Euro Weekly News - Mallorca 3 - 9 March 2016 Issue 1600 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

ISSUE NO. 1600

3 - 9 March 2016

MALLORCA

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

A beacon of light and emblem of the future MALLORCA shows Spain how it’s done and is becoming truly self-reliant By Matthew Elliott As the economic engine of the islands, Mallorca is fast cementing a formidable reputation as one of the strongest performing parts of Spain, an emblem of the future and an example of hard work. New figures released on Wednesday (March 2) by the national government show that the Balearic Islands boasted the largest drop in unemployment in the entire country last month. With more than 3,000 people finding gainful employment, the data dwarfs that of second placed Cataluña which saw a decline of 1.51 per cent compared to the Balearics’ astonishing 4.35 per cent. Mallorca has managed to

redefine itself following the heady days of financial turmoil and is now a beacon of light, not only in Spain, but

across the continent. The island is proving an imposing example of how smart governance, energetic expatriates,

and a pristine environment can attract international investment, get labour working and truly become self-reliant.

WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

LOCAL NEWS

Parking for local beaches in summer MALLORCA’S Ministry of Environment and its Department of Territory have been w o r k i n g wi t h th e town h a l l o f C a m p o s to create a law allowing for

the regulation of parking for Es Trenc and Ses Covetes beaches. T h e y h o p e to h a v e th e car parks completed before the summer.

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Mediterranean Sea project on anomaly PHENOMENON was called the Western Mediterranean Transition flickr by Adrian Boniecki

Cabrera National Park THE Balearic Institute of Nature (IBANET) will give more than €226,000 to the town halls of Palma and Ses Salines to be invested in the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park. The funds from the central government will be given for the infrastructure and to raise awareness of the importance of the park.

New bike path THE Palma City Council has set up a new bicycle path which is now operational in the Cami de Jesus. The path connects Cuatro Campanas with the

bike path of Baro de Pinopar. The route thus joins the Sa Riera Park and the Balmes area and Pare Bartomeu Pou with the centre.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA: Anomaly in water to be studied. By Sandra Galo RESEARCHERS from the Balearic Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) are planning a project to study an anomaly in the western Mediterranean Sea. The researchers from IEO will lead a

project to analyse deep water in the area. The anomaly in the temperature and salinity of the water began in the winter of 2005 and continues to influence the sea’s circulation and climate today. According to the IEO, during the harsh winter of 2004-2005 there were five episodes when Artic and Siberian

winds caused significant snowfall in the western Mediterranean and it was then that scientists first discovered the anomaly. It now affects the entire western Mediterranean basin. The phenomenon was called the Western Mediterranean Transition at an international meeting in Malta in 2009.

NEWS

www.euroweeklynews.com

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

Featured News 3

Finance 23 - 30

www.euroweeklynews.com

Mallorca celebrating Nobel Prize winnerâ€™s life MAIN event is an exhibition to show the relationship Cela had with the island By Sandra Galo

Stocks 24

Leapy Lee 31

Legally Speaking 32

Daily TV 34

Letters 36

Vicki McLeod 38

Time Out 39 - 42

Our View 44

Colin Bird 44

Health & Beauty 45 - 47

Social Scene 50 - 51

Property 52 - 543

Homes & Gardens 55

Classifieds 56 - 57

Pets 58

Boats 59

Motoring 60

Sport 62, 64

MALLORCA will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the birth of Nobel Prize winner Camilo Jose Cela who lived on the island for many years. Awarded the Nobel prize for literature in 1989, Cela produced much of his work whilst living in Mallorca. The main event scheduled is an exhibition entitled Cela in Mallora. The exhibition will be on display in September in the Formentor Hotel and will show the relationship Cela had with the island of Mallorca. The College of Physicians in the Balearics will also commemorate the 100 year anniversary by sponsoring an award recognising work connecting medicine and literature to honour the longstanding relationship that Cela

Flickr by Vicente Mas.

STATUE: Honouring Nobel Prize writer Camilo Jose Cela. had throughout his life and literary work with physicians in Mallorca. In 1991, Cela was appointed Honorary Member of the

College of Physicians in the Balearics. A film documentary produced by director Pedro Barbadillo in

honour of Cela will be shown in September. In January 2017, Mallorca will host the premiere of a ballet inspired by his work.

NEWS

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

SAHRAWI medical professionals will perfect their training in the Balearic Islands. The IB-Salut Health Service and the College of Physicians of the Balearics (Comib) have signed an agreement to provide specialised practical training in different areas of primary care for Sahrawi medical professionals. According to the Balearic regional government, the Sahrawi doctors will complete a one-month stay in a health care centre. They will also be assigned a tutor responsible for the protection, planning and management of the activities to be carried out. General Director of the Health Service Juli Fuster and the president of Comib Antoni Bennasar signed the agreement in the presence of councillor of Health Patricia Gomez which will remain in effect for the length of the training programme. The objective of the month-long stay is for these health care professionals to get to know the Spanish and Balearic health systems including the composition and functioning of primary care teams, the use of computerised medical records and registration systems, as well as knowledge of the most common diseases.

flickr by josehico

Sahrawi doctors to train in the Balearics UNSUSPECTING TOURISTS: Visitors in the city should be on guard.

Caution advised if selling carnations WOMEN selling the flowers are of gypsy origin By Sandra Galo CARNATION sellers have returned to the centre of Palma to presumably rob tourists. The presence of carnation sellers and other hawkers has

shown a sudden increase in recent days in the city of Palma. The women selling the flowers are of gypsy origin and were previously under a provisional restraining order, but can now move freely through the centre of Palma.

Students can take language tests MORE than 3,000 students from 69 different secondary schools in the Balearics will have the option of taking language tests for official certificates. The programme of the Official School of Languages in Secondary Schools (EOIES) is done in the schools without a teaching load and allows students to be eligible for official certificates.

Students can register starting from March 10 to be able to obtain different levels of official certificates for the languages currently offered: English, French and German. Of the total number of students participating in the programme, 2,434 students studied English, 398 German and 221 French. Levels range from Basic to Advanced 2.

Highest hotel occupancy since 2008 is registered HOTELS in the Balearics have registered the best January of the last eight years in regards to occupancy. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), this past January occupancy in hotels reached more than 39 per cent. This is the highest percentage since January of 2008 when it reached 44 per cent. Compared to the same

month last year, the percentage is up by four points. These figures reflect an improvement in tourism during the low season. It should also be noted many establishments close in the winter season, especially in the north of the island. Statistics also showed hotel occupancy in Palma reached 42.5 per cent, the highest since 2009.

In December of last year, 15 carnation sellers that worked in the centre of Palma admitted to being part of a criminal group distributed in a coordinated manner throughout the city which robbed unsuspecting tourists.

EWN

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

President is to work against gender violence BALEARIC President Francina Armengol announced that she would work to join political and social forces against gender violence. Armengol made the announcement during a speech in

Palmaâ€™s Teatro Principal during the Balearic Day celebrations awards ceremony. She started her speech by denouncing the horrific reality of this crisis that has left many families wounded.

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Caterpillar danger DOGS are most affected because they are very curious animals flickr by Phil Hyde

DONâ€™T TOUCH: The processionary caterpillar can be harmful to pets. By Sandra Galo THE number of dogs affected by the processionary caterpillar has increased. The processionary caterpillar is not only a concern for humans, but also for pets and especially for dogs who can suffer ill effects from contact with the caterpillar. Vet Lluis Riera from

Hospital Canis affirmed that he has seen an increase in cases related to animal contact with the caterpillar. Riera explained that dogs are most affected because they are very curious and when they come into contact with the processionary caterpillar by simply rubbing against its fine hairs, they can suffer severe allergic reaction and if not treated immediately can have

grave consequences. Dust from the caterpillars causes hives and if it goes into the eyes, it can cause inflammation of the cornea. Dr Riera noted that the most common problem, however, are the lips and tongue where dogs suffer great irritation. If inflammation reaches the throat area, he added, the animal may have difficulty breathing.

Reservoir water levels are on the increase THE levels of the Gorg Blau and Cuber reservoirs have risen to a little more than 35

per cent of their capacity. The recent rains have helped recover some of the

water in the reservoirs lost due to the drought. At present, with 4.233 cubic hectometres of water, the reservoirs are at 35.26 per cent of their capacity compared to 27.7 per cent at the start of this year. Municipal Water and Sewer Company Emaya reported that last Friday the water level at the Gorg Blau reservoir had risen 41 centimetres and was at 34.32 per cent of its capacity, lacking 10.16 metres to reach its full capacity. The Cuber reservoir rose 12 centimetres and is currently at 36.75 per cent of its capacity needing 6.09 metres more to reach its full capacity. The increased levels, however, do not mean changes to the drought plan. The government is continuing to buy desalinated water from Abaqua and is not using water from the two reservoirs.

NEWS

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

Caravan park in Lloret closing SA COMUNA regulations prohibit it from being used as a caravan park as it is a protected natural area By Sandra Galo SA COMUNA DE LLORETâ€™S caravan area will in all probability be shut down.

The Balearic Family forum THE Balearic branch of the Spanish Family Forum has proposed 100 family policy measures to the Balearic government to help promote family stability. The Balearic Family Forum proposed a commitment to the education of children and the care of the elderly. Among other initiatives, the Forum also proposed that each public administration devotes 2.8 per cent of GDP

2.8 per cent of GDP had been devoted to family policies to family policies. The Forum advocated the adoption of a regional law that incorporates the perspective of the family in all public policies and guarantees a minimal level of protection. An income tax reform bill for the region was proposed with the idea that the tax contribution of families should be based on real income and give families discounts for different kinds of rates. Balearic delegate Austin Buades explained that family matters to all of society because all the problems besetting society can find an answer in stable and strong families and that protecting the family results in the protection of the most disadvantaged and the strengthening of the social fabric as well as preparing a better future.

The news caused a great stir in Lloret which has had caravans staying there for more than 35 years. It is one of only two areas on the island with special facilities for caravans. The oth-

er is located in Port Vell of Son Servera. Another in Inca closed down six months ago. Merece de Almenara, president of the Caravanning Club of Mallorca ex-

plained that caravanners in the rest of Europe are asking to come to Mallorca but they have to be warned about the lack of caravan parks in Mallorca. The club has presented their complaints to

the authorities asking them to give them a solution. Since Sa Comuna is protected as ANEI (Natural Area of Special Interest) regulations prohibit it from being used as a caravan park.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Eroski sells hypermarkets in Mallorca to Carrefour OPERATION is part of the company’s strategic plan flickr by Echodyne

By Sandra Galo EROSKI has sold two hypermarkets in Mallorca to Carrefour to concentrate more on its supermarkets. The two hypermarkets located in Sa Coma and Son Cotoner were sold with the condition that current employees would not lose their jobs. In a statement from Eroski, the operation is part of the strategic plan of the company to strengthen its business priorities and develop a renewed network of urban supermarkets. Eroski now has 198 supermarkets in the Balearic Islands in addition to its online service. Eroski’s general director of commercial network Rosa Carabel stressed the Balearics is a priority for the company which would progressively remodel its existing network.

SA COMA: Eroski hypermarket has been bought by Carrefour.

Fall from first floor

Police rescue small dog from balcony

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD girl has been admitted to the Son Espases hospital after accidently falling from a first floor balcony in Palma. At 1.30pm, her parents noticed that the child had fallen from the balcony of her home in the Calle Hort de Torrella in the Pere Garau area of Palma. They immediately ran down to the street and rushed her to the emergencies department of the health clinic where doctors were able to stabilise her and then transport the child to Son Espases hospital. The girl is currently in ICU.

OFFICERS from Palma’s Local Police department came to the rescue of a small Maltese dog that had been trapped in a small balcony for months. Neighbours and passersby alerted emergency teams of the sad state of the animal and its pathetic living conditions. Neighbours affirmed the sad state of the animal, which weighed about four kilos and spent all day out in all weather pressing against the glass barking to be let in. Local Police officers entered the home to question the owners of the animal who said that the problem was that the dog

couldn’t be allowed inside the flat with their two small children. The officers verified that the unkempt animal was living in deplorable conditions with its excrement all over the waterlogged balcony and that the animal was clearly being exposed to cold temperatures, wind and rain. The owners of the dog have received a warning by the police and the animal is now inside the home. Officers prepared a report and delivered it to the neighbourhood police to monitor the animal and its owners. If they do not comply, they could face charges.

Down’s Syndrome Association THE Balearic Down’s Syndrome Association (ASNIMO) celebrated their 40-year anniversary by releasing 100 helium balloons in Palma’s Plaza de España. The event was attended by a total of 130 different services and ages with 20 monitors

and various authorities. Juan Perera, director of the association officiated the event. The ASNIMO provides comprehensive care to people with Down’s Syndrome and other related disabilities and their families during all stages of life.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Dogs poisoned in Campanet property ONE dog was found dead and another became very ill By Sandra Galo THE NATURE PROTECTION SERVICE (SEPRONA) of the Guardia Civil is investigating the poisoning of dogs in a country house on the outskirts of Campanet. The owner of the animals, Damia Gual, filed a complaint with the Guardia Civil after finding one of his dogs dead and another very ill. He also found pieces of â€˜sobrasadaâ€™ (Mallorcan sausage) containing poison spread around the property. Gual, who is the secretary of the society of hunters of Campanet and well-known in the area, explained that he had five English setters on the property. After finding one dead and another very ill, he rushed the sick animal to the vet who confirmed that the animal showed clear signs of poisoning by pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. Mr Gual explained that his dogs are very special to him and for him to see

flickr by Gabriela Fab

ENGLISH SETTER: Two dogs were poisoned in Campanet. what has been done to the animals is painful. He confirmed that his other dogs are fine and had not eaten any of the poisoned food. Gual also commented that he

found it strange that recently a German shepherd was found dead two houses away from his land and a month earlier another dog had been stolen.

141 Years of trains in Mallorca WEDNESDAY February 24 marked the anniversary of the inauguration of the first railway in Mallorca. The Palma-Inca train line, inaugurated in the year 1875, passed through the towns of Marratxi, Santa Maria, Consell,

Binissalem and Lloseta. That first train line was the basis of the entire Mallorcan railway network built without subsidies or State aid from a project carried out four years earlier in 1871 by engineer Eusebi Estada.

For the AAFB (Association of Friends of the Railway of the Balearics), the arrival of rail transport to the island meant Mallorca entering into the modern age, since it was a huge revolution in the way Mallorcans lived and did business on the is-

land and which lead to the opening of new train lines that in the 1930s reached a total extension of 280 kilometres. A plaque was placed last year at the zero kilometre line to commemorate the first railway trip.

Balconing is a major concern THE Balearic Islands have the dubious honour of being the area of Spain with the most cases of balconing. Balconing, a practice among young people that was first noticed in the summer of 2010, involves participants jumping from the balcony of a hotel into the swimming pool or from balcony to balcony. Many times the activity is combined with drug and alcohol use and can result in grave consequences with some falling to their deaths. The Department of General Surgery at Son Espases Hospital has been recording the cases of balconing in Mallorca. In the last five years, 60 cases have been registered at the hospital. The profile of the average patient involved in balconing is a foreign male between the ages of 15 and 30 with a high level of alcohol. Fifty per cent of the cases are British. The majority suffer from brain and spinal cord trauma and have to be admitted to the intensive care unit for 30 to 40 days on average.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

Balearics get the worst score for online reputation HOTELS in the Balearics have received the worst score for online reputation in all of Spain for 2015. The Balearic hotels received 78.78 points out of 100 for online reputation of provinces and autonomous regions according to Trivago travel search engine. Other low scorers were Valencia which received 78.86 points and the Canary Islands which had 79.22. Murcia scored 79.25 with Cataluña

receiving 79.41 points. Northern Spain received the highest rankings. Navarra stood out with a score of 81.81 points followed by Galicia with 81.48 points. Asturias, Aragon and Castilla y Leon received similar scores of 80.94, 80.90 and 80.77 respectively. The Posada Terra Santa hotel in Palma, however, received one of the highest rankings for hotels in Spain, coming in fourth position.

www.euroweeklynews.com

Soller railway receives award GALA awards ceremony is on March 14 flickr by Alain GAVILLET

SOLLER TRAIN: Awarded for transforming a public service into a great tourist attraction. By Sandra Galo THE Soller railway has received the Onda Cero Award for tourism. The award was given for ‘transforming a public transport into a great tourist attraction unique in Spain.’ Onda Cero Spanish radio station gives the awards to honour people and groups that have stood out for their work in and out of the island in 17 different categories including science, sport,

art, environment, tourism, design and trends, education, culture, economics, business, solidarity and integration, women, communication, fiestas and traditions, music, social initiative and health. A gala awards ceremony will be held on Monday March 14 at 7.30pm in the Auditorium of Palma to honour all of the Onda Cero Mallorca Award recipients which also include the gravitation group of the UIB and Palma Futsal’s president.

NEWS

7 Cars burned in Manacor THE Nat i onal Pol i ce have arrested a young man for allegedly sett i ng seven car s and a m oped on f i r e i n t he town of Manacor. The fires were started on the night of Tuesday February 23 on Calles Esperanza and Bailen. Firefighters rushed to the scene to put out the fires. The burned vehicles were then removed. The fronts of several houses were affected and one person had to be evacuated. The 23-year-old alleged perpetrator of the fires is from the town of Manacor. Police are invest i gat i ng t o see whether he acted alone or i f he had accom plices.

OPINION & COMMENT

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

Advertising Feature

Uncertainty means sterling has been hit hard Commentary by Moneycorp EUR weekly currency update The only story in town this week was about sterling. Confirmation last weekend that the prime minister had done a deal with Brussels, and that the referendum would take place on June 23, forced investors to consider that Britain really might leave the European Union. The uncertainty was so unnerving that they hit sterling hard when the Far East opened for business on Monday morning and they have been hitting it ever since. The pound is down by an average of 2.5 per cent on the week against the other major currencies. Investors reckon Brexit would be bad for the UK and they worry that it would be unhelpful to the EU and the Eurozone too. The declining pound sucked the euro down behind it, making it

the week’s second-worst-performing currency. Over the six days the euro strengthened by two and half cents against sterling while losing one US cent. USD weekly currency update With a date finally set for the long-awaited referendum on Britain’s European Union (EU) membership, and the campaigning already in full swing, the pound is already feeling the weight of uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the in/out vote, down by an average of 2.5 per cent on the week against the other major currencies. The dollar had to do no real work to stay ahead of the fleeing pound. This was just as well, for the little US economic data provided no compelling reason to buy it.

Clarisse Musselwhite is Moneycorp’s Account Manager for Mallorca

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

902887243 mallorca@moneycorp.com Inflation was higher at 1.4 per cent but new home sales and the provisional purchasing managers’ index were disappointing. Nevertheless, over the six days the dollar strengthened by a cent against the euro and by four cents against sterling. AUD weekly currency update It was the commodity dollars that led the field, with little to choose between the Aussie, the Kiwi and the Loonie. The Australian dollar led its

Commonwealth cousins despite blotting its copybook on Thursday with a disappointingly small increase in private sector capital investment. It strengthened by three quarters of a US cent and took seven and a half cents off sterling, which was hamstrung by Brexit announcements. NZD weekly currency update The NZ dollar was bracketed by its Commonwealth cousins, strengthening by half a US cent and taking seven and a quarter cents off sterling. There were no NZ ecostats to affect its progress. CAD weekly currency update The Canadian dollar was relatively less successful than its Commonwealth cousins for much of the week, mainly because it got off to a poor start last Friday, as a result of unexpectedly sharp falls in retail sales. It ended up with gains of six cents against an EU referendum afflicted sterling. However, it gained nearly a cent on Thursday, rising to its highest level of the year on signs that oil prices may be starting to stabilise.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Albufera Natural Park pollution FILTER uses plants to purify water of contaminants By Sandra Galo THE Balearic government is willing to try new methods to reduce contamination in the waters of Albufera Natural Park. The pollutants are causing certain species of aquatic birds

to leave the area in search of more healthy feeding grounds. The Department of Water Resources is preparing a study to determine the feasibility of a natural ecological purification system or green filter to help in the elimination of contaminants that are accumulating in

Review of streets with bar terraces THE Palma City Council wants to review and update the categories of all streets in Palma where terraces have been placed. Councillor for Economy, Finance and Innovation Adrian Garcia explained that Palma has evolved in recent years and there are now streets that have lost economic prominence and should be downgraded in category which would mean paying a lower rate per square metre for terraces. Other streets, however, that have become more popular should have their category upgraded which would mean an increase in their rates.

the Albufera Natural Park and disrupting ecosystems. The management of the park recommended the filter system which has been utilised with good results in Valencia. The filter uses plants to purify water of nitrates and other contaminants.

Centennial celebrations THE Mallorcan football club RCD Mallorca officially kicked off its centennial celebrations with a ceremony held on Sunday February 28 in the Teatro Principal in Palma. The celebrations continue until March 2017. A special commemorative shirt for players has been designed to be worn throughout the year.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

A vulnerable pensioner and her fugitive son IF anyone spots the pair somewhere in Spain, authorities have asked you to report their whereabouts to police By John Smith FROM time to time, we come across stories which are so sad that they have to be shared, not just because they are newsworthy but because it is necessary to highlight the way in which some people act and who knows, we might even be able to help the elderly lady involved if a reader spots her and her son somewhere in the areas where we publish.

2012 By this time the compensation received had run out The story itself goes back 15 years to when Ann Clarke was awarded £775,000 by a court which found the NHS guilty of failing to help her, despite the fact she was depressed and had tried to commit suicide on more than one occasion, including throwing herself under a bus. Just two days after winning the compensation, Ann Clarke ran in front of a lorry and suffered incurable brain damage. Whilst some of the money went

MICHAEL CLARKE: Travelling around with his mother. towards the purchase of a house, her son Michael started to spend some of it on visits to Spain, which became more regular, using his mother as the reason for the travel and using her money to pay for it. Her two other children were so upset by the way he was acting they made a formal complaint, and a court deputy was appointed who was required to allow her reasonable amounts of money for living expenses, but these turned out to be £60,000 a

year, which was a considerable sum for an elderly woman in a wheelchair. By 2012 the money had run out but Michael Clarke continued to enjoy the high life, travelling to Spain and even Thailand with his mother, who had only the income from the house (she has left it to Michael in her will), which is rented out and state benefits to live on. Three years ago, he was sentenced to three months imprisonment in absentia for disobeying

the orders of the Court of Protection, which has taken a serious interest in the case, and he and his mother have been travelling around without returning to the UK ever since. It is known they have been in Benidorm in July 2014 and in Barcelona in July 2015 as he has a habit of posting his whereabouts on his Facebook page, where he also complains about British justice and the judiciary. So worried is the Court of Protection about the financial situation of 75-year-old Ann, a judge declared on February 24 that the property she still owns may not be sold and he commented: “All that can be said is it is unlikely to be in her best interests to be kept out of her native country. If the property was sold, the proceeds would be spent in whatever way Michael Clarke chose.” Although he boasted in December 2015 they were going to travel to Cambodia, there is every possibility that the easily recognisable pair could still be in Spain or may return, so with the words of the judge ringing in our ears, we hope that if the couple are spotted that publicly spirited readers will report their whereabouts to the Local Police, who would no doubt check with British authorities as to how best to proceed. Dial 092 for Local Police, 091 for National Police or visit your nearest police station.

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS EXTRA

Cyclist dies AN 86-year-old cyclist died on Friday (February 26) while riding on the road joining Algaida and Sencelles. A car turning right hit the cyclist causing the man to fall and hit his head. He died at the scene.

Hotel thefts THE Guardia Civil has arrested two men for a wave of thefts in hotels in the area of Calvia. After forcing entry, they stole electronic devices. A third man was charged with receiving stolen goods.

New ferry TRANSMEDITERRANEA added a new ferry to its fleet. The ship ‘Forza’ can carry around 1,000 passengers and 2,200 linear metres of cargo. The ferry left the Port of Valencia on its maiden voyage to Palma on February 23.

Food alerts detected in 699 establishments INSPECTIONS were done to ensure that the food is safe for human consumption By Sandra Galo THE Department of Public Health registered a total of 58 food alerts in 669 establishments on the islands in 2015. The Health Department in the Balearics periodically conducts health inspections to ensure that food sold on the islands poses no health risks. The main objective of the inspections is to ensure that the food is safe for human consumption and that food products are well identified and labelled to avoid allergic reactions. Of the 58 alerts registered in the Balearics, 48 posed a serious risk and required fast and effective action. Eight of the cases were not serious or there was no possibility of

TYPICAL FOOD: A sampling of some Mallorcan products. the products being sold for human consumption. Two cases were found unsafe for ‘various reasons.’

One hundred and twentyeight different food products were affected including meat and meat products, fish and

EWN

Bullying protocol

Flickr by Nicolas Obrist.

NEWS

shellfish, milk and dairy products, flour products, condiments, spices and prepared foods among others.

PRIMARY and Secondary schools in the Balearic Islands will for the first time implement a bullying protocol. All private and public schools in the Balearics will apply a protocol for prevention, detection and intervention in cases of school bullying. The protocol was produced by the Council of Education and University through Convivexit (the Institute for school coexistence and success). The objective of the initiative is to establish a clear course of action that will ensure a rapid, coordinated and effective process in cases of bullying detected by the schools. Councillor for Education Marti March explained the focus of the protocol is educational and not punitive and should help schools to improve relationships amongst students.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS

COSTA DEL SOL

Cheque delivered to Dog House DELIGHTED to receive funds to help feed, vaccinate and rehome the dogs ALMERÍA

GRATEFUL: Much needed funds handed over to volunteer, Shirley Crawford.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Nantes visit

Better late...

GUARDAMAR has been represented at the international tourism fair in Nantes, France. French tourists represent 14 per cent of Guardamar’s foreign visitors every year.

EARLIER plans to turn Novelda’s San Felipe chapel into a cultural centre shelved by the previous council have been revived. The town hall has asked for €100,000 to restart the project.

New chief

Driving force

DOCTOR Felix Gutierrez has been appointed as new Chief of Internal Medicine at Elche’s General Hospital, following the retirement of Dr Alberto Martin Hidalgo.

ACQUIRING a driving licence in the Valencian Community costs €723 compared with the national average of €629 if the applicant passes first time. The cheapest place in Spain is La Coruña (Galicia) where it costs €500.

Hiker rescued A HIKER was rescued after an accident in the Sierra del Carche, Jumilla. Firefighters and a forestry agent assisted after a rescue helicopter located the man when he fell and dislocated his knee.

Wacky races ENTRANTS are wanted for a Wacky Races event in San Juan de los Terreros. The Wacky Races and Family Fun Day takes place on March 19 when there will be mini petanque, mini golf, prize draws and stalls as well as the kart race.

Improved service ORIHUELA is awaiting approval from the Ministry to provide a regular and improved bus service in Entrenaranjos, to unite buses with the coast and offer a service to Torrevieja Hospital.

Long arm of law THE National Police, complying with an international arrest warrant, detained a 49-year-old Dutch woman in Altea. She is wanted in Holland for money-laundering, false evidence and belonging to a drug-trafficking group.

Work experience DENIA’S UNED centre and MasymasFornes supermarkets have signed an agreement to allow degree students to obtain work experience within the chain’s management departments.

Mango gin THE group Dianium Wines & Spirits, a Denia business exporting wines and liquors has launched a new gin range to include the world’s first mango gin.

NEWS

AXARQUÍA

Neighbours evacuated TWENTY-FIVE residents of a block of flats in Torrox had to be evacuated for safety reasons after a fire broke out in a fourth floor flat last week. Luckily no personal injuries were reported.

Karate in Frigiliana THE 29th provincial karate circuit, in which locals and competitors from six other Malaga municipalities took part, was hosted by Frigiliana. Thirty people competed in the event, with 20 referees and approximately 500 spectators went along to watch.

Eggs-iting event THERE will be an Easter Bazaar at the Lux Mundi Centre in Torre del Mar running from 11am to 1pm on Friday March 11 where there will be a chance to buy small gifts, preserves, cakes, tasty food, second hand goods, books and local arts and crafts.

Celebrating Andalucia Day BENAJARAFE was just one of the local towns and villages which took Andalucia Day (Sunday February 28) seriously, with music, songs and dancing along with paella for all near the town hall.

For more local news from our five other regions see www.euroweeklynews.com

VOLUNTEERS holding the fort at the Dog House Foundation, following the death of its founder, were delighted to receive much needed funds to help feed, vaccinate and rehome the remaining dogs. Following the success of a canine photo shoot in Mojacar, organiser, Brad Swift, travelled to HuercalOvera to hand over a cheque for €335 raised from the event. Volunteer, Shirley Crawford, gratefully received the cheque. Brad toured the centre during his visit and reported that the rehoming was going well and that everyone was working hard to find homes for all the animals.

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

Up in smoke GUARDIA CIVIL officers seized 250 packets of cigarettes from a sweet shop in La Mojonera and a phone shop in Berja. The offending articles came from abroad, were of different brands, without seals and naturally had no taxes paid on them.

Child councillors SOME children from the Atalaya de la Villa primary school met the mayor of Nijar and pretended to be councillors for the day.

Washed ashore A FEMALE pilot whale that measured more than four metres and a small striped dolphin were among many sea creatures to have washed up on Almeria’s beaches in recent weeks. The causes remain unclear.

Football coaching BUDDING football coaches in Albox have the opportunity to fast-track into their dream job with a coaching course. The sports department of Albox Town Council is collaborating with the Spanish Football Federation organising a course beginning in April.

Prettiest village VOTING is underway in the official ‘most beautiful villages in Spain’ competition and the winner will be announced on October 1. Mojacar currently sits 12th in the voting line-up.

Chess tournament AN activity programme launched in Estepona will see a chess tournament take place on March 12 at 10am in Real Street. There are 150 spaces available and only players who are members of chess federations can register.

Woman’s touch TONI LEDESMA, the first woman in history to be appointed mayor of Alhaurin el Grande, has vowed to keep the ball rolling and provide residents with all the essential services they need in the aftermath of the former mayor’s resignation.

Halal paella THE mosque in Benalmadena held a benefit event for local disabled people which saw children’s activities, face painting and a bouncy castle all help raise funds for a good cause. An enormous paella was also whipped up for all those in attendance.

Car trouble A MAN had to be rescued by emergency services after somehow managing to trap his leg underneath one of the wheels of his car. After being extracted by firefighters he was taken to a Malaga hospital for treatment.

Human rights AUTHORITIES in Marbella will pioneer a new programme in schools aimed at promoting the equality and welfare of the LGBTQ community. There will also be several conferences on dealing with hate crimes.

Burn out AN arson attack saw three cars and a motorbike set ablaze in the province’s capital. Luckily no one was injured and firefighters were quickly on the scene, evacuating a nearby building as a precaution.

EWN top for all the news from Spain.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

EUROPEAN PRESS PRESS

SAS strikes SWEDEN: Around 900 pilots are now in talks over a possible strike relating to wages at Swedish airline SAS. Workers have already been on strike. Pilots from six other airlines have shown support for staff at Scandinavia’s largest airline.

Girl power SWEDEN: Female politicians and local government managers are, for the first time, earning more than their male colleagues, according to a new study. The average monthly salary of women working full time in top roles in Sweden’s cities is 58,925 kronor (€6,181) a month, compared to 57,925 kronor (€6,076) for men.

GERMAN PRESS

Will remain friends

German beer FOURTEEN of Germany’s most popular beers are suspected of containing carcinogenic properties including traces of pesticide. The Environmental Institute in Munich conducted tests on the 14 beers with the highest sales figures in Germany and all of them contained traces of pesticide Glyphosate.

GIRLFRIEND said they have no future FORMER England footballer Adam Johnson’s girlfriend has told a jury that they are no longer in a relationship. Stacey Flounders, 26, when cross examined stated that she did not see a future with the football player at the moment and that they will just remain friends.

Strong start

BRITISH PRESS

Adele cleans up HELLO singer Adele, 27, swooped four Brit awards at the glamorous awards ceremony on February 24. Now the most successful artist at the Brit awards since Blur in 1995, Adele cleaned up at this year’s prize giving ceremony.

Didcot catastrophe THREE people were reported missing after part of the Didcot power station collapsed. Families of the missing few visited the site as tributes flooded in to a man understood to have died in the tragedy.

Supergenijalac / Shutterstock

SCANDINAVIAN

JANUARY saw the highest output of vehicle manufacturing in eight years with more than 137,000 cars built. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the industry had enjoyed a “strong start” to 2016, continuing its impressive performance in recent years.

Budget cuts DESPITE a record high in tax revenue, the German government are potentially due to cut budgets due to increasing numbers of refugees draining resources. “Money for other things we might want is simply not there, even if the numbers look different at first sight,” junior finance minister Jens Spahn explained.

Car manufacturing on the up.

Migrants return Rudmer Zwerver / Shutterstock)

Surplus food DENMARK: The first supermarket in Denmark selling unwanted surplus food has opened for business. WeFood in Copenhagen sells produce that would normally be destined for the bin. Princess Marie and the Minister for Food and the Environment, Eva Kjer Hansen opened the store.

Immigrant sex NORWAY: One in four sex offenders in Norway has an immigrant background according to a new report. In 2015, there were 399 people convicted of sexual offences, of which, 90 had an immigrant background.

Budget airlines NORWAY: Budget airlines, Ryanair and Norwegian are close to announcing a partnership, according to recent reports. Details remain to be slogged out before Norwegian and Ryanair enter into a formal collaboration.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE Afghan migrants have returned back to Kabul voluntarily after deciding Germany lacked prospects, officials have stated. Transport was arranged for 107 men, 18 women and 10 children.

Limit on pay FORTY-FOUR PER CENT of Germans want the government to set an upper limit on how much companies pay their employees, a new survey has revealed. Voters in favour of Germany setting a maximum salary outweighed those who were against it.

Washed up DENMARK: A huge fin whale has washed up on the north western coast of Jutland near the city of Blokhus. The stranded whale is over 20 metres long - but not one of the largest of its species, which can be up to 25 metres in length.

NEWS

COMPENSATION CALLS: For passengers who have to stand on trains.

Crowded Dutch railways TRAIN passengers should be compensated for their journey DUTCH national railway company NS should pay compensation to passengers who have to stand because trains are too crowded, according to one organisation. The director said, ‘We think train passengers should be compensated for at least 50 per cent of the cost of their journey as long as problems are unresolved.’

WWII men THE 75th anniversary of Amsterdam’s mass strike, triggered by the detention of 427 Jewish men during World War II, has been remembered. Trams, buses and

DUTCH PRESS the metro stopped for one minute to remember the February 1941 strike which is considered to be the only mass protest against the Nazi round-up of the Jews.

Like father like son NEARLY all the sons of Amsterdam’s notorious criminal bosses have gone

down the same path and have criminal records. Half of the off-spring have served behind bars. Findings show, nine out of 10 sons had been in trouble with the police and half had been jailed for assault or possession of weapons. One had been killed in a gangland shooting.

Join the oil queue AROUND 40 oil tankers are queuing off the coast of Rotterdam for an improvement in oil prices, before selling their loads. Prices are at an all-time low due to over production.

Classical niche A CRAFTSMAN from Wurzburg who produces handmade classical instruments has created a niche for himself custom designing them in the images of customer’s girlfriends or other concepts. Examples include a double bass with a naked woman’s back airbrushed on the body and a guitar shaped like Africa.

German cities MUNICH, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt all made the top 10 best cities to live in the world. Munich came out on top of the European cities, in fourth place. The standards of living were evaluated and rated out of 230 cities.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

RUSSIAN P RESS

Tunnel triumphs THE metro has a route length of 207 miles

RENOWNED: For its post-modern art. THE Moscow metro celebrated the opening of its 200th station with the opening of Salaryevo announced by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Inaugurated in 1935 the metro has a route length of 207 miles and is renowned for its iconic Soviet and postmodern art.

Truth matters THE Egyptian president has publicly acknowledged for the first time that the Russian passenger jet brought down in October in Sinai killing hundreds of tourists was the target of a terrorist attack. The admission could expose the authorities to compensation claims while the nation’s booming tourist industry has already suffered immensely.

Unfair trial AN anti-corruption campaigner and opposition leader, has had his embezzlement conviction declared prejudicial by the European Court of Human Rights which said he was deprived of a fair trial. Alexei Navalny has long been a thorn in the side of the authorities and welcomed the decision as a vindication of his innocence.

Show of faith A NEW poll has revealed the Russian population’s faith in its military, with 81 per cent of respondents believing the force capable of

TransSiberian A NEW museum devoted to the legacy of Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong will be opened in July on the outskirts of Moscow. Exhibits will be sent from Beijing and the museum is expected to form a key part of a planned Chinese cultural centre. Mao Zedong.

protecting them from any foreign military action. A majority of those polled also believed that Russia should maintain its policy of universal conscription to the armed forces.

Happiness stakes SUICIDE rates in Russia are enjoying a 50-year low after falling for the 14th consecutive year. The rate reached peak levels in the chaotic early 1990’s with a rate of 41 per 100,000 being double that considered ‘high’ by the World Health Organisation.

Sorting it out VLADIMIR PUTIN has taken personal charge of the

emergent Syrian ceasefire by calling leaders in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Israel to inject serious political capital into the negotiations. A Russian bombing campaign has significantly strengthened the hand of Syrian president Assad and transformed the deal dynamics.

Know your enemy RUSSIA came second place behind North Korea in an American poll aimed at uncovering who US citizens perceive to be their greatest enemy. Just 15 per cent of Americans in the Gallup poll considered Moscow their primary nemesis, shunting Russia down the enemy chart which it topped just last year.

FINANCE

Mallorca

3 - 9 March 2016

LONDON - FTSE 100

-0.59%

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 29

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

DOW JONES

-0.34%

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 29

NASDAQ

-0.13%

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 29

Spanish Treasury boosts economy THEY were successful in their fight against fraud in 2015 By John Smith THE director of the Treasury Santiago Menendez has congratulated his staff on their success in the fight against fraud during 2015, which has seen an increase in the amount recovered by no less than 27 per cent, and the money has been a sig-

is the amount that the Spanish Treasury claims that it has recovered from fighting tax fraud during 2015.

RYANAIR: Carried the largest number of passengers.

AENA a huge success ANYONE who invested in the airport management company AENA when it was privatised in 2015, has made a very good return for the money spent. With its network of 46 airports including London Luton, it has reported that 2015 saw an increase in profit to €833 million, which is an increase

nificant boost for the Spanish economy. He advised that they have been concentrating their resources on large taxpayers who have previously been able to reduce their payments by use of legal loopholes, illegal avoidance and the ‘black

“It is easy for consumers to be lulled into complacency by ample stocks and low prices but they should heed the writing on the wall.” Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency. Photo by Evstafiev Photo Credit Ramon Espelt Photography

Quote of the Week

€15.64 billion

of 74 per cent over 2014 profits. The Spanish government benefitted from receipt of more than €200 million in 2015, and it was revealed that over 207 million passengers travelled through its airports, with Ryanair carrying the largest number at 35 million.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Nissan disables app NISSAN has disabled one of its own apps as it could have been used to hack its Leaf electric cars. Although it has known for some weeks about the flaw in the software, which could have allowed a hacker to run down the battery and review details of recent journeys, the company did not consider this a serious problem, but took action once news of the glitch was posted on social media.

Bimbo strike THIS is not an unusual walk out by ‘flighty’ women, but a strike of bread workers using the slogan ‘without a future there will be stale bread’, in order to try to persuade the owners not to close the Bimbo factory in Palma, Mallorca. There are six strikes planned initially, starting in Palma and rolling out to other bakeries in the group including Madrid.

Airport back on runway THE Ciudad Real airport has still not been sold, despite at least two previous announcements that it was. Now interested parties have been invited to submit new bids for the entire property, with a minimum starting price of €50 million.

€9 billion is the amount that Abengoa SA is said to owe in the US which has resulted in it filing for bankruptcy protection in America.

STAT OF WEEK

business & legal

EWN

They were given just three days to submit their bids to the court, which is controlling the sale, but after all of these months of waiting, it does appear slightly unusual to give such a short deadline.

economy’, where payments are made in cash. Now that there are agreements in place with nearly 80 countries to allow for the exchange of financial information, the director believes that the amount recovered will continue to increase.

IBEX 35

-0.56%

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 29

Three Chinese bankers have been bailed THREE directors of the Chinese Bank ICBC, who were arrested in Madrid as part of an investigation into money laundering, have each been released from prison following the payment of €100,000. The bank insists that it is continuing to operate normally within Spain and is cooperating with the Spanish authorities in their investigations.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on opposite page

C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 29

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group PLC 434.25 -5.10 Aberdeen Asset Mng PLC 240.70 -1.30 Admiral Group PLC 1739.00 -6.00 Anglo American PLC 454.75 4.45 Antofagasta PLC 489.05 5.10 ARM Holdings PLC 975.75 -2.44 Ashtead Group PLC 903.75 1.50 Associated British Foods PLC 3341.50 -23.00 AstraZeneca PLC 4153.25 -51.00 Aviva PLC 432.40 -3.50 Babcock International Group... 916.00 -7.00 BAE Systems PLC 510.25 -2.00 Barclays PLC 167.30 -1.80 Barratt Developments PLC 580.25 -7.00 Berkeley Group Holdings 3325.50 -21.00 BHP Billiton PLC 714.00 -2.20 BP PLC 346.10 -3.55 British American Tobacco PLC 3912.25 -2.00 British Land Co PLC 654.75 -4.50 BT Group PLC 485.45 0.30 Bunzl PLC 1937.50 2.00 Burberry Group PLC 1266.00 -3.00 Capita PLC 1017.00 -13.00 Carnival PLC 3533.50 -14.00 Centrica PLC 206.70 -4.50 Coca-Cola HBC AG 1358.50 -10.00 Compass Group PLC 1248.00 -1.00 CRH PLC 1811.00 -6.00 DCC PLC 5690.00 -35.00 Diageo PLC 1868.25 3.60 Direct Line Insurance Group... 387.40 -1.40 Dixons Carphone PLC 431.10 -2.30 easyJet PLC 1481.00 -13.00 Experian PLC 1168.50 -3.00 Fresnillo PLC 1007.50 11.50 GKN PLC 270.65 -1.90 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1412.00 2.00 Glencore PLC 130.70 2.40 Hammerson PLC 543.75 -4.50 Hargreaves Lansdown PLC 1243.00 -14.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC 1839.00 -65.00 HSBC Holdings PLC 455.12 -12.05 Imperial Brands PLC 3756.50 -14.50 Inmarsat PLC 983.50 3.00 InterContinental Hotels Grp 2668.00 -25.00 International Consolidated ... 537.25 -3.50 Intertek Group PLC 2921.00 -4.00 Intu Properties PLC 290.60 2.40 ITV PLC 248.80 -3.20 Johnson Matthey PLC 2515.00 -11.00

% CHG. -1.16 -0.54 -0.34 0.99 1.05 -0.25 0.17 -0.68 -1.21 -0.80 -0.76 -0.39 -1.06 -1.19 -0.63 -0.31 -1.02 -0.05 -0.68 0.06 0.10 -0.24 -1.26 -0.39 -2.13 -0.73 -0.08 -0.33 -0.61 0.19 -0.36 -0.53 -0.87 -0.26 1.16 -0.70 0.14 1.87 -0.82 -1.11 -3.41 -2.58 -0.38 0.31 -0.93 -0.65 -0.14 0.83 -1.27 -0.44

NET VOL 46.43 412.44 28.00 1,170.14 157.33 132.04 119.85 21.27 114.86 478.14 30.25 213.54 2,223.97 88.22 43.64 959.80 2,291.29 135.46 200.76 981.58 37.34 58.60 46.30 14.08 968.68 29.55 170.46 43.80 3.72 221.78 165.89 37.69 38.84 81.35 72.24 95.98 728.93 4,769.51 56.66 30.89 67.54 2,605.37 91.22 68.90 30.84 440.97 19.29 306.85 826.60 8.43

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Kingfisher PLC 333.05 -3.30 Land Securities Group PLC 999.00 -7.00 Legal & General Group PLC 224.70 -1.40 Lloyds Banking Group PLC 71.28 -0.84 London Stock Exchange Grp 2725.00 -92.00 Marks & Spencer Group PLC 418.00 -4.30 Merlin Entertainments PLC 452.10 3.20 Mondi PLC 1272.00 -9.00 National Grid PLC 959.10 -10.80 Next PLC 6712.50 -55.00 Old Mutual PLC 166.60 -2.30 Pearson PLC 843.25 6.50 Persimmon PLC 2199.00 -19.00 Provident Financial PLC 3219.00 -10.00 Prudential PLC 1239.50 -7.00 Randgold Resources Ltd 6577.50 170.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC 6548.50 -55.00 RELX PLC 1242.50 -6.00 REXAM PLC 607.75 -1.00 Rio Tinto PLC 1864.75 4.50 Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC 675.00 -4.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Grp 222.85 -3.70 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 1628.50 -7.00 Royal Mail PLC 453.45 -4.20 RSA Insurance Group PLC 429.85 -6.00 SABMiller PLC 4161.00 -9.00 Sage Group (The) PLC 587.00 -3.00 Sainsbury (J) PLC 250.85 -1.80 Schroders PLC 2588.00 -54.00 Severn Trent PLC 2109.00 -20.00 Shire PLC 3860.50 -37.00 Sky PLC 1045.50 12.00 Smith & Nephew PLC 1169.50 -7.00 Smiths Group PLC 997.50 -2.00 Sports Direct International 392.55 -5.20 SSE PLC 1377.50 -11.00 Standard Chartered PLC 413.00 -16.45 Standard Life PLC 329.50 -3.40 St James's Place PLC 857.00 -12.50 Taylor Wimpey PLC 184.55 -1.04 Tesco PLC 180.15 -4.05 Travis Perkins PLC 1768.50 -5.00 TUI AG 1069.00 -10.00 Unilever PLC 3066.25 -31.00 United Utilities Group PLC 914.75 -12.00 Vodafone Group PLC 217.45 -1.40 Whitbread PLC 3852.00 -28.00 Wolseley PLC 3672.50 -16.00 Worldpay Group PLC 294.90 2.00 WPP PLC 1506.00 -9.00

% CHG. -0.98 -0.70 -0.62 -1.16 -3.27 -1.02 0.71 -0.70 -1.11 -0.81 -1.36 0.78 -0.86 -0.31 -0.56 2.65 -0.83 -0.48 -0.16 0.24 -0.59 -1.63 -0.43 -0.92 -1.38 -0.22 -0.51 -0.71 -2.05 -0.94 -0.95 1.16 -0.59 -0.20 -1.31 -0.79 -3.83 -1.02 -1.44 -0.56 -2.20 -0.28 -0.93 -1.00 -1.30 -0.64 -0.72 -0.43 0.68 -0.59

NET VOL 157.20 80.61 541.96 7,183.80 98.85 213.76 74.41 78.72 443.82 10.82 463.49 169.25 46.38 19.66 328.68 60.16 53.41 211.72 67.19 491.97 295.32 1,242.73 364.41 59.94 120.09 195.52 61.35 306.49 29.14 18.94 62.02 436.47 51.02 26.90 75.38 123.97 1,005.51 115.95 76.16 367.24 2,146.83 23.03 39.09 218.42 74.70 2,259.45 16.64 16.92 294.78 107.41

Kleinwort Benson Elite PCC Ltd

0.78733

1.27010 Units per €

US dollar..................................................................1.09304 Japan yen ................................................................123.495 Switzerland franc...................................................1.09141 Denmark kroner....................................................7.46216 Norway kroner.....................................................9.50322

currenciesdirect.com/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 29

COMPANY MMM 3M AXP American Express AAPL Apple BA Boeing CAT Caterpillar CVX Chevron CSCO Cisco KO Coca-Cola DIS Disney DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil GE General Electric GS Goldman Sachs HD Home Depot IBM IBM INTC Intel JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase MCD McDonald's MRK Merck MSFT Microsoft NKE Nike PFE Pfizer PG Procter & Gamble TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies UNH UnitedHealth VZ Verizon V Visa WMT Wal-Mart

PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 158.27 -0.72 -0.45% 1.8M 55.38 -0.01 -0.02% 5.9M 96.91 +0.15 +0.16% 29.0M 118.16 +1.34 +1.15% 3.8M 66.87 +0.40 +0.60% 4.1M 84.35 -0.95 -1.11% 9.4M 26.41 -0.19 -0.71% 18.1M 43.14 -1.02 -2.31% 18.4M 95.31 -0.34 -0.36% 5.3M 61.51 +1.09 +1.80% 4.2M 81.75 -0.26 -0.32% 14.3M 29.40 +0.17 +0.58% 29.3M 150.25 +2.00 +1.35% 5.9M 126.26 -0.60 -0.47% 4.6M 132.03 -2.47 -1.84% 4.4M 29.80 +0.18 +0.61% 19.9M 105.78 -0.60 -0.56% 9.0M 57.54 +0.53 +0.93% 20.9M 117.06 -1.31 -1.11% 5.2M 50.64 -0.36 -0.71% 9.3M 51.30 -0.80 -1.54% 36.0M 62.60 +0.22 +0.35% 8.9M 30.23 -0.36 -1.18% 42.9M 81.10 -1.24 -1.51% 9.3M 108.46 -0.81 -0.74% 1.8M 97.69 -0.38 -0.39% 14.7M 121.33 +0.13 +0.11% 2.9M 51.02 -0.09 -0.18% 13.0M 72.73 -0.54 -0.74% 6.7M 66.51 -1.53 -2.25% 11.0M

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES F EBRUARY 29

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced RR Media Ltd. Scientific Games Corp Stamps.com Inc. Histogenics Corporation Presbia PLC Immersion Corporation Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. 2U, Inc. HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. Editas Medicine, Inc. ATA Inc.

$ 13.07 $ 8.50 $ 116.51 $ 2.56 $5 $ 9.03 $ 9.17 $ 21.83 $ 3.09 $ 27.49 $ 4.89

4.37 ▲ 50.23% 2.19 ▲ 34.71% 20.26 ▲ 21.05% 0.37 ▲ 16.89% 0.71 ▲ 16.55% 1.27 ▲ 16.37% 1.28 ▲ 16.22% 2.93 ▲ 15.50% 0.41 ▲ 15.30% 3.54 ▲ 14.78% 0.62 ▲ 14.52%

$ 4.76 $ 7.99 $ 2.98 $ 22.63 $ 3.75 $ 5.12 $ 20.77 $ 43.99 $ 5.74 $ 5.76 $ 11.41

2.15 ▼ 31.11% 3.33 ▼ 29.42% 0.80 ▼ 21.16% 4.26 ▼ 15.84% 0.62 ▼ 14.19% 0.83 ▼ 13.95% 3.05 ▼ 12.80% 5.69 ▼ 11.45% 0.68 ▼ 10.59% 0.63 ▼ 9.86% 1.06 ▼ 8.50%

Most Declined Cara Therapeutics, Inc. PTC Therapeutics, Inc. Acacia Research Corporation PRA Group, Inc. Pershing Gold Corporation Ovascience Inc. NutriSystem Inc Universal Display Corporation MediciNova, Inc. EnerNOC, Inc. region

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

A Bank of Spain warning

LATEST REPORT: Indicates its belief that 2016 is likely to be difficult. ment but is ready to raise its head again at any point, it can be seen that the putative recovery in Spain could well come to a halt

quite quickly, although Spain did manage to sell a large volume of bonds during February. Finally, to add to the financial

woes, the European Union is insisting that the 2016 budget be reviewed and resubmitted by April of this year, even if there is to be

a new election, which could result in a new government who would be likely to amend the previous budget anyway.

Ciudadanos upset the British Photo by flickr by UK in Spain

By John Smith THE latest economic report from the Banco de España (Bank of Spain) indicates its belief that 2016 is likely to be difficult, and in its words ‘complex for the volatility and uncertainty in the markets’. It forecasts a tightening of credit to business as well as an increase in debt, which will be made worse if the price of crude o i l d o e s n o t r e c o v e r, a s l o s s e s from the energy companies will h a v e a k n o c k - o n e ff e c t o n t h e banks. When these factors are coupled with the fact that global stock markets are performing as poorly as they have done for years, then the recipe for 2016 is not encouraging. Add to this the continued wariness of foreign investors, whilst both the matter of the establishment of a stable government and the Catalan ‘difficulty’ remain, which is low profile at the mo-

Photo Credit Jorge Lascar Wikimedia

IT forecasts a tightening of credit to business and an increase in debt

ALBERT RIVERA: Was invited to visit the British ambassador to Spain. IN a very unusual move, it is reported that the leader of Ciudadanos, Albert Rivera, was invited to visit the British Ambassador to Spain, following an attack on the agreement reached between Great Britain and the other 27 Heads of State in the EU, which he made in a radio interview.

In his direct manner of speaking, he claimed in the interview that the EU had ‘dropped its trousers before Cameron’, and that he was very sorry that the Spanish government had publicly supported the concessions granted to the United Kingdom. With the fact that he may one day be-

come part of a ruling coalition in Spain, and in the assumption that Britain will remain within the Union, it would appear that Ambassador Manley wanted to take the opportunity to clarify Britain’s position, and remind Mr Rivera of the value of British investment in Spain, and of course vice versa.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

Google now in trouble with France By John Smith THE tax arrangement that the British government was so happy to boast about, whereby the Exchequer received £130 million (€165 m i l l i o n ) t o c o v e r a p e r i o d o f 11 years during which the internet search engine earned £24 billion (€30 billion), has not only been criticised by Parliament, but is looking more of a joke when compared to what the French authorities are now demanding. Following investigations into the companies’ activities in France, the government there is asking that Google pay €1.6 billion in back taxes, and this will no doubt be the matter of some discussion between company CEO Sundar Pichai who is visiting France and will be meeting the French economy minister Emmanuel Macron. It is not known whether this is a negotiating ploy by the French government, which would be content to accept a lesser payment, but it was only earlier in February that Finance Minister Michel Sapin stated that he would not enter a deal with any global company that owed back taxes. As has been previously an-

Photo Credit Maurizio Pesce Wikimedia

FINANCE MINISTER stated he would not enter a deal with any global company that owed back taxes

GOOGLE: French government have asked the company to pay €1.6 billion in back taxes. nounced, Brussels is also scrutinising the way in which these large, mainly American companies are

able to siphon money off to legitimate EU-based ‘tax havens’, to the detriment of the countries in which

these goliaths are trading. Starbucks and Fiat Chrysler were told they must pay back up to €30

million in taxes, but even this relatively small amount is being disputed, and Starbucks has declared that it will appeal the decision, whilst other investigations into tax deals with companies like Amazon and Apple, continue.

Starbucks and Fiat Chrysler were told they must pay back up to €30 million in taxes, but even this relatively small amount is being disputed It is to be wondered whether the relatively low-key announcement of the appointment of new senior officers at HMRC has anything to do with the criticism that the British government has received over the Google deal, and it remains to be seen whether these new appointees will take more stringent action against other companies. In the meantime, Spain appears to be biding its time, waiting for a stable government and watching the results of other members’ actions.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Uncertainty is draining the value of sterling Ask the expert Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com

AT the turn of the year it seems like the Great British Pound made a New Year’s resolution to move lower. The heady levels of GBP/EUR over 1.40 seen late 2015 now seem like a distant memory. The pound has also tumbled against a basket of other currencies demonstrating an overall weak trend. So what is behind such a sharp move lower given we now see GBP/EUR in the mid 1.20s? As normally is the case with the currency markets we have a few independent drivers that have together created a perfect storm for the pound. Firstly the significant fallout in the global economy, particularly from China and falling oil prices has created a ripple of fear that has permeated the markets. In an environment of fear the pound tends to get sold and we have seen this selling pressure almost constantly in 2016 due to volatile and negative global conditions. To add to this we have also had

THE POUND: Has demonstrated an overall weak trend. clarification on the EU referendum vote which is set for June 23. The uncertainty behind this vote has already started to undermine appetite for the pound. A potential Brexit may or may not be a good thing for the UK economy and that is the point - we just do not know and this uncertainty is

draining value from the pound. This week we received news that London Mayor Boris Johnson is backing the call for a Brexit and this support increases the chance of a Brexit vote, the pound has dropped sharply this week after this news. The final reason for a lower pound is down

to sentiment from the Bank of England, who have hammered home the point that interest rates are not set to move higher any time soon. You could argue that the pound was overvalued anyway in late 2015, and this move lower is a welcome correction which will support exports and help drive the UK economy and reduce the deficit. GBP/EUR in particular has also fallen due to a stronger euro. The euro has gained an appetite as a funding currency, and it has also emerged as a safe haven currency of choice along with the US dollar, Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc. Looking ahead we are set for a very interesting few months. We have the run up to the referendum vote and the markets will look to get an idea of how polling is leaning. However confidence in polling will be lower due to the fact that polls were completely wrong in forecasting the UK general election. We also have the prospect of further easing by the European Central Bank (ECB) in March to curb falling inflation. The ECB will be keen to defend against a stronger euro and will be keen to push the euro lower. Throw into the mix the activity of the US Federal Reserve and ongoing market volatility and it is set to be a bumpy ride ahead!

Visit us at our Spanish offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria, North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca. Telephone: UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 SPAIN +34 950 478 914 Email: euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com • www.currenciesdirect.com

CUSTOMER found pieces of plastic in a Snickers bar

British house builder reports increased profits

By John Smith THE chocolate company privately owned by the notoriously private and for many years anti-royalist Mars family, has had to recall a range of chocolate products from general circulation in no less than 55 countries. The fallout from this decision is going to affect the financial standing of the company, even though the problem has only been caused by a lack of proper quality control in their factory in Veghel in the Netherlands. As distribution of their sweets is not limited to the country of manufacture, it is going to be very difficult for the consumer to decide whether to purchase a potentially dangerous Mars product or not. Although the company can identify what batches of product went to which country, it is going to be very difficult to persuade consumers to check long and complicated lists. The scare was started in Germany when a customer found

BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS, favourites with Baroness Thatcher, who bought one of their upmarket properties in 1990, have just reported an enormous increase in profits in the UK of 40 per cent thanks to selling more properties at higher prices. Unlike rivals such as Taylor Wimpey, the company, founded by the late Sir Lawrie Barratt has not looked at Gibraltar or Spain as potential markets but has concentrated on the UK. With latest profits reported as £295 million (€373 million), it certainly suggests that the British housing market is seeing a real insurgence despite all of the gloom. Whilst Spain is seeing some recovery, the UK with its ever-increasing population and large urban builds, is always going to see a demand for property but according to CEO David Thomas, the housing market remained strong thanks to improved mortgage availability and government support for first time buyers. The firm completed 7,626 homes in the six months to the end of December 2015, compared with 6,971 a year earlier, which they managed to sell at an average price of £254,000 (€321,000), an increase of 11 per cent over the previous financial year.

Photo Credit Joop van Houdt Wikimedia

Mars recall some products

MARS PLANT: The problem was caused by a lack of quality control at the factory in Veghel. pieces of plastic in a Snickers bar back in January, and whilst it may be a completely isolated case, the company doesn’t want to take the risk of any other contaminated chocolate being eaten by its customers. They say that this is to ensure good quality control, whilst others suggest that the losses of recalling the product are possibly less than the losses they might receive from both lawsuits and ongoing discov-

ery of rogue chocolates. The added problem is that some places purchase from more than one wholesaler or supplier, so that whilst Britain is mainly worried about fun size Mars and Milky Way bars and boxes of Celebrations, Gibraltar which purchases from Britain and Spain has to worry about different size Mars, Snickers, Milky Way and Celebration brands. The problem only exists in Europe and at the end of the day, a lit-

tle bit of plastic should be both relatively easy to spot and unlikely to cause major harm even if eaten, but this is not something that is going to help their financial position as not only will they have to dump huge volumes of chocolates but they will also lose sales to worried consumers. Having said this, with global sales of €30 billion in 2015, they will probably be able to weather the storm.

OPINION & COMMENT

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

So much to say this week THE USA election, political correctness gone mad and Tony Blackburn’s witch-hunt LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

SO much to say and so little space to say it in. Not generally a problem with the old boy’s scribbles, but a definite drawback in this issue. Column content has to stretch from this week’s CND demonstration, an event attended by Corbyn, where in defence of their views, one couple arrogantly remarked that ‘some countries at war at the moment had nuclear weapons, but weren’t using them anyway’! Well of course they weren’t. That’s the whole idea. Nuclear weapons are… A deterrent! Do you think America would have atomic bombed Hiroshima or Nagasaki had Japan also been a nuclear power? On to the subject of America’s next president, which looks increasingly like being Trump or Clinton. The USA’s choice between a somewhat unhinged business tycoon, whose extreme ideas could just possibly be the answer. Or a power mad, proven liar, with more

DONALD TRUMP: A somewhat unhinged business tycoon. skeletons in the cupboard than Winnie Mandela. An individual who apparently, when she was first lady, ordered White House employees to make no eye contact with her, and was so

unpleasant, that staff renamed the presidential 747, ‘broomstick one’! (Devils and deep blue seas come to mind). To the subject of more political correctness

gone mad. Apparently, among other insanities, you can no longer advertise for barmaids, handymen or paper boys as it may be considered sexist! Moving smoothly on to the increasingly boring subject of Brexit. Irrespective of the difficulties that could ensue for us expats, I am, nevertheless a proud Brit who truly believes that our great country may just be able to retain that hard won distinction, should it free itself from the ever increasing, arrogant shackles of the EU. And finally squeezing in, and making no comments whatsoever, on Tony Blackburn’s witch-hunt. Fat cat charity bosses, Tony Blair’s immigrant welcome mat and the woman who tripped in a pub, broke her wrist, and could receive 4.2 million pounds in compensation! Etc. Etc. Sorry no more space. (I can hear the sighs of relief from here!) Lost two dear and wonderful entertainers this week. Richard (Dicky) Fox and Vinnie Scott. RIP old friends. Sadly missed. Keep the faith. Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

How can a company work like that? Mike Senker

In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man LAST week I was ranting about a well-known car rental company and a toll charge. You will be pleased to know that it has been concluded. I phoned the Gov.uk helpline and they were useless. They wanted a copy of the prosecution notice which I didn’t have, as it had been sent to the car rental company. So, I phoned the company again and this time I got someone who actually understood the problem. I told her I had a copy of my bank statement with the payment on it. She told me to send her it, so I did, and I got an email back saying they would refund the charge. The interesting thing was the toll people told me there was no fine. What they sent the car company wasn’t a penalty notice, just a reminder that it hadn’t been paid (even though it had) so it wasn’t a fine at all. It was a charge of £2.50. The £40 was an admin charge from the car company! A liberty but now sorted. I decided to upgrade my phone (again). My first port of call was one of my phone

company’s stores. No problem, I’m a diamond customer so apparently I get special service. Yeah righto! I find my phone of choice and of course it’s not in stock but if I’d like to leave a €200 deposit it will be there on Wednesday. It was Friday. No problem, so I paid. Wednesday comes - no phone. Same on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday. I ask for my deposit back which they give me. I go home and phone the operator and ask if I can order over the phone. No problem, I just have to pay €35 up front and the rest is paid over a two-year contract and the phone will be delivered in three days. It was delivered, but here is the dumbest thing. Bear in mind I’ve been with this company for 12 years with a direct debit for payments. The phone arrives by courier. I’m not home and they leave it with my security guard at the gate, but not until he gives the driver €35! The guard only has a €50 note and the driver hasn’t got the right change so it costs me €38 instead of 35, no big deal but how ridiculous that I have to give cash to a delivery driver, who then has to pay the phone company that I’ve had a direct debit with for years! How can a multi-million pound company work like that? If anyone knows please let me know.

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

LEGALLY SPEAKING

New PIVE plan ENCOURAGES drivers to trade in for newer vehicles AS part of a new series, we answer some common driving questions, kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers.

CARS IN SPAIN: Are found to be older than average. ACCORDING to information published in a survey conducted on behalf of the motor manufacturing industry, the average age of a car on the roads of Spain is 11.5 years, far older than the European average, and older than what is considered to offer the optimum in safety, performance and efficiency. The data reveals that 29 per cent of all cars on the roads of Spain are between 11 and 15 years, and 24 per cent are over 15 years of age. There are more than 11 million drivers in Spain who have vehicles older than 10 years, a figure which places Spain as the country with the oldest fleet in the five major European markets of Germany, UK, France and Italy. To encourage drivers to trade in for newer vehicles, the Spanish government introduced the Plan PIVE. Now in its eighth incarnation, Plan PIVE 8 offers attractive subsidies for new vehicles

and was launched last March with a total of €175 million allocated. Not only is the aim to ensure improvements in safety, as newer cars have evolved to include features which offer more protection, they are also more fuel efficient, and so emissions and pollution are also reduced. For example, if the objective of 885,000 old vehicles are replaced with new and more efficient models, the drivers will save around 308 million litres of fuel annually, preventing the importation of 1,961,542 barrels of oil per year. In order to satisfy the requirements, your choice of car will have to be new and registered in Spain, and of the M1 category, which is a passenger car with up to nine seats, including the driver. There are other restrictions applicable too, including a maximum price of the new car, but the majority of normal, everyday vehicles will be eligible.

For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook.

Can we change our ‘cuotas’? WE are proposing to change the way we divide our community fees. Our ‘cuotas’ are not the ones recorded in our ‘escrituras’. Our fees have been changed three times without unanimity. The current fees have never been registered in the Property Registry or our Book of Minutes, and some are paying much more The short answer is yes. In your unusual circumstances, you may change your system by majority vote, as you apparently have already done. Properly, the percentage

per square metre than others. All 144 properties have been remeasured by a qualified architect. We will vote for the changes at our AGM. The proposal is that we base the fees on the area of the property. If we do not get a unanimous vote but only a simple majority, can we proceed with the change? A.W. (Costa Blanca)

David Searl You and the Law in Spain

of community fees assigned to each property should be established in the original

charter document of the community, registered in a special section of the Property Registry. These would be the ‘cuotas’ which appear in your ‘escritura’ or title deed.

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

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 /Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

TV LISTING

THURSDAY 3 MARCH

FRIDAY 4 MARCH

SATURDAY 5 MARCH

SUNDAY 6 MARCH

MONDAY 7 MARCH

TUESDAY 8 MARCH

WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH

8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm

6:25pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm

11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:45am

The One Show EastEnders Room 101 Would I Lie to You? Pompeii: New Secrets Revealed with Mary Beard BBC News at Ten BBC London News Question Time This Week

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:25pm 11:35pm 12:05am

BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show A Question of Sport EastEnders Celebrity Mastermind Shetland BBC News at Ten BBC London News Comedy Playhouse Catherine Tate's Nan

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm

7:00pm 7:05pm 7:10pm 8:00pm 10:00pm 10:50pm

6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm

11:00pm 11:15pm 11:20pm 12:50am

Regional News Weather The Getaway Car The Voice UK Casualty The National Lottery Live BBC News Weather Match of the Day The Recruit

7:35pm 7:50pm 7:55pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:25pm 11:30pm 12:35am

BBC News Regional News Weather Countryfile Call the Midwife The Night Manager BBC News Regional News Weather Match of the Day 2 Women's Football

7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm

Inside Out EastEnders Panorama Frontline Doctors: Winter Migrant Crisis BBC News Regional News Weather Cuckoo Have I Got Old News for You

7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 11:45pm 12:45am

BBC News Regional News The One Show EastEnders Holby City Happy Valley BBC News Regional News Weather Life and Death Row Forget Me Not

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm

Pointless BBC News Regional News The One Show Shop Well for Less Famous, Rich and Homeless BBC News Regional News Weather A Question of Sport Would I Lie to You?

11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 11:45pm 12:15am

11:30pm 12:15am

11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 12:35am

8:30pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:30am 1:30am

10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

10:00pm

10:50pm 11:30pm 12:10am

10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:10am 12:15am

5:45pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm

Bargain Hunt Eggheads Too Much TV Cycling Murder Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle Newsnight The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story Eggheads Too Much TV Cycling Gardeners' World Land of Hope and Glory - British Country Life QI Newsnight Artsnight Leave to Remain

8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:10am 8:30pm 9:00pm Bradbury 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:10am

Flog It! Gardeners World Back in Time for the Weekend Queen Victoria's Children Dad's Army Stag Dom Hemingway Line of Duty Line of Duty

7:10pm

Flog It! Who's the Boss? Steve Backshall's Extreme Mountain Challenge Let's Play Darts for Sports Relief 2016 Thirteen The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story

7:45pm

Too Much TV This Farming Life University Challenge Mary Berry's Foolproof Cooking The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story QI XL Newsnight Weather Eggheads Too Much TV This Farming Life Back in Time for the Weekend Who's the Boss? Scrappers Newsnight Weather Let's Play Darts for Sports Relief 2016 Terry and Mason's Great Food Trip Bargain Hunt Eggheads Too Much TV This Farming Life ÂŁ100k House: Tricks of the Trade Our Story Dunblane. Live From the BBC Newsnight

7:30pm 8:00pm 9:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am 12:20am

8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 12:15am

8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:45pm 12:25am 12:00am 1:00am

2:00am 3:00am

4:00am 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:45am

Emmerdale Tonight Emmerdale The Cruise Bear Grylls: Mission Survive ITV News at Ten and Weather The Late Debate Frustrated Britain: Caught on Camera

6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm

Coronation Street Best Walks with a View with Julia

6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm

Coronation Street Mr Selfridge ITV News at Ten and Weather Benidorm The Man with the Golden Gun ITV News and Weather You've Been Framed! Saturday Night Takeaway Take Me Out The Jonathan Ross Show ITV News and Weather Never Say Never Again ITV News and Weather Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands Story of Cats Doctor Thorne ITV News and Weather Brits Behind Bars Aviva Premiership Rugby Highlights

10:00pm 11:00pm

9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am 5:10pm 5:40pm 6:10pm 6:40pm 7:05pm 7:35pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:40am 5:00pm 7:15pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 10:00pm 12:40am 2:55am

Coronation Street Further Tales From Northumberland Coronation Street Davina Mccall: Life at the Extreme ITV News at Ten and Weather The Agenda The Jonathan Ross Show

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:50pm

The Story of British Pathe The Prosecutors: Real Crime and Punishment The Last Seabird Summer Sound of Cinema: The Music that Made the Movies ...Sings Musicals

6:00pm

Local News and Weather ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Big Star's Little Star Grantchester ITV News at Ten and Weather UEFA Champions League Highlights Bear Grylls: Mission Survive

6:00pm

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:35pm 12:35am

Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Political Slot Ugly House to Lovely House with George Clarke 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Alan Carr

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast Food Unwrapped Gogglebox The Last Leg Raised by Wolves

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:55pm 11:50pm 12:50am

5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight The Gadget Show That's So...1990 NCIS: New Orleans NCIS NCIS: Los Angeles True Crimes: The First 72 Hours

Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Channel 4 News Great Canal Journeys Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages The Bourne Legacy Seven Psychopaths

8:00pm

World War II in Colour The Gadget Show 5 News The Championship Goal Rush Law and Order: Special Victims Unit Law and Order: Special Victims Unit Super Casino

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York Channel 4 News The Secret Life of the Zoo The Jump American Hustle An Officer and a Gentleman The Secret Life of the Pub

9:00pm 10:00pm 12:15am

9:00pm 9:55pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:20am 1:15am 1:55pm 2:50pm 4:55pm 7:00pm 9:05pm 9:55pm 10:00pm 12:05am

The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Political Slot Dispatches Food Unwrapped Royal Navy School Fresh Meat 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Political Slot The Secret Life of the Zoo Born to be Different Gogglebox Very British Problems

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Political Slot Posh Pawn 24 Hours in A and E Raised by Wolves How to Get a Council House The Secret World of Tinder

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm 12:55am

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm 12:55am

5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild The Secret Life of the Family Olympus Has Fallen Can't Pay? Final Demand Special

The True Story Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Star Trek III: The Search for Spock Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Penn and Teller 5 News Grown Ups 2 You, Me and Dupree Home and Away 5 News FIA World Rally Championship Highlights - Mexico Carry on Caravanning The X Files Gotham NCIS NCIS

6:00pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:15am 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 11:15pm 12:15am 11:00am 1:00pm 3:45pm 6:00pm 9:00pm 12:30am 12:45am 1:00am 1:15am 1:30am 4:30pm 8:00pm 8:05pm 10:10pm 10:25pm 10:40pm 10:55pm 1:00am 1:15am

6:30pm 7:30pm 8:25pm 10:30pm 11:30pm 12:30am 1:00am

Home and Away 5 News The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies Britain's Horror Homes Benefits by the Sea: Jaywick Best of Bad TV: When Chat Attacks Penn and Teller

3:00pm 5:00pm

5 News Neighbours Home and Away 5 News The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door GPs: Behind Closed Doors Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords Person of Interest Person of Interest Law and Order

4:15pm 4:30pm 4:45pm 4:55pm 8:30pm 8:45pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 11:15pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 12:00am

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 12:00am

Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Barclays Premier League World BPL Legends Live Premier League Darts Darts Gold II La Liga Show 2015 Barclays Premier League World BPL Legends Game Changers Barclays Premier League World The Fantasy Football Club Football A League of Their Own The Fantasy Football Club Soccer A.M. Football Live Pro 12 Rugby Live Ford Saturday Night Football Live Fight Night Football Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Live Ford Super Sunday Football Gold Football Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Football Football The Sunday Supplement Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits Football League Goals Football La Liga Goals Football League Goals Fantasy Football Club Highlights Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits The Premier League Years Barclays Premier League Review Premier League Premier League Sportswomen Barclays Premier League Review Fight Night Barclays Premier League Review Football Gold Football Gold Football Gold Cricket Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Fight Night Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs Sporting Triumphs

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

LETTERS

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION

Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments straight on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com

Local heroes came to our rescue, so thank you to all

Help please! ON one of your letters pages in December, Anne Lee wrote in from Malaga asking where she could take her ever-growing collection of plastic bottle tops. I was unable to find a copy of EWN for the following two or three weeks so didn’t see any reply. I too, have a large collection of bottle tops and am in the same position as Anne. J B of Quesada

Definitely not illegal I AM sick and tired of reading in the

Tough talk

Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com

Beware the Dog! Photo Credit C.M. Coolidge Wikimedia

WE are in Teulada for a short while to see our bank and on our first day here after arriving the night before we went to the supermarket. On leaving the supermarket our Spanish car would not start. Firstly a kind, elderly Spanish gentleman helped me push it for a bump start. No joy! I then decided to try and run down the hill to bump start it again no joy. There we are stuck at the side of the road on a hill, in the way of traffic etc. Firstly a Dutch lady stopped and tried to help then another gentleman arrived. Before I knew it we were surrounded by five different cars all willing to help. With their assistance we managed to move the car to a side street and then another gentlemen assisted further by taking us back to Teulada. I do not know how I could thank them enough each one of them was a star. One Dutch, one German, one English and two Spanish. This sort of behaviour must be highlighted as we do not live in a world entirely occupied by selfish people. I just wish I could thank each and every one who assisted me outside Pepe le Sal supermarket on the Moraira to Calpe road on Saturday afternoon (February 27). We are so grateful to each and every one of them. Faith in human beings restored. Love to them all. Derek and Olive via email

ANYONE who has the right to vote who does NOT use it here in Spain or indeed anywhere in Europe should be deported back to live in Britain and stripped of all of their benefits and entitlements. Britain will NEVER be allowed to leave Europe as the ramifications for so many are so huge. However we cannot afford one gram of apathy to filter through here - we ALL need to vote with our feet. As once this craziness begins we will never be able to stop the descent. Hannah via the website

Don’t believe the hype I have a theory that the real threat from within Spain and the UK is the ever increasing number of our canine species, dogs! They are everywhere, running wild, on leads, in pushchairs, in baskets, on bikes, driving articulated lorries, on scooters, mopeds, being carried, up peoples’ jumpers, in handbags, shopping baskets. Why, I even saw one directing traffic the other day. Late reports suggest they are now stroking humans and owners are sleeping with them in baskets. Makes you wonder how they came to have four legs. I hear several secret training camps are already thriving in Almeria. The majority seem to wear designer gear, hats, cardigans, socks, hats, sun shades, blouses, hobnail boots, wellingtons, evening gowns, tuxedos. Not to mention the scouse brow and back combed barnet! They crap where they stand and decorate endless walls, trees and sometimes people with urine. A great many owners don’t bother picking up the mess; they leave it for some poor sod to do that. Beware The Dog! Philip from San Fulgencio via e-mail

Euro Weekly News that if the UK leaves the EU we will become illegal immigrants. My family and I moved to Spain in 2004 and six months later complied with the regulations and went to the National Police office and applied for residency, which was granted. Dominic Grieve is a politician so we have to be very careful about anything he says. It is my understanding that an illegal immigrant is a person who enters a country illegally, are we saying that the Chinese, Americans, Australians and other non EU people

are here illegally, I think not. Let’s grow up and accept that we chose Spain and we are here legally. Philip Whale, Almuñecar

of the EU. The word hypocrisy comes to mind. Jim by e-mail

Hypocrisy?

Dear Jim, Thank you for your comment and of course you are entitled to your opinion. In our opinion however, there is one major difference between the two matters and that is as British citizens living in Spain or any other EU country, we will be directly affected and therefore should have the right to be able to indicate our wishes in a UK referendum which will decide our future.

I WAS interested to read your article on the banning of bull fighting, in particular your comment ‘should expatriates have a say in the affairs of a foreign country.’ What a pity you do not apply the same measure to voting in the British referendum on membership

Editor’s note

YOUR average Joe Public doesn’t understand what the EU does, and doesn’t, do for UK citizens and the country’s non-British residents. I firmly believe that, although democracy is essential as a human right, there are issues which should not be left in the hands of the general public. Most don’t have either the specialist knowledge, or the first-hand experience, needed to make an informed decision, and few realise how much the UK tabloids are spreading falsehoods or, at least, exaggerations that border on (and sometimes enter the territory of) unethical... nor who actually owns and controls said tabloids. And there’s no democracy in those who would be the MOST affected being denied a vote; which includes EU nationals living in the UK as well as us expats in the EU. Kally via the website

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

www.euroweeklynews.com

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

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Remember, we’re all wonderwomen! WE are also collecting for Mediterranea food bank, so please bring something to add to the pile Vicki McLeod

Family Matters WHAT are you doing on Tuesday March 8? It’s a big day all around the world, a national holiday in some places, it’s ‘International Women’s Day,’ a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It’s marked with events and parties, rallies, demonstrations, conferences and all sorts of gatherings in countries as diverse as Argentina, Belgium and China. The event started over a hundred years ago and was in support of the Suffragettes who campaigned for equal rights for women. But this year the day will also mark a call to action for accelerating gender parity. We’re pretty lucky in Europe. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have equal rights, and indeed can’t imagine what sort of person I would be if I had to mind my Ps and Qs and not do exactly what I wanted to when I wanted to. I am an equal to other people in the world and my daughter is

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: There will be chances to meet new people and women’s groups. equal, and I have some very feisty women to thank for securing those rights for me. But there are still millions of women around the world who don’t have this luxury; there are women who don’t

have the chance for the same sort of free education as I benefited from. Over the past five years or so I have been involved in the organisation of fun IWD events at Mood Beach. This year I am organising an event on Tues-

day March 8 at Mood Beach in Costa D’en Blanes. Doors open at 11.00. There will be chances to meet new people, to get involved with charities, and to meet up with women’s groups from around the island. And there will

be a market stall area for small businesses to sell their wares. At lunch time there will be speeches and a presentation to a person who has made a great contribution to the community.... who will it be? You will have to be there to find out! The whole day is 25€ per person (Welcome drink, two-course lunch, glass of wine, table water and bread and butter, and it is per person, not per woman, as men are invited too of course!). You should reserve (it’s important for us to know how many people are coming for lunch) now by emailing info@mood beach.com or calling 971 676 456. We are collecting food for the Mediterranea food bank, so please bring with you something to add to the pile. Mood will match the donation so make sure you remember! They welcome donations of pasta, rice, milk, oil, bottled and canned goods, nappies, baby milk and basic toiletries, so bring whatever you can. If you are a business owner or if you run a charity or organisation then please get in touch as there are spaces for stalls, you can email me on vicki@moodbeach.com. mallorcamatters.com

TIME OUT Famous quote

in history 322 BC - The Greek philosopher Aristotle dies. 161 - On the death of Antoninus at Lorium, Marcus Aurelius becomes emperor. 1461 - Henry VI is deposed and the Duke of York is proclaimed King Edward IV. 1853 - Giuseppe Verdi’s opera La Traviata premieres in Venice. 1857 - Under pretexts, Britain and France declare war on China. 1863 - President Abraham Lincoln signs the conscription act for the Civil War. 1876 - Alexander Graham Bell is granted a patent for the telephone. 1877 - The Russian Imperial Ballet stages the first performance of ‘Swan Lake’ in Moscow. 1899 - Aspirin is patented by Felix Hoffman. 1923 - The first issue of Time magazine is published. 1939 - In Spain, Jose Miaja takes over Madrid government after a military coup. 1939 - In Bombay, Gandhi begins a fast to protest the state’s autocratic rule. 1963 - Six people get the death sentence in Paris plotting to kill President Charles de Gaulle. 1975 - Queen Elizabeth knights Charlie Chaplin. 1979 - Voyager 1 reaches Jupiter. 1987 - The British ferry Herald of Free Enterprise capsizes in the Channel killing 26 people. 1999 - Monica Lewinsky appears on national television regarding her affair with President Bill Clinton.

Barack Obama

Women’s wit

‘

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world. Malala Yousafzai

World of English

‘

Today: the end or beginning? It’s the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be.

OUR MARRIAGE IS LIKE THE EU REFERENDUM - MY BORIS HE WANTS OUT - BUT HE KNOWS I HOLD THE PURSE STRINGS!

Kakuro

for next 7 days

Mallorca

weather

Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

TODAY ALCUDIA

POLLENÇA

CALA MILLOR

INCA

CALVIA

CALA d’OR

PALMA ANDRATX

LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF

TOMORROW ALCUDIA

POLLENÇA CALVIA

INCA

PALMA

CALA MILLOR

CALA d’OR

ANDRATX

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

22 12 S 21 10 Cl 17 8 C

Benidorm MAX 18C, MIN 11C Mon - 17 8 Cl Tues - 16 8 Cl Wed - 16 8 S

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

19 12 S 19 11 Cl 17 9 C

MAX 19C, MIN 12C Mon - 16 9 S Tues - 16 9 S Wed - 16 9 Cl

Fri Sat Sun -

19 10 C 17 9 C 14 8 Sh S Sun,

15 7 Sh 13 5 Sh 12 5 Sh

MAX MIN

Mon - 12 5 Sh Tues - 11 5 Sh Wed - 12 6 Sh

Madrid

CLOUDY MAX 17C, MIN 10C MAX MIN

MAX MIN

Mon - 15 8 C Tues - 15 8 C Wed - 15 8 Cl Cl Clear,

TODAY:

Fog,

TODAY:

CLOUDY MAX 16C, MIN 9C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

17 10 C 16 7 S 14 6 C

CLOUDY MAX 15C, MIN 3C

16 5 Cl 12 2 C 12 2 C C Cloudy,

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 12 1 C Tues - 12 1 S Wed - 12 1 Cl

MAX MIN

Mon - 14 6 C Tues - 16 5 Cl Wed - 15 6 C

Sh Showers,

SUNNY MAX 24C, MIN 10C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

25 11 S 21 10 Cl 18 8 C Sn Snow,

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

Saturday February 27

EURO MILLIONS

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 8 S Tues - 18 8 S Wed - 18 9 S

Murcia

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

21 12 S 18 9 Cl 18 8 Cl

Mallorca

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

SUNNY MAX 22C, MIN 12C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 7 C Tues - 16 8 S Wed - 16 8 S

SHOWERS MAX 13C, MIN 8C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

19 11 S 18 9 Cl 16 8 Th

Bilbao

Almeria TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Malaga

CLEAR MAX 17C, MIN 11C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 9 S Tues - 17 8 Cl Wed - 18 7 S Th Thunder

LOTTERY

Alicante TODAY:

This week

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.

EWN

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

SPONSORED BY

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

‘

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

Saturday February 27

Friday February 26

19 22

Saturday February 27

Sunday February 28

13 22

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

LUCKY STARS

REINTEGRO

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

Funagram

Just Joking

Unscramble the name of a famous Christian allegory (two words): GRIP GLOSS PRIMERS

Directed by: Danny Boyle Distributed through: Universal Pictures Starring: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Michael Stuhlbarg and Katherine Waterston. SET backstage at three iconic product launches and ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac, Steve Jobs - whose passion and ingenuity have been the driving force behind the digital age - takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint an intimate portrait of the brilliant man at its epicentre. In this illuminating film we explore the trials and triumphs of a modern day genius, the late CEO of Apple inc. Steven Paul Jobs.

Ángel Javier Arizmendi de Lucas, Footballer, March 3 Spanish professional footballer who plays for RCD Mallorca as either a forward or winger. Born in Madrid, and a product of local Atlético Madrid’s youth system.

Kenny Dalglish, Footballer, March 4, 65 Scottish striker who scored 230 goals during his 21-year career with Celtic and Liverpool; member of the Scottish national team from 1971 to 1986. Elaine Paige, Stage Actress, March 5, 68 Musical theatre actress whose duet with Barbara Dickson, ‘I Know Him so Well,’ became one of the best-selling records ever recorded by a female duo. Alan Davies, Comedian, March 6, 50 British stand-up comedian, actor and writer known for his title role in the series Jonathan Creek. He is also a permanent panellist on the TV panel show QI.

Unscramble the name of a famous English comedienne, screenwriter, actress and teacher: JUNE FEARS DINNERS

Hexagram

GLOBAL KINDLE RECODE RESORT RUSTIC SODDEN TACKLE (10) TARGET TRANCE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Brandy, 2 Diesel, 3 Landau, 4 Spleen, 5 Indoor, 6 Afraid, 7 Jasper, 8 Beyond, 9 Serial, 10 Joyful, 11 Rabies, 12 Allele, 13 Defeat, 14 Lumber, 15 Fluent, 16 Astray, 17 Rueful, 18 Strand, 19 Mutate

YOUR STARS ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Awkward situations usually bring out the best in you and this week proves that. In the longer term, you will be grateful to those making things difficult now. Midweek sees you turning the tables, which gives much satisfaction. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Be determined not to be intimidated by someone who thinks that they are superior. Decide who you will take advice (or orders) from and stick to it.

Micky Dolenz, Drummer, March 8, 71 Drummer and lead vocalist with the 1960s rock band The Monkees. The group rose to fame on the TV series The Monkees and went on to release a number of hits including ‘Last Train to Clarksville’ and ‘Daydream Believer.’

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Outside influences and pressures make it hard to concentrate. However, finances in particular need attention, so do not be distracted by others trying to put a finger into your ‘pie.’ Do not be concerned about making changes in your social life because this will sort out some problems.

Martin Johnson, Rugby Player, March 9, 46 Widely considered one of the best locks to ever play the game of rugby, he captained England and Leicester to great success. His remarkable play and leadership helped England win the World Cup in 2003. He also led the Leicester Tigers to six league titles and consecutive Heineken Cups.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Being unusually uncertain of yourself this week could throw confusion into your ordered life. There is a partnership problem to be sorted out.

Rachel Weisz, Actress, March 7, 46 English actress who gained widespread recognition for her roles in The Mummy and The Constant Gardener. Her other major films include The Bourne Legacy and Constantine.

The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (TACKLE) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

ANTLER ARREAR BAUBLE CAREEN CLUTCH DUGOUT EXTENT FEEBLE GALAXY GARBLE

PISCES

(February 20 - March 20)

Let others whinge if they will. Being determined to get your own way, they will stand little chance. Recent disagreements have left a sour taste. In the best of worlds, things will not always go your way. Life would be boring if that were the case. Be likeable and you will be liked. Simple, isn’t it?

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Some loss of control over a project is irksome. A new start that seemed so promising seems to be going off course. A real injection of time and effort will make all the difference, however. Midweek, you see things going in the right direction again. VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) You are holding a good hand. Deal with the right people and the rewards are high. There is potential for being cheated out of something that is yours, so it may be necessary to be ‘difficult’ to get what you deserve. LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Being a brave and forthright soul, it is easy this week to dispel the negative thoughts of others. A relationship that makes you hesitate could be beneficial.

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREA

10-Star Quiz

Husband: Every time I shout at you, you never argue back, how do you manage your anger? Wife: I clean the toilet seat. Husband: How does that help? Wife: I use your toothbrush!

FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, JENNIFER SAUNDERS.

Steve Jobs

TIME

MOTHER’S DAY 1. By what name was the Roman Catholic religious sister, born in Skopje in August 1910 and christened Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, better known? 2. From the Latin for ‘generous mother,’ what name is given to the university, school or college that one formerly attended? 3. The Mothers of Invention were an American rock band from California that served as the backing musicians for which musician, songwriter, composer, record producer, actor and filmmaker? 4. The painting in oils on canvas created by the American-born painter James McNeill Whistler in 1871 ‘Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1’, is better known by what other name? 5. Used in ornamentation, what is the name of the smooth shining iridescent substance forming the inner layer of the shell of some molluscs, especially oysters and abalones? 6. What was the name of the wimpish, smiling character played by Michael Crawford in the BBC sitcom ‘Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em’? 7. Which alcoholic drink was formerly referred to as ‘mother’s ruin’? 8. Which small seabird of the open ocean is sometimes referred to as Mother Carey’s chicken? 9. Who reached number two in the UK singles charts in 1972 with ‘Sylvia’s Mother’? 10. Who was the mother of King James I of England and Ireland (King James VI of Scotland)? Not a lot of people know that… in the vast majority of the world’s languages, the word for ‘mother’ begins with the letter ‘M’ 1. MOTHER TERESA (also known as BLESSED TERESA OF CALCUTTA), 2. ALMA MATER, 3. FRANK ZAPPA, 4. WHISTLER'S MOTHER, 5. MOTHER OF PEARL, 6. FRANK SPENCER, 7. GIN, 8. DR HOOK, 10. MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS/MARY STUART/MARY I OF SCOTLAND

NEW ON DVD

SPONSORED BY

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Hidden forces are working away in the background. These give good and bad influences but life will not be dull this week. Sometimes you wish others would leave you alone. Not that you are being anti-social. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Petty arguments should be forgotten. More important things are afoot. This may be you at the moment. Avoid wasting time with certain individuals and projects. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Avoiding a decision will not help this week. Who will deal with this matter but you? A relationship is threatened if you do not make a move. Will loved ones always be there for us no matter how much we neglect them? AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) In your heart of hearts you know what you want out of life. It is a little timidity of spirit that is now stopping you. I know that recent experiences have sapped your confidence, but now is the time that you are most likely to make progress in your chosen field.

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

TARGET: Average: 10 Good: 14 Very good: 20 Excellent: 26

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION aced acid adit aide cedi coda code cued dace date dean deco dent dice diet dine dint done dote duce duct duet dune edit iced idea node nude tend tide tied toad toed undo acted adieu anode anted audio udit cadet caned canid cited coned dance daunt dicot dicta donut douce ducat dunce edict educt indue nicad noted octad outed tined toned tuned anodic atoned cadent canoed canted coated coined dacoit deacon decant detain docent donate induce induct iodate united untied conduit counted noticed actioned eduction uncoated AUCTIONED CAUTIONED EDUCATION

SOUND OF THE WEEK Anti by Rihanna THE eighth album from the diminutive 27-year-old pop superstar was released after months of heavy speculation, hype and fever, and marks a significant departure from the starlet’s usual sure fire hits. It shows her strangely divorced from the hit machine and entering a new, unsteady, but more interesting territory.

AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Crossword

Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition

Quick

Cryptic

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC Across: 1 Lindisfarne, 9 Nothing, 10 Stale, 11 Ague, 12 Lacrosse, 14 Meats, 15 Keats, 20 Entreaty, 22 Brie, 24 Therm, 25 Against, 26 George Cross.

Across 1 Block second best (4) 4 Car Erasure made a prize (8) 8 Dip in Eurocrat error rate (6) 9 Chef Jamie is musical (6) 10 Brigadier hid capital (4) 11 Mrs Hales turned out to be innocent (8) 13 Ethical oil Polish chap concocted (13) 16 Climb up and over damaged lead case (8) 19 Start supping beer, it’s a deal (4) 20 Order from top to carry high explosive (6) 22 Eat in, he’d be angry (6) 23 Others not more fidgety (8) 24 Expression used for part of school year (4)

Down: 2 Intrude, 3 Dais, 4 Signal, 5 Absorbed, 6 Nears, 7 Knead, 8 Defer, 13 Streamer, 16 Thrones, 17 Testy, 18 At ease, 19 Belts, 21 Theme, 23 Fair.

QUICK Across:

Down 2 Spots she’s after diverted train (9) 3 Mine’s on decrease, that’s the drawback (7) 4 Set fire to a bit of toast or charcoal (5) 5 Money after, for example, trio organised exhibition of selfishness (3,4) 6 Facility in Catskills (5)

Code Breaker

EWN

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

SPONSORED BY

page

OUT

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

7 Soldier ate duck eggs (3) 12 Half a can of lager is trifling (5,4) 14 Famous person let make-up frighten (7) 15 Quick coffee on the spot (7) 17 On the lookout for later novel (5) 18 Distinctive character began education to help overseas students (5) 21 Female sheep, says you (3)

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 9 represents C and 18 represents N, so fill in C every time the figure 9 appears and N every time the figure 18 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.

Across 1 Real (6) 4 Grate (6) 8 Frightening (5) 10 Nimble or active (5) 11 Makes better (5) 12 Vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment (5) 13 Make brown and crisp by heating (5) 14 Snow coloured (5) 17 Hit with something flat (4) 19 Payments for services (4) 21 Comes to an end (5) 24 Boggy area (5) 25 Bet (5) 27 Concur (5) 28 Monk (5) 29 Lift up (5)

30 Fisherman (6) 31 Conquer (6) Down 1 Allocates jobs or duties (7) 2 Snares (5) 3 No matter what (6) 5 Morally pure (6) 6 Try to stir up public opinion (7) 7 Choose by a vote (5) 9 Asian dress (4) 15 See 16 16/15 Formal headwear (3,3) 18 Remarkable (7) 20 Snake (7) 21 Scarce (6) 22 Man-eating monster (4) 23 Turn sharply (6) 24 Bulgarian capital (5) 26 Handbook (5)

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

1 Eager, 4 Chips, 9 Private, 10 Apart, 11 Sleep, 12 Mystery, 14 Lose, 16 Often, 18 Argue, 21 Care, 24 Hurried, 26 Seize, 28 Slips, 29 Protect, 30 Fewer, 31 Heals. Down: 2 Alike, 3 Example, 5 Heats, 6 Plateau, 7 Seems, 8 Stays, 9 Push, 13 Year, 15 Once, 17 Forgive, 19 Restore, 20 Chase, 22 Adapt, 23 Best, 25 Issue, 27 Ideal.

ENGLISHSPANISH Across: 1 Elbow, 3 Salud, 6 Very, 7 Imagen, 9 Lento, 10 Norte, 11 Puerta, 12 Higo, 13 Shade, 14 Brass. Down: 1 Envelopes, 2 Berenjena, 3 Semana, 4 Lagartija, 5 Dangerous, 8 Bottle.

CODE BREAKER

Across 1 Azulejos (ladrillos vidriados) (5) 4 Desván (5) 7 Hombros (9) 8 Strange (person, event, behaviour, feeling) (4) 9 Here (in this place) (4) 13 Traducir (9) 15 Rebajas (5) 16 Asses (donkeys) (5)

Down 1 Stools (seats) (9) 2 Perdedor (5) 3 Nieve (4) 4 Over there (4) 5 Corbata (3) 6 Castles (buildings) (9) 10 Reina (5) 11 Pregunta (4) 12 Cow (4) 14 Todo (en su totalidad) (3)

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

By JK Rowling Released through: Little Brown UK IT was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, is also a new play by Jack Thorne, and is the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. It will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016. books@euroweeklynews.com

SPONSORED BY

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

World Universities

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century. The Institute is committed to generating, disseminating, and preserving knowledge, and to working with others to bring this knowledge to bear on the world’s great challenges. 2. Harvard University Harvard College was established in 1636 by vote of the Great and General Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony, and was named for its first benefactor, John Harvard of Charlestown. Harvard is America’s oldest institution of higher learning, founded 140 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. 3. University of Cambridge Cambridge University is rich in history, its famous Colleges and University buildings attract visitors from all over the world. But the University’s museums and collections also hold many treasures which give an exciting insight into some of the scholarly activities, both past and present, of the University’s academics and students. The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world. 4. Stanford University Stanford University enrols more than 8,000 graduate and professional school students studying in some 65 departments. Stanford offers many opportunities for graduate students to pursue multidisciplinary teaching, learning and research. It is recognised as one of the

App of the Week Lifeline Available free on Apple Popular text-based adventure game Lifeline was named Apple’s App of the Week, and as a result, it’s available to download for free for the first time since it launched in April 2015. Lifeline is a text-based game that asks players to make life or death decisions to help navigate Taylor, the protagonist, through the storyline. Written by Dave Justus, the story walks players through the aftermath of a crash landing on the moon of an alien planet.

THE World University Rankings 2015/16 have recently been released, where the Universities were judged on six key performance indicators to find the world’s top universities. Here we take a look at the top 10:

Sudoku

Play on Words MIT: Committed to working with others. world’s leading research and teaching institutions. 5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) The mission of the California Institute of Technology is to expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education. They investigate the most challenging, fundamental problems in science and technology in a singularly collegial, interdisciplinary atmosphere. 6. University of Oxford Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and lays claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. As an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research, Oxford attracts students and scholars from across the globe, with almost a quarter of their students from overseas. More than 130 nationalities are represented among a student population of over 18,000. 7. UCL (University College London) University College London (UCL) has a proud pioneering history, a distinguished present and an exciting future. UCL is one of the world’s very best universities, consistently placed in the global top 20 in a wide range of world

rankings. The school is currently seventh in the QS World University Rankings (2015/16). 8. Imperial College London Imperial College London is a university of world class scholarship, education and research in science, engineering, medicine and management, with particular regard to their application in industry, commerce and healthcare. It is consistently rated among the top five universities in the UK. 9. ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Consistently ranked the top university in continental Europe, ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, is a leading player in research and education in Switzerland and worldwide. ETH Zurich’s 16 departments offer Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programmes in engineering and natural sciences. 10. University of Chicago The University of Chicago was founded in 1890 by the American Baptist Education Society and oil magnate John D Rockefeller, who later described the University of Chicago as ‘the best investment I ever made.’ The land for the new university.

i PRICE

MAN WN

Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.

TARGET: Average: 17 Good: 23 Very good: 33 Excellent: 43

SCORING: • 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION awol alto altos alias alit alba abaci iota iotas ache blat bait bail bach each ewer ewers ciao cabal ceil cert certs chew chews chert chum jail clot clots cows cowl coos coot cootie cool cooee coil colt colts cote cots cower cowrs erst hews hers hurt hurts hurst

Word Ladder SEND

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

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

TIME OUT

GAIN BACK

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

SEND SAND SAID RAID RAIN GAIN

TOP 10

BOOKS

www.euroweeklynews.com

Answers: An eye on the prize, Big man in town.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Little white lies don’t hurt

OUR VIEW

TALKING about an ingrown toe nail is not the best chat up line in the world Colin Bird A weekly look Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-thewall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.

THE Princess and I celebrated our wedding anniversary recently, and it brought back the day that I first met her on a beautiful Bermuda beach. She had remarked upon a number of discernible scars on my abdomen, and having shown some false reluctance to talk about the subject, I eventually gave in and recounted the story of how they had been received. Some years before in my home town of Reading, I was passing a Building Society branch when two masked armed robbers burst out of the door. Stupidly and without giving too much thought to my actions, I gave chase and received a shotgun blast to my stomach for my troubles.

MEMORIES: Of that first meeting on a beautiful Bermuda beach. But I somehow still managed to wrestle one of the robbers to the ground and with the help of other passersby, we managed to subdue him and his accom-

plice until the police arrived. Being a modest kind of a bloke I don’t talk about it much, but the shotgun pellet marks are still visible. Bet you’re impressed.

My wife certainly was when I originally spun the tale to her many years ago in my efforts to win her affections. But the truth is, I had

surgery years before for a scary ingrown toe nail which was removed along with a significant chunk of my big toe. Grafting was deemed necessary before I was allowed to go home and a dozen or so pinch-grafts were taken from my abdomen. A routine procedure under local anaesthetic, but one that had me chewing the bed pan in agony once the effect of the drugs had worn off. I left the hospital two days later with a throbbing midsection; limping and chastened with lectures about the perils of wearing winkle picker shoes ringing in my ears. I was 18 years old. My good lady was a tad unhappy when I eventually told her the real story, but let’s face it; talking about a manky ingrown toe nail is not the best chat up line in the world. And I did get the girl.

Quo Vadis UKIP and Nigel Farage POLLS at present are running neck and neck

Random thoughts... THERE is supposedly an old Chinese proverb which says ‘be careful what you wish for. You just might get it’ and this seems to apply to Nigel Farage and UKIP. Really, what is going to happen to UKIP after the June referendum? If the result sees a withdrawal from the European Union, then they can hang around for a while giving sound bites about what the exit agreements should consist of. But, if the decision is to remain within the Union, then their day will have come and gone and their ideas will have been rejected, so unless they want to act like a pack of dogs snapping at the ankles of the victorious government then once again they become a spent force. Those in the conservative party who campaign for an exit are play-

Nigel Farage MEP

Photo Credit David Muscroft Shutterstock

John Smith

ing roulette with their political futures and if the ball falls on the right colour, their futures are assured and all they will have to do is agree which of them will take the roll of prime minister and who will take the other top jobs in cabinet. If the ball falls into the losing slot, then they won’t even have a viable UKIP to join and will have to set up their own party, which is likely to have few members as those on the back benches who secretly supported them, are likely to see a sinking ship and jump it. A lot is going to happen between now and June and with limited budgets, both the for and against exit parties are going to have to be very careful with their funds and very clever with their propaganda if they hope to in-

CALAIS: Clean-up.

Photo Credit Malachybrowne flickr

What will happen? THIS probably won’t be an immediate worry to many expats living in Spain, as the first and most likely effect will be that the French, who took literally years to put in to place relatively effective measures to control the border at Calais, will smile and with a typical Gallic shrug of the shoulders, simply walk away leaving Britain to its just desserts. They don’t want thousands of scruffy, unemployed foreigners camping in Calais and causing so much irritation to the French, who regularly have to spend a lot of euros on dismantling the camps or looking after these often destitute people, but whilst we both belong to the same club, then they will have to be seen to pay more than lip service to the borders. Britain is not part of the crumbling Schengen agreement and under European law is entitled to keep its borders guarded. The French have said that in the event of Britain leaving the EU, they will not relax their position and will still allow British border posts on French territory, but it will be a lot easier for them to wash their hands of the whole problem and let ‘les rosbifs’ cope with the migrants without French interference if Britain leaves. That’s the immediate problem, but what happens if Scotland decides to leave the UK in the event of the Brexit going through? Will we have a second front on the border between England and Scotland, as Hadrian’s Wall certainly won’t be too effective. Many people in Spain have the opportunity to vote in the referendum and hopefully everyone who can, will register to vote and will vote wisely.

fluence the media and the electorate. At the moment, the polls seem to be running neck and neck and for once the overseas vote may have a role to play. There are plenty of people living outside of the UK, both in and out of the EU who will have their own decisions to make, provided that they can be bothered or are allowed to vote. Will they be selfish and think only of their own futures or selfless and think of their children and grandchildren, as any decision is likely to last for a number of generations but one thing is certain, if the vote goes for an exit, it will take years for the actual exit to be completed and there will be a lot of Now we changes for expats all through the want to Union as well as Europeans workhear your views. ing and living in the UK. It is very easy to register to YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE vote and costs nothing, so - YOUR OPINION don’t give up the chance to help www.euroweeklynews.com make the decision.

HEALTH BEAUTY

Mallorca

3 - 9 March 2016

So you’ve taken up running then? Wear the correct shoes! THERE is no need for a trainer, just the motivation to get out there

FOOTWEAR: You need to have your feet measured in a professional running shop.

FitFoxy Looking Good, Staying Trim

RUNNING is the fitness choice selected by many, due to the fact it is so convenient and practically free to do, if you discount the fitness kit and trainers. You get to train outdoors, which is always a bonus, you don’t necessarily need a trainer or anyone else to train with you, just the motivation to get out there and enjoy yourself. However one of the important and often overlooked things to consider when you are taking up running is the condition your body is in when you start, and the condition it needs to be kept in to keep you from injury. There is a huge differ-

continue running without pain. • Another important thing to consider to prevent injury is CORE and GLUTE TRAINING. You may wonder why your backside should have any relevance to running, the truth is, it has a grea deal. Your core including lower back, abdominals right through to your glutes, adductors, abductors and hip flexors, all need to be kept in a strong balanced state if they are to support your body through any future challenging runs or races. Lunges, squats, hamstring rollouts, weighted adductor/abductor raises, hip bridges. There is plenty of information available to help you to improve your strength in order to make your runs more effective and keep you free of injury. Consider adding some glute exercises to your weekly routines. Happy running!

Education can be helpful TEENAGERS who stay at school until at least the age of 18 are more likely to stave off the effects of dementia in later life in those at risk. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA, looked at 393 dementia-free people over the age of 70 who carried the APoE4 gene which is understood to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, and those who did not have the gene. They also looked at the relationship between those who stayed in school and education

SCHOOL STUDIES: Keeping the brain active.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM

TO READ MORE

ence between a conditioned gym goer and a complete beginner. • The first basic thing you need to make sure you get right is your FOOTWEAR. You may think this is obvious, but believe me I have seen people running in Converse All Stars, fashion pumps and worse. If you are to take your new sport completely seriously you need to have your feet measured and your gait assessed in a professional running shop. This way you will get the exact style and fit of running shoe that is going to one day take you through a 5km to 26.2 mile race. In the past I have trained clients that have suffered from shin splints from running and high impact exercises. After making a podiatrist appointment and correct inserts were put in their training shoes they recovered and were able to

EWN

for longer. Their results found keeping the brain active helped stave off Alzheimer’s in those with the gene. However, the study concluded that education and mental activity did not help the general public who did not carry the gene and were not classed as at high risk of developing dementia. Experts warn that more than 100 million people across the world will be battling Alzheimer's by 2050.

Spain’s organ transplants A KIDNEY transplant carried out earlier this month in Valencia was the 100,000th to be done in Spain. Since then, a further 116 transplants have been performed in the country with a total of 100,116 carried out in Spain since 1965. Of these, 3,689 were on children. Kidneys have been the most surgeries with nearly 63,000 transplants, followed by liver (23,881) and heart (7,616). To these must be added the more than 400,000 tissue and cells transplants performed, leading to more than half a million people benefiting from the Spanish transplant system. Director of the National Transplant Organisation, Rafael Matesanz, said the

goal was to reach 40 donors per million population by 2020 and to carry out around 5,000 transplants a year; a goal that promises to be reachable after 2015 closed with a record 4,800 transplants. The average waiting time for transplant varies with each organ, as explained by the National Transplant Organisation. In the case of lungs, waiting lists are usually between five and six months; three months for a heart; four to five months for a liver and 15 to 18 months for a kidney. The Spanish transplant system consists of a network of 186 approved centres for organ donation and 43 for carrying out transplants, spread across all region’s hospitals.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

Nutrients help to protect against heart disease TRY eating more pumpkin seeds, nuts, seeds and shellfish

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ask The Doctor

Brought to you by

Migraines

SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte. This week a reader asked the doctor about migraines:

MEDITERRANEAN DIET: Full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

By Gemma Quinn HEART disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UK and US, yet it is believed everyone can do more to help prevent it, simply by making a better choice in the foods you eat. A nutritional expert has said by eating more micro-nutrients, most chronic diseases won’t exist. So what should you eat? Omega 3 essential fatty acids Easy for us lucky enough to

live in Spain, known for its rich Mediterranean diet and fresh fish. Eat more oily fish, nuts and seeds and seed oil to help prevent the bad cholesterol. Magnesium It plays a vital role in the production of a type of energy called ATP, which is needed by muscles, including the heart, to relax. Studies have shown that good levels of magnesium can help prevent stroke and heart attacks. It can be found in nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables

and pulses. Co-Enzyme Q10 Known for helping with energy production alongside Magnesium, Co-Q10 is also a powerful antioxidant and can work well with selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc to help protect our arteries from damage. It is found in meat, eggs and fish. Vitamin D Research has shown that when you are deficient of vitamin D there can be a 40 per cent higher risk of heart disease. The best source is sunshine, but small doses are also found in fish, some mushrooms and eggs. Zinc Just like Omega 3 oils, zinc can help prevent inflammation and it has also been shown to have protective properties, par-

ticularly for coronary artery disease and can help improve cardiac function. Try eating more pumpkin seeds, nuts and seeds, shellfish. Vitamin C Vitamin C, alongside vitamin E, Zinc and Co-Q10 work together to help protect you from cardiovascular disease and cellular damage. Vitamin C has also been shown to help lower bad cholesterol so stock up on fresh fruit, particularly berries, parsley and red onions. Lycopene is a carotenoid, which has been shown to help protect against a range of cancers as well as heart disease. It has many benefits including helping to increase flexibility of arteries and protect them from hardening. Lycopene is found in cooked and sundried tomatoes, peppers, papaya, water melon, red cabbage and asparagus.

Dear Doctor, I recently had what I can only describe as a migraine attack. I was driving and suddenly my vision became blurred. About five minutes later I felt so bad I had to go home. Once there the migraine started, the pain was almost unbearable and I had to take painkillers and wait for it to pass. My GP told me it was a migraine. I’ve had a couple more attacks since and am very worried. -Is this normal? Do I need tests? Migraines are a frecuent cause of headaches but not all headaches are migraines. They can be intense and cause pulsating pain to one or both sides of the head. If you have these symptoms you should be evaluated by a specialist, who will carry out tests including a blood test and an MRI. -What is the difference between a normal headache and a migraine? Migraines tend to affect specific areas of the head and can be associated to neuralgic symptoms including visual alterations, numb-

ness or tingling sensation in the face or hands and even, although this is rare, temporary paralysis of the face or other parts of the body. They usually last between 24 and 72 hours and wear off gradually. Patients usually identify their symptoms quite quickly and as time goes by can learn to prevent or reduce attacks by taking certain measures. -How can I control these attacks? When they happen I have to stop what I’m doing and if I’m driving it could be dangerous. Attacks can be hard to control but usually if caught early they can be kept in check. Stressful situations should be avoided and those prone to migraines should get plenty of sleep at night and avoid anything they suspect sparks their attacks. -What causes them? The causes are unknown, but genetics, hormonal changes and certain medicines are believed to be involved. Some patients also relate their attacks to certain foods or drinks including alcohol, chocolate or caffeine.

If you have any questions for Dr Perez Belmonte, please send them to: jefemedico@helicopterossanitarios.com The Coast’s Home GP service - wherever you are - at home - in the office - in the car - on the golf course your GP will get to see you any time, anywhere. A priceless service at an affordable price.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

Advertising feature

Personalised health and fitness for everyone at Reflex Center Mallorca A GREAT option for people who are on the island for a short period of time WITH summer just around the corner, worries about body shape and general health can begin to surface. Reflex Center Mallorca, with its specialised classes and personalised attention, can help in overcoming these concerns and in maintaining general health, beauty and overall confidence. Reflex Center Mallorca prides itself on quality service by offering more personalised attention and ensuring that visitors and clients alike always feel welcome. Reflex Center Mallorca is a wellness fitness centre for both men and women specialising in small group training. Clients receive personalised attention in smaller groups. The centre offers a variety of classes including Kropp training, Jump On classes with trampolines, group Pilates training, TRX (suspension training), piloxing, yoga, zumba, personal training and much more. For people who suffer from knee problems, the centre offers cardioball classes which al-

Photos provided by Reflex Center Mallorca.

By Sandra Galo

REFLEX CENTER MALLORCA: Personalised attention and a wide range of classes. low for a cardio workout without straining the knees. It is also one of the few centres on the

Meningitis jab petition

VACCINE PROTECTION: Has been available for babies since September. MPs in the UK are to debate the introduction of meningitis jabs for children under the age of 11, after more than 700,000 people signed a petition calling for action. The petition was launched after parents shared photos of their infants who died from the infection.

Former England rugby player Matt Dawson also joined the campaign after he tweeted images of his youngest son, who had been battling with meningitis. The Petitions Committee agreed to schedule a debate but said it would like the House of Commons to hear from some of the families

who have been affected by meningitis B as well as relevant medical experts. A vaccine to protect against Meningitis B has been available on the NHS for babies aged two months since September. Parents who want older children vaccinated must pay privately.

island equipped with pilates reformers machines. The centre also offers clients beauty

treatments including facials and corporal treatments with machines as well as specialised massages. Classes are usually given in English and Spanish, although German and Swedish are also spoken. No membership is required. Clients can choose to pay monthly or each time they visit the centre. Reflex Center Mallorca is a great option for people who are on the island for short periods of time and want to continue to work out without having to pay yearly membership fees. The centre has been in operation since June 2010 and can be found near the bus stop on the way to Portals Nous when coming from the roundabout of Bendinat (Carrer de Andratx 8.5km). Reflex Center Mallorca is open Monday to Friday morning from 9am to 1pm and in the afternoons from 4 to 8pm. A car park is available for clients. For more information or to see photos of the centre and the various classes offered, visit Reflex Center Mallorca on Facebook and Instagram or call the centre on 971 677 282.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Slaughterhouse tactics US Department of State on Wikimedia commons

AL ASSAD is a butcher but he’s a supermarket assistant compared with the Daesh killers Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene

ACTING foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo claimed recently that Bashar Al Assad should have a role in Syria peace plans. Mentioning Syria and peace in the same sentence is optimistically oxymoronic but Margallo has a point. Al Assad is a butcher but he’s a supermarket assistant compared with the Daesh killers, who initially received encouragement and arms from the West. The West is as responsible as Al Assad not only for the rise and consolidation of Daesh, but also the thousands of refugees hammering at Europe’s door.

Mind the gap!

Born to it RODRIGO RATO is a former cabi-

net minister and government vicepresident, bank president and president of the International Monetary Fund. He is also up to his neck in corruption, embezzlement and money-laundering allegations, and faces four-and-a-half years in prison. Rato’s own father was jailed for fraud in 1967, at a time when few paid for monetary sins. Rato junior would be an unsatisfactory example in the nature or nurture debate because he is clearly a case of 50-50.

GARCIA-MARGALLO: He has a point.

AS it does each year, Spain remembered with a shiver the attempted coup of February 23, 1981. Beleaguered Adolfo Suarez had thrown in the towel on January 29 after five years as president. Lt Colonel Antonio Tejero and his men stormed parliament 25 days later to save Spain from ‘a vacuum of power’.

Four-way stretch MARIANO RAJOY and Pablo Iglesias have both manoeuvred for another general election. Rajoy wants to believe that he, and only he, can improve t he PP’s showi ng i n anot her election. Iglesias is confident that Podemos would overtake the PSOE given a second try. Gamesmanship doesn’t always win games and both could lose votes. Rajoy for becoming the PP’s problem and not its solution. Iglesias for revealing himself as petulant and arrogant. Between them they make Pedr o Sanchez and Al ber t Rivera look like emerging leaders.

E W N Mallorca

3 - 9 March 2016

VISIT WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM/FEATURES/RESTAURANTS

Shared art exhibition in Llucmajor PAINTER Dorothee Schäfer and sculptor Antoni Miquel Morro are sharing an exhibition in Llucmajor. Schäfer who was born in Sindelfingen, Germany and Morro from Palma have joined their talents with an exposition entitled

Asimetria on display until March 24. Their work can be seen at Llucmajor’s Claustre de Sant Bonaventura. Visitors are welcome Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 8pm. Entrance is free.

TO READ MORE

SCENE

Free family hiking trips VISIT an oil mill and see painted tiles By Sandra Galo THE Council of Mallorca’s Department of Environment is organising three free family hiking days in March and April. The first excursion on Sunday March 13 will be a guided tour through the towns of Fornalutx and Soller which also includes a visit to an oil mill and to see the art of painted tiles at Can Xoroi in Fornalutx.

The second is planned for Sunday April 10 to discover nature and culture in the municipality of Soller on the path known as ‘camino del Rost.’ The final excursion on Sunday April 24 will explore the Galatzo finca in Calvia starting from Tramuntana. Due to limited space (100 people), it is necessary to sign up on www.conselldemallor ca.net/mediambient/pedra.

OCIAL The Sound of Nomads THE SOUND OF NOMADS panto received a lovely enthusiastic response to their three shows in February with over 200 in attendance. The newest member of the group Kristine gave a brilliant performance as Maria as did all the cast including the children, the Captain and the nuns. The weeks of hard work paid off by making the show a success. The group are pleased with the reviews they received and are hoping to give a couple of repeat performances in the south of the island if it is possible to find a suitable venue. All profits are donated to charities and therefore a reasonable hire cost is needed. If you know of anywhere call Jan on 627 293 273.

SOCIAL SCENE

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

Marratxi’s annual fair for pottery lovers AN annual celebration showing the skill of local artisans FOR pottery lovers, the Fira del fang in Marratxi is the place to visit. The Fira del fang (Pottery Fair) is an annual celebration exhibiting the art of pottery on the island and showing the skill of local artisans. The fair offers a unique opportunity to compare and buy ceramics of all kinds including decorative kitchen pieces, toys, art and more. The fair brings together craftsmen from all over the island, the mainland and even some from abroad will be participating in the event. The fair will take place from March 5 to 13 near the Sant Marçal church in Marratxi. For more information visit www.marratxi.es.

Flickr by Esther Moliné.

By Sandra Galo

POTTER FAIR: Brings together craftsmen from all over.

Mallorca Live Festival MALLORCA LIVE FESTIVAL taking place over two days in April (29 and 30) at the Son Fusteret fairgrounds in Palma, has already confirmed half of the performers. The festival will feature artists from Mallorca, Spain and abroad including Britons Skye Edwards and Ross Godfrey from Morcheeba, German duo Booka Shade, Spain’s FYAHBWOY and Forward Ever Band with more artists still to be confirmed. Local groups participating in the event include La Vereda, Satellites and Dinamo. The festival offers 16 hours of music over the

course of two days and features a diverse range of genres including Indie rock, world music, reggae, elecronica and hip hop. Three different stages will offer simultaneous performances. The event is made possible through the collaboration of local producers, artists and sponsors from the public and private sectors. The event will also offer an art street zone, food trucks with food from around the world, visual arts and a design market. For more information about the festival, go to www.mallorcalivefestival.com.

EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

52 E W N Mallorca V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E W W W . E U R O W E E K LY N E W S . C O M

3 - 9 March 2016

TO READ MORE

PROPERTY

www.euroweeklynews.com

Forecast shows impressive year A BANK report on the year ahead for the Spanish property market has forecast an impressive year that will see continued improvement on the success of 2015. An estimated 420,000 sales will be made in 2016 according to Bankinter, which would represent an increase of 53,000. The following year is expected to continue the trend with 450,000 sales anticipated. Meanwhile house prices will rise by 3 per cent on average and by 5 per cent in prime locations. The report identifies higher employment, better financing and property becoming a more valuable asset for investors, as the key

Grisha Bruev via Shutterstock

By Matthew Elliott

HOUSE PRICES: Will rise in prime locations.

reasons the market will continue going from strength to strength. Property is regaining its lofty status as the go to investment for financial players, both small time and multinational, who are looking for a safe bet away from the uncertainty of the financial markets. A large number of planning approvals given the green light in 2015 will also make their presence felt as construction begins on thousands of new homes. Though positive, the report has an overall realistic tone, with none of the rampant optimism of the boom years before the financial crash in 2008. A declining population and the realisation that property prices are subject to fluctuation were highlighted as other reasons for the relatively modest forecast.

Bank repossessions can be a good way to purchase A LOT of people shy away from a bank repossession, assuming the property is somehow defective or the previous owners have handed over the keys because of some major structural defect or legal issue. Whilst this can occasionally happen itâ€™s very rare and most of the time itâ€™s a simple question of negative equity, in that the owners have refused to pay a mortgage on a property worth substantially less than the loan attached to it. During the property boom the major banks were very generous with their lending, with

some banks willing to lend up to 110 per cent in relation to the valuation, meaning buyers could purchase a property with virtually no deposit. The practice was also common place in the UK, with one lender even offering a 130 per cent loan to value. When the recession or crisis hit, combined with the general drop in property prices, it meant many owners fell into negative equity and had no option but to default on their mortgage. Many financial experts blamed the banks for what amounted to malpractice and it

meant they were left with a mass of properties on their books which they couldnâ€™t sell. Recent months have seen a surge in the amount of bank repossessions being sold throughout Spain, the main reason being their affordability, as banks were eager to offload these properties for a price way below the true market value. As with all properties, the new owners should do their homework and make sure they have the correct legal team on board but there is no reason whatsoever to ignore the repossession market.

PROPERTY

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

Spanish mortgages BANKS are relatively free to set the charges and terms they offer

EWN

Buyers ready from abroad THIS month’s data paints a rather rosy picture as Spain’s housing market continues to recover and although house prices are still falling (around 2.5 per cent to the end of 2015), the fall is by far the lowest since the crisis hit in 2007 and experts are forecasting this year’s prices could even show a slight rise. There’s some good news too, because it appears that property demand has already picked up, and that’s thanks to foreign homebuyers in general. The vibes are that the English, German and Norwegians are ready and willing to dip their toes in the water once more. Buyers are realising that the market truly has hit rock bottom. For example, the average price of a Spanish property on the Costa Blanca is now €199,000. In 2008 that figure was €259,000.

GOOD PRODUCTS: Are available, but there are bad mortgages too. By Ken Mackenzie THERE is no reason to be frightened in approaching a lender to finance the home of your dreams in sunny Spain. Mortgages in Spain, just like in the UK, are offered by banks and savings banks and sold either directly by the lenders or through mortgage brokers. As an added comfort (if you need it) several international banks, like Barclays and Lloyds TSB, offer mortgages in Spain. However, there are a few words of caution because just like any other developed mortgage market there are big differences in the costs of the Spanish mortgages on offer. Some are downright inflexible and

expensive, but there are good products out there too. The main difference between the average UK and Spanish mortgage is the transparency in costs. In the UK, fees are set in stone and as an added safeguard the bank or building society and the mortgage conveyancer are duty bound to explain to the client exactly what the mortgage product is going to cost. In Spain, however, banks are relatively free to set the charges and terms they offer. This translates into significant differences in costs and conditions. Not only do Spanish mortgages vary from bank to bank, they also vary within the same bank, from branch to branch. All rather confusing. In a nutshell there are a lot of good

products out there, but there are bad mortgages too. It is up to the client to shop around and ensure they get the best deal available. You need to ask yourself about variable and fixed rate mortgages and setting a fixed rate with a monthly payment, knowing you can afford it, is seen as the more cautious approach. Most mortgages sold in Spain, however, are variable rate mortgages, meaning mortgage repayments vary according to the base rate set by the European central bank. Borrowers with variable rate Spanish mortgages cannot be certain what their mortgage payments will be in the future. If the interest rate falls they will pay less, but if it rises will pay more.

Is a second-hand investment a worthwhile way to obtain a home? TAX is one of the key factors to consider MUCH of the increase in home sales across Spain in 2015 can be attributed to exchange of used homes rather than new builds. Indeed just 77,865 new homes were sold compared to 276,267 in the traditional market. The data has many expats

30,000 euros worth of savings can be made wondering whether it would be worthwhile buying a cheap second home with the inten-

tion of refurbishing and selling it on down the line. The key question is whether the refurbishments would be more expensive than the difference between a new and old home. Not necessarily so according to property experts. Average savings of more than

€30,000 can be made buying second hand, which can easily see a full renovation project completed. Another key factor to consider is property taxes, new homes are typically built in desirable surrounding which attract much higher tax rates.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Legal or ludicrous? - obscure laws you didn’t know you were breaking MAKES you wonder why all these daft obsolete laws haven’t been repealed, but the government is probably far too busy Nora Johnson

Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson

DID you know Prince Charles couldn’t be charged for setting off a nuclear bomb? Well, according to a recent study, he’s exempt from sanction over a range of laws - and also has special rights over certain ‘crown roads.’ Problem is, nobody knows where those roads are! It’s all down, apparently, to the arcane constitutional position of the Duchy of Cornwall. This 700-year-old landowning estate, which provides the heir to the throne with an income, can’t be made criminally liable for contraventions of certain laws which include the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition & Inspections) Act 1998. Well, this started me thinking about ancient UK laws that have never been repealed (even

ARCANE LAW: Bans eating mince pies on Christmas Day. though statutes may have rendered some obsolete). Among the weirdest are the ones banning you from eating mince pies on Christmas Day. Guilty as charged, m’lud! But if you lock me up, you’d have to imprison at least half the UK population too... Did you also know it’s illegal to die while in

the Houses of Parliament? Which prompts the question: ‘How would they tell?’ if certain excessively low profile MPs broke this particular law. It’s illegal too to enter the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armour (and if you then sit down and die, you’ve REALLY blown it.) Other bizarre laws still in existence include a

ban on firing a cannon close to a house, the use of any slide upon ice or snow, or driving cattle through the streets of London. But a pregnant woman is legally entitled to relieve herself anywhere she wants! And it’s illegal not to tell the tax man anything you don’t want him to know, but it’s perfectly legal not to give him information you don’t mind him knowing (umm, yeah. I think I’ve got that). Finally, anyone who sticks a postage stamp on a letter upside-down is guilty of treason. And the head of any dead whale found on the British coast automatically becomes the property of the King, and the tail of the Queen. Legal or ludicrous? Makes you wonder why all these daft obsolete laws haven’t been repealed. But then, the Government’s probably far too busy dealing with all the endless new EU laws... and fraught upcoming referendum. Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89;£0.79) and iBookstore. All profits to Cudeca charity.

It’s a dream come true in the sun SPAIN is now a must have location for a property portfolio for funds from around the world John Graham The property expert

I’M on the Spanish Costas sitting on the terrace of the golf club, it’s late morning and the sun is hot, I’m wearing my sunglasses and golfers are playing in short sleeve polo shirts. Oh did I mention it’s mid February. I’m wi t h m y c u st o mers w h o have just bought their first home in the sun and naturally they are feeling very happy, it’s a dream come true. There’s something special about buying a home in the sun, it doesn’t matter if you’re buying a small apartment or a luxury villa, it’s a bit like when you bought your first car, it didn’t matter what type of car it was, all that mattered was that it was yours, to enjoy as often as possible. According to the official figures from the Spanish National Statis-

GOOD NEWS: Property prices are expected to increase by 6 per cent on average by 2017. tic s In s titu te the re w e re ove r 3 5 4 , 0 0 0 h o u s e t ra ns a c tions in 2015, that’s a lot of happy new home owners and 2016 is looking g o o d fo r s imilar or e ve n more property sales. What makes my customers even happier is knowing that they have

bought their dream home for an excellent price, around 40 per cent low e r tha n the pric e s ba c k in 2007. The re ’s more good ne w s for property buyers this year from the European Commission, their economic forecast indicates that prop-

erty prices in Spain are expected to increase by 6 per cent on average by 2017. This is especially good news when compared to the European Commission economic forecast for other countries such as France, Belgium and Greece etc where they are forecasting a fur-

ther fall in house prices. The European Commission forecast is important news for property investors, who now see Spain as the country that will generate sustainable profits on property investments. In fact Spain is now a must have location for a property portfolio for funds from around the world. The i ncr ease i n pr i vat e and funds buying property in Spain will further increase the prices of property in 2016, for example we are negotiating on several large property portfolios and we see that property valuations are increasing every month. My customers have just ordered a bottle of Cava with a bucket of ice to celebrate buying their dream home and I’ve asked the waiter to pl ace an um br el l a next t o our table. No it’s not raining it’s just t hat m y cust om er s need som e shade, they are not used to the sun but that’s all about to change. If you are selling your property please contact me we have buyers especially for Mallorca. gk.ipad@me.com

HOMES GARDENS

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

EWN

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

SPONSORED BY

Flowers can be eaten as well! ROSE petals can be added to salads and elderflowers used for home-made wine FAST SERVICE: Connections should be fully functional within 20 minutes.

Dick Handscombe

Gardening Corner Advertising feature

A vision of the future of television in Mallorca TV MED MALLORCA is a well-established company VIEWING television programmes on the island can be frustrating at times, especially for expatriates who have moved to Mallorca and miss the convenience of television viewing in their native countries. The good news is that help is just a phone call away with island-based company TV Med Mallorca. TV Med Mallorca is a well-established company with years of experience in IPTV (Internet Protocol television). IPTV is a system which does not require a satellite dish or an antenna. With TV Med Mallorca, clients have the assurance of an island-based installer and engineer to help with any problems that may arise. The system uses a top-quality German built set-top box (STB) that is fully guaranteed against failure. The STB which is very small and light can be transported and used wherever there is internet access. It is fully functional with a USB antenna, so there is no need for a router to be in the same room. Installation is usually provided within 24 hours with set up taking as little as 10 min-

utes and no cabling or drilling required. The connection should be fully functional within 20 minutes. Because it does not use a satellite dish, there is no need to buy newer equipment, a larger dish or call for an engineer to come for an expensive dish re-alignment. TV Med Mallorca offers clients more than 60 radio stations, an audio club and more than 250 premium channels, including all the traditional favourites. The system is designed to be easy to use with an uncomplicated menu. TV Med Mallorca has been in operation on the island for two years after branching out from its partner company in Murcia. More than 300 new clients have been added in just 18 months. Around 20 new clients are added each week. Installation is just €70, the cost price of the box. Clients pay only for the months they are on the island and can switch on or off at their convenience. For more information, visit www.tvmed mallorca.com or call Jason at 687 493 804.

Buyers should be wary A CONTROVERSIAL weedkiller that was declared ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ by the World Health Organisation has been ruled legal and fit for sale by the European Commission, meaning many consumers, gardeners and growers in

Britain and Spain could unwittingly be using it. The substance is known as Glyphosate and is found in many popular herbicides, indeed it is so widely used that residues have been found in British high street bread. The European Food Safe-

ty Authority ruled after months of review that it was ‘unlikely to be carcinogenic’ but scientists have ridiculed the judgement as relying on unpublished and industry funded studies. The decision was of course welcomed by the agricultural lobby.

By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.

I HAVE had a garden since the age of five. That means that for 73 years I could have been eating mostly home grown ecological food for every meal every day of the year. But poor school food, poor cooking by a busy mother, snacks on the run during a busy business life diverted me at times from maximising my eating of the free health foods from the garden. When I retired in 1994 following two cancer operations, I followed the surgeon’s advice of eating a healthy Mediterranean diet rather than experiencing a debilitating programme of radio and chemotherapy. Fortunately our then holiday home was in a self-sufficient valley that ate and exported fresh produce daily and the older folks gathered wild herbs and flowers for culinary and medicinal purposes and a good number lived well into their 90s, some becoming centenarians. For decades we had eaten globe artichokes, the flower bud of the plant, and when harvesting nasturtium leaves to add zest to salads we added a few flowers for decoration and their subtle taste. Likewise rose petals were added to salads and elderflowers were used to make a home-made wine in the kitchen. Then we started to make Kombucha and added elder rosemary and thyme flowers to add interesting and beneficial tastes. When we walked the local mountains we chewed the flowering tips of rosemary stems for the energy giving oil and Romanesque and cauliflowers were often eaten as vegetables. Then within five years of liv-

ing full time in Spain the village and valley lost its self sufficiency as families moved off the land to work in the construction industry during the boom. So we started to grow all we could ourselves to the state of being self-sufficient in vegetables, herbs, fruit, meat and beneficial edible flowers. We began to research what other beneficial flowers we had in our garden and what we could start to grow and eat. The following are extracted from a longer list mentioned in ‘Living well from our garden Mediterranean style’. Chive, broccoli, borage, citrus and courgette flowers for adding to salads. Marigold petals, nasturtiums and rose petals are also good in

salads. Rosemary flowers for taste and oil content. Passion flower infusions can be relaxing. Rocket flowers add spiciness. Sunflower seeds can be dried and chewed as a snack. (c) Dick Handscombe www.gardeninspain.com March 2016

E W N Mallorca

3 - 9 March 2016

SPONSORED BY

Sherlock has settled in well Housesitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting and the experience and checked sitters get free accommodation! To find a pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com or call Lamia on +44 (0)1865521508

PETS PAGE www.euroweeklynews.com

Group or private training for your dog MAKE sure the class you choose is appropriate to your pet’s skill level

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

ROSETTE: Sherlock was the most promising puppy. WHEN six-month-old Sherlock, an Alsatian-cross puppy, won the rosette for the most promising puppy at the Crowthorne Dog Show, little did he know that six months later he would be moving to Spain. Sherlock’s owners weren’t sure how he would respond to a new life abroad. Once he and his family had settled in Malaga, within very little time he seemed very comfortable with his new surroundings. They realised he has a good memory and is smart so they thought he might adapt

quickly. The only challenge was when the family returned to the UK for a holiday, they couldn’t bring him with them. They feared he might pine for them during their three-week absence. The local vet recommended getting someone to stay with him at home while they went on holiday, so they registered online with HouseSitMatch.com. Within the month they had found experienced pet-sitters, who were happy to move in and care for Sherlock. All went well and the family returned to a happy puppy.

ONCE you have chosen your method of training, you will then have to decide if you want to attend group classes or if you want to train your dog in private. I recommend group classes to enable your pet to socialise with other people and dogs. Group training usually consists of a group of dogs, all roughly the same age, all learning the same basic commands at the same time. Make sure the class you choose is appropriate for your puppy’s skill level, as well as his age. A good group class will have

GROUP CLASSES: Enables pets to socialise. no more than 10 dogs in it, and an instructor familiar with all breeds of dogs who will teach more than just the basic commands. Knowledge of behavioural issues is extremely important, and the class must be structured in such a way that it is fun for you and your puppy. If there are children in your home, having them attend the classes is also important. If there are no classes in your

area, or none that you find suitable, private training is another option. It is individualised to suit your needs. Private training is also good for dogs that have behavioural issues, aggression towards strangers or other dogs. However your trainer will want you to attend a training club which has dog socialisation. Whether you are looking for private training or group classes, ensure the trainer teaches

you how to teach your dog. Another sign of a good trainer is that he/she has the ability to acknowledge that some situations are beyond his/her knowledge, and tells you as such. Inappropriate training techniques can lead to bigger problems. Unfortunately there are a number of people who call themselves trainers who really are fakes. Safest bet is to go to a school that has been established and known for years.

Caring for a Pets for a purpose teething puppy PUPPY proofing your home should be the first port of call when tending to an adventurous new arrival, especially one that is all set to test the boundaries of its environment by chewing ravenously on almost everything in sight. The ground is an obvious target so be sure to pick up any stray socks, shoes, rubbish or electric cords that may be strewn around inviting attention. You can even buy special chewing resistant scents to spray on table legs and chairs, if you have a fondness for your carpentry. You can also train the pup to use his newly discovered teeth wisely and gently, by placing your finger in their mouth. When they chew hard, exclaim loudly and emphasise the pain, then walk away, isolating them to prove a point. With good timing they’ll soon learn that biting too hard will starve them of attention and adapt accordingly. Last but not least, provide an array of chewing toys for them to get all that excess energy out of their system.

USING pets for a domestic purpose other than as company or out of love, doesn’t have to invoke images of exploitation, many animals are well suited to helping humans with their daily needs while being excellent companions to have around. Keeping chickens can see you reap many rewards, from freshly laid eggs to a wholesome clucking to keep up that countryside ambience. Dogs of course can offer protection, especially if you live in an isolated finca, while cats provide excellent pest control. Pygmy goats are highly independent, intelligent and adorable. They provide an excellent reservoir of fresh goat

milk, and an abundance of babies if you’re looking to run a little business on the side. There’s no shortage to the wonders keeping pets can provide, especially if you’d like to live off the grid for a while and forget those city blues. Insects are very handy if you’re looking to feed your other pets (or even yourself in a pinch) while pigs can help clear up any gardening or household mess that may have accumulated. If you have something of a carnivorous appetite, but don’t want to contribute to environmental devastation, keeping cows, sheep, and pigs can be a worthwhile endeavour.

BOATS

3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

Two shows for the price of one coming up soon MANY of the yachts will be available for sale or charter By John Smith MOST of the yachting and chartering world is gearing up for the fantastically successful combined 33rd Boat Show Palma and the Palma Superyacht Show, conducted in partnership with MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association which opens on April 28 and runs until May 2. The two shows will sit side by side in the port of Palma, home to the biggest and best infrastructure, industries and specialist technical service networks in the whole of the Mediterranean and the admission charge is just €5 per day, but pensioners and children under 12 can enter free of charge. The range of exhibits is quite staggering with an anticipated 70 yachts measuring more than 24 metres, most of which will be available for sale or charter, no less than 120 boats measur-

Photo Credit Boat Show Palma

YACHTS ON SHOW: The range of exhibits is staggering. ing eight to 24 metres and some 40 exhibitors from the Superyacht industry. Not only are these shows likely to attract the general

public who will be fascinated by the exhibits, but they will also attract boat captains, potential owners and charterers, all looking for their next in-

vestment or holiday. It’s not just boats, but shipyards, repair shops and suppliers of chandlery will also be present.

EWN

Brexit could even affect boating IN their most recent newsletter, the European Boating Industry association (EBI) which represents members in all areas of the industry in 14 European countries has been considering the situation for Britain and its current trading partners in the boating world in the event it leaves the European Union. Today British companies enjoy a full access to the EU internal market to sell their marine products, such as boats, engines, personal watercraft, components, lifejackets, electronics and many others covered by EU

legislation. As EU-based entities, British companies do not have any additional cost for compliance, certification, taxes or duties when trading in Europe than they have to sell on the British market. As EU citizens, British nationals can work anywhere in Europe without any work or residence permits being required. True, there are restrictions when it comes to, e.g. professional skippers’ qualifications on small commercial vessels but this is not linked to a particular nationality.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016

Mallorca

SPONSORED BY

FOR BEST RATES IN MOTOR INSURANCE CALL: 952 89 33 80

Motoring shorts

Into the future BMW will use this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, taking place on March 3 - 13, to present the world premiere of the new BMW M760Li xDrive. Also making its debut appearance will be the iPerformance model designation which will identify the transfer of technology from BMW i to the BMW core brand in all BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles. The new BMW M760Li xDrive will raise the bar in the sporting luxury sedan segment as the flagship variant of the BMW 7 Series model range. The first-ever M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12cylinder petrol engine generates 441 kW/600 hp and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 3.9 seconds (fuel consumption combined: 12.6 l/100 km [22.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 294 g/km).

Clarkson Quote of theWeek

MOTORING www.euroweeklynews.com

“In Italy, you sometimes get the impression they'd be happier to lose the Pope than lose their right to drive like maniacs.”

Some might say...

Happy birthday Scenic CELEBRATING it’s 20th anniversary this year THE Renault Scenic, which was the European automobile industry’s first compact MPV, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2016. Like the original, the fourth generation Renault Scenic will share its underpinnings with the Ren au lt M e g an e. It w ill be based on the C/d version of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’ CMF platform, as is the case with the Renault Megane and the Renault Kadjar crossover. The compact MPV’s design will be in line with th e co mp a n y ’s n e w la ng u a g e, th at w a s in tro duced on the fifth generation Espace and later seen on the Kadjar, Talisman as well as the Megane. The interior, especially the dash-

SCENIC: Will be unveiled on March 1.

board and centre console layout, will be very identical to these mod-

els. The new three-spoke steering wheel, colour head-up display and R-Link two infotainment

system with an 8.7-inch vertical t ouchscr een di spl ay f l anked by vertical HVAC vents will likely be a few familiar interior elements.

What will Ferraris look like in 2040? COMPETITION held to find the best vision of the Italian carmaker’s vehicles THE Ferrari Top Design School Challenge was a competition initiated a little while ago to find the best vision of

what the Italian carmaker’s vehicles would look like by the time 2040 came around, based on the submissions of

various teams from different design schools across the world. Well, now it’s time to find out who the winners were. The overall grand prize (or Gran Premio Absoluto) went to the Manifesto, a futuristic yet contemporary-looking car developed by six students from ISD Rubika in Valenciennes, France. The team’s entry seamlessly incorporates different sections of the vehicle together to form one complete and coherent design. You can say it’s forward-thinking with a touch of functionality. Aside from the Manifesto, the FL was another entry that deserved special mention. Submitted by Roman Esgorovof Hochschule Pforzheim in Germany, the ingenious cabin of the future makes use of materials other than conventional leather, yet still manages to convey a sense of luxury. The design is said to allow us to rethink how

DESIGN COMPETITON: Teams were asked to incorporate ideas for engineering, safety and even environmental friendliness into their works.

we will eventually interact with our cars. Finally, three students from Hongik University in Seoul, South Korea, took home the Premio Speciale for their de

Esfera concept. This award was decided by online ballot. The Ferrari Top Design School Challenge was judged by a board of jurors composed of esteemed members of the

design, engineering, automotive and motorsports community. Teams and entrants were asked to incorporate ideas for engineering, safety and even environment-friendliness into their works.

E W N 3 - 9 March 2016 / Mallorca

www.euroweeklynews.com

SPORT

City wins League Cup, 4 goals for Marcus, England rugby favourites BARCELONA are heading for their 24th La Liga title Tony Matthews International Sports A former player and now the world’s most prolific author of football books with almost 150 published since 1975, Tony is also the sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio and lives on La Pilica in the Sierra Cabrera Mountains overlooking Turre. Costa de Almeria

FOOTBALL • After a 1-1 draw, Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-1 on penalties to win the League C u p l a st Su n d ay. City’s ‘Man of the Match’ was their former Elche and Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero who saved spotkicks from Lucas, Coutinho and Lallana. This was the first time two brothers (Kolo and Ya y a To u r e ) h ad played against each other in a Wembley final. • Leicester City, with Leonardo Ulloa’s 89th minute g o a l , beat Norwich 1-0 to stay t wo points clear

of Tottenham, 2-1 winners over Swansea, at the top of the Premiership as Arsenal (third) lost 3-2 at Old Trafford. • There were also PL wins last weekend for Chelsea (2-1 at Southampton), Stoke (2 -1 v b o tto m c lu b A s ton Villa), WB A (3 -1 ove r Crystal Palace) and West Ham (1-0 v. Sunderland). • Burnley (2-1 winners at lo w ly B o lto n ) le a d the Ch amp io n s h ip w ith 65 p o in ts to H u ll City ’s 64; Burton Albion (after a 0-0 draw with Walsall) are two points clear of Wigan (6462) in FL1 while Northampton Town, unbeaten in 11, head FL2 by 10 points from Plymouth. • After Celtic drew 1-1 at H a milto n an d A b erd ee n likewise with St Johnstone, six points still separate the Bhoys and the Dons at the top of the SPL. • Barcelona (unbeaten in 34 games) are heading for their 24th La Liga title after beating Sevilla 2 -1 . S ec o n d-

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN: Scored for Atletico Madrid.

DID YOU KNOW? Sixty-nine years ago this week, in March 1947, Oldham’s player-manager Neil McBain kept goal against Hartlepool in a Division 3 (N) game, aged 52.

placed Atletico Madrid won 1-0 at Real Madrid (third) in the ‘capital city’ derby. • Juventus (Italy), PSG (France) and Bayern Munich (Germany) are on course to win their respective League titles. • In the C ha mpions League, Manchester City be a t D yna mo K ie v 3-1 in the Ukraine and Arsenal lost 2-0 at home to Lionel Messi-ins p i r e d Barcelona. • In the E u r o p a L e a g u e round of 32, Manchester United, with two goa ls from te e na ge debutant Marcus Rashford who repeated the act in last Sunday’s PL win over Arsenal, whipped Midtjylland 51 (6-3 on aggregate); Liverpool e dge d out A ugs burg 1-0 tha nks to J a me s M ilner’s penalty and Tottenham ousted Fiorentina 3-0 (4-1 overall). Next up, it’s Liverpool v Manchester United and Spurs v Borussia Dortmund while holders Sevilla play Basle. The two-legged ties are on March 10 and 17. • There have been full progra mme s during this mid-week in the Premiership (including Liverpool v Manchester City again) and Leagues 1 and 2 while coming up this w e e ke nd, it’s Manchester City-Villa, Tottenham-Arsenal, WatfordLeicester and WBA-Manc he s te r U nite d, w hile Birmingham play Hull and Burnley meet Blackburn in the Championship. • And for the record, Gianni Infantino (Who?) is the new FIFA President. RUGBY • Undefeated England are bang on course to complete the Grand Slam after beating Ireland 21-10 in their third Six Nations encounter of 2016. Scotland won for the first time in two years, 36-20 over Italy in Rome and Wales eclipsed

WILLY CABALLERO: City’s ‘Man of the Match.’

Fra nc e 19-10 in a bruis ing a nd untidy contest in Cardiff where 21 minutes were ‘lost’ due to scrummages! • It’s Saracens first and Exe te r C hie fs s e c ond in the Aviva PL. • And Warrington Wolves lead the Supe r Le a gue w hile Le e ds R hinos , w ithout a w in, are currently bottom. BOXING • Carl Frampton is the undis pute d s upe r ba n tamweight champion of the world after last Saturday’s comfortable points win over Scott Quigg. SHORTS • GB’s fencing team have qualified for Rio this summer - the first time they will c ompe te in the O lympic Games since 1964. • For the second year running, golfer Rory McIlroy missed the c ut in the H onda Classic which was won by Adam Scott w hile Engla nd’s Holly Clyburn finished second in the RACV La die s

Masters in Australia. • The World Track Cycl i ng Cham pi onshi ps ar e under way in London. • Tomorrow, Sat ur day and

Sunday, GB’s tennis stars play their first round Davis Cup match against Japan in Birmingham. • England’s cricketers fly out to India this weekend ahead of the T20 World Cup which starts on March 11. • And Lewis Hamilton said, after testing in Barcelona, ahead of the F1 season “My Mercedes car is awesome.” GIANNI INFANTINO: The new FIFA President.

E W N Mallorca

SPORT

3 - 9 March 2016 LOUIS VAN GAAL inflamed the fans’ passion when he collapsed to the ground mocking an Arsenal dive.

TO READ MORE

Mallorca’s best guide to local sport

www.euroweeklynews.com

Rugby day for U16’s and U18’s victory by only a one point advantage. Spectators who braved the cold and rain were treated to a good but intense and hard hitting game between the two teams. Other Senior league matches saw a surprise win for Bahia RC against a strong Shamrock RC in Son Roca. The home team was 19 points to three ahead at the half time break but Bahia RC made a comeback throughout the second half to win by 30 points to 26.

A SERIES of friendly matches were held in Port de Pollensa for the U16 teams from El Toro RC, RC Ponent, Mallorca Bocs, Club Rugby Escolar and Corsaris RFC on a cold and wet Saturday afternoon. All the younger players gained valuable match experience and demonstrated the constantly improving level of rugby throughout the participating clubs. A friendly match between the U18 teams of El Toro RC and RC Ponent in a cold, damp Son Caliu on Saturday. As always there was plenty of rivalry between the two teams and on this occasion the visitors had the upper hand and won by 48 points to 10. Baleares Senior League Corsaris and Dimonis combined team are proving to be the team to beat in this year’s Baleares Men’s Senior League and El Toro RC were prepared for a tough match against the league leaders in Port Pollensa. The experience of both teams played a large part in the game with defensive play crucial in keeping the opposition scoring to a minimum. El

FRIENDLY MATCHES: The Corsaris RFC and RC Ponent teams line up. Toro RC went ahead with an unconverted try matched shortly after with one for the home team. The half

time score was equal until in the second half El Toro RC managed to break through the home team de-

fence to add to their score. Unfortunately two penalties against them then gave Corsaris / Dimonis RC the

Coming up next week Matches still to be played in the Senior Men’s League all involve RC Ponent as a result of their lack of a home pitch; Corsaris/Dimonis home and away, El Toro RC to be played in Son Caliu and against Ibiza RFC in Can Misses. For the younger players and the U14 teams there is a Rugby Day organised by RC Ponent. The U16 and U18 have the next matches in their respective leagues and the girl’s teams have their next matches in the Seven’s league organised by Corsaris.