Costa Blanca Nort 6 – 12 July 2023 Issue 1983

ALFAZ CELEBRATES DIVERSITY

ALFAZ DEL PI celebrated International LGBT+ Pride Day last week and the local council used the opportunity to hand out the awards for the fourth Short Story Competition that this year focused on gender diversity.

The Short Story Competition is organised by the Cooperation and Volunteering, Youth and Culture departments of the town hall and aimed at young residents aged between 10 and 30 years old.

The competition establishes two age categories of participation, namely 10 to 15 and 16 to 30. Three prizes were awarded per category, consisting of vouchers of €150, €100 and €50 to be spent in local bookshops.

The prize ­ giving took place at the Espai Cultural Escoles Velles with Alfaz Mayor Vicente Arques presiding over the event that

drew nearly 100 people to the culture centre.

“This year the Short Story Competition addressed gender diversity, transmitting positive values of tolerance, coexistence, solidarity, empathy, friendship, cooperation, dialogue, responsibility, equality and human rights,” declared Cooperation and Volunteering councillor Isabel Muñoz.

The prize­giving was part of a series of acts to mark International LGBT+ Pride Day, which included hang­

ing the rainbow flag from the front of the town hall and the reading of a manifesto by ALGTB BenidormMarina Baixa and the LGTBIQ+ Federation of Alicante province also at the Escoles Velles.

Image by Alfaz Town Hall

INTERNATIONAL LGBT+ PRIDE DAY: The rainbow flag was hung from the front of the town hall.

Park and Ride

THE free summer Park and Ride bus connection between Benitachell and the Cala del Moraig was launched at the weekend.

The service will run until September 3, with the bus leaving the town centre every day at 10am and with pick ­ up points at the local cemetery, the

car park opposite Masymas supermarket, Lady Elizabeth school car park and finally the bay.

The bus returns following the inverse route at 2,30pm and in the afternoon it will leave at 4pm and return at 6.30pm.

In addition, the bus will carry beach ­ goers between the Moraig car park and the beach every 20 minutes, a comfortable alternative to having to walk up or down the steep slope, especially on hot days and carrying heavy beach equipment.

The service, which proved very popular last year, is aimed at offering a free alternative to the paid ­ for car park at the bay and helping to reduce traffic congestion at the coast over the holiday season, as well as encouraging visitors to the town centre.

First arrivals

THE dreaded first operación salida (departure operation) of the summer took place at the weekend as the first holidaymakers flocked into Alicante Province.

July 1 is always a major traffic operation as visitors from other parts of Spain, mainly Madrid and other inland areas, descend on Gandia, Denia, Javea, Benidorm and all other major seafront resorts for the first half of the holidays.

The situation is repeated around the middle and at the end of the month and again in August, when streams of cars clog up the motorways and main roads in both directions as the first holidaymakers return home while the next lot arrive.

At the weekend an estimated 400,000 vehicles arrived in the province while all train connections from inland regions were full and more than 1,000 flights touched down at Alicante­Elche airport.

National rail company Renfe had doubled three of the train connections from Madrid and Barcelona to Alicante with an extra 1,800 seats and reported occupation figures of 90 per cent between Friday June 30 and Sunday July 2.

Splash!

THE new municipal swimming pool in Teulada Moraira opened at the weekend. Entrance to the pool in the Ciudad Deportiva Ricardo Benavente in Teulada is free and opening times are from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm.

Local Sports councillor Josep Ivars encouraged residents and visitors “to come and enjoy the new municipal swimming pool, a refreshing way to spend the summer in the town’s sports facilities.”

Swimming classes at the new pool begin on Monday July 10 and inscriptions are open until midnight today, Thursday July 6.

Courses are split into different age groups from three to four years, five to 14 years and 15 years onwards and according to ability level. The price is €40 for children and €60 for adults. For further information visit www.deportes.teu ladamoraira.org

BUSY ROADS: As holidaymakers are on the move.

Image by the DGT

Green fingers

LA XARA Council has created an urban allotment for residents with functional diversity. Mayor Maite Pérez Conejero inaugurated the plot in the Centro Ocupacional, in which users tend the land, cook and eat the fruit and vegetables they grow themselves.

Clean streets

BENIDORM Council has reinforced the municipal street cleaning service ready for the summer high season. Council operatives will target individual neighbourhoods in the afternoons from Monday to Friday until July 31, in addition to the regular morning service.

Arenal closed

JAVEA’S Arenal beach had to be closed to bathers for one day last week after high levels of bacteria were detected in the water. The same situation was reported in July last year and is caused by a discharge pipe that empties its contents close to the sand.

Drunken flight

A FLIGHT from the UK landed at Alicante airport last week with 30 drunken and violent passengers that had a fight in mid­air. The crew of the Ryanair flight from Bristol requested police presence at El Altet to deal with the rowdy travellers.

Against time

RENOVATION work being carried out on Denia’s Calle Marqués de Campo was supposed to finish before the start of the tourist season but this was not quite the case, as business owners complained that workers had torn up the pavement in several points on Thursday.

Well done

ALFAZ DEL PI has been awarded two prizes by the Spanish Federation of Towns and Provinces for projects aimed at promoting gender equality and sexual diversity in the town.

Train line cut

THE TRAM train line from Benidorm to Denia is currently cut between Calpe and Teulada due to the construction of a new bridge over Quisi gorge in Benissa.

The service between both stations was interrupted on Saturday July 1 and is not expected to resume at least until Saturday July 15.

In the meantime, the affected stretch is covered by bus, with stops next to the train station in Calpe, on the Avenida

del País Valencià on the N ­ 332 in Benissa, and at the train station in Teulada.

Lowest unemployment

LA MARINA BAJA is facing the summer high season with the lowest unemployment figures of the last 20 years.

Benidorm is currently nearly at ‘full technical employment’ with less than 3,800 residents without a job while shops, bars and restaurants throughout the town are hanging up notices looking for workers.

While obviously good news in general, the figures are not that great for business owners, who are having trouble reinforcing their workforce ready for the busiest time of the year when the district’s

population practically triples with the influx of tourists and visitors.

The situation is largely compounded by the poor working conditions offered in some sectors such as the hospitality trade, which requires long hours and full dedication at weekends and on bank holidays for considerably low wages.

In addition, the high cost of seasonal property rentals in tourist hotspots such as Benidorm prevents many temporary workers from travelling from other parts of Spain for the summer campaign ­ a situation that is repeated in Mallorca, among other areas.

Once work on the new bridge is complete, the transfer between the diesel trains and the

106

new dual electric ­ diesel vehicles will take place at Calpe station and not in Teulada as it has done until now.

The project is part of a general overhaul of the line to replace the old diesel trains that cover part of the line for electric ones.

The original bridge was built in 1915 and once the new structure is complete it will be made into part of a public ‘via verde’ walking route.

Sunny summer

THE Repsol Guide has awarded 314 new distinctions to the best beach bars and terraces in Spain ­ with 31 located in the Valencia Region.

In fact, Valencia is the second Spanish region to receive the most ‘Soletes de Verano’ (‘Summer Suns’) awards this year after Andalucia (63) and above Catalonia (30).

Among this year’s winners are Algas L’Andragó in Moraira, Zafiro in Calpe, Primera Línea in Denia, Las Gaviotas and Malaspina in Benidorm, Xef Pirata in Altea, and Casa José Obelix and Chef

Alicante and back in a day

A YOUNG woman from Birmingham has gone viral on TikTok after sharing a report of a trip to Alicante where she spent only six hours but which was cheaper than taking a train to London.

In her video, the user ­ who was accompanied by her aunt ­ recommends her followers do the same and shows some of the city’s main attractions.

The travellers explain that their trip began at 7am when they arrived at Birmingham airport for their flight to Alicante at 8.30am, although it was delayed 90 minutes.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

U3A Vall del Pop

ON Saturday June 24

some 60 members of the U3A Vall del Pop gathered at Casa Paula and Chris Heffron, who had opened up their beautiful garden for a Goodwill Team BBQ.

Amadeo in Gandia.

Repsol began awarding the distinction eight years ago, since when 3,300 establishments have received the prestigious yellow sticker recognising the quality and originality of chiringuito beach bars, terraces and ice cream parlours.

The list of Soletes can be found on a new app launched by the Repsol Guide with Alicante and Valencia among the provinces with the most distinctions.

For further information visit www.guiarepsol.com and ‘Guia Repsol’ on Facebook.

Chris had a busy afternoon producing amazing food, which all the members consumed with the wine and sangria flowing. Paul J kindly volunteered to play disco music so everyone could dance or sing along with the music.

To cap a truly wonderful evening some members were lucky enough to see the Sky Train satellites passing in the skies above the garden.

The Goodwill Team offered their grateful thanks to Paula, Chris (chef) Ellie, Sam and Paul J for a fantastic evening which raised €1,000 for the charity fund.

For further details on the association, meetings and groups visit www.u3avalldelpop.com

After landing in Alicante they filmed themselves strolling down the famous Calle de las Setas and swimming at Postiguet beach, which the TikToker, who goes under the name t.rohinix, compared to Blackpool.

She lamented the fact that they did not have enough time to visit Santa Bárbara castle before their flight back home at 9.30pm.

She also explains that their flights to and from Alicante cost them £72, compared to the £80 of a train ticket from Birmingham to London.

TRAM LINE: Work is being carried out on the new bridge.

Image by Gerrit Bunt/Shutterstock

Forest fires will be a major threat again this year.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

THE weather in Alicante Province this summer will be considerably different to last year, according to meteorologists.

On the plus side, predictions suggest that while it will of course be very hot, it will

“Actions speak louder than words”

Means that what someone actually does means more than what they say they will do. This saying has been traced back to a sermon in 1200, first quoted by St Anthony of Padua.

Not so much

not be as suffocating as 2022, which broke all records throughout Spain.

However, experts report that since 2010 Alicante has not had a summer with temperatures that are similar to or below the average for the time of year, which they confirm is an effect of climate change.

A new term to become ac­

quainted this year is ‘thermal slide’ or ‘thermal rollercoaster’, in which sudden temperature changes from one day to the next and back again can cause alterations to people and animals.

‘Tropical nights’ are a regular summer phenomenon, when nocturnal temperatures stay above 20ºC.

The experts reveal that this situation has multiplied by

five in coastal towns and cities in Alicante Province since the 1980s, when there used to be 15 to 20 tropical nights a year ­ there are now more than 80.

This year could also see the arrival of dry storms, in which the rain evaporates before reaching the ground. They are accompanied by lightning, which once again poses a severe threat of forest fires, compounded by a situation of ‘hydric stress’ as a result of the very dry conditions of the earth and vegetation.

News from U3A

JJ Jones joined 64 members of the popular U3A Moraira­Teulada Wine Tasting Group in June for their season finale at Satari’s restaurant.

the service was very attentive. The next lunch will be in September. For further information about U3A Moraira Teulada visit www.u3a moraira­teulada.org

• Diagnostic imaging and ultrasound Rx

• Clinical tests and serological tests, internal medicine, parasitology

• Soft Tissue Surgery and Traumatology

• Ethology, behavioural disorders and animal behaviour

• Physiotherapy, acupuncture, custom recovery and Healing touch

• Ophthalmology

• Dentistry and dental surgery & more

• Import - Export

Diners enjoyed the early evening warm sunshine in the garden, where the spectacular magenta bougainvillea provided a perfect curtain backdrop for JJ Jones to provide music to the ears of the diners.

Diners enjoyed Abi Satari’s Greek menu and then took to the dance floor to celebrate.

In another U3A Moraira Teulada event, several members of the Ladies Let’s Do lunch group gathered for their last lunch before the summer break at Chic Gastronomic in Moraira.

According to Communications Officer Sharon Taylor: “It was great to be able to enjoy the lunch outside under the shade of umbrellas. Renata of Chic Gastronomic restaurant did us proud. The food was delicious and well presented and

75.6 million visitors to Spain in 2022.

New members are always welcome.

Kids in sport

PEDREGUER Council was in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) to take part in a European project focused on the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Kids Running towards the Olympics ­ OlympicKids is aimed at promoting a series of activities based on the values of the Olympic Games and sport for children.

Ramona Marotta from Pedreguer Town Hall presented the local sports programmes and discussed future projects to be carried out with sporting associations from Turkey, Italy, Greece, Slovenia and Moldovia.

The main objective of the initiative is to stress the importance of physical activity that promotes health through volunteering with the focus on sports, social inclusion, equal opportunities and equal access to sport.

NEIL DIAMOND tribute singer

Image by Alejandro Carnicero/Shutterstock

Benidorm goes greener

BENIDORM Town Hall has announced a huge ‘green’ project in the town to be developed thanks to €3 million of EU Next Generation funds.

The proposal, partly organised by the Valencian Ornithology Society, features more than 15 actions to increase the number of green areas, protect forest mass and surround the town with a ‘green ring’ by connecting up the El Moralet and Séquia Mare with ‘green corridors’.

Other proposals include increasing the number of trees in streets and parks, installing natural roofs on municipal buildings with vegetation and hanging gardens, creating a large network of regenerated water and holding awareness­raising courses on climate change. Another major development will be creating regen­

Slap on the wrist

THE provincial coastal authorities have ordered a halt to the extension work being carried out on Poniente beach walkway in Benidorm as the council did not have the necessary authorisation for the work.

walkway and whether the council has now requested the necessary authorisation.

erated water supply points near forest areas and creating an automated detection system for forest fires.

The natural surface of Benidorm has more than doubled over the last few years with two million square metres of gardens and green areas in the town according to the latest municipal figures for 2022 ­ in 2020 they covered 732,000 square metres and in 2012 they numbered only 350,000.

Montgo Golf Society

MONTGO GOLF Society

had a good away day at Foressos Golf Course in Valencia at the weekend.

The course was not in the best condition, mainly with overgrown grass in bunkers, but the members returned with some very good scores.

The winner of the Stableford competition was veteran John Day who scored 38 points, pipping

Keith Cottrell on countback. Taking third place was Nigel Siddall with 37 points.

There were two nearest the pin prizes on the 5th and 14th with Sally Cottrell and John Day once again taking home the spoils.

This weekend Montgo Golf Society is back at Oliva Nova playing a Stableford competition sponsored by the society.

Municipal PSOE spokeswoman Cristina Escoda has criticised the local executive for starting the work without having the permits and has requested to see all the documents relating to the paralysation of the project enforced by Costas on June 20.

The socialist spokeswoman has also requested information on any extra cost that will incurred by dismantling the

“We are entering the high season with our homework undone and the beach full of fences,” declared Sra Escoda, adding that, “We believe that the replacement of the walkway should have started at the Parque de Elche so that by now the work would be focusing on an area with fewer residents and tourists.”

She also highlighted the fact that in parts of Poniente beach the access pathways and those that connect the foot showers with the promenade have not yet been installed.

PONIENTE BEACH: Necessary authorisation was not given.

Image by Benidorm Town Hall

Fifteen actions planned.

Image by Aishe/Shutterstock

Benitachell Bowls

AS the sun was setting on Friday June 23 the Benitachell bowlers, flat green not 10 Pin, gathered at their clubhouse on the edge of the village for a 60­kilo hog roast and an evening of entertainment.

The Entertainers started with a first set of ‘listening’ songs, whilst the food settled and everyone relaxed. In their effortless style they moved through a setlist of classics. Special mention to Linda for Human, Jerry for Africa and Marc for an orchestral version of I’m a Believer.

With the sun set and the stars twinkling with the new moon it was time to up the pace with some dance music, under the watchful eyes of Pete The Sound/Lighting Man. Never Gonna Give You Up, Stop and a selection of Abba songs got the ladies up and moving. It was interesting to note that it was only the Beatles medley that got many couples onto the floor,

and as this was the last number of the second set, the men had certainly been saving themselves!

During a restful phase in the music Jo and Marc got a standing ovation for their version of The Prayer.

Denise Hart, the Social Director, thanked The Entertainers for a wonderful evening of songs and happiness. She thanked the members for attending and reported that €250 had been raised for Cancer Care Javea.

The Entertainers saw the

dance floor full again when they started their encore with It’s Raining Men. Everyone present said it was a wonderful evening of good food, good entertainment and good friends which left many members asking when the next event was.

For further information visit The Entertainers Marina Alta on Facebook. Their next performances will be at Benidoleig fiestas on August 3 and al La Senieta (Moraira) on September 20 for the Teulada Moraira Lions Club.

Image by The Entertainers

THE. ENTERTAINERS: Provided an evening of entertainment.

Alfaz improvements

ALFAZ DEL PI Council has begun building a storeroom and an adapted toilet at the new urban allotments in l’Arabí.

The installations will be available for users of the allotments when they are ready and are being built by nine participants in a municipal employment programme for construction workers.

In fact, the whole urban

allotment project is being created by participants in training and employment drives aimed at facilitating the social and labour introduction of collectives with difficulties and longterm unemployed workers.

Once finished, there will be 250 urban allotments available for use by residents in the town, together with the ones already

THIS summer there will be more National Police and Guardia Civil than ever before in the Valencia Region.

Both forces combined currently number more than 14,800 active officers, the highest ever number and an increase of over 13 per cent since 2017.

Nearly 1,720 officers have entered service in the Valencian Community over the last five years.

Spain as a whole will also reach its historic maximum of National Police and Guardia Civil over the summer with a total of 156,453 members of both forces at police stations and barracks throughout the country.

The new incorporations are timed to coincide with the yearly Summer Operation that

A CAR was hit by a train as it passed through the level crossing on Carrer Diana street in Denia on Tuesday June 27.

The accident took place at 8.45pm, when the vehicle was hit from behind as it crossed the tracks and was dragged several metres.

The train driver called the

functioning in l’Albir and opposite Veles e Vents school.

In a related development, work is also underway to increase the size of the skatepark next to Pau Gasol sports pavilion and install new elements to create an obstacle course with various degrees of difficulty for skateboards, roller skates and scooters.

It is part of a general

More police

takes place in all major tourist hotspots, including the Valencia Region, from July 1 to August 31 to ensure the safety of all nationals and visitors over the holiday season.

Vigilance will focus on main roads, bus and train stations, ports, airports, hotels, beaches and campsites, as well as all major public events that lead to gatherings of large numbers of people.

In addition to crime prevention and traffic duties, the extra personnel will also help speed up investigations and provide a better and faster service for people looking to file reports and complaints.

Denia train accident

Local Police as the car driver was unable to unable to leave the vehicle due to the doors being blocked. A detachment of police officers, firefighters and an ambulance rushed to

the scene and managed to get the driver out unharmed.

Witnesses report that the train driver repeatedly sounded the warning signal for the car to get out of the way and that the traffic light was red to warn that a train was crossing.

The regional rail authorities launched an investigation.

overhaul of the area that will also include the creation of a 13,000 squaremetre green area behind the pavilion.

Work is expected to be finished within six months.

MAKING BIGGER: Work taking place on the new skatepark.

Image by Alfaz Town Hall

U3A Javea member C heda Panajotovic caused a bit of a stink at the Javea U3A June general meeting at Casa de Cultura.

The former London tourist guide dredged up some unsavoury facts on the history of the city and its infamous River Thames in a shocking yet amusing presentation entitled The Great Stink (1858).

In an emotional opening, Cheda dedicated his talk to his wife Mira who he revealed was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Cheda went on to explain that the 19th century Great Stink was the result of a fastgrowing population which was too much for the basic sewer system to cope with and the cause of three sep-

U3A Javea meet

Earlier, in the business part of the meeting, U3A president Claude Grealy reported that the current membership stood at 933, with 108 new members joining this year.

He also stated that a recent appeal for volunteers to assist the Travel Group had resulted in five offers of help, which was much appreciated.

arate cholera epidemics which brought about the death of many thousands.

Cheda’s audience clearly enjoyed his talk and, as a

MARINA SALUD, the company that manages Denia Hospital and the Marina Alta health department, came under heavy fire last week after it emerged that Labour Inspection had found that they penalised pregnant employees by paying them less than their male counterparts.

The report revealed the firm “adopted unilateral decisions that implied discrimination based on sex”, which contravenes

token of the committee’s appreciation, he was presented with a gift of wine by U3A vice-pres ident Krystyna Stefancyzk.

The next U3A monthly meeting will be a Coffee Morning at the Social Centre in the old town on Wednesday September 27. For further information visit www.u3ajavea.com.

Health worker dispute

the Spanish Constitution and the Workers’ Statute.

Several days later Marina Salut announced that the company had identified three cases of salary discrimination affecting pregnant workers and had compensated them for the outstanding amounts.

An official statement released by the management highlighted the fact that the Labour Inspection had checked the situation of 60 employees who had become pregnant in the last 18 months and “in 95 per cent of cases the inspectors validated the procedure carried out by Marina Salut.”

WINE GIFT: Presented to Cheda for his interesting talk.

Image by Ian Rogerson

Spain continues to be a favourite destination for retired British expatriates and the lifestyle is very conducive to a healthy, happy retirement. Of course, like any country, there are some drawbacks and a key concern for many people is the local tax regime.

It is important to understand how being Spanish resident affects your tax position. Once you meet any of the criteria that make you tax resident here (you spend 183+ days in Spain, or your centre of economic or vital interests is here), you are liable for Spanish tax on your worldwide income, gains and wealth, and subject to the Spanish succession and gift tax regime.

Besides the income and capital gains taxes, Spain additionally imposes an annual wealth tax which generally affects individuals with net worldwide assets over €1,000,000.

We often come across people who would love to live in Spain but are too worried about how much tax they’ll pay to make the move. They are limited to spending short periods in their Spanish holiday home instead –which post Brexit is more of a minefield with the EU’s 90-day rule.

But you do not necessarily need to fear taxation in Spain – some people even find they improve their tax situa

Should you fear being tax resident in Spain?

Take personalised tax and wealth management advice from an adviser based locally in your region of Spain. They should start by getting clear picture of your circumstances, family situation, objectives, long-term plans and estate planning wishes in order to provide a strategic, tax-efficient, financial plan to achieve your aims. You may be surprised by how much tax you could save by restructuring your assets.

Less taxation for your heirs

By Mathieu Edwards, Partner, Blevins Franks

the Spanish tax regime does present tax mitigation opportunities – the way you hold your assets, and take income from them, can make a significant difference to how much tax you pay. Many British expatriates continue to hold the same arrangements they had in the UK, but this can be a

The benefits of tax planning:

A reduced tax bill for you

Reducing your overall liability for income tax, capital gains tax and other taxes on your savings, investments, assets and pensions. If there is a more tax-efficient way to hold your capital and assets, shouldn’t you explore if it could work for you? Don’t miss out on structures available in Spain that can reduce your tax liability as well as

The less tax you pay in your lifetime, the more you have to spend now or pass to your heirs. But with some investment structures you may also be able to lower the inheritance tax liability for your family. Ideally you want a solution that will limit inheritance taxes while also providing tax-efficient income and investment growth throughout your lifetime.

More estate planning flexibility

Strategic tax planning can also help make things easier for your family when you are gone. Many investment arrangements that provide tax efficiency also offer more estate planning flexibility and control.

Maximising real returns

Effective tax planning also plays a

cost of living. Ultimately, what counts when assessing the value of investments are actual returns – after tax, expenses and inflation are taken into account.

Everyone’s circumstances are different and the level of tax savings will vary, but it is certainly worth taking the time to take specialist advice and explore your options.

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

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at

JALON VALLEY HELP (JVH)

held a fun ‘Cava & nibbles in the afternoon’ gathering on Monday June 26 to provide an opportunity for the volunteers to meet in a social situation and for the Association to say thank you for their efforts over the previous year.

JVH President Richard Green passed the cava around whilst personally

U3A Marina Baixa Jalon Valley Help

greeting everyone. Richard is encouraging a new approach to volunteering where everyone has fun whilst giving of their time and feels a member of the JVH family.

The selected venue in Jalon

had been chosen as a possible location in which JVH could set up and repair their medical equipment. This offers several significant opportunities, namely being able to display the extensive array of equipment which is available to anyone in need, to enable its operation to be demonstrated and the benefits of the alternatives discussed, and a more conducive work environment for the repair and maintenance of the equipment.

JVH want to help people at a time when they are under a lot of strain and they are con-

sidering a shop front to act as a focus for the help they can give once someone is discharged from hospital.

Richard is hoping that the members and volunteers will see the importance of this move and give their backing to the JVH Executive Committee.

The JVH shop windows are regularly changed to show items for sale. For further information about future events email eventsjvh@gmail.com and for information about the charity visit www.jalonvalley help.com.

DESPITE the high temperatures the U3A M arina Baixa has stayed busy.

The Sunday Strollers met near Hercules tower in Villajoyosa on June 25 and strolled along a shady track parallel to the beach at Playa Torres. At the end of the beach they walked up a gently ascending rough track to a lookout point from where the views could be appreciated.

This was the last stroll before the summer break, they return in September.

On Tuesday June 27, several members of the U3A Marina Baixa met with representatives from MABS at their Charity Shop in Alfaz del Pi and donated a cheque for €300. The money has been used to purchase a laptop for the nurses to use at the new respite home in La Nucia.

They were very grateful and it is expected the Centre will be opened in

September once refurbishment has been completed. In the first six months of this year more than €1,121 have been used to support local charities and all thanks to the U3A’s members.

On Saturday September 23 there will be a trip to Jalon Valley Market with lunch in Alcalalí. On Friday October 20 there will be a visit to the Marq museum in Alicante to see the Chinese Terracotta Warriors further ahead there will be a five-days, four-night Christmas trip to Roquetas de Mar in Almeria.

Visit ‘U3A Marina Baixa’ on Facebook.

Thanks to the members.

JVH: The members met up for a social afternoon.

Image by U3A Marina Baixa

Image by JVH

MORE than 100 hotels, bars and restaurants in Alfaz are taking part in a competition to be the town that recycles the most glass in the Valencia Region this summer.

They are facing businesses and local councils in 42 towns and cities for the coveted Green Flag awarded by Ecovidrio, a non­profit organisation in charge of managing the recycling of glass packaging waste in Spain.

Benidorm and Orihuela are the current title holders after winning last year’s contest, which aims to reward the commitment of municipalities and the hotel and catering industry to the circular economy

Race to the flag

launched the Green Flag project. This year will also include the second Barometer on the sustainability of the hospitality industry on our coasts, a study to analyse businesses’ efficient management of waste, energy efficiency, responsible consumption of resources and water consumption.

and glass recycling during the summer season. According to Ecovidrio, one third of all glass bottles and containers that are put into circulation all year are consumed in the summer in coastal

tourist hotspots and around 50 per cent of the single­use glass packaging waste that is put on the market is generated by the hospitality sector.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Ecovidrio has

The results of the first study showed that seven of every 10 coastal establishments throughout Spain apply sustainability measures and the Valencia Region obtained the highest score with 7.08 over 10, followed by Catalonia (7.06), Murcia (6.9), the Balearic Islands (6.6) and Andalucia (6.3).

Calpe employment drive

CALPE Council has launched a municipal employment drive to promote job creation following the Covid pandemic.

The Local Employment Plan has a total budget of €1.1 million and will focus on offering temporary jobs to residents inscribed on the Public Employment Service. A total of 68 contracts are up for grabs in various professional categories,

namely cleaning staff (10), labourer (13), assistant gardener (4), caretaker at the Casa de Cultura (5), sports caretaker (5), environmental watchman (10), administrative assistants (7), tourism administration assistants (3), general administration staff (10) and library administration assistant (1). Applicants must have been registered with the public employment ser­

Cybercriminal caught

AN alleged cybercriminal has been arrested in Alicante Province on suspicion of committing more than 230 scams and stealing the identity of 61 people and seven companies. The Guardia Civil believe the suspect could have swindled more than €55,000 by posing as official sellers on well­known websites, taking orders for non­existent products and pocketing the cash.

According to the police force, the man used four different mobile phones to divert the money from payment applications to more than 180 different bank accounts under other people’s names in order to make it ‘disappear’.

vice for at least three months uninterruptedly, not be receiving unemployment benefits or subsidies, be registered on the local padrón town census and be at least 16 years old.

Applications must be submitted at the Oficina de Atención Al ciudadano (OAC) at the town hall before July 12, for further information visit www.calp.es.

A search of his Alicante home revealed several bank cards, mobile phones and parcels of purchases made by the detainee on behalf of his victims.

The alleged criminal had been on the run for over 10 years and his arrest finally came last week after a police report was filed in Vizcaya (Basque Country).

He is accused of fraud, identity theft, money laundering and offences against industrial property.

Image by Alfaz Town Hall

RECYCLING: Presentation of the campaign in Alfaz.

Image by the Guardia Civil

ONLINE SCAM: Taking orders for non-existent products.

We are champions

AFTER playing six matches, both home and away against neighbouring clubs El Cid BC (Benidoleig), Benitachell BC and Bonalba BC, the squad from Javea Green commanded the head of the league table from day one.

In the southern Costa Blanca, teams also battled it out for their place in the North v South final. The opposition team San Luis BC beat Greenlands BC and secured their slot in the finals, which took place at Bonalba BC. Five disciplines were contended: Men and Ladies Singles, Pairs, Triples and Rinks (Fours). In the Singles, Pairs and Rinks there was a win and a loss for each Club, so two wins per team and it was all down to the fifth game, the Triples.

It was a nail ­ biting match, not good for the feint hearted, and it ended with the very last bowl of the day, squeezing into a

five­inch gap between the Jack and the opposition bowl. The whole place erupted, there were tears, cheers, jumping in the air, hugs and kisses and absolute elation for the Javea Green squad and its supporters, a splendid result to what has been a traumatic last few months for the members.

It is ironic that JGBC, formed 30 years ago, would win both this Valencian League and the Northern League in the same year as it has had to leave

its home following the sale of the Inn on the Green.

Javea Green members are looking into several new premises opportunities, all of which involve considerable costs beyond the reach of the members alone. They are looking for interested parties to join them, to invest in a new home and secure a future of bowling for existing and new members.

For more details on investment opportunities, please contact captainjg bc@gmail.com.

JAVEA GREEN: The squad commanded the league from day one.

Image by JGBC

SELLING a property but keeping the usufruct, is an operation that has increased considerably in recent years. Especially among elderly people, who are looking to supplement their pensions, without changing

their home. In this week’s article we will clarify the main differences between the two sides of the same coin: bare ownership and usufruct. And we will explain the main advantages of opting for this progressively

common formula: selling while maintaining the usufruct.

Full ownership, bare ownership, usufruct. What does each one of them consist of? The bare ownership is the right someone has over an asset he/she owns but cannot use or enjoy. In other words, it is an ‘incomplete’ right. This means the bare owner can sell the property, place a mortgage in it, carry out works and improvements, is also obliged to pay taxes, the community fees, etc. However, he/she is deprived of the use and enjoyment of the property, which is transferred to another person.

The usufruct is regulated in 467 et seq. of the Civil Code and consists of the: ‘enjoyment of another’s property with the obligation to preserve its form and substance, unless the title of its constitution or the law authorises otherwise’. The usufructuary is the opposite side of the bare owner. He has the right to benefit, use and enjoy the property; but he/she is not the owner.

The so­called ‘full ownership’ is the situation in which one per­

son has complete control of a property. It is the union of both the usufruct and the bare ownership. It occurs when a person is the legitimate owner of a property and, at the same time, has its use and enjoyment.

How is the usufruct for life calculated?

If you have a property and you want to sell it and keep the usufruct for life, the first step is to calculate the value of the usufruct. The calculation is very simple and consists of the following formula: Usufruct = 89 ­ age of the usufructuary.

Let us look at an example. If a person is 77 years old, the value of the usufruct for life would be 89 ­ 77 = 12 per cent. In other words, if the property has a value

of €300,000; the usufruct for life would be 12 per cent of €300,000, ie €36,000.

Sale of the bare property with reservation of the usufruct: How? When? Why?

If you own a property and you want to sell it while keeping the usufruct, there are several ways to do it.

Sale in exchange for a price.

One option would be the sale with payment when signing the deed of sale. In other words, the person who sells the bare ownership, maintaining the usufruct, receives a payment for the transferred right. The purchasers would pay, in the Valencian Community, 10 per cent of the Transfer Tax. The seller would be responsible for the payment of the Municipal Plusvalía and the Capital Gains Tax (unless he is over 65 years old and is transferring his habitual residence, etc). It would also be possible to sell with deferred payment. This pay­

ment could be guaranteed with a mortgage, with a resolutory condition, etc.

Life annuity or Lifetime payment.

The second option is the annuity. In other words, the owner and seller would become the usufructuary, in exchange for a lifetime payment (that would take place, generally, on a monthly basis). In this case, taxation will be different depending on the age of the beneficiary. As in the previous case, Transfer Tax would be paid, but it could also be subject to Gift Tax. Everything will depend on the amount of the lifetime payment, the age of the beneficiary, etc.

Conclusions

If you own a property and you are considering selling while maintaining the usufruct, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will study your case, and offer you expert advice, the possibility of agreeing a lifetime payment or annuity, etc.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice.

Do you want to sell your home, but still live in it? We explain how. Selling while maintaining the usufruct. Property law. Bare ownership. Life Annuity or Lifetime payment.

THERE is no question that many people, especially those with holiday homes in Spain were very upset by Brexit, but there might just be a silver lining to what has been seen as a dark cloud.

Politicians in Spain, as well as several other European countries are quite happy to have their cake and eat it which means that

Spanish retirement dream

whilst they don’t want unemployed or unskilled Brits ignoring the rules and living under the tax radar, there is a section which is still welcome to come to settle.

For many white collar workers in the UK, a combination of State and Personal Pensions means that when compared to countries in Southern Europe,

they are relatively well off and could become attractive settlers.

Australian couple Alison and Alastair not only moved to Spain but set up their own business https//mov ingtospain.com to offer a service to those thinking of taking their next big step and the couple have just published a new review of the best European countries for expats to retire in.

Southern Europe comes top of the list with Portugal in first place and close on its heels, Spain and Italy tying for second place.

The review analysed the cost of living, health care, average apartment prices, average annual sunshine hours, retirement visas, percentage of populations aged 65 and above, life expectancy, total blue flag sites and global peace index

scores across every European country in order to reveal the best countries in Europe for retirement.

The main difference which gives Portugal the edge is the overall cost of living and price of property per square foot, but with a higher average life expectancy as well as a much better Global Peace Index, Spain remains an attractive proposition.

So, if you can afford to live in Spain without working, you can apply for a Non ­ Lucrative Visa which has an initial life of one year, but you can apply for two additional two­year renewals, so a total of five years is allowed.

Once you have completed five years then you are able to apply for permanent residency with the added bonus that you can then

legally work in Spain if you want to.

For 2023 you must be able to show that the main person applying can show that they will have an annual income of €28,800 and that any dependent will also receive €7,200 and this may be from pensions, investments, rental income or even royalties.

In theory, if you own a property in Spain or intend to purchase one then that should assist in the application, although it tends to depend upon whichever officer is reviewing the application.

So, if you want to move away from the UK or indeed any other non­EU country to somewhere where it is warm, welcoming, friendly and much cheaper, Spain is certainly a really good option.

WARM AND WELCOMING: Spain is certainly a really good option.

Credit: movingtospain.com

€852k of fake oil

AN investigation by police has uncovered a gang of fraudsters selling fake olive oil.

The Guardia Civil released a report on Friday, June 30 in which more than 143,000 litres of oil being sold as extra virgin in Sevilla had been seized, with eight of the scammers questioned by the investigators.

Operation ‘Giraoliva2se,’ was launched by police in which eight people were investigated for the alleged crimes of fraud, against the market and consumers, and industrial property. In addition, more than 143,000 litres of oil sold as extra virgin olive oil, but was, in fact, a mixture of seed oil and pomace oil, have been seized.

Last March the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), an ­

nounced a health alert when they discovered a series of irregularities owing to the lack of reliable traceability and health guarantees in some brands of oil.

An investigation began after it was found the oil was distributed with a label that had been removed and a bar code that did not correspond to it.

The oil was being marketed all under the guise of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), using different social and legitimate addresses, as well as prices which were significantly below the market price.

Investigating officers located two warehouses in which the oil could be bottled and labelled. During the searches, the officers also found two tanks containing seed oil, machinery for mixing and packaging, as well as a computer and a label printer.

ALL FAKE: Officers found warehouses where they bottled the oil.

Fried egg jellyfish

John Ensor

SPANISH authorities have warned about a distinct type of jellyfish that is becoming increasingly common along its coastline and beaches.

As the name suggests they look very similar to a fried egg and experts warn their appearance is becoming more frequent around Spain, according to a news source on Saturday, July 1.

There have been numerous warnings about sea creatures recently but this year there is an alert about this new type of jellyfish, which up until now has not populated the beaches of Spain in the same way.

With tourism being such an integral part of the Spanish economy, authorities are concerned about the proliferation of jellyfish. However, it is a wise move to get to know more about the ‘fried egg’ jellyfish and the area of Spain where they have arrived.

The term ‘fried egg jelly­

fish’ is used to describe the species Cotylorhiza tuberculata. These jellyfish are characterised by their large size and their striking similarity to a fried egg, complete with thin tentacles.

It has been reported that many bathers have been alarmed by their presence in the Mar Menor area, near Cartagena, where they are seen daily and in great quantity. The good news for locals and tourists is that they are not dangerous to humans, since unlike other species, they do not have stinging tentacles.

However, they are increasingly becoming a nui­

sance to bathers due to large numbers of them. Experts put this down to a combination of factors, including higher sea temperatures due to climate change and the transparency of the sea which makes them more visible.

250 different varieties of olive in Spain.

JELLYFISH: Are similar to fried eggs with thin tentacles.

Safe driving in summer

SUMMER in Spain has been dubbed accident season, as millions of people take to the roads for holidays. Due to higher volumes of traffic, increased alcohol consumption, greater numbers of tourists and hot weather, there are more road traffic accidents in the summer meaning drivers need to be extra vigilant ­ especially with their vision.

In the months of July and August 2022 alone, there were 225 deaths due to road traffic accidents in Spain. This is why, the experts at Specsavers Ópticas are urging people to make sure their eyesight will not be a cause of accidents this summer and give this advice.

Make sure your prescription is up­to­date ­ it is extremely important to keep up­to­date with your eye tests ­ at least once every

two years or more often if required.

Choose lenses for driving in bright sunshine ­ Polarised lenses are a good option for driving during summer months as they eliminate glare. They also offer 100 per cent UV protection, improve contrast and help ease the strain on your eyes.

Avoid dry eyes ­ Make sure air vents are angled in such a way that cool air is not blowing into the face. Also make sure to blink regularly,

to prevent dryness.

Chantelle Hayward, director of Specsavers Ópticas in Calpe said: “Good eyesight is one of the most basic requirements of safe driving. It means drivers will be able to spot potential dangers, see pedestrians and other vehicles, read road signs and judge speed, distance and movement. Before you take to the road this summer make sure you have an upto­date eye test to ensure that you can see clearly.”

For more information or to book a test visit www.specsavers.es

SUMMER DRIVING - Good vision is a basic requirement.

John Ensor

VISITORS to a ‘Farmacia’ in Granada often get a surprise when they enter, as the cures it offers aren’t what they expect.

For years the expression ‘purely medicinal’ referred to a humorous term for people to justify their drinking habits, now it seems a certain establishment in Granada has taken it one step further, according to a news source on Wednesday, June 28.

‘Farmacia’ in Granada is actually the name of a bar, a controversial idea dreamed up by the

Farmacia that serves beer

owner, that has been a huge success. As expected, unsuspecting customers often go in, especially as the Farmacia logo is very similar to the real thing. Adding to the confusion too is its location: number 10 Calle San Pablo, next to the NeuroTraumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital.

As visitors often find out, this peculiar bar in

Fishing boat crew rescued

THE 15­man crew of a Galician fishing vessel had to be rescued on Sunday, July 2, after a fire broke out on board.

There were no reports of any injuries after the incident in the Gran Sol. The sailors from the Nuevo San Juan fishing boat based in the Lugo town of Burela were rescued by another fishing vessel, the Nuevo Confurco.

As soon as the blaze broke out the 15 crew members abandoned ship and took to the lifeboats. While they were rescued safe and sound, material possessions were regrettably lost in the incident.

The longline trawler was 31.5 metres in length and specialised in fishing for hake.

Maritime Rescue confirmed it received a distress call at its centre in Fisterra from the Nuevo San Juan reporting a fire on board.

At the time of calling, the vessel was located in the British SAR zone they explained.

Using this information, Salvamento informed its counterpart in the United Kingdom, which diverted several vessels to the area.

Although it was too early to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire, initial indications pointed to a short circuit in the Galician ship’s wiring.

In statements to FARO, the manager of the Puerto de Burela Fishery Produc­

ers Organisation ­ to which the burned ship belongsassured that the fire occurred when the ship was en route from French to Irish waters, its last reported location.

According to reports, the fire on board the Nuevo San Juan was left to burn as no extinction work took place, it was a case of simply controlling the direction it was heading. The ship was likely to explode once the flames reached its fuel supply, unless it sank first.

Granada serves ‘breakfast and tapas’ but does not sell antibiotics or medicine for that matter.

Despite visitor’s confusion it seems to be a successful business ploy. Its owner Juan Vicente, said “many people go in to buy some medicine and are surprised.” When they realise their mistake “they find it funny, and they stay anyway” to have a drink.

It started in 2018 when he decided to open this “different” bar. ‘“t coincided just when they brought the hospital back to where it was before. We wanted a slightly edgy name and, while we were renovating the premises, we thought of this one because of where it is,” Vicente recalls.

Since its opening, it has proved to be a success. Some of the regulars have even named their favourite tipple ‘cervecetamol.’ Vicente’s latest plan is to give pharmaceutical­inspired names to dishes on the menu.

ABLAZE: The Nuevo San Juan fishing boat on fire.

Credit: Twitter@oppburela

Inflation takes a dip

Betty Henderson

IN a remarkable twist, the tide has turned in favour of consumers as Spain’s inflation rate dropped below the 2 per cent mark, becoming the first nation in the Eurozone to do so.

The latest data shows that June’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) is at a low of 1.9 per cent compared to the previous year. This is the first time since March 2021 that inflation has been this low.

The decrease in inflation is due to smaller increases in fuel, electricity, and food prices compared to last year. Although prices still went up by 0.6 per cent in June compared to May, it is much lower than the 1.9 per cent increase seen in

June last year.

While the underlying inflation, which excludes energy and some food prices, remained at 5.9 per cent during June, it shows progress in controlling price increases across different parts of the economy.

Little learners

Photo credit: Denys Kurbatov / Shutterstock

This drop in inflation below 2 per cent has two positive effects. Firstly, it helps workers regain some of their purchasing power lost during the crisis. Secondly, it aligns with the European Central Bank’s goal of maintaining stable prices.

Solo living surge

IN a striking shift in Spanish living arrangements, the number of households in the country has rocketed, suggesting that more people are choosing to live alone.

The study, released on Friday, June 30, compared data collected in January 2021 with that of 2011. It found that the number of households in Spain soared to 18,539,223 by January 2021, an increase of 455,531 from 2011.

This remarkable surge, accounting for a 2.5 per cent rise in the total number of households, was revealed by the recent Census of Population and Housing report by the National Institute of Statistics.

Delving deeper into the statistics, 27 per cent of households are now occupied by people living alone, which equates to 5,001,166 people who live on their own.

This figure has seen a re­

markable growth of 807,847 people in just a decade, showing a societal shift towards self­reliance and personal independence.

While the majority of Spain’s population of 47,400,798 still lives in conventional family homes, the census also sheds light on alternative living arrangements, including dwellings like caravans and communal establishments like barracks, prisons, and convents.

SPAIN is celebrating a historic milestone in early years education, showing the success of the country’s work­family balance.

Data on the last academic year, was released on Thursday, June 29. The data revealed that a remarkable 45.6 per cent of children aged zero to three were enrolled in nursery schools and other pre­school education centres, a 6.8 per cent increase compared with the previous academic year.

Overall, 468,429 children between the ages of zero and three were enrolled in some form of pre­school education, 29,919 more than the previous year.

Enrolment rates were highest among three­yearolds, with 355,837 students. Enrolments of two­yearolds in nurseries and preschools surged to more than 70 per cent of the total national population of twoyear­olds, up from 64 per cent the year before.

The number of early education centres also rose by 6.5 per cent in the last year, a further 672 additional centres compared to 2022. The Ministry for Education is providing support with a €670 million grant over the next three years to create 65,000 public, free early childhood education spots.

TIDE HAS TURNED: The news will bring relief to consumers.

Graham Norton to host old game show

ONE of British Television’s iconic shows is set to return to the screen after a 23 ­ year break, with Graham Norton as its host.

It was announced on, June 27, that Graham Norton is to host TV favourite Wheel Of Fortune in eight episodes which will include two

celebrity specials, according to ITV.

The 60­year­old Irish presenter and comedian admitted he was “beyond excited” to bring back the programme, an incredible 23 years after it was last seen in the UK.

Bafta award ­ winner Norton, whose real name is Graham Walker

said: ‘“My first ever TV job was a game show on ITV so this feels like coming full circle.” Before adding: “You might even call it a wheel!”

The game’s format was originally devised in the US and was later adapted for British viewers where it was first launched by ITV in 1998. It

was last aired on in 2001.

Its past presenters included Nicky Campbell who first hosted the show, followed by Bradley Walsh, John Leslie and Paul Hendy.

Back in the day it featured ‘glamorous assistants,’ Angela Ekaette, Carol Smillie, Jenny Powell and Terri

Seymour.

Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, Katie Rawcliffe, said: “We are thrilled to have the muchloved Graham Norton bringing this iconic game show to our viewers.”

The new Wheel Of Fortune is set to return to ITV and ITVX in 2024.

Ongoing issue

NEGOTIATIONS have been ongoing for a prolonged period of time now between the United Kingdom and Spain about who should control the borders of Gibraltar, even before the Brexit agreement was passed through, and that subsequent deal has seemingly made things a lot more difficult to discuss.

Gibraltar is indeed self­governed but the territory is owned by the United Kingdom, meaning that any defence required would be provided by the UK due to them having the overall control of the country.

Spain are still very keen on Gibraltar being returned to them as it is part of their territory, but with the United Kingdom having captured and conquered it for a long period of time, they are seemingly fighting a losing battle.

Negotiations regarding the status of Gibraltar have been in limbo since the Brexit agreement was passed as it meant the highly sought ­ after territory was no longer part of the European Union.

It appears the key sticking point in any sort of negotiations is centred around Gibraltar airport with the Spanish apparently demanding they can have control of it, something that is not even up for debate from the United Kingdom’s perspective.

Around 30,000 people are said to cross the Gibraltar ­ Spain border every single day, with 15,000 of them said to be workers that reside in Cadiz – which is Spanish territory – which has forced Madrid and Gibraltar to try and loosen restrictions and border control.

The Spanish are said to believe that for any sort of agreement on free movement to be found between Gibraltar and Spain, the latter should have the freedom to control both the port and airport, which would require Spanish border officers to be deployed into Gibraltar.

The Spanish government believes that the ball is firmly in the UK’s court, but despite both parties not wanting to make it more difficult to cross the border, nobody wants to give up any sort of territory.

AIRPORT: Has become the sticking point.

shutterstock

ON July 7, 8 and 9 a medieval market will be set up in the town centre of La Nucia to commemorate the signing of the town charter.

This market has been held since 2005 and this year includes a medieval camp, fencing, belly dancing, medieval characters, troubadours, fire shows, workshops for children and craft demonstrations.

More than 40 authentic artisans have reserved a space to sell what they have made with their own hands. The Plaza Mayor and the streets surrounding the town hall will be filled with stalls with a wide variety of authentic crafts.

La Nucia medieval market

you will find food stalls selling cheeses and sausages, nuts, jams and sweets, as well as a medieval tavern, a pulpería serving plates of octopus, and a jaima with Arab food. And while parents recover their strength there, children can participate in craft workshops, play boardgames or have a ride on the mythological carousel.

Reggaeton Beach Festival

THIS weekend sees the arrival of the Reggaeton Beach Festival (RBF) in Benidorm.

The largest and most important urban and Latin music event in Europe with stops at 11 major tourist hotspots throughout the summer, the festival will take place at the Estadio Municipal Guillermo Amor on Saturday July 8 and Sunday 9.

Some artisans demonstrate their skills at the stall; you can watch the blacksmith working in his forge, or see how horn combs, pumpkin lamps, wooden sculptures or

macramé jewellery are made, and two potters will invite the public to make their own bowl on the potter’s wheel.

In the gastronomic corner

The market will open from 6pm to midnight each day, for further information and a full programme visit www.puebloartesano.es/lan ucia.

Summer concerts in Altea

ALTEA’S Plaça de l’Aigua is housing live music concerts every Thursday throughout July and August.

This is the 16th Música a Boqueta Nit summer programme with nine different artists and groups performing at the square at 9pm.

Altea Culture councillor Pepa Victoria Pérez warns that “this concert cycle is very popular each year, so I advise anyone in­

terested in attending to book their tickets as soon as possible.”

The first three Thursdays in July feature performances by different groups of the Altea Philharmonic Society (Societat Filarmònica Alteanense or SFA), with July 6 dedicated to the Young Band of the SFA, July 13 dedicated to the Big Band Taller Ateneu La Vila (an innovative project of modern music) and July 20 seeing the first

performance by a new group formed at Altea conservatory, Bandeta La Criança. Tickets are on sale in advance at www.alteacultural.com and one hour before each show at the Plaça with numbers limited to 200. Tickets cost €9 on the door and €6 online. Tickets for all the concerts from July 6 to 20 cost €15 on the door and €12 online, and for the performances from July 27 to August 31 they cost €35 or €28.

Arcángel, Myke Towers and Jhayco are the headliners of the event that will also feature major international acts such as Jowell & Randy, L­Gante, Dalex, Young Miko,Noriel, Lyanno, Polimá Westcoast, Aina da Silva and Jeipy.

This summer the RBF will include three stages and a large VIP area, as well as the latest technology in sound and lighting. Strict access protocols have been implemented, as well as real­time capacity control, measures to avoid long queues and the most advanced technology to guarantee safety.

There will also be a range of complementary activities including a water park, large swimming pool, dance and self­defence classes, chill­out area, food trucks, beauty, make­up and hairdressing workshops, a market with stalls by local producers, and much more.

All activities and concerts take place during the daytime to make it a family­friendly event and to respect residents’ right to rest.

For further information visit www.reggaetonbeach festival.com

MEDIEVAL MARKET: Artisans will demonstrate their skills.

Image by Amata

Photography exhibit

ALFAZ DEL PI is hosting a photography exhibition by famous Spanish actor Javier Cámara until July 16.

El placer de mirar (The pleasure of looking) can be visited at the Casa de Cultura from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 9pm, free entry.

According to organisers: “For many years Javier has documented images of colleagues, actors, directors and technicians during the filming in which he has taken part. El placer de mirar is an artistic proposal based on the documentary photographs taken as a spy by one of the key actors of Spanish cinema.

“A story of intra ­ cinema, insinuating and sometimes disturbing, which places us before the opinion of Javier Cámara as the author of this fascinating work. He makes us accomplices and participants in his gaze in which

opinion, vanity and the discovery of the magic of cinema come together.”

The display is part of the 35th Cinema Festival taking place in Alfaz until

Moraira fiestas

MORAIRA’S patron saint fiestas kick off this week with a full programme of events taking place throughout the town from July 7 to 22.

Friday July 7 begins with a concert by the municipal music bands at the Club Náutico followed by a visit of the festeros to the decorated streets.

July 9 with the focus on promoting Spanish cinema and short films.

For further information visit www.festivaldelal fas.es

Modern music course

LA NUCIA Modern Music School is organising a 20­hour course on pop, rock, blues, jazz and Latin music in the specialities of electric guitar, bass, piano, keyboards, percussion, modern singing, wind and computer music.

The 17th International Course on Modern Music takes place from Monday July 10 to Thursday 13 in the mornings at the Auditori.

The course is coordinated by professional musician Román Rodríguez (ex­Café Quijano) and the director of the Escuela de Música Moderna, Vicent Martines.

It will cover the historical aspects of each musical genre, its main characteristics and the interpretation of the repertoire of the different styles. Individual work will be carried out in each speciality as well as several group sessions.

There are discounts available for unemployed residents and students. For further information and inscriptions visit www.web.ua.es/es/verano, email cursoses tiu@ua.es or telephone 965 903 979

On Saturday July 8 there is the swimming outing to the Andragó followed by the street races starting at the Avenida de la Paz (6pm children, 7.30pm adults), a procession at 10pm and official inauguration of the fiestas at the castle esplanade at 10.30pm followed by animation by The Music Box On Tour.

On Sunday July 9 there will be a street procession at 11am followed by a paella competition in the Avenida del Portet at 12.30, water games at 1pm and children’s slides and games 4pm.

Monday July 10 features talent show Tu cara me suena Moraira at the castle esplanade at 10pm.

Tuesday July 11 is Children’s Day with a wake­up parade at the Fortí at 10.30am (bring your own pan to make noise), bouncy castles at the castle esplanade starting at 11am (bring a swimming costume), facepainting and balloon modelling at 6pm, children’s show Acrobalance at 7pm and choir concert by the Cor La Senieta de Moraira in Calle Dr Calatayud at 11pm.

CINEMA FESTIVAL: The pleasure of looking.

Image by Alfaz Town Hall/Javier Cámara

Flea circus

ON Thursday July 13 there will be three sessions of a circus show in the Jardín Doña Concha la Barbera dels Aragonés in Villajoyosa.

El Circo de Pulgas and El Mago Josemari will offer three performances at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm. The shows last just over 30 minutes each and are suitable for the whole family (children over five years old).

The ‘flea circus’ stars Evarista the tightrope walker, Manolín the trampolinist, Manuela and Tomasa the clowns, Facundo the strongest flea in the world, Merlina the magician and Josemari the ringleader who will explain each flea’s story with a touch of humour.

Entrance is free but requires an invitation, for further information visit www.culturalavila joiosa.com.

Denia fiestas

DENIA’S main Santíssima

Sang summer fiestas take place from Friday July 7 to Sunday July 16.

The festivities kick off with the Intergenerational Song Festival in Calle La Vía at 10pm on Friday.

Saturday July 8 starts with the regional kayak tournament at 8am followed by the official start of the fiestas at 11am with a procession and handingout of the festive programme and a loud bang and music at 1pm in the Glorieta del País Valencià.

From 5.30pm to 10pm is the Glorieta Fest with music and animation at the Glorieta followed by the first bull­running and bous a la mar (bulls in the sea) sessions at 7pm from Marqués de Campo street to the bullring at the port.

The day will end with children’s show Ferdinand, el toro in the Plaza de Valgamedios at 8pm and a

show entitled Trash at 11pm in Calle La Vía.

Sunday July 9 features a popular breakfast with free sardines and beer in the car park of La Lonja fish market at the port at 10am, bous a la mar at 1pm and 7pm, street parade with traditional music and dance from the Plaça del Convent to the Glorieta through Marqués de

Campo street at 7.30pm, 28th Denia Dance Festival at 8pm in the Glorieta, children’s show Jungle Book at 8pm in Calle La Vía, Hollywood, The Musical show at 11pm in Calle La Vía, and concert by Tesa and Jonatan Penalba at 11pm in the Plaça del Consell.

For full programme visit www.denia.es.

WITH the temperatures rising, members of the U3A Marina Baixa have taken advantage of relaxing in the air conditioned restaurants, of which there are an abundance in the Marina Baixa.

On Friday June 23 up to 27 members attended the monthly Wine and Dine held this month at Restaurante Xorta near Guadalest. Slightly further afield than the usual lunches but in such a beautiful setting overlooking the valley leading down to the coast.

On Monday June 26 following the monthly General Meeting 18 mem­

U3A Marina Baixa

bers enjoyed lunch at Miguel’s restaurant in La Nucia where a warm welcome is always guaranteed.

The Petanca group is now taking a break until September when the weather should be more favourable for active participation and the Picnic group will reconvene on the second Monday of September (venue to be announced nearer the time).

The next meeting of the U3A Ma­

rina Baixa will be held on Monday July 24 at the Casa de Cultura in Alfaz del Pi at 11.00am. New members and visitors are always welcome. Subscription remains at €10 for the year enabling members to attend any of the events organised by the association. Several trips are planned for the autumn and for Christmas.

For further information visit ‘U3A Marina Baixa’ on Facebook.

BOUS A LA MAR: Will take place during the festivities.

Image by Aaltair/Shutterstock

Timely operation

A 52-YEAR-OLD Italian woman who thought she was overweight had an ovarian cyst weighing more than five kilograms removed by surgeons. According to an article in the American Journal of Case Reports, the Italian woman paid no attention to her condition because she was under the impression that she was suffering from obesity.

Shooting stars

IN a groundbreaking achievement for the space tourism industry, Sir Richard Branson, the British tycoon, has etched his name among the stars as Virgin Galactic’s rocket plane, Unity, soared skywards with an all Italian selection of paying passengers including two colonels and an aerospace engineer at the end of June.

THE NETHERLANDS

Formal apology

A MOVING ceremony took place in the Oosterpark in Amsterdam on July 1 when King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands formally apologised for the country’s role in the slave trade. The king accepted that the wealth of the nation was effectively founded on the blood, sweat and toil of slaves from the Caribbean, Africa and Indonesia.

Had their chips

EVERYONE loves Dutch chips and mayonnaise but the Chinese are not too happy with a decision to make it more difficult to import chips of a different type. On June 30, a new law was approved ensuring that from September, Dutch companies making machines that produce advanced processor chips will need an export licence to sell their products overseas.

BELGIUM

Beating hurdles

BELGIAN shot putter Jolien Boumkwo discovered a new athletic talent at the European Athletics Team Championships in Poland. When a colleague racing in the 100-metre hurdles suffered an injury, the team faced disqualification and the loss of two vital championship points. Although built for comfort rather than speed, Jolien stepped up and took her place, unsurprisingly finishing last.

Silly moos

A HERD of cows in Belgium had decided that as the weather was so warm and the fence between their pasture and the River Uzer just happened to have fallen down, it would be a good idea for them to cool down. Only problem was they needed the local fire brigade to get them out!

PRESS EURO

DENMARK

Danish Jazz

MIRIAM MANDIPIRA, a powerful voice in the Jazz Festival, embraced the coldest place she'd ever known, finding solace and success. Her resilience and hard work paid off as she made Denmark her permanent home in 2007. Despite the cold, she fell in love with the Danish culture's unwavering spirit.

Miriam Mandipira's Melodic Journey in Denmark

Sudden loss

Passport change

THE Irish passport is to undergo a redesign, and authorities are seeking input from its citizens on what they think it should feature and Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs offered Irish passport holders the chance to have their say on its new design, with the focus being on the country’s iconic plants and animals.

Over budget

NEWS that the number of Ireland’s Gardaí force is in decline comes amid a report in which the month of May saw in excess of €30 million in overtime payments, and most of it was down to one man thanks to policing the State visit of US President Joe Biden in April.

Phosphate find

JO LINDNER, the world-famous bodybuilder, and influencer from Germany has passed away at the age of 30. Known to his 8.6 million online followers and fans as ‘Joesthetics’, he died suddenly in his bodybuilding girlfriend Nicha’s arms, after complaining about neck pains.

Saving trees

RESIDENTS of Berlin's Mitte district are being called upon to water street trees this summer in order to ensure that they survive the hot weather. Those who volunteer on a regular basis will be awarded the ‘golden watering can’ if they prove their activity by supplying photos.

GERMANY FRANCE

Cold heart

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron has come under scrutiny after being seen at an Elton John concert while his country is ravaged by riots. The British rocker was performing in the Accor Arena on the first night of the European leg of his huge farewell tour and it was considered uncaring for the President to attend.

Ram raid

A CAR was driven into the home of Vincent Jeanbrun, the mayor of the Paris suburb of L’Haÿ-les-Roses in Val-de-Marne, in the early hours of Sunday, July 2. The ‘ram-raid’ incident occurred at around 1.30am while the official was at the City Hall, ‘as he had been for the last three nights.’

Orxit

Crash diverted

GOOD news as a huge underground deposit of high-grade phosphate rock has been discovered in Norway which is believed to be the largest in the world and will be suitable demand for fertilisers, solar panels and electric car batteries for the next century according to the company controlling it.

AFTER Brexit, it seems that the tiny Scottish Island of Orkney is considering its own Orxit as its council leader believes that it could be better off reverting to its 15th century status as a dependency of Norway rather than continue to be ‘mistreated’ by Scottish and the UK politicians.

NORWAY FINLAND

Short notice

A NEWLY appointed minister in Finland has had to resign less than a week into the job after his controversial ‘neo-Nazi’ comments. On Friday, June 30, Vilhelm Junnila, resigned from his post as Finland’s minister for economic affairs, after his previous comments were likened to neo-Nazi rhetoric.

Best airport

THE international airport organisation ACI has selected Helsinki-Vantaa airport managed by Finnish company Finavia as the best European airport of 2023 in its size category. Criteria for the award were the airport's sustainability efforts, innovations, operational efficiency, resilience, and its ability to recover from the pandemic.

Free rooms

A QUICK-THINKING Ryanair pilot managed to stop what could have been a serious incident on the runway at Porto Airport. The Irish jet was due to land after its flight from Barcelona, but the pilot spotted there was already an aircraft about to take off, from the same runway.

THE problem of recruiting and retaining hotel staff in Europe may be resolved by copying a concept from Africa and Asia, whereby staff villages are created so that workers can enjoy good quality accommodation free of charge and this is being trialled at the Verdelago resort in Portugal.

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Backlash

THE Swedish government continues to feel the backlash from several Muslim countries after an Iraqi national set fire to the Koran in Stockholm, even though Swedish courts ruled that this action could not be stopped by the police nor prohibited by the government.

Sex bomb

THINGS have moved on from the days of middle aged fans throwing their knickers at performers like Tom Jones and the latest in a new craze of throwing objects at performers came in Stockholm when light footed American rapper Lil Nas X dodged what turned out to be a heavy sex toy.

Photo credit: Miriam Mandipira Facebook account

New €2 coin introduced

A NEW €2 coin will enter circulation this month, designed specifically to commemorate Spain assuming the rotating Presidency of the EU Council.

According to the Official Journal of the European Union, the coin has been in circu lation since July 1. It explained that a total of 1.5 million units will be minted and it will be distributed throughout all the countries belonging to the European Union.

It is the first coin to display the logo of the European Presidency of 2023 on its face. Among its other characteristics are the 12 stars of the European flag surrounding two legends which read ‘Spain 2023 ­ Spanish Presidency’ and ‘Council of the European Union’.

This is accompanied by an image of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre ­ Real Casa de la Moneda, along with a crowned M. On the obverse face of the coin, the features

and value remain unchanged, as reported by a news source.

As detailed on the website of the European Central Bank (ECB), it is only allowed to mint €2 commemorative coins as long as they have the same legal value as the rest of the series in each country.

As a rule, each country that uses the euro can issue two commemorative coins each year. “These coins have the same characteristics, properties, and common face as the other €2 coins. What sets them apart is the commemorative motif that appears on their national face,” explained the ECB.

If a country intends to issue a €2 commemorative coin, it must inform the European Commission, but it does not have to report to the ECB.

The very first €2 commemorative coin was issued by Greece to celebrate the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.

Sánchez visits Ukraine

IN the midst of his campaign for re ­ election, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez visited the Ukraine capital, Kyiv on Saturday July 1.

The timing is significant in that it will also serve to inaugurate the rotating presidency of the European Union, which fell to Spain on July 1.

The objective of the visit was to ‘make visible’ the Union's support for Ukraine led by President Zelensky.

President Sánchez made his first trip to Ukraine only a few weeks after the start of the invasion. This time he travelled ‘alone, together with his team’ and was expected to make a statement with Zelensky at the Kyiv presidential palace.

Sánchez’s last trip to

Kyiv was made on the anniversary of the start of the war, in February of this year. At the time he promised to send up to 10 Leopard main battle tanks, six of which are already on Ukrainian soil.

In a further show of solidarity, sources close to President Sánchez pointed out that his presence there this time aimed to show the ‘seamless support’ for Ukraine ‘in all fields: military, humanitarian and economic.’

Information from Moncloa, the president’s official residence, said that the initiative for the visit came from Sánchez himself. The date was seen as a good opportunity as it coincided with the beginning of the Spanish presidency of the EU Council.

President Zelensky expressed his hopes that the EU's support for Ukraine ‘will be maintained for as long as necessary,’ even if the conflict drags on.

Ukraine’s long ­ term plan is that before the end of this year, and therefore during the Spanish presidency of the Council, negotiations can be opened for the acceptance of Ukraine to the European Union.

Credit: coin-database.com €2 commemorative coin in Spain.

210 Michelin Star restaurants in Spain.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Booted out

EDINBURGH­BASED Hunter, maker of wellingtons worn by royalty, celebs and festival goers, went into administration with debts of more than £100 million (€115.8 million). Problems began after production moved to China, with devotees claiming that the quality and durability of the boots immediately plummeted.

Up and down

LOW productivity, a large external debt and public sector indebtedness were the Spanish economy’s principal weaknesses at present, the Spain’s General Council of Economists said. The country’s strengths included the competitiveness of the foreign sector and the “relative health” of the economy’s private sector, the experts said.

Not Brexit

COVID and not Brexit was to blame for the inflation crisis said Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, in a sideswipe at his predecessor Mark Carney’s theory. Bailey pinpointed the pandemic as the key problem, as workers who left the jobs market had apparently not returned, shrinking the UK’s labour force.

Legal drama

A BARCELONA court ordered the Ministry of Justice and Catalonia’s regional government to pay a court employee €46,581 in compensation for work­related stress. She had suffered for years owing to lack of coordination caused by ongoing confrontation between a judge and the clerk of the court, the tribunal ruled.

Stores closing

BOOTS will close 300 stores across the UK over the next year as conjecture grows regarding a possible break­up by its US owner. The retailer said it intends to reduce its stores from approximately 2,200 to around 1,900 although insiders said that the retailer did not foresee making any redundancies.

Linda Hall

JEREMY HUNT, Chancellor of the Exchequer, signed an agreement on financial services regulations with the EU’s Financial Services commissioner Mairead McGuinness on Tuesday June 27.

“This will help to establish a constructive, mutually beneficial relationship between the UK and the EU in financial services,” the Treasury announced.

The Memorandum of Understanding was an important step in post­Brexit relations as around 44 per cent of the £11 trillion (€12.7 trillion) of assets managed in the UK in 2020 related to international investors, including the EU.

Hunt’s was the first visit

STAT OF WEEK €1.67 billion

went to Endesa shareholders who received €1.6 per share pre-tax, although the largest dividend went to Italian power company Enel which owns 70 per cent of the company.

UK-EU turning point

jor financial sector partners including the US, Japan and Singapore.

“The UK and EU’s financial markets are deeply interconnected and building a constructive, voluntary relationship is mutually beneficial to us both,” Hunt said.

Dia

deal hopes

DIA hopes to go ahead with plans to sell its Clarel perfumery business.

Last December, the supermarket chain announced a deal with private equity fund, C2 Private Capital, transferring 1,015 Clarel shops and three distribution centres in return for €60 million, including €10 million of net debt.

from a UK Chancellor in more than three years and McGuinness said Brussels and London had “turned a page” in their relationship.

Both sides will share information, work together towards meeting joint challenges and coordinate posi­

tions, where appropriate, on issues ahead of G7, G20 and other international meetings, the Treasury explained.

The memorandum adds to the UK’s growing number of regulatory cooperation arrangements with ma­

“The UK’s financial services sector is a true British success story,” the Chancellor added.

“Together with the related professional services sector it was worth £275 billion (€318.8 billion) last year, making up an estimated 12 per cent of the British economy.”

Orange-MasMovil concerns

THE European Commission announced its preliminary view that the OrangeMasMovil merger could reduce competition and lead to price increases.

Orange and MasMovil are Spain’s second and fourth­largest providers of retail mobile and fixed internet services in Spain, the Commission pointed out.

“There are four mobile network operators active in Spain: Telefónica, Vodafone, Orange, and MasMovil,” the statement continued. “There are also several mobile and virtual operators which use network operators’ infrastructure to offer services to consumers.”

The Commission opened an in­depth

Deep waters

THE UK government and water regulator Ofwat have drawn up contingency plans for the collapse of Thames Water.

Fears have grown that Britain’s biggest water company cannot survive owing to its £14 billion (€16.18 billion) debt.

Ministers and Ofwat discussed the possibility of placing Thames Water into a special administration regime (SAR) by taking the company into temporary public ownership.

In a statement to the stock market, Thames Water said it had received £500m (€577.8m) of an expected £1 billion (€1.15 billion) in new funding from shareholders in March. It continued to work constructively with them, it added.

investigation which included, amongst other issues, analysing internal documents provided by the two phone companies and gathering views from competitors, suppliers and customers.

Spain’s top 10

INDITEX is once again Spain’s best­respected company, according to corporate monitor Merco.

The multinational, which is headquartered in Arteixo (Galicia) and owns Zara amongst other labels, headed the list for 10 consecutive years until 2022 when it was overtaken by Mercadona.

The supermarket chain returns to second place, ahead of Grupo Social Once, the organisation for the blind, and Repsol, which rose two places to fourth position.

Insurance company Mapfre remains in fifth place, followed by Telefónica ­ fourth last year ­ but now sixth.

Coca Cola moves up one place to be ranked seventh, while Ikea goes down one place to eighth position.

Santander has now entered the top 10, moving up from 11th to ninth place, with new arrival Mahou San Miguel, now ranked 10th compared with 13th in 2022.

MasMovil and Orange announced their intention of merging in a 50­50 joint venture valued at €18.6 billion in July 2022. Both companies count on obtaining clearance from the Commission’s Competition authorities in the second half of 2023, launching the merged company between 24 and 42 months later.

The Commission announced at the end of June it was concerned that reducing the number of network operations in Spain would “eliminate a significant competitive constraint and innovative rival” in the Spanish retail markets for mobile telecommunications services.

Action plan

THE Financial Action Task Force (FATF) commented recently that Gibraltar continued to make headway on its action plan.

The global money­laundering and terrorist financing watchdog also called on Gibraltar’s government to address ‘strategic deficiencies’ in financial regulation.

In response, the government emphasised that it was working tirelessly to complete the action plan at the earliest opportunity.

“Only one substantive action point remains pending,” a government statement announced.

“The government is totally committed to this process, and all supervisory and other authorities continue to work with FATF to demonstrate our compliance,” the communique declared.

The agreement will have a €22.5 million negative impact on DIA’s income although chief executive Martin Tolcachir maintained the sale was a strategic move. “We want to focus on what we do best: local food distribution,” he said.

Speaking on June 27, Tolcachir said the transaction, was expected to be completed this year.

Fair shares

REVOLUTION BEAUTY, ‘affordable’ make ­ up brand, gave bosses 11 million shares although shareholders voted them out.

Chief executive Bob Holt, finance chief Elizabeth Lake and other senior executives will receive more than 11 million shares between them, worth almost £3 million (€3.4 million) based on the company’s share price on June 28.

The handout was the outcome of restoring the firm’s listing after an accounting scandal resulted in its suspension from the stock market.

Holt and Lake, together with chairman Derek Zissman ­ who was also sacked ­ have now been reinstated.

Sales growth

ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS (AFB), announced that sales rose by 16 per cent to £4.7 billion (€5.4 billion) in the three months ending on May 27.

The group, which owns Twinings and Ovaltine as well as Primark, said the fast fashion chain’s sales had increased by 13 per cent to almost £2 billion (€2.3 billion) during the same period.

Primark’s sales growth were “supported by higher average selling prices” as retailers continued to raise selling price owing to increased production and supply chain costs, AFB said.

IMPORTANT STEP: Jeremy Hunt and Mairead McGuinness sign Memorandum of Understanding.

ORANGE: One of Spain’s principal mobile operators.

Photo credit: HM Treasury

Photo credit: Orange Media

DOW JONES

Euro

EUR/GBP: Down from £0.87 to £0.86

EUR/USD: Up from $1.07 to $1.09

Trade in the euro was mixed over the past month. EUR exchange rates initially stumbled as a revision to Germany’s latest GDP figures showed the country slipped into a recession at the start of 2023.

The single currency then came under more pressure at the start of June after the Eurozone’s latest consumer price index reported inflation in the bloc cooled faster than expected in May.

EUR exchange rates remained suppressed as subsequent data showed that the Eurozone as a whole, fell into a recession in the first quarter.

The European Central Bank’s (ECB) latest rate decision then helped the Euro mount a recovery in mid-June. The ECB raised rates by 25bps and signalled another hike in July is ‘very likely’.

EUR exchange rates maintained a

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: POUND SOARS ON BOE RATE SPECULATION, EURO SUPPORTED BY ECB RATE HIKE

positive trajectory as we entered the second half of the month, supported by USD weakness.

The focus for EUR investors will now turn to the Eurozone’s latest inflation figures. June’s preliminary CPI figures could be key in gauging the ECB’s appetite for further hikes. Could another sharp drop-off in inflation push the bank to end its hiking cycle in July?

Pound

GBP/EUR: Up from €1.15 to €1.16

GBP/USD: Up from $1.24 to $1.27

The pound enjoyed strong support in recent weeks, with Sterling sentiment being underpinned by Bank of England (BoE) interest rate speculation.

Expectations for higher rates were turbocharged after UK inflation ran a lot hotter than expected in April. Particularly core inflation which unexpectedly rose to a new 31-year high.

The pound climbed to new multiyear highs against the euro and US dollar in mid-June after BoE rate hike bets were compounded by the UK’s latest jobs data, following a surprise drop in

unemployment and hotter-than-expected wage growth.

Sterling then came crashing back to earth on the eve of the BoE’s June rate decision. Another stubbornly high inflation print stoked speculation the BoE may raise rates as high as 6% and tip the UK into a recession.

These concerns kept a lid on GBP after the BoE surprised markets with a 50bps rate hike.

UK growth fear may continue to act as a headwind for the pound in the coming month, although any losses for the currency are likely to remain limit-

ed so long as BoE rate hike bets remain hawkish.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Down from £0.80 to $0.78

USD/EUR: Down from €0.92 to €0.90

The US dollar weakened over the past month. Demand for the currency faltered amid improving risk appetite and speculation regarding potential policy divergence between the Federal Reserve and other major central banks.

At the end of May, the US dollar

was still in a position of strength. Concerns over the US debt ceiling saw investors favour the safe-haven currency.

The passing of a deal at the start of June saw the US dollar stumble, before a stronger-than-expected US payroll print provide one last burst of support for the ‘greenback’.

USD exchange rates subsequently declined as a broadly upbeat market mood sapped demand for the safehaven currency.

The downturn in USD was also driven by speculation the Fed is close to ending its hiking cycle. While the Fed struck a hawkish tone following its decision to leave rates on hold at its June meeting, sharper-than-expected falls in inflation and signs of a weakening jobs market has led to speculation the Fed will stop raising rates before the ECB or BoE.

Looking ahead, upcoming US data releases could have a major impact on the US dollar as they may indicate how many more rate hikes the Fed may pursue.

EUR INVESTORS: The focus will now turn to the latest Eurozone figures.

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I TRULY am becoming heartily peeved with people writing to remind me that I am ‘also an immigrant’. Usually these informants are new readers and, although I am delighted to welcome them to my scribbles, it also means they have not read a number of my past columns in which I have more than covered this particular subject. So to all the wags who still think they are being clever, and occasionally quite nasty in their observations, I am completely aware that I am ‘also an immigrant’. I am actually quite a proud immigrant.

Many years ago, due to personal reasons (well chronicled in my books), I left the UK and, after some years in the Middle East, moved to Spain where I have resided for the last 40 years.

This country has been good to me. It has educated four of my children, two of which have married Spanish locals, and my knowledge of the language is moderately passable.

I originally brought some £50,000 into the country (which in 1983 was

All be too late

no small sum!) and, through unfortunate timing and various business ventures, managed to lose most of it over the next two or three years.

During my time here, I have integrated to the best of my ability, helped support the local tourist industry and earned myself a Spanish pension. Although politically minded, I have never seriously involved myself in Spanish politics or tried to interfere with their culture or the running of the country. I feel that as an immigrant I have two choices.

Stay and accept all that my host country has to offer, or leave! Through it all, I have however remained a true British patriot. I am proud of my heritage. Proud also of the fact that both my Father and Grandfather, laid their lives on the line with millions of others to preserve Britain’s freedom and democracy. I am also disgusted by the way the country of my birth is slowly being brought to its knees by ungrateful foreign spongers, greedy billionaires and dubious immigrants, who take advantage of its hospitality

BREXIT BLUES OUR VIEW

and, under the guise of diversity, would destroy its culture altogether.

I am constantly enraged by deceitful, self ­ serving politicians, who either have some ulterior motive or are naïve almost beyond belief.

One thing I do try to avoid ­ although it is sometimes difficult ­ is hypocrisy. I do always endeavour to practise what I preach. I have nothing against immigration. In fact, run correctly, I believe it can often be a good thing. Providing the visitors retain the same attitude and respect toward their host country as I maintain myself. Unfortunately the majority of aliens that are pouring into Europe at this time appear to have a different agenda altogether.

I am fervently convinced that if our so­ called leaders don’t wake up soon it will all be too late. Sadly, I fear it already may be. Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com

MOST recent opinion polls show that there is growing support for Britian to rejoin the European Union, but currently there are no significant UK political parties promoting the concept.

Politicians are nothing if not fickle and with the next General Election due no later than the end of January 2025, a lot could still happen.

Currently, Britian has not reversed the bulk of laws created during its time as a member of the EU and to a great extent, any decision to reapply (and be accepted) would be down to the politics of the next 18 months rather than any legal difficulty. If the Conservatives use the time running up to the next election to reverse most of the above mentioned laws, then any decision to try to rejoin would be more difficult, but if things are left very much as they are then life would be much easier.

Under Article 49 of the EU Treaty, any prospective member must show that it respects the common values of the European Union including ‘human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law’.

In addition, it would have to demonstrate that it is a free and stable country supporting free speech and the concept of democracy.

As all of the existing member states have to unanimously agree to accept a new member and a majority in the European Parliament, there is little doubt that there would be some ‘penalty’ for leaving in the first place, perhaps a requirement to join Schengen or the Euro Zone, but in theory, following a positive referendum in the UK, membership could be obtained within three to five years.

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

By Clinica Britannia

Try our Flash Pearl cleaning system

MANY of us try to hide or are embarrassed of our smile due to having dark or discoloured teeth. This can be due to ‘lifestyle’ habits such as drinking coffee, red wine, smoking or medication that we need to take. Now available is an amazing FLASH PEARL CLEANING system which may be the answer you are looking for, to rid your teeth of those nasty stains.

FLASH pearl cleaning is a safe, gentle, and effective way of remov ing stubborn lifestyle stains from your teeth helping to make them appear whiter, brighter and feel cleaner than they ever have before.

Our Dental specialist will use this system to gently remove these stains, restoring your natural smile. The spherical shape of FLASH pearl cleaning powder is designed to roll smoothly over the tooth surface, penetrating all corners for a perfect cleaning.

The advantages of the FLASH pearl

Spain’s ageless glow

treatment are:

• Cleans down to the enamel shine, leaving teeth whiter and smoother.

• Erases residue and stains on teeth.

• Reduces the acidity of saliva.

• Inhibits bacteria development

• Sodium­free.

Contact our Dental team now for a check­up to see if this amazing cleaning treatment is suitable for you, you will be smiling with confidence within no time at all.

EMBRACING life over 50 in sunny Spain? Your skin can still have a healthy, youthful glow. Spanish staples like olive oil and tomatoes, rich in antioxidants, support skin health from within.

Hydration is crucial; drink water and savour fresh, juicy fruits. Sun protection is non ­ negotiable ­ use a broadspectrum SPF daily. Lastly, adopt a siesta for a beauty rest, letting your skin rejuvenate. Indulge in local skincare rituals using natural ingredients, such as aloe vera. Age is just a number when your skin basks in the Spanish sun, healthily and happily.

Health’s secret boosters

IN the face of fast ­ paced lives, ensuring optimal nutrient intake from food alone can be challenging.

However, vitamin supplements play a vital role, filling nutritional gaps to support overall well­being.

These allies bolster our immune systems, enhance brain functionality, and

more.

Vitamin D supplements, for instance, can offset the ‘sunshine vitamin’ deficit common in British winters, while B vitamins aid in maintaining energy levels and mental well­being.

Remember, supplements should complement, not replace a balanced diet.

Revolutionising Dental and Aesthetic Services in Benidorm

WHEN it comes to dental care and aesthetic services, Clinica Implantologica Dental y cirugia estetica stands at the forefront of innovation and excellence. Located in the vibrant city of Benidorm, this

clinic offers a comprehensive range of services that cater to the needs of both local residents and international visitors.

At Clinica Implantologica Dental y cirugia estetica, pa­

tients can expect top­notch dental treatments, including implants and aesthetic surgery. The clinic boasts a wide array of services such as teeth whitening, facial aesthetics, eye laser treatments, and aesthetic medicine, including Botox.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your smile or rejuvenate your appearance, this clinic has you covered.

One remarkable aspect of Clinica Implantologica Dental y cirugia estetica is their com mitment to providing a seamless and convenient experience for their patients. With their own laboratory onsite, all dental work can be completed from start to finish within the clinic itself. This eliminates the need for pa tients to visit multiple loca tions, ensuring efficiency and

quality control throughout the entire process.

What sets this clinic apart is its ability to attract patients from all over Europe and Spain. Many individuals choose to combine their holiday in Benidorm with their dental treatments, taking advantage of the clinic’s exceptional services while enjoying the city’s beautiful surroundings. To plan for your visit,

and a photo, and the clinic will create a personalised treatment plan for your arrival.

Led by the experienced and reputable Edgar, who has been in the field for an impressive 30 years, Clinica Implantologica Dental y cirugia estetica has been serving satisfied customers for nearly three decades. Edgar’s expertise and dedication have earned him a well de

ing him highly recommended within the industry.

The clinic takes pride in its team of fully qualified and professional staff who are not only skilled but also friendly and accommodating. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Valencian, the multilingual staff ensure effective communication and a comfortable experience for patients from various backgrounds.

As a testament to their commitment to patient satisfaction, Clinica Implantologica Dental y cirugia estetica offers a generous 20 per cent discount to every patient who calls to make an appointment.

This gesture reflects their desire to make their top­tier services accessible to a wider audience, further solidifying their reputation as a patientcentric clinic.

By Clinica Britannia

Men should not suffer in silence

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

(ED) is when there is a persistent inability of getting and keeping an erection firm enough for sex, but men should not suffer in silence as treatment is available.

But let’s be clear it is not just the men that suffer when suffering with Erectile Dysfunction but their partners also. Surprisingly it is estimated that half of all men over the age of 40, will have at some degree suffered the problem, causing problems in the personal relationships and self­confidence.

Now available is a noninvasive Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), this is a clinically proven method and has been used for treating various medical conditions in

Reverses the problems.

the past. Treatment consists of low ­ intensity sound waves passing through the erectile tissue, helping to restore the natural erectile function by clearing plaque out of blood vessels and encouraging the growth of new blood vessels. The shockwave treatment offers a

cure in that it reverses the problems that cause the dysfunction in the first place ­ the most desired win­win outcome coveted by men with ED.

Making healthy lifestyle choices like taking regular exercise, drinking less alcohol, and stopping smoking can help with ED.

Don’t suffer in silence and put unnecessary strain on your relationship, contact us at Clinica Britannia for more information.

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Beniconnect Travel Agency is one of the only companies on the Costa Blanca that has within its fleet a variety of adapted vehicles to ensure that people with reduced mobility can travel in comfort, safety, and style to their chosen destination. All our adapted vehicles have PMR (lifting platform for our customers with reduced mobility), which allows transforming the coach to accommodate wheelchairs, with approved anchoring systems of the highest standards of quality and safety. We are working closely with PREDIF who are developing a project on accessible tourism within Benidorm and the Valencian community and recently carried out a

Beniconnect - Leaders in airport transfers

familiarisation trip for travel agents from the UK and Spanish regions on the accessibility of the Valencian community for customers with reduced mobility.

Operating seven days a week, their trusted shuttle service will deliver you to your destination quickly and safely via their meet and greet airport service. From Alicante train

station they offer their exclusive Alitren Connect Shuttle Service, which connects Alicante train station with Benidorm, Albir Altea and Calpe. Beniconnect also offer your own personal, reliable, professional door to door private services to and from Alicante, Valencia, and Murcia airports and train stations! Using their large fleet of Mercedes Vito

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BENICONNECT: All of our adapted vehicles have a lifting platform for our customers with reduced mobility.

Stocks & Shares LETTERS

Having worked for the Financial Times for 33 years and retiring to Spain in 2006, I pay a special interest in this page.

However, I notice that the title does not live up to its name, JD Sports & Pearson shares are missing from the list of companies and I haven’t checked the whole list!!!

Pearson plc no longer own the Financial Times, so I do not see any reason to exclude them now.

I follow all the FTSE stocks and played a big part in setting up the Company FTSE, so would like to see all 100 companies in the list

Apart from that, I think the Euro Weekly paper is the best. Keep up the good work. Thank you, Gary Hayes

Good work

Hi Leapy

Recently back from our twice a year trip to Spain.

No respect ­ could not agree more. My teachers were always called Sir and even if we met after I had left ­ were always still called Sir (though they all had nicknames).

Re Harry & Megan Bet365 are getting back to me!

Keep up the good work.

Not factual

Hiya,

Best Regards Steve

I always enjoy reading local papers when on holiday, but this almost illiterate ‘Scotland stats’ published letter without any evidence or actual facts made me raise my phone and reply...

Right from the start this letter by Jamie JKL Swanson can’t be that accurate, he clearly can’t read. He’s made up stats and blurted them out...

Half educated? ­ Kids in Scotland leave school better or comparable with the UK.

Queen Nicola? ­ not yet.

Violent rapist choose to be gaoled in a women’s prison? Nope, didn’t happen, look into the facts. There was a rather important review to stop this happening.

Four times usual rate of post natal deaths? Are you serious? Nowhere near, the UK is bad in the EU table, well, before England and Wales voted us all out the EU, but you get the gist... This is an outright lie, and a particularly poor taste one.

Salmond bad...? Well as opinions go fair enough, but exonerated.

Humza crooked? Well you’ve got half of Westminster leadership literally getting done for parties during Covid lies, covering for lies, wasting billions during Covid, giving millions in contracts to their friends etc.. and Scotland’s FM has done nothing wrong to be called crooked... yet.

Jamie needs to look at his own life and get that chip off his shoulder.

Thanks Simon SD

Hello yet again

I just love reading your articles. Although it has been said that I am further right than Genghis Khan, I think I am towards middle of the road, which my life’s experience tells me most people are.

You constantly write what most people sit and say to each other: sane, intelligent people that is.

Of course trans people should not be allowed to compete against normal people. It is completely nuts. I am glad to see that homosexual people are trying to put a distance between LGB and the rest of the alphabet! Quite correct. Homosexuality has always existed.

My complaint is that, in recent years, those people are not happy just to be accepted, they seem to want to shout about what they are and tell us all that it is ‘better’, when it is obviously not, because if we were all homosexual the human race would disappear.

Don’t you think, Lee, that the current age will go down in history as the ‘whinging age’. Situations with which we coped and just ‘got on with it’ now need parliamentary discussion.

Our mortgages at one time went up to 18 per cent!!! We got on with it. In 1973/74 there was a three­day week because of lack of electricity, the generation of which was severely restricted owing to industrial action by coal miners and railway workers! We managed without extra help.

When I first married, we worked for six years without a holiday in order to save for a house. That house we lived in without carpet on the floors. I knitted the children’s jumpers; made dresses, darned socks, without complaining; and worked doing accounts at home at the same time. My husband was an employed butcher. We were ordinary people.

We did not have international holidays, expensive mobile phones, new cars, X­boxes, take­away food. We did not smoke or drink.

I now have a large house in Spain with a swimming pool. People tell me that I am lucky!!!

Nowadays we are supposed to cosset absolutely everybody who does not have whatever. Why can’t they just get on with it and work. The work ethic has disappeared.

And the latest I read was that a woman who was scammed out of life savings thinks that the banks should protect people’s money and it is ‘not our fault’. Why should the rest of us pay for stupidity.

You know, I think that is what I abhor most in life: stupidity.

Going on again ­ sorry

Hugs Jane

PETS

Driving change

CAR anxiety is a common issue among pets that can make travelling a stressful experience for both the animal and its owner. However, with some effective strategies, you can help your furry friend overcome their fear and make car rides a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Start by introducing your pet to the car in a positive and relaxed manner. Allow them to explore the vehicle while it’s parked, using treats and praise to create a positive association.

Begin with short car rides to familiarise your pet with the sensation of movement. Keep the initial journeys calm and comfortable, using a favourite blanket or toy to provide a sense of security. Ensure your pet’s safe­

ty and comfort during car rides. Use a secure crate, harness, or carrier to prevent injury and reduce anxiety. Reward your pet with treats, praise, and affection for calm behaviour during car rides. Gradually increase the duration and distance of each trip while maintaining positive reinforcement.

Helping your pet over­

Feline retreat

IN a purr­fect blend of luxury and necessity, feline­focused entrepreneurs have uncovered a lucrative venture that is capturing the hearts (and wallets) of pet owners everywhere: cat hotels. This innovative concept has turned out to be an “economic activity with high demand,” according to the pioneers who have embraced this niche business the ‘Rural Miau’ in La Calabaza in Siero.

These establishments go above and beyond to cater to their guests’ every need. Alongside comfortable accommodation, they offer convenient home pet collection services and a comprehensive cat grooming service. They are not only committed to providing basic care but also ensuring that each furry guest receives ample outdoor time and an abundance of love and affection from their highly trained staff.

While the Siero establishment stands as a pioneer in

Need a dog-sitter while you’re away?

YOU may be planning a trip this summer and thinking about how to find dog­sitters who come to your home. Well, we can help. We have dog­sitters and house­sitters who love to come to Spain to care for your pets as part of their working holiday in exchange for free accommodation.

its town, it’s worth mentioning another notable contender in the Nora region, ‘Cuidamiau’ in Noreña. Laura Fonseca, a veterinary assistant, and certified animal carer established this delightful cat hotel, claiming the title of the region’s first legally recognised establishment of its kind. With a variety of options and services available, cat owners can now rest assured that their feline friends will be treated like royalty while they are away!

come car anxiety requires patience, consistency, and a gentle approach. By gradually exposing them to the car, creating a positive and comfortable environment, and using positive reinforcement, you can help alleviate their fear and make car rides a more enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.

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 Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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. House­sit­

ters 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 housesitter? 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 housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

Cruising towards a stress-free journey together.

Dogs need company and stimulation… that’s why dogsitters are so good!

Where luxury meets whiskerlicious comfort.

Photo credit: Shutterstock/Juancat

PLUMBERS

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INSURANCE

Nissan Leaf - a sound EV choice

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

IT led the EV charge but the Leaf is not Nissan’s first electric vehicle. The company’s

electric ambitions go back to the 1940s and finally reached series production with the Leaf in 2010. Since it debuted the Leaf’s range has gradually been extended and today there are two versions with

168 or 239 miles of range.

In the real world of course you would be lucky to reach that goal, but the Nissan has the potential to get reason ably close to its limit given the right driving situation. EVs don’t like motorways because there’s less braking which means less regeneration so the battery doesn’t get as much charge.

Move into an urban sce nario and things change for the better. Having said all that the Leaf offers greater journey length for its price than many EVs. It also provides practicality, seating for up to five people and a boot to match.

Prices start from a very competitive, for an EV, €33,716/£28,995 on the lead­in 39 kwh model with a range of 168 miles. My test e+ Tekna model €42,379/£36,445 has the arguably more practical 59 kwh battery with a 239 mile

range. Standard fare is good with even the entry level model and includes such items as auto lights and high beam assist, auto wipers, adaptive cruise control, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth, rear view camera and a plethora of safety kit. There’s some impressive tech on the Leaf including ePedal that allows you to just use your right foot as when you ease off the throttle the

car brakes. Depending how quickly you ease off decides on the level of braking, so it’s fairly easy to learn to feather the throttle. It’s one of those things where until you’ve experienced it you wonder what’s the point. Try it and you realise just how easy it makes the driving.

Add an Eco mode, along with increased regenerative braking, and there are plenty of opportunities to maximise range. Prices for the longer

range 239­mile model start at €40,634/£34,945 and bring increased specification and performance.

The Leaf set the trend and continues to be a sound EV choice. In some areas it shows its age against more digital competitors but personally I’d rather have buttons than digital. If you want an affordable EV combining practicality and decent equipment levels then the Leaf is a hard act to beat.

NISSAN LEAF: Standard fare is good with even the entry level model.

Motorsport world in shock

THE world of motor racing was in mourning on Saturday, July 1, after the death of 18­year­old Dilano van ‘t Hoff in an accident at the Spa­Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

In a statement released by the MP Motorsport team, they wrote: ‘Team statement Spa­Francorchamps, July 1, 2023. MP Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that our driver, Dilano van ’t Hoff has passed away as a result of a crash during the second race of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine at Spa Francorchamps’.

‘We are devastated at the loss of one of our brightest Dutch talents, who brought so much energy to our team during the years he raced with us. Dilano has been a part of our racing family since his motorsport debut with MP back in 2021’, the team continued.

It added: ‘We offer our sincere condolences to Dilano’s family and his loved ones, and are in full support of them and our team members who have lost not only a driver but a friend as well’.

His team’s sentiments were

echoed by some of motorsport’s biggest names. A tweet from Autosport read: ‘Everyone at Autosport sends our condolences to the entire team at this time. Our thoughts are also with Dilano, his family and his friends’.

At the time of the tragic accident there were difficult weather conditions with a lot of rain, which subsequently reduced visibility on the

track.

The incident occurred after another driver was forced off the circuit and onto the grass. As a result, several drivers slowed down, including Dilano van ‘t Hoff. His car was then suddenly hit from behind by another, travelling at high speed.

Despite efforts to save him, the driver was later pronounced dead. MP Motorsport confirmed his death.

BELGIUM: The Spa-Francorchamps circuit where the tragedy occurred.

British rider pips brother to line Wimbledon round up

WHEN the tournament started on Monday, July 3, last year’s beaten Wimbledon finalist announced that he was pulling out.

Australian star Nick Kyrgios posted on Instagram to inform his fans that a torn wrist ligament had caused him to withdraw.

‘Hey everyone, I’m really sad to say that I have to withdraw from Wimbledon this year. I tried my hardest to be ready after my surgery and to be able to step on the Wimbledon courts again’, he wrote.

He concluded: ‘I tried everything to be able to play and I am disappointed to say that I just didn’t have enough time to manage it before Wimbledon. I’ll be back, and as always, I appreciate the support from all my fans’.

Spain’s 20­year­old sensation Carlos Alcaraz went into the competition as the No 1 seed after his recent victory over Alex De Minaur in the final at Queen’s.

Alcaraz has already won the Australian and French Opens this year, but, is yet to fully adapt his game to playing on grass. However, it could be very foolish to bet against him winning his first Wimbledon title this July.

He is undoubtedly lined up to take over from the ‘big three’ of Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, of which, the Serb legend is the only one currently remaining.

Djokovic will be defending the title that he won in 2022, with the 36 ­ year ­ old looking to equal Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s crowns.

After landing a record­breaking 24th Grand Slam title at the French Open in Roland Garros, he will surely be adequately fired up to take on all­comers.

At the age of 43, the legendary Venus Williams will make her 24th appearance in the tournament.

THE opening stage of the 2023 Tour de France got underway on Saturday July 1 and ended in a thrilling two ­ rider finish between two British riders on opposing teams.

Saturday saw an incredible first stage with two British riders, 30 year ­ old twin brothers Adam and Simon Yates, riding for opposing teams and sprinting to the line for the chance to pull on the iconic yellow jersey.

Saturday’s stage was a 182 metre round trip starting and fin ishing in Bilbao, in the Basque Country. It was one of the toughest opening stages for years with over 3,000 metres of climbing.

First across the line was Adam riding for UAE Team Emirates, with Simon (Jayco AlUla) a mere four seconds behind.

With three weeks of racing to go anything can happen, but Satur day’s finish puts Adam in a strong position. Tour favourite, and Adam’s co ­ team leader, Tadej Pogacar came in third and was elat ed to see his teammate claim victo

ry, raising his arms as he crossed the finish. After the win, a modest Adam seemed to downplay his position as co ­ leader and insisted he was there to support

teammate

Adam said: “Being in the yellow jersey is no problem. It’s an honour and a privilege to have yellow. Over the next few weeks I’m gonna help Tadej try to win, he’s shown he’s the best in the world over the last couple of years in all disciplines and we’re gonna fight for every

another tough 209 kilometres from born Yates brothers are the first to achieve such a feat since Luxembourgers Andy and 2 on stage

ADAM YATES: Is now in a strong position in the 2023 Tour de France.