Costa Blanca North 14 – 20 September 2023 Issue 1993

BENIDORM PRIDE

ON Saturday, September 9 at 5pm, the grand Benidorm Pride demonstration took place. As in previous years, the parade­demonstration began at McDonald’s (Rincon de Loix). After a slight delay to the start, it continued along the Paseo del Levante until it ended at the Julio Iglesias Auditorium.

Although Pride activities started on September 4, the big day came on Saturday. The atmosphere was extremely friendly, laid back and full of fun, as members of the public literally queued to take photographs of many of the participants. The drag queens, however, were particularly popular, due to their extravagant attire and make­up.

Although not as many floats participated as previous years, the music and joviality of the event spread among the cheering crowds, who also enjoyed an extremely warm evening as the parade made its way along the seafront.

Lorries and double decker buses were transformed into festive floats, each equipped with a mobile sound studio pumping out music to enhance the carnival­like ambiance. Hundreds of individuals enthusiastical­

ly took part, putting in considerable effort to adorn themselves in a dazzling array of vibrant and eyecatching costumes.

Feathers and sequins were aplenty, and there was no shortage of towering high heels. There was a generous display of bare skin that truly delighted the spectators, especially the pirate ship, which proved to

be an enormous hit.

This year, Benidorm Pride chose Samaritans in Spain as their official charity. In support of this, Samaritans in Spain participated in the parade, raising vital funds and awareness. Behind their advertising lorry, an army of volunteers followed behind sporting donation tins and buckets.

To learn more about the

organisation and discover ways to lend your support, please visit www.samari tansinspain.com. We must not forget, of course, that the purpose of all the activities organised throughout the week was to give visibility to the needs and demands of the LGBTQ+ community, who outshone itself in the Benidorm event.

Credit: Jo Pugh

THE PRIDE PARADE: Feathers and sequins aplenty.

Fighting blindness Silver medal won

Jo Pugh

THE Calpe charity dedicated to preventing blindness, Visió sense fronteres (Vision without Frontiers) recently concluded its most extensive blindness

prevention campaign in Kenya to date. The campaign, held in Makueni county in southern Kenya, marked a significant milestone for the organisation as it successfully conducted 277 cataract surgeries, surpassing its previous records. Most of the patients had advanced cataracts that had severely impaired their vision, leaving them with limited sight.

The campaign also included paediatric cases, with the youngest patient being just seven years old. These cases involved complex cataracts resulting from trauma and necessitated longer surgical procedures. The young patients underwent surgeries under general anesthesia, highlighting the dedication of the medical team.

The Visió sense Fronteres expedition comprised of three ophthalmological surgeons, a

nurse, and three optometrists who worked tirelessly from 8am to 8.30pm each day, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their mission. Local NGOs (non­governmental organisations), including Embracing the World Kenya, played a crucial role in patient selection.

Isabel Signes, the charity’s coordinator, expressed her immense satisfaction with the campaign’s outcomes, emphasising the team’s ability to fulfill their mission by providing life ­ changing surgeries to all of the patients selected for the cataract operations.

Despite the long and challenging days, the medical professionals returned home with empty suitcases and hearts filled with gratitude for the smiles, looks of appreciation, and the positive impact they had on so many lives.

A YACHTSMAN from the Club Nàutic d’Altea has clinched the silver medal in the ILCA 7 light sailing Olympic category at the Spanish Cup. The Royal Yachting Club of Gran Canaria hosted the ILCA 7 Spanish Cup last weekend, featuring 36 athletes from five different autonomous communities. Representing the Valencian Community, Gonzalo Suárez secured second place in this prestigious event. The competition holds significant importance as it involves one of the Olympic classes of sailing.

The regatta kicked off on Friday, September 8, in the waters of Las Palmas bay, Gran Canaria. After the first day’s three races, Suárez found himself in third place on the leaderboard, tied in points with the second­ranked sailor, Catalonia’s Ricard Castellví.

Despite two days with weather­related delays, the wind finally cooperated on Sunday. The conditions remained consistent with flat seas, warmth, and clear skies. The wind, initially at seven knots, gradually increased to 13 knots by the last race, with shifts in direction and intensity.

Suárez’s consistent performance across the nine rounds enabled him to surpass Castellví, securing a well­deserved second place in the Spanish Cup’s ILCA 7 category.

With several top finishes, including two thirds and a second place, he proudly claimed the overall runner­up title in the ILCA 7 category at the national level.

Cataract operations.

Credit: Calpe Town Hall

GONZALO SUÁREZ: Showed a consistent performance.

Credit: Altea Town Hall

Cleaning up

JAVEA Town Hall has joined the World Clean Up Day for another year. The event, which involves hundreds of people, takes place on Saturday, September 16 from 9.30am to 12.30pm. It will take place on all beaches.

Baby turtles

FIFTY ­ NINE turtles have been born from the second nest on Les Albaranes beach in Denia. All the small loggerheads, except seven collected by Oceanografic, are now swimming free in the Mediterranean .

DIY dream

LEROY MERLIN has requested a licence for a new store to be located on the N­332 at Calpe. If the initiative is confirmed, it would be the second establishment dedicated to DIY and construction materials located in the Marina Alta.

New building

IN the next month, the new town hall of Benissa will be finished. The offices will be moved over the next few months to the new location, at the old graduate school on the N332, located at the top end of Benissa. The benefit will be ample parking.

Specsavers star

JAVEA’S allure as a haven for international celebrities continues to attract renowned personalities. Sir Tony Robinson, British actor, comedian, author and presenter, chose the town for a special visit. During his stay, Robinson took the opportunity to purchase new glasses at Specsavers.

Email scam

THE Central Cybercrime Unit has detected a malware distribution campaign impersonating the National Police. In this new wave of sending emails, the user is summoned to appear before the Complaints Office for alleged ‘aggravated robbery charges’.

Best paella ever

Jo Pugh

ON Sunday, September 10, the 62nd edition of the Sueca International Valencian Paella Competition was held, the famous event that selects the best recipes for this traditional dish of Spanish gastronomy.

The great culinary event took place in the Parque de la Estación in Sueca, and brought together 45 chefs from 16 different nationalities, such as Puerto Rico, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Canada, among other places, in addition to 13 Spanish chefs.

BEST RECIPE: Winners Sequial 20 Restaurant.

Credit: Sueca Town Hall

ROCCO ASCOLESE, the founder of AR Hotels & Resorts of Calpe, one of the companies that most marked the future of the town, not only economically but also socially and even politically, has died. His family stated that Ascolese “leaves an indelible legacy, which will continue to mark the history of the town and the country’s tourism”.

With AR Hotels, Ascolese forged a veritable hotel empire in Calpe, which included, for example, the Diamante Beach, The Cookbook Hotel and

the Roca Esmeralda. He boasted that his desire was to turn Calpe into ‘European California’, and believed that the best formula to achieve a seasonally adjusted tourist destination and international relevance was to boost hotel rooms.

His legacy includes the thousands of jobs created and those that will continue to be created thanks to it, and over 6,000 tourist accommodation rooms that undoubtedly gave Calpe the position it has in the tourist market today.

After deliberation by the professional jury,

Sueca’s Sequial 20

Restaurant was chosen as the winner of the contest for its fantastic Valencian paella recipe, and took home a reward of €2,500.

The second prize, valued at €1,500, went to the Paella Guys Restaurant, in Burnaby (Canada).

Third place and the prize of €1,000 was won by the Bon Aire Restaurant, in El Palmar (Valencia), which had already won first prize in the 2018 edition thanks to chef Raúl Magraner.

91 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S YOUR EWN HAS

DURING August, Benidorm Local Police initiated a campaign of random controls, resulting in the withdrawal of five electric scooters due to non­compliance with regulations.

RESIDENTS of Gandia have shown improvement in their behaviour following the mayor’s stricter enforcements and increased penalties for littering in public spaces.

Despite the availability of a free junk collection service by simply making a phone call, the city still incurs significant costs for unscheduled cleanups, due to those who choose to disregard the municipal regulations by leaving refuse on the streets.

To address this ongoing issue, during his recent press conference to kick off the new political term,

Suspected joyriders

A CAR, which was allegedly speeding through Calpe, caught fire after crashing at a roundabout near the port on Saturday, September 10.

According to eyewitnesses, the speeding car ended up on a pavement, and the two occupants fled the scene. Shortly after, it burst into flames.

The first to arrive at the scene of the accident were the Local Police and the fire brigade, who rushed to control the flames emanating from the vehicle. The fire created a large column of smoke

visible from several kilometres away.

The firefighters from the Benissa Regional Park joined the operation shortly after and finally managed to control the flames.

Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Although early reports point to excessive speed as a possible cause, all factors are being considered and appropriate action will be taken once the driver is located.

Mayor José Manuel Prieto announced his intention not only to allocate more cleaning and surveillance resources, but also to amend the by­law.

This amendment will reclassify the act of discarding rubbish on the streets as a serious offence, rather than a minor one. Consequently, the fine for violators will increase to €1,000, a substantial amount that may give pause to potential offenders.

Those fined will also have the option to offset the penalty by participating in community service.

Throughout the month, officers conducted random checks in various parts of the town, uncovering violations such as the absence of mandatory insurance and exceeding the maximum allowable speed.

The regulations mandate that scooters must be insured, equipped with a rear light and front bell, and riders must wear a vest and helmet. They are also required to use bike lanes where available and refrain from riding on pavements, paved paths, parks, or pedestrian zones.

The ordinance sets the minimum riding age at 16 and limits scooter use to a single rider.

End of an era Gandia crackdown

A musical evening

FINAL preparations are underway for the ‘Singers Showcase’ that will be held on Thursday September 21 at the Teatre­Auditori in Beniarbeig. The Showcase will be an evening filled with a diverse range of music including musical theatre, classical and pop music.

The harmony cabaret group, Adagio, will be waiting to welcome you to this concert of four different groups, all under the direction of Philip Ashley. Adagio will be your hosts for the evening and will also entertain you with song and laughter.

They will introduce two choirs with very different styles and the theatre group Sounds Familiar. Sounds Familiar will perform a preview of their new show along with some popular excerpts from their previous show. Cantã­

mus will inspire you with some beautiful uplifting songs and the Vall del Pop Singers will get your feet tapping with a selection of pop classics.

The Showcase will be a great evening of entertainment and will also give you the opportunity to see what is coming up on the Costa Blanca in the next six to eight months, so you can decide if you want to see more of any particular group.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

Every group will be performing their own set separately, except in the finale when all the groups will join together.

The evening will be helping to raise money for Jalon Valley HELP.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are €14 and available on 965 581 483 or online at https://www.philip ashley.com/boxoffice.php.

CALPE Council has announced the new contract for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) collection and street cleaning services. The contract, awarded by the council to Acciona, amounts to €38,738,553.59 and spans over nine years.

Firstly, the company must undertake the removal of all subterranean containers, replacing them with surface containers featuring side loading.

Secondly, Acciona is tasked with the construction of the Ecopark, which must be completed by March 28, 2024, along with the renovation of the Ráfol municipal warehouse, which

BENIDORM has agreed a project to install solar panels at the Guillermo Amor sports complex, aligning with the city’s Sustainable and Integrative Urban Development Strategy (EDUSI).

If someone is your enemy, treat them like a friend so you can be ready if they try to betray you. This saying is often attributed to Sun Tzu, a Chinese military general in the 6th century BC.

Cleaner Calpe Going solar

Mayor Toni Pérez stated, “The implementation of solar panels enhances our infrastructure, making them more efficient. It’s part of our ongoing effort to build a sustainable and eco­friendly Benidorm, conserving natural resources and enhancing public services, making it an ideal place to live.”

The project will equip the sports complex, CEIP Aitana school, and CEIP Vasco Nuñez nursery school with photo­

will become the new service headquarters.

Additionally, within the first year, Acciona is obligated to introduce the brown container. Previously, waste was sorted into four containers (blue for paper, green for glass, yellow for containers, and grey for general waste). Regulations now require the introduction of a fifth container dedicated to organic waste, primarily food scraps that decompose over time.

Moreover, within the initial 12 months of service, Acciona will launch a dedicated app for managing incidents related to the cleaning and waste collection service.

voltaic systems, generating approximately 198 KW of power. This is expected to cover 87 per cent of the electricity needs in the EDUSI area, reducing the city’s carbon footprint and electricity costs.

The project is part of EDUSI’s fourth action line, focused on improving energy efficiency and clean energy generation in municipal sports facilities.

The project, co­financed by Benidorm City Council and European ERDF funds, is set to be completed in about eight weeks, with an investment of

€282,605.69. It complements earlier investments in photovoltaic energy in several municipal buildings and educational centres.

67 Retirement age in Spain by 2027.

SINGERS SHOWCASE: Helping to raise funds for HELP.

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

Barbarians Marina Alta Rugby

A GREAT weekend of rugby where both the S16 and seniors travelled to Valencia to play two friendly games against strong opposition, Valencia RFC.

It was an ideal opportunity for all the players to have a run out.

Everyone played superb and even though it was a friendly, they never left anything on the field. Superb performance by all the players against squads three times larger than ours.

The Barbarians have started pre season training and are looking for players across all ages to join the emerging squads for 202324.

Their training sessions (every Tuesday and Thurs­

day) are for academy players from S6 to S16 (5.30 ­ 8 exact times vary for differing age groups) and Seniors (including S18) from 8­10.

If you played before in the UK and still fancy a game and leave in the Marina Alta, you are very welcome to have a run out at training with the squad every Tuesday and Thursday.

They have players from

Spain, Argentina, NZ, the UK, France, Italy, Canada, Chile and Ecuador.

Basically you could say they are a multinational set up which envokes the culture of Barbarians Rugby.

Free qualified coaching is available at all levels.

Please call Santi (Spanish) on 676 612 357 or Mac (English) on 609 646 349 for more information.

Moraira tourism figures

THE Department of Tourism in Teulada Moraira has compiled data on summer tourism in the municipality. The report highlights the key statistics for June, July, and August. The total number of visitors served by Tourist Information was 6,087. The most requested topics included local information, festivals, the Costa Blanca, cultural activities, transport, sports activities, natural landscapes, campsites, hotels, and Wi­Fi.

Regarding tourist occupan­

cy data, hotel establishments experienced the following occupancy percentages:

June: 77.21 per cent, July: 87.89 per cent, and August: 93.62 per cent.

Most hotel guests came from the Valencian Community, Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Murcia nationally, and from the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands internationally.

Similarly, villa and apartment rental guests primarily originated from the Valen­

THE municipal archivist of Denia, Rosa Seser Pérez, delivered a lecture on Thursday, September 7, at the Municipal Library. Her presentation focused on the historical context and documentary evidence surrounding the procession ‘When the Moors Came to the Saladar’ in 1556, a thanksgiving event commemorating Denia’s salvation

Moors history in Denia

from a corsair attack.

Seser illuminated the 16th century as a turbulent era, with the sea, now a source of prosperity and enjoyment, serving as a perilous border during the height of conflicts between Christianity and Islam. Phrases like ‘Moors on the coast’ and ‘scarier than a frigate of Moors’, still in use today, illustrate the challenges of that time.

cian Community, Madrid, the Basque Country, and Aragon nationally, and from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, and Canada internationally.

In summary, Teulada Moraira maintained an average occupancy rate of approximately 80 per cent during the summer of 2023, similar to the previous year. Notably, there was an increase in tourists from the Netherlands.

BARBARIANS: Played a great weekend of rugby.

A new opportunity

THE mayor of Gandia, José Manuel Prieto, along with First Lieutenant of the Mayor’s Office and local Government spokesperson, Alícia Izquierdo, councillor for Human Resources, Adrià Vila, and other municipal officials, have welcomed 13 new employees in the town hall’s council chamber.

The new employees are part of the Avalem Capacitances and Avalem Capacitances II employment programmes, aimed at providing job opportunities to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to gain paid work experience and enter the job market. Each of these workers has been contracted for a duration of

Jo Pugh

nine months.

The Avalem Capacitances Programme, with a subsidy of €239,908.36, has brought on board 11 new employees, comprising three data recorders, two building maintainers, and six watchmen. These individuals have a disability level of 33 per cent or higher, are receiving permanent, total, absolute,

EULEN, the company responsible for lifeguard services at Calpe’s beaches, conducted a rescue drill on Wednesday, August 30, at La Fossa beach. The scenario involved rescuing a swimmer stranded on a buoy line approximately 200 metres from the shore, within the designated boat zone. The swimmer had an accident involving a jet ski. Lifeguard personnel stationed on the beach and a company boat immediately responded to provide assistance.

The rescued swimmer feigned immobility, prompting lifeguards to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the beach and use a defibrillator. After successfully restoring the swimmer’s pulse and stabilising their condition, they were transported to Denia hospital

Band aid

Credit: Gandia Town Hall

or major disability pensions, or are passive class pensioners with recognised retirement due to permanent incapacity for service.

The Avalem Capacitances II Programme has employed two individuals with serious mental disorders or severe mental health issues, with a grant of €51,000.

Rescue drill

using the company’s ambulance.

The operation involved two supervisors, four lifeguards, the post manager, the coordinator, and health emergency technicians, along with the presence of two Local Police officers.

The primary aim of such exercises is to test response times and enhance coordination among lifeguard teams to ensure top­notch service. Furthermore, these annual drills are mandatory for maintaining the Blue Flag certification. Many tourists observed the drill and applauded the lifeguards for their professionalism.

BENIDORM City Council has announced increased financial aid to music schools and students from the city’s three musical entities, totaling over €44,000. The councillor for Culture, Jaime Jesús Pérez, said it highlighted the long­standing support for music education and culture in Benidorm.

The council aims to support the educational and cultural work undertaken by the city’s three bands in nurturing future musicians and promoting this artistic discipline.

After evaluating applications from each entity, the technical commission responsible for the aid distribution awarded the maximum eligible amount of €15,000 to both the Unión Musical de Benidorm and the Societat Musical La Nova. The Societat Musical l’Illa will receive €14,100.

Pérez emphasised that this year’s allocation for aid was increased to €45,000, marking a €9,000 boost from the previous year. He underlined the growing number of students in these music schools, which now exceeds 700 across the three bands. These societies actively contribute to various cultural, festive, and institutional events.

COUNCIL CHAMBER: The new employees.

THE mayor of Denia, Vicent Grimalt, the councillor for Sports, Valentín Alcalá, and the president of the Denia Gymnastics Club, Carina Raso, participated in the reception and the act of awarding diplomas to the club’s athletes on Friday September 8. It took place in the town hall of Denia. At the reception to congratulate the Denia athletes, their great success achieved this season was also valued.

Denia Gymnastics Club has several triumphs and achievements to celebrate.

Athletes Marina Galstyan Kelejyan, Ainhoa Abad, and Anna María Lebedeva won the rhythmic gymnastics podiums at the Spanish Individual and Autonomous Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships which were held in Valencia from June 28 to July 2. The mayor and

Super stars

Choral Overload 2023

Credit: Denia City Council

the sports councillor presented the diplomas to the champions, and congratulated the triumphs of the three athletes from the Denia club.

Marina Galstyan was proclaimed individual champi­

Sea search for woman

MARITIME RESCUE have been coordinating a search at sea for a woman who was travelling aboard the oceanographic vessel García del Cid, owned by the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) under the Ministry of Science and Innovation. The distress call was initially made from the vessel at 8.20am on Sunday, September 10. The woman was last seen on the ship’s deck late the previous day, while the vessel was located off the north coast of Alicante, near Cabo de la Nao, Javea.

It appears that no one witnessed her enter the water, and her absence was only noticed on Sunday morning. Following an inspection of the vessel and the confirmation that she was not on board, the crew alerted authorities to her disappearance and the possibility that she may have fallen into the sea. Since early Sunday morning, two helicopters, an aircraft, and a Guardia Civil patrol boat have been engaged in the search efforts. The oceanographic ship itself has also joined the search. The missing crew member is reportedly part of the kitchen staff, according to CSIC sources.

on of Spain in the juvenile category, and also won the gold medal in hoop and the bronze medal in hands­free mode.

Ainhoa Abad was proclaimed champion of Spain’s juniors in the handsfree modality and champion of Spain for autonomy with the Valencian Community. Likewise, Anna Maria Lebedeva won the bronze medal with the Valencian Community, in the juvenile category.

CHORAL Overload is back this September and this year it’s bigger than ever. Nine Choirs are taking part in this year’s event with over 160 singers all in the same concert!

The concert is taking place in the Theatre at Lady Elizabeth School, Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell and will also feature students from the school.

“We are delighted to be taking part in Choral Overload again this year,” said Aileen Lightfoot, who is directing three of the choirs at the event. “This is an excellent opportunity to see so many different styles of choral music in one place; there is something here for everyone.”

Choral Overload is on September 30 starting at 7pm. Tickets and more information are available online at www.choraloverload.com

More information available from: John Oliver Edwards +34 638 356 368 / in fo@johnoliveredwards.com.

GREAT SUCCESS: The gymnasts received diplomas.

JACQUI PHILLIPS MBE, the founder and outgoing President of MABS (MABS Cancer Support Fundación), recently announced her retirement. In an exclusive interview with Euro Weekly News on Friday September 8, Jacqui shared her remarkable journey of founding MABS and her dedication to helping cancer patients.

A heart deeper than the ocean

Jacqui’s journey began in 1998 when she was diagnosed with both breast and throat cancer at Grade Four, the most severe stage. She had been supporting a friend with breast cancer when she received her own diagnosis.

Her treatment included a mastectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Jacqui vividly recalled the emotional impact of losing her hair during this challenging time. Additionally, she developed lymphoedema in her right

arm, a lasting reminder of her battle with cancer.

During her recovery, Jacqui and her husband Bernard decided to start a support group for women with breast cancer. In 1999, MABS (originally named The Marina Alta Breast Cancer Support Group) was founded with the support of the Lions Club. Over the years, MABS expanded its services, providing medical equipment and establishing support centers across the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida.

In 2004, Jacqui received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for her outstanding work. Her dedication to cancer pa­

tients and her contributions to the community were recognised and celebrated during this prestigious ceremony.

Despite personal challenges, including the loss of her beloved husband Bernard to lung cancer in 2020, Jacqui continued her work with MABS. In 2022, she faced a recurrence of cancer, but detected it early and successfully underwent treatment.

Now, Jacqui has decided to retire as President but will remain a trustee. Her love for MABS and her commitment to helping others remain unwavering.

As Jacqui steps into retirement, she plans to enjoy a Mediterranean cruise with the U3A and pursue her interests in reading, jigsaw puzzles, and music. She also highlighted the ongoing need for suitable premises on the Costa Blanca North for MABS to provide respite and palliative care.

Jacqui’s parting advice to others is to ensure that health insurance policies cover chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as many do not. She also emphasised the importance of self­awareness and taking care of one’s health.

With 400 volunteers and new President Bev Thompson at the helm, MABS will continue its vital work supporting cancer patients. Jacqui’s dedication and contributions to the community are celebrated, and Euro Weekly News extends its gratitude and wishes her a happy retirement.

Jacqui Phillips MBE.

Credit: Jo Pugh

If you’ve chosen to enjoy your retirement in Spain, it’s likely your pensions savings will fund much of your living costs. All those years saving for retirement finally comes to fruition and it’s time to enjoy the rewards.

First, though, you need to decide what to do with your pension, looking at the implications of living in Spain. Your savings need to last as long as you do, keeping you financially secure, with the income keeping up with the rising cost of living.

Start by establishing what options are available for your pension funds, then explore them carefully. Ensure you do what is right for your situation and income needs, plans, risk profile and estate planning wishes.

It doesn’t help though, that UK pension and Spanish tax regulations change frequently, impacting your options and tax bill.

Spanish wealth tax

Once you are resident in Spain, most UK pension income is only taxed here. Government service pensions remain only taxed in the UK. There is no ‘tax free lump sum’ here, so taking it while still a UK resident will save you tax.

Although pension plans can be exempt from Spanish wealth taxes, a

Taking your UK pension in Spain Tax and advisory issues to be aware of

Spanish tax implications of moving to QROPS

By Brett

Directorate-General for Tax 2019 ruling concluded that non-EU pension plans do not qualify for this exemption. Wealth tax therefore now applies to UK pension funds (once a member can take benefits). This aspect of the law is subject to interpretation and change, so you must seek advice to understand the latest position.

For some expatriates, moving their pension out of the UK into a QROPS can be beneficial. However, a 2021 binding ruling determines that unless a pension is a Spanish or EU contract, a transfer from a ‘third country’ pension scheme to an EEA pension scheme is subject to a personal income tax charge on the fund value. Spanish tax residents may want to think twice before transferring into a QROPS, because that year you’ll pay Spanish income tax (up to 46%-54% depending on where you live) on the whole fund.

If you are not yet Spanish tax resident, you have the opportunity to transfer to QROPS without this tax charge.

Other options

If moving to QROPS is not feasible, take specialist cross-border advice on what other options are

available for your pension and which is most advantageous for you.

For example, consolidating several different pension funds into a single SIPP could work well. You set it up with investment approach aligned to your attitude for risk, potentially improve your benefits, and make life easier too.

Pensions advice post-Brexit

Since pensions are so complex and making a wrong decision could impact your retirement security, taking professional, regulated advice is essential. The problem for UK nationals in Spain is that most UK advisers are not regulated to give advice to EU residents – they lost their ‘passporting’ rights with Brexit. Unless they have taken steps to be correctly regulated, they should not be advising you.

In any case, it’s important to get local advice here because most

UK-based advisers do not have indepth understanding of Spanish taxation or keep up to date with the frequent changes.

Find a qualified advisory firm which provides the specialist crossborder advice you need: thorough knowledge of UK pension regulations and of both UK and Spanish taxation and interaction between them. And they need to be regulated to provide advice on UK pensions in Spain.

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

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

Hanson, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

FROM June to the present day, the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency, and Ecological Transition, responsible for regularly conducting water quality analysis along the Valencian coast, reports that El Campello’s bathing waters have consistently achieved ‘excellent’ results throughout the summer. This assessment applies to both the ‘blue flag’ sandy beaches and the coves.

The analyses assess various parameters crucial to determining water suitability for bathing, including levels of intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli.

Weekly studies conducted this summer, spanning from June 12 to August 27, confirmed that bathing areas like Cala Lanuza, Amerador, Morro Blanc, L’Almadrava, Car ­

Clear waters

rer la Mar, and Muchavista were in optimal conditions for beachgoers. Monitoring of these analyses will continue until September 15.

Councillor Marcos Martínez, accompanied by municipal technicians from the Department of the Environment, inspected the Río Seco mouth and the Gallo Rojo pumping station. At the latter

location, they verified that there have been no discharges throughout the summer (the area is dry). Additionally, it was confirmed, as reported by the Institute of Coastal Ecology, that the dark appearance of the stones at the mouth is a result of algae carried downstream from the San Juan treatment plant, and nothing more sinister.

New Benidorm park

JO Pugh BENIDORM City Council is actively pursuing its commitment to create new green spaces in neighbourhoods throughout the city. One of its ongoing initiatives involves transforming an underused 3,200­square­metre plot in La Cala into an urban park. As part of the ‘At street level’ campaign, the mayor, Toni Pérez, along with council members and local residents, recently inspected the progress of the project.

Toni Pérez emphasised that the creation of this urban park is a response to a neighbourhood request included in the participatory budget. The goal is to provide residents with a green space complete with various amenities

and services, enhancing its usability and becoming a new community gathering spot in the upper part of La Cala, which houses educational and healthcare facilities.

The park on Avenida Marina Alta will feature healthy areas for seniors, a pet agility area, a themed children’s play area with a central zip line, Mediterranean plant gardens, and the planting of approximately 20 trees.

Pérez highlighted the success of its citizen participation initiatives, such as the participatory budget, which allows residents to propose and vote on projects, including this new green area with an investment of €310,559.33.

Magic 3 comp

MONTGO Golf Society played a Magic 3 competition at Oliva Nova GC sponsored by the Society. Every player received three magics consisting of one Mulligan, one give me Putt and a Joker which double the stableford points on the hole that the joker is played. It was a great fun game.

This time the Magic man was the Captain George Braddick with 39 points, in second place was new member James

Living in hope

Carroll with 37 points beating Mick Farmer into third place on count back.

There were two nearest the pin prizes on offer on the 5th in two and the 14th in three. Taking home the spoils was Steve Blewit and the Captain again on the 14th.

Well done to all the winners. There were no twos again, so the stock of coveted golf balls remains intact.

Next week’s competition is a Team March sponsored by the Society.

THIS year’s Javea Home Finders sponsored BBC Masters took place over four days last week. A full green of 16 teams played some excellent close competitive bowling across the four disciplines (singles,pairs,triples and rinks) in the glorious sunshine at the Benitachell Club.

After 18,816 bowls having been played there was just one point separating the top two teams ‘5 Star’ from the Greenlands Bowls club and the overall winning team.

For full details visit Benitachell Bowls Club website.

WATER INSPECTIONS: Achieved excellent results.

Credit: El Campello Town Hall

A 45-YEAR-OLD man was rescued during the morning of Sunday, September 10, after falling on the Tangó path that leads to Cap Sant Antoni cape in Javea. The Local Police were called for assistance at 10.20am, after receiving a notice from 112. They went to the scene together with an ambulance from

Complex rescue

Javea Red Cross, another from Basic Life Support, and firefighters.

After locating the injured person, a person of Ukrainian nationality, the health workers diagnosed a possible fracture of the tib­

ia. Meanwhile, firefighters carried out various tasks to free the injured man, who had fallen into a hole and could not move his leg.

Initially, Denia firefighters had been mobilised to transport the victim by

land. But after checking the type of injury and the complexity of the victims location, the Alpha 1 helicopter was finally chosen, understanding that moving the man along the path was going to be unfeasible. Finally, the victim was evacuated in the rescue helicopter and then taken by ambulance to hospital.

Social centre reopens

LAST Friday, El Verger had the opportunity to inaugurate the renovated social centre in the company of the retirees of the town. The space is dedicated, to a large extent, to the group of older people in the municipality who had not been able to fully enjoy it for some time.

The government team, headed by the Valencian mayor Basili Salort, representatives of the political formations of the municipal corporation and the president of Alicante Provincial Council, Toni Pérez, attended the inauguration.

The renovation and expansion works of the Verger social centre were included in the Provincial Council’s Plan with a budget of €375,000, which was 78 per cent subsidised by the provincial institution with €292,500, and the rest being assumed by El Verger Council.

The guests at the inauguration were able to tour the different facilities of the twostorey building, located on

In addition, the attendees enjoyed a concert in front of

the building and, later, a dinner and dance to premiere it in style.

Summer’s over

THE ukulele group of U3A Denia came back together with their usual day of strumming and singing following the summer break. They were kindly hosted for the day by one of their members, The group called the Ukaholics also enjoyed a lunch tapas contributed by every member.

This group, which is one of 30 within U3A Denia, is very popular with a large membership and they meet every Monday morning to play their ukuleles and sing.

Calle Almàssera in the town.

SOCIAL CENTRE: The opening ceremony.

Credit: Alicante Provincial Council

IN Spain, the vendor of a property has to pay mainly two taxes: the Municipal Plusvalía and the Capital Gains Tax (CGT). In this week’s article we analyse the tax benefit most frequently used by taxpayers when it comes to paying CGT. The exemption for sale and reinvestment in main residence. Specifically, whether it is possible to make use of this exemption

Sale and reinvestment in main residence with mortgage. Personal income tax exemption. Capital gains. Supreme Court jurisprudence. Expert legal advice.

when reinvesting by means of a mortgage.

Capital gains tax: How does it work? Is it always payable?

The capital gain is the difference between the transfer value and the acquisition value. If

Peter buys his house for €200,000 and sells it later for €275,000, his gain of €75,000 will be taxable. Taxation is different for residents and non­residents. Non­residents are taxed at a rate of 19 per cent. Tax residents in Spain are taxed at a rate ranging from 19 per cent to 28 per cent.

However, this tax is not always paid. For instance, people over 65 years of age (or people in a situation of severe dependence or great dependence) who transfer their main residence, are exempt from this tax. The same applies in cases of sale and reinvestment in a main residence.

Exemption for reinvestment in the main residence

This tax benefit is regulated in article 38.1 of the Personal Income Tax Act: “Capital gains obtained from the transfer of the taxpayer’s main residence may be excluded from taxation, provided that the total amount obtained from the transfer is reinvested in the purchase of a new main residence under the con­

ditions determined by regulations.”

What is considered to be a principal residence and what are the deadlines?

For the property transferred to be considered a main residence, the taxpayer must have lived there permanently for at least three years prior to the sale. On the other hand, the purchased property will be considered as ‘main residence’ only if it is occupied permanently at the latest one year after the purchase.

The reinvestment must also be made within the deadlines set out in the law: either within two years after the sale or within two years before the sale. Either in a single operation or in instalments.

Sale and reinvestment in a primary residence with a mortgage: is it possible?

Let’s examine it with an example. Maria sells her main residence for €300,000 and in the following two years, she buys another house, which she turns into her main residence for the same price. However, from the purchase price of her new home (€300,000) she only pays €50,000 since the rest €250,000 is financed by means of a mortgage.

Until recently, the Tax Agency understood the concept of ‘reinvestment’ as a practically ‘physical’ material transfer of money from one place to another. And within this interpretation, the sale and reinvestment in a main residence by means of a mortgage was excluded. That is to say, for tax purposes, Maria would only have reinvested €50,000 according to the Spanish Tax Of­

fice. However, the Spanish Supreme Court confirmed in ruling 1239/2020 that this interpretation was erroneous and excessively restrictive. Since it introduced limits and conditions that were not included or foreseen by law. For this reason, any reinvestment that is carried out within the period stipulated by law, even if it is by means of a mortgage, can be applied to avoid paying capital gains. And continuing with the previous example, Maria could count as reinvestment, the totality of the purchase price (€300,000).

Conclusion

Being well advised when buying or selling a property is essential. At White­Baos Abogados we are experts in real estate and tax law. If you are selling and/or buying a property, do not hesitate to contact us. We will study your case and offer you expert legal advice.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.

Extra pairs of hands are welcome

FOLLOWING the summer break, most U3A Calpe groups are now up and running again ­ for details please see the website, u3acalpe.org.

The first meeting of the new season will be held on Thursday, September 21, from 10.30am­12.00 noon, as usual at the LAFMA premises in Calpe. At the meeting there will be two colleagues from a local trav­

el agency, Santor Viajes, speaking about their work and how they organise suitable trips for groups in the town. Next month, at their meeting on October 19, they will welcome Christine Brazier, a well­known and experienced demonstrator of floral art.

November 16 is the Annual General Meeting. Nominations are now being sought for committee mem­

Paying it forward

Jo Pugh

IN a heartwarming display of gratitude and reciprocity, a touching story has unfolded in Altea, demonstrating the power of kindness and community support. While the identities involved cannot be revealed, this story shows the true meaning of appreciation.

Several months ago, a family from Altea found themselves facing an extremely challenging situation, further complicated by their father’s illness. In their time of need, they turned to Caritas Altea for assistance, seeking help to alleviate their difficulties.

Caritas Altea, always committed to aiding those in need to the best of their abilities, responded by providing the family with es ­

sential groceries, with a particular focus on nappies. This assistance continued for several months as they navigated through their trying circumstances.

Sadly, the father eventually passed away. With everyone now able to concentrate on their work and daily activities, their situation gradually improved.

The family never forgot the support received from Caritas. In an act of gratitude, they decided to pay it forward. As soon as their situation stabilised, they donated €400 worth of groceries to Caritas Altea, intending it to be distributed among other families facing similar difficulties.

Caritas Altea extended its heartfelt thanks to this family for their touching gesture.

bership 2023­24. Forms are available from the Secretary, and should be returned to her, or via any committee member, duly completed, by October 4. Extra pairs of hands are always welcome! If you would like further details of what is involved in being a committee member, please contact the Presidentu3acalpe.president@gmail. com.

Fighting fires

DENIA is actively implementing measures to mitigate the risk of forest fires. The town council is currently in the process of tendering a firebreak project within the urban­forest interface of les Rotes, building upon the one established last year. This initiative, situated on land belonging to Montgo natural park, carries a budget of €17,952, with the Ministry of the Environment contributing €16,943. Additionally, there is an ongoing tender for the installation of 11 new hydrants in the Montgo area. The cost of these works is €48,360. Furthermore, the town plans to create firebreaks within two ravines located in the northern region of the Montgo mountain, at a cost of €16,766.

U3A CALPE: Are now back after the summer break.

Expanding into Costa Calida

Jo Pugh

SUE REULA, the proprietor of 3C’s Care agency, is broaden ing her caregiving services to encompass the Costa Calida Euro Weekly News conducted an interview with Sue and her family to uncover the origins of 3C’s and her deep seated pas sion for caregiving.

In 1974, Sue and her hus band built a home in Finestrat

During her time there, Sue vol unteered for Help Internation al of Benidorm, assisting with their phone lines. It was during this period that she crossed paths with nurse Chris Lane, recognising the pressing need for English speaking caregivers and nurses. In 2004, Sue and Chris jointly founded 3C’s Care

The company swiftly earned a sterling reputation for offer ing an array of caregiving ser vices, including 24 hour pallia tive care, assistance with shopping, prescription re trieval, and comprehensive support. Ray, Sue’s son, met Clare, who would go on to manage the family business from 2007 to 2013

Tragically, the family faced

adversity when Ray passed away in 2013, leaving Clare widowed with two young chil dren Sue devoted her spare time to provide unwavering support to Clare Fortunately, Clare’s life took a positive turn when she met Darren, and to gether, they became a family 3C’s Care, boasting a clien tele of approximately 100 indi viduals, is more than just a business; it embodies a deeply rooted commitment to care giving. The agency employs 32 skilled nurses and caregivers, ensuring compliance with Spanish labour regulations and conducting thorough security checks. The company receives recommendations from vari ous charitable organisations,

including the MABS Cancer

Foundation.

Presently, 3C’s Care is em barking on an expansion into Costa Calida and is set to host an open day on October 12 to recruit nurses and caregivers. For any enquiries, Sue can be contacted on 664 266 991

3C’S CARE AGENCY: Sue with Clare and Darren.

0number of words in the Spanish national anthem

Plane lands with no luggage

Jo Pugh

THE thought of arriving for a holiday with all of your worldly possessions just in your hands would send shivers down anybody’s spine. But this is what happened over the weekend, when a flight departing from Zurich to Spain landed without any checked luggage on board, catching passengers by surprise.

The incident took place on Saturday September 9 when passengers on the Swiss Airlines flight bound for Bilbao in northern Spain waited at the baggage carousel for their belongings for over two hours, in vain, as reported a news source.

A spokesperson for Swiss Airlines, Kavin Ampalam, acknowledged that the plane, operated by Swiss on behalf of Edelweiss Airlines, had departed with 111 passengers, but without any checked baggage. The airline attributed this unusual situation to a shortage of ground staff. Initially, the

crew had waited for the issue to be resolved. However, after an hour and 16 minutes, with no resolution in sight and operational constraints due to the need to transport passengers to Bilbao and return to Zurich before the airport closure, the decision was made to proceed without the luggage.

The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and explained that the primary concern was making sure the passengers arrived in Bilbao. Passengers, however, were reportedly not informed of the decision to fly without the baggage in

Zurich, and their frustration grew when they waited for their luggage for more than two hours in Bilbao.

Swiss explained that a quick solution had been worked out with the responsible luggage contractor. “The first part of the luggage was transported to Bilbao on Sunday evening.”

The second part took place 24 hours later, the spokesman explained. “Of course, this situation was very annoying for the passengers, we understand that. That’s why we worked flat out to ensure that all passengers got their luggage back as quickly as possible.”

Empty carousel.

Credit: HelloDavidPeradoPerucha/Freepik

Fog harvesting

SPAIN is grappling with a significant rainfall deficit, intensified by recurring summer heatwaves. As of Saturday, September 9, several Spanish towns are still experiencing water cuts.

However, a groundbreaking invention could hopefully change this, offering a sustainable solution to Spain’s water crisis, according to a news source.

For centuries, fog collectors have been a reliable source of water, especially in countries like Peru, Chile, and Morocco. Yet, there was a catch. The water harvested wasn’t always safe for consumption due to atmospheric pollutants.

But now, scientists from the EHT Institute in Zurich and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz have made a breakthrough. “By combining fog collection with water treatment, it can be used in regions with air pollution. For example, in densely

populated urban centres,” revealed Ritwick Ghosh, the lead researcher.

Historically, the Inca Empire in the 13th century used rudimentary fog collectors. They placed buckets under trees to capture condensation in fog­rich areas. Today’s fog collectors, however, are more sophisticated. They use fog nets or fences, large mesh structures that guide water droplets into a collection channel below.

Ghosh’s team has introduced a game ­ changer: a mesh net made of metal wire coated with a blend of polymers and titanium oxide. This unique combination acts as a catalyst, neutralising many organic pollutants in the droplets, rendering the water safe to drink. As Spain faces an impending water crisis, this innovative fog harvesting technique might just be the beacon of hope the country needs.

IN a spirited move to embrace the festive cheer early, Ryanair has just made the holiday season brighter by announcing a remarkable addition of over 1.6 million seats on 660 routes.

These extra seats will cater to those embarking on journeys between December 15 and January 8, as they reunite with family and friends to celebrate Christmas.

To commemorate the addition of these 1.6 million extra seats this Christmas, Ryanair has unwrapped a spectacular seat sale, with fares starting from a mere €29.99.

Elena Cabrera, the Country Manager for Spain and Portugal, confirmed: “Ryanair is thrilled to be the bearer of an early Christmas gift for our cherished customers by introducing an extra 1.6 million seats between December 2023 and January 2024 in response to the soaring demand for holiday travel.

“As Europe’s unrivalled leader in affordable fares and reliability, we take im­

The gift of travel

mense pleasure in witnessing passengers confidently book their journeys with Ryanair, knowing that we are the ultimate choice to ensure they reach their loved ones

safely and punctually.

“All of this, of course, without putting a dent in their Secret Santa budget, a tradition we’ve proudly upheld for the past 38 years,” she added.

COLLECTING FOG: This might just be the answer.

Beware: Phishing campaign

IN an era where cyber threats lurk in every digital corner, vigilance is your strongest armour.

Spain’s International Security Office (OSI) has recently issued a stark warning about a cunning phishing campaign that masquerades as the country’s National Police, cunningly exploiting the trust many place in law enforcement.

This scheme tricks its victims into believing they’ve received a judicial summons, but the real intention is far from legal proceedings ­ it’s all about infiltrating your computer.

Picture this: your inbox pings, and you see a message with the subject

line, ‘National Police Report ­ Request to summon the defendant xxxxxxx, Electronic Citation ID xxxx’. Don’t be fooled; these cybercrim­

inals are crafty.

While the sender appears to be the National Police, a closer look at the email address reveals that it has no connection to any legitimate law enforcement agency.

The OSI is your ally in this digital battleground. If you suspect foul play, they urge you to report the incident to the authorities, providing them with every bit of information you can muster.

In this ever­evolving world of cyber warfare, staying informed and vigilant is your best defence against the hidden threats that dwell in the digital shadows.

Sevilla council’s cyber attack

A CYBER attack on Sevilla’s computer system brought all municipal activities to a standstill, forcing workers to revert to traditional methods of pen and paper, according to a news source.

The severity of the attack even led to the postponement of this month’s ordinary Plenary session to Thursday, September 28, citing ‘the current situation of the communications network’.

Juan Bueno, the delegate of Finance, Citizen Participation and Digital Transformation and spokesman for the city council, expressed his regret to the citizens of Sevilla for the disruptions

caused. “We have already filed the complaint with the National Police,” he announced on Thursday September 7.

Importantly, there’s no current evidence suggesting that citizens’ personal data has been compromised or lost. The council has conveyed a message of calm, emphasising their commitment to work with utmost caution and assurance.

The halt in services was a preventive measure, rather than a direct consequence of the cyber attack. Bueno disclosed, “we already know the origin and only three affected computers have been detected.”

Hackers managed to obtain the VPN keys of a corporate network user, believed to be a Local Policeman. They gained access to this user’s computer and the systems they were authorised to use. Notably, they didn’t breach the council’s main security barrier, but merely the keys of this individual user.

Additionally, the culprits encrypted servers, which, in reality, form a minuscule portion of the council’s resources. These servers housed applications and, crucially, no personal data. Plans are underway to restore the service swiftly, ensuring maximum security.

VICTIMS: You need to be vigilant

Image: FACUA

Spain’s best kept secret

LAST week a programme, aired on ITV, highlighted a unique area of Spain that has ancient Celtic roots.

The second episode of the popular series, Gordon, Gino & Fred: Viva Espana! was entitled ‘Fiesta Forever’ and aired on Monday, September 4, showing the trio touring Galicia in the corner of northwest Spain.

Galicia enjoys around 900 miles of rugged coastline and is one of the seven Celtic nations alongside Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Mann, Brittany, Scotland and Wales.

Galicia even has its own language, Galego, and is spoken by over three million people. The Galicians are extremely proud of their heritage and are quite un ­ Spanish in many of their ways and traditions.

Galician food in particular is something they fiercely celebrate, which is why foreign restaurants are extremely few and far between.

Heading up the show is Michelin ­ starred chef, Gordon Ramsay, who appears alongside Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix. Speaking of the local gastronomy, Gordon said: “The Galician style never really gets a look in. Ev ­

eryone talks about tapas in Barcelona and the richness in Madrid, but no one really understands the gems that are unearthed on this beautiful, rugged coastline.”

Galicia is known for its high quality meat and in particular its abundance of seafood, which is probably why the group’s first stop was at the coastal village of Cambados.

They joined a group of women at low tide in a search for the region’s famous clams.

In the end, the work proved to be too hard for the three celebrities who instead offered to provide lunch for the 200 ­ strong band of female shellfish hunters.

But it’s not just seafood that puts Galicia on the culinary map. The wines it produces are outstanding, with a former US president listed among one of its biggest fans.

Further inland the trio visited the area known as Ribeira Sacra (sacred shore), famous for its ‘heroic viticulture’. Fred commented: ‘This is one of the most beautiful vineyards in the world.’

In the programme, Fred explained it is also known as Obama wine. At a presidential event in Washing­

ton back in 2017, Barak Obama chose wine from the Ribeira Sacra to be served to his guests, which led to a shortage of supply due to the huge demand it generated.

The next stop on Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Galician adventure was to sample another regional curiosity, queimada. Literally, queimada means ‘burnt’. A ferociously strong alcoholic punch that includes Galician brandy, sugar, coffee beans and lemon peel. The queimada is part of a superstitious ritual where, before being consumed, it is set alight while an incantation is uttered.

The group then visited the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. Their main agenda was to explore the expansive fresh food bazaar and learn about the regional speciality, percebes or goose barnacles.

The programme closesd as the three friends made their way to the shoreline to prepare some of Spain’s finest dishes using their market finds. Gordon prepared the barnacles in a steamy mix of lemon, beer, and bay leaves, while Gino crafted a warm Galician octopus salad.

According to the ITV review: “The guys ended their memorable Spanish adventure with a joyful, naked, dip in the beautiful ocean.”

VIVA ESPAÑA: Gordon, Gino and Fred visited Galicia.

Ordering coffee in Spain

NAVIGATING the world of ordering coffee in Spain can be as intricate as deciphering a treasure map. Picture yourself stepping into a charming Spanish café, where the most beloved coffee­making machine is none other than the trusty Espresso machine. These contraptions are as common as sunshine in Spain, and behind them, you’ll find the coffee virtuosos ­ the baristas or your local bar owner ­ conjuring your coffee magic.

Now, the adventure begins with the ‘Café solo’, which is coffee’s ground zero in Spain. In most places, it’s called an ‘Espresso’, but don’t fret; they’ll still understand you if you say that. Yet, the locals lovingly refer to it as Café solo.

For the black coffee aficionados:

Café Americano: When a ‘café solo’ packs too much punch, call in an Americano ­ it’s like a solo, but

with more water, a solo’s milder cousin.

Café con hielo (pronounced hyellow): In the sweltering Spanish summers, ice cubes make you sweat less. You’ll get two cups ­ one brimming with Café solo, the other loaded with ice cubes.

For the daring:

Carajillo (Carahi ­ o): A Café solo with a spirited twist ­ usually rum, whisky, or brandy.

For those who crave the milky touch:

Café Cortado: Think of it as Café solo with a splash of milk.

Café con Leche: A harmonious blend of coffee and water, a 50/50 balance.

Manchado (Leche Manchada): Warm milk with just a hint of coffee, like really weak coffee.

Café bombón: Sweetened condensed milk steps in for regular milk ­ a sugary spin on your brew. No need for sugar here.

And for the decaffeinated dreamers:

Descafeinado: Not all cafés offer decaf, but when they do, make sure it’s the machine ­ brewed kind, not the instant version.

The guide to all coffee. Credit: Memrise/X

€8-€10 average cinema ticket in Spain.

D*na festival Denia

THE sixth edition of the D*na Festival is set to return on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1, at the Paseo de la Marineta Cassiana in Denia. The event, a celebration of Mediterranean life and cuisine, will bring together renowned chefs, producers, restaurateurs, and gastronomes.

During a presentation in Valencia on Thursday, September 7, Denia’s mayor, Vicent Grimalt, highlighted the region’s rich culinary heritage and its UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status. This year’s festival will focus on paying tribute to the sea and its significance in the region’s culture, economy, and cuisine.

The festival’s curator, Quique Dacosta, explained that the theme of the sea will be central to the event, with presentations, workshops, and stalls all revolving around this theme. Prominent chefs such as Ángel León, José Avillez, the Torres brothers, and Maca de Castro will conduct demonstrations on the main stage.

A second stage will showcase regional seafood cuisine and offer cooking workshops. Tasting stalls will also highlight local products and producers. The D*na Festival has become a significant event in Spain, solidifying Denia’s status as the gastronomic capital of the Mediterranean.

Free musical in Ondara

DUMBO, the musical for the whole family, will arrive at the Ondara shopping centre on Saturday, September 16 with a 75­minute show that can be enjoyed completely free of charge. It will be shown on the ground floor of the centre in two performances, from 6pm to 7.15pm and from 7.45pm to 9pm.

Visitors have to register for the free seats on the website https://portaldelamarina.dumbo elmusical.es/ or at the centre’s Customer Service Point.

Portal de la Marina has reserved 15 VIP

Benidorm charity do

Jo Pugh

GARY BURR, the President of Giving4Giving, extends a warm invitation to join a charity event at Jokers Bar in Benidorm on October 4, running from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. This event will be hosted by the well­known fundraising duo Des and Wayne from Bargain Loving Brits In The Sun. During this special occasion, Gary will delight the attendees by announcing €1,000 donations to five beloved charities.

places for members of the Cerebrum Association (an association in the Marina Alta formed by those affected by Acquired Brain Injury). In addition, the shopping centre has made a financial donation to the Cerebrum Association for €1,000. In addition, Portal de la Marina will raffle 82 VIP seats among all the people who register through its website or at the Customer Service Point to be able to enjoy the show. In addition, a trip to the Disneyland Paris theme park valued at €1,500 will also be raffled among all those registered.

In an exclusive interview with Euro Weekly News , conducted at the Benidorm branch of Giving4Giving, Gary shared his deeply inspirational journey. Originating from the UK, he resided in San Francisco, where he managed a pub. Tragedy struck when his wife succumbed to cancer at the young age of 37. After spending 13 years in the United States, Gary returned to the UK for a brief two ­ year period before making the move to Spain. Over the subsequent years, he endured a series of personal losses, including the passing of his grandmother, mother, best man, close friends, and aunt.

Motivated by an inheritance from his

aunt, Gary embarked on a mission and established his inaugural charity shop in La Nucia back in 2012. His pledge was clear: every cent of profit generated would be reinvested into the community. With the dedicated support of volunteer manager Linda Hall, the shop flourished. Fuelled by his unwavering commitment to charity and an outpouring of donations, Gary expanded his charitable efforts by opening additional shops. To date, his charity has contributed over €270,000 to local registered charities, including organisations like Busy Bees, Gandia Men’s Shelter, and Doggy Angels, among others. Gary extends his heartfelt appreciation to his volunteers and remains eager to enlist more supporters for his noble cause.

Credit: Jo Pugh

GIVING4GIVING: Gary outside his shop.

Magnum Concert Productions

Present the ‘Liverpool Band’ in Concert

Saturday October 21, Teatre Auditorio Beniarbeig at 7.30pm

MAGNUM Concert Productions are kicking off the autumn season with a fabulous tribute to the

legendary Beatles, performed by probably the best Beatles tribute band in Spain, if not in the whole of Europe.

The Liverpool Band are a group of four very talented musicians who are based in the Alicante region, they have performed all over Europe and indeed have played in the famous ‘Cavern Club’ in Liverpool on many occasions. Their renditions of all the famous Beatles hits are second to none, as is their stage act. We have regularly sold out these shows in Moraira and Teulada, so do book early! This is a show not to be missed!

The show will be held in the superb Teatre Auditorio in Beniarbeig, with a full sound and light system and stage production by Magnum Concert Pro ­

ductions. There will also be a bar supplied by the Moors and Christians festeros. The show starts at 7.30pm

Tickets cost €20 and can be reserved by calling 618 017 201 or by email: magnum.concerts@gmail .com.

Tickets are also available online at www.mag numconcerts.com.

So come along and see a truly fab show, in a lovely theatre, especially as all profits will go to local charities including the

Alzheimer’s centre in Teulada which is a great local cause.

Many thanks for your support and I hope to see you soon. You can join our mailing list which will give you prior notification of all our future events by emailing: magnum.con certs@gmail.com.

PS. Diary dates ­ Saturday December 16 will be our Christmas Spectacular featuring ‘The Entertainers’ and February 20, 2024 will be ‘Queen Forever’ featuring CHESS.

THE LIVERPOOL BAND: Have performed all over europe.

Oktoberfest in Moraira

Jo Pugh

THE Sant Vicent Ferrer de Teulada 2024 Festival Commission and the Moraira 2024 Festival Commission, in collaboration with the Teulada City Council, have presented the programme for Oktoberfest 2023, which will be held on September 28, 29 and 30 and October 1 in the Les Sorts de Moraira car park.

The planned events are the following:

Thursday, September 28

7.30pm ­ Inauguration of the barrel in the presence of the mayor, councillors and presidents of the Festival Commis­

THE group Fangoria are set to grace the stage in Gandia on Saturday, September 30 as part of the Fair and Festes celebrations. Balbina Sendra, the deputy councillor for Culture, shared the exciting news during a press conference alongside Festive Policy technician Juanjo Payà and Virginia Pastor from Crash Music.

The concert line up includes Fangoria (featuring Alaska and Nacho Canut), renowned for their

sions of Teulada and Moraira.

From 8pm to 10pm. Performance of traditional German music with the show by D Ewaldo.

Friday, October 29

From 11am to 4pm. Opening of the tent and the bar and kitchen service.

From 12pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 10pm. Performance of traditional German music with the show by D Ewaldo.

From 11pm to 1am. Srereomonos performance. From 1am to 4am. Mobile disco by DJ Alex Femenía.

Saturday September 30

From 11am to 4am. Opening of the tent, bar and kitchen service.

From 12pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 10pm. Performance of traditional German music with the show by D Ewaldo. From 11pm to 1am. Performance by the Capital 90 Orchestra. From 1am to 4am. Mobile disco by DJ Sergio Pérez.

Sunday October 1

From 11am to 4pm Opening of the tent and bar, and kitchen service. From 12pm to 3pm. Performance of traditional German music with the show by D. Ewaldo.

Fabulous line-up

decades­long career filled with Spanish music hits and anthems. Also performing are Nancys Rubias and Don Fluor, an electro artist known for blending indie, tech house, and post­punk.

Sendra emphasised Fangoria’s illustrious career and their ability to drive audiences wild with their chart­

toppers spanning over 30 years. She also highlighted the vibrant and entertaining performances expected from Nancys Rubias.

Finally, she confirmed the participation of Don Fluor, a regular at major national festivals.

Details of other activities throughout the 2023 Fair

and Festivities programme at various iconic locations in the city will be revealed shortly.

Access to Pablo Mas and Don Fluor’s sets will be free. The performances are scheduled to begin at 10pm, and tickets priced at €20 are available for purchase on the crashmusic.es website.

Family find masterpiece

John Ensor

FOR several generations, a family in Jaen unknowingly housed a genuine masterpiece by Anton Van Dyck, arguably the second most significant Flemish painter after Rubens, in their living room.

The painting, titled ‘The Presentation of the Child Jesus to Santa Barbara’, had always adorned a prominent spot in their home. It wasn’t until last year that an art expert confirmed its authenticity, much to the family’s astonishment, wrote a news source.

“The family was never aware of the value of the painting in front of them, they saw it as something routine that was part of everyday life,”said Luis Baena, the family’s solicitor. The artwork is believed to have arrived in Jaen via Sevilla in the 17th century, a time when over 100 Flemish families, primarily traders and bankers, settled in the Andalucian city.

After its authenticity was verified, the canvas, showing clear signs of wear from the early 17th century, underwent restoration by esteemed Andalucian experts. The family has since been approached by major international auction houses, including Sotheby’s.

However, their primary wish is for the painting to be housed in the Museum of

Fine Arts of Sevilla. Given Van Dyck’s pivotal role in shaping the Sevillian baroque and his influence on 17th ­ century painters, the family feels the artwork would be a valuable addition to the museum’s collection.

“They have no intention of speculating with the painting, but they do have a special interest in it staying in Sevilla, the city where some family members reside and with which they share a deep bond,” Baena remarked. While preliminary discussions with the Museum of Fine Arts of Sevilla have commenced, the painting’s official valuation remains pending. “Its value will be a fair and reasonable price,” the solicitor anticipated.

Anton Van Dyck, born in Antwerp in 1599 passed away in London in 1641, and became known as England’s premier court painter.

SEVILLA MUSEUM: A valuable addition.

Spain shines in Top 10

John Ensor

A RECENT poll has revealed that Spain has two of its cities in the top 10 list for the best quality of life.

Many factors, such as transportation, infrastructure, and cultural offerings, come into play. Ultimately, a city should be a haven where people can live, work, and play safely and comfortably. Viajar magazine recently unveiled its list of the top cities to live in for 2023, and two Spanish cities have made the cut, according to a news source.

The study considered various quality indicators. These included medical care, transportation, gastronomy, housing, crime rates, cultural offerings, and diverse infrastructure.

The Hague in the Netherlands clinched the top spot. The city boasts a high purchasing power index, impressive safety and health metrics, and low travel time and pollution indices. ‘The green city by the sea.’ This is how

VALENCIA: Claimed fifth position in the poll.

The Hague is known in the Netherlands. The political centre of the country is renowned for its beaches, monuments, and bustling commercial district. Now, it also tops the list of cities with the best quality of life.

Valencia claimed the fifth position. With commendable safety and health rates, Valencia secured a proud fifth place in the global ranking. This year, Valencia is also commemorating the centenary of the death of one of its most illustrious citizens, Joaquin Sorolla. Numerous exhibitions are celebrating the brilliance of the ‘artist of

light’ in Valencian museums. Madrid stands tall at eighth position. Its infrastructure, services, cultural and gastronomic offerings, coupled with a high safety index, have propelled Madrid into the ¡top 10¡ of cities with the best quality of life. Among its cultural highlights in 2023 is the opening of the Gallery of the Royal Collections. This museum, already a recipient of 10 architecture awards, showcases 650 pieces of immeasurable value.

The other cities were: Rotterdam, Luxembourg, Vienna, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Reykjavik, and Copenhagen.

UK aid sparks outrage

John Ensor

IS the UK’s financial assistance to India justified when the latter is investing in ambitious space projects?

On Saturday, September 2, India successfully launched its Aditya ­ L1 spacecraft, a mission aimed at studying the sun, while the UK continues to funnel millions in aid to the nation, according to a news source.

According to data from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the UK allocated £33.4 million in aid to India for the fiscal year 2022/23. This figure is expected to escalate to £57 million by 2024/25.

The Aditya­L1 spacecraft is set to be positioned at the Lagrange point 1 (L1), a point in space where the gravitational forces of the sun and Earth neutralise each other.

After a four­month journey, the spacecraft will have an uninterrupted view of the sun and will conduct studies on its sur­

face. The mission’s budget is approximately 3.78 billion rupees (£36 million), as reported by Indian media outlets.

This launch comes hot on the heels of India’s successful moon landing through its Chandrayaan ­ 3 craft, further fuelling debates about the UK’s financial contributions to India.

In July, John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, commented on the rising aid to India: “The foreign aid debacle has been allowed to carry on for far too long.

“Arbitrary spending targets have seen untold mil­

lions sent abroad to fund spurious projects in countries with larger economies than our own.

To create a fairer deal for taxpayers, ministers should scrap the target and make aid available when truly needed.”

The question of whether the UK should continue its financial support to India, especially when the country is capable of funding its own space missions, remains a contentious issue. Critics argue that the aid could be better utilised for domestic projects or in countries with more pressing needs.

NHS UK sells unused beds

THE NHS is selling off beds initially purchased for Nightingale hospitals at a fraction of their original cost. The beds, originally costing £2,500 each, are now being sold, some for as little as £6, according to a news source.

As from Friday September 1, the NHS has acknowledged a £13 million loss on these unused emergency beds. These beds were intended for seven temporary hospitals set up during the pandemic. The NHS stated: “There was a small number of beds that was specifically tailored for the Nightingale that could not be repurposed and they have been sold to private sellers to recover costs for the taxpayer.”

In its last two annual reports, the NHS Commissioning Board revealed ‘constructive losses’ of £13 million, including storage costs. These losses were attributed to ‘emergency beds that were procured for the Nightingale hospitals at the beginning of the pandemic’.

Although the NHS has not disclosed the exact number of beds sold, more than 1,000 new Oska hospital beds have been found for sale online and at auctions recently. NHS Procurement had offered these beds to members of the Care Provider Allianceat half price in February 2021.

On July 26 and August 1, auctioneers Simon Charles of Stockport, Cheshire, sold 47 Oska hospital beds for £6 to £17 each. US website Bimedis listed 1,000 Oska beds at £120 each, shipped from the UK.

Jo Maugham of the Good Law Project stated: “What we see now is beds being sold off quietly at knockdown prices crystallising massive losses for the taxpayer.”

Seven Nightingale hospitals were erected in England at a reported cost of £530m but were scarcely used. Oska, one of the bed suppliers, said: “We cannot comment on any government decisions that have ensued since.”

SPACE PROJECT: Aimed at studying the sun.

NHS: Reported a loss on unused beds.

FINANCE 30

BUSINESS EXTRA

Charge sheet

BRUSSELS set a December 28, 2024, deadline for phone manufacturers to adopt a common charging cable. All new portable electronic devices must use a USB Type­C charger, meaning that Apple whose iPhones require an Applecharger, will not be able to sell new phones unless they switched to universal cables.

Think again

MOODY’S, the US rating agency, asked Spain to modify its pensions system. Failing to do so would put pressure on the country’s credit profile by the end of the 2020s and make it harder to finance the country’s pensions by making their debt issues more expensive, Moody’s warned.

Read about it

WH SMITH’S turnover grew by 28 per cent for the year ending last August despite rail strikes, as sales flourished at airports and the newsagent ­ convenience retailer expanded into the US. Analysts predicted annual pre­tax profits of £143 million (€166.7 million) compared to £61 million (€71.1 million) the previous year.

Autumn ready

WITH autumn and cooler weather approaching, Spain, together with Portugal, is the only European country where stored gas reserves stand at 100 per cent, compared with the EU average of 92.65 per cent. France currently has gas reserves of 88.65 per cent while the UK has 86.42 per cent.

Lidl giant

LIDL’S largest warehouse in the world opened recently near Luton (Bedfordshire), an 11,000square metre distribution centre serving 150 stores and creating approximately 1,500 jobs. The £300 million (€349.8 million) site’s solar panels will also supply all the warehouse’s electricity needs at certain times of the year, Lidl said.

STAT OF WEEK €1.2 billion

in

Linda Hall

ROYAL MAIL could save £225 million (€263 million) annually by axing Saturday deliveries.

The company, which lost £1 billion (€1.17 billion) last year, must deliver letters from Monday to Saturday but has asked for some time for a review of the regulations now that fewer letters are sent.

While more people together with companies and official bodies communicate online, Royal Mail announced that the cost of a first­class stamp will rise to £1.25 (€1.46) in October, with a book of eight stamps costing £10 (€11.69) for the first time.

“The pressures of higher costs and a challenging economic environment were responsible for the decision,” Royal Mail said.

Although the company hopes to see Saturday letter deliveries phased out, it hopes to step up parcel deliv­

SAUDI telecommunications group STC paid €2.1 billion for 9.9 per cent of Telefonica on Tuesday September 5.

The acquisition is the maximum holding allowed for foreign investment in a Spanish company quoted on the country’s stock exchange. This is in line with takeover legislation introduced during the Covid pandemic to protect Spanish companies operating in strategic sectors.

STC is 64 per cent controlled by the Saudi state and the transaction makes the group Telefonica’s largest shareholder ahead of the BBVA bank’s 4.87 per cent holding. The US investment firm Blackrock holds another 4.48 per cent, followed by CaixaBank with 3.5 per cent.

Telefonica shares were listed at €3.75 each on September 5, with a capitalisation of

Buy, buy, buy

BANK OF AMERICA (BofA) analysts have upgraded their recommendation for Inditex shares from “neutral” to “buy.”

The bank also increased its target price for the Galiciabased company’s shares from €37 to €43.

The multinational investment bank’s experts drew attention to the rapid growth of the Spanish fashion giant’s at a time when its command of the retail clothing sector was “more visible than ever.”

Inditex had “entered and was reinforcing” a “virtuoso” cycle that was fuelling significant market share gains with the sector’s leading margins.

eries to seven days a week to cope with online shopping.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, which is currently analysing Royal Mail’s obligations, agreed that letters are still essential for those who are unable to access online communica­

tions and transactions.

It also admitted that the number of letters sent and received in the last 10 years has fallen by 46 per cent with greater demand for parcel deliveries.

The regulator added: “The last few years have demonstrated the importance of postal services, but the way people use them is changing, and we expect these trends to continue.”

Ofcom will announce its findings later this year. These will calculate the cost of the universal service and possible changes but will not be responsible for the ultimate decision on Saturday deliveries.

NUEVA PESCANOVA reported sales of €1.07 billion for the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 1.1 per cent less than the previous year.

The frozen fish and seafood company, currently engaged in selling an 80 per cent stake to the Canadian group Cooke, reported post­tax losses of €53.4 million, compared with last year’s profits of €7.8 million.

On Tuesday September 5, a day after revealing its 2022­2023 figures, Nueva Pescanova announced redundancies (EREs) for 100 employees.

The redundancies, which Nueva Pescanova attributed to “economic and organisational issues” will affect office workers at the company’s offices in Chapela (Vigo) and Madrid.

Arm afloat

Frozen out Never on a Saturday Saudi stake in Telefonica

“Our investment demonstrates confidence in Telefonica’s leadership, strategy and ability to create value,” Olayan Alwetaid, STC’s chief executive said.

The Saudi company stressed it did not intend to acquire control of Telefonica or a majority stake. “Rather we see this as a compelling investment opportunity to use our strong balance sheet while maintaining our dividend policy,” Alwetaid declared.

ARM, the Cambridge­based chip designer, is seeking investors in advance of becoming New York’s most valuable float in two years.

The technology giant will ask investors to pay between $47 (€45.34) and $51 (€47.55) per share when it launches its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and holds meetings with potential investors.

just over €21 billion, suggesting that STC paid the market price although no details were revealed during the official announcement.

EY slated for audit

AUDITORS Ernst&Young (EY) faced criticism for signing off Wilko’s accounts after the firm’s warning that it had insufficient funds to weather a severe drop in sales.

According to UK media reports, the possibility of approaching insolvency was allegedly detected in January 2022 when the beleaguered company completed its annual accounts for the year ending January 29.

Reporting a £37.6 million (€43.9 million) loss, Wilko’s directors admitted that the firm had failed to obtain additional funding, “casting significant doubt” on its chances of continuing as a going concern.

They added the company had sufficient reserves to continue operating until January 24, with financing acquired before then.

EY accepted the directors’ over­optimistic calculations and a senior auditor Victoria Venning, signed off the accounts, notwithstanding mounting uncertainty regarding Wilko’s financial health.

The operation is also seen as an endorsement of Telefonica’s management team, which has been hit by a fall in its share price in recent years as it copes with setbacks linked to its international business interests in Latin America, the UK and Germany.

NatWest changes

RICK HAYTHORNTHWAITE, former Centrica chief, will join the NatWest board as chairman in January.

Once installed, Haythornthwaite who has also chaired Network Rail and Mastercard, will step up the quest for a new chief executive to replace Alison Rose, who resigned amid the Nigel Farage de­banking commotion.

“Rick is a highly experienced chair who combines a successful commercial career with a deep knowledge of financial services markets and technology, plus a strong track record of delivery at significant customer­facing organisations,” Mark Seligman, NatWest’s senior independent director, said.

Haythornthwaite’s predecessor, Sir Howard Davies, will meanwhile work closely with him “to ensure a smooth handover next year.”

Some big names which have already signed up as IPO investors in Arm, included Apple, Nvidia, Samsung and Google’s owner, Alphabet, Reuters reported.

The company is targeting a valuation range of between $50 and $55 billion (€46.5 and €51.27 billion).

Back in fashion

MARKS & SPENCER announced Estee Lauder as one of its latest Brands collaborators.

The retailer launched the first Brands at M&S offer in 2021 after purchasing the classic Jaeger label, before further tie­ins with Sosandar, Nobody’s Child, Lyle & Scott and FatFace.

The initiative has revived M&S, helping it to shed its frumpy image and pushing shares up more than 80 per cent in 2023, increasing its value to £4.5 billion (€5.24 billion).

This has resulted in the company’s readmission to the FTSE 100 after four years, although chief executive Stuart Machin said there was “still a lot to do.”

wealth tax payments was saved in 2021 by 524 affluent people whose fiscal residence was located in the Madrid Community, which discounts 100 per cent of the levy.

MOUNT PLEASANT: London’s largest Royal Mail sorting office.

TELEFONICA CHAIRMAN: Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete announced Saudi stake.

Photo credit: Ministerio de Ciencia Brazil

Photo credit: CC/Edward Betts

DOW JONES

EWN 14 - 20 September 2023 33 FINANCE euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA

New brew

SPANISH brewing group, Mahou, is launching a caffeine­based energy drink Refeel ­ created to compete with Red Bull and Monster ­ which the company has been trialling this summer in San Sebastian (Guipuzcoa) and on Amazon. In 2022, more than 3 per cent of Mahou’s €1.74 billion turnover was the result of new lines.

Canada exit

Price war looms

THE approaching zero ban on petrol and diesel vehicles could put Europe’s car firms at a disadvantage, compared with China.

Speaking to the Financial Times ahead of the annual IAA Mobility conference in Munich Oliver Zipse, BMW’s chief executive warned that European electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers could not compete with China over prices.

European Union plans eliminate combustion engine vehicles had not been welcomed by the car industry, which provides direct

and

Mine reopens

RIO NARCEA has resumed operations at the Aguablanca opencast nickel mine in Monesterio (Extremadura).

Geologists calculate that the mine has a useful life of approximately 10 years and should yield three million tons of nickel­bearing ore, Rio Narcea’s chief executive Alejandro Ayala told El Economista.

Basing their calculations on the current price

of nickel, Rio Narcea expects an annual turnover of €335 million during the first six years of activity.

Resuming production at the mine after a halt of eight years was the start of Extremadura’s green revolution, Ayala said.

“Between the end of this year and the beginning of next, we expect to receive authorisation to begin extracting lithium,” he added.

“The base car market segment will either vanish or will not be done by European manufacturers. I want to send a message: I see that as an imminent risk,” he said.

Factories in China were able to turn out EVs more cheaply than their rivals in Europe, Zipse declared.

Last year China produced EV’s for less than £27,300 (€32,000) compared to Europe’s €56,000 according to Jato Dynamics studies.

The cheapest Chinese EV, the BYD Seagull was selling in China for less than £8,000 (€9,348), while the Fiat 500 ­ the cheapest available in the UK ­ cost £28,195 (€32,934).

Zipse explained that he was more uneasy about the cheaper market, as manufacturers like BMW were in a better position to protect themselves owing to their higher margins and brand image.

yetBRITAIN’S prime minister Rishi Sunak ruled out the chances of reaching a rapid trade deal with India ahead of this month’s G20 summit in Delhi. Sources close to the negotiations said that Sunak had rejected an “early harvest” deal, which could have lowered tariffs on goods like whisky, but would not deal with complex issues including professional services.

Many jobs

indirect work for almost 14 million people.

Photo

ENGINEERING and consultancy company Wood Group secured a £262 million (€304.9 million) five­year contract with Britain’s largest North Sea oil and gas producer, Harbour Energy, which should provide hundreds of jobs in the Aberdeen area. The London­listed company will provide engineering, procurement and construction and operations and maintenance services, for Harbour’s offshore assets “critical to UK energy security.”

A personal affront to me

I AM not, never have been, and hopefully never will be, a racist. I challenge one reader to show me a single example of any writing or column comment to disprove this statement. Well, I’ll save you the trouble. You won’t find one. Sometimes I feel like historical MP Enoch Powell.

David Frost once asked this much maligned brilliant politician, why he didn’t like black people? Powell then asked him to name one example or occasion he had made such a statement. Frost of course could not. Powell was merely anti­immigrant, stating that our infrastructure, culture and resources would not be able to cope if vast numbers of immigrants were continually allowed to enter the UK unchecked (how right he was).

The fact that most immigrants of his day happened to be black, was totally irrelevant. Frost was subsequently humiliated and his credibility sorely dent­

ed. Well far from me to compare myself with such a great exponent of prescience as Mr Powell, I am of exactly the same ilk. I may have strong anti­views to certain cults, attitudes or religious interpretations, but I don’t personally care what colour, creed or nationality anyone aspires to. In any event, as Spiritualist, I believe we have to manifest in anything from five to 800 lifetimes, so we will have to experience all the lessons of the human spirit anyway; the next reincarnation could find me emerging as a deprived black child during an African drought!

So not only do I object to being regarded a racist, I consider it a personal affront of my beliefs to be even considered one. In my experience ‘racism’, a term that I personally had never even heard until the early 60s, is generally shouted loudest by the biggest racists of all, and is fast becoming the greatest threat to free speech that exists in the world today. Those in authority, who are asked a difficult question, merely accuse you of racism. Job done.

Psst ‘wanna stifle a losing argument? Call the other guy a racist! It’s a New Order conspiracy and an unsuspecting

STRANGE IDEAS OUR VIEW

public are slowly but surely becoming the fodder for its cavernous mouth. An orifice that was thankfully denied ‘Last night of the Proms’ this year. At least good sense still prevails somewhere! Just a word about that Ladies World Cup kiss. Personally I found it totally out of order. I have no idea whether the young lady was gay or not, it is of no consequence. This was an act of male chauvinism which we can all do without. I don’t, however actually consider it a sacking offence. A severe reprimand and possible fine should have been sufficient.

I also recently experienced a whisper that laws concerning the victimisation and sexual provocation of the ladies were being tightened up in Spain. I also hear that as a result, some male employers were surreptitiously being warned against employing female workers, as they could be far too easily accused of sexual offences against them in the workplace. Where’s it all going to end I ask myself.

Keep

Love

WHILST most people here in Spain have a great affinity for their pets, new laws being introduced seem to be treating animals with more care than humans.

Certainly, it makes sense to ensure that owners and their pets (especially dogs) are covered for third party insurance in the event that someone is injured by someone else’s pet and there is the added bonus of extra income for insurance companies as well as tax earned for the government.

It starts to get a bit out of hand with the rule of five pets maximum, so presumably if you have a female animal which gives birth, you will not be allowed to keep the youngsters as part of a family unless to jump through hoops and obtain a special order permitting you to keep the animals from the local town hall.

At the same time, if you own a property where there are squatters, it is almost impossible to have them evicted if you follow the laws of the land, although there are companies that offer to help you recover your property at a cost.

New dog owners will have to take a course on how to look after their pet yet new parents just have to get on with it and in many cases hope that the grandparents will step in to look after the newborn once the parents return to work.

Having said this, bullfighting is still allowed and the Spanish government/local councils reportedly subsidises them to the tune of €42 million a year ,whilst hunting dogs don’t receive the protection that domestic pets do.

Sometimes one wonders whether politicians have a strange sense of balance.

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

SOFAS - CHAIRS - CORNER SUITES - SOFA BEDS - OCCASIONAL PIECES - FIRESIDE CHAIRS - RECLINER CHAIRS - POWER RISER RECLINER CHAIRS

Your dental needs covered at Albir Dental Studio

SINCE its establishment in 2008, Albir Dental Studio has stood as a beacon of dental excellence in Albir. The dynamic duo of Dr Ruben Gamboa and Dr Romina Tessaro are at the heart of this trusted clinic. Armed with over 20 years of experience each, they deliver bespoke dental solutions tailored to every client’s specific needs.

Making the experience even more seamless is their multilingual assistant, proficient in English, Norwegian, and Spanish. Patients are assured not only of topnotch dental care, but also a comforting environment where language barriers are non­existent.

The range of services at Albir Dental Studio is vast and all­encompassing. From addressing urgent dental emergencies to facilitating consultations via WhatsApp, the patient’s convenience is always paramount. The clinic also stands out for its client­friendly policies, including interest­free finance options, solid treatment warranties, and displacement services. Accessibility is never an issue, courtesy of its strategic location that boasts ample park­

ing space. It’s no wonder clients trek from places as distant as Murcia and Denia.

Modern dentistry is synonymous with advanced technology, and Albir Dental Studio is no exception. The clinic harnesses cutting ­ edge technology like 3D AI scanners, enabling the provi sion of immediate implants, ceramic veneers, and crowns in a day! Further, they employ the revered Cerec Cad/Cam technology system, facilitating the crafting of Emax, porcelain, or zirconium veneers and crowns.

For patients appre hensive about tradi tional braces, Albir Dental Studio pre sents a contemporary solution: Sure Smile Aligners. These are not only virtually invisible but also

comfortable, making them perfect for both teenagers and adults. Achieve a captivating smile without the metallic distraction!

From root canals, teeth whitening, in­

alignment to veneers, Albir Dental Studio’s repertoire of services is expansive. Whether it’s a routine check­up, a cosmetic procedure, or a complete smile makeover, there’s one destination that promises unrivaled expertise and care ­ Albir Dental Studio.

A NUTRITIONAL trend that’s rapidly gaining in popularity, but is it just another fad or a strategy with lasting potential? Healthcare experts remain polarised on the subject. Advocates highlight its myriad benefits, ranging from weight loss and improved metabolism to increased longevity. Detractors, on the other hand,

Intermittent fasting

raise concerns over possible longterm health impacts, including hormonal imbalance and muscle loss. There are various styles to consider, such as the 16/8 method or the more rigorous 5:2 diet. While the trend is versatile, it’s

crucial to remember it’s not a onesize­fits­all solution. Before diving in, consult healthcare professionals for tailored advice. The scientific community continues to research, but as of now, the final verdict remains inconclusive.

Herbal teas more than just taste

MEDICINAL: Also offer a caffeine-free alternative.

HERBAL teas have been sipped for centuries, not just for their calming and delicious flavours, but also for their medicinal properties.

Beyond the sensory delight, these infusions serve as potent health allies. For instance, chamomile tea is known for its calming effects and can aid in better sleep, while peppermint tea offers digestive benefits and can soothe an upset stomach. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that contribute to heart health and potentially even weight loss. Then there’s rooibos, abundant in anti­inflammatory properties that can help with skin issues. Herbal teas also offer a caffeine­free alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake, making it easier to stay hydrated. With a cupboard full of herbal teas, you’re not just brewing flavour; you’re also steeping wellness.

Dr Gamboa and Dr Tessaro are at the heart of this trusted clinic.

By Clinica Britannia

New dentures within 4 days

LOOKING for a fast and professional Denture service? Then look no further.

Here at Clinica Britannia we are happy to offer our existing and new patients an Express Service for the repair of any type of Dental prosthesis (denture) within as little as one hour, due to our onsite laboratory and technicians. If you already have existing dentures and want them to look like new again, then why not have them cleaned and polished, we can make that happen whilst you wait.

Did you know that a completely new set of dentures can now be made within four days, allowing you to enjoy your new smile within record time, you could even have them made without interrupting your vacation.

Now available is a new flexible denture, which is made of a material known as Nylon. This semi­flexible high­quality material is almost transparent and can be made to mimic the natural colour the gums, giving a completely natural look.

Thanks to the technological advances

The Epsom salt soak

DENTURES: Made from Nylon.

in the world of dentistry, the materials used for the creation of dental prostheses has improved immensely, making them last longer, much more comfortable and easier to use.

For further information contact our Dental Team at Clinica Britannia who will be happy to answer all your questions.

Appointments Landline: 965 837 553 / 965 837 851 •

By Clinica Britannia

Are you suffering from hernia pain?

AN inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift a heavy object.

This type of hernia is relatively common, and pain is not always suffered, but if left untreated and complications occur it can become life ­ threatening. For this reason, your GP is likely to recommend surgery.

If you are not able to push the hernia in, the contents of the hernia may be trapped in the abdominal wall, causing the hernia to become strangulated,

INGUINAL

which cuts off the blood flow to the tissue that’s trapped. A strangulated hernia can be life ­ threatening if it isn’t treated.

Seek imedical attention if you are suffering any of the folowing symptoms.

• Vomiting and nausea.

• Fever.

• Inability to pass bowel movement for a

NATURE’S detox. Step into an Epsom salt bath and you’re tapping into a centuries­old natural remedy. Composed of magnesium and sulfate, Epsom salt is more than just a bath­time luxury.

As you soak, these minerals seep into your pores, offering relief from sore muscles and stressed joints.

Moreover, they help detoxify the skin and can even soothe conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

But that’s not all; magnesium is touted for its stressreducing properties, aiding in relaxation and promoting better sleep. For a holistic wellness ritual, an Epsom salt bath could be just what the doctor ordered.

period of time.

• Stomach pain that intensifies.

• Hernia bulge that turns red, purple, or dark in colour.

So, make an appointment with our Doctor here at Clinica Britannia if you notice a painful bulge in your groin area or are suffering with symptoms as this is likely to an Inguinal hernia.

Contact us at Clinica Britannia on 965 837 553 or 965 837 851 for advice on the best treatment option for you.

Epsom salts help detoxify the skin.

€7.2bn What beauty companies spent on advertising in 2022.

Demon Copperhead

REVIEW BY JOHN HENRY PATTON

“WHETHER I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else,” this is the first line of what some consider to be Dickens’ greatest masterpiece, David Copperfield. Compare this to “first, I got myself born,” the first line of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Few would consider, let alone attempt, to write a modernised version of a Dickens classic, yet this is exactly what Kingsolver has done.

Demon Copperhead, 2023 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2023 winner of the Woman’s Prize for Fiction. The novel, written in the first person narrative is a classic style bildungsroman transforming the Dickens classic into a 2023 exceptional novel. Written from the perspective of the main character ‘Demon Copperhead’. It follows his horrific birth, deviating childhood until his maturity.

Set in Virginia, the novel deals with the harsh reality of modern day American society, born to a single mother, in relentless

poverty in a trailer park and of course, placed deep within the horrors of the USA’s opioide crisis, where in Virgina, according to the Virginia Commonwealth University, ‘at least two Virginians die from prescription opioides every day’. Kingsolver recreates a setting full of reality, using highly descriptive and emotive language to convey to the reader the true sense of what is happening, she creates a plethora of characters who cover all aspects of the society in which Demon lives, an alcoholic drug using single mother, abusive step­father, the caring neighbours who have their own battles to fight and Demon, described from the day of his birth as a ‘prize fighter’, a character trait he will need throughout his life and the entire novel.

Demon Copperhead is a gripping novel with the guts to put on show the true reality of life in the United States, the ‘American Dream’ does not apply to all. Kingsolver dares to bring David Copperfield into the modern era and does so in an emphatic and sensational way, a must read. An emotional rollercoaster from which the reader cannot get off.

A gripping novel.

OUR web article Costa Or Campo? The Pros And Cons Of Spanish Seaside or Countryside Living compared the options that those moving to Spain had and asked the question whether it was better to go for the busy coast life where so much is going on or to settle for a quiet country lifestyle. Interestingly, the bulk of comments received promoted the country life option and made it clear that not only was there plenty going on but also all the amenities that you would expect on the coast.

I concur with the previous commentator, we live in a small town of under 25,000 people, walking distance to shops and bars is less than 15 mins max, one medical centre and a small hospital, provincial capital 20kms away, fantastic internet, wonderful views over the olives, the colour changes of the fields is exceptional and 700 mtrs is up near the clouds sometimes. 200 kms to the Costas makes for great weekend breaks, but couldn’t live there.

Ian Dunbar

I’ve read your article and I don’t recognise the campo/countryside living. I live in a village with just 200 houses, I have better internet than in the UK, fibre optic . The doctor comes twice a week to our village there is never a problem for appointments, the hospital is four miles away and medical treatment is excellent. We have travelled a lot in Jaen and the roads here are fantastic . We are on the mains for water and electricity and we had a problem with our water, reported it in the morning and it was sorted the same day. In almost three years the power has gone off for two minutes. There is so much to do in our area , we don’t have enough time to do everything on offer and it’s all free. When you reach 65 the local council invite you to a free meal you can take a friend etc. The local mayor visits you on or around your birthday to present you with a gift. Crime is zero, my village is close knit has a WhatsApp group so we can all keep in touch . The cost of living here compared to the coast is really good, the lifestyle is fantastic , if you want to dance until 5am in the morning there are so many towns n villages with fiestas, amazing social life. There are a lot of Brits here in rural Spain also I’ve met over 30 but I see many more in the shops and cafes. I think living in rural Spain is not as black and white as you portray it, there are different levels, as I am sure there are for the coastal living.

Mrs Debra O’Neill

At last a very accurate and informative article, hope many prospective buyers get a chance to read it.

Well done, and congratulations, pity we don’t get the chance to shake your hand.

Alicia and Mervyn - Twenty years living near Conil 15 minutes from the beach!

Mervyn Horner

We’ve lived on the coast and in the campo and for us campo wins every time. Mainly because there are so many tourists on the coast, and a great many English who live there permanently still have a holiday lifestyle, so it’s very busy, and of course very cold in winter. We are 10 minutes from the nearest town here in the campo, but the hospital is on the outskirts so is very easy to get to, and the health centre is only a 15 minute drive away. We are all solar and on well water which goes through a water cleanser to get rid of most impurities but is still not drinkable, so we have to buy drinking and cooking water. We’re not at all bothered about no mains electricity as eight solar panels and up-to-date batteries give us all the power we need, but we would prefer to be on a mains water supply if it were possible.

Maggie

Ongoing Driving Dilemma

I never knew you could hold a paper licence, I thought they were all plastic now.

And citizens who have lived in Spain as a resident for more than a year (or less) were legally obliged years ago to change thier licence. They just chose not to.

Pete Sergio

Animal Welfare Law

Currently this is a complete joke. I have contacted several insurers and none of them know of or how to get civil liability insurance coverage and have even suggested that it is up to the local authorities if they enforce this or not.

Peter Squires

PETS

Free house-sitters cared for Cleo

CLEO the cat was cared for by free live in cat­sitters

Cleo’s owners Jim and Estelle live in Malaga and found cat­sitters online. They were searching for cat­sitters to come to their home and care for Cleo while they were on holiday. They joined Housesitmatch.com and found that the cat­sitters were completely free!

It’s a fair exchange

All our sitters offer a fair exchange ­ free accommodation for free pet care and an online review. It’s a win win!

If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, don’t delay. Register today as a member of our network to find affordable home and pet care.

Plan ahead to secure great sitters

However long your trip, pets need someone with them at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from routines undisturbed. Plan ahead of time to find house and pet­sitters who will come to you for free!

Next steps to join

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

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year)

Pet-friendly plants

to ensure you can help online when needed

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

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch helps you find sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert with trip dates. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter you want.

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

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

IF you’re living in Spain and have a garden, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe for your pets. Many expats enjoy the Spanish climate for gardening, but it’s essential to know which plants are harmless for our curious pets. Firstly, let’s talk about the safe plants.

Lavender is a good choice. It smells great and won’t harm your pets if they decide to nibble or play around it. Snapdragons are another pet ­ safe option. They’re bright, colourful, and can withstand the Spanish sun. But it’s not just about plants. If you’re trying to tackle garden pests, think natural. Instead of using chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to pets, consider natural solutions. For instance, ladybirds can help manage aphids. If you don’t have a lot of garden space, or maybe you’re living in an apartment with a balcony, herbs might be a good

Finding a lost dog

THE abandonment of animals continues to be a problem in Spain. According to data collected in a report carried out by the Affinity Foundation, in 2022, approximately 288,457 cats and dogs were picked up off the streets by shelters throughout Spain.

In the report, the organisation ­ founded in 1987revealed that of the 288,457 pets taken in by the almost 1,600 Companion animal shelters in Spain, 170,105 were dogs and 118,352 cats. Only 21 per cent of these animals were ever returned to their families.

As the Foundation reported, it’s not always easy to ‘capture’ a lost or abandoned dog.

The first step is to approach them. It is important to do it little by little and avoid sudden movements.

Use soft vocal tones rather than threatening

LOST OR ABANDONED: This continues to be a problem.

tones. If you have food, use it to relax the dog. When temperatures are high, it can be useful to offer them water.

However, if you see that the animal is injured or sick, or it shows signs of aggression, call the Local Police who are responsible for managing the collection of lost or abandoned dogs. Failing that, call a local animal shelter.

Once the dog is under control, check if the animal

has an identification tag. The animal’s name and a contact telephone number should be displayed which will allow you to inform its owner the dog has been found.

If the dog does not have a tag, consider waiting where the dog was found. It is possible the dog’s owner will be out looking for it.

Another option is to call the Local Police, the Guardia Civil or the local council, since if it is a lost

dog, the owner will be looking for it and has very likely notified the local authorities about their loss.

In the case of an abandoned dog: The local authorities can notify the abandoned or lost dog collection service that they will transfer the animal to a municipal kennel and, in some cases, to a shelter.

choice. Rosemary and thyme are both pet­safe and can be used in your cooking, making them double­duty plants.

In short, having a garden

that’s safe for pets is straightforward. Stick to known pet­friendly plants, avoid toxic chemicals, and you can then enjoy your outdoor space.

Cleo the cat enjoyed beign with her catsitters at home.

LAVENDER: Smells great and won’t harm your pets in the garden.

TV & SATELLITE

TV & SATELLITE

WASHING MACHINE BROKEN? Call Bluesky Repairs for ALL your domestic appliance repairs. 626 430 671 (WhatsApp) (304141)

a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040. We are an Englishspeaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis.

We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis.

(288658)

WIGS

WWW.WIGS-R-US.ES Iindoor market, Rincon De Loix Benidorm. Monday to Friday 10 -4pm Sat 10 – 3pm scrunchies, ponytails, toppers, fascinators, headwear etc. Private appts after 3 pm 681 049 502 (302420)

ALBIR, ALTEA, MORAIRA, 24 HOUR EMERGENCY. 686 513 510 (294632)

AUTO BASTIAN mobile mechanic. Tel 608 860 725. (301133)

CAR BODY REPAIRS AND MECHANIC. ORBA AND SURROUNDING LOCAL AREAS. CALL TONY: 669 633 257 (302957)

LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. 747 438 225 (304048)

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

I BUY RECORDS 50s to the 90s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (303212)

MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@hotmail.com (302142)

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (304150)

EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY – Life and Family Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Bilingual (English and Spanish) at San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello.For more information visit www.elcampellochristiancom munity.org, email campe llocc@gmail.com or call Juan Zúñiga – 686203183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton680594134 (English). (233602)

THE SALVATION ARMY English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698 609 658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652 319 810 Email dieterzim merer@hotmail.com, www.centrosaron.com (10008)

www.helpbenidorm.org

and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA This association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS POPULAR ASSOCIATION, CALL the Secretary on 966 495 228. (295990)

MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mbelectrics.es

(302561)

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BENEFICIAL INSURANCE

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

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WE are currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

MUSIC LESSONS

LB MUSIC SCHOOL: Fully qualified & experienced Music Teacher providing Piano & Singing Lessons. Online or FacetoFace. All ages. Autistic Friendly. To book your FREE trial lesson, call Lorraine 652 948 384. (304224)

NURSING OTHERS

MOBILE WELDER: GATES, RAILINGS AND GRILLS. ALL REPAIRS. +44 7787 585 714 / +44 7470 059 469 (302970)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

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Showroom, Harley Davidson Sportster, 1200 cc, yr 2007, 9,000 kms, Euro 7,600,= CostaBlancaMotorbikes. com

VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (303521)

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

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

DECORATORS W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (303340)

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (1296233)

BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (302042)

PETS TRANSPORT

PETS BACK HOME Family

pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.petsback home.co.uk Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657

PRESSURE WASHING

M-POWER Commercial and Domestic Pressure Washing Services. Professionally cleaned and restored. 633 061 946 (302966)

PROPERTY TO LET

LOVELY WINTER RENTAL APARTMENT DENIA. 750€ per month + charges. +34 607 733 998. patriciabuigues@ gmail.com 302962

PROPERTY WANTED

RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixa - prefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800 (279523)

APARTMENT REQUIRED FOR WINTER LET. OCT/NOV/DEC. 400€ - 500€ PM. ALBIR & SURROUNDING AREAS. +44 7787 585 714 (302964)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (301436)

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/Whatsapp 636 100 873 (303571)

COSTA LESS EXPRESS , small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK budget prices. Urgent jobs undertaken www.costalessexpress.co.uk

Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalche my.com (1296178)

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS

MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors. com (293633)

Ifyoucanreadit,socan yourclients.Contactus andhaveyourbusiness growat+34951386161

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BROKEN or unwanted gold jewellery, watches or coins. IMMEDIATE Cash Payment. Call Peter 617 550 016 (303567)

INSURANCE

Individuality is standard with a modern classic ROAD

TEST

by Mark Slack

WITH so many car makers sharing platforms and engines, mergers and amalgamations of brands, it’s perhaps no surprise that many cars feel rather similar. Ar guably in many cases look similar too. For example, one company is now in control of Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Vauxhall/Opel, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Abarth.

Unless you pay a lot of money for your car, and even then there are companies sharing parts and technology, individuality is becoming a rare commodity. Cars seem to have become the automotive equivalent of white goods, we buy them when needed and change them for a newer, more efficient model in a few years.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Many modern classics are perfectly useable day ­ to ­ day and can be subtly tweaked to provide a more modern driver experience. Cars like Renault’s once ubiquitous 5 can be had for very little money, in good condition and provide a characterful and economic daily commute. Even newer companies like SEAT have a back catalogue providing far more character and interest than a modern equivalent. More luxurious modern day classics such as Mercedes Benz models

from the 1980s/90s are incredibly useable and surprisingly economical in daily use.

Another benefit is that many countries and cities give exemptions to classic vehicles in terms of road tax and charging schemes.

If you like your cars then driving a modern classic can draw far more attention than some uberposh modern car, and it’s not the kind of negative attention that modern super cars can sometimes draw. It’s also a way to drive a car that you would never have been able to afford in the day, and cer­

tainly wouldn’t be able to afford its modern equiva­

So on both economic and style grounds modern day classics seem to be a winning choice for classy and unusual transport. There are downsides though. No matter how much you improve the driving experience, a modern classic will never, in this writer’s view, drive as well, or as easy, as a modern car.

Although many modern ­ day classics have a great parts network, increasingly via the manufacturer but also specialists, depending on your choice some parts can take a while to track down.

So take a look at the classic car press and online presence, do your research and you may just find the most interesting and stylish car you’ve ever owned.

MODERN CLASSIC: You may find the most stylish car you have ever owned.

Personalised plates

HAVE you ever wondered why customising your car’s number plate in Spain is so restricted?

Unlike some countries, where drivers can personalise their plates freely, Spain’s Direccion General de Trafico (DGT) imposes strict regulations, according to a news source..

The existing registration system in Spain was introduced in the year 2000. It adheres to a ‘European’ model, which consists of four numerals and three letters (0000 AAA). Additionally, the plate displays an ‘E’ for Spain above the European Union flag.

According to a study by Samar’t, one of the main manufacturers of number plates, 50 per cent of Spanish drivers would like to customise their number plates. However, the General Vehicle Regulation (RGC) outlines stringent criteria that limit the

scope of personalisation.

Annex XVIII of the General Vehicle Regulation offers a small window for customisation. It states that cars can have ‘geometric designs without recognisable meaning’, as long as these designs do not interfere with the retro ­ reflection and legibility requirements set by traffic authorities.

Furthermore, advertising borders are allowed,

and you can choose between methacrylate or metal for the material of the number plate.

The current system employs numerals ranging from 0000 to 9999 and letters from BBB to ZZZ, deliberately omitting vowels and the consonants Ñ and Q. According to the ‘Diesel or Gasoline’ portal, the last number plate assigned was 44** MKD.

This system allows for up to 80 million different combinations, theoretically sufficient until 2040. However, due to significant drops in car sales during events like the 2007 ­ 2008 financial crisis and the Covid ­ 19 pandemic, experts predict the system will last until 2050.

It’s worth noting that the current registration system was designed to avoid swear words and proper names by omitting certain vowels and consonants.

NUMBER PLATES: Strict regulations are in place in Spain.

40.8m licensed vehicles in the UK.

Rugby World Cup winners?

STEP aside, Achilles the Cat and Paul the Octopus; a new sporting oracle has emerged ­ Obano the Giraffe.

We all recall Paul the Octopus and his remarkable accuracy in predicting outcomes during Euro 2008 and the 2010 Football World Cup. Then there was Achilles the Cat, the renowned predictor of results during the 2018 World Cup.

Now, a taller contender has entered the arena: Obano the Giraffe. Residing in France, Obano accurately foresaw the outcome of France’s inaugural Rugby World Cup match last week, foreseeing their victory over the All Blacks. True to his prediction, France tri ­

umphed with a 27­13 score against New Zealand.

Obano lives at the Parc de Branféré in Brittany, France, and though his success rate (currently one prediction) awaits confirmation, all eyes are eagerly fixed on him as he gears up to predict France’s next game against Uruguay today, Thursday, September 14.

The hoofed creature isn’t a newcomer to the stage, as animals with psychic abilities have become a common presence in major sporting events, referendums, and presidential elections.

Remember Boots the Goat, the Scottish political oracle, who accurately forecasted the Brexit referendum? Or consider Mystic Marcus, the English micropig, who allegedly predicted the outcomes of both the 2016 US presidential election and the Brexit referendum by choosing apples placed on the ground. These animals have carved out a niche

Djokovic equals Grand Slam record

THE Serb tennis legend Novak Djokovic won the US Open tennis tournament on Sunday, September 20.

In the process, the No. 2 seed equalled the record of 24 Grand Slam victories which has been held by the Australian tennis icon Margaret Court for the last 50 years.

Despite beating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in straight sets 6 ­ 3 7 ­ 6 (7­5) 6­3, the scoreline gives no indication of the tough battle that Djokovic endured against the No. 3 seed at times.

He took the opening set quite comfortably, but then the Russian upped his game and the pair played out a second set that lasted an incredible one hour and 44 minutes.

Showing no signs of letting up, the 36­year­old took control again to wrap up the third and final set to become the oldest player in the Open era to lift the trophy on the famous Arthur Ashe Court in Flushing Meadows.

The pair had met on 14 previous occasions, with Djokovic winning

nine of the matches. It was Medvedev who crucially beat him in the 2021 final to prevent the Serb from notching a calendar Grand Slam. Then the Serb was banned from entering the States last year due to his not being vaccinated against Covid­19.

Djokovic came through a bru tal semi­final showdown on Sat urday with Spain’s 20 ­ year ­ old defending champion Carlos Al caraz. The Spaniard inflicted a defeat on him last time around in the Wimbledon final in July.

This is Djokovic’s fourth US Open men’s title and his third Grand Slam victory out of the four majors he has contested so far in 2023. That gave him another record as he became the first male tennis star to achieve this feat four times.

He is now on course to break the long­standing record if he can win the Australian Open next Jan uary.

Having already won the tour nament a record 10 times, no body would really bet against him achieving that goal.

Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock.com

Novak Djokovic at the 2018 US Open.