Euro Weekly News - Mallorca 3 - 9 December 2020 Issue 1848

The people’s paper ISSUE NO. 1848

3 - 9 December 2020

News

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MIXED FEELINGS

THE Balearic Government is­ sued a draft expression of its probable intentions for Christ­ mas and the New Year under the title ‘Proposals for public health measures against Covid­19 for the celebration of the Christmas holidays.’ The document has been re­ ceived with mixed feelings as some believe that it is too re­ strictive whilst others feel that Covid­19 doesn’t take any time off, therefore any relaxation of restrictions could be danger­ ous. In essence it wants to restrict certain family and social gather­ ings to a maximum of six peo­ ple and to keep the curfew as it is except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when it would run from 1am to 6am. Whilst families who live to­ gether will not have to stick to a six person maximum, the inten­ tion is that any gathering which includes people from more than one household should be limited to six either in a house or if a work or social related

event outdoors (on a terrace for example) if possible. As would be expected, those diagnosed with Covid­19, those who are awaiting the result of a test or have been in contact with a sufferer during the previ­ ous 14 days, should not attend any such function. In addition, people are re­ minded to observe all of the recommended health mea­ sures, including masks, social distancing, hand washing, use of gel and wherever possible ei­ ther keep doors or windows open to ensure maximum ven­ tilation. Whilst this is still in ‘discus­ sion stage,’ much depends up­ on the situation with regards to infections in the run­up to Christmas as well as the advice received from Central Govern­ ment and local health authori­ ties. No decision has yet been reached with regards to stu­ dents returning home for the Christmas holidays or other visi­ tors from Spain who may be re­

DRAFT PROPOSALS: New Year’s Eve will be quieter this year.

quired to undertake PCR tests and the Balearic Government says that it is in discussion with Madrid. One thing is fairly certain however and that is Local Police will be particularly vigilant in the run up to Christmas and the Three Kings to ensure that whatever the final decision is concerning, curfews, lock­ downs and the ability to mix more easily, they will enforce the law. By the time that the extend­ ed hospitality hours are agreed (assuming that they are) it is more than likely that restau­ rants will use QR systems (as they do for menus) to record the details of customers.

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3 - 9 December 2020 HAVING just released the first single from his debut album William Clapson (Jack in Water) has begun a collaboration with Mallorquin video director Chuchie Hill with the first, ‘Just Smile’ available on YouTube and two more scheduled for 2021. Chuchie Hill is a Spanish British Director/Producer born on the island of Mallorca, although now happily stuck on the island since the pandemic, she normally lives in Los Angeles and commenting on her latest video she said “When record company Nettwerk reached out, right in the middle of the pandemic, I

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New video was sceptical about the possibility of making anything happen. I love shooting in Mallorca.” William Clapson aka Jack in Water was brought up in a little village in Essex, listening to the diverse musical influences of his parents, ranging from the melancholy and drama created by bands such as Radiohead and The Blue Nile, to the powerful R&B and soul voices like Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross whilst growing up.”

William said “Before meeting Chuchie I had only made music videos in the UK as I am fairly new to Mallorca. I was really excited at the prospect of collaborating creatively with someone on the island. I was a big fan of Chuchie’s previous work with Anthony and the Johnsons and her documentary work.” Enjoy ‘Just Smile’ at https://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=IEGGtoicCCw&feature=you tu.be

Gasping for breath ONE hidden negative effect from the Covid­19 pandemic to the economy of the Balearics has been the enormous slump in the sale of cigarettes which generates large amounts of revenue for the tax man as well as profits for tobacconists. According to figures released by the Balearic Ministry of Finance, the drop is in the region of 40 per cent as in October 2019, 77.7 million packets were sold whilst in the same month this year, sales had

dropped to 47.2 million packets. With annual sales down by more than €150 million so far this year, the lack of tourists is blamed for this significant drop with British purchasers in particular previ­ ously benefiting from an average cost of €5 (£4.55) per packet in Mallorca, against £12.50 (€13.75) in the UK. At least, the drop in sales of cigarettes might see the health of some people im­ prove.

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NIBS EXTRA Parking spaces THERE may be a shortage of parking spaces in Palma as bars have been allowed to extend their terraces into the road on a temporary basis during the pandemic and of the 3,000 bars there, more than 1,000 have done this.

Marine reserve THE most recent increase in size of the Es Freu de Sa Dragonera marine reserve Mallorca means that there are now 11 such reserves in the Balearic Islands and Sa Dragonera declared just four years ago has seen many more fish thriving.

Free concert OBSERVING social distancing and wearing masks if not playing a wind or brass instrument, the Unió Musical Inquera performed a short open-air free concert of paso dobles in Inca’s Plaza España, to welcome the autumn.

Death penalty AS part of the annual ‘Cities for Life, Cities against Death Penalty’ Day on November 30 promoted by Amnesty International, the Manacor Council turned on its lights as a sign of support for the concept of abolishing the death penalty around the world.

Tuna catch IT has been a bumper year for Mallorca’s fishermen as they have caught more than 1,000 Blue Fin Tuna and by weight, this is around three times more than they caught during 2019 which suggests that international quotas are effective.

Travel subsidy THE Balearic Government has paid the sum of €1,274,475 to the five companies that are responsible for inter-island transport in respect of the subsidies covering residents’ discounts for the first six months of this year.

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Three Kings will feel lonely TRADITIONALLY the Three Kings Parade in Palma is a fan­ tastic event for all of the family, with huge floats and sweets ga­ lore, but January 5, 2021 is go­ ing to be quite different due to the Covid­19 pandemic. The Palma Council has an­ nounced that whilst it will still take place, there will be no crowds allowed on the streets and it will be broadcast on the IB3 television channel. The route itself is not yet con­ firmed nor the way in which it will be policed to ensure that no crowds gather with all being re­ vealed nearer the time. There will be some events which the public can attend,

This year’s Three Kings Parade will be quite different. such as the arrival of the Pages although that and the numer­ ous nativity scenes sited around the city will be subject to strict social distancing. There are some 80 events taking place from now until Jan­

uary 15, many aimed at chil­ dren, although there are a num­ ber of classical music concerts as well as Christmas markets and to see exactly what is hap­ pening and when, visit https://nadal2020palma.cat.

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No child left without a gift CALVIA Council is running a campaign inviting residents who have not been adversely affected financially by the Covid-19 pandemic to sponsor a present for children of those who are struggling to make ends meet. Working with the neighbourhood association AMIPAS and its own Social Security department it is asking for families who are facing difficulties to send a letter from their child to the Three Kings via mail or WhatsApp to explain their problems and what the child would like as a gift. The council will list all of the requests on its Facebook page and ask those who can afford to respond to sponsor a specific gift for a specific child or family. Hopefully, this will ensure that no child will be left without a gift on Three Kings’ Day.

Children’s playgrounds Assistance dogs THE Balearic Government de­ cided to allow the reopening of children’s playgrounds with effect from Saturday Novem­ ber 28, and some councils re­ acted to this good news for youngsters, faster than others. The decision to close the playgrounds was made in mid­ September to coincide with the return to school, but now it is believed that whilst dan­

gers of infection do still exist, they have reduced consider­ ably. One of the first councils to respond to this opportunity was that in Marratxi which controls 20 playgrounds and it has appointed a specialist company to disinfect all of the equipment on a regular basis. It has also reminded parents of the need to ensure social

distancing, respect hygiene re­ quirements including regular hand washing and the manda­ tory wearing of face masks for children over the age of six. It is hoped that by allowing the children out in the fresh air of the playgrounds which are open from 7am to 9pm, it will be much better for their health than being stuck in­ doors and trying to exercise.

Credit: Marratxi Council

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One of the Marratxi playgrounds which is now ready for use.

UNTIL now, the Assistance Dogs Act approved by the Balearic Gov­ ernment in 2014, recognised the right of people with disabilities, especially those with visual, hear­ ing and physical problems, to ac­ cess, circulate and remain in any public or private space accompa­ nied by an assistance dog. An amendment to this bill was passed on November 30, intro­ ducing two new categories for

those who have problems which are not physically obvious and in­ cluded warning dogs for those who have an illness or disability that can cause a sensory discon­ nection, such as diabetes, which the dog can sense. The second new category cov­ ers those with autism spectrum disorder as the dogs are specially trained to control emergency sce­ narios.

Tree planting THE Palma Council is determined to increase the amount of green spaces in the city and has a target of planting 10,000 trees in order to make the environment better for visitors and residents. Its latest activity has seen the planting of a selection of 18 trees all from Mediterranean species in an empty plot in the Son Dameto area on carrer An­ dreu Jaume i Nadal. Local residents and their children joined in with council workers to complete the task at hand.

United against Mystery German gender violence DURING the meeting of the most senior politicians from Spain and Italy in Palma on Wednesday November 25 the bulk of matters discussed centred on the rela­ tionship between the two countries and the European Union. Both Spain and Italy are to be the main beneficiaries of the recovery fund and both have similar problems with employ­ ment, their economies and infection from the pandemic, so they need to work to­

gether to ensure the unanimous support of fellow member states. There was also a symbolic signing by Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez and the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, of a declaration by Spain and Italy on the occasion of the In­ ternational Day for the Elimination of Vio­ lence against Women and their hopes to eliminate such gender violence in each country.

SOMEONE with a social conscience arranged for posters to be put up throughout the centre of Palma on the evening of November 27 which carried the phrase Ayudanos @ Ayudar (Help us @ help) which is an organisation which is particularly strong in Latin and South America. It basically exists to assist those who are suffering from the financial burdens of the pandemic and some of the posters simply called for help for those in the Balearics who are in need

of assistance. Whilst it is not known who master­ minded this campaign, a report in Ger­ man language newspaper Mallorca Zeitung revealed that it had been told that a tall man wearing a Bayern Mu­ nich football top went to a food bank and offered money for those waiting in line to put up some posters. It is assumed therefore that he was a German national trying to draw at­ tention to poverty and hardship in Mallorca.

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Appeal for donations in Santa Ponsa SPECSAVERS ÓPTICAS in Santa Ponsa is calling on the public to think of those less fortunate than themselves and support people who have been hit hard by the pandemic. The store is an official drop off point for a new food bank, organ­ ised by the Santa Ponsa Commu­ nity Church, to support local indi­ viduals and families who have been struggling in lockdown. According to Santa Ponsa Food Bank, 40 per cent of all jobs on the island are at risk due to the 90 per cent drop in tourism in 2020 and Mallorca’s reliance on the tourist sector. Sadly, around 20 per cent of Mallorca’s residents are living at or below the poverty line and

32,000 residents are already re­ ceiving food from charity organisa­ tions with numbers increasing dai­ ly. The incredible support being provided includes Manuel Mas who with his organisation SOS Calvia, feeds over 150 people in the Magaluf area and Yvonne Hepp who works with Paguera Helps Paguera to feed over 225 residents. Both organisations have seen an 80 per cent increase in de­ mand since September and so really need support. Santa Ponsa Community Church are also meeting with the town hall to dis­ cuss how they can collaborate to ensure that vulnerable families known to the social services can

get any extra help they need. Martin Blake, store director at Specsavers Ópticas in Santa Ponsa says the store was keen to play its part in providing support to those in need at such a difficult time. He has been overwhelmed by the generosity of local residents who have already donated, and he urged others to support the in­ credibly worthy cause. “We know that the pandemic has had a significant impact on so many families and individuals in the community, with people los­ ing their jobs and struggling to be able to afford food and basic es­ sentials. That’s why the work of our local food banks and charities is such an important lifeline right

now and we’re delighted to sup­ port this incredibly worthy cause.” The food bank desperately needs donations of the following items to respond to demand ­ bread, milk, juice, pasta, rice, sug­ ar, oil, canned tuna, chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, carrots, onions, apples, toothpaste, detergent, nappies and baby food. You can drop those items off at the store between 10am and 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 1.30pm on Saturday. Visit www.specsavers.es for the store contact details and location. As well as collecting food, the Santa Ponsa Community Church is also collecting donations via a Go­ FundMe page, with the aim of en­ suring no one goes without food in the Calvia area. They are setting up the infrastructure and with the help of 15 volunteers, they have committed to continue with this campaign until at least May 2021. There is also a WhatsApp helpline to make it easier for peo­ ple to ask for help. Message 655 641 362 or email help.fooban ksp@gmail.com and someone will reply to get you the help you need.

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Psychic Predictions TRACEY WOOLTERTON was born with a unique gift of being a true- born, natural Empath-Medium. Tracey’s client list includes Katie Price, Daniella Westbrook and Gemma Collins, to name a few. Now working with us exclusively at the EWN, Tracey will be giving us Month by Month predictions for what she foresees this coming year. Starting with December’s card read from Tracey: Two names are highlighted Russel (possibly Crowe) and Matthew Mark. A Royal stepping down and a big secret revealed within the monarchy. Simon Cowell to announce another pregnancy. A further two lockdowns and a need for new plans and strategies regarding the virus. A large hurricane in the Pacific and an earthquake in Indonesia. So whilst there is still some trouble ahead towards the end of this year, positive changes are upon us. Tracey can be contacted via www.psychictracey .com.

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Eurostar needs support THE cross­Channel rail operator has appealed to the UK govern­ ment for more financial sup­ port as it has been forced to slash its timetables since travel restrictions have drastically re­ duced their customers. Before the pandemic Eu­ rostar ran more than 50 ser­ vices a day; it is currently oper­ ating only one train between London and Paris, and one be­ tween London and Amsterdam.

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT is calling on the government to step in immediately to give lifeline fi­ nancial support for the impor­ tant international infrastructure role fulfilled by Eurostar and the thousands of jobs supported both directly and indirectly by the service.” Eurostar has criticised the government for treating the rail

operation unfairly, after it an­ nounced on Tuesday, Novem­ ber 24 that up to £8 million of business liabilities at each major English airport will be covered. In a statement Eurostar said: “The new scheme of rates relief for airports puts Eurostar at a direct disadvantage against its airline competitors. We would ask this scheme to be extended to include international rail ser­ vices.”

Attenborough quits Instagram SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH has shut down his record­breaking Instagram account, after only joining the social media platform in September. The 94­year­ old broadcaster, who joined the platform to spread his message about climate change, broke a record previously held by Jennifer Aniston­ he managed to attract one million followers in just four hours. In Sir David’s last post, he said: “And that’s it. I’ve passed on the things I wanted to share. There are

others on social media who can pick up the threads from here. We have brought ourselves onto the brink of disaster the likes of which we have never seen before. I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes.” In the clip, he explained that “saving our planet is now a communications challenge. “I am making this move and exploring this new way of communication to me because, as we all know, the world is in trouble,” he said.

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Damm Grimbergen Partnership DAMM is set to distribute Grimbergen beer in Spain, Andorra and Gibraltar which sees an exten­ sion to the agreement signed with the Carlsberg Group in July, when it began to distribute Carlsberg beer in mainland Spain. In a statement from Damm on Thursday, No­ vember 26, Spain’s leading beer and beverages company will also distribute Carlsberg in the Ca­ nary Islands, Andorra and Gibraltar from January 2021.

The new contract also expands the geographi­ cal scope of the initial agreement that grants Damm the distribution rights to the Carlsberg brand. Grimbergen beers will be available through re­ tail sales and in the hospitality industry in all these geographical areas and Damm will also be re­ sponsible for the sales and marketing of Grimber­ gen, including communication, consumer activa­ tions, and direct promotion at the point of sale.

Paramedics on e-bikes TWELVE London Ambulance Service para­ medics are taking part in a new London trial which sees medics deliver care in the com­ munity on electric bikes. The six month Merton pilot aims to take pressure off GPs by providing home care to patients for a range of ailments, including those who have been diagnosed with coronavirus. Khadir Meer, chief operating officer at LAS, said: “Winter is an extremely busy time for our health service and with the ex­ ceptional year we have had, we hope this

pilot will help relieve pressure on GP surg­ eries and ensure ambulances go where they are most needed. “Nobody wants to go to hospital unless they have to and with finite resources, our highly­skilled clinicians are well placed to assess whether patients need care at home or if hospital treatment is required.” Merton Health says another benefit to this pilot is that medics can spend more than the average GP time of 10 minutes with patients.

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First Golden Eagle Spotted prey is indeed a LOCALS are optimistic for the re­ golden eagle, turn of the species after the and said, “When first Golden Eagle was spot­ golden eagles are ted in the skies of Albox in young, the first year Almeria. they have very character­ The sighting has istic plumage. Looking at been confirmed them from below they as a young eagle, have two white wing that leaves locals opti­ spots that are mistic that the very notice­ species has re­ GOLDEN EAGLE: Is a able, and they turned. There has al­ protected species. also have a so been an adult small white stripe on the tail.” golden eagle spotted in the same The Golden Eagle is a protect­ area. ed species and sightings have Elena Jiménez, a graduate in been reported to the authorities Environmental Sciences tells us to help ensure the birds’ safety. how to confirm that the bird of

Costa Blanca millionaire

A NEW overnight millionaire was declared in Murcia as one winner on Tuesday, November 24’s Euromillions was drawn. Overall, Spain had a successful lotto week with lucky winners of the second category based in Sagunto in Valencia and Alfaro in Valencia scooping an impressive €176,840.50 each. The winning ticket for the million euros was purchased in Águilas in Murcia and carries the code: GSB80134.

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Fine exchange THE number of offenders who swap fines for cleaning the streets in Madrid has skyrocket­ ed by 66.8 per cent since Sep­ tember 2019. According to the city council, the profile of the offender who typically opts for community type work as opposed to paying a fine is male, aged between 18 and 29, of Madrid origin and studying at university. And the highest number of fines exchanged for cleaning in this programme are the result of urinating on public roads, an of­ fence classified as ‘serious’ which carries a fine of €751. The city council wants to pro­ mote these exchanges to “achieve greater awareness of citizens about the importance of keeping the capital clean. “The Substitute Environmental Provision (PAS) programme man­ aged by the Environment and Mobility Area has progressively more followers,” said its manag­ er, Borja Carabante. He added: “Participation has increased by 66.8 per cent since September 2019.”

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Covid tests in Pharmacies

T H E regional government of Madrid has proposed allowing pharmacies to carry out Covid-19 tests from December, though this has yet to be agreed by the M inistry of Health. Minister of Health Enrique Ruiz Escudero said this would be a huge step forward “to continue the massive test strategy in our region.” Ministers have taken inspiration from

Slovakia, who rolled out mass testing and have managed to contain the virus as a result. Before starting the test, a training course will be provided to pharmacists. The Deputy Minister of Public H ealth, A ntonio Z apatero, trusts that some 600 pharmacies can collaborate, which would mean being able to carry out “many tests.”

‘Big Ben’ activist ‘EXTINCTION REBELLION’ activist Benjamin Atkinson, 44, scaled Big Ben’s tower and unfurled banners calling for ac­ tion on the climate emergency during a protest on October 18, 2019. He had been taking part in the demonstration outside the Palace of Westminster before he climbed over the fences and climbed the scaffolding of the Queen Elizabeth Tower. The tree surgeon from Ambleside, Cumbria, was up on the scaffolding for three hours while specialist police units from the protest removal team negotiated how to get him down. He had planned to do a live radio broadcast from the top of the tower, while wearing fancy dress, to “highlight govern­ ment inaction on the climate and ecological emergency.” On coming down from the tower, Atkinson was arrested and then later charged with trespass on a protected site con­ trary to section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Po­ lice Act 2005. He was convicted on Wednesday, November 25, and sen­ tenced to 250 hours of unpaid work and handed fines of £865 (€970).

Training course provided.

HOOKAH SMOKING FLOUTERS MALAGA Local Police cleared a cocktail bar of 14 customers who were caught drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking hookahs after the 6pm curfew. Two members of staff were also removed from the premises and the person in charge of the establishment was charged with breaching regulations. The events took place at around 7pm, when the police requested entry to the premises, the doors of which were closed, and requested ID from everyone inside. Minutes later, they were charged with non-compliance of anti-coronavirus measures applicable in Andalucia, such as no more than six people at a table, not wearing masks, sharing the hookah pipes, which had apparently been prepared in the toilets, and opening after the 6pm curfew.

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32,000 THEME JOBS GONE THE worrying trend, for all things entertainment to suffer first in the pandemic, continues as Walt Disney has announced 32,000 job losses from its theme parks. This follows on from a previous announcement that substantial amounts of jobs may have to go due to falling attendances and forced closures due to the pandemic. The layoffs will take place in the early part of 2021 Disney announced, and this follows losses of nearly $680 million (€569 million). Theme parks formed the bulk of that loss - however, its online subscription streaming service made further progress by achieving a 16 per cent increase in revenue.

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EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPEAN NIBS DENMARK

GERMANY

Little Mermaid

Scalped

ALTHOUGH sculptor Edvard Eriksen has been dead for 61 years, his Little Mermaid in Copenhagen is protected by copyright until 2030 and his heirs have won damages of Kr285,000 (€38,300) against newspaper Berlingske which used a zombified image on its front page.

AFTER six years of discussion and the involvement of the US State Department, the Karl May museum, dedicated to the German writer of westerns has agreed to repatriate to America a scalp which may have been taken from a member of the Chippewa tribe.

NETHERLANDS Uber frustrated THE ‘mini cab’ company Uber has been told by the Dutch jobs’ agency UWV that it may not sack 10 workers at its Amsterdam Head Office who refused to apply for redundancy when it wanted to lose 200 workers since it had acted improperly.

BELGIUM New blinds A MAN from Diepenbeek who claimed he was taking a shot of the moon has been given a 12-month suspended sentence, ordered to pay €1,500 and purchase new blinds and curtains for his neighbour after he was convicted of photographing her in the nude.

FRANCE Eco-Museum BRITISH sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor who specialises in under water installations has produced six giant heads which have been sunk to the bottom of the sea off the coast of Cannes to create what is described as Europe’s first ‘eco-museum.’

NORWAY Electric VAT FOLLOWING years of promoting the purchase of electric cars, Norway’s politicians are considering returning to a 25 per cent tax on all electric cars which cost more than Nk600,000 (€56,700) which would hurt brands like Mercedes and Tesla.

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Scottish Christmas Bubbles

SCOTLAND has announced an eight­person limit for Christ­ mas ‘bubbles’ of three house­ holds which should contain no more than eight people over the age of 11. Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has an­ nounced the new rule as part of the government’s guid­ ance which temporarily re­ laxes some Covid­19 restric­ tions for five days over Christmas. The easing of Covid rules, which also states that chil­ dren under the age of 12 do not count towards the total number of people in the bub­ ble, will apply across the UK from December 23 to 27. A UK­wide deal was agreed on Tuesday, November 24, to permit people to meet up in ‘bubbles’ over the festive pe­ riod, with travel restrictions also being lifted across all four home nations. However, Nicola Sturgeon has said the “default advice” and “safest position” was still that people should avoid contact, with the “safest way to spend Christmas and the festive period [being] to stay

STURGEON: ‘Stay at home.’

within your own household, in your own home and your own local area.”

easyJet Bookings Rise ACCORDING to the airline’s chief executive Johan Lund­ gren, easyJet saw bookings rise last week compared to the previous week, albeit starting from a low base. Under the current lockdown restrictions, only essential trav­ el is permitted, however, the UK is due to relax them as the end of England’s second lock­ down draws near. easyJet said bookings for flights from London and Bristol to Belfast and Edinburgh had gone up as Christmas flight re­ strictions are also set to be eased further across the UK al­ lowing families to mix for five days. In a statement on Thursday, November 26, Lundgren said: “We know underlying demand is there, which we see every time travel restrictions are lifted. “We continue to closely re­ view our flying programme to ensure we are aligning our schedule with customer de­ mand,” he concluded.

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Brave Grandma Fights Off Burglar MICHELINE STEPHEN, known as Michelle to her friends, fought off a burglar only two days before her 90th birthday. Micheline, from Cupar in Fife, Scotland, walked into her kitchen on November 20, to find someone there. She initially thought it was her grandson, before soon realising that some­ one had broken into her house. According to Edinburgh Live, Micheline “tried to yank him by the rucksack he was wearing to stop him es­ caping through her window calling him a ‘wee sh**e,’ but he managed to get away.” The grandma originally born in France has not let the robbery phase her, al­ though she is worried that the robber may strike anoth­ er house in the area. “How dare he come to an old per­ son’s home to do that? “I’m old, but some people are much worse than I am and would not have put up a fight. “I want other people to stay vigilant.” The robber made off with Micheline’s lighter and ciga­ rettes and police investiga­ tions continue.

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3 - 9 December 2020 THE EURO WEEKLY NEWS is urg­ ing its readers to support local businesses in the community by going local through the lockdown and for your Christmas shopping this year, instead of feeding on­ line giants and superstores. This lockdown and festive peri­ od we challenge you to rediscover your local high streets, markets, butchers, greengrocers and all of the wonderfully quirky indepen­ dent businesses in your area. Due to the Covid­19 pandemic, you may have to support many local businesses by ordering on­ line and making use of any click and collect services they can oper­ ate if you are unable to get out due to health reasons or lock­ down restrictions. The joy of shopping local means that independent busi­ nesses can help support the local community. Although it may be a euro or two cheaper elsewhere or online, consider where your money is ac­ tually going. By shopping at an in­ dependent store you’re putting food on a local family’s table, and there is no better time than Christmas to give back to your community by making a small gesture and shopping in this way. Many local stores support local charities, support and sponsor lo­ cal sports teams and in many cas­ es the small independent stores are actually much more than just a small high street shop, they’re a family’s legacy, often passed down through numerous genera­ tions and support not just the cur­ rent owner, but the generation before. For those stores which are new, that extra couple of euros spent there are supporting some­ one’s dream and ambition, and

also the courage it took them to

chasing gift vouchers from local

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need is important too. Whilst it’s

GO LO BUYING LOCAL: Helps keep money circulating within the local economy.

step out alone, which is no easy task. It takes quite a large chunk of money to set up an indepen­ dent store and compete with the multi­national and chains. So be sure to pre­order your turkey from a local butcher and get your spuds from a local green­ grocer, let us revive that commu­ nity spirit and get to know our neighbours again. You could also consider pur­

businesses to help them over the coming weeks, thinking outside the box can often lead to some fantastic ideas. Why not buy a meal for two, an hour’s tattoo time at a local studio, a hair cut at a local salon or an online study course for someone looking to change their career path. As people are struggling with fi­ nances thinking about what friends and family may actually

nice to give a glamourous gift per­ haps pre­paying a family mem­ ber’s phone bill for the month would actually be a better gift. Helping people alleviate stress and worry, give the gift of peace of mind through these difficult times. Choosing to spend your money locally will really make a differ­ ence in the recovery of the local economy. When we buy local,

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OCAL our money stays local, and it strengthens the local economy in two ways. First, buying local keeps money circulating within the local economy. Studies have shown that local businesses recirculate a greater share of every euro as they create locally owned supply chains and invest in their employ­ ees. Data shows that local retailers return 52 per cent of their rev­ enue back into the local econo­ my, compared to just 14 per cent for national chain retailers. Money circulating through the local economy benefits everyone who is a part of each transaction. For example, let’s look at a local farmer growing produce. First, they sell to a local restau­ rant, which in turn prepares the fresh produce and sells it to local

customers. The farmer pays its lo­ cal employees and the restaurant uses revenue from sales to buy supplies from a neighbourhood hardware store. This example il­ lustrates how the recirculation of money in the local economy leads to a stronger financial foundation for our neighbours and communi­ ties. Buying local also fuels new em­ ployment and job opportunities for people within our community. Studies show, locally owned busi­ nesses employ more people per unit of sales and retain more em­ ployees over time. While buying local is financially compelling to our communities; the benefits to our environment are equally impressive. Buying lo­ cally reduces the processing of goods, packaging and transporta­

tion waste, which leads to less pollution. There’s a massive cultural shift underway redefining the way people make buying decisions. We’re seeing more individuals concerned about the environ­ ment, about how products are made and sourced, where materi­ als come from, and a company’s overall social and environmental

impact. Many businesses are joining our Go Local campaign by offering customers special offers and dis­ counts throughout the festive pe­ riod, more details to follow here soon. Just remember to follow the latest government advice and any guidance businesses have to keep everyone safe.

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FINANCE Christmas present AS there will be a temporary relaxation of UK Covid-19 rules to allow families to get together Marks & Spencer has announced that it will close on Boxing Day, normally one of the busiest shopping days of the year, so staff can enjoy two days off.

Madrid benefits THE exodus from Catalonia to Madrid continues, despite the fear of Covid-19 with some 433 companies relocating so far this year as they consider that their long-term financial health will be better in a centre with lower taxes and no calls for Independence.

Saturday delivery TO remain a sustainable business, Royal Mail has been advised by its regulator that if it cut out Saturday postal deliveries it would still be able to fulfil its obligations to consumers and save up to £225 million (€247 million) per year.

Finance round ONLINE Spanish employment agency Jobandtalent which concentrates on recruiting temporary workers, is looking to raise up to €60 million through a round of financing and if this is successful will be the largest startup funding raised this year.

OHL construction AS Spanish construction company OHL sees its losses increase to €114 million due to the impact of the pandemic, major shareholders, the Mexican Amodio brothers have allowed a share option to lapse. They currently own 16 per cent of the company (with Luis Amodio holding the post of President) and had an option to purchase a further 9 per cent from Grupo Villar Mir but as the current share price is lower than the option price, they have let it lapse.

STAT OF WEEK

€9.95 billion

is the amount of contributory Social Security benefits paid in Spain in November, an increase of 2.26 per cent over November 2019.

Fisheries funds

Bank Merger Called Off ON November 16, BBVA and Sabadell announced, after several months of speculation, that they were entering into talks with the intention of agreeing to a merger which would have creat­ ed the second strongest bank in Spain. Now, just two weeks later, both banks have ad­ vised the National Securi­ ties Market Commission (CNMV) that due to a number of serious stick­

ing points, they were un­ able to agree a basic un­ derstanding with regards to value of shares and therefore the proposed merger has been called off. Whilst organisations such as the European Central Bank and the Bank of Spain have made it clear that the current fi­ nancial situation calls for the strengthening of banks’ finances by merg­ er, this will not be the

LEGALLY SPEAKING

case for these two. BBVA is by far the stronger of the two banks and having recently sold its subsidiary in the USA for a reported €9.7 bil­ lion, it was clear that the merger, would really be a takeover in all but name. Sabadell saw its share price rocket as the merger talks were confirmed, but they reversed immediate­ ly upon the announce­ ment of the break down of talks and it seems

more than likely that they will now try to divest themselves of overseas assets such as TSB Bank, which has not generated significant profits for them. With a large amount of money in BBVA and a wish to increase its share of established business rather than relying heavi­ ly on emerging business, it seems likely that it will be sizing up other Spanish banking merger options.

Recycling bikes

Can he be empadronado?

Credit: Pink Albatross

BUSINESS EXTRA

www.euroweeklynews.com • 3 - 9 December 2020

16

I live in a caravan parked at the bottom of a friend’s land. I look after the land and do not pay rent. I make my living as a gardener. I would like to be empadronado in my town, but they tell me I must have a proper fixed address in order to register. I have heard that in some places they are registering even homeless persons who live on the street. What can I do?

SPAIN is one of the major beneficiaries of the current European Maritime and Fish­ eries Fund (which expires at the end of this year) and was allocated €1.089 billion out of a total budget of €6.4 bil­ lion. According to Bird Life Inter­ national, the purpose of the fund is to assist in creating en­ vironmental, economic and social sustainability in fish­ eries, but the organisation has serious doubts about the ef­ fectiveness of the spending of some of the money. Figures are only available to the end of 2018 but show that €55 million was spent on subsidies considered harmful to the marine environment and just €5.8 million was spent on artisanal (tradition­ al) fishing whilst €315 million went to industrial fishing.

New UK watchdog

C F (Costa del Sol) Yes, you are enti­ tled to be em­ YOU AND THE LAW padronado, that IN SPAIN is, registered as a resident of your municipality. You can start the process by going to Social Services in your municipal­ ity. Your legal justification is the Resolución del 16 de Marzo de 2015 de la Presidencia del Instituto Na­ cional de Estadistica. You want Article 3.3 which sets out instructions to the various town halls. These in­ structions make it clear that a caravan can be accept­ ed as a valid residence if there is ‘reasonable expec­ tation’ that official notifications can be delivered there. You start with Servicios Sociales only because they help with many problems like yours, including even the homeless.

DAVID SEARL

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

FOR the first time in three years it appears that a Spanish Budget will be approved after the minority government obtained support from both Basque and Catalan leaders in Parliament. On this occasion, Ciudadanos decided that it could not support the budget and it only won a sin­ gle concession, but the combined opposition of centre and right­

GOOD CONDITION: A brand-new recycled bicycle. A DUTCH company formed in 2011 has come up with a re­ cycling idea which is really what it says, as the owners re­ alised that in Holland tens of thousands of bicycles are thrown away every year and the majority of them have very usable parts. The Amsterdam­based Roetz Fair Factory not only us­ es up to 30 per cent of all of the discarded bikes it collects but also has a policy of em­ ploying those who have fallen on difficult times and need to get back into the job market. In the case of the OV­fiets bike rental fleet, Roetz say

that they can reclaim up to 70 per cent of the bicycles passed to it and they even of­ fer to customise bikes to satis­ fy individual customer re­ quirements or needs. In almost every case, the frame of discarded bicycles is in perfectly good condition, requiring mainly repainting and whilst Holland is admit­ tedly a huge market for com­ muter bicycles, when one considers the number of rac­ ing bikers there are in Spain, this appears to be a market that could be exploited and would be good for the envi­ ronment.

THE British government has decided to launch the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) as part of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in order to create and oversee a new code of practice for digital platforms. This new watchdog which will go live in April of next year intends to keep a close eye on Facebook and Google in order to ensure that smaller compa­ nies and consumers are not adversely affected by these and similar giant tech corpora­ tions. There will also be an at­ tempt to support the news in­ dustry by reviewing the rela­ tionship between publishers and platforms.

Spain’s 2021 budget wing parties including the Partido Polular and Vox have insufficient seats to vote it down. It is known that Podemos in particular are sympathetic to Cat­ alonia’s call for independence, al­

though they do not give it out­ right support, but no doubt acting President of Catalonia, Pere Aragonès, who has thrown his weight behind the decision, ex­ pects to receive some conces­

sions in the long term. Now, Spain must wait to see money distributed by the Euro­ pean Union recovery fund, which is a vital component in the 2021 budget funding.

18 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

3 - 9 December 2020

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US

LONDON - FTSE 100

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C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 30

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3I Group 1.087,50 1.088,50 Admiral Group 2.878,0 2.886,0 Anglo American 2.288,5 2.288,5 Antofagasta 1.258,50 1.258,50 Ashtead Group 3.199,0 3.212,0 Associated British Foods 2.144,0 2.165,0 AstraZeneca 7.905,0 7.944,0 Auto Trader Group Plc 561,45 562,00 Avast 502,00 503,50 Aveva 3.363,0 3.397,0 Aviva 326,50 327,67 B&M European Value Retail SA480,26 481,10 BAE Systems 510,40 513,00 Barclays 137,78 140,04 Barratt Developments 637,60 637,62 Berkeley 4.680,0 4.680,0 BHP Group 1.728,20 1.735,20 BP 256,40 258,88 British American Tobacco 2.656,2 2.675,5 British Land Company 470,80 475,60 BT Group 119,20 121,50 Bunzl 2.380,0 2.391,0 Burberry Group 1.757,5 1.759,0 Carnival 1.385,6 1.418,0 Centrica 45,15 45,58 Coca Cola HBC AG 2.186,0 2.192,0 Compass 1.389,00 1.417,50 CRH 3.042,0 3.069,0 Croda Intl 6.046,0 6.072,0 DCC 5.714,0 5.756,0 Diageo 2.921,0 2.943,5 DS Smith 340,60 342,12 EasyJet 800,66 828,83 Experian 2.707,0 2.720,0 Ferguson 8.364,0 8.400,0 Flutter Entertainment 13.565,0 13.745,0 Fresnillo 1.059,50 1.100,00 GlaxoSmithKline 1.391,00 1.396,65 Glencore 216,00 217,05 Halma 2.248,0 2.253,0 Hargreaves Lansdown 1.452,00 1.460,00 Hikma Pharma 2.663,00 2.670,00 HSBC 397,10 402,65 IAG 158,21 162,31 Imperial Brands 1.397,00 1.411,50 Informa 541,80 543,40 InterContinental 4.711,0 4.755,0 Intermediate Capital 1.663,00 1.679,00 Intertek 5.644,0 5.670,0 ITV 94,92 95,94 J Sainsbury 216,80 217,60

% CHG. 1.076,00 2.828,0 2.231,0 1.238,50 3.132,0 2.103,0 7.750,0 544,20 491,20 3.342,0 319,70 473,70 503,00 136,90 619,17 4.623,0 1.718,20 252,50 2.647,7 462,90 118,20 2.308,0 1.706,0 1.357,0 44,88 2.160,0 1.385,50 3.012,0 5.906,0 5.654,0 2.905,0 335,80 799,40 2.578,0 8.264,0 13.275,0 1.047,08 1.381,60 212,65 2.204,0 1.418,00 2.613,03 395,80 157,80 1.394,00 535,00 4.704,0 1.642,00 5.482,0 94,14 215,30

NET VOL 85,81K 42,05K 402,92K 184,63K 79,85K 20,86K 508,00K 29,76K 204,73K 136,17K 503,93K 106,61K 694,65K 5,11M 85,38K 27,16K 540,47K 2,57M 46,35K 296,64K 5,56M 53,55K 153,70K 221,15K 2,16M 33,59K 340,71K 123,67K 41,23K 14,87K 760,96K 162,48K 629,38K 589,74K 35,34K 145,67K 128,11K 183,55K 1,19M 137,69K 122,57K 5,65K 4,83M 4,11M 265,86K 315,42K 91,17K 55,16K 17,98K 259,48K 1,01M

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

Johnson Matthey 2.273,0 JSC MMC Norilsk Nickel ADR 28,54 JSC VTB Bank DRC 0,955 Land Securities 669,40 Legal & General 255,90 Lloyds Banking 37,38 London Stock Exchange 8.060,0 Meggitt 398,60 Melrose Industries 158,90 Mondi 1.692,50 National Grid 871,00 NatWest Group 162,35 Next 6.626,0 Ocado 2.252,60 Persimmon 2.711,0 Phoenix 770,00 Prudential 1.213,53 Reckitt Benckiser 6.639,4 Relx 1.776,50 Rentokil 503,60 Rightmove 638,80 Rio Tinto PLC 4.916,0 Rolls-Royce Holdings 109,15 Rosneft 5,93 Royal Dutch Shell A 1.317,40 Royal Dutch Shell A 1.317,0 Royal Dutch Shell B 1.279,3 RSA Insurance 675,20 Sage 606,20 Samsung Electronics DRC 1.519,00 Sberbank 13,35 Schroders 3.217,0 Scottish Mortgage 1.113,96 Segro 918,80 Severn Trent 2.413,0 Smith & Nephew 1.463,50 Smiths Group 1.481,00 Spirax-Sarco Engineering 11.240,0 SSE 1.375,29 St. James’s Place 1.025,00 Standard Chartered 459,80 Standard Life Aberdeen 275,90 Taylor Wimpey 159,95 Tesco 227,40 Tui 511,00 Unilever 4.653,0 United Utilities 907,40 Vodafone Group PLC 124,92 Whitbread 3.127,0 WPP 748,00

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

2.288,0 28,67 0,961 675,90 257,20 37,98 8.120,0 402,80 161,10 1.700,64 883,00 163,30 6.646,0 2.270,00 2.717,0 794,20 1.220,50 6.650,0 1.784,00 505,00 640,40 4.920,5 110,30 5,99 1.326,31 1.330,6 1.290,8 677,60 613,20 1.519,00 13,51 3.238,0 1.117,00 923,20 2.419,0 1.473,00 1.492,50 11.260,0 1.385,70 1.030,50 464,30 276,70 160,05 228,90 527,60 4.666,0 913,20 125,05 3.169,0 750,80

2.229,0 28,40 0,955 661,30 252,15 36,79 7.932,0 391,40 156,65 1.667,00 870,20 159,50 6.468,0 2.195,00 2.657,0 769,00 1.192,00 6.508,0 1.727,00 488,40 623,80 4.880,0 106,05 5,93 1.301,61 1.301,6 1.262,9 674,60 602,80 1.513,00 13,34 3.194,0 1.095,00 899,40 2.375,0 1.449,50 1.457,50 10.830,0 1.372,39 1.010,60 455,30 269,50 155,85 226,62 510,40 4.522,0 896,40 123,65 3.120,0 738,00

45,44K 218,49K 44,49K 138,74K 477,87K 22,99M 14,46K 292,36K 1,03M 21,02K 1,71M 1,76M 30,96K 38,38K 112,84K 672,26K 54,29K 120,78K 316,26K 401,99K 268,80K 251,06K 4,18M 150,60K 78,59K 1,04M 275,92K 682,99K 78,72K 2,20K 451,82K 84,32K 674,23K 490,84K 92,79K 200,13K 135,88K 16,38K 39,07K 60,49K 685,12K 122,95K 2,70M 445,25K 716,80K 1,79M 178,61K 1,23M 65,11K 213,33K

0.89902

1.1125 Units per €

US dollar (USD) ......................................1.19848 Japan yen (JPY)......................................124.705 Switzerland franc (CHF) .........................1.08201 Denmark kroner (DKK) ...........................7.44161 Norway kroner (NOK) .............................10.5648

currenciesdirect.com/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 30

COMPANY 3M Alphabet C Amazon.com Amgen Apple Boeing Caterpillar Chevron Cisco Coca-Cola Facebook Goldman Sachs Home Depot Honeywell IBM Intel J&J JPMorgan McDonald’s Merck&Co Microsoft Nike Procter&Gamble Salesforce.com Tesla UnitedHealth Verizon Visa A Walmart Walt Disney

PRICE 176,89 1.793,19 3.195,34 224,81 116,59 216,50 175,08 91,31 42,70 52,70 277,81 235,40 275,99 209,41 124,35 47,45 144,00 121,22 218,33 79,86 215,23 134,25 138,61 247,63 585,76 337,94 60,58 211,00 151,60 147,13

CHANGE 179,63 1.804,00 3.216,19 226,21 117,49 219,93 175,92 92,59 42,98 53,19 279,13 237,30 276,58 209,42 125,31 48,10 144,66 122,35 220,40 80,68 216,27 136,13 138,89 251,84 598,78 338,90 60,74 212,03 152,72 150,35

CHANGE% VOLUME(M) 175,57 1,27M 1.772,44 884,92K 3.190,05 2,39M 221,39 1,70M 116,22 46,69M 216,04 9,97M 173,88 976,86K 90,54 4,63M 42,64 10,77M 52,61 8,50M 274,82 7,81M 233,79 1,05M 274,36 1,63M 207,60 1,43M 123,91 2,09M 47,36 15,92M 143,22 3,06M 121,08 5,98M 217,66 1,39M 79,56 5,39M 214,04 14,51M 133,34 3,51M 137,53 4,25M 247,03 7,40M 578,45 37,56M 331,84 1,56M 60,41 5,76M 208,81 3,51M 151,10 3,67M 146,53 5,31M M - MILLION DOLLARS

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 30

COMPANY

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

+2.23% +6.29% +22.50% +1.30% +1.23% +8.23% +7.09% +3.80% +10.85% +16.35% +6.07%

286,797 7.28M 11.78M 739,507 884,916 346,648 467,992 136,566 4.51M 43.44M 79,115

-0.54% -1.76% -1.32% -8.62% -1.58% -22.25% -22.32% -1.36% -9.42% -2.55% -3.08%

117,204 12,415 569,393 3.42M 13,875 10,193 5.93M 70,803 5.48M 5,475 305,974

Most Advanced MercadoLibre Inc. Zoom Video Communications Inc. Novavax Inc. Alphabet Inc. Cl A Alphabet Inc. Cl C BeiGene Ltd. ADR Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MarketAxess Holdings Inc. Appian Corp. Cl A Moderna Inc. arGEN-X SE ADR

Most Declined Booking Holdings Inc. First Citizens Bancshares Inc. Cl A Charter Communications Inc. Cl A Sage Therapeutics Inc. Amerco Newborn Acquisition Corp. Un Newborn Acquisition Corp. Bio-Techne Corp. Corsair Gaming Inc. Omega Flex Inc. Cardlytics Inc.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

Fading Brexit optimism limits the pound

SUBDUED START: But the GBP/EUR exchange rate has steadily recovered ground.

ASK THE EXPERT Peter Loveday

Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com

STAYING on top of the latest currency news can help you time your transfers more effec­ tively, so find out what you should be look­ ing out for over the next few weeks… Latest currency news After a subdued start to November, the GBP/EUR exchange rate has steadily recov­ ered ground, climbing from lows of €1.10 to highs of €1.12. Meanwhile, EUR/GBP fluctuated from highs of £0.90 to lows of £0.88. GBP/USD also edged higher this month, rising from $1.28 to a high of $1.33. What’s been happening? The euro suffered a setback this month af­ ter France and Germany re­entered strict lockdowns to curb the spread of Covid­19 in­ fections. Moreover, fears for the Eurozone’s econ­ omy, which looks increasingly likely to plum­ met into recession in the fourth quarter, have dampened demand for the single cur­ rency. Adding further pressure to the euro was the EU’s Covid­19 budget being vetoed by Poland and Hungary, throwing the bloc’s economic situation into a heightened state of uncertainty. The release of the Eurozone’s latest flash PMI manufacturing and service sector data for November also weighed on the euro as worse­than­expected figures confirmed business activity is contracting in the bloc. Meanwhile, the pound benefited from news that AstraZeneca announced a Covid­ 19 vaccine with up to 90 per cent efficacy, of which the UK government has pre­ordered

up to 100 million doses. This news, combined with news of a pos­ sible rollout of coronavirus vaccines in the next few months, boosted GBP exchange rates. Nevertheless, Brexit uncertainty has con­ tinued to clip some of the Pound’s gains due to a lack of news over positive progress on key obstacles, while Bank of England gover­ nor Andrew Bailey suggested that a no­deal Brexit could prove more severe for the UK economy than the coronavirus pandemic. What do you need to look out for? Looking to the weeks ahead, EUR in­ vestors will continue to monitor the Euro­ zone’s economic developments as countries emerge from national lockdowns. Upcoming manufacturing and unemploy­ ment data from Germany for November will likely drive EUR movement as any significant downturns in the Eurozone’s largest econo­ my would indicate worrying fourth quarter growth in the Eurozone. Meanwhile, GBP traders will continue to monitor Brexit developments between the UK and the EU as the end of the transition phase rapidly approaches. As a result, we could see Sterling suffer if there are any further signs that the UK could be leaving the EU without a trade agree­ ment at the end of the year. However, any further news of a possible Covid­19 vaccine rollout across Britain in De­ cember would prove GBP­positive. At Currencies Direct we’re here to talk currency whenever you need us, so get in touch if you want to know more about the latest news or how it could impact your cur­ rency transfers. Since 1996 we’ve helped more than 325,000 customers with their currency transfers, just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more.

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.

3 - 9 December 2020

EWN 19

20 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

3 - 9 December 2020

FEATURE

What about positive praise? LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT DON’T you think it’s time we cut Boris and Co a little slack? This present Conservative cabinet was originally selected with one overriding purpose ­ to steer the UK through the UK’s biggest economic and historical transition since 1973, ie Brexit. Instead, in what amounted to hardly more than the blink of an eye, it was faced with the country’s greatest crisis since the Second World War. The goalposts were not only moved, but positively transported! Well, I for one think that in the light of a truly unprecedented situation ­ which is still changing virtually by the day ­ they have so far managed to achieve an effectively competent result. In a fairly successful effort to prop up the population, including those in business, they have injected billions into the economy, while at the same time managing to reduce infection levels to controllable proportions. They have made mistakes, but frankly

the sheer weight of daily problems and the responsibilities they have had to contend with simply defies the imagination. Across the full gamut these ongoing assessments must be a positive nightmare. Many senior members appear daily on national TV and radio, endeavouring to openly and very publicly explain the reasons for decisions they have made. They are constantly in the unenviable and impossible position of trying to please ‘all of the people, all of the time.’ And what do they get for it? Well certainly no praise from the left wing media that’s for sure. It is actually almost intelligence insulting to see the likes of the BBC and its cronies, desperately trying to gain the political kudos they clearly hope may one day rescue their beloved Labour party. When Sky’s awful Kay Burley was interviewing Rishi Sunak, who I happen to believe has been one of the most eloquent and capable members of all, she asked him how, in the light of his intention to reduce our ludicrous overseas aid budget, he slept at night knowing that thousands of children would

starve because of his decision! I was delighted to see the way he dealt with her derisory suggestion, reducing her to the final sarcastic comment she always mumbles when she has lost an intelligent argument. All their interviewees are carefully chosen, predominantly to echo their own sentiments and agenda. For every rare guest who considers the government is coping with the situation, they will deliver a dozen ‘experts’ who don’t. And as if all this isn’t enough, through it all this beleaguered government is also trying to negotiate the almost immeasurable problems of Brexit! Well all I can say is thank the Lord it is Boris and his Cabinet that are at the helm. For all their faults, the idea that it could have been Jeremy Corbyn and the likes of Diana Abbott trying to sort it all out is nothing short of horrific. So what about a little positive praise and encouragement? Remember, strong leadership is never popular; it isn’t that kind of contest. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland Mon. Wed. Fri.

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Renting in Spain? CONSULAR MATTERS AS a lawyer and Danish Consul, I have seen a massive increase in clients ask­ ing about renting here in Spain. Everyone will of course be aware that the transition period comes to an end on December 31, 2020 for the Brits. Realistically there is not much time to purchase a property before the end of the year, especially with UK citizens having to quarantine in the UK for 14 days when they return to the United Kingdom from Spain. There are also those people who simply do not want to invest in the Spanish property mar­ ket and prefer the freedom of renting. There is a school of thought that the property prices will go down next year, but who knows. This means that people who have

decided not to buy in Spain are turn­ ing to renting as an option to show that they are living in Spain and are therefore able to make an application for residency or residencia as it is called in Spain. There are of course a number of reputable agents who can help you find a place. There are also numerous private advertisements on sites. Sadly, there are a few scams that are out there, and you must take care. The most popular are fraudsters rent­ ing a property on somewhere and tak­ ing deposits and rent in advance be­ fore disappearing. There are even criminal gangs breaking into proper­ ties and doing the same thing. Make sure that you see an indepen­ dent lawyer in order to guard against these scams and to make sure that the contract is legal and negotiated in your favour. For example, you may need a notice clause that allows you

to leave early, as you may be looking for a property to buy in the not too distant future. There are three different property rentals contracts in Spain. The first is where you rent a house for a holiday like on Airbnb, Booking.com or others. The second is where you take a rental contract for up to six months, this may because you are working or studying away from home. The third is long term rentals for 12 months or more, these are contracts where it is your main place of resi­ dence. If you follow the terms of the agreement, then you can extend the term to five years even if the landlord does not agree. This of course is not legal advice and again as always seek independent ad­ vice from a registered lawyer before signing or paying any monies. You can obtain a list of lawyers from the Con­ sulates.

Marisa Moreno Castillo, Senior Lawyer at Just Law Solicitors and Consul for Denmark.

Website: www.justawsolicitors.com email: info@justlaw.es

THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER

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Steph's Packed Lunch Countdown A Place in the Sun Escape to the Chateau: DIY Kirstie's Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Ugly House to Lovely House with George Clarke

2:00pm 2:30pm 4:15pm

3:00pm 4:00pm 4:59pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm

Dickinson's Real Deal Winning Combination ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Griff's Great Australian Adventure

3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm

Ninja Warrior UK Celebrity Supermarket Sweep ITV News and Weather ITV News London Catchphrase: Catchiest Moments The Chase: Celebrity Special It'll Be Alright on the Night

4:25pm 4:55pm 5:55pm

Extreme Cake Makers Heston's Feasts George Clarke's Old House, New Home Channel 4 News Jungle Mystery: Lost Kingdoms of the Amazon Britain's Most Historic Towns Britain's Wildest Weather Formula 1

4:30pm 5:20pm 6:20pm 6:25pm 7:10pm

ITV London Weather Midsomer Murders Apollo 13 ITV News and Weather ITV News London 5 Gold Rings Tipping Point: Lucky Stars Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Gary Barlow's Night at the Museum

4:15pm 4:35pm 5:10pm 5:45pm

Channel 4 News Father Christmas The Snowman The Snowman and the Snowdog Peter Rabbit Rugby Union: Autumn Nations Cup Highlights Jamie: Keep Cooking at Christmas Escape to the Chateau

4:10pm

Dickinson's Real Deal Winning Combination ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Coronation Street: 60 Unforgettable Years

4:00pm 5:00pm

3:00pm 4:00pm 4:59pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm

Dickinson's Real Deal Winning Combination ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale For the Love of Britain The Royal Variety Performance

3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm

4:59pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:30pm

ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Paul O'Grady's Great British Escapes Queens of the Street ITV News at Ten and Weather

1:30pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm

Live Snooker: UK Championship Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Strictly: It Takes Two Live Snooker: UK Championship 12 Puppies and Us New Elizabethans with Andrew Marr

2:55pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:59pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm

ITV News London Dickinson's Real Deal Winning Combination ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Tonight Emmerdale

1:30pm 3:10pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm

Live Snooker: UK Championship Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Strictly: It Takes Two Live Snooker: UK Championship Waterhole: Africa's Animal Oasis Top of the Pops: 1988

4:00pm 4:59pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm

Winning Combination ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Griff's Great Australian Adventure Coronation Street

Money for Nothing Escape to the Country The Railway Children Live Snooker: UK Championship Porridge Live Snooker: UK Championship Dirty God My Scientology Movie: Louis Theroux

5:00pm 6:00pm

Rick Stein's Cornish Christmas Nigel Slater's Simple Cooking Live Snooker: UK Championship Flog It! Inside the Factory Live Snooker: UK Championship One Man and His Shoes

2:04pm 2:05pm 3:55pm 6:35pm 6:50pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

The Belles of St. Trinian's David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Strictly: It Takes Two Mastermind Only Connect Nigella: Cook, Eat, Repeat University Challenge

3:00pm 4:00pm 4:59pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:30pm

Talking Pictures Blue Murder at St. Trinian's David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Strictly: It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Great British Christmas Menu The Pure Hell of St. Trinian's David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Strictly: It Takes Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Great British Christmas Menu

9:30pm

7:00pm 7:20pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 9:30pm

10:00pm

10:00pm 11:00pm

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

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

6:10pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm

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

9:00pm

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

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

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

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

8:30pm 8:35pm 9:30pm

5:10pm 5:15pm 6:00pm 7:05pm 7:10pm 8:00pm 10:00pm

Find it, Fix it, Flog it Escape to the Chateau: DIY Kirstie's Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Including sport and weather. Luxury Christmas for Less

2:30pm 4:10pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

Countdown Find it, Fix it, Flog it Escape to the Chateau: DIY Kirstie's Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Great British Bake Off

2:30pm 4:20pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

Steph's Packed Lunch Countdown Find it, Fix it, Flog it Escape to the Chateau: DIY Kirstie's Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Sarah Beeny's New Life in the Country

2:30pm

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm

9:00pm 10:00pm

4:20pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:30pm

Neighbours Baking Christmas Another Christmas Coincidence 5 News at 5 Neighbours Friends 5 News Tonight Jo Brand's Cats & Kittens Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railway Journeys

7:00am 8:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 2:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 8:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am

Sky Sports News Live European Tour Golf Live European Tour Golf Live European Tour Golf Live European Tour Golf Sky Sports News Live British Basketball Live British Basketball Live PGA Tour Golf Live LPGA Tour Golf Sky Sports News

Countdown A Place in the Sun Escape to the Chateau: DIY Kirstie's Handmade Christmas The Simpsons The Simpsons Channel 4 News Grayson's Art Club Gogglebox

7:30am 12:00pm

1:00am 2:00am 3:00am 4:00am

Live European Tour Golf Live One-Day International Cricket Live FNF Live Fight Night DANZ Present ‘One Night” Live: Total Access Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News

A Very British Christmas The Christmas Cottage 5 News Update The Christmas Cottage Cruising with Jane McDonald 5 News Weekend Secrets of the Factories Inside Sandringham: Holidaying with the Queen

7:30am 9:15am 12:15pm 12:30pm 12:45pm 1:00pm 4:00pm 6:00pm 8:45pm 11:30pm 12:00am

Live European Tour Golf Live Tri-Nations Rugby I'm Game I'm Game I'm Game Live EFL Gillette Soccer Saturday Live Premier League Live Premier League AJ: Fighting Back Fight Night

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Access It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Christmas with the Kranks 5 News Update Christmas with the Kranks Greatest Christmas Toys of All Time We Love Dad's Army

8:00am 8:30am

Sky Sports News Live One-Day International Cricket Live Renault Super Sunday Live Renault Super Sunday Live Renault Super Sunday Live NFL Live NFL

Carole's Christmas Christmas Ever After 5 News at 5 Neighbours Friends 5 News Tonight Gallagher Premiership Rugby Highlights Police Interceptors Paddington Station 24/7 The Magnificent Seven Christmas in Vienna Christmas Wonderland 5 News at 5 Neighbours Friends 5 News Tonight The Secret Life of Puppies The Yorkshire Vet Accused: Trial in the Outback Four Christmases and a Wedding Christmas Made to Order 5 News at 5 Neighbours Friends 5 News Tonight Secrets of the Factories Filthy House SOS Accused: Trial in the Outback Countdown to Murder

8:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

12:00pm 3:00pm 5:15pm 8:00pm 10:15pm 10:00am 11:00am 2:45pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 12:00am

12:00pm 1:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:15pm 6:45pm 7:15pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 11:30am 8:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am 12:30am 1:00am

Sky Sports News Live Lanka Premier League My Icon Sky Sports News Live Lanka Premier League Anthony Joshua: 1989 2014 Live MNF Fight Night

The Football Show Live: Good Morning Football Sky Sports News Sky Sports News My Icon AJ: Fighting Back The Gloves are Off Fight Night Live EFL Money & the Hitman Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports Boxing Gold Live One-Day International Cricket Live EFL Fight Night Ssn Aj Preview Sky Sports Boxing Gold Live: Total Access

The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.

FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

3 - 9 December 2020

EWN 23

Advertising Feature

UK bank closures how we can help IN September thousands of expats living in Europe were told that their UK bank accounts or credit cards would be closed by the end of the year as a result of Brexit, with Lloyds, Halifax and Barclaycard among the banks planning to close accounts. Other big name banks have also refused to rule out account closures for expats. The reason for the potential ac­ count closures is the likely impact of Brexit on ‘passporting’ arrange­ ments. Passporting refers to UK banks providing services to customers based in other states of the Euro­ pean Economic Area (EEA) without direct authorisation. As it stands, passporting rules as we know them will end on Decem­ ber 31, 2020 unless a new agree­ ment with the EU is reached. This means that UK banks will need to have separate authorisation in every EEA country they want to operate in, resulting in some banks deciding to close their accounts in some countries. It has been estimated that around 13,000 accounts will be closed by Lloyds, Halifax and the Bank of Scot­ land, but many more accounts could be affected in time. The situation can vary depending on where you live in Europe, but it is understandably unsettling with many expats now scrambling for an alternative means of managing their finances. In light of this, we wanted to outline some of the ways we at Currencies Direct can help you manage your international fi­ nances.

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At Currencies Direct we’re here to talk currency whenever you need us, so get in touch if you want to know more about the latest news or how it could impact your currency transfers. Since 1996 we’ve helped more than 325,000 customers save time and money with excellent exchange rates, no fees and expert support. With 20+ global branches, including 17 across Spain and Portugal, we’re never far away when you need us. Give us a call to find out more. *The information provided was correct as of 30/10/2020 but could be subject to change. ** Currencies Direct’s bank providers do not monitor the funds they place on safeguarding accounts or how they operate these accounts. It is Currencies Direct’s responsibility to segregate funds.

25

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YOUR STARS FOR NEXT 7 DAYS ARIES (March 21 - April 20) There is a strong urge to be up and doing something to further your artistic needs. Be sure that you know what is important. Keep it simple and aim straight for it. There may be other options to be explored, but do not go off at a tangent. To do so would see you have many fingers in many pies but making little real progress. Trust your instincts.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Although you are feeling more confident in many ways, there is also a secret insecurity. There is a strange emotional atmosphere this week, which perplexes you. An unusual feeling that you need to change your surroundings cannot be put down to a seasonal ‘nesting’ instinct.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Waiting for just the right time to do and say things this week can produce miracles. Spontaneity may be your watchword but forward planning is where real progress is at the moment. It’s not a week to expect cooperation from others.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) If you are James Bond, I see no surprises in the week ahead. If you are not, then I certainly do. Something quite shocking crosses your path, so be cautious in your approach to new situations. Keep your eyes and ears open and be prepared to seek advice.

LEO (July 24 - August 23) At last it is clear that the future holds something quite exciting. Looking back during the past few years there has been a build-up to this moment. Treading a new path is half the story. There is much to be discovered both outside and inside your sphere.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Your heart is saying ‘Let’s get out and have some fun.’ Your head is saying ‘Okay, but let’s leave it until later.’ Which is right? Well, one thing is for sure, emphasis on finances is restraining. You are, however, building on something strong for the future.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) What others see as our way ahead is not always the path which we want to tread. It would be easy to be cosy and not take a chance. Is that what you really want? Outside influences are heavy and pressing at times.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Be sure not to put up with tedious comments. Someone is trying to rile you. Who are they to think this way? It is foolish and impossible to please this person. Avoid them and move on to something out of their sphere. A few days away clears your head and gives a more balanced picture.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Who wants you to go where and who wants you to do what? Each day seems to be spoken for before it arrives. Spending your life like this means running out of credit on your health. Do not neglect your well-being for the wishes of others.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) There are plenty of people who will tell you that what you seek does not exist. They will also tell you that what you feel is unsustainable. This is, however, no time to compromise your dreams or emotional needs. Taking a bright view and a chance now seems unusual to those round you.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) The last time that you sat down and thought about your finances it was confusing. Things are a lot simpler now. Keep emotions and the needs of others out of the equation. Balance is what this week is all about. Get the percentages right now and it is plain sailing for the immediate future.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Something comes to your attention that makes you feel both anger and injustice. As you are urged to speak out and put your cards on the table, you hesitate. Be sure to have the true facts of the matter because this gives you real confidence.

TIME OUT

HEXAGRAM 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 (GARDEN) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

ADVENT CLOUDY CORRAL DIGEST DIPOLE EMERGE ENERGY FILTER GARDEN (10) GENIAL ILLUME INLAND INTENT PUPPET RELIEF REPEAL TEEING UMPIRE UPTAKE

LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY Sat 28 November

9-27-35 45-46-57

BONUS BALL

32

IRISH LOTTO Sat 28 November

5-6-16 18-45-47

BONUS BALL

41

EURO MILLIONS Tue 24 November

BONUS BALL

8

25-33-38 42-50

12

Fri 27 November

BONUS BALL

2-05-08 14-16

8 9

EL MILLON: HGG28522 LA PRIMITIVA Thurs 26 November

BONUS BALL

17-22-26 29-31-44

20 9

JOKER: 2287293 Sat 28 November

BONUS BALL

2-04-13 21-25-28

32

JOKER: 7671945

9

TIME OUT

26

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CODE BREAKER

ENGLISH-SPANISH

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

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 1 represents Z and 15 represents B, so fill in Z every time the figure 1 appears and B every time the figure 15 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 Lavado (7) 5 Cisnes (aves) (5) 8 Cuero (piel) (7) 9 Oferta (5) 10 To ring (telephone) (5) 11 Enamel (7) 12 Abades (6) 14 Treinta (6) 17 Briefcase (7) 19 Deporte (5) 22 Meeting (5) 23 Sentence (linguistics) (7) 24 Mirar fijamente (5) 25 Renacuajo (7)

Down 1 El país de Gales (5) 2 España (5) 3 Heredar (7) 4 Jardín (6) 5 Tormenta (5) 6 Pin (sewing) (7) 7 Cirugía (7) 12 Clams (7) 13 Scales (instrument) (7) 15 Marido (7) 16 A pie (2,4) 18 Suit (for man) (5) 20 Rust (5) 21 Tenso (5)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION • LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION • LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION QUICK Across: 1 Basis, 4 Poker, 7 Renovates, 8 Seek, 9 Snooty, 12 Dither, 13 Open, 16 Albatross, 18 Argue, 19 Sadly. Down: 1 Bogus, 2 Serpent, 3 Song, 4 Paving, 5/17 Kit bag, 6 Risky, 10 Opposed, 11 Beetle, 12 Drama, 14 Navvy, 15 Boss.

BOGGLED

FUTOSHIKI

Across: 1 Reloj, 3 Muebles, 6 Pumpkin, 8 Grace, 10 Rocks, 11 Sisters, 14 Anoche, 15 Cartel, 17 Scandal, 20 Perro, 21 Dress, 22 Believe, 23 Riqueza, 24 Scots. Down: 1 Ropería, 2 Jokes, 3 Menos, 4 Edges, 5 Stews, 7 Microwave, 9 Afeitarse, 12 Inch, 13 Yema, 16 Lioness, 17 Sudor, 18 Desde, 19 Libra, 20 Pills.

amen ament tame tamp tent temp teen teem enema neem pate paten patent mate mete meet meow meows moms moos mown mows gent gene genet goof goos gown befog feta fete feet feign feint foment foemen omen tiny twig twin twos twosome elms moment moon moony women womb woof woos wino winos winy wont nowt nows coomb coombe cooee coign coigne coin comb combe come cows coos clef smog some sown socle soon swig swoon scow sonic

CODE BREAKER

NONAGRAM ahem ghat hair hang hare harm hart hate hear heat heir hint hire math meth nigh

CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Encased, 5 Tasks, 8 Stern, 9 Montana, 10 Repulse, 11 Cited, 12 Manse, 14 Offer, 19 Roses, 21 Abridge, 23 Car wash, 24 Moron, 25 Shame, 26 San Remo. Down: 1 Ensure, 2 Cheap, 3 Singles, 4 Damsel, 5 Tunic, 6 Startle, 7 Shandy, 13 Austria, 15 Fireman, 16 Erects, 17 Gashes, 18 Lean-to, 20 Stake, 22 Dirge.

ENGLISH-SPANISH

rhea tanh than them then thin earth eight garth girth harem hater heart hinge might mirth neath neigh night right thane thegn their therm thine thing anthem anther aright gather hanger haring hating hegira hermit hernia hetman hitman menhir rehang hairnet harming hearing heating hematin megahit earthing NIGHTMARE

HEXAGRAM

WORD LADDER

1 SCHEME 2 TOWHEE 3 ODIOUS 4 TROPHY 5 CURATE 6 RADIAL 7 FERRET 8 RAMROD 9 FLORIN 10 FAMOUS 11 ERRATA 12 RABIES 13 COARSE 14 BEATEN 15 STRUCK 16 EXCUSE 17 NEATER 18 UNLIKE 19 RESIDE

MUST MAST MALT MALE SALE SAVE or

KAKURO

SUDOKU

MUST RUST RUSE RASE RAVE SAVE

27

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Mallorca TODAY POLLENÇA

ALCUDIA

CALVIA CALA D’OR

PALMA

ANDRATX

LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF

TOMORROW POLLENÇA

ALCUDIA

WEATHER Malaga TODAY: MAX 18 MIN 8 Fri 17 10 Sat 15 10 Sun 14 9 Mon 17 8 Tues - 16 9 Wed 15 9

Alicante TODAY: MAX 19, MIN 12 Fri 16 10 Sat 17 13 Sun 16 12 Mon 16 11 Tues - 19 11 Wed 19 12

Almeria TODAY: MAX 19, MIN 7 Fri 19 9 Sat 15 8 Sun 14 10 Mon 15 11 Tues - 16 12 Wed 17 11

Benidorm TODAY: MAX 19, MIN 11 Fri 19 12 Sat 18 11 Sun 17 12 Mon 19 12 Tues - 17 11 Wed 17 159 Mallorca TODAY: MAX 17, MIN 11 Fri 19 13 Sat 17 12 Sun 17 11 Mon 18 11 Tues 17 12 Wed 19 11

TIME OUT

FUTOSHIKI Fill in the squares so that each digit from 1 to 6 occurs exactly once in each row and column. Greater-than and less-than signs indicate the relationship of the two adjacent squares. There is only one solution, and you can find it without guessing.

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.

CALVIA ANDRATX

PALMA

CALA D’OR

LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF

SATURDAY POLLENÇA

ALCUDIA

CALVIA ANDRATX

PALMA

CALA D’OR

LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF

S: Sun

C: Cloudy

Th: Thunder

Cl: Clear

Sh: Showers

Sn: Snow

Bilbao TODAY: MAX 19, MIN 10 Fri 17 9 Sat 16 11 Sun 14 11 Mon 15 10 Tues 16 13 Wed 15 15 Madrid TODAY: MAX 17, MIN 13 Fri 16 15 Sat 15 12 Sun 14 12 Mon 16 13 Tues 17 14 Wed 17 16

Barcelona TODAY: MAX 19, MIN 11 Fri 17 11 Sat 16 12 Sun 15 11 Mon 16 11 Tues 18 9 Wed 19 10

Euro Weekly News strives for accuracy, but cannot be held responsible for any errors in published forecasts

TARGET:

SCORING:

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

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

KAKURO 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.

CRYPTIC Across 1 Small charts for the horses (7) 5 Row about head of ginger cat (5) 8 Part of book showing group of clergymen (7) 9 Quiet law-breaking garment? (5) 10 Argument at badger's den gains nothing (3-2) 11 Cousin is upset about hard pillow (7) 12 Broken ribs on birds (6) 14 Electricians leave car aboard ship (6) 17 Give insincere praise that's less sparkling (7) 19 Tatty rag on musical instrument (5) 22 Clip of quiet organ (5) 23 Many getting slimmer, and smarter (7) 24 Start looking after the machine (5) 25 Loose rocks by church make an unpleasant sound (7) Down 1 They are used for holding coal fires (5) 2 Sailor a foot nearer the stern (5) 3 Disappointment of a flat tyre? (3,4) 4 Collided with stop-start vehicle (6) 5 The trials and tribulations of international games (5) 6 Craftsman less inclined to work after midnight (7) 7 Gives in to the French about rents (7) 12 Rejection of damaged seal fur (7) 13 Showing two undergarments is most valiant (7) 15 Landing includes solitary colonist (7) 16 Ruins the king, it's said (6) 18 Rich cake a part of breakfast or tea (5) 20 Spiritual benefactor that is after information (5) 21 Direction given in Babylon or Thebes (5)

TIME OUT

28

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SUDOKU

QUICK

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.

Across 1 Not busy (9) 6 Before the appointed time (5) 7 Thoughts (5) 9/14 Informant's warning (3,3) 10 Suitcases (7) 11 Childhood disease (7) 14 See 9 16 Necessities (5) 17 Rub or scrape out (5) 18 Unknowns (9)

Down 1 Watchful (5) 2 Powered flying vehicle (9) 3 Faithful (5) 4 Take along (5) 5 Squander (5) 8 Turn from liquid into vapour (9) 11 Repairs (5) 12 Unsuccessful participant (5) 13 Back of a boat (5) 15 Gives food to (5)

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

DINE

SPANISH LESSON BACK HALL

Christmas Time Christmas presents – Regalos de Navidad

NONAGRAM

Christmas tree – Arbol de Navidad Baubles – Bolas de decoración Tree lights – Luces de arbol de navidad

RACHEL AND FRIENDS

Wrapping paper – Papel para envolver

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 R) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

Sellotape - Fixo Ribbon - Lazo Scissors – Tijeras Poinsetta plant – Flor de Pascua Father Christmas – Papa Noel

TARGET:

Sleigh – Trineo Reindeer - Reno

audreyquinton99@gmail.com

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

PETS

HOWEVER much we’ve all en­ joyed extended time at home, we all fancy a change. Some peo­ ple are already looking to later in 2021 for a holiday and booking house­sitters to take care of pets and home while they are away. Others are planning a trip over the winter holidays. Have you made your plans yet?

30

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www.euroweeklynews.com • 3 - 9 December 2020

Care for pets in the holidays and beyond! We’d like to encourage you to plan ahead for house­sitters if you have trips planned over the holi­ days to see family and friends or just to get away. Now is the time to get ready. We will help you as much as we can. Our philosophy is

that we are all in this together. These are the steps one client has taken so far: 1. Registered as a homeown­ er on HouseSitMatch.com 2. She chose a Premium ac­ count (£89 per year) to ensure she could get help online when need­ ed 3. Created a profile with pho­ tos of Daisy and the house, inc fea­ tures of the property (ie swim­ ming pool) 4. Posted a house­sit advert stating the plans for a holiday in the winter, subject to Covid per­ mitted travel Do you need a pet­sitter in 2021? Then get started right now. How does it work? HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our net­ work for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then While you’re away over the holidays, they will need company.

build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose whom you’d like to care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.8 / 5 Excellent rating (New Trustpilot rating scale) Here’s what members have said about us ­ HouseSitMatch found us a per­ fect house­sitter… HouseSitMatch found us a per­ fect house­sitter while we were away in Canada and we were de­ lighted with the care and atten­ tion that HouseSitMatch took in helping us find the right person. Ros Morris ­ Dog owner How do you join? Please register online via our website www.Housesit match.com ­ Choose a membership plan ­ Please note prices go up soon so sign up now on subscrip­ tion to secure these prices: • Standard (DIY option) = £69 pa • Premium (with support at each step) = £89 pa

Do you need a house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20 per cent discount using coupon code P2020 - an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com.

3 - 9 December 2020 • www.euroweeklynews.com

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