Costa del Sol 1 – 7 January 2026 Issue 2113

Dep. Legal MA-74-2004 - ISSN 2488-1562

Costa del Sol • No. 2113 • 1 - 7 January 2026

Community resolve CATASTROPHE struck the small town of Alhaurin el Grande like never before. On Christmas morning, a devastating house fire tragically claimed the lives of Rebeca (16) and Juan (15), two exceptional young siblings and outstanding members of the community, despite heroic efforts by scores of neighbours and local fire services.

Just three days later, amid the country’s strongest rain storms, school teachers and close friends Fran and Antonio perished when their van was suddenly washed into a raging river by a powerful flash flood.

Profoundly affected, the Alhaurin community immediately halted daily life: shops, bars, restaurants, offices, bakeries, and garages closed as people gathered at the Guardia Civil station for instructions.

More than 100 volunteers waded four kilometres through the river, chopping through dense reeds and canes to search for their lost friends.

Alhaurin el Grande remains deeply scarred by these tragedies, yet the community stands more united than ever. While others celebrate the holidays, Alhaurin mourns - together in profound solidarity.

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Kings’ arrival

laga’s historic centre will come alive with elaborate floats, marching bands, and dazzling lights as the Three Kings procession winds its way through the city streets. Meanwhile, Marbella’s glamorous parade along the Golden Mile promises an equally enchanting display, complete with performers, camels, and thousands of kilos of sweets thrown to eager crowds.

Authorities expect record attendance across the Costa del Sol, with

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One of scores of Kings’ floats.

THEIR Majesties, the Three Kings - Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar will arrive on the Costa del Sol on Monday, January 5, kicking off one of the region’s most spectacular holiday traditions.

The wise men will make their grand entrance early in the evening, beginning a magical journey that will touch every town and municipality along the coastline. From Torremolinos in the east to Manilva in the west, children and families will line the streets to welcome the royal visitors, who will toss sweets and greetings as they pass through local neighbourhoods.

The highlight of the celebrations will be the spectacular evening parades in Malaga and Marbella. Ma-

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towns including Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Estepona, and others hosting their own lively, colourful ‘cabalgatas’. Families are advised to arrive early to reserve the best viewing spots.

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1 - 7 January 2026

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LOCAL NEWS

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

Grand park Torremolinos TORREMOLINOS is set to transform its former illegal landfill into a vast suburban park, providing year-round outdoor leisure for everyone.

The 52,300-square-metre site, at the foot of the mountains, used to be

operated without permits from 1990 to 2011 and accumulated 1.6 million cubic metres of waste. Once known as Andalucia’s last major urban dump, it underwent sealing works costing around €7 million.

These involved relocating nearly 684,000 cubic metres of rubbish and planting over 75,000 shrubs for decontamination. The works concluded by late summer 2025.

Mayor Margarita del

Cid announced the plans recently which she described as a ‘regenerative’ initiative to create a major recreational area and new green lung for the town.

The park will feature family-friendly leisure zones and an open-air auditorium for large concerts and events. Due to its history, the land cannot be developed for housing, making it ideal for public use.

Credit: Nina Fuengirola FB

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The development follows the opening of the 27-hectare Gran Parque Costa del Sol in nearby Las Lagunas de Mijas earlier in 2025. Together, these spaces are meant to offer outdoor sport, fresh air and fun other than the beach season.

The transformation is a key step in Torremolinos’ urban renewal, turning an environmental eyesore into a vibrant community asset.

Credit: Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental.

Site of old (illegal) dump in Torremolinos mountains.

With respect

ARCH (The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses, Ponies and Donkeys) was due to hold a special Open Day and Three Kings Fest on Sunday January 4. However, as a mark of respect for those who recently lost their lives in Alhaurin el Grande, this has now been cancelled. For more information about ARCH go to their website www.horserescuespain. org, Facebook Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos or Instagram ar chhorserescuespain or email admin@horserescuespain.org

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NEWS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

1 - 7 January 2026

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STRONGER TOGETHER: FROM REFLECTION TO RENEWAL

AS 2025 CLOSES, WE LOOK BACK WITH HONESTY, RESILIENCE AND HOPE - AND FORWARD WITH RENEWED UNITY AND PURPOSE. AS 2025 draws to a close, this is the time of year when we naturally pause to reflect - on our triumphs, our successes, and yes, our failures too. Reflection is not about regret; it is about understanding where we have been so we can move forward with clarity, compassion and strength.

For many across our community, 2025 has not been an easy year. It has been a year marked by hardship and uncertainty - a year of pain, shortages and loss. Shortages of money, of opportunity, of connection. Shortages of time together, of shared celebrations, and for some, shortages of love and support when they were needed most.

While Spain’s overall economy remains robust, there is no denying that a range of external pressures - global instability, rising costs, and social change - have filtered down into everyday lives.

These pressures have been felt quietly but deeply in homes, businesses and communities across the country.

And yet, even in challenging years, there are reasons for comfort and hope.

2025 has been the Year of the Snake - a powerful symbol of shedding old skins. It represents the end of a nine-year cycle: a time to let go of outdated habits, beliefs, routines and relationships that no longer serve us. It encourages us to release what weighs us down - old resentments, tired rituals, and patterns that hold us back - so that we can move

Signal of change Rising connection costs

Vodafone will move first on January 8, applying an average increase of about 3.9 per cent across mobile, fibre and combined packages. Orange follows on January 12, raising most tariffs by roughly 3.8 per cent.

In practical terms, fibre and mobile bundles could rise by up to €5 a month, while packages including television are expected to increase by around €6. Movistar completes the sequence on January 13, with most services increasing by about 4 per cent.

Movistar Plus+ will rise from €13 to €14 a monMany households will see higher mobile and internet bills from th, and premium January 2026.

Credit : Camand, Shutterstock

JANUARY 2026 will see price increases for millions of households in Spain as the country’s three main telecom operators - Movistar, Orange and Vodafone - raise charges on mobile, internet and bundled ser-

vices. For many customers, the increases will arrive within just five days, prompting frustration and a renewed interest in switching providers before higher bills take effect.

football packages will reach €50.

Individually, the rises may appear limited, but the combined impact is significant for households with several mobile lines alongside fibre and television.

Operators cite higher content costs, sports rights and continued investment in fibre and 5G networks.

Many customers, however, say they are paying more without seeing clear improvements, at a time when living costs remain high.

The increases count as unilateral contract changes, giving customers the legal right to cancel, downgrade or switch provider without penalty, even within a minimum contract period.

forward lighter, wiser and stronger.

As we now look ahead, 2026 arrives as the Year of the Horse - a year of momentum, strength and forward motion. A year to gallop together into new possibilities, driven by courage, independence and shared purpose.

As 2025 comes to a close, we want you to know this above all: you are not alone. Our communities are built not just on geography, but on care, connection and mutual support. When times are tough, it is unity that carries us through.

Let us step into 2026 ready to forgive past slights, mend fallouts where possible, and strengthen the bonds that truly matter. Together, we can build a year defined by resilience, kindness and renewed community spirit.

From all of us here at Euro Weekly News, we wish you not only a Happy New Year, but a peaceful, loving and supported 2026.

Michel & Steven xxx

Clearer vision ahead Government launches Plan Veo THE Spanish government has launched Plan Veo to support children and adolescents in obtaining glasses and contact lenses. Eligible families can receive up to €100 per year, with the subsidy covering the full cost for products under this amount or the difference for more expensive items. The programme applies to children up to 16 registered with the national health system and requires prescriptions for verification.

Applications are processed through participating optical stores, simplifying access and ensuring accurate eligibility checks. The programme runs until December 31, 2026, with purchases in 2026 eligible for processing into early 2027.

Plan Veo addresses public health concerns regarding uncorrected vision problems, which affect learning and social development. By reducing financial barriers, it promotes equitable access to vision care. The initiative is backed by at least €48.235 million and coordinated with the Council General of Opticians-Optometrists for administration.

Families benefit from straightforward application processes, subsidised eyewear and improved access to essential vision services. The programme aligns with broader health policy goals to integrate preventive care, reduce inequalities and support the education and well-being of young people across Spain.

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LOCAL NEWS

1 - 7 January 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR

New face of tourism AMERICANS have emerged as the second-largest group of tourists visiting Spain’s Costa del Sol, surpassing traditional European visitors like Germans and Dutch.

In November, 7,718 US travellers stayed in Malaga Province hotels, generating 14,345 overnight stays. This placed them behind only the UK’s 13,554 visitors and 32,808 nights.

The US overtook Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Scandinavian countries, mirroring a trend seen in June.

Year-to-date figures show 83,752 American hotel guests and 173,451 overnight stays, up 10.82 per cent in arrivals and 4.31 per cent in nights compared to 2024.

Unlike many Europeans who favour short, budget trips focused on nightlife and familiar comforts, Americans seek refined experiences. They are attracted by year-round sunshine, relaxed beaches,

Credit: Jose Hernandez Camera 51 - Shutterstock

Face of tourists in Malaga changing.

and over 70 world-class golf courses, dubbing the area ‘Costa del Golf’.

Luxury spots like Marbella and Puerto Banus offer yacht marinas, high-end shopping, and gourmet dining at competitive prices. Cultural draws include Malaga’s Picasso birthplace, Alcazaba fortress, and nearby villages such as Mijas and Frigiliana. Fresh seafood tapas and trips to Ronda or Granada’s Alhambra add appeal.

This shift reflects evolving tourism: from mass-market European packages to affluent, experience-led US visits. Better direct flights to Malaga have boosted numbers, with 87,045 international travellers in November, up 11.24 per cent. Occupancy reached 77.78 per cent that month and 82.59 per cent year-to-date, as higher-spending Americans reduce seasonal reliance and enhance the region’s premium status.

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Amaya’s year 2025 has proved a landmark year for Amaya Isert, founder of Donkey Dreamland, as efforts to improve the welfare of Mijas’s famous burro-taxi donkeys finally started to bear fruit.

After years of campaigning, the sanctuary achieved major breakthroughs.

Isert highlighted four key successes that filled her with pride.

First, the creation of a second sanctuary in the Serrania de Ronda, set to open on Tuesday April 1, 2026. Located near Benarraba amid cork oaks and chestnut trees, surrounded by natural parks, it will offer recovered donkeys vast pastures and a more natural life, easing pressure on the existing centre in La Cala de Mijas.

Second, the rescue and rehabilitation of eight donkeys from the Mijas taxi service, six reported by SEPRONA police. This marked the start of providing these animals with a dignified retirement, free from ropes, heat and cobbled streets - the core mission since the sanctuary’s founding.

Third, collaboration with Benarraba Town Hall on its ‘goat firefighter’ project. A summer trial successfully integrated donkeys into a herd clearing undergrowth to prevent forest fires, with plans to expand in 2026.

Fourth, organisational changes, including Martine Mejin taking charge of daily operations at La Cala, building a strong volunteer team and freeing Isert to focus on expansion.

Isert expressed deep gratitude, adding that 2026 promises exciting challenges, all aimed at rescuing and rehoming more donkeys to ensure them peaceful lives.

Amaya Isert’s love for MIjas donkeys saved them.

1 - 7 January 2026

LOCAL NEWS

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

Jenny’s story Credit: AB

The multifaceted, multi-talented Jenny Boardman.

JENNY BOARDMAN, the organisational force behind many charitable efforts on the Costa del Sol, has led a remarkable life of adventure and altruism.

Born in modest circumstances in southwest London, Jenny drew early inspiration from her mother’s childhood poverty, which often meant going without shoes. This empathy later drove her to ensure Ugandan children received footwear alongside other aid.

As a teenager, she became one of the first ballgirls at Wimbledon. She then joined Barclays Bank, rising to become its most

senior woman in corporate banking, managing 250 staff at the Heathrow branch.

In the early 2000s, a chance meeting with future husband Alan changed everything. During celebrations in Dublin for England’s rugby Grand Slam, Jenny caught his eye while standing on a table singing a rugby song. The couple soon married; she quit her job, moved to Manchester and took his surname by deed poll.

Unsuited to Manchester’s weather, they relocated to Mijas in 2005. There, they ran a successful

gemstone shop until the pandemic struck.

Post-Covid, they focused on charity. Their Eyedrop for Uganda campaign collects spectacles, school supplies and shoes for remote villages. Last year, they spent a month distributing aid; another trip is planned for January 2026.

While Alan leads quizzes and walking tours, Jenny handles the behind-the-scenes work as president of their community association. Her story shows how seizing opportunities can lead to meaningful impact.

Fireworks issue

MANY Spanish towns have banned fireworks during the festive season to ensure peaceful holidays and protect animals and vulnerable groups.

Torremolinos has imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers, bangers and other noisy pyrotechnics during Christmas celebrations. Mayor Margarita del Cid issued the decree in 2024 to safeguard children with autism, infants, Night of San Juan in Alicante. the elderly and pets from distress caused by explosions.

Violators face fines of up to €1,500 for in- Christmas Security Plan, which runs throudividuals and €100 to €3,000 for busines- gh Epiphany on Tuesday, January 6. Officers ses, with possible confiscation of prohibited inspect sales, monitor use and target unauitems. The ban prohibits carrying lit fuses or thorised sellers or those supplying minors. launching pyrotechnics that produce noise Torremolinos’ move mirrors a national or fire without prior authorisation. trend. Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid opt Pet owners often see holidays ruined for silent fireworks or restricted times and by fireworks. Dogs’ acute hearing makes locations. the unpredictable booms feel threatening, Vitoria-Gasteiz banned them at municipal affecting 45-50 per cent with symptoms like events in 2019, while Zaragoza, Badajoz and trembling, pacing, panting, drooling, hiding, Vigo impose various limits. Sevilla prohibits whining or destructive escapes. Severe ca- pyrotechnics year-round except on Christses cause vomiting or prolonged anxiety. mas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Local Police enforce the rules under the and New Year’s Day. Credit: Alexey Fedorenko - Shutterstock

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1 - 7 January 2026

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January Ed: 2061

in Avenida Los Boliches.

Thousands of people, young and old, will be lining the route.

Their Majesties, the Three Kings of the East, being the wise men they are, have decided to make a truly spectacular entrance, arriving by helicopter before heading out on the route around the Costa del Sol town. All along the route, millions of sweets will be tossed from the floats over the crowds that

have gathered to see this, the most colourful show of the year. Remember to take a bag to collect the sweets as they rain down on the spectators.

You can catch the street show, the Three Kings and their huge majestic entourage, starting in Calle Mallorca, continuing along Avenida de Mijas towards Avenue Juan Gómez, and travelling down the Camino de Coín, Avenida Condes de San Isidro, Avenida Matías Sáenz de Tejada, and Avenida Ramón y Cajal until they reach Avenida Los Boliches.

TWO young adventurers from Marbella, tired of seeing constant negativity in the news, are setting out on foot from Sicily to Rome and up to the north of Italy without a penny in their pockets to prove there is goodness in people everywhere.

Adrián Ruiz Pelayo from Marbella and Andrea Martello from Italy are making Marbella Club their starting point, taking a donated sailing yacht from the club’s pier and heading to Sicily, more than 2,000 kilometres away, and then entirely on foot until they reach the Strait of Messina separating Sicily from mainland Italy.

There, they plan to swim across the treacherous strait and continue hiking to Rome, where there is already an audience with the Pope planned.

Afterwards, they continue their hike to the very north of Italy.

But why are they doing this? To highlight the kindness of people. While mostly we continually see negativity in the news, these two guys want to highlight that most people are good.

The journey will be documented by Pelayo and Andrea as ‘Un Camino por Descibrir’ or ‘a journey of discovery’, with their main priority being to highlight the generosity of people, human kindness, and the power of companionship.

Credit: ARP, Facebook

IN Spain, by far the largest event of the festive season is the arrival of the Three Kings, on the evening of January 5. And this year’s Kings parade in Fuengirola will be bigger and more exciting than ever.

The Three Kings will arrive by helicopter at the Elola sports centre in Fuengirola on Sunday, January 5, at 4pm. They will then be taken around the town in the colourful and sweet King’s parade (Cabalgata de los Reyes), one of the biggest in Andalucia. This year the parade will include 25 colourfully decorated floats and 11 marches by different associations dressed in costumes, and accompanied by over 500 children. The people of Fuengirola take this event more seriously than most and will have been preparing for most of the year.

The parade is due to start in Calle Mallorca in El Boquetillo at 5pm, and is expected to end at 9.30pm

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Fuengirola.

Spectacular Kings Hiking for humanity

January Ed: 2065

Their first trip together was in 2019, in which they toured Spain on foot in an awareness-raising act to highlight the importance of preserving Spain’s spectacular natural parks.

But what surprised them most was the response of the people they met along the way and how they would invite Pelayo and Andrea into their homes to rest and share paella with them.

The kindness and generosity they discovered inspired them to take their project further, to Italy, the mother country of Andrea.

The two start out on their odyssey on Saturday March 1 when thousands are expected to wave the two off from Marbella Club pier.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

1 - 7 January 2026

Generous donation

is at the heart of Soroptimist International’s advocacy.

They work across seven UN centres, where their UN representatives ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard.

Their members work on grassroots projects that help women and girls achieve their individual and collective potential,

January Ed: 2065

realise their aspirations, and have an equal voice in communities worldwide.

The cheque was presented by Lions President Karen Blair, accompanied

by Lions Vice President

A mountain of hope: 100 volunteers plant to revive Mijas’ forests A RECORD 100 local volunthe spread of possible future teers climbed a mountain on February Ed: 2066 fires.

Sunday, February 2, to begin Once at a higher altitude, the replanting the forests of the scenes of utter devastation left Sierra de Mijas, decimated by by 2022’s fires become more wildfires in 2022. evident, and while a great deal Volunteers selflessly turned up for of work clearing the blackened forest the exhausting hike from Mijas to one has already been done, what is clear is of its highest peaks, loaded with pots of that forests have no chance of returning saplings, gardening tools, and water to in our lifetimes without the effort of the get the forests back regrowing again. local community.

The World Wildlife Fund Malaga hopes The 250-plus saplings planted in the this initiative will begin the slow process mountains were produced at a nurof repopulating the mountains with the sery run by the Red Cross but needed, necessary trees to continue cleaning the and continue to need, the efforts of the air of the Costa del Sol and encourage the volunteers to replace the hundreds of fauna, such as the wild boars that now hectares lost in the wildfires. One of the roam the streets of Mijas and Fuengirola, most important species was the pinsapo, to return to their natural habitat. a tree native to Malaga and Cadiz that is The volunteers were made up of a currently in danger of becoming extinct.

50/50 mix of local Spanish and foreign Andrea Spada of WWF told Euro Weeresidents, including a troop of Boy kly News that there are a number of other Scouts and the Rotary Club, accompa- actions planned in the coming weeks to nied by WWF specialists, guiding them raise awareness and raise some more on where and how to plant the different helping hands, including more tree planspecies of trees in such a way as to slow ting in El Burgo, Sierra de las Nieves.

Sandie Tavendale, Lion Gill Stubbs, and Lions Secretary Anita Van Gelder, and received by Soroptimist President Daphne Theunissen, Secretary Lene Thygesen, and Vice President Aura Roderick.

9 Credit: LCDML

LA CALA DE MIJAS LIONS paid a visit to the Soroptimists in January 2025 to present them with a cheque for €2,500 to help them with their projects supporting women and girls.

Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement with a network of just under 65,000 club members in 118 countries.

Advocating for human rights and gender equality

BEST OF THE YEAR

Soroptimists to the Lions.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Golfing icons tee off

Costa del Giving €50,000

has been chosen to February Ed: 2067 41 European Tour start the Legends winners, and 30 Tour and will Legends Tour bring together 60 winners. of the best veteran Turismo Costa golf legends from 17 coun- del Sol’s Esperanza Gonzátries, including Majors win- lez presented the event at the ners, 12 Ryder Cup players, prestigious Aloha Golf Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, one of the most magnificent of its kind in the world. She said that it was a real point of pride for the city, which will fix Costa del Sol as a world leader in golf tourism.

As pointed out by the councillor for Sport, Lisandro Vieytes, the event has already started with some of the most celebrated golfers going up against amateur players and the occasional celebrity, with the tournament due to culminate at the weekend.

“Many fans will have the unique opportunity to share at least 18 holes in competition with their idols in what is, without a doubt, a tribute to legends who have marked a before and after in the world history of this sport,” said the councillor.

WHAT happens when a wonderful woman, a tireless soul, gives her livelihood, career, and everything she has to feed, protect, and uplift the homeless? What happens when an entire community unites to raise €11,700 for her charity?

The answer? The incredible people of the Costa del Sol go above and beyond! €50,000 was raised, not just meeting the goal, but shattering expectations. This extraordinary sum was delivered straight to ADINTRE, the Fuengirola-based charity founded and run by the remarkable Joyce Gyimah BEM, ensuring that the homeless receive the dignity, support, and care we desperately need.

Well done Costa del Sol, this is just the This is the strength of the Costa del Sol beginning. community. We heard the call to action, we dug deep, and wow - did we delifall. We stand together, shoulFebruary Ed: 2069 der to shoulder. No matter what. ver! This was not just a fundraiser but a night that changed lives.

No matter how hard we have to The generosity, the outpouring of work. love, and the unwavering comWe are givers. We give money, mitment from businesses, indivitime, and talent and work tireduals, and volunteers made it an unforget- lessly to ensure no one slips through the table evening at La Scala Marbella. Every cracks. business owner who donated, every guest Where else can boast such relentless comwho attended, every person who contribu- mitment, such boundless generosity? Here, ted - YOU made history. You proved that the in this incredible part of the world, we reCosta del Sol is not just a place to live; it is a peatedly prove that we can achieve the uniplace of kindness, unity, and giving. maginable when we come together.

This is the thumping heartbeat of the Well done, Costa del Sol. This is only the Costa del Sol. This is what makes our com- beginning. Our community will always rise, munity so unique, so special. We don’t falter give, and deliver because that is who we are: when the chips are down when the shadows the Costa del Giving...

Credit: Valery Bareta

STAYSURE Marbella Legends is about to tee off at the Aloha Golf Club with a lineup of the most superstar veteran figures of the golf world, such as Paul Lawrie, Ian Woosnam, Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Ángel Jiménez and José María Olazábal.

This historic event is the first time the Costa del Sol

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ANDALUCIA has unveiled a digital revolution with ‘Andalucía Vuela’, Europe’s largest free public Wi-Fi network.

Spearheaded by the Junta de Andalucia and powered by a deal with Vodafone, the ambitious plan will connect over 10,500 public buildings, including hospitals, schools, libraries, and centres for the elderly throughout 700 towns, from Malaga’s coast to Granada.

With 53,700 points of access and a €64 million investment, the hope is to have the entire

Andalucia leads the way region connected and fully online March Ed: 2070 school. In buzzing Sevilla, seniors by 2030. at the Macarena home for the elThe digital divide has been a derly, like 78-year-old Antonio, nagging issue in rural Andalucia using the network to video-call for some time, especially given the grandkids abroad, reducing the terrain. In rural Alpujarra, where broadband feeling of isolation. “I feel part of the world once lagged, students like María now stream again,” he says, grinning. Meanwhile, in Jaen’s online classes seamlessly from their village olive groves, farmers check global markets on

SPEAKING to Euro Weekly News, Charlie Mullins claims the attempt to strip him of his OBE was a politically motivated smear campaign - and he’s naming names.

A few ‘controversial’ comments on social media and TV - including criticism of Sadiq Khan, a swipe at Carol Vorderman, and a joke told at the British Curry Awards that one man in the crowd labelled ‘racist’.

Although the committee eventually backed down - reportedly after Mullins’ legal team spent three months fighting the claims and Mullins himself decided to agree to ‘gender sensitivity and diversity training’ - the businessman says the fight isn’t over.

He insists the threat was politically motivated, a form of ‘bullying’ aimed at silencing dissident voices.

“They couldn’t take my medal, so now they’re trying to take my name,” he told the

Credit: Charlie Mullins

Exclusive: Mullins hits back after OBE row

Exclusive: Charlie Mullins breaks his silence on the failed attempt to strip his OBE over political tweets - and calls out Labour by name.

March Ed: 2073

Euro Weekly News. Mullins believes Labour figures are behind a wider campaign to silence him - and he’s even considering suing for slander. “They want to rewrite the facts,” he says, “pretending I just about clung onto my OBE - when in truth, I fought and won because they

were wrong.”

But behind the headlines, Mullins says pressure has also come from HMRC. He claims the tax office has been harassing him ever since he moved out of the UK. “They’re putting pressure on me because they want money. After I pumped millions of pounds into the system throughout the years.”

He also started publicly criticising Labour and backing Reform UK. And if it continues? He says he’ll move his business to Dubai.

“I’ve had enough,” he says.

“I just want to run my business and see the country grow. But Labour’s anti-business policies are dragging us backwards - more debt, less growth, fewer jobs.”

He’s now calling on Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner to step aside, accusing them of pushing short-sighted policies and punishing anyone who refuses to toe the line.

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their phones, boosting competitiveness.

Vodafone’s ‘Plan Vuela’, launched at the Mobile World Congress on March 4 in Barcelona, integrates three networks: a public Vuela WiFi for the public, a corporate grid for 10,500 government offices, and a system for smart devices.

With 27,000 access points and 800 kilometres of cabling, it’s a logistical triumph, incorporating high-security encryption with hybrid cloud tech.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Workers double efforts

THE Costa del Sol continues to be a beacon of grit and hard graft for its residents, as demonstrated by the relentless efforts to restore Credit: Junta de Andalucía April Ed: 2074 the A-397 Ronda-San Pedro road.

Despite the severe damage caused by Storm Jana on March 8, which forced a complete closure of this vital artery by avalanche, and despite warnings that the repair work could last a full nine months, the Junta de Andalucia and the dedicated local workers have responded with inspiring determination.

The repair works, have shifted into high gear, with crews now working seven days a week to stabilise the hillside and relink Ronda and the Costa del Sol in double-quick time.

Gigantic crane on site.

Fifteen skilled workers and engi-

neers, including ground crews and abseiling specialists, have been joined by a massive 200-tonne crane, reaching the landslide’s peak at 100 metres high. Next up, an additional team will boost the workforce to around 20, deploying every available resource to install a heavy-duty containment mesh and reinforce the slope. Rocío Díaz, the Regional Development councillor, stressed the complexity of this €3.5 million project, stating, “We’ve mobilised all possible human and technical means to reopen this road safely and quickly.” Crews are tirelessly clearing unstable blocks, installing protective measures, and designing a viaduct repair plan.

Good vibes in Malaga A RECENT survey by the Fundación Madeca 2025 Barometer reveals that 76.3 per cent of Malaga Province residents rate their region’s current situation as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, up four points from last year.

Presented by Diputación President Francisco Salado, the study of 2,400 adults across all parts (excluding Malaga City) shows Nororma and Sierra de las Nieves residents are the most satisfied, followed by those in Costa del Sol west and Valle del Guadalhorce. Looking forward, 47.2 per cent think conditions will improve further in two years.

Credit: Nza - Shutterstock

12 1 - 7 January 2026

Fuengirola from a distance.

April Ed: 2075 Salado stresdemands.” Housed the survey’s sing came out role in shaping as the top issue, governance, with 39 per cent saying, “This citing property helps us align prices and 9.5 per our actions with citizens’ cent citing rental costs as

worries, eclipsing last year’s focus on drought.

Unemployment (7.4 per cent), healthcare (7 per cent), and mobility (4.6 per cent) followed. Most (75.8 per cent) own homes, yet 28 per cent blame high rents for access issues, along with tourism rentals and job insecurity. Suggested fixes include more subsidised housing and limiting tourist rentals.

Mobility ranked fourth, with 64 per cent relying on private cars for work, though 70 per cent would switch to public transport if viable, especially in Sierra de las Nieves.

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Many businesses continued to accept only cash.

May Ed: 2078

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

So basically, we all realised how vulnerable we are when even buying some milk becomes impossible.

Spain’s incident also casts serious doubt on the EU’s plans for a digital euro. Monday’s blackout demonstrated

that physical cash remains ‘the king’, at least during technological or infrastructure failures. While the idea of a cashless future has gained ground in recent years, without power, digital money is useless.

Electricity was gradually restored in Spain during the evening, but many businesses continued to accept only cash, unsure when payment systems would return to normal. The incident has raised serious questions about emergency planning in an increasingly cashless society.

ALAN JAMES, known by many as ‘the man who built the Costa del Sol’, has had a street name dedicated to him by Estepona Council.

Attending the event on Tuesday, April 29 was José Mª García Urbano, the mayor of Estepona, to officially unveil the new street sign along with plenty of family, friends, colleagues and business partners.

Now, named after Alan Alan, Mayor José Mª García Urbano, family and and Carol James, a couple who landed in the Costa del friends.

Sol 55 years ago, during the Together with business partMay Ed: 2079 days of Franco, no one could ners who shared Alan’s vision, have ever imagined what Alan the Experience Group was was going to do for the south formed. From construction, to coast of Spain. electronics, from cruise ships Self-taught in skills of acto establishing the Costa del counting and management, after 15 years Sol’s first cricket and lawn bowls clubs, of working in the concrete business, he without Alan’s business prowess, the heard a rumour that Northern Euro- Costa del Sol would never have looked as peans were becoming increasingly in- it does today. terested in buying second homes on the The unveiling event was kept a compleSpanish coast. While Spaniards tend to te surprise from Alan as the crowd lined prefer to live close together, Alan knew up to applaud the man who was one of that Northern European tastes were the main figures defining what the Costa more for space and airiness, and so a new del Sol would be, because Alan James is kind of Spanish coastal living was born. the Costa del Sol. Credit: EWN

THE power blackout that hit Spain on Monday, April 28, caused major disruptions across the country. For many, it was the moment they realised just how reliant we are on digital payment systems.

The blackout severely impacted most electronic payment systems. Without power, electronic payment terminals in places such as shops, restaurants, petrol stations and public services stopped working. Many ATMs were also down, either due to the lack of internet connection or simply because their backup batteries ran out.

A significant number of businesses in Spain reverted to cash-only transactions, creating long queues and purchase cancellations. For example, in Madrid-Barajas Airport, taxi drivers couldn’t accept card payments, forcing passengers without cash to find alternative transport options.

Credit: Creative Commons

Cash is king again A life celebrated

14 1 - 7 January 2026

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La Sala’s sizzling Charity champions June Ed: 2083 LA SALA GOLF round at San Rohas celebrated a que Club. year of impactful The event, filled giving at La Sala with community Puerto Banus, spirit, featured raising €25,000 for four local heartfelt speeches, a lively charities after a sunny golf charity auction, and prize

presentations, including a green fee voucher for La Reserva Club Sotogrande and a spa day at Elba Estepona Gran Hotel.

Funds were distributed to support vital causes: Cudeca Cancer Care received €10,000 to provide palliative care across Malaga; AVOI Children’s Hospital, Debra (Butterfly Children Charity), and Betania each received €5,000 to support hospitalised children, families affected by the rare skin condition EB, and homeless individuals with food and shelter.

Laura Rios Grissel of Cudeca Cancer Care expressed deep appreciation, stating, “These funds will help us provide compassionate care to those facing the most difficult moments. Every euro makes a difference, and this community has truly made an impact.” Sala Golf’s annual Sala Group Golf Classic is a four-man team competition held at top Costa del Sol courses.

Credit: Brits in Spain FB

Sir Alex Ellis and Miriam Pérez with Norman Joliffe and Neil Hesketh.

BRITISH Ambassador Alex advice, translation, emotioJuly Ed: 2088 Ellis and Vice Consul in Manal support, and guidance, laga, Miriam Pérez, met with ensuring expatriates thrive.

Norman Joliffe of Age ConSupport in Spain’s online cern Fuengirola, Mijas & Beguide and directory empower nalmadena and Neil Hesketh those over 50 and other resiof Support in Spain to celebrate their dents with vital resources. selfless dedication to British nationals The British Embassy expressed proin Spain. found pride in partnering with these With tireless commitment, these or- charities, whose unwavering efforts ganisations pour their heart into su- strengthen community bonds. For aspporting the UK community in Anda- sistance or volunteering, visit https:// lucia. ageconcernfym.com/. Their work is a Age Concern’s devoted volunteers lifeline for community and expatriates’ provide critical services like practical well-being.

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Amaya Isert and the donkeys. most stunning naThe initiative August Ed: 2095 tural surrounds demands sigThe two sites, just nificant effort four kilometres from Donkey apart, span nearly Dreamland three hectares of volunteers, inshaded land amid the purest cluding a fundraising camof natural landscapes, near paign to rebuild sanctuary three natural reserves and fences. Through these within view of Gibraltar. efforts, Donkey Dreamland A small restaurant on-site is ensuring the Andalucian will serve as a visitor centre donkey’s legacy is preserved, so everyone can continue vi- transitioning them from tousiting the donkeys. rist props to vital contribuForest floors will be main- tors in environmental contained by the donkeys, and servation. so minimising wildfire risks Finally, we can announwhile getting plenty of exer- ce, the Andalucian donkeys cise. have been saved!

Credit: Sophie Woodward

MIJAS donkeys, once vital to rural life, had been relegated to tourist attractions.

Now, Amaya Isert, founder of Donkey Dreamland, has transformed their role by having them deployed in rural firefighting.

Donkey Dreamland has acquired two new properties in the Serranía de Ronda to house healthy donkeys from their rescue centre in Mijas.

These animals will work in forests and scrubland, fulfilling Amaya’s vision of giving them a meaningful purpose beyond tourist entertainment.

Inspired by the village of Benarraba’s use of goats to clear forest undergrowth and reduce wildfire risks, Amaya proposed integrating donkeys, known for their hearty appetites, into similar efforts.

The local town hall has welcomed Donkey Dreamland with open arms, with plans underway to build proper stables in the

Credit: DD

Burro blessing Rental crackdown

IN a seismic move, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared war on Andalucia’s temporary holiday rental sector, announcing the revocation of 16,740 licences deemed illegal in a sweeping nationwide crackdown. Speaking in Malaga, Sanchez unveiled the government’s Unified Temporary Accommodation Registry, which has processed Short-term renters in Malaga.

336,497 applications since September Ed: 2098 erupted in fury, branding the goJanuary, obliterating 20.3 per cent for failing stringent legal vernment’s actions ‘populist’ and standards. Malaga Province ‘unconstitutional’. They argue bears the brunt with 8,014 most revoked licences have been unregistered listings, followed validated under regional law, exby Cadiz (2,849) and Sevilla posing fatal flaws in the national (2,533). registry. AVVAPRO warns this reckless poliBacked by the Ministry of Housing and cy risks shattering Spain’s reputation for exUrban Agenda, the plan vows to crush frau- cellence as a European destination. dulent rentals in partnership with platforms Critics also decry the government’s narratilike Airbnb. However, many applicants for li- ve that tourist rentals fuel Spain’s housing cricences complain that the website to do so does sis, pointing instead to a dire shortage of new not always work. construction. The law enforcing the registry The fallout could be catastrophic. Andalu- faces fierce legal challenges, with Andalucia cia’s tourism-driven economy teeters on the and other regions condemning its overreach. edge, with rural communities facing ruin.

As tensions ignite over autonomy, property The Asociacion de Profesionales de Vivien- owners - including British second-home owdas y Apartamentos Turísticos de Andalucia ners - stand trapped in a storm of uncertainty, (AVVAPRO), representing 15,000 properties, their income hanging by a thread.

FINANCE FIGURES reveal UK households saved less as taxes rise. Household saving ratio fell to 9.5 per cent, the lowest in over a year. Real disposable income per person dropped 0.8 per cent.

Sales slump

EU TESLA sales dropped from 18,430 in November 2024, to 12,130 in November 2025, shrinking Tesla’s market share from 2.1 per cent to 1.4 per cent. Chinese car brands have experienced record sales. BYD recorded its fastest sales growth, with EU registrations tripling, and SAIC recorded a 26 per cent sales increase.

Pensions to rise

A ROYAL Decree Law includes revaluating pensions for 2026. Contributory pensions will rise 2,7 per cent, effective January 1, benefiting 13 million pensioners. This increase is based on average CPI between December 2024 and November 2025.

The 2025 average retirement pension of €1,511.51/ month will rise to €1,552.32/ month, adding about €571 annually.

Investment falls

FOREIGN investment in Spain fell 27.5 per cent to €18.9 billion, down from €26 billion (2024). By country of origin, the US remained the largest investor with €6.8 billion, followed by France and UK. Madrid dominated foreign investment, €10.3 billion, 54 per cent of the national total, five times more than Catalonia (€2.1 billion)

Share buyback

BANCO SANTANDER has completed a €1.7 billion share buyback, repurchasing and cancelling 196 million shares (1.32 per cent of its share capital), reducing its total share capital to €7.34 billion. Since 2021, Santander has repurchased and cancelled about 15.3 per cent of its shares.

38%

First time home buyers lead the way in the UK, accounting for 38 per cent of all home purchases in 2025

Luxury takeover

Competition clampdowns RYANAIR have been fined €255 million by Italy’s antitrust authority following accusations that the airline abused its dominant position in air travel.

Currently, Ryanair accounts for 40 per cent of all passenger traffic to and from Italy, and used its market position to deliberately obstruct travel agencies, undermining competition and limiting consumer choice.

From April 2023, Ryanair introduced technical barriers targeting agency bookings, including facial recognition checks and additional verification steps, while direct customer bookings remained unaffected. The airline also disabled payment methods, deleted agency

Credit: Shutterstock, Alexander Fedosov

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Italy fine Ryanair €255 million.

accounts and restricted partnership agreements, prohibiting bundling flights with other services.

Non-compliant platforms were publicly labelled as “pirate OTAs,” intensifying pressure on agencies and damaging their reputations, making it harder for them to attract customers and compete effectively in the market.

Italy’s antitrust authority deemed this behaviour

to go beyond normal, ethical competitive behaviour. By making agency sales slower and costlier, Ryanair essentially limited the operational freedom of travel intermediaries, reducing the scope of comparisons and bundled offers available to customers.

This the downstream market for tourism services, consolidating Ryanair’s control over ticket

Telefónica redundancies TELEFÓNICA and the main unions recently signed the Employment Regulation File, an agreement that will see a minimum of 4,525 job losses across seven subsidiaries. However, Telefónica estimate 5,500 jobs will ultimately be affected, representing 26.2 per cent of the total workforce.

This large-scale workforce reduction plan will reportedly cost around €2.5 billion, before taxes: €2.3 billion across Telefónica España and Movistar Plus+, and €200 million to corporate units.

The reduction plan is estimated to cost €454,000 per employee, up from 2024’s plan which resulted in 3,420 employees departing at a cost of €1.3 billion.

AENA acquisition AENA, the world’s leading state-owned airport operator, reinforces its presence in the UK market, purchasing stakes in two UK airports. For £270 million AENA will purchase 51 per cent of a new holding company that owns and manages 100 per cent of Leeds Bradford Airport and 49 per cent of Newcastle Airport.

This acquisition, set to close in the second quarter of 2026, builds on its existing 51 per cent hold in London Luton Airport.

distribution and threatening market diversity.

The fine underscores the growing scrutiny of dominant digital market players in Europe, where intermediaries serve as critical channels for price transparency and consumer choice. Market analysts expect that the ruling may prompt Ryanair and other airlines to reconsider distribution practices.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock, JJFarq

BUSINESS EXTRA

16

Telefonica.

Companies covered by CEV will be most affected.

Voluntary redundancy will be activated, after the Christmas period. If 3,765 employees volunteer to resign, there will be no additional forced layoffs.

Restructuring is expected to save the company €600 million annually from 2028 as the company focuses on attracting talent, invests in development, and works to simplify their daily operations.

Dairy duties

CHINA impose 43.7 per cent tariffs on EU dairy products, following tension between Beijing and Brussels. Brussels launched an investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles and promptly imposed 45.3 per cent tariffs on China-made EVs. In response, China investigated whether state subsidies benefited EU dairy producers and undercut local Chinese producers. Preliminary findings revealed this to be the case. Companies that cooperated with the investigation were rewarded with lower duties (28.6 per cent), while companies that didn’t faced punitive rates (42.7 per cent).

Contactless limits scrapped THE UK are scrapping their £100 contactless card payment limit in 2026. The FCA said banks and card providers could set their own maximums from March 19, allowing banks to respond to changing demands and technology.

Contactless payment limits have been steadily rising since they were first introduced with a £10 limit in 2007, which grew to £100 in 2021. Contactless has become the preferred payment method, with an estimated 95 per cent of payments being contactless.

ABU DHABI NATIONAL HOTELS (ADNH) are in talks with US private equity firm Castlelake, to acquire 100 per cent of Hotei Properties. The Spanish real estate company owns luxury hotels across Spanish cities, with Hotei’s assets estimated at €557 million as of July 2025.

Castlelake holds 49 per cent of Hotei, but are looking to exit the Spanish Market.

This transaction would expand ADNH’s international presence in European luxury hospitality, and further Castlelake’s strategic withdrawal from Spain.

Money mule

AN increasing number of young people are being recruited as “money mules,” a form of money laundering that involves moving stolen or fraudulent funds through their own bank accounts in exchange for commission.

Figures show the problem is rapidly growing due to advanced digial technology.

More than 207,000 personal bank accounts were used in money mule scams in 2024, a 22 per cent increase from 2023.

“Money mule” charges include up to 14 years in prison and losing access to financial services.

Defence deal ITALIAN defence group, Leonardo, threaten to halt UK investment as government delays awarding a major military helicopter contract. The £1 billion New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contract falling through would lead to Leonardo reassessing its UK operations.

Despite being the sole bidder since 2024, the Ministry of Defence has still not awarded the contract to Leonardo. Around 3,000 jobs at Leonardo’s Yeovil site, and an additional 9,000 supply-chain roles are at risk if the NMH contract isn’t awarded.

FINANCE

18 1 - 7 January 2026

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 29 December

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3I Group.....................................3.273,00............3.279,00......... 3.243,00.......... 53,66K Admiral Group.............................3.218,0..............3.224,0........... 3.198,0...............5K Airtel Africa................................. 330,80...............332,40............330,40........... 45,45K Anglo American...........................2.910,0..............2.912,0........... 2.881,0............ 98,7K Antofagasta................................3.167,00............3.180,00......... 3.143,00.......... 12,35K Ashtead Group............................5.270,0..............5.278,0........... 5.254,0........... 36,68K Associated British Foods.............2.110,2..............2.119,0........... 2.102,0........... 15,18K AstraZeneca...............................13.718,0............13.726,0......... 13.604,0.......... 46,01K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 594,40...............595,80............592,20........... 55,27K Aviva........................................... 681,86...............682,80............679,60.......... 212,47K B&M European Value Retail SA... 161,80...............162,15............160,50.......... 163,43K BAE Systems..............................1.721,00............1.728,50......... 1.712,50......... 187,29K Barclays...................................... 467,05...............469,05............466,95........... 923,4K Barratt Redrow............................ 371,75...............373,00............371,40........... 49,51K Beazley........................................ 842,50...............843,00............839,50............. 8,1K Berkeley......................................3.876,0..............3.896,0........... 3.872,0............. 3,8K BP............................................... 425,95...............426,55............423,60.......... 951,01K British American Tobacco...........4.243,0..............4.245,0........... 4.207,0........... 88,48K BT Group.................................... 183,00...............183,15............182,00.......... 165,61K Bunzl...........................................2.092,0..............2.092,0........... 2.076,0........... 16,31K Centrica....................................... 169,15...............169,35............168,69.......... 312,51K Coca Cola HBC AG......................3.842,0..............3.848,0........... 3.836,0............ 2,47K Compass....................................2.420,00............2.421,02......... 2.409,00.......... 45,59K ConvaTec Group......................... 242,00...............242,00............240,80........... 32,07K Croda Intl....................................2.781,0..............2.786,0........... 2.762,0............ 3,59K DCC.............................................4.598,0..............4.716,0........... 4.592,0........... 22,77K Diageo.........................................1.603,0..............1.607,0........... 1.587,5.......... 537,01K Diploma.....................................5.370,00............5.390,00......... 5.360,00........... 7,51K EasyJet........................................ 512,80...............515,60............510,00.......... 107,68K Entain.......................................... 752,10...............755,19............747,80........... 35,08K Experian......................................3.393,0..............3.393,6........... 3.370,0........... 34,31K F&C Invest.................................1.244,00............1.246,00......... 1.239,00.......... 16,39K Flutter Entertainment..................16.635,0............16.635,0......... 16.565,0.............371 Frasers........................................ 676,00...............686,50............675,00............ 8,79K Fresnillo.....................................3.263,45............3.288,00......... 3.207,43.......... 54,65K Glencore...................................... 389,75...............390,65............388,70.......... 896,57K GSK plc......................................1.811,00............1.815,50......... 1.804,50......... 314,88K HALEON...................................... 372,90...............373,40............371,10.......... 132,93K Halma..........................................3.574,0..............3.590,0........... 3.572,0........... 35,93K Hikma Pharma...........................1.526,00............1.529,00......... 1.523,00........... 5,63K Hiscox........................................1.436,00............1.437,00......... 1.428,00........... 7,18K Howden Joinery.......................... 830,50...............833,38............830,00........... 13,22K HSBC.........................................1.168,00............1.170,20......... 1.164,20......... 896,86K IAG.............................................. 420,60...............421,40............419,31.......... 452,03K ICG PLC.....................................2.052,00............2.060,00......... 2.044,00........... 5,59K IMI PLC......................................2.480,00............2.482,00......... 2.474,00........... 5,46K Imperial Brands..........................3.158,00............3.163,00......... 3.146,18.......... 40,61K Informa....................................... 881,80...............886,20............880,20........... 81,98K InterContinental.........................10.530,0............10.560,0......... 10.510,0........... 2,21K

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

Intertek........................................4.664,0..............4.670,0........... 4.654,0............ 1,23K J Sainsbury................................. 323,20...............323,80............321,40.......... 251,03K JD Sports Fashion........................ 83,68.................84,20..............83,60........... 104,02K Kingfisher.................................... 309,50...............310,30............308,90........... 29,64K Land Securities........................... 604,50...............608,00............602,50........... 22,04K Legal & General.......................... 257,40...............258,00............256,60.......... 539,51K Lloyds Banking............................ 96,94.................97,38..............96,88.............4,77M London Stock Exchange..............8.910,0..............8.940,0........... 8.834,0........... 47,72K Londonmetric Property............... 186,60...............186,90............186,20........... 85,93K M&G........................................... 284,26...............285,00............283,60.......... 152,88K Marks & Spencer........................ 321,18...............323,20............320,10........... 168,7K Melrose Industries...................... 582,40...............583,60............579,80........... 43,44K Mondi.......................................... 890,20...............891,00............885,80........... 28,31K National Grid..............................1.134,50............1.134,50......... 1.128,50......... 207,74K NatWest Group........................... 644,40...............648,80............644,00.......... 978,68K Next...........................................13.610,0............13.660,0......... 13.585,0........... 1,62K Pearson......................................1.054,00............1.054,50......... 1.051,50.......... 12,75K Pershing Square........................4.828,00............4.848,00......... 4.820,00........... 7,14K Persimmon.................................1.316,0..............1.321,5........... 1.314,0........... 22,43K Phoenix....................................... 727,72...............729,50............725,50........... 61,55K Prudential...................................1.147,53............1.152,74......... 1.143,50......... 109,03K Reckitt Benckiser........................6.020,0..............6.024,0........... 5.995,3........... 14,53K Relx............................................3.053,00............3.054,00......... 3.036,00......... 137,66K Rentokil....................................... 446,94...............447,10............444,20........... 77,98K Rightmove.................................. 517,80...............520,22............516,20........... 78,75K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.933,0..............5.944,0........... 5.909,0........... 78,85K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.156,00............1.159,00......... 1.149,67......... 195,81K Sage...........................................1.089,50............1.092,50......... 1.089,00.......... 17,33K Schroders.................................... 401,0.................401,0..............399,6............ 32,87K Scottish Mortgage......................1.178,92............1.182,00......... 1.178,50.......... 73,64K Segro.......................................... 704,20...............704,60............700,80........... 20,36K Severn Trent...............................2.751,0..............2.763,0........... 2.748,0............ 5,91K Shell............................................2.703,0..............2.704,0........... 2.686,5.......... 147,86K Smith & Nephew........................1.231,00............1.231,00......... 1.225,00.............16K Smiths Group.............................2.388,00............2.394,00......... 2.386,00.......... 12,73K Smurfit Westrock........................2.835,0..............2.835,0........... 2.814,0..............952 Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.805,0..............6.825,0........... 6.800,0............ 1,33K SSE............................................2.154,00............2.157,00......... 2.145,00.......... 46,73K Standard Chartered....................1.794,50............1.803,00......... 1.791,81.......... 78,28K Taylor Wimpey............................ 103,70...............104,14............103,10.......... 246,52K Tesco.......................................... 440,60...............441,20............438,90.......... 149,04K Unilever.......................................4.852,0..............4.852,5........... 4.825,0........... 65,21K Unite........................................... 552,50...............554,00............547,00........... 26,14K United Utilities............................1.183,00............1.184,50......... 1.179,00.......... 11,47K Vistry Group................................ 622,40...............629,40............620,60........... 13,56K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 96,454...............96,640............95,983............1,24M Weir Group................................2.850,00............2.856,00......... 2.844,00........... 6,75K Whitbread...................................2.562,0..............2.575,0........... 2.562,0............. 7,3K WPP............................................ 329,50...............330,30............328,50........... 27,87K

0.87287 1.17760

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0.9287 7.4678 11.818 10.795 Contact our team of currency experts

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DOW JONES

Closing Prices 29 December

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3M.............................................. 160,00...............162,64............159,07............2,33M Amazon.com............................... 228,43...............229,48............226,71...........32,26M American Express....................... 380,85...............382,42............377,08............2,75M Amgen........................................ 331,39...............331,88............326,08.............2,4M Apple........................................... 270,97...............273,88............270,51...........36,57M Boeing......................................... 216,84...............217,15............214,22............5,46M Caterpillar.................................... 582,41...............585,79............575,69............2,39M Chevron...................................... 149,80...............150,49............148,70............8,14M Cisco............................................ 78,11.................79,15..............77,96............18,02M Citigroup..................................... 118,09...............118,65............114,87...........20,18M Coca-Cola..................................... 70,21.................70,22..............69,66............12,83M Goldman Sachs........................... 899,00...............905,48............894,84............1,44M Home Depot................................ 346,39...............347,90............343,70............3,52M Honeywell................................... 195,96...............199,75............195,20............4,38M IBM............................................. 302,79...............303,18............298,32............2,61M J&J............................................. 207,32...............208,08............205,50............8,19M JPMorgan................................... 323,09...............323,23............317,51............8,35M McDonald’s................................. 316,22...............318,27............314,47............2,51M Merck&Co................................... 104,72...............104,95............100,40...........17,14M Microsoft.................................... 484,92...............488,73............482,69...........16,96M Nike.............................................. 57,22.................59,08..............57,14.............38,7M NVIDIA........................................ 183,69...............184,16............182,35..........129,06M P&G............................................ 142,69...............144,40............142,42...........11,73M Salesforce Inc............................. 264,63...............264,63............258,40............5,66M Sherwin-Williams........................ 323,84...............326,13............320,69.............1,3M The Travelers.............................. 291,64...............293,54............290,85............1,16M UnitedHealth............................... 325,16...............329,80............321,65............7,87M Verizon......................................... 39,98.................40,06..............39,66............21,11M Visa A.......................................... 352,09...............353,44............349,59............5,04M Walmart...................................... 112,60...............114,32............112,22...........21,47M Walt Disney................................. 112,38...............112,80............111,15.............8,8M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 29 December

Company Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Haoxin Holdings.............................................. 275,36 %.......................323,51M Sidus Space..................................................... 97,41 %........................382,92M Mega Fortune................................................... 70,41 %........................420,57K Jyong Biotech.................................................. 50,71 %.........................21,59M Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation................ 49,33 %.........................20,31M Velo3D............................................................. 43,95 %..........................7,09M Creative Media Community Trust..................... 35,11 %..........................56,4M Autozi Internet Technology.............................. 32,80 %.........................40,99M Cemtrex........................................................... 31,74 %.........................17,83M Energys............................................................ 31,31 %..........................1,58M M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Luminar Tech...................................................-64,03 %.........................90,01M EUDA Health Holdings.....................................-51,43 %...........................1,5M Zynex...............................................................-34,01 %............................ 7M Healthcare Triangle..........................................-30,57 %..........................1,74M AlphaVest Acquisition......................................-28,99 %..........................1,35M Profusa............................................................-25,53 %.........................18,86M Dogwood Therapeutics....................................-24,96 %........................294,74K DMARKET Electronic Services Trading ADR....-24,77 %..........................1,38M Linkhome Holdings..........................................-23,83 %..........................4,74M Captivision.......................................................-23,22 %..........................1,92M Heritage Distilling Holding...............................-22,55 %........................202,72K M - Million Dollars

FINANCE

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ASK THE EXPERT PETER LOVEDAY Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com Contact me at

Euro EUR/GBP: Down from £0.88 to £0.87 EUR/USD: Up from $1.1 to $1.17 The euro fluctuated in recent weeks, with the ups and downs of Ukraine peace talks and fresh tensions between the EU and the US infusing volatility into the single currency.

However, the single currency ultimately went into the Christmas period on positive footing, aided by the European Central Bank (ECB), which left interest rates on hold and raised its 2026 growth forecast following its final meeting of the year.

Looking ahead, political developments in the Eurozone could keep EUR investors on their toes at the start of 2026, amid ongoing political uncertainty in France and doubts over Bulgaria’s ascension to the bloc after protests toppled the country’s government.

1 - 7 January 2026

19

Currency outlook: Pound rocked by budget uncertainty, US dollar pressured by dovish Fed bets

The US dollar weakened to multi-month lows.

Pound GBP/EUR: Up from €1.13 to €1.14 GBP/USD: Up from $1.3 to $1.34 The pound got off to a positive start in December, being carried higher by the relief rally that followed Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s autumn budget, following its positive reception

from markets.

Mixed UK economic data then infused some volatility into Sterling, before a hawkish interest rate cut from the Bank of England (BoE) offered the currency some pre-Christmas cheer.

Upcoming UK data releases will be closely watched by GBP investors in January as they look for more clarity on the country’s

economic performance in the last quarter of 2025 and how it might shape BoE monetary policy in the coming months.

US Dollar USD/GBP: Down from £0.76 to £0.74 USD/EUR: Down from €0.86 to €0.85 The US dollar has faced notable pressure over the past mon-

th, with a dovish shift in Federal Reserve interest rate expectations, plunging USD exchange rates to multi-month lows.

In addition to cautious remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell following the Fed’s December rate cut, bets on future easing were bolstered by weak US labour and inflation figures.

Looking ahead, the start of the new year could bring fresh volatility for the US dollar, with dovish Fed rate cut bets likely to ramp up if Trump ally Kevin Hassett is confirmed as the next Chair of the US central bank.

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

VISIT US AT OUR SPANISH OFFICES IN COSTA DEL SOL, COSTA ALMERIA, NORTH COSTA BLANCA AND SOUTH COSTA BLANCA. TELEPHONE UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 SPAIN +34 950 478 914 • EMAIL EUROWEEKLY@CURRENCIESDIRECT.COM • WWW.CURRENCIESDIRECT.COM.

20 1 - 7 January 2026

FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Life moving forward LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT AH well folks, Christmas has once again come and gone. However, before the tinsel is swept away and the sprouts finally forgiven, I wanted to say how much I hope you all managed to have a good one. I know full well that for many it isn’t the happiest time of year.

With the current economic pressures, families scattered by circumstance, and illness doing the rounds like an uninvited guest, Christmas can sometimes feel more like something to be endured than enjoyed. This year, if truth be told, mine was rather spoiled.

A nasty cold which arrived just in time, complete with temperature and all the trimmings, put paid to my enjoying the family feast. While others were carving the turkey and clinking glasses, I was tucked up at home, tissues at the ready, listening to the laughter from afar. Not quite the Christmas

I had in mind - but then again, perspective is everything. It all actually brought me back some 50 odd years, to Christmas 1972.

A Christmas I’ll never forget, and not for the usual reasons.

Back then, many of you are aware I had spent a brief time as a guest of Her Majesty. Stuck in prison for a crime I had not actually committed. At that time there I was, no twinkling lights, no carols drifting through the house, no loved ones gathered round the table. Instead of juicy turkey with all the trimmings, ‘Christmas lunch’ arrived on an indented tin tray. The turkey was sliced so thin that if you held it up to the light it resembled a net curtain. The cabbage was a wet, green slop, and the roast potatoes looked like lumps of charcoal rescued from a cold hearth.

Everything was served together of course, so the gravy obediently flooded into the lumpy custard. A culinary masterpiece it was not.

Afterwards, the prison governor stood at the canteen entrance handing out boiled sweets - mostly ig-

nored - and then it was back to the cells. Men lying on their beds, staring at the ceiling, each lost in his own thoughts of home, family, and what Christmas usually meant. No laughter.

No warmth. Just silence and reflection. When I think of that day, any Christmas that’s less than perfect now pales into something altogether more manageable. Even a cold on the sofa feels like a luxury by comparison. So, I count my blessings. I’m grateful to have loved ones to spend New Year’s Eve with, and a family wedding on the horizon to look forward to - life moving forward, as it always does if you let it.

I wish each and every one of you a truly transformational 2026.

And if things feel tough right now, you might find some comfort in comparison - perhaps with a certain ‘gentleman’ rattling round a very large house in Norfolk, facing a rather tricky year ahead!

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.

euroweeklynews.com

Firework free Christmas A GROWING number of Spanish towns introduced bans or restrictions on fireworks during Christmas, citing Photo Credit: MartiBstock/Shutterstock concerns over safety, animal welfare and the Public reaction has been impact on vulnerable largely supportive. residents. Local councils say the measures respond to public demand for quieter, more inclusive celebrations that reduce distress for pets, children and people with autism or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Municipalities such as Barbate and Conil de la Frontera limited fireworks to authorised public displays, while others, including Paterna del Río and Escariche, cancelled festive fireworks entirely. In Malaga Province, towns such as Torremolinos and Mijas adopted seasonal controls, allowing pyrotechnics only under supervision.

Environmental and fire-risk considerations also influenced decisions, with towns in La Rioja and Catalonia citing winter fire hazards despite cooler temperatures.

Some municipalities replaced fireworks with illuminated or low-noise alternatives.

Public reaction has been largely supportive, though concerns remain about enforcement and illegal use. Residents welcomed the emphasis on animal welfare and sensory-friendly celebrations, while others called for tighter controls on fireworks sales.

Authorities stress the aim is not to eliminate Christmas traditions but to adapt them. The trend reflects a broader shift towards quieter festivities that prioritise well-being and safety alongside seasonal celebration.

Chicago style SALÓN VARIETES Theatre in Fuengirola is holding open auditions for its production of the musical Chicago. The show, set in 1920s Prohibition-era America, explores themes of fame, scandal and corruption through jazz and satire. It will run from Wednesday, March 18 to Sunday, March 29.

At the story’s core are Roxie Hart, a housewife who murders her lover and exploits media attention for stardom, and Velma Kelly, a showgirl imprisoned for killing her husband and sister, competing for the same notoriety. Supporting roles include slick lawyer Billy Flynn, who manipulates trials for publicity; overlooked husband Amos Hart; prison matron ‘Mama’ Morton, who trades favours for money; and reporter Mary Sunshine.

Interested performers should WhatsApp 622 440 164 with their details to

New Year’s classics ESTEPONA will usher in 2026 with its traditional Extraordinary New Year’s Concert, featuring the prestigious Orquesta Filarmónica de Malaga (OFM).

The event, which launches the town’s 2026 cultural programme, promises an evening of joyful classics to celebrate the new year.

The orchestra will perform under the baton of acclaimed Singaporean conductor Darrell Ang. The Grammy-nominated maestro, artistic director of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra since December 2016, is a frequent guest with ensembles including the Philharmonia Orchestra London, London Philharmonic, and Vienna Chamber Orchestra.

Featuring timeless New Year’s favourites, the programme presents overtures, waltzes, polkas, and dances by composers such as Franz von Suppé, Johann Strauss II, Josef Strauss, Bedřich Smetana, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It includes a composition by

Credit: Kirkam -

Shutterstock

Chicago the musical.

organise an audition. Directors seek those with strong singing, dancing and acting skills to handle the show’s Fosse choreography and iconic songs like ‘All That Jazz’ and ‘Cell Block Tango’.

The English-language theatre has a history of staging Broadway hits for the Costa del Sol’s expatriate community, blending professional quality with local involvement.

Candidates must prepare a song in the show’s style, a monologue and be ready for dance callbacks. Rehearsals follow auditions, leading to a twoweek run expected to attract full houses. This is an opportunity for talented performers to shine on stage.

Credit: OFM FB

Orquesta Filarmónica de Malaga.

Ang himself, ending with a grand finale of Passacaglia - The Secret of the Wind and the Birds by Chinese composer Tan Dun. Founded in 1991 as the Orquesta Ciudad de Malaga, the OFM has become a cornerstone of classical music in Andalucia, known for promoting the repertoire, supporting emerging artists, and staging popular events along the Costa del Sol. This cherished tradition offers an elegant and festive start to the year.

The concert takes place on Sunday, January 4, at 8pm, at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI, Calle Diputado Ignacio Mena, Estepona. Tickets are available online at www.teatroestepona.com.

Do you Love to Sing?

ON the western Costa del Sol, in Sabinillas, Manilva, the Love to Sing Choir has become a cherished local institution since its founding in 2017-2018.

Led by accomplished musical director Shirley Helleur (BA LTCL), this international mixed community choir unites singers from diverse backgrounds through their shared passion for music. The group rehearses every Wednesday evening and performs an eclectic repertoire, including pop, musicals, classical, and rock. No auditions are required, and reading music is helpful but not essential. Seasoned vocalists and enthusiastic beginners are all welcome, as long as they commit to weekly sessions and yearround performances.

A cherished local institution.

Now nearly 60 strong, the choir stands out for its strong community spirit and charitable work. It has raised thousands of euros for local causes, such as cancer care (Cudeca and AECC), mental health support (Afesol), dementia initiatives, children’s Christmas appeals (St George’s and Hogar Betania), and aid for underprivileged families. Recent highlights include festive concerts in 2025 supporting the Manilva anti-dementia group

and Cudeca hospice, alongside summer fundraisers that generated substantial donations. Beyond performances, the choir builds lasting friendships through social events, trips, and gatherings for members and partners.

As the choir seeks new voices ahead of 2026, it invites anyone who loves to sing to join.

Contact Maggie on +34 628 163 977 or at loveto singchoirmanilva@gmail. com.

New year, new jazz JAZZ heads on the Costa del Sol can look forward to a vibrant start to the new year as the promising Diego Díaz Trío performs at Clarence Jazz Club on Saturday, January 3.

The trio is led by the remarkably talented 18-yearold pianist Diego Díaz, accompanied by 23-year-old Diego Díaz. bassist Magnus Bodzin and a rotating drummer, including collaborators such as Andreu Giró (24), Alejandro Marqués, or Silvano Olalla. All members are currently based in The Hague, where they are studying at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire’s renowned jazz programme.

Fresh from the independent release of their debut album, First Impressions Matter!, the young musicians are earning praise for their joyful and accessible approach to jazz. The group’s core philosophy is to enjoy creating music with close friends and outstanding players - a mindset they say produces some of the most engaging live performances.

Credit: Clarence Jazz Club

Their concert will feature rearranged jazz standards adapted to the trio’s distinctive sound, alongside original compositions by Díaz. Every piece benefits from the ensemble’s collaborative spirit, with all members contributing to the arrangements.

Tickets cost €10 to €15, with a 20 per cent discount for club members. Advance booking is recommended via clarencejazz club.com.

The venue is Clarence Jazz Club, Calle Danza Invisible, 8, central Torremolinos. This performance offers a chance to experience the next generation of jazz talent and begin 2026 on an uplifting note.

22 EWN 1 - 7 January 2026

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How El Océano never forgets those left behind While the Costa del Sol celebrates Christmas in comfort, one family business quietly ensures compassion does not take a holiday CHRISTMAS on the Costa del Sol is a season of abundance. Restaurants are full, hotels glow with festive warmth and tables overflow with food. Yet behind the celebrations lies a quieter reality: even at Christmas, people go hungry. Even at Christmas, people sleep without a roof over their heads.

And while many look away once the festivities begin, Lorraine Palmer has never forgotten.

At the heart of the world-renowned El Océano Beach Hotel and Restaurant is not just luxury and excellence, but conscience. Built as a family business rooted in strong values, El Océano has long stood as one of the Costa del Sol’s most dependable pillars of community support. Under Lorraine Palmer’s quiet leadership, generosity is not a seasonal gesture - it is a constant.

Boxing Day was just one more example.

As the coast continued to celebrate, Lorraine once again ensured that those with nothing were not overlooked. No announcements. No publicity. Just ac-

tion. Year after year, when winter bites hardest and services are stretched thin, El Océano steps forward to support those working on the frontline of homelessness.

This consistency matters. Homelessness does not pause for Christmas, and hunger does not recognise holidays. In

fact, the festive period can be the most difficult time of all, as services close and donations drop. It is precisely during these moments that true community leadership is revealed.

Working alongside organisations such as Adintre, led by Joyce Gyimah BEM, Lorraine’s support helps ensure that dig-

nity, warmth and food remain available when they are needed most. Adintre receives no government funding - it survives solely because people like Lorraine understand that compassion is a responsibility, not an option.

El Océano’s reputation for excellence is well earned. Guests experience impeccable service, exceptional food and a setting of undeniable beauty. What many never see is the same standard of care applied beyond its walls - quietly feeding, supporting and standing by those society too often forgets.

In an industry often associated with excess, El Océano proves that luxury and humanity belong together. Lorraine Palmer leads not with noise, but with consistency, integrity and heart.

As 2025 draws to a close, it is important to recognise those who do not simply speak about community, but sustain it. Even on Boxing Day, when it matters most, Lorraine Palmer remembers.

And that is leadership of the highest order.

El Océano Beach Hotel: Km 1026, Calle Cádiz de Torrenueva 31, Mijas Costa 29649, Malaga.

Telephone (+34) 952 587 550 • www.oceanohotel.com • info@oceanohotel.com

24 EWN 1 - 7 January 2026

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Marbella’s fish secret Credit: EB FB

Credit: Carol Fishwick, FB.

Start 2026 with a splash!

Best value quality seafood, Marbella.

A New Year dip for charity.

LOOKING for a fun, invigorating way to kick off the new year? Join the annual New Year’s Day sponsored swim in Benalmadena - a hilarious tradition running for more than 15 years, full of laughter, chills, and charity.

Organised by the Costa Jive group, Benalmadena Ladies Group, and friends, participants dress in outrageous fancy costumes before plunging into the Mediterranean. All proceeds benefit 4 Paws Adoptions, an animal rescue charity in Mijas Costa helping abandoned dogs and cats find homes.

The event takes place on Thursday January 1. Everyone meets at Weatherspains Bar, Avenida Antonio Machado 76,

Benalmadena (near the windmill roundabout in Bonanza Square). The bar opens at noon, offering great food, friendly service, and affordable prices. The swim starts at 2pm from the nearby beach, with safety divers present.

This popular event draws locals, expats, and visitors for madcap fun. Past years have raised thousands for charity, followed by post-swim celebrations at the bar.

It’s a brilliant way to banish New Year’s Eve hangovers, embrace the chill for a good cause, and start 2026 positively. Fancy dress is encouraged - the sillier, the better!

Contact: +34 609 572 407 or PayPal: info@4pawsadoptions.com. Make a splash for a paws-itive year!

IN among the chic of Marbella, where overpriced venues abound, El Bigote stands as one of Marbella’s most popular fish restaurants and as a refreshing antidote. The family-run marisquería in Nueva Andalucia has served exceptional seafood for over 40 years under José Manuel, his wife, and daughter. The unpretentious spot puts ultra-fresh daily catch first, prepared simply to bring out the natural flavours. Locals celebrate the place as the finest seafood on the Costa del Sol - authentic and no-frills amid the surrounding bling.

Décor is humble: paper tablecloths, basic seating in a narrow interior, and a small terrace for warmer days. Diners select from displayed seafood. Starters are well worth trying with coquinas (steamed clams with

garlic), gamba blanca de Huelva, gamba roja, quisquillas, or carabineros prawns.

Mains feature grilled wild fish such as merluza hake, seasonal red tuna, or cigalas langoustines. Other highlights include the fritura (fried mixed fish) , centollo spider crab, arroz con bogavante lobster rice, or even rabo de toro oxtail stew. Wines couple perfectly, favouring crisp Spanish whites like Albariño or Verdejo. Desserts are simple and traditional: home-made fruit tarts or flan.

Prices offer outstanding value for top quality and location, far below Puerto Banus rivals. Booking is essential; it fills quickly with loyal patrons. A €20 per person deposit may apply. Contact +34 686 058 260. Location: Calle Tirso de Molina, 106, Nueva Andalucia.

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FEATURE

1 - 7 January 2026

26

A Community Built on Action Fuengirola’s proof that humanity still thrives As 2025 draws to a close, an extraordinary coming together of compassion, leadership and quiet sacrifice reminds us that real community is built not on words, but on deeds.

AS the final days of the year unfolded in Fuengirola, something deeply meaningful took place away from headlines and grand gestures. Inside the Adintre community centre, dignity, warmth and hope were served alongside food, offering a powerful reminder that even in a world facing growing hardship, humanity is very much alive.

At the centre of this story stands Joyce Gyimah BEM, the founder of Adintre and a woman whose life has become synonymous with service. Joyce has not simply supported the homeless; she has built a refuge of stability and compassion in an increasingly unstable world.

Her British Empire Medal recognises extraordinary service, but even that honour barely touches the depth of her sacrifice. Joyce has given up her own life comforts so that others might survive theirs, dedicating herself entirely to seeing her long-held dream of shelter, dignity and support become a reality.

This particular Monday afternoon followed a long and unforgiving weekend for those living on the streets. The atmosphere at Adintre was different. Joyce had recently been unwell, yet once again she was present, quietly commanding the room with calm authority and maternal warmth. For those gathered, she is far more than a charity leader - she is family.

What made the day truly exceptional was the arrival of Tibbi Aquila, founder of La Scala Group, accompanied by his fiancée Michelle Mellett, whose kindness and generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on everyone present. Tibbi is widely recognised across the Costa del Sol as one of the region’s most successful restaurateurs - a man behind some of the most respected, consistently excellent and welcoming restaurants in the area.

His venues are known not just for outstanding

food, but for atmosphere, hospitality and the rare ability to make every guest feel genuinely valued.

Tibbi is, by any definition, a tough and highly astute businessman. His success has been earned through discipline, standards and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Yet beneath that professional steel is a heart of gold. He is, quite simply, one of the finest hosts the Costa del Sol has to offer - in business and in life. On this day, he brought that same professionalism and generosity to those who so rarely experience it.

Together with Michelle, Tibbi arrived bearing trays of beautifully prepared food - not charity food, not leftovers, but restaurant-quality dishes made with pride. The menu included hearty chicken stroganoff with rice, penne all’arrabbiata, creamy turkey soup, rich chocolate brownies with warm chocolate sauce, and a festive Christmas cake provided by the Euro Weekly News team. Tibbi personally guided the volunteers on plating and service, ensuring every portion was generous, hot and worthy of the people receiving it.

Before the meal was served, Joyce gathered everyone for her customary prayer. Her words cut straight to the truth. Adintre receives no government funding.

Not one cent. It survives solely because of people in the community who believe that being human still matters.

“We all have the right to fall,” she said. “And if there is no other human being to pick us up, we will never get out of that hole.” The applause that followed was heartfelt and deserved.

Alongside Joyce and Tibbi stood Michel Euesden, whose contribution to this cause spans years rather than moments. Long before cameras, articles or public recognition, Michel has quietly and consistently fed the homeless on Fuengirola’s streets.

Profits have been given away without hesitation. Time, energy and personal health have often come second to the urgent need in front of her. There have been no headlines, no self-promotion - only silent dedication to a problem that continues to grow.

Michel’s work is driven not by obligation, but by deep personal conviction. Homelessness is not an abstract issue to her; it is a human crisis demanding action.

Alongside Steven Euesden, and supported by the wider Euro Weekly News team, she has repeatedly shown up when others look away.

Special recognition must also go to Alison Steele, Esteban Molina Walsh, and Benjamin George Wickham, who once again gave their time freely - as they do so often - to help feed those in need. These are people who understand that community is not a concept; it is something you actively participate in.

As Christmas crackers were pulled, laughter filled the room and party hats appeared, something extraordinary happened. For a few hours, people were not homeless - they were guests. They were not forgotten - they were seen.

This was a powerful way to end the year. A reminder that Fuengirola is not just a town, but a strong, compassionate community held together by individuals who choose action over indifference. As we step into 2026, we do so knowing that people like Joyce, Tibbi, Michelle, Michel and the Euro Weekly News family are proof that kindness, when consistently practised, can still change lives.

And that is something truly worth celebrating not only giving food but more importantly HOPE.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

BEST OF THE YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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THE Costa del Sol turned pink on Sunday October 19 for World Breast Cancer Day. Towns from Manilva to Torremolinos hosted marches, walks and fundraisers, bringing together residents in the fight against the disease.

Manilva launched its second annual unity march at the Sabinillas statue under the slogan ‘For all, for us, for life’. Hundreds joined to support patients and highlight the disease’s impact.

Estepona put education first with AECC volunteers at information stands along Calle Real and Calle Cancelada.

Residents wore pink and gathered for a charity paella in Plaza de Andalucia, raising funds and awareness.

Marbella prepares for its 13th Marea Rosa race in November. Organised by AECC, the event starts at 11am from the association’s headquarters as 3,000+ participants are expected.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos.

Costa del pink Heart honoured Sea of pink.

October Ed: 2103

Mijas extended efforts across October. The Idiliq Foundation at Wyndham resort led staff and volunteers in charity paellas and raffles. Fuengirola’s Paseo Maritimo filled with marchers in unity, and Benalmadena transformed Arroyo de la Miel into a sea of pink.

Mayor Juan Antonio Lara commended president Luisa Jimenez, her team and volunteers for flawless organisation.

Torremolinos drew over 1,000 to its charity march, starting at Avenida Marife de Triana, following the Paseo Maritimo to Plaza del Remo. Mayor Margarita del Cid, a survivor recovering from surgery, could not attend but sent a message: “Today, and always, my heart is with all women facing this disease.”

Breast cancer cases rise yearly, yet early detection and modern treatments achieve a 95 per cent survival rate. The Costa del Sol has shown it stands united calling for awareness, support and a cure.

JOYCE GYIMAH, in a heartwarming ceremony on Wednesday, November 5, received the British Empire Medal from His Majesty’s Ambassador, Alex Ellis.

The ceremony took place on the rooftop terrace of the Molina Larios Hotel in central Malaga with the spectacular backdrop of Malaga Cathedral. In honour of Joyce’s tireless and utterly selfless to care for the homeless and desperate, His Majesty King Charles charged the Ambassador with awarding her with the BEM medal.

Joyce, founder of the Adintre Foundation, who has dedicated more than 20 years to providing vital physical and emoSir Alex Ellis presents Joyce Gyimah tional support to those in need, thanked all with the BEM. of those who had helped her in her journey of giving, including her team, sands of vulnerable British November Ed: 2105 citizens during tough times, volunteers, husband, and in one very emotive, tearful cementing her status as a himoment, to her daughters. “I ghly-respected community took bread from our table to leader. give to those more in need, Operating in Fuengirola and and I am sorry.”

Mijas, the Adintre Foundation is a lifeline, Ambassador Ellis explained the work of feeding over 700 adults and children and Joyce and Adintre to the attendees, saying, distributing clothes and medicines. They “Joyce began this work by deciding to give extend their support to victims of abuse, elto others what she had. Her work began derly individuals without income, families with filling their stomachs, and then she at risk of social exclusion, immigrants, thogave them love and help they needed.” se facing eviction, and people with reduced Her dedication has transformed count- mobility - all while ensuring they ‘offer a less lives, particularly benefiting thou- dose of affection’ to everyone they serve.

EWN photo

28 1 - 7 January 2026

BEST OF THE YEAR/FEATURE

30 1 - 7 January 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Credit: papanoelada.es

Bikers give back It’s not over yet

Annual Papanoelada.

BIKERS on Spain’s Costa del Sol are gearing up for charitable toy runs this Christmas, ensuring no underprivileged child wakes up without a gift.

Leading the events is the Moto Club Komando Amimoto’s 11th annual Toy Run in Torremolinos on Saturday, December 13. Scores of riders, all dressed as Santa over their leathers, will gather at 11am in Plaza Blas Infante outside the town hall.

Under the slogan ‘No Child Without a Toy’, the convoy departs at noon, roaring through streets to collect

December Ed: 2110

new, toys in Torremolinos.

What began in 2010 as a small gathering has grown into a cherished tradition for the club’s nearly 200 members. “These tough-looking bikers have the softest hearts,” said one member.

“For many children facing hardship, this toy might be the brightest spot in their holiday.”

The event returns to the plaza for live music and a charity bar until 3pm, with proceeds buying more gifts.

The initiative spreads along the coast. On Thursday, December 18, Fuengirola’s Circle of Friends club will ride through the town collecting toys.

That same evening from 6pm, Marbella’s Los Mentirosos bikers will cruise Marbella and San Pedro. These rides show the season’s true spirit: community coming together for vulnerable children.

MARBELLA MOMENTS

BY NICOLE KING THERE are many things I love about living in Spain, the extended Christmas festivities is certainly one of them. Until the Three Kings bring the gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus and presents for the children on January 6, Spain continues to exude seasonal joy.

The Spanish children don’t typically get gifts from Santa Claus, instead having to make sure they’re in bed early on the night of January 5 to await the arrival of the Three Kings. As with Santa, they also have to wonder whether they’re on the naughty or nice list and worthy of a gift from the Wise Men or a lump of coal.

Coal is given on Three Kings Day as a symbolic punishment for naughty children. Nowadays the coal is often made of sugar but regardless this is not something I would wish on any child, not even as a joke. Years back my Spanish neighbours thought it would be funny to hide their seven-year old’s presents and only leave coal under the tree. You could see her world shatter in disbelief. She was so devastated she couldn’t even enjoy the

Posting our letter to Melchor.

real presents when they brought them out.

This time of year is particularly important for our children and their sense of wonder and also for our own; let’s fully embrace it.

If you have children they’ll love watching the processions on January 5 and trying to catch the sweets, the floats are really impressive too.

Gaspar, Baltzara & Melchor will also be visiting the Hard Rock Hotel on January 4 which will also be a fun way for the children to meet What better way to start off a New Year? Let’s make this year an extra special one for all of us. Happy New Year.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com AS the first week of January unfolds, the usual chorus of “get fit” and “eat better” has reached a crescendo. Yet, history suggests that by February, most of these vague intentions will be abandoned. The secret to a lasting wellness transformation isn’t found in more willpower, but rather in better structure. By

1 - 7 January 2026

New year, new strategy adopting S.M.A.R.T. goals, you can move away from abstract desires and toward concrete health achievements that actually survive the winter.

Vague intentions like “lose weight” lack a roadmap. To ensure your health journey

sticks, your objectives must be: Specific: Swap “get active” for “walk for 20 minutes.”

Measurable: Use a tracker or journal to tick off your progress.

Achievable: Be honest about

Structure over willpower: The Mediterranean secret to better health MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE EXPERT MIGUEL FRANCO MOST people think they fail because they’re “not disciplined enough.”

But the real problem isn’t willpower - it’s lack of structure.

Your body loves rhythm.

Your blood sugar loves rhythm.

Your mind loves rhythm.

And that’s exactly why the Mediterranean lifestyle works so well.

It’s not a strict diet.

It’s not punishment.

It’s daily rhythm: regular meals, natural movement, real food, less stress, rest, and actually enjoying life.

Before I changed my life, I had no structure.

My blood sugar was unstable, my energy was low and diabetes controlled my day.

When I embraced Mediterranean structure, everything changed.

My blood sugar stabilised, the weight

came off naturally, my energy returned and I finally stopped worrying about my health all the time.

Today, this is what I help people build: not unrealistic routines, but a simple structure that supports health every day.

People I work with experience better blood sugar, sustainable weight loss, more energy and less stress.

And they don’t do it alone - I’m with them every step of the way.

If your health feels chaotic and you want a calmer, healthier life, start with a free intake call.

Visit www.casamiguel.life, click Personal Coaching, and book your 100 per cent free call.

And if you need inspiration with food and meal choices, my cookbook ‘Mediterranean Home Cooking Made Easy’ will guide you with simple recipes that support real health and balanced blood sugar.

Stop relying on willpower.

Start living with structure.

You find the book on my website and if you want personal guidance, you can book a 100 per cent free intake call via www.casamiguel.life.

your schedule. If you hate early mornings, don’t vow to hit the gym at 5am.

Relevant: Choose habits that truly improve your quality of life, not just what’s trending.

Time-bound: Set a deadline, such as “for the next 30 days.”

EWN 31

By narrowing your focus, you bypass the “all-or-nothing” mentality. Instead of a daunting mountain, you face a series of manageable steps.

Small, consistent wins build the momentum necessary for a total lifestyle shift. This year, stop wishing and start planning. When your goals are sharp, your results will follow.

Dry January tips DRY JANUARY is a popular but daunting challenge.

Whether your goal is better health, mental clarity, resetting bad habits or simply saving money, here are some tips to make your Dry January enjoyable and sustainable.

Start by understanding why you’re doing Dry January.

Understanding your reasons for abstaining from alcohol will motivate you so much more, and help you fight temptation.

And, as the month goes on, focus on the positive changes you’re seeing.

Don’t do it alone. Doing difficult things with a friend is going to make for a more enjoyable experience. And if none of your friends are taking part, don’t be afraid to let them know you are.

Not only will this give you a support system, it can help you abstain in social settings which often lead to drinking. Stock up on alternatives. There are so many great non-alcoholic

beers and mocktails to try.

Make sure you have plenty of sweet treats on hand to help reduce the urge to indulge in alcohol out of habit. Get used to saying “no.” Peer pressure is a real thing. You might find

a friend, family member, even a random stranger trying to twist your arm.

Be confident, assertive and remember, “no” is a full sentence, a tip that might help in other areas of your life too.

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34 1 - 7 January 2026

FEATURE

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HAPPY NEW YEAR • News from Our Other 6 Newspapers • Costa Blanca North

Costa Blanca South

THE Costa Blanca region continues to be a top choice for foreign retirees seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle. According to the website Moving to Spain, which advises expatriates on relocating, Calpe is now ranked as the best place to retire in Spain, with Javea in second place, tied with Benidorm and Almuñecar. Denia also makes the Top 10, coming in eighth, meaning Marina Alta boasts three of its main towns among the most popular retirement destinations.

Calpe is praised for its stunning scenery, dominated by the Penyal d’Ifac, excellent seafood along the promenade, and a vibrant community of around 26,000 residents, which grows significantly in summer. The town offers strong infrastructure, good healthcare, a high level of English, and a large expatriate population, making it ideal for newcomers. Javea offers scenic beauty, cooler coastal temperatures, and a culturally rich expatriate community.

FIREFIGHTERS of the Vega Sur Park led a magical initiative over Christmas, delivering a literal truckload of gifts to Social Welfare and the University Hospital for families in need and vulnerable children.

Led by park chief Tomás Gallardo, the team spent several days organising a solidarity initiative, culminating in the transportation of a truckload of gifts.

The first delivery was made to the Department of Social Welfare, where the presents were handed over for distribution to those in greatest need.

Councillor for Social Welfare Óscar Urtasun and councillor for Security and Emergencies Federico Alarcón attended the event, alongside technical staff from the city council.

Later, the firefighters visited the children’s ward at Torrevieja University Hospital, sharing festive moments with young patients and presenting them with gifts.

Axarquia

Almeria

A SURPRISE hailstorm swept through the Axarquia region on Christmas Eve, briefly turning streets, beaches and fields white in this sunny corner of southern Spain.

The intense storm struck around midday on Christmas Eve, catching residents off guard.

Coastal towns such as Rincon de la Victoria, Torre de Benagalbon, Benajarafe and Cajiz, along with villages including Chilches, Almachar and El Borge, saw heavy rain and hail. Accumulations quickly formed a white blanket on roads and even beaches - a striking contrast to the Mediterranean setting.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued an orange alert for heavy rain, alongside a yellow alert for thunderstorms. Andalucia’s regional government activated the pre-emergency phase of its Flood Risk Emergency Plan.

Slippery conditions made the A-7 motorway treacherous, causing minor collisions with only material damage.

ALMERIA truly shone as a Hollywood hotspot in 2025, with the Sustainability Department of the Andalucian Regional Government processing an impressive 119 permit applications for filming, shooting, and photography in the region’s protected natural areas.

The most beloved locations were the stunning Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and the otherworldly Tabernas Desert Natural Area, which received 41 and 27 permits, respectively.

These 119 permits showcased a vibrant range of productions, from tourist promotions and commercials to short films, feature films, documentaries, and television series.

Notable productions such as the hit sitcom Young Sheldon, the acclaimed German series The Empress, Spain’s Entre Tierras, and the movie Carta Blanca all received environmental permits to film in Almeria. Many productions return year after year, drawn by the province’s unique landscapes.

Mallorca

Costa Calida

QUEEN LETIZIA has once again captured all eyes with her latest wardrobe choice, demonstrating her flair for blending elegance with practicality.

The monarch opted for a sophisticated midi dress by the Mallorcan brand Cortana, a piece already in her wardrobe and first worn in March 2025 during the 20th-anniversary event of the Fundación del Español Urgente (FundéuRAE), on December 23.

This choice highlights her support for Spanish fashion and her preference for brands that prioritise quality and sustainability.

The dress, made from stretch virgin wool, features an irregular cold-dye finish, a Japanese sleeve, and a V-neckline, combining sophistication with modernity. Its front crossover and side pleats create a flattering draped effect. Currently available at a 50 per cent discount, the dress is priced at €440, though only sizes 40 and 44 remain online. Queen Letizia complemented it with a wide black belt and high-calf black boots with a sensible heel, balancing style and comfort.

HUNDREDS of cheerful participants are to brave the Mediterranean for Age Concern Costa Calida’s traditional annual New Year’s Day Sea Swim, which turns Playa de Bahia into a crazy carnival of fancy dress and festive spirit.

The event, a much-loved local custom among the expatriate community, supports older residents in the Mazarron area and kicks off at 1pm in front of the Hotel Bahía. Swimmers don outrageous costumes, from superheroes and pirates to elves and flamingos, plunging into the refreshing sea with laughter and cheers, so as to wash away 2025’s hangovers and welcome the new year with invigorating energy.

AEMET’s forecast has delivered the perfect news: After the recent deluge, bright sunshine shone through patchy clouds, creating a crisp but exhilarating atmosphere. Although the air will feel naturally chilly with winter temperatures around 14-16°C, the mild conditions make the dip thrilling rather than freezing.

Golden years abroad

Axarquia turns white

Queen Letizia in a midi dress

Heroes deliver holiday smiles

Hollywood hotspot

100s brave the water

• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •

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FACT

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24 tricks in one minute

IF you think cats can’t do tricks, then you’ll be shocked to learn this cat fact. The most tricks performed by a cat in one minute is 24! In Australia, Didga completed a series of tricks from rolling over to even jumping a bar whilst on a skateboard, earning herself a place in the Guinness World Records book.

Jimmy’s a sensitive soul, house-sitters walk him with earmuffs WHEN he’s at home, Jimmy the Dachshund is all charm and cheek - playful, affectionate, and fiercely loyal to whoever happens to be holding the food bowl. But like many pets, Jimmy has super-powered hearing and a nervous disposition when it comes to noise.

Fireworks? No thank you.

Car exhausts back-firing? Absolutely not.

Fiesta days with lively crowds and music echoing through the streets?

Jimmy would rather stay under the sofa.

His owners, seasoned pros in the art of dog-parenting, have found a simple yet ingenious solution: earmuffs. Yes - a pair of proper ear protectors that must be carried on every walk, just in case the world gets a little too loud for a sensitive soul like Jimmy.

Small in stature but big in personality, Jimmy wastes no time letting you know when he’s uncomfortable.

But once those earmuffs are gently fitted, his body relaxes, his tail wags.

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A relaxed Jimmy wearing his earmuffs.

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Puppy retirement plan A HARD reality for many of us is that our dogs don’t stay puppies forever.

One minute they’re zooming around, the next they’re requiring a siesta after every walk.

Dogs are considered a senior around age eight. In doggy years, that makes them 56 and planning for retirement.

Even the healthiest of senior dogs have more needs than they did when they were pups.

For one, their exercise routine will need scaling back.

Older dogs can’t keep up, and larger breeds often develop joint issues. If you’re an outdoorsy person, this might be something new to adjust to, but if you consider yourself a couch potato this is great news! I see many lazy days in your future.

You may also have to

Credit: Shutterstock, Carlos Amarillo

PETS

Naps are an essential part of retired life.

change how you communicate. If you find your dog is losing their hearing, start gently patting them before you speak.

Dog’s bladders also aren’t as strong as they once were either. Ac-

cidents might happen more frequently but the solution to this problem - after ruling out possible medical issues is simple: buy a good mop.

It’s important when caring for a senior dog

to go at their pace and practise patience.

Just as they are man’s best friend, we are their best friend and with that title comes a responsibility to give them the retirement they deserve.

PETS

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

FOR some, it’s time to make the great migration back home after the holidays. If you’re planning on bringing a four-legged friend along, here are some trips to ensure a smooth and safe journey: Pet’s shouldn’t roam - The safest way to travel with your pet in a car, is by keeping them in a crate or carrier, which is then attached to the car by a seat belt. Crates and carriers will stop your pet from escaping when startled, and stop them from distracting you while driving. While pet-friendly seat

Credit: Shutterstock, Sharomka

Pet friendly travel tips

All heads should remain inside the vehicle.

belts are popular, they’re not reliable in event of a crash.

All heads inside - A dog sticking it’s head out the car window is a cute sight, but when you’re travelling at high-speeds

down a motorway it can prove dangerous.

Plenty of rest stops - Humans need plenty of rest stops along the way, and so do our pets, who have four legs to stretch. Be sure to give your pet plenty of time to exercise, and more importantly for your car upholstery, use the bathroom.

Talk to your vet - Flying can take its toll on animals, especially larger dogs who must travel in the cargo old. As much as you want to take them with you, have your vet give the all-clear first.

Cat’s hatred for hugs SOME cats love being hugged, and will let you know with a content purr. Some cats, vehemently hate it. They don’t see it as affectionate, they see it as being held against their will. But why is there such a big difference in cat behaviour?

The breed of your cat is important. Mellow breeds like the Ragdoll, Scottish Fold or Sphynx tend to be easier going and enjoy being handled. But even then, cats are individuals.

They don’t like what they don’t like, no matter the breed.

On some level, it traces back to kittenhood.

A cat you’ve raised from young is more likely to grow accustomed to being hugged and will at least tolerate it. A rescue cat, on the other hand, might not be so willing, at least at first.

How you approach your cat might alter their response.

Swooping in out of nowhere and lifting them up like Simba probably isn’t the best way to go.

Taking it slowly will yield better results. Start with scratches, let them sniff you, earn their trust before you go in for a hug.

Don’t be alarmed if your cat doesn’t like hugs, they show their affection in Credit: Shutterstock, studiomiracle other ways.

InsNot a hugger. tead of them adapting to your love language, you should adapt to theirs.

1 - 7 January 2026

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SERVICES

38 1 - 7 January 2026 AIR CONDITIONING

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AWNINGS

DAMP PROOFING

ES

AD H S F O ACE

CLEANING SERVICES

DANCE CLASSES

CONSTRUCTION

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

GATES

DRAINS

PROP MANAGEMENT

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REMOVALS & STORAGE

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40 1 - 7 January 2026 REMOVALS & STORAGE

WINDOWS

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MOTORING

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

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45

Spain plans stricter rules on electric scooters, with new controls for manufacturers and riders.

king it easier for authorities to assign responsibility in accidents, fines or misuse.

Manufacturers and sellers will face mandatory certification. Only scooters passing tests at DGT-authorised laboratories will be allowed on Spanish roads. Approved models can be marketed as “DGT certified,” while uncertified

FROM January, Spanish drivers are no longer allowed to use emergency triangles. They have been replaced by the mandatory V16 flashing beacon, a change widely known. Less familiar is another system arriving at the same time - one drivers will never see, but which could transform how hazards are communicated.

The system, V27, is a digital warning built into Spain’s traffic management platform, DGT 3.0. When a

scooters may be banned from sale, giving the authority direct influence over the market. Existing speed limits remain at 25 km/h. Certain vehicles, including mobility scooters, toys, military vehicles and e-bikes, are excluded.

Spain is drawing a line: e-scooters are here to stay, but under far stricter rules.

SPAIN is rolling out a new generation of mobile speed cameras that could change the way drivers experience road enforcement.

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has begun deploying the TruCAM II, an advanced laser-based radar capable of detecting speeding vehicles from more than one kilometre away. Unlike fixed cameras, which are clearly signposted, these mobile devices operate discreetly and at distances drivers are unlikely to anticipate, making visual detection almost impossible.

The TruCAM II forms part of Spain’s broader effort to strengthen speed control. The country already operates more than 3,400 enforcement devices, including fixed roadside cameras, average-speed systems and red-light controls. Earlier this year, the DGT confirmed the purchase of 15 TruCAM II units, with testing already under way in several municipalities.

What sets the TruCAM II apart is its technology. Using laser detection, it can measure the speed of vehicles travelling both towards

Invisible road warnings driver activates a connected V16 beacon after a breakdown or accident, the beacon automatically sends the vehicle’s location to the DGT. This generates a V27 alert, transmitted in real time to other connected vehicles approaching the area. Drivers may receive the warning on their dashboard or infotainment screen well before the

hazard is visible. The DGT calls V27 a “virtual triangle,” with its legal basis established under Royal Decree 159/2021.

V27 aims to improve safety where visibility is limited - by bright sunlight, poor weather, blind bends or crests helping prevent secondary collisions.

It is not mandatory, and whether a dri-

Credit : Screnshot - Tiktok - ayto_launion

SPAIN is preparing a major overhaul of electric scooter regulations.

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) will take full control over which e-scooters can legally circulate, ending the largely unregulated phase that allowed almost any model in cities. Under changes to the General Vehicle Regulations, e-scooters are being reclassified closer to traditional vehicles than personal gadgets.

For the first time, scooters will be recorded in Spain’s National Vehicle Register, linking each to a named owner with a full administrative and technical file including identification details, technical specifications, manufacturer information, certification data and compulsory insurance. Ownership changes, sales or withdrawals will also be logged, ending the anonymity that has defined scooter use and ma-

Credit : Nigel Jarvis, Shutterstock

Scooter rules tighten Eyes on roads

Spain’s new TruCAM II speed cameras can detect speeding vehicles from over a kilometre away.

and away from the radar, with an operational range of up to 1,200 metres. It captures sharper images than older models, runs for up to eight hours on interchangeable batteries and features improved touchscreen controls. Optional upgrades allow remote connection and links to number plate recognition and DGT databases.

During initial trials, some drivers may receive warnings rather than fines, but this will not last. Once fully enforced, penalties remain unchanged, ranging from €100 to €600, with possible licence points lost. ver receives alerts depends on their vehicle’s technology. Newer connected cars display warnings automatically; older vehicles rely solely on the V16 beacon.

V27 signals a quiet shift towards connected driving in Spain. Roads are becoming data-driven, with vehicles sharing information through public infrastructure. For now, drivers’ only immediate duty is to buy a DGT-approved V16 before 2026.

46 1 - 7 January 2026

MOTORING

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

Life in the Fast Lane

Ultimate prize December has been a very busy month for motoring enthusiasts and for The Classic & Sportscar Club in particular.

Before I move on to that, I’d like to say how delighted I and many others were with Lando Norris capturing the ultimate prize in F1 and winning the 2025 world championship. This personable young man from Glastonbury (a near neighbour of Frome’s Jenson Button) has worked hard for this and richly deserves the spoils of victory, both in the present and those to come in the near future. And hats off to McLaren under Zak Brown for taking the constructors’ title for the second year running. No mean feat that!

Radical new rules and regulations come to F1 this year which everyone hopes will bring great racing with different teams showing competitive form. I can’t wait for the season to start in Australia at the beginning of March! Watch this space….

December and January events!

TWO very busy months!

In December The Classic & Sportscar Club had a Christmas lunch at Restaurante La Sierra, then on consecutive weekends it organised two special Christmas themed car runs. The first started from Santana Golf near La Cala de Mijas and took in a route past Coin, Alozaina, Casarabonela, Zalea and Carratraca, before turning south in Ardales and heading back to finish with a fabulous lunch at Restaurante The Geranium in La Cala.

A coffee stop was enjoyed in Zalea at La Herradura where the Club met up with fellow enthusiasts from the Porsche Owners Club of Andalucia (POCA), also enjoying their Christmas run. Some 70 people turned out for this super event and, it has to be said, a good time was had by all!

Not content with that, the club then organised another Christmas run the following weekend which started near Estepona, taking in the fabulous climb up over the Sierra Bermejas, dropping down into Guenalguacil before heading to a light lunch at the excellent Restaurante El Paisaje in Atajate. When that was finished, 30 cars set off for a nights stay in Ronda at a five-star hotel and enjoyed a black-tie dinner and a ‘a bit of a party’ to follow. Marvellous fun with music for dining and dancing and a very late bar!

Thankfully, everyone stayed the night before a very late start on the Sunday morning, to return to the coast and enjoy a decent Sunday lunch!

ANNOUNCING THE FIRST CARS AND COFFEE MEET! Sunday January 11 sees the inauguration of the first ‘Cars n Coffee’ meeting to be held at Centro Plaza in Puerto Banus (just above the Bull-Ring). The morning is open to all enthusiasts with interesting motor cars, old or new, who can come along and show them off and meet up with other like-minded enthusiasts. The morning will get under way at 10am and finish at 1pm. The event is run in conjunction with YANX American Diner and is supported by the Euro Weekly News who will feature the event on this page each month.

There is a small registration fee of €15 but that will get

the driver a coffee and a bacon roll supplied by Yanx American Diner.

Anyone wishing to register in advance can contact The Classic & Sportscar Club at csccspain@gmail. com Chris Rea As I write this, I am just hearing the very sad news of the passing of internationally famous blues and pop musician Chris Rea. What many people don’t know is that Chris’ passion outside of music was motoring in general, Ferraris specifically and F1 in particular. He was a really lovely guy, and his passion for F1 and Ferrari stemmed from seeing the fabulous Type 156 F1 ‘Sharknose’ in 1961 when Wolfgang Von Trips drove the car and Phil Hill won the World Championship in it. Many years later, Chris pulled off an amazing coup by recreating, from scratch, two stunning replicas of that famous car. One was to be used in the making of his big-screen venture ‘La Passione’, the semi-autobiographical story of an 11-year-old boy who sees a ‘Sharknose’ for the first time. If you’ve not seen it, it’s well worth digging out for the photography, the car and the music.

That year, Chris arrived at Goodwood with one car and pulled the covers off it in the paddock while talking to his hero, the same Phil Hill. To say Hill was gobsmacked is something of an understatement! The car was so impressive, even Ferrari approved of it! Chris was typically modest, passionate and understated! He was well-known, admired and respected by everyone in motorsport and knew just about everyone! His knowledge of the sport and its participants was prodigious, and he was always so modest and unassuming, forgetting completely his own ‘superstar’ status!

The Classic and Sportscar Club’s own ex-McLaren team manager, Jo Ramirez was a friend and neighbour of Chris when both were living in Berkshire some years ago. When Jo’s wife sadly died, Chris was on the phone to Jo offering condolences and saying that he felt Jo’s pain and that he should go around to share a glass some time. What a lovely man he was. What a terrible loss at only 74. He will be missed by both the worlds of music and motoring. To his friends and family, we send sincere condolences.

RETRO MALAGA We’re approaching that time of year again! The winter shows are coming and one of the first of the season is ‘Retro Malaga’, which will happen in it’s usual home venue, the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos’ in Malaga from January

23 to January 25. It’s part classic car show and part Autojumble, but its always well attended and well supported. In fact, the special ‘Classic Car Park’ outside the show for pre-1973 cars is terrific and well worth going for that alone! Many of the internal stands are selling old Seat parts, motorcycle parts, models and car stickers, but it’s still a good show to visit and a good meeting point for car enthusiasts.

The Club has a busy programme for January too.

Starting with lunch at Restaurante La Sierra in Cerros del Aguila on Tuesday, January 6, followed by a car run and lunch on Saturday, January 10. On Sunday January 11 is the first of the Cars and Coffee meets any Centro Plaza in Puerto Banus. 10am to 1pm at YANX American Diner. A registration fee of €15 gets the parking, a coffee and a bacon sarni!

On January 24, the Club has its famous Burns Night Supper at The Geranium in La Cala de Mijas and on January 26 the Club runs its revised five-day Tour de la Luz. This fabulous and inexpensive event is open to non-members and more information can be found on the website www. csccspain.com.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Starting on Monday January 26, the Club will run it’s terrific five-day Tour de la Luz. The event is open to non-members and will take in two nights in Jerez, a night at the stunning Palacio de Medinacelli in Puerta de Santa Maria and will finish in Tarifa on the Thursday night. There will be a Gala dinner in Jerez, and a finish dinner and party on the Thursday night.

The entry fee is only €550pp assuming two sharing, and includes hotels, breakfasts, parking, two full special dinners with wines, and drinks, etc, as well as full easy-to-use professional roadbooks for simple navigation.

Entries can be made through the Club website, www. csccspain.com or through the organiser’s website www. iberianmotoringevents.com where registrations, entries and payment by credit card can be made.

That’s it for now, more next time. Happy motoring!

euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack DACIA has revealed pricing for the updated 2026 Sandero that will start from €16,867/£14,765, while the Sandero Stepway will be available from €18,352/£16,065.

The upgraded line-up sees both models gain a refreshed exterior look with Dacia’s new inverted-‘T’ LED light signature and redesigned front and rear bumpers, giving a more modern and robust appearance. The Stepway further strengthens its adventurous look with additional body protection. Sandero also introduces a more responsive TCe 100 engine. Offered in three trim levels – Essential, Expression, and Journey – while the Stepway line-up adds a further trim level, the Extreme.

Priced from €16,867/£14,765 on-the-road, the Sandero Essential features an impressive list of standard equipment, including cruise control with speed limiter, electric front windows, air conditioning and Dacia’s Media Control system, which uses a smartphone and

MOTORING

1 - 7 January 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR

47

Dacia Sandero and Stepway New year, new look, new features the dedicated Dacia app. Essential also includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Assist, Driver Attention Warning and more.

Stepping up to the Expression trim, available from €18,006/£15,765 on-the-road, brings a significant uplift in comfort and technology. Highlights include Dacia’s distinctive 40cm/16-inch Flex wheels, front fog lights, automatic wipers, electric rear windows, and heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors. Inside, the cabin benefits from enhanced materials and finishes, while infotainment is upgraded to the 25cm/10-inch Media Display touchscreen system with wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Rear parking

sensors and a reversing camera also come as standard.

Sitting at the top of the Sandero line-up, the Journey trim delivers a more premium and feature-rich experience, priced from €19,491/£17,065 on-the-road. It adds 40cm/16inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, high central armrest with storage, automatic air conditioning, and ad-

vanced driver assistance features such as Blind Spot Warning and Extended Grip.

Journey also gains a Multiview camera system for improved manoeuvring, while infotainment is upgraded to Dacia’s most sophisticated setup: the 25cm/10-inch Media Nav Live system, offering built-in navigation, wireless smartphone replication and wireless smar-

tphone charging.

All Sandero Stepway models gain 40cm/16-inch wheels, protective body cladding, and roof bars as standard, while the Sandero Stepway Extreme adds a distinctive Copper Brown exterior treatment, upgraded MicroCloud/Copper Brown interior trim, and exclusive black alloy wheels.

Comfort and convenience are boosted with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, and an electronic parking brake with armrest and additional storage. The Extreme also enhances visibility and driver assistance with a Multiview camera system, Blind Spot Warning and Extended Grip, while upgrading infotainment to the Media Nav Live system with built-in navigation and wireless smartphone connectivity and charging.

SPORT

48 1 - 7 January 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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MARBELLA will kick off its 2026 sports calendar with the European junior waterpolo tournament ‘Tewam’, which will see 120 young athletes in action.

The event takes place from January 2 to 5 at the Antonio Serrano Lima municipal pool and will feature 12 teams from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Organised by Club Waterpolo Marbella in collaboration with the local council, the tournament has grown into a key fixture for youth sport, aiming to foster both technical skills and personal development.

Councillor Lisandro Vieytes highlighted the tournament’s long-standing significance, noting it

FUENGIROLA will once again host the Torneo de Reyes 2026 basketball tournament, which takes place from January 2 to 5, welcoming almost 1,000 young players.

The announcement was made by the city’s Sports councillor, Julio Rodríguez, alongside Nacho Macipe from QLSport, the event organisers.

The third edition of the tournament will be shared between Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Benalmadena, featuring 80 teams in the Alevín, Infantil, Cadete and Junior categories.

Teams will travel from Murcia, Valencia, Madrid, Aragon and other parts of Andalucia to compete, with Fuengirola’s matches held at the Juanito Pavilion.

Rodríguez described the tournament as the first major sporting event of 2026 in the city. He praised the cooperation

A key fixture for youth sport. returns to its usual January slot following nearly €3 million in upgrades to the facility. “These improvements now provide a modern, accessible environment for players and spectators alike,” he said.

Vieytes also emphasised the international nature of the competition, which at-

tracts families from across Spain and abroad, bringing an economic boost at a time outside the main tourist season. The council will support the event with ambulance services, free shuttle buses, and logistical assistance.

Carlos Rodríguez, vice-president of Club Waterpolo Marbella, said the tournament returns with fresh initiatives, including a motivational talk by Spanish world and Olympic champion Laura Ester.

Additional activities fwill include guided tours and training sessions.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Fuengirola

Kings basketball tournament

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella

Youth waterpolo returns

Macipe and Rodríguez present the King’s Basketball Tournament. between the three muni- fice and teamwork. cipalities and the support Macipe explained of QLSport, noting the that the event includes involvement of local club 40 male and 40 femaCB Salliver in helping or- le teams and features ganise the champions- an educational element. hip.

Teams earn points for “We are pleased to behaviours such as reswelcome close to 1,000 pect for opponents and players across more than referees, as well as pro80 teams, demonstrating per care of changing Fuengirola’s commit- rooms and benches. ment to youth sport and The team with the hiformative events,” Rodrí- ghest score receives a guez said. He emphasi- special recognition, reinsed the tournament’s role forcing the tournament’s in promoting values such emphasis on sportsas tolerance, effort, sacri- manship.