Costa Blanca North 9 – 15 May 2024 Issue 2027

Europe Day

Costa Blanca North • Issue No. 2027 •9 - 15 May 2024

Europe Day in Costa Blanca.

Credit: Annelise Johannson, Facebook

Different cultures

SINCE 1985, Europe Day has been celebrated every year on May 9 to commemorate the Schuman Declaration; the first step towards European unity.

Every year, Costa Blanca comes together to honour the long-standing cooperation between the EU nations.

Calpe Town Council prepared a programme, beginning at 11am with the raising of the European flag in Plaza Colon. At 12pm, the Euro-

pean Manifesto will be read out, followed by a giant paella shared at 1pm in Calalga.

“With this event, we intend to create a meeting point between the different European cultures that coexist in Calpe, and thus create a space for cultural enrichment,” emphasised BELC councillor Marco Bittner.

In Altea, a manifesto will be read out in the Plaza de Jose Maria Planelles at 10am, followed by a ren-

dition of the European anthem and the opening of an exhibition by the students of IES Bellaguarda.

In Alfas del Pi, a game will be held at 5.30pm in the House of Culture, aimed at people “between the ages of 18 and 30.”

European Gastronomy Days of l’Alfas del Pi will also bring the “gastronomy of the countries of the EU, with a rich representation in our municipality,” said the town councilor.

EUROPE DAY: Is celebrated every day on May 9.

Credit: Annelise Johannson, Facebook

La Creueta

ALFAS DEL PI held its traditional Creueta festival on May 3-5, connecting residents and visitors to mark the 135th anniversary of the placement of the cross. Music performances, craft workshops and paella were enjoyed by hundreds of attendees.

Cycling day

BENIDORM celebrated

Bicycle Day for All on May 5, organised by the local Department of Sports. The occasion gathered nearly 1,000 cycling enthusiasts and professional athletes in a march across the city, hosted by the mayor, Toni Perez.

Local cherries

Sea theatre NIBS EXTRA

“NO large sales are expected,” shared the Vall de Gallinera cherry production team. This year, the Alicante region is running low on local delicacies due to climatic changes: “The fruits will not ripen soon,” stated Vall de Gallinera.

Wine making

THE latest excavation in Alfas del Pi uncovered an ‘old winery’ in the Roman Villa. The research in this area uses a €242,000 investment to uncover the wine-making craft of the Romans.

Javea - ‘The dawn of Spain’

THE international community, rich history and breathtaking views, make Javea stand out amongst the Valencian Community, changing populations but never ceasing to show its characteristic charm.

With a population of 30,249 inhabitants, as stated by the INE in 2023, Javea is the home of both Spanish and foreign residents and hosts hundreds of tourists each year.

Many Spaniards call Javea, ‘the dawn of Spain’, due to its location on the Cape Cabo de la Nao; the easternmost point of Spain. Every day, Ja-

Seeking

JAVEA Town Hall announced the launch of the 2024 Social Employment Plan, providing residents with 42 new jobs.

vea residents and visitors get the very rst view of dawn in the country.

The town was initially inhabited in prehistoric times, 30,000 years ago by cave dwellers on the Montgo mountain. After the Stone

A CHARACTERISTIC and innovative performance by Javea’s Els Escacs Vivents will take the stage in Valencia to promote the importance of sea preservation on Saturday May 18.

In the past, Els Escacs Vivents performers shone in Thiviers, Vitoria and Linares in France, and this year are travelling again to exhibit their show in Valencia.

At the Oceanogra c’s Mar Rojo Auditorium, with a capacity for about 500 people, Javea’s performance will present (A) MAR; the dramatic work set underwater, on Javea’s coast, re ecting on the local en-

and Bronze Ages, the area was the home of Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians, Visigoths, Germanic, CarthagiMoors.

vironment and the impact of modernity.

The performance will be part of the Gundacio Oceanographic which from May 13 until May 19 will promote the signi cance of preserving the marine environment through theatre, music and workshops.

Thirty-two gifted children from Javea’s Els Escacs Vivents, the Symphonic Orchestra of the Artistic Centre of Javea and the Endanza Javea dancers will travel to Valencia, facilitated by Javea’s Town Hall, to display the local e orts and value of the environment on a national level.

Road changes

THE Alicante Provincial Council is improving road safety at the Cami Cabanes - Travesia de Cansalades and Calle Bruxelles - Haya ‘Cassarco roundabout’, with road works starting from May 6.

To minimise the e ects on daily tra c, the following alternative routes have been organised.

The road between the Cami Cabanes roundabout and the Carretera del Pla/Portitxol (Consum) roundabout will be closed altogether. The Les

Cansalades Crossing will also be closed in the section between Arborcer Street and the ‘Carrasco roundabout’.

To go from the Carretera del Portitxol to Cami Cabanes, drivers will have to take the Carretera del Pla, Avenida de Strasburgo and the Carrasco roundabout which will only allow exit in the direction of Cami Cabanes.

To access Arenal from Cami Cabanes, drivers will have to detour along Alborcer street, exiting at the roundabout.

To access the Cami Cabanes from the ‘Carrasco roundabout’, drivers must do so via the Cami de les Adsubies or the Cami Cansalades if they want to reach the Pinosol area.

The extensive municipal history can still be seen in the Old Town; one of the main appeals of Javea, with historical landmarks and narrow, unique streets.

Alongside the Old Town, Javea has a rich marine history and Javea’s Port remains one of the most visited locations with regular sh markets and boat services throughout the year.

The most touristic and visited part of Javea, however, is the Arenal Beach, spreading on the sea-front with a diverse range of restaurants, bars and lounges.

The life of Javea; with its diversity and vibrancy, happens on this very beach, enjoyed by both residents and tourists, representing Javea’s unifying culture.

Javea’s mayor, Rosa Cardona, emphasised that the Plan targets local families by helping their integration into the labour market as well as promoting social inclusion. The jobs include construction, gardening-forestry, cleaning, and public spaces control.

The councillor for Personnel highlighted the importance of these jobs in preventing forest res and ensuring the safety of the residents.

All work applicants must be registered in the public employment service for at least one month, receive unemployment bene ts not exceeding €500, possess a driving licence and be tax payers.

The applicants who have been unemployed for the longest time, belong to families bene ting from the 2023 municipal aid, have a large family or who have previous experience in similar positions will be prioritised.

Applicants can submit their appeal through the O ce of Citizen or the electronic headquarters of the council, in the deadline April 29 to May 28.

Javea’s Ambolo Beach.

Javea roads being improved.

THIS year’s Gastronomy and Commerce Fair in Calpe features 42 exhibitors, highlighting the town’s diverse and attractive offers.

Calpe lifestyle

Public pool

Thirty-four hospitality establishments and eight shops are exhibiting their unique services and new

The town council, Creama Calpe and Calpe Business Association organised the 14th Fira Calp; a festival centred around local business and culture, held from May 9 until May 12.

THE municipal swimming pool in Calpe was reopened on May 5, welcoming visitors to start their summer season with free swimming facilities.

The pool was shut down in December due to the termination of the contract with the concessionaire and has now finally been brought back, opening from 8am until 2pm, with lifeguard and administration service.

The pool service includes swimming courses, aquagym and midwifery amongst other activities, which will be available in the following months.

Now free of charge, the local Consistory will be discussing the potential public prices with the management of the pool in Kine.

developments. Alongside the exhibitors, musical performances, wine and cocktail tasting, mojito workshop and Zumba performances will take place, reflecting the spirit of the Peñon town.

Families are welcome to explore while their kids engage in children’s games, which will take place daily. The fair will open on May 9 with a marvellous circus show at 7pm. On May 12 a spectacular ABBA tribute

band will perform at 8pm at the Plaza Mayor.

Calpe’s notable Fishermen’s Guild will offer tapas with noodles, fried white shrimp and stewed squid, experimenting with the local delicacies.

On Sunday the 12th, 11am, all those looking to get a haircut can get it for €10, the proceeds of which will be forwarded to the Alicante Association for the Fight against Cancer.

Discover the Calpe lifestyle at 14th Fira Calp.

The councillor for Sports and Contracting, Ximo Perles, stated: “We want to apologise for the delay, we would have liked to be able to open the municipal pool facilities earlier and offer all the services but we consider that it is preferable to open it already in this preliminary phase while the administrative procedures are being resolved to offer a complete project with all the activities. Our desire is to be able to fully reopen the pool as soon as possible.”

BENITACHELL accelerates its efforts to battle drought by beginning the two highly anticipated works in the municipality.

The town council announced the building of the Cannor Besso well, alongside its conduction to the new Castellons desalination plant as previously planned with the Agua Teulada.

The company Aquambiente Servicios was granted €1,975,926 for the water sector and Contratas Vilor SL was awarded €1,655,669 for the construction of the Castellons desalination plant.

Alongside this development, to improve the local water resources, a budget of €186,872 was allocated to remodel the Senija II well, which has been awaiting improvement since 2017.

This year, Benitachell is contributing €140,592 to improving the drinking water distribution system.

TOWN SPIRIT: Enjoy the Calpe fair 2024.

Town values

Bridgette Hudson

THE patron saint festivities of Purissima Xiqueta of Benissa came to an end on May 5, leaving a blissful mark on all who participated.

After an extensive programme of traditional rituals and live entertainment, the festivity culminated with a commemorative procession in honour of the 400th anniversary of the Purissima Xiqueta’s arrival to Benissa.

Families dressed in garments passed from generation to generation, sparkling in family heirlooms as they marched the streets to honour the town’s patron saint.

The party on the Dia de les Anyades, on May 4, stood out amongst the events, filling the Paseo Joaquin Piera and Mariana Torres streets with a crowd of people to enjoy live music and share a giant paella.

The popular DJ artist, King Africa, took the Benissa stage, making the town dance in celebration. The event once again showed the local value of traditions and love for getting together to celebrate life.

Global Taekwondo

ANOTHER success for La Nucia, as Omar del Valle wins a bronze medal at the Spanish International Taekwondo Open championship in the municipality.

The championship gathered 1,900 competitors with 30 country representatives and played a key role in promoting the local sports facilities and the talented

athletes participating. Omar del Valle was one of the trio of Valencian Community representatives in La Nucia and alongside his participation in the championship, he took part in the individual competition, reaching the semi- nals in one of the most powerful categories of Senior 1.

Live performance in Benissa.

Credit: Benissa Council, Facebook

Fire controlled

Aldea Feline

DID you come across a feral cat and were unsure what to do? Learn how to help street cats with Aldea Feline.

Anna Akopyan

THE local firefighters declared a fire in Javea on May 5 in Cami de la Morera, near the popular promenade, Arenal.

The forest fire started at Saladar and spread to the residential area near the Paintball venue, forcing the mobilisation of air and ground firefighting services.

The fire was caused by the dry vegetation of the area, which, provoked by the wind, broke into flames. The firefighters successfully put out the fire at approximately 7.30pm.

The residents of the area had to confine themselves at home to avoid the smoke from the fire; the Iberdrola (electricity company) was called upon to cut the power line surrounding the fire.

The Local Police and Guardia Civil ordered the residents of Larissa, Patrai, Atenas and the streets of Esparta reaching to the Cala Blanca and Segundo Muntanyar to remain at home and wait for the smoke to evaporate before going outside. Seventy people across 25 homes were affected, having to remain at home but none were wounded.

Aldea Feline is a Cat Protection Association in Denia, centred on advising the local community on how to handle feral cats and ensure their safety.

The Association temporarily hosts cats in need, rehoming them in their shelter until they find a new, loving owner. With a weekly rota of volunteers, the vulnerable kittens and cats are never left without a caring supervisor.

Aldea Feline shares and promotes the belief that the best way to end the cycle of suffering of homeless cats is through castration and encourages the local community to not overlook the animals in need.

If hesitant about what to do, Aldea Feline offers informative advice on their website and social media and has an online form which can be filled in.

Aldea Feline, Avenida de Jaime I-23 03779 Els Poblets, Denia or follow them on facebook.com/ AldeaFelinaDenia/

Fire in Javea caused residents to be confined at home to avoid the smoke.

THE German supermarket chain is renowned for its appealing offers, supplying buyers with discounted products. As the prices continue to rise in Spain, most supermarkets are elevating their prices, but Aldi takes a different approach.

The INE revealed that

Better prices

food costs in Spain increased by 4.30 per cent in March of 2024 in comparison to last year.

The most expensive and now almost contro-

versial products are of Spanish origin, such as olive oil. With Aldi’s focus on promoting their brand and original Spanish products, their latest

Day for games

ENTERTAINMENT: L’Alfas Ludic Fest presentation.

THE rst L’Alfas Ludic Fest invites visitors to spend a day in a dreamland of board games, tournaments and workshops on Saturday May 18.

The local Youth Department and Altea’s Dragon Association have been developing L’Alfas Ludic Fest for years and are nally inviting families and friends to enjoy their entertaining programme.

The festival is aimed at children aged ve and older, including adults and seniors. The town council said the day “aims to promote healthy leisure, promote youth participation and encourage the creation of new friendships through board games.”

Board games, tournaments, workshops, demonstrations and prize draws: Alfas expects to host a vastly diverse programme with one-of-a-kind games for all ages.

The workshops will include laser swords and soft combat, Hama Beads, Poke Balls, Harry Potter-themed activities and more. For ambitious players, a regional Carcassonne contest will take place, with the winner going to the national nal competition in Madrid.

At Plaza de Cultura from 10am-8pm. Free admission or €2 with a ra e ticket. Registration essential at https://entradium. com/events/l-alfas-ludic-fest

initiative of cutting costs of 400 products would save buyers almost €105 while shopping.

Eight out of 10 products in Aldi are of Spanish ori-

gin and nine out of 10 are from Aldi’s brand. According to a recent study by Kantar Worldpanel, customers can save up to €696.62 per year if they only purchase Aldi-branded products.

Aldi began their generous and much-needed campaign in January of

this year, applying discounts of up to 23 per cent on a large number of items. With its latest project, the store will continue to provide families across Spain with a reliable supply of products, no matter the concerning, rising costs in the country.

EXPLORING delicious, colourful fruits is one of the biggest advantages of living in Spain and with each spring season, comes the time for nispero.

Spring fruit

Nispero (loquat) blooms in springtime and grows on a tree between 304 and 914 centimetres in height, bearing fruit after two or three years.

Although its roots go back to China, it became cultivated in Japan and introduced to Spain by merchant sailors, who were

especially attracted to the Callosa d’en Sarria in Costa Blanca due to its favourable climate.

This fruit’s taste is somewhat reminiscent of a mango and peach fusion, although there are two types of nispero, which vary slightly.

The Argelino is the sweeter type, usually eaten raw and the Tanaka is preferred for baking or making jam.

Nispero has not only

been cultivated for its delicious taste but also the health benefits, rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin B6.

Nispero can be added as a filling for pastries or enjoyed as a fruit on its own and its leaves can be used to make aromatic, herbal tea.

In Costa Blanca, many of the farmers pass nispero culmination through generations, continuing to cherish the Coast’s delicacy.

BENIDORM City Council increased their subsidies to the Marina Baixa Animal and Plant Protection Society by €10,000, reaching a total aid of €50,000.

The Marina Baixa Animal and Plant Protection Society provides veterinary care and protection to animals, rehabilitating and rehoming the ones in need.

The city council has been collaborating with the Society for numerous years and now reinforced their support of the organisation, as the councillor for Health, Ana Pellicer, emphasised: “With this increase in the subsidy, we ensure that the entity can continue providing this important service with all the guarantees.”

She noted that the subsidy effectively improves animal sheltering, covering “the costs of caring for abandoned animals that are collected on public roads, both in terms of their maintenance and the veterinary care that they require.”

Moreover, Pellicer emphasised that “the Protector carries out important informative work and campaigns to promote the responsible adoption of these animals,” showing the city council’s determination to continue to share their efforts for the lives of animals.

Animal protection Tennis Club

Claude Norris “IT’s about tennis but it’s also about having lots of fun,” shared Andy, a member of JITC (Javea International Tennis Club).

With JITC, every match and practice feels rejuvenating, fuelling the players for future success.

Javea International Tennis Club is a unique club based around Javea with regular practice held at La Sella.

“It is a great club with a good range of tennis abilities and one of the best social scenes around,” said Andy. The club has around 60 members and alongside the training, social events are an integral part of the group; the delightful wine tastings, walking tours and beach picnics are always something to look forward to.

The club is made up of a diverse range of Europeans and someone in the club most likely speaks your mother tongue. JITC meet at La Salla Tennis Court, getting together four times per week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10am. The team practice is held every Tuesday afternoon; for current and aspiring league players, three mixed teams are participating in the Inter Club League, with matches played from September through to May.

Are you interested in becoming a member?

Find out more at javea tennis.net.

NISPERO: Blooms in the springtime.

The UK tax residence test and expatriates

Are you sure you have escaped UK taxation? You may be settled in Spain but if you spend time in the UK each year or retain property there, you could still be treated as UK tax resident, making your worldwide income and gains liable to UK income and capital gains taxes.

The UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT)

The SRT determines your UK residence status for tax purposes. Assessing your position is not just about counting days spent in Britain; you need to work through the following three tests in order. (All references to ‘years’ mean a UK tax year and a ‘day’ counts when you are present at midnight.)

1. Automatic overseas test – you are treated as not resident in the UK if you meet any of these conditions:

• UK resident in one or more of the previous three years,

By Brett Hanson, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

and present for fewer than 16 days in the UK in the current tax year.

• Not UK resident in any of the previous three years and present for fewer than 46 days in the current year.

• Work overseas full-time with no more than 30 days spent working in the UK and present for under 90 days that year.

2. Automatic residence test – you are deemed resident in the UK if you meet any of these conditions:

• Present in the UK for 183 days or more that year.

• Only or ‘main’ home is in the UK – available for 91 consecutive days and actually used for at least 30 that year.

• Work full-time in the UK for any period of 365 days with no significant break (subject to conditions).

3. Sufficient ties test – if your residence position is not determined under the first two tests, the next step is to consider your connections to the UK.

• Family – spouse/minor children resident in the UK.

• Accommodation – available to you for 91 continuous days (even if you spend just one night there).

• Work – working in the UK at least 40 days in the year.

• Substantial visits – spending 90 days+ in the UK in either or both of the two previous years.

• Favoured country – spending more days in the UK than any other single country (only applies to ‘leavers’).

This works on a sliding scale – the more ties you have with the UK, the less time you can spend onshore without becoming UK resident; the fewer ties, the longer you can spend there before UK residency applies.

The number of days varies depending on whether you are an ‘arriver’ (non-UK resident in any of the previous three years) or a ‘leaver’ (UK resident in any of the previous three years).

The rules allow for up to 60 days spent in the UK under ‘exceptional circumstances’ to be disregarded, but only where you have no choice and circumstances are unforeseen and beyond your control.

This is just a summary of the rules, which are detailed and highly complex – take specialist advice to establish where you stand. Wherever your liabilities lie, a tax planning review could let you take advantage of legitimate arrangements to minimise taxation while meeting your obligations.

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; individuals should seek personalised advice.

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

Generally, you are treated as tax resident in one country or another, but it is possible to be dual-resident in both the UK and Spain under the respective domestic laws. While the double tax treaty offers protection from paying tax twice on the same income, you may still be liable for taxation in both countries, so take advice.

ON Saturday, May 18 the Original Charity Shop is holding an afternoon of fun, with all proceeds going to the Bomberos Voluntarios. These guys are our local heroes who work so hard and risk their own health and lives to keep us all safe.

From 2pm go along and enjoy an afternoon of fun. The shop will remain open all afternoon and they have lots of beautiful summer clothes for ladies and gents for

A fun afternoon

you to choose from.

There will also be a Tombola table with fabulous prizes to be won, such as hampers, restaurant vouchers, wine, cava and much much more. You can also enjoy their

bake sale with mouth-watering cakes and cup cakes.

There will also be a book sale with a great selection of books for as little as 50 cents.

So please go along, meet some of the Voluntarios and help them raise lots of cash for these brave re ghters, who have already had to deal with 15 call outs so far this year… and summer hasn’t even started yet.

So there is all that equipment that needs to be cleaned or replaced after each episode.

Thank you for your support.

Great potential

GRAVITY WAVE was recognised as the start-up with the most potential in the Valencian Community.

of Industry and Tourism, through ENISA and CaixaBank, through DayOne.

Rooted in Calpe, Gravity Wave is a collective of individuals and organisations dedicated to bringing the sea back to its optimal state: entirely plastic free.

On April 29, the Emprende 21st Awards recognised Gravity Wave as the startup with the most potential in the Valencian region.

Gravity Wave was co-awarded by the Ministry

The Emprende 21st Awards, held annually, support the growth of companies with less than three years of experience by granting funding and development strategies.

This year, Gravity Wave received €6,000 and access to a training programme, Moonshot Thinking. This programme o ers custom training for start-ups taught by the ESADE (European

Business School) faculty. Furthermore, Gravity Wave was invited to attend the Emprende 21st Investor’s Day where they will network with companies and potential investors. Since its founding, Gravity Wave has collaborated with 7,000 shermen and more than 120 companies, removing more than 500,000 kilograms of plastic from the sea.

Find out more about Gravity Wave at thegravitywave. com/nosotros/

PLASTIC FREE: Gravity Wave in Calpe.

Young musicians

ALTEA will host almost 1,600 students from the Valencian Community, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands for the Com Sona L’ESO Festival in celebration of music and education.

The annual festival unites students and music teachers across the country to present their most developed musical compositions, inspiring and challenging each other with each performance.

This year, the festival will focus on the play Comedian on May 10 at 10pm in Cami de l’Algar.

With choir performance and instrumental music, the show challenges students in their approach to communication, building a bridge of connection through art.

Alongside the performance, dances from across the globe will be exhibited on May 9 near Bol Beach.

On May 10 morning, students will present their vision of street music in Plaza de la Iglesia.

Pam’s People, fun & frolics

PAM SMALL is a Dance Instructor who runs fun dance fitness classes around the Marina Alta.

All funds raised at the classes are passed over to charities in the community, and in addition to keeping fit, sometimes you’ll find the group doing demonstration dances at local events. One such occasion was the April Parkinson’s Support Group held at the HELP Activity Centre in La Xara, Denia.

‘Pam’s People’ danced to some old time tunes, and all the attendees were then invited to join in and ‘cut some shapes’. There were some entertaining moves!

The finale of ‘Doing the Lambeth Walk’ had everyone dancing, singing and laughing, and the whole performance was much appreciated by the audience.

Pam Small (on the right) and some of Pam’s People.

Safe plots

Unique species born

TEULADA City Council launched a campaign to raise awareness amongst landowners, reducing the risk of forest res.

With the rise in temperatures and res across the Valencian Community, Teulada City Council with the Environment Department developed a new campaign.

The campaign, ‘Clean plots, safe plots’ targets local landowners, encouraging them to take care of their plots, eliminating

waste to reduce the threat of forest res.

The council will carry out inspections of the plots located in risk areas and notify the owners of the cleaning measures they’ll need to take. Sanctions will be imposed for not complying, for the waste in these plots is highly combustible and falls under the risk of re.

Teualada’s councillor for the Environment, Pilar Vidal urged citizens to collaborate: “It is essential

that we are all aware of our responsibility in protecting the environment. The proper maintenance of the plots is one of the most important measures we can take to avoid these res.”

Vidal highlighted: “Cleaning the plots is a simple task that can avoid major disasters. With the arrival of good weather, the risk of forest res increases, so it is crucial to take preventive measures and for everyone to collaborate.”

Claude Norris

TWO blue arrow poison frogs, in danger of extinction, were born in Terra Natura; one of the only places in which they can still be found.

The Dedrobates azureus species have been in decline for numerous years. With a life expectancy of around 15 years, they are mainly found in the region of Suriname and parts of Brazil.

With Spain’s warm climate and the care of Terra

Natura, the species arrived at the Benidorm park in 2009 and currently live in a group of four adults and two new-borns.

The adult frogs laid six eggs in winter and as a team of herpetologists transferred the eggs to specially adapted Terra Natura terrariums, two o springs were born.

The creatures were fed adapted to their needs and after approximately a month, began to develop their hind legs. After four wee-

ks, they fully formed into frogs.

These species are only poisonous when they feed on toxic ants in wild habitats, and since these were born in Terra Natura, feeding ies and crickets, they won’t develop their toxic capacity.

These frogs are protected by the CITES II convention; each birth of the species makes a signi cant impact, guaranteeing the continuity of the species in biodiversity.

Blue arrow poisonous frog.

TEULADA FORESTS: It’s crucial to take preventive measures.

Credit: Anthony Robinson, Flickr

We explain when

it’s

possible to request the suspension of the deadline for paying Inheritance and Gift Tax in Spain

WHEN someone passes away, the heirs are faced with a series of procedures and formalities that must be carried to process the inheritance. Among them, one of the most important aspects is the Inheritance and Gift Tax (IHT). Dealing with this tax is vital in order to proceed with the distribution of the assets. This tax can cause concern due to the deadlines set for its payment. In today’s article, we analyse the deadline to file it and the possibility of requesting a suspension of this deadline, under certain conditions.

Inheritance tax. General deadline and extension

As we have explained in the past, the IHT is a state tax whose management is transferred to the different autonomous regions. Accor -

ding to the current regulations, the tax must be paid within six months. However, it is possible to request an extension within the first five months after the date of death. The extension extends the deadline another six months. That is, in total, one year from the date of death.

Extension and interest for late payment. Surcharges.

When the heirs do not pay the Inheritance Tax within the first six months of the death, they will face interest for late payment. These will be accrued on the tax due from the seventh month onwards. Even if an extension has been requested and granted, interest for late payment will always be due from the seventh month onwards.

Furthermore, when the tax is submitted after the deadline (after the seventh month if no extension has been requested, or after the thirteenth month if an extension has been granted), surcharges will be payable.

Suspension of the deadline of the Tax. When can it be requested?

Article 69 of the Inheritance and Gift Tax Regulations establishes the cases in which it is possible to request the suspension of the filing deadline. When litigation or voluntary testamentary proceedings are initiated between the heirs, it is possible to apply for a suspension. This should also include cases in which, for example, criminal proceedings concerning the falsi -

ty of the will, etc, are being conducted.

From when does the suspension of the deadline for filing the tax start to run?

In order to determine the point in time when the time limit is suspended, it is necessary to examine the date when the claim was presented in court. The time limit will start to run again from the day following the day on which the final decision terminating the legal proceedings becomes final.

What happens when, after the expiry of the deadline/ extension, a court proceeding starts? In such cases, the tax administration may require the submission of the tax but will suspend the liquidation until the final ruling is issued.

Conclusions

Contentious inheritances, in which the heirs do not agree, and the matter ends up in court, can affect the deadlines established for filing the Inheritance and Gift Tax.

At White-Baos Lawyers we are experts in Inheritance Law and Inheritance Tax. If you wish to apply for the suspension, request and extension, etc of the IHT, do not hesitate to contact us. We will study your case and offer you expert legal advice on the subject.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.

ABOGADOS / SOLICITORS

Sealed with a kiss

IT looks as if climate change has caused havoc amongst lovers of all ages in the Czech Republic as May 1 is their equivalent of Valentine’s Day.

This is when, according to tradition, couples kiss under blossoming cherry trees to proclaim to each other the

strength of their relationship. The problem however is that cherry trees like many other representatives of Mother Nature have moved with the times and have started to bloom earlier in the year. Unlike mistletoe, Czech mates can hardly cut a sprig of che-

rry blossom, put in the fridge and then bring it out on the right day, so although some cherries were and continue to blossom in parts of the country, other parts weren’t so lucky.

Saving seal pups

FOUR grey seal pups are currently being nursed back to health at Korkeasaari Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital in Helsinki.

this was normal and they should not be disturbed.

If this situation continues in the coming years, it seems obvious that, as was the case with some couples this year, that rather than wait for the beginning of May, lovers who want to plight their troth might have to do so earlier to take advantage of the arrival of the blossoms!

Although some might say that this is all a bit of nonsense and it doesn’t matter, there is a real problem in as much as if commercial fruit farms see early blossoms and then there is a cold snap, there could (and has been) a signi cant drop in productivity.

Although not that well known internationally, there are almost 5,000 producers of wine in the Czech Republic and already some of their vineyards have been hit by this exact problem with grapes freezing on the vines.

When the rst two arrived from Inkoo at the end of March they still had the white puppy fur that keeps them warm during the rst weeks of dependence on their mothers for survival.

One was found on the Inkoo shore and the other on a sandy pathway, the zoo explained. Both had been separated too early from their mothers but by April their grey adult fur had appeared and they were learning to sh for their own food at the rehabilitation centre’s pool.

Another pup from the Inkoo harbour area was brought in with an injured front ipper and two missing claws while another, rescued and found at Westend in late April, had deep wounds probably caused by a boat propeller.

Seal pups are often spotted resting along the shore in Helsinki’s Vuosaari and Katajanokka neighbourhoods but the zoo experts explained that

Pups that appeared to be thin could also be avoiding the water as they still lacked su cient blubber for insulation, they added. Others sometimes wandered inland far from the sea but even the smallest could defend themselves by biting, they said.

Members of the public were advised to keep a safe distance from any pups they saw but if they were concerned about their condition, the Wildlife Hospital could be consulted via phone, the zoo said.

SEAL PUPS: Fur is white while dependent on mother.

Photo credit: CC/Sinousxl

Nora Shephard

MAKE sure to mark May 26 on your calendars, especially if you nd yourself in Paris around that time.

On this particular Sunday, the iconic Champs-Elysees

Parisian picnic

The event dubbed Le Grand Pique-nique des Champs promises to be the largest picnic in the world, at

The festivities will unfold in two picnic sessions: brunch

A stretch of 216 metres along the avenue, adorned with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, will set the scene for this grand a air, extending from the Triumphal Arch to Avenue George V.

Cheers to justice

What’s most enticing is that attendance is completely free. Participants won’t need to bring any food or beverages; just themselves.

Each nine-square-metre section of the ‘tablecloth’ will comfortably accommodate a group of six people.

Guests will be treated to ‘packed meals specially cooked by restaurateurs’ from the Champs-Elysées.

Nine pop-up kitchens will be strategically placed nearby to prepare and serve meals to attendees. The sessions take place at 11.45am and 1.30pm.

While participation is complimentary, due to limited space and anticipated high demand, the organisers will conduct a draw to randomly select approximately 3,700 lucky individuals who will have the chance to partake.

Check out: paris.fr

There’s a lucrative market for counterfeiters.

A CHINESE fraudster has been sentenced to ve years in prison and ned 250,000 yuan (£27,500) for his involvement in a counterfeit wine operation.

Qi Moudao admitted to producing fake wines from prestigious Bordeaux châteaux, which led to his conviction.

During a police raid, authorities seized 786 bottles of counterfeit wine.

Among the con scated bottles were 33 falsely labelled as Petrus, Château La te Rothschild, or Pomerol, and an additional 29 branded as Carruades de La te 2017.

The Tongzhou District People’s Court of Beijing considered Qi’s actions a severe case of trademark infringement, resulting in his ve-year prison sentence.

Qi opted not to appeal the court’s decision.

The court chose to publicise the details of the case during National Intellectual Property Week in China to raise consumer

awareness about the risks associated with purchasing prestigious wines from unveri ed sources.

Authorities disclosed that the production cost of the counterfeit wines was minimal, given the substantial nancial incentive for fraudsters.

With a single bottle of Petrus fetching over 50,000 yuan (£5,500) in mainland China, there’s a lucrative market for counterfeiters.

These criminals often attempt to sell fake wines at slightly reduced prices compared to legitimate retailers, claiming that the products are authentic but smuggled.

Since 2020, Chinese law enforcement has intensi ed e orts to combat counterfeit wines, resulting in several notable busts, including a raid in Fujian Province in January 2023, which uncovered 40,000 fake bottles of wine, including La te and Penfolds, valued at over £120 million.

Image: La Vinya del Senyor / Facebook

Eva’s new life

THE allure of Spain has won over another Hollywood star, as Eva Longoria, and her family have made the decision to move to Spain.

The Desperate Housewives actress, together with her husband Pepe Baston and their veyear-old son Santiago, who have lived in Los Angeles, are to settle in Spain after putting their Beverly Hills house on the market.

The transition was set in motion early in 2023 when Longoria and Baston decided to sell their Beverly Hills home for approximately €18 million.

Despite this major life change, both continue their ventures in Los Angeles and Mexico, where Baston has signi cant ties with Televisa, Latin America’s premier communication rm.

Sources suggest a blend of professional and personal reasons behind Longoria’s move. According to a close friend of the actress, the couple seek a nurturing environment for their son, far away from the frenzy of Hollywood.

Longoria has not been secretive about er a ection for Spain. In a heartfelt revelation to Hola! magazine, she said, “I feel very happy when I am in Spain, I love this country.

“I discovered Marbella 20 years ago and it was love at rst sight,” she shared. Her dream of living in Spain became reality with the purchase of a dream home in Marbella earlier this year, describing it as “my oasis, my paradise.”

The trend of celebrities relocating to Spain is not new. Other prominent stars have also given up life in Los Angeles such as Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Amber Heard, and Richard Gere.

Army anniversary

KING FELIPE VI and Queen Letizia attended the General Military Academy in Zaragoza on May 4 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the King’s promotion in the Army.

The King was received with a 21 cannon salute, after military honours and reunited with the 200 men who trained beside him. Alongside the army trainees of his past, the King met the 800 cadets currently training the General Military Academy, amongst whom was his daughter, Princess Leonor.

Credit: taniavolobueva/Shutterstock.com

Eva Longoria at the Cannes Film Festival.

Victorious Youth victory

Linda Hall

THE Getty Trust must return Victorious Youth, its prized Greek bronze created between 300 and 100BC, to Italy.

A fishing boat hauled up the statue while trawling in international waters off Fano on the Adriatic coast in 1964.

A unanimous decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled on May 2 that the J Paul Getty Trust acted with “negligence or bad faith” when it acquired the bronze in 1977 for $4 million (approximately €3.7 million).

Since then it has been on display at the Getty Villa Museum in Malibu (California) although an Italian court ordered its return in 2010, ruling that it had been illega lly exported.

The Getty Trust challenged this decision which was also upheld by Italy’s Supreme Court, maintaining that its rights had been violated by Italy’s campaign to reco ver the statue.

Italy “had every right” to demand the statue’s return, the ECHR has

now ruled.

Although part of the lower legs of the 1.52-metre statue are missing, it is one of the few surviving life-sized Greek bronzes, and some experts attribute the bronze to Lysippus, Alexander the Great’s personal sculptor.

The statue was probably taken by the Romans after they conquered Greece and ended up on the seabed when the ship taking it to Italy foundered and sank.

VICTORIOUS YOUTH: Italy is entitled to the Greek statue, ECHR rules.

Dublin pub’s dress code

DEMPSEY’S BAR a newly opened pub in Balbriggan, Dublin has faced criticism after it posted a list of house rules that included a surprising dress code.

The bar’s conditions, prominently displayed on a plaque outside the venue, include a series of stipulations concerning age, dress, and conduct.

According to Dublin Live, the plaque states, ‘The management strictly reserves the right to refuse admission to the premises. Strictly over 23s. Proof of age required.’

It further details dress code requirements: ‘A neat fashionable dress code is required. T-shirts,

round-necks, and trainers may only be allowed at the discretion of the staff/management.’ Moreover, the sign specifies, ‘No hoodies, baseball hats, beanies or coats to be worn upon entry.’

It also notes, ‘No collec-

tions or ticket selling, etc. Patrons are advised that the entire premises are CCTV covered, and such footage may be used in evidence where an incident has occurred or requested by the garda.’

One person posted on

Facebook, ‘Lol. So, no coats but doesn’t mention track suits, lol. And what do you wear in winter or at Christmas. Lol, no coats.’

Another wrote ‘So you can’t wear a coat going into a pub. Do they realise this is Ireland, ffs.’

Critics also question the exclusion of casual wear, ‘It’s not the 90s anymore. No trainers or t-shirts? They may as well have put over 50s on the sign.’

On the other hand, one supporter stated, ‘Everyone should be embracing and supporting a new business in our town not slating and criticising every bit of it before it even opens!’

Entry fee leads to bigger crowds

BIRTHDAY parties, aperitifs, organised groups, day trippers; the weekend arrived and the centre of Venice seemed no different from any other spring weekend, despite the introduction, from April 25, of the ‘access fee’, the €5 tax that non-Venetian day visitors, who are not staying or working in the city, must pay.

Almost 22,000 paying visitors were registered on day two of the experiment and the photos of the overflowing streets caused those who oppose the charge and who have always been critical of the measure, to protest.

“As we have repeatedly said, the entry ticket not only complicates the lives of residents (they have to register their exemption online) but also does absolutely nothing to limit numbers, on the one hand because the Venetians are exempt and on the other because it is not a deterrent as we can see. The city council should stop, admit that the measure does not work, and open a serious discussion on the management of tourism in this city,” said Monica Sambo, city councillor of

the Democratic Party.

“As is already clear from these early days of the ticket’s application, the measure is completely useless for the purpose of controlling tourist flows, it only serves to make cash,” said Gianfranco Bettin, councillor of the Progressive Green party.

Action Venice though, takes the opposite view: “The city is unliveable and if the ticket is the first step towards finding practicable solutions or at least acquiring data, it is welcome,” said a spokesperson.

Credit: VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock.com

HOUSE RULES: New pub has faced criticism.

Anna Akopyan

THE Dutch Princess Amalia was forced to leave her life in the Netherlands due to kidnapping threats, seeking seclusion in Madrid.

Now, back in her home country, she spoke out for the first time about her life during the difficult times.

Free in Madrid

United with her family for the King’s Day, Princess Amalia talked to the Press about her life in Madrid: “I must honestly say that it was a wonderful time, which also made life here somewhat possible.”

The Princess revealed that living in Madrid gave her freedom which she felt she was losing: “I was able to find my freedom a little more there than was possible here.”

Since February 2024, the Dutch Princess has returned to her country to continue her studies at Amsterdam University.

King Willem-Alexander had previously thanked the Spanish Royal Family for “a touching show of friendship at a difficult time,” as King Felipe and Queen Letizia “helped arrange” the Princess’ stay in Madrid.

The King referenced his deep feelings for Spain, as it is where he met his wife Maxima. He emphasised to the Press: ”A visit to Spain always feels like an embrace. Not only for us, but also for our eldest daughter.”

Bicycles overtake cars in Paris

RECENT data suggests a signi cant shift in the transportation preferences of Parisians. In April, a regional mobility survey highlighted a notable change in the French capital.

For the rst time, bicycles have surpassed private cars as the preferred means of transportation within the city. This transformation re ects a growing trend towards sustainable urban travel.

The survey indicates that bicycles are now the primary mode of transport in Paris, with an estimated 30 per cent of all trips in the Ile-de-France region made on two wheels.

‘Parisians use bicycles more than cars,’ the survey reports, underscoring the shift towards eco-friendlier commuting options.

Meanwhile, the private car continues to dominate in the outer areas of the Paris region, where public transport options are less accessible and lifestyles demand more exibility.

The survey also sheds light on broader transport trends. On average, residents of the Paris area spend 92 minutes commuting on weekdays, with the time decreasing to 67 minutes on Saturdays and 49 minutes on Sundays. The average commute to work takes 38 minutes, re ecting the signi cant role of employment in shaping travel habits.

For leisure activities like shopping or entertainment, walking is the preferred choice for those living in Paris’s city centre, with women making up 55 per cent of pedestrian tra c.

Bicycles are preferred means of transport in the city centre.

Giant Paella

Shannon Salvatore

AFTER almost a week of heavy rainfall, the sun finally emerged on Saturday May 4 as if it wanted to join the community of L’Alfaz del Pi in support for the Asociación Voluntariado Social (Food Bank).

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

For the third consecutive year, the food bank’s initiative offered a meal for 600, yet the turnout far exceeded expectations, with estimates suggesting over 1,000 attendees.

The weekend itself was a celebration of La Creueta Festival, which is

Spearheaded by their president Antonio Viso, they converted the quiet town into an oasis with a generous and vibrant atmosphere. Hundreds of people queued through nearly the whole of Calle la Ferreria, titillated by the intoxicating scent of saffron, eagerly waiting to taste a portion of the gigantic paella.

Each plate cost €3 with every cent going towards the food bank. “We are very thankful to the organisers of the event, to the town hall, the mayor, and especially the councillor of Fiestas, Sandra Gomez,” commented Antonio.

one of the oldest celebrations in the municipality that revolves around the decoration of flowers on the ‘Stone Cross’, the statue of Jesus Christ in the centre of L’Alfaz Del Pias welcomes the return of spring.

The event, a testament to the town’s unity, not only filled stomachs but also replenished the food bank’s ability to aid those in need.

It was a reminder that in L’Alfaz del Pi, when it comes to supporting neighbours, everyone is ready to pitch in, one plate at a time.

Wine for ladies

RESTAURANTE Ca Pepe invites all ladies for a delightful evening of wine tasting and tapas on May 16.

Situated on Moraira’s coast, Restaurante Ca Pepe offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine and the finest wines, which you can enjoy in a peaceful, rural environment.

To present the wide variety of Ca Pepe’s wines, the restaurant invites all ladies to get together for a delightful dis-

covery of wines from across the globe.

Traditional tapas with exquisite taste will also be served, ranging in flavour and presentation, perfectly complimenting each type of wine.

Book your place on 658 879 547 or capepemoraira@gmail. com.

€38 per person.

Beginning at 7pm at Restaurante Ca Pepe, C/ Haya, 51, 03724 Moraira.

Antonio Viso with Councillor Sandra Gomez.

Credit: Ca Pepe Moraira, Facebook

Boho

Boutique

Anna Akopyan

DO you want to spend the summer in style? Find your new favourites at the Boho Boutique fashion show at La Bambula on May 18.

From 6pm, the popular La Bambula beach restaurant will host the stylish models exhibiting Boho Boutique’s latest spring-summer collection.

The brand’s authentic craft, choice of soft fabrics and passion for colour, make for one-of-a-kind garments, reflective of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

With flowing dresses, floral blouses and statement jewellery pieces, the nature of our coast is beautifully

reflected in the eye-catching, colourful outfits. With a wide variety of beachwear, streetwear and fancy dress, you are guaranteed to find a piece that moves your soul or would make a great gift for a loved one.

La Bambula restaurant offers an extensive menu, ranging from sushi and pizza to vegan dishes and delightful desserts. Come to enjoy the exotic, tasty cocktails at a sea-fronted venue and find your new favourite garment at Boho Boutique fashion show.

La Bambula at Avenida Ultramar 2, Javea

6pm start. Reserve your seat on 966 470 688.

Discover Boho Boutique`s collection here.

European cuisine

EMBARK on a gastronomy journey through Europe until May 12 with Alfas del Pi’s debut food festival.

This year, Alfas del Pi Town Council collaborated with 18 local restaurants that are offering unique menus with specialised national dishes representing the 27 countries of the EU. In a municipality which homes almost 100 different nationalities, as the local councillor of Commerce and Consumption, Patrick de Meirsman noted, the EU sector has “a varied and rich representation in our municipality.”

This festival will also coincide with the celebration of World Paella Day on May 11, for which local Spanish restaurants are expected to compete in delicious and authentic offers of paella; the declared ‘Intangible Heritage of Humanity’.

This project aims to shine a light on the diverse community of Alfas del Pi and empower the local businesses.

The menus of all restaurants can be evaluated by all visitors through QR codes, with a prize award granted to the winner, as well as the participants receiving a prize for their support.

The restaurants participating, amongst others, include the French Bistro Belle Epok and the Romanian Authentic Bar Restaurant.

Find out about more offers here.: https://www.lalfas.es/concejalias/ relacion-colectivos/presentacionde-las-primeras-jornadasgastronomicas-europeas-de-lalfas/

Alfas del Pi Council.

Photo: La Boutique Boho by Javeacompany, Facebook

Anna Akopyan

Jazz and swing

THE classic and enduringly popular jazz band, Bourbon Street Stompers will perform the best New Orleans jazz in Teulada-Moraira.

Concerts Costa Blanca collaborated with Teulada-Moraira Lions Club to welcome back the prestigious jazz and swing band for another spectacular performance.

Concerts Costa Blanca association has spent years bringing extraordinary artists to Costa Blanca and collaborating with music establishments across the globe.

This year, the association collaborated with Teulada-Moraira Lions Club; the largest fundraising organisation serving the local community. The Lions Club has been making impactful donations to hospitals, refugee and care homes and continues to assist those in need in Costa Blanca.

In shared efforts, the two organisations arranged the concert of the Bourbon Street Stompers; a German-based internationally popular jazz band with almost 30 years of experience in jazz.

The Auditori Teulada-Moraira welcomes Gunnar Sachs (trumpet), Helge Sachs (trumpet and clarinet), Axel Stephan (percussion), Carsten Bernoth (piano), Olaf Kalytta (trombone), Michael Reiss (cello), Rene Richter (banjo) and Betty Berent (vocals).

Thursday May 9 at 7.30pm at Auditori Teulada Moraira

Tickets for €20 per person can be purchased at The Lions Den near Pepe la Sal at the fish roundabout in Moraira, Monday-Saturday, 10am-1.30pm or at the Auditori Teulada-Moraira on May 9.

Moftag exceeds all expectations

AFTER pushing the limits for the past few years the Moftag Club of Calpe finally reached their target of raising €3,000 at their Spring Fayre on Saturday May 4! The fayre was held at Pub Delfin, Calpe and was very well attended.

Amongst the goods on offer was a large variety of home-made cakes, savouries, marmalades and chutneys. The bric-a-brac had an amazing selection of jewellery and household items. Handmade greetings cards were also on sale and the cutest hand knitted goods.

For entertainment there was a treasure hunt game, a dice game and

the ever popular bottle tombola. Moftag has become renowned for its superior raffle prizes and this year was no exception with luxury food hampers, vouchers for beauty treatments and meals and beautiful flowers and plants.

Moftag would like to thank everyone who made this event possible and especially the members of the Calpe community who came along to support them.

Together they can make a difference for so many of the Calpe charities, such as the Red Cross, Caritas, Maite Boronat, children in care, single parents, homeless people, the Fibromyalgia Association and Calpe cat shelter.

If you are interested in being a member and enjoying a nice social club please contact the president, Jenny Godfrey on 639 139 518.

Charity triumph

WITH your help, Save My Life made €30,819 to rescue animals in need. On Sunday April 28, the charity concert at Benidorm Palace raised more than €30,000, all of which will be used

ses who sponsored the event.

The significant amount of €6,743,61 came from the talented Ruby Rox (Mark Ellis)’s performances in the Riviera Hotel, October 2023-April

ce and their team, local businesses who sponsored our event, Fat Cat Print Ltd who made all our merchandise and to every single person who bought a ticket” For the 11th time sin-

to deliver veterinary services and food supplies to animals in need, hosting them at the Protectera animal shelter before they are rehomed.

The impressive total came from ticket sales, a 50/50 raffle, an auction and donations on April 28 and €3,700 from the local busines-

2024. Save My Life shared the triumphant results on Facebook: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support to ourselves and our Save My Life charity event.”

They expressed their gratitude to “the very talented acts, our two hosts, Benidorm Pala-

ce its founding, Save My Life highlighted the kindness of our community, proving what can be achieved when we all come together.

Keep in touch with Save My Life at ht tps://www.facebook. com/profile. php?id=1 00090504343125

SEE the talented dancers of Marcia’s Dance Centre at the Fira Calpe on Sunday May 12 from 2-3pm.

Each year, the council hosts the Fira Calpe festival and invites Marcia’s Dance Centre to entertain the audience with fabulous performances by dance groups of different styles, levels and ages. This year, a diverse programme of dances including ballet, tap dancing, hip hop, burlesque and Charleston will showcase the local talent, ranging from three-year-old dancers to groups of 70+. Find out more at https:// www.marciasdance centre.com/.

Marcia’s dancing

Photo: Rebecca, Penny and Beverly.

Mark Ellis (Ruby Rox) collecting raised funds

QUIRKY TOWN

White out rather than wipe out in Ibi battles.

Food fight in Ibi

John Smith

IN Spain, December 28 is known as Día de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Holy Innocents) and is the equivalent of April Fool’s Day in the UK or Poisson d’avril in France.

It’s associated with the fact that King Herod ordered that all boys under the age of two in Bethlehem should be executed in order to eradicate the new King of the Jews (Jesus).

This has now turned into a fun day, none more so than in the town of Ibi in Alicante which has held its annual Els Enfarinats event for the past two centuries.

Residents dress up in fake military uniforms and appoint a mayor for the day after pulling o a generally blood-

INTERVIEW

less coup d’état.

Needless to say, there is a battle or in fact several battles but rather than using guns and swords, the military might is composed of our, eggs, re extinguishers and reworks. The new government enacts a number of crazy laws and if anyone is caught breaking them then they are ned, but the money collected goes to local charities.

Basically, it’s a free for all although everyone is warned about the dangers of bangers and after the morning battles, the combatants and audience stop for lunch before returning to the fray in the afternoon. Next they stop for a dance, one more ght and then having cleaned up again, enjoy a celebration with more dancing, some food and drink.

Speaking European –Hannie Musk

Hannie Musk learnt what freedom was when she moved from the Netherlands to Costa Blanca in Spain.

HANNIE MUSK moved to Spain one and a half years ago with her husband. She rst visited Costa Blanca and found a job at the SGGZ health clinic. She called her husband to say: “I feel at home here. The only thing I miss is you. So come here and let’s stay.”

Hannie often misses her children and her grandson back in the Netherlands but her daughter rents an apartment and her son is currently moving to Spain.

Hannie Musk

Tired of the cold rain and the constant rush of the people, Hannie wanted something di erent. And she found it in Spain.

“I want to live outside. I want to live in the sun. And now I nally get to do that. My life is so much better.”

Hannie is now self-employed working as an online therapist supporting people with burnout and chronic stress. She also o ers a 10-day treatment in Spain.

“After I sold my house in the Netherlands, I nally learnt what freedom is. You have only one life. If you want to do something, just do it.”

Find out more about Hannie at https:// www.strengthenbalance.nl/

The give that keeps on giving

By Shannon Salvatore

SINCE the summer of 2012, Gary Burr, president of the Giving4Giving charity shop, has been on a divine mission to help as many people as he possibly can. Armed with a team of incredible volunteers they have managed to raise well over €300,000 for local cancer charities and other worthy causes up and down the Costa Blanca. The money raised by Burr and the volunteers was via the sales of the charity shops, the furniture warehouse and also organising various fundraising events.

The fight is not over, however, as Burr is delighted to announce that an additional furniture store is to be opened in early June 2024 in Albir, situated on the Avenida De Europa, 26,/N332, right next door to the Hotel Europa. Not only will the new store provide help to give additional income for the charity, but hopefully it will also benefit

from becoming part of the local community and raise awareness of the vital work and people it supports.

The Home Store aims to provide an array of discounted goods and interior decor to suit every room, style, season and budget.

Donations are urgently nee-

ded to fill the empty store to be ready for the grand opening in early June - namely, household furniture, sofas, beds, table sets, garden furniture, bric-à-brac, electrical goods, wall prints, rugs etc.

If you have nothing to donate at this time, then why not pop in for the grand opening in June and show your support to Gary and his group of dedicated volunteers?

Your kind donations can be dropped off at the new store or Gary can arrange a free pickup service for larger items, covering all areas.

The charity is also appealing for volunteers to join the team running the store; so if you enjoy meeting new people and would like to make a difference in the local community, please get in touch soon and pay a visit to the up and running stores within the areas of Altea, Albir, L’Alfaz Del Pi, La Nucia and Villajoyosa and Benidorm.

For any further information, please contact Gary on 603 137 697 or you can message their Facebook page - Giving4Giving.

The new Giving4Giving store will open in early June.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Foundations for growth from Early Years at Lady Elizabeth School

Unveiling our Early Years Curriculum and Teaching Approach 100% in English

THE best Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) practice recognises and values the importance of play as a vehicle for children’s learning.

As Albert Einstein once said “Play is the highest form of research”. That is why at the Lady Elizabeth School, we aim to provide our children with a safe, stimulating and caring environment in which they will thrive. Childled play is central to our curriculum and pedagogy and our team, who are highly experienced and have a sound understanding of how young children learn, can observe them as they act and interact in their play. We provi -

de an enabling environment, resources and experiences that support children to make progress in their development and learning and allow them to learn through exploration, investigation and first-hand experiences, while providing them with periods of uninterrupted time to become deeply involved in their self-led learning.

To achieve this, we use the Early Years Foundation Stage which is based upon four principles:

• A Unique Child

• Positive Relationships

• Enabling Environments

• Learning and Develop -

ment

And which also states:

• Play

“Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults.”

Through play our children explore and develop learning experiences, which help them make sense of the world. They have the opportunity to practise skills, develop ideas and think creatively alongside other children

as well as individually. The children communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems. They have the opportunity to express fears or relive anxious experiences in controlled and safe situations.

All of this in a multilingual learning community of more than 50 nationalities, with strong support for languages that guarantee the multilingualism of students with

100 per cent immersion in English and other languages: Spanish, French and German. Lady Elizabeth School, with over 35 years of expertise in education, is committed to an international education with a British curriculum from the age of two to 18, based on the British curriculum, a system recognised worldwide with extensive preparation and specialisation in recent years.

IRELAND

Tight cap

DAA, which operates Dublin airport, foresaw that the passenger cap would cost jobs in 2025 and 2026 as it awaited a decision on increasing this from 32 million annually to 40 million. It would comply with the cap, DAA said, but warned that it reduced connectivity and impaired Ireland’s reputation in international aviation.

Coffee time

BEWLEY’S Coffee Consumption Report in 2021 revealed that, on average, 78 per cent of Irish adults drank coffee three times a day. Research that same year by BrewSmartly also found that Dublin’s ratio of 181 coffee shops per 100,000 people was one of the highest in the world and second only to Amsterdam.

NORWAY

In the bag

THE cost of a plastic bag in a Norwegian supermarket, which went up to 4.25 krone (€0.36) in 2023, rose to 5.5 krone (€0.46) on May 1 in a bid to dissuade people from requesting them. In practice the bags are going to cost 6 krone (€0.51) because one-krone coins are the lowest denomination now in circulation.

Seabed mining

THE Norwegian Offshore Directorate has invited applications for prospection licences for deep sea mining. The government has responded to criticism from environmentalist groups by arguing that it is essential not to depend on China or other authoritarian countries for the minerals needed in renewable technology.

ITALY

Toxic mixup

A BABY of four months was rushed to A and E where his stomach was pumped and he was intubated after his grandmother mistakenly used wine instead of bottled water for his formula. He is now recovering in a Bari paediatric hospital although the authorities are checking his medical records to decide whether to take further action.

Bear with us

THE 100 or so bears are now living in the Trentino region, compared with 10 at the start of the 2000s. Wildlife expert Claudio Groff recognised that few farmers, and not all residents, welcomed them but said only 5 to 10 per cent of the population lived close to the animals, a similar proportion for bears “anywhere in Europe.”

EURO PRESS

No call-up

NATIONAL DEFENCE minister Nuno Melo said there were no motives for reintroducing national service despite hints from some military high-ups. Melo nevertheless suggested military service as an option for young offenders instead of serving time in institutions that functioned as “schools for criminals.”

DENMARK

Ticked off

DEMAND for the vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is rising in Copenhagen and the adjoining Zealand area, although the known hotspot for the TBE virus is Bornholm Island in the Baltic. According to the State Serum Institute, 89,000 doses were distributed in 2023, a 300 per cent increase on 2023.

Not for real

THE Danish People’s Party was reproached for circulating a deepfake video that apparently showed PM Mette Frederiksen unveiling plans to cancel the Christmas, Easter and Whitsun holidays as well as the now-discontinued Great Prayer Day. Only a small icon on the video showed that it was not genuine footage.

FRANCE

Hard cheese

CAMEMBERT’S future is uncertain, warned the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), owing to insufficient microbial diversity. Investigators said the survival of the iconic soft cheese was threatened now that the Penicillium camemberti mould strain, essential for producing camembert, could no longer reproduce.

Turn it off

PAEDIATRICIAN Sylvie Dieu Osika, who treats children for excessive screen use, said that when she opened her practice in 2019, the average age for patients was 11 but has dropped below three. She warned that there should be no screen use until children have developed language skills at around two years old.

SWEDEN

Passport hike

GERMANY PORTUGAL BELGIUM

Mayday call

THIRTY people were injured, 10 of them seriously, after a float towed by a tractor overturned during a May Day parade in Kandern located in the Black Forest area near the German, French and Swiss borders. Police investigating the accident said afterwards that the float had toppled as the tractor made a sharp turn.

In work

SEVENTY-FIVE per cent of male refugees who arrived in 2015, fleeing war and ethnic conflict during Angela Merkel’s “open door” policy, had jobs by 2022, a study for the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) showed. In contrast, only 31 per cent of the women accompanying them were working, the IAB said.

FINLAND

In a jam

INTERFERENCE to aircraft GPS prevented Finnair planes flying from Helsinki to Tartu in Estonia from landing on two consecutive nights, a spokesperson for the airline said. The jamming, probably by Russia, is a particular problem for Tartu airport which lacks multiple systems and has to depend on GPS signals.

Hacked off

ALEKSANTERI KIVIMAKI received a 75-month prison term after a Uusimaa court found him guilty of hacking the Vastaamo Psychotherapy Centre database. The 26-year-old attempted to blackmail thousands of patients and demanded a €400,000 payment from the psychotherapy company which operates nationwide.

THE cost of a Swedish passport went up by 25 per cent on May 1 from 400 kronor (€34.34) to 500 kronor (€42.92). A press release from the government said the higher fee was necessary to maintain the level of service and ensure that the charge was enough to cover the cost of processing the passport.

Stop-go

POLICE can designate a certain area as a “security zone” if they suspect conflict between criminal gangs involving shootings or explosions. These zones can be maintained for up to two weeks at a time, and will allow officers to stop adults or children, and search vehicles even when no crime has been committed.

Right place

CARLO MESTDAGH and Sofie Verfaillie from Astene chose the Colruyt supermarket in nearby Deinze as the setting for their wedding photographs. While astonished clients looked on, the couple explained that since they had met and fallen in love while both were working there, the supermarket had been a logical choice.

Page view

A FRAGMENT of Exposition of the Psalms, written between the third and fourth centuries by St Augustine and transcribed onto parchment by monks in the ninth or 10th century, has been found in the Felix Archive in Antwerp. Researchers have identified it as the oldest document now contained in the city archive.

Minor epidemic

WHOOPING cough reached its highest level in 10 years, with 7,187 cases reported to the Public Health Institute (RIVM) by May 1 and 1,800 notifications received during the second half of April. Half of the 50 babies under five months who caught the disease needed to be hospitalised, while two elderly adults have died.

Rainy month

THE NETHERLANDS experienced its rainiest April since 1932 with an average of 93 millimetres falling nationwide, compared with 42 in a normal year, according to the Weeronline weather service. Farmers said the ground was too wet to plant onions, potatoes and sugar beets and “time was running out” for crops.

NUNO MELO: No plans for reintroducing military service.

Up in smoke VOX Pop

EARLIER this year, the German government relaxed rules concerning personal possession of marihuana allowing those 18 and over to not only possess 25 grams for personal use but to grow up to three plants - do you think this is a good or bad idea and should this be adopted in Spain?

PHILIP ROGAN from Ireland who lives in Palma said “Alcohol is a legal and extremely dangerous drug yet is put front and centre of our social lives. Marihuana has been demonised. Why? In my opinion, the government should make it legal, make it easy, collect taxes and focus on world issues that are of genuine concern.

KATERINA POPLAVSKAYA from Poland and now living in Benidorm was opposed “I think making this legal in Spain is an awful idea. No drugs should be legalised and marihuana is a drug. Legalising it can lead to excessive use and people who are genetically more likely to become addicted can use cannabis as a gateway drug to more serious substances. There’s so much insight on the use of marihuana and it’s clear that it has deteriorating e ects on the brain; why this should be encouraged, I do not understand.”

DEAN PAGE DODSWORTH who moved to Spain from the UK has gained certi cation and developed a high level of knowledge from The Cannabis Training University so unsurprisingly said “I strongly advocate for the total legalisation of marihuana in Spain. Taxing the product would generate huge revenue for the government

bene ting society. Legislation would ensure that users have access to a regulated, safe product. There is no compelling reason for Spain not to legalise marihuana.”

HEATH, an Australian moved to Almeria six years ago and was fairly ambivalent on the subject “I neither advocate nor condone recreational drug use. However, any steps to reduce the monopoly on drugs held by organised criminal gangs is welcome. Home growing of any amount is impossible to police, but again it’s relative: people would be better o smoking home-grown plants than consuming the hydroponically-grown ‘skunk’ favoured by drug cartels.”

CHRISTIANE STERNBERG from Germany observed that “the Spanish attitude towards marihuana is notably more relaxed than in Germany. Public perception is more favourable here. It would seem logical for Spain to take a cue from Germany and consider revising its legislation accordingly.”

EMMA BOARDMAN who is British and lives in Palma - I’m a big fan of the recreational use of marihuana - some of the most brilliant people I know use it to take their creativity to the next level. So, yes, I am in favour of a new approach.

PHILIP ROGAN

CHRISTIANE STERNBERG

EMMA BOARDMAN

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

No names

THE UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which until now has named firms under investigation only in “exceptional circumstances,” is resisting pressure from the City to abandon plans to name all companies. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is also known not to support what he sees as a “disproportionate regulatory environment.”

Cupra triumph

SEAT had a record year in 2023, with profits reaching €625 million thanks to its high-performance Cupra model. Volkswagen, which has owned Seat since 1986, announced a first-quarter operating profit of €226 million for the Spanish subsidiary which sold 164,000 models, 5.8 per cent increase on the same period in 2023.

Still growing

SPAIN’S economy grew by 0.7 per cent during the first three months of 2024 for the third consecutive quarter owing to increased consumer spending and exports, the Institute for National Statistics (INE) announced. Analysts have predicted good summer figures and a growth rate of more than 2 per cent by the end of 2024.

More buybacks

MIKE ASHLEY’S Frasers Group which has already raised its stake in AO World, Boohoo and N Brown via buybacks this year, announced it will repurchase a further £80m (€93.53m) of its own shares, following a similar Frasers Group buyback scheme.

Bet on it

KEMI BADENOCH, UK

Business Secretary named Nigel Railton as Post Office chairman on May 1, replacing Henry Staunton who was dismissed in January 2024. Railton, former lottery operator Camelot’s chief executive, was for the strength of his experience in “transforming organisations,” Badenoch said.

€6.58 billion

in profits for Spain’s Banco Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, Bankinter and Unicaja in the first quarter of 2024, 17 per cent more than in 2023.

Out of print

THE UK’s principal banks earned £9.3 billion (€10.87 billion) between them in 2023 thanks to the Bank of England’s quantitative easing measures.

This unearned income was the result of the Bank’s decision to print money, initially to boost the economy during the worldwide financial crisis following the collapse of Lehman Brothers and later during the pandemic.

The bank used the newly printed money to spend £895 billion (€1,046 billion) on buying bonds, generally from high street banks, between 2009 and 2021. Lenders then depo-

sited the money in Bank of England accounts where the interest has mounted up.

According to figures quoted in the Telegraph, four large high street banks received £9.3 billion interest on their Bank of England reserves last year, more than double 2022’s

£3.9 billion (€4.56 billion).

Rising bank rates pushed up the banks’ payments, with NatWest telling a Treasury Select Committee that it received £2.9 billion (€3.39 billion) in 2023. Lloyds Banking Group received £3.6 billion (€4.21 billion), with £1.9 billion (€2.22 billion) going to

Sweet smell of success

COSMETICS and perfume group

Puig announced a €24.50 share price for its initial public offering (IPO).

This was at the top end of Puig’s €22 to €24.5 share price range and was “multiple times oversubscribed amid strong demand,” the company revealed in a document released by the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV), Spain’s stock market regulator.

This gives Puig, which owns the Charlotte Tilbury, Carolina Herrera and Paco Rabanne brands amongst

Flood or storm

BUTLINS is fighting a legal battle to define the weather conditions which forced its Minehead (Somerset) camp to close in September 2023.

The company’s insurers say the site was affected by a storm, with compensation limited to £25 million (€29.25 million).

Butlins insists it was flooded and has claimed a £60 million (€70.15 million) payout for flood damage.

“As a matter of ordinary English and/or a matter of law, a ‘storm’ occurs only where there is high wind,” legal documents seen by the Telegraph maintained.

others, a €13.9 billion market capitalisation.

Investors include Criteria, CaixaBank’s investment portfolio, with a 3.05 per cent stake worth €425 million. The Puig family expects to raise around €3 billion through the sale of Class B shares, which grant the same economic rights as Class A shares but confer fewer voting rights. This means that the family can still control company founded in Barcelona by Antonio Puig in 1914 and now headed by chairman and chief executive Marc Puig.

Giant merger

A&O SHEARMAN announced the “successful completion” of the merger between the British law firm Allen & Overy and the US law office, Shearman & Sterling, on May 1.

Equally conversant with British and US law as well as the laws of the countries where the world’s most dynamic markets are located, the global firm has 47 offices in 29 countries, with 7,000 employees and roughly 4,000 lawyers, of whom 800 are partners.

The merged offices will have a combined annual revenue of $3.5 billion (€3.28 billion), the third highest for any law firm worldwide.

The company’s Spanish partners and co-directors Antonio Vazquez Guillen and Ignacio Ruiz Camara will play “a relevant role”, according to Spain’s’s financial media. Vazquez-Guillen heads Procedural Law worldwide, while Ruiz-Camara is in charge of Continental Europe.

both Santander and Barclays.

When bank rates were low, the Bank made more from its bond investments than the interest it paid to banks, creating a profit that went to Treasury. Now that they are higher, Threadneedle Street is making a loss that is passed on to the Treasury and, ultimately, the taxpayer.

Quantitative easing will cost an annual £20 billion (€23.38 billion) until the first years of the next decade, the Bank calculates, equivalent to a third of the UK’s defence budget.

ASTON MARTIN shares lurched downwards by 14 per cent on May 1 as the company announced its first quarter results.

The carmaker admitted dipping £139m (€162.5m) into the red between January and the end of March, compared with £74m (€86.5m) 12 months ago. Sales fell 10 per cent to £268m (€313.4m), hindered by a 63 per cent decline in SUVs sold to dealerships.

Aston Martin’s billionaire executive chairman Laurence Stroll said the unimpressive figures were inevitable during a transition period when the company had ceased manufacturing old models and was preparing new versions.

Slower inflation

APRIL’S non-food prices rose at their slowest rate since December 2021 as clothing and footwear stores slashed prices.

The British Retail Consortium’s monthly report announced that shop owners struggling to move summer stock during a wet, cold spring helped April’s non-food prices to fall at an annual rate of 0.6 per cent.

Food prices increased by 3.4 per cent last month compared with 3.7 per cent in March, the Consortium said. Combined food and non-food inflation stood at 0.8 per cent in April, compared with 1.3 per cent for the year ending March 2024, its lowest level since December 2021.

SPANISH company Indra has won a 10-year contract with Ireland’s National Travel Authority.

The publicly-owned IT and defence systems company will provide a fare collection system for trams, buses, the national rail network and the future Dublin MetroLink, Indra said.

The company described the contract as “significant” and worth “hundreds of millions of euros” without giving details of the amounts involved.

Indra also said that the Ireland deal would reinforce its position in the English-speaking market.

THE Australian government granted Spanish multinational Iberdrola and five other companies feasibility licences to build an offshore windfarm.

Six more licences for the project off the Gippsland Coast (Victoria) will be issued once other companies have completed consultations with Indigenous groups.

“Iberdrola Australia is committed to sharing the benefits of the energy transition with local communities and businesses,” the company’s chief executive Ross Rolfe said.

QUANTITATIVE EASING: Bank pays interest to high street banks.

TONI PUIG: Puig family will still control newly-floated company.

Photo credit: Flickr/Andrew Milligan sumo

3I Group 2.859,00 +17,00 +0,60% 151,11K

Group 2.703,0 +12,0 +0,45% 13,26K

Africa 114,70 +1,90 +1,68% 204,16K

American 2.745,0 +83,5 +3,14% 996,26K

2.148,00 +16,00 +0,75% 63,55K

Group 5.692,0 +56,0 +0,99% 23,69K

British Foods 2.654,0 +11,0 +0,42% 1,22M

Trader Group Plc

12.039,1 -116,9 -0,96% 146,42K

+8,60 +1,20% 76,83K

201,65 +0,65 +0,32% 5,43M

Developments 466,20 +5,90 +1,28% 161,75K Beazley 641,00 +1,50 +0,23% 302,28K

4.874,0 +72,0 +1,50% 10,54K BP 512,90 -2,90 -0,56% 2,91M

American Tobacco 2.379,0 +8,0 +0,34% 271,93K

Group 104,70 +1,15 +1,11% 2,10M

3.092,0 +6,0 +0,19% 19,14K

Group 1.171,0 +21,0 +1,83% 1,49M

127,70 +0,70 +0,55% 1,13M

Cola HBC AG 2.638,0 +2,0 +0,08% 32,10K

1,10M

Intl 4.731,0 +55,0 +1,18% 17,06K

5.520,0 +55,0 +1,01% 2,28K

2.767,0 +38,5 +1,41% 374,94K

3.752,00 +42,00 +1,13% 17,57K

788,20 +5,80 +0,74% 59,52K

+39,0 +1,20% 39,14K

+8,00 +0,46% 476,28K

+1,70 +0,52% 3,23M

2.230,0 +13,0 +0,59% 15,14K

BUSINESS EXTRA

London blues

THIRTY-SIX oil traders working for ExxonMobil risk dismissal for refusing to relocate from Brussels for London, owing to uncompetitive pay and “lack of flexibility” according to Bloomberg. Those who agree to the move, which the US oil giant said was “more convenient”, will be expected to work from the office five days a week.

Building block

A FOREMAN in charge of a building site can earn between €65,000 and €70,000 a year, compared with €45,000 paid to the architect who oversees the project. Veteran builders are in short supply owing to retirements and a shortage of skilled trainees prepared to take over.

LONDON-BASED mining company Anglo American rebuffed a £31 billion (€36.24 billion) approach from Australia’s BHP.

The all-share offer from the company – full name Broken Hill Propriety Companywould have been one of the industry’s biggest transactions in recent years but Anglo American investors have said the bid was too low and “highly opportunistic.”

The company announced that the board had unanimously agreed to turn down BHP’s proposal which “significantly undervalued” the company and its future prospects.

Not interested

Dia deal agreed

SPANISH supermarket chain Dia has sold all of its Portuguese business to France’s Auchan Group for €155 million.

Dia announced on April 30 that the deal was able to go ahead after receiving approval from Portugal’s Competition regulator, an essential condition for the transaction.

The Spanish company announced its intention of selling its 489 owned and fran-

chised stores in August 2023. This would enable the supermarket chain to focus on its strong points of local food distribution, chief executive Martin Tolcachir explained at the time.

Dia will actually receive €72.5 million “net of financial debt and other adjustments,” an amount which it would receive over the next two months, Dia said on April 30.

The deal, which would involve two separate Anglo American demergers, was unattractive, chairman Stuart Chambers said, and shareholders would have to shoulder the potential risks.

BHP’s own shareholders have called on the company to increase the Anglo American bid and sources said the Australian giant was revising its offer following its earlier unsuccessful approach.

Meanwhile, insiders close to Anglo American revealed that any bid would need to be close to £40 billion (€46.77 billion).

Anglo American, with an estimated £34 billion (€39.75 billion) market value, currently trails its rivals after shares plunged when it cut copper production forecasts owing to difficulties at its mines in Peru and Chile.

Despite the current negotiations, shares were practically unchanged and still trading at £25.60 (€29.93).

Wine buffs

THE chairmen of leading Valdepeñas bodegas Felix Solis and Garcia Carrion, both based in Ciudad Real, are currently under separate investigations by the National High Court in Madrid. They face charges of marketing wine under misleading labels between 2017 and 2019 but in their defence they maintain that the accusations are based on “incorrect interpretations” by the police.

A bargain

AURELIUS paid only £3.5 million (€4.09 million) upfront in its £207 million (€242.05 million) Body Shop deal with former owners Natura in November 2023, the Telegraph revealed. The private equity firm failed to continue its agreed performance-based payments over five years, which are now unlikely to be made after the Body Shop went into administration in February 2024.

Photo credit: CC/Bahnfrend

BHP: Australian mining giant has approached Anglo American.

Time to earn respect

LEAPY

OTHERS THINK IT

WHAT on earth is going on with the British police force? They continually gripe about being undermanned and ill equipped. They moan about being so weighed down with work they have been forced to downgrade ‘risk assessment’ of crimes to a ridiculous level and are constantly moaning that they simply ‘can’t cope’ with the latest crime figures.

As legitimate as these claims may be, our precious plod does seem to find the time to, dance around maypoles, thread their boots with rainbow laces and appear in a whole host of police reality programmes! Well, whereas laces and prancing about may not be very time consuming, I can assure you reality programmes most certainly are. There are 11 cop shows running at the moment, from Cops in the Sky to the most recent, which concerns seizing criminal’s assets. (scraping the barrel comes to mind!).

Well I’ve done a number of reality programmes (including a few I would rather forget!) And I can assure you they take forever. Every five minutes you see on

the screen can take hours to shoot. The retakes alone can be unbelievably time consuming. How can these ‘overworked’ rushed off their feet officers of the law possibly find the time to be ‘reality stars’?

Another thing these shows are inclined to do is eat into the respect the public should hold for its upholders of law and order. Any aura of mystique or invincibility is stripped away by these programmes, which often show the utter contempt a small number of individuals have for the upholders of law and order. With the wide publicity television creates, public order and criminal acts are then copied by other members of toe rag society, who would normally be wary of the unknown outcome their actions could bring. One of the worst displays of contempt for the law I have ever seen was the disgraceful episode of the man at the Notting Hill Gate carnival who simulating the sex act on a WPC. Instead of arresting him there and then, the officer tried vainly to squirm away from him, looking for all the world like some embarrassed giggling young schoolgirl. The whole unsavoury incident was captured on camera and received about a million hits on social media. No doubt this creep is still strutting around revelling in his

new-found notoriety. Mind you the fact that he was of ethnic origin meant they were probably too frightened to arrest him anyway. ( It’s a culture thing ennit!?)

No, I’m sorry but respect for the law is obtained by solving crime and putting away the bad guys, not strutting around like jumped up, ego tripping American TV robo cops. Let’s all get back to the true reality. The fact that glamourising the police doesn’t do one iota toward rooting out criminals. Posing on telly and signing autographs simply doesn’t hack it. It’s time the powers that be put a complete ban on all Cop reality shows. Let’s restrict their TV appearances to announcements of successful conclusions to crime investigations. Now THAT’S the way to earn respect.

Well I see Mr Khan has been re-elected the Mayor of London. One of the first things he wants to do is chop down all the beautiful trees in Holland Park avenue and install cycle lanes in their place! RIP London, you will never be the same again. Well, I suppose it’s one way of rewarding a large portion of the pedalling public who voted for him. Keep the faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Walpurgis Night

SWEDEN kicks off for spring with a traditional night of songs and bonfires on April 30.

Walpurgis Night, ‘Valborg’ in Swedish, is the last day of April, spent in celebration of spring and community spirit.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, it was initially the Germans who brought the festive tradition to Sweden, in honour of the eighth century German saint, Walpurgis. In medieval times, April 30 marked the end of the administrative year; local merchants and craftsmen celebrated by dancing and singing in anticipation of spring.

It was also a significant day for peasants and farmers, who attended the annual village meeting, letting their animals run free while they enjoyed eggs and schnapps with friends and family. During this time, bonfires became the centre of the festivity, lit up to scare away predators

Today, the Walpurgis Night is spent in unifying choral singing by bonfires as people get together to feel the warmth of the upcoming season.

Many Swedish high school students also use the day to celebrate their nearing graduation, while higher students dress in authentic student caps, white with a black peak, and sing to welcome a bright future.

Bonfires are lit to scare off predators.

Tourism record

THE Easter weekend celebrated at the end of March, saw a huge surge in foreign tourists.

The National Institute of Statistics (INE) released figures showing that Spain welcomed over 16.1 million tourists by the end of March 2024, a surge of 17.7 per cent from the previous year.

This period also witnessed a record-breaking spend of €21,948 million, boosted significantly by Holy Week.

The Canary Islands, Catalonia, and Andalucia were the most visited regions in this first quarter. The Canary Islands alone attracted 4.3 million visitors, marking a 14.3 per cent increase. Catalonia saw a 20.7 per cent rise, with 3.4 million tourists, while Andalucia welcomed 2.4 million, up by 18.7 per cent.

In terms of spending, the Canary Islands led with 29.7 per cent of the total expenditure. Catalonia followed with 16.6 per cent, and the Community of Madrid captured 15.5 per cent of the overall spend.

March 2024 set new records for daily expenditure, with tourists spending an average of

€180 per day. March also saw a slight increase in the duration of visits with an average stay of 7.6 days.

The UK, Germany, and France were the top three sources of tourists.

The UK led with 1.2 million visitors in March, an increase of 13.3 per cent. German visitors numbered 909,031, up by 28.7 per cent on 2023; visitors from France numbered 791,648, an increase of 31.8 per cent.

In the first three mon -

ths of 2024, the United Kingdom was the country with the highest accumulated spending (16.4 per cent of the total). They were followed by Germany (12.7 per cent) and the Nordic countries (8.6 per cent).

This data illustrates not only a significant rise in tourist numbers and spending but also points towards a successful shift in Spain’s tourism strategy, aiming for a more balanced and year-round industry.

FIRST QUARTER: Holy Week in Malaga.

Readers say no to electric vehicles

John Smith

A RECENT article in Euro Weekly News con cerning the pros and cons of electric vehi cles received a significant number of com ments from readers.

Of those who responded just 5 per cent said that they either owned or intended to purchase an all-electric vehicle, however those who had one were very happy with them.

A further 5 per cent supported the idea of owning a hybrid vehicle (combining a petrol/diesel engine with a smaller electric battery), about 2 per cent flirted with the idea of buying a hydrogen powered car in the future and one reader said that he would stick to his horse!

The overwhelming number of readers, some 88 per cent, were opposed, some ve hemently, to the thought of buying electric.

Overall, they considered electric cars ex pensive to buy, having short ranges, run the risk of catching fire and the whole concept is not green due to the environmental damage done when creating the batteries themsel ves.

Sebastian Savage said “Can you imagine the Iberdrola meltdown if even 20 per cent of us wanted a 20kW charger at home - they can’t even supply 3.3 reliability?”

Sitting on the fence was Brian Cuthell who could be swayed if the price was right, “Mi-

ght get one for £8,000 it was on the news last night, they have taken over from Tesla as the best sellers in China.”

There was a long and considered comment from Ian Carrington but in summary

“In the last couple of years two car carrying ships and a car park at Luton Airport have been destroyed by burning battery cars.

To counter this, Stephen Cosgrove who is thinking about electric observed “A survey found there was a 0.0012 per cent chance of a passenger electric vehicle battery catching fire, compared with a considerably higher 0.1 per cent chance for internal combustion engine cars.

“There was a rush to blame electric for the Luton airport car park fire, but it was simply not true and the Fire Brigade confirmed the source of the fire was a combustion engine vehicle.”

Jokingly Nigel Adams commented “Dinosaur juice all the way.”

Of those responding 67 per cent were male and 33 per cent were female, of whom just one championed the hybrid and none all electric with Lana Bitumen reasoning “No chance for an electric one here in the mountains. First I would have to build a charging station on solar panels for myself. Then it’s too heavy to climb up the bad caminos.”

he said “They cost too much, they suffer catastrophic depreciation, insurance costs are high and likely to rise whilst charging at public fast chargers costs more than buying diesel.”

The European motoring lobby is enormously wealthy and it may be that the time has come for manufacturers to question the need to introduce electric cars quite so early and no doubt they would receive support from the oil companies.

They just don’t care

I USUALLY moan about things that drive me nuts in Spain, but that’s because this is where I’ve lived for the past 20 years. However, our daughter lives in the UK so we get involved with things there too. She is trying to start the process to apply for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa as she can work remotely and she’d love to be based in Spain. The first step is to obtain an A1 certificate from the British HMRC.

This just confirms that she pays UK National Insurance - simple right? She first requested this form back in November 2023 and was told it would take 40 days to get a response. The 40 days came and went and when her accountant chased HMRC at the end of April they advised that it is now taking 52 weeks to process these applications! 52 weeks - one whole year!! Who, in their right mind, can think it is acceptable for any process to take a whole year?

Bear in mind that this delay affects my daughter’s life plans because she cannot proceed without this bloody form. I’d love

to know who in HMRC thinks it’s OK for something to take that long and why it takes that long. If it’s because they are overwhelmed with work then surely they need to employ more people to deal with these enquiries. Are they not embarrassed to say it takes a whole year? The truth is they don’t care about the impact this has on people’s lives. I’ve long believed that the people who work in government or public bodies are all psychopaths with no feelings and no empathy. I’d love to sit in on their interviews!

Back to Spain and I’ve complained before about the location and number of zebra crossings. They can be on roundabout exits or every 10 metres of a road. I’ve now decided that anyone who enters a zebra crossing from a 45 degree angle whilst staring at their ‘phone is fair game and they are really taking their life in their hands. I swear these pedestrians challenge drivers daily - I’ll just step out from the driver’s blind spot and hope I don’t get run over!

On May 1 I was invited back to the CAP group in Estepona to chat about all things grumpy. They are such a lovely group of people who always make me feel very welcome and who laugh in all the right places so it was my pleasure to be there.

Email: mikesenker@aol.com

VIEWS OF A GRUMPY OLD MAN

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Two high profile British supporters of electric vehicles.

Embrace the chill

COLD water swimming, once reserved for the bold and daring, is gaining popularity for its myriad health benefits. Plunging into icy waters may seem daunting, but the rewards are worth the initial shock.

Firstly, it boosts the immune system, invigorating the body and enhancing resilience against illnesses. Moreover, the cold water stimulates circulation, improving cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. Beyond physical benefits, it promotes mental well-being, releasing endorphins that elevate mood and alleviate stress.

Additionally, the exhilarating experience fosters a sense of camaraderie among swimmers, creating a supportive community. As the icy embrace envelops you, embrace the opportunity to reap the rewards of cold water swimming for a healthier body and a happier mind, while connecting with the raw beauty of nature. Whether in serene lakes or bracing seas, each plunge offers a refreshing escape from the stresses of modern life.

IN a surprising turn of events, the monobrow is making a comeback as a symbol of beauty and empowerment. Traditionally shunned and plucked into oblivion, this unibrow trend is now challenging conventional beauty standards.

Brow rebellion

Embraced by fashion icons and influencers, the monobrow is celebrated for its uniqueness and authenticity. Rather than conforming

By Karan Sud Dental

to societal norms of grooming, individuals are reclaiming their natural features with pride. This resurgence signifies a shift towards

Dental Insurance plan

DENTISTRY in the UK has become almost non existent, impossible to get an appointment. We have so many patients travel here to get treatment.

They all have a similar fear that they may lose their registration, as our database of patients is phenomenal.

So we have decided to introduce a monthly insurance plan for peace of mind, similar to those in the UK such as Denplan.

Our scheme will be a monthly payment of €14 per person.

This will entitle the holder of the policy to have priority treatment including two exams, two scale and polishes and routine X-rays a year. When we all worked in the UK, we found these plans work very well as it encourages patients to maintain their check-ups and cleans due to

the fact they are paying monthly, and it’s such a low cost amount you don’t even notice it.

We will develop more comprehensive plans in the future which will include discounts on fillings, crowns and bridges.

For more information or if you wish to sign up, please contact our reception and we can arrange a time for a chat. www.ksuddental.com.

acceptance and diversity in beauty ideals. Moreover, the monobrow trend serves as a statement against excessive grooming and the pressure to adhere to unrealistic standards. By embracing the monobrow, individuals are embracing their true selves and promoting inclusivity in beauty.

As this eyebrow revolution gains momentum, it’s clear that beauty lies in embracing individuality and celebrating diversity.

Cleanse before zzz’s

GOING to bed with make-up on may seem harmless, but it can have detrimental effects on your skin’s health and appearance. Make-up, especially foundation and concealer, can clog pores and prevent the skin

Moreover, make-up can trap dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants on the skin, accelerating the ageing process and contributing to dullness and uneven skin tone. By properly cleansing your face before bed, you allow your

By Clinica Britannia

My feet are ugly! Bunions be gone!

te overnight, promoting a

Make it a habit to me to keep your skin clear, radiant, and free

tial long-term damage. Your skin will thank you for it in

WHEN it comes to looking after your health, it’s easy to forget about your feet. But healthy feet are an important part of our overall well-being, as foot problems can have a huge negative impact on our quality of life.

For example, bunions are an ailment that can affect all ages not just the older generation. Otherwise known as Hallux Valgus, bunions are in fact the most common progressive foot deformity, in which the big toe joint is affected, causing pain and functional disability of the foot.

Fortunately, it is possible to treat this through minimally invasive surgery. The surgery is performed to straighten the big toe and correct claw toes when necessary, helping you to regain your aesthetically pleasing feet.

The surgery is performed, not only to give the foot a more pleasing appearance, but also to restore the alignment of

the bones. Correcting weight distribution on the foot will allow for you to walk pain free, and to be able to wear your shoes comfortably again.

It is medically justified to perform hallux valgus surgery when the bunion restricts activity, so if you want to get rid of that foot pain, make an appointment now at Clinica Britannia to assess if surgery is a valid option for you.

SLEEP syncing, the practice of aligning sleep schedules with others, has gained attention for its potential benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, syncing sleep patterns can enhance social connections and strengthen relationships, as partners or family members share a common bedtime routine.

Harmony or hindrance

By Clinica Britannia

The benefits of consulting with a nutritionist

It may also promote consistency in sleep habits, leading to improved overall sleep quality and better health outcomes. However, there are downsides to consider. Discrepancies in individual sleep needs and preferences could lead to conflicts or compromises that disrupt sleep quality. Additionally, relying too heavily on sleep syncing may limit personal autonomy and hinder opportunities for self-care or relaxation.

Ultimately, while sleep syncing can foster closeness and routine, finding a balance that respects individual needs is key to reaping its benefits without sacrificing personal well-being.

DID you know that consulting with a qualified nutritionist or registered dietitian can offer numerous benefits that go beyond just knowing what to eat? Here are some valuable advantages:

Personalised Nutrition Advice: Tailored guidance based on your unique needs, preferences, and health goals. They consider factors like your medical history, lifestyle, and dietary restrictions to create a personalised plan that aligns with your objectives.

Improved Management of Chronic Conditions: Health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or gastrointestinal issues, a nutritionist can help optimise your diet, designing meal plans that support your condition and manage symptoms effectively.

Increased Accountability: Having regular appointments with a Nutritionist keeps you accountable, monitoring your progress, offering encouragement, and helping you stay on track with your dietary changes.

Improved Mental Health: Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental well-being. guiding you toward foods that support brain health, mood stability, and stress management. They can also address emotional eating patterns and provide strategies to maintain a positive relationship with food.

Remember, a Nutritionist isn’t just about telling you what to eat; they’re your partner in achieving overall health and wellness. Their expertise extends beyond food choices to behaviour change and practical application in your daily life1.

So, if you’re looking to optimise your nutrition and well-being, make an appointment with our Nutritionist Carmen here at Clinica Britannia.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol

The jungle is calling

OLD mobile phones in exchange for giving a dignified life to a chimpanzee. For some time, the Marbella Basket team has been collecting old mobile phones to collaborate with the Jane Gooddall Institute and the fruit has already been achieved: the team has sponsored Zezé the Brave, a small chimpanzee.

The story of this little primate is tragic: Zezé’s mother was killed by poachers in Angola who wounded the four-year-old chimpanzee with a machete when he tried to defend her. He lost an eye. That is why he is called Zezé the Brave.

Now the primate from Marbella lives in the sanctuary of Tchimpounga, in the Republic of Congo, where the Jane Goodall Institute attends to the needs of more than 140 chimpanzees.

The Marbella sports club has already recycled more than 40 mobiles but asks anyone who has an old or unused mobile phone to hand it in.

Axarquia Beach library

TORRE DEL MAR’S Biblioplaya (beach library) offers a unique twist on beach relaxation. This open-air library lets you unwind with a good book beside the soothing ocean waves.

Recently expanded, the Biblioplaya boasts double the space for reading, shade, and book storage. This caters to the programme’s increasing popularity, with users jumping from 10,127 in 2022 to 15,410 in 2023. The diverse selection, including books, magazines, and newspapers (including the Euro Weekly News Axarquia edition!) in multiple languages, attracts not just locals but international visitors too.

Beyond leisure reading, the Biblioplaya serves as an educational hub. Local schools and institutions use the space for educational activities and environmental programmes. Upgraded facilities, including more shaded areas, seating, restrooms, and book storage, further enhance the user experience.

Mallorca Sister Sledge in Palma

DANCEFLOORS around the globe have been ignited by infectious beats and timeless tunes from Sister Sledge for decades. This summer, the group is set to bring their legendary sound to Mallorca at Port Adriano Musical Festival.

Sister Sledge have performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, from Madison Square Garden to London’s Royal Albert Hall. They have entertained the Clintons at the White House, and Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families.

Displaying a strong commitment to noble causes, the group recently took to the stage at a fundraising gala for a London air ambulance charity. The sisters were honoured to be in the company of HRH Prince William, the Prince of Wales.

For more information about the Port Adriano Music Festival, which takes place in July, visit portadrianomusic.es

Costa Blanca South Surging skyward

TOURIST accommodation in Alicante continues to experience rapid expansion, with nearly 300 new holiday lets registered last year. Additionally, 14 apartment blocks were either constructed or refurbished exclusively for short-term rentals.

In terms of capacity, these developments added 1,489 new apartment units to the city’s offerings, with complete buildings capable of accommodating 470 individuals.

Individual holiday rentals are prevalent in key areas such as the Old Town, the Traditional Centre, and the Beach District.

However, they are increasingly cropping up in adjacent neighbourhoods like Carolinas Bajas or San Blas.

Similarly, the apartment blocks are strategically distributed across the city: seven out of the 14 are situated between Alfonso el Sabio, Federico Soto, the Explanada, and the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Almeria Mojacar buyers

JASMINE HARMAN, the celebrated British TV host known for her two-decade tenure on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun, recently helped a British couple secure a dream home in Mojacar, Almeria.The picturesque town in Almeria is popular with UK visitors and was highlighted as a top Spanish destination by The Telegraph earlier this year.

Harman, who herself recently relocated to the Costa del Sol with her family, was filming in Almeria in April. She shared her enthusiasm on Instagram to her 167,000 followers, posting beside a pool, ‘Fantastic filming in Almeria this week! And what a result for the “house hunters’!’

‘I never get tired of this job.’ Despite challenges from the buyers, she remained upbeat, stating in another post, ‘They’re testing me, but I keep smiling. I keep hitting him with the C word: commitment.’

Costa Calida Hottest year

IN 2024, temperatures in the Murcia Region have soared to unprecedented levels, making it the hottest year on record. From January to April, the average temperature was 13.6 degrees Celsius, shattering a nearly 60-year-old record by nearly one degree.

This year follows the trend of 2023 in breaking climate records. The temperature spike, a striking 2.3 degrees above the historical average, indicates a concerning trend.

April, in particular, stood out as the fifth warmest on record, with an average temperature of 15.9 degrees Celsius, surpassing the norm by 1.5 degrees. This warmth was primarily driven by the first half of the month, with maximum temperatures reaching 22.7 degrees Celsius, over two degrees higher than the seasonal average. Despite intermittent rains towards the month’s end, drought conditions persist, with April marking the fourth driest in the century.

Photo: Shutterstock/ UniqSnaps

The birdie song

Music can have both positive and negative effects on pet birds.

ON the one hand, soothing melodies or nature sounds can provide enrichment, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Music may also serve as auditory stimulation, encouraging activity and mental engagement.

However, loud or unfamiliar music can cause distress, leading to anxiety and behavioural issues.

Birds have sensitive hearing, so it’s crucial to choose music at a moderate volume and avoid sudden loud noises.

Ultimately, the impact of music on pet birds varies based on individual preferences and species.

Careful selection and monitoring are key to ensuring a harmonious environment.

Pet-sitter stays with your pets and you have peace of mind

LEAVING pets anywhere when you travel on holiday can be stressful. And many believe it is always best to keep them at home in their own surroundings if at all possible, ideally with a caring pet lover who’ll watch over them. So how do you find the best pet-sitters.

Plus HouseSitMatch Saves

Money because the Pet-sitting is Free !

If you use HouseSitMatch.com you find free checked pet-sitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets in your absence. It’s an arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchange of services - Free accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked All members are checked for safety, and you choose which

Rio

house-sitters come to care foyour pets in your absence. Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets. If you’re travelling in 2024 join now and get organised today:

1. Register as a homeow-

ner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Premium account (£89 pa) to ensure you get help online

3. Create a profile with photos of your pets and home

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 /

5 Excellent

I have used HouseSitMatch for the last three years and would highly recommend it. Very easy to communicate with and very helpful by phone if needed.

Janet Bryant, Pet owne r

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 20% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.

SMART bowls for pets are transforming the way we nourish our pets, offering a range of benefits for their well-being. These innovative bowls are equipped with various features to enhance feeding routines and monitor pet health. With built-in portion control and scheduling capabilities, smart bowls help maintain a balanced diet and prevent overeating, promoting healthy weight management. Some models even incorporate technology to customise feeding recommendations based on the pet’s breed, age,and activity level. Also, smart bowls can track food consumption and provide insights into eating patterns, so changes in appetite can be detected quicker.

Techy bowls

and Tulamlove stay relaxed with the dogsitter at home.

PLUMBING

SOLAR ENERGY

POOL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

WASHING MACHINE

BROKEN? Call Bluesky Repairs for ALL your domestic appliance repairs. 626 430 671 (WhatsApp) (305215)

ARCHITECTS

BUGGY TOURS

BUY & SELL

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

I BUY RECORDS 50s to the 90s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (304600)

BUSINESS OPP

LOOKING for silent partner in private care home, near Alicante.50k buy in, 50 %. 20 k net per year return. Call 747 4382 25. (305759)

FOR SALE: ENGLISH Mini Market on large urbanization. No competition. Same owners for 17 years. Sale due to retirement. Opening hours 9.00am to 5.00pm. Tel: 966 455 491. (305817)

CARE HOME

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (305685)

CHARITY

EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN

COMMUNITY – Life and Family

Sunday Service at 11 a.m.

Bilingual (English and Spanish) at

San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello.For more information visit www.elcampellochristian community.org, email campellocc@gmail.com or call Juan Zúñiga – 686203183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton680594134 (English). (233602)

THE SALVATION ARMY

English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698 609 658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652 319 810 Email dieterzimmerer@ hotmail.com, www.centrosaron. com (10008) www.helpbenidorm.org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040. We are an English-speaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis. (288658)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA This association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS POPULAR ASSOCIATION, CALL the Secretary on 966 495 228. (295990)

THE ALFAZ SPIRITUAL FRIENDS CENTRE OFFER

A WARM WELCOME AT ‘THE COMM’ - (EX THE FORUM/ MARE NOSTRUM) CAMINO DEL PINCHO 2, L’ALFAZ DEL PI, 03580 ALICANTE. VISITING MEDIUM EVERY WEEK - SERVICE STARTS 6.30PM EVERY THURSDAY. CONTACT DOT 634 320 013. EMAIL dorothydorothy608@ gmail.com (295995)

ELECTRICIAN

MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mbelectrics.es (302561)

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

ALL METAL WORK AND MOBILE WELDING. +44 7787 585 714 (302963) GOLD WANTED

HEALTH & BEAUTY WIGS

WWW.WIGS-R-US.ES Iindoor market, Rincon De Loix Benidorm.

Monday to Friday 10 -4pm Sat 10 – 3pm scrunchies, ponytails, toppers, fascinators, headwear etc. Private appts after 3 pm 681 049 502 (304723)

HOUSE SHARE

VILLA SHARE, available in Llieber Jalon Valley. €300 pm includes bills. Call on WhatsApp 618 499 889 (300005)

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENTYOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TOO) OR VISIT www.sosinsurancein spain.com or email tracey@ sosinsuranceinspain.com (305189)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate

quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@bene ficialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuranceinspain. com for online quote. (303245)

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

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

MASSAGE

PROFESSIONAL TANTRA MASSAGE in Denia. Ritual and deep relaxation. Teya: 692 450 679. (304390)

RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORM - Excellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls - Tel: 603 324 564 (305206)

NATURIST male gives relaxing massage €50. For men and women. Private and discreet at my home in Jávea, WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (305902)

MEETING POINT

MATURE RESPECTABLE gentleman based in Teulada, would like to meet a nice female companion for Eurpopean & UK travel in a luxury Motorhome with separate beds. Please Text/ WhatsApp +34 722 586 199 or email travellinglightdude@ gmail.com (305896)

METAL WORK

MISCELLANEOUS

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

MOTORBIKES

PETER ZWAAN MOTORBIKES, A+ Occasions Showroom, Triumph Rocket III, 2300 cc, yr. 2008, 35.000 kms, E 8.400,= Costa BlancaMotorbikes.com (304978)

MOTORING

mechanic.

860 725. (290141) WE are currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we

out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

OTHERS

VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS.

BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (305678)

EDS?  We have the solution, Kam agra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

DECORATORS W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (305078)

PETS

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (1296233)

PET TRANSPORT

PETS BACK HOME Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.petsbackhome.co.uk Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

PRIVATE Investigator, Debts Collected, Bad Tenants, Solicitor Services. 747 438 225 (305759)

PROPERTY WANTED

RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixaprefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800 (279523)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (304544)

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/ Whatsapp 636 100 873 (305521)

COSTA LESS EXPRESS, small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK budget prices. Urgent jobs undertaken www. costalessexpress.co.uk Pet transport also arranged in our air-conditioned pet/people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy.com (303757)

SITUATIONS VACANT

BLUE SQUARE REAL ESTATE is currently searching for Sales Executives to work in the Denia / Oliva area. A training package is provided and excellent incentives. Multilingual candidates, Spanish, French, Dutch and German are

sought after. Please email hr@ blue-square.com your CV (304549)

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS

MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablanca surveyors.com (294923)

WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

BROKEN or unwanted gold jewellery, watches or coins. IMMEDIATE Cash Payment. Call Peter 617 550 016 (304960)

TAX ADVISORS

WE help you with all legal and tax questions, full Gestoria office. www.olivermarkreichardt.es. LAWYERS & TAX ADVISORS / ACCOUNTANCY / GESTORIA / OFFICE TRANSLATIONS. Tel: 606 051 000 (305490)

YACHTING

BOAT licence in 1 day without exam. 6 metre boats and all jet skis. Tel: 606 051 000 Oliver. (305490)

SITUATIONS VACANT

New Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer is company’s first EV estate

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

HOW often do you see an SUV or crossover vehicle on the road? Ob

viously the answer is lots of times as the SUV has become the dominant choice for motorists who like the chunky looks, the high seating posi tion and the perceived all-action image that comes with SUVs. Even though many of them now only offer two-wheel-drive.

How often do you see an estate car?

The answer is not very often because they have fallen out of favour with many drivers. There are exceptions such as Audi’s range and the MG5 EV, but generally they are few and far between so it’s nice to report a new EV estate car from Volkswagen.

The ID.7 Tourer, Volkswagen’s first ever battery electric estate, went on sale at the end of last month (April). One variant will be available initially - the Tourer Pro Match - priced £52,240. Two other versions, the

Tourer Pro S and a high-performance GTX version are set to go on sale in the summer.

With a potential range, according to Volkswagen, of 374 miles with the 77 kWh battery in the Pro Match version, a larger 86 kWh battery with a projected range of about 425 miles in the Pro S model and the GTX all-wheel drive model will have the 77 kWh battery.

Standard exterior features across the range include LED headlights and LED tail

light clusters, roof rails and diamond-cut 19-inch alloy wheels. One additional exterior feature of the ID.7 Tourer compared with the fastback is the illuminated Volkswagen logo at both the front and the rear.

Interior features include intelligent automatic air conditioning with smart air vents, and optional award-winning ergoActive heated front seats with pressure point massage, keyless locking and starting, luggage partition net, 30-colour ambient lighting, heated multi-function steering

wheel, Discover Pro navigation system, an enhanced augmented-reality head-up display and a rear-view camera.

An optional panoramic sunroof with smart glass is also available and the transparent roof can be made opaque or transparent electronically by means of a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer that is integrated in the glass. The all-new dash and infotainment system comes with a high-definition 15-inch screen and the latest Volkswagen operating system. The new IDA voice assistant is operated using natural language and voice commands. This enables control of many vehicle functions and it can answer specific questions on a variety of topics, aided by online databases and, in future, AI technology via ChatGPT. Definitely something that tech orientated drivers will find appealing!

ID.7 TOURER: VW’s first ever battery electric estate.

Carefree motorhome travel in Spain

TO enjoy your motorhome, camper van or caravan, it is important to know the local regulations in Spain, where camping in the wild is regulated. Parking is generally allowed for 48 hours within a municipality, except in coastal regions, nature reserves, or if there is a no parking sign. It is generally allowed to sleep in a vehicle overnight when parked off the road, unless stated otherwise. However, camping in the sense of sleeping in a tent is different: this is banned almost everywhere in Spain, although each municipality can designate specific areas where it is permitted.

The easiest way to comply is not to open any windows or awnings, or place furniture or other items outside the vehicle. It

is a good idea to stay overnight at a designated area with facilities. Certain websites and apps catering to camper van travel can be invaluable in this regard, for example Campercontact, CoPilot GPS, España Discovery, iOverlander and Park4Night. In Spain, vehicles up to 3,500 kg can be driven on a standard C driving licence (Category B). For a load weight of 3,500kg to 7,500kg, a C1 driving licence is required. An exception to this is if the driver passed their test before January 1997, in which case the higher weight category entitlement is included on the C licence, although a D4 medical and vision assessment will be required.

All caravans and motorhomes must be homologated. Caravans below a certain

weight are not subject to technical inspections, while larger and motorised vehicles are.

All the installed equipment, furniture, windows and other elements need to be reflected on the technical sheet. In Spain, inspectors pay special attention to gas, water and electrical installations. The vehicle must also have all the right safety equipment and markings in line with European standards.

Avoid breaking the following rules in Spain:

Most fines are imposed for easily avoidable infractions, such as camping where it is not allowed, speeding, or driving without the right type of licence.

Motor homes are not allowed to drive or park on the beach, and fines are between €40 and €150 for in -

Fines for parking in protected zones can be much higher, so enquire about designated parking from the local authorities, and pay attention to any signs.

Within towns, camper vans must not obstruct traffic.

motorhomes wei ghing less than 3,500 kg have a speed limit of 120 km/h on mo torways and 90 km/h on roads. Heavier ve hicles must stick to 80 km/h on motorways and highways.

liday enjoying your motorhome in Spain, stick to these four gol den rules: check you are aware of local re gulations, use motor home apps, plan your route with designated overnight stays, and always leave the envi ronment as you found it.

Leaving Chelsea

“I HOPE I have left the club and the shirt in a place where you all can be proud of me,” stated the 30-year-old Chelsea player, Fran Kirby, about her departure at the end of the season.

Almost 10 years with the club, Fran scored 115 goals in 205 appearances and collected 14 trophies in West London, including five Women’s Super League titles.

“The support I’ve had has been unmatched,” said Fran, “When I had my illness, my injuries, that’s when I’ve made some friends for life. I will never forget that no matter how bad I felt during those mo-

ments, I always felt loved and supported.

“To leave with the trophies that I have won, with the teammates I’ve played with - some of the world’s best players - it has been one of the biggest privileges of my life,” Fran shared in a poignantly emotional video.

Chelsea´s general manager, Paul Green commented: “Fran has been a hugely important player for us over the last nine years. She is the club’s leading goal scorer in the modern era and leaves Chelsea with legendary status. We sincerely thank Fran for her contributions and wish her well for the future.”

Real Madrid secures record 36th La Liga title

REAL MADRID clinched their 36th La Liga title on Saturday, May 4, solidifying their status as Spain’s most successful football club. The triumph came after arch-rivals Barcelona stumbled against Girona, succumbing to a 4-2 defeat, making it impossible for any other team to catch up with Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Earlier in the day, Real Madrid se cured a convincing 3-0 victory over Cadiz, setting the stage for their vic tory. Under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos have en joyed a remarkable season, lo sing only once and maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last 28 league matches.

Central to Real Madrid’s success this season has been the stellar performance of Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old midfielder, in his debut cam paign in Spain, has not only showcased his scoring skills with 18 league goals, but has also earned admiration for his relentless work ethic and

playmaking abilities.

Bellingham’s impact has been pivotal in shaping Real Madrid’s dominant campaign, with many in Spain touting him as the front runner for the prestigious Ballon

d’Or award. His contributions have been instrumental in securing crucial victories, including decisive goals in both El Clásico encounters against Barcelona.

While Real Madrid’s triumph was almost inevitable given their season-long dominance, the club remains focused on further success, with a crucial Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich on the horizon.

For Real Madrid captain Nacho, lifting the La Liga trophy is a childhood dream realised. As the club prepares to celebrate with its fans, attention swiftly turns to the upcoming European challenge.

As the confetti settles and celebrations begin, Real Madrid remains resolute in their pursuit of glory, knowing that true validation comes not only from domestic wins but also from conquering Europe’s

Fran Kirby.

CROWNING GLORY: Real Madrid clinches 36th La Liga.

Credit: Fran Kirby, Faceboook