Costa de Almeria 27 March – 2 April 2025 Issue 2073

Food lovers delight

Garrucha hosts the 8th edition of the Ruta de la Tapa

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, contributing to the selection of the Best Tapa 2025 and Best Sweet Tapa 2025.

In addition to savouring exquisite dishes, participants can enter an exci-

ting prize draw. By completing their tapa route and submitting their voting cards, they will have the chance to win a trip to one of three European cities: Paris, Prague, or Budapest.

The incentive adds an

THE community of Zurgena came together at Bar Restaurante La Vida to support Una a Una, a charity dedicated to aiding victims of domestic abuse. The event was a resounding success, raising €1,051 for the organisation.

The day’s entertainment featured live performances from talented artists such as Emma Wild, Kayleigh Easton, Kay Frances, Hot Vox, and Rebs on the Rocks. Una a Una is an organisation focused on promoting real equality and eliminating gender-based violence.

Rebecca Weaver formally presented the donation of €1,051 to Laura Marcilla, representing Una a Una.

extra layer of excitement to an already vibrant event, encouraging food lovers to explore as many venues as possible.

For more information, visit Garrucha Town Hall’s website.

www.garrucha.es

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2073 • 27 March - 2 April 2025 FREE

Ruta de la Tapa showcasing the finest local ingredients.

Lions Club call for support

VERA LIONS is a local volunteer organisation rooted in community spirit and practical support for those in need. The group has built a strong reputation for organising charitable events, providing equipment like public defibrillators, and lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed.

The Club is calling on individuals, clubs, and societies across the area to get involved. Whether it’s a quiz night, a bowls match, or a social gathering, any event that raises money can make a real difference.

The group has also worked with the local town halls to provide defibrillators in the area - essential life-saving equipment.

However, due to Spanish regulations, these devices can only be used by those trained by certified Spanish medical trainers. Unfortunately, many of the volunteers,

Lifesaving equipment.

including a team in Villaricos, have now seen their training certifications expire. They are hoping to secure funding to retrain them and continue offering this crucial safety net. There is also a need for raffle prizes to support their upcoming events.

“They really help us rai -

se more money at each event.”

Some key dates already lined up include Jack Law’s sponsored run from Turre to Mojacar on April 6 and a George Michael tribute night at Miraflores on April 12.

Contact Shep via WhatsApp on 711 005 682.

Cadiz carnival comes to Albox

THE renowned Cadiz carnival group, Comparsa de Chapa y Raul Cabrera, delivered a standout performance in Albox on Saturday, March 22, marking their only appearance in the province this season. Held in the Albox Water and Health Centre, the event formed part of the town’s annual Carnival Group Showcase, a growing cultural event in the Almanzora Valley.

The headline act, known for their poetic lyrics and richly harmonised performances, presented their latest show La tribu (The Tribe). The group has consis tently received acclaim in recent years, reaching the finals of the Official Competi tion of Carnival Groups in Cadiz, and earning the runner-up position in the two previous editions. Their visit to Albox offered re sidents a rare oppor tunity to experience Ca diz’s legendary carnival artistry first-hand.

on stage was the Chirigota del Soto, a local ensemble for med mainly by young

performers from Albox. Their new show Los Traicioneros (The Treacherous Ones) combined political satire and musical flair, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. With appearances at prominent carnival events across Andalucia, Chirigota del Soto has emerged as a rising star in the regional scene.

The Albox Carnival Showcase continues to gain prestige each year, serving as a bridge between the rich traditions of Cadiz and the creative energy of local groups in the interior of Almeria.

Credit: Shutterstock: Gary Perkin

Credit: FB: Codigo Carnival

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/

The Dames of Huercal-Overa

THE Dames of Huercal-Overa, a local group of British women, donated an impressive €1,750 to ve community groups and associations. The funds, raised through ra es, draws, and various events organised by the Damas throughout the year, will support causes related to animal rescue and sports in the area.

The ve bene ciaries were New Life Animal Protection Association Huercal Overa, CD Adelante Artistic Gymnastics Club, Ibizan Hound Rescue, Nico Dog Rescue, and Puertas Abiertas (Open Doors).

The donations were handed over in a warm and joyful gathering, re ecting the strong community spirit that de nes the Dames and their work. Each group expressed their gratitude for

the nancial support, which will be used to further their missions.

Dames of Huercal-Overa is more than a fundraising group. Formed by a dedica-

ted and friendly community of women living in the area, the Dames o er support, companionship, and a way for women to stay active and engaged in local life.

Women’

THURSDAY March 27, marks a very special, deeply rooted regional festival for Vera, affectionately known as the ‘Day of the Old Woman’. Marking the middle of Lent, this is a day for

families and groups of friends to go to the countryside or the beach and be at one with nature.

One of the traditions of the outing which the children really look forward to is that of ‘the old woman’. This is a doll traditionally made from reeds or wood, as well as coloured tissue paper, concealing sweets inside her head. The children then have the pleasure of attempting to destroy the head with stones in order to get to the sweets.

For more than 30 years, this tradition has been kept alive by the Association for the Promotion of People with Intellectual Disabilities (Asprodalba).

Every year, they handmake hundreds of the ‘viejas’ dolls, selling them at the Asprodalba store in the centre of Vera, as well as at other participating retail outlets.

The dolls are made in a variety of different sizes and can be designed for babies or even pets as well as children. The money raised from the sale of the dolls is then put towards the daily operational costs associated with Asprodalba, enabling it to continue its vital work.

The ‘viejas’ dolls.

Credit: Asprodalba

A new service

THE ‘Oasys Mini Hollywood’ theme park in the Tabernas Desert, Almería, is celebrating its 50th anniversary by introducing a new service for fans of westerns and desert nights. Starting this summer, the park will launch its ‘Camper Park’, which will accommodate 150 motorhomes and 40 ‘Glamping’ tents, each suitable for between four and eight people.

José María Rodríguez, manager of the hotel chain, explained that the ‘Camper Park’ will be set in a setting

inspired by 1950s and 1960s Hollywood westerns.

This new venture was inspired by frequent requests from visitors who wanted to spend the night at the park, Rodríguez noted, adding that the hotel company responded to this demand, as well as to the various ‘experiences’ visitors have been asking for. The park, located in Europe’s only desert, will offer unique overnight stays.

The manager also highlighted that Almeria’s ‘good weather’ helps attract visi-

tors year-round, as the park benefits from favourable weather conditions and milder winters. As a result, motorhome tourism has grown significantly in the autumn, winter, and spring seasons, ensuring the park will remain a year-round destination for campers.

The ‘Camper Park’ will offer a special area overlooking a unique waterfall in the Tabernas Desert, as well as essential services like showers, supermarkets, cleaning, and electrical supplies.

Albox Theatre Week

ALBOX is once again hosting one of Spain’s longest-running amateur theatre festivals. Now in its 54th edition, the National Amateur Theatre Competition of Albox opened earlier this week.

On Monday evening, the local group Plaza Mayor Theatre launched the festival with The Conscience of Don Jenaro, a reflective and comical piece.

Tuesday night saw the Castellon-based Friends of Theatre Group take to the stage with One Month You, One Month Me, a comedy of misunderstandings. Wednesday evening, Almeria’s own Red Moon Theatre presented Corten, a playful blend of theatre and cinema.

On Thursday March 27, Alicante’s El

Trabajo Classical Theatre Group will perform Four Hearts with Brake and Reverse, a surreal comedy by Enrique Jardiel Poncela that satirises the human desire for immortality. On Friday March 28, audiences can experience The Great Theatre of the World by Calderon de la Barca, presented by Loyola Teatro.

On Saturday, The Theatre Troupe of San Gines brings, Ñaque, or On Lice and Actors, a minimalist, two-person play by Jose Sanchis Sinisterra.

The final performance, on Sunday March 30, the Vaudeville of Justice performed by Talion Theatre. All events are held at 7pm in the Centro de Agua y Salud de Albox, Av. América, 11, 04800 Albox Tel 663 233 355.

Hollywood in the desert.

One Month You, One Month Me.

Image: MiniHollywood

Oasys / Facebook

Exceptional Photography

MEMBERS of the Vera International Photo Club showcased their talents in a thrilling inter-club photography competition against Wallingford Camera Club, delivering images of the highest standard and narrowly missing out on victory by just three points.

Held in El Puntazo Hotel, Mojacar, the spirit of creative exchange and friendly rivalry, the evening brought together two clubs with a shared passion for visual storytelling. The nal score was 339 points to Wallingford, 336 to Vera - a testament to the calibre of photographs on display from both sides.

Special congratulations go to Vivien Dacie-Ward, whose captivating portrait Co-

ralie was awarded Best Image of the night. Frank also earned recognition, with his striking photograph placing third overall. These accolades re ect the strength and artistry of Vera’s entries, which accounted for ve of the top seven images in the competition.

Adding a warm note to the evening’s outcome, Wallingford - located in Oxfordshire, England and notably the former club of two current Vera members - expressed their delight at the exchange and have already invited Vera Photo Club to repeat the challenge next year.

For more on Vera Photo Club’s activities and upcoming events, please visit their o cial website www.veraphotoclub.org

Ride by the rules

IN 2024, Almeria Local Police issued 874 fines to drivers of electric scooters and personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), marking a 54 per cent increase from the 567 fi-

reckless or careless driving, driving the wrong way, carrying too many passengers, using a mobile phone while driving, and failing to follow traffic signs or police

Additional fines were handed out for riding on pavements and pedestrian zones, which breaches traffic rules.

using headphones, both risk to their own safety

There has also been a rise in reports of riders running red lights or using headphones, both of which increase the risk to their own safety and that of pedestrians.

Using a mobile phone

one person is allowed

helmets and other is strongly recom-

Using a mobile phone while driving results in a €200 fine, the same amount as for riding with headphones, riding without lights or reflective clothing at night, or failing to wear a helmet where required by local laws. Authorities also remind users that only one person is allowed per vehicle, the maximum speed limit is 25 km/h, and the use of helmets and other safety equipment is strongly recommended.

Coralie by Vivien Dacie-Ward.

Tourism management

FOLLOWING a press conference on Friday March 21, it was announced that 425 properties previously designated for tourist use in Almeria have had their permission cancelled. This is part of a wider initiative aimed at improving the control and regulation of the housing sector and short-term vacation rentals in particular.

The Minister of Tourism and External Affairs of the Junta de Andalucia, Arturo Bernal, said: “Our task and obligation as a competent administration is regulation and order, not demonisation. He further highlighted that the goal of tourism management should not purely focus on the needs of visitors, but

Challenging

had another exciting Sunday out on the water. The first two races took place in a pleasant, light easterly wind but as the wind direction changed to the south it dropped completely and made for a challen-

ging third race. At the end of racing the full force of the southerly blew in as the fleet of five dinghies headed home. All three races were won by Phil Berthold in his Laser with Jim Hannay and Peter Dewhurst coming second in Jim’s Snipe.

also the impact on local residents.

All in all, his department has cancelled tourist use permissions for a total of 6,771 homes since the start of 2024. This action has been carried out based on ex officio decisions or at the request of the municipal authorities and the Ministry, all in accordance with urban planning and tourist regulations.

In taking these significant steps, it is evident that there is an ongoing commitment to balancing the needs of tourists with those of the local communities. For local residents, this is likely to be welcomed as it promotes a more sustainable and regulated approach to tourism while offering protections against the issues that can occur in the event of ‘over-tourism’.

Less properties for tourist use in Almeria.

THE Santa Irene Club de Vela

Credit: Shutterstock:

Katerina Morozova

Another exciting Sunday on the water.

PAWS ON THE PASEO

FOLLOWING on from our announcement last week about our first Bingo/Brunch event taking place on April 3 at The Snug, Mojacar Playa, our next event for PAWS-PATAS takes place just over a week later, so make a note in your diary to ensure you don’t miss it.

On April 11 we celebrate International Pets Day with ‘Paws on the Paseo’, a Community Dog Walk starting from De Tap Room, on Mojacar Playa. Come along from 10.30am to register your dog for a free treat before starting the walk at 11am, check out the PAWS-PATAS stall and remember to buy your raffle ticket –someone has to win!

On return to De Tap Room, you can enjoy a free tapa with your first drink. Your dogs will love it, and so will you. Hope to see you there. www.paws-patas.org

Rural revival

WHILE around 230,000 residents of Almeria live there permanently, a growing trend is emerging, which is having a substantial positive impact on the local community.

The province is becoming increasingly attractive to those looking for a second home. Recent figures indicate that this currently applies to as many as 35,000 households or 13 per cent of all households in the region.

This trend is not just con-

fined to the typical tourist hotspots or Almeria’s capital, as you might expect. In fact, the pull of a more rural escape is leading to a countryside revival, whereby the transformation of traditional houses into second homes is becoming increasingly common. Coastal locations remain popular too, especially for those seeking to be closer to the sea and its natural beauty.

Statistics show that of the 35,000 households in Almeria that own second

homes, 77.9 per cent have both properties within the Almeria Province. Looking further afield, 13 per cent have properties in a different province but within the same autonomous community, 4.1 per cent in another autonomous community, and 5.1 per cent own an additional property abroad.

No doubt, as this trend continues to grow, it will have a significant impact on the population dynamics of Almeria in the future.

The exhibition features famous landscapes.

THE Villa de Huercal-Overa Theatre is hosting the ‘Costa a la Vista’ (Views of the Coast) photography exhibition by Juan Pedro Beltrán Guevara, which runs until March 31.

The artist confirmed that all the images on display were taken along the Almeria coast, spanning locations from San Juan de los Terreros to Carboneras. Through his work, the photographer aims to highlight the beauty of the coastline and encourage its preservation. The exhibition features famous landscapes such as Cala Panizo, Terreros, Carboneras, Macenas, and the port of Garrucha.

THE Abdera Pop Festival will return to Adra on July 19, featuring headlining acts like Javier Ojeda, Tennesse, Los Rolenzos, and La Guardia. The festival will be held at the CEIP Marenostrum venue, celebrating the city’s long-standing pop music tradition.

Tickets will go on sale soon, with a special promotion offering 400 tickets for €25. These will only be available at physical locations: Auditorio Ciudad de Adra, Pub La

A native of Cuevas del Almanzora, Beltrán Guevara, who is studying photography at the International University of La Rioja (UNIR), is presenting his first solo exhibition.

Views of the coast Adra grooves

Granja, and Deportes Blanes in Adra and El Ejido. After the promotion ends, tickets can be purchased for €30 through giglon.com or the same retailers.

Mayor Manuel Cortés, described the event as “a festival with live music that everyone, from locals to visitors, can enjoy.”

Organised by Indalo Producciones, will feature top national bands, a mix of music from various decades, and live performances.

Credit: Shutterstock: inigolai-Photography

Rural escapes in Almeria increasingly popular.

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AYUNTAMIENTO DE MOJACAR

THE 25th edition of the Artistic and Literary Gathering of the Almanzora took place on March 21 at the El Puntazo Residential Complex in Mojacar.

The programme included a conversation between writer and interviewer Rubén Martínez and the internationally recognised author Sarah Lark, who presented her latest historical novel, La veterinaria (The Veterinarian).

Further enriching the evening was a thoughtful presentation on local traditions and dress, given by Paco Martínez, a tailor and connoisseur of mojaquera fashion. He spoke of the disappearing craftsmanship and symbolic detail found in the

traditional dress of Mojacar, placing special emphasis on the elegance and balance embodied by the aguadoras (female water carriers).

There was also a fascinating segment dedicated to the International Festival of Spanish Keyboard Music, FIMTE, with insights offered by its director, renowned harpsichordist Luisa Morales.

The evening included a screening of historical footage

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 - 04638 Mojácar (Almería) Telef. 950.615.009 Fax: 950.475.200 info@mojacar.es ayuntamiento.mojacar.es

from the Spanish NO-DO (Noticiarios y Documentales) newsreels, drawing a vivid connection between El Parador, Fraga, and the early years of the Puntazo complex itself.

The Fundación Valparaiso, based in Mojacar and known for hosting artists-in-residence from around the world, also featured in the event.

The event, organised by the TALA (Artistic and Literary Gathering of the Almanzora), continues to gain momentum with each edition, drawing locals, artists, and thinkers into a shared space of celebration and reflection.

Village of Desires

Artistic and Literary Gathering Understanding Verifactu

World

Autism

Day

THE local autism association TeAma is inviting families to come together for a day lled with fun, inclusion, and awareness at the Centro Usos Multiples Mojacar (Multipurpose Centre) on Sunday, March 30.

ON March 22, Mojacar experienced a very unique night in honour of the Spring Solstice. Titled ‘The Village of Desires’, it was organised by the Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain. All in all, the network includes 112 villages spread across Spain, of which Mojacar is one. According to their website, each is considered ‘A place of great beauty that exudes history and culture, where tradition envelopes the traveller, who, by mingling with the locals, becomes part of this unique setting, even if only for a few moments’.

A RECENT event held in Mojacar has drawn considerable attention from the local business community. The session focused on Verifactu, Spain’s new invoicing system designed to help small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs comply with the incoming Anti-Fraud Law, which will come into full e ect in 2026.

‘The Village of Desires’ was a night lled with spirituality and hope, celebrated simultaneously in all 112 villages, including Mojacar, Nijar, and Lucainena de las Torres in the Almeria Province. On this enchanting evening, all participants were invited to harness the powerful strength and revi-

talising energy of the Solstice. Individuals were provided with pieces of paper on which they could write three wishes which related to health, success, love or a personal aspiration with particular signi cance. The wishes were then collected and ceremoniously burned in a symbolic bonfire. As the flames engulfed the wishes, the thought was that they would transform into smoke and be carried skyward, creating an atmosphere of unity and collective strength to help those wishes become a reality.

Organised as a practical and informative workshop, the event o ered guidance on how the new system will change the way invoices are issued and recorded. It aimed to equip business owners with the tools and understanding needed to transition smoothly to the upcoming legal requirements.

Verifactu is part of a wider national strategy to improve scal transparency and reduce tax evasion. Under the new regulations, all invoicing software must meet government-approved standards. These include the generation of unalterable

records, real-time communication of invoice data to the tax agency, and the prevention of parallel or ‘B’ accounting. The changes will a ect a wide range of business activities and will require adjustments in day-to-day administration.

The session was well-attended, with participants showing a strong interest in how these changes will

impact their businesses.

Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical advice, particularly relevant to the self-employed sector and small companies operating in the region.

There was a general sense of engagement and a desire to stay ahead of the curve before the legal obligation takes hold.

The event, which marks the second edition of Fiesta en Familia, is dedicated to celebrating World Autism Day through shared activities, workshops, and games. The organisers have carefully planned a day that balances fun with a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment, ensuring that all children and families can take part comfortably.

Highlights of the day include a variety of interactive games, arts and crafts sessions, and a sensory chill-out area designed to o er a calming space for children who may need a break from the excitement. Food and drinks will be available, and attendees can look forward to winning fantastic prizes in the much-anticipated tombola.

The event runs from 12.00 midday to 17.00, with the support of the Mojacar Town Council. Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to contribute by donating prizes, baked goods, or volunteering their time to assist in fundraising e orts.

TeAma is a dedicated autism association based in Mojacar, committed to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through advocacy, education, and community initiatives. For more information, follow TeAma’s Facebook page.

Aguadoras (female water carriers).

Credit: FB: Mojácar Town Hall.

Credit: FB: Mojácar Town Hall.

Staying informed. and informative works-

cludes 112 villages spread

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.

Flooding and sinkhole in Jönköping

A MAJOR water main burst in central Jönköping on March 24, leading to extensive ooding, property damage, and the formation of a large sinkhole on Södra Strandgatan.

Thousands of households temporarily lost access to water as emergency services tackled the situation.

According to SVT Nyheter, the leak began just before lunchtime when one of the city’s largest water mains ruptured. “It’s one of our largest main pipes that has broken, so enormous amounts of water have owed out,” said Roger Rohdin, head of the water and sanitation department at Jönköping Municipality.

As a result, several thousand residents were left without water. The street Södra Strandgatan was closed to tra c, and Jönköping County’s pu-

blic buses had to be diverted.

Large amounts of water ooded several shops, restaurants, and homes along Södra Strandgatan. Fire crews and suction trucks worked throughout the afternoon to pump out the water from ooded interiors.

A sinkhole about 10 metres deep formed at the site, raising serious safety concerns. “It is a

heavy pipe that is broken and that is where the leak occurred and this large sinkhole appeared,” said Mikael Döbel, duty o cer at the local rescue service, speaking to Göteborgs-Posten.

The municipality conrmed that parts of Södra Strandgatan were now structurally compromised. Rohdin stated, “You can’t go there, there’s a risk of falling through.”

Buried millions

PORTUGAL’S central bank says millions of euros have been lost as a result of people burying cash or hiding it in unsafe places, with thousands of ruined banknotes flooding in each year for exchange.

Since 2014, the Bank of Portugal has replaced more than 317,000 damaged notes worth €13.8 million, many destroyed after being hidden underground.

Many in Portugal still prefer to stash cash at home, with common hiding spots including mattresses, safes, and even gardens, leading to millions in damaged notes recovered by the Bank of Portugal.

“Most notes are ruined by humidity,” explained José Luís Ferreira, who heads the bank’s cash operations. “Insects, moisture and time take a toll.” While burying money is common, other bizarre hiding spots include fireplaces, microwaves and even septic tanks. The surge is partly driven by a pandemic-era ha-

bit of hoarding cash, with 2024 seeing the highest figure in a decade: over 40,000 notes worth €1.7 million. Wildfires have also played a role. In 2018, after Portugal’s devastating 2017 fires, more than 32,000 notes were exchanged. One sawmill owner reportedly lost €40,000 when flames destroyed a safe. To qualify for a refund, over half of the note must be intact and verifiable. Ferreira warns that sophisticated forgeries sometimes sneak through, but advanced technology helps detect fakes. The Bank of Portugal continues to caution against storing cash at home, urging people to rethink old habits. “People still believe it’s safer underground,” Ferreira said, “but the risk is real.”

Overview of Jönköping.

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

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

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.

Dog cruelty arrest Rocket delay

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

launch window,” Isar Aerospace said on Monday March 24.

“The first test flight of Spectrum is scrubbed due to unfavourable winds … the team is working to determine a new

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 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 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 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 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.

Credit : Shutterstock, Anna Vasiljeva

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

Your

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’.

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.”

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.”

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.

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

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.

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.

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

1,12M

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.

ALMERIA

Champions Burger

WITH locations in Nijar and Almeria City, Rico Burger has triumphed in the recently held ‘The Champions Burger’ competition, which was held at the Almeria City Fairgrounds. In fact, they walked away with two accolades, one of which was for ‘Best Local Burger Restaurant’.

However, it was their incredibly creative Juadora 456 burger that really set them apart from the rest. So much so that

the attendees voted it as the best of all the festival. Inspired by the popular Netflix series ‘The Squid Game’, the imaginative ingredients included pancetta jam, Asian-marinated bacon, and Ddakji sauce. All of which had been skillfully blended with a variety of premium ingredients to create a burger full of truly unique flavours.

This achievement means that they can now be put forward as a contender for the coveted title of ‘Best Burger in Spain’ and a favourite for future editions of ‘The Champions Burger’ held in other parts of Spain. The next one, specifically, will be held in Logroño. Since its inception eight years ago, The Champions Burger has distinguished itself as the premier burger competition and the largest gastronomic festival in the country.

Nuevo Bar

Trinidad

ONCE a hunter’s lodge, the building still carries a rustic charm. Taken over seven years ago this April by the current owners.

On a recent visit, we enjoyed a large English breakfast, a small English, and the third ordered ‘bacon and black’.

The latter featured muffins, topped with rashers of bacon, generous slices of black pudding and poached eggs with a Hollandaise sauce.

The building’s past as a hunting lodge is still evident. Thick walls, and a calm, earthy aesthetic make it a comforting place to sit and enjoy a meal. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, with the terrace offering sun and views of the surrounding countryside.

classic Wellington, both prepared with notable attention to detail.

The individual beef Wellington is made with a baby fillet of beef marinated for 12 hours in mushrooms, wine, and herbs, then wrapped in cured ham and puff pastry. It is served with Hasselback potatoes and fresh vegetables. This dish is made to order and requires advance booking.

Open daily from 10am, welcoming customers for breakfast, lunch, and evening meals. The bar is also known for its live entertainment, hosting musicians and bands that bring energy to the evening crowd.

Avenida Los Carrascos, AL-8107, 04660 Arboleas Tel 634 369 833

Rebs on the Rocks Jimmi’s Bar Mojacar

JIMMI’S BAR is more than just a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat. It’s become something of a local landmark - the kind of spot where familiar faces greet one another, newcomers are welcomed warmly, and the entertainment calendar is as lively as it gets.

EXCITING news for music lovers in Almeria - Rebs on the Rocks is set to take the stage at the newly opened Roylies Purchena on Friday March 28. This much-anticipated performance will bring the best of rock classics and high-energy entertainment to a brand-new venue that promises to become a favourite for live music enthusiasts.

Owners Jamie and Leon have carved out a space that reflects their personalities - open, generous, and deeply rooted in the spirit of community.

Live music remains one of the main attractions, with regular performances from local artists whose laid-back yet polished sound suits the coastal atmosphere perfectly. Quiz nights and community events fill the calendar, creating a rhythm of social connection that goes far beyond the usual pub fare.

“We’re more than a pub, we’re a community,” Jamie explains. “If someone can’t get to the shops, I go shopping every day so we’ll get it for them. Leon makes everyone welcome - young or old - we care for our people that come here, and the support has been amazing.”

Roylies Purchena, which has recently opened its doors, is already making a name for itself as a go-to spot for great music, drinks, and atmosphere. To celebrate the occasion, all patrons attending the event will receive a complimentary shot, adding to the festive spirit of the night.

Rebs on the Rocks is wellknown for delivering powerful renditions of rock anthems, guaranteeing an evening filled with energy and nostalgia. Whether you are a long-time

fan or discovering their music for the first time, this performance is not to be missed. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ RoyliesAlmeria www.facebook.com/ rebsontherocks2

The bar also supports local charities in various ways. Local art is another highlight - the walls of Jimmi’s are adorned with colourful pieces by a nearby artist.

There’s even a darts team, something that brings a touch of friendly competition into the mix and strengthens the bond between regulars.

Paseo Del Mediterraneo 443, Local 12, Mojacar. Tel 711 018 128

Credit: FB: Rebs on the Rocks

Credit: Teresa Heffernan

English breakfast.

Winning burger: Jugadora 456.

Giving it her all.

Sunday specials include two takes on a

Credit: thechampionsburger.es

France crisis guide

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 conflict, 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-sufficiency in the event of a major disruption.

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

cy items like batteries, a torch, paracetamol, compresses, and saline solution. Officials hope that with these supplies, households will be able to cope independently for several days if services are interrupted. In addition to survival kit recommendations, the booklet will offer stepby-step instructions on how to respond to various alerts, covering a range of situations from natural disasters to public health emergen-

cies. It will also highlight how citizens can contribute to national efforts, such as supporting local civil protection groups or assisting the armed forces. The guide is currently awaiting final approval from Prime Minister François Bayrou.

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.

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

Credit : Shutterstock, Aksana Mestnaya

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 rst parliamentary hurdle with 177 votes in favour. Vox voted against, while the Popular Party abstained. The mea-

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.

sure 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 e ect.

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

Although no o cial 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.

Dachshunds on parade.

Record wags

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

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.

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

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 Office now advises all German travellers to the US to carry proof of their return journey and to prepare for heightened checks by border officials. 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, despite being eligible under the visa waiver programme.

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

Germany’s Foreign Office confirmed 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. Officials 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 officials reminding travellers final entry decisions rest with the US authorities.

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.

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.

Nestlé, Frankfurt.

Credit: Shutterstock, Markus Mainka

London’s perennially hip Covent Garden.

Improving your immunity Strength vs Endurance

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.

Credit: shutterstock / Supavadee butradee

Credit : Shutterstock, Losangela

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

The ight, travelling from Chicago to New Delhi on March 5 with around 300 passengers on board, had been in the air for ve 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 ushed down the toilets, causing a severe clog in the plumbing system. About an hour and 45 minutes into the ight, the crew reported that several lavatories in both business and economy class were no longer functional.

At this point, the plane was ying 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

UFO sightings

STRANGE lights have been spotted in Irish skies two nights in a row, ba ing 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, ba ed onlookers from the south coast to the capital watched as eerie glowing, ashing lights appeared in the night sky. Over Dublin, not one but two unidentied lights shimmered side-by-side on Wednesday evening, March 19. The night before, a solitary ashing 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 Unidenti ed 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 rst part is from last night over Dublin, and the second is from the night before o the south coast.”

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.

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 different from what you’re used to, and things that are fine at home might cause trouble in other places. Breaking these rules could result in fines or worse, even if the law seems unusual.

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 fined £130 for making big sand structures.

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

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

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 fine 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,

categories are affected. In contrast, size L eggs, previously €2.80, have also climbed but less dramatically.

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, coffee, 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

Multiple factors drive this surge. In the US, avian influenza 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 flu spreading - though Spain

remains unaffected - have 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 tariffs on luxury goods, might offset costs elsewhere.

No sandcastles on the beach.

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

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

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.”

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.

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.

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

Viggo taxi.

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

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, singlesand 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.

INTERVIEW

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.

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?

Marianne Bahl (Denmark)

- Speaking European

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 Spa niards’ laid-back attitude to life.”

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

Spain, however, follows a more sa-

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.

“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.

Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

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 - and

Credit: Marianne Bahl.

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

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.

Ryanair gender case

Transport Association in 2019, United

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.

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.

Located in Florina, one of Greece’s coldest areas, the sanctuary often endures temperatures as low

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

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

nes 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.

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

Credit Shutterstock, Fanouria

Airli-

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

• 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.

Costa Blanca North MABS fundraising feat

The MABS Cancer Support Foundation has been raising funds to support cancer patients and their families since 1999. 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 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 etc.”

MABS help patients of all nationalities living in the Costa Blanca and the Costa Calida, and has charity shops in Alfaz del Pi, Javea, Oliva, San Javier and Totana all run by volunteers. For more information visit www.mabscancer foundation.org.

Costa Calida Record numbers

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.

Cortijo de Las Cuevas

near Huercal-Overa

A TRULY stunning country property with breathtaking views split into a two bed, two bath main house plus an attached two bed, one bath cave house with swimming pool, large garage, solar electricity, a work shop and 27,732m2 of land.

Twelve mins drive to three bar / restaurants, medical centre in the village of Urcal and just 18 mins drive to the thriving market town of Huercal-Overa; 45 to 50 mins drive to the coast at San Juan de Los Terreros or Mojacar.

Access to the property is via tarmac road and hard compressed road. Entry into the gardens is via electrically opening iron gates onto the impressive driveway with stone built walls. Half way along the driveway is a large garage of 64m2. The driveway then leads up to the house. To the front of the house is a tiled terrace and impressive steps leading down to a bbq area with terraced gardens. To the side is a storage

room / workshop.

The main house consists of a covered veranda with mosquito netting making an excellent “inside / outside”

extra living room / dining room to sit, relax and enjoy the views. The front door takes you into the kitchen with a feature fireplace and log burning fire. To the right is a utility room and a shower room with toilet & sink.

Also from the kitchen is the dining room which then leads into the living room with glazed double doors back out to the veranda.

Turning right takes you to a meshed

enclosure / dining area which leads out to the walled and balustraded pool area with 9m x 3m pool.

Back in the dining room are stairs to the first floor. To the right is a spacious main bedroom with built in wardrobes, ensuite shower room and doors out to the balustraded terrace. Here you can appreciate even more of the views. Also upstairs is a guest double bedroom with glazed double doors also leading out to the terrace.

Attached at the side of the main house with it´s own entrance is the cave guest house. All rooms are built into the side of the hillside meaning this second property is a “true” cave house with arched ceilings. There is an open plan living room / dining room and kitchen. Two double bedrooms. One is large enough to be a family room with a walk in dressing room/storage. There is also a shower room, toilet and sink.

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact Voss Homes DIRECTLY on 0034 950 616 827 or email us at enquiries@vosshomesspain.com to make an appointment.

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.”

Photo credit : CC/Superbass

PETS

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!

IF your pet is constantly scratching, sneezing, or experiencing skin irritation, allergies may be the culprit. Just like humans, pets can suffer from environmental, food, or flea allergies. Understanding the cause and providing relief is essential for their well-being. Identify the allergen: Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, certain foods, and flea bites. A visit to the vet can help determine the cause through allergy testing or elimination diets.

Adjust their diet: Food allergies often cause skin issues and digestive problems. Switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet may reduce symptoms.

Allergy advice

Maintain a clean environment: Regularly vacuuming, using an air purifier, and washing pet bedding can help reduce environmental allergens like pollen and dust.

Provide relief: Medicated shampoos, hypoallergenic wipes, and vet-prescribed antihistamines or allergy medications can soothe symptoms. If fleas are the issue, use proper flea prevention treatments. With the right care and veterinary guidance, your pet can live a happier, allergy-free life.

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

AIR CONDITIONING

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 711 086 162 (10021)

BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www. almeriabuilders.com (253556)

BUY & SELL

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

WE BUY Persian carpets, fur jackets and coats, pewter and silver of all kinds 90/100/800, silver-plated cutlery, jewellery and watches of all kinds, amber, coral, coins, medals, porcelain. Inheritances and household liquidations, military until 1945, photos, medals etc. Fair pricecash Tel. 688 335 497 (312158)

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services  take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at  www. almeria-anglican.com

Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion.org. uk/counties/spain-north ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email  zurgenarblchairman@gmail.com - (253989)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING FOR SALE

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

LOOKING for motorhome or caravan. Fair price paid in cash. Tel 688 335 497 (312158)

WE BUY high quality vehicles, also customs. No obligation offer. Tel 688 335 497 (312158)

ELECTRICAL

ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (300424)

ESTATE AGENT

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

INSURANCE

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure. com

LANGUAGE CLASS

OTHERS

EDS?  We have the solution, Kam agra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs. Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

VIAGRA & Cialis – Best & Cheapest in EU. Extra promotion this week! FREE delivery in 48 hours. Call/text WhatsApp +34 603 624 444 (312343)

PETS

SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (300068)

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €8.00, medium dogs €9.00, big dogs €10.00, cats from €7.50 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotelturre@gmail. com fivebonehotel.com (300941)

PLUMBERS

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (312043)

If

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.

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.

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

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 cir-

cular motions. Make sure to cover the entire mirror and gently buff it out until the surface feels smooth and clean. Afterward, wipe away any excess toothpaste with a damp cloth, leaving a thin layer behind. This works becau-

se 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.

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

Spain’s DGT intensifies seatbelt and child restraint checks.

Credit : Shutterstock, New Africa

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!

Camp Nou delay Ferrari disqualified

BARCELONA have confirmed that their return to the iconic Spotify Camp Nou will be postponed until next season at the earliest.

The club’s redevelopment project has faced multiple setbacks, with fans now told that the team will continue playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. Initial hopes had centred on a comeback by late 2024, then February 2025, and later Maywith whispers of an El Clasico marking the occasion.

However, Barcelona have now updated their Socios, saying that the wait will extend into the next season. The club has avoided a logistical headache after a series

of concerts scheduled at the Estadi Olimpic this summer were cancelled, allowing them to extend their lease at the temporary venue. Despite the stadium being a valuable short-term solution, attendance figures have fallen short compared to the sell-out crowds typically seen at Camp Nou. Barcelona’s financial struggles have compounded the frustration.

The club had been counting on the Camp Nou’s matchday revenue to help ease budget pressures. Instead, playing at the Estadi Olimpic has meant missing out on millions in potential income. Fans and officials alike now hope the 2025-26 season will finally signal the long-awaited return to their spiritual home.

FERRARI drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix that took place on March 23. This means that, unbelievably, Ferrari missed out on scoring any points towards that all-important Constructors Championship.

In the case of Lewis Hamilton, the reason for his disqualification has been cited as an issue with the rearmost-skid. A Technical Delegate’s report highlighted that when the skid wear of Hamilton’s car was checked following the end of the Chinese Grand

Prix, the rear-most skid was found to be below the minimum 9mm thickness required. In a Ferrari double-disappointment, Charles Leclerc also received a post-race disqualification when his car was found to be below the minimum weight required by the technical regulations.

More specifically, the report that followed a steward’s inquiry stated Leclerc’s SF-25 was 1kg below the minimum weight. In an added twist, the Alpine car driven by Pierre Gasly was also found to be under the required weight,

leading to disqualification for him too.

With Leclerc, and Hamilton originally finishing in P5 and P6, respectively, drivers from P7 to P10 all benefited. This meant Esteban Ocon, newcomer Kimi Antonelli, birthday boy Alex Albon, and the other newcomer, Ollie Bearman, all shifted up two positions and secured extra points for their teams.

Finally, as Pierre Gasly had originally finished in P11, both Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz also ended up taking home points by moving into the top 10.

Hamilton and Leclerc, Bahrain 2024.

Credit: Shutterstock: Jay Hirano

Barcelona’s return to the renovated Camp Nou has been delayed until next season, forcing the club to stay longer at Estadi Olimpic.

Credit : Shutterstock, Yuri Turkov