Costa Blanca South 23 – 29 March 2023 Issue 1968

YOUR PAPER IS INSIDE

HEARTWARMING HELP

TORREVIEJA is preparing for a heartwarming event hosted by the Families of Aid for Sahrawi Children in Torrevieja (FANS). On Sunday, March 26, at 2pm, the FANS organisation will hold a social charity meal at the Kiosko de Cabo Cervera Restaurant in the city.

With a price of €22 for adults and €18 for children under 14, attendees can enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a great cause. The objective of the event is to

raise funds for FANS’ summer hosting pro ­

Brilliant boost

IN great economic news for the Costa Blanca, AENA has confirmed that airlines have scheduled 4.4 per cent more seats for the summer season of 2023 compared to 2019 (pre­pandemic).

AENA is the airport management group which covers Alicante­Elche airport.

Airlines have scheduled 221.8 million seats and nearly 1.3 million commercial operations in AENA’s network of airports for the summer season, which starts on March 26. Alicante­Elche Miguel Hernandez has seen an increase of 12.3 million seats which is a 4 per cent increase on the year prior to Covid.

gramme, ‘Vacations in Peace’.

The programme provides an opportunity for Sahrawi refugee children to escape the harsh living conditions in Western Sahara and enjoy a summer of peace, joy and childhood fun with their host families in the coastal city of Torrevieja.

Western Sahara was a Spanish colony until the country withdrew troops in 1975. A territorial dis ­

pute began between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement, which remains unresolved to this day. Conflict can erupt at flashpoint moments, meaning that children in the region are not able to enjoy a safe childhood and the region suffers from shortages due to blockades.

As well as hosting refugee children from the region in North Africa, FANS also collaborates with other NGOs working on the ground providing essential supplies to schools and health services and advocates for peace in Western Sahara.

Families interested in hosting a Sahrawi child for two months in the summer can contact the association by calling: 690 043 929 or emailing: saharatorrevieja@hot mail.com.

FANS Torrevieja also hold a support initiative where local families host a child from Western Sahara for the summer to give them a safe and secure home.

Photo credit: FANS Torrevieja(via Facebook)

AENA covers Alicance-Elche airport.

Image: AENA

COME along and dance the night away or just sit back and listen to the fabulous Posh Affaire live big band playing Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Bublé, Queen & much more with vocalist & compere Simon John.

Posh Affaire band are back at The Emerald Isle La Florida on Friday March 24 at 7.30pm and are holding a dance fundraiser in aid of ECCH Elche Children’s Care Home. Book your table now on WhatsApp or call +34 615 504 066. Entry is free but there is a suggested donation of €3. A raffle will be held by ECCH on the night.

The dance fundraiser held by Posh Affaire on January 27 was packed so don’t

A posh doo

miss out on your table for their second appearance there in 2023. A total of €484 was previously raised in aid of HELP Vega Baja, where €100 was donated by Posh Affaire to this worthy cause.

Posh Affaire are a registered non profit association and raised a total of €4,800 in 2022 for local charities and good causes.

Posh Affaire can be contacted on WhatsApp +34 722 771 442, email PoshAffaire Association@gmail.com or you can follow Posh Affaire on Facebook.

Brits lead the way

BRITISH fliers led the charge to set a new February record for air traffic at Alicante’s El Altet airport.

The UK, with nearly 268,270 passengers, and the Netherlands, with 70,450, accounted for the highest numbers of travellers landing or taking off at El Altet in a historic month for the terminal, which in

February registered more than 790,700 passengers, the highest ever figure for the month.

Travellers from Britain and the Netherlands were followed by Belgium with 56,000, Norway with 37,500, Germany with 32,970 and Poland with 26,900.

Regarding domestic travel, the total figure reached 128,441 pas ­

Health workers strike

EMPLOYEES in Torrevieja Department for Health are set to hold a strike to demand better working conditions from Tuesday, April 11.

The strike was originally planned to take place over Easter, but the unions have decided to postpone it “out of responsibility” due to the negative implications for residents’ health that a strike could have during the holiday period.

Members of the Department for Health’s committee held a rally on Wednesday, March 15 at the entrance to Torrevieja Hospital, where they read out a joint statement along with colleagues from the Department for Health from La Ribera who are also facing poor working conditions.

Both of the groups are demanding that the Ministry of Health includes all staff in the negoti­

ation of the new agreement for working conditions and pay.

This demand comes days after the Minister for Health, Miguel Mínguez, announced that his Ministry is working on a single agreement for all public health services.

sengers, 12.8 per cent more than before the pandemic and 44.6 per cent more than in 2022.

Overall travel figures are 35.5 per cent higher than last year and are even greater than 2019, ie before Covid, showing that air travel figures continue to improve every year irrespective of the pandemic.

ON the third anniversary of the Covid­19 pandemic officially closing down Spain, a heartwarming tribute ceremony was held on Tuesday March 14 at Elche’s newly inaugurated Memorial Garden for Covid­19 Victims, located next to the Old Cemetery.

Representatives from organisations and charities that worked tirelessly to fight Covid­19 in Elche attended the ceremony which served as a

Three years on

place for the community to gather and reflect on the pandemic and to pay tribute to victims who lost their lives.

Together, attendees placed symbolic items, including masks, gloves, hand sanitiser, and photo memories of tough pandemic moments on USB sticks, into a time capsule. The time capsule was then buried

next to a memorial stone.

City mayor Carlos González unveiled the memorial stone which displays messages of remembrance and gratitude to the people who dedicated themselves to the fight against Covid­19 in Elche.

The memorial garden is now open to the public, offering them a place of solace.

Workers in Torrevieja’s health services are set to strike after Easter to demand better working conditions.

Photo credit: Torrevieja Radio (via Facebook)

NIBS EXTRA

Clocks go forward

DAYLIGHT Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 2.00am. At this time, clocks will ‘spring forward’ as we welcome in the longer days and sunnier seasons of spring and summer.

Easter spotlight

THE world­renowned National Geographic magazine set its sights on Orihuela’s vibrant Semana Santa celebrations. An online article by the renowned publication showcases the 26 Easter celebrations in Spain that have been recognised as International Tourist Festivals, and features Orihuela.

Bargains galore

A GROUP of residents in La Marina are holding a Table Top Sale on Friday, March 24 from 2pm at the Sports Complex in La Marina Urbanisation. There are plenty of bargains and interesting items at reasonable prices. Stall holders welcome.

Virtual views

A NEW webcam in Torrevieja is set to capture enchanting views of the pink lagoon, towering salt flats, and exotic wildlife, streaming live on Proyecto Mastral’s YouTube channel. Watchers will witness stunning sunsets, sunrises, and flamingos in their natural habitat.

Sláinte!

ST PATRICK’S DAY celebrations in the Costa Blanca South region were a hit among the Irish expat community and locals alike. Festivities included parades, live music, green beer, and traditional food as the community celebrated.

Get set

ORIHUELA has taken the first step towards building their very own sports centre. Councillors voted unanimously to cede a plot of land for a much ­ needed sports complex.

Green milestone

Betty

Henderson

ELCHE is poised to open its flagship ‘Ecoparque’ waste recycling centre on Monday, April 3. The state ­ of ­ the ­ art Ecoparque is the most modern of its kind in the Valencia region, boasting a Category D rating which is the highest rating in the regional government’s waste plan.

City mayor Carlos González visited the site on Wednesday, March 15 to check out progress before it officially opens next month.

González described the recycling centre as a “crit­

ical part” of the city’s waste management services, saying it will signifi­

cantly improve performance in the department.

The mayor has high hopes

for the facility, aiming to boost annual recycling from 500 to 1,200 tonnes. Covering a vast area of 3,600 metres squared and with a budget of €540,000, the Ecoparque has a much greater capacity than its predecessor, with an additional 1,200 metres squared of space. The recycling centre will have 45 waste containers, 13 of which will be for large pieces of waste.

Elche’s new Ecoparque is the latest addition in a string of green initiatives, and it promises to transform waste management in the city.

Tourist transfer Donating blood

ASPE is calling on anyone who is eligible to donate blood to offer their services on Thursday, March 30.

Blood donations are being taken at the Centro Sanitario Integrado, Avda Juan Carlos I and Jaime I between 4.30pm and 8.30pm.

The council added that there are three very important reasons for donating: Blood cannot be manufactured, it is essential for operations and emergencies and has a shelf­life so cannot be stored indefinitely.

Blood or the components of blood are used to treat patients with medical conditions such as anaemia, cancer blood disorders, and those having surgery.

Blood is made up of a number of components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Each of these can be used to treat many different conditions.

Blood is usually separated into its individual components or parts, so a patient can be given the particular component they need.

Progress of planning

ORIHUELA City Council and the department for City Planning held an engaging information session about property acquisition in the region on Thursday, March 16. The talk was specifically targeted towards foreign residents in the region who were invited to learn more.

City mayor Carolina Gracia, explained that the objective of the event was to help people who face difficulties com­

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Free parking

CITY parking can be a nightmare and in a bid to alleviate the stress, Elche City Council has created an additional 300 new free parking spaces.

These spaces are located on Avenida Alcalde Ramon Pastor, next to IES Vicente Verdu, and on Avenida de Jubalcoi, in Altabix­Universidad.

municating with the administration to understand the resources available to them to help them authorise their properties and in completing any accompanying paperwork.

Gracia also highlighted the efforts of the Valencian Conselleria de Urbanismo to make city planning and property ownership more accessible and understandable to as many people as possible.

ORIHUELA has now moved its tourist office to the Marques de Arneva Palace.

The councillor for Tourism, Maria Garcia, has indicated that the transfer of the Tourist Office responds to the need to “find a definitive location, recover spaces that improve our historic quarter, find a location with easier parking and in the heart of the city.

“The opening of the new building gives us independence from the city council itself and allows us to take advantage of the beautiful Plaza del Carmen as a meeting point,” she added.

In the new tourist office, visitors have the facility to charge their mobile phones whilst discovering what the city has to offer.

The General Director of Tourism for Valencia, Erick Campos, confirmed: “Orihuela is a strategic point in its tourist offer, it is a multi­product destination, where culture and gastronomy stand out and we need Orihuela to act as the driving force of the region.”

For more information head

to the website: orihuelaturis tica@orihuela.es, email: ori huelacentro@touristinfo.net, call: ( +34) 965 304 645 or WhatsApp: (+34) 673 836 385.

The news was reported by the councillor for Public Space, Hector Diez, who also recalled that a few days ago more than 50 parking spaces in the Vall d’Uixo round, in the Carrus industrial estate came into operation.

In the last few months, more than 500 parking spaces have been created in Calles Rocio, Formentera and Benijofar, next to the recently inaugurated garden in Homage to the Victims of Covid­19.

More than 350 parking spaces will soon be created on the site adjacent to the Sixto Marco Secondary School and in Calles Costa Rica and Hiladores.

and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

Elche’s new waste management centre is aiming to more than double the amount of waste recycled in the city region.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Image: Orihuela City Council

Steaks were high

ELCHE was buzzing with excitement on Wednesday, March 15. A seemingly endless queue snaked down past Glorieta, stretching more than 200 metres through the city centre. The queue was made up of people of all ages, from retired people to teenagers, all united in their quest for one thing ­ a free burger from Aires Burger Bar.

The restaurant launched an unusual publicity stunt, offering 1,000 free burgers to the first people to come through their doors on Calle Hospital. The advertising move was in part designed to put the new burger joint on the map after they recently moved after being based in a tapas bar.

Restaurant representative, Luciano Todarello shared the thought process behind the unconventional scheme saying “We did it because we’re crazy! We wanted to do something different, to stand out from the crowd and create an impact. Giving away 100 burgers for free is great, but giving away 1,000 burgers is 10 times better.”

Despite some initial concerns, the turnout was phenomenal. By 10.30pm, over 1,000 burgers had been given away.

TORREVIEJA has been awarded a major grant from the European Union to transform its central commercial area into a modern, innovative, and competitive hub. City mayor, Rosario Martínez Chazarra announced the investment on Thursday, March 16, saying it totals a whopping €1,530,892.

The city won the grant for its game­changing initiative, ‘Fostering Competitiveness, Innovation, and Modernisation of the Central Commercial Area of Torrevieja’ beat out fierce competition from major cities like Valencia and Barcelona and was ranked the second­best project in its category in the Valencia re­

Business boost

cial area into the 21st century: digital transformation, pointof­sale transformation, sustainability and circular economy, supply chain sensitivity and training, and the implementation of an urban shopping centre.

Movers and Shakers

THE inaugural meeting of the Association of Movers and Shakers was held on WednesdayMarch 8.

gion with an impressive approval rating of 98 per cent from judges.

The project is broken down into five key areas, each designed to bring the commer­

Each of the categories aim to transform the modern shopping experience by introducing new features including digital lockers for click and collect orders, zero emission delivery vehicles and green leisure areas for shoppers to take a break in.

The President, Marion Smith welcomed members, volunteers and special guests; the mayor of Almoradi, Maria Gomez Garcia, and her colleagues Kevin Cabrera and Sandra Ferrander.

The President said:

“I am grateful for all the support that the Association had received from the community through donations and local businesses during this first year.

Meaningyouarenevertoooldtofindlove;nevertoooldtoliveright;nevertoooldtolearn;and

“Generous support has contributed greatly to the Association’s ability to raise funds for people and their families affected by Ataxia, Huntington’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.”

The Movers and Shakers Association aims to provide a contact point and mutual support in a friendly atmosphere where people can share thoughts and experiences.

The work is undertaken by volunteers and the Association relies on the generosity of local people through donations and fundraising events.

Without this generosity, it would be impossible for the Association to continue their work.

More information about the Association and fundraising events can be found on the website: www.am scb.org.es , or Facebook page @Movers and Shakers.

Crowds rushed to take up the free burgers in Elche.

Photo credit: salvapachecosabater (via Instagram)

Grant will be used for a range of business and sustainability initiatives.

nevertoooldtobehappy.Ageisnotafactorintheequationofpassion.Itsorigincomesfrom Africa,thetimeframeisunknownbutisknownthroughoutAfricantribesandethnicgroups.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

“A woman is never old when it comes to the dance she knows.”

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Tourist attractions revitalised

GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA

welcomed the regional Director General of Tourism, Herick Campos, on Thursday, March 16 to present the latest investment plans for the town’s tourism sustainability

Doggy

programme.

With funding totalling around €2.4 million from the European Next Generation programme, Guardamar will see various developments aimed at improving tourism

dream

DOG lovers who enjoy a trip to the beach with their furry friends will be pleased to hear that Alicante is putting a food truck out to tender for the animal­friendly beach at Agua Amarga.

The aim is to offer a better service to pet owners at the canine beach.

The tender includes the installation of a food truck with a terrace and an area for renting parasols and sun loungers.

The contract will run for three years and the period of operation will be from May 1 to October 15.

Both the food truck and the sunshade area are part of a single lot with an annual fee of €7,992, which means €15,984 for the two seasons.

The ‘Doggy beach’ of Agua Amarga beach already has a lifeguard and rescue service from June to September, so this tender completes the services in this area reserved for dog owners to bring their pets to the beach.

The food truck will occupy 20 square metres with another 50 metres for the terrace, while the rental area for parasols and sun loungers will occupy 120 square metres.

sustainability and infrastructure over the next couple of years.

One of the key investments will be the rehabilitation and museum installation at the San Antonio Windmill, an iconic historical landmark. The museum will showcase the history and culture of the area, giving visitors a chance to learn about the town’s rich past.

Another major investment will be in cycling infrastructure, aiming to make the town more bike­friendly. This will include the creation of new bike paths and improvement of existing ones, as well as the installation of bike rental stations throughout the town.

In addition, the town will see improvements to accessibility and lighting at the Fonteta archaeological site, allowing visitors to explore the area more easily and safely.

The plan is set to keep Guardamar growing as a top destination for travellers seeking a unique and authentic Spanish experience.

Double users

ALICANTE City Council has almost doubled the number of users of the shuttle to the Santa Barbara Castle within the first month of operation.

The bus network, MIA, recorded a total of 7,682 passengers in February, up 117 per cent from 4,075 in January.

The councillor for Transport, Manuel Villar, highlighted “the good acceptance of the extension of

the shuttle bus route to Santa Barbara Castle by users and tourists, who now have the opportunity to go up to the fortress by bus from the Postiguet beach itself and then return to the same point.

“If we compare the number of users between December (3,542) and February (7,682) it has more than doubled, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the measure and the good

reception of the extension of the line and its terminus.”

The new line to the castle starts running every day at 9.40am and runs until 7.40pm, which is the last departure from Puerta del Mar to the fortress, from where the last convoy returns at 8.00pm.

The departure frequency is every 40 minutes, which means that the bus makes 16 journeys a day in each direction.

Shuttle bus.

Image: connell / Shutterstock.com

Consumer rights reign

ELCHE’S OMIC (Municipal Office of Consumer Information) took to the streets to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day on Wednesday, March 15. The council agency aimed to raise awareness to the public about its free services aimed at protecting consumer rights.

The councillor for OMIC, Mariola Galiana, and OMIC Director, Susana Martinez, set up an information stand in Plaça de Baix to inform the public about their free services offered in their office at Replaceta de l’Espart.

At their information stall, OMIC announced that it had effectively dealt with more than 2,500 cases in 2022, 1,772 of which were complaints leading to refunds of €168,000.

Other data available at the stand also revealed that for the first time in OMIC’s history, the largest proportion of complaints were related to electricity

supply issues, with an increase also recorded in ‘gas cap’ related complaints.

OMIC wants to avoid consumers being further hit by the cost of living crisis.

“It is essential to be aware of our rights and to

file a complaint if there is any wrongdoing,” explained Galiana, who also highlighted the importance of keeping receipts and being aware of return policies, particularly for online purchases.

Balaton boatmates’ clean-up

THE Balaton Boat Share Group in Mar Menor has been hard at work getting their Sailfish 18 boats race­ready for the upcoming SAMM race season.

Group spokesperson, Terry Chapman, shared an update on the group’s progress on Thursday, March 16 before the race season gets underway. Chapman explained that members including Bob, Jurgen, Paddy, David, Jez, Willie, and Rona have put in tireless efforts over the course of a week to ensure their boats are in tip­top shape, under the careful guidance of group chairman, Julian.

Their first project was to clean up Sirocco. The group got stuck into removing the weed and barnacle growth from the hull as well as sanding and repainting jobs.

The team then worked on Vision before the first race day and Ginetta soon afterward, following a similar process. With all three boats now cleaned up and in excellent condition, they are ready to take on the smaller dinghies and give them a run for their money in the upcoming races.

More information about the group is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/thebalatongroup. The group’s passion for sailing makes for an exciting season ahead.

Steaming ahead

THE Spanish Ministry of Transport (MITMA) announced that work has begun at the Elche Parque Empresarial train station during a review meeting with Elche City Council and representatives from the regional government on Tuesday, March 21.

The station, which is currently on the C1 suburban railway line, is soon set to join the AVE high speed train network. Government representative, Pilar Bernabé,

explained that work has begun on the project and that the contract to complete the construction work will soon be put out to tender.

Bernabé pledged the government's commitment to this vital infrastructure, which is the “cornerstone of the region's infrastructure and the modernisation of this railway line”. Bernabé also highlighted other government investments in local infrastructure including a resurfacing project on the A­

7, as well as a plan to rejuvenate 300 homes in the Porfirio Pascual neighbourhood.

The rail project will fulfil a promise from the national government to connect Elche’s C1 suburban line with the Alicante ­ Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. The project's drafting was included in the 2023 State Budget, and a month after its approval, in February 2023, it was awarded a €2.4 million grant.

Authorities present plans for the new AVE link which is soon to arrive in Elche.

Photo credit: Ajuntament d’Elx

Standing up to racism Swinging extravaganza

A WHOLE host of organisations came together on Tuesday, March 21 in Orihuela to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. A variety of groups including the Orihuela City Council’s Department for Foreign Affairs, Columbares Association, Local Red Cross of Orihuela, Interparish Cáritas, and Vega Baja Acoge Association, came together to read a manifesto showing their commitment to fighting dis­

crimination and promoting equality among all people, regardless of their place of birth, skin colour, or racial origin.

The groups in Orihuela sought to bring attention to racist incidents and highlight the fact that these incidents often go unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of knowledge of the legal system. According to recent studies, only 18.2 per cent of people who have experienced racial discrimination

TWELVE THOUSAND students of Torrevieja participated in the earthquake drill on the anniversary of the earthquake of 1829.

More than 80 members of the Fire Brigade, Local Police, Guardia Civil, Civil Protection and SAMU were mobilised in the drill which had aerial resources, drones and the dog rescue unit with a rescue dog.

The councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, confirmed “educational centres are obliged, once a quarter, to carry out a fire and/or earthquake drill. For this quarter, and coinciding with the commemoration of the earthquake that devastated the city in 1829, an earthquake drill will be carried out in all the educational centres of the city.”

in the region have filed a report.

The fight against racial discrimination is more than just ending hate crimes, but also aims to celebrate our multiculturality and differences.

The day was created by the United Nations to remember the tragic massacre in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960. Police opened fire on 69 unarmed protesters who were fighting against apartheid laws in the country.

1829 anniversary

The earth trembled on Saturday, March 21, 1829 at 6.15pm, on a 6.6 Richter scale magnitude.

Houses with several floors, with no foundations, which were supported by weak wood beams and located in narrow streets, fell over with their inhabitants inside.

In Torrevieja all houses were knocked down, Guardamar had to be redesigned and Almoradi was the most affected town.

A total of 2,965 houses were destroyed and another 2,396 houses were affected. There was a total of 386 dead victims and 375 injured.

SAN Fulgencio is set to come alive with the sweet sounds of jazz and swing. On Saturday, April 15, the town is hosting a night of swinging beats and smooth melodies with the legendary local big band, the Idejazz band!

Guests are invited to tap their feet and move to the rhythm as Amsterdam Street, in front of the Tourist Office, transforms into a

swinging hotspot for music lovers.

Idejazz are renowned for their electrifying performances and impressive improvisations. With musical prowess and a passion for the genre, the band will captivate the audience and transport them back to the golden age of jazz and swing.

The event is also a chance

to discover the picturesque town, indulge in its cuisine and take in the picturesque scenery while enjoying some of the best jazz and swing music around.

With the beautiful streets of San Fulgencio as your backdrop, and the soulful melodies of Idejazz guests will enjoy an unforgettable musical experience. The evening will begin at 8pm.

SWEET SOUNDS: Idejazz Big Band are made up of a local young musical talent.

Photo credit: Idejazz band (via Facebook)

ORIHUELA is celebrating World Water Day with a packed programme of events which lasts from the day itself on Wednesday, March 22 until Saturday, March 25. The city is leading the charge with exciting activities to raise awareness about responsible water use.

Regional water company, Hidraqua is collaborating with the city council to put on the programme which was unveiled by the councillor for the Environment, Guillermo Cánovas, the councillor for Educa­

World Water Day

tion, María García.

This year’s event has been organised under the slogan of ‘Let’s care for every drop as if it were the last’ and aims to raise awareness about responsible water use and how we can protect our oceans.

After an awareness raising day for local primary school children on Wednesday, March 22, the festivities will continue over the weekend

with a family fun day planned for Saturday, March 25. The event will be held at the Soto I6 on the Segura River, offering children’s workshops on plastic recycling, eco­friendly soap making, and seed growing. By educating young students, the city is taking steps towards a sustainable future, where water is not only conserved but also respected as a precious resource.

Mindfulness medicine

INVESTIGATORS at Elche’s Miguel Hernández University (UMH) have launched a study into the potential benefits of mindfulness and meditation for chronic pain sufferers.

The team found that combining the medical therapy for ailments such as fibromyalgia or low back pain with mindfulness techniques can help improve aspects such as the quality of the patient’s sleep, their sensation of pain or general psychological well­being.

After analysing 18 previous studies, the UMH team concluded that this approach was more beneficial for patients than just the medical treatment on its own, improving symp­

toms and reducing the overall impact of the condition on patients’ daily lives.

In addition, cognitive therapy based on mindfulness to treat chronic pain was applied to 57 patients in three hospitals in the province of Alicante. Researchers observed that patients improved their mental quality of life and were less prone to depression, as well as sleeping better and proving to be more resolute.

Chronic pain is said to affect a third of the population worldwide. It is often associated with mental health problems, opioid abuse and even suicide.

Earth moving

DID the earth move for you on Thursday, March 17?

The coast of Alicante registered an earthquake of 2.6 degrees of magnitude on the Richter scale as reported by the National Geographic Institute.

The tremor occurred off the coast of the capital of the province.

The seismic movement was recorded at 10.27pm, about 100 kilometres from the coast of the city of Alicante and about 55 kilometres from the Island of Formentera, the epicentre being located six kilometres deep.

This earthquake is the 25th registered in the province of Alicante in 2023,

greater than 1.5 degrees of magnitude, and the sixth located on the Alicante coast.

The earthquake was the second largest seismic movement recorded in the province this year, after the one recorded on January 19, off the coast of Santa Pola, which reached 2.9 degrees of magnitude.

Measured against the size of the country, earthquakes in Spain occur very rarely. Seventeen people have died since 1950 from the direct consequences of earthquakes. There was one earthquake that caused a subsequent tsunami, which claimed further lives, and caused additional damage.

First in the province

ELCHE advances towards sustainability and becomes the first city in the province to introduce an electric bus in its public transport fleet. The mayor, Carlos Gonzalez, confirmed the new vehicle will have 200 kilometres of autonomy in addition to low acoustic emissions.

The mayor emphasised: “This mandate to modernise mobility and above all to make it more efficient and sustainable is linked to our objective of the European Green Capital and to improve the quality of life in our city.”

The mayor added: “A great effort has been made in the municipality with the in-

THE Independent Party of Orihuela Costa (PIOC) say they are the only hope for the future of Orihuela Costa.

They believe that in everyday life the senior residents of Orihuela Costa are discriminated against, who have either no or inferior services to those of the inhabitants of Orihuela City.

PIOC say: “One cannot help but compare the council services provided by small independent municipalities,

corporation of 26 hybrid buses between 2020 and 2023 in addition to the eight electric buses that make up a modernisation of the fleet of 34 vehicles with a public investment of €13 million.”

Gonzalez affirmed that “the largest public investment in transport and sustainable mobility in the last two decades has been carried out. There has never been such an intense, consistent and determined investment and behind that intention is the objective of modernising, decarbonising and making our collective transport more efficient.”

Only hope

towns with populations well under 10,000 people to the inadequate provisions offered to coastal residents with its population exceeding 34,000.

“Orihuela Costa has a large community of retired and ageing people from all nationalities. Many individuals have chosen to retire to this part of Spain and contribute signifi­

cantly to the local economy.

“Most people plan for active retirement and give very little thought to issues of dependency. However, for the aged coastal residents, many of who have lived here for a considerable time, their needs change, and they find that there are virtually no provisions for them.”

For more information on the PIOC head to the website: https://www.pioc.es / or email: community@pioc.es

EARTHQUAKE: Was recorded off the coast of Alicante.

Image: Belish Shutterstock.com

Councillors unveil Elche’s newest electric bus which is helping the city make strides towards sustainability.

Photo credit: Ajuntament d’Elx

AS Spain’s community of English­speaking expatriates continues to thrive, so does the Euro Weekly News ; and due to overwhelming demand we are now expanding into the Costa Calida!

Yes, the Euro Weekly News is coming to Murcia and we are so looking forward to seeing you all from Thursday, March 30 onwards.

In its 25 ­ year history, the Euro Weekly News has constantly innovated, created and expanded to become Spain’s largest English guage newspaper. And now the paper you love is getting EVEN bigger!

Covering everywhere from Bolnuevo to San Pedro del Pinetar and Camposol to Cabo de Palos, the new Costa Calida edition will bring you, our valued readers, the same local and community news and information you already enjoy in the Euro Weekly News ’ six other editions.

Always growing

tion, as well as weekly national news on the issues that matter most to you.

With thousands of papers being distributed every week to the Costa Calida’s most popular areas, more of you will also have access to the columnists you love, from Leapy Lee to David Worboys and motoring expert Mark Slack.

Our expert team of local writers are also ready to hear from you about the stories you most want to share, so if you have news or an event you would like us to cover, contact editorial@euro weeklynews.com

To find out exactly where to pick up your copy, contact distribution@euro weeklynews.com.

English language community, Murcia is one of Spain’s highly popular areas with expatriates and tourists alike. From the

beauty of the Mar Menor to the splendour of Cartagena’s Roman past, this vibrant part of Spain

serves its own spotlight. And the Euro Weekly News will be doing just that.

Expect a full local news sec ­

Or to get your business in front of tens of thousands of eyes, contact our expert advertising team at sales@euro weeklynews.com

Look out for the new Euro Weekly News Costa Calida edition on Thursday March 30!

No to octopus farm

THE world´s first octopus farm is set to open in Gran Canaria which would seehundreds of thousands of octopuses commercially reared in cramped tanks every year before being slaughtered for food. Scientists have warned that they would endure intense and prolonged suffering and concluded that “octopuses are sentient beings and that it’s impossible to farm them in a way that doesn’t compromise their welfare. Confining these fascinating individuals—or any other animals—to a barren tank is cruel.”

According to a national news outlet, Nueva Pescanova the Spanish multinational behind the plans denies that octopuses will suffer.

Elena Lara from CiWF (Compassion in World Farming) called on the Canary Islands authorities to block construction of the farm, which she said would

EWN radio star

"inflict unnecessary suffering on these intelligent, sentient and fascinating creatures".

The government of Gran Canaria has not responded to requests for information. Currently, there is no legislation in Spain that protects octopus welfare as they haven´t been commercially farmed before.

New voices

IN A historic first, the Montserrat Monastery, located near Barcelona, announced it would admit women and girls into its famous choir on Wednesday, March 16.

Escolania choir has been an all­boys choir for its 700 year history, but now it will be joined by a separate chamber choir made up of around 25 boys and girls aged 17 to 24. According to senior priests, the new mixed choir will also occasionally take over liturgical duties to give the all­male choir a break.

This move is a response to an increasing demand for girls to be included in the choir to reflect the changing times we live in. Father Efrem de Montellà, the monastery’s spokesperson described the issue as a "complex and difficult question" but said they realised that they had to respond, making changes.

ON Monday, March 20, the Euro Weekly News was live on air at one of Spain’s biggest stations, TRE, to discuss the upcoming launch of its latest paper, the Costa Calida­Murcia edition.

Meeting with afternoon show host Hannah Murray at the station’s Cancelada studios, Euro Weekly News Editorial Director Sally Underwood spoke about the new paper, when it was coming out, what it would offer and how you can get a copy.

Sally explained: “People have been asking us to do this for a very long time. We know there is a huge English ­ speaking community there and it is an under ­ represented region.

“We will be the only weekly English ­ language newspaper covering the region.”

Explaining why the Eu ­

ro Weekly News is choosing to launch the Costa Calida ­ Murcia edition now, Sally said: “It’s something we’d looked to do in 2020 but didn’t for obvious regions.

“This year it feels like the time is right for growth.

“We have a huge base of loyal clients who have been very supportive and our first edition will be 24

pages. We see that growing very quickly.”

The pair also discussed the phenomenal growth Spain has seen since the end of the pandemic, with many businesses saying 2022 was their best year ever.

Watch out for the new Costa Calida ­ Murcia edition coming out on the streets and online on Thursday, March 30.

18% of enterprises surveyed had a female Chief Executive Officer in 2020.

SALLY AND HANNAH: Murray (right) interviewed EWN Editorial Director Sally.

Industry’s hoppy ending

SPAIN has secured the silver medal in beer production in Europe, with Germany taking the gold and Poland taking the bronze. That’s thanks to the 41.1 million hec ­

tolitres of beer that were produced in Spain in 2022.

The report by the Cerveceros de España association, was released on Friday, March 17, re ­

Breath of fresh air

SPAIN could become a green hydrogen powerhouse thanks to its potential in offshore wind energy. The national government approved the first Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) on Thursday, March 16, aiming to increase floating wind turbines.

The plan aims to reserve almost 5,000 kilometres squared of space at sea for floating wind turbines. It will also meet criteria set out in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), which aims to achieve between 1 and 3 GW of offshore wind energy by the end of the decade, a technology that could be key to the development of green hydrogen projects.

However, floating wind turbines are costly due to the specific materials required and environmentalists have also raised concerns about the impact of floating wind turbines on the natural landscape. Despite the challenges, Spain is moving forward with offshore wind farms, which could be critical for the country’s future hydrogen projects.

Applying for a blue badge

vealing Spain’s position as the second ­ largest beer producer in Europe.

The report revealed that the recovery of tourism is driving another key industry in Spain.

It is estimated that around 400,000 jobs in Spain are linked to beer, particularly indirectly through the hospitality sector.

However, while Spain is selling a considerable amount of beer, both domestically and abroad, beer consumption has not yet recovered to prepandemic levels. In 2022, beer consumption in bars, restaurants and cafes was down 4.1 per cent on 2019 rates.

While challenges remain, such as the ongoing effects of the pandemic and rising prices, the Spanish beer industry remains a vital component of the country’s economy and culture.

PEOPLE with reduced mobility or visual impairment can apply for a disabled parking badge in Spain, allowing you to park in designated disabled areas, or in green and blue zones.

Due to Brexit, British disabled parking badges are formally invalid in Spain, although some local authorities will give special dispensation, but essentially you need to apply for a new blue badge.

The disabled parking permit is non­transferable and you can use it as a driver or as a passenger, placing it on view inside the car.

You can then park in disabled parking spaces and in;

• Loading and unloading zones with no time limit

• Blue parking (ORA) zones with no fee payable

• In some cities you will be able to park in restricted traffic areas

How to apply for the disabled parking badge ­ the Tarjeta Europea

de Estacionamiento

• Go to your town hall where they will tell you of the requirements, what documentation you need and they give you an application form. It can be requested in any country of the European Union and can be used to park in any EU country.

• Make an appointment to apply, it may be in person or online.

• You must be regis ­

tered on the appropriate padron (empadronamiento)

• You will need recognition of your disability, that you obtain through your doctor, the degree of disability must be at least 33 per cent.

• If you are visually impaired, your recognized ophthalmologist must issue you with a certificate.

• You will need to submit two passport size photographs.

• And complete the corresponding application form.

There are stiff penalties for the misuse and falsification of the disability card. The regulation of the blue badge in Spain is covered by the Royal Decree 1056/2014 of December 12.

24% of women make up STEM degrees.

“You never hope in business; you either do it or you don’t do it. You’ve got to take the plunge.”

Jackie Groundsell, Business Leader

EXPLAINER: the DGT Environmental Quality Seal

AS cities across Spain cut down on car emissions, the DGT has begun issuing Envi­

ronmental Quality Seal stickers to show whether vehicles are environmentally friendly.

Some cities are now requiring these stickers to drive through them.

Our guide below tells you everything you need to know about the new scheme.

• What is the DGT Environmental Quality Seal?

The DGT Environmental Quality Seal is an instantly recognisable sticker that identifies the most environmentally friendly vehicles. There are two types of stickers: One for motorcycles and one for vehicles.

• What vehicles have the Environmental Quality Seal?

There are four quality seal categories based on the vehicle’s emission levels:

Zero emissions quality seal, blue. Applies to: Battery electric vehicles (BEV); Range­extended electric vehicles (REEV); Plug­in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) with a minimum range of 40 km; and fuel cell vehicles.

Eco­quality seal, green and blue. Applies to: Plug ­ in hybrid vehicles with a range of less than 40 km; hybrid electric vehicles (HEV); natural gas vehicles; and natural gas (CNG and LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles.

C­quality seal, green. Applies to:

Lightweight petrol cars and vans registered from January 2006; Lightweight

diesel cars and vans registered from 2014; and heavy petrol or diesel vehicles with more than eight seats registered from 2014.

Petrol vehicles must meet the Euro 4, 5 and 6 standards and diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 6 standard.

B­quality seal, yellow. Applies to:

Lightweight petrol cars and vans registered from January 2000; Lightweight diesel cars and vans registered from January 2006; and heavy petrol or diesel vehicles with more than eight seats registered from 2005.

Petrol vehicles must meet the Euro 3 standard and diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 4 and 5 standards.

• Where do vehicles need the Environmental Quality Seal?

Spain’s new low­emission zones are in place in Madrid and Barcelona. Spanish motoring authorities in these cities require you to have the official DGT Environmental Quality Seal sticker on the rear window of a vehicle indicating its emission levels. You also have to register

your vehicle to drive through these cities.

• How do I get the Environmental Quality Seal?

The easiest way to get the DGT Environmental Quality Seal is through Correos, or any other post office, either in ­ person or online here: www.market.correos.es/pro duct/dis tintivo­ambientaldgt

Correos is authorised by the DGT to issue its environmental quality seals and the sticker costs just €5 to purchase.

First, find the relevant sticker for your vehicle or motorcycle and add it to your basket on the Correos website. You are required to submit your documentation including the registration certificate of the vehicle for which you are requesting the quality seal, and the ID of the vehicle owner or the person authorised to make the request.

You will receive the sticker within 48 hours of your request and you will need to stick it on the lower ­ right corner of your windscreen or another visible part of the vehicle.

Correos is authorised by the DGT to issue its environmental quality seals and the sticker costs just €5 to purchase.

Boost for beekeepers

Betty Henderson

SPAIN’S Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, announced on Monday, March 20 that the country will request aid from the European Union to support the struggling beekeeping industry. The ministry also put its support behind measures to address issues facing the wine industry due to problems with distilleries.

According to Planas, the Spanish beekeeping industry is in a difficult situation due to high imports of honey from third party countries, particularly China and Ukraine, which have reduced due to geopolitical issues.

Spain will request aid from Brussels for the industry and will also push for country ­ of ­ origin la ­

belling for honey, a topic that was previously discussed by EU countries in January, and which could promote the industry in foreign markets.

The Minister spoke about French plans to reduce surplus wine in the market. If the European Commission agrees to the French plan, Spanish ministers will also support it.

Planas will also pressure Europe to take ac ­

tion to address the tariffs imposed by the United States on some varieties of Spanish olives.

Photo credit: Gobierno de Castilla-La Mancha Wikimedia Commons

Spanish industry figures will push the EU for country-of-origin labelling for jars of honey to boost the beekeeping industry.

32% of senior management positions in the world are held by women.

Expensive hitch

ACCORDING to the Statista portal, getting married in Spain costs, on average, almost €22,000, being the second most expensive place to get married behind the United States, among the 14 analysed countries that spends the most cash when going to the altar.

Countries like France (€16,500), England (almost €18,000), Italy (third on the list with €21,000) or Canada (€20,500), may surpass Spain in almost all economic indicators and especially in average salary, but they lag behind when analyzing the collateral expenses of marriage.

Luis Ayuso Sánchez, professor of Sociology at the University of Granada, explains why the Spaniards spend passionately on weddings: Traditionally, the wedding served to strengthen the bonds we had with the family. “When two people got married, their family network expanded. That is why it was important that the whole town attend the wedding, that the whole world find out. It was a way of showing society the support network.

This is an average cost with many weddings far exceeding these amounts.

AHEAD of Spain assuming leadership of the EU in July as part of its rotating leadership model, the country has been laying out its priorities while in the role.

Speaking on Wednesday, March 15, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that it plans to reform the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum during a summit with neighbouring Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa.

Sánchez described the issue as “particularly sensitive” in popular entry countries including Spain, Italy and Greece. The reforms to the EU Pact on

Ambitious plans

EU to prevent the closure of internal borders as a way to control so ­ called "secondary movements" of immigrants on European soil. France currently has nine of its border crossings with Spain closed.

Migration and Asylum are set to focus on making the system fairer, with mi ­

grants distributed between EU countries.

Spain will press for the

More opportunities

BEFORE the economic crisis of 2007, and before entering a recession in 2009, Spain’s economy was one of the strongest in all of the European Union. When the COVID­19 pandemic struck in early 2020, the steady growth experienced in the previous decade was decimated and millions were affected. Amazingly, in just two years, the workforce in Spain is, again, ex­

periencing a climb – with around 19.77 million people employed. English speakers will see more opportunities for roles in the Spanish job market. According to a LinkedIn ranking, jobs in cyber security, sales, logistics, finance, graphic design and real estate are leading the way in offering employment opportunities in 2023 for Spanish and non­Spanish speakers.

The Pact on Migration and Asylum is deeply complex and divides EU countries. Spain is currently sounding out the other 27 EU countries to understand their stances.

Quick spend

SPAIN has been hard at work to speed up the allocation of funds from the European Union’s Next Generation funds. And in an announcement made on Thursday, March 16, the Spanish government said it has allocated 40 per cent of its budget for 2023 during the last two months.

Nadia Calviño, the Vice President of the government, appeared before an EU committee to share updates about Spain’s progress with Next Generation funds and Recovery Plan during 2022. Calviño also shared accomplishments using Next Generation funds and planned future uses of the money in the development of the Spanish economy.

The European Recovery Plan is a significant reason for Spain’s economic growth following the pandemic, with more than €10.7 billion authorised from Europe during the first quarter of 2023.

Much of these funds have already been put into place, benefiting almost 300,000 projects in the country, with more than €23.5 billion already spent on aid and funding for companies, research centres, and in the education sector.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dicusses contentious asylum policies with Portuguese premier António Costa

Photo credit: Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón (via Facebook)

Cheers to that

IT’S time to roll the dice, because there’s another games afternoon taking place at Cheers Bar in La Marina. The popular venue is preparing to host one of their legendary charity games afternoons on Thursday, April 13, from 4pm.

With an epic game of beetle drive on the agenda, it’s the perfect opportunity to test your skills against friends and foes alike. And there will be plenty of great prizes up for grabs for skilled guests!

With a limit of 60 peo­

ple in the venue, organisers are asking guests to start booking their spots now. Contact the venue directly or reach out to La Marina Street Cats on Facebook to secure your place. The last game afternoon was a massive success, thanks to the generosity and participation of all involved. “It was a good laugh, everyone enjoyed themselves and we raised money for the street cats,” said the organisers. And they’re hoping for an even bigger turnout this time around, adding “Be great to see you all down there again!”

The event costs €3 which will go directly towards La Marina Street Cats’ lifesaving work, rescuing abandoned and abused cats and providing vital healthcare to street cats in the region.

GET ready to rock and roll for a great cause as Alannia hosts two days of legendary music in Crevillente! On Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 12pm ­ 6pm each day, this charity event promises to be a blast for music lovers of all ages. With a lineup that includes a wide range of tribute rock bands, such as Queen, The Eagles, and Elvis, as well as other tribute groups, including the acclaimed Beatles tribute band, The Liverpool Band, a Cher tribute, and ABBA

J’S RESTAURANT in La Marina is preparing to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of DEBRA Butterfly Skin charity with a fundraising night full of social fun, delicious food, and a quiz with Tommy. The event is set to take place on Friday, March 24, from 7pm and promises to be a night to remember.

For €10, guests can enjoy a scrumptious supper, socialise with friends, and test their knowledge with a quiz hosted by the charismatic Tommy. But the real highlight of the evening is the chance to sup­

Legends festival

tribute, music fans from across the region will enjoy classic tunes all day long.

And if all that rock and roll works up an appetite, there’s a barbecue available, so guests can refuel and keep the party going all day long. The event also features stalls and other activities, so guests can take a break from the music and socialise.

The event is also a fundraising initiative and will support a range of lo­

cal charities through the Red Cross and Rock Against Cancer movement. Tickets for the event start at just €10 per person per day with VIP tickets costing €15 online from: https://alannia. events/en/events/buytickets?fbclid=IwAR29Dnz

W5vbM3o1VmGxVcxzwD9 ecIbNuVHiPJohsAnKuM1hk nqjbKr­NvwM.

The event will take place at Alannia’s venue in Crevillente, near Elche.

Battling Butterfly Skin

port a fantastic cause and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people living with the painful and debilitating ‘butterfly skin’ condition known as EB.

DEBRA is a charity that provides support and care for people living with EB, a rare genetic disorder that causes the skin to become incredibly fragile and prone to blistering and tearing at even the

slightest touch.

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, the event promises to be a night full of laughter, great food, and a warm sense of community spirit.

Tickets can be purchased from J’s Restaurant in Consum Square, the DEBRA charity shop in La Marina, or by contacting Mary on 616 076 072.

Beatles tribute band, The Liverpool Band will revive classic tunes.

Photo credit: THE LIVERPOOL BAND (via Facebook)

AFGHANS who are desperately trying to escape the country after helping British forces during the war have been asked by the UK government to get approval documents from the Taliban before they can move to Britain, according to a national news outlet.

As per reports, people who applied for the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Police Scheme were told by UK officials to provide their birth and marriage certificates in English and stamped by the Taliban

government. The UK’s Ministry of De­

THINK!

fence has also admitted that such practices have been ongoing after previously denying it, and said that it was wrong while issuing an apology for it.

As per estimates by the UK government, about 4,600 people are eligible for sanctuary in the UK under the scheme which also includes family members, who have not yet been moved to the UK.

THE UK government is targeting rural roads in a new campaign in a bid to prevent deaths and injuries among young drivers.

THINK! campaign urges drivers to think about the dangers of driving too fast for road conditions.

Drivers are being asked by road safety experts to be aware of their current speed, the area around them and the road conditions before they put their foot down on the accelerator. The campaign, ‘Is

pushing it worth it?’ is targeted at young male drivers, as statistics show male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than drivers aged 25 or over.

Research findings also

Unreal request Barber busted Heartbroken fans

show that 60 per cent of all serious and fatal collisions involving young male car drivers were on rural roads.

Safety experts raise further concerns as less than half (43 per cent) of young men consider exceeding the speed limit to be unacceptable, while over two­thirds (68 per cent) see drink driving as unacceptable and over half (52 per cent) think using a mobile without handsfree is unacceptable.

GINO D’ÁCAMPO has quit the foodie adventure show, Gordon, Gino and Fred, that has been running for five years, saying “It causes a lot of problems for me,” citing scheduling conflicts for his decision.

The popular ITV show follows chefs Gordon Ramsay, Gino and First Dates star Fred Sirieix who visit various countries across the globe, where they sample local cuisine and explore local culture.

However, the Family Fortunes presenter, 46, announced that getting the stars

together has been a little difficult this time round.

“Last week I decided not to film any more Gordon, Gino and Fred Road Trip, the reason is simple, nothing to do with Gordon and Fred ­ the friendship is very strong,” he said in a video on social media.

“It’s just because we can’t get the dates together.”

Fans have spoken out on various social media platforms confirming their disappointment at the star’s decision.

A BARBER from Wales who has been famous for winning several awards has been arrested by the police in connection with dealing drugs in the UK.

Anthony Hancock was detained by the police in Swansea after he left his car and tried to run away.

A local media outlet stated that the 37year­old is a well­known barber in the city and has also won the Welsh Men’s Style Awards in 2013, aside from coming third in the British Barber Awards in 2018.

The hearing for his sentence was held at

Swansea Crown Court, where the police stated that they tried to pull over “Hancock’s black Ford Focus, but he accelerated away at speed.”

Officials said that Hancock was eventuallydetained by the police, who later found a burner phone, cocaine and a knife.

Hancock pleaded guilty to intending to supply “Class A drugs, two counts of offering to supply Class B and C drugs, and possession of a bladed article.”

Slow down.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Anne Frank

Image: Helen Hotson / Shutterstock.com

30% of the world’s researchers are women.

Work to be found

THE number of job vacancies has fallen in the UK for the eighth consecutive time, but figures are still buoyant. The number of jobs on offer in the UK fell by 51,000 between December and February compared with the previous three months.

However, despite this drop, job vacancies remain high at 1.1 million.

The rate of economic inactivity—people aged between 16 to 64 who are not in work and not seeking a job—dipped to 21.3% between November and Jan ­

UK Cabinet Office minister, Oliver Dowden has announced on Thursday March 16 that TikTok will be banned from government devices, following in the footsteps of the EU Commission and several US administrationsamid growing concerns around the Chineseowned video app.

The EU Commission and more than half of US states and Congress have already introduced a ban

Passport pandemonium

uary. This was driven by younger people aged between 16 to 24 either getting jobs or looking for work.

However, there are still nine million economically inactive Britons who are not part of the workforce either because they are students, have retired or are suffering from long­term illness.

The employment rate ticked higher to 75.7% between November and January, due to a rise in both part ­ time workers and the self ­ employed. The unemployment rate remained at 3.7%.

TikTok clean up

over concerns around potential cyber attacks.

In a statement to parliament, Mr Dowden said there "could" be a risk to how government data and information is used by the app.

He said that while TikTok use is "limited", banning it is good cyber "hygiene" ­ and brings the UK in line with the US,

Canada and the EU.

TikTok has been under increasing scrutiny over its security and data privacy, with concerns it could be used to promote pro ­ Beijing views or gather user datasomething TikTok strongly denies.

TikTok said it was "disappointed" with the government's decision.

MORE than 1,000 Passport Office workers will go on strike for five weeks over a dispute about jobs, pay and conditions.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union working across England, Scotland and Wales will take part in the action from April 3 to May 5.

Those working in Belfast are being balloted and could also join the strike.

PCS general secretary

Mark Serwotka said the dispute was over an imposed 2% pay rise not being increased any further by the government. He added the strike action had come

about because "ministers have failed to hold any meaningful talks with us, despite two massive strikes and sustained, targeted action lasting six months".

He went on to say that the government was "ignoring

our members" over their pay concerns but this would not make them "go away".

The union warned the action is likely to have a "significant impact" on the delivery of passports ahead of summer.

Sustainable travel

AN UPDATED framework with measures to protect the environment in new major road, rail, and rail freight schemes has been unveiled by the UK government.

The framework has been updated to reflect legislation set out in the Environment Act, which requires developers to recognise new environmental targets and sets out further details on biodiversity net gains.

Transport Minister, Richard Holden, confirmed: “Transport has a vital role to play in levelling up our country, connecting people with good jobs and education opportunities across our cities, towns and villages and in growing the economy.”

“This new framework is part of our

mission to build a more sustainable transport system which protects our wonderful English countryside and wildlife .”

The updated framework supports plans for major infrastructure to be delivered in a greener, faster and more resilient. way.

1 in 4 Passport Office workers will go on strike

New environmental targets unveiled

Pay dispute threat

SECURITY guards working at Terminal 5 in London's Heathrow Airport voted

on, Friday, March 17, to go on strike. The 1,400 workers involved in the action

Leading lady

JACQUELINE Gold, the boss of the lingerie and sex toys chain Ann Summers, has died aged 62. The businesswoman died on Thursday March 16 after seven years of treatment for breast cancer.

Ms Gold is credited from transforming the firm from four backstreet shops into a multi ­ million pound business with outlets across the UK.

She was made a CBE in 2016 for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise.

Jacqueline is best­known for founding Ann Summers and leading a business run by women, for women. She was also an activist for women in business, and championed female entrepreneurs with the ambition to better the working environment for women.

A statement from Ms Gold's family said: "It is with unspeakable sadness that Ann Summers confirm our amazing executive chair Jacqueline Gold CBE passed away with her husband Dan, daughter Scarlett, sister Vanessa, and brother ­ in ­ law Nick, by her side.”

are all members of the Unite union and employed by Heathrow Airports Ltd (HAL).

As reported by the union, their industrial action will commence on Friday March 31 and continue until Sunday, April 9, which is Easter Sunday, one of the travel hub's busiest weekends of the year. They are in dispute with the facility's bosses over pay and working conditions.

The Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, claimed that the workers deserved a fair pay increase because they are "fundamental to the airport's success". Passengers can expect to "experience severe delays and disruption this Easter" said the union.

A spokesperson for Heathrow said "contingency plans" were in place.

EMMANUEL MACRON’S government faces several motions of no confidence in the National Assembly this week after his government forced through a deeply unpopular pensions reform bill.

Protesters took to the streets in major cities over the weekend, after the government invoked a controversial constitutional manouevre to pass its pensions reform bill in what was widely seen as a move likely to inflame social unrest.

The major reform is to increase the retirement age form 62 to 64 years.

Industrial action is expected to disrupt

No confidence

public transport, refineries, universities and further waste collection services this week, as trade unions hope to strong­arm the government into withdrawing the pensions reform.

The 573 lawmakers of the French National Assembly will vote on two motions of no confidence and although the French president would not be forced to resign in case of a defeat, a successful motion of no confidence would trigger a deep political crisis for Macron.

Re-election intention

AS of March 2023, Putin has not announced his intention to run for re­election on March 17, 2024. If no candidate receives more than half the vote, a second round will take place exactly three weeks later on April 7, 2024, with the inauguration of the winner being scheduled for May 7, 2024.

As was the case in the 2018 Russian presidential election, one of the most prominent opposition leaders, Alexei Navalny, was barred from running due to a prior criminal conviction which is widely seen by political analysts, jurists and human rights organisations as politically motivated. In addition, Navalny is currently serving a jail sentence that will be followed by another sentence which is set to expire in 2032, years after the 2024 election and the following election are set to take place.

A number of Russian politicians have expressed interest in running for President next year, including one woman.

Finland named ‘happiest country’

ACCORDING to the UN World Happiness Report 2023, published on Monday, March 20, Finland is once again the happiest country in the world. It maintains the top position for the sixth consecutive year.

The experts who prepare this annual report carried out surveys among the citizens of 137 countries and evaluated different factors. These included income, health, social connections, the feeling of free­

Decision u-turn protests

IN 2018, Maria Silvia Fiengo and Francesca Pardi were among Italy’s first same­sex couples to be registered as parents.

This was due to the progressive stance, of the mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, which allowed children born to parents of the same gender to be acknowledged in the absence of clear national legislation.

This week, however, what was then seen as a major victory for equality and acceptance by the LGBT community was reversed.

Italy’s right­wing government instructed Milan’s city council to stop registering the children of same­sex parents, reigniting a debate around Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s conservative agenda.

Children who are denied the right to have both parents recognised on their birth certificate are left in a legal limbo. Protests are set in Milan by families, activists and political rivals who are opposed to the ban.

dom to make road decisions, generosity, and the absence of corruption.

As highlighted by the report, the perception of the planet’s inhabitants about their lives continues to be ‘remarkably resilient’ despite having gone through a pandemic for three long years.

During this time, the report found that what had been most influential in keeping people’s spirits high has been the ‘pro­social’ acts and support that people had given each other, which was much higher than in previous reports

Finland is the least densely populated country in the Euro­

pean Union, one which usually stands out for its powerful public welfare system and its low corruption rates. It continues to lead the happiest countries in the world, followed by Denmark, and Iceland, both also with high rates of equality and vital evaluation of the respondents.

The Nordic countries ­ with the exception of Sweden ­ managed to maintain lower death rates from Covid­19 thanks to the rapid and effective measures adopted, which was considered highly relevant.

The World Happiness Report has been published every March 20 for the last 10 years.

FINLAND: Is the least densely populated country in the EU.

Credit: Google mapsreza karami

YOUNG climate activists often make the news across Europe, but one group of older women activists are making waves as they prepare to sue the Swiss government for breaching their human rights by not doing enough to combat global climate change and cutting carbon emissions. KlimaSenniorinnen is taking its case against Swiss authorities to the European Court of Human Rights with the hearing scheduled for Wednesday, March 29, in Strasbourg.

2,038 members, all above 64 years of age are making the case along with four

Older and bolder

other women, all aged over 80, who are named in the lawsuit as individual claimants. The case will be the first climate change lawsuit to be heard before the influential European court.

The women from KlimaSenniorinnen will be supported by their own legal team and Greenpeace Switzerland during the hearing. Their lawyers are expected to argue that Switzerland has breached articles two and eight of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Spy network busted

POLISH security forces detained six foreign nationals on suspicion of spying for Russia on Tuesday, March 14. Reports from a Polish radio station said the group has been accused of installing secret cameras to film aid deliveries to Ukraine.

The suspected spy network had allegedly installed several cameras near a small regional airport that has been converted into an international logistics hub delivering military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and had also reportedly developed sabotage plans. Dozens of cameras were found at Rzeszow­Jasionka Airport and at railway junctions in the Podkarpackie region. The airport is an important strategic location for US military forces and is considered a sensitive location. Planes at the airport deliver supplies to waiting trucks that make the 100 kilometre journey to the Ukrainian border.

Poland is one of Ukraine's strongest allies, and its security forces have arrested several people on suspicion of spying for Russia since the invasion last February.

NATO application advances

TURKEY hinted that it may ratify Finland’s membership of the NATO alliance. Speaking on Wednesday, March 15, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Ankara could withdraw its veto, allowing the Scandinavian country to join the military alliance separately from neighbouring Sweden. Finland and Sweden broke their long­standing nonalignment policies in the wake of

Ploughing through politics

A NEW political force has emerged in the Netherlands, shaking up the traditional political landscape. The farmer­led BBB Berkelland movement won a stunning shock victory in local elections on Wednesday, March 15.

The party is now poised to become the largest party in the upper house of parliament, winning 15 out of 75 seats with almost 20 per cent of the vote nationally.

BBB Berkelland was created in 2019 in response to government plans to reduce nitrogen emissions by cutting back on livestock farming and farm buy outs. This policy has outraged farmers, who see it as a threat to their livelihoods. However, the BBB's appeal extends far beyond farmers, as they have adopted a populist platform that champions traditional, conservative Dutch social and moral values.

In addition to farming the BBB's policies also express antiEU and anti­immigration sentiments.

the Russian invasion of Ukraine and applied to join NATO. All 30 NATO members approved the countries’ applications to join, with 28 already ratifying their accession, except for Turkey and Hungary who vetoed the application.

Turkey’s opposition to Sweden joining NATO centres around ideological issues including the country’s supposed light­handed approach to groups it considers"terror" organisations or existential threats, including Kurdish groups. Officials in Turkey have also expressed their outrage at anti­Islam protests in Sweden.

Erdogan has less issues

with Finland’s application however, announcing “We will do our part. We will keep our promise. We will meet with the President and fulfil the promise we made”.

‘‘Never lose touch with your femininity. Sometimes we feel the need to be tough to survive in the business world which is dominated by men. However, our femininity is our Superpower and when we’re really connected to our inner woman we can make a big impact, maybe even change the world!. Believe in yourself, keep pushing forward, stay with your purpose and vision and everything will work out for you.’’

Turkish President Erdogan has been accused of stalling on ratifying Sweden and Finland’s NATO applications.

Jennifer Haskins, Introductions Director- Two’s Company

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Your choice

A DANISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION survey found that more parents are giving children gender-neutral names, in some cases to allow them to choose their gender as they grow up. Approximately 6,300 new-borns received genderneutral names in 2021, an 8.6 per cent rise on 2019, Denmark’s Statistics Office revealed.

THE NETHERLANDS

Buried treasure

ELEVENTH CENTURY gold pendants and 39 12th century silver coins discovered in Hoogwoud in North Holland are now on display at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. They were found in 2021 by Lorenzo Ruijter, 27, who has been a metal detectorist since he was 10.

BELGIUM

New status

A DRAFT law now officially recognises Buddhism in Belgium, paving the way for federal funding, official delegates and school lessons, following a 2006 application from the Belgian Buddhist Union. Austria is at present the only other European Union country where Buddhism is a formally accepted religion.

GERMANY

Too slow

EVA HOGL, Germany’s parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, said that slow defence procurement was hampering the Bundeswehr’s much-needed upgrade. In a 170-page report to parliament Hogl predicted that it would take 50 years to complete if it continued “at its current sluggish pace.”

FRANCE

Foul play

POLICE called to the French Canicross championships, where dogs run in tandem with athletes, were confronted with three dead dogs and another that was seriously ill. All had eaten meatballs later found to contain poison, according to a statement issued by the Nimes public prosecutor.

NORWAY

Gas-fired

GOVERNMENT-OWNED Petoro, the company that represents Norwegian interests in oil and gas contracts, made a net profit of Kr 539 billion (€46.6 billion) last year, more than double 2021’s amount. Higher production in several fields and the Snohvit gas field’s return to production bolstered the results.

FINLAND

Heading out

FORTY-SEVEN per cent of international students would leave Finland on completing their studies, they told a recent survey. Thirtynine per cent of foreign professionals also said they did not intend to remain, citing difficulties in accessing networks and family members’ problems in adjusting to life in Finland.

IRELAND

Home and away

IRELAND will hold a referendum in November to delete references to a woman’s place being in the home from its Constitution. Despite amending the 86-year-old Constitution in recent years to permit abortion and same-sex marriage “outmoded” references to women’s roles remained, the government said.

ITALY

Second chance

ITALY’S highest court ordered a retrial for two young Californians convicted of stabbing a police officer in Rome in 2019. The defence argued that the plainclothes carabinieri didn’t identify themselves during an sting operation to recover a backpack that the Americans stole during a failed drug deal.

PORTUGAL

Homing in

EMIGRANTS sent €3.9 billion euros to Portugal last year, the largest volume of remittances ever recorded and a 5 per cent increase on 2021, the Bank of Portugal said. Most came Portuguese residents in France, who sent home €1.06 billion, as well as those in Switzerland who also transferred €1.06 billion.

UKRAINE

EU help

THE European Commission announced on March 16 the launch of a programme that will provide "inspiration and practical help" for rebuilding Ukraine. together with the country's own organisations. This follows on from the Kyiv meeting between the commissioners and Ukraine's government on February 2.

SWEDEN

Royal return

PRINCESS MADELEINE and her BritishAmerican husband Chris O’Neill plan to return to Sweden with their three children in August after having left in 2015. British residents wished him luck when having to apply for his residence permit “like other non-EU citizens planning a move to Sweden.”

FINANCE

Not convinced

STAT OF WEEK €88 million

was paid out in dividends last year to Juan Roig, president of the family-owned Mercadona supermarket chain in which he has a majority 50.66 per cent shareholding.

BUSINESS EXTRA Changing tastes

THE UK’s Competitions and Market Authority expressed concerns regarding Asda’s £600 million (€683.9 million) deal to take over 132 Co ­ op petrol forecourts, Warned that the deal could mean higher prices or less choice for consumers, Asda was given five working days to address the regulator’s doubts.

Iberdrola posts

THE board of Spain’s energy multinational Iberdrola is set to re ­ elect Juan Ignacio Sanchez Galan as its chairman until at least 2027, when he will be 76, while ratifying Armando Martinez as CEO. Both appointments will be formalised at the shareholder’ meeting in Bilbao on April 28.

NHS info

DOCTORS will sue the UK government over plans that could hand the medical records of millions of NHS patients to Denver­based Palantir, which makes FBI and CIA surveillance software. The £480 million (€447 million) privatelyrun database would include all health information held by the NHS.

More employees

THIRTY PER CENT of Spanish companies plan staff increases during 2023’s second quarter, a further 20 per cent foresee reductions but others expect to remain the same.

Businesses located in Andalucia, Extremadura and Canaries were the most optimistic, with 22 per cent taking on more employees.

Read it up

BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING, buoyed by demand for fantasy novels and academic digital resources, expected full­year profits comfortably exceeding forecasts. The group envisaged a pre ­ tax profit of around £30 million (€34.2) for the year ending on February 28, instead of the forecast £26.9 million (€30.6). .

Best-ever year for Inditex

Linda Hall

MARTA ORTEGA’S first year as Inditex president brought a record profit and income.

The fashion empire, which was founded by her father Amancio Ortega, owns the Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and Oysho brands and reported a net profit of €4.1 billion over its last fiscal year, a 27 per cent increase on 2021.

Even after a 5 per cent price increase introduced last year to offset rising costs, in­store and online turnover grew by 17.5 per cent to €32.6 billion, the company announced.

These results arrived at the end of a year of change, following the departure last April of Pablo Isla who took

BRITAIN’S government needs to help the UK’s car industry compete internationally in electric vehicle (EV) production.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlighted the fierce competition from other countries, as the US and European Union launch large­scale initiatives.

The warning came after reports that the Chinese car manufacturer BYD had ruled out Britain for its European production site.

Reduced energy costs, prompt funding for green technology projects and extended free trade agreements were some of the ac­

Merger boost

MASMOVIL’S revenue and profits enjoyed a boost last year ahead of its planned merger with Orange.

Earnings totalled approximately €2.9 billion in 2022, an increase of 17 per cent on 2021, while income from services increased by 19 per cent to €2.6 billion. At the same time MasMovil was also able to reduce its debt by €500 million while its portfolio of clients continued to grow with the addition of 800,000 new lines. Of these, 227,000 corresponded to broadband connections and 565,000 to mobile clients.

over from Amancio Ortega as Inditex president in 2011. His place was taken by non­executive president Marta Ortega and Oscar Garcia Maceiras, the company’s CEO.

Despite its higher overheads, the company’s exit from Russia and Chi­

na’s continuing Covid restrictions, last year was the best in the company’s history, easily overtaking Inditex’s €3.6 billion profits and €28.3 billion turnover in pre­pandemic 2019.

Inditex nevertheless surprised investors with a hike in capital expenditure from €1.1 billion in 2021 to last year’s €1.6 billion, higher than the market had foreseen and responsible for a 3 per cent fall in shares.

“It is the right thing, to keep on investing for future growth,” Maceiras insisted.

Zara led the group with a pre­tax 38.5 per cent compared with the previous year, although the pre­tax profit fell at Oysho and Massimo Dutti, by a respective 12 and 10 per cent.

It’s time to compete

lion) Inflation Reduction Act and the European Union’s Green Deal Industrial Plan, both of which included measures boosting EV production.

ALCOPOPs and CDs have been dropped from the monthly update of the cost of living in Britain.

Together with compact digital cameras, they are no longer included in the ONS’ typical shopping basket which is used to measure the annual inflation rate.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has dropped them following its annual review of spending habits in the UK which takes into account changing tastes and habits while ensuring that the official cost of living yardstick is as accurate as possible.

The three items were replaced by electric bicycles, frozen berries for making smoothies, and home security devices.

Tax breaks

SPAIN’S taxpayers can expect to save between €9 and €550 on their 2022 tax returns.

tions included in SMMT’s plans.

The trade body has launched a Green Automotive Transformation Strategy for the motor industry, calling for more openhanded subsidies and less red tape for proposed battery­pro­

duction schemes.

Its plan would position the UK as one of the world’s most competitive locations for advanced automotive manufacturing, Hawes argued.

It was vital to react to the US’s $369 billion (€343.7 bil­

Covid’s aftermath

COINCIDING with the third anniversary of the first Covid lockdown, the Bank of Spain warned that the pandemic’s effect on the nation’s health could also have an impact on the economy.

A survey assessing the economic effects of a possible overall decline in the general health of Spain’s population concluded that this could lead to an increase in health spending. This in turn would create the need for more health professionals, the report’s authors Samuel Hurtado y Mario Izquierdo said.

“Although at present this is very difficult to evaluate it could be a factor to take into account, together with the problem of an ageing society,” they said.

“Should this dynamic continue or even increase, it could be decisive for the economy's potential output in the medium to long term.”

Fully­electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for almost a third of all UK­built cars last year, worth £10 billion (€11.4 billion) in exports, Hawes said.

He added“The UK boasts a firm foundation of EV production, with outstanding research and a highly skilled workforce, we must not squander these advantages.”

On the up

SEAT is out of the red with a 2022 operating profit of €33 million, compared with €233 million pre­tax losses in 2021 and €339 million in 2020. This was possible thanks to Cupra, Seat’s high­performance road car branch whose 179,632 units represented 40.6 per cent of last year’s global production. Two­thirds were Formentor models, produced at Seat’s Martorell ( Barcelona) branch. Seat and Cupra sales of 386,000 vehicles fell by 18.1 per cent worldwide last year although production contracted by 0.8 per cent, with 420,000 units.

The semiconductor crisis was responsible for the downturn, as Volkswagen prioritised microchips for brands generating the biggest profit margins.

The changes are the result of adjustments made by the central government for incomes below an annual €21,000 and the updating of autonomous regions’ minimum rates.

Taxpayers earning between €16,000 and €20,000 will benefit most, with savings of between €540 and €300, depending on region where they live, while those earning more than an annual €100,000 will, on average, pay €150 less.

However, those on €30,000 will hardly benefit, with discounts of less than €10.

Freehold deal

SAINSBURY’S is taking full ownership of investment vehicles Highbury and Dragon in which it holds a 49 per cent stake.

It will pay £430.9 million (€491.5 million) for Supermarket Income REIT’s 51 per cent holding in Highbury and Dragon, created in 2000 and comprising freeholds of 26 stores that it leases.

Britain’s largest chain after Tesco with 600 supermarkets and more than 800 convenience stores, will acquire the 21 premises that it previously rented from Supermarket Income REIT and which will continue to operate as Sainsbury’s supermarkets.

WORLDWIDE EMPIRE: Zara store in Battersea

EV OUTPUT: Charging ahead (SMMT) said

Photo credit: Inditex

Photo credit Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

DOW JONES

Energy plan

CENTRICA, which owns British Gas, announced that it would extend the lives of two nuclear power stations in Heysham (Lancashire) and Hartlepool (County Durham) until 2026. It hopes in this way to “strengthen the UK’s energy security in uncertain times”, Centrica chief executive Chris O’Shea said.

An all-rounder

VOLKSWAGEN gave a preview in Barcelona on March 15 of its ID.2all prototype, an electric car that will be produced at the Martorell plant from 2025 onwards. Priced at under €25,000 it would be “as roomy as a Golf and as affordable as a Polo”, VW said at the presentation.

Pay scale

JUNIOR doctors will challenge the government over pay by pointing out that they could earn more at Pret a Manger. Pret employees’ April rise – their third in 12 months ­ will bring them up to £14.10 (€16.06) an hour, compared with the £14.09 (€16.05) doctorss earn during their first year.

Online fans

A SURVEY by Adevinta, which owns several web portals, found that 97 per cent of those interviewed said they had bought or sold products online. A further 67 per cent said that they did so habitually, an increase of 16 per cent on a similar Adevinta survey in 2021.

Losing out

MORRISONS suffered a £1.5 billion (€1.7 billion) loss during its first full year in private­equity ownership, the supermarket chain’s latest results revealed. The grocery retailer was bought in October 2021 by the US private equity firm, Clayton, Dubilier and Rice for (CD&R) for £7 billion (approximately €8 billion).

Roig states his case

MERCADONA had a net profit of €718 million last year, 5.6 per cent more than in 2021, while its €31 billion turnover rose by 11 per cent thanks to inflation.

Speaking to the media on March 14 as the family ­ owned company announced its 2022 results, its president Juan Roig admitted that Mercadona had put up prices tremendously.

“But if we hadn’t, there would have been an unbelievable production chain disaster,” Roig said.

“Making a profit is a very good thing, just so long as it’s shared between employees, suppliers, clients and society,” he added. “A business is not synonymous with capital.”

The price increases could have been worse, Roig maintained. The company “had given its all” to mitigate the effect of the higher

OBR omens

prices on consumers, acting as a retaining wall between the value chain and the public.

Mercadona raised its prices by an average of 10 per cent in 2022 but outgoings grew by 12 per cent, Roig said, and the 2 per cent difference of €600 million was absorbed by the company.

Referring to the possibility of creating a “shopping basket” like that of France, Roig did not mince his words.

“Capping prices isn’t possible, it’s a pointless gesture, like wanting water than doesn’t make you wet,” he declared.

“Measures like these only have a negative impact on the quality of the products.”

Tin mining revival

BRITAIN’S mining industry was founded on tin, long before coal fuelled the country’s industrial revolution.

Although Cornwall still comes to mind when thinking of tin, the world’s principal producers are currently Chinese companies that include Yunnan Tin, Yunnan Chengfeng and Minsur.

Like copper and lithium, tin is fundamental to the technology sector’s growth and the transition to a lowcarbon economy.

“It has seen very strong price increases since early 2021,” said Richard Williams, chief executive of Canadian mineral exploration company Cornish Metals.

In May 2022 the company announced that it had secured £40.5 million (€46.3 million) in funding which it would use to drain its South Crofty mine in Pool, located between Camborne and Redruth, where production was first recorded in 1592 and continued until 1998.

It will also construct a treatment plant for the mine water and complete a feasibility study.

South Crofty, which has the world’s fourth­largest tin deposit, has now turned up attractive tin grades from newly­explored areas on the company’s land.

THE Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) warned that Britons faced their worst decline in living standards since records began in the 1950s.

The Treasury watchdog pointed out that they also bore the greatest tax burden since the Second World War.

The OBR added that the economy was on track to shrink by 0.2 per cent this year, despite Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s announcement that the UK would avoid technical recession. He would meet debt targets only by a narrow margin after the big childcare outlay and freezing fuel duty, OBR said.

Down to earth

VIRGIN ORBIT, founded by billionaire Richard Branson, has halted operations and furloughed stuff as it seeks a funding lifeline.

“Discovering a new highgrade zone in the middle of a historic mining district is a tremendous outcome, and again demonstrates the exploration potential of the region,” Cornish Metals chief executive Richard Williams said, following the most recent set of drill results.

New exec appointed

JOHN LEWIS and Waitrose have appointed a group chief executive.

Former Hovis and Burger King executive Nish Kankiwala, currently a John Lewis Partnership non­executive director, takes up the new post on March 27.

The news arrived as the staff­owned business prepared to announce its second­ever full­year loss, with employees missing out on their annual bonus for the second time in three years.

The group is expected to report an annual pre­tax loss before one­offs of ap­

proximately £50 million (€57.14 million) compared with last year’s £181 million (€206.9 million), mainly due to Waitrose’s problems.

Retail director Naomi Simcock and Waitrose James Bailey who previously reported directly to the partnership’s chairwoman, Sharon White, will now report to Kankiwala, as will five other directors.

These include Finance director, Berangere Michel, and Transformation and Technology officer Zaka Mian, who was engaged in November 2022.

Staff layoffs at Ford

FORD ESPAÑA announced staff reductions that will affect 1,144 employees at its Almussafes (Valencia) plant.

The company explained that this labour adjustment had been included in the restructuring of European operations made necessary by the transition to electric vehicles.

Ford also assured the Almussafes employees in an internal memo that it was “resiz­

ing” its Spanish workforce but intended to “work together and in a constructive manner” with the unions to minimise the impact on employees and the local community.

At present 600 Kuga models come off the assembly line each day, as well as 300 Transit vans and 200 of the S­Max and Galaxy cars that Asmussafes will cease producing in April. The future of the factory’s engine section is also uncertain.

The California­ based satellite launch company is putting all activities on temporary hold with only a skeleton team still working. Employees learnt at a March 15 staff meeting that remaining personnel would be put on unpaid furlough, although they could cash in annual leave.

The news follows Virgin Orbit’s failed attempt to launch the first satellite from UK soil at Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay last January. Putting them on furlough would buy time to finalise a new investment plan, the company’s chief executive, Dan Hart, told staff.

No thanks

FIFTY­FIVE THOUSAND people in Spain, the majority in Andalucia, Cataluña and Madrid, ignored bequests last year.

The General Council of Notaries (CGN), which processed 355,000 inheritance claims in 2022, revealed that rejections had risen to 15.6 per cent.

The CGN’s spokeswoman, Maria Teres Barea, attributed this to the “difficult” economic situation, as heirs were reluctant to pay death duties or accept a legacy burdened with debts, she said. In other cases, beneficiaries felt that it would be unfair to accept a bequest left by a distant relative they hardly knew.

JUAN ROIG: Mercadona president and majority shareholder

Photo credit: Juan Roig Alfonso

SOUTH CROFTY: Tin production first recorded in 1592

3 Basic maintenance tips, every Spanish homeowner should know

REBECCA SERWOTKA ­ “We sell houses!

It’s what we do, it’s ALL we do!” Certified API Spain. Your favourite local resale property expert, of Inmobiliaria Real Estate Agents in Ciudad Quesada. Published author of ‘Moving Forward ­ 25 Essential Rules For Buying & Selling Real Estate Without Going Crazy’. Request your FREE copy!

Prestige Award Winner for ‘Real Estate Agency Of The Year 2021/22 & 2022/23’.

Electrics. You’ll see on the wall, (usually in the lounge) a box that contains the circuit breakers. If you ever have no power, check the circuit breakers first, before calling an electrician. All breakers

should be in the ‘up”‘position.

Water. Once you move into your new home, learn where the water shutoff tap is located. It’s usually in the bathroom, kitchen or utility room.

Shutters. Roller blinds can become delicate, so don’t pull the cord with all your strength to raise them. Lifting them too quickly can cause the cord to break, or the slats to dislodge. If you find they’re becoming difficult to raise, remove the panel above the window, exposing the slats. Make sure they’re all lined up properly. You can buy individual slats and replacement cord from your local hardware store.

The ‘wrong’ type of touris alcohol is harming Spa

of La quality

on the island, has been see

DESPITE Maria Dolores Corujo later saying “you are and always will be welcome here,” media across the world picked up on the news in March that Spanish islands were tiring of ‘drunken’ British tourists. Spanish travellers reportedly said they had ‘observed some pretty bad behaviour’ from British tourists both in the Canary Islands and other parts of the country.

But does Spain’s thriving hospitality industry really attract a particular type of tourist? And if so, is Spain’s sun, sea and sangria reputation causing long­term problems?

Here the Euro Weekly News looks at whether Lanzarote’s president has a point, or whether accusations that Spain’s bars encourage tourists to drink to excess are completely unfounded.

As the world’s second most visited country, Spain attracts millions of tourists a year, adding €97 billion a year to its economy and being responsible for more than two million jobs, according to the country’s ofiice for statistics (INE).

Among Spain’s obvious drawsgreat weather, stunning scenery, and rich history ­ it is true to say that food and drink are both substantially lower here than in the UK, with the average British pint costing £3.95 (€4.49) compared to Spain’s €2.50.

Spain’s tapas and menu del dia bargains also make eating out considerably cheaper here.

But does any of this mean Brits actually drink more abroad? And even if they do, is it the responsibility of bar owners to police this themselves?

In the 1990s and early 2000s a familiar scene for many in Spain’s most popular areas were touts lining the pavements offering free drinks on entry or bargain drink deals. But the Euro Weekly News

has spoken to the head of one of Spain’s most successful hospitality groups who says this kind of behaviour from businesses is rare, calling Lanzarote’s statements about Brits, “extremely offensive”.

Lina Hodgkins from the Linekers Group in Marbella said, “I find it quite offensive that everybody says British tourists are just drunks.”

Hodgkins who works as a marketing manager for the group that runs several famous bars including Portside, Babilonia and Bijou, added that, tourists drink roughly the same amount as they do in their own countries, saying “when tourists are in their own countries or towns, they are still drinking alcohol.”

She also claimed that popular areas, including Marbella, do not create the sort of culture of cheap drinks and club touts that areas like Magaluf, Mallorca, were once famous for. She said: “in Marbella we don’t do that,” stating that “I am not saying that in other European destinations, they don’t do it.”

She said “We don’t offer free drinks, it’s the media that makes these things up just for stories,” adding, “why would any bar offer free drinks.

“It’s ridiculous and I find it offensive because it’s not true,” stated Hodgkins.

“Whether you go to a bar, or a restaurant or the beach, you drink, it’s a part of our holiday culture,” Hodgkins said, adding, “And just because you have a drink on a holiday doesn’t mean that you are a drunk.”

Hodgkins added that that the number of tourists coming to Marbella from other European countries has also increased over the past few years.

Meanwhile, Jackie Fish, bar manager at Torrox bar Los Amigos in Axarquia, told the EWN : “I don’t

A recent announcement by the president

tourist’

st: Is Lanzarote right that ain’s tourism industry?

think it’s true that the British get drunk more than other nationalities or that bars encourage this behaviour. Our bar certainly doesn’t accept that sort of behaviour.

“Yes, people get drunk but we don’t make them drink and if anything untowards kicks off they will be asked to leave.”

Paul, who runs the Emerald Isle in the Costa Blanca South, agreed, saying: “We at the Emerald Isle have been running our hospitality business for almost 25 years in this part of Spain and have catered to people of all nationalities during that time.

“I can only speak from our own specific experience but the area we are in is very family ­ orientated and we have not witnessed any of the behaviours reported recently in the media.

“Of course, there will be examples of anti­social behaviour in certain areas of Spain due to the influx of tourists every year, but this particular area is occupied by many families who have made their lives here, is very safe and incidents of anti­social behaviour are few and far between.”

Heidi, who runs Black Flame in Moraira, told the Euro Weekly News: “We don’t get customers like that. Ninety per cent are British, whether holidaymakers or they live here, and on St Patrick’s Day for example, they won’t be loud or rowdy. They’re just there to have a nice time.”

Alain, from Universal Lounge Bar in Albir, the Costa Blanca North, argued that the accusations by Lanzarote’s president shouldn’t be levelled at one nationality in particular. He said: “In the 15 years running the Universal Lounge Bar in Albir, and having over 150 beers we’ve never had any problems with whatever nationality with bad behaviour or drunk situations.

“And here we have 96 nationali ­

ties living together with the third biggest group of British origin.”

Several parts in Spain have now announced plans to cap the number of tourists with some even introducing tough regula tions that target drunken be haviour.

The Balearic Islands, which have historically been party tourism hotspots, last year im posed rules that banned ‘happy hours, pub crawls, two ­ for ­ one drink offers, and the sale of alco hol in shops between 9:30pm and 8am’.

A drink limit was also imposed in several resorts in Magaluf, El Arenal and Ibiza.

One of Mallorca’s most famous party resorts, Playa de Palma also reportedly banned people from wearing football shirts in restau rants.

The government in the Balearic Islands, which includes Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, al so declared a cap on tourists last month, before the announcement made by Lanzarote. However, until the president of Lanzarote’s statement that British had been singled out so explicitly.

Before the announcement, officials claimed that the reason for this is due to extremely high number of tourists.

“The number of visits reached this year is a maximum that should not be exceeded but should tend to decrease. There must be a clear trend towards the reduction of tourist places,” said Iago Negueruela, Balearic Islands tourism minister.

While a crackdown on irresponsible drink touting and cheap deals can only help everyone ­ businesses and tourists alike ­ the hospitality industry is firm that excess drinking is not limited to Britons.

anzarote over a shift in focus towards a ‘higher en by many as an insult to British tourists.

PROMOTING women in business and supporting International Woman’s Day is of course thoroughly commended by this ol boy. As a Spiritualist, with a firm belief in re incarnation, I’m pretty convinced, having materialised in female form so many times, my belief in equality knows no bounds.

Having to exist in a male dominated society, which doesn’t recognise or promote female equivalence in any form is of course extremely difficult; something I discovered when I experienced that exact situation some years ago. I can assure you trying to live a normal life in a male dominated environment can be very bemusing and often extremely perilous. During my eight years in Saudi Arabia, I found my respect for the ladies put me in all sorts of problems.

The only working girls were in fact the prostitutes, mainly Ethiopian, who would walk down the streets heavily burqa and hijabed with their ‘availability’ adverts being nothing more than a large dan ­

A woman’s life

gling bunch of keys! The affection of my life for some time was actually an attractive English Saudia airways hostess.

She would wait for me in a secluded part of the Saudi airport and when I drove up, quickly enter the car and literally throw herself on to the floor next to the passenger door, where she would stay curled up a ball until I got into the drive of my apartment. No moonlit walks or romantic restaurants to look forward to on these visits; all completely against the law, unless you carried a letter of parental (father) permission!

On one occasion however I did decide to throw caution to the wind and find us a secluded beach. As the Saudi desert reaches down to the Red Sea, the ‘beach’ actually goes on for nearly 2,000 kilometres, so after around half an hour’s drive over some rough terrain I decided we had gone far enough to find a little privacy.

With no habitation or inhabitants in sight we were soon on our towels and splayed out in our brief cos­

NO LAUGHING MATTER OUR VIEW

tumes to enjoy the sun.

After about half an hour I suddenly caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. Carefully peering around I soon observed, standing on top of a few of the small sand dunes that surrounded our spot, a number of swarthy looking young Arabic men, all attired in grubby thobes, unmoving and staring fixedly at us. We were actually suddenly in a very menacing situation.

Miles from anywhere, in a desert area that had, according to rumours, already been used to ‘lose’ a number of missing Filipino Airline girls and there we were, a foreign male, laying there with a bikini clad Western girl, already considered second class trash by our hosts, miles from anywhere.

We were in trouble. Are the ladies going to respect an old boy that utterly believes in female equality and lived to tell the tale? Find out next week.

BY the time this article is published the world should have a better idea of how much former UK prime minister Boris Johnson knew about lockdown rule breaking at Number 10.

Partygate, the issue that has rumbled on seemingly for years, shone a light on one thing at least; an us and them attitude between some of our leaders and the general public.

Boris claimed he has solid evidence that he was not aware that birthday celebrations and others at No 10 broke the rules but at this stage is there any level of evidence he could show which would change the public’s opinion of him?

Regardless of whether the Parliamentary Select Committee he appears in front of judges Boris harshly or not, stories and images of Downing Street officials sharing birthday cake, drinking wine and taking drives across the country ‘to test their eyesight’ will remain with the public for a long time.

Anyone who lost a loved one during Covid, or whose business struggled while the world went into lockdown, knows this is no laughing matter.

No matter how hard the government tries to make light of it.

FASHION designer Bill Blass once said “always choose red” when in doubt about what to wear

Many people use the same yardstick when choosing a wine, but Harvard pro fessor Eric Rimm questioned whether red wine really was more healthy than white.

Many studies showing that red wine had greater benefits for the heart were of limited duration, he pointed out.

“There isn’t any conclusive science which says there is a true benefit of red wine over

Red or white

white,” Rimm said. Red wine contained more polyphenols – com ­

Alarming

pounds which can protect against developing certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditionshe conceded.

“But both dark chocolate and blueberries contained more,” the profes ­

A SURVEY of 4,500 people in the Czech Republic carried out between 2018 and 2020 found that getting up early for work frequently made a job more stressful and life less satisfying.

DARK CHOCOLATE: Contains more polyphenols than red wine.

“Maybe the conversation shouldn’t be driven by health but by which wine makes food taste better,” he said.

The sneezing season

SPRING brings hay fever but there are ways of avoiding it.

“Everyone can tolerate a certain amount of pollen before suffering an allergic reaction,” explained Dr Clare Morrison. “If you keep enough pollen out, symptoms won’t be triggered.”

Shower and change your clothes when you get home,

keep windows shut and avoid drying your washing outdoors, she advised.

Vacuum regularly, especially beds and fabrics, and damp­dust surfaces to remove pollen without dispersing it into the air. If you own a pet, ensure that it is groomed and shampooed as often as

possible to remove pollen particles.

Use an allergen barrier balm around the nostrils and decongestant eyedrops throughout the day.

Awakening when an alarm goes off instead of stirring naturally and sleeping longer tends to throw our internal body clock off kilter, investigators found. This produced an effect resembling the jetlag produced when flying to a country with a different time zone, they said. The Czech investigators described this as “social jetlag” and found that it also had the knock­on effect of making work appear to be more taxing and life less fulfilling.

“I think realising that you’re not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world, is vital.”

Malala Yousafzai - The Malala Fund

Photo credit: Pixabay/Elsenaju

On the spot

ACNE can happen at any age.

There are many reasons why those no longer in the first flush of youth develop acne, ranging from hormonal changes to the side ­ effects of medication.

Stay active

Linda Hall

REGULAR physical activity at any age is linked to better brain function in old age.

Maintaining an exercise routine throughout adulthood will help to preserve mental sharpness and memory while staving off conditions like dementia, a University College London study concluded. Even taking up exer ­

cise in your 60s is better for improving cognitive function than doing nothing at all, investigators found.

Over ­ 69s who were physically active between at least one and four times a month performed best on cognitive tests, plus gauging and processing speed and memory, said the study’s lead author Dr Sarah­Naomi James.

As with the young, it can be cleared up with an appropriate skincare routine although it is important to stay away from acne products for teenagers.

These can be too harsh for aging skin, which requires a gentle cleanser with a small amount of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Linked to better brain function when older.

Photo credit: Pixabay/pasja1000

21% of the women workforce in the UK is in the health and social work sector.

St Patrick’s Day LETTERS

IT was great to see so many events go on along the coast, it was a sea of green and Guinness hats around me. The laughter, the music, the fun. How it is great to be Irish on St Patrick’s Day. I wish there were more parades and activities but hopefully that will just come with time. The events obviously differ depending on what region you are in but wow did it seem to go well in Benalmadena. The Irish Association did really well to organise that, my cousin lives on the Costa del Sol and gosh was I jealous. I know where I’ll be going next year!

Susy, Mallorca

Mother’s Day

I HAD such a great Mother’s Day and the fact that it coincidentally fell on Spanish Father’s Day, how great to be able to celebrate both parents on the same day! Great for celebration purposes, killing two birds with one stone, but my wallet felt it. We are originally from Birmingham and moved over here in ‘98 but we like to celebrate both UK and Spanish holidays. Tt can get a bit confusing at times but it is good so we’re in tune with home and the local culture.

Tony, Birmingham

Driving licences

I CAN DRIVE AGAIN!!!! Nobody understands how excited I am that I can drive again. I can’t wait for the trips to the other regions bringing my dog and taking her out on the beaches. Living in the campo is great, but with no real way of getting down and going places you can be restricted when you don’t have a car. Hopefully this process is nice, easy and simple... wouldn’t it be nice. Time to get the licence out of the safe and exchange it over. I wonder how different it will look in comparison to the UK one...

With love, Julie

Rental prices

WITH the rental prices going up no wonder young people are finding it difficult to move out and go to university with the 8 per cent increase here in Spain. Over a year I know how much it is affecting me and it is a genuine worry I have for my daughter. Her dream is to study in Madrid and by studying it also means living and I don’t know how it is going to work out. We need more help for the young ones studying, they should all be given the opportunity to study, go to the university that they have been accepted to and just study ­ not have to work. But I am afraid that is what Ellie might have to do. Has anyone got any advice? An expat not wanting to say bye.

The weather!

I CAN’T believe how spectacular the weather has been over the last few weeks and if anyone is reading and trying to figure out when to come to Spain, book your tickets now! I am getting photos and videos, my Facebook is filled with pictures of the snow back home but here it is gorgeous! I can’t get over it. It’s 22 degrees and getting higher. I am excited for my tan to come back and to be able to swim in the pool and sea. That is something I will say though and be warned the pools and sea are still a bit nippy.

Betty

The Mediterranean Diet

AFTER reading that article last week I totally agree, the lifestyle, food and more is something that has helped me a lot. I was two stone heavier in the UK, rarely ever got out and it was too cold to walk throughout the winter months, while over here it is the complete opposite. I have a quality of life over here and I am able to do and experience things I never would have thought possible. I go out, I am walking all the time and I have new friends.

Mary

Investment in Spain

THE amount of FDI sent into Spain is amazing and I think this is something that should really be taken into consideration. The likes of Marbella being called the Golden Mile isn’t for nothing and the fact that there is constant and consistent investment says a lot and I think that the close­by neighbourhoods are what will be built up next. Of course, people can say and do whatever they like about things, but I think I will be putting some of my funds into a nice flat for me and the missus and even if we don’t see anything out of it well hopefully the kids do.

Thoughtful thinking from Jo

Dropping off

WELL we always say nodding off over here and its typical for me to nod off to sleep in less than five minutes and apparently that means I am sleep deprived. I just sleep when I can and I think I do get the recommended hours I can. You know how people say about being something in a past life, well I must have been an email that slept an awful lot, Sloth perhaps? Even after coffee I fall asleep, does it have that affect on anyone else? I am out like a light.

Too much sleep, Glenn

Spotlight on The Andalucian coast

THE attractive, interesting and bustling traditional town of Almunecar with its Saturday food Market, and Sunday flea market makes a good starting point from which to explore this area.

Around the year 800 BC, the Phoenicians, who largely came from either modern Syria or Lebanon arrived in the area. Arriving more as traders than invaders, they soon settled into the local way of life, and developed a thriving industry salting and curing fish which they then exported to places as far away as Rome and Greece. Later invaders included the Romans, the Visigoths, Moors, and finally the medieval Christians. Each adding another layer of culture to that of the Phoenicians thus creating a town of many contrasts.

Narrow shop lined streets, squares full of street cafes, miles of sandy beaches, the magnificently well preserved San Miguel medieval castle, the stunningly exotic­

Majuflo botanic gardens, complemented by a range of interesting museums and archaeological digs provide much for the visitor to see and do. Amusingly the town's ancient Phoenician name of Sexi has led to the inhabitants being known as Sexitanos.

A short distance along the coast brings us to the rather pretty little town of Nerja. Typically Andalusian, with its rows of white houses, and rather romantic "olde worlde" Spanish church which overlooks a café filled town square. The Balcony which is known as the "Balcon of Europe", looks out seaward

towards the not so distant continent of Africa. In the hills behind the town are the famous "Caves of Nerja" Stepping into these caves amongst a myriad of carefully lit stalagmites and stalactites is almost like stepping into a sacred cathedral. The caves and its surrounding well­tended gardens, sit on a hillside overlooking the town, offering one of the most exhilarating panoramic views of this beautiful coastline. Definitely not one to miss.

Mijas pueblo, a delightful little village set just back from the coastline, has just about everything. A

High Life – Low Life…

THE British Benevolent Fund was established over a century ago to provide financial help to those Britons in distress in Spain.

Over the years the BBF has provided funds to many individuals and families in extreme difficulties.

Many times the situation is exasperated or caused by alcoholism for which the abundance of bars and cheap alcohol in Spain is a continual challenge for carers and concerned friends and family.

One such case took place towards the end of the pandemic – the lady in question was her mid­50s and came to Spain to work the party scene in Marbella and Puerta Banus as a PR rep and organiser in the 2000s.

She knew her way around, lived well and partied hard on the Costa del Sol where she had a high income and a lifestyle to envy.

The years however took their toll emotionally and over time she lost her shine and became addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Eventually the work stopped

– but the lifestyle continued and before too long she was running out of her savings.

One by one, her friends gave up trying to get her back on the path and then her family. Her parents sent her a stipend but this was not enough to live off and in any event was spent on the drink.

The catalyst was that in all the time she had been in Spain she had not taken residency and when the day came that she was picked up off the street comatose by an ambulance the penny dropped.

The big step was that she now recognised she had a problem which needed treatment – the issue was that she was not entitled to it in Spain and would need to be repatriated.

Working with the consulate we were able to do that –

emergency accommodation was found and she was now back in the UK system to seek health and state support – a far cry from the party yachts of Puerta Banus – but the first step in a long journey of recovery.

We can only help with your help. If you would like to support our work with a donation or in any other way please visit our website www.british benevolentfund.org.

sanctuary, ancient castle, decorative squares, pleasant walks, plentiful artisan shops, comfortable eating places, brilliant viewing points, and would you believe it donkey taxis! The donkeys travel complete with donkey "nappies" to prevent fouling the streets. An impressive and totally charming little village.

Next, how about an inland visit to a world of mountains, streams, forests and tiny white villages? Within easy reach of Almunecar is the unchanging and wild beauty of the Alpujarras region. It will simply take your breath away. From the quaint little town of Lanjaron with its natural spa baths and famed health promoting drinking water and impressive medieval castle, the road takes us past the main town of Orgiva to the stunningly pretty and colourful village of Pampaneira. Passing through forests of chestnut trees, past ancient hermitages, and sanctuaries we arrive

at one of the highest villages in Spain, Trevelez. This town sits on the slopes of mount Mulhacen which at an altitude of 3479m is the highest mountain on mainland Spain.

Then going back to the coast, a complete change with a visit to Gibraltar. Here you find red phone and pillar boxes bearing the insignia of the British Crown. The official currency is the pound. (Although Euros are accepted). A must see are the wonderfully historic St Michael's caves and of course the famous monkeys of Gibraltar. On a clear day Morocco's Atlas mountains can also be seen. There simply is nothing else like it David's Coachtrips are offering all of the above in a 7 day excursion based in Almunecar (3* seafront hotel). Price include day trips to Alpujarras, Nerja, Mijas and Gibraltar. 499€ pp based on two people sharing on a half board basis. 759€ for a single traveller.

Beautiful white washed villages, historical monuments and surreal natural beauty to explore.

Olaf Clayton, Chair British Benevolent Fund.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

HELLO my Angels, how are we all feeling this week? The card I have pulled for this week is ‘leap’ and the universe will catch you. This week we are seeing the first signs of spring!! The sun is out a little longer and the dark evenings are coming to an end, this will make everyone feel a bit brighter and a little more hopeful for the summer, it feels like it was only a few weeks ago that we were at the beginning of January and setting our little goals?

How are we doing with the little goals? I have kept up with my little goals. I have slipped all in all for three days and it really made me feel a bit funny like I had done something wrong and my vibration went down a little and I only I could change the way I was feeling so I picked

myself up and started again. But adding a few more to my list in turn brings my vibration up higher and starting to see results, so what I am trying to say is don’t worry if you have fallen off, you can always pick yourself back up and be stronger then when you first started!

It happens to everyone, spring is a time for new life, and that is how you can look at yourself. It’s time for all the hard work you have put in, you can now start seeking the rewards, so again just drop the fear and leap, whatever your intention is you will be fine.

If you’re at a crossroads and do not know what way to choose just take a moment have a breath and look at each one, what one makes you feel good and what one makes you feel scared. In any decision you make in life there is never a wrong choice. You may need to learn a little extra lesson if you go a different way but that is okay, never

feel like you have failed because you have to keep getting back up and moving. And what you learn this year you can pass on to someone else.

You will always meet people in life for a reason and if you come across anyone they may need some advice or guidance that you have learned through your journey then pass it on and see how you have helped someone.

It makes you feel good and proud and those feelings are the feelings you need to have in order to achieve your manifestation. How are we all doing with this by the way? I would love to hear from you?

Also if anyone would like a small reading and then would like to say what you thought after please write in and let me know? So just remember you are where you are meant to be, the universe always has your back and never be afraid. Keep writing your little goals and keep going you are doing any amazing job.

If you would like to know more or have a reading please go to my website to book your own personal private reading with myself you can find me on Instagram @theangelic.medium or visit my website. https://www.theangelicpsychicmedium.com sending lots of love, yours Emma.

What the universe has in store

My tarot card I have pulled of this week is ‘Leap and the universe will catch you’

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

YES, it was a sport blackout ­ and aliens landing from space might have been bemused to find the BBC facing an existential crisis over a retired footballer’s recent tweet criticising Government’s asylum policy.

But then the BBC’s faced a number of controversies, hasn’t it? Most recently, criticism of its impartiality and independence following the appointment of Richard Sharp as chairman. Sharp's close ties to the Conservative Party (helping Boris Johnson with a dodgy loan) raised concerns about his ability to remain impartial and independent in his new role.

But perhaps the organisation’s most serious controversy in recent years was the Martin Bashir scandal. In 1995, Bashir, a journalist working for its flagship news programme, Panorama, secured an interview with Princess Diana that became one of the most watched television events in history. However, in 2021, it was revealed that Bashir had used deceptive tactics to secure the interview, including falsifying bank statements and lying to Diana's brother, Charles Spencer. The revelations led to widespread criticism of the organisation and calls for accountability.

1-O LINEKER!

and adults over several decades. Critics argued that the BBC, which had employed Savile for many years, had turned a blind eye to his behaviour and failed to take action to protect vulnerable people.

Another controversy that has also plagued the BBC involved allegations of pay inequality. In 2017, it was revealed that many of its highest­paid presenters were men, leading to accusations of gender bias and discrimination. The controversy led to the resignation of several high­profile female presenters like Carrie Gracie and Jane Garvey.

portant and influential broadcasters in the world. It continues to produce, generally speaking, a wide range of high­quality content, including news, current affairs, drama and entertainment, and remains a trusted source of information for millions around the world.

But looking to the future, it faces several significant challenges, including increasing competition from streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, changing audience habits and ongoing pressure to remain financially sustainable.

Then there was the criticism the BBC faced over its handling of the scandal involving Jimmy Savile who was posthumously revealed to have sexually abused hundreds of children

In addition to these scandals, the BBC has also suffered from the loss of key presenters. Notable departures include Jeremy Clarkson, fired from its flagship motoring show, Top Gear, after a physical altercation with a producer, Chris Evans, who stepped down as the host of its flagship breakfast show, Radio 2 Breakfast Show, after just one year and Fiona Bruce, who quit her role as presenter of "Antiques Roadshow" in 2020. These departures certainly raised concerns about the organisation's ability to retain top talent and to continue to deliver high­quality programming.

Despite these controversies and challenges, the BBC remains one of the most im­

Overall, while the BBC has faced significant problems and crises in recent years, its future success will undoubtedly depend not only on its ability to remain true to its core values of impartiality, quality and innovation but also on its ability to adapt to a fast changing world.

But above all, BBC, cut the controversies and scandals – just TELL the story, don’t be it!

Nora Johnson’s 11 critically acclaimed psychological crime thrillers (www.nora­john son.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

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

Nora’s latest thriller.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

PETS

Chocolate poisoning in cats and dogs

INGESTION of chocolate is one of the most common causes of poisoning in dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and dogs and cats metabolise theobromine more slowly than hu mans.

Meet Monty a cat-sitter’s dream pet

WHILE cat­sitting recently for one of our regular clients I met Montgomery, Monty to his friends. To say Monty has a character you have to meet to believe is understating his charisma. On this occasion I was the lucky cat­sitter. One of the reasons I love house­sitting is that I can meet such adorable pets, and their owners of course. Perhaps I the founder of Housesitmatch might turn up one day as your personal pet­sitter.

Feeding our beloved pets has become a struggle for many.

The lethal dose (LD50) for dogs is 300mg / kg and for cats 200mg / kg. Cats are more sensitive but have little desire to eat chocolate. A dose of 80mg / kg is enough to cause severe poisoning. Even with an ingestion of 20mg / kg, slight signs such as polydipsia / polyuria (drinking and urinating a lot) and diarrhoea may appear.

Chocolate is not healthy.

The amount of theobromine depends on the type of chocolate. Only 24 grams of pure chocolate coverage would cause the poisoning of a 20kg dog and it would be necessary four times more if it was treats of milk chocolate.

The clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, rapid breathing, cyanosis, hyperthermia, hypertension, restlessness and if the poisoning is significant, seizures, coma and death. Symptoms appear after four to 12 hours.

If you think that your pet has been able to eat a significant amount of chocolate, you should go to the vet immediately.

Our house­sitting and pet­sitting network can help pet owners meet great checked pet­sitters, and secure care for their pets, for free, no matter where they are!

If you are planning a trip later this year, register now to find pet­sitters in time. Even if it’s just a short trip, you’ll know that sometimes you just have to leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying in their own home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Let us help.

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a home owner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Premium account (£89 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

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 saying when you are going on holiday. Housesitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga

How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Do you need a house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or home owner with a 50% discount using coupon code 20EWN – an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.Housesitmatch.com.

Doggie daycare

DOG playschools are taking off in a big way in Spain.

Owners leave their pets at a centre one day a week when they are away at work, always on the same day so that the dogs form a strong group and get to know each other well.

The centres are a hive of canine activity, with the small groups of animals chasing each other, running up and down stairs and jumping on and off the sofas and cushions.

Dogs are usually separated by size and character, and the service also includes outside walks and periods of rest.

Owners and trainers say that a care option, which can cost up to €350 a month for full days or €220 for half days, promotes socialisation and facilitates the treatment

Pet food banks

FOOD banks for pets are on the rise in the UK to help owners who are struggling with the cost of living crisis ­ and the trend looks set to continue expanding given their success and rising demand.

One case is in Coventry, where Melinda Anthony runs a pet food bank by the Betty Ennis Foundation charity, supplying pet food and other animal essentials. She set it up last year after encountering a plea on social media from a local couple who were in dire straits after he was laid off due to injury and she had been put on Universal Credit.

A call for help was put out and I received “loads of donations of food,” Melinda told the BBC, adding that she believes the cost of feeding pets is leading increasing numbers of owners to abandon them.

The idea is also catching on in Spain, especially since the Covid crisis. The first pet food banks opened in Catalonia several years ago and have since spread throughout the country.

of separation anxiety, making it easier to leave the animals alone afterwards.

It is also said to be ideal to work on behaviour, as

the carers use healthy snacks to train the dogs and the animals are reportedly much calmer when they are picked up after their session.

The only requirements to use these centres are for the pet owners to be able to prove that they are struggling financially and that the animal is registered in their name.

Monty is a Burmese who loves company, his own and the catsitters.

Image by Alexei/Shutterstock

Day care for your pampered pooch.

Image by Dezy/Shutterstock

AIR CONDITIONING

ALARMS

AIRPORT TRASNFERS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

CONSTRUCTION

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

AUCTIONS

CONSTRUCTION

BALUSTRADES

BUILDERS

BLINDS

BLINDS

GLASS CURTAINS & SCREENS

J & J PAINTERS. Inside - outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (294244)

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

KENWOOD CentriFugal Juicer Excel IE850 €99ono. 628 860 606 (303013)

MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@ hotmail.com (294686)

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)

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

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.giving light.com.(10006)

FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@ glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorre vieja.org (95476)

LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, Englishspeaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org

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: 2009SG/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 800 018 2361. (238593)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran

Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@rbl.com munity

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 contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkin spain@yahoo.co.uk (10004)

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorrevie ja@aol.com (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 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email strokesupportgroup@ hotmail.com, website: torrevieja strokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org.es (295976)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure. com

MASSAGE

2002 X-TYPE blue Jaguar, RHD on Spanish plates, 104.000 miles, ITV until May, good condition. 2,999€ ono. Contact 642 157 849 (302246)

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a nonprofit 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 office@helpvegabaja.com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

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 is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches.britishlegion.org. uk/branches/orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuela costarbl.co.uk. (95457)

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.acacostablanca.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)

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 meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiritu alistcentre-benijofar.com . Telephone 711 060 171. Email martin droute66@hotmail.com . Fiscal G54713789

ELECTRICIAN FOR SALE/WANTED

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (291667)

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

GOLD WANTED

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (295405)

EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (302232)

CLASSIC SPANISH LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 40€. Ana 657 603 495 (302206)

ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Professional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (295448)

RELAXING MASSAGE FOR MEN - Mario qualified masseur in Alicante - Special Massage for Men - 7 days 10am to 10pm - APPOINTMENTS visit: www.masajeyrelax.es/en or WHATSAPP 649 761 607 (302598)

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuranceinspain.com or email tracey@sosinsuran ceinspain.com (301484)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuranceinspain. com for online quote. (302516)

LA ZENIA AREA English Female/Male masseuses offering massages separately or together in nice discrete apartment with shower facilities. In calls and out calls within 20 km of La Zenia area Call / Whatsapp 711 059 849 (302322)

TORREVIEJA Miriam. Gives relaxing body massage. Speak English. Call 604 382 799 (303067)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING

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 952 147 834. (200726)

MOTORHOMES

MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

MUSIC TUITION

PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (302201)

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easy horsecare.net www.easyhorse care.net or call Sue 652 021 980

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (290726)

NAUTICAL OTHERS

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (301483)

KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery. ROY HAS A NEW TEL. - 613 584 915 (295447) tp

Male/Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@ gmail.com

PERGOLAS

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com

WhatsApp: 667 879 399 kruger canopies@yahoo.co.uk (294209)

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, dewormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com (95708)

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama -safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (291667)

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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

Slowly rising

ACCORDING to the latest data published on Thursday, March 16, in the European Union Oil Bulletin, the average price of diesel has risen in Spain for the first time since the end of January. Similarly, petrol has also gone up in price again. A litre of diesel stands at €1.592, while petrol is €1.644/litre.

Both fuels suffered their biggest rise since the force of the veto on imports of Russian petroleum products on February 5. Petrol has risen by 0.74 per cent compared to €1.632/litre in comparison to last week. In previous weeks, diesel had shown a downward trend, which has now come to a halt, seeing a small rise of 0.19 per cent

Before the arrival of the veto on imports of Russian oil derivatives, analysts had predicted a huge price

rise, which has not yet arrived thankfully. With Easter fast approaching, it remains to be seen if the price increase consolidates as a trend in the coming weeks.

This data includes the average price registered in more than 11,400 Spanish service stations between March 7 and 13.

Diesel and petrol prices have both risen.

45.8% the highest percentage of female motoring registrants are for the company Kia

Jeep Renegade - one of the most likeable off-roaders

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

EVERYONE knows that Land Rover has a fine, and well deserved, reputation for offroad ability. It seems that every other 4×4 takes second place to the Solihull masters of all terrain.

However, there’s another brand that has an equally fine reputation that precedes, indeed inspired, the genius of Maurice Wilks who founded Land Rover. Jeeps are synonymous with the Second World War and it was their ability to traverse seemingly any kind of landscape that led to some of the best off­road vehicles ever produced.

Jeep still produce chunky Tonka­toy like off roaders, and my test model was the Renegade 4xe in plug ­ in hybrid form. The petrol part of the power equation is a 1.3­litre 4cylinder turbocharged unit, the electrical assistance is provided by an 11.4 kwh battery.

The Renegade line ­ up is

priced from €34,173/£30,050 with the Renegade 4xe offered in Limited, or as with my test model, top­spec Trailhawk trim. All the usual charging options are available including a standard domestic socket. Being a hybrid, smaller battery, on a domestic socket the charge time is as little as 4 hours. For that you have a commuting range of around 26 miles, maybe more depending upon your driving style, and modes for hybrid,

electric and e ­ save (which helps charge the battery along with maximum braking regeneration).

On the road the Renegade is probably one of the most practical hybrids I have driven, with a decent turn of speed, 62 mph in just 7.1 seconds, and a smooth 6­speed automatic gearbox along with that allwheel­drive ability. That offers simple dial technology for the kind of surface you’re dealing with and even the ability to

lock the system into low range for real mud­plugging. In hybrid mode the transition between electric and petrol is smooth and as long as the battery isn’t extremely low e­save mode and maximum regeneration means you can see the battery charge climb.

Standard fare is good with all the usual motoring accoutrements even on the lead­in version with my €43,328/£38,100 Trailhawk model especially well appoint­

ed. The Jeep feels durable and is nicely appointed, but it battles against the fact that at this price it’s in Discovery Sport territory, albeit mild hybrid form rather than plug­in.

The Discovery will be seen as a more premium choice and

I’m not sure the plug­in versus mild hybrid systems will make much difference. It makes the Renegade’s job somewhat harder, which is a shame as the Jeep is one of the most capable, characterful and likeable off roaders you can buy.

JEEP RENEGADE: A capable and characterful off-roader.

Distance limit

PROPOSALS have been unveiled in a bid to limit hitting distance for elite golfers.

In what is certain to be a major story in the months and years to come, the R&A and USGA have re vealed their joint propos al for a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organisers the option to require use of golf balls which are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf.

The MLR is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf.

Golf balls that conform to the MLR must not exceed the current Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 317 yards (plus three yards tolerance) at modified Actual Launch Conditions (ALC) with a clubhead speed of 127 mph and based on a calibration set­up for 11 degrees and 37 revolutions per second (2220 rpm) as part of this proposal.

All other balls, including those typically used by recreational golfers with lower swing speeds, would continue to be tested using the existing ALC values (120 mph, and a calibration set­up of 10 degrees and 42 revolutions per second ­ 2520 rpm).

England suffers defeat

IN a thrilling conclusion to the T20 series, Bangladesh pulled off an incredible 3­0 clean sweep against a stunned England side on Tuesday, March 14 in Mirpur, Pakistan.

Despite looking in control at 100­1 while chasing 159, the pressure mounted on England’s middle order after the fall of Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan in consecutive balls in the 14th over. The hosts’ well­handled conditions and smart running between the wickets put Eng­

land on the back foot early on.

The defeat caps off England’s winter on a sour note, but it still marks their joint most successful winter of all time with 14 wins across all formats. The highs came from their T20 World Cup triumph in November and an excellent Test Series win in Pakistan, while the lows included the anti­climactic ODI series against Australia that followed the World Cup and this Bangladesh defeat at the end of the winter season.

England looks to regroup ahead of a packed summer season including a one­off Test against Ireland followed

by an exciting Ashes contest. Despite the disappointment in Bangladesh, England will be hoping to bounce back.

Sudden death

CHARLOTTE VELLAR , the talented young German football star from MSV Duisburg has passed away suddenly at the age of 16.

Football fans in Germany were on Monday, March 20, mourning the tragic loss of one of the country’s brightest rising talents at the age of only 16. Charlotte Vellar’s passing was confirmed on Sunday March 19, on the social media account of her club, MSV Duisburg.

The club’s statement read: “There is no comfort in this unbelievable pain. MSV mourns the loss of Charlotte Vellar, who died

far, far too early at the age of 16. Our condolences to family, friends and team members. We wish you strength for these incredibly difficult moments”.

Charlotte was hailed as one of Germany’s most talented young defenders. She made the switch from TV Kapellen to MSV Duisburg in 2018.

Charlotte’s final match was a 9 ­ 0 defeat of Bayer Uerdingen in the U17 Lower Rhine League on February 26. No cause of death has been revealed.

Messages of condolences poured onto social media in memory of the young football prodigy.

Bangladesh National Cricket team received a cheque after beating England with a stunning victory to close the T20 Series.

Photo credit: Bangladesh Tigers (via Instagram)

For elite golfers.

Image: Bohbeh / Shutterstock.com