Costa del Sol 28 March – 3 April 2024 Issue 2021

Four Paws have been collecting for abandoned animals.

Photo: Facebook / Suspiros de Cuatro Patas

Historical heritage

THE mayor of Benalmadena, Juan Antonio Lara, has given the green light to the renovation of the dock for nautical activities in Benalmadena marina and the renovation of Torre Bermeja.

The tower is currently fenced off due to the danger of collapse of the south façade facing the sea. The work now proposed is, “a very ambitious action which includes, structural analysis and archaeological and geotechnical surveys, as well as historical and cultural research into the monument, with a project to restore and consolidate it,” said the mayor.

These works are part of the local government’s commitment to preserve and promote all the historical and cultural heritage of the municipality.

With regard to the renovation of the dock in the marina, the aim is to provide better facilities in the area to create more useful space. The total budget for the work is over €100,000 and should be completed in six months.

Walking for charity

THE Asociación Bandera Rosa (Pink Flag) and Casares Town Hall have organised the the third Charity Walk which will be held on Saturday April 6 in Secadero, Casares.

During the presentation of the walk, councillor, Noelia Rodríguez, thanked the work that the Bandera Rosa Association does with patients and their families, especially Pepi Herrera, the visible head of this association in the municipality, and the people of Secadero for the support and collaboration they offer on this great day and throughout the year.

The charity walk starts at midday and is a sporting activity aimed at everyone. It can be done running or walking, as the important thing is to participate and collaborate with the association of breast cancer patients and relatives, emphasised Pepi Herrera of Bandera Rosa.

Registrations can be made at the town hall of Secadero, at the Bandera Rosa headquarters, the Secadero Gymnasium, TwoBox and Papelería María Jesús. Bandera Rosa has designed a commemorative t-shirt which is already on sale for €10 with all funds going to help breast cancer patients and their families.

Once the march is over,

Secadero will have a great party with a large paella, a bar with home-made tapas, musical performances

and children’s activities to round off a day of coming together to raise awareness of breast cancer.

Anniversary party

FOR eight years ‘Suspiros de Cuatro Patas’ (the Sighs of Four Paws) has been collecting abandoned ani-

mals, caring for them and, most importantly, finding them a family, a permanent home.

The anniversary party, which was held on March 22 in the restaurant of the Peña Caballista La Retama in Mijas, had all the ingredients to make it a great evening: a street market, raffles, a nice dinner and of course, the invaluable help of the many people who attended and the volunteers who do a great job every day and who could not miss this event.

“What all the volunteers do is to feed the dogs, clean them, walk them, everything that needs to be done. It is a very rewarding task,” said one of the volunteers, Claudia Frenk.

The evening also featured live music thanks to the collaboration of Pasabaxaqui Band. The success of this party will encourage Suspiros de Cuatro Patas even more to continue helping the animals that need it most.

Suspiros de Cuatro Patas

( https://suspirosdecuatropa tas.org) welcome any financial contributions, volunteers or donations of food and cleaning supplies for their shelter.

Photo: Casares Town Hall

PINK FLAG: The charity help raise awareness of breast cancer.

Clocks go forward

DAYLIGHT Savings Time begins on Sunday March 31 at 2.00am. At this time, clocks will ‘spring forward’ as we welcome in the longer days and sunnier seasons of spring and summer.

Bridge open

A NEW section of the coastal path in Benamara has been inaugurated. This path has a 22.6 metre long wooden bridge over the Arroyo Dos Hermanas and a 220 metre long, four metre wide path which starts at the access to the beach via Calle Dorada.

Opening up

EASTER marks the first Sunday of the year when shops in Spain are allowed to stay open. As well as many supermarkets, the Miramar centre in Fuengirola and La Cañada in Marbella will be open every day over Easter including Good Friday, March 29.

Body found

A CORPSE, with a knife stuck in its chest, was found inside a burning camper van near Fuengirola in the early hours of the morning on Friday March 22. The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation but the body has not yet been identified.

Sale success

AREME’S charity table sale in Cancelada on Saturday March 16 was a success raising a total of €150 of which, 50 per cent was handed over to a local charity and the excess clothing was given to the St George’s charity shop in Cancelada.

David

Hart

ESTEPONA Town Council has reported that the works to urbanise and bring infrastructure and services to the Camino de las Mesas area of the town have been completed.

This is a major project which involved the development of a large area in the north of Estepona, covering an area of more than 165,000 square metres.

The works have provided this area with seven connecting roads for trac and one for pedestrian use, which will provide the infrastructure for the town’s expansion.

The works have created a large green area of 16,500 square metres, a commercial area and 472 parking spaces. This urban project has also opened up two 5,000 square metre plots intended for residential deve-

€9m project completed Spring fest

lopment. Following an investment of €9 million, the area will be open to the public and to vehicle tra c after Easter.

With the completion of this pro-

ON Sunday, April 14, ARCH Vina Borego, nestled behind Miralmonte on A404 Coin/Alhaurin al Grande, will host a Spring Fest from 10am to 4pm, promising a day of excitement for a noble cause. The event aims to rally support for Horse Rescue Spain while o ering attendees a delightful experience.

Visitors can anticipate a myriad of activities including a lively ra e, live music, and a thrilling fun dog show competition, all set to keep spirits high. Renowned presenter and DJ Lee Jay will grace the occasion, ensuring entertainment is top-notch throughout the day.

Moreover, an artisan market showcasing unique crafts, along with a delectable array of food and drink options, will cater to diverse tastes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in various games and activities, promising fun for all ages.

Spring Fest isn’t just a day out; it’s a chance to make a meaningful di erence in the lives of rescue horses while enjoying a memorable event with friends and family.

ject, the development of the entire left bank of Avenida Puerta del Mar is nished and connects with the area of Las Mesas, which was already developed in 2016.

Tunnel roadworks

THE Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced the start of works in the San Pedro Alcantara tunnel for the adaptation of the emergency exits. At night, tra c will be reduced to one lane in each direction in the underpass under the boulevard until the work is completed in three months.

These works, which aim to improve road safety, have an investment of €3.76 million.

According to the information provided by the Ministry, the works will a ect tra c until June 26. During this period, cuts will be made in the left lane on both carriageways.

The timetable for lane closures is: Monday to Friday, between 9pm and 7am. However, between 7am and 9pm, there will be no lane closures and tra c will move normal at weekends from 7am on Fridays until midnight on Mondays. It is important to note that during Easter Week, until Monday April 1, there will be no tra c disruption.

Airport access

THE government is investing €190 million to increase the capacity of the MA-20 motorway making access to the airport easier.

Minister Óscar Puente has announced in X the publication of the project to build a third lane on the Malaga ring road and a new viaduct over the Guadalhorce river in a long-awaited

intervention that will cover nine kilometres of the motorway between the capital and Torremolinos, with an increase from two to three lanes in each direction.

These works will take place between kilometre 0 and 9 of the dual carriageway - between the border between Churriana and Torre-

molinos and are intended to put an end to the problems of traffic jams and congestion in the Plaza Mayor areas and leading to the airport.

According to a press release by Transportes, the project has already been provisionally approved together with the environmental impact study.

BENALMADENA Town Hall is intensifying e orts to remove Asian seaweed from its beaches. Due to the strong storms at the end of March, the workers have not been able to remove the algae as the weight has increased considerably because of the rain and so much more has arrived on the coastline.

The bulk of this algae, an invasive species that a ects the entire coastline of the Costa del Sol, has accumulated mainly on the beaches of Las Gaviotas and Playa Bonita. Despite the di culty of the work due to the rains, the Beaches Department is working to collect the algae, which is becoming more complicated as the algae is spread all over the beach.

It is estimated that in one week alone it will be possible to collect about 70 tonnes of seaweed in total.

MAJOR PROJECT: The works have created a large green area.

Photo: Estepona Town Hall

Running for health Treasure Hunt

Michael Carrington

FUENGIROLA Town Hall is encouraging people to take part in the third race of the Urban Running Circuit, which will take place on Sunday April 14, with the slogan ‘Running for health’.

Councillor for Sports, Julio Rodríguez, explained that the race will run through the Loma Park and this year the Costa del Sol Hospital is collaborating with the initiative on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

Registration costs €5 for adults and €4 for children and can be made at the website: dorsalchip.es. Part of the proceeds from this race will go to the Ames association, for patients with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that affects the muscles and causes fatigue and tiredness.

+34 951 38 61 61

ON a Sunday morning 24 people plus two dogs assembled at Olé’s restaurant in La Cala de Mijas for the first La Cala de Mijas Lions Car Treasure Hunt.

The participants were sent on their way with directions and questions that would hopefully lead them to the halfway stop in Alhaurin de la Torre. After many wrong turns and near arguments in the cars, they all arrived at the half way stop for a well-deserved drink and food.

The afternoon route was a little shorter and perhaps easier, although some still managed to get lost but eventually found their way to the finish. After a well earned drink the presentations took place along with a raffle.

La Cala de Mijas Lions

Car Treasure Hunt Cup, winners’ certificates and a small gift.

With just 13 points separating the teams, the organiser, Graham Rutland, presented losers certificates and wooden spoons to the last place team and the winners were presented with the

“The third and last race of the eighth Circuito de Carreras Populares is going to be very special, because the Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol is celebrating its 30th anniversary and we have created a special classification for hospital professionals,” Rodríguez said, adding that, “registrations will be open until April 8, although we will reserve around 30 places for the day of the race itself for those who want to

This very enjoyable and successful event raised €410 for the Lions’ funds. Lions President, Brenda Meredith thanked Graham for organising the event and is looking forward to the next one. For information of future Lions future events, visit their Charity Shops in Calle Torremolinos in La Cala de Mijas or their website at www.lacalalions.org

Open Classic Pairs

BENAVISTA Bowls Club held their Open Classic Pairs Competition in the middle of March. This is an annual knockout competition held over four days, which culminated in the final played on Wednesday March 20. The final was played between Rob Godfrey and Morah Horners and Pat Fisher and Simone Morgan. Rob and Morah led up to the 13th end, when Pat and

Simone drew level at 11 all. Rob and Morah pulled away again and at the end of the 17th end were ahead by two points. The tense last end couldn’t have been more exciting for the spectators, who enjoyed a nail biting finish which resulted in Pat and Simone fighting through to win 17-16.

Congratulations to all the finalists on a superb performance. What a match!

URBAN RUNNING: Registration now open.

Photo: Facebook

Expensive problem

Kevin Fraser Park

MARBELLA Town Hall has spent more than €800,000 so far this year to remove 75 tonnes of invasive algae from the bea-

Councillor, Diego López, who visited the work being carried out in Nueva Andalucia, warned of the, “growing problem caused by the expansion of this species on the coast,” and called on the central government to, “fulfil its responsibilities and help the municipalities to pay for its collection and treatment.”

López reported that the clean-up operation is made up of four bulldozers, three lorries, two pick-up trucks, a tractor with trailer and two beach

cleaners. “We are assuming enormous costs for the removal of this waste and its transfer to the treatment plant in Casares,” said the councillor, who added that since 2020 the town hall has invested a total of €2 million keeping the beaches free of algae.

The presence of the spe-

cies ‘Rugulopterix okamurae’, included by the central government at the end of 2020 in the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species, is especially affecting the beaches of San Pedro Alcantara, Puerto Banus, Fontanilla and Cabopino, where the algae can exceed one metre in height.

Record employment

MARBELLA has reached its best historical records in employment in the hotel sector for the month of February, exceeding the figures for the same period in 2023 according to figures published by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

Tourism councillor, Laura de Arce, reported that the total hotel workforce rose to 2,513 people and that hotel overnight stays remained on the rise in the city and exceeded 105,000.

“The data reflects that the municipality maintains a positive trend in this sector and that we are overcoming seasonality in the best possible way,” said De Arce. Hotel occupancy in the city

MORE than 1,200 national and international players are gathering in Marbella for the 16th Marbella Cup Soccer, an initiative promoted by the city council and Sun Sports Events which will be played in various municipal facilities with the presence of 30 clubs.

stood at over 50 per cent in February, with a total of 33,040 tourists staying in establishments, of which 19,924 came from abroad and 13,116 were Spanish.

In terms of average prices per room, February followed the trend of recent years and stood at over €140, which represents the highest figure for the time of year since records have been kept.

“Marbella continues to be committed to quality tourism and has posted very positive figures for the first two months of 2024, which we are convinced will be reinforced in March with the celebration of Easter,” said De Arce.

1,200 football players

different parts of Spain, SG Rot-Weiss Frankfurt will be taking part in the competition, as well as the municipality’s leading teams, Marbella FC and UD San Pedro.

The councillor for Sports, Lisandro Vieytes, announced that the direct economic impact of the tournament on the city is close to €1 million during the four days, in which more than 130 matches will be played. “It is a superb event in local grassroots football that combines sport with tourism,” said the councillor.

Along with clubs from

The preliminary phase will be played on March 28 and 29 in the different municipal facilities and the finals will be held on Saturday March 30 at the Antonio Naranjo Municipal Stadium in San Pedro Alcantara.

BEACH CLEANING: Invasive algae being removed.

Photo: Marbella Town Hall

Marbella Cup Soccer.

Photo: Marbella Town Hall

Building Robust Portfolios

Brian Bamford

VANECK , a prominent name in the financial industry, in collaboration with Hugo Investing, is pleased to announce a seminar entitled ‘Building a Robust Portfolio with ETFs’ to be held at Hugo Investing in Marbella on Thursday April 11 at 5pm.

This seminar will focus on Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), a type of investment fund traded on stock exchanges, like stocks.

ETFs typically track specific indices such as the AEX or the S&P 500, aiming to replicate their returns by mirroring the assets within those indices and offer investors the advantage of diversification across various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, commodities, and real estate, in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

These funds are easy to buy and sell throughout the trading day at market prices and generally have lower costs than traditional investment funds.

The seminar will feature Martijn Rozemuller, CEO of VanEck Europe, who will share insights on effectively utilising ETFs to build diverse and so -

lid portfolios.

In addition to the seminar, attendees will have the opportunity to network with other investors during the closing drinks and meet and greet session.

For more information and to sign up, visit https://hugoin vesting.com / or phone 951 565 656.

1,500 orchids and a waterfall

Kevin Fraser Park

ESTEPONA Town Council has reported that the Botanical-Orchidarium Park, one of the town’s main tourist attractions, received a record number of visitors in 2023. According to the latest figures, the number of visits exceeded 45,000 for the first time, reaching 45,600, which means an average of 3,800 visitors per month.

This number of visits represents an increase of close to 10 per cent compared to 2022, according to data compiled by the concessionaire of the Botanical Orchid Park which also reports that the spring season is when most people choose to visit, coinciding with the flowering season of many of the species that are housed there.

Visitors come from all over Spain, but also from abroad. Citizens from the UK, Portugal, Germany, Central European countries and the Nordic territory have all

appreciated this facility and the town hall will continue to grant two invitations per year to each citizen registered in Estepona.

The Botanical-Orchidarium Park, which was inaugurated in 2015, houses more than 3,000 species of plants, of which more than 1,500 are orchids. The building is divided into two levels, with a surface area of 1,000 square metres, it has three glass-covered domes that have become its hallmark and the main dome houses a large waterfall.

Outside, it has a large green lung of more than 15,000 square metres in the heart of the town and this large park is part of the sustainable urban development project ‘Estepona, garden of the Costa del Sol’.

The opening hours are: Tuesday to Saturday: from 10am to 1.30pm and from 3pm to 6pm, Sundays from 10am to 2pm and entry is just €3 adults and €1 children.

Estepona Park

THE countdown for the new shopping centre on the Costa del Sol has started. The new Estepona Park shopping centre is about to open its doors and promises to be the perfect destination for the whole family. The works are almost finished and the opening of the facilities is scheduled for the first half of April.

Among the new additions that will be available, pet

lovers will be able to enjoy the opening of a Kiwoko shop, where they will find everything they need to pamper their furry friends. For sports fans, Sprinter will offer a wide range of sports products and equipment to suit all needs.

But that’s not all, for bargain hunters, Primaprix will open its doors with an irresistible selection of products at amazing prices. In addition, those looking to keep fit will be able to join Alta Fit, a state-of-the-art gym.

And for the little ones (and the not so little ones), Flipa Jump will offer a trampoline jumping experience like no other. Food hasn’t been forgotten either and will be provided by a franchise that is very popular with families, KFC.

The opening of this shopping centre will generate around 100 jobs. Its developer, has invested around €15 million euros in facilities with around 6,000 square metres of retail space.

A lift to town

Brian Bamford

THE mayor of Torremolinos, Margarita del Cid, accompanied by local and regional authorities, has inaugurated the lifts that now connect El Bajondillo beach with the town centre. These lifts, which had been out of service for years, represent a significant step towards greater accessibility in the town.

At the inauguration ceremony, Del Cid announced new advances in accessibility and said that, “the lift in La Batería park will soon be up and running, and work is already underway on the Camino del Agua project, which will improve the con-

nection between the town centre and the promenade.”

This project, with an investment of over €200,000, was financed in its entirety by a grant awarded by the Ministry of Tourism of the Junta de Andalucia.

The lifts located in Plaza Punta Tarifa, together with three new stair lifts, will allow a fully accessible connection between the centre and the Paseo Marítimo de El Bajondillo. These lifts, which have been out of service since March 2021 due to vandalism, will be available every day of the week from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm.

A significant step towards greater accessibility in Torremolinos.

Photo: Torremolinos Town Hall

Different strokes

David Hart

THE 10th ‘Costa de Torremolinos Swimming Crossing’ has now opened its registration period to take part in the competition which this year will be held on Saturday July 27 along the coastline of the town, an event promoted by the Fire Brigade of the municipality with the support of the town hall and which has already attracted more than 100 registrations in just over a week.

This year, 2024, the sporting event will once again offer two distances, a seven-kilometre crossing and a 3.5-kilometre run. Specifically, for this 10th edition, a total of 250 places are on offer, 150 for the longer competition and 100 places for the short course.

The seven-kilometre course will start from La Carihuela beach at the boundary between Torremolinos and Benalmadena, while the 3.5 kilometre course will start from the

SWIMMING CROSSING: Offers two distances.

promenade of El Bajondillo, with the finish line of both races located in Los Alamos.

The registration fee includes swimmer’s bag, personalised t-shirt, silicone cap, identification bracelet, nautical emergency whistle, personalised medal, accident and civil liability insurance, li-

quid refreshments during the race and post-finish refreshments.

The deadline for registration for these competitions is May 31 and those interested can go to the website www.travesiacosta torremolinos.com where all the information related to this sporting event is available.

Easter in numbers

THE numbers for Easter in Malaga are quite astounding. The city council has installed 22 public toilets, six of which are for people with reduced mobility,

140,000 rubbish bins and 2,500 ashtrays to prevent littering on public roads. In all 400 people will be working in the capital to make sure the weekend goes smoothly.

Public buildings in the historic centre will be decorated with 2,000 metres of fabric and 4,000 metres of gold trimmings, which are distributed among the more than 500 balconies that have been decorated.

In the area of lighting, work is being carried out to raise cables to ensure the smooth passage of the processions and to place floodlights in certain parts of the city. In the Cathedral, the lighting has been reinforced with four new floodlights to illuminate the atrium.

Bollards, traffic signs, litter bins, railings, planters and other obstacles have been removed so that nothing will impede the processions. The Malaga Cleaning Company, Limasam, has prepared a 24-hour service in different shifts with over 300 adfdtional workers to keep the streets clean and clear of rubbish.

Photo:

Global campaign

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT, a global campaign for suicide and self-harm awareness, recently held a heartwarming event on the Costa Del Sol.

On Wednesday March 20, attendees gathered for the presentation of funds raised from last year’s charity walk. Michael O’Halloran, the organiser, proudly handed over a cheque for €22,138 to Conception Cuevas Gonzalez, the President of Afesol.

Conception Cuevas Gonzalez explained the funds helped to fund the build of nine homes for vulnerable people. Afesol provide professional care and help to those at their worst times.

This impactful initiative began in Dublin in 2009, with a humble walk of 400 participants raising funds for Pieta, a mental health charity. Fast forward to today, Darkness Into Light has grown exponentially, with up to 170,000 participants worldwide supporting 36 charities in 22 countries.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT: Donated €22,138 to charity.

And on Saturday May 11 of this year, an even larger turnout is anticipated.

Here on the Costa Del Sol, Afesol Salud Mental serves as the charity partner, based in Benalmadena. Their day centres scattered along the coast provide crucial support to families and friends of individuals with mental health challenges, as well as active involvement in suicide prevention efforts.

Michael O’Halloran, the representative of Darkness Into Light for expatriates

in the region, knows the devastating impact of suicide firsthand. His tireless efforts have helped transform Darkness Into Light into the significant event it is today.

One such event is a Lunch and Fashion Show at The Harbour Bar and Restaurant, Marbella on April 24th, starting at 1.00pm. For more details, interested individuals can contact Ann O Hallloran Ryan on 00353 87 743 6248 or aohr1970@ gmail.com.

Autism Awareness

Michael Carrington TORREMOLINOS is organising numerous cultural and recreational activities during the Autism Awareness Week being held from Tuesday April 2 to Sunday April 7. Some municipal buildings will be lit up in blue for the week and, on Saturday April 6 there will be a fun and cultural day and on Sunday April 7 there will be a charity walk.

The mayor of Torremolinos, Margarita del Cid, said, “this is an event we do not want to go unnoticed because this team is involved with inclusion, as we have already demonstrated in the big events that are held in the town, with spaces and elements for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

The Torre Mirador del Parque de La Batería, the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Torre -

molinos and the Torre de Pimentel will be illuminated in blue, the colour that identifies people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Botanical Garden Molino de Inca will host on Saturday April 6, a Cultural Day for Autism Awareness, from 11am to 6pm. The day will consist of an extensive programme of activities organised by the 17 Autism associations taking part.

Throughout the day, there will be a bouncy castle and a trampoline for children and young people. In the mornings and afternoons there will be activities such as sports dance, orienteering, a participatory mural, texture experience, talks for families, board games workshop, a fabric bag workshop, a sensory classroom, dog therapy, gardening and floristry workshops, games and activities with

virtual reality glasses, among others.

On Sunday April 7 the association TEAcompaña, under the slogan ‘It had to be in Torremolinos’, will hold the first Solidarity Walk. The meeting point will be at 10.30am at the Oasis in the Bajondillo area, in front of the Minigolf.

At 11am the official route will start, which will run along the promenade of Bajondillo and Carihuela, ending at the Plaza del Remo.

Once the walk is over, attendees will be able to enjoy musical performances.

Participants will be asked to pay a contribution of €8 which will include a kit with a t-shirt, bib number, a bottle of water and fruit at the end of the walk. The funds raised during this walk will be used to finance social projects of the association TEAcompaña.

CHERISHED BAND: ABBA in 1974.

ABBA royalty

ONE of the world’s most cherished bands, ABBA, has been given a special honour by the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, for exceptional contributions to music and culture.

The members, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Reuss have all become the Commanders of First Class of the Order.

This marked a historic achievement, as the King welcomed the musicians to the Order of Vasa; one of the most esteemed orders of chivalry in Sweden. This was the first time in half a century that new members have been included.

The candidates were nominated by the public, and the government and the King made an official approval statement.

King Carl XVI Gustaf has shown his value of the band in the past, as ABBA performed for the marriage celebration of the King and Queen Silvia in 1976.

After 52 years of the band’s formation, ABBA’s songs continue to light up the li-

Credit: ABBA, Facebook

Stay away

THE Netherlands introduced ‘Amsterdam rules’ to reduce nuisance tourism with the use of specialised websites and campaigns.

The website, largely addressing visitors from England, Scotland and Ireland, holds quizzes which ask potential tourists about their plans in Amsterdam and targeting potential issues.

ves of many with enchanting melodies and touching lyrics, elevating pop music to a royal level.

On May 31, an official ceremony to award the band will be held at the Royal Palace in Stockholm; a city where ABBA was born in 1972.

The city centre chief, Sofyan Mbarki, spoke about the campaign: “We are taking a different approach this time. Now we are focusing on the things some tourists associate with the city, associations which we want to demolish.”

Videos in the ‘Stay Away’ campaign display the problematic situations which many tourists create when visiting Amsterdam. “The site is now live for British nationals and will soon be published in Italian, Spanish and French.”

Saved by the bell

SPAIN’S National Court ordered a temporary ban on the country’s fourth most-used messaging service, Telegram, on March 22.

FACUA (an NGO for the defence of consumer rights) released a statement that Telegram would cease to offer a service sometime the following day but complained that it would cause “enormous harm” to millions of users

The Court made the decision based on copyright infringement claims from a number of companies including Mediaset, Atresmedia and Movistar Plus.

The businesses declared that Telegram was granting users to upload content without permission.

The service however continued over the weekend without any interruption.

It then transpired on Monday March 25, that the Judge had rescinded his order to allow for a police report on the platform to be reviewed as well as give an explanation of how a ban would affect users.

He also commented that to ban Telegram would be an “excessive and disproportionate measure.”

Claude Norris

From ashes to glory

SINCE a devastating fire in April 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been on a restoration journey filled with obstacles and victories.

Over five years, efforts have been underway to meticulously restore the iconic landmark, to complete the work by the end of 2024.

French President Emmanuel Macron set an ambitious timeline of five years to complete the restoration.

Important milestones include removing charred scaffolding around the spire, restoring the cathedral’s organ, and selecting historic French oak trees to rebuild the spire.

In September 2021, efforts to secure the cathedral’s structure were finished, thanks to the work of carpenters, scaffolding experts, and climbers.

In spring 2022, master craftsmen from across France began the careful process of cleaning and restoring Notre Dame’s famous stained glass windows.

Restoration efforts also received assistance from abroad, with Germany’s Cologne Cathedral helping with four windows.

A significant moment in the restoration occurred in July 2023 when massive oak trusses were installed onto Notre Dame, coinciding with preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In December 2023, a symbolic moment took place as a golden rooster, symbolising a phoenix, returned to the top of the spire, symbolising Notre Dame’s rebirth.

Religious relics, including fragments of Jesus Christ’s Crown of Thorns, were placed in a time capsule inside the golden bird.

In February 2024, the unveiling of the cathedral’s new spire, adorned with the golden rooster and a cross, offered a glimpse into Notre Dame’s future as it approached its grand reopening.

Restorers are optimistic that the cathedral will reopen to the public by the end of 2024, marking the conclusion of years of meticulous restoration efforts.

The Virgin de la Pieda

John Smith

SOME Spanish towns are known for street art, Smurfs or witchcraft whilst others stand out for a single event which takes place annually.

In the 15th century, a worker from the town of Guadix in Granada, Juan Pedernal, was demolishing a wall of an abandoned mosque in neighbouring Baza when his pickaxe almost destroyed a hidden 12th century statue of the Virgin.

Legend says that the Virgin uttered the words “Baza - Guadix, have mercy on me” as the pickaxe just touched her cheek and since that day she has been known as the Virgen de la Piedad (pity or compassion).

Where should the Virgin reside though? Both towns claimed her and it went to the courts but no formal decision was made, however it was agreed between the Burgers of the two towns that

it would stay in pristine state in the Merced church in Baza and once a year on September 6, a representative from Guadix could try to claim it. Whilst it sounds easy, this is not the case as the person chosen, known as Cascamorras, a semi-religious character, dressed in a multicoloured costume, similar to that of a harlequin, leaves Guadix en route for Baza.

At 6pm on September 6, a rocket is fired and a drum is beaten and the

festival begins and to be successful the Cascamorras must recover the Virgin without a single stain appearing on his costume but locals who are out in force are armed with thick black paint and they chase him around the town ensuring that he and most of them are painted black.

From time to time, the people of Guadix are allowed to borrow the Virgin for a few days on the understanding that it is returned home on September 9.

The clean Cascamorras on his way to Baza.

Credit: Baza Council

Notre Dame is being restored.

Image: Notre Dame Cathedral Paris / Facebook.

Barona grows in Fuengirola - looking for a hundred new employees

THIS year, Barona is looking for 100 new employees for its service centres in Fuengirola and soon to be opened in Mijas. Fuengirola Service Centre currently employs more than 350 customer service professionals.

Barona, which has operated in the town since 2008, is the largest employer in Fuengirola after Fuengirola town. Barona offers outsourced customer service, IT support, treatment needs assessment and sales support to numerous companies from the Service Centre in Spain.

The increase in remote work due to the coronavirus pandemic and the willingness to change careers have turned the eyes of more and more Finns abroad, for example to Fuengirola and other Scandinavians also.

According to Marianne Eliasson, Barona’s Head of Service Centre Spain, the aim is to recruit employees who can work on a permanent basis and commit to a more perma-

nent move to Spain. Similarly, applicants are offered an easy way to go abroad to work, because the job is already waiting in Spain.

“We do not have an ideal applicant, anyone can be the right person to complement our community. We want the best colleagues to work for us. We also hope that the applicant will be interested in working in customer service and digital tools,” Eliasson says.

The town of Fuengirola is very multicultural and it is easy to assimilate into the Finnish community.

According to Eliasson, Barona has some turnover, but there are also many who stay in Fuengirola permanently.

“At Barona, we take care of the well-being of our employees in many ways and actively monitor the feedback we receive from them. We offer advice on moving and adapting here, and we also spend time outside working hours. No one is left alone.”

Barona organises a wide range of fun activities for its employees, such as city trips, visits to olive groves

and vineyards, hiking and learning about different sports. Employees also praise the daily breakfast served at the office.

According to Eliasson, Barona’s goal is to continue to grow in Fuengirola and recruit more experts from both the Nordic countries and other European countries in the future.

“Distances are decreasing as technology develops. We believe that employees appreciate the opportunity to work flexibly in a work community that values diversity,” says Eliasson.

Good Neighbours

John Smith THESE are the last of those commended for the Good Neighbour Awards 2024 as announced by Age in Spain.

Kimberly Olsson, from Torrevieja, has a reputation locally for caring for the feral cats in the neighbourhood. But recently, while feeding the colony of cats that come to her, she found a man whom she initially thought was dead.

When she discovered he was still alive, she took responsibility for finding him shelter, washing and ironing his clothes, and dealing with the bureaucracy around getting him into the social care system.

She registered him with Helping Hands in San Luis to provide food for him and has followed this up by ensuring that he is in contact with a

social worker. Says the neighbour who nominated this Good Samaritan “He is a gentle Spanish man who had fallen on hard times. Without Kimberly I don’t know what would have happened to him.”

The final commendation was for Esther de Veer from Lloret Blau, nominated by her 90-year-old neighbour whom Esther has been helping in all sorts of ways since the neigh-

bour had a bad accident.

Apart from shopping and cooking for her neighbour, Esther has been walking her dogs and dealing with all the requirements of daily life. Her neighbour commented “As I live alone and recently celebrated my 90th birthday, it gives me great peace of mind to know Esther is at the end of the phone.

“I believe she helps others, but she doesn’t talk about it.”

Kimberley Olsson. Esther de Veer.

IRELAND

Opposing views

MICHAEL HEALY-RAE, chairman of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying, was accused of undermining the findings of the final report which recommended legalisation “in very limited circumstances.” Healy-Rae personally opposes the measure and fellow committee members said his position was now “untenable.”

From afar

FOREIGN AFFAIRS minister Micheal Martin announced that the Irish government is committed to contributing $2 million (€1.36 million) to developing a new venue for the Canada Ireland Foundation in Toronto. It will be housed on Eireann Quay near the memorial to Irish immigrants who arrived there during the Famine.

NORWAY

Scandi noir

NETFLIX plans to begin filming a series based on Joe Nesbo’s thriller, The Devil’s Star, which will be directed by Oystein Karlsen and produced by the UK production company Working Title. Nesbo, who is also responsible for the scripts that feature his antihero Harry Hole, will be making his debut as a screenwriter.

Cold call

PARATROOPERS from the Eleventh Airborne Division parachuted down to Norway’s Lake Takvanet on March 18 after taking off from Alaska and flying over the North Pole as part of their cold-weather field training. Together with 100 soldiers from Norway’s army, they were taking part in Nato’s Arctic Shock exercises.

EURO PRESS

DENMARK

Gender bias

ONLY five of Copenhagen’s 101 statues depict women, although 70 are dedicated to men and 16 to animals. Culture minister, Jakob Engel-Schmidt admitted that “mythical beasts and horses” outnumbered women and said the government would spend 50 million Danish kroner (€6.7 million) on addressing the imbalance.

ITALY FRANCE

Lost legend

MARCELLO GANDINI, the Italian car designer responsible for the “Lamborghini doors” also known as “scissor doors” used on luxury sports cars, died aged 85 on March 13 in Turin. Gandini created his first concept car when he was only 20 years old and joined the Italian industrial design company Gruppo Bertone aged 27.

Taxing times

ITALY’S tax authority, Agenzia delle Entrate, hopes to encourage more people to pay their taxes by making the system more user-friendly. Innovations include making more of the Agency’s services available online and introducing a system for a prior appointment instead of taking a number and joining a long queue.

GERMANY PORTUGAL

Flying visit

SMART detectors, which use robotic technologies and belong to Andalucia’s Astrophysics Institute, registered a fireball travelling at 61,000 kilometres per hour on entering the atmosphere over Portugal early on March 16. It broke up 87 kilometres after entry at an altitude of 19 kilometres near Cano (Alentejo).

Early settler

PORTUGUESE, Spanish and German paleontologists identified a new type of dinosaur that lived 150 million years ago in the Lourinha area. The relatively small herbivorous species, which would have walked on two legs, was first discovered in 2021 during excavations at the fossil-rich rock at Porto Dinheiro beach.

Sly spy

A PROFESSIONAL soldier posted to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, was charged with spying for Russia. Held in custody since August 2023, he offered his cooperation to the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian embassy in Berlin, Public Prosecutors said.

Plain speaking

THE Bavarian government approved a regulation that limits the use of gender-sensitive language in official documents and in public places. Officials and teachers in the region may no longer use asterisks, colons and other symbols to make nouns more inclusive “because language must be clear and understandable.”

Big honour

PRESIDENT Emmanuel Macron presented the world’s richest man, LVMH-owner Bernard Arnault, with France’s most prestigious award, the Legion of Honour, at a state dinner on March 14. Also present were Beyonce and Elon Musk as Macron declared that Arnault “knew how to sell a form of eternal Frenchness.”

Drink up

THE outdoor terraces of cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to remain open until midnight instead of having to close at 10pm during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris City Hall announced. The ruling will benefit 3,000 of the city’s 15,000 business owners who have licences for summer terraces.

FINLAND

Not popular

AN online exit poll revealed that only 10 per cent of Russian citizens living in Finland voted for Vladimir Putin in the recent elections. Forty-four per cent had voted for Vladislav Davankov, 20 per cent deliberately spoilt their voting papers and approximately 25 per cent declined to reveal how they voted.

Drive on

FOLLOWING the March 15 “transition period” deadline, Russian-registered vehicles will be legal so long as the driver can demonstrate their legal right to use it. The Enforcement Department explained that the concession also covered individuals who have fled the Ukraine war and are under international protection.

SWEDEN

Drinking less

ALCOHOL consumption in the over-15s fell to 8.6 litres per head in 2023, according to the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAN). Except for 2020 during the pandemic, this was the lowest level in almost 10 years, which CAN’s experts attributed to the economic situation.

Milk run

DRONES will soon be delivering milk in an initiative that debuts in May in Varmdo, near Stockholm, but will eventually reach the entire country. Customers using the existing Foodora food and grocery deliveries app can place orders that are delivered by Aerit Nimbi drones which can carry up to four kilos.

Protected past

FLEMISH HERITAGE minister Matthias Diependaele announced that the remains of a Carolingian-era fort in Lanaken will receive official protection as an archaeological site. Discovered by chance seven years ago, the fortress would have controlled the access road to the River Maas (Meuse) and Maastricht in approximately 750 AD.

Second-hand

ORANGE BELGIUM opened an online store for reconditioned smartphones, as the operator emphasised its commitment to a “green and circular” economy. In 2023, the operator collected 37,000 mobile phones and sold 13,500 refurbished devices in Belgium, where more than three million new smartphones are unused.

NETHERLANDS

Flower power

ROBOTS now patrol tulip fields examining plants for sick flowers, which they then remove along with virus-infected bulbs if necessary. The back-backing job was once carried out by human checkers but, as one grower said, “The robot is expensive, but there are so few people left who can detect sick tulips.”

Bank spoof

CENTRAL bank De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) warned that scammers are sending out fake emails, messages and phone calls from supposed employees. The tricksters persuade victims to transfer money or give access to their accounts after demonstrating that the number they are calling from appears on DNB’s website.

LITTLE MERMAID: Copenhagen landmark is a mythical female.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Powering up

ROLLS-ROYCE will invest £55m (€64.4m) and create 300 jobs as demand grows for engines for large non-military aircraft, chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic announced. Half of the investment and 200 of the new jobs will go to the Derby plant while the remainder will go to Dahlewitz in Germany.

Tesla hike

OWING to stalled sales, the cost of Tesla’s Model Y went up by €2,000 on March 22 after the company announced price increases in several Europeancountries. Although the electric carmaker did not specify the countries involved beforehand, sources revealed that Spain, where the cheapest Model Y cost €42,900, would be affected.

Going further

ASTRAZENECA will pay

$2.4 billion (€2.2 billion) for Canadian cancer specialist Fusion Pharmaceuticals, which is developing nextgeneration treatments that minimise damage to healthy cells. This follows the UK company’s $1.2 billion (€1.1 billion) purchase of Chinese cell therapies company, Gracell Biotechnologies.

Slim chance

MEXICAN business magnate Carlos Slim controls practically all of Spanish property developer, Realia, after acquiring the 15 per cent owned by the Polygon Group for €138 million via FCC, which he bought in 2016, and his company Finver Inversiones. Slim now owns 92.6 per cent of Realia, valued at €865m.

Ads slump

AS advertising revenue dips, ITV is cutting jobs at its inhouse advertising agency and introducing £150m (€175.6m) cost-cutting plans a year earlier than intended. Chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall also reported further restructuring that would save an additional £50 million (€58.5 million) each year.

€2.98 billion STAT OF WEEK

turnover in 2023 for MasMovil - a 3 per cent increase on 2022 - during the company’s last year as an independent operator prior to its merger with Orange.

Going down, down

INFLATION in the UK dipped to 3.4 per cent in February, its lowest for two and a half years.

The decline in the consumer prices index (CPI) from January’s 4 per cent was partly due to slower price rises for food and restaurant price, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on March 20.

Second-hand car prices have fallen by 7.3 per cent over the last year compared with an annual decline of 5.9 per cent in January. The figure for core inflation, which omits unpredictable items like oil and food, dro -

pped from 5.1 to 4.5 per cent.

Services inflationclosely watched by the Bank of England for clues of an easing in domestic inflation - fell by 0.1 percentage point less than expected

TENDAM, best known for its Cortefiel, Springfield and Women’s Secret labels amongst others, is preparing to go public.

As predicted, based on October 2023 Reuters reports, Tendam has selected Paribas, Citigroup and JPMorgan as the lead managers and global coordinators of the initial public offer (IPO) with an estimated value of €2 billion.

Societe Generale, Credit Agricole, BBVA and CaixaBank will join the investment banks as co-managers, with the further addition of a ‘third line’ expected in coming weeks, the financial daily Cinco Dias revealed

from 6.5 to 6.1 per cent.

Earlier, analysts had predicted that the CPI would fall to 3.5 per cent instead of the 3.4 per cent that took inflation to its lowest level since September 2021 when it stood at 3.1 per

cent. It was also the fastest fall in inflation since 1978.

“Good news for you, your family and the country,” Britain’s PM Rishi Sunak said on March 30.

It was also good news for Sunak as well as the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, now that inflation gives every indication of being on track to reach its 2 per cent target by April 2024.

The February figures also give weight to the assumption that the Bank of England will now be able to cut interest rates in the summer.

Getting ready to float

on March 20.

The private equity groups CVC and Pai Partners, Tendam’s owners since 2005, have also appointed Rothschild as the operation’s financial adviser.

During the first nine months of Tendam’s financial year, which finished in February 2024, the company reported a turnover of €884.3 million, 5.2 per cent more than the previous year. It now expects a gross profit of €310 million for 2022-2023.

Inventive Spain Colour it green Nice work

TWENTY-THREE Inditex executives earned €116.5 million between them in 2023, an 11 per cent increase on 2022 and a new record for the company.

This does not include Inditex chief executive Oscar Garcia Maceiras, but covers members of the boards of Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti and Bershka, together with high-ranking employees responsible for Inditex’s Finance, Sustainability, Human Resources and Online departments.

As well as the executives’ salaries and bonuses, the €116.5 million included severance pay for those who left the company in 2023.

IBERDROLA, Spain’s biggest electricity company has accused Repsol, the country’s biggest oil company, of greenwashing.

Months of behind-the-scenes skirmishing were finally made public on March 18 when Iberdrola launched legal proceedings in Santander (Cantabria) where it is based.

Repsol’s advertising campaigns included “deception and misleading omissions” regarding the company’s environmental commitment, Iberdola said.

Repsol attempted to depict itself as an energy transition leader but was Spain’s “largest emitter of greenhouse gases”, a 107-page document submitted to the Santander court maintained.

This also pointed out that Repsol had already been sanctioned on two occasions by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for making similar greenwashing claims in its British campaigns.

SPANISH designers and innovators presented a record 2,111 applications to patent their inventions in 2023.

According to figures released by the European Union, the European Patent Office (EPO) processed 199,275 patents in 2023, an average increase of 2.9 per cent on 2022.

Spain’s applications rose by 6.9 per cent, the EPO revealed, most coming from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

Global technology company Amadeus filed 47 applications, followed by Multiverse Computing (24), Telefonica (17) and the Tecnalia Research & Innovation Foundation (17).

MIKE REGNIER, chief executive of Santander UK, said that Britain was an “unattractive” place for investment owing to its high taxes.

Talking to the Treasury Select Committee, Regnier explained to MPs that Britain’s tax rates were higher than those of many other countries which Santander UK had to contend with.

“Even in a really good year, the level of returns that we’re able to make in the UK aren’t as high as the shareholders of our parent company would expect,” he pointed out, in an oblique reference to Spain-based Santander.

Veiled warning Virgin doubts

NATIONWIDE is facing calls to consult its 16 million members regarding £2.9 billion (€3.7 billion) plans to take over Virgin Money.

On March 7, the building society announced a preliminary agreement to pay its rival’s shareholders 220p (€2.58) for each share, a 38 per cent premium on Virgin Money’s current price. The deal, if allowed to go ahead, would produce the UK’s second-largest savings and loans group with 700 branches and assets of £366.3 billion (€428.8 billion).

It would also mean taking on the Northern Rock mortgage business while providing Sir Richard Branson with an a £400 million (€468.3 million).

Lighten up

THE British American Tobacco (BAT) dismissed rumours that it could leave London to list in New York.

Tadeu Marroco, BAT’s chief executive, told the Financial Times that he doubted the benefits were as evident as some reports claimed.

“There is nothing to suggest that it’s a no-brainer to go to the US,” he said, insisting that BAT was committed to Britain despite legislation disclosed at the Conservative party’s 2023 conference.

This would eliminate smoking by increasing the legal age by one year from 2027 onwards.

Photo credit: CC/ZaratemanSuzuki

Photo credit: Simon Dawson/No 10

GOOD NEWS: Britain’s Prime Minister and Chancellor welcomed February inflation figures.

TENDAM: Cortefiel owners preparing an IPO

That’s rich

BENTLEY, now owned by Volkswagen, delivered 13,560 cars in 2023, making an operating profit of €589m with sales of €2.9bn that gave the luxury carmaker its bestever year after 2022, the company announced. “Our customers can still afford our cars,” Bentley’s chief executive Adrian Hallmark said, “even if some hesitated at first.”

Home truths

FIFTY-ONE per cent of Spanish employees whose work could be carried out remotely told an EADA Business School survey they preferred this to working in an office, and felt they were more productive. Fifty-seven per cent said they would change jobs if their company was not prepared to let them work from home.

Ice-cream spinoff

UNILEVER will de-merge its ice-cream division as part of plans to save approximately €800 million over the next three years.

The Anglo-Dutch whose brands include Marmite, Dove and Domestos bleach, also intends to dismiss 7,500 of the 128,000 people it employs worldwide, although staff will be consulted about the reductions beforehand.

Cutbacks will affect office staff at Unilever’s

WALL’S ICE-CREAM: Owned by Unilever.

London headquarters as well as employees in other countries, said chief execu-

Grape profits

SPANISH private equity firm, ProA Capital, has engaged Deutsche Bank to sell its holding in seedless grape production company, Moyca.

ProA paid €200 million for a 50 per cent stake in 2016, ahead of other funds like Alantra or MCH.

Moyca president Enrique Moya has a 15 per cent holding in the company, while founders, the Canovas family, own more

than 30 per cent.

In 2021, the last year for which official records are available, Moyca reported a €144 million turnover and net profits of €5 million.

After eight years, ProA calculates that Moyca, which finished 2023 with a gross profit of €25 million, should bring in approximately €400 million, double its original investment.

The company produces five of the world’s 10 best-selling ice-cream brands which include Wall’s, Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s and Carte d’Or as well as the popular US make Breyers.

Industry sources believe that a spinoff of Unilever’s ice cream division, whose annual revenues of €7.9 billion account for 16 per cent of the group’s sales, was the most likely result of Unilever’s future plans.

The demerger is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, insiders said. Schumacher avoided revealing where the subsequent ice-cream business, currently run from Rotterdam, would be listed.

All options were being considered, the chief executive said. “But this doesn’t mean that icecream will be a Dutch company or a UK company,” he added.

Next up

FASHION and home products retailer Next said that despite the Red Sea chaos, its prices were 2 per cent lower than in 2023 and it foresaw a 0.5 per cent deflation by the end of the first half of 2024. Shipping times had increased by up to 10 days but this was factored into prices, the company said.

Fizz fears

CAVA, Spain’s answer to Champagne, enjoyed a record year with 252 million Designation of Origin (DO) bottles sold worldwide in 2023 and €2.2 billion in sales that were 8 per cent up on 2022. Bodegas nevertheless warned that drought will take a toll, especially in Catalonia where grape production has fallen by almost 30 per cent since 2021.

tive Hein Schumacher who took over from Alan Jope in 2023.

Photo credit: CC/Chris Sampson

Spring is in the air

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

DON’T be drawn into the misconception that the immigration foray may be letting up. Just because the biased British media has decided to ease up on its reporting; this year another 4,500 migrants have already traversed the channel to the UK’s ‘promised land’.

With the majority still appearing to be young fit men, does it not strike anyone that it is highly suspicious how they all manage to survive with no visible means of support? Many are wearing pricy designer gear and trainers, and just about all seem to carry expensive phones.

They also have to find the equivalent of £3,000-£5,000 to pay the people smugglers. Most, if not all, have travelled through a number of countries in their quest to reach soft touch Britain. How did they manage to even eat over the many months these treks lasted? They are all supposed to have originated in war torn impoverished countries, so where does all their mo-

ney come from? Someone somewhere is obviously bankrolling them. Are the women and children they’ve left behind being somehow supported? This of courses raises the obvious question as to why? Whatever the reasons, you can bet your lives it’s not from the kindness of anyone’s heart. There has to be an ulterior motive. Well I personally think someone is generating a sleeping army. There are now thousands of these fighting age Middle Eastern men entrenched all over the UK. If a non-friendly nation is paying the bills you can rest assured they will also have underground contacts creating arm caches and bomb factories everywhere.

Putting them up in hotels and lavishing them with benefits is actually verging on naïve lunacy. Don’t even bother to mention Rwanda! They should all be put into camps and intensely interrogated as to their origins, and specifically where their finances are coming from. You can rest assured that if it ever does become necessary for them to pay their particular piper; the UK could finish up looking like the aftermath of the Second World War.

The irony of that particular scenario is they will then have managed to turn the UK into something resembling the places they’re all supposedly trying to run away from! I also consider it highly suspicious, that of the thousands that have made successful crossings, one of the extremely rare sinkings usually turns out to be one that just happened to be a boat carrying women and children.

As I mentioned in a past column, if you want to throw the enemy off the scent, what better way to create a red herring than sacrificing a few female and children’s lives? Easily done; simply make their boat faulty, sit back, and when they all drown, watch the UK’s bleeding heart woke brigade give it maximum, sympathy provoking publicity. Far-fetched? I think not.

The Mid-Eastern masters of war have very little regard for human life - particularly when it suits their own evil ends. Ah well, spring and a possible election is in the air. Onwards and sideways. Never ends.

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.

SPRING is here, the weather is beautiful. Are you looking forward to spending some quality time outside? On the beach, walking on the paseos, or hiking in the campo?

Or do you find that your spring months are spent in the bar, just one alcohol fuelled day, rolling into the next? Has your drinking become an issue for you, or those around you? Are the consequences of your alcohol use getting too much? Is it damaging your relationships, finances, or health?

You are not alone. Millions of people worldwide have admitted defeat in their quest to try and control, or manage, their problem drinking. They found a solution that works; Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - a 12 Step, peer-support fellowship group.

Spring is the season of re-

birth and new life, it could be the time for you to make a change, to ditch the booze and start living life to its fullest. If you are ready to stop drinking, or want support to help you try, then get in touch. Here two members talk about how their drinking brought them to AA.

“My name is Nancy. A call from a good friend made me look at myself, I was told that my drinking had made our friendship ‘too high maintenance’. I realised; I was isolated at home. I wasn’t really caring for myself, and I was avoiding contact with the outside world, continua-

lly forgetting plans that I had made.

“At my first meeting, I was met outside by two members, they talked me through what to expect; and then once inside they sat with me for support. I knew I was in the right place.

“Life now is gentle, fun, and mostly happy. If you think you have a problem with alcohol: Allow yourself to be open enough to explore your options, and the alternatives! Be strong enough to attend a first meeting with open eyes and a determination to change things. And listen. Things will get better!”

Jimmy Page replica guitar

THERE are a lot of very expensive ‘boy’s toys’ about at the moment, but one of the newest is a limited edition double neck Gibson guitar with a price of $49,999.

This is the same type of guitar that Jimmy Page played live with Led Zeppelin on such blockbuster numbers as Stairway to Heaven and The Song Remains

The Same and he has been personally engaged in this project as Gibson celebrates 130 years of involvement in the music business

This is officially entitled the Jimmy Page 1969 EDS-1275 Doubleneck Collector’s Edition from Gibson Custom, produced in a limited run of just 50 guitars and not only has Page been invol-

“My name is Ben, I’m a father of two. Sometime during my 20s, I crossed an invisible line. I was drinking daily and partying hard at the weekends. For years I was able to hide how bad my drinking was ... I lied to myself that ‘it was okay.’ I loved my wife and my children, but I hated myself for how I was.

“A work colleague explained how her father’s alcoholic drinking had affected her whole life, this was a real reality check. My children needed me! AA was suggested to me, and I went along. I didn’t really know what to expect and I can’t remem-

ved in development at all stages, but will have personally played each one.

But that’s not all, as it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity Book, a wooden Pick Display with Herco® Flex pick played by Jimmy Page on the specific serialised guitar, a Premium Cherry/Black Leather Strap and Vintage Replica Strap, Schaller Strap Locks, an Embroidered Dragon Guitar Shroud, and a Gibson Doubleneck Stand. For some lucky people this will be a dream come true, but for others, they’ll stick to their somewhat cheaper Air Guitars!

ber what everyone said. I do know that I felt welcomed, people were nice, and I got hope that my life would get better.

“My life is good now. I still have my bad days, but I can handle them better now. I’m a better father and a better husband. My anxiety is almost completely gone.”

There are meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, with friendly people who understand, held daily throughout the Costa del Sol. Meetings are free to attend, and anyone who thinks they may have a problem with alcohol is welcome.

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING

SINCE October last year

‘they’ have been cutting off the water in my apartment at 11pm and not turning it back on again until 6am. Our water comes from a well and as there isn’t an abundance of supply, it is being rationed. This hasn’t happened to other areas in Marbella, yet, but with the little rain we have had, the probability is high.

With this in mind one would think that this week’s rain would be more than welcomed, but why does it have to be this week, Easter Week

I ask myself?

I’m not worrying about the heavy rain dampening the holiday hopes of sun seekers, or an Easter egg hunt that may have to be carried out indoors, but for the multiple religious processions planned to celebrate Semana Santa.

Semana Santa means Holy Week and it is taken very religiously. From Palm Sunday to

INTERVIEW

Happy Easter

Easter Monday the entire country ‘celebrates’ but their customs bear no resemblance to our typical Easter antics as everything revolves around the mourning of Christ and religious ceremony. Be prepared therefore to get some funny looks from the Spanish if wishing them a ‘happy Easter’.

As a historically Catholic country instead of decorating eggs, eating chocolate and thinking of baskets and bunnies, the Spanish are going to mass and taking to the streets to pay homage and penitence. There are many elaborate religious floats (pasos) embellished with sculptures of Mary and Jesus surrounded by flowers and candles that are carried through the streets. Many of these floats have been kept by the different brotherhoods (cofradías) for

centuries and are quite spectacular.

Those of us who rarely venture into Marbella or San Pedro centre could be oblivious to it all and not know it’s even happening. For those who do go into town but have never been in Spain at Easter before, it can be quite a shock.

Even now, after all these

years, I find it a bit scary and intimidating. Apparently the approach is quite light-hearted in Andalucia, compared to Valladolid for example, where barefoot penitents flagellating themselves are quite the thing. Andalucia is far more ornate and ostentatious and certainly a sight to see, but be prepared for Klu Klux Klan

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

Loves the lifestyle

FROM an early age, Antti Pekkarinen visited the Costa del Sol from his home in Finland as his parents owned a property here.

IT was in 2005 that he finally decided that the lure of what is known as Finland’s southern-most town (Fuengirola) was just too much to ignore and he moved over and se ttled here.

His first really successful venture was a weekly Finnish language publication Fuengirola.fi which was a great success and is still going strong all these years later.

Antti and his wife love the Spanish lifestyle and the fact that unlike his homeland things move at their own pace, so that if something isn’t done today, it will happen but there might be a bit of a delay and “let’s not get stressed.”

make a point of returning to Finland for a month to enjoy the very short summer, that’s long enough and I don’t really miss anything except my family.”

He works hard and apart from the newspaper also runs a very popular restaurant Kukko Events at Avda de Los Boliches 4, Fuengirola which is open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday and then in the evening with entertainment seven nights a week.

“One of the reasons that I moved here was for that lifestyle which is helped so much by the climate and although I

When asked whether he had any advice for fellow countrymen thinking of moving to Spain, he said “it is different for everyone depending on age, whether they have families, want to set up a business or are retiring, but my one recommendation is simply come over and enjoy it!”

style headdresses (capirote) and a lot of chanting (saetas).

This week the entire RTV Marbella crew leave the studio to cover every moment; Antonio Banderas returns home to Malaga to take part in the proceedings, it is that important to the Spanish people.

Now that it’s raining, what happens to all the plans? We can but hope that even though the prediction is for rain the entire week that it will at least take a break each day when the processions are ready to make their way through the city.

If you’re interested to join in with the Spanish Easter activities you can check out the itinerary from the following website with details of the times and routes to be taken for Marbella, Nueva Andalucia and San Pedro. www.semana santamarbella.com.

My words of wisdom

SINCE I haven’t moaned to you all for some time I’ve got a bit a backlog of things that get on my nerves and stuff that’s just not right. For instance, what’s all this nonsense about a cashless society? Who does it benefit? Only big brother governments, banks and people that want to control everything we do. Many will say it helps stop tax evasion. Well bitcoin has already got round that one apparently. And what tax evaders? The girl that washes your hair at the hairdressers? The waiter that serves you that you bung a couple of euros to? I’ve already been told by a couple of waiters that they aren’t allowed to add a tip to your bill if you are paying by card, too much admin for the owner. I’ve watched people pay 80c on a card to park. It must cost more than that to process payment.

But I’m also worried about the bigger picture. What if ‘they’ actually want to control how much you spend? For example, you go to buy a new pair of trainers, you present your card and up comes a message in the shop and on your phone - ‘You’ have

already purchased three pairs of trainers this month. This purchase exceeds your limit. Please try again in three months.’ Ridiculous? I don’t think so. Just think about how many times you are discussing some product and suddenly you get these products, or similar, appearing on your phone apps like Facebook or Instagram. Lots of people complain about things that happen on social media but forget one thing - we are not the customer, we are the product. We’re being sold and traded to massive corporations and there is nothing you can do about it unless you get rid of all your technology. Be warned - remember Mr Grumpy’s words of wisdom.

Anyone watch Martin Lewis? He’s a great consumer warrior. But it made me think how things have changed from when, in 2011, he was advising how to get 20 per cent discount on your duvet purchase to now how he’s desperately telling you how not to get evicted, manage to eat and heat your house at the same time. I fear for our kids.

Also, how come fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing? And why do all aerosols pack up when only half used and it doesn’t matter how hard you shake just a feeble dribble just comes out?

Antti Pekkarinen your host at Kukko Events.

• News Across The Regions •

Costa Blanca South Relocation quest

MARIA and the Pink Ladies, located at Playa Flamenca Beach CC, sadly have to close their office because of ongoing flooding issues.

For months, around 50 litres of water have been coming in daily from a leak in a unit two floors above.

Despite efforts to clean up by Carl, a member’s husband, the situation has become too difficult.

Because of safety concerns, the Pink Ladies have come to the difficult decision to stop working from this location.

However, they are still very much committed to helping the community and will keep arranging screening appointments for the public.

The ladies are now looking for a new place to work and are asking for help from the community to find an affordable place to rent.

Axarquia Care crisis

THE Cudeca Foundation, renowned for its palliative care for cancer and advanced illness patients, faces increasing demand yearly. As the number of patients seeking their services rises, the foundation emphasises the crucial role of community support in sustaining its mission.

“Our patient count escalates each year, underscoring the significance of your collaboration to maintain our entirely free care for individuals nearing the end of life,” stated a spokesperson.

The foundation appeals to individuals to become members and contribute to their cause. Interested individuals can sign up at cudeca.org/hazte-socio or reach out via email at socios@cudeca.org or phone 692 257 053.

By extending a helping hand, supporters not only aid in providing essential care but also offer comfort and dignity to those in their final stages.

Mallorca

Calvia culinary delights

THE Calvià Destino Gastro conference on March 25 presented a new concept to promote Calvia as a culinary destination.

Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual explained that the aim of promoting Calvia as a fine dining destination is to extend the tourist season. Deputy mayor for Tourism, Eli Montserrat, wants the municipality to become a benchmark for culinary excellence.

The culinary show in April, known as La Mostra takes place twice a year, in April and October. Many of the 52 restaurants participating in the Mostra have been collaborating for many years. The Gastro Menu offered by some establishments is a tasting menu with a free format and price (from €50).

During the weekends of April, complete menus are being offered at reduced prices.

Costa Blanca North Save My Life

ON April 28, Save My Life, is holding an impressive day of live entertainment at Benidorm’s largest event venue, the Benidorm Palace.

After successful donations in the past, the charity returns to the Benidorm stage for the 11th edition of Save My Life.

The shows in the past marked the life-changing rehoming of the local cats and dogs into the homes not only of Costa Blanca’s residents but also visitors across Europe.

Last year, Save My Life raised more than €23,000, €8,000 of which were spent on Vet fees, €2,500 on food supplies, and a large amount donated to local animal charities.

Imagine Benidorm’s grand venue, filled to its 1,660-seat capacity, every ticket saving the life of an animal in need.

If you want to donate, PayPal savemylife charity@gmail.com.

Almeria Coffee morning

COMMUNITY Choir All Aloud hosted a charity Coffee Morning in Oria on Saturday March 23 to support the Children’s Ward at La Immaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa.

The event surpassed expectations, raising over €1,100, with more donations still coming in. Attendees enthusiastically participated in activities like lucky dips, raffles, browsing the New-to-you clothes rail, and trying their luck at winning bottles of gin. However, the real highlight was the cake and pastry stand, where treats sold out rapidly.

All Aloud chose to support the Children’s Ward after learning their yearly budget for activities was a mere €100 and the group’s Treasurer, Dr Jan Wilson, organised the Coffee Morning to kickstart fundraising efforts.

This successful event marks a fantastic start to the group’s fundraising endeavours for the year.

Costa Calida

Underwater wine

IMAGINE wines ageing not in traditional cellars but beneath the sea’s surface. In Aguilas, Murcia, Bodegas Verónica pioneers this unique process, maturing wines at a depth of 40 metres below the sea, where darkness and marine silence contribute to their transformation. Spearheaded by entrepreneur Pedro Martínez Cáceres, this venture requires extensive knowledge of both winemaking and marine environments.

Over a decade of experimentation has refined the process, with wines of various origins and varieties undergoing underwater ageing, resulting in a reduction of acidity, moderation of alcohol sensation, and enhanced tannin definition. Despite challenges like preventing seawater contamination and adapting to marine conditions, the venture has garnered success, attracting partners and expanding operations to Cartagena.

SPECIAL THE

Currency transfers you can trust

The rise of the Costa del Sol

THE rise of the Costa del Sol as a playground for the rich and famous can be attributed to a combination of factors spanning natural beauty, strategic marketing, and socio-political circumstances. Situated along the southern coast of Spain, its transformation from a sleepy fishing region to a glamorous destination began in the mid-20th century.

One pivotal aspect of the Costa del Sol’s allure is its stunning Mediterranean coastline, boasting miles of golden sandy beaches, crystalline waters, and a balmy climate characterised by mild winters and long, sun-drenched summers. This natural bounty provided an ideal backdrop for leisure and relaxation, attracting affluent visitors seeking an

escape from the pressures of urban life.

Furthermore, the development of luxury resorts and exclusive enclaves, spearheaded by visionaries like Prince Alfonso of HohenloheLangenburg with the establishment of the iconic Marbella Club Hotel in 1954, played a crucial role in elevating the region’s status. These opulent retreats offered world-class amenities, impeccable service, and a sense of exclusivity that appealed to the elite.

The Costa del Sol’s popularity among the rich and famous was also fuelled by strategic marketing efforts, both domestically and internationally.

High-profile events such as film festivals, golf tournaments, and celebrity-studded parties

showcased the region’s glamour and attracted media attention, further enhancing its allure.

Additionally, favourable socio-political conditions, and tourism development, created an environment conducive to growth and investment. Economic stability, coupled with incentives for foreign investors, encouraged the construction of luxury residences, golf courses, marinas, and infrastructure, further solidifying the Costa del Sol’s reputation as a haven for the affluent.

Over time, word-of-mouth endorsements from celebrities, coupled with extensive media coverage and the rise of social media, cemented the Costa del Sol’s status as a premier destination for the rich and famous.

Experience Real Estate Excellence with Andalucia Development in Marbella

SINCE its establishment in 1981, Andalucia Development has borne witness to the vast changes and prosperity of Marbella and its surroundings. With over 35 years of experience in real estate on the Costa del Sol, you can rely on us to provide expert guidance. Our Scandinavian team is equipped with extensive experience in both the Spanish and international property markets.

At Andalucia Development, we understand that purchasing or building a property in a foreign country can pose unique challenges. That’s why we take pride in offering a comprehensive service that addresses all your concerns and needs. From the initial step to the final one, we are here to guide you through every aspect of the process.

Our wealth of experience enables us to handle any unforeseen issues related to real estate transactions. We work closely with lawyers, notaries,

developers, and other professionals to ensure that our clients receive the right guidance and assistance at every stage of the journey.

At Andalucia Development, customer satisfaction is our number one priority. That’s why we offer a multilingual service to cater to a diverse range of international clients. Whether you prefer to communicate in Spanish, English, French, German, or any Scandinavian language, our team is here to assist you.

If you’re in the Marbella area, we invite you to visit us at our office in Centro Plaza, where we’ll be delighted to assist you in person and discuss your real estate needs and goals. At Andalucia Development, we are committed to making your dreams of owning property on the beautiful Costa del Sol a reality.

Centro Comercial Plaza 63 | 29660 Nueva Andalucía | 952 816 250 | info@andadev.com | andadev.com

A Mediterranean village

MARBELLA Town Hall has launched ‘the Marbería plan’, which entails the construction in the western part of Nagüeles of public facilities, road infrastructure and 385 homes, 166 of which will be subsidised.

Councillor, José Eduardo Díaz, said that the project involves, “an area of almost 320,000 square metres, and will substantially improve connectivity and avoid saturation of the AP-7.”

The councillor added that, “it is a major project which includes around 71,000 metres of open areas which will be laid out as a riverside park; a total of 52,000 square metres of recreational spaces and around 2,300 square metres for commercial use”.

He explained that, “the project will follow a low-density residentialtourist development model that foresees the construction of 385 homes in the form of a Mediterranean village.”

A road will be built that will connect the urbanisations ‘La Capellanía’ and ‘San Francisco’ and the Camino de los Manchones, which will be redeveloped and extended to the south to connect it with Calle Sierra de Cazorla, creating a northern ring road in the Nagüeles area.

The project has been presented to the council’s planning committee and, once it is approved by the town hall, it will be submitted to a public exhibition.

A Mediterranean village

Top Towns

‘LIVING on the Costa del Sol is for many an opportunity, a dream or a luxury

‘but there is no doubt that for everyone it is a privilege. But which are the best towns to live in?

Idealista, one of the real estate sector’s leading portals, has pinpointed the top three that it considers to be the best to live in the Costa del Sol. The three chosen are Fuengirola, Marbella and Benalmadena.

Idealista highlights Fuengirola for “its relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere”, they also point to “its

golden beaches and wide range of services”. The average price of property in the area is €3,232 per square metre (m2).

Life in Marbella is by far the most expensive of all. “Marbella, an elegant and radiant city on the Costa del Sol, offers an enviable lifestyle. Its beaches, rolling plains and streets retain vestiges of the Medieval Age, reflecting the diverse cultural influences it has experienced”, reports the portal,

GILMAR, Your trusted ESTATE AGENCY

Gilmar Costa del Sol | Gilmar Marbella | Gilmar Puerto Banus

GILMAR Real Estate has established itself as the undisputed leader in the Spanish real estate sector, a position carefully built over years of dedication, hard work, and an unquestionable commitment to excellence. With strategically located offices throughout the vibrant Costa del Sol, specifically in Malaga, Marbella, Puerto Banus, and Estepona-Sotogrande, Gilmar not only offers an unprecedented reach within the local market but also ensures a personalised service experience intimately linked to the richness and diversity of these areas.

At the heart of Gilmar Real Estate’s philosophy lies a trio of core values: transparency, professionalism, and trust. These are not mere adjectives adorning their corporate communication but principles that guide every interaction with their clients and define every aspect of their operation. Transparency is paramount in an industry where clarity and honesty are not only

appreciated but essential. Gilmar prides itself on providing clear, accurate, and up-to-date advice, ensuring that every client has all the necessary tools to make informed decisions.

Professionalism is another pillar that upholds Gilmar’s unparalleled reputation. In a market as competitive and complex as real estate, experience and knowledge are key to success. Every Gilmar agent is an expert in their field, with a deep understanding of the nuances of the local market and a dedication to staying abreast of the latest trends and regulations. This ensures that every recommendation, every valuation, and every negotiation is conducted with the utmost precision and competence.

Last but not least is trust. At Gilmar, they understand that buying or selling a property is one of the most significant moments in a person’s life. Therefore, they strive to build lasting relationships

highlighting the quality of life it offers but not forgetting the cost of buying a home at €4,510/m2.

On the other hand, Benalmadena, which is also another interesting option in the opinion of Idealista, is a municipality that, “combines the best of coastal life with a vibrant international community and an enviable climate; a wise choice for those looking for quality of life and fun”. As for the average price of buying a property, this stands at €3,017/m2.

based on trust and mutual respect. Gilmar doesn’t just aim to sell your house; they aim to find the best buyer for it. This means not only achieving the best possible price but also ensuring that the transaction is carried out in a manner that meets the desires and needs of all parties involved. Their extensive network and personalised approach enable them to effectively and efficiently connect sellers and buyers, creating perfect matches between properties and prospects.

In conclusion, Gilmar Real Estate is distinguished not only by its leadership in the Spanish real estate market but also by its unwavering commitment to values that inspire trust, guarantee professionalism, and promote transparency. With a dominant presence in the Costa

del Sol and a customer-centric approach, Gilmar stands as the preferred choice for those seeking not just a property but a home in Spain. We take pride in being your trusted partner on this journey, guiding you every step of the way with integrity, knowledge, and dedication.

Av. Ricardo Soriano 56, 29601, Marbella 952 861 341 málaga@gilmar.es marbella@gilmar.es

Photo: KFP

Sun, sea & tax savings

INVESTING in property on the Costa del Sol has become even more attractive in 2024, largely due to the region’s status as a favourable tax haven for expatriates.

Credit: Anna Ellis

A significant change is the abolition of wealth tax, which previously applied to both residents and non-residents with global assets exceeding €700,000.

This removal of wealth tax barriers has particularly encouraged high earners to explore property purchases and potential permanent residency in the area.

This shift is significant for prospective buyers, especially when combined with various other tax

advantages available in the region.

These include minimal inheritance or gift tax obligations, investment income tax rates, and capital gains tax rates ranging from 19 per cent to 26 per cent.

Additionally, private pensions receive favourable treatment as investment income.

Furthermore, recent updates to the Model 720 form, which requires a declaration of overseas assets

exceeding €50,000, have improved transparency and alleviated concerns about potential fines.

Previously, failure to file or incorrect filing could result in substantial penalties, sparking criticism for burdening expatriates unfairly.

However, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, fines have been revoked, and the associated penalty regime has been revised with immediate effect.

Consequently, individuals contemplating property investment in the Costa del Sol can proceed with confidence, knowing they are free from the threat of punitive fines.

THE real estate show, which will be held from May 22 to 25 in Madrid, already has more than 150 companies with more than two months to go before the celebration of its new edition, which stands out for its particularly international focus.

With just over two months to go, SIMA 2024 has, to date, booked 85 per cent of its space, confirming the attendance of more than 150 companies, both national and international.

During this year, SIMA will present parallel events: the Investor’s Lounge will stand out for its renewed programme focused on the latest investment trends and methods. At SIMAPro, topics such as the shortage of housing supply and flexible

A boutique real estate agency...

UNICO PROPERTIES is a boutique real estate agency that was established in 2014 in Estepona, on the Costa del Sol, southern Spain. Our mission is to fully assist you with the process of buying or selling your home here.

We provide a personal and professional service to each one of our clients. We understand that every client6 is unique and has different wants and needs All of our property advisors have a deep knowledge and understanding of the real estate market, here on the Costa del Sol and we have many years of experience.

We truly want to understand our customer´s needs. We have access to all the finest properties for sale along the Costa del Sol from Malaga to Sotogrande. This of course includes the very well-known towns of Estepona and Marbella. We love to make the process of buying and selling a property as easy as possible for all of our clients.

Our goal is to exceed all of your expectations and we always go the extra mile for each client. That is what makes us unique. We also provide an excellent after sales service, which is very important after you buy or sell your property. We can assist you in English, Flemish, Spanish, German, Russian and Italian.

living will be addressed.

Eloy Bohúa, managing director of Planner Exhibitions, the event’s organiser, said that the high level of space bookings reflects a strong interest in the event, which is a positive sign for both the real estate market and SIMA’s global relevance.

Among the confirmed entities are leaders from different sectors related to the real estate industry, such as Aedas Homes, Básico Real Estate and Gilmar Consulting Inmobiliario, among others. SIMA 2024 is a key platform for future trends and business opportunities, reaffirming itself as an important meeting point to address the challenges of the sector and promote innovation, sustainability and international collaboration.

We have a proven track record regarding out support, experience and accomplishments. Teamwork anchors every transaction and we work with passion and dedication, bringing success and satisfaction to our clients.

So in brief, whether you’re a person searching for a place they call home, someone looking to buy an investment property, or looking to sell your home, well the Unico Properties are the people you need to be speaking to.

Now, we’d love to hear your story. How can we assist you in your real journey? Unicio Properties.

COSTA

SVENSK HEMSERVICE

SVENSK HEMSERVICE are a company, located in Fuengirola, that cares about each and every one of their clients. They offer a high level of personal engagement and a value for all customers, whether their requests be small or large. They cater for many nationalities and are accustomed to helping people from all over the world find, and love, their new life in Spain.

Svensk Hemservice are fluent in Swedish, English and Spanish.

However, this Swedish home assistance company can actually do much more than just help you manage the tasks of daily life and to perfect the household, they can also start by finding you your perfect home, right here on the sunny coast of Spain. Johan is the co-owner of the company and an experienced property expert who manages all of the Svensk Hemservice real estate proceedings. He has recently

created his own unique application that can be downloaded onto your smartphone which has been designed especially for buyers and renters that are interested in the Costa del Sol area. He has many years of practical experience in the real estate industry and is committed to finding the perfect fit for each and every one of his clients. Svensk

Hemservice will assist you throughout the entire process of buying your new home, from finding a property that suits your unique needs, to purchasing, and complete management of local taxes, not forgetting of course the best part, moving in!

They provide their clients with the essential local contacts regarding lawyers and banks with whom they have extremely

good relations and experiences. Svensk Hemservice will ensure that you get settled in your new home in the sun as quickly and smoothly as possible. They take care of all the hard work and hassle, so that you can focus on the important thing: enjoying your new dream life in Spain. They can also help you to find properties to be rented for a short or longer periods, in order to try out living everyday life on the beautiful Costa del Sol before deciding to buy a property here, and moving out permanently. Svensk Hemservice have a wide network of contacts and properties on the coast, alongside a deep and thorough understanding of the current real estate figures and trends in the area. Their committed staff possess the language and personal skills needed to ensure you get the best possible deal on your new home.

To take the first step to a new adventure on the Costa del Sol, or for any more information on the services Svensk Hemservice can offer, contact Johan on +34 622 664 237 and have a chat today about how he can assist you in any of your real estate needs. Alternatively, email Johan at johan@svenskhemservice.com

Meet property expert Johan

EURO WEEKLY NEWS sat down with the man behind the magic of the Svensk Hemservice real estate service. Johan is originally from Sweden and has been living on the Costa del Sol for a number of years working in the real estate business. Johan is not only committed to providing an impeccable property finding experience, but he is also deeply passionate about his work too.

Johan explained to EWN that he has been working in real estate for many years and specialising in the Costa del Sol area since 2019. He stated that: “I am lucky, because I can help people find their dream home, to start a new life. Each time that I succeed at this it means that I not only reached my goal, but also my client’s too. I am grateful that I get the opportunity to meet new people and learn about them, at the same time learning how to help my clients even better. I believe we can always become better

as people and as real estate agents.”

We asked this real estate expert what makes the Costa del Sol area so special in terms of buying a property. Johan explained that: “The market in Costa del Sol is special because it covers a lot of land, and people from all over the world find themselves living or wanting to live here. You can always find your place, either at the beach or in the mountains or in a city, and the properties are from one bedroom apartments to a mansion or a big farm inland.”

Another question that many are surely curious about, is whether or not this is a good time to buy, and what the coast can expect from Costa del Sol’s property market in 2024. He told us, “Yes, during 2024 we can expect the market to point upwards, especially down here on the coast and many people are always looking for a great property in the area.”

Finally, we asked Johan what advice he would give to anyone who wants to buy a home in Spain but does not know where to start. He said his best advice would be: “Think about what you need in terms of size, easy access, views and whether you are looking to be close to the airport or other public transport services.

“You also need to think about if you are looking for a holiday home, investment or to a new start in life. Concentrate on one area, or it will be too much input. Go on holiday and get a feel for different places, and since the market is fluent don’t go looking at a property until you are ready to buy, otherwise it will be gone next time you come here.”

C. José Cubero Yiyo, 3, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga 622 664 237 johan@svenskhemservice.com svenskhemservice.com

ARE you searching for your dream property on the stunning Costa del Sol in Andalucia? Look no further than Roc Estates, your premier multinational and multilingual estate agency dedicated to providing exceptional service and expertise in the region.

At Roc Estates, we pride ourselves on our professional and friendly staff who are specialised in finding bargains, bank repossessions, and distressed sales in sought-after areas such as Benalmadena, La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa, Calahonda, Marbella, Puerto Banus, and Estepona. With over

a decade of experience in selling both residential and commercial properties on the Costa del Sol, we have honed our skills and built a reputation for excellence. One of the key advantages of choosing Roc Estates is our extensive network. With access to over 20,000 properties and more than 150 agencies across Andalucia, we are your onestop shop for all your property needs. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa, a charming townhouse, or a lucrative investment opportunity, we have the resources and connections to make it happen.

Foreigners add €6 billion

FOREIGNERS who own a home in Spain and use it as their habitual residence contributed over €6 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP), according to data from the report ‘The socio-economic impact of residential tourism in Spain’, prepared by PwC at the request of the Association of Developers and Builders of Spain (APCE).

“The contribution of this residential tourism to GDP is triple that of the textile industry, double that of the timber industry and the same as the manufacture of pharmaceutical products in Spain,” said Anna Merino, director of the Economics team at PwC.

The document shows that each euro spent by residential tourists has an impact of well over €2 on the economy. In addition to this direct contribution to the economy, the economic activity

associated with spending by foreigners generated 105,600 full-time jobs in 2022.

The report was commissioned by APCE in response to the possibility that some communities might limit the purchase of homes in Spain by foreigners. “With this study we want to demonstrate the negative impact that a measure such as the one proposed by some administrations would have on the Spanish economy,” explained Juan Antonio Gómez-Pintado, president of the association.

Although there is no data for 2023 yet, Merino said, “It is very likely that the impact of residential tourism in Spain in 2023 will be even greater than in 2022, due to the increase in spending by visitors during their stay.” During 2023, tourist spending soared by 36 per cent to almost €20 billion.

But our services don’t stop there. We understand that purchasing property abroad can be a complex process, which is why we offer a wide range of additional services to streamline your experience. From connecting you with trusted lawyers and architects to arranging surveys, managing rentals, and handling tax matters, we have a comprehensive network of associates ready to assist you every step of the way.

At Roc Estates, we believe that finding your perfect property should be an exciting and rewarding journey. That’s why

we are committed to providing personalised attention and guidance to ensure that your needs and preferences are met with precision and care. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, our dedicated team is here to support you throughout the entire process, from initial consultation to closing and beyond.

So why wait? Unlock the door to your dream property on the Costa del Sol with Roc Estates today. Contact us to schedule a consultation and let us help you turn your vision into reality. Your dream home awaits!

Photo: Shutterstock/ docstockmedia

APEX Marbella Property is a real estate company dedicated to property sales and rentals across the Costa del Sol. Their team of real estate agents have many years of combined experience and are committed to finding the perfect property for clients seeking to invest in a home on the Costa del Sol.

Their website www.apexmarbella property.com is a property portal offering a huge range of all types of properties currently available for sale, including commercial properties and plots of land to build upon. The website is easy to navigate and offers filters to narrow the property search down to the finest detail, showing apartments, townhouses and villas for sale in all the most popular coastal areas and inland towns. The site also filters to match clients’ minimum and maximum budgets and can show the latest listings first, giving clients an extra head-start

Important when viewing a property

WHEN viewing a property, it’s crucial to carefully assess various aspects to ensure it aligns with your needs and preferences. Start by evaluating its location, considering factors like safety, amenities, and proximity to essential services such as schools and transportation.

Pay close attention to the property’s structural integrity, checking for signs of damage or wear and tear. Test the plumbing and electrical systems to ensure they function properly and safely. Assess the HVAC system for efficiency and reliabili-

Costa del Sol Real Estate Professionals

on other buyers; which can make a huge difference to buyers in the current market of high demand!

For clients wanting a more human interaction, APEX Marbella Property have offices in Centro Comercial Doña Pepa, at the entrance to La Reserva de Marbella in Marbella Eastbetween the districts of Cabopino and Elviria. The office is very welcoming and the enthusiastic in-house team are committed to finding the perfect property for clients seeking a second home, property investment or full-time residency, using their in-depth knowledge and over 20 years of first-hand experience of the Costa del Sol property market. The commercial centre offers plenty of free parking seven days a week and has a lift for disabled access. The offices are open 10.00 until 16.30 Monday to Friday, appointments are strongly recommended but not absolutely necessary.

ty, and inspect insulation and ventilation for comfort and energy efficiency.

Take note of the condition of appliances and fixtures, ensuring they are in good working order. Check windows and doors for proper functionality and security.

Evaluate outdoor areas for maintenance needs and usability. If applicable, assess parking availability and convenience. Ensure the property complies with local regulations and has necessary

permits. Consider potential maintenance and renovation needs, factoring them into your decision-making process.

Finally, trust your instincts and assess the overall feel of the property to determine if it’s a place where you can envision yourself living comfortably.

APEX Marbella Property take great pride in their excellent customer service and strive to offer full support to buyers and sellers before, during and after a property transaction. They can also make trusted introductions to banks, legal and tax professionals, if required. APEX Marbella Property recognise that no two sales processes are exactly the same and so complete personalisation to suit the needs of every client is of paramount importance.

For clients looking to buy, APEX Marbella Property are a one-stopshop for residents and non-residents and their agents are always keen to find the perfect property for clients seeking a second home, property investment or as part of an application for full-time Spanish residency.

APEX Marbella Property are also best-positioned to help property owners wanting to sell their home here

on the Costa del Sol. Not all real estate agencies list properties the same way: APEX Marbella Property work on a no-sale-no-fee agreement. They also list properties for sale with full professional photography, video, 3D virtual tour and floorplans, all free of charge. Such work shows all aspects of the property including views, so potential buyers can have a real sense of how nice the property is even before viewing in person.

For the best possible service and choice for real estate on the Costa del Sol, contact APEX Marbella Property today!.

Centro Comercial Doña Pepa, Av. Aljaima, Local 6, 29604 Marbella, 0034 685 450 818

office@apexmarbella.com

www.apexmarbellaproperty.com

Malaga is a favourite

According to the latest Global Property Handbook study by Barnes, a renowned publication in the luxury real estate sector, Malaga is ranked among the most desirable destinations for high net worth Individuals to buy homes, ranking 47th in the world.

Madrid and Barcelona are also among the favourite cities to buy luxury properties. The Spanish capital is among the top five worldwide, in fourth position. And Barcelona is among the top 20, in 19th position, making Spain a hotspot for international luxury property investors and buyers.

The list is headed by Dubai, which has ousted Paris from the top spot, now in

fifth place. In second and third place are the American cities of Miami and New York, respectively.

Among the criteria evaluated by Barnes for this ranking are interest in investment, favourable climate, security and quality of infrastructure. These factors, together with the growing attraction of foreign capital, have made cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga a focus of attention for investors from all over the world.

The report also noted that there is a change in the profile of buyers, with the arrival of a new American clientele, mainly from California. These buyers are looking to get away from the political tensions in their home country and are attracted by the Mediterranean lifestyle offered by cities such as Malaga.

MALAGA is once again one of the favourite destinations to live in, this time for the wealthy.

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Zarateman

OUR STORY

IN the summer of 2012, Essential Properties La Cala SL was born.

OUR aim was to enter the property market as a boutique property business, working as a friendly face caring for individual buyers, sellers and renters, trying to shake off the very corporate style most agencies had adopted and instead creating a more personal approach for clients, to put them at ease with what can be a very daunting process.

Working mostly to cater for family, friends and referrals, with the intention of building our business literally from the ground up, and being the company people would come to know as a safe and trusted partner.

From our first office in La Cala, we achieved just that, building relationships, not only with our ever growing list of clients, but also with other real estate professionals, banks and financial institutions, and Spanish legal professionals.

In 2020 after great success came the dreaded pandemic, an awful time for the whole world. We realised that due to the change with everyone’s circumstances, we needed to change with the times and moved to give us a more digital online presence.

With the responsibility of keeping everyone safe and with a heavy heart we closed our office and started to work remotely, with this came our rebranding, and E properties Spain (epropspain.com) became our online digital presence.

2023. OUR ONE STOP LITTLE PROPERTY SHOP:

Fast forward to the present day… We wanted to get back to the personal service that we loved and is the main structure of our business model. Caring for our clients and taking them through the purchase, sale and rental process from start to finish and beyond.

Therefore we are happy to announce the opening of our property shop in no.25 Jardin Botanico, La Cala de Mijas. After over 10 years of building relationships, and finding the best professionals in the sector to work with, E properties Spain can happily

offer to our clients, all aspects of the business.

SALES:

From Residential, New Developments, & Commercial we have clients ready to buy and provide a one stop process from start to finish for purchasers and sellers.

RENTALS:

Long and Short term. With the booming vacation rentals we have a wide knowledge of this growing industry. Clients available to rent your property as soon as they come to market.

FINANCE:

Over the last 12 years we have close relationships with all the banks on the coast, and can supply mortgages tailored to your individual needs, from first time buyers, to investors and beyond, with hundreds of satisfied customers.

LEGAL:

We have partnerships with dynamic conveyancing lawyers that we work with hand in hand. Providing a fast professional service that is unbeaten in this field.

Thank you for taking the time to read our history and goals and please pop in to our new office to see what we can do for you.

Marbella: a very safe city!

THE leading property agents of Spain (LPA), that brings together the leading real estate agents of the Costa del Sol, have held a conference in collaboration with Marbella City Council and Marbella Local Police.

Councillor, José Eduardo Díaz, reminded the conference of the council’s significant investment in direct security, highlighting their position as one of the councils that allocate the most resources to this area within the whole of Spain, with a direct investment of €16 million annually.

Díaz said that “we want to reassure the real estate agents of the LPA that Marbella is a very safe city to live in.”

The head of the Local Police, Javier Martín, added that “Marbella stands as the first city in the country to implement a complete video-surveillance system, that serves as a proactive deterrent thanks to the more than 300 cameras installed in strategic places.”

Martín continued, “The community-based, balanced and problem-orientated police model that we have adopted allows for quick and efficient responses, adapted to the changing needs of our population, which increases from 160,000 to 600,000 during the high season. This level of preparation and adaptability is the foundation of our promise of safety, essential to maintain Marbella as a safe and desirable destination.”

Photo: LPA

Ref: R4145284 • Las Chapas • Detached Villa

Ref: R4601992 • La Cala de Mijas • Townhouse

MOTIVATED SELLER This exceptional, modern 5-bedroom villa with a separate two bedroom guest accommodation, is located in one of the best urbanisations in Marbella, Las Chapas. The property is not only impressive in size but also built luxuriously to o er a truly unique property in this area. All bedrooms are ensuite and the master bedroom is over 100m2. All rooms have been done with luxury in mind and to include the vistas. The property has panoramic views along the coast from Fuengirola to Gibraltar and across to Africa on a clear day. There are two outdoor swimming pools which are beautifully furnished with sun loungers and outdoor furniture, plus an indoor pool with an

€3,749,000

REDUCED MOTIVATED SELLER !!! High Income Beachside Investment! Prime Location. Turn Key Ready Invest smart with this fantastic opportunity! Enjoy high weekly rental income in a fully refurbished, turn key property just steps from the beach. Discover coastal living in this immaculate 3 bed, 2 bath townhouse, just steps away from the pristine shores of La Cala de Mijas. Indulge in the luxury of a fully refurbished home to the highest standards, featuring a sun drenched south facing orientation that o ers breath taking sea views. Boasting a convenient 1 minute walk to the beach, this property de nes seaside convenience. Enjoy o street parking for 2 cars and unwind on the roof terrace or back.

Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process if you don't have the right real estate agent. With 15 years of experience, you can rely on us to get you the best possible result. BUYING OR

No.25,

WORK TOGETHER!

€599,995

‘Owning a holiday home should be hassle free’

YOU’VE been looking forward to your holiday all year so, do you really want to spend the first couple of days cleaning everything, sweeping the terrace and wiping down the outside furniture? That’s the reality for many holiday home owners on the Costa del Sol and why they should look to Suncoaster HomeCare to take care of your home in the sun when you’re not here. Suncoaster HomeCare is a professional property management company that has been looking after holiday homes for over 25 years. Based in Calahonda, Mijas Costa, they cover the coast from Fuengirola to Marbella offering a complete range of property management services.

Jana Parker of Suncoaster said, “What we offer is peace of mind, knowing that everything is taken care of so holiday home owners and their guests can relax and enjoy their holiday. And the work doesn’t stop when you leave: your property will be cleaned, all the linen laundered and everything squared away ready

Strong demand continues.....

ACCORDING to Fotocasa Research’s report ‘Radiography of the real estate market in the second half of 2023’, there is a great imbalance between supply and demand for property: 77 per cent want to buy compared to just 17 per cent who are putting their homes on the resale market.

This imbalance is closely related to the significant increase in house prices in Spain, particularly in the most sought after areas which includes the Costa del Sol. According to the Fotocasa Real Estate Index, the average square metre price reached over €2,000 in February 2024, registering a year-on-year increase of 7.1 per cent.

“Purchase prices are once again rising significantly. Demand continues

to put pressure on supply so waiting for prices to fall and find a good opportunity is not going to be the best strategy,” explained María Matos, Director of Studies and spokesperson for Fotocasa.

In total, 586,913 sales and purchases were made in 2023, the second best figure since 2007. However, the latest data on real estate transactions for the month of December 2023 released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) showed a monthly decrease of 21.7 per cent, reflecting the lack of supply.

After the ECB’s statements opening the door to a cut in interest rates before the summer, the demand for purchases could be even stronger in the coming months, which would once again push up house prices.

for your next visit.” You can also rest easy knowing someone is checking on your home when you’re not here. Taking care of any maintenance that needs to be done, dealing with insurance companies if the need arises and providing security checks on a regular basis.

Happy clients, Daniel and Kajsa, said, “We started using Suncoaster immediately after buying our apartment in Calahonda. They have helped us with everything from minor repairs to lock changes and everything in between. Everyone we come in contact with at Suncoaster always provides a high level of service and fast feedback.”

And if you decide you’d like to make some extra income from your holiday home then Suncoaster Holiday Rentals are the people to speak to. They will organise the marketing, booking, payments and deposits; cleaning and departure checks; they will provide linen and towels and be there for your rental guests with a

24-hour hotline for any emergencies. Suncoaster also ensure that your property meets the regulations for holiday homes and they take care of the little things (but important things) like registering guests with the Local Police, which is now a legal requirement in Spain.

Your home will be listed on internet portals such as Google Vacation Rentals, Spain Holiday and VRBO plus smaller agencies including Magic Stay, Holidu, Hometogo, Muchosol, and Vacancesweb.be. They are adding more all the time and have just started a collaboration with Homes & Villas by Marriott.

The company is so successful that they now have a growing data base of 15,000 holidaymakers and a third of bookings are from returning clients as people love their services so much.

Suncoaster client, Angus Kleppe said, “I needed a trustworthy local management company to look after my apartment and also generate rental income and Suncoaster have

not let me down! The whole team is professional, helpful and super friendly, all issues are resolved efficiently.”

Jardines Fase 1, Avenida de los Jardines No.3, Sitio de Calahonda, 29649 Mijas Costa, 952 939 415

info@suncoastergroup.com

www.suncoasterhomecare.com

Photo: Flickr CC / Andrea Corzo

‘Discover the Luxury of Sleep with Hästens’

IN the world of rest, one brand stands out above all: Hästens. With over 172 years of experience in the artisanal manufacturing of luxury beds, Hästens has perfected the art of sleeping to offer unparalleled slumber.

What makes Hästens unique is its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each bed is handcrafted by expert artisans in its factory in Sweden, using natural materials of the highest quality. From wool, cotton, and horsehair to linen and birch wood, each component is carefully selected to ensure maximum comfort and durability.

But Hästens is not just a bed; it’s an incomparable sleep experience. Its exclusive pocket spring systems and filling layers provide ergonomic support and perfect weight distribution, ensuring a deep and restorative rest night after night.

In addition to unmatched comfort, Hästens beds are a symbol of luxury and style. With a wide range of colours available, in addition to the characteristic checkered design and distinctive blue

colour, a Hästens bed is a statement of taste in any bedroom.

The true beauty of a Hästens bed lies in its ability to transform the quality of your sleep and, ultimately, your life. With a Hästens bed, you will wake up refreshed and full of energy every morning, ready to face the day with vitality and mental clarity.

Hästens not only cares about offering the highest quality beds, but is also committed to sustainability and environmental respect. They use responsible manufacturing practices and renewable materials whenever possible, ensuring that each bed not only provides exceptional rest, but also has a positive impact on the world around us. This combination of quality, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility makes choosing a Hästens bed not only an investment in your own well-being, but also in the future of the planet.

Are you ready to experience the luxury of sleep with Hästens? Visit one of our stores today and discover why Hästens is the choice of those seeking the best in rest and well-being. Rest better, live better, with Hästens.

30% of new Spanish homes bought by foreigners

A RECENT report by Aedas Homes highlights a significant trend, over a third of new properties are now being snapped up by overseas investors. On the 2023 release of ‘The New Construction Home Buyer Profile’ by Aedas Homes, it was revealed that foreign investors are increasingly setting their sights on Spain.

Indeed, they constitute nearly 37 per cent of the clientele for new builds. This figure marks an 8 per cent rise from the previous year, with more than 600 of the 4,000 new properties sold going to international buyers.

Growing interest from abroad

“This international client represents added value for the Spanish residential sector,” states Pablo Rodriguez Losada, the Commercial and Marketing Director of Aedas Homes. Losada points out that there’s a marked preference among foreign buyers for regions such as Levante, the Balearic Islands, the Costa del Sol, and the Canary Islands. The company has accordingly increased its presence in these areas to cater to the demand.

Central and Western Europe are the main regions from which international buyers come from, accounting for 42 per cent of purchases.

Eastern Europe follows with 29 per cent, then America at 13 per cent, British buyers at 7 per cent, Asia at 4 per cent, and the Nordic Countries at 3 per cent.

Poland, Holland, and Belgium are the top three countries of origin, followed by the United Kingdom in fourth place, and Germany in fifth, highlighting a diverse European interest in Spanish real estate.

Market challenges and opportunities

The real estate outlook for 2024 remains uncertain following the market’s post-Covid stabilisation. With the health crisis over, transaction volumes have remained steady. This

bdhome Marbella Showroom: Calle Antonio Herrero 3, Marbella. 952 861 122 | 660 047 331 info@bdhome.es bdhomemarbella.es

consistency is crucial for the industry amidst a notable supply-demand mismatch. Luis Rabassa, Executive Vice President of Petrus Grupo Inmobiliario, voices concerns over delays in government licensing and restricted access to real estate credit for developers. These factors contribute to the consistent rise in housing costs.

Jordi Tomas, CEO at Guinot Prunera, however, is optimistic about improved construction performance due to anticipated lower rates and financing costs. He also notes that a strong labour market is essential for encouraging purchases, though product shortages may limit price reductions.

Melrose Properties celebrating 40 years: Your trusted Real Estate partner

FOR four decades, our real estate agency has proudly served Estepona’s Marina, establishing ourselves as local experts in the heart of this vibrant community. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal clients who have trusted us with their real estate needs for generations.

Throughout our journey, we’ve been known for our unwavering commitment to excellence, providing exceptional service and achieving a proven track record of success in both sales and rentals. Our clients rely on us for our local expertise and dedication to delivering results, making us a trusted name in the industry.

Our agency’s reputation for excellence is built upon decades of dedication and integrity, earning us the trust and respect of our clients and peers alike. We take pride in our long-standing relationships

within the Estepona community, allowing us to stay ahead of market trends and provide invaluable insights to our clients. With a multilingual team, we ensure that language is never a barrier when it comes to serving our clients. Whether you speak English, Spanish, French, German, or any other language, our team is here to provide personalised service tailored to your unique needs.

While our roots may lie in Estepona, we’re excited to announce our expansion to serve clients from Marbella to Sotogrande. This expansion allows us to offer our exceptional services to even more individuals seeking their dream home or investment property along the stunning Costa del Sol.

In addition to our expertise in resale properties, we’re proud to represent some of the most exciting new developments in

the region. From luxury waterfront villas to modern condominiums, our portfolio showcases the best that the Costa del Sol has to offer. As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, we remain committed to upholding the values that have guided us for the past 40 years: integrity, professionalism, and a relentless dedication to exceeding our clients’ expectations. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, you can trust that our team will go above and beyond to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience.

Thank you to all of our clients, past and present, for your continued support and trust in our agency. Here’s to the next 40 years of success!

Av. Luis Braille, 31, 29680 Estepona

952 802 912 | 667 337 330

www.melrose-properties.com

Strong growth of artificial grass

THE demand for artificial grass has increased by almost 200 per cent in the first months of 2024.

“The quest for sustainable resources combined with convenience and rising costs of garden maintenance has triggered customer interest, our sales started to increase and, in the last few months the demand for our products has risen by 150-200 per cent,” Francisco Carrasco, general manager of Econatura Andalucía, explained to El Economista.

One of the sectors most affected by this situation is the luxury property market, as houses have an average lawn area of between 150 and 500 square metres, rising to 2,000 square metres in the case of high end villas. Although water demand varies according

to the type of garden, on average between five and eight litres per square metre per day are needed for lawn areas and between two and five litres per day for flower beds and trees.

This means that an averagesized garden of approximately 200 square metres needs around 1,400 litres of water per day in the summer season. This is more than 40,000 litres per month. A synthetic turf lawn on the other hand does not need watering and has a durability of between 10 and 15 years.

You can leave your property without worrying about either irrigation or maintenance and, of course, nor do you need to think about keeping it trimmed all year round.

Photo: pxhere CC

Versatile balcony

ONE of the attractions of many Spanish properties is that they have balconies or terraces in their apartments or houses. Whilst this is great when the weather is clement, but when it’s too hot, raining, or windy, they can end up as simply being wasted space rather than an additional room.

Some people decide to add canopies which can either be set onto an external wall and can be rolled out to add shade or drop a canopy from an overhead balcony to give the impression of another room.

The problem with these options of course is they are open to deterioration due to the weather and when it rains or the wind is heavy you need to roll them in otherwise, they will bow and deteriorate even more quickly.

In the UK, the answer is often to build

a conservatory but depending on the type of space you may have available in your Spanish property, one very popular option is to install what are known as glass curtains.

If you have a balcony over a terrace then you will be able to find one of the many manufacturers and installers who advertise in Euro Weekly News to create what will essentially be a new room when the glass curtains are extended or a genuine terrace or balcony when they are opened.

There are various layouts which can de designed to fit your personal needs based on the physical aspects of the property and in fact a room can be opened up to become an outside space as well.

Celebrating two decades of superior sleep: Jensen Store’s legacy

IN the world of luxury bedding, Jensen Store stands for quality, craftsmanship, and a legacy of amazing sleep experiences. For two decades, Jensen Store has been the premier destination for those seeking the ultimate in sleep comfort, with four prestigious locations across southern Europe: Palma de Mallorca, Marbella, Torrevieja, and Lisbon. Specialising in the sale of Jensen Beds from Norway, Jensen Store has become synonymous with perfect sleep quality, offering a bed to suit every type of person.

Since its start in 1947, Jensen Beds have been synonymous with excellence. Founded in the picturesque town of Svelvik, Norway, just two years after the end of the Second World War, the Jensen family embarked on a journey to revolutionise the way people sleep. Despite limited materials, their ambition knew no bounds. From the production of their very first mattresses, the aim was clear: to provide everyone who chose Jensen with the best possible sleep. This commitment to quality and innovation has remained steadfast throughout the decades, making Jensen Beds a household name synonymous with unparalleled comfort and support.

At Jensen Store, we believe that quality sleep is essential at every stage of life. From childhood, when sleep is crucial for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and overall physical health, to adulthood, when it helps maintain low stress levels and increase productivity, quality sleep plays a vital role in enhancing our well-being and overall quality of life. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the tools they need to achieve the perfect night’s

sleep, no matter their age or lifestyle. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our products to the services we offer. At Jensen Store, we understand that the purchasing process should be as seamless and stress-free as possible.

That’s why we offer free import, transport, and assembly for all our customers, ensuring that your new Jensen Bed is installed and ready for use in no time. Additionally, we stand behind the quality of our products with a 25-year guarantee against frame and spring breakages, giving you peace of mind for years to come. But perhaps what truly sets Jensen Store apart is our team of dedicated sleep professionals. Fluent in English, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, and some German, our knowledgeable staff are here to guide you through every step of the purchasing process, from selecting the perfect bed to ensuring that it meets your specific sleep needs.

As a third-generation family business, we take pride in our heritage and never forget our roots. Our factory remains in Norway, where every Jensen Bed is made with passion and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. Because to us, sleep is not just something that happens at night - it’s what makes your day.

Experience Norwegian sleep quality since 1947 with Jensen Store.

Glass curtains add something special.

Credit: John Smith /Genesev

G SPA Experience the ultimate sparadise..

G SPA is a company offering pool and spa construction and refurbishment of existing pools and spas, etc. Goran Ericsson CEO and Roberto Duarte Architect have a combined experience of more than 50 years in the industry. Goran has been a sales and tech in Scandinavia for Hydropool hot tubs (Canada) and moved to Marbella four years ago.

They offer planning, design of your ‘private paradise’ from your dreams, and only work with

subcontractors with long experience and deep knowledge of pools and spas who have proven to be experts in their different fields. Regarding the hot tubs / spas, Goran is the exclusive retailer in Andalucía for Hydropool spas from Canada which he has worked with for over 20 years.

They also offer Swedish premium pool equipment from Pahl’en for all your technical needs and pool system for the future with pools built in lightweight EPS material. Every pool or plunge pool / spa is bespoke for your project and the big advantage is that it’s prebuilt even with mosaic or tiles before delivery depending on the size. It’s the ideal product for rooftop installations thanks to the low weight.

A Hydropool hot tub or swim spa is a fantastic investment for several reasons. Firstly, hydrotherapy has many benefits including relieving stress, joint discomfort, and muscle aches. Secondly, they are usable all year-round, even in colder conditions thanks to their triple A insulation and quality heat pumps. Thirdly, their proprietary technology selfcleaning swim spa and hot tubs will always be in great condition and ready to offer a fantastic space for entertaining friends, unwinding, or even working out.

Moving to southern Spain

Finally, all their products have outstanding energy efficiency, which means operating them won’t cost a fortune.

There is bound to be a Hydropool hot tub or swim spa to fit your demands and budget with the variety of styles and sizes available. Whether you want to improve your wellness or make an inviting outdoor space, at Hydropool Andalucia they are willing to help you design your dream Sparadise.

So if you are dreaming of creating your backyard or rooftop paradise don’t hesitate to contact us for further details.

Calle El Califa 4. Marbella

611 172 712

MOVING to the southern coast of Spain promises an idyllic blend of sun, sea, and cultural richness. Nestled along the Mediterranean, this region offers a lifestyle that embodies relaxation and adventure in equal measure.

Prepare to awaken each day to the gentle lapping of waves and the golden glow of sunlight filtering through your window. The Mediterranean climate ensures mild winters and scorching summers, inviting you to bask on pristine beaches or explore rugged coastal cliffs year-round.

Embrace a culinary journey that celebrates the bounty of land and sea. Indulge in freshly caught seafood, from succulent gambas al ajillo to grilled sardines straight off the fishing boats. Savuor the vibrant flavours of gazpacho and salmorejo, traditional Andalucian soups perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. And don’t forget to raise a glass of crisp local wine or chilled cava as you toast to another breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean horizon.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry

of history that adorns the southern coast. Wander through ancient Phoenician and Roman ruins in sites like Baelo Claudia or explore the Moorish heritage of Al-Andalus in cities such as Malaga and Almeria. Every cobblestone street and whitewashed building whispers tales of civilisations past, inviting you to delve deeper into the region’s captivating past.

Embracing life on the southern coast may require adjusting to the laid-back rhythm known as ‘mañana’ time. Take leisurely strolls along the seaside

promenades, sip café con leche at bustling cafes, and revel in the joy of siesta culture, where afternoons are reserved for rest and relaxation.

Prepare to be enchanted by the warmth and hospitality of the locals, whose zest for life is as contagious as the Mediterranean breeze. Whether you’re seeking adventure in water sports, cultural exploration in charming villages, or simply a tranquil escape by the sea, the southern coast of Spain beckons you to embark on a journey of discovery and delight.

Penthouse living

BRITISH-based developer, Taylor Wimpey España, has recorded a significant increase in reservations, with the Costa del Sol being its most buoyant market in the first few months of 2024 and interest has been particularly strong in penthouses.

The reasons buyers give are first and foremost, the panoramic views that the top floor apartments offer towards the sea or the mountains. In addition, they say that penthouses offer a greater sense of privacy and exclusivity.

Another of the features most frequently mentioned by penthouse buyers is the outdoor spaces. The large terraces that these types of homes tend to have extend the living space to the outside. Finally, buyers highlight the natural light and brightness.

Being located at the top of buildings, penthouses tend to receive more natural light throughout the day. This makes the interior spaces feel more open, spacious and welcoming.

But are there any downsides? Buyers report a couple and the first relates to the outdoor space which, as noted above, many consider an advantage. However, how often will you use the solarium when it’s over 30 degrees in the summer? The penthouses are also more exposed to inclement weather because, when it rains on the Costa del Sol, it really rains.The last thing to note has to be price: buyers pay a premium for the top floors so make sure you think carefully about how much you will take advantage of the upsides before signing on the dotted line. Photos:

‘Celebrating 25 years of excellence in Sotogrande’s real estate’

NESTLED along the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol, Sotogrande stands as a pinnacle of luxury living in Spain. Within this coastal paradise, one name has shone brightly for a quarter of a century: Consuelo Silva Real Estate. Celebrating 25 years of unwavering dedication, this agency has become synonymous with prestige and sophistication in Sotogrande’s real estate landscape.

A Quarter Century of Distinction

For 25 years, Consuelo Silva Real Estate has set the benchmark for excellence in Sotogrande’s real estate market. Since its inception, the agency has forged enduring relationships with clients, offering tailored services that epitomise professionalism and integrity. This milestone is a testament to Consuelo Silva Real Estate’s unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

A Legacy of Luxury

In Sotogrande’s exclusive enclave, Consuelo Silva Real Estate curates a portfolio of unparalleled properties. From traditional to modern villas to a variety of top end apartments, each listing reflects the agency’s dedication to elegance and refinement. With a diverse range of offerings, the agency ensures that every client finds their dream home in this coastal haven.

Exceptional Service, Timeless Values

Consuelo Silva Real Estate’s success is rooted in its unwavering dedication to exemplary service. With a highly skilled team, the firm navigates clients through seamless buying or selling experiences, understanding their unique preferences and needs. Whether buying or selling, clients can expect personalised attention and seamless transactions that exceed expectations.

Embracing the Future with Innovation

As it celebrates 25 years of excellence, Consuelo Silva Real Estate remains at the forefront of innovation. Embracing digital advancements, the agency offers clients access to Sotogrande’s premier properties through its cutting-edge online platform. This commitment to innovation ensures that Consuelo Silva Real Estate continues to redefine the real estate experience for years to come.

In conclusion, Consuelo Silva Real Estate’s 25year journey is a testament to its enduring legacy of excellence in Sotogrande.

As it looks toward the future, the agency remains steadfast in its commitment to providing unparalleled service and luxury living experiences in this coastal paradise.

Galerias paniagua local 3,

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CASASOLA DECOR, 40 years of experience in Personalised Interior Design

WITH thousands of catalogues, manufacturers, designers, fabrics, and accessories available in the market, finding a company that offers not only products but also four decades of experience and projects worldwide is a rarity. However, this is precisely what Casasola Decor offers.

With a 40-year legacy in the interior design industry, Casasola Decor stands out as a beacon of excellence and quality in the sector. Since its founding, the company has been dedicated to providing personalised design solutions that reflect the individuality and unique tastes of each client.

Instead of delving into the search for scattered elements or trying to recall the name of every product, Casasola Decor has adopted a more logical and organised approach. All products and elements are grouped by rooms, greatly facilitating the shopping and design experience. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, or any other space, you’ll find everything you need in its designated place.

But Casasola Decor goes beyond merely offering a wide range of products. They invite their customers to visit their store, meet the team, and share their needs and desires. With a personalised

consultation, the Casasola Decor team can offer expert advice and develop design solutions that cater to both your style and your budget.

From elegant interior design to the selection of furniture and accessories that transform a space, Casasola Decor prides itself on providing comprehensive and personalised service that exceeds its customers’ expectations.

So, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your home or commercial space, look no further than Casasola Decor. With their unique combination of experience, style, and customer focus, they are ready to turn your ideas into reality.

KM. 184,5, Carretera Cadiz-Malaga | 29603 Marbella | 952 772 758 | info@casasoladecor.com |casasoladecor.com

ARE you planning to create a home office?

Whether your home office design will be located in a small bedroom or a small corner of your home here are a few tips to take into consideration when creating an inspiring and productive workspace at home.

Location is key, consider what the ideal space is for you. Do you need a peaceful area without distractions or do you need to be near the hub of the household? Also, make sure to allow enough space, this might seem like a given but it is easy to underestimate how much space you will need.

Think about what equipment you will need and then pick out the desk and chair rather than the other way around. Would a standing desk be a better fit for you?

Take some time to

Create the perfect home office

think about the storage and shelving you may need. Storage can be overlooked when designing a home office but this is an essential part of creating a productive space.

Will you need to store much paperwork or will the area be a creative area and so will you need to store textiles etc?

Whatever you need it should be at arm’s length and easy to locate.

Finally, think about the lighting. Do you need to create a light airy space or is there plenty of natural light? Depending on the light what colours will suit the area?

Will a natural calm colour palette be suitable or does your home office need to be colourful to energise and motivate you? Lay it all out on a mood board and create a floor plan before you begin the real thing.

Catherine McGeer Image: Shutterstock/Ground Picture

Be a smart buyer

IF you are thinking of purchasing a property either as a forever home or as a holiday paradise, take time, especially with a second-hand property, to consider all of the pros and cons.

You need to be certain that there is a proper title to the land so that there is no unwelcome surprise further down the line if it was built without permission.

Generally, this has not been a major problem on the Costa del Sol but has caused significant heartache in some other parts of the country.

If it’s part of an urbanisation, find out

early what your monthly or annual community charge is going to be and whether it’s managed by fellow residents or is outsourced to a professional company.

In many European countries it is quite common to have properties surveyed either in order to obtain a mortgage or to ensure that the property is generally considered sound and won’t fall down around us.

For some reason, people don’t appear to be quite so worried about surveys in Spain but there are good surveyors around, so

Sustainable 2nd homes

LONELY PLANET has ranked Spain as among the top 10 destinations in the world for sustainable travel, as part of its Best in Travel 2024. And sustainability is an increasingly important issue for second home buyers in Spain, as well as holidaymakers. According to Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, energy efficiency is increasingly top of mind for buyers.

When asked to predict trends for the Spanish second homes market in 2024, he said: “Buyers are increasingly seeking modern homes built with sustainability in mind. They are asking about energy certifications and seeking out A- and B-rated properties with features such as aerothermal heating pumps, installation for electric cars, energy-efficient appliances and energy-saving measures in communal areas. This is going to be a key trend in 2024 and beyond, with buyers increasingly turning away from older properties in favour of new, more sustainable homes.”

Taylor Wimpey España already provides virtual show home visits for buyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint by minimising travel. The company has seen travel patterns change too, with many owners using their properties for fewer, longer breaks, often blending leisure time with working from home.

“We expect to see further growth in executive nomads using their second homes in Spain in 2024. Instead of travelling to the office daily, sitting in traffic and adding to the fumes, they can step onto the terrace and enjoy an early morning coffee in the year-round sunshine,” said Pritchard.

57% increase in ten years

WHILE waiting to see if 2024 brings a slowdown in the property market, the province of Malaga led the escalation of house prices in Spain in 2023 (including both new and second hand), according to the valua-

of €2,000 per metre for the first time since 2009 and now has the highest prices since the peak of the property bubble, when it reached an average of €2,348 at the beginning of 2008. That bubble burst abruptly in the

you need to consider whether Spain should be any different than at home.

Next think about glazing, air conditioning and heating as some properties, especially those that are on the second-hand market can get very hot in the summer and chilly in the winter and you want to ensure that you are comfortable.

Nowadays so many of us are environmentally conscious so perhaps look into the possible cost of solar panels to save electricity charges and other energy saving devices.

tion data published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda.

Malaga and the Balearic Islands saw an increase of nearly 10 per cent in 2023 alone despite a drop in the number of sales transactions caused by the successive interest rate rises applied by the European Central Bank (ECB). Malaga is the sixth most expensive province in Spain after Madrid, the Balearic Islands, Guipúzcoa and Barcelona. In 2022 the province exceeded the average

summer of the same year following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in the United States, which triggered a global economic crisis.

The increase in the value of housing in recent years is, in part, down to the long economic crisis that followed the bursting of the bubble: prices fell in Malaga to a low of around €1,450 in 2013 and 2014. Compared to ten years ago therefore, the value of housing in the province has risen by 57 per cent.

Photo: Shutterstock / mahc

Photo: Shutterstock / Alberto Loyo

Buying or selling:

Preparing for the Spanish property market’s busy season

AS the vibrant colours of spring start to bloom, so too does the excitement in the Spanish property market. With the promise of warmer weather and longer days, April heralds a surge in activity.

For prospective buyers, the spring rush presents a golden opportunity to explore Spain’s diverse property offerings. From sun-kissed coastal villas, to idyllic mountain retreats, or historic urban dwellings, there’s something to suit every lifestyle.

However, with increased demand comes heightened competition, potentially inflating prices.

Prospective buyers may need to offer above the asking price if a property proves particularly popular and will need to account for this when budgeting.

Buyers should also be careful not to be rushed into things. Make sure

you carry out your due diligence to avoid legal or financial headaches down the road.

Meanwhile, sellers looking to capitalise on the spring rush, should ensure the property is priced competitively as not to deter buyers at the first hurdle. You also shouldn’t seek to deliberately mislead potential buyers. You don’t want to risk having the sale fall through and subsequently miss this year’s busy season.

Whether you are buying or selling, you will also want to consider your transfer options. Fluctuating exchange rates and transfer fees can impact your purchasing power and potentially derailing your property aspirations.

At Currencies Direct, we will help you to secure a competitive exchange rate, without charging additional transfer fees, ensuring that

every euro stretches further.

We provide access to a range of different transfer services tailored to help your money go further when buying or selling an overseas property.

For instance, with a Forward Contract you can fix an exchange rate for up to a year. Giving you plenty of time to complete the purchase or sale of a property, without needing to worry about how a shift in the currency market may negatively impact the transfer of your funds.

Whether you’re buying, selling, let Currencies Direct be your trusted partner every step of the way. Our

unrivalled expertise and innovative solutions, means navigating the complexities of the property market has never been easier.

As the spring rush unfolds, seize the opportunity to make your property dreams a reality with Currencies Direct by your side.

Visit us at our Spanish offices in

Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria, North Costa Blanca & South Costa Blanca.

Telephone UK +44 (0) 207 847

9400 Spain +34 950 478 914 euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com

www.currenciesdirect.com

Charity Spring Festival

Kevin Fraser Park

MARBELLA will host the second edition of the Spring Festival of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) on Saturday April 20, which will feature 80s music by DJ Kike Supermix and a live concert by the group Los Electroduendes.

All proceeds from this initiative, which will take place at the Volare dance club and music venue from 5pm, will go towards the programmes and services provided by the charity.

Councillor for Social Rights, Isabel Cintado, praised, “the magnificent work and commitment of the AECC in the city, thanks to

the great professionals and the team of people who make up its volunteers.” She also called on the public to participate, “so that this festival is a guaranteed success.”

The president of the AECC in Marbella, Santiago GómezVillares, said that, “the party will have many surprises and the best music from the 80s and 90s at a very affordable price,” adding that, “we believe it is a good way for younger people to get to know the work of the association, become aware of the importance of prevention at an early age and be encouraged to collaborate with us, either as volunteers or as

One night only

A VERY special night is happening at Los Arcos Restaurant in Coin on Monday April 22. For one night only, two of the greatest performers on the Costa del Sol: Frankie B, with his tribute to Lionel Richie and Ricky Lavazza on the same bill.

Ever popular artist, Frankie B, performs his incredible tribute show to the legendary Lionel Richie at 7.45pm. All the hits you know... Endless Love, Lady, Truly, All Night Long, Penny Lover, Stuck on You, Hello, Say You, Say Me, and many more.

Ricky Lavazza takes to the stage at 9pm. He is one of the Costa del Sol’s busiest and most popular performers. Being Welsh he has a real big classic voice, singing all styles of music including Elvis and Tom

members.”

The Spring Festival has a ticket price of €40, with a drink included.

The organisers have planned various surprises throughout the day and a raffle with extraordinary gifts which can be won by buying tickets at a price of just €5.

Tickets are already on sale at the headquarters of AECC Marbella (Avenida del Mar, number 5). The event was also attended by Kike Supermix, who hopes that there will be a large turnout, “in a very 80s and very fun evening so that everyone can enjoy themselves and, moreover, do it for a good cause,” he said.

Jones. Never failing to give anything less than 100 per cent, his performances are always unforgettable.

Tickets are €10 which includes a donation to Last Chance Animal Rescue. The mission of the charity is to find loving forever homes for the huge number of abandoned, abused and injured animals that they rescue. As with many charity or-

ganisations, they do not receive any government funding and rely entirely on donations and fund raising events like this.

Tickets are available from the Coin shop and the charity warehouse: Tuesday - Friday 10am - 3pm and Saturday 10am - 2pm

For further information phone or Whatsapp 626 942 427.

Sponsored by

BRITISH singer, songwriter and musician Van Morrison, one of the most recognisable voices in music and one of the most influential musicians of his generation, will sing at Starlite in Marbella on Saturday June 15, his only concert in Spain.

Van Morrison is one of popular music’s true innovators, a restless musician whose enchanting vocals and fusion of R&B, jazz, blues and Celtic folk produced a star who

considered perhaps the most enduring in popular music.

From his beginnings, as leader of the Irish blues rock band Them in the early 1960s, to his solo career spanning more than 50 years, Morrison has written iconic songs. His solo recordings, which began with the jazzy, mystical folk of Astral Weeks in 1968, cover extraordinary stylistic ground, yet retain a consistency of vision and a purity of

execution unmatched by his contemporaries.

It is difficult to narrow down the list of his many classics when reviewing his extensive career. ‘Into the Mystic’, ‘Jackie Wilson Said’, ‘Moondance’, ‘Here Comes the Night’, ‘Days Like This’ are just a few of them and of course there is the ever popular ‘Brown Eyed Girl’.

Tickets are on sale from the Starlite website.

Bubbly joy an Morrison at

David Hart

A SPECIAL treat for all the ladies, La Scala in Marbella is the venue for a sophisticated and joyful Ladies Lunch and Fashion Show on Wednesday April 3 from 1pm.

They’ll be showcasing the latest SS24 collection from Mapuchi Moda in a stunning show while enjoying a delicious three-course menu with lots to choose from and free flowing Prosecco from 1pm until 3pm plus one cocktail and all for the price of just €50.

Indulge in bubbly joy and handcrafted cocktails as you immerse yourself in an unforgettable afternoon of elegance including live entertainment by the

incredible Johnny G.

Professional models will grace the catwalk, showcasing the latest trends and style, leaving you inspired for the season. And you’ll be able to choose your favourites after the show.

But it’s not just about the glamour and entertainment, the event offers a complete dining experience that goes beyond expectations. Save the date for an enchanting afternoon where fashion, music and this unique dining experience come together to create an unforgettable memory.

Online reservations can be made at lascalamarbella.com or call 951 569 362.

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Jarvin

Photo: Mapuchi Moda

Discover MEZZANOTTE

a Corner of Lebanese Charm in Fuengirola

AT the heart of Fuengirola’s promenade lies MezzaNotte, a Lebanese restaurant that captivates with its authentic flavours and cosy atmosphere. This gastronomic oasis is distinguished by its commitment to the freshness of ingredients and its special attention to the dietary needs of its diners.

Freshness is the cornerstone of the culinary experience at MezzaNotte. With carefully selected vegetables from the local market, each dish radiates the freshness of the day. This approach is reflected in every aspect of the menu, from aromatic spices to fresh meats and seafood on offer.

MezzaNotte takes pride in its wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that all guests can fully enjoy Lebanese cuisine. From fresh salads to expertly crafted main courses, each option is designed with the same care and attention as the rest of the menu.

What truly sets MezzaNotte apart is its authenticity, with products and wines imported directly from Lebanon. Diners have the opportunity to indulge in a selection of Lebanese wines that enhance the flavours of the dishes. Domaine des Tourelles red, white or rose, each sip transports palates to the sunny hills of the Bekaa Valley.

In addition to its exquisite food and wines, MezzaNotte offers a charming atmosphere that invites relaxation and enjoyment. Whether inside the cosy restaurant or outdoors with views of the Mediterranean, every moment at MezzaNotte is a memorable experience.

In summary, MezzaNotte is much more than a restaurant; it is a gastronomic destination that celebrates the rich culinary tradition of Lebanon. With its focus on freshness, authenticity, and hospitality, this charming establishment in Fuengirola continues to delight lovers of good food and Lebanese culture, one bite at a time.

952 592 014

644 449 580

Monday closed

Tuesday to Friday: 13:00-16:30 19:00-23:00

Saturday & Sunday: 13:00-17:00 19:00-23:00 mezza-notte.es

120 kilos of food

La Sala Puerto Banus

Unveils stunning newly refurbished Live Lounge

LA SALA Puerto Banus is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its intimate Live Lounge, following an extensive refurbishment valued at €250,000.

The Live Lounge, a private event room nestled within the heart of La Sala Puerto Banus, has undergone a remarkable transformation, boasting enhanced features to create a warm and welcoming area blending vibrant energy with timeless elegance.

With seating for up to 70 guests and standing room for up to 120, the Live Lounge offers an intimate yet spacious setting for gatherings of all sizes. The addition of a grand piano adds an elegant touch, creating the perfect atmosphere for live music performances and entertainment.

Equipped with a full stage and lighting setup and an exclusive bar,

offering a wide selection of drinks to compliment any celebration. Hayley Reed the designer from FOC Design comments:

“Our design aims to captivate guests, inviting them into a world where every corner resonates with the spirit of celebration and the joy of shared moments, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this dynamic space.”

Whether you’re seeking a spot for late-night drinks or planning a special event, the Live Lounge is the ideal choice. Its versatility and sophistication make it the perfect venue for celebrations, private parties, corporate events, and more.

Contact La Sala Puerto Banus today to start planning your next unforgettable event experience in the Live Lounge at reservations@LaSalaBanus.com or call 952 814 145.

IN December 2023, the Mijas Association of Artisans, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, launched, for the fifth consecutive year, its charity calendar, with a print run of 1,200 copies.

All of them have now been sold and all the money raised has been earmarked for the purchase of food products to be managed by the Red Cross and distributed to the neediest families in the municipality. “We have collected around 120 kilos of food

and we are very happy with the participation of our colleagues from the association and all those who have collaborated both from the municipality and from outside,” said the president of the Mijas Artisans Association, Sonia Lekuona.

The councillor for Culture, Juan Carlos Maldonado, said that, “we will continue to help to make it possible for many families in our municipality to have the most basic thing, which is food.”

The vice-president of the Mijas Red Cross,

María Martínez, said, “on Saturdays, we go from Riviera to Mijas Pueblo, passing through La Cala and Las Lagunas, distributing food to homeless people.” With donations like this, the Red Cross is also able to extend the help it provides to the most needy families in the municipality. “This year we have had an average of 300 users (families) at the Food Bank, but with these donations we have increased the number by 75 more,” said Martínez.

Simply Thriving

THE next lunch event is fully booked at Tapa y Thai restaurant in Los Boliches on April 11.

The event on April 23, St George Knight is almost full and features a typical English menu with welcome drink, wine and

entertainment included. Guests can enjoy putting up their knees to Knees up Mother Brown and also doing the Lambeth Walk. It will be a fun night for everyone with our own St George entertaining us.

The May 9 lunch is to be held at La Sierra and the June 6 lunch at El Golf. To finish the season we join forces with Jeremy of La Sierra and look forward to the fantastic show Curtain up on the evening of June 15.

Photo: Mij as Town Hall

The Phantom is back

Villa Tiberio

John Smith

David Hart

THE musical world Michael Sterling returns to The Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola from Friday April 5 to Sunday April 7. Performances are at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday and at 7pm on Sunday. Tickets are €20 from the theatre website or at the box office.

Michael Sterling is a much-indemand performer with over 30 years’ experience encompassing West End theatre, television, radio, classical stage and recording. He has worked alongside many superstars in various television programmes and UK tours, including Dame Shirley Bassey, Barry Manilow, Michael Ball and Engelbert Humperdinck.

His West End credits include The Phantom in The Phantom of

the Opera which he performed over 1,000 times at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. His portrayal of both roles has earned him international acclaim.

He has also played the roles of Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Marius in Les Misérables and Perón in Evita and, in 2008, played the role of Fagin in the Chinese premiere of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! at the PLA Opera House, Beijing.

He took part in both the 10th and 25th Les Misérables Anniversary Concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1995 and O2 Arena in 2010 respectively and has toured his own concert, Mike Sterling in Concert, repeatedly.

And now he is back in Fuengirola so book your tickets now.

THOSE of us who know the world famous Villa Tiberio restaurant on Marbella’s Golden Mile were surprised to learn that it was to close until further notice.

There was a stark statement posted on the Villa Tiberio website which simply said “From Monday March 25 the restaurant will remain closed until further notice” with no further explanation.

This really is a most incredible oasis in Marbella which has been the life’s work of owner Sandro Morelli.

Speaking to Euro Weekly News soon after Spain emerged from the pandemic and restaurants started to reopen, he said “I’m a true European, an Italian living

and working in Spain with so many British friends and clients (not to forget the Irish and other nationalities) who fill the restaurant.” Sandro loves to garden and it took him two years to create the first glimmering of what is now an award-winning fantasy setting, surrounded by classical statues, trees and plants of all types and more fountains than

you could believe possible.

No matter how well he has done, he has never forgotten his early days and has been committed to raise funds to help others and held regular charity events for the Cudeca Cancer Hospice, Children with Cancer, Red Cross and other major charities, allowing him to raise more than €500,000 over the years.

Sponsored

Photo: Michael Sterling - YouTube

Credit: EWN Media Group

Sponsored by

Remembering Ray Murphy Jazz Festival

SAN ROQUE will host the fourth edition of the Jazz Festival, to be held between Thursday April 4 and Saturday April 6 at the Juan Luis Galiardo Theatre, beginning with a masterclass at the Alcalde Fernando Palma building.

This is an initiative of the Delegación de Cultura, headed by Deputy Mayor Ana Ruiz, together with Rizoma Records. Advance tickets are on sale through the Giglon website at €10 and will also be available from the box office.

The fourth San Roque Jazz Festival kicks off on Thursday April 4 at 8pm with a masterclass by San Roque pianist Juan Galiardo entitled ‘Keys to understanding and enjoying a jazz concert more. Musical notions for non-musicians’ at the Alcalde Fernando Pala building (former Pósito).

On Friday April 5, also at 8pm, the Theatre will host the presentation of ‘La danza de un ángel’ with Guillermo McGill (drums), Chiqui Cienfuegos (piano), Gal Maestro (double bass), Bernardo Parrilla (sax) and Álvaro Vieito (guitar).

Finally, on Saturday April 6, in the same location and at the same time, the concert ‘Rizoma Trío. X Aniversario’ with the artists Enrique Oliver (sax), Pablo Báez (double bass) and Sergio Díaz Muñoz (drums). The following guest artists will also perform: Juan Galiardo (piano), Atsuko Shimada (piano), Perico Sambeat (sax), Fernando Broz (flute), and Álvaro Vieito (guitar).

ON Saturday, March 23, Murph’s Bar became the epicentre of community spirit as people from all walks of life came together to support a cause close to their hearts. The occasion? The second edition of the ‘Don’t Be A Man’ sprint triathlon event, aimed at raising awareness for prostate cancer and funding for PSA tests. This year’s event, organised by Clive Marks, carried an added poignancy as it honoured the memory of a very special man, Ray Murphy, who had participated in the event last year but sadly passed away in May 2023 due to a heart attack.

Ray wasn’t just a participant in the triathlon; he was the heart and soul of Murph’s Irish Bar, a place where friends became family and memories were made. To honour his legacy of kindness and generosity, his buddy David Bolger decided to take a bold step – shaving his

head to raise funds for a defibrillator for their beloved bar.

What truly made this event shine was the outpouring of support from our incredible community. They raised a whopping €5,000 - a testament to the boundless generosity and compassion of our community.

But the cherry on top?

The heartwarming moment when they presented April, Ray’s daughter, with a defibrillator, ensuring his legacy lives on in the safety and well-being of our community.

None of this would have

been possible without the unwavering support of their sponsors – Bed Warehouse (Calahonda), Bsure Insurance, Creative Marbella, El Campanario Medical Centre, Kamaga Bikes, La Cala Lions, and Talk Radio Europe & the Euro Weekly. From the bottom of their hearts, thank you for helping them turn a vision into reality.

For those who want to take the test , vouchers are available at El Campanario Medical Centre, Murph’s Irish Bar, Dempsey’s, Iceland (Calahonda), and the La Cala Lion Charity Shop.

Divas for Donkeys

BIG hearts lead to big changes. Donkey Dreamland in Mijas would like to give a huge thank you to the stellar team from Minnelli’s for their incredible performance and efforts in raising a fantastic €1,045 for the donkeys.

The event ‘Divas for Donkeys’ featured performances from Spice, Cilla Vie, Chris Kidd, Harvey James, Alex Wengel, Faye Ferry, and Felony Lane. The night was a great success and the talent and generosity of everyone who took part will make a significant impact to the sanctuary. The day spent with the donkeys too was filled with joy, laughter, and lots of donkey cuddles.

The sanctuary is beyond grateful for everyone’s support because, together, you’re making a difference.

Photo:

PHOTOCREDIT: April Murphy.

Sponsored by

Fulanita Fest

YOUNG female artists interested in performing at ‘Fulanita Fest 2024’ can now send their material to the following email: muestra@fulanitafest. com until April 14. The musical competition itself will be held on Thursday May 23 in the marina of Fuengirola.

Councillor for Culture, Rodrigo Romero said, “one of the main and most exciting activities for us within the Fulanita Experience project is this female talent contest, which on

this occasion we are extending to the participation of candidates from all over Andalucia.

“I am very excited to be able to present this new edition which, after the success of the first Female Artist Showcase, we will repeat this year. To date, some 30 artists have already registered and we hope that there will be many more. I would like to encourage last year’s candidates to apply again for this edition, as there was a high level and the

choice was difficult,” said Javier Ojeda, one of the organisers, adding that, “our aim is to help Andalucian female artists to make a place for themselves in the complicated world of music and give projection to their musical career.”

The three finalists chosen by both the popular vote and the vote of the professional jury will perform on May 23 on the stage in the marina of Fuengirola. The winner will open the 2025 edition of the festival, which takes place at Marenostrum Fuengirola, and will perform on LGTBIQA+ Pride day in Madrid.

Northern Soul in Mijas

Michael Carrington CALLING all soul enthusiasts and night owls, step back in time to the pulsating beats of Northern Soul at the Cazbah Lounge on Saturday March 30.

Join lovers of Northern Soul at the Cazbah Lounge in La Cala de Mijas for an unforgettable evening where the spirit of the ‘70s soul scene is alive and electric. A night created specially for the groove-seekers and the smooth movers and it’s free admission.

how to make the floorboards tremble and your heart sing with the best-loved tracks.

Experience an exclusive Northern Soul event that promises to take you on a musical journey with the very best vinyl spins from the era. Expect to be mesmerised by the iconic sounds courtesy of cazbah’s very own Lopi, ‘Krazy Boy’, and Tel. These legends know just

All ages are welcome, so bring your friends, your parents, or even your grandparents to share in the joy of the best dance music ever made. Whether you’ve been a fan since the beginning or are just discovering the charms of Northern Soul, there’s something for everyone.

Photo: Flickr CC / Tim Simpson

Photo: Fuengirola Town Hall

Photo: Facebook / Fulanita fest

Sponsored by

Circus of the Stars

David Hart

THE Circo de las Estrellas (Circus of the Stars) arrives in Marbella on Saturday April 27 at the Palacio de Congresos.

An original mix of theatre, circus and cabaret with a selection of professional entertainers got together to create a special story with aerial acrobatics, dance, comedy all woven into this unforgettable story.

Enjoy the most exciting and magical show of recent times. The hero of this story is called Romeo. Coming from generations of renowned artists, he has a dream, he would like to become a famous international showman in order not to disappoint his ancestors.

But his desperate quest for success will make him forget au-

thentic values such as love and friendship, and he will find himself with the desperately sought glory in his hands, but with an empty heart for not being able to share it with someone who loves him!

There is an early bird sale with a 10 per cent discount on the best seats so get your tickets now at https://bit. ly/49FTWEJ.

Sound healing

ON Sunday March 31 at 11am at Donkey Dreamland in Mijas you can have the chance to interact with the beloved donkeys and join them for a serene walk to a picturesque field for a sound healing session.

Experience the soothing vibrations of sound healing by Leonnie amidst the tranquil presence of the donkeys followed by a delicious vegan tapas brunch complete with refreshing mimosas.

There will be live music by Rocío Starry to help you chill to smooth jazz tunes from 1.30pm to 3pm as you savour the delightful vegan tapas.

Book now at www.donkey dreamland.com/events for a day of relaxation, connection, and delicious vegan delights while supporting a worthy cause. The cost is only a €15 donation.

Sabinillas Scooter Day

THE Tourism Delegation of Manilva Town Hall is preparing, together with several associations and clubs, the Sabinillas Scooter Day 2024. A popular event that takes place on Saturday April 13 from 5pm on the Paseo Marítimo de Sabinillas.

Throughout the morning, the members of the Associations, including Sabinillas Scooter Crew and the Lambretta Club of Spain, among others, will

tour different parts of the municipality of Manilva with their wonderful machines that, for some at least, bring back memories of their youth.

The day will culminate on the promenade of Sabinillas and, in the evening, free of charge, you can enjoy different musical performances by The Pages from Portugal, Steady Rockers from Madrid and Rag Tones from Guadalajara.

Photo: Facebook / Circo de las Estrellas

Photo: Donkey Dreamland

Musical Bingo

Brian Bamford

JOIN Stacey Charles for live music, lots of fun and great prizes in three games of musical bingo. Have fun with friends, win fabulous prizes, and enjoy some live music by the Caribbean performer. It’s at The Green Label at Chaparral Golf Club in Mijas on Wednesday April 17. Win great prizes including a brand new Vivienne Westwood designer purse.

Instead of boring old numbers being called out in a normal game of bingo, Stacey has replaced the Bingo cards with names of your favourite songs, and she will sing 30-60 seconds of the most toe-tapping hit songs from the past and present.

rant) - each ticket which will include three normal bingo cards, one for each game and one super bingo card (containing songs spread over all three games).

Each game lasts for about 45 minutes and has a theme: 1980s, Soul/Motown, Power Ballads, Divas, Rock and Roll, Reggae (to name just a few).

Stacey will start dropping beats (not balls) and as she sings your favourite songs, you will mark them off your bingo card(s).

Easter Tennis Camp

Here is how it works:

Purchase your low cost ticket (only €6 online or directly from the restau-

awarded for first line, second line and a full house during each game. The super bingo game prize is awarded for a full house across the three games.

It will be a great evening of entertainment and it all starts at 8.30pm. To contact The Green Label call 952 493 947.

OPEN to children aged four to nine years, this camp offers a perfect blend of fun and skill-building activities. From Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 2.00pm daily, kids will enjoy a range of sports including tennis and paddle, along with exciting activities such as treasure hunts and memory games. Led by Dario and his experienced team, children of all levels are welcome and will receive guidance tailored to their individual needs.

Safety is a top priority at the Miraflores Tennis Club, ensuring parents’ peace of mind. The club provides a secure environment with ample parking facilities. Participation in the camp is flexible, with the option to attend either on a daily basis for €35.or for the entire week at a discounted rate of €150. This makes

it convenient for families with varying schedules. They also have a tennis school that runs along the school terms. Please ask for details.

While the kids are having a blast at camp, parents, guardians, and even siblings can enjoy some relaxation time at Aroma, the club’s on-site café. Aroma opens daily from 8:30am, serving up delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

So, if you’re looking for a wholesome and enjoyable way to keep the kids entertained this Easter, sign them up for the Easter Tennis Camp at Miraflores Tennis Club. It’s a win-win for everyone! Contact Dario 633 739 312/www.mira florestennisclub.com.

Photo: Facebook / Stacey Charles

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86

S tudent exhibition

AS part of the Torremolinos Cycle of Painting Exhibitions, the exhibition

‘Baroque in Picasso’ will be held from Thursday April 25 to Saturday May 11, with works by the students of the Universidad Popular’s painting workshop teacher Carmen Velasco.

These are works made with oil, acrylic and pastel techniques in a 60x40cm format with which they have wanted to pay tribute to the great master Velázquez, for which the students have worked on paintings that aim to reproduce fragments of many of his well-known paintings, including his best-known works.

The exhibition can be visited in the exhibition area of the cafeteria of the Pablo Ruiz Picasso

Cultural Centre from Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

Carmen Velasco is a graduate in Fine Arts from the University of Malaga, with two decades of teaching experience at the Universidad Popular of Torremolinos, where she teaches painting, together with restoration and sculpture. She has held numerous exhibitions in Torremolinos, as well as in other municipalities in the province of Malaga and throughout Andalucia.The opening of the exhibition will take place on Thursday April 25 at 6pm.

Festival Flavours

Kevin Fraser Park

WITH five restaurants, Marbella’s Starlite festival will cater for the most demanding palates in a journey through culture and the different flavours of the world including the new gastro opening ‘Raffaella’. At ‘Raffaella’, not only will you taste the authentic essence of Italy, but you will be immersed in a journey to traditional Tuscany, where every bite tells a story of flavours that have stood the test of time. The warmth of an authentic Italian trattoria is combined with a contemporary touch that surprises you with every dish and every moment. ‘Raffaella’ joins Mexican restaurant ‘Anima’; ‘Tanabata’ where Japanese cuisine is fused with the traditional and diverse Peruvian gastronomy; ‘Temazo’ which features fire as the essence of cooking and ‘Sandra’s Caviar Bar’, a paradise for oysters and caviar.

With Raffaella added to these, Starlite promises to be an unforgettable experience, where hospitality and music merge. Benvenuto Raffaella!

Heavy metal

RELIVE timeless hits of Iron Maiden performed by Ancient Mariners on Friday March 29 at Louie Louie in Estepona.

A live performance by ‘Ancient Mariners’ with a full repertoire of Iron Maiden’s greatest hits in an atmosphere charged with the unique energy of heavy metal and

the opportunity to enjoy with friends and meet other fans of the band.

But that’s not all as it is going to be a night of pure rock and wild energy with Los Bastardos: Motörhead tribute. If you are a true hard rock lover, you can’t miss hearing Motörhead’s hits played live.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique experience. Come with your friends, get out your leather jacket and join Louie Louie for a night of authentic rock ‘n’ roll.

Buy your tickets now from entradium.com or tomaticket. es for €10 in advance or €12 on the night.

Photo: Starlite

Photo: Facebook / Torremolinos Town Hall

Photo: Los Bastardos

Good news for Yoga lovers

THE International Yoga Festival is coming back to Puerto Banus for its second edition. Cítivas Puerto Banus will celebrate this event on April 26, 27 and 28.

A weekend in which lovers of this discipline will be able to enjoy a multitude of classes of different types of yoga from Fermín Suárez Yoga School and a score of internationally recognised teachers. In addition, there will be talks, meditations, sound baths and specialised workshops for the whole family and also for children.

More than 20 renowned teachers of this discipline, from different areas of Spain, United Kingdom, South Africa and Nordic countries, will come together to teach a variety of classes in a programme in which participants will enjoy a weekend in the hands of teachers such as Xuan Lan, Lucía Liencres, Lourdes Vidal, Tomás Tealdi, Gabi Mastragostino and Deborah Niccolini, among many others.

There will be a circuit of yoga classes on the main dock of the marina in its different forms in both Spanish and English. There will be specialised workshops on various themes such as acroyoga, yoga and breathing, yoga for children, hot tubs, massages as well as talks, guided meditations, concerts and live performances, and a range of healthy and organic food.

The Banús International Festival was a tremendous success in 2023, attended by more than 5,000 people, and this second edition is expected to bring together more than 8,000 yoga practitioners who will enjoy different outdoor sessions for children and adults, men and women, experts and beginners.

Sponsored by

Sourdough workshops

Kevin Fraser Park

CURIOUS about how to make delicious sourdough bread yourself? Here’s a chance to learn with an immersive workshop at Deli Bakery, where you’ll uncover the secrets of crafting delicious sourdough loaves. Discover all the tips and tricks for making your own starter, kneading, shaping, and baking the perfect sourdough bread.

It is a three-hour workshop held in Coin where you will learn how to mix the dough, as well as techniques for kneading, stretching, and timing. Additionally, you will be provided with a jar containing a piece of starter. Your starter is a crucial component for baking delicious sourdough bread, and now you won’t have to create one from scratch.

The workshops are scheduled throughout the spring, usually on Saturdays or Sundays and the next ones are on Saturday April

6 and Sunday April 7 both from 11am to 2pm. You’ll enjoy tea and refreshments along with sourdough brownies, and sample various breads with dips.

You will have the opportunity to bake bread to take home, as well as bring your own made dough to bake the next day. Furthermore, you’ll receive your own sourdough starter, a proofing basket and a recipe booklet, allowing you to start baking at home immediately.

In this interactive course, led by passionate baker, Lisette, you’ll dive deep into the art of sourdough bread making. From mastering the delicate balance of fermentation to perfecting the art of shaping and scoring your loaves, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create bakery-quality bread at home.

If you are interested or for more information check the website: delibakery.nl/en.

Peppa Pig breakfast

David Hart

GET ready for a delightful celebration as Peppa Pig makes a special appearance at La Sala Puerto Banus. Join Peppa on Sunday April 28 at 11am for a fantastic breakfast experience in the newly refurbished Live Lounge.

Families with children of all ages are invited to reserve a table and witness the magic unfold as Peppa Pig entertains the little ones with activities. Tickets are priced at just €20 each, including breakfast and a drink. Children under two are welcome to join the fun free of charge. Please note that tickets must be purchased and paid in advance of the event.

Peppa Pig, a lovable but slightly bossy little pig, is four years old and lives with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, and her little brother George. Peppa has lots of friends including Suzy Sheep, Zoe Zebra, Emily Elephant, Candy Cat and many more. Peppa likes looking after her little brother George and going on adventures with him but, most of all, Peppa loves jumping up and down in muddy puddles and laughing.

While the youngsters enjoy the fun, grown-ups can relax and soak in the amazing atmosphere. To secure your spot for Breakfast with Peppa Pig, contact La Sala at reservations@LaSala Banus.com or call 952 814 145.

Photo: Flickr CC / Paultons Park

Sponsored by

Kevin Fraser Park

TAKING place at the Wings of Wellness in Aloha Pueblo, Marbella on Saturday April 13 at midday is a puppy yoga event

This event is designed for you to stretch and relax, but also to raise funds for a local girl battling a rare cancer and who is in need of alternative treatments.

The lovely Cristina from Wings of Wellness will be teaching a yoga class whilst adorable puppies from Adana in Estepona roam freely

YOU are invited to celebrate with One For The Road Golf Society and Age Concern Fuengirola, Mijas ansd Benalmadena, Tracy’s 60th Birthday at Tange’s Sports Bar in Benalmadena on Wednesday April 10 at 5pm.

Tracy has chosen to celebrate her birthday this year by fundraising to support the development of Age Concern’s ‘Living Well With Al-

Puppy yoga

stealing the odd cuddle here and there during the session.

All abilities welcome and all funds raised will go towards local girl Victoria Harrop who is suffering from Thymic Carcinoma; she is currently receiving an oral drug which costs €2,200 every six weeks and, in addition, needs specialist care which is going to cost a further €40,000

so she really needs your help.

So, every downward dog and furry friend brings her closer to achieving her goal. Don’t miss out on this paws-itively heartwarming experience for a minimum donation of €20. For more details read Vicky’s story on her GoFundMe page and to book the puppy yoga session message +44 7989 185 021.

One For The Road

zheimer’s & Dementia Programme’ which aims to help make sure that nobody has to face dementia alone.

The event is free to enter but everyone is encouraged to make a donation to this fantastic cause. The funds raised will be donated to

the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group.

There will be live music from Tony Whitehouse as well as Buddy & The Crickets who will all make sure this is an event not to be missed. For further information contact Michelle on 619 792 738.

tale

JABETÍN TEATRO, a theatre company dedicated to the production of children’s shows, presents a new adaptation of the tale of Blancanieves (Snow White) with live songs, mysterious characters and an animated forest on Sunday April 21 at midday in the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI of Estepona.

The show is recommended for ages three upwards, tickets are €12 from the theatre website: tafestepona.com. New

Easter

IKIGAI

Exciting – Love a great find and this one is a definite for your must go list

LOCATED along the picturesque Avenida de España in Estepona, overlooking the beautiful sea, IKIGAI Cafe beckons as the perfect spot to kickstart your day. Run by by Erica, Alex, and their dedicated team, this charming establishment promises a memorable experience from the moment you step through its doors.

The allure of IKIGAI lies not only in its breathtaking location but also in its diverse menu offerings. Coffee enthusiasts will rejoice at the extensive selection featuring almond, nut, soy, and oat milks, catering to various dietary preferences. However, it’s not just about the coffee; IKIGAI’s breakfast options are equally enticing, with home-made granola stealing the show. They are specialists in Acai.

Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian cuisine, Erica’s passion for authenticity shines through in every dish. Collaborating closely with the chefs, she has curated a menu that exudes uniqueness, setting IKIGAI apart in Estepona’s Healthy culinary scene.

What truly sets IKIGAI apart is its warm hospitality and infectious vibe. Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee or lingering over lunch, expect a genuine welcome and impeccable service. And for those on the go, takeaway options are readily available, ensuring that everyone can savour IKIGAI’s delights.

Wine lovers will appreciate IKIGAI’s selection of natural wines, perfectly complementing the flavours of the menu. Despite its undeniable quality, IKIGAI remains reasonably priced, making it accessible to all. With its irresistible charm and commitment to excellence, IKIGAI is poised to become a staple in Estepona. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5.00pm, this gem of a cafe invites you to indulge in life’s simple pleasures against the backdrop of the sea

Av. España, 3, 29680 Estepona 657 780 254

facebook.com/ikgaifoodforlife

Sponsored by

Free breakfasts

Brian Bamford

IF you’re looking for love in Malaga you can get a breakfast for free. The restaurant company VIPS and the dating app Tinder have teamed up to collaborate with VIPS Tinder Tables, the perfect dating plan.

The merger of the two proposes that those who make a match on the app will receive a code that they can redeem for a totally free breakfast at VIPS restaurants until April 7. In Malaga Province, there are VIPS in the Plaza Mayor Shopping Centre and at Miramar in Fuengirola.

On the occasion of the arrival of spring, the season that is considered to be the season of love, where most couples find love, the merger of VIPS and Tinder is committed to giving a little boost to those looking for love on a first date with a completely free breakfast with VIPS Tinder Tables, which will only be available in four cities in Spain: Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and Malaga.

VIPS Tinder Tables are specially

reserved tables for those who have made a match on the Tinder app and “get the code for a free breakfast, can enjoy the date while having breakfast from the new VIPS menu.” There will be a million free breakfasts available with reserved tables, unique and decorated for the occasion, (subject to availability), so that those looking for love can relax without thinking about who is paying the bill.

VIPS is taking advantage of the occasion to renew its menu, with new breakfast options such as the American California, consisting of pancakes made with oat granola, avocado, turkey breast, sprouts and fried egg or scrambled egg, or the delicious avocado, cream and poached egg toast. Pancake lovers will also be able to enjoy one of VIPS’ signature dishes: pancakes with Nocilla and fruit or in its savoury version, the truffled bechamel pancakes, and for those who need a sweet start to the day, they can enjoy a delicious Berlina with Oreo or the croissant with baked apple.

Muggle to Magician

A SHOW for all fans of J K Rowling’s fantasy Harry Potter stories, ‘From Muggle to Magician’ is a theatrical production that combines magic and fantasy to transport the audience to a world of wonder and amazement. The plot revolves around the story of a young muggle (a non-magical person) who discovers the parallels between Harry Potter and his life.

The show comes to the Palacio de Congresos in Marbella on Saturday May 18 and tickets are available now from the website: entradas360.com.

The hero of the story leads an ordinary life in the Muggle world, with dreams of one day becoming a great wizard. One day, he discovers the Harry Potter Saga and he puts all his effort into learning each of the spells that the protagonist of the saga does in his novels.

The show tells the tale of the journey of the Muggle, telling the audience the differences and similarities between him and Potter himself. His magical friends, his amazing effects and how he became a great wizard.

Sweat smart

SWEATING excessively can be bother some, but natural remedies can help manage it effectively.

Begin by maintaining proper hygiene with daily showers and using antibacterial soap to combat odor.

Choose loose, breathable clothing, preferably made from cotton or linen, to allow air circulation and minimise sweat accumulation.

Stay hydrated by drinking ample water throughout the day to regulate body temperature and flush out toxins. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like yoga or deep breathing exercises into your routine, as stress can trigger sweat production.

Adjust your diet to include foods rich in magnesium and potassium, such as leafy greens, bananas, and nuts, which can help regulate

sweating. Additionally, consider herbal remedies like sage tea, known for its natural antiperspirant properties.

By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you can naturally control sweating and enjoy greater comfort and confidence, even in the warmest weather.

Radiology

AT Clínica El Campanario we offer you advanced technology of digital radiology and ultrasound, to detect multiple diseases or pathological alterations of the organism. Likewise, you will be able to obtain your results quickly, precisely, painlessly and non-invasively with care and advice from our radiologists who are specialists in the field, without the need to travel to another alternative centre.

Avenida de España 20, Local 5, Sitio de Calahonda, Málaga. +34 952 933 377

Tips for a radiant summer

AS the temperature rises, it’s time to adjust your beauty routine for the sunny days ahead. Start by protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield against harmful UV rays. Hydration is key, so opt for lightweight, oil free moisturisers to keep your skin supple without feeling greasy.

Swap out heavy foundations for tinted moisturisers or BB creams for a natural, dewy look. Embrace vibrant hues with colour-

#clinicamedica #clinicamedicacalahonda #especialistasmedicosmalaga #cliniccalahonda

ful eyeshadows and lip tints to complement the season. Don’t forget to pamper your feet with regular exfoliation and moisturising to keep them sandal-ready.

Stay fresh all day by using setting sprays or powders to combat shine, and keep make. up in place during hot summer days.

Lastly, remem ber to stay hydra ted by drinking plenty of water

and incorporating juicy fruits and veggies into your diet for a radiant summer glow.

Build muscle

THE 46-year-old established athlete, Linda Stjernsten, prompts Swedish women to build muscles.

Linda Stjernsten became Hedemora’s first woman in 45 years to compete in fitness at the local athletic club, becoming an inspiration to local women.

Linda began strength training as a teenager and spent 30 years preparing for her triumph

Lucia Cup last year.

“I think it’s cool and stylish. We also want to show our muscles,” stated an aspiring young athlete, Emelie Hammarström about women’s position in fitness.

The main sports centre of Hedemora now has 20 per cent of women members and the 26-year-old Emelie is thrilled to work as a recruiter, empowering

gym,” she says.

A recent study by Martha Gulati from Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, proved the benefits of strength training for women.

“Of the 400,000 people in the study, only one in five women did regular weight training. And women who do muscle strengthening had a reduction in their cardiovascular mortality by 30 per cent,”

Eat your garden

A YOUNG entrepreneur, Allie Botold, encourages people to eat invasive plants: “There are a lot of natural treats here,” she shared when presenting her cookbook to the Press.

Invasive plants are non-native species which spread out of control and can cause environmental, economic and human harm, yet Allie Botold, from Sweden, argues that eating invasive plants can be absolutely safe: “How many know that several of the invasive plants are edible - and actually considered good?

In collaboration with five classmates

at Hitachigymnasiet in Västerås, Allie began selling her cookbook, which presents recipes based on invasive plants and has sold more than 100 copies so far: “We have found four invasive plants that can be eaten and have developed 20 recipes for them.”

The cookbook includes dishes made with parkslide, park lettuce, Canadian goldenrod, and ragwort, all of which are considered to be invasive plants.

These plants are difficult to control and can out-compete other species. Is adding them to the human diet a way to combat this issue?

Credit: Jill Burrow

A help or hindrance

HEALTH trackers have become obligatory in our quest for wellness, offering a myriad of benefits but not without their drawbacks. On the positive side, these devices provide real-time insights into our physical activity by counting our steps, monitoring our heart rate, and sleep patterns. They serve as motivational tools, encouraging users to set and achieve fitness goals. The ability to monitor progress fosters a sense of accountability, empowering individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices.

However, the reliance on health trackers has its downsides. Some users may become overly fixated on meeting daily targets, potentially leading to stress or an unhealthy obsession with numbers. Accuracy can also be a concern; not all devices provide precise measurements,

Credit: Shutterstock/ Andrey_Popov

AI detecting breast cancer

RESEARCHERS have discovered that using a tool known as Artificial Intelligent Assessment (MIA) raises the chance of detecting breast cancers that might otherwise be missed.

raising questions about the reliability of the data they generate.

Privacy issues loom large as well. Sharing intimate health data through these trackers raises questions about data security and potential misuse. Additionally, some individuals may find constant monitoring intrusive, impacting their mental well-being negatively.

In conclusion, health trackers offer valuable insights into personal well-being, motivating positive lifestyle changes. However, users should navigate these devices mindfully, addressing concerns such as accuracy, privacy, and the potential for obsessive behaviour. Striking a balance between leveraging the benefits and mitigating the drawbacks is crucial for harnessing the full potential of health trackers in our pursuit of a healthier life.

Sleep better, live better

SLEEP disorders, particularly insomnia, represent a significant health concern globally. A staggering 62 per cent of adults worldwide express dissatisfaction with their sleep, highlighting a widespread issue.

Adopting effective sleep practices is a natural, cost-free way to combat insomnia. These habits foster a conducive sleep environment, helping you drift off more easily.

• Going to bed and waking up at the same time

every day can improve your sleep quality.

• Use your bed only for sleep.

• If sleep eludes you after 30 minutes, try a low-energy activity like reading in another room.

NHS Grampian in the UK has been working with Kheiron Medical Technologies at the University of Aberdeen to evaluate the effectiveness of this tool.

Currently, mammograms are ‘double read’ by two readers from three professional groups: Radiologists, Radiography Technicians and Breast clinicians, but a shortage of staff has led to a workforce crisis in radiology, with fewer qualified staff available and staff ‘burnout’.

Such staff pressure can also lead to longer waiting times for women, and the risk of unnecessary recalls and biopsies due to staff erring on the side of caution.

• Avoiding daytime naps can help ensure you’re tired at bedtime.

• The WHO advises 150 to 300 minutes of aerobic activity per week for adults.

• Consistent pre-sleep rituals, such as brushing teeth or preparing next day’s clothes, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

The study of 10,889 patients discovered that MIA helps to increase accuracy, lowering ‘false positives’, and mitigates staff shortages, so saving costs. It is estimated that MIA increases efficiency by automating up to 30 per cent of reading workflow.

The researchers argue that more than two million women are screened for breast cancer in the UK every year, but about 20 per cent of tumours are missed by mammogram screening.

Do you have dogs who love company? Find dog-sitters

FINDING dog-sitters through Hou sesit Match gives peace of mind

Benji and Jonty’s owner travels quite a bit. And she can’t always find sitters nearby. So she places an advert on HouseSitMatch and the checked house-sitters apply through the site. The house-sitting is undertaken as a fair exchange for both parties. No money changes hands the dogs are cared for by pet lovers, in the dogs’ own home.

It’s a fair exchange

All our sitters offer a fair exchange - free accommodation for free pet care and an online review. It’s a win win!

If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, don’t delay. Register today as a member of our network to find affordable home and pet care.

Plan ahead to secure great sitters

However long your trip pets need someone with them at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from routines undisturbed.

Plan ahead of time to find house and pet-sitters who will come to you for free!

Next steps to join Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Standard account

(£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch helps you find sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert with trip dates. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter you want.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

10 out of 10 for housesitmatch. com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave – Dog and cat owner, Malaga READER OFFER

Register online via www.House sitmatch.com.

House-sitting is a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount code 20EWN.

Magic of baby talk

ENGAGING in baby talk with your furry companions is more than just a heartwarming gesture, it’s a powerful tool for building a stronger connection. Speaking to your pet in a higher-pitched, softer tone, often associated with baby talk, has been shown to soothe and comfort animals. This gentle approach communicates affection and reassurance, fostering a sense of security for your pet.

Furthermore, baby talk can enhance the human-animal bond by creating a unique form of communication.

It conveys warmth and love, establishing a positive association with interaction.

Not only does this benefit your pet’s emotional well-being, but it also contributes to your own sense of

joy and companionship.

So, go ahead and indulge in those sweet, silly conversations with your pet.

The magic of baby talk is a delightful language that transcends species, creating a harmonious and loving connection between you and your cherished companion.

Benji and Jonty tend to stay at home when their owner travel. She finds dog-sitters for them.

AIR CONDITIONING

AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares. Installation and repairs. Quality machines. Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros. For other energy-saving products visit www. coolandcosy.es. 952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 (303640)

Quality Air Conditioning Installations.  Economical heating, & silent in operation. 28 Years installation history in Spain.  EnviroCare. All Areas Covered.   952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

MR COOL – Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Sales & Service – Call Christian +34 629 527 587 or Nick +34 618 678 853 – www.mrcool. es (305074)

AIR-CONDITIONING

installations. Service & Repair to any make or model, commercial air conditioning, as well as Bar bottle coolers. Suppliers of

catering equipment. All work guaranteed. All areas covered including campo. Contact Williams Refrigeration 952 596 404 / 679 284 959. (305317)

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING

28 Years Servicing & Installing in Spain.  EnviroCare. All Areas Covered.   952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

AWNINGS

ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisa tions catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design T1(101730)

SUNSHINE AWNINGS/ BLINDS Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. 680 323 969 / 952 199 640

BLINDS

ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various

colours available, also black-out blinds. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730)

BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (303730)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (304439)

SOLAR BLINDS

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solarshadetinting.com

Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (303296)

BUILDERS

BUILDING SERVICES

JIM’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Bathrooms/kitchen reforms, repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting, tiling, maintenance. Give us a call no job too small. 692 207 799 / 645 559 423 (305682)

GENERAL BUILDER, Tiling, plastering, painting, electrician, plumber, carpentry. Reasonable prices. 635 913 885 (References available) (304615)

SWINGLES CASAS SL. For all your building needs. Visit www. swinglescasas.com for more details or call 635 999 765 / 666 960 262

PLUMBING & GENERAL BUILDING All your plumbing needs. Bathroom, kitchens, tiling & painting. Benalmadena based, travel no problem. Glen 669 073 773 or Paul 642 098 115

QUALITY renovation: Kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, windows, doors, plastering, Total property renovations  info@ masterbuildspain.com 952663141 /670409759 Over 28 years renovating history in Spain (302479) 99

METALWORK

NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Fencing, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 19yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648 (305256)

BUY & SELL

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIA

LISTS, FULL OR PART

CLEARANCE. ALL FURNITURE WANTED, WE PAY MORE. TEL 634 324 914 OR EMAIL houseclearanceman@hotmail. com (303629)

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

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM Buyers & Sellers of quality furniture. Top prices paid. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (304243)

FOR SALE Separate Fridge & Freezer. Excellent Condition. €100 for both (can be sold separately) 0044 7891 213242 (305653)

CAR HIRE

ALH RENT A CAR – SHORT & LONG-TERM RENTALS

FROM €15 A DAY.

INSURANCE INCLUDED IN OUR PRICES. - CALL

TELEPHONE: 638 846 909 or reservasalhrentacar@ gmail.com (303303)

CHARITY

COLLECTIVE CALLING  are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then supports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961 (295137)

CHIMNEY SERVICES

CHIMNEY SWEEP. Clean reliable professional 608 377 497 (303436)

APEX CHIMNEY SERVICES, professional chimney sweeping and smoke testing. NACS Qualified. Clean and efficient Tel: Bob 696 320 202 (303700)

CHURCH SERVICES

BENALMADENA Elim Family Fellowship. Elimfamilyfellow ship.com or call 951 912 525 or 952 446 627. (10011)

LA CALA – Encounter Church (Elim). Family friendly church with kids activities. 11 am Sundays at the Cazbah Live Lounge, Av de Jerez, La Cala 29649. Rev Dave Hodgson 695 115 496 (10012)

THE Ark Christian Church. We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 www.thearkspain.com (293850)

CLEANING/MAINTENANCE

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 27 years experience, wet/dry clean.  Honest, reliable service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email  acservs@ outlook.com (290189)

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

STARLIGHT Property Clea ning & Maintenance. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. Call telephone: 682 636451 www.starlight-spain. com (304520)

DECORATORS

RAINBOW PINTURAS . Spray painting, professional finish of kitchens, doors and furniture. All aspects of interior/ exterior paint and deco rating under taken. Call / Whatsapp: 628066308  www. rainbowpinturas.com Facebook. Instagram: rainbow pinturasmalaga (303387)

DOMESTIC APP REP

DOMESTIC appliance repairs washing machines fridges cookers ovens water heaters gas electric professionally repaired 608 337 497 (303436)

DRAINAGE

BLOCKED DRAINS? Leak detection, CCTV survey, root removal, Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (296441)

ELECTRICIAN

ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL work, re-wiring, fault finding. Certified, Reliable & Guarantee. Frank Tel or Whatsapp 650 561 629 (304788)

FLOOR POLISHING

MARBLE FLOOR (2.50€/m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. PROFESSIONAL GUARAN TEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, COVERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (305397)

MARBLE FLOORS polished high shine non-slip. Fast Service Reliable, family-run business. TERRACOTTA CLEANED and sealed. No job too small. Cleansol 10am – 10pm 7 days all areas. 952 930 861 / 607 610 578 Discount code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

MARBLE POLISHING, CRYSTALLISING, LASTING, HIGH SHINE. REGRINDING, RESTORATION OF SALTY, DEAD FLOORS. 27YRS EXPERIENCE. RELIABLE. REFS AVAILABLE. CYRIL. 645 840 199 (305107)

FOR SALE/WANTED

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

FURNITURE

FURNITURE wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (304243)

GARDENING

IRRIGATION

GATE REPAIRS

ELECTRIC GATE/GARAGE DOOR automation repaired. Free, no obligation quotation. Call Colin - 636 394 641 (304223)

GATES

ELECTRIC GATES/Garage Doors. Intercoms/access control systems and replacement remotes. New installs and repairs. For all your electric gate and garage door requirements call us on 605 356 469/952 786 178. The Garage Door Co & 2 Way Gates. tgdc@hotmail.co.uk www.2waygates.com (302680)

GLASS CURTAINS

GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931 (303730)

MH HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN: General Building work, painting, wall/roof waterproofing & other jobs. Call Michael 622 755 666 (305394)

HEATING

Fires:  Electric, Gas.  Quality guaranteed.  EnviroCare.  All areas covered.  952 663 141 / 670 409759.  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

VINYL WRAP

VINYL SOLUTIONS WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RENOVATE? Modern adhesive vinyl coverings in hundreds of styles and designs can renovate a tired kitchen, bathroom, wall panels, bedroom wardrobes, fridge doors. Turn a tired looking wood designed kitchen into a modern solid colour or metallic look without painting or replacing. Work carried out on site with 10 year warranties Contact Ian 644 546 176 for design brochure and samples. (303296)

HOT TUBS AND SPAS

INSURANCE

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

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www. abbeygateinsure.com (291234)

LOCKSMITHS

ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS,  SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233 WWW. SECURITYOFSPAIN.COM

CONTACT DAREN (303056)

T1

ENGLISH LOCKSMITH emergency & appointment, locks changed, patio doors & windows secured. All locks supplied insurance approved. Fast & reliable service. No hidden extras or nasty surprises. 657 466 803 www.mrlocksmith. es (305380)

MASSAGE

RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (305528)

SAN PEDRO. Sandra. Professional relaxing, tantric massage. Young, slim, work alone, unforgettable moments. Nueva Andalucia. 641 346 278

PURE RELAXATION in Nueva Andalucia with attractive independent masseuse. Tantric and other special massages in private apartment. For gentlemen and couples, with no rush attention to your needs 656 350 401

ENGLISH ELEGANT independent & affectionate lady in late 40s, gives a sensual golfers massage to relieve tension in her discreet private apartment. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 680 177 569 (305079)

MARBELLA CENTRE - the ideal place for relaxing massage in the city centre. Available 24h and prices from €50. For reservations and information call 620 366 817. (302600)

PROFESSIONAL MALE muscled masseur. Full-body relaxing, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. In/ outcalls. WhatsApp me 607 595 906 (304067)

BENALMADENA lovely lady, offering you a very relaxing body massage. Call for an appointment 634 209 427 (305684)

FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage. Excellent service guaranteed. Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment 693 988 340 (304785)

AT MY Wellness Massage Studio your first visit will be the first of many. Tel: +34 623 492 262 (304620)

JAPANESE massage. Marbella. Relaxing, less stress. 664 177 216 (MI 559)

MARBELLA Tantric ritual massage with aromatherapy to leave completely renewed. 642 751 070 (2907)

NEW FUENGIROLA. Beautiful mulatta 19 years old beautiful massage and relax. 672 055 839 (FU 3223)

SARA Venezuelan, professional relaxing therapeutic & sensitive massage. I can visit you. For more information contact me 632 770 051 (303021)

BENALMADENA: DANIELA Slim Brazilian Masseur 21 - C/ Imperio Argentina 1 - 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes. TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply and laying). Garden constructions. Tree surgeon. Clearing. Astro Turf (Free Quotation) 676 747 521 (303376)

HOT TUBS new used, bought, sold, hired. Also move & repairs. Used good Hot Tubs for sale. 691 973 131 / +44 7836 379122 (304541)

HOUSE CLEARANCES

ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM furniture wanted, same day collection, also house clearance and removals. Also buy cars, campervans, boats & bikes. 697 511 071 (304243)

NEW FUENGIROLA. Ana Moroccan 22 years old massage and relax 672 055 839 (FU 3223)

FILIPINA/Thai, exclusive prostatic, deep, hard, soft massage pleasure to body mind therapy, exotic proffessional relaxation, clean, good atmosphere. Elviria. Marbella. 604 457 672 (MI 582)

NEW IN FUENGIROLA. two friends 20 and 21 years old, Balinese massages and relax. 672 055 839 (FU 3223)

BENALMADENA: ELENA relaxing massages, model, slim, blond, 20 - C/ Imperio Argentina 1- 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

BOLICHES: Celina Https:// celina-16.jimdosite.com. Elegant loving kind lovely delightful lady for educated very discreet, respectable gentleman. Unique relaxing moments, hot sensual massages, private quite place. Enjoy full deep complete, excellent treatment, special attention of your needs and total satisfaction. Demanding impeccable hygiene. Previous appointment 11am/6pm. 622 210 797 (FU 3211)

BENALMADENA: Maria 20 - I am a masseur from Italy, call me today. C/ Imperio Argentina 1Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

ASIAN lady tantric sensory generate self esteem body technique, fantastic relaxation massage Marbella. 671 442 664 (MI 582)

VANESSA Benalmadena excellent massage services. Relaxing & therapeutic. Home premises. Call me 624 811 098 (305274)

BENALMADENA: Alicia Spanish brunette masseur. C/ Imperio Argentina 1 - 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

ASIAN Touch Oriental European massage, prostatic, tantric, very relaxing relief pain stress, private luxury. Elviria. Marbella. 604 473 831 (MI 582)

ASIAN MASSUER offers relaxing full body massage. Home Visits. WhatsApp Call 641 980 066 for details (304011)

BENALMADENA: Sandra Spanish and Amalia from Colombia single and couples masseurs - C/ Imperio Argentina 1 - 24hrs. Tel. 679 267 197 (305539)

OLGA Mature Masseure relaxing & sensitive. Outcalls & Incalls. 24 hrs. Marbella – Tel: 632 467 580 (304040)

FUENGIROLA - Johanna Brazilian 45yrs Slim Mature Masseur. Relaxing Massages. Best relax guaranteed. Tel: 617.818.615 (305174)

ORIENTAL ladyboy pretty professional traditional, tantric massage relieving. Marbella. 604 428 812 (MI 582)

ASIAN PROFESSIONAL Massage, sensual, relaxing & therapeutic, to release tension & stress. Fuengirola. Call 613 592 062 (304091)

ASIAN ladyboy and gay, authentic professional/ traditional massage therapy unique treatment, clean atmosphere. Marbella. 603 257 690 (MI 582)

GENESIS blonde explosive masseur, men and women, from Venezuela. 24 hours - outcall / incall - visa & amex - Tel. 680 55 614 (304861)

CASSIE. Mature English lady. Discreet and clean. Fuengirola. 667 914 732 (FU 3031)

FILIPINO MASSAGE CENTRE, where hearts of Asian proffessional massage daily. 604 421 973 (MI 582)

BARBARA mature masseur educated 42yrs, private, 24hrs, Marbella. Tel 613 213 030

CRISTINA and MIA - duo masseurs on holiday in Marbella - infall & outcalls 24hrs - visa & amex - Tel. 680 55 614 (304861)

ORIENTAL ladyboy pretty professional traditional, tantric massage relieving. Marbella. 604 428 812 (MI 576)

THAI Benalmádena Costa. Body-body full massages. Visits, hotels. Whatsapp 689 387 448 (MI 579)

FUENGIROLA. Marisa, 38 years old, mature, all kinds of massages. Only WhatsApp. 631 659 408 (FU 3225)

LOS BOLICHES - Carolina Pretty Masseur, Slim 45yrs Relaxing Massage, Guaranteed relax - Tel: 634.703.111 (305174)

WWW.CASAKINKSPAIN. COM. Heated pool, Jacuzzi and private bar. Inland private retreat with a full massage service. 662 913 428 (FU 3224)

EVA, JAMAICAN full body professional massage, discreet, San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella 613 211 041 (305387)

FUENGIROLA. Excellent company, massage and more... Blond, tall, pretty lady. In/ outcalls 657 697 397 (FU 3205)

MASSAGE and fun!!! Genuine trained exotic Male tantric masseur. 602 098 606 (FU 3222)

SAN PEDRO BEACH. RELAXING AND SENSITIVE MASSEUSES WELCOME YOU IN A PRIVATE AND DISCREET PLACE. YOUNG, PLEASANT. WITH APPOINTMENT. EASY, PRIVATE PARKING. 666 194 079 - 674 679 757. (305694)

SHAVING & Massage sensitive area by mature Japanese masseuse. Fuengirola. 610 396 186 (FU 3221)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOSQUITO SCREENS

CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (290189)

WANTED, wanted, wanted!! All cars, all years, all models… from exotic to classic. Spanish, English, Dutch plated. Call us on 951 977 329 or 606 647 597. (304490)

FOR SALE

ACE OF SHADES - Don’t let the bugs get you! Available in enrollable, slider and pleated. Large choice of colours including wood effect. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@ aceofshades.design (101730)

MOSQUITO Screens for windows, doors and a high-quality sliding patio door screen. All finishes available. Quick service. All areas covered. Call Julian 655 825 931 (303730)

MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours, call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws (304439)

MOTORING

CAMPER VANS, CARAVANS, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS AND ALL PLANT, DIGGERS, DUMPERS, MOTORBIKES, CARS AND COMMERCIALS WANTED. BEST PRICE PAID, CASH TODAY, ANY REGISTRATION WITH OR WITHOUT PAPERS. PLEASE CALL TELEPHONE: 678 808 837 (290189)

CARS, VANS, ANY RESGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 (290189)

OTHERS

EDS? We have the solution, Kama gra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PASSPORT RENEWALS

UK & IRISH Passport renewals including photos. Complete Service. Cath’s Cards. 952 885 759. www.cathscards.es

PEST CONTROL

COCKROACHES, ANTS, in sects, fleas, mice, rats, wasps, termite specialists. Fumigations, bars, restaurants, houses, etc. Sanitary department officially registered certificates. Serving the coast since 1985. Only legal English owned pest control company on the coast. If you want the best then phone N.P.S. Paul 676 700 370

PETS

LAGUNAPETHOTEL.COM

Loving care for cats and dogs TEL 646 066 351 (302996)

KENNELS

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. (200726)

CAR SERVICES

ENGLISH bodyshop, fully equipped, Mijas Costa. No Job Too Small. 952 667 074 (304140)

IMPORT/TRANSFER

CARS TRANSFERRED, history checks, Imports and Embargo problems. Change of use and lost papers. Change your car to Spanish plates, simple efficient service. Cars bought and sold. Please call 678808837 or email  carsinspain@live.co.uk (290189)

WANTED

CARS, Vans, Bikes wanted. Any Reg, Anything Considered Call or Whatsapp 687 049 592 (305254)

WANTED CARS AND VANS, FREE COLLECTION, SAME DAY 685 524 921 (290189)

CARS, VANS BOUGHT WITH / WITHOUT PAPERS. CASH WAITING. Call: 678 808 837 (303115)

EURO CAR Established since 1998. All Cars / Commercials wanted, runners or no-runners. Cash. Buyer Collects. Transfer included. Call 605 109 796 (304099)

PET CHARITY

ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www. ace-charity.org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320)

ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www. adana.es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 2.00pm. (93319)

CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www.catanddogworld.com

MASSAGE

ANIMEX Foundation offers free will upgrading when leaving something for abandoned animals. Contact animexfoundation@gmail.com or call 692 166 434 now for this absolutely free service (288287)

LAWYERS

ARCH - The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses, registered charity 8448, the Centre is open to visitors every Sunday from 9am until 2pm. Working closely with the Spanish authorities, we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and abandoned horses and donkeys. Come and meet our current rescues, learn about our work and how you may be able to help. Run solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the Centre is located between Alhaurin el Grande and Coin in Comm. de Viña Borrego behind Venta Miralmonte. For more information and directions see our website www.horserescuespain.org, our Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or tel. 610 845 491 or 656 935 613 (93322)

SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@ sepeonline.net www.sepeonline. net (93321)

SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive. We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us on 605 227 155. If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875. Visit our website www.sos-animals.org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way. (93317)

PLUMBING

PLUMBING. Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (296441)

SELLING UP?? Why not give us a call and let us give you an honest and realistic valuation of your property. List with us and let us take the stress out of selling your home. No sale no fee!! English agent on the ball with clients waiting. Please call 685 524 921. (290189)

PROP MAINTENANCE

STARLIGHT Property Clea ning & Maintenance All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. Persiana repairs, Decorating, Electrial & Plumbing repairs. Call telephone: 682 636 451 www.starlight-spain.com (304520)

PROPERTY TO LET

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@ intermarbella.com (305258)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

15 CUBIC metre van returning to the UK 12th April 2024. Space available each way. Tel. 639 928 090 (305057)

MAN AND VAN

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property Sales & Long term rentals wanted. All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@ intermarbella.com

PRIVATE BUYER looking for properties between Marbella to Malaga at realistic prices. Quick decision and cash purchase if suitable. Any condition but must be legal. Call or Whatsapp 0034606 526 618 (305263)

Thinking of selling your property or interested in a current valuation? We have clients actively looking for properties from Torremolinos to Calahonda. List with us and let us sell your property.  Call Joe 626 864 683

PROPERTY FOR SALE

WWW.INTERMARBELLA.

COM Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008 Email info@intermarbella.com (305258)

€90. FULL DAY FROM €175. WE ALSO PROVIDE A FORTNIGHTLY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE TO UK AND EUROPE (INCL SCOTLAND). WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO USA, AUSTRALIA, ETC AND FULL STORAGE FACILITIES. TEL (0034) 952 578 507 OR (0034) 637 892 278 / EMAIL garymoveit@yahoo.co.uk (304252)

JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations (304139)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

STORAGE

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301129)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure! Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@ aceofshades.design (101730)

MAN & VAN, 20€ ph. Removals, Rubbish & House Clearances. Paul 634 112 677 (294214)

2 MEN, Van €30 p hour. House Clearances & Storage. 651 081 610 (304603)

moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (301418)

STORAGE, Storage, Storage. Man & Van Services. Call/ Whatsapp 690 155 340 (304667)

MAN AND VAN removals / storage service. House clearances Collections and deliveries Waste removal NO

JOB TOO SMALL Call Mike on 604 380 570 (304093)

A&J REMOVALS For all your clearance, delivery and removal needs. Moving never looked so good. Call us on 662534877 (305213)

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL REMOVALS AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 1/2 DAY FROM

ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (303730)

SITUATIONS VACANT

PROPERTY LISTER to join our successful team operating in the Fuengirola/ Mijas area. Spanish speaking an asset. Not commission based. Lister will be paid for each property listed. Please contact Robert 608 764 774 or email robert@ araproperty.com (305378)

SITUATIONS WANTED

RELIABLE TRUSTWORTHY Irish gentleman looking to be private assistant to individual in the Estepona to Sotogrande areas for driving and general errands. Available 7 days a week 24/7. Call/Whatsapp +353 852 748610 (305659)

SOLAR

SOLAR Hot Water heating: FREE HOT WATER.  28 years

installation history in Spain. Envirocare. All areas covered. Quality guaranteed. 952 663 141/ 670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (305304)

SOFT FURNISHINGS

CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosannacarmella8@ gmail.com (304143)

SPECIALTY SERVICES

3 IN 1. Nurse 17 years experience, Cleaner, Home help. English / Dutch speaking. Limited slots available €30 per hour. WhatsApp or Call 690 849 277, 24 hours (304638)

SWIMMING POOLS

POOL MAINTENANCE, & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 www.sparklenripple. net (304345)

SWIMMING Pool Heating Pumps, Pool Covers, Rollers, Filtration Systems.  28 years installation history in Spain. Envirocare.  All areas covered.  Quality Guarante ed. 952663141/67040975 9 info@envirocarespain. com www.envirocarespain. com (305304)

TAROT

WITH 30 years experience I can help you to solve your problems from strong spiritual magic jobs & voodoo dolls. Depression? Remove negativity? Get back your love? Business & family problems? Marriage & partner problems? Protect your family & domestic from evil?. Contact Master Abraham - Call telephone: 626 502 803 (305639)

SOLAR PROTECTION

TRANSLATORS

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS

All Languages. 952 789 204

Mobile 654 613 094 sanpe drotranslations@gmail.com

TV/SATELLITE

REPAIRS to TV’s, LCD, LED, -Videos, Hi-Fi, & Microwaves, Mag Boxes, UK channels installed. 35 years experience. Free Estimates, Can Collect. John 952 491 723 or 600 706 201.

UPHOLSTERY

ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years experience, wet/dry clean.  Honest, reliable.  678 808 837 / 952 669 701  acservs@ outlook.com (290189)

UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (290189)

CARPETS AND SOFAS cleaned. Reliable, fast service. Family run. Cleansol 952 930 861 / 607 610 578. 10am10pm 7 days, all areas Discount Code: EWN 1 CLEAN (206437)

WATER HEATERS

ELECTRIC & Gas Water Heaters.  Quality Installations.  28 years installation history in Spain.  EnviroCare.  All Areas

Covered. 952 663 141/670 409 759  info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com

WINDOW TINTING

POOLS

PROPERTY

Suzuki Swift SZ-T – hatchback impresses

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

SUZUKI’S Swift has always offered value for money and although the company has undoubtedly moved more upmarket the Swift continues to be an integral part of their range.

Priced from €20,041/£17,199, all Swift models are generously equipped with even the lead-in model benefitting from adaptive cruise control, rear parking camera, Car Play and Android Auto, auto lights, powered and heated door mirrors, privacy glass, tyre pressure monitoring and air conditioning.

All models come with mild hybrid assistance and a straightforward line-up sees three models in the standard Swift range with the entry level car having a manual five-speed gearbox and the other two a CVT automatic transmission. Just one engine, a 1.2-litre, 16-valve, four-cylinder petrol unit is utilised across the range.

My SZ-T middle of the range model adds additional equipment including high beam assist, rear parking sensors and a CVT automatic gearbox. I’m no fan of CVT boxes (not just Suzuki) because when you accelerate the engine revolutions remain high while the car

gathers speed. There’s not the immediacy of throttle control, it’s not a fault it’s just how CVT gearboxes work. If

CVT gearbox apart the Swift is a delight to drive with a peppy engine, despite its on-paper less than quick

Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) 12.2 seconds/Maximum Speed 175 kmh (109 mph).

Economy: 5.1l/100km (55.3 mpg) Combined driving.

Emissions: 115 g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

at its best in towns and on cross country drives. The ride comfort is as fine as one might expect with our awful roads, although others do perform better in that regard all be they quite a

the decent

Suzuki has resisted the march of oversized cars so the Swift is neatly compact yet offers decent interior space even for rear seat passengers. The interior is where you can see costs have been carefully managed with a lot of hard plastics on display. That said it all feels very well bolted together and is a pleasant place in which to travel.

All told the Swift is an enduringly likeable car that’s fun to drive, economical to run and feels like it will more than last the course of every day car ownership. Suzuki’s seeming policy of evolution rather than revolution with its design and character helps in that regard.

Personally the lead-in SZ-L model represents the best value and, crucially, with that manual gearbox proves to be the most fun.

Female Olympian retires

LAURA KENNY, the United Kingdom’s most accomplished female Olympian, has announced her retirement from competitive cycling.

At 31 years old, with five Olympic gold medals under her belt, she decided not to go ahead with the Paris Games this summer. She shared her thoughts with the BBC, marking the end of an era.

“I always knew deep down I would know when was the right time. I have had an absolute blast but now is the time for me to hang that bike up,” Kenny said, now that prioritising family time has become her main focus.

This decision comes after a celebrated journey in the sport, alongside her husband, Jason Kenny (seven Olympic golds), who holds the title of Britain’s most decorated Olympian.

Laura’s illustrious career includes victories in team pursuit and omnium gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, plus a madison gold in

2020.

With a haul that also features seven world championships and 14 European championships titles, her decision reflects a desire for new beginnings rather than a lack of achievements.

“Going on to win another gold medal, as much as I would love to do that, it wasn’t giving me the energy I wanted anymore,” she reflected on her decision.

Laura took the time to post a brief message on Instagram: ‘Thank you cycling for everything you’ve given meincluding a husband and our growing family!

‘Having people say I have inspired women and girls to get active and get on a bike means the world to me. Thanks to Team GB, British Cycling and all the partners who have supported my journey.

Looking ahead, although she rules out coaching due to the pressure, she is eager to support young talent in other ways.

ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

League and Cup Action

AWFL Over 60s

Malaga WFC 0 v 3 Real Calahonda

Malaga began brightly without creating any clear chances and, as the half wore on, the visitors began to take control, resulting in a goal by Dave just before the break. Real continued to press their advantage in the second half and, despite efforts by the Blue and Whites to get back into the match, goals from Colin and Scott put the game out of reach of the home side, enabling Real to leapfrog over them to second place in the league.

AWFL Over 50s

Internacionales Mollina 0 v 2 Marbella Marbesula

This was an entertaining game played in fine spirits! Both teams lost a player for running offences in the first half, with the visitors eventually taking the lead after a defensive error. Marbella bossed the second half and would have built up a sizeable lead if not for the heroics of Alan Morton in the home goal. He was beaten once more before the final whistle but made a string of fine saves which earned him the

title of Man of the Match by both teams!

Axarfusion Over 50s Cup

Malaga WFC 4 v 1 AC Benahavis

Malaga triumphed in this their final group match before going on to the knockout stages. The early exchanges were closely fought and fairly even before a fine strike from Pedrin put the hosts ahead. Before half time, another from Pedrin and a goal from Robert seemed to put Malaga firmly in the driving seat. However, the visitors pulled one back just before the break to give them hope. But it was not to be, as Fran scored a fourth and also hit the woodwork twice in what in the end was a fairly comfortable win for the home side, still unbeaten this season!

Costa Gaels Ladies triumph in Andalucian League, Iberian Cup awaits!

THE Costa Gaels Ladies Gaelic Football team are celebrating a phenomenal win, taking first place in the Andalucian League! This impressive achievement marks a significant milestone for the club, and their journey continues as they set their sights on the Iberian Cup.

The prestigious Iberian Cup will see the Costa Gaels battle it out against teams from across Spain on May 18 in Salou. To help the ladies achieve their dreams on the national stage, the club is calling for the support of the community. You can follow the Costa Gaels on Instagram or visit their website to find out how you can contribute to their success. https:// costagaels.com/https://

www.instagram.com/cos tagaels/

The club extends its heartfelt gratitude to their generous sponsors, the

Irish Times, Biddy Mulligans, and the Hogan Stand, whose contributions play a vital role in empowering the team.

While celebrating their recent victory, the Costa Gaels are not resting on their laurels. Training continues as usual for both the men’s and ladies’ teams as they prepare for their next challengea tournament in Malaga scheduled for April 27.

Calling All Players!

The worst offenders

IT’S not unusual for followers of American Football or Rugby League and Union to suggest that Football is not a real contact sport.

New research carried out by NoDepositDaily has analysed the number of yellow and red cards awarded to football players in the Premier League between 2019-2024 to determine which players have the worst conduct.

To help determine the ranking, a yellow card is equivalent to one point, and a red card equals two. The number of fouls over the past five years was also considered to create an accurate ranking.

Yves Bissouma, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur as a defensive midfielder, takes top spot as the worst-behaving footballer, with 45 points in total having accumulated 39 yellow, three reds, and 197 fouls between 2019 and 2024.

Second and third place are claimed by Aston Villa players, Douglas Luiz with 41 points based on 37 yellows (eight so far this season), two reds and a staggering 232 fouls, whilst third place is taken by teammate John McGinn, with a total of 39 points with 37 yellows, one red and 231 fouls.

The Costa Gaels are also actively seeking new recruits to join their ranks. If you’re interested in experiencing the thrill of Gaelic Football, the camaraderie of a great team, and the chance to enjoy post-game social events under the sunny Spanish sky, go along to their training sessions held every Wednesday at 8pm and Sunday at 11am. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

The only other team to have two offenders in the Top 10 is Manchester United with Luke Shaw on 37 yellows and Bruno Fernandes with 32, but at least neither has been sent off.

Others in the Top 10 are Conor Gallagher of Chelsea, James Tarkowski now of Everton, Rodri of Manchester City, Joelinton of Newcastle United and with four red cards, the player most sent off in the past five years is Lewis Dunk of Brighton & Hove Albion

COSTA GAELS LADIES: A significant milestone.

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