Euro Weekly News - Costa Blanca South 23 - 29 December 2021 Issue 1903

THE BEST FINANCE NEWS ON PAGES 28 - 31 Issue No. 1903

23 - 29 Dec 2021

Orihuela praised ORIHUELA’S Environment coun‐ cillor Damaso Aparicio recently attended the annual meeting of the Institute of Coastal Ecology (IEL) in Alicante City. Aparicio was representing Orihuela, as the city has a permanent place on the IEL board.

During the meeting, the IEL drew attention to Orihuela Cos‐ ta’s coastal waters reflected in the good condition of the under‐ water meadows of Posidonia Oceanica seaweed, which is es‐ sential to maintaining marine wildlife.

The IEL also commended Ori‐ huela City Hall for action taken to recover the area’s dunes and its efforts to coordinate environ‐ mental protection with leisure and economic strategies.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH • WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND Photo credit: Lesley Eburne

Turn to page 2 » HEART-WARMING: Fundraiser made €1,400 for the San Jose Obrero children’s home.

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23 - 29 December 2021

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Another €1,400 raised for children’s home

CLAIRE KING, Lesley Eburne and Graham Lomax help to raise funds for the San Jose Obrero children’s home near Elche.

Accompanied by three supporters they were recently given a tour of the home, tak‐ ing with them equipment to set these youngsters on the right path for the future.

“They receive training before leaving the home and this time it was hairdressing equipment to teach the girls a trade,” Lesley told the Euro Weekly News.

The volunteers also took towels, bedding, and €600 in Primark vouchers to buy new pyjamas for all the children.

The home itself is homely and clean with lots of personal space for each child and the visitors saw an amazing kitchen where friendly staff were preparing enormous pans of delicious‐looking vegetables and meat‐ balls. Lesley and Peter Horne, who both have first‐hand knowledge of being in a chil‐ dren’s home, were very impressed with what they saw.

Monday December 13 saw a fundraiser at Oasis Bulevar in Los Narejos (Murcia) where more than 20 stallholders created a Christ‐ mas wonderland full of colour and great ideas for presents. “I’m proud to be part of the team making it happen,” said Angela Brown who ran the cake stall.

Lesley Armson who provided and dressed the hamper for the first prize in the raffle ad‐ mitted that she was lost for words.

Ian, regular quizmaster at the LA Family Bar and Grill ‐ who laid on a hog roast ‐de‐ scribed the day as “just amazing.”

As dusk fell, the Joy Gospel Choir thrilled everybody with seasonal songs, followed by music into the evening.

Marie Gooch, who founded the fundrais‐ ing group, thanked all the people attending and especially the amazing volunteers.

“We have turned a mundane Monday in‐ to a Magic Monday and raised €1,400 on behalf of the children’s home,” Marie de‐ clared.

More municipal jobs

TORREVIEJA Town Hall created jobs for 156 unemployed residents this year. Throughout 2021, the local government received €2.65 bil‐ lion in grants and subsidies from different ad‐ ministrations to provide work and training to improve the future prospects of both the un‐ der and over‐30s in the employment market, Economy and Finance councillor Domongo Paredes revealed.

Amongst those employed, the councillor paid special attention to 12 people from vul‐ nerable collectives likely to encounter difficul‐ ty or discrimination when job‐seeking.

Photo credit: Torrevieja town hall

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MORE EMPLOYMENT: Some Torrevieja residents found jobs in 2021.

Uninvited visitors LA MANGA and the Mar Menor beaches in neighbour‐ ing Murcia awoke to beaches filled with jellyfish on Sunday December 19.

Experts explained that the levanter east wind had blown the bank of Pelagia noctiluca jellyfish ‐ popularly known as purple stingers ‐ towards the Cartagena coast. The Galua and Marchamalo beaches are full of them,” a resident told Murcia’s Spanish media. “I’ve lived here for 40 years but have never seen so many.”

Expert Francisco Lopez from Cartagena’s Oceanographic Research Institute (CORI), voiced a similar opinion.

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NIBS EXTRA

Local crops

ORIHUELA’S palm trees are producing two varieties of ‘exceptional’ dates which will be marketed under the Oriol and Bolica names.

Meanwhile, olive trees in‐ side the palm forest have produced top‐quality oil which is not yet on sale, but has been bottled for promo‐ tional purposes, city hall ex‐ plained.

Not now ELCHE’S animal protection shelters are turning down the usual spate of requests to adopt dogs and cats, par‐ ticularly pedigree puppies and kittens, before Christ‐ mas. They know from expe‐ rience, one said, that once the holiday season is over, they will see scores of aban‐ doned animals in January and February.

Too narrow IN order to connect both ar‐ eas, the much‐used CV‐95 road linking Orihuela with Torrevieja should be twice as wide despite opposition from environmentalists, de‐ clared Mario Martinez, presi‐ dent of Orihuela’s Chamber of Commerce. Negotiating a daily 9,269 vehicles, drivers take up to 60 minutes to make the 35‐kilometre jour‐ ney.

Life savers NATIONAL POLICE officers from Elda‐Petrer saved the life of a visibly‐agitated man seen walking along railway lines in the Bolon neighbour‐ hood. On locating him they failed to convince him to leave the track, removing him moments before a train arrived, later transferring him to hospital on medical advice.

Safe to cross TORREVIEJA Town Hall in‐ stalled a traffic light at the Avenida Desiderio Rodriguez and Calle Mar Menor inter‐ section, the scene of several road accidents. In the worst and most recent incident, a Spanish tourist aged 72 and his wife of 69 died after they were run down last August.

23 - 29 December 2021

Festive cheer and Christmas gifts T O R R E V I E JA U3A held their last monthly meeting of 2021 on Friday December 17 at the Los Angeles bar.

As the weather was cloudy with a cold wind the meeting was held inside, filling up with members wishing to end the year with some festive cheer and to be entertained by the ever-popular Just Brass band.

D espite their limited opportunities for practising this year, they

Photo credit: Torrevieja

LOADING UP: Torrevieja U3A’s president with presents for the San Jose children. produced a good selection of festive tunes

and carols plus, of course, a good supply

of jokes from Ian. Earlier in the week, the U3A president visited the San Jose orphanage, where he presented manager Vicente with a varied selection of C hristmas presents to help the children enjoy Christmas.

“Torrevieja U3A is pleased to be associated with the orphanage and to be able to help in this way,” said Barry Weston, the Torrevieja U3A’s press officer.

Mysteries solved, funds raised from

Euro Weekly News!

AFTER another challenging year that brought hope fol‐ lowed by more uncertainty, we are reminded of the things that matter. Here at Euro Weekly News, we nev‐ er ceased to be amazed by those who put others first in times of adversity.

Covering the news round the clock, we see closer than most the hardships endured by people close to home and further afield. But we are al‐ ways uplifted by what peo‐ ple can achieve when they come together and focus on doing the right thing. The stories of kindness to others

and the huge amounts of money raised by people in the communities we serve, always leaves us with a posi‐ tive outlook on the world.

At a time when the luxury of normality still eludes us, let’s not forget those less for‐ tunate than ourselves and those who make it their mis‐ sion to make the world a better place. And let’s re‐ member to cherish those closest to us, even if distance often keeps us apart.

From everyone at Euro Weekly News, we would like to wish each one of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS.

THE Stagestruck Players are a small amateur dramatic group, known for perform‐ ing comedy Murder Myster‐ ies in local bars.

All monies raised from their performances are do‐ nated to their chosen charity, the Torrevieja Alzheimer’s As‐ sociation.

Earlier in the year, the group donated €2,000 and recently made a further do‐ nation of €3,000, totalling €5,000 for 2021.

The Stagestruck Players perform twice a month with original scripts written by their director, Leigh Humphries.

During the evening, the ac‐ tors present a scenario that ends with one of them being murdered. Inspector Clouse‐

Back of the queue

JANE PRITCHARD, who lives in Villamartin, has complained about the delay in admin‐ istering booster vaccinations in Orihuela Costa.

“Please highlight this lack of urgency,” she asked the Euro Weekly News.

“Residents are having to queue for up to two hours to book an appointment and are currently being given dates for April 2022.”

Jane pointed out that some residents will have waited 12 months between their second Covid vaccination and

their booster.

“We in Orihuela Costa feel as though we are being forgotten and pushed to the back of a very long queue for services,” Jane said.

“The health service has deteriorated so much over the years, mostly due to con‐ stantly building new properties along the coast without the infrastructure to cope,” she pointed out.

“Slowly but surely Orihuela Costa is be‐ ing starved of money and services.”

DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR US?

Email: newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com or call 951 38 61 61 and ask for the EWN news team.

au, played by Dave Hart, puts in an appearance and takes over the proceedings with hi‐ larious effect.

During December, four Christmas‐themed scripts in‐ volving pantomime charac‐ ters raised €932, which will go towards 2022’s annual do‐ nation.

The group are currently looking for an additional man to join them, Leigh Humphries explained.

“If you can spare one day a week for rehearsal, and two evenings a month for perfor‐ mances and think it might suit you, email me at leigh.humphries58@gmail.co m for more information,” he said.

Readers wishing to be in‐ formed of future Murder Mystery events, can send a request to the same address to be added to the Stagestruck Players’ mailing list.

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One last hurdle BRENDAN STAUNTON has literally seen light at the end of the tunnel. He has battled for more than two years to reconnect electricity and water at an Algorfa property he bought for his daughter and her four children.

“They were cut off by the previous owner, but the selling agent and our solicitors assured us in 2019 that there would be no problem reconnecting them,” Brendan told the Euro Weekly News last September. Their assur‐ ances were over‐opti‐ mistic and Brendan did not contact us again until December, when he let us know that first the wa‐ ter and later the electrici‐ ty were reconnected.

He was at least lucky in one respect, Brendan said, as contrary to warn‐ ings from other expats, the power was recon‐ nected without an enor‐ mous fee.

“So your daughter and grandchildren will be in their home for Christ‐ mas?” we asked.

“Not this year,” Bren‐ dan replied, explaining that they were currently living with him and his wife in Algorfa.

“There are odd jobs to be finished and the builder who was working there two years earlier downed tools when the light was cut off and has now disappeared,” he ex‐ plained. “There’s always one last hurdle to clear!”

and finally...

ROUND THREE of the Carp‐R‐Us Winter‐Spring series was held on the Rio Segura at Eden 2, just below the CV91 road bridge.

“This is a strange stretch of water where water levels fluctu‐ ate both from day to day and within the duration of a match,” Carp‐R‐Us secretary Steve Fell explained.

“The river was a good two feet higher than when we checked the stretch three days before, and the water dropped over a foot during the match. It all makes life interesting.”

Steve won the match with a 4.88‐kilo mix of carp and mullet, with the ever‐consistent Willy Moons in second place with 3.30 kilos. Roy Dainty was third with 2.14 kilos and Jeremy Fardoe who caught two carp late on was fourth with 1.98 kilos.

For more information, visit the www.carp‐r‐us.weebly.com website.

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23 - 29 December 2021

Secret Santa couple A COUPLE left $10,000 to pay off the instalment plans of hundreds of families be‐

fore Christmas at a Kmart in Melbourne, Australia.

One recipient comment‐

Goodbye Holby City AFTER 23 years on TV screens, Holby City reached the end of an era on December 17, as the cast and crew filmed the last ever episode. It had been announced back in June that the popular medical drama was going to finish.

“We are incredibly proud of Holby City, but it’s with great sadness that we are announcing that after 23 years, the show will end on screen in March of next year,” the BBC informed its viewers. Members of the cast reported receiving messages from adoring fans who still can’t believe their favourite TV show is ending.

Holby City, which follows the lives of NHS staff work‐ ing in a hospital, was first broadcast in 1999, developed as a spin‐off from Tony McHale and Mal Young’s hit BBC drama series, ‘Casualty’, and went on to be a huge suc‐ cess.

ed: “That selfless act has done more for my family than I can even begin to ex‐ plain.”

The secret Santa couple only had one request. The money had to go towards paying off pre‐ordered Christmas gifts and toys, which were on instalment plans.

A Kmart spokesperson commented: “I think the in‐ tent behind the donation was alleviating some of the financial pressures for fami‐ lies.

“We really have a lot of people coming in and sup‐ porting our Kmart wishing tree appeal that do it in smaller amounts, but every year they support those in need.”

NEWS

IL Divo star dies CARLOS MARIN, the Spanish voice from international singing sensations, Il Divo, passed away on Sunday, De‐ cember 19, aged just 53.

He had been rushed to Manchester Royal Hospital on December 7, where he was admitted to the ICU, and re‐ portedly placed in an induced coma. His tragic passing was confirmed on Twitter by his saddened bandmates. “It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our

Marin from Il Divo, RIP.

friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away,” they posted, accompanied by a photo of the singer.

They continued, “He will be missed by his friends, family, and fans. There wiIl never be another voice or spirit like Car‐ los.”

Il Divo was formed in De‐ cember 2003, by music mogul, Simon Cowell. They enjoyed worldwide fame, sell‐ ing over 30 million copies of their operatic pop albums.

UK lockdown ruled out AFTER a three‐hour virtual emergency cabinet meeting on December 20, British Prime Minis‐ ter, Boris Johnson, announced that his govern‐ ment will not be implementing a lockdown be‐ fore Christmas. Playing his cards close to his chest, he added that they will be monitoring the Omicron data situation on an hourly basis, and action would be taken without further hes‐ itation if he thought it was necessary.

ALMOST 100 people gath‐ ered at Roda’s Bar in San Javier (Murcia) on Decem‐ ber 14 laden with supplies for local animal shelters.

They brought food, medicines, blankets, treats, toys and food bowls in an

“Unfortunately, I must say to people that we will have to reserve the possibility of taking fur‐ ther action to protect the public, to protect public health, to protect our NHS. We won’t hesitate to take action,” said the prime minis‐ ter. Mr Johnson had been caught in the cross‐ fire of angry MPs earlier, as several of them were reported to have demanded to know if Christmas was going to be ruined or not.

A furry success annual event that gets bet‐ ter each year.

The first 50 people to ar‐ rive with a box were treated to coffee and cake, which

they enjoyed in the winter sunshine whilst the raffle and boxes were organised.

The raffle and donations raised €1,350 which was di‐ vided between LIPS, PAPS and Malcolm’s Cats, accord‐ ing to their needs.

“We are delighted to sup‐ port the shelters,” Lesley Eburne, one of the organis‐ ers, said.

“They work so hard, look‐ ing after hundreds of cats and dogs who have been dumped, hurt or are sick.

Now that punishment for those responsible for ani‐ mal cruelty is more severe, perhaps we shall see less,” she commented.

Lesley went on to thank all those who collected or donated, not forgetting all the volunteers who care for the animals.

“Please contact LIPS, PAPS or Malcolm’s Cats if you can help in any way,” she added.

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23 - 29 December 2021

Couple reunited with stolen dog A COUPLE has been reunited with their beloved pet after he was stolen and sold to an‐ other family.

Björn, a Russian Bolonka, was stolen on November 6 af‐ ter thieves broke into his owners’ van in Essex.

The couple reported the in‐ cident and launched an ap‐ peal to get their dog back, making several video posts which were shared across so‐ cial media.

Five weeks later, the pair received a phone call from a woman in East Ham who had purchased an adult male Bolonka as a Christmas pre‐ sent for her daughter.

She had shown a photo‐ graph of the dog to a col‐ league at work, who recog‐ nised him as the dog they had seen on social media.

The woman had kept Björn for two weeks before realising it was the stolen dog, she

LONDON’S mayor, Sadiq Khan, announced on Monday December 20, that the planned event in Trafalgar Square on New Year’s Eve is can‐ celled. This decision probably doesn’t come as a surprise due to the surging rate of Covid infec‐ tions in the capital. The event had been an‐ nounced in November, designed to replace the annual fireworks celebration that normally takes place in the Square. It would have paid tribute to 6,500 key workers, plus members of the public. Mr Khan said it was being called off “in the interests of public safety.”

then sent the couple images of the pet she had purchased.

Michael said: “We could tell immediately it was him. She then offered to meet us to give him back, as she obvious‐ ly didn’t want to keep a stolen dog.”

New Year’s Eve cancelled

“This will be very disappointing for many Londoners, but we must take the right steps to reduce the spread of the virus. I’m proud that we will still have an incredible broadcast spec‐ tacular to watch on our screens, which will showcase our great city to the rest of the world.”

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Catalonia closes nightlife AN extraordinary meet‐ ing of the Catalonian Government was held on Monday December 20. It involved President Pere

BJÖRN: The dog was recognised on social media.

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Aragones, and several cabinet councillors, with the Delegate Commis‐ sion made up of the Sci‐ entific Advisory Commit‐

Holy Grail of archaeology MERCEDES COLOMBO, the territorial delegate of Cul‐ ture and Historical Heritage of the Junta de Andalucia in Cadiz, attended the Underwater Archaeology Centre of the Andalucian Institute of Historical Heritage earlier this week. There, she presented the remains of ancient buildings that have recently been discovered. It is be‐ lieved that these remains could correspond to a leg‐ endary temple.

The temple of Hercules Gaditanus ‐ known as Melqart in Phoenician times ‐ was a key pilgrimage site in ancient times, dating back to at least 9BC. This temple, according to historical records, witnessed visits from legendary fig‐ ures such as Hannibal, the Carthaginian conqueror, and the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar.

Historians and archaeologists have been searching for its location for thousands of years, but it has remained a mystery. The temple has become something of a holy grail in this field.

tee of the Generalitat.

As a result, it was an‐ nounced by spokesper‐ son Patricia Plaja, that all nightlife is to be closed again. Bars and restaurants will be limit‐ ed to 50 per cent capaci‐ ty inside (the terraces will continue at 100 per cent), and a curfew will be in place from 1am to 6am, although the date on which this will come into effect is still un‐ known.

In addition, the Gov‐ ernment has established a limit of 10 people in in‐ door and outdoor meet‐ ings, and a reduction of the capacity to 70 per cent in commerce, feder‐ ated sports, gyms, and culture.

All these restrictions require the approval of the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC), but the Govern‐ ment estimates that they will enter into force before Christmas Day.

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23 - 29 December 2021

New vaccine approved ON December 20, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted a Eu‐ ropean licence to the American vac‐ cine Novavax. This is the fifth Covid‐19 vaccine available on the European market.

Its full regimen consists of two in‐ jections, three weeks apart. It can be stored, handled, and distributed, at refrigerator tem‐ peratures between 1.7 and 7.8 Celsius.

This vaccine is based on a sta‐ bilised form of pro‐ tein S from the virus, for which re‐ combinant protein nanoparticles have been used.

No confinement

ON December 18, Presi‐ dent Pedro Sanchez ruled out the implementation of confinements or severe re‐ strictions due to the rise of Covid‐19 infections. In‐ stead, the government ex‐ pressed its commitment to vaccination and the use of masks to combat the latest wave.

According to government sources, there is no immi‐ nent forecast to announce confinements or any other restrictive measures. Caroli‐

Restrictions ruled out.

na Darias, the Minister of Health, stated that there had been “a turning point” in the increase in infections although it remained “slow and sustained.” Its impact on the healthcare system,

given the escalation of cases in recent days, was also pointed out.

Ms Darias highlighted the importance of the imminent gathering of the Conference of Presidents. Regarding the lack of a global response that had been demanded by some communities, Darias reiterated her commitment to co‐governance. She pointed out that up until now, they have managed to bend all the curves, thanks to acting “jointly.”

No mulled wine for offenders MULLED wine and brandy are off the cards for alcohol‐tagged offenders along with oth‐ er Christmas tipples. Nearly 800 people have been tagged with alcohol monitoring tags this Christmas. The new technology is being used by the probation service to stop alco‐ hol‐fuelled crime. Nearly 40 per cent of all vi‐ olent crime in the UK involves alcohol con‐ sumption. This includes domestic abuse which is known to increase dramatically over the festive period. Crime, Policing and Proba‐

tion Minister Kit Malthouse commented: “Alcohol‐fuelled violence ruins too many lives and families and creates mayhem in our town centres. It is a sad reality that over Christmas we see a worrying spike in domes‐ tic abuse and crimes fuelled by drink. Sobri‐ ety tags have already brought enormous benefit helping offenders change their ways and the Probation Service to clamp down on this behaviour and protect victims from fur‐ ther violence.”

NEWS

Ski season ruined AS the French resort of Chamonix sees some of its best snow in years, some restaurants are releasing staff as business drops due to the ban on UK tourists.

The French ski season was looking forward to a huge Christmas after restrictions stopped the snow party last year, but now cancella‐ tion after cancellation is coming instead.

Flights and ferries had been fully booked in the run‐up to December, but after the final day rush through the Eurostar and

the port of Dover before the ban came into force, re‐ ports are coming in of 10 cars to a ship instead. It fol‐ lows the warning of a land‐ slide of new Omicron cases and that all non‐essential travel from the UK was to be banned.

The quietness of the pistes and the start of the French ski season is draw‐ ing comparisons with last year and people fear a new full lockdown is looming as France struggles to catch up with its booster pro‐ gramme and tests.

and finally...

UNLUCKY winning ticket. Two men who bought a winning lottery ticket with a stolen card were jailed after being found guilty of fraud. The men had stolen card details and used these to draw money and buy groceries along with some scratch cards at a Londis store in Clapham Common back in 2019.

One of those cards revealed a prize of £4 million. Suspi‐ cions were raised when they went to collect, but said they did not have a bank account, although the purchase of the winning scratch card had been made by debit card.

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Executions return to Japan ON December 21, Japan carried out executions for the first time in two years when three death row inmates were exe‐ cuted.

A justice ministry official commented: “Three death row inmates were executed today.” The men had all been con‐ victed of atrocious crimes. One had killed seven family mem‐ bers and neighbours in a terrifying knife and hammer attack in 2004. The other two had carried out a double murder in 2003. Japan last carried out executions in 2019 when three executions were performed. In 2018, a staggering 15 execu‐ tions were carried out. This included 13 members of a sect involved in a Tokyo gas attack.

The Deputy Secretary‐General of the Government Seiji Ki‐ hara commented: “Whether or not to retain the death penalty is a crucial issue that concerns the foundations of Japan’s criminal justice system.”

Despite criticism from human rights organisations, backing for capital punishment is strong in the country.

Life-extending pill A FOUNTAIN-OF-YOUTH pill could be on the horizon af‐ ter scientists dramatically extended the life of mice by in‐ jecting elderly rodents with a grape seed extract.

The extract extended their remaining time by 60 per cent and boosted overall lifespan by 9 per cent ‐ this is equivalent to over a decade of human life.

Dr Yu Sun, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shang‐ hai said: “The plant chemical has high potential as a clinical intervention to delay, alleviate, or prevent illnesses.” The flavonoid known as PCC1 gets rid of ‘zombie’ or ‘senescent’ cells that have stopped dividing. As we age, they naturally build‐up and release chemicals that result in inflammation.

23 - 29 December 2021

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Booster analysis research RESEARCHERS in the UK have completed prelimi‐ nary analysis on the likely impact that a Covid booster shot will have on the new variant and say it could provide around 85 per cent pro‐ tection against severe Omicron symptoms.

This level of protec‐ tion is lower than the vaccines given against earlier strains but should still be enough to keep many people out

Booster is advised. of hospital.

Experts are still trying to ascertain how Omi‐

cron will play out, and whether the relatively mild symptoms seen so far are indicative for all cases. The modelling completed by the team at Imperial College Lon‐ don is based on the lim‐ ited information scien‐ tists currently have on Omicron. This means there is a high level of uncertainty until more real‐world information is gathered.

The vaccines currently

available help to teach the body how to fight Covid, but as the new variant has heavily mu‐ tated from the original, the doses available are not a perfect match and so are less effective.

To get around this, people are being ad‐ vised to get their boost‐ er to build higher anti‐ body levels as this should create less se‐ vere Omicron symp‐ toms.

Tennis star retracts claim PENG SHUAI, the Chinese tennis star at the centre of a worldwide scandal has retracted the sexual assault claim that started off the entire saga. But the Women’s Tennis Association still be‐ lieves she is not acting under her own steam.

“I wanted to make this very clear: I have never claimed, or wrote about any‐ one having sexually assaulted me,” Peng

said. “With regards to Weibo, it’s about my personal privacy. There’s been a lot of misunderstanding. There [should be] no distorted interpretation.”

This new statement apparently con‐ tradicts the note that appeared on the social media site Weibo on November 2.

The note stated that the former vice‐ premier of China, Zhang Gaoli, had co‐ erced Peng into sex after a visit to his

house. The essay was taken down less than half an hour after it was published, and Peng disappeared from public view for two weeks, which led to a global press storm. The new interview came as fresh footage of Peng emerged online on December 19. But with the WTA still having “a hard time believing” Peng Shuai is acting of her own volition; the is‐ sue is far from resolved.

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23 - 29 December 2021

World’s first octopus farm

I N a year when many countries have passed laws to protect species deemed to be sentient beings, the news that the world’s first octopus farm is to open in the Canaries has been met with dis‐ may by conservationists

OCTOPUS: Quickly form bonds with their carers.

and scientists alike.

For some years now, experts have argued that the octopus is an intelli‐ gent being, one that is able to feel pain and emotion. This was por‐ trayed all too well in the South African documen‐ tary ‘My octopus teach‐ er.’ They believe such creatures should never be farmed for commercial purposes.

Part of the interest in farming the octopus comes from the demand for the meat, but also the rapid rate at which the animal develops making it relatively quick to mar‐ ket and therefore poten‐ tially commercially viable.

But those who work with octopuses say that the animals quickly form bonds with their carers that they can sense their moods ‐ at times playful, at other times just happy to be in your company.

For them these animals are more akin to pets than they are food.

NEWS

BA cancels flights

BRITISH AIRWAYS can‐ celled multiple flights over the weekend of December 18 and 19.

The shortage of baggage handlers also led to chaos with Brits being asked to leave their bags behind at the air‐ port.

The airline said that they would be couriered on later, but many pas‐ sengers were not happy.

B r i t i s h A i r w a y s ’ c u s‐ tomers took to social media to complain about the lack of luggage. One person commented: “@British_Airways en‐ t i r e BA 6 3 6 f l i g h t t o #Athens departed from London without any lug‐ gage loaded. And no alert to passengers.”

Ea r l i e r t h i s m o n t h British Airways ground‐ ed more than 2,000 flights until March 2022.

A spokesperson for the airline explained that it was not due to worries

Passengers complained.

over the new Omicron variant or Coronavirus travel restrictions being put in place.

The airline comment‐ ed: “Like other airlines, due to the continuing Coronavirus pandemic we are operating a re‐ duced and dynamic schedule.”

Space age research RESEARCH into ageing is set to blast into space as scientists aim to solve the puzzle of why muscles get weaker with age. The UK Space Agency is funding the research by scientists at the University of Liver‐ pool. Astronauts in space get weaker due to the lack of gravity.

When they return to earth their muscles recover though. Experts are set to study how muscle tissue responds to zero gravity in the hopes that this will give insights into how we age and how to prevent it. Sci‐ ence Minister George Freeman said: “As we get older, our bones and muscles get weaker, but scientists don’t fully understand how this happens.

“The research of our scientist astronauts like Tim Peake on muscle loss in the microgravity of space is helping identify potential cures for musculoskeletal disease, which causes agony to millions and costs the NHS billions” he added.

“By harnessing the unique environment of the International Space Station our pioneering scientists could help us all live healthier, stronger lives.”

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23 - 29 December 2021

DiCaprio saves drowning dogs H O L LY W O O D actor Leonardo DiCaprio jumped into a frozen lake to save his beloved huskies while filming his latest movie, Don’t Look Up, set to be released on Netflix on December 24.

A frosty dip for Leonardo.

The 47‐year‐old star recalled in an interview with Entertainment Weekly how he desper‐ ately jumped into the lake: “Yeah, and then I went in,” he said. “(Liv‐ ing in California) I didn't understand what you do at a frozen lake.”

Co‐star Jennifer Lawrence said: “One of the dogs fell in and he jumped into the frozen lake to save the dog and as soon as he pushed the one dog out, the other one jumped in.

“The other one started licking the one that was drowning and then we all were in the frozen lake together,” said Leo. Jennifer then said, jok‐ ingly: “He immediately got naked in the car.”

DiCaprio has three dogs; the two huskies are called Jack and Jill and are littermates. He and his girlfriend, Cami‐ la Morrone, began fos‐ tering the pups during the pandemic.

GERMANY has banned Brit tourists and classed the UK as a ‘Covid area of concern’ as the num‐ ber of Omicron cases ris‐ es dramatically.

The world is battling the Omicron variant and Germany is the latest country to decide to ban travel to and from the UK under certain condi‐ tions. According to the German government, the new measures were

NEWS

Germany bans Brits brought in to try and slow the advance of the Omicron variant.

The new measures came into place from midnight on Sunday, De‐ cember 19. Only Ger‐ man nationals and resi‐ dents will be allowed to travel freely into Ger‐ many from the UK, un‐ less they are transiting through the country.

Anyone who does want to travel to Germany from the UK will need to have a negative PCR test and spend 14 days in quarantine.

Germany also consid‐ ers South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe to be high risk countries for the Omicron variant.

Lord Frost resigns IN a sensational turn of events on De‐ cember 18, Lord Frost ‐ who negotiated Britain’s departure from the EU ‐ re‐ signed from his position in the cabinet.

Lord Frost is believed to have handed in his resignation a week earlier, but the prime minister allegedly tried to per‐ suade him to stay until January. His deci‐ sion to quit is thought to have been the result of a growing disillusionment with the Conservative Party’s direction.

The introduction of Boris Johnson’s ‘Plan B’ Covid measures were cited as be‐ ing the last straw in prompting the Brexit

Minister to resign. Discontent had also been growing over the staggering cost of ‘net zero’ environmental policies, and over tax rises in Britain.

Earlier this week Mr Johnson had faced the largest revolt among Tory MPs since he took control of No10 Downing Street when almost 100 MPs voted against the government’s ‘Plan B’ measures.

This was followed by the loss of the North Shropshire by‐election, by a 23,000 majority. These events have led to rumblings of a possible leadership challenge.

NEWS

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Lib Dems shock win

FURTHER pressure has been piled on Prime Minis‐ ter Boris Johnson after the Lib Dems pulled off a shock win in North Shropshire, traditionally a Conserva‐ tive safe seat. The by‐elec‐ tion on December 16, trig‐ gered by the resignation of Owen Paterson, saw candi‐ date Helen Morgan win by a 5,925 votes with Labour coming a distant third.

The Lib Dems polled nearly 50 per cent more votes than the Conserva‐ tives in an election that was always going to be a test of Conservative policy and their handling of crises, including the resig‐ nation of Paterson over the lobbying scandal.

Speaking after the win, Morgan who is the Lib Dems’ 13th MP after a poor showing at the last election, said “the voters of North Shropshire had spoken loudly and clearly, the party is over.”

Directly referring to Johnson she said “Your

government, run on lies and bluster, will be held ac‐ countable. It will be scruti‐

Brit found dead

A BRITISH expat, who has not been named, has been found dead after going missing on December 6. The man had lived on a boat that had been anchored on a river between Portu‐ gal and Spain. He was last seen in the munici‐ pality of Alcoutim near the Guerreiros do Rio area.

The man’s body was discovered close to the area from where he disappeared. According to reports, the Maritime police were alerted to a

Helen Morgan won seat.

nised; it will be challenged, and it can and will be de‐ feated.”

Mask-less teacher suspended A MALAGA teacher who refuses to wear a mask while teach‐ ing his classes has been suspended from his duties for six months. A disciplinary file has been opened against his name so he will not be able to practise teaching elsewhere for the stated time. The Ministry of Education has confirmed the sus‐ pension.

The teacher joins two others from Granada who have also been suspended from their roles. The suspensions may de‐ velop further under the new protocols that have been made by the Education, Health and Families department, and the teachers involved have been replaced by others for the dura‐ tion. The suspensions also come with a suspension of salary.

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THE Netherlands entered a Christmas lockdown on De‐ cember 19, to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. Non‐ essential shops, bars, restau‐ rants, and other public places were ordered to close.

On Monday, December 20, schools also closed, and the lockdown will remain in place until at least January 14, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.

He said it was “unavoidable because of the fifth wave caused by the Omicron variant that is bearing down on us.”

Elsewhere, ministers in Aus‐ tria, Cyprus and France have also toughened restrictions on travel and Paris has cancelled its New Year’s Eve fireworks.

body being discovered by locals in Portugal. It is thought that the body belonged to a 63‐ year‐old British man. When the search opera‐ tion was launched by Portuguese and Spanish police, the authorities thought it was possible that the man could have fallen from his boat.

The boat belonging to the man had been seen with no one aboard and was said to be adrift.

A post‐mortem will be carried out. It is not thought the death was suspicious.

Netherlands lockdown Denmark has closed its the‐ atres, concert halls, amuse‐ ment parks and museums for Christmas and regional health ministers in Germany have

urged the national govern‐ ment to tighten rules on peo‐ ple arriving from the UK. The UK is currently experiencing its highest Covid numbers.

and finally...

MUSIC icon Bruce Springsteen has sold his entire music cat‐ alogue to Sony for around $500 million, a record amount for the musical work of an artist, following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan and Neil Young. The sale covers all the classic compositions of the New Jersey rocker’s records such as Born to Run, Born in the USA and The River. According to analysts, this money would be the largest transaction ever made for the musical work of an artist.

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Russian demands RUSSIA has put forward a list of se‐ curity guarantees that it wants the West to agree to in order to lower the tensions across Europe and defuse the crisis over the Ukrainian border. Many of the Russian de‐ mands on the list have already been ruled out and security experts across the world have deemed the requests unacceptable.

The eight‐point draft treaty was re‐ leased by Russia’s foreign ministry af‐ ter months of escalation and as more troops gathered within striking dis‐ tance of Ukraine’s border. Moscow has said if its interests are ignored, then it would lead to a “military re‐ sponse” similar to the Cuban missile crisis of 1962.

Troops gathered at the Ukraine border.

One of the Russian demands wants a limit to the deployment of troops and weapons to Nato’s eastern flank.

Russia has also demanded that Nato rule out further expansion, including the accession of Ukraine into the al‐ liance. Nato head, Jens Stoltenberg, has already ruled out any agreements denying Ukraine the right to enter the military alliance.

NEWS

Omicron sleep symptom AS the Omicron variant takes hold and becomes the dominant strain across mul‐ tiple countries, research is allowing scientists and doc‐ tors to pinpoint new differ‐ ences between this version of the virus and the older ones. Surprisingly, the main Omicron symptom that sets it apart from the others oc‐ curs while you sleep.

In South Africa, where Omicron was first se‐ quenced, doctors have dis‐ covered that patients with the new strain have been suffering from serious night sweats, says Dr Amir Khan, speaking on UK TV. He also

explained how patients are experiencing body aches and pains, fever, fatigue, and a dry cough.

Dr Khan said: “The symp‐ toms that are coming out of South Africa by the doctors that are looking after pa‐ tients with Omicron show

these five new symptoms.

“A scratchy throat, mild muscle aches, extreme tiredness, a dry cough and night sweats. That kind of drenching night sweats where you might have to get up and change your clothes.

Mammoths

IN an exceptional discov‐ ery, five Ice‐age mam‐ moths have been discov‐ ered perfectly preserved in the Cotswolds, England.

The remains were discov‐ ered near Swindon and the find will be explored by Sir David Attenborough as part of a new documen‐ tary.

Viewers will be able to see Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard on December 30, on BBC1. Sir David will be joined by Pro‐ fessor Ben Garrod and

DigVentures archaeolo‐ gists. The documentary will feature the excavation of the Ice‐age mammoths.

Garrod commented on the incredible find. He said: “This is one of the most im‐ portant discoveries in British palaeontology.

“Where these mam‐ moths lie in the ground is exactly where they died a quarter of a million years ago ‐ next to incredible things like stone tools and the snails they trampled underfoot.”

and finally...

MOURNING PERIOD. North Korea banned its citizens from laughing, shopping, and drinking from December 17 onwards as part of an 11‐day mourning period on the 10th anniversary of the passing of former leader, Kim Jong‐il. Kim Jong‐il ruled the republic of North Ko‐ rea from 1994 to his death in 2011 and died due to a heart attack at the age of 69 on December 17. He was succeeded by his youngest son Kim Jong‐un.

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NEWS

German police raids BBC cuts content

POLICE have conducted raids in Germany’s eastern state of Saxony after Premier Michael Kretschmer received death threats for backing Coronavirus measures. The officers searched several properties in the state capital Dresden and nearby Heidenau, after Covid extremists were discovered to be organising violent at‐ tacks.

The far‐right activists are suspected of plot‐ ting violence with crossbows and other weapons. This occurred after Mr Kretschmer

rescinded his statement from last year warn‐ ing people of Covid “hysteria” and has now gone on to back strict Coronavirus measures.

The state of Saxony has the lowest vaccina‐ tion take‐up of all of Germany. The police in the state released information about the raids and security forces, including the special Soko Rex anti‐extremist unit which raided several locations following a German TV documen‐ tary drawing attention to the death threats last week.

IT has been revealed that the BBC cut content in 2021, with an increase in repeat programming of 22 per cent. The under‐ fire national broadcaster had been instructed by the government to re‐

duce its budget following the reintroduction of li‐ cence fees for the elder‐ ly.

The respected broad‐ caster has in the past produced many original programmes but often at

No to gender JFK documents declassified neutral passports

THE United States Govern‐ ment has lifted the veil of the official secrets act from 1,491 documents related to the death of former presi‐ dent John F Kennedy in Dal‐ las, Texas in 1963. There are still documents hidden un‐ der the act by the govern‐ ment which means there are still some secrets to be re‐ leased.

Legislation said that reports of the killing should have been made public within 25 years, which would have been 2017. There is a clause, however, that there can be

postponement for security concerns.

Donald Trump ordered the disclosure of 2,800 docu‐ ments while he was in office but decided to keep hun‐ dreds of others secret. In to‐ tal, the National Archives have released more than 90 per cent of the documents on JFK’s assassination.

Kennedy’s death has in‐

trigued people since it hap‐ pened, and still has amateur sleuths from around the world scratching their heads.

The Warren Commission, the official report into the shooting, said that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, but many historians and scholars continue to raise doubts about this version of events.

STATS

1

Your mouth produces 1 litre of saliva a day.

GENDER neutral passports have been rejected in the UK despite a campaign from Christie Elan‐Cane, who is non‐ gendered.

Following the verdict for ‘X’ gender markers in British passports, Christie Elan‐Cane said: “Justice was not served.”

Elan‐Cane’s landmark battle, which argues that it is dis‐ criminatory to force non‐binary and non‐gendered citizens to falsely declare themselves to be male or female for the purposes of a travel document, became the first‐ever trans civil rights case to be heard by the UK’s highest court.

Lord Read announced that the Supreme Court agreed with the government’s decision that making ‘X’ gender markers available on passports would have “adverse impli‐ cations for the security aspects for the use of passports” and “result in substantial administrative costs.”

great cost, with seeming‐ ly unlimited budgets at times. The growing cost of running the BBC had drawn the ire of the Con‐ servative government.

To meet the demand for reduced overheads a new strategy was intro‐ duced limiting the cre‐ ation of original content and increasing the inci‐ dence of repeat pro‐ gramming. The BBC had said this strategy would account for more than 40 per cent of the savings it needed to make, whilst scheduling changes would account for 11 per cent. In addition, the or‐ ganisation said that it would look to increase its revenue from sales.

According to the Na‐ tional Audit Office (NAO), increased repeats has resulted in the or‐ ganisation saving over £1 billion so far this year, exceeding its projected savings of £800,000.

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NEWS

Alec Baldwin warrant ACTOR: A search warrant has been issued for his phone.

NHS dilemma

THE leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar, has challenged Nicola Sturgeon over the impact of Covid on cancer care within the NHS, asking her to commit that cancer services will be protected in any redeployment of care sparked by coronavirus. He has insisted that the NHS should not be made to choose between cancer and Covid.

Sarwar says this means that screening programmes must not be paused again in the same way they were at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Also, cancer operations should not be cancelled because of Covid pressures either.

The Scottish party leader tweeted: “Since the start of the pandemic, almost 30,000 of our fellow Scots have died from cancer.

“Every one of these deaths ‐ just like Covid ‐ is a tragedy.

“There must be no pause to screening programmes, no cancelled cancer operations, and a genuine acceleration so we can catch up on cases.”

THE investigation into the death of Halyna Hutchins, who died on the set of the movie Rust, has taken a new turn with a search war‐ rant issued for Alec Bald‐ win’s phone. The warrant has been issued by a Sante Fe court in New Mexico, where the film was being shot.

Of interest on the phone are messages that are be‐ lieved to have been ex‐ changed between Baldwin and an unnamed person, which could shed more light on the events of that fatal day.

Baldwin who was filming on set was given a gun that was apparently ‘safe’ how‐ ever he pointed it at the Di‐ rector of Filmography, and it went off killing her and in‐ juring the Director of the western Joel Souza.

With a search warrant is‐ sued for the actor’s phone, the story is not yet finished and it would seem there are more revelations to come.

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A load of baubles NANA BAUBLES: Recognised by the Guinness World Records.

New Welsh Covid restrictions PEOPLE in Wales are being ‘strongly advised’ to limit so‐ cialising in the run up to Christmas as the new Omicron variant takes hold.

New Covid restrictions are coming into force on Monday December 27 to try and head off another peak of infection.

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford set out the new two‐phase plan as the country responds to a double‐head‐ ed Delta and Omicron spike. Omicron is expected to be the dominant form of the virus in the UK by the end of the month.

From December 27, nightclubs in Wales will have to close and there will be new restrictions put in place.

These will include a two‐metre social distancing rule for businesses and maximum capacities in indoor places.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Delta will continue to be the main cause of coronavirus infections in Wales up to Christmas. But we are seeing cases of Omicron increas‐ ing rapidly every day in Wales ‐ and across the UK.”

NEWS

SYLVIA POPE, a grand‐ mother from Swansea has broken a festive world record for the largest collec‐ tion of Christmas baubles.

Known as Nana Baubles, Sylvia is the proud owner of 1,760 festive ornaments, a total recognised by the Guinness World Records.

Ms Pope, who turns 79 on Boxing Day, hopes to pass the 2,000 mark this Christmas with her collec‐ tion coming from all over the world. Whenever she travels, she buys baubles, with items coming from as far away as New York.

Ms Pope starts putting them up in September long before any of us even begin to think about Christmas and decorating our homes.

She remembers where most of the baubles come from and has her favourites.

Amongst her favourites are a lobster, a hamburger, Dis‐ ney characters and of course Big Ben. But her number one is a Royal Doul‐ ton Royal Jubilee celebra‐ tion edition, representing her ‘love’ of Queen Eliza‐ beth, who she thinks is ‘wonderful.’

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EWN 19

Resolve to review your financial planning for 2022 The New Year is a time when most of us take stock of our situation and set goals to improve our health, happiness, lifestyle and wealth. This January, make it one of your resolutions to check your financial planning is on track to meet your needs and protect your long-term financial security.

Why regular reviews are important Regular reviews help keep your financial affairs compliant and up-to-date. Tax rules or financial regulations often change, which may affect the tax efficiency of existing arrangements. There may be new opportunities you could find beneficial. And with Brexit still relatively new, it is important to keep ahead of any further developments that may affect you.

Consider also if any changes in your personal and family circumstances mean you should adjust your arrangements.

For a truly effective review, and to ensure it is suitable for

In today’s world of ‘automatic exchange of information’, it’s more important than ever to get it right. Cross-border tax planning is complex; take specialist advice to achieve peace of mind and secure tax savings.

By Fiona Keogh, Private Client Manager, Blevins Franks

your life in Spain, consider how your tax planning, investments, pensions and estate planning work together.

Tax planning Make sure you know where you are resident for tax purposes, especially if you are new to Spain or spend time in both countries. You can then structure your wealth in the most suitable way to minimise taxation, while still meeting your obligations.

Savings and investments If you do not already have a financial plan in place for Spain, take a fresh look at your savings and investments. Are they better suited to a UK resident? Do they meet your risk/reward appetite? Are you taking advantage of tax-efficient opportunities in Spain?

Successful investing is about having a strategy specifically based around your personal circumstances, time horizon, needs, aims and risk tolerance.

Ensure you have adequate diversification to avoid over-exposure to any given country, asset type, sector or company.

Explore investment structures that allow multi-currency flexibility to help minimise exchange rate risk.

Pensions

Pensions are usually key to financial security through retirement, so deciding what to do with yours could be one of the most important financial decisions you make.

Take the time to explore all the options, weighing the pros and cons and considering the tax implications and potential benefits in Spain.

Take regulated advice to protect your retirement benefits from pension scams and do what is right for your circumstances and aims.

Estate planning It is vital to review your estate planning when living in Spain. Both succession law and tax work very differently to the UK. For example, Spain’s ‘forced heirship’ rules could automatically pass a significant proportion of your worldwide estate to your direct family, whatever your intentions. You can specify in your will for the EU regulation ‘Brussels IV’ to apply relevant British law to your estate, but understand your options

and any tax implications.

Your estate plan should be set up to achieve your wishes in the most tax-efficient way possible.

If you remain UK domiciled – as many expatriates do – you continue to be liable for UK inheritance tax, so plan to reduce this liability for your heirs.

To bring all these complex elements together and ensure you haven’t missed out on any opportunities, take expert, crossborder advice. Spending time on a financial health-check can secure peace of mind that you and your family are in the best position to enjoy a prosperous 2022 and beyond.

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.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevins franks.com.

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Tesla taxi crash Model 3 cars suspended.

A TAXI firm in Paris has suspended the use of Tesla Model 3 cars in its fleet following a crash involving one of the vehicles. An in-

Heathrow charges to rise PASSENGERS at Heathrow may have to pay increased charges of more than 50 per cent from January 1.

This comes after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ap‐ proved price rises to “reflect the uncertainty of the recov‐ ery of passenger volumes from the pandemic as Heathrow has made a loss of £3.4 billion since the start of the pandemic.”

Although the charges are paid by the airlines, they are usually covered in passengers’ airfares.

A spokesperson for Heathrow has said the cap range of £32 to £43 has left them “extremely disappoint‐ ed.” They also said it “relies on rushed analysis and will un‐

dermine passenger experi‐ ence.”

The cap will increase or de‐ crease depending on passen‐ ger numbers and commercial revenue.

vestigation has been launched by French police after the Tesla reportedly collided with a cyclist, three pedestrians and a van.

The company, G7, which has 37 of the Tesla vehicles under its name, has said it will halt usage until the investigation is complete.

The French Transport Minister, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, said on December 15 there was no suggestion

that a technical problem was to blame for the incident.

Yann Ricordel, the deputy chief executive at G7, said the driver was off duty when the accident happened and was taking his family to a restaurant.

According to the driver, he tried to brake but the car accelerated instead. It was unclear if the car was in autopilot mode during the Tesla taxi crash.

Apple home-worker bonus THE technology giant Apple has suspended the return of all its workers to its offices indefinitely. In addition, it will give all of its employees $1,000 each (around €884 at current exchange rates) so that they can equip their home offices and continue working from home.

Tim Cook, the CEO of the company, announced this plan by email to his employ‐ ees on December 15. The decision was made due to concern about the increase in Covid‐19 cases, and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant.

A return to offices was planned for February 22, 2022, but the company has now left the return to office date open. Other large companies, such as Google, Uber, and Amazon, have also delayed their return to the offices for the same reason and many have offered similar packages to support home working.

NEWS

Piers Morgan revelation PIERS MORGAN believes he caught Covid‐19 at the Euro 2020 final in July and has revealed he is still bat‐ tling long Covid months lat‐ er.

The 56‐year‐old former Good Morning Britain host said he is thankful that he was double jabbed when he was infected. He comment‐ ed on the effects of long Covid during a Twitter ex‐ change with Sky News Tech‐ nology Correspondent Row‐ land Manthorpe who revealed he had “a nasty case of long Covid. Eight months and counting.”

Morgan replied: “DM me, I had the same for five

months, but new meds seem to be cracking it.”

Piers previously told fans about his symptoms: “Aside from ongoing tedious fa‐ tigue and inability to taste wine, all the coughing’s caused a ‘posterior vitreous detachment’ in my left eye.”

Shortly after catching the virus, he wrote in his col‐ umn: “Been a week now and although the fever’s long gone, the fatigue keeps overwhelming me like a so‐ porific tidal wave.

“I haven’t even read a newspaper since developing symptoms, which for a news junkie like me is unprece‐ dented.”

and finally...

NASA has made history as the Parker spacecraft offi‐ cially ‘touched’ the sun. On December 14, NASA con‐ firmed that Parker had made its way through the sun’s corona. The historic event happened in April but it has taken months for the data to return from the spacecraft due to the distance. Parker was launched in 2018 and is named after astrophysicist Eugene Parker.

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NEWS

ITV changes

THE Spanish government has announced ITV changes for 2022, bringing the roadwor‐ thy test in line with new tech‐ nologies that are incorporat‐ ed in many modern vehicles.

In addition to the Technical Inspection Card and the vehi‐ cle’s licence, you will have to show the identity document of the owner and provide proof of insurance. The mini‐ mum insurance requirement will be damage to third par‐ ties.

Many of today’s vehicles are fitted with sensors and cameras along the body of the vehicle and in the wind‐ shield. Current ITV tests do not check that these are op‐ erational. The changes will require these to be working and properly calibrated, something that will now be checked as part of the inspec‐ tion. Drivers of the vehicle being tested will need to pro‐ vide the ITV with the neces‐ sary access and documenta‐

ITV test to be changed.

tion for them to carry out the inspection.

A European directive (2014/45) which obliges member states to test noise levels from 2023, will be in‐ cluded in the inspection. The test is expected to focus on those who have modified their vehicle and on motorcy‐ cles.

Pension rise in 2022

AS stated in the new pension law being processed by Parliament, pensions in Spain will rise by 2.5 per cent next year, which is the inflation rate registered be‐ tween December 2020 and November of this year.

Spain has returned to the formula of linking incomes and prices, a modus operandi that was applied in the 1990s and replaced by the Revaluation Index in the 2013 reform.

In previous years, the interannual in‐

flation registered in November served to adjust the rise applied in January so that pensioners did not lose purchasing power. These are once again the refer‐ ence.

With the 2.5 per cent increase, the av‐ erage retirement pension (€1,195) will increase by about €30 per month (€420 per year) and the ‘pay’ that the retiree will receive in a single payment at the beginning of the year to compensate for the deviation in prices will be €268.

NEWS

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23 - 29 December 2021

Correos recruitment drive

CORREOS, the Spanish postal service has announced they are starting their biggest recruitment drive in decades, in which 5,377 jobs with indefinite contracts will be available. The roles will be across many different opera‐ tions within the company, including distribution, classification and cus‐ tomer service.

The company will make the rele‐ vant information and agenda known to the public in the first half of 2022 so that people know how and where to apply. The tests will then take place next November. A statement

released by the business said the hir‐ ing process will be developed shortly, guaranteeing the principles of merit, ability and equal treatment of wom‐ en and men.

There is another current hiring pro‐ cess happening within Correos for which more than 60,200 people have been registered. These are for tempo‐ rary seasonal positions in their opera‐ tions throughout Spain which begin from February 1.

Further information on the job roles and how to apply will be posted on www.correos.com.

UK schools prepare to close SOME schools are al‐ ready preparing to hand out laptops in prepara‐ tion for possible clo‐ sures in January.

The number of Omi‐ cron cases in the UK is growing rapidly and schools are preparing for online learning again.

According to recent data from the govern‐

ment, more than 200,000 pupils were off school in the last couple of weeks due to the virus.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has already admit‐ ted that there are “no guarantees” that schools will be able to remain open in January if cases of the Omicron variant continue to rise.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has encouraged people to ensure their children are jabbed as soon as possible. He commented: “We know how crucial it is to keep children in schools so let’s all make sure our children and young peo‐ ple are vaccinated be‐ fore they go back next term.”

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NEWS

Forqué suicide confirmed

POPULAR actress Verónica Forqué died at her home in the Chamartín district of Madrid, aged 66. A post‐mortem was carried out and it was con‐ firmed on December 16 that she committed suicide.

The actress had performed in films such as Kika and Sé infiel and she also appeared in Spain’s sixth season of Celebrity Masterchef.

No traces of any toxic sub‐ stances or pills were discovered in her body. The cause of death has been confirmed as me‐ chanical asphyxia by hanging.

The actress’s body showed no signs of violence. Verónica was discovered by her maid after she had taken longer than usual in the shower. The maid en‐ tered the bathroom and discov‐ ered Verónica was uncon‐ scious. The emergency services were called immediately.

Antonio Banderas took to Twitter to pay tribute to Veróni‐ ca. He commented: “Goodbye to Verónica Forqué. I worked

with her years ago and my memory is that of a sweet, spiri‐ tual woman and a good com‐ panion. RIP.”

Much loved actress.

Officer pleads guilty FORMER police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. On Wednesday, December 15, Chauvin pled guilty to federal charges against him saying that he violated Floyd’s civil rights.

Floyd was suffocated in an attack that lasted for over nine minutes. By pleading guilty Chauvin will avoid facing a feder‐ al trial early next year.

According to WCCO‐TV, Chauvin had planned to plead not guilty to the federal charges. The judge though warned him that he could spend the rest of his life in prison if he pleaded not guilty.

Chauvin appeared at the Saint Paul city courthouse to make his plea in front of federal judge Paul Magnuson.

Chauvin was asked if he understood his plea and he replied: “Yes, your honour.”

For his own safety, the former cop has been in solitary confinement since last April. He is being held at Minnesota’s maximum security state prison.

Chauvin drove his knee into Floyd’s neck causing him to suffocate. He also did not provide medical care.

EUROPEAN PRESS

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EUROPEAN PRESS DENMARK

Spies arrested

Mink fiasco

DANISH authorities have arrested four current and former employees of the country’s intelligence service for alleged spying following a lengthy investigation.

Names have been withheld and the country for which they were supposedly spying for has also been kept secret.

A YEAR after the Danish Government decided to cull around 15 million minks due to unsupported fears that they might transmit a mutated form of Covid-19 to humans, the matter is still being reviewed and the prime minister quizzed by a parliamentary committee over the culling.

THE NETHERLANDS Farmers’ protest

Sensitive documents

A CONVOY of some 200 tractors travelled to Schiphol airport to hand over a contract to purchase and decommission the airport to reduce nitrogen pollution as a protest against government plans to buy out agricultural landowners as part of a package of measures to fight nitrogen use.

INDICATING a change of tactics, a hacking ransomware group LockBit placed details of 39,000 files online which included sensitive documents for Dutch police, emergency services and security after the technology company Abiom refused to pay a ransom to keep the files secret.

BELGIUM Keeping abreast

Rainbow zebra

THE Wheel of Care, which provides health care in the home, wants mothers to be able to breastfeed in more hospitality outlets in Brussels and is producing an online map and asking pubs and restaurants to display a sticker to confirm breastfeeding mums are welcome.

FLEMISH Highways and Traffic Agency (AWV) has announced that it is happy to paint and maintain one rainbow zebra crossing in each of the 300 Flemish municipalities if requested to do so. Rainbow pedestrian crossings have already appeared in some municipalities as part of pride celebrations.

GERMANY Danger UXB

New weapon

WHEN a 250 kilo US made bomb dropped on Berlin during the Second World War was unearthed by workers extending the Jewish Hospital in Iranische Strasse, authorities knew that they would face a significant challenge to evacuate around 15,000 residents so it could be defused.

OFFICERS were out in force to police a demonstration against Covid restrictions in Hamburg armed with the latest weapon of crowd control, a 1.5-metre long red and white stick used to ensure that protestors observe proper social distancing whilst complaining about the rules!

FRANCE Referendum result

Greek deal

THE Pacific territory of New Caledonia voted in a third and final referendum on independence with 96.49 voting against, but as the independence parties boycotted the referendum, saying the pandemic prevented a fair ballot there was a small turnout of just 43.9 per cent.

AFTER losing out to the USA in the supply of submarines to Australia, the French Government has announced that despite the USA offering to supply four frigates to the Greek Navy it was too late as a deal had been signed with the French.

NORWAY Oil wealth

Peace prize

IN order to help every home in Norway during the winter months when daylight can last for just five hours in some parts of the country, the Norwegian Government will be using funds from its oil income to give automatic discounts on electricity costs.

THIS year’s Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo was heavily curtailed due to rising rates of Covid-19 with a planned double event to honour the 2020 and 2021 winners. In the background former winner Aung San Suu Kyi has been arrested in Myanmar.

23 - 29 December 2021

EWN 25

26 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

23 - 29 December 2021

NEWS

Suitcase scam

THE Spanish Internet Securi‐ ty Office (OSI) has warned people about a new type of fraud growing in popularity, known as the retained suit‐ case scam, or suitcase fraud.

In this scam, the cybercrimi‐ nals pose as a family mem‐

ber or friend of the target and make contact through social media sites such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Twitter and Facebook.

According to the OSI, the fraudsters pretend to be someone known to the vic‐

Norway fines Grindr IN what is the highest fine ever imposed by the Norwegian Data Protection Authority, dating app Grindr has been charged with sending sensitive personal data of users to hundreds of potential advertising partners without con‐ sent. They have also been handed a fine of $7.16 million.

The Authority said that Grindr had breached the EU’s da‐ ta protection regulations, which are also enforced in Nor‐ way although the country is not a member of the bloc. The original complaint was filed in 2020 by Norway’s Consumer Council who said that the company shared details includ‐ ing GPS location, IP addresses, ages, and gender details of users.

According to the Authority “users were forced to accept the privacy policy in its entirety to use the app” and were not asked specifically if they wanted to allow their data to be shared with third parties.

STATS

6

The average bed contains over 6 billion dust mites.

Suitcases used in fraud.

tim who is supposedly abroad. They then tell the target that they are on the way to Spain and either that their suitcases are being held at the airport, or that they have missed their flight, but the suitcases are on board.

The criminals then ask the victim to transfer money to a specified account provided, and mark the amount ‘cus‐ toms costs’. This amount will then supposedly release the suitcases so they can be re‐ united with the owner.

As people can make fake profiles easily on social me‐ dia, this is where the scam is really taking off. The cyber‐ criminals skim information from people’s profiles to make the request seem more believable.

Once the target believes the scam message, they are usually asked for between €500 and €1,500.

EUROPEAN PRESS

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EUROPEAN PRESS FINLAND

Odd betting

On track

RESEARCH by the Finnish national gaming agency Veikkaus has confirmed that online betting habits have seen a major change as horse racing, especially trotting has overtaken football and ice hockey in popularity because whilst trotting in Finland was banned due to the pandemic, it carried on in Sweden.

AFTER having been suspended for around 18 months, the first train from St Petersburg in Russia left for Helsinki on Sunday December 12, with the few passengers on board serenaded by a Russian railway brass band. There will now be two services each day.

IRELAND Special gift

United Island

THE Irish Government is considering a proposal to give every household in the Republic €100 in the New Year by reducing their first 2022 electricity bill, as there have been 35 price rises in energy bills during 2021 according to a report from the Central Statistics Office.

A NEW study carried out by Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft online, which canvassed 3,301 adults from Northern Ireland suggests that 46 per cent of voters would vote for Irish unity tomorrow and even more think that it will happen at some time in the future.

ITALY Surprise nativity

Bah humbug

SWEDISH climate activist Greta Thunberg has been included in a large nativity scene in Naples and named person of the year. She is shown alongside the baby Jesus and Three Wise Men wearing her trademark yellow raincoat holding her ‘Skolstrejk for klimatet’ (School strike for climate) placard.

A BISHOP in Sicily has been condemned by parents after he told his church congregation which included a number of small children that there was no such person as Father Christmas and that gifts were given by parents before criticising Coca Cola for promoting him.

PORTUGAL Bike lane

Driving licences

AS more major cities introduce expanded bike lanes in order to try to reduce pollution, it appears likely that the Lisbon City Council plans to remove the Almirante Reis bike lane and a petition with more than 2,600 signatures has been sent to the Council to keep it open.

RECOGNISING that electric batteries can add significantly to the weight of vehicles, the Portuguese Government is introducing a new law allowing category B licence holders to drive vehicles weighing up to 4,250 kilos (up from 3,500 kilos) provided that they use alternative fuels.

RUSSIA Not happening

Taxi driver

A PROPOSAL raised in the UN Security Council which wanted to recognise a link between climate change and global security as part of conflict prevention strategy was vetoed by Russia as well as India with both arguing that the link was not tenable.

A NEWLY filmed interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a former member of the KGB security service, sees him saying that he deeply regretted the fall of the USSR and following this he had to become a taxi driver in order to ‘make ends meet.’

SWEDEN Two arrested

Royal cop

FOLLOWING a major collision between a British and a Danish cargo vessel, one sailor is still missing. Swedish authorities have revealed that two people have been arrested on potential charges of causing the death of another person, gross negligence in maritime traffic and ‘drunkenness’.

PRINCE Daniel of Sweden, husband of Crown Princess Victoria, is well-known as an advocate of the Swedish police and his latest show of support saw him accompany a police patrol in Skarholmen, a suburb of Stockholm which has been in the news due to serious gang crime.

23 - 29 December 2021

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FINANCE BUSINESS EXTRA Trade deal THE British Government has entered into a new free trade deal with Australia which it claims will be worth an additional £10.4 billion and is the first to be reached which doesn’t reflect pre‐Brexit arrangements. Farmers however worry about the potential for cheap Australian imports.

Home working THE Spanish Government has introduced a new law which will allow civil servants in areas of low population to voluntarily work from home for 90 per cent of each month as it believes those areas with low populations do not need regular face to face consultations with staff.

Xmas hackers SAINSBURY’S staff were worried after a US cloud payroll service Kronos was the subject of a cyber attack and according to a BBC report, an estimated weeks’ worth of information on 150,000 staff disappeared. The supermarket has confirmed that they will be paid by Christmas.

Reduced forecasts MUCH as expected, the Bank of Spain has reduced its GDP forecasts for both 2021, dropping 1.9 per cent and 2022 moving from 5.9 per cent to 5.4 per cent and now doesn’t expect the economy to return to pre‐pandemic levels until 2023.

Blue Banana ONLINE ethical clothing company Blue Banana was started by two Spanish friends who said they know little about fashion and use the slogan ‘We make noise not clothes.’ Despite their lack of expertise, they took the next step and opened shops in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, promoting their brand logo a large X. In 2021, they said their product would become the first Spanish carbon‐ negative fashion brand by collaborating on environmental projects endorsed by the United Nations and are now purchasing their stock from manufacturers in Spain, Portugal and Asia.

28

www.euroweeklynews.com • 23 - 29 December 2021

STAT OF WEEK

price paid by US venture capital group Carlyle €1.9 billion isto the take over Spanish company Grupo Altadia.

Iberia Airlines pull out of deal IAG, parent company of Iberia Air‐ lines has confirmed via the Spanish CNMV (National Securities Market Commission) that it is suspending talks with Globalia over the purchase of Air Europa, although it hopes to renegotiate some form of deal dur‐ ing 2022.

This decision to enter into an agreement to purchase was an‐ nounced in November 2019 and modified in January 2021 and IAG has made a second payment of €35 million (in addition to the agreed €40 million) as a sign of commitment and to eliminate any pending claims.

In the event that a sale does take place, then the entire €75 million will be offset against the final purchase price.

IAG explained in a press release via Iberia that the decision was made due to the problems caused by the pandemic and the ongoing fragility of the tourist market to and from Spain, as well as the current state of the Spanish economy.

As it is a key operation for the country and very important for both companies, Iberia has committed to exploring different alternatives for shareholder structures to try to

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Can they stop noise?

Can you tell me what the law is regarding noise from neighbours working (hammering) at cer‐ tain times of the day or can they do it at any time? I live in Mijas Costa.

J G (Costa del Sol) Standardly DAVID SEARL the general rule all over Spain is YOU AND THE LAW that noisy work IN SPAIN cannot start before 8am and must end before 10pm. The rules for each indi‐ vidual municipality are set by the town hall. You can find these rules by going to the Mijas website and searching for Ordenanza Municipal Reguladora de la Emision y Re‐ cepcion de Ruidos y Vibraciones. This should tell you what times noise is allowed and what intensity is permitted.

The rules in Marbella, for example, state that noise lev‐ els as heard inside your building with the windows closed must not exceed 30 decibels during the day. However, be‐ fore you start measuring decibels, you should speak with the people doing the hammering. You may find them willing to help. Perhaps they can muffle the sound in some way. If you live in a community and they are ham‐ mering directly on your wall, you can ask your president to speak to them. Finally you can go to court. There are various laws to prohibit noise.

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

THE Spanish fashion chain Inditex re‐ vealed huge profits for 2021 as rev‐ enue amounted to €19.33 billion in the first nine months of its fiscal year.

Net profit over that same period came in at €2.5 billion, compared with €671 million in 2020 which is a massive increase of 273 per cent, al‐ though it recognises that 2020 was exceptionally low due to internation‐ al lockdowns.

come to some form of agreement to obtain the operation of Air Europa.

A new letter of intent has been signed by both parties to evaluate al‐ ternatives and other structures that may be interesting for both compa‐ nies, offering similar benefits for their shareholders, customers and employees, before the end of Jan‐ uary 2022.

In parallel, Iberia intends to work with the government of Spain to continue improving the country’s connectivity and to strengthen the Madrid hub to make it competitive with other European airports.

Which funeral plan from Golden Leaves?

FUNERAL experts Golden Leaves of‐ fer pre‐paid fu‐ neral plans for expats in Spain, to prevent your loved ones hav‐ ing to organise a Which is the right plan for you? funeral in a differ‐ ent country and another language.

Providing several different types of plans, Golden Leaves will be able to find you the right pre‐paid plan for you, helping you to organise the service you want.

Golden Leaves also guarantees 100 per cent of the costs of the arrangements specified in your Funeral Plan.

There are no hidden extras or administration charges for your family to deal with when the time comes.

But which is the right Golden Leaves plan for you?

The Opal Plan is designed for those who just want a simple cremation service.

The Pearl Plan is designed for those who would like a traditional funeral service for cremation or burial and provides a comprehensive funeral service.

And the Golden Plan is designed for those who wish to be repatriated to a country other than their current country of residence.

Contact Golden Leaves today to find the right funeral plan for you.

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

Inditex reveals huge profits As the recovery continues, the 2021 profits compare favourably to 2019 when in the same period, the company made €2.73 billion.

Inditex’s Executive Chairman, Pablo Isla, said: “These results are very satisfactory and demonstrate once again the solidity of our busi‐

ness model, the quality and commit‐ ment of our teams, and the potential being realised by our strategy of fully integrating stores and online.”

It should be noted that when it was announced that Isla was due to step down in April 2022 to be re‐ placed by Marta Ortega, the 37‐year‐

LEGO futures FORGET gold and wine, in‐ vest in LEGO says a Russian University research paper.

Members of the faculty of the Moscow Higher School of Economics (HSE) have published a paper in the Research in Interna‐ tional Business and Fi‐ nance journal which makes this astonishing claim.

The authors of the paper looked at the prices of 2,322 unopened LEGO sets from 1987‐2015 and came to the conclusion that after two or three years, their value on the secondary market grew annually by an average of 11 per cent outperforming many tradi‐ tional investment options.

Growth for a number of Star Wars related models was significantly higher than the average.

Gin wars SANTA may not be amused by the fact that Marks and Spencer are about to launch a law suit against Al‐ di over what it claims is a copy of its light up musical snow globe gin liqueur that contains edible gold flakes marketed for Christmas.

The Aldi version is con‐ siderably cheaper and M&S want all stock destroyed as well as seeking damages for potential lost sales.

This is not the first time that it has taken action against Aldi, the last being over their Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake, which Marks and Spencer claimed was identical to their Colin the Caterpillar. old daughter of founder Amancio Or‐ tega, shares immediately dropped in value and they fell again despite the announcement of the enormous profits.

The new president’s challenge will be to manage the fall in profit mar‐ gins caused by ever increasing manu‐ facturing and transport costs and the growth in Spain of Chinese competi‐ tor Shein.

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23 - 29 December 2021

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

LONDON - FTSE 100

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C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 20

COMPANY PRICE(P) 3I Group 1.400,50 Abrdn 231,30 Admiral Group 3.083,0 Anglo American 2.882,0 Antofagasta 1.319,00 Ashtead Group 5.896,0 Associated British Foods 1.900,0 AstraZeneca 8.471,0 Auto Trader Group Plc 715,80 Avast 614,60 Aveva 3.226,0 Aviva 398,10 B&M European Value Retail 608,80 BAE Systems 525,60 Bank VTB DRC 1,224 Barclays 179,00 Barratt Developments 704,40 Berkeley 4.646,0 BHP Group 2.152,50 BP 326,00 British American Tobacco 2.758,5 British Land Company 512,00 BT Group 164,05 Bunzl 2.860,0 Burberry Group 1.739,0 Carnival 1.209,2 Centrica 66,26 Coca Cola HBC AG 2.438,0 Compass 1.506,00 CRH 3.723,0 Croda Intl 9.992,0 DCC 5.958,0 Diageo 3.954,0 DS Smith 378,60 EasyJet 498,70 Experian 3.476,0 Ferguson 12.725,0 Flutter Entertainment 10.863,3 Fresnillo 894,20 GlaxoSmithKline 1.591,40 Glencore 359,25 Halma 3.061,0 Hargreaves Lansdown 1.357,00 Hikma Pharma 2.221,00 HSBC 441,40 IAG 128,26 Imperial Brands 1.564,50 Informa 479,60 InterContinental 4.370,0 Intermediate Capital 2.107,00

CHANGE(P) 1.407,00 233,70 3.094,0 2.883,0 1.331,00 5.904,0 1.911,0 8.474,0 718,40 615,20 3.229,0 398,10 610,00 526,40 1,226 179,30 712,60 4.679,0 2.155,50 326,20 2.767,0 512,40 165,80 2.863,0 1.739,5 1.232,8 66,30 2.461,0 1.514,50 3.729,0 10.005,0 6.016,0 3.956,0 381,50 499,80 3.479,0 12.735,0 10.951,3 915,00 1.596,00 359,95 3.067,0 1.358,00 2.221,00 443,00 128,68 1.571,00 480,90 4.392,0 2.108,00

% CHG. 1.383,00 228,70 3.058,0 2.826,5 1.286,50 5.778,0 1.861,0 8.349,0 706,20 606,60 3.177,0 393,20 598,20 517,40 1,206 176,88 698,00 4.611,0 2.125,00 320,60 2.719,0 504,40 162,70 2.806,0 1.689,5 1.177,0 65,02 2.408,0 1.479,50 3.660,0 9.740,0 5.910,0 3.893,5 374,90 483,60 3.431,0 12.475,0 10.739,1 888,00 1.574,80 354,10 2.997,0 1.319,50 2.183,00 434,00 124,40 1.547,00 467,50 4.314,0 2.071,00

NET VOL 82,83K 684,79K 33,54K 776,37K 324,74K 239,77K 422,09K 279,50K 160,31K 307,41K 37,65K 2,49M 408,55K 745,06K 610,34K 4,44M 241,68K 29,61K 1,30M 9,16M 706,58K 342,03K 4,16M 110,82K 220,30K 236,05K 2,18M 101,61K 390,75K 240,35K 34,69K 119,86K 400,35K 354,69K 1,73M 125,19K 70,64K 2,96K 270,77K 1,17M 8,21M 76,53K 85,84K 59,17K 4,01M 11,83M 223,04K 1,14M 93,31K 57,16K

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

Intertek ITV 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 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 Taylor Wimpey Tesco Tui Unilever United Utilities Vodafone Group PLC Whitbread WPP

5.506,0 106,35 274,10 1.934,5 740,40 283,10 45,42 6.716,0 733,60 145,25 1.784,50 1.057,60 216,50 7.708,0 29,10 1.708,50 2.692,0 630,60 1.236,50 6.219,0 2.333,00 548,40 765,20 4.797,5 110,00 7,51 1.566,40 1.566,4 1.567,2 816,00 1.602,00 15,44 3.404,0 1.347,00 1.384,00 2.922,0 1.215,00 1.526,00 15.345,0 1.603,50 1.595,00 427,90 163,90 285,20 208,10 3.978,0 1.094,50 112,00 2.742,0 1.080,50

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

5.524,0 106,50 274,10 1.935,5 741,00 283,50 45,55 6.780,0 734,80 145,45 1.797,50 1.061,20 217,00 7.722,0 29,11 1.736,00 2.719,0 634,40 1.239,00 6.232,0 2.337,00 548,40 770,00 4.801,0 112,60 7,53 1.567,51 1.567,4 1.567,6 817,80 1.609,50 15,59 3.406,0 1.351,00 1.386,00 2.931,0 1.227,00 1.526,50 15.355,0 1.606,00 1.598,50 428,40 166,10 285,30 210,00 3.986,0 1.097,50 113,00 2.746,0 1.080,50

5.426,0 104,30 269,10 1.880,5 731,20 279,90 44,83 6.648,0 731,00 142,05 1.761,00 1.051,00 213,70 7.564,0 28,80 1.705,50 2.672,0 626,00 1.218,00 6.160,0 2.298,00 528,60 753,20 4.719,0 107,12 7,47 1.543,70 1.542,0 1.541,6 800,00 1.601,00 15,33 3.357,0 1.331,00 1.360,00 2.892,0 1.204,00 1.506,50 15.045,0 1.586,00 1.572,00 421,20 162,10 281,30 204,30 3.932,5 1.082,00 111,36 2.676,0 1.062,50

30,94K 1,56M 529,91K 112,34K 146,55K 2,61M 38,58M 88,63K 623,66K 948,33K 124,40K 1,08M 4,46M 27,81K 179,57K 158,02K 79,59K 606,48K 823,44K 141,35K 461,78K 2,43M 226,53K 453,27K 12,70M 237,96K 742,85K 749,62K 1,66M 294,76K 7,96K 2,41M 16,51K 957,65K 281,19K 42,59K 262,69K 134,93K 10,38K 305,87K 269,55K 1,04M 1,70M 253,14K 1,19M 699,63K 188,36K 8,77M 97,77K 310,61K

1.17128

0.85365

Units per €

US dollar (USD) ......................................1.12655 Japan yen (JPY)......................................127.919 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................1.0407 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4362 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................10.215

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 D ECEMBER 20

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

PRICE 174,75 2.856,06 3.400,35 222,50 171,14 192,63 201,37 113,60 60,46 57,73 381,80 387,98 205,17 127,40 50,62 168,23 156,76 261,70 75,69 333,79 323,80 161,36 157,46 252,93 932,57 487,12 53,17 211,88 138,75 148,76

CHANGE 178,32 2.889,20 3.417,97 224,16 173,47 194,77 205,25 116,46 60,79 58,92 393,67 397,98 210,11 128,64 51,02 170,78 159,38 264,85 77,74 337,11 324,92 162,86 161,72 253,90 960,66 493,13 53,22 213,21 143,95 149,84

CHANGE% VOLUME(M) 174,34 3,92M 2.835,76 2,05M 3.312,27 4,25M 219,32 6,32M 169,69 193,76M 187,88 12,48M 201,23 5,88M 113,53 22,17M 59,78 60,54M 57,70 51,15M 380,63 6,97M 387,42 11,02M 204,71 5,49M 125,21 10,20M 50,01 48,56M 167,66 16,01M 155,18 27,77M 260,88 5,56M 75,50 27,82M 330,75 39,49M 317,25 47,36M 160,55 7,63M 157,31 23,55M 246,79 11,89M 909,04 30,55M 486,38 5,52M 52,36 53,74M 207,79 11,36M 138,39 25,66M 146,57 13,45M M - MILLION DOLLARS

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES D ECEMBER 20

COMPANY

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

Most Advanced Cable One Inc. Biglari Holdings Inc. Cl A Boston Beer Co. Cl A Carvana Co. Cl A HubSpot Inc. Ubiquiti Inc. Bank of America Corp. 7.25% Non-Cum. Perp.

Chemed Corp.

Mettler-Toledo International Inc. Twilio Inc. Cl A Wayfair Inc. Cl A

3.14% 3.42% 4.11% 9.54% 2.74% 5.60% 1.04% 2.81% 0.86% 4.88% 6.47%

88.23K 364 404.39K 6.78M 1.09M 287.08K 5.6K 295.89K 250.19K 3.49M 2.09M

-2.47% -2.15% -2.25% -1.17% -6.11% -4.61% -3.92% -3.04% -3.46% -0.74% -4.69%

2.33K 43.86K 94.85K 11.45K 625.31K 2.56M 7.07M 588.5K 567.31K 342.17K 2.29M

Most Declined Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Cl A NVR Inc. Texas Pacific Land Corp.

Danaher Corp. 5% Mand. Pfd. Series B TopBuild Corp.

Estee Lauder Cos. Cl A Goldman Sachs Group Inc. W.W. Grainger Inc. Teledyne Technologies Inc. AutoZone Inc. Equifax Inc.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

Credit: Liz Truss Twitter

Liz Truss targets cooperation with Spain

WORKING TOGETHER: Liz Truss met José Manuel Albares in Madrid.

BRITISH Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has made Spain her latest target as she trav‐ elled to Madrid on Wednes‐ day December 15 to meet her Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares.

The foreign ministers dis‐ cussed how the UK and Spain can work together more closely on many dif‐ ferent matters including business relationships and NATO. This meeting comes just two weeks after their meeting in Riga, during the NATO Foreign Ministers Summit, at which both Ministers underlined their commitment to a Political Framework for a UK‐EU Gibraltar Treaty.

It has now been con‐ firmed that following a fourth meeting in London, the parties (Spain repre‐ senting the EU, UK and Gibraltar) the matter will continue to be negotiated during 2022 with the hope

that a final agreement is reached by Easter.

During the visit, which comes within her first 100 days in office, Foreign Sec‐ retary Liz Truss will also seek to boost the UK’s eco‐ nomic ties with Spain and hosted an event with lead‐ ing Spanish investors and British businesses in Spain.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “I want to work with allies like Spain to cre‐ ate a network of liberty based around closer eco‐ nomic, tech and security ties.

“We’re significant trading partners, with the UK as Spain’s biggest European in‐ vestor, and the UK as the top destination for Spanish investment. By boosting our trading ties even fur‐ ther, both Spain and every region and nation of the UK will benefit.”

As part of her two‐day visit, the Foreign Secretary also launched a new report

Rising inflation FOR the second month running, Spain’s rate of infla‐ tion in November climbed to its highest for 29 years at 5.5 per cent according to the National Statistics In‐ stitute (INE).

This was 0.1 per cent up on the record October fig‐ ure and is blamed on significant rises in the price of food and fuel prices.

If one removes the food and energy rises, then in‐ flation settles at a more acceptable 1.7 per cent for November, although even that is an increase over October figures.

The European Central Bank and Bank of Spain however believe that these monthly price rises will be short lived.

on scientific collaboration between the UK and Spain.

BUSINESS EXTRA Boohoo sad ONLINE UK fashion brand Boohoo believes that many people who had purchased designer dress‐ es to wear at Christmas and New Year events dur‐ ing November are getting ‘cold feet’ and returning them for credit which could knock up to 3 per cent from forecast profits.

Qatar news SPANISH ambassador to Qatar, Belen Alfaro has said that the past year has been really turbulent and challenging at the global level in terms of health and economy, but the bilateral relations be‐ tween Qatar and Spain remain excellent, inspired by the strong affection between both royal fami‐ lies.

Major blow THE outbreak of the Omi‐ cron virus in the UK seems likely to have dis‐ astrous effects on the hospitality industry in the run up to Christmas and according to the BBC, the Bar 44 chain, which has four outlets, has reported that 3,200 people have cancelled December bookings.

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LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT THEY are still arriving ya know.

Just because the biased British media has decided to stop reporting it, hundreds of migrants are still traversing the channel to the UK’s ‘promised land’.

Most have been in France for months and in a few cases years.

With the majority still appearing to be young fit men, does it not strike anyone as suspicious how they manage to survive with no visible means of support?

Many are wearing designer gear and trainers, and just about all seem to carry expensive phones. They also must find the equivalent of three to five thousand pounds to pay the smugglers.

Most, if not all, have travelled through several countries in their quest to reach soft‐touch Britain. How did they manage to eat over the many months these treks lasted?

They are supposed to have come from war‐torn

Ulterior motive impoverished countries ‐ so where does all their money come from? Someone somewhere is bankrolling them. This raises the question as to why? Whatever the reasons, you can bet your lives it’s not from the kindness of somebody’s heart. There must be an ulterior motive.

Well, I personally think someone is generating a sleeping army. There are now thousands of these young Middle Eastern men entrenched all over the UK. If a non‐friendly nation is paying the bills, you can rest assured, they will also have underground contacts creating arms caches and bomb factories everywhere.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Russia didn’t have a financial source in there somewhere; wouldn’t Putin love to have a clandestine army sleeping in the UK! Whatever the reasons, I think the ever‐growing presence of

these young men is being taken far too lightly. Putting them up in hotels and lavishing them with benefits is verging on lunacy.

They should all be put into camps and interrogated as to their origins, and where their finances are coming from.

You can rest assured that if it ever does become necessary for them to pay their piper, the UK could finish up like Beirut.

The irony of that scenario is they will then have managed to turn the UK into something resembling the places they’re all supposedly trying to run away from!

Merry Christmas everyone.

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon and Wed 1pm till 4 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

TV & Film Review by Laura Kemp

Streaming now: The Unforgivable

DESPITE mixed reviews, Sandra Bullock shines in this new Netflix movie based on the 2009 mini‐se‐ ries Unforgiven.

Ruth Slater, played by Bullock is released from prison after a 20‐year sen‐ tence for murdering a po‐ lice officer.

The Unforgivable follows Ruth as she attempts to re‐ integrate into society in Seattle and reconnect with her sister Katie, played by Aisling Franciosi (Game of Thrones).

Ruth finds that she will always be seen as a cop killer as she is judged by ev‐ eryone where she once lived. Her only hope for re‐ demption lies with her es‐ tranged younger sister who now lives with her adoptive mother (played by the amazing Viola Davis) and father.

The sons of the officer that Ruth killed 20 years

previously are out for re‐ venge. The plot that has some unexpected twists and turns and although her crime is ‘unforgivable,’ Bul‐ lock is successful in making the audience feel empathy and pity towards Ruth, as we see her isolated and alone in dreary Seattle.

The present day is meshed with flashbacks from Ruth’s and Katie’s past in the country house they were forced to leave behind.

Some of them are dreamy summer memories of Katie growing up, while others reveal why Ruth ends up in prison.

This movie portrays the idea that not everything and everyone is as they seem and although there are some plot holes and parts of the narrative are quite implausible, the end‐ ing will leave many welling up.

THURSDAY 23/12 FRIDAY 24/12

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Superman & Lois BBC News at Six; Weather BBC London News; Weather The Weakest Link Christmas Special The Wall v Celebrities: EastEnders Christmas Special EastEnders Ghosts

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Upstart Crow Blackadder's Christmas Carol University Challenge Blackburn Sings Christmas with Gareth Malone Last Christmas Top of the Pops 1984: Big Hits Elton John's Christmas Concert: Old Grey Whistle Test

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The Two Ronnies: The Studio Recordings Quentin Blake: The Drawing of My Life The Queen's Christmas Broadcast The Adventures of Robin Hood The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show 1971 The Morecambe & Wise Show 1970 - The Lost Tape

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Some Like it Hot Final Score The Two Ronnies at Christmas The Perfect Morecambe & Wise Christmas Special Anything Goes: The Musical Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing Adele: The BBC Sessions Tina Live!

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Calamity Jane West Side Stories - The Making of a Classic West Side Story The Hairy Bikers Go North for Christmas Only Connect: Christmas Special University Challenge Blade Runner 2049 Highlander

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Evil Under the Sun Death on the Nile Inside the Factory Only Connect: The Birds and the Bees Special University Challenge Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby Mock the Week End of Year Special Joanna & Jennifer: Absolutely Champers

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Sean Connery: Talking Pictures The Great Train Robbery Murder on the Orient Express Wild Tales From the Village Only Connect: Cold Special University Challenge Inside the Factory XL: Diggers Frankie Boyle's 2021 New World Order

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Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights Winterwatch 1963 - The Big Freeze The Last Igloo Lucy Worsley's Christmas Carol Odyssey 60 Years of Carols From King's Winterwatch 1963 - The Big Freeze

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Top of the Pops: Christmas 2002 Top of the Pops: Christmas Hits Tom Jones & Beverley Knight's Gospel Christmas Country Christmas 2021 Country at the BBC The Turn of the Screw Whistle and I'll Come to You

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Penguin Post Office: Natural World Winter Journey: Schubert's Winterreise Eric and Ernie - Behind the Scenes Their Finest Mrs Dickens' Family Christmas What We Were Watching: Christmas 1991

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The Chronicles of Erne Dancing the Nutcracker Inside the Royal Ballet La Boheme from the Royal Opera House Moonstruck Mark Kermode's Christmas Cinema Secrets The Chronicles of Erne The Turn of the Screw

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BBC Proms Sondheim at the BBC Sunday in the Park with Stephen: Omnibus Face to Face with Stephen Sondheim Life of a Mountain: A Year on Scafell Pike The Great Mountain Sheep Gather Sunday in the Park with Stephen: Omnibus

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Australia: Earth's Magical Kingdom Royal Institution Christmas Lectures West Side Story Into the Woods: Stage to Screen Australia: Earth's Magical Kingdom Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

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Australia: Earth's Magical Kingdom Royal Institution Christmas Lectures Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland Billy Connolly: Portrait of a Lifetime Williams: Formula One in the Blood Handmade in the Pacific: Pou

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Tipping Point: Lucky Stars Christmas Special The Chase Celebrity Christmas Special ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale A Merrier Christmas?

Tonight Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow Christmas Special

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Santa Claus ITV News and Weather Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs at Christmas The Masked Singalong Emmerdale Coronation Street The Larkins at Christmas ITV News and Weather Love Actually

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Saturday Night Takeaway Presents: Double Trouble The Chase Celebrity Christmas Special Celebrity Catchphrase: Christmas Special Emmerdale Coronation Street All Star Musicals at Christmas Billy Connolly: My Absolute Pleasure

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In for a Christmas Penny Family Fortunes Christmas Special Emmerdale The Voice Kids Coronation Street ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV London Weather Bradley & Barney: Breaking Dad at Christmas

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The Chase Lingo ITV Evening News ITV News London Emmerdale The Voice Kids Coronation Street ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV London Weather All Star Musicals at Christmas

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Tipping Point The Chase Lingo ITV Evening News ITV News London Emmerdale Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs The Voice Kids ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV London Weather

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Chateau DIY at Christmas Kirstie's Handmade Christmas The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Christmas at Holkham Hall One Night in the Natural History Museum

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It's a Wonderful Life Channel 4 News The Snowman The Snowman and the Snowdog Home Alone The Greatest Snowman 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Christmas Special The Last Leg Christmas Eve Special

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The Snowman The Snowman and the Snowdog The Alternative Christmas Message Channel 4 News Home Alone 2: Lost in New York Terry Pratchett's the Abominable Snowbaby The Great Christmas Bake Off 2021

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The Great Christmas Bake Off 2021 Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Crocodile Dundee II Travel Man: 96 Hours in Iceland Jon & Lucy's Christmas Sleepover 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Christmas Special

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Christmas at Castle Howard Location, Location, Location The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Sarah Beeny's New Life in the Country Extraordinary Escapes at Christmas with Sandi Toksvig

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Playing With Fire Christmas at the Plaza Sarah Beeny's New Life in the Country The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Billionaire Blooms Kirstie and Phil's Love it or List it Britain's Most Expensive Houses

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Finding Santa 12 Pups of Christmas Entertainment News on 5 12 Pups of Christmas Matilda 5 News Update World's Strongest Man 2021 Police Interceptors Christmas on Cannon Hall Farm

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FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

Duty of care CLAIRE GORDON FINDING BALANCE IN AN UNEVEN WORLD AS a fresh wave of infection sweeps across the globe, a horrible sense of déjà vu is creeping in. Case numbers are rising and whole countries are shutting down just in time to separate people from their family and friends during the festive season. While the need for measures to curb the spread of Covid is necessary, I can’t help but feel that various governments have tunnel vision when it comes to what to do.

My main gripe since the pandemic began has been the short-sightedness of the response. Especially in countries that can choose what path to take, instead of having to scramble to save themselves by any means necessary. In March 2020, England was asked to stay inside for two weeks while the government organised itself into an allsinging, all-dancing testing machine. Or so they said.

Putting aside the fact that Boris Johnson’s sheer arrogance had delayed any kind of response at all until after Coronavirus was well and truly spreading through the community, they then managed to ignore the efficacy of one of the greatest things that the UK still has going for it (just).

The NHS has been the jewel in the crown of the UK for years and had all the provisions already in place to test, trace and track most of the country. Instead, the Tories saw fit to bundle cash to a private company who then failed to deliver what was promised.

And this was just the beginning of similar issues there, and across the world, as governments asked for sacrifice from their population without looking at the bigger picture.

As peaks and troughs of the infection rate came and went, people and small businesses were battered by the waves.

Immunocompromised people were asked to shield indefinitely and forgot about when things started to open again. Businesses with no outdoor space were given no assistance when restrictions meant no one was allowed to sit inside. If you were not in the direct line of sight of ministers (ie, rich enough to hold sway), any help was lost, and people went under the radar and then under the water.

With this strain, the panic is worse, even if the symptoms are not. As I see the mental health of people deteriorate at the thought of another Christmas alone, and the cancellations list grows for friends with small businesses suffering under unclear guidance, I despair.

In Andalucia, we waited for a BOJA to clarify new restrictions right up until the moment it was due to be enforced! People’s health and livelihoods hang on words the government can’t even prepare ahead of time.

While I understand the situation is everchanging, if thoughts do not turn to the longterm plan of how to escape this merry-goround with people and businesses intact, there are going to be many more casualties than just those who catch the virus.

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

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

23 - 29 December 2021

EWN 35

EW YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION Letters should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

RESCUED CATS Two four-month-old kittens were left at the bins in a box with a scrappy note saying ‘Sorry can’t take to UK’. They were so very lucky to have been found by a caring lady who decided to take them to Maz’s Canine Rescue shop (Almeria) which isn’t geared up for receiving poorly animals. However they were taken to Maz’s home and she took them in, even though the house is bursting at the seams.

Named Dasher and Dancer as it’s Christmas they were taken to the vet as they were quite poorly. Their eyes were closed with weepy eye syndrome, a dreadful case of worms, mites etc… thankfully have been given treatment and are improving.

The point is how sad is it that people can do this… it is left to the generosity of good-hearted people to stump up for the costs incurred… there is literally no room at the inn… as it’s the festive season… are there any of your readers that could possibly help out the Reindeer Kittens… I was really hoping that this might be newsworthy and that you could make a feature out of this very sad story … yours sincerely…

Pam

Anyone else?

Please can you highlight the lack of urgency in administering booster vaccinations at OCMC, residents are having to queue for up to two hours to book an appointment for a booster and are currently being given dates for April 2022. This means some re-

WOMEN’S SPORTS: Have they been left out in the cold?

Lucy Francesca REINDEER KITTENS: Dasher and Dancer are looking for a new home.

sidents will have waited 12 months between their second vaccination and their booster.

We in Orihuela Costa feel like we are being forgotten about and being pushed to the back of a very long queue for services.

The health service has deteriorated so much over the years which is mostly due to the constant building of new properties along the coast without the infrastructure in place to co-

THANK YOU TO ALL THIS is the last edition of Euro Weekly News before Christmas and we would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our wonderful readers and advertisers for their support during the pandemic.

We know how hard it has been for everyone, especially as whenever we appear to be climbing out of the problem, something new appears and Omicron is the latest problem to be tackled.

Despite the fact that so many advertisers had to temporarily withdraw their adverts at the height of

CORRECTIONS

From our Facebook

pe.

Slowly but surely Orihuela Costa is being starved of money and services.

Yours hopefully Jane

Peter John Colin Why - don’t even get enough spectators at the moment, when it becomes more popular then yes ok.

Sheree Ruiz

Beware!

A warning to anyone buying and eating Turron this Christmas. Anyone know a good dentist?

Freddie

OUR VIEW

the pandemic and the lockdown, we have continued to issue Euro Weekly News every week without fail, albeit with a reduced number of pages.

In addition, we have continued to populate our website with local and international stories and kept readers alert to both major breaking news and a number of heartwarming stories closer to home and have never asked a single reader to contribute to keep us going.

Readers will have noticed that

Yes of course they should! The women’s teams do so much better than the men’s and the women are hard as nails when it comes down to sports. We go hard or go home and we take injuries and tackles! We don’t just fall on the floor and fake it.

the size of the papers has been growing on a regular basis and that is thanks to the fact that so many advertisers have either returned or started advertising for the first time and we wish them every success with their diverse businesses despite the constant problems.

It remains only to wish everyone who reads EWN either in paper form or online (as we have so many overseas readers) all the very best to you and your loved ones in 2022 and to hope that it will be a better year for us all.

To command a prime time slot it has to draw the sponsors’ money, and get the viewing numbers/ratings, so advertisers will buy advertising slots. There are many sports, both men’s and women’s that for purely commercial reasons never make it to prime time viewing or make it into the exclusive sports channels.

Dawn Giddings They simply won’t get the viewing figures!

James Golt Only if they take their tops off when they score.

Joe Pritchard Nah, and while we’re on about it, hoy them off commentating as well.

Janet Murray Yes, it’s time you show women’s footie on prime TV, we have been left out in the cold long enough.

At the EWN, we pride ourselves that reports are accurate and fair. If we do slip up, we promise to set the record straight in a clear, no-nonsense manner. To ask for an inaccuracy to be corrected. Email: editorial@euroweeklynews.com

www.euroweeklynews.com • 23 - 29 December 2021

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FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

TONI C. EASTWOOD OBE, MBA

23 - 29 December 2021

EWN 41

REALLY HARD VS IMPOSSIBLE

#TheWomanBeyond IN his brilliant book Spartan Up! Joe De Sena (founder of Spartan Race) ‐ in which by the way the first chapter is ti‐ tled From Here to Insanity ‐ this gives you a clue.

Joe tells us the ridiculous story of Göran Kropp.

Imagine your friend inviting you on an adventure.

They tell you, “Hey! I have this idea.

Let’s jump on our bikes and from our homes in Sweden, ride to the base of Mount Everest, then hop off, ascend to the summit without oxygen or a sherpa and then come back down and ride back home!!! Are you in?!”

If you’re like me, you’d probably say, “Dude. Are you crazy!!”

You might even be tempted to say that’s impossible.

But it’s not impossible.

It’s just REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hard.

And there is a huge difference be‐ tween the two.

Really Hard vs Impossible.

Do you have any ‘impossible’ dreams that need to be redefined as simply re‐ ally (really!) hard?

Yes? Which one?

This is the season for sharing our hopes and dreams and for setting our intentions for the year ahead. What one big thing would you dare to dream (and do) if you knew you couldn’t fail?

I’ve been thinking about mine recent‐ ly, with a brilliant team away day last week, before we went off for the holi‐ days.

Come on what’s your Biggest Most Audacious Goal? Think about it. Dream about it. Get fired up about it. Then go WOOP it (you remember WOOP from a few weeks ago? Wish, Outcome, Ob‐ stacles and Plan) Then get to it!

I’m reminded of some great wisdom, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up.” ‐

Thomas Edison I also love to remember Seneca’s wis‐ dom: “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.”

It may be difficult or really, really hard, but nothing is impossible if you really want it.

And in case you were wondering ‐ Göran Kropp, did achieve the impossi‐ ble and he tells his own story in his book, Ultimate High: My Everest Odyssey.

Stay Focused, Keep Positive and Choose to +1 in Every Moment.

Ignite Your Passion, Fulfil Your Dreams and Awaken Your Greatness!

Love, Hugs, High Fives and Fist Bumps

WomanBeyond PS. Want to ignite your passion and purpose? To get laser focused on your Biggest Most Audacious Goals? Grab one of the last few places on my Vi‐ sionary Women Programme for Jan‐ uary 2022. In just four, three‐hour on‐ line sessions you could make 2022 Your Best Year Yet. Twenty five per cent off for Euro Weekly News readers ‐ Just Quote Offer Code EWN25 ‐ for more info and to book, head on over to https://quantumvantage.co.uk/vi sionarywomenprogramme Don’t hold back another moment.

You could be just one step away…

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

Toni x Toni Eastwood OBE, MBA #The‐

Please do get in touch if you have any questions. Follow me, chat and share your thoughts and network with other fabulous women in my Visionary Women Facebook Group.

@tonieastwood

@SixSecretsToSuccess @VisionaryWomen

tonieastwoodobe

GO LOCAL

THE EURO WEEKLY NEWS has urged its readers to support local businesses in the com‐ munity by shopping locally in recent times. Now things are heading back to normal, we challenge you to maintain that habit by supporting local high streets, markets, butch‐ ers, greengrocers and all of the wonderfully quirky inde‐ pendent businesses in your area.

Local businesses make our villages, towns and cities what

they are. They add unique character. They are conve‐ nient. And they offer excellent produce from known suppli‐ ers. The joy of shopping locally means that independent busi‐ nesses can support the local community. You may find something a euro or two cheaper online but have you considered where your money is actually going?

By shopping locally you’re putting food on a local family’s table and there is nothing bet‐

ter than giving back to the communities that have given us so much. Local stores sup‐ port charities and they sponsor local sports teams. In many cases, they are much more than just a business, they’re a legacy. They may have sup‐ ported generations of the same family. Likewise, brand new local stores and bars may help the generations of the fu‐ ture fulfil their dreams and am‐ bitions.

Remember, your local store

is going up against multination‐ als and chains. They can’t win that battle on their own. So give them your support.

Spending your money locally will make a real difference to the local economy. Local busi‐ nesses recirculate a greater share of every euro they re‐ ceive at local level. They create locally owned supply chains and they invest in their em‐ ployees.

So remember. When you go shopping ‐ go local!

sixsecretstosuccess

42 EWN

23 - 29 December 2021

www.euroweeklynews.com THE prospect of doing a large amount of exercise can sometimes be off‐ putting, and the more we avoid it, the guiltier we feel, creating a cycle where exercise can seem like a chore rather than something to be enjoyed.

But one scientist says that instead of focusing on creating large goals and then feeling bad if we don’t achieve them, we should actually just take small steps towards fitting a little more activity into things we naturally do ev‐ ery day.

Michelle Segar, a psychologist and di‐ rector of the University of Michigan Sport, Health and Activity Research and Policy Centre, told American radio sta‐ tion NPR, that we place too much im‐ portance on thinking of exercise as an organised activity which must involve the gym, running, Spandex, or sweat‐ ing.

Segar explains that literally every time we move our bodies we are bene‐ fiting our health, whether that move‐ ment constitutes traditional forms of exercise or not.

She says: “The research does now show that basically all movement counts, and anything is better than nothing,” adding, “I’ve been astounded that even up until today, very educated people don't know ‐ don’t believe ‐ that walking actually ‘counts’ as valid exer‐ cise.”

Loretta DiPietro, exercise research scientist at George Washington Univer‐

HEALTH & BEAUTY

It all adds up

STAIR WALKING: Scientists say this could be as good as other exercise.

sity’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, told the same station that sci‐ entists measure how an activity affects our body using the value MET

(metabolic equivalent). She ex‐ plains this means that any and all activity has a rating, and some rou‐ tine tasks we perform on a near daily basis without considering them exercise have a higher MET value than some workouts.

DiPietro says exercise that is moderate to intense will have a value of between three and six METs, both of which are covered by mopping (3.5 METs), or slowly climbing the stairs (four METs). Climbing the stairs fast uses nine METs, more than line dancing at eight.

And given that we are told to take in 150 minutes of moder‐ ately intense exercise a week, it is easy to see how normal activi‐ ties could easily add up.

DiPietro says this means in‐ stead of focusing on increasing levels of organised exercise, if you are unlikely to actually stick to this it may be better to just slightly increase the level of activities we already perform.

This could mean taking the stairs in‐ stead of the lift or parking further away when shopping.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Sleeping beauty IT HAS been said many times that in order to look and feel our best we need our, ‘beauty sleep.’

However, recent research suggests that not getting enough rest can lead to more is‐ sues than simple irritability or bags under our eyes.

An alarming new study suggested that some sleeping tablets‐ used by millions who struggle to drop off‐ would cause most peo‐ ple to sleep through a fire alarm. The report, compiled by Japanese researchers and pub‐ lished in Frontiers in Behavioural Neuro‐ science, showed that many commonly‐pre‐ scribed sleeping pills kept around half of the study’s participants asleep through a range of loud noises, including someone vacuum‐ ing next to their bed.

So given this news‐ as well as the other concerns a lack of sleep could compromise our immune systems, lead to overeating, and even damage our hearts‐ what other ways are there to help us get enough sleep?

The National Sleep Foundation suggests there are several other alternatives to taking medication, including sticking to a sleep schedule and going to bed and waking up at the same times every day, even at week‐ ends.

The organisation also suggests putting in

BEAUTY SLEEP: A lack of rest can cause serious problems.

place a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a bath with aroma therapeutic oils, and avoiding reading the news or watching anything energetic for several hours before you try to get to sleep.

The environment in your bedroom is also important, and the National Sleep Founda‐ tion suggests making sure the temperature is not too warm, which may wake you up later, and that bedding, mattresses, and pil‐ lows are all comfortable.

Finally, avoiding alcohol often helps im‐ prove sleep, as does exercise, which also re‐ duces overall stress levels.

23 - 29 December 2021

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44 EWN

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23 - 29 December 2021

Gastro vouchers prove a hit

ON November 16 the Alicante City & Beach Tourist Board launched their plan to help bars and restaurants recover from the pandemic, by en‐ couraging patrons to visit their local. The plan involved issuing 14,000 vouchers offer‐ ing discounts that could be re‐ deemed in 120 different es‐ tablishments.

In the first month of the scheme, which has proven to be a huge success, some 13,000 vouchers have been redeemed at a cost of nearly

DISCOUNT VOUCHERS: Could be spent in bars, restaurants and hotels.

€350,000. Vouchers were val‐ ued at €25 each and could on‐ ly be used against expendi‐ ture of €50 or more. That means more than €700,000 were spent in local bars,

Circus is in town THE circus is in town and will be until December 30 at the Teatro Principal. Production company Smile who brought the Ice Circus, Circlassica and Magic Circus to Alicante, promise lots of fun and laughs. The madness of the clowns will be overseen by the Carablanca Masters of Ceremonies Gensi and Isa, who will also attempt to deal with, a funambulist orchestra direc‐ tor, Luigi, a naughty musical inventor, and the most silly of them all, Houch.

The main characters will be accompanied by spec‐ tacular and thrilling circus numbers. Tickets can be bought directly from the venue or online from ticket agencies and the likes of retail store FNAC.

restaurants and hotels as part of the campaign.

Deputy mayor and head of the Municipal Tourism Board, Mari Carmen Sánchez, said “We can say that the cam‐ paign has more than fulfilled its objective.” She also went on to say that the campaign has saved some jobs and cre‐ ated others in a sector hard hit by the pandemic.

It is understood that the city has had discussions with its partners in the sector and has agreed in principal to run‐ ning the campaign again in 2022.

Whether the campaign is repeated will very much de‐ pend on the state of the econ‐ omy this time next year and on whether there has been a recovery in tourism.

SOCIAL SCENE

A Christmas dip LOS ALCAZARES is once again organising its ‘Christ‐ mas Bath’, an annual event held on December 26 at 12pm every year. The dip emulates the winter swim that is followed in colder countries around the world, usually on Christmas or New Year’s Day. Organised by New Animal Sport in partnership with the local authority and the Mar

Menor Nautical Club, those that participate will be able to jump into the cool water from the club.

Those that do pluck up the courage and take the plunge will be treated to a hot broth and chocolate afterwards.

New Animal Sport spokesperson Juan Gatón said that “it is a recreational activity that we hope will en‐ courage both the partici‐

pants, their families and friends to spend the day in the municipality enjoying the restaurants and leisure that the town offers.”

You do need to register be‐ forehand through the web‐ site www.lineadesalida.net, but be quick there are only 100 places available.

The cost is €5 and includes the broth, chocolate and a 100cm towel

Our sea, past and future A SCULPTURE exhibition has opened in the main hall of Alicante fish mar‐ ket, entitled ‘A memory, our sea, past and future’. The exhibition, which has been arranged by the city council, is presented by the renowned Madrid sculptor Juan Garaizabal.

The exhibition, which is open until the end of February, recalls the great‐ ness of the Mediterranean.

The 15 large scale sculptural groups highlight the difference in culture and evoke memories of the major tem‐ ples in places like Algiers, Istanbul

and Alicante.

The works of art bring together the artist’s view of how the future and the past are connected by using a va‐ riety of materials including huge can‐ vasses of raw cotton and fabrics that take us back in time.

There are also buildings made with both new and old materials, plastic, glass and steel.

Alicante is the first city in Spain to host the artist’s work, having held ex‐ hibitions in Miami, Paris, Beijing, Shanghai, Berlin and Venice.

PETS

46

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SPONSORED BY

Need someone to cherish your pets?

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

Perhaps you are already mak‐ ing plans for a staycation get away. Even if you are planning just a short trip, you’ll know that you simply can’t travel with some pets. Young pets in particular may benefit from staying behind so they can fol‐ low their routines at home. So, plan ahead.

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

Now is the time to get ready.

We will help you as much as we can. Our philosophy is that we are all in this together. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com 2. Choose a Premium ac‐

count (£89 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with pho‐ tos of your pet and the house 4. Post a house‐sit advert stating your plans for your next holiday, Covid permitting Do you need a pet‐sitter in 2021? Then get started right now.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee.

You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert say‐ ing when you are going on holi‐ day. House‐sitters see your ad‐ vert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

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Finding a reliable and caring dog sitter from a trusted source for peace of mind.

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HouseSitMatch found us a perfect house‐sitter while we were away in Canada and we were delighted with the care and attention that Housesit Match took in helping us find the right person.

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Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch. com ‐ Choose a membership plan ‐ Please note prices go up soon so sign up now on sub‐ scription to secure these prices: • Standard (DIY option) = £69 pa • Premium (with support at each step) = £89 pa

Do you need a house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either a house-sitter or homeowner with a 50% discount using coupon code SUPER50 - an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.Housesitmatch.com.

Our chatty feathered friends PERHAPS not the best choice for anyone with a feline prowling the house, a bird can be a fantastic, life‐long com‐ panion.

With their cheerful and inquisitive natures, many people don’t re‐

alise how much a bird can add to the home.

They are incredibly so‐ cial animals, often com‐ p a r e d t o h u m a n t o d‐ dlers in terms of their big personalities.

The most popular feathered pet is the common parakeet, or budgie, and it makes a wonderful companion for anyone new to keep‐ ing birds. They are gen‐ tle, docile, and quieter than other parrots, but can learn to mimic speech.

The budgie is also

budget friendly, their di‐ ets extending to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Their smaller size also makes them a little easi‐ er to clean up after than their larger cousins.

Fo r t h o s e t h a t d o n ’ t mind a noisier home en‐ vironment, a curious Cockatiel is ideal.

Caring for a bird is a life‐long responsibility, with average life ex‐ pectancies spanning from 10 to 20 years.

BUDGIES: Gentile and docile.

Advertising Feature

Brain research MRI: Will evaluate the dog’s brain.

RESEARCH in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in dogs allows progress in the treatment of these diseases in people.

Neurodegenerative diseases in people such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or Sanfillipo syndrome in children are comparable to some in dogs such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome in old dogs or neuronal ceroid lipofucinosis.

Researchers from the Universidad Autónoma of Barcelona (UAB) have carried out a study in dogs, over seven years, which demonstrates the safety and durability of a gene therapy strategy that opens the doors to the possible treatment of genetic neu‐ rodegenerative diseases. The study consisted of administering adeno‐associated viral vectors directly into the cerebrospinal flu‐ id, which envelops and protects the brain and spinal cord, and which also has applications in a range of neurodegenerative pathologies. They have followed the evolution of three healthy dogs that have been administered these viral vectors and seven years later they have not presented any side effects.

At the Centro Veterinario de Diagnóstico por Imagen de Lev‐ ante in Cuidad Quesada, MRIs are performed to diagnose and evaluate the brains of dogs affected by neurodegenerative dis‐ eases.

The image shows an MRI performed at this centre of a case of neurodegenerative disease in a dog.

In Costa Blanca Sur: www.resonanciaveterinaria.es Centro Veterinario de Diagnóstico por Imagen de Levante C/Los Arcos 23 Ciudad Quesada, Rojales. Tel: 609 779 109

SERVICES

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BOILERS

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HAIR AND BEAUTY

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

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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.com (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.(10006) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca?

There are various Lodges meetings up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or 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 of fice@helpvegabaja.com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11:00am. All nationali-

CARS WANTED 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: 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-costablan ca.org (93323)

52

ties welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorrevieja.org (95476) LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangeli 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 Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk. Tel:0044 8 00 018 2361. (238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Why not make this year the 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

23 - 29 Deemberc 2021 • www.euroweeklynews.com SPONSORED BY

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://branch es.britishlegion.org.uk/branch es/orihuela-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.secre tary@rbl.community

ZOOM on a Tuesday evening at 7pm download the ZOOM App. To enter use ID Number 8451471869, then Password 3uf5TE. Identification Fiscal G54713789 (95454)

ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (288064)

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

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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 strokesupportgroup@hotmail.c om, website: torreviejastroke support.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

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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.acacostablan ca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188.

(95461)

CHARITY

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) 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 Covid19. To join the centre on

TESTIMONIALS

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FOR SALE WE 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.

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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 re-homing. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

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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, deflead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

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23 - 29 December 2021

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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.

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54 EWN

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23 - 29 December 2021

Avoid winter fines

THE Directorate‐General for Traffic (DGT) is very ac‐ tive right now ensuring drivers follow the rules of the road in Spain. There are specific rules and regu‐ lations that we are all very aware of while driving, but

sometimes there is one that surprises us, and the result is a fine.

With the current weath‐ er patterns during winter, traffic police are control‐ ling how drivers circulate within the law, and are clamping down heavily on road safety. There are a number of rules relating to the use of correct lighting while behind the wheel of a vehicle. Most drivers will probably be aware of them, but we thought we‐ would share them with you anyway.

• While driving at night on urban roads, or out of town, if you do not have

the low beam or dipped headlights on, you can re‐ ceive a fine of €200.

• If you drive at any time of day, through a tunnel or underpass, a reversible lane, or in adverse weather conditions, without low beams or dipped beams, you can receive a penalty of €200.

• If you activate the high beams and dazzle the rest of the road users who cir‐ culate in the opposite di‐ rection, you can receive a fine of €200.

• If your car’s rear li‐ cence plate light does not work, you can be fined €200.

DRIVING AT NIGHT: Make sure you dip those beams.

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Guardia Civil drugs tests

SOONER or later, chances are you could be stopped at a Guardia Civil drugs checkpoint when you least expect it. Many drivers will have already gone through this experi‐ ence, while others have not, and are scared of it ever happening.

Not scared because they have something to hide, but generally just the fact of being subject‐ ed to the test and not knowing what it involves.

A routine drugs check, which is mandatory, goes like this: Information: Before starting the test, the offi‐ cer will inform you of the obligation to undergo the said test.

Saliva: Generally, an al‐ cohol breathalyser test is performed first. Next, a saliva sample is taken, with special devices. This is called ‘circumstantial’, and its objective is to de‐ tect the possible presence of the recent use of illegal substances.

CHECKPOINT: You could be stopped when you least expect it.

Second sample: If the saliva test is positive for some type of substance, then a second saliva sam‐ ple is taken. This is sent directly to a laboratory for analysis, for confirmation of the positive. At this point, you will no longer be allowed back behind the wheel of your car.

Blood: You can request a blood test as a contrast test. The blood sample will be carried out by health personnel in a hos‐ pital, or a health centre. If

it turns out positive, then you must pay the expens‐ es of this test.

Result: The results of the toxicological laborato‐ ry are added to the report of the Guardia Civil offi‐ cer, and the correspond‐ ing proceedings are initi‐ ated. This can be done either administratively, where the penalty is €1,000, and the loss of six points from your licence, or, it is done judicially with various conse‐ quences.

MOTORING

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23 - 29 December 2021

EWN 55

Ford S-Max Hybrid - spacious and remarkably competitive ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack WHEN Renault first launched the Espace they created a whole new segment within the automotive sector. You may think that the MPV has had its day thanks to the ubiquitous SUV and in large part you’d be correct, but there is still an MPV presence out there and one of the finest is Ford’s S‐Max. A week behind the wheel makes you realise that MPVs are immensely practical ma‐ chines, and in the case of the S‐Max don’t have to drive like a minibus. As with all Fords the S‐Max is remark‐ ably nimble, especially given its considerable proportions. It’s a re‐ laxed cruiser and re‐ markably economi‐ cal, with 50 mpg very achievable on a run.

Although some newer entrants to the sector, from the likes of Citroen, ar‐

guably have a more cutting‐ edge design, don’t be fooled into thinking the S‐Max is a rel‐ ic from another automotive age. Despite being launched in 2006 it has evolved well over the years and now includes a very effective self‐charging hy‐ brid option, all‐wheel‐drive

can also be specified. In the UK there are three trim levels ‐ Ti‐ tanium, ST‐Line and Vignale ‐ and the equipment levels are very good.

Power comes from either a 2.0‐litre diesel, in two power outputs, with either manual or automatic gears, or a 2.5‐litre

Facts at a Glance Model: Ford S-Max ST-Line Hybrid Engine: 2.5-litre petrol electric hybrid developing 190PS Gears: 8-speed CVT automatic Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 9.9 seconds/Maximum Speed 185 kph (115 mph) Economy: 6.4l/100km (43.5 mpg) WLTP Combined Emissions: 147 g/km WLTP Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

petrol engine mated to an electric motor to provide hy‐ brid driving. Paired with a CVT gearbox it is this version that is the focus (excuse the Ford re‐ lated pun) of our attention.

This is not a plug‐in hybrid, think more like Toyota’s sys‐ tem where the engine is as‐ sisted by the electric motor.

When you are at low speed the system puts you into elec‐ tric mode and at other times as and when required, such as boosting the power. It gels to‐ gether well and produces a very refined people mover.

While it’s no Fiesta ST in the handling stakes it’s surprising just how far it

FORD S-MAX: A must on anyone’s MPV shopping list.

can be pushed. There’s little noticeable body roll and it re‐ tains a confident feel and good levels of grip even in two‐wheel‐drive. It soaks up rough roads better than some of the newer entrants and has masses of interior space. Even the rearmost seating ‐ the S‐

Max has seven seats ‐ is acces‐ sible, albeit for shorter jour‐ neys in the case of adults.

Overall it may not have the interior glitz of newer models but remains remarkably com‐ petitive, drives superbly and is a must on anyone’s MPV shopping list.

SPORT AN emergency meeting was called on Monday December 20, among the executives of all 20 English Premier League clubs. It was held in order to decide whether to continue playing football matches, in view of the recent upsurge in Covid cases that has seen sev‐ eral games postponed.

As a result, it was voted by a majority decision to contin‐ ue playing the scheduled matches after Christmas. Al‐

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to read more visit www.euroweeklynews.com

Football to continue though it may yet be decided to play the matches behind closed doors once again, as a precautionary health mea‐ sure.

Included in the meeting were discussions to cancel this season’s fixtures completely, but this was reportedly voted

against unanimously. Liver‐ pool had also suggested rescheduling blocks of fix‐ tures. While this proposal gathered the support of some clubs, it was eventually voted down, due to the complexi‐ ties involved.

Cancelling the full season

Raducanu wins SPOTY EMMA RADUCANU’S sen‐ sational win at the US Open catapulted her to fame and also landed her the 2021 BBC sports personality of the year award ahead of many strong candidates.

The highly publicised straight sets win in New York, made her one of the most marketable names in the sport. It came after she fought back following her withdrawal with Wimble‐ don due to illness.

Radacanu (19) was un‐ able to attend the BBC cer‐

Emma receiving her award.

emony after a positive Covid‐19 test and instead received a replica of the trophy in Abu Dhabi where she is in self‐isolation.

Olympic diver Tom Daley came second, with swim‐ ming star Adam Peaty in third.

Clearly overjoyed she said it was “such an honour just to be among these nominees.

“Thanks to all the fans and voters, this year has been insane,” she added.

“The energy this year play‐ ing at Wimbledon in front of my home crowd was something I’ve never felt before.”

The young star entered the US Open as a qualifier and became Britain’s first female Grand Slam winner since 1977.

would bring huge financial complications due to the new deal brokered with Amazon Prime Video. The quarter‐fi‐ nals of the League Cup are be‐ ing played midweek, and then the next scheduled Pre‐ mier League matches are not until December 26 and 27.

The meeting was held on the same day a report was re‐ leased claiming that 16 per cent of Premiership players are unvaccinated, meaning they have not had even the first jab.

Meanwhile, 92 per cent of players and staff have had ei‐ ther two, or three doses al‐ ready.

This pales in comparison to clubs in Europe, where it is re‐ ported that in Italy, 98 per cent of all Serie club players and staff have been fully vac‐ cinated.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, it is a similar situation, with 94 per cent fully jabbed, as re‐ ported.

Problems for Pinoso PINOSO could have further problems fulfilling fixtures after the seasonal break due to the new stricter re‐ strictions for travel to and from the UK. They had to forfeit three points to Portobello as many of their team are in the UK unable to return.

The seasonal break may buy them time, but restric‐ tions could possibly be‐ come even stricter mean‐ ing a longer absence.

A problem for Pinoso and the League who will have to decide whether to allow the club special dis‐ pensation or apply further penalties. Hopefully a solu‐

tion can be found to suit all parties.

The Costa Blanca is well represented on the newly elected Walking Football Association of Iberia Com‐ mittee with three mem‐ bers from Costa teams.

Mark Bishop (Esquina Park Rangers) ,Pete Davis (For‐ mentera) and Phil Holmes (Lubrin). The first meeting was Wednesday this week when new rules and regu‐ lations were among items up for discussion.

For news from the meet‐ ing and Pinoso’s plight make sure you get your copy of next week’s Euro Weekly News.