Costa de Almeria 11 – 17 April 2024 Issue 2023

Saving lives

Jules Phillips

A MAN from Almeria has saved five lives by donating his organs, as reported by Torrecardenas University Hospital. The generous act of his family made it possible for different organs and tissues to be transplanted, with teams from various countries and provinces collaborating in the process.

The hospital management expressed gratitude towards the donor’s family for their solidarity during such a difficult time. They also thanked the professionals involved in the transplant procedures, both within the hospital and those who came from other parts of Spain.

Transplant coordinators provide families with information and support during the grieving process, emphasising the positive impact of organ donation on the lives of others. Increasin-

gly, families are volunteering to donate organs and tissues upon learning of critical illnesses with poor prognoses, reflecting society’s growing commitment to helping those in need.

In Andalucia, efforts are underway to normalise tissue donation in end-of-

life scenarios. Training programmes aim to educate professionals across various fields, with a focus on online and face-to-face courses. Additionally, initiatives promoting access to advanced therapies are being pursued, including collaborations at national and international

levels to ensure high standards of quality and safety.

The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs acknowledges the solidarity of donors and the dedication of transplant professionals, highlighting their vital role in saving lives across the region.

Costa de Almeria

Organ donors help save so many lives.

Credit: Creative Commons

FEATURE EVENT: In support of the Lions charity.

Party in the Park

VERA and District Lions Club are looking for support for their feature event Party in the Park which is to take place in Recinto de El Palmeral Park, Vera on the April 28.

Hosted by Almeria Radio FM, music will be over two stages, the chill-out acoustic stage plus the main stage, and a Zumba group who always add an element of fun to the dance floor.

Food will be available, plus there will be a Lion’s bar and the resident bar in the park. Proceeds from the Lions Chill Out bar and food will support the Lions

Charity. There will also be craft and other stalls. Gates open at 1pm and children 12 and under are free. The event is in collaboration with Vera Town Hall.

If you feel you could offer some support during the day please contact lionsshopturre@gmail.com

Tickets are €5 from Lions Shop - Turre, Next Stop Almeria - Los Gallardos, Girasol - Albox, CAT Services - Alfoquia, Forget Me Nots - Las Buganvillas, Emporium de Zoe - Vera or via WhatsApp to Jackie on 642 829 269 or Andy on 711 005 682.

Dreambeach buses

WITH just five months until the start of Dreambeach 2024, preparations are well underway for what promises to be an electrifying weekend of electronic music in Almeria. Anticipating an influx of around 135,000 people from August 1 to 4, the festival is set to make a significant impact, generating an estimated €13 million in ticket sales alone.

To accommodate attendees from across Spain, organisers have arranged a fleet of official Dreambeach buses departing from 25 cities on the Iberian Penin-

sula, including major hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Tickets are selling fast, with frenetic demand from music fans nationwide.

In addition to transport from other regions, festival buses will operate from seven municipalities within Almeria Province, offering round-trip vouchers for three days. Meanwhile, shuttles will run within the capital, facilitating travel between the city and the Dreambeach venue at specified times.

Tickets for these trans-

portation services vary in price depending on the departure city and include round-trip travel from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 4. Shuttle services within Almeria City are priced at €29.

With limited availability, organisers advise securing tickets promptly via designated links on their social media channels. As excitement builds for Dreambeach 2024, preparations continue to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Forgotten towns

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC recently released a list of Spain’s 100 most stunning towns, featuring places like Santillana del Mar and Valldemossa. Surprisingly, not a single town from Almeria made the cut, despite having gems like Mojacar and Nijar.

According to Javier Zori del Amo, National Geographic Travel’s director, chosen towns had to be small yet culturally and scenically rich. This should have included Almeria’s

municipalities, like Mojacar, which boasts similar qualities to towns on the list.

Cádiz, Caceres, and Mallorca led the list with four towns each. In Andalucia, only Almeria and Sevilla didn’t make it.

Notably, three Almerian towns - Mojacar, Lucainena de las Torres, and Nijar - are part of Spain’s Most Beautiful Towns Association. Mojacar, a founding member, is famous for its white houses and stunning views.

Road link

THE road connection between Vista Alegre (Cemetery Road) and Mojacar has finally been completed after years of effort. This new link joins Marina de la Torre, thanks to the hard work of the Urban Planning Department. This will improve travel options between the two towns.

Complaint lodged

RESIDENTS of the Cañada Honda area in Vera lodged a complaint on April 3 with the Andalucian Ombudsman against the opening of an open pit mine. The quarry has houses 40 metres away, the future high-speed train station 200 metres away, two stud farms and a school nearby.

Storm Kathleen

THE arrival of Storm Kathleen over the weekend of April 5 brought with it a significant increase in the haze of dust from the Sahara Desert, leaving air quality unfavourable to health in several parts of Almeria.

Oasis Park

ON Sunday April 7 the mayor of Vera, inaugurated the new Oasis Park at Vera Playa. This new area features gardens, a sports court, a work out and calisthenics area, a children’s playground, a pedestrian promenade, and more.

Record heat

RECORD heat in Almeria: 32.1 °C, the highest temperature ever recorded in April. The Almeria Airport weather station recorded on Saturday, April 6, the highest temperature in its history for the month of April.

10km Winners

DIEGO CLEMENTE

CANO emerged as the overall winner of the 16th edition of the ‘10 Km Puerto de Almeria’ race, covering the port area in 32:02 minutes on Sunday April 7. Virginia Vilches Navarrete claimed victory in the women’s general category with a time of 40:45 minutes.

Over 400 participants competed in the sporting event organised by the Aqueatacamos Club with the sponsorship and collaboration of the Port Authority of Al-

meria (APA).

The councillor for Active City, Urban Mobility, and Sports, Antonio Jesus Casimiro, fired the starting pistol at Levante Pier and the APA director, Jose Manuel Senchez del Aguila along with Planning Area chief, Antonio Bayo, Security chief, Manuel Serrano and Port Police chief, Jose Miguel López, presented the awards to the winners.

The competition star-

Half marathon

ted at 10.30am and finished at 12.00pm at the Levante Pier. Taking about an hour and a half, the runners competed

THE Almeria Half Marathon marks its 25th anniversary on April 14, expecting over 3,500 runners to participate. Mayor María del Mar Vazquez introduced the event, set to conclude Sports Week in the capital and draw participants nationwide.

Registration for three categories (Children, Healthy Race, and Half Marathon) remains open until April 8 at www.medio maratonalmeria.com.

The charity focus of this edition will support Proyecto Mariposa, aiding cancer patients in their recovery.

Vazquez highlighted the city council’s ongoing commitment to connect Almeria with sports, promoting health, perseverance, and personal development.

The event’s silver jubilee was celebrated at the Cable Ingles, with notable attendees including government delegates and sports figures.

Anticipating over 3,500 participants, Vazquez noted a 10 per cent increase compared to the previous edition, a significant leap from the 350 runners in the inaugural 1998 race. The event comprises three races: Children’s race on April 13, Half Marathon and Healthy Race on April 14.

in the ‘10 Km Puerto de Almeria’, traversing the port area and passing the Fishing Port and the Lighthouse Path.

Second trail

THE Albox 2024 Trails Program continued with its second route, the Agua Amarga-Las Negras trail, on Sunday, April 14. It started from Agua Amarga, and hikers trekked along the picturesque coastline, passing through stunning spots like Cala de Enmedio, Cala del Plomo, and Cala San Pedro before reaching Las Negras.

The trail, spanning approximately 13 kilometres had a moderate to high difficulty level, offering breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding hike. The route included a 500-metre elevation gain and took around four hours to complete.

The first route of this programme took place on Sunday, February 25, on the Genoveses-Monsul Trail.

Following this trail, the programme will take a break until July 20 when the next route, a Night Trail to Calar Alto, will commence.

Recent rains

RECENT rains in Almeria have brought relief from the severe drought, sparing the region the need to import water by boat this summer. President Juanma Moreno of the Andalucian government welcomed this news, urging that everyone continues water conservation e orts. He announced this during a meeting with the Malaga Business Circle, revealing plans to seek in-

creased water allocations from the Tajo-Segura transfer to aid areas like Almeria which are facing emergency water shortages. The rainfall has also replenished reservoirs, notably the Sierra Boyera reservoir in Cordoba, now su cient for four years. If water quality remains high, around 80,000 people facing severe water restrictions may soon have 24-hour access. Despite

these improvements, water levels remain low, especially in reservoirs like La Viñuela in Malaga. Moreno stressed the need for ongoing infrastructure development to support sectors like agriculture, tourism, and industry.

He acknowledged Andalucia’s stability as a competitive advantage for investment but identi ed drought as a signi cant economic challenge in recent years.

SACYR AGUA, a part of Sacyr Group focused on water management, has begun operating the Carboneras desalination plant. The contract, valued at €29.7 million and lasting 48 months, includes operation, maintenance, and energy eciency enhancements.

The project, funded by Next Generation funds, aims to reduce energy consumption and extend equipment life. The desalination plant, operational since 2005, can treat 120,000 cubic metres of water daily. It currently operates 12 production lines using Pelton turbines, but upgrades will reduce this to ve lines with doubled production capacity.

In addition to the desalination plant, Sacyr is improving the Drinking Water Treatment Station (ETAP) of the Almanzora Caves System. This project aims to increase operating ow to 1,480 cubic meters per hour, enhancing the supply system.

Competitors waiting for the pistol.

Jules Phillips

THE ONCE lottery recently brought good fortune to Almeria, where Jose Angel Rueda, a visually impaired seller affiliated with ONCE for six years, sold seven winning coupons worth €35,000 each, adding up to €245,000.

Rueda expressed joy for his customers, especially during challenging times when winning prizes can bring some comfort.

The draw on Monday April 1 was dedicated to the Day of Light in Arroyo de la Luz, Extremadura. It awarded €815,000 to El Palo neighbourhood in Malaga, with nine coupons also worth €35,000 each, and the series winning the top prize of €500,000. Over €1

FOR a fantastic day out be sure to go to the Dog Show and Craft Fayre Funday, held at the Arboleas Social Centre Grounds on Sunday, April 28.

million was distributed between Andalucia’s two provinces, while other prizes went to Extremadura

Dog show

in, including the waggiest dog and best rescue dog categories. Plus, every doggie entry will receive a free gift!

and the Community of Madrid.

The ONCE Daily Coupon offers various prizes, including €500,000 for the number and series, €35,000 for the five figures of the winning number, and smaller prizes for other combinations.

ONCE coupons are part of a socially responsible lottery, ensuring safety and support. They can be purchased from over 19,000 agents, online, and at authorised stores, with strict measures in place to prevent excessive consumption and sales to minors.

The fun starts at 11am when the grounds open, and best of all, there’s no entrance fee!

There are 10 exciting classes for you and your furry friends to compete

You will be able to have some delicious BBQ treats, home-made cakes, and a variety of hot and cold drinks to keep you refreshed.

And don’t forget to

explore our craft fayre, where you’ll find bargains, raffles, and more exciting activities.

Be sure to mark your calendars and bring your four-legged friend along for fun day out.

Maroc Challenge

Jules Phillips

MOJACAR residents Miguel Abellan and Lucas Hussing emerged victorious in the Maroc Challenge 2024, Adventure TT3 category, held from March 22 to 30 in Morocco.

Their team, ‘Mojacar Raid’, clinched the championship at Lake Yasmina amidst the scenic Erg Chebbi, flawlessly completing all tests without penalties. The event featured 170 teams navigating challenging routes, some never before used, amidst adverse weather conditions like sandstorms and limited visibility.

The itinerary was especially demanding and technical, crossing some completely new areas. The tough conditions were very demanding, leaving the participants often exhausted, but the ad-

venture with all the essence of the Maroc Challenge, squeezed out the best from everyone and promoted an extraordinary atmosphere.

For Abellan and Hussing, it was their debut official race, though their passion and preparation were evident. Despite limited equipment, adhering to international regulations, their Toyota Land Cruiser 100

AFTER the happiest town list recently being release, we now have the happiest cities. Almeria has been named the happiest city in Spain, outshining popular destinations like Malaga and Alicante. The ‘Spain Happy Index’ study, conducted by Sonneil, a Spanish property technology company, analysed well-being across the country to aid those seeking a new place to settle.

Despite lacking big-name stores or frequent flights, Almeria residents enjoy a blissful lifestyle. The city’s easy-going atmosphere, pleasant weather, and seaside strolls contribute to its high quality of life, earning it the top spot with 92.17 points.

Alfredo Millá, CEO of Sonneil, highlighted the need for a comprehensive guide to help people find areas conducive to comfort and happiness, leading to the creation of the ‘Spain Happy Index’.

carried them through with enthusiasm.

The Maroc Challenge, akin to Dakar-style trials, provided Abellan with a memorable experience, admitting he was initially overwhelmed by their victory. Future plans include defending their title in the winter edition and tackling new challenges like the ‘1,000 Dunes’ raid on motorbikes.

Happiest city

Quantitative data from sources like the Ministry of the Interior and the State Meteorological Agency determined Almeria’s happiness, considering factors such as climate, accessibility to amenities like airports and hospitals, and beach quality.

With an average temperature of 17 degrees and minimal rainfall, Almeria offers an idyllic setting for residents and tourists alike. It’s warm climate is ideal outdoor activities, promoting physical and emotional well-being through increased serotonin production.

Almeria’s recognition as the happiest city in Spain underscores its appeal as a tranquil, vibrant, and welcoming destination for those seeking a fulfilling lifestyle.

Last oasis in Europe

ALMERIA is home to what’s has been called the ‘last oasis in Europe’, but it’s in danger of vanishing. The Ecocidio Rio Aguas Association has raised the alarm about the Los Molinos Spring of the Rio Aguas, which has dried up due to excessive use of the Rio Aguas aquifer.

Situated in the Karst natural area of Yesos de Sorbas, this area, recognised as a Special Conservation area by the EU’s

Natura2000 Network, is on the brink of disappearing. The association is calling on the General Secretariat of Water of the Junta de Andalucia to take action to prevent this disaster.

They’re urging for an immediate Hydrogeological Study, as required by a previous resolution. Additionally, they’re asking for a recovery programme for the Rio Aguas, along with restrictions or

even bans on exploitation in vulnerable areas. The association also insists on setting up a management body to monitor progress and establish an official measurement system for the spring’s flow. They stress the importance of zoning around the spring to closely monitor groundwater collection and enforcing a minimum ecological flow rate for the river as per Andalucian water laws.

Miguel Abellan and Lucas Hussing victorious in the Maroc Challenge 2024.

Credit: Mojacar Town Hall

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Jules Phillips

THE Mojacar Rhythmic

Gymnastics team continues to excel in every competition they participate in. Recently, they competed in Garrucha at the Vista Alegre pavilion, which was the first contest of the Almeria Provincial Council’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Promotion Circuit.

Their performance was outstanding, with eight out of nine teams making it to the final, and three out of four individuals qualifying. The team brought home seven medals, including silver for the under-12 team and Pilar Aguado in the under-10 category, and three gold medals for the under-10 and cadet teams, as well as for Nina Hernández individually. They also secured two bronze medals.

Their coach, María del Mar Montoya, described the competition as tough, as they faced the best

teams from Almeria in all categories. Despite the challenge, they are proud of their success and the hard work put in by both the coaches and the girls.

Their next challenge is the final on April 14 in Balanegra, Berja, where they hope to achieve more excellent results. Looking ahead, they aim to compete in the Andalucian Championship next year and participate again in the Costa de Almeria Cup.

The Mojacar rhythmic gymnastics team, part of the Municipal Sports School, has made signi-

ficant progress since its establishment three years ago. Starting with 20 girls, they now have over 70 students, ranging from three to 15 years old. The team has been preparing since October last year, following two open days to introduce interested participants to the activities and routines.

Their previous season ended with an impressive record of 24 medals, establishing their reputation in rhythmic gymnastics. With their dedication and talent, their potential for success is limitless.

The Mojacar Rhythmic Gymnastics team.

Credit : Mojacar Town Hall

Proposed plans to improve the waterfront.

Carboneras Improvements

Jules Phillips

CARBONERAS is undertaking efforts to enhance its waterfront and rejuvenate the Plaza de Abastos.

The town council unanimously approved two funding applications to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, aiming to support environmental, social, and digital infrastructure.

The first project focuses on reorganising and improving the industrial area’s environmental conditions and mobility, extending the promenade to El Corral

A RECENT report by the Andalucian Human Rights Association (APDHA) sheds light on the tragic reality of the Alboran route, with more than 300 deaths recorded in just one year.

The year 2023 witnessed a stark increase in the number of people missing or deceased while attempting to reach the southern coast of Spain, with a total of 326 reported cases - a significant rise compared to previous years.

Of these, 228 individuals remain missing, while 98 lost their lives in their perilous journey across the Alboran Sea, particularly towards Almeria. In Almeria alone, 13 bodies were discovered, with three individuals still unaccounted for.

The report underscores the evolving nature of the route, with a shift towards more diverse vessels including motor-driven rubber boats and wooden boats carrying between 15 to 20 people.

In 2023, Almeria received over 500 boats carr-

beach, with an investment of €4.3 million. The second project involves renovating the unused Carboneras food plaza into a co-working space, requiring over €600,000.

Mayor Salvador Hernandez emphasised the government’s dedication to Carboneras’ progress, stating they move ahead with these opportunities for municipal development. These subsidies, he highlighted, will be allocated through competitive competition, offering growth prospects for Carboneras.

The waterfront enhan-

cement project aims to improve mobility and safety along the stretch to El Corral and Los Muertos beaches, facilitating access to future business projects and enhancing the town’s tourist appeal. The €4,304,935 investment includes extending the front with pavements, bike lanes, lighting, and landscaping, along with parking spaces and new roundabouts to improve vehicle access and traffic flow. These measures address heavy vehicle traffic and enhance road safety and accessibility in Carboneras.

Alboran route

ying a total of 6,325 people, a substantial increase from the previous year’s figures. The Canary Islands remain a major entry point for migrants, with 41,068 arrivals reported.

Tragically, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives or disappeared in their quest to reach Europe through Spanish territory in 2023, marking a grim milestone. Over the past five years, a staggering total of 9,118 lives have been lost.

Ultrasound for Huercal

THE Cardiology service at La Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa has introduced a cutting-edge ultrasound machine for outpatient consultations, enhancing patient care. Juan de la Cruz Belmonte, the Health and Consumer Affairs delegate, visited the room housing the new device, highlighting its significant benefits.

The new equipment enables Cardiology specialists to improve efficiency and workflow, providing swift and clear diagnostic information to patients during their consultation. Patients can now receive comprehensive care without needing to return for further testing on another day.

Echocardiography, using ultrasound, produces high-quality images of the heart’s anatomy, aiding in diagnosing heart conditions. This diagnostic procedure, known for its accuracy, ease of use, and continual advancements, is crucial for assessing valve function, heart muscle health, and detecting conditions related to other diseases.

The incorporation of this technology not only expands patient coverage but facilitates the implementation of new techniques recommended for high-risk diseases. This state-of-the-art technology enhances patient care at the hospital.

The UK Spring Budget and new tax year

UK Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, delivered his Spring Budget 2024 to parliament last month. Expected to be his last budget before the General Election, it included various tax changes.

UK non-domiciled status abolished

The biggest announcement was the abolishment of the UK’s non-domiciled status. This reform will go through the consultation process, to come into effect in April 2025.

Much of this reform affects foreign nationals living in the UK and their tax liabilities. But the domicile regime also has a significant impact on an individual’s liability to UK inheritance tax.

The UK government now plans to replace these non-domiciled rules with a residence-based regime for inheritance tax. It will consult on a 10-year exemption period for new arrivals in the UK as well as a 10year ‘tail-provision’ for those who leave the UK and become non-resident.

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

Other changes

• The higher rate of capital gains tax for residential property gains reduced from 28% to 24% from the 2024/25 tax year starting on 6 April 2024.

• From 6 April the main rate of primary Class 1 National Insurance contributions has been cut from 10% to 8% and Class 4 contributions from 8% to 6%.

• From this April, new legislation restricts the scope of agricultural property relief and woodlands relief to property actually in the UK.

• The Furnished Holiday Lettings tax regime will be abolished from April 2025, eliminating the

tax advantage for landlords who let out short-term furnished holiday properties over those with long-term tenants.

• An additional Individual Savings Account (ISA) with a £5,000 allowance was announced. The government will consult on the details.

• A consultation will seek views on the implementation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) amendments to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS2), the international tax transparency regime for the automatic exchange of information on financial accounts.

Tax allowances remain frozen

Many of the UK’s tax allowances have been frozen since April 2021, instead of increasing with inflation, including the income tax personal allowance and higher rate threshold. As announced in previous budgets, the freeze will last until April 2026 – there was nothing in this 2024 budget to change this.

Freezing allowances has a similar effect as raising taxes – hence often referred to as ‘stealth taxes’. As incomes and assets increase with inflation while allowances remain static, more people pay more tax, an effect known as ‘fiscal drag’. The impact for taxpayers increases considerably when freezing is accompanied by high inflation.

Following the March budget, the Institute for Fiscal Studies illustrated that the National Insurance cut, though very welcome, would not compensate for the impact of the other tax measures introduced over the government’s term in office.

The inheritance tax nil rate band has been frozen at £325,000 since 2008, while the residence nil rate band remains at its 2021 level until 2026. This pushes more families into the IHT net and increases their tax bill.

2023/2024 tax allowance reductions

The UK’s Autumn Statement 2022 included cuts to tax

allowances and thresholds.

The income tax additional rate threshold was reduced from £150,000 to £125,140 from April 2023. The capital gains tax annual exempt amount was halved from £12,300 to £6,000 last year and is reduced to £3,000 from 6 April 2024. The dividend allowance, previously cut from £2,000 to £1,000 is now £500.

British expatriates who retain UK assets could be impacted by some of these tax measures. Seek personalised cross-border advice for clarification and to establish how to improve your position.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice.

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

The walk 2024

WALK FOR LIFE, Arboleas are a voluntary group helping people with cancer within a 25 km radius of the village.

The annual walk is now one of the biggest events in the Arboleas calendar and last year the amount raised was over €20,000. All money raised goes to support local people who are su ering from cancer. The walk is a fun event, and anyone can take part in a 3 or 6km walk, with or

without sponsorship.

It is a two-day event starting with an evening of live entertainment on Friday May 3 with Odyssey and Kayleigh Easton. The walk on Saturday 4th starts at 5pm and Almeria Radio will be there from 2.30 to entertain you.

After the Walk there will be local entertainment and live music from The New Band and Harmony Duo.

For more information see the website walk4life arboleas.com or their Facebook Page Walkforlife Arboleas

Animal advocacy

VOX Pop

THE great debate, the question of whether animals are more deserving of support than humans often sparks heated discussions. While some argue that animals, being voiceless and vulnerable, deserve special attention others say that human needs should always take precedence.

We took to the streets to talk to the Euro Weekly News readers directly.

pressing issues facing humans like homelessness and poverty.”

• CRISTINA from Balsicas said “I have worked with animals and I have seen the connection between humans and animals. It’s not about choosing one over the other, we should recognise that we are all connected.”

• MARGARET from Birmingham but a longtime resident of San Pedro del Pinatar said “Charities supporting animal causes are essential, we give them our voice as they can’t speak for themselves.”

• JOHN from Scotland paused briefly to say “I love dogs don’t get me wrong but do we really need so many animal charities?”

• CARMEN from San Javier said “Animals are just innocent and are at the mercy of humans. It is our obligation to put them first as they cannot speak for themselves. I always support charities supporting animals.”

• MICHAEL from Dublin, on holiday said “I think we must look after animals as well as wildlife and the environment but at the moment we have to focus on more

• MARIA a young waitress from Santiago de la Ribera said “Animals are cute but we have to care for each other first!”

• CHRIS from Burnley who has a holiday home here said “I have a dog but at the end of the day we have to remember that animals when it comes down to it they can fend for themselves. We are the ones who are struggling to put food on the table and pay our bills. Don’t get me wrong donate your old clothes to the dog charities and that but we have to come first.”

This collection of opinions by the international and Spanish residents and visitors to Spain offers a glimpse into the daily outlook of the local community, highlighting the diverse spectrum of opinions on the subject.

It perhaps highlights the impact of current global issues, such as widespread conflicts and escalating inflation, which inevitably influence our current perspectives.

What do you think, should animals’ care be prioritised, or should we put our welfare first?

Image: Shutterstock/ Ann Tyurina

Image: Shutterstock/ Elizaveta Galitckaia

Hidden treasure

Bob Marquess

THIS summer presents a unique opportunity for visitors to explore parts of Balmoral Castle, traditionally used by the British royal family, for the rst time.

Guided tours will take place from July 1 to August 4, just before Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive for their summer retreat.

Each tour group will be limited to 10 people.

Tickets for the ‘castle interior tour’ are now available, priced at £100, or £150

with afternoon tea included.

With only 40 tickets o ered per day, they are in high demand and selling rapidly.

According to the Balmoral Castle website, these tours mark the rst time visitors can explore the castle’s interior since its completion in 1855.

The tours promise a historical journey through several exquisite rooms within the castle, providing insight into its origins and its signi cance to generations of the royal family.

Participants will trace the castle’s history from its acquisition by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to its present-day use by Their Majesties The King and Queen, as well as other royal family members.

Highlights of the tour include access to the ballroom, showcasing Charles’ watercolour collection depicting scenes from Balmoral, Highgrove, and

Sandringham, along with a display of out ts worn by Charles, Camilla, and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

While previous tours focused on the castle’s grounds and gardens, access was limited to the ballroom.

These new interior tours promise a deeper exploration of Balmoral’s rich history and royal signi cance.

GERMANY’S national postal service, Deutsche Post, has made a signi cant change by discontinuing domestic deliveries of letters and parcels by air.

The nal domestic air mail ight took o from Berlin on March 28, heading to Stuttgart.

This decision re ects the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions.

By shifting to ground and rail transportation for domestic deliveries, Deutsche Post expects to

Grounded for good

achieve an 80 per cent reduction in emissions for each delivered letter. Domestic airmail ights have a long history, spanning 63 years, primarily operating overnight. In the 1960s, air transport was the fastest way to deliver mail, telegrams, and parcels, especially before instant messaging became prevalent. However, the volume of mail transported by air has steadily declined.

Initially, ights connected routes between Stuttgart-Berlin, Hanover-Munich, and Hanover-Stuttgart in both directions, with six aircraft carrying around 1.5 million letters each night, averaging approximately 270,000 items per aircraft.

Nowadays, there’s a consensus in Germany that same-day delivery of most domestic letter mail is no longer essential.

Visitors can now explore Balmoral Castle.

Image: Balmoral Castle

Kate’s cookery course

HAVE you ever imagined what world-famous celebrities do when they’re not making Hollywood blockbusters?

This month, the county of Cork witnessed Oscar-winning film star Kate Winslet, 48, enrolling in a cookery course at Ballymaloe Cookery School.

On a quest to improve her kitchen skills, Winslet joined a class at the well-known culinary school managed by famed Irish chef Rachel Allen, earlier in April.

Nestled in the lush landscapes of County Cork, the school is known for its comprehensive cooking courses.

Local media said the actress was seen in the company of Rachel Allen and her husband, Isaac, exploring the pictu resque locales of Cork.

She repor tedly stayed at the prestigious Ballymaloe Hou se and visited the scenic Ballyshane Coastal Retreats with a friend.

Engaging in a short but intensive two-and-

a-half-day cooking course, Winslet is among the celebrities drawn to Cork’s vibrant culture and culinary prestige.

This particular week, Rachel Allen is leading a fully booked course titled ‘Cooking for Family and Friends’, which spans three day and costs €865. It highlights the diverse interest in culinary arts, even among the glitterati.

KATE WINSLET: Improving her kitchen skills.

Credit: GabboT/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

Tossing phones

Eva Alvarez

IN Finland, there’s a lesser-known sport that’s gaining attention: the Mobile Phone Throwing Championships.

Originating in Savonlinna in 2000 as a fun idea by Fennolingua, this event draws participants worldwide to fling phones across Finland. As the sport gained popularity, competitions began to spread across Europe and even reached the United States.

Athletes from diverse backgrounds now compete annually, aiming to set new records and earn coveted prizes. While the event usually takes place in August in Finland, in Spain, it coincides with the lively Carnival festivities in Tarragona, typically held in February or March, adding to its international appeal.

Competing in the championships is simple: participants aim to throw their phones as far as possible

using various techniques, including traditional overthe-shoulder throws and inventive freestyle methods. Teams of up to three members can also join in, adding a collaborative element to the competition. Additional points are awarded for creative choreographies, with prizes including new mobile phones and trips to the World Championships in Savonlinna.

Beyond the thrill of competition, the Mobile Phone Throwing Championships embody Finland’s unique culture and commitment to environmental sustai-

nability. Rather than being discarded, old phones collected from participants are repurposed for the competition. These phones are then dismantled and recycled to extract valuable materials like metals and plastics, reducing electronic waste and promoting resource conservation.

As the championships continue to attract global interest, they serve as more than just a sporting event. They represent a celebration of Finnish culture, blending innovation, humour, and environmental consciousness.

One of the many participating competitors.

Credit: Screenshot YouTube

Rare find Helping each other

MARVIN GAYE, a music legend, has been celebrated for 40 years, alongside icons like Elvis and The Beatles. Despite his tragic death in 1984, his music remains immensely popular, with millions of streams each month.

Recently, a remarkable discovery has emerged in Belgium: a collection of audio tapes containing unreleased material recorded by Gaye. This treasure trove, hidden for over four decades, includes not only new music but also stage costumes, notebooks, and other memorabilia associated with the artist.

Gaye’s connection to Belgium is fascinating. He moved there in the 1980s, seeking refuge from personal struggles and revitalising his career. Now, Belgian lawyer Alex Trappeniers, along with the Dumolin family who possess the collection, sees the potential in sharing this newfound music with the world.

While the legal ownership of the material is complex, with the Dumolin family claiming rights, questions about intellectual property and music publishing rights remain. Negotiations with Gaye’s heirs, Marvin III, Nona, and Frankie, are pending, raising hopes for a compromise that respects everyone’s interests.

The discovery of Gaye’s Belgian archive holds immense significance for music history. With the potential for new albums and collaborations, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of these negotiations. Forty years after his passing, Marvin Gaye’s legacy continues to captivate and inspire, marking a remarkable chapter in showbiz history.

“THOSE who study have a home. Those who have a home have company.”

This is the motto of the ‘Aconchego’ programme, which is aimed at people over the age of 60, living in the municipality of Porto, in Portugal, who live alone or with their spouse and have the accommodation to host students. It’s a partnership with the Academic Federation of Porto (FAP) and is now in its 20th year.

Through ‘Aconchego’, the Municipality and the FAP are trying to achieve two objectives: to house university students in the homes of seniors living in the city and to promote the well-being of seniors and their families, alleviating the feeling of loneliness and reducing the level of worry that many children feel because their parents live alone, especially at night.

This intergenerational project has already won international awards and provides participants with an

exchange of experiences between generations, companionship for the seniors and reduced accommodation costs for the student. The students make a symbolic contribution in kind, which can be food, to help cover

additional expenses such as water, electricity and gas.

‘Aconchego’ takes seniors out of loneliness and helps students get accommodation: win-win. The programme lasts for one academic year.

MUSIC LEGEND: Marvin Gaye in 1973. Credit: Creative Commons

Plethora of pants

A USA museum, that’s home to a gigantic pair of underwear, invited people to become world record holders by wearing pants on their heads.

Fountain of hope

A total of 355 people joined together at City Museum in St Louis, Missouri, to set the record for the largest gathering of people wearing underwear on their heads.

touring Science of Guinness World Records exhibition, produced by Ripley’s & Science North.

The idea came about as the museum is hosting the

Museum bosses decided to mark the arrival of the exhibition and celebrate one of their most popular attractions - some giant undies - at the same time.

The pants on display at the museum were created in 1997 by St Louis-based artists Pat Eby and Ann Paidrick.

They have a 16-foot waistband and are seven feet wide and six feet tall when laid out.

And although they aren’t officially the world’s largest underpants, they sure get a lot of visitors.

Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric was invited to the museum to count the number of people who dropped by to pop a pair of undies on like a hat.

People were on hand with hundreds of pairs of pants, handing them out to museum fans who came along to join in the fun.

IF you’ve ever strolled through Rome, chances are you’ve taken part in the age-old tradition of tossing a coin into the famous Trevi Fountain.

Every year, this tradition generates over €1 million, all collected from the waters of this stunning 18th-century monument.

Every day, about €3,000 in loose change is thrown into its waters, totalling up to €1.5 million annually.

Several times a year, city workers are sent to collect this fortune. Using brushes attached to long poles, they sweep the coins into piles before using a suction hose to retrieve them from the water. Under the watchful eye of law enforcement, the coins are then bagged.

In 2001, the mayor decided to donate the collected funds to a local charity to discourage theft from the fountain.

Since then, the loose change collected from the fountain has been given annually to Rome’s Catholic charity, Caritas. This contribution has been vital, making up 15 per cent of the charity’s yearly budget.

Caritas uses these funds to help Rome’s impoverished and needy re -

sidents, supporting initiatives like soup kitchens, homeless shelters, free supermarkets, and various other projects.

Additionally, the money aids in maintaining a facility on the outskirts of Rome, offering essential services like nursing care, meals, and dental care to those in need in the city.

TREVI FOUNTAIN: Funding charity.

Unravelling history

THE Bayeux Tapestry, a unique document from the 11th century, is a wool embroidery on linen canvas.

Stretching almost 70 metres long and 50 centimetres high, it depicts the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy.

Bishop Odon likely commissioned this masterpiece of Romanesque art to adorn the Bayeux Cathedral. Preserved remarka-

The museum provides an entertaining tour.

KING FREDERIK and Queen Mary of Denmark are facing criticism following their recent Easter holiday abroad. Since ascending to the throne in January, the royal couple’s holiday marks their second break, sparking discontent among the Danish people.

Royal commentator Julia Melchior revealed that many citizens are displeased with the lack of public engagements by the monarchs since their succession. However, she defended the royals, citing King Frederik’s emphasis on family time, as highlighted in his book ‘Kongeord.’

The exact location of their Easter getaway remains undisclosed, but a Palace

Image: Bayeux Museum / Facebook.

Memory of the World Register for its universal significance.

Displayed at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Bayeux, France, since 1983, it attracts nearly 400,000 visitors annually, offering an immersive experience of its history and creation.

bly well, the tapestry is included in UNESCO’s

Throne trouble

spokesperson clarified that Queen Margrethe had to assume state duties in Frederik’s absence.

Despite the controversy, Melchior assured that the King and Queen are committed to their roles, with plans for extensive public appearances in the near future. Their inaugural foreign state tour is scheduled for this summer, starting in Sweden, and includes visits to the Faroe Islands and Greenland, demonstrating their dedication to representing Denmark both domestically and internationally.

The museum provides an entertaining and educational tour, featuring audio guides in multiple languages, a permanent exhibition revealing the tapestry’s secrets, and a film reenacting the Battle of Hastings.

This accessibility makes it a popular destination for history enthusiasts worldwide.

For those intrigued by this historical marvel, a visit to Normandy offers a rich experience.

Booking museum visits on the website: bayeux museum.com in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

IRELAND

Richest Irish

ONLY one Irish billionaire did not maintain or increase his wealth in 2023, Forbes’ annual billionaires list revealed. Construction tycoon Shapoor Mistry headed the list with $9.9 billion (€9.1 billion) but the fortune of John Armitage, who is the co-founder of Egerton Capital, fell to $1.5 billion (€1.38 billion).

Lost weekend

AN inspector from the Roads Policing Unit told the RTE broadcaster that an “alarmingly high” number of people were arrested over the Easter weekend while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and sometimes both.

This was confirmed by the Garda’s Roads Unit who arrested 140 for “driving while intoxicated.”

NORWAY

Threat defused

THE Police Security Service (PST), working with Oslo police, traced a person who made one of the two bomb threats that the Norwegian parliament received on April 3, the PST told state broadcaster NRK.

A spokesman from the PST declined to confirm if the same person was responsible for making both the threats.

Golden eggs

SUPERMARKETS expressed their “frustration” at the continuing shortage of eggs over Easter although Nortura, the egg industry regulator, explained that production numbers were no different from Easter 2023.

“The recent focus on eggs has probably led to a lot of hoarding,” a Nortura spokesperson suggested.

EURO PRESS

Strait talking

A BRIDGE over the Strait of Messina connecting Sicily with the mainland is a step nearer after a compulsory purchase order for the necessary land was published in local and national newspapers. The notice follows approval six weeks ago by the board of state-owned Stretto de Mesina which will build the bridge.

MESSINA: Soon to be linked to the mainland by bridge, not ferry.

SWEDEN

Bike it

STATISTICS SWEDEN found that nearly a third of Sweden’s working population lived 15 minutes by bike from their workplace although most used other forms of transport.

Municipalities with populations below 100,000 were more likely to have a cycling commute of less than 15 minutes, the survey found.

April snow

HEAVY snow around the Gothenburg area on April 2 was responsible for such long tailbacks on the E20 motorway and National Road 26 that police declared a major incident. With traffic held up for hours on some stretches, they recommended that motorists avoided both roads until conditions improved.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

Mystery cargo

AFTER years spent analysing the remains of crockery and cutlery washed ashore in 2014 at Belinho beach, near Porto, experts dismissed original theories that they came from a wrecked Iberian vessel. They believe they were the cargo of a prosperous 16th century merchant who would have sold them for use aboard ship.

Worth its salt

THE future Albufeira desalination plant has received a favourable preliminary assessment on its environmental impact although another will be required at a later stage.

Despite the need for a reliable water supply, not all locals support the project, owing to its heavy carbon footprint and effect on seawater salt levels.

DENMARK GERMANY

Jet sale

ARGENTINA will buy the 24 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter aircraft which Denmark is replacing with F-35 jets, Defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced. “The sale was carried out in close collaboration with the US government, who has approved the sale of the American aircraft,” the Defence Ministry said.

Long journey

THE message in a bottle that five-yearold Harry Liddle threw into the sea in Sunderland on August 28, 2023, was found on March 6 by Frederik Bilgrav Schramm, from Romo who contacted the Liddles on Messenger.

Harry, who imagined the bottle would be found on the Sunderland beach was “super-excited”, his mother said.

NETHERLANDS ITALY

Stoked up

SEVEN coal-fired power stations were closed down in late March, energy companies RWE and LEAG announced.

Two were already operating after their planned shutdown but five more were started up last winter to compensate for a shortfall in gas supplies as Germany reduced its dependence on Russian supplies.

Trunk call

BOTSWANA’S president Mokgweetsi Masisi considered sending 20,000 elephants to Germany after the Environment ministry proposed limiting imports of hunting trophies to prevent poaching.

Botswana has an elephant population of 130,000, the President said, and hunting kept them in check while protecting crops and property.

FRANCE

Orca loss

INOUK, a 25-year-old orca who spent his life in captivity, died at Marineland in Antibes, the second orca to die there in six months.

The cause of Inouk’s death has not yet been established, but he had severe dental problems and mouth ulcers after wearing down his teeth by constantly gnawing the sides of his concrete tank.

Ethical chocs

CONCERNS about child labour and underpaid cocoa-bean farmers in Africa are growing in chocolate-loving France where each person gets through seven kilos a year. Members of the Committed Chocolatiers Club announced that they will promote a “greener and more ethical” process that pays producers more fairly.

FINLAND

Sky-high

AMPERE (population 226,696) will have the world’s tallest cable car system linking an 88-metre-high hotel in the city centre to the Nasinneula observation tower 1.5 kilometres away.

Originally planned as a ski-lift over Mustanlahti Bay, the project has evolved into what developers say will become a Tampere landmark.

No change

FINLAND’S eastern border with Russia, closed since December following an influx of undocumented asylum-seekers, will not reopen when the current schedule expires on April 14.

The government will also announce its decision on international protection applications, resulting in possibly just one entry point.

Steady rises

BELGIUM’S minimum wage rose to a pretax €2,029.88 per month on April 1 after a €76.28 hike in April 2022 that was followed by a €35.70 rise on April 1, 2024, with another planned for April 2026. The increases will benefit 80,000 employees nationwide, according to figures released by the ACV union.

In bloom

THE Halle Bluebell Festival begins on April 13 but the first blooms were in flower a week earlier in the Halle woods not far from Brussels, days before crowds would flock to see them.

As usual, Halle City Hall will be putting on a free shuttle bus service to the woods each weekend until the end of the month.

Go easy

DEBT collection agencies must now respect more stringent rules, which include a new law that bans them from exerting pressure on debtors and obliges them to register with the authorities.

Existing agencies were given a year to sign up but new companies must do so immediately, the Justice and Safety department said.

Call-up

APPROXIMATELY 200,000 young people who are 17 or about to celebrate their 17th birthday are currently receiving conscription papers.

Although they will not have to complete military training, all Dutch citizens between the ages of 17 and 45 must be prepared to be called up “in exceptional circumstances.”

Photo credit: CC/Oursane

Experience Mediterranean luxury in La Algarrobina!

FOUR bedroom villa with pool and countryside views close to Desert Springs Golf Resort.

Grupo Platinum presents this fantastic villa with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a pool on a plot of more than 1,000m², located in La Algarrobina, near Vera and the Desert Springs Golf Resort.

Upon entering the fully walled plot we find a large parking area, a garage and a wooded area, through a porch we access the hallway, to the right we find a large fully equipped kitchen and at the end of the hallway we enter the living room and dining area with large windows to enjoy the sun.

In this part of the house and on the ground floor we find three bedrooms, the master bedroom has a large ensuite bathroom.

On the right side of the dining room we access the annex with the fourth bedroom, bathroom and direct access through patio doors to the pool.

We access the outside through the French doors of the dining room and discover a large porch and a large terrace with views of the countryside and a beautiful pool. We find a multitude of corners with fruit trees and vegetation that provide countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Algarrobina is between the two main towns of Cuevas and Vera, and 10 minutes from the best beaches on the Costa de Almería (Garrucha, Vera Playa and Mojacar).

It is a very bright property with all the comforts, it has central heating, fans, air conditioning, solar sanitary water and double security glass on all doors and windows.

Sweden in secret

SINCE Brexit, approximately 4,000 British nationals have had to leave the EU. Sweden issued at least 1,185 people with leaving orders.

But the Brits are still living in Sweden, secretly undercover. The Swedish Police reported 38 open cases of UK citizens with an expulsion order, 24 of these being presented by the Migration Agency. The Police Press spokesperson, Irene Sokolov, revealed to the Press: “22 people from this category have absconded, meaning they are avoiding the authorities.”

These people are suspected to be living underground, as a result of failing to obtain a Swedish residency.

Sweden’s Migration Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, expressed her concern for the current laws in the country, which make leaving orders expire after four years.

“This of course contributes to the fact that many individuals go underground, which as a result makes return efforts more difficult and less efficient.”

After four years of the expulsion order, these runaways will be able to reapply for residency in Sweden, in the case that they succeed in hiding.

Located in a quiet area but close to the Desert Springs golf course, it is distinguished by the quality and luxury of all its facilities. La

Jules Phillips

FOOTBALL fans from England and Scotland have been given a headsup about the potency of German beer ahead of Euro 2024. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued official advice, urging fans to drink responsibly during their visit to the continent for the summer tournament.

The FCDO cautioned that getting too drunk and causing trouble could result in fans being banned from entering stadiums, especially considering England’s strong chances in the competition.

The advice stresses the importance of knowing one’s limits and adhering to local laws to avoid any issues.

Unlike the average strength of lager and ale in the UK, which is around 4.4 per cent, German beers tend to be stronger, ranging from 4.7 per cent to 5.4 per cent. This difference in alcohol content means fans need to be

Just 45 minutes from Almeria airport and one hour from Murcia and two hours from Alicante airport.

Do not hesitate to call us to visit this fantastic property on 950 466 112.

Potent beer

extra cautious while enjoying the local brews.

In addition to responsible drinking, the FCDO also reminded fans to respect local customs and cultural sensitivities to avoid any unintended consequences. With around half a million Britons expected to travel to Germany for the tournament, it’s crucial for ever-

yone to be mindful of their actions.

Euro 2024 will see matches played across 10 German cities from June 14 to July 14. Scotland will kick off the tournament against hosts Germany in Munich on the opening day, while England will begin their campaign two days later against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.

BE CAREFUL: Beer is stronger in Germany.

Credit: Creative Commons

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Shelling out

BRITISH taxpayers will have to cover part of the expense of dismantling some of Shell’s most polluting North Sea platforms. The Ospar Convention governing marine pollution ruled that waste should be removed from the oil rigs and both the UK Treasury and Shell must pay the £400 million (€467.2 million) cost between them.

Broken toys

IMAGINARIUM, which in 2021 closed most of its toy shops in Spain, announced on Facebook that it was closing its last store in Zaragoza, leaving 101 redundant employees without compensation. The sale of shares to investors in Costa Rica could not revitalise the chain and the company went into receivership in 2022.

Chelsea pad

SHEIKH Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ), the United Arab Emirates president, has paid £65 million (€75.9 million) for a mansion in exclusive Chelsea, Bloomberg revealed. Located on the site of a former telephone exchange, the transaction is one of the biggest home purchases in London since the pandemic.

Grifols mission

NACHO ABIA, a former executive with Japanese firm Olympus and a Grifols board member since February 2024, took over as chief executive of the Barcelona-based pharmaceuticals company on April 1. His initial objectives involve demonstrating greater transparency and reducing Grifols’ €9.420 billion debt.

Family affair

DAVID AL-MUDALLAL, Frasers Group’s 31-year-old chief operating officer, was promoted to its board, making him one of the youngest directors of an FTSEs 100 company. He is also dating Matilda Ashley, whose father founded the £3.6 billion (€4.2 billion) company and is a majority shareholder.

€15 billion STAT OF WEEK

in dividends is due to be paid out by 12 leading Spanish companies between April and June, with CaixaBank, Inditex and BBVA all paying more than in 2023.

Can Royal Mail deliver

ROYAL MAIL owner Distribution Services (IDS) wants regulator Ofcom to allow it to reduce second-class deliveries to two or three days a week.

That would mean cutting almost 1,000 jobs while saving an annual £300 million (€350.4 million, IDS said.

Ofcom calculated that delivering the existing universal service obligation (USO) costs between £325 million (€379.5 million) and £675 million (€788.2 million) a year. Reducing the number of delivery days could cut costs by up to £650 (€759 million), it predicted.

The Royal Mail sugges-

tion followed consultations with Ofcom on restructuring regulations in light of the declining volume of letters now sent, although IDS emphasised its commitment to continue delivering first-class letters from Monday to Saturday.

This pledge was received with relief by wee-

NATURGY shares have lost a quarter of t eir worth this year, giving the company a stock market value of €20 billion.

Nevertheless, Naturgy shareholders voted in favour of all proposals at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 2 although some smaller investors were dissatisfied.

“I bought at €25 and now the shares are worth €20. Their price is lower than Endesa, Iberdrola or Repsol’s,” one pointed out during the AGM.

Naturgy is Spain’s leading natural gas company and second-largest electricity supplier however its sha-

kend magazine publishers as well as greetings card manufacturers and small businesses who rely on Saturday deliveries in time for celebrations like Easter and Mother’s Day that fall on a Sunday.

Ofcom suggested a series of options for solving Royal Mail’s problems

which included reducing the service from six to five or, possibly, three days a week. Some plans would have involved changing regulations but IDS said its own scheme would not entail legislative changes and called on Ofcom to “take swift action” and introduce reforms by April 2025.

Together with its ”alternate day” plan, IDS said that first-class letters could be delivered via the Royal Mail vans that are used for parcels, while business mail including utility company bills, would become second-class mail delivered within three weekdays instead of two.

Highs and lows

Nice little earner No trains today

ALSTOM’s Litchurch Lane plant in Derby, the UK’s largest rolling stock factory, is making plans to lay off hundreds of workers.

Its final production run has been completed and with no further government orders on the horizon, the management is launching a voluntary redundancy programme.

So far, however, Alstom has not mentioned closing the Derby site although this could be ‘inevitable’ unless more orders materialise to cover the two empty years that the France-based company must fill until it starts building the HS2 trains.

SPAIN’S First and Second Division football clubs earned €4.349 billion during the 2022-2023 season. This was 11 per cent more than the previous season, which was 6.4 per cent up on 2020-2019, a survey by DBK Sectors Analysis found.

Excluding players’ transfers, last season’s income of €3.985 million was 8.7 per cent more than in 2021-2022, with €3.644 billion from the First Division and €341 million from the Second.

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona accounted for 41.4 per cent of the revenue between them, four percentage points more than during the 2021-2022 season.

Real Madrid’s €843 million – 21.1 per cent of the total - not only outstripped other Spanish clubs last season but all European clubs, including Manchester City. Barça contributed 20.2 per cent of the total with €806 million.

res began dropping in late 2023 but exclusion from the influential Morgan Stanley Capital International indexes (MSCI) in February this year was the biggest blow.

The MSCI moves multibillions in worldwide investments and Naturgy shares have fallen by 14 per cent since then.

Despite Naturgy’s lower share capital, the company made a €1.2 billion profit in 2021, €1.65 billion in 2022 and €1.98 billion in 2023.

REVOLUTION BARS shares were suspended on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) as the company tried to raise cash.

The chain, which runs more than 50 bars and clubs as well as 20 pubs across Britain, could close up to 25 per cent of its venues to prevent its collapse.

Revolution Bars lost £22.2 million (€25.9 million) in the year ending June 30, 2023, and its shares have dipped by nearly 70 per cent over the last six months.

Increased energy costs, the cost-ofliving crisis and Generation Z’s lack of interest in alcohol were responsible for the company’s problems, insiders said.

MERGED Orange and MasMovil, now called MasOrange, hosted a meeting for 3,000 employees at the WiZink Centre in Madrid on April 2.

Another 2,000 staff members attended online as chief executive Meinrad Spender and chief financial officer Ludovic Pech outlined the new company’s future plans which include making a combined profit of €490 million within four years.

MasMovil would move from Madrid’s Alcobendas to the Orange headquarters in Pozuelo’s Finca business estate.

Spenger stressed there were no plans for compulsory redundancies but the new telecommunications company might be offering early retirement and voluntary redundancy options.

First appearance Blown away

MORE than £16 billion (€18.7 billion) could be squandered this decade because Scotland produces more wind power than it can send south.

Owing to regulatory and planning delays, there is insufficient infrastructure to transmit the renewable energy from Scotland, where most is produced, to England, where it is needed. Windfarms are currently paid to switch off their turbines while gas-fired power stations in the south have to be paid extra to produce more electricity. This cost more than £700 million (€817.3 million) in 2023 alone, the Carbon Tracker thinktank said.

Sevilla in Saudi Revolution revelations

AYESA recently won a €95 million contract to design 190 water distribution and wastewater treatment plants in Saudi Arabia.

The company’s Saudi deal with the National Water Company (NWC) will incorporate ‘innovative and sustainable technologies’ for water treatment, as well as measures to reduce energy consumption.

The agreement with the Sevilla-based company is part of NWC’s commitment to spend approximately €200 billion on providing safe drinking water and effective sanitation for the entire country by 2030, explained Jose Ramon Delgado, Ayesa’s manager for Saudi Arabia.

Photo credit: CC/Naturgy Energy Group

Photo credit: CC/Kolforn

ROYAL MAIL: First-class letters could be delivered with parcels.

FRANCISCO REYNES: Naturgy chief executive announced increased profits

Fare play

SPAIN’S National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) is analysing the track access charges that train operators Renfe, Ouigo and Iryo pay state-owned infrastructure-providers

Adif and Adif AV. These charges are amongst the highest in Europe after France and the UK.

Double trouble

EVERTON FC lost £89.m (€103.9m) during the 2022-2023 season, almost double the £44.7m (€52.1m) losses of 2021-2022), which the club attributed to the suspension of sponsorship deals. The club’smajorityshareholder

Farhad Moshiri said he “remained confident” the takeover by Miami-based investment company 777 Partners would soon be completed.

On track for Egypt

BRITISH STEEL has won a contract to supply railway tracks for Egypt, the company announced.

The deal involves producing approximately 9,500 tons of rails at British Steel’s Scunthorpe works for the Green Line railway linking the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

The route will be Egypt’s first fully-electrified mainline and freight network, with trains capable of reaching 250 kilometres per hour.

“We are delighted that British Steel will be involved in such a transforma-

tional project for Egypt,” the company’s Commercial manager Jerome Bonif said.

Dorna Sports takeover

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION, which owns Formula One motor racing, now controls MotoGP after acquiring 86 per cent of Dorna Sports.

Liberty Media Corporation’s president and chief executive Greg Maffei confirmed motorsport’s most important corporate transaction for many years in a €4.2 billion deal on April 1. The remaining 14 per cent stake remains in the hands of Madrid-based

Dorna Sports’ management.

The deal, due to be officially concluded in late 2024, also includes exclusive rights to Moto2 and Moto3 races as well as the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship for electric bikes.

Carmelo Ezpeleta remains as Dorna’s chief executive and continues at the head of the company, which will maintain its headquarters in Madrid.

Without disclosing the sums involved, he revealed that supplying rails for the 660-kilometre network would involve “multimillions.”

The April 2 announcement followed February 2024’s protests over future job cuts in Scunthorpe if blast furnaces were closed and replaced with an environmentally-acceptable electric arc furnace in line with British Steel’s objectives of creating ‘a green and sustainable company’.

These plans would put up to 2,000 people out of work, the unions warned.

Meanwhile, owners China’s Jingye Group maintained earlier that it had invested £330 million (€385.3 million) in steelmaking in the UK.

The first shipment of track will be sent from Britain to Alexandria in North Egypt in April with a further delivery scheduled for June.

Office jobs

BIG FOUR accountant

Deloitte is renting three floors of a Farringdon block near its New Street Square headquarters, two years after reducing its London office space by 250,000 square feet (23,226 square metres). This helped to reduce overheads during the pandemic as employees worked from home, although more are beginning to return to the office for team projects.

Flight plan

CONSTRUCTION starts in two years’ time on what will be one of the biggest plants in Europe for generating renewable kerosene (SAF) from hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Once in full production, the €780 million site in Garay (Soria) is expected to produce an annual 60,000 tons of kerosene, enough for 12,000 flights between Madrid and Palma de Mallorca.

Photo credit: CC/Geograph Britain and Ireland

SCUNTHORPE WORKS: British Steel plans blast furnace closures.

The Geode de Pulpi

Jules Phillips

THE Pulpi Geode, is one of the biggest crystal caves ever discovered and is the largest geode that people can actually go inside. This geological wonder is found in Mina Rica, a deserted silver mine close to Pulpi on the north coast of Almeria. It was found in 1999 by members of the Mineralogist Group of Madrid, and was opened to the public in August 2019 and thanks to subsequent work, this incredible gypsum crystal geode became an international tourist attraction.

A geode is a void formed by a bubble of air inside volcanic, metamorphic, or sedimentary rock. It’s lled with crystals made from mineral deposits. This Giant Geode is eight metres long and two metres high, covered in massive see-through gypsum crystals that can be up to two metres long. Its trans-

INTERVIEW

parency, size, and condition make it one of a kind.

Stepping inside the geode is like entering a landscape that seems extra-terrestrial with its crystal clad walls, emitting di erent lights, and captivating colours and textures.

The Mina Rica has other interesting geological features besides the Giant Geode of Pulpi and the mineralogy including other geodes of varying sizes can be seen in the mine, such as the Geoda Partida and the Geoda de Gollas de Golondrina.

To arrange your guided tour, you can reserve your tickets on the website www. geodapulpi.es and has prices from €10 for ages eight to 16 to €22 for adults.

Be aware those under eight years old are not permitted and the taking of photos is strictly prohibited. Although your guide will be able to take your photo.

Tel: +34 950 962 727

email: informacion@geo dapulpi.es

Geoda de Pulpí y Mina Rica, Pilar de Jaravia, s/n, Pulpí (Almería)

Spain is now home

VIEWING it as an opportunity for an international experience and career advancement, she embraced the move. However, upon arriving in Spain, she quickly found herself falling in love with the country and its lifestyle. Twenty-five years later, Simone remains happily settled in Spain, with no intentions of returning to Germany.

Her life took a significant turn with the arrival of her two sons, prompting her to prioritise family over her demanding career in hospitality. Transitioning to a new role at Falken Tours, she has spent the past 13 years spreading joy to others.

Although she admits to missing aspects of Germany, such as her fa-

mily and certain cultural elements like lush green landscapes and traditional sausages, Simone expresses a deep affection for her adopted home. She highlights Spain’s warm, open minded and friendly people, the sunny climate, picturesque palm trees, delicious cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle as reasons why she considers it home.

Reflecting on her early days in Spain, Simone recalls the initial challenges she faced, but also the immense support she received from the local community. Through dedication and immersion, she quickly mastered the Spanish language, describing it as “beautiful” and expressing her love for its elegance.

Simone Elster, originally from Germany, was pursuing her studies in hospitality management when she made the decision to relocate to La Marina, where her parents were operating a restaurant.

Simone Elster.

CRYSTAL CAVE: People can actually go inside it.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Sax / Facebook

It’s all a charade

‘POLITICIANS come and go but governments go on forever’. Didn’t this quote hit the nail squarely on the appendage? As I have observed in this blurb on a number of occasions, the whole political masquerade is merely an illusion. Because we freely elect our politicians, we are under the almost laughable impression that we also in some way control our own future.

Ha! Pure naïve bunkham. We are all players in a subversive system implemented by the shadowy billionaires that are our true masters. A preconceived plan to keep us all happy and firmly convinced that our democracy and ‘freedom’ are so important to us they are ultimately worth dying for. The truth is the more chaotic and precarious our societies become, the more the money manipulators like it. Keeps us all nicely occupied ya see.

I was recently speaking to a member of the Home Office and asked him if a newly elected government made

any difference to the workings of his department. With a barely detectable smirk he told me that, apart from a few small ‘irritations’ at the outset nothing changes at all, the department simply carries on just as before. In fact, he went on to say that many new politicians are so inexperienced, they actually ask the department to advise them on what procedures they should follow. This is precisely what happens with the world’s faceless financiers; they simply carry on business as usual, irrespective of governments or politicians. And they all cover each other’s backs.

Remember that Khashoggi, embassy murder affair a few years back? Did you honestly think the King of Saudi Arabia, (Family worth an estimated $2.4 trillion!) would have his position threatened in any way by the actions of these assassins; even though, in my opinion, he almost certainly instigated the whole unsavoury affair himself? Why not? Because he’s in league with the true rulers of the planet - as any leader of that oil-soaked country of corruption will always be. Murder means nothing to them.

These people are a law unto themselves, an elite ‘club’ of secrecy and subterfuge who don’t care what government or dictator happens to be in power, just as long as they don’t threaten their own exalted positions.

Among the many disruptions to society these faceless few revel in war, it’s a wonderful source of income and keeps the participants thoroughly occupied and out of their hair. They are no doubt also revelling in all the Mideast war and unrest, which is also keeping enormous numbers of the peasants extremely busy.

It’s all a charade and they the all-powerful puppet masters. Their aim is to make us fear life itself. They want us to hate ‘the other’. They love confusion. They want us to practise aggression. They seek to divide us all. With division comes chaos and chaos is their greatest ally. And there ain’t a darn thing either you or I can do about it.

On a lighter note ra tah! I see the pests of summer are already arriving. Flies, mosquitos, tics, cyclists, etc!

Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Feathered fiasco

A BIRD caused disruption at Brighton train station on April 2 by wandering onto the tracks during rush hour.

Thameslink had to shut down three platforms around 7.00pm to safely remove the bird, which was identified as a herring gull.

This affected services such as the Brighton to London route and the Gatwick Express, causing delays until around 8.20pm.

Thameslink advised passengers to leave 20 minutes earlier for their journeys and to check for updates on departures.

Some passengers joked about the situation being an April Fool’s prank or questioned if herring gulls are truly endangered.

One traveller expressed frustration over cancellations and feeling stranded in bad weather.

Thameslink later apologised for the inconvenience and reassured passengers that the bird was removed safely, even sharing a picture of the young gull.

Despite being common in coastal areas, herring gulls have been on a conservation watchlist since 2009 due to declining populations.

This status indicates increasing concern for their conservation, as determined by leading bird conservation organisations in the UK.

Leapy

Image: Thameslink /

De Tap Room

CELEBRATING its first anniversary on March 17 of this year, ‘De Tap Room’ in Mojacar has quickly become a local favourite. Owned by Jorge, who was born in Spain, spent many years in England, and this ‘Spanglish’ mix has allowed him to really understand all the customers that come to pay him a visit.

Despite its name being a happy accident, ‘De Tap Room’ has become synonymous with quality craft beer. With 13 beers on tap and an additional seven bottled options, there’s something to suit every palate. Jorge, a certified Beer Sommelier, guides patrons through beer tasting sessions,

sharing his expertise, and helping them appreciate the intricacies of each brew.

For those interested in the art of brewing, ‘De Tap Room’ hosts on-site workshops where enthusiasts can learn to brew their own beer. Looking to expand further, Jorge has plans to open his own microbrewery in 2025, promising even more unique offerings.

Partnering with small breweries across Spain, ‘De Tap Room’ prides itself on offering a diverse selection of beers not

ON Sunday April 14 there is a hiking route planned which will run through Cabo de Gata. Leaving from Agua Amarga following a path parallel to the coast and passing through various coves such as ‘En Medio’, ‘Plomo’ and ‘San Pedro’ until arriving in Las Negras.

The price is €15 per person and includes a specialised guide, liability and accident insurance, return trip by bus from the ‘Las Ventas’ Sports Pavilion in Albox and a picnic lunch.

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found elsewhere in the area. Their annual Beer festival in October draws crowds eager to sample the latest additions and old favourites.

While ‘De Tap Room’ doesn’t serve food, they’ve established collaborations with nearby cafes and restaurants, allowing patrons to enjoy a meal alongside their drinks on the shared terrace. With its welcoming atmosphere, expertly curated beer selection, and plans for expansion, ‘De Tap Room’ is poised to remain a Mojacar staple.

NESTLED quietly between Palomares and Cuevas del Almanzora, the entrance to Desert Springs Resort might seem ordinary at first, but within a few kilometres lies a hidden treasure.

Step into the elegant El Torrente Restaurant, where you’ll get more than just a meal. Imagine sitting on the outdoor deck, looking out over the beautiful golf course and peaceful lake, with ducks quacking gently and carp swimming gracefully. Here, delicious food takes centre stage, tantalising your taste buds against a stunning backdrop. Or soak up the atmosphere of the African-inspired Crocodile Club, relaxing on the terrace by the pool while

enjoying a varied menu with panoramic views.

Although Desert Springs is famous for its golf, it offers more than just sports. Visitors can try activities like tennis, cricket, padel, and use the modern gym, all available to the public. Live music adds to the charm of the ‘Rock and Roast’ every Sunday at El Torrente, making dining even more special.

Families are welcomed with special amenities, including a playground

for kids and regular entertainment at the Crocodile Club. Tailored golf lessons are available for all ages, ensuring everyone has a great time.

Dining options suit different budgets, from just €25 per person. So, there’s really no reason not to explore the many delights of Desert Springs.

If you want to stay longer, you can rent a property and enjoy all the resort’s amenities. You can even buy a property and make this your home.

Tel: 950 091 518 www.desertspringsresort.es/ Desert Springs Resort Ctra. Las Cunas-Palomares, Almeria Almeria ES, AL-8104, s/n, 04618 Palomares

HIKING ROUTE Crafting beer Barlow & Williams

The bus is planned to leave Albox at 07.30h. from the ‘Las Ventas’ Sports Pavilion and will take about one hour and 20 minutes.

The route is 13km long and will take about four hours and has been classified as of medium to high difficulty. For more information and registration: call 950 431 580 or 647 081 346.

A GARY BARLOW and Robbie Williams tribute is coming to the Hostal Rural in Turre on April 23 from 7.30pm. Don’t miss out on this amazing event with Dan Budd as Robbie Williams and Dan Maines as Gary Barlow.

Dan Budd is ‘the closest thing to the real thing’ according to Robbie William’s dad. Dan is the

UK’s number one Robbie Williams impersonator and one of the best tribute acts on the circuit today. Bringing energy, charisma, and entertainment to each performance, as though Robbie himself, Dan has an undeniable stage presence.

Dan Maines was also, publicly endorsed by Gary Barlow himself as “bri-

online at https://www.tic kettailor.com/events/nikki gale/1176863

There is also food available and this can be pre-ordered by calling 622 336 873 (€10 per person payable on the night).

There will be a collection and donation made to the Vera & District Lions Club on the night.

Hostal Rural Tu-

JOIN in a special brewing workshop in Mojacar on April 14 at 12.00pm.

In this unique four-hour session, you’ll discover the art of crafting beer. Led by Santy from Insania Brewery, you’ll learn the ins and outs of mashing and boiling, and even get hands-on experience in the brewing process and master the secrets of making a delicious porter.

After the brewing session, relax and enjoy a couple of pints of craft beer along with a tasty charcuterie board.

But that’s not all - a few weeks later, you’ll take home some of this specially brewed beer, perfectly fermented and bottled.

Hurry, only 10 spaces are available! It’s just €37.50 per person.

Location: De Tap Room, Paseo del Mediterraneo, Local 8, 227, Mojacar Playa.

Villlla Tahulla in the Zurgena area

NEW & EXCLUSIVE TO VOSS

HOMES - A spacious, beautifully presented, four bed, three bath quality built villa plus covered veranda with a Florida style meshed conservatory, mains and solar electricity, H&C air con and central heating throughout, 9m x 4m swimming pool, pool bar and large driveway on a walled and gated and beautifully landscaped garden of 839m2 with impressive views.

Located in the Palaces area of Zurgena, just five and seveb mins drive to Zurgena and La Alfoquia village. Ten mins drive to the main town of Huercal-Overa town and 12 mins to Arboleas. Twenty mins drive to the coast at Mojacar, Vera and Garrucha.

Villa Tahulla is certainly a property to be proud of.

Entry to the property is via electrically opening iron gates on to the large tiled drive way.

The established front, side and rear gardens are beautifully designed with a variety of Mediterranean plants including palm and olive trees and are immaculately maintained, as is the house.

Gardens lead either side of the villa to the large rear garden with 9m x 4m kidney shaped swimming pool with

equipped pool side bar, covered seating area and great views.

Wrapped around three sides of the villa is a covered veranda with Florida style meshed screening and ceiling fans which gives you a fantastic ‘Inside, Outside’ living and dining room.

Inside the villa has a spacious, light and airy open plan living room / dining room with H&C aircon. A breakfast bar separates this

from the large, quality fitted kitchen. An archway leads into the second part of the kitchen with fridge / freezer, washing machine etc which then take you back out to the covered veranda.

From the living room a passageway leads to three downstairs bedrooms.

The main bedroom has its own recently fitted ensuite shower room with walk in shower. Next are two guest bedrooms and a recently fi-

tted family bathroom with a jacuzzi style bath.

All three bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and ceiling fans. Two of the three bedrooms have H&C aircon. The third has pre-instalation for aircon.

Also from the living room a spiral staircase leads up to another main bedroom with recently fitted shower room with walk in shower, fitted wardrobe, ceiling fan and great views.

For more information or to arrange a viewing of VH2337 please contact Voss Homes on 0034 950 616 827 or email us at enquiries@vosshomesspain.com

Eco chic nails

ACHIEVING strong, resilient nails doesn’t always require harsh chemicals or artificial treatments.

Embracing organic methods can promote nail health while minimising exposure to potentially harmful ingredients.

Start by nourishing your nails from the inside out with a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, and protein. Incorporate foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and lean meats to support nail growth and strength.

Externally, opt for organic oils like olive oil or coconut oil to moisturise and condition your nails and cuticles. Regular-

doing household chores and avoiding harsh chemicals. By prioritising natural nail care prac-

strong, beautiful nails without compromising your health or the environment.

Effortless style

AS we usher in spring, the modern pompadour emerges as the hairstyle of choice for fashion-forward men. This contemporary twist on a classic look combines sleek sophistication with effortless style, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Characterised by its voluminous top and neatly tapered sides, the modern pompadour offers a fresh take on traditional barbering techniques. With its ability to be tailored to suit individual preferences, from subtle to bold variations, this hairstyle is versatile enough to complement any face shape or hair texture.

Whether styled with a matte finish for a casual daytime look or slicked back for a more polished appearance, the modern pompadour adds an element of refinement and confidence to any ensemble. Embrace this timeless trend and elevate your spring style with the modern pompadour.

Mental health

A COLLABORATIVE study between Spain and the United Kingdom has resulted in effective results for the most serious of mental health conditions.

In December, a joint research effort revealed the efficacy of paliperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic, in a ground-breaking study.

Participants included Juan Antonio Garcia-Carmona, a neurologist at Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena, and Pilar Campos Navarro, a psychiatrist at the same facility, alongside teams from various medical centres including the Imperial College of London.

The study has put paliperidone under the spotlight for its potential to manage psychotic breaks with just two annual injections.

This novel approach was preferred by 43 per cent of the participants for its minimal administration frequency, according to Gar-

cia-Carmona and Campos Navarro. ‘43 per cent of patients indicated their preference for treatment with fewer administrations as the main reason for switching to semi-annual paliperidone’.

The adherence rate to the semi-annual injection plan was remarkably high, reaching 94 per cent after six months. This figure significantly surpasses that of other injectable schizophrenia treatments.

Such a high adherence rate underscores the treatment’s potential to transform patient management

in this area.

The research, detailed in ‘Therapeutics Advances in Pharmacology’, is not only pioneering in its approach but also comprehensive in scope.

Set to conclude in 2025, the final report will assess quality of life, patient self-perception, and metabolic impacts. This broad spectrum of analysis promises to offer a holistic view of the treatment’s benefits and potential side effects.

The study’s findings offer a beacon of hope for those living with this condition.

Brushing brilliance

SELECTING the right hair brush is essential for maintaining healthy locks and achieving desired styling results. For fine or thin hair, a soft-bristled brush or a boar bristle brush can gently detangle without causing breakage. Thicker or curly

hair benefits from a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush with flexible bristles to minimise frizz and evenly distribute natural oils. For straight or wavy hair, a round brush with nylon or ceramic bristles provides volume and smoothness during blow-drying.

Ultimately, the best hair brush varies based on individual hair type and styling preferences. Experimenting with different brushes can help you discover the perfect tool to keep your locks looking luscious and well-groomed.

Shutterstock/ Davizro Photography

Credit: SmartPhotoLab/Shutterstock.com

Indalo Pods

FROM a humble start as a man with a van in 2012 Indalo Storage has grown into something that is far beyond what you would expect to find at any run of the mill removal, storage, and transportation company.

They offer not only a complete solution for storage in Spain, at Indalo Storage but with the sister company Indalo Transport Ltd also offer both national and international removals.

Being part of ‘Move Assured’ network you know that everything will arrive safe and sound virtually anywhere in Europe.

Paul, who has worked for Indalo Storage for seven years, and runs their huge warehouse in Palomares, close to the popular resorts of Mojacar, Vera, and Garrucha certainly has his work cut out in planning and scheduling the workload.

Moving an average of 15 houses per

Eu - rope is not a simple task, but his expertise in this, really makes it stressless for his clients.

Another way to help ease the burden of the client is the ability to do a video appraisal of the items to be moved, allowing fast and accurate hassle-free quotes to be done.

It seems that Brexit was a catalyst for the growth of the company, especially of the transportation side. With all the new rules, regulations, and paperwork, they needed to be able to deal with all these legalities quickly and efficiently, to be sure that the clients still got the service

that they were already used to.

Now with their own fleet of vehicles, they are one of the very few fully legal and insured companies in Spain who are also ‘Trading Standards Approved’, so every aspect of their business can be trusted 100 per cent.

Alongside their professional national and international removals, they also still offer local ‘man with a van’ services, for those who don’t have as far to go or as much to move.

The warehouse itself, which is the hub of it all, acts as a secure self-storage area and the walls are lined with their distinctive wooden ‘Pods’ which shows how

popular this storage solution really is. Their pod system of removals and storage is amazing, each pod can hold an entire one-bedroom apartment and, on average, three of these are used to move an entire house. These wooden pods not only offer an easy way to store and load your property but protect them in a way that traditional removal companies don’t.

Also housed in the Indalo Storage warehouse is their ‘Self Pack Shop’ which has all the packaging items you could possibly need for your next removal from boxes and bubble wrap and tape to furniture covers.

Paul is always pleased for customers to drop by to chat about what they require between 9am and 1pm weekdays.

Tel: Warehouse 950 821 002 / 634 347 955

Carretera Palomares-Garrucha Sin Numero, Frente Bar Monika, 04617 Palomares

Collyfer’s pre-paid funeral plans

COLLYFER is an ever expanding, family- run Funeral Director, with its head office in Huercal-Overa for over 50 years and Funeral Homes in various locations across the Almeria Province.

Collyfer are the first Funeral Directors in Spain to offer the opportunity to contract to a Pre Paid Funeral Plan, direct with the Funeral Director offering different types of Funeral Packages, including the new Direct Cremation, no fuss funeral. We also offer Funeral Insurance through our Brokers, Collado Brokers also based in Huercal-Overa.

We are currently in the process of building our new Crematorium, situated on the road to Santa Maria de Nieva, just outside Huercal-Overa. This will allow us to offer cremations closer to home.

Our new Crematorium will have indoor and outdoor spaces to hold your service or the option to attend the cremation of your loved one with projected images of your choice. You will also have the ability to

scatter the ashes of your loved one in our ‘Me-morial Garden’ or actually lay the Urn to rest underneath a tree or around the Memory Tree where you can have a printed Memory Leaf with wording of your choice.

Killing the Bear

John Smith

GOING back to Roman times, pagan festivals celebrated the New Year and this still carries on across Europe with Silio’s Vijanera being Spain’s most famous version.

Soon after Franco gained control of the country, bowing to complaints from the Catholic Church, the many Vijaneras which took place across northern Spain were banned. It wasn’t until 1981 that a group of residents of the town of Silio (a suburb of Moledo in Cantabria) decided that the time had come to resurrect the festival although in that first year, it took place in the summer. From 1982 onwards it returned to the turn of the year and is celebrated on the first Sunday of January each year when at 6am youngsters go through the town ringing bells and shout out that this is a special day. As there were still a nu ber of people alive who remembered the

Some of the 80 different characters.

Vijanera prior to its banning, it was relatively easy for the new version to follow the traditions of the past.

Around 150 mainly male locals dress up in 80 different costumes representing animals, wood sprites (Trapajones) men, women, hunters

(Los Zarramaco) and many more. The Zarramaco are dressed in sheepskins with large cowbells and it is their duty to hunt the Bear which represents evil and once it is killed so the New Year may be welcomed in with the promise of a fresh start.

We have also created a ‘Memory Lake’ with jetty, where you can personally scatter the ashes of your loved one or you can allow us to scatter them for you whilst you watch, there are also areas to sit and reflect in all our grounds.

As an addition, we will now have Live Streaming via our website, which will allow family or friends who are unable to attend the Funeral of your loved one to attend virtually.

Arranging a funeral is stressful and required a quick learning curve as this is something that hopefully doesn’t happen too of-ten.

It is one thing to try and cope with a death in the UK and in a language you understand, but imagine the struggle if you’re attempting to navigate the rules and regulations in Spanish.

We are here to help you through this stressful time, with four English-speaking employees, we can help you through this diffi-cult time, whether a plan, insurance or nothing is in place, just call.

A Brush with history

IN an attempt to smarten up his church for Holy Week, a local priest on Tenerife, Héctor Lunar, unintentionally whitewashed listed 300-year-old frescoes at St Anthony of Padua Church in El Tanque. The blunder sparked outrage among locals, leading to an investigation by the Canary Islands’ government.

Lunar, once threatened in Venezuela for criticising the regime, claimed ignorance of the frescoes’ protected status.

The 16th-century church, rebuilt after a volcanic eruption in 1706, held the hidden gems under protective paint.

Lunar admitted that he had no idea what was on the walls he ordered to be stripped and repainted, and that the church’s heritage status meant he should have first consulted the Canary Islands’ government.

Local and regional heritage experts are examining the walls to see if the frescoes can be salvaged. Meanwhile, his apology was accepted by the local religious bro -

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

NORA

therhood that had called for him to be replaced as parish priest.

In this island drama, with tensions as hot as Tenerife’s volcanic past, only time will tell if Lunar’s blunder will fade into history or leave a lasting mark on El Tanque’s cultural legacy. Indeed, the priest’s inadvertent brushstroke serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us all to tread carefully when painting over history.

Meanwhile, locals jest, “Only in Tenerife could a priest’s brush be mightier than his sermon!”

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Couple across the Street’ (www.no ra-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

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

JOURNALIST.

Credit: Vijanera Facebook

The Bear captured by the Zarramacos.

Credit: Vijanera Facebook

• News Across The Regions

Costa del Sol Restrictions more flexible?

THE rains that fell during Easter Week have brought good news to Andalucia. The Concepción reservoir has gained 10 cubic hectometres of water, and the level now exceeds 66 per cent, the highest since July 2023.

The Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, headed by Carmen Crespo, confirmed the region will reduce the current restrictions on average per capita water consumption, irrigation in the countryside and use in the industrial sector.

According to the councillor, thanks to the intense rainfall, the summer is expected to have “more capacity and possibilities,” which is why it might be possible to make the restrictions more flexible.

The committee will now analyse whether or not to relax the ban on filling private swimming pools for the summer.

Axarquia

Nerja uncovered

IN a quest to unearth the hidden treasures of Nerja, one family from a well-known social media account made up of three influencer families from Navarra, collectively amassing over 68,000 followers on Instagram under the alias ‘Se Me Cae la Casa Encima,’ (The house is falling on me) enjoyed an expedition through the town. Specialising in chronicling travels, accommodations, and experiences across Spain, these families are celebrated for their insightful content.

One of these families graced Nerja’s shores, getting to know the stunning coastal town. Welcomed by Tourism councillor Ana María Muñoz at the local Tourist Office, they were warmly thanked for selecting Nerja as their destination. This visit not only showcases Nerja’s attraction but also underscores the growing influence of social media in shaping travel preferences.

Mallorca

34 evacuated in Soller

FIRE broke out in the the Bens d’Avall urbanisation in Soller during the night of Sunday April 7, destroying pine and olive groves and requiring the evacuation of 34 people.

Residents sounded the alarm at 12.30am on Sunday, having noticed the fire near the road junction between Soller and Deia. The evacuees were lodged in a hotel in Soller.

It took almost 12 hours to bring the fire under control due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong gusts of wind.

The all-clear was given the next morning. Some people decided to return to their homes to check for damage and collect some personal belongings, before going back to the hotel.

The Guardia Civil’s official investigation is still open.

Costa Blanca North The Ghost Pipers

THE Ghost Pipers of the Somme marched the streets of Denia to the sound of live bagpipes and the colours of the Scottish flag, commemorating their ancestors lost to the First World War.

On April 5, the centre of Denia united the community in the streets where native music, costumes and flags were exhibited to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme during the First World War.

With the collaboration of Denia’s Culture Department and the Denia-Fane Ouverture Francophone Association, the day was marked to remember some of the bravest Scottish and Irish soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme and who after the war had to rebuild their lives in France.

Traditional Irish hymns swayed the town, performed live by the French band made up of descendants of the courageous Scottish and Irish soldiers.

Costa Blanca South Shipmates’ support

THE shipmates of the Torrevieja Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNATB) make donations to different charities each year.

This year one of the shipmates’ four chosen charities to receive a donation was the Movers & Shakers.

The Association of Movers & Shakers (AMS) is a charity supporting people with five neurological diseases and their families.

The local Almoradi-based group working across the Costa Blanca meet regularly each Friday.

AMS also have a Facebook page and their website amscb.org.es has more details of the five diseases including Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

RNATB shipmate Brenda Maw nominated the Movers & Shakers as one of the charities for this year and was at the presentation of the donation from RNATB Treasurer, Carl Louden to AMS President, Marion Smith.

Costa Calida Skydive success

IN a remarkable display of courage and compassion, Mark Wilson soared through the skies in support of MABS Cancer Support Fundación. Wilson’s daring skydive served as a fundraiser for the organisation, which provides crucial assistance to people suffering from cancer.

The event garnered widespread praise, with supporters expressing immense pride in Wilson’s accomplishment.

MABS Cancer Support Fundación is dedicated to offering practical aid and solace to those impacted by cancer in Spain. Their unwavering commitment revolves around the mantra of ‘To care, comfort, and counsel people affected by cancer.’

MABS emphasises that their services are available to those directly diagnosed with cancer, as well as people affected by a loved one’s diagnosis or loss.

PETS

Animal welfare law

ON Friday, March 29, the new law imposes strict regulations on the ownership of certain wild and exotic animals. However, some have criticised the shortage of centres able to accommodate these pets.

Individuals who possess pets that are now deemed illegal, face a crucial deadline. They are required to report their ownership to the authorities or face severe penalties.

Such pets include venomous creatures like scorpions, reptiles weighing over two kilos such as iguanas, any primate species, and wild mammals heavier than five kilos such as the Vietnamese pig.

The legislation not only bans the captivity of wild animals and their use in entertainment but also ends a six-month grace period for circuses to comply.

The law’s reach extends beyond public entertainment, impacting private pet owners who now confront the end of a grace period to declare their animals.

Those found guilty of illegal possession or trafficking of protected or banned species could incur fines up to €30,000 for the most severe breaches, €2,000 for significant infractions, and up to €500 for minor offences.

Despite the law’s intent, there’s a growing chorus of concern over its practical implications. Many have highlighted a lack of preparedness for the law’s consequences. They argue that there has been no infrastructure brought in to house the potential influx of animals.

Critics argue that the legislation was enacted without adequate consultation with hobbyists, veterinarians, or scientists.

The uncertainty now facing pet owners is palpable, with many reluctant to part with their animals. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal the law’s real-world effects, as pet owners navigate this new legal landscape.

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Credit: Cocos.Bounty/Shutterstock.com

IGUANAS: Now banned from being kept as pets.

CLASSIFIEDS

BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS:

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

BUY & SELL

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

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at  www. almeria-anglican.com

Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

- Why not make this year the year you volunteer?

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

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

By Mark Slack ROAD TEST

THE original BMW X2’s rather low-slung driving position didn’t really mark it out as an SUV, yet it wasn’t exactly a coupe either. With the latest X2 this arguably problematic identity crisis has been resolved as the new version’s rakish rear roof line make for an undeniable SUV-Coupe.

Think of a more diminutive X4 and X6. In its new guise with a choice of petrol, mild hybrid and full electric power, all automotive bases are covered. In iX, all-electric guise, it’s an obvious competitor for the Polestar 2, while in petrol mode Audi’s Q3 and others are likely rivals.

The range encompasses four models, two electric and two petrol, with prices starting from €46,622/£40,515. As with all BMWs there’s a feeling of driving something premium, a little bit special

and even at these prices there are alternatives that don’t possess that ambience.

Standard fare includes LED headlights and rear lights, auto tailgate, auto air dual zone conditioning, heated front sports seats, cruise control with brake function, parking assistant and automatic transmission.

The lead-in engine is a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol with mild hybrid assistance developing 124kw/167hp.

There’s also a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an impressive 219kw/295hp and all-wheel-drive. In electric power there’s the single motor eDrive20 with 152kw/204hp and the dual motor xDrive30 with 225kw/306hp and all-wheel-drive with ranges of 455km/283 miles and 429km/267 miles respectively.

On the road the iX2 offers the promise of a decent range, however as

with all statistics conditions such as the type of driving and the weather can all affect the ultimate range. In most cases, according to BMW’s research, EV customers largely charge their cars at home so ultimate range may not be an issue that often. It doesn’t change the fact though that when you need to undertake a long journey the public charging network, while better, still needs major improvement.

Back to the BMW! The good news continues as the iX2 is noticeably lacking in road and wind noise, not always a given with EVs. The ride quality, as you might expect from BMW, is suitably tight and more than capable of being hustled along twisting cross country roads with aplomb.

At the forefront of bold design BMW realise that some may not take to the iX2’s styling, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I can see a few drivers falling for the iX2.

Paris Olympics news

IN what is denied as being a U-Turn, the British government has reportedly written to the Presidents of the Olympic and Paralympic Committees given an unexpected approval.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2023 which was supported by Belarus, the then (and still) Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer was quoted as saying that “any plans to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in Paris are not credible.”

This followed a decision announced by the two Committees that both countries would be banned from competing in Paris in 2024 and this in turn was supported by a 36 country summit chaired by Lucy Frazer.

Now however the Olympic Committees have had a change of

heart and are prepared to allow athletes from Belarus and Russia to compete in Paris provided that they are not part of any team and should they win medals their national anthems would not be played, no flags would be raised and their kit would not bear any country emblems.

In addition, they must not have publicly supported the invasion nor could they be in any way associated with the military of either country.

With the impositions of these restrictions, the UK government has confirmed that it supports the decision so, some athletes from the two countries may appear in the 2024 Olympics which run from July 26 to August 11 and the Paralympics which take place from August 28 until September 8.

Smiles and tears at Copa del Rey final

Sven Larson

OPTIMISM soared at the 20-minute mark in the final of the Copa del Rey when a long-range shot by Mallorca’s Vedat Muri- qi gave Mallorca their first

nalty area before Dani Rodríguez shot it in.

Bilbao then relentlessly went on the attack, but Mallorcan goalkeeper Dominik Greif thwarted numerous attempts to score.

llorcan team’s hard work defeating the onslaught of Athletic Bilbao throughout the match ultimately unravelled during the penalty shootout.

Mallorca scored two penalties but let in four shots by opponents Athletic Bilbao, whereas opposing goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala managed to fend off the Mallorca penalty shots.

Athletic Bilbao thus scored a perfect four in a row to win 2-1.

Mallorcan fans felt that it was frustrating to come so close to such an important victory only to lose on penalties, but that Mallorca had played magnificently.

In a post-match interview with IB3 mid-fielder Sergi Darder said, with tears in his eyes, that perhaps in years, months or weeks to come we would recall the day’s events with more joy but that “right now it is very complicated and hard.”

Trainer Javier Javier Aguirre emphasised that the team is “beyond reproach” and that he was “very proud and glad to be here” at the final.

Mallorca last won the cup in 2003.

Controversial number withdrawn

SPORTS clothes manufacturer Adidas has made the decision to withdraw a particular numbered shirt from Germany’s national side.

The decision was announced on Monday, April 1, when Adidas, the German sports clothing giant, decided to remove and block the sale of the German national football team’s shirt bearing the number 44 on their online store.

The move came after the design, earmarked for EURO 2024, sparked an uproar over its perceived resemblance to the

Nazi ‘SS’ symbol, a principal organization under Hitler’s regime responsible for many of the atrocities of the Second World War.

The decision un derscores Adidas’ com mitment to inclusivity and its firm stance against any form of hate.

Adidas reacted swiftly to feedback from the public and various communities online. The specific style of the numeral ‘four’, especially when doubled to ‘44’, bore an uncomfortable similarity to the insignia used by the Nazi SS units, entities infamous for their roles in operating concentration and death camps.

Oliver Bruggen, a spokesperson for Adidas, made it clear that the resemblance was completely unintended, reinforcing the company’s dedication

to fighting ‘xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in every form’.

The German Football Federation (DFB) alongside Adidas, took the criticisms seriously, despite none of the parties involved recognising the controversial similarity during the design process.

A statement from the DFB highlighted their routine process of reviewing numbers from 0-9 and submitting 1-26 to UEFA for approval, admitting that the similarity was overlooked.

Vedat Muriqi fends off Oscar de Marcos.

Credit: Adidas/robidoesntcare/X

No 44 removed from sale.

Credit: RCD Mallorca