Costa del Sol 4 – 10 May 2023 Issue 1974

WORLD VIEW

THE world came to Fuengirola fairground, for the International feria which is known as ‘the fair of the people’ since foreign residents make up a large percentage of the Fuengirola population.

It started on April 27 and carried on until May 1, from noon until 4am every day and was supported not just by foreign residents but by visitors from the town and much of the Costa del Sol.

Every day there was an hour with no noise so that the people with autism can enjoy the attractions too.

There were 32 nations represented at the fair with many from Latin America, but also from much of Europe and as far afield as Australia and India, with every booth happily promoting that country’s culture and cuisine.

The United Kingdom was there In full force and of course starting the celebrations for the new King Charles on May 6.

Their music festival had many supporters and Saturday April 29 saw a huge procession of British char­

acters such as James Bond, The Queen of Hearts, Spice Girls and

many more in procession with vintage cars along the streets of the town

ending up at the British pavilion fronted by a black cab and red bus.

The British contingent entertained the visitors.

Credit: Alan Boardman Facebook

Spring’s in swing

THE Love to Sing choir is hitting all the right notes with their delightful spring concert lineup!

The group already hit the stage on Friday, April 28 with their epic Cinema and Broadway Concert, but the season is just get‐ting started!

On Friday, May 5, the choir is hosting a Spring Concert and Tapas evening at the Edificio Calle Camachas in Casares Pueblo, with a fabulous concert directed by the experienced Shirley Helleur BA LTAM LTCL!

Not only will guests get to hear incredible tunes from an exciting reper ‐toire of international and current songs, but will al‐so get to indulge in some delectable tapas. Tickets cost €10 and proceeds raised will go to Botika, a neurological health chari‐ty.

The Love to Sing choir

performs a lively, varied repertoire of songs.

is also set to perform a free concert at the Castil ‐lo de La Duquesa near Manilva on Saturday, May 13 to celebrate the 15th edition of Interna ‐tional Day.

The programme contin‐ues with several other ex‐

Tantalising tapas trail

A DELICIOUS culinary event is returning to Torremoli ‐nos this week. The 14th edition of the ‘Ruta de la tapa’ Tapas Trail gets un ‐derway on Friday, May 5 with more than 50 partici‐pating establishments showcasing their culinary expertise.

Until Sunday, May 14, vis‐itors can indulge in a range of tantalising tapas dishes accompanied by a refresh‐ing drink, for the reasonable price of €3. Restaurants are divided into four zones, of‐fering a wide variety of tapas ranging from tradi ‐tional Spanish dishes to in‐novative fusion cuisine.

provides an opportunity for diners to rate their favourite tapas. Awards will be pre ‐sented to the ‘favourite tapa’, ‘most creative tapa’,

Prize winners from last year’s edition of the event.

and ‘best service’ at the end of the event.

Further details about the event are available at: www.torremolinos.es /

Marbella courts Michael

citing and charity events planned in the lead‐ up to summer. More informa ‐tion is available online at: https://www.facebook.c om/Love2SingCDS or by calling Allyson: on 659 772 448 or Maggie: on 628 163 977.

To participate, customers can obtain a ‘tapasporte’ tapas passport in either Spanish or English from any of the participating restau‐rants or the town hall. By collecting stamps from each restaurant visited, cus ‐tomers can also enter a draw to win exciting prizes.

Not only is this event a culinary delight, but it also

MICHAEL JORDAN, the greatest basketball player of all time, has been spotted enjoying the luxurious amenities of the Costa del Sol.

Jordan was spotted indulging in delicious cuisine at La Milla Marbella, a high‐end beach restaurant run by award‐winning Javier Ruiz on Tuesday, May 2.

Staying at the Marbella Club, one of the most exclusive resorts in the area, Jordan is also rumoured to have been satisfying his love for golf.

Lucky fans managed to snap photos with Jordan, who was reportedly in good spirits. This is not Jordan’s first visit to Marbella, and he has expressed his love for the city, vow‐ing to return soon.

The choir

Photo credit: Love to SingCosta del Sol (via Facebook)

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos (via Facebook)

Inside the Coronation

THIS first weekend in May will be full of royal celebrations as King Charles is set to be crowned alongside the Queen Consort at a grand ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

The long weekend will be filled with celebrations, from street parties to concerts, as King Charles becomes the oldest new monarch in history. Code­named Operation Golden Orb, plans for the much­anticipated event have been released over the past few months.

Starting on May 6 at 11am, the Coronation Service will kick off a weekend full of events following their Majesties’ crowning in the Abbey in London, in a service that will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The King’s Coronation will include many of the ceremonies that were seen in the late Queen’s service, such as anointing with consecrated oil, the delivery of the orb, the pledge to be “Defender of the Faith”, and the enthroning itself.

It is understood that the anointing will not be shown on television and is set to be hidden from the public, as it was for the late

Queen’s coronation in 1953.

During the ceremony, the King will be asked if he will govern the UK and the Commonwealth with law and justice, and if he will keep Christianity alive in the country.

He will sit in the Coronation Chair, also known as Edward’s Chair, holding the sovereign’s sceptre and rod to symbolise his power over the nation, as well as the sovereign’s orb to represent the Christian world.

After the Archbishop has anointed, blessed, and consecrated Charles, the crown of St Edward will be placed on his head, crowning him as King Charles III.

Countdown to Coronation

FOLLOWING the death of the Queen on September 8, 2022, King Charles became the king of the United Kingdom and the Com monwealth Realms. Born on November 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace, he is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Charles attended several schools during his childhood, including Hill House School in London and Gordonstoun School in Scotland. He later

King’s Coronation:

Where to watch

KING CHARLES III and Camilla will be crowned on Saturday, May 6. Before and after the Coronation service at Westminster Abbey in London, there will be ceremonial processions which will be aired live on national television, radio, and online, as well as exhibited on giant screens at locations around the country.

If you are planning on tuning in to the King’s coronation on television, here are all the details you need about channels and timings so you don’t miss a moment of this major historical event!

On Sky News, Coronation day coverage will kick off at 6am on Saturday, May 6. Live coverage will also be available to view on BBC and BBC iPlayer throughout the day, with mirroring coverage also available on ITV.

Although exact timings may change, the official ceremony is set to start at 11am at Westminster Abbey, with broadcasters’ promising live footage from multiple angles to give you a front­row seat, complete with a running live commentary.

Those outside of the UK can watch the events and coverage on CNN, NBC, Fox News and other major US stations, as well as YouTube live streams and live TV subscriptions such as Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV, Sling TV and FuboTV.

studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 and a Master of Arts degree in 1975.

Charles has been involved in public life for many years and has taken an active interest in a wide range of issues, such as environmental sustainability, architecture, and education.

He has also served as the patron or president of numerous charitable organisations including The Prince’s Wool Project, START, and The Cambrian Mountain Initiative.

In 1981, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, who became known as Princess Diana. They had sons William and Harry before their divorce in 1996 and she died in 1997. Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005, and she is now known as the Duchess of Cornwall.

Throughout his life, Charles has been known for his advocacy for environmental sustainability and for his interest in traditional architecture. He has written several books on these subjects, including ‘A Vision of Britain: A Personal View of Architecture’ and ‘Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World’.

As king, Charles is expected to continue his advocacy for these causes while carrying out his duties as head of state.

The Coronation Concert

THE day after the King’s Coronation, on Sunday, May 7, viewers can watch the Coronation Concert live on BBC and iPlayer. Taking place on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle, exact timings are yet to be announced but the concert is set to start at 8pm and coverage is likely to start earlier in the lead­up to the event.

The star­studded musical show will feature performances from Take That, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli and Welsh singer Sir Bryn Terfel, amongst others. There will also be a performance from the Coronation Choir ­ a group of amateur singers and community choirs made up of refugees and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

‘Paddington’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ star, Hugh Bonneville will host the gig.

King Charles set to be crowned.

TAKE THAT: Just one of many performers taking part.

Charles married Camilla in 2005.

Image –Official Take That Facebook page

Image –The Royal Family Facebook page

Betty Henderson ESTEPONA’S council an‐nounced exciting plans to build a state‐of‐the‐art under‐ground parking garage on Fri‐day, April 28.

The new car park will be lo‐cated between the newly constructed Consistorial Building and the picturesque beachfront promenade, of‐fering visitors and locals easy access to the area’s attrac‐tions. The parking garage is set to accommodate a whop‐ping 250 vehicles and will op‐erate on an affordable €1 per day fee system. But that’s not all; the project also includes a reorganisation of the sur‐

Digging deep

rounding public spaces, offer‐ing an improved and more inviting area to all visitors.

The project’s budget is capped at €332,750, to pre‐vent overspending. The council has put a contract out

PROVERB OF THE

Lighting the way

to tender which is now open to bids. The winning bidder will have to complete the plans within six months. The project is expected to signifi‐cantly benefit the town by in‐creasing accessibility to the area, while also improving the overall look and feel of the surroundings. The council has been working hard to im‐prove Estepona’s infrastruc‐ture and tourist attractions in recent years, and this new underground parking garage is just the latest addition.

TORREMOLINOS Council is taking a stand against mental illness by showing its support for the upcoming ‘Darkness In‐to Light’ campaign, promoted by the AFESOL Association.

The local council has joined forces with the international Darkness into Light organisa‐tion, which provides support to individuals with mental ill‐nesses and their families through fundraising and col‐laborations with local charities.

The council made their an‐nouncement on Friday, April 28, ahead of the group’s walk

Sardine fun

event on Saturday, May 6.

Darkness into Light walks see participants meeting up before sunrise and walking along scenic paths in the local area until the sun rises.

The campaign’s psycholo‐gist, Carolina Fernández Mc‐Nally, stressed the importance of addressing suicide in Spain, where an average of 11 people take their own lives every day.

To register, visit www.afe sol.org or www.darknessinto light.com. The registration fee is €20, which includes a sou‐venir t‐shirt and breakfast.

Strings attached

THE Benalmadena Flamenco Guitar Fest is making a comeback for its sixth edition! The festival was announced on Wednesday, April 26 by councillors and organisers alongside the talented guitarist Daniel Casares.

Five exclusive guitar concerts, featuring some of the world’s best guitarists, will take place in the town from Tuesday, May 9 to Tuesday, December 5.

The councillor for Culture, E Pablo Centella, emphasised the town’s love for flamenco and how the festival, particularly the Be‐nalmádena Guitar Fest, celebrates the beauty and importance of the guitar within the flamenco genre.

Guitarist Daniel Casares expressed his delight in participating in a festival that celebrates the ‘naked guitar’ guitar solos, which he strives to showcase as an artist. He also commended the festival’s organisers for creating the event.

All performances will take place at the El Bil‐Bil Castle, except for Daniel Casares’ concert, which will be held at the Casa de la Cul‐tura.

MIJAS’ annual sardine festival returned to La Cala and Plaza de El Tor‐reón beaches on Mon‐day, May 1, offering a fun‐filled day of live mu‐sic and a free bar, with sardines taking centre stage once again.

More than 600 kilo‐grams of fresh sardines were handed out to lo‐cals and visitors during the event. Hospitality staff cooked the fresh fish on the beach itself before an afternoon cel‐ebration got underway.

Plaza de El Torreón hosted a marquee from noon onwards where guests enjoyed live mu‐sic and refreshments from a bar.

The mayor of Mijas, Josele González, and councillor Tamara Vera announced the event last week saying they hoped to beat last year’s figures of around 2,500 free sardine dishes which were given out to visitors.

The festival was a suc‐cess with visitors and lo‐cals alike enjoying the lively atmosphere and delicious sardines.

The spacious facility will hold 250 vehicles.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona

WEEK

“A fool and his money are soon parted.”

Means that a foolish person spends money too quickly on unimportant things. The phrase was used by poet Thomas Tusser in a poem he wrote called Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandry in 1557.

53% of British tablet owners use an Apple iPad.

GET ready to showcase your skills and creativity at La Cala Lions’ Party in the Park! The event, taking place on Sunday, May 7 at Butibam‐ba Park, is not only a cele‐bration of King Charles III’s ascension to the throne in the UK, but it’s also an op‐portunity to compete in some exciting contests.

One of the highlights of the day will be ‘The Big La Cala Bake Off’, where bak‐ers can impress the judges with their delicious cre ‐ations. After the judging, guests will be treated to a glass of cava to toast the new king and sample the delicious entries created by local bakers.

The fun day also features a ‘princes and princesses’ costume contest, for chil ‐dren to show off their cre‐ative flair and compete to be crowned number one! The event promises to be a day full of fun, games, and friendly competition.

In addition to these com‐petitions, there will be a range of other games and stalls with excellent prizes up for grabs.

Guests can contact the Li‐

Crowned with honour Royal bake off

THE Royal Gibraltar Regi ‐ment (RG) is gearing up for a once ‐ in ‐ a ‐ lifetime event!

Coronation.

CREATIVE EVENT: The Lions are a social pack.

for further information and register their entries

Fourteen soldiers are travel‐ling to the UK to participate in the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on Saturday, May 6. The soldiers have been preparing alongside other members of the British mil‐itary and other Common ‐wealth partners to take part in procession at the

This historic event is not only a privilege for the sol‐diers, but also forms part of a lengthy tradition. Soldiers from their Regiment’s prede‐cessor, the Gibraltar Defence Force, took part in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Corona‐tion in 1953.

The commanding officer of the RG, Colonel Matthew Moore, is confident that his officers and soldiers will per‐

form this duty with great pride and to the highest stan‐dards. Private Griffin, one of the soldiers taking part also described it as a massive privilege and honour to rep‐resent the Regiment in the UK.

The territory of Gibraltar it‐self will mark the Coronation with a Royal Gun salute of 21 rounds, while street parties will take place to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Dazzling dance show Scooter accidents

FUENGIROLA’S Palacio de la Paz is set to host the incredible ‘Recuerdos’ dance and gym‐nastics show by the Baila Conmigo Academy on Friday, May 5.

The event, which starts at 9pm, will fea‐ture a spectacular performance by the academy’s talented dancers and gymnasts.

Isabel Moreno, the town councillor for Events, revealed that this event is part of a series of dance academy performances planned in the town thanks to a collabora‐tion between several different academies and the council.

Marina Fernández, the director of Baila Conmigo Academy, added that more than 150 students ranging from three to 50 years old will participate, which includes a new rhythmic gymnastics performance.

The show is aptly named ‘Recuerdos’, or ‘Memories’ as it aims to evoke nostalgia and bring back fond memories for the audience.

Tickets can be purchased for €4 in ad‐vance from the academy on Calle Maestra Ángeles Aspiazu or at the Palacio de Paz’s box office until 30 minutes before the show.

ACCORDING to statistics when it comes to accidents caused by the misuse of electric scooters, Malaga is the second most dan‐gerous city in Spain.

In 2022, scooters accounted for four accidents a week in Mala‐ga, with 210 cases registered by the Malaga Local Police. Added together with incidents involving bicycles, the statistic rises to more than one a day with 374 for the whole year.

Figures just in for the first quarter of 2023, indicate that 80 inci‐dents involving personal injury and/or property damage were caused by personal mobility vehicles, according to a news outlet.

The city council has banned the use of this type of vehicle on pavements and pedestrian areas. Scooter rental companies are obliged to deactivate the vehicles telematically by means of a ge‐olocation system when any of them enters a restricted area.

ons

in the competition by phone: 663 529 280.

Dancing into May

Betty Henderson

THE Marbella Todo Danza

Festival kicked off on Saturday, April 29 with the Flamenco Ballet of Andalucia leading the charge. The school performed a breathtaking 80 ­ minute routine featuring the best of their latest works

Over the next few weeks, 10 high­quality performances are set to take place in the town, fusing traditional and avantgarde styles in a celebration of dance that will run until Saturday, May 27.

The regional Director of Culture, Carmen Diaz, announced the programme last week, saying that the opening night gala would coincide with International Dance Day and that the programme has been designed specifically for this occasion by the local Direc­

tor of Dance, Ursula López.

The festival was founded in 2009 with the aim of providing a dedicated time and space for dance and has always aimed to provide quality pieces and a variety of performance styles.

The dance festival is geared towards adult audiences, but also offers family ­ friendly shows and caters to schools to introduce chil­

dren to the discipline.

More details about the programme and show dates can be found online at: https://www.marbella.es/actualidad/item/444

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Words and verse

MARPOÉTICA Poetry Fes ­

tival closed its sixth edition with an evening fusing literature and humour in Marbella after 15 packed days of activity dedicated to spreading

the power of words.

The city’s poetry festival culminated on Thursday, April 27, and stood out for the quality of its activities on offer and the enormous audience it reached since

Honouring local heroes

MARBELLA’S highly­anticipated Feria Social is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever before! On Friday, May 5, the city’s Avenida del Mar will be transformed into a hub of social engagement and community support, hosting over 32 organisations from around the city to showcase their work.

The Feria Social is a platform for recognising outstanding work in the community, and the local Plataforma del Voluntariado volunteering association will be presenting their ‘Solidarity Awards’ to members of the community during the event, highlighting their incredible service, particularly during the pandemic.

The event will run from 10am to 6pm and will feature a stage and stands for attendees to receive information on different programmes and projects developed by the associations.

Young people are encouraged to participate, as the council will be calling on local schools to promote volunteer projects for local young people. Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable members of the community.

All are invited to learn about the remarkable work being done in the city and how you can contribute to making a difference.

it began on Thursday April 13.

On Thursday morning, organisers presented the Marpoética Poetry Prize to the writer Felipe Benítez Reyes. In the evening, the festival closed with a thought provoking talk about artistic vocation and the bond with poetic words by writers Fernando Aramburu and Antonio Lucas, and poet Javier Vicedo. The night concluded with a performance by flamenco pianist Dorantes.

Organisers described the festival as a resounding success. The event’s director, Carmen Díaz, said the festival was a massive hit.

Díaz also highlighted the success of the festival’s new feature, the Marpoética International Poetry Prize which boasted a prize pool totalling €20,000. More than 1,800 entries were received, with a significant portion coming from countries across the Atlantic, strengthening the festival’s bond with Latin America.

The festival celebrates International Dance Day.

Photo credit: Cultura Andaluza (via Facebook)

THE Salón Varietés theatre in Fuengirola is currently pre‐senting ‘Two’, an innovative and thought‐provoking dra‐ma by the acclaimed English dramatist Jim Cartwright.

This groundbreaking play features two actors who por‐tray 14 different characters in a powerful and emotional story. The show is running every night until Sunday, May 7, so this is the last chance for the‐atre lovers to see it.

The theatre is also preparing for its next show, The Magic of

IN a move which has brought hope and joy to many in the community, Be‐nalmadena Council voted to declare the expansion of the Cudeca Foundation’s Day Unit to be of General Munici‐pal Interest, which will im‐prove resources for the char‐itable association.

The decision made on Thursday, April 27 means that the non‐governmental organisation will benefit from tax exemptions and other financial benefits from the council.

This positive news means that the Cudeca Foundation can now move forward with

‘Two’ good to miss Bringing blessings

The Musicals, a lively show fea‐turing excerpts from famous musicals including Moulin Rouge, Matilda, Cats, and The Greatest Showman, as well as many more.

This performance will be produced and directed by Tina Staffieri and Gemma Lloyd and will include special guests Oliv‐er Green and Leanne Cooper.

The show is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 13 and

Sunday, May 14.

The Salón Varietés theatre, which was originally built in 1925, served as a cinema be‐fore being converted into an English‐speaking theatre in 1985. It is the only theatre of its kind on the Costa del Sol. Tickets for both shows can be purchased online: http://sa lonvarietes.com/live/shows.ph p as well as at the theatre’s box office.

Hope and healing

their plans to expand their vital services which include providing specialised care to people with cancer and oth‐er advanced illnesses, as well

as free support to their fami‐lies.

The Day Unit is a crucial component of the Founda‐tion’s palliative care efforts, providing dynamic physio‐therapy, a range of thera ‐pies, and social and cultural activities to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

With the new tax exemp‐tion, Cudeca can focus on what they do best: delivering compassionate and compre‐hensive care to those who need it most.

Betty Henderson

EXCITEMENT is building as the Angli‐can Church on the Costa del Sol West prepares to welcome their new chap ‐lain, Tony, and his wife Gisela.

After almost 18 months of waiting for visa and residency documents, the church is finally ready to hold a licens‐ing service for Tony on Friday, May 12 at 7pm at Sotogrande Church.

The church is expecting a number of religious groups from along the coast and Gibraltar to attend the event and will welcome Tony and his wife to the community

Tony, who hails from Liverpool, has a wealth of experience in theology and pastoral care. He has studied in the UK, France and Germany, and lived and worked in Columbia and Mexico. He also speaks English, Spanish, French and German, making him an asset to the multicultural community along the Costa del Sol.

During a short visit to the area in De‐cember, Tony met with one of the Catholic priests and expressed his ea ‐gerness to connect with religious com‐munities along the coast.

All are welcome to come and meet

Tony at the service or at the group’s Spring Fair in Estepona on Sunday, May 20 at the American Club of Es ‐tepona.

Church members are excited to meet their new chaplain.

Photo credit: Anglican Church Costa del Sol West (via Facebook)

80% of the remains found in Machu Picchu are female.

BETTY ROSS, a nearly 20­year member and former Chair of The Andalucian Performing Arts Society (TAPAS), was awarded a certificate of appreciation and lifetime membership on Saturday, April 29.

The society awarded Betty the honour in recognition of her instrumental role in the success of numerous TAPAS shows and events over the years. During her five­year tenure as Chair, Betty helped raise a whopping €14,000 for charity through the Coinbased TAPAS choir.

Her husband, Ken Ross, also received a lifetime membership for his unwavering support to TAPAS. Ken is known to the group as the TAPAS ‘magician’, due to his exceptional abilities to produce remarkable stage and event sets, transport items for shows, and complete tasks ‘magically’.

This year, the TAPAS choir will be supporting Asociación Huellas Terapéuticas, an organisation that retrains

FUENGIROLA Council has given the green light to a €29 million budget to finance various new projects, including the construction of the new Mercacentro, street renovations, and a reinforced cleaning service.

The council officially approved the budget in their April monthly meeting on Friday, April 28 with the Partido Popular voting in favour of it while the PSOE, Ciduadanos, Vox, and the IU voted against it.

The budget includes money left over from the 2022 fiscal year, which will be added to the present year’s budget. With this positive balance, the local government plans to launch new projects, such as the

abandoned dogs as therapy animals for individuals with disabilities. The choir’s next big performance is set to be on Sunday, June 4 at ‘The Picnic in the Park’ in Benahavis.

Standing ovation Rallying for relief

TAPAS congratulates Betty and Ken on their well ­ deserved awards and thanks them both for their outstanding contributions. More information on upcoming TAPAS events is available by calling: 685 386 923.

Flashing cash

construction of the new Mercacentro, the purchase of new cleaning vehicles and the installation of more ecological waste points.

They also plan to renovate several public spaces, such as Calle Estornino, Calle República Argentina, Calle Asturias, Pasaje San Francisco, among others as well as two plaza squares in Los Boliches. Additionally, they plan to develop a new indoor sports centre at the Elola Complex.

Fuengirola is one step closer to a brighter future with these positive new projects on the horizon!

Betty Henderson

A DELIVERY of muchneeded relief materials finally arrived at Marbella City Hall on Wednesday, April 26. The materials were purchased thanks to a fundraising event at La Scala on Thursday, March 23 which raised funds for earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.

The delivery, which includes tents, sleeping bags, and blankets, will soon be shipped directly to Turkey to provide

much ­ needed aid to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck in February.

With continuing aftershocks and ongoing effects on the community, this delivery will bring some relief to those who have suffered from the devastation.

Event organiser Natalie Fantunzzi shared the uplifting news on Facebook last week, announcing that the final funds raised totalled €4,230. She thanked fel­

low organisers and supporters Tibby, Peter, Michelle, and Jan for their unwavering support in making this relief effort a reality and a major success.

The delivery will now be coordinated by Marbella City Hall to ensure that they reach the areas that need support the most. This incredible act of kindness and generosity is proof that, even in terrible disasters, hope and kindness can always be found.

Generous guests raised more than €4,000 at the event.

Photo credit: Chris Lagervall

ESTEPONA is preparing to celebrate the traditional ‘Cruces de Mayo’ competition which is organised annually by the local council on Saturday, May 6. Local church groups and members of the public design ornate altars featuring crosses and floral decorations which are then judged by a jury. In this year’s edition of the competition, seven stunning altars are all vying for the top spot. Participants will showcase their creativity and talent in designing these beau­

TORREMOLINOS has taken a major step towards promoting diversity and inclusion. In a meeting on Thursday, April 27, the council passed a motion to improve inclusion and services for the town’s migrant community.

The motion was introduced by an independent councillor, Nicolás de Miguel, who reminded his fellow councillors that Torremolinos is part of a Multicultural Cities Network and is committed to promoting diversity and inclu­

Donation of glasses Divine designs

tiful altars before they are judged on a criteria including beauty, ornamental decoration, traditional features, and standard of craftsmanship.

The competition aims to boost public involvement in this historic tradition and offer visitors yet another exciting attraction in the city.

According to Councillor Macarena Diánez, the contest promises to be a lively

Open arms

sion for migrants.

The move calls for celebrations for multicultural events celebrated by diverse communities in the town. These activities will go beyond fun and festivities and will aim to foster cultural awareness and understanding.

The motion emphasised

affair with food and drinks for the public to enjoy while admiring the crosses.

This year, there will be only one category in the competition with the top three winners receiving €1,000, €500, and €250, respectively, along with a trophy.

The judges will visit the crosses unannounced on the day of the competition, adding an element of surprise and excitement.

the importance of political leaders in promoting multiculturalism and community coexistence to achieve this goal. This decision has been received positively by local residents and is a testament to the town’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. The decision is especially significant as the world celebrates the World Day for Cultural Diversity on Sunday, May 21. Torremolinos sets an excellent example for other towns in Spain and the world.

MILLIONS of people around the world live with poor vision due to lack of access to basic eye care ser vices. Lions Club International col lects unwanted, old glasses, processes them and distributes them around the world to the communities that need them the most.

Specsavers Ópticas in Fuengirola have been collecting glasses to be donated to the Lions Club International since 2007. On Thursday April 24, the President of the Mijas Lions Club¸ Fernando Juanes, collected more than 1,700 glasses from the store. This donation will change lives in areas where people desperately need access to glasses.

They have now set themselves the challenge to collect another 5,000 glasses before the end of the year. They are asking anyone in and around Fuengirola to drop off their old, unwanted glasses in store to help them reach their goal.

David Bradshaw said, “We would like to thank everyone who has already dropped off their glasses. We’re really proud to have been able to donate over 1,700 glasses to the Lions this April. However, we would love to be able to make another big donation this year and need help to reach our

More than 1,700 pairs were collected.

target of collecting 5,000 glasses by the end of 2023. This not only gives the gift of sight to someone who doesn’t normally have access to eye care, but also is a great way to recycle and ensure that your glasses don’t end up in the bin or landfill.”

Specsavers Ópticas Fuengirola is located on Avenida Ramόn Y Cajal 6 (near the bus station). Visit www.specsavers.es to check location and opening times, or make an appointment for a free eye test.

Flock of fashionistas

Betty Henderson

BENALMADENA Fashion Weekend returned to the town’s Plaza de la Mezquita last weekend, and it was a huge success! The event showcased the latest fashion trends for the upcoming spring‐summer season and gave local businesses a plat‐form to showcase their work.

Javier Marín, the councillor for Business, launched the event before it officially began on Saturday, April 29 at a press conference where he highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses. He added, “This event is a great showcase of what many

of the shops in Benalmadena offer for the spring‐summer season”.

LA SALA in Puerto Banús was buzzing with excitement on Wednesday, April 26 as more than 80 guests gath‐ered for a fantastic charity fashion and lunch event in aid of Darkness into Light mental health initiative.

The event, organised by Anne Ryan, supported peo‐ple affected by mental ill‐ness, suicide, and self‐harm, as well as their families through their local charity partner, Afesol Salud.

Attendees enjoyed an amazing afternoon filled

The event, which was or‐ganised by Juan Ramón Martín, featured some of the most popular local stores like The Times, Las Cositas de Noa, Kiss me, Imalú, Lima y Limón, D’Pekes, Modas Florido, Cha‐ranga, and Pakiamor Alta Cos‐tura.

The two‐day event was a celebration of fashion, with models strutting down the

runway showcasing the latest trends in clothing, footwear, and accessories. The audience was thrilled by the spectacle, and the participating busi‐nesses enjoyed an increase in foot traffic and sales.

Benalmadena Fashion Weekend has become a must‐see event in the fashion calendar, and this year’s edi‐tion did not disappoint.

Chic and charitable

with great food, live music, and incredible fashion, all while contributing to a noble cause. The generosity of sponsors and guests raised a staggering €2,000, with more contributions still pouring in.

Anne Ryan expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the incredible support shown by all who attended and spon‐sored the event. “Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday and supported our charity event. Your kindness

and generosity will make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most,” she said.

Anne added her personal thanks to all of the staff at La Sala, Angel Clothing and the amazing models, and Gilly Sax entertainment whose work made the event unfor‐gettable.

More information about the initiative is available on‐line: https://www.darkness intolight.ie/event/Spain.

The catwalk showcased work by local businesses. Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Benalmadena (via Facebook)

Betty Henderson

THE Spanish Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) recently conducted a survey to find out which Spanish cities are the cleanest and dirtiest. The results of the survey were released on Thursday, April 27, and some of them are surprising!

A total of 6,863 residents participated in the survey which found that the worst offenders when it comes to dirty streets are Palma, Alicante, and Sevilla, all of which are popular tourist destinations. San Sebastián de los Reyes, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Barcelona, and Madrid also made the list of the ‘worst’ cities.

But it’s not all bad news. Oviedo, Bilbao, and Vigo were praised by their residents for their clean streets. Pamplona and Albacete also received high ratings, with Albacete showing a significant improvement

from the previous survey.

However, the OCU warned that overall the results are mediocre, with one in three cities receiving a ‘poor’ rating. The main issues cited by residents were dog mess

on the streets, litter outside of bins, graffiti, and dirty suburbs.

The OCU has called on local authorities to increase street cleaning and to crack down on dog owners who don’t clean up their mess.

AUTHORITIES in Madrid went into uproar on Wednesday, April 27 after a Chilean artist placed a provocative sculpture in the capital’s iconic Puerta del Sol square.

Nicolás Miranda’s sculpture depicted former Spanish King Juan Carlos aiming a rifle at a larger statue of a bear, which is a beloved emblem of Madrid. The artwork is a clear reference to the disgraced monarch’s love of hunting, which has sparked controversy in the past.

Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014, has been heavily

Fierce controversy

the square by artist Nicolás Miranda and remained in place for just 10 minutes before authorities removed it.

criticised for his hunting trips, including one in which he allegedly shot a bear which was tamed using vodka.

The sculpture, made from polyurethane, was placed in

TOURISM returned to positive figures in March in the city of Madrid, as reflected in the data from the National Institute of Statistics published on April 24. Tourists increased by 21.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2022, reaching a total of 819,000 travellers, of whom more than half were foreigners.

This represents an increase in international travellers of 43.3 per cent compared to 2022.

In the accumulated calculation of the 12 months, the total number of travellers in the city was 9.1 million last year, which means an interannual increase of 55.8 per cent. In this same period, the growth of travellers through­

However, it has caused a sensation on social media and in the Spanish press. Miranda said that he studied CCTV footage of the square to choose the perfect moment to place the artwork.

The former king’s visit to Spain last week has also prompted renewed criticism, with prosecutors alleging that there are renewed issues with his finances.

Clean sweep Capital tourism

out Spain was 48.6 per cent.

As for overnight stays in hotels, in March they grew by 15.2 per cent and totalled 1.6 million.

In this case, 60 per cent of the total corresponds to overnight stays by foreign travellers, whose increase was 30 per cent.

The recovery of overnight stays in Madrid is now just eight points from 2019 when historic figures for tourism were recorded in the city and in Spain as a whole.

Photo credit: Lipasam Sevilla (via Facebook)

Photo credit: madridenacion (via Instagram)

Sevilla’s streets ranked low in terms of cleanliness.

Juan Carlos I in statue form fires a rifle at Madrid’s iconic bear.

RICHARD LEWINGTON, Chairman of the Madrid branch of Conservatives

Abroad ­ the international wing of the British Conservative Party, has been confirmed as a candidate in the upcoming municipal elections in Oñati, Guipuzkoa in the Basque Country on Sunday, May 28.

This marks a historic moment as Lewington will be the first British citizen to run for office in Spain’s autonomous Basque Country.

The 41 ­ year ­ old, originally from Southend on Sea, Essex, is a former

Chris King

A British first

cultural understanding, and supporting the town’s candidacy for UNESCO world heritage status.

90/180 Days

nurse who moved to Spain in 2007 where he lived in Oñati and worked as a freelance correspondent and English teacher.

Lewington’s platform focuses on supporting rural businesses, enhancing public services for young people, promoting cross ­

“I am extremely proud to be part of Ricardo Guisado Balanzategui’s list and to be running for office in Oñati as a candidate for the Partido Popular. As someone who has lived and worked in the town, I believe that Oñati has the potential to be a model for other towns in the region,” he said.

A CAMPAIGN called ‘180 Days in Spain’ has been launched with the aim of ensuring that every British person living in Spain (whether full­year or part­year) has their pre­Brexit rights as an EU Citizen properly protected and ring­fenced.

In addition, it hopes to improve and equalise the rights of all British visitors to Spain so that they get the same access after Brexit that Spanish people do in the UK today.

MORE than 50 records were reportedly broken on Thursday, April 27, according to the weather experts at eltiempo.es, as temperatures more typical of July hit Spain. They affirmed that this phenomenon has a recurrence period of once every 150 or 200 years. Cordoba experienced 38.8ºC on Thursday while the mercury reached 37.8º in Sevilla, breaking all temperature records to date in the process. Meteorologist Mar

More than 50 records broken

Gómez explained at a press conference that these high values occurred as the result of stability on the surface due to an anticyclone. This inhibits the formation of clouds and prevents the development of rain, which subsequently gives rise to high temperatures with clear skies. It also produces a high rate of solar radiation and a very high or extreme

risk of fire in a large part of the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands she warned.

In Jerez de la Frontera, which has collected weather data since 1946, its old record was beaten by more than one degree. Records for very high minimum temperatures have also been smashed in places such as the airports of Zaragoza and Lugo.

As explained to Euro Weekly News in a statement from Andrew Hesselden, the Campaign Director and founder, the organisers of ‘180 Days in Spain’ are asking for some very simple requirements. Firstly, they want Brits who were living in Spain before Brexit ­ whether living in the country for all or part of the year ­ to receive equal treatment. Secondly, they are asking for the equal treatment of British visitors to Spain, in the same way that

Spanish visitors to the UK receive. There are lots of ways that politicians could achieve these outcomes said Mr Hesselden, who hopes that the conversations being generated by the campaign are proving beneficial to British and European citizens everywhere. The campaign already has over 6,000 members and continues to grow. Its Campaign Director collaborates and coordinates with other similar campaigns in France, Italy, Greece, Germany and Cyprus as well as running a similar Europewide campaign. Together these all account for a further 6,000 members.

“We already know that certain regions of Spain and France want to eliminate the 90­in­180­day problem that Brexit has exacerbated, Mr Hesselden ­ who has a home in Mallorca ­ explained.

Visit https://www.face book.com/groups/180daysin spain to find out more.

Richard Lewington outside Oñati Town Hall.

Credit: Conservatives Abroad

Rockefellers’ secrets unveiled

A FASCINATING talk with The Arts Society Benahavis in Marbella will uncover the secrets of one of the most powerful families in American history!

The Arts Society is thrilled to be hosting one of its highlyanticipated lectures on the

Rockefellers, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the USA.

Renowned art historian and Associate Professor at the University of L’Aquila, Andrew Hopkins, will be delivering this exciting lecture on Tuesday, May 30 at 6.30pm at

Moving memorial walk

AGE CONCERN Marbella­San Pedro is organising a touching memorial walk in honour of one of its beloved founding members, Stephen Brooksbank, who was known for his love of walking all around San Pedro Alcántara, especially on the seafront Paseo.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 13 from 11.30am, and will begin and end from near to El Garfio restaurant, just off the Paseo in San Pedro Alcántara.

Participants in the walk will pay a €5 entry fee and can choose to walk as far or as little as they like. There will also be special memorial caps available for purchase.

After the walk, participants can enjoy a delicious lunch at El Garfio restaurant, with a menu featuring fried aubergines for starters and a paella for the main course, with one drink per person included.

The cost is €30 per person, which includes a tip and a small donation to Age Concern. All profits from the event will go towards the running costs of Age Concern’s Social and Activity Centre. Participants are asked to RSVP in advance by contacting the group.

Hugo Investing in Marbella.

Hopkins will provide attendees with a rare insider’s view of the Rockefellers’ impressive art collection, which includes an array of impressionist masterpieces, and their contributions to the Museum of Modern Art.

Hopkins will also reveal some of the family’s closely guarded secrets and scandals, based on his personal experiences while working at Harvard University.

The event will conclude with Kaspar Huijsman, CEO of Hugo Investing, shedding light on the extensive and impressive investments of the Rockefeller family over history.

Tickets to the event cost €12 which includes a welcome drink and are available online from: https://hugoin vesting.com/the­rockefellersevent­by­the­arts­society/ . The event is an exclusive chance to uncover the secrets of one of the most powerful families in American history.

Clairvoyance for charity

GET ready for an incredible evening of clairvoyance with the UK’s top medium, Steve Holbrook! He’s coming to the Occidental Hotel in Fuengirola on Tuesday, May 23, and he’s bringing his unique ability to connect people with their loved ones who have passed away.

Not only will guests be amazed by his gift, but they’ll also be supporting a great cause; proceeds from the event will go to the Alzheimer and Dementia Support Group.

Holbrook has travelled around the world, wowing audiences with his psychic abilities. He can hear the voices of those who have passed on and is able to provide messages of reassurance to those who have lost loved ones. Holbrook has a unique gift that can bring comfort and closure to those who are grieving.

Holbrook has raised tens of thousands of pounds for various charities, and now he’s dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the PACT charity, which helps terminally ill children and their parents.

All are invited to come

along for an emotional rollercoaster ride of an evening! Tickets for the event cost €30 and can be purchased by calling 634 360 696. Doors will open at 7pm on the night at the Fuengirola venue, located behind the Crispy Cod.

Steve’s clairvoyant talents have brought him international acclaim.

Photo credit: Steve Holbrook (via Facebook)

It’s time to discover Six Senses Spa at Puente Romano Beach Resort

Right here, in Marbella, is the only Six Senses Spa in mainland Spain, found within the lush gardens of Puente Romano Beach Resort - and it is open to the public.

With the beauty of spring all around us, now is the moment to discover this spectacular wellness destination, where the scents, sights and sounds of the Mediterranean are integral to each treatment and therapy, creating an immersive experience that rekindles your zest for life.

Feel like new, rejuvenated and relaxed with one the signature treatments, like the ‘CBD therapy by KLORIS’. This a fully personalised treatment, using the KLORIS uplifting massage oil which contains the terpenes of blood orange (a known mood supporter), and warming vanilla for a stress-relieving treatment. Alternatively, enjoy the signature Hammam experience, a traditional Hammam ritual combined with a deeply relaxing back massage to release muscle tension.

Wet Zone passes are also available for purchase, perfect if you wish to enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge pool, experience showers, herbal steam room and sauna, and later relax with a cup of ginger tea in the striking relaxation area.

Six Senses Spa Marbella captures the essence of its beachside location with design that echoes traditional Andalucian architecture, using noble natural materials including oak timber floors and local stone, built with thoughtful artisanship, creating authentic and calming spaces.

Each signature treatment is tailored to you, and use natural ingredients, many sourced from southern Spain including extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and mountain herbs.

Opening times: Monday - Sunday 11am - 7:30pm

Rockin’ tribute

AN exciting tribute concert featuring The Beatles and The Rolling Stones promises to bring the best hits from the legendary bands to Estepona on Monday, August 14.

The concert will feature two tribute bands, The Silver Beats

and HonkyTonk Cats, who have both built a reputation for their exceptional musical talent and ability to capture the essence of their respective bands.

The Silver Beats have been wowing audiences for over 20 years with their authentic and technically impressive renditions of The Fab Four’s early music. From The Cavern Club to Manchester and London, they capture the spirit of The Beatles showing their innovative use of harmony and guitar riffs alongside unique rhythms.

HonkyTonk Cats, on the other hand, will bring to life the iconic hits of The Rolling Stones, taking the audience on a journey through the band’s different eras and styles. From classic tunes such as ‘Satisfaction’ and ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ to newer favourites like ‘Start Me Up’, their performance promises to be a hit with fans of all ages.

Further details and ticket s are available at: www.enter ticket.es/eventos/

Unique treasures

COIN Artisan and Flea Market is scheduled to return on Saturday May 13, in support of a local horse rescue charity, S.E.A.R.C.H.

The event takes place every second Saturday of the month from 1pm to 5pm at Molly’s Roadhouse Restaurant on Partido Cortijo Benitez. Visitors can expect to find a range of unique items, including artisanal products, vintage clothing, and upcycled goods.

The market is being held to support S.E.A.R.C.H., a charity founded by a group of people who share a passion for complete care and treatment of rescued horses. Their mission is to promote natural methods of healing, training, and riding to ensure that horses can find permanent, loving homes.

Local businesses and craftspeople can book a stall for the event by contacting Jo on 649 977 723. Stalls can be set up on the day from 12pm for a book­

ing fee of €5.

This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy an exciting afternoon of unique finds and support a great cause at the same time

More information about

the horse rescue sanctuary can be found on their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ SpanishEquineAssociation Their website is also available at: https://serch.es/

Coronation celebration

LA SALA luxury venue in Puerto Banus is preparing to throw an unmissable regal party to celebrate King Charles’ coronation.

The venue is hosting a live screening event from 11am­4pm on Saturday, May 6. Guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of cava, setting the tone for an afternoon of decadence. Guests will witness the historic moment as the King is crowned, and can even take part in the new public vows ceremony in an opulent atmosphere

Reservations can be made to: reservations@ lasalabanus.com, by phone: 952 814 145, or WhatsApp: 620 152 963.

Funds raised will rehabilitate the sanctuary’s majestic horses.

Photo credit: S.E.A.R.C.H. (via Facebook)

A BREATHTAKING ballet performance is set to take place on Wednesday, June 16 at Estepona’s Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI!

The School of Russian Ballet, founded by the renowned Regina Zarhina in San Pedro Alcantara in 2012, will showcase their talented students in a dazzling display of artistry and grace.

Regina Zarhina, a highly­experienced dancer and teacher, holds a Master’s degree in Theatre and Dance from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree in Film Direction. She has taught at the Ballet Department of the University of Utah and at the Elmhurst School of Dance of the Royal Ballet in Birmingham. Students from the School of Russian Ballet have participated in prestigious international ballet competitions in Belgium, France, Italy, and the United States, winning multiple awards and prizes. With over 60 students of different ages

THE Lions Club Puerto Banús Cosmopolite are preparing to host a dazzling dinner gala on Thursday, May 11. Guests are invited to don their finest white evening wear for a night to remember.

The charity event will be hosted in the Divot Puerto Banús restaurant from 8.30pm on the evening.

The charity event will take place in the stunning Divot Puerto Banús restaurant, starting at 8.30pm sharp. The night will be filled with deli­

Dance dream

and nationalities, the school is a true testament to the power of the arts.

All are invited to witness the beauty and elegance of Russian ballet. Tickets start at €23 from: https://tafestepona.entradas.plus/entradas/en /entradas­escuela­ballet­ruso­el­ballet

White-tie gala

cious food, entertainment and more! With an appetising three ­ course meal and a mouth ­ watering aperitif, guests will be spoilt for choice. But this event isn’t just about looking fabulous and enjoying a night out; it’s also about supporting a good cause. The Lions Club Puerto Banús Cosmopolite is raising funds for Avoi, a charity that provides essential support for

Regal bash

AGE CONCERN Fuengirola, Mijas and Benalmádena are set to carry on the celebrations after the new King of the United Kingdom is crowned, with a Coronation Afterparty. The event will be hosted at the Hotel Arco de Sol in Colmenar on Sunday, May 7.

Guests are in for a treat with a sumptuous threecourse meal and a complimentary drink to kick off the festivities. The party will continue with an afternoon tea and entertainment.

children and young people with cancer, both in hospital and at home.

Tickets for the event cost €80, which includes the cost of the meal and a donation to the charity.

More information about the event is available through the group’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100069841071

354

A coach service will leave from La Cala de Mijas at 11.15am, Yaramar Fuengirola at 11.30am, Gardenia Park Hotel Torreblanca at 11.45am and Burger King Arroyo Benalmádena at 12pm. Tickets cost €30 for guests and €20 for Age Concern service users. For information visit Age Concern drop­in centre or call Chrissie: 711 019 711

The school’s elegant dancers warm up.

Photo credit: School of Russian Ballet (via

Popular property

Betty Henderson

SPAIN continues to be a highly sought‐after destina‐tion for homebuyers, as the country’s housing stock dwindles. According to a study released by European

property portal, Idealista, on Friday, April 28, the number of available homes for sale in Spain has decreased by 5 per cent in the last year.

This drop is even greater than the 3 per cent decline seen in the last quarter of 2022. While this may seem concerning to some, it is a sign of the growing populari‐ty of Spain as a desirable lo‐cation for homeowners and is also set to boost property value.

Major cities like Barcelona have seen a decline of 11 per

cent in homes for sale, while Madrid has experienced an unexpected 4 per cent in ‐crease in supply.

This trend is not limited to major cities, as even smaller towns have seen a decrease in available homes for sale. However, this has not de ‐terred homebuyers, as Spain continues to be a popular destination for those seeking a beautiful and comfortable lifestyle, and property sales have continued to soar.

It is clear that Spain’s prop‐erty market is thriving.

Pledge for Palestine

SPAIN plans to recognise Palestine as a state, but they want to make sure oth‐er European Union coun ‐tries also support this deci‐sion.

The Spanish Foreign Min‐ister, José Manuel Albares met with his Palestinian counterpart, Riad Al Malki to discuss this and other is‐sues on Wednesday, April 26.

Prior to his election, Pe‐dro Sánchez promised to recognise Palestine if he came into power, but is still waiting for the right mo ‐ment to do so. Currently, 10 out of 27 EU countries have recognised Palestine as a state.

The Palestinian territories

€163 million for drought

ON Tuesday, April 25, the Governing Council of the Junta de Andalucia ap‐proved the third decree against the drought. It en‐tailed the allocation of €163 million in hydraulic works and aid. The measure is forecast to provide some 184 cubic hectometres for supply and irrigation and plans to benefit almost three million Andalucians.

The Andalucian Govern‐ment revealed that this third decree brings the funding allocated in re‐sponse to the lack of water suffered by the Community to €300 million.

are currently occupied by Is‐rael, who are building illegal settlements and imposing a near ‐ total blockade on Gaza, severely restricting Palestinian people’s abilities to access essential items and services.

In the past, Spain has been criticised for not being strong enough in their con‐demnation of Israel’s ac ‐tions. However, the Spanish government assured the Palestinian Foreign Minister that recognising Palestine as a state is a priority for them.

Albares also met with the Israeli foreign minister, but it’s important for Spain to show support for Palestine, given the ongoing conflict and human rights violations.

There are also plans for the installation of irrigation pipes, the improvement of the water supply, the search for new water sources, the reduction of water losses, and the digi‐talisation of water manage‐ment. It also includes a package of direct and ex‐ceptional aid for farmers, ranchers and fishermen, amounting to €43 million.

Among these is direct aid of €10 million, plus €6 million for the expansion of the line of drinking troughs. Subsidies for the construc‐tion of rafts, watering holes and connectivity infrastruc‐tures will receive €5 mil‐lion.

Spain’s charm is driving property popularity.

Photo credit: Frigiliana (via Facebook)

Managing migration

Betty Henderson

IN an unprecedented move, the government of the United States announced a plan to send mi‐grants to third countries including Spain and Canada. The plan was announced on Thursday, April 27, as part of the country’s efforts to man‐age the flow of immigrants into the country.

The migrants’ applications for residency will be processed through legal processing centres set up in South and Central American countries including Colombia and Guatemala.

The move comes as the US seeks to reduce

SPANISH authorities sum‐moned the Russian Ambas‐sador to Spain on Friday, April 28 over a controversial tweet.

A tweet from the Russian embassy insinuated that Spain has troops deployed in Ukraine, something the Span‐ish government vehemently denies. Just days after present‐ing his credentials to the Span‐ish king, the new Russian am‐bassador, Yuri Klimenko, found himself in hot water with the Spanish government.

The tweet showed individu‐als wearing military gear speaking in Spanish, followed by a clip of the Spanish Minis‐

the number of migrants crossing the border with Mexico, with the suspension of Title 42, a contro‐versial policy allowing authorities to expel mi‐grants without first hearing their cases.

According to a statement by the Department of State and Homeland Security, the measures will be implemented in close coordination with regional partners including the governments of Canada, Spain, Colombia and Guatemala.

Under the plan, migrants will be evaluated at processing centres where they will be given ac‐cess to legal pathways for migration.

Twitter tension

ter of Defence, Margarita Rob‐les. The montage insinuated that Spain was playing an ac‐tive role in the Ukrainian con‐

Irritating foreigners

A BIT like wasps around a jam pot, the British me‐dia is buzzing with sto ‐ries about a so‐called se‐cret Spanish word for irritating foreigners which is Guiri.

This writer has owned a property in Spain for more than 20 years and neighbours have been calling him a Guiri for all that time, when they can’t think of anything more appropriate.

flict, a claim that the Spanish government has denied.

In response, the Spanish For‐eign Minister demanded that the embassy remove the post, which they did. The ambas‐sador was subsequently sum‐moned where he received a warning.

Despite this incident, Spain continues to play an active role in supporting Ukraine. The country has already provided tanks, missiles, and other sup‐plies and plans to train more Ukrainian troops soon.

To the Spanish it im ‐mediately explains something about the person who may like to think of themselves as ei‐ther an expat or a holi ‐day maker, but in fact is a just a foreigner.

It isn’t always insult ‐ing, just describes who the person is and is prob‐ably less offensive than the British word Dago or Chilean word Godo (and there is another but that

is too rude to repeat in a family newspaper) to a Spaniard.

There are at least two songs which spell out the meaning of the word, Guiris (go home) by La Maquineria del Fango and Guiris by Los Ra ‐tones, but if you are British or Irish, don’t worry, it’s aimed at any foreigner who gets into a Spaniard’s sights.

So emotive is the word

that various Spanish newspapers have picked up on the ‘storm in a tea cup’ as can be seen from an article in La Van ‐guardia.

In this woke atmo ‐sphere we live in today, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’ may no longer be the case, but at least we stiff upper lip Guiris can learn to live with it.

A bit of Spanish humour, Banksy it isn’t!

Credit: Dusty Dingo CC

48% of Britons wouldn’t go to space even if safety was guaranteed.

BIRD fans will be pleased to hear that the Hanuman Plover has been reinstated as a species in its own right, after spending almost a century classed as a subspecies.

Plovers are a family of shorebirds that live all over the world, except for the very poles. They feed on invertebrates, but otherwise have a range of different habitats and lifestyle.

In the 1930s, the ‘diminutive Kentish Plover’, Charadrius Seebohmi, was merged into the Kentish Plover Charadrius Alexandrinus, as both species were considered to be the same.

Now a team of scientists, including co­author of the study and Principal Curator in Charge of Birds at the Natural History Museum, Dr Alex Bond, have

Splendid species

concluded that enough differences do in fact exist between the two to elevate it back to the status of full species and given it the name of Hanuman plover.

Dr Alex Bond confirmed: “Over a century ago, these

birds were considered to be their own species, so it’s not that these plovers have changed. Instead, it’s our understanding of what a species is, and how much variation is suitable to differentiate one, that is different.”

The UK in bloom

BLOSSOM Week is inspired by the Japanese tradition of Hanami, the popular custom where people of all ages get together to enjoy the transient beauty of cherry blossom.

Blossom Week has been designed as a natural peak to the campaign when the majority of the country will have some sort of blossom in bloom ­ from blackthorn and cherry, to apple and pear.

The National Trust hopes to encourage people across the UK to get outside to enjoy the fleeting beauty of this spring phenomenon either in their own gardens or local parks.

Andy Jasper, Head of Gardens and Parklands at the National Trust said: “We are at the epicentre of a truly magnificent show of blossom.”

To encourage the public to visit their local parks and gardens and share their best blossom moments, the conservation charity is further hosting a blossom picture competition.

Social media users can share their favourite nature shots using the hashtag #BlossomWatchComp for a chance to win a year’s worth of holidays with the National Trust (worth £6,000). The competition will run until May 12.

13.6% of Spain’s population goes to church every Sunday.

Sisters, act

Betty Henderson

POPE FRANCIS broke tradition in a historic move on Wednesday, April 26 as the Vatican announced that women will be given voting rights at an upcoming meeting of bishops in October.

In a move that has been praised by many as a significant step forward, five religious sisters will be permitted to cast votes at the synod, which is an advisory body for the papacy.

This decision marks a significant shift in the Roman Catholic Church, which has been heavily dominated by men for centuries. The Women’s Ordination Conference praised the reform, calling it “a significant crack in the stained glass ceiling.”

Pope Francis also announced that 70 non­clerical members of the religious community will be given voting rights, in another break from tradition that will make the synod more inclusive by

including women and young people.

This groundbreaking move has not come without resistance, with some parts of the Church likely to push back against the decision. However, it is clear that Pope Francis is committed to making the Church more representative and inclusive, and this is just the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church.

Justice delayed

THE world’s oldest convicted war criminal, Josef Schütz, died in Germany at age of 102 on Wednesday, April 26.

Schütz was found guilty last June of aiding and abetting the murders of thousands at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp near Berlin between 1942 and 1945. He was given a five year sentence.

Schütz always denied being an SS guard at the camp,

NORWAY criticised Sweden’s response after a research rocket malfunction which saw it crash­land in Norway’s territory. Sweden is investigating the matter, but Norwegian officials released a statement on Wednesday, April 26, expressing their concerns.

The rocket was launched from the Esrange Space Centre on Monday, April 25 and then fell into a mountain range in neighbouring Norway, without prior warning.

The Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which owns and

claiming instead that he had worked as a farm labourer. However, documents showed his name and birth details as an SS guard at the camp. During his trial, Schütz expressed no regret, saying, “I don’t know why I’m sitting here in the sin bin. I really had nothing to do with it.” Despite his claims, he was found guilty of aiding the murders of a shocking 3,518 people.

Germany has been working to bring Nazi war criminals to court in recent years, prompted by a landmark case in 2011.

Schütz’s death marks the end of a long journey to bring him to justice. While he never served a day in jail due to a series of appeals, his conviction stands as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

Going off-course

runs the centre, apologised and said that they are investigating the matter. However, Norwegian officials claim that Sweden failed to inform them formally about the launch.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ragnhild Simenstad stated that proper communication channels must be used to inform them about such launches. The SSC reported that the rocket was carrying out experiments in microgravi­

ty for potential carbon­free fuels and creating more efficient solar cells.

SSC spokesman Philip Ohlsson confirmed that the rocket’s first stage motor landed close to the Esrange base site in Sweden, while the second stage motor and the payload parachuted onto Norwegian territory. Norwegian authorities have since confirmed that no injuries or damage have been reported.

The Pope celebrated Earth Day recently.

34% of adults sleep with a stuffed animal or a blanket.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Viking treasure

METAL detectorists discovered a hoard of Viking silver near the ruins of the Viking castle Fyrkat, in Hobro, North Denmark. Their find contained over 300 items which included Danish, German and Arab coins, dating back to the 900s, when King Harald ‘Bluetooth’ united Denmark and Norway.

THE NETHERLANDS

Flower quandary

THE Netherlands account for 80 per cent of the EU’s flower exports and 60 per cent of global flower production, including those sent to Russia. Dutch growers said that flowers were not affected by sanctions but admitted they were faced with the dilemma of whether to stop exports on moral grounds.

BELGIUM

Fizz fuss

BELGIAN Customs officers crushed 2,352 cans of Miller High Life bearing the ‘Champagne of Beers’ slogan. The US shipment en route to another country was intercepted and destroyed in Antwerp after the French authorities issued a formal complaint regarding the infringement of Champagne’s protected status.

GERMANY

Chips are down

GERMANY could limit the export of the chemicals that are used to manufacture semiconductors as the government attempts to reduce its economic exposure to China, Bloomber said. Chemical companies Merck and BASF, who would be affected if exports were curbed, declined to comment.

FRANCE

Porn rules

FRANCE’S audiovisual and digital communications regulator Arcom could receive new powers to block websites not complying with age verification regulations. Under modified rules, Arcom would not require judicial approval to force telecoms operators and search engines to block access to Pornhub or YouPorn

NORWAY

Oslo fight

ASYLUM-SEEKER Andrey Medvedev, a Wagner mercenary who crossed into Norway from Russia in January, pleaded guilty to fighting outside an Oslo bar and carrying an air gun in public. He felt very ashamed, Medvedev said, but denied assaulting police officers in the Norwegian capital.

FINLAND

Snakes alive

ADDERS, Finland’s only dangerous snakes, will become a protected species in June. In future, people will no longer be permitted to kill them without reasonable cause or disturb them in their natural habitats, although Turku Animal Protection Association’s president, Britt-Marie Juup, foresaw “heated discussions.”

IRELAND

Too good

IRELAND has one of the highest rates of overqualification in the EU, according to newly released Eurostat data. Just under 29 per cent of the country’s employees were working in occupations not requiring a third-level degree despite having one, making the country's workforce the EU’s most educated.

ITALY

Free pill

ITALY will make free contraception medication available to women of all ages, a move applauded by women’s rights activists nationwide but condemned by anti-abortion advocates. The Pricing and Reimbursement Committee of AIFA, the Italian Medicines Agency now awaits approval from the agency’s board of directors.

PORTUGAL Stony broke

FORMER Banco Espirito Santo (BES) bank boss Ricardo Salgado, out on €3 million bail since 2014, owes more than €30,000 in court costs, which his defence team claims he cannot pay as his assets were impounded by the state. The costs mounted up in unsuccessful appeals to the Constitutional Court.

UKRAINE Looking ahead

UKRAINE lost a third of its economic output in 2022 as eight million people fell into poverty, creating a 15-year setback in poverty reduction goals. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development pledged that when the time came for reconstruction “people will be there, human capital will be there.”

SWEDEN

New fashion

DRUG busts involving designer drug 3-CMC increased dramatically in Sweden after gaining a foothold during the pandemic, the country’s media said. Between 2019 and 2022 Swedish Customs and the police seized quantities ranging from four to 104 kilos, saying 3-CMC was now more common than cocaine.

FINANCE

STAT OF WEEK €1.164 billion

was the amount of telecom company Orange España’s turnover during the first three months of this year, a 2.8 per increase on the same period in 2021.

BUSINESS EXTRA Telefonica’s Virgin

Coffee break

PRET A MANGER is increasing the cost of its monthly subscription service by a fifth to £30 (€33.9) for a daily five coffees but will give a 10 per cent discount on food and snacks alongside free drinks. The sandwich chain warned that the “inflationary challenge” was ever­present.

Payback time

RENTING state­owned Sareb’s 50,000 properties at affordable prices will repay taxpayers’ money, Spain’s Economy Minister Nadia Calviño, said. She added that after taking control of Spain’s “bad bank” the government’s “good management” was returning to society its contribution to the 2011 bank bailout.

Takeover bid

MEDICA GROUP is the latest London­listed business targeted by private equity buyers following IK Partners’ £269 million (€303.7 million) bid for the teleradiology provider. Medica’s board advised shareholders to vote for the deal, saying this would allow investors to recognise the business’s growth potential.

New post

GERMAN­BORN Miguel Angel Lopez Borrego, who has Spanish nationality, replaces Martina Merz as CEO of the German group ThyssenKrupp on June 1. Lopez Borrego, who is 58, and currently interim CEO of Norma Group, is a former director of Siemens Spain and a member of the Siemens Gamesa board.

Desert song

UMAR KAMANI, former CEO of the PrettyLittleThing fastfashion chain, sold 30,000 square feet (2,787 square metres) of undeveloped sand in Dubai that cost him £6.42 million (€7.3 million) for more than £27 million (€30.5 million). Kamani’s buyer is believed to be a member of the Saudi royal family.

Lifeline needed for landline

Linda Hall

TALKTALK, Virgin Media and SSE have been accused of overcharging landlineonly customers by almost €219 million (approximately €247.3 million).

Almost 600,000 UK landline­only customers were charged ‘excessive’ prices since 2009, maintained Fideres, which specialises in providing industry expertise for financial markets’ disputes.

The consultancy, which also aims to identify corporate wrongdoing, found that TalkTalk ­ and the now­merged Virgin Media and SSE ­ have between them overcharged consumers when their prices were compared with those of their rivals. Fideres pointed out that as well as a pricing abuse that possibly breached competition rules, the three

companies were also infringing equality laws since two­thirds of customers with landline­only deals were aged 65 or older.

In 2017, Ofcom published research showing that landline customers were getting ‘poor value for money’.

Providers had increased line rental charges by 25 and 49 per cent since 2009 even though the underlying wholesale cost of providing a landline service had fallen by 26 per cent.

As a result, BT, which accounts for about 80 per cent of the UK’s 2.9 million landline­only clients, cut charges by around 37 per cent, reversing the increases by returning pricing to 2009 levels in real­terms.

Ofcom said in 2017 that it expected other providers to follow suit as did the Post Office, unlike Virgin Media and TalkTalk. If providers rolled back their prices to match the 2009 levels, TalkTalk’s customers would have saved £103 million (€116.3 million) and Virgin Media and SSE’s customers £48 million (€54.2 millon), Fideres calculated.

Airports group flies high

AENA reported a net profit of €133.6 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared with losses of €41.7 million during the same period in 2022.

The total number of passengers in Spain, Luton and airports in northeast Brazil recovered 100 per cent of their pre­pandemic levels, state­owned Aena announced on April 26.

Traffic volume at Aena’s Spanish airports reached 53.6 million in the first three months of the year, a 41.6

Barça deal

FC BARCELONA finally secured funds for the Espai Barça project which includes renovating the Camp Nou stadium.

The club has now signed a €1.45 billion agreement with 20 investors, although this is €50 million less than it originally hoped for.

It has taken the club almost two months to obtain sufficient financial backing to start work at the Camp Nou ground. Setbacks that coincided with club president Joan Laporta’s funding mission included the scandal over Barça’s payments to football referee José María Enríquez Negreira and the hike in interest rates, followed the Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse banking crises.

per cent increase on the same period last year and 1.6 per cent higher than during the first quarter of 2019.

Commercial sales showed a 12 per cent improvement on their pre­pandemic lev­

els,. Total consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2023 increased to €1.03 billion, 34.3 per cent up on the first quarter of 2022.

Aeronautical revenue of €523 million was 26 per cent

Salmon tax

THE price of Norway’s farmed salmon could rise by up to 10 per cent, industry insiders warned.

Norway produces more than 1.5 million tons of salmon each year and the Oslo government now intends to slap a 35 per cent tax on their profits.

As a result, consumer prices are expected to rise by as much as 10 per cent or even more.

“We all know it is coming,” said Lance Forman, owner of London­based H Forman and Sons, which supplies leading restaurants and Harrods.

After fossil fuels, salmon farming is the country’s largest source of national income. It is also very lucrative, with operating profit margins of around 45 per cent.

Despite the salmon farmers’ efforts, the Norwegian parliament is expected to approve the measure in the coming weeks.

TELEFONICA has strengthened its position in the UK with a partnership between its strategic digital business subsidiary, Tech&I, and Virgin Media 02 Business.

Virgin’s customers can now be supported by Telefonica Tech’s cloud team of professional and managed services. Based in the UK this company currently employs more than 1,000 technology professionals following its takeover of CancomUK&I and Incremental.

This will enable Virgin Media O2 Business to offer enhanced services to medium and large organisations. These will range from local authorities wanting to unify data and processes, healthcare providers migrating sensitive data to the cloud and retailers looking to evolve e­commerce opportunities in the cloud.

higher than in 2022 while commercial revenue ­ again surpassing 2019 levelsreached €337.9 million, 40.1 per cent more than during the first three months of 2022. “The performance of commercial activity in the first quarter of the year is noteworthy, where pre­pandemic activity levels improved markedly,” Aena said. Aena’s gross operating result between January and March of this year rose to €368.6 million, representing growth of 153.2 per cent.

Light fantastic

NATIONAL POWER, owner of the Drax power station in Selby (Yorkshire), reported its highest ever annual profits.

Shareholders in the FTSE 250 company can look forward to a £150 million (€169 million) windfall, thanks to record electricity prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This had helped to increase the group’s annual profits for 2022 to £731 million (€824.7 million), up from £398 million (€499 million) in 2021.

Drax also announced that in the meantime it was putting on hold its much ­ debated £50 million (€56.4 million) carbon capture project, as it awaited details from the government regarding a possible subsidy.

Turned off

NETFLIX lost more than one million Spanish viewers in the first quarter of this year, consultancy company Kantar found.

Vetoing shared accounts was responsible for the plunge and the future looks even bleaker now that 10 per cent of current subscribers plan to leave Netflix within the next three months.

“Losing some users was to be expected,” said Mayte Gonzalez, from Kantar’s Worldpanel division. “But losing more than one million in so little time has major consequences for Netflix and will influence its decision to continue with this measure worldwide.”

Loud and clear

MARSHALL GROUP is more likely to increase its commitment to Britain than leave, its new owners said.

The family­owned amplifiers firm was bought by Swedish company, Zound Industries, which makes Bluetooth speakers, in a deal that valued the combined group at £325 million (€367 million).

All Marshall brands were acquired by Zound, for an undisclosed amount.

“We will preserve and probably enhance our UK presence even more, because it is so important to who we are,” said Jeremy de Maillard, who heads the new business.

LANDLINES: Users tend to be over 65.

AENA HEADQUARTERS: Spain’s airports group makes a profit.

Photo credit: Pexels/Rodnae Productions

Photo credit: CC/Gemmarz

DOW JONES

Family affair

SPAIN’S National High Court in Madrid is investigating Santiago Alarco, the former brother­in­law of ex­Cabinet minister Rodrigo Rato, for hiding money abroad. Alarco has been summonsed to give evidence on May 24 to answer charges of money laundering and creating a financial network to keep cash out of the reach of Spain’s tax authorities.

Deaf ears

HSBC’s biggest shareholder said that it was “extremely disappointed” in the bank’s refusal to consider splitting up and separating its Asia business, criticising its inflexibility towards restructuring proposals. Ping An Asset Management, which has an 8 per cent holding in the banking giant, would prefer to see a separate Honglisted business headquartered in Asia.

PM’S own goal

GERRY MURPHY, chairman of luxury retailer Burberry described axing VAT ­ free shopping for foreign visitors as a “spectacular” own goal.

“It makes the UK the least attractive shopping destination in Europe,” Murphy added.

The criticism came after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to a Business Connect meeting in London when he was quizzed about the measure introduced while he was Chancellor.

The Burberry boss told

the prime minister that it appeared “somewhat perverse” that the VAT refund

for tourists was removed on the day the UK left the single market.

Powering up profits

IBERDROLA made a €1.48 billion net profit in the first quarter of 2023.

This was more than 40 per cent up on the same period last year, which coincided with the start of the Ukraine war.

Thanks to improvements in Spain and the UK, the group reported a marked increase in results despite the new 1.2 per cent windfall tax applied to energy com­

panies’ net turnover. This increased the group’s total tax bill by €200 million this quarter compared with the first three months of 2021. It has also been paid in full, announced Iberdrola, although payments have increased by 102.2 per cent to €1.18 billion this quarter, compared to €583 million in 2021.

Ocado relocates

“Leaving the EU has had a significant effect on trade,” Murphy said, claiming that the UK was experiencing “by far” the weakest recovery from the pandemic compared with other major economies.

A group of business leaders has now called for the reintroduction of tax­free shopping for overseas tourists.

In a letter to the UK’s Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, retail, hospitality and tourism chiefs maintained that reinstating the VAT concession would benefit both businesses and the taxpayer.

Tax­free shopping would bring a multi­billion­pound boost to the economy, they argued.

“The cost of 20 per cent VAT refunds would be outweighed by the enormous benefits of encouraging more visitors to Britain,” they said.

IN a move that will affect approximately 2,300 employees, Ocado plans to close its oldest distribution centre in Hatfield (Hertfordshire) later this year.

This centre accounts for a fifth of the online grocer’s weekly customer orders each week, but sources explained that Ocado now intends to shift towards robotic warehouses, transferring to a new state ­ of ­ the ­ art warehouse in Luton.

Logo no-go

LIDL won its legal standoff against Tesco.

A High Court judge found in favour of the German­owned chain which accused Tesco of “riding on its coat tails” by promoting its Clubcard deals with a similar blue and yellow logo.

Mrs Justice Joanna Smith made the ruling late last month after an earlier hearing between the two supermarket giants.

BURBERRY: Chairman Gerry Murphy lamented end of taxfree shopping for tourists.

Euro

EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.88

EUR/USD: Up from $1.07 to $1.09

Easing concerns over Europe’s banking sector initially helped the euro to firm at end of March, before these gains were swiftly eased by a weaker-than-expected Eurozone inflation print.

Hawkish comments from a European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker, put a spring back in the single currency’s step at the start of April, before rally sputtered out in the face of fresh tensions between Russia and Europe as Finland formally joined NATO.

The euro continued to waver into mid-April as a disappointing Eurozone retail sales reading was offset and the single currency’s negative correlation with the US dollar infused volatility into EUR exchange rates.

A stronger-than-expected Eurozone services PMI then lent support to the euro toward the end of April.

While the ECB’s next interest rate

BUSINESS EXTRA

Scot-free

P&O Ferries believe that the possibility of a fine arising from the 2022 mass sacking of 786 employees was “remote.”

The Dubai ­ owned ferry operator’s annual report maintained that sacking its entire UK­based crew without the prior consultation required by UK law was a “solution to gaining essential operational flexibility.

Good result

BARCELONA­BASED construction company FCC, controlled by Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim, earned €97 million in the first three months of this year, 14 per cent more than 2021’s first quarter. Revenue increased by 21.2 per cent to €2.03 billion thanks to increased activity and double­digit growth in most business areas.

Currency outlook: US dollar slumps amid fading Fed rate hike bets, Euro underpinned by ECB interest rate speculation

decision will undoubtedly be the main focus for EUR investors over the coming month, the potential start of Ukraine’s long-rumoured spring offensive could also inject some volatility into the euro.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Unchanged at €1.13

GBP/USD: Up from $1.22 to $1.24

The pound wavered over the past month as mixed UK economic data and a fluctuating market mood left the currency to trade without a strong directional bias.

At the end of March Sterling zigzagged in response to hawkish comments from Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey and a cautious market mood.

Thin trading conditions due to the long Easter weekend then left the pound trapped in a narrow range at the start of April. Before GBP exchange rates stumbled after UK growth was revised lower in the first quarter.

The pound then spiked on the back of the UK’s latest consumer

sale of Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty to Microsoft.

The CMA halted the $69 billion (€63.2 billion) deal - the biggest deal ever in gaming - on the grounds this would hinder competition in cloud gaming.

The regulator said on April 26 that Microsoft’s pledge to allow leading cloud gaming platforms to access Activision’s multibillion-dollar Call of Duty franchise had not allayed its concerns.

The company remained fully committed to the acquisition and would appeal the decision, Microsoft president Brad Smith announced in a statement. Activision in turn said it would “work aggressively” with Microsoft to reverse the CMA’s decision.

“This was not the news we wanted,” Activision’s CEO Bobby Kotick told staff, “but it is far from the final word on this deal,” he added.

“We will reassess our growth plans for the UK,” the company said in a separate statement. “Global innovators large and small will take note that, despite all its rhetoric, the UK is clearly closed for business.”

price index after reporting domestic inflation remained in double digits in March.

The hotter-than-expected inflation print cement expectations for a May rate hike from the BoE, while also prompting some analysts to speculate rates could rise as high as 5 per cent by the end of 2023.

Looking ahead, the BoE’s May policy meeting could trigger a sharp appreciation in the pound if the bank signals it needs to take more action to bring inflation under control.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Down from $0.81 to $0.80

USD/EUR: Down from €0.92 to €0.91

The US dollar trended broadly lower over the past month as an improving market mood sapped the appeal of the safe-haven currency. USD was supressed as we entered April, as USD investors were split on whether the Federal Reserve would pursue another rate hike in May.

The US dollar continued to be

CMA won’t play

To date this was the biggest deal between technology companies that the CMA has blocked and its stance was interpreted by insiders as proof

that the UK watchdog was ready to take on Big Tech.

It is now up to Brussels to reach a decision by May 22 on the Activision deal.

Tax breaks for all

ALL religions in Spain can now enjoy the same tax breaks.

The government has reached an agreement with the Orthodox Church, the Buddhist Union, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses who between them account for 1.3 million followers. Of these, one million belong to the Orthodox Church, half of whom are Romanian.

They will be exempt from paying IBI rates on properties that are used for worship and will no longer be liable for Corporation Tax. This will put them on an equal footing with the Catholic Church, the Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities, the Federation of Jewish Communities and the Islamic Commission.

pressured through the first couple of weeks in April, as some upbeat US data releases helped to reinforce the cheery market mood. While a weaker-than-expected core PCE price index saw the odds of a May rate hike fall as low as 40 per cent.

USD exchange rates then struck new multi-month lows in mid-April after a dramatic cooling of US inflation and dovish minutes from the Fed’s last policy meeting further undermined rate hike bets.

However, the US dollar was quick to rebound from its worst levels after a worrying decline in US retail sales spooked markets and revived safehaven demand. While increased confidence in a May rate hike also supported USD.

Looking ahead, the direction of the US dollar over the next month will largely depend on the Fed’s forward ward guidance following its next rate decision. If the US central bank signals it might be done with its current hiking cycle, USD exchange rates may plunge.

Out of pocket

ASSOCIATIONS representing recruitment firms called for changes to existing legislation. The lower end of the supply chain of temporary workers faced unfair financial pressure, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo UK) and APSCo OutSource maintained.

Payment was often required between seven and 28 days of timesheet submissions, while end clients enjoyed payment terms of between 30 and 60 days, they pointed out. This meant the middle-supplier was out of pocket for an increasing length of time which was unsustainable in the current climate, causing undue financial strain on small and medium-sized businesses. They routinely footed the initial bill for large numbers of contractors without rapid reimbursement, Melanie Forbes, APSCo OutSource’s managing director explained.

They are now asking for an extension of Payment Practices and Performance regulations to reduce financial pressures.

Mercadona nears its target

MERCADONA continues to modify its growth strategy inside Spain.

The supermarket chain, with 1,637 stores here, is slowing down acquisition of premises and land for new branches. Instead it is switching to renting.

By the close of the 2022 financial year, it had allocated €76 million - almost 40 per cent less than in 2021 - for new stores, according to Mercadona’s annual accounts submitted to Spain’s Mercantile Registry.

The chain has tripled the number of its supermarkets since 2000, although Mercadona’s president and principal shareholder Juan Roig said when presenting the 2022 results last March, that the company planned to stop at 1,700 inside Spain.

APRIL: Stronger-than expected Eurozone services PMI lent support to the euro.

THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has blocked the

ACTIVISION-MICROSOFT: Deal could hinder cloud gaming, CMA said.

Photo credit: Pexels-jeshoots

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ONE of the real problems with the social media is that it allows the woke snowflakes and utter eccentrics to seek each other out. Whereas, at one time someone with totally off the wall ideas would hardly come across any like­minded individuals, they can now contact each other at the touch of a button. It stands to reason if you can air your views to millions, you are going to find more supporters than standing on a street corner handing out leaflets.

Although there seems to be a positive glut of gaggle heads these days, there are in fact no more than they ever were, they are just a bit more linked up that’s all. Solo individuals have now been turned into ‘minority groups’, a part of the flavour that seems to get all the preferential treatment these days!

These latest ensembles are a glaring example. Drunk with the power of getting national media coverage, they are now advocating that not only wolf whistling, but ANY praise by a male of the species, including

One-track

reference to articles of dress or attire be classed as a misogynistic hate crime. I suppose praise from a female is ok? We’ll be a bit careful lady, the woman admiring your hat at Ascot could be a gender bender; another load of codswallop dreamed up by these people.

To be honest I’m surprised most of ‘em even have the courage to walk out of their own front doors. They seem to have totally one­track minds and, because they all appear to share complexes of utter inadequacy, are completely unable to accept, or even listen to any other points of view.

One example is their ongoing insistence that babies, and young children who show a tendency to play with toys or enjoy dressing up and indulging in the games of their opposite sex, should be immediately and relentlessly encouraged to grow up in that sexual gender.

This was actually shot down by one eminent psychiatrist who, on examination of a young boy who had displayed a great deal of inter­

FLYING HIGH OUR VIEW

est in feminine toys etc, discovered he had in fact a younger sister, who suffered a debilitating illness. This had led to the parents showing her more attention.

In the little boy’s mind he interpreted this as favouritism toward girls. The lad thought that if he acted more like a girl, he would attract the same attention as his sister. It had nothing to do with his gender whatsoever! This example also exposes some of the dangers presented to children of same sex parents. Another ‘offspring impressionable’ situation I was actually witnessing as far back as the 60s. Notting Hill where I spent my youth experienced many progressions, including a multitude of gay influence and of course the first of the Windrush immigrants. I actually caught a lot of it many moons ago. And frankly have never been too happy to see how it’s all panned out. Keep the faith.

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon. Fri.

LAST weekend, we reported on our website, news of a massive fight onboard a plane travelling from Norway to Alicante in Spain. It appears that the fight was fuelled by the drunken behaviour of a number of passengers and when it arrived in Spain, no fewer than 15 people, all said to be Norwegian were arrested.

There was an unprecedented number of views of the stories and almost 100 readers felt that it would be helpful to make comments, for which we are grateful.

As often happens, some people simply read the title without taking in the content and rushed to blame boozy Brits abroad but on this occasion, they were completely wrong. It rather looks as if these idiots who are used to paying high prices for alcohol in their home country might have been taking advantage of cheaper in­flight booze and overdid it!

No excuse and probably 50 per cent of the comments are calling for a ban on alcohol sales on all flights, 25 per cent want to see tougher checks before passengers are allowed on board or automatic travel bans if they are convicted of misbehaving on a flight. Roughly a quarter feel that it’s unfair to stop those who drink in moderation from being allowed a beer or glass of wine to help them relax after the flight takes off but all want to see flight attendants try to refuse sales to drunks.

That may be easier said than done as the attendants themselves could leave themselves open to verbal abuse or physical attack, but it is clear that something needs to be done to ensure that the majority of travellers can enjoy (subject to leg room) their flight in peace.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

CORONATION QUICHE DOESN’T DESERVE ONLINE ROASTING

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

FOR some people, Coronation Quiche with its spinach and broad bean filling may seem a bit unexciting and unglam‐orous for such a grand occasion this weekend. On the other hand, it’s part of just the type of nostalgic, comfort food that’s currently enjoying a revival. Or maybe it’s to do with the UK being hit with strikes in multiple areas? Peo‐ple in the UK struggling on a daily basis with the increased cost of living and higher food prices, inflation and interest rates, let alone China flexing its muscles and war in Ukraine continuing to dis ‐rupt world trade. Who doesn’t remem‐ber the 70s, say, with nostalgia ‐ a time of relative peace and calmness?

And foods from that period inevitably bring back memories. Who made it. Who you ate it with. What your life was like at that point in time...

For me, it’s onion soup served in one of those made‐for‐purpose bowls with a little handle. Or perhaps cheese fondue ‐ wine, kirsch, bread. Anything smoth ‐

ered in bubbling hot melted cheese! What else? Prawn cocktail, steak Diane, peach Melba or butterscotch Angel De‐light with chopped banana and Bird’s Eye Dream Topping (eaten straight from the bowl given half a chance…)

Or toad in the hole, shepherd’s pie,

How to report an abandoned car on the street or community

CONSULAR MATTERS

IT is still quite common to see cars, vans, or motorcycles that are completely dete‐riorated, covered in dust, and with de‐flated tyres occupying a parking space. In fact, the Spanish traffic authorities (DGT) estimates that there are about 20,000 abandoned cars in private facilities (abandoned cars in garages, in a commu‐nity of owners, in workshops...) and that around 50,000 vehicles are abandoned each year. This can result in a hefty fine for the owner, as their obligation is to deregister it and remove it from the obli‐gation, as indicated by the Law.

Until now, you could only request the removal of the vehicle if it was on the public road. However, with the Spanish VEH 2022/26 instruction, you can also request it if the vehicle is abandoned in a community of owners, in a shopping centre, in a workshop, in a private zones, etc. In each case, the time to file the

complaint is different. In a private area, it must be proven that the vehicle has been abandoned for a minimum of two months. In a public parking lot, at least six months must elapse to report aban‐donment.

You can report an abandoned car to your town hall by phone, internet, or in person.

It may happen that you go on a trip for a period exceeding one month or any other circumstance that prevents you from moving the car and someone has reported it. To prove that the vehicle is not abandoned, you will have to provide the valid vehicle documentation, with the latest ITV passed, car’s insurance, and payment of taxes. You will also have to pay the fine and the expenses of the crane and deposit before you can take it away.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

Marisa Moreno Castillo Consul for Denmark and Senior Lawyer at Just Law Solicitors. www.justlawsolicitors.com • contact@justlawsolicitors.com

lemon meringue pie and Arctic Roll ‐cake AND ice ‐ cream in one pudding. What more could you want? And as for snacks, what about jelly cubes eaten straight from the packet? Squashed fly biscuits (Garibaldi, weren’t they?). Or Wagon Wheels ‐ though should be re ‐named Trolley Castors thanks to shrink‐flation.

After all that, who’d feel nostalgic for Quinoa salad?

And as for the height of sophistication in my youth: Vesta Chow Mein with crispy noodles! Or oeufs Mornay ‐ a ‘posh’ starter. A boiled egg cut in half and smothered in a dodgy ‘sauce’ that invariably tasted like salad cream with a bit of wilted mint sprinkled over it. Also avocado vinaigrette ‐ half a rock hard or ridiculously mushy avocado with bitter vinaigrette filling the hole. And, in the more upmarket restaurants, a couple of sad ‐ looking prawns floating around in the liquid.

Actually, Delia Smith was way ahead of her time and her recipes are still in ‐credibly reliable crowd pleasers. They’ll surely long outlive the dreadful recipes you regularly come across these days where the ‘chef’ believes you can chuck anything together and just camouflage

the tasteless result with chilli. Yuk! But frankly, I’ve never understood this ‘comeback’ thing. If something is good, it’s good. End of. Do you stop eat‐ing a certain food (like the humble quiche), drinking a certain drink, watch‐ing a certain movie or reading a certain book (a suspense or crime thriller, like me?) because somebody else tells you it’s outdated, and that’s the thing to do?

Do you throw away all your clothes or shoes every year when some magazine tells you: ‘They’re so last season!’? (Clue: it’s a business ‐ that’s their job.) There’s absolutely nothing wrong with trying new things and being experimen‐tal, but it’s good to have the classics locked away too. After all, it’s the clas‐sics that are your gold standard for comparing quality.

So, in brief, all I’m saying is: Give Quiche a Chance...

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.nora ‐ johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Mediterranean diet Mark II

LINDA HALL

SOME years back, a friend who hadn’t been here long grumbled that she’d put on weight thanks to the Mediter‐ranean diet.

Hardly surprising, because eating Mediterranean Spain’s food doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re follow ‐ing its rules. In fact you’ll usually be eating, and doubtless enjoying it very much, a Spanglish diet, which is noto‐rious for adding kilos you’d rather lose.

As I found when living in the rural outskirts of Altea my neighbours – el‐derly people who knew nothing other than the Mediterranean diet ‐ ate what they produced.

That meant killing it too.

We lived in the bottom half of a rambling house, some of it new, some of it probably a couple of centuries old. Each Friday Marcela, our landlady who lived on the top half, would se ‐lect a rabbit from the corral and kill it in a process that I was careful not to witness but couldn’t avoid overhear ‐ing.

It was brutal but rapid and in no

time at all, she’d skinned and gutted it, ready for the Sunday paella.

Pigeons, chickens, even turkeys at Christmas, met the same fate but who was I to shiver in disgust? Not when I bought the remains of dead animals that had lived in miserable conditions and were bred purely to satisfy the appetites of supermarket customers.

A couple of my neighbours were al‐so directly linked to the fish they ate and one day shortly after we’d moved in, Marcela’s cousin Teresa appeared with some mackerel so fresh that they shone.

Did I want any, Marcela asked me.

As it happened, I didn’t as I’d bought fish that morning, which also hap ‐pened to be mackerel. Obviously there’d been a good catch the night before.

“Teresa often brings me some,” she said.

“I suppose she had some left over,” I remarked.

Marcela looked at me sternly. “Oh no. These aren’t leftovers. We share what we have.”

And there spoke someone who knew what the Mediterranean diet re‐ally meant.

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.

Frozen assets

CONTRARY to popular belief, frozen fruit is as good for you as newly ‐bought fresh produce.

Professor Gunter Kuhnle, a nutrition ex ‐pert from the Universi ‐ty of Reading, ex ‐plained that levels of vitamin C in fruit, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and bones, fall by 50 per cent in just a couple of days.

The interval between picking and consuming fruit is usually even longer, he pointed out, while natural enzymes found in fruit can also cause nutrient levels to drop, resulting in loss of colour and flavour.

Freezing, in contrast, can preserve nutrients almost immediately, Professor Kughnle said.

First, the fruit is blanched by briefly ex ‐posing it to boiling wa ‐

To-do list

DR RICHARD RESTAK, an American neurologist and neuropsychiatrist, maintains that demen ‐tia can be kept at bay.

Sleep a siesta to su ‐percharge the memory, he said, eat more chocolate – dark for preference – and read a novel, not non ‐ fiction.

Drink less alcohol, or preferably none, get on your feet and start moving.

Keep your mind on the move too, he ad ‐vised, meet up with friends to reminisce and keep your memory sharp.

Wrong message

A TOP nutritionist criticised the NHS’s “soup and shake” diet hailed by experts for reversing Type 2 diabetes.

Professor Tim Spector told the UK media that the extreme 800 calories per day diet would assist “'a very small number of highly ‐ motivated individuals” in re ‐versing their diabetes.

It sent the wrong message to tell people desperately trying to lose weight that they could do so with ultra‐processed substitutes, Professor Spector said.

ter or steam, which in ‐activates these en ‐zymes, preventing nu ‐trient loss.

FRESH FRUIT: Loses Vitamin C from the moment it is picked

Photo credit: Pexels/Joshua Woroniecki

Here comes summer

CHERRIES are a seasonal treat, with Spain’s best grown in Jerte (Ex ‐tremadura) as well as in ‐land in the provinces of Alicante and Valencia.

Drinking the juice of

sour cherries is said to get you get a better night’s sleep and will also reduce post ‐ workout pain. Meanwhile, the tarter varieties should help you to slim down,

owing to their antho ‐cyanin content which ac ‐tivates the molecules that assist in speeding up fat burning and decreas ‐ing fat storage.

The sweeter varieties

Cooling system

THERE’S no need to stop exercising in hot weath ‐er, especially if you start early before temperatures start to rise.

Remember, though, that exercise will in ‐crease your own body temperature and if you’re exposed to soar ‐ing temperatures for too long, your natural cooling system can start to fail.

That in turn could re ‐sult in heat exhaustion, the debilitating fatigue that makes you feel that one more step will be your last. At worst, it could develop into heat stroke.

To avoid this and to keep cool, drink plenty of water every 20 min ‐utes while exercising and more when you’ve stopped. At other times of the day, drink when thirsty.

On the other hand,

don’t make the mistake of drinking too much as overhydration can lead to hyponatrem ‐ia or low blood sodium.

KEEP DRINKING: Hydration essential while exercising in hot weather

Sleep tight

MELATONIN, a hormone which is released by the brain as night falls to makes us sleepy, is a prescrip‐tion medication in the UK.

Nevertheless, although serotonin supplements are available in Spain without a prescription, experts rec‐ommended that people consult their doctor before taking it.

The supplement does not address underlying health problems, like anxiety and sleep apnea, that may disrupt sleep and require treatment. Lifestyle changes including a cut‐down on alcohol and regular exercise are more efficient at helping people to sleep better, they said.

of cherries have an abun ‐dance of potassium, a natural blood ‐ pressure reducer, and are rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, anthocyanins and quercetin.

CHERRIES: Give you a good night’s sleep and reduce blood pressure

Photo credit: Pexels/Jopwell

66% of British people feel they are in ‘good health’

Insurance help LETTERS

May I suggest that Gwendeline Ott ‐ley contact Staysure Insurance as they have no upper age limit. We have used them for many years and many trips around the World and find them excellent.

Regards

Same problem

Terry and Shirley

In reply to your correspondent Gwen ‐doline Ottley in edition April 27 to May 3, re lack of travel insurance for older expats, can I say that we have the same problem. My partner is almost 90 and is probably fitter than most 60 ‐ year ‐ olds in that there is nothing whatsoever wrong with him. Like Gwendoline, we like to travel, but contact insurance companies and they don’t ask anything about health, just your age. This is not fair, I wish some of them would realise this.

Last Christmas and New Year, we went on a Caribbean cruise, the only way to do this was that we booked through a British travel agent (but their office is in La Zenia) and because there is nothing wrong with us, we were able to take advantage of their insurance for €139 each (+€35 for Covid cover). This compared with the £1,400 wanted by another company. We have never claimed in 50 years of use.

We want to take a Danube cruise next spring, which was cancelled twice due to Covid, but it will depend on whether or not we can get insurance. Companies are missing a trick here.

So no help to the lady, but she has a lot of sympathy. We would like to know if she does eventually manage to get covered.

Kind regards,

Diana Wiltshire and Patrice Satur

Hello Leapy

We look forward to your candid com ‐ments in your column in EWN each week. We mostly tend to be in accord with you, although occasionally not so, but then that makes for good discus ‐sion between ourselves and friends.

Whilst trawling through family photo‐graphic archives and memorabilia this week ‐ end, my wife (Su) came across an amusing, relevant item. In a faded copy of the mag Fabulous’208, dated 21st December 1968 that she had unearthed from the piles of stored stuff, she was featured as a model in an article titled ‘Right Gear for a Rave Up!’. (During the late 60s and 70s she was a DJ on P&O liners and had modelling and promo ‐tion work.)

But, over the page in FabTalk, there was a piece about you ‐ ¡Leapy banked on it¡. Attached is a scanned copy ‐even though it mentions your damaged Cadillac, I thought you might like to see it.

Please keep up your comments and views in your articles ‐ someone’s got to voice it before the wokes take over the world!!

Kind regards ‐ David

M‐S

Bull dies

I read about the fighting bull that plunged to its death from a bridge dur ‐ing the Bou de les Penyes festivities in Ontinyent, Valencia. This is extreme an‐imal cruelty. These people are of no benefit to this planet. They’re relics of a medieval mindset. Pure evil at work here. They bring shame on their coun ‐try. It needs to stop.

Deborah Hall

Housing market

Spain has more space and a diverse landscape, however, one point to high ‐light is if the 90 ‐ day rule is not ad ‐dressed, this will have a significant im ‐pact on tourism and potential home ownership with properties tied to ser ‐vice charges. Time will tell…

Mark

Stars in Barcelona

After seeing that the Obamas, and Steven Spielberg and his wife were spotted in Barcelona, does Spain want these Warmongers in the country? Is Spain a bit white for the Obamas? Just saying, because of Michelle complain ‐ing. Have we forgiven Obama for forc ‐ing USA nuke ships in our harbours? Obama go home.

Michael Fisher

BILL ANDERSON A PUBLIC SERVANT

I KNOW I have written about this before, but it keeps happening. DISCLOSURE: I am a serving councillor in Mijas for the Partido Popular. I get asked on a daily basis one of two things: who should I vote for, or can you summarise the elec‐toral commitments of the various par ‐ties in Mijas? There are 10 parties pre ‐senting in Mijas. I would assume this will be pretty similar in the other municipali‐ties.

I have to reply to these queries that they cannot come to me for an objective opinion bearing in mind that the political sword of Damocles hangs over my head and may be dropped or otherwise on May 28. I am doing my best to get our commitments out there, and I’ll be damned if I do the same for the other parties who haven’t even bothered to communicate their commitments in any language other than Spanish. If they can’t be bothered, I certainly won’t do it for them. It is a bit like ringing up Mer‐cadona and asking them to tell you what offers Carrefour has on at the moment.

I can’t even assure you that any de ‐scription I give of the other parties will

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

I LEARNED the facts of life at the age of nine or 10 but the world has moved on since the late 40s. Nowadays little boys are raping girls by the age of 10 and murdering them by the time they are 12. Not all of them, but in growing numbers. Guns and knives are pre ‐ferred nowadays to pea ‐ shooters and catapults, while playground scuffles have given way to shootings or stab ‐bings as a means of settling scores.

When I was five, I was attracted to girls in general (and Rosalind in partic‐ular) and enjoyed sitting next to them. I realised they were different from boys, who were perhaps more fun, but I had no idea about sexual communion nor how I arrived on planet Earth.

It was a schoolfriend who eventually told me, but he omitted to explain that the act normally took place in a hori ‐zontal position in a bed and normally between a man and his wife.

Hmmm. I had visions of perpendicu ‐lar liaisons between a mother and a fa‐ther, while (more or less) fully dressed and anywhere out of view. Perhaps behind the potting shed or in the

MAY REGRET THIS!!

well as despite coming third in the last two elections have spent eight years in government.

Then we have the far left, the nomi ‐nally less left (Socialists, PSOE), the cen‐tre right Conservatives (Partido Popular) and the far right (Vox). The last of these is yet another which appears overnight, does nothing for four years and then again comes out of hibernation for the elections. That is their right so to do.

be unbiased. But what the hell: here goes! There are four parties that you have probably never heard of. They ap‐pear out of the ether at each election and during the ensuing legislature re ‐treat back into obscurity. Why would you want to vote for a party you have never heard of and which has never been active in Mijas other than present‐ing candidates for the election?

Then there are the two new parties. One of them is recycled and revamped

by someone who is on Mijas Council and now claims there is something new to offer, which wasn’t offered in his time in government. There is a brand new party. What can I say: no experience, no track record. Not much more to add to that.

Then there are the Old Faithfuls: the centre party (Ciudadanos) which I refer to as the “swingers” as they have shown that they can swing either way depend‐ing on which direction gives them the best advantage. They have done it very

Before I came to Spain, I had never had an affiliation with any political par‐ty. I would say that I maybe squinted to the left rather than leaning in that direc‐tion, but Socialism in Spain reminds me of an old aunt of mine who slept with a framed picture of Joseph Stalin over her bed. Just a personal opinion and not a statement of fact.

All I can say is that voting by political labels in Spain can lead to disillusion ‐ment. What is classed as a hot curry in a Spanish restaurant wouldn’t even break a sweat on a hardened vindaloo eater from the UK.

Please don’t ask me who to vote for. I’m not allowed to say.

FACTS OF LIFE

teenage boys wore jacket and tie in restaurants, in many of which the menus were presented only in French.

This meant that nine out of 10 cus ‐tomers hadn’t a clue what they were ordering.

The other 10 per cent were probably eating out fairly regularly ‐ not just on birthdays. Some men even put on a jacket and tie especially to go into a bank.

garage.

It was also a fact of life that, at the age of nine, I had been taught to raise my school cap on meeting a woman, and at 11 I would offer my seat on a bus to any woman or elderly man. The following members of society had to be treated with special respect: teach‐ers, policemen, vicars, friends of my father and fathers of my friends ‐ nor ‐mally addressed as “sir”.

We had fights at school but had to rely on our hands and, in extreme cas ‐

es, our fists ‐ but not our feet, let alone weapons. Things began to change in the 60s. Skinheads and bovver boots, followed by punk ‘music’ signalled the emergence of a less gentle society. The facts of life were clarified for the wider public when the Rolling Stones re ‐leased ‘Let’s spend the night together’. The culture of free love was born.

In the 50s many working people felt uncomfortable in banks and restau ‐rants, much the preserve of the more affluent or more educated. Men and

A friend pointed out to me that Par ‐adise was being a 20s‐year‐old hetero‐sexual male in swinging London in the 60s, when there was an inexhaustible presence of slender, elegant women of all nationalities. There was no political correctness but, by today’s standards, it was a harmless, if not innocent, world.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

WHO TO VOTE FOR: Please don’t ask me as I’m not allowed to say.

In the 50s a hand-catapult was considered a dangerous weapon. We have moved on since then.

Photo Credits: Dreamstime and Huffington Post

Are you looking for a Summer School for your child?

THE International School Es ‐tepona is offering an exciting and entertaining summer school club; a local favourite for all chil‐dren aged four to 12 years old. This will run from Monday July 3 until Friday August 4 inclusive, starting at 9.30 until 1.30pm. There are two options available; you can either book the full five weeks’ programme, receiving a discount, or choose your own sessions.

Whether you are living here on the coast or just visiting on holi‐day, the Summer School is a great opportunity to experience what ISE has to offer to younger mem‐bers of the family.

ISE has great facilities; secure, enclosed gardens, a fabulous sports ground and airy class ‐rooms with air conditioning.

Summer is the ideal time for your child to enjoy their hobbies and boost their level of English. Therefore, ISE is the best option

for children to learn English, whilst having fun and discovering new interests.

The summer school pro ‐gramme is designed to activate children’s learning through fun activities; cookery, art and crafts, physical activities and music, with content adapted to each age group.

The school will help to allow the children to express them ‐selves with self‐assurance, devel‐

op their creativity, provide them with multi‐sensorial activities and improve their agility, along with their team‐working skills. In addi‐

tion, there will be activities to help ESL children, gain the confi‐dence they need to acquire new vocabulary and grammar and in turn speak English with fluency.

The Summer School also allows children that are new to the area, to experience the school and its surroundings. The ISE also pro ‐vides holiday clubs all year round.

The Holiday Clubs are available during half terms in October, February and May. They are also

available during the main holi ‐days, such as Christmas and East‐er.

Visit the school website mar bellaschool.com for more infor‐mation or check out our social media pages on Facebook (@In‐ternationalSchoolEstepona) and Instagram (@isemarbellaschool).

Our goal is to create a safe and happy environment so that chil‐dren can learn new skills, socialise and make new friends.

ISE has great facilities including secure, enclosed gardens. The school helps the children to express themselves.

I HAD the privilege and pleasure of interviewing His Excellency Hugh Elliott, the Ambassador to the United Kingdom in Spain in the lead up to the Coronation of King Charles III. Here are some snippets (watch the full interview on “Marbella Now” #MN395).

Me

During your speech at the Queen’s Jubilee you men‐tioned how honoured and proud you were to serve under Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Can I ask what’s it like suddenly having a new boss ..?

HM Ambassador : That’s a good question. I

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

think it’s been such a series of shocks from the excite‐ment of the wonderful cele‐bration of the Jubilee and then really quite a short while afterwards the death of the Queen and every ‐thing that went with that. We got quite an outpour‐ing of emotion from people from all walks of life and so moving into the transition with a new Monarch for the first time since forever, seven decades, is quite a thing, isn’t it? It is still an in‐

Best of British

credible honour to be rep‐resenting his Majesty now, having represented her Majesty. Frankly, we’re all getting a little bit used to it and there’s no huge differ‐ence and it remains a tremendous honour.

Me

I imagine it’s quite an honour also, that you now will go down in history as the British Ambassador who served under two monarchs. I mean, that’s a pretty big deal.

HM Ambassador : And it hasn’t happened for a while.

Me

I know that I cried when I heard the news of her Majesty’s passing but I put on my best face, as I think we British do, renowned for our stiff upper lip, not

showing our emotions and queuing.

What would you consid‐er to be the ‘Best of British traits’?

HM Ambassador : I jumped the queue the other day by accident. I feel terribly guilty, so that shows I’m still really British. I think despite being having

been here for a few years you’re right, that it was a very emotional moment just to get back to that for a second.

It’s strange because Queen Elizabeth was obvi‐ously a monarch that had been around for a very long time, not somebody that you and I know deeply well personally and yet it felt like

something quite person‐al… and people were very surprised by that, but we get on with the job, keep calm and carry on. The fu‐neral itself was an extraor‐dinary event … I’m sure the coronation this weekend will be as well. I think what King Charles is looking for from this weekend is to re‐ally show the best of British, because it’s not just about the Saturday, it’s also about the big lunch on the Sun‐day, which is all about com‐munity. It’s all about bring‐ing people together.

… I’m extremely proud to be British ambassador here... I know very well that Brexit has been hard for people ... but we haven’t changed as a nation. Our values haven’t changed, the essence you’ve just been talking about hasn’t changed. I’m very proud.

DO SUPPLEMENTS WORK?

MARCEL SALAZAR touches on the topic of supplements and asks if they work. Supplements may not be necessary for healthy people with a bal‐anced diet, but unfortu ‐nately it is harder now to get food closer to source and some fruits, for exam‐ple, may have been picked six to eight months before they end up on the supermarket shelves.

This means that even these good foods are not as nutritionally dense as fruit picked within a week or so. There are also prob‐lems in mineral content in vegetables which have been grown in depleted soil. So, even with an os‐tensibly ‘healthy’ diet we may still find ourselves depleted in vitamins and minerals.

Marcel is very clear that all supplements are not equal and there is usually a relationship between price and quality. Supple‐

ments are not always a regulated activity so the quality of supplements can vary significantly. More and better quality control usually results in a better quality product.

The key to knowing what we need as well as which one to buy. Even for those of us who eat a basically healthy diet rarely do we consider the balance of vitamins and minerals. Marcel outlines the range of vitamins: A, B Group, C, D, E, and K and gives a brief explanation of the benefits of each product.

Minerals can be consid‐

ered as even more impor‐tant than vitamins. For sports people magnesium has a major effect on bones and muscle tissue.

Supplementing calcium can often be helpful but consuming calcium from your food is better than supplements. Iron is also critical for blood cells, and phosphorous, often taken in combination with other minerals. Zinc and copper are also essential to good body function.

Marcel can be contact‐ed via his website ‘strong‐forlife.me’ and he also has a YouTube channel and is on Facebook.

Thanks to Centro House Marbella for the recording space.

Shopping spree

EXPANDYOURSPANISH

SOME things are the same the world over.

That includes never finding a sales assistant in a department store when you want one, al‐though a flock of them descends on you when you want to wander round and look.

At best they make you feel guilty because you’re not buying and at worst they look at you as though you are a potential shoplifter. It’s al‐ways best to say something in these circum‐stances and you use a phrase that’s similar in En‐glish and Spanish:

I’m just looking, thank you….. estoy sólo mi‐rando, gracias

On those occasions when you do find a salesperson you’ll need to explain what you want:

Can I try this on….. ¿puedo probar esto?

I want a small/medium/big size….. quiero la talla pequeña/mediana/grande

Do you have this dress/blouse/shirt/suit/coat in another size?.....¿tiene este vestido/esta blusa/esta camisa/este traje/este abrigo en otra talla?

I’d like to see this dress/blouse/shirt/suit in an‐other colour…..

me gustaría este vestido/esta blusa/este tra‐je/estos zapatos en otro color

And because it’s often so difficult to get ex‐actly what you want:

CAMPING in a group is great fun, you can bond and spend quality time with people without the distractions of daily life, but have you ever felt like going it alone?

Solo camping can also be a fulfilling experience, you can hike at your own pace with‐out feeling like you need to rush or hang back and con‐nect with nature on a deeper level.

Sometimes when camping in a group we can spend time entertaining people or main‐taining the status quo, when you are alone you can just be at peace without these stres‐sors. You can also improve your skills as in a group some

We help to find solutions

This dress is too small/big/tight/ loose/long/short….. este vestido es demasiado pequeño/grande/ajustado/suelto/largo/corto

These shoes are too small/big/tight/wide… ..estos zapatos son demasiado pequeños/ grandes/apretados/anchos

I take a size 37 ‐ gasto un 37

I’m sorry but I don’t like it/them….. lo siento, pero no me gusta/no me gustan

I’m going to think about it….. me lo voy a pen‐sar

Then there’s the saddest phrases of all:

It’s too expensive….. es demasiado caro/cara They’re too expensive….. son demasiado caros/caras

Is there something cheaper?….. ¿hay algo más barato?

On those occasions when you can splash out:

Can I pay by debit/credit card…..¿puedo pa‐gar con tarjeta?

Do you want cash?..... ¿lo quiero en efecti‐vo?

And if it really doesn’t suit you:

I’d like to change this.…. quiero cambiar esto, por favor

By the way, the person you look for or evade in a department store (grandes almacenes) is un dependiente/una dependienta but not un asis‐tente, who is an attendee.

Meanwhile una asistenta is the person who cleans for you on a daily basis.

THE British Benevolent Fund has over a century of providing emergency financial relief for Britons in Spain who have no other recourse ‐ to find solu‐tions for people who are in a desperate situation and who see no way out.

Money can’t by love but it can be an enabler for people who have found themselves in difficulties. Many of these cas‐es are triggered by illnesses, breakdown in relationships, loss of jobs and bereavement.

Into that mix comes Brexit, which for some Britons who have been living in Spain mean that if they are not resident un‐der the terms of the withdraw‐al agreement, they have to face the prospect of being classed as illegally staying in Spain. If that wasn’t enough ‐for vulnerable people ‐ many of whom are advanced in years means that they no longer have the access to Spanish state support and healthcare that they might have been eligible for before. Which means some difficult decisions for those that need

Solo camping

alone you should try it but don’t jump in at the deep end, take it slow. Maybe try a campsite first and build up to an area you know really well.

care, housing, and support to return to the UK where many have not lived for years if not decades. Many are under the illusion that they will be auto‐matically entitled to UK bene‐fits including crucially access to housing. The UK’s welcome for returning vulnerable Britons is far from what extends to other nationalities. The Habitual Res‐idency Test means that a re‐turning British national may have to wait for up to three months before they can be eli‐gible. The BBF will help those who have no other resources, and we are increasingly being asked to help them in the UK whilst their applications are processed. These are people who have long lost touch with their networks at home and could face homelessness on ar‐rival without our support.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

One such is Tom, a 60‐year‐old Briton who left the UK nearly 40 years ago and has been told by his local authority he can only apply for housing and other benefits when he ar‐rives. He has multiple medical issues which need continual treatment as well as aggres‐sive MS which will mean per‐manent disability ‐ he needs to get home for treatment ‐ but the Habitual Residence Test means he will have to over‐come an enormous hurdle with no income, savings or re‐sources.

We can only help people like Tom with your support ‐ if you would like to help him and others with a donation, please visit our website www.british benevolentfund.org. Thank you for any help you can give.

Olaf Clayton, Chair BBF

That hammock life

people may take over the tasks, but alone you can get a sense of satisfaction when

THE best camping advice will usually tell you to travel light. Even so, if you are an avid camper or if you like your rustic trip with a hint of com ‐fort here are some cool camping gadgets you didn’t know you need‐ed!

First‐up solar lights, they are pow‐ered by the sun and nowadays most brands are bright enough to light the path at night or just have extra light in the camp when the sun goes down. Another good gadget to ac ‐quire is a lightweight compact stove.

Connect with nature on a deeper level.

you manage to do every thing yourself.

If you have never camped

Make sure to be compe‐tent at the basic skills alone before you try, pack light, and let people know your plans and your whereabouts. Make sure to bring a book or some form of entertainment just in case you miss the peo‐ple that usually surround the campfire.

Camping gadgets

They are handy for a mid‐hike cup of tea and they are super easy to set up and clean.

Camping experts recommend pur‐chasing a small water filtering pump if you don’t plan to stay on camp ‐sites. They now make lightweight portable versions and they can safe‐ly filter out any sediment or any ‐thing that could cause you harm.

For a touch of luxury and especial‐ly for coffee lovers that can’t go without you can now get a portable french press. They are stainless steel so durable and can usually provide four cups of coffee in one sitting.

There you go, with these cool gad‐gets along with a tent and a sleeping bag of course, you will have the best camping trip.

CAMPING along the coast of Spain, where you are pretty much guaranteed good weather from East‐er onwards, makes camp‐ing with a hammock a good option. Studies show that you can achieve a deeper, more restful sleep when you opt for a hammock over a sleeping bag or even a tent. No more rocks or roots in your back, in fact hammock use is recom‐mended to relieve pres‐sure on your back and shoulders. For people with hip or knee prob ‐lems who find it difficult to get up off the ground, a hammock could be right up your tree!

Camping in a hammock can give you greater ac‐cess to wild camping and beach camping as setting up tents in some places is off limits, but you can hang a hammock pretty much anywhere. They are portable and lightweight.

Sleeping on a hammock keeps you away from a lot of the bugs and crit ‐ters that crawl on the ground and if you add an insect net to your ham ‐mock you can pretty much protect yourself from them all.

Hammock fans even use them at home in ‐stead of a bed, but that might be taking it too far, they certainly make a good case for choosing a hammock for your next camping trip.

Photo Credit: Flickr Charlou dj

Hang a hammock anywhere.

PETS

Dogsitter will mind your pets

A DOG-SITTER is a companion as well as a pet minder to your pets. It is good to find someone who will play with your pets, as well as look after them. Housesitmatch can help you find such a dog­sitter and companion at very little cost.

If you’re planning a trip register now to find pet­sitters in time.

Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home.

Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

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

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. 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 housesit match.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram CosgraveDog and cat owner, Malaga How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesit match.com.

Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer. To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

Pet-friendly

TRAVELLING with pets can be difficult but so many ferry companies now have pet­friendly cabins.

At the moment, the following companies in Spain offer well­equipped pet ­ friendly cabins: Baleària, Naviera Armas, Trasmediterránea, Grandi Navi Veloci, and FRS.

These cabins are thoroughly cleaned to ensure maximum safety for passengers and pets and are usually equipped with linoleum floors, antiodour mats, pet pillows, and drinking troughs and can usually accommodate up to two small animals.

On board some vessels there are outdoor walking areas and designated play areas. Trasmediterránea and some other ferry companies are equipped

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112

24-HOUR PHARMACY

FARMACIA BERDAGUER MARBELLA: 952 773 187

CENTRAL FARMACIA LOS BOLICHES: 952 474 238

FARMACIA CAFFARENA MALAGA: 952 212 858

24-HOUR VETS

CLINICA VETSUR FUENGIROLA: 952 660 596

CLINICA VETERINARIA MALAGA: 952 358 701

Ferries with pet-friendly cabins.

with first aid kits for pets and they also provide a 24/7 vet hotline.

Some of these ferry companies offer some useful tips on how to travel with your pet. They recommend you bring familiar items to help keep your pets calm on board.

It is essential to bring your own disposable bags, gloves, and cleaning products to clean after your

pet. You will also need to bring your own dog food and treats. Depending on the breed and behaviour of your pet they may be required to wear a muzzle on board. They also recommend checking out the EU guidelines for travelling with pets to find out about what documents are needed and more information about border crossing with pets.

GEN Z Pets

ACCORDING to a recent study of 2,066 adults from Generation Z (adults aged between 18 and 26 years old) prioritise their pets over their partners and children when buying a home.

This study showed that Gen Z pet owners would consider moving if their home no longer worked for their pets even if this did not suit their partners.

The study also showed that 60 per cent of Gen Z house hunters are prioritising fenced­in outdoor space for their pets whereas before an office or a children’s playroom would have been

top of the list.

Fifty­five per cent of Gen Z pet owners said a pet­friendly home was more important than a child ­ friendly home. Gen Z adults are putting off parenthood choosing to start a family later in life but not pet parenthood. Thirteen per cent even admitted they would prefer to share the master bedroom with their pet instead of their partners!

Real Estate agencies have stated they have already begun to see these decisions impacting the market with pet­friendly properties more in demand.

Gen Z prioritise pets.

Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Javier Brosch

A dogsitter is also a companion to your pets.

AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares. Installation and repairs. Quality machines. Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros. For other energy-saving products visit www.coolandcosy. es. 952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 (1296179)

Quality Air Conditioning Installations. Economical heating, & silent in operation. 28 Years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.com (303385)

MR COOL – Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Sales & Service – Call Christian +34 629 527 587 or Nick +34 618 678 853 –www.mrcool.es (303225)

ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisations catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design T1(101730)

SUNSHINE AWNINGS/BLINDS

Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (302583)

ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various colours available, also black-out blinds. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (294242)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (302785)

SOLAR BLINDS

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to

reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living envi ronment. ian@solar shadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (292919)

METALWORK

NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648 (303060)

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS , FULL OR PART CLEARANCE. ALL FURNITURE WANTED, WE PAY MORE. TEL 634 324 914 OR EMAIL houseclearanceman@ hotmail.com (301543)

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

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM Buyers & Sellers of quality furniture. Top prices paid. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302540)

WE BUY vintage antiques and silver. Silver Jewellery accepted. Good rates paid. Discretion assured. 613 822 572 / +447778 422 305 (303311)

COLLECTIVE CALLING are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then supports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961 (295137)

CHIMNEY SERVICES

CHIMNEY SWEEP . Clean reliable professional. All types, special price for more than one. Chris 608 337 497 (296265)

APEX CHIMNEY SERVICES, professional chimney sweeping and smoke testing. NACS Qualified. Clean and efficient Tel: Bob 696 320 202

CHURCH SERVICES

JIM’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Bathrooms / kitchen reforms, repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tiling, maintenance. Give us a call no job too small. 692 207 799 / 645 559 423 (303368)

www.handymanservices.e s Electrician, plumbing, construction, painting. Innovation. ROT deduction for Swedish, Sotogrande to Marbella 648 712 530 (302411)

GENERAL BUILDER, Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, plumber, carpentry. Reasonable prices. 635 913 885 (References available) (302414)

SWINGLES CASAS SL

For all your building needs. Visit www.swinglescasas. com for more details or call 635 999 765 / 666 960 262 (295953)

PLUMBING & GENERAL BUILDING All your plumbing needs. Bathroom, kitchens, tiling & painting. Benalmadena based, travel no problem. Glen 669 073 773 or Paul 642 098 115 (302310)

QUALITY renovation: Kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, windows, doors, plastering, Total property renovations info@mas terbuildspain.com

952663141 /670409759

Over 28 years renovating history in Spain (302479)

ALH RENT A CAR – SHORT & LONG-TERM RENTALS FROM €15 A DAY. INSURANCE INCLUDED IN OUR PRICES. - TLF: 638 846 909 or reservasalhrentacar@gmail. com (295923)

PROFESSIONAL CARPENTRY Car-Ports, Mobile Home Decking. Concreting and Slabbing. Best Rates, Fully Insured. Tel: 622 647 602 (303113)

BENALMADENA Elim Family Fellowship. Elimfamilyfellowship.com or call 951 912 525 or 952 446 627. (10011)

CALAHONDA: Encounter Church (Elim), Family church with kids’ activities, Iglesia San Miguel, Sundays 4.30pm, Rev. David Hodgson, 695 115 496 (10012)

THE Ark Christian Church. We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 www.thearkspain.com (293850)

CLASSES

REYES PROPERTY SERVICES Est. over 25 years. Rental management. Tailor made for your all property needs. Call Wendy 635 630 370 (303017)

STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. 682 636451 www.starlight -spain.com (302059)

DECORATORS

RAINBOW Pinturas . English Painters & decorators. All aspects. Interior/exterior, private residential, commercial & communities. Spraying: door, kitchens & furniture. Light construction. Call/WhatsApp: Daniel: 628 066 308 www.rainbowpinturas.com (302039)

ATD DECOR. British Painter. 30 Years’ Experience. Punctual. Great Rates. Call for free quote. 602 431 968 Facebook: @ATDDecorMalaga (303106)

BESPOKE PAINTER general, mural & restorer, for internal/exterior designs 654 866 393 (303133)

DOMESTIC APP REP

DOMESTIC Appliance repairs - washing machines, fridges, cookers, ovens, water heaters, gas / electric, professionally repaired. Christian 608 337 497 (296265)

WASHING MACHINES , Ovens, Boilers etc. All work guaranteed by ex Zanussi technician. Reliable rapid service. Joe 609 345 096 (303048)

DRAINAGE

BLOCKED DRAINS? Leak detection, CCTV survey, root removal, Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (294321)

ALL ELECTRICAL work, rewiring, fault finding 30 years’ experience. Frank Tel. or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (302735)

CLEANING/MAINTENANCE

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 27 years experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email acservs@outlook.com (290189)

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

MARBLE FLOOR (2.50€/m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. PROFESSIONAL GUARANTEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, COVERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (303059)

MARBLE FLOORS polished high shine non-slip. Fast Service Reliable, family-run business. TERRACOTTA CLEANED and sealed. No job too small. Cleansol 10am – 10pm 7 days all areas. 952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTALLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RESTORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (302550)

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

FURNITURE

FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302540)

GARDENING

PROFESSIONAL garden services from Fuengirola to Estepona. All aspects of gardening and full maintenance and landscaping, free quotes, competitive prices. Contact Andrew 600 259 981 Andrew@garden-profe ssionals.com (295350)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

GOLF

EWN 4 - 10 May 2023 CLASSIFIEDS euroweeklynews.com 55

FOODSCAPING Spain Organic Edible Landscaping Services. We design,install & manage Raised bed Kitchen Gardens & Food Forests on the Costa del Sol. 52 Harvests a year from your own backyard. Now is the time to plant for summer abundance. Contact: Jacob@Foodscaping.es 642 260 204 (303308)

PLAZA MAYOR CINEMA

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: VOLUME 3

THU: 18:30, 20:30

FRI, SAT, WED: 18:30, 21:30

SUN: 12:00, 15:00, 18:30, 21:30

MON: 21:00

TUE: 20:00

SUZUME

THU, WED: 17:00

FRI, SAT: 15:55

SUN: 12:25, 15:55

THE THREE MUSKETEERS: D’ARTAGNAN

SUN: 13:15

RED DOG CINEMA CIIN CINNENEM EM M MA

Puerto Banus

SISU

THU: 17:00, 18:45

THU: 17:00, 20:30

EVIL DEAD RISE

THU: 18:40, 22:15

SUPER MARIO BROS: THE FILM

THU: 17:15, 17:30, 19:30

I RRIGATION

INSURANCE FILMS

IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes. TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply and laying). Garden constructions. Tree surgeon. Clearing. Astro Turf (Free Quotation) 676 747 521 (301097)

ELECTRIC GATE / GARAGE DOOR automation repaired. Free, no obligation quotation. Call Colin - 636 394 641 (302074)

ELECTRIC GATES /Garage

Doors. Intercoms/access control systems and replacement remotes. New installs and repairs. For all your electric gate and garage door requirements call us on 605 356 469/952 786 178. The Garage Door Co & 2 Way Gates. tgdc@hotmail. co.uk www.2waygates.com (294592)

E K SERVICES Window & Pool cleaning, gardening, window tinting. Marbella to Malaga. Call +34681 928 041. Email: emskdd3@ gmail.com (303338)

GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931 (302477)

HANDYMAN: General Masonry work, painting, wall/roof waterproofing & other jobs. Call Michael 622 755 666 (303309)

H AIRDRESSER

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER

Why don’t I come to you? Women, Men & Children. Estepona – Sotogrande. Call 658 675 077 (303361)

T HERAPIST

BODY and face treatments. Oleksandra, massage therapist +34603 388 449. San Pedro Alcántara (303346)

BOTOX & fillers from €80. Skinny Jab & Fat reducing injections. Cover Coast & Inland. www.beautifulmarbe lla.es 609 347 086 (303371)

Fires: Electric, Gas. Quality guaranteed. EnviroCare. All areas covered. 952 663 141 / 670 409759. info@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.com (303385)

VINYL WRAP

GATE HOUSE CLEARANCES INSURANCE INTERPRETER LAWYER LOCKSMITHS

VINYL SOLUTIONS WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RENOVATE? Modern adhesive vinyl coverings in hundreds of styles and designs can renovate a tired kitchen, bathroom, wall panels, bedroom wardrobes, fridge doors. Turn a tired looking wood designed kitchen into a modern solid colour or metallic look without painting or replacing. Work carried out on site with 10 year warranties Contact Ian 644 546 176 for design brochure and samples. (293467)

HOT TUBS new used, bought, sold, hired. Also move & repairs. Used good Hot Tubs for sale. 691 973 131 / +44 7836 379122 (303337)

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (302540)

MOTOR INSURANCE . For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure.com (291234)

INTERPRETER : Michael will assist/go with you to any appointment ie Townhall, Doctors etc call 606 809 042 (303309)

SENIOR Lawyer Offices in Glasgow, San Pedro, Fuengirola. jlmhens@gmail. com 00447955 013 633 (303350)

ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS, SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233 WWW.SECURITY OFSPAIN.COM CONTACT DAREN (303056) T1

REPAIRS GATES GENERAL SERVICES GLASS CURTAINS MASSAGE

ENGLISH LOCKSMITH emergency & appointment, locks changed, patio doors & windows secured. All locks supplied insurance approved. Fast & reliable service. No hidden extras or nasty surprises. 657 466 803 www.a1locksmiths.es (290138)

LAWYERS

RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (303146)

SAN PEDRO. Sandra. Professional relaxing, tantric massage. Young, slim, work alone, unforgettable moments. Nueva Andalucia. 641 346 278

MATURE elegant lady. Offers tantric and other massage. Personal home visits. 687 387 680 (286295)tp3

PURE RELAXATION in Nueva Andalucia with attractive independent masseuse. Tantric and other special massages in private apartment. For gentlemen and couples, with no rush attention to your needs 656 350 401

ENGLISH ELEGANT independent & affectionate lady in late 40s, gives a sensual golfers massage to relieve tension in her discreet private apartment. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 680 177 569 (303054)

CASSIE. Mature English lady. Discreet and clean. 667 914 732 (FU 2974)

IT’S TIME to try something different and very relaxed. Sara, elegant masseuse, I offer massage, tantric, sensitive, prostatic, authentic relaxation that will leave you floating on the cloud. believe me spectacular! Very clean. I give and demand total hygiene! Let yourself go and you will discover the most hidden pleasures. Only by appointment. 650 237 145 (302727)

TANTRIC masseuse in Calahonda. Cristal, expert in the art of seduction and tantric massage. Authentic masseuse who manages to transmit the physical and emotional pleasure with the 5 senses. Sensual tantric massage or body to body to perfection. Make an appointment. 650 237 145 (302727)

BUTTERFLY - Massage, is a space designed for people with high sensitivity, with a taste for body to body interaction, who enjoy the sensuality and magical trantric, to feel the warm hands of an attractive masseuse running through your body. Our masseuses have been chosen not only for their physical attractiveness, but also for their sensuality and massage skills. Only by appointment 951 274 723, 650 237 145 (302727)

CALA DE MIJAS . Excellent professional masseuse with exclusive attention for people who want to change their routine and want to relax and live a relaxing experience. If you are looking for discretion and good treatment, here I am. I’m Noa and I hope you make your appointment as soon as possible because I am very requested. 650 237 145 (302727)

MY HANDS can transmit a very important message and make us feel connected. I will create a suitable atmosphere for relaxation and sensuality without noise, candlelight, soft music, nothing should disturb that moment. Before we start, all you have to do is relax, breathe slowly to free your body and mind... I’ll take care of the rest. Irina, qualified masseuse with many years of experience. Book your appointment. 650 237 145

RIVIERA DEL SOL. I am Noa a simple and natural girl who hides among her shy appearance the best kept secrets of relaxing, decontracting and stimulating massage. I am a specialist in eliminating your worries, muscular tension thanks to a depurative massage technique that I combine with a sensory capacity out of the ordinary. I massage both men and couples. 650 237 145. by appointment only

CALAHONDA. I am your ideal masseuse if you want to enjoy a massage, relaxing and sensual and want to try the sensations that this generates. I will use my hands and body with techniques of relaxation and mutual connection. Carla – 650 237 145 (302727)

THE BEST RELAXING MASSAGE CLOSE TO ELVIRIA . Tantric massages. Come and enjoy today with us. Latin masseuses for men. Come and relax. Outcall, too 650 237 145

NEAR ELVIRIA . Masseuse, elegant with a high dose of implication. Very special tantric sensory massages. I will make you feel very relaxed with a good massage. 951 274 723, 650 237 145

MARBELLA CENTRE - the ideal place for relaxing massage in the city centre. Available 24h and prices from €50. For reservations and information call 620 366 817.

PROFESSIONAL MALE

muscled masseur. Full-body relaxing, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. In/outcalls. WhatsApp me 607 595 906 (301288)

FUENGIROLA - Johanna

Brazilian Mature Masseur. Relaxing Massages. Best relax guaranteed. Tel: 617.818.615 (303203)

ASIAN MASSEUR Massage relaxing & therapeutic, to release tension and stress. Fuengirola. Call 634 103 607 (301171)

LOS BOLICHES - Carolina

Pretty Masseur, Relaxing Massage, Guaranteed relax634.703.111 (303203)

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427 (303369)

FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage. Excellent service guaranteed. Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment 693 988 340 (290155)

WWW.LAILALYNCH1.COM

Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 2952)

AMAZING relaxing massage by mature lady, In/ outcalls. Fuengirola. 657 697 397 (FU 2970)

ESTEPONA . Susana, Latin Girl sculptural body, trained for deep relaxing massage. 697 705 304 (FU 2786)

ASIAN wellness massage Nice area west Marbella. Guaranteed results. 623 554 233 or 623 594 698 (301500)

ESTEPONA area. Kannika sweet Asian masseuse. Various massage. For more service details WhatsApp me 602 427 095 (FU 2891)

FILIPINO massage centre, Marbella, where hearts of proffessional massage. Open daily. 660 578 171 (MI 563)

FUENGIROLA Paula 30 years old beautiful, soft sensitive massages, deep body relaxation techniques 641 244 707 (FU 2908)

TWO filipina, simpathic excellent unique relaxing massage authentic oriental massage, exclusive. Elviria. 679 126 231 (MI 563)

BOLICHES: Celina elegant loving kind lovely for educated serious discreet respectable gentleman good behaviour. Unique moments, deep relax. Private apartment, quite cosy atmosphere. Enjoy complete services, calm excellent treatment special attention of your needs and satisfaction, pleasant sweet sensual lady. Demanding impeccable hygiene! Appointments: 11am/7pm 622 210 797

UKRAINIAN/THAI slim, friendly, beautiful hands massage. Marbella. 604 428 812 (FU 2980)

VANESSA Benalmadena excellent massage services. Relaxing & therapeutic. Home premises. Call me 624 811 098 (303305)

BEAUTIFUL Asian lady offer exclusive, sensitive, prostatic, deep, soft massage pleasure to body and mind pleasure, good clean atmosphere, Marbella. Elviria. 603 257 690 (MI 563)

FUENGIROLA. New Megan , mulatto, 19 years old massage and relaxation, 697 490 934. (FU 2979)

JAPANESE massage. Marbella. Relaxing, less stress. 664 177 216 (MI 559)

ASIAN touch combination oriental/ european massage relief pain stress exotic pretty lady. Elviria. 633 705 558 (MI 563)

NEW Samanta beautiful, Colombian, 19 years old massage and relaxation 697 490 934. (FU 2979)

MARBELLA Tantric ritual massage with aromatherapy to leave completely renewed. 642 751 070 (2907)

ORIENTAL lady, tantric sensory generate body to body, technique, deep, soft massage. Marbella 603 208 080 (MI 563)

FUENGIROLA Centre. 5 masseuses, total discretion, luxury apartment, young, beautiful. Massage, relax. 697 490 934 (FU 2979)

MASSAGE! Outcalls everywhere in Costa del Sol! Independent lady offer sensual massage. 604 256 336 (FU 2965)

SARA Venezuelan, professional relaxing therapeutic & sensitive massage. I can visit you. For more information contact me 632 770 051

THAI Benalmadena Costa. Body-body full massages. Visits. Whatsapp 689 387 448, 632 092 619 (MI 562)

MARBELLA . Hi! I am Agness, beautiful masseuse, spectacular attributes. Relive stress, personalised massage, unforgettable sensations. 642 268 665 (fu 2931)

NUEVA Andaluci a: Valery, Portuguese, mature, blond, sweet unique sensual massage. Independent. 685 221 959 (FU 2978)

ISDABE - SAN PEDRO. LOLA. RELAXING & SPORT MASSAGE. PLEASANT EXPERIENCE. 670 794 029 (303182)

JADE BRITISH lady offers sensual massage service for gentlemen & couples. Discrete premises. Estepona area. Call 665 896 519 (303143)

ARGENTINIAN lady gives sensual & relaxing massage. Private premises WhatsApp +34613 661 068 (303349)

BENALMADENA Private Villa: DANIELA from Colombia 19yrs Masseur. New on the Coast. in C/ Imperio Argentina N.1 in Benalmadena. Incalls Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 662 52 78 15 (303183)

BENALMADENA Private Villa: IRINA Russian Masseur, model, slim, Russian, Spanish, English in Calle Imperio Argentina N.1 in Benalmadena. Incalls & Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (303183)

BENALMADENA Private Masseur villa, massage, jacuzzi, outcalls 24hrs, Calle Imperio Argentina N.1 in Benalmadena. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (303183)

BENALMADENA Private Villa: Maria - Colombian Masseur - blond long hair, Calle Imperio Argentina N.1 in Benalmadena. Incalls & Outcalls 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (303183)

BENALMADENA Private Villa: Alicia Spanish professional & relaxing Masseur. Calle Imperio Argentina N.1 in Benalmadena. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (303183)

BENALMADENA Private Villa: Sandra Spanish Masseur and Amalia - duo massage & relaxing. Calle Imperio Argentina N.1 in Benalmadena. Incalls & Outcalls. 24hrs. Tel. 673 88 75 47 (303183)

THE Ultimate Bliss at a Very Nice Place - Tantra is Fullness to Darin Sensory Massage Lovers - Fuengirola - Call 608 977 260 (303269)

SAN PEDRO BEACH. RELAXING AND SENSITIVE MASSEUSES WELCOME YOU

IN A PRIVATE AND DISCREET PLACE. YOUNG AND PLEASANT. WITH APPOINTMENT. EASY, PRIVATE PARKING. TEl.. 666 194 079 - 674 679 757. (303406)

BENALMADENA. FRIENDLY attractive masseuse, relieve muscle tension. From 50€. 613 106 153 (FU 2976)

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

ACE OF SHADES - Don’t let the bugs get you! Available in enrollable, slider and pleated. Large choice of colours including wood effect. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

MOSQUITO Screens for windows, doors and a high-quality sliding patio door screen. All finishes available. Quick service. All areas covered. Call Julian 655 825 931 (301104)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours, call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (295855)

MISCELLANEOUS MOSQUITO SCREENS MOTORING

CAMPER VANS, CARAVANS, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS AND ALL PLANT, DIGGERS, DUMPERS, MOTORBIKES, CARS AND COMMERCIALS WANTED. BEST PRICE PAID, CASH TODAY, ANY REGISTRATION WITH OR WITHOUT PAPERS. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 (290189)

CARS, VANS, ANY RESGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (290189)

FOR SALE

ROBERTSON CAR ... would like to thank all of my past, present & future clients for their continued support over the last 35 years here in Spain. Stay safe and outdrive everyone. If contacting Samantha in the afternoons, please only Whatsapp on 608 658 785 or Email therobert sonclan@gmail.com as I am driving mostly & unable to take your calls.

ROBERTSON CARS SALE WAS €18,995 NOW

€17,995: RANGE ROVER SPORT 4X4 DIESEL /AUTOMATIC 2011.Looks right in White, only 130,000 kms (approx 80,000miles) Private Lady Owner, parking sensors, reverse camera, sat nav, ITV till June 2023. turns heads good looks and quality. Samantha. See photos on my web page – robertsoncarsspain.com text or whats app. 608 658 785. email therobertsonclan@gmail.com

ROBERTSON CARS SALE WAS €11,500 NOW

€10,995 AUTOMATIC / CABRIO MERCEDES SLK 2006 Stunning Silver only used as holiday car with 55,000KMS (Approx 35,000miles) 2 Seater Convertible have fun in the sun. New ITV. Just Passed July till 2023 ,Electric Roof folds into boot. Selling Under Book Price. Classy Great Shape Cabrio. See photos on my web page – www.robertson cars-spain,com or text me whatsapp 608 658 785 Email: therobertsonclan@gmail.com

ROBERTSON CARS: AUTO-

MATIC HONDA JAZZ 1.3

2007 ONLY €6,500 One

Golfing Lady owner, 5 door, sky blue, hatchback. very low kilometres 37,000.

ROBERTSON CARS COMING SOON AUTOMATIC

TOYOTA YRIS HYBRID

2017 ONLY 23,000KMS

Watch my website for more information www.robertson cars-spain,com or text me whatsapp 608 658 785 Email: therobertsonclan@gmail.com

LEXUS 2.5 300 H Executive Navigation 4wd 197 CV Model Metallic Pearl, Imported, Purchased October 2020, 5090kms Hybrid and Petrol. Condition as new. Offers on 38,000€ Neg. Please Call 689 876 751 (303217)

GOLF AUTOMATIC 1.6 Turbo Diesel, 2015, 159,000kms 11,950€ ONO. 607 334 610 (303335)

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)

CAR SERVICES

MOBILE MECHANIC will come to your home or work. Servicing, repairs, ITVs & diagnostics. Call Mick on 617 553 072 (301482)

ENGLISH bodyshop, fully equipped, Mijas Costa. No Job Too Small. 952 667 074 (302563)

IMPORT/TRANSFER

CARS TRANSFERRED, history checks, Imports and Embargo problems. Change of use and lost papers. Change your car to Spanish plates, simple efficient service. Cars bought and sold. Please call 678 808 837 or email carsinspain@live.co.uk (290189)

WANTED

WANTED CARS AND VANS, FREE COLLECTION, SAME DAY 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS BOUGH WITH / WITHOUT PAPERS. CASH WAITING 678 808 837 (303115)

ALL CARS / Commercials wanted, runners or non-runners. Cash. Buyer collects. Transfer included. 605 109 796 (302091)

CARS , Vans, Bikes wanted. Any Reg, Anything Considered Call or Whatsapp 687 049 592

WANTED, wanted, wanted!! All cars, all years, all models… from exotic to classic. Spanish, English, Dutch plated. Call us on 951 977 329 or 606 647 597. (302517)

DAVID CHRISTIAN-CLARK

PLAYS POPULAR SPANISH GUITAR FOR YOUR EVENT. OVER 30 YEARS PRO EXPERIENCE BACKED BY A DIPLOMA FROM GUILDHALL LONDON. SPECIALISES IN WEDDINGS.ECLECTIC PLAYLIST TAILORED TO YOUR TASTE. REASONABLE RATES BY NEGOTIATION.COVERS GIB TO NERJA.SEE YOU TUBE. ENQUIRIES davechris tianclark@gmail.com

YATCH SKIPPER RETIRED to enhance your boating skills, boat handling, maintenance, navigation, safety. On your own boat, any size of boat. Mike 602 533 508 (303066)

MALE/Female Viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly all areas. Mixed trial packs available. Delivery or mail order available 604 385 476. viagra4you19@ gmail.com

SOLUCIONES RAPIDASWe will Paint your apartment in maximum 2 days. 640 350 479 (301298)

UK & IRISH Passport renewals including photos. Complete Service. Cath’s Cards. 952 885 759. www.cathscards.es (290153)

COCKROACHES , ANTS, insects, fleas, mice, rats, wasps, termite specialists. Fumigations, bars, restaurants, houses, etc. Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best then phone N.P.S. Paul 676 700 370 (1296213)

KENNELS

CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www.catand dogworld.com (303211)

ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www. ace-charity.org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320)

on www.adana.es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, avai lable from 10.00am until 2.00pm. (93319)

ANIMEX Foundation offers free will upgrading when leaving something for abandoned animals. Contact ani mexfoundation@gmail.com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287)

ARCH - The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses, registered charity 8448, the Centre is open to visitors every Sunday from 9am until 2pm. Working closely with the Spanish authorities, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and abandoned horses and donkeys. Come and meet our current rescues, learn about our work and how you may be able to help. Run solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the Centre is located between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin in Comm. de Viña Borrego behind Venta Miralmonte. For more information and directions see our website www.horserescuespain.org, our Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or tel. 610 845 491 or 656 935 613 (93322)

SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@sepeonline.net www.sepeonline.net (93321)

on 605 227 155. If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875. Visit our website www.sos-animals.org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way.

(93317)

PLUMBING . Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drain spain.com (294321)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA. COM Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008 Email info@inter marbella.com (303052)

STARLIGHT Property

Cleaning & Maintenance. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. Persiana repairs, Decorating, Electrial & Plumbing repairs. 682 636451 www.starlight-spain.com (302059)

LONG TERM RENTALS

AVAILABLE and also wanted. Super prices. Apartments, townhouses, villas, fincas, shops, offices, bars, restaurants. Coast & inland. Tlf 679 111 522 (303025)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@intermarbella.com (303052)

15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 19th May 2023. Space available each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (303227)

MAN AND VAN

MAN & VAN , 20€ ph. Removals, Rubbish & House Clearances. Paul 634 112 677

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour. House Clearances & Storage. 651 081 610 (302401)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (294207)

PROPERTY WANTED

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (303137)

ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see

SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive. We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us

THINKING of selling your property or interested in a current valuation? We have clients actively looking for properties from Torremolinos to Calahonda. List with us and let us sell your property. Call Joe 626 864 683 (302705)

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property

Sales & Long term rentals wanted. All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@inter marbella.com (303052)

WWW.INMOANDALUZ.

COM. Bargain inland properties for all budgets, fincas, village homes, apartments and villas. Legal building plots. 952 491 609 / 685 514 835

STORAGE, Storage, Storage. Man & Van Services. Call/Whatsapp 690 155 340

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL REMOVALS AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 1/2 DAY FROM €90. FULL DAY FROM €175. WE ALSO PROVIDE A FORTNIGHTLY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE TO UK AND EUROPE (INCL SCOTLAND). WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO USA, AUSTRALIA, ETC AND FULL STORAGE FACILITIES. TEL (0034) 952 578 507 OR (0034) 637 892 278 / EMAIL gary moveit@yahoo.co.uk

JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations (301271)

moveit-storeit.com Tel

David 696 810 618 (294207)

STORAGE

moveit-storeit.com Tel

David 696 810 618 (294207)

ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual,

various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure! Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (294242)

STAFF REQUIRED for a busy family owned English bookshop in Marbella The candidate must be fluent in both English and Spanish, computer literate and have the relevant work papers. We are looking for a reliable person who can work on their own initiative, is a book lover, is used to dealing with customers and able to take charge as required. This is NOT a temporary position. Send your C.V. to info@bookworldpuerto banus.com (295987)

WE are looking for receptionist for adult massage house. We have in Fuengirola and Elviria. If interested please contact +34 611 30 41 02. (303265)

SOLAR Hot Water heating: FREE HOT WATER. 28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality guaranteed. 952 663 141 / 670 409 759 info@ envirocarespain.com www.envirocarespain. com (303385)

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for Large Glazed Areas to Reflect Heat / Glare And Stop Furniture Fading And Still Keep The View. Save Heat in The Winter to Improve Your Living Environment. ian@solar shadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (292919)

CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosan nacarmella8@gmail.com (301301)

POOL MAINTENANCE , & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona

& inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 www.sparklen ripple.net (303027)

SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Systems. 28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality Guaranteed. 952663141/670409 759 info@envirocare spain.com www.enviro carespain.com (303385)

WESTARPOOLS . Pool construction, renovation, repairs and heating. 619 246 372 / www.westarpools.com (302695)

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS All Languages. 952 789 204 Mobile 654 613 094 sanpe drotranslations@gmail.com (302734)

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable. 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 acservs@outlook.com

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

CARPETS AND SOFAS cleaned. Reliable, fast service. Family run. Cleansol 952 930 861 / 607 610 578. 10am - 10pm 7 days, all areas Discount Code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

ELECTRIC & Gas Water Heaters. Quality Installations. 28 years installation history in Spain. EnviroCare. All Areas Covered. 952 663 141 / 670 409 759 info@ envirocarespain.com www.envirocarespain. com (303385)

MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal. Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts. Stop fading, heat & glare. 958 496 571644 546 176 ian@ solarshadetinting.com (292919)

TRADITIONAL WINDOW CLEANER Give your windows and doors that professional finish at affordable prices. Call Chris 604 871 121/ 952 561 607 (302562)

MINI CLUBMAN bows out with FINAL EDITION

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

IN 1969, the first Mini Clubman rewrote the rule book. It was an instant hit in the 1970’s automotive market with its long wheelbase, extended shooting­brake body, and character istic split doors at the rear.

Reimagined by BMW in 2007, the first modern MINI Clubman delivered a contemporary interpretation; rear passenger seats were accessed through a rear hinged door, and unfortunately for the UK only on the right hand side of the car. With the third generation in 2015, the Club ­

in length offering more space and two full ­ size rear doors. Today, the MINI Clubman Final Edition is a globally limited run of 1,969 units ­ paying homage to the launch year of the original car.

Powered by a Cooper S engine that delivers 178 hp the Final Edition has a single specification with a choice of three exterior

paint colours ­ Enigmatic Black, Nanuq White or Melting Silver. Shimmer Copper details can be found on the surrounds and upper third of the radiator grille crossbar, side scuttles and Cooper ‘S’ blade on the rear.

The 18” Final Edition two­tone alloy wheels are finished in a tinted clear

lacquer to give a copper hue, while exclusive ‘Final Edition’ lettering on the rear and ‘1 of 1969’ badge on the C ­ pillar side completes the exterior.

The interior features door sill trims embellished with ‘Final Edition’ lettering which are also found on the lower spoke of the Nappa leather steering wheel. Leather sports seats

finished exclusively in leather ­ offer sewn­in edition­specific badging, seat heating and adjustable thigh support. Anthracitecoloured Piquet fabric inserts, and blue contrast stitching further complement the seat design. It’s a well worked mix of materials and design. There’s also a Panoramic Glass Sunroof and rear privacy glass.

A dark dashboard trim is accentuated by trim strips finished in Sage Green and Shimmer Copper. On the passenger side, the trim is decorated with a ‘1 of 1969’ badge which is also found on the floor mats. Graphic lettering on the model’s key cap completes the design.

Based on the Exclusive trim, the Clubman Final Edition offers a high level of specification, including an 8.8” touch display with MINI Navigation System, Apple CarPlay and a Digital Dashboard.

Also offered is Comfort Access, Reversing Camera, Parking Assistant including Front Park Distance Control and Harmon Kardon Surround Sound.

The MINI Clubman Final Edition is available to order now and is priced at £37,000.

Motorrad Days

All-New C3 Aircross

CITROËN has now revealed the AllNew C3 Aircross, a family B ­ SUV that is tough outside and caring inside, and intelligently created with regional input to meet the specific needs of customers in key markets of India, South­ East Asia and South America.

All ­ New C3 Aircross is, above all, unmistakably a Citroën, and at the same time a pure B ­ SUV which will compete at the heart of each mar ­

ket by offering car buyers compelling value in a tailor­made package combining unique and muscular design, with Citroën comfort signature and well ­ being, plus versatility for up to seven people.

This new SUV model and the already launched compact New C3 represent key steps in Citroën’s international growth strategy, under which the brand is targeting 30 per cent of its global vehicle sales to be

in regions and markets outside of Europe by 2025.

India, South ­ East Asia and South America are high ­ potential and fast­growing markets that will positively contribute to Citroën’s international ambitions. In 2022, the brand’s Asian and Asian Pacific registrations increased by 56.9 per cent compared with 2021 and those in South America rose by 21.2 per cent.

THE 21st edition of the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin from July 7 to 9 will draw fans from all over the world under the banner of ‘100 years of BMW Motorrad’.

The fans of music, motorcycle culture, skateboarding, BMX and art will also get their money’s worth at the Pure&Crafted Festival.

At the festival, which was launched in Berlin in 2015 and initiated by BMW Motorrad, fans

can once again experience the special mix of handcrafted music, motorcycle culture and new­heritage lifestyle on July 7 and 8.

While the last two Pure&Crafted festivals took place in the Sommergarten at the Messe Berlin trade fair grounds, the cult event has now found a perfectly tailored home in urban Friedrichshain­Kreuzberg with the Napoleon Komplex.

FAMILY B-SUV: Tough outside, but caring inside and unmistakably a Citroën.

Image: Stellantis

Motorcycle culture.

FINAL EDITION: Offers a high level of specification.

Kia comfort

THE Kia EV9 claims to offer superior cabin comfort even in the most extreme conditions.

Pothole problems

RAC patrols went to the rescue of 10,076 UK drivers who had fallen foul of potholes in the first three months of the year, a 39 per cent increase on the same period a year ago, new breakdown data shows.

Damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels ­ issues most likely caused by poor road surfaces ­ accounted for more call­outs than in any other threemonth period since January to March 2021.

In addition, the number of potholerelated breakdowns more than doubled from the 4,915 seen in the fourth

quarter of 2022.

The RAC also saw a 14 per cent spike in wheel changes compared to the same period last year.

RAC roads spokesman, Simon Williams, said: “The high number of call ­ outs our patrols have attended in the first three months of the year ­ and the enormous increase compared to a year ago ­ is nothing short of scandalous.

“Drivers are telling us that the UK’s local roads are in a worse state than ever and it’s hard to disagree looking at some of the craters that litter so many of our carriageways.”

In the development process, Kia vehicles are tested in extreme heat and cold to ensure ­ among other things ­ their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are up to the challenge.

The thermal system of the all ­ new Kia EV9 includes a heat pump, climate control system, and defrost and de ­ icing features.

In addition, a new, userfriendly climate control panel and improved roof vents offer customers maximum comfort and convenience.

Engineers tested these features in wide ­ ranging environments such as northern Sweden and southern Spain to ensure maximum performance and efficiency, even in ex­

treme ambient temperatures.

“The all ­ new Kia EV9

12.1% of total market share of electric vehicles is in Europe

proves customers don’t have to make sacrifices to be sustainable,” said Richard Peiler, Group Manager HVAC & PT Cooling at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre.

“With these high ­ tech features, the EV9 sets new standards in the e­SUV segment, delivering all the comfort and convenience of a modern SUV with none of the emissions at the tailpipe.”

KIA EV9: The vehicles are tested in extreme cold.

POOR SURFACES: Local roads are in a worse state than ever in the UK.

Leeds to sack Gracia

LEEDS UNITED’S problems continued at the week‐end when they lost 4‐1 to Bournemouth. Javi Gra‐cia’s team are without a win since April 4 when they beat Nottingham Forest at home. Leeds are 17th in the Premier League, above the relegation zone on goal difference only, with four games left this season. It won’t come as a surprise that there are reports that they will sack manager Javi Gracia and they are in talks with Sam Allardyce as his re‐placement.

Gracia was appointed in February as Jesse Marsch’s successor but has won only three games out of 11. Leeds are now reportedly looking to the ex ‐ Bolton, West Ham, and Everton manager to work his survival magic for one of the toughest rel‐egation battle run ‐ ins. Leeds are due to face league leaders Manchester City on Saturday, then third‐place Newcastle followed by West Ham and then finally they will face Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road to finish the campaign.

There are also rumours that the Leeds United Director of Football Victor Orta is also set to leave the club. Whatever they do they need to act fast as they need a reaction and the players need a boost with fans tired of the lacklustre perfor ‐mances. Will ‘Big Sam’ Allardyce be the one to re‐vive their fighting spirit?

JEREMY PFC MALAGA WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CLUB

THE streaking PFC Malaga limped and stumbled and eventually went splat, their loveliest of dreams dying an ugly death as PFC Malaga were hosting the semi ‐ final second leg match at Guadalmar field.

PFC 2 ‐ 5 Malaga CF Women B (3‐7 agg) And who would have thought? They got stuck with their third loss of the season at the worst possi‐ble time, with no cushion or wiggle room to speak of.

PFC were always bat ‐tling against the odds to overturn a 2‐1 deficit from the first leg. But, nobody expected PFC to fall apart and turn the second stan‐za into something closer to a beatdown.

Malaga got off to a fast‐paced start, wasting very little time to get involved in the match and within 15 mins was up 3 ‐ 0 and

PFC Malaga falls to Malaga CF Women B 5-2

never looked back.

PFC tried to up their tempo and intensity after falling behind, but the lead appeared to instill Malaga with even more confidence, it’s a com ‐plete turnaround from the beginning of the season, Malaga’s high ‐ pressure offence looked like a well‐oiled machine that exe ‐cuted its job to perfec ‐tion.

PFC were pushed to the brink and were ultimately

eliminated from the com‐petition after losing 5‐2.

“Obviously, a disap ‐pointing night for us,” Pe‐dro Martin said. “You come as far as this team and this programme has come in the last 12 months, get that close to winning a championship and more, obviously not getting it done, it’s a tough pill to swallow.”

PFC don’t have far to go to pack their bags and head home for the sea ‐

son, and now they’ll have to watch the rest of the playoffs from their couch‐es despite the record ‐breaking performances they strung together for the past year.

Malaga CF Women ad ‐vance to the champi ‐onship game to face Atletico Ben ‐ Namiel, for the Malaga Provincial championship and a spot in the regional playoffs for promotion to Primera Na‐cional.

Goals return Manchester City to the top

MANCHESTER CITY moved back to the top of the Pre‐mier League after a victory over Fulham at Craven Cot‐tage.

Manchester City returned to the top of the English Pre‐mier League on Sunday after‐noon, April 30. Pep Guardio‐la’s men travelled down to Craven Cottage in London to face Fulham knowing that a win would take them above Arsenal.

It was Erling Haaland who inevitably opened the scor‐ing. The Norwegian jugger‐naut buried the resulting third ‐minute penalty after Tim Ream fouled Julian Al ‐varez inside the box.

As a result, the formidable striker became the first play‐er in English top‐flight foot‐ball since Aston Villa’s Tom ‘Pongo’ Waring back in 1931 to bag 50 goals in one cam‐paign.

The goal also brought Haa‐land level with Newcastle’s Andy Cole and Blackburn’s Alan Shearer for the most Premier League goals scored in one season. As it stands,

have 34 goals apiece, but, City’s man still has the rest of this campaign to go yet.

If the fans thought that this was going to be another match totally controlled by City, they were stunned after 15 minutes. Fulham surged forward and a stunning strike from Carlos Vinicius left Eder‐son for dead after being teed up by Harry Wilson.

England star Jack Grealish had an opportunity to put his team in front after 27 min‐utes but his shot was tipped onto the bar by Leno. After 36 minutes, Argentinian striker Julain Alvarez did ex‐

what Guardiola bought him for as he smashed a shot home from outside the box for 1‐2. Grealish tweeted after the game: “Great result at a tough place to go! Away sup‐port was Juliiiiii wow what a finish.”

Sunday’s win moved Manchester City a point clear of Mikel Arteta’s side and they played one game less than Arsenal. The Gunners had been perched at the top since mid‐February but un‐der the current circum ‐stances, it would seem odds‐on that City will retain their crown.

PFC MALAGA: The season has now concluded for the ladies after getting to the semi-finals.

Man City beat Fulham.

Credit: bodrumsurf/Shutterstock.com

Benahavis are EWN over 50s champions!

EWN Over 50s League

Walking Dead 2 v 2 AC Benahavis

Needing only one point from this their final league match of the season, Bena‐havis were hard‐pushed by a hard ‐ working Walking Dead side and nearly didn’t get what they need‐ed!

In a topsy ‐ turvy match, fortunes swung to and fro, with both teams scoring from open play, both scor‐ing and having a shot saved by the opposing keeper from the penalty spot, and the hosts missing another altogether!

Finally, with the home goalie probably having to work the harder overall, a draw was a fair result and

gave AC Benahavis that one point which sank Malaga’s hopes of being able to catch them and de‐servedly gave AC Bena ‐havis this season’s league title.

Huge congratulations go to their Over 50s squad and to the club as a whole

on such a fine achieve ‐ment! Well done all!

Competa Boca Seniors 2 v 8 Malaga WFC

Before the Walking Dead v Benahavis result decided the title, Malaga still thought they were in with a chance of catching Bena‐havis and played a com ‐fortable, though uncon ‐vincing first half against Competa, going in 2 ‐ 0 up at half time. The hosts made it more difficult for them in the second half and frustration set in for a period, allowing Competa to score two well ‐ earned goals of their own.

Perez wins Azerbaijan GP

MAX VERSTAPPEN’S lead at the top of the F1 driver’s table was cut to six points after Red Bull’s Sergio Perez won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez took the chequered flag in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku on Sunday afternoon, April 30. This was the Mexican’s second victory of the season and cuts the gap at the top of the driver’s table to just six points.

shunted his Alpha Tauri into the wall at Turn 5. This allowed the rest of the field to bunch up with Perez taking advantage of the situation to pit. His decisive move saw the Mexican exit the pits ahead of the pack after the safety car was removed.

However, once settled, the Malaga side showed the kind of form that re ‐cently won them the Euro‐copa title and they gelled together and finally ran out convincing winners.

EWN Over 60s League

Walking Dead 1 v 1 AC Benahavis

Before watching their younger counterparts win their respective league, Be‐nahavis earned a decent draw against Walking Dead, giving themselves a chance to win their own league with only a handful of games to go. walkingfooty.com

His teammate and current championship leader Max Ver‐stappen had to settle for sec‐ond place on the podium at the fast street circuit. The Dutch world champion was unable to catch Pérez who stretched his lead to three seconds as the race entered the final laps.

Charles Leclerc started this fourth Formula One race of the season in pole position but quickly found himself being overtaken by both Red Bulls.

The Frenchman managed to keep the Ferrari in third place despite constant pressure from Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin who crossed the line just eight‐tenths behind him.

A safety car was deployed on lap 10 after Nyck de Vries

Carlos Sainz brought the sec‐ond Ferrari over the finishing line in fifth, followed by Lewis Hamilton. The Brit tried his best to pass the Spanish driver but his Mercedes could not find the extra power, even under DRS.

Lance Stroll clinched another impressive finish in the Aston Martin to romp home seventh.

An incident in the pit lane on the final lap involving the Alpine of Esteban Ocon could have ended badly. As he headed to‐wards his garage for a tyre change, the Frenchman was confronted by a group of FIA of‐ficials and photographers crowded in the pit lane. They had allegedly been mis‐takenly allowed into the zone when it was still closed off while the race was still ongoing. An in‐vestigation was conducted by race stewards who apparently instructed the officials that this should never happen again.

CHAMPIONS: The Over 50s won the league - well done to all!