19 September -25 September 2023

British woman killed by partner in Orihuela Costa

In a crime that has shocked the local community, a 76-year-old British woman lost her life in her home in Orihuela Costa, allegedly at the hands of her partner. The tragic event unfolded on Friday morning (15th September), when authorities were

alerted at 7.40am. When police arrived at the scene they found the body of a woman, which had su ered stab wounds. A knife was found near the body.

The victims 82-year-old Norwegian partner, who was in the house when

the police arrived, was arrested for the crime. The incident, the second murder attributed to gender violence in the area this year, has prompted local authorities to take swift action.

Following the arrest, the Head of the Court of Instruction number 2 of Orihuela, presiding over the matter, ruled on Saturday that the accused be remanded into provisional custody without the option of bail. This decision was made to ensure he remains in custody during the ongoing investigation.

The couple had no prior documented history of complaints or altercations, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community has initiated proceedings, initially categorising the case as a murder, with the possibility of reclassi cation pending further evidence.

Civil Guard sources have indicated that the victim’s injuries suggest a knife attack and authorities are workin diligently to unravel the full scope of the tragedy.

In a bid to ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation, the presiding judge has opted to remove herself in favour of the Orihuela Violence Against Women Court. This specialised court already has the facts related to the events and will continue to spearhead the inquiry.

This grim incident is not isolated. If con rmed as a case of gender violence, it would be the second fatality in Orihuela Costa within just six months, highlighting a concerning trend. The rst incident also resulted in the death of a British woman, allegedly at the hands of her husband in March. In that case the man was registered on the VioGen database following an earlier attack on his wife.

In the wider context of the Valencian Community, this would be the fourth such fatality, and the forty- fth in Spain for the year 2023. These distressing gures underscore the pressing need for continued e orts to address and prevent gender-based violence within society.

The community is left in mourning as they come to terms with this devastating loss. As the investigation progresses, the hope remains that justice will be served for the victim and her grieving loved ones.

Body found in Lomas de Cabo Roig

A body has been uncovered by workers doing irrigation pipe repairs near Lomas de Cabo Roig, adjacent to the Orihuela Costa Sewage Plant. The discovery took place on Friday, when laborers stumbled upon the decomposing remains in an open eld close to the urbanised area.

The Civil Guard was summoned to the scene after the workers made the grim discovery and o cers promptly secured the area, establishing a perimeter to protect the integrity of the site. Subsequently, a specialised forensic team was dispatched to meticulously scrutinise the area, before awaiting the court’s directive for the body’s removal.

Authorities have disclosed that the body was in an advanced state of decomposition, leading them to

believe that it may have been concealed for a considerable amount of time, possibly stretching into several months. The location of the discovery is in close proximity to the Orihuela Costa water treatment facility.

Preliminary information suggests that the deceased is a young man, attired in beach clothing, adding an air of intrigue to the circumstances surrounding the case. However, at this stage his identity remains a in mystery. The remains have since been transported to the Institute of Legal Medicine, where a thorough autopsy

will be conducted in an e ort to glean further insights into the tragic incident and hopefully shed some light on who he is. The local community is left in anticipation as investigators work tirelessly to unravel the enigma surrounding this sombre discovery.

Sharp decline in Spanish real estate market

Recent data collected from Spain’s notaries has revealed a signi cant downturn in the country’s real estate sector for the month of July. Home sales plummeted by a staggering 18.4% when compared to the same period in 2022, marking a concerning trend in the market.

In parallel, the number of mortgages secured for property purchases also experienced a sharp decline, plummeting by 25.7% within the same month. This double-digit drop in

mortgage activity further underscores the challenges faced by the Spanish housing market.

Moreover, the average price per square meter of property sold across the nation witnessed a notable decrease of 4.6% in July, compared to the gures from a year prior. This decline in property values re ects the changing dynamics of the real estate landscape.

The breakdown of property types revealed a distinct pattern, with at

prices dropping by 3% and house prices experiencing an even steeper decline of 7%. The average cost per square meter of property, as recorded in July, now stands at 1,617 euros per square meter. Analysing regional trends, it was observed that every area in Spain experienced a decline in home sales during July. Andalucía emerged as one of the most a ected regions, witnessing a sharp decline of 21.5%. In terms of price per square meter, despite the overall decrease, six regions saw

an increase, with the Balearic Islands leading the pack with an 18.2% surge. On the other hand, Andalucía recorded a modest drop of 0.6% in square-meter prices.

The data paints a clear picture of the challenges facing the Spanish real estate market in recent months. Analysts and industry experts will be closely monitoring these trends to assess potential impacts on the broader economy and housing sector in the coming quarters.

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Clean-up for the Coast

In a concerted e ort to restore the pristine charm of Orihuela Costa, the urban cleaning team from Orihuela has embarked on a targeted cleanup campaign along the coast this week. Communal rubbish bins in La Zenia have undergone a thorough cleansing, while streets, especially high-tra c areas like Calle del Carmen and Paseo del Mar in La Zenia, Avda. de las Adelfas in Campoamor, and calles Vicente Blasco Ibáñez and Emilia Pardo Bazan in Aguamarina, received meticulous attention.

The waste collection truck, dedicatedly addressing the mounting waste issue, made rounds in Mirador de los Altos, speci cally along Avda Londres. Despite a recent cleanup e ort, the area was unfortunately replete with discarded rubbish once more.

Town hall o cials, in tandem with the diligent workforce, now call upon residents to play their part in maintaining the cleanliness of the streets. They emphasize the importance of adhering to prescribed guidelines for proper rubbish disposal, urging residents with large items to rst contact the waste collection service for speci c instructions on when and how to dispose of them.

Simultaneously, specialised cleaning crews have toiled tirelessly for a week to restore

the coast’s beaches to their former glory following the recent storm’s passage.

“The aftermath of the storm demanded an intense and imperative work agenda,” stated Rocio Ortuño, the Councillor for Street Cleaning. Among the pivotal tasks accomplished was the meticulous sifting and removal of sand, algae, and other unwanted elements embedded in the shoreline.

The Coastal Department is diligently labouring to rectify all damaged infrastructure. Councillor Manuel Mestre emphasized that assessments of the incurred damage are nearing completion, paving the way for the initiation of

Concerns over Torrevieja street vendors

José Luis González, the president of the Torrevieja Environment Association (AMAT), has voiced sharp criticism regarding the absence of police presence in the face of a growing number of street vendors, or “manteros,” in the city. González pointed ngers at Mayor Eduardo Dolón, alleging that the municipality has failed to adequately address the issue. Earlier this summer, the councillor sought assistance from the Government Subdelegation in tackling the problem but received an unsatisfactory response, leaving the responsibility solely on the city.

procurement proceedings to promptly replace all a ected components.

“Our primary goal is the swift restoration of our beaches to their optimal condition. Given the prolonged high season and favorable weather conditions, our beaches are frequented by residents and tourists well into October,” concluded Councillor Mestre, underlining the urgency of the restoration e orts.

With this comprehensive initiative, Orihuela demonstrates its steadfast commitment to preserving the natural beauty of its coastal regions for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors alike.

González raised questions about whether there were directives instructing the Local Police to refrain from patrolling the city streets. He highlighted an apparent increase in police personnel by approximately 25 o cers, totalling around 142 o cers and commanders. Despite this surge, González noted a conspicuous absence of law enforcement on the streets. He emphasised that even on market days, o cers are noticeably absent, leading to signi cant tra c congestions near event venues.

AMAT is now urging the councillor to deploy four o cers in strategic locations,

particularly around Juan Aparicio and the Mariners, especially during late afternoons. This, they argue, would curtail the free movement of street vendors.

According to AMAT, a recent Sunday witnessed a staggering 52 manteros setting up stalls, severely impacting local commerce. González further criticised the municipal government for recently approving a decree imposing a hefty €200 ne on pedestrians caught shopping.

In addition to increased police presence, the Association is advocating for a temporary ban on bicycles and scooters along the promenade for at least three summer months, due to the surging crowds. They propose clear signage to indicate the prohibition, with violators facing substantial nes and repeat o enders potentially having their bikes or scooters impounded.

González stressed the need for a consistent police presence, asserting that the existing sta is more than su cient; the

de ciency lies in the willingness to address the issue.

AMAT’s observations extend beyond the street vendor issue. They express growing discontent among citizens regarding the city’s cleanliness and maintenance. González noted an escalation in litter and neglect, alleging reductions in container capacity for glass, cardboard, and oil collection. The group is calling for increased e orts from the government team to address these concerns.

As tensions rise, Torrevieja nds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the need to balance the vitality of street commerce with the imperative of maintaining public order and cleanliness. The municipality’s response will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future.

Giving charity some soul

Northern Soul Against Cancer recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in the UK and thanks to local Northern Soul DJ and enthusiast Mick Nottingham the group has been raising funds here in Orihuela Costa to bene t local people and charities.

Northern soul is a music and dance movement that emerged in Northern England in the late 1960s. It developed from the British mod scene, based on a particular style of Black American soul music with a heavy beat and fast tempo.

The Northern soul movement generally avoids Motown or Motown-in uenced music that has had signi cant mainstream commercial success. The recordings most prized by enthusiasts are by lesser-known artists, released in limited numbers on labels.

Northern soul is associated with dance styles and fashions that grew out of the underground rhythm and soul scene of the late 1960s at venues such as the Twisted Wheel in Manchester. This scene and the associated dances and fashions quickly spread to other dancehalls and nightclubs like the Wigan Casino, Blackpool Mecca (the Highland Room), and Golden Torch (Stoke-onTrent).

Northern Soul remains popular and has a dedicated following in the local area.

Mick organises and hosts regular events using them as a fundraising opportunity to support the expat community.

Most recently Northern Soul Against Cancer donations were o cially handed over to David Hayden at the Sports Bar in Playa Flamenca.

Mick Nottingham said: “We would like to give a big ‘thank you’ to our fund raising team

Webster also a special mention to all the Bars Restaurants and Small Businesses who supported our cause, the total raised was 1200 euros.”

For more information upcoming local events see the FaceBook page.

... Angela, Theresa Broadhurst, Avril Pickering, Alan Pickering, Sheila Chinnock, Debbie Warren, Dee Kay & Allison

Arrests for two robberies at Orihuela sports club

National Police o cers in Orihuela have arrested two men, Spaniards aged 24 and 43 and residents of Albatera, accused of having carried out two robberies with force in a sports club in the city of Orihuela.

The police force reported that during the month of August the thieves entered the establishment by breaking a window on two occasions, the rst time they stole 300 euros from inside and given their success, they repeated the crime the following week without nding anything of interest in the establishment.

It so happens that a patrol from the Orihuela Local Police, on the same night of the second break-in, noticed a suspicious vehicle in a rural area in the vicinity of the establishment and proceeded to identify the two occupants. In the trunk of the vehicle they located a backpack with various tools that could be used to commit crimes of robbery with force (gloves,

Spain helps Morocco earthquake victims

kickstand, screwdrivers and clothing to disguise and hide the face). The Local Police o cers proceeded to seize the backpack with the supplies and after making the appropriate report, sent them to the National Police Station in Orihuela.

Once the tools seized by the Local Police were received at the Police Station, they were examined in the Scienti c Police Brigade of the Orihuela Police Station and they were able to specify, through forensic analysis of instrumental traces and paint residues, that the tools seized from the two men by the Local Police had been used for the robberies being investigated.

Based on the above, o cers proceeded to locate and arrest the alleged robbers, who confessed the facts in their respective statements at police headquarters. The operation has been successfully completed thanks to the coordination between the National Police and the Local Police of Orihuela.

Spain has stepped up to help Morocco after the recent devastating earthquake left nearly 2,500 dead, and numerous organisations have given details of how to donate aid.

Teams from Spanish provincial re brigades – including Zaragoza, Cádiz, Granada and Huelva – have joined the charities Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras (‘United Fire ghters Without Borders’) and Bomberos Para el Mundo (‘Fire ghters for the World’) in the northern African nation to search for survivors.

Supervisor for the former, Antonio Nogales, says the group has been heading south from Marrakech into the province of Al-Haouz, in the Atlas Mountains – the worst-a ected area. After an eight-hour overland journey to the nearest village, Imi N’Tala, accompanied by four trained search dogs, Nogales’ team spent days trawling through the rubble in the hope of nding survivors – but to no avail.

“There isn’t a single house left standing,” Nogales reports. “When we arrived, no rescue team had even made it there yet. We were the rst to reach the area, which is completely inaccessible.”

The group has since moved onto the village of Amizmiz, where authorities are believed to have arrived and will, it is hoped, be able to guide the re ghters towards where the most immediate help is needed.

“Right now, the most urgent actions are attending to people who’ve lost everything and have been put up in camps, as they need shelter and blankets,” Nogales explains.

“They have very little chance of

even being able to rebuild their homes in the future.”

He urged the international public to ‘not forget about’ the victims ‘even after the earthquake stops being headline news’.

After the tremor – which reached 6.8 on the Richter scale and shook the historic, touristy city of Marrakech, Spain’s defence minister Margarita Robles has sent out her national Armed Forces Emergency Response Unit (UME). The UME is on stand-by to increase human resources if necessary, and say they will remain in Morocco ‘for as long as they are needed’.

Meanwhile, the European Union has pledged an initial aid payment of €1 million and is supplying satellite footage taken by Copernicus. Other countries, along with Spain, which Morocco has so far accepted aid from include the UK, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Help

Residents in and visitors to Spain who want to help by providing funds, non-perishable foodstu s and other basic necessities, and medication have been given a list of donation points. They include the Moroccan Association of Immigrant Integration (Asociación Marroquí para la Integración de Inmigrantes), which has branches in Málaga, Granada and Sevilla, and the Adjar Association, which has set up a crowdfunding site, whilst their member Sofía Essaker has announced collections of food, clothing, nappies and medication in various parts of

Madrid.

Donations can be made online through charities, including the Red Cross (Cruz Roja), Cáritas, and the Azahara NGO in cooperation with the My Grain of Sand Foundation (Fundación Mi Grano de Arena). Various established charities have banded together to collect donations and ensure the most e cient use possible of all funds and resources.

One of these committees is Islamic Fundraising, comprising eight Moroccan humanitarian associations including Umnia, Islamicfundraising, Soqya, Bonyan, and the Al-Khair Foundation.

A Spanish Emergency Committee comprising the children’s charity Aldeas Infantiles SOS, Educo, Oxfam Intermón, Plan International, World Vision, and Médicos del Mundo (‘Doctors of the World’) was created in 2015 to respond to disasters, and is now inviting donations online via Comiteemergencia.org.

High-street banks with charitable and humanitarian departments normally publish account numbers with IBAN codes when global emergencies happen, so that customers and noncustomers can donate.

On trial a man who was caught in Callosa de Segura carrying a gun without a license

When they searched his home, they found cocaine prepared for sale to third parties.

They are trying a man who, according to the Prosecutor’s O ce, was surprised inside a Games Room in Callosa del Segura with a pistol for which he did not have a license.

The events occurred on May 31, 2019 when the Local Police discovered the weapon that the defendant was carrying in his left pants pocket. In the house search carried out in the defendant’s home, in the same municipality, the agents seized more than 14 grams of cocaine

Orihuela PSOE urges the launch of the Alameda del Mar Centre cafeteria

and the utensils necessary to prepare it for sale to third parties.

The public prosecution requests a prison sentence of ve and a half years for him for crimes of illegal possession of weapons and against public health.

The PSOE of Orihuela urges to launch the cafeteria at the Alameda del Mar Center in Orihuela Costa . The Socialist Group of the Orihuela City Council has asked the councilor responsible for Social Welfare, Agustina Rodríguez, not to further delay the launch of the service.

The socialist spokesperson, Carolina Gracia, denounced this Friday the delay in the startup of the service: “This delay is unjusti able, especially when the councilor responsible for the area is aware of both the formalization of the contract and the time it takes for users to claiming this service.

Gracia recalled that the cafeteria service has not been provided in the center since June 2021 and is also “one of the great demands that the sta who work

there every day have, along with the lack of space in the building to be able to correctly perform their work, as well as the users who come to the center daily.

The socialist group defends that it was not until February 2023 when, by resolution of the then councilor of the PSOE, María del Carmen Moreno, the opening of the contracting le and the awarding procedure for this service was approved. Gracia explained that this contract was tendered with an annual fee of 1,165.97 euros, an amount that was established by the municipal technicians and that contemplated an upward improvement by the bidders.

Once the tender is concluded, the amount that will be received The City Council fee will be 2,400 euros per year and its duration is two years, with the possibility of

annual extensions of up to three years. Carolina Gracia insists that “this is another example of what we found when we arrived at the Government, unanswered demands and zero les initiated to be able to o er a response, but unlike what the Government led by Vegara is doing, far from blaming to the others, we gave a solution and today that service is available again for the neighbors”, and for this reason the PSOE of Orihuela urges to launch the Alameda del Mar Center cafeteria, since Gracia adds that “we are clear that For the Popular Party this matter has not been a priority, but it is unfair that with everything being administratively ready, the provision has not started. We hope that this delay does not put this service at risk.”

Have you lost contact with £9,500?

With the number of lost pots on the rise, now is the time to pay your forgotten pension pot some attention.

My personal nancial admin is often a Sunday task that is almost always deferred for other mundane tasks, such as laundry or bathroom cleaning, and I work in nance.

This nancial procrastination, or unawareness, is evidenced by the new lost pots gures published by Pensions Policy Institute.

The value of lost pension pots now stands at £26.6bn. What’s even worse is the increase in the number of lost pots, which is nearly 75% higher than in 2018.

• Who are losing their pots? Primarily

those under 55, which accounts for 65% of the total number of pots lost, but over half a million are still lost in the crucial pre-retirement period of 55-65.

• Why are pots being lost? Contact is typically lost because people move home and do not tell their provider they’ve moved. People have moved jobs and home more frequently since 2018, which has predominantly led to this increase. Recent research found that only 4% of people instinctively think to contact their pension provider about a change in address; in comparison 66% tell their bank.

• How much are they losing contact with? You would assume that a lost pot would be a smaller one, because surely

any materially-sized pot would have been, if not cherished, at least tracked by their owner. But these pots are not insubstantial. The average size pot which is lost amongst the 55–75-year-old range, is £16,004. The average across all ages, is £9,474.

If you worked in the UK and now reside here in Spain, there is every possibility that your money is waiting for you to make a claim.

I urge you to think about your past jobs and contact us to see if your retirement could be made that much more comfortable.

First visit by the new General Director of Ports to Torrevieja

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with the Director General of Coasts, Ports and Airports of the Generalitat, Vicente Martinez Mus, and the concessionaire of the leisure area of the port, Enrique Riquelme, last week visited the works of the port of Torrevieja. This is the rst visit made by the new Director General to check on site the development of the works.

Vicente Martinez has delivered to the mayor of Torrevieja the necessary authorization by the Conselleria for the construction of the integral reform of the Dique de Levante, with which the City Council can now tender and award the works, which will involve an investment of 8,500,000 euros and also has funds from the European Union.

For his part, the Mayor welcomed him and thanked him for this being the rst authorisation he has signed as Director General of Ports, which will allow very important

and necessary works to begin for the overall execution of the remodelling of the port of Torrevieja and its leisure area.

The mayor has informed that the tender for these works could be in a month and a half, in case there are no resources, hoping that in the month of December they could be awarded and begin the same. The works will take nine months to complete and will be carried out in parallel to the works being carried out for the construction of the leisure area and its underground car park with almost 700 parking spaces. According to the concessionary company, the car park is expected to be operational before the summer of 2024, and the leisure centre is expected to be completed in December of the same year.

The Project for the Repaving and Repair of the Dique de Levante has undergone modi cations with respect to the initial idea for various reasons,

such as the connection with the port through an elevated platform linking the Dique itself with the leisure area, the connection at the beginning of the dike to link up with the pedestrianisation of the Paseo de La Libertad, as well as the renovation of the existing public lighting on the parallel road to increase, if possible, the value of one of the most representative infrastructures of the city, the Dique de Levante. In addition, the breakwater will have new viewpoints overlooking the open sea at di erent points along the route.

The mayor announced that in addition to this authorisation, the Generalitat will soon have to authorise the execution works that the Torrevieja Town Hall will have to undertake, which includes the entire urban development solution covering the area of the Paseo de La Libertad and the areas adjacent to it.

The Civil Guard arrests three people for stealing electric bicycles in Vega Baja

The Civil Guard of Alicante has arrested a man, a resident of Orihuela , and two women from Torrevieja , all of them between 26 and 33 years of age, for the theft of electric bicycles in Vega Baja and they are charged with theft crimes. with force, breaking and entering and theft. The Court of Torrevieja has decreed the man’s imprisonment and freedom, with the imposition of precautionary measures, for the two women depending on the degree of involvement in the events.

At the beginning of August, the Civil Guard detected an increase in thefts of electric bicycles in the Vega Baja del Segura region, and intensi ed the investigation work, in order to locate those responsible.

Through the information contained in the complaints and the analysis of the evidence obtained, the agents of the Almoradí Investigation Area obtained su cient data to

identify the alleged perpetrator, and nding out that his “modus operandi” was to access, in the wee hours of the morning and by escalation, in the homes that he had previously selected, walking around the urbanization for su cient time, in order to try to make sure not to be surprised. Once he managed to enter the home, he took the merchandise and ed on the stolen electric bicycle.

Thanks to the collaboration of the Local Police of Rojales, in the early hours of August 19, the suspect was arrested, a 33-year-old man, a resident of Orihuela, who was surprised by the agents when he tried to break the padlock that secured one of the bicycles. After being transferred to the Almoradí Civil Guard headquarters, investigators linked this person to two other robberies with similar characteristics.

After being brought to justice

and released, shortly afterwards, on August 28, agents of the Civil Guard from Almoradí and San Miguel de Salinas, who were carrying out a joint operation in an urbanization in Rojales, carried out the arrest of three people, two women, residents of Torrevieja, aged 26 and 29, and the third, the same 33-year-old man as before, who was surprised while riding another bicycle that he had just stolen. After a new analysis, the agents managed to corroborate four other thefts committed between the rst arrest and the second, attributing a total of eight bicycles to them.

The detainees, who are charged with the crimes of breaking and entering, robbery and theft, have been placed at the disposal of the Investigative Court No. 1 of Torrevieja, which has ordered the man’s imprisonment and release. with the imposition of precautionary measures on the two women.

GBP

Similar to the other dollar majors, GBP/USD has been on a straight-line decline for the best part of nine weeks now after hitting 1.3126 in the middle of July. However, this week, the decline has been modest, and as of Thursday afternoon, it looks like the pound could nish the week reasonably at, putting at least a temporary pause on that longstanding decline. GBP/USD is currently trading at just over 1.2330 and GBP/EUR at 1.1660.

Aside from the strong greenback (see USD), soft incoming UK data has been further fuelling the sterling’s decline. Last week’s comments from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, suggesting that the BoE are nearing the end of its interest rate hiking cycle, also gained some believability throughout the market this week after another batch of weak-looking updates.

The latest UK employment report was released on Tuesday, which highlighted wage growth is now rising at a faster pace than in ation for the rst time over two years. UK wages (excluding bonuses) rose by 7.8% on an annual basis over the three-month period from May to July, which is good news for employees who have been struggling to cope with the e ects of surging in ation, fuelling signi cant rises to their cost of living. However, the overall unemployment rate also unexpectedly rose from 4.2% to 4.3% over the same period, with overall vacancies now falling below a million for the rst time in nearly two years. This could suggest that the Labour market may now be beginning to turn.

Just a day later, the latest UK growth data also looked particularly soft, which may give the clearest signal to the BoE after GDP shrank by 0.5% during July. Markets had been expecting a dip of around 0.2% for the period. Furthermore, Manufacturing and Industrial Production saw sharp declines over the last month.

The BoE will make its latest decision on rates next Thursday, with the outcome far more

uncertain after the recent soft data. However, the latest UK in ation data could still tip the pendulum one way or another when it’s released just a day before. In the meantime, expect GBP/USD to tag along with the broader dollar moves.

EUR After much speculation, the ECB raised the key Euro area interest rates by another 25bps yesterday, marking its tenth successive rate hike, moving the deposit rate to a record high of 4%. However, at the same time, the ECB downgraded growth forecasts for the region and upgraded the outlook on in ation.

The revised growth outlook saw the ECB cutting its previous forecast for every year until 2025, with the central bank now expecting the economy to expand by just 0.7% this year and around 1% next year, a gure revised down from 1.5% previously.

With its ‘dovish hike’ suggesting that the ECB may have reached its peak rate in this cycle, EUR/ USD slipped from around 1.0740 to 1.0640 in a relatively rapid decline as markets reacted to the news.

Rising energy prices fuelling upside risks to headline in ation are thought to be the reason behind the ECB’s rate hike. However, President Lagarde also appeared to hint that this could be the last hike in the tightening cycle, although falling short of con rming the terminal rate had been reached. Lagarde told reporters: “The focus is probably going to move a bit more to the duration, but it is not to say - because we can’t say - that now that we are at peak.”

Ahead of yesterday’s ECB meeting, Regional Industrial Production declined by over 1% during July, and there was a mixed German ZEW survey, with the Current Situation deteriorating signi cantly from -71.3 to -79.4. However, Economic Sentiment improved from -12.3 to -11.4. Looking ahead, we’ll be keeping an eye on next week’s regional in ation data updates.

More than 60% of crops damaged by hail

ASAJA Alicante regrets that more than 60% of crops damaged by hail in Vega Baja are uninsured due to the coverage eliminated by the Ministry and Agroseguro.

ASAJA Alicante reports that the hail that fell last Tuesday for ten uninterrupted minutes in some municipalities of the Vega Baja del Segura such as San Fulgencio, Dolores, Almoradí, Benejúzar, Orihuela and districts, Jacarilla and Bigastro, has caused serious damage to fruit crops. –especially citrus fruits – and vegetables that will cause signi cant economic losses for the Alicante countryside.

Although it is early to quantify the damage to the crops, which will be de nitively determined by the expert reports, Asaja, in a rst assessment, estimates that 4,500 hectares of crops and 50,000 tons of lemons, tangerines, oranges, pomegranates and vegetables have been a ected throughout the country. the Shire.

In this sense, ASAJA Alicante regrets that around 60% of damaged crops do not have agricultural insurance, since many farmers have decided this year not to insure their crops after the tightening

of conditions imposed by Agroseguro, which has eliminated coverage of wind quality damage in lemon and warranty extension. Likewise, Asaja adds that this serious cut has the complicity of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food headed by Luis Planas, who despite having publicly promised that the insurance would gain coverage, the reality is the opposite, thus pushing many producers not to hire it, leaving them totally unprotected and exposed to adverse weather

phenomena, with the loss of pro tability that this entails.

In the last act of protest against Agroseguro, the Alicante association assured that “we do not agree with its mercantilist policy. Every day more rights are taken away from us, premiums are more expensive, higher deductibles are established, and coverage and risks are eliminated. The system is deteriorating in situations like this hailstorm, and Agroseguro’s response does not compensate for the losses.”

New Local Police station for Almoradi

After a week’s holiday, something felt odd when my daughters and I walked through the door of our home. My eldest son and his wife had been asked to take our pet dog for a week. I had a feeling that something was not right, so I walked around the house. Our beds had been slept in; my daughters always leave their rooms tidy and impeccable. Both of them said their beds and ensuite bathrooms had been disturbed and clearly used, as nothing was in its right place. Worryingly, both of our daughters’ chests of drawers had underwear in them, that had clearly been riffled through. We came to the conclusion that my son and his family had spent the week living, and sleeping there. This

was not the arrangement. Our daughter-in -law has a teenage son from a former relationship, and our girls are mortified that he had been sleeping in their room with access to their personal things. I haven’t yet approached my son. I am sure he knew that if he’d asked me, I would have said no, so he’s been sneaky, and it has made me angry.

If you go away again, make other arrangements for your dog; and I would change the key on the front door. Your son knew what was required, and broke your trust. Another time you could say that you won’t need their help, and tell them that they know the reason why. And leave it at that.

The mayoress of Almoradí, María Gómez, has announced the imminent opening of a new police station in the centre of the town, speci cally, in the space previously occupied by the Tourist O ce. In the words of the mayoress, “this is about ful lling a commitment made in the election manifesto and responds to a public demand for greater police presence”. The new o ce, which will be open to the public in the morning, will provide the

same service as the Police Headquarters on Avenida de Orihuela, as it is an extension of the latter. It will have an intercom with a camera that will contact the patrol directly 24 hours a day, which will allow anyone to connect with the police easily and e ciently when the police station is closed.

The aim of this redeployment of personnel, in the words of Mayor Sergio Lozano, is to “increase the e ectiveness and immediacy of the service, as it

will also be a meeting point for the operational units on duty and will provide a better and closer service to citizens”.

The Councillor for Police and Tourism, José Antonio Latorre, has indicated that “the Tourist Information service is going to be enhanced and reinforced with this move, as it is going to be located in the space of the Entrance Hall to the Town Hall itself, recently remodelled and located next to the new exhibition hall”.

The Mayor appoints expats as personal representatives for urbanisations

The Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Pérez, has appointed Matthew Smith and Sven Dirk Fraiss as personal representatives in the di erent urbanisations of the municipality. The purpose of the mayoral resolution is that both British and German nationals will be responsible for direct communication

between the citizens, especially the residents of the various urbanisations and some 82 nationalities, with those responsible for the local administration. According to the mayor, this is to solve any problems more quickly and e ectively in collaboration with all members of the local

government team. The mayor’s representatives will carry out their functions from the municipal centre located in the Plaza Blanca in the Ciudad Quesada urbanisation in direct contact with the councillor for Resident Services and Integration, Lourdes López.

La Mata presents programme for festivities for Virgen del Rosario

The High Mass and the procession in honour of the Virgen del Rosario will take place next Sunday, 8th October, in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata.

The Councillor for Festivities of the Town Hall of La Mata, Rosario Martínez, accompanied by the Councillor for Environment and Beaches, Antonio Vidal, and the representative of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Mata, Cayetano Gil, last week presented the programme of festivities in honour of the Virgin of the Rosary of La Mata, which will take place from Saturday, September 23rd, until Sunday, October 8th.

The religious events begin on Sunday, 24 September, with the Pilgrimage, which will depart from the parish church of Our Lady of the Rosary at 10:00 hours to the Recreational Area “José Eduardo Gil Rebollo”, where a campaign mass will be held at 12:00 hours, sung by the choir of the Brotherhood of the Virgen del Rocío, followed by a giant popular paella. Tickets for the paella can be collected at Ferreteria Perelló and at the Lottery Administration “Mari Carmen” in La Mata. All those who collect their tickets will be entered into a prize draw which will take place on the day of the pilgrimage. Once the ra e is over, the pilgrims will return to the parish church of the Torrevieja parish.

The O ering of Flowers will be held on Saturday, 30th September, from 18:30 hours, at the end of the Holy

Mass. On Sunday 8th October, at 19:15 hours, the mass in honour of the patron saint will take place. The High Mass will be celebrated in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol, followed by a procession through the streets of the village. At the end of the procession there will be a reworks display.

The children’s and festive activities will begin on Saturday 23rd, from 10:00 a.m., with the Chupinazo Infantil, the running of the bulls of San Fermín and the Fiesta de la Espuma in di erent streets of La Mata and in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol. On Saturday 30th, at 11:00 a.m., the Children’s Grand Prix will take place, also in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol.

On 29th September, from 20:30 hours, the traditional “Sobaquillo” Dinner will take place in the Plaza Gaspar Perelló, which will be enlivened by a disc jockey. The paella competition will be held on Sunday, 1 October, in the Plaza Encarnación

Puchol. In order to take part, all those interested should register by calling 680 251 271 and 678 503 443.

The Grand Multicolour Parade will start at 18:30 on Saturday 7 October, with the following itinerary: Avenida de Soria, up to Calle la Lecha, passing through Avenida de Alemania and Calle Mayor.

The popular street parties will take place on 5, 6 and 7 October, in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol from 21:00 hours. On 5 October there will be a comedy show “Con Risita Médica 2.0” with: Kalderas, Antonio Ocaña, Eva y Qué and David Navarro. On Friday, 6th October, from 18:00 hours, there will be a parade with charanga entertainment in di erent streets of La Mata, and at 21:00 hours, the musical performance will be by “Número Uno” with Diego Martín. On 7 October, at 21:00, the group “Eureka” will perform. At the end of all the performances there will be music and a DJ.

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.

Please note that we have a new venue for our Monthly Meetings. I am pleased to announce that we are now meeting at Dilly’s Bar, Av. Castuera, 3, 03184 El Chaparral, Alicante. The next group meeting is on Wednesday 13th September from 10:00 to 12:00. See updated information accessed by scanning the QR code above

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.

“Can I use Google and Google Apps on my iPhone?“

Yes, provided you have a Google account you can use Google on all your online devices including your iPhone. To see what Google Apps are available on your iPhone install and open Google Chrome. Search for Google.co.uk.

Log In to your Google account.

Click on the 9 square dots next to your pro le picture to see what Google Apps are available. If you have more than one Google account, you can log in to each account to use your Google Apps for each account you have created.

“I cannot install BBC iPlayer on my Fire Stick. Is there another way to watch BBC programmes using BBC iPlayer?“

Provided you have a suitable VPN you can access BBC I Player online using a browser installed on your Fire Stick. Open the browser. Search for BBC I Player. Sign in by entering your email address and password.

“Can I use Word for free?“

Word and all Microsoft O ce 365 Apps are available to download and install for free on Smartphones and Tablets. You can also use O ce 365 online by searching for “O ce 365 online”.

Select “Microsoft 365: Login”. Enter your Microsoft account email address and password. All O ce 365 Apps are now available if you remain online.

“What is Acrobat Reader?“

With Acrobat Reader you can open, read and print PDFs, and ll out PDF forms. If you want to edit a PDF, convert a document to a PDF, or perform any other more complex tasks, consider purchasing or subscribing to Acrobat Pro. PDF stands for “portable document format”. Essentially, the format is used when you need to save les that cannot be modi ed but still need to be easily shared and printed. Today most devices have a version of Adobe Reader or can open a PDF in an Internet Browser.

You can also create a PDF le by printing a document to PDF by selecting print and choosing “Print to PDF”. You are then prompted to select a location for the PDf le. By default, the lename will be the same as the original le but is saved in PDF format. e.g. Letter.doc will be saved as Letter.pdf.

Brian Hoile Technology Help Group

Visit the Moro Tower of Torrevieja

This is an old watchtower located on the Torrevieja seafront, boasting splendid coastal views. Located about 5km from Torrevieja centre next to the road that leads to La Mata, it is an ideal spot for walking, picnics and relaxing in front of the sea. The construction has undergone various modi cations and repairs over the years, and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1985. These type of defensive and watch towers were of vital importance, with the predominant being Torrelamata, which gives its name to the district,

and Torrevieja, which gave its name to the city. Maritime transport has always been used as a regular means of salt production in Torrevieja, loading both in La Mata and Cala Cornuda, mostly known as Eras de la Sal. Although the towers origin is not dated, it is known that Jaime II was authorized to build a watchtower at Cabo de Cervera, but it is not said if the tower was built in 1320 on top of an earlier one or it was a new one. Its function was clearly defensive, intended for coastal surveillance, as demonstrated in 1378 by the invasion

of two Muslim galleys, where Orihuela militias had to attack. During the 16th century, the Torre del Moro tower was built, as a union in the surveillance work between Torrevieja and La Mata, within the defensive framework of towers created to repel the coastal attack by Barbary pirates. The tower can be found on Urb. Cabo Verde, 1, 03188 Torrevieja, Alicante.

More fascinating and beautiful places to discover on the Costa Blanca can be found on the website www. costablancascene.com

This Week´s Movie Picks

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Saturday 23rd September – Channel 4, 10.35pm

A young man named Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), whose father died when he was a young boy, is dealing with living with the creep his mother is with now, who mistreats her and him. He goes out and does something to one of the creep’s friends. He gets arrested and he calls the number a man gave him around the time his father died, to call if he needs help. A man named Harry Hart (Colin Firth) approaches him and tells him he’s the one who helped him. He tells him that he knew his father. When the man Eggsy slighted wants some payback, Harry takes care of him and his companions single-handedly. Harry then tells Eggsy that he’s part of a secret organization called “The Kingsman”, and his father was also part of it. He died trying to make the world safe. Harry o ers Eggsy the opportunity to be a Kingsman, and he takes it. He undergoes a gruelling training course. Harry is looking into the demise of another Kingsman, and the trail leads him to tech billionaire Valentine, a.k.a. “V” (Samuel L. Jackson), who is also curious about the group following him, the Kingsman.

Turbo

Sunday 24th September – ITV2, 4.55pm

After a freak accident infuses him with the power of super-speed, Turbo kicks into overdrive and embarks on an extraordinary journey to achieve the seemingly impossible: competing in the world’s fastest race, the Indianapolis 500. With the help of his tricked-out streetwise snail crew, this ultimate underdog puts his heart and shell on the line to prove that no dream is too big, and no dreamer too small.

Tuesday 19th September

Wednesday 20th September

Panto in the Sun

After the summer we’ve been having, it feels very strange to be thinking about a Christmas show, but here are members of Adapt Theatre Group having our rst read through of this year’s winter spectacular. It does seem early but time ies, especially when you’re having as much fun as we will be! The script is now nalised and we’re all getting down to learning our lines, although we might wait until it’s a bit cooler for the singing and dancing!

One of our Members,Mick Downes rst got involved with the Adapt Theatre Group a couple of years ago when he was enticed by good friend and ATG member Sue Airey to try his skills treading the boards.

Back in the sixties and seventies Mick

played the drums and sang in a dance band, so the idea of performing again was like a magnet. After appearing in the ATG version of Peter Pan as a “nonspeaking” crocodile Mick was hooked and last year after a last-minute change of cast, he stepped in as the panto dame Mrs.Scrubb in Pinocchio. After the initial shock, Mick took to the role so well that he is repeating this year as Ali Baba’s love-lorn slave “girl” Morgiana. Falsetto voice and false boobs at the ready, anything can happen!!

For more information about the ADAPT Theatre group contact Eric at: ericberg2@hotmail.com or visit our website: https://adapttheatregroup. wordpress.com

BBC one BBC two ITV Channel 4Channel 5ITV2 ITV3

Thursday 21st September

Friday 22nd September

Saturday 23rd September

BBC one BBC two ITV Channel 4Channel 5ITV2 ITV3

Sunday 24th September

Monday 25th September

EPC Compliance: The unseen threat for unprepared vendors in Spain’s real estate market

In the sunny landscapes of southeastern Spain, where picturesque homes and dreamy villas dot the horizon, the real estate market has always been a thriving hub for property enthusiasts. However, recent events have brought to light a crucial aspect that both vendors and estate agents must not overlook.

This is a true incident that unfolded with one of our clients before summer. The names have been concelaled for obvious reasons.

The Story Unfolds

In a recent incident, a seemingly ordinary couple, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, set out on a mission to nd their dream home. They approached a local estate agency, hoping to explore various properties in the region. After viewing several houses, they zeroed in on one particular property. What

Mr. and Mrs. Smith didn’t reveal at the time was their hidden identity as civil servants from the “Consumo” authority, responsible for ensuring compliance with various consumer protection regulations, including property-related matters.

The Turning Point

Mr. and Mrs. Smith revealed their true identity, and with a stern request, demanded to inspect the property’s Energy Performance Certi cate (EPC). The estate agent, caught o guard, found themselves in a precarious

situation. The absence of a valid EPC isn’t just a minor oversight; it’s a stark violation of Spanish law that carries substantial nes, ranging from 600 € to 6000 €, applying to both vendors and estate agents.

The Legal Mandate Energy Performance Certi cates (EPCs) are mandatory documents in Spain, designed to provide prospective buyers or tenants with essential information about a property’s energy e ciency. These certi cates rate properties on a scale from A (most e cient) to G (least e cient) and provide recommendations for improving energy e ciency. By law, EPCs must be obtained and made available to potential buyers or tenants when marketing a property.

Inspections and Penalties

Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s visit was not an isolated incident. The “Consumo” authority, responsible for ensuring compliance with property-related regulations, conducts inspections (to Estate Agents and particular vendors) to verify the presence of EPCs. Failure to provide a valid EPC can result in substantial nes for both property owners and estate agents. These nes can quickly add up and signi cantly impact businesses in the real estate sector.

A Widespread Issue: Barcelona’s

Massive Inspection

This pressing issue isn’t limited to southeastern Spain alone. In a broader context, Spain has witnessed a series of inspections targeting non-compliance with Energy Performance Certi cates (EPCs). One of the most notable incidents occurred in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where the real estate market has long been bustling with activity.

In a sweeping operation, the authorities inspected numerous estate agencies in the Barcelona area. Shockingly, more than 40 estate agents were found in violation of EPC regulations, leading to substantial nes and penalties. This high-pro le crackdown served as a wake-up call to the entire real estate industry in Spain.

The Call to Action

In light of these developments, it is imperative for vendors and estate agents operating in southeastern

Spain to recognise the critical importance of Energy Performance Certi cates (EPCs). Here are some key takeaways: Compliance is Not Optional: Vendors and estate agents must understand that obtaining and presenting an EPC is not optional but a legal requirement.

Preparation is Key: Ensure that every property listed for sale or rent has a valid EPC readily available for inspection. This preparation can save you from unexpected nes and legal troubles.

Education is Vital: Educate sta and colleagues about the signi cance of EPCs. Awareness and compliance should be part of standard operating procedures.

Seek Professional Assistance: If you are unsure about the EPC process or need assistance in obtaining certi cates, consult with certi ed energy assessors or professionals who specialise in EPC issuance.

Proactive Approach: Don’t wait for an inspection to remind you of EPCs’ importance. Take a proactive approach by ensuring all your properties are compliant from the start.

In conclusion, the recent incident involving Mr. and Mrs. Smith, along with the Barcelona inspection, underscores the paramount importance of Energy Performance Certi cates (EPCs) in Spain’s real estate market. Vendors and estate agents cannot a ord to overlook these

requirements. Instead, they should embrace them as an integral part of their business operations. By doing so, they not only avoid potential nes and inspections but also contribute to a more transparent and e cient real estate market. The time for action is now.

Martinez de la Casa Architects is the Number One company for Building Certi cation, including Energy Performance Certi cates (121€ IVA incl) and Habitation Licences and Retrospective Licences. They also provide Retrospective Licences (Pools 266.20€ IVA incl. and for Extensions such as glazings, coverages, sheds, workshops or any other extensions 326€ IVA incl.)

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment, please call 665 810 411 (English) or visit www. martinezdelacasa.com to see an impressive list of over 300 testimonials. See our advert on page 3.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Please note that all information contained within this Costa Blanca People Business Pro le has been provided by the client, and is therefore deemed correct and accurate. Any errors, omissions or inaccuracies are the sole responsibility of the client.

E Estate Agents

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

La Casa Blanca Estates Tel: 966 117 978 653 987 928 sales@lacasablancaestates.com www.lacasablancaestates.com

H

Health & Beauty

Indiana´s Hair & Lash Boutique Tel: 681 250 190 Indiana’s hair & lash boutique Indianashairandlashboutique

D

Dental Clinics

Carredent British Dental Practice

(Dr. Ian F. Smith)

Tel: 965 711 797

Mob: 638 608 532

Email: jardindelmar21@icoud.com

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Tel: 966782451

654939202

Email: domrepair2@gmail.com

We Need A Helping Hand

As many of you know, A Helping Hand is a food and clothes bank based in Torrevieja who are struggling to feed all the people on their books. Both this paper and Seagate Wealth Management are doing all they can to support this wonderful local charity. If you can donate anything from the list below, it would be so very appreciated as summer is proving a di cult time for donations:

Rice, milk, pasta, soup mixes, tomato frito, tinned tomatoes, toilet rolls, wet wipes, baby milk (NATIVA 1,2 &3), nappies - size 4..5..& 6, cheese triangles/slices, chorizo/salami slices, ham, hot dogs, yoghurts, childrens’ snacks and juices, shampoo/ conditioner, washing detergent ,toothpaste, tuna ,salt and sugar.

If you prefer to shop online, then please visit Al Campo, Mercadona or even Amazon and the donations can be sent to: Avenida tomas boj andreu casa 2 bloque 4

You can also donate in the following ways: https://www.paypal.me/ daniellasixx8 revolut.me/nikkis2qrb ES23 0128 0655 2401 0002 4012

If you can help in any way, there are various drop o

points and you can nd your nearest one by checking out the Helping Hand Facebook page.

As they say on their Facebook page: “If you can spare just 1,2,3,4,5 euros anything and if everyone reading this article did this we could help so many people. We really need your help, we need to survive to help these families please, please help.”

Hardware Store

Everak Tel: 965 072 847 Ctra. de Dolores, 54, 03160, Almoradi Email: info@everak.com everak.com

M Motors Venture Fleet SL Tel: 965077330 671549920

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

Mobile Home Parks

Costa Del Paradise

Tel: 679 224 974 +44 1274 543 103 108

Email: info@costadelparadise.com www.costadelparadise.com

R Removals & Storage

Sunbay Insurance Tel: 965063483 693719221

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

Pest Control Fog O Spain Tel: 625 723 331 www.fogo spain.com

Swift Removals & Storage 0034 603336463 or 0034 602468949 0044 7465 623697

Email: info@swift-removals.net www.swift-removals.net

Travel Agents Worldwide Horizons Travel Tel: 966 761 492 689 140 360

Email: travel@whtravel.es www.whtravel.es

kplus3180@gmail.com ww.kitchensplus.eu

San Fulgencio presents the programme for its Patron Saint’s Fiestas honouring the Virgen del Remedio

The Chupinazo ceremony which took place on 17 September kicked o a full programme of activities that will run until 21 October

The San Fulgencio Town Council’s Fiestas Department has presented the programme of events and activities for its Patron Saint Fiestas honouring the Virgen del Remedio, which will run until 21st October. Laura Bernabé, councillor responsible for the area, pointed out that most of the events will take place in the municipal marquee, located in the space behind the Cardenal Belluga theatre, adding that “it is a source of great pride for me and my colleague, councillor Beatriz Sánchez, to have had the opportunity to organise all these events for our neighbours, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we have enjoyed preparing them”.

The councillor outlined the upcoming events with the rst being last Sunday 17 September with the traditional Chupinazo from the Plaza de la Constitución, starting at 12:00pm. Afterwards, “we will take a parade to the multipurpose area for a mascletá, where we will be able to enjoy a giant paella, beer and soft drinks for all those attending”, Bernabé pointed out. The rst day of the festivities concluded with

‘tardeo’ in the same enclosure, with DJ Varo and DJ Sergio Salinas.

In this way, Bernabé has revealed that “throughout these days we will have various performances, shows, evening entertainment, concerts and DJ’s music, as well as tournaments and sports tournaments and championships of paddle tennis, indoor football and domino”.

The councillor also pointed out that “we will not leave out the gastronomic aspect of the estas with the omelette and paella competitions, the celebration of a new edition of the family cooking competition ‘Abuelo Chef’, or our traditional ‘sobaquillo dinner’”.

The councillor has highlighted other highlights of the festivities, including the Coronation of Queens and 2023 Proclamation on Saturday 23 September by Francisco José Gómez Filiu; the great parade of oats on Saturday 7 October, or the Children’s Day, especially dedicated to the youngest of San Fulgencio. This day will take place on Thursday 12 October from 10:00 am in the municipal marquee, “and will feature in atables, snacks, refreshments and children’s entertainment, along with the traditional ribbon race, from 5:00 pm,” said Sánchez.

The councillor also pointed out that the parish church will be the venue from Sunday 1 to Thursday 5 October for the various religious events in honour of the patron saint of San Fulgencio, organised in the di erent streets of the municipality. Likewise, on Friday 6th at 8:00 pm, the oral o ering will take place. The big day of the estas, dedicated to the Virgen del Remedio, will be Sunday 8 October, with the celebration of the mass in honour of the patron saint of San Fulgencio at 12:00 pm and the procession through the streets of the municipality from 8:00 pm, with a great reworks display at the end. For his part, the mayor of San Fulgencio, José María Ballester, recalled that the various events will continue until Saturday 21 October, “almost a month of celebrations in which we wanted to include activities so that all the people of San Fulgencio, as well as all the visitors who decide to come to our town during those days, so we can enjoy our estas all together”.

The detailed programme can be followed in the Libro de Fiestas, available from today in print at the Town Hall in the town centre and at the Tourist O ce in urbanisations; as well as download it from the municipal website, www.sanfulgencio.es.

Guided tours and workshops at the Natural History Museum for European researchers’ evening

The European Researchers’ Night is celebrated around the last weekend of September at the same time in almost 400 European cities, and Torrevieja joins this celebration with several activities organised by the Cultural Association Ars Creatio and the Department of Culture, including guided tours and neuroscience workshops at the Museum of Natural History.

Ars Creatio invites you to discover the more human side of research through direct contact with the experts themselves.

The activity will consist of a

free guided tour of the Museum followed by a neuroscience workshop in which the brain of a dolphin will be compared with that of a human to understand how cetaceans manage to develop echolocation.

Preparations of brain slices that scientists from the Institute of Neurosciences have made in their research to study the functioning of the brain and neurons will also be on display.

The activity will last an hour and a half and will take place on Fridays, 22 and 29 September, in the mornings for educational centres, and on Sundays, 24

September and 1 October, in the mornings for families and the general public. 24 September and 1 October in the mornings for families and the general public.

Registration is required via this link https://shre.ink/2oVs or the QR code on the poster.

This activity is coordinated by the scientist María Luisa Molina, funded by the Miguel Hernández University of Elche and carried out with the collaboration of the Institute of Neurosciences of Alicante and the Department of Culture of the City Council of Torrevieja.

Visit one of Costa Blanca’s favourite treasures - The Reina Sofia Park in Guardamar

This beautiful park located in the heart of Guardamar del Segura, is pleasantly set among nature, and gives o an ambiance of peace and tranquillity. There are an abundance of large trees creating shaded spaces, picnic areas, ponds and waterfalls providing picturesque scenery, and a large adventure play area for the little ones. An ideal place to entertain young children for a few hours in the fresh open air, and there are several petanque courts next to the playground that are very popular with the adult visitors. As you stroll around the large pond with its beautiful cascades, you can watch the ducks, swans and turtles swimming around, and admire

the peacocks and squirrels walking freely through the park.

Then just over the road, you have the equally relaxing Alfonso XIII Park. This forest space has 800 hectares of extension on the shores of the Mediterranean. Originally, it was a set of mobile sand dunes that were xed by planting various plant species such as pines, palm trees, cypresses and eucalyptus trees from a repopulation project at the end of the 19th century. Over four decades, more than 600,000 trees were planted. Thus, a beautiful landscaped environment was created of extraordinary ecological, cultural and tourist interest. One of the parks

highlights is its pleasant approach to the seafront, as you follow the walkway to the beach you are welcomed with inviting views of the shore.

On the edge of both parks there are delightful cafeterias providing snacks and refreshments with a spacious and comfortable outdoor seating areas. The parks are both dog friendly, have

disabled access, and convenient parking spaces outside. Located on Avenida dels Pins, s/n, 03140 Guardamar del Segura, Alicante, they are open all day, every day of the week.

More inspiring places to visit on the Costa Blanca can be found on the website www.costablancascene.com

Torrevieja hospital introduces a high speed ultraviolet disinfection system

The Otorhinolaryngology service of the University Hospital of Torrevieja has incorporated a new automated platform for rapid high disinfection using ultraviolet light C. This is a new automated high disinfection system for naso brolaryngoscopes.

This powerful disinfection system, which uses ultraviolet C light, o ers e ective, automated and rapid disinfection in as little as 60 seconds.

Until now, the disinfection protocol was manual, using liquids and enzymatic wipes, and is the one commonly used in all centres.

In addition to being fast and e ective in disinfection, this patented disinfection technology is sustainable, economical and environmentally friendly. The device reduces the need for chemicals that can be harmful to people and sanitary equipment. At the same time, it saves water and reduces the time needed for the complete cycle of patient visits.

Dr Aurora López, head of the ear, nose and throat department at Torrevieja University Hospital, says: “The system is fast and e ective in disinfection, which allows us to be more e cient in the care of our patients. In addition, he adds that “it is a very simple device to use that greatly facilitates our work”.

Naso brolaryngoscopy is one of the most common procedures performed by ENT specialists, whereby an endoscope is inserted through the nostril and it is possible to view the nasal passages and then the pharynx and larynx.

At present, the Smart UV D60 is the fourth one installed in Spain. As technology advances, the Otorhinolaryngology department and hospital of Torrevieja wants to be at the forefront in terms of patient safety and quality of care.

Environment calls for aid to prevent flood risk in Vega Baja

The Ministry of Environment, Water, Infrastructure and Territory has called for aid worth 500,000 euros for the adaptation to the risk of ooding of buildings, equipment and facilities in municipalities of the Vega Baja, according to publication in the O cial Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana ( DOGV) on September 15.

These aids, explained the general director of Water, Sabina Galindo, “are part of the Vega Renhace plan , within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and are part of the measures for adaptation to climate change and risk prevention and management. related to the climate such as ooding in a very vulnerable area such as Vega Baja.”

In this sense, he has indicated that the aid for ood prevention in the Vega Baja is directed to the municipalities of Torrevieja, Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, Almoradí, Callosa de Segura, Rojales, Guardamar del Segura, Albatera, Catral, Redován, San Fulgencio, Dolores, Cox, Bigastro, San Miguel de Salinas, Benejúzar, Los Montesinos, Rafal, Formentera del Segura, Benijófar, Algorfa, Granja de Rocamora, Jacarilla, San Isidro, Benferri, Daya Nueva and Daya Vieja, as well as El Realengo and San Felipe Neri, districts of Crevillent.

“In this way – Sabina Galindo highlighted – from the Ministry we cover a territorial area of more than 350,000 inhabitants so that the necessary actions can be carried out to adapt the infrastructures and the di erent economic sectors to possible risks of ood and reduce the vulnerability of this area.”

Thus, the aid is intended for the acquisition of equipment or materials that prevent the entry of water or facilitate its evacuation, such as temporary or permanent barriers, nonreturn valves and other elements, in the lower basin of the Segura River. The bene ciaries may be public administrations, natural or legal persons and any institutional public sector entity that carries out actions, within the

de ned territorial scope, to minimize the damage caused by oods. These aid are nanced with funds from the mechanism for recovery and resilience, Next Generation EU, and will be granted from the budgets of the Generalitat for 2023. The deadline for submitting applications will be one month from the day following the of the publication of the extract of this call in the DOGV.

A GARAGE BUILT ON AN EXCELLENT

Established in La Marina now 15 years

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You can find us by taking the San Fulgencio turn off CV859, on the N332. Continue for 3km.

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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

Closest ever results on first SAMM Race Day

SAMM’s autumn racing season got underway on September 10th with a good turn out of competitors that allowed 6 boats to come to the line for the rst race.

In a good ENE wind of 10 knots and a fairly at sea four boats got away well, unfortunately Sirocco, a Sail sh 18, struggled and started 5 minutes late and Dos, a Laser 2000, was delayed when their rudder downhaul failed and they had to return to the shore to replace it.

The eet gradually spread out and the race became more of a procession except for a tussle between the single handed Laser radial and the Omega with two crew.

The about to nish signal was sounded after 52 minutes but the crew of Sirocco did not hear it and did not cross the line to nish but retired.

When the handicaps were

applied the result was the closest ever in the history of SAMM racing with rst and second positions having to be calculated to two decimal places. The winner being the Laser Radial with an average lap time of 425.1 secs and second the Omega in 425.8 secs.

It was then it was noticed that the starboard end start/ nish line buoy had almost sunk (later traced to the in ation valve not being completely closed) but all boats saw this and nished correctly, but by then the buoy had completely sunk. Disaster!

The management team rushed around to collect and in ate a replacement and attach a new anchor, while the support boat crew used their anchor to drag for the sunken buoy which they managed to recover and replace. This delayed the second race for30 minutes but it at last started at 12.40.

It was a great start with four boats starting within 52 seconds and the last after 2 minutes.

This was a much closer race with the four leaders in a close battle throughout and lapping with a minute or two of each other. The nal result was an apparent win for the Laser 2000 with the 3rd, 4th and 5th places separated by only 3 seconds and only 16 seconds separating the four scoring places.

Unfortunately the result was marred by a protest that the winner had sailed inside the beach swimming exclusion zone. This was upheld by the race o cers and the Laser was designated Did Not Finish for not sailing the correct course.

Results: First race, Laser Radial 425.1 secs, Omega 425.8 secs, Gamba 440 secs. Sail sh 460 secs Second race, Omega 414 secs, Sail sh 427 secs, Laser Radial 429 secs, Gamba 430 secs.

Imanyo Golf Society Collins Continental Cup at El Plantio

It was a fantastic day for our rst competition of the new Spanish golf season 2023/24 which was sponsored by Danny and Sharon Collins, who are one of our original sponsors since we started in 2014.

The day started with the traditional full English breakfast in Imanyo’s, twenty-three players took part and the format was full handicap Stableford playing in two groups with an overall winner.

On arrival at El Plantio we received the usual friendly greeting from Daniel and his team with everything ready and waiting the course was in great condition but the greens were still lightly sanded from the tinning. The weather was sunny once the early cloud cover had burnt away with a temperature of 35 degrees.

Between both groups all the scores were between 25 and 38, the winner came from group A with Brian Court having his rst win this year with a score of 38 points, runner was “Three Clubs” Sean McGuinness with 37 points, third place on count back with

Steve Burns was “Flying Scotsman”

Alan Martin with 36 points, group B winner was “Tricky” Rik Wood with 37 points, runner up was “Fruit Farmer”

Tom Goulden with 35 points and third place on count back with Steve Mathers went to “Hammer” Gary Smith with 33 points. There were six nearest the pins and a longest drive, group A hole 3 “Sea Captain” Andy Godfrey, hole 12 “Three Clubs” Sean McGuinness, hole 18 Steve Gain, group B this is easy holes 4, 9 and 16 “Fruit Farmer” Tom Goulden, the Longest Drive trophy was on hole 5 and won by “He’s on Fire” Steve Burns and didn’t we know it!! Best front 9 was “Fish Called Wanda” Mo Chaplin with 19 points and best back 9 was “He’s on Fire” Steve Burns with 21 points, the two’s pot was not won so carried over to our next game. The match play doubles nal was also played and eventually the winners were Sean McGuinness and Steve Burns beating Tom Goulden and Mo Chaplin 1up

Thank you to Danny and Sharon Collins for providing all the prizes,

also thank you to Antonio, and sta at Imanyo’s for great hospitality.

The football card was won by Lee George with Bristol City winning €40 and raising €40 for our charities 2023.

Photo shows Chairman Steve Day

www.imanyogolfsociety.com

This week both matches should have been at the Embalse De Argos, near to Craavacca De La Cruz. For one reason or another several people could not make both days so it was decided that both clubs would join forces and just sh the one match on Wednesday the 13th of September.

Eight anglers turned out and we decided to sh two sections of four eaither side of the match point. The water level was very low with us shing just out of the reeds. We had heard reports that the venue was not shing very well and the fact that the venue was empty upon arrival seemed to back up those reports.

Runaway winner on the day was

Doug Hornblow, drawn on the end peg on the beach he took full advantage and landed 34.56kg of carp caught mainly on a small cage feeder with corn or pellets.

In second place was one of our Gerdie raiders, Frankie Foster. Frakie was drawn on the rst peg on tghe warm side and after a slow start caught some decent crap on the feeder and weighed 15.80kg.

In third place was myself, Ian Brown with 14.88kg. I was also drawn on teh warm side and caught mainly on the method feeder with wafters.

The full results are shown on the right.

Ian Brown

(on behalf of Danny Collins) presenting the trophy to winner Vice Chairman Brian Court.

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