ISSUE NO. 1560
28 May - 3 June 2015
MALLORCA
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
The people have spoken
Cordon Press
THE Balearic Islands make a turn to the left By Maria JosĂŠ Fernandez THE Partido Popular conservative party has lost their absolute majority in the Islands and an approximate 70,000 votes. The PP now has 20 representatives (28.50 per cent), losing 15 seats. Previous president of the autonomous com-
munity, Jose Ramon Bauza, and his austerity measures are accredited by Spanish media as having greatly influenced the results. He announced on Tuesday (May 26) that he will not be running for president of the party again and quit his position by the end of the summer season. It is expected that left-wing parties will Turn to Page 6
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LOCAL NEWS
Tourists on the rise in the Balearics THE Balearic Islands welcomed just over 1.2 million foreign tourists during the first four months of 2015. This number translates into 9.5 per cent increase if compared with the same period of the previous year, according to the data released by the Industry, Energy and Tourism Industry. In April, a total of 690,647 international tourists visited the Islands, which also represents a 0.6 per cent increase if compared with the same month of 2014.
Construction hopes DURING the first three months of the year, the number of construction permits issued in the Balearic Islands has increased by a staggering 41.62 per cent, if compared with the same period
of 2014. The total number was 1,293, according to the Architecture College of the Balearic Islands. In Mallorca, the permits have registered a growth of 29.46 per cent.
No charge for tunnel THE Mallorca Provincial Council has approved a motion put forward by independent party Mes to allow drivers the use of the Soller
tunnel whenever the Ma-11 alternative road is impassable. Drivers will be able to travel through the tunnel without paying the obligatory fee.
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NEWS
Chinese prime minister books entire hotel for visit ENTOURAGE includes 120 people according to the government By Maria JosĂŠ Fernandez THE Prime Minister of China, Li Keqiang, arrived in Palma on Wednesday (May 28) and has booked all the rooms at the Valparaiso Palace Hotel for his exclusive use for 48 hours. Mr Keqiang has brought an entourage of 120 people, according to the information released by the Central Government Department in the Islands, who explained that a major police deployment has been launched to ensure his safety. All services at the hotel have been put at the disposal of the prime minister and his team, including the restaurants, spa and its 174 rooms. The prime minister was welcomed at the Sont Sant Joan air base by vice-presi-
VALPARAISO PALACE: All the rooms have been booked for exclusive use. dent of the government, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, who took the chance to have a meeting with the premier at the Valparaiso Hotel.
The meetings are expected to further the good-relations trend boasted by the Chinese and Spanish governments, as Prime Minister of Spain vis-
ited the Republic back in September where he praised the measures taken by the Chinese government in terms of commerce.
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Sad end
FEATURED NEWS
Girl found dead
The Virgin of El Rocio Cordon Press
THE festival is considered one of the most important religious events of the year
A 23-YEAR-OLD girl who went missing on Sunday (May 24) in the area of Valldemossa was found dead two days later in a rocky area of Estret de Son Gallard. Guardia Civil is investigating the case.
Drugs seized Greenhouse restaurant TWO men were arrested in Palma for allegedly transforming an abandoned restaurant as a marihuana greenhouse. Fifty plants were seized and the men have been charged with a crime against public health.
Road accident Three injured
Fast ballot Record-breaking vote
PROCESSION: Devotees carry the statue of the virgin through the streets of Almonte in Huelva.
By Steve Walsh EVERY spring hundreds of thousands of devotees converge at a shrine in Huelva to pay homage to the Virgin del Rocio, which for many people is Andalucia’s most famous pilgrimage of the year. On May 25, the beautiful town of Almonte in Huelva saw the Virgin of El Rocio carried through the streets by pilgrims during a procession that encompasses the values, memory, and the shrine of El Rocio. Children are held aloft and carried by the crowds so that they may touch the idol as it passes. La Blanca Paloma (The White Dove), as the effigy is affectionately known, will give pro-
€50,000 is the amount Spain’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest Edurne’s wardrobe is estimated to have been worth, with the dress she wore valued at €15,000. Luckily the dress was donated by the designer so taxpayers didn’t have to fork out for it.
tection to those infants who touch it. At least 700 pilgrims set off from Malaga City at the weekend, and were gradually followed by many brotherhoods from along the coast in their journey and date with the Virgin del Rocio. Tourists witnessed sights such as horses, oxen and people dressed in flamenco costumes parading the streets and clambering onto floats pulled by tractors to set off on their trips. The event is actually considered by Catholic Spaniards from all over the region (and further afield) who attend to pay their respects to the virgin, as one of the most important religious events of the year.
VILLARROYA in La Rioja beat its own record to get the local elections out of the way as they were over after just two minutes. The mayor said the nine residents eligible to vote do their best to be the first in Spain to close the urns, and while four years ago they managed to do so at 9.07am, this year it was 9.02am.
Defence (Baldea) and Animal Rights Association of the Balearic Islands (Assaib), accompanied Luis Moreira, the creator of the petition on platform change.org, to the town hall registry.
The group delivered a DVD in which 98,595 people ask the mayor to replace these carriages with alternative means. As reported by Euro Weekly News, Mr Moreira registered his petition at the beginning of
New stores Six shops in Mallorca GERMAN supermarket chain Aldi last week opened six new stores in Palmanova, Magaluf, Marratxi and Palma. The business now has a total of 7,000 squaremetres of commercial surface in Mallorca.
Rain havoc Accesses closed
Quote of the Week I’m grateful for the trust six million people placed in us, but the results are obviously not as good as we would have liked them to be,” said PM and PP leader Mariano Rajoy after the May 24 local elections, when the party did well but lost the majorities it held four years ago.
April, after several incidents involving carriages took place in the Balearic capital. “For the past few years, numerous incidents have occurred, for instance, drivers hitting the horses due to
HEAVY rain in Palma last week caused long tailbacks in the area of Inca and Llevant motorways, which reached the new access of El Molinar.
Agricultural fair Dozens of stalls
Palma petition against horse carriages ALMOST 100,000 signatures have been presented at Palma’s town hall to request a ban on carriages pulled by horses in the city. Representatives of the Balearic Platform for Animal
THREE people sustained injuries after being involved in an accident between a bike and a motorbike on the main Escorca road (Mallorca). Two of them are a 55-year-old woman and 49-year-old man from Germany.
impatience, the death of animals after suffering heat strokes or excessively long working hours,” reads the petition. The petition has suggested vintage or classic cars, to be driven by the carriage owners.
MANACOR will celebrate its 24th Agricultural Fair on Sunday (May 31) from 9am. The event will take place in Camino Brandis and features a horse show, an agriculture machinery exhibition and a great variety of products.
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INDEX News 1 - 18 Featured News 3 News Desk 20
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Council cracks down on Magaluf’s night excesses GLOBAL project to promote a change in tourism By Maria José Fernandez
European Press 22 Russian Press 23 Finance 25 - 31 Stocks 26 Street Talk 32 Leapy 32 Nora Johnson 33 Our View 34 Colin Bird 34 Mike Walsh 34 Daily TV 36 Letters 38 Time Out 40 - 41 Homes & Gardens 42 Health & Beauty 44 - 45 Food 46 - 47 Property 48 - 51 Pets 52 Classifieds 54 - 55 Boats 56 - 57 Motoring 60 - 61 Sport 64
THE new law put forward back in March by Calvia Council to regulate pub-crawling tours and tackle the wild-partying reputation of the infamous Magaluf area has been finally approved by the town council on Thursday (May 21). It has been conceived to strictly regulate pub-crawling tours, the sale of pub tickets in public streets and an increased police presence in the area to control and combat crowds of young tourists and excessive alcohol consumption in areas such as Punta Ballena and its surroundings. The practice of ‘balconing’ (jumping from a balcony to a pool or another balcony) will be prosecuted with fines of €750 to €1,500. Both the mayor of Calvia, Manuel Onieva, and the spokesperson of the opposition socialist party, Alfonso Ro-
PUBLIC STREETS: The new law will strictly regulate pub-crawling tours. driguez Badal, stressed that the new modifications are the result of a consensus amongst hotel, business and pub owners, taxi
drivers, and other workers in the industry. It is expected the new law will start by June 9. “This is a global project to
promote a change in Magaluf’s tourism, which has to include a control on quality levels,” said Mr Rodriguez.
Busy April gives a taste of summer OVERNIGHT stays in the Balearic Islands have increased by 8.3 per cent in April compared with the same month in 2014. The total number has amounted to 2.6 million, according to data provided by the
National Statistics Institute (INE). Specifically, out of the 2.6 million overnight stays, 2.1 million (15.8 per cent) were by foreigners and 466,096 (4.9 per cent) by Spaniards.
The average length of a stay was 5.33 days in the Islands, which, of Spain’s autonomous communities, had the second highest level of hotel occupancy in April (64.8 per cent).
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NEWS EXTRA
tourist critical
UNTIL May 30, the Teatre Principal in Palma (Calle Riera, 2) is offering guided tours to visitors who want to learn about backstage secrets of the theatre. Tickets are €5. More information at http://www.teatreprincipal.com/es/.
Baby names
Weekly visits THE Allure of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, was docked at Palma’s port on Monday (May 25). It is expected that the ship will stop at the island every Monday until October.
Unpaid loan A WOMAN has been sentenced by the Court of Palma to pay a €33,676 fine for failing to return the 108 instalments of a loan granted to her for the purchase of a car.
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English
Last days
MARIA and Marc were the most common names chosen by Balearic parents, according to the data released by the National Statistics Institute that analysed names of the 10,530 babies born in 2013.
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TRAIN SERVICE: Smartphone users can now benefit from a new app.
All about Mallorcan trains NEW APP also offers information about tourism attractions By Maria José Fernandez SMARTPHONE users can now benefit from a new app c re a te d b y th e Tra in Se rvices of Mallorca (SFM) that displays in real time the train and metro conditions.
The app can be found at the offic ia l web www.trensfm.com and was pre s e nte d by he a d of the SFM, Jose Ramon Orta who explained that users would be able to check a map of
all trains circulating at that time, its next stop and the foreseen time of arrival, as well as possible delays due to incidents. In addition, the app offers information about the sta-
Brits vote Balearic Islands best value THE Balearic Islands offer the best value family holidays, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 parents. It was also reported the islands’ hot spots Majorca and Menorca are 16 per cent cheaper than last year.
British parents have voted the Balearic Islands their favourite, good value geta w a y, quoting flight a nd transport costs, low-cost meals and drinks, and affordable entertainment as the main factors in their decision.
€2.2 million yacht conversion abandoned THE Balearia Shipping Company has suspended a project that would have seen the conversion to liquefied gas turbine of the Rolls Royce engines on the yacht Foners (formerly called Fortuna) and instead put it up for sale. Balearia made the decision after a research and development report along with Rolls Royce revealed the adaptation to LPG and commercial applications of the turbines had technical issues that significantly increased the
initial investment, and raised maintenance costs. “The high initial investment and high maintenance costs, linked to the issues surrounding solid fuel in recent months, has made investing in the conversion even less feasible,” said a spokesman from Balearia. The final destination of the yacht they bought from Fundatur last July for €2.2 million is yet to be determined, as it awaits a buyer.
The survey revealed that nine out of 10 pe ople be lieved resort costs were an important factor when deciding where to holiday, according to Post Office Travel Money. Affordable resort costs were rated almost as crucial as the price of an international flight or other transportation costs when planning a break. A nd w he n it c ome s to getting the best value for their money, the Balearic Isla nds a re pe rc e ive d to be the most affordable. The strength of the pound was also a large factor for ove r 60 pe r c e nt of the British holidaymakers surveyed. Nevertheless, those polled agreed on one thing 88 pe r c e nt na me d the Balearic Islands as offering the best value for their money.
tion’s nearby points of interest as well as the tourism attractions in the area. The total cost of the project was €21,220 and was developed by the Ferrocaib Foundation.
AN APPARENT new case of ‘balconing’ in Magaluf has caused a 19- year- ol d Engl i sh tourist to suffer serious injuries after falling from the first floor of a hotel. The i nci dent t ook place at around 2am on Saturday (May 23) in a hot el at Cal l e Cas Saboners in Magaluf (Calvia). ‘Balconing’ involves jumping from a balcony into a pool, or to another balcony. The victim was taken immediately to the Son Espases and Guardia Civil and Local Police authorities are currently investigating the case to det er m i ne t he ci r cum stances surrounding the tragedy.
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Foreigners bolster self-employment AS much as 44 per cent of the increase registered in self-employment in the Balearic Islands so far this year accounted for foreign workers. Specifically, the Balearic Community gained 1,700 new, foreign self-employees, nearly half of the total increase of 3,899 registered until April of 2015, according to data released by the Self-employed and Entrepreneur Worker Association (UATAE). The total number of foreign
self-employees in the Islands was 15,914 in April, which means that 19 per cent of the total (84,444) comes from a country other than Spain. “The results of the first four months of the year are distinctly positive in terms of worker growth,” said head of the UATAE in the Balearic Islands. By countries, the largest number of self-employees come from Germany (4,110), then the UK (2,092), Italy (1,815) and China (953).
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Mallorc lots of a GERMANS see Mallo
PP lose majority From Front page
form a coalition to establish the regional government. The PSOE socialist party won 14 seats (18,94 per cent), three fewer than in 2011, becoming the second political force. Podemos independent party, lead by Alberto Jarabo, entered the regional government with a significant 10 seats and more than 60,000 votes. Mes has registered its most positive results since the group was created, obtaining nine seats in the regional parliament and 22,000 more votes than last time. Finally, Ciudadanos obtained a total of two regional representatives.
TRAMUNTANA MOUNTAINS: Id By Dilip Kuner MALLORCA has been chosen by online site Trivago as one of the 10 best places in Spain to practice ‘active tourism.’
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ca is ideal for active tourism
rca as one of their preferred destinations
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Drones inspect power lines from the air AN UNPILOTED aerial vehicle or drone will be used by electricity company Endesa in the Balearic Islands to inspect power lines from the air. The use of drones serves as a complement to inspections carried out by heli-
copter, especially in areas that are difficult to access, according to the information released by the company in a statement. The aircrafts help inspectors by means of HD recordings that inform about the conditions of power lines.
3 injured in car accident THREE people have sustained injuries after being involved in a car accident on the road between Porreres and Felanitx. The incident took place at around 5.55am on Saturday, when the victim’s vehicle swerved violently off the road, according to the sources at the Emergency Services (SAMU). An 18-year-old boy and a girl of the same age have suffered minor injuries while another 16-year-old girl has suffered a severe back injury.
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ic r p d o o g a t a e r u it n r fu y Qualit
eal place of hiking routes. The list is based on factors such as the variety of activities offered as well as the quality of tourist accommodation. Mallorca is one of the preferred destinations for German tourists
as they see the Tramuntana Mountain Range as the ideal place for hiking routes both by bike and on foot. It also has several streams and caves for visitors to practice canyoning and caving.
A new species of mollusc THE Spanish Institute of Oceanography’s Centre of Balearic Research (IEO) and the University of Madrid have discovered a new species of
mollusc south of Mallorca. The genus Tambja was captured south of Mallorca during a scientific expedition aboard the ship Ramon Margalef.
C/Mar Mediterranea, 74 07180 Santa Ponsa | Pol. Son Bugadelles Tel. 971 120 462 | www.casa-holanda.com Mo-Fr. 10 -18 h | Sa. 10 - 13 h
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Pensions less than average MONTHLY income sits at €815.30 By Maria José Fernandez THE average pension received by people in the Balearic Islands currently sits at €815.30 per month in May. Even though this number represents a 2.1 per cent increase if compared with the same month in 2014, it is still 8.1 per cent below the national average, according to the data
provided by the Social Security and Employment National Institute. The average monthly income for people with a permanent disability currently amounts to €835, €571 for widowhood and €326 corresponding to orphans. In May 180,015 pensions were claimed, 1.9 per cent more than the same month of 2014.
Drug traffickers caught NATIONAL Police have arrested seven people in Palma after dismantling an alleged criminal gang who it is believed smuggled drugs into the island. The arrested are Nigerian, Senegalese and Spanish citizens who used children’s books to hide the substances. Police reported that the drugs had been acquired in Uruguay by the suspected leaders of the gang. Searches were carried out in Palma properties in the areas of Rafal and Son Cladera, where 1.5 kilos of cocaine, a kilo of marihuana and €4,000 in cash were seized.
NEWS
Camp del Mar plant to undergo renovations A TOTAL of €2.8 million will be allocated by t he Regi onal Gover nment of the Balearic Islands to perform a comprehensive series of i m pr ovem ent s t o t he Camp del Mar (Andratx) water treatment plant. Pl ans ar e t o expand and completely renovate the plant, which has become obsolete due to the significant increase in the area’s population. Thanks to this project, the plant is expected to increase by 70 per cent the current water treatm ent capaci t y, whi ch wi l l go f r om 700 t o 1,200 cubic metres per day. In addition, the treatment method will be upgraded to produce better quality water.
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COASTS PLANS: Launched to prepare beaches for the summer season.
Beach budget approved BUDGET of €150,000 to fix damage on the coast By Maria José Fernandez THE Central Government of Spain approved on Friday (May 22) a budget of €150,000 to fix damage caused on the
Palma’s historic building to be demolished PALMA Council has dismissed an appeal presented by heritage preservation association ARCA and independent party MES to stop the demolition of the historic Can Bibiloni building. Several municipal experts have analysed the appeal and concluded that there are no objective reasons for the building’s preservation. The municipal archaeologist has also opposed the petition for the protection of the building, so the town council has allowed the company in charge to continue with the demolition.
coasts of Mallorca and Menorca by heavy rains and strong winds during the winter season. The work is part of the Coasts Plans of 2015, launched by the ministry with the
aim of preparing beaches for the summer season. The Mallorca areas that will undergo work include Sa Rapita, Can Picafort, Muro and Cala Agulla, amongst others.
Balearic residents have stopped celebrating EIGHTY per cent of families in the Baelaric Islands say they have stopped celebrating big ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms and first communions due to high costs. The average expenditure of Balearic residents on these kinds of celebrations amounts to €900, according to online site DaWanda, in a report conducted through interviews. Ninety per cent of interviewees considered that the ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) trend has become popular in Spain to personalise these events at a low price but without giving up quality. “The DIY trend has now become a philosophy of life, an
experience in which the organiser enjoys the whole process from researching the idea to the creation of the project,” said manager of DaWanda in Spain, Sonia Molina. Balearic residents spend between €100 to €300 when
they attend a celebration as guests. Amongst the excuses used to avoid a social event, 40 per cent say that they have to work, 18 per cent claim to go on a trip and only 20 per cent admit that it has to do with money problems.
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EURO WOMEN PAGE
Women who make their mark
Jacquelyne Phillips, MBE, President of MABS
Esther Dierkes, owner of The Ritz Albir
Do you know a Euro Woman? THE world is changing, and for the better. A new breed of inspirational women has been making its mark in a huge variety of fields, whether in business or the voluntary sector. Not only are these women having a huge impact on the communities they live in, but they are proving to be the trail-blazers for the next generation of women. They are pushing the boundaries forward and smashing the glass ceilings that still exist in too many fields. Over the coming months the Euro Weekly News (EWN) will be featuring interviews with extraordinary and inspirational women of all nationalities who have adopted Spain as their new home. All of these women have achieved something outstanding in their lives. It could be as a businesswoman, or maybe by inspiring and being behind a charitable organisation, as many have done. Some are well known, others are relatively low profile, preferring to keep out of the limelight, but they all have one thing in common. They have all risen to a challenge, usually more than one, and made a significant contribution to the community. To build up a thriving business is a challenge, but to arrive in a foreign country, learn a new language and still succeed in your field is twice as hard and is something to appreciate and to celebrate. Can women have it all? That is the question we are
asking those who have made their dream a reality. We are not just concentrating on women who have succeeded in business but also on those who have excelled at anything they have put their mind to. These are women who have overcome challenges. Women who have the EWN’s mantra of ‘WE WILL!’. In this series, these women will be featured throughout the EWN's six editions but that is just a
The series is designed to recognise women from any walk of life who have made a mark taster. It is our intention to bring out a book at Christmas to showcase these inspirational stories. It will go on sale and all the proceeds will go to a charity nominated by the ladies. The list of possible causes is endless - breast cancer support, women’s refuges, assistance for mental health issues - so long as it is a bona fida charity then our aim will have been achieved. This is not something simply for the rich and famous, it is a series designed to recognise women from any walk of life who have made a mark. So if you know of a woman - no matter where in Spain they live
- that deserves recognition, someone who has fought against the odds to triumph in their chosen field then drop us a line at eurowomen@euroweeklynews.com. Please give full contact details and tell us why you feel they should be featured. We are looking for women from the Costa del Sol to Mallorca, Almeria to the Costa Blanca. Some of the names which have already agreed to take part in this exciting project are: Maria Isabel Fernandez Utges Manley - wife of Simon Manley, the British Ambassador in Madrid who features in this issue. Pamela Dawson Tasker, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to charitable work to the British community in Spain in last year’s Birthday Honours List; Esther Dierkes, owner of The Ritz Albir; Jan McDowell-Edmondson, CEO of Telitec Communications SL; Lucy Grande of the Make A Smile charity that helps support the children of EMAUS; Eva Naranjo, Martial Arts triple world champion, and MABS President, Jacquelyne Phillips, MBE, All of these ladies are strong, successful achievers who have set the benchmark in their chosen careers and motivated others in a compelling and exceptional way.
Jan McDowell-Edmondson, Telitec CEO
The Euro Weekly News feels privileged to meet them - we know you will, too.
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EURO WOMEN PAGE
There’s something about Maria Isabel A SWISS education, British professional career and a healthy splash of Spanish passion combine to make Maria Isabel Fernandez Utges Manley (known as Maria Isabel Manley) perhaps the definition of the modern Euro Woman. Born in Catalonia, educated in Lausanne and the US, partner in a top London law firm, mother to three beautiful girls, she is also wife to the UK’s Ambassador to Spain and Andorra – a full-on job in itself. She is a remarkable and dynamic woman whose passion for life - her children, her husband and her career - has seen her reach the heights. When speaking to her not only does that passion shine through, but so does her self-confidence and real desire to help people. She said: “I truly believe that women can have it all. The question is how do you get the ‘all’ and what the ‘all’ means. Women have to make some difficult decisions but to have a family and an exciting job you love is possible. I have done it. I know many people who have done it. You just have to believe in what you want and be passionate about it.” Maria Isabel has worked hard to get where she is. No easy task to be a mother and wife as well as hold down a career. In her calm, collected way, she smiled and said: “The most important thing is I am a mum of three lovely girls. I am a full-time lawyer, have a fascinating job and am the wife of Simon Manley, the UK Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, so yes it is a threeway job. “I never thought it would a problem to be a mum and have a professional career, it was something to aim for, so that was not too hard for me. I was particularly lucky to have a husband like Simon who supported me all the way through, from the first day I had to drop off my daughter in tears at the crèche. He took over and was the one taking and picking up the children because I couldn’t cope with the idea!” As if it wasn’t hard enough having her dual role as a working mother, a third was thrust upon her when Simon took up his first post as Head of Mission, as the new UK Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. But Maria Isabel had no ob-
TRIPLE ROLE: Partner in a top London law firm, mother to three girls and wife of UK Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley.
The definition of a true Euro Woman By Michel Euesden Managing Director EWN jections. “It was something he really wanted. I thought it was now my turn and my role to support him. I do not regret it and I love it.” She is in a slightly odd position for a woman who is the de facto head of the expat female population in Spain, as in many ways she is coming home. She said:
Her message is simple: whatever your goal, the only thing stopping you - is you “Spain is my place of birth, it is where my roots are the strongest. My husband used to say I have a Spanish temper, which means I am passionate. I think it is a good quality to have.” And passion is something she feels women need if they want to have a family and a career. Speaking with conviction, she said: “Women need to believe in their capacity, whether they want to become a lawyer, hairdresser or a nurse. If it is something someone is really passionate about then
Fact file Name: Maria Isabel Fernandez Utges Manley Profession: Partner Bristows LLP legal firm. Wife of British Ambassador to Spain and Andorra Family: Three daughters From: Barcelona Now living: London/Madrid via Lausanne Book or TV? No time! Strength: Passion Irritants: Unfairness and injustice Role model: “My mother. She was an amazing mum. She was a working mum who loved her job. She gave me all the strength to pursue what I wanted to be, and encouraged and supported me.”
they will find a way to make it work for them and their family.” Maria Isabel believed that for this to happen there needs to be some support available, whether from a husband and family or from the government, and added: “There has to be some support around you to reassure you that your children are in good hands whilst you are working, so affordable childcare is a necessity. “It is important to have scholarships, apprenticeships and state support; there are many things that can happen to help women have it all. But without the hunger for success they are not going to get you anywhere, you need the passion within yourself. If women have that then we, meaning society, need to give them the chance and the opportunity to pursue a professional life.” Maria Isabel leaves you with a feeling that anything and everything is achievable if you want it enough. You have to make sacrifices, but to achieve your goals and ambitions they are worth it, and Maria Isabel is living proof of this. Her determination oozes out of every pore, making you feel that you are the most important person in her life. She is truly amazing and will make an impact upon anyone she ever meets.
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Bad fall from horse A 21-YEAR-OLD had to be evacuated by helicopter on Sunday morning after a serious accident when riding a horse in Cala Mesquida left her with serious head injuries. Reports said that the initial fall from the horse caused a blow to the head, however the situation was made worse when the horse inadvertently trampled on her head, leaving the young woman with life threatening injuries.
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Mallorca Meditation Festival coming soon OFFERING workshops of different types of therapy Photo Credit Phoenix Media
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MEDITATION: An opportunity to explore the intriguing differences between the different styles. By Vicki McLeod CHETANA ANNETTE, Sarjan Nolla and Matthew Clark, the organisers of this year’s Mallorca Meditation Festival, will soon be setting up for the event. The festival is the brainchild of organiser Chetana Annette from Bodhana Wellness. Chetana is a long term practitioner of meditation and teaches it at her centre in Portals. The Mallorca Meditation Festival is a beautiful event
on the island, and an opportunity to explore the intriguing differences between different styles of meditation. If you have ever wanted to try out meditation then this is your chance: you can try practsing different types of static meditations, working with the breath, and active meditations. In addition the festival features workshops of different types of body therapies, evening dances and celebrations, live music, early morning yoga, and
healthy vegan food. There will be various body workers available on site for one to one sessions as well. The festival is also a chance to connect with other likeminded people on the island, re-establish friendships and make new ones. You can visit for a day or stay overnight or stay with the whole event. The festival is from June 4 to 7 at Finca Ca’n Corem, Campos. You can find out more at www.bodhana.com or call 971 676 469.
An 11-year-old boy is crime-fighting hero LOCAL POLICE in Palma arrested a suspected thief thanks to the help of an 11year-old boy. The 36-year-old Romanian has been arrested and charged with attempted burglary for an incident that took place about 8.30pm on Sunday.
The boy was playing football in his house on Calle Pablo Sarasate, de Palma, when said he saw two men jump from a terrace down into a neighbour’s house. The boy ran to a local bar where he knew the neighbour and an off-duty local policeman were.
The officer, accompanied by the house owner, went to the property where they discovered the two alleged thieves in the lounge. However, as the policeman identified himself, one of the alleged burglars managed to escape. The police thanked the boy for his help.
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Artists take over the Soller train OFFERING a variety of theatre, dance, music and history (Friday and Saturday) from 9pm. Artists such as singer Jaume Anglada, choreographer and dancer Carlos Miro, imTHE Soller train continues working prov group Trampa Teatre and matowards becoming a cultural space gician Enzo will participate. for Mallorcan residents and tourists Each of them will be placed in a alike. different car on the Soller train and After inaugurating an exhibition minutes in length of will carry out several 15-minute hall with pieces created by Miro last weekend performances at the Soller performances, so that all passengers October, they will be offering a train have the chance to witness the show large variety of theatre, dance, muin its entirety. sic, history, entertainment and gasAfter this performance, the Espai Micro will tronomy activities this weekend, with the celebravisit towns such as Valldemossa, Pollensa, Soller tion of Espai Micro. or Bunyola during the summer season. The event will take place on May 29 and 30 By Maria JosĂŠ Fernandez
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Residents at risk of poverty A TOTAL of 17.9 per cent of Balearic residents were at risk of poverty in 2014. The number sits four points below the national average of 22 per cent, according to the data released by the National Statistics Institute (INE). In addition, 14.7 per cent of residents in the
Islands admitted to having trouble making ends meet. A total of 43.6 per cent could not go on holiday last year and 18.1 per cent delayed payments on their home due to financial problems. A total of 39.8 per cent did not have sufficient savings to deal with unforeseen expenses.
28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
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Air travel havoc scheduled for June as union calls strikes STOPPAGES will be carried in periods of two hours in the mornings and afternoons
INDUSTRIAL ACTION: It is not clear how the strikes will affect flights in and out of Son Sant Joan airport. By Maria José Fernandez AIR passengers face delays next month as Spanish air traffic controllers trades union USCA has announced partial strikes scheduled for June 8, 10, 12 and 14. The strikes have been organised to protest against the decision of the com-
pany in charge of the Spanish air traffic, Enaire, to discipline 61 controllers who did not attend their workplace or went on strike on Decemeber 3 and 4. It is unclear what effect these strikes will have on flights to and from Palma’s Son Sant Joan airport. The 61 air controllers were sanc-
tioned with a one- month suspension from work and loss of wages. Strikes will be carried out in periods of two hours during the mornings and afternoons, according to the statement released by the trades union. USCA agreed to call strikes during its national meeting held on Tuesday,
with 81 per cent of all members supporting the decision. The trades union had considered calling strikes in March but they were postponed repeatedly due to the Germanwings crash, the Easter holidays and the regional and municipal Spanish elections.
NEWS
Cabinet passes security law THE new controversial National Security law project aimed to improve the Spanish State’s response to risks and threats has been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. The project was the main subject at a meeting of the cabinet at Moncloa Palace, which all the cabinet members attended except Foreign Secretary Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, who was on an official visit to Lithuania. The controversial law will regulate alarm levels and special situations and aims to fight risks and threats without, Deputy PM Soraya Saenz de Santamaria explained, taking measures that would suspend fundamental rights or public freedom. The new law will focus mainly on cyber, marine and financial security along with environment, energy, transport and telecommunications. Main points on the project are that the State will be able to mobilise both public and private resources to face crisis situations that put national security at risk and local and regional police forces can be placed under the orders of the Spanish government after a state of crisis is declared.
Spanish electricity revealed as one of the priciest in the EU THE latest Eurostat report has revealed that Spanish homes have the second most expensive electricity in the European Union based on purchasing power, beaten only by Ger-
many. While in Spain domestic electricity costs €26 per 100kWh (kilowatt hour), the average for the EU is €20.8. The price was found to be much higher than average in
Spain even though homes face a tax burden of 21 per cent compared to an average of 32 per cent for the EU, and under the 57 per cent faced in Denmark and 52 per cent in Germany.
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Cyberattack on Felanitx Council THE official web of Felanitx Council (www.ajfelanitx.net) was attacked on Monday morning, reportedly by Moroccan hackers who took control of it. The website remained blocked until around 2pm, when experts were able to solve the issue. Throughout the morning, users who tried to access the website were welcomed instead by a text which read “Possessed by Moroccan Hackers (El Dibon). Your site has been hacked. Message: Free Palestine/The Sahara belongs to Morocco. Moroccan hackers were here. Contact me.” Local Police in Felanitx were immediately alerted to the attack. Authorities explained that any attack to a private or public website is considered by the Spanish Penal Code as a crime. The Felanitx Council is expected to issue an official report on the incident and analyse the financial damage that might have been caused by this attack.
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New mortgages increase compared to last year
NEWS
NEWS EXTRA
Tourism police BETWEEN June 1 and September 30, 29 municipalities across the Balearic Islands will have a Tourist Attention Police Service (SPAT). A total of 44 officers in Mallorca will be exclusively dedicated to helping tourists.
Product cash AGRICULTURE workers in Mallorca received €155 million during 2014 for their products, according to the data released by the Services for Fishing and Agriculture Improvement (Semilla). HOME LOANS: Bank institutions lent a total of €64.5 million, 16.7 per cent more than a year ago. By Maria José Fernandez THE number of mortgage loans granted in the Balearic Islands registered an increase in March by 35.2 per cent, compared to March last year.
The total number of mortgages issued amounted to 610, according to data released by National Statistics Institute (INE). The number sits above the national Spanish average increase for mortgages issued in the same period, which totalled 19.7 per cent.
However, if compared with the data of February, the number of home loans agreed has dropped by 2.9 per cent. To grant these 610 mortgages, bank institutions lent a total of €64.5 million, which translates into 16.7 per cent more than a year ago.
Summer boost for jobs THE unemployment rate in the Balearic Islands is expected to experience a significant decrease thanks to seasonal summer employment. The summer season, which includes the months from June to September, is expected to generate 10,000 job vacancies in the Balearic Islands, and 989,048 new positions across the whole of Spain, an increase of 20 per cent if compared with 2014.
Betting off THE Spanish Trotting Race Federation, based in Palma, has expressed their disagreement with the decision of the Spanish central government to suspend betting on horses with Lototurf and Quintuple Plus as of next Sunday.
Folk you! THE Music festival Folk You! Will take place at the Teatre Mar i Terra of Palma (Calle Sant Magi) next Friday (May 29). Tickets are €12 at the door.
Low spending THE Institute for Family Policies of the Balearic Islands (IPFB) has spoken out over the fact that the health expenditure on the Island’s residents is the lowest in Spain, reaching €1,150 per inhabitant.
Not enough THE Balearic Islands have been revealed to have fewer doctors than most other Spanish autonomous communities: a total of 4.65 per 1,000 inhabitants, according to the data provided by the National Statistics Institute (INE).
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NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS
COSTA DEL SOL
Estepona boasting healthy tourism results in last year ORCHID and Botanical Gardens have been visited by more than 100,000 people
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
COSTA DE ALMERÍA
MORE than 100,000 people have visited Estepona’s Orchid and Botanical Gardens since they were inaugurated back in March. The council had predicted that this number of visitors would be reached a year after the park was opened, which goes to show the great results produced by the facilities in barely two months. The park has 200 square metres of vertical gardens, 8,000 different species of plants and had a total cost of €2.3 million. Meanwhile, the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI, has also attracted 10,000 attendees to different plays and shows. The facilities have a budget of €5.7 million. Estepona is currently establishing a positive trend in terms of tourism and hotel occupancy, with great figures last year as the town registered the best September in the past decade with 70 per cent occupancy.
AXARQUÍA
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Female footy
Phony contracts
Underage vandals
Night visit
LA NUCIA Sports Centre is to host the 4th Female Football Alexandra Fernandez Campus from June 29 to July 3, accepting players from age six upward. Places may be reserved via www.campusruby23.com.
AN Adra businessman was accused of selling work contracts to three African immigrants hoping to legalise their situation. They paid him €2,300 before police investigations revealed that the company did not exist.
THREE minors, aged 15 and 16 years old, were caught by Local Police in Velez-Malaga after reportedly breaking the rear-view mirrors of up to 30 vehicles, which ware parked in the town centre on Thursday (May 21).
MURCIA’S Cathedral museum is opening the tower to visitors at night every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the summer. Entry costs €6.
Carpark lowdown
Safer road
EACH place in underground car parks promoted by municipally-run Emisa in Almeria City cost €5,035 more than the Spanish average. Geological conditions did not justify this, critics claimed.
ALMUÑECAR Council has improved several dangerous stretches around the Rio Seco road. Plans included the widening of roads and fitting a more efficient sewage system.
THE death of a 61-year-old woman killed last month after being hit by a van in Mazarron has been attributed to the same Moroccan man being held in prison in connection with the death of a woman in Totana.
Servants’ tribute
Crime students
THE Council of Motril honoured 14 civil servants who are about to retire on the occasion of the Saint Rita festivities. The event took place at the Casa Condesa de Torre Isabel with the delivery of commemorative plaques.
A DOZEN students from the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Texas San Antonio (USA) visited the Commissioner of the National Police in Elche as part of an agreement with the University Miguel Hernandez.
Benidorm WiFi LEVANTE Beach in Benidorm is launching its ‘SmartWiFi’ project this summer, a pilot project providing free WiFi in exchange for user information useful to the city’s tourism industry.
Coach dies
All heart
TONI HERREROS, Gandia’s much-loved athletics coach, has passed away at the age of 58. An evening funeral Mass was held in the church of Sant Josep de Gandia.
ALMERIA resident Ana Maria Roque Martinez received the 600th heart transplant performed at Cordoba’s Reina Sofia Hospital last January. She now has a heart “like a Ferrari,” she said.
Sol Park robbery
Fiestas figures
THE same house in Sol Park, Moraira, has been burgled twice in one week. The Guardia Civil is monitoring the area and urges anyone to contact them if they see anything suspicious.
A ‘ROSQUILERO’ and ‘carreterillo’ sculpted in marble are depicted on the new roundabout at the entrance to Olula del Rio. The traditional fiestas personages were created by the artist Andres Garcia Ibañez.
Cocaine in cocoa
Stay awake
NATIONAL Police and the tax authorities seized 160 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a shipment of cocoa in the port of Valencia on Saturday May 23.
ALMERIA CITY is preparing for its fourth ‘Noche en blanco’ on June 5 with 70 cultural activities including music in museums and central streets as well as dramatised conducted tours.
Victim tribute
Serial killer
Mountain biking
FORMER Head of Nerja’s Museum, Ana Maria Marquez, who was murdered by her partner in 2014, was remembered during an event last week with a book dedication on the occasion of International Museum Day.
A MOUNTAIN biking tour across the Sierra Espuña takes place on June 9 and 16 and July 2. For details contact La Mariposa Hotel on 968 631 008.
Pretty town
Cycle path
FRIGILIANA now boasts the official sign of inclusion in the select group of the ‘Most Beautiful Towns in Spain,’ bestowed by the association of the same name. The post was placed at the entrance roundabout to the town.
SANTA POLA’S bicycle lane of Avenida Santiago Bernabeu to Varadero has been completed in compliance with all security measures. Mile markers have also been added for runners.
For more local news from our five other regions see www.euroweeklynews.com
Double vote A MAN in Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, caused havoc at Sunday’s local elections by voting twice as he thought general elections were also being held at the same time. Eventually the poling agents agreed to destroy a random envelope.
Lions help out
By Maria José Fernandez
BOTANIC GARDENS: With 8,000 different species of plants.
NEWS
THE La Cala de Mijas Lions have donated €3,000 to Lions International Fund to help the cause in Nepal, where Lions of Nepal are working to help out after the recent earthquakes.
Surprise guests DORIENNE CARMEL, a British woman with a holiday home in Riviera del Sol, Mijas Costa, is looking after four baby kestrels which have hatched in a flowerpot on her terrace.
Films for all ALBENIZ Cinema in Malaga is the first in the city to have adapted its installations for the disabled. Screenings are prepared for blind and deaf people by adding audio descriptions and subtitles.
Hell and back I’VE Been to Hell and Back, an exhibition of more than 100 pieces by Louise Bourgeois, will be running at the Museo Picasso Malaga from June 10 to September 27.
Fly away AS OF June 29, daily flights will be run between Malaga-Costa del Sol airport and New York through a joint venture by Delta, Air France KLM and Alitalia.
Shootout arrests A JOINT operation between the Guardia Civil and Mijas Local Police saw three people arrested after a shootout on a street in Riviera del Sol between four people.
EWN top for all the news from Spain.
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GERMAN
EUROPEAN PRESS SCANDINAVIAN PRESS
Knocked out FINLAND: Punk band PKN, the first Eurovision act with learning difficulties, has been knocked out in the semi finals. The rockers vowed that this setback would not stop them following their dreams.
Passport scam SWEDEN: A Malmo court has jailed a former Migration Board worker and his accomplice for three years for accepting bribes in exchange for resident permits and passports for asylum seekers.
Helsinki losses FINLAND: Helsinki estimates it loses €60 million a year due to the shadow economy. The Tax Administration detected unusual movements in over 20 per cent of the business audits it completed.
Benefit fighters DENMARK: Jihadists are claiming unemployment benefits whilst fighting in Syria. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service said there had been 32 instances amounting to around €51,000 in payments.
PRESS
Hatton arrests in London A SUBSTANTIAL amount of valuables have been recovered NINE people, including three pensioners have been arrested in London and Kent over the multimillion pound heist at a Hatton Garden safe deposit company. Police have recovered a substantial amount of valuable property including diamonds.
Trinity closures TRINITY Leeds, the popular shopping centre, has seen many retail outlets close due to financial difficulties. Land Securities, the owners, said it offered lower rents to assist those in trouble.
Vegas footballers BOURNEMOUTH footballers who won the championship have been enjoying a well deserved break in Las Vegas. Owner Max Denim gave the players £300,000 to reward them for their outstanding season.
NEWS
BRITISH PRESS Pick a face for £20 The British public will for the first time be able to help decide which historic figure - in this case a creative one - appears on the next version of the country’s £20 note, according to Bank of England Governor Mark Carney.
Residents reported hearing five gunshots in quick succession. Police suspect a gangland connection.
Brave mum A GLASGOW mother has given birth a year after she was diagnosed with an aneurysm. Jade Cameron gave birth in the same hospital, a year to the day after her life saving operation.
Vicious attack A LIVERPOOL teenager needed 27 stitches after being slashed in the face. The 18-yearold was walking with his girlfriend when he suffered the unprovoked attack by seven teenagers.
BANK OF ENGLAND: Governor Mark Carney.
Manchester murder A MURDER enquiry has been launched after a man’s body was found beside his car in Urmston Manchester.
24-hour music in Amsterdam CLUBS must be in areas where the noise will not affect residents
Safety force DARTH VADER is being used in a campaign to alert people to wear cycle helmets. Dorothee Bar, junior transport minister said: “Wearing a helmet is part of safe cycling,” at the launch in Berlin.
Fourth cup FRANKFURT women’s football team has won their fourth champions league cup. The team had already won the championship four times before. Their striker, Celia Sasic was the top scorer.
Welcome news A MAN who left €44,000 at a Hamburg train station was overjoyed when police traced him and returned his money. It was returned to him on his 92nd birthday.
Royal tour PRINCESS MARY of Denmark has begun a tour of Germany dressed in a 70s jumpsuit. She and Prince Frederik are promoting Danish Living to strengthen trade between Germany and Denmark.
Biker fight
Oil objection
TWO biker gangs started a fight at the Holy Ghost hospital in Longreich after visiting members at the hospital. Around 40 people were involved and police arrested three gang members.
NORWAY: Norwegian author, Karl Ove Knausgaard, has condemned Norway for its plans to open up the Arctic for oil exploration. Campaigners are suing the government saying it will worsen climate change.
Cash free
All day music.
DENMARK: The country could be one of the first to abolish cash transactions. It is aimed at protecting the banks from collapse if a run on the currency starts capital flight.
AMSTERDAM music clubs will be allowed to open 24 hours a day after Mayor Eberhard van der Laan approved new legislation. Permitted clubs must be in areas where noise pollution will not affect residents.
Abel Prize
Under age
NORWAY: The Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters has awarded the Abel Prize for 2015 to American mathematicians John F Nash and Louis Nirenberg. HM King Harald gave the award.
MORE than 29 men are being prosecuted for having sex with a 16year-old prostitute in Valkenburg, Limburg. Two suspects have committed suicide and the Public Prosecutor said the investigation was still ongoing.
DUTCH PRESS Four year scam A ROTTERDAM court sentenced a man accused of running a welfare benefits scam to four years. The scheme involved Bulgarian men in the Netherlands who claimed benefits they were not permitted to receive.
No deal AFC AJAX is not allowing their goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen to be sold to Manchester United. Ajax Director Marc Overmars said he was not for sale, not even for €25 million.
Narcotics chemicals POLICE seized 50,000 litres of chemicals and tens of thousands of Euros at locations in Roosendaal and Oudenbosch. They said the chemicals would have been used in the synthesis of narcotics.
Sweet theft A ROBBER in Dortmund entered a sweet shop armed with a gun and demanded money. When faced with the owner wielding lollipops he fled. He was later arrested.
Hesse shooting A PENSIONER was shot by police in Hesse when he refused to be admitted to a secure unit. After threatening the police with a firearm he was fatally shot outside his home.
NEWS
28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
www.euroweeklynews.com
RUSSIAN P RESS
Linking Russia Aleksander Kaasik
BRIDGE is expected to completed by 2018
KERCH STRAIT: Work on bridge has started. A BRIDGE that will link Crimea to Krasnodar through the Kerch strait is under construction. It is expected to be finished in 2018.
Chechen fugitive A CHECHEN law enforcement officer, Ruslan Geremeyev, who was implicated in the murder of Boris Nemtsov has fled the country. Moscow prosecutors suspect he is in Turkey or Dubai.
Network fines RUSSIA’S media watchdog has threatened Google, Twitter and Facebook with fines unless the companies ban media deemed to be extremist. Alexander Zharov, head of Roskomnadzor, accused the companies of lawless actions.
Plant discovery AN INQUEST has revealed that a rare Chinese plant was found in the stomach of wealthy Russian businessman Alexander Perepilichny who died suddenly in London three years ago.
Free coffee A COFFEE shop in Murmansk has defied all expectations and is thriving. New York Coffee offers free drinks and a welcoming ambience. Customers pay only for the time they stay there.
World cup THE WORLD CUP 2018 stadiums in Nizhniy Novgorod and Kaliningrad will be ready ahead of schedule, a Russian minister claimed. Following the World Cup the stadiums will be transformed into multicultural centres.
Mountain opera A RUSSIAN conductor is shunning the limelight and recording Mozart operas in Perm in the Ural mountains. Teodor Currentzis has been known to perform for over 14 hours at a time.
Gas line GAZPROM, the Russian energy company intends to lay over 50km of gas pipes in Siberia over the next two years. It is part of the Siberian-China gas pipeline.
Total production FRENCH company Total has started gas production at its Termokarstovoye plant in Siberia. It is part of Total’s collaboration with Russian company Novatek. It is the fourth project for the companies. COFFEE: Offered free.
EWN
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FINANCE
Another Crackdown On QROPS Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) were introduced in April 2006. They can offer various benefits and quickly became popular with expatriates. However, the situation has changed significantly since 2006 and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has got much stricter, issuing new regulations and guidance over the years. The QROPS market today provides less choice and more complexity than many realise. Where HMRC deems that its rules have been broken, it can apply a 55% penalty charge of the amount you transfer. The new UK pension freedom also opened up many new opportunities for UK schemes, and QROPS is just one option which should be considered along with all the others. In the latest crackdown on QROPS, the registered overseas pension rules were changed in line with those brought in for UK pensions. HMRC sent a ‘legal request letter’ to all global QROPS
By Peter Worthington, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks providers, dated 17th April but backdating the rules to 6th April 2015. The letter requests that the provider must satisfy itself that it meets the rules for Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (ROPS), and seeks confirmation that the schemes are still compliant with the rules. Specifically it asks three questions: (1) Does the scheme satisfy the ROPS conditions? (2) Does it meet the minimum age test (age 55)? (3) Does it wish to
appear on the public lists of QROPS? One of the rules for an overseas pension scheme to qualify as being recognised as a QROPS is that it follows UK pension rules. The minimum age for taking benefits from a pension is therefore 55, unless the member is in severe ill health. HMRC wants confirmation that either the laws of the country where the scheme is established prohibit payment of benefits to members under 55, or scheme rules prevent this where UK tax relief has been paid. The letter is perceived as an attack on Australian and New Zealand QROPS schemes, since although they meet local national rules, benefits can often be accessed before the age 55 for reasons other than ill health. This raises the prospect of British expatriates in these jurisdictions facing a penalty charge. The move has not gone down
well with QROPS providers in Australia and New Zealand. If QROPS schemes do not comply with the rules, transfers into the scheme could suffer penalty charges of 55%. New pension freedom and QROPS In March, HMRC confirmed that non-EU QROPS have to temporarily continue to apply the rule where 70% of the transfer value made to a QROPS has to provide an income for life. Therefore non-EU QROPS cannot currently offer the same new pension freedom as UK pensions. EU QROPS schemes can offer the flexibility, and Malta became the first QROPS jurisdiction to change local legislation to allow full flexibility. Malta also meets the new conditions for ROPS. Overseas pension transfers are complicated at the best of times, with a myriad of rules, which
frequently change. You need to be extra careful when moving into a QROPS and choosing which one would best suit you. The only way to ensure that a QROPS is the best solution for you is to explore all your other pension options and weigh up the pros and cons of each. This includes looking at the tax implications in your country of residence. You need specialist and personalised advice, and from a firm which has both UK pension specialists and Spanish and UK tax specialists. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com
FINANCE
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Pay is less than minimum wage By Jason Bailey THE MINIMUM wage in Spain is €9,034 per year, or €646 per month. However, it is clear that many workers are receiving far less than the legal minimum. Security staff who look after the Pompidou Centre in Malaga only earn €3.95 an hour which translates to €467 per month. The average wage in Malaga has dropped by 6 per cent be-
Quote of the Week
€646 is the minimum wage per month in Spain tween 2008 and 2013 and it is in part due to contracts offered to new employees.
Traditionally new contracts would offer the potential employee a better pay grade than those already employed, thereby attracting them to the position with better remuneration. In the harsh days of economic uncertainty, coupled with the Spanish social security system, which pays out pro rata to contributions paid in, new em-
IT would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you. Marilyn Monroe
BUSINESS EXTRA
Jobs at IKEA in Alfafar IKEA management has reported that it has opened the selection process to recruit 120 people to join the work force at its Alfafar store in Valencia. SELF EMPLOYED: The Spanish system is complicated.
Is it right for you? SELF EMPLOYMENT in Spain is a most taxing affair. The Spanish system is complicated and has tiers of taxation depending on the period of time you are autonomo. The irony is that dealing with Spanish self employment bureaucracy is sometimes the only way for workers in Spain to make a living wage. Unlike Britain, where the self employed can deliver their tax returns online it is highly advisable to employ a gestor to finalise your yearly accounts.
The incremental rise in payments towards the social security costs, €50 for the first six months and then an increase in payments every six months, along with standard income tax and IVA (VAT), where applicable, seems to be a system designed to deter people from entering the system. With Spain on the brink of a financial recovery maybe it is time that they adjusted the system to encourage rather than discourage people to pay into the system.
Heavy fines SIX people who took part in a peaceful demonstration against a new gagging law within the ‘Public Safety Act’ on February 19 have each been fined between €300 and €6,000.
Payback time SPAIN is to pay back €2.5 billion in bailout loans which it received from the European Union in 2012 to prop up the country’s banks. The money will be handed back to the Europe an U nion in J uly ac cording to the Economy Ministry.
Property bargains to be had BANKIA is selling off its entire portfolio of residential and commercial properties. Many of these were acquired through foreclosures, others were purchased when the property market was considered to be worth speculation. Bankia wishes to sell as one complete package, but on the advice of Credit Suisse
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Ten per cent of disadvantaged Spaniards lost 13 per cent of their annual income between 2007 and 2011.
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will probably have to divide the portfolio into manageable units. Either way it will mean that there should be a glut of properties on the market, with many priced for a quick sale. This will strengthen the Spanish property market which grew from €4.9 billion in 2013 to €17.8 billion in 2014.
ployees can find themselves being paid 30 per cent less than those already in the same positions. The situation has been made worse by the different types of contracts offered. Short term positions, self-employed contracts with no security and employment offered by companies who subcontract the jobs from main companies do create employment but at what cost?
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Spanish rich getting richer IN a report entitled ‘Why less inequality benefits everyone,’ the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development) states: “The gap between the rich and the poor in Spain is at its widest since data collation began 30 years ago.” For Spain, the broad contrasts in well-being between rich and poor were exacerbated by the economic crisis due to tax adjustments and welfare cuts. The hardest years of the crisis are acknowledged as 2007 -2011.
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C LOSING P RICES M AY 25
PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group 559.50 -0.50 Aberdeen Asset Management 448.50 0.00 Admiral Group 1,478.00 -3.00 Aggreko 1,595.00 -16.00 Anglo American 1,062.50 3.50 Antofagasta 774.00 -11.00 ARM Holdings 1,123.00 3.00 Ashtead Group 1,191.00 2.00 Associated British Foods 2,933.50 14.50 AstraZeneca 4,473.50 48.50 Aviva 538.00 -4.00 Babcock International Group 1,120.00 8.00 BAE Systems 515.50 2.50 Barclays 270.15 -0.90 Barratt Developments 595.50 1.50 BG Group 1,156.00 -10.50 BHP Billiton 1,408.50 4.00 BP 457.75 -0.25 British American Tobacco 3,621.00 -12.00 British Land Co 869.00 0.50 BT Group 451.05 -8.10 Bunzl 1,882.00 -3.00 Burberry Group 1,709.00 9.00 Capita Group (The) 1,276.00 -4.00 Carnival 3,142.00 1.00 Centrica 280.50 -0.50 Coca-Cola HBC 1,466.00 -4.00 Compass Group 1,148.00 -0.10 CRH 1,833.00 -7.00 Diageo 1,813.75 13.25 Direct Line Insurance Group 330.25 1.75 Dixons Carphone 468.00 6.50 easyJet 1,591.00 -19.00 Experian 1,247.00 3.00 Fresnillo 763.00 2.00 G4S 298.50 3.00 GKN 369.20 2.30 GlaxoSmithKline 1,464.50 14.00 Glencore 292.40 -1.10 Hammerson 678.00 -0.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,274.00 -3.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 2,142.00 -7.00 HSBC Holdings 620.60 6.10 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,298.00 8.00 InterContinental Hotels 2,758.00 -6.00 International Consldtd Airlines 542.50 -11.50 Intertek Group 2,627.00 23.00 Intu Properties 341.00 -2.30 ITV 267.55 -0.35 Johnson Matthey 3,475.00 19.00
% CHG. NET VOL -0.09 5,445.78 0.00 5,972.29 -0.20 4,133.59 -0.99 4,126.07 0.33 14,845.41 -1.40 7,738.98 0.27 15,816.37 0.17 5,984.76 0.50 23,108.97 1.10 55,913.36 -0.74 21,926.48 0.72 5,584.43 0.49 16,231.96 -0.33 45,392.44 0.25 5,892.56 -0.90 39,835.64 0.28 29,664.05 -0.05 83,635.96 -0.33 67,724.01 0.06 8,863.34 -1.76 38,441.70 -0.16 6,311.41 0.53 7,560.83 -0.31 8,500.42 0.03 6,789.38 -0.18 13,978.44 -0.27 5,356.58 -0.01 19,061.81 -0.38 15,111.92 0.74 45,273.43 0.53 4,927.50 1.41 5,313.99 -1.18 6,395.05 0.24 12,296.03 0.26 5,607.76 1.02 4,584.96 0.63 6,046.71 0.97 70,584.34 -0.37 38,383.77 -0.07 5,321.55 -0.23 6,057.05 -0.33 4,273.93 0.99 119,908.70 0.24 31,488.29 -0.22 6,526.28 -2.08 11,297.91 0.88 4,201.86 -0.67 4,542.27 -0.13 10,784.07 0.55 7,081.96
COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Kingfisher 365.30 -1.20 Land Securities Group 1,320.00 -4.00 Legal & General Group 269.30 -0.20 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 87.98 0.14 London Stock Exchange 2,459.00 24.00 Marks & Spencer Group 594.00 0.50 Meggitt 512.00 -2.00 Merlin Entertainments 461.20 -3.80 Mondi 1,515.00 6.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 180.70 0.40 National Grid 918.30 9.20 Next 7,450.00 23.61 Old Mutual 235.40 1.20 Pearson 1,339.00 -3.00 Persimmon 1,936.00 11.00 Prudential 1,654.00 -3.50 Randgold Resources 4,779.00 66.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,870.00 24.00 Reed Elsevier 1,104.00 -2.00 Rio Tinto 2,902.50 29.00 Rolls-Royce Group 1,019.00 8.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 355.10 0.10 Royal Dutch Shell 1,971.00 -14.00 Royal Dutch Shell 2,000.50 -20.50 Royal Mail 503.50 3.50 RSA Insurance Group 435.80 -3.00 SABMiller 3,633.50 18.00 Sage Group (The) 572.00 -2.50 Sainsbury (J) 261.30 0.60 Schroders 3,423.00 16.00 Severn Trent 2,174.00 -8.00 Shire 5,540.00 35.00 Sky 1,079.00 -8.00 Smith & Nephew 1,134.00 -6.00 Smiths Group 1,201.00 11.00 Sports Direct International 653.00 -1.00 SSE 1,666.00 10.00 St James's Place 932.50 0.50 Standard Chartered 1,059.50 2.50 Standard Life 499.90 2.80 Taylor Wimpey 184.40 0.40 Tesco 219.48 -1.22 Travis Perkins 2,208.00 32.00 TUI AG 1,180.00 -24.00 Unilever 2,880.50 6.50 United Utilities Group 1,002.00 -4.00 Vodafone Group 253.75 11.25 Weir Group 1,937.50 21.50 Whitbread 5,210.00 -50.00 Wolseley 4,060.00 16.00 WPP Group 1,560.00 -6.00
% CHG. -0.33 -0.30 -0.07 0.16 0.99 0.08 -0.39 -0.82 0.40 0.22 1.01 0.32 0.51 -0.22 0.57 -0.21 1.40 0.41 -0.18 1.01 0.79 0.03 -0.71 -1.01 0.70 -0.68 0.50 -0.44 0.23 0.47 -0.37 0.64 -0.74 -0.53 0.92 -0.15 0.60 0.05 0.24 0.56 0.22 -0.55 1.47 -1.99 0.23 -0.40 4.64 1.12 -0.95 0.40 -0.38
NET VOL 8,544.18 10,466.80 16,015.28 62,694.69 8,456.28 9,782.44 4,048.31 4,713.92 7,327.01 4,210.17 34,011.38 11,389.08 11,537.06 11,008.27 5,900.93 42,614.09 4,389.21 41,755.44 12,428.53 40,422.31 18,588.19 22,848.00 77,307.51 49,320.70 5,000.00 4,461.53 58,440.25 6,189.65 5,007.85 7,700.58 5,190.09 32,570.43 18,685.72 10,196.06 4,697.85 3,913.96 16,445.17 4,870.63 26,910.77 9,788.82 5,986.37 17,957.26 5,414.58 7,062.70 36,886.62 6,859.80 64,293.30 4,088.38 9,559.48 10,516.70 20,439.97
1.40951
0.70946
Units per €
US dollar ..................................................................1.09798 Japan yen ................................................................133.538 Switzerland franc..................................................1.03491 Denmark kroner...................................................7.45534 Norway kroner ......................................................8.39761
currenciesdirect.com/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226
DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES M AY 25
COMPANY MMM 3M AXP American Express AAPL Apple BA Boeing CAT Caterpillar CVX Chevron CSCO Cisco KO Coca-Cola DIS Disney DD E I du Pont de Nemours and Co XOM Exxon Mobil GE General Electric GS Goldman Sachs HD Home Depot IBM IBM INTC Intel JNJ Johnson & Johnson JPM JPMorgan Chase MCD McDonald's MRK Merck MSFT Microsoft NKE Nike PFE Pfizer PG Procter & Gamble TRV Travelers Companies Inc UTX United Technologies UNH UnitedHealth VZ Verizon V Visa WMT Wal-Mart
PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME 1.8M -0.67% -1.08 160.98 3.4M +0.61% 81.25 +0.49 +0.88% 45.6M 132.54 +1.15 3.9M -1.72% -2.54 144.81 3.5M -0.78% -0.70 88.63 4.7M -0.57% -0.60 104.89 -0.58% 20.1M -0.17 29.26 -0.05% 11.9M -0.02 41.21 4.3M -0.12% -0.13 110.26 2.6M -0.27% -0.19 70.79 7.6M -0.79% -0.69 86.52 -0.14% 23.3M -0.04 27.68 3.0M +1.39% 207.80 +2.85 3.7M +0.13% 112.16 +0.15 2.8M -0.65% -1.12 172.22 -0.30% 20.8M -0.10 33.45 6.2M -1.04% -1.07 101.35 9.3M -0.27% -0.18 66.47 4.6M -0.29% -0.29 98.99 9.0M -1.20% -0.72 59.38 -1.10% 25.7M -0.52 46.90 2.8M +0.03% 104.43 +0.03 -0.23% 13.0M -0.08 34.28 6.0M -0.57% -0.46 79.95 1.6M -0.35% -0.36 102.73 2.4M -0.42% -0.50 118.62 2.9M -0.72% -0.87 119.59 -0.58% 12.3M -0.29 49.61 4.5M +0.36% 69.62 +0.25 6.8M -0.33% -0.25 75.86
NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES M AY 25
COMPANY
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
Most Advanced $ 13.35 $ 3.01 $ 84.63 $ 6.81 $ 35.64 $ 2.74 $ 2.32 $ 34 $ 5.20 $ 22.44 $ 22.59
2.29 ▲ 20.71% 0.50 ▲ 19.92% 12.64 ▲ 17.56% 0.89 ▲ 15.03% 4.51 ▲ 14.49% 0.29 ▲ 11.84% 0.22 ▲ 10.48% 3.20 ▲ 10.39% 0.45 ▲ 9.47% 1.79 ▲ 8.67% 1.80 ▲ 8.66%
China Information Technology, Inc. $ 3.80 Otonomy, Inc. $ 24.86 Auris Medical Holding AG $ 4.92 China Gerui Advanced Materials Group Limited $ 2.45 Zions Bancorporation $ 4.01 Marvell Technology Group Ltd. $ 13.14 Calithera Biosciences, Inc. $ 11 ChinaCache International Holdings Ltd. $ 13.72 The Habit Restaurants, Inc. $ 36.18 Unilife Corporation $ 2.47 Tokai Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ 10.95
1.10 ▼ 22.45% 6.19 ▼ 19.94% 0.51 ▼ 9.39% 0.2499 ▼ 9.26% 0.39 ▼ 8.86% 1.23 ▼ 8.56% 1.02 ▼ 8.49% 1.27 ▼ 8.47% 3.18 ▼ 8.08% 0.21 ▼ 7.84% 0.91 ▼ 7.67%
ReWalk Robotics Ltd Oncothyreon Inc. Ctrip.com International, Ltd. Achaogen, Inc. Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc. Eagle Rock Energy Partners, L.P. Lincoln Educational Services Corporation Cellectis S.A. ATA Inc. eLong, Inc. United-Guardian, Inc.
Most Declined
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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
Advertising feature
Sterling on the bounce again STERLING appears to have entered a somewhat bumpy trading range against the Euro and currently offers 14 per cent more purchasing power than a year ago, this gain increasing to 23 per cent compared to two summers ago. With this extra purchasing power and as Spain starts to see green recovery shoots, the numbers of British retirees choosing Spain is likely to increase. When making the big move buying a property is often the priority, while tax and financial planning considerations often take a back seat. While in some cases this may not matter, in the vast majority of cases tax and financial planning before leaving the UK can add significantly to your long-term financial security. Failure to plan, on the other hand, may well reduce your long-term standard of living. Even when financial planning is prioritised, the conundrum many face is finding an adviser in the UK who is well versed in identifying tax planning opportunities before the move and is able to integrate them into a plan which will minimise tax on arrival in Spain. The second aspect is identifying a firm who will continue to provide ongoing advice and support in Spain to
LONG-TERM SECURITY: The Fry Group are uniquely qualified to provide advice.
UK standards. The Fry Group have been providing specialist tax driven financial planning solutions to UK and other nationals leaving and arriving in the
UK since 1898, and through our growing international office network in Europe and the Far East we are uniquely qualified to assist. The Fry Group have been providing local
support to clients in Spain for many years and having opened an office on the Costa del Sol now provide an enhanced capacity in Spain. When seeking financial planning advice, ideally before you move, it is important to understand that most advisers in Spain operate to a very different standard compared to UK advisers. In the UK advisers are required to be fully transparent in all dealings and commission is no longer taken when arranging financial products. In Spain commission paid by insurance companies for products sold is still the primary source of financial adviser remuneration, with investor protection and disclosure rights being generally weaker. No specialist financial advisers active in Spain have advised expatriates for as long as The Fry Group. Our long history of providing quality advice continues with our guarantee of UK advisory and disclosure standards being applied to all clients dealing in Spain. Why not find out what makes us refreshingly different? If you would like further information contact Mark Davies mark.davies@thefrygroup.co.uk or telephone 952 768 450.
The Fry Group of companies comprises Wilfred T. Fry Ltd – Taxation Consultants, Wilfred T. Fry (Executor and Trustee) Ltd, The Fry Group (H.K.) Ltd, The Fry Group (Belgium) SA, and Wilfred T. Fry (Personal Financial Planning) Ltd. The last company is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority is also passported under EU regulations and is authorised to act as a financial adviser by the Monetary Authority of Singapore-license number FA095023. The Fry Group (H.K.) Ltd is authorised to conduct investment business by the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong and are members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers. The Fry Group (Belgium) SA is regulated in Belgium by the FSMA (Reg. No. 23345 A-B) and is also passported under IMD EU regulations.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
EWN
29
Can you live on less to save more? Loose change
Dare yourself to spend money only on the essentials. This is where steely willpower comes in.
Jane Plunkett A look at finance for females jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com
FORGET ‘Operation Bikini’, how about going on a spending diet this summer? Aren’t you just envious of those people that manage to save money every month? They tuck some money away and sit back and watch it build up into a nice little nest egg. What a nice and secure feeling that must be to have a financial cushion to fall onto if times get hard. Saving is a challenging task, but it is something that everyone should be aiming to do. Half-hearted efforts are never enough and we always fail to save anything. So in order to
SAVING: A challenging task.
get saving - it is time to get brutal! How about putting away half your income? Living on half your salary is not impossible, but yes, it is a daunting thought. But it can be accomplished with a lot of willpower, determination and some major sacrifices. Apart from anything else, it’s just plain smart to save half of your income. Even if you can’t save half, you should aim to get as close to it as possible. A rainy day due to un-
employment, illness, car problems or legal issues, could be just around the corner. And living on half your income prepares you to live on less while saving more for that rainy day. To get started, think of the next 30 days as a study of your spending patterns. Take note of necessary purchases and bills and any flippant or impulsive buys. This will give you insight into exactly where your money goes. Then the challenge! Dare yourself to spend money only on the essentials. This is where steely willpower comes in. Can you limit yourself to only the essentials? Or will daily treats, lunches out or pretty clothes get the better of your intentions? Think of it like a challenge. It’ll be extremely tough at first, but if you manage to stick with it, then your bank account will thank you.
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A clear vision from
‘The Way Insurance Should Be’ is the motto at Abbeygate and their high standards of customer care forms the basis of a great business. The company has a clear vision on what is required to maintain its clients’ expectations and continue to grow. But more importantly every member of the Abbeygate team understands that the customer comes first. Abbeygate offer the expat community in Spain top quality service, not only in their preferred language but in a fashion that they are used to. Abbeygate clients have said “that being able to arrange their Insurance policies in English is fantastic. What we really liked is that we are speaking to expats who fully understand our needs and concerns.” It is easy to see why that is well received. Managing Director Peter Sheppard said: “Our unique selling points are, our exclusive products, but in truth the real difference we offer is our staff, who not only understand the needs of the expat, but also care to give a friendly professional service. All members of our staff are expatriates themselves, they know the problems people have and understand our customers, whatever the circumstances may be.” He went on to say: “My greatest asset is our staff.” In dealing with Abbeygate you can be sure that you are dealing with a professional company that has, for a long time, taken its responsibilities to customers very seriously. Even before the days of compulsory regulation to protect general insurance customers, Abbeygate signed up to the customer protection standards that were offered through being voluntary members of both the General Insurance Standards Council (GISC) and the Insurance Brokers Registration Council (IBRC). Abbeygate are not only famous for their friendly efficient service but also renowned for being very competitive. On average they save their clients a massive 120 Euros compared to the standard rate of competitors. Moreover at your renewal date you can expect a similarly competitive quote. Abbeygate clients say “my last insurer quoted me a lot then kept calling me reducing their price. In the end I agreed, but was horrified at renewal when I was quoted really high again, almost double. But at Abbeygate I know I don’t need to shop around every year, they always get me a great deal first time of asking. I feel much happier with Abbeygate.”
Christina & Nathalie
Claire
Adam
SPECIAL FEATURE
The Abbeygate team The Abbeygate team has been carefully assembled to give the best possible service. All of the staff take part in a registered training programme which can lead to professional qualifications. Training is an integral part of our general business practice, with continual professional
development programmes and group training on product or industry developments. Abbeygate is committed to high standards of friendly advice. Managing Director Peter Sheppard said: “The people we employ genuinely care about our clients. They want to help people in what can be stressful times.”
Originally set up in Herefordshire in 1982 Abbeygate has grown steadily through the years and now has a presence throughout Europe. The company opened in Spain security, but small enough to react in 2003 with an office in to outside forces like the Sotogrande. Since then, economy.” it has continued An Using the same expanding, until it opportunity to business model and now has 55,000 philosophy, customers in this grow rather Abbeygate opened an country. than an office in Cyprus in Abbeygate is the excuse to fail 2006 and Portugal in leading, and biggest, 2010. independent insurance Then in 2013 the company brokers for expats in Spain. opened its flagship European Managing Director Peter headquarters in Estepona, Sheppard said: “We are big Malaga. enough to offer a top service and
A success story...
Charlie
Hayley
Denny
Gerrard
Holly
From left: Andrew, Rob, Amanda and Peter.
Now Abbeygate is looking to expand in the Costa Blanca area. Peter said: “We want to repeat on the Costa Blanca what we have achieved in Portugal and Cyprus. We are looking for bigger and more highly visible premises.” Their Iberian Head Office near Estepona, occupying their own building of some 1,100 square metres, is the centre of excellence where expert staff ensure their clients get the best service. He added: “Through the recession we have employed more people each year. Everyone at Abbeygate has tried harder in the tougher times, seeing it as an opportunity to grow rather than an excuse to fail.”
Matthew
Jo
Abbeygate is a trading name of Wydean Insurance Service Ltd. Authorised and regulated by the FCA (305487)
James
What Abbeygate offer has a proven track record in being able to offer savings on the following products: Motor Insurance Commercial Insurance Home Insurance Marine Insurance Travel Insurance Pet Insurance Health Insurance Golf Insurance For more details visit:
www.abbeygateinsure.com or call 951 277 455 Members of the expert team of advisors are waiting to ensure you get the right cover.
Lauren
Maxine
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OPINION & COMMENT
Irish get it right on gay marriage Cordon Press
THE majority have accepted their gay community as complete equals in every respect LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT I FOR one was delighted by the Irish vote to sanction gay marriage. Having married two Irish ladies, I have been deeply involved with Irish traditions since falling in love with the colleen, who later became my first wife, when I was just 15. My first visit to the ‘auld country’ was back in 1955. At that time, any suggestion of gay marriage would have resulted in deportation or an escort to the local lunatic asylum. Catholicism ruled the country in a grip of steel. No one missed Mass on a Sunday morning or, in some areas, on any other morning. The priests were all powerful and virtually untouchable. Of course, we now know that the fact that they were unable to marry didn’t disturb many of them at all. The priesthood attracted gay men in droves. Unfortunately, it also attracted paedophiles and we all know the later scandals and revelations that emerged with the widespread child abuse practices,
RESOUNDING VICTORY: 62.06 per cent voted in favour.
STREET TALK
In 1955 any suggestion of gay marriage would have resulted in deportation or an escort to the local lunatic asylum
which ultimately brought an apology from the Pope himself. The local populace were shaken to the core and indeed disbelieving, when all this scandal came to light, but in true Irish tradition have soldiered on and, despite of (or perhaps be-
cause of) their deep religious beliefs, have now accepted their gay community as complete equals in every respect. Well, all power to ye and may your minds continue to be as broad as your very capable shoulders. Despite all this, however, I must confess I still find myself a little uncomfortable with same-sex couples having children. I know, I know, what sort of hypocrisy is that? It’s just that I have experienced a number of gay friends who have brought up children. Irrespective of the love they have undoubtedly felt for their offspring, because of the sheer nature of the situation, many of the children have become confused, attempted suicide or turned to drugs. I’m just not sure same-sex parents give children the strongest of starts in life. I’d be interested in your views, but please don’t hit me with the children of gay millionaires, I’m talking about the ordinary family who live down the street. Those who don’t have the opportunity to substitute Mum and Dad with a life of privilege. I await the slings and arrows. Keep the faith, Love Leapy, Leapylee2002@gmail.com www.leapylee.co.uk
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION
Life’s a beach - do you enjoy a visit? IT’S that time of year when the blue flag beach quality awards are handed out. Does Spain do enough to keep its beaches in tip top condition? Which is your favourite beach and why? KELLY KASEY-SMITH from Ibex Insurance, answered, “I am from the UK and just arrived on this island. I have been living on the mainland. The quality of beach is brilliant all over Spain. But I have seen more blue flag beaches in Mallorca and the facilities on the beaches with cafes and restaurants are brilliant. The best beach is Cala D’or beach as its so picturesque for postcards etc.” Sofia Kohmann of Euro Tierklinik remarked ”The beaches in Mallorca are the best. They do enough to clean them. I don’t have a favourite beach as such, but my favourite beaches are where I can take my dogs or pets.” We had a slightly different view from Stephanie Kowald, receptionist at Santa Ponsa Dental Prac-
tice as she commented: “Well I haven’t been to all the beaches in Mallorca but some of them are clean a n d some o f them defi-
nitely not, some of them are very dirty, it’s not as though they don’t look after them. Most of the bathers use the sun cream and the sea has a strange colour which makes it not very nice to swim in and there is the rubbish that floats in the sea. My favourite beach is El Toro and E Trenc.”
Gill Cook from Delfinos Restaurant agrees with Stephanie as she remarked when asked: “No, I think they could do more. They spend
enough time cleaning the promenade and the actual streets but the beach is sometimes left looking dirty for days and also the seaweed gets left to mount up at the start of the season. “With having tourists here, the beach looks dirty with the seaweed and rubbish and they don’t come round and clean it until well into the season.” “My favourite beach in all of Mallorca has to be Es Trenc, it’s a really nice beach with a nice hippy vibe that I like, and nice clean clear water.” From left: Stephanie Kowald, Kelly Kasey-Smith & Gill Cook.
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
EWN
33
Petits Detectius
EU plan for migrant quotas hits rocks: another doomed quick fix? Nora Johnson
Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson
WITH net migration to the UK at its highest level in a decade, an EU plan to spread migrants throughout the continent using a quota system for their resettlement appears near to collapse with its rejection by numerous EU countries. And my response to this latest doomed quick fix dreamed up by the EU? Well, it’s a word that rhymes with “bucket”! Love her or loathe her, British Home Secretary Theresa May rightly opposed the scheme. Everything should be done, she said, to rescue those at risk at sea, but taking them to a European port, thereby creating a ‘pull-factor,’ would certainly encourage many more to attempt the trip, thereby benefiting those who ruthlessly exploit them for financial gain. I find myself split between compas-
RISK AT SEA: Migration at highest level in a decade.
The only lasting solution is to bring stability to those countries through economic development and conflict resolution.
sion for these individuals and the conclusion that a combination of rumour, internet and the media about the EU’s ready largesse, open borders and helpful rescue crews are fuelling this escalating migration to Europe and making it irresistibly attractive to thousands of people. If the message being sent back was that migrants paying to enter Europe
illegally are wasting their time and money, both the demand and the business of the people-smugglers meeting it would evaporate. We need to separate those truly escaping from danger from those escaping poverty. The only lasting solution is to bring stability to these countries through economic development and conflict resolution but, in the late great Buddy
Holly’s immortal words, ‘That’ll be the day.’ People in overcrowded, poorly-maintained boats simply don’t have time to wait for things to be fixed. The future is free for us to imagine and invent. The problem which is facing us today is how to find work for the unemployed, reduce state deficits, pay for benefits and, in the UK, get the NHS off life support. Otherwise, the future is bright. Or is it? What about the killings in Iraq, Libya, Syria and so on seemingly without end? What about Iran, ISIS and Russia? What about all these unskilled refugees seeking a new life in Europe? How are we supposed to cope with all these challenges when youth unemployment in Europe - 50.7 per cent here in Spain, second only to Greece at 51.2 per cent - is already at breaking point? The future could be bright but at the moment it is not. Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89; £0.79) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.
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OPINION & COMMENT
Arena Photo UK / Shutterstock.com
Working up nostalgic steam Colin Bird A weekly look Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-the-wall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.
AS summer begins to unfold, it triggers a memory of those wonderful boyhood holidays many years ago. There’s something about a steam train journey that sparks the imagination and, if you are over 50 like me yes, I know it’s hard to believe - the very thought brings childhood memories flooding back. With modern high-speed trains, the romance has largely gone from this mode of transport but even so, travelling through countryside that would normally remain hidden to the motorist, is still a pleasant experience. It’s even more pleasant in Spain if you happen to be of a certain age, and qualified to purchase a railway Gold Card which entitles the holder to a substantial discount on all rail travel. For €6 a year, the holder can enjoy unlimited rail travel at 40 per cent discount midweek and 25 per cent at weekends. Our first such trip, was to Madrid and Toledo a few years ago when we purchased two first class tickets and such was the experience, we resolved that any travel involving more than
STEAM TRAIN: A journey that sparks the imagination.
three hours in the car, would thereafter be made by train. Low cost, great comfort and meals and drinks included you can’t wack it. And on a subsequent trip to Barcelona, two of us had to be poured off the train at Alicante station. I mean, how can you say no to a friendly steward who constantly asks if the señors would care for more brandy? It would be extremely rude - and silly, as it was all included in the price. But it’s a funny thing about the days of steam. Trains were noisy iron monsters wreathed in swirling smoke and steam, accompanied by the acrid smell of scorched grease that permeated the air at railway stations. And yet the fascination with steam locomotives is something that leaves us reminiscing about curly edged buffet sandwiches and station hoardings advertising Andrews Liver Salts and Pears Soap. Then there were those photographs on the walls of carriages, depicting exotic locations like Whitby and the Isle of Man - names that we southern kids had only glimpsed in story books. It was the dream of many a schoolboy to be a train driver one day. Devon was our annual holiday destination, and I was always disappointed if my father elected to book bus tickets. It’s a pity, but nostalgia seems increasingly to be a thing of the past.
Information will win the wars IMPORTANT the public understands the difference and chooses their news sources accordingly Thinglass / Shutterstock.com
Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.
USING online media I get 9/10 for identifying an American by his take on global affairs. He thinks he has an opinion. No, he echoes the opinions of his mainstream media. The US with 1,000 bases worldwide and currently involved in several conflicts is considered peaceful; Russia said to be the threat to world peace. My acquaintance watches only BBC and ITV. Americans are influenced by 2,600 newspapers and magazines, 10,500 radio and television broadcasters and 2,400 publishers; all owned by just six corporations compromised and connected to the Washington DC political elite. Recently, 10,000 news articles and 2.5 million social me-
DAILY PAPERS: Are losing their readers. dia messages bull-horned the same word pro-Obama narrative: There was no journalist source; it was merely an opinion of Mark Arabo, an Obama intimate. Polls reveal that 77 per cent of Americans no longer trust corporate news. Fox News was found to be telling the
Polls reveal that 77 per cent of Americans no longer trust corporate news.
truth only 18 per cent of the time. Corporate EU media is linked to its US counterparts. Western mainstream media has lost its relevance. Uniquely, the EWN increases readership by publishing politically incorrect opinion. Corporate media has forfeited readership trust. Germany’s
OUR VIEW
PEOPLE: Want change.
A new future IN the aftermath of the elections on Sunday, Spain’s two major parties are coming to terms with the fact that people want change. The huge amount of local power that the conservative Popular Party won at the previous elections was seriously eroded at Sunday’s regional and municipal elections, however the socialist PSOE was unable to take advantage due to the immense support for Ciudadanos and Podemos. Therefore, over the coming weeks we are going to see pacts and coalitions being formed, deals and handshakes being done between old adversaries that have been thrust together in order to stay in power. Or at least that’s how it will seem to them. In reality, and as they will come to learn, this point in history saw the turning! Progress is a journey not a destination, where change will take time and patience. But change from a political culture that has seen four decades of the old guard’s refusal to give any ground on government policies, to one of transparent cooperation and integration of parties and their young ideas, will not happen overnight. However, it can only mean that the country will shortly be moving forward to a brighter, more transparent, integrated future.
flagship Der Spiegel now has 15 per cent fewer readers. The Daily Mail lost 25 per cent of its readership since 2010 whilst other mastheads declined by as much as 50 per cent. The emergence of foreign more relevant and trusted media is likely to aggravate mainstream media losses further. Thomas Sowell, American economist and political philosopher: “If people in the media cannot decide whether they are in the business of reporting news or manufacturing propaganda, it is all the more important that the public understand the difference and choose their news sources accordingly.” Is there a solution to a worrying phenomena that turns people against people and naNow we tion against nation? Yes, study want to both sides of everything, read hear your news. foreign media no matter how uncomfortable it makes YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE you. Winning weapons in - YOUR OPINION the next war will be inforwww.euroweeklynews.com mation and education.
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
LEGALLY SPEAKING
Classic cars on Spanish roads
28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
EWN
35
BALEARES INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMP 2015 (JULY 6TH - JULY 31ST)
AS part of a new series, we answer some common driving questions, kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers. THERE are numerous classic car owners and associations in Spain and many regularly ask about the laws that refer specifically to this type of vehicle and what provisions drivers must make when on Spanish roads. The Royal Decree 1247/1995 deals with the rules for historic vehicles or classic cars, under article 10. First and foremost, unless rules are specifically in place for this type of vehicle, then classic cars are governed by the same laws and rules as normal vehicles, including the requirement of liability insurance.
Those vehicles that, on account of their age or constructive characteristics, do not have lights or indicators, are not allowed to travel between sunset and sunrise or in circumstances requiring their use. Classic and historic cars that are not able to exceed a speed of 40km per hour, should drive on the hard shoulder if practical and sufficient, or as close as possible to the right outside edge of the road. Cars that are not able to reach at least 60km per hour are not permitted to go on the motorway.
This will be the 27th year for the BIC Summer Camp at Sa Porrassa.
The children of ages 3-15 will enjoy an organised programme of fun and educational activities. In the morning, students will do Crafts, Science, Dance, Computers, etc. The afternoon programme is devoted to Archery, Cooking, Swimming, Sports, visits to Western Water Park and sailing.
To enrol, call Gabriella at 971 133 167 or e-mail bic@balearesint.net
For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook
Do we have to read Article 22? I read in your recent article on the new double taxation agreement between Spain and the UK that the new requirement to declare civil service and military pensions is not applicable until next year. However, my tax advisor assures me Have your tax advisor read Article 22. 1. II, and at the very end of the new UK-Spain tax t re a t y, h e w i l l fin d that it says that various parts of the treaty will be applied to the ‘fiscal periods’ following the enactment of the treaty. Th e Ta x Tre a t y w a s signed in 2013, and was published in the Spanish Official State Bulletin on May, 2014, to go directly into effect. So now the Treaty is in effect. However, when we ap-
that, for the first time, I must declare my military pension in this year’s return, and that the agreement is in force immediately. Your comment would be welcome as I am now confused. B.Mc. (email)
David Searl You and the Law in Spain
The Spanish tax year is the natural year, which means the Treaty is applied from January 1, 2015 to taxpayers resident in Spain.
ply the next ‘fiscal period’ for U K c om panie s and residents, this means Apr il of 2015 be c aus e the U K tax y e ar r uns from April to April. The Spanish tax year, however, is the natural y e ar, w hic h m e ans the Tre aty is applie d from January 1, 2015, to taxpayers resident in Spain. This in turn means that the Treaty is applied to the tax de c lar ation made in May-June 2016, for the tax year 2015. I hope this makes it clear.
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E W N 28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
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OPINION & COMMENT
28 May - 3 June 2015 /Mallorca
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37
Advertising Feature
Euro out of steam Commentary by Moneycorp EUR After a couple of weeks of decent performance the euro has run out of steam. The Euroland economic data are at least partly to blame. Over the last seven days they have shown fading confidence, a narrower trade surplus, a fall in construction output and a broad deterioration in the purchasing managers’ indices which measure the health of private sector activity. The euro was also spooked by news that the European Central Bank would be stepping up its bond purchases in May and June in order to buy less during the summer lull. It did not help that the news was revealed early to a select group of investors because of ‘an internal procedural error’ at the ECB. So the euro ended up sharing the wooden spoon with the Swiss franc. It lost two and three quarter US cents and one Australian cent and fell by two and a half cents against sterling. USD Investors found little to applaud among the week’s crop of mostly low-importance US economic data. Except for building permits and housing starts, which came in higher than forecast, just about every ecostat failed to meet expectations. The more notable misses were for
industrial production, which unexpectedly fell in April, and existing home sales which slumped by a monthly -3.3%. The minutes of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy meeting looked at first glance unhelpful to the dollar, because they decreased the likelihood of an interest rate increase in June. However, investors were mollified by the reassurance that the timing of the first rise will be ‘determined on a meeting-by-meeting basis.’ Because the euro was under even greater pressure from duff data the dollar was able to lead other major currencies home. It strengthened by two and three quarter cents against the euro itself and by a cent against sterling. CAD The Loonie was not alone in having a losing week against the US dollar and the British pound. Every other major currency did too. The ropey US economic data certainly did not justify the Greenback’s leading position. But the euro was out of favour and the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting minutes reassured investors that US interest rates could still move higher this year. Canadian economic data were typically thin on the ground. Manufacturing shipments rebounded in March with a 2.9% increase and wholesale
Clarisse Musselwhite is Moneycorp’s Account Manager for Mallorca
She can be contacted on Tel: +34 902 887 243 Mobile: +34 687 932 472 Email:mallorca@moneycorp.com
902887243 mallorca@moneycorp.com sales also turned a corner, rising by 0.8%. There was a big net inflow of securities investment. The Canadian dollar was roughly in the middle of the field, doing better than the Australian dollar and worse than the Kiwi. It lost one and a quarter US cents and went down by a cent and three quarters against sterling. AUD Australian economic data were no more abundant than usual. Investors had to make what they could of a -1.5% monthly fall in new vehicle
sales and a 6.4% improvement in Westpac’s index of consumer confidence. The Aussie took a bit of stick after the Reserve Bank of Australia published the minutes of its last monetary policy meeting. They showed that the central bank board is still inclined towards lower rates, even though few analysts seriously expect another cut. Meanwhile the US dollar and the British pound were doing well. In the end the Aussie lost one and a third US cents and fell by more than two cents against the pound. The Aussie was down by half a cent against the Kiwi. NZD New Zealand economic data were even thinner on the ground than usual. All three came out on Tuesday morning. Manufacturers’ costs fell by -1.1% in the first quarter while factory gate prices went down by -0.9%. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s survey of inflation expectations found consumers expecting prices to rise by an annual 1.85% in the next two years. In the end the Kiwi lost nearly one US cent on the week and went down by more than a cent against sterling. It was up by half a cent against the Australian dollar.
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LETTERS
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OPINION & COMMENT
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION
Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments straight on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com
Telefonica woes are enough to try anyone’s patience HAVING returned from an extended winter vacation, we regrettably found that our excellent telecoms provider, of seven years, had been taken over by Spain’s second-worst provider, even though they are the cheapest, and instantly contacted them to cancel our contract. After various emails demanding extortionate cancellation fees, which were later withdrawn, it was agreed to terminate at the end of the month. In fact, we lost the internet before the month-end. Still no internet after three weeks, our new provider could do nothing as they were waiting for Telefonica to switch the connection; what age do we live in? It will come as no surprise that unlike any other European country which can configure your telephone connection remotely, Spain still has to send out Pedro and his donkey to flick a switch in your local exchange. Now the rub: at the end of three weeks we received a bill from Telefonica for €64 for line rental, which will be repeated again in July. Telefonica have changed the rules again. If you switch between telecom suppliers, you MUST use Telefonica’s more expensive line rental for six months, before they will release it to the new supplier. Surely this is in violation of EU rules, and free choice? At least part of Telefonica works; it took only 48 hours to grab the illicit line rental charges from my bank account, and in the end nearly four weeks to reconnect me. Beware, Spanish companies don’t like competition, and will frustrate anyone else who offers better service, instead of improving their own customer service. Name supplied, Els Poblets (Alicante)
Animal lovers? I WAS delighted to read on the EWN website that Mallorca is working towards becoming a bullfighting-free area, with cross-party support for a ban, excepting the PP.
Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com
over, and for all those expats who voted, congratulations, whether your favoured candidate got in or not. If you didn’t vote, well you have no right to complain at whatever the council gets up to. If you take the time to vote the politicians might take the time to listen. Democracy has been a hard-won right in many countries. We should all exercise our right to vote so the sacrifices of many of our forbears were not in vain. Joan Evans, Mijas (Malaga)
Ugly roundabout
RONDA is a beautiful town to visit, but sometimes it is worth taking a walk round it to see sights like this. Andy Steele, Marbella (Malaga)
I hope other parts of Spain can follow their example. Tourists and expats have their part to play too; I’m embarrassed by the British people who claim to come from a land of animal lovers but queue up to see the slaughter in the bullring, just because it’s a ‘tradition’. It’s time to boycott this cruel practice. But then again, with foxhunting back on the political agenda at home, maybe we have no right to criticise. Anne Marie McKenna (Malaga)
Bleeding hearts I REALLY don’t see the problem with bullfights. These animals live a pampered existence and certainly would not be bred other than for fighting. When it comes down to it the only people to make a decision on whether bullfighting is allowed in Spain should be the Spanish, not
bleeding-hearted expatriates with nothing better to do than run down their adopted country. Anthony Cronin (by email)
Over the top? I DON’T often pay much attention to Leapy Lee’s contributions but his ‘sour grapes’ attack (Issue 1559) on those who protested at the election result could not go without comment. Firstly, I have to ask: on what basis did he conclude that the only people to be angry about the outcome were ‘lefties’? Given that the Tories managed to scrape in on a mere 37 per cent vote and, taking into account those who did not vote, 75 per cent of the country did not want the Tory style of government, should he be surprised that there was anger at our broken, useless system of so-called democracy? A mere 900 votes in marginal
seats determined the election outcome and, had they been cast against the Tories, they would have lost. So there is understandable anger, and the 25 per cent of turkeys who voted for Christmas are, in my opinion, completely stupid, because now they must also bite the bullet of another five years of the most disgusting reptiles ever to have slithered across the British political landscape. Finally, yes, the world is run by capitalists, and the inhumanity of the market and madness of consumer economics is driving us to extinction. So to suggest that capitalism and, by inference Tory dogma, is somehow virtuous is to raise stupidity to an art form. David Britten, La Alfoquia (Almeria)
Don’t complain THE Spanish local elections are
I AM writing to you in hope that something can be done about the ugliest roundabout in the whole of the Costa del Sol. The roundabout in question is the one that was constructed above the ‘disco tunnel’ that passes through San Pedro, Alcantara. Considering that the Costa has some of the most beautifully-decorated roundabouts, this one is an absolute eyesore and a very bad image for the surrounding area. All the local businesses and residents hate it! The tunnel underneath is no more than an off-putting (and dangerous, I may add) stroboscope of light when drivers go through. Please may we have a lovely entrance to our otherwise lovely San Pedro! Anita Lloyd, San Pedro de Alcantara (Malaga) Editor’s note: Spain does indeed have some ‘interesting’ roundabouts. Do you have a favourite, or an especially despised one?
WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:
www.euroweeklynews.com
The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
EWN
39
Thwarted godfather charade Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene
MARIANO RAJOY must disappoint Jose Maria Aznar. The former president, emulating American presidents, declined to stand for a third term in 2004. Contenders to succeed him included vilified former vice-president and Economy minister, Rodrigo Rato, recently drummed out of the PP ranks for moneylaundering and dodgy accounting. Rato was overlooked and Mariano Rajoy anointed but he upset Aznar’s plans by losing the March 2004 elections. Every political pie would have had godfather Aznar’s finger in it had he won then, but once Rajoy finally closed the Moncloa door behind him in 2011 he was his own man, not Aznar’s.
Contando Estrelas flickr
Summing it all up MADRID City Hall spent around €500,000 digging up the crypt where Don Quijote’s creator Miguel de Cervantes is almost certainly buried, hoping to find identifiable remains.
Jose Maria Aznar.
Yet the Association for the Recuperation of Historic Memory which hopes to locate bodies tossed into unmarked roadside graves during the Civil War has to rely on a $100,000 US award to keep going. Something in this situation doesn’t add up - and it’s not the arithmetic.
Spain is so parsimonious with handouts that immigrants will soon move on to where the grass is greener. To keep hardcore PP voters happy Aznar was administered in measured doses during the recent election campaign but contact was scant between both men. No doubt Rajoy will
be able to savour some Aznar-less months until the November general election when the entire charade must start again.
Second thoughts UKIP only fell apart after a General Election because even anti-everything Britons thought twice before decamping to the waste land of populism. And next November that could happen here with UKIP’s mirror-image, anti-matter counterpart, Podemos.
Just passing through SPAIN has been asked to accept thousands of the asylum seekers who cross the Mediterranean to find better lives. The government has pointed out that although the Spanish economy is improving, the country, services and labour market are in no fit state to accept so many. Probably this is not the problem it seems: Spain is so parsimonious with handouts that the immigrants will soon move on to where the grass is greener and benefits more plentiful.
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E W N 28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
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Word Ladder
MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE
Mallorca
CASE BACK
for next 7 days
weather
TODAY
Move from the start word (TOOL) to the end word (CASE) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
ALCUDIA
POLLENÇA
CALA MILLOR
INCA
CALVIA
CALA d’OR
PALMA ANDRATX
LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF
TOOL TOOT COOT COST CAST CASE
TOOL
TIME
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TOMORROW
ALCUDIA
POLLENÇA
CALA MILLOR
INCA
CALVIA
‘WE’VE PICKED THE WRONG DAY - THIS BANK HAS JUST BEEN HEAVILY FINED FOR MARKET FIXING!’
CALA d’OR
PALMA ANDRATX
LLUCMAJOR MAGALLUF
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Average: 10 Good: 13 Very good: 18 Excellent: 22
Mon - 25 18 Cl Tues - 24 18 C Wed - 24 18 S
(May 22 - June 21)
denied in the name of practicality. SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) To be truly happy you need to build on your partnerships. Keep these in balance and everything else will fall into place. Life has taught you some rather harsh lessons recently. The upshot of that is you now feel more in control and more secure.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) When needed you are sure to be positive this week. On a project, 'striking while the iron is hot' springs to mind. There is much fun to hand but it must be 'work first' at the moment. Some opportunities do not come twice and you need to be aware of them when they present themselves. Spend some quality time with your loved ones.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) There is an all-consuming need to see some reward for all your efforts. There will be those who will tell you that you need to push harder for success. Perhaps you need to be with more like-minded people. Certainly being with the wrong colleagues can bring your spirits down.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) You are in a romantic mood but something is missing from the picture. Its not that you’re feeling the need to have more than one string to your bow, it is more that you are tired of using the same old arrows. So, what is out there to fire your imagination? Something really new will not miss the mark with you.
How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case B) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION agar alga gait gala gall gaol gill gilt girl giro girt goal goat grit grot raga toga trig agora algal argal argot gator gloat goral grail grill griot groat largo logia taiga argali latigo gorilla otalgia ALLIGATOR
Fri Sat Sun -
Mon - 25 19 Cl Tues - 25 19 S Wed - 25 19 S
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) You will see the lighter side of life this week when you discover that someone is holding a torch for you. You are flattered and vaguely interested. Your combination of intelligence and humour make you a delightful companion.
MAX MIN
22 15 S 22 16 S 23 17 S
Mon - 24 17 S Tues - 24 18 S Wed - 24 17 S
Benidorm TODAY:
23 17 Cl 23 17 C 24 17 S
Mon - 24 18 C Tues - 23 17 Sh Wed - 24 18 C Cl Clear,
Sh Showers,
10-Star Quiz
Sudoku Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
UK THUNDERBALL
IRISH LOTTO
EURO MILLIONS
LA PRIMITIVA
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
Saturday May 23
Saturday May 23
Friday May 22
Saturday May 23
Sunday May 24
Saturday May 23
1
8
22
30
34
40
2
15 31
16 37
6
21
23
28
30
32
BONUS BALL
THUNDERBALL
BONUS BALL
25
4
39
18
24 44
35 45
LUCKY STARS
5
11
2
4
6
31
39
42
REINTEGRO
33
7
SHOWERS
TODAY:
MAX 21C, MIN 15C
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
25 19 Sh 27 19 S 27 19 S
Mon - 27 21 S Tues - 26 19 S Wed - 25 19 C
SHOWERS MAX 19C, MIN 13C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
25 15 C 26 14 S 27 16 S
Mon - 28 16 C Tues - 25 15 C Wed - 26 16 C
4
11 45
28 49
REINTEGRO
6
SUNNY MAX 22C, MIN 13C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
S Sun,
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) There is much to be tackled this week, but you are wary of making full-on decisions. Taking things one step at a time is the best policy because it gives you space to consider the options. There is a restlessness about you that is hard to pinpoint. Perhaps you are feeling positive but have to hold fire because of others.
Mon - 29 14 C Tues - 29 14 C Wed - 31 16 S
Murcia
SUNNY MAX 22C, MIN 14C MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
30 17 Cl 31 17 S 32 17 S
Mallorca
CLEAR MAX 20C, MIN 14C MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
25 19 C 26 19 S 26 19 S
Barcelona TODAY:
MAX MIN
Malaga
SUNNY MAX 21C, MIN 15C MAX MIN
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) This is a brilliant week for money and business. Mars is influencing you to be more up-front and practical in your approach. You may feel changes coming on that you would rather deny. Burying your head in the sand is not an option. Take the bull by the horns and you could be surprised at your success.
Energy levels go up and down and you seek to ration yours by not going all-out physically. It is still possible to be quite dynamic while planning. Indeed, your clear vision impresses a colleague. If you are due for promotion then some good news is likely. Blow your own trumpet rather than wait for others to do it for you.
GEMINI
Nonagram
TARGET:
25 18 C 25 18 S 26 19 S
SUNNY MAX 22C, MIN 8C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Almeria
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) During the past few weeks you may have gained a different perspective on life. Your need for a close attachment and harmony in your life should not be underestimated or
Fri Sat Sun TODAY:
LOTTERY
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) The influence of Venus and Jupiter brings you the influence and status that you deserve. It's not that you haven't worked towards it but now you start to see the benefits. There is an urge to improve your appearance and surroundings to fit in with the 'new you'.
Madrid
SUNNY MAX 20C, MIN 13C MAX MIN
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CANCER (June 22 - July 23) The changes affecting you for the past few weeks continue but you are now getting better at managing their direction. Someone wanting you to take a logical action should not be allowed to push you forward. When to act will be clear to you. LEO (July 24 - August 23) Someone who has been unhelpful in the past suddenly steps forward. Could you have been wrong about them? Probably not. Keep a clear mind when with them. Saturn influences you to be more organised before a bout of indecision strikes.
Alicante TODAY:
Fri Sat Sun -
F Fog, Sn Snow,
MAX MIN
28 18 C 31 18 S 31 19 S
Mon - 31 19 C Tues - 28 19 Cl Wed - 28 18 C
C Cloudy, Th Thunder
THE RUSSIANS HAVE A WORD FOR IT 1. In Russia and some other republics in the former USSR, what is/was the Duma? 2. In Russia, what name is given to the traditional, highly decorated urn used to boil water for tea? 3. Meaning ‘grandmother’ in Russian, what name is given to a headscarf folded diagonally and tied under the chin? 4. The name of which Russian daily newspaper, founded in 1912 and, from 1918 to 1991, the official organ of the Soviet Communist party, means ‘truth’? 5. What is the more usual name for the large greyhound-type dog sometimes called the Russian wolfhound? 6. What is the principal root-vegetable ingredient of the Russian soup called borsch? 7. What name is given to the large areas of flat un-forested grasslands of Siberia? 8. What Russian name, meaning ‘set of three’, is given to a vehicle drawn by three horses abreast? 9. Which city in south-western Russia on the delta of the Volga River, has given its name to a type of fine lambskin? 10. Which Russian musical instrument of the lute family has a triangular body and three strings? 1. LOWER HOUSE OF THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY/National PARLIAMENT, 2. SAMOVAR, 3. BABUSHKA, 4. PRAVDA, 5. BORZOI, 6. BEETROOT, 7. STEPPES, 8. TROIKA, 9. ASTRAKHAN, 10. BALALAIKA
YOUR STARS
OUT
28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
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AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE
Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition
Quick Across 1 Consecrated (6) 3 Most up-to-date (6) 8 Extreme greed for material wealth (7) 10 Soiled or discoloured appearance (5) 11 Expenses (5) 12 Daybreak (7) 13 Building occupied by a community of monks or nuns (5) 15 Military trainee (5) 20 White ant (7) 22 Shin bone (5) 24 Visual representation (5) 25 Odd (7) 26 Unattached (6) 27 Not being in a specified place (6) Down 1 By no means plentiful (6) 2 Coarse, boorish (5) 4 Malicious burning to destroy property (5) 5 Deliberately vague or ambiguous (7) 6 Soft, delicate, fragile (6) 7 Dirty and disorderly (5) 9 Important topic or problem for debate or discussion (5) 14 Advantageous purchase (7) 16 Make different (5)
41
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Crossword
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Code Breaker Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 6 represents K and 22 represents C, so fill in K every time the figure 6 appears and C every time the figure 22 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Saturate, 5 Cart, 9 Air base, 10 Earls, 11 Exams, 12 Emulate, 13 Sweets, 15 Depths, 18 Resorts, 20 Scent, 22 Adage, 23 Traders, 24 Sees, 25 Realists.
Down: 1 Stare, 2 Terrace, 3 Rears, 4 Themes, 6 Aorta, 7 Testers, 8 Refuse, 13 Surpass, 14 Turret, 16 Theseus, 17 Tsetse, 19 Stage, 20 Snail, 21 Tasks.
QUICK Across:
17 Philosophical study of moral values and rules (6) 18 Thick, closely-spaced, compact (5)
English - Spanish
19 Express grief verbally (6) 21 Nonpareil (5) 23 Any act of immoderate indulgence (5)
Down: 2 Arise, 3 Trachea, 5 Aware, 6 Press-up, 7 Venus, 8 Eagle, 9 Pity, 13 Type, 15 Able, 17 Quarter, 19 Ukulele, 20 Scope, 22 Erase, 23 Stud. 25 Bulge, 27 Stale.
The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
Across 1 To feel (touch) (5) 4 Arches (5) 7/5 Huevera (3,3) 8 Always (7) 9 To pray (say prayers) (4) 10 Bandeja (para servir, en nevera) (4) 14 Capitán (7) 16 Wave (in sea, lake) (3) 17 Opaque (5) 18 Pala (para cavar) (5)
ENGLISH-SPANISH Across:
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
1 South-east, 7 Isles, 9 Agria, 10 Edad, 11 Noveno, 13 Suave, 14 Aisle, 15 Corazones.
Down: 2 Test, 3 Enamorado, 4 Streets, 5 Disease, 6 Cajones, 8 Llamado, 12 Ceja.
Down 1 Dedos del pie (4) 2 Puro (5) 3 Cold (infection) (9) 4 Olives (9) 5 See 7 Across 6 Semilla (4) 11 Now (at this time, immediately) (5) 12 Eight (4) 13 Coffee (4) 15 Guisante (3)
Hexagram
1 Hasty, 4 Happy, 9 Private, 10 Arena, 11 Teeth, 12 Utensil, 14 Easy, 16 Squab, 18 Puppy, 21 Leek, 24 Chamber, 26 Upset, 28 Petal, 29 Steward, 30 Brief, 31 Defer.
Cryptic The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 sixletter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (THRONE) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
BRIDLE
LETTER
BRUISE
LISTEN
CLOAKS
LUNGED
CLOCKS
REARED
DEDUCT
SHEETS
DESIRE
STICKS
GATHER
STRIDE
HANDLE
TESTED
HERDED
THRONE (10)
JACKET
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Reduce, 2 Guests, 3 Feared, 4 Treaty, 5 Rested, 6 Regard, 7 Starry, 8 Seared, 9 Treats, 10 Assert, 11 Wanted, 12 Tender, 13 Tilted, 14 Ladies, 15 Titter, 16 Dinner, 17 Prints, 18 Detail, 19 Stacks
Across 1 Miss the French boat (4) 3 Sleet cut from icebergs, for example (8) 9 Yes, sort out levels (7) 10 Romanian without Ron causes hysteria (5) 11 Additional non-speaking role (5) 12 One who has to sample various treats (6) 14 Endless oriental holiday in spring (6) 16 Cancel permit to be in the Scottish river (6) 19 Mark makes beer, I hear (6) 21 Runner defeated in close race (5) 24 A poem about baby's first home (5) 25 Bo backed part of a play that's indecent (7) 26 Designing a dress, it is a catastrophe (8) 27 Reportedly spent thoughtlessly, feeling gloomy (4) Down 1 Paid attention to the dense lit characters (8) 2 Look for Tonto's Mount (5) 4 Some adders at zoo are phoney (6)
5 Clocks what ‘X’ stands for (5) 6 Some academic once denied a grant (7) 7 Hit friend's back (4) 8 To threaten people takes an expert (6) 13 Dog with no tail - get back! (8)
15 Dangerous boat incorporating Her Majesty's unpaid debt (7) 17 Silent builders sign up (6) 18 Far-off sort of meteor (6) 20 Thoughts about Sadie (5) 22 A short period of enchantment (5) 23 Ring for the musicians (4)
42
E W N 28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
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HOMES GARDEN
Patio gardens provide many with an outdoor living space SOME ingredients for successful patio gardens are collections of flowering plants in containers Dick Handscombe
Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.
• The long tradition FOR more than two millennium patio gardens have been popular in Spain and other Mediterranean countries and continue to be so today, because for many persons living in the historic centres of towns and villages, patio gardens are the only outdoor living space they have. True patios are roofless inner living spaces in the centre of traditional s t y l e Spanish and Spanish American houses. However although not everyone will have the real thing the design ideas that follow can be used to create patio style terraces, courtyards and yards in any size and location of property. Some ingredients for successful patio gardens:
OUTSIDE WALLS: A combination of trailing plants.
TRUE PATIOS: Roofless inner living spaces in the centre of Spanish houses. • A clear vision and purpose - My choice is to develop patios as an intimate centre of family life. • Shade - Natural shade being better than canvas sails or
awnings. Trees are typically planted in the centre or in one or more corners. Popular trees include palms, cordylines, rubber trees, figs, olives, jacaranda, citrus, judas and trained
galan de noche. Climbers over wires
Ferns, spider plants, bread plants, bamboos and bonsais of various types are best placed in shady corners not reached by the high mid day sun.
and beams are also used including roses, grape vines, bignonias and passion flowers. However if your patio becomes an oven in July or August a motorised awning may be essential to provide shade. • Colourful and perfumed walls – Using a combination of trailing plants such as petunias and geraniums in window boxes and climbers such as jasmine, passion flower, honeysuckle, clematis, plumbago, roses and bougainvilleas in containers or planted directly in the ground. Plants can be supplemented by displaying plates, plaques and memorabilia. • Cool evergreen plants – In shady corners not reached even by the high mid day sun beaming down into deep patios. Plants often are ferns, aspidistras, spider plants, pothos, mother-in-law’s tongue, bread plants, spathiphyllum, succulents, bamboos and bonsais of various types. • Collections of flowering plants in containers – Bulbs
such as clivias, cyclamens, amaryllis, freesias, irises, lilies, talbagias and agapanthas. • Containers for growing a small collection of herbs, fruit and vegetables – Provided there is sufficient light. See Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain and Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style. • Soft music – Light music of your choice for relaxing. The sound of water - for instance fountains in the centre of ponds, or stand alone. These days there are also numerous types of small water features available. • Small pets - Small birds, fish and terrapins are possible. • Comfortable and stylish furniture – Chosen to match the style of the overall patio design. Iron, wood, wicker, bamboo, plastic are all possible. Perhaps swing seats and sky chairs. Screens and large plants can create private corners. • Interesting artifacts. My first choice would be a collection of ceramic pots or agricultural implements. • Subtle lighting. Perhaps a mix of spots, wall lights and standard lamps designed for external use. Hope these ideas and observations help readers design and construct somewhere very special for family and friends. (c) Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com May 2015
44
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Good news as I get the all clear
20th May
HEALTH BEAUTY
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Bullying victims are more likely to be obese OBESITY measured in two ways
I BELIEVE that everything happens for a reason Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving IN August of last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer which had spread to the lymphatic system. My life changed and things went into over drive. For the last nine months or so I have had two operations, chemotherapy and countless scans and tests. It is a journey that you have to take step by step but towards the end your body starts to tell you enough is enough. You hope it has all been worthwhile. Well two days ago I sat in front of my oncologist and awaited the latest verdict on my health after all the treatment. The news was good. I have been given the all clear as my blood test results were very good and the scan revealed that there is no cancer in my breast. So far so good. There is a little cause for caution though. I have three nodules in my lungs. They are not sure exactly what these are but seem to
KIN 2X2
think they are insignificant. We will have to keep an eye on them though. Breast cancer has a tendency to spread to the lungs, brain, bones and liver. I left the hospital having being booked in for a mammogram in August, can’t forget about the health of my other breast! I have started a
I have to stay out of the sun, but I intend to swim in the evenings when the sun isn’t so fierce, as I have to be sensible.
five year course of hormone tablets called Tamoxifeno and I am booked in for another CAT scan and blood tests in six months, ahead of my next check-up. I have also just had confirmation that I will start radiotherapy at the beginning of June so everything seems to be moving in the right direction. Providing everything goes well with
the radiotherapy I will then meet with my surgeon to book a date for breast reconstruction which will involve two more operations. As I keep saying, step by step. The one thing I know for sure is that there will come a day when this all ends. This summer will be a little difficult as I have to stay out of the sun! A bit complicated in Spain but I certainly won’t be requiring any more radiation so I will have to be sensible. I still intend to swim but in the evenings when the sun isn’t so fierce. I bought a normal swimming costume and had a little pocket inserted into it to accommodate my aqua breast! The mastectomy swimwear is extremely expensive so I thought it was a better option. All in all I am feeling brighter. It is hard to keep your energy levels up and a permanent smile on your face but you just have to accept that you are human and that you will have better days than others. I believe everything happens for a reason in life and as I come out the other side of this maelstrom I think that something interesting, challenging and exciting is waiting for me. Hope springs eternal.
CHILDREN: At greater risk of obesity in later life. CHILDREN who get bullied are at greater risk of obesity, strokes and heart attacks later on in life. Researchers say that if bullying among the young was eliminated it could reduce the number of overweight men and women by around 12 per cent. They made the claim following their study at King’s College London, where they analysed 7,102 cases of children born in 1958 whose parents were asked whether they had been bullied between the ages of seven and 11. Women were found more likely to put on weight after childhood bullying than men. Some 26 per cent of women
who had been bullied in childhood were obese at the age of 45, compared to 19 per cent of those who had never been picked on at school. Some 25 per cent of male bullying victims were obese, compared to 23.6 per cent who were not. Obesity was measured in two ways, by body mass index and by hip to waist ratio. Researchers also measured two ‘bio-markers’ of heart disease and found 20 per cent of those who had been bullied showed a greater risk of disease. Around one in five children are thought to suffer bullying at school.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
28 May - 3 June 2015/ Mallorca
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45
5 things you didn’t know about hand dryers, so read below and learn IN 1993 the first jet hand dryers were introduced, pushing water off the hands instead of evaporating it By Debbie Fletcher LET’S face it, you probably haven’t sat down and thought long and hard about a hand dryer. That said, you’ll encounter these devices in many places you visit such as public toilets and leisure centres, so it’s well-worth knowing one or two facts about these appliances. With this in mind, here are five facts to consider: Hand dryers can spread germs If you thought popping your hands under a dryer for a few seconds was more hygienic than wiping them on a paper towel or using one of those awkward cloth towel dispensers - think again. In a recent study, 27 times more germs were found in the air around jet-air dryers than around paper towel dispensers meaning that you could be coming into contact with all kinds of nasty bugs, so it’s well worth keeping a hand sanitizer from the likes of Brosch Direct nearby.
HAND DRYERS: Not so hygienic.
So there you have it, five facts to help you feel more enlightened about the world of hand hygiene and dryers!
Hand dryers have become more eco-friendly
Professor Mark Wilcox, of University of Leeds’ School of Medicine led the study, said: “Next time you dry your hands in a public toilet using an electric dryer, you may be spreading bacteria without knowing it. You may also be splattered with bugs from other people’s hands. These findings are important for under-
standing the ways in which bacteria spread, with the potential to transmit illness and disease.” Jet air dryers blast out more bacteria Jet air dryers are hard to miss. They’re incredibly noisy and promise to dry your hands in seconds making them seem like a practical and easy hand-
drying solution. The only problem is, a study of hand dryer hygiene also revealed that five times more bacteria were found around jet-air dryers than warm air dryers. The bacteria also lingers around these devices for a long time, with germs still detected in the air up to 15 minutes after washing their hands.
How love can affect us ARE you in love? What does it do to your body? Scientific studies have been analysing the impact and effects of love and have come up with new findings about the powerful influence. Sobering Love may make you feel light-headed but it can sober you up when you’ve drunk too much. A study found that rats given oxytocin, the hormone released by the body during bonding and after sexual relations, were less likely to feel the effects of alcohol. Healing wounds Being in a happy, loving relationship can even make wounds heal faster, according to research from Ohio State University in the USA. In their study they gave 42 married couples eight small blisters on their arms, in two separate sessions. The skin from each blister was then removed to create a small wound. The couples were then asked to discuss something emotional on which they strongly disagreed. In the second session they were asked to talk
about a subject that made them feel close and and researchers found that half an hour’s loving conversation speeded up the time it took skin to heal. Friendship loss Finding love can reduce your social circle. Most people have five friends within their inner circle but typically lose one of those in the intense early part of a relationship. Lying The chemical oxytocin doesn’t only make us more loving; it can turn us into liars. Sixty volunteers played a game of coin toss where they predicted whether they would flip heads or tails. Those given oxytocin were more likely to lie they had predicted the outcome. Painkiller Being in love can reduce pain levels.
Conventional hand dryers used to have insufficient motors and insufficient energyheating elements which meant they took a long time to dry hands and used a lot of energy. Thankfully, many of the dryers today are more powerful and energy-efficient thanks to high speed motors producing high velocity air flow. This saves energy by up to 80 per cent and reduces drying time to eight-10 seconds. Dyson have global accreditations Dyson hand dryers have global accreditations. Dyson Airblade hand dryers are the only models certified hygienic by the independent public health specialists NSF. It uses
a HEPA filter to eliminate 99.97 per cent of all bacteria in the air making the air blown onto the hands cleaner than any air in the rest of the room. It’s also the only hand dryer approved for food environments by HACCP. This is because they have a fast dry time, HEPA filter and an antibacterial additive. Hand dryers were invented in 20th century The earliest hand dryer was patented in 1921 by R.B. Hibbard, D. J. Watrous and J.G. Bassett for the Airdry Corporation of Groton New York, but was popularised in 1948 by George Clemens, a talented inventor from Chicago. It wasn’t until 1993 the first jet hand dryers were introduced, pushing water off the hands instead of evaporating it.
THERAPY MALLORCA Physio & Osteopath Fitness & Nutrition
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Anabella 691 425 229 FINDING LOVE: Can reduce your social circle of friends.
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THE MOJITO Mojito is a combination of rum, lime, mint and sugar. The Mojito cocktail is originally from Cuba but is very popular in Spain, particularly in chiringuitos along the costas. They were also selling litre glasses of this stuff at the Malaga feria!
Take your medicine! MINT and lime help to disguise the strong and crude taste of the alcohol By Wendy Ann Cowham
HAVANA was the birthplace of the Mojito though it is widely popular in Spain and has been a favourite at the ferias in many of the cities and pueblos, especially in summer. The drink was known as ‘El Draque’ during the 16th century after Sir Francis Drake had sailed to Havana, but having discovered there was an epidemic of scurvy on board his ship, some of the crew went ashore to get medicine. The South Americans were renowned for their special recipes to cure ailments such as this and they were used to treating tropical illness. The crew returned with ingredients including a crude form of rum, lime, sugar cane and mint. The mint and lime helped to disguise the strong and crude taste of the alcohol. The drink gained in popularity and it is said that in the 19th century other variations were concocted by workers in the sugar cane fields. Many recipes included sugar cane or syrup but the mint has always remained a signature
MOJITO: Today is a popular cocktail in the UK and Spain. within all the various recipes. Today it is one of the UK’s most popular cocktails and it is sold around most of the bars in Spain
far cheaper than back in the UK. The name Mojito derives from the word mojadito which means ‘A little wet’ in
Spanish, though it is unclear on the true history of the naming, as many have claimed fame for that.
A great way to control your appetite and health THE avocado was originally a native of Mexico THE avocado tree is firstly native to Mexico although the Mediterranean climate is perfect for avocado growing in the summer months. Commercially valuable,
they ripen quickly after harvesting and the trees are partially self-pollinating. The avocado is actually classed as a large berry bearing a seed. They are high in fibre,
which is essential in a good diet, and it’s also great for controlling your appetite - so if you are watching your weight, head for the avocado dishes, they will keep you full for longer! The fat content in an avocado is good for you too, as they contain good fats as opposed to saturated fats. Avocado fats are monounsaturated, and this type of fat is good for anyone who suffers from a high cholesterol level as monounsaturated fat helps to lower it. Vitamins that you can find in an avocado are B vitamins along with vitamin K and vi-
AVOCADO: Is classed as a large berry bearing a seed. tamin E. B vitamins help your body’s metabolism and its maintenance of a healthy skin tone, while vitamin K plays a fundamental role in making sure that your bones
grow properly. This delicious fruit is easily available to enjoy in many dishes, so why not include them in your top 10 goodness foods this summer.
Who begun restaurant food trade? SINCE ancient times, street vendors or guesthouses selling food have been an established trade. However, records from the Middle Ages show that food served in the abbeys by monks reached a much higher standard than any food cooked up in the inns at the time. Various households that had to prepare food for 100 people or more needed to put in place sufficient food service to cope with it. The French revolution launched the first modern type of restaurant industry. The word ‘restaurant’ originates from the French word ‘restaurer,’ which means to restore, and was used specifically for a rich soup that would restore one’s strength. Hence the first dish usually being soup to start with. Then came the second course or those that follow between (entre) evolved so food was served in stages. The word ‘restaurant’ came about during the 16th century and was used more by the rich for whom eating out was becoming a trend, whose popularity spread. As we race through the ages to the 1940s references have noted the first American Bistro was opened. In the 1960s an ‘Early bird’ menu was advertised in the Los Angeles newspapers, and later Sunset Dining was introduced. The world is our oyster with a wealth of food which makes it possible to go about our daily, or nightly duties and still enjoy quality cuisine just with a snap of a finger. As this fashion grew, so did the manner in which food was served with the format we now see displayed on current menus. This became a trend worldwide and restaurants became the ‘in’ place to eat for a lot of people.
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Asparagus is a culinary delicacy to enjoy GET in the mood with asparagus which contains a stimulating blend of nutrients so is fantastic food for your health manganese and selenium,” said San Diego-based nutritionist Laura Flores. Aspar agus al so cont ai ns t he amino acid asparagine, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that helps insulin do its job transporting glucose. It’s also especially rich in glutathione, a detoxifying compound that can help destroy carcinogens. For this reason, asparagus may help fight or protect against certain cancers, including bone, breast, lung and colon cancers. Next time you are out for tapas or dinner look out for asparagus it’s a healthy veg you may be in the mood for!
By Wendy Ann Cowham
ASPARAGUS (espárrago in Spanish) is native to the Mediterranean area, h a s b e e n c u l t i v ate d h ere since ancient times and is considered a culinary delicacy. In ancient times, asparagus was renowned as an aphrodisiac. Regardless of its powers to put you in the m o o d , t h i s s u c c u len t, savoury vegetable contains a stimulating blend of nutrients, making this member of the lily family a fantastic food for your health. Although it is available yearround in many parts of the world, the peak m o n t h s t o p u rch as e it here in Spain are March to May. Restaurants offer many asparagus dishes as the Spanish love to eat it as a delicacy grilled with salt or used in many different kinds of dis hes i n c l u d i n g sa l ad s , s o u p , omelettes and other egg dishes. It is a p e r f e c t a p p e t i z er w h e n wrapped i n Se r r a n o h am o r in variations of tapas with alioli, or as a side dish. It is beneficial to eat in summer as it is high in vitamin K and folate, and well-balanced to provide
ASPARAGUS: The Spanish love to eat it as a delicacy grilled with salt. lots of antioxidant nutrients which makes it great for the skin.
“When eating asparagus you are taking in vitamin C, beta-carotene,
vitamin E, and the mine ra ls zi nc,
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PROPERTY S P E C I A L
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By Jo Harvie THERE’S a growing optimism amongst property agents in Spain, finds a new survey by portal, Kyero. Their Spanish Property Market Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2015 found 71 per cent of agents reporting they felt more confident
about the sector than they did a year ago. The survey did, however, pick up a divide in outlook between Englishspeaking and Spanish agents, with the English speakers more likely to feel more confident. They were also much more likely than the Spanish speakers to report increasing property prices.
Shutterstock/Andy Dean Photography
Survey finds brighter outlook amongst agents GROWING OPTIMISM: Property agents in Spain more confident than a year ago.
Maximising interior living spaces with modern glass systems INCREASING internal living area will improve the value of your property John Graham The property expert IN previous articles, I have talked to you about upgrading
your windows to increase the value of your home, reduce energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. This week we continue with this theme and talk about increasing the value of your
home by maximising your interior living space with glass systems. As I have mentioned in my previous articles, the value of your home’s interior square metre space is more valuable than your exterior square metres such as balconies and terraces. By converting your balcony and terraces into interior living space you will immediately increase the value of your home. In addition, you will also save on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the comfort of the extra interior living space all year. Glazed-in balconies have been around for many years but most of the modern glass systems available today are superior in quality and design. I arrange many installations for my clients and there are several glass systems and types of glass you can choose from, including frameless glass screens and partition styles, soundproofing glass, self-cleaning glass and heat resistant glass, etc. You should ask for a written guarantee on the system and on the installation.
You could also upgrade your balcony and terrace balustrades by replacing traditional metal or concrete balustrades with a modern glass balustrade system. This will increase the amount of natural light coming into your room, improve the views from your room and give your home a modern look. If your terrace or balcony does not have a roof you can also fit a retractable or fixed glass roof. Before carrying out any installation of glass systems to your apartment or town house, apply for written permission from the community president/administrator. Also check that your design conforms to the community’s standard design and only start work after you have received permission in writing. If you have followed my tip, you can sit back and enjoy your extra interior space knowing you have increased the value of your home and also reduced your carbon footprint. John Graham FGIS 020 32 900 983/ +34 657 337 477 gk.ipad@me.com
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28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
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Home sales rise but prices fall in March credit Shutterstock/Rob Wilson
YEAR-ON YEAR comparison shows ‘stabilisation’
FLAT RATE: Second-hand apartments are driving the increase in sales.
By Jo Harvie THE Spanish property market continues along its bumpy recovery route, as new figures from the General Council of Notaries say home sales leapt an encouraging 12.3 per cent in March, compared to the numbers for March 2014. But at the same time, house prices dropped by 7.5 per cent. The increase in the number of sales is driven by the second-hand home market. The number of
flats sold increased by 11.3 per cent in overall this March, but broken down the figures show a 19.8 per cent rise in sales of second-hand flats, while the rate of sales of newly built flats crashed by 32.6 per cent. Prices fell across the board, in resale and new build sectors, and for flats and houses. The average sale price per square metre for flats dropped 6.1 per cent, a 3.7 per cent fall for second-hand flats and a 14.6 per cent drop for new flats.
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Pet-sitting in tranquil finca By Lamia Walker of HouseSitMatch HouseSit Match (link to http://www.Housesitmatch.com) JON is a marine engineer who has travelled the world on the most expensive private yachts. During his work assignments he has visited exciting and exotic ports in the Caribbean, around Europe and elsewhere around the world. When it was time for him to settle he chose Mallorca for the beauty of the landscape and the great location; it is generally the last stopping point for yachts before the Caribbean. Recently he was offered a long-term assignment which was hard to turn down. But what to do with his two dogs, Rhubarb and Purdy? They are his much-loved pets, rescued a few years ago and now loving their life with him on their eco-finca in rural Mallor-
ca. Here they are quite secure on their acre plot, with the run of the whole garden and house. Jon needs an experienced sitter and dog lover, who will care for his fur family. This is someone who is happy living in an eco-finca, and who would enjoy living off the beaten track in a quiet, contemplative home for two months in August-September. If you are that person or couple, why not reach out to us as soon as possible? You would need to register as Housesitters with HouseSitMatch.com in order to contact Jon directly. Whether you are a homeowner or house-sitter, register now for your Free 60-Day Trial and secure your Free Easy Guide to Housesitting.
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PETS PAGE www.euroweeklynews.com
Training classes lead to better behaviour DOGS learn by association of ideas, they do not reason but simply react
David THE Dogman Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm
TRAINING classes undoubtedly contribute to better-behaved dogs. One great advantage of classes is that they accustom the puppy or young dog to meeting other dogs, and owners get an opportunity to meet people with a common interests and sometimes common problems. Many people are regarded as experts (even dog trainers) when they have trained a dog of one breed to a very high standard. Faced with a difficult dog they would not know where to start. Training methods vary just as much as dogs and their owners do. There are, however, many accepted exercises which form a useful basis for most dogs and most owners. Many people fully realise their responsibilities and try very hard to comply and still end up with a dog that will bite, causes a road accident, etc. WHY? People must not regard dogs as ‘almost human’; this is an insult to our ca-
TRAINING MATTERS: Few dog owners understand canine instincts. nine friend. Dog has become man’s best friend, not because he is almost human but because he can do many things that we cannot do, and in this day and age what with satellite, we still don’t know how he does some of those things, such as detecting mines and drugs. INTELLIGENCE is not an important factor in a dog’s make up. Fact: Nearly all problem dogs are very intelligent. Fact: Few dog owners understand canine instincts and their importance in the man/dog relationship.
Dogs and indeed all animals learn by association of ideas; animals do not reason at all, they simply react to what is happening and do not think about what has happened or is about to happen. It is believed that they do sometimes work out a problem for themselves. All training should be based on the assumption that the dog does not reason and that he learns by association of ideas. If you do not have time to exercise your dog, then you should not keep a dog.
4,948 kittens free to a good home By Steve Walsh HOW many times do we see the words ‘unwanted puppies free to a good home’ in an advert? Do you ever think why? When you consider that a fertile dog can produce an aver-
age of two litters in one year, and the average number of puppies in a canine litter is six, this means that up to 508 puppies can be born from one unspayed female dog and her offspring in seven years. The problem is worse when
UNWANTED: One female can have three litters a year. we look at cats. A fertile cat can produce an average of three litters a year, the average number of kittens in a feline litter is four to six. Therefore, up to 4,948 kittens can be born from one
unspayed female cat and her offspring in seven years. It soon becomes evident that spaying and neutering of our animals is not only sensible, but absolutely necessary.
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Barracuda SV11 super stealth boat
Yachting show comes to an end THE Best of Yachting show at Port Adriano, Mallorca, came to an end on Sunday night with a well-attended f ashi on show and end of event par t y at The Cr ew Bar. Exhibitors and visitors wer e ext r em el y pl eased wi t h t he event whi ch at tracted some 4,000 visitors, which signifies increase of around 1,000 on last year’s inaugural show.
HAS distinctly military design By Steve Walsh WORKBOAT manufacturer Safehaven Marine, has come out with its most extreme design yet, the super-stealthy Barracuda SV11 high speed Interceptor for military and law enforcement roles.
Cork-based workboat manufacturer Safehaven Marine is renowned for its rugged vessels, but it appears to have raised the bar with the Barracuda SV11. This 11-metre design can hit 40 knots, thanks to its twin 575hp shaft-drive
diesel set-up, but it is the wave-piercing hull design that is most impressive. This is a boat that has been built to withstand whatever Mother Nature can throw at it. The distinctly military design, with its radar evading carbon fibre superstructure, is likely to alarm any local harbourmaster, and indeed this is no casual Solent cruiser. Safehaven Marine’s clients include the Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research and the Polish Navy,
BOATS
Now that Best of Yachti ng i s est abl i shed i n t he Mallorca nautical calendar, the event appears to be attracting visitors from further afield. Some 30 boats, i ncl udi ng m ot or super yachts, luxury sail yachts and sports boats were on display for purchase or charter. Princess and Sunseeker organised hospitality events for current and potential clients.
BARRACUDA SV11
hence the option to fit a range of lethal and nonlethal weapons that can rise up through the foredeck in a fashion that would make a Bond villain jealous. With a 1,000-litre fuel tank you can cover 200nm before stopping to refuel and brief your spymaster. Prices and delivery details are on a strictly need-to-know basis.
SUPERYACHTS: Were on display at the event.
BOATS
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News from the Volvo Ocean race TEAM BRUNEL have now completed a triumphant leg seven By Steve Walsh LISBON, Portugal, May 27 - Team Brunel (Bouwe Bekking/NED) completed a triumphant Leg seven early on Wednesday to bolster their hopes of finishing with a podium place in the Volvo Ocean Race, and also keep alive the possibility of overall victory. The Dutch boat sailed a near faultless transatlantic stage, edging MAPFRE (Iker MartĂnez/ESP) into second, just under 22 minutes behind. Following them, Team Alvimedica (Charlie Enright/USA) edged out long-time leg leaders, Dongfeng Race Team (Charles Caudrelier/FRA), after an enthralling dogfight over the final miles. The Chinese-backed boat was caught by Enright’s crew in the early hours of Wednesday, but battled their way back and looked sure to overtake them again before a botched tack ruined their chances. Now the race that started in Alicante last October is back on this side of the world, the crews will relish a stopover in Portugal before tackling the final two legs. On June 7, they make their way from Lisbon, passed northern Spain to Laurent, in France. They then expect to leave Laurent on June 16 for the final leg to Gothenburg.
DUTCH BOAT: Sailed a near faultless transatlantic stage edging MAPFRE into second, just under 22 minutes behind them.
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When on holiday, make sure you keep your passport safe and avoid the stress of ruined travel plans
BE SMART: Don’t let passport stings ruin your summer.
ONE of the worst things to happen whilst on holiday is to lose or have stolen your passport. Last year, 27,000 Britons reported their passports missing while they were abroad. That figure suggests a worrying level of complacency about a document that is, after all, the ultimate ‘proof ’ that you are who say you are. Having your cash, smartphone or other valuables stolen is distressing. But losing your passport can be far more of an ordeal. It’s not just the cost, but your precious holiday time, ruined travel plans and the stress involved that make it such a traumatic experience. And that is to say nothing of what criminals may be getting up to in your name. Targeted passport theft is on the rise, as organised crim-
David Deverson GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL Insurance correspondent david@globelink.co.uk
inals cash in on the easy pickings and lucrative returns of identity trafficking. At Globelink Travel Insurance, we’re there to help when you need it; we’ll help cover the cost of stolen money, passport replacement or extra nights’ overseas accommodation. But bear in mind that a travel insurance policy will not pay the cost of a trip that you’re unable to make because you no longer have a passport or visa, as in this unfortunate case: “While my husband was fetching coffee, a woman approached me to ask something about departures. It never entered my head that it was just a distraction, but when I looked I saw the passports had gone. We reported the theft to airport police and then made extensive inquiries about getting emergency passports, before learning that Burma doesn’t recognise them.
“In the end we had no choice but to give up and go home.” It goes without saying, but all insurers expect you to take ‘reasonable care’ of your valuables. Leaving your passport around the hotel room is asking for trouble (and we don’t recommend tucking it under the mattress either!) If you don’t have access to a safety deposit box, keep your passport discreet and close, preferably in a waist belt. And do resist the temptation to go for a splash in the briny with an eye half-cocked on your valuables. We advise people to keep a copy of the photo page of your passport when travelling. No one is immune to passport stings, but if you do get stung, it could help speed up the process of replacing your passport. Stay safe, and enjoy your travels.
For an instant quote and to arrange cover securely online, enabling you to print your policy documents immediately, by visiting www.globelink..co.uk - the leading Travel Insurer for people living in EU countries. Or you can telephone Globelink on 00 44 1353 699082 or their Spanish links line on 966 265 000 or 951 242 434.
After ‘tin’ years, it’s time to celebrate The party was for everyone to celebrate getting through the last 10 years, all the ups and downs, triumphs and disasters.
Vicki McLeod
Family Matters IF I could have invited the whole of Mallorca to come and play out with us for the afternoon then I would have. As it was we still had more than 150 adults and children with us last weekend when my husband and I celebrated our ‘tin’ anniversary with our own version of a village fete at the Sa Taronja Cultural Centre in Andratx. We were allowed to have our party there because we are members of the association. It’s a struggling arts organisation which needs and deserves your support so please sign up for their newsletter (http://www.sataronja.com/feedbackenglish.php). When Oliver and I decided to have a party we gathered our ‘dream team’ together, starting with Jerry Whitehouse from Lifestyle Catering who did an incredible job with a beautiful hog roast and the best selection of salads ever.
SALAD SELECTION: The catering company did a great job.
My good friend Diane Hughes made us an incredible celebratory cake whilst another good friend of mine John Lambourne travelled from one side of the island to the other just to play the bagpipes for us and surprise my dad. The wonderful Marisa Rogers ran our ‘Secret Garden’ for the children where they painted jam jars for nightlights, and made headdresses which were swiftly appropriated by the mummies as well. Mary Lynn and her band performed Alt Country, folk and acoustic favourites all afternoon for us, followed by DJ Hugh Carville running the karaoke much to the de-
light of the kids, and then later the adults who sang an enthusiastic version of Bohemian Rhapsody. (When I say “enthusiastic” I mean “legless”). Taz, a new friend of mine, entertained the kids with some hip hop grooves and even managed to get the boys dancing! And my extremely good friend, Aimee, took these stunning pictures for us. Then there were a legion of helpers before, during and after the do. The party wasn’t just for Ollie and I you see, it was for everyone we know, to celebrate getting through the last 10 years, all the ups and downs, the triumphs and disasters, all of the light and shade that we have experienced whilst living here. If I had closed my eyes and tried to imagine my perfect party then it would have been it. It was a perfect Mallorcan family day, every single person there is part of the collective history that we have, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. www.familymattersmallorca.com
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Motoring shorts
New Galaxy people mover FORD has revealed the all-new Ford Galaxy, with extra technology added to the luxurious peoplemover. The new Galaxy offers seven full-size seats, enabling families to switch between seating or load space, with a new feature that raises third-row seats at the push of a button. It also offers a smoother, quieter ride. Also, it boasts advanced technologies including an intelligent speed limiter, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, and glare-free highbeam technology for the adaptive LED headlamps.
Clarkson Quote of theWeek
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I don’t understand bus lanes. Why do poor people have to get to places quicker than I do? Some might say...
Lotus Evora 400 confirmed in the UK at £72,000 (€100, 000) NEW MODEL is the fastest and most powerful Lotus yet
Countdown to cleaner cars THE motoring industry is preparing for changes to its emission requirements with the strictest ever European vehicle emissions regulation - Euro-6. From 1 September 2015, all new car models sold in the EU must meet this low emissions standard, making them the cleanest vehicles in history.
By Steve Walsh LOTUS has confirmed pricing for the new Evora 400. The heavily revised 2015 Evora will start from £72,000 (€100,000) in the UK, confirming a move upmarket for the flagship Lotus model. It’s a sizeable jump compared with the outgoing Evora, which until recently started from around £55k, (€77,000) and the supercharged Evora S from £62k, (€87,000). The new Evora 400 replaces all other Evora models, both supercharged and non-supercharged.
400 the new Evora replaces all other Evora models, supercharged and non-supercharged.
It’s the fastest and most powerful Lotus production model yet, with 400bhp and 302lb ft from its 3.5-litre supercharged V6. The jump in power over the old Evora S comes partly from a new supercharger and the addition of an intercooler, along with a new ECU.
MOTORING
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Advertising feature
The best price for your vehicle VENUS CARS are buyers and sellers of quality second-hand vehicles ESTABLISHED for 16 years in Torremendo, Venus Cars are the leading providers of used cars and motor homes. This family-owned business is run by Nigel Venus, who worked in the car industry in the UK before moving to Spain. Seeing a niche in the market, particularly for those wanting to bring their UK car and part exchange it for a Spanish vehicle, Venus Cars was set up and has since bought and sold thousands of vehicles. Over the past four years the company has expanded and increased its fleet of motor homes and camper vans, which have proved ever popular with expat populations of all nationalities who have seen the advantage of living life on the road to see more of Spain and even to travel back to their home countries and have on site accommodation with them; perfect for keeping travelling costs down and visiting friends and family without imposing on them. Motor homes of all shapes and sizes are in stock and in most cases, as with any car, you can be on the road in your new vehicle within
BUY AND SELL: A wide range of vehicles including motor homes is available at Venus Cars, established for 16 years on the Costa Blanca. 24 hours, safe in the knowledge that all the paperwork has been completed and the vehicle serviced and cleaned. Venus Cars offer an individual warranty on all vehicles, which is either based on a period of time or mileage; ideal for those buying a vehicle that will only be used for part of the year. Part exchange is offered on right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles but if you are looking to get rid of your car or motor home, Venus Cars can buy it from you. “We are always
looking at buying new vehicles,” said Nigel, “and particularly genuine, one-owner vehicles.” They will also buy English registered vehicles and give the owner back the necessary yellow slip for them to post back in the UK to show the vehicle is no longer theirs. All paperwork is carried out for Spanish vehicles, with Venus Cars transferring the vehicle immediately into their name, so you can rest assured it is no longer in your name and there will be no future Suma bills to pay.
They are also able to travel to you to collect the vehicle and will also work with the customer as best they can to deliver that vehicle to wherever they may need it. Finance is not available but they can point you in the right direction and also help in getting insurance quotes. Venus Cars, Torremendo Tel: 965 368 274 Visit www.venuscars.com Email: info@venuscars.com
Let’s play Top Trumps Introduction CRAZY powerful and very rare Aston Martin is priced at €1.3 million By Steve Walsh SO the time has come for you to buy a new family car? Well before you do, come back to the real world and have a little game of Top Trumps first! The crazy powerful and very rare Aston Martin One77. The price, which is, get ready for this, €1.3 million. If you are lucky enough to have this amount of money then we congratulate you and hate you at the same time. Power comes from a 7.3-litre V12, delivering over 700bhp, which will take this gentleman from 0100km/h in 3.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 220 mph, (350 km/h.) The Venom GT has a reputation for being the world’s maddest
VENOM GT: Has a reputation for being the world’s maddest supercar. supercar. Or really, we should say ‘hypercar ’ because this ballistic missile for the road that is a little cheaper at a mere €1mil-
lion, has stormed from 0100km/h in a mind boggling 2.4-seconds. Yep… 2.4 seconds! This seven litre V8 mon-
ster producing 1244 bhp, will hurl itself to a top speed of 278mph, that’s a mind boggling 450 kilometres per hour.
of new Tesla Model S 70D
THIS month, Europe saw the introduction of the latest addition to the Tesla stable, the Model S 70D. While all eyes are on Tesla’s SUV waiting in the wings for launch in summer 2015, the electric car wizards in Palo Alto are keeping our interest up with a new entry-level addition to the Model S range. The all-wheel drive electric car with a 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds and a 390 kilometre range at 110km/h, is the cheapest EV yet from the Silicon Valley start-up, with a starting price around €80,000. The Model S 70D offers a broad and compelling set of features. Moreover, when one factors in the cost advantages over an internal combustion engine
vehicle, including fuel savings and incentives, the actual cost of owning Model S 70D comes to about €49,000 over five years. In addition to having independently operational front and rear motors, the price of the 70D includes supercharging points to enable free longdistance travel, autopilot hardware, navigation, blind spot detection and many other features. As with every Model S, the 70D will receive free overthe-air updates that add functionality and improve the driving experience for years to come. You can even have any colour you like, as long as it’s: Ocean Blue, Obsidian Black, or Warm Silver.
62 E W N 28 May - 3 June 2015 / Mallorca
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A look at the history of football in Spain By Tony Matthews FOOTBALL is the most popular sport in Spain - that’s a fact! The Royal Spanish Football Federation (Real Federación Española de Fútbol) is the national governing body and it organises La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the country’s national team, which won the European Championship twice (2008 and 2012) and the FIFA World Cup (in 2010). Football as we know it today was introduced to Spain in the late 19th century by a combination of mostly British immigrant workers, visiting sailors and Spanish students who had travelled over from the UK. The oldest football club in Spain is Recreativo de Huelva which was formed on December 23, 1889 by Dr William Alexander Mackay and a group of British workers employed by the Rio Tinto Company. Although records show that Gimnàstic de Tarragona was formed in 1886 and Sevilla FC four years later, these two clubs did not form an actual team until 1914 and 1905 respectively. The first officially organised football match to be played in Spain took place in Sevilla on March 8, 1890, at the Tablada Hippodrome when the aforementioned Recreativo de Huelva played a mixed team of workers from the Sevilla Water Works. With the exception of two Spaniards, both on the Huelva team, the other 20 players were all British-born, and consequently this is the main reason why Sevilla FC is so named and not Sevilla CF (‘club de fútbol’ in Spanish). The selected Sevilla team won that first-ever game by 2-0 in front of 1,000 or so interested spectators. In the Basque Country during the early 1890s, a group of British shipyard workers and coalminers formed the Bilbao Football Club, and soon afterwards, in 1898, a number
HISTORY BOYS: Recreativo de Huelva, Spain’s oldest team, photographed in 1930. of Basque students, returning from Britain, decided to form the Athletic Club. This early British influence was reflected in the use of English names such as Recreation Club, Athletic Club and Football Club. Real Madrid is the most successful Spanish and indeed European football club, in both the national League (La Liga) and continental competitions. The ‘Whites’ have so far won 10 European Cups/Champions League titles, including the first finals: 1956-60 inclusive, and have finished runner’s-up on three occasions. Real (Los Blancos/Los Merengues) have also won a record 32 Spanish League titles (La Liga), lifted the Copa Del Rey 19 times, the UEFA Cup twice, the Supercopa on nine occasions, the Copa Liga once, the Inter-continental Cup thrice and the World Club Cup also once (2014). CF Barcelona are (to the majority) regarded as the second most successful club in Spain in terms of La Liga victories (just 22) although they have won the Copa Del Rey more times than their El Clasico rivals (26).
Barcá are also well down the pecking order when it comes to European triumphs, only four successes in the Champions League, plus four European Cup-winner’s Cup wins and three Inter Cities Fairs Cup victories. In La Liga’s 83-year history (excluding the three seasons when the competition was suspended due to the Spanish Civil War), Real and Barcelona have won 54 titles between them. Chasing the big two for prizes are Athletic Bilbao (31, including 23 La Liga wins), Atletico Madrid (20), Valencia (14), Sevilla (10, including one Europa League and two UEFA Cup final victories), Real Zaragoza (6) and Espanyol (4). Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (although Argentinian) has scored more La Liga goals than any other player (258 and counting). Raul amassed a record 771 appearances in League and Cup competitions for Real Madrid; David Villa holds the scoring record
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CAMP NOU: Barcelona’s cauldron of passion is La Liga’s biggest stadium.
RAUL: Real Madrid hero made league and cup appearance record. for Spain at international level with 59 goals, while Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Castillas is his country’s most decorated player with 160 caps to his name. The biggest stadium in Spain is the Barcelona’s Camp Nou with a capacity of 99,354. Santiago Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid, has a capacity of 81,044, followed by Sevilla’s La Cartuja (60,000), Barcelona’s second team ground (55,926), Valencia’s Mestalla, (55,000), Vicente Calderón, home to Atletico Madrid (54,907) and San Mamés, Athletic Bilbao’s ground (53,289). Will Spain double up in Europe this season with a La Liga team winning the Champions League and Europa League? There’s a strong chance this will happen. Tony Matthews is on holiday
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28 May - 3 June 2015 Cristiano Ronaldo scored his eighth hat-trick of the season for Real to finish with a total of 61 goals - three more than Lionel Messi.
Mallorca’s best guide to local sport
SPORTS IN BRIEF
CRICKET LAST Sunday, Ben Stokes scored the fastest-ever Test Match century at Lords as England went on to beat New Zealand.
BOXING JAMES DEGALE is the first GB Olympic gold medallist to win a professional world title fight. He fought in Boston, USA, beating André Dirrell on points to become the IBF supermiddleweight champion.
RACING A GRAVE error by the Mercedes pit team denied Lewis Hamilton victory in last Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix! Hamilton was called in behind the safety car. It was a big mistake which handed the race to Nick Rosberg with Sebastian Vettel second, ahead of a distraught Hamilton who still leads the championship by 10 points.
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Lewis is robbed, it’s a record for Ben and champ DeGale Tony Matthews International Sports A former football player and the world’s most prolific author of football books (more than 100 published), Tony is also the sports reporter for Spectrum Radio and lives in the Cabrera mountains. Costa de Almeria
FOR YOUR DIARY On Saturday, the holders Arsenal meet Aston Villa in the FA Cup final at Wembley (6.30pm kick-off Spanish time). Between them the Gunners (18) and the Villans (10) have appeared in 28 previous finals and the last time they met in the competition was in 2012 when Arsenal won 3-2. The two clubs have never opposed each other in a major Cup final before, and the last time Villa won the trophy was in 1957. Also on Saturday, Falkirk play Inverness Caledonian
JAMES DEGALE: The first GB Olympic gold medallist to win a professional world title fight.
Thistle in the Scottish Cup final and the 111th Copa Del Rey final will see Barcelona take on Athletic Bilbao. This weekend, Messrs Rossi, Lorenzo and Marquez ride in the Italian MotoGP in Mugello... the French Open Grand Slam tennis tournament continues at Roland Garos...the second England-New Zealand cricket Test starts at Leeds and Pakistan play Zimbabwe in a ODI tomorrow... there are eight games in the NatWest T20 Blast competition on Saturday... ... the FIFA U/20 World Cup gets under way, as do the World Triathlon and European Rowing championships... on Saturday, Bath play Saracens in Rugby Union’s Aviva Premiership final and Munster take on Glasgow (Ireland v Scotland) in the Guinness Pro-12 final... and on Sunday, England play the Barbarians at Twickenham.