Being Kept in the Dark
SPAIN on Monday April 28 plunged into a world of darkness - no electricity, no communication, just an eerie silence and a feeling of deep vulnerability.
On a busy Monday morning in the head office of the business I have loved for nearly 30 years - the business of news, the business of connection and community - we were all isolated and alone.
‘Chinese whispers’, if that’s appropriate, were in abundance, but the end result was simple: we were left in the dark. We unplugged everything, packed up, and locked the doors at 1.00pm on Monday, April 28, 2025.
It felt hauntingly reminiscent of March 13, 2020 - the never-to-be-forgotten days of Covid.
We had seven papers to complete, a bank holiday looming, a website with more than two million monthly visitors - and suddenly, all workers, all suppliers, rendered impotent. After visiting the vulnerable in our community, we hurried home to make sure we had provisions: torches with sufficient batteries, candles, and a kettle that could work on a BBQ.
Last night, we made a makeshift meal with friends and neighbours. We played Jenga after copious glasses of refreshment. We talked. We laughed. We buried our fears as deep as we could.
Later, after a luxurious bath by candlelight, we
talked and read by flickering flame. But as the night deepened, the flames of doubt grew into an uncontrollable blaze. By midnight, I was incandescent with rage.
How dare they keep us in the DARK?
We elect politiciansthey are paid handsomely, revered, respected. They live the best lives possible. They were not left in the dark, neither physically nor metaphorically. They have the knowledge they are refusing to share with the people they are sworn to protect.
They are not keeping us safe.
They are not ensuring peace.
They are not standing beside us.
They did not have to cancel holidays. They did not have to explain to children why cancer treatments were suddenly cancelled. They slept soundly while the rest of us lay awake with worry.
As an employer for nearly 40 years, my people are always my paramount concern. When there is discord, it is my job to bring peace.
When there are shortages, it is my duty to find a way to fund it. When mistakes happen, I own them.
I have survived global recessions. I have navigated Brexit. I have clawed my way through Covid — all at great personal cost. And
now I am once again being kept in the dark.
We are working under immense pressure, carrying dreams that must once again be put on hold.
But I am surrounded by an army of business owners just like me, battling to survive, while still paying taxes to governments who have proven themselves utterly incompetent.
And now — I am ANGRY - VERY ANGRY
If I did my job so shambolically, I would be fired, fined, imprisoned. Yet we are expected to carry on,often working 20-hour days and pay them for the privilege of their failures.
I have never liked the dark. I never have, since
childhood. And I refuse to be placed back into this terrifying place after more than six decades of surviving their misdemeanours.
I want truth.
I want peace.
And more than anything, I want these people who run our countries to be held to account!
Am I alone?
I don’t believe so.
The housing crisis is spiralling out of control. The numbers of homeless innocents grow daily. Mental health issues are reaching pandemic levels.
In this darkness, it is time to scream and be heard.
With the daylight comes the realisation: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. With the emergence of light do you too feel this anger - this injustice of life changing decisions which are impacting us all so severely?
One thing I do know after listening to their endless excuses this morning - this is only the beginning.
Michel Euesden
Axarquia
Cash is king again Electricity prices plummet
THE power blackout that hit Spain on Monday, April 28, caused major disruptions across the country. For many, it was the moment they realised just how reliant we are on digital payment systems.
The blackout severely impacted most electronic payment systems. Without power, electronic payment terminals in places such as shops, restaurants, petrol stations and public services stopped working. Many ATMs were also down, either due to the lack of internet connection or simply because their backup batteries ran out.
A significant number of businesses in Spain reverted to cash-only transactions, creating long queues and purchase cancellations. For example, in Madrid-Barajas Airport, taxi drivers couldn’t accept card payments, forcing passengers without cash to find alternative transport options.
As a result, basic goods like bread, water and medicine became temporarily inaccessible for many people. So basically,
Many businesses continued to accept only cash.
we all realised how vulnerable we are when even buying some milk becomes impossible.
Spain’s incident also casts serious doubt on the EU’s plans for a digital euro. Monday’s blackout demonstrated that physical cash remains ‘the king’, at least during technological or infrastructure failures. While the idea of a cashless future has gained ground in re-
cent years, without power, digital money is useless. Electricity was gradually restored in Spain during the evening, but many businesses continued to accept only cash, unsure when payment systems would return to normal. The incident has raised serious questions about emergency planning in an increasingly cashless society.
SPAIN’S wallets breathed easier on April 29, after the Big Blackout sent electricity prices crashing - with nine hours of free power up for grabs.
According to the Operador del Mercado Ibérico de la Energía (OMIE), the average cost for Tuesday, April 29, was just €5.79 per megawatt-hour - a whopping 68.7 per cent drop compared to Monday.
From 10am to 7pm, plugging in cost zero or less, dipping into negative prices around midday.
10am-7pm: Free or negative prices.
12pm-4pm: Lowest point, at -€1.90.
9pm-10pm: Spike to €35.01.
That’s a daily saving of around €12.71.
But hold your horses - it’s not completely free. Fixed charges like network fees, system costs, and taxes still apply, so don’t expect your bill to vanish.
And there’s another kicker: VAT on electricity is rising back to 21 per cent for most households, after dropping to 10 per cent during the energy crisis. Only those on the social tari will keep the lower rate.
Experts warn this week’s bargain prices might not last long.
Despite a 28 per cent drop in 2024, prices surged over €100/MWh late last year.
So plug in, power up, and make the most of it.
Card numbers will vanish New tech promises safer payments
BANKS across Spain are phasing out printed numbers on cards to fight fraud. Discover how the change works and why your next card could be safer than ever.
The days of flashing your 16 digits at checkout are numbered - literally - as the world’s biggest payment giants, Visa and Mastercard, usher in the biggest shake-up in decades.
For years, your trusty credit card has done it all - online shopping, Netflix subscription, that sneaky takeaway - but it’s also been a golden ticket for fraudsters. Why? Because the printed numbers are basically an open door to your bank account.
But now, in a bold move, Spanish banks are binning those digits for good. And this isn’t just a rebrand. International banks in Spain like ING have been printing numberless cards for a while, but it looks like the change is coming to every bank.
Easier legal residency
Why Spanish bank card numbers are disappearing
Both Visa and Mastercard have confirmed the shift to ‘numberless’ cards, ditching the classic 16-digit codes that have been printed on the front of every credit card for decades.
Instead, cards will be fitted with hidden, tokenised information - smart tech that generates a unique code for each transaction. It means no visible num -
bers, no expiry date, and no CVV. In short? Nothing for hackers to steal.
According to Visa, token technology isn’t just a flashy idea. It’s already prevented over 650 million fraud attempts since 2014 and has issued more than 10 billion tokens globally. That’s a lot of digital armour.
ON May 20, 2025, Spain will implement new ‘Arraigo Social’ rules, simplifying legal residency applications for foreigners in irregular situations. The ‘arraigo social’ programme grants residence and work permits based on family ties or social integration.
Applicants must have lived continuously in Spain for two years without seeking asylum, as asylum and arraigo systems are distinct. Proof of residency can include municipal ‘padrón’ registration, employment records, bank statements, or other documents confirming presence, legally or otherwise. Consulting an immigration lawyer is advisable.
A key requirement is posing no threat to public order, security, or health, necessitating a clean criminal and police record. Applicants must prove financial stability, either through personal means or a close family member’s (eg, parent or spouse) pledge of support. Those with job offers or business plans apply via the separate arraigo socio-laboral process.
Family-based arraigo requires a parent, child, spouse, or registered partner with permanent residency, with justification for proximity. Distant relatives do not qualify. Applicants must show a monthly income of approximately €600, per the IPREM, akin to requirements for grants or social housing.
Without relatives or Spanish income, an integration effort report assessing Spanish language skills, cultural knowledge, and societal participation may bolster applications. Starting a business requires a business plan, training, and investment proof, aligning with self-employment regulations.
IMV tax alert Summer bonus
IF you’re receiving Spain’s Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV), there’s one thing you can’t ignore this year: your tax return. From April 2, 2025, everyone who received the benefit in 2024 must submit their tax declaration. Missing the deadline could mean losing your payments. Even if you owe no tax, you still have to file. Failing to submit by June
30 allows Social Security to suspend your IMV. It’s crucial paperwork if you rely on this income for essentials like rent or groceries. Spain’s tax agency, Hacienda, will pass your income information to Social Security, helping them decide if you still qualify for the benefit. If your income stayed below €12,600, you likely won’t pay anything, but you must still file. Good news: the IMV rose by 9 per cent for
2025, meaning a single person now receives €658.81 monthly. Filing is easy online through Agencia Tributaria or in person. Families with children should consider joint filing if both parents live together. Also, keep your address and income records updated. Remember, not filing, travelling abroad without reporting it, or changing your living situation without notice could all cost you your IMV. Don’t wait until the last minute. Sort your tax return early to stay eligible and avoid losing this vital support.
PENSIONERS in Spain have good news to celebrate. Most major banks started releasing April pension payments from April 23, with Bankinter leading, followed by CaixaBank, Santander and others. But the bigger news is the confirmed date for the summer bonus payment, which will arrive earlier than expected - in the final days of June. The summer bonus, also known as the ‘extra pay’, is one of two additional pension payments Spain’s contributory pensioners receive each year. Pensions are paid in 14 instalments annually, with extra payments in June and November, each equal to a full month’s pension. Most banks advance payments, so pensioners usually see the bonus in their accounts at the end of June. However, pensioners receiving payments for permanent disability due to workplace accidents or occupational disease won’t get a separate bonus - their extra is already distributed monthly. Regular pensioners, including those receiving retirement, widowhood, orphanhood, or non-contributory pensions, can expect the extra amount. April’s standard payments followed a consistent schedule across banks, and June’s bonus should follow the same pattern. If you’re a pensioner in Spain, check your account towards late June. The extra payment is arriving just in time to help ease summer expenses or fund a well-deserved holiday.
Banks across Spain are phasing out printed card numbers in a bid to stop fraud.
Credit: Shutterstock, Thanumporn Thongkongkaew
Survival kit alert
SPAIN’S blackout this week has reignited public interest in a warning recently issued by Brussels: be ready for the next major crisis. Just weeks ago, the European Commission launched a strategy encouraging all EU citizens to prepare for large-scale emergencies - from blackouts and cyber-attacks to pandemics or even war.
The advice? Build a basic survival kit. Monday’s massive power outage, which left parts of Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla without electricity for hours, has turned that recommendation into a pressing concern. The EU’s emergency checklist includes at least five litres of water per person, canned or dried food, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, portable stove, backup batteries, matches, cash, essential medication, and a firstaid kit. Other suggested
items include iodine tablets, hygiene products, adhesive tape, and even a fire extinguisher. The goal is to help households survive 72 hours without help. The recent blackout showed how fragile daily life can be: supermarkets closed, traffic lights failed, and mobile networks went down. While the cause of the outage is still under investigation, it has
essentials: The
every household to keep a basic emergency kit ready — water, food, first aid, and more.
underscored the importance of personal preparedness. Brussels insists planning ahead isn’t alarmist - it’s smart. In today’s world of rising natural and man-made threats, a few simple steps now could make all the difference later. For many in Spain, the crisis has already served as a wake-up call.
16 hours without power
AXARQUIA was marked by chaos and uncertainty on Monday, April 28, as a nationwide blackout hit Spain. Several towns were left without electricity well into the early hours of Tuesday, some of them enduring 16 hours of outage.
Just after 12 pm, when the power cut out, confusion set in. People were asking what happened and the radio stations became the only reliable source of information. Businesses had to adapt quickly: some reverted to manual bookkeeping,
while many bars and restaurants either closed or couldn’t open at all. Others scrambled to protect perishable goods.
In Torre del Mar, Nerja and Velez-Malaga, stores reported selling dozens of candles, portable batteries, and gas cookers by early afternoon, as residents rushed to prepare for a prolonged outage.
Meanwhile, in Velez-Malaga, several residents physically carried a man with limited mobility up three flights of stairs during the blackout, an extraordinary act of community support.
In some parts of the region, such as Iznate, the people described long queues at fuel stations, with some users filling even five- to eight-litre containers to bring back home.
Some parts of Velez-Malaga regained power later in the afternoon, but other towns and villages in the area, such as Rincon de la Victoria and Algarrobo, remained in the dark until as late as 5.00am on Tuesday.
By the morning, most businesses reopened, but many were still assessing whether the blackout may have caused any lasting damage.
Street in the centre of Velez-Malaga.
Credit: Creative Commons
Dublin’s empty offices
THOUSANDS of empty commercial properties across Ireland could be turned into housing.
But outdated planning laws are blocking conversions that have already helped ease shortages in other European cities.
‘As of 2024, more than 5,700 vacant commercial properties were sitting idle across Ireland,’ reports The Irish Times.
These properties are in central, well-connected areas that are close to jobs, transport, and services, making them prime candidates for residential conversions. Yet many of them remain empty.
The former Technological University Dublin office was converted in 2023 into 110 high-quality rental units and is now fully occupied. It includes shared amenities like co-working areas and a gym.
The main barrier isn’t money or interest
- it’s the planning system. ‘Planning regulations are still built around traditional housing types,’ The Irish Times explains, noting that requirements such as dual-aspect windows and private balconies often don’t suit existing office layouts.
This challenge isn’t unique to Dublin.
“Galway’s commercial vacancy rate is 18.8 per cent, and Ireland’s national rate has reached a record 14.5 per cent,” according to GeoDirectory figures cited in the Galway Advertiser.
The report found that ‘there were 30,635 vacant commercial units across the country in December last year,’ with Sligo and Donegal topping the list.
With other cities like Madrid, Amsterdam, and Berlin already embracing co-living and build-to-rent schemes, Ireland risks falling further behind.
Bottle bonanza
WHILE walking along the shore of a quiet island in the Bahamas, two brothers stumbled across a surprising find: a message in a bottle that had been drifting in the sea for nearly 50 years.
Clint Buffington, a seasoned beachcomber with a knack for finding messages in bottles, was exploring the coastline with his brother, Evan, when the discovery was made. Clint recalled the moment his walkie-talkie came to life with Evan’s excited voice, telling him he had found something unbelievable.
Inside an old Pepsi bottle was a note written in 1976 by Peter R Thompson, who was 14 years old at the time and a student at Pentucket Regional Junior High School in West Newbury, Massachusetts, USA. The message, written as
remembers enjoying the class it came from. Now in his 60s, he was surprised and amused to learn about the message’s journey through time.
part of an oceanography class project, said it would be dropped into the sea by the Coast Guard.
The Buffingtons managed to track down Thompson, who said he doesn’t remember writing the message, but
“It’s incredible, it’s been almost 50 years. Definitely unexpected,” Thompson said.
Clint Buffington hopes to meet Thompson in person and return the message that travelled through decades and tides to resurface on a faraway shore.
Empty offices could provide more housing.
Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn, Pexels
A surprise find.
IN the middle of Havana, where power cuts and outdated tech are still part of daily life, one restaurant is quietly pushing boundaries. Doña Alicia might look like a typical Cuban eatery at first, but step inside, and it’s clear something different is going on. Instead of printed menus, guests are greeted by glowing tablet screens built into the tables. A small robot glides smoothly between diners, carrying food with quiet efficiency. It’s a surprising mix of traditional Cuban hospitality and modern tech, in a place not usually known for digital innovation. Doña Alicia has been open for seven years, but its shift toward high-tech dining happened gradually. It started with tablets for ordering and slowly expanded. Voice-activated services were introduced, and eventually the restaurant welcomed its most
Mojitos & microchips
unique staff member, a robot server named after the owner’s grandmother, Doña Alicia. The robot now works alongside human servers, adding a futuristic twist. Menus offer Cuban classics and cocktails are still made by hand, keeping that old Havana charm alive even as the experience gets a modern refresh.
Losing its sparkle?
GERMANY’S legendary beer, once a global icon of brewing excellence, is seeing its golden age fade. Fresh figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reveal a sobering trend: the world’s thirst for German beer is dwindling - and domestic demand is drying up even faster.
In 2024, Germany exported 1.45 billion litres of beera 6 per cent decline compared to 2014, according to the country’s Federal Statistical Office.
“Despite the drop in foreign demand, beer exports proved more resilient than domestic sales,” the statisticians reported. In Germany itself, beer sales slumped to 6.8 billion litres last year - down 15.1 per cent from a decade ago.
As sales shrink, so does the number of breweries. While Germany counted 1,459 breweries in 2024 - around 7.4 per cent more than in 2014 - the figure is steadily falling from its pre-pandemic peak of 1,552 in 2019. Compared to 2023, the brewery count dipped by 3.4 per cent.
These fresh statistics were relea sed ahead of Germany’s annual Beer Day, cele brated every April 23. The date commemorates the fa med Reinheitsgebot, or Beer Purity Law, first enacted in Bavaria in 1516.
According to the German Brewers Association, the law - which restricts beer ingredients to just water, malt, hops and yeast - not only safeguards a proud brewing tradition, but also stands as the world’s oldest food regulation still in force.
The law restricts beer ingredients to just water, malt, hops and yeast.
High-tech Cuban dining.
Image: Stefano Mazzola Shutterstock.com
Paying too much
BELGIAN supermarket chain Delhaize has admitted to accidentally charging customers for products they never purchased.
It’s due to a bug in the company’s checkout system, VRT reported on April 24. The glitch, uncovered by VRT’s consumer programme WinWin, has led to shoppers unknowingly paying for random ‘ghost products’ for several months. While the issue affects only a limited number of cases, it has already cost some customers tens of euros.
The problem lies with how Delhaize’s system reads product packaging. Specifically, it’s linked to items that carry both a standard barcode and a ‘data matrix’ - a small, square code similar to a QR code.
When these products are scanned, the system sometimes registers the
real item plus a random, unrelated product. The extra item appears on the receipt, but if unnoticed by the customer, then Delhaize profits from the mistake.
The issue occurs at both staffed and self-service tills. Delhaize said proving after the fact that you didn’t purchase an item can be challenging, so catching the error immediate-
ly is key.
Spokesperson Roel Dekelver confirmed Delhaize has been aware of the issue “for some time” and is actively working to resolve it.
“The problem is not easy to solve,” Dekelver told VRT.
“We are trying to find a solution in various ways, but the key has to lie mainly in adjusting our own system.”
Wolves boost tourism
WILDLIFE tourism centred around wolves is growing across Europe, with organisers highlighting its value for both conservation and rural revitalisation.
In Italy, particularly in Abruzzo’s national parks, travellers can now join guided treks to track free-ranging wolves.
The region, a remote wilderness of limestone peaks and ancient beech forests, is home to one of the highest densities of wolf populations in Europe. These animals, once on the brink of extinction, have made a slow return thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.
Wildlife Adventures offers three-day wolf-tracking trips in Abruzzo. Participants hike up to 10 kilometres daily, led by expert guides.
The visitors learn to identify paw prints, follow tracks and understand the predator’s habits.
Beyond conservation, wolf-related tourism also creates employment in guiding, hospitality, and the sale of local crafts and produce.
Other parts of Europe have also embraced wolf tourism. In Transylvania, Romania, there are tours in some of the continent’s healthiest forests, home to wolves, bears and lynx.
In Sweden, Much Better Adventures offers excursions into wolf territory, teaching about their role as a keystone species and ongoing conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, Undiscovered Mountains in the French Alps takes participants into regions where wolves, once extinct, have returned naturally from Italy.
Delhaize supermarket in Belgium.
Credit: defotoberg, Shutterstock
Italian wolf pack in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
Credit:
AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST
A taste of Buddha Rock and rhythm weekend
O’LEARY’S Irish Bar in Torrox is preparing to host another lively dose of entertainment at the end of this week.
Music lovers in Axarquia can look forward to two afternoons of rhythm, fun, and Irish charm. On Saturday at 3pm, the stage belongs to Jennifer Singer, a local favourite known for her high-energy performances and wide repertoire of classic and contemporary hits. Jennifer’s shows are anything but passive, encouraging the audience to dance and sing.
Then, on Sunday at 3pm, rock takes over with Lee Townsend and his band, Midnight Mechanics. This rock band based on Costa del Sol delivers powerful covers and raw rock energy. For many regulars, they
need no introduction, as highlighted by O’Leary’s Irish Bar on social media.
As always, space is limited, so the bar encourages guests to book early through Facebook or WhatsApp to secure a table.
Located in the heart of Torrox, O’Leary’s Irish Bar has built a reputation not just
LOCATED in Torrox Costa, Buddha House Restaurant offers a veritable culinary journey through Nepal and India. The restaurant stands out as one of the most appreciated dining experiences in the area, having an impressive Google rating of 4.6.
for its Guinness and friendly welcome, but also for curating some of the most consistent live music offerings in Axarquia.
O’Leary’s Irish Bar is located at Paseo Marítimo de Ferrara 2, Torrox. You can call for reservations on 657 075 854 or contact Niamh on WhatsApp.
The décor and the atmosphere of the place echoes the spirit of Nepal’s hidden corners. It has a spacious main dining room, a cosy terrace, and intimate private areas for casual family dinners or social gatherings.
But the real experience is on the plate. The kitchen, helmed by Nepalese chefs, presents an array of dishes that really stay true to their roots. It combines fresh vegetables, aromatic rice, tender lamb, chicken, and prawns with an ideal balance of spices and herbs.
The menu draws from a wide range of Indian and Nepalese regional cuisines, featuring well-known styles such as Madras, the
sweet-and-spicy Dhansak, the fiery Phaal, or the bold Vindaloo. Vegetarian options are plentiful, and there are also specially designed menus for children.
Buddha House is an accessible destination for all types of diners, even for those who might not usually be big fans of Indian or Nepalese food. Friendly service and a nice and professional staff round off the experience.
Buddha House Restaurant is located at Avenida del Peñoncillo, 11, 29770 Torrox. You can call for reservations on 952 530 921.
Tradition lives in Almachar
THIS weekend, the town of Almachar in the Axarquia region celebrates the Fiestas en Honor al Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde. It is a traditional, religious and cultural event that dates back to the 18th century.
The origins of the celebration trace back to 1755, when villagers vowed to carry the Cristo in procession each May after a devastating earthquake in the Iberian Peninsula. Even today, thousands of people still join the procession. They wear green scarves and follow the image through the streets of Almachar.
The festival runs from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4. It begins with the traditional ringing of
bells and features a wide range of events: theatre, dance, concerts, and family activities. Friday and Saturday nights will include performances by orchestras D’Vértigo and Metrópolis, a tribute to Estopa (Fuente de Energía), fireworks, and DJs.
On Sunday, a mass will be held at 6.00pm, followed by a musical parade and the emotional procession of the Santo Cristo.
The night ends with a concert by Jairo Cuevas and more live music.
Local officials encourage visitors from across the province to experience this unique mix of devotion, tradition, and hospitality. “It’s one of the first festivals of the season and a perfect way to welcome May in the heart of the Moscatel region,” said deputy mayor Mario Torres.
Midnight Mechanics performing live.
Buddha House Restaurant in Torrox Costa.
Credit: Midnight Mechanics Facebook page
Fiestas en Honor al Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde in 2021.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Almachar
Credit: Buddha House Restaurant Facebook page
John Smith
EVERY country has its own form of bureaucracy and when you grow up, whether you realise it or not, you are often likely to understand the rules and regulations.
If you don’t then you have every chance of being able to discover what’s required as you understand the language and the general way in which the rules work.
This however becomes more problematical when you move to another country, especially if you don’t speak the language and have no background of understanding the way in which that country’s bureaucracy works.
Therefore many new settlers (word deliberately used to defuse arguments about expats or immigrants) find it difficult to understand let alone know what to do.
They therefore have two stark options, firstly try to get help to wade through the requirements to deal with a whole load of complicated rules or alternatively to ignore them and get on with their lives, hoping for the best!
This second route becomes more ‘dangerous’ the older that you get and a perfect example is health care in Spain where many
Free healthcare in Spain
British settlers who are now residents following Brexit and were UK pensioners had the right to join the social health service thanks to the existing reciprocity agreement between Britain and Spain, or if younger and they are/were working then they also
had access to free health care. A number of pensioners, including myself, considered themselves healthy (if not that fit) and put off by the considerable form filling in Spanish, were content to pay the occasional private doctor for minor problems. However at the
age of 72, I found myself faced with a serious (at least for me) illness and without the funds to pay for long term investigation via the private route, realised how short sighted I had been and had to turn to the Spanish Health Service (Sistema Nacional de Sa-
lud or SNS) for help.
Luckily, a Spanish friend working with my bilingual wife offered to organise my enrolment in the health service and because I had worked in Spain and held a social security number this was arranged quite quickly.
Happily, although I had been admitted to the Costa del Sol Hospital as a ‘private patient’, I was able to present my health card and then not only was all treatment free, but I was also able to obtain prescriptions at significantly reduced cost.
Those readers who are citizens of the European Union and EAA but resident in Spain are generally able to enjoy free healthcare but are advised to check requirements for registration and any British passport holder should, if eligible, take the opportunity to register for social healthcare.
The next article will give some idea of what to expect if you visit accident and emergency or are admitted to a Spanish hospital based on my personal experience as hospitals will differ across the nation.
Spain has a very efficient free medical service.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Vino victory
SPAIN’S top white wine region, Rueda, reached a new export record in 2024, selling 15.8 million bottles abroad, a 5.4 per cent increase from the previous year. “This is a big achievement, especially with global wine sales dropping,” said Carlos Yllera, head of the Rueda Council.
Sleep science
RADISSON Hotel Group is rolling out ‘Revitalise Rooms’ to help guests sleep better. This new feature is being launched in partnership with Biow, a company known for its sleep science technology. The goal is to help guests rest more deeply and wake up feeling energised.
Rate relief
UK inflation fell to 2.6 per cent in March, down from 2.8 per cent in February and 3 per cent in January, boosting hopes for a Bank of England rate cut. Analysts expect a reduction from 4.5 per cent to 4.25 per cent at the policy meeting on May 8.
Basque boost
SPAIN’S Basque Country is advancing self-government with an amendment to the Basque Economic Agreement, granting control over VAT and 13 other taxes. The changes affect 20 articles and two provisions, raising the threshold for smaller taxpayers from €10m to €12m, enabling more to pay taxes locally.
Goya glory
THE Bank of Spain and the Prado Museum have collaborated to restore the portrait of José de Toro-Zambrano y Ureta, a painting by Francisco de Goya, returning this work to its original state. This collaboration is part of the agreement signed by both institutions in 2013.
AS the use of cash declines around the globe, digital payments are becoming the norm. In Spain, Bizum has made sending and receiving money easier than ever. It lets users instantly transfer small amounts between mobile phones, without needing account numbers. It’s fast, easy, and widely used across the country.
However, that has also attracted scammers. To keep users safe, Bizum has added stronger security. If it detects unusual or suspicious activity, it may temporarily block your bank account. A common reason for this is going over the platform’s transaction limits.
Many users don’t realise Bizum has set rules. There’s a minimum and maximum amount you can send per transaction, plus daily and monthly limits on how much money you can send or receive. You can receive only a certain number of
The additional amount Spain has approved in spending to meet the goal of allocating 2 per cent of GDP to security and defence in 2025.
Cashless catches Sales slump Fare fiesta
AS online dating celebrates its 30th anniversary, romance scams are seeing a sharp increase, with reports rising by 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Barclays Bank has revealed that one in 10 adults in the UK have either been targeted by a romance scam or know someone who has. The financial losses for victims are significant, with the average amount lost in
EU success
THE EU’s employment rate reached its highest level ever by the end of 2024, while the unemployment rate also dropped to its lowest point in years.
According to new data, the EU’s employment rate reached an all-time high in the fourth quarter of 2024. During this period, eight EU member states recorded their highest employment rates since data began in 2005.
The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in February 2025, the lowest since 2000, indicating fewer people in the EU are unemployed.
payments per month. While there’s no limit to how often you can send money, every transaction is tracked. If you go over the allowed amounts, it may trigger a block.
On top of Bizum’s rules, your bank may have its own limits too, which vary from one bank to another. If you exceed any of these limits, your
Heart hustle
transaction might be declined. Worse, your account could be temporarily frozen, not just for Bizum, but for other banking services as well.
To avoid issues, check your limits and adjust them in your banking app if needed. If you need to send a larger amount, a regular bank transfer is a safer choice.
2024 reaching £8,000. For those aged 61 and older, this figure rises to £19,000.
Flynt forward
DUTCH startup Flynt has hopes of disrupting the European light commercial vehicle market with its first fully electric van.
The vehicle is set to launch in 2026.
The van, currently called the eLCV, is designed for urban and regional use as well as last-mile deliveries. It’s expected to offer a range of up to 500 kilometres on a single charge and promises a low total cost of ownership.
Flynt has confirmed that the vehicle will be efficient, carry a high payload, and deliver a modern, digital driving experience, all within a durable and flexible design.
Adding to its appeal, the model can also be configured as a camper van.
AIR EUROPA has launched a new discount campaign in a bid to strengthen its position in the international long-haul market. The Spanish airline is offering tickets to destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America from €249 one-way and to the US from €226. The promotion, valid until May 4, includes flights until November 30. It also includes reduced prices for domestic and European routes, with fares starting at €25 between mainland cities and €29 to other destinations in Europe and Asia.
Men make up a larger share of the volume (60 per cent) of reported scams.
Three-quarters of consumers believe tech companies should take stronger action to stop romance scammers on their platforms. Romance scams typically occur when fraudsters build a fake romantic relationship to gain their victims’ trust.
Skyward growth
BRUSSELS Airport has announced a major upgrade to its infrastructure, with a series of projects planned over the next few years. These include building a new intermodal transport hub, expanding both the arrivals and departures areas, adding a new hotel, creating a redesigned drop-off zone, and developing a green boulevard with a park.
This is the airport’s biggest investment since the 1990s.
The expansion is part of preparations for growing numbers of passengers.
The full project is expected to be finished by 2032.
The focus is on improving travel quality and sustainability while staying in line with environmental guidelines.
FRENCH sports retailer Decathlon will shut down 25 stores across France in May as part of a major restructuring.
The move comes after a 15.4 per cent drop in global profits last year. Stores in both big cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Nantes, as well as smaller towns like Arras, will be affected.
The company says the closures are due to changing shopping habits, with more customers choosing online shopping, express delivery, and click & collect services.
THE six largest banks in Spain, Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, Bankinter, and Unicaja Banco, earned a combined €7.26 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This figure is an impressive 8.7 per cent increase from the same period last year. This growth came despite a special tax on banks and recent interest rate cuts. Even so, they managed to improve their profit margins, according to early market estimates.
Romance scams are seeing a sharp increase. Image: Kaspars
Bizum has recently added stronger security.
3I Group 4.209,65 4.215,00 4.200,00 13,35K
Group 3.218,0 3.234,0 3.212,0 9,58K Airtel Africa 166,50 166,90 166,10 50,33K
American 2.155,5 2.160,5 2.148,5 37,01K
1.709,50 1.710,00 1.696,50 13,93K
Group 4.120,0 4.137,0 4.110,0 77,36K
British Foods 2.229,0 2.240,0 2.224,0 23,65K
812,20
293,40 294,28 291,25 1,9M
Redrow 454,80 456,22 454,30 172,72K
Beazley 892,75 896,00 890,00 57,3K
Berkeley 4.072,0 4.102,0 4.072,0 11,12K
BP 365,75 367,77 365,55 1,09M
British American Tobacco 3.157,0 3.166,0 3.151,0 55,64K
Group 168,70 168,85 167,65 344,2K
2.308,0 2.318,0 2.286,0 37,62K
158,30 158,85 157,05 728,48K
HBC AG 3.808,0 3.818,0 3.800,0 11,16K
2.465,00 2.471,00 2.458,00 58,56K
Group 258,20 258,80 256,60 41,46K
4.828,0 4.848,0 4.824,0 7,03K
Euro
EUR/GBP: Up from £0.83 to £0.85
EUR/USD: Up from $1.08 to $1.13
The euro surged higher over the past month, with the common currency enjoying its strong negative correlation with the collapsing US dollar.
EUR was also buoyed by hopes for an EU-US trade deal, along with optimism after Germany’s leading political parties agreed to form coalition.
The European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate decision failed to derail the euro’s rally, even though ECB President Christine Lagarde warned of risks to growth. Amid the USD decline and global uncertainty, the euro’s safe and stable status made it an attractive option.
Looking forward, the euro could face headwinds in the month ahead if EU-US trade tensions flare up again.
Currency outlook: US dollar collapses amid mounting confidence crisis, Euro rallies on USD weakness
Otherwise, a continued unwinding of USD could support EUR.
Pound
GBP/EUR: Down from €1.19 to €1.17
GBP/USD: Up from $1.29 to $1.33
The pound initially found success over the past month amid hopes that the UK would be able to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs. However, the UK was una-
ble to secure a tariff exemption, which undermined the pound and saw it trim earlier gains.
GBP then faced more pressure as markets increased their expectations for Bank of England (BoE) interest rate cuts this year, amid signs of cooling inflation, slowing economic activity, and the potential disinflationary impact of US tariffs on the UK economy. Looking ahead, the BoE’s interest rate decision is in focus.
If the bank cuts rates and indicates that it could cut further in the future, Sterling may slide.
US dollar
USD/GBP: Down from £0.77 to £0.75
USD/EUR: Down from €0.92 to €0.88
The US dollar cratered over the past month as Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs fuelled fears of a US recession.
Investors were also unnerved by the way in which the
White House calculated the tariffs, along with Trump’s calls for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates – despite fears tariffs could push up inflation.
The result has been a growing confidence crisis in the US dollar, with the American currency collapsing to a three-year low.
We may see the US dollar confidence crisis continue, particularly if trade tensions flare, the US economy shows signs of weakness, or Trump continues to pressure the Fed. However, the outlook for USD is increasingly uncertain.
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The EUR was buoyed by hopes for an EU-US trade deal.
Going with the flow
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
I NEVER initially chose to be a nonconformist. Sitting here at the ripe old age of 85 and looking back over decisions made as a highly disciplined young mortal (Dad was ex-army!) it soon became painfully obvious that choosing to remain within society as an ‘anti-social’ was at the very least going to be difficult and certainly not make me the winner of many popularity contests. Of course, at the outset you don’t know who, or even what you are. As a new-fangled soul manifestation you simply go with the flow.
There are also no set beginnings to non-conformity, it is something that just happens. There does however become a point when the choice has to be made; you either drop out, or stay in. Well, I (finally) chose to stay in. Although, through my spiritual leanings I was offered a host of escapes, ie, Hippie communes, becoming a Tibetan monk, taking the Junkie
route, membership of numerous cults, including the highly dangerous Scientology and all of its perilous offshoots, specifically designed to control the weak, I realised that to have any chance of influencing events in a society I already basically didn’t agree with, I simply had to stay a part of it. Politics would have been an obvious choice I suppose, but unfortunately, in my day to enter into the political arena, you had to either be a total conformist, a complete hypocrite, or an old boy with connections (no change there then!) In my early teens I had already been fortunate enough to meet my future wife and was actually looking forward to a normal loving relationship and hopefully a new family.
I had always loved the smell of greasepaint and the creation of songs – so to remain a true member of society I chose Showbiz. Ha! The most hypocritical occupation of them all.
Typical examples of this profession that I have never been able to abide are the egotistical celebrities who, followed by cameras and han-
gers on, spend their non creative breaks wandering between mud huts, trying to make us all feel bad and responsible for the ills of the world, before scurrying back to their existence of cosseted grandeur and luxury; the same starry-eyed bunch who attempt to deliver political philosophy when collecting their bronze statues of dramatised splendour. For heaven’s sake give us all a break and stick to your lives of fantasy, where most exhibitionists belong. Some 60 years ago, the realisation that if you really wanted to deliver and receive widespread opinions on your points of view then writing was by far the most expedient, led me to subsequently pursue it throughout a long life that has so far been almost yo yo like. One thing non conformity does achieve however is a relentless thickening of the skin. So, keep those letters coming, Doncha just love the hackles raising a bit? Keeps the ol grey matter ticking over - that’s fer sure.
Keep the Faith Love Leapy Lee leapylee2002@gmail.com
Tourist tax for Norway Publisher’s Comment
AT Euro Weekly News , we have always believed that our greatest strength lies in our community - in the voices of real people, real businesses, and real families.
The front page article is not just an expression of one person’s anger and frustration. It is a call to all - the hard-working entrepreneurs, the carers, the dreamers, the survivors - to stand together and demand better from those who claim to lead us.
We invite our readers, business owners, and community leaders to share their own experiences, their concerns, and their hopes for the future. Your stories matter. Your voices deserve to be heard.
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Let’s not stay silent.
Let’s speak - and act - together.
NORWAY, it seems, is about to impose a new tourist tax to deal with complaints about overtourism, after the country in 2024 experienced a record-breaking 16.7 million overnight stays in summer.
The boom in popularity, caused by travellers seeking cooler climes and aurora-viewing opportunities, has provoked the government into reviewing its visitor fee plan. Initially it was suggested it should be at 5 per cent, but the tax has been lowered to 3 per cent of the cost of an overnight stay, according to the Minister of Trade and Industry.
The optional charge, to be decided by local councils, will go towards funding local
projects like maintaining hiking trails and installing public toilets, to benefit both residents and tourists. This is hardly new in southern European countries like Greece and Spain, but it’s the first time the trend has arrived so far north.
However, the bill faces stiff opposition. The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) warns it may deter visitors, calling it ‘madness’ during the biggest tourism boom the country has ever enjoyed. Critics have argued the tax unfairly hits overnight visitors, excluding cruise passengers and day-trippers, whose presence is felt at popular destinations like the Lofoten Islands.
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Tourism in Oslo fills the streets.
Fines for loud phones
PORTUGAL wants to put an end to mobile phone noise on public transport, and from now on it will fine passengers who are causing noise that may disturb other passengers.
Portugal’s Transport and Mobility Authority (AMT) has launched a campaign to monitor and control the inappropriate use of mobile phone volume on public transport.
Users who are making excessive mobile phone noise will be fined between €50 and €250, as this will be considered an offence of lack of civility. Alongside sanctions, the Portuguese authorities intend to launch awareness campaigns ‘for an appropriate and civic use of mobile phones’. Among other measures, it recommends transport
operators to carry out passenger satisfaction surveys including questions related to this problem, to reinforce the current warnings, or to implement the so-called ‘silent wagons’, already active in Spain or France. These infringements are independent of the source of the sound, according to Portuguese authorities. It does not necessarily have to be music or videos, but users who are making calls or video calls and can hear their interlocutor on the other end of the phone will also be taken into account.
Spanish law does not impose fines or punishment when users are being loud, instead, there are signs recommending the use of headphones so as not to disturb other passengers. However, here it is simply a recommendation and not an obligation.
Credits: FACUA
Putting an end to mobile phone noise on public transport.
Costa del Sol Hardship into hope
IN June, as she nears her 60th birthday, Estepona resident Caroline Sice will take on a six-day, 70 km trek across the Pyrenees along the French Camino de Santiago, reaching 1,430m high, with the aim to raise funds for AECC Estepona and Collective Calling. In 2020, Caroline was diagnosed with breast cancer, enduring chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Declared cancer-free in 2021, she faced ongoing challenges, including heart damage and chronic joint pain. AECC Estepona provides vital support and resurces. Caroline credits their team for giving her strength during her darkest days. Collective Calling, a local charity with a new Estepona shop, supports the homeless locally and protects vulnerable children in Tanzania.
Caroline invites sponsorship for her Camino due to start on May 12, with donations split between the charities. Supporters can donate via AECC Estepona (contraelcancer.es) or Collective Calling (collectivecalling.org), or by her GoFundMe page.
Costa Blanca North Costa Blanca boom
THE Tourism sector had hoped that Easter would, as predicted, bring a surge of tourists to the Marina Alta and Baja, and according to the latest data from Hosbec, Hotel And Tourism Business Association of the Valencian Community, their hopes were answered. An astronomical number of tourists arrived in the Costa Blanca North over the Easter period. Benidorm was expected to hit high occupancy numbers, but what no one predicted was that Gandia would match the tourism giant.
The Valencian Community as a whole reached 85 percent of its tourism capacity. International news has been rife for months with stories of how tourists were not welcome at the coasts in the Marina Alta and Baja regions, but if anything disproves these comments, it is the sheer numbers of tourists that came this Easter holidays to the region. In fact, hotel occupancies in the Alicante, Costa Blanca region reached 89.1 per cent occupancy according to Hosbec’s data, beating the major city of Valencia and the Castellon region.
Mallorca A romantic surprise
THOSE lucky enough to be at the Mallorca 312 OK Mobility this year witnessed a truly unforgettable moment - a romantic proposal that stole the show.
Among the 8,500 cycling enthusiasts taking part was a familiar face to many islanders: Cintia Rodríguez, the former elite gymnast who brought home numerous national titles and proudly represented Spain at the highest international level.
Now retired from gymnastics since November 2022, Cintia has channelled her competitive spirit into cycling, even racing in federated events. This year, she tackled the gruelling 225-kilometre intermediate course but the real highlight came not at the starting line, but at the finish at Platja de Muro.
As captured by the cameras of IB3 Televisió, Cintia’s partner, who had also ridden the race, dropped to one knee in front of the cheering crowds and presented her with an engagement ring. “Will you marry me?” he asked. Overwhelmed with emotion, Cintia said a heartfelt “yes,” to joyful applause.
Costa Blanca South Global buyers
FOR the second year in a row, around 29 per cent of all property sales on the Costa Blanca were made by foreign buyers, confirming the region’s popularity among international clients.
These figures come from the 2024 Yearbook of Real Estate Registry Statistics. The report shows that more than 103,515 properties were sold in the Valencian region in 2024, with nearly 30,000 bought by foreigners. This is the highest number ever recorded, surpassing the 27,900 foreign purchases made in 2023.
Interest in the Costa Blanca from international buyers has been strong for many years. However, there was a noticeable increase two years ago when foreign sales rose from just under 27 per cent to about 29 per cent, and this level has remained stable for a second year.
Within the region itself, Alicante stands out with nearly 44 per cent of all its property sales going to foreigners.
Almeria Happy place
MOJACAR has been ranked as one of the top 10 happiest towns in Spain. The 2025 ‘Top 39 Happiest Towns in Spain’ list, compiled by YouGov and Azucarera, places Mojacar in eighth place, a jump of three spots from last year’s 11th position. The ranking considered several factors such as climate, local community, culture, natural surroundings, and food. Mojacar stands out for its stunning views, whitewashed buildings, and warm Mediterranean climate, offering more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and mild temperatures around 20°C. This makes the town a popular place to live and visit year-round.
Mojacar is also known for its friendly and welcoming residents. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with famous festivals like the Moors and Christians celebration and the ‘Noche de las Velas’ (Candlelit Night), which draw both locals and tourists. The area’s beautiful beaches and variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to water sports, contribute to a high quality of life.
Costa Calida
Visitors choose Murcia
WHILE some of Spain’s busiest tourist regions saw a drop in visitor numbers this year, Murcia quietly reached a new record. Between January and March 2025, more than 295,000 people stayed in hotels across the region, the highest figure ever recorded for the first quarter of the year.
It’s not just about the numbers. Many travellers are now looking for quieter, more affordable places to unwind, and Murcia is ticking all the right boxes. With mild winters, beautiful beaches, and quaint towns that feel more authentic than overcrowded hotspots, the region is starting to attract more attention, especially from international visitors, whose numbers rose by more than 10 per cent compared to early 2024.
Visitors are also staying slightly longer, with the average hotel stay rising to 2.41 days. Hotel earnings are up too, showing that this quiet corner of Spain is becoming a smart choice for holidaymakers and a boost for the local economy.
Vueling’s new routes
LOW-COST carrier Vueling has announced it will be increasing its capacity on flights connecting the UK and Spain.
The Spanish airline’s already established routes, connecting the UK with Sevilla, Barcelona and Alicante, will be expanded, with two new routes announced, connecting London-Heathrow Airport with Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela.
The move is part of Vueling’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the very competitive UKSpain travel corridor.
In July, Vueling will operate 19 additional weekly flights between the two countries. The routes that will benefit from this increase include the ones connecting London-Gatwick to Sevilla and Malaga, six weekly additional flights from London-Gatwick to Alicante, four weekly additional flights from Edinburgh Airport
INTERVIEW
Credits: simpleflying.com
will offer increased flights to Spain from the UK.
to Barcelona, and two more flights from Cardiff Airport to Malaga. When aggregating all of these newly added flights, and taking into account the rest of the low-cost airlines, flights from the UK to Spain will add up to 207 weekly flights, a 6.2 per cent increase from July 2024.
However, some lines will be reduced to accommodate these updated frequencies: Vueling no longer plans to operate
from London-Gatwick to Gran Canaria Airport or Granada’s Federico Garcia Lorca. Other carriers are expected to cover these routes, so travellers should not worry about missing out on the islands or on the Andalucian coast.
Spain is the most popular destination for tourists from the UK, with British nationals representing one in five visitors to the sunny southern European country in 2024.
Ovidiu Chiriac - Speaking European
“I’VE been living in Spain for 23 years,” he says, adding that “I spent the longest time in Burgos.”
But a year and a half ago, he decided to relocate. “I moved here [Manilva] to be closer to family,” he explains.
Now working in renovations and general home maintenance, Ovidiu says his job keeps him busy with “both interior and exterior” work. Al though he’s settled in, he does miss some aspects of life back home. “The working conditions and the salary” in Romania, he says, were better in some respects.
family again has also made a big difference.
Integration hasn’t been a problem – Ovidiu has friends “from different nationalities,” and while learning Spanish came with its challenges, it didn’t take long to overcome them. “… working all the time with Spanish people made it much easier and quicker to learn.”
Interestingly, both Spanish and Romanian are part of a family of languages known as ‘romance languages’ – their Latin origin means they have a lot of similarities.
May Day Celebrations
NORA JOHNSON
WHILE many associate May Day with placards and picket lines, its roots stretch far deeper and are considerably more cheerful. Long before workers demanded an eight-hour day, May Day was a joyful European festival marking the start of summer, celebrated on May 1. In the UK, this meant dancing round the Maypole, crowning a May Queen (sometimes a May King) and ‘bringing in the May’ with garlands and greenery.
Meanwhile in Spain, May Day, known as Los Mayos (‘the Mays’), blossoms in equally fascinating ways, especially in regions like Galicia.
There, the ‘Fiesta de los Mayos’ with Celtic origins centres around decorated trees or sculptures. Locals parade around them singing
witty, topical verses (maios) accompanied by the clack of sticks. In Lugo, it was once traditional to reward singers with chestnuts or hazelnuts (no cash, just kernels!).
Nowadays, this has become a lively competition, with prizes for the most inventive songs and elaborate displays. Think village fête with a poetic twist.
So, whether you’re partial to a bit of Morris dancing or intrigued by musical chestnut-perks, May Day has plenty to offer beyond the rallies and banners.
It’s a celebration of creativity, community and (hopefully) warmer weather to make us all feel just a little bit better - with the traditional start of summer.
Finally, thanks for all emails to my website! So pleased you enjoy my column - and novels!
Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
That said, Spain has plenty to offer. “I like the climate and the culture,” Ovidiu shares, highlighting two things that often top the list for many expats who move to Spain. Being surrounded by
For those in the area looking for maintenance and renovation work to be done, you can WhatsApp Ovidiu on +34 667 277 785 or find him on Facebook.
Ovidiu likes the climate and the culture.
Over two decades ago, Ovidiu made the leap from Romania to Spain.
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
BREAKING VIEWS
Vueling
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Over time, a poorly fitted collar can affect posture and lead to muscular tension. If the collar is too loose, however, your dog could slip out and risk injury or getting lost. Constant rubbing from the collar may also result in sores, while incorrect po-
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Alvis’ latest Lancefield continuation car, 88 years after the first
ROAD TEST
By Mark Slack
THE Alvis Car Company has unveiled its latest Lancefield continuation car in Japan 88 years since the first special order left Alvis’ Coventry factory in the UK for the 1938 London Motor Show. This latest model, fully certified for road use, features a celebrated Art Deco design, with modern engineering techniques and the finest of British manufacturingin line with the ethos of a 21st-century Alvis.
Crafted entirely in the Alvis Works, in Kenilworth, UK, the almost five metre long 2025 Lancefield draws on Alvis’ unmatched archive of more than 25,000 drawings, 23,000 car records and 300,000 original parts. As a true continuation, it uses parts curated from the new old stock retained since the end of car production in 1968. Power steering, electronic engine management and servo-operated brakes have been integrated without compromising the car’s ori-
ginal character. Fully compliant to meet legislation to enjoy on the road, it has a catalytic converter, indicator repeater lights and a collapsible steering column. Dispatched from Alvis on August 19, 1937, the original would’ve cost €1,581/£1,350, more than double the price of the average house in the UK at the time. Alvis craftspeople using a blend of contemporary tools and traditional techniques have faithfully recreated the bodywork, created using traditional coachbuilding techniques - carefully for-
ming aluminium over a bespoke ash frame in a painstaking, 3,800 hour process. Completing the appearance, the car is painted in-house in two-tone cream.
At its heart, the straight-six, 4387cc engine is assembled to the same specification as Alvis’ revered original, but now benefits from fuel injection and electronic engine management for easy hot starting, smoother throttle response and improved torque. The engine and body are mated to a fully galvanised steel chassis which carries a consecutive
New signs, new rules 3 documents
FOR the first time in 20 years, the DGT, Spain’s governing traffic department, will update road signs. Here’s what you need to know.
While Spanish roads have evolved over the last two decades, the design of traffic signs has remained largely unchanged, aside from minor technical corrections. Now, the DGT is almost ready to modernise the country’s traffic signs and update them so they reflect the current times.
Some of these new signs have already been installed by local councils. These include informative signs banning access to low-emission zones and restrictive ones limiting access to electric scooters and other vehicles in densely populated urban areas.
Also present on more rural, secondary roads is a brand new sign that warns drivers of the pre-
sence of wild boars, the cause of more than 40 per cent of traffic accidents involving wild animals.
Nearly 100 new signs are being introduced, while a further 30 will be updated or redesigned. Reasons for these updates include visibility issues, outdated concepts - such as the use of a steam-powered train symbol - and gender inclusivity.
Some other signs will see their designs up-
dated for more trivial reasons: the octagonal ‘STOP’ sign has a new font, with enlarged letters to make it more visible to drivers.
The previous road sign catalogue was approved in 2003, at a time when scooters were not conceived as vehicles. This modernising aspect of the DGT’s plan also includes signs banning hoverboards and Segways - signs that will probably be spotted in tourist areas.
every driver MUST carry
WHETHER you’re doing the school run in Marbella or heading to the beach in Benidorm, Spanish law couldn’t be clearer: there are three documents every driver must have in the car - and if you’re missing even one, the Guardia Civil won’t be giving you a friendly wave.
Forget your insurance receiptthat’s so 2008. What matters now is carrying the holy trinity of motoring documents. No excuses, no exceptions.
The three documents that could stop your car being towed
Here’s what needs to be in your glovebox - every time you get behind the wheel:
Driving licence (‘Permiso de Conducir’) - If you’re in the driver’s seat, you’d better be licensed to be there.
Vehicle registration certificate (‘Permiso de Circulacion’) - Proves your car’s not just some rogue tin can on wheels or some dodgy fo-
over long distances yet wei- ghing just 1,500 kg it offers surprisingly punchy performance; a 0-60 mph acceleration of under 10 seconds is possible. Before delivery, the Lancefield is put through its paces with a comprehensive road test on the same Warwickshire routes used by Alvis since the 1920s. It is supplied with an updated owner’s handbook, faithfully based on the original.
Built to be used, this first Lancefield is destined for a Japanese enthusiast and follows three other continuation series to find homes via the local agent Meiji Sangyo, distributor for the marque in the country more than 50 years ago.
reign car trying to slip under the radar.
ITV certificate or ITV card (Tarjeta ITV) - Confirms your car isn’t a death trap on wheels.
These three must be valid and either original or officially certified copies. Got a crumpled photocopy in your glove compartment? That won’t work. If you’re pulled over or involved in a bump, these are the first things the police will demand. Don’t leave it to chance - check that you’ve got your licence, registration, and ITV card every time you set off.
Insurance documents? Not needed since 2008 - the police can check that on their system. But your legal right to drive and your car’s roadworthiness? That’s still needed.
New signs will be rolled out during the summer on Spanish roads.
Two of the car documents every driver in Spain must carry.
Credits: coches.net
Credit: Prisca Laguna, Shutterstock
Piqué’s tweet becomes sensation
BARCELONA lifted the Copa del Rey trophy after a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid at La Cartuja Stadium.
It was a night to remember for the blaugrana team, with Jules Koundé scoring the decisive goal in the 116th minute. Composed and resilient, Barcelona took the lead early with Pedri’s strike. Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni turned the game for Madrid with two quick goals, but Ferran Torres’ equalizer forced extra time.
Thanks to Koundé’s decisive blow, Hansi Flick’s team claimed their first silverware of the season after a tense and heated encounter.
Following the final whistle, Barcelona legend Gerard Piqué posted a tweet that quickly went viral: “In the end, the good guys always win.” The for mer Barça defender’s
post racked up nearly four million views and was shared more than 32,000 times, winning once more the hearts of Barcelona fans.
The 38-year-old’s remark also delivered a sharp jab at Los Blancos’ long-standing persecution complex regarding refereeing decisions.
Real Madrid finished the Sevilla night in disgrace, with three players sent off after the final whistle. Antonio Rüdiger now faces a lengthy ban for throwing ice at the referee, while Jude Bellingham’s frustrations had already boiled over before the se-
Piqué, a true icon of the club, made 616 appearances for Barcelona between 2008 and 2022. During his career, he won nine La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and three UEFA Champions League crowns.
ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE
A busy time for all!
AWFL Over 60s
Nerja Utd. 6 v 3 Sporting Benahavis
Mick Sweeney clinically fired Nerja into an early 2-0 lead before Kev Sweeney added a third, reacting quickest to a rebound and suggesting an easy victory. However, a break down the right saw Sporting pull one back and then a Benahavis penalty made it 3-2. Fast approaching half time, the hosts were awarded their own penalty, coolly dispatched by Tony Wells to restore Nerja’s cushion. After the break, Andy Field-Millard further extended their lead before the visitors fought back again to make it 5-3. Eventually, Wells bagged his second to seal the points, but not before further pressure from Benahavis threatened to reduce the deficit. Full marks to the visitors for never giving up and well done to Nerja who still have a chance to secure second place in the league.
AWFL MAIO Over 60s Cup Semi Final
Real Calahonda 2 v 3 Malaga WFC
A late goal from Malaga’s Paul Lennon in this dramatic match put them into the final for the second year running against the winners of the game between AC Benahavis and Nerja United.
And elsewhere......
Good luck to two of our league clubs, El Cañadon OB and Malaga WFC, who have entered teams in the Eurocopa in Albufeira, Portugal, and are playing as your reporter writes! The results will be known by the time we go to press!
And don’t forget......
The Walking Football World Nations Cup 2025 will be held in Alicante in October!
And finally......
Best wishes to our League Chairman, Mark Sargent, who is out of hospital and recuperating well at home, having recently undergone major surgery. All the best, Mark!
See you next week!
Gerard Piqué.