Costa Calida 23 – 29 May 2024 Issue 2029

Costa Calida - Issue No. 2029

EURO WEEKL Y YOUR PAPER IS INSIDE

23 - 29 May 2024

Golden Leaves International Understanding Direct Cremation

Why Should I Get a Direct Cremation Plan?

An unattended Direct cremation is for people not wanting to have the fuss and expense of a traditional funeral. It is a low-cost simple option that enables your family to celebrate your life away from the more traditional locations of church and crematorium.

The direct cremation plan allows you to lock in the cost at today’s prices rather than run the risk paying increased fees in the future.

These are the benefits of a direct cremation and a solution to relieve financial and emotional burden from your loved ones;

• Buying a direct cremation will protect your family against rising funeral costs.

• A Golden Leaves direct cremation funeral plan fixes the price at the time of the plan starting. You will never have to pay more.

• Our Plan is fully portable. So if you move anywhere in Spain (including Balearics and Canaries) or back to the UK for that matter, your plan comes with you.

• We also offer flexible payment options to suit most budgets.

• Significant amount of pressure and stress is removed from your families’ shoulders, as everything has been organised already. To activate the plan its just one phone call and they can concentrate on the more important thing… remembering you.

• Your money is held in a trust fund, it’s called the Golden Leaves Trust Fund so you have the peace of mind knowing its protected and your funeral is carried out.

• The company is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority

What is a Direct ‘Unattended’ Cremation?

Direct cremation can be a much more affordable option than a traditional funeral. Golden Leaves direct cremation plan is from €2,489.

The Golden Leaves fully guaranteed direct cremation plan includes the following:

• Fully guaranteed funeral director costs

• Fully guaranteed Crematorium costs

• 24 hours mortuary expenses in Spain

• You’re covered 24 hours 365 days a year in Spain (from your initial call)

• Ashes returned to family or friends in Spain or scattered at crematorium

• From as little as €37.42 per month*

What is not included?

>Burial of the deceased

>Funeral Service

>Mortuary expenses for more than 24 hours.

>Contribution to repatriation of ashes.

Whether paid in a single payment or over 12 months instalments*, the total cost for the plan is just €2,489. You can pay in instalments over 12 to 96 months. If you pay an €100 deposit, the monthly payments are €37.42 per month over 96 months, with a total of €3,632.17 to pay. *Instalment options are not available if you have been advised by a doctor of a condition or illness that will cause death within 12 months of applying for a plan. Cover for accidental death only in the first 12 months of your plan.

Of course, Direct Cremation doesn’t suit everyone. Some of us would rather have a larger and fully attended traditional style of funeral, which is why Golden Leaves range of plans has been built to offer alternative options. Whatever you wish for your final farewell, Golden Leaves will be able to help you.

Since pre-paid funeral planning was introduced to the UK in 1984, Golden Leaves Ltd has been at the forefront of providers. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and as such, your purchases are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. We’d like you to be assured that with Golden Leaves, your arrangements are secure. Every funeral director appointed to provide services for a Golden Leaves Plan are carefully selected for their standards of professionalism, including a demonstration of outstanding service records in their local community.

Golden Leaves’ current leadership too, Steve Rowland Chair and Barry Floyd CEO both have extensive histories and impeccable reputations within the funeral planning sector. Both have served terms on the board of the United Kingdom’s established funeral plan national associations, including the original national self regulatory body, the Funeral Planning Authority. More recently they have both served as directors on the executive of the newly formed National Association of Funeral Plan Providers.

In addition, our founder, Tony Rowland, was honoured with an MBE for his dedication to the funeral industry spanning over 60 years.

We have many years of experience in helping families at one of the worst times of their life. If you would like to get some advice on how you can protect your family from the emotional and financial stress of a funeral, or if you would just like to talk more broadly about the funeral system here in Spain, please contact us on the details below.

Barry Floyd CEO

THE MABS Mazarron Cancer Support Foundation recently organised its first Charity Golf Day of 2024, held at the Camposol Club de Golf.

The event, sponsored by Currencies Direct, Los Amigos, Premier Health Care (PHC), and Sunshine Golf, was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of the dedicated volunteers that organised the event itself and for their contribution in selling raffle tickets.

The fundraiser garnered an impressive total of €1,030, which will be directly utilised by MABS Cancer Support Foundation to provide practical assistance and support to individuals in the local community who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families.

The event not only

Par for Purpose Foreign attraction

PUNTA BRAVA, a lesser-known paradise near Cartagena, has become a magnet for foreign visitors, particularly the British. This beach, between El Carmolí, Los Urrutias, and Los Alcázares, stretches 900 metres and has a serene atmosphere. Unlike other overdeveloped areas of the Mar Menor, Punta Brava has remained relatively untouched, making it an attractive spot for those seeking tranquillity and affordability.

Local residents welcome the influx of foreigners, seeing it as a positive change. Local residents note the new residents, mainly British, are respectful and maintain a clean, healthy lifestyle. They enjoy the quiet environment, often engaging in outdoor

showcased community spirit but also highlighted the commitment of people and businesses to rallying behind a noble cause. Through such initiatives, the MABS Cancer Support Foundation continues its vital mission of

offering assistance and comfort to those facing the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The success of the Charity Golf Day highlights the importance of collective efforts in making a meaningful difference in the

lives of cancer patients and their loved ones. For more information about the support provided by MABS see the website mabscancerfoundation.org

To keep up with their upcoming events see their social media pages.

activities like hiking.

The local real estate market has thrived, offering reasonably priced houses reminiscent of the 1970s with some modern touches.

Despite its charm, Punta Brava lacks nearby

shops and supermarkets, requiring residents to travel for essentials. The community hopes that this influx will help preserve the area’s charm and prevent it from becoming neglected like some neighbouring regions.

A BUNCH of Los Amigos de Mazarron FC members recently wrapped up the initial leg of a 120km charity trek. Their path? The Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago. What’s their aim? Raising funds for MABS Mazarron Cancer Support Foundation, marking 25 years of dedicated care for cancer patients. Tony, Steve, Paul, and Dave are the faces behind this noble endeavour. Want to chip in and show your support? You can sponsor them via PayPal at donate@mabscancersupport.org or through bank transfer: ES79 2100 6032 8702 0016 8624 (LA CAIXA). Every contribution counts!

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2029 • 23 - 29 May 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO

Image: Shutterstock/ Travel Telly

Cartagena’s hidden paradise.

Image: Paul Cassidy

Images: MABS Mazarron

Golf Day success.

Heat alert

THE Ministry of Health has unveiled a plan to address escalating temperatures, introducing an updated risk map that considers mortality risks tied to extreme heat.

Dividing Spain into 182 zones, each marked by signi cant correlations between heat and mortality, the plan o ers a nuanced understanding of regional vulnerabilities.

In Murcia, thresholds range from 37.8 to 33.3 degrees. Extreme heat alerts are set to begin on June 3. Calculations inform daily risk assessments ranging from 0 (green) to 3 (red), prompting tailored interventions.

Regular updates will be

available on the Ministry’s website ( es), and people can subscribe for personalised temperature forecasts.

The plan prioritises safeguarding vulnerable demographics such as the elderly, pregnant women, and outdoor workers.

Notably, from 2000 to 2009 there was a 9.1 per cent to 10.7 per cent rise in mortality risk per degree above the health threshold, attributing 13,119 deaths to high temperatures during this period.

Wildlife win

THE El Valle Regional Wildlife Recovery Centre has achieved a significant milestone by releasing all marine turtles admitted for rehabilitation back into their natural habitat. Over the past two years, the centre has successfully rehabilitated and released seven marine turtles, confirming its crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts.

Juan María Vázquez, the Minister of Environment, Universities, Research, and the Mar Menor, highlighted the success of the centre’s efforts during the release of a young 9.8-kilogram turtle at the San Pedro Regional Park. This release marks the beginning of the season and aligns with the region’s project to deepen understanding of threats to cetaceans and marine turtles.

Vázquez commended the collaboration between the local community and the environmental organisation Anse, involved in the rescue of the turtle. Despite the successful release, Vázquez highlighted ongoing threats to marine turtles, including accidental capture in fishing nets and ingestion of plastics. Such challenges mean continued vigilance is necessary.

The El Valle Wildlife Recovery Centre’s work reinforces the importance of proactive conservation measures in protecting vulnerable species like marine turtles.

Hiking

A MAN tragically passed away on May 18 while hiking on a forest track in Puerto de la Cadena, within the municipality of Murcia. The 56-year-old was trekking along the path leading to the peak of Relojero, approximately two kilometres from the quarries and near the petrol station by the road. Suddenly, he su ered a cardiac arrest. His companions initiated CPR and contacted the Emergency Coordination Centre for medical assistance. Despi-

te e orts, upon the arrival of the 061 ambulance, medical personnel con rmed the man’s passing. A pa-

trol from the Guardia Civil was dispatched to the scene pending the arrival of the forensic doctor.

Navigating Spain’s heat.

tragedy

Tragic loss on the trail.

Lotto win

LOTTERY luck strikes again at Sangonera la Verde, this humble lottery shop has struck gold once more. Previously scoring a Bonoloto jackpot, it’s now validated a €1 million EuroMillions ticket.

Table top sale

AGE Concern Costa Calida continues to host the popular Table Top Sale on the last Saturday of every month from 10am to 1pm. The next tabletop sale is on May 25 and then on June 29. For more information contact 634 344 589.

Cheapest shop

THE Consumers and Users Organisation has once again surveyed Spain to find the cheapest supermarket. The cheapest one has been named as Alcampo and luckily they are located in Murcia in the Thader Shopping centre.

English cinema

A REMINDER that Cine Almenara Lorca shows a film its original version (VOSE) usually in English every Thursday at 6pm. It is located in the Centro Comercial Parque Almenara.

Discover Cartagena

CARTAGENA stands proudly as a major naval stronghold on the Mediterranean shores. With a population of over 200,000, it’s the second-largest municipality in Murcia and the sixth-largest city in Spain that is not a regional capital. The Cartagena area, known as Campo de Cartagena, homes nearly double that gure.

The city’s history revolves around its strategic port, hailed as one of the Mediterranean’s key defence hubs. Since the 18th century, Cartagena has been central to Spain’s maritime operations in the region. Landmarks like the Roman Theatre and various architectural treasures showcase its rich heritage.

Modern-day Cartagena sees itself morphing into a vibrant cruise destination while nurturing its cultural roots. The municipality includes charming villages like La Azohía and Los Urrutias, all under the umbrella of 24 distinct districts.

Record

turnout

Despite centuries of exploitation, Cartagena’s surroundings are lled with diverse plants and animals. There are lots

of di erent types of plants and animals in places like the coastal mountains and protected areas such as Mar Menor and Calblanque Natural Park. Even though there are factories and lots of tourists, nature still does well here. Economically, energy-related activi-

THE Port of Cartagena is set to welcome 17,000 tourists aboard 17 cruises in May, including the illustrious Disney Dream. The diversity of vessels, from expeditions to luxury liners, highlights Cartagena’s ambition to become a premier cruise destination.

The arrival of the Odyssey of the Seas from Malaga marked the beginning of a bustling month for the port city. Royal Caribbean’s colossal ship, accommodating 4,198 guests stopped over.

ties are among the main ones in the area, while agriculture and shipbuilding continue to play signi cant roles. Notably tourism and hospitality, have increased, in recent years.

Cartagena o ers a unique experience, from its historic port to its beautiful beaches, making it a must-visit destination.

Cruising into port

Notably, the National Geographic Explorer, a Lindblad Expeditions vessel renowned for its polar expeditions, docked recently. Another triple call takes place in May, as the Corinthian, Star Legend, and Bolette bring around 1,200 cruisers to Cartagena. The month concludes with a double call, featuring Scenic Eclipse and Crystal Symphony, along with other notable vessels.

Roman Theatre

TUCKED away in the coastal city of Cartagena, lies the Roman Theatre. Built between the fth and rst century BC, this ancient amphitheatre boasts a rich history and stunning architecture. Originally constructed for the entertainment of Roman citizens, the theatre could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. Imagine the buzz of excitement as crowds gathered to watch theatrical performances, gladiator battles, and other spectacles.

Over the centuries, the theatre fell into disrepair, buried beneath the rubble of time. However, in the late 20th century, excavation e orts uncovered its grandeur once again. Today, visitors can wander through the well-preserved ruins, marvelling at the intricate stonework and imagining the events that once unfolded within these walls.

The Roman Theatre stands as a testament to Cartagena’s ancient past, o ering a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants. So, if you nd yourself wandering the streets of this charming Spanish city, be sure to pay a visit.

MORE than 50,000 people enjoyed La Noche de Los Museos (The Night of the Museums) in Cartagena, making it the most-attended event in its history. Both locals and tourists took part in the cultural activities organised by the Cartagena City Council on Saturday, May 18. Museums stayed open until 1 am, o ering over 200 free activities. The event featured live music, dance performances, and parades. The most visited sites were the Roman Theatre with 8,000 visitors, the Military History Museum with 7,000, and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology ARQVA with 4,500. The Roman Theatre alone saw double the number of visitors compared to the previous year.

Visitors explored local modernist architecture, the history of Carthago Nova, 19th-century windmills, military heritage, glassblowing crafts, and cultural landmarks like the Teatro Circo Apolo. Street performances, like the Oniria show with illuminated giants, captivated audiences.

The weekend also hosted the Cartagena Puerto de Sabores food fair.

Step back in time at Cartagena’s Roman Theatre.

A treasure trove of history and beauty.

Lorca Rally

THE ‘Baja Lorca’ Rally, set to celebrate its 11th year on the last weekend of May, continues to solidify the ‘City of the Sun’ as a premier national showcase for motorsports.

This year, the event will take place on May 25 and 26, drawing an estimated 400 attendees, including drivers, technical teams, and their families. This influx is expected to boost local tourism and economic activity during the mid-low season.

The competition will feature 60 vehicles, with the sports leading drivers. For updates, visit www.automovilclubdelor ca.es.

National plan

THE regional president, Fernando López Miras, em phasised the urgent need for a National Water Plan that includes funding and new infrastructure, as well as the maintenance of existing ones like the Tajo-Segura transfer. He highlighted its importance during the Wa ter Council’s Open Forum at the Mediterranean Eco nomic and Social Forum re cently.

Royal inspection

López Miras pointed out that Murcia leads in water use and management, ha ving invested over €1.3 bi llion in water purification, sanitation, and urban water reuse over the past 30 years. He argued that Murcia’s experience makes it a model for a National Water Plan based on dialogue. He urged the central government to collaborate with all regions to address water distribution fairly across Spain. Murcia’s water management success, achieved through significant investment and modernisa-

tion, showcases the importance of infrastructures like the Tajo-Segura. López Miras expressed his opposition to the central government’s plans to cut this vital transfer, stressing that Murcia has turned a structural water deficit into an efficient system, producing 25 per cent of Spain’s exported fruits and vegetables with just 3 per cent of the irrigation water.

ON May 20, King Felipe VI visited Cartagena to see the Maritime Action Force. This force is responsible for protecting Spain’s maritime interests and ensuring the safety of its waters.

The King began his visit at the Naval Station of Algameca and then moved to the Navy Diving Centre, where he greeted local officials. The mayor of Cartagena, Noelia Arroyo, expressed her pride in the visit and praised the professionalism of the local Navy.

King Felipe attended a conference on MARSEC-24, an exercise aimed at improving cooperation between maritime organisations and government agencies. Vice Admiral Victoriano Gilabert Agote led the conference. After the conference, the King visited the Maritime Action Operations and Surveillance Centre. Next, he boarded the rescue ship ‘Neptuno’ and observed a demonstration with the unmanned submarine vehicle ‘LEOPARD.’ He also visited the minehunter ‘Duero,’ learning about its capabilities.

The people of Cartagena and tourists lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the king as he passed through the central shopping area.

King Felipe VI visits Cartagena.

Images: Cartagena.es

Championing fair distribution.

Craft Beer

THE Region of Murcia is known for its love of beer and its strong craft beer production. With 12 small craft breweries, Murcia competes well against bigger brands, according to the Socioeconomic Report of the Beer Sector in Spain. This makes Murcia the 12th province in Spain with the most craft breweries, just behind Madrid and Valencia.

Murcia also hosts malt houses and a large brewery run by the Damm Group in Espinardo, producing Estrella de Levante beer. Additionally, Murcia is one of Spain’s top beer consumers, alongside the Valencian Community and Albacete, together consuming 6.59 million hectolitres annually, which is 16.9 per cent of the country’s total. Beer consumption in the region has grown by 11.9 per cent from the previous year.

Quality is another highlight of Murcian craft beers. Spanish newspapers named these Murcia craft beers: Cátedra Kolsch and Tipo Trigo de Yakka among Spain’s best beers, showcasing the excellence of Murcia’s craft beer scene.

Coach trip

AGE CONCERN Costa Calida has announced their next exciting coach trip, set for Friday, June 14. For just €30 per person, participants can look forward to a delightful day of shopping and dining.

The trip includes a visit to the Habaneras Centro Comercial in Torrevieja, where shoppers can explore a variety of stores and boutiques. Afterward, everyone will enjoy a two-course lunch at the renowned Quesada Fish & Chips restaurant, with a small drink included.

The coach will have convenient pickup points at Port of Mazarron, Mazarron Country Club, and Camposol Sector B. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a fun day out, meet new people, and indulge in some retail therapy and the best sh & chips around.

For more information or to book your seat, contact Age Concern Costa Calida via WhatsApp on 634 344 589, message them on their Facebook page, or email ageconcerncostacalida@gmail. com. Don’t miss out on this fantastic trip!

Hospital wedding

WHEN pancreatic cancer unexpectedly struck Alfonso and Marina, they faced it head-on. Just three days before Alfonso’s surgery, they decided to exchange vows in the hospital chapel at Arrixaca Hospital in El Palmar.

Despite the unconventional setting, their wedding was lled with love and tradition. Surrounded by family and friends, they toasted outside the chapel and cut the cake in the hospital cafeteria. Alfonso, wearing a drainage tube under his borrowed suit, entered surgery with newfound strength. Their decision to marry before the operation was driven by their two young children and a desire for peace of mind. Their story is a testament to love’s ability to conquer even the toughest of challenges.

MURCIA: A craft beer haven.

Shop and dine with Age Concern.

Hook, line and sinker

John Smith

AN Estonian runner, Leonid Latsepov, finished in third place in the Helsinki City Running Day half marathon on Saturday May 11 but he was unintentionally nobbled!

He was beaten into third place by just 18 seconds and he believes that had it not been for an incredible piece of bad luck, his time would have been much faster.

As he was running over Helsinki’s Lauttasaari Bridge, a fisherman, who actually shouldn’t have been there, started to cast and a gust of wind blew the fishing line with its hooks straight into the runner’s kit and leg.

A new concept of tourism

ACCORDING to the World Tourism Organisation, international travel is expected to reach two billion by 2030 and three billion in 2050. To date there are no less than 98 destinations (in 63 countries) where problems related to holiday rentals have been reported.

In Spain there have been protests in many areas including Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga and the Canary Islands among others, with local people angry in particular

Fairbnb.coop is an alternative platform that is well established in Italy where the idea started, brainchild of Italian entrepreneur, Emanuele Dal Carlo, it is trying to create a model for “ethical tourism” that doesn’t price residents out of their area.

Speaking to YLE, the Finnish Broadcasting Company, the runner explained “I didn’t feel any pain immediately. I tried to remove the hooks, but was unable to do so. It

ruined my run though, my whole race time could have been a minute faster. Herring fishing is also popular in Estonia, but I never thought this would happen to me.”

At the end of the race he visited the First Aid Station there and they managed to remove no less than four large hooks, some of which

were embedded in his lower leg.

The organisers of the race confirmed that there should have been no fishermen on the bridge and that they and the police had removed a number before the race started but it is assumed that one sneaked back when he saw that the coast was clear.

Venice, for example, has been in the news lately with the imposition of a tourist tax in an attempt to limit numbers. Fairbnb says that holiday apartment owners must already live in the city themselves, and that a host can only list one second home on their platform. A host on its platforms could in fact own 20 properties in Venice, but only one can be let to tourists, while the others must go on to the regular rental market (source: The Times Property newsletter).

Fairbnb redirects 50 per cent of its net commission to community projects. This way, your travels contribute directly to the sustainability and well-being of the communities you visit.

Latsepov had to be satisfied with third place.

Credit: Helsinki City Running Day

Emanuele Dal Carlo.

Photo: Emanuele Dal Carlo

Nameless streets

FROM June 1 onwards, France bids farewell to nameless streets as a new law takes effect, ensuring that every street in the country receives an official name.

This monumental change will impact approximately

1.8 million residents who previously lived on unnamed streets.

Until now, France has been known for its streets with no names, however, a law passed in 2022 mandates that municipalities as-

sign names to all streets to streamline public services like postal deliveries and emergency responses.

According to the law, municipalities with over 2,000 inhabitants were required to name their streets by January 1, 2024, while smaller municipalities must comply by June 1. The absence of street names has caused numerous challenges over the years, leading to confusion for postal workers and emergency responders. This change aims to address these issues, potentially making a crucial difference in medical emergencies.

While municipalities have the autonomy to choose street names, the government offers guidelines to ensure coherence and diversity. They encourage preserving local history and incorporating regional languages alongside French.

Greener gardens

THE city of Antwerp is offering its resi dents a unique opportunity to make their surroundings greener by giving away 2,000 trees for planting in gar dens.

This initiative, running until Septem ber 30, aims to engage citizens in greening efforts and improving the city’s environment.

Having a tree in one’s garden not only contributes to better air quality but also provides shade during sum mer and creates additional breeding space for birds.

With 20 different tree species available, residents have the chance to select the most suitable option for their property.

To assist in decision-making, the city provides a helpful guide with questions guiding residents to the appropriate tree recommendation based on their preferen ces and property characteristics.

All tree species offered are carefully selected to thrive in the local climate and ecosystem.Moreover, the city website offers practical advice on planting and ca ring for the trees to ensure they meet muni cipal standards.

For instance, trees exceeding two metres in height should be planted at least two me tres away from the property boundary, un less agreed otherwise.

Hot weather warning to all pet owners

AS temperatures rise, it is crucial to remember the severe dangers of leaving pets in cars during hot weather. Even on a seemingly mild day, the temperature inside a vehicle can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes. Studies show that temperatures can become dangerous for pets in 10 minutes or less.

Pets, especially dogs, are highly susceptible to heatstroke. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat effectively and rely on panting to cool down, which is insufficient in sweltering conditions. Symptoms of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and even collapse.

Without immediate intervention, heatstroke can cause organ failure and death.

Leaving windows open does not provide adequate ventilation or cooling. The best way to ensure your pet’s safety is to leave them at home in a cool, shaded environment, with plenty of water.

If you must take your pet with you, ensure they are not left alone in the car, even for a few minutes.

Remember, taking preventative measures can save your pet’s life. Always prioritise their well-being by avoiding unnecessary risks during hot weather. Spread awareness about this critical issue and help protect animals from the dangers of overheated vehicles.

Leave your pet at home in hot weather.

COSTA CALIDA

La Laguna Sound Festival Weekend DJ Fest

GET ready to kick off your summer with a blast at the La Laguna Sound Festival! Happening on June 1 at the Recinto Ferial San Javier, this event promises 17 hours of non-stop fun with 10 amazing artists, a VIP area, foodie fun, and plenty of surprises.

Leading the pack of talent are two new confirmed artists. First up is Cris Deluxe, a resident DJ in Ibiza known for bringing the party wherever he goes. Then there’s Michenlo, whose techno and hard tech beats have rocked international festivals like Tomorrowland. Epic vibes are guaranteed! For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP zone offers exclusive access with perks like private bathrooms, a dedicated bar, and priority parking. And if you really want to go all out, grab a VIP table for you and your crew, complete with bottle service and all the trimmings.

Of course, no festival is complete without good eats. Three fantastic food trucks will be on hand to keep you fuelled throughout the event. Including Sabor Urbano serving up the best burgers on the Costa Calida. And let’s not forget the glitter zone because, let’s face it, festivals are all about letting loose and having fun. So, get your sparkle on and join the party! Tickets start at just €9 and the festival is for over 18s only. Don’t miss out on the summer kick-off of the year!

McGeer WEEKEND DJ Fest returns to Cartagena, promising another explosion of music and emerging talent. Set to take place on Saturday, June 15, at the port’s esplanade alongside Héroes de Cavite and Santiago de Cuba, this year’s festival is expanding its horizons with the presence of two renowned DJs.

Among the headliners are DJ and radio host Tony Aguilar, known as the voice of Los 40 Principales and for his coverage of Eurovision;

Dutch DJ and producer Nilz Van Zandt, boasting gold and platinum records from various countries; and Cuban DJ Claudia León, based in Madrid and celebrated as one of the most influential DJs. Mayor of Cartagena, Noelia Arroyo, attended the event’s presentation recently, she highlighted its diverse appeal and how it will attract more visitors to the city. The festival saw over 10,000 attendees last year.

Cartagena’s City Council actively participates in the festival

by organising many events. This includes the URBAN CT DJ contest whose winner, Carlos Abad this year, earns a spot on the festival lineup. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has grown into a significant platform for both national and international musical talent.

Over the years, Cartagena has hosted renowned artists like Carlos Jean, Toni Peret, DreamTeam, and Abel The Kid, cementing its status as a must-attend event on the music calendar.

Fortaleza Sound

THE Fortaleza Sound Festival in Lorca is set to delight attendees with a wide range of free activities. Under the umbrella of the Fortaleza Street brand, this event promises music, gastronomy, and culture from June 28-30.

The Plaza de España will be the main stage for performances by national artists, while the area set up around Huerto de la Rueda will host events and activities. Additionally, Plaza Arcoiris, Plaza Calderón, and Plaza Joaquín Castellar will showcase emerging talents. But the fun doesn’t stop at music. Visitors can enjoy food events and workshops, art exhibitions, book

presentations, film screenings, urban dance displays, and family activities. With an expected attendance of between 10,000 and 12,000 people daily, the festival not only promises to be a standout event in the area of music and entertainment but it will also aim to strengthen local tourism and the economy.

Furthermore, a shuttle bus service will be provided from various nearby towns, ensuring comfortable and safe mobility for everyone who wants to attend.

Get ready to experience a weekend full of fun at Fortaleza Sound!

Catherine

Image: Facebook/Fortaleza Sound

Image: Cartagena City hall

Image: Shutterstock/ Drazen Zigic

QUIRKY TOWN

Castellfollit de la Roca

John Smith

A BASALT cliff in Catalonia rises 50 metres above ground and perched on top of this narrow cliff is the medieval town of Castellfollit de la Roca.

Buildings including a fine church and belltower run along the thin strip of cliff for around one kilometre and the town currently has almost 1,000 inhabitants.

It can trace its history back for nearly 1,000 years and although in a relatively easily defended position it has been destroyed by earthquake or invasion by the French and even suffered during the Spanish Civil War.

For a small yet fascinating town, there is plenty going on and arguably it ‘punches above its weight’ with regular fiestas and even boasts the Rockerol Festival and food truck event.

For centuries the apparent ‘floating town’ has been a magnet to artists and nowadays is geared up to cope with tourists who want to walk the narrow medieval streets and enjoy the view from the massive courtyard at the edge of the town which has two rivers the Fluvià and Toronell flowing on either side of the cliff.

One of the recommended times to be in the area is at sunset, when the rays of the setting sun illuminate the cliff. If however you get bored with all of the surrounding natural beauty, then you might want to visit the Museu de l’Embotit (Sausage Museum) which was founded in 1993 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the local Sala family producing sausages - admission is free and you might even get to sample some of the wares.

The stunningly beautiful Castellfollit de la Roca.

Guinness goes green

DIAGEO, owners of the world famous Guinness brand, has announced plans to invest over €100 million to decarbonise its historic St James’s Gate site in Dublin, where Guinness has been brewed for 264 years.

The investment will enable St James’s Gate to entirely phase out the use of fossil fuels in its direct brewing operations and reduce emissions generated by the site by more than 90 per cent

ted within a new water recovery facility. This facility will also improve water use efficiency and enable a reduction in the water used to brew Guinness by 30 per cent.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “Guinness has been made in Dublin for over a quarter of a millennium, and today so many tourists visit the location while they are here. It’s not just a green transformation for St James’s Gate but a

cutive Officer, Debra Crew, said, “St James’s Gate is a historic location for an iconic brand. We’re 260 years into our 9,000-year lease at St James’s Gate and this investment will ensure that Guinness has an exciting and long-term sustainable future.”

This plan is the latest move by Guinness towards futureproofing its business, with the company long-since known for its pioneering employment offering of free health care, pension, paid holidays, and free meals to employees for over 200

Foreigners get the vote

A TOTAL of 43,292 foreign residents in Andalucia will be able to exercise their right to vote in the European elections on Sunday June 9, mostly Romanians.

According to data from the Electoral Census Offi-

ce, a total of 302,991 people from other European Union countries will be able to vote nationally in these elections, well below the 365,000 foreigners in 2019, the last time the British took part.

The most numerous group also in Spain as a whole are Romanian nationals, with 85,281, representing nearly 30 per cent of the total of this group of foreign voters, followed by Italians, with 61,802, or 20 per cent. Third place goes to 34,735 people from Germany (11 per cent), while there are also 30,713 French voters (10 per cent).

The countries with the fewest foreign voters in Spain are Cyprus, with 64 people; Malta, with 43; Luxembourg, with 168; Slovenia, with 314 and Croatia, with 359.

After Andalucia, the community with the most foreign residents with the right to vote is the Canary Islands, with 38,411 registered voters, headed in this case by Italians, who are also the largest nationality group among the 53,709 people who can vote in the European elections in Catalonia.

Photo: Facebook / Guinness

Lifetime adventure

FROM June 8 to 15, 36 ‘pilgrim/sailors’ will sail from the UK to A Coruña on a tall ship and then carry on to Santiago de Compostela.

John Raffety, Chairman of Age in Spain told Euro Weekly News that these pilgrims will sail from Fowey in Cornwall, England to A Coruña and then walk to Santiago de Compostela to visit the tomb of Saint James in the Cathedral making the journey just as it would have been in the middle-ages.

Medieval traveller, William Wey noted that the pilgrimage way to Compostela enjoyed widespread fame throughout medieval Europe. Land and sea alike were furrowed with routes rich in spirituality leading to Santiago de Compostela.

Three pilgrims from England - Simon Jenkins, Ned Spencer and Peter Hore developed the idea and found a company https://www.fairferry.co.uk/ which had ships willing to carry pilgrims to Galicia.

Many of the participants will walk The Saints Way which is a 27-mile route which crosses Cornwall from Padstow in the north to Fowey on the south coast. It follows the probable route of early Christian pilgrims making their way from Ireland and Wales to Brittany or

On board the Morgenster.

Santiago de Compostela.

On arrival in Fowey they will board the tall ship the Morgenster, sail out of the Fowey Estuary, cross the English Channel and Bay of Biscay and onwards to A Coruña where they will disembark to walk to Santiago.

Participants will be taught sailing skills and will take their turn at the watches - four hour periods to keep the ship safe 24 hours a day.

Sardinian sand

Tourists have been caught smuggling sand and stones.

SARDINIA, with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, shines as a tourist location in the Mediterranean.

However, beneath this paradise lies a troubling issue: the illegal plundering of its natural treasures by tourists.

While the appeal of Sardinia’s sandy shores is undeniable, authorities are issuing a strong warning: leave the sand and pebbles where they belong.

The problem of sand theft has reached a critical point, prompting authorities to take action by imposing nes of up to €3,000 for those caught stealing from the coastline.

Despite these penalties, incidents of tourists attempting to smuggle sand, stones, and even archaeological artefacts have been increasing.

Several individuals have already been caught trying to take Sardi-

nia’s natural riches this year.

The potential legal consequences highlight the seriousness of the issue.

In addition to nes, tourists risk imprisonment if convicted of theft, especially if the stolen items are considered public assets, a category that includes Sardinia’s coastal resources.

Sardinia’s charm lies not only in its stunning landscapes but also in its rich ecological diversity.

Image: Sardegna Turismo

SANDY SHORES:

Credit: Fair Ferry

IRELAND

No hurry

REGINA DOHERTY, a senator for the Fine Gael party, said it was not always easy to get the police to make an appearance after calling them. “I’m not being disrespectful but we all know how difficult it is when you ring the guards to get them to show up for something that’s happening outside your house,” she said.

Film fame

THIS year’s Cannes Film Festival features five Irish films as well as several others that have chosen Ireland for locations. “We are a small country to get around, but very diverse,” Steven Davenport, head of US Production and Partnerships at Screen Ireland which is based in Los Angeles, told Variety magazine.

NORWAY

Phased out

VALBARD, located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, will close its last coal mine in Longyearbyen this summer as the archipelago turns to renewable energy. But as local miners and employees linked to the mine will lose their jobs, the transition is not expected to be entirely trouble-free, industry sources said.

Summer strike

PILOTS working for Norwegian Air Shuttle said they would strike in June if agreement over salaries and working conditions has not been reached by the end of May. An official from the union representing the pilots revealed that there was a “strong risk” of industrial action if pilots’ calls for a better work-life balance were not met.

ITALY

Holy orders

FORTY-NINE Vatican Museums employees are petitioning for improved working conditions and warned they would take legal action if their requests were ignored. Not only do they lack basic rights, they said, but they have been obliged to repay the salaries they received during the pandemic by working off the debt.

Match point

NOW-RETIRED tennis player Camila Giorgi, who rose to 26 in the world rankings in 2018, is under investigation for not paying income tax in 2016. The 32-year-old allegedly failed to declare all her earnings and was declared officially “missing” when tax officials were unable to locate her and serve her with a summons.

EURO PRESS

GERMANY

Coming soon

FORMER Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 700-page memoirs will be published on November 26, almost three years after she ended her 16 years in office. Titled “Freedom: Memories 19542021’. Merkel’s book will look back on the 35 years she spent in East Germany and another 35 in reunified Germany.

SWEDEN

Smoke-free

TWO leading convenience store chains are phasing out cigarette sales and will eventually stop all sales, they announced. Fewer than 5 per cent of the population now smoke, although cigarettes account for more than half their tobacco sales, which include nicotine pouches as well as nicotine-and smoke-free products.

High water

THE SMHI meteorological office warned that fast-melting snow was rapidly filling the streams, ditches and watercourses which flow into larger rivers. Vasterbotten Province in northern Sweden had to be put on orange alert owing to rising levels on the Savaran, Dalkarlsan, Ricklean and Hertsangersalven rivers..

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

Hard choice

AN Almada court acquitted a pilot instructor of negligent manslaughter after he killed an adult and a child when he crash-landed on Caparica beach in August 2017. On detecting engine failure, the pilot said that he chose to land on the beach instead of the sea as this would probably have killed him and his passenger.

New airport

PRIME MINISTER Luis Montenegro announced that Portugal would build a new international airport in Alcochete, 40 kilometres from Lisbon, to replace Humberto Delgado airport in the city centre. Situated on the site of a military airfield, the new airport would be completed by 2034, Montenegro said.

DENMARK

Motorway vote

DANISH MPs are expected to vote in favour of constructing a 20-kilometre motorway over Limfjord despite warnings from the Roads Directorate that it would entail a loss of 188 million kroner (€16.17 million). Supporters maintain that the new road will bring much-needed economic growth to Aalborg and North Jutland.

Dual-purpose

DENMARK’S Technical University and the municipal energy company on Bornholm Island are collaborating on a scheme to use excess power from streetlamps to charge electric vehicles. The lampposts’ LED bulbs use only a fraction of their capacity, which could be harnessed for other purpose, engineer Mads Aarup said.

FRANCE

On alert

PARISIANS were startled on May 13 when an official message appeared on their mobiles, accompanied by loud ringing even on quiet mode. All were advised to obtain a QR code that would give them access to secured areas between July 18 and 26 as Paris prepared for the Olympics starting on July 26.

Undecided

FRANCE has not yet decided whether to accept the US Space Command’s offer to participate in its Operation Olympic Defender initiative to boost defence and deter hostility in space. If it were to join, France said, it would not be willing to cede operational control of its military space assets to the US.

FINLAND

Stress buster

WITH anxiety sky-high amongst teenagers since the pandemic, a Janakkala high school hoped to improve matters by providing free porridge before classes begin after they learnt that many pupils were skipping breakfast. The school has also started to organise weekly relaxation and meditation breaks in the gym.

Pedal power

A RECENT survey found that employees with bicycles obtained through workplace schemes used them “significantly” more than the average cyclist in Finland. According to the service which provides the bicycles, they averaged an annual 1,217 kilometres, compared with the national average of 234 kilometres.

Voted out

GHENT’S public transport company had to move one of its bus stops after the municipal authorities put up huge billboards with posters for the forthcoming elections in front of it. City hall explained that it was easier and quicker to move the bus stop, which is much-used on weekdays, than to shift the billboards.

Soon solved

THIRTY children having a swimming lesson at the municipal pool in Mechelen were immediately evacuated after they all began feeling unwell owing to strong chlorine fumes. Once outside they soon felt better, a police spokesman said, and although paramedics attended to five children, no-one was taken to hospital.

Fine idea

AN Enschede councillor who recently visited Singapore wishes to copy the country’s hefty fines equivalent to €410 for anybody seen dropping litter in the street. Malkis Jajan wants to introduce €1,000 fines to make Enschede “the cleanest city in Europe”, adding that the current fines were “too low to have any impact.”

Who’s afraid

THE wolf that now approaches people in Ermelo was clearly being fed on the meatballs and hamburgers repeatedly found in a local car park, a wolf expert told the media. The authorities now want permission to shoot wolves with paintball guns to scare them off, as they increasingly showed little fear of the public.

ANGELA MERKEL: German Chancellor from 2005 to 2021.

Mass tourism impact

VOX Pop

MOVEMENTS across Spain are calling for the negative impact of mass tourism and over-crowding to be addressed. We asked our readers if this reaction has come too late:

Judy Abingdon who is British but lives in Palma, Mallorca said “Mallorca is a seductive location with a long history and a rich culture that naturally attracts a lot of attention. Having lived on a lot of islands I think it su ers from the same thing that usually happens. Investors see dollar signs and rush into projects without much planning. So yes, I think it will be very hard to correct this problem now, but I don’t put blame on the tourists. I put it on the planners who should have done better and considered its citizens and visitors beforehand.”

cally with fewer tourists, the people shouldn’t vote for governments that make it so di cult to start and run small businesses. The self-employed and entrepreneurs should be praised and held up as examples.”

Ian Raistrick from England who now lives in Calpe has a somewhat similar view saying “It makes sense that there is a movement against mass tourism, especially in places like Mallorca or Ibiza. There’s only so much space on one island. The lives of people who work at restaurants and hotels become a ected; they’re in a strange situation because in the summer there’s a ood of income, but during other seasons they struggle to nancially support themselves; there’s no stability or balance.”

Norwegian-born Cecilie Gamst Berg had quite strong views on the subject “If Spain wants to survive economi-

May Al-Ali also living in Palma commented “As a Londoner who relocated to Spain, I feel that tourism is great for the country, it helps the economy grow. I’m sure the government appreciates that, and I’m sure that the increase in the value of locals’ houses is welcome too. The government just needs to put measures in place to support the infrastructure of the islands to reap the bene ts of the economic boost.”

Eamon Brown from Ireland who is holidaying in Mojacar said “It all depends on the tourists, I can understand that some places just don’t want noisy crowds of youngsters on hen nights or stag dos but they are only a small percentage of those who visit and genera-

CECILIE GAMST BERG

JUDY ABINGDON

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Titanic worry

BELFAST based shipyard

Harland & Wolff’s warned that the company might not survive if a £200 million (€233.09 million) loan guarantee from the government failed to materialise owing to state aid rules. This could put at risk a £1.6 billion (€1.86 billion) contract to build Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships.

Late homework

BRUSSELS asked the Spanish government for proof that it had introduced effective systems to prevent China’s Huawei accessing the 5G network. This was one of the reforms and conditions that Madrid had to comply with by 2022 in order to receive a fourth payment of European Union funds worth €10 billion.

Raspberry float

CAMBRIDGE-BASED

Raspberry Pi, whose lowcost computers help children to learn about IT, has sold 60 million units worldwide since 2012 and now intends to list on the London stock market. The business could be valued at £500 million (€582.72 million) the Sunday Times said on initially reporting the float.

Looking ahead

CONSTRUCTION and infrastructure group ACS posted a first-quarter net profit of €177 million, an 8.4 per cent increase on 2023. The firm headed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had a turnover of €8.70 billion during this period, prompting a “minimum” net profit forecast of €600 million for the entire year.

Booting up

BOOTS US owner Walgreens Boots Alliance is increasing efforts to find a buyer for the British pharmacy chain and working with experts to establish discussions with likely firms, according to Bloomberg reports. Insiders said that Walgreens would want £7 billion (€8.16 billion) for the 174-year-old company.

LONDON-LISTED mining

company Anglo American, which rejected a second takeover approach from Australia’s BHP on May 13, is selling De Beers.

After rejecting a £34 billion (€39.62 billion) offer from BHP, following an initial £31.1 billion (€36.25 billion), Anglo intends to sell the world’s leading diamonds company.

Anglo controls 85 per cent of the firm, while the Botswana government owns the remaining 15 per cent.

De Beers, which represents 6 per cent of Anglo’s business, is expected to fetch around $7 billion (€6.46 billion), according to JP Morgan.

STAT OF WEEK

has been spent by Spain’s state-owned Industrial Holding Company (SEPI) in acquiring an 8.53 per cent holding in telecommunications company, Telefonica.

The thinking behind the sale was “to simplify” the mining group and give it “a new level of strategic flexibility,” while making more cash available to shareholders, Anglo’s chief executive Duncan Wanblad said on May 14.

Al Cook, De Beers’s chief executive, who is known to back the sale, was quoted in the Telegraph as saying that new ownership would “open up new possibilities.” Cook is now tipped to play a significant role in the future

sale.

Other Anglo plans include selling its coal mining interests as well as its stake in the Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), which is listed in South Africa. There will also be less spending on the Woodsmith fertiliser mine in Whitby (Yorkshire).

Wanblad revealed that Anglo was contemplating “a range of options” for De Beers, which could include a full or partial sale.

French luxury giants LVMH, Richemont and Kering have all been suggested as possible bidders for the iconic brand, although Wanblad did not reveal how many were involved.

THE Playmobil factory in Onil (Alicante) is closing after 48 years.

Sales fell 25 per cent overall between 2022 and 2023, with Spanish sales dropping by 33 per cent.

German parent company Horst Brandstatter slowed production in September 2023 and when the Playmobil Iberica plant closed on May 13, 26 employees joined the 13 made redundant in April.

De Beers selloff Game over Oil find

REUTERS revealed that oil company Repsol is negotiating the sale of a holding in its renewables division.

Repsol Renewables is currently worth €5.9 billion including debt, ac cording to a UBS report in April 2024.

The company headed by Josu Jon Imaz has received an unsolici ted approach from an investor and appointed Santander to advise on the sale, people close to the talks told Reuters. The move would help the Spanish multinational to fund its strategic plan through to 2027, four separate sources confirmed.

What is known so far is

Price is right

ROYAL MAIL owner, International Distributions Services (IDS), said it would back a £3.5 billion (€4.08 billion) offer for the UK postal service from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

An earlier £3.1 billion (€3.61 billion) share offer of 320p (€3.73) was rejected as undervaluing Royal Mail, but IDS said on May 15 that it would recommend accepting 370p (€4.31) per share if a formal offer were made.

Kretinsky, part-owner of West Ham United, already has a 27.6 per cent holding in Royal Mail via his EP Group.

Repsol

Sareb sale

SPAIN’S Bad Bank, Sareb, is selling two debt portfolios for €2.3 billion.

Sareb, set up by the Spanish government in 2012, was created to take on more than 200,000 unpaid loans and properties from savings banks affected by the housing bubble.

This, Sareb hopes, will help to shrink its €8.79 billion of toxic assets which in recent years it has tended to reduce by selling off assets.

One of the portfolios, Genova, which is now on the market, consists of €1.5 billion in unsecured loans. The other, called Guiza, is still being prepared and contains loans secured by a mortgage, Sareb sources said, making it more valuable than the Genova portfolio.

in talks

that Repsol would retain more than 50 per cent of the renewables unit once the unnamed investor injected new capital, the insiders continued.

Talks were at a preliminary stage, they said, emphasising that there was no certainty that the deal would go through.

Reuters could not determine the investor’s identity and neither Repsol nor Santander wished to comment on the sale.

Yes and no

GRIFOLS, leading manufacturer of plasma-derived medicines, announced a €21 million first-quarter net profit. This was €129 million up on the same period last year, a recovery that analysts welcomed, although with occasional reservations.

Grifols results for the first three months of 2024 were positive and continued improvements seen during previous quarters, Investment bank Renta 4 said, despite a “particularly negative cash flow.” Nevertheless, Grifols was once again under attack from short-seller Gotham which accused the Barcelona-based company of diverting a €266 million dividend to Scranton Enterprises, a holding company which is owned by the Grifols family and former Grifols executives.

Another 20 continue to work in areas that remain operational, as the company is maintaining Onil as its distribution, sales and marketing centre for Spain and Portugal. RUSSIA has located huge oil and gas reserves in the Antarctic, much of it in areas claimed by Britain.

Members of the Commons Environment Audit Committee (EAC) heard that Russian research ships believed that the area contained 511 billion barrels of oil, roughly 10 times the North Sea’s entire 50year output.

Junior minister David Rutley said that his department had decided to trust Russian assurances that it was just conducting scientific research, although experts warned that trusting Russia “was naïve.”

earners

TESCO chief executive Ken Murphy’s pay doubled to £9.93 million (€11.57 million) as the retailer’s profits soared in 2023.

Most of Murphy’s pay deal came from £8.3 million (€9.67 million) in bonuses, although he also received a basic salary of £1.64 million (€1.91 million).

There was a corresponding increase for Imran Nawaz, Tesco’s chief financial officer, whose own pay rose from £2.27 million (€2.64 million) to £4.95 million (€5.76 million).

DE BEERS: One of its showrooms in London’s Bond Street.

Photo credit: CC/Gryffindor

REPSOL: Chief executive Josu Jon Imaz not confirming renewables rumours.

LONDON - FTSE 100

3I Group 2.973,00 +15,00 +0,51% 25,64K

Group 2.674,0 +5,0 +0,19% 7,02K Airtel Africa 119,90 +0,70 +0,59% 177,54K

American 2.699,5 +22,0 +0,82% 191,82K Antofagasta 2.395,00 +30,00 +1,27% 63,66K Ashtead Group 5.864,2 +100,2 +1,74% 21,19K

British Foods 2.736,0 +6,0 +0,22% 16,35K

12.072,0 -38,0 -0,31% 59,56K

Trader Group Plc 728,80 -1,20 -0,16% 40,44K

497,10 +3,40 +0,69% 413,03K B&M European Value Retail SA 544,80 +1,20 +0,22% 58,20K BAE Systems 1.372,25 +10,75 +0,79% 131,75K

217,30 +0,50 +0,23% 1,62M

Developments 525,00 +0,60 +0,11% 119,29K Beazley 674,50 -1,50 -0,22% 46,51K

5.340,0 +30,0 +0,56% 2,06K BP 495,75 +4,45 +0,91% 1,67M British American Tobacco 2.475,0 0,0 0,00% 146,97K BT Group 134,25 0,00 0,00% 1,83M

3.038,5 -5,5 -0,18% 19,29K Burberry Group 1.090,8 -9,2 -0,84% 117,72K

146,40 +1,85 +1,28% 579,76K

Cola HBC AG 2.804,0 +20,0 +0,72% 44,77K

2.250,14 -5,86 -0,26% 37,67K

Group 254,20 -0,40 -0,16% 43,34K

Intl 4.739,0 +31,0 +0,66% 3,97K DCC 5.920,0 -5,0 -0,08% 2,43K

2.808,5 +8,0 +0,29% 981,74K

4.180,00 -12,00 -0,29% 3,05K DS Smith 374,40 +0,20 +0,05% 58,15K

487,62 -3,18 -0,65% 530,74K

731,80 +9,80 +1,36% 56,82K

3.701,0 +10,0 +0,27% 44,35K

Invest 1.050,00 +2,00 +0,19% 36,84K

Entertainment 16.235,0 +20,0 +0,12% 9,90K

827,83 -0,17 -0,02% 5,73K

2.338,0 +5,0 +0,21% 12,46K

Going out

FORMER UK Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who announced he would not run as a Tory MP in the next election, was named chairman of Very Group, owned by the Barclay family. Expected to take over on June 1, he will be replacing. Aidan Barclay.

Going up

BRUSSELS increased its 2024 growth prediction for Spain to 2.1 per cent thanks to domestic demand and a strong labour market, Economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said. Implementing the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) would underpin investment growth, he added.

Asda’s two-for-one

ASDA will take advantage of its property assets and reduce its debt by selling land covered by one of its largest London supermarkets.

Co-owners billionaire Zuber and Mohsin Issa and London-based TDR Capital intend to sell the freehold of the 10-acre (four-hectare) Park Royal superstore in Ealing to Britain’s biggest housebuilder, Barratt.

Subject to planning permission, Barratt will redevelop the site, construc-

Digi the poacher

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

company

Digi reported a €178 million turnover in Spain between January 1 and March 31.

This was 24 per cent more than 2023’s first quarter, bringing a gross profit topping €40 million, 46 per cent up on last year.

Digi, which now has more than seven million customers, continues to

poach those of Spain’s other operators thanks to its tariffs for fibre internet connections and mobile lines. The low cost Romania-based operator added another 546,000 clients during the first three months of this year, 32 per cent more than the same period in 2023.

In contrast, Telefonica’s first-quarter earnings increased by 1 per cent, and its gross profit by just 0.2 per cent.

ting a 60,000-square foot (5,570-square metre) Asda store and 1,500 homes.

Barratt will meet the cost of the new £30 million (€34.94 million) store and also pay for the land. No mention was made of the sums involved, although Barratt West London’s managing director Craig Carson was prepared to say they were “significant.”

By the end of 2023, Asda was £3.8 billion (€4.42 billion) in debt, paying £441 million (€513.7 million) interest on loans dating from 2021. Asda refinanced £3.2 billion (€3.73 billion) of its debt earlier in May in order to “strengthen our balance sheet” according to chief financial officer Michael Gleeson.

Ian Lawrence, who heads Asda’s Mixed Use Development department, revealed that the company plans to sell six other sites in London for redevelopment, enough to build 10,000 homes over the next five or six years.

Shop theft

ARCHIE NORMAN, Marks & Spencer chairman, maintained that police had little interest in dealing with shoplifters and many store thefts were never solved. Retailers had to spend “a lot of money” on tackling the problem and although shoplifting in M&S stores had been reduced, this was mainly due to measures the retailer had introduced, Norman told LBC Radio.

Day jobs

A RECENT survey by economic think-tank Fedea found that 83.7 per cent of employees working in Spain’s hospitality industry were overqualified for their jobs, compared with 68 per cent in other European countries. Fedea also found that 76.6 per cent of Spain’s agricultural workers and 73.1 per cent employed in logistics were also overqualified.

PARK ROYAL: Impression of the future development in Ealing.

Photo credit: asda.com

Still a true patriot

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

IF the UK doesn’t toughen up against the threat of potential terrorism they really can put their heads between their legs and kiss the proverbial’s goodbye. How frantically the authorities and the leftie media rush to inform the public that some recent atrocity or another is ‘not terrorist related’.

Couldn’t do it this week though could they? An elderly British citizen, out for a morning walk, cut to pieces by an Islamic asylum seeker. The perpetrator later told the police that had he possessed a machine gun he would have killed more people! Almost unbelievably in court he denied the charges and although he acknowledged stabbing the man, said he had ‘no intent to kill or cause serious harm’.

You really couldn’t make it up. Naturally, the perp (once again no doubt filling the coffers of his ‘defence’) was eventually found guilty, sent away for 45 years and will no doubt receive all the undivided attention and special ‘needs’ those who follow the religion of

terrorism seem to experience during their incarcerations. The first thing the UK government (whichever lot preen at the top) has to come to terms with and more importantly publicly admit, is that they are still in a war; or do we have to wait for another horrendous attack which can’t be denied as being terrorism related? Political correctness and the fear of being labelled a racist deterring us from admitting who our enemies are, is utterly ridiculous.

The 25,000 (it’s probably double that) terrorist suspects presently at large in the UK have to be monitored more closely, including phone hacking and the eavesdropping of conversations. No individual connected of terrorism should have access to public funds for leave to appeal and, wherever possible, immediate deportation should be in effect. Suspect’s homes must be raided far more frequently. Mosques and schools, suspected of preaching radicalism, must be investigated more thoroughly and offending leaders arrested.

Police have to be given much wider powers and not be in fear of recrimination for offending some religious ritual or another. The UK is quite simply too dammed soft. The days of Geneva con-

ventions and fair play are over. This enemy merely looks on any sign of decency as a weakness.

You can’t possibly fight a war against them shackled by political correctness, or the fear that you may ‘offend’ somebody. This war is also being fought on many fronts, including a growing number in high office, banner bearers who parade the streets and bleaters in the public media. The enemy is everywhere.

Strange is it not, that when I warned of all this over 20 years ago, I was accused of being a ranting idiot and indeed often observed as a laughing stock? Well, no one’s laughing now are they? Once again, I reiterate my reasons for discussing the UK in my columns, it is not only that I’m still a true patriot, but basically because those of us who choose to live elsewhere, seem to observe far more intimidation and foreboding than those who still reside in the land of ‘woke,’ where the suppression and clampdown of appropriate public opinion seems to be growing by the day.

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.

INTERVIEW

Risk of drought

THE effects of climate change continue to show across Europe; in the Netherlands they are resulting in increasing drought, especially during the summer.

Floods and rises in sea levels are expected throughout the summer in the Netherlands, as reported by the government’s Environmental Assessment Agency, PBL. “We know extreme events will happen but not exactly when and where. So we need to be prepared,” said Van Gaalen of the PBL, referring to the economic consequences of climate change.

According to the Agency, at least eight million people in the Netherlands live in areas with high risks of floods. Considering an increase in temperatures and its effects on health, agriculture and nature, the consequences are estimated to reach more than €1 billion.

The drought, however, is the biggest threat to the country. “Dry periods are becoming more frequent and last longer and at the same time the demand for water is growing. That means that more areas will be faced with a lack of water for irrigation or even drinking water. Choices will have to be made,” said Van Gaalen.

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Speaking European –Rainer Schauberger

For the past seven years, Rainer has been split between Spain and Germany, spending half a year in each country. He admits he feels more at home during the “Spanish seasons.”

Anna Akopyan RAINER confessed that his fascination with Spain began when he was a teenager: “It was love at first sight or even before the sight... I dreamt of Spain before I ever visited and when I fina lly did I felt like I was dreaming still: it was marvellous.”

Rainer Schauberger.

Rainer’s first journey was with his wife when they came to Moraira in 1987. A year later, they bought a home there. Now, Rainer lives in Calpe and spends his days doing fitness, going on local excursions,

and holding mass in the Church of Albir.

Rainer has been learning Spanish for years and continues attending lessons to expand his knowledge. His everyday life is filled with Spanish and he often speaks Spanish even with his English-speaking friends.

Credit: Anna Akopyan

“The reason why I love Spain so much is that people here always look at the positive side first and only then consider the negative. The climate, the culture, and the people make Spain a place where one can be truly happy.”

Aloe Aloe Tootsie treat

and enjoyable way to pamper your feet. To make an effective foot scrub, you will need a few basic ingredients: coarse sugar or sea salt, a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, and an optional essential oil for fragrance. Start by mixing half

a cup of coarse sugar or sea salt with a quarter cup of your chosen carrier oil in a bowl. For added benefits and a pleasant scent, add a few drops of essential oil, such as peppermint

or lavender. Stir the mixture until it reaches

To use, apply the scrub to your feet in circular motions, focusing on rough areas like heels and calluses. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Regular use of home-made foot scrubs will leave your feet feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.

ALOE VERA grows in many gardens and terraces and harvesting home-grown aloe vera is a straightforward process that brings numerous benefits. Begin by selecting mature leaves from the ou ter sections of the plant, ensuring they are thick and healthy. Gently cut the leaves close to the base using a sharp knife. After collecting the leaves, wash them thoroughly. To extract the gel, sli ce the leaf lengthwise and scoop out the inner pulp with a spoon.

Aloe vera gel is renowned for its soothing properties. It’s an excellent remedy for sunburn, minor cuts, and skin irritations. Ad ditionally, it can be used as a moisturi ser, promoting hydration and skin health.

Some people also consume aloe vera juice for its digestive benefits. Growing and utilising

your own aloe vera ensures you have a

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol A symphony of goodwill

A

HEARTFELT thank you to Fiesta Live! “We are beyond thrilled and deeply grateful to announce that Fiesta Live! has chosen Collective Calling as the benefiting charity for the legendary Pete Tong event at their upcoming five-day music extravaganza at Marbella Arena” said the organisation on social media.

Collective Calling’s mission is to combat homelessness and its associated challenges by providing comprehensive support and long-term solutions to individuals and communities in need.

Everyone’s support means the world to Collective Calling and to those whose lives will be positively impacted by the generosity of Fiesta Live!

As Pete Tong takes to the stage, each beat will not only set the rhythm for an unforgettable night but also echo the heartbeat of change and hope that Collective Calling strives to bring to those in need.

Axarquia Tourism boost

THE Tourism Department of the Rincon de la Victoria Town Hall continues its efforts to enhance its positioning as a tourist and cultural destination. Their latest campaign, which will run until the end of this year, focuses on promoting Villa Antiopa and Cueva de la Victoria. This involves the placement of printed panels in various locations across the Axarquia region and the city of Malaga.

A total of 42 locations, including hotels, campgrounds, tourist offices, and travel agencies, will feature informative panels highlighting both Cueva de la Victoria and Villa Antiopa.

Continuous promotion remains a key strategy for the Tourism Department to maintain Rincon de la Victoria as a leading destination.

Rincon de la Victoria remains committed to showcasing its unique cultural heritage to travellers.

Mallorca

Responsible tourism

BRITAIN’S Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, has called on UK holidaymakers to exhibit responsible behaviour amidst Mallorca’s intensified efforts to control alcohol-fuelled tourism. Speaking during a visit to Calvia on May 14, Elliott emphasised the need for British tourists to remember they are guests and act responsibly.

Recent adjustments to a 2020 regional government decree regulating alcohol consumption are part of a broader initiative to promote tourism in areas including Magaluf’s Punta Ballena strip. These measures aim to address issues arising from overcrowding and surges in tourist numbers across Spain’s islands. Residents in the Balearics and Canary Islands are demanding change in growing numbers.

Elliott stated, “This is about understanding what responsibility is about, responsibility as guests because us foreigners are guests here in Spain.”

Costa Blanca South Seriously soaring

ALICANTE-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport achieved its best April on record, welcoming 1,590,828 passengers. This marks the fourth consecutive month of record-breaking numbers, surpassing April 2023 figures by 10.8 per cent.

International travellers remain predominant, contributing 1,365,202 passengers, marking a 10.1 per cent increase.

National traffic also saw a notable rise, with 223,594 passengers, up by 15.8 per cent compared to the previous year.

Breaking down international visitors by nationality, the United Kingdom topped the list with 552,320 travellers, followed by the Netherlands (102,913), Belgium (81,690), Germany (81,538), and Norway (71,056).

In terms of flights, the airport managed 10,100 movements in April, up by 9.2 per cent from the previous year.

Almeria

Blind date

THE charity ONCE visited Cuevas del Almanzora on Friday May 17 to meet with councillors and students from local schools to give a demonstration of how it feels to be blind.

The children were blindfolded and given sticks and were then invited to walk in the same shoes as a blind person.

They were taken through a specially created obstacle course which was created in the town but were accompanied at all times in order to ensure that there were no accidents.

Even the mayor took part in playing the role of a blind person and afterwards spoke about the daily reality of those who are blind or visually impaired and the absolute determination of the council to help build a more inclusive society.

Costa Blanca North Class and honour

THE Santa Faz Lodge hosted a superb annual Ladies’ Night on April 27 at the Bonalba Spa and Golf Hotel in Muchamiel. The function was well attended with 44 Members, Ladies and guests dressed to their finest. With care and class, following the Cava reception, the guests captured their fond memories in photographs which will be cherished. After great speeches and toasts, the Gents Choir stunningly serenaded the Ladies, who sang to the highest standard in response, accompanied by the Old Clementine tune.

The Freemasonry met for the annual event in honour of the ladies of the Santa Faz Lodge, especially expressing gratitude to Pat Beckett, the wife of the Worshipful Master, Ivan Beckett, whom both have been making generous contributions to the community throughout the year.

With great participation, the evening raised €775 for the Lodge Charity MABS Cancer Relief.

Screen serenity

Leaving a TV on can indeed make a difference to your cat or dog, infl uencing their behaviour and wellbeing in various ways.

For some pets, the background noise and flickering images may provide comfort and alleviate feelings of loneliness, especially when left alone for extended periods. The ambient sound can mimic

human presence, reducing separation anxiety and boredom. Additionally, certain programmes designed specifically for pets, with calming music or nature scenes, can have a soothing effect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. However, excessive exposure to loud or startling sounds from the TV may have the opposite effect, causing anxiety or overstimulation in sensitive pets. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor your pet’s reactions and adjust TV settings accordingly to ensure a positive and enriching environment for them.

The Comedy Pet Photography Awards

PAUL JOYNSON-HICKS and Tom Sullam set up the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards a few years ago and were amazed at the success. This spurred them on to launch the Comedy Pet Photography Awards with a cash prize of £500 for the best overall photo.

There are 30 finalists in the 2024 competition and you can vote for your favourite, by clicking on the image on the website ( comedypetphoto.com ), leave your email address, and that’s it. You will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £100 and the overall winner will be announced on June 6. And if you would like to enter an image in the competition next time around it’s easy: you pay £5 to enter five fabulous images or videos, if you pay £10 you can enter 15 extraordinary images or videos.

HouseSitMatch sitters are pet lovers

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. By joining a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch we can help you meet checked house and pet-sitters who will travel to your home and care for your pets for free!

Plus HouseSit Match Saves Money because the Pet-sitting is Free! If you use House SitMatch.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 petsitting works as an exchange of services - free accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSit Match is Safe –All Members Are Checked All members are checked for

Our pet sitters are pet lovers and will take time to get to know your pets.

safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence. Your pets stay at homeSafe and Undisturbed All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose House sitmatch.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:

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ner on HouseSitMatch.com

Lots of people ask the founders why they run the competition and Paul responded: “Through the Comedy Pets, we want to promote positive awareness of animal welfare issues and celebrate the incredible and valuable contribution that pets can and do have on our lives.”

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

Sherel and John looked after Harry… Sherel and John looked after Harry early April. They sent photos and mails to inform us how he was getting on. My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks. Sherel and John are very nice people, and we highly recommend them as excellent sitters.

Tom Curry, pet owner, Spain

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.

Because behind the funny images and videos of the competition, there is a very serious and fundamental message to help, respect and care for animals in the most humane way possible. So check out the website now.

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CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your lifedamaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia.

Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www. aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR

MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

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New MG3 supermini tuned for the UK

By Mark Slack ROAD TEST

THE MG3 was the first small MG to be launched post Rover and has proved highly popular thanks to keen pricing and good levels of equipment. Now the Chinese owned brand has re vealed all-new MG3 Hybrid+ su permini and it promises to be equally popular, if not more gi ven the information released so far. Now available to order, the range starts with the Hybrid+ SE from €21,593/£18,495 OTR, with the even more generously equipped Trophy model available from €23,928/£20,495 OTR. MG also offers a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.

Both MG3 Hybrid+ models come with dual screen technology, 16” alloy whe els, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, MG Pilot and a reversing camera. MG Pilot Safety includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.

and steering wheel, keyless entry, pri vacy glass, rain sensing wipers and LED projector headlights.

The Trophy MG3 Hybrid+ delivers more standard equipment including a

At the heart of the new MG3 is its Hybrid+ powertrain which has a larger than average battery (1.83kWh) and high-performance electric motor (100kW) enabling the MG3 to go fully electric for city driving, which sets it apart from many other hybrid superminis. For longer journeys, the-

Van surge

ACCORDING to the latest vehicle licensing statistics released by the UK government, there has been a notable increase in the number of cars on the road.

The number has now reached a record high of nearly 33.6 million.

However, the growth rate of cars over recent years hasn’t kept pace with that of new light goods vehicles (LGVs), including vans, which have seen a significant surge due to the boom in home deliveries.

Since the end of 2014, the number of LGVs has increased by 32 per cent, rising from 3.6 million to 4.7 million, whereas cars have only seen a 10 per cent increase over the same period.

In the last five years, the number of LGVs has risen by 14 per cent,

whereas car numbers have gone up by just 3 per cent.

In contrast, the number of buses and coaches on UK roads has declined by 16 per cent since the end of 2014, dropping from nearly 169,000 to 141,300 by the end of last year.

This decline is concerning, especially given the significant investments being made to improve bus travel infrastructure, such as the construction of more bus lanes.

The decrease in bus availability may contribute to the continued reliance on cars for transportation.

On a positive note, the number of diesel vehicles on the roads is at its lowest level since 2015, which is encouraging news for air quality improvement efforts.

re is the reassurance of a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Advanced, smart features of Hybrid+ include a drive and charge system that allows the petrol engine to drive the wheels whilst also charging the battery through the generator. The MG3 Hybrid+ returns economy in the order of 4.41l per 100km/64mpg and 100g/km of CO2.

Drivers can tailor the MG3’s responsiveness with the choice of three driving modes: Eco, Standard and Sport. Combined power is 143kW giving the MG3 a sprightly 0-100kph/062mph time of 8.0 seconds.

Mid-range acceleration covers the 80-112kph/5070mph benchmark in 5.0 seconds. The MG3 Hybrid+ chassis and suspension has also been specifically tuned for UK roads - similar to the agile MG4 - by the company’s Longbridge-based enginee-

David Allison, Head of Product and Planning for MG Motor UK, commented: “There is still a very strong demand for the affordable, practical and fun-todrive supermini and we believe the MG3 Hybrid+ will appeal to many customers. Like all MG models we’re confident that if you simply wish to drive this MG for something other than daily commuting, it will offer a fun and involving experience.”

Image: National Highways / Facebook.

Man City’s historic win

Champions League

A PITCH invasion by fans rather dampened what should have been a really exciting end of the Premier League season with Manchester City beating West Ham.

It really did come down to the last match of the season with City beating West Ham 3 -1 whilst Arsenal had to be content with second place winning 2-1 against Everton which left them two points adrift.

Two Premier League managers, David Moyes of West Ham and Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool were in charge for the last time and whilst Klopp is taking a year off, Moyes will probably find another role in the not too distant future.

At the other end of the table although it was already confirmed that Sheffield United and Burnley would be relegated, it was down to the last match of the season with Nottingham Forest beating Burnley 2-1 to keep the Premier League status whilst Luton Town who lost 2-4 to Fulham drop back to the Championship.

Next season which kicks off in August will welcome back Leicester City and Ipswich whilst Leeds United and Southampton have to meet at Wembley on Sunday May 26 to decide which team will also be promoted.

This match follows the FA Cup Final which sees Manchester City take on Manchester Utd, May 25.

THE 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League season will end with a tight match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on June 1, in Wembley Stadium in London.

This will be the 69th season for Europe’s top players, held for the eighth time in the grand London venue. Renowned for being the ‘Home of Football’, Wembley has hosted seven European Cup finals.

This year on June 1, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will

compete for the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Fourteen-time champions, Real Madrid, are still celebrating their latest 4-3 triumph over Bayern Munich and will compete against Borussia Dortmund, who were the first to confirm their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Football fans across the globe are now placing their bets, with a large betting on Real Madrid, who have won as recently as 2022.

“Real Madrid should win the match with its overwhelming attacking talent,” said football expert Joe Tansey.

The sports critic, Kyle Bonn, also stated “Borussia Dortmund are extremely well-coached, but they concede far too many chances.”

Despite Borussia Dortmund not having previous League experience, with their latest exultant triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, some are betting on a successful debut.

No more scrums

HE played rugby for Wales at an international level, scoring 14 tries in 32 caps, now Louis Rees-Zammit has joined American Football’s Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

It is rare for rugby players to make the transition from one sport to another. Most UK born American Football players are those who were brought up playing college

football in the USA. But Louis Rees-Zammit has proved that making the leap is possible. Not only that, he has been signed on a threeyear contract by what is arguably the greatest team currently playing in the NFL: four time Super Bowl winners, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Louis joined the International Player Pathway (IPP) in January 2024, an initiative set up in 2017 by the NFL to increase the number of players from outside the United States and Canada, expanding the pool of talent and growing the popularity of the sport around the world.

Leaving cricket

ENGLAND’s leading fast-bowler, Jimmy Anderson is retiring from test cricket, preparing to play his last match against the West Indies on July 10.

The decision was made alongside Anderson’s managing director, Key, coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. “This is the right decision and this is the right time. Hopefully, he gets a fantastic end at Lord’s,” said Key to the Press.

Key shared their meeting in April: “We had a conversation for about an hour and a half. I don’t think Jimmy was expecting it, but I don’t think it was completely unexpected.”

Over his professional career, Anderson has accumulated 700 wickets, breaking a record amongst pace bowlers in Test cricket; he is positioned third on the all-time list of wicket-takers.

After 20 years of playing, Anderson is taking a stand back from cricket.

The player stated on his social media: “I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is

He was one of 15 members of the IPP’s Class of 2024 to participate in a trial at the University of South Florida on March 20, where he reportedly impressed all the NFL scouts by running a 40-yard dash in just 4.43 seconds; fast enough to have several teams look at him more closely.

In the end though, Rees-Zammit chose the Chiefs, who are odds-on favourites to reach Super Bowl again so everyone back in Wales will be waiting to see if he will take to the fi eld on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans to compete for one of sport’s biggest prizes.

Jimmy Anderson.

Real Madrid Champions.

Credit: Real Madrid C.F., Facebook

City mascot Moonchester over the moon with the latest victory.

Credit: Manchester City FC X

Photo: Screenshot / YouTube