Costa de Almeria 4 – 10 January 2024 Issue 2009

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2009 • 4 - 10 January 2024

FREE

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

GRATIS

GRATIS

VRIJ

FREI

THE animal shelter PAWS PATAS once again completed their ‘New Year’s Day Dip’ on Monday January 1, in aid of all the animals in their care.

Last year the event was a splashing success, with many enjoying a refreshing dip, which not only aided the one or two sore heads from the previous night’s celebrations, but was also all for a good cause! This year the turnout was nearly double! With over 100 participants coming in all sorts of fancy dress.

There was even some four legged friends that turned up to take the plunge, as Paws Patas brought down animals from the shelter, as well as some bringing their own pets along for the occasion.

This invigorating event brought people together from all walks of life, and as well as raising money for a good cause (the final amount is still being counted), firm friendships were

Credit: Steve Ball Facebook

A PADDLE FOR PAWS PATAS

REFRESHING: This year’s New Year dip!

also created in this polar plunge. Although perhaps polar is an exaggeration, it was around 15 degrees

after all!

A big congratulations once more to all the residents of Mojacar and

elsewhere that took part, for being good sports and keeping this generous tradition alive.

GRATUITO

G GRATIS

LIVREE

FFREE

GRATIS S

GRATUIT G

EWN

4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

A magical market AS we bid farewell to another incredible year, Breeze 97.7FM in Almeria are delighted to share the heart-warming success of their 2023 Caritas Christmas Toy Appeal, which concluded on Saturday, December 23.

On Christmas Day the Breeze studio in Albox was alive with festive spirit, hosting a delightful group of contributors who made this initiative truly magical: Santa (Colin Williamson) Mrs Claus (Sandra Williamson) Vicky White from Caritas, accompanied by Graham and Kate Jill and Andy Lewis from Preloved Fundraiser Bobby Gray and Geoff Murrell from Breeze The generosity of the Breeze community knows no bounds. In addition to the hundreds of new and as-new toys donated, a number of incredible cash

Credit:Sharon Lipman

2

Santa about to make some children very happy!

donations also poured in, totalling over €2,000!

Special acknowledgements go to the Vera District Lions for their generous contribution of €500 and to Jill Lewis from Preloved Fundraiser, whose remarkable €700 donation was dedicated to purchasing toys for the appeal.

The Breeze studio also received an overwhelming outpouring of support in

cash donations, totalling €812.50: €300 from Friday Morning Zumba at Rosaleda’s €130 from Susie Hare at Material Girl (raffle) €382.50 from Listener donations, including heart-warming anonymous gifts, and a remarkable €100 donation.

This collective effort ensures that the holiday season is filled with joy and warmth for those in need.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Great show

A CHRISTMAS afternoon of Zambomba Flamenca was held in Albox on December 30, with attendees enjoying a wonderful reception in the Plaza de San Francisco. The council thanked the brotherhoods of Albox and Rumba Kimbao who made it possible for the Albojenses and residents of other towns to enjoy a great show.

Xmas caves

THE young generation of Vera had a great time on their Christmas excursion exploring the Sorbas Caves. Wearing their safety gear, they followed a guide who taught them all about how the cave and its formations were created.

What a fantastic day that was organised by the Youth Area of Vera.

Raising funds

THE ‘Rondalla Sol y Luna’ Christmas Concert to benefit the Association against cancer was a roaring success on Friday, December 29. In collaboration with the local board of Vera, the concert was held at the Ciudad de Vera Auditorium and gave spectators a fabulous night full of music and solidarity!

A big thanks!

RESIDENTS of Mojacar have taken to social media to say a big thank you to the town hall as they agreed to open the toilets on the paseo next to the beach specially for the swim that was held on New Year’s Day.

Lovely people

LOCAL lady Lesley Barlow would like to send her appreciation to all the lovely people who sent her get well messages and those who turned up in person bearing gifts of biscuits and chocolates during her long stay in Hospital and Care homes. She is now happily back home in Mojacar.

A loving farewell IT is with much sadness that the Shoestring Family share with you the passing of one of Mojacar’s much loved, talented and valued residents, Mick East.

Mick was a long time resident of Mojacar and had links to the Rusty Nail, La Rambla, La Copa and El Patio, just to name but a few.

His tales and snippets of gossip from Mojacars ‘Golden years’ were legendary and could entertain for hours.

Wearing his traditional Cornish fisherman’s smock he was easily recognised and most often with a drink in his hand! Very few knew that he was an ex ballroom dancer

EWN

3

YOUR EWN HAS

Credit: Facebook/Shoestring Productions

NIBS EXTRA

4 - 10 January 2024

60

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

RIP: Mick East, gone but never forgotten.

until he was called upon to share with appreciative audiences.

The residents of Mojacar have ex-

pressed their thanks for the laughter and fun and said they “hope the bar is well stocked wherever you are.”

Not unusual Want to sing THE one and only ‘Sex Bomb’ singer, Tom Jones, has announced that he is coming to perform in Almeria Spain in August 2024.

Known as ‘The Welsh Tiger’, Sir Tom is a classic artist that transcends generations and musical trends, with his music known around the world and by all ages. He is now 83 years old but has definitely ‘still got it’ as his latest tour will take him around the world, performing on stages in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, the UK, Germany, Australia, Ireland and of course, here in Spain. He performed in Marbella earlier this year in 2023 and left fans electrified at his captivating show!

The singer will be coming to Almeria, Spain on August 4, where he will perform at ‘The Fairgrounds’. Tickets are currently available through the official Tom Jones website, and many loyal fans are rushing to make sure they bag theirs!

It’s not unusual if you’re excited too!

THE Sue Moretta Singers group have managed to raise an incredible €676.33 for the PAWS PATAS Animal charity in Almeria.

Following their Christmas Concerts at Miraflores, Valery and The Irish Rover, where the singers entertained with a selection of beautiful carols and Christmas songs, collections were made to raise their great donation.

Sue Moretta has sent thanks to her singers, the venues, and all of those

Credit: Next Stop Almeria/Paul Fullard

The Sue Moretta Singers.

who have kindly donated.

Sue is looking to recruit new singers in 2024 so if you are interested you can contact her on Facebook or WhatsApp 711 028 596.

Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy and Prosperous New Year from the Sue Morretta Singers.

Missing A DOG has gone missing in the Turre area and has been lost for a number of days now. The dog’s name is Curro and he was last wearing a blue collar. He is quite small and his owner is even more worried as it is very unlike him to wander off. This is an awful thing to happen during Christmas time and the family are really upset, Curro is extremely loved. If anyone has seen him or knows anything that could help get him back please contact this number 661 039 699 and ask for Aida.

Thank you!

A Christmas for all The Euro Weekly News

THE town of Albox is ensuring that this Christmas can be for everyone, by offering activities that all the family can enjoy.

Not only is the town joyfully decorated with an array of festive decorations, but Albox have also created their own special program, ‘A Christmas for everyone’.

This programme involves a variety of activities that are designed for all ages. Last week, on Friday December 29, many families and residents came down to enjoy the ‘Christmas soap workshop’, a fun filled and creative workshop where attendees left with their own self made souvenirs!

There will be another workshop on January 4 and on January 6 the Magic

publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews.com and in its papers than any other English news publication in SPAIN Spain.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Albox

WORKSHOP: Making festive soaps!

Kings will make a special appearance!

Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

FOR MORE NEWS STORIES euroweeklynews.com

4

EWN

4 - 10 January 2024

Mojacar celebrates first MOJACAR was the first town in Almeria to see in the New Year, with celebrations happening 12 hours before the rest of the region.

As they have in the past years, to make sure that residents can celebrate the arrival of 2024 with their children and families, the new year was welcomed at 12 noon in the Plaza del Arbollon, Mojacar.

To the rhythm of the chimes of the Santa María Parish Church, children feasted on jellybeans and toast, as has now become tradition, alongside a special juice that Mojacar Council provided.

This early New Year’s Eve was just like any other that was to follow it around the world, consisting of the traditional Spanish grapes, lucky chimes, toasts, congratulations, fireworks, music, games and children’s activities which were even accompanied by Disney characters!

For several years now, Mojacar has been the first town to celebrate the arrival of the New Year with children who, in most cases, are not still awake at midnight and therefore cannot celebrate it with their families. Children’s New Year’s Eve is a very popular family celebration here, and many families, children and young people come along to join the party.

At the sound of 12, a fantastic array of fireworks filled the Mojacar sky with light and colour, to celebrate all of the good things that will without a doubt fill this New Year.

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Did giants once roam Almeria?

MEGALITHIC FORMATIONS: Giants play in Cabo de Gata.

THEY are the beings of myths, legends, and actually quite a few religious stories.

But, did giants really roam the Earth once upon a time, and if so, was right here in Almeria a part of their stomping ground?

There have long since been many tales from Andalucia based on the mythology of the Atlantes and the Titans, giant races who apparently inhabited and shaped this Latin land in times long past.

One part of the landscape that aids to these stories are the region’s megalithic formations that can be found in many places.

One such place is situated on the beaches near Cabo de Gata, with its megalithic rock formations that obtrude dramatically out of the sea.

Legend has it that these giant pieces of stone were once used as weapons in an angry battle between two furious giants, who broke off pieces of mountain and hurled them at each other in a fit of rage.

Another site that is said to echo the ancient cries of giants are the fortresses and megalithic necropolis of Los Millares, located in the district of Santa Fe de Mondujar. This site features huge graves or ‘dolmens’ that are recognised as burial sites, but are far larger than any human that has been recorded in history.

The site in its entirety is massive, and legends of the area tell of a giant who was hunted down and killed, after which his body was turned into stone. This stony body was then used to create the vast amounts of walls and structures, some of which still stand today.

Whether this is a forgotten and forbidden history, or just the makings of myths, one thing is for sure, Almeria is a region of beauty, history, and captivating legends.

6

EWN

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

4 - 10 January 2024

A brilliant build ON Thursday, December 28, the pedestrian bridge and walkway at la Charca del Gato was officially opened.

This newly built feature will save the flood zone at the mouth of the Rambla del Algarrobo, making the area walkable and accessible for hikes and paseos around the area.

With this action carried out in a notably urbanised area, in addition to gaining security for the neighbours, the great environmental value of the environment is recovered, integrating the Salar de los Canos wetland, the Charca del Gato and the seashore, in an ecosystem that was modified by the construction boom and is finally being restored again.

MACS President awarded BEM PHILIP DAVID BROWN, who is known as David and is the president and co-founder of MACS Cancer Support Group, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to people with cancer in Spain in the UK’s 2024 New Year’s Honours list published on Friday December 29.

Since it launched 15 years ago, MACS has supported more than 800 patients with financial assistance, transport, translators, equipment and carers, fulfilling the dream of his wife Elaine Kay Brown, the other co-founder of the charity.

The British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, said: “When David and his wife Elaine arrived in Spain, they dreamed of creating a platform to support cancer patients and their families. That dream became MACS, which has since helped many patients suffering from this terrible disease.

“This support would not be possible without the efforts of Elaine, whom we remember fondly, and David, who is very deserving of this BEM.” MACS founder, David Brown, said: “What a wonderful surprise! I am honoured to accept this award not only for myself but most especially on behalf of my wife Elaine who was the founder of MACS, but who sadly lost her fight to cancer five years ago.

“Without the amazing generosity of local businesses, the general public and the su-

David Brown proud recipient of the BEM.

pport of our wonderful volunteers, MACS could not exist. A tremendous thank you to all.”

In addition to David Brown, three other Spain-based Brits have been included in the New Year Honours list 2024: An MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) to Mrs Margery Anne Taylor, District Treasurer and District Training Officer, Royal British Legion, Spain South. ‘For services to Veterans in Spain.’

An MBE to Mrs Deborah Carol Edgington, Former councillor for Tourism in Antigua (Fuerteventura). ‘For services to British Nationals in Fuerteventura.’

Becoming an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is Mrs Susan Hannam, Vice-President, Cudeca Hospice Foundation. ‘For services to Palliative Care and Volunteering Services in Spain.’

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

4 - 10 January 2024

THE largest Roscon de Reyes in the history of the Almanzora Valley has been planned, and it will be a massive 35 metres!

The council of the town of Zurgena has confirmed that on January 5, the largest roscon de reyes that has ever been made in this part of Almeria will be produced, in a bid to attract visitors as well as delight local residents.

The traditional sweet treat will be a whopping 35 metres and can be tasted for free during the day when the Three Kings take their tour round Zurgenero.

“We are going to make a giant king’s roscon that will also be distributed by Their Majesties” stated the mayor of the town, Domingo Trabalon, who also compared the impressive cake to “the dimensions of an indoor football field, since it will be almost the distance between one goal and another.”

Although the radical ros-

Image: gnepphoto / Shutterstock. com

Historical Roscon de Reyes

LARGEST EVER: A sweet treat for all to enjoy!

con will surely take centre stage on the day of January 5, the Zurgena Council also wants to make sure that the experience will be unforgettable for all attendees, in more ways than one. For this reason, the day will also hold a number of other family activities.

“We want children and

families to have fun,” said the mayor, so “at the same time as the roscon tasting begins, there will also be a dance exhibition.”

This will certainly be a very special afternoon for the town Zurgena, and without a doubt one that most have never experienced before!

EWN

7

EWN

4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

The rising cost of olive oil OLIVE oil prices are suddenly soaring, as extreme weather conditions in Europe have caused widespread drought.

These higher prices are apparent worldwide, but seem to be affecting Europe the most, especially since for many of us here, olive oil is not just a simple ingredient, but rather an irreplaceable cultural staple in cuisine.

Supermarkets in most European countries are currently selling olive oil at record prices, with prices of Spanish olive oil having risen by 115 per cent between September 2022 and September 2023.

This is causing chaos for not only the lone consumer, but also for restaurants too. The question on everyone’s lips, why have olive oil prices suddenly risen so sharply?

Difficult weather conditions during the past decade, such as severe droughts and then floods, have caused the Mediterranean’s olive groves to become unstable and slowly dry up. Following this, and adding to the problem, 2023 saw Spain experience GOOD old Santa Claus filled the Garrucha senior residence centre with joy recently, making a special festive visit.

In a day that was full of emotion, Santa Claus made his entrance into the Garrucha Senior Residence, lighting up the hearts of the residents there with unforgettable moments of joy and smiles.

Credit: Shutterstock/1923529091

8

HIGH PRICES: Liquid gold for Europe.

their hottest summer on record.

In Almeria, seventh-generation farmer Rafael Alonso Barrau, owner of Oro Del Desierto has confirmed the disaster that producers are currently facing. He stated that, “last year we had 15 per cent less than average compared to the last 20 years. We might consider this normal as olive trees produce not the same every year with alternate yearly yields the norm, but this year we had less than 45 per cent yield and this matters a lot.”

Adding that “the concern is that our summers are becoming longer and hotter and

we believe this affects the viability of the production.”

So, what is the solution?

Many chefs have advised that rather than attempt to replace this unique taste, it is preferred to simply use a little less. Tips for this include reducing the temperature when cooking with olive oil, and mixing it with other fats from different meats.

Another answer is to focus on purchasing higher-grade cold-pressed oils, as they have a much stronger and more pronounced flavour, making a little go a long way and still adding that unmistakable Mediterranean taste.

Smiles for Santa

The halls echoed with laughter and Christmas songs as Santa shared stories and listened attentively to the older generation’s anecdotes.

Each gift given was more than just an object; it was a symbol of affection and at-

tention towards those who have fought and worked so hard to make a better Garrucha.

The celebration’s councillor, Isa Morales, expressed her gratitude and emotion at seeing the happiness on the faces of the town’s elders.

In a warm and emotional message, Morales highlighted the importance of sharing moments of joy with those who have contributed so much to Garrucha throughout their lives.

For its part, the government team came together to congratulate the senior residents and thank them for being a fundamental part of the social fabric of Garrucha, recognising the importance of preserving the valuable social and cultural legacy that they have left us.

This Christmas, Santa Claus’s visit to the Garrucha Senior Residence was not only an event, but a moving reminder of the importance of sharing the joy and excitement of this holiday.

ADVERTISING FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

4 - 10 January 2024

EWN

9

Strategic financial planning for the New Year Of course, you can review your financial planning any time to ensure it is on the right path, but the New Year is the perfect prompt to do so.

One key reason is to ensure it is up to date. Establish whether any tax rules or financial regulations have changed and consider if developments in your personal circumstances mean you should adjust previous arrangements.

But an effective review of your financial planning, to ensure it is suitable for your life in Spain and future plans, needs to go beyond that.

Many people only consider segments of their finances at a time. They may have bought shares in companies or funds they liked years ago. They may speak to a tax accountant about Spanish taxation, then to a lawyer about wills. At some point they look at their pensions.

For truly effective financial planning, however, you need to

start afresh in Spain. What was tax efficient in the UK is unlikely to be tax efficient here.

Explore the compliant arrangements available in Spain to establish what would work for your situation and how much tax you can save.

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

consider all these various aspects together. For example, how you hold your investments can make a difference to your Spanish tax liabilities. Estate planning in Spain is no simple matter and how you own assets can impact on what you can achieve.

Spanish residency and taxation The fact that you are resident in Spain, rather than the UK, has a significant impact on your financial and tax planning.

Regardless of how effective your tax planning in the UK was, you pretty much need to

Estate planning The way you own assets can impact on how you can distribute them on death and how much tax your beneficiaries pay, so take this into consideration early on. The Spanish succession tax rules differ greatly from the UK’s and you need to understand these to be able to plan around them.

Spanish succession law establishes forced heirship rules and protects children over your spouse, which can have unwelcome consequences for certain families unless you plan ahead.

UK nationals can use the EU succession regulation to distribute their estate under the appropriate UK law, but re-

search this first to confirm if it’s the right solution for you.

Financial structuring for life in Spain Perhaps the key rule for financial planning is that it must be specifically structured around your personal circumstances – your lifestyle today and plans for the future, family situation, income requirements, objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance.

If you don’t already have a strategic financial plan in place for Spain, you need to take a completely fresh look at your investments and consider if they remain suitable for you today.

Are they too risky? Do you have adequate diversification? Could you consolidate shares and funds so they are easier to manage?

At the same time, consider your tax liabilities on investment income and gains, as well as wealth tax, and whether you could use tax-efficient arrange-

ments to hold your investments as resident of Spain. And how will these savings be passed to your heirs? What inheritance taxes will they pay? Can the funds be passed on directly or through a lengthy probate process?

Every family is different.

Your strategic financial planning must be carefully designed for you. All the various aspects should work cohesively together to create an overall wealth management plan that provides long-term financial security for yourself and achieves your wishes for your heirs. For peace of mind take specialist advice.

All advice received from any Blevins Franks firm is personalised and provided in writing.

This document/article, however, should not be construed as providing any personalised taxation and/or investment advice.

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

10 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024 DEBORAH CAROL EDGINGTON, a former councillor for Tourism in Antigua, has been awarded an MBE for her services to British Nationals in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) in the New Year Honours list published on December 29.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Mrs Edgington supported British citizens on

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Deborah Edgington receives MBE the island by keeping them informed of updates and restrictions, as well as assisting those who chose to return to the UK under challenging circumstances.

In addition to helping her compatriots with logistical and bureaucratic issues, Mrs

Edgington has worked with the local community to raise thousands of euros in funds for various charities.

Hugh Elliott, the British Ambassador to Spain, said: “Deborah’s 25 years of serving the needs and integration of the British community in Fuerteventura make her a worthy recipient of this MBE award.

“She has worked tirelessly to ensure that British nationals know their rights and has not hesitated to step forward when most needed, through times of great changes or uncertainty, from Brexit, through the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

“Through her sterling work she has earned the respect and trust of those around her, and I’m delighted that it has been recognised with this award.”

Mrs Edgington said: “It is a great honour and a complete surprise to have been awarded an MBE, I feel immensely proud and humbled. I am always happy to assist others, especially when sometimes

these can be the most difficult moments for people.

“This for me was always easier with the help and assistance I received from the fantastic team of Consulate Staff, Las Palmas Gran Canaria.”

In addition to Mrs Edgington, three other British residents in Spain have been named in the New Year Honours list 2024: An MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the ON Thursday December 28 Françoise Bettencourt Meyers became the first woman to be worth $100 billion (€904.5 billion) after a rise in L’Oreal shares.

Bettencourt Meyers inherited the cosmetics and perfume empire in 2017 from her mother who, before her death, had been the world’s richest woman.

Promoted by celebrities, actresses and supermodels like Kendall Jenner, Penelope Cruz and Beyonce, L’Oreal is inseparable from

British Empire) to Mrs Margery Anne Taylor, District Treasurer and District Training Officer, Royal British Legion, Spain South. ‘For services to Veterans in Spain.’

A BEM (British Empire Medal) to Mr Philip David Brown.

President and co-founder, MACS Charity Mojacar Area Cancer Support. ‘For services to people with Cancer in Spain.’

Becoming an Officer of the Order of the British Empire

Deborah Edgington, MBE.

(OBE) is Mrs Susan Hannam, Vice-President, Cudeca Hospice Foundation. ‘For services to Palliative Care and Volunteering Services in Spain.’

She’s worth it its ‘Because I’m worth it’ slogan, first introduced 50 years ago.

The company was founded in 1909 by Eugene Schueller, Bettencourt Meyers’s grandfather, to produce and sell the hair dye he had invented.

Headquartered in Clichy on the outskirts of Paris, L’Oreal has a €241 billion value on the Paris stock exchange where it is listed.

Seventy-year-old Bettencourt Meyers, and her family are L’Oreal’s principal shareholders with a stake of nearly 35 per cent whose soaring value increased her wealth by $28.6 billion (€25.8 billion) this year to reach $100 billion.

However the highest-placed French person on the list is Bernard Arnault with a $179 billion (€162 billion) fortune.

12 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

SPANISH news media often has a fascination with the British press, about how its cities and culture are perceived in the UK. A recent article from a well-known Spanish newspaper reported on such an article that shed light on a Spanish city that has charmed English tourists with its understated beauty and historical richness.

On the 2022 tourist map, Spain attracted over 70 million visitors, predominantly from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. This surge in tourism underscores Spain’s allure, especially

Credit: Tim Adams/Creative Commons

A hidden Spanish gem Banys Arabs, Girona.

among British travellers who cherish the nation’s climate, cuisine, and culture.

Girona: An Overlooked Marvel Despite being overshadowed by more famous locales, Girona, a Catalan city at just 100 kilometres from Barcelona, has captured the hearts of many English tou-

rists.

Once known primarily for its airport’s proximity to Barcelona, and described as ‘one of the most underrated cities in Spain,’ Girona is now recognised for its intrinsic value.

Girona serves as a gateway for many en route to Spain’s larger cities. But, the overwhelming opinion is that it deserves far greater recognition.

Girona possesses some of the best preserved medieval walls and cobblestone streets, rated among the finest in Europe. Notably the TV fantasy series Game of Thrones chose the town for filming some of its scenes.

Architectural And Natural Splendour

Not only does Girona boast symbolic structures like the symmetrical bell tower of the Monastery of San Pedro de Galligants and the Arab baths, but it also invites exploration of its scenic surroundings.

Framed by the Pyrenees and enveloped in forests, Girona’s charm extends beyond its architecture, in particular the grandeur of the Onar River that flows through the city.

Girona emerges not just as a stopover but as a destination worthy of admiration and exploration. Its blend of historical splendour, architectural beauty, and natural landscapes makes it a hidden gem, now rightfully earning the attention it deserves.

Paying it forward MIJAS residents Alan and Jenny Boardman decided this Christmas that they would gift an El Corte Inglés

hamper to Michel and Steven Euesden, the owners of Euro Weekly News.

This gesture was partly as a token of their friendship and partly because of the publicity their newspaper has consistently given to Mijas Walking Tours for Charity which has raised over €16,000 for Costa del Sol charities in the last three years.

Michel and Steven decided that, rather than keep the hamper for themselves or try to divide up the contents fairly (not an easy task) they would instead raffle it among the staff of Euro Weekly News in their Fuengirola head office and in return, the kind staff there raised a total of €100.

Alan raises funds for a different Costa del Sol charity every two months through his Walking Tours of Mijas and other events, so Michel and Steven promptly donated the €100 to his latest nominated charity, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group based in Calahonda.

The paying it forward didn’t stop there though.

The winner of the hamper, Naz (pictured with Alan) went home, and knocked on the door of his neighbour

Naz and Alan at the Euro Weekly News office.

Raquel who is a member of the Association ‘El Vuelo De Las Libélulas’ which collaborates with families covering their basic needs and donated the hamper to that charity.

This story really embodies the spirit of Christmas and shows what positive things can happen through the power of human kindness.

It also ties in nicely with Michel’s comments only last week in this newspaper about how we can all help anyone we know who is lonely and/or in need.

It doesn’t have to involve buying an El Corte Inglés hamper of course but as the saying goes, “it’s the thought that counts.”

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

4 - 10 January 2024

EWN 13

CAPUCHIN MONKEY: At home in lush woodland.

and another monkey to a more distant island, Charlie made a run - or jump - for it and left the enclosure.

Over the next few days, attempts to catch Charlie were unsuccessful although he periodically came back for food.

Speaking on December 30, the Sanctuary manager explained to the Irish media that he had failed to return in recent days.

“Charlie is not a pet and is unused to human interaction,” Heffernan said. “The only time he sees other humans is if the vet has to pay a visit.” Anyone spotting the monkey, who is roughly the size of a cat or small dog, was warned not approach, feed or try to catch him.

Instead, they should call the Sanctuary who would use a tranquiliser dart to retrieve him.

ADDICTION experts in France said the government was not doing enough to publicise the risks attached to alcohol.

Instead, it should be supporting the Defi de Janvier - January Challenge - a campaign equivalent to the UK’s Dry January and promoted by the country’s health charities.

According to a poll carried out for Association Addictions France, 60 per cent of respondents were prepared to take up the challenge in the New Year but the state health service was not backing the initiative.

Forty-five academics and doctors specialising in addiction have now put their names to a letter calling on the government to promote the Defi de Janvier.

“It is more than a shame that the government continues to keep its distance from the French version of Dry January,” the letter lamented.

Only the US consumes more wine than France and the country’s politicians are aware of the importance of the sector, which provides work for half a million people.

President Emmanuel Macron happily admits to drinking wine each day at lunch and dinner, and has been quoted as saying that a meal without wine “is a bit sad.”

The influential wine lobby maintains that the French traditionally drink in

Photo credit: Flickr/Mustang Joe

THE Monkey Sanctuary Ireland in Rathdrum (County Wicklow) is searching for Charlie, a capuchin who disappeared in December.

Sanctuary manager Willie Heffernan explained that the 24-year-old monkey “a great tree-climber” - escaped while being moved away from female monkeys who, like him, live on one of the rescue centre’s islands located in a spring-fed lake.

Charlie did not have the best start in life as, like practically all of the Sanctuary’s primates, he came from a laboratory.

Arriving in Ireland from Edinburgh University in 2001 he was so young that he had not been neutered and, now a mature adult, he has discovered sex.

It was decided to move Charlie after he began harassing three elderly female monkeys living on an adjoining island who are in their mid-60s and did not welcome Charlie’s attentions.

Heffernan explained that while transferring Charlie

Photo credit: CC/steve b

Charlie looks for love January not dry in France

FRENCH VINEYARD: Wine industry employs 500,000 people.

moderation and an alcohol-free month would be at odds with France’s customs.

Going dry for a month was more appropriate for binge-drinking northern European countries, it has suggested.

Ninety per cent of the French population drank less than the weekly 10 glasses recommended by health experts, pointed out Krystel Lepresle, from Vin et Societe, which represents the French wine sector.

What was more, alcohol consumption had fallen by 60 per cent over the last 60 years she said.

“The French succeed in reconciling the pleasure of consumption with moderation,” Lepresle added.

Meanwhile, Addiction Professor Olivier Cottencin, who organised the letter, said it was “surprising” that France’s government was willing to back a tobacco-free November each year, but shied away from an alcohol-free month.

Fully equipped p open p p plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house.

14 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

Viral AI photo

Credit: Matias Zavia/Gliff

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

MALAGA BEACH: The viral photo that tricks the eye!

ONE thing that exploded into everyday life during 2023 is Artificial Intelligence.

From university students hiring robots to write their dissertations, to the world going crazy over turning our favourite photos into flattering cartoons, slowly this new technology is becoming a part of our everyday lives.

One such AI tool, Gliff, works by placing hidden words inside an image. This mobile phone app is what Malaga journalist, Matias Zavia, used

to create this photo that immediately went viral last September, 2023.

The creation gained more than four million hits online, with people from all over the world raving at the talent shown. Comments including “the photographer is a genius”, and “absolutely incredible, tricked me!” were posted by people under the image.

However, as explained by the creator himself, it was mostly the work of the artificial intelligence available on

the app. It is actually pretty simple to use, users just instruct the tool with what they want to write, in what font size and within a stated context, and the image will be generated, artificially! This viral image was a result of Matias requesting the word ‘Malaga’ and asking that it be in a beach setting.

‘The Malaga photo’ as it became known, was downloaded so many times that the app surprisingly crashed on the first days of its launch.

British couple die in fire IN a tragic incident, a British couple, aged 84 and 78 whose identities were known locally, lost their lives in a house fire near Benidorm.

The fatal fire occurred at their residence in the Denia area of Costa Blanca, close to Benidorm. The incident, which is believed to have

taken place several days before the discovery, was reported by a neighbour on Friday, December 29, shortly before 11.00am.

Emergency services, including firefighters, rushed to the scene at the Urbanizacion Betlems residential estate which lies next to the

iconic Montgo Mountain, after being alerted by the concerned neighbour.

Despite their prompt response, there was nothing they could do to save the couple. Spain’s National Police are now spearheading the investigation into the fire’s origins.

The neighbour who was instrumental in alerting the authorities, reported no visible flames but was alarmed by the blackened interior of the property’s windows.

The evidence suggests that the fire might have been smouldering undetected for an extended period.

Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the blaze. However, preliminary reports and local speculations hint at an accidental start, possibly due to a carelessly discarded cigarette butt. The exact duration of the fire before its discovery remains unclear, but speculations suggest it could have been days.

As the community reels from the shock, the investigation continues underway.

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Embracing Swedish habit HAVE you ever wondered how to start your day on a happier note? In Sweden, a simple morning habit is making waves in Spain for its positive impact on well-being.

According to the ‘Third Emotional Wellbeing Report’ by the AXA Group, conducted with over 16,000 respondents across 16 countries, only 47 per cent of Spaniards claim to be happy.

This stark contrast to the high levels of contentment seen in Sweden, known for its exceptional quality of life, draws our attention to the Scandinavian approach to wellbeing.

The Secret Of Swedish Contentment Sweden, renowned for its high quality of life, attributes its citizens’ happiness to more than just wealth. Embracing ‘slow living’, the Swedes prioritise work-life balance, reduced stress, and mindful enjoyment of leisure.

Central to this philosophy is a morning routine, increasingly adopted in Spain, which reportedly boosts happiness and energy.

Gokotta: A Morning Tradition The key to this routine is the ‘gokotta’ method, translating to ‘dawn with the cuckoo’. It involves rising early to experience the first birdsong of the day, a tradition deeply rooted in Sweden’s connection with nature.

Originally a springtime practice, it now extends throughout the year and beyond

Credit: LeManna/Shutterstock.com

16 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

POSITIVE IMPACT: Early morning in nature.

Swedish borders. The modern twist? Enjoying not just the birdsong but also the sunrise, be it during a walk in nature or from one’s own balcony.

Benefits Of The Gokotta Method This practice, by witnessing natural light early in the day, aligns our circadian rhythms, which aids in stress and anxiety management. Sunlight exposure also enhances serotonin production, crucial for sleep regulation. Thus, embracing the morning sun can significantly improve mental balance and sleep quality.

Adapting gokotta to life in Spain or elsewhere involves simple steps. Enjoy morning calm in parks or natural areas, establish serene morning rituals like meditation, and disconnect from digital devices. Even city dwellers can create a tranquil environment at home with plants and natural light, embodying the spirit of gokotta.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

4 - 10 January 2024

Unique cow poop lottery HAVE you ever heard of a lottery where cow dung determines the winner? In the Galician council of A Mezquita, this peculiar event is a reality.

With most of Spain focused on the El Gordo lottery draw recently, Galicia once again demonstrated its unique sense of humour by holding a lottery with a difference.

Organised by the Ourense Council, this unique raffle took place again this year, drawing crowds and sparking interest. Participants eagerly anticipate this annual event, much like the excitement surrounding the Extraordinary Christmas Lottery Draw.

This year’s edition marked the fifth edition of this unusual contest, aimed at promoting local businesses.

Rafael Perez, the town’s mayor, described the event as ‘a different and attractive raffle’, which has certainly lived up to its expectations by generating significant buzz.

Credit: lunamarina/Shutterstock.com

COWS: Rectangles decide on the winner.

The process is simple yet highly unusual. The organisers mark out a grid on a large flat area of ground in which numbered and lettered rectangles are drawn.

Cows are then released into the area, and the lucky €1,000 winner is determined by which rectangle a cow decides to deliver its cowpat upon.

In this year’s draw, the prize was awarded to the rectangle marked with the number 103 and the letter C. Famous cows like Ma-

carena and Paradela have previously participated, and this year, a calf named Ayuso made its debut, promptly delivering the ‘jackpot’.

Raffle tickets are distributed free of charge by local businesses, including shops, restaurants, taxis, and supermarkets. The success of the event has been so overwhelming that the organisers are considering doubling the prize money to €2,000 for the 2024 edition.

EWN 17

18 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

Vertical farming

PIONEERING FACILITY: An ambitious venture.

necessity: rethinking food production amid an ever-growing population, climate change, and dwindling agricultural land. CEO Anders Riemann emphasises how vertical farming champions a sustainable food system, emphasising quality, taste, and local production while minimising resource consumption.

The staggering €8.5 million raised in investments underscores the faith in this sustainable agricultural model. Vertical farming ensures a smaller environmental footprint by using a fraction of land and water compared to traditional methods. Aligning with

Denmark’s renewable energy initiatives, this farm illustrates the fusion of sustainable agriculture with clean energy, contributing significantly to reducing CO2 emissions.

The farm’s multi-level shelves, reaching heights of 14 floors, will soon supply Copenhagen Markets with an array of locally grown produce. Nordic Harvest’s mission transcends mere sustenance; it strives for a paradigm shift towards healthier, tastier, locally sourced food. Moreover, this approach aims to free up agricultural land, bolster biodiversity, and create a blueprint for a truly sustainable future.

POLAND’S entry for the Oscars brings together the work of a Nobel Prize-winning author and the team behind the previously Oscar-nominated hand-painted animation ‘Loving Vincent’ to provide a modern telling of a classic Polish story reports ‘Notes from Poland’.

A quarter of a million hours of work, 80,000 handmade frames produced from 3,000 paintings made by 100 animators from Poland, Serbia, Lithuania and Ukraine. That was the effort that went into producing ‘The Peasants’, Poland’s entry for this year’s Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

The technique, which involves first shooting a traditional feature film with actors before the results are painted over by hand to resemble canvases, will be familiar to those who have seen ‘Loving Vincent’, the previous film by Polish-British couple DK Welchman (formerly known as Dorota Kobiela) and Hugh

The Peasants Photo: Gazeta Wyborcza.pl

EUROPE’s skyline now hosts a groundbreaking marvel: a colossal vertical farm. This pioneering facility, a brainchild of Danish company Nordic Harvest, emerges as one of the largest in the region, promising a sustainable agricultural revolution.

Diverging from conventional farming methods, this towering vertical farm doesn’t rely on sprawling fields. Instead, it harnesses stacked boxes within a warehouse, employing the ingenious technique of vertical farming.

This agricultural innovation uses stacked layers, incorporating soil-less methods like hydroponics and aeroponics, heralding a new era of resource-efficient food production.

One striking feature is its purple glow, emanating from meticulously controlled LED lighting. This hue isn’t just a visual spectacle; it symbolises technology and agriculture.

These tailored light spectrums optimise photosynthesis, fostering faster growth cycles and potentially higher yields, showcasing the farm’s commitment to innovation.

Nordic Harvest’s ambitious venture aligns with a global

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

CLASSIC STORY: But a hand-painted animation.

Welchman.

‘The Peasants’ is proving a hit with both critics and audiences, who greeted its premiere at Toronto International Film Festival with a standing ovation.

The film is “a ravishingly beautiful visual triumph”, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “The result is near hallucinatory in its effect, as if walking through an art

museum filled with masterpieces that have lives of their own.”

We do not have long to wait to find out whether those at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are similarly enthused. Preliminary voting ended on December 18 and the official nominations for the 2024 Oscars will be announced on January 23.

Property of the week • Ref. VH2280 • €349,950

ADVERTISING FEATURE VOSS HOMES

Cortijo Gacia near Huercal-Overa

A STUNNING, full of character, renovated to a very high standard, nine bed, five bath Country House / Rental Business (four bed, two bath main house plus three attached, separate self contained apartments) in the Huercal-Overa countryside with 10m x 4m swimming pool, central heating and stunning 360º country views on 10,000m2 of fenced land. Four minutes drive to San Francisco village with three bar / restaurants, shop, chemist, doctors and school.

Eight minutes drive to the major market town of Huercal-Overa with its award winning hospital, numerous shops, restaurants, parks, theatre, cinema, twice weekly markets (Mon & Thurs). Twenty minutes drive to the safe, sandy beaches at San Juan de Los Terreros. Thirty-five minutes drive to the coast at Vera, Garrucha and Mojacar.

The property consists of a four bed, two bath main house with three attached separate self contained apartments with their own living / dining rooms and kitchens.

The house is almost all newly built but you would never believe this due to its authentic, traditional appearance and feel.

Renovated to a very high standard.

This due to using a mixture of traditional materials like rustic floor tiles, wooden doors and wall plastering as well as stronger modern materials meaning less ongoing maintenance. The roof is new and is covered with traditional roof tiles.

The main house consists of a welcoming entrance hall leading to the grand central hall which forms the ‘heart’ of this home.

Here various doors lead in to the rest of the rooms. To the right is the large living room / dining room, kitchen and walk-in pantry.

In the centre is a traditional feature firepla-

The pool has amazing countryside views.

ce with log burning fire. Wooden double doors lead out to a spacious terrace spanning the width of the house and provides stunning views. Here there is plenty of space to dine and relax and the built in bbq and pizza / bread oven are a real bonus.

Also in the central hall are doors to the three large double bedrooms, storage room and family bathroom with roll top bath and separate walk-in shower.

An attractive stairway takes you up to the main bedroom with ensuite shower room.

A door opens up onto the sun terrace again

Enjoy the open sun terraces.

with amazing open country views.

The apartments are equally beautifully renovated with their own terraces, kitchens, living and dining rooms, central heating and great views and offer very flexible accommodation. The furniture is also for sale.

Apartment 1 & 3 both have two double bedrooms, one shower room, fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and lounge each.

Apartment 2 has one double bedroom, one shower room, spacious open plan living / dining room and fitted kitchen.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ARRANGE A VIEWING OF VH2280 OR A MEETING IN OUR OFFICE IN HUERCAL-OVERA PLEASE CONTACT VOSS HOMES DIRECTLY ON 0034 950 616 827 OR EMAIL US ON ENQUIRIES@VOSSHOMESSPAIN.COM

www.vosshomesspain.com

FINANCE SHOPLIFTING cost the retail industry £1 billion in 2024 and people increasingly buy black market shoplifted food as prices soar, the British Independent Retailers Association said. Meat, cheese and confectionery are amongst the items most-often stolen in large quantities from shops and lorries, they said.

Cutting losses

SPAIN’S ‘bad bank’ Sareb set up 11 years ago during the financial crisis, plans to sell on €850 million in unpaid loans and defaulted mortgages. To help it do so, the bank has put out to tender a €375,100 contract for a financial consultant to carry out ‘one or several’ operations in 2024.

Brand scheme

SUPERDRY is negotiating to sell its brand rights in the US and Middle East to underpin the clothing company’s finances. The announcement follows last October’s agreement with India and Sri Lanka which raised £30 million (€34.57 million) in a deal with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Brands.

Fewer layoffs

THE UGT union ratified the agreement that the CC OO and Sumados Fetico unions had previously reached with Telefonica. The working week has been reduced to 36 hours and instead of the multinational company’s plans for 5,124 redundancies, these have been reduced and now affect 3,421 employees.

Plucked Rose

ALISON ROSE, NatWest’s former chief executive, will have her name removed from the Rose Review, an official report on women entrepreneurs that bore her name. Rose had to resign following the debanking debacle when Nigel Farage’s Coutts account was allegedly closed owing to his political views.

STAT OF WEEK

€112 billion

paid in Income Tax (IRPF) alone to Spain’s tax authority Hacienda during the first 11 months of 2023, a record sum that topped the total received in 2022.

Hollywood in Sunderland FILM producer Leo Pearlman hopes to create one of Europe’s biggest film and television studios in Sunderland.

Talking to the Guardian in late December, Pearlman, whose productions have won Emmys, Grammys, National Film Awards and Brit Awards, insisted there was nothing to stop Sunderland from becoming the new Hollywood.

He is a managing partner at Fulwell 73, a company with offices in Los Angeles, London and Sunderland that was founded by Pearlman and a group of friends who include James Corden.

LEO PEARLMAN: Producer plans to open studios in Sunderland.

“There’s no point in having dreams unless they are wild,” Pearlman declared.

Plans for the £450 million (€518.3 million) film studios located at the Crown Works, where cranes were built in the past, were submitted for planning permission in November.

The site where 20 sound stages will one day occupy a 1.68-million square foot (1.56-million square metre) has enormous potential, Pearlman said, with the future studios creating more than 8,000 jobs and contributing £334 million (€384.7 million) to the local economy each year.

But Hollywood will come to Sunderland only if the UK government invests in the project, he continued.

“We are looking for the government to put in less than £20 million (€23 million) a year over 10 years, against an annual GVA (gross value added) of £350 million (€403 million) to the region.”

It looks as though this could be forthcoming. Last November, Jeremy Hunt mentioned during a visit to Sunderland, that the 2023 blockbuster Barbie was shot in Hertfordshire.

“Next time, let’s have a Sunderland Barbie,” the Chancellor said.

Instability boosts arms exports SPAIN’S arms exports have soared as conflict increased globally.

In 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, Spanish companies exported materiel worth €4.09 billion.

This was 24.3 per cent up on 2021 and exceeded only by 2017’s total of €4.34 billion, according to official figures submitted to Spain’s central parliament.

In all likelihood 2023 will set another record, as arms exports had already reached €1.75 billion by the end of the first half of the year, 35.5 per cent more than during the same period in 2022.

Pre-election tax cuts ACCORDING to the UK media, Downing Street is deliberating whether to scrap inheritance tax.

Although this affects only 4 per cent of British families, axing it in next March’s Budget is viewed as a pre-election sweetener to enhance Rishi Sunak’s chances of victory.

It would be just one of several tax cuts under discussion by senior government figures. This is in line with Sunak’s orders for a visible shift on taxes, after having prioritised a reduction in inflation over reducing the tax burden when he took over as prime minister.

Photo credit: CC/Zarateman

Black market

euroweeklynews.com • 4 - 10 January 2024

Photo credit: Sunderland Culture

BUSINESS EXTRA

22

ARMS INDUSTRY: Indra is a leading Spanish manufacturer.

Military aircraft, including cargo planes and Airbus tanker jets for refuelling in mid-air, accounted for 63

per cent of Spain’s defence exports in 2022, and 53 per cent during the first six months of 2023.

The same parliamentary report revealed that Spain approved arms’ sales to Ukraine amounting to €515.8 million over the last 18 months. Of this, €134 million had been supplied by last July.

Poland sold more materiel to Kyiv in 2023 than any other European country, followed by France, Czechia, Netherlands, Lithuania and Spain. This list did not include Germany which has not submitted figures, according to a report compiled by Brussels.

IVA changes THE Spanish government is increasing the 5 per cent value-added IVA tax on electricity to 10 per cent.

This reduction from 21 to 5 per cent, introduced to tackle inflation and spiralling energy costs following the Ukraine invasion, was due to end on December 31.

It is now scheduled to continue throughout 2024, although IVA on other fuel prices will rise progressively, with gas at 10 per cent until the end of 2024’s first quarter, after which it will gradually return to 21 per cent.

Basic foodstuffs like milk, bread, eggs, cheese, pulses and vegetables will remain IVA-free, with the current 5 per cent for cooking oils and pasta unchanged.

Public transport subsidies will continue, with free Renfe local and regional trains available under the same conditions as at present.

No closures HSBC pledged that there would be no new branch closures in 2024.

The bank has closed 736 branches in Britain since 2015 although data from the Which? consumer group showed that NatWest and Barclays had shut more.

In his festive message to customers, Jose Carvalho, HSBC’s Wealth and Personal Banking chief in the UK, said the bank would “expand community locations up and down the country” by introducing pop-up branches and banking hubs.

Carvalho also thanked HSBC customers for “trusting the bank with their money” while admitting that there had been times in 2023 “when we could have done better.”

Win & lose some DIGI’S good results continued to impact on Spain’s other telecoms companies last year.

The Romania-based company came out tops in portability in 2023, acquiring 766,000 mobile and landline customers from rivals, mostly Vodafone España.

Instead of the hoped-for recovery following its €5 billion purchase by Zegona in September, Vodafone lost 598,000 mobile lines.

Movistar lost 273,000 and Orange 185,000 while MasMovil - which has 15.8 million lines and still awaits its Orange merger - gained 50,000 mobile lines and 7,000 mobile lines.

Telefonica lost 216,500 landlines and 56,500 mobile lines but is concentrating on its high-value clients while promoting the Movistar Plus digital television platform.

Not rubbish FCC Environmental Services won a $575 million (€525.3 million) waste management contract in Florida.

The company, a subsidiary of FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente, will collect rubbish from 111,000 homes in St Johns County (Florida) once contracts with the two companies currently providing the service expire in July 2024.

The local authorities in St Johns County explained that FCC Environmental Services’ offer was “significantly lower” than the other companies’, although these later questioned how FCC could put in such a low bid.

The Spanish company is already responsible for collecting rubbish from 500,000 Florida homes.

Cash injection US-BASED investment firm Stonepeak will invest £450 million (€518.3 million) into the AA breakdown service.

City sources quoted by Sky News in late December said Stonepeak’s 15 per cent AA stake was due to be announced “very shortly.”

Towerbrook and Warburg Pincus will retain their positions as majority shareholders after the consortium purchased the then-struggling AA for £219 million (€252.3 million) in 2021.

As a result of the sale, the AA was de-listed from the London Stock Exchange where it was active for seven years.

24 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 2 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.431,50.............. -6,00.............-0,25%............ 4,55K

InterContinental..........................7.110,0...............+18,0............ +0,25%........... 1,29K

Abrdn.......................................... 179,95................+0,40............ +0,22%.......... 17,04K

Intermediate Capital...................1.682,00..............+3,50............ +0,21%........... 4,03K

Admiral Group.............................2.705,0................ -1,0..............-0,04%............ 2,98K

Intertek........................................4.280,0...............+19,0............ +0,45%........... 2,16K

Anglo American...........................1.999,4...............+14,6............ +0,74%.......... 59,65K

ITV............................................... 63,06................. -0,28.............-0,44%........... 54,08K

Antofagasta................................1.701,00.............. -6,50.............-0,38%........... 58,48K

J Sainsbury................................. 299,40................+0,10............ +0,03%........... 7,23K

Ashtead Group............................5.472,0...............+22,0............ +0,40%........... 3,62K

Johnson Matthey........................1.716,5................+7,0............. +0,41%........... 1,51K

Associated British Foods.............2.372,0................+3,0............. +0,13%........... 7,30K

Land Securities........................... 712,80................ -3,60.............-0,50%........... 17,16K

AstraZeneca...............................10.534,0.............. -40,0.............-0,38%........... 11,68K

Legal & General.......................... 251,10................ -0,20.............-0,08%.......... 136,48K

Auto Trader Group Plc................ 718,80................+0,80............ +0,11%.......... 10,03K Aviva........................................... 432,80................ -0,30.............-0,07%........... 33,49K B&M European Value Retail SA... 559,20................ -2,80.............-0,50%........... 19,79K BAE Systems..............................1.103,00..............+2,00............ +0,18%.......... 49,20K Barclays...................................... 153,14................ -0,32.............-0,21%.......... 209,49K Barratt Developments................. 562,40.................0,00.............. 0,00%........... 11,30K Berkeley......................................4.728,0................ -9,0..............-0,19%............ 2,55K BHP Group Ltd...........................2.698,00...............0,00.............. 0,00%........... 10,76K BP............................................... 461,45................ -3,75.............-0,81%.......... 397,35K British American Tobacco...........2.285,0................+2,5............. +0,11%.......... 33,06K British Land Company................. 402,30................ -3,50.............-0,86%........... 23,91K BT Group.................................... 122,65................ -0,30.............-0,24%........... 89,71K Bunzl...........................................3.202,0................+4,0............. +0,12%........... 2,00K Burberry Group...........................1.421,0................+8,0............. +0,57%.......... 10,38K Carnival.......................................1.320,5................+3,0............. +0,23%........... 4,44K Centrica....................................... 141,40................ -0,15.............-0,11%........... 89,11K Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.295,0................+8,0............. +0,35%........... 1,14K Compass....................................2.148,00..............+4,00............ +0,19%.......... 19,04K CRH............................................5.392,0................ -2,0..............-0,04%............ 3,96K Croda Intl....................................5.074,0.................0,0............... 0,00%............ 2,17K DCC.............................................5.800,0...............+46,0............ +0,80%........... 0,69K Diageo.........................................2.855,0................+6,5............. +0,23%.......... 43,26K DS Smith.................................... 310,70................+0,90............ +0,29%.......... 19,29K EasyJet........................................ 509,80................ -1,00.............-0,20%........... 14,64K Experian......................................3.217,0................+9,0............. +0,28%.......... 11,08K Ferguson....................................15.105,0.............. -10,0.............-0,07%............ 0,73K

Lloyds Banking............................ 47,76................. -0,20.............-0,43%............1,74M London Stock Exchange..............9.284,0............... -10,0.............-0,11%............ 8,24K Melrose Industries...................... 569,60................ -1,00.............-0,17%............ 8,34K Mondi.........................................1.548,00.............. -3,00.............-0,19%............ 9,88K National Grid..............................1.063,56..............+5,50............ +0,52%.......... 57,29K NatWest Group........................... 218,00................ -0,30.............-0,14%.......... 236,10K Next............................................8.132,0............... -14,0.............-0,17%............ 1,19K Ocado.......................................... 748,20................ -2,80.............-0,37%........... 11,34K Persimmon.................................1.380,0................ -3,0..............-0,22%............ 3,51K Phoenix....................................... 533,20................ -0,40.............-0,07%........... 15,55K Prudential.................................... 878,40................+0,20............ +0,02%.......... 62,88K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.442,0................ -6,0..............-0,11%........... 12,85K Relx............................................3.117,00.............+24,00........... +0,78%.......... 17,78K Rentokil....................................... 446,40................+2,80............ +0,63%.......... 55,78K Rightmove.................................. 577,00................+2,60............ +0,45%........... 7,00K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.861,0................+1,0............. +0,02%.......... 17,20K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 298,00................ -0,10.............-0,03%.......... 203,43K Sage...........................................1.182,00..............+0,50............ +0,04%.......... 51,21K Samsung Electronics DRC.........1.492,00............. -14,00............-0,93%............ 2,87K Schroders.................................... 435,8.................. -0,8..............-0,18%........... 12,40K Scottish Mortgage....................... 807,26................+1,60............ +0,20%.......... 38,22K Segro.......................................... 893,80................ -3,00.............-0,33%........... 13,35K Severn Trent...............................2.606,0...............+13,0............ +0,50%........... 4,03K Shell............................................2.547,5................ -1,5..............-0,06%.......... 129,09K Smith & Nephew........................1.077,39..............+1,00............ +0,09%........... 7,99K Smiths Group.............................1.767,50..............+4,50............ +0,26%........... 2,09K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........10.535,0..............+25,0............ +0,24%........... 0,37K

Flutter Entertainment..................13.891,6..............+55,0............ +0,40%........... 7,06K

SSE............................................1.867,00.............+10,50........... +0,57%.......... 14,30K

Fresnillo...................................... 590,40................+0,20............ +0,03%.......... 14,05K

St. James’s Place........................ 679,67................ -1,40.............-0,21%............ 6,52K

Glencore...................................... 472,30................+2,25............ +0,48%......... 381,44K

Standard Chartered..................... 657,80................+2,60............ +0,40%.......... 20,36K

GSK plc......................................1.452,20.............. -9,00.............-0,62%........... 35,28K

Taylor Wimpey............................ 144,80................ -0,15.............-0,10%........... 65,29K

Halma..........................................2.300,0................+5,0............. +0,22%........... 5,79K

Tesco.......................................... 290,00................+1,00............ +0,35%......... 214,06K

Hargreaves Lansdown................. 722,40................ -1,40.............-0,19%............ 5,13K

Tui............................................... 618,70................ -2,50.............-0,40%........... 27,72K

Hikma Pharma...........................1.761,00.............. -3,50.............-0,20%............ 0,64K

Unilever.......................................3.811,0................ -1,5..............-0,04%........... 27,09K

HSBC.......................................... 632,60................+1,00............ +0,16%......... 304,22K

United Utilities............................1.067,00..............+6,50............ +0,61%.......... 13,41K

IAG.............................................. 156,16................ -0,30.............-0,19%........... 77,67K

Vodafone Group PLC.................. 68,320............... -0,030............-0,04%.......... 329,75K

Imperial Brands..........................1.799,00..............+1,00............ +0,06%.......... 25,29K

Whitbread...................................3.630,9...............+12,0............ +0,33%........... 5,07K

Informa....................................... 776,20................+1,60............ +0,21%.......... 19,03K

WPP............................................ 750,40................ -1,60.............-0,21%........... 26,08K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86811

1.15185

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.1074 Japan yen (JPY)...................................156.61 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9311 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4530 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.282 currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 2 January 3M.............................................. 109,71................+0,97............ +0,89%...........2,35M American Express....................... 187,86................+0,80............ +0,43%...........1,45M Amgen........................................ 288,46................+1,93............ +0,67%...........1,21M Apple........................................... 193,58................+0,43............ +0,22%..........33,79M Boeing......................................... 260,42................ -1,68.............-0,64%............4,95M Caterpillar.................................... 296,76................ -1,36.............-0,46%............2,23M Chevron...................................... 149,80................ -2,11.............-1,39%............7,31M Cisco............................................ 50,48.................+0,04............ +0,08%...........8,51M Coca-Cola..................................... 58,76.................+0,05............ +0,09%...........8,13M Dow............................................. 55,23................. -0,48.............-0,86%............2,12M Goldman Sachs........................... 386,56................+2,08............ +0,54%...........1,01M Home Depot................................ 347,36................ -1,17.............-0,34%............2,81M Honeywell................................... 209,17................+0,15............ +0,07%...........1,64M IBM............................................. 163,77................+0,31............ +0,19%...........1,68M Intel.............................................. 50,39................. -0,37.............-0,73%...........27,21M J&J............................................. 156,61................+0,26............ +0,17%...........3,38M JPMorgan................................... 170,30................+0,90............ +0,53%...........5,83M McDonald’s................................. 295,92................+1,37............ +0,47%...........1,86M Merck&Co................................... 108,82................+0,84............ +0,78%...........5,21M Microsoft.................................... 375,28................+1,21............ +0,32%..........14,18M Nike............................................. 108,84................+1,71............ +1,60%...........9,11M Procter&Gamble......................... 145,75................ -0,31.............-0,21%............4,78M Salesforce Inc............................. 265,63................ -1,09.............-0,41%............2,67M The Travelers.............................. 189,31................+0,69............ +0,37%......... 562,04K UnitedHealth............................... 525,00................+2,21............ +0,42%...........1,46M Verizon......................................... 37,51.................+0,20............ +0,54%..........14,32M Visa A.......................................... 260,32................+1,39............ +0,54%...........2,36M Walgreens Boots.......................... 26,60................. -0,04.............-0,15%............7,89M Walmart...................................... 157,65................ -0,23.............-0,15%............5,40M Walt Disney.................................. 90,42.................+0,04............ +0,04%...........7,52M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 2 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc............................+18.67%........................18.003M China Resources Beer Company Lmtd..............+6.90%.......................... 27,196 DISH Network Corporation................................+6.79%.........................16.948M Bilibili Inc..........................................................+6.47%..........................11.57M PENN Entertainment, Inc...................................+6.36%..........................6.935M Geely Automobile Holdings Limited..................+6.05%.......................... 35,637 Luckin Coffee Inc..............................................+5.80%..........................2.399M Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.........................+5.46%......................... 773,142 Ping An Insurance Company of China, Ltd........+5.18%......................... 474,594 Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.........................+5.00%......................... 938,525 M - Million Dollars

Most Declined NeoGenomics, Inc...............................................-3.71...........................-18.10% Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd.................................-1.07...........................-11.54% Gold Fields Limited.............................................-1.73...........................-10.72% Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc............................-2.96............................-9.53% Grand Canyon Education, Inc..............................-9.00............................-6.36% Upstart Holdings, Inc..........................................-2.76............................-5.88% Riot Platforms, Inc..............................................-1.02............................-5.48% LiveWire Group, Inc............................................-0.64............................-5.37% Anglo American Platinum Limited.......................-0.46............................-5.21% Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.............................-2.56............................-5.16% Axsome Therapeutics, Inc...................................-3.99............................-4.77% M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com ASK THE EXPERT PETER LOVEDAY Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com Contact me at

Euro EUR/GBP: Down from £0.87 to £0.86 EUR/USD: Unchanged at $1.09 The euro traded in a wide range over the past month, in response to fluctuating expectations for European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policy in 2024.

As we transitioned into December, a weaker-than-expected Eurozone inflation print sparked speculation that the ECB may start cutting interest rates early next year, which dragged on EUR exchange rates.

Underwhelming German data stoked fears that the Eurozone’s largest economy may slip into a recession, which acted as a headwind for the single currency through the first half of December.

The euro then rebounded in the middle of the month as the ECB kept interest rates on hold and ECB President Christine Lagarde dismissed speculation that the bank was discussing rate cuts.

The single currency maintained

4 - 10 January 2024

EURO BOLSTERED BY HAWKISH ECB, US DOLLAR SLUMPS ON FED RATE CUT BETS this positive trajectory in the runup to Christmas following hawkish speeches from several ECB policymakers which saw them also push back on rate cut speculation.

As we enter 2024, EUR investors will be keeping a close eye on key Eurozone data releases for December, with the bloc’s latest inflation and PMI figures likely to inform ECB monetary policy at the bank’s January meeting.

Pound GBP/EUR: Up from €1.14 to €1.15 GBP/USD: Up from $1.24 to $1.26 The pound raced higher as November ended following a series of hawkish remarks from Bank of England (BoE) policymakers.

This upside in Sterling was reinforced by some surprisingly upbeat UK PMI releases, which helped to ease fears of a winter recession.

Limited UK data then left the pound directionless through the first half of December, while a dovish tilt to a speech from BoE Governor Andrew Bailey also limited GBP demand.

NEW YEAR: Investors will be keeping a close eye on Eurozone data.

A mixed UK jobs report, coupled with a surprise contraction in UK GDP in October, exerted some pressure on Sterling in mid-December, before GBP exchange rates soared on the back of the BoE’s final policy decision of the year.

While the BoE left rates on hold as expected, the pound rallied as the bank sought to firmly dispel rate cut speculation.

However, a much sharper-than-expected cooling of inflation weakened BoE expectations and slashed Sterling’s gains.

Sterling may maintain a similarly positive trajectory in January, assu-

ming that BoE officials continue to push back on rate cut speculation.

Although underwhelming UK data may continue to limit the pound’s potential.

US Dollar USD/GBP: Down from $0.80 to $0.78 USD/EUR: Unchanged at €0.91 Trade in the US dollar has been notably volatile over the past month amid fluctuating expectations for when the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates.

At the end of November, we saw USD exchange rates falter as mixed US PMIs bolstered Fed rate cut spe-

EWN 25

culation.

But the US dollar was quick to recover at the start of December as stronger-than-expected US GDP and signs of sticky inflation helped to deter rate cut bets.

The ‘greenback’ found further support from the latest US non-farm payrolls report, as a larger-than-expected increase in US job creation also saw investors rein in rate cut expectations.

However, USD then plunged to multi-month lows in the wake of the Fed’s final interest rate decision of the year due to notably dovish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

While Fed policymakers have sought to push back against rate cut speculation, the odds of a March rate cut now sit at around 75%.

Unless something changes this narrative, this could see the US dollar remain on the back foot through January.

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.

VISIT US AT OUR SPANISH OFFICES IN COSTA DEL SOL, COSTA ALMERIA, NORTH COSTA BLANCA AND SOUTH COSTA BLANCA. TELEPHONE UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 SPAIN +34 950 478 914 • EMAIL EUROWEEKLY@CURRENCIESDIRECT.COM • WWW.CURRENCIESDIRECT.COM.

26 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

Good luck young man!

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I’VE always been partial to a game of darts. Mind you my skill in the ‘little arrows’ (har har) department, does leave a great deal to be desired. In fact this particular sport was actually the initiator of one of my biggest embarrassments ever.

Back in ’69 we had been booked for a tour of Southern Ireland. Not being one of the pop singing fraternities who travelled to venues by private jet or Rolls Royce, I happily joined the band in the far more exhilarating ‘on the road’ atmosphere of the group’s transit van, which subsequently found us all heading across Wales to join the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry. As it didn’t embark till the following morning we duly checked into a local hotel.

That evening we decided to have a few jars in the bar and It was packed.

Apparently it was also the location for the area darts team and a very popular venue for residents. After a few beers and friendly introductions, the

team captain invited me to take part in a game of ‘Round the Board’ with the locals. Happily satiated with the brandy, I accepted the offer and joined a line of some 20 players to take a turn.

Now, it is a somewhat unfamiliar occurrence, but to those who can sup a jar or two, just occasionally a real skin full can somehow heighten the senses and at times even rivet the mind to an almost remarkable degree of concentration - and that’s precisely what enveloped the ol boy.

Experiencing a dart board now looking the size of Big Ben, I simply couldn’t miss. With a final flourish of a double, a treble and a bullseye I somewhat remarkably emerged the ultimate winner. Receiving some quite unexpected applause from the customers, I was subsequently approached by the team captain. In a state of almost awed wonderment he informed me that my game was the greatest they had ever experienced in the bar and would I please accept his personal set of tungsten darts to remember the occasion by?

I just couldn’t believe it. Somewhat

reluctantly I accepted his truly generous offer and the rest of the evening of course disintegrated into a complete memory loss occasion and we all retired in a haze of good wishes and luck for the future. Some six months later we were rebooked for another Irish tour. Somewhat against my self-assurance, this found us checking in to the same hotel of the previous trip. Unfortunately, with the space left the ol boy can’t reveal the outcome of this visit, but it will possibly involve a very satisfying peruse next week. Just desserts? Probably!

This does however give me the opportunity to congratulate the young 16-year-old Luke Littler, who at the time of writing has reached the quarter finals of the world pro dart championships. This young lad has simply brushed aside a number of top players and by the time you read this could actually be overall champion.

Good luck young man, just go easy on the drinks that’s all.

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.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

Can bedtime affect your mood A SINGLE hour may seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of a day, but when it comes to your bedtime, that extra 60 minutes can wield a surprising influence over your overall well-being.

Research suggests that consistently going to bed just one hour later than your usual time can have notable effects on your mood.

Quality sleep is integral to emotional regulation, and a delayed bedtime can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and even heightened stress levels. The impact is not just physical; it extends to cognitive functions, affecting concentration and decision-making.

The body’s internal

4 - 10 January 2024

EWN 27

Low-alcohol but how sweet?

IN the pursuit of a lighter libation, many turn to low-alcohol alternatives, presuming them to be healthier choices. However, a hidden concern lurks beneath the surface - the often-overlooked sugar content. Surprisingly, some low-alcohol drinks pack more sweetness than their full-bodied counterparts.

Manufacturers may compensate for reduced alcohol

content by boosting the sugar levels to enhance flavour, creating a deceptive allure of health-conscious options. These added sugars contribute not only to calorie intake but also to potential health issues such as weight gain and increased risk of chronic conditions.

For those mindful of their sugar intake, scrutinising labels be-

comes imperative. Opting for full-bodied versions or exploring alternatives like dry wines and spirits can be a wiser choice.

Awareness is the first step toward making informed decisions about our beverage choices, ensuring that our quest for a lighter drink doesn’t unwittingly lead us into the trap of excess sugar consumption.

Regulate sleep schedule.

clock, attuned to a regular sleep schedule, can be thrown off balance by a late bedtime, potentially leading to a cascade of negative effects on mental health.

To safeguard your emo-

tional equilibrium, prioritise a consistent bedtime routine. Those precious extra ZZZs might just be the key to waking up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day with a brighter disposition.

Sugar content can be high.

28 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

ADVERTISING FEATURE GRUPO PLATINUM ESTATES

Property of the week • Ref. SJPDF591MDP • €195,000

Dream Home: Your space, your story, your home GRUPO PLATINUM ESTATES presents this fantastic ground floor property with two bedrooms, one bathroom, large terrace and a spacious garden as the apartment is on the corner. It is a perfect choice for holiday or permanent living. The personalised finish of this apartment really makes it stand out from the rest. The property is furnished with a personal and modern style.

Contemporary lines and bright spaces, built to the highest standards. Spacious living dining room leading to the large terrace with plenty of space for dining and sunbathing. A modern kitchen, practically new with fully integrated appliances, annex to the kitchen we find a laundry room. The apartment consists of two large bedrooms with fitted wardrobes. A large bathroom divided in three so you have the privacy of a bathroom and the use of the toilet at the same time, the property also has an underground parking space included in the price.

Situated in the residential urbanisation of Mar de Pulpí Jarilla, it is only a short walk to the beach. Enjoy the sun at the beachside swimming pool surrounded by green areas with beautifully landscaped gardens.

Furnished in a modern style.

Whether you want to cool off or if you want to practise some sport, you can enjoy yourself in one of the residential swimming pools. The little ones will be able to let their imagination run wild in the children’s areas with a safety perimeter equipped with swings and a pool exclusively for their games. Meanwhile, you can relax and destress in either of the two heated Jacuzzis at Mar de Pulpí Jarilla: you’ll leave rejuvenated and with the energy you need to continue living your dream holiday. Call 950 466 112 to arrange a viewing.

Open all year round, San Juan de Los Terreros has a beautiful coastline, rich history and easy access to schools, a medical

Fully integrated applliances.

Furnished in a personal style.

centre, restaurants and shops, the area is located in the province of Almeria. For those looking to relocate to a warmer climate, the Almeria region has more hours of sunshine per year than anywhere else in Europe, as well as some of the highest average annual temperatures. With two airports located less than 50 minutes away, Corvera Regional Airport, Murcia Airport and Almeria Airport, and Alicante, Malaga and Granada a little further afield, Almeria is perfectly situated for travel and visitors. So, if you are considering a move to Almeria, we have essential information on the types of property on offer, the best schools, and the most popular restaurants.

Blue flag beaches, as well as safe coves for all the family and disabled people. The Aguilon golf course is only 3km from the town centre, while Desert Springs, Marina de la Torre, and Valle de Este Golf can be found not far away. Well located close to all good road networks and a rail network.

Finally, this town is home to the Pulpí Geode, crystals underground in a cave, the largest in Europe and the only Geode possible for viewing. San Juan de Los Terreros, a real gem of an area, is already enjoyed all year round by a very multinational community of mixed age groups, who live and work here. However, it remains a very Spanish paradise, not to be missed.

LIVING LARGE: LUXURY, COMFORT AND EXCLUSIVITY IN MAR DE PULPI CONTACT US NOW TO REGISTER FOR YOUR VISIT. **950 466 112 OR **INFO@GRUPOPLATINUM.COM

LAST year, Spain experienced one of its most severe droughts, the ninth most expensive climate disaster in the world per capita in 2023, it cost €45.5 per Spaniard This environmental tragedy incurred a staggering total expense exceeding €2.1 billion. The annual report by Christian Aid, an international development organisation, highlights this.

It emphasises the grave, direct impact of climate change on populations, detailing the financial strain of the top 20 climate catastrophes globally, including cyclones, floods, and fires.

Christian Aid typically computes costs by dividing the damage from disasters like fires, floods, and droughts by the population in the impacted areas.

However, some events defy calculation. The September floods in Libya, for instance, claimed about 11,000 lives in Derna and resulted in ‘incalculable’ damage. Here, the cost was

Credit: Quintanilla/Shutterstock.com

2023 Cost of Spanish drought

CLIMATE DISASTER: Extreme drought in Spain.

estimated at €95.6 per person, considering the required humanitarian aid.

The focus on Spain’s drought, uniquely categorised in the report, reveals the regional variations of this crisis. Although the report is specific to April in Catalonia, where consumption restrictions were imposed in 22 localities, the calculation encompasses all Spaniards.

Throughout 2023, Spain grappled with high temperatures and water scarcity, such as unusually high temperatures that caused 38.8 degrees to be recorded at the Cordoba airport on April 26. The lack of water generally affected agricul-

tural production, the olive harvest for example and an even bigger impact to wheat and rye.

The government’s response involved a €2.1 billion aid package for water supply and farming support, equating to a per capita cost of around €45.5.

Spain’s drought stands out in a list led by Hawaii’s August fires, which cost Hawaiians €3,700 per person. This comparison underscores the varied impact of climate disasters around the world.

Spain’s position in the list is a shocking reminder of the escalating economic toll of climate change.

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Baldness cure by donkeys

INTERVIEW

RESEARCHERS have raised the possibility that the secret to combating human baldness could lie in the manes of donkeys, Spanish ones in particular.

This intriguing possibility is at the heart of groundbreaking research currently being undertaken by Swedish scientists. On a recent visit to the Doñana Natural Area in Andalucia, veterinarians from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden, collected blood samples from donkeys. These donkeys, play a crucial role in creating natural firebreaks to combat wildfires.

Exploring Donkey Hair’s Strength Luis, president of the El Burrito Feliz Association, headquartered in Hinojos, Huelva, shared insights into the project. “They are the ones who create natural firewalls in the fight against fires,” he said.

The association, along with a team of volunteers, cares for these donkeys. Luis expressed his delight in their selection for this unique

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH: Mortadelo the donkey.

study.

The collaboration between the university and the Doñana Biological Station (EBDCSIC) aims to uncover the secret behind the remarkable strength of donkey hair.

The goal is to translate this resilience to human hair, offering a potential solution to baldness.

Unique Donkeys, Unique Possibilities The choice of specific donkeys for this research was not random. “They came at once,” said Luis, referring to the scientists’ immediate interest in these animals.

The team was particularly fascinated by ‘Mortadelo’, a donkey with features closely resembling the original Afri-

Credit: Asociacionelburritofeliz/Facebook.com

30 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

can breed.

Mortadelo, a small grey donkey, is distinguishable by a long horizontal stripe running along the upper part of his body.

“Poor Mortadelo is also one-eyed,” Luis added, highlighting the diverse characteristics of these animals.

The researchers sought healthy donkeys living a life akin to their wild counterparts, found in Doñana.

The El Burrito Feliz team is dedicated to preserving these animals as part of Mediterranean culture. They hope that these donkeys might soon contribute to human wellbeing in a novel way, potentially offering a solution to alopecia.

Karolina from Lithuania Every year more and more people from all over Europe move to the sunny coast of Spain, one of those travelling souls is Lithuanian born, Karolina Da. EURO WEEKLY NEWS caualso loves “Spanish culture ght up with Karolina, and the attitude towards to ask her about her children.” When we inmove here over sequired as to her least ven years ago. favourite part she pauShe told us that sed before answering, she “always had a finally admitting that nice feeling about it was “probably the leSpain, but Marbella gal system,” explaining I heard was a very costhat “sometimes you mopolitan city, clean, adhave to wait a long time to Loves the mountains. vanced and beautiful, that get an appointment.” was the reason why I chose The biggest difference Marbella.” between her hometown in Lithuania and When asked what her first impression here in Marbella is “the weather of courwas, she responded, “I loved the moun- se! Because of this, in my hometown all tains and sea view straight away. I could the action happens indoors, while here feel the salty air that reminded me of ho- everything is mostly outdoors.” lidays.” Smiling that, “well life is like a holiFinally, we asked Karolina after seven day here if you get too lazy!” years where her favourite spot on the EWN asked Karolina what has changed coast is, to which she told us it was defihere in the years since she first arrived. nitely “Marbella old town.” We agree that “Firstly the population has changed remar- the beauty of Casco Antiguo is magnifikably for sure. Summers are busier and the cent! winters are busy as well, which wasn’t so Karolina plans to continue her life here seven years ago.” for the foreseeable future, with her two Her favourite thing about the coast is handsome sons and British husband, Na“of course the climate,” adding that she vid.

O

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

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

37

34 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

ON December 31, 2023, we suggested that water will be the most precious asset in 2024 (visit the Euro Weekly News website to read the story) and this attracted a large number of reader’s comments.

Many believe that the main reason is the amount of development that has taken place over the past 20 years and as soon as there is a shortage of rain, the reservoirs simply can’t cope.

Others suggest that the growing number of golf courses sees even more water being used in order to ensure that the courses stay green and this encourages more tourists.

“

Andalucia’s population has grown hugely since 1961 and they are still encouraging tourists even though they are suffering a significant shortage of water. Surely if the area is running out of water they should be discouraging people from visiting the place at present.

Sheree Ruiz

Sheree Ruiz and build more storage facilities.

Michael Lindsay

And not to forget all the new developments that are being built !!!

Surely if there was a problem with supply that should reflect in the planning permissions given to developers in my opinion.

Glenn Aland

Glenn Aland duh, that’s too sensible!!

Nigel Baker

Because of all the new building an easy option would be to increase the size of the reservoirs where possible, a few days with a JCB, not expensive.

Jenny Church

For sure it will be.

Trisha Rodgers

Water has always been the most precious asset and there’s still people irrigating their gardens with potable water whilst mine looks half dead due to lack of rainfall. And I expect golf courses are still being irrigated, though allegedly 80 per cent use recycled water.

What about the other 20 per cent?

Brenda Jones

Water, or the lack of it in the right places, will destroy the world .

Norman Waterhouse

Never seen so little rain in 10 years of living in Spain. There’s definitely a big problem. Particularly for farmers.

But maybe they are to blame in the first place.

There were rivers in this area before intensive farming and ploughing dust.

Ruby’s Kennels

Agenda 30!

Amanda Isbitt

Can someone tell me why there’s millions of litres of clean water running in to the sea at Kalafto every day for years?

Donald Delanougerede

Our town near Martos had overnight cuts for weeks. A week ago the cuts have started again this time earlier than midnight. Told not to empty swimming pools or if empty not to fill them. Tonight for New Year the water is not rationed.

Tim McMahon

Tim McMahon but it does fall mainly on the plain.

Andrew Field

Andrew Field, how musical a reply but it’s a drought everywhere. Affecting everything, agriculture and house supplies. We should be singing ‘Singing in the Rain’ but not any for months.

Tim McMahon

Maybe golf courses can spare some of the water they use to keep their greens so green.

Michael Hannis

Michael Hannis most golf courses use re-sanitised water not clean water.

Lisa Blyth

Lisa Blyth you don’t think that water would be better used on food crops?

Michael Hannis

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.

35

euroweeklynews.com • 4 - 10 January 2024

PETS Charlie needs a dog-sitter a few times SPONSORED BY

CHARLIE is a Cavapoo who simply loves company. He loves to have the friendship of a dog-sitter to be with him when his owner goes away. As a young and active Cavapoo he needs at least two long walks a day and a lot of stimulating play in between.

He’s a playful dog who benefits from a regular daily routine so house-sitting with a resident dogsitter works best for him.

The pet-sitters come for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 register now to find pet-sitters in time.

Earlier is better than later.

Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join

Do you have a dog like Charlie needing a companion when you’re away?

our pet and house-sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to

ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters.

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials – 4.9 / 5 Excellent Pure Joy - I have completed two house-sits so far so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog. Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals.

I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, Pet-sitter from the UK How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.

Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or housesitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

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

THE Animal Welfare Law, effective a few months ago, has introduced significant alterations in pet care, particularly for dogs during car travel.

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), led by Pere Navarro, stressed: “Animals that are not carried properly in the vehicle represent a significant risk of injury to all their occupants.” However, the DGT hasn’t provided detailed guidelines, leaving it to the law itself to clarify.

Article 18.1 of the Animal Welfare Law requires drivers to ensure pets are comfortably and safely positioned in the vehicle. This is crucial to avoid any interference with the driver.

Dogs must have adequate space, with advice on addressing their physiological needs such as water, food and regular breaks.

During summer, proper air conditioning and ventilation are essential for their

Credit: eva_blanco/Shuttersock.com

New rules for car travel

NEW RULES: Jack Russell safely secured.

well-being.

The law also mandates sufficient rest periods for dogs, alongside access to water and food, ensuring their health isn’t compromised.

Carrying the dog’s documentation is another key requirement. According to the DGT, ‘dogs usually go in a carrier in the back, fixed to the seats, or with a de-

vice that anchors them to the seat belts, which must be a harness, not a collar.’

This two-hook harness prevents the dog from moving forward, ensuring no undue pressure is placed on the driver. A short connection system is advised to prevent the pet from hitting the front seats.

This legislative change aims to enhance road safety and animal welfare, ensuring pets are treated with care and respect during travel, with hefty fines up to €10,000 for non-compliance.

It’s a step forward in acknowledging the needs of our canine companions, and integrating them more safely and comfortably into our journeys.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE: 112 24 HOUR PHARMACY FERNANDEZ ORTEGA ANGELES - MOJACAR 950 469 082 24 HOUR VETS CLINICAL VETERINARIA - MOJACAR 950 472 252

CLASSIFIEDS AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDERS ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.com (253556)

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

CARS FOR SALE

CHURCHES Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at www.almeria-anglican. com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

AGM

36

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship.

We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer?

Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com.

If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control.

It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion.org. u k /co u nt i e s /s p a i n - n o r t h ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email zurgenarblchairman@ gmail.com - (253989)

4 - 10 January 2024 MISCELLANEOUS GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693

MOTORING

FOR SALE ELECTRICAL ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire.

Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (304222)

ESTATE AGENT VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property.

Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

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

OTHERS

SITUATIONS VACANT TECHNICAL SALES ASSISTANT REQUIRED. Part time position 12hr a week on contract. Alfoquia area.

Please send CV to revolutionsales@gmail.com (296000)

SOLAR ENERGY SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience.

Established 17 years in Spain.

Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (303112)

EDS? We have the solution, Ka magra pills & jells, Cialis, Side nafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.

Available by mail-order.

WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

INSURANCE MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

PETS

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

LANGUAGES CLASSES THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from €7.00 a day.

630 234 556 / the5bone hotelturre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com

DRAINAGE

PLUMBERS

If you can read t, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits.

Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (303577)

BEDS

DRAINAGE

CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com REMOVALS

If you can read t, so can your clients.

Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

4 - 10 January 2024 INSURANCE

EWN 37

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

Frightening statistics DURING a week in November, the General Directorate of Traffic launched an extensive surveillance campaign. It targeted the vast number of vans on the roads, in which they paid particular attention to the mandatory Technical Vehicle Inspection, according to a recent report.

There are approximately two and a half million vans that circulate on Spanish roads, a figure which represents seven per cent of the total vehicles.

Among the inspected vans, a startling 28.3 per cent, amounting to 2,354 drivers, were reported for driving without a valid MOT. Furthermore, 325 vans were found with tyres in poor condition, while another 218 were deemed unfit for the road and immobilised.

The Guardia Civil Traffic Group was involved in inspecting 137,143 vans, which is almost 13,000 more than in 2022. They discovered 8,319 drivers violating various traffic laws. Speeding, often above the permitted limits of 90km/h on motorways and 80km/h on conventional roads, was a common offence, with 1,852 drivers reported.

Another alarming discovery was the number of drivers under the influence.

Out of the drivers tested within the seven day period, 371 tested positive, with 121

Credit: Interior.gob.es

38 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

Image capture of van surveillance.

for alcohol and 250 for other drugs, which poses a significant risk to road safety.

Additionally, 492 occupants were reprimanded for not using seat belts, an essential safety feature. Vehicle loading was another key focus, with 451 drivers reported for exceeding their vehicle’s weight limit and 305 for improper load arrangement. Ineffective load management can have serious repercussions in case of an accident.

Lastly, documentation irregularities led to 551 complaints, and 204 drivers were cited for lacking mandatory insurance. These surprising figures highlight the importance of adhering to regulatory standards for safe driving.

40 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

World Tour THE International Cycling Union (UCI) has granted the Danish Cycling Federation a licence for an initial three years.

World Tour Copenhagen, starting in Roskilde and finishing in Copenhagen, is now a reality for 2025, 2026, and 2027.

The UCI World Tour cycling race includes both a race for women and for men.

Here, the world’s best cyclists will compete in two professional races, starting in Roskilde and taking on the roads of Zealand with tricky Danish crosswinds, beautiful coastal stretches, and historical sights.

The races conclude with a spectacular final as the field races through a challenging circuit in the streets of Copenhagen.

President of the Danish Cycling Federation, Morten Anderson says: “It has been a dream for many years to secure a permanent spot at the highest level of the international cycling calendar, so it’s a big day for the Danish Cycling Federation and Danish cycling.

“The awarding of the World Tour licence and the right to hold World Tour races shows that Danish cycling culture and our fantastic audience have really been noticed abroad of which we should be proud.

“Having the world’s best female and male riders race on Danish roads should also support the great work in clubs and local teams, and help breed new talents, so we can continue the incredible success of Danish cycling.”

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

Ref makes history

THE English Premier League etched a new chapter in its history books as Rebecca Welch took charge of the Fulham-Burnley clash on December 23, becoming the league’s first female referee. Welch’s milestone moment was marked by a poised and assured performance as she officiated Burnley’s 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Welch, already a seasoned referee, received a warm reception as she emerged onto the pitch, greeted by applause from the spectators. Her journey to this groundbreaking moment had been a series of milestones: from officiating FA Cup fixtures to commanding Championship matches. She had previously served as a fourth official in the Premier League in November, laying the groundwork for her historic debut.

A referee since 2010, Welch initially balanced her officiating duties with a job in the National Health Service before committing full-time to her passion for match officiating. Her trailblazing feats included being the first woman to referee an EFL match and over-

REBECCA WELCH: Premier League’s first female referee.

THE life of a professional football manager (or coach as they are often referred to) is precarious to say the least and the latest victim is Wayne Rooney.

He was appointed as Birmingham City manager just 83 days ago and in that time his team which were sitting in sixth place in the English Football League Championship (formerly the Second Division) has lost nine games out of 15 and dropped to 20th.

Commenting on X (twitter) on January 2, the 38-year-old Rooney said ”I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Ga-

rry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.

“Football is a results business - and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.

“However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.

“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.

“Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.

“Finally I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”

At least one of his backroom staff has also been

Credit: Wayne Rooney Facebook

Wayne Rooney sacked

The unveiling of Wayne Rooney as Birmingham manager.

given their ‘marching orders’ and it will probably be up to caretaker manager Steve Spooner to advise the owners on the others.

One positive that comes

out of this and other manager’s sackings is that there is invariably a significant ‘golden farewell’ so he can at least afford to consider his future.

seeing FA Cup encounters.

During the Fulham-Burnley clash, Welch confidently controlled the game, issuing bookings, including the first of her Premier League career to Fulham’s Calvin Bassey. Despite the escalating intensity, she remained a picture of calm authority, displaying astute awareness and never faltering under pressure.

As the match progressed, Welch’s presence continued to command respect. A couple more yellow cards were brandished, yet her composed demeanour prevailed, earning her praise for her adept handling of the game.

Welch’s seamless performance stands not just as a breakthrough for women in football but as a testament to her expertise and capability, affirming her place among the elite referees in the sport. Her debut paves the way for more inclusive representation in top-flight football, inspiring future generations of referees, regardless of gender.

Rankings reshuffle

THE Rugby World Cup 2023 had a significant impact on the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, with only two teams in the top 20 - New Zealand and England - ending the year in the same position as they started.

South Africa, after successfully defending the Webb Ellis Cup, claimed the top spot, gaining 5.57 points over the year.

Ireland dropped to second place after failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals.

Fiji and Portugal had a notable impact on the rankings.

Fiji, despite a setback against Portugal, ended the year in 10th place after gaining over one-and-a-half points and moving up four places.

Portugal reached their highest-ever ranking of 13th after wins against Georgia and Fiji, along with a historic first win against Australia.

Australia, having failed to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time, dropped from sixth to ninth place.

Samoa also fell in the rankings, moving from 11th to 15th.

Spain fell four places to 20th after more losses than wins in 2023.

In Eastern Europe, Croatia, with wins over Ukraine and Lithuania, climbed seven places to 40th.

Latvia, Slovenia, and Serbia also made significant gains, with Serbia moving up eight places to 37th after winning the Victoria Cup and defeating Tunisia twice.

Tunisia and Ukraine experienced double-digit falls in the rankings, being the only teams to suffer such declines in 2023.