Costa de Almeria 11 – 17 January 2024 Issue 2010

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2010 • 11 - 17 January 2024

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ALMERIA’S GOT TALENT!

THE biggest, boldest and brightest talent show will soon raise it’s curtain in Mojacar, and all are welcome to get involved!

It will soon be time to raise the curtain on the Miraflores (Royal) Variety Show 2024, and anybody who fancies their chance at a win, and worldwide fame, is free to apply!

The concert will be held on January 20, and needs local talent in the form of singers, dancers, comedy spots, and any other entertainment! The compere is Mike Calnun Stone and artists performing will include the lovely Lady Ellen Turner, Steve Jackson and Simon Davison. The show will start at 8pm, and a full

TALENT WITH TAILS VARIETY SHOW: Lights please!

menu will be available on the night.

There is no entry fee, and local animal shelter Paws Patas will also be collecting during the evening, so

in lieu of any entrance fee that would have been charged, an amount of €5 will be expected as a donation, to help them care for the increase of dogs currently

in their care.

To apply to the show, or to book your table early to avoid disappointment, contact 950 528 324.

See you in the spotlight!

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11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

First female police officer Jessica Grayson THE mayor of Nijar, Jose Francisco Garrido, presided over the ceremony welcoming two new officers to the Local Police.

However, this is no ordinary inauguration, as one of these officers is Maria Montes, the first female police officer to ever be accepted into the force in the history of the Nijareño municipality. As explained by the mayor, who was accompanied at the event by Monica Morales, councillor for Security, “this is a reinforcement of our police force that represents another step forward in matters of security, which is one of our flags since we have acted as a local government.”

Her first shift began on Friday, January 6, in the Reyes de Atochares parade, one of the 18 that the municipality has, the one with the most parades in the entire province of Almeria.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Nijar

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Maria Montes has begun her first shift.

“Improving security is an obsession for this government team and we are going to continue working along those lines with more actions that you will see soon, such as the rural patrol that we want to promote, and other actions in line with improving the security of the people of Nijar,” the mayor concluded.

Snow in the Sierra

SNOW has arrived in Almeria, showing itself just one day before Three Kings’ Day. A white Christmas for the region after all?

The spectacular sight of snow arrived in Calar Alto in Almeria on the eve of

January 5, the evening before many residents of Spain celebrate their ‘Christmas’.

Almost exactly one year after snowfall last graced the region, a fine layer of snow and frost was found at the Calar Alto Observatory in

the Sierra de los Filabres.

Creating what looks like a magical winter wonderland, two days later snowflakes continued to fall, as was being recorded by the cameras installed in the observatory.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Indalo spotted

THE famous Indalo Man of Almeria has made his mask in a hit new Netflix show, proving that his influence is in fact worldwide. Fool Me Once, a popular Netflix series, shows the figure in episode five, as a plate on the wall, marked by the unmistakable Indalo Man can clearly be seen on camera!

Train coming?

THE official date that the high speed train rail link to Vera will be completed has been pushed back once again. It is now said that the work will be completed by 2026, however, with many residents noticing a pattern, some have joked that it may be 2030 when the town finally sees its train come!

Fit in 2024

FANCY getting fit in the new year? Is your smart watch demanding thousands of steps from you if you even so much as glance at a chocolate bar?

Local walking group Mojacar Ramblers meet at Cowboy Kenny at 9.30am every Wednesday and Friday morning. Everyone is welcome, and what a healthy start to 2024 that would be!

We’re jammin’!

THE Emerald Isle fabulous ‘Jammin’ session is back!

Join them on Tuesday, January 16 at their bar on the Mojacar Playa at 8.30pm to rock and roll the night away. All abilities are welcome in this friendly and fun atmosphere, just bring your dancing shoes!

Paw blimey!

THE New Year’s Day Swim in Mojacar on January 1, an event organised with the aim to provide support to the local animal shelter Paws Patas, raised over €7,000! What an achievement, and an awful lot of animals that will now receive life saving care.

Taxpayers’ refunds NINETY-EIGHT PER CENT of Almeria taxpayers have received a welcome refund of their personal income tax.

It has been reported that the Tax Agency in Almeria has distributed a total of €154.173 million to the 263,430 taxpayers in the region as part of the refunds of the 2022 Personal Income Tax (IRPF 2022).

There is currently a strong increase in the interannual rate of refunds paid, 8.5 per cent more in number and 16.5 per cent more in amount, which is a direct

Credit: Shutterstock/1606546729

NIBS EXTRA

11 - 17 January 2024

TAXPAYERS: A welcomed refund.

consequence of the increase registered in taxpayers’ own refund requests.

By the end of the year a

Three Kings THEIR Majesties took their special journey through the streets of Mojacar on Three Kings’ Day, Saturday, January 6. The Three Wise Men of the East, Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar were officially received by the local mayor, Francisco García Cerdo, at the municipal offices located in the Plaza del Arbollon.

The Kings went to the Santa María Church to make their traditional offering of gold, incense and myrrh to the newborn baby Jesus.

There they were received by the Parish Priest, Mr Víctor Manuel Fernandez, who welcomed and accompanied them to the altar where there was a nativity scene of the Holy Family.

After giving gifts to all the children born between 2012 and 2024 and who live in the locality at the Multi Uses Centre, they travelled around Mojacar old town, accompanied by special guest Disney characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto.

total of 23,005,000 declarations had been submitted, showing a 3.9 per cent increase from the previous

No veggie troubles IT’S a great start to 2024 for Almeria farmers, as it has been reported that the region is currently leading national vegetable exports.

Almeria has actually broken records for vegetable exports in the first ten months of 2023, with €2,546 million in sales, the best figure to ever exist for that period. The region currently leads national sales, with 38 per cent of the total in Spain, €6,756 million.

Almeria exports 26 times more vegetables than it buys abroad, and from January to October 2023,

Feeling creative?

DURING the month of January, where all may feel a little blue, why not paint life multi colours in two fantastic painting workshops in Mojacar.

The ‘Acrylic on canvas’ workshops will be led by the very talented artist Michele Winfield at Cahoots in Mojacar. On January 17 at 2pm there will be the ‘pueblo street scene in acrylics’ workshop, and on January 31 at 2pm there will be the ‘tree of life’ workshops. The cost of each is €35 and will include everything you need to complete your masterpiece of artistic expression, that you may take home or gift to a loved one.

These workshops are suitable for beginners and intermediates. Michele talks you through step by step, giving you tips and

year.

The region’s ‘Le Llamamos’ plan for preparing returns over the phone is still the main system offering personalised assistance whilst filing returns, with 1,070,000 returns in one year. This amount represents that nearly 58 per cent of all proposals are done so with the help of personalised assistance.

The rest correspond to the more than 779,000 declarations presented in the offices, 20.1 per cent more than the previous year.

Credit: Facebook

A work of art from a previous workshop.

guidance to create your own work of art!

Anyone wanting more information or to book a place should WhatsApp + 34 711 006 027.

Credit: Shutterstock/1554512450

Enough veggies for all!

it had a total of 425 vegetable exporting companies, which make up 56 per cent of Andalucia’s.

Fifty-eight per cent of these, that is, 247 companies, are regular exporters, meaning they have four or more consecutive years exporting vegetables.

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

ZBE rules ON December 23, the Almeria City Council approved the new Low Emissions Zone (ZBE) of the capital.

From January 1, Almeria residents will find cameras and information panels to access the area classified as low emissions, and will find that not all vehicles will be able to access it. It will now be in force for three years but may be modified during this time. The zone will be in operation from Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm.

Mopeds, bicycles and personal mobility vehicles will be able to enter the area freely, as well as all vehicles with an environmental label. The fine for breaking these new rules is €200, but will increase by 30 per cent in the event of a repeat offence.

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

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

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euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

Moving forward together VIEWPOINT BILL ANDERSON

LIFE sometimes takes us in unexpected directions, and whilst I have been writing columns for the Euro Weekly News (EWN) for some time now, being appointed Editor was never on my radar. Having said that, I am both excited and enthusiastic about working with the team to take the brand forward.

I am delighted to have joined the Euro Weekly team.

After four years in the political world, it is good to return to the real world and contri-

buting to getting the news out there is a challenge. News content is a bit like restaurant menus: some like McDonald’s, and some like Michelin Star restaurants. The important thing is having enough variety that everyone can leave happy and satisfied. I will be working on this with the team. I’m sure we will not please everyone, but that’s life.

For some time now, the Euro Weekly News (EWN) has been in pole position amongst all of the independent Press in Spain in championing the excellent work done by charitable organisations and those who raise funds for good causes. This commitment will continue.

As we enter 2024, many parts of Spain still face challenges. Although we have had a sma-

PROVERB OF THE WEEK If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

This was originally an African proverb meaning don’t wait, go along so you are not held back by others.

ttering of rain, drought is still the order of the know that major improvements will not haday with many areas dealing with continued ppen overnight. water restrictions.

Politicians are often very good at making There have been many political debates life harder for us, but not so efficient at antiaround this matter but very little action. Wi- cipating future needs and acting before it bethout having expertise in the area of water comes a problem. 2024 could be a big year instorage and supply, I do understand that des- ternationally, as there are around 40 elections alination is one way forward, but not an ab- taking place. Let’s see if it is more of the same solute solution to the problem. Construction or all change for the better, or otherwise. Thearound the coasts escalates without a clear re have been some big shifts in voting prefesolution to the water supply problem. rences in recent times, so could it be exciting Transport also presents some challenges for times ahead? Who knows?

2024. With Low Emission Zones (LEZ) being I have been staggered by all of your good introduced in many of the larger municipali- wishes at my appointment and appreciate the ties, many people with older vehicles could constructive comments about going forward. find themselves in difficulty. The reality for I will be looking for your continued involvethose of us who live along the Spanish coast, ment in content and look forward to working with one or two exceptions, is that we live with you. We want to listen to your views and moderately rural lives with very limited public the EWN team hopes to provide you with the transport options or even availability. There news and content you are looking for in ‘The has been a lot of ‘jaw-jaw’ about this, but we People’s Paper’.

Bill Anderson’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. bill-anderson@euroweeklynews.com

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

11 - 17 January 2024

The written word event THE Written Word Group in Albox will celebrate its one year anniversary on January 16.

To celebrate this, they will be holding an ‘Open Mic’ event for writers in the region. This will be the first of what will be a monthly occasion and opportunity for aspiring writers and poets who wish to practise and showcase their work.

The Written Word Group was created by Berni Albrighton & David Holman-Hill Waters on January 16, 2024. Based out of Albox, the group of writers meet up once a month to chat and listen to each other’s written work.

Some of the writers are in the process of completing a novel, whilst others have varied projects on the go.

They also have a blog that is used to further the aim of the Written Word Group and showcase the wide ranging talent that exists in this small group, supporting writers in creating work, be that poetry, short stories, flash fic-

tion, etc.

To celebrate their one year anniversary, the group felt the time was right to launch an Open Mic events for writers of all genre. The aim for this is for it to be a regular monthly event, with the first being held on Wednesday February 7 from 1.30pm to 4pm at Hostal Meson, Arboleas, next to Coviran supermarket.

All writers are invited to read their work, or just relax in the company of like minded people. Non-writers are also welcome, those who would like to listen to a variety of work by local artists.

All types of original written work are welcome. The only restriction is that your work does not exceed 500 words. Come along and help make this a successful event.

For more information contact: +34 711 040 444 or email: balbrighton@gmail. com.

Visit: www.twwgroup. blog spot.com for examples of the group’s writings.

OPEN MIC: Share your written work.

The Kings bring candy!

COUNCIL: Delivered soft candies this year.

THE council of Cuevas del Almanzora delivered a total of 700 kilos of soft candies to be thrown by the Kings in the parade on January 5.

The mountains of treats were delivered to the Brotherhood of the Virgin of Carmen de los Reyes, and the type of sweets chosen have been done so for a specific reason.

This year, the town wants to avoid any type of incident among the child population, so in accordance with medical recommendations, has committed to a safe parade with this type of soft candies. In this way, “any type of incident that may occur with the little ones is avoided,” said Security councillor Isabel Mª Haro.

It should be remembered eating small, hard sweets can cause accidents that are sometimes very serious, putting the lives of children at risk.

The parade left on the afternoon of January 5 from Barrio Bravo at 7.30pm, and ran through the following streets: Barrio Bravo, Cuesta de los Caños, Ajezon street, Hospicio street, El Pilar street, Glorieta Sotomayor, La Rambla street and Barcelona Avenue.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Sheila Pemberton THE shops in Almeria are currently filled with the start of the famous winter sales.

The shopping centres and local stores in Almeria have become busy with foot traffic and activity, as the long awaited start of the winter sales began on January 7.

Many shops are advertising discounts of up to 70 per cent in a bid to seduce shoppers into their stores and invite people from all over Almeria to enjoy these saver sales.

Michael Hague, resident of Mojacar told Euro Weekly News that as he ventured into the centre he “knew this day was coming and

was prepared.” Explaining that “I think my wife and daughter prefer the sales to actual Christmas. It was a long day of shopping, and it was super busy, but at the end of the day they’re happy and even I got a few good deals!”

In conclusion, the start of the winter sales in Almeria has resulted in a frenetic shopping day, and some stores have reported to have been overwhelmed by demand, while shoppers have taken advantage of all the deals. However, all’s well that ends well, and it seems that many shoppers are happy with their super savings and post Christmas buys!

WINTER SALES: Super savings in Almeria!

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Sales at shops

Credit: Shutterstock/2046563108

Clear out!

COULD your home do with a clear out this new year? Do you have clutter filling space that you don’t really need?

New Life Animal Rescue Centre in Vera desperately needs donations in many forms, and being house clearance specialists, they are willing to come and collect any unwanted items that this charity can use to raise money for the animals in their care. Everything is welcome! Furniture, bric a brac, clothes, tools, push bikes, vehicles, garden furniture, garden items or any other items that are in a relatively good state and can be used or possibly sold on by the shelter.

Start your 2024 with a clean, fresh beginning, whilst helping a great cause at the same time.

WhatsApp + 34 711 029 252 for more information and to arrange collections.

11 - 17 January 2024

GOURMET BRAND: Has started 2024 with a bang.

‘Sabores Almeria’ growing ‘SABORES ALMERIA’, the gourmet brand of the Provincial Council of this Andalucian province, has started 2024 with a bang.

They have stated that they aim to grow the brand greatly, through the participation in national and international fairs that guarantee their consolidation and opening in new markets.

France, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Korea and the United States will be some of the countries in which it will spread its ex-

cellence and creativity, as stated by the institution.

Javier A Garcia, the president of the Provincial Council, has explained that there are many new developments that the brand will experience in the new year, and to achieve this, a series of actions have been designed to establish internationalisation, including the opening of the first physical and virtual space of ‘Sabores Almeria’ for the promotion of brand products.

In 2024, Almeria gastro-

nomy will be presented at Madrid Fusion, Alimentaria, Salon Gourmet, Fruit Attraction and San Sebastian Gastronomika.

In addition to this, their creations will appear in two new international fairs in Parma Cibus and in London, named ‘Speciality and fine food’.

This new year also sees the brand new website for ‘Sabores Almeria’ come into use. The icing on the top of this exciting programme that is now in motion.

EWN

11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Important dates in 2024 THE year 2024 has officially begun, and there are many exciting events and celebrations that this new year will bring for the region.

Here is a look at what Almeria residents can look forward to, and a quick reminder to mark the dates in the diary!

On January 14 is the traditional Pilgrimage to the Hermitage of Torregarcia, which will be organised by the Brotherhood of the Virgin of the Sea. This year is the 521st anniversary of the appearance of Almeria’s patron saint in its local waters.

February 18 to 28 will be one big party as the carnival comes to the streets of Almeria, and before the month of February ends, ole for Andalusia Day, which is celebrated on the 28th.

Following these festivals, March 1 is a public holiday.

Then it is time for Easter! During this Holy Week, March 24 is recognised as Palm Sunday, and Holy Thursday on

Credit: Shutterstock/2111606072

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DIARY DATES: All for Almeria!

March 28, Good Friday on March 29 Good Friday, and ending on March 31, Easter Sunday.

Wednesday, May 1, is a national holiday, and the date on which the Labour Festival is celebrated.

The San Juan bonfires mark the (unofficial) start of summer. This year, Monday, June 24 will be the day the beaches will seem to burn!

The famous Dreambeach Festival will be on at the El Toyo Stage from August 1 to 4 and another exciting performance comes from the

international figure, Tom Jones, who will perform on August 4, Sunday.

Thursday, August 15 is the Day of the Assumption of the Virgin, a national holiday, and on August 16 the city’s big week begins, the Almeria Fair in honour of its patron saint the Virgen de Mar. On Saturday, October 12, the National Holiday of Spain is celebrated and on Friday, November 1, it is All Saints’ Day. Then before we all know it, it’s back to the festive season.

Almeria paranormal

THE Presentation of the Book ‘Almeria Paranormal’ recently took place

in Antas, in a spooky ceremony!

Lovers of the para-

normal and seekers of experiences beyond the ordinary gathered together last week for the fascinating presentation of the book ‘Almeria Paranormal’, in what was reported to be an unforgettable experience!

The book takes a journey through Almeria and reveals 27 real testimonies, without fiction or fantasies.

It discovers deceased protectors, encounters with celestial beings, premonitions and more.

This book breaks stigmas and gives voice to inexplicable experiences, breaking the silence, offering understanding and releasing authentic stories.

Read the novel to immerse yourself in a universe of real mysteries!

10 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

HAVE you ever wondered who you were in a past life? Is there perhaps more to this world that we live in than meets the eye?

These are the questions discussed at the ‘Extraordinary Beliefs Group’, which meets at El Palacete in Cuevas del Almanzora each month.

This fun and interesting group is free to attend, and there you will find discussion of the paranormal, psychic abilities, UAPs and the Cosmos, among many other topics.

The meeting in February will also see a spe-

Credit: Shutterstock/2341635035

Extraordinary beliefs

ANOTHER WORLD: Believe in the extraordinary.

cial visitor, Judy Sharp, a hypnotherapist and past life regression therapist who works very much at a deep soul and spiritual level. Jud explores a wide range of issues with her clients, and has also done experiments with volunteers to explore if they come from other planets or star systems!

Judy will be giving a wide-ranging talk to the group on Friday February

2. That weekend there will be a workshop on past life regression, and then Judy will be available for private one-to-one sessions at the Palacete from February 4 to February 9.

For details of the group and to book a place at the talk or workshop, please contact Richard Cooper on +34 711 006 213 or by email on dickacooper@ gmail.com.

Caring council THE town of Huercal-Overa, in collaboration with Caritas, have taken steps to cover the needs of the most vulnerable groups in the area this year.

The Huercal-Overa Council is collaborating with the organisation Caritas to make life a little bit easier for those who really need it.

Recently, the councillors of Social Policies, Maria Jose Viudez, and Finance, Adrian Ramos, have delivered a subsidy to the parish vicar, Ruben Checa, and other representatives of Caritas, to cover the transportation costs of the food items that come from the Food Bank, which is located in the capital. This annual subsidy that amounts to €4,000 The Local Council have thanked Caritas for the social work it has been carrying out for so many years in Huercal-Overa, an action for which they have unwavering support from the entire town and its people.

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euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

John Smith FOR those who considered that Bulgaria could be a good option if they couldn’t spend more than 90 days continuously in the EU, that option will soon disappear.

At the moment you can stay in Bulgaria for 90 days and then spend another 90 days in any other Schengen State but this concession will stop once Bulgaria joins Schengen.

As one of its last actions whilst holding the European Presidency, Spain confirmed on December

30 that both Bulgaria and Romania would be joining the Schengen area with effect from March 31, 2024.

The initial agreement will only apply to air and maritime internal border controls whilst a decision is yet to be taken with regards to the lifting of checks at internal land borders.

Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez, Spanish Minister for the Interior announced that the decision was unanimous and explained “I am very pleased that in 2024 air and maritime internal controls between Bulgaria and Romania and the other Schengen countries will become a thing of the past, after 12 years of negotiations.

“We are thus continuing to build an ever wider and stronger area of free movement.”

He went on to say

Credit: La Moncloa flickr

Two join Schengen

Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez.

“From March 31, 2024, there will no longer be checks on persons at EU internal air and maritime borders between Bulgaria and Romania and the other countries in the Schengen area.

“This date corresponds with the change of the winter/summer schedule set by the International Air Transport Association

(IATA).”

As soon as both countries were granted membership of the European Union, each applied certain protocols connected with Schengen but it is only now that they are both seen to be capable of meeting the requirements of the Schengen evaluation procedures, hence the decision.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

11 - 17 January 2024

IMAGINE going to sleep in your houseboat, assuming you are safe and sound, only to wake up in the middle of the night to find yourself hurtling down the river!

That terrifying scenario nearly became a reality in the Netherlands on Wednesday January 3, as a houseboat in Maastricht broke loose during the early hours of the morning and then crashed into a bridge.

Luckily, there was nobody on the houseboat at the time of the incident and all further houseboats in the relevant area between the Maas and the Zuid-Willemsvaart in the Boschpoort district have now been evacuated in the fear or similar happenings.

The houseboat, in addition to the bridge in the Stuwweg suffered damage, and it is currently still leaning against the closed bridge. Although an official statement as to what caused the houseboat to be-

come loose has not been released, according to the spokesman it is believed that it is the fast flowing water.

This strong current broke the 120-metre-wide spillway over a width of

50 metres, and as a result, over 30 boats were subsequently evacuated.

Spillways are used to adjust water flow by lowering them at a dam so water only flows away once it reaches a certain point.

Credit: Shutterstock/1907009704

Houseboat breaks loose HIGH WATER: Many areas of the Netherlands have been recently flooded.

River water peaks THE Rhine River reached its highest level on Sunday, January 7, as it saw its fourth high water peak since November of last year.

It is extremely rare that such high-water levels of the river are observed in this relatively short period of time. However, the large amounts of rainfall have contributed to this, as well as the flooding across the nation.

As a result of this, the flooding along the major rivers was expected to continue into this week, partly because the soil is

so saturated by the rain that it now can no longer absorb any more water.

Various water boards in the Netherlands, alongside the authorities and Rijkswaterstaat will continue to closely monitor the situation, especially for damage that could make the now soaking wet dikes unstable.

To process the volume of water, Rijkswaterstaat put the large weirs on the Lower Rhine near Driel and the Lek near Amerongen to use. The Ravenswaaij barrier was closed to shipping tra-

EWN 13

FRENCH VINEYARD: Wine industry employs 500,000 people.

ffic, alongside the Princess Marijke locks in the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal near Tiel.

The high water also resulted in the closing of the quays and some streets in Nijmegen, Tiel and Arnhem.

Herd managers, being warned of the coming weather, have already moved their cattle onto dry land.

Sandbags have been placed around doors in residential areas, including Leerdam, Utrecht, to prevent flooding from overflowing rivers.

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

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euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Europe’s oldest man

of all its citizens, extends its heartfelt condolences to its son Romano and his family.”

In the Tuscan town in the province of Livorno, Tripolino Giannini had a fruit and vegetable shop. A great sports enthusiast, he took part in the first Cecina footrace in 1929, finishing fourth. An event that still exists

Catherine McGeer IN a surprising twist, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II, revered as Europe’s longest-serving monarch, made a historic announcement during her customary New Year’s Eve address.

After an impressive 52-year reign, the 83-year-old monarch declared her abdica-

tion, setting the stage for her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, to ascend the throne on January 14.

Diverging from British royal customs, Denmark won’t hold a formal coronation ceremony but he will simply assume the mant-

Photo: Facebook / Comune di Cecina

KNOWN as ‘Tripolino’, the former marksman in the Italian army had turned 111 years old on August 20 last year which he celebrated with a big party. Sadly, he passed away on the last day of 2023.

He passed away in Cecina, in the province of Livorno, the town where Tripoli Giannini was born on August 20, 1912.

His son Romano made the announcement: “On New Year’s Day, my father Tripoli Giannini, the oldest man in Europe, died. He lived 111 years and 133 days, a record! He joined his wife Tosca, my mother, who had been waiting for him for over 40 years. Tripoli deserves a special epitaph and I will write it in the coming days. Now is the time for silence and prayers.”

And there were condolences from the Municipality of Cecina, with commissioner Vincenza Filippi saying, “The Municipality of Cecina, also on behalf

TRIPOLINO: Turned 111 years old in August last year.

and to which he remained very attached, even serving as starter until he was over a hundred years old.

Tripolino had lived through wars, epidemics and pandemics; he boasted of having survived several epidemics, from the Spanish Flu to Covid, and of having witnessed more than a century of Italian history.

Denmark’s future king

le of King of Denmark and head of state, presiding over not only Denmark but also Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Crown Prince Frederik, recognised for his passion for environmental causes, spearheaded the celebrated ‘Royal Run’ during his 50th birthday. This running event, cherished by over 70,000 Danes, became a tradition disrupted only during the pandemic.

Much like King Charles III of Britain, Prince Frederik passionately embraces environmental concerns.

His deep-rooted commitment to addressing the climate crisis has significantly impacted his perspective, compelling him to advocate vocally by attending United Nations climate summits and urging global action.

Upon assuming the throne, Crown Prince Frederik is set to inherit a monthly state allowance of 7.5 million Danish kroner (€1,005,750), part of the royal family’s financial arrangement.

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euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE POSTCARDS

POSTCARD FROM THE GAMBIA

ALAN BOARDMAN is well-known for his Walking Tours for charity. Now he and his wife bring this goodwill to The Gambia.

So what does The Gambia have to do with Spain? My wife, Jenny and I are on holiday there and have taken with us thousands of articles donated to what we called our EYEDROP campaign.

The Gambia, despite having a successful tourist industry, is among the poorest countries in the world, rates 174 out of 191 in the world wealth index. This means there is a major issue with eyesight, the treatment for which is desperately underfunded. Spectacles in The Gambia are very expensive and are simply out of reach for most people.

Before leaving our home in Mijas we launched the EYEDROP appeal, as a result of which, almost 400 pairs of new and used spectacles were donated by the general public. We received sterling support from several local charities and businesses who allowed their premises to be used as donation centres.

Earlier this week we visited Brikama District Hospital, one of the busiest in The Gambia. We were met there by Doctor Adam, Head of Ophthalmology, who then accepted from us around 200 pairs of the

Our visit to Brikama District Hospital.

donated spectacles . She was thrilled. She stressed just how important the donation will be in her department’s constant battle to provide free eye care. She asked us to pass on her heartfelt thanks to all the people of the Costa del Sol who made this possible. We’ll send another Gambian postcard next week.

FULL VERSION IS AVAILABLE ON THE WEB UNDER COLUMNISTS.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Victoria Car Hire UK Self Drive

WE are based in Horley town centre, just five minutes’ drive from Gatwick airport and a short walk to Horley mainline railway station.

On offer is a range of cars starting with small everyday cars and up to family-sized vehicles to include manual and automatic transmission. We also have a variety of both petrol and diesel fuelled engines. All cars are well maintained and presented in a clean condition.

We have full 24-hour AA breakdown cover. The most popular brands used include: Ford, Vauxhall, Nissan, Citroen and Renault.

We meet our customers just outside the arrival terminal at Gatwick Airport at the authorised collection points at both the North and South terminals. We will then drive to the car rental office in Horley town centre, where the paperwork and payment are processed followed by a demonstration of the car controls and directions to the motorway if required.

The collection procedure is very efficient, taking a small amount of time and allowing the customer to swiftly proceed with their onward journey.

A range of cars offered.

At the end of the hire the customer returns the car to the rental office and will be driven to the departure terminal at Gatwick Airport.

Office hours are 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday, weekends by arrangement An out of hours service is available for late arrivals and early morning departures.

Subject to conditions.

Prices are from £99.00 per week, which is fully inclusive with no hidden extras, the fuel in the vehicles are taken on a like for like basis - if the tank is half full, it must be returned as so.

Debit and Credit card payment accepted. No hidden extras - Fully Inclusive Delivery & Collection - Gatwick Airport only Reservations: Monday - Friday, 9am 4pm Telephone: 0044 1293 432155 / jpselfdrive@hotmail.co.uk

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com EVERY year, Spanish Airline Air Europa launches its Time to Fly Campaign which offers a range of internal and even international flights at low prices.

Currently it operates a number of direct flights into and out of 16 different Spanish cities including Barcelona, Bilbao, Granada, Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Tenerife and Valencia.

If you book an internal round trip between January 2 and January 14 for travel until June 13, you may benefit from a price of just €25 each way and that includes two pieces of hand luggage.

It’s even possible to travel to Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon, Paris and several other European destinations as well as Marrakesh for €29 each way and to the USA and Central and South America at cheaper prices than usual.

Visit the Air Europa website to obtain your quote and book your flight (subject to availability) in the knowledge that even if the airline is finally sold to IAG that your booking should be safe.

Time to fly Credit: Air Europa

John Smith

11 - 17 January 2024

NEW CAMPAIGN: Many people love Air Europa.

Menu del Dia winning restaurant LAST year, the Euro Weekly News invited readers to recommend restaurants around the regions which offered the best Menu del Dia from a combination of choice, quality and price.

We were delighted to receive a large number of entries although unfortunately, especially on Facebook, some people forget to include their contact details.

There were still plenty to choose from and we have chosen Bar Paco in Javea which was recommended by Margaret Conner who will receive a prize of €100 from EWN to allow her and her partner several more meals there.

EWN 17

18 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Credit: Miu Miu

Knickers replace trousers

NEW TREND: The Miu Miu Autumn/Winter 2023 catwalk.

SOME people feel that trends in fashion are just pants, but don’t knock the knickers because they are not just on trend but exciting the fashion world.

The Miu Miu Autumn/ Winter 2023 collection started (or perhaps resurrected) this trend and the idea has sparked excitement with many other designers following suit.

There’s an old saying ‘Little things please little minds but little pants don’t fit big behinds’ and perhaps not everyone wants to spend much of the winter parading around with a pair of skimpy pants co-

vering their lower halves.

So the offshoot of Prada has inspired designer labels such as Acne, Victoria Beckham, Gucci and Tom Ford to go all out with stand-alone pant collections whilst other designers have chosen to create dresses and skirts from sheer material in order to show the pants off but also save some blushes.

Others have taken the retro step of going for a selection of hot pants harking back to the 60s and the ‘Summer of Love’ as it is clear that there is only so much creativity possible and like the remakes of mo-

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

vies, fashion certainly has no problems with looking to the past in order to move forward.

If you are thinking of rushing to the Miu Miu online store just be warned that prices start at around €850 and can rise as high as €5,000 depending upon the material used.

Time will tell whether Britain’s favourite supplier of knickers, Marks and Spencer will introduce their own street wear and then you too can afford to be like Superman (not Supergirl who wore a skirt) wearing your pants over your tights.

www.vosshomesspain.com

FINANCE DAME EMMA WALMSLEY, chief executive of biopharma giant GlaxoSmithKline, said Britain was “uniquely placed” in the drug development market owing to its background of academic skill and high-profile companies. “I’m a great optimist about the UK,’ she told a BBC Radio 4 interviewer.

Planning ahead

THE time that unpaid interns spend with companies in Spain will be included in the calculations of years worked when they reach pensionable age. This new measure, which came into force on January 1, will affect 1.2 students currently acquiring work experience, the Social Security ministry said.

Cash needed

CAMBRIDGE PROPERTIES HOLDINGS LTD, created in 2021 for the Selfridges takeover by Thailand’s Central Group and Austrian company Signa, has asked the former for more cash following Signa’s collapse. Selfridges’ property arm also needs to repay a £27.3 million (€31.6 million) shareholder loan in May.

Early sales

WINTER sales in Spain normally begin on January 7 once the Christmas holiday is finally over but fashion chains H & M, Cortefiel and Bimba y Lola broke with tradition by starting theirs on December 28.

Smaller businesses warned that profit margins were so narrow, they could not afford to slash prices so early.

Shopping spree

FRIDAY December 22 was the UK’s most popular shopping day over the recent festive season, with 25 million trips made and £803 million (€929 million) spent in person, 85 per cent more than on an average Friday in 2023. Online spending remained steady at 11.6 per cent, data specialists Kantar said.

STAT OF WEEK

€2.7 billion

estimated value of Tendam if the owner of Cortefiel, Springfield, Women’s Secret and Hoss Intropia goes ahead with plans to float the company on the Madrid stock exchange.

M & S on top again

Linda Hall MARKS & SPENCER shares reached a five-year high when trading resumed on the London stock exchange after the Christmas break.

At one point on January 2, M & S shares shot up 2.5 per cent to increase the company’s value by more than £70 million (€80.8 million), while finishing the day 1.3 per cent higher.

BNP Paribas analysts singled out M&S stock as one of their first choices for 2024 and predicted that the company would turn out to be Christmas 2023’s “likely winner.”

Its market capitalisation

Photo credit: CC/Mtaylor 848

Looking good

euroweeklynews.com • 11 - 17 January 2024

M&S: Buoyant New Year start for high street stalwart.

has practically doubled to £5.5 billion (€6.3 billion) over the last 12 months, putting the company back into the FTSE 100 last August, four years after its 2019 relegation.

In 2007 M & S was worth £12 billion (€13.8 billion) but

between 2014 and 2019 the high street stalwart lost much of its sheen as well as 60 per cent of its market value amid criticism of “tired stores” and failing to cater for its core clientele.

The hoped-for revival plotted by M & S chairman

Archie Norman and chief executive Stuart Machin is paying off and its lacklustre clothing and homeware sections no longer lag behind the food departments.

By last November, profits rose by more than £100 million (€115.5 million), permitting the company’s first dividend payout since the pandemic.

Commentators have also pointed out that M & S is better-protected than many rival companies because a fair proportion of its most faithful clients are able to continue spending as normal, despite the costof-living crisis.

Iberdrola calls off US deal

IBERDROLA pulled out of its $8.3 billion (€7.5 billion) acquisition of New Mexico-based PNM Resources.

The deal, which would have made Iberdrola subsidiary Avangrid one of the largest utility companies in the US, was cancelled on January 2.

Avangrid explained that the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission vetoed the transaction in 2021 on “quality of service” grounds and a subsequent appeal was now enmired in the courts.

The New Mexico regulator had also cited the Villarejo scandal which named Iberdrola chairman Ignacio

Slowdown for factories MANUFACTURING in Spain slowed for the ninth consecutive month in December, the Hamburg Commercial Bank and S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) revealed.

December earned 46.2 points compared with November’s 46.3, with both below the 50 cutoff separating contraction from growth.

Last month’s slowdown reflected a falling-off of new orders owing to reduced national and international demand, the PMI showed.

Instead, the country’s manufacturers cut back on production and used existing stocks, reducing reserves of raw materials and semi-finished goods for the ninth month running.

Photo credit: Avangrid

BUSINESS EXTRA

22

IGNACIO GALAN: Chairman of Iberdrola and Avangrid.

Galan in the business and political intrigues of former policeman Jose Manuel Villarejo. The Spanish courts cleared Galan last June.

The PNM deal was approved by five US federal agencies and Texas’s public utility commission, but Avangrid explained on January 2 that with “no clear timing” on the New Mexico appeal, it was cancelling the deal in line with the terms of the PNM agreement.

Goldman Sachs analysts quoted by the Financial Times said Iberdrola’s decision was a “strategic positive” as interest rates had soared since the merger was announced. It also avoided a €9 billion hike in Iberdrola’s net debt, taking this it to approximately €55 billion.

Disappearing cash

THE UK’s farmers accused the government of reneging on its pledge to spend an annual £2.4 billion (€2.8 billion) on agriculture.

The government promised that by the end of the present parliament this £2.4 billion would be compensating for the disappearance of the EU’s common agricultural policy which paid farmers for each hectare of land they managed.

Instead, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) figures show that it underspent by £110 million (€127.5 million) between 2021 and 22 and £117 million (€135.6 million) between 2022 and 23.

In all, £227 million (€263 million) of the pledged cash has not reached them, the farmers said.

Gold rush SALES of gold, precious metals and coins rose 7 per cent last year compared with 2022.

As the number of people turning to gold overtakes the 2020 boom experienced during lockdown, the Royal Mint said this was the result of an increase in smaller investors looking for a “safe haven.”

Nevertheless, the Royal Mint’s payments to customers selling back their gold soared by almost 50 per cent as gold reached a record high last year.

It was also likely that gold would climb to new levels during 2024 if interest rates were to fall, Royal Mint analyst Stuart O’Reilly predicted.

Looking ahead Come clean Logical expansion

THE New Year is a time for predictions, and economist Roger Bootle foresaw that 2024 would be “unusually uncertain.”

But writing in the Telegraph Bootle also predicted “significant” cuts in interest rates before long, with the US leading the way.

The Fed might be able to cut interest rates as early as March, he said, followed by the eurozone and then the UK in the last few months of the year, if not before.

Britain’s key problem, Bootle stated, was the stubbornness of pay inflation, which would not be assisted by next April’s sizeable increase in the National Living Wage.

“Even so, by the end of the year, CPI inflation should be down to about 1.2 per cent, but with the core rate considerably higher, at about 2.5 per cent.”

UNILEVER should be more open regarding its tax situation in Russia, pro-Ukraine campaigners said.

After the Ukraine invasion, Unilever stopped all imports and exports to Russia but decided to continue producing “everyday essential food” including ice cream at its factories there.

Activists called on the company, which makes Persil, Hellman’s and Marmite, to disclose how much it has paid in taxes to the Kremlin in the past year.

The request followed the Russian government’s announcement last December that it would eliminate the need for “certain businesses” to publish trading details although it is not yet known whether this covers Unilever.

SPANISH logistics group has bought Belgium Parcels Service (BPS), a company that specialises in the urgent distribution of pharmaceuticals in Belgium and Luxembourg.

“This acquisition represents an important milestone in Logista’s expansion in Europe,” the company announced. “It also strengthens its position in pharmaceutical distribution and the courier segment.”

BPS provides 24-hour courier services in Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as 24- and 48-hour services in the Netherlands, France and Germany.

Logista paid approximately €8 million for BPS, as it continues its strategy of focusing on geographical and business diversification.

24 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 8 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.281,00............. -56,00............-2,40%.......... 286,76K

InterContinental..........................7.032,0............... -96,0.............-1,35%........... 60,75K

Abrdn.......................................... 169,18................ -4,10.............-2,36%.......... 615,33K

Intermediate Capital...................1.578,50............. -38,00............-2,35%........... 53,70K

Admiral Group.............................2.669,0............... -31,0.............-1,15%........... 29,44K

Intertek........................................4.209,0............... -67,0.............-1,57%........... 32,23K

Anglo American...........................1.846,0............... -26,6.............-1,42%.......... 458,05K

ITV............................................... 62,88................. -0,62.............-0,98%.......... 785,18K

Antofagasta................................1.595,00.............. -9,50.............-0,59%........... 79,33K

J Sainsbury................................. 304,50................ -3,70.............-1,20%............1,88M

Ashtead Group............................5.074,0.............. -170,0............-3,24%.......... 116,43K

Johnson Matthey........................1.605,5............... -44,0.............-2,67%........... 52,32K

Associated British Foods.............2.346,0............... -28,0.............-1,18%.......... 234,06K

Land Securities........................... 686,40............... -10,00............-1,44%.......... 116,55K

AstraZeneca...............................10.802,0.............. -62,0.............-0,57%.......... 108,69K

Legal & General.......................... 241,86................ -4,30.............-1,75%............2,47M

Auto Trader Group Plc................ 686,60................ -8,80.............-1,26%.......... 198,66K

Lloyds Banking............................ 46,92................. -0,63.............-1,32%...........18,53M

Aviva........................................... 426,60................ -6,50.............-1,50%.......... 637,18K

London Stock Exchange..............8.960,0............... -50,0.............-0,56%.......... 311,42K

B&M European Value Retail SA... 544,80................ -8,20.............-1,48%.......... 339,70K

Melrose Industries...................... 548,20................ -8,00.............-1,44%.......... 543,65K

BAE Systems..............................1.149,00.............. -6,50.............-0,56%.......... 787,03K

Mondi.........................................1.490,00............. -47,50............-3,09%.......... 340,61K

Barclays...................................... 153,50................ -2,08.............-1,34%............6,13M Barratt Developments................. 540,80............... -10,00............-1,82%.......... 803,87K Berkeley......................................4.722,0............... -53,0.............-1,11%........... 16,76K BHP Group Ltd...........................2.572,00............. -54,50............-2,08%.......... 241,63K BP............................................... 471,70................ -1,75.............-0,37%............3,43M British American Tobacco...........2.355,5............... -11,0.............-0,47%.......... 425,72K British Land Company................. 392,10................ -3,70.............-0,94%.......... 685,07K BT Group.................................... 120,45................ -1,15.............-0,95%............2,49M Bunzl...........................................3.139,0............... -45,0.............-1,41%........... 48,12K Burberry Group...........................1.364,0................+4,5............. +0,33%......... 318,27K Carnival.......................................1.184,5............... -19,0.............-1,58%........... 57,56K Centrica....................................... 147,65................+0,30............ +0,20%...........1,58M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.290,0............... -19,0.............-0,82%........... 59,92K Compass....................................2.126,00.............. -8,00.............-0,38%.......... 229,48K CRH............................................5.184,0............... -66,0.............-1,26%........... 53,69K Croda Intl....................................4.597,9............... -69,0.............-1,48%.......... 137,69K DCC.............................................5.638,8............... -76,0.............-1,33%........... 28,44K Diageo.........................................2.742,0............... -66,5.............-2,37%............3,75M DS Smith.................................... 296,40................ -6,70.............-2,21%.......... 327,07K EasyJet........................................ 490,00................ -7,10.............-1,43%.......... 430,80K Experian......................................3.034,0............... -17,0.............-0,56%.......... 261,57K Ferguson....................................14.565,0............. -145,0............-0,99%............ 7,45K Flutter Entertainment..................13.200,0............. -165,0............-1,24%.......... 106,48K Fresnillo...................................... 535,80................ -7,20.............-1,33%.......... 232,12K Glencore...................................... 459,55................+0,30............ +0,07%...........2,14M GSK plc......................................1.535,00.............. -4,40.............-0,29%............2,24M Halma..........................................2.113,0............... -32,0.............-1,49%........... 94,21K Hargreaves Lansdown................. 717,30................ -9,60.............-1,32%.......... 304,37K Hikma Pharma...........................1.831,00............. -19,50............-1,05%........... 55,58K HSBC.......................................... 629,70................ -2,80.............-0,44%............2,73M IAG.............................................. 150,80................ -2,50.............-1,63%............1,91M Imperial Brands..........................1.845,00............. -15,00............-0,81%.......... 127,86K Informa....................................... 762,60............... -12,40............-1,60%.......... 266,61K

National Grid..............................1.068,00............. -10,50............-0,97%.......... 510,26K NatWest Group........................... 218,80................ -1,30.............-0,59%............2,15M Next............................................8.371,5.............. -178,0............-2,08%.......... 334,12K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86213

1.15965

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0913 Japan yen (JPY)...................................158.51 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9310 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4583 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.298 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

Tui............................................... 582,50............... -21,00............-3,48%............1,25M

Closing Prices 8 January 3M.............................................. 108,20................+0,41............ +0,38%...........1,98M American Express....................... 187,10................+1,38............ +0,75%...........2,66M Amgen........................................ 303,17................+2,48............ +0,82%...........2,72M Apple........................................... 181,91................ -2,34.............-1,27%...........56,64M Boeing......................................... 245,00................+1,09............ +0,45%...........4,25M Caterpillar.................................... 286,14................+1,84............ +0,65%...........2,67M Chevron...................................... 150,72................ -1,61.............-1,06%............6,33M Cisco............................................ 50,08................. -0,43.............-0,85%...........12,65M Coca-Cola..................................... 59,77................. -0,19.............-0,31%...........11,18M Dow............................................. 54,19................. -0,44.............-0,81%............3,83M Goldman Sachs........................... 383,12................+1,33............ +0,35%...........1,03M Home Depot................................ 338,67................+0,41............ +0,12%...........2,64M Honeywell................................... 204,90................+0,37............ +0,18%...........2,18M IBM............................................. 160,86................+0,76............ +0,47%...........2,33M Intel.............................................. 46,87................. -0,18.............-0,38%...........46,78M J&J............................................. 160,63................ -0,34.............-0,21%............6,00M JPMorgan................................... 171,50................+1,22............ +0,72%..........10,18M McDonald’s................................. 291,84................ -2,55.............-0,87%............4,20M Merck&Co................................... 117,09................+2,32............ +2,02%...........8,90M Microsoft.................................... 367,94................ -2,66.............-0,72%...........16,06M Nike............................................. 102,35................ -1,69.............-1,62%............7,66M Procter&Gamble......................... 148,67................+0,83............ +0,56%...........4,24M Salesforce Inc............................. 251,24................ -0,60.............-0,24%............3,91M The Travelers.............................. 192,54................+1,24............ +0,65%...........1,82M UnitedHealth............................... 545,71................+3,68............ +0,68%...........2,13M Verizon......................................... 39,38.................+0,22............ +0,57%..........22,38M Visa A.......................................... 259,76................+1,78............ +0,69%...........2,56M Walgreens Boots.......................... 24,26................. -1,31.............-5,12%...........60,12M Walmart...................................... 157,76................ -1,54.............-0,97%............5,73M Walt Disney.................................. 90,58................. -1,07.............-1,17%............9,59M

Unilever.......................................3.824,0............... -18,5.............-0,48%.......... 337,03K

M - Million Dollars

Ocado.......................................... 708,60............... -25,60............-3,49%.......... 138,71K Persimmon.................................1.375,5............... -11,5.............-0,83%.......... 215,42K Phoenix....................................... 514,07............... -10,00............-1,91%.......... 302,68K Prudential.................................... 819,30............... -16,20............-1,94%............1,03M Reckitt Benckiser........................5.506,0............... -12,0.............-0,22%.......... 119,36K Relx............................................3.082,00............. -25,00............-0,81%.......... 686,87K Rentokil....................................... 411,40................ -2,60.............-0,63%.......... 567,16K Rightmove.................................. 549,98................ -9,00.............-1,61%.......... 170,69K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.658,0............... -96,0.............-1,67%.......... 392,44K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 293,10................ -4,80.............-1,61%............2,45M Sage...........................................1.129,00............. -19,00............-1,66%.......... 281,58K Samsung Electronics DRC.........1.441,00............. -15,00............-1,03%............ 2,23K Schroders.................................... 423,0.................. -8,7..............-2,02%.......... 159,20K Scottish Mortgage....................... 753,20................ -9,00.............-1,18%.......... 445,33K Segro.......................................... 856,60................ -7,60.............-0,88%.......... 204,15K Severn Trent...............................2.558,8............... -23,0.............-0,89%........... 57,20K Shell............................................2.575,8............... -18,5.............-0,71%.......... 932,61K Smith & Nephew........................1.042,00.............. -9,00.............-0,86%.......... 107,08K Smiths Group.............................1.693,50............. -26,50............-1,54%........... 39,91K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........9.680,0.............. -182,0............-1,85%............ 5,29K SSE............................................1.841,00.............. -5,00.............-0,27%.......... 157,55K St. James’s Place........................ 642,00............... -12,40............-1,90%.......... 301,81K Standard Chartered..................... 641,80................ -9,60.............-1,47%............2,80M Taylor Wimpey............................ 142,70................ -1,55.............-1,07%............2,54M Tesco.......................................... 299,10................ -3,30.............-1,09%............2,89M

United Utilities............................1.049,50............. -14,00............-1,32%.......... 122,10K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 70,010............... -0,440............-0,62%............4,27M Whitbread...................................3.548,0............... -33,0.............-0,92%........... 68,76K WPP............................................ 762,40...............+20,20........... +2,72%...........1,32M

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 8 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced QuantumScape Corporation............................... +2.80.......................... +43.08% Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc......................... +1.42.......................... +14.65% Peloton Interactive, Inc...................................... +0.75.......................... +13.94% Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc........................... +2.84.......................... +12.10% Select Medical Holdings Corporation................. +2.65.......................... +11.28% MINISO Group Holding Limited......................... +1.97........................... +9.89% Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc........................ +2.56........................... +8.01% The Simply Good Foods Company..................... +3.10........................... +7.83% Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.................................. +5.90........................... +7.75% Rocket Lab USA, Inc.......................................... +0.37........................... +7.25% M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Mobileye Global Inc............................................-9.75...........................-24.55% Endeavour Mining plc.........................................-2.20...........................-10.14% Nextracker Inc.....................................................-4.29............................-9.24% Evotec SE............................................................-0.91............................-8.66% Livent Corporation..............................................-1.54............................-8.53% Sunrun Inc..........................................................-1.38............................-7.48% APA Corporation.................................................-2.70............................-7.35% Array Technologies, Inc......................................-1.19............................-7.16% Allegro MicroSystems, Inc..................................-1.84............................-6.36% Organon & Co.....................................................-0.85............................-5.81% EchoStar Corporation..........................................-0.82............................-5.73% M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Win and lose

REVENUES from David Beckham’s business interests, which included deals with Netflix and the Qatar World Cup, doubled last year to £72.6 million (€84.2 million) compared with £34.3 million (€39.7 million) in 2022.

Meanwhile wife Victoria’s fashion firm will continue to require shareholder support after reporting pretax losses of £3.1 million (€3.6 million) in 2023.

Rome contract

SPANISH rolling stock manufacturer CAF secured a €130 million contract to build 40 trams for Rome city hall and maintain and repair these for five years.

The company, which is based in Beasain (Guipuzcoa), revealed that the initial order from ATAC, Rome’s publicly-owned transport company, could be extended to €400 million and 121 trains.

11 - 17 January 2024

Festive spending spree

Linda Hall GROCERY price inflation slowed to 6.7 per cent in December compared with November’s 7.7 per cent, British Retail Consortium figures revealed.

Food inflation dropped to its lowest since April 2022, and although sweets, eggs and frozen potato products rose, dairy items, including butter, milk and cream, were cheaper.

Meanwhile, supermarket chains had their bu-

Photo credit: Aldi/Richard Grange United National Photographers

ALDI: Discount chain’s sales grew by 9.9 per cent

siest Christmas since 2019, data specialists Kantar an-

nounced.

“The inflation rate is co-

Very fair shares

SPAIN’S Ibex 35, equivalent to the UK’s FTSE 100, had a record year and a return to pre-pandemic levels.

Its 23 per cent improvement was principally due to the textile giant Inditex as well as the Santander and BBVA banks, although analysts described Inditex as the Spanish stock exchange’s “principal mainstay.”

The company founded and still con-

trolled by Amancio Ortega closed the year with a 59.9 per cent upsurge in its share price, surpassed only by pharmaceutical company Rovi’s 65.5 per cent increase.

On November 21, Inditex shares beat their own record, overtaking the €36.7 of June 2017 but continued their climb to end 2023 with a price just a little shy of €40.

ming down at the fastest pace we have ever recorded,” Fraser McKevitt, head of Kantar’s Retail and Consumer division, said.

Promotions were central to retailers’ strategy over the holiday season, McKevitt added. “Nearly one third of all spending in the month up to Christmas Eve was on items with some kind of offer, the highest level since December 2020, and £823 million (€951.9 million) more than 2022.”

A record £13.7 billion (€15.8 billion) passed through supermarket tills last month with an average household outlay of the highest-ever £477 (€551.8).

Biggest share of the Christmas supermarket shop went to Aldi and Lidl, with Lidl’s sales up 13.8 per cent up on the 12 weeks ending on December 24.

Aldi’s sales grew by 9.9 per cent, giving them a combined market share of 17 per cent.

EWN 25

Red card FC BARCELONA will sue Libero Football Finance AG for defaulting on its €40 million payment for a 10 per cent holding in the Barça Vision online media company.

This payment was fundamental to Barcelona’s plans to float its content subsidiary Barça Media on Nasdaq, the New York stock exchange, which was originally planned for the end of 2023.

Daily fine BRITISH telecoms company BT missed the December 31 deadline imposed by the government on security grounds to remove all equipment made by Chinese company Huawei from its core network.

The cut-off date had been extended on two occasions and missing it again could expose BT to a daily fine of £100,000 (€115,959) for every day over the deadline.

26 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I FIND it difficult to contemplate why the Western general public and indeed the politicians, can’t, or simply refuse to admit, that Hamas are exploiting the beleaguered citizens of Palestine as victims solely to gain supportive propaganda for a conflict they have been involved in for years? Israel has not, as the disinformation instigators continue to spout, ‘declared war on Palestine’s innocent citizens’.

If Hamas were to discontinue their policies of hiding behind, or literally underneath the populace and repositioned themselves in more unpopulated areas, or indeed were prepared to sit around the negotiating table, the horrendous death toll that is befalling the inhabitants of the country would probably be terminated in days. But they won’t will they? The more Palestinians that are sacrificed, the more they can blame the atrocities on the Israelis, whose generals, rest assured, would be only too relieved to continue

or end the conflict without the horrific slaughter of so many civilians. The Hamas warren of tunnels and war rooms have been purposely constructed under hospitals, schools and religious establishments, primarily to avoid attack or if it should subsequently take place, be able to blame the enemy for the horror and killing of their innocent nationals. It is an obvious, cold blooded and utterly disgraceful method of misinformation.

Those partaking in the demonstrations all over the West in support of these bloodthirsty undertakings should also be ashamed and condemned for patronage of a group that began this latest conflict by slaughtering the young, elderly and babies of a peaceful Israeli community. To also witness the anti-sematic attitude and actions of a vast number of mid-East immigrants is also completely unacceptable.

It is important for these refugees and their kin to remember they were expected to leave their difficulties and hatred behind them, not revive them in countries who have offered them succour and the chance to live a peaceful and harmonious future with their

neighbours. When the Jewish people fled the ravages of Hitler and the holocaust, they entered Britain with jubilation and thanks. They then proceeded to blend into the British way of life.

They diversified into business and the astute among them employed many of the local populace, who were always treated with respect love and not a little humour. The areas they created were not ‘no go’ communities riddled with hate and religious fervour.

All manner of faiths and different beliefs were welcomed into their homes and schools of teaching.

If the majority of Mid-East immigrants don’t learn to live and respect the laws of the countries that have welcomed them, it can only end in one way. The Far Right will grow in stature and subsequently the great cities of the West will soon begin to resemble the ravages of Gaza and Beirut.

In the words of John Lennon. ‘Give peace a Chance’. If you don’t, the future of us all looks very bleak indeed.

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.

THE Museo Picasso Malaga has seen a record number of visitors walk through its doors during the year 2023.

2023 saw the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, and the museum marked this event by advertising a special exposition in honour of the Malaga born artist’s passing.

The record number of visitors was a massive 779,279 people that came to the museum, around 8 per cent more than in 2019, which was the best year to date in the 20 years that the attraction has been open.

It is also 21 per cent more visitors than the year prior, 2022.

The museum made their proud announcement on Friday December 29, and another piece of exciting news was to follow.

Credit: Shutterstock/1170980023

The future looks bleak

Record visitors for Picasso Museum in 2023

The museum entrance.

It was then publicised that artist Miguel Lopez-Remiro will be the new director of the Picasso Museum in 2024.

Miguel is originally from Pamplona and is aged 46 years old. He has previously worked as deputy curatorial director of the Guggenheim Bilbao and director of the University of Navarra Museum.

It looks like even more great things are in store for this cultural landmark in the south of Spain.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

Essence of Scandinavia SCANDINAVIAN beauty is an embodiment of simplicity, purity, and a deep connection to the pristine landscapes that define the region. Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking natural surroundings, Scandinavian beauty emphasises a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

Reflecting the purity of Nordic landscapes, skincare and beauty products often feature natural, locally sourced ingredients. From nutrient-rich berries to calming botanicals, these elements harness the power of nature to nourish and enhance the skin.

The minimalistic approach extends to make-up, where the emphasis is on enhancing one’s natural features rather than masking them. Soft, neutral tones mirror the serene colours of the Nordic environment, creating a harmonious and effortlessly elegant look.

In essence, Scandinavian beauty goes beyond cosmetics; it embodies a lifestyle that cherishes the simplicity and authenticity found in the natural world, promoting a radiant and truly timeless aesthetic.

NATURAL BEAUTY: Including soft neutral tones for an effortlessly elegant look.

11 - 17 January 2024

EWN 27

28 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CUPRA Navarro Segura, your Cupra dealer in Vera VERA has welcomed a new era in the automotive industry with the recent inauguration of CUPRA Navarro Segura, an official CUPRA dealership. This new addition promises to revolutionise the local car market by offering an unparalleled range of CUPRA vehicles, known for their blend of emotion, electrification, and performance.

Situated strategically on Carretera de Murcia, 30, 04620, in Vera, Almeria, CUPRA Navarro Segura stands as a beacon of innovation and quality in the automotive world. The dealership, emerging from its association with SEAT Navarro Segura, is set to offer a unique experience to car enthusiasts and prospective buyers.

CUPRA, as a brand, stands out for its defiant and unconventional approach. It has successfully demonstrated that electrification and sportiness can coexist, creating vehicles that inspire and excite. The dealership showcases models like the CUPRA Ateca, a segment leader;

NEW DEALERSHIP: Revolutionising the local car market.

the CUPRA León, the brand’s first electrified vehicle; the CUPRA Formentor, exclusively developed by CUPRA; and the CUPRA Born, the brand’s first 100 per cent electric car. These models epitomise the brand’s ethos of sporty design, exceptional performance, cutting-edge technology, exclusivi-

ty, and innovation.

The dealership’s unique selling point is its human team, renowned for their personalised attention, professionalism, and efficiency. This skilled team is dedicated to building robust customer relationships through direct, professional, and friendly interactions.

CUPRA Navarro Segura not only sells

cars but also provides an Official CUPRA After-Sales Service. This service is staffed by specialised professionals and equipped with original parts, ensuring the highest care standards for vehicle maintenance, mechanical repairs, bodywork, and painting.

The dealership’s impact extends beyond Vera, covering the entire Levante area of Almeria and adjacent regions in the province of Murcia. With a legacy in the automotive sector dating back to 1971, Navarro Segura brings over 50 years of experience, ensuring a service that is both reliable and exceptional.

Highlighting their customer-centric approach, the dealership offers attractive deals like the CUPRA Formentor for €280 per month with My Renting, among other special offers. For personalised service, customers can contact Lionel Pérez on +34 659 974 501 or visit the dealership for test drives and experience the dynamic range of CUPRA models.

Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00h to 20:00h and Saturdays from 9:00h to 13:00h.

For more information, interested individuals can reach out via the following: • Phone: 950 393 170 • Email: comercial.cupra@navarrosegura.seat • Website: www.redcupra.es/navarrosegura • Social Media: Facebook and Instagram pages of CUPRA Navarro Segura.

CUPRA Navarro Segura is more than just a dealership; it’s a destination for those who seek the extraordinary in the automotive world.

30 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Loveday’s School of English

1. Name of company? Loveday’s School of English. Academia de Inglés.

2. Where are you based? Ave de Almería, local 54, Turre. (two shops up from Super Turre Supermarket).

3. Describe your business? The academy in Turre high street will offer face to face Spanish and English classes to the surrounding community.

The Spanish lessons will be tailored to the specific needs of the students. Primarily most of the classes will be based around conversational learning. Constructing short sentences that can be used in daily life, the ethos behind this is to give students the confidence to use newly learnt Spanish outside the classroom, which in turn should improve their confidence when speaking and listening in Spanish and encourage them to continue improving and enjoying their newly learnt second language.

Students will constantly read from flash cards (all the flash cards will be printed in

Academia de Inglés

SCHOOL OF ENGLISH: Classes are tailored to the specific needs of the students.

Spanish and English) in sentences aloud within the classroom to practise their pronunciation and adapt themselves to speak Spanish in sentences and not singular words. It’s all about confidence. There’s nothing worse than thinking like an adult but speaking like a child while trying to converse in Spanish.

The classes will consist of two hours a week, one hour each class. Either on a Monday and Wednesday or a Tuesday and

Thursday. A certain amount of homework will be encouraged, as we all know, two hours a week in a classroom environment is not quite enough to learn a language.

The lessons won’t be bogged down in Spanish grammar. The method of repeatedly writing down singular words into a notebook doesn’t really work, especially if they’re not constructed into a meaningful sentence. The words and sentences learnt need to be seeded into the stu-

dent’s head rather than a notebook. The main reason you forget your newly learnt language is because you don’t use it, it’s no good writing it into a notebook and leaving it on the kitchen table until the next class, that’s no good to anyone. If it’s firmly planted in your head, then you can take it out with you and USE IT, hopefully.

Learning a new language does take time and effort but the rewards and enjoyment are priceless.

Classes started from January 8, 2024.

Enrolment has already started. The price of lessons will be €49 a month. Most of the Spanish classes will be held in the mornings, but there will be evening classes available.

4. What makes you/your service special?

5. What is your background in this field? I have been teaching English as a foreign language for 15 years here in Spain.

6. Do you have any special offers?

None.

More information: Call into the academy at Ave de Almeria, Local 54, Turre. Or call or send a message to 610 316 101 (WhatsApp).

Opening hours: In the morning from Monday to Friday 09.30 till 14.00 or Monday and Wednesday afternoons/evenings from 16.00 till 21.00 Loveday’s School of English, Academia de Inglés, Local 54. Turre. (Two shops up from SuperTurre Supermarket). 610 316101 (WhatsApp).

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

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

45

34 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

FASHION is a strange creature and understandably with so many designers launching new collections every three months, it is incredibly difficult to come up with something new.

On the odd occasion that there is a radically new trend, no matter how bizarre it may be, fashion writers praise it and other designers jump on the band wagon.

The latest craze is for women to wear their pants either under sheer skirts so they can be seen or without any covering on their lower limbs.

In the early 1900s, £1 was referred to as a ‘knicker’ but these ones cost a hell of a lot more and our readers passed their generally negative verdict on the trend;

“

Yess - Boxers n vest.

Lois G Clark

Well considering my knickers go down to my knees and my top goes up to my ears….yes!

Emma Monks

Reminds me when we used to wear minis Hazel Moorman Bloomers !!

Lynda Woodin

Why should this fashion be limited to ladies? Men can wear the dresses or even see through pants so let’s see them parade round in small briefs which draw our attention to their ‘assets’. I’m sure they’d love dressing like that.

Sheree Ruiz

The Geordie lasses do cause they are tough.

Steve Mcgann

Heck noooo!

Not on your life!!!

Carol Hurst

Too draughty

Shirley Morris

No change there then. No class whatsoever!

Tricia Harrington

What in my baggy grey full size M&S knickers? I think not!!

Eivissa Lyn

I would not subject the public to that!

Heath Savage

To cold ..lol

Julie Hitchin

Is that a serious question?

Julia Margaret Clarke

Sophia Loren always said “Leave a lot to imagination “.Don’t think she would class the knickers as such.

Tim McMahon

Mapuchi Moda

By the length of some dresses, you see the wearer has already forgotten to put on their pants and you can see their underwear, glittery or not if you are not careful. But you’d also have to ask what’s the difference between a bikini and a see-through beach over and the see-through dresses.?

Sheree Ruiz

The Emperor’s New Clothes syndrome perhaps..?? !!

Sandra Harbut

Don’t think it will catch on but who knows some of the hot pants were very brief back in the day. I never liked hotpants just very short minis for me but other girls looked great. And remember Kylie’s little gold ones?

Leah Kerr

Sheree Ruiz Maybe the weather?

Susan Spelman

I’d scare the horses and frighten the children!!

Susan Lea

Thought many females already did this

Helen Burn

Leah Kerr Hotpants were proper dress not knickers. Trousers suits were stylish too.

Tim McMahon

Ridiculous

Jaqui Silcox

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 • 11 - 17 January 2024

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CONSIDERING the joy of adding a cat to your family but concerned about potential allergies? Fear not, as managing cat allergies is indeed possible with some practical tips.

While cat dander is a common culprit, different breeds produce varying amounts of it.

Spend quality time with various cats before making a decision to gauge your sensitivity. Even if a friend or family

Cat allergies member already has a feline friend, there are ways to navigate potential allergic reactions.

Take steps like restricting the cat’s access to certain rooms, especially your bedroom. Post-interaction, wash

Ferret companionship OWNING a ferret can be a delightful and unique experience, but it comes with its share of pros and cons. On the positive side, ferrets are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their human companions, providing endless entertainment with their curious antics.

Ferrets are highly social animals, thriving on interaction with both their owners and fellow ferret friends. Their compact size makes them suitable for apartment living, and their low-maintenance grooming needs are a definite plus.

However, it’s essential to consider the cons. Ferrets demand a considerable amount of time and attention, requiring daily play and mental stimulation.

Their mischievous behaviour may pose a challenge for households with delicate belongings. Additionally, ferrets have a distinctive odour, and their diet requires careful consideration.

In summary, while ferrets make charming and interactive pets, potential owners must weigh the commitment required against the joy and companionship these playful creatures bring into their lives.

your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face or eyes.

Employing air purifiers can effectively combat cat allergens as well as other airborne irritants like dust mites.

Consistent cat baths, while

ensuring a clean and sleek pet, also help in reducing dander.

For added relief, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to identify suitable antihistamines.

These can address common symptoms such as runny nose or puffy, watery eyes. By incorporating these measures, you can happily share your life with a cat while managing potential allergic reactions.

Strict new laws AS of December 31, strict regulations demand that XL Bully dogs be kept on a leash and muzzled when in public in the UK. This measure is a response to an alarming increase in dangerous incidents involving these dogs, including 23 fatal attacks in the last three years, with XL Bullies often involved.

The government has enacted a comprehensive ban on the breeding, selling, advertising, gifting, exchanging, abandoning, or letting XL Bully dogs stray.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said, “The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023.

“We have met that pledge - it is now a legal requirement for XL Bu-

lly dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public.

It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.’”

Owners must now register their existing XL Bullies before February 1, with the failure to do so resulting in criminal charges and an unlimited fine.

Registration involves securing public liability insurance, microchipping the dog, and an application fee. By June 30, 2024, most dogs must be neutered, with an extended deadline to the end of 2024 for dogs under a year old as of 31 January 2024.

The government’s approach is staggered, aiming to manage the existing population of XL Bully dogs.

The upcoming deadline of February 1 marks the next stage in this process.

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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.

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11 - 17 January 2024 MISCELLANEOUS GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693

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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.

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11 - 17 January 2024 INSURANCE

EWN 37

38 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack WE‘RE used to seeing badges on cars, and know the desirable ones, the ones we like, the ones we don’t like, but how much do you know about the history behind the badge? They all have a history and some are more interesting than others and Audi is an especially involving story.

August Horch took his first job in the industry courtesy of Karl Benz, who hired him to manage his factory in Mannheim. After three years of learning under Benz, Horch decided the time was right to strike out on his own and founded Horch & Cie Motorwagenwerke in 1899.

Initially making two-cylinder and later four-cylinder cars, Horch left the company in 1909 after a difference of opinion with the company’s board and founded a new car company in the same the year. He couldn’t use the Horch name so translated his name into Latin,

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

Behind the badge - Audi

AUDI BADGE: The four rings symbolise the brand that we know today.

‘Audi’. Between 1912-14 Horch’s cars gained three consecutive victories at the International Austrian Alpine rally. One of the most challenging of the time.

Wanderer originated as a bicycle repair shop then

started building bicycles and then motorcycles.

Their first car in 1913 was known as Puppchen - English Moppet.

DKW was one of the largest motorcycle makers of the time. Danish founder

Jorgen Skafte Rassmussen began experimenting with a steam powered automobile in 1916.

It wasn’t a success so he started working on twostroke engines. DKW became one of the most im-

portant motorcycle makers of the pre first world war period and started building cars in 1928.

They were the first company to bring cars with front wheel drive.

Global recession meant

that demand began to plummet from 1929 and companies began to experience financial problems.

The recession led to union of the four brands mentioned above, which was initiated by the State Bank of Saxony, and Auto Union AG became the second largest car maker in Germany by number of vehicles produced.

The four former companies, now merged into Auto Union, maintained their own distinct areas of expertise. DKW made motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer produced mid-size cars while Audi concentrated on deluxe mid-size cars, and Horch was the luxury car arm of the enterprise.

When Auto Union was formed in 1930 the four rings were seen as a badge for the first time.

The name Auto Union was across the four rings and later the four rings symbolised the brand we know today as Audi.

40 EWN 11 - 17 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

AT only 16 years old, Luke Littler has become an overnight sensation following his astonishing performance at the World Darts Championship final.

In recent weeks, Littler’s meteoric rise has captivated the darts world. His journey to the World Darts Championship final, which culminated in December at Alexandra Palace, has drawn comparisons to legends such as Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, making him a new icon in the sport.

Despite securing a runner-up prize of £200,000, Littler faces significant tax obligations. Investment firm Saxo estimates that he will owe £76,203 in taxes and

£7,330 in national insurance.

As a result, his net earnings will be approximately £116,467. Andrew Mangion from Saxo advised that such a large sum for a teenager is uncommon and professional financial guidance would be beneficial.

In an intriguing turn, Anthony Joshua’s SBX Studios has expressed interest in Littler’s story, proposing a deal worth over £1 million for film rights. This move follows the record-breaking viewership of the championship’s final on Sky Sports, emphasising Littler’s wide-reaching appeal.

Following his remarkable performance, Littler received an invitation to join this year’s Premier League tour. He accepted, and acknowledged the rarity of such opportunities.

Littler expressed on Sky Sports his awareness of the fleeting nature of sporting success and his eagerness to seize every chance presented: “Let’s do it, it might not

Credit: LukeTheNuke180/X

Dart prodigy’s tax woes Football legend passes

OVERNIGHT SENSATION: Luke Littler with signed shirt.

happen again,” he said.

Littler’s rise to fame has also caught the attention of celebrities like Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker as well as other popular YouTubers.

Some of whom have exten-

ded invitations to feature him on their podcasts.

Additionally, football stars like Luke Shaw and Jesse Lingard, and even David Beckham, have shown their support.

Catherine McGeer IN a devastating loss to the world of football, Franz Beckenbauer, affectionately known as ‘Der Kaiser’ (The Emperor), has passed away at the age of 77. The iconic figure, revered as one of the greatest footballers in German history, breathed his last after a valiant battle against a prolonged illness that had kept him away from the public eye in recent months.

Hailing from Munich, Beckenbauer revolutionised the role of the libero or the modern sweeper, reshaping it into an art form that defined his legacy. His genius on the field elevated both the national team and Bayern Munich to unprecedented heights.

Beckenbauer’s crowning glory came in 1974 when he captained the West German national team, affectionately known as ‘Die Mannschaft,’ to clinch the World Cup. However, his contributions extended far beyond that triumph. He later secured another World Cup victory in 1990, this time as the coach of a unified German team.

His stellar career also boasts the Euro Cup victory in 1972 and an astonishing three consecutive European Cup titles with Bayern Munich between 1974 and 1977.

Beyond his unparalleled success with both club and country, Beckenbauer embodied elegance on the pitch coupled with an innate winning mentality that mesmerised fans worldwide. His exceptional leadership skills made him one of the most admired footballers of his era and cemented his place among the sport’s all-time greats. His individual brilliance was recognised with two Ballon d’Or awards in 1972 and 1976.

The footballing world mourns the loss of a true legend whose impact transcended generations. Tributes poured in from fans, players, and football dignitaries.