Mallorca 2 – 8 November 2023 Issue 2000

• Issue No. 2000 • 2 - 8 November 2023

Drastic measures

Credit: Balearic Government

THE Balearic Govern­ ment is mobilising its latest weapon as it pre­ pares for the annual in­ vasion of the highly dangerous procession­ ary pine caterpillar.

Animals and young children are often fasci­ nated by the march of these hairy monsters, all in a line, like tiny ele­ phants although they don’t have any trunks.

Some communities allow hunters to blow the silken nests (under police supervision) from the pine trees where the caterpillars are growing but, in the Balearics, the authori­ ties bring into play a mobile atomiser gun which sprays 600 litres of insecticide.

Two bursts, 10 days apart should be suffi­ cient to dispose of the bulk of the nests.

Insect spray with a difference.

FREE

ILMAINEN

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GRATIS

GRATIS

VRIJ

PETROL HEADS

FREI

550 CHALLENGE MALLORCA: A three-day car rally through Mallorca’s finest routes.

THE third edition of the ‘550 Challenge Mallorca’ is set to rev engines and get hearts rac­ ing from November 2 ­ 4. The event is a three­day car rally which boasts 14 closed road stages, spanning over 550 km of Mallorca’s finest routes.

The event, backed by 19 years of motorsport experi­ ence, offers three categories: Competition (modern and classic), Regularity (modern, classic, electric, and Show Car (production class). ‘Port Adri­ ano’, renowned for its prime

location and facilities, is the proud sponsor and serves as the event’s base. Participants can relish the exclusivity of traf­ fic­free sections, providing an unmatched adrenaline­

GRATUITO

G GRATIS

LIVRE

FFREE

GRATIS

G GRATUIT

Hijack alert Credit: 550 Challenge Mallorca/Instagram.com

Mallorca

charged experience. Several members of the Classic Car Club are set to participate, and registrations are still open.

Club members can look for­ ward to a 10 per cent discount.

AN easyJet flight sparked panic at Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan airport on Thursday, October 26, when the pilot mis­ takenly activated the hijack alarm.

The plane, arrived from Birmingham around 1.00pm and was met with 20 Guardia Civil and National Police of­ ficers who cordoned off the area. Officers with rifles took strategic positions while others communicated with the pilot through the cockpit windows.

The pilot quickly clarified, explaining that everything was in order and that it had been activated by mistake.

The passengers, understandably shaken, disembarked without further incident. The airport’s crisis response was subsequently disbanded, and normal operations were soon resumed.

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2 - 8 November 2023

Bookshop revival

Credit: Chinnapong/Shutterstock.com

ENGLISH FINE BOOKS on C. Morei in Palma, is poised for its grand reopening today, Thursday, November 2. Established in 2008 by Rodney Browne, a connoisseur of antique books, it origi­ nally started its journey in Bournemouth over four decades ago.

Last year, Rodney decided to retire, leading his daughter, Sara Jane, to put the iconic book­ store up for sale. The new proprietors, remarked on the 100,000 books which had been jam­ packed into every conceivable space, ‘you could­ n’t even walk’. The bookstore has since under­ gone a transformation, with every room now meticulously organised.

A phased reopening is planned, patrons can look forward to a cosy tea room, , and a chil­ dren’s painting workshop. While around 70 per cent of the books are in English, the collection al­ so boasts titles in Spanish, Catalan, French, Ger­ man, and various Scandinavian languages.

Among the many gems discovered by the new owners are a first edition of ‘The Sun Also Rises’ by Ernest Hemingway, a 1927 copy of ‘Pe­ ter Pan and Wendy’, a signed first edition of ‘The Naive and Sentimental Lover’by John Le Carré.

BOOKSHOP: Is set to reopen today.

Youth voice ENERGISED youth partici­ pation, community promi­ nence, and visibility for all were the highlights of the second Days on Preven­ tion and Community In­ tervention held in Sant Llorenc. The event, organ­ ised with UNICEF’s collab­ oration, saw children and teens taking centre stage.

The island’s Minister of Social Welfare and IMAS president, Guillermo Sanchez, stated, “We need cities... and policies tailored for youngsters and their families, which consider their opinions, needs, and rights.”

He explained that it was because of days like these that the full potential of Mallorca’s youth could be uncovered. He empha­ sised that all, including ad­ ministrations and munici­ palities, should involve themselves in under­

POLICIES NEEDED: The importance of young voices.

standing the youth’s con­ cerns.

Councillors from munici­ palities like Manacor, Capdepera, and Ses Salines shared their expe­ riences, highlighting the joy of having spaces to voice their opinions.

UNICEF Spain’s Silvia Casanovas mentioned, “Providing spaces for them to express them­ selves ensures individual

LOCAL NEWS

Iconic posters Credit: conselldemallorca.cat

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and community benefits, and promoted democra­ cy.” Associations like Los Glayus and La Bombeta stressed the importance of children’s voices in de­ cision­making. UNICEF Balearic Islands’ presi­ dent, Mercedes del Pozo, underlined UNICEF and IMAS’s commitment to promoting child participa­ tion through local child­ hood plans.

MALLORCA, renowned for its trail­ blazing tourism in the 1960s and 70s, witnessed the glamour of the ‘Musi­ cal Mallorca’ festival. Organised by the Fomento del Turismo de Mallor­ ca, this annual event from 1975 to 1978 attracted global performers and actors.

The esteemed American composer Henri Mancini led the judging panel.

International icons such as Tom Jones and Demis Roussos, per­ formed alongside Spanish sensations Paco de Lucia and Julio Iglesias.

British actors Ian McShane and Joan Collins along with Hollywood stars like Gregory Peck and Robert Stack took part on the artistic jury.

1978’s Musical Mallorca reached an astounding 400 million viewers across continents via Eurovision. To commemorate this era, the Mallorca Vintage collection introduces four vi­ brant ‘Musical Mallorca’ posters.

This addition has been made pos­ sible through a partnership with Eu­ rope’s top travel poster art experts, Stick No Bills. These posters, a testi­ mony to Mallorca’s rich tourism his­ tory, are available in Stick No Bills’ Palma galleries and online. Ranging from postcard sizes to larger poster dimensions, they celebrate the is­ land’s rich musical legacy.

YOUR EWN HAS

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2 - 8 November 2023

Hospital award Credit: conselldemallorca.cat

LOCAL NEWS

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

NIBS EXTRA Diplomatic gathering ON Monday, October 30, President Margalida Prohens hosted ambassadors from France, Czech Republic, Ro­ mania, and Cyprus in Mallor­ ca’s Consulate of the Sea. French Ambassador Jean­ Michel Casa, Romanian Am­ bassador George Gabriel Bologan, and Minister Anto­ nia Maria Estarellas were among attendees.

Life of Riley ON Thursday, November 7, a film tribute to the legendary BB King will be hosted at Car­ rer Sant Magi in Palma. The film entitled ‘BB King: The Life of Riley’ is narrated by Mor­ gan Freeman and is part of the 16th Jazz Voyeur Festival.

Big win LAST week, one lucky indi­ vidual who purchased a tick­ et from Lloseta, Mallorca won the EuroMillions lot­ tery, drawn on Tuesday, Oc­ tober 24. The jackpot came to €26,274,769.00. At the time of going to press the winner was unknown.

Royal heir THE President of the Balearic Islands, Mallorcan­born Mar­ ga Prohens was in Madrid on Tuesday, October 31, to wit­ ness the swearing­in of the heir to the throne, Princess Leonor, into the Spanish con­ stitution.

Olive overload THE Caimari oil mill tem­ porarily halted olive submis­ sions on October 31, due to the overwhelming influx of customers, which resulted in a huge queue of traffic. Un­ like Spain’s scarce yield, Mal­ lorca saw its harvest concen­ trated in a few days.

AWARDS CEREMONY: Some 105 projects were showcased.

THE ‘Son Espases PROM Mod­ el’ project, a collaboration with the Bit Foundation, has been given the Professor Barea Award in the ‘Evalua­ tion of results in the health sector’ category.

The awards ceremony, held on October 9 at the Madrid Congress of Deputies seeks to honour the commitment of professionals and institutions to health management and assessment.

The project utilises Health Tracker technology, an app, co­developed by the Bit Foun­ dation and the Son Espases University Hospital. This en­ sures that patient responses

are instantly integrated into medical records. This method­ ology empowers health pro­ fessionals to efficiently collect, validate, and assess their data, thereby enhancing patient care and quality of life.

At the Professor Barea Awards ceremony, 105 pro­ jects across various categories were showcased. Luis Alegre Latorre, Director of Innovation and Projects at Son Espases Hospital, collected the award, underscoring the synergy of technology and healthcare in Mallorca. This accolade con­ firms the hospital’s dedication to technological advancement and patient­centric care.

Workweek woes THE recent proposal to reduce the workweek to 37.5 hours by 2025 has ignited a flurry of criticism from Mallorca’s business com­ munity. Spearheaded by the PSOE and Sumar, this proposal has particularly drawn opposition on the Balearic Islands. The Federa­ tion of Small and Medium Enterprises of Mallorca (Pimem) lam­ basted the decision, labelling it ‘erratic and crazy’ for Mallorca’s business environment.

In a press release, Pimem stated that the proposal from Pedro Sanchez and Yolanda Diaz demonstrated ‘a great lack of knowl­ edge’ about the workings of SMEs on the island. They stressed that Mallorca’s economic pulse is dictated by its high season, and this move might compel businesses to hire more due to the re­ duced hours.

The CEOE, a leading Spanish business group, also voiced con­ cerns, arguing the 2025 initiative ‘represents a clear interference in social dialogue’, emphasising that such matters should be negoti­ ated between firms and unions.

THE Council of Mallorca has given the green light for an extension of the Technical In­ spection of Vehicles (ITV) sta­ tions concession for six months, amounting to €6.2 million. This will be the third measure implemented by the Mallorca Council since August to deal with the wait­ ing lists for Mallorca’s MOTs. This will enable 180,000 ITV appointments from Jan­ uary 1 to June 29, 2024. As announced by Fernando Ru­ bio, the Minister for Territo­ ry, Mobility, and Infrastruc­ ture, during the island

MOT boost institution’s plenary session, Specifically, from the next few days, 30,000 appoint­ ments will be available just for January.

This includes 27,000 for cars and heavy vehicles and 3,000 for motorcycles.

Meanwhile, the island is gearing up for a dedicated motorcycle ITV line at the Palma II station and a new station in Calvia, emphasis­ ing the surge of motorbikes in recent Mallorca years.

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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 Euro Weekly News marks its 2,000th edition. This multiple award­winning publi­ cation, founded by a couple from the North of England has played a remarkable role as a promoter of Spain and an active support­ er of local charities throughout its distin­ guished 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!

EWN

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2 - 8 November 2023

LA RIERA park in Mallorca will come alive on Saturday, November 4 with the seventh edition of the Night of the Souls. Organised by the Northern District, the Council for Citizen Participation and Coordination of Districts, and various local entities, this event aims to promote and revive Mallorca’s All Saints traditions.

The festivity kicks off at 4.30pm with the xeremiers gangs touring the park, followed

Soul Night by a children’s show by Cucorba at 5.00pm.

Roada will entertain the crowd at 6.45pm, culminating in a grand Correfoc fire and smoke display at 8:30pm featuring over 100 demons and 50 musicians in the park’s amphitheatre. Concurrently, the sensory

Tramuntana teaching THIS school year, the ‘Service Learning in the Serra de Tramuntana’ programme has seen participation from 40 educational centres, marking its eighth year of collaboration between the Council of Mallorca and the Ministry of Education and Universities.

Sandra Morell of the Council of Mallorca and

Rafel Maura of the Balearic Islands Government expressed their support during the programme’s inauguration.

The Consortium’s goal is to spread the values of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011, to the educational sector. This year, 285 teachers from 40 centres have registered, with

eight joining for the first time. Training sessions for newcomers were held in Raixa, where they learnt about the APS methodology. The ‘Service learning’ programme is an active methodology where children work based on real needs, focusing on the Serra de Tramuntana’s historical, cultural, and natural resources.

Participating centres can even request free stays in a shelter and free visits to the Serra Tramuntana Center in Raixa.

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

park esplanade will host lantern, storytelling, sugared rosary, face painting, and puppet workshops. Victor Uwagba will narrate stories from 5.00pm - 7.00pm. Dramatised guided tours of the cemetery will run from 4pm to 8pm, offering glimpses of unique trees, monumental tombs, and more. Booking is essential via Eventbrite.

With a budget surpassing €11,000, this year promises to be memorable.

LOCAL NEWS Credit: Palma.es

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Palma Council presents the Night of Soul.

Celebrating five years supporting The Dogs Trust SPECSAVERS ÓPTICAS in Santa Ponça have been collecting money for the charity The Dogs Trust for the last five years and have recently made a donation of €82 from their collection box.

This takes the total donated up to €500 and they are encouraging their customers and local residents to give generously when they come in to get their eyes tested, or their glasses fixed.

Store director Andrés Román Romero commented; “We are massive dog lovers at the store and keen supporters of both The Dogs Trust and SOS Animal. We sponsor a dog ourselves and have been collecting money in store for them since 2018.

“Unfortunately, the cost-ofliving crisis is really affecting pet owners. The Dogs Trust receive 30,000 applications from families looking for a

Specsavers donated €82.

new home for their dogs every month, as they can no longer support them. It’s a huge figure and the charity need all the help they can get to care for and rehome these animals.

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.

“Our awesome dog Oli is a beloved member of our family and we can’t imagine ever needing to rehome him, but know not all pet owners can afford to keep their animals these days, so we want to encourage people to donate and support animal charities like The Dogs Trust to keep up their important work.”

Specsavers Ópticas Santa Ponça is located on Avda Rei Jaume 1, 117, Locales 14 y 15 and they are open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 1.30pm on a Saturday. There are collecting tins on the counter where you can donate to The Dogs Trust, or local animal charity SOS Animal, and eye tests are free.

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Mallorca’s patron saint THE Palma City Council revived a tradition on Tuesday, October 31 and honoured San Alonso Rodriguez by displaying his image on the town hall facade. Deputy mayor of Culture, Javier Bonet, joined

by Montesion school’s director Rafel Barcelo, head of studies Catalina Galmes, and deputy mayor of Mobilitat, Toni Deudero, highlighted during the unveiling that “with this tribute to San Alonso, the town council revives a tradition abandoned eight years ago by the previous left-wing party,” Bonet stressed, “it is essential to revive traditions.”

Through this homage, locals can appreciate one of Mallorca’s patron saints and San Alonso’s significance in Palma. The display illustrates San Alonso Rodriguez’s miracle at Castell de Bellver. Born in Segovia in 1533, he was named Mallorca’s patron saint in 1633 and canonised in 1888.

2 - 8 November 2023

Residents’ security Credit: palma.es

LOCAL NEWS

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Caterpillar protection THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment has begun ground treatments to control the pine processionary moth in the Balearic Islands’ public spaces. This project spans recreational zones, shelters, individual pines, and other natural landmarks within the Archipelago. All activities are sanctioned within natural parks and the Natura 2000 Network locales. The primary goal is safeguarding the pine forests and protecting people and animals from allergies caused by the processionary moth. Treatments are scheduled across Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

The method involves the precise application of an insecticide, especially on smaller surfaces near populated zones like housing areas and public estates. This is executed using a vehicle-mounted atomiser gun, which disperses a natural bacterium. Notably, this product doesn’t harm bees and is organic farming-friendly.

Two applications will occur, spaced at least 10 days apart.

Police Day event.

THE mayor of Palma, Jaime Martinez Llabres, emphasised the city’s commitment to a new ‘proximity’ model for the Local Police during the Local Police Day event at the Sant Ferran offices. In his address, the mayor expressed that Palma’s population has surged by over 100,000 in the past 20 years, yet the Local Police force has shrunk compared to two decades ago.

He stated, “One of the highest priorities of the new legislature is to provide the Local

Police with more resources and be more effective.”

He further announced plans to bolster the force by at least

32 The number of counties in Ireland.

300 officers in the coming years. Highlighting the future direction, Llabres described the new model as one of closeness to neighbourhoods, districts, and citizens. He also underscored the significance of enhancing civility and focusing on sustainable mobility, ensuring pedestrians feel secure. Martinez Llabres concluded by expressing his “pride and satisfaction” in the Local Police’s work and thanked other security agencies for their collaboration.

Enough is enough CALLS to address the misuse of Mallorca’s Ma-10 road, which crosses the treasured Serra de Tramuntana World Heritage Site, remain unheeded. The once-tranquil region is now disrupted by drivers treating it as a racetrack. From January 1, there’s been a notable rise in irresponsible drivers, in cars and on motorbikes.

Locals, desperate for change, have taken to Change.org to seek public support. The site features a video highlighting the issue, interspersed with interviews of residents decrying the indifference of the DGT and local authorities. One aggrieved local remarked, “This is a multiple crime: against public order, road safety, public health, the environment, and private property.”

Despite pleas to the Council of Mallorca and the DGT for radar installation, the authorities remain inactive. The community’s heartfelt plea: “Help us to put an end to this barbarity.”

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Top contender P A L M A is vying to become the host city for the inaugural F I D S World Summit 2023, taking place from November 26-28.

The Association of Spanish Sports Directors (ADDE) shortlisted Palma among six cities for this prestigious event. Palma’s city council has put forth T eatre M unicipal X esc Forteza as the potential venue and promises comprehensive infrastructure for the summit.

Besides its tourism appeal, Palma boasts a rich tapestry of cultural, sports, and gastronomic experiences.

This meeting represents a significant opportunity for Palma to mark its place in sports history, stated an official.

Other contending cities include Miraflores de la Sierra, Cabezas de San Juan, Palas de Rei, Oviedo, and Nules.

2 - 8 November 2023

Work underway Credit: Conselldemallorca.cat

LOCAL NEWS

Roundabout work begins.

Spa delight EL LLORENC hotel, a five­star gem nestled in Palma’s old town, unveils a special offer tailored for residents.

Until mid­December, one can indulge in the spa’s thermal circuit featuring a sauna, Turkish bath, ice fountain, sensation shower, and a 14­metre heated pool. Complement your relaxation with the ‘Let Your­ self Go’ menu from the Urba restaurant. Crafted by Michelin Star chef Santi Taura, this eight­course shar­ ing menu promises a gastronomic journey, all for €59 per person (drinks excluded). The hotel’s design, cour­ tesy of Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland, ensures guests feel at home. Facing the sea and adjacent to the Palma cathedral, this hotel epitomises Mallorcan luxury.

THE Council of Mallorca has kickstarted a pivotal safety project with the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Alaro-Consell road (Ma-2022) and Cami Vell d’Orient. This initiative, costing €660,000, has been a longstanding request from Alaro residents to enhance traffic safety. President Llorenc Galmes, alongside Minister Fernando Rubio and Mayor

Llorenc Perello, inspected the site, emphasising their commitment to ‘improve traffic safety’ and ‘promote the works that the towns need’.

Galmes criticised previous inaction, said, “in less than four months, essential projects which were not progressing have been unblocked.” The current T-intersection poses threats to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Paddle progress THE popular sport of padel received a major boost this week in Sant Jordi, Palma. First deputy mayor and Culture and Sports councillor, Javier Bonet, have confirmed the municipal government’s pledge to build two padel courts in Sant Jordi, potentially increasing to four, subject to project feasibility. This announcement was made at a meeting in the Son Moix offices, attended by key figures including David Salom, Miguel Angel Bennasar, and Sant Jordi Padel Club's president, Oscar Otero. Highlighting the sport’s growth, Bonet commented, “the roots of a neighbourhood must be consolidated with a sport to facilitate coexistence and build a community linked to physical activity.” The club currently has over 150 athletes.

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Financial boost I N an unprecedented move, Palma has been allocated €20 million by the government to enhance services, improving the quality of life for its growing population.

This historic decision was announced during the constitutive session of the Capital City Council on Monday, October 30, presided over by Palma’s mayor, Jaime Martinez Llabres, and the president of the Balearic Islands Government, Marga Prohens. Martinez expressed, “Palma is experiencing a historic day... to be the best city in the world to live in.” Prohens emphasised the projects in the pipeline, including ‘the creation of a fairground and the launch of new cultural spaces.

Additional funds are allocated for the Son Moix reform and from the Council of Mallorca, amounting to €2.5 million.

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2 - 8 November 2023 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 already available to the pub­ lic.

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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NEWS/FEATURE

Refunds for rain!

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 destinations, but with this weather guarantee, our cus­ tomers can have a fun holiday even if it rains,” he went on to emphasise that since com­ pensation is paid instantly, travellers have the opportuni­ ty to spend the money on other activities, such as visit­ ing museums or going shop­ ping.

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

Credit: Pinterest

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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

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

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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FEATURE

INTERVIEW

Interview with Simon Williams 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 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 kick­started 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 brother­in­law 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

Credit: Simon Williams

10 EWN 2 - 8 November 2023

Actor, writer and all round nice guy Simon Williams.

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.

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

+0,96%

9,58K

ITV

63,33

+1,18

+1,90%

386,11K

22,08K

J Sainsbury

256,40

+0,10

+0,04%

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

+0,59%

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

+1,32%

256,38K

NatWest Group

182,25

+0,35

+0,19%

2,83M

Next

6.900,0

+78,0

+1,14%

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

-1,13 -2,03 -8,14 +1,33 +0,60 -3,87 -10,40 +0,19 -0,54 +0,09 -7,08 -1,54 +0,94 -1,24 +3,02 -3,40 -5,07 -0,07 -2,73 +1,92 -2,04 -2,64 +0,32 -3,78 -3,70 -1,03 -2,01 -0,56 -0,60 -0,45

-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

+1,08%

2,57M

413,40

1.14585

0.87212

London Stock Exchange

BAE Systems Barratt Developments

PRICE(P)

+6,00

+1,47%

80,22K

Berkeley

4.043,0

+64,0

+1,61%

3,99K

BHP Group Ltd

2.384,00

+23,00

+0,97%

14,52K

BP

531,80

+1,30

+0,24%

1,31M

British American Tobacco 2.432,5

+29,5

+1,23%

191,89K

British Land Company

297,80

+2,60

+0,88%

30,63K

BT Group

112,50

+1,85

+1,67%

188,46K

Bunzl

2.929,0

+35,0

+1,21%

13,12K

Burberry Group

1.713,0

+19,0

+1,12%

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

+1,07%

57,79K

CRH

4.367,0

+47,0

+1,09%

29,39K

Croda Intl

4.311,0

+31,0

+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/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226 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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euroweeklynews.com

Onward and upward 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.

FEATURE

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

16 EWN 2 - 8 November 2023

FEATURE

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20 EWN 2 - 8 November 2023

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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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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

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,

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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 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

A Norwegian Buhund.

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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Real Madrid lose key player Credit: Daniel/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

AFTER suffering an injury during the El Clasico win over Barcelona on Saturday Octo­ ber 28, Real Madrid’s Au­ rélien Tchouaméni could be sidelined for a while.

In a statement published on Sunday, Los Blancos con­ firmed: “After the tests car­ ried out on our player Au­ rélien Tchouameni by the Real Madrid Medical Ser­ vices, he has been diagnosed with an incomplete stress fracture in the second metatarsal of his left foot.

Evolution pending.”

As a result, Carlo Ancelotti will have to plan for life in the immediate future without the excellent 23­year­old French international midfield star. His recent perfor­ mances have made him one of the keys to the Madrid club’s continued good form in LaLiga.

A stunning 1­2 victory over Barca in the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium ­ thanks to a brace from England’s Jude Bellingham ­ saw Madrid re­ turn to the top of the table.

They fell behind in the first

euroweeklynews.com

Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

half to a goal in the sixth minute from the former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan. However, Bellingham continued his golden run of form to turn the match on its head with two goals to bring his re­ markable tally to 13 so far this season.

Real Madrid players have a rest until Wednesday, November 1. That will give the club’s doctors time to once again evaluate the con­ dition of Ferland Mendy.

The French left­back was substituted for the second half and left the pitch show­ ing signs of obvious discom­ fort. He has since been cleared of any muscle injury though.

With Tchouaméni out of the picture, it will allow Ed­ uardo Camavinga to put himself back in the frame for the spot in midfield.

The 20­year­old French­ man missed out on a starting role for the Barcelona game and is the only pure defen­

sive midfielder available to Ancelotti in his famous dia­ mond formation.

Tchouaméni now looks like missing the remainder of Real’s Champions League group matches against Bra­ ga, Naples and Union Berlin.

He will probably also be absent at least for the Span­ ish league matches with Rayo, Valencia, Cádiz, Grana­ da, Betis and Villarreal. If his recovery goes well then he could be back in time for the final game of 2023.

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.