Costa Blanca North 1 – 7 May 2025 Issue 2078

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

Blanca North • No.

doubt grew into an uncontrollable blaze. By midnight, I was incandescent with rage.

This is only the beginning

How dare they keep us in the DARK?

We elect politicians - they 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 nd a way to fund it. When mistakes ha-

ppen, 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 red,ned, 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

Cash is king again

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 signi cant 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 nd alternative transport options.

As a result, basic goods like bread, water and medicine became temporarily inaccessible for many people. So basically, 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 recent 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.

from Front page

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 first-aid

ted 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 un-

The EU advises every household to keep a basic emergency kit ready — water, food, first aid, and more.

derscored 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. Survival essentials:

Costa Blanca North disconnected

THE massive power outage that affected Spain, blanketed the Costa Blanca North in darkness on Monday evening. For some people it was a time of turmoil, with flights, travel and petrol stations affected by the outage. Alicante Province’s firefighter service released a statement on April 29: “Last night we carried out about 60 emergency exits, rescued people in lifts until 1.30am, and transferred people with oxygen dependency to hospitals, among other emergencies managed.” By April 29, most people’s electric and telephone connections were restored in the area.

Lorraine Massie of Bruised but not Broken, at El Campello, said that they had to “close the charity shop early but that everything was OK.”

Geoff Corduroy, lives in an apartment in Cala de Finestrat “Everything was off until I woke up this morning. The lifts were all down and it was the same for my home help lady, it was difficult for her to get to us, my neighbours across the road were having the same problem. The closest supermarket was still open but they weren’t accepting card payments. It was a bad day.”

Donna Williams, of Polop said that the outage “made me realise how dependent we are on electricity, I found myself reading a book, but once the electricity came through, we still didn’t have any internet, so I felt very disconnected.”

In Calpe the police and town hall ensured that ambulances were transferred to the station whilst communication to the health centre was down, then installed a generator at the health centre so it was functioning as normal.

New builds rising

FIGURES have been released by the O cial College of Technical Architecture of Alicante (COATA) comparing construction gures in the Marina Alta and Baja areas. According their research, 53 per cent more properties

were in the rst stages of being built in 2025’s rst quarter in comparison to the same point in time in 2024.

They said the gures had risen to 2,727 construction projects in the Alicante Province from

1,779 the previous year and they were “the best rst quarter gures since 2008”.

And so far, the vast majority of new housing is being built in the Marina Alta, with major towns like Denia, Calpe and Ja-

Fresher future

BENIDORM conducts a study in the city to create climate corridors and spaces that enhance urban comfort.

Benidorm Town Council, through the Department of Public Space and in collaboration with the University of Valencia, is carrying out a study to assess the impact of the so-called urban heat island effect in the city.

This scientific study aims to identify which areas or points within the municipality are affected by this phenomenon, in order to take appropriate decisions and implement measures to minimise its impact and improve the city’s climate comfort.

To this end, more than 20 thermal sensors were installed at different locations across Benidorm a month ago.

A second round of measurements is scheduled for June, and the data from

both rounds will later be compared to provide a very accurate picture of the current situation, as explained by representatives from the University of Valencia, that will produce a report to be delivered to the town council.

Although only provisional data is available at this stage, the researchers have already observed significant differences of two or three degrees in several areas, depending on ground surface type or levels of natural coverage.

vea taking the lead. With 417 new homes being started in 2025 that means a total increase of over 150 percent since 2024.

In Calpe there have been 136 new construction sites since the beginning of 2025, Javea has also grown in site number from 18 in 2024 to 34 in 2025.

There are only three zones where the number of new builds is less in the Marina Alta in 2025 compared to 2024, those are El Verger, Benitachell and Teulada Moraira.

This work forms part of Benidorm’s Climate Change Action Plan.

Credit: Diego Delso. Creative Commons

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FIREFIGHTERS in the Alicante Province have not had an easy few weeks, fighting politically for more fire safety, fighting fires across the area, not to mention saving injured hikers via helicopter and saving people from car wrecks. In and amongst what has been a hectic Easter for them, they found time to post some stories of the creatures they got to help too.

Among the many recent stories from Alicante Province’s fire department there have been at least two animal encounters reported on social media.

Sunday, April 27, firefighters got up close and personal with a swarm of bees that had formed a dangerous group around the lintel of a rural house. The fire services donned beekeeping outfits and moved the bees.

The department wrote on social media “We moved the queen and her swarm to a provisional hive-box which we collected at nightfall.”

Earlier in the week, April 24, fire services were called to much cuter animals in need when they worked in collaboration with the

Animal encounters Photography Rally

Up close and personal with a swarm of bees.

local police to save the lives of two kittens. “Benidorm firefighters went to a rural area of L’Alfàs del Pi for a very special rescue two

ALTEA has announced its eighth photographic rally named .Ral.li Fotografic Vila d’Altea.

The photographic rally will be a fun opportunity for amateurs and professionals to take part in a photography

kittens had been trapped inside a car.” The kittens were then released into the care of the Animal and Plant Protection Association.

competition around Altea, starting at the Casa de Cultura.

The objective of the rally, which is spread over three days in the middle of May, May 16, 17 and May 18 will be the celebration of the Hotel Cap Negret, which turns 50 this year.

There are usually around 50 to 60 participants in the event which the Altean Councilor for culture Pepa Victoria Perez is encouraging anyone with a flair for photography to join.

The Competition winners will gain €1,100 worth of prizes distributed amongst the winners and there is an extraordinary prize of a weekend away at the Hotel Cap Negret in Altea. The rules for participation and registration can be found on the Altea Cultural website.

It costs €10 to join before May 11 and €12 between May 12 and May 13 when registrations close.

Each day of the event has its own purpose, day one is a welcome day and the day where six photos must be taken, day two the photos must be delivered and on day three the competition winners are announced. Get involved locally in a creative way and enjoy Altea in all its photogenic glory.

Photo Credit: Diputacion de Alicante Bomberos

Six snakes born

THE herpetology team at Terra Natura Benidorm has announced the birth of six Sistrurus miliarius barbouri hatchlings, commonly known as dusky pygmy rattlesnakes.

This small yet fascinating subspecies of venomous snake is native to the southeastern United States, particularly the wetlands and forests of Florida. The event marks a significant milestone for both the conservation of exotic species and scientific research in the medical field.

The breeding pair, introduced to the park in 2023, forms part of a group of venomous snakes kept under strict veterinary supervision.

Since their arrival, specialists have closely monitored their behaviour and environmental conditions to encourage successful captive breeding - an effort that has now yielded results with this latest birth.

This latest birth further strengthens the park’s commitment to the conservation of exotic species and the promotion of public awareness. As well as offering visitors the chance to see one of the most unique snakes in the Americas up close, it actively contributes to the advancement of medical science and the protection of delicate ecosystems - even from within an urban setting like Benidorm.

Kayak plan

THE town council of Javea has taken a decisive step to protect its most fragile coastal areas.

The municipal plenary session unanimously approved a motion to introduce a series of new measures aimed at regulating kayak activities, a sector currently operated by 15 companies that has overwhelmed the capacity of the Granadella and Portitxol coves.

“Overcrowded and uncontrolled tourist activities are leading us down a path that will be difficult to reverse,” warned the text of the motion, highlighting the risk of damage to some of the municipality’s most iconic natural sites.

The situation is in -

creasingly concerning: all kayak tours currently depart from the Granadella jetty, creating pressure that has raised alarms not only among political leaders but also within the sector itself.

The Javea Kayak Association, which represents the main companies, has conveyed its frustration to the town council, calling for greater monitoring and enforcement to ensure that previously agreed regulations are respec ted. As a result of this consensus, the plenary session agreed to stren gthen the current citi zen coexistence by-law by introducing specific regulations governing the use of beaches and coastal areas.

Employment levels rise

UNEMPLOYMENT has fallen in the Marina Alta. According to the Marina Alta Observatory data, in March 2025, the number of people seeking work dropped by 1.87 per cent, bringing the total number of unemployed people in the region to just 8,205, the lowest the unemployment figure for the Marina Alta has been since 2008.

Simultaneously, in March, a rise in signed working contracts showed an upward trend, where over 270 more contracts had been signed than in February 2025.

Of these contracts, over 70 per cent were full-time, a sign of

stable employment levels in the area. The average unemployment rate is far less in the Marina Alta at 11.67 per cent then compared to the Valencian Community whose average rate is 12.43 per cent and the Alicante Province’s rate which is 14.21 per cent.

The Observatory also noted that the decrease in unemployment levels was in line with an increase of seasonal work attributed to the “tourist activity that is… well established in the region.” Saying that annually, the “months of March are usually characterised by significant increases in enrolment, with the Hotel and Catering sector.”

The breeding pair forms part of a group of venomous snakes kept under strict veterinary supervision.

The plan includes increased surveillance during peak tourist months.

Credit:

IT is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the sudden and devastating passing of Adam Glister, affectionately known to many as Adam King, who died unexpectedly while on holiday in Thailand.

Obituary: Adam Glister (Adam King)

27th November 1965 – 25th April 2025

Adam was a beloved husband to Lucy-Anne Glister, a cherished father, a proud grandfather, a devoted son, a brother, and a treasured friend to so many.

His loss leaves a void that words can scarcely fill, and his family, friends, and the entire community of Javea are united in their grief.

From the very first rehearsal with Strikland, Adam proved himself a charismatic and unforgettable frontman. Over the years, he lit up countless stages, his voice and spirit captivating audiences and creating memories that will be held dear by all who knew him. His energy, humour, and passion for music made him a true legend in Javea and along the North Costa Blanca.

Adam’s talents stretched far beyond music; he was a gifted local actor, DJ, entertainer, and an exceptionally talented graphic designer. We at the Euro Weekly News knew Adam personally and profes-

sionally, having worked alongside him numerous times across various publications. Always professional, Adam possessed a unique and charming character who could bring light to even the most demanding deadlines. Working with him was a pleasure - a bright light in the media industry whose creative flair, dedication,

lessly generous with his friendship and love. The shock of his passing is felt deeply, a painful reminder that life is fragile and every moment with loved ones should be treasured.

and spirit left an indelible mark. His contributions to the media world were immense, and his absence is profoundly felt. A light went out with his loss, and Adam will never be forgotten.

Those fortunate enough to know Adam speak of a man who was not just talented but kind-hearted, larger-than-life, and end-

Lucy-Anne and the family have asked for privacy during this heartbreaking time. They will announce details of a celebration of Adam’s extraordinary life in Javea upon her return from Thailand.

Adam Glister, you were the most extraordinary man – a number one husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague. Your incredible spirit will live on in the music, memories, and love you leave behind. Rest in peace, dear Adam. You will never be forgotten.

Happy 100th Birthday

A LA NUCIA resident and Belgian woman Fernanda Andrea de Block celebrated her 100th Birthday on April 20. She was born in Zingem, Belgium, on April 20, 1925 and has lived in La Nucia with her family for more than 40 years.

The councillor for International Residents, Jessica Gommans and the councillor for the Elderly, Beatriz Perez-Hickman, visited Fernanda at the Montebello Residence, where she now lives, to congratulate her. The residency was decorated with balloon numbers and she was gifted flowers to celebrate. Her daughter Rita Vandevelde was also there to celebrate her mother’s 100th birthday.

The La Nucia Town Hall posted Fernanda’s

birthday to social media and it was met with many happy returns from her fellow citizens in the town.

Spain is the country with the longest living people in Europe, the average life expectancy for a Spaniard is 83 years old. This is often attributed to the Mediterranean diet they consume, the health care system, active lifestyle and moderate climate in the country.

The Marina Alta has multiple blue zones, areas noted for large groups of people who live to be over 100 years-old. There is a long list of areas but to name a few: Benissa, El Poble Nou de Benitachell, Calpe and Denia have all been home to people over 99 years old.

140K challenge

A GROUP of 20 children and their carers have completed the ‘journey of a lifetime’ with the help of the charity Make a Smile, in Calpe.

The children, who are all in care, took part in the Amigos de Make a Smile Santiago de Compostela 140k Challenge, a week-long excursion made possible by local people’s generous donations to the Amigos de Make a Smile charity shop and their volunteer’s sponsorships.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “I’m over the moon to report that… 20 very excited youngsters and their carers completed their ‘Amigos de Make a Smile Santiago de Compostela 140k Challenge!’ Over the last seven days our young intrepid explorers have walked 140k of this famous pilgrimage, testing themselves as well

as building lifelong experiences.” The charity thanked the many supporters of the children online saying it showed that “by working together we can change the lives of these kids in care.”

The Make a Smile charity have been working with care homes and social workers to change the lives of children in care for the better, through educational experiences and community projects. For the last three years they have challenged the children they work with to take on life-changing experiences. The youngsters between the ages of 14 and 16 will come home to certificates, medals and a celebration dinner.

Gifted flowers to celebrate.

Photo Credit: lanucia.es

Young explorers walked 140K on their excursionl

700 years of Benidorm celebrated

ONCE the Lottery marked Benidorm’s founding 700 years ago with a specially designed lottery ticket that features an image of its iconic shoreline.

The Spanish National Organisation for the

Blind, ONCE, issued the commemorative ticket at a special ceremony held in El Castell Square.

The ticket will be drawn on May 6, with more than 20,000 vendors expected to sell in the region of five million tickets.

The ticket was presented by the mayor of Benidorm Toni Perez, the provincial director of ONCE, Estela Media and the deputy of ONCE in

Benidorm Vicente Vazquez.

ONCE also presented Mayor Perez with first copy of the Town Charter that had been translated into braille. Making it accessible to those people with visual impairments, the mayor was also given on the first anniversary tickets which have been on sale since April 24. as well as one of the first ‘700th Anniversary’ tickets, which are now on

sale. The mayor told onlookers that “Benidorm has had a partnership with ONCE for many years… in making the city as accessible as possible, pursuing universal accessibility throughout the city.”

The lucky winner of the redesigned ticket could grab a jackpot of €500,000 with 49 runners up in with a chance to win €35,000 for a five-digit winning number.

Flowers, festivals and fireworks

BENNISSA celebrated their unique festival, Dia de la Purissima Xiqueta, on Sunday April 27.

The streets were lined with people as the procession of young men and women made their way to the local church in honour of the town’s patron saint.

Festivities began days before, on April 25, with the glamorous ceremony of the crowning of the adult and youth queens of the fiestas.

On April 26, there was a beautiful offering of flowers outside the church and a procession of horse drawn carts.

The main festivity day, the Day of the Puríssima Xiqueta, always falls on the fourth Sunday in April.

On April 27, the statue of the Vir-

gen was carried through the streets of Benissa from the main church, there were decorated bread offerings, filling platters that were also taken along the procession route.

There are more unusual festivities attached to this fiesta, a period of festivities which is heavily rooted in religion.

As well as the main day celebrating the Patron Saint, there is the Dia del Riberer, which celebrates an emigration of people from Benissa to the region of La Ribera for work with a parade filled with costumes and decorated floats and Fadrin’s Day is much the same with fireworks and music 2025’s festivities have been memorable.

Specially designed lottery ticket.

Photo Credit: Benidorm.org

Jaguar jaunt

FOR the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club’s April event, members travelled from as far as Murcia to the beautiful town of Altea. Fortunately, the weather was perfect, sunny and pleasant, especially after a few rainy days.

Upon arrival, the Jaguars were parked in the two car parks at Altea Golf, where they had a lunch reservation at the Jacaranda restaurant. With its glass front, the restaurant offered a great view of the golf course.

The group was welcomed with a Cava reception before sitting down at round tables of eight people, at 2.00pm. Sadly, due to illness, 16 members couldn’t attend, but there were still 56 Jaguar Enthusiast Club

members present to enjoy the meal.

The entrecote steak was a popular choice, which many members enjoyed. The restaurant’s owner and his wife were incredibly hospitable, taking the time to chat with club members and ensure everyone had a great afternoon.

Lively conversations and laughter filled the room throughout the afternoon, and the event ended with a raffle. The raffle not only raised funds for the club but also gave members the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

If you’d like to join a future event, contact Michael Brook at mikebikejec@gmail. com or call or WhatsApp (+34) 640 866 711.

Beat the cava drought

THE world of Cava is experiencing serious droughts in 2025. As a result, Barcelona-based Freixenet, a supermarket staple and one of the largest producers of Cava globally, announced it will cut its workforce by nearly a quarter.

Freixenet blamed rising production costs and crop declines in its grape regions. The question is, will the company’s pricing be affected too?

Luckily for our readers, there are cava producers closer to home in Requena, in the Valencian Community. The Association of Cava Producers of Requena says, “Requena has positioned itself among the areas where the highest quality cavas are produced in Spain.”

So, for those who love bubbles and prefer try local products we have

found three incredible, Valencian cavas you can turn to that will not break the bank.

First, we have, No1 Cava Brut, from Dominio de la Vega, it costs €8.25. Bottled in 2003, it is the bodega’s first organic cava, they describe it as ‘silky with fine bubbles, elegant and balanced’.

Then a bargain, Aula Cava Brut, from Gru-

po Coviñas, at €6.70 the cheapest Cava in our list and is fresh and fruity in taste.

Pasion Cuvee Brut Nature, from Bodegas Sierra Norte €9.90, is another organic wine, also vegan friendly, which is described as having an ‘aromatic and fruity’ taste, with notes of peach. Prices are from individual bodegas.

Some members enjoying time before lunch.

Image: Jaguar Enthusiasts Club

Some of the highest quality cavas produced in Spain.

Watch out for Capital Gains Tax on gifts: A tax aspect to bear in mind.

WE receive many enquiries at our firm regarding the possibility of making gifts to children or other close family members. Nowadays, in some parts of Spain, gifting a property can be a very good option from a tax perspective. However, many people forget that the Gift Tax is not the only tax involved in the transaction. In this week’s article, we will discuss the capital gains tax on gifts - an important tax aspect that is often overlooked.

The taxation of gifts: Key points to consider

When making a gift, it is crucial to understand the tax implications of the transaction. Gifting money is not the same as gifting a real estate asset. There are also differences depending on which region of Spain the gift takes place. Furthermore,

it also matters whether the donee (the person receiving the gift) is a tax resident in Spain or, on the contrary, is a tax resident abroad. These factors can greatly influence the amount of taxes due, the place where the tax return must be filed, etc. However, we must not forget that an estate agent’s job is not to provide legal advice. Even if both buyer and seller share the same goal - completing the transaction - their interests are naturally opposed. For this reason, an estate agency can never truly advise both sides at the same time without entering into a clear conflict of interest.

Tax benefits on gifts: Valencian Region

Currently, there are some regions in Spain such as Valencia, Andalucia, or Madrid, where the Gift Tax payable by the donee is

highly reduced. In many cases, almost no tax is paid at all. For instance, in the Valencian region, there is a deduction of up to €100,000 between direct family members, plus a 99 per cent tax reduction. In other words, only 1 per cent of the tax is paid. Under this regulation (and depending on your circumstances), it could be a good time to make a gift to your children or close relatives. However, is Gift Tax the only tax payable when making a gift to someone?

Capital Gains on gifts of Real Estate: Houses, apartments, etc

When gifting real estate, the donor (the person making the gift) must declare any capital gain generated in their Personal Income Tax (IRPF) or Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR), depending on their tax residency.

This tax is calculated based on the difference between the acquisition value and the transfer value of the asset. For tax residents in Spain, the gain is taxed progressively, with rates ranging from 19 per cent to 30 per cent. For non-residents, a flat rate of 19 per cent applies.

Depending on the value of the property at the time of acquisition and at the time of gift, this tax could represent a significant burden for the donor. Proper tax planning is therefore essential.

Additionally, you must also consider the Municipal Plusvalía Tax. This tax is levied on the increase in the value of the land since the last transfer. There are two calculation methods: the objective method (based on the cadastral value of the land) and the real value method (considering actual acquisition and

transfer prices). If the property has significantly appreciated in value, the Plusvalía Tax could also be substantial.

Conclusion

Although Gift Tax is currently highly reduced, it is essential to seek advice before making a gift. Depending on your circumstances, the capital gains tax on gifts could have a significant financial impact on you, as donor. At White Baos, we are experts in tax and estate planning. If you are considering making a gift or need more information, do not hesitate to contact us.

The information provided in this article does not constitute legal advice but is intended for general informational purposes only.

ABOGADOS / SOLICITORS

Nostalgia under the stars

WHERE the murmur of the waves blends with the song of crickets and frogs on summer nights, there lies a place that defies the passage of time: Denia’s Drive-In Cinema. A refuge for film lovers, families and solitary souls alike, and also the home of Carles Miralles, son of the founders and now, the custodian of this great cultural heritage.

The drive-in has stood for 46 years, one more than Carles himself. “I grew up there,” he says to Euro Weekly News , his voice reflecting both affection and a deep sense of responsibility. From an early age, he learned to live among films he was, strictly speaking, too young to watch.

The story of the drive-in began when his father, Carles Miralles, was living in Paris. He worked in film production and, after travelling much of the world, met Dolores Reig during a visit to his hometown and decided to return to his roots in Pego. Inspired

by the American drive-ins he had encountered during his travels, he gambled on bringing that innovative concept to the Marina Alta - at a time when even hamburgers were a rarity in the local gastronomic scene.

Dishes such as figatells - a kind of highly spiced patty typical of Pego and Oliva - have found new popularity, especially among visitors

ches start from €4, and the quality of the produce reflects the Miralles family’s commitment to both their land and their loyal clientele.

Carles and his mother have steered the drive-in, moder -

from Madrid who like to take a taste of the region back home with them.

Prices have remained surprisingly competitive: Hamburgers range between €5 and €8, generously filled sandwi -

nising the experience without losing its essence. That is why they invested in the best digital projection, 7,000 watts of surround sound, and a 2,000-square-metre screen.

Families, groups of friends,

couples, and even those who enjoy the cinema alone, all find a place here. “I love watching films alone, sealed inside the car - it’s magnificent,” Carles confesses.

The programming has also evolved: during the low season, Thursday nights feature original version screenings aimed at the foreign public. And defying the romantic cliché of drive-ins as mere lovers’ retreats, Carles and his family have always championed their cinema as a space for everyone.

“It’s wonderful to see grandparents - our very first customers - coming along with their children and grandchildren. Just like us,” he says, visibly moved.

Today, as the sun in Denia sets ever later - pushing screenings back to well after nine o’clock - Carles continues the passion he inherited from his father, who, much like a character from Cinema Paradiso, lived and breathed cinema.

This is what the drive-in looks like in August.

Fresh flowers, fresh ideas: Yoli Flower Studio makes gifting easy

IN today’s busy world, making time to visit a florist is challenging. That’s where Yoli Flower Studio comes ina modern way to send flowers. Yoli offers luxury flower delivery across Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Altea, La Nucia, Polop.

“Even if you’re far away, you should still be able to send someone a beautiful gift,” says Gabi the founder. “Yoli makes a difference, every bouquet is made to order using the freshest flowers, meaning no flowers sitting around for days.” she adds.

Yoli isn’t just a flower shop - it’s built on the joy of giving, with easy-to-use online shop at www.yoliflowerstudio. com featuring a wide range of options - from elegant bouquets and flower hatboxes, to wedding flowers. With secure online payments and local de-

livery, gifting flowers has never been so convenient.

Whether it’s a heartfelt thank you, a birthday surprise or just becauseYoli Flower Studio is on a mission to make gifting flowers unforgettable. Because sometimes, the best way to say something… is with flowers.

The best way is to say it with flowers.

Free healthcare

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 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, in-

cluding 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 Salud 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.

Tourist tax for Norway

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.

Tourism in Oslo fills the streets.

Furry sommeliers Lapland’s airport

RATS have long suffered from a bad image, blamed for spreading the Black Death in the 14th century and spending centuries skulking in sewers. But now, a new study suggests they might be ready for a surprising change in career, wine tasting.

Researchers from universities in London, Lincoln, Trento and Vienna teamed

with a particular wine, earned them a treat. Training carried on until each rat was correctly identifying wines at least 80 per cent of the time over three sessions in a row.

Then came the real test. The rats were put back in the chambers and given both familiar wines and new ones made from the same grapes. The results were im-

been trained on, the rats chose correctly 94 per cent of the time.

Not all the rats were up to the task, though. One named Peanuts passed the training phase but struggled when it came to recognising new wines. So, while most of the team showed real promise, Peanuts may need a bit more practice before he’s ready for the big

ROVANIEMI AIRPORT

in Finland’s Lapland is getting a €3 million expansion, set to finish by November 2025 - just in time for the winter tourist season.

The airport, a vital travel hub for Lapland and a festive favourite among international visitors, saw nearly one million passengers in 2024. This was a 29 per cent jump from the previous year, with nearly half of all travellers arriving from abroad, according to Airports Council International, according to the Helsinki Times .

investment in Rovaniemi,” said Jani Jolkkonen, Director of Finavia’s Airport Network.

According to airport operator Finavia, the growth in visitor numbers - particularly during the peak December travel season - has made the expansion both necessary and timely. The project will add almost 1,000 square metres to the departure hall, improving services for both locals and tourists.

“Finavia has for years supported the development of Lapland’s airports to allow regional tourism to expand. We are now responding to the continued growth in demand with this new

The expansion is part of Finavia’s ongoing strategy to strengthen air travel infrastructure in the region. Between 2018 and 2020, Finavia spent €25 million on upgrades to Rovaniemi Airport, adding gates, check-in lines, a baggage centre, and revamped shops and restaurants.

Jolkkonen told Yle: “Thanks to the investments made in the past and the continuous development of customer experience, the customer satisfaction of Lapland’s tourists with the airport experience is very high.”

A new career for rats.

Rovaniemi Airport is a festive favourite for travellers.

Credit: Instagram @mashiroinfi

Parton on the runway

Anna Ellis

TWO creatives from Nashville have launched an online campaign to rename the city’s airport after country music icon Dolly Parton, and it’s quickly gained momentum, attracting over 50,000 signatures.

Comedian Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion, who runs Goat Song Records, created the petition on Change.org following a failed attempt by state Representative Todd Warner to rename Nashville International Airport after President Donald Trump. The idea to honour Dolly Parton had been in the works for a couple of years, but they decided to move forward when the political climate made the

moment feel right.

Popovich explained that Parton represents something rare and positive in American culture. “She’s a true Tennessean and a unifier. Her story speaks to everyone no matter your background, wealth, or beliefs,” she told The Nashvi-

AN unprecedented snowstorm for this time of year has hit large parts of the Alps with force, creating a chaotic scenario: ski resorts closed, villages cut off, widespread power outages, and an extreme avalanche risk.

With snow accumulations already exceeding two metres in higher areas, this is shaping up to be one of the most severe weather events of the season in this mountainous region.

The Italian mountain passes of Simplon and Grand St Bernard have been closed due to heavy snow.

In the Monte Rosa and Cervinia regions, intense snowfall continues, and the storm is expected to remain active over the coming hours.

lle Tennessean. “When people talk or think about Dolly, they smile. She represents the best of the South, and that’s worth celebrating.”

The petition has received widespread attention, even appearing on Change.org’s official Instagram page.

Dolly Parton herself has responded to the idea, sharing a bit of humour about the campaign. In an interview with The Tennessean, she said, “I mean, it does sound like a lot of fun to say: ‘Your flight is departin’ from Nashville’s D Parton.’”

Ski resorts close

The avalanche risk in the area has reached level 4+, classified as very high.

The epicentre of the storm has been in the Swiss town of Zermatt, where over a metre of snow has fa-

llen at village level, forcing the closure of all road and rail access.

The rail connection with Visp was suspended, and electricity supplies have been cut across wide areas, affecting thousands of residents and tourists. Eighteen hotels have been partially connected to emergency power, and a food distribution operation has been launched for the population.

In France, the heavy snowfall has left more than 1.2 metres in areas such as Val d’Isère and Tignes, forcing both ski resorts to shut completely.

County music’s icon, Dolly Parton represents the best of the South.

Image: Dolly Parton / Facebook

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 satisfac-

tion 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.

Putting an end to mobile phone noise on public transport.

NEWS Travel

Cuenca: Winding roads and hanging houses

CUENCA, a city located in Castilla-La Mancha, is worth visiting for the journey alone - roads winding through pine forests and along limestone gorges leading to the city’s most iconic feature: houses that appear to cling to the cliffs above the ravine of the Huecar river.

If you’re visiting with a campervan, you’ll find several nearby spots for parking, such as the municipal beach campervan parking, which offers a scenic walk along the river starting from the city’s artificial beach.

History in Stone

with Hispavan Campers

Cuenca’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels like a time capsule - built into a rocky ridge with medieval buildings dating back to the 14th century that seem like they grew out of the rock itself. These Casas Colgadas, or ‘Hanging Houses’ are Cuenca’s most famous feature, and one of them houses the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art.

What to see

The Ventano del Diablo, ‘Devil’s Window’, is a natural cave-like viewpoint. It’s located on the banks of the Jucar river, and offers impressive views of the waterfall.

Another sight to see is the San Pablo Bridge, an iron footbridge across the Huecar gorge - enjoy the panoramic views, but try not to get dizzy!

Manchego Cuisine

Enjoy an evening of tapas and wine in the old town and taste some traditional Manchego cuisine. Try morteruelo, a rich pate seasoned with paprika and bread crumbs, or ajo arriero, a garlicky

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

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 Ger man beer is dwind ling - and domestic demand is drying up even fas ter. In 2024, Germany exported 1.45 billion litres of beer - a 6 per cent decline compa red to 2014, ac cording 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.

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 released of Germany’s annual Beer Day, celebrated every April 23. The date commemorates the famed Reinheitsgebot, or Beer Purity Law, first enacted in Bavaria in 1516.

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.

As sales shrink, so does the number of

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.

High-tech Cuban dining.

Image: Stefano Mazzola Shutterstock.com

The law restricts beer ingredients to just water, malt, hops and yeast.

Credit: Ich. Creative Commons

Norway news gaffe

QUEEN SONJA of Norway, 87, had a bad weekend that left the nation gasping and then groaning. On Monday evening, April 21, while holidaying with King

Harald in the Scandinavian Alps, breathing troubles meant that she had to be taken by medical helicopter to Oslo University Hospital.

By Tuesday, doctors had given her a clean bill of health, discharging her to rest at home. The royal palace announced she’d skip her week’s engagements, and all seemed well.

However, Verdens Gang (VG), Norway’s top news outlet, bungled the story. During a live broadcast, a rogue ticker declared, ‘Queen Sonja of Norway has passed away’. For a fleeting minute, Norway stopped in its tracks until the red-faced VG crew pulled the erroneous message.

The nation’s most trusted outlet, founded in 1945 with the highest reputation for accura -

tely reporting the news, had accidentally ‘killed’ the queen.

Anchor Tora Bakke Håndlykken, likely wishing for a trapdoor, issued a hurried apology.

“This is a terribly unfortunate mistake, and we’re so sorry. We’ve apologised to the pa -

lace and our viewers.” VG, read by over half of Norway, promised to overhaul its procedures to avoid another royal blunder. The palace, probably not knowing what to say, confirmed Sonja was very much alive and recovering at home.

Alive and well, Queen Sonja.

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

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.

Vueling will offer increased flights to Spain from the UK. Credits: simpleflying.com

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

IF you think Europe is all about expensive cafés and pricey tourist traps, think again. Hidden between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is one of the continent’s best-kept secrets - and it’s ridiculously affordable.

While crowds rush to Paris or Rome, Moldova quietly offers incredible food, fascinating culture, and a warmth that feels like stepping back to simpler times.

Less than 150,000 tourists visit Moldova each year. Flights from Spain can cost

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

Hidden

Moldova

as little as €18, and once you arrive, prices are almost unbelievable.

In Chisinau, you can rent a flat for €80 a month or find a hotel for under €30 a night. A drink might only cost €1. Moldova’s political situation is com-

“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.

plex. It applied for EU membership in 2022, but tensions with the breakaway region of Transnistria add uncertainty. Moldova is world-famous for its wine, holding the Guinness World Record for the largest collection - 1.5 million bottles. Tasting local wine is part of everyday life, with a glass costing less than €1. Travelling here is easy for EU citizens, who can visit using just an ID card. Moldova offers an authentic European experience - rare and deeply rewarding.

Empty offices could provide more housing.

Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn, Pexels

A surprise find.

Image: SCVB / YouTube

ITALY

Deleted tribute

ISRAEL’S official social media account briefly posted a condolence message following Pope Francis’s death. However, the message, which included a photo of the pope at the Western Wall, was deleted shortly after. Israeli officials later called the post a ‘mistake’, explaining it was removed due to the Pope’s past criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Pension gap

IN the first quarter of 2025, the Italian National Institute of Social Security (INPS) reported that the average monthly state pension for women was €1,011, 32 per cent lower than the €1,486 received by men. This disparity, up from 29.1 per cent in 2024, reflects ongoing gender inequalities in Italy’s pension system.

PORTUGAL

Bird sanctuary

THE Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) launched a fundraising campaign to establish a national network of bird sanctuaries to reverse the decline of various species. These sanctuaries will collaborate with landowners to implement conservation measures such as creating ponds, and replacing invasive plants with native ones.

Ambulance crash

LAST week a speeding ambulance on route to an emergency in Espinho, Portugal, collided with two pedestrians, resulting in four injuries. Among the injured was a doctor travelling to an emergency, who sustained serious injuries. The other victims, two pedestrians, were also seriously injured. Authorities are investigating.

NORWAY

Royal relief

QUEEN Sonja of Norway has been discharged from Oslo University Hospital, after being admitted for breathing issues. She had been airlifted from a royal cabin in Sikkilsdalen. Her condition stabilised following medical tests, and she is on sick leave for a few days. This is her second hospitalisation this year.

Scholar strategy

NORWAY has introduced a 100 million kroner initiative to attract top international researchers, particularly those affected by recent US academic policy changes. The Research Council of Norway aims to bolster academic freedom and support critical research areas like climate, health, energy, and artificial intelligence.

EURO PRESS

Media lawsuit

SOME 67 French media companies representing 200 publications have filed a lawsuit against Meta in the Paris business tribunal. They allege that Meta’s dominance in digital advertising is based on unlawful practices, including extensive personal data collection and targeted advertising techniques.

FRANCE DENMARK

Royal portrait

GERMANY

Monkey business

PRINCESS Isabella of Denmark’s 18th birthday portraits were released last week, showcasing her first tiara and an elegant gown. However, one photo released of her holding an iPhone has sparked attention online as it broke royal protocol. The candid image provided a more personal glimpse of Isabella, marking her step into royal responsibilities.

Harbour hazard

COPENHAGEN’s harbour baths were temporarily closed after a sewage leak from Biofos, Denmark’s largest wastewater company. Around 12,000 cubic metres of wastewater were released into a stream flowing into the harbour, impacting local ecosystems. Authorities advised against swimming until water quality improved.

IRELAND

Compost trail

EAMON QUINN, 38, has been jailed for six months after stealing €500 worth of garden products from Vaughan’s Garden Centre in Ennis. Gardaí traced him via a trail of compost leading to his home. Described as a ‘cartoonish’ crime by his solicitor, Quinn, who suffers from health issues, pleaded guilty. Some items were recovered.

Rising tensions

IRISH hip-hop group Kneecap received death threats after their controversial Coachella performance, where they displayed messages against Israel and led ‘Free Palestine’ chants. Their manager confirmed the severity of the threats but praised the band for their bravery. Despite backlash, Kneecap has gained strong fan support.

Mail decline

A COURT in Chemnitz has sentenced three young men to three and a half years in prison each for stealing a monkey from Leipzig Zoo. The men had abducted 15-year-old Ruma, a female monkey, over Easter 2024 to take selfies and videos. They kept her in a garage for three days before eventually releasing her.

Eco-protest damage

A PROTECTIVE amphibian fence spanning several kilometres in Hamburg was deliberately destroyed. The fence was intended to safeguard amphibians during nearby construction activities. Authorities suspect radical environmental activists opposed to the motorway extension are responsible. The damage is estimated in the six-figure range.

NETHERLANDS

Gold gang

TWO additional suspects, aged 20 and 18, have been arrested in connection with the January gold heist at the Drents Museum in Assen, bringing the total to seven. They are believed to have purchased tools used in the break-in. Despite extensive searches, the stolen Romanian artifacts, including the Cotofenesti helmet, remain missing.

Pandemic debt

AS of April 2025, Dutch companies still owe €5.9 billion in deferred taxes from the Covid-19 pandemic. Approximately 120,000 businesses remain in debt, with 28 per cent currently in arrears. The tax office anticipates that some of this debt will never be recovered, estimating that €3.5 billion may ultimately not be repaid.

SWEDEN’s mail volume fell 12 per cent in 2024 to 1.05 billion items, a faster decline than previous years. The drop is driven by digitalisation and changing habits. PTS urges balancing service with cost-efficiency as revenues fall. Postnord currently delivers mail every other day and remains the sole nationwide distributor of traditional letters.

Hate speech case

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy in Landskrona, Sweden, is facing charges for inciting hatred against LGBTQI individuals after delivering a speech in an English class. Using terms like ‘abomination’, he expressed readiness to ‘take up arms for society and its customs’. Prosecutor Nina Bengtsson stated that the speech warranted legal action.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Bear boom

FINLAND’s bear population has seen a significant recovery, growing by 10-20 per cent in recent years to approximately 2,400 animals, according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland. This resurgence follows a policy change in 2022 that reduced hunting quotas, reversing a previous decline.

Budget cuts

FINLAND’s government has announced a new budget plan featuring tax cuts, including reducing the corporate tax rate from 20 to 18 per cent and cutting employee income taxes by €1.1 billion. To finance these cuts, Finland will withdraw from the state pension fund.

BELGIUM

Go-slow protest

UBER and Bolt drivers in Brussels staged a spontaneous ‘go-slow’ protest, starting from Charles Quint Avenue in Ganshoren. Between 50 and 100 drivers participated, aiming to draw attention to disparities between street and rank taxis. Their demands included access to dedicated lanes, lower commissions, and higher minimum fares.

Jet boost

BELGIUM is accelerating military investment by purchasing more F-35 fighter jets, aiming to meet NATO’s 2 per cent GDP defence spending target by 2025, four years earlier than planned. The country has already ordered 34 F-35s and plans to manufacture additional jets in Italy.

Credit: Shutterstock / Skorzewiak

A lawsuit has been filed against Meta.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Cave Concert

THE COSTA BLANCA

MALE VOICE CHOIR is inviting audiences to a spectacular show in the most unique of settings.

The choir will be performing their Summer Concert on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 in the Calaveras Caves, Benidoleig at 8.30pm.

Their audiences will sit in a natural phenomenon as the choir transports them through song into summer.

The first all-male voice choir in the Costa Blanca, the group has grown in size to around 40 members, all of whom sing an extensive repertoire of songs.

Ensuring there will be something for everyone at their upcoming event, they sing melodies from multiple genres, including

everything from musicals to popular favourites and classical songs.

The choir is a local fixture in Teulada, where they practise every week on Tuesday evenings in Bar Mediterraneo, everyone is invited to listen in.

They have made a huge impact locally as they donate their extra revenue to charities, raising more than €8,000 already for the community, their summer concert also aims to help.

The proceeds from this event will go to Cancer Care Javea who do phenomenal work in the Costa Blanca supporting people affected by cancer.

Join in by buying tickets from the Costa Blanca Male Choir’s website at €15 a ticket.

ALBERTO FERRUZ’S culinary offering for this new season is inspired by a heartfelt tribute at the foot of the cliffs of the Marina Alta in Alicante.

Situated in Javea within a lovingly restored country house and set amidst a manicured garden, BonAmb draws upon a fresh, evocative theme each year to inform its menu.

Under the title Memorabilia, this season unfolds in three distinct options:

• Recuerdos Menu (€155)

Nine courses evoking childhood flavours, accompanied by welcome canapés and a sweet finale. Wine pairing is available.

• El Viaje Menu (€185)

Twelve courses for a deeper sensory journey, complete with canapés, a sweet ending and optional wine harmony.

• À la Carte

Individually priced dishes inspired by emotio-

nal memories (prices range from €18 for starters to €45 for a main of fish or meat).

In five years, Ferruz has achieved meteoric success: awards for frontof-house professionalism and Best Chef of the Year from the Academy of Gastronomy; three Repsol Suns and two Michelin stars.

Born on June 1, 1984 in Cariñena, Zaragoza, Ferruz quite literally grew up in a kitchen: by the age of 12 he was already working at La Bodega, his uncle’s restaurant.

He trained almost three years under Martín Berasategui, later broadening his horizons at the renowned Taillevent in Paris. Returning to the Valencian Community, he moved on to Casa Pepa in Ondara before establishing BonAmb.

Carretera Benitachell, 100 | 03730 Javea | Alicante | +34 965 084 440

Alberto Ferruz at his restaurant.

OWNER INTERVIEW

Tradition and innovation

BENIASIA is a restaurant built from a family’s determination to find both excellence and authenticity in their culinary ventures and their gastro bodega. Andres told us what makes Beniasia stand out in the Marina Alta.

“Founded in 2003 by the Huang family, Beniasia has established itself for more than 20 years as one of the leading Asian restaurants on the Costa Blanca. Located in El Poble Nou de Benitachell, the restaurant has been managed with passion and dedication, offering an authentic fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines.”

Andres explained that “Beniasia, means ‘Sons of Asia’, and reflects the deep pride in their family’s roots and the vocation to share their culinary culture. Every detail of the restaurant is designed to transport the diner to an atmosphere of oriental serenity, with architecture that recreates the feeling of being sheltered in the middle of a natural forest.”

Beniasia is known for its gastronomic excellence and the restaurant has evolved by incorporating a new space: the Gastro Bodega. Andres said

“This innovative concept combines its Asian cuisine with a wine and spirits list considered among the best in the area. The selection has been carefully designed by Huang Shan, son of the founders and sommelier.” With more than two decades

of experience, Beniasia continues to be an emblem of tradition, innovation and hospitality in the heart of the Marina Alta.

Address: Beniasia, Carrer Assagador, 10, Benitachell Phone number: 644 916 011

Spain’s Wine Legacy

Sip happens: Exploring the joyful juice of Comunidad Valenciana

THE Comunidad Valenciana - sun-drenched and Mediterranean to its core - is where wine isn’t just a drink, it’s a way of life. With three Denominations of Origin - Utiel-Requena, Valencia, and Alicante - this region offers a glass for every mood.

In Utiel-Requena, I savour the crisp cavas from Pago de Tharsys and the joyful wines from Montesanco. Then there are stunning wines from bodegas with their own DO protections, like Vegalfaro and Pagos like Mustiguillo, whose creativity never ceases to amaze.

Valencia DO is all about variety. From zesty Moscatel to elegant Merseguera,

it’s a sun-kissed buffet in every bottle. Too many extraordinary, avant-garde winemakers to list - but every sip tells a story.

Down in Alicante, head to the mountains for aged Chardonnay or Monastrell from Masos de Guadalest - pure poetry. I adore the ‘Vino de Sal’ from Finca Collado, the soul of El Veneno by Pepe Mendoza, the vibrant Paquita Mut from Les Freses, the gems of Óscar Mestre, and the unforgettable ice wine of Moscatel de Alejandría. Three regions, countless styles, and more stories than barrels - vino in the Comunidad Valenciana is sunshine you can sip.

martha@marthasvineyard.es

Martha Ardila, Sommelier at Martha’s Vineyard Moraira

Everyone who completes the walk will receive a medal.

BRUISED BUT NOT BROKEN are holding their annual Walk for Life, Saturday, May 3 from 9am and they are hoping as many of you as possible will join them.

We spoke with organiser Lorraine Massie who also runs the non-profit that has been helping and supporting people with cancer and their loved ones for over a decade in El Campello.

Lorraine said “We have been doing this

Walk for Life

since 2013, it’s important because it brings the community together, giving a chance for people to do something to help others.”

Lorraine lost daughter Rebecca to cancer in 2010, since then, she has created a support network for anyone battling the disease locally. And she walks the 10k route every year wea-

ring a t-shirt, designed in memory of her daughter. “We have walkers who have had cancer and want to raise awareness and give something back and we have walkers who are doing it for a loved one.”

Enter the Walk for Life with a €12.50 donation and get a shirt to decorate, a wristband, a sandwich after the event

and a medal for all those who complete the walk. Everyone is welcome to go as far as they can on the route, all ages, abilities, mobility scooters and wheelchairs are welcome and dogs are too.

You can register to walk at the charity shop in El Campello or phone Lorraine on 608 524 896.

Annual Anglican Church meeting

THE church want you to be in the know, so everyone is welcome to attend The Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy’s annual parochial church meeting (APCM).

The APCM held on Tuesday, May 6, will take place in El Cid Restaurant, Benidoleig at 10.30am.

and the activities

• of the parish generally;

• Financial statements of the Church Council for the year ending December 31.

• A report on the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church or churches in the parish

The meeting is being held to elect members to the Parochial Church Council and the Deanery Synod. Another goal of the meeting will be to appoint an Independent Examiner or Auditor. The Costa Blanca Chaplain-

cy has also said the meeting will consider the following points:

• A report on changes to the roll since the previous APCM

• And other general church interests.

For more information reach out to Chaplaincy Secretary, J Elaine Mitchell via the email address: al

• An annual Report of the procee dings of the parochial church council

Photo Credit: Lorraine Massie

Photo

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:

May Day Celebrations

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

JOURNALIST.

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.

DeLorean delight

FOUR decades after Back to the Future hit cinemas in 1985, only 303 DeLorean cars are still registered for use on UK roads. The car, made famous by its starring role as a time machine in the film, has become increasingly rare.

To mark the anniversary of the cult classic, online auction site Collecting Cars obtained the latest figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Alongside the 303 road-worthy DeLoreans, another 114 are registered as off-road, meaning they’re most likely tucked away in garages.

The DeLorean DMC-12 was originally produced in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, with around 9,000 built between 1981 and 1982. The company went bust not long after, and the car’s short production run has helped turn it into a prized co -

llector’s item.

In the last six years, Collecting Cars has only handled the sale of two DeLoreans. They estimate that a fully restored one could now fetch up to £80,000. Back in 1981, you could’ve picked one up for about £18,000.

Edward Lovett, CEO of Collecting Cars, said a mix of nostalgia, rarity, and the enduring

INTERVIEW

love for the Back to the Future films has driven prices up, though he added, the real cars sadly don’t fly.

The DeLorean’s most iconic moment came at the end of the first film, when Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd, famously said: “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” just before the car soared into the sky.

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.

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

Image: RAMAN SHAUNIA / Shutterstock.com

Back to the Future hit cinemas in 1985.

VOICE Your

Do you think bullfighting should

be completely banned?

ONE of Spain’s most controversial traditions, bullfighting has sparked debates for centuries. Considered by some to be a core part of Spanish heritage, others view it as a barbaric and outdated practice that subjects animals to unnecessary suffering for the sake of entertainment. In recent years, the ethical and moral implications of this sport have come to the forefront, with campaigns such as ‘No Es Mi Cultura’ (Not My Culture), protesting against the practice and signing petitions to change the laws that protect bullfighting as part of Spanish heritage.

On the other hand, bullfighting is not only a cultural tradition, but also a significant economic contributor, generating revenue through ticket sales, tourism, and merchandise. Despite its economic significance, recent surveys found that 77 per cent of Spaniards surveyed agreed that bullfights cause suffering and nearly 60 per cent are against the sport completely. With this in mind, we asked our readers: Should bullfighting be completely banned?

Many commenters acknowledge that the decision is up to the Spanish people, such as Lesley Dixon who writes, “YES! But it is up to Spain and their people to decide,” and Edith Farminer, “Yes. But it must be the Spanish people who

achieve this, as we must respect their feelings and traditions.”

Janet Dawdry agrees, and notes, “There are a lot of Spanish people that want an end to this. They love their animals.”

Michael Lindsay says “I know it’s a ‘Spanish tradition’ etc but that doesn’t trump animal cruelty.”

Gordy O’Keeffe writes, “Yes. It’s an easy decision to make. Why would anyone want to see an animal tortured and killed for sport and actually sit there and pay for the privilege?”

Deb Horses shows a different perspective: “Before stating yes or no, you need a plan to employ all those involved in the bullfighting business. [...] It is essential that people understand the history and why behind bullfighting. Once you understand that, and have an employment plan, then we can ponder other aspects.” With several commenters such as Pam Joseph , noting in response that there is “no excuse” for this practice. In conclusion, while there is overwhelming support for banning bullfighting with many people condemning the practice for its cruelty, there is also a recognition that the decision ultimately rests with the Spanish people, as bullfighting is deeply intertwined with their culture and history.

Bullfighting is deeply entwined with Spanish culture and history.

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

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.

Currencies Direct have helped over 500,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

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

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

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.

If you, like us, believe it is time for truth, accountability, and action, we encourage you to write to us at letters@euroweeklynews.com or join the conversation across our platforms.

Let’s not stay silent.

Let’s speak - and act - together.

Feeling the flush Travelling light

HEADING off on a holi day? When space is tight, smart packing is key - especially with your beauty routine. The trick is choosing multi-tasking products that save space without sa crificing your glow.

Start with tra vel-sized skincare: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturiser, and SPF (non-negotiable!). A tinted moisturiser with SPF is a great two-in-one solution. For make-up, think minimal: a lightweight foundation or BB cream, a versatile lip and cheek tint, mascara, and a brow pencil that doubles as eyeliner. A compact palette with neutral

ShutterstockOlgaChapova

eyeshadows can also double as a highliHaircare? Swap bulky bottles for solid shampoo and conditioner bars or decant your favourites into mini bottles. A dry shampoo can be a

game-changer

Pack smart by using a clear, zip-up toiletry bag to save time at security and keep everything visible. Consider leak-proof containers and pack them upright in a corner of your suitcase or inside a shoe for extra protection. With the right essentials, you’ll be looking fabulous without the excess baggage.

HOT flushes are a sudden, intense feeling of warmth that typically spreads across the face, neck, and chest, often followed by sweating and a rapid heartbeat. They’re most commonly linked to menopause, when hormonal changes - particularly a drop in oestrogen - affect the body’s internal thermostat. But they can also be triggered by stress, certain medications, or lifestyle factors.

At work or when out and about, hot flushes can feel especially inconvenient, but there are simple ways to stay cool. Wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen helps regulate body temperature. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust quickly when a flush comes on. Keep a small handheld fan or cooling facial mist in your bag

for a quick refresh, and sip cool water regularly to stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine and spicy food during the day can also reduce the likelihood of triggering a flush. If stress is a factor, taking a few slow, deep breaths when you feel one coming on can help ease the intensity. While hot flushes are a natural part of life for many, small daily tweaks can make managing them far more comfortable - wherever you are.

THE connection between what we eat and how we feel is becoming increasingly clear, as research continues to explore the link between nutrition and mental health. While food isn’t a cure-all, certain nutrients play a vital role in supporting brain function, mood regulation, and overall emotional well-being.

Food for thought

A diet rich in whole foods - such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and oily fish - helps fuel the brain with essential vitamins and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and walnuts, have been linked to reduced symptoms of depression, while B vitamins, especially B12 and folate, support energy levels and mental clarity. Conversely, diets high in processed foods and sugar may contribute to mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety. Gut health also plays a surprising role. A well-balanced microbiome can influen-

ce serotonin production - the ‘feel-good’ chemical - which is largely produced in the gut. Fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can support this delicate system.

Of course, nutrition is only one piece of the mental health puzzle, but making mindful food choices is a gentle, everyday step that can have a lasting impact.

A small handheld fan can help you to keep cool.

SPENDING long hours in front of a screen can take a toll on your eyes. A condition known as computer eye strain - also referred to as computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain - is becoming increasingly common in today’s digital world. It happens when your eyes have to work harder than usual to focus on screens, whether it’s a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Unlike reading from paper, screens constantly refresh and often have glare, contrast issues, or poor lighting. This forces your eyes to continuously adjust, leading to fatigue. Symptoms may include dry or watery eyes, blurred vision,

Computer eye strain

headaches, and even neck or shoulder pain from poor posture.

The condition isn’t typically serious, but it can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Fortunately, simple habits can help - like following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 mi-

Step to it

nutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness, reducing glare, and ensuring proper lighting and posture can also ease the strain. If symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to consult an optician. Regular breaks and mindful screen use can go a long way in protecting your eye health in the digital age.

THE often-quoted goal of 10,000 steps a day may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. The ideal number of steps depends on factors such as age, sex, and overall health. Research suggests that younger adults benefit from aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day, which supports cardiovascular health and weight management.

Older adults, particularly those over 65, may find 6,000 to 8,000 steps a more realistic and bene-

ficial target, helping with mobility, bone strength, and mental well-being.

Men often naturally walk more steps due to occupational differences and stride length, but gender doesn’t drastically affect the health benefits gained from regular walking. The key is consistency over quantity, especially for those new to regular activity.

Step counters and wearable trackers can be a worthwhile

investment, especially for those needing motivation or structure. Many devices offer more than just step counts - they can monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and even stress levels. While basic models start at modest prices, even a simple pedometer can encourage healthier habits. Ultimately, it’s not just about the number of steps, but making daily movement a part of your routine - whether that’s a brisk walk or dancing in the kitchen.

Regular walking helps with mobility, bone strength and mental well-being.

Mammograms

MAMMOGRAMS are a crucial tool in the early detection of breast cancer, playing a vital role in improving survival rates. These low-dose X-rays allow doctors to examine breast tissue for any abnormalities, often detecting cancer long before symptoms appear. Early detection is critical because it can catch cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Women aged 40 and older are typically advised to have regular mammograms, though the frequency may depend on personal and family medical history. For those at higher risk, doctors may recommend starting screenings earlier or having them more frequently.

Mammograms can detect even small tumours or changes in breast tissue that may not be noticeable through self-exams or clinical exams. By identifying these issues

early, mammograms can help prevent cancer from spreading and reduce the need for more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or surgery.

Regular mammograms are an essential component of preventive health care, empowering women to take control of their health and reducing the overall risk of breast cancer complications. They save lives by providing early detection and timely intervention.

Regular mammograms are an essential component of preventive health care.

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.

Axarquia

Axarquia’s global recognition

THREE beaches in Nerja have been ranked among the 20 most beautiful in Andalucia by National Geographic. Calahonda Beach, located in the centre of Nerja near Balcon de Europa, achieved an impressive fourth place. Maro Beach took the 11th place in National Geographic’s rankings, while Burriana Beach was placed at 20th place. Both of them were praised for their natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. Another beach from Axarquia also made it into the top 20. Bajamar, from Velez-Malaga, took the 19th place. Its low occupancy rate makes Bajamar perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the more crowded beaches in the area. Additionally, it is one of the beaches in Axarquia where nude bathing is permitted. The inclusion of four Axarquia beaches in the rankings of National Geographic is a source of pride for the region. In fact, local authorities in Nerja stated that such accolades serve as further motivation to continue enhancing the town’s policies for beach protection and visitor services, due to the crucial role tourism plays in the local economy.

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.

PETS

Does your bird need a pet-sitter?

SULTAN is a chatty bird and always like company. He moves around this cage trying to attract your attention, and always gets excited when a new pet-sitter comes in to care for him. It’s a new person to chat to. And it means that when HouseSitMatch sitters move in he has new playmates for the duration of their stay.

HouseSitMatch saves you money

We promote collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care! It’s a real win win!

HouseSitMatch is safe - all members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which housesitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - safe and undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.

If you’re planning travel this year, join now.

Sultan loves to chat to people, and petsitters can be very attentive…

Get organised today:

1. Register as a house-sitter or a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Join for as little as £89 / €99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos

4. Sitters apply for the available housesits, you hold a video interview via the site and match!

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

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Unbelievably good service! HouseSitMatch take the worry away from leaving your dog. Lamia and her team helped me through the whole process of finding the right sitter for my slightly nervous dog.

HouseSitMatch’s professional approach and secure platform allowed me to have confidence in the people who applied to look after my dog.

All sitters are checked and referenced before they can approach available ‘sits’, so I found it easy to select the person based on their likelihood of getting on with my pet and our home location.

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Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

A proper fit

A DOG’S collar might seem like a simple accessory, but if not fitted correctly, it can lead to a range of health and behavioural issues. One common problem is a collar that’s too tight, which can cause skin irritation, fur loss, or even breathing difficulties in extreme cases. A tight collar can also restrict neck movement and put pressure on the trachea, especially in smaller breeds.

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-

REMOVALS & STORAGE

TV & SATELLITE

Alvis’ latest Lancefield continuation car, 88 years after the first

By Mark Slack ROAD TEST

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 manufacturing - in line with the ethos of a 21st-century Alvis.

repeater lights and a collapsible steering column.

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 chassis number.

The result is an elegant and striking dual-purpose tourer - graceful and comfortable over long distances yet weighing just 1,500 kg it offers surprisingly punchy performance; a 0-60 mph acceleration of under 10 seconds is possible.

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 original charac-

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 forming 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.

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.

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

New signs, new rules

roads is a brand new sign that warns drivers of the presence 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 conceptssuch as the use of a

steam-powered train symbol - and gender inclusivity.

updated 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.

Some other signs will see their designs

This modernising aspect of the DGT’s plan also includes signs banning hoverboards and Segways - signs that will probably be spotted in tourist areas.

New signs will be rolled out during the summer on Spanish roads.

Credits: El Confidencial