18 July - 24 July 2023

Feel it hot, hot, hot!

If you are hoping for any kind of respite from the heat, unfortunately it won´t be this week. The sweltering heat is due to remain until the weekend, with even night-time temperatures stayed above 25 degress.

The maximum temperatures continued to rise yesterday across the province of Alicante. Municipalities such as Villena, which will reach 38

degrees; Alcoy will be around 36 degrees and locally in Orihuela and Elche maximum temperatures of 35 degrees are expected. In the provincial capital of Alicante the thermometers will hit 33 degrees.

Thermometers will soar above 35 degrees Celsius at various points, especially in inland towns, where the maximum will be close to 40 degrees with today and Wednesday being particular scorchers. On these two days the heat will get even harder and Aemet has activated alerts for temperatures of 40 degrees throughout the province of Alicante.

A broad mid- and high-level anticyclone, spreading from the central Mediterranean towards the Iberian Peninsula, will begin this Monday to induce a ow from the south, introducing a mass of very warm, dry and stable air, with similar characteristics to that already produced by a heat wave at the beginning of last week. Given the high insolation that we have at this time of year, there will be a new rise in temperatures and a new episode of su ocating heat will be generated that will last, at least, until next Thursday.

Scorchio

Four injured in Pilar tunnel accident

Four people were injured on Friday morning in a tra c accident in the AP-7 tunnel as it passes through Pilar de la Horadada, towards Murcia.

The accident occurred shortly before 7am in the morning and up to three vehicles are believed to have been involved. Health services, Civil Guard, Local Police and re ghters from the Torrevieja station all travelled to the scene.

Of the injured, two are Spaniards aged 57 and 45 years of age and had to be transferred to hospital in Torrevieja, one of them with multiple injuries. The others injured were two 24-year-old foreigners who luckily escaped with minor injuries only and were discharged at the scene of the accident by attending medical crews.

Still no toilets on Orihuela Costa beaches

The beaches of Orihuela Costa are still without toilets despite the announcement a week ago by the Councillor for the Coasts, Manuel Mestre, that the problem would be solved. Bathers have denounced the situation due to the consequences of not having this service when they go to the beaches.

A user has formally complained, through the Cabo Roig and Lomas Neighbourhood Association, the poor condition of the toilets in Cala Capitán, where apparently, someone has forced one of the toilet cabins, broken the lock and used the toilet, which is now lthy.

Locals are being forced to look for a bar, have a drink and so be able to use the service. Parents at the beach are nding it particularly di cult with

younger children who often need the toilet urgently and cannot wait in the same way an adult can.

These beaches are increasingly crowded in summertime and the heatwave has seen locals and holidaymakers ock to the coast. At Cala Capitán, where these events were reported there were more than 500 people on Friday and no operational toilets.

Man dead in ditch after Orihuela hit and run

The Civil Guard is currently investigating the tragic death of a 55-year-old Ukrainian man whose body was discovered on Friday morning in a ditch along the N-340 highway, near the San Carlos de Redován neighbourhood in Orihuela. Local authorities were alerted to the incident when a resident called the 112 Emergency hotline to report seeing a dead body on the Redován

road.

The initial response to the call came from a patrol of the Civil Guard of Callosa de Segura, followed shortly after by a tra c patrol. According to the Civil Guard, the body was located at kilometre 690 of the N-340 highway within the municipality of Orihuela.

Upon examination of the victim, o cers from the Tra c division

concluded that the injuries sustained were consistent with a hit-and-run. However, the exact cause of death will be con rmed following an autopsy.

The deceased has been identi ed as a 55-year-old Ukrainian resident of Redovan. As part of their investigation, the Civil Guard has launched e orts to locate any individuals who may have been involved in the Ukrainian man’s untimely demise.

The authorities are treating this case with utmost urgency and are determined to uncover the truth surrounding the fatal attack. They urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.

As the case progresses, updates will be provided by the Civil Guard, and the ndings of the autopsy will shed light on the circumstances leading to the death of the man.

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Animals slaughtered for illegal sale of meat

The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Civil Guard is criminally investigating ten people for several o ences for slaughtering animals illegally to sell their meat to the public. O ences include crimes against public health, animal abuse and document falsi cation.

In addition, it has administratively denounced another twelve people for infractions contained in Law 6/2003 on Livestock of the Valencian Community, for the movement of animals without a sanitary transfer document; lack of traceability and identi cation of animals; non-issuance of the mandatory information on the food chain; lack of authorisation of facilities and illegal slaughter

of animals; and the fraudulent use of identifying marks. These infractions are sanctioned with a ne from 600 to 1,200,000 euros.

The “Chiqueros operation” began with a rst inspection at a livestock farm, located in Alicante, where Seprona located 100 specimens of sheep and goat, from which the ear tags had been torn o to prevent their identi cation. The animals were overcrowded, injured and malnourished, in terrible hygienic and sanitary conditions, and without veterinary control. The o cers immobilised the animals and began the investigation to nd out their origin. Shortly after, the Civil Guard located another farm in Cox , where they found

Torrevieja and Murcia drug gang dismantled

another 200 specimens in similar circumstances and, in this case, also some from farms that had tested positive for tuberculosis.

The animals had falsi ed veterinary documents for transfer to an o cial slaughterhouse in Cartagena for slaughter, some even whose destruction had been ordered by the health authorities. However, instead of being sent to this slaughterhouse, they were illegally diverted to the Alicante and Cox farms, where they were slaughtered for irregular sale.

More than 300 sheep and goats will be slaughtered given the risk of spreading disease, as well as the risk derived from their human consumption.

O cers from the National Police and the Civil Guard have coordinated a joint operation that has resulted in the dismantling of a Spanish-Albanian criminal gang based in the provinces of Murcia and Alicante, dedicated to international drug tra cking.

The raids led to the arrest of 26 people and the con scation of narcotic substances with a value of more than three million euros.

The investigation carried out over several months allowed o cers to identify and locate members of the well-established criminal organisation in the Region of Murcia and in the town of Torrevieja, dedicated to the purchase of large amounts of hashish and marijuana buds for subsequent mailing, hidden and camou aged inside

cardboard boxes to di erent parts of Germany.

The distribution of roles and responsibilities among the members of the organisation allowed the police to see that several members dedicated themselves to the acquisition of signi cant quantities of marijuana buds from the growers to later deliver it to its Albanian members settled in Alicante and neighbouring towns.

As a security measure, a large part of the narcotic substance collected was transferred to Barcelona where it was stored awaiting its subsequent shipment at an international level hidden in cardboard boxes. The senders and recipients of these shipments were always

ctitious to try to mask their true origin in case they were discovered.

Finally, the o cers, with the relevant judicial authorisations, proceeded to enter and search 16 properties in Murcia, Torrevieja, Alicante and Barcelona, arresting a total of 26 people of Albanian and Spanish nationality, securing the imprisonment of 13 of its main members.

Police seized 500 kilograms of marijuana buds perfectly packaged and prepared for sale, 100 acorns of hashish, other narcotic substances such as heroin and cocaine, nine vehicles used by the criminal organisation and more than 70,000 euros in cash have been intervened.

Watermelon shortage blamed on Tajo Segura Transfer

The shortage of watermelons in supermarkets has raised concerns among consumers, and the agricultural organization ASAJA Alicante has shed light on the root causes behind this scarcity. According to ASAJA, the primary reason for the shortage is the uncertainty created by the lack of water for irrigation in the Tajo-Segura Transfer area. This uncertainty stems from the increase in ecological ows

without proper technical justi cation, as well as the Ministry of Ecological Transition’s decision to send fewer cubic hectometres than the approved monthly limit.

ASAJA Alicante explains that farmers are hesitant to plant crops without assurance of su cient irrigation or the quality of available water. The unstable water management by the authorities has led many farmers to

abandon their harvests, fearing the lack of this essential resource. The few watermelons that were planted have su ered from altered owering due to extreme heat in April and heavy rains in May.

Consequently, numerous supermarkets are struggling to market the popular summer fruit, and those where watermelons are available have signi cantly raised prices, with rates

around €2 per kilogram. In contrast, farmers continue to receive low prices that fail to cover their production costs.

The agricultural association predicts that watermelons will only return to supermarkets when imports from regions like Castilla-La Mancha, with more favourable water conditions, arrive. The organization emphasizes that locally grown watermelons are not only the best and most delicious but

also more a ordable.

ASAJA Alicante warns that unless the country’s water policies change, the watermelon shortage this summer will only be the beginning. They anticipate further shortages in supermarkets and increased costs of essential food items. The association emphasizes that e ective water management is crucial, as there is an abundant water supply in the country that can meet all needs.

EXIT AT JUNCTION 523 AND TAKE THE SLIP ROAD

National election looms

Spain is bracing for an early national election scheduled for 23rd July, following a decision by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) to advance the vote in response to disappointing results in recent local and regional elections. In line with a broader trend observed across Europe, Spain appears to be leaning towards the right, with signi cant gains made by the far-right Vox party.

Based on an analysis of various polls, the conservative Popular Party (PP) is projected to emerge as the leading party, securing around 34% of the votes, followed by the PSOE with 27% to 28%. Vox is anticipated to secure 14% of the votes, while the leftist electoral alliance, Sumar, is expected to obtain 13%. It should be noted that these gures are subject to uctuations.

Contrary to previous observations, the PP seems to have maintained its standing or even experienced slight growth at the expense of Vox, which has witnessed a marginal decline. However, the signi cant development lies in the steady progress of the PSOE since the announcement of the snap election. The Socialists have gained two percentage points since June, and crucially, their advancement has not come at the expense of Sumar or other left-leaning parties.

While the combined support

for the PP and Vox still holds the majority with 47% of the votes, the PSOE and Sumar are gaining ground with 41%. This narrows the initial nine-point advantage held by the right-wing bloc to a range of six to seven points. The composition of Spain’s next government hinges on this gure, more so than any other, determining whether the rightwing holds a four-point or sevenpoint lead.

Presently, the polls indicate a PP and Vox government as the most likely outcome, although it remains far from certain.

The limited margin between the two parties, along with the inherent approximation in polling exercises, contributes to the uncertainty. Historical analysis of elections since 1986 reveals an average polling error of approximately 1.9 percentage points per party. Deviations of 3 or 4 points were common with major parties, and the margin of error (at a 95% con dence level) could result in a deviation of up to 10 or 12 seats from the predicted outcome.

In the remaining days leading up to the election, the leftwing bloc has two potential paths: to sustain its progress or to achieve a surprising result on election night. The former appears plausible, as Sánchez has engaged in numerous media appearances, which could help mobilize his passive electorate

and boost support.

Gains by the left

The critical question is how much the left needs to gain or surprise in order to alter the likely outcome. If the combined vote share of the PSOE and Sumar surpasses the PP-Vox gures by 1.5 points, the balance would shift to 42% versus 46% in favour of the right-wing bloc, making a majority uncertain and equally likely to be achieved or missed. If the PP falls close to the threshold of 176 seats, it may seek support from a party other than Vox to secure the rati cation of the next prime minister in Congress, potentially approaching regional parties such as Coalición Canaria or Teruel Existe. Alternatively, if this combined vote share is insu cient, the left-wing bloc would need to replicate a similar majority coalition to the one that propelled Sánchez to leadership four years ago, garnering the support of Sumar and nearly all other political forces.

The upcoming Spanish election promises an intriguing battle between right-wing dominance and a resurgent left, with the ultimate outcome yet to be determined. The shifting dynamics and potential surprises make the electoral landscape uid, leaving room for unexpected developments that could shape the future government of Spain.

Recycling awareness campaign

“Recycle for ConserMar” a campaign that promotes the bene ts of recycling for the environment has visited La Glea-Campoamor beach. The objective of the ConserMar campaign is to inform and encourage people to collect packaging waste generated in the vicinity of the beaches such as cans, bottles and plastic packaging.

Rocío Ortuño, councillor for Street Cleaning in Orihuela, recently visited the ConserMar stand located on La GleaCampoamor beach, to learn rsthand about the actions included in this campaign. With her visit to the ConserMar stand, the councillor wanted to show the Orihuela City Council’s support for recycling and her belief that the success of sustainable waste management involves educating society.

ConserMar is a public awareness campaign on recycling promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition, and Ecoembes, in collaboration with 20 coastal town halls throughout the Valencian Community and whose objective is to inform and encourage selective collection of packaging waste generated around the beaches.

The action carried out in Orihuela Costa has reinforced the importance of the domestic

separation of waste and its deposit in the corresponding containers to enable recycling. This helps to reduce pollution, improve environmental quality and contributes to the circular economy of packaging.

Rocio Ortuño said: “We are going to work to make Orihuela a benchmark for waste management at source and environmental awareness”.

The initiative uses “face-toface” interaction with people, who will be able to approach the stands that are located in front of the accesses to a main beach in each of the towns of the participating municipalities.

People can collect in formation of recycling and the environment and experts can

Campaign Group to take controversial Cala Mosca development to court

In a determined e ort to protect the scenic Cala Mosca from what they call an “abhorrent” development, the campaign group Salvemos Cala Mosca has con rmed its intention to take legal action. The group is resolved to ght for the preservation of what they describe as “the last virgin kilometre of Orihuela Costa.”

The contentious plan, previously halted in 2008 due to its environmental impact, was eventually approved by the town’s council last April.

Despite this, Salvemos Cala Mosca has been unyielding in its opposition, actively organising protests against the development and has now decided to escalate the ght. The group has submitted an o cial document con rming its intention to take the case to court in the near future. The aim is to secure an injunction. If granted this means that work on the development will be halted until the judicial proceedings are nished.

Salvemos Cala Mosca’s is hopeful the development can be stopped. However, despite their determination, time is running out and the area has already been fenced o , several trees have been cut down, and one of the access points to the beach is now closed.

Last month, Ecologistas en Accion awarded Cala Mosca a black ag for its mismanagement.

advise on the correct separation of waste and answer questions about where and how a certain waste should be deposited, making its subsequent recycling possible. These on-site actions make it possible to reach the greatest possible number of people and make them aware that recycling must be carried out continuously.

In short, it is about Involving citizens as active agents in preserving the common heritage that our beaches represent, valuing them for what they are, a natural treasure whose use and enjoyment is also based in large part on our economic development.

For further information visit: www.reciclarParaConserMar.es

Google’s AI Chatbot comes to Spain

After much anticipation, Bard, Google’s arti cial intelligence (AI) chatbot, is nally available to users in Spain. The popular conversational tool, initially launched in February, is now accessible in all 27 European Union (EU) countries as well as Brazil, after being excluded from these regions during its initial release.

In addition to its expanded availability, Bard now supports 40 new languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and German. Catalan, Basque, and Galician are expected to be added in the future, although Google has not speci ed a timeline for their activation. The introduction of Bard aims to rival Microsoft’s ChatGPT, which gained signi cant popularity before Google’s entry into the market. Bard, like its competitor, is free to use and is designed as a complement to Google’s web searches rather than a replacement. It possesses similar functionalities, allowing users to receive written and verbal responses to their queries. However, Bard was not initially available in the EU due to concerns about potential violations of European

privacy legislation, speci cally the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To address these concerns, Google engaged in open conversations with regulators and implemented necessary improvements to comply with regulations, enabling Bard’s entrance into Europe.

On 6th February, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, introduced Bard as an “experimental and conversational AI service.” The decision to launch Bard was driven by the unexpected success of ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI and later acquired by Microsoft, which integrated the technology into its o ce services. It is worth noting

The giant developer Gomendio has been accused of employing tactics such as “intimidation” and “lies” to exert pressure on local authorities. In June, the new PPVOX local government con rmed its support for the housing project, granting it the green light.

The activists’ decision to seek a legal decision has been viewed as “very positive” by the Cambiemos party, which initiated its own court procedure against what it referred to as Cala Mosca’s “urban atrocity” earlier this year. Last May, the party requested an injunction to halt the construction works.

As Salvemos Cala Mosca prepares to take the battle to court, the fate of this picturesque coastal area hangs in the balance. The coming legal proceedings will determine whether the controversial housing development will be allowed to proceed or if the voices advocating for the preservation of Cala Mosca’s natural beauty will prevail.

Driver investigated for driving at 211 km/h on the AP-7 through Orihuela

that the foundation of ChatGPT’s technology was developed by Google researchers in 2017.

The race to develop generative arti cial intelligence has become a focal point for major technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Meta. This market holds immense pro t potential, driving these industry giants to invest heavily in AI advancements.

With Bard’s expansion into Spain and the EU, Google is poised to make a signi cant impact on the AI chatbot landscape. As AI continues to revolutionize industries and reshape human-technology interactions, the possibilities for innovation and transformation seem boundless.

The driver, a resident of Pilar de la Horadada, has been summoned before the judicial authority for a speedy trial for an o ence against road safety.

The Guardia Civil has investigated the driver of a highend car for a crime against road safety for speeding. The person under investigation was driving at 211 kilometres per hour when the speed on the stretch of road was 110.

On 13 June, at around 14:50 hours, as part of the surveillance and control functions that patrols belonging to the Tra c Subsector of the Civil Guard in Alicante have been carrying out on vehicles travelling in the province, and speci cally, those carrying out checks on the speed at which people are travelling, they detected a car travelling

at excessive speed on the AP-7 motorway as it passes through the town of Orihuela.

The vehicle was travelling at a speed of more than 80 kilometres per hour above the legal speed limit on the interurban road on which it was travelling.

The vehicle was intercepted by members of the Torrevieja Tra c Detachment during a static speed control, and was found to be travelling at a speed of 211 kilometres per hour on a stretch of road with a 110 km/h limit.

The driver, and sole occupant, was a 35 year old Spanish male, resident in the town of Pilar de la Horadada.

For these facts, the driver of the car has been investigated as the alleged perpetrator of an o ence against road safety by driving at a speed of more than

80 kilometres per hour than that permitted by law on the interurban road on which he was travelling.

The o cers have instructed the proceedings, which have been sent to the Juzgado de Instrucción number 1 of Orihuela, where the driver has been summoned to a speedy trial.

This type of o ence is included in article 379 of the Penal Code, and can be punished alternatively with a prison sentence of three to six months or with a ne of six to twelve months or with community service of thirty-one to ninety days, and, in any case, with the deprivation of the right to drive motor vehicles and mopeds for a period of more than one and up to four years.

Tourists now face fines for beach hogging in Spain

A woman drowns in a private pool in Torrevieja

The CICU mobilised a SAMU and the medical sta tried to revive her without success.

A woman has drowned in a pool in Torrevieja. The Emergency Information and Coordination Center (CICU) received a notice at 8:45 a.m. last Wednesday stating that there was a woman drowned in a private pool.

A Primary Care doctor and a SAMU unit traveled to the place. The medical services unsuccessfully tried to revive the 72-year-old woman, who will undergo an autopsy that will reveal the causes of the drowning.

It seems almost every week there is new footage of people seen lining up and racing to reserve prime hotel pool sunbeds –particularly during the northern hemisphere summer.

But now the problem seems to be hitting beaches as well, with one European council fed up enough over the annoying habit, those responsible could be ned.

The local council in the Spanish holiday hotspot of Benidorm, along Costa Blanca, has called out beach goers arriving as early as 7am to snag the best spot, only to leave and then return hours later.

According to Spanish newspaper Informacion.es, some people have even been

caught using baby strollers or shopping trolleys to mark their chosen spot.

Local councils have likened it to “the rst row of a cinema or theatre”, with travellers also using towels, blankets, umbrellas and sunbeds to “reserve” their slots along the sand.

“It’s an issue that worries us and we are taking care of it,” Councillor for beaches, Mónica Gómez, told the publication.

A warning has now been issued that the rst six metres between the water and the sand should not be occupied at any time, to allow beach users the chance to walk along the shoreline.

The Calpe Council has also introduced a new rule against

beachgoers from putting down chairs, hammocks and umbrellas before 9:30am.

The council previously gave people the ‘authority’ to remove items if they notice spots are actually unoccupied.

It comes as beach bars, toilets, sunbeds, and equipment hire are being removed and shut down at a popular Spanish holiday spot, Orihuela Costa, another wellvisited coastal region situated on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante.

Due to council contracts not being renewed, beaches including Campoamor, La Zenia, Cabo Roig and Mil Palmeras all fell under the original agreement and will see changes this summer.

How to create an investment plan that can help you build an income, retire early or just get richer

Do you invest? The fact that you are reading this article greatly increases the chance that you do.

What’s less likely is that you have an investment plan.

And by that I mean a clearly de ned plan of what you are investing for and how you plan to do it.

So how do you come up with an investment plan? Well, if you follow these 4 steps you will be well on your way to having a plan.

Know what you want from investing

The question of what you are investing for is an important one to answer when creating your investment plan.

If you are investing in retirement or to increase your income, look at how much

you want that income to be - and be realistic about the number.

Work out how much you have to invest

As much as possible isn’t really the best answer here.

If you don’t work out how much that is each month or year – and how that ts into the rest of your nances, be that everyday life, savings, home or debts - then you aren’t setting yourself up properly.

Consider how much risk you are willing to take

Risk is a di cult concept to get your head round when investing. Yet, in reality, we take and calculate risks all the time and so are capable of weighing them up.

Work out your investing strategy

Working out your strategy involves combining what you want, how much you have, and the risk you are willing to take to come up with a coherent plan.

Even if you have put in the legwork on the other bits of the investment plan, this is likely to be where you come unstuck.

If all this sounds daunting, then help is at hand as the Seagate team has a wealth of experience and have several options with international companies to help manage the risks and diversify your portfolio.

For a free no-obligation chat, call me on 965704338 or send an email: Contact@ seagatewealth.es

Torrevieja hospital participates in the Spanish Maternal and Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Register

University Hospital of Torrevieja

is one of the more than 70 hospitals participating in the Spanish Registry of Maternal and Perinatal Morbimortality, endorsed by the Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SEGO), which began in January 2022, and whose aim is to improve the care and safety of pregnant women.

To this end, data on obstetric care is recorded anonymously (such as caesarean section rates, newborn weights, maternal age at delivery, obstetric complications, etc.) and shared at national level, thus obtaining data on more than 40% of all deliveries in Spain, which are analysed both globally and for each centre.

This allows us to learn about areas for improvement in obstetric care and to develop projects and protocols. In this sense, Dr. Cazorla, head of the gynaecology and obstetrics service at the Torrevieja health department, and Dr. Beric and Dr. Álvarez, have been trained as simulation instructors. Thus, together with the simulation experience of the centre’s midwife Encarna Sánchez, the Torrevieja university hospital has developed protocols and speci cally trained all the professionals who work in the delivery room area (midwives, auxiliary nursing care technicians, gynaecologists,

etc.).

In this sense, the centre recently presented to the entire obstetric team the “Assistance for Shoulder Dystocia” protocol and its speci c register, which will make it possible to know the real cases attended to at the centre and thus achieve the reduction or disappearance of one of the most important complications: obstetric brachial palsy.

The continuous training of professionals and the updating of protocols allows us to improve patient care in the Torrevieja health department.

In the speci c case of childbirth care, clinical simulation through scenarios or models that allow the coordinated action of the teams is essential.

Dr Eduardo Cazorla, head of the gynaecology and obstetrics service at the Torrevieja health

department, says that “one of the service’s most ambitious projects is precisely to develop a simulation classroom with the necessary material resources, having already taken the rst step, which is to have quali ed simulation instructors”.

The Spanish Maternal and Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Register is electronic and voluntary, based on the databases of the associated hospitals; the variables collected are de ned by international standards and the database has all the guarantees of anonymisation, with no patient data being entered. Between March and September 2022, the Spanish Registry of Maternal and Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality incorporated more than 70 member centres, of which 60 have contributed their data to this study.

Seven new civil servants increase the staff of the town hall of Torrevieja

Yesterday four interim civil servants (three administrative assistants and an architect) and three permanent civil servants (two inspectors and a local police o cer) have taken up their posts.

In the plenary hall of the City Council of Torrevieja has been yesterday the inauguration of 7 municipal o cials with the presence of the Councillor for Safety and Emergencies and second deputy mayor, Federico Alarcón, and the

mayor of Personnel, María José Ruiz. Speci cally, four interim civil servants (three administrative assistants and an architect) and three career civil servants (two inspectors and a local police o cer) have been sworn in. It should be noted that the City Council of Torrevieja continues to increase the sta of the Local Police throughout this summer season, having taken o ce on June 30 a total of 15 o cials with xed position of

the Local Police (3 inspectors, 3 o cers and 9 agents). In total, the number of sta will have increased by 32 o cers this summer.

After taking the oath or promise of o ce, the councillor for Security and Emergencies and second deputy mayor of Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, welcomed them all and encouraged them to work with dedication and commitment to continue improving the image of our city.

GBP

It has been a particularly strong couple of months for the pound, with GBP/USD rising to a 15-month high at over 1.3140 this week, con rming a 6% rally for the pound in that short two month timescale. Of course, much of the rally in cable can be attributed to the weaker dollar (see USD), but turbo-charging the appreciation has been expectations that the BoE will be forced to hike UK rates even more aggressively, given persistent in ation here in the UK. The latest in ation data is released next week and will therefore be closely monitored by markets.

The BoE have also been adding to the mix, and in his latest speech at the annual Mansion House Dinner earlier in the week, BoE chief Andrew Bailey reiterated the need for the BoE to meet their mandate of returning in ation to its 2% target level. Here’s hoping, Andy. Bailey also admitted that the UK economy had shown ‘unexpected resilience,’ after the BoE have been forced to increase the pace of UK rate hikes. That ‘resilience’ may be showing up in the ongoing UK growth data, with monthly GDP slipping by 0.1% during May, against an expected decline of around 0.3%. However, one economist called UK growth ‘listless’. Seems a reasonable summary.

In other negative news, the surge in borrowing costs has understandably impacted the mortgage market, with the average 5-year xed rate mortgage now rising to above 6%, although there have been reports that borrowers have been rushing to push deals over the line in case rates still go substantially higher.

The manufacturing sector also remains fragile, with Industrial Production declining by 0.6% during May,

GBP / EUR UPDATE

coupled with a 0.2% decline among Manufacturing Production. The ongoing robustness of the UK labour market is also coming under scrutiny, after the latest employment report witnessed a 25.7K rise in claims and the overall ILO unemployment rate increasing from 3.8 to 4%. The cracks are getting deeper. Back to the pound, and despite those lingering worries over an economic slowdown in the UK, GBP/USD continues to be driven higher by the broadly weakening dollar and those UK rate hike expectations, and not the weakening economic backdrop, so further rallies could be plausible, given the recent move to new cycle highs.

EURO

Much the same as in the UK, the single currency has been on re of late, with EUR/USD moving all of the way up to above 1.1200, as the pair registers a near 5% gain over the past two months. That represents a 15 month high for the single currency and bodes well for further gains as we move forward. GBP/EUR has remained close to 1.1700 of late, also suggesting that the pound and single currency are moving in tandem, at least for the time being.

A hawkish outlook from the ECB has also continued*, somewhat helping to aid the Euro rally, and with con rmation that Germany’s in ation remains at 6.8%, the ECB will need to persist with rate hikes, despite increasing economic weakness throughout the region, with Germany already in a recession. Markets still fully expect the ECB to hike rates by 0.25% later in the month.

*Con rmed among the minutes of the latest ECB meeting, released on Thursday.

Terra Natura Benidorm activates special care for animals in the face of the heatwave

The nature and animal park Terra Natura Benidorm, has activated a special protocol of care and prevention of animals to ensure the welfare of these, before the rise in temperatures with the current heat wave that will last a few days. These measures apply especially to the species most sensitive to high temperatures.

Among the actions taken, the modi cation of the diet of the di erent species stands out, providing them with frozen food, special fruit, vegetable, meat and even macaroni popsicles. Thanks to this type of food, the animals are able to cool down by eating a cold food and, on the other hand, their environmental enrichment is enhanced by trying new textures and sensations. It should be borne in mind that animals lose their appetite in hot weather, and this measure ensures their nutrition.

Animals such as Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers and jaguars will receive part of the frozen diet during these hot days to help regulate their temperature, speci cally chicken ice cream. Elephants and rhinoceroses will be given fruit and vegetable ice cream such as watermelon, apple, cucumber and pepper.

The samiris, cotton-top tamarins and other marmosets, capuchin monkeys and

peccaries will also have their ice creams with peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, fruit puree or bananas. Part of these ice creams will be made by the children of the Terra Natura Benidorm summer school, another way of involving them in the conservation of biodiversity and the species that inhabit the park.

Charly, the new sloth, will also have her special ice creams

The family of sloths at Terra Natura Benidorm has recently increased with the arrival of Charly, a female from Herberstein Zoo in Austria. She is a year and a half old and has spent a few months adapting to life in the park with the male.

With the arrival of this heat wave, the sloths will also receive their special ice creams. It will be the rst time that Charly will be fed with fruit in this way, frozen carrots and courgettes that will refresh and nourish with a variety of avours, such as exotic papaya.

In addition, other measures have been implemented to lower the temperature as much as possible and to guarantee the well-being of all the animals, such as increasing the number of watering cycles and water sprays in the pastures and animal facilities, both in outdoor areas and in indoor shelters, and the use of sprinklers in certain areas.

New president for Valencian Community

Carlos Mazon, a member of the Partido Popular (PP), has been inaugurated as the new president of the Valencian Community, receiving 53 votes in Favor. The support came from 40 PP votes and an additional 13 from the far-right party Vox, while 46 votes were cast against him.

The investiture took place during a ve-hour plenary session of the Valencian parliament Les Corts. Mazon, 49, who is from Alicante, assumed the presidency after the PP emerged victorious in the regional elections held in May. However, they will govern in a coalition with the far-right Vox party.

The socialists, led by former president Ximo Puig, and the far-left Compromis party voted against Mazon’s investiture. Prior to the vote, Mazon delivered a speech focusing on crucial issues such as healthcare, education, and tax reduction.

Mazon also made an important announcement by stating that he would retain a cabinet position responsible for equality matters. This is noteworthy because Vox has historically insisted on

removing such positions in their coalition deals in other parts of Spain.

During his speech, Mazon pledged that the coalition government with Vox would be stable and built upon a foundation of “permanent dialogue.” He emphasized that prioritizing “common progress” was vital. Speaking in Valenciano, the regional language, at the beginning of his address, Mazon proclaimed, “The Valencian Community deserved a change, and today marks the beginning of a government of change.”

He added, “Today, the future of our Community begins,” and promised to be attentive to all viewpoints, signalling a commitment to inclusivity and openness.

Mazon’s investiture as the

new president of the Valencian Community marks a signi cant shift in regional governance. The coalition with Vox is expected to bring changes to the policy landscape. The PP’s victory in the May elections re ected a desire for change among voters, and Mazon’s assumption of power represents an opportunity to address key issues a ecting the Valencian Community. Only time will tell how this coalition government will function and whether Mazon’s promise of stability and dialogue will endure. As the Valencian Community enters this new era of governance, residents will be closely watching the actions and decisions of their new president and his coalition partners.

Our daughter’s first boyfriend was 13 years older than she. My husband and I were against it from the start; she was only 16. There were massive rows for many weeks, which only made her more determined. I wrote to you asking for your advice, and your opinion was to allow her to continue making her own choices, so long as she was not being hurt. I have to admit that her boyfriend was a lovely person, and in any other circumstance my husband and I wouldn’t have been so against the relationship; even

though he was from a completely different background than our own. I do not want to be the type of person who looks down on people, however, he was divorced with a child, did not drive, and his job was very lowly; compared to the aspirations of our daughter, who had her sights set on going to University. You advised that if we left things alone, possibly somewhere down the line, our daughter would ‘outgrow’ her boyfriend, and indeed 10 years later, this is exactly what has happened. She has finished with him, saying that

they had different values in life. However, now she is dating someone who is 23 years older than herself!

Your longer email tells me that you recently lost your husband to cancer, and that you don’t have the strength to be angry with your daughter. My advice is, as it was before; allow her to live her own life. You tell me that there was an age gap between you and your husband, and this could be why she goes for older men, and you can hardly advocate against it. Also, you say that she has low self-esteem, which could also be why she goes for older men.

Almoradi presents its programme of fairs and festivals 2023

The Mayoress of Almoradí, María Gómez, accompanied by the Councillor for Fiestas, José Mª Pertusa, today presented the eagerly awaited programme for the Almoradí Fair and Fiestas 2023, which will take place from 21st to 30th July.

The Almoradí estas are a much-anticipated event, and this year will be no exception. These estas, in honour of the Santicos de la Piedra, San Abdón and San Senén, will begin next Friday 21st July, with the opening speech by Manuel Rodrigez Clemente and the crowning of the Queens and Ladies of the estas.

The residents of Almoradí, as well as all visitors, will be able to enjoy an extensive programme

of activities including concerts, parades, events and activities designed for all ages. The programme has been carefully put together to ensure fun and participation for all attendees.

There will be live concerts with artists such as David Civera, Serafín Zubiri, a tribute to Rocío Jurado, a Remember party, performances by dance academies, a popular Verbena, Kraken Color Fest, and many more. There will be the traditional “huertano” parade and various children’s shows.

The mayoress, María Gómez, has stressed that the estas have been prepared in a calmer way, as it has been necessary to make some changes to the programme due to the coincidence with the elections,

reducing events on Sunday 23rd, as the security forces have to guard the polling stations on this day. Even so, the concert by Serafín Zubiri together with the Almoradí Musical Union has been maintained, as it is considered a safe event.

Following the Feria, the Moors and Christians with their memorable parades await us on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July.

The Mayoress and the Councillor for Fiestas invite all citizens and visitors to participate in the estas in honour of San Abdón and San Senén, and to enjoy the diverse and exciting programme that has been prepared to celebrate this special occasion in Almoradí.

If you have a question or problem with any household technology needing my help or want to join the Technology Help Group please email Brian at cbtechnology.help@gmail. com.

As a group member, you would have access to the group website which contains previous session notes, and handouts and access to previous Costa Blanca People published articles.

Scan the QR for a reminder of what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group o ers.

“What is Nearby Share?“

Nearby Share is a feature of Google’s mobile and desktop operating systems Android and Chrome OS which allows data to be transferred via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It allows the rapid short-range exchange of images, videos, text, contact info, directions, YouTube videos, and other data. How to use Nearby Share on your Android phone

Your tech questions answered by Brian Hoile of the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group, helping over 320 members with their PCs , smartphones and more. Group members can attend meetings in person or online using Zoom or Teams.

It’s just as easy as sharing something through any other app on your phone, with the whole process going as follows:

1. Tap the share icon on something you want to share (it looks like three circles with lines connecting them).

2. Swipe up on the Android share menu.

3. Tap the Nearby Share icon.

4. Tap Turn on to enable Nearby Share.

5. Nearby Share will look for a contact to share your link with.

6. Any available phones will appear on your phone.

7. Tap the phone you want to share with. You can use Nearby Share to share links, les, and other items on your phone, so feel free to play around with it and use it to share all kinds of things.

How to accept a Nearby Share on your Android phone That’s how you share something with someone else, but what does the whole process look like from the other angle? If you’re receiving a le via Nearby Share, this is what you’ll see.

1. Tap the Nearby Share noti cation pop-up.

2. Tap Turn on.

3. Your phone will search for what’s being shared with you.

4. Tap Accept to accept the share.

“Do I need antivirus software on my mobile phone?” There is little chance of getting a virus on a mobile phone but using an antivirus App will provide you with reassurance that all is well with your phone. That saying you should always take reasonable precautions when receiving emails or messages particularly from someone you don’t know. Avoid dealing with emails that contain a long list of other recipients. This often happens when friends send you the latest jokes. Tell your friends not to include these other addressees or ask them to use bcc.

Do not click on links within emails from people or companies that you do not know.

For antivirus Apps search for “Antivirus Apps” in Play Store or App Store.

Brian Hoile Technology Help Group

CAT scan confirms superficial cracks in La Purísima and rules out risks to the carving

The CAT scan con rms super cial cracks in La Purísima and rules out risks to the carving. Although a detailed analysis of all the images that have been obtained will be carried out in the near future, the preliminary result of the CAT scan that the image of La Purísima has undergone this morning con rms that the small cracks located in the left hand of the Virgin, a part of her mantle and in one of the little heads of the angel that is located in the cloud are super cial, ruling out any risk to the integrity of the carving of the patron saint of Torrevieja.

After half past eight last Saturday, the Virgin left her temple in a private way inside a padded chest made ad hoc for the occasion on whose lid could be seen the anagram of the association ‘Hijos de la Inmaculada’ and the text ‘Aquí está la esclava del Señor’ (Here is the handmaid of the Lord). It has done so while the bells of the parish church were ringing to start the transfer in a van of the local transport company ‘Nicolás García’ and a Civil Protection operative as an advance party in the direction of the Ribera Group Clinic in Ciudad Quesada (Rojales). This was the second time in 82 years that La Purísima had left the town, the rst being 20 years ago to Murcia where it was restored. At 11:35h that same morning the Patron Saint of the

people of Torrevieja returned to her Temple, her arrival being announced with a general ringing of bells.

The Board of Directors will now wait to complete the analysis of all the images with the professional advice required to determine the suitability, circumstances and the best moment to propose a light restoration of the speci c parts a ected. Likewise, the suitability of installing technical equipment inside the Camarín de la Virgen to control the temperature and humidity will be assessed and studied.

The president of the Association, Antonio Aniorte, has expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ribera Group for the professionalism and respect with which they have carried out these tests on the carving of La Purisima, as well as those who have been actively involved during the morning in the proper development of the operation, which in itself is already a milestone in the history of the immaculate devotion of Torrevieja.

In the same way, he thanked the signs of a ection and support that many torrevejenses and devotees of the Virgin have moved to the Association for the responsibility credited in this sensitive process for the best preservation of the Patron Saint.

This Week´s Movie Picks

Tim Burtons Corpse Bride

Saturday 22nd July – ITV2, 3.55pm

Marley & Me

Sunday 23rd July – ITV2, 7.40pm

Set back in the late 1800s in a Victorian village, a man and woman by the names of Victor Van Dort and Victoria Everglot are betrothed because the Everglots need the money or else they’ll be living on the streets and the Van Dorts want to be high in society. But when things go wrong at the wedding rehearsal, Victor goes into the woods to practice his vows. Just as soon as he gets them right, he nds himself married to Emily, the corpse bride. While Victoria waits on the other side, there’s a rich newcomer that may take Victor’s place. So two brides, one groom, who will Victor pick?

After their wedding, newspaper writers John and Jennifer Grogan move to Florida. In an attempt to stall Jennifer’s “biological clock”, John gives her a puppy. While the puppy Marley grows into a 100 pound dog, he loses none of his puppy energy or rambunctiousness. Meanwhile, Marley gains no self-discipline. Marley’s antics give John rich material for his newspaper column. As the Grogans mature and have children of their own, Marley continues to test everyone’s patience by acting like the world’s most impulsive dog.

18th July

Wednesday 19th July

Age Concern silver jubilee

You are invited to join us for our Silver Jubilee Dinner and Dance.

Our 25 years of service, in Spain, to the community and over 50’s culminates in a celebratory Silver Jubilee Dinner and Dance being held on Saturday September 16th at Laurels Restaurant in Quesada.

It promises to be a spectacular milestone event and tickets are now available, for just 25 euros per person, from our centre in La Siesta. Calle Paganini. s/n UrB. La Siesta, TORREVIEJA, or tel: +34 966786887 /+34711096924, email: costablancaageconcern.org.

es A sumptuous 3 course meal and entertainment will be an event not to be missed.

Formed in March 1998 and registered as a charity from day one, Age Concern is a household

name both in Spain and the UK.

Beginning in a tiny house in Los Balcones, then a smaller house in the Torretas  to our centre  in La Siesta, which started life as a derelict warehouse o ered by the Town Hall.  This has now become a social, administration and storage centre for all the mobility aids so often desperately needed for people who, either short or long term, want help.

We actively encourage integration between British, Spanish and other nationalities.

We work with several caring associations and charities to bene t the not so young, frail or in rm to enhance their well being, environment and enjoyment of our life here in Spain.

Age Concern this year celebrates 25 years on the Southern Costa Blanca

It goes without saying that the backbone of Age Concern rests safely in the arms of the 90 plus volunteers whether they be the drivers who daily transport bene ciaries to and from our centre, the volunteers in our two charity shops in Torrevieja and Los Montesinos, the La Siesta lending library, open on Tuesdays, our friendly centre volunteer team who man the centre every week Monday to Friday from 10.00 –1.30pm and a host of volunteers, never seen, but work tirelessly in the background keeping everything ticking over.

For any information required for help or welfare requirements, social activities held at our centre  or details of our Silver Jubilee Dinner and Dance please telephone  966 786 887.  We are always here to help.

BBC one BBC two ITV Channel 4Channel 5ITV2 ITV3

Thursday 20th July

Friday 21st July

Saturday 22nd July

BBC one BBC two ITV Channel 4Channel 5ITV2 ITV3

Sunday 23rd July

24th July

Dental Clinics

Carredent British Dental Practice (Dr. Ian F. Smith) Tel: 965 711 797

Mob: 638 608 532

Email: jardindelmar21@icoud.com

editionover

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Domestic Appliance Repairs Tel: 966782451 654939202

Email: domrepair2@gmail.com

Estate Agents

My New Home in Spain Tel: 711 007 147 hello@mynewhomeinspain.com www.mynewhomeinspain.com

Health & Beauty

Concept Nail Spa

Tel: 965072570 678210063

Concept Nail Spa

Indiana´s Hair & Lash Boutique

Tel: 681 250 190

Indiana’s hair & lash boutique Indianashairandlashboutique

PHB Supplies Tel: 865757135

Email: phbsupplies@gmail.com www.phbsupplies.com

Sunbay Insurance Tel: 965063483 693719221

Email: info@sunbay-insurance.com www.sunbay-insurance.com

Motors Venture Fleet SL Tel: 965077330 671549920

Email: info@venture eet.com www.venture eet.com

“ “

We would like to congratulate Costa Blanca People on their 1000th

the last few years they have provided a friendly and e cient service, and even better marketing results!

Abbie Barrat, Connect Conveyancing S.L., Casa Connect

Almoradi returns to Alicante Gastrónomica as the main culinary desitination in the Vega Baja

Almoradí will once again be present at the most important Popular Gastronomic Fair in Europe -Alicante Gastronómicawhich will be held from 29th September to 2nd October and which has been presented this morning at Casa del Mediterráneo with the assistance of the Mayoress María Gómez and the Councillor for Tourism José Antonio Latorre.

The town continues to position itself as a gastronomic destination, and will bring to this edition an important representation of the best local gastronomy. The Almoradí Restaurant Association has con rmed its participation and will be present with some of its establishments, such as Restaurante El Cruce, which will bring its well-known “pava borracha” stew ball, a dish that has been registered for more than 30 years, or Restaurante Los Infantes, which will bring, among many other dishes, its extraordinary “Milhoja de ternera” or its “Croqueta de rabo de toro” (oxtail croquette).

The high quality of local pastries will also be very present at this edition, as the well-known bakeries “Espialmo de Joaquín Espinosa” and “La Roja” will be at Alicante-Gastronómica with one

of the most traditional desserts of the Vega Baja: “La tortada de Almendras”.

Finally, the Peña Huertana Los Santicos de la Piedra will also o er tastings of the best traditional food, and on this occasion, the artisan sausage of “Carnicería El Parres” will be present, with its own stand, throughout the four days of the

event.

On the other hand, and in parallel to Alicante Gastronómica, the municipality will launch an advertising campaign under the slogan “Almoradí, Gastronomic Heart” in order to position the high gastronomic level and excellence of its products.

#alicantegastronomic

#almoradígastronomicheart

COCKTAIL RECIPES

Mojitos

Ingredients

Juice of 1 lime

1 tsp granulated sugar

Small handful mint leaves, plus extra sprig to serve

60ml white rum

Soda water, to taste

Method

STEP 1

Muddle the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug, crushing the mint as you go – you can use the end of a rolling pin for this. Pour into a tall glass and add a handful of ice.

STEP 2

Pour over the rum, stirring with a long-handled spoon. Top up with soda water, garnish with mint and serve.

Frozen Strawberry Margarita

Ingredients

1 tsp sea salt akes

400g frozen strawberries

120ml tequila

75ml triple sec

1 lime, juiced

Method

STEP 1

Tip the sea salt onto a saucer. Dampen the rims of two margarita glasses, then turn

the glass upside down in the salt and twist to coat the rim.

STEP 2

Add all remaining ingredients to a blender and blitz until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Passion Fruit Mule

Ingredients

50ml vodka

50ml passion fruit liqueur

1 passion fruit, pulp only

Ice

150ml ginger beer

Lime wedge, to serve

Method

STEP 1

Pour the vodka and passion fruit liqueur into a tumbler or copper cup. Add the fresh passion fruit pulp and mix to combine.

STEP 2

Add ice to a tumbler until it is three-quarters full, then top up with the ginger beer. Stir gently. Finish with a lime wedge to serve.

Evening visits to the famous Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante!

Enjoy strolling around one of the most emblematic landmarks on the Costa Blanca, with a fascinating free guided visit. This early evening tour has been specially created during the summer months, so you can enjoy a comfortable walk around the castle, with the cool night sea breeze. During the two hour visit, you will have plenty of time to explore and discover the castle, learn about its history and secrets, experience spectacular sea views and have some wonderful photo moments as the sun sets. There is a lift to the top for disabled access and a delightful cafeteria with panoramic views over the Mediterranean. For more information and to reserve your place, please call Maria (English speaking) on 616 750 608 or through this link to their website www.freewalkingtoursalicante.com/ tours-3/free-tour-santa-barbara-castle/

A brief history of the Castle Up until the XIX century, Alicante was a military city, an important gateway to the rest of Spain. Its strategic position has been crucial to its history and is the reason why the city has been attacked so many times. However, the city of Alicante was never considered conquered until the Castle of Santa Barbara was o cially taken. The Castle has been witness to invasions, uprisings, betrayals, explosions and imprisonments during more than a thousand years of its history. So enjoy your tour in discovering the Santa Bárbara Castle, a crucial part to understanding the city of Alicante and its history. For more interesting places to visit on the Costa Blanca and great guided tours, check out the website www. costablancascene.com

A

this paper and Seagate Wealth Management, we can advertise for free to shed a light on this desperate situation on a weekly basis.

people.

Thanks to the generosity of

This week apart from asking for baby wipes, toilet rolls, tins of tuna and tins of tomatoes we desperately need children’s toys,

clothes for ages 1yr to 15yrs along with children’s Spanish books. If you can help in any way, then there are various drop o points which can be found on our Facebook page, or alternatively, simply take your donations to the BIG FM studio in Quesada.

“Wishing the Costa Blanca People a happy 1000th  edition, been advertising for the last 3 years with the newspaper since I opened my salon , great response, great service and a great local newspaper, so glad to be in this special edition. Well done to the team!!

Call The Midwife’s Helen George splits from her partner Jack Ashton... seven years after rst meeting on the show

Helen George has split from her partner Jack Ashton seven years after meeting on Call The Midwife.

The actress, 39, and her partner, 36, are said to have ‘drifted apart’ and decided to go their separate ways ‘some months ago’.

The couple of seven years - who share daughters Wren, six, and Lark, two - are now focusing on co-parenting their two children

Con rming the split, Helen told The Mirror: ‘Some months ago, we separated. Our two beautiful girls remain the focus and I respectfully ask

for privacy for this next chapter.’

While a source added: ‘Helen and Jack’s decision to end their relationship has been amicable, and no one else is involved, they have just grown apart as a couple.’

Jane Birkin dies aged 76 after long battle with cancer: Singer and actress who had on-o relationship with Serge Gainsbourg and lent her name to famous Hermes Birkin designer handbag is found at home in France by her carer

British singer and actress Jane Birkin has died at her home in Paris following a long battle against cancer.

The 76-year-old star of cult lms including Blow-Up was ‘found dead by a caregiver’ in the French capital this morning, said a family friend.

Ms Birkin’s health hit headlines back in 2002, when she was diagnosed with Leukaemia, which she had described as a ‘not very painful cancer’ - but in May she cancelled a serious of concerts when it got worse.

She said at the time: ‘I have always been a great optimist, and I realise that I still need a little time to be able again on stage and with you’.

A few years back, following many

torrid, youthful years of excess, Ms Birkin detailed her relationship with alcohol - and how her cancer changed that.

The London-born singer also su ered a stroke in 2021 and was forced to cancel several concerts that year. She cancelled shows again last March after breaking her shoulder blade.

She is one of Britain’s best-known Sixities sensations, known for her romantic a airs, striking looks and fashion sense. She is perhaps best known for the French duet Je T’aime... Moi Non Plus, which she sung with her ex Serge Gainsbourg in 1968.

Olly Murs and Amelia Tank are married! Singer and his bodybuilder bride wed in festival-style bash on Essex’s Osea Island with celeb pals watching on Olly Murs is a married man, wedding his ancée Amelia Tank in a lavish Sunday ceremony in front of their celeb pals.

Olly’s close friend Mark Wright revealed the big news, posting a photo of the groom on his Instagram page on Sunday, during what looked like some rainy celebrations.

The ex TOWIE star also shared a

glimpse of the festival-themed nuptials, with a plane trailing a banner reading Just Married in a short video shared on Instagram.

Lewis Capaldi and Emma Watson leave fans in shock by their ‘unexpected’ friendship as they sit together at Wimbledon

Lewis Capaldi was spotted sat next to unlikely pal Emma Watson at the penultimate day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

The singer, 26, and Harry Potter actress, 33, were in great spirits as they chatted away while watching the Women’s Final on Day 13 of the

championship.

While Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova and Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur went head to head, the duo pulled a number of comic poses for the cameras.

Lewis and Emma seemed in high spirits throughout and were also spotted deep in conversation while watching the tense game.

The Before You Go hitmaker, who is taking time out from touring, cut a casual gure in an open blue shirt while the Beauty And The Beast star looked e ortlessly stylish in a white textured oral lace gown with black fabric detailing.

Indiana Grogan, Indiana’s Hair & Lash Boutique

Spanish police explain how drivers should react to ambulances in a hurry

Tra c police in Spain have explained how drivers should react if an ambulance or re engine comes hurtling down the road with its sirens blaring – and point out that moving aside to let them past is not just about community spirit, but actually a legal requirement. Whilst the overwhelming majority of motorists automatically react to let an emergency vehicle through, considering it their moral duty, if they failed to do so they could be ned €200 and lose points from their driving licences.

Spanish licences start o with 12 points, and these are deducted for breaches of tra c regulations, with an automatic ban at zero – the opposite system to countries such as the UK which start with zero and points are added, leading to a ban when the total reaches 12.

Unlike in the UK, though, where points are automatically ‘spent’ after a set period of time, recovering lost points in Spain means taking o ciallyapproved courses at driving schools, which are State-run and physical premises.

National Police explain that if an ambulance or re engine with the sirens and lights active is heading down a single-carriageway road, whether in a built-up area or an open trunk

road, drivers should automatically veer towards the pavement or hard shoulder – their right-hand side, or the passenger seat side if they are in a standard continental car.

If the pavement is clear and the kerb su ciently low to do so safely, drivers should ideally try to mount it to create even more space, especially where the road is narrow.

Ambulances and re engines in a hurry will head down the middle of a road, and sirens and lights may only be ashed brie y if they need a driver to get out of the way – it is worth remembering that in some medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes, ambulances are driven much more slowly and quietly; additionally, a TNA (non-assisted transport) ambulance may simply be taking elderly or disabled residents to a routine appointment, or a ‘silent’ and ‘unlit’ vehicle might merely be returning to base empty.

This will never be the case if the vehicle is headed down the middle section of a road, though, and motorists who see this must act accordingly.

On dual carriageway roads, which include most motorways, those in the outer lane – the right-hand or ‘slow’ lane – should squeeze farther towards the hard shoulder.

But those in the left-hand ‘fast’ lane or overtaking lane should not try to pull back into the right-hand one; instead, they should move even farther to the left.

In most cases, drivers should slow down a little, but not stop altogether, which could cause a pile-up; by leaving the middle section clear, speed reduction may not be necessary as the ambulance would not be impeded by being unable to overtake a car travelling at or just below the speed limit.

Some stretches of motorway have three lanes in either direction, and in this case, the vehicles using the middle of these are the ones that have to move. Those in the middle should move to the right-hand lane, or the ‘slow lane’, and those already in it have an obligation to let them in – and to veer closer still to the hard shoulder.

Drivers in the left-hand or far overtaking lane should move closer to the central reservation, as the ambulance will normally need to use part of the left lane as well as the middle one to get through.

Moving aside for an ambulance on a single-carriageway road is normally self-explanatory, but confusion sometimes arises for those on dualcarriageway or three-lane highways, who are not sure whether they should try to get out of overtaking or middle lanes and, if so, where they should move towards.

Emergency vehicles, clearly, have special dispensation to break speed limits, jump tra c lights and park in ‘forbidden’ areas, since this is in keeping with their duty to respond swiftly to a life-or-death situation.

The same applies to police cars on duty.

Social media snaps of patrol cars in disabled bays or up against yellow kerbs whilst the o cers are, for example, in a bar or café, often go viral, but police explain that, whilst they are entitled to scheduled breaks and need these to stay focused on their high-intensity rôles, they may have to suddenly drop everything and jump in their car to rush to a crime scene or emergency.

Clearly, they cannot do this e ciently if the nearest ‘legal’ parking space is a 10-minute walk away, so even during their free moments, o cers have to be within easiest-possible reach of their cars – it does not mean that they consider themselves ‘above the law’. These responses have been given by the force in national news to calm collective outrage caused by ‘caughtred-handed’ photos of ‘illegal parking’ by police on co ee breaks.

Classifieds

POOL MAINTENANCE

LOCKSMITHS

ROLLER BLIND REPAIRS

ITEMS WANTED

TILING

SITUATIONS VACANT

Quali ed carers available. All areas. Telephone or WhatsApp 0034 622 52 65 20 (1002)

Good with the other dogs, loves cuddles and attention. Spayed, fully vaccinated and chipped with a passport.. Please call 711 075 305 or WhatsApp, email: k9clubinfo@gmail.com

PERSONAL SERVICES

Sophie Elégante, French, Sexy, Naughty Lady. Speaks 3 languages. Priv. apartment VillaMartin. Also visits all areas. Tel: 693 357 526 ( 1010)

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Experience the best with a one hour unique massage with Veronica. Appointments call 679292678 (1006)

Male and female viagra, cialis, jellies and kamagra. Mixed trial packs. Discounts on large orders, delivery available, email viagra4you19@gmail. com 672883025 (1005)

CHURCH AND CHARITIES

International Christian Assembly Evangelical Church. We welcome you to Sunday Service at 11am (English) Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja, 03185 www.icatorrevieja.org Phone; 966799273 or 660127276 (SH) Join us at Salt Church. Sundays at 10.30am. We are a friendly Church, Bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship.Calle Daya Nueva 12, Poligino Industrial Levante II, 03187 Los Montsinos. www.saltchurch.es Facebook: SaltChurchSpain

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Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic to win im le on title in final for t e a es

Over the past few years of men’s tennis, as his great rivals have retreated from view, Novak Djokovic has spent his time destroying the hopes and dreams of nearly all younger challengers at the major tournaments. Not only has he continued to hold o the next generation, but he has relished his supremacy over them.

It has been clear for a long time, though, that Carlos Alcaraz is just di erent. He is di erent both in terms of his peerless on-court talents and the supreme mental strength that underpins his success. A month after his body crumbled under the sheer tension of facing Djokovic at the French Open, Alcaraz recovered from a set de cit to perform at a remarkable level across ve sets as the No 1 seed toppled Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to win his rst Wimbledon title.

It was an astonishing match and performance, a victory that required every immeasurable self-belief and sustained shot-making of the highest quality from Alcaraz while playing at a level of intensity that he has never experienced across ve sets

“It’s great to win but even if I had lost, I would be really proud of myself with this amazing run, making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a nal against a legend of our sport,” Alcaraz said. “It’s incredible, it’s a dream come true, to be able to play in these stages. It’s amazing, for a boy of 20 years old, I didn’t expect to reach this kind of situation really fast. I am really, really proud of myself.”

Alcaraz’s career was already clearly on a trajectory that few 20-year-olds have matched, yet the top seed’s performance at Wimbledon has

somehow outpaced all of the deafening hype. His ability to learn, adapt and improve is startling. Less than four weeks ago, Alcaraz began the grasscourt season just trying to gure out

how to play tennis on the surface without being so preoccupied by his balance and movement. He nearly lost at Queen’s Club against the No 83 Arthur Rinderknech.

Imanyo Golf Society “Vicky Heynes Memorial Cup” at Font Del Llop

This was the seventh year of playing for the “Vicky Heynes Memorial cup. The day started with the usual full English breakfast at Imanyo’s where the draw was held. 21 players took part and the format was full handicap Stableford split into two groups. First time driving on his own, after a tour around Elche, including the airport a couple of times, Sat Nav Steve eventually arrived 10 mins before the start tee time! The course was in great condition but the bunkers did require sand, the weather was very hot and humid with the temperature nearly 40 degrees, water was the order of the day.

Winner of group A, and overall winner for the fourth time this year was Steve Gain with another handicap cutting score of 47 points, runner up of group A was “Three Clubs” Sean McGuinness with a handicap cutting score of 44 points and third place went to “Bob the

Builder” John Fairbrass with 36 points. Winner of group B was “Tricky” Rik Wood with 37 points, runner up was “Sat Nav”

Steve Day with 34 points and third place was “Fruit Farmer” Tom Goulden with 33 points. There were six nearest the pins, winners group A holes 4 and 17 “Three Clubs” Sean McGuinness and hole 11 was Steve Gain, group B holes 8 and 16 there was no winner and hole 13 went to “Tricky” Rik Wood. Best front 9 was “Mr Amstel” Peter Kelly with 21 points and best back 9 was “Twelve Trees”

Steve Ayre with 18 points. The Two’s pot of €45 was won by guest player Don Vowell on hole 3. Singles match play knockout ¼ nal Peter Kelly beat Tom Goulden 4 & 2

Back at Imanyo’s there was food and a drinks waiting, a huge thank you goes to Tony Heynes for sponsoring the day.

The football card was won by Dons Ralph with Derby County winning €40

and raising €40 for our chosen charities for 2023.

cup to Steve Gain. www.imanyogolfsociety.com imanyogolfsociety@gmail.com

Abbey Anglers

On Tuesday the 11th of July we made the short journey into the Murcia region and shed the magni cent Embalse De Argos close to Caravacca De La Cruz. 13 anglers took part spread around the match point on a boiling hot day.

Winner and continuing his fantastic form at the venue was Barry Smith.

The Burnley bomber shed the feeder with maggots or tares and weighed 38.04kg.

In second place was the ex Welsh national team captain, Dougie Hornblow. Dougie has long been a master at this venue and shed his version of the slow sinking feeder along with a method feeder and

weighed 34.68kg.

In third place was another great feeder angler Richard Smith. Richard sneaked o for a couple of days shing whilst making a short journey to these parts and took full advantage. He shed the method or conventional feeder and weighed 21.02kg.

Rod N Reels.

As is the norm with this venue after an overnight stay at the local Argos hotel the match took place the following day at the same venue. Once again 13 anglers took part and shed very similar pegs. Usually at this venue the second day becomes more productive,

I think mainly due to the amount of bait being deposited the previous day and once again this proved to be the case

with some fantastic weights recorded.

The top three anglers remained the same as the previous day but this time in a di erent order, but all three were separated at the weigh in by less than a kilo.

Winner on the day was Richard Smith. He once again used the method or conventional feeder and weighed 41.64kg.

In a very close second place again was Doug Hornblow with 41.40kg and in third place was Barry Smith with 40.84kg.

The match was shed in very, very hot conditions. One angler did su er from a bit of heat exhaustion and it shows that we must be very careful in this type of weather, drink lots of water

Picture shows Tony Heynes

presenting the

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