Costa Blanca North 24-30 August 2023 Issue 1990

THE jellyfish known as ‘fried egg’ (Cotylorhiza tuberculata) have started to appear on the coasts of the Marina Alta, in particular in Benissa, Calpe, Teulada ­ Moraira, Javea and Denia, two weeks earlier than usual. According to the Institute of Coastal Ecology, the early sighting of these marine organisms is due to high sea temperatures and the lack of west winds.

The ‘fried egg’ jellyfish is characterised by its peculiar shape reminiscent of a fried egg, hence its name. It can reach a diameter of up to 20 centimetres and is common in the waters of the Mediterranean during the summer months. They have a mild sting and it is important to exercise caution when handling them. The stinging cells can remain on the surface of the skin and when touching more sensitive areas such as the mouth or eyelids, the sting can cause a reaction.

The Institute of Coastal Ecology recommends not handling these jellyfish and, in case you find them on the beach, do not bury them in the wet sand, but

rather in the dry. The institution also warns bathers about the presence of these jellyfish and advises caution when swimming in the waters of the Marina Alta.

The Medusapp application, which allows users to report jellyfish sightings, has recorded numer­

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Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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ONCE again, the Eucalyptus Park was the meeting point for hundreds of people eager to have fun and enjoy the Albir Festivities, held last weekend.

The councillor for Festivities from Alfas del Pi, Sandra Gómez, highlighted the significant participation in each and every one

Albir success Beautiful butterflies

of the planned events.

“Congratulations to the festeros of Jubileo and Santísimo Cristo del Buen Acierto for the great work carried out throughout

the weekend, and gratitude to the Association of Penyes for their invaluable collaboration,” stated the councillor. It’s worth noting that the Association of Penyes represented 922 festival participants and 39 groups.

The programme included a wide range of activities for all audiences. The Hawaiian parade, held on Friday, was a resounding success, kicking off these typical summer celebrations.

A weekend filled with traditional speeches by the Queens and Ladies, live music, children’s games, delectable cuisine and sports.

To prevent accidents, Alfas del Pi Town Hall provided a free nighttime bus service to the public during the Albir Festivities. The bus route connected Eucalyptus Park with the Casa de Cultura, the Scandinavia Park, and the San Rafael urbanisation roundabout.

MONARCH butterflies are becoming increasingly present in the Valencian community, surprising those who have the pleasure of seeing them.

“Being a migratory species, the European monarch butterfly is slowly moving further north. From the 1980s it began to be seen in the Iberian Peninsula, but in small numbers. In recent years the number of specimens has increased and more and more are seen in the Valencian Community,” explained Pedro del Baño, a biologist at Oceanographic in Valencia.

Originally from Africa, it has been changing its distribution apparently due to climate change and looking for places with a somewhat more temperate climate. Experts point out that this species is finding warmer places to the north and for this reason it is being seen all over the Mediterranean coast.

One of the last recorded sightings was this summer in the Venta del Moro area of Valencia, where a farmer was able to photograph it while working in his field.

THE first day of the 2023 grape harvest began on Wednesday, August 16, with a harvest that is expected to be very good in terms of quality and quantity.

Great grapes

Field tests were held from midJuly and the maturation process of each grape was observed.

The director and manager of the Teulada Winery, Joselina Vallés, said, “today we start with white wines because we don’t want them to be too sugary. We want fresh wines, which are

those that come from early and immature grapes.”

For this, the land from which to collect the first grapes was specifically selected, in this case it was from the Les Sorts vines, the closest to the sea. “The authenticity of this white wine is characterised by its proximity to the coast and because they are old vines, which is synonymous with quality.”

A much higher harvest is expected than last year, around 50 to 60 per cent more.

ALBIR FESTIVITIES: Including beautiful dresses.

Credit: Alfàs del Pi Town Hall

Electrical fire

A FIRE on the Arenal beach in Javea on Friday, August 18, led to the evacuation of an apartment building, which houses 60 residents. The fire, which appears to have originated in an electrical panel, caused a strong smell of burning plastic that caused the evacuation.

Airport hotel

A NEW hotel is to be built in El Altet. The council said the new hotel will be located on Calle Garbí and will have 72 rooms, three of them accessible, as well as 54 parking spaces. The new hotel will mean the creation of 23 jobs.

Expensive spot

THE most expensive street to buy a home in the Valencian Community is Calle Jazmines, on the Cumbre del Sol in Benitachell, where the average price of a home is €2,637,333, according to data published by Idealista.

Generous gift

THE Humanitas Foundation, belonging to the New Apostolic Church, has donated €5,000 to the Fontilles Foundation in the Vall de Laguar for the purchase of two special beds and a lift, so seriously ill patients can be lifted up and laid down.

Fighting vision

CALPE Vision Without Frontiers is preparing to undertake a new humanitarian mission in Kenya with the aim of preventing blindness. The non­profit organisation has been working in Kenya since 2011, visiting at least once a year to perform cataract surgery and train resident staff there.

Stinky port

COMPLAINTS have been made on social networks about ‘the indescribable bad odours with traces of blood’ that can be seen next to the facilities of the company that runs the Calpe fish market. There are swarms of flies and containers piled up.

Best in Benidorm

ONCE again this year, the city of Benidorm is set to honour an ‘Exemplary Neighbour’. The department of citizen participation has launched a fresh edition of this accolade.

The recognition is bestowed upon individuals who are registered residents of Benidorm, and who have demonstrated exceptional personal, civic, and ethical qualities, serving as notable role models and sources of inspiration for the community. The

camapign to find Benidorm’s best resident was announced by councillor Ana Pellicer on Fri ­

day, August 18.

Pellicer believes it contributes to valuing the diligence, selflessness,

YOUR EWN HAS

commitment, and compassion exhibited by fellow residents. Each year, the accolade spotlights an individual who embodies these principles.

Pellicer said that this is an affectionate recognition that directly celebrates the finest aspects of society: solidarity and endeavours that benefit others and the common good. Furthermore, it acknowledges efforts in fostering and promoting culture, sports, and community associations.

Mayor attacked Win an igloo

THE council of l’Alfas del Pi and Ecovidrio, as part of their recycling campaign, are holding a prize draw to win a ‘mini igloo’ for recycling glass at home. Participating and winning is very simple, said the town hall on Thursday, August 10. As it is a Facebook competition, entrants have to ‘like’ the publication and follow the page @wel comelalfas, mention a friend in comments and share.

The draw and delivery will take place on Friday, August 18 during the fiestas of Albir.

L’Alfas is holding the fourth edition of the #MovimientoBanderas

Verdes, a campaign to promote the sustainable use of

91 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Javea taxes now due

JAVEA Town Hall reported the opening of the voluntary payment period for the Real Estate Tax (IBI) and the Economic Activities Tax (IAE), from Monday, August 7. Payment can be made until Monday, October 23.

glass containers during the high season, when the dumping of waste increases considerably.

Small gestures such as the correct recycling of glass containers are essential for a better conservation of nature, promote the transition towards a circular economy and the fight against climate change.

THE provincial court of Alicante sentenced the attacker of an Alcalali mayor on Monday, August 7. The attack happened in the middle of the town hall square on February 16, 2020.

The mayor was in the square to investigate an alleged labour irregularity. At that moment, the defendant approached him and, in the middle of the discussion, reproached the councillor, saying he could not take photographs. The defendant grabbed the mayor by the neck and shook him hard, knocking him to the ground.

According to the sentence, the defendant acknowledged the alleged facts, which the Public Prosecutor described as an attack against authority and a minor offence of injury. For this, he was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison, suspended. He was ordered to compensate the injured party in the amount of €810 for injuries caused.

Mural for Denia

Jo Pugh

DENIA will be the start of the eighth stage of the cycle race La Vuelta de España on Saturday September 2. Because of the prestigious event, Denia Council and Alicante provincial council thought of incorporating the participation of the city as the start of the stage with an artistic symbol, which would have good visual impact and immortalise the date.

The artist Denier Tardor was placed in charge of designing and executing the work, and it has been placed on one of the walls of the municipal sports centre in Denia. The large­scale image (about 120 square metres), was painted in graffiti style with aerosols, and mixes elements typical of the sea and the natural surroundings. It depicts the figure of a cyclist and a young woman, with the Montgo and the Mediterranean in the background.

Taxpayers will receive a bill for the payment of each of the taxes, which they can pay in four collaborating banks (Banco Santander, Cajamar, Banco Sabadell and Caixabank), as well as in the Virtual Tax Office of the Town Hall (www.xabia. tributoslocales.es).

For those who have direct debits, payment will be taken on Monday, August 21.

Staff at the town hall will assist all residents who have not received the payment document, or have lost it, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.

BENIDORM: Honouring exemplary neighbours.

A mini igloo up for grabs.

Credit: Hernán Morales Carrizo/Pixabay

Credit: L'Alfas del Pi Town Hall

Alcalali square

Credit: Alcalali tourism

CELEBRATING a historic turtle nesting season along the coast of the Region, particularly in Denia, takes on two remarkable dimensions. One aspect involves acknowledging the three instances of egg laying that have occurred since last June. A step beyond this is the opportunity to actively contribute to the realisation of this awe ­ inspiring spectacle of life and even witness it firsthand.

Denia Town Council has recently announced the commencement of registrations for participation in the Denia Turtle

Turtle volunteers needed

Camp. This entails joining the team of dedicated volunteers organised by the ‘Xaloc association’. Starting from Friday, August 25, volunteers will undertake the responsibility of monitoring the two turtle nests situated on Les Albaranes beach, eagerly anticipating the emergence of the newly hatched turtles.

There will be morning, afternoon or night shifts with a maximum of four places

THE DOP Alicante Regulatory Council has organised the third consecutive ‘Approved Trainers’ course for its wines, supported by Alicante tourism.

Scheduled from October 4 to 6, 2023, the course combines theory, regional visits, and wine tasting, accompanied by diverse gastronomic encounters. Sessions on the first day at the regulatory council’s headquarters explore the sector’s history, legal and technical aspects, and factors shaping the

per shift. Minors may participate in the morning or evening shifts as long as they are accompanied by a guardian or responsible adult.This particular turtle laid her eggs ­ a total of 85 ­ on July 10. The eggs are on Les Albaranes beach, on the north coast of Denia.

You can volunteer by visiting https://tiendaxalocmar.myshopify.com/ products/campamento­tortuga­denia.

Wine lessons

wines’ character.

The 2023 edition highlights visits to the Marina Alta and Vinalopó regions, including Villena, as part of the rotational coverage.

Wine tastings, held in various settings, feature connections to the capital: a traditional rice workshop and a luxury cuisine and wine pairing dinner.

The course selects 25 stu­

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

fair in love and war.”

Means that in love and war you do not have to obey the usual rules about reasonable behaviour. This phrase was first used in 1578 in a novel, Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit, written by John Lyly.

Credit: Bear Photos/Freepik

dents, based on their CVs and motivation letters, with applications closing by post on September 15.

Past editions faced challenges in selecting personnel due to high demand and exceptional quality, highlighting the exceptional experiences and the discovery of a distinctive, diverse, highquality region.

21,000 Black taxis in London.

• Diagnostic imaging and ultrasound Rx

• Clinical tests and serological tests, internal medicine, parasitology

• Soft Tissue Surgery and Traumatology

• Ethology, behavioural disorders and animal behaviour

• Physiotherapy, acupuncture, custom recovery and Healing touch

• Ophthalmology

• Dentistry and dental surgery & more

• Import - Export

LAID IN JULY: The turtle eggs.

Marina Alta vineyards.

“All’s

Beach clean up Water wonder

OPERATORS and technicians from the Benitachell public company Poble Net Municipal Services and several volunteers participated in the cleaning of Cala dels Testos on Wednesday, August 16.

Free bus

BENITACHELL Council has commenced a free bus service that will pick up residents of urbanisations at their houses (or at an agreed nearby point) when they request it.

The objective of this new service is to provide the elderly, those with reduced mobility or who do not have a driving licence, access to the town.

The bus will provide a service every Wednesday and Friday until the end of the year. It will depart at 9am on Wednesdays and at 8am on Fridays (blood tests are performed at the medical centre that day) with a flexible schedule depending on the route and demand for that day. It will make several round trips during the day until 2pm.

Persons interested in requesting the service can do so, at least three days in advance, by calling 608 012 202, the number dedicated for this purpose. They must indicate their full name, address and a contact telephone number. In addition, once registered, it is recommended to send the location of their home via WhatsApp.

The town council were furious with the dumped rubbish, stating “As has been the case for a few years, the images from this summer around the cove are devastating, outrageous and shameful. Some users of the beach have used it as a landfill, leaving, in addition to plastic waste and garbage, all kinds of items such as beach coolers, paella pans and even a cooking pan.

“What goes down with you into the sea, must go up again.

“Please respect our sea and its environment. We ask users, once again, to avoid littering in our bays and that, once the beach day is over, remove their tools and personal effects.

“On the other hand, we would like to say a huge thank you to all who have participated in the cleanup and to those who, in one way or another, contribute to preserving and caring for our wonderful landscapes.”

Jo Pugh

AN increase in drinking water consumption witnessed in Benidorm during this summer season has not resulted in any reported disruptions within the drinking water, sewage, and rainwater networks. These essential systems have operated seamlessly without encountering any major issues so far.

This achievement is noteworthy, especially considering that Hidraqua, the Water Cycle concessionaire in Benidorm, has reported an approximate 2.5 per cent increase in water usage compared to the same period in 2019, as evidenced by historical records.

These statistics were unveiled during a press conference held by Hidraqua in collaboration with Mayor Toni Përez at the Dinapsis headquarters in Benidorm on Friday, August 18. The event also welcomed the presence of José Ramón González de Zarate, the councillor for the Water Cycle.

Presenting the data, it became apparent that this year’s cumulative figures reflected a 4.59 per cent rise compared to that of 2019. The peak day for water consumption in Benidorm this summer occurred on Thursday, August 10, registering 46,808

cubic metres. Regarding the absence of disruptions, Ciriaco Clemente, the manager of Hidraqua, said that this achievement was a direct result of the strategic investments made by the city council in recent years.

CALA DELS TESTOS: Rubbish is just dumped there.

Credit: Benitachell Town Hall

Refreshing water.

Credit: Manuel Hernandez/Pixabay

MONTGO Golf Society played a Medal Competition at Oliva Nova GC in lovely sunshine and very high humidity, so a bit uncomfortable for most of them.

The competition was sponsored by Peter Gardiner, who return a par score of net 72 but was unable to claim second place as he was the sponsor.

The winner was the inform Stella Fox with a gross 92 Net 68. In second place was Alan Lowans with a gross 100 Net 72. Taking third place was Nigel Siddall with a gross 87 Net 74. Nigel had the best gross score of the day.

There were two nearest the pin prizes on offer on the 3rd and 16th Holes. Taking

Medal comp

Vall d’Ebo museum

A YEAR has passed since the Vall d’Ebo suffered one of the biggest environmental disasters in the history of the Valencian Community. The huge fire also affected several surrounding towns and villages.

WINNERS: Well done to everyone.

home the spoils was Nigel Siddall and Simon Fox. Well done to all the winners . There was one two on the 16th and that went to the

sponsor, who took home a coveted Montgo Golf Ball. Next week’s competition is a Stableford sponsored by Jason Webb.

Marina Alta drop-in for coffee

HOW do you enthuse your children, grandchildren, your nieces and nephews?

Do your children listen to your stories of challenges and achievement? What can we learn from each other as we go through the years? Can the young inspire the old?

Come and discuss these questions with us in a friendly atmosphere today, Thursday August 24 from 5pm until 6pm, at the European Union of Women’s drop­in­for­coffee at Aroma Café, Par­

Jo Pugh ALTEA finished the second half of July with a hotel occupancy of 92 per cent. According to the data provided by the hotel association HOSBEC, occupancy was 2 per cent higher than the same period of the previous year.

This is what the Tourism councillor, Xelo González, revealed on Thursday, August 10.

“Our locality continues to be a pre ­

que Les Fonts, Urbanisation Les Fonts 193, 03726 Benitachell.

Forthcoming events include: September 15: Women’s Health and Well­being (Javea Golf Club); October: Tapas with EUWMA and discussions on the ongoing work in Spain, Europe and around the world on women’s issues, November: International Day for the elimination of Violence against Women and Children. Email euw marinaalta@gmail.com or see us on Facebook .

Busy Altea

ferred destination for national and European tourists. Visitors have increased and will grow more in the month of August. We are very happy with the welcome the guided tours have had and the large number of tourists who have come to the Tourist information office,” said Xelo González, councillor for Tourism.

For its tourist recovery, and thanks to the collaboration of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board, the Vall d’Ebo has announced free museum entrance to attract tourists and visitors.

The local government has communicated that it will open its ethnological museum to the public until Thursday, September 7. This museum shows dresses, ornaments and farming utensils, with which it recreates life of the ancestors of the area.

It also offers a permanent exhibition of the caves and chasms on the ground floor, and on the second floor is the La Vall d’Ebo Rock Art Interpretation Centre, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998, and which offers visitors reproductions of all the engravings and cave paintings of the time, explained through display cases, and panels with 3D photographs.

Emergency mobile app

Jo Pugh

THE emergency warning mobile app of the Valencian Community, ‘GVA 112 Avisos’ is celebrating its fifth anniversary. It has been downloaded nearly 50,000 times by users who receive real­time notifications on their mobile devices regarding current pre­emergency and active emergency alerts within the Valencian Community.

After its initial year of operation, the 112 development team unveiled an upgraded version that enhanced its functionalities. This included the ability to filter notifications based on location and access advisory content related to potential emergencies even without an internet connection.

This app offers targeted alert notifications and accommodates up to five priority geographical locations.

The app routinely updates users about the fire risk level, indicating the risk of forest fires. Users with the app can personalise their mo­

EMERGENCY WARNING: The GVA112 app.

bile devices to receive notifications about preemergencies and emergency alerts triggered by risks such as flooding, maritime storms, rainfall, storms, and winds. Additionally, the app provides guidance on various meteorological risks specific to the Valencian Community. The application is accessible on both Android and IOS platforms and stands as the official platform for up­to­date emergencies and incidents like fires. The app can be downloaded by searching for GVA112 on a mobile device.

Turtles hatched

THE summer is full of good news for the marine fauna of Denia’s beaches. On this occasion, the sea turtle named Laura chose Les Bassetes beach to lay her eggs in mid ­ June, which began to hatch in the early hours of Sunday, August 13.

This is the second nest of four that have appeared on the sands of Denia so far this summer. This nest, with more than 100 eggs, was moved to Saler beach to facilitate hatching.

Two and a half months

Unemployment falls

THE employment service for the Marina Alta, Creama, has analysed the latest unemployment data in the region, relating to the month of July, when the number of unemployed fell by 73 people. This maintains “the path of employment growth in Marina Alta, but with signs of slowdown,” stated Creama.

Unemployment in the region (11.42 per cent or 0.35 per cent less than the previous month) is below that of the province of Alicante (13.53 per cent) and that of the Valencian Community (15.09 per cent). Between the Marina Alta and the Valencian community, the difference is almost 4 per cent.

later, 11 baby turtles were born.

Of the 11 turtles that have been born, four were released into the sea, and the other seven have been

assigned to the Oceanogràfic ‘head­starting’ programme in Valencia.

There are still two nests to hatch on the beaches of Denia. The Xaloc volunteer association is watching the nests for their safety until the baby turtles hatch. On Friday, August 25, they will set up a Turtle Camp in the area of Albaranes in Denia to wait for the hatching of the two nests. There, volunteers will monitor the nests night and day until they safely hatch.

Credit: Valencian government

HATCHED: Baby turtles.

Credit: Oceanographic Valencia

Lions Costa Blanca

FROM July 17 to 31, the Lions International once again organised their Lions Costa Blanca camp, this year hosting 19 young people between the ages of 18 and 21, from 16 different countries.

The camp director/president of the Lions club Alfaz del pi Alain Van de Merlen and the president of the camp, Jose luis lopez cancho, member of the Lions Club Benidorm, could not be happier with this group of young people. This group of young people spent 14 days discovering Spain and its customs, taking trips to Benidorm, Alicante, Valencia, Guadalest and La Nucia, doing

many sports and team building activities, and new friendships are built. Their greatest thanks go to the various municipalities that have supported them in this as well as to Lope de Vega International school, where the young people have stayed. Do you also have young people between the ages of

18 and 21, and do they also want to participate as an ambassador from the Lions, in the next camp next summer? If so, please contact Alain Van de Merlen via: lionsclubalfaz delpi@hotmail.com. If you also want to become a member of our club, you can also reach us via the same e­mail address.

Happy helpers

Jo Pugh

HELP of Marina Alta finished the final fundraising summer concert at Los Arcos in Pedreguer on Wednesday, August 16, with a sell out audience singing and dancing and having the time of their lives.

Guests enjoyed an evening of songs by ABBA from the movie ‘Mamma Mia, Here we go again’, performed by a quartet of talented singers with Jo Cleary, Jo Hollingsworth, Giovanna Wallis and HELP’s very own President, Candida Wright. The girls captivated the audience and sang a medley of Abba numbers to over 180 people in attendance. Compere, Ian Bennett started the evening’s proceedings by explaining HELP’s work in the community and how funds were much needed to continue this commitment with the ever increasing expenditure looking after people with all types of illness, from cancer and heart disease to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ticket sales and proceeds from a huge raffle contributed to an amazing final total on the night of €3,360.

HELP took the opportunity to thank the artists, who performed free of charge, their compere extraordinaire, Ian Bennett, and thanked all HELP’s volunteers who made it such a success. Their final thank you was to all the people who attended who raised an ex­

SUMMER CAMP: Young people discovered Spain.

Huge shark released

Jo Pugh

A FISHING vessel from Javea unintentionally encountered a basking shark, measuring between five and eight metres in length and weighing an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 kilogrammes, when it became ensnared within its nets.

The incident unfolded when the skipper and owner of the vessel, named Cap Prim Segon, Juan Bautista Ros, alongside fellow crew members Marc Ros and Vicent Catalá, were working the red shrimp fishing ground, when they accidentally caught an adult basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus).

The crew set out to save the great shark and unstitched part of the net to return it to the sea. It was an arduous task with a lot of risk and effort. Faced with the challenges of their mar­

ON Saturday August 12, Gran Alacant and La Marina Royal British Legion held their annual barbecue in Masa Square in Gran Alacant.

What a fantastic turn out there was for this, their fourth annual barbecue. It was a fun afternoon and a huge thank you goes to Graeme Mykal for mesmerising

itime environment, and undulating waves in the vicinity of their fishing grounds northwest of the Ibiza Channel, the crew members fought to free the shark. After cutting the net, the shark dropped back into the sea unharmed.

€600 raised

everyone with his slight of hand magic and to The Gran Alacant Singers for the entertainment.

The barbecue was yummy thanks to the hard work of Paul Kane and his family. They are thrilled to announce that they

raised €600. They always have lots of events planned and the best way to contact them and follow their events is via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.co m/groups/755564871605 017/?ref=share.

ENSNARED: The remains of the net.

Festival security

Jo Pugh

THE government delegate, Pilar Bernabé, along with Gandia’s mayor, José Manuel Prieto, and other municipal officials, conducted a visit to the Mediterranean Festival venue, which commenced on Thursday, August 17 and was set to continue throughout the weekend at Ausiàs March Park. Of paramount concern during their visit was the meticulous evaluation of security protocols.

The council collaborated with private entities, and made comprehensive preparations to ensure the smooth operation of the festival. The festival was projected to draw over 10,000 attendees daily, as

Walking wonders

THE ‘Discover Denia’s Landscapes’ campaign, organised by the council and in partnership with the Ecological Transition division, concluded on Friday, August 11, attracting 289 participants.

Throughout July and August, the programme offered 15 moderate to moderately challenging ecological walks in Denia and the Marina Alta mountains, showcasing diverse landscapes without extensive travel.

Participants explored various nearby routes and scenes, and enjoyed the guided hikes led by environmental experts, who clarified routes and addressed queries, contributing to a good educational experience.

indicated by the organisers. To reinforce security, a substantial deployment of 100 Local Police officers, supplemented by Civil Protection personnel, and bolstered by 50 National Police officers, were actively engaged.

Mayor Prieto underscored the significance of positioning Gandia as a ‘town of festivals’, a title that seamlessly integrates with the town’s renowned tourist season. Gandia is renowned for its tourism model that emphasises quality, sustainability, and familyoriented experiences.

The mayor expressed gratitude for the formidable efforts undertaken by the organisers and emphasised the commitment to work towards cementing the Festival’s status as a recurring event for Gandia.

WELL ORGANISED: Security protocols were reinforced.

Credit: Gandia Town Hall

Credit: Al Gr/Pixabay

15 per cent more traffic.

Traffic growth

STATISTICS from the department of mobility reveal that traffic levels in Benidorm during July was 15 per cent greater than the figures recorded in the same month

of 2019, pre­pandemic. This indicates a complete recovery from the pandemic’s impact and substantial growth beyond previous levels.

gust, where the first two weeks saw a 6 per cent rise in vehicle numbers compared to the same period in August 2019. This upward trajectory is consistent across 2021 and 2022 as well. July 2023 witnessed a 14 per cent rise in vehicle entry compared to 2021, and a 4 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2022. Likewise, the first half of August saw a 5 per cent increase over 2021 and a 1 per cent rise over 2022. Francis Muñoz, the councillor for mobility, highlighted the evident recovery of the city, surpassing pre­pandemic levels. Thanks to proactive measures taken in recent years, traffic congestion on major entrances and exits has also been reduced.

Jo Pugh

THE Ministry of Infrastructures is set to enhance the TRAM rail network by doubling the track between the El Albir stop in l’Alfas del Pi and Altea station. Additionally, a crossing will be built in El Albir to optimise train flow. The allocated budget for both initiatives amounts to €14,698,165. “The project, backed by European funding, aims to enhance service frequencies and quality for Marina Baixa users,” stated Salomé Pradas, Minister for the Environment, Water, Infrastructures, and Territory.

Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) will oversee the project’s execution in two phases: first, the construction of the

crossing point with a €9,656,188 investment and a 24 ­ month timeline, followed by the track duplication involving a €5,041,977 expenditure over 16 months, concurrent with the initial phase. The track’s extension, covering 3.33 kilometres, encompasses the 332 ­ metre Cap Blanc viaduct.

According to Pradas, the project holds paramount significance in improving travel times between Benidorm and Denia, thereby significantly improving rail transportation for inhabitants and visitors. This green mobility alternative contributes to emissions reduction while preserving the region’s scenic beauty.

Lifesaver Alexa

NOWADAYS many households own an Amazon Echo or similar device and whilst some think it exists to eavesdrop on conversation and feedback information, it is also a potential life saver.

Imagine a situation where someone in your home is having a cardiac arrest, then if you have previously activated an Alexa skill by saying “Alexa activate emergency cpr” then you are set up to seek advice by shouting “Alexa Emergency CPR.”

Alexa will subsequently give you advice on how to deal with the emergency whilst you await the arrival of an ambu­

lance (which incidentally, you may be able to call through a contact list held by Alexa).

The more you explore the positive options such as the announcement facility whereby you can communicate with others throughout the house or activate opening the front door if you are alone and have a fall, the easier it becomes to use this tool.

The more you explore the more you will find Alexa can help, but for a bit of light relief just say “Alexa what’s your name?” and wait for the surprising response.

Modification to the Inheritance Tax in the Valencian Region. What can we expect?

ON May 28, 2023, municipal and autonomic elections were held in Spain, resulting in a new regional government in the Valencian Community. Among the first measures of the

new president of the Generalitat Valenciana is a substantial modification to the Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax. What can we expect from this upcoming change in the law? Do we know

when will this reform come into force? We answer these and other questions in this week’s article.

Inheritance Tax in the Valencian Community: How does it work?

Although Inheritance and Gift Tax are state taxes, each region of Spain is free to set the deductions, allowances, and tax rebates that they deem appropriate. This is why, for instance, inheriting in Catalonia (where inheritance tax is quite high) is not the same as inheriting in Andalucia (where hardly any inheritance tax is paid).

In the Valencian region, for many years, almost no Inheritance and Gift Tax was paid. Until 2013, this tax had a 99 per cent reduction. In other words, receiving an inheritance or making a gift hardly had any impact on the pockets of citizens (out of every €100 to be paid to the taxman, only €1 was paid). However, from 2013 onwards, the Valencian Region suppressed this reduction and became one of the most expensive regions in

Spain to inherit or receive a gift.

Until now.

What does the modification to the Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax consist of?

The change of Law 13/1997 that the new government intends to approve is very simple: to re­apply the rebate of 99 per cent of the tax liability. Both in mortis causa acquisitions (inheritances) and inter vivos acquisitions (gifts/donations). Although it is not official yet, this tax rebate is expected to apply only to close family members: parents, children, spouses (and in the case of gifts, also grand­

parents and grandchildren).

When will the modification to the Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax be finally approved?

At the beginning of August, the draft bill was published in the Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana (DOGV). This marked the beginning of the public consultation period of 15 days during which any citizen could present allegations. The Valencia government is currently studying the allegations. The next step will be to present the law to the Consell of the Generalitat which, subsequently, will send the law to the Valencian

Parliament, where it will be definitively approved.

Conclusions

The modification to the Inheritance Tax promises to place the Valencian Community as one of the regions in Spain with the lowest tax burden in inheritances and gifts. As soon as the final modification is approved, we will inform our readers in detail. At White­Baos Lawyers we are experts in Inheritance Law, planning and advice on Inheritance and Gift Tax. If you have any questions about this or other issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will offer you expert legal advice.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, it simply conveys information related to legal issues.

Jo Pugh

WILDFIRES are now a reality, and can strike at any moment. From a lightning strike, a discarded bottle or a lit cigarette carelessly thrown from a window, a raging fire can be alight and spread in a matter of moments. Preparation is key.

As catastrophic wildfires

What to do in a Wildfire

continue to increase each year, make sure to protect yourself and your familyplan, prepare and stay aware. This is where the crucial Evacuation Pack comes into play.

Designed by Jill Leonard of the

Wildfire Watch App, this advice is essential reading. Keep a copy of this article somewhere safe.

Contents of your evac­pack

1. Emergency food and water. Snacks, baby essentials,

bottles of water and pet food.

2.Photos. Put memory sticks of photos in the pack.

3. Papers. Put all your ID and all important papers in the evac­pack.

4. Medicines. Don’t forget to take your medications with you. Don’t forget the ones that have to be refrigerated like insulin. If you have spare medication put them in the evac­pack.

5. Money. The evac­pack is where you would keep an emergency amount of money. You may not be able to use an ATM in the event of a power outage.

6. Petrol or Diesel. If you can make sure your car always has half a tank of fuel. Evacuation routes could be bumper to bumper traffic.

Having a tank at least half filled will keep you less stressed.

7. Address and phone book. If you don’t have the important addresses/ phone numbers stored on your phone then use an address book and keep it in your evacpack.

8. Chargers. Keep them handy to throw in the evacpack at the last minute! Chargers for phones, tablets, laptops etc. Buy a powerbank.

9. Emergency clothes. According to the weather conditions put a change of clothes in the evac­pack.

10. An old calendar. Handy to have stashed then you won’t forget those important dates.

11. Personal protection for ladies. Ladies do have ‘that time of the month’! Be sure and pack a spare box of your preferred protection.

12. Battery powered radio. Worth considering. Tune it into a local radio station which you know is likely to have emergency bulletins.

13. Photos or videos of your house and contents. Insurance companies are asking for proof of your belongings and the contents of your property when they are processing a claim.

14. Patience: This is one of the most important things to pack. Keep it inside of you so that you have a clear, calm head.

If your phone is on Pay­asyou­go, make sure it is topped up.

Finally, make sure you have somewhere to take your pets or farm animals.

WILDFIRES:

Make sure you protect your family - plan, prepare and stay aware.

Health care help

IT is a little­known fact that Spain’s paediatric specialists, such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, oncologists, allergists and 23 other specialists, who care for millions of children and adolescents in Spain, are not officially recognised by the Spanish national health system.

The 12,000 paediatricians of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics (AEP) are fighting for the recognition of paediatric specialists, a vital step to ensure the quality of medical care for children and adolescents.

For years, the AEP has been battling for the official recognition of paediatric specialists. The public has been asked to give their collective weight by adding their names on Change.org. Without formal recognition, the future of child

EVERY year, workers, generally Moroccan, mainly from Spain, France, Germany and Italy make their annual summer pilgrimage to their homeland, their vehicles often laden down with large amounts of products.

It’s a long and tiring journey as they head for Algeciras and Tarifa in southern Spain and the largest volume of travellers are on the road between June 15 and August 15 with the exodus named Operation Crossing the Strait.

healthcare is jeopardised.

The fight for recognition is not just a professional matter; it’s a right that children and adolescents deserve.

There are five good reasons to sign the petition.

• More than six million Spanish children and adolescents are attended by medical specialists who are not officially recognised. Paediatric specialists deserve the same recognition as adult specialists.

• They request a specific training itinerary for the primary care paediatrician within the MIR programme in Paediatrics.

• The lack of Paediatricians in Primary Care is causing many deficiencies within Spain. They demand that the authorities adopt the necessary measures to attract pedi­

atric professionals to primary care centres.

• The lack of recognition of paediatric specialities makes it difficult to offer public employment positions to paediatricians with specific profiles. They urge that a geographical map be drawn up to estimate the need for paediatric specialists in relation to the paediatric population in order to plan the specialised human resources needed in the future.

• Paediatric specialities are recognised in the European Community and in other countries of the world.

Due to the lack of recognition, Spanish specialists have difficulties in obtaining recognition for their paediatric degrees in order to be able to work in other countries.

Crossing the Strait

According to reports by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, this year some 390,736 vehicles (11.7 per cent more than in 2022) and 1,585,693 passengers (10.8 per cent more) crossed the Straits of Gibraltar. Some 73.5 per cent of all of those crossing the Straits were heading towards Morocco (an increase over last year’s figure) with the balance aiming for Ceuta and Melilla (both seeing a decrease on last

year). Busiest Spanish port was Algeciras, with 901,528 passengers (3.6 per cent up on 2022) a long way above departures from any other Spanish port. What goes one way, invariably heads back soon after, so they are now in the reverse phase which will be monitored closely until September 15, by which the bulk of travel from Morocco to the rest of Europe via Spain will be completed.

Military life begins

THE Royal Household of Spain has released the first images of the Princess of Asturias at the General Military Academy (AGM) of Zaragoza, which she entered on Thursday, August 17. In the different photographs, the heiress to the throne is seen wearing a military shirt, a camouflaged Army uniform and a badge on her chest with the shield of the military teaching centre, cadet stripes and her last name ‘Borbón Ortiz’.

The images show her with a serious face in formation in the courtyard, in class (writing with her left hand, as she is left­handed), listening to the instructions of another soldier, and taking a canteen from its packaging. She wears a military hat and her hair is pinned up in a bun. She wears no earrings and her only accessory is a digital watch with a plastic strap.

During her first two weeks at the academy,

the lady cadet Borbón Ortíz (which is her military name) is following the phase of adaptation to military life, before beginning the first academic year, which will conclude on October 7 with taking an oath. The princess shares a dormitory with 11 other companions, with communal toilets and showers. Her only private space is a work table and a wardrobe.

Her captain, who received her on Thursday at the entrance to the academy, where the King, Queen Letizia and her sister, the Infanta Sofía, went to see her off, is her tutor.

The heiress to the Crown will spend three years in the academies of the Army (Zaragoza), the Navy (Marín) and the Air Force (San Javier), where she will prepare to assume her responsibility as Supreme Command of the Forces in the future Armed Forces, which the Constitution attributes to the Head of State.

VALENTIN FERRER, a gastronomic challenge­focused YouTuber from Cartagena, emerged as the victor of the 21st edition of the horchata and fartons eating contest, held at L’Albereda during the annual fair in Xàtiva.

His astounding feat involved devouring an impressive 82 fartons within a span of 37 minutes, breaking his own previous record of 54 fartons consumed. Post­contest, Ferrer said, “I’ve only been doing this for a short time, and it’s my second win in Xàtiva. I’ve won about four or five contests. Now, I have to head home because I have a wedding to attend tomorrow.”

Joining Ferrer at the table were fellow YouTubers Ricardo Vidal and Manux3, who se­

A clear farton winner

cured second and third place, respectively. Vidal managed to consume a total of 51 pastries, while the third­place finisher scoffed 48. The contest, organised by local firm Xococap, attracted a total of 98 participants. David Pla, the company’s head, mentioned that 80 pre­registration slots were filled by Monday, August 14, leaving a handful of spots for the contest day. Although the participant count fell just short of 100, applicants travelled from various parts of the peninsula, including Bilbao and Tenerife. The grand scale of the event is underscored by the figures provided by the organisers, with 250 litres of horchata and a staggering 2,956

fartons eaten. The contest was structured into three phases: first, participants were tasked with consuming 12 units within 12 minutes; second, the challenge was to eat six fartons in 10 minutes; and finally, a 15minute stretch with no consumption limits.

Ferrer’s exceptional performance outshone his competitors by a significant margin. To ensure fairness, a team of multiple monitors oversaw the proceedings, with each responsible for 10 participants. Ferrer’s achievement of consuming 82 fartons in just 37 minutes undoubtedly stands as a remarkable feat within the world of competitive eating.

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FOOD PRICE RISES:

Are groceries cheaper in Spain or the UK?

As food inflation in Spain increased by half a per cent in July and fell over 2 per cent in the UK, we ask: Are Spanish supermarkets still cheaper than their British equivalents?

INFLATION rates in the last year have been running rampant globally, but it has been the eye­watering increases to food prices that have regularly hit news headlines across Europe. The UK’s Office for National Statistics have reported that food inflation decreased by over 2 per cent in July; by comparison, Spain’s National Statistics Institute revealed that inflation on food rose by 0.5 per cent in July to 10.83 per cent. What often gets missed in the headlines is that all a decrease in the inflation rate means is that food is still increasing in cost, just not as quickly as previously.

Most expats living in Spain will relay glowing tales of how much cheaper it is to eat out than the European country they hail from; the low average cost of a drink and a tapa is a particular favourite to get family and friends back in the home country bubbling with envy and idly considering making the move themselves.

The received wisdom amongst Northern European expats is that supermarket shopping in Spain is also significantly cheaper, but is that actually true? We created a Euro Weekly News grocery basket and took to the price comparison sites to find out. The results may just shock you.

all countries (eg Lidl) and differences in produce seasonality, brands, package sizes and temporary discounts all add to the complexity. We created a basket of 22 items commonly bought by expats and used online price checkers on August 20, 2023 to find the cheapest non­discounted version of each item in five of the most popular supermarkets in Spain and the UK:

● Apples ­ 1kg

● Onions ­ 1kg

● Potatoes ­ 1kg

● Iceberg Lettuce (Whole)

● Semi­Skimmed Milk ­ 1L

● Butter ­ 250g

● Cheddar Cheese (Mature) ­ 300g

● Dozen Eggs

● Medium Whole Chicken

● Mince Beef ­ 500g

● Instant Coffee ­ 200g

● Whole Oats ­ 500g

● Large Sliced Loaf

● Olive Oil ­ 1L

● Tuna in Oil ­ 360g

● Mayonnaise ­ 500g

● Tomato Ketchup ­ 500g

● Long Grain Rice ­ 1kg

● Spaghetti (Dried) ­ 1kg

● Toilet Rolls ­ Six Pack

kets in the UK and this is despite the Spanish government dropping VAT on many of the items in our list at the start of 2023, whilst the UK government have taken no measures to halt price hikes

● The most expensive supermarket basket overall was from French owned Carrefour.

France was highlighted by the BBC in June as having the highest food prices out of a comparison study of five European countries and the price of food there is, on average, 11 per cent higher than in other EU countries.

● The difference in price between the cheapest and most expensive food basket was a staggering €23.85.

● The average price of the food basket was €53.67, over €10 more expensive than the cheapest from Aldi UK.

The ranking in full:

1. Aldi ­ UK €43.12 (£36.87)

2. Tesco ­ UK €50.02 (£42.76)

3. Sainsburys ­ UK €51.64 (£44.16)

4. Asda ­ UK €52.09 (£44.45)

5. Aldi ­ ES €53.11

6. Morrisons ­ UK €53.63 ( £45.86)

7. Mercadona ­ ES €54.29

8. Consum ­ ES €54.75

9. Dia ­ ES €57.10

10. Carrefour ­ ES €66.97

Food Basket in both Spain and the UK was courtesy of Aldi, the German discount store, BUT this win has a twist because whilst the Spanish Aldi basket was €53.11 its British counterpart came in nearly €10 cheaper at €43.12 (£36.87) making Aldi UK the cheapest supermarket overall in our price check.

Is the cost of food in the supermarkets starting to bite for you?

We’d love to hear your comments and any tips and tricks you have to keep food costs down.

Unsurprisingly, comparing the prices of food across supermarkets and across different countries is a painstaking task. Not all popular supermarkets have price catalogues online in

Digging in to the results highlights a few surprises and busts a few myths:

● The four cheapest food baskets were all from supermar­

• Is Grocery Shopping Cheaper in Spain?

• The EWN Grocery Basket

Comparing the prices of food.

Spain winning big

Anna Ellis

FROM holiday searches to second homes, Spain is winning big right now when it comes to courting Britons’ favour.

Visitor numbers are soaring, with Spain’s national statistics institute (INE) recording more than 1.82 million British visitors in May 2023 (compared to 1.65 million in May 2022).

This positions Brits as Spain’s leading international visitor group, well ahead of French visitors (1.1 million in May), Germans (1.06 million) and the many other nationalities who choose to holiday in Spain.

Nor is it just holidays in the sunshine that Britons are seeking on Spanish shores.

According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, the number of Brits reserving second homes in Spain for purchase has jumped during the past two months. In particular, British buyers are focusing on the Costa del Sol and Mallorca.

Research by Premier Inn, meanwhile, has shown that Malaga isn’t simply Briton’s favourite city in Spain ­ it’s their top choice globally, based on annual Google searches for holiday destinations.

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey Es­

paña, Marc Pritchard, confirmed: “The British love for Spain remains unabated. Climate, cuisine, beaches, golf, proximity to the UK. Spain ticks all the right boxes for the perfect holiday destination, which is why it is so popular with British second home buyers.

“We sold homes to over 40 nationalities last year, so our buyers are very diverse. The main groups of buyers were from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Most are keen to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle

and spend holidays outdoors in the sunshine.”

Marc added: “The weather is certainly important to our buyers! Many also want the chance to practise sports year ­ round ­ many of our clients are enthusiastic golfers who want to spend more time on the fairways.

“Generally, our buyers are between about 40 and 60 years old. They are split between families with children and older buyers who are planning to spend some or all of their retirement in Spain.”

SPAIN: Popular with Brits buying second homes.

Image: MiniMoon Photo

Javea feral cats Street Art

Jo Pugh

ART AL VENT 2023, the most important outdoor textile art exhibition in the Spanish State, celebrates its 20th edition in Gata de Gorgos with a complete programme of cultural activities that will end on Sunday, September 3. The exhibition includes 63 banners displayed on the balconies of Carrer la Bassa de Gata from 15 different countries, which are of great importance to the municipality. Among the countries participating in this edition are China, Italy, Mexico, Argenti­

na, the UK, Spain, Japan, Brazil, the United States, Germany, Chile, Sweden, Egypt, Morocco, France and the participation of 11 works from Italian authors. The theme that the exhibition addresses is the land and nature.

Josep Ginestar, coordinator of the show said that “Art al Vent has become the most important cultural and tourist activity in the municipality that represents every thousand of visitors. It therefore positively affects the population.”

PLAY it, win it, love it! Whether you want to compete, spectate or participate, these are dates for your diary ­ Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17. It is the Javea Feral Cat Association Padel Tournament and Gala Weekend at Club de Padel, Paris 24, Avinguda de Paris, Javea. Rosa Cardona, mayor of Javea will be presenting the tournament trophies. A massive 96 entries have been received and there is a reserve list.

The raffle is always extremely popular, with some fantastic prizes this year. A luxury beauty and spa hamper with beauty and hair treatments, wine hampers too, all worth over €150. Plus, there is a variety of vouchers from local salons and restaurants. Tickets will be sold on Saturday and Sunday with prize draws on Sunday at 5pm.

There will also be the opportunity to bid on a long weekend to Caravaca De La Cruz for a family of four, in a beautiful self­contained cottage, including a threehour complimentary tour of the local areas in a jeep. The holiday will be open for bidding up until two weeks before the event.

On Sunday, the fun day, there will be entertainment from 1pm by Ian Hunt, The Javea Alleycats, Pixiestix and DJ Mike Dennison. Cortado’s cake stall will be open all day, or until the cakes and pastries run out.

Charity clothing

TO make way for autumn clothing, as from Monday, August 28, all summer clothing will be reduced to €1 at the Asociación Benéfica de Teulada charity shop in Teulada.

Julie Keene, Vice President Javea Feral Cats commented: “Our padel tournaments and gala days have always been extremely successful. Last year we raised a much needed €3,800, which paid for neutering, and a small amount for vets fees. We are very grateful for the support from our local community, Padel 24, local businesses and all our volunteers.

“We are very excited about the event and look forward to the local community joining us and having a fun day out.”

All monies raised by the Asociación Benéfica de Teulada goes towards supporting the Ambulance Service run by the Civil Protection, Afa Alzheimer of Teulada and The Safe House at Pedreguer.

The shop is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10am to 1pm. They would also like to open on Thursdays and Saturdays, but need more volunteers. If you can spare a morning a week please pop into the shop on a Wednesday and speak with Pat. You can find them at Avenida Mediterrañeo 183, Teulada.

PADEL TENNIS: The Javea mayor will present the trophies.

Credit: Jonas/Pixabay

THE BANNERS: Displayed on the local balconies.

Credit: Gata de Gorgos Town Hall

Mini festival

DENIA councillor for Youth, Valentín Alcalà, has presented a new initiative of the department to promote alternative and healthy leisure. Joafest Denia will take place on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26, from 6pm to midnight.

Athina Costa and Luís Terrades, representatives from the group of young people who proposed the idea to the council, accompanied the councillors as they made the announcement on Wednesday, August 9.

Alcalà highlighted the involvement of the group of six youngsters who proposed the activity, which aims to ‘give alternatives so that everything is not night time leisure’, and to complement the offer of free activities throughout the year.

The councillor commented that the young people designed the programme and the billboards, breaking with the cliché that says that

“young people don’t do anything,” in his words. Costa explained that the idea comes from the lack of activity for young people in Denia. For his part, Terrades commented that he stayed with friends to play, but there was no alternative leisure festival in Denia. Both thanked the city council for their cooperation in providing spaces and with bureaucratic matters.

Concert week

Jo Pugh

TODAY, Thursday, August 24, the El Verger Auditorium, Casa de la Cultura, will become the stage for the Valencia Brass Band which will delight the public with a concert of well ­ known soundtracks from popular films such as Rocky, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones or, of course, James Bond. The performance will take place at 8pm, is free entry, and does not require prior registration.

On Friday, August 25, The Pop Culture Band offers the show Tarantino Unchained at the AuditoriCentre Social in Denia at 8pm. The vibrant scores of songs like Misirlou (Pulp Fiction), Little Green Bag (Reservoir Dogs), Woohoo (Kill Bill), Cells (Sin City) or Unchained (Django) among others, will immerse the public in the universe of the wellknown director. The entrance has a price of €15 and can be purchased at the box office one hour before the concert.

The ‘great concert’ will be on Saturday, August 26 at the Ondara Bullring at 11pm. The Universal Symphony Orchestra will once again be in charge of putting the finishing touch with a show that will revolve around the music of

the James Bond saga. The Music of Bond will tour the best pieces from six decades of history and will feature the participation of great singers such as Cristina Ramos, Fran León

and Esther Ovejero who will give voice to the franchise’s mythical themes. Tickets are €20 and can be purchased at the box office two hours before the concert.

Credit: Denia City Council

JOAFEST: Presentation of the event.

BRASS BAND: Presentation of the music.

Credit: SonaFilm

Film Festival

THE next Riurau Film Festival is set to arrive in the Marina Alta. Until Tuesday, September 5 you can experience the 12th edition of the short film fes­

tival.

Starting today, Thursday, August 24, the screenings of the short films selected at the festival will take place. They will be in Javea, Denia and Jesus Pobre.

In addition, as usual, the festival also brings cultural activities, seminars, conferences and other proposals which will perfectly complement the projections.

The Dance Film will be another of the attractions of the event, with the second Dance Film Seminar.

The cinema school will have a leading role today, August 24 in Javea.

This night brings the opportunity to see the short films of the students and collaborators of Javea school on the big screen.

Jo Pugh

AUGUST is the month of the muscatel grape and, therefore, there is no better date on the calendar to celebrate the tradition of this native product with the ‘Fiesta del Moscatel’. Teulada Council, in collaboration with the Amics de Teulada Cultural Association, has organised a varied programme of events on Saturday, August 26 and Saturday, September 2.

The councillor for Culture, Rosana Caselles, encouraged everyone to participate in this meeting full of traditions, gastronomy and culture. “It is an opportunity for both those who know and those who do not to enjoy a little piece of our history and our roots,” she said.

On Saturday, August 26, the traditional Muscatel Festival will take place on Avenida Las Palmas de Teulada from 7.30pm to 1am. Attendees will be able to enjoy the following events:

A Muscatel parade. With the participation of the Alejandro Morell Traginers Association, the Font Santa de Teulada Dance Group, the SVF 2024 children’s party commission and the Colla El Falçó.

‘Xapada’ of wine, traditional dances, a Mus­

Muscatel Fiesta

catel grape contest, local wine sales, free tastings, childrens entertainment, and Muscatel and vermouth tapas.

On Saturday, September 2 , the experience with muscatel will take place at the Teulada Ecomuseographic Centre starting at 7pm. This is a journey through the history of the muscatel grape with a carriage ride along the Font de l’Horta waterway, grape cutting in the Bancal Roig, ‘scalding’ of the grapes at the Ecomuseographic Centre, vermouth and background music throughout the event.

Singers Showcase

THE auditorium in Beniarbeig (less than 10 minutes from the Ondara shopping centre) will be hosting ‘Singers Showcase’ on Thursday, September 21. The Showcase will be an evening filled with a diverse range of music from inspirational and uplifting to musical theatre, stopping off at popular music en route.

The whole show will be performed by four different singing groups, all under the direction of Philip Ashley. The theatre group Sounds Familiar will be performing excerpts from their previous show along with a preview of their new show.

Also appearing will be two choirs, the Vall Del Pop Singers and Cantãmus. Both choirs will be showing off their own styles of music. Finally the harmony group Adagio will be singing

songs from their past and future repertoire as well as hosting the entire evening.

Apart from the Showcase being great entertainment in itself, it will also give you the opportunity to see what is coming up on the Costa Blanca in the next six to eight months, so you can decide if you want to see more of any particular group.

Every group will be performing their own set separately, except in the Finale when all the groups will join together.

The evening will be helping to raise money for Jalon Valley HELP.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the show itself starting at 8pm. Tickets are priced at €14 and available on 965 581 483 or online at https://www.philipashley.com/boxoffice.php.

AUGUST: Month of the Moscatell grapes.

Credit: Teulada Town Hall

Credit: Riurau Film Festival

Do all Brits love a bargain?

Jo Pugh

WITH Kate Middleton being spotted shopping in The Range, and Coleen Rooney seen with a trolley full of bargains from Aldi, it seems the whole nation does like a bargain or two.

If you’ve ever experienced the heartpounding rush of snapping up that irresistible deal, you know that it’s not just shopping, it’s an art form, a sport, and a source of immeasurable joy all rolled into one.

Picture this: you walk into a store, your savvy shopping senses tingling. Your eyes lock onto that vibrant ‘REDUCED’ sign, and suddenly, you’re on a mission. The adrenaline starts to surge as you navigate the aisles with the grace of a bargain­hunting ninja. Your trolley becomes your trusty steed, and your shopping list transforms into a treasure map leading you to the ultimate loot that you didn’t go into the shop for in the first place.

Oh, the sweet satisfaction of knowing you’ve outsmarted the retail price gods. You came for new mugs, but you leave with a quirky lamp that you never knew your living room desperately needed. It’s a testament to the bargain shopper’s ability to find items they never knew they needed.

Nothing beats the knowing look you exchange with a fellow shopper when you both spot the last pair of designer shoes, strategically hidden for professional bargain hunters. It’s a silent declaration between the two of you. “They are mine.”

Katie Price proudly posted on her Instagram page a picture of herself showing off her new parka coat to the backdrop of Poundland.

Charity shopping is also a chance to un­

leash your creativity. Ever dreamed of rocking a bohemian ­ chic look while sipping tea from a mismatched collection of cups? With charity shopping, you get to curate a unique style that’s all your own, combining pieces from different eras and giving them a new lease on life. The best part? You’re not just shopping, you’re making a difference. Your purchase isn’t just an addition to your wardrobe or home, it’s a contribution to a good cause. And the best thing about your bargain buy is knowing you’re supporting local charities.

Driving past the bins and spotting that unwanted headboard makes for an unintentional stop and a moment of glee. You put the seats down and try to squeeze your new acquisition into your car. You didn’t need or want the headboard, but it’s free, surely you can find a use for it. Then you spot the pile of books kindly left by somebody. A German cookbook catches your eye. You can’t speak German, but never mind, it’s yours now.

It really does seem we all love that bargain.

AN ART FORM: Brits love a bargain.

Credit: Freepik

NEW COAT: Katie Price in Poundland.

Credit: Katie Price/Instagram

BUSINESS EXTRA

Down-and-out

LONDON’S increasingly tawdry Oxford Street could become a blueprint for Britain’s high streets, warned the Retail Sector Council. Richard Pennycook, the council’s vice­chairman and former Co­op chief executive, said towns and cities could become ‘wastelands’ owing to lack of investment incentives for retailers.

Sort it out

BARCELONA­based Picvisa specialises in sorting and classification technologies which use artificial intelligence, artificial vision and optical sorters. The company has now developed a ‘deep learning’ machine that sorts different types of rubbish and detritus while identifying the discarded objects and even their make.

Right royal

THE Spanish Royal Household’s bank balance increased to €6.05 million in 2022, rising from €5.78 million in 2021, thanks to having made savings of €273,643. The Crown received €8.431 million last year, €4.02 million of which has been spent on personnel, the Household’s biggest outlay.

Branching out

AGNELLI, Ferrari and Stellantis’ largest shareholder, acquired a 15 per cent stake in under­pressure Philips which has had to recall millions of faulty sleep apnoea machines. The £2 billion (€2.33 billion) deal also enables Agnelli to increase its stake by up to 20 per cent and possibly take a seat on the Philips’ board.

No biggie

BRITISH companies are progressively more downbeat about the benefits of postBrexit free trade deals, according to a Department for Business and Trade survey. More than 3,000 companies revealed that 58 per cent of firms now believe that the deals will not have a positive impact, the department found.

STAT OF WEEK €25 billion

in overseas trade for Spain’s 170 pharmaceutical companies which overtook the car industry as the country’s principal export sector in 2022, boosted by sales of Covid-19 vaccines.

Issas move Higher interest rates looming

Linda Hall

SALARIES increased more than predicted in June, fuelled by a one­off payout to NHS employees.

In consequence, the Bank of England is once again under pressure to raise interest rates owing to the higher wages.

Raised borrowing costs are on the cards, even though the UK jobs market indicated that employers were letting staff go as economic activity began to slow down.

Redundancies increased and unemployment rose by 0.3 of a percentage point to 4.2 per cent in the second quarter, the Office

for National Statistic (ONS), announced.

At the same time, pay increased at its fastest since records began, the ONS said. It grew by 7.8 per cent during the second quarter of this year, exceeding predictions and comfortably above the previous record

TESLA SPAIN’S sales rose 55 per cent last year, bringing a net profit of €2.64 million, 52.6 per cent more than in 2021.

The company is a subsidiary of Dutchregistered Tesla Motors Tesla Motors Netherlands BV, which in turn depends on Elon Musk’s parent company based in Delaware in the US.

Last year Tesla Spain distributed 4,607 vehicles, a 44.5 per cent increase on 2021 according to accounts submitted to the Registro Mercantil, equivalent to Companies House in the UK.

The increase was the result of the Spain’s expanding market for electric vehicles, assisted by government subsidies for non­polluting vehicles.

The company explained that energy costs had risen and some raw materials

VAT spat

JEWELLERY brand Pandora was the latest retailer to call for VAT­free shopping for UK visitors.

Rasmus Brix, general manager for the UK and Ireland, said the firm was one of many that were missing out since PM Rishi Sunak jettisoned the tax break in 2021.

Around 350 businesses now back the Daily Mail’s Scrap the Tourist Tax campaign, prompting Brix to agree with the newspaper that getting rid of the tax would “significantly boost” the retail sector and the economy.

“This would help to offset some of the disruption we’re seeing as a result of the weather, cost­of­living and ongoing train strikes,” he said.

of 7.3 per cent.

The unanticipated increase encouraged traders to give 84 per cent odds that the Bank of England would announce a further interest rate rise of a quarter of a percentage point to 5.5 per cent next month. Others spoke of a

16 per cent likelihood of a bigger, half­point hike to 5.75 per cent.

Interest rates are forecast to reach a 6 per cent peak next February, higher than the 5.75 per cent that was foreseen before Tuesday’s labour market report was released.

Responding to fears that pay increases would generate a wage­price spiral, the UK’s prime minister Rishi Sunak declared that bringing down inflation was his “number one priority”.

There was “light at the end of the tunnel” in the cost­of­living crisis, the PM insisted.

Positive charge for Tesla

Sales of Model 3 fell by 4 per cent, but still accounted for 59 per cent of the total with 2,736 vehicles. In contrast, Model Y sales rose by 464 per cent to 1,828 vehicles, with Model S and Model X responsible for just 1 per cent.

So far in 2023, Tesla Spain has sold 2,048 cars, 45.35 per cent more than during the same period in 2022.

THE billionaire owners of Asda and the EG Group of petrol stations are selling off US convenience stores to settle billions of pounds of debt.

Brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa sold 63 EG Group­owned shops in Kentucky and Tennessee to the Casey’s General Stores chain for an undisclosed amount.

News of the US sales coincided with Moody’s warning on August 15 that Asda, which the Issas bought for £6.8 billion (€7.93 billion) in 2021, was under intense pressure owing to competition in the grocery industry.

EG Group’s debts stood at $9.67 billion (€8.96 billion) by late 2022, company accounts showed.

Wrong calls

were now more expensive owing to the Ukraine war. The impact of the conflict on its finances depended on “future events which could not be predicted with accuracy,” sources added.

Banks want interest

THE Spanish government dismantled the failed Castor underwater gas storage plant off Vinaros (Castellon) in 2019.

The controversial plans were abandoned after the installation caused 4.1 earthquakes and tremors that were felt on land for weeks. In October 2020, the National High Court in Madrid ruled that Santander, CaixaBank and Bankia (subsequently merged with CaixaBank) were entitled to €1.35 billion compensation.

The ruling excluded interest, which the banks immediately decided to fight for, a battle they have not yet won. The National High Court recently threw out Santander and CaixaBank’s appeals against an earlier ruling that rejected their separate claims for interest which amounted to €100.12 million between them.

It is not yet known whether the banks intend to appeal against the latest ruling or intend to continue taking legal action.

Turnover reached €229.2 million, 51 per cent more than last year while income from services rose almost fourfold to 244.6 per cent to €112 million. The company paid €894,087 in corporation tax last year, compared with €595,590 in 2021.

Making hay

SPANISH hay as well as wheat and other grains has been hit by drought.

Hay is one of Spain’s lesserknown exports, although producers habitually supply markets in North Africa, the Persian Gulf, Taiwan and Japan.

This season they face problems in supplying their traditional clients owing to high prices and lack of supplies, said the owner of Nual, a company in Arenillas de Muño (Burgos).

Another producer, Europaja, estimated that not only would it have difficulty in meeting its export orders, but imports would increase with hay fetching €12 a kilo at source and fodder costing 40 cents a kilo.

NATWEST was ranked Britain’s worst bank for repaying fraud victims. Recently hit by the debanking scandal, NatWest rejected more than 5,000 fraud compensation claims since 2020, according to the Telegraph. Approximately 3,300 NatWest resolutions were later overturned by the Financial Ombudsman Service, with the bank making the wrong decision in 54.4 per cent of cases.

Santander, which erroneously rejected 53.6 per cent of customers’ claims, was ranked second­worst. It was followed by HSBC, which the Ombudsman Service considered had wrongly rejected 53 per cent of fraud victims’ requests for compensation.

Basques in US

US president Joe Biden visited the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) plant of Basque­headquartered Ingeteam on August 16.

Biden was received by Alex Belaustegui, Corporate Development director of the firm which specialises in energy conversion. It has now produced more than 4,000 generators for the wind­energy sector and supplied four gigawatts of solar and energy storage inverters for the US market.

Contracts for an additional 1.1 gigawatts for the same sector are in the execution stage and scheduled to be installed by end of the 2004’s first quarter.

INTEREST RATES: Bank of England expected to announce hike in September.

ELON MUSK: Founder of Tesla, whose Spanish profits are on the increase.

Photo credit: CC/James Mitchell

Photo credit: CC/Steve Jurvetson

DOW JONES

Soft loans

GIBRALTAR’S Minister for Business, Vijay Daryanani announced the launch of the Gibraltar Enterprise Scheme, an initiative providing soft bank loans for startups and existing small businesses operating for less than three years. Participating banks are Trusted Novus Bank and Gibraltar International Bank, and the scheme will be fully guaranteed by the Gibraltar government.

New role

OSCAR­WINNING compos­

er Hans Zimmer, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of the Working Title film company have purchased the BBC’s Maida Vale studio for £10.5 million (€12.28 million). The new owners intend to convert the building, which has hosted famous stars from the Beatles to David Bowie and Adele, into a school for aspiring musicians.

Malhotra steps down

HARVEY NICHOLS’ chief executive Manju Malhotra is not leaving due to an alleged dispute with the store’s shareholder as extensively reported by the media.

“The Group would like to reiterate that this is incorrect,” a Harvey Nichols spokesperson told the Euro Weekly News on Tuesday August 15.

“The departure is on amicable terms with Manju working her notice period to ensure a smooth transition. “It is also incorrect that

Harvey Nichols is owned by Dickson Concepts, which is

Spain down under

A SUBSIDIARY of Spanish engineering and infrastructure company ACS won a six­year

AU$500 million (€300 million) contract with Australia’s Department of Defence.

UGL, now part of ACS’s CIMIC Group, will provide services covering strategic advice, supply management, operations, and maintenance for the Australian Defence Force’s fuel network.

The Spanish parent company announced

recently that UGL has secured five further contracts worth AU$600 million (€370 million) with Australian energy and mining firms. These include constructing two additional processing trains for US company, Albemarle, at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant. This will enable Albemarle to increase lithium production to an annual 100,000 metric tons, facilitating the manufacture of an estimated 2.4 million electric vehicles each year.

Digi does it

a listed company in Hong Kong. Harvey Nichols is owned by Sir Dickson Poon in his private capacity,” the statement continued.

“Any investment made in Harvey Nichols in recent years is from Sir Dickson Poon in a private capacity, and not Dickson Concepts.”

Having joined Harvey Nichols in 1998 as a newlyqualified chartered accountant, Manju Malhotra held several roles prior to becoming Group Finance Director in 2010.

She was promoted to the role of co ­ chief Operating Officer in 2018, with joint responsibility for leading the business before promotion to chief executive in January 2020.

“I have had the most amazing 25 years at Harvey Nichols,” she said. “I have been fortunate to work with many wonderfully talented people and partners both in the UK and internationally.”

DIGI, the Spanish subsidiary of the Romaniabased telecoms operator, reported revenues of €299.7 million during the first half of this year, 30.9 per cent more than during the same period in 2022. The low ­ cost company now has 5.7 million clients, 1.4 million of whom moved to the company over the past year, an increase of 33 per cent.

Back on track

MARKS & SPENCER could reenter the FTSE 100 after its market capitalisation surpassed £4.3 billion (€5.028 billion) as shares soared to a 19month high. Thanks to providing England’s Lionesses with their non­ sports uniform, plus increased holiday wear, homeware and food sales, M&S’s April­ August turnover has grown by 6 per cent when compared with the same period last year.

HARVEY NICHOLS: London’s iconic and luxurious department store.

Photo credit: CC/Jordi Ferrer

An absolutely brilliant service

LEE SAYS IT

THOUGHT I’d scribe events by way of a change this week. In truth this last year has been a bit of a medical nightmare. Some months ago I experienced a fall while walking de dawg, which resulted in a brain bleed. I then broke a leg in the garden.

Shortly after, I received a marvellous (Bionic Man!) heart pacemaker. The final disaster found me tripping over on a dodgy terrace, which resulted in a broken shoulder. (Ooh ooh the pain).

Worry not; the ol boy isn’t looking for sympathy, I just need to state loudly and clearly, that throughout the whole sequence of events, the Spanish hospital and medical staff have been absolutely brilliant.

Personally I have had no experience of services on the Spanish mainland, but can categorically assure everyone that on this beautiful island of Mallorca, the whole National Health Organisation is first class.

Emergency staff, doctors, nurses and (as we speak) physio workers, plus the speed of the appointments simply can’t be faulted. I would like to thank every single one of them for the care and treatment I have received and am still experiencing. Thank the Lord I didn’t go through it all in the UK.

I can imagine even the very waiting periods would have been horrendous. In their endeavours to keep the whole British nation on a knife edge before the next election, I have no doubt the NH unions, in solid league with the Labour party, are fully delighted to see medical staff packing the streets with derogatory placards; while the long suffering patients experience fully extended periods of suffering, cementing a determination to vote against the conservative party next year.

Ninety nine per cent of the staff in the Balearics are Spanish national locals and you can literally feel the bond this creates throughout the whole organisation. Absolutely nothing like the attitudes and often sheer chaos that ensues throughout the UK system of immigrant workers and racial or political disharmony.

FOOTBALL FREEDOM OUR VIEW

One colleague of mine informed me that many of the main floor workers are so low in intellect they have to move them to different departments, because to actually fire them would result in an uproar of racism accusations. Heaven help the lot of ‘em.

And thank the lord for heaven consistently helping the wonderful health workers of Spain.

This now remarkably fit 84­year­old ex­patient will be forever in your debt. In this week’s final note, let’s just hope that the result of the horrific case of UK nurse Lucy Letby also ensues in sackings and resignations from responsible health workers, staff and police who should have detected something amiss far earlier.

And make certain that this maniac baby killer doesn’t finish up being mollycoddled in some cosy country institution.

Thanks for all your letters. I can’t reply to them all, but believe me I read every one. Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com

Mon. and Fri. 1pm till 4

THERE is no question that women’s football has really come of age and the international interest just keeps growing.

With our links with England and our base in Spain, it was very appropriate that the final should have been contested between eventual winners Spain and England.

Unless you are a dyed in the wool supporter of either team, the outcome wasn’t really that important, with the way in which the women’s version of the sport has grown in stature so quickly being more significant.

Certainly, the USA was for years the home of women’s football with large numbers of young women taking up the sport in college, perhaps because it isn’t as physically demanding as American Football and it can lay claim to being the true ‘beautiful game’.

It took much longer to take off in Europe and it wasn’t that long ago that FC Barcelona were being called out for booking the men’s team in business class and the women’s team on the same flight in economy.

England winning the European Trophy certainly helped promote the popularity and TV programmes such as Dorking ‘Til I Die which relates the role of Calum Best as Chairman of Dorking Wanderers FC Ladies helped to spotlight the growth on the women’s game in England.

Now that the new professional season has started again, expect to see larger crowds at women’s matches, but it will still take a long time for female players to have the same astronomic price tags as their male counterparts.

What is positive however is that there has been another area where the role of women in today’s society has seen the glass ceiling at least cracked if not shattered.

Leapy

ACCLAIMED ACTOR’S LATEST ROLE: NARRATING MY AUDIOBOOKS!

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

BACK in 1878, shortly after he’d invented the phonograph, Thomas Edison had an idea. Leaning over his new machine he recited: “Mary had a little lamb. Its fleece was white as snow.” As he created the first ever audio of the spoken word, Edison dreamed that the technology might eventually allow a whole novel to be recorded. Nearly 150 years later, he’d be pretty impressed to be able to download 75,000+ audiobooks!

Rayner Bourton, who created the role of ‘Rocky’ in the original London production of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, has produced all my psychological suspense crime thrillers, each one expertly narrated with authentic accents. Listen yourself to free audio samples

on Amazon/Audible of ‘Death in Windermere’ etc. My latest, ‘The Couple across the Street’, is currently in production and will soon be available!

I often get requests from readers (and arts/book clubs), but not all pan out. Would I ‘ghost’ someone’s life story? (This from retired accountants and librarians. Riveting reading, right?) Another wrote enthusiastically and exhaustively about his project ­ a memoir he’d imaginatively titled: ‘My Autobiography’. Maybe I missed a bestseller (and blockbuster movie) there. Anyway, his ‘life story’ turned out to be more OTT bonkers than bizarre...

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.norajohnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist.

Caring for your feet

AS the warm breezes of summer give way to the crisp air of autumn, it will be time to give our feet some extra love.

After a season of sandals, our soles will be feeling a tad neglected.

Exfoliating with a gentle scrub can slough away dry skin, revealing softer heels and toes.

Follow with a rich moisturiser, preferably one with shea butter or almond oil, to deeply nourish.

Don’t forget to keep nails trimmed and give them a breather before applying new polish.

And as nights start to grow cooler, consider wearing cotton socks to bed after moisturising, ensuring you wake up with soft, pampered feet. Here’s to happy, healthy feet all year round!

HEALTHY FEET: Make sure you exfoliate and moisturise.

WE British expats have much to learn from the Spanish way of life, not least of which is the cherished siesta.

This age­old tradition, where towns fall quiet and locals retreat for an afternoon nap, is not just a cultural quirk ­ it’s a boon for skin health.

Sleep, even in these short bursts, aids in cellular repair, vital for skin rejuvenation. Coupled with Spain’s sun­kissed climate, the siesta offers a respite from UV exposure, reducing

By Clinica Britannia

Let us help you to simply sleep better

IS that someone special in your life complaining about your snoring or are you waking up tired and lethargic in the morning?

If the answer to this is ‘yes’ then it’s time to check if you are suffering with Sleep Apnoea.

Sleep Apnoea causes you to stop breathing for up to a minute at a time until your brain wakes you up briefly so that you start breathing again. This can leave you feeling tired in the morning and drowsy throughout the day, weaken your immune system, and can lead to frequent headaches and insomnia. More seriously it can also increase your risk of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, depression, memory loss, liver problems, elevated cholesterol, decreased sexual desire along with erectile dysfunc­

The siesta secret

the risk of premature ageing.

Furthermore, this restorative pause reduces stress, a notable contributor to skin woes. Embracing the siesta might initially seem alien to some of us, but its benefits are undeniable.

As we soak up Spanish culture, let’s also adopt this midday habit, granting our skin its much­deserved beauty sleep.

SLEEP

tion in men.

Now available at Clinica Britannia is the world’s smallest wireless nanotech device which when attached to your fingertip can conduct a detailed sleep study in the comfort of your own home to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders.

Our specialist here will then receive a detailed report about your sleep pattern and can give further advice and diagnosis of your problem, so you can end the morning lethargy, snoring or just simply be able to sleep better in general.

24% of the market share is hair care.

Lustrous locks

THE allure of Spain’s golden beaches is undeniable. Yet, many UK expats are finding that the Spanish sun, combined with frequent sea dips, challenges their hair care routines.

Extended exposure to these elements can result in hair becoming dry and fragile. Experts recommend integrating

water post ­ beach is also advised to remove salt, aiding in damage prevention.

As Spain’s beach season extends, it’s crucial for UK residents to adjust their hair care methods, ensuring lustrous locks regardless of where they call home.

By Clinica Britannia

Rebalance your hormones

HORMONES are an important part of our body’s messenger system. These chemicals send signals to almost every part of our body, coordinating everything from appetite, digestion, immune function, libido, and mood. When these hormones become even a fraction out of balance, it has a direct impact on our health and wellbeing.

Hormone replacement therapies are prescribed to rebalance the body’s hormones. One such natural therapy is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy ( BHRT ) . These hormones are derived from plant oestrogens and are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. They are designed so our body uses them in the same way it does our own hormones.

Oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among those most replicated and can be administered in various ways. Now available are specialised gels and creams that are tai ­

BHRT:

lor­made specifically for the individual patient’s needs.

BHRT can be used to treat men as well as women, but is most frequently used to ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Common symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, concentration issues, mood swings and lack of libido can all be successfully treated.

Contact us at Clinica Britannia for an appointment with our Specialist who can discuss treatment options available for you.

BEAUTIFUL HAIR: Use a deeply nourishing treatment after exposure to the sun and sea.

Benefits of acupuncture

WHILE acupuncture has long been hailed for pain relief, there’s a growing buzz about its benefits for skin health. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting fine needles at specific points to promote energy flow.

Recent aficionados, however, praise its ability to revitalise complexions. Acupuncture may boost circu ­

lation, encouraging a radiant glow, and even help to reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s a holistic approach, focusing not just on the skin’s surface but overall well ­ being.

For those seeking a natural route to a fresh face, it might be time to consider those tiny needles not just for the back, but for the face too.

A Beauty gamechanger?

SILK

Your hair and skin will thank you.

EVER woken up with frizzy hair or sleep lines on your face? A silk pillowcase might be your answer. Unlike cotton, silk causes less friction, meaning smoother hair and fewer face wrinkles. Plus, it doesn’t absorb moisture like cotton does, so your skin stays more hydrated. It’s a simple switch that could make a big difference. So, if you’re seeking an easy beauty boost, consider treating yourself to a silky night’s sleep. Your hair and skin might just thank you in the morning.

LETTERS

What do you think about this?

READERS will know that every week, Euro Weekly News publishes a column written by Leapy Lee who has a reputation for being outspoken and on some occasions his personal views cause division amongst our readers.

We have received just two letters disagreeing with his observations in his article ‘A Diverse Dilemma’ but feel it both appropriate and fair that we publish these missives (although one is slightly edited) so that readers can form their own opinion.

Please feel free to let us know your feelings on Leapy’s articles via info@euroweek lynews.com.

Freedom of speech

I read ‘A Diverse Dilemma’ by Leapy Lee 10 – 16 Aug edition, and was a little baffled about the issue that was being addressed.

While I may concede that there may be an issue with BAME actors playing a historical figure like Henry VIII, I don’t see what the issue is with adverts showing multicultural families. After all, we live in a multicultural society. What do you mean, “It smells like leftie missions to normalise racial relationships…” Are you suggesting that mixed race relationships are not normal and should be verboten? If so, where do you draw the line?

Lee then jumps to freedom of speech, suggesting that white people are not allowed to use their freedom of speech to comment on the above perceived misrepresentation in TV ads. You will be pleased to know that I am an advocate of freedom of speech too but that does not absolve the speaker from the consequences. So, if you come out with racist statements, one of the consequences is that others perceive you as a racist. I think what you are advocating is the right to be offensive without any consequences either formal or informal.

If Lee is such a strong advocate of the principle of freedom of speech, he could take a look at the current legislation passed by the right wing conservative government. They have passed Anti Strike Laws that will make striking illegal. Employers will be able to force people to work longer hours for example and sack them if they don’t agree. There have been people locked out of the electoral process ­ voter ID and the right to protest has been curtailed.

The statistics on knife crime quoted on face value may be correct but what are you implying? That the BAME population are genetically predisposed to knife crime? If you really believe this, I’d love to hear Lee defend that and retain any credibility.

Dr James Alexander published research in 2020 stating that knife crime is fuelled by poverty and social deprivation and BAME are twice as likely to live in such areas. The MET have been shown to be institutionally racist and their knife crime initiatives have targeted the BAME community disproportionately as research by Dr Elaine Williams from the University of Greenwich in 2022 states.

The UK is not heading to a China regime, we are already living in an Ultra­Right Conservative Dictatorship like Salazar’s Portugal!

Finally, I would love to see Lenny Henry play Henry VIII, he’d make a damned good job of it.

Old dinosaur

I am writing to express my disgust at the Leapy Lee article, you have distanced yourselves from said article, but have allowed him to print his dog whistle racist diatribe in your paper, he is an old dinosaur who should not be allowed to use your informative paper to promote his extremely racist ideas to the public, he deserves cancelling for his venomous thoughts on the general public, printing figures that suit his personal beliefs, seriously disappointing from a European paper.

New law

I don’t think the new animal welfare law is helping the animals that really need it. The law is not applicable to hunting dogs, who are the most abused and ill­treated. Also it says that dogs are not allowed to be kept on balconies or terraces, but nothing about being kept chained up 24/7, or confined to a small concrete cage in the garden.

Surely these are things that can be policed much easier than checking that someone has an insurance policy for their dog!!

Carol Smith

180-day rule

Why does everyone bang on about Spain not bringing in 180 days for UK visitors as has happened in the UK.

In the UK it only has to answer to itself for any changes, but all the EU states must agree to any change as above and there is not a snowball in hell’s chance that all will agree. I expect most Spaniards would be only too happy for this to happen as it brings in valuable income.

Roger Fell

PETS

Need cat-sitters for the holidays?

WE have many new pet­sitters with experience of and a deep love of pets, who have joined our network. Do you need pet­sitters to care for your pets during your holidays? Housesitmatch is a very affordable solution.

If you are a pet owner our HouseSitMatch sitters are checked, and they won’t charge you a cent for the house or pet­sitting services. Instead, they offer a fair exchange free accommodation for free pet care. It’s a win win! The house­sitters are for free when you are a member of the House sitmatch network.

If you’re planning a trip register now as a member of our network to find an affordable home and pet care solution. Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

Water features for birds

This is Lossit who loves play with housesitters when his owner are away on holiday.

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or housesitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

Home made pet treats

AS expats embracing the vibrant Spanish culture, we constantly search for ways to blend the best of both worlds, especially when it comes to the well­being of our pets.

One delightful way to pamper our four­legged companions is through home ­ made treats, crafted with love and local ingredients. Not only do these treats provide a healthier alternative to store­bought versions, but they celebrate the rich flavours of Spain.

Imagine blending ripe olives, fresh from the orchard, into a soft dough for dogs, or incorporating sun­kissed tomatoes into a delicious puree for cats. The local markets brim with fresh produce that can be creatively adapted into treats.

From Iberian meats to freshly­caught fish from the Costa, the culinary possibilities are endless.

FOR birds, the allure of water isn’t just about quenching thirst; it’s a portal to their natural inclinations, an avenue to exhibit instinctual behaviours.

Their connection to water extends beyond drinking, playing a pivotal role in their daily routines, from cleaning their feathers to frolicking in playful splashes. A basic, shallow dish with fresh water can be transformative. Strategically placed within their living space, it grants birds the opportunity to wade, splash, and indulge in a refreshing bath. This not only aids in keeping their feathers in pristine condition but also offers a source of entertainment and exercise.

For those wishing to further mimic nature’s touch, consider a mister. The light, fine droplets it releases can simulate the gentle rainfall of a tropical rainforest, offering hydration and a whimsical playground for your avian companion. This subtle rain

shower not only moisturises their skin and feathers, but also brings a touch of the wild right into their domesticated environment.

However, it’s imperative to tailor water features to the specific needs and likes of

your bird. While a parrot might enjoy a sprightly splash, a canary might prefer the serene calm of still water. Observing and understanding your bird’s preferences ensures that the water feature enhances their quality of life.

REFRESHING: From cleaning their feathers to frolicking in playful splashes.

PLUMBERS

PLUMBING

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BEDDING

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (304150)

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.el campellochristiancommunity.or g, email campellocc@gmail. com or call Juan Zúñiga –686203183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton - 680594134 (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 dieterzimmer er@hotmail.com, www.cen trosaron.com (10008)

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 (302420)

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR 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@sosinsurancein spain.com (303525)

MASSAGE

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE , SLIM SOPHIE, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526

RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORM - Excellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls - Tel: 603 324 564 (290194)

NATURIST male gives relaxing massage. Half price 1st time offer €25. For men and women. Private premises in Jávea, WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (304169)

ANA SLIM ELEGANT LADY. PROFESSIONAL RELAXING TANTRIC AND PROSTATIC MASSAGE. ALICANTE. HOME VISITS ONLY 24HRS. TEL 697 207 715. (303631)

METAL WORKS

WE are currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

NURSING

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

ELECTRICIAN FOR SALE/WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)

GEN. MAINTENANCE

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

GOLD WANTED

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@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (303574)

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.abbey gateinsure.com

LEGAL SERVICES

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225

LOCKSMITHS/ELECTRICIANS

ALBIR , ALTEA, MORAIRA, 24 HOUR EMERGENCY. 686 513 510 (294632)

CAMPING

MOBILE WELDER: GATES, RAILINGS AND GRILLS. ALL REPAIRS. +44 7787 585 714 / +44 7470 059 469 (302970)

OTHERS

VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (303521)

MISCELLANOUS MORTGAGES

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

GUARANTEED MORTGAGE 100%. Acceptance. EX Pat Mortgages. Non Resident Mortgages. Spanish Resident Mortgages. Highest LTV in Spain. Call Damian today on: 655 141 092 (302913)

MOTORIBKES

PETER ZWAAN MOTORBIKES, A+ Occasions Showroom, Honda Sevenfifty, 750 cc, yr 1997, 38.000 kms, Euro 3.600,= CostaBlancaMotorbikes.com

MOTORING

AUTO BASTIAN mobile mechanic. Tel 608 860 725. (301133)

CAR BODY REPAIRS AND MECHANIC. ORBA AND SURROUNDING LOCAL AREAS. CALL TONY: 669 633 257 (302957)

MALE/FEMALE viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com

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 (303340)

PAINTER & DECORATOR. WINDOW CLEANER / MAINTENANCE. CALL NEIL ON +34 642 577 442 OR +44 753 586 6419 (302909)

PETS

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

BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (302042)

POWER WASHING

M-POWER Commercial and Domestic Pressure Washing Services. Professionally cleaned and restored. 633 061 946 (302966)

LOVELY WINTER RENTAL APARTMENT DENIA. 750€ per month + charges. +34 607 733 998. patriciabuigues@ gmail.com 302962

PROPERTY TO LET PROPERTY WANTED

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

APARTMENT REQUIRED FOR WINTER LET. OCT/NOV/DEC. 400€ - 500€ PM. ALBIR & SURROUNDING AREAS. +44 7787 585 714 (302964)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (301436)

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/Whatsapp 636 100 873 (303571)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. Call telephone 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy.com (1296178)

MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors.com (293633)

MG5 - cruiser and practical family car

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

THERE are a plethora of Chinese car makers, whether in their own right or more es­

tablished names now owned by Chinese companies. While some Chinese owned manufacturers are rather upmarket, like Volvo, there are more down to earth, value for money marques that

have created their own niche.

One of those names is MG, a famous British brand that was recovered from the ashes of the Rover Group which has made a name for practical, stylish and affordable EVs. They started with an EV first in that the MG5 is an allelectric estate car.

Now in its second incarnation it’s a more flowing and smoother design but the essentials that made the initial MG5 a hit have all been retained to capitalise on that success.

Priced from €36,261/ £30,995 there are just two models ­ the SE and Trophywith a terrific standard equipment list that includes everything from multiple driving modes and braking regeneration modes to navigation and Car Play and Android Auto, along with LED lighting and high beam assist. The higher trim Trophy model adds such items as heated front seats, privacy glass, auto wipers and a 360 parking camera.

MG’s build quality has improved immeasurably over the years that I have been testing their cars, including a much more responsive touch screen system. A welcome example of where a car manufacturer is actually listening to its customers. Placing the charging socket at the front of the car is a clever and practical touch to make charging easier. While some EVs I’ve tested prove troublesome on the charging front, I never

had an issue charging the MG5 at any public charging point.

In terms of range the MG can be beaten by some rival EVs, where it can’t be beaten is on price. Look at the sharply styled MG4 from a whisker under €33k/£28k and with the MG5 there just aren’t any other dedicated EV estates so it’s on to a winner already.

The MG5, like all EVs, struggles with an abysmal public

charging network so longer journeys need planning. On a more local level as a commuter car the MG is a very hard act to beat, it’s more than capable of longer runs providing you know your charge points.

It’s a comfortable cruiser and practical family car that brings a green touch at a more affordable price than many rivals, it also offers a better specification in terms of standard equipment.

MG5: A comfortable cruiser that brings a green touch at a more affordable price than many rivals.

IS the electric vehicle the only path to a greener future? The recent collaboration between automotive and logistics giants suggests there are other avenues to explore, and are acting now to make a difference.

Cristóbal Colón, a partner at consultancy firm LEK analysis reveals that even if all cars were electric by 2035, emissions would only be reduced by 68.9 per cent. However, a mixed approach using various technologies could achieve greater reductions, wrote a news source on August 12.

In 2018, a significant partnership was formed between companies like Volvo, Maersk,

EVs not the only answer

Kuehne+Nagel, and DB Schenker. Their shared goal?

To reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint of transportation by 40 per cent by 2025, with a focus on cutting operational and logistics emissions by at least 25 per cent. Electric vehicles have been heralded as the future of transportation, but these companies are looking beyond the hype. Biofuels have emerged as one of the most promising tools in the fight against climate change, offering a viable alternative to

traditional fossil fuels. Colón proposes a scenario where 2 per cent of cars are electric and 98 per cent use renewable biofuels made from waste materials like cooking oils or industrial agri­food waste. Reportedly this approach could reduce emissions by 99.4 per cent.

In a world desperate for solutions, the focus on alternatives to electric vehicles is a refreshing perspective.

The road to a sustainable future is multifaceted, and the collaboration between these

companies is a reminder that there are many paths to the same destination: a cleaner, greener planet.

11,596 New motorhomes registered in UK in 2022.

GREENER FUTURE: The alternatives are a refreshing and necessary perspective.

Greenwood’s career over

THE football career of Mason Greenwood is over as far as Manchester United are concerned.

An internal investigation that was subsequently conducted by the Old Trafford club into Greenwood’s behaviour after he was arrested in January 2022, has now been completed the Premier League giants confirmed on Monday, August 21.

Even after a case against the 21­year­old including accusations of attempted rape, assault and coercive control was previously dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February, his future at United was always hanging in the balance.

A statement from the club read: ‘Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood’.

It continued: ‘Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights

and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case’, the statement explained.

‘Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for’, it continued.

‘All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.’

‘Inappropriate’ kiss

John Ensor

WAS it a simple show of affection or an act of inappropriate behaviour? The question lingers after Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissed Spain’s football star Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

The incident took place as Hermoso was proceeding to the podium to receive her Women’s World Cup winners’ medal, following Spain’s triumph over England in Sydney on Sunday, August 21, according to a news source. The victory was sealed by Olga Carmona’s goal on the date of the final match.

After being awarded her medal by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Hermoso was embraced by Mr Rubiales, who lifted her into the air. A short dialogue between the two ensued, culminating in Mr Rubiales pulling Hermoso close and planting a kiss on her lips.

The act quickly ignited a storm on social media, with fans and former players accusing Mr Rubiales of misconduct. Former England player Casey Stoney tweeted: ‘Would he kiss a male player like this? This is NOT ok.’

Another said: ‘This is harassment, Bro took advantage of the situation’. While another said: ‘He kissed and hugged all of them which was already embarrassing, but this was cringe­worthy. He should be banned’.

When questioned about the incident, Hermoso spoke to Spanish TV network La 1, stat­

Off to the UK

SPAIN men’s national walking football team hope to emulate the ladies World Cup success this week when they travel to the UK to participate on the International stage, looking to lift walking football’s biggest prize.

A 12 man squad picked from sides competing on the Costa del Sol and Alicante region lock horns with England, Wales and the Czech Republic amongst others in a tough looking group.

ing: “Eh... yeah, I did not enjoy that.” Mr Rubiales, in response to the uproar, told Radio Marca, “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocies. We are champions and that is what stays with me.”

The 33­year­old Hermoso, who has had illustrious stints with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and now plays for Mexican team Pachuca, adds the World Cup to her impressive career achievements.

Carmona’s goal in the first half, reflecting Spain’s elegant playing style, was enough to secure victory against the Lionesses in Sydney, avenging their loss in the quarter­finals of the previous year’s European Championships.

Despite an unkind draw the team’s player/manager, Mark Coleman, was positive in his thoughts ahead of the World Cup Of Nations tournament held at the HQ of English football, St George’s Park.

“We go with high aspirations and feel that we can get to the knockout stages , that’s our minimum objective, to do well would really boost this football format and encourage participation in Spain.”

The tournament starts today, Thursday August 24 ­ Saturday August 26 and Spains matches are being shown live on the Recast TV App.

CRINGE-WORTHY: He should be banned.