Costa Blanca South 26 October – 1 November 2023 Issue 1999

Issue No. 1999

26 Oct - 1 Nov 2023

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH • EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

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THE olive harvesting campaign is kicking off this week in the province of Alicante, and there’s a wave of optimism in the air. This optimism couldn’t have come at a better time, given the ongoing crisis stemming from the shortage of olive oil. According to forecasts from the Ministry of Agriculture, we can expect a robust increase of up to 16 per cent in the olive harvest during the current 2023/24 season. This means that Alicante is on track to produce an im­ pressive 6,800 tons of olives, a significant boost that holds the promise of securing the province’s oil supply and poten­ tially curbing the relentless surge in prices. For the hard­working farmers, this bountiful harvest is not only a welcome relief, but also a crucial lifeline. It ensures a steady flow of high­quality oil within the province while lending a hand in stabilising those soaring prices that have been a cause for concern. Image: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock.com

Image: toniflap / Shutterstock.com

HISTORIC MILESTONE OLIVE OPTIMISM

BEST SEPTEMBER: Alicante-Elche Airport welcomed a staggering 1,562,661 travellers during last month.

ALICANTE­ELCHE Miguel Hernandez Airport is cele­ brating a historic mile­ stone, as it recently marked its best Septem­ ber to date, welcoming a staggering total of 1,562,661 travellers. The previous record, es­ tablished in September 2019 with 1,552,541 pas­ sengers, has now been surpassed. This remarkable achievement translates to a significant 15.1 per cent increase compared to September 2022. Out of this impressive

number of travellers, a majority, precisely 1,561,151, were commer­ cial passengers. Among them, 1,351,392 individuals embarked on international flights, re­ flecting a substantial 16.9 per cent increase com­ pared to September 2022. An additional 209,759 passengers chose domes­ tic flights, showcasing a noteworthy 4.7 per cent growth from the previous year. Breaking down the in­ ternational traffic by na­ tionality, the leading con­

tributors to the Septem­ ber 2023 passenger count were the United Kingdom, with 557,043 travellers, followed by the Nether­ lands with 103,186, Ger­ many with 99,539, Bel­ gium with 77,986, and Norway with 71,621. In terms of operations, Alicante­Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport man­ aged a total of 9,625 flights in September, marking a robust 10.9 per cent increase compared to the flight movements of the same period in 2022.

When considering the data accumulated for the first nine months of the year, Alicante­Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport witnessed a remarkable 19.3 per cent surge in pas­ sengers. The airport served a to­ tal of 12,050,349 passen­ gers from January to September, showcasing its enduring growth. Additionally, the num­ ber of flights handled dur­ ing these months amount­ ed to 76,506, representing an 11.2 per cent increase over the previous year.

A bountiful harvest.

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26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com ALICANTE City Council is embarking on a transfor­ mative journey by allocat­ ing nearly €1 million to en­ hance the pedestrian experience throughout various neighbourhoods and streets in the city. The focus of this project is on more than 60 streets, with a particular emphasis on areas around the iconic Red Bridge of the Gran Vía, as well as the neighbourhoods of San Blas, La Torreta, Mercado Central, Carolinas, Garbi­ net, Cabo de la Huerta, Miriam Blasco, Vista­ hermosa, and Santa Faz. The forthcoming works, scheduled to kick

LOCAL NEWS

off shortly, will span a du­ ration of four months. They are a pivotal com­ ponent of the Alicante Ac­ cessibility Plan, aimed at creating more welcoming and accessible pedestrian pathways within the city. This significant investment reflects a com­ mitment to ensuring that the streets of Ali­ cante are not just functional but also inviting and convenient for pedestrians. As a result, residents and visitors can look forward to improved walkability, making it easier to explore and savour the unique charm and character of the city.

Accessing Alicante

Walking triumph ON Sunday, September 24, a remarkable sponsored walk took place, bringing people from all walks of life together in support of the San Jose Obrero Orphan­ age. The event began at the Kiosko Cabo Cervera, lead­ ing participants on a jour­ ney to La Mata and back. What made this event truly special was that it wasn’t just adults; 50 walk­

Image: Ken and Lynn Adams

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Orphanage psychologist, Valle, receiving vouchers for Alcampo and Primark.

ers, including some of the orphanage’s children, took part, making it a heart­ warming community effort. Ken and Lyn Adams, the dedicated organisers be­ hind this inspiring initiative, extend their heartfelt grati­ tude to each and every par­ ticipant. The impact of the event was incredible, resulting in a grand total of €2,400 raised.

LOCAL NEWS CLOCKS BACK ON Sunday October 29 at 03.00, Day­ light Saving Time ends and the clocks will be turned back one hour to 02.00. There will be more light in the morning, however the dark nights will be drawing in.

NIBS EXTRA Mystery route ELCHE’s Old Cemetery will open its doors to the public on the eve of All Saints’ Day and Halloween. The Elche City Council has decided to offer a guided tour on Octo­ ber 28 at 9.00pm, led by a company specialised in mys­ terious tours.

EU aid THE Santa Pola Town Council seeks to become more agile and competitive so that the European Union provides aid to modernise the town. The governing board has ap­ proved an investment of €18,000 to develop the Ur­ ban Development Strategy of the town over six months.

€2M investment ORIHUELA will invest €2m over two years to resurface the entire municipality. Works will begin on the coast in 2024, leaving the ur­ ban area and the districts un­ til 2025. Another project in 2026 will be the construction of a Multipurpose Centre in La Matanza for €750,000.

Fast painting ON October 21, Torrevieja celebrated the 25th Fast Painting Competition enti­ tled ‘City of Torrevieja’, which was held in Parque Doña Sinforosa. The event, aimed at under­18s in the municipality, was considered a success.

Massage time ON Friday, October 27, at 7.00pm in the Auditorium of the Cultural Centre of For­ mentera del Segura, the workshop ‘Children’s Mas­ sage’ will take place. Taught by physiotherapist Amparo Canales.

euroweeklynews.com FROM October 23, Vis­ itElche, in collaboration with the Spanish Tourist Office in Paris, has orches­ trated an exciting week­ long blog trip. This venture features the visit of five renowned French social media influ­ encers, accompanied by a representative from Transavia, the airline facili­ tating a direct connection between Paris Airport and Alicante ­ Elche Miguel Hernandez, as well as Paris (Orly Sud). The Alicante­Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport serves as a crucial link be­ tween Elche and two Paris airports: Orly (served by Transavia and Vueling) and Beauvais­Tille BVA (served

26 October - 1 November 2023

Visit Elche

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

BLOG TRIP: Featured five French social media influencers.

by Ryanair). Additionally, the airport also provides direct flights to various French cities, in­ cluding Lyon (courtesy of Volotea), Nantes Atlan­ tique NTE (Volotea), Bor­ deaux (operated by Ryanair), Marseille (also serviced by Ryanair), and Toulouse (with Ryanair connections). In 2022, Elche welcomed a total of 9,501 visitors from France, constituting 12.3 per cent of the city’s international tourism. This significant number established the French market as the primary source of international vis­ itors to Elche, underscor­ ing the city’s appeal to our French friends.

Lest we forget Greening and growing ON Sunday, November 12, a remembrance service will take place at Capilla Mil Palmeras, providing an opportu­ nity to come together and remember those who have served. The service will be led by Pastor Phil Molloy and will in­ clude a Wreath Laying Ceremony in the Garden of Re­ membrance. Music will play a significant role in this solemn occasion, with the Costa Blanca Concert Band and soloist Nikki G contributing to the service. To ensure you have a place at this meaningful event, please be seated by 10.30am. The Capilla Mil Palmeras Church is located at Urb Mil P Dotaciones, 3, 03191 Mil Palmeras. It’s a time to come together, reflect, and show our grati­ tude to the veterans who have made significant sacrifices for our nation.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Guardamar de Segura / Facebook

JOINED TOGETHER: The Best World Foundation with volunteers.

IN a remarkable collaborative effort, the Best World Foun­ dation joined hands with dedicated volunteers from DKV and the Environmental Council of Guardamar. Together, they embarked on a mission to make a posi­ tive impact on the environ­ ment. Over the weekend of Octo­ ber 21 and 22, they planted 50 cypress trees, 20 aromatic plants, and five asphalt trees, breathing new life into the Rabosas sports complex and the feline hostel. This tree­planting and awareness campaign isn’t just about greenery; it’s about cultivating a deeper understanding of the envi­ ronment and its vital role in our lives. It’s a testament to how a community can come togeth­ er to not only improve the ecosystem but also create a

more sustainable future for all. As these newly planted trees and aromatic plants take root, they promise to enhance the local environ­ ment, offering fresh green spaces for everyone to en­ joy.

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104 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Christmas magic WITH Christmas just around the corner, Pinoso is dedicated to ensuring the community can enjoy great decorations that de­ fine the season. To make this vision a re­ ality, the council has com­ missioned a decorative project from the talented artist, Juan Jose Sevilla. The verdict from the provincial authority is in, and it’s a resounding ‘yes’. Pinoso’s project will re­ ceive a substantial subsidy from Alicante of €8,000, covering 80 per cent of the total cost of this artistic en­ deavour. The remaining funds will be sourced from the municipal budget. The council confirmed: “The essence of this time of year is truly unique, and the town council is com­ mitted to ensuring that the town shines as bright­ ly as it should during Christmas. “The aim is to manage expenses sensibly while bringing out the best of Pinoso’s holiday spirit.”

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26 October - 1 November 2023

ELCHE’S Sports Museum As­ sociation has unveiled a mesmerising new exhibi­ tion titled ‘Legends of Sports’. This exhibition pays homage to the remarkable achievements of sports icons such as Rafa Nadal, Fernando Alonso, Pau Gasol, Iniesta, and Usain Bolt, among others. Running until November 5, this showcase is a must­ visit for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Among the prized pieces on display are a vibrant red Ferrari Formula 1 car, a jer­ sey and boot signed by Ini­ esta from 2010, Rafa

LOCAL NEWS

Legends of Sport Gestures in Matter Nadal’s iconic tennis racket, a Usain Bolt racing shoe, boots adorned with the sig­ natures of Messi and Cris­ tiano Ronaldo, and a trio of Olympic torches, each rep­ resenting a different year of the Olympic Games, to name just a few. Visitors can also explore a diverse collection of nation­ al and international player jerseys, and relive memo­ rable moments from Span­ ish football, including the 2008 Euro Cup and Iniesta’s

Image: Ayuntamiento de

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A new exhibition.

legendary goal that clinched the World Cup for Spain. The head of the Sports Museum pointed out, “The true value of this exhibition lies not just in the displayed

PROVERB OF THE WEEK “Knowledge is power.” Meaning the more you know, the more powerful you can be in your life. This phrase is often attributed to Francis Bacon, but Thomas Jefferson also used the phrase on at least four separate occasions.

objects, but in the collective memory of our world championship victories.” THE popular low­cost high­ speed train operator in Spain, OUIGO, has made an exciting announcement. Starting December 10, they will introduce a new daily round­trip service on the

PREPARE to be captivated by the expressive brilliance of Leonor Hochschild in her captivating exhibition, ‘Gestures in Matter’, currently on display in the south wing of the Museum of the Sea in Santa Pola until November 30. Hochschild’s artwork immerses us in the enchanting realm of material painting, viewed through the lens of contemporary art, all while paying homage to the pioneers of this extraordinary movement. This artistic trend, with its origins deeply embedded in the Informalism of late 1940s and early 1950s Europe, arose during a time of artistic fervour and transformation, completely reshaping the way we think about art. At the heart of this movement lies abstraction, brought to life through materials that boldly defy convention. It’s this unique approach that lends each piece an unmistak­ able identity, crafting a dynamic interplay between intricately textured areas and more minimalistic spaces. Material painting, with its passionate focus on substance and texture, serves as an extension and reimagining of abstract art.

Ooh for OUIGO Madrid­Albacete­Alicante line. This means passengers will now have the convenience of three round trips per day,

amounting to a total of six journeys. OUIGO’s initiative to strengthen its presence in the Valencian Community doesn’t stop here. They’re also introducing an impressive enhancement to their Madrid­Valencia line. The route will have an in­ crease of two daily services (four routes), effective from December 10. This development will result in five round­trip services per day, making it a total of ten trips for passengers to choose from. OUIGO encourages trav­ ellers to plan their journeys well in advance to take advan­ tage of their budget­friendly rates and top­notch service. But that’s not all, OUIGO has big plans for the future. In the coming year, they’re set to expand and diversify their offerings within the Va­ lencian Community.

4 Only four words in the English language end in ‘dous’.

LOCAL NEWS

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26 October - 1 November 2023

Connecting with Europe IN a bid to foster international collaboration and promote sustainable practices, Orihuela has been playing host to a series of URBACT ‘Econ­ necting’ conferences, initiated by the European Union, that see participation from eight other European nations. Over the next two and a half years, Orihuela, together with these partner countries, will em­ bark on a journey underpinned by the core tenets of integration, sustainability, and active citizen engagement. Delegates from the other handpicked European cities that make up this transformative network have converged on Ori­

huela, hailing from Emilia­Romagna (Italy), Or­ moz (Slovenia), Nagykallo (Hungary), Dytiki Mani (Greece), La Comunidade Intermunicipal Viseu Dao Lafoes (Portugal), Tori Vallavalitus (Estonia), Ennis (Ireland), and Berane (Montenegro). Each city carries its own unique experiences and insights, and under the expert guidance of a mobility specialist, they will craft a comprehen­ sive framework document that will be present­ ed at the European level. It’s from this document that various European funds will flow to support the realisation of mu­ nicipal projects across the participating cities.

The greens were slow MONTGO Golf Society played a Stableford competition on Friday at Oliva Nova Golf Course sponsored by Mick Farmer with the winners tak­ ing home some fine wine, thank you Mick. The winner was Handicap Secretary Sue Burman with a fine score of 42 Stableford points. In second place was Treasurer Geoff Willcock with a score of 41 Stableford points, and keeping the prizes with

the committee, Captain George Braddick took third place with 39 Stableford points. There were two near­ est the pin prizes on the 5th in 2 and the 16th holes with Su­ sanne Duner and Ronnie Dalzell taking home the spoils. There was one two with Ge­ off Willcock taking home a cov­ eted Montgo Golf ball. The re­ sults were very good as they played in very high winds and the course was in poor condi­

tion, with some fairways look­ ing like ploughed fields, and the greens being very slow. Next week’s game is going to be a fun game either a four ball or two ball scramble as it is afternoon tee times. The Soci­ ety has cancelled the competi­ tions on November 3, 10 and 17 as they were unable to guarantee tee times because of Oliva’s restrictions. On November 24 they will play for the MGS Charity Cup.

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26 October - 1 November 2023

FIVE talented artists hail­ ing from different cor­ ners of Spain, alongside a local artistic force, come together to set Santa Pola’s urban art scene ablaze. This upcoming festival promises not only an ex­ plosion of colour on fa­ cades and murals but al­ so a lively celebration

Urban Art featuring music, live per­ formances, engaging children’s workshops, and a bustling craft mar­ ket. Councillor Joaquín Lozano confirmed, “Our mission with this project

is to adorn our town’s walls with urban art, and this year, our canvas is the park at the entrance of Calle Virgen del Car­ men, affectionately known as PGB Park.” Lozano added, “It’s go­ ing to be a weekend filled with music and art, complemented by a vi­ brant craft market and engaging workshops to ignite the creativity of our younger generation.” The theme for the fes­ tival revolves around capturing the essence of Santa Pola, yet it re­ mains open to interpre­ tation, allowing each artist to infuse their unique style. You’ll witness a mes­ merising spectrum of artistic expressions, from the abstract to the highly figurative. The aim is to democra­ tise art, to bring it out in­ to the streets so that you don’t have to visit a mu­ seum to experience high­ quality works. The festival kicks off on Friday, October 27, at 2.00pm.

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LOCAL NEWS

MABS magic MABS Cancer Support Foundation is thrilled to an­ nounce its upcoming fash­ ion show and invite you to be a part of this exciting event. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 7, when the doors of the 525 Hotel in Los Alcazares will swing open at 1.00pm. FUNDS RAISED: Come from various different entities. The fashion show promises an array of high­quality clothing, Albatros Residencia in Los Alcazares recent­ shoes, bags, and jewellery, perfectly timed for ly handed over a generous €1,146 cheque, the autumn, winter, and party season. with the majority of the funds raised through Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or sim­ raffle prizes generously donated by local busi­ ply looking to spruce up your wardrobe, this nesses. event is not to be missed. Earlier this year, the Jolly Boys and Girls Golf Tickets are just €5 and can be obtained Society managed to raise a staggering €10,708 from the MABS shop in San Javier. at their golf event. If you prefer the convenience of WhatsApp, These substantial achievements translate don’t hesitate to contact Sheila on (+34) 634 into tangible support for numerous MABS 307 951. clients in the San Javier area who are battling MABS Cancer Support Foundation has cancer. been making a profound impact in the com­ Join MABS at their fashion show as they munity, and it’s a name that resonates with continue to make a difference in the lives of people for all the right reasons. those affected by cancer. Recent acts of generosity have only Your presence and support truly make strengthened their mission. ‘MABS Magic’ happen. Image: MABS

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LOCAL NEWS

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Festival of interest EXCITING news in Bene­ juzar! The mayor, Vicente Cas­ es, has proudly received a commemorative plaque, bestowing the Festivals and Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgen del Pilar with the distinguished title of ‘Festival of Tourist Interest’ in the Valencian Communi­ ty. These Festivals and Pil­ grimage, known as La Pilar­ ica, have garnered recogni­ tion as a regional tourist attraction due to their unique traditions and

Commemorative plaque.

deep­rooted customs, spanning over 80 years. The mayor emphasised that this event is one of Benejuzar’s most cherished

traditions, drawing thou­ sands of visitors and devo­ tees from various parts of Spain every October 12. The pilgrimage weaves a beautiful journey between the church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pilar, creating a vibrant tapestry of culture, devotion, and tradition. This well­deserved recognition showcases the rich heritage of Benejuzar and promises to attract even more visitors to par­ ticipate in this remarkable festival.

Regional finals

ON October 23, 2023, for the second consec­ utive year, the formidable Pinoso Pilota Grossa Squash Team secured a spot in the regional fi­ nal of the first category, after a hard­ fought journey to clinch their qualifica­ tion. Fans bore witness to the return of the semi­finals, where the dynamic duo of Jose Angel Perez and Alvaro Paya once again showcased their prowess, tri­

umphing with a score of 2­1 against their opponents from Genoves. This result mirrored their success in the previous year, bringing their overall score to a commendable 4­2. The highly anticipated final is sched­ uled for the weekend of October 29 in the charming town of Parcent. The Pinoso team will face off against the victor of the semi­final match be­ tween Abdet­C and Abdet­A.

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26 October - 1 November 2023

FEATURE

DOUBLE, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble! Oh yes fellow earth bound souls, the ghostly eve of Hal­ loween is nigh! With the sudden change in weather feeling posi­ tively witchy, it seems that the stormy stage for this haunted holiday has been set here in Spain. The modern day Hal­ loween, which is celebrat­ ed on October 31 around the world, holds its roots in the ancient Celtic festi­ val of Samhain, a Gaelic word pronounced ‘SAH­ win’. This pagan festival was held around Novem­ ber 1, a date that marked the transition from the au­ tumn harvest season to the darker days of winter. It is around this time of the year that it was be­ lieved ­ and is still be­ lieved for many who con­ tinue to honour Samhain ­

that the veil between the land of the living and the depths of the dead is at its most thin. A time where the souls of the deceased revisited the earthly realm and roamed it freely with un­ known intentions. Feasts were held, where places were set and food was of­ fered to departed souls of family members. The pagan gods were al­ so honoured, with offer­ ings of drink and livestock in a bid to appease them and ensure that their ani­ mals survived throughout the wretched winter. There were also sacred bonfires that burned throughout the night of Samhain, as they were be­ lieved to have special cleansing and protecting powers. As Christianity swept through Europe and The Isles, traditional pagan cel­

ebrations were viciously repressed by the church and its enforcers. In the ninth century the western church endorsed November 1 as the date of All Saints’ Day. In part, this was to present this time of year as one of love rather than ‘superstitious’ fear, stressing that those who die in Christ have their souls forever in the loving family of God. However, the oppres­ sion against any contra­ dicting beliefs to the new religion, especially those of the pagan gods, was in­ tense in this period, and by creating a new celebra­ tion on this date it intend­ ed to secure the complete eradication of Samhain and its ‘radical’ beliefs. Today, Halloween is cel­ ebrated as a fun­filled fes­ tival where children and adults alike dress up in costumes, carve pump­

kins, go trick­or­treating, tell scary stories and eat copious amounts of sweets. But these modern customs are all deeply steeped in spiritual traditions. For example, the idea of ‘trick or treating’ comes from the door to door travelling of the poor, who would beg for food in re­ turn for songs and prayers. This was referred to as ‘souling’ and the children were called ‘soulers’. A typical food given to these soulers was a ‘soul cake’, with a holy cross marked on top that represented a soul being freed when it was eaten. These were sweet treats, made with ginger, raisins and nut­ meg. The creepy costumes that modern celebrators wear on Halloween come

shutterstock

Happy Halloween Have some spooky fun.

from the ancient desire to hide a person’s attendance at pagan festivals or to mask the energy of the wearer to allow for better communication with the spirit world. Costumes were also sometimes used to ward off evil spirits from entering the body. Thankfully society is now much more accepting of

different beliefs and so all are free to celebrate Hal­ loween loud and proud, with many religious people of varied ideas still enjoying this frightening festival! Whatever way you choose to celebrate, Euro Weekly News wishes all a weird and wonderful night, with many happy haunt­ ings!

FEATURE

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26 October - 1 November 2023

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Is it time to consider downsizing your home? Spain offers fantastic property opportunities in outstanding surroundings, so it is unsurprising that many Britons choose to retire to their own place in the sun. Property may be your biggest asset, with the potential to provide a substantial return on your initial investment over time. For many, their home is also a legacy to help secure the financial future of children and other heirs. However, there are risks in relying on bricks and mortar for your wealth. You cannot fully realise the financial benefits of a property while you are still living in it. Compared to other investments, property can also prove very costly to maintain.

protect against long-term inflation and provide the increased income you may need in the future as the cost of living rises?

a reduced or limited income, this can be draining on your resources, particularly if you own more than one property.

Size does matter Generally, the larger the property, the more expensive the running costs. Mortgage payments, rates, utility bills, building and maintenance expenses can all add up to generate a relatively high ongoing burden. If you are retired with

Affording retirement With today’s increased life expectancy, you may need your existing wealth to stretch to ten, twenty, or perhaps thirty plus years in retirement. Are your pensions, savings and investments on track to sustain your lifestyle for as long as you need? Are they structured to

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

Many people find themselves in an ‘asset rich, cash poor’ situation, owning considerable physical wealth such as property but with substantially less disposable income. Expatriates may additionally hold on to UK property. While property can be a solid investment, it locks your money away in a highly illiquid way. If you want access to your capital, you may not be able to sell easily, nor for the right price. Also, there is risk in tying your funds up in one asset class – if the value of property drops, so does your investment. Property may offer potential leveraging opportunities, but this comes with costs and risks.

vestment growth. By reinvesting in suitable investment funds, for example, you can still invest in real estate if you wish but alongside other assets (equities, bonds etc.) to reduce risk through diversification. And, unlike immoveable property, if you require small amounts of cash you can just sell the amount you need, not the whole investment. A specialist adviser can help you explore investment arrangements that suit your circumstances, goals and risk appetite while being tax-efficient for Spain. You could also unlock other benefits that property cannot offer, such as a regular income and currency flexibility. When it comes to estate planning, there are more opportunities to reduce succession tax for your heirs on investment capital than with real estate.

Benefits of reinvesting your capital Downsizing property can help increase your accessible wealth, but it needn’t be a compromise when it comes to in-

Reducing taxation Higher-value homes can tip you over the threshold for Spanish wealth tax, as well as increasing the inheritance tax bill for your heirs. There are

generally more opportunities to reduce wealth tax on capital investments than on immoveable property. By reducing the amount of tax payable, you can make your money go further in your lifetime and maximise the value of your legacy. Take personalised, cross-border advice to establish an investment and estate planning strategy that can secure a secure retirement for you in Spain today and a lasting legacy for future heirs.

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

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

10 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Pinoso in Pink Image: Ayuntamiento de Pinoso

ON October 22, the streets of Pinoso came alive as over 300 people gathered to par­ ticipate in a meaningful walk, with a resounding pur­ pose, to rally behind breast cancer research and make a significant contribution to the cause. In the weeks leading up to this event, t­shirts and back­ packs were sold, with every purchase contributing to the vital funds that will be chan­ nelled into groundbreaking cancer research. The walk kicked off at the town hall, led by a promi­ nent banner bearing the powerful motto, ‘Pinoso walks against breast cancer’, and concluded at the Her­

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MEANINGFUL WALK: Pinoso walks against breast cancer.

mitage of Santa Catalina. Breast cancer is a formidable adversary, being the most prevalent type of

IF you’ve ever wondered what would hap­ pen if your favourite childhood dolls decid­ ed to embrace their sinister alter egos, the ‘Evil Toys’ exhibition at the Torrevieja Audi­ torium Theatre is a must­see. Until October 31, this spine­chilling showcase unearths a unique collection of dolls that have played starring roles in some of the most iconic horror films and series. The exhibit boasts an eerie ensemble of 30 dolls, each with a notorious history in the world of horror cinema and television.

cancer according to the World Health Organisation, affecting approximately one in 12 women during their

Evil toys Among them, you’ll come face to face with the original Freddy Krueger, known for his terrifying appearances in ‘Stories to not sleep’, a series inspired by Chicho Ibáñez Serrador’s chilling creations of the 70s and 80s. But that’s just the beginning. Your journey through the twisted world of ‘Evil Toys’ will introduce you to full­scale

lifetime. For Maria Reme Jover, the President of the Alicante As­ sociation for the Fight Against Cancer in Pinoso, this event represents more than just a show of support; it symbolises a steadfast journey toward a world un­ burdened by the shadow of this devastating disease. “This year’s motto, ‘Hope in every step’, underlines the idea that each step taken is a commitment to the cause,” she confirmed.

reproductions of the infamous Chucky, promising to be your ‘friend until the end’, and his malevolent family spanning from 1988 to 2017 . Venture further, and you’ll encounter the nefarious Gremlins, the sinister Billy, the malevolent ‘Annabelle’ from the War­ ren File series (2014­2019), and the brutal Lotso from 2010. As if that weren’t enough to make your skin crawl, the exhibit also features a chill­ ing collection of vintage dolls and eerie paintings from the Onil Doll Museum.

LOCAL NEWS

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THE Tourist Board has set its sights on enhancing the allure of key landmarks in the city of Alicante, not just through the installa­ tion of more than 20 new information panels, but by creating a captivating visi­ tor experience. The council has con­ firmed that the primary objective is to design signs that are ‘unique, striking, and attractive’, com­ pelling tourists to explore renowned sites like the Santa Barbara and San Fernando castles, the Cen­ tral Market, the bullring, Cigarreras, air raid shel­ ters, and Luceros. The endeavour doesn’t stop at aesthetics; the city council is also keen on in­ corporating augmented reality content to provide a deeper historical and heritage context for these significant locales. In the quest to develop pedestrian tourist signage, the emphasis lies not only on aiding visitors’ mobility but also on enriching their understanding of this cityscape and enhancing their overall experience.

26 October - 1 November 2023

Alicante allure The signs themselves, along with the informa­ tive content, are envi­ sioned as more than just

markers; they are de­ signed to be engaging, unique attractions in their own right.

Games impact

TORREVIEJA Council is delighted to confirm that the re­ cent ninth European Police and Firefighters Games, hosted in the city, have left a resounding impact on vari­ ous fronts. This event, taking place at the end of September and beginning of October, signifies a seasonal transition in Torrevieja, typically marked by a decline in occupancy. However, this year was different. According to the data shared in the event’s post­anal­ ysis, the sporting extravaganza left an indelible mark, generating over 18,000 overnight stays and an estimat­ ed economic windfall of around €2 million. The positive effects rippled through businesses and hospitality establishments, encompassing hotels and numerous tourist accommodations throughout the city. To arrive at these impressive figures, the city council conducted a meticulous analysis, factoring in several key variables. With 2,400 participants and 1,600 accompanying indi­ viduals, the estimation considered that many of them stayed for a minimum of four nights due to their partici­ pation in various tests. Moreover, a significant portion extended their stay well beyond seven nights, contributing to the surge in overnight stays.

EWN 11

12 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

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LOCAL NEWS

Halloween happenings THIS year, in addition to the traditional Halloween cele­ brations in Alicante, there are three exciting new events planned to take place in the squares of Calvo Sotelo, Seneca, and La Montañeta. These events are being or­ ganised with the goal of sup­ porting the local commercial sector, encouraging shopping, stimulating economic activity, and attracting new cus­ tomers.

Numerous businesses in the city centre are eagerly par­ ticipating in this campaign, which continues to gain more traction and significance with each passing year. The first two days of this commercial revival initiative are scheduled for Saturday, October 28. The morning event will un­ fold at Plaza La Montañeta from 10.30am to 1.30pm, and the afternoon session will en­

ORIHUELA is set to bring Mozart’s mag­ num opus, the Requiem Mass in D minor K. 626, to the heart of the Vega Baja re­ gion. On November 3 at 8.00pm, the Historic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monserrate will be filled with the haunting melodies and timeless beauty of Mozart’s final composi­ tion. Admission is free, but hurry, as the sanc­ tuary’s capacity is limited, and seats are sure to fill up quickly. Mozart’s Requiem Mass in D minor, K. 626, is the crowning jewel of the Austrian composer’s illustrious career. The performance is set to be an extraor­

liven Plaza Calvo Sotelo from 5.00pm until 8.00pm. As for the third event at Plaza Seneca, a children’s par­ ty is planned for Tuesday, Oc­ tober 31, from 5.00pm until 8.00pm, where children can dress up in costumes and en­ joy thrilling magic shows. During this festive period, shops will adorn their win­ dows with special decora­ tions in honour of All Saints’ Day.

Mozart in Orihuela dinary collaboration, featuring the talent­ ed Choir and Orchestra of the UNED of Elche under the skilled guidance of musical director Manuel Ramos. Joining them are esteemed choirs, in­ cluding the Veus d’Elx choir and the Dis­ cantus Choir of Murcia. Additionally, the performance will be graced by five exceptional soloists. This musical ensemble, composed of 80 voices, 30 musicians, and five soloists, will breathe life into Mozart’s Requiem, ensur­ ing a mesmerising and unforgettable expe­ rience.

14 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com ALICANTE experienced a bustling October 19 as it wel­ comed around 4,400 cruise passengers on a unique dou­ ble stopover. This unexpected occur­ rence happened as the Aidastella, not initially planned for this year0s cruise schedule, made its grand en­ trance alongside the Celebrity Infinity. This double­ship arrival marks the eighth time in 2023 that the port of Alicante has hosted two cruise ships on the same day. The Aidastella, part of Aida

LOCAL NEWS

Double arrival Cruises and with a capacity of 2,500 passengers, has made an exciting addition to the mix. Alongside it, the Celebrity Infinity, from Celebrity Cruis­ es accommodating 1,950 cruise passengers, completes this impressive picture. Alicante has had a fantas­ tic year in terms of cruise ar­ rivals, and the month of Oc­ tober has been particularly

remarkable. A whopping 30,000 cruise passengers are expected to grace the city’s shores, arriv­ ing on 16 different ships. The passenger profile for these two vessels is quite di­ verse. The majority of Aidastella passengers are German na­ tionals, while on Celebrity Cruises, most passengers hail from North America.

Summer extension

ELCHE is considering a bold move that could see its beach season stretch well beyond September, a change rooted in the growing popularity of its pristine shores. Until now, the traditional beach season in Elche ran from June 1 to September 30, but thanks to what’s been termed a resounding ‘success’, the city’s authorities are mulling the idea of extending this period. Irene Ruiz, the mayor of Tourism, expressed her delight at the undeniable allure of Elche’s coast, which is now enticing visitors far beyond the typical summer months of July and August. She acknowledged that this year’s excellent

weather, featuring sea temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees even on October 15, had played a role in this decision. After experiencing nearly a month of perfect beach weather, it’s evident that Elche’s beauti­ ful beaches hold an irresistible charm. As the city’s coastline becomes more renowned with each passing year, it has start­ ed to evolve into a haven for those seeking tranquillity, even as autumn settles in. Thanks to dedicated efforts by various agen­ cies, including Visitelx, Elche’s coastline has cul­ tivated a loyal following during the summer and early autumn.

Photo credit: casareal.es

16 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

AWARDS CEREMONY: Princess of Asturias and Meryl Streep.

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NEWS

Full October diary for Princess Leonor Linda Hall OCTOBER continues to be busy for Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne. On October 7 and 8 the Princess of Asturias, now at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, was seen in two

public ceremonies with her fellow cadets for the first time. She then accompanied her parents King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the annual Armed Forces parade in Madrid and the official recep­ tion in the Palacio Real Octo­ ber 12, Spain’s National Day,. October 20 saw Leonor pre­ side the annual Princess of As­ turias awards. Held in Oviedo (Asturias), these prizes go to persons, entities or organisa­ tions who make notable con­ tributions to the arts, sciences, humanities, public affairs and

cooperation. Meryl Streep, whose name was probably the most familiar to Spain’s national and international population, won the 2023 Arts prize. Japanese author Haruki Murakami, received the Literature prize, while the Scientific and Technical Re­ search award went to the US biologists Jeffrey Gordon, Pe­ ter Greenberg and Bonnie Bassler. Eliud Kipchoge (Sport), Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (International Coop­ eration) and the Scottish char­ ity Mary’s Meals (Concord)

were also recipients of the €50,000 cash prize and a Juan Miro statuette. Helene Carrere d’Encausse (Social Sciences) and the Ital­ ian author and philosopher Nuccio Ordine (Communica­ tion and humanities) who died earlier this year were represented by relatives. October 31, when she cele­ brates her 18th birthday and comes of age, will be the next big day for Princess Leonor as she swears her loyalty to Spain’s Constitution at a ple­ nary session of parliament and the senate.

Paragliders spark hysteria John Ensor THE ongoing war between Is­ rael and Hamas has made many people suspicious of some of the most innocent of events. On Sunday, October 15, two paragliders inadver­ tently caused alarm in Don­ caster. Kevin Smith, 61, and Brad Sanchez, 26, never imag­ ined their aerial adventure would be misconstrued as a security threat, wrote a news source. The incident occurred when a local woman mistak­ enly believed the duo were terrorists descending on Don­ caster. Kevin, an ex­military per­ sonnel with over four decades of service, and Brad, a com­ puter programmer, recently took up paragliding. Their in­

Credit: Northern Skies Paramotoring/Facebook.com

On the left, former Paratrooper Kevin Smith.

tent was merely to enjoy the skies and visit a notable site in Doncaster. Kevin announced, “We’re not Hamas, and we don’t want to scare anyone or up­ set anyone who might think we are.” Brad expressed un­ derstanding about the preva­ lent fears and stated, “At the end of the day, it’s just me, Kev, and the others at the club, we’ve never wanted to hurt anyone.” The resident

from Armthorpe voiced her anxiety saying, “Whoever thought it was funny to para­ sail over the village, it was in extremely poor taste.” Both Kevin and Brad are novices in paramotoring, a variant of paragliding that em­ ploys an engine. They’re affili­ ated with ‘Northern Skies Paramotoring’, near Goole in East Yorkshire, and often soar over the city with their group. Their Sunday flight aimed to catch a view of a Vulcan bomber at the now­defunct Doncaster Sheffield Airport, a relic from the RAF’s fleet used between 1956 and 1984. In light of recent events and weather conditions, their next flight might be some time away.

18 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

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NEWS

Sixth London airport?

Credit: Supporters of Manston Airport Facebook

TIME WILL TELL: Manston Airport closed in 2014.

LONDON currently has five main passenger air­ ports, City, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted, but many will remember the so­called Boris Island sites for a proposed sixth airport which came to nothing. In 2014, the private owner of Manston Airport in Kent decided to close it and there was talk of the entire area, which was first opened as an RAF station in 1916 and saw service in both the First and Second World Wars, being sold to build housing. The Royal Air Force had withdrawn in 1996 and it was run as a commercial airport until its closure with freight, some passenger and pri­ vate flights taking place regularly. Since its closure, it’s been an overflow lorry park for those taking freight between the UK and France but is now owned by RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) which reportedly plans to invest up to £500 million in bringing the run­ ways up to date and to create a new terminal. Government approval has been given for

work to be undertaken to recreate this potential sixth London Airport but it seems probable that local residents will mount a legal challenge to plans to reopen Manston. Assuming they fail, then it is anticipated that there could be commercial freight services oper­ ating by 2028 and it is argued that it is less pollut­ ing to fly goods to and from France than to ship the equivalent amount of freight in lorries. If this works, then the next step will be to try to attract passenger airlines to use Manston and this will be helped by the fact that earlier this year, Thanet Parkway Station opened to the public and is just three and half miles away from the airport, so with journey time from London St Pancras just over an hour it should be commer­ cially viable to build a link to the airport itself. Time will tell and it could be decades before passenger services start again according to a news source, but London may eventually have another air bridge to Spain.

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NEWS

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26 October - 1 November 2023

Barcelona has the best bar IF you fancy going for a drink at the World’s Best Bar 2023 followed by a nightcap at the fourth Best Bar then Barcelona is the place to visit. Sponsored by Perrier, The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 is an annual competition and this year’s winners were announced in Singapore for the first time on Tues­ day October 17. Created in 2009, the top place was regularly shared by bars in either Lon­ don or New York but Barcelona recently started to climb up the table and in 2022, Paradiso took the top spot and now in 2023 another Barcelona bar Sips has taken the accolade (although Par­ adiso is ranked No.4 this year). Described as an intimate, cutting­edge cocktail bar located in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district, Sips was only opened in 2021 following the pan­ demic but still managed to hit No.37 in that year’s awards. In 2022 it moved up to third place and now after just two years of opening it has been named Best Bar in the World. You must be dedicated to drinking as there are no reservations and no bar to sit at whilst the mixologists led by own­ ers Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez work from a circular counter in the mid­ dle of the room and then deliver the cocktails to customers sitting at tables.

Credit: Sips Facebook

Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez of Sips.

Speaking about the award, one of the founders Simone Caporale explained “We’re a small bar that opened in very uncertain times, but with a dream to prove that we could do something spe­ cial.” The top five of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 saw New York’s Double Chick­ en Please at No.2; Mexico City’s Hand­ shake Speakeasy at No.3 and London’s Connaught Bar at No.5. Only one other Spanish bar made the top 50 and that was Salmon Guru in Madrid which came in at No.16.

EWN 19

20 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

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NEWS

TO coincide with World Ener­ gy Saving Day on Saturday Oc­ tober 21, Greenpeace volun­ teers visited 13 Spanish towns to place stickers on the win­ dows of the information of­ fices of the country’s large electricity companies. Endesa, Iberdrola and Naturgy offices were targeted in A Coruña, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Pamplona, Almeria, Bilbao, Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Granada, Murcia, Valladolid and Zaragoza. The activists believe that the energy companies are deliber­ ately making it difficult for indi­ viduals, especially those in apartment blocks, to install so­

Credit: Creative Commons

World Energy Saving Day

Installation of solar panels could save money.

lar panels or other ways of col­ lecting solar power. Green­

peace argue that those who install solar power can save

Scientist’s mysterious death Linda Hall LAST year a ‘brilliant and promising’ Spanish bio­ chemist died at the tragically young age of 45. It since emerged that the unnamed re­ searcher’s symptoms were compatible with those of Creutzfeldt­Jakob disease, the lethal hu­ man version of Mad Cow disease. The biochemist began working in Laboratory 4141 at UB’s School of Medicine in January 2018. He headed a research team that worked on identifying specific substances in human cere­ brospinal fluid that could be useful in diagnosing rapid­onset dementia. He began to feel unwell and took sick leave in November 2020 but once his colleagues realised that his symptoms suggested Creutzfeldt­Jakob disease, he swore them to secrecy. On December 2020, Professor Isidre Ferrer, who heads the Pathology Department at the University of Barcelona announced that samples of cerebrospinal fluid belonging to persons and

animals with Creutzfeldt­Jakob disease and oth­ er neurogenerative disorders had been found entirely by chance. They were discovered in a deep­freeze kept at 80 degrees below zero in a box reserved for the group. There was no official record that the sam­ ples had been delivered. Laboratory 4141, ill­equipped to handle high­ risk biohazard samples and without a biosafety air extraction system, was immediately closed and decontaminated, although the samples were not sent for analysis until December 2022. After the results were received in March this year, the university confirmed that the Creutzfeldt­Jakob samples were, as feared, dan­ gerous, but transmissible only through acciden­ tal inoculation or contact with contaminated sur­ gical instruments. Some of the original team needed counselling but it was stressed there was no evidence of any work­related accident in Laboratory 4141.

between 40 and 60 per cent on their annual electricity and with more than 10 per cent of households in Spain suffering from energy poverty due to escalating prices, this could mean the difference between enjoying heating or staying cold. According to María Prado, head of Greenpeace’s Climate and Energy campaign, “we want to make it clear that these companies are prevent­ ing people from exercising their right to enjoy solar ener­ gy, making it difficult with bu­ reaucratic obstacles to install solar panels in their homes. “This situation, which should not exist since the re­ peal of the sun tax in 2018, oc­ curs systematically in neigh­ bourhood blocks and energy communities where self­con­ sumption is shared between different people. This is the so­ called collective self­consump­ tion.” The charity believes that so­ lar self­consumption is one of the best tools available to help families save on their electrici­ ty bill, be energy efficient and contribute to the fight against climate change. However, according to the Greenpeace campaign, self­ consumption in multi­family homes (tenant blocks) is not taking off because it is not profitable for large electricity companies, while solar self­ consumption in individual homes has grown by 1,200 per cent in the last five years.

22 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

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FEATURE

Captures the essence of Spain FOLLOWERS of Specsavers Ópticas’ social media chan­ nels voted on the picture they felt best reflects and captures the essence of Spain. Kristine Aghasyan was selected as the winner, with the largest amount of likes and com­ ments. Kristine’s beautiful image depicts what she de­ scribes as a “romantic sun­ set”, seen through the rocks at La Mata in Torre­ vieja. This striking and well composed image encapsu­ lates the rugged beauty of the Spanish coastal areas and the importance of the sea to the communities along the 4,964 kilometres of coastline. It was a firm favourite amongst the jury who shortlisted the entries

A romantic sunset at La Mata.

and the voting public, getting over 300 likes and over 100 comments. This talented photogra­ pher won a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair of de­ signer sunglasses. Lisa James from Spec­ savers Ópticas in Guardamar was one of the three store directors to shortlist the top entries and commented, “I was very impressed with the high standard of entries we received for this year’s

competition. There were 58 pictures submitted for us to judge and we thought they were so good, that we could only get the shortlist down to eight entries, be­ fore handing over to our followers to have their say and select the winner. “Thanks so much to ev­ eryone who submitted an entry and for everyone who took the time to vote. Kristine is a worthy winner and I would like to congrat­ ulate her on behalf of all of the team!”

You can see the shortlisted entries on Specsavers Opticas’ via social media @SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook and @specsaversspain on Instagram. Find out more about the optical group and book an eye test in your nearest store via their website www.specsavers.es

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 23

IN Spain there seems to be more and more reports of wild boar becoming a nuisance in ur­ ban areas, from rummaging through bins to causing serious accidents on the highway. The latest figures show that Spain’s wild boar population in the provinces of Huesca and Girona, both located in the Pyrenean territories, have seemingly hit their wild boar population peak, writes Pig333. In contrast, regions like Barcelona, Valencia, and Ali­ cante are experiencing high growth rates, indicating the spread. The majority of other provinces fall into a category of relatively low population in­ crease but with a potential for growth in the future. Wild Boar Risks Reportedly the problem was exacerbated during the Covid lockdown where due to the ab­ sence of people on the streets more wild boar strayed into ur­ ban areas. In 2021 there were 1,200 incidents involving wild boars in Barcelona alone. This year alone there have

Credit: Sander van der Wel/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

Spain’s wild boar problem: Humane methods or culling?

WILD BOAR: The population has seemingly hit a peak in some areas.

been news reports of wild boar invading popular tourist spots, causing mayhem on beaches. While not a new problem, the frequency of these instances seems to be on the rise. There are also regular reports of wild boar as the root cause of road collisions, some of them fatal for drivers who were

caught out unexpectedly. Again this is nothing new in itself, but something that is becoming a worrying trend. Aside from these issues, there is the little­publicised problem of disease. The grow­ ing wild pig population poses significant concerns due to the species’ association with dis­

eases, notably African swine fever (ASF). While not a danger to humans, ASF has the poten­ tial to devastate the domestic pig population, a cause for con­ cern among livestock farmers and the Spanish economy. Is Culling The Answer? Wild boar do not have any natural predators, apart from wolves in the northern areas of Spain, which leads many to sug­ gest culling, particularly in Spain’s south. Culling is the act of selectively killing animals, typically to con­ trol their population or to con­ tain the spread of disease. Culling has been one of the pri­ mary methods used in Spain. It’s often done by professional hunters or by local authorities. Those in favour highlight that hunting wild boar is a centuries­ old tradition in many parts of Spain, so many people view culling simply as a continuation of this tradition. Alternative Solutions While some see culling as the way forward, there is also a segment of the population con­ cerned about safety, both in

terms of boar­human interac­ tions and the methods used for culling, which sometimes in­ volve firearms in relatively pop­ ulated areas. Other advocate more hu­ mane methods such as fencing or spraying chemicals that imi­ tate the smell of wolf urine. An­ other option is relocation, but due to their independence on scavenging, some argue that they would not survive back in the wild. This sterilisation method has been considered in some re­ gions. The idea is to capture and sterilise a certain number of boars to control their repro­ duction rate. Regarding the nuisance fac­ tor, authorities have tried to educate the public, usually tourists, about not feeding the boars and securing trash bins to make urban areas less attrac­ tive to these animals. As the wild boar population continues to grow, public senti­ ment and potential solutions will play a crucial role in shap­ ing Spain’s approach to this is­ sue.

24 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

MOTHERS MATTER

MOTHERHOOD. THAT JOYOUS BLESSING THAT COMES FILLED WITH RAINBOWS, SMILES AND CONSTANT HAPPINESS. RIGHT? Jennifer Popplewell Well, not quite. Although a blessing it is, sometimes, that constant joy that is awaited from motherhood does not quite come as expected, as the reality of sleepless nights, body changes, and crushing responsibility hit some women hard. Add a sprinkle of financial hard times, a marriage breakdown or facing the single mother journey, and you have yourself a cocktail of chaos and confu­ sion! The saying ‘it takes a village’ is often responded to by many mothers wailing in dismay, “where’s mine!?” Throughout the history of humans, mothers have never been so alone as they are in mod­ ern day western society, and this is par­ ticularly true for those women who move away from home and their sup­ port system. Rita Hauge, aged 84, who is the mother of one son born in 1961, ex­ plained to Euro Weekly News that “I am so grateful I had my mother, father and sister all in walking distance, they all massively helped me raise my son. It was a different time back then, we all chipped in.” A stark contrast to the com­ ments from British mother, Lee­ann White, who is currently raising her nine­ year­old daughter alone in Marbella. She told EWN that it often feels like it is “me against the world.” Lee­ann goes on to say that it is a “constant battle financial­ ly as I get no support, and it is difficult to find time for myself.” Unprepared Nobody can be prepared for mother­ hood, no one knows what it is like until it is actually experienced. However, with mothers on social media solely showing a reel of ‘highlights’ and portraying their lives as perfect, many women find them­ selves in quite a shock when the real deal arrives. American woman Taylor Van Dyke, who recently gave birth to her first son, told Euro Weekly News that, “the thing I am finding most difficult is the guilt of not living up to those ‘insta­ gram mums’, I thought I would just in­ stantly bounce back and enjoy every sec­ ond of my baby, it’s not like that at all.” Understaffed In many cultures around the world it is the norm that a couple would live with the

Credit: Babycakes

Babycakes Session Costa del Sol.

grandparents, and although most western women would probably shriek in horror at the idea, when it comes to having a new­ born, the workload is shared ­ and the new mother ­ supported. Having a baby does not mean the world stops, therefore the house still needs to be cleaned, clothes washed, meals cooked, showers taken, alongside all this a baby needs 24­hour care. So how is it possible for one person to accomplish this, whilst said person is still recovering from birth? Postpartum re­ quires at least three people, the mother to look after the baby, somebody to look af­ ter the mother, and somebody to keep the house running in the meantime. But that kind of help is rarely received. Lonely Even the most supportive husband still has to work, and after the excited visitors have had their newborn fill, it might end up that a lot of time is spent alone. New research by The Red Cross has shown that 82 per cent of mothers with children under five feel lonely. “Loneliness defi­ nitely kicks in,” Jessica Grayson, aged 31 told EWN, who then hinted that after the umpteenth episode in a row, one may even find oneself plotting the murder of a certain cartoon swine. Oink oink. Find The Village (and don’t let them go) To those living on the Costa Del Sol, ‘Babycakes’ have been running classes in

various venues along the coast since 2017. These sessions focus on sensory play for babies and small children through music, singing and messy play. Many mothers have raved about the positive effects it had on their lives. “For me the ending to the ‘babycakes song’ lyrics should be….’that you saved me’,” declared Larelle Leah, a mother of two who previously lived in Marbella. She continued to tell Euro Weekly News, “I went two mornings every week and it was amazing to be around people who understood me. Two mornings a week that I could drink my coffee, that some­ one else had made for me, HOT, whilst my baby was happily entertained and in­ teracting with others. I made friends there who I am still close to now, six years later, friends who became like family. I started my little village, and I began to feel like me again, a new me, but a happy one.” Mental Health The World Health Organisation has re­ ported that around 10 per cent of preg­ nant women and 13 per cent of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. Mother of three, Charlotte Kay, who also attended the classes, stated that the Babycakes sessions “did wonders” for her mental health, recalling that the

woman running it, Chantelle Maria, “makes mothers feel welcome and heard.” Chantelle, who still hosts these sessions, stated to Euro Weekly News that her aim is “to provide a safe space for mothers to meet and connect with each other during the first few years of parenthood, to provide a community for many expat mothers, giving them that support and ‘village’ that they crave.” Places To Meet Wherever mothers are in the world, don’t underestimate the power of social media, typing in ‘mothers groups’ in the area or ‘coffee mornings’ will surely yield many results. If not, why not create one? As explored in this article, there are many mothers in the same boat that would surely be appreciative of a loving port to dock in. Local parks are also sure to be frequented by mothers, and fresh air does wonders for the mind. Lastly ­ something for the body and soul ­ moth­ er and baby yoga. These classes are ex­ tremely common in many countries now and even if one has the flexibility of an ironing board or no real interest in the practice, it is a great place to make friends. The Light At The End Of The Tunnel As many mothers know to be true, even though the days feel long, years seem to go by in a flash. Soon the nappy changing and bottle days will be gone and a chat with a friend feels oh so easy as the children can actually entertain themselves! However, as Victoria Wright, a single mother to a six and a four­year­old, ex­ plained to EWN, “single parent life is still no walk in the park (that park I go to twice a day) and the dreaded trip to the supermarket actually seems to be get­ ting harder somehow, but with my trusty village always there to listen to my 12­minute long voice notes, to bring me presents on Mother’s Day morning in case nobody else did, to laugh and cry with about all the madness of mother­ hood, it’s actually turning out to be pret­ ty fun.” In conclusion, you are not alone. Lone­ ly perhaps, but never alone. Go seek out the fellow warrior women out there who are ready to face this beautiful bat­ tle called motherhood, side by side.

euroweeklynews.com

SOCIAL SCENE

Try to escape HALLOWEEN, that enchant­ ingly eerie time of year, is swiftly creeping up on us and Orihuela have taken it upon themselves to craft a spine­ tingling prelude to All Hal­ low’s Eve with their upcom­ ing event, ‘Stranger Nights Escape Room’. On October 28 and 29, prepare to be transported to a realm where reality blurs, and the supernatural reigns supreme. This immersive experience unfolds as a live role­playing extravaganza, drawing inspi­

Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela

26 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

Stranger Nights Escape Room.

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ration from the eerie and enigmatic Stranger Things universe. Across these two macabre days, a total of 16 thrilling sessions await, divided even­ ly between morning and af­ ternoon, from 10.00am until 2.00pm and from 4.00pm until 8.00pm, beckoning ad­ venturers to La Lonja, a set­ ting ripe for the uncanny. This dark adventure comes with an irresistible price tag, absolutely free! To embark on the journey, all you need to do is scan the QR code on the event poster. Gather your courage and rally your companions; groups of five to eight brave souls are welcome for each session. To all the daring young res­ idents of Orihuela, aged 12 to 30, the council extends an in­ vitation you won’t want to resist. Register now and let the adventure begin.

30 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

DENMARK Schmeichel’s apology DANISH goalkeeper and former Leicester star, Kasper Schmeichel, has publicly apologised for his recent outburst during a game. The 36year-old admitted he ‘went over the line’ and ‘failed to be a role model’ after angrily confronting a ball boy for a delay in returning the ball.

Storm Babet DENMARK is dealing with the aftermath of Storm Babet's destructive rampage. Danish insurance companies are overwhelmed with claims, as the storm wreaked havoc across the nation. The country faced some of the most ferocious storm surges in decades, leaving authorities assessing the widespread damage and its long-term implications.

NORWAY

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EURO PRESS PORTUGAL

Credit: Anton Gvozdikov/Shutterstock.com

Abandoned animals ORGANISATIONS in Portugal are battling animal abandonment with almost 42,000 strays rounded up in the country last year. According to the latest data from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), 41,994 animals were picked up off the street or delivered to the official collection centres. This figure is down on the 43,603 strays received in 2021.

Terrorist threat PORTUGAL has raised the terrorist threat level in the country from 'moderate' to 'significant'. As announced

GERMANY

EUROPEAN PRESS

IRELAND Unkind remarks ON BBC's Graham Norton Show, its host was forced to offer an apology to Fermoy, a Cork town, after a previous guest's unkind remarks. Despite a minor mistake mentioning Fermoy's famous ‘giant pencil’ landmark, Norton highlighted the town's Tidy Towns achievements which earned applause from the show’s Hollywood celebrities.

Bean memorabilia Stray dogs in a shelter. in a statement from the secretary general of the Internal Security System (SSI), the measure is 'preventive and cautious' in nature. The Security Information Service (SIS), as the entity responsible for threat assessment, suggested there were conditions that justified: 'the change in the degree of terrorist threat in Portugal’.

FRANCE

A DECADE-OLD tin of baked beans, autographed by Irish singer Chris De Burgh, surpassed expectations by selling for £111 at a Northamptonshire auction. De Burgh's daughter, former Miss World Rosanna Davison, humorously advised, “Since the beans are 11 years old, I hope whoever buys them doesn’t plan to eat them.”

THE NETHERLANDS

King Harald

Peace Prize

Another strike

Party party

NORWAY's 86-year-old monarch, King Harald V, has contracted Covid-19, experiencing mild symptoms. The royal household announced, “His Majesty the King has been diagnosed with coronavirus and is on sick leave until he is symptom-free. The king has cold symptoms and stays at home.”

RENOWNED author Salman Rushdie made a rare public appearance, since his attack in August 2022, at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 22. He was there to discuss his latest novel, ‘Victory City,’ and received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.

THE Pompidou Centre in Paris is due to close from 2025 to 2030 and staff are already trying to protect their positions in order to ensure that they are not the losers because of circumstances beyond their control. Basically, they are now on strike and demand security of employment for those five years.

WITH the next General Election in The Netherlands due to take place on Wednesday November 22, the electorate will have to expand its knowledge of the country’s political parties as although there are currently 21 parties in parliament, there will be no less than 26 contesting the election.

Electric domination NORWAY's remarkable journey as the global epicentre of electric cars continues to dazzle. With over 90 per cent of new vehicles now embracing plug-in technology, the nation is obliterating its own EV sales records. In September, motor fuel sales plummeted by 9 per cent, a testament to Norway's commitment to a fossil-free future, years ahead of schedule.

ITALY

Solar power GERMANY's solar energy sector continues its strong growth. In September, the country added 919 MW of photovoltaic capacity. In the first nine months of 2023, a remarkable 10.72 GW of solar capacity joined the grid, surpassing the government's 9 GW target for the year.

BELGIUM

Nutters challenge MONT VENTOUX in Provence has a peak at 1,909 metres and is invariably a stage in the Tour de France cycle race and causes difficulty for even the most hardened cyclist. The real devotees however take part in what is called the ‘Nutters Challenge’ using three different roads to reach the top three times in a day.

FINLAND

Royal Family TWO Dutch political parties GroenLinks and the PvdA narrowly voted at separate annual conferences to add to their manifestos for the November General Election a call to abolish the monarchy, as they consider it both anachronistic and far too expensive for the ceremonial duties that its members carry out.

SWEDEN

Migrants compensated All that glitters

Wife-carrying races

Deadly weapons

THE European Court of Human Rights has ordered Italy to compensate three Tunisian migrants for, what the court considered to be, “inhuman and degrading” treatment they were given when they were held at the reception centre on the island of Lampedusa. Italy now must compensate the three with €5,000 each plus €4,000 for legal expenses, a total of €9,000.

THANKS to new rules introduced by the European Commission, women in Belgium are going to have to be far more selective in choosing certain makeup as any glitter eyeshadow, nail varnish or lip gloss which is not biodegradable and therefore contains microplastic is to be banned from sale although as is often the case there will be a transition period.

IN Sonkajarvi, Finland, the annual 'wifecarrying' contest since 1992 sees men race carrying their spouses over a challenging course. The winner receives their wife's weight in beer. Originating from a 19thcentury gang leader's endurance test, the event symbolises Finland's cultural blend of humour, athleticism, and fighting spirit.

A DEADLY AR-15 type of semi-automatic weapon was used to kill two Swedes and injure a third person in a suspected terror attack in the Belgian city of Brussels. However, these guns have been legal as hunting weapons in Sweden since the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency changed the rules this summer.

Speed kings

Noble Peacemaker

Tennis open

A NEW rule has been introduced in the city of Genk in an effort to discourage motorists from driving too fast following the introduction of 12 new speed cameras. Any driver who manages to get caught over the limit 16 times within three months faces having their car seized and removed for two weeks in order to teach them a lesson.

FORME Finnish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Martti Ahtisaari, passed away aged 86. Serving from 1994-2000, he played key roles in global peace mediation, from Kosovo to Namibia. Under his leadership, Finland joined the European Union and NATO. His post-presidential venture, Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), showcases his enduring commitment to peace.

AS a result of beating Russia’s Pavel Kotov to win the 2023 Stockholm Open, 37-year-old French tennis veteran Gael Monfils became the oldest winner in the history of the tournament. He previously lifted the title in Sweden back in 2011. It was his first ATP Tour final in 21 months. After being ranked sixth in 2016, Monfils has since fallen to 140th in the world rankings.

Ghost ship A YACHT was found adrift in the open sea with no one on board. One of the engines was running and the cabins in disarray, there were men's clothes. But there is no one on board the boat. This is the mystery of the ghost yacht of Fregene, found last week just off the popular beach for holidaymakers from Rome.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

NODDY HOLDER, the iconic frontman of the British rock band Slade, has been given six months to live following a throat cancer diagnosis. According to an article published in the British Press on Thursday, October 19, by his wife Suzan Holder, he received the devastating news five years ago. She revealed how after receiving a brutal prognosis, the 77­year­old singer with one of the most instantly recognisable voices in rock had secretly battled the dis­ ease ever since. Thanks to a new trial of experimental chemothera­ py by experts at Manch­ ester’s Christie Hospital, Noddy was even able to perform again earlier this summer after being invited to join Cheshire musician Tom Seals on stage. Recalling the emotional moment, Suzan said: “I saw a sight I thought I would never see again earlier this year… my incredible hus­ band, back on stage, capti­

Credit: Suzan Holder X (formerly Twitter)

Noddy Holder cancer shock

Nick Owen with Suzan and Noddy Holder October 19, 2023.

vating an audience with hi­ larious, slightly naughty sto­ ries and singing his heart out with a voice still distinctive and powerful. “To watch him do what he does so brilliantly was thrilling, entertaining and profoundly moving,” Suzan wrote. Suzan explained: “We told only immediate close family and friends. They held our hands and kept our confidence. We truly found out who our real friends are.” Formed in 1966 in the En­ glish city of Wolverhamp­ ton, during a glittering 25­ year career, Slade racked up

six No1 chart­toppers in the UK. Merry Christmas Every­ body was their biggest smash. Released in 1973, it has been a regular feature every year in the charts over the festive period. According to the press, the record, penned by Noddy and Jim Lea, earns a stunning £520,000 annually. He once famously said: “It’s definitely a pension plan, yes. It was never de­ signed to be that way, but it has taken on a life of its own. It’s been used for ad­ verts and for movies, it’s been used for all sorts of things.”

EWN 31

FINANCE Engine failure ROLLS­ROYCE intends to slash 2,500 jobs, 6 per cent of its global workforce of 42,000, as it moves towards a simpler organisation “fit for the fu­ ture,” according to chief exec­ utive Tufan Erginbilgic. The engine manufacturer con­ firmed that the UK would be the most affected by the plans for staff.

Out to sea THE CSIF union lodged a formal complaint against Spain’s Sal­ vamento Maritimo sea search and rescue agency, which it ac­ cused of not respecting its members’ rest periods. The union also said that the agency had stopped paying overtime, a ‘substantial’ and unjustified modification of employees’ work conditions.

Flat fizz LVMH, which owns Moet et Chandon, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, reported a €20 billion third quarter turnover, a 9 per cent rise on the same peri­ od last year, but lagging behind the second quarter’s 17 per cent. The luxury firm blamed ris­ ing inflation, global instability and reduced demand for high­ end drinks.

Helping hand SPAIN’S government would re­ ceive an extra €5 billion a year if it withdrew energy and food subsidies, it admitted when submitting its Budget proposals to the European Union. At the same time, the report left the door open to the possibility of maintaining some of the mea­ sures introduced to counteract inflation.

Next move NEXT paid £115.2 million (€132.76 million) for a 97 per cent stake in British fashion firm FatFace. The clothing and lifestyle label is another Next purchase following the acquisi­ tion of Cath Kidston, JoJo Ma­ man Bebe, Joules plus a holding in Reiss which it increased to 72 per cent last month.

euroweeklynews.com • 26 October - 1 November 2023

STAT OF WEEK

€205 million ($216 million)

paid to Barcelona genetic therapies company Splice Bio for a licensing and collaboration agreement in the US with Spark Therapeutics, part of multinational Roche.

Unchanged inflation INFLATION in the UK has re­ mained unchanged at 6.7 per cent in September. Food prices fell for the first time in two years but the inflation rate based on the consumer prices index matched August’s, despite City predictions of a 6.6 per cent fall. Spiralling fuel costs kept up the pressure on house­ holds, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) fig­ ures. “There may be some dis­ appointment out there but we have seen significant falls in headline inflation over the last six months,” ONS’ chief economist, Grant

Photo credit: Rishi Sunak

BUSINESS EXTRA

32

RISHI SUNAK: Britain’s PM expects to half inflation this year

Fitzner, told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme. Prices for food and non­ alcoholic drink fell 0.2 per cent in their first monthly dip since September 2021 as supermarkets vied with rivals, cutting prices of sta­ ples like milk, cheese and eggs, as well as mineral wa­

AIR NOSTRUM reported 2022 sales figures of €494.2 million and aggregated pre­tax profits of €19.6 million. The airline, an independent carrier which operates as an Iberia Airlines franchisee, is out of the red after two years of losses during the pandemic. Speaking at the company’s head­ quarters in Quart de Poblet (Valencia) on October 17, Air Nostrum’s chief ex­ ecutive Carlos Bertomeu said that 2022 had been a good year, showing a 51 per cent improved on 2021, owing to the increased demand registered since the second quarter of 2022. “Air Nostrum returns to the path of profits, something it has never aban­

ter, soft drinks and fruit juice. Prices were nevertheless higher than in September 2022, with the cost of an av­ erage family’s food shop 12 per cent higher on an annu­ al basis. The ONS explained that production cuts by the prin­

Flying high Photo credit: CC/Alan Wilson

AIR NOSTRUM: The independent carrier is an Iberia franchisee.

doned, except at the beginning of its operations back in 1994 and in the two great global crises,” Bertomeu said. The number of passengers rose by 55 per cent from 2.8 million in 2021 to 4.4 million in 2022 and in order to cov­ er the greater demand for seats, the company increased its number of

cipal oil­producing nations have raised global oil costs and would maintain pres­ sure on fuel prices in coming weeks. Despite the unchanged September rate, economists said inflation would still fall below 5.1 per cent by De­ cember and meet PM Rishi Sunak’s promise to halve the rate this year. The September inflation rate is important as the gov­ ernment normally uses this to calculate the following April’s increase in benefits, although Sunak is said to be considering a below­infla­ tion rise as the government juggles its public finances.

flights from 46,710 during the previous year to 65,569. This more than doubled the pan­ demic year and improved Air Nos­ trum’s load factor, the per­ centage of available seating capacity occupied by passengers. Bertomeu went on to announce the creation of the Strategic Alliance of Re­ gional Airlines (SARA), a holding com­ pany resulting from a strategic union between Air Nostrum and the Irish re­ gional airline CityJet. Air Nostrum’s parent Air Investment Valencia will own an 80 per cent stake in the new company, with the remain­ ing 20 per cent allocated to CityJet’s owner, CF Miga Investment Holdings.

New centres

Esteemed clients

Rates apprehension

SPORTS and entertainment multinational Topgolf will open eight new centres in Spain and Portugal. The US company’s €250 mil­ lion investment will also create 3,800 new jobs, sources close to initiative told the Spanish me­ dia. After almost two years of ne­ gotiations, Topgolf has signed an agreement with BAJ Gold Development Iberia, headed by Pablo Juantegui, former presi­ dent of Telepizza who will devel­ op the franchise chain in both countries. Private equity fund Manna Capital Partners, led by Ulysses Bridgeman and Kevin Attkisson, will also participate in the com­ pany.

HIGHER interest rates meant that Span­ ish banks’ profits per client is at its highest in 15 years. These are based on the difference be­ tween a bank’s yield on credit and the cost of paying interest on clients’ de­ posits. This benefited the biggest banks, re­ vealed The Pulse, the latest report from the Alvarez & Marsal consultancy which placed CaixaBank at the head of the largest entities. According to Alvarez & Marsal, Caixa­ Bank enjoyed a rentability of 3.2 per cent per client by the end of this year’s second quarter, ahead of BBVA (3.1 per cent) and Santander (3.1 per cent). Bankinter, Unicaja, Ibercaja and Banca­ ja failed to make the 3 per cent cut with respective ratios of between 2.8 and 2.5 per cent, although the consultancy gave Sabadell 2.9 per cent.

BUSINESS premises’ rates in the UK could rise by £1.95 billion (€2.25 bil­ lion) next year. Increases are linked to the September inflation figure, tradi­ tionally used to determine the an­ nual rates’ increase imposed by lo­ cal councils on retailers, pubs and offices. Spokespeople foresaw that this year’s 6.7 per cent rise would be “the final nail in the coffin” for many businesses. It would “in­ evitably put renewed pressure on consumer prices,” warned the British Retail Consortium’s Helen Dickinson. Leading retailers including Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Ikea also called on the government to elimi­ nate the inflation­linked increase from the October autumn budget.

Toyota overtakes Kia CAR sales rose this year, but by the third quarter were still 15.8 per cent below those of pre­pan­ demic 2019. Industry analysts predict sales of 900,000 vehicles by the end of 2023 when, for the fourth consec­ utive year, they will fail to top one million. Spain would usually expect an­ nual sales of between 1.2 and 1.3 million vehicles, although the last time this figure was reached was in 2019, with the purchase of 1,258,260 cars and off­roaders. Meanwhile, sales to private buyers so far this year have topped sales to companies or hire and leasing firms, with Toyota overtaking Kia as the most popu­ lar make.

Rescue hope FORMER owners of Daily Tele­ graph, the Barclay family, launched a £1 billion (€1.95 billion) bid to scupper rivals’ hopes of snapping up the broadsheets. According to Sky News, Abu Dhabi investors will assist the Bar­ clays in lodging a decisive offer that should write off their debt to the Lloyds Banking Group. This, the family hopes, will pre­ vent potential bidders, said to in­ clude hedge fund billionaire Sir Paul Marshall, German media giant Axel Springer and Daily Mail owner, Lord Rothermere from acquiring the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Tele­ graph and Spectator when they are auctioned off for an estimated £600 million (€692 million).

Three’s company VODAFONE and Three insisted their proposed £15billion (€17.3 billion) merger would not increase prices although it would reduce the number of their competitors. The Unite union told MPs on the Business and Trade Committee that merging both companies “would be bad” for consumers al­ though Three’s legal team main­ tained there were “no merger­re­ lated price rises” in the firms’ combined business plan. The deal must first be approved by regulators, but should it go ahead the two companies would create the UK’s largest mobile net­ work with approximately 27 mil­ lion customers.

FINANCE

34 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page

CLOSING PRICES 23 OCTOBER

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

5.872,0

5.758,0

102,53K

1.319,00

1.302,50

13,61K

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

3I Group

1.991,00

2.012,00

1.987,00

25,76K

InterContinental

5.848,0

Abrdn

151,05

152,40

150,55

297,23K

Intermediate Capital

1.304,00

Admiral Group

2.447,0

2.455,0

2.435,0

16,32K

Intertek

3.990,0

4.007,0

3.979,0

7,83K

Anglo American

2.025,0

2.050,5

2.025,0

188,68K

ITV

63,39

64,00

63,44

188,85K

Antofagasta

1.311,50

1.322,50

1.293,50

53,51K

J Sainsbury

252,10

252,60

251,40

74,91K

Ashtead Group

4.703,5

4.766,0

4.701,0

28,97K

Johnson Matthey

1.469,5

1.479,5

1.468,5

10,69K

Associated British Foods

1.937,5

1.947,0

1.934,0

27,19K

Land Securities

567,80

577,60

566,80

79,20K

AstraZeneca

10.354,3

10.486,0

10.332,0

59,16K

Legal & General

207,17

208,80

206,60

1,06M

64,94K

Lloyds Banking

41,49

41,77

41,48

7,41M

8.234,0

8.276,0

8.206,0

20,28K

Auto Trader Group Plc Aviva

595,60 396,30

B&M European Value Retail SA542,20

603,60

594,00

NET VOL

COMPANY

COMPANY

394,90

369,42K

543,40

533,60

47,59K

Melrose Industries

454,30

458,70

453,90

159,61K

Mondi

1.250,00

1.267,50

1.246,50

107,90K

National Grid

956,69

961,80

952,00

195,61K

NatWest Group

216,20

219,20

216,00

513,72K

Next

6.908,0

6.908,0

6.848,0

7,92K

DOW JONES

Ocado

503,40

504,00

483,10

144,47K

CLOSING PRICES 23 OCTOBER

1.065,00

1.048,50

266,86K

Barclays

144,40

145,68

144,32

3,14M

388,70

US dollar (USD) ........................................1.0587 Japan yen (JPY)........................................158.69 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................0.9457 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4623 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................11.751

397,70

1.064,50

Barratt Developments

Units per €

London Stock Exchange

BAE Systems

394,60

387,70

114,68K

Berkeley

3.935,0

3.960,0

3.930,0

7,87K

BHP Group Ltd

2.240,50

2.258,00

2.240,50

45,39K

BP

542,61

544,70

536,80

1,72M

British American Tobacco 2.442,5

2.457,5

2.440,0

81,60K

British Land Company

294,40

300,20

293,80

98,94K

BT Group

112,65

114,45

112,60

471,31K

Bunzl

2.876,0

2.892,0

2.874,0

7,95K

Burberry Group

1.714,5

1.741,0

1.713,5

41,03K

Carnival

805,7

815,0

805,8

15,81K

Centrica

155,80

157,95

155,35

285,47K

Coca Cola HBC AG

2.113,0

2.120,0

2.112,0

9,84K

Compass

2.053,00

2.059,00

2.036,00

80,99K

CRH

4.529,0

4.551,0

4.501,0

39,35K

Croda Intl

4.039,8

4.070,0

4.038,0

DCC

4.412,0

4.436,0

4.407,0

Diageo

3.081,5

3.097,0

3.079,0

DS Smith

261,10

265,10

1.14887

0.87044

currenciesdirect.com/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

Persimmon

963,2

980,0

958,8

72,30K

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE

CHANGE% VOLUME(M)

Phoenix

442,00

445,60

441,10

109,09K

Prudential

824,60

834,60

823,80

171,53K

3M American Express Amgen Apple Boeing Caterpillar Chevron Cisco Coca-Cola Dow Goldman Sachs Home Depot Honeywell IBM Intel J&J JPMorgan McDonald’s Merck&Co Microsoft Nike Procter&Gamble Salesforce Inc The Travelers UnitedHealth Verizon Visa A Walgreens Boots Walmart Walt Disney

86,55 141,57 278,81 172,88 180,04 249,20 166,83 52,93 54,57 48,99 300,05 286,41 181,32 137,16 34,92 153,00 142,95 258,11 102,67 326,67 102,67 148,05 203,73 161,59 527,03 31,57 233,38 21,26 158,76 82,65

87,32 147,94 281,06 175,42 183,39 253,49 169,10 53,59 55,02 49,57 303,25 287,18 183,78 139,27 36,28 153,87 145,14 260,34 103,36 331,92 103,77 149,88 208,11 164,62 534,43 32,14 235,77 21,46 161,10 83,44

86,39 2,52M 141,44 8,22M 275,75 2,44M 172,64 63,02M 179,85 4,45M 248,16 3,08M 166,10 7,42M 52,80 22,03M 54,44 15,66M 48,92 3,91M 298,10 2,31M 283,61 2,85M 181,06 3,04M 137,12 4,84M 34,87 32,22M 152,33 7,17M 142,12 12,83M 257,56 3,77M 99,99 12,43M 325,45 24,97M 102,57 7,76M 147,92 7,08M 202,12 5,50M 161,32 1,50M 526,77 2,80M 31,55 27,16M 232,64 5,71M 20,48 13,55M 158,71 4,98M 82,61 10,26M M - MILLION DOLLARS

Reckitt Benckiser

5.940,0

5.960,0

5.932,0

29,67K

Relx

2.840,00

2.852,00

2.829,00

102,80K

Rentokil

454,00

465,70

453,30

451,54K

Rightmove

478,40

489,30

478,40

175,42K

Rio Tinto PLC

4.879,6

4.925,0

4.878,5

82,26K

Rolls-Royce Holdings

200,40

200,30

196,45

1,62M

Sage

955,40

959,40

950,60

91,71K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.259,00

1.264,00

1.259,00

0,88K

Schroders

365,0

370,6

364,6

64,08K

7,62K

Scottish Mortgage

645,35

652,60

645,00

196,30K

11,17K

Segro

690,00

701,40

689,40

120,95K

124,02K

Severn Trent

2.486,0

2.500,0

2.467,0

16,17K

260,50

156,29K

Shell

2.721,5

2.727,5

2.695,5

449,26K

EasyJet

358,57

361,30

357,50

162,64K

Smith & Nephew

917,40

926,00

917,00

44,80K

Experian

2.645,4

2.654,0

2.630,0

51,64K

Smiths Group

1.531,00

1.534,00

1.523,50

21,22K

Ferguson

12.690,0

12.725,0

12.575,0

2,92K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 8.120,0

8.206,0

8.124,0

2,97K

Flutter Entertainment

12.570,0

12.620,0

12.430,0

25,96K

SSE

1.562,50

1.573,50

1.558,50

37,98K

Fresnillo

540,20

545,60

538,80

30,83K

St. James’s Place

616,20

632,00

615,40

140,00K

Glencore

428,16

432,25

428,15

1,74M

Standard Chartered

715,80

720,00

714,80

202,14K

GSK plc

1.467,60

1.471,20

1.463,60

141,48K

Taylor Wimpey

103,75

106,20

103,60

632,30K

Halma

1.810,5

1.835,5

1.809,0

46,91K

Tesco

272,90

272,90

271,70

432,94K

Hargreaves Lansdown

690,96

699,60

690,20

119,71K

Tui

396,60

410,40

395,00

212,78K

Hikma Pharma

1.942,50

1.956,50

1.939,00

7,81K

Unilever

3.987,0

3.988,5

3.970,0

225,52K

HSBC

610,70

617,50

610,50

774,92K

United Utilities

1.018,50

1.030,00

1.012,50

96,72K

IAG

139,45

139,75

138,40

1,13M

Vodafone Group PLC

74,83

75,78

74,58

2,84M

Imperial Brands

1.710,50

1.716,50

1.707,00

74,49K

Whitbread

3.264,0

3.275,0

3.245,0

28,34K

Informa

686,20

689,80

685,00

59,97K

WPP

674,60

679,20

672,80

123,18K

NASDAQ CLOSING PRICES 23 OCTOBER

COMPANY Most Advanced

CHANGE NET / %

Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited +22.28% Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. +11.75% Euronet Worldwide, Inc. +8.93% Autoliv, Inc. +7.01% Country Garden Holdings Company Limited +6.96% Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. +5.93% Playtika Holding Corp. +5.59% R1 RCM Inc. +4.93% Genmab A/S +4.15% L'Oréal S.A. +4.14% BeiGene, Ltd. +4.12%

VOLUME 449,741 8.695M 1.56M 2.89M 22,531 2.787M 869,233 4.434M 2.473M 73,100 398,327

Most Declined SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. MSP Recovery, Inc. Enphase Energy, Inc. Incitec Pivot Limited Regions Financial Corporation Okta, Inc. Comerica Incorporated Husqvarna AB (publ) Western Alliance Bancorporation Rentokil Initial plc Joby Aviation, Inc.

-27.27% -19.23% -14.68% 0.00% -12.38% -11.57% -8.53% -8.46% -8.38% -8.35% -8.00%

21.316M 263,816 14.475M 365 37.373M 11.019M 5.35M 38,401 4.72M 1.274M 8.681M

‘

euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Happy feet CINVEN, owner of Kurt Geiger since 2015, is said to be working with Bank of America on a fu­ ture auction of the luxu­ ry shoe brand for £400 million (€459.1 million). Leading luxury goods groups as well as private equity firms are all ex­ pected to be interested in acquiring the prestige label which was found­ ed in 1963.

Cashing in BANKINTER earned €685 million between January this year and the end of September, a 59.2 per cent increase on the same peri­ od in 2022, thanks to inter­ est hikes. The bank’s net in­ terest margin shot up by 54 per cent while return on equity rose to 18.2 per cent, chief executive Maria Dolores Bancausa an­ nounced.

26 October - 1 November 2023

Don’t stop drilling BRITAIN’S Energy secretary warned that the country could not allow North Sea gas and oil output to diminish fur­ ther. Speaking at Energy UK’s an­ nual conference in London on October 18, Claire Coutinho said that Britain could be­ come increasingly dependent on energy imports. North Sea Transition Au­ thority (NSTA) data revealed that without new North Sea oil and gas wells, output would halve by 2030, Coutin­

photo credit: CC/David Woolfall

FINANCE

ENERGY MINISTER: New North Sea wells needed, Claire Coutinho said.

Amancio Ortega (again) IT is an unusual week when Zara founder Amancio Ortega fails to loom large in the financial news in Spain and elsewhere. The latest information regarding one of the world’s richest men centres on Pontegadea Inversiones through which Ortega channels most of his activities in the property and energy sectors as well as the income from a 50.1 per cent hold­

ing in the Inditex empire. This year, Pontegadea registered a consolidated profit of €2.3 billion at the end of the 2022 fiscal year, an increase of 30 per cent compared with 2021. Nevertheless, this omitted the income from Ortega’s Pontegadea GB 2020 and Partler 2006 which includes another 9.29 per cent holding in Inditex.

ho said. “This country would be forced to import up to 80pc of our oil and gas by 2030,” she told the conference. “The UK will not only be subservient to foreign regimes, but risk decimating the same people and commu­ nities that we need on this green transition journey.” The Energy secretary added that the UK was reducing oil and gas consumption in line with net zero targets, but added that without a new off­ shore drilling programme, production would fall “much faster” than demand. The UK needs an annual 61 million tons of oil, but with 938 potentially­produc­ tive wells now inactive, British oil production fell to a historic low of 38 million tons in 2022. This would plunge to 22 million tons in 2030 unless new wells were drilled, NSTA data suggested, Coutinho said.

EWN 35

Cut-price TESLA has reduced the price of its basic Model 3 car in Britain by £3,000 (€3,443) to £36,990 (€42,460) in a bid to encourage demand for its electric vehicles as sales have slowed amid increased competition from China. Elon Musk’s company has continually slashed prices in the US this year and also re­ duced its UK prices in Jan­ uary.

Bank job GERMANY is likely to back the Nadia Calviño, vice­president of the in­ cumbent Spanish govern­ ment as well as Economy minister, in her bid to head the European In­ vestment. Finance minis­ ter Christian Lindner re­ vealed that the German government had made its decision but although he did not wish to name the candidate, this is sure to be Calviño, insiders said.

36 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

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Egotistical celebrities

OUR VIEW

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT ALTHOUGH this ol boy has had his share of so­called ‘stardom’ over the years, it never stops to amaze me how far some egotistical celebrities are prepared to go to convince the public they are so utterly special. Mariah Carey sure took the bubble recently, when she insisted that the promotors of a tour she had been booked for supplied someone to ‘handle her chewing gum’! Apparently this young lady cannot bear to touch her chomped gum. She therefore needs someone to pick it up and bin it after she has spat it out. Not the job you would particu­ larly enjoy adding to your CV! Of course yours truly has had a few an­ tics in the past. One which I will nev­ er actually forget was my first trip to the USA as a budding ‘chart topper’. On the way to Nashville to appear at the Grand Old Oprey, I laid over in

NY for a couple of days to do a bit of tele. Also there at the same time was Tom Jones. I had known Tom since the beginning of his career, when his manager Gordon Mills, who also managed me, was paying him 10 bob a week and changed his name from Woodward to Jones, to coincide with the popular movie playing worldwide at the time. Riding high by then he was ap­ pearing at the Copacabana and also having a mad affair with the beauti­ ful Mary Wilson of the Supremes, who were the most successful Mo­ town girl group in the business and at that time appearing for a week in the Blue Room of the prestigious Waldorf Astoria. After seeing Tom at the ‘Copa’ on my first night I was subsequently in­ vited to join him and Mary for a club crawl around the night spots of New York. To be honest I didn’t really en­ joy it too much because they were recognised just about everywhere we went and basically mobbed at every turn. Not me of course. My Little Arrows was still rising up

the charts and I certainly hadn’t reached the heights of my two com­ panions. Nevertheless it was an in­ teresting night and rounded off by Mary eagerly inviting me and Tom to have a table at the Wardorf the next evening. We would be able to see the show and after be joined by her­ self and Diana Ross, who she insist­ ed, in her broad American accent, would truly ‘love me with my Beatle haircut and English accent’! Consequently at the end of our evening the ol boy made tracks for the hotel with a skin full, a spinning head and a date for the following night with Diana Ross of the Supremes ­ who was gonna love me! Not a bad start to the ol boy’s USA visit, someone who began his career starving and kipping on the benches of London’s Charing Cross station. Not enough space to give you the fi­ nal result of this hopefully loving for­ ay. No need to ask Tom, I’ll tell you the outcome in the next blurb. Keep the Faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail .com

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

FEATURE

WILD LIFE

RECENT stories on the Euro Weekly News website about the ever increasing number of wild boar appearing in towns and on beaches across some parts of Spain have po­ larised opinion from readers. We asked whether they are a danger that should be culled or catered for because they have only moved to towns because much of their traditional land has been tak­ en over and the drought has made it increasingly more dif­ ficult for them to find food and even water. As will be seen on our Community Comments page, the response to the question was large and generally on the side of the boars. We expectedly had a few tongue in cheek responses with jokers suggesting that they were best served with a good chianti or were ideal for the plan­ cha but on balance the majority seemed to feel that hu­ mans owe a debt to look after the animals. What we tend to overlook is the fact that they are breeding more quickly as there have been several wild boar and escaped pigs mating, so there are more of these hybrids fighting for less space and food. An added problem is that research from the University of Queensland says that by uprooting carbon trapped in soil, wild pigs are releasing around 4.9 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually across the globe, the equivalent of 1.1 million cars. This is therefore a potentially growing problem, both from incursions into urban areas as well as added pollution. We don’t have a proposed solu­ tion but do recognise that the National Government (when there is one) will need to create a sensible policy to recognise the signs of danger and deal with it.

FEATURE

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26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 37

38 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

6 -7% the amount of blood in the human body.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Free menopause checks for women IN a recent push towards improved women’s health, MPs in the UK have called for the intro­ duction of free

menopause checks for women once they turn 40. Advocates argue that early detection and un­ derstanding of menopausal symptoms can drastically improve the quality of life for countless women. This proactive approach aims to provide support, alleviate potential anxi­ eties, and ensure timely interventions, if neces­ sary. As menopause affects every woman differently, with a spectrum of symp­ toms ranging from mild to severe, early checks can facilitate better health outcomes. The proposal has gar­ nered support from vari­ ous health organisations, emphasising the impor­ tance of holistic care for women as they navigate this natural phase of life.

RED MEAT: Experts recommend limiting your intake per week.

Red meat consumption RED meat, a staple in many diets, has been scrutinised for its potential health implica­ tions. Recent scientific studies suggest mod­ eration is key. Experts recommend limiting red meat intake to about 500g (cooked weight) per week, which equates to roughly three to four portions. This guidance stems from concerns linking excessive red meat consumption to heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

While red meat is a valuable source of nu­ trients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, overcon­ sumption can introduce high levels of saturat­ ed fats and potential carcinogens. For a balanced diet, consider diversifying protein sources, incorporating fish, poultry, legumes, and plant­based alternatives. Remember, it’s not just about quantity but quality; opting for lean cuts and avoiding pro­ cessed meats can make a difference.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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VEGETABLES: Eating them first can offer notable health benefits.

Eating veggies first NEW research shines a spotlight on the art of ‘meal sequencing’, suggest­ ing that consuming vegetables before diving into meat, rice, or pasta might offer notable health benefits. Scientists have found that this sim­ ple switch in eating order can lead to improved blood sugar levels, helping to manage and prevent conditions like diabetes. Additionally, by priori­

tising vegetables, individuals often re­ port feeling satiated for longer peri­ ods, reducing the chances of overeat­ ing and aiding in weight loss. This approach emphasises not just what we eat, but also the order in which we consume it. Embracing this method could be a game­changer, of­ fering a fresh perspective on balanced meals and holistic well­being.

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 39

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

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53

42 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

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FEATURE

OMMUNITY

C OMMENTS

THERE has been a huge response to our recent article on the Euro Weekly News website and Facebook page about the proliferation of wild boar and with more than 100 responses, already the general feeling is that they should be treated with care and respect rather than simply killed to make life easier for humans. Read the article as it appears in this edition of your paper as well as these comments below and let us know your feelings on the matter.

“

Hunt/manage them where safe and possible, but let them be when they come for a sanctuary … feeding and approaching them is wrong and a recipe for confrontation ! William Sr. Koninckx

We have invaded their territory, so have to learn to live with them. They are a wild animal so our respect is needed, we definitely should be looking after them! Sabrina Hope

I would not like to see them culled,but maybe pushing them back into the wild country. Michael Stanton

No leave them alone, you’re building on all their places. Christine Belmonte

I live in Andalucia for a very long time and witnessed how their habitat has been shrinking... Furthermore they come down from La Concha, because irresponsible people are to lazy to put their garbage into the containers, they leave it on the street around the containers or throw it everywhere on the street, which is an open invitation... They don't bother humans, only the barking dogs can make them nervous, specially if they are mothers with little ones. When I'm walking my dogs I watch them, which many people don't do, because their face is sticking into their mobiles... The problems are the humans....

unless threatened. Andrew Philip Coates

They are dangerous, they spread disease , people get their cars written off! They should be controlled, they continue to break through fences, destroy gardens (which were there actually before them) and procreate very rapidly. They hunt in packs with the parents often being 300 kgs each. Beware what you wish for! Barry Marshall

Trap, neuter, return (TNR) with vaccinations cost around €400 per head. Hunters are paid €2,000 on average per head, do you start to see the issue? They are being deliberately bred and released. More hunters and wardens are coming forward to confirm it. We then also factor in serious loss of habitat, drought and more rubbish due to more population, so the pigs are ‘in town’. They often have cuts from rubbish. Rubbish they shouldn't be rummaging in. They should have feeding and watering stations with regular veterinary controls and with the huge amount of Chaparral forest decimated for urbanisations, Mijas should be creating a green belt with biodiversity area, there is plenty of land to do so. Luisa Grajales

There's too many and they're causing fatal road accidents. I'd say cull and sell the meat. Celeste Picken

They were on the beach today, weren’t causing a problem just trotting along.

Katalin Zu Windischgraetz

No way, they are beautiful animals, people have taken their natural habitats, this coupled with the loss of forest land due to fires have forced these magnificent animals down to the coast looking for food, they are not aggresive

Laura Charles

Please just let nature take its course. It was their land before we encroached on it. They deserve a life too. Jacqueline Mellis

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

FEATURE

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26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 43

Advertising Feature

Liberty’s pet insurance sales up 25% in last six months LIBERTY SEGUROS’ pet insurance has grown by 25 per cent in the past six months, surpassing €1 million in annual revenue. According to com­ pany data, this growth follows the trend of the last two years, as this segment grew by 12.7 per cent in 2021 and 13.6 per cent in 2022. The new Law on Animal Welfare, which came into force on Septem­ ber 29, makes it compulsory for dog owners to have civil liability insur­ ance. And this fact has been reflect­ ed in the demand for both Civil Lia­ bility insurance, which in August alone has shot up by 623 per cent, and Liberty’s specific product for pets, which in the same month has increased by 70 per cent. However, compulsory civil liability insurance for natural or legal per­ sons owning dogs will not be effec­ tively applicable until the corre­ sponding regulatory development takes place. In this sense, Liberty stresses that behind the growth of these insurances recently there is al­

PET INSURANCE: Protection from a basic package to much more.

so a growing concern of pet owners to cover their main needs and risks. José Luis García Camiñas, Liberty’s Executive Director of Product in Eu­ rope, says: “We expect this segment to continue to grow in the future not only because of increased regulatory requirements but also because of society’s growing concern to protect the welfare of their pets and to have cover for issues such as veterinary expenses, theft and travel assis­

tance. Specifically, more than 90 per cent of the claims reported to Liberty under pet insurance correspond to veterinary expenses. The rest corre­ spond to the death of the animal, lia­ bility issues and theft or kidnapping.” The number of dogs in Spain is es­ timated to be more than nine mil­ lion, but having them insured is not a widespread practice. This contrasts with countries such as the USA where 70 per cent of households

have a pet and between 20 per cent and 25 per cent of them, especially dogs and cats, are insured. In the EU, 25 per cent of EU households have a dog, according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). “Due to all of these factors, this in­ surance product, which was initially demanded by residents in Spain from other countries, and which has been increasingly valued by national clients, presents a significant growth potential in the forthcoming years,” says José Luis García Camiñas. Main changes that Spain’s new animal welfare law will bring The Animal Welfare Law estab­ lishes new obligations for pets, and in particular for dog owners. One of these is the obligation to have Civil Liability insurance to cover possible damages and injuries caused by dogs, whatever their breed, to other people, animals, or things. However, this obligation will not be effectively applicable until the regulatory devel­ opment of the rule takes place.

On the other hand, the classifica­ tion of potentially dangerous dogs (PPP) disappears and the concept of special dog handling is created. An individualised sociability study will determine whether a dog is a special dog handling. In addition, a compul­ sory training course for dog owners will be introduced. The develop­ ment of these two elements is also still awaiting a regulation. Customised Insurance also for Pets Liberty Seguros has comprehen­ sive insurance policies for pets, a product that is defined by its many adjustment options to provide pro­ tection for the insured animal against risks such as accident and ill­ ness and which can be taken out as a basic package with the possibility of adding others with optional guar­ antees. As for civil liability, it also offers specific insurance for this legal cover for damage to third parties or as op­ tional cover within home insurance.

Visit www.libertyexpatriates.es for more information or call 913 422 549 for the name of your nearest Agent/Broker.

44 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

From Burberry To 007 - Licence To Thrill That week, though, numerous tourists turned to me asking: “Where ARE we?” It was a daft advertising campaign which BREAKING VIEWS caused problems for the people who ac­ Nora is the author of popular psychological tually make TfL money: those who use suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. the network. COMMUTERS and tourists were recently The same TfL that feeds its customers a left angry and confused after a marketing blow­by­blow barrage of idiotic safety an­ stunt to change signage nouncements: “The floor inside and outside Bond may be slippery; hold the Street tube station saw it handrail; see it, say it...” rebranded as ‘Burberry The same station that Street’ ­ as part of London opened late, millions over Fashion Week. budget. Fine if you’re a regular How about the cheese tube traveller. You can people taking over Red Le­ quickly readjust to where icester Square? Armitage you are and be in on the Shanks Waterloo? Or the joke. Not so good if you’re Bond movie company re­ one of those anxious branding Bond Street tube: tourists you see on the ‘007’? tube every day, constantly Nora Johnson’s 12 criti­ checking they’ve taken cally acclaimed psychologi­ the right line or going in cal suspense crime thrillers the right direction. It’s no­ (www.nora­johnson.net) NORA’S LATEST THRILLER. toriously confusing all available online includ­ enough for people to nav­ ing eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), igate without this stunt. Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Like many commuters, I’m normally in Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer a bubble of silence when on the tube. charity.

NORA JOHNSON

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

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Please take it outside, ok? MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION Views of a Grumpy Old Man I WAS out having a bit of lunch the other day and it was a nice and lively, busy place, but not too noisy so I could listen to Mrs S giving me my instructions for the rest of the day. Suddenly, a man with his son came and sat at the table next to us. His meal arrived and then it started. He got on his phone, not to read a message, no, he was going to have a chat and he was not going to have a quiet one. He was talking at the top of his voice and at the same time stuffing food in his mouth. After about 10 minutes of this I was getting the right hump, but there is nothing you can do unless you want to just say, ‘Oi shut up, I’m trying to have lunch.’ In my younger days I might have, but these days I just give a dirty look and a bit of a tut. Why do people think it’s OK to hold a conversation on their phone in public? Is it only me that thinks this is not acceptable? I admit to checking my phone if a message comes in, but if it rings I go outside or pick up and say I’ll call back. Oh, and if you are

checking your WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram or any of the other apps, I don’t want to hear the 10-minute video your mate just sent of their kid singing some unrecognisable ditty that they think is wonderful but I just think is an intrusion on my chow time. Use headphones but don’t play it out loud. This rule doesn’t only apply in eateries. This goes for every place I am. Aeroplanes, waiting rooms - I’ve been to cinemas and phones go off. That’s bad enough but answering them is just crazy. I love watching snooker and how many times do you hear the referee say ‘turn your phones off’? I was in a hospital waiting room and someone was listening to a video. It wasn’t at full blast but it was audible. Is there no point that they think this may annoy other people? All phones have a silent mode and it’s a shame people don’t! So folks, if you are out and your phone goes off, please take it outside, OK? I would love to have a bit of feedback on these grumps of mine. Does anybody actually read them? Is there some stuff that makes you grumpy that you would like to have mentioned? Send me an email at: mikesenker@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.

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

THE British Benevolent Fund was funded over a century ago to provide financial assis­ tance for British nationals in Spain who face extreme fi­ nancial distress and who have no other recourse, whether friends, family or state sup­ port. The BBF works with partner charities from www.supportinspain.info across the country as well as the UK’s consular network in Spain to help those who have no other means. The lingering effects of the Covid pandemic is still with us ­ many people faced tough ­ almost impossible life affect­ ing situations due to losing their income and job. One such was John who is in his late 50s and had been living in Spain for most of his adult life. He had been living modestly ­ doing odd jobs in gardens and bars which had seen him though many years ­ some good, some less so, but always with a roof over his head and a reasonable living to afford some of life’s luxu­ ries. With the pandemic all his work came to a shuddering halt ­ with every spike in Covid cases saw him deeper in debt as his savings were used up to

Make a donation Olaf Clayton of BBF.

pay for rent and food. He managed to keep a roof over his head for a year but in the end he had no choice but to leave his apartment. He packed his possessions into the car boot and lived there, living off a local food bank and the odd cash in hand job. He continued look­ ing for work, but it was very sparse and now that he was living in his car there were few takers. Although he was legal­ ly resident, he was not able to claim any state support due to a debt with the Spanish so­ cial security ­ it wasn’t much but meant that he could not claim any benefits such as the ingreso minimo ­ that with any income would mean he would be able to get back on his feet. The debt was less than

€100. Working with a local charity who were able to pro­ cess the paperwork the BBF was able to able to pay the debt and pay for a short time a room in a shared apartment whist he awaited his pay­ ment. Which came through a few months later ­ John was able to find more regular work and get his life back on track. Today John has found himself a new place to live as well as plenty of work. He is back on track. The BBF can only help peo­ ple like John with your sup­ port ­ if you would like to make a donation to the British Benevolent Fund please visit our www.british benevolentfund.org ­ thank you on behalf of the many for your help. Olaf Clayton, Chair BBF

PETS Pet-sitters for only £69/€79 per year! Vegan diets for dogs: A healthy 46

THOSE of you who have seen our articles in the Euro Weekly News over the years know that we have maintained good value for our customers in the last 10 years ­ Yes, we are nearly 10 years old! And in all that time we have only ever raised our prices once. We want you our customers to know that you are getting excellent value from a trusted source ­ HouseSitMatch.com. Standard mem­ bership is still only £69 per year! Not bad for free pet­sitting in your own home. If you’re planning a trip in the next few months register now to find pet­sitters in time. Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their rou­ tines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sit­ ting network, and the sitters come for free! Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when need­ ed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet

SPONSORED BY

www.euroweeklynews.com • 26 October - 1 November 2023

alternative or a step too far?

A pet-sitter cares for your pets at home.

and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work? HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sit­ ters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holi­ day. House­sitters see your advert, they re­ spond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials – 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com I have had nothing but good and helpful ser­ vice from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cos­ grave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga

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

THE vegan movement, which emphasises plant­ based diets free from ani­ mal products, has wit­ nessed substantial growth in recent years. As more people adopt vegan lifestyles, there’s a rising debate about whether our four­legged compan­ ions can also thrive on a vegan diet. From a nutritional standpoint, dogs are om­ nivores, capable of ob­ taining nutrients from both plant and animal sources. However, the key lies in ensuring a well­balanced diet that meets all their dietary re­ quirements. Some vegan dog food brands claim to offer nutritionally com­ plete options, fortified with essential amino acids, vitamins, and min­ erals that dogs would typ­ ically derive from animal products.

A Necessity or fashion frill? AS temperatures drop, the sight of dogs donning snug coats becomes in­ creasingly common. But is this trend grounded in practicality or mere aes­ thetics? Veterinarians and ani­ mal experts weigh in: for certain breeds, a winter coat is more than just a fashion statement. Short­haired, lean, el­ derly, or small dogs can benefit significantly from

EMERGENCY NUMBERS POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112 24 HOUR PHARMACY FARMACIA ALICANTE 965 910 220 FARMACIA PLAYA DEL CURA 966 706 880 24 HOUR VETS HOSPITAL VETERINARIA SANT VICENTE 965 668 582

the added warmth. Breeds not naturally equipped with thick fur, like Greyhounds or Chi­ huahuas, are more sus­ ceptible to the cold and can find comfort in a well­ fitted jacket. However, it’s essential to remember that not all dogs require outerwear. Breeds like the Husky or Malamute, with their dense, insulating fur, can overheat with added lay­ ers. Owners should also en­ sure the coat fits well, without restricting move­ ment or causing discom­ fort. Monitoring dogs for signs of overheating, even in cold weather, is crucial. In conclusion, while doggie coats can be an adorable sight, they serve a practical purpose for many. As always, individ­ ual needs vary, so con­ sulting with a vet is rec­ ommended before bundling up your furry friend.

However, veterinarians and canine nutritionists stress the importance of thorough research before making a dietary switch. While some dogs may thrive on a vegan diet, others might experience deficiencies, leading to health complications. Common concerns re­ volve around ensuring ad­ equate protein intake and the bioavailability of cer­ tain nutrients in plant­ based sources. For owners considering this dietary shift, it’s cru­ cial to consult with a veterinarian or ca­ nine nutritionist. Regu­ lar health check­ups, monitoring for signs of nutrient deficiencies, and being attentive to

the dog’s energy levels and coat condition can provide indicators of their overall health. In conclusion, while a vegan diet can be an op­ tion for some dogs, it’s not a one­size­fits­all so­ lution. Proper guidance and careful monitoring are paramount to ensur­ ing the well­being of our loyal companions.

SWITCHING DIETS: Make sure you take some advice.

The hidden paws: Are tenants secretly housing pets? RENTAL agreements of­ ten come with a myriad of stipulations, and one of the most contentious among them is the ‘no pets’ clause. As a result, there’s a growing de­ bate: are tenants secret­ ly keeping pets hidden from their landlords? A recent survey re­ vealed a surprising num­ ber of renters admitting to housing pets without notifying their property managers or landlords. The primary reason? A deep bond with their fur­ ry companions and a lack of pet­friendly rental op­ tions. For many, the thought of parting with their pets is unimagin­ able, leading them to take covert measures. However, this secre­ tive approach can lead to complications. Hidden pets can cause damage, disturb neighbours, or even breach local hous­ ing regulations. More­

over, if discovered, ten­ ants risk eviction or fi­ nancial penalties. Landlords often cite property damage, poten­ tial allergies for future tenants, or increased in­ surance costs as reasons for pet restrictions. Yet, some argue that a more flexible approach might be beneficial. By allow­ ing pets and possibly charging a reasonable pet deposit, landlords can cater to a larger pool of potential renters while safeguarding their property. In conclusion, while the bond between hu­ mans and their pets is undeniable, transparen­ cy and open communica­ tion are key. Both land­ lords and tenants need to find a middle ground, ensuring that rental agreements cater to hu­ man needs without com­ promising the integrity of the property.

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26 October - 1 November 2023

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

CARS FOR SALE

every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablan ca.org (93323) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@hotmail. com (95475) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462) CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(10006) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@glpvalencia. com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

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

CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into

CHARITY

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja. com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegaba ja.com. We also have a 24hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

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26 October - 1 November 2023 • euroweeklynews.com

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorre vieja.org (95476) LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangeli calchurch.org (10005) PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www.pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org. uk. Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branch es.britishlegion.org.uk/branch es/orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www. orihuelacostarbl.co.uk. (95457)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granala cant.secretary@rbl.community ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@yahoo. co.uk (10004) ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorre vieja@aol.com (95455) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email strokesupportgroup@ hotmail.com, website: torre viejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461) THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458) THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807) THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiritualistcentre-benijo far.com. Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindrou te66@hotmail.com. Fiscal G54713789 MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink

and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb. org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org.es (295976)

visit www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (304147) STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbey gateinsure.com

MASSAGE

ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (293246)

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

GOLD WANTED

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (303170) ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Professional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (303833)

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (294827)

INSURANCE FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsurancein spain.com or email tracey@sosinsurancein spain.com (304148) BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or

CLASSIC SPANISH LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 40€. Ana 657 603 495 (303854) TORREVIEJA centre 5 Spanish and Colombian girlfriends, very affectionate and dominant masseuses 24 hours a day Call outs . 613668548 TORREVIEJA Miriam. Mature, gives relaxing body massage. Speaks English. Call 604 382 799 (304672)

MEETING POINT COUPLE Male & Female recently moved to Santa Pola, seeking new friends for meeting up, drinks together or maybe a meal. Please call 622 706 247 (have WhatsApp) (304548)

MISCELLANEOUS GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693

MOTORING

CLASSIFIEDS

euroweeklynews.com

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorb i ke , h o m e a n d c o m p a ny f l e e t i n s u ra n c e . S i n c e w e started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to o ffe r a n e xc e l l e n t s e r v i c e with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

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

MUSIC FOR SALE 2 brand new Grundig Hi-Fi speakers 50watt, 26 x 18cm. €25. 699 321 591 (304542)

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

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

EDS? We have the solution, Kamagra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mailorder. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PERGOLAS TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’ T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@ yahoo.co.uk (301216)

PETS BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (304498)

PET CHARITY EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare. net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706) GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community.

26 October - 1 November 2023 Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, deflead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com (95708) SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama -safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM

PET CHARITY MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (293246)

POOL MAINTENANCE POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (292232)

SPAS & JACCUZZIS

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54 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

MOTORING

Subaru XV e-Boxer - reliability & quality ROAD TEST

SUBARU XV: Quite literally takes everything in its stride.

by Mark Slack AS taste and fashions change, all car makers have to adapt their range and move for­ ward with modern technology. Some car makers seem to manage this effortlessly whilst others have a tougher time. This can be due to currency fluc­ tuations, regulatory require­ ments and the cost of ad­ vancing new technologies for smaller companies. Subaru have a long and il­ lustrious history in not only rallying but also clever and ingenious engineering. Their flat four, horizontally op­ posed ‘Boxer’ engine is a case in point, along with the permanent four­wheel­drive that they adopted on their cars long before many oth­ ers caught on to the benefits. Now there’s hybrid technol­ ogy too. Here in the UK the compa­ ny has always attracted a small but very loyal set of

buyers and over recent years have changed their range to encompass hybrid technology. Thanks to input from Toyota they have also produced their first EV, the Solterra. All Subaru models retain an immensely practi­ cal nature and the XV, one of their smaller models, is no exception. Both models in the XV line­up feature the same 2.0­ litre petrol ‘Boxer’ engine along with permanent sym­ metrical all­wheel­drive in a familiarly reliable Subaru set­ up. Unlike almost any other crossover, or indeed SUV, the XV as with all Subaru models will tackle some pretty tough conditions. It al­

so has decent ground clearance that helps with the XV’s very versatile capa­ bilities. Two trim levels are of­ fered with the lead­in ver­ sion superbly well equipped including heated seats, pow­ erfold heated mirrors, LED lights that are linked to the steering, auto lights and wipers, dual zone climate, keyless entry and start, high beam assist, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, privacy glass and more. An addition­ al €2,296/£2,000 for the higher trim model adds a power sunroof, leather up­ holstery and navigation amongst the extras. On the road the XV isn’t

especially quick but more than capable of keeping up with faster traffic, and it feels a particularly safe and solid drive. It handles well too with a smooth and refined drive unless you accelerate hard. The CVT automatic gearbox, as with all CVT units, does get quite vocal. Adapt your driving style slightly though and it be­ comes much more hushed. Subaru will never be seen on the road in huge num­ bers, but those that know will always buy a Subaru. It’s about reliability, engineer­ ing, solid build quality and the ability to quite literally take everything in its stride.

1832 First electric powered vehicle.

MOTORING

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

By John Ensor IT goes without saying that drivers need to take care and be prepared for any eventuality on Spain’s highways. However, here’s just a reminder that one mistake is not just inconvenient, but could land you with a sizable fine from the DGT. Are you aware of the financial risks of run­ ning out of fuel? A recent report from a national newspaper has brought to attention the significant penal­ ties levied by the Directorate­General for Traffic (DGT) for such an oversight. Embarking on a long drive comes with its fair share of challenges. A common concern is the vehicle’s fuel gauge dipping into the reserve. In such cases, one’s immediate thought is to find a petrol station. If stranded, motorists might consider seeking assistance from the Local Police. However, it’s crucial to inform your car insur­ er about any incidents or risk receiving a DGT fine. Drivers who stop on the hard shoulder or on the road could face fines up to €200, warns the DGT. Before exiting the vehicle, donning the com­ pulsory emergency vest and activating the V­16 emergency light is essential. Non­compliance could lead to a €200 fine. Even pushing the car to the wrong place could land a driver with a €200 fine. And if you’re thinking of fetching fuel in a non­ap­ proved container, brace yourself for a stagger­

Credit: Maria Sbytova/Shuttersock.com

You could be fined €200

REFUELLING: Make sure you fill up before long journeys.

ing fine of up to €3,000. How can one locate a fuel station whilst driv­ ing? A blue sign indicates a nearby station on the motorway. A white sign means you’ll have to drive a bit further. Signs will indicate the dis­ tance to the nearest refuelling place, usually anything from 500 to 1,250 metres. Fuel considerations and road safety shouldn’t be taken lightly. Following the law is imperative. Unfortunately, many drivers remain unin­ formed about these rules. If you believe this in­ formation is valuable, please share it with friends and family to spread awareness.

EWN 55

56 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

THE legendary Manch­ ester United and England footballer Sir Bobby Charl­ ton has passed away at the age of 86. A statement released by his family read: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Satur­ day morning. ‘He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and sup­ ported him. We would re­ quest that the family’s pri­ vacy be respected at this time’, it concluded. The 1966 World Cup winner had been suffering from dementia and died just one week after his 86th birthday. His older brother Jackie had also suffered with the same disease before his passing

Credit: The Centre for School Design/Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication

Sir Bobby Charlton dies aged 86

RIP: Sir Bobby Charlton.

in July 2020 at the age of 85. Manchester United changed the colour of their official ‘X’ account to black in honour of the Old Trafford icon, posting sim­ ply: '’Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, 1937­2023. Words

will never be enough’. A statement published on the club’s website read: ‘Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charl­ ton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.

‘Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world. ‘He was admired as much for his sportsman­ ship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game. ‘The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchil­ dren, and all who loved him’. Born in the mining vil­ lage of Ashington, Northumberland, Sir Bob­ by was undoubtedly one of the all­time greats of English football. He was one of the survivors of the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958 which claimed the lives of eight of his Manch­ ester United teammates.

SPORT

Champions League team news WITH a crucial fixture against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, October 23, Manchester United were hoping to have Sergio Reguilon available for selec­ tion. After fighting back to fit­ ness following an injury, the Tottenham loanee missed last Saturday’s 1­2 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane due to illness. The Red Devils have al­ ready lost both of their Group A matches and a bad result against the Danes at Old Trafford could seriously jeopardise their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament. Speaking about the Span­ ish international defender during a press conference at the Carrington training ground, United’s Dutch coach, Erik ten Hag said: “Today he will train and then we have to assess if he is ready and game fit or if he can be involved in the squad. We have to wait for that.” Luke Shaw is currently sidelined for a lengthy peri­

od which has resulted in Ten Hag using Sofyan Amra­ bat as a makeshift left­back due to his current shortage of defenders. The return of Reguilon would allow the manager to play the 27­year­old Moroc­ can international in his usu­ al midfield role. That would also provide adequate cover for Casemiro who was sus­ pended for the clash after the Brazilian was sent off in the defeat by the Turkish gi­ ants Galatasaray three weeks ago. Tyrell Malacia could also be back soon. The Dutch in­ ternational defender was seen training away from the first­team group at Carring­ ton as he battles back from injury. Arsenal face a tricky con­ test in Spain where they will play Sevilla in a Group B clash in the Estadio Ramon Sanchez­Pizjuan. Last time out, the Gun­ ners lost to Ligue 1 outfit Lens in France so Mikel Arteta’s side really need to pick up a good result on Tuesday night.

British boxer bounces back Most popular sports docuseries BRITISH boxer and former champion Navid Mansouri, living in Marbella, Costa del Sol, has emerged victorious from his first professional fight in three years. The boxing event, which took place on Saturday Oc­ tober 14 at the Palacio de Congresos in Estepona, fea­ tured several international fighters and was presented by Gran Slam events. Navid, who is the father of two sons, had spent many gruelling months training and preparing for the battle. He expressed his happiness following his tri­ umph and told Euro Weekly News “it makes me super happy, and when I saw the smile on my son’s face, how excited he was, that was like the world title right

there. Everything I do is for my family, to see them proud, they are my motiva­ tion.” The family man, who grew up in Rotherham, UK, met his fiancée Karolina un­ der the bright lights of Puer­ to Banus back in 2016 and they now have two sons to­ gether. “My boy is five now, he’s older than when I was fighting before and under­ stands now what winning and becoming a champion is. So that’s the goal, I want to show him that by work­ ing hard and dedicating yourself, you can do any­ thing.” The former English Super Welterweight champion, explained that he discov­ ered the sport as a teenager when he wanted to lose some weight. “I was recom­ mended to join the boxing gym by friends, I went and the atmosphere was great, so respectful. I realised this is what I wanted to do.” During his early career, which began in 2009, ‘Nav’ enjoyed a series of succes­

sive wins and achieved the English Title in 2013, a belt which he defended three times. He took a break from boxing in 2020 after Covid hit and since then family life has definitely kept him busy! However, he felt the burning desire to be back in the ring, and rather than throwing the towel in, he began to plan this colossal comeback. “This win has put the flame back in my belly,” he stated, “I’m going to pick up where I left off, but this time with a different mind­ set, I am more serious now, I have my family and that makes everything more meaningful.” Navid now continues his daily training alongside en­ joying his beautiful family and plans to take to the ring again soon. “I want to be­ come champion,” he de­ clared. For now, anyway, the gloves are off, but it seems like this determined daddy is one to watch!

THE recent release of the highly popular Netflix four­part docuseries ‘Beckham’ has seen the English football player David Beckham back in the headlines. Sports docuseries featuring some of the globe’s biggest franchises and ath­ letes have exploded in popularity recent­ ly. This prompted a recent report to anal­ yse data from IMDb in an effort to reveal the most popular sports docuseries of all time as follows. 1. The Last Dance Revolving around the career of basket­ ball superstar Michael Jordan and the legendary Chicago Bulls, who won six NBA championships and two three­peats. 2. Formula 1: Drive to Survive There have been five seasons of For­ mula 1: Drive to Survive so far and it is highly likely that more will soon be con­ firmed. 3. Welcome to Wrexham Based on what started as a non­league soccer team in Wales struggling financial­ ly, whose ambition then turns to being promoted to the football league, Wel­ come to Wrexham was released in 2022 and is a multiple­award­winning do­ cuseries. 4. Untold: Malice at the Palace This 2021 Netflix documentary from the ‘Untold’ series examines the infa­ mous 2004 NBA brawl between the Indi­

ana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. 5. Sunderland ‘Til I Die Released on Netflix in 2018, this do­ cuseries follows the English football team Sunderland throughout the season. 6. Class of 92 This docuseries follows the famous footballing dynasty of six top Manchester United players. It charts the rise of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and their team­ mates. 7. Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist Released in 2022, this is the sixth part of the ‘Untold’ series. It follows an all­ American college footballer named Man­ ti Te’o, whose life turns upside down when his relationship is revealed to be a catfish. 8. All or Nothing: Manchester City An Amazon Prime Video original, this series offers a behind­the­scenes view of English football club Manchester City during the 2017­2018 season. 9. Last Chance U Released in 2016, Last Chance U is a well­received sports documentary series, revolving around the experiences of ju­ nior college football players and pro­ grammes in the United States. 14. Beckham This docuseries was only released on October 4th 2023, however, it proved to be a favourite among Netflix fans.