baby talk

ENGAGING in baby talk with your furry companions is more than just a heartwarming gesture, it’s a powerful tool for building a stronger connection. Speaking to your pet in a higher-pitched, softer tone, often associated with baby talk, has been shown to soothe and comfort animals. This gentle approach communicates affection and reassurance, fostering a sense of security for your pet.

veys warmth and love, establishing a positive association with interaction. Not only does this benefit your pet’s emotional well-being, but it also contributes to your own sense of joy and companionship. So, go ahead and indulge in those sweet, silly conversations with your pet.

Furthermore, baby talk can enhance the human-animal bond by creating a unique form of communication. It con-

The magic of baby talk is a delightful language that transcends species, creating a harmonious and loving connection between you and your cherished companion.

Playing around

A PLAYFUL chase with your furry friend might just be the secret to longevity, suggests a recent study. This research indicates that incorporating short bursts of activity into your daily routine, such as a spirited game of fetch or a romp around the garden with your dog, could be linked to a lower risk of death.

These findings are a breath of fresh air for those who struggle to fit lengthy gym sessions into their schedules. The study posits that these mini workouts, however informal, count towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

Engaging in these spontaneous acts of movement not only strengthens the bond with your canine companion but also provides cardiovascular benefits, akin to more structured forms of exercise.

The implications are significant: every sprint and frolic with your dog contributes to your body’s overall health. Such activities can enhance heart health, improve agility, and elevate mood, combining the joy of pet ownership with practical health advantages.

In a world where sedentary lifestyles are common, this study provides a compelling argument for embracing the joyous chaos of playing with a pet.

Do you have dogs who love company? Find dog-sitters

FINDING dog-sitters through Hou sesit Match gives peace of mind

Benji and Jonty’s owner travels quite a bit. And she can’t always find sitters nearby. So she places an advert on HouseSitMatch and the checked house-sitters apply through the site. The house-sitting is undertaken as a fair exchange for both parties. No money changes hands the dogs are cared for by pet lovers, in the dogs’ own home.

It’s a fair exchange

All our sitters offer a fair exchange - free accommodation for free pet care and an online review. It’s a win win!

If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, don’t delay. Register today as a member of our network to find affordable home and pet care.

Plan ahead to secure great sitters

However long your trip pets need someone with them at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from routines undisturbed.

Benji and Jonty tend to stay at home when their owner travel. She finds dog-sitters for them.

Plan ahead of time to find house and pet-sitters who will come to you for free!

Next steps to join Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Standard account

(£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch helps you find sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert with trip dates. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter you want.

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CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at www. almeria-anglican.com Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

- Why not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com.

If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control.

It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion.org. uk/counties/spain-north ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email  zurgenar blchairman@gmail.com(253989)

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ESTATE AGENT

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

INSURANCE

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea

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

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SOLAR ENERGY

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CARS FOR SALE

Refusing to belt up

IS it surprising that in this day and age, some still neglect the basic safety requirement of wearing a seat belt?

Until Sunday, March 17, Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) ran a significant initiative aimed at enhancing seat belt usage across all road types, using a variety of monitoring tools.

This move sought to ensure that every vehicle occupant, front or back, adult or child, adhered to this crucial safety practice.

Last year, the stark reality was that 139 individuals lost their lives in Spain due to not wearing seat belts at the time of their accidents, provoking an urgent wake-up call.

This accounted for 25 per cent of all road fatalities. The DGT’s recent campaign, leveraging the Guardia Civil, regional, and Local Police forces,

highlights an intensified patrol across different types of roads.

Aerial surveillance via helicopters and drones, complemented by 245 cameras on various roads, underscores the comprehensive nature of the campaign.

The regulations are particularly stringent for younger passengers.

Children measuring 135 cm (approximately 4’5”) or less are required to use child restraint sys-

tems, though it’s advised to continue their use until they reach 150 cm (approximately 4’11”).

Research conducted by the National Road Safety Observatory has revealed that men are less likely to wear seat belts compared to women. Additionally, it was found that age and seating position influence usage rates, with older individuals and those seated in the front more inclined to buckle up.

Female Olympian retires

LAURA KENNY, the United Kingdom’s most accomplished female Olympian, has announced her retirement from competitive cycling.

At 31 years old, with five Olympic gold medals under her belt, she decided not to go ahead with the Paris Games this summer. She shared her thoughts with the BBC, marking the end of an era.

“I always knew deep down I would know when was the right time. I have had an absolute blast but now is the time for me to hang that bike up,” Kenny said, now that prioritising family time has become her main focus.

This decision comes after a celebrated journey in the sport, alongside her husband, Jason Kenny (seven Olympic golds), who holds the title of Britain’s most decorated Olympian.

Laura’s illustrious career includes victories in team pursuit and omnium gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, plus a madison gold in

2020.

With a haul that also features seven world championships and 14 European championships titles, her decision reflects a desire for new beginnings rather than a lack of achievements.

“Going on to win another gold medal, as much as I would love to do that, it wasn’t giving me the energy I wanted anymore,” she reflected on her decision.

Laura took the time to post a brief message on Instagram: ‘Thank you cycling for everything you’ve given meincluding a husband and our growing family!

‘Having people say I have inspired women and girls to get active and get on a bike means the world to me. Thanks to Team GB, British Cycling and all the partners who have supported my journey.

Looking ahead, although she rules out coaching due to the pressure, she is eager to support young talent in other ways.

F1 – A night-time spectacle?

THE Spanish capital, Madrid, is poised to make a grand entrance into the F1 scene in 2026 with the possibility of an innovative night race in the Ifema Valdebebas zone, drawing inspiration from the resplendent Arabian nights of Jeddah.

In January this year, representatives from Spain’s forthcoming Grand Prix visited Jeddah to observe the Saudi Arabia GP, which this year marked its fourth edition.

Their goal was to gather insights into hosting a night race, scrutinising not only the spectator and VIP accommodations, but also the logistical complexities of setting up a paddock for potentially more than 20 teams, including F2 and F3 contenders.

Organising such an event is no small feat, with considerations ranging from electrical installations to catering services for the numerous workers expected in 2026.

Madrid’s ambitious plan, heralded with the promise that ‘Madrid will be the best F1 experience in the world,’ aims to

blend a unique track design by Dromo with the allure of a night race, potentially a first in a major European city outside of the traditional Monaco Grand Prix.

The concept of night racing adds an extraordinary layer of spectacle, with plans for emergency lighting and generators stretching over 5.5 km.

After witnessing Jeddah’s dazzling setup, Madrid is seriously contemplating embracing this nocturnal approach, which could distinguish its race as an unmatched visual and sporting event on the F1

calendar.

Credit:

While the event’s promoters are yet to be disclosed, speculation hints at a collaboration between Ifema, the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, Liberty Media F1, and possibly international entities like Mexico’s Ocesa.

Madrid’s return to the Formula 1 roster after 45 years promises not just a race but a spectacle, blending tradition with modernity.

As preparations continue, all eyes are on Madrid to deliver an unforgettable race night in 2026.

Looking awesome

THE much-anticipated return of Mike Tyson stepped up another notch as he released footage of his first day of training on social media.

Mike Tyson has fuelled the excitement of boxing fans by posting his initial training session online in preparation for a much-debated summer clash with Jake Paul.

After nearly 20 years since his last professional fight, one question remains: can experience overcome youth in the boxing ring?

The event, set to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on July 20 and to be globally broadcast on Netflix, will see the

57-year-old boxing legend Tyson come out of retirement to face Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer 30 years his junior.

Despite not competing professionally since 2005, Tyson’s return to the ring for this exhibition match against Paul has already begun.

Earlier in March, Tyson shared a video of himself training, showcasing his signature explosive power.

“It’s day one, the fun has just begun,” he remarked, demonstrating his seriousness about the upcoming fight.

The match-up has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns about Tyson’s age and fitness for such a bout.

Promoter Eddie Hearn labelled the event a ‘sad day for boxing’, while Jake’s brother, Logan Paul, expressed his own reservations, deeming Tyson ‘too old’ and ‘senile’.

The origins of this un-

usual match began when negotiations between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury fell through, leading Paul to Tyson. “It started with Tommy Fury, he wanted more money and there wasn’t more money,” Jake Paul explained.

Tyson, for his part, sees this as a thrilling full-circle moment. “I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul.

“He’s grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT,” Tyson stated, underlining his eagerness for the challenge.

This upcoming battle not only represents a clash of generations, but also highlights the evolving nature of celebrity boxing matches, where the lines between traditional and entertainment-focused sport cross.

Ariel view of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.