Axarquia 2 – 8 November 2023 Issue 2000

• Issue No. 2000 • 2 - 8 November 2023

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GRATIS

GRATIS

VRIJ

FREI

IN Nerja it seems that love knows no boundaries, and it’s evident in the growing trend of international wed­ dings.

Almost half of the wed­ dings held in Nerja are unit­ ed in matrimony by foreign citizens, making it one of the most sought­after wed­ ding destinations in the province.

Nerja proudly claims the third spot on the list of pop­ ular wedding locales, fol­ lowing in the footsteps of Marbella and Benalmade­ na.

Ana Maria Muñoz, coun­ cillor for Tourism, ex­ pressed that the love that foreign couples have for Nerja is evident in the in­ creasing number of cere­ monies held in this idyllic setting.

EL SALTILLO: A prominent attraction.

Maroma, the province of Malaga’s highest peak.

Over the course of three years, ‘El Saltillo’ has evolved into a prominent at­

traction along the Great Path of Malaga, forming the seventh stage of the jour­ ney.

This path introduces hik­

Marry me?

Image: Isachic / Shutterstock.com

Anna Ellis THE Canillas de Aceituno Council marked a momen­ tous occasion as they cele­ brated the third anniversary of the ‘El Saltillo’ suspension bridge, a remarkable engi­ neering achievement that has breathed new life into this municipality in the heart of the Axarquia region, mak­ ing it a tourism hotspot.

This ambitious project was unveiled in October 2020, following a period of Covid­19­related restric­ tions.

It quickly captured the at­ tention of nature and out­ door enthusiasts, and the Saltillo viaduct was opened above the Almanchares Riv­ er.

The bridge is a pivotal part of a captivating trail that commences from the heart of Canillas de Aceituno and winds through the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara, and Al­ hama Natural Park, connect­ ing this town with Sedella and nestling beneath La

Image: Canillas de Aceituno / Facebook

BRIDGING THE GAP

IDYLLIC SETTING: Ninety-one weddings have taken place.

Data from the Nerja Civil Registry reveals that from January until now, a total of 91 weddings have taken place, encompassing both religious and civil cere­

monies.

Among these unions, 51 couples have been of Span­ ish nationality, while 40 couples have been from abroad.

ers to new infrastructure and walkways, ultimately leading them to one of Spain’s three largest suspen­ sion bridges in natural set­ tings, stretching 54 metres in length and soaring 70 me­ tres above the Almanchares River, bridging the municipal areas of Canillas de Aceituno and Sedella.

Vicente Campos, mayor of Canillas de Aceituno, ex­ pressed immense pride in ‘El Saltillo’, which has trans­ formed their town into a major tourism destination within the region.

He also highlighted the profound impact on various aspects of social life and the local economy.

“The inauguration and op­ eration of ‘El Saltillo’ has stimulated population growth and created job op­ portunities, with several businesses, including stores and restaurants, in the pro­ cess of opening to cater to the influx of visitors,” the mayor confirmed.

When it comes to foreign weddings, Irish Catholic couples take the lead, with a remarkable 21 cere­ monies.

These romantic events often unfold in the church­ es of El Salvador and Las Maravillas de Maro, adding an enchanting touch to the festivities.

Following at a distance, but still noteworthy, are couples hailing from the United Kingdom, with five weddings, along with Ital­ ians and Colombians, who have celebrated three wed­ dings each.

Cubans and Argentines share the spotlight with two weddings each, while Brazilians, Germans, and Chinese couples have beau­ tifully sealed their love sto­ ries with one wedding each.

GRATUITO

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Lest we forget Image: Royal British Legion / Dorothy Allen

Axarquia

POPPY WALK: A group of 13 made the journey.

IN a display of communi­ ty spirit, the Royal British Legion (RBL) in Nerja recently came to­ gether to raise an im­ pressive €1,100 in their annual Poppy Walk.

A group of 13 walkers, accompanied by their five loyal canine com­ panions, embarked on the charitable journey that began at Hotel An­ dalus and ended at Pot­ ters Bar Nerja.

As November pro­ gresses, the RBL remains dedicated to honouring

the memory of those who served their coun­ try.

On Sunday, November 13, at 11.30am, the Al Andalus Hotel in Maro will be the venue for the Remembrance Service.

After the service, an RBL Lunch will be served.

For those who wish to participate, reservations can be made by sending an email to kim_bowe1@hotmail.co m or by calling (+34) 711 077 576.

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2 - 8 November 2023

Anna Ellis IN a bid to enhance the sporting facilities within Velez­Malaga, the town council has unveiled a se­ ries of improvements set to transform the Bena­ jarafe Municipal Field.

These initiatives will pri­ marily focus on upgrading the bar area and public re­ strooms at the stadium, ensuring a more welcom­ ing and comfortable expe­ rience for users.

Rocoo Ruiz, the council­ lor for Sports, confirmed the works will have an in­ vestment of €20,644, plus VAT. The councillor said: “We are dedicated to a policy of continuous assessment and improvements in our municipality’s sports venues. Our athletes and sports enthusiasts are of paramount importance to us.

“Improvements are es­

Image: Ayuntamiento Vélez-Málaga / Facebook

Benajarafe makeover

SPORTS COUNCILLOR: Improvements are essential.

sential to ensure that users of this sports venue enjoy basic amenities. It’s a promise we intend to ful­ fill.”

The renovations at the Benajarafe site encom­ pass various aspects, in­ cluding the completion of interior bathroom walls with tile installation, the incorporation of urinals compliant with regula­

tions, including a unit de­ signed for disabled indi­ viduals.

Furthermore, the pro­ ject includes the installa­ tion of rainwater insula­ tion on the roof.

Not stopping there, the bar area is also receiving a facelift, complete with bars and electrical fittings, as well as appropriate lighting.

LOCAL NEWS

A Historic high THE province of Malaga has achieved a milestone by recording over 50,000 blood donations in the past year, contributing to Andalucia’s historic high in blood donations.

The Transfusion, Tissue, and Cell Center (CTTC) of the Malaga Province and the Playas Sports Club in Torre del Mar have taken strides to reinforce their partnership in an agreement inked several months ago.

Their mission is to create a united front, in tandem with the Territorial Delegation of Health and Consumer Affairs, to bolster blood donation initiatives in Torre del Mar by jointly organising collections throughout the year.

To kick off their joint efforts, the CTTC mobile unit is set to make an appearance next to the Church of Torre del Mar on November 2 and 3, from 10.00am until 2.00pm then 5.00pm until 9.00pm.

THE ‘Rowland Fade’ exhibition hall at the Al­ muñecar House of Culture is currently host­ ing a remarkable exhibition titled ‘Tribute to the Guardia Civil, yesterday and today’.

This display, curated by Juan de Dios Martín, is a private collection that offers a fascinating journey through the history of the Guardia Civil, showcasing uniforms from various eras and unique artefacts spanning from the force’s inception to the present day.

Founded in 1844 during the reign of Is­ abel II, under the guidance of the Duke of Ahumada, the Guardia Civil has played a crucial role in maintaining law and order

Rafael Sanchez, the President of the Playas Sports Club, emphasised the significance of bridging the worlds of sports and blood donation to increase the number of donations in Torre del Mar. He highlighted that the sports organisation is committed to raising awareness about the work of the Malaga Transfusion Centre throughout November, using its official channels and social networks to reach a broader audience.

Illustrious history throughout Spain.

Presently, it boasts a strength of over 85,000 dedicated troops, upholding the force’s commitment to protecting and serv­ ing the nation.

The exhibition’s inauguration took place on October 30, coinciding with the month of the Guardia Civil’s Patron Saint celebration and the commemoration of its 179th an­ niversary.

Visitors can explore this unique exhibition until November 12, from 10.00am until 1.00pm and from 5.00pm until 8.00pm.

Top marks IN a fitting tribute to their ‘Q 2023 National Award’ from the Institute of Spanish Tourist Quality (ICTE) for their remarkable contributions to the quality and sustainable tourism, the President of the Cueva de Nerja Foundation, Juan Pedro Carnero, inaugu­ rated a captivating sculpture.

This art piece, a striking ‘Q’ with a two­dimensional effect creating the illusion of a cav­ ern entrance, symbolically bridges the world of quality with the allure of the cave.

The president of the Cueva de Nerja Foundation proudly announced that the Nerja Cave is the first natural monu­

ment in Spain to be certified with the ‘S’ for tourism sus­ tainability. This recognition serves not only to provide quality services but also to set an example of a sustainable destination, a matter of paramount importance for the entire tourism sector.

The ICTE President recog­ nised the Foundation’s pio­ neering work, as the Nerja Cave became the first cave to be certified with the ‘Q’, Safe Tourism Certified, and ‘S’ Marks for Sustainability, both in the Cuevas de Nerja Foun­ dation Music Festival and the Museum, as well as concern­ ing tourist visits to the cave.

LOCAL NEWS YOUR EWN HAS

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Walk of Hope

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

NIBS EXTRA Theatre contest THE 13th National Theatre Performance Contest in Al­ machar has already received a whopping 60 entries from entrants all over Spain. The performances have now been scheduled for every Fri­ day, except the closing on December 2, starting from November 3 at 9.30pm in Al­ machar’s House of Culture.

Flag day ON October 27, 20 volun­ teers from Almuñecar and La Herradura joined the Red Cross for ‘Little Flag Day’. In Almuñecar and La Herradu­ ra, three tables were set up.

The funds raised will go to­ wards supporting training and employment initiatives.

Unique fruit ALMAYATE’S charming town hosted the second Na­ tional Pitayero Meeting, cel­ ebrating the unique pitaya fruit. On October 29, the Juan Paniagua School buzzed with pitaya enthusi­ asts.

Podium finish CONGRATULATIONS to Nerja’s U20 teams who se­ cured second place in the Spanish team championship which was held in Madrid on October 28. The girls amassed 103.5 points, and the boys earned 112 points.

Both teams earned a well­ deserved double podium fin­ ish.

Lotto win SPAIN’s National Lottery’s first prize, number 21,209, has brought joy to a lucky winner in Benamocarra with a prize of €30,000. The same prize win was celebrated in nearly 20 locations nation­ wide.

Image: Ayuntamiento Vélez-Málaga / Facebook

DUAL EVENT: Has become a staple on the local calendar.

VELEZ­MALAGA has proudly confirmed the upcoming 40th Urban Race and 12th Walk of Hope, set to unfold on Sunday, November 5, with both events commencing and concluding at the Paseo de Andalucia.

Rocío Ruiz, the councillor for Sports, has extended a warm invitation to all residents to partake in this remarkable sporting and altruistic occa­ sion. “ We are thrilled to pre­ sent this dual event,” the coun­ cillor confirmed, “which has become a staple on our calen­ dar, where solidarity and sports harmoniously converge.

We urge all community mem­ bers to join this event, with a participation fee of €7 for the walk and, in the case of the run, €5 for participants.”

Carlos Gomez, the President of the Velez Athletics Club, of­ fered a more detailed glimpse into the two sporting specta­ cles. “The Urban Race boasts a six­kilometre route through the streets of Velez, with short­ er distances planned for the younger age groups.

“Meanwhile, the Walk of Hope will encompass a jour­ ney of roughly three kilome­ tres.”

Capital of flamenco THE Department of Culture has unveiled the latest edition of the Autumn Recitals, proudly proclaiming Rincon de la Victoria as the ‘capital of Flamenco’.

This vibrant series of events will continue until December 2, offering a total of six captivating shows featuring singing, play­ ing, and dancing performances by nationally acclaimed artists.

The Peña Flamenca El Piyayo will be the stage for these re­ markable recitals, taking place every Saturday at 9.00pm.

The initiative aims to celebrate and promote various styles of flamenco, showcasing the talents of both young and estab­ lished artists.

Mayor, Francisco Salado, underlined the long­standing tradi­ tion of the town in hosting flamenco events and the continued commitment to celebrate this cultural treasure, extending the flamenco season until the onset of the Christmas festivities.

The recitals commenced on October 28 with an enchanting performance featuring Eduardo Lopez on vocals, Francisco Martín Cerdan on guitar, Issac Garcia on percussion, and Jose Franco showcasing dance.

Prestigious accolade THE Puerta del Mar Beach in Almuñecar has earned a pres­ tigious accolade, securing the only Ecoplayas environmental flag on the Costa Tropical.

The EcoPlayas flag is a testa­ ment to the commitment of the Almuñecar community to beach sustainability, good en­ vironmental practices, and the overall well­being of the coastal environment. After re­ ceiving the award, the council­ lor for Beaches, Lucia Gonzalez expressed her satisfaction, em­

phasising the efforts of the Municipal Beaches Area to en­ hance the Puerta del Mar Beach experience.

She highlighted the numer­ ous campaigns carried out on this central beach, emphasis­ ing that this recognition is an additional incentive to further improve the services offered to beachgoers.

The councillor also acknowl­ edged the importance of maintaining their status as a sun and beach destination.

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“The Euro Weekly News: celebrating 2,000 editions of excellence and community” IN the picturesque coastal towns of Spain, a momentous occasion is upon us as The Eu­ ro Weekly News marks its 2,000th edition.

This multiple award­winning publication, founded by a couple from the North of Eng­ land has played a remarkable role as a pro­ moter of Spain and an active supporter of local charities throughout its distinguished history.

The journey began back in July 11, 1985 with a vision by a Manchester couple, who, recognising the need for a publication to assist newcomers in their Span­ ish life, created ‘The Enter­ tainer’. Priced at a mere one peseta per edition, it quickly became a beloved source of local news, views, and infor­ mation, supported by local business advertise­ ments.

Fast forward to 1996, and The Entertainer was at a cross­ roads. It was then that Michel and Steven Euesden entered the scene. With their en­ ergy and vision, they saw the publication’s future and took ownership. Their arrival marked a pivotal moment in the newspa­ per’s history, as they set out to transform it into more than just a newspaper; they aimed to make it a vital part of the commu­ nity.

Under the ownership of the Euesdens, The Entertainer underwent a remarkable transformation. It was reborn as ‘The Euro Weekly News’, reflecting a broader vision and a commitment to serving the foreign population in Spain. This multiple award­ winning publication became a trusted com­ panion, with a tapas journalism style, it de­ livered positive news, connected communities, and uplifted spirits.

Over the years, The Euro Weekly News has been a strong promoter of Spain. It has showcased the beauty of its coastal towns, the rich culture, and the vibrant communi­ ties. Through its pages, readers have discov­ ered the hidden gems of Spain, from its pic­ turesque landscapes to its culinary delights.

Moreover, The Euro Weekly News has been an active supporter of local charities. It has used its platform to raise awareness about important social causes and to mo­ bilise community support for those in need.

The publication’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of its readers goes beyond journalism; it’s a testament to the Euesdens’ dedication to community ser­ vice.

In 2023, The Euro Weekly News stands more relevant than ever. The landscape of the foreign population in Spain has seen sig­ nificant changes. An influx of residents from Northern European countries has reshaped the community. While they may not speak

Michel & Steven Euesden.

Spanish fluently, the uni­ versal language of English binds them together, and The Euro Weekly News has become an indispensable re­ source, bridging language gaps and offering valuable information to this diverse readership.

This remarkable milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the loyal sup­ port of advertisers and sponsors who have been partners for over a quarter of a cen­ tury. Their trust and unwavering commit­ ment have been instrumental in the publi­ cation’s continued success, enabling it to deliver quality journalism and community support.

Last but certainly not least, the cherished readers deserve special recognition. Your in­ teraction, your love for the paper, and your unwavering dedication have breathed life into its pages. Your continued support has made The Euro Weekly News more than just a newspaper; it’s a trusted companion that enriches your lives and connects you with your community.

As The Euro Weekly News celebrates its 2,000th edition, it’s an opportune moment to express gratitude to the entire Euro Weekly community ­ the team, advertisers, sponsors, and readers. Your collective ef­ forts and unwavering commitment have made The Euro Weekly News an indispens­ able part of life along the Spanish coastline.

Looking ahead, The Euro Weekly News stands poised to continue developing and growing, evolving with the changing demo­ graphics and needs of the foreign popula­ tion in Spain. It remains dedicated to its mis­ sion of informing, connecting, and inspiring the European community in Spain.

In closing, let us raise a toast to The Euro Weekly News and its remarkable journey.

Here’s to the future, to many more editions, and to the ongoing story of a publication that has become an essential part of our lives along the sunny shores of Spain.

Thank you for being a part of this incredi­ ble journey, and VIVA ESPAÑA!

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THE ‘Francisco Hernandez’ Contemporary Art Centre in Velez­Malaga has unveiled two exciting tastings paired with captivating painting exhi­ bitions.

The first of these two tast­ ings is a wine­tasting event on November 3, where visitors

2m+ The amount of saunas to be found in Finland.

Art and palate

can enjoy three distinct wines produced and crafted by local wineries.

This event is open to a limit­ ed number of 30 participants, and interested individuals can secure their spots by contact­ ing the CAC via email cac@velezmalaga.es or by phone on (+34) 952 504 349.

The second event, sched­ uled for November 11, is a blind tasting of flavours led by Chef Roberto Soler.

This gastronomic experience features six dishes, each in­

spired by the life and work of Veleña artist María Zambrano, whose art is the focal point of the ‘Some Places by María Zambrano’ exhibition.

It’s a unique journey that bridges the worlds of art and cuisine, offering participants a deeper understanding of the artist’s inspiration and life.

This event has limited avail­ ability with 24 spots, and those interested in participating should register using the same contact information men­ tioned above.

In this case, participants are asked to contribute a €5 dona­ tion, with all proceeds going to the AVOI association for chil­ dren’s oncology.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK “There is no time like the present.”

Meaning don’t wait to do something – do it now.

This saying was first heard in 1562 and it remains true.

LOCAL NEWS

Ally with Axarquia IN a significant move to combat the persistent drought plaguing the re­ gion, the delegate of the Andalucian Government in Malaga, Patricia Navar­ ro, paid her first institutional visit to the newly formed Commonwealth of Municipalities of the eastern Costa del Sol­Axarquia.

During her visit, Navarro expressed her intention to make this organisa­ tion the primary partner in the ongo­ ing battle against drought, which has especially affected this area of the province.

Regarding water management, Navarro highlighted the Andalucian Government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of drought and eliminate dis­ criminatory factors between different territories.

The region of Axarquia, due to its unique characteristics, is particularly affected by water scarcity and heavily

Image: Mancomunidad de Municipios Costa del Sol Axarquia

DROUGHT PLAN: Affecting the area.

reliant on the primary sector’s econo­ my, making it crucial to address the is­ sue. To this end, around €50 million have been invested, and 10 of the 11 planned actions have already been ex­ ecuted, resulting in a supply of 10 hm³ for the population and an additional 22.5 hm³ for crop irrigation. Navarro emphasised the remarkable impact of these actions, exceeding initial expec­ tations by over 1 hm³.

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European qualifiers IN a momentous turn of events, Velez­Malaga’s very own Amivel Reyes Gutierrez Basketball Team is gearing up for an incredible sporting opportunity.

The prestigious wheelchair basket­ ball team has been selected to host the Qualification Phase for the Eu­ rocup 2025, a momentous event that will take place from April 25 to 28, 2024, at the Paco Aguilar Pavilion.

The councillor for Sport, Rocio Ruiz, expressed her delight at the news, saying, “It is great news for sports in our municipality and, without a doubt, a great reward for the work done all these years by the Amivel Reyes Gutierrez management team and its players.”

She also emphasised that the town council will provide full support and facilities for the successful organisa­ tion of this event and is eager to col­ laborate with the Junta de Andalucia and the Provincial Council of Malaga to ensure its success.

Rocio Ruiz continued, “We believe in our teams and athletes, and from the council, we offer them our full support to continue growing and reaching the highest levels.”

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Ocean Odyssey Motorcycle Image: Ayuntamiento de Nerja

LOCAL NEWS

DEEP BLUE SEA: The exhibition covers three distinct zones.

PREPARE to dive into the wonders of the deep blue as Nerja becomes the backdrop for the captivating Restauramar travelling exhibition.

From November 6 to 10, the Mercado Room will transform into a treasure trove of marine knowledge, welcoming visitors from 10.00am to 2.00pm and again from 4.00pm to 6.00pm.

Restauramar beckons both the curious cit­ izens and avid nature enthusiasts to explore the urgent necessity of conserving and restoring our invaluable marine and coastal ecosystems in the face of our ever­evolving climate.

As you wander through the exhibition, you’ll discover three distinct zones.

First, you’ll encounter the enchanting bio­ diversity that graces the coastline and ma­ rine environments of the Malaga Province.

Next, you’ll be confronted with the daunt­ ing challenges our seas and oceans confront, as climate change casts a shadow over their well­being.

Finally, you’ll be inspired by the rays of hope as you delve into the realm of good practices.

It’s a journey that promises to stir your heart and leave you with a newfound love and respect for the sea.

mayhem

ARENAS came alive on Sunday, October 29, as the municipality revved up for the first­ever Mudejar Motorcycle Route.

This event featured a symphony of motorcy­ cles roaring through the town, offering exhibi­ tions, delectable tastings, musical perfor­ mances, and the chance to win exciting prizes.

The festivities commenced at 11.00am and continued with boundless enjoyment until 6.00pm.

Leading the event as a speaker was Reverend Seven, a prominent figure in the world of mo­ torcycling and host of motorcycling pro­ grammes on La Mega Radio Costa del Sol. A highlight of the day was Emilio Zamora’s thrilling stunt show, injecting adrenaline into the crowd and leaving spectators in awe of his daring feats.

The event also featured electrifying musical performances by Los Electroduendes and Cara A & Cara B. Motorcycle enthusiasts had the opportunity to compete for various prizes, including recog­ nition for the most customised motorcycle, the oldest motorcycle, the motorcycle that trav­ elled the greatest distance to the event, and the motorcycle club that brought the largest number of members to the Motorcycle Con­ centration.

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Perfect climate

SINCE 2008, Torrox has been acclaimed as the town with the finest climate in Europe, boasting mild and agreeable temperatures year­round.

Nestled on the beautiful Costa del Sol, Torrox has consistently held the presti­ gious title of having the best climate in Europe since 2008.

Its most prominent at­ tribute is undoubtedly its moderate temperatures, with an average of 18 de­

Image: Makirath / Shutterstock.com

TORROX: Has the finest climate in Europe.

grees Celsius greeting visi­ tors throughout the year.

This charming town’s cli­ mate is nothing short of perfect. It provides an ideal setting for those who seek temperate weather and the allure of the Mediter­

THE picturesque town of Axarquia’s Macharaviaya served as the backdrop for the inaugural Photography Contest held on October 29.

The contest’s primary objective is to celebrate Macharaviaya, a place steeped in history, with connections to illustrious figures like Bernardo de Galvez, Salvador Rueda, Robert Harvey, and Angeles Ru­ bio Argüelles.

The town is renowned for its rich cul­ tural and artistic heritage as well as its breathtaking natural landscapes.

ranean coast.

Whether you are strolling along its scenic beaches or exploring its delightful streets, Torrox offers a tran­ quil and comfortable envi­ ronment to enjoy life to the fullest.

Say cheese The competition will not only recog­ nise the top three winners, but will also feature an exhibition of select pho­ tographs in the Macharaviaya Museum Hall in 2024.

The exhibition is anticipated to show­ case between 30 to 40 photographs, pro­ viding a unique opportunity to appreci­ ate the town’s beauty from the perspective of talented photographers.

LOCAL NEWS

Prehistoric Caves RINCON DE LA VICTORIA is set to host the second Cycle of Conferences on Prehis­ toric Caves throughout the month of November.

The series of presenta­ tions will be held every Fri­ day in November at 7.00pm in the Cueva del Tesoro hall.

The topics will encompass various aspects of cave con­ servation, underground bi­ ology, and the relationship between Prehistoric Rock Art and the Rincon de la Vic­ toria Caves. Additionally, a round table discussion titled ‘New Data on the Prehis­ toric Human Occupations of the Rincon de la Victoria Caves’ is scheduled for November 24. The partici­ pants will share new re­ search findings about the caves in the municipality.

Registration is free, but those interested are re­ quired to reserve their spots via email at cuevadelte sororeservas@rincondelav ictoria.es.

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Rules of the road WHEN I got my Spanish driving licence nearly five years ago, it was dif­ ficult to go back to the beginning and take the theory test like I was 16 years old again. Even though I’d been driving for 35 years.

But the US and Spain have no agreement on driving licences. Well, each state in the US de­ termines their rules re­ garding driving licences in their state. We have no national driving li­ cence there.

I studied and took all the practice tests online.

And I passed the test the first time, after sweating bullets. The rules of the road here are very different than

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where we are from. And it took some memorisa­ tion and serious focus to track all the subtleties.

When Jeff took the ex­ ams a year later, he was even more nervous than I was. And frustrated.

Especially after riding in taxis and observing the difference between the law and the practicali­ ties of everyday driving in the narrow warrens of the streets in most Spanish cities. But now, that has all changed.

Recently, we were picking up something in our local town. Jeff stopped the car in the narrow road, put on the emergency flashers, then ran inside to collect our order while I stayed

in the car. I noted this bold move but said nothing.

And then, he commit­ ted the quintessential move of Spanish drivers everywhere and I knew he had finally settled in to driving in his adopted country. Jeff needed to unload something in the city. In the past he would have secured parking and struggled with it for a few blocks.

But not on that fateful day. He pulled up onto the pavement and parked. No flashers. Like we owned the place.

Suddenly, everything shifted, and I knew that we are locals now and we’d never move back to the US.

Kelli Field is an American expat writer/blogger living in rural Galicia, and a volunteer for Age in Spain. Some of her other writing about moving to and living in Spain can be found at www.vivaespanamovingtospain.com If you'd like to get in touch with Age In Spain, we can be reached at info@ageinspain.org (+34 932 209 741)

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MANY travellers have experi­ enced the bitter disappoint­ ment of a bout of bad weath­ er during a long awaited summer sunshine break.

New bikinis have been bought, the suitcases are full of copious amounts of factor 50, Dad’s even got his Ray­ bans out for the occasion.

However, disaster strikes, and it rains cats and dogs for two weeks. There’s at least three arguments a day and you vow never to play Rummy again as long as you live.

BUT, imagine if during this time you were given a wad of cash to go and have fun with to make up for your sorrows?

Well, that’s exactly what trav­ el company TUI Sweden have introduced with their new product. Rain on your holiday ­ here’s your money back! It sounds too good to be true, but this outstanding offer is al­ ready available to the public.

They have called it their ‘weather guarantee’ and aimed it at those who are worried about rain and bad weather affecting their travel experience. The new product promises financial compensa­ tion in the event of a down­

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Refunds for rain!

Credit: Pinterest

FEATURE/NEWS

HOLIDAY RAIN: Now you can get your money back.

pour and is already available for customers to purchase, came into effect in October 2023.

The cost varies depending on the weather forecast at the destination, and the amount of compensation re­ ceived is calculated based on the total cost of the holiday.

Compensation will be paid to the customer on the same day that the rain occurs.

Tommy Serban, Commer­ cial Director of TUI Nordic ex­

plained that, “we can’t influ­ ence the weather at our desti­ nations, but with this weather guarantee, our customers can have a fun holiday even if it rains,” he went on to empha­ sise that since compensation is paid instantly, travellers have the opportunity to spend the money on other ac­ tivities, such as visiting muse­ ums or going shopping.

It seems that on this surreal deal, come rain or shine, you really can’t lose!

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2 - 8 November 2023

NEWS

Transforming Nerja NERJA is on the brink of a transformation as the coun­ cil has taken a significant step towards providing more housing options for its residents.

They have earmarked several municipal plots for the construction of 54 homes, carefully balancing the needs of the communi­ ty.

Among these homes, 25 will be protected, ensuring that affordable housing is within reach for many.

Fifteen of these protected homes will be reserved for young individuals under the

Image: Ayuntamiento de Nerja

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MORE HOUSING: Several plots have been earmarked.

age of 35.

The Fuente del Baden ur­ banisation will serve as the canvas for the creation of these 25 protected homes.

Two homes will be con­ structed on Calle Jerez in

Rural revamp TORROX is marching ahead with its municipal lane improvement plan, as it secures a substantial grant of €100,000.

This financial boost will be dedicated to the con­ creting of Calle Lazo­Baeza, encompassing a section measuring approximately 1.5 kilometres.

The total project budget is estimated at around €118,000, with the goal of rejuvenating access lanes for farmers and rural households in the vicinity.

Looking ahead, the mayor, Oscar Medina, re­ vealed that there is also a budget allocation for the improvement of an additional two kilometres of lanes in various areas such as El Pino, Güí, Plano, Manzano, Carrasco, Mallarín, Montealegre, and De­ hesa.

The commitment of the town council to both the coastal and inland regions is evident, based on com­ munity demand and collaborative efforts with local residents.

the Nerja Golf area and in El Romeral 10 homes will be built.

And last, but not least, a plot in Fuente del Baden, is slated for the construction of 17 homes.

Curious books Image: Ayuntamiento de Rincón de la Victoria

8

For book enthusiasts.

STEP into a world of literary treasures as the Municipal Public Library, known as ‘An­ tonio Hilaria’, in Rincon de la Victoria proudly presents an exhibition that will captivate book enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Paz Couto, the councillor for Culture, has highlighted the significance of this exhibi­ tion. “It’s a collection of rare and antiquarian books, all published prior to 1958, gen­ erously donated by individu­ als whose contributions amount to over 700 copies.”

After years of meticulous cataloguing by the library staff, these literary gems are finally emerging into the light, sharing their secrets and stories with the world.

You’re invited to explore the exhibition, which will be open for public viewing until January 5. Visit from Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 2.00pm, and from 4.00pm to 8.00pm.

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

2 - 8 November 2023

EWN

9

INTERVIEW

IT WAS in 1971, that a suave young actor set many a heart racing when he first appeared as James Bellamy in the popular series Upstairs Downstairs which was to run for five seasons.

Now, 52 years later, Simon Williams remains a handsome and very friendly figure who is still immersed in most aspects of show business and is about to make a flying visit to the Costa del Sol. He was a pleasure to interview, as escaping from his much loved grandchildren he spoke to me on a video call from the garden of his home in Henley­on­Thames.

That deep warm cultured voice is still the same, although there are understandably some signs of age as he is now 77, but he is still working and we chatted about his career and the pivotal roles that he has played.

As an actor Simon has appeared on stage, in films, TV and radio but he is also an author and playwright, as well as having two film scripts which await development.

He was coming over specially to give a talk to the Arts Society of Benahavis on

Credit: Simon Williams

Interview with Simon Williams

Actor, writer and all round nice guy Simon Williams.

Halloween Night, October 31 about the Upsides and Downsides of Upstairs Downstairs and promised to share some secrets with the audience.

Clearly this successful TV show kick­ started the young actor’s career and

since then he has appeared in more than 100 films and TV shows as well as theatre and radio.

One franchise that has been close to his acting career is Dr Who and he appeared as Group Captain Gilmore with Sylvester McCoy as Dr Who in the 1988 four episode series Remembrance of the Daleks, which then spawned numerous radio stories starring his character, better known as ‘Chunky’ Gilmore.

Asked of his experience and feelings towards Spain he said ”My brother­in­ law had a place near one of the Alhaurins on the Costa del Sol and we were regular visitors to that beautiful part of the world.

“I was proud to have one of my plays, Nothing is Perfect translated into Spanish and I enjoyed seeing it in Madrid as it toured much of Spain starring the incredibly successful Josema Yuste.

“I jumped at the chance to make this flying visit to Marbella when invited, even though I’ll only be there for one night!”

As many will know, Simon plays the

character of Justin Elliott in The Archers and has been that character since 2014, but still thinks of himself as a ‘new boy’ although he enjoys the role considerably.

The actors only get paid if they are appearing in an episode and there is no retainer, so if they are mentioned they receive nothing and are only paid when they record, but Simon says the proceedings are quite fun as they don’t have to dress up, don’t have to learn the script and any sound of kissing is the actor or actress kissing their own hand.

Simon enjoys all aspects of his art but admits that he does worry about appearing on the stage in case his memory lets him down and fears that because he worries about this, his subconscious thoughts could work against him.

A modest man, he brushed over the fact that he is closely associated with charities connected with actors and suggested that most of the artists he knew did what they can to help those in the profession who may be suffering hard times.

10 EWN 2 - 8 November 2023

DENMARK No-go zones DENMARK faces controversy over its decision to dismantle 'non-Western' neighbourhoods.

Focusing on 15 ‘hard ghettos,' where over 50 per cent of residents are non-Western.

This move sparks discussions on integration, cultural preservation, and its impact on immigrant communities in Denmark.

Green flights NORWEGIAN is charting a sustainable course as it purchases 140 metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce carbon emissions on Denmark's busiest route between Aalborg and Copenhagen.

Over the next two weeks, this eco-friendly fuel will power the equivalent of 100 flights on the short 45-minute non-stop service.

NORWAY

euroweeklynews.com

EURO PRESS THE NETHERLANDS

Credit: Robert Knapp Wikipedia

Don’t doubt A SURVEY from 2023 has shown that more than one in four Dutch people claim to believe in extraterrestrial life, whilst one in 10 claim to have actually seen a UFO. Furthermore, nearly 70 per cent believe we currently lack the right technology to establish contact with extraterrestrial beings.The results came from the survey by ‘easy park’ which polled 1,000 Dutch citizens.

Night in Netherlands THE environmental association ‘Natuur en Milieufederaties’ drew attention to light pollution

GERMANY

Night sky. during the night from Saturday October 28 to Sunday October 29. During the annual ‘Night of the Night’ event, activities were held throughout the Netherlands in the dark, and companies and municipalities turned off all lighting. The association stated that “darkness is rare these days, which disrupts biorhythms, we are trying to bring awareness to this.”

FRANCE

EUROPEAN PRESS

IRELAND Fundraiser launched A WOMAN, who was employed by Israeli company Wix at their Dublin office, has been sacked following her comments on social media where she referred to Israel as a ‘terrorist state.’ A GoFundMe was started to help her. Wix's president commented: “We would never try to limit anyone’s political views, we do however also hold a strong set of internal values about our team spirit, partnership and friendship.”

Drivers wanted BUS EIREANN, the Irish transport provider, is actively hiring drivers at an impressive weekly rate of €753.24. Based in Broadstone, successful candidates need a category D licence and must display strong customer service skills, full training will be provided. The hiring process, inclusive of perks including free parking and a subsidised canteen, continues until December 31.

PORTUGAL

Megxit

Munich's schedule

Peace Forum

Electric ferry

PRINCESS Martha Louise of Norway, daughter of King Harald, made headlines with her 'Megxit' announcement, stepping back from royal duties to be with her self-proclaimed 'shaman' fiancé.

Recently, the royal took an unconventional path by starring in a reality TV show. The 52-year-old also identifies as 'spiritual' and a clairvoyant.

NOW the clocks have changed, Munich Airport is gearing up for a new and exciting winter flight schedule that promises travellers a choice of 172 destinations. From Sunday, October 29 to Saturday, March 30, 2024, this winter schedule boasts a diverse array of options, including 43 long-haul destinations, 116 medium-haul journeys, and connections to 13 German cities.

THE Peace Forum is set to grace Paris on November 10 and 11. This event promises to unite the world's foremost figures in global governance, individuals and organisations dedicated to forging effective, united solutions to tackle the complex challenges. This will be an opportunity for superpowers to compare their vision for the world and the future of global governance.

PORTUGAL’S first-ever 100 per cent electric ferry, which will connect São Jacinto and Forte da Barra, in Aveiro, will come into operation in December. A christening ceremony for the vessel with €7.3 million of investment was held at the Navaltagus shipyard, in Seixal. “The Salicórnia is the first electric ferry manufactured in Portugal and by a Portuguese company,” said Ribau Esteves, the mayor of Aveiro.

UEFA interest

Ticking clock

TAP airline

FANS worldwide are setting their sights on Germany with over 20 million ticket requests for UEFA EURO 2024. The next chance to apply will be after the final draw on December 2. Fans from host country Germany are eager to be part of the tournament as they make up 65 per cent of the ticket applications, followed by England, France, Spain, and Austria.

IN the wake of the European Union's resolute push for increased self-reliance when it comes to vital minerals, France has embarked on an ambitious mission: a comprehensive ‘treasure hunt’ in its subterranean realm. This grand endeavour aims to unearth the hidden riches beneath French soil, but experts stress that the clock is ticking, making this venture all the more urgent.

PORTUGAL'S TAP airline announced record-breaking profits for first nine months of 2023. According to information released by the company, a profit of €203.5 million was made, with €180.5 million in the third quarter alone. The quarterly net profit was the highest since records began. Compared to the corresponding third quarter of 2022, they saw a rise of €69.2 million, and €179.4 million compared to the same period of 2019.

BELGIUM

FINLAND

SWEDEN

Fishery agreement MOSCOW opposes Norway's decision to restrict Russian fishing vessels' access to its ports, deeming it unjust. The move stems from Norway's concern over Russia's actions in Ukraine and potential security risks. Oslo asserts that limited port access is necessary to curb illegal transit. However, Moscow warns that further limitations could jeopardise the 2024 fishery agreement.

ITALY Another leaning tower

Pumpkin race!

Duck-inspired flooring

Koran burner

A HISTORIC tower in the northern Italian city of Bologna was closed to the public last weekend after concerns about stability. The Garisenda tower is already leaning, but sensors detected some unusual movement. The structure has been under close observation for months because of increasing movement due to its weak foundations. Italy’s government has criticised the local council for not taking proper care of the structure.

THOUSANDS have gathered in a small Belgian town to watch one of Europe's most wacky festivals, the Pumpkin Race. In this annual event, hundreds hop into hollowed out giant pumpkins and race to the finish line on the river Kasterlee. The pumpkins are grown in the small town of Kasterlee which is 50 kilometres away from Antwerp, by the 'Pompoengenootschap' - the Pumpkin Society.

FINNISH scientists have unveiled a revolutionary water-resistant floor inspired by the water-repelling properties of duck feathers. Using a unique silicon layer to mimic the Duck’s feather structures, water is made to slide off effortlessly. This innovation, with potential for applications in homes and industries, is hoped to transform cleaning routines and boost workplace safety measures.

THE Swedish Migration Agency has announced that Salwan Momika, the notorious Koran-burner, is to be deported from Sweden. They explained that the Iraqi national will not be granted an extended residence permit. This came in reference to the fact that Momika might have provided incorrect information to the authorities at the time of his residence permit application.

Italian poverty

Bonkers laws

Equality slump

THE number of Italians living in poverty has risen dramatically over the past 10 years, according to a new report published by national statistics institute, ISTAT. Nearly one in 12 Italians lived in absolute poverty last year, meaning that 5.67 million individuals had an income below a level that would ensure they and their family meet basic needs of life including food, shelter, and healthcare.

BELGIUM has some truly bizarre laws that are still in place today. Whilst many of these have been circling on social media, some remain unknown. For example, did you know that no matter how much debt you are in, bailiffs in Belgium cannot seize your last cow, chicken or sheep! Or, that it is legal to drive straight into incoming traffic, even if it is a one way street! Bizzare!

FINLAND, once celebrated for its stance on gender equality, has experienced a significant drop in the EU Gender Equality Index, moving from fourth to eighth place. Although Finland still remains above the EU average, this dip is alarming. The most notable decline is seen in Finnish women's decreased participation in leisure activities, highlighting reduced personal freedoms.

NATO application SWEDEN’S application to join NATO has been submitted to the Turkish Parliament by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to the Turkish presidential office. Ulf Kristersson, the Swedish Prime Minister, confirmed the action in a tweet. 'President Erdoğan has now handed over the ratification documents to the Turkish Parliament. It now remains for the Parliament to deal with the issue. We look forward to becoming a member of NATO'.

FINANCE Sweet music STOCKHOLM­BASED Spotify announced third quarter prof­ its of £28 million (€32 million), compared with its £199 mil­ lion (€228 million) loss for the same period last year. The dig­ ital music company is back in the black after adding another six million paying subscribers, two million more than it had anticipated.

Goodbye kiss TELEFONICA is offering com­ pensation of up to four years’ salary to the corporation’s di­ rectors and managers who agree to leave the group. The proposals to directors aged 55 or over are another step in the telecommunications compa­ ny’s bid to reduce overall staff numbers in subsidiary compa­ nies by 5,000.

Rude gesture BRITAIN’S Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of Eng­ land confirmed that the cap on bankers’ bonuses which the Eu­ ropean Union introduced fol­ lowing the financial crisis of 2008 has been discarded. The UK’s unions said the decision, which it described as obscene, was “an insult to working peo­ ple.”

Mango men CATALAN fashion retailer Man­ go, has doubled its sales of men’s clothing since the end of the pandemic and expects to have opened 560 outlets for its Mango Man line by the end of this year. It also foresees a record turnover of €325 million for this year, a 15 per cent in­ crease on 2022.

Drink up IRN BRU manufacturer AG Barr, based in Cumbernauld (Scotland), bought the Rio fruit drink which it has distributed and marketed since 2001 from Hall and Woodhouse for £12.3 million (€14.1 million). AG Barr told investors that the pur­ chase was made possible thanks to its “strong net cash position.”

euroweeklynews.com • 2 - 8 November 2023

STAT OF WEEK

€5.4 billion

in pre-tax profits for 2023 was predicted by Spanish power company Naturgy, €400 million more than its original estimate thanks to the ‘current energy panorama’.

Making a fortune Linda Hall CONSUMERS in the UK lost £580 million (€665.12 mil­ lion) to scammers in the first six months of 2023.

Overall, this was 2 per cent lower than during the same period last year, al­ though the banking sector’s association, UK Finance, which collates data for high street banks, warned that households will lose more than £1 billion (€1.15 billion) by the end of December.

Identity theft, where criminals steal personal in­ formation to take over an existing bank account or ap­ ply for a credit card, saw the biggest increase and rose by more than half to £33 mil­

Photo credit: Pixabay/Terimakasih0

BUSINESS EXTRA

12

ONLINE FRAUD: Millions lost to scammers.

lion (€37.8 million) com­ pared with the same period last year.

Authorised push pay­ ment (APP) cases, where victims where are tricked in­ to making online transfers for goods that never materi­ alise, increased by 22 per cent to £239.3 million

IBERDROLA is selling a €2 billion 49 per cent stake in its East Anglia 3 windfarm to the Abu Dhabi company, Masdar.

Neither Iberdrola nor Masdar was prepared to confirm the agreement or even comment on it when reports first filtered through on October 24.

Nonetheless, industry sources quoted in the financial daily, Cinco Dias, were confident that the deal would go through.

Construction on the East Anglia 3 wind farm located in the North Sea off the Scottish coast began last year and should be operational by 2026.

With a 1.4­gigawatt capacity and ca­ pable of generating enough electricity

(€274.4 million) in personal and business losses.

Nevertheless, cases where criminals posing as a bank or the police persuad­ ed members of the public to transfer money into a sup­ posedly secure online ac­ count fell by 35 per cent.

Messages issued by the

banks themselves insisting that they would never make this kind of request have begun to sink in, UK Fi­ nance said.

The association drew par­ ticular attention to a 29 per cent increase in ‘romance scams’ where fraudsters conduct online relationships aimed solely at obtaining money, generally made in multiple payments, from targets who are often vul­ nerable and not particularly well­off.

Describing these stings as ‘particularly nasty’ UK Fi­ nance found that victims lost £18.5 million (€21.2 mil­ lion) between January and the end of June.

Iberdrola’s Abu Dhabi deal Photo credit: CC/Pontificalibus

OFFSHORE WINDFARM: Iberdrola’s East Anglia hub.

to supply approximately 1.3 million homes, it belongs to the Spanish multinational’s mammoth offshore East Anglia Hub which is the compa­ ny’s largest renewables project to

date. Last summer, Iberdrola engaged Goldman Sachs to find a buyer for a 49 per cent stake in East Anglia 3, with chairman Ignacio Sanchez Galan even­ tually choosing Masdar, the renew­ able energy arm of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala.

Masdar, whose investments in 40 countries are worth an estimated €30 billion, also paid €1.6 billion last July for a 49 per cent stake in Iberdrola’s second­largest offshore project, the Baltic Eagle offshore windfarm 30 kilo­ metres off Rugen Island in Germany.

Record broken

Flat beer sales

Low batteries

SANTANDER has reported at­ tributable record profits of €8.14 billion during the first nine months of 2023.

This was 11.3 per cent more than during the same period in 2022, putting the bank on course for ‘historic’ figures, thanks in part to a strong in­ crease in revenues, particularly in Europe and Mexico.

Santander’s third quarter at­ tributable profits of €2.9 billion were 20 per cent up on last year, announced Santander’s execu­ tive chairwoman Ana Botin.

“The group has achieved an­ other record quarter with earn­ ings per share up 17 per cent and a return on tangible equity of 14.8 per cent,” she said.

HEINEKEN sold less beer in the UK last summer owing to a 7 per cent price rise and cool, rainy weather that checked outdoor partying.

Dolf van den Brink, chief executive at Heineken, which also owns Amstel, Birra Moretti and Tiger, blamed July and Au­ gust’s “adverse weather” although sales picked up in September.

Beer sales throughout Europe fell by 7.6 per cent while prices rose by around 12 per cent owing to inflation and the growing popularity of premium ales and lagers.

Globally, the volume of sales dropped 4.2 per cent as prices rose 9.5 per cent, accounting for sales of €9.6 billion for the third quarter of the year.

Price inflation had slowed but there was less demand, with some markets facing “challenging macroeconomic con­ ditions,” Van den Brink said.

A £1 BILLION (€1.15 billion) allo­ cation for improving Britain’s electric vehicle (EV) charging fa­ cilities has not yet been used.

Announced by Rishi Sunak three years ago when the now PM was Chancellor of the Exche­ quer, the charging points were to have been installed at motorway service stations.

The fund is not yet accessible to applicants, while a pilot scheme scheduled for the end of 2022 was initially postponed un­ til spring 2023 and subsequently to this summer.

Sources in the EV sector have now told the UK media that the trial was “unlikely” to launch be­ fore Christmas and could be de­ layed until after a general elec­ tion.

A major issue SHARON WHITE, John Lewis chair, called on the police to allocate more resources to shoplifting and record all retail crime incidents.

She also wanted to see more stringent sentences for assaulting or abusing a retail worker, The Partnership, which also owns Waitrose, now suffers a £12 million (€13.75 million) year­on­ year increase in theft, White said.

Matt Hood, who heads the Co­ op grocery chain, also voiced frus­ tration at the lack of action against shoplifting which had cost the retailer £33 million (€37.83 million) during the first six months of this year.

This was becoming a major is­ sue, Hood warned in September.

Messi’s own goal LIONEL MESSI’s branding compa­ ny MGO Global received a Nas­ daq delisting warning after its shares lost 90 per cent of their val­ ue. These were originally worth $5 (€4.7), giving MGO Global a value of €58 million when it was floated last January. Instead, the company has failed to cash in on the name of the champion foot­ baller who now plays for Inter Mi­ ami, co­owned by David Beck­ ham. Messi receives a 12 per cent royalty for lending his name and image to merchandise, but slow sales have resulted in the Nasdaq warning.

Tiktok standoff EMPLOYEES at Majorel, the Barcelona company which moder­ ates content for internet platform TikTok, announced an indefinite strike.

Insistence on in­person working was the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” announced Work­ ers’ Solidarity and Unity (SUT), the union representing the employees.

The veto on working from home was the latest episode in a long his­ tory of non­payment, contract ir­ regularities and ‘mortifying hours’.

Together with moderating content that was frequently violent con­ tent, their working conditions were having a detrimental effect on employees’ mental health, the union maintained.

FINANCE

14 EWN 2 - 8 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

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CLOSING PRICES 30 OCTOBER

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

5.994,0

+62,0

+1,05%

19,70K

1.316,00

+18,50

+1,43%

7,47K

3.791,0

+36,0

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9,58K

ITV

63,33

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386,11K

22,08K

J Sainsbury

256,40

+0,10

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69,81K

+0,70%

11,52K

Johnson Matthey

1.473,0

+17,5

+1,20%

1,44K

+23,0

+1,18%

7,28K

Land Securities

570,80

+7,00

+1,24%

28,69K

+60,0

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38,24K

Legal & General

211,50

+4,00

+1,93%

474,65K

31,15K

Lloyds Banking

40,42

+0,67

+1,67%

7,24M

8.254,0

+46,0

+0,56%

17,29K

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

3I Group

1.990,00

+21,50

+1,09%

24,93K

InterContinental

Abrdn

156,80

+2,60

+1,69%

151,58K

Intermediate Capital

Admiral Group

2.465,6

+29,0

+1,19%

13,14K

Intertek

Anglo American

2.101,0

+12,5

+0,60%

95,19K

Antofagasta

1.391,00

+17,00

+1,24%

Ashtead Group

4.745,0

+33,0

Associated British Foods

1.973,0

AstraZeneca

10.184,0

Auto Trader Group Plc Aviva

611,80 399,30

B&M European Value Retail SA522,32

+9,60

+1,60%

NET VOL

COMPANY

COMPANY

Units per €

US dollar (USD) ........................................1.0549 Japan yen (JPY)........................................158.69 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................0.9527 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4623 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................11.790

+4,60

+1,17%

146,21K

-0,20

-0,04%

79,94K

Melrose Industries

469,50

+5,90

+1,27%

96,29K

Mondi

1.317,00

+7,50

+0,57%

26,35K

National Grid

994,20

+13,00

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256,38K

NatWest Group

182,25

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2,83M

Next

6.900,0

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4,93K

DOW JONES

Ocado

483,89

+1,40

+0,29%

95,86K

CLOSING PRICES 30 OCTOBER

Persimmon

1.002,5

+17,3

+1,76%

27,00K

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE

CHANGE% VOLUME(M)

Phoenix

453,90

+8,10

+1,82%

93,79K

Prudential

865,40

+22,00

+2,61%

228,73K

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

87,52 141,31 261,57 168,22 179,69 238,56 144,35 51,56 55,24 48,11 289,91 276,46 177,00 142,52 35,54 145,60 135,69 255,76 102,82 329,81 97,98 147,16 196,57 160,68 524,66 33,44 229,27 21,14 161,17 79,33

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-1,27% 3,29M -1,42% 3,37M -3,02% 2,85M +0,80% 57,95M +0,34% 4,57M -1,60% 3,21M -6,72% 24,44M +0,37% 13,11M -0,97% 13,61M +0,19% 4,71M -2,38% 2,54M -0,55% 2,89M +0,53% 3,37M -0,86% 5,45M +9,29% 82,02M -2,28% 11,38M -3,60% 17,22M -0,03% 3,20M -2,59% 8,93M +0,59% 29,73M -2,04% 9,51M -1,76% 7,73M +0,16% 3,14M -2,30% 1,35M -0,70% 2,57M -2,99% 23,91M -0,87% 5,54M -2,58% 9,17M -0,37% 4,60M -0,56% 10,26M M - MILLION DOLLARS

1.099,90

+16,50

+1,52%

153,65K

Barclays

130,60

+1,40

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2,57M

413,40

1.14585

0.87212

London Stock Exchange

BAE Systems Barratt Developments

PRICE(P)

+6,00

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80,22K

Berkeley

4.043,0

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3,99K

BHP Group Ltd

2.384,00

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14,52K

BP

531,80

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1,31M

British American Tobacco 2.432,5

+29,5

+1,23%

191,89K

British Land Company

297,80

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30,63K

BT Group

112,50

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188,46K

Bunzl

2.929,0

+35,0

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13,12K

Burberry Group

1.713,0

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39,03K

Carnival

840,4

-0,6

-0,07%

19,25K

Centrica

158,10

+3,00

+1,93%

278,14K

Coca Cola HBC AG

2.139,4

+38,0

+1,81%

11,44K

Compass

2.082,58

+22,00

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57,79K

CRH

4.367,0

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+1,09%

29,39K

Croda Intl

4.311,0

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+0,72%

DCC

4.487,0

+59,0

+1,33%

Diageo

3.074,5

+50,0

DS Smith

279,60

EasyJet Experian Ferguson

Reckitt Benckiser

5.510,0

+58,0

+1,06%

58,63K

Relx

2.845,00

+28,00

+0,99%

105,23K

Rentokil

427,30

+6,20

+1,47%

240,86K

Rightmove

492,05

+12,90

+2,69%

158,16K

Rio Tinto PLC

5.275,0

+75,0

+1,44%

172,05K

Rolls-Royce Holdings

202,30

+1,90

+0,95%

668,91K

Sage

978,00

+10,00

+1,03%

42,47K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.250,00

+15,00

+1,22%

0,68K

Schroders

366,1

+4,1

+1,13%

20,44K

3,79K

Scottish Mortgage

643,02

+0,60

+0,09%

129,01K

2,09K

Segro

695,26

+4,60

+0,67%

46,55K

+1,65%

68,65K

Severn Trent

2.628,0

+23,0

+0,88%

15,18K

+3,30

+1,20%

51,28K

Shell

2.705,5

+5,0

+0,18%

277,65K

368,70

+5,30

+1,46%

116,07K

Smith & Nephew

912,00

+16,20

+1,81%

57,51K

2.403,0

+13,0

+0,54%

41,73K

Smiths Group

1.604,00

+34,00

+2,17%

26,33K

12.635,0

+15,0

+0,12%

1,71K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 8.188,0

+48,0

+0,59%

2,58K

Flutter Entertainment

12.870,0

+90,0

+0,70%

5,57K

SSE

1.626,00

+19,50

+1,21%

63,14K

Fresnillo

553,71

+3,60

+0,66%

18,12K

St. James’s Place

636,00

+17,60

+2,85%

124,28K

Glencore

448,70

+3,45

+0,78%

1,37M

Standard Chartered

616,80

+6,20

+1,01%

420,36K

GSK plc

1.445,60

+12,40

+0,86%

167,81K

Taylor Wimpey

110,43

+1,55

+1,42%

530,98K

Halma

1.824,5

+1,5

+0,08%

16,78K

Tesco

274,12

+1,70

+0,62%

259,14K

Hargreaves Lansdown

713,00

+7,40

+1,05%

43,83K

Tui

421,16

+10,40

+2,53%

66,47K

Hikma Pharma

1.927,00

+14,50

+0,76%

7,14K

Unilever

3.854,0

+32,5

+0,85%

121,99K

HSBC

607,80

+6,80

+1,13%

3,96M

United Utilities

1.060,00

+6,00

+0,57%

24,04K

IAG

143,43

+1,30

+0,92%

1,27M

Vodafone Group PLC

76,99

+0,89

+1,17%

1,77M

Imperial Brands

1.750,62

+21,50

+1,24%

80,93K

Whitbread

3.317,2

+27,0

+0,82%

10,93K

Informa

716,80

+15,00

+2,14%

100,71K

WPP

713,40

+18,20

+2,62%

142,35K

currenciesdirect.com/marbella • Tel: +34 952 906 581 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

NASDAQ CLOSING PRICES 30 OCTOBER

COMPANY Most Advanced Deckers Outdoor Corporation MSP Recovery, Inc. ArcBest Corporation Siemens Energy AG Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Siemens Energy AG CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited DexCom, Inc. Fujitsu Limited Intel Corporation Capital One Financial Corporation

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

+18.94% +16.55% +16.22% +15.20% +14.55% +13.05% +10.96% +10.11% +9.99% +9.29% +9.19%

1.821M 1.942M 1.338M 181,114 657,864 24,936 16,205 14.955M 106,371 84.128M 6.525M

-24.87% -19.56% -19.13% -14.65% -14.37% -12.99% -12.58% -12.40% -12.25% -9.94% -9.88%

4.422M 710,519 15.523M 19.391M 1.221M 3.83M 281,773 376,249 186.428M 7.259M 13.39M

Most Declined Chart Industries, Inc. Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. Sanofi Enphase Energy, Inc. Exponent, Inc. NatWest Group plc Rémy Cointreau SA The Boston Beer Company, Inc. Ford Motor Company Bloom Energy Corporation Newell Brands Inc.

FINANCE

euroweeklynews.com

ASK THE EXPERT Peter Loveday

Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com

Euro EUR/GBP: Up from £0.86 to £0.87 EUR/USD: Unchanged at $1.05 The euro traded in a wide range over the past month, with the single currency fluctuating in response to some mixed Eurozone data and its negative correlation with the US dollar.

In the last week of September, the single currency was pressured by both a strengthening US dollar as well as a deterioration in German business and consumer morale.

As we entered October the euro initially faltered in response to weak Eurozone retail sales figures, before stronger-than-expected Germany factory orders helped to revive EUR sentiment.

EUR exchange rates then wavered in mid-October as mixed Eurozone data, heightened geopolitical uncertainty and some hawkish European Central Bank (ECB) comments also infused volatility into the single currency.

2 - 8 November 2023

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: EURO UNDERMINED BY DOVISH ECB, POUND BUFFETED BY GLOOMY DATA The euro then stumbled at the end of October following the ECB’s latest policy meeting, following a dovish hold from the bank.

Looking ahead, EUR sentiment is likely to be primarily data driven, with the euro likely to face resistance if upcoming economic releases continue to disappoint.

Pound GBP/EUR: Down from €1.15 to €1.14 GBP/USD: Unchanged at $1.21 Trade in the pound has also been volatile in recent weeks in response to some uneven UK data and fluctuating market sentiment.

Sterling closed September on a broadly positive note as it was lifted by positive risk flows and an upwards revision to first quarter GDP. GBP exchange rates appreciated further at the start of October, buoyed by upwardly revised PMIs and comments from Bank of England (BoE) Deputy Governor Ben Broadbent, who refused to rule out another interest rate hike.

OCTOBER: The euro initially faltered in response to weak Eurozone sales.

The pound’s fortunes then soured in the second half of the month after the UK’s latest GDP figures failed to temper UK recession fears.

The disappointing data then continued, with signs of a slowing UK labour market, a startling plunge in retail sales and another contraction in private sector growth all pilled pressure on Sterling.

Looking ahead, the focus for GBP investors will now turn to the BoE’s latest interest rate decision at the start of November. The bank is wide-

ly expected to leave interest rates on hold, which could exert pressure on the pound, particularly if policymakers are coy regarding the possibility of hiking again in the future.

US Dollar USD/GBP: Unchanged at $0.82 USD/EUR: Unchanged at €0.94 The US dollar fluctuated over the past four weeks amid shifting Federal Reserve interest rate expectations and risk-off flows.

Fed policymakers adopted a broadly dovish outlook in October,

EWN 15

with multiple officials suggesting that a recent surge in US Treasury yields might make further monetary tightening from the bank redundant.

Some mixed US data muddied the water a little however, with strongerthan-expected inflation and a robust non-farm payrolls print suggesting there might still be room for the US central bank to raise rates.

At the same time, the US dollar also found support in recent weeks as the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas weighed on market risk appetite and bolstered demand for safe-haven assets.

The Federal Reserve’s impending interest rate decision will be in the spotlight at the start of November.

While USD investors are confident the bank won’t alter interest rates this month, the US dollar may strengthen if the Fed leaves the door open to raising rates again in the future.

Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

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Telephone UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 Spain +34 950 478 914 • Email euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com • www.currenciesdirect.com.

16 EWN 2 - 8 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT SO, there I was, waking up in a suite of the plaza hotel New York, looking forward to a date with one of the most famous female artists in the world, the hugely talented Diana Ross of the Supremes. According to Mary, one of the trio members, she was ‘really gonna love me’ and that evening, after we watched the show in the Wardorf Blue Room would join us at the table, making up a four­ some with Tom Jones and herself.

Believe me if this doesn’t make you feel you’ve actually arrived, you need some kind of mental assessment.

Central Park looked lovely as I viewed it through the spacious windows of the hotel suite and, after ordering breakfast, languished on the bed pe­ rusing the 13 channels on an Ameri­ can TV, (when the UK was still only managing to present three!) Around 11 or so I decided to ring Tom.

Although they were at a different hotel he had given me the code need­ ed to obtain a connection through the operator. (Still a necessity for pri­ vacy in the lives of laddie dah’s of our world!) No reply. Dozing off I decided to call later. After all he’d had some night. (Hopefully mine was yet to come!) Still no reply.

They were staying at the Wardorf, so I decided to give it one more try and go for as stroll in the park. I tried again. Mary answered. ‘Hey baby’ slurred a bleary voice. ‘We’re not up yet. Try us later’. With that she dis­ connected. I’m not too sure what came over me at that point. I didn’t want to be a pain. I was certainly rid­ ing high myself; en route to Nashville, where I was about to become the first Limey ever to appear at the Grand ol Oprey!

I decided to go for a jaunt around New York. Later, after a couple of beers, I found myself in the first 24­ hour picture house I had ever experi­ enced. There I made the mistake that I’ve rather regretted ever since, I nod­ ded off. Difficult to remember how

long I slept, but when I left the cine­ ma it was actually dark. I decided to return to the hotel. Feeling a bit em­ barrassed about my situation; plus the fact I was already late, I elected to give the promises of an evening with the Supremes and Tom a miss.

What a berk. I spent the rest of the night watching telly and having a few lone drinks in the hotel suite. The next morning, before I left for the air­ port, I gave Tom a ring. Mary an­ swered and as soon as she realised it was me gave me a real earful. ‘Where the hell were you last night?’ she en­ thused. Trying to explain I couldn’t get hold of them, didn’t go down too well. ‘We tried to call your room 20 times’ she said, ‘where did you get to’? After endeavouring to explain what had occurred, I finally hung up.

Neither were obviously too happy with the result. Apparently Diana was very disappointed. Ah well. On­ ward.

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.

ROCK SLAMS WAXWORK FAMOUS wrestler turned movie star; Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson was chosen by a French Museum to be immor­ talised in wax.

He was the first winner of the Grévin Awards, created by a wax museum of the same name situated in Paris and the sculptors were excited to be given the challenge of creating a life size reproduction of this larger than life character.

According to the museum, sculptor Stéphane Barret had to rely on photos and videos to create a figure as close to reality as possible, without ac­ tually meeting him and they even sent members of the team to several gyms hoping to find someone of similar build.

Once the body and fea­ tures were complete, artists took a painstaking 10 days to The original waxwork reproduce his Samoan tattoos of The Rock and they took three attempts to get his eyes right as they started off as too dark which elongated his face.

Finally, they were satisfied with the result but when the fin­ ished waxwork was unveiled on October 16, there was fan crit­ icism over the light skin tone of the figure and even the Rock, known for his catchphrase “Smell what the Rock is cooking” joined in the criticism reportedly telling them to “update my wax figure with some important details, starting with my skin colour.”

In response, Museum director Yves Delhommeau told the AFP news agency the problem would be resolved and partially blamed the skin tone on a “lighting issue” but he did say The Rock would visit the museum “later on to see if there are other modifications that need to be made.”

Credit: Musée Grévin

Onward and upward

FEATURE

PARLIAMENT GOES OFF THE RAILS NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist.

the madness of the situation. There were a few cries for ‘single seat now’,” joked another, referring to the campaign to stop these trips to Strasbourg.

Apart from tongue­in­cheek complaints there were “no free attractions” on the train, one MEP bragged he was happy about the change of direction as it meant he was finally facing for­ ward. Oops!

Alluding to criticisms lev­ elled at the so­called “trav­ elling circus” that ferries MEPs to Strasbourg ­ and this unscheduled Mickey Mouse experience ­ one MEP joked: “We are NOT a Mickey Mouse parlia­ ment!”

A TRAIN carrying hundreds of MEPs and EU officials recently ended up at Disney­ land, after taking the wrong turn en route to Strasbourg. This monthly shuttle service between Brussels and Strasbourg has long been a source of controversy, costing £90 million annually!

Instead of the rolling hills that usually greet them as they head to Strasbourg, MEPs were caught between the Art of Mickey Mouse was un­ Marvel and Main Street available for comment.

USA, with Star Wars Hy­ Nora Johnson’s 12 criti­ perspace Mountain and cally acclaimed psychologi­ Peter Pan’s Flight in the cal suspense crime thrillers NORA’S LATEST THRILLER. near distance. (www.nora­johnson.net) “‘Where dreams come true’ ­ will Dis­ all available online including eBooks ney’s slogan soon be that of the European (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, Parliament?” someone wrote on X. “It’s paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cud­ pretty much all­around laughter here at eca cancer charity.

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

euroweeklynews.com

2 - 8 November 2023

THINKING ALOUD IF there is such a thing as ‘the beautiful game’ it must be women’s football. The recent World Cup in Australia and New Zealand offered us displays of brilliant football and thrilling encounters. It was a joy to watch. Just as in tennis the men may be quicker and better ­ but look at men’s football now.

Much more than in women’s football it is blighted with corruption and dominat­ ed by money. Too many of its players are spoiled and self­centred. Quite a few are charged with abusing women, including their partners.

Fortunately, there are also many re­ sponsible role models, some even with charisma. But on the pitch they cheat by wrestling and pushing in the goalmouth, elbowing, punching, shirt­pulling, fouling, diving, feigning injury and time­wasting.

Every trick in the book. And, unlike tennis players and cricketers, they spit (and even snot) gratuitously.

Too often match results are pre­ dictable, as certain clubs benefit from their wealth and the size of their follow­ ing. Economics and sponsorships deter­

The so-called ‘beautiful game’ is blighted by lack of discipline on the field and financial corruption off it.

mine that they need to win. Narrow deci­ sions, one way or the other, involving penalties, red cards, disallowed goals, offside and added time, almost always favour the more privileged sides.

Now there is a ‘brain drain’ of talent to­ wards non­footballing countries with money. The hope of these countries may be to break the domination of Western Europe and South America, the true homes of football. The players are

shamelessly prostituting themselves for their own financial gain. And it starts with the greatest of them all.

Why would Messi go to Miami in a country to whom ‘football’ is a totally dif­ ferent game ­ so much so that they refer to association football as ‘soccer’? Cris­ tiano and Neymar went to the virtually pariah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which has nothing to do with football apart from the money it generates. Could

North Korea not afford them? And half the clubs in the Premier League are now in American (USA) hands.

Potentially it is still a ‘beautiful game’ to watch but the flow of a match is inter­ rupted by late substitutes, video­assisted refereeing and excessive fouling.

Before the mid­60s football was always a tough ­ sometimes rough ­ game but there were standards. A fair shoulder barge was shoulder to shoulder on the ball. There were also drawbacks. Mis­ judgements were made because the ref­ eree’s decision was final. If a player had to leave the field for injury, his side was reduced to 10 men, because no substitu­ tions were allowed. In that respect, foot­ ball has moved on. So have the grounds. I was at Kenilworth Road in the 50s to see Stanley Matthews playing for Blackpool against Luton. The pitch was waterlogged with a huge puddle in one corner and the players’ shirts were so muddy the posi­ tion numbers could not be seen. The players were slipping and sliding but managing to play the ‘beautiful game’ without much of today’s gamesmanship.

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

THE British Benevolent Fund was founded over a century ago to help those Britons in Spain facing extreme finan­ cial distress and who have no other recourse; friends, fami­ ly or state support.

In that time the expat community has grown a hun­ dred­fold, while the number of visitors has reached heights unforeseen back then.

Of the 18 million plus visi­ tors from the UK to Spain each year the vast majority are without incident ­ and not all visitors are here for a two week break on the beach. Many come to see friends and family, and some come to care for a loved one.

Caroline came to Spain to help look after her elderly mother who was suffering from multiple ailments and had mobility issues meaning she could not do the shop­ ping or any household chores. She lived alone and relied generally on neigh­ bours.

To add to the difficulty, al­ though her mother had lived in Spain for many years she had not done her paperwork correctly and was therefore

EWN 17

THE MEN’S GAME

DAVID WORBOYS

Photo credits: sportsmenforken.org and scmp.com

FEATURE

Helping with costs

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

not officially resident or al­ lowed to stay in Spain over the prescribed 90­day period.

She lived off a modest UK pension from her late hus­ band in a rented apartment which under normal circum­ stances would be sufficient, but without her daughter her situation was not tenable.

They decided that the best thing would be to return back to the UK ­ not her ideal choice as she loved living in Spain but given her circum­ stances it was the only viable option.

The daughter was able to make arrangements to take her home so she could be with her and look after her better but would need help with the considerable cost for moving with an elderly person.

Working with her local consulate and local charity the BBF was able to help con­ tribute to her repatriation costs and she has now made the move and is living as well as could be expected in her daughter’s home. She is in the process of applying for UK benefits to help with the additional costs which take time under the Habitual Resi­ dency Test rules, but is confi­ dent that she will have this in time.

We can only help people with your support. If you would like to make a dona­ tion please visit www.british benevolentfund.org to see how you can make the differ­ ence.

Thank you on behalf of all the beneficiaries for your help. Olaf Clayton, Chair BBF

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

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

23

20 EWN 2 - 8 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

Earlier this week, the thorny matter of 90/180 raised its head as one newspaper reported that Spain still wants to appeal to the European Union to allow British passport holders to spend 180 continuous days out of 360 in Spain.

Whilst this seems unlikely, we posed the question on the web as to whether this is a good idea and if it is even feasible and received the following comments:

“

The rule is not exclusive to the UK. Robert Faraday

Why should Brits get special treatment. Spain should try and attract more visitors from within the EU. Johm

They cannot change that rule.

It’s a common rule for all the Schengen states, since there are no borders, any exception could travel to the other Schengen countries unchallenged.

It will not happen, Brexit means Brexit.

Rosie

Will the snowbirds be taking the Winter Fuel Allowance whilst spending the winter months in Spain? A benefit denied to resident pensioners.

R. Welbourn

No. Brian Rae

Over-tourism and unruly tourists are a problem in many tourist places in Spain. The 90/180 rule may help that situation if most of the tourists are from the UK. If UK people are still complaining about a rule that applies to all third countries, they should have thought about that before they shot themselves in the foot.

Sheree Ruiz

Spain has no say in the matter. The rule is not only for the Brits. They made their decision now live with the consequences.

Richard Baylor

Road visibility Hi, I have nothing against cyclists, in fact I admire them training for La Vuelta, going up and down these hills in Spain.

But are their lives worth less than about €50?

They wear dark or black clothing and are not very easy to see when they go out of the bright sun into a shaded area on the road.

It only costs about €50 for front and rear flashing lights and a High Vis bolero jacket that is reflective and fluorescent.

I would like to see Trafico introduce compulsory lights on bikes at all times.

We motorists have to wear a High Vis jacket if we exit the car on the highway and also most cars now have running lights. Please cyclists spend a little cash to perhaps save your life.

Regards John from Terreros

Greta Thunberg I wish I had been as smart, and had the guts to speak out, as did that stupid little girl .

Allow me via Wiki to inform you that Thunberg’s rise to world fame made her a leader in the climate activist community. She also faced heavy criticism, much of it mocking her as a naïve teenager. Thunberg’s influence on the world stage has been described by The Guardian and other media outlets as the ‘Greta effect’. She has received numerous honours and awards, including an honorary Fellowship of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, inclusion in Time’s 100 most influential people, being the youngest Time Person of the Year, inclusion in the Forbes list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women (2019), and multiple nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Not bad for a ‘stupid little girl’ hey Philip.

John Little

Greta Thunberg is a grifter and punk little woke chick. Who’s 15 minutes of fame are over… hopefully.

D Bath

Clock change I believed that the decision of whether to change at all and to which time zone was to be left to individual countries.

Neil Friday

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.

PETS Pet-sitters for only £69/€79 per year! Bobi: World’s oldest dog dies 22

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www.euroweeklynews.com • 2 - 8 November 2023

aged 31 in Portugal

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Register as either housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

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

THE world’s oldest dog, official­ ly recognised by the Guinness Book Of Records has died in Portugal at the age of 31.

His owner, 38­year­old Leonel Costa, explained that after being rushed to hospital, Bobi passed away on Satur­ day, October 21, in Con­ queiros, a village in the munici­ pality of Leiria. The Rafeiro do Alentejo was born on a farm on May 11, 1992 and spent his whole life there.

Leonel even threw a party to celebrate Bobi’s 31st birth­ day in May after being chal­ lenged by Guinness to hold it.

Around 100 guests from all over the world attended the celebration, reported a news source.

Leonel Costa spent around €1,000 on the party, ensuring there was no shortage of sea bream and pork on a skewer.

“Bobi doesn’t like spaghetti bolognese. Bobi is an angel. He is not a protective dog at all. If someone comes into the

A €3 Billion love affair OFTEN, the British are hailed as avid animal enthusiasts, but recent statistics suggest it’s the French leading the European pet parade. With a staggering 61.6 million companion ani­ mals for their 64 million popu­ lace, the French spend an im­ pressive €3 billion annually on their furry, scaly, and finned friends.

A study by SantéVet reveals that over half of French house­ holds are home to pets, with fish topping the list at 36 mil­ lion. Cats and dogs follow, numbering 10.7 million and 7.8 million respectively. The rise in cat ownership is attributed to shrinking living spaces and fewer gardens.

However, pet ownership is­

n’t cheap. A significant chunk (three­quarters) of the €3 bil­ lion goes to pet food, a boom­ ing industry employing 20,000 in France.

Veterinary expenses have skyrocketed by 72 per cent over a decade. While a stan­ dard consultation costs be­ tween €30­€50, specialised treatments can be hefty. For instance, a dog’s skin allergy treatment might set one back €150 monthly, while chemo­ therapy can reach €2,000.

Interestingly, the term ‘pet’ is now viewed as derogatory in some circles, with ‘companion animal’ being the preferred nomenclature, echoing the deep bond between humans and their animal counterparts.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112 24-HOUR PHARMACY FARMACIA BERDAGUER MARBELLA: 952 773 187 CENTRAL FARMACIA LOS BOLICHES: 952 474 238 FARMACIA CAFFARENA MALAGA: 952 212 858 24-HOUR VETS CLINICA VETSUR FUENGIROLA: 952 660 596 CLINICA VETERINARIA MALAGA: 952 358 701

BOBI: Was born as a litter of four male puppies.

house, he lets them. He is very sociable, sweet and loves ani­ mals and people,” his owner explained.

Born as part of a litter of four male puppies, Bobi and his sib­ lings were doomed to an early grave. Leonel’s father already had several dogs and did not need any more. He said “I was eight years old. My father was a hunter, and we always had dogs,” Leonel recalled. “At that time it was considered normal by older people who could not have more animals to bury the

animals in a hole so they would not survive.”

When his father accidentally left the one pup behind, Leonel and his brothers hid the dog and took care of him. “We knew that when the dog opened its eyes, my parents would no longer bury it. It was popular knowledge this act could not or should be done,” Leonel explained.

By the time Leonel’s parents discovered they had hidden Bobi, it was too late for them to do anything.

Unwavering love for pets IN the picturesque streets of Scandinavia, it’s a common sight to see residents walking alongside their beloved dogs.

This region’s passion for pets, especially dogs, is almost fa­ natical. But what fuels this deep­seated love?

Historically, the bond be­ tween Scandinavians and their pets traces back to the Viking Age. The Vikings, known for their seafaring ad­ ventures, kept dogs and cats as companions.

The Norwegian Buhund, a breed that played diverse roles from herding to guiding, is a testament to this age­old relationship. Today, this breed, along with the bold and adventurous Norwegian Elkhound, remains a favourite among Scandinavians and even Americans.

But it’s not just dogs that hold a special place in Scandi­ navian hearts. The Norwegian Forest Cat, with its affection­ ate nature and independent spirit, is another cherished pet in the region.

In Scandinavia, pets are more than just animals; they

A Norwegian Buhund.

are family. The warmth and companionship they offer are invaluable, especially for those who live alone. This deep bond is evident in every­ day life, from pet­friendly homes and public transport to the prominence of pet care facilities in cities.

The world may have evolved, and cultures may have merged due to immigra­ tion, but Scandinavia’s love for pets remains unwavering.

It’s a legacy from their ances­ tors, a testament to the com­ fort and joy these furry com­ panions bring. So, the next time you’re in Scandinavia, don’t be surprised if a local spends hours sharing tales of their beloved pet. After all, to them, these animals are not just pets; they’re family.

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

CHARITY New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led

worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness.

Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780 Email: info@nlcnerja.com Website: www.nlcnerja. com Facebook:www.face book.com/nlcnerj

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Tel: Church House - 951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@gmail. com.

CARS FOR SALE

THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas.

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

MOTORING

FOR SALE WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company 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 f fe r a n e x c 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)

CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja

CHURCH SERVICES

2 - 8 November 2023 • euroweeklynews.com

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

INSURANCE STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbey gateinsure.com (2887610)

E D S ? We h a v e t h e s o l u tion, Kamagra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

SITUATIONS VACANT DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS wanted for Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical. One day per week. Must be legal to work in Spain, have own transport, know the areas and be reliable. Please send CV with covering letter to Martyn by email distribu tion@demon-distribu tion.com (292475)

SOLAR ENERGY SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for L a r g e G l a z e d A r e a s t o Reflect Heat / Glare and Stop F u r n i t u r e Fa d i n g a n d S t i l l Keep The View. Save Heat in the Winter to Improve Your L i v i n g E nv i r o n m e n t . i a n @ s o l a r s h a d e t i n t i n g . c o m Te l Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (258409)

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MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal. Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts. Stop fading, heat & glare. Call telephone: 958 496 571 - 644 546 176 ian@ solarshadetinting.com (287972)

SOLAR PROTECTION

24 EWN 2 - 8 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE AC Benahavis Over 60s underline early intent!

AWFL Over 60s AC Benahavis 9 v 3 Torrox Tornadoes Last weekend, Benahavis played hosts to a Torrox side struggling to field their strongest line­up, with their keeper in hospital and three key outfield players unavail­ able for unavoidable person­ al reasons.

Consequently, despite the best efforts of the visitors, it was no surprise that the home team raced into a big lead, scoring within the first minute, and racking up sev­ en and hitting the woodwork on several occasions before half time with only one goal in reply. However, Torrox fought back bravely and ef­ fectively drew the second period 2 ­ 2, resulting in a 9 ­ 3 win for Benahavis. Scorers for the home side were Brian Barnett, Colin Mc Geary and Rob Fitzgerald with two each, and a hat­trick for

Mark Cooper. Paul Koster and Mark Sylvester with two, including a penalty, replied for Torrox.

This win takes AC Benahavis to the top of the league and significantly im­ proves their goal dif­ ference, which may prove extremely im­ portant by the end of the campaign.

A lot more going on!

Apart from AWFL League fixtures and our upcoming An­ dalucia Cup Competition, sponsored by Axarfusion, two more walking football tournaments are on the hori­ zon, involving teams from our league. The first is The Rojales Walking Football Cup, organised by Esquina Park Rangers on November 9 and 10 starting at 10.00am,

and teams from AC Bena­ havis and Malaga are en­ tered, as well as our old friends from The Walking Dead and several clubs from the UK. The second is a mini, one day tournament being host­ ed by Gibraltar WFC for Over 60s teams, again involving teams from AC Benahavis

and Malaga, on Decem­ ber 6, kicking off at 11.00am.

So, if you’re in either of these areas on those dates, come along and see the game played at first hand.

And remember…….. ……all of our clubs are keen to introduce our sport to new members.

If you are interested in keeping up your good health, developing old and new sporting skills and meeting some great, like­minded peo­ ple, you can find out more about your local club and the Andalucia Walking Football League by accessing their Facebook pages; and watch out for the imminent intro­ duction of the League’s own website, which will be up and running very shortly!

(Sponsored by www.my lawyerinspain.com)

SPORT

South Africa win World Cup SOUTH AFRICA claimed a record fourth Rugby World Cup title on the evening of October 28, after beating New Zealand 12­11 in Paris.

Three penalty kicks from Handre Pollard put South Africa comfortably in the lead but a Richie Mo’unga kick then closed the gap to 9­3.

The All Blacks finished the match with 14 players on the field after captain Sam Cane was red­carded in the 27th minute. After a review, his yellow card was upgraded when he was judged to have committed a high tackle on Jesse Kriel.

Cane made history as the first player to ever be sent off in a Rugby World Cup final and he left the pitch with his team losing 9­3. Pollard added another penalty be­ fore the break to send his side in 12­3 ahead at half­ time.

A try in the second half

from Beauden Barrett ­ who became the first player to score in two Rugby World Cup Finals ­ inspired a spirited fightback by the All Blacks.

However, the single point advantage was all it took and the Springboks managed to hold their nerves and clinch victory by the narrowest of margins to hold the trophy aloft. It was their third one­ point victory in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Their win at the Stade de France saw the Springboks regain the Webb Ellis Cup that they won four years ago in Japan where they beat England in the 2019 final.

Speaking to ITV after the game, a euphoric Pieter­ Steph du Toit, named the player of the match, said: “The last three games have been quite tough, each one we have played has been a fi­ nal and each one we have won by one point.”

A 16TH chequered flag of the current 2023 Formula 1 campaign saw Max Ver­ stappen break his own record for the number of wins in one season.

The three­time Dutch world champion was sim­ ply unbeatable as he totally dominated the race at the Autódromo Hermanos Ro­ dríguez on Sunday, October 29.

Despite the Red Bull starting in third place be­ hind the Ferrari’s of Charles LeClerc and Carlos Sainz, this season’s stunning form meant that it would only be a matter of time before Verstappen headed the

field.

It took him just one cor­ ner in fact after screaming past Sainz as the lights turned green and then pulling level with the French driver as the brak­ ing zone approached.

As the front three negoti­ ated Turn 1, Sergio Perez threw himself into the mix.

Racing in front of his home fans, the Mexican Red Bull driver somehow managed to clip LeClerc and his race was over for the day.

The safety car had to be deployed after a red flag was shown when Kevin Magnussen’s Naas crashed into the barriers at high­ speed in the Esses after suf­ fering suspension failure on Lap 32. The Dane was unin­ jured but he would take no further part in the race.

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton had an excellent drive, fin­ ishing second on the podi­ um after starting from sixth

on the grid. As a result, he is now only 20 points adrift of Perez in the champi­ onship with three races still to go.

Charles LeClerc had to settle for third with his teammate Sainz beating off the challenge of George Russell's Mercedes to claim fourth.

With just four laps re­ maining, Russell found himself dropping to sixth after being passed at Turn 6 by Lando Norris in the McLaren. The Brit weaved his way through the field from 19th to grab an im­ pressive finish.

Australia’s Daniel Ricciar­ do crowned a wonderful day by taking seventh in the AlphaTauri, with the other McLaren of Oscar Pi­ astri ­ another Aussie ­ fin­ ishing eighth. The top 10 was rounded out by the Williams of Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon in the Alpine.

THANKS to a law dating back to the 1960s, Saturday’s much­anticipated El Clasico featuring Jude Bellingham was not able to be viewed live in the UK. On Saturday, October 28, the football world turned its attention to Spain’s Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, as Futbol Club Barcelona meet Real Madrid. But for fans in the UK, a decades­old regulation kept them from witnessing the much­anticipat­ ed El Clasico debut of England’s own Jude Bellingham, wrote a news source.

The UK has a unique broadcasting rule in place, dating back to the 1960s. No football matches can be aired between 2.45pm and 5.15pm UK time. The pur­ pose of this law is to encourage fans to attend local matches in person, particu­ larly in the smaller leagues, preventing top­tier games from overshadowing them.

Saturday’s El Clasico, arguably the world’s most famous football derby, be­ tween Barcelona and Real Madrid, kicked off at 4.15pm Spanish time, specifically scheduled for maximum exposure around the world. This translates to 3.15pm in the UK, falling squarely within the broadcasting blackout period.

This isn’t a modern phenomenon. The rule’s origins trace back to complaints from Burnley’s president in the 1960s. He believed televised matches adversely im­ pacted attendances at lower­league

Credit: BellinghamJude/X

Max Verstappen Fans miss Bellingham’s debut breaks own record REAL MADRID STAR: Jude Bellingham.

games.

Supported by UEFA, this regulation al­ lows each federation to have a two­and­ a­half­hour football­free slot. Expected to remain until 2029, it has previously clashed with other El Clasico fixtures.

Many English fans will be disappointed to have missed Jude Bellingham, the ris­ ing star of Real Madrid, making his first appearance in Real’s iconic white shirt during an El Clasico.

Many fans have eagerly awaited this moment from the player who’s quickly becoming the English team’s standout performer. Bellingham, recently recover­ ing from an incident at the Braga Munici­ pal Stadium during a Champions League game, confirmed his participation on the Montjuic field.