Costa Blanca North 27 March – 2 April 2025 Issue 2073

MABS fundraising feat

Nearly €400,000 raised to help support cancer patients in the Costa Blanca

THE MABS Cancer Support Foundation has been raising funds to support cancer patients and their families since 1999, helping them through treatment. In 2024 their network of five shops, 335 selfless volunteers and their local communities raised €380,000. The astounding amount of money helped 525 cancer patients, with just over half of the donations, 51 per cent, being spent on nursing, 22 per cent, translation services and 11 per cent being used to fund equipment for those who desperately need it. Representatives from the charity, Martine Mertens and Patrick Meirsman, said that money raised would continue to be “used for various programmes aimed at improving the day-to-day life of cancer patients and their families, from providing them with means of transport to taking them to

treatments, to renting medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hospital beds or providing help at home.”

MABS help patients of all nationalities living in the Costa Blanca and the Costa Calida, the foundation has charity shop locations in Alfaz del Pi, Javea, Oliva, San Javier and Totana all run by volunteers. MABS stresses

that anyone diagnosed with or suffering from cancer can call the MABS helpline on 634 311 690 or visit www. mabscancerfoundation.org for guidance and support.

Costa Blanca North • Issue No. 2073 • 27 March - 2 April 2025 FREE

GRATIS GRATIS

MABS Alfaz del Pi volunteers at one of their 2024 fundraising events.

Smoke free beach

FROM the summer smoking will be banned on the beach of l’Albir, instead it will become a smoking-free area.

The commitment to change for the initiative Live a Healthy Life in Alfas was announced by the mayor of l’Alfas del Pi, Vicente Arques, at the campaign presentation.

He called the step “a measure consistent with the policies promoted by the local government from the outset, and supported by European funds.”

L’Alfas del Pi has been working for years to consolidate its position as a ben- chmark for

DAADI, the beloved community-driven fashion swap shop, is opening its second location in Moraira! Known for championing mindful consumerism, Daadi has been a game-changer in how people shop and think about fashion. The grand opening will take place on Friday, March

healthy international tourism. Creating smoke free zones on its beaches will be another step in the right direction.

The mayor of the town led an event at the House of Culture which pioneered new ideas and initiatives to help the town adapt to healthy living.

He also made sure to thank and recognise local associations, collectives and individuals for their day-to-day involvement and support as protagonists and participants in all their projects.

29, at 12.00pm. At Daadi, swapping is the new shopping. Their mission is simple: give pre-loved clothes a second life, reduce fashion waste, and make sustainable fashion accessible to all. Customers can swap clothes by donating their pre loved items and then

the brim from only €12. You can also become a Daadi Planet Pioneer - the exclusive membership programme that allows unlimited swaps while tracking individual carbon footprint savings.

Daadi first began in Jalon as a way to raise funds for Saksham School in Jaipur, it is now offering help to a small nursery school in Valencia that was damaged by the Dana floods. Daadi has since grown into a thriving community where fashion lovers, eco-warriors, and bargain hunters unite.

Daadi also encourages clothes swaps for kids, teaching them about sustainability along with workshops teaching people to mend and sew.

People have been overwhelmingly supportive about the new shop coming to Moraira. They have a wonderful new group of volunteers Join them on March 29 at 12.00pm to explore the new shop, meet fellow swappers, and discover how small actions can make a big impact on the planet.

For more information, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Alfaz del Pi Ajuntament

The mayor at their healthy living meeting.

Spanish retirement reforms

Key changes from April 2025

FROM April 1, Spain’s Social Security system will introduce significant changes affecting partial retirement, active retirement, and delayed retirement. These changes aim to improve the compatibility between pensions and employment, allowing more people to work, should they choose to, while still receiving their pension.

Partial retirement in Spain

One of the most notable reforms is to partial retirement, both with and without a replacement contract. The key up dates include:

• Early partial retirement will be available up to three years before the official retirement age.

• Employees working more than two years in advance can reduce their working hours by 20-33 per cent in the first year.

• Temporary workers can now be hired as relief workers for those on partial retirement.

• The replacement contract must now be full-time and permanent, the replacement employee must remain in the position for at least two years after the partial retiree steps down.

• Workers reaching the standard retirement age can now opt for partial retirement without a replacement contract, with working hour reductions between 25 per cent and 75 per cent (previously capped at 50 per cent).

Active retirement in Spain

Active retirement, which allows pensioners to work while receiving their pension, will undergo major changes. From April 2025:

• Pensioners will no longer be required to have completed their entire contribution career to qualify.

• Active retirement can now be combined with delayed retirement incentives, offering greater flexibility.

The percentage of pension allowed while working will gradually increase over time:

• one year of active retirement: 45 per cent of pension can

be received.

• two years: 55 per cent

• three years: 65 per cent

• After five years: 100 per cent of pension can be received.

This reform aims to encourage older workers to stay in the labour market without financial penalties while providing a smoother transition to full retirement.

Delayed retirement in Spain

The Spanish government is also modifying delayed retirement rules, which allow workers to postpone their retirement in exchange for a higher pension.

• From April 2025, workers will only need to contribute for six months in the second year of their delay to qualify for Social Security financial incentives.

• Previously, a full year of contributions was required to access these benefits.

• This adjustment aims to encourage more workers to delay retirement, giving them access to incentives sooner. https://www.sede.seg-social.gob.es

Warning to used car buyers

THE Guardia Civil has sounded the alarm on Spain’s booming second-hand car market, warning buyers to be on high alert for online deals that seem too good to be true. With prices soaring, more motorists are turning to used cars, but that bargain motor could come with a nasty surprise.

In a video on TikTok (@ guardia_civil_navarra), an officer from the Benemerita delivered a clear message: “Never make a pay-

ment before seeing the vehicle in person.” He also offered a golden rule for spotting a scam: “If the price seems suspiciously low, don’t trust it.”

The warning comes amid a rise in fraudulent listings and dodgy deals, with criminals preying on eager buyers looking for a bargain. Scammers often lure victims with unrealistically low prices, pressuring them into sending deposits before they even set eyes on the car.

To steer clear of trouble, the Guardia Civil recommends requesting a full vehicle report from Spain’s DGT. This official document provides crucial details, such as past owners-

Clocks go forward

DAYLIGHT Savings Time begins on Sunday March 30 at 2.00am. At this time, clocks will ‘spring forward’ as we welcome in the longer days and sunnier seasons of spring and summer.

British Embassy: get TIE now

FOR those of you who still have the green certificate to validate your legal residency in Spain, you will have to change it for a TIE card now or face not being able to travel.

New information from the Spanish government, supplied to the Euro Weekly News by the British Embassy in Spain, says that the soon-to-be implemented Entry Exit System (EES) of the EU will not recognise the old green certificate as a valid ID.

The EES is expected at some point in 2025. Under this new border system, all non-EU short-stay travellers will need to register their name, passport details, and data upon entering Spain or any other EU country.

British residents in Spain will need to show a valid uniform-format identity card, in this case the TIE, to be exempt from the EES system and therefore travel freely across the Schengen EU border to the UK and back, as the green certificate will no longer be accepted as proof of residency in Spain. Without a TIE, it could be that the computers flag you as having stayed too long in the EU and therefor Border officers may detain you, or expel you from the country.

More information on how to apply, including links to Spanish government websites where the applications are made, can be found on the ‘Living in Spain’ guide on gov.uk.

Tax season is almost here!

hip, accident history, and any outstanding debts on the car.

Beyond checking the paperwork, experts advise buyers to consider key factors like the car’s reliability, size, fuel type, and, most importantly, their budget. Comparing different makes and models is also a smart move to ensure you’re not overpaying - or worse, being conned.

Many buyers also use second-hand car checking services like www.needcarhelp.es. These services will come and check the second-hand car you’re interested in and give you a full report of any faults or issues found. They also run a car history check and check the documents for you.

TAX season is approaching fast in Spain, and from March 19, residents can access their fiscal data online via the Agencia Tributaria portal. This early check allows you to spot mistakes or missing details before the official income tax return (IRPF) filing period begins on April 2. Reviewing your information ahead of time helps avoid last-minute corrections or potential fines. Common errors include incorrect addresses, outdated bank accounts, or missing income records. If you discover an issue after submitting, you can still amend your return before the final deadline. To check your data, visit the Agencia Tributaria website and select ‘Datos Fiscales’.

You can log in using cl@ve, electronic DNI, a digital certificate, or the reference number from last year’s return. Once inside, you’ll be able to verify and update your tax details directly. While online filing opens on April 2, those preferring in-person appointments will need to wait until May when face-to-face services become available. Spain’s tax office reminds residents that Bizum transfers under €10,000 usually don’t need to be declared, unless they are business-related. Inheritances themselves are not included in income tax returns, but any profit from the sale or rental of inherited assets must be reported. Workers with multiple employers also face additional filing obligations - if you earned more than €15,000 across various sources and over €1,500 from a second employer, you will need to file. In general, anyone earning more than €22,000 per year must submit a return, though exceptions apply. Taking time to review your data now could help you avoid complications down the line.

https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/

MUCHAMIEL’S seventh Spoon festival began on Thursday March 20, offering two weekends of traditional menus at nine restaurants.

Bonfires end St Joseph’s Day Spoon Festival

The councillor for Tourism, Felicia Aracil said that “the development of this gastronomic… aims to raise awareness of local restaurants and the potential of local products.”

The last weekend of the festival will begin on March 27 and end on March 30. As well as food and gastronomy the town hall have been using the festival to promote local tourism through guided tours. Visitors take a guided tour of the town’s Defence Tower, a tour of the Santa Elena Gardens or the Les Fontetes Interpretation Centre. Guided tours will next be available on

Sunday, March 30 at 11am. Upcoming celebrations, a continuation of the Spoon Festival include elements of Spring in the Park on Friday March 28 and Saturday, March 29. Where concerts and musical activities have already been scheduled. The famous local band La Fumiga will make an appearance and so will Sandra Monfort, who combines traditional and popular music. New artist Quinto will also take to the stage.

On Saturday, March 29, the group O’Funk’illo, who have a varied sound from reggae and flamenco to metal will play in the afternoon alongside other bands. Find out more about the bands, restaurants and where to buy tickets on the town hall Facebook page.

ALFAS DEL PI brought its Saint Joseph Day celebrations to a close with the traditional bonfire of their Fallas.

The small paper-mache figurines are made by artists for groups, schools and associations from local towns in the Costa Blanca North and were placed in Alfaz del Pi to be admired for a few days before the Spanish Father’s Day celebrations and Las Fallas festivals were brought to a close with a bonfire

in the main square. Before the bonfire, a mass was held in celebration of Saint Joseph along with a procession, where the local families dressed in their traditional costumes and made their way through the town. Finally, the Fiestas de San José concluded with the cremà de la falla, a bonfire which engulfed the town’s falla figurines in the town centre. The town has celebrated Saint Joseph’s Day for 200 years.

Photo Credit: Ajuntament de Mutxamel

Announcing the Spoon Festival.

A procession took place in the town.

Photo Credit: Ayuntamiento de Alfas del Pi

Drawing contest

THE Teulada Moraira Lions work closely with the Cap D’Or school to provide financial assistance to help with school equipment and funding for future projects. They had the first of an annual drawing competition for the children in the school, and on Thursday, March 13 they held an assembly in the school’s gym to announce the winners, presenting prizes and certificates to every child.

During the competition each child was as-

ked to draw a picture, during the school day, to celebrate International Women’s Day, which was on March 8, with a drawing theme of: women who inspire.

There was a comprehensive set of rules that teachers and Lions had to use whilst choosing the winning drawings. Competition was fierce with almost 200 entries.

The Lions said “the drawings were fantastic, colourful, creative and very varied, with some real budding artists and talents on display.”

For the Lions team it was an emotional and very special morning. The atmosphere throughout the school was one of fun, laughter and smiles. Each class in turn came up to be presented with their own personalised certificate, the children were thrilled to be recognised and praised for their participation. The drawing competition will now become an annual event between the Lions and the school.

The Lions wish to

pass their thanks to the happy children and staff of Cap D’Or school for making the whole team proud to be involved.

The children were thrilled to be praised for their participation.

FINESTRAT’S CE El Portell and its sports department have created the slogan ‘Everything is better with a bicycle’ for their next big event called Bicycle Day.

Sunday, April 6 there will be a biking circuit race for anyone over the age of 12 to participate in. The circuit will be 10 kilometres in length and start at 10.30am. A family friendly event, children and their parents can take part from 11.30am in a circuit that will take them through the streets of the old town, there will also be games to play.

The councillor for Sports, Beatriz Quintillán and the President of the CE El Portell de Finestrat, Vicente Llorca Climent, presented this sporting proposal as part of healthy leisure activities in the town. They said that every year “It is a day attended by many people in Finestrat.” And that their muni-

Bicycle Day

cipality loves cycling and as such the group has chosen to promote the activity from an early age in the area.

“Again, we go hand in hand with the Portell to celebrate this day which will also be a party because there will be paella and entertainment for everyone,” said Quintillán.

Registrations are now open, visit the town hall Facebook page for more information. Participants will be able to join until April 3 at 2pm. The registration fee will be €3 a person, this includes paella, a gift and accident insurance.

Photo

Calpe Old Town lit up

MORE than 2,000 candles lit the old town’s walkways in Calpe creating a beautiful atmosphere.

Promoting Polop

The candles were lit on Saturday, March 22 as part of a llum dels ciris, an initiative created by the department of culture and revitalisation of the old town. They worked with the organisers of the Holy Week processions to only light candles in the old town’s streets. The magical sight was best viewed in the Plaza de la Villa where the majority of the 2,500 candles were placed. Although the candles were also distributed along adjoining streets.

According to the town council, the illuminating event was a great success, with hundreds of visitors attending the light display and strolling through Calpe’s old town. They were also pleased as social media was flooded by images from the initiative as visitors used the mobiles to photograph the unusual spectacle.

The aim of the event was to create an intimate atmosphere to begin the run up to Easter events that include musical concerts.

Residents were so enamoured with the beautiful candlelit walks that they are already talking about repeating the event annually. The councillor for Culture and the old town, Guillermo Sendra, has successfully rallied local support for the event and asked shop and house owners to decorate their shop fronts and balconies with candles and torches to collaborate and extend the area that the candles covered.

POLOP village will present a new tourism brochure and promotional video of their village.

On Thursday, March 27 at 7pm in the Emilio Sagi Auditorium there will be a meeting to highlight the new promotional materials.

Jose Luis Susmozas, the mayor of Polop, spoke of what draws tourists to Polop: “Polop is a town with history, nature and corners that you fall in love with. We want to continue promoting it as a point of reference des-

tination, putting value on everything that makes us unique and attractive to those who visit us.” He went on to invite locals and visitors to attend the presentation to celebrate and discover a new way of looking at Polop as a key tourist destination in the local area.

Tourism councillor, Angela Fuster, who has been heavily involved in the creation of the new promotional materials for the town emphasised the importance of presenting Polop visually

and graphically, to attract tourists to Polop. With an emphasis on Polop’s local history and culture, the town is perhaps hoping to take advantage of tourists who are consciously considering sustainable tourism as part of their travels. One way of committing to sustainable tourism is to not add to tourist numbers in locations with already high tourism tra c; a solution to this is visiting smaller locations like Polop that have many charming areas to promote.

Creating a beautiful atmosphere.

Photo Credit: Calpe Tourismo

A town with history, nature and corners that you fall in love with.

Photo Credit: Ajuntament de Polop

Human tower performance

JAVEA Port will host the presentation of ‘Portitxol’, a new performance concept from a human tower creating group.

It will be a brand-new concept focusing on a tower of four made from the members of the Muixeranga de la Marina Alta on March 30 at 12.30pm, at Javea Port. The Muixeranga are a local group of performers who create human towers, by climbing on top of one another and balancing carefully to create levels. The Muixeranga of the Marina Alta and the Fishermen’s Guild, together with the Department of Culture of Javea, are organising a day of popular culture in the port of the town.

The announcement of the event was made by Javea’s councillor for Culture, Mavi Perez and Amadeu Ros on behalf of the Fishermen’s Guild alongside the vice-president of the Muixeranga group, Pepe Signes.

rey human tower that will bear the emblematic name of the town, ‘El Portitxol’. The group already has a presence in the local area

and regularly visits local events to put on spectacular shows but intends to take this new tower on tour.

Calpe population boom

CALPE Town Council have been making steps toward registering as many of their citizens as possible on the population census.

Since January 1, 2024, Calpe’s official population figures have jumped up by 795 people, meaning there has been a mini population boom. According to the INS, the National Institute of Statistics has shown the jump from 26,821 inhabitants in January 2024 to 27,616 inhabitants as of January 2025. Although this number can be changed if other figures are provided, it is more than likely this will be the final statistic for this year’s population number in the town.

Hundreds of foreign residents may well not be registered on official systems and therefore not be counted by the INE statistics according to the town council. If residents don’t renew their census information officially, which by law is an obligation that must be completed by EU citizens and other foreign residents

every five years or two years depending on nationality.

The Calpe Town Hall have tried in multiple ways to bring citizens from every background into the official fold, with campaigns encouraging them to register or renew their census data

regularly. Reach out to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to find out more information about joining the Spanish census or Calpe Town Hall to update information and collaborate with the council to grow the town officially.

A poster of the event was has been announced by the town council. It explains that during the cultural event the acrobatic group also known as the green gang will perform and unveil a new four-sto-

This new performance with begin a tour of the area shortly.

Brits abroad

BRITISH tourists make up a large share of visitors to Alicante, with one in three coming from the UK. Last year, over 2.6 million Britons travelled to the Costa Blanca, showing that neither Brexit nor the pandemic has slowed them down. They remain a key part of the region’s tourism industry.

The numbers reflect what’s happening at Alicante-Elche Airport, the main entry point for travellers. The airport set a new record for passengers, and the trend has continued into 2025. Out of 18 million people who passed through, more than 6.1 million were British, confirming their status as the largest group of visitors.

Ryanair dominates

the market for UK travellers, handling 45 per cent of British tourists. easyJet follows with 27 per cent, and Jet2 has 17.5 per cent.

Leading tour operators include Southall Travel, ST&H, Svenska Reisengruppen, E Dreams, and British Airways.

London is the top city of origin, accounting for 29.4 per cent of visitors, but other cities also contribute significantly. Manchester makes up 12 per cent, Bristol 7.3 per cent, Nottingham 6.6 per cent, and Birmingham 6.3 per cent.

NEW data from the Spanish Tax Agency shows that salaried women in the Alicante Province make 16.3 per cent less than their male counterparts every year.

Even though it is prohibited by law for men and women to receive di erent salaries the average salary earned by women in the Alicante region is far lower than that earned by men, in fact, it equates to being paid €3,576 less per year.

Women get paid on average €18,291 per year whilst men get paid an average of €21,867.

The last time the gures were given at a peak moment in the labour market was 2008 and the wage gap has been signi cantly reduced since then by 8 per cent from 24.52 per cent to 16.3 per cent.

Flights between Alicante and the UK are frequent, making up 37 per cent of the airport’s operations. Last year, there were 36,430 flights between the two locations, averaging 99 per day. Manchester had the highest number, with 5,090 flights, or about 12 daily.

30 Years to equality

The biggest concern is that if the reduction continues at this rate it will take until 2055 for the gender pay gap to be completely bridged.

Perhaps the most worrying trend is that the percentage reduction in salary disparity is largely not down to legislation changes or actions taken to create equality in pay, but instead because during the economic down turn of 2008-

2014 men’s purchasing power su ered. The problem for women has become even more apparent post Covid with the gap having been reduced by only 0.6 per cent since 2020. The data does not provide answers as to why the disparity in wages is so great.

Ryanair dominates the market for UK travellers.

Gender pay gap.

Vehicle height rules Motorheads descend on town

PUBLIC car parks in Teulada will now have height controls installed to regulate what vehicles are parking in the municipal zones.

The town hall have decided to install the new metal gateways having identified recent problems in multiple car parks across Teulada Moraira.

Large vehicles or tall vehicles must now take notice of the entrances of municipal car parks to ensure they are the correct height to enter. The measures have been put in place to ‘reduce the use of large vehicles in public car parks and on private plots of land’, according to council representatives.

LA VILLAJOYOSA hosted

The Iberia Motor Fest this week and thousands of motoring enthusiasts arrived in the town from all over Spain.

First announced last February, the measures are over a year later, being implemented, to ensure the best use of public space is being managed. The maximum height a car can now be to enter the areas where height restrictors have been applied is 2.2 metres tall.

Mayor of Teulada Moraira, Raul Llobell, suggested that “the installation of the gauge controls, achieves an appropriate use of the municipal car parks where we prioritise the correct coexistence between citizens and vehicles, while controlling possible illegal dumping.”

The town hall has also gone on to say that installing these controls shows it is committed to promoting ‘order and sustainability’ so that its citizens can make the best and correct use of public spaces.

The town did not just host some of the best international cars and motorbikes, but they also put on a great show with rock and roll bands playing throughout the festival and motoring competitions to keep visiting motorheads happy.

The third weekend in March saw only the second edition of the Iberia Motor

Fest, even though the festival is relatively new it drew huge crowds and transformed the local area into a hub of motoring activities.

The usually calm beach town was filled with revving engines. There were motorbike rallies, American car exhibitions and market stalls selling clothes and accessories.

The town hall made sure the zone felt authentically like a motoring festival with catering trucks and live rock and roll music transforming Antoneta

park.

The councillor for Sports, Peyo Lloret, said “this second edition has exceeded the number of participants and public, which is why the Iberia Motor Fest is consolidating itself as a great event for fans of rock culture and motor lovers in La Villajoyosa.”

The town hall said a major highlight was on Saturday, when “the attendees were thrilled by the roar of the engines in the American car motor racing competitions and the stunt passes.”

Thousands of motoring enthusiasts arrived from all over Spain.

Photo Credit: Ajuntment La Vila Joiosa.

Large vehicles must now take notice.

Photo Credit: Ajuntament de Teulada Moraira

Smart tourism destinations

ALTEA will shortly be utilising data from a new tourist intelligence unit to encourage a better tourist experience in its marinas.

The new tourist intelligence unit is being trialled in Altea to promote sustainable spaces for tourism.

The idea is to use the unit to collect reliable, strategic data, that can be analysed and shared to improve the tourism competitiveness of Altea’s marinas in comparison to others locally. As with many tourism destinations their longterm goals are to create a sustainable level of tourism that offer the opportunity to enjoy Altea’s beautiful coastline and blue badge tourism.

A meeting was held to discuss the new

tourism intelligence system, which will take information from both the tourism office and Altea’s online data platform, DATAESTUR, plus the XATO Cube project, to create reports which can then be actioned. The data will be shared with the public via the municipal website and there are plans to utilise the information gathered to create better tourism experiences in the area, that are inclusive and effective. The councillor, German Manjon, has highlighted the use of this data strategy in the context of the town, as opposed to using generalised tourism data to make decisions which will then impact Altea, he says they are hoping for a ‘move towards alteanisation’ in the pooled data.

Save My Life

MARK your calendars!

The Save My Life 13 charity gala is happening on Sunday March 30 at Benidorm Palace. This special event raises funds to help abandoned and abused animals, giving them the care they need.

Enjoy a night of music, dance, and magic performed by top artists. Plus, don’t miss the exciting auction, featuring unique donated items. Every euro raised goes directly to animal rescue, adoption, and care programmes.

Tickets are available now on the Benidorm Palace website: benidorm palace.com.

This year’s event has some big shoes to fill following on from the success of last year. In 2024, Save My Life 12 featured 10 fantastic acts, but the true stars were Beatrice and Little Man (Yoda), two rescued dogs who captured the hearts of

the audience. Beatrice, a 13-year-old blind sweetheart, had only left the shelter six days before the event, while Little Man’s recovery had been uncertain just months prior. Seeing them on stage brought many to tears and reminded everyone why these events are so important.

The auction also played a significant role in the fundraising efforts. Among the many incre -

dible items up for bid, a mobility scooter and framed Mayweather memorabilia stole the show, raising a staggering €6,000 alone.

Christine Climent, owner of Benidorm Palace, expressed her gratitude on Facebook, saying, “A million times thank you to everyone who attended our gala fundraising day. Without your support, we couldn’t keep on doing what we do.”

Save My Life 12 Charity Gala held at Benidorm Palace.

Encouraging a better tourist experience.

Capital gains tax from sale of property. Exemption for over 65s. Habitual residence.

WHEN selling a property in Spain, the seller must pay tax on the capital gain from sale under Personal Income Tax (IRPF). However, there are certain exemptions that allow you to avoid or reduce this tax burden. In this week’s article, we analyse one of the most relevant exemptions: the exemption on the capital gains tax from sale of the habitual residence of individuals over 65. We will focus, in particular, on how this exemption applies when the taxpayer acquired part of the property through inheritance, divorce, or community dissolution.

What does capital gain from sale cover and how is it calculated?

Capital gains tax from sale is calculated by the difference between the acquisition and

sale value, adjusted for expenses and taxes associated with both operations. For the 2025 tax year, the applicable rate for tax residents in Spain ranges from 19 per cent to 30 per cent. However, the law provides for certain exemptions. Exemption for reinvestment in a main home. Exemption for the sale of a property by individuals in a situation of dependency. And the exemption for the sale of a main home by individuals over 65.

Exemption for the sale of a main home by individuals over 65.

Regulated by Article 33.4.b) of Law 35/2006 and Article 41 of Royal Decree 439/2007, to qualify for this exemption, two requirements must be met:

- Being over 65 years old.

- The property must have

been the taxpayer’s main home for at least three continuous years.

What happens when the taxpayer already owned part of the property for years and has recently acquired the other part? Is it still possible to benefit from the exemption? Let’s look at a practical example. Mary and Anthony purchased a property in 2005. Since then, the property constituted their main home. Anthony passes away in 2024, and Mary inherits her husband’s half. A year later (2025), Mary, who is over 65, sells the property. Can Mary claim the exemption on the capital gain from sale even though only one year has passed between the inheritance and the sale?

Rulings from the Economic-Administrative Court

and the General Directorate of Taxes.

According to rulings from the TEAR, TEAC, and binding consultations from the DGT, the answer is yes. The tax benefits linked to the main home are tied to the full ownership of the property, even if shared. If the taxpayer has continuously resided in the property for at least three years, the calculation of this period is not interrupted by the acquisition of the other part of the property. Therefore, the capital gain would be exempt.

In Mary’s case, the property will be considered her main home because she continuously lived in it from 2005 to 2025. The fact that she acquired full ownership in 2024 after her husband’s death would have no tax implications. And

it would not prevent her from meeting the habitual residence requirement and claiming the exemption.

Conclusions.

At White-Baos Lawyers, we have helped countless clients buy or sell their homes in Spain. If you are considering selling your property and are concerned about the taxes you might have to pay, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will review your case and provide you with expert legal advice.

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

ABOGADOS / SOLICITORS

A day out in Denia

U3A Calpe members recently enjoyed a day trip to Denia.

The idea was a relaxed day out with many ways to pass the time: explore the castle, shop, stroll along the marina and admire the super yachts or simply sit in the sunshine and enjoy a coffee or caña!

Because, in spite of very heavy rain during the early morning, the sun DID shine eventually and, after so many miserable, grey days on the coast it was certainly appreciated!

All of the group managed a combination of most of the above ‘activities’, whereafter lunch was enjoyed and then a leisurely stroll to the north of the marina for their transport home.

Some similar ‘unstructured days out’ in the travel programme will most certainly be included in the future. (Suggestions are

always welcome).

Next month they are off to Novelda to explore this very interesting town and the nearby Sanctuary of Saint Mary Magdalene - details are on the website: www.u3acalpe.org and you can register with shirley-spain@hot mail.com.

THE women and children of Polop celebrated recipes from the past on Friday March 21 to help create the best possible memories for local children enjoying their Imagina Polop lunch.

Imagina Polop is an initiative which the town hall has been running since 2024 where children up to the age of 12 can enjoy workshops and cultural experiences every Friday from 5.15pm to 6.30pm a in Polop’s Casa de

Fashion fair & flare

CLOTHES shops in La Villajoyosa were given an opportunity to have a catwalk display of their best seasonal outfits at the Vilamuseu.

The traders associations, Vilacomerc celebrated the I Fira de la Moda i el Comerç Viler by promoting local stores in a fashion show organised by the museum.

Vilamuseu worked with shops and the trader’s association to put together a fantastic show inside the modern architecture of the museum. Children’s and adult’s clothing was on display, alongside event wear and wedding dresses.

The mayor of Villajoyosa Marcos Zaragoza and the councillor of Commerce Rosa Llorca, attended the show. The show was also a project in solidarity with Valencian shopkeepers and business owners affected by the November 2024 DANA floods. A

charity raffle of donated products was put together by the participating businesses. This is the first time that the trading association Vilacomerc have created a fair of this type, the mayor, Zaragoza, said the event was a success regards the quantity of the public who attended and amount of shop participation the trading association was able to achieve.

Recipes from the past

Cultura. Last week’s workshop was called Tables of Life 2025 and women from all over the town came together to create delicious, traditional snacks for the children. Angela Fuster, councillor for Culture, thanked everyone for their attendance “especially the women who attended and Imagina Polop for their work and involvement.” Recipes included savoury and sweet options, with cakes, biscuits and soups taking centre stage. The recipes were written up and shared amongst the crowd of people present. There are different activities for the children of Polop to enjoy each month.

Despite the rain, the sun did come out eventually.

A catwalk display of their best outfits.

Photo Credit: Ajuntment la vila joiosa.

MY life never prepared me for April 1, 1997, the day I first walked into the small apartment that then housed the local newspaper I had been sent to restructure and improve. It was there I met the formidable Linda Hall de González. She was sipping a glass of cava while typing at an astonishing speed. She glanced up, arched an eyebrow, and returned to her work, muttering something in Spanish that I knew wasn’t complimentary, even as an ignorant Guiri.

For the first few days, we circled each other like two shecats, testing the waters. But later that week, she realised I was serious about overhauling the paper, regardless of the hours it would take. That led to a long meal of Spanish tapas, plenty of wine, and a friendship that has endured nearly three decades. From that moment, I knew Linda was someone I could rely on - and she never let me down.

Linda came to Benidorm as a pioneering tourist, fell in love with a local artist, Andres, and never looked back. She embraced Spanish culture and language, using her journalistic talents to write for various Spanish and English publications. One of her proudest accomplishments was the invaluable book ‘Expand Your Spanish’, a must-read even today.

Always abreast of the political landscape in Spain, Linda wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions. Her insight made her a regular on local TV and radio, making her one of the most recognised foreign journalists in the region.

Beyond her career, Linda and Andres devoted themselves to their daughter, Alicia. But Linda’s love extended beyond her family; she had a passion for animals, of-

ten skipping meals to ensure that no stray cat in her vicinity went hungry.

For years, Linda worked tirelessly for Euro Weekly News. As she entered her seventh decade, she remained one of the most dedicated members of the writing team, a walking encyclopedia of knowledge.

As she approached her eighth decade, she turned her focus toward the paper’s financial and European sections - topics she didn’t particularly love, but ones she mastered. Her commitment to excellence made her an indispensable pillar of Euro Weekly News

Now, on March 27, 2025, Linda is packing away her pen and retiring. Will we miss her? Absolutely. Is she one of the company’s fundamental cornerstones? Without a doubt. Will we ever find another Linda? Most definitely not.

So, instead of saying ‘adios’, we say ‘hasta luego’, knowing she’ll still be cycling the pathways of Valencia, embracing life with the same spirit. Tears will be shed, but more than anything, there will be gratitude - for who she is, what she has done, and what she has given to us all.

A Fond Farewell to Linda Hall de González: A Journalist, A Trailblazer, A Friend Thank you!

Linda Hall de González, you have written your own story on your terms - a force incredible, a woman unmatched.

Spring strings

MUSIC takes centre stage in El Poble Nou de Benitachell this spring as the town hosts the 19th Spring Concert Series from March 30 to May 25. These free concerts offer a variety of performances for all audiences.

The 2025 series begins on Sunday, March 30, with a performance by the Poble Nou de Benitachell Music Band and the Municipal Music School’s choir. Led

by conductor Teles Moreno, the band will play alongside the children’s choir, directed by singing instructor Antonio Caselles. This event will take place in the church square starting at 6pm.

Following April’s local festivities, the concerts continue on Sunday, April 27, featuring the Orquestra de la Marina Alta (OMA) at 6pm in the church.

Over the years, the orchestra has perfor-

med more than 550 concerts at prestigious venues like the Palau de la Música in Valencia, the Auditorium of the Conservatorio Superior de Música in Palma de Mallorca, the Cathedral of Teruel, and Alcoi’s concert and opera season. The OMA has also recorded several CDs, including Opera Recital with tenor José Sempere, Little Night Serenade, and the Hymn of the Marina Alta.

Rental grants

THE Valencian Government has approved a grant to help young people up to the age of 35 to pay rent in 2025. The grant gives young people a subsidy of €250 a month for up to two years from when they begin to claim the amount. The aim of the grant is to help young people with limited income to be able to find their feet in the rental market.

The government has made the changes to the way the subsidy is given to potential candidates and will shortly announce those changes. Reports have said that instead of receiving the subsidy on a first come, first serve basis, applicants on lower incomes will now be prioritised.

the application process for the grants by employing the use of AI technology to improve the process and reduce evaluation waiting periods.

with limited income to be able to find their feet in the rental market.

There are also plans to streamline

The subsidy known as Bono Alquiler Joven, is aimed at young people whose income is low and who have a rental contract in the Valencian Community. There are a number of requirements that young people must hit to be considered for the grant.

One of the most basic requirements is to be a Spanish native or from a European Union country, they must reside in Spain with rental contract in the Valencian Community. Applicants must also be registered on the local census.

Over the years, the orchestra has performed more than 550 concerts.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Speed watch

DRIVERS on the Costa Blanca should be aware that Spain’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has installed 17 new speed cameras on major roads across the country.

These include nine fixed cameras and eight average-speed (tramo) cameras, with several located in the Valencian Community.

This is part of the DGT’s 2025 speed control plan,

which aims to introduce 122 new cameras to improve road safety and reduce speeding.

For the first month after activation, drivers caught speeding will receive a warning letter instead of a fine. After this grace period, fines and penalty points will apply.

The DGT has published the camera locations on their website: dgt.es . They are signposted, listed on the official website, and

available through GPS and navigation systems.

Speeding remains a major cause of road deaths.

The European Road Safety Observatory warns that increasing speed by just 10 km/h can more than double the risk of a fatal accident.

The DGT urges drivers to stay alert and follow speed limits, especially on regular roads, where most fatal crashes happen.

Image: photosoria / Shutterstock.com

A number of new speed cameras have been installed.

FOR the past 27 years, the Vegetable Orchestra from Vienna, Austria, has been making music with fresh vegetables.

Comprising 11 musicians, they prepare for their concerts by carving out carrots and celery, peeling onions, cutting aubergines, and arranging piles of produce on stage to produce unique sounds. Over

their long history, they’ve performed 344 concerts, setting a record for the most shows by a vegetable orchestra.

“We believe we can create sounds that other instruments can’t easily produce. You can hear the difference, it sometimes resembles animals or abstract noises,” says the Orchestra. They aim to bring out the

Fresh beats

hidden sounds within vegetables during their performances.

Beyond having fun, their music, dubbed ‘vegetable-style’, aims to

show that music can come from unexpected places, even the supermarket.

“Almost anything can be turned into music; each item has its own distinct sound qualities and represents a rich universe of sound,” they explain.

During performances, they buy fresh vegetables on the day and

showcase how the sounds evolve under stage lights. Unused vegetables are turned into soup for the audience or distributed for others to experiment with, emphasising sustainability.

Despite the challenge of notating music for vegetables, the Orchestra takes their work seriously, developing its own notation system.

What’s in a name?

PEOPLE have been left surprised after discovering the true meaning behind the name ‘Hobnobs’, a beloved biscuit brand that has been a UK favourite since the mid-1980s.

Despite being a hit with biscuit lovers for decades, many fans took to social media to say they have never thought much about what the name actually means.

Launched by McVitie’s, Hobnobs quickly became a bestseller, and in 1987, a chocolate version was introduced. But while they’ve been enjoyed by many, it turns out the name ‘Hobnobs’ has a deeper meaning.

The verb ‘to hobnob’ refers to spending time with someone important or famous in a friendly, social way. This aligns with McVitie’s vision of promoting their biscuits as a treat for families to enjoy together.

This revelation follows a wave of surprise on so-

cial media, where people recently discovered the backstory behind another iconic brand, SPAM. Created by Hormel Foods in 1937, SPAM was made to increase the sales of pork shoulder, a cut that wasn’t popular.

Interestingly, despite many thinking SPAM is an acronym, it’s actually a portmanteau (a word made by combining two

others). While some believed it stood for ‘spiced ham’, the real origin of the name remains a mystery known only to a select few at Hormel Foods.

In fact, Hormel even jokingly says that the meaning of SPAM is one of those timeless questions, like ‘Is there intelligent life beyond Earth?’ and it’s a secret that may never be fully uncovered.

SPAM

Dog cruelty arrest

A WOMAN has been arrested in Alicante after admitting to throwing her two Yorkshire terriers off an eighth-floor balcony, reportedly because she was ‘fed up’ with walking them. The disturbing incident happened on Sunday March 23 in the Albufereta district, shocking both locals and animal welfare groups. Passers-by on Calle Sol Naciente alerted emergency services after witnessing the dogs fall.

Initially, they mistook the first impact for a toy before seeing additional objects hurled from the balcony - including a dog bed and a leash - followed by the second dog. Police were able to trace the owner using microchips implanted in the animals and located

Credit : Shutterstock, Anna Vasiljeva

BAD weather has forced German space startup Isar Aerospace to delay its historic Spectrum rocket launch from Norway’s Andoya Spaceport.

The Munich-based company confirmed that high winds scrubbed the test flight, which aimed to mark Europe’s first homegrown orbital rocket launch.

Rocket delay

Russia’s Roscosmos.

Isar Aerospace has acknowledged that a failed maiden flight is a possibility but stresses that multiple launch attempts are factored into the development process.

the 53-year-old woman inside her nearby apartment. According to official reports, she confessed to police, stating she was “tired of always being the one to walk the dogs.”

Her husband, who was present at the time, corroborated her statement. The woman was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, and the deceased animals were collected by the Alicante Animal Protection Society. Residents claim this isn’t an isolated case, reporting that other objects, and allegedly turtles, were also thrown from the same apartment in recent days. Police are now investigating the wider claims. The case has sparked public outrage, with social media users calling for tougher punishments for animal abuse.

“The first test flight of Spectrum is scrubbed due to unfavourable winds … the team is working to determine a new launch window,” Isar Aerospace said on Monday March 24. Spectrum, a two-stage rocket designed to carry satellites of up to one tonne, is part of Europe’s bid to carve out a larger share of the booming commercial space market.

Although this debut flight will carry no payload, it is critical for validating Spectrum’s systems ahead of future missions.

The delay highlights the challenges faced by European companies competing with established players like SpaceX and

The delay comes amid growing momentum in Europe’s space race, with Sweden, the UK, and other nations also preparing orbital launches to strengthen the region’s space capabilities.

A Yorkshire Terrier, similar to the two dogs tragically killed in the Alicante incident.

NEWS Travel

Priego de Cordoba - A charming Andalucian town

DOWN in the south of Spain, Priego de Cordoba is a little gem of a town, full of character and natural beauty. With its whitewashed houses, winding streets, and breathtaking views of the Sierra Subbética mountains, it’s the kind of place where life moves at a slower, more relaxed pace. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just want to soak up the laid-back atmosphere, Priego de Cordoba is definitely worth a visit.

A town with charm and history

There’s a reason people call Priego de Cordoba the ‘pearl of Andalucia’. Its charming streets and squares

with Hispavan Campers

invite you to sit, sip a coffee, and watch the world go by. One of the best spots to do just that is Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of local life. Wander through the town, and you’ll come across stunning Baroque-style buildings like the Church of La Asunción, with its impressive design. For the best view in town, head up to Priego de Cordoba Castle, where you can take in the beauty of the countryside.

Deep-rooted traditions

This isn’t just a pretty town - it’s a place with a rich past. The National Museum of Priego de Cordoba gives you a glimpse into its history, particularly its deep connection to olive oil production - some of the best in Spain. The surrounding hills are covered in endless olive groves, and if you’re curious, you can visit a local producer to see how the oil is made and, of course, taste it for yourself.

Flavours you won’t forget

Food in Priego de Cordoba is all about simple ingredients done right. One dish to try is flamenquín - a crispy roll of ham and pork, usually served with fries. And no matter what you eat, chances are it’ll be prepared with the town’s famous olive oil, which adds a rich, smooth flavour to everything.

SUMMARY

AN Air India long-haul flight was unexpectedly forced to turn back midway through its journey due to a strange issue with the plane’s toilets.

The flight, travelling from Chicago to New Delhi on March 5 with around 300 passengers on board, had been in the air for five hours of its 14-hour journey when eight out of the 12 toilets malfunctioned.

Toilet trouble

The airline’s investigation found that the blockages were caused by polythene bags, rags, and clothes being flushed down the toilets, causing a severe clog in the plumbing system. About an hour and 45 minutes into the flight, the crew reported that several lavatories in both business and economy class were no longer functional.

UFO sightings

STRANGE lights have been spotted in Irish skies two nights in a row, baffling onlookers and fuelling conspiracy theories. But, are these eerie sightings just the start of something bigger?

Some say satellites. Others say swamp gas. Some claim they’re top-secret government aircraft. And others? They’re already using the ‘A’ word... Is there something we’re not being told?

There’s something strange afoot in the skies above Ireland - and it’s not just the weather.

For two nights last week, baffled onlookers from the south coast to the capital watched as eerie glowing, flashing lights appeared in the night sky. Over Dublin, not one but two unidentified lights shimmered side-by-side on Wednesday evening, March 19. The night before, a solitary flashing object lit up the skies further south, causing

uneasiness on the ground. Were they satellites? The International Space Station? Or something far less ordinary?

“Does anyone have any ideas?”

That was the plea from Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather, who took to social media to share footage sent to him by two followers. The videos showed what many would simply call a UFO - an Unidentified Flying Object - drifting

through the darkness.

“I received two videos from followers showing an unusual object in the sky over the last two nights,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The first part is from last night over Dublin, and the second is from the night before off the south coast.”

His question - “Does anyone have any ideas?”sparked a digital firestorm of unidentified proportions.

At this point, the plane was flying over the Atlantic, and European airports were considered as potential diversion points. However, due to restrictions on night operations at most European airports, the decision was made to turn the plane

back to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Air India explained that the decision to return was made in the interest of passenger comfort and safety. Upon landing, all passengers and crew safely disembarked, and accommodations were arranged to reduce any inconvenience. The airline assured that alternative arrangements were being made to get passengers to their destination.

Stock image of eerie glowing lights over a foggy winter sky - similar to last week’s reported UFO sightings in Ireland.

40-year adoption ban lifted

ITALY’S Constitutional Court has struck down a decades-old ban preventing single Italians from adopting children internationally, opening a new chapter in the country’s adoption laws. The landmark decision ends a rule dating back more than 40 years, which allowed only married couples to adopt from abroad.

Judges ruled that excluding singles from the process could harm children by denying them the chance to grow up in a ‘stable and harmonious family environment’. The verdict comes as international adoptions in Italy decline sharply.

The national adoption commission reports a 5.6 per cent drop in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, and a 14.3 per cent decrease since 2022.

While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government opposed the change, Italy’s centre-left hailed the ruling as historic. Democratic Party lawmaker Alessandro Zan celebrated it as a ‘turning point’, saying it places children’s rights and personal freedoms at the heart of adoption law. “For too long, singles - and especially LGBTQ+ Italians - have been excluded,” Zan said.

“Now Parliament must act to remove the remaining ideological obstacles.” The ruling takes effect immediately, allowing single Italians to begin adoption proceedings abroad without the need for marriage. The decision comes amid heated debates on family rights in Italy. Just months ago, Meloni’s government criminalised surrogacy abroad, a move widely seen as targeting same-sex couples.

Credit : Shutterstock, Massimo Todaro

Italy’s Constitutional Court has ruled in favour of allowing single people to adopt foreign children, overturning a decades-old law.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Skyline Film Festival

EXPLORE the next best thing in modern film, in Benidorm.

The ninth edition of the Skyline Benidorm Film Festival will be held from March 29 to April 5.

There will be over 800 short films to view as part of the festival programme, quadrupling the number from last year.

The festival will be held at various locations around Benidorm; to view the festival programme and locations visit their Facebook page. The grand opening of the ninth annual Skyline Benidorm Film Festival will be taking place on March 29 at 7pm in the Benidorm Cultural Centre.

The event will be hosted by Marta Casielles and Ana Conca, and there will be live music by pianist Aroa Blanco to accompany the evening.

A highlight of the opening event will be the presentation of the Skyliner 2025 Award and a screening of the short film ‘(no)Body’ by Sonia Bautista-Alarcón.

The cast and part of the technical team who made the short movie will be present for the evening.

There are films and events each day of the festival, but if visitors are interested in viewing international films the best evening to visit would be Monday, March 31. When International films will take centre stage at the Mediterranean Foundation Auditorium from 8pm, with featured films from the UK and USA and many more.

Three-Day Food Festival

GASTROWEEKEND, the La Nucia food festival will play host to seven Michelin Star chefs.

Each day of the festival has a special purpose that promotes an element of gastronomy. From April 5 to April 7 visitors can delight in the best cuisine the area has to offer at the CEM Captivador in La Nucia.

On Saturday, April 5, there will be a reintroduction of last year’s GastroDay which was a sold-out roaring success. There will be a unique menu for the day prepared by some of the best chefs in the Marina Baixa area, food and wine tastings before the meal and live music and a DJ.

On Sunday a Gastro Market will take place

from midday with masterclasses, wine and vermouth tastings and more live music.

Finally on Monday, April 7 the events will be complete with a Michelin Stars Day, where Michelin Star Chefs from the restaurants El Xato, Magoga, Lienzo, Audrey’s, Casa Bernardi, Cal Paradís and Baeza y Rufete will participate in creating an unforgettable menu and

tasting area with gourmet products, live music and DJs.

Tickets for the three days of gastronomic experiences are already on sale at www.lanuciagas tronomica.com. Tickets can be purchased for one, two or three days of enjoyment at the food festival. The special and limited three-day pass for the GastroWeekend is available for €180 per person.

A Visionary Artist

Lowry painting.

TAKE part in an exclusive and illustrated lecture by Michael Howard on the famous Stretford born artist L S Lowry.

The Art Society Marina Alta or TASMA will be hosting lectures on Wednesday, April 2 in Moraira and Javea. A morning session will be held at Espai La Senieta, Moraira with the doors to the lecture hall opening at 10.15am; the lecture will begin at 11am.

Then an evening session will be held in Javea, at the Casa de la Cultura. The doors will open at 6.45pm and the lecture will begin at 7.30pm. There is a complementary drink as part of the sessions.

L S Lowry is one of Britain’s most famous artists, known for his portrayal of

the human condition. TASMA’s chosen lecturer, Michael Howard, has published a book of the same title as the lecture L S Lowry: A Visionary Artist. He is an independent scholar, writer, painter and curator. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has taught at the History of Art Department of the Manchester School of Art and given lectures at art institutions in Europe and USA.

Michael will present the case that Lowry’s work is the visual counterpoint of T S Eliot’s poetry and that Lowry can be claimed as the British Van Gogh.

It is free to join a session as a member and guests are welcome to send a prepaid donation on the TASMA website to join.

Happy hippy market

THE Happy Hippy Market is coming to Javea.

On Sunday, April 6 do not miss the Happy Hippy Market, a shopping day offering artisanal goods, art and creativity.

From 11am, at the El Momento Restaurant in Javea there will be all sorts of stalls to peruse in the restaurant carpark.

The restaurant says to explore their amazing stands, with crafts, handmade clothes, macramé, second-hand items and much more.

El Momento plans to make the day even more exciting with live mu-

sic to accompany you around the market. Anyone wishing to be part of this unique event, can still join as a stallholder by contacting Amparo on 609 583 421 to secure a spot.

The El Momento restaurant serve a variety of food during after the Happy Hippy Market, they offer a traditional menu of served to an incredible standard.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock Igisheva Maria

Photo Credit: La Nucia Ayuntamiento

Crafts, clothes and other second-hand items.

Photo Credit: TASMA

Healthy beachfront food

Spain’s Wine Legacy

‘Rioja:

CLUB on the Albir seafront OZOA offers beautiful views and nutritional food.

Spain’s Crown Jewel of Wine’

RIOJA is undoubtedly Spain’s most famous wine region, renowned for its Tempranillo grape - often referred to as the noble grape, Spain’s answer to Cabernet Sauvignon. Tempranillo is celebrated for producing wines with complexity and exceptional ageing potential, offering rich, dark fruit flavours like cherry, plum, and raspberry, with notes of spices, vanilla, and leather when aged in oak. The reds I’ve tried from Rioja are bold, well-structured, and full of character, with each sip telling a story of the land and its heritage.

While Tempranillo is the star, Rioja also produces wines from other exceptional grapes such as Garnacha, known for its fruit-forward style, and Mazuelo and Graciano, which lend structure and spice. Additionally, the region crafts fresh, aromatic whites from Viura and even white Tempranillo, offering a lovely balance to Rioja’s rich reds.

A well-aged bottle of Rioja is more than just a treat - it’s also a wise investment. As top vintage wines evolve, their complexity and value tend to increase. By ageing a Reserva or Gran Reserva in your cellar, you’re not just letting the wine peak, but also building a collection that can appreciate in worth. Some of my favourites? Viña El Pisón, Contador, Castillo d’Ygay Gran Reserva, Ukan, Villota ... each offering a unique experience for any discerning palate!

martha@marthasvineyard.es

OZOA encourages its customers to enjoy a blend of delicious and healthy food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. They use fresh ingredients and work with Mediterranean flavours to make sure their restaurant is offering you the best food possible. They call themselves an oasis on the Albir beachfront and have a modern interior that leads to a sunny outdoor terrace. There are always great vibes at this restaurant, that is both social and a foodie’s haven. It has a fun atmosphere that grows in intensity at the weekends as Ozoa regularly feature musicians and DJs making for a brilliant party feel.

Their daytime menus cost just €23.50, they have all day breakfast options like croissants, healthy bowls of fruit, berries, seeds and cereals. There are also sharing platters and lunchtime tapas style snacks that are less traditional and more modern takes on their dishes, they even take inspiration from Asia with quick dishes like Boa Buns being included on the menu.

Ozoa wants their customers to have an incredible experience from start to finish during their meal and their helpful and knowledgeable staff will help to direct you through the menu and to help you to decided what drinks pairings would best work with the dishes you choose.

Martha Ardila, Sommelier at Martha’s Vineyard Moraira

Photo Credit: OZOA Instagram

Leading with Love

HAVING opened his first café in Phoenix Arizona in 1995, which later expanded into a full Me diterranean restaurant in four locations, Jason is no stranger to running a restaurant. Therefore, it is no surprise that having fallen in love with Javea and decided to move there, he has once again embarked on a new restaurant adventure.

it:SupernaturalNakedWine

Building on the success of his first European restaurant located in Ljubijana, Slovenia, he is opening a second Super natural Naked Wine and Food - this time in a beautiful beach location. He shared: “We want to make a difference in the community by leading with love, serving with Grace, showing by example what unity teamwork and joy looks like in a business.”

He is very keen to offer the locals of Javea totally natural wines which as he explains, “are a passion on account of their artistic values and production methods.” The food he serves will be just as natural, made from organic local ingredients, that promise elevated comfort with every bite.

Straightforward amazing fla -

vourful dishes that let the ingredients shine through like the shrimp Mediterranean, a customer favourite. A mouthwatering delight, it is made with fresh locally caught shrimp, sautéed with garlic, glazed with white wine, parsley and lemon with a touch of home-made marinara and lemon.

Supernatural Naked Wine and Food will be opening at Avenida Liberdad 11, 03738, Javea on April 1, and reservations can be made by visiting www. supernaturaljavea.com

Jason is excited for his new restaurant adventure.

Bowie in Moraira

DAVID BOWIE’S greatest hits will be played in Moraira by Acoustic Moon, a tribute band.

All the pop icon’s greatest hits from Space Oddity to Ziggy Stardust played by one of the best local tribute bands in the area.

Acoustic Moon is a duo who play classic rock and pop music on acoustic guitars.

The live music will be held at Saxo Disco Garden Chill Out, in Moraira on Sunday, April 6 from 4pm. The venue has live music acts each month, with the details of those available on their Facebook and website. There is no entrance fee for the incredible gigs, the venue just ask that you buy a drink. The events are all held in

their outdoor terrace or garden chill out area and as such each gig is subject to cancellation or changes in the event of adverse weather.

Learn more

To find out more about upcoming events, email the Saxo Moraira on info@saxomoraira. com or Phone: 0034 627 825 732.

Sustainability and Sorolla

PHOENIX RISING SPIRITUALISTS have gained popularity by creating a group of like minded people who wish to learn more about spiritual matters.

Their highly popular Monday afternoon service is held at the Social Centre, alongside Mercadona, in Albir at 15.30. On street parking is available.

To show members and friends some of the fascinating aspects of spirituality; they have commenced a monthly programme of ‘taster’ mini workshops.

These informative workshops run for 90 minutes and are free to all members.Since annual membership is only €10, signing up has its benefits. Admission for non members is €10 each workshop.

VISIT an art and fashion exhibition with a sustainable twist and see work inspired by one of the great Spanish painters.

Joaquin Sorolla, the impressionist and postimpressionist is the inspiration for an exhibition being held in March in Benissa.

that focuses of fashion and environmental awareness. It is free to enter the contemporary art museum, this exhibit is just one of many they have on offer to view and there is wheelchair accessibility.

The space at Cases del Batlle, dates from as early as the 16th century and gives visitors an opportunity to experience historic and unique architecture combined with a modern artistic flare.

Taster workshops take place monthly and are held after the service. Space is limited. Further information is available from Yvonne on 0031 641 510 723.

Phoenix Rising loves to donate to deserving charities and recently made a donation to the Asociación Voluntariado Social de Alfas Del Pi of €300 for perishable goods for the local food bank.

The exhibition titled: Sorolla, Fashion and Sustainability will be open to view until April 2 at the Cases del Batlle. The exhibit is described as an opportunity to discover the elegance of Sorolla’s era and explore natural fabrics and eco-friendly designs.

Visitors will be able to take a journey through time

Artists and fashion designers have created a range of singular clothing designs that are hand painted with people and places reminiscent of Sorolla’s own works.

They also donate frequently to animal charities. Go along and visit them, you will be made most welcome and meet some wonderful spiritual friends too!

Acoustic Moon are one of the best tribute bands in the area.

Cases de Batlle modern art museum.

Photo Credit: Benissa.es

Historic guided tour

EL CAMPELLO Town Hall are offering a combined guided tour of the Illeta tower and Illeta archaeological site for just €1. On April 19 and April 20, visitors will be taken by qualified guides to visit La Torre de la Illeta, one of the most iconic sites in the zone. They are offering opportunities for visitors to learn about the history of the site, its origins and the role the tower played in local life.

Optionally, the Museum of Archeology, MARQ is offering a visit to the archaeological site of La Illeta dels Banyets for a €1 tour fee, to be paid at the visitor office on the day.

The meeting point for the tour will be at the foot of the Illeta Tower, it takes about 30 minutes to wander around the tower and the archaeological site tour takes about 50 minutes. The tower route is partially accessible, with gravel paths and stairs to take into consideration, the archaeological site is completely accessible. It is recommended to bring water, wear comfortable shoes and apply sunscreen.

The tours are offered in English, Spanish and French.

A festival full of beans

VISIT a quirky food festival in Benitachell.

The Mitjafava Festival is a gastronomic and cultural festival that will span four days at the beginning of April.

The festival will combine local cuisine with great music events to bring the Poblera Bean, an important local vegetable, rooted in the town cultural history to the forefront of the town’s festivities.

Each day of the festival, a different village restaurant will offer a dish for lunch, April 1 at the Antiquare pizzeria, April 2 at the Restaurant La Cumbre, April 4 in Ca Toni Mònica and April 5 at La Trillaora.

On Thursday, April 3, the town Library will host a wine tasting with pairings by Pablo Catalá, a sommelier of the Bonamb restaurant. Register to join the event by visiting the town hall website.

Award-winning chefs have been invited to take

part in the events including Fernando Bernardi, from Casa Bernardi de Benissa who has a Michelin Star.

On the final day of the event, April 5 there will be

2pm and then again in the evening from 4pm to 10pm. In the morning there are scheduled guided tours, with a new destination to focus on, the field of cultivation, set up this

Illeta historical site.

Photo Credit: Facebook Tourisme El Campello

Eggstortionate

THE cost of a dozen medium-sized eggs has jumped 25 per cent in just two weeks, with category M eggs - typically the cheapest - rising from €2.60 to more than €3.25 in Spanish supermarkets. This sudden spike, follows price

hikes in olive oil, sugar, coee, and chocolate, hitting a dietary staple known for stable pricing across stores.

The increase varies by type: basic size M and free-range eggs have risen more sharply than

free-range chicken or organic varieties, though all categories are a ected. In contrast, size L eggs, previously €2.80, have also climbed but less dramatically.

Multiple factors drive this surge. In the US, avian in uenza outbreaks have led to the slaughter of millions of chickens, cutting supply and boosting egg exports from countries like Spain. This reduces local stock, pushing prices up. In Europe, fears of bird u spreading - though Spain remains una ectedhave sparked stricter controls and higher production costs. Social media amplifying these concerns has fuelled a collective panic, further pressuring markets.

Consumers can do little but wait it out. Experts suggest staying calm, riding out the storm, noting that global trade shifts, like the potential US tari s on luxury goods, might o set costs elsewhere.

Weird, wild & wacky

BEFORE travelling for your summer holidays, it’s important to know that each country and city has its own laws.

Some rules might be di erent from what you’re used to, and things that are ne at home might cause trouble in other places. Breaking these rules could result in nes or worse, even if the law seems unusual.

For example, in Venice, feeding pigeons in St Mark’s Square has been illegal since 2008 to protect buildings from damage. Tourists could face nes between €25 and €500 for feeding the birds.

In Germany, running out of petrol on the Autobahn can lead to a ne. It’s illegal to stop or slow down unnecessarily on certain roads, and running out of fuel is not an acceptable excuse.

In Sweden, drivers must have their

headlights on at all times, even during the day, to ensure better visibility, especially in winter.

In Spain, particularly in Benidorm and Tenerife, building large sandcastles is illegal to keep the beaches natural. You could be ned £130 for making big sand structures.

In Switzerland, particularly in the Alps, naked hiking is banned in some areas. The law was introduced in 2009 after locals complained about nudist hikers. While public nudity isn’t entirely illegal, authorities can ne those hiking without clothes.

In Milan, Italy, there’s an old law from the Austro-Hungarian empire that supposedly makes it a crime to frown, except at funerals or hospitals. Though it’s not enforced today, it’s still something to consider.

No sandcastles on the beach.

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INTERVIEW

Marianne Bahl (Denmark)

- Speaking European

and she hasn’t looked back since.

“I WAS actually going to Marseille in France but then life happened and destiny wanted me to end up in Mojacar.

“And I haven’t regretted it for a moment.”

Marianne quickly fell in love with the region’s climate, cuisine, and culture. “The warm weather, Spanish food, and afternoon siestas are wonderful,” she says. But it’s the people that truly won her over: “I love the Spaniards’ laid-back atti tude to life.”

Still, that same relaxed approach can sometimes test her patience.

“The saying ‘If we don’t get it done today, we’ll do it tomorrow - or maybe the day after’ is charming… until it’s not!” she laughs.

Her advice for anyone thinking of making the move? “Patiencetons of it. Spanish bureaucracy moves at its own pace, and ‘frustrating’ doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

She also emphasises the importance of staying active. “Too much time and too little to do can pull you down fast. Keep yourself busy - it makes all the difference.”

Loving life in Mojácar.

A twist of fate brought Danish-born Marianne Bahl to Spain. Originally bound for Marseille, it was a detour that led her to the sun-soaked streets of Mojácar -

Credit: Marianne Bahl.

Germany border warning

GERMANY has issued updated travel advice for its citizens visiting the United States after three German nationals were detained at the US-Mexico border, despite holding valid travel documents. The warning highlights that having an ESTA or even a US visa no longer guarantees entry.

The Foreign O ce now advises all German travellers to the US to carry proof of their return journey and to prepare for heightened checks by border o cials. The notice warns that factors such as overstaying a prior visa, giving incomplete travel details, or having a criminal record - even for

minor infractions - could lead to refusal of entry.

The alert follows reports that three German citizens were detained at the San Diego-Tijuana border and taken to a detention facility,

FRANCE is set to distribute a national survival manual to every household by this summer as part of a major civil protection campaign.

According to reports from Europe 1, the 20-page guide will help prepare citizens for emergencies such as armed con ict, natural disasters, or future health crises. The move is inspired by similar measures taken in Sweden and Finland and is aimed at equipping the public with practical advice to enhance self-su ciency in the event of a major disruption.

despite being eligible under the visa waiver programme.

Germany’s Foreign O ce con rmed that the situation is under active investigation and has raised concerns at the diplomatic level. The

warning coincides with stricter US immigration policies under the Trump administration, which have led to a spike in detentions, including among travellers from traditionally visa-exempt countries like Germany. O cials in Berlin are closely monitoring the issue as anxiety grows over the unpredictability of US border controls.

German travellers are urged to be vigilant and ensure all documentation is in order. Even for short visits, the risk of complications at US borders has increased, with o cials reminding travellers nal entry decisions rest with the US authorities.

France crisis guide

services are interrupted. In addition to survival kit recommendations, the booklet will o er step-by-step instructions on how to respond to various alerts, covering a range of situations from natural disasters to public health emergencies. It will also highlight how citizens can contribute to national e orts, such as supporting local civil protection groups or assisting the armed forces. The guide is currently awaiting nal approval from Prime Minister François Bayrou.

The manual outlines essential recommendations, including keeping at least six litres of bottled water, a stock of non-perishable food, and key emer-

gency items like batteries, a torch, paracetamol, compresses, and saline solution. O cials hope that with these supplies, households will be able to cope independently for several days if

Once agreed, the initiative will signal a shift in France’s civil defence strategy, aligning it more closely with other European nations prioritising public resilience amid global instability.

Toxic spill shock

NORWAY has been left reeling by news of a hefty oil spill at a decommissioned electricity transformer station just outside Oslo. Police are currently investigating a break-in at the site after around 50 to 60 tonnes of transformer oil leaked - sparking immediate suggestions of sabotage.

Statnett, the national power grid operator, was quick to raise the alarm, pointing to foul play as the likely cause. However, officials from the Norwegian police have stressed that no concrete evidence of deliberate tampering has yet been uncovered.

Discovered on Sunday, March 16, the spill has triggered urgent questions about the security of Norway’s

vital infrastructure and the potential environmental fallout. With a substantial amount of oil seeping from the disused transformer, authorities have scrambled to assess both the scale of the pollution and how it might affect the surrounding area.

Despite Statnett’s belief that the damage was caused by sabotage, investigators remain cautious.

Environmental experts are already expressing concern about the impact such a large-scale oil spill could have. Whether it was sabotage, negligence or an unlucky slip-up, the messy business in Oslo has left the nation on alert. For now, detectives are digging deeper and everyone else is anxiously awaiting answers.

Germany’s Foreign Office in Berlin, which has issued a warning after German nationals were detained at the US border.

France’s new survival guide will teach households how to prepare for emergencies, from conflict to natural disasters.

Credit : Shutterstock, Aksana Mestnaya

Worth it

GERMANY IRELAND

A REVIEW of 80,000 international students by the Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) found they had paid approximately €15.5 billion in taxes and fees by the time they graduated. This more than compensated for the money they cost the state, DAAD said, adding that the students were “an economic asset.”

Cutting costs

DEUTSCHE BANK, Germany’s largest lender, will axe approximately 2,000 jobs and close several of its high street branches, chief executive Christian Sewing announced on March 19. “Where we have to turn around the ship from a profitability point of view is clearly in retail personal banking,” Sewing said.

PORTUGAL

To the brim

AFTER the Algarve’s recent heavy rains, water is being released from the Beliche and Odeleite dams as they reach historically high capacity. The Castro Marim authorities said the carefully-controlled discharges would be timed to coincide with low tide to ensure the stability of the Guadiana as it reached the sea.

Asterix visit

THE latest Asterix album, which is due to be published next October, will be called Asterix in Lusitania. The Gallic warrior, assisted by sidekick Obelix, visits Portugal at the request of Bitovamess and Undaduress who want help in expelling the Romans who are besieging their part of the Iberian Peninsula.

NORWAY

Travel plans

AS people start thinking about summer holidays, applications to obtain or renew passports have shot up. On March 17 regional passport official Torill Sorte revealed that in some localities all appointments up to June were taken but reassured applicants by explaining that new slots were released on Friday each week.

Sea change

STALE ULRIKSEN, a researcher at the Norwegian Defence University College pointed out that China now supplies 45 per cent of Norway’s foreign-built ships and was a potential security risk to a country that was so dependent on the sea. “We have to take this seriously,” he warned the Dagens Næringsliv newspaper.

EURO PRESS

Dearer dairy

IRELAND’S dairy cows yield more than eight billion litres of milk each year, but the country’s dairy farmers said they can no longer cope with the major increase in their production costs.

They warned that consumers would need to get used to the idea that milk, cheese and butter were going to cost more.

FRANCE DENMARK

Special day

Top 40

No breeze

Photo credit: Pixabay/Christina and Peter

SALES for France’s 40 leading companies listed on the CAC 40 stock market index totalled €1.6 trillion in 2024, an increase of almost 50 per cent compared with 10 years ago. Its current operating margin has risen from an average 9.3 per cent between 2015 and 2019 to 13.1 per cent in 2023, auditors EY said.

Less meat

DAIRY PRODUCTS: Rising farmers’ costs mean they will cost more.

PRINCESS ISABELLA celebrates her 18th birthday on April 21 and Denmark’s young will have the opportunity of taking part in a draw entitling them to attend special events in Copenhagen and Aarhus. Invitations to participate in the lottery will be sent to 11,006 over-17s in Aarhus and 1,000 in Copenhagen.

PLANS to install an offshore windfarm in the North Sea have fallen through after the Danish government put the project out to tender without receiving a single bid. Analysts engaged by the Energy Agency concluded that investors were put off by the huge costs involved and uncertainty surrounding future revenues.

ITALY

Babe in arms

TURIN police arrested four Moroccans who tried to enter Italy with a newborn baby hidden in a shopping bag. The child, whose mother allegedly handed her over to be sold, had health problems owing to the way she had been carried, but was immediately admitted to hospital where she since recovered in hospital.

Cricket test

MONTECASSIANO-based Nutrinsesct, which breeds crickets for transformation into a flour that is used for pet food, is giving classes on how to farm the insects. Nutrisect’s chief executive Jose Francesco Cianni explained that the firm wished to pass on its expertise with the aim of creating 100 farms across Italy.

THE third edition of the Climate Action Network (RAC) biennial report on meat consumption showed that 53 per cent of respondents had eaten less over the last three years. The RAC also found that their motives included the need to economise, health, the environment and concerns for animal welfare.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Cruel nature

ROUGHLY 60 per cent of the reindeer calves belonging to two Sami communities in northern Sweden died following late snow which prevented herds from being moved to safer forest areas. Instead, they remained in the mountains where they were less protected from predators, including rapacious golden eagles.

No thanks

BRAND researchers from Lund University have established that approximately one in five Swedes aged between 18 and 64 are choosing not to buy US products. Twenty per cent of those who had bought Coca Cola in the last 12 months said they would boycott the drink in favour of a Swedish or European alternative.

NETHERLANDS

Not peachy

THE local council in Urk decided to use peach stones to fill the sandpit at a children’s playground, believing that this would be a suitable and sustainable alternative. Instead the stones had to be removed because they were strewn all over the play area and the children admitted using them to pelt each other.

Cabinet doubts

LESS than nine months after the creation of the Netherlands’ four-party coalition, only one in six voters is happy with the Cabinet, a RTL Nieuws poll found. Right-wing-liberal VVD party supporters were the most critical and 50 per cent said they wanted an alliance with the socialist opposition party next time round.

Gender gap

FINNISH males with higher education qualifications who return after working abroad earn better salaries than peers who never leave the country, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health said. This advantage did not extend to women, who faced far more challenges when re-entering the employment market.

Take it back

FINNS returned 2.3 billion bottles and drinks cans in 2024, which was 130 million more than in 2023 and confirmed the bottle-return system as one of the most effective in the world. A total of 1.5 billion aluminium cans were handed in last year as well as 700 million plastic bottles and 130 million glass bottles.

BELGIUM

Pet saviours

GHENT UNIVERSITY is looking for the owners of pets who discovered that they were ill or pregnant thanks to the behaviour of their cat, dog or horse. Researchers want to analyse their stories to establish whether animals who are close to humans can in fact sense when something is wrong with them.

Sewer clue

THE European Drugs Agency (EDA) said that analyses of the wastewater of 68.8 million people living in 128 European cities over three months last year showed that Antwerp had the highest concentration of cocaine. Worldwide, Antwerp was ranked fifth for cocaine after several cities in South America.

Your VOICE

Many buyers are still drawn to the brand, despite the issues.

If you had the money, would you buy a Tesla?

TESLA is currently facing some serious challenges. Elon Musk, the man behind the brand, has been under fire recently for his lack of focus on Tesla due to his other projects and political engagements, and investors are getting frustrated.

Musk’s controversial opinions, including his support of far-right movements in Europe, have also made it harder for customers to separate the product from the man, which can be seen in the recent drop in Tesla’s stock price and in the rise of sales of bumper stickers that say, ‘I bought this before Elon went crazy’.

Despite all these issues, Tesla still has a lot of appeal. Many buyers are still drawn to the brand for its innovative cars, safety features, and the environmentally friendly appeal of driving an EV. So, with all this uncertainty around the company and its CEO, would you still consider buying a Tesla?

John Trueman voices a strong opinion, “Bankrupt him!”

Emma Monks raises concerns, noting that, apart from “the brand toxicity,” there are significant safety issues: “Tesla models are topping research studies globally (including the US) for being the faultiest cars on the market... There are any number of good, and cheaper, EVs to choose from without having to resort to a Swastikar.”

Angela Edgley, meanwhile, questions the environmental impact, saying, “No. Can’t see how using an electric car can ‘save the planet’. Plus, although difficult living in Spain, we are doing our best to boycott anything ‘US’.”

Bor Dinjo asserts, “It’s not a question of money; it’s a question of insanity - only mentally disabled would buy any EV no matter what.” Colin Wheeler adds, “I wouldn’t have an electric car as a gift!”

On the other side of the debate, Marc Ireland is a strong advocate, stating, “Yup, always. Fantastic car. Best EV around. Will buy another soon.”

David Cooke has a more political angle, writing, “Yes... Just to piss off the lefties!”

Meanwhile, Brian Clarke has his own reasons for not purchasing a Tesla: “Even if Elon wasn’t such an obnoxious character, I still wouldn’t buy one. I simply don’t like the ride...”

In conclusion, while some are still in favour of buying a Tesla, the overwhelming majority say they would not. For some the issue lies with Musk, while for others, the reluctance stems from disinterest in EVs. It seems that, despite Tesla’s innovative technology, many remain unconvinced about the brand and the shift to EVs.

Credit: Shutterstock / Tricky_Shark

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Ikea opening

AFTER an 18-month delay, Ikea announced that its centre in London’s Oxford Street opens on May 1. The furniture and household goods retailer will occupy three floors of the former Topshop flagship store featuring showrooms and one-to-one design consultations as well as a Swedish deli with seating for 130.

In safe hands

CRITERIACAIXA named former vice-president and Economy minister Elena Salgado as its representative on the board of French company, Veolia. The Caixa Foundation’s holding company recently paid approximately €1 bn for a 5.5 per cent stake in the group which also owns Spanish water utility, Grupo Agbar.

Takeover perk

NATIONWIDE paid a surprise £50 (€59.62) bonus to 12 million members who had a savings account, current account or mortgage at end September 2024. Debbie Crosbie, the building society’s chief executive, said the payment was recognition of the successful £2.9bn (€3.4 bn) Virgin Money takeover.

Simple sums

COCA COLA’S Spanish executive vice-president Manuel Arroyo received $13.08 million (€12m) in 2024, making him second-highest paid after James Quincey, chief executive and chairman who received $28m (€25.7m). Arroyo also owns 848,310 Coca Cola shares including 650,554 stock options.

Widening scope

ASTRAZENECA is paying £773 million (€921.698 million) for EsoBiotec, a privately-held Belgian company specialising in cancer immunotherapies. This was the latest in a series of acquisitions byAstraZeneca, valued at £184 billion (€219.4 billion) and the UK’s largest listed company, which continues to expand globally.

STAT OF WEEK

€100 billion

in assets for Berlin-based online bank Trade Republic, which operates throughout Europe, received Bank of Spain authorisation to open a branch with an international bank account number (IBAN).

Santander wields the axe

Linda Hall

SANTANDER UK is closing 95 of its 444 branches, the Spanish multinational announced on March 19.

The move will affect 750 employees although the bank announced in January that it had no plans for permanent closures during 2025.

Following closures beginning in June, Santander will have 290 full-service branches with another 18 becoming ‘counter-free’ and 36 reducing their opening hours.

There will also be five Work Cafe hubs with co-working space, super-rapid internet and facilities for events that the bank is launching globally.

“Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision,” a Santander spokesperson said. “We spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.”

Santander UK, which posted a

THE National High Court in Madrid ruled in favour of Spanish companies claiming more than €100 million in tax breaks after investing in Hollywood productions.

38 per cent reduction in pre-tax profits of £1.33 billion (€1.6 billion) for 2024, scotched rumours in January that the bank was planning to leave Britain.

“We love the UK,” chairwoman Ana Botin declared at the time. “It’s a co-market and will remain a co-market for Santander. Full stop.”

But in a Bloomberg TV interview on March 18, Botin said the bank

was in a position to be able to “shift resources away” from lower-performing units and did not need to sell them.

Santander would prioritise the US and Latin America, she continued. “We continue to have a big business in Europe, we see a lot of potential over the next few years in Europe. But our focus will continue to be more on the Americas.”

Hollywood defeats Hacienda

Ten years ago, attracted by tax incentives, Banco Santander, Bankinter, Mediaset, MasMovil, Air Europa, and Tous Jewellers amongst others put money into Economic Interest Groups (IEAs) led by big American companies and Spanish producers. Films financed this way

included Fast and Furious VI, where Spanish bac-

On the up City float

JAMES DAUNT, managing director of Waterstones, recently raised hopes of a City listing for the UK bookshop chain.

Talking to the media, Daunt, who is the founder of Daunt books and chief executive of the US bookseller Barnes & Noble, said he believed London would be a good location for a Waterstones float. Private equity firm Elliott acquired Waterstones for an undisclosed sum in 2018 but, as Daunt pointed out, “at some point in the near future, it will look to cash in its chips.”

SPAIN’S two biggest retailers, Inditex and Mercadona, have continued to swell their earnings from investments.

By the end of 2024, when both posted record sales and profits, they had made the most of their enviable liquidity by taking advantage of high interest rates.

The Zara-owner’s cash flow was its lowest since 2011 as it stepped up investments that earned the company €442 million in 2024, an increase of 16.3 per cent on 2023. Mercadona’s investment income grew by 90 per cent to €180.5 million.

Compared with 2021 when interest rates were still negative, Inditex’s earnings from its investments were 111 times higher, while those of Mercadona had multiplied by 164.

A £225 MILLION (€268.3 million) grant could convert Grangemouth into a plant processing pine timber into biofuel, chemicals or cosmetics. Scotland’s only remaining oil refinery will be shut down this summer by owners who include Sir Jim Ratcliffe, bringing with it the loss of 500 direct jobs and 2,500 jobs in related industries.

The UK government pledged earlier that it would allocate £200 million (€238.4 million) to finding a new, low-carbon use for the plant, with the Scottish government providing another £25 million (€29.8 million).

kers reclaimed more than €63 million, and Ridley Scott’s Exodus, filmed in Tabernas (Almeria) which has asked for at least €34 million.

By 2017, Spain’s Tax Authority decided the IEAs involved were not exclusively aimed at film production and eventually barred investing companies from putting in for rebates.

Slow but sure

GALICIA-BASED fashion and accessories company Bimba y Lola, whose fiscal year concluded on February 28, posted a €234 million turnover for 2024

This returned the company to its pre-pandemic figures and was also the first time that the company outstripped its 2019 sales.

A company statement referred to a ‘positive business evolution’ both nationally and internationally but although 2024 set a record, Bimba y Lola has reported comparatively modest growth over the past three years, analysts said.

Sales grew by 2.5 per cent in 2022, dipping to 2.25 per cent in 2024, picking up to 3 per cent last year.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUP (IAG) is seeking €1 billion in financing for 26 new aeroplanes in 2025.

This will also help to meet some of the cost of 19 aircraft that the Madrid-registered group, which owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, acquired last year. The new fleet includes 10 Airbus A321 XLR aircraft plus two wide-fuselage planes, all of which will cover long-haul flights.

In all, IAG will spend €11.4 billion on 171 new planes between now and 2029.

THAMES WATER avoided temporary nationalisation and may use a £3 billion (€3.6 billion) loan to keep afloat in coming months.

The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Thames Water, dismissing a challenge by Lib Dem MP, Charlie Maynard and a group of Thames Water creditors. The company has debts of £19 billion (€22.6 billion) and said that without the loan it would run out of cash by March 24.

RIDLEY SCOTT: Spanish companies invested in 2014 film, Exodus.

Photo credit: CC/Gage Skidmore

SANTANDER UK: Plans to close 95 of bank’s 444 branches.

3I Group 3.750,00 3.759,00 3.675,00 645,09K

Group 2.946,0 2.952,0 2.915,0 164,75K Airtel Africa 160,80 161,30 159,30 852,75K

American 2.289,5 2.305,5 2.265,5 1,03M

British Foods 1.918,5 1.925,0 1.900,5 549,68K

791,66K

295,35 301,85 294,20 14,23M

Redrow 422,08 428,00 420,40 1,08M

Beazley 865,50 866,00 854,50 551,54K Berkeley 3.644,0 3.654,0 3.616,0 107,77K BP 447,60 448,95 445,10 11,99M

163,57 164,45 161,30 5,2M

2.976,0 2.980,0 2.942,0 256,94K

Entertainment 18.490,0 18.580,0 18.330,0 29,19K

642,50 647,50 636,50 71,25K

928,50 929,50 915,50 193,84K

Inditex pays

EXECUTIVES working for Inditex all benefited from the fashion chain’s good results, starting with chief executive Oscar Garcia Maceiras who received €11.2 million last year. The group’s second echelon executives also did well, earning an average annual wage of €5 million in 2024.

Big guns

DEFENCE group Babcock International joined the FTSE 100 index on March 24 following a 50 per cent increase in its share price this year. The company, which maintains Britain’s nuclear submarines, is now valued at £3.8 billion (€4.5 billion).

Merger in the offing

ACCORDING to the UK media, plans for a merger between ITV and the All3Media production company are making progress.

The transaction revealed by the Daily Mail is said to be ‘far from certain’, but if it were to go ahead, both parties would create a new company and float it on the London Stock Exchange.

Nevertheless, the first hints of a possible ITV-All3Media deal were heard in January when Reuters quoted two people ‘with

Call to arms

SIX companies will be vying for Spain’s defence and arms contracts as the government ups its spending on defence.

Airbus, Indra, Navantia, Santa Barbara, ITP Areo and Italy’s SAPA Group already account for 80 per cent of spending, ending 2023 with consolidated revenues of €13.9 billion between them.

According to the company’s calculations, this should increase annually to €4

billion as Spain commits to increasing its Nato contributions to 2 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (PIB) by 2029.

These six are the only companies capable of absorbing Spain’s defence spending, which will increase from the present €17.5 billion per year – 1.32 per cent of the PIB – to more than €36.5 billion.

knowledge of the situation.’

The merger would create one of Europe’s largest production groups, with revenues of approximately £3.176 billion (€3.8 billion) based on the companies’ 2023 figures.

Two years ago, ITV had considered buying All3Media for £1 billion (€1.9 billion) but was outbid by Emirati-backed RedBird IMI’s £1.15 billion (€1.4 billion) offer.

Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive, has since been talking to the owners of London-based All3Media. Headed by former CNN president Jeff Zucker, it is behind popular series including The Traitors, Call the Midwife and Gogglebox.

Meanwhile, recent contacts have progressed ‘to a very detailed level’ the Daily Mail’s sources said.

ITV shares rose 1.1 per cent to 77.83 (€9.26) on March 17, giving the company a £2.92 billion (€3.5 billion) market capitalisation.

Changed habits

CEREAL PARTNERS UK & IRELAND, which makes Shreddies, Cookie Crisp and Nesquik, is preparing to close its Merseyside factory, involving the loss of 300 jobs, and move production to Staverton (Wiltshire). The company, which will no longer produce own-label cereals for supermarkets, blamed stiff competition and the changing eating habits of the British who now prefer protein-heavy breakfasts.

A SURVEY by the Foundation of Studies for Applied Economics (Fedea) revealed that 70 per cent of the jobs that were created in Andalucia, Valencia, Catalonia and Madrid since the pandemic went to over-50s. Nationwide, Fedea also found that foreign residents or those with double nationality occupied 75 per cent of the new jobs.

CAROLYN McCALL: Reportedly discussing an ITV-All3Media deal.

Deserved a mention

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I SUPPOSE, as a singer and scribbler, I shouldn’t get the hump when I feel I’ve received the dodgy end of the stick from those who follow in the same professions.

Over many years in ‘Show biz’, I have both seen and experienced, someone pinching an idea, or claiming to be the originator of some money-making scheme, or melody that was not truly hatched from their own creative prerogative. Andrew Lloyd Webber was the first I actually came across. Although highly talented, he was once accused of nicking large bits of his hits from classical music of the past. When I sang one of my personal compositions to a member of Wayne Fontana’s group ‘The Mindbenders’, I later discovered that a part of one of their biggest hits ‘Groovy Kind of Love ‘matched my ‘Wonderland of Love’ almost exactly! It’s all a part of the game and does in fact go on all the time. Last week however I did receive a true pang of

discontent, when I watched the TV documentary about the wonderful history of ‘Porridge’, which became one of the biggest successes in TV series history. Shortly after my release from prison, I was visited by an old friend Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart. Ed was a very successful DJ and TV artist and was also the goalie in the Showbiz Eleven, the charity team I was a member of during many a hair-raising outing on weekends. I was of course delighted to see both him and the friend who accompanied him.

Although I had never met his companion Ian, I found him pleasant enough and as one does, was soon supping the brandy and regaling them both with often extremely humourist stories of my term behind the high walls of incarceration.

One had occurred when I successfully managed to get the guvnor of a semi open, which actually sported a football pitch, to allow me to invite the Showbiz Eleven team to play the POs and inmates one Sunday afternoon! After Ed’s visit, his companion amicably enquired, that as he would be nearby the following week, could he perhaps drop in again?

To cut a long one short, he subsequently dropped in some three or four following weekends. Not being present on a couple, I essentially suspected he had designs on my lovely wife Mary. He then dropped off of our radar altogether. The following year (1974) Porridge was launched on BBC TV! The very first edition depicted the Showbiz Eleven being invited to play against Ronnie Barker and his team of inmates in Slade prison. Some of you may even remember this truly hysterical first viewing. I actually quite understandably couldn’t quite believe it. All became totally clear however when I inspected the credits. The series had originated from the pens of Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais!

Ed’s friend Ian had picked the brains of yours truly, cleverly decided that no one had ever thought of featuring prison as the setting for a situation comedy and I suppose the rest is history. I just thought the ol’ boy should have deserved a mention somewhere; or perhaps even a shuffle on. Ah well.

Keep the faith, Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail .com

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

Amazon.ie has launched

AMAZON has officially launched Amazon.ie, its dedicated Irish online store.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a reduced Amazon Prime subscription fee for Irish customers. Previously, Irish users subscribed to Amazon.co.uk, paying €11 per month. With the launch of Amazon.ie, the new Prime membership is now available for €6.99 per month or €69.90 annually. This includes access to fast and free One-Day Delivery, Prime Video, Prime Gaming, and exclusive discounts.

Amazon.ie aims to support Irish businesses, with over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) already selling more than 5.5 million products on the platform, according to The Irish Independent. The company is also launching a ‘Brands of Ireland’ page featuring popular local brands.

Micheál Martin, Ireland’s Taoiseach, welcomed the launch, stating in a press release: “This expansion by Amazon will give consumers more choice and better value, as well as help small, medium, and large businesses across the country promote their own Irish and international products.”

Amazon employs around 6,500 people in Ireland. The company has invested more than €22 billion in the country since 2004, with €17 billion of that occurring since 2020.

Amazon office in Dublin.

Hair, skin, and nails

ACHIEVING healthy hair, skin, and nails requires more than just external care - what you put inside your body matters too. Certain supplements can promote stronger hair, smoother skin, and more resilient nails.

Biotin is one of the most popular supplements for all three. This B-vitamin is essential for keratin production, a protein that supports hair, skin, and nails. Biotin can help improve hair thickness, reduce hair loss, and promote nail growth.

Collagen is another powerful supplement, particularly for skin and hair. Collagen peptides help maintain skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote hydration. For hair, collagen strengthens the hair follicles, reducing breakage and supporting growth.

Vitamin C is crucial for both skin and hair health. It helps boost collagen production and protects the skin from environmental damage by fighting free radicals. It also aids in the absorption of iron, an essential mineral for hair growth. For nails, zinc is an important supplement. It

supports protein synthesis and cell growth, both of which are critical for strong, healthy nails. Zinc also helps repair damaged skin and promotes skin cell turnover, preventing acne and other skin issues.

Finally, Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil or flaxseed oil can hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and give your hair and nails a healthy shine.

Combining these supplements with a healthy diet and pro-

Healthy living with arthritis

ARTHRITIS, a condition characterised by inflammation of the joints, can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, making daily activities challenging.

However, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Exercise is essential for those with arthritis. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles around the joints, and reduce pain. Low-impact exercises are ideal for minimising stress on the joints while maintaining flexibility and strength.

Balanced nutrition also plays a crucial role in managing arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts,

seeds, and leafy greens can help reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in these foods, are particularly beneficial in alleviating joint pain. Staying hydrated is equally important to keep the joints lubricated and reduce stiffness.

Weight management is another key factor in managing arthritis. Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on weight-bearing joints, like the hips and knees. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce stress on these joints, easing pain and improving mobility.

Lastly, stress management is essential. Chronic stress can exacerbate inflammation, so practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation can help keep stress in check.

PLANT-BASED

diets have soared in popularity, raising the question: can they really boost immunity? While no magical superfood guarantees perfect health, experts agree that eating more plants can strengthen your immune system by providing essential nu trients.

A plant-based diet emphasises fruits, vegetables, grains, and pulses, and can still include small amounts of meat, fish, or dairy. This flexibility makes it accessible and sustainable for many. According to Sara Stanner from the British Nutrition Foundation, such diets are linked to lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. When it comes to immunity, the key lies in ensuring

trients it needs to fight infections. While animal products provide nutrients like zinc and B12, careful planning with plant-based foods can meet those needs too.

The gut, home to most of your immune cells, thrives on fibre-rich foods like lentils, brown rice, and broccoli. These foods support gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which strengthen your immune defences.

Tim Spector, a leading nutrition expert, recom-

mends eating a colour ful variety of fruits and vegetables. Their natural compounds, known as phytochemicals, may not be miraculous, but they contribute to a robust immune system. Adding more plants to your meals doesn’t require drastic changes. Start by including more veggies or replacing meat with lentils in your recipes. Even partial shifts toward plant-based eating offer health benefits beyond immunity.

STRENGTH training and endurance training are two distinct forms of exercise, each offering unique benefits for the body. While both can improve overall fitness, they focus on different aspects of physical health.

Strength training involves lif ting weights or using resis tance to build muscle mass, strength, and power. The goal is to improve the abi lity of muscles to genera te force. It typically consists of shorter, more intense bursts of activity, such as lif ting heavy weights in a low-repetition range. The benefits of stren gth training include increased muscle mass, improved bone density, better posture, and enhanced metabolism. It also plays a key role in injury prevention by strengthening muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Endurance training, on the other hand, fo-

cuses on improving the body’s ability to sustain prolonged physical activity. This includes activities like running, cycling, swimming, or long-distance walking, typically performed at moderate intensity over an extended period. Endurance training enhances cardiovascular health, increases stamina, and improves lung capacity. It also helps with fat burning and boosts overall energy levels.

While both types of training are essential for well-rounded fitness, they complement each other.

Strength training builds muscle and power, while endurance training boosts stamina and cardiovascular health. Incorporating both into a fitness routine ensures a balanced approach to achieving overall strength, health, and performance.

Improving your immunity Strength vs Endurance Superfoods

SUPERFOODS are nutrient-dense foods that are particularly beneficial for health and well-being. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other vital nutrients, these foods provide a wide range of health benefits when included in a balanced diet. Popular superfoods include berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. One well-known superfood is blue-

berries, which are rich in antioxidants and are linked to improved brain function and heart health. Kale, a dark leafy green, is high in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as fibre, supporting the immune system and digestion. Chia seeds

are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and protein, promoting heart health and aiding in weight management.

Superfoods like avocados provide healthy fats that are beneficial for skin

and brain health, while quinoa offers a plant-based source of complete protein. Including these foods in your diet can reduce inflammation, boost energy levels, and improve overall health.

Though no single food can guarantee perfect health, incorporating a variety of superfoods into daily meals can enhance vitality and prevent chronic diseases.

Credit: shutterstock / Supavadee butradee

Credit : Shutterstock, Losangela

Natural ingredients

NATURAL skincare ingredients have gained popularity for their ability to nourish, soothe, and treat various skin concerns without harsh chemicals. Many of these ingredients have been used for centuries for their healing properties, making them a safe and effective choice for maintaining healthy, glowing skin.

Aloe Vera is one of the most widely used natural ingredients. Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, it helps to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing. Aloe vera is especially effective for sunburns and minor burns due to its cooling effect.

Tea Tree Oil, derived from the leaves of the tea tree, is a powerful natural antiseptic. It

Rosehip Oil, rich in vitamins A and C, is known for its ability to brighten and rejuvenate the skin. It helps reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and dark spots, promoting a more

Lavender Oil is not only calming for the mind but also beneficial for the skin. It has anti -

septic properties that help prevent infections while soothing and calming irritated skin. Incorporating these natural ingredients into your skincare routine can help improve skin health while avoiding harsh chemicals often found in commercial products.

Probiotic benefits

harmful bacteria. This can reduce symptoms of digestive issues like bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Probiotics also play a role in boosting the immune system. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, they help regulate the im-

mune system and may reduce the risk of infections. A healthy gut is essential for immune function, as a large portion of the body’s immune cells are found in the digestive tract. Probiotics may also improve mental health. Studies suggest a connection between gut health and mental well-being, often referred to as the ‘gut-brain axis’. Some research indicates that probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by promoting a balanced gut environment. Other benefits of probiotics include improving skin health by potentially reducing conditions like eczema and acne and supporting weight management by affecting how the body absorbs and stores fat. Incorporating probiotics into your diet through foods like yogurt, kefir, or supplements can enhance overall health.

Credit: Shutterstock / Oksana Mizina

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Luxury marina in 2 years

MALAGA is on the verge of achieving its dream of a luxurious marina akin to Puerto Banus, as the Port Authority has given final approval to the San Andrés marina project.

The administrative step clears a major legal hurdle in the process for building the luxury nautical complex, giving a clearer date for completion and backed by the same investors behind the planned 147-metre skyscraper on the Levante dock.

The San Andrés marina is expected to take two years to complete, and it is hoped to be up and running by late 2027. It will feature over 500 berths, including spaces for superyachts up to 50 metres, and is set to transform Malaga’s urban landscape.

Led by a consortium including Qatar’s royal family-linked Al Alfia, Igy Marinas, and Ocean Capital Partners, the marina promises to be the height of luxury.

Axarquia

A young talent’s triumph

MATÍAS CAMPOS, from Alcaucin, won the inaugural final of the Desplante Juvenil competition held at The Mining Museum of La Unión, in Murcia Province. The event was part of the International Meeting of Flamenco and Spanish Dance Schools, celebrating young talent in the art form.

“Matías Campos keeps winning awards,” stated Alcaucin Town Hall on its social media. Campos is a 15-year-old young flamenco dancer, who won in 2023 Tierra de Talentos reality show. His performance is so good that, during one of his shows, the famous dancer Antonio Canales stood up and said, “He makes Andalucia stay alive.”

The final in La Union saw competitors give their all, demonstrating promising talent. The other finalists, beside Matías Campos, were Paula Cabrera (Murcia), Rubén Guerrero (Malaga), and Claudia Sánchez (Madrid).

Ultimately, Matías Campos claimed victory, captivating the audience and the jury with his strength, expressiveness, and authenticity.

Mallorca

Business optimism

ACCORDING to a study conducted by KPMG and the CEOE, seven out of 10 Spanish business owners anticipate an increase in their turnover in 2025. This optimism is more pronounced in the Balearic Islands, where eight out of 10 businesses expect to see an increase in sales this year. Furthermore, 42 per cent of executives plan to expand their workforce, surpassing the figures from 2024.

The sectors most likely to benefit include insurance, tourism, banking, and real estate, with 80 per cent of respondents rating the current situation as good or excellent. However, in the automotive sector, the percentage of optimistic business owners drops to just 20 per cent.

The Balearic Islands, Andalucia, and Aragon are the regions where the most business owners and executives expect to increase their turnover, while Galicia, Madrid, the Balearic Islands, and Aragon show the best job creation forecasts.

Costa Blanca South Broadening horizons

THE Costa Blanca is making waves as a must-visit destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

Recently, a group of Chinese journalists and influencers, with millions of social media followers, explored Elche’s rich cultural heritage.

Alicante, too, is stepping into the spotlight with a series of visits from international tour operators and journalists throughout March and April.

Italy’s Evolution Travel will also send agents to explore Alicante as a family-friendly destination. Meanwhile, travel journalists from New York will discover the city’s best experiences and share them with American audiences, a market that continues to show growing interest in Alicante.

Ten MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) specialists from the UK will tour Alicante. Their goal is to organise world-class business events and incentive trips that put Alicante on the global business tourism map.

Almeria Food lovers delight

GARRUCHA is preparing to welcome food lovers to one of its most eagerly awaited gastronomic events, the eighth Ruta de la Tapa, running from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, April 6. The town’s restaurants and bars will offer a spectacular selection of tapas, showcasing the finest local ingredients and the creativity of the region’s chefs.

The Ruta de la Tapa has become a hallmark of Garrucha’s culinary scene, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience its rich gastronomic heritage. Participants will be able to explore the town, sampling the best culinary creations and engaging in the lively atmosphere that makes Garrucha’s food culture so special.

Visitors can take part by visiting the participating restaurants and bars in Garrucha, each of which will serve a specially prepared tapa. For €3.50, guests can enjoy a tapa accompanied by a drink, choosing from beer, wine, or a soft drink.

Diners will also have the opportunity to rate their favourite tapas.

HOTELS in the Region of Murcia had their best start to the year, welcoming more visitors and overnight stays than ever before. In January and February 2025, 184,658 travellers stayed in the region’s hotels, a 7.1 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. This growth was much higher than Spain’s national average of 1.2 per cent, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).

More Spanish tourists visited Murcia, with 144,526 domestic travellers, up 6.5 per cent from last year. The number of international visitors also increased, reaching 40,132, a 9.4 per cent rise, compared to Spain’s overall growth of 2.5 per cent. February was a particularly strong month, with 100,792 visitors, setting a new record for that month. Hotel prices also rose slightly, with the average daily room rate at €64.79, up 1.5 per cent from 2024.

Tourism officials say these figures show Murcia is becoming a year-round destination.

Ryanair rules

RYANAIR will introduce stricter travel rules this winter as part of a shake-up affecting all passengers from November 5, 2025. The airline has confirmed that paper tickets will be scrapped in favour of a fully digital boarding pass system aimed at streamlining check-ins and speeding up boarding.

The most significant change involves hand luggage. The maximum size for free cabin bags will now be capped at 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Bags exceeding this limit will incur a steeper fine of €70, up from the previous €60. Travellers requiring additional bags will now have to purchase Priority Boarding, with fees varying depending on the route and booking time. Ryanair will also introduce a €100 penalty for passengers who arrive at the check-in desk less than 40 minutes before departure.

The same fine applies to trave-

llers attempting to catch a later flight after missing their original booking.

Although rebooking will still be possible up to one hour after departure, passengers will face additional charges. The airline is encouraging travellers to check luggage dimensions carefully and

Alcohol limits

PORTUGAL is weighing stricter drink-driving laws as Spain pushes forward with plans to cut its blood alcohol limit.

Spanish lawmakers have approved a proposal to lower the limit for all drivers to 0.2 grams per litre, scrapping the current thresholds of 0.5 grams for most motorists and 0.3 grams for professional drivers such as lorry and bus operators.

Backed by Spain’s ruling Socialist Party, the bill cleared its first parliamentary hurdle with 177 votes in favour. Vox voted against, while the Popular Party abstained. The measure will now head to the committee stage for further discussion and potential amendments, but no date has been set for when the new limit could take effect.

arrive early to avoid these fines. Experts also advise passengers to pack essential medication in their hand luggage and review airline policies on carrying medicines. These updates mark Ryanair’s latest move to tighten its baggage rules while maintaining its reputation for low-cost fares.

Record wags

A GERMAN city set a new Guinness World Record by hosting a parade with nearly 900 dachshunds, also known as sausage dogs.

The draft law would also ban the sharing of police checkpoint locations on social media

platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, targeting what authorities describe as ‘organised groups’ who undermine drink-driving controls by warning others about roadside checks. In Portugal, Joana Teixeira, president of the Portuguese Society of Alcoholism, has called Spain’s proposal a potential model for Lis-

bon. “Reducing the limit to 0.2 grams would significantly impact driver awareness and safety,” she told local press.

Although no official bill has been introduced in Portugal, the debate is gaining momentum, with campaigners urging lawmakers to consider following Spain’s lead to improve road safety.

Regensburg, which is home to the Dackelmuseum (a museum dedicated to dachshunds), organised the world’s largest dachshund dog walk, called the Dackelparade. At least 897 dachshunds, along with their owners, participated in the event. Some estimates suggested there were as many as 1,175 dogs, but Guinness confirmed 897.

Seppi Küblbeck, who co-founded the Dackelmuseum with his husband, Oliver Storz, said the parade was meant to spread positivity throughout the community. He explained that “the dachshund isn’t political” and that for dachshunds, “all people are equal, regardless of skin colour or where they come from.”

Ryanair passengers will face stricter baggage and check-in rules from November 2025 as the airline updates its travel policies.

Credit : Shutterstock, kaskip

Spain is moving to tighten drink-driving laws and Portugal is considering similar reforms.

Credit : Shutterstock, Dan Kosmayer

Dachshunds on parade.

Image: Dackelmuseum Moni, Blümchen & Klein-Seppi / Facebook

Acronyms Decoded: Ultimate cheat sheet

EVER felt like you’re trying to decode an ancient script from a lost civilisation when reading your text messages?

You see a message packed with strange codes, your brain freezes, and suddenly, you’re blushing because you have absolutely no clue what anyone’s talking about. Cue the desperate Google search. Sound familiar?

Honestly, with all these acronyms flying around, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re secretly part of some intergalactic communication network and don’t even know it! Maybe aliens are using these codes to chat with us, just waiting for the day we crack the code and realise we’ve been texting Mars all along. But jokes aside, while acronyms make communication fast and fun, sometimes I feel like they’re stealing the soul of writing. Writing, aside from the obvious, helps us process our thoughts and even acts as a built-in therapist - saving us a fortune in therapy fees! But hey, whether we like it or not, the world is changing, and those long, beautifully crafted sentences we used to write are being replaced with bite-sized codes. The future is here... and it’s all about acronyms. Alright, enough of my rambling - before I get lost in my own thoughts! Love them or loathe them, acronyms are like that stubborn stain on your favourite shirtthey’re not going anywhere. So why not embrace the madness and have a laugh? Here’s your ultimate cheat sheet to crack the code of modern texting before you find yourself googling ‘What does that even mean?’ every five seconds:

1. ISTG – I Swear To God (Use to emphasise sincerity or frustration)

FROM COAST TO COAST

2. IDC – I Don’t Care (Use when you’re unbothered)

3. HMU – Hit Me Up (Use when you want someone to message or call you)

4. ILY / ILU – I Love You (Use to express affection, obviously!)

5. TTYL – Talk To You Later (Use when signing off)

6. FWIW – For What It’s Worth (Use when giving your perspective)

7. OMW – On My Way (Use when you’re heading somewhere)

8. GYAT – Get Your Act Together

9. ONG – On God (Like ‘I swear’)

10. RIZZ – Short for ‘charisma’ (Used to describe someone’s ability to flirt)

11. BET – Means ‘okay’ or ‘for sure’ (Used to agree or confirm plans)

12. NPC – Non-Playable Character (Used to call someone boring or predictable)

13. SLAY – To do something really well or look amazing (Often about fashion)

14. L – Loss (Used when someone fails or embarrasses themselves)

15. W – Win (Opposite of ‘L’, used when someone succeeds at something)

16. MID – Mediocre, average, not great (Used to insult things)

17. NO CAP – No lie, being honest These acronyms are super common on TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. So now, you can decode your friends’ messages with ease - without having to Google every acronym! aif2018@hotmail.com

Greek bears awake

SPRING has officially arrived in northern Greece as the brown bears at Arcturos Bear Sanctuary emerge from hibernation. Located in the snowy forests of Nymfeo, the sanctuary is once again open to visitors eager to watch the bears shake off the winter chill.

Among the first to venture out, Patrick and Louiza were seen rolling in the snow, while Duke happily splashed in his pool after months of dormancy. George took to the trees to scout his surroundings, while Sandy, ever the late riser, lingered in her den. Mira, meanwhile, appeared groggy, still adjusting to the new season.

The sanctuary, operated by Arcturos since 1992, is more than just a haven for rescued bears. It provides permanent refuge for animals that cannot be reintroduced into the wild, often due

to injury or past captivity. Beyond caring for its furry residents, Arcturos also focuses on conservation, habitat protection, and educating the public about Greece’s endangered wildlife, including wolves and lynxes.

Located in Florina, one of Greece’s coldest areas, the sanctuary often endures temperatures as low as -10°C, with past records hitting -29°C. Around 450 wild brown bears roam Greece’s Pindos and Rhodope mountain ranges, but sightings in places like Olympus and Nafpaktia suggest their habitat is expanding.

For now, visitors to Nymfeo can witness the joy of these majestic animals welcoming spring.

Ryanair gender case

Ryanair faces a lawsuit after a non-binary traveller claims the airline failed to offer a gender-neutral title during booking.

A NON-BINARY traveller is suing Ryanair for £4,200 after the airline failed to offer a gender-neutral title during a flight booking. The passenger, who was booking a trip from Berlin to Gran Canaria in October 2021, claims the absence of an ‘Mx’ option left them without a title that reflects their identity. With only ‘Herr’, ‘Frau’, or ‘Fräulein’ available, the traveller filed a legal complaint in Germany after Ryanair refused to settle the matter privately.

The case is now heading to Berlin’s state court, where the claimant is also demanding Ryanair modernise its booking system to include gender-neutral options. In recent years, several major airlines have taken steps towards greater inclusivity. Following recommendations from the International Air

Transport Association in 2019, United Airlines became the first US airline to introduce non-binary booking options. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, and Air New Zealand have since followed suit, allowing customers to select titles like ‘Mx’ and gender markers such as ‘X’ or ‘U’. The shift has extended beyond booking forms. Airlines including Lufthansa now avoid gender-specific greetings like ‘ladies and gentlemen’, opting for inclusive alternatives such as ‘dear guests’ to ensure all passengers feel welcome.

Ryanair, however, has yet to implement similar changes, despite offering a wide array of titles ranging from ‘Mr’ to ‘Viscount’. The outcome of the legal challenge could push the budget carrier to align with industry trends.

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

One of the brown bears at Arcturos Sanctuary enjoying the first rays of spring after waking from hibernation. Credit Shutterstock, Fanouria

Nestlé downsizing

NESTLÉ has announced a significant downsizing of its operations in Germany, with plans to close its Neuss plant by mid-2026 and sell its Conow facility in early 2026.

The downsizing will impact approximately 225 employees and comes as Nestlé faces what it calls ‘overcapacity’ and increasing ‘price sensitivity’ among consumers.

The Neuss plant, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, currently employs around 145 people and produces Thomy-branded products such as oil, mayonnaise, and mustard.

“This was a difficult decision, which we made after intensive examination and consideration of the overall situation,” said Fabrice Johan, chief technology officer for Nestlé in Germany. “Now it’s time to take responsibility for the employees on site and create pros-

pects for them.”

Nestlé plans to relocate production of Thomy oils to external partners elsewhere in Europe. Glass and plastic bottle production will also be shifted to other European sites. However, tube production for mayonnaise and mustard will be moved to the Lüdinghausen site, where 30 new jobs will be created.

Despite the downsizing, the company says nearly 80 per cent of Thomy products will continue to be made in Germany. The Conow facility in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which employs around 80 people, is also being divested. The plant manufactures items for Maggi and Garden Gourmet. According to Reuters, Nestlé is in ‘intensive negotiations’ with an unnamed German company to sell the plant, including the current workforce.

Mother’s Day: A tale of two traditions

THERE’S a Mother’s Day celebration somewhere in the world nearly every month. In the UK, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, March 30. In most of Europe (including Spain) and North America it’s in May.

In Thailand and Costa Rica in August. In Argentina in October, and in Panama and Indonesia in December.

Although Mother’s Day is celebrated with equal affection in both Spain and the UK, their origins and timing differ. The British version, ‘Mothering Sunday’, dates back to the 16th century, when people returned to their ‘mother church’ during Lent. Over time, it became a day to honour mothers, fuelled by Victorian sentimentality.

Spain, however, follows a more sa-

London investment

NORWAY’S Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, has acquired a 25 per cent stake in London’s Covent Garden estate for £570 million (€680 million).

Currently managing nearly €184 trillion in assets and owning 1.5 per cent of globally listed companies, NBIM has just partnered with Shaftesbury Capital, the London district’s landlord, for the deal, which values the estate at €3.22 billion.

Covent Garden, a hip, thronging hub of shopping, dining, and culture, spans shops, offices, and residential spaces, with a quarter of its land set aside for the latter two.

Famous for landmarks like Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard, it hosts brands such as Apple, Chanel, and newcomers like Diptyque and Charlotte Til-

bury. The investment tags onto a significant surge in luxury retail demand, which has recently hit record levels over the past few years, according to UK Sotheby’s International Realty.

Historically, Covent Garden was a fruit and vegetable market following London’s 1666 fire, but now it anchors the West End and opera scene, though it lost nearly a quarter of its value during the Covid-19 pandemic. Recovery has since fuelled Shaftesbury’s growth in the prime property market. NBIM’s Jayesh Patel, head of UK real estate, called Covent Garden a ‘world-renowned retail, leisure, and cultural destination’, which complements the fund’s West End holdings.

cred tradition. Held on the first Sunday in May, it aligns with the country’s deep-rooted Catholicism, honouring the Virgin Mary as the ultimate mother. Until 1965, it was even marked on December 8 - Immaculate Conception Day.

So, while timing varies, the universal truth remains: mothers deserve celebration every day, not just once a year!

And finally, how can we begin to thank our Mothers for all their invaluable insights and advice? When I was a kid, and kicking up a foul-mouthed rumpus, she would say, “If you haven’t got anything nice to say, then why say anything at all?”

Imagine if I had listened to her then. Where would I be - novelist and columnist - now?

Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-jo hnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nestlé, Frankfurt.

London’s perennially hip Covent Garden.

Bolt acquires Viggo

THE move, announced on Monday March 24, builds on Bolt’s existing e-bike rental operations in Copenhagen.

The acquisition gives Bolt immediate access to Viggo’s fully electric eet of over 300 vehicles and a user base of 450,000 people across Copenhagen and Aarhus, according to Ritzau. The deal also adds more than 500 professional drivers to Bolt’s platform.

Founded in 2019, Viggo is known as Scandinavia’s rst 100 per cent electric ride-hailing company. It has a reputation for high service quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.

“Joining Bolt allows us to scale our impact, bene ting both drivers and passengers with new technology, increased

redit:

Outrage in Dublin

A STUDENT in Dublin has launched a campaign to protect the famous Molly Malone statue, amid growing outrage over tourists groping the landmark’s breasts.

demand, and continued commitment to quality,” said Kenneth Herschel, CEO of Viggo.

Bolt CEO Markus Villig commented: “We have always had a high bar for M&A [mergers and acquisitions], but we share Viggo’s mission to improve cities and were impressed by their fully electric operations.”

The company also announced a new partnership with Taxi 4x27, which will bring over 600 additional vehicles onto the Bolt platform, as reported by Silicon Canals. According to Lars Speekenbrink, Bolt’s Regional General Manager for Northern Europe:

“Our platform is designed to help partners scale e ciently, increase vehicle utilisation, and maximise earnings.”

Tilly Cripwell, a 23-yearold student and busker at Trinity College, has called out what she describes as “disgusting behaviour” by visitors, especially stag parties. Years of tourists fondling the statue’s chest have discoloured the bronze, with the breasts now visibly shinier than the rest of the sculpture.

“It triggered me so much, I just had to put a stop to it,” said Cripwell, who argues that the statue is being reduced to a joke and sends a poor message to young people.

Dublin City Council has con rmed it is reviewing a plan to raise the statue on a higher plinth and restore the original patina. The council is also urging

tourist companies to stop encouraging the practice.

Locally known as ‘the tart with the cart’, Molly Malone has stood in Dublin since 1988, symbolising the city’s working-class history. However, the tradition of rubbing the statue’s breasts for good luck - quietly endorsed by some tour guides - has drawn sharp criticism.

“Male statues are placed high up and treated with respect,” Cripwell noted. “But Molly is within reach, and people take liberties.” Some tour operators have apologised after being accused of fuelling the myth, but the controversial behaviour continues. The council is expected to present its full report on potential changes next month.

Viggo taxi.

Ana Candida

The Molly Malone statue in Dublin, a popular tourist attraction now at the centre of a debate over visitor behaviour and preservation.

HOMEALBIR, A VERY DIFFERENT AGENCY

How many times have you tried to contact an agency and received no response?

SOMETIMES it can be due to the amount of work they have (because no one is perfect), but in the case of HomeAlbir, they always contact their clients, either to give them good news or to tell them they can’t help them.

How many times have you requested a specific property from an agency, and they sent you properties that don’t fit your requirements? Surely many times...

From the beginning, HomeAlbir asks clients many questions to be able to match them as closely as possible to what they are looking for.

HomeAlbir help you find the home of your dreams. And if they cannot help you find it, they will tell you. They are that straightforward with all their clients.

HomeAlbir is like your ‘personal shopper’ for properties. It doesn’t matter whether they have it on their website or not, because if they don’t have

it, they’ll search for it exclusively for you until you get the house you want. That way, you’ll save a lot of time searching the internet and sending countless emails without a response. Clients should enjoy their time, and HomeAlbir should work for them. And considering the price will be the same... So, why not do it?

And even if clients find a property on their own (which sometimes happens), HomeAlbir offers the option of reviewing all the documentation so that the entire purchase process is perfectly legal and clear. HomeAlbir takes care of preparing and/or requesting all the necessary information, so clients only have to go and sign their ‘dream’. HomeAlbir has been operating in the market for 11 years, with sales and also

rentals, always in a reliable, honest, sincere, and, of course, legal manner. They are registered in the Valencian Community as a Real Estate Agency and they are members of API.

HomeAlbir’s work area is Altea, Alfaz del Pi, El Albir, Benidorm, Finestrat, La Nucia, Polop, and Callosa d’en Sarria. If you’re looking to sell, buy, or rent a property, contact them. You’ll see that HomeAlbir is a completely different agency from the others.

Contact Elena, +34 636 458 541 (phone or whatsapp) or homealbir@gmail.com (email) or www.homealbir.com (website) on all social media platforms.

THE European Commission is currently scrutinising the Star Stable online game, created by Swedish company Star Stable Entertainment

The game defines itself as ‘a magical online world full of horses, friendship, mystery and adventure’ but players are at an advantage if they spend real money to acquire ‘star coin’ currency.

Consumer watchdog Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC Network) is probing the game’s alleged unfair practices, following a complaint from the Swedish Consumers’ Association. These violated European Union consumer protection laws, the association said, citing pressure to buy through advertisements, lack of transparency in transactions, and using influencers to promote products to children.

After Star Stable Entertainment was asked to provide information regarding the game, the CPC Network’s assessment of

Play the game

EUROPEAN COMMISSION: Brussels probes children’s online games.

the company’s answers identified the same practices cited by the Swedish Consumers’ Association.

The company must now send a written reply addressing the issues highlighted by the CPC Network and setting out proposals for remedying shortcomings.

On March 21, the CPC Network, coordinated by the European Commission, published guidelines directed at promoting transparency and fairness in the online gaming in-

dustry’s use of virtual currencies. The regulations highlighted the need to respect consumer vulnerabilities, particularly those of children.

“Children spend a lot of time online, gaming and interacting on social media,” said Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection

“It is crucial to ensure a safe online environment for consumers, especially children.”

Lupa needs dog-sitters to care for her at home

LUPA is a mature West Highland Terrier. She needs daily medication and so travelling with her owners is getting harder. So she needs dog-sitters to come to her home to care for her when her owners travel away on holiday or for work. It helps the homeowners that the dog-sitters will also care for the home and don’t charge for the house and dog-sitting.

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 house-sitters 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. 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 house-sits, you hold a video interview via the site and match! How does it work?

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.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent

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.

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

Teresa, Pet owner

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

Allergy advice

IF your pet is constantly scratching, sneezing, or experiencing skin irritation, allergies may be the culprit. Just like humans, the vet can help determine the cause through allergy testing or elimination diets. Adjust their diet : Food aller-

washing pet bedding can help reduce environmental allergens like pollen and dust. Provide relief : Medicated

DOGS need mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and help keep cognitive dysfunction syndrome at bay. Interaction with other dogs and play time are a couple of ways to keep dogs mentally fit.

tamines or allergy medications can soothe symptoms. If fleas are the issue, use proper flea

nary guidance, your pet can live

Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies.

Credit Shutterstock kobkik

As a mature dog Lupa prefers staying at home, and needs dog-sitters.

GARDENING

ALARMS

PET TRANSPORT

SOLAR ENERGY

TV & SATELLITE

Points system

SPAIN operates a points-based driving licence system, where drivers start with points and lose them for traffic offences. Unlike systems where points are added as penalties, Spain’s approach rewards safe driving and punishes repeat offenders.

Experienced drivers, those who have held their licence for more than three years, begin with 12 points.

New drivers, those with less than three years of experience, start with eight points and must demonstrate good driving behaviour to reach the standard 12.

Drivers lose points for committing traffic violations. Some offences result in the loss of just two points, while serious infractions can take away six points in one go.

Speeding can result in the loss of two to

six points, depending on how much over the limit the driver was going. Using a mobile phone while driving now carries a six-point penalty. Drink-driving results in a deduction of four or six points, depending on blood alcohol levels. Dangerous overtaking and running a red light both result in a fourpoint loss. Not wearing a seatbelt also leads to a four-point deduction.

Once a driver reaches zero points, their licence is revoked. To

get it back, they must complete a road safety course, which costs more than €400, and pass a new driving test.

If a driver avoids committing any violations for three years, their total points are restored to 12. If they already have 12 points, driving safely for another three years increases their total to 15 points, which is the maximum allowed.

A driver can also take a road safety course every two years to recover up to six points.

Rain-free mirrors hack Rain-free mirrors hack

IF you’re tired of dealing with rain obscuring your car’s side mirrors, a simple yet effective trick could be just what you need. The hack involves using toothpaste to create a hydrophobic surface on the mirrors, which helps prevent water droplets from sticking. To use this method,

take a cloth and wipe any drops off your mirrors. Then, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a clean cloth and rub it onto the mirror’s surface in circular motions. Make sure to cover the entire mirror and gently buff it out until the surface feels smooth and clean. Afterward, wipe away

Cracking down on seatbelt violations

POLICE across Spain recently stepped up seatbelt and child restraint checks as part of a nationwide safety campaign by the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT). The aim of the initiative which ran until Sunday, March 16, was to prevent road fatalities by ensuring all passengers were properly restrained.

any excess toothpaste with a damp cloth, leaving a thin layer behind.

This works because the particles found in fluoride - a key component in toothpaste - create friction on the surface of the mirror, meaning the water can’t condense there. As a result, rainwater beads up and rolls off more easily, keeping your mirror clear during wet conditions.

This affordable and easy-to-do trick can save you time and frustration, especially in heavy rain, ensuring that your visibility and safety are never compromised.

The Guardia Civil’s Traffic Division and Local Police conducted random checks on urban and interurban roads, while helicopters, drones, and automated cameras monitored compliance. Failing to wear a seatbelt or use a child restraint system (SRI) correctly can result in a €200 fine and four licence points. In 2024, 157 people died on interurban roads due to not wearing a seatbelt, accounting for 26.8 per cent of car and van fatalities. The campaign was part of the broader RoadPol European safety initiative, reinforcing the importance of proper restraints in reducing injury risks. Spanish law requires children under 135 cm to use an approved SRI, though experts recommend extending this to 150 cm. Studies show that up to 90 per cent of serious or fatal child injuries could be prevented with correct use. Rear-facing seats - compulsory until 15 months - offer even greater protection. The DGT will release final figures now that the campaign has ended. Last year, over 10,000 penalties were issued in a similar operation. With this increased enforcement, authorities hope to see a positive change, ensuring more drivers and passengers take these essential safety measures.

Spain’s Driving Licence Points System: How it works.

Credit: Shutterstock, Lucia Fdez

Credit: Shutterstock / Natallia Ploskaya

Skoda Kamiq Design Edition launched

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

ŠKODA is building on the success of its Kamiq range by adding a new trim level to the already comprehensive line-up. The new Design Edition is a trim level that has proved a popular choice in the updated Fabia range, is positioned between the existing SE Edition and SE L Edition models and takes the total number of trim options for Kamiq up to four. Created to appeal to design-conscious customers, the specification of the new Design Edition is aimed at delivering a striking look while maximising value for money.

Building on the specification of the Kamiq SE Edition, the new Design Edition is equipped with 17-inch Propus aero alloy wheels, black roof and door mirrors and privacy glass as standard. Inside, there are sports seats, cloth and microsuede uphols-

tery, a three-spoke sports steering wheel and red trim on the dash board. Am bient lighting, black headli ning and alu minium pedals complete the interior specifi cation.

The new edition is available with two engines and three drivetrain options. The 1.0 TSI 95PS and 1.0 TSI 116PS engines feature a manual gearbox as standard with the higher output unit also available with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The CO2 outputs range from 122g/ km for the 1.0 TSI 116PS manual to 126g/km for the 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG. In terms of efficiency, the 1.0 TSI 95PS model returns 5.44L/100km (51.9mpg) in combined driving while the 1.0 TSI 116PS manual returns a very slightly more economical

(50.6mpg).

Despite a pretty comprehensive specification, prices for the new Kamiq Design Edition start from €30,858/£25,855 for the 1.0 TSI 95PS model, rising to €33,567/£28,185 OTR for the 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG model.

The popularity of SUVs filtered down to smaller models a long time ago, not all are overly large gas guzzlers as some may have you believe, and the higher driving posi-

a car. They also afford better visibility for the driver, and passengers, when on the road.

Skoda offer three all-electric SUVs and three combustion engine models, with both petrol and diesel plus all-wheel-drive options. Unlike some manufacturers they also still offer straight forward hatchbacks and estates, the latter of which are especially commodious, and plug-in hybrid options. It’s fair to say they pretty much have all bases covered!

1st woman IOC head

KIRSTY COVENTRY has just shattered the glass ceiling to become the rst woman to be named the head of the International Olympic Committee in its 130-year history.

The Zimbabwean swimming champ came out on top to replace Thomas Bach, taking the top job in world sport. “It’s a signal that we’re truly global and that we have evolved into an organisation that is truly open to diversity, and we’re going to continue,” she said on Thursday, March 20, in Athens.

Coventry clinched the position, leaving candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr in second place, followed by Sebastian Coe in third. She said that she would spend the next few months working with Thomas Bach to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and to exchange some key ideas.

Seen as a controversial choice, Coventry has been outspoken with her views on transgender people in single-sex sports, arguing that sports should be categorised by the biological sex of an athlete and not what gender they identify as.

Reported by the Telegraph, she said she wanted to “ensure fairness in women’s sport and maintain the integrity

of women’s categories.” Coventry highlighted the dangers of allowing male-born athletes to compete in women’s categories.

The seven-time Olympic medallist was invited to the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission in 2012, and her election to the presidency heralds a new era for the committee, with expectations that she will bring a fresh perspective to pressing issues such as athlete rights.

Kirsty Coventry speaking at IOC meeting, Thailand.