Euro Weekly News - Costa Blanca South 27 May - 2 June 2021 Issue 1873

News

The people’s paper ISSUE NO. 1873

27 May - 2 June 2021

Downgrade HERCULES, Alicante’s once mighty First Division football side founded 99 years ago, descends next season to the fourth category of Spain’s Second Division for the first time in its history.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH • WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

ANIMAL SAVIOURS

Lucky escape ALTHOUGH his light aircraft was badly damaged, a 65-year-old British pilot emerged unharmed after he crash-landed in a Bigastro lemon grove when he realised that he was running out of fuel.

Elche bridge THE designers of Elche’s Bimilenario Bridge inaugurated in 2000 ruled out problems with its infrastructure or cables and suspect that subsidence in its tarmac has been caused by earth movement.

ASRA: Two members of the Veldhuizen family with a very grateful rescue dog.

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FREE • GRATIS

Curfew now shortened

THE Valencian Community government, the Generalitat, re‐ tained the curfew but put it back until 1pm, ending at 6am.

A meeting of Generalitat department heads at the end of last week also decided that from Monday May 24, restau‐ rants, bars and cafeterias may now remain open until 12.30am Maintaining the curfew until June 6 was approved by Va‐ lencian Community’s Upper Court of Justice (TSCV) which, once the State of Alarm was lifted on May 8, must give the go‐ahead to what is, legally‐speaking, a curtailment of basic rights.

Meetings and social gatherings remain limited to 10 peo‐ ple and church congregations are restricted to 75 per cent capacity, although large‐scale outdoor events may now be attended by 4,000 people and indoor event by 3,000.

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27 May - 2 June 2021

Flower power in Shanghai ORIHUELA is present at the Flower Expo Asia trade fair that continues in Shanghai until July 2.

The city was selected to represent Spain and the cost of the building and decorating the pavilion, which covers a 500-square metre area, has been met by the organisers.

A centre of interest and attention since the day that the fair

opened, the pavilion has been visited by Gong Zheng, Shanghai’s mayor, and Jiang Zehui, president of the China’s Flower Association.

The world’s most important horticulture companies and associations are displaying more than 30 million flowers that belong to more than 1,000 varieties in the 189 pavilions, 180 open-air gar-

dens and 64 interior exhibitions on the 589-hectare site.

Owing to the impossibility of sending an Orihuela delegation to Shanghai fair, city hall is represented there by Moran Shi who is in charge of the pavilion.

“She knows our municipality well and has an impeccable media and communications background,” municipal sources said.

Assisting residents with integration PILAR DE LA HORADA’S Social Services councillor Marina Saez Martinez visited pupils as the Spanish course for foreign resi‐ dents concluded.

The free classes were organ‐

ised by the town’s Pangea office ‐ the regional network that assists the integration of non‐Spanish residents ‐ and attended by 33 people since the course began last month, despite the difficult

Keeping in the shade MEMBERS of La Rosaleda Petanca Club donated a large awning for the dog area in Torrevieja’s municipal animal shel‐ ter. Thanks to their generosity this offers the dogs more pro‐ tection from the sun after raising the money with events that included Zumba and coffee mornings. To learn more about the shelter and the animals or help in any way, visit the Alber‐ gue, just round from the fire station in Avenida Los Nenufares.

situation at the time owing to the pandemic.

As a result of the classes’ en‐ thusiastic reception, a new course will commence after the summer, Saez announced.

As well as teaching basic ev‐ eryday Spanish, the classes in‐ cluded informative talks on differ‐ ent subjects.

These ranged from ‘Basic knowledge of Immigration regu‐ lations’ by the town hall’s Social Services lawyer to ‘Social Services resources and attention’ from staff at the Family and Minors de‐ partment that is attached to So‐ cial Services.

NEWS

Healthy beaches ELCHE City Hall announced all its beaches will be ‘smoke‐free’, in a bid to protect the environment and human health.

The move is an informative and non‐punitive initiative, designed purely with the purpose of recom‐ mending that people do not smoke on the beaches, although it rules out imposing fines on those who fail to comply with the mea‐ sure.

Esther Díez, the councillor for

NO SMOKING: Elche councillors Carles Molina and Esther Diez.

Photo credit: Elche city hall

the Environment said, “with this ac‐ tion we make a contribution to the natural space that our beaches

No test required BALEARES’ regional government announced that Valencian Com‐ munity residents may now enter without a PCR or antigen test.

Francina Armengol, the islands’ regional president, rang her Valencian counterpart Ximo Puig to give him the news, which he described on Twitter as “an alliance for revival and a safe and vi‐ tal Mediterranean.” With a 14‐day incidence of fewer than 60 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the Valencian Community meets the region’s requirements for entry without providing proof that a traveller is Covid‐free. In fact, the region’s incidence rate is be‐ low 30 cases for every 100,000 inhabitants.

Armengol also announced during the Fitur tourism trade fair in Marid that visitors from other parts of Spain may now travel freely to the islands without a PCR or antigen test if they have re‐ ceived at least one anti‐Covid jab at least two weeks earlier.

make up,” pointing out that in 2020 the consistory had already adhered to the Generalitat Valen‐ ciana’s project called ‘Xarxa Platges Sense Fum’, and that this year the concept will be applied to all the beaches of the Alicante municipali‐ ty.

This action has the objective of trying to encourage people to live a life without tobacco, in order to promote a more exemplary and healthy lifestyle, and influence chil‐ dren more positively against smok‐ ing, while also respecting the envi‐ ronment, as reported by the Spanish media.

Carles Molina, Tourism council‐ lor confirmed that this initiative was a “voluntary and informative pro‐ posal to promote healthy life habits and respect for the environment.”

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NIBS EXTRA First figs ALBATERA growers expect to produce 600 tons of figs this year following 2020’s disappointing campaign owing to heavy rain when trees were in blossom. The first figs are now reaching the market, fetching between €6 and €8 a kilo, although prices will later drop to €2.50 a kilo.

Beach patrol A MALAGA-based company with a staff of 2,600 won the €1.2 million contract to provide 150 guards for Torrevieja’s beaches and promenades between June and October. They will ensure that social distancing is observed, although in conflictive situations are authorised only to advise the Local Police or Guardia Civil.

Cat snips PROVINCIAL council, the Diputacion, tripled Crevillent Town Hall’s allocation for its cat sterilisation programme, increasing this from €696 in 2020 to this year’s €3,294. The spokesman for the PP party in opposition on Crevillent Council said he trusted the sterilisations would be carried out by local vets.

Green fingers RESIDENTS of an Orihuela Costa urbanisation, tired of an unkept municipal green space and dried-up fountain, took matters into their own hands by adding potted plants. After witnessing their efforts, city hall’s Parks and Gardens councillor has promised that the garden area will be maintained from now on.

Don’t go EIGHTEEN Alicante Province municipalities that include Hondon de los Frailes and Algueña, have joined the regional government’s Plan Reviu (Revival) initiative to halt rural depopulation.

Measures include reducing redtape for when setting up new businesses, especially bakeries, butchers and even bars that can provide employment or muchneeded services.

Pleasant ride THE Segura Green Corridor (Corridor Verde del Segura) is a 50kilometre bicycle route starting in Guardamar and finishing in Murcia with the River Segura usually in sight. Following rural paths with very little traffic, the route is suitable for cyclists of all ages, including those with little experience.

27 May - 2 June 2021

Murcia property owners FOREIGN residents from several urbanisations in Gea y Truyols (Murcia) have united to solve planning problems in their area.

The newly-created association, AUN-Murcia (Abusos Urbanisticos No - Murcia), is petitioning Murcia City Hall, asking why they are still the victims of planning abuses when things have improved in other regions.

The problem houses were constructed by a promoter in the early years of 2000. Nearly 19 years later their owners, some 200 pensioners, mainly British, continue to struggle to obtain ba-

PETITION: AUN-Murcia members outside Murcia City Hall. sic services such as water and electricity. They still cannot register their properties at the Land Registry.

“Only later did we discover the

properties were blighted by planning issues, resulting in grave consequences for owners, despite paying IBI like everyone else,” explained Linda House,

AUN-Murcia president, and organiser of the petition.

In a letter to Murcia City Hall, the residents have asked for solutions to their planning problems.

“If it is not within your power to help us, we ask that you advocate on our behalf before those who do have the power to bring to an end this unfortunate chapter in the history of Murcia’s real estate market.”

They were the victims of a situation not of their making, the letter concludes: “We are the ones who are being punished.

This cannot be right.”

Have you seen Baby?

A TABBY cat called Baby was taken two months ago from outside La Bodega in Plaza Tolosa in San Luis (Torrevieja).

Security cameras show her being taken and her owner, Debby, is sick with worry, not knowing what has happened to her.

“If you are a cat lover and know where she is, please contact La Bodega and put an end to Debby’s sleepless nights,” a friend im‐ plored.

Debby intends to put the CCTV footage on Facebook, hoping that could help to identify the person.

“Please put this in your paper in the hope that this person will feel guilty and return the cat,” Debby’s friend asked.

“When you lose a pet that you have had since it was a kitten, it’s like losing a child.

There are loads of stray cats that need a home, so it was completely unnecessary to

Volunteers needed REACH OUT has been sustaining the homeless as well as needy families in Torrevieja for 10 years.

“We now find ourselves in a pickle,” said the charity’s president David Young.

“We need volunteers to cover our shop and warehouse in Calle Bella Antonia,” he explained. “Hours are from 10am until 2pm, Monday to Sat‐ urday.” Any assistance during these times would enable Reach Out to maintain the high standards of support they have achieved over the years, David continued, although extra help is most needed on Tuesdays, Thurs‐ days and Fridays.

“Volunteers should be of a friendly disposition and happy to be work‐ ing in a team. We provide tea, coffee, biscuits and a free t‐shirt or polo shirt,” he said.

Official recognition REGIONAL government, the Gener‐ alitat, declared Torrevieja’s Carnival a Fiesta of Regional Tourist Interest.

The announcement was made during the Fitur Tourism trade fair in Madrid, giving regional status to one of Torrevieja’s most popular and prestigious annual events.

Francesc Colomer, regional Tourism secretary and Carlos Mazon, president of the Diputacion provin‐ cial council, congratulated Torrevie‐ ja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolon for the Generalitat’s endorsement, which puts the Carnival just one step away from being declared a Fiesta of Na‐ tional Tourist Interest.

steal Debby’s beloved baby.”

If anyone can help, please ring La Bodega (966 789 198), Debby (664 260 057) or Craig (677 791 031).

Drying out required THE regional government’s Justice will spend €565,628 on solving dampness in the basement at Orihuela’s Palacio de Justicia court‐ house complex.

The building was another victim of the September 2019 storms caused by a freak upper level isolated depression (DANA) when the basement was flooded and hundreds of documents

Alarm bells sounding ELCHE’S Local Police swooping on a clandestine disco encountered dancing and an absence of social distanc‐ ing or face masks.

As well as total disregard for anti‐Covid health and safety regulations, they also found minors amongst those present.

Leaving the premises, officers spotted a remote con‐ trol device that was used to give prior warning that the police were approaching, Elche City Hall’s Public Safety department revealed.

This, Local Police sources said later, was almost cer‐ tainly the reason why on previous visits, and despite their suspicions, they had found no traces of activity at the disco.

were destroyed.

Dampness was already a problem in the 1,113‐square metre bottom floor, but de‐ spite emergency work car‐ ried out after the DANA, the problems were not solved.

An inspection also detect‐ ed the ineffectiveness of the basement’s existing water‐ proofing as well as inade‐ quate stormwater drainage and pumps.

In praise of the weeds ENVIRONMENTALIST associations Volem Palmeral and Margallo recent‐ ly organised a march through Elche’s Palmeral palm forest, lamenting the use of weedkiller.

According to both associations, wildlife suffered when herbicide was used not only in the palm forest but also in roadside verges.

So‐called weeds played a funda‐ mental part in improving soil and air quality while providing a habitat for insects that in turn provided food for birds. “It’s important to explain the important role of weeds to the gener‐ al public,” declared Volem Palmeral’s biologist, Susi Gomez.

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Brexit fallout SAN FULGENCIO recently organised a meeting to examine the negative ef‐ fects of Brexit on British residents.

This was attended by British residents as well as mayor Jose Sampere, San Fulgencio’s International Relations councillor Dar‐ ren Parmenter, Joan Cal‐ abuig, regional secretary for the EU and External Relations, and Territorial director Antonia Moreno.

“Many UK residents choose this municipality and we want to make it easy for them to com‐ plete the necessary for‐ malities to live here,” Sampere said.

Darren Parmenter ex‐ plained that financial re‐ quirements were the principal problem for Britons not covered by the Withdrawal Agree‐ ment when applying for a non‐lucrative residence visa.

The minimum income would be very high for the retired couples that are San Fulgencio’s habit‐ ual residents, Parmenter said.

“They would need at least €2,800 a month or a bank balance equivalent to 12 months’ income, more than €33,800.”

These requirements could reduce the number of residents on San Ful‐ gencio’s municipal Padron, Sampere and Parmenter pointed out, as many British retirees might instead opt for more flexible EU coun‐ tries like France or Portu‐ gal.

Meanwhile Joan Cal‐ abuig emphasised that guaranteeing British resi‐ dents’ rights in the Va‐ lencian Community and those of Valencians in the UK were priorities for the regional govern‐ ment, as the Generalitat president, Ximo Puig, would point out during his meeting this week with the British ambas‐ sador.

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Early Birds Reward Animal Sanctuary from Front page »

READER Linda Sheppard recently contacted the Euro Weekly News about an animal charity called ASRA in Muro de Alcoy.

“They rescue sick street cats and dogs from the Costa Blanca and beyond, also helping with sterilisations for cat colonies,” she said, explaining that they are struggling to get support for food and vet bills.

“Could you do something to raise awareness about their situation?” she asked.

We immediately contacted ASRA, an acronym for Asociacion y Refugio para Animales sin Posibilidades that needs no translation.

Alex Veldhuizen, co-president of the association that she runs with her brother Dieko and her parents Rosa and Helco, told us they care for more than 100 animals. The majority are cats, although there are also 18 dogs, chickens, roosters and a sheep.

“We also have two amazing volunteers who

come twice a week to help us,” Alex added.

“We are a forever home and sanctuary. We specifically rescue handicapped, extremely traumatised, chronically and terminally-ill animals,” she said, adding that due to their condition, they do not put them up for adoption.

“Because of this there is a limit to how many animals we can take in, as we have to ensure that they get the best possible care and the same attention they would receive in any other home.

“Our goal is to give animals that are dying or found in extreme conditions the best possible life, keep them pain-free and give them love, attention, warmth and food, even if it’s only for a short time,” Alex said.

“We are a hospice for animals that are in their last stages as well as newcomers.”

For more information about ASRA, or to donate, consult the www.asraspain.org website or their Facebook page.

A NEW electricity bill, which will be launched on June 1, is set to reward early birds with big savings.

The new bills will be calculated ‘more on when than how much is consumed.’ People willing to pull out devices, not boil the kettle while the washing machine is on and do their ironing before 8am could save up to €300 per year.

Three times sections will be set for the new electricity tariffs: peak, flat and valley.

The peak period, in which the cost of tolls

and charges will be higher, will be between 10am and 2pm and 6pm and 10pm; The flat section, with an intermediate cost, will be between 8am and 10am, 2pm and 6pm and between 10 pm and midnight; The valley rate, the cheapest of the three, will be between midnight and 8am and at all hours over the weekends and holidays.

The change will apply to electricity rates for power below 15kw, which means households and small and medium businesses will be affected.

ERTE (Furlough) Extension THE Spanish government, due to a lack of unity, was not able to agree on a simple negotiation for the new extension of the temporary employment regulation files (ERTE). After days of intense talks, it became clear that the ERTEs were going to last now for four more months and, therefore be maintained during the summer.

The conditions that must remain in place from the end of the month until September 30 have been another matter and after a day of fruitless ar‐ guments on May 24 ended by leaving the govern‐

ment’s agreement with the unions in the air, when they rejected the minister’s ‘exoneration proposal’ of Inclusion and Social Security, José Luis Escrivá.

His department has not yet managed to force an agreement on the extension of aid to the self‐em‐ ployed.

Unions CEOE, Cepyme, CC.OO, and the UGT maintain that it is the companies and workers who cannot return to activity that need more support.

Up until May 11, the ERTE covered almost 600,000 employees.

Rise in domestic violence THE Spanish President, Pe‐ dro Sánchez, has con‐ demned the rise in domestic violence in Spain, in which

this week alone has seen five women killed by their partner or ex‐partner, call‐ ing the situation “a harsh

and unbearable reality.”

“Spain suffers a chauvinist scourge that causes men to kill women for being women and their children for being their mothers. We cannot look the other way, we must not feel oblivious to the pain felt by thousands of wom‐ en,” commented the presi‐ dent of the government.

Sánchez expressed solidarity with victims and urged to continue the battle against gender‐based violence.

“A scourge that affects us.

We must be with the vic‐ tims, with this pain and suf‐ fering that moves us so much and that leads us to be more forceful in the fight against sexist violence.”

Campaigners against gen‐ der‐based violence in Spain maintain that the rise in killings equates to the easing of coronavirus measures since May 9 when the State of Alarm was lifted.

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Seeking independency THE newly elected leader of Catalonia, Pere Aragones, promised to make “self‐deter‐ mination inevitable” at his swearing in the recent cere‐ mony.

He also said he will work to obtain amnesty for leaders jailed for holding an illegal in‐ dependence referendum in 2017. Aragones said Catalonia faces “enormous” challenges and is divided economically, so‐ cially, territorially and linguisti‐ cally.

“This is what divides us as a people and what weakens us as a nation,” he said on Mon‐ day May 24.

He also promised to open di‐ alogue with Madrid and to phone President Pedro Sanchez in a matter of days.

Last week, Aragones told the regional parliament that he will “lead the social and economic reconstruction for the country” while continuing “the struggle for amnesty and self‐determi‐ nation.”

“On one hand, overcoming Covid and getting the country out of the crisis and on the oth‐

er advancing towards a Catalan Republic,” he said on May 21.

He was congratulated by the former Catalonian president, Carles Puigdemont, from his self‐exile in Belgium after he declared the region’s indepen‐ dence following a referendum denounced as illegal by Madrid in 2017.

“As I have already told you, I am at your disposal. Long live free Catalonia,” he wrote on Twitter.

Aragones, 38, won 74 votes in the 135‐seat regional assem‐ bly. He has promised to open talks with Madrid and will urge Madrid to allow a referendum on independence. The govern‐ ment is currently opposed to the idea and maintained that Catalan independence cannot be achieved by “unilateral means.” But talks are expected to begin soon.

His Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya party and the cen‐ tre‐right Junts agreed to main‐ tain their coalition earlier this week after months of deadlock following February’s inconclu‐ sive vote.

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Housing immigrants THE Executive of Ceuta and the Government Delegation ruled out setting up a camp of military tents next to the Cen‐ tre for the Temporary Stay of Immigrants (CETI) in Ceuta to house part of the nearly 800 Moroccan minors who still re‐ main in the city after the mi‐ gratory crisis unleashed by Morocco on Monday, May

Bunk beds are installed.

Parents WON’T Be Fined PARENTS who take their children for a half‐term holiday to Spain will not face fines for missing school during quarantine on their re‐ turn from the amber‐listed country. Under the government’s rules, parents can be fined if their child is missing school ‘without a good reason’. The government feared that the quarantine process could have been ignored if fines were put in place for parents who took their children to Spain.

Education sources said that quarantine rules had created a le‐ gal ‘grey area’ for children missing school without permission ‐ but that online learning would be used to circumvent parents receiv‐ ing fines. As an amber‐listed country, government advice is that people should not be travelling to Spain for holidays, but thou‐ sands of holidaymakers have already booked flights to Spain along with other favourite spots like France, Italy and Greece.

17, and instead have opted to set up a sports centre to ac‐ commodate approximately 250 children and adolescents.

As reported by the regional government in a statement, the General Command of Ceuta has been in charge of installing bunk beds inside the ‘Santa Amelia’ sports cen‐ tre, on the outskirts of the city, to reopen it as an ‘emer‐ gency appeal’, as was done during the first State of Alarm in the period of home con‐ finement to confine unac‐ companied foreign minors who were then living on the street.

Moroccans under 18 years of age who used to roam the streets of Ceuta will be now be accommodated in three homogeneous groups of around 250 members in a warehouse in Tarajal, in pre‐ fabricated modules where 10 migrants are in isolation hav‐ ing been tested for coron‐ avirus.

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Holiday Police set to visit New Leader elected for Catalonia

HOLIDAY police are set to knock on up to 10,000 doors each day to ensure that Brits who decide to have a foreign holiday in an amber list country are quarantining.

Many Brits are getting ready to jet off to coun‐ tries such as Spain in or‐ der to see their expat rela‐ tives, or just enjoy a holiday in the sun. They

Make sure you stay home. have been warned though that police officers will be

Earthquake Strikes Galicia GALICIA was hit by the largest earthquake it has recorded in recent years on Friday, May 21, reaching 3.9 on the Richter scale, its epicentre was tracked to the Ourense municipality of Laza, although it actually was felt hundreds of kilometres away.

Laza in Ourense registered nine smaller tremors. According to data collected by the National Geographic Institute (IGN), the latest measurements placed this new tremor with an approximate magnitude of 3.9 and calculated it could have been felt after midnight in the provinces of Ourense, Lugo, and Pontevedra.

Many citizens shared on social media networks their experiences of the tremors, which were felt in towns such as Vigo, Mos, Ponteareas, and Monforte.

carrying out home checks to ensure that quarantine rules are being followed.

Home Secretary Priti Pa‐ tel has issued warnings that officers will be carry‐ ing out home checks to the tune of 10,000 visits a day.

So holidaymakers head‐ ing for amber list destina‐ tions better get set for a ‘knock on the door’. Miss Patel commented when asked about the new rules that: “There is a service, provision is in place, ca‐ pacity has been increased for that very reason. Peo‐ ple will not go unchecked.

“Significant resources have been put in place ‐ millions of pounds ‐ in terms of the follow‐up checking of people around their testing and making sure they stay at home. It has been stepped up.

Fo r t h o s e w h o d o n o t follow the government rules a £10,000 fine could be heading their way.

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A LEFT-WING separatist was elected as the head of Catalonia’s regional government on Fri‐ day May 21.

Pere Aragones told the regional parliament that he will “lead the social and economic re‐ construction for the country” while continuing “the struggle for amnesty and self‐determina‐ tion.”

“On one hand, overcoming Covid and getting the country out of the crisis and on the other advancing towards a Catalan Republic.”

He was congratulated by the former Cataloni‐ an president, Carles Puigdemont, from his self‐ exile in Belgium after he declared the region’s independence following a referendum de‐ nounced as illegal by Madrid in 2017.

Hong Kong Noodles Warning

Ban Smoking

AESAN, the Spanish Agency for Food Health and Nutrition, a body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has issued a warning that Sau Tao brand noodles originating from Hong Kong, contain soya which has not been declared on the label.

The product named ST Amoy Bean Trip which have an expiry date of March 1, 2022 and come in a 250 gram plastic bag format have been affected.

The AESAN received a notification of the food alert from the health authorities of the Nether‐ lands, via the European Food Alert Network (RASFF). The food alert has been passed on to all of Spain’s autonomous communities via the Coor‐ dinated Rapid Information Exchange System (SCIRI).

AESAN, recommends as a precautionary mea‐ sure that any consumers who are either intolerant or allergic to soya do not consume the product.

Otherwise the agency say that the product does not imply any other risk.

MORE than 283,000 No Fumadores (Non Smokers) have been collecting signatures for more than two years in order to turn Spain’s 3,084 miles (4,964km) of coastline into areas free of tobacco smoke and discarded cigarette butts. According to Fernández Megina, this will protect beachgoers from the effects of second-hand smoke while also reducing the abundance of cigarette butts that litter many of the country’s beaches. According to the organisation, 475 beaches in Spain have already been designated as smoke-free.

Cigarette butts and filters were among the most frequently found objects on Europe’s beaches, according to a 2018 study. Scientists reported nicotine, heavy metals, and benzene in cigarette ends could leach out.

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Endesa Stopped Issuing Invoices A MASSIVE failure in Ende‐ sa’s IT systems has meant that the company has not is‐ sued or collected invoices for the last nine months, accord‐ ing to a report from FACUA‐ Consumidores en Acción.

The report claims the prob‐ lem occurred after an update was carried out in the billing system and affects both users

Payment can be deferred.

Tourism Will Rebound

ANDALUCIA is hoping for nine million tourists this summer, the President of the Junta said as he unveiled the Andalucian pavilion at the Madrid Tourism Fair (Fitur).

Visitors to Andalucia in 2019 topped 32.5 million, making it the best year for tourism in the province’s history. But the pandemic almost gutted the sector in 2020 with the number of tourists falling to just 13.3 million generating losses of €14,000 million.

The rebound will be made possible by the immunisation against Covid‐19 of 75 per cent of the autonomous region’s population.

“Excellent news to shore up security in Andalucia. At the end of June there will be group immunity,” Juanma Moreno said on May 19.

Throughout the course of 2021, Andalucia is hoping to see 19.5 million tourists.

of its brand in the free mar‐ ket and its semi‐regulated tariff marketer, Energía XXI. The association says that when the electricity company finally solves this setback and claims payment for the entire period, consumers affected can reject the invoice and or‐ der the proportional distribu‐ tion of the amount ‐ in other words, defer to the normal monthly bills and not the full amount requested in one go.

After the association de‐ manded more information about the situation due to the irregularities that were taking place, Endesa in‐ formed FACUA that this error only affected 0.4 per cent of its clients ‐ less than 40,000 ‐ however, just a month later, the company acknowledged that the real figure was actu‐ ally around 150,000 affected.

Those affected can contact Endesa on 800 760 909 and its subsidiary with a semi‐ regulated (not premium line) phone rate (PVPC), Energía XXI, on 800 760 333.

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Family ask EWN to highlight UK benefit mistake A FAMILY who moved to the Costa Blanca 21 years ago and have now been in Gibraltar for three years are finding themselves caught in the British bureau‐ cratic system.

Greig and Pauline Stewart have two Down Syn‐ drome children, Adam now 36 and Lucy 31 and be‐ cause the couple had contributed to what is known as the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the UK, pri‐ or to 1992, their children were entitled to financial support from the UK Government.

Adam first received his payment in 1985 and Lucy in 1990 when they reached the qualifying age and the rules allowed them to continue to receive these payments in Europe and Gibraltar.

In 1992, the Government changed DLA to a non‐ contributory benefit which was not payable outside of the UK, but both Adam and Lucy having qualified before that date were protected and were still enti‐ tled to receive the benefit.

Later still, the DLA allowance was changed to the non‐contributory Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for everyone, but this is only payable in the UK. There is now something of a Catch 22 situation as the children cannot claim PIP as they don’t live in the UK, but they are still entitled to DLA and there is some confusion in the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as not everyone working there knows the rules concerning pre‐1992 DLA. Recently, Adam’s payment was stopped but fol‐ lowing complaints from his parents not only was he re‐instated and the missing payments refunded, but he was also given £100 by way of apology.

What worries Pauline is the fact that the case offi‐ cer she spoke to said “we don’t know what to do with you and new staff don’t always know the regula‐ tions.”

So worried was she about this turn of events and assuming that other parents or recipients of the pay‐ ment abroad could be similarly affected, Pauline de‐ cided to apply to a Tribunal so that the case could be recorded in court.

In order to do this, she was advised by the Judge that she had to obtain a Mandatory Reconciliation Notice from the DWP within 56 days or the case could not be heard.

Despite the fact that both she and MP Sir Roger Gale have contacted the DWP on more than one oc‐ casion, no such document has been provided which

Pauline and Greig.

Adam and Lucy. means that what could have been a matter of prece‐ dence to show in the future for all similarly affected, the matter may simply be dropped.

In theory the payment of DLA is guaranteed indefi‐ nitely, but if a mistake can happen once, it can hap‐ pen again and not every person is as knowlegable about the rules as Pauline which is why she asked Eu‐ ro Weekly News to help disseminate information about this case.

The family are very happy in Gibraltar but need the funds that they are entitled to from the UK as they are currently not eligible for local support.

Ready for big cities again SPANIARDS are slowly becoming more interested in living in cities again after the pandemic encour‐ aged many to consider moving away from densely populated urban areas to smaller towns and rural areas.

According to Idealista, one of Spain’s leading real estate portals, the end of the State of Alarm has prompted more people to search for houses in Spain’s regional capitals.

Since the start of May 43 per cent of searches for houses for sale have been concentrated in capitals, compared to 40.4 per cent in June 2020 when the harsh restrictions ended, and 38.8 per cent in April 2020, in full confinement. Even so, interest in capitals is still slightly lower than it was before the pandemic,

when it stood at 44.1 per cent.

“The desire of Spaniards to leave the big cities has diminished. The data shows that the urban exodus, if it ever occurred, has ended and that as we ap‐ proach the end of the pandemic period, there is a re‐ turn in demand for housing in urban settings and provincial capitals,” said Francisco Inareta, a spokesperson for Idealista.

Alava, Valencia, La Rioja, Huesca, Albacete and Sevilla are proving most popular with would‐be home owners. However, interest in Lugo, Ciudad Re‐ al, Soria, Teruel, Lleida, Badajoz and Cuenca contin‐ ues to fall. Madrid, Bilbao, Barcelona, Zaragoza and Palma are all on the up, but interest in Malaga has fallen very slightly.

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TWO Spanish shops have made it into The Financial Times’ exclusive ‘The 50 greatest food stores in the world’ list.

La Garriga in Madrid and Murria in Barcelona were chosen along with famous delis in New York, Rome and Paris to star in the list published in the newspaper’s high-end supplement, ‘How to Spend it’.

Both La Garriga and Murria are steeped in history. There’s no shortage of excellent ham in Madrid, but the salty, gamey slices on offer at La Garriga are some of the best in town.

The La Garriga store opened its doors 1959 in Tenerife offering products which at that time were completely unknown on the island such as Iberian sausages, botifarra of all kinds, llonganissa from Vic, and artisan cheeses.

Murria has been open in the Ensanche district of Barcelona for more than 100 years and ‘specialises Catalan and international gourmet products with an assortment of artisan cheeses, Iberian ham, foie, caviar, smoked fish, oils, coffees, canned delicacies, wines and Champagnes.’

NEWS

Mum’s Heartbreaking Letter THE mother of two missing Tener‐ ife girls has penned a heartbreak‐ ing letter. Anna and Olivia went missing with their father, Tomas Gimeno, on Tuesday April 27 who phoned their mother Beatriz Zim‐ mermann to tell her she would never see her daughters again.

Police are now focusing their search for the one‐year‐old and six‐ year‐old in the seas around the south‐east of the island.

“I almost can’t find the words anymore. I want to disappear too,

TOMAS GIMENO: Disappeared with the two girls.

I’ve no more strength, this is tor‐ ture. What hurts the most is think‐

Cybersecurity Challenges THE Diputación de Malaga will celebrate the first Cybersecuri‐ ty Congress on June 9, which will bring together experts who will analyse the challenges of cybersecurity.

Among other aspects, it will address how to ensure the pro‐ tection of devices, systems and networks of public administra‐ tions to preserve them from computer attacks.

The third vice president and head of the Area of Trans‐ parency, Open Government and Corporate Social Responsibil‐ ity of the Diputación de Malaga, María Francisca Caracuel, an‐ nounced it will be possible to participate in two modalities: face‐to‐face, at the Edgar Neville Auditorium; or through video conference. Registration for the congress, aimed exclusively at personnel who carry out their work in public administrations, can be done until Monday June 7 through the following link: https://www.malaga.es/CongresoCiberseguridadMalaga .

ing that I can’t know how they are doing, not being able to talk, not knowing when I’m going to see them again,” Beatriz wrote on May 19.

“We can’t give up, the girls need me and I need them. I know you all have your own lives, your own problems, and that hearing sad things will make you sadder... but can you imagine if we find them thanks to all our efforts? All togeth‐ er we can do it, if we act like one big family,” she added asking peo‐ ple to keep sharing their photos in the hope that they can be found.

Gimeno took the girls to his boat and sailed away from the local ma‐ rina at 12.30am on April 28. But the boat was found empty the next day. Later, a car seat that Anna used was found floating in the sea.

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New Law for Disabled SPAIN has approved a new law to further protect the le‐ gal rights of disabled citizens

and residents.

The law recognises equal le‐ gal capacity for people with

Exhibition of Royal Dresses

AS Kensington Palace reopens to visitors, a new temporary exhibition will explore the unique relationship between fashion designer and royal client from June 3.

Royal Style in the Making, the display will feature never-before-seen items from the archives of some of the most celebrated royal couturiers of the 20th century.

The exhibition will offer visitors a sneak peek into the rarefied world of the atelier, unpicking how some of Britain’s finest designers rose to the challenge of creating clothing destined for the world stage.

Among the star items going on display will be a rare surviving toile for the 1937 coronation gown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother; consort of King George VI. Created by London based court designer Madame Handley-Seymour - a favoured couturier of the dowager Queen Mary with an innate understanding of the rules and tradition of royal dress - the silk satin gown with its golden national emblems was the perfect choice to embody continuity at the start of an unexpected new reign.

Visitors will also be able to experience Diana, Princess of Wales’s wedding dress displayed complete with its spectacular sequin encrusted train, which at 25 feet dramatically filled the aisle of St Paul’s Cathedral.

disabilities and it eliminates discriminatory concepts such as incapacitation, extended and rehabilitated parental au‐ thority, and the institution of guardianship for persons over the age of 18.

The Minister of Justice, Juan Carlos Campo, said he is pleased with the “fair, social, egalitarian and dignified” new law which reaches interna‐ tional standards for protecting the rights of disabled people.

Campo said the law, and the process of drafting it showed, “there is another way of doing politics, with the formula of agreement, consensus, recip‐ rocal sacrifice and pitching in.”

He thanked all those “who have contributed their best to produce a text that represents us all, and what is more im‐ portant, makes us be a better society” especially disability groups and associations that had been pivotal in their work with the government. “They il‐ luminated the way we had to go,” he said.

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NEWS

Bashir Duped Princess Diana Foreign Workers Increase

MARTIN BASHIR conned Princess Diana into their infa‐ mous 1995 Panorama interview with fake bank statements and the BBC covered up for him, the Dyson Report has found.

The hotly anticipated report says Bashir used the fake docu‐

ment to convince Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, to suggest she speak with him.

Former judge Lord Dyson who led the six‐month investigation in‐ to Bashir and the BBC said the journalist, now 58, had “employed deceitful methods” and the BBC

covered up his tactics and “there‐ by fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark.”

An unrepentant Bashir said in a statement, “This is the second time that I have willingly fully co‐ operated with an investigation in‐ to events more than 25 years ago.

I apologised then, and I do so again now, over the fact I asked for bank statements to be mocked up. It was a stupid thing to do and was an action I deeply regret. But I absolutely stand by the evidence I gave a quarter of a century ago, and again more recently.

“I also reiterate the bank state‐ ments had no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview.

It is saddening this single issue has been allowed to overshadow the princess’ decision to tell her story, to courageously talk through the difficulties she faced, and, to help address the silence and stigma that surrounded mental health is‐ sues all those years ago. She led the way in addressing so many of these issues and that'’s why I will always remain immensely proud of that interview,” he added.

AMID attempts to get the Spanish economy back up‐ and‐running after the rav‐ ages of 2020, the number of foreign workers in Spain in‐ creased slightly in April.

According to figures re‐ leased by the government on Thursday May 20, the number of foreign workers

Hospitality sector hopeful.

New Speed Limit Memes

WITH the new speed limits in urban areas coming into force last week, social networks have been awash with criticising memes. Photos, videos and Tweets have been filling up news‐ feeds on Twitter, making it obvious how the country feels about the new rules, and how creative the Spanish can be!

One humorous Twitter comment read : “I’m going at 30km/h and a lady knocks on my window to tell me that I had forgotten my coat in a bar. Incredible.”

Jokes aside, the new regulations for speed limits aim to re‐ duce accidents on the road. According to a study, the new lim‐ its will contribute to 15 to 30 per cent in the reduction of glob‐ al accidents, particularly involving vulnerable users including pedestrians, mobility scooters and bicycles and driving at a slower speed can also reduce the severity of injuries suffered to those in an accident.

With the new speed limits that came into effect on May 11, drivers will now face up to €600 fines for non‐compliance. In the case of less serious violations, the driver will not face points being taken off their licence.

rose by 39,161 or 1.89 per‐ cent against March.

In total there were 2,111,420 foreign workers registered with the Social Security Agency in April.

Almost 64 per cent of them come from outside the European Union while the rest are EU citizens, 56.8 per cent are men and 43.2per cent of workers are women.

The largest group of for‐ eign workers in Spain are 332,024 Romanians; 275,293 Moroccans; 125,383 Italians and 99, 695 Chinese.

All the autonomous com‐ munities registered increas‐ es, led by the Balearic Is‐ lands with 5.06 per cent, Extremadura with 4.72 per cent, Andalucia with 3.87 per cent and Murcia with 3.81 per cent.

The number of foreign workers in the hospitality sector rose by 5.04 per cent, indicating that that the sec‐ tor most troubled by Covid‐ 19 restrictions is poised to recover.

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Renew Free EU Health Card MONEY saving expert, Martin Lewis, is urging people to renew their EHIC (European Health Card) and shared his top tips for protecting holiday bookings during the ongoing pandem‐ ic.

The financial guru said: “If you’re renewing your EHIC you’ll get the new Global Health Insurance Card,” urging the 6.4 million people who have an out‐of‐date EHIC to renew, also in‐ forming that if your EHIC is currently in date, this can be used as the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

It is, however, important to clarify that the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance as it does not cover various issues such as holiday cancel‐ lations, mountain rescue and repatri‐ ation.

It is important to buy travel insur‐ ance as well as having a valid GHIC, but the card does cover the 27 coun‐ tries within the European Union plus four more and allows for treatment at doctor’s clinics or hospitals at the same cost as a local resident which is very helpful.

The expiry date of your EHIC can be found in the bottom right‐hand cor‐ ner of the card.

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Two-Month-Old Baby saved A TWO-MONTH-OLD Spanish girl’s life was saved with pioneering heart surgery Hospital Gregorio Maranon said on Monday, May 17. According to Reuters, doctors transplanted a small heart from a donor with a different blood type.

Juan Miguel Gil Jaurena, head of children’s cardiac surgery at the Madrid hospital, said: “It was twice the magic,” explaining that a technique like this did not yet exist for young children as little as three years ago and had never been performed on a baby so small.

This case paves the way to save more young children who are in need of heart transplants and are too young to use ventricular support devices until they get a compatible donor.

It was a complex operation due to the donor being in a different Spanish region and the heart had already ceased beating for a few minutes, meaning it required a recovery procedure. Information about the donor has not been released.

The baby girl, called Naiara, was diagnosed with congenital heart disease before she was born and only weighed 3.2 kilograms when doctors performed the groundbreaking surgery.

Manuela Camino, head of the children’s cardiac transplant unit said: “She is the smallest baby we’ve had for a heart transplant, and 24 hours before the surgery her condition worsened a lot. Had she not got a heart (transplant), she would probably not be here.” She is now recovering at the hospital.

Scientists Warn about Alcohol

MODERATE drinking causes damage to the brain, University of Oxford researchers have found. The UK study of 25,000 people found that even sensible amounts of alco‐ hol are linked to lower grey matter density, and the more you drink, the greater the damage to your brain. “There’s no threshold drinking for harm ‐ any alcohol is worse.

Pretty much the whole brain seems to be affected not just specific areas, as previous‐ ly thought,” said the lead author of the study, Anya Topiwala, a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Oxford. No matter what way the scientist crunched the data, alcohol is harmful to the brain. Theories suggesting wine can be beneficial are also wrong al‐ though the idea persists because drinking wine is associated with a wealthier and more educated lifestyle.

BABY NAIARA: Had pioneering heart surgery.

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Press Release

Fresh Appeal for Fugitive POLICE released a new photo on Monday May 24 of a fugitive wanted in connection with the murder of a man 15 years ago as the victim’s twin sister issued a

heartfelt plea for information.

The renewed appeal comes as Crimestoppers mark the anniversary with a £5,000 reward for anyone who comes

forward to them with information which helps lead to the arrest of Allan Foster.

Popular dad David ‘Noddy’ Rice, 42, was shot multiple times at close range on May

24, 2006, as he sat in his vehicle at Marsden car park.

He had been lured to the area under false pretences, unaware of the events about to ensue.

After the shooting, two men fled the scene and the father-of-seven was immediately rushed to hospital but later died as a result of his injuries.

Police launched a manhunt to trace the killer and soon Allan Foster, a friend of David’s also from South Shields, was identified as the prime suspect.

It was believed he fled to Spain in the days which followed the fatal shooting and has remained one of the UK’s most wanted fugitives ever since.

Steven Bevens, of Birtley, was later caught and jailed for life in 2007 for his role in the murder, and driver Derek Blackburn, who lived in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire at the time, was also sentenced to two-and-a-half years for assisting an offender.

Efforts to trace Allan Foster - who will now be aged 45 have remained ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Dodds of Northumbria Police’s Homicide and Major Investigation Team (HMET) is now heading the investigation and continues to work with the National Crime Agency’s International Department, the International Crime Coordination Centre, Crimestoppers at home and abroad as well as the British Embassy in Spain.

Monday, May 24 was the 15th anniversary of the fatal shooting. David’s sister Shirley Rice has also opened up about the impact his death has had on her family as she asks those harbouring information to come forward.

Furthermore, if you do not wish to contact the investigation team, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously http://www.crimestoppersuk.org/ When he fled the north east in 2006, Allan Foster was also wanted in relation to two other offences of conspiring to supply controlled drugs and also for the theft of a diamond.

He has previously featured as part of Operation Captura -

WANTED: Alan Foster. a fugitives’ campaign run by the National Crime Agency, Crimestoppers and the Spanish authorities.

The NCA is also supporting the hunt for Foster, who also features on their Most Wanted list.

Ruth McNee, from Crimestoppers said: “The victim’s family deserve to see justice for David. People may have known something but have so far been afraid to come forward. However, Crimestoppers as a charity independent of the police, are here to support you. We will take your information and no one will ever know that you contacted us.

A direct line into the Major Investigation Room has been set up and anyone with information is asked to contact 0044 191 437 4999 or you can also upload information to the Major Incident Portal online. https://mipp.po lice.uk/

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Government unveils its strategy PEDRO SÁNCHEZ, last Thursday 20 May, in a speech in Barcelona, painted a picture of what the country is expected to be like by the year 2050, as he unveiled the long-term strategy that has been planned out to combat climate change.

By 2050, journeys of less than 2.5 hours, for example, going from Malaga to Madrid, will have to be taken only by train, as trains are seen as a ‘greener’ form of transport, so there will be no more short, domestic flights, and there will

be fewer private vehicles, with people encouraged to share vehicles.

Train systems will be upgraded and night train services will become more popular, with cross-border connections updated and terminated, and

demand for the service encouraged ‘by applying a fair fare system.’

As far as airlines are concerned, a tax will be established on airline tickets, according to the distance travelled, with those who travel further being seen as creating more pollution so they will be taxed more, while a ‘frequent traveller’ rate will also be implemented.

People will consume less meat in 2050, fewer products will be consumed, and municipal waste will not be sent to landfills, and the government document says that a ‘payment for generation of waste

Sánchez on climate change.

would be implemented as a measure of responsibility for consumers,’ which will also be extended to manufacturers, who will have to be in charge of waste management and assume all associated costs, thus freeing the municipalities of this charge.

The building sector will have

to focus less on the creation of new buildings and more on the rehabilitation of those that already exist.

Transport will be dramatically hit, with the combustion car and air transport the big losers, as electric vehicles take over, and ‘tax rates on diesel and gasoline consumption will be raised progressively, until they are equal to the average tax rate for gasoline in the EU,’ the document says.

A ‘climate tax’ could also be implemented, designed to offset the impact of higher environmental taxation on lower incomes - part of the collection from green taxes would be returned to the population.

Certain raw materials and products would have to be limited, ‘In the coming decades, the Spanish population will have to reduce its intake of food of animal origin, the amount of clothing it buys, or the number of new digital devices and appliances it acquires per year,’ while the document states that this reduction, ‘will not cause a worsening of living conditions or the well-being of citizens.’

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Demand For Tickets IBERIA AIRLINES, Spain’s flag carrier, said it expects monthly flights to reach 60 per cent of 2019 levels by July, as travel starts to recover from the Covid‐19 pandemic.

Speaking at the FITUR tourism trade fair in Madrid, Iberia’s Commercial Director Maria Jesus Lopez Solas said,

IBERIA AIRLINES: Bookings are pouring in.

400 Summer Jobs

FRENCH multinational, Leroy Merlin, specialising in DIY, con‐ struction, decoration, and gardening is carrying on with its re‐ cruitment drive throughout Spain.

Spain is experiencing an employment boost at the moment as other multinationals like Ikea, Consum, Mercadona and Tele‐ fónica are expanding.

Leroy Merlin is currently advertising almost 400 jobs for this summer. Given the difficult economic situation due to the pan‐ demic, some companies have wanted to add more workers to their workforce and improve their working conditions.

Some of the positions required to be filled are in areas of sales, project advisers, section managers, management con‐ trollers, cashiers, members of the store management and ser‐ vices team, logistics, and store managers. These jobs are avail‐ able throughout their stores in Andalucia.

The company also guarantees internal training to be able to improve and grow personally and professionally whilst em‐ ployed by them.

the airline is flying at 40 per cent of May 2019 levels and ex‐ pects to reach 50 per cent in June. Demand for tickets could quickly outstrip supply once re‐ strictions are lifted, she said.

The carrier is counting a deci‐ sion to reopen routes with South America soon and has plans to fly to 18 Latin Ameri‐ can capitals in June.

“There’s enormous pent‐up demand. As soon as restrictions are lifted, we see bookings start pouring through,” Lopez Solas said.

The airline also wants to in‐ crease flights between Asia and Spain. Only 5 per cent of flights landing in Madrid’s Barajas air‐ port come from Asia compared to 20 to 25 per cent in other major European airports.

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Do UK pensions now attract wealth tax in Spain?

Generally, Brexit has not affected the tax treatment for UK nationals settled in Spain.

However, there may be a change in the way UK pensions are treated when it comes to Spanish wealth tax.

Pensions and wealth tax in Spain UK pension plans (other than purchased annuities), have generally been exempt from Spanish wealth tax. But now that UK pensions have become ‘third country’ (non-EU/EEA) assets, they may no longer qualify for the exclusion. This means that UK personal pensions and SIPPs (Self-Invested Personal Pensions) may now fall into the Spanish wealth tax calculation.

Although pension plans are not usually captured by Spanish wealth tax, as with many tax matters in Spain, this is not clear-cut. The current law on wealth tax exemptions does not differentiate between Spanish and foreign/EU and non-EU pension plans, so both should be treated the same. However, a 2019 binding ruling from the

with a UK pension plan, you may have to potentially defend your position with the tax authorities to prevent a new wealth tax liability.

By Fiona Keogh, Private Client Manager, Blevins Franks

Directorate-General for Tax in Spain states that “pension plans established in non-EU member states may not benefit from the [wealth tax] exemption”.

Because there is no distinction between Spanish/non-Spanish pension plans in the actual wording of the law, lawyers could argue that UK pensions remain exempt. But this is not a given – as Brexit is such a new state of play, this is an untested position so it is unclear what the outcome would be.

So if you are Spanish resident

Spanish wealth tax rules Spanish residents face wealth tax on worldwide assets; for non-residents it affects Spanish assets only. It is payable each December on the total net value of most capital assets, including real estate, savings and investments, shareholdings, jewellery, art, antiques, cars and boats.

General household contents, certain shareholdings in family companies, business assets – and usually pension rights – are not subject to wealth tax.

2021 wealth tax rates and allowances There is a personal tax-free allowance of €700,000 per person, which can vary regionally.

Spanish residents can get an additional allowance of up to €300,000 against the value of their main home (excluding properties owned through corporate structures).

In Murcia, wealth tax rates range from 0.24% to 3% and the state allowance of €700,000 applies. In Comunidad Valenciana, the individual allowance is reduced from €700,000 to €500,000 and rates range from 0.25% on assets up to €167,129 to 3.5% on assets over €10,695,996.

Reducing your exposure Depending on your circumstances, there may be options to reduce your wealth tax liability.

For example, there are some taxefficient investment structures that can allow you to reduce both your income and wealth tax bill in Spain.

If you are worried about the impact of wealth tax – or that the value of your UK pensions may now push your worldwide assets into scope for wealth tax – make sure you review your arrangements. A specialist adviser can assess your situation to establish any wealth tax implications and recommend suitable Spanish-compliant options.

With UK pensions, for example, you could transfer funds into a Spanish arrangement or an EU-based QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pensions Scheme) that will qualify for the wealth tax exemption.

Doing so could also unlock other benefits not usually available to UK pensions, such as currency and estate planning flexibility.

With expert, cross-border advice, you can take advantage of suitable tax-efficient opportunities to prevent a higher tax bill than necessary and make the most out of living in Spain.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

You can find other financial advisory articles by visiting our website here www.blevinsfranks.com.

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Glastonbury Festival is back this September IN September, a limited Glastonbury Festival will take place at Worthy Farm, with 50,000 people expected to attend.

Due to the Covid pandemic, organisers were forced to cancel plans for the long-awaited five-day festival in June, as well as the 2020 event.

After a series of consultations, Mendip District Council, which manages the venue in Somerset, has

given permission for Glastonbury to host a one-off festival.

Sam Phripp, the council’s chair of licensing, said: “We hope that, Covid-depending, this event will be a success, and we look forward to welcoming music lovers back to our corner of Somerset this autumn.

“With a view to Covid-19, of course, any event would have to be Covid-safe, and Mendip Council

will work with other organisations and the organisers to make sure that’s the case.”

The permit allows for up to 40,000 attendees and 10,000 staff members to be on-site, but camping will not be permitted at Worthy Farm.

It only allows for ‘multi-artist, live music concerts’ to be held on the Pyramid stage, though no details on line-ups or ticketing have been revealed.

FESTIVAL: 50,000 expected to attend.

Gloria Steinem Wins FEMINIST Gloria Steinem has won one of Spain’s top awards, the Princess of Asturias Award for Humanities 2021.

The American journalist who is an icon in America’s feminist movement has been awarded the 2021 Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and

Cadiz Plant to close

AIRBUS is moving to close its Puerto Real plant in Cadiz as part of its post-Covid restructuring plan.

The multinational aerospace company is in talks with unions to merge Puerto Real with the nearby Bay of Cadiz facility in what could be the first major closure of an Airbus factory in 50 years.

The hi-tech Puerto Real plant employs 350 people and the Bay of Cadiz facility has 460 employees. Cadiz has one of Spain’s highest rates of joblessness with one in four adults unemployed.

Humanities. In total 36 candidates from multiple nationalities were nominated for the award.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation awards eight prizes each year, and this is the second of these to be awarded so far this year. The first was the Arts Award which was given to Marina Abramovic in recognition of her stunning career, as reported

in the press.

Steinem co-founded the Ms Magazine in 1972 and has always fought for the legalisation of abortion and equal pay for the sexes.

She has also fought against the death penalty, child abuse and female genital mutilation.

This award is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in Spain.

Donation for vaccinations

MERCADONA founder’s wife, Hortensia Herrero, has made a donation of three million syringes in a bid to boost the coronavirus vaccination roll-out in the Valencian Community of Spain.

The syringes complete with hypodermic needles will be donated across all three provinces of the region and will be used in four centres for vaccination. The vaccination centres will be the Congress centre in Castellón, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, the trade fair centre in Elche, and Alicante’s Ciudad de la Luz film studio.

This is not the only time that Herrero has helped during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The successful businesswoman runs her own charity, the Hortensia Herrero Foundation, and is married to Juan Roig, Mercadona’s chairman.

The disposal syringes are ‘fully compliant with the medical requisites’ of the ongoing vaccination programme. The fantastic donation will help cut public costs too.

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Use of masks to be revised AS the country’s coronavirus data improves as a result of the vaccination programme, the Spanish Health Ministry is considering easing some of the existing Covid‐19 restric‐ tions. This was according to Fernando Simón, director of the Coordination Centre for

Steps may be eased.

Fine for cursing A SPANISH woman has been fined for calling a dead matador an ‘assassin’, according to MSN news. The controversial ruling of Spain’s Constitutional Court fined a left-wing former mayor €7,000 for labelling a bullfighter a ‘murderer’.

Datxu Peris has been ordered to pay compensation to the widow and family of the matador, Victor Barrio, for violating his right of honour. In 2016, Barrio was the first bullfighter to be killed in 30 years when he was bludgeoned to death when he was struck by the bull’s horn in a fight that was broadcast live on television. In the hours following his death, Peris wrote on social media platform, Facebook, that she was “positive” that Barrio was left to die because he was an “assassin.”

However, the then Spanish president, Mariano Rajoy, and King Felipe VI paid tribute to the matador, and the widow began a legal battle to punish those who had celebrated his death - this was done under a Spanish law that states the family of a deceased person has the right to defend the honour in their memory.

Health Alerts (CCAES) of the Ministry of Health, who held a press conference on Mon‐ day May 17 to present the latest report on the epidemic.

The government’s chief epidemiologist said it’s “very possible” that the require‐ ment to wear masks outside will be revised “in just a few days.”

Simón explained that the steps would be eased de‐ pending on how the virus’s average outbreak in the coun‐ try progresses. The 14‐day av‐ erage number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants is now 152, according to Monday’s article.

If it falls below the 150‐ point mark, Spain would have moved from a high‐risk to a medium‐risk situation. The last time Spain fell below this level was on March 30, just as it appeared that a fourth wave was about to reach the world. In the end, the vaccine campaign and continuing so‐ cial controls prevented a sig‐ nificant increase.

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27 May - 2 June 2021

Morocco warned THE Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, has warned the government of Morocco

that Spain will not accept “the slightest blackmail or questioning of territorial integrity.”

Mobile Phone Driving Laws THE Directorate General of Traffic, DGT are getting set to update the rules on why people can be fined when driving. One of the new rules will probably include being able to be fined when you are carrying a mobile phone incorrectly, even if you do not use it.

At the moment a traffic officer can stop you and issue a fine if they see a mobile phone being used by the driver. This can even happen when the driver is using a mobile phone at a traffic light too.

Currently though they could not do this if a mobile phone is spotted stuffed between your legs or even on the dashboard above the steering wheel. This could change soon though.

The DGT are aiming on discouraging people from using their mobile phones while driving. It looks like in future they will be able to issue fines for incorrectly carrying a mobile in the car, even if it has not been used.

The minister has accused Rabat of “violating the norms of international law” after allowing the massive arrival of illegal immigrants to Ceuta.

“We are not going to accept blackmail, the integrity of Spain is not negotiable or at stake and we are going to use all necessary means to guarantee territorial integrity and monitor the borders.”

She also accused Morocco of “throwing” its citizens across the border into the Spanish enclave and of “violating the norms of international law.”

“Morocco is a neighbour and friend but it has to reconsider what it has done. I am sure that Moroccan diplomacy will know how to draw its consequences,” she added.

Between Monday May 17 and Wednesday May 19 around 8,000 migrants swam into Ceuta. Some 1,500 of them were unaccompanied children.

To read more stories like this go to ww.euroweeklynews.com

EWN 25

26 EWN

27 May - 2 June 2021

www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Expat Heavens nearby PORTUGAL and Spain are rat‐ ed as some of the best places to live for expats, but Spain is ranked number one globally for leisure activities.

Taiwan topped the Expat In‐ side 2021 Survey conducted by

Internations for the third year in a row, with expats loving their job security in a prosper‐ ous local economy.

Meanwhile Portugal ranked fifth as the best place to live and work in the world ‐ just af‐

EU Citizens Could Lose Legal Status POST-BREXIT residency is guaranteed by the EU settlement scheme, but this is set to close on June 30. This means that thousands of EU citizens could lose their legal status very soon.

MPs from all parties have joined together to write a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to issue warnings about the impending Brexit ‘cliff-edge’, which could see EU citizens forced to leave the UK. MPs have called on the Prime Minister to remove the “arbitrary and inhumane deadline” and they feel that automatic settled status should be granted to EU citizens that are resident in the UK. It is feared that the impending deadline will affect vulnerable groups including elderly people. It is thought that those who are homeless or have disabilities will be less likely to hit the EU settlement scheme deadline too.

Tens of thousands of people could be affected if even only 1 per cent of EU citizens find themselves unable to meet the deadline.

ter Malaysia ‐ with expats praising the climate. Spain ranks as the eighth best place in the world to live and work, but was rated as having better leisure options than its neigh‐ bour.

Across the Mediterranean, Italy was ranked as the second worst place for expats to live with many going for broke in tough economic circum‐ stances. One in three expats said their disposable household income is not enough to cover their expenses, compared to 23 per cent globally.

The Internations survey in‐ cludes 59 countries and territo‐ ries with a minimum of 50 re‐ spondents each. The Quality‐ of‐Life Index covers 20 factors from seven different subcate‐ gories: Leisure Options, Health & Well‐Being, Safety & Securi‐ ty, Personal Happiness, Travel & Transportation, Digital Life, and Quality of the Environ‐ ment.

Respondents rated factors on a scale from one to seven.

To read more stories like this go to ww.euroweeklynews.com

EUROPEAN PRESS

www.euroweeklynews.com

EUROPEAN NIBS DENMARK

FRANCE

Island prison

Biofuel

THE Danish government is to set up a centre in Holmegaard on the southern tip of the island of Langeland to house foreign criminals who are awaiting deportation and have been convicted of a crime or are considered a state security risk.

AS airlines look to reintroduce long-haul flights, the question of pollution is foremost in many minds and Air France-KLM have recently flown an Airbus 350 from Paris to Montreal with a 16 per cent mix of sustainable aviation fuel produced in France by Total from used cooking oil.

THE NETHERLANDS €5 Billion missing DUTCH government audit office Algemene Rekenkamer has revealed that the Ministry of Health is unable to account for €5 billion of its 2020 spend as no receipts or proof of supply of goods including respirators and corona tests can be found or produced.

BELGIUM Diplomatic immunity THE wife of Belgium’s Ambassador in South Korea has claimed diplomatic immunity after CCTV evidence appeared on South Korean TV which appeared to show her slapping two sales assistants who accused her of shoplifting. She cannot now be prosecuted for alleged assault.

GERMANY Double life A JUNIOR officer in the German Army led a double life as a full-time soldier and Syrian refugee as he stole weapons and explosives intent on attacking German politicians and blaming Muslim extremists. He is now on trial accused of plotting a serious act of violence endangering the state.

NORWAY Oil fields WITH so much oil still available to take from the sea, senior Norwegian politicians have said that even though income is dropping, they do not support the suggestion by the International Energy Agency to halt investment in new oil fields and will continue to allow it.

FINLAND Rapid test SCIENTISTS at the University of Helsinki have developed a new rapid technique for detecting coronavirus infections which is able to detect infection within just 10 minutes and is believed to be almost as accurate as the PCR test, so will be ideal for use at airports and ports.

SWEDEN Avicii Stadium FORMERLY known as the Ericsson Globe Arena, Stockholm’s largest indoor arena (built in 1989) which can hold 16,000 people is to be renamed Avicii Stadium after popular hitmaker Avicii (real name Tim Bergling) who committed suicide in 2018 aged just 28.

27 May - 2 June 2021

EWN 27

FINANCE BUSINESS EXTRA OECD survey TODAY, Thursday May 27, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is publishing a new Economic Survey of Spain which examines the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the economy and discusses how EU funds could best be used to ensure a strong, sustainable and inclusive recovery.

Online presence US travel business Apple Leisure Group has announced that it wants to increase its hotel presence in Spain and will create a new European online travel agency to promote its brands in order to attract more Hispanic speaking clients to and from the Americas.

Colin the caterpillar HOT on the news that M&S is taking action against Aldi over Colin the Caterpillar cakes, the furore has gone up a notch as two knitters in Essex are producing knitted post box toppers showing the caterpillar and saying “There’s only one Colin.”

Zombie alert THE European Central Bank (ECB) now accepts that by making cheap credit available to help companies during the pandemic, it has created a group of Zombies which are businesses which are not financially viable but continue due to the availability of low interest loans.

Georgia support THE Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili visited Madrid on May 19 and 20, where he met with President Pedro Sánchez. During their meeting at the Moncloa Palace on May 20, they highlighted Spain’s consistent support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic integration, according to the Georgian government’s press service. Sánchez underlined Madrid’s support for Georgia’s ongoing democratic reforms, also noting that the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia can contribute to economic development and regional stability. He highlighted Spain’s interest in increasing direct investments for projects in Georgia, especially in the fields of infrastructure, renewable energy, and tourism.

28

STAT OF WEEK

www.euroweeklynews.com • 27 May - 2 June 2021

€29.7 million

is the amount that the president of multinational Spanish company Ferrovial, Rafael del Pinohas earned by selling all of his free allocation rights for shares.

Gibraltar economy damaged THE combination of Coron‐ avirus and Brexit has seen Gibraltar rack up an exception‐ al deficit of £138 million with a further negative figure of £51 million expected for the next financial year.

Although it is not normal for the Gibraltar Government to reveal information about fu‐ ture budgets before parlia‐ mentary discussion, Chief Min‐ ister Fabian Picardo explained the expected deficits on May 20.

The forecast for expendi‐

ture is £665 million plus capital expenditure of £68 million go‐ ing forward and if estimates of ongoing income and expendi‐ ture go according to plan, then Gibraltar should be back in the black within 24 months.

Having obtained a signifi‐ cant loan (with UK Govern‐ ment backing) at very low rates of interest, Picardo is confident that the Govern‐ ment is financially viable and will be able to meet all of its commitments.

The Chief Minister com‐

LEGALLY SPEAKING

pared Gibraltar to the rest of the world, observing that ev‐ ery developed country was in deficit and Gibraltar was no exception because it had tak‐ en action to protect all of its residents from Covid‐19.

Tellingly he said in Parlia‐ ment “We have not just paid for ventilators and for medicines.

“We have not just paid for PPE and other equipment.

“Every single detail of Covid spending is provided for in the published details of

the Covid fund.

“We have also paid for the salary of every single civil ser‐ vant and public servant with‐ out deduction in this period – even when they were not working.

“And we have paid for the salary of every person in the private sector who was not permitted to work under the Covid Regulations.

“And so, a deficit was the obvious result that every per‐ son should have expected was coming.”

We answer your questions

How can they bank?

I am the president of a small bowling club on the Costa Blanca. The club funds are held in a Spanish bank account. We provided the bank with three signatories, with any two of three signatures required when withdrawing cash. This has not been a problem for over 20 years. This year two of our signatories have died and the bank will not allow another member to take their place. This leaves the club without access to funds. We have the death certificate of one of the deceased members, but the second has returned to the UK and is suffering from dementia. Is there any reason for the bank preventing us adding oth‐ er signatories?

T M (Costa Blana)

Because your club is not an officially reg‐ YOU AND THE LAW istered association IN SPAIN for the promotion of bowls, it has no legal personality so the bank treats your ac‐ count as being held by three separate individuals in equal parts. If one dies, his share forms part of his inheritance and waits to be claimed by his inheritors and if another cannot be contacted the same. What a mess! You need skilled legal as‐ sistance.

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.

THE Sunday Times UK Rich List for 2021 shows that Britain must be doing some‐ thing right in order to attract so many fi‐ nancial ‘big hitters’ from abroad.

Sir James Dyson and family only made an extra £100 million in the last year, knocking them off the top spot and down to fourth with just £16.3 bil‐ lion to their names.

Topping the chart is Ukrainian born Sir Leonard Blavatnik with a massive

Wooing Spanish hoteliers ALTHOUGH the FITUR travel show in Madrid attracts large numbers of Spanish municipalities and tourist boards, it is also about oth‐ er countries wooing Spain.

This year, after meeting with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Ed‐ mund Bartlett was seen promot‐ ing his country to three senior rep‐ resentatives of Spanish hotel groups, all of whom are women who have reached the top.

Jamaica has a number of good hotels on the island, but tourism is an important industry for the country and would welcome the addition of new hotels, so this was his topic of conversation with the CEOs of Iberostar Hotels & Re‐ sorts, Grupo Pinero and RIU Ho‐ tels & Resorts.

Eurozone bounces back Rest assured.

SOME of the most frequently asked questions about pre‐ paid funeral plans are about the prices and payments.

Golden Leaves has very competitive prices with a 12‐ month, interest‐free period, then 4 per cent interest ap‐ plied annually.

If an instalment term is tak‐ en past 12 months the inter‐ est is not backdated to the start of the plan, it is applied from month 13.

If you decide to pay the bal‐ ance in full, there is no penal‐ ty and you will not have to

pay all the interest because the balance will be recalculat‐ ed at the date of payment.

If there are amounts still pending when you pass away, your next of kin will be asked to settle them, but regardless of this, Golden Leaves will al‐ ways take care of the de‐ ceased. Your loved ones will not be left with large bills to pay to third parties, as the cost of the funeral director is fully guaranteed, as well as costs towards third party ex‐ penses of between £1,000‐ £1,200.

www.goldenleavesinternational.com enquiries@goldenleaves.com Facebook: goldenleavesspain

Britain’s richest £23 billion, much of which comes from metal and oil earnings in Russia, al‐ though he did make a further £1.37 bil‐ lion when Warner Music Group went public.

There are now reportedly 171 billion‐ aires in the UK and their wealth has in‐

creased by more than 20 per cent dur‐ ing the pandemic.

The top 10 list is as follows; 1. Sir Leonard Blavatnik £23bn 2. David and Simon Reuben £21.465bn 3. Sri and Gopi Hinduja and family £17bn

ACCORDING to a survey pub‐ lished on Friday, May 21, busi‐ ness activity in the eurozone is growing at its fastest rate in three years, as Europe’s econo‐ my kicks into gear after months of Covid‐19 restrictions.

The closely‐watched study compiled by economic data group IHS Markit indicated that the jump in demand was even overwhelming the economy, with factories and businesses unable to keep up with record demands.

According to the data, “order inflows surged to an extent not seen for almost 15 years,” the report said.

Growth would have been “even stronger” had it not been for supply chain delays and diffi‐ culties restarting businesses quickly enough to meet demand.

4. Sir James Dyson and family £16.3bn 5. Lakshmi Mittal and family £14.68bn 6. Alisher Usmanov £13.406bn 7. Kirsten and Jorn Rausing £13bn 8. Roman Abramovich £12.101bn 9 Charlene de Carvalho‐Heineken and Michel de Carvalho £12.013bn 10. Guy, George, Alannah and Galen Weston and family £11bn

30 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

27 May - 2 June 2021

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

LONDON - FTSE 100

See our advert on previous page

C LOSING P RICES M AY 24

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) 3I Group 1.250,00 1.252,50 Admiral Group 2.946,0 2.947,0 Anglo American 3.153,0 3.154,5 Antofagasta 1.524,50 1.553,50 Ashtead Group 5.125,8 5.125,8 Associated British Foods 2.307,0 2.324,0 AstraZeneca 8.142,0 8.159,0 Auto Trader Group Plc 564,20 565,80 Avast 454,20 455,60 Aveva 3.288,0 3.289,0 Aviva 401,80 404,90 B&M European Value Retail SA564,80 566,80 BAE Systems 516,68 522,26 Bank VTB DRC 1,232 1,318 Barclays 179,82 180,98 Barratt Developments 747,80 758,00 Berkeley 4.619,0 4.641,0 BHP Group 2.121,50 2.121,50 BP 315,44 315,85 British American Tobacco 2.811,5 2.830,5 British Land Company 514,80 516,00 BT Group 177,05 178,20 Bunzl 2.278,2 2.283,0 Burberry Group 2.106,0 2.114,8 Carnival 1.616,6 1.634,8 Centrica 52,32 52,47 Coca Cola HBC AG 2.552,0 2.567,0 Compass 1.551,50 1.554,00 CRH 3.608,5 3.608,5 Croda Intl 6.824,0 6.846,0 DCC 6.310,0 6.324,0 Diageo 3.397,0 3.399,0 DS Smith 421,80 421,80 EasyJet 977,84 984,16 Experian 2.726,5 2.736,5 Ferguson 9.814,0 9.828,0 Flutter Entertainment 13.045,0 13.140,0 Fresnillo 870,80 887,20 GlaxoSmithKline 1.356,00 1.364,60 Glencore 312,95 313,15 Halma 2.566,0 2.581,0 Hargreaves Lansdown 1.684,00 1.686,00 Hikma Pharma 2.483,00 2.483,00 HSBC 445,00 445,12 IAG 196,42 197,50 Imperial Brands 1.672,50 1.675,00 Informa 529,80 534,00 InterContinental 4.860,0 4.867,0 Intermediate Capital 2.057,00 2.068,00 Intertek 5.862,0 5.888,0 ITV 128,55 128,70

% CHG. 1.248,00 2.933,0 3.111,0 1.504,00 5.088,0 2.304,0 8.134,0 560,40 451,60 3.250,8 401,50 560,00 515,00 1,232 179,56 745,40 4.617,0 2.095,50 313,75 2.807,5 511,80 176,10 2.273,0 2.100,0 1.615,6 52,19 2.543,0 1.535,50 3.597,0 6.790,0 6.282,0 3.384,5 418,70 967,98 2.712,0 9.748,0 12.925,0 869,00 1.353,80 310,20 2.555,0 1.675,50 2.460,00 442,92 195,58 1.661,50 528,40 4.817,0 2.044,00 5.846,0 128,10

NET VOL 24,90K 5,77K 122,58K 68,08K 2,24K 17,13K 6,92K 20,24K 101,53K 0,68K 362,25K 48,18K 18,06K 23,83K 641,76K 71,62K 1,76K 156,53K 487,64K 46,65K 37,06K 1,52M 2,66K 1,68K 39,02K 88,12K 6,28K 74,36K 3,08K 5,72K 11,61K 55,27K 58,71K 60,21K 6,55K 8,56K 8,73K 83,50K 214,15K 1,51M 13,18K 19,15K 22,03K 41,80K 1,07M 54,89K 45,69K 4,83K 10,51K 4,76K 280,00K

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

J Sainsbury Johnson Matthey Land Securities Legal & General Lloyds Banking London Stock Exchange Meggitt Melrose Industries Mondi National Grid NatWest Group Next Norilskiy Nikel ADR Ocado Persimmon Phoenix Prudential Reckitt Benckiser Relx Rentokil Rightmove Rio Tinto PLC Rolls-Royce Holdings Rosneft DRC Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B RSA Insurance Sage Samsung Electronics DRC Sberbank Schroders Scottish Mortgage Segro Severn Trent Smith & Nephew Smiths Group Spirax-Sarco Engineering SSE St. James’s Place Standard Chartered Standard Life Aberdeen Taylor Wimpey Tesco Tui Unilever United Utilities Vodafone Group PLC Whitbread WPP

264,90 3.162,0 705,20 281,50 48,64 7.572,0 482,90 162,45 1.924,50 949,32 202,00 8.024,0 36,73 1.959,50 3.065,0 739,80 1.506,00 6.510,0 1.883,50 483,80 589,60 6.009,0 105,24 7,12 1.405,31 1.405,6 1.348,6 684,40 671,40 1.775,00 16,53 3.574,0 1.158,00 1.023,00 2.492,0 1.561,00 1.555,50 12.322,8 1.537,50 1.376,50 504,20 269,70 170,00 227,27 425,55 4.282,0 985,40 128,77 3.082,0 981,00

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

265,80 3.172,0 709,80 281,70 48,81 7.622,0 487,90 163,20 1.933,00 951,80 202,80 8.038,0 36,91 1.965,10 3.085,0 739,20 1.506,50 6.515,0 1.884,00 485,00 590,80 6.009,0 105,54 7,17 1.407,11 1.407,0 1.354,0 685,40 671,40 1.775,00 16,55 3.578,0 1.160,00 1.032,00 2.507,0 1.564,50 1.556,00 12.335,0 1.545,00 1.383,50 505,80 270,40 171,55 227,50 429,97 4.304,0 993,60 129,06 3.108,0 981,20

263,90 3.135,0 703,40 279,90 48,48 7.494,0 474,60 161,00 1.912,50 946,80 201,60 7.900,0 36,62 1.949,08 3.053,0 737,00 1.499,00 6.484,0 1.876,00 481,80 587,20 5.953,0 104,12 7,10 1.401,00 1.401,4 1.344,2 684,20 668,44 1.770,00 16,46 3.561,0 1.152,50 1.017,50 2.490,0 1.556,00 1.545,00 12.271,5 1.533,00 1.372,50 502,80 268,10 169,20 225,92 424,30 4.278,5 985,00 128,04 3.066,0 974,17

100,14K 11,53K 23,76K 229,47K 5,89M 16,13K 28,24K 224,76K 12,98K 245,80K 425,93K 8,82K 14,84K 10,59K 13,90K 37,03K 18,84K 15,38K 69,57K 87,43K 44,04K 56,85K 1,58M 103,67K 101,31K 106,84K 117,78K 75,63K 5,73K 0,95K 61,80K 2,27K 124,89K 38,73K 18,37K 44,54K 7,95K 0,14K 39,25K 13,86K 120,16K 92,44K 395,10K 168,72K 39,94K 114,68K 36,42K 754,36K 14,12K 16,82K

1.16094

0.86095

Units per €

US dollar (USD) ......................................1.21967 Japan yen (JPY)........................................132.65 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................1.0949 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4370 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................10.170

currenciesdirect.com/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES M AY 24

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 201,86 2.345,10 3.203,08 251,01 125,43 234,82 237,24 104,12 52,43 54,62 316,23 366,26 315,77 223,20 144,74 56,08 170,96 162,66 231,24 79,18 245,17 132,66 138,00 222,58 580,88 411,63 56,91 226,77 141,75 172,40

CHANGE 203,76 2.369,00 3.256,69 254,06 128,00 236,30 239,40 105,20 52,93 55,12 319,93 367,14 319,28 225,63 145,70 56,71 172,74 163,22 233,40 80,34 248,33 134,17 138,94 225,78 596,68 418,63 57,30 229,31 143,08 173,12

CHANGE% VOLUME(M) 201,08 1,54M 2.342,37 1,14M 3.197,01 4,10M 250,74 2,18M 125,21 79,30M 231,39 16,58M 235,01 2,48M 103,68 10,35M 52,24 24,47M 54,22 16,03M 315,81 13,60M 360,51 2,66M 314,45 3,92M 222,66 2,27M 144,28 4,03M 55,98 17,72M 170,87 6,50M 160,94 10,25M 230,31 2,60M 79,08 10,37M 244,74 21,86M 132,41 5,33M 137,78 10,16M 222,44 4,91M 580,00 26,03M 409,46 4,30M 56,74 15,47M 226,55 5,60M 141,60 7,64M 171,52 8,11M M - MILLION DOLLARS

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES M AY 24

COMPANY

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

+2.60% +10.62% +1.80% +3.02% +2.89% +3.22% +3.16% +7.01% +1.12% +23.46% +4.29%

16.82M 4.07M 254,294 9,805 775,256 3.55M 76,280 1.32M 234,443 1,765 289,687

-1.37% -4.68% -0.56% -0.55% -2.01% -0.47% -0.69% -1.47% -3.88% -23.73% -2.56%

4.10M 853,043 2.03M 263,248 1.47M 1.14M 77,041 847,521 7.55M 1.13M 2.06M

Most Advanced NVIDIA Corp.

Upstart Holdings Inc. SVB Financial Group National Western Life Group Inc. Cl A IAC/InterActiveCorp.

CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. Cl A Heska Corp.

Oasis Petroleum Inc. MarketAxess Holdings Inc. PureCycle Technologies Inc. Un Visteon Corp.

Most Declined Amazon.com Inc. MicroStrategy Inc. Alphabet Inc. Cl A Booking Holdings Inc. Lam Research Corp.

Alphabet Inc. Cl C Broadcom Inc. 8% Pfd. Series A ASML Holding N.V. Coinbase Global Inc. Big Rock Partners Acquisition Corp.

Zoom Video Communications Inc.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

New EU VAT rules

ORDERING ONLINE: Tax rules can be confusing.

BREXIT saw a number of changes with regards to ex‐ ports from the UK to Euro‐ pean Union members and the next will take effect on July 1, 2021.

Currently EU and non‐EU sellers selling goods online to EU consumers can import the goods into the EU, di‐ rectly to the consumer, im‐ port VAT‐free if the consign‐ ment of goods is valued at €22 or below.

The idea was to make life easier for Customs so that they didn’t have to process every small package coming into their country, but this is now to change for three main reasons, which aren’t directly caused by Brexit.

Firstly, there is a huge vol‐ ume of cheap items coming in from China which the EU wants to regulate, secondly some unscrupulous senders

have been declaring a value under €22 for goods worth much more and thirdly EU sellers have been required to charge VAT when selling to other EU countries which puts them at a disadvantage.

In theory, from July 1, both EU and non‐EU sellers will be required to charge VAT at the rate prevalent in the country where the cus‐ tomer is based so that no VAT is to be collected when the goods are received.

For items with a value over €150 which have been ordered online from a non‐ EU state, the delivery com‐ pany will be required to col‐ lect the VAT which could be cumbersome if the amount of tax involved is significant and the delivery company doesn’t accept credit or deb‐ it cards.

Some UK companies are

Dutch exports ACCORDING to Dutch National Statistics Agency CBS, exports of Dutch products to Britain were up 24 per cent in the first three months of this year, compared to 2020.

Oil, gas, flowers and plants accounted for the biggest increases, the CBS figures show and overall, when looking at pre-Brexit and pre-pandemic figures from 2019, exports of Dutch products this year are stable so far.

Significantly however, the figures for goods which are moved through the Netherlands in transit in Britain were down 26 per cent in the first quarter of 2021 and 37 per cent down on the same period in 2019.

already gearing up to add VAT whilst others will simply refuse to supply.

BUSINESS EXTRA Air Europa DESPITE significant losses at parent IAG caused by the pandemic, Iberian has announced that following its takeover of Air Europa which should be completed later this year, it will look to develop its routes out of Madrid and has eyes on the Asian market.

Solar power TWO major groups, Ikea and El Corte Inglés have cottoned on to the fact that one major area of continued development over the coming years will be the installation of solar panels on the roofs of private houses and are targeting consumers accordingly.

Pfizer deal ACTING on behalf of its 27 member states, the European Union has entered into a deal with Pfizer to purchase a guaranteed 900 million doses of vaccine between now and 2023 with an option on a further 900 million if new anti-variant vaccines are developed.

27 May - 2 June 2021

EWN 31

32 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

27 May - 2 June 2021

FEATURE

Golden Leaves In Q &A

WHEN choosing a funeral plan, y company and will understandably

• Is the emergency helpline available 24/7? Will I be able to speak to someone in English?

• Yes, the emergency helpline is 24/7 - 365 days a year and your call will always be answered.

The primary language is English, but the team are multilingual. Between 9am and 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, the Spanish office takes the calls, and we also have a specialist out-of-hours team based in the UK. Once Golden Leaves receives the call, the team will come into action immediately. The emergency contact numbers can be located on the card we provide in your pack.

• Are there any limitations to which airports can be used for repatriation? Are there are any additional charges per kilometre to get to the airport?

• The only limitations for repatriation are the availability of flights and airlines. There is no extra charge for transportation mileage on top of the plan.

• If I die away from my home, will I be transported back? ls there any extra cost?

• The remains of the deceased will be returned to their place of residence, within Spain, and within the UK (as well as Cyprus and Portugal, Canary and Balearic Islands), at no additional cost.

• Does my plan include cover in Ireland?

• Yes, from Ireland, as from anywhere else in the world, your relatives would simply need to make one call to Golden Leaves who contribute towards the costs and if there was any shortfall, it would need to be settled by your next of kin.

• Do you (pandemics)?

• Yes.

cover

Covid

cases

• If I die abroad and I have travel insurance, how does this affect the plan I purchased?

Your plan can be utilised globally.

With Golden Leaves, you have the option to call us, and we would take care of the arrangements as of immediate effect, we would contribute towards the funeral cost. However, the next of kin would be responsible for any shortfalls in balance.

You have the option to cancel the plan and get a refund minus 20 per cent of the plan purchase price.

Or if you have travel insurance, this usually includes repatriation of the deceased back to base. Golden Leaves would then co-ordinate with the insurance company for airport collection in the UK or Spain, putting the plan into action as per the client’s wishes.

• What happens to my plan if you go out of business?

• The independent trust fund is in place to safeguard your plans and funds for any eventuality. This means both your funds are protected and your funeral will always take place.

• Are coffins or urns included in the price?

Yes, we provide a mid-range selection of both, at a small additional cost you can upgrade these items to suit your requirements.

• Are death certificates included?

• Yes, three each in English and Spanish.

If you require more, they will be provided at no additional cost.

• ls Golden Leaves a company I can trust?

• Yes, we are who we say we are, we can provide full credentials, you can see our team on the website, and we advertise our services openly in all the areas in which we operate.

• Are the testimonials and reviews I read about Golden Leaves true?

• Yes, all testimonials are provided by real people in real locations of which Golden Leaves can provide proof. Just visit Trustpilot to see the many positive reviews about Golden Leaves Funeral Plans and our team of professionals.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: Let Golden Leaves take care of everything for you.

• Will I need to settle any remaining balance before the remains of the deceased are collected?

• Golden Leaves will always take care of the deceased. However, if there is an outstanding balance, we will discuss the balance payment with your next of kin at need.

• Will my loved ones be left with hefty bills to pay to third party disbursements in the UK? • No, the cost of the funeral director is fully guaranteed in the UK, we will contribute between £1,000- £1,200 towards the cost of the 3rd party disbursements, if this amount is exceeded your next of kin would be responsible for this shortfall.

• Are the number of facilities in the UK or globally limited? Will this make it difficult to use the plan I have purchased in the area I reside?

• Golden Leaves’ sister company is RBI, a company with global connections which was founded by the great-grandparents of the owner of Golden Leaves more than 100 years ago. Golden Leaves is also affiliated with funeral directors internationally. We will also allocate your funeral directors upon purchasing the plan so that you the client has full information to hand.

• Does Golden Leaves have a good relationship with partners and third parties?

• Yes, Golden Leaves has impeccable

FEATURE

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27 May - 2 June 2021

EWN 33

nternational

you need to know that you can trust the y have some questions, read on to find the answers you seek.

• How do Golden Leaves’ prices and interest rates compare with competitors?

• Golden Leaves have very competitive prices when comparing the market, with a 12-month, interest-free period, thereafter a 4% per cent interest applied annually. If an instalment term is taken past 12 months, the interest does not get backdated to the start of the plan, it is applied from month 13.

• What funeral plans do you have to offer?

• The Opal Plan, designed for those who want a simple cremation service.

The Pearl Plan, designed for those who would like a traditional funeral service for cremation or burial.

The Golden Plan, designed for those who wish to be repatriated to a country other than their current place of residence.

• Is Golden Leaves in any way related to any other Funeral Plan provider?

No, we are an independent company, with no associations with alternative providers.

relationships with all partners globally, and having been in the industry for more than 25 years we have an excellent reputation on all platforms. The company has grown and been sustained over the years thanks to these partnerships, and we always honour our agreements with each of the parties we work with.

• If I want to pay the balance in full at some point, is there any penalty?

• You can pay the balance at any time without penalty, and the interest will cease from the date of payment. If you decide to donate your body for medical research/science, there is a 100 per cent refund made to your next of kin.

• Will Golden Leaves pay out from the trust when I need to use the plan I purchased?

• Golden Leaves’ trust is in a strong position with a £24 million surplus, held in the UK in Lloyds TSB, with investments managed by Julius Baer and Quilter Cheviot.

The trust fund is regulated by the FPA and voluntarily audited every year. The trust has been in place since Golden Leaves was founded, your plans will always be paid as per our contractual agreement.

. d in m f o e c a e p s e n Giving your loved o If you have any further questions about Golden Leaves, call our Director here in Spain 966 493 082 • 603 531 417 Facebook: goldenleavesspain • enquiries@goldenleaves.com

www.goldenleavesinternational.com

34 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

27 May - 2 June 2021

Not a one way street!

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT SO, once again I find myself on the defence against accusations of racism.

Not that it worries me unduly. Primarily because I abhor the very idea of evaluating one human being against another on the grounds of ethnic background or appearance; I only judge people by their actions!

Secondly because I am fully aware that playing the racist card is always the last resort of those engaged in the ongoing vendetta against the purveyors of free speech. I am also a long term antagonist of the fact that these suppressers of truth are always trying to imply that only the white population can be racist.

This is the attitude of the extreme left, which is actually pushing racism to pinnacles of unrest the UK has never before witnessed. It is glaringly obvious to anyone who watches TV that large numbers of actors; particularly in commercials, are being selected exclusively for the colour of their skin or ethnic origins. This is pure reversed racism and is actually now beginning to cause concern among struggling white performers. It is also an insult to the

SKIN COLOUR: Attitudes are pushing racism to the extreme.

public’s intelligence to deny that the ethnic populace is allowed to get away with far greater demonstrations and accusations of racism than Caucasians could ever be.

The white citizens are actually becoming terrified to speak out in case they are accused and even prosecuted for misconstruing the (ever changing)

interpretations of so called racism. Many are even totally confused on how to address people of colour. An example of this type of racial inequality was aired on British TV just last week. A half dozen extremely successful young black female pop singers were gathered together to discuss racism in the music profession.

I was astounded to hear these young ladies, some with tears dripping on to their designer gear, bewailing just how hard it had been for them to succeed because of ‘white prejudice’ in the music business and asking why there are so few black performers in the their profession! Err, just a minute. In the first place, it’s hard for

FEATURE

everyone in the pop business, fat, thin, black, white, male, female, or otherwise.

In the second place the profession has always been awash with black performers.

Most of the all‐time greats in Jazz and early rock n roll have been black. In the 50s and 60s it was the ilk of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Bassey and Johnny Mathis etc. We also enjoyed the glorious days of Motown, when the charts were positively rammed with wonderful black artists. The most successful rappers, apart from Eminem, are all black. The list is unending. No I’m sorry this was a programme of wholly undeserved racist accusations, against people in an industry which is probably the most unbiased of all as regards to race and colour. Had the positions been reversed and a panel of white performers been protesting against the dominance of black artistes there would have been a public outcry.

And this to me sums up the whole sorry state of affairs. I maintain ALL racism to be totally unacceptable; but assert most emphatically ‐ it is not a one way street!

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.

To read more articles from our columnists and to have your say in the comments go to www.euroweeklynews.com

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

FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

Anyone know the formula?

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION Views of a Grumpy Old Man I S anybody going to tell the scooter drivers that there are new speed restrictions here in Spain? I have to admit it’s very tough trying to keep to the new lower limits, and I seem to be spending more time looking at my speedo than the road, but I’m trying my best.

It doesn’t help having scooters and motorbikes coming past me on both sides, travelling at least double the speed, and lorries sitting on my back bumper forcing me to break the speed limit. A pparently the reason for the new limits is that if you hit someone with your car at 30kph they have more chance of survival. I think if you drive carefully enough and manage not to hit anyone at all, the speed limits could have stayed the same.

Last year, for a laugh, I filled in the UK Government re-training form and it came up with some ridiculous job suggestions for me. So move on a year and all of a sudden my in-box is full of job

offers from stacking shelves in Tesco’s to being a dog walker or a night watchman. This is not spam as such, this is from a legitimate UK company.

I googled them and their Trust Pilot reviews are appalling! What I want to know is have they either nicked, or been sold, the UK Government’s email list of people that filled in the form last year? I don’t believe in these types of coincidences, it happens too often.

I went out for lunch the other day with the ever suffering Mrs S and decided to go to a beach bar as it was a nice sunny day. We ordered a nice salad and a half ration of different sea food which was very tasty and the service was very good.

When I asked for the bill I was surprised to see the price for the half ration was €12 when a full portion was €16. W hen we queried it the waiter just said, yes it’s a half portion but it’s not half price, that’s just the way it is.

I’m sure there is a very scientific reason, such as it costs the same to do this, that and the other and the amount of food is actually academic. Anyone know the formula?

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

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

27 May - 2 June 2021

EWN 35

36 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

27 May - 2 June 2021

Christina Sharp GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL christina@globelink.co.uk.

COVID remains centre stage, im‐ pacting the lives of millions and immeasurably changing the travel landscape. Yet there’s a distinct ripple of travel opti‐ mism on the horizon.

Spain plans welcoming visitors from June, pending a digital health certificate pilot at Spanish airports through May, according to Spain’s Tourism Minister, at the World Travel & Tourism Council summit. The UK’s FCDO also unveiled their first traffic light country list for Brits ‐ re‐ viewed every three weeks. Read more about the breaking news on traffic light system.

It’s time to cautiously book those long‐awaited trips to fami‐ ly and friends abroad.

What travel lessons can we learn from 2020? Here’s how to avoid traveller pitfalls.

NEWS

Your Guide to Travelling in 2021 Passport It’s probably a while since you used it! Check it’s still valid ‐ some locations require six months left on your passport from your date of arrival.

The right destination If we learnt anything in 2020 it’s that things are unpre‐ dictable. You must regularly check local Government travel advice and those of your chosen location. Your trip depends on it.

Booking Select an operator with an up‐ front, no quibble refund/ reschedule option to save stress and cash if your trip can’t go ahead due to Covid restrictions.

Travel Insurance won’t cover lockdowns.

Accommodation Book early. There may be less choice and reduced capacity.

Consider opting for private space with less footfall, like a

PROTECT YOURSELF: With free Covid cover included. villa, or apartment.

Protect Yourself with Travel Insurance All insurance varies and many don’t cover pandemics. The good news is, whilst other insurers paired‐back cover, Globelink en‐ hanced policies to include free Covid cover if you catch Covid before you travel and during your trip, including travel com‐ panions and anyone you’re due to stay with. Read more here. If

you can’t travel yet ‐ that’s ok ‐ chose annual cover with a future Start Date (remember Cancella‐ tion protection won’t commence until your start date).

Trip Itinerary Venues and attractions may be closed, have reduced capacity and will almost certainly require advanced booking.

Hand luggage Latest 2021 essentials include spare face coverings, travel size hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes!

Health Declarations / Covid Tests Check for advanced health declaration requirements, like Covid ‘PCR’ within 72 hours of travel. It’s up to you to check de‐ parture requirements from your location and entry requirements to your destination.

Special Airport Assistance You can still book support, like

buggy/wheelchair assistance, but you should pre‐book in advance.

At the Airport Many airports are restricting entry only to those who are trav‐ elling. Almost all locations re‐ quire face coverings inside the airport and on the plane. You may need to pre‐book check‐in security slots.

Temperature checks Most airports have tempera‐ ture check requirements. You won’t be permitted to travel if you fail temperature checks. Glo‐ belink Covid Insurance will have you covered though.

Arrival at Destination Be prepared. Know require‐ ments or restrictions in your chosen location, eg: Covid test requirements; provision of con‐ tact details; self‐isolation; cur‐ fews; reduced shop and restau‐ rant opening; restricted local travel.

Wherever you’re going, we look forward to welcoming you back.

Visit www.globelink.eu, or call our linkline Spain number 518 880 332

FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

27 May - 2 June 2021

EWN

37

Advertising Feature

Ciudad Patricia, a retirement resort which offers every facility you could expect and more MANY people look forward to the age of retirement with a mixture of pleasure and trepidation especially if they have spent the last 40+ years working and they worry about keeping active.

This is where the Ciudad Patricia offers the ideal solution to those who want to enjoy retirement in comfort and weather which is generally much more conducive to healthy living than the UK. This superb retirement resort sitting in 25 acres of unspoiled grounds overlooking the valley to the mountains offers everything that a retiree, be they single or a couple, could possibly want with what will become their final forever home.

There are five different buildings offering accommodation in apartments ranging in size from one bedroom to three bedrooms, all beautifully laid out and offering air conditioning for those very hot days, and grounds that are well cared for by resident caretakers.

Once you have your apartment sorted out there are a range of different options available, guaranteed not only to keep you occupied, but which will stimulate both your mind and your body.

Physical activity is important as you age and

the Ciudad Patricia offers residents four outdoor swimming pools as well as an indoor pool complex kept to an average water temperature of 28°C, so no matter what the weather you can swim for as long as you wish.

The resort has its own fitness room/gym with static bikes and machines to walk or run depending upon your state of fitness and for those who enjoy outside exercise there is a staggering amount of well-maintained parkland which you are welcome to stroll around.

For those who want to look and feel their best, there is a hairdresser in the main building who is very popular with residents.

Many of us enjoy a game of golf and there are plenty of 18-hole courses in Benidorm, but for those who prefer their golf a little more on the gentle side, there is an outside mini-golf course and a very popular petanque court where you can improve your game.

If you are more interested in handicrafts or creative pastimes, indeed whatever craft you may enjoy, there is access to a hobby room with lockers.

The residents’ own lounge situated in the main central building has stunning views to the moun-

Beautifully laid out.

tains. It can be used for residents’ parties, like birthdays, and parties with live music great for the music lovers that love to dance. There is of course a well-stocked library of books and DVDs as well as a selection of board games.

Although every apartment comes complete with its own well-appointed kitchen, there are some occasions when you want to eat out, so the resort has its own restaurant which also welcomes non-residents and offers a menu of the day at a very reasonable price including bread and aioli, half a bottle of wine and a welcome appetiser.

Another great facility at the central building is the 100-seater theatre and there is also access to computer terminals as well as WiFi throughout the building.

Not everyone is as mobile as they once were, so there is a shuttle bus that can be ordered at any of the five buildings at a designated time and there is also a public bus stop next to the main reception which will take residents into the centre of bustling Benidorm.

For those who want to go somewhere different there is a shopping bus to Albir arranged weekly for a small fee.

Effectively, Ciudad Patricia offers you so much more than you would receive just living in an apartment in a shared block and as we get older, so it becomes increasingly important to know that there are monitored 24-hour security cameras throughout the resort.

There is the added peace of mind that there is a doctor who lives on the resort. He also has his own surgery for consultations in the rehabilitation and residential centre as well as 24-hour emergency medical assistance.

Now that the State of Alarm has been removed and we start to return to a semblance of normality following the pandemic, so much more will be organised again such as quiz nights, dances, games afternoons, painting classes in hobbies room, bingo, choir practice, pool or snooker, computer classes. Petanque games, mini golf competitions, games afternoons and bridge.

Well cared for grounds.

The important thing to know is that with so many options and activities to enjoy where residents meet up to take part, you know that you will never experience the feeling of being alone.

To find out more, visit www.ciudadpatricia.es or call Amanda Hobbs (+34) 673 064 288.

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Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Tenable Tipping Point The Chase ITV Evening News ITV News London Emmerdale The Masked Dancer Coronation Street ITV News at Ten and Weather

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A Pembrokeshire Farm The Joy of Painting Yes, Minister To the Manor Born Ian Hislop's Olden Days The Power of the Past in Britain Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer Horizon: Monitor Me Pain, Pus & Poison The Beauty of Anatomy

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EWN 39

Advertising Feature

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40 EWN

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27 May - 2 June 2021

FEATURE

GO LOCAL

THE EUROWEEKLY NEWS is urg‐ ing its readers to support local businesses in the community by going local now that the lock‐ down has ended and for your all your shopping this year, instead of feeding online giants and su‐ perstores.

We challenge you to rediscover your local high streets, markets, butchers, greengrocers and all of the wonderfully quirky indepen‐ dent businesses in your area.

Now that the Covid‐19 pan‐ demic appears to be under con‐ trol, it is a good idea to try and sup‐ port many local businesses by ordering online and making use of any click and collect services they can operate, especially if you are unable to get out due to health reasons or any other restrictions.

The joy of shopping local means that independent businesses can help support the local community.

Although it may be a euro or two cheaper elsewhere or online, consider where your money is

actually going.

By shopping at an independent store you’re putting food on a local family’s table, and there is no bet‐ ter time than now 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 cases 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 generations and support not just the current owner but the generation before.

For those stores which are new, that extra couple of euros spent there are supporting someone’s dream and ambition, and also the courage it took them to step out alone, which is no easy task. It takes quite a large chunk of money to set up an independent store and compete with the multina‐ tional and chains.

So be sure to pre‐order your meat from a local butcher and get your spuds from a local greengro‐ cer, let us revive that community spirit and get to know our neigh‐ bours again.

You could also consider pur‐ chasing gift vouchers from local 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 need is important too. Whilst it’s nice to give a glamourous gift per‐ haps pre‐paying 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 difference in the recovery of the local econo‐ my. When we buy local, our mon‐ ey stays local, and it strengthens the local economy in two ways.

First, buying local keeps money cir‐ culating 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 in‐

vest in their employees.

Data shows that local retailers return 52 per cent of their revenue back into the local economy, com‐ pared to just 14 per cent for na‐ tional 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 illus‐ trates 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 businesses employ more people per unit of sales and retain more employees over time.

A fantastic example of how to support your local community is with a Charity Gift certificate, why not donate to your loved one’s favourite cause.

Just remember to still follow the latest government advice and any guidance businesses have to keep everyone safe in the future.

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27 May - 2 June 2021

FEATURE

A SURGE IN PETS IN A PANDEMIC ercise their pooches.

Moreover, most of the dogs bought in 2020 will invariably live for at least a decade, so will need maintaining. The animal health pharma sector has all the good attributes of human pharma, minus the bad bits. Unlike human health, there is almost no price regulation, no equivalent of the NHS or medical insurers that can bargain on prices, and still plenty of gen‐ uine medical needs that haven’t been served.

So dogs present great advantages not just for groomers, producers of pet products, but for vets too.

But then, pet mania brings out those animal instincts in us all, doesn’t it?

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

ALONG with online fitness, video conferencing and television streaming during more than a year of coronavirus lockdowns and restric‐ tions on movement, the pandemic led to a surge ‐ hardly surprisingly ‐ in pet ownership in the UK. Reflecting growing spending on pets ‐ more than 3m UK households bought a pet during the pandemic ‐ the Office for National Statistics has now added dog treats to its inflation bas‐ ket. The question is whether, as vaccines facili‐ tate reopenings, Brits will continue to lavish spending on their animal companions.

Some say this pet mania will tail (oops!) off.

Having had nothing to spend money on this last year, affluent humans will return to their usual spending habits and a pampering for the pooch won’t then be top of the list.

Others disagree. Tail off? You’re barking up the wrong tree there! Those still working from

POOCH PAMPERING: Brits continue to lavish spending on their animal companions. home will keep their canine companions ‐ opening the door to a slew of services that will be in demand and that aren’t currently avail‐ able in abundance.

For example, what do these pet buyers do when they go on holiday without the dog: do

they rely on extended family, turn to a dog sit‐ ter, or opt for a kennel? For the small business person, this may be a great opportunity to open an appropriate service.

And then of course those who do need to return to the office will pay someone to ex‐

Nora Johnson’s psychological crime thrillers ‘The Sentinel’, ‘No Safe Place’, ‘Betrayal’, ‘The Girl in the Woods’, ‘The Girl in the Red Dress’, ‘No Way Back’, ‘Landscape of Lies’, ‘Retribu‐ tion’, ‘Soul Stealer’, ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora‐johnson.net) available online as eBook (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, paperback and audiobook. All profits to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity.

To read more articles from our columnists and to have your say in the comments go to www.euroweeklynews.com

Nora Johnson’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

44 EWN

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FEATURE

Advertising Feature

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Neater Heater was estab‐ lished 12 years ago to intro‐ duce chilly expats to these efficient, economical to run, and stylish Norwegian con‐ vector heaters. Obviously there is a cost to running any heating system, but with Neater Heaters your euro goes further as we can heat a larger area with a smaller heater than our competitors.

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27 May - 2 June 2021

Steady does it EYELINER is a very subtle way to draw attention to your eyes.

Not only can it make them look vibrant, it can make you look more awake.

However, not everyone has a steady hand to achieve their desired look. So, to avoid that justout-of-bed-look this spring, try and absorb the following advice.

The three basic types of eyeliner are pencils, gels and liquids. The most common and the easiest to apply is the pencil.

Before you let it near your eye, be sure that you’ve sharpened the eyeliner pencil. This will allow you to create a line as close to your lash line as possible.

Blunt points are ideal for shading but are simply not defined enough to achieve a sharp look.

For more control in your application, hold your eye. Use your fingers to pull the skin above your eye taut for a smoother, more precise line.

And instead of chancing it, steady your elbow against the table to keep your hand firm.

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Choose to go smooth W H E T H E R for aesthetics, comfort or hygiene, it is increasingly common for men to shave off more than just their beard.

And whether you chose to go smooth from top-to-toe or just in more select areas, such as your chest, back or legs, it would be wise to take note of these words of wisdom so you don’t look like you’ve just been chased by Jack the Ripper.

The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to shave is to use a razor blade.

H o w e v e r , t h i s i n s t r u m e n t c a n d a mage delicate skin in certain parts of the body so be sure to buy one of good quality.

Before you shave, jump in the shower to moisten your skin beforehand. Use warm water and lather up with shaving foam, bath soap or even body cream. N ever shave your body dry.

To avoid any pain when shaving, al-

ways shave in the direction in which the hair grows. Once finished, take a cold shower as this will help to close over and tighten your pores. Finally, moisturise all over.

O f course, if taking a razor fur ther south than your chin sends shivers down your spine, then an effective alternative is to use hair removal cream.

And, of course, if you want to say goodbye to all that hair forever, you can opt to have laser or pulsed light treatment. T his will allow you to have that smooth all-over feel without suffering unpleasant and painful cuts, but remember this treatment is irreversible.

BODY GROOMING: Don’t be careless when going hairless.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Listen to your body WITH temperatures constantly on the rise, don’t forget how important it is to keep your body hydrated.

That slight headache or moment of dizziness can be the first signs that you need more fluid in your system.

Other symptoms will include a dry mouth and passing little or no urine.

The more dehydrated you become, the more you will feel weak, dizzy and general fatigue.

Your heart will begin to beat more rapidly and your skin will tighten.

Be sure to take heed of any of the warning signs that your body gives off, as severe dehydration can lead to an untimely death.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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27 May - 2 June 2021

Choosing the right running shoes WITH the sun out, ever increasing numbers of people are getting their running shoes on and hitting the promenade. But if your trainers have seen better days, maybe now is the time to upgrade and purchase a pair worthy of your feet. Here are some important features to look for

in your next running shoe.

You should be able to slide your feet in and out of your shoe without too much difficulty, so make sure the heel fits snugly, but isn’t too tight. Nor should the shoe’s upper feel tight, if it does then you need one with more space.

Within the forefront of the shoe, your foot should be able to move from side-to-side. If the shoe is too narrow, you’ll feel pressure against the base of your little toe.

Remember, that as you run and build up a sweat your feet will swell.

So make sure there’s a thumb’s

Sliced, diced or whole

MOST vegetables are good for us, but some have surprising benefits that we might not be aware of.

The simple cucumber for example is rich in water and high in fibre.

It provides us with a large amount of our recommended daily intake of vitamins A, B and C, which provide energy and help the immune system.

Eating it reduces uric acid in the system, which helps to reduce the pain caused by gout and arthritis.

Cucumbers also soften, tone and improve the appearance of the skin because they contain potassium, silicon and magnesium, The vegetable strengthens our joints, since it is rich in silicon, a substance that strengthens connective tissues.

The great thing about cucumber is its versatility. It can be sliced, diced or enjoyed whole. Simply add it to salads, use it to accompany other vegetables, or drizzle some olive oil over it to remind you

CUCUMBERS: Create a quick and healthy hangover cure with cucumbers. of just how delicious it is.

Another good option for cucumber is to use it to create a drink. All this requires is to add a few slices of cucumber to some carrot juice with a little sugar. The entire cucumber can also be put into the blender to create a tasty smoothie.

These drinks are not only quick and healthy but they are also great to cure a hang-

Feasting on Nordic A RECENT World Health Organisation (WHO) study has concluded that the Nordic diet is as effective as the Mediterranean diet when it comes to losing weight and staying healthy.

And although eating like a Viking might never have crossed your mind before, it would seem that it has many health advantages.

Studies have shown the diet to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s.

It has also been proven to reduce pain and relieve inflammation produced by rheumatic diseases, arthritis and osteoporosis.

The Nordic diet refers to food from countries such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. It was created by a group

of nutritionists in 2004 to try to fight worldwide obesity.

Its benefits lie in the fact that it contains less sugar and fat than Western diets and has a lot of fibre and fish, such as herring, mackerel, salmon and cod. It also encourages meat in small quantities, such as veal, lamb and pork.

Cheese and eggs are also acceptable in moderation but sugar, processed meats and fast and pre-cooked food is a no-go.

And just because it’s from the north doesn’t mean it can’t be hot and spicy.

Dishes can be seasoned with dill, thyme, cinnamon and ginger to give them that extra kick. So why not be adventurous and try something new from the north?

over. Given the fact that it’s 90 per cent water, it helps to eliminate toxins from the body.

Whatever way you take cucumber, don’t peel the skin, as this contains 12 per cent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C. So why not experiment with the vegetable? You’ll be surprised at how many ways it can be good for you.

width of space between your longest toe (not always the big toe) and the front end of the shoe. Be sure that your toes can wriggle freely about.

It’s really important that the shoe feels right. So if you can, walk around the shop and get a feel for

your new pair. Remember that any irritation you notice in the shop will be amplified once you hit the road. So take the time to be sure before you take the leap of buying your new pair.

EWN 51

52 EWN

27 May - 2 June 2021

www.euroweeklynews.com

SOCIAL SCENE

Iberians and gambling AN ambitious Elche exhibi‐ tion at the Museum of Ar‐ chaeology and History (MA‐ HE), focuses on ‘The Iberian warrior and gambling.’

The exhibits are the re‐ sult of collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum (MAN) in Madrid as well as archaeological museums in Mula and Ju‐ milla (Murcia), Villajoyosa, Linares (Jaen) and Alicante University.

“Gambling is inherent in human beings but has its origins in mythology,” said Miguel Perez, director of the Elche museum.

The exhibition takes the visitor on a journey that be‐ gins in the Sixth Century BC with an amphora found in Attica (Greece) that depicts Achilles and Ajax playing dice during the Trojan War. The amphora is on loan from the MAN while other exhibits include carved gaming tokens, dice and knucklebones that have

MAHE EXHIBITION: Marga Anton and Miguel Perez inspect the amphora depicting Achilles and Ajax. been found amongst the grave goods in 10 different Iberian tombs.

“This all demonstrates the importance of gaming in antiquity,” Perez said while lamenting that, giv‐ en the absence of Iberian representations, images or texts it had been neces‐ sary to resort to its buri‐ als.

“I’m very pleased with the involvement of the oth‐ er museums that have lent

us the items that have made this exhibition possi‐ ble,” commented Elche’s Culture councillor Marga Anton.

“This makes clear that they are aware of MAHE’s importance.”

The ‘El guerrero ibero y el juego’ exhibition at the Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche (MAHE) in Carrer Diagonal de la Pau is open to the public until September 30.

SOCIAL SCENE

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Spring concert T H E Orfeon de Torrevieja choir holds its Spring Concert this Sunday, May 30, at 8pm in Torrevieja’s Teatro Municipal.

The award-winning choir created in 2007 will offer arias from the great operas, songs from musicals and pop as well as Torrevieja’s very own speciality, Habaneras.

As their name suggests, Habaneras originated in Habana - or Havana - in Cuba although their danza cubana rhythm was inspired by Spanish tangos.

These songs were later reimported by seafarers as Habaneras during the 18th and 19th centuries when there was constant trade between Spain, America, and Cuba.

Ships left the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts laden with exports of all kinds, including salt from southern Alicante and from Torrevieja in particular.

Although there is an habaneras tradition along the Catalan coast and in the Basque region, probably they are more alive in Torrevieja than elsewhere and can still be heard at weddings, christenings and other family celebrations.

And, of course, at the Orfeon concert on May 30.

Tickets for the concert cost €10 each and are available from: Bar La Esquina (Calle San Luis at the crossroads with San Policarpo), Librería Torrevieja

UNMISSABLE: THE Orfeon de Torrevieja’s Spring Concert at the Teatro Municipal.

(Calle Campoamor at the crossroads with Calle Patricio Perez) and Papeleria Eko (Calle Antonio Machado 123 in front of Mercadona).

They will also be obtainable from the Teatro Municipal Box Office two hours before the concert.

27 May - 2 June 2021

EWN 53

PETS

54

www.euroweeklynews.com • 27 May - 2 June 2021

SPONSORED BY

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IF you are planning a trip later this year you still need to plan early for pet and house‐sitters.

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Even if you are planning just a short trip you’ll know that you simply can’t travel with some pets. Mature pets may benefit from staying behind so they can follow their routines at home.

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Take a moment to plan ahead for pet and house‐sitters, if you have trips planned later this year.

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ANYONE who is renting a proper‐ ty will know the struggle to find somewhere that accepts pets.

So what can you do if you have a pet‐sized hole in your heart, but a landlord who won’t accept dogs or cats?

More and more people are turning to fish as pets and they are great for people who don’t have space or time for more high‐main‐ tenance pets.

Advertising Feature

Sprains, strains and muscle tears in dogs DIRECT or indirect trauma can cause injury or strain of ligaments, ten‐ dons or muscles. The most common causes are severe activities such as running, jumping or slipping. The dog stretches too far, too much, or too often. Sport dogs are more exposed to this type of injury. Also di‐ rect causes such as laceration from a deep cut or damage from a bone fracture can cause it. The most noticeable sign that a dog has a sprain or strain is limping. Sometimes if the tear is mild, the clinical signs may be difficult to detect.

The vet will check your dog’s muscles and joints. He will see his gait, how he sits, and lies down. Then he will touch and press on certain points to see if they’re sore, warm, swollen, or out of place. Next step is to make X‐rays. Radiographs are of little value in the early phase. The use of ad‐ vanced imaging modalities to demonstrate lesions of the affected mus‐ cle and/or tendon can increase confidence in the diagnosis. Ultrasonog‐ raphy is a relatively inexpensive non‐invasive imaging modality, but is particularly dependent on the expertise of the operator. The use of MRI has greatly increased the ability to detect lesions that otherwise is not possible. Treatment depends on the type and the severity of the injury. In very mild cases with rest and NSAIDs, but in many cases physical therapy techniques and oth‐ er surgery are required. Physiotherapy techniques similar to those used in human medicine are currently used.

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Fish and tips With the right equipment and research, fish can make an ideal first pet for children, teaching them the responsibility of looking after a pet.

Generally speaking, fish are easi‐ er and less expensive to feed and care for than some other pets, but

still require the right environment and knowledgeable owners.

Unlike dogs and cats, fish never suffer from separation anxiety or destructive behaviours when left alone. They don’t need daily walks or litter trays and never have to be groomed or have teeth cleaned!

As well as having a proven calm‐ ing effect on anyone who watches them, they are quiet so you never have to worry about them waking your sleeping baby.

A well‐maintained aquarium can be a great addition to any home and fish come in an array of sizes, shapes and vibrant colours. If you’ve never kept fish before, please do your research and start small with a bowl or aquarium.

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56 EWN

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BALUSTRADES

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SERVICES PAINTERS/DECORATORS

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INSURANCE

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CLASSIFIEDS ARCHITECT

BUILDING SERVICES J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast low cost. Torrevieja Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (290728)

BUY & SELL PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

CARE HOME CARE /NURSING HOME. COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL CARE. REASONABLE RATES. CALL 697 834 934 (291981)

CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life – damaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North:

CARS WANTED

CHARITY

648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca. org (93323) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@hotmail.co m (95475)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462) CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(1000 6) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact Harry Palmer Membership Committee. Tel: 966 712 326 or email: 2palmers.quesa da@gmail.com (95477) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or

60

crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja. com and also on Facebook.

You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja.com.

We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and nonmembers on 966 723 733 (95456) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Sevices at 10am and 11:30am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icator revieja.org (95476) LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English speaking church. For more information see our website w w w. l a s i e s t a e va n g e l i calchurch.org (10005) PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www.pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH 1359. The association supports the welfare needs of ex-members of the RAF and their dependents. Due to ongoing covid-19 restrictions we cannot hold General Meetings at the moment. In normal times we provide a social hub for members and hold lunches every month.

To fund Welfare we raise money through the Wings Appeal. To find out more contact Chairman Tony at tony.elaine.cuenta@gmai l.com. For Welfare contact Andy on 0034 711 00 86 84. For general information on RAFA visit www.rafa.org.uk. .

(238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Why not make this year the

27 May - 2 June 2021 • www.euroweeklynews.com SPONSORED BY

year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits @gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control.

It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches.britishle gion.org.uk/branches/ori huela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier.

More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk.

(95457) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@rbl. community ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details Hon Sec 692 938 664.

(10004) ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION For information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 716 274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 921 996. (95455) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers. With rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 654 801 260 or email strokesupport group@hotmail.com, web-

site: torreviejastrokesup port.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

al & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434 (286558)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.aca costablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465)

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461) THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458)

FOR SALE

GARDENING SERVICES DAVID THE TREE GUY Cutting, trimming & removal of trees. Torrevieja, Alicante, Benidorm areas.

722 652 173 (291904)

GENERAL SERVICES MAN & Van, small removals, shopping/collections. Painting, Cleaning / Window Services available.

Santa Pola, Gran Alacant, El Altet & La Marina areas. No job too small. Affordable & reliable. Tel 711 073 074 (291953)

GOLD WANTED

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information.

(253807) THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar will be closed for the immediate future due to Covid-19.

Identification Fiscal G54713789 (95454)

ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, gener-

INSURANCE

HOME IMPROVEMENTS BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434.

(288085)

CLASSIFIEDS INSURANCE FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UPTO A €1000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686116297 (WHATS APP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsurancein spain.com or email tracey@sosinsurancein spain.com (291396)

www.euroweeklynews.com MOBILITY FOR SALE: TGA Vita Lite Mobility Scooter colour dark blue front basket included.

119cm x 62cm, good condition. Quick Sale €550, Contact: 606 406 159 (291464)

MOTORING

MISCELLANEOUS GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

SITUATIONS VACANT

QUALITY LHD & RHD Vehicles bought & sold. All paperwork undertaken quickly & professionally. Immediate payment for all purchases.

Mobile / WhatsApp +34 600 726 221 Office +34 965 687 946 www.fwreu rocars.com info@fwreuro cars.com (292431)

FOR SALE W E ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance.

Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market.

For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes.

Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@bene ficialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (291458) STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbey gateinsure.com

MOTORING

SITUATIONS VACANT

27 May - 2 June 2021 MUSIC TUITION PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (290217)

NAUTICAL INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. RYA VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (292333)

PAINTER/DECORATOR FOR all your painting needs, interior/exterior, fully legal, FREE quotes. 620 112 193 (Whatsapp) (292592)

PERGOLAS TAILOR MADE, durable canvas, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. Mazarron based, and serving the Costa Blanca too.

Mail Order and Ordering online 667 879 399 kruger c a n o p i e s @ ya h o o. c o. u k (289648)

PLUMBERS MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434 (286558)

POOL MAINTENANCE POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltech spain.com (283443)

PROPERTY FOR RENT LONG TERM RENT. Orihuela Costa. Lomas de Cabo Roig. Semi-detached House 2 Bed, 2 bath, 2 Terraces, solarium, car park.

A/C. Inf. carobrlo@yahoo .es (292546)

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals.

Please call: 650 304 746.

For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com (95708) SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area.

500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spamasafor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

XXX FEMALE SOPHIE naughty, slim, elegant, sexy French lady. 3 languages spoken. Visit all areas 693 357 526 (291686) EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (291680) SPANISH lady - classic.

Playa Flamenca, private house, 40 years, attractive.

All erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie. From €40. Ana 657 603 495 TORREVIEJA. 58yr blonde lady. Gives massage with happy end. English spoken.

Miriam 604 382 799

PET CHARITY EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare.net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

EWN 61

SITUATIONS VACANT LOOKING FOR ENTHUSIASTIC people to join me working from home online or direct to friends, neighbours etc. promoting Avon Products. No start up fees.

Please Whatsapp or message Rosh for more info. +34635 386 888 (292448)

TELECOMMIUNICATIONS FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM TEL: 902 889 070 (2001)

XXX RELAXATION Please note that in Spain there is NO legislation banning adverts in this section. Neither regional nor national governments are able to pass such a law due to rules governing freedom of publication and printing.

READERS OF A SENSITIVE DISPOSITION MAY FIND SOME OF THE ADVERTISEMENTS IN THIS SECTION OFFENSIVE.

SEXY, elegant, mature, pretty, naughty Lady.

Home or Hotel. CB South. dialadatemate@yahoo.com (291615) TORREVIEJA mulata, dominant, big-ass, busty, harness, vibrators, 24hr outcalls 602 698 120 (292597) TORREVIEJA Keyla, transvestite, slim, sexy, mulata, well-endowed, versatile, discreet, outcalls 24 hours 632 664 653 (292597) TORREVIEJA Nataly, a busty Colombian girl with a big ass, girlfriend kisses, 24-hour outcalls 602 867 118 (292597) TORREVIEJA Diana young mulata, busty with curvy ass, kissing outcalls 24 hours 691 128 099 (292597)

XXX MASSAGE ENGLISH Lady 48, provides mild services for mature gentlemen only. Torrevieja. 602448738 (292523)

XXX VARIOUS Male/Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery. Roy – 602 579 481 (289485)

62 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

27 May - 2 June 2021

Specific Letters Excluded NUMBER plates on vehicles are the basic identification method used to locate that particular ve‐ hicle, allowing for the identifica‐ tion of its owner, and all infor‐ mation relevant to its registration, but, did you know that in Spain there are nine spe‐ cific letters of the alphabet that

are prohibited from use in num‐ ber plates?

In 2000, Spain had to change its numbering system on vehicle plates, to fall into line with the rest of the EU countries, and as a result, replaced the previous sys‐ tem of province initials with the modern plates featuring the Eu‐

ropean flag, followed by four numbers and three letters, with the letter ‘E’ for Spain (España).

The General Traffic Directorate (DGT) ‐ the government depart‐ ment that is responsible for the Spanish road transport network ‐ explains the system in its maga‐ zine, that 80 million different number plate registrations can be made up out of using the first four numbers on a plate.

Their magazine says, “Starting with 0000, up to 9999, we find up to 10,000 different combinations with these four‐digit numbers. In this way, it is expected that until 40 years from now it will not be necessary to return to the start‐ ing number or change the sys‐ tem.”

There is no problem whatso‐ ever with using the numbers, but, the problem arises when the letters are included, with plates starting out at BBB and going up to ZZZ, but the DGT has avoided the use of vowels for fear of in‐ venting abusive combinations of three‐letter words, acronyms, or even a person’s name (ANA, EVA, etc), and the Spanish alphabet letters LL and CH are not used ei‐ ther.

MOTORING

Do you have a fine?

NORMALLY, if you have a traffic violation on any road in Spain, as long as your details are all correct and up‐to‐date in the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) database then the resulting notification will arrive by post to your home, in the form of a letter.

Sometimes, though maybe not on purpose, you might forget to notify the DGT of a change of address, and the notification was then deliv‐ ered to your previous address, without your knowledge, It is important that you en‐ deavour to keep your data up‐ to‐date, but, if you do happen to make that error, there are other ways that you can check if any traffic violation fine has been issued against you re‐ cently.

You can check online in two places, by visiting the Traffic Sanctions Edictal Board (TES‐ TRA) electronic bulletin board, or, on the so‐called Unique Edictal Board of the BOE (TEU) TESTRA is an online board that any driver can access to check their pending fines at

OUTSTANDING FINES: You can check online. the DGT, and can be accessed free‐of‐charge through the website of the DGT, www.dgt.es where all you will need to do is enter your DNI or NIE numbers, and you can consult any outstanding in‐ fraction and know the time you have to appeal against the fine, but, be warned, fines only appear in TESTRA for the first 20 business days from the issue of the notification.

Since June 2015, the Offi‐ cial bulletin unifies the fines of all the Public Administra‐ tions of the country in the Sin‐ gle Edictal Board (TEU), which can also be accessed from the DGT website, in the section

‘Check if you have a fine and we have not been able to lo‐ cate you (TEU),’ where again you simply insert the vehicle’s number plate, and if you have any fine, it will appear.

As a matter of interest, any‐ body can access this informa‐ tion freely, simply by entering the number plate of a vehicle ‐ which is not necessarily their own ‐ where they will be able to see the corresponding fine that is owing, but if you would like to avoid this happening to you then you can register in the site and then by accessing the ‘My Edicts area’ you can add your details in the ‘Ex‐ cluded List’.

MOTORING

www.euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack BMW has long had coupes in their line‐up, from their early pre‐war beginnings with the 327/328 right up to the present day with the latest 4‐Series Coupe. What was previously the 3‐Series Coupe has mor‐ phed into the 4‐Series, this sen‐ sibly leaves the 3‐Series as a sa‐ loon or Tourer and the 4‐series as the convertible, coupe and rather stylised gran coupe.

Prices for the new 4‐Series Coupe start from €46,970 (£40,465) for the petrol 184 hp M Sport 420i. There’s a choice of both petrol and diesel four‐ cylinder turbo power units, a six‐cylinder petrol along with all‐wheel‐drive, and every

A delightful drive.

27 May - 2 June 2021

BMW M440i xDrive model features the same eight‐ speed sport steptronic auto‐ matic gearbox.

The first thing that strikes you on all the latest BMWs, and the 4‐Series is no excep‐ tion, is that new grille. It has di‐ vided opinion more than Mar‐ mite! Irrespective of your thoughts it would be a shame to let it detract from what is a first‐class coupe. The interior is beautifully executed with a clarity of design that others could learn from and there’s a feeling of quality throughout.

My test model was the

M440i xDrive with a lovely straight six, turbocharged 3.0‐ litre petrol power plant. It’s aided by a 48‐volt hybrid sys‐ tem and generates 374 hp, yet will return 38 mpg in combined driving and more when cruis‐ ing. That’s quite an achieve‐ ment when you consider the power of this coupe.

Intelligent all‐wheel‐drive is standard and automatically di‐ rects power to the wheels that have grip, and it can direct up to 100 per cent of available power to either axle. The ride comfort is very good and lacks the usual characteristic firm‐ ness one might expect. This doesn’t bring any nega‐ tive conse‐

quences for the handling which along with decent steering makes this a fun car across more twisting roads.

Prices for the 440 start from €63,459 (£54,670) but as with

most German cars tick a few options boxes and the price climbs, in this case by €9,402 (£8,100) for various add‐on packs. There are some surpris‐ ing standard omissions for a car

EWN 63

of this price level, such as pow‐ er seats and lumbar support.

It translates into a delightful drive which can be fun if you exercise your right foot, or more leisurely if you ease back.

It all goes to make the BMW a perfect GT that could take you hundreds of miles and you would emerge fully relaxed at the end of the journey. Most likely smiling!

SPORT

64

27 May - 2 June 2021

to read more visit www.euroweeklynews.com

Shock for Spain’s Euro 2020 SPANISH football fans were also have another defender, has not been able to com‐ in shock on Monday May 24, Aymeric Laporte included in pete or train very much re‐ after Luis Enrique announced the squad, after he turned cently. I would have liked his squad for the Euro 2020 his back on the French na‐ Ramos to be in the squad but tournament, and he had tional team in favour of I did not think it was viable dropped his captain ‐ the na‐ Spain. because he has practically tion’s most‐capped player ‐ The amazing fact about been unable to compete.”

Sergio Ramos, from his this Spain squad is that for Obviously disappointed by squad. the first time in history there the news, Ramos tweeted, Ramos has had an injury‐ is not a single Real Madrid “After a tough few months plagued season with Real player featured in it. and a strange season unlike Madrid, only making 21 ap‐ Luis Enrique said about anything I have experienced pearances in all competitions Ramos, “It was a very diffi‐ in my career comes the Euros. for his club, but he had start‐ cult decision I have fought and worked ev‐ ed in nine of his country’s 10 but Ramos ery day, in body and soul, to qualifying matches to help be able to reach 100 per cent them qualify for the finals in for Real Madrid and the na‐ June, and is a national hero tional team but things don’t in Spain after helping always work out the way them win two European we’d like.”

Championships, and Adding, “It pains me not to the World Cup in have been able to help my 2010. team more and not to play Manchester for Spain but, in this case, City’s 20‐year‐old the best thing to do is rest, defender, Eric Garcia fully recover and come ‐ who is tipped to join back next year as we’ve Barcelona next season ‐ has always done. It hurts been chosen ahead of not to represent your Ramos, despite only start‐ country, but I ing one match all season for have to be hon‐ the English champions, who RAMOS: Spain’s most-capped player. est and sincere.”

Football Legend Signs for Barcelona IT was announced on Saturday, May 22, that Sergio Aguero, the legendary Argentinian striker, has signed a two‐year deal with the Catalan giants, Barcelona, to play in the LaLiga Santander, and will join them from Manchester City once his contract expires, which is just after the Champi‐ on’s League final in Lisbon.

City’s record goal‐scorer will un‐ dergo a medical at the Camp Nou in the next few days, and will also receive a bonus if Barca wins the Champion’s League while he is with them, and that the offi‐ cial announcement won’t happen until after the Lisbon final, which is on Saturday May 29 at 9pm.

Aguero ‐ who joined Man City from Atletico Madrid 10 years ago ‐ is re‐ ported to have turned down offers from three other

major football clubs, with his preference be‐ ing Barcelona, even though their offer was al‐ legedly the lowest of the four clubs, with the 32‐year‐old said to have been offered £4.4m (€5m) a year, while he was earning a reputed £12m (€13.9m) a year at Manchester City.

It is widely believed that the Ar‐ gentine football legend’s motive for signing even for less money, is a desire to link up at Barca with his fellow country‐ man, another foot‐ ball legend, Lionel Messi, whose con‐ tract at the Camp Nou officially runs out in June, and he has not yet signed a new deal.

AGUERO: Legendary Argentinian striker.