Euro Weekly News - Costa Blanca South 7 - 13 January 2021 Issue 1853

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The people’s paper ISSUE NO. 1853

7 - 13 January 2021

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH • WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

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SOMETHING TO REMEMBER

VALENCIAN COMMUNITY vice-president Monica Oltra admitted that 2020 had been “painful.” Oltra, who is also spokeswoman for the Consell - equivalent to the regional government’s Cabinet – was speaking to the media following the year’s last weekly meeting. Asked to sum up 2020, Olta called it the “year of the pandemic” and a year to remember but also forget. “Nevertheless, it was a year when we discovered the importance of the invisible, of the sectors with a strong female presence and how it is essential to care for, to cure and nurture,” she said. “We have learnt about the importance of individual responsibil-

MONICA OLTRA: 2020 was painful but also a time to learn ity and how our actions can impact on the lives others, to the point of endangering the life of someone else.” Olta insisted that 2020 taught us that “what about me?” mat-

tered less than “what about us?” and discovering that collective and not individual solutions were required. The vice-president emphasised the significance of having ended

the year with a vaccine, which she described as a huge scientific achievement that highlighted the importance of science. “It should be more present in our Budgets and afforded more

social prestige,” Oltra admitted. She also insisted that in some respects 2020 had not ended on December 31. “We cannot lot our guard down and we have to go on fighting this pandemic,” she warned. Meanwhile, Ximo Puig, the Generalitat president had encouraging news for British residents who, as 2021 begins, are no longer European Union citizens. The regional government is introducing a helpline for Britons living in the Valencian Community to ensure that they have all the information they need regarding the new situation, Puig announced. He also revealed that he had asked the UK to increase its consular presence in the region to ensure that there would be no delay

in issuing the permits that will now be necessary when staying in Spain for more than 90 days. Puig expressed his “enormous regard” for the British community, who account for a third of all Britons living in Spain. “We shall continue providing all fundamental public services warmly and hospitably, applying the co-responsibility and reciprocity that are essential in these circumstances,” the Generalitat president said.

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Riverbank upgrade IMPROVEMENTS have been made to two kilometres of the road bordering the left bank of the River Segura in Orihuela. The road is popular for strolling, jogging and cycling, and the town hall’s Environment councillor Damaso Aparicio ex­ plained his department, in collab­

oration with the Confederacion Hidrografica del Segura (CHS), has focused on the section between the Tajo­Segura aqueduct pipes as far as Ociopia shopping centre. Verges have been weeded, kerbs repaired, potholes filled, while the bicycle lane has also been repainted, Aparicio said.

Dry, but cold ALICANTE Province saw in the New Year with snow inland in the Font Roja national park near Alcoy. Meanwhile, on the coast the hardiest residents and the occa­ sional tourist braved sea temper­ atures of 13 degrees in Torrevie­ ja, Alicante, Playa de San Juan and Benidorm for their tradition­ al New Year’s Day dip. The inland snow melted not long after settling and, if Profes­ sor Jorge Olcina, director of Ali­ cante University’s Climate Labo­ ratory is right, no more is expected during the immediately following days. Instead, Olcina predicted that until January 10 at least the weather would be dry but cold throughout the province while relatively little rain was foreseen for January or February.

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Two very recent arrivals MARTA MINGILLON ROS was Torrevieja hospital’s first 2021 baby. Her parents Ignacio and Myriam, who are both Spanish, were overjoyed to wel­ come their daughter who entered the world at 1.30am and weighed in at 3.37 ki­ los.

She was preceded minutes earlier by Paula, who arrived at the Vega Baja hospi­ tal in Orihuela weighing 2.23 kilos. Paula’s was the first baby to be born in Alicante Province on New Year’s Day and her par­ ents, Manuel and Nerea, are from Callosa de Segura.

Plea for the Dama’s return VALENCIA’S Compromis con­ demned other parties for not backing a proposal for the return of the Dama de Elche sculpture. Neither the PSOE socialists, En Comu Podem, Catalonia’s ERC nor the Basque PNV party backed Compromis senator Car­ les Mulet’s amendment to the central government’s 2021 Bud­ get. Mulet wanted a €3 mil­ lion allocation enabling the return of the Iber­ ian bust and its per­ manent display, but the amendment was rejected and the Dama de Elche remains in Madrid’s National Archaeolog­ ical Museum. The sculpture was dis­

covered in 1897 and sold to the Louvre in Paris some weeks lat­ er, only returning when France’s Vichy government negotiated its return with the Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco. Mulet declared that the Dama de Elche was one of Spain’s most prominent exam­ ples

of Iberian art: “By extension it is an emblem of Elche,” the sena­ tor declared. Justifying the Budget amend­ ment, he pointed out that the temporary loan of the statue for almost five months in 2006 brought an extra 380,000 visi­ tors to Elche, revitalising the city’s culture and economy. Returning the Dama to Elche and creating a museum of Iber­ ian art would assist the “neces­ sary decentralisation” of Spain’s cultural assets, the senator added, not least because of the city’s Iberian heritage. ELCHE’S DAMA: Created in the 4th century BC and discovered in 1893.

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NIBS EXTRA Helping hand RIBERA SALUD, the company which runs the outsourced Vinalopo hospital in Elche, offered beds to nearby public health hospitals to ease the situation caused by the rising number of Covid cases. Manager Rafael Carrasco explained that the Vinalopo was currently stable and able to accept patients from other areas.

Blue Zone TORREVIEJA Town Hall is considering including Blue Zone paid parking in its new Mobility by-laws, confirmed Federico Alarcon, the councillor who is spokesman for the Local Government Board. Shops and the hospitality industry lose custom because there are so few parking spaces, Alarcon said.

New roof THE roof over the Alicante airport terminal destroyed by fire in January 2020 is to be replaced next month. The blaze started with a short-circuit while installing air-conditioning machinery and although the damaged sections were temporarily repaired, engineers concluded that the entire roof needed to be replaced, airports authority Aena announced.

Brussels bounty GENERALITAT president Ximo Puig promised ‘a decade of opportunity’ with 90,000 more jobs over the next three years, thanks to EU funds. The Valencia region would receive five times more from Brussels over these years than it received in the previous 15, Puig declared, permitting ‘rapid, vigorous and transforming’ solutions.

New office TORREVIEJA Town Hall’s Urban Cleaning department is opening a Citizens’ Attention Office in Avenida Dr Gregorio Marañon from 9am until 1pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, to deal with queries or complaints regarding recycling, street and beach cleaning as well as furniture or other items left in the street.

Joining forces SEVERAL Orihuela charities are uniting to raise funds for children and adolescents in Peru who have been rescued from situations of extreme poverty by the Basque priest Fr Ignacio Doñoro. The Orihuela charities hope to raise €18,000 to buy implements for their tractor.

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Budget announced for 2021 TORREVIEJA’S Local Government Board has now approved the municipality’s draft Budget for 2021. Mayor Eduardo Dolon and Domingo Parades, Finance councillor, recently presented the €106,810,812 Budget which is expected to be voted through mid-month. Allocations for the Joaquin Chapaprieta Cultural Institute and the municipal Habaneras Board amount to another €1,657,815 and €850,000 respectively. Dolon explained that the 2021 Budget had been reduced owing to foreseen reductions in income owing to IBI rates reductions and waiving municipal taxes to help the hospitality trade and others. The mayor explained that more than €96 million was as-

BUDGET DRAFTED: Eduardo Dolon and Domingo Parades announce plans for 2021. signed to personnel, assets and services, as well as grants to associations and collectives in need. Almost €10 million would be spent on investments to benefit the town, he added.

More than €2 million of the Budget, split into various allocations, will provide a response to the Covid-19 crisis. The food programme for families in a precarious situation continues this year with an €800,000

allocation, while €500,000 will be used for the Commerce Reactivation Plan. There will also be another €500,000 in help for the self-employed and the owners of small businesses.

More work inspectors needed AS 2020 ended, a report from Spain’s Work and Social Security Directorate (ITSS) announced its 2019 figures high­ lighting Alicante Province’s transgres­ sions. The Valencian Community is one of Spain’s three autonomous regions that most failed to comply with hours worked on part­time contacts and fraud­ ulent use of contracts, the report re­ vealed. There were also many cases of ‘false

self­employed’ who were obliged to make their own social security pay­ ments, but worked for companies under the same conditions as those on the payroll. Regionally, the ITSS started proceed­ ings on 106,682 occasions in 2019, prin­ cipally in Valencia Province, with irregu­ larities found in 1,515 instances, followed by Alicante with 1,221. A total of 460 irregularities were linked to Social Security and Occupation­

al Health, with another 123 arising from Employment and Immigration in Ali­ cante Province. There were also 132 cas­ es of hindering work inspections. Asked to comment on the report, the regional branch of the Comisiones Obr­ eras trade union maintained that there was a pocket of ‘structural fraud’ gener­ ated by the Valencian region’s sub­ merged economy. This could only be stemmed with an increase in ITSS staff, an official said.

Ambulance Osprey’s sad end centre for El Altet

THE Elche area has a new Advanced Life Support (SVA) service, based in El Altet. The unit consists of an Intensive Care ambulance and a medicalised ambu­ lance, plus a nurse and two emergency paramedics based at El Altet’s social centre. This is the first of its kind in the Va­ lencian Community although others are planned for Castellon and Valencia City. Elche city hall gave the regional gov­ ernment permission to occupy 130 square metres of the El Altet centre and park in the street in December, Elche’s mayor Carlos Gonzalez announced. “This answers a long­standing re­ quest from Campo de Elche residents and underlines our commitment to pro­ viding a first­class public health sys­ tem,” Gonzalez said.

A YOUNG osprey was found dead in Jacarilla, close to the Benejuzar Sierra. It was electrocuted by contact with a ca­ ble in a wooded area a few kilometres from Sierra Escalona, one of the zones where young ospreys have been released in a project to reverse their dwindling numbers. Spain has around 700 breeding pairs of the birds, ac­ counting for 70 per cent of Europe’s total population. Environmentalist groups describe ospreys’ situation in the Valencian Community, where there are now only 66 pairs, as ‘alarming.’ Well over half of the ospreys that have been found dead were electrocuted by electricity towers and cables, while others drowned in irrigation ponds, were preyed on by hunters or poisoned.

An ear to the ground GROUND­PENETRATING radar was used in Orihuela to de­ tect buried vestiges of the town walls. The prospections were carried out at the end of last month in six different Orihuela locations, Heritage councillor Rafael Almagro revealed. The data obtained is now being in­ terpreted, he said, providing archaeologists with information regarding the municipality’s mediaeval defence system. It would also prove valuable when installing sewage, elec­ tricity and communications infrastructure, preventing un­ necessary damage to the remains, Almagro added.

Jobs scheme for under-30s SAN FULGENCIO Town Hall en­ gaged a member of staff via a Generalitat programme for local governments providing work for under­30s. Thanks to this programme, the town hall has received a €15,207 subsidy covering his wages and social security pay­ ments. This scheme sets out to pro­ vide young people with enough work experience to enter the labour market once their munic­ ipal contracts come to an end. Meanwhile, over the next 12 months San Fulgencio Town Hall’s newest employee will be helping with cleaning, garden­ ing, repairs and generally assist­ ing the municipal maintenance brigade.

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San Jose Obrero camp sold ORIHUELA’S Colegio San Jose Obrero cen­ tre has sold its prop­ erty in Guardamar. After declining to comment to the local media on rumours that the site was to be sold, the Orihuela­ Alicante diocese re­ cently told employ­ ees that the sale had gone through. Informacion news­ paper also revealed that the 8,300­square metre site has been sold to an Orihuela­ based property de­ velopment company that specialises in building residential properties in tourist areas. Located between the N­332 road and Guardamar’s pine­ woods, the existing hostel­camp occupies land near the seafront which was donated to the dio­ cese in 1962. Originally the land was officially zoned for non­residential public use, but re­ classified as suitable for residential use as it was surrounded by established residen­ tial zones. The hostel­camp, with its three pavil­ ions, chapel and sports pitches, was used for decades as a holiday area for chil­ dren at the Colegio San Jose Obrero cen­ tre as well as Ali­ cante Province groups and associa­ tions. According to some media sources, the diocese stands to make €2 million from the sale and the money raised will be used for improve­ ments to the San Jose centre’s princi­ pal installations in San Isidro (Orihuela).

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Family business donates grapes Refusal of vaccine A G R E E N G R O C E R ’ S in Cantabria donated 400 kilos of grapes for N ew Y ear’s Eve to the regional Health Service. Fruterias Gama has donated the grapes which will go to the healthcare workers and patients in Valdecilla, Sierrallana and Laredo Hospital. T he L aguatasig A rcos family, who represent Fruterias Gama, presented the

grapes on Wednesday, December 30, to the management of the C antabria H ealth D epartment. T he grapes were transported with all health requirements in place. The family said that they wanted to contribute something to make sure that everyone in hospital in the area would be able to see in the New Year with their 12 lucky grapes, and “for a few

moments, forget about the difficult situation which our country is going through.” H aving started out as a small business, the company has now become a franchise, and they say that the donation is also a way to thank everyone who has placed their trust in them. T heir shops also offer 10 per cent discount to anyone who is unemployed, furloughed or retired.

to be registered SPAIN has announced that it will become Europe’s first country to register all citizens who refuse to take the Covid­19 vaccine as rollouts continue. In a statement on Monday, December 28, Spain said that it will register and track all citizens who refuse to be administered with the coronavirus vaccine. It will share its register with other Euro­ pean countries, but it will not be made public. The identities of those on the list will be treated with the ‘utmost respect for data protection’ said the country’s health minister, Salvador Illa. In December a poll suggested that around 28 per cent of Spaniards will refuse to take the vac­ cine, a dramatic drop from 47 per cent in Novem­ ber. Illa told La Sexta TV that “the way to defeat the virus is to vaccinate all of us, or the more the better.”

THE President of the Generalitat, X imo P uig, said that help will be offered to British residents following B rexit with a telephone line being set up to support

NEWS

Aena Airport COVID testing AENA are set to launch Covid testing at 15 airports that have the highest throughput of travellers. They intend to create dedicated spaces for the tests to be carried out and private companies will be able to bid to run them. The companies will run and staff the testing areas, but will have to pay rent to Aena. It is expected that the lowest price point on the tests could win the six-month contract. The airports where testing areas are planned are Alicante-Elche, Barcelona-El Prat, Malaga-Costa del Sol, Madrid-Barajas, Bilbao, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, César Manrique-Lanzarote Menorca, Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Sevilla, and La Palma.

Brexit Support

them. Puig asks for speed in issuing visas for British na-

tionals travelling to the region, which is home to a third of Spain’s residents, so that they do not have any bureaucratic problems. “A helpline will be set up to help and support the British living in the V alencian C ommunity so that they have all the information they need about this new situation,” Puig said. B ritish residents have been assured by the Generalitat that they will maintain all the fundamental services in the V alencian Community, such as health, according to the President. He insisted that he wanted the lowest Brexit possible and that the current agreement is positive since it guarantees trade relations reiterating that British residents will continue to be cared for.

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Bills for 2021

THE year 2021 will see a hike in the cost of natural gas with bills set to rise by an average of 6 per cent per household, though there will be a freeze in the cost of electricity and public transport. While the cost of heating homes, water and cooking on gas will go up, the fixed part of the

electricity bill has been frozen until April 1. The government also intends to launch a national fund for the sustainability of the electricity system this year in order to reduce the bill by up to 13 per cent in the next five years. “It is a new mechanism that will

Alternative plans for Easter PRESIDENT of the Alicante Association of Brotherhoods, Alfredo Llopis, has announced that an ‘alternative Easter’ may have to be considered in light of the coronavirus pandemic for his year’s Holy Week festival, scheduled from March 28 to April 4. He has said that a firm decision won’t be made until the second half of Janu­ ary and that it is still “very risky to venture what is going to happen in three months.” Llopis also warned that holding processions on the streets and ensuring public safety would be very difficult, but that the Brother­ hoods are looking at alternatives. “We will go as far as the health situation allows,” he said. The Archbishop of Sevilla, Monsignor Juan José Asenjo signed a decree on Monday, December 28 stating that all Easter proces­ sions in 2021 in Sevilla will be cancelled due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking about the decision made in Sevilla, Llopis added: “We also hope that the Bishopric of Orihuela­Alicante will rule on the matter and if not, the Junta mayor will make a decision that will be the most sensible.”

allow us to reduce the electricity bill,” announced the Ministry of Finance on December 15. Renfe looks set to freeze train rates for 2021, and the same looks likely for buses and the metro in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Zaragoza. Toll costs are expected to fall by around 0.11 per cent this year. Meanwhile, the VAT on sugary drinks will increase to 21 per cent from Friday, January 8, and Correos is raising its parcel service rates. Sending a parcel nationally will be 5 per cent more expensive, and 2.5 per cent for those sent overseas.

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Facebook Enhanced Security SOCIAL MEDIA giant Facebook is set to offer enhanced security to more users during 2021. During the U S elections over 70 per cent of those involved had the Facebook’s enhanced security, called Facebook Protect that used two-factor authentication. Facebook is now looking to offer this to more users. According to Axios, Nate Gleicher, head of security policy at the social media giant, said that Protect includes real-time monitoring, and is going to be offered to human rights advocates and reporters. Physical security keys for two-factor authentication will also be provided to significant users. Regular Facebook users will be able to get their hands on the keys too, but at a cost. It is predicted that social media will face continued criticism over security and new laws may be implemented in the next few years.

MORE SECURE: New laws may be implemented in the next few years.

‘Insulting’ remarks XIMO PUIG has accused Madrid President Díaz Ayuso of disrespecting and ‘insulting Valencians’ over her Covid fund distribution remarks. The President of the Generalitat Valenciana was referring to Ayuso’s comments on Tuesday December 29, in which she said it was ‘striking’ that the Valencian Community, governed by the left and far-right, is to receive almost the same amount of funds as Madrid. She questioned why this would be so considering the Community’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is just 9 per cent and its population is significantly lower than the capital’s.

In response, Puig said her statements are ‘unfair and offensive,’ and argued that the Valencian Community ‘has been living a situation of objective discrimination by the State for years.’ He defended the distribution of Covid funds by the Spanish government, insisting it has been carried out ‘following the models and criteria of the EU, based on solidarity and equity.’ Minister of Finance Vicent Soler, said he is ‘very surprised’ Ayuso is criticising the distribution of European funds React when ‘she who has given away and renounced to enter more than 4,000 million annually to the upper classes of Madrid.’

NEWS

Police prevent suicide

NATIONAL POLICE prevented the suicide of a Belgian girl living in Alicante Province after being notified of her intentions to take her own life by the Greek police. The police report that the girl had expressed her intention to commit suicide on social network TikTok, and it had been reported to the Greek Cybercrime Division. After investigating, they discovered that the girl was in Spain and alerted the International Cooperation Division of the National Police via Interpol. Thanks to this international cooperation, the officers in Alicante were able to locate the girl and check on her at her address near Benidorm. They discovered that she had cut marks to her wrists and with her parents’ consent, she was taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment.

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PCR tests stolen SEVERAL PCR tests were stolen from a medical centre in Vizcaya, then wrecked and thrown in the street. Guenes Town Council shared on Twitter the im­ ages of the trashed PCR tests littering local streets. The Sodup Medical Centre was broken into, they re­ ported, since one of the win­ dows which accesses the room where the PCR tests to detect coronavirus are car­ ried out was left open. “Someone entered and took

OPEN WINDOW: The tests were left littering the street. the tests, destroyed them and threw them around the town,” the council said in a statement. The table where the tests were kept was left empty.

Once it is discovered who took the tests, they could face fines as it is “an unnec­ essary attack against the public health of local peo­ ple” the town hall said.

Sugar Loses Brother & Sister WITHIN two weeks after he lost his brother, Lord Alan Sugar announced that his sister had passed away from Covid. Lord Sugar took to Twitter on December 30 to reveal that his 88-year-old sister Shirley had passed away: “My eldest sister Shirley passed away today at the age of 88. She had been sick for a while but I guess Covid got her in the end to join our brother Derek who passed two weeks ago . RIP SHIRL” The sad announcement from the 73-year-

old comes not long after he revealed that his “long-suffering” brother Derek had lost his battle with coronavirus that “complicated” his underlying health issues on December 15. “Today I lost my long-suffering brother Derek - another victim of Covid, which added to his underlying health issues. He was a lifetime passionate Spurs supporter. “I never forget my sister-in-law joking with me, thanking me for buying him the club. A sad day for us all in the family.”

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Spain calls for urgent clarification THE Spanish government called an urgent meeting with the Mo­ roccan ambassador to Spain, Kari­ ma Benyaich, to ask her for clarifi­ cation over the statements of the Moroccan Prime Minister, Saadeddine El Othmani, in which he claimed that Ceuta and Melilla are “Moroccan like the Sahara.” Ceuta and Melilla are both in North Africa, but officially belong to Spain. The Secretary of State for For­ eign Affairs, Cristina Gallach, in­ formed the Ambassador that the government “expects all its part­ ners to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Spain. This comes despite both gov­ ernments insisting that relations are excellent. The Prime Minister of Morocco made the comment on Decem­ ber 10 after Donald Trump recog­ nised the sovereignty of Morocco over the Western Sahara. To be specific, El Othmani said in an in­ terview with an Egyptian channel, regarding Ceuta and Melilla, that “the status quo has lasted for five or six centuries” and added that “the day will come when we will reopen the matter of Ceuta and Melilla, Moroccan territories like

the Sahara.” However, he indicat­ ed that now was not the time be­ cause the priority is to find a defin­ itive solution to the Sahara conflict. Following Trump’s announce­ ment the US recognised the West­ ern Sahara as Moroccan, the Min­ ister of Foreign Affairs, EU and

Cooperation, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, maintained that this “does not depend on the will or unilater­ al action of a country, no matter how big this country is,” but rather “the centre of gravity is in the UN.” The UN considers the former Spanish colony a non­au­ tonomous territory.

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NEWS

Increase In New NYE in Businesses hospital

ALICANTE has registered a large increase in the number of new companies being es­ tablished, however these tend to be small in size and employ fewer workers. According to the latest da­ ta released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), an additional 2,498 business­ es have been registered, but only 282 of these have more than five employees. The INE reported that this is the sixth annual increase in the re­ gion.

The increase in 2020 is largely attributed to the coronavirus pandemic, with people who have found themselves unemployed choosing to set up their own business. However, it is not the good news it may seem on the sur­ face as the Institute of Eco­ nomic Studies of the Province of Alicante (Ineca) warns that these small busi­ ness may not have the ability to compete with bigger firms once the market picks up.

Elche Hospital Cancels Surgeries HOSPITAL bosses in Elche made the decision on Tuesday, December 29 to suspend almost all scheduled procedures, both medical and surgical, including outpatient activities until at least January 18 as the hospital is overwhelmed with Covid patients. The move comes as two cases of the new mutant Covid variant, originally found in the UK, were discovered in Elche. The patients are said to be doing well, but officials have warned that things could get much worse.

ALMOST 14,000 Covid pa­ tients in Spain saw in 2021 from a hospital bed. According to health da­ ta, one in 10 hospital beds in hospitals across the country was occupied by a patient with coronavirus on December 31, and 21 per cent of ICUs have at least one. And the ‘Christmas ef­ fect’ is expected to raise pressure on the health service. In total, 11,905 Covid patients were being treat­ ed for the killer virus on regular hospital wards. There are a further 2,035 ‘serious’ cases with patients fighting for their lives in ICU, with the high­ est figure in Catalonia (433), Valencian Commu­ nity (306), Madrid (301), and Andalucia (212). This represents 21.3 per cent of the total ICU beds in Spain.

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Pope Francis ‘Saddened’ POPE FRANCIS sent a powerful message to the world in a televised address from the library of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on January 3. Standing next to a Christmas tree and nativity after his traditional Sunday Angeles blessing, Francis said that people must ‘take care of each other’ as we wait to see what the New Year will bring. “We don’t know what 2021 will reserve for us, but what all of us can do together is make a bit more of an effort to take care of each other. “There is the temptation to take care only of our own interests. “The painful events which marked the life of humanity last year, in particular the pandemic, taught us how necessary it is to take an interest in the problems of others and share their concerns.” The Pope also urged people to follow Covid guidelines in an effort to keep everyone safe, and said he was “saddened” by news of individuals

POPE FRANCIS: Said that people must take care of each other.

choosing to flout the restrictions for frivolous reasons. “They didn’t think about those who were staying at home, of the economic problems of many people who have been hit hard by the lockdown, of the sick people, only about going on holiday and having fun,” he said. “This really saddened me,” he added The Vatican City is expected to receive its Covid-19 Pfizer vaccines in the coming days with the plan to vaccinate everyone in the City State and Holy See in the second week of January. To read the full speech go to https://www.euroweek lynews.com/2021/01/03/pop e-francis-urges-people-totake-care-of-each-other/

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NEWS

A tapas date with Shakira

SHAKIRA and her footballer husband Gerard Pique are offering the chance to win a double date for tapas in Barcelona for a good cause. The Colombian singer has always been known for her charity work, and at just 18, she launched Pies Descalzos, a foundation that seeks to provide basic education to the most disadvantaged and lower­class children in her country. The pandemic has caused the situation to be­ come even worse, with many of them living be­ low the poverty line, so with this in mind, Shakira and her husband have come up with the plan to raise funds to improve conditions for these chil­ dren. To participate, all you have to do is make a do­ nation that will be used to build a community school. Shakira herself has explained it on her social networks. “When travelling is safe again, Shakira and Ger­ ard Pique want to invite you to dinner in Barcelona! Hotels and flights are included and each donation will go to the Pies Descalzos Foun­ dation,” she wrote. They promise to talk about anything the win­ ner wants over tapas at one of their favourite spots. The site is open for donations until March 5 and the winner will be announced on March 17, although they have said that the date will only take place when safety restrictions allow it. With donations from just as little as $2 to enter the sweepstakes, it might just be worth a try! Visit www.omaze.com/shakira for more infor­ mation.

SHAKIRA: Is known for her charity work.

Back to concerts NOTRE DAME, the iconic cathedral in the heart of Paris, has hosted its first concert since a devastating fire caused severe damage in April 2019. The cathedral hosted a televised live Christmas Eve concert featuring 20 singers, a solo Soprano, violinists, and an organ. The magnificent cathedral would usually host over 60 concerts each year, though since being heavily damaged in a fire has not hosted musical events for 18 months. The musicians and singers performed while socially distancing under France’s social distancing guidelines. The diocese told AP that the ‘highly symbolic concert’ was one ‘marked with emotion and hope.’ They expressed their job that concerts had returned to the cathedral, which boasts ‘musical heritage that dates to the Middle Ages.’

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Changes to paternity leave from January THE New Year sees changes to the paternity leave in Spain, meaning that it will be distributed more equitably between fathers and mothers. Until 2007, only the mother had the right to take leave after giving birth, but changes have been made since then, especially from 2017 onwards. The latest General state Budget shows

that both parents are entitled to 16 weeks leave and to share responsibility for the child’s care. The new leave will be divided into two parts. First, six mandatory weeks will be received by both parents, uninterrupted and full-time, after the birth or the judicial resolution or administrative decision, in the case of adoption.

Second, the remaining 10 weeks will be taken in weekly periods, within the year following the birth or the adoption. However, this second set of weeks off must be agreed with the company, which could force the parent to take the break part-time and/or on certain dates. This will allow them to choose how to reconcile their professional lives with the care of the child.

NEWS

Town with 12 inhabitants wins lottery A TOWN of just 12 inhabitants in Teruel, has won €3.9 mil­ lion on El Gordo Christmas lottery. Each of the 12 inhabitants of Luco de Bordon had a ticket for the number which has received one of the fifth category prizes, 49760. The mayor, Jose Maria Lecina, said that the prize money, up to €3.9 million, has been won by residents, visitors and people who spend their summer in the town, and neigh­ bouring areas. The tickets have been sold through the Virgen del Pilar Cultural Association in the town. The mayor also explained, that there will be no overnight millionaires, because the person who had the most tickets only had three, but that the whole town was happy with their winnings.

Squatters out VIGILANTE neighbours took matters into their hands and scaled an apartment block to boot squatters out of a Barcelona flat. Frustrated, two young people had ‘taken over a neighbouring property,’ a group of residents armed with a ladder climbed over a balcony to get them out. A video shared on social networks shows five Terrassa neighbours climbing the ladder

and storming the flat before dragging one of them out and forcing him down the ladder before he makes a run for it. The second flatly refuses to leave before Mossos d’Esquadra show up at the scene minutes later to ‘intervene and avoid public order problems.’ According to Mossos d’Esquadra, this was the pair’s second attempt to occupy the flat.

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NEWS

Memorabilia seized

GUARDIA CIVIL discovered a warehouse full of Nazi memorabilia while raiding the premises of three suspected illegal arms dealers in Malaga recently. Three men, two Germans and a Brit, have been arrested following a year-long police investigation ‘Operation Nongreta’ into arms trafficking on the Costa del Sol and Campo de Gibraltar. In a warehouse in Alhaurin el Grande, police found a massive cache of weaponry alongside Third Reich memorabilia. Over 160 firearms

Uniforms were found too. and nearly 10,000 bullets were seized as well as 1.5 kilos of explosives. Police also discovered an enormous collection of Nazi items includ-

ing portraits of Adolf Hitler, SS Uniforms, emblems and medals. The trio of men allegedly imported the guns from Eastern Europe, modified them to remove serial numbers, and sold them to violent drug gangs across Spain’s south coast. One of the German nationals in custody has a history of far-right sympathy. The €700,000 in cash also seized by officers is testimony to the lucrative arms trade that exists among Spain’s criminals.

Roscons with Hidden Surprise TRADITIONAL Spanish Roscons have been made with a hidden surprise from bakers Horno Arguiñano in La Rioja. The baker is said to have hidden around 100 treats in the must have Christmas Roscons, in the hopes of boosting the local economy. The company is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary and to finish the year with a merry twist it has hidden culinary treats to help local bars, restaurants and cafes. The treats include a fantastic selection of meals out around the city,

and also winery visits. Owner, Eduardo Villar who is also the president of the Spanish Confederation of Bakery, Pastry, Pastry and Related Products said he wanted to “encourage the citizens of La Rioja and the provinces bordering on the consumption of local and regional products. The hotel industry, as we know, has been severely punished during the health crisis and needs now more than ever, to have our support, with that of all citizens.”

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Alicante ‘Covid Court’ ALICANTE has opened a new ‘Covid court’ to deal with issues arising from the pandemic, in a bid to prevent the regular courts being clogged up with jurisdiction issues arising since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The court will be operating the so-called Covid Court from Thursday, December 31 and will deal specifically with commercial jurisdiction, one of the sectors most badly affected by the State of Alarm. It will be located on Calle Alona, 29 and the staff will be made up of nine officials appointed by the Ministry of Justice, as well as a judge and a lawyer from the Administration of Justice.

Reeling at losses SPANISH cinemas have been dealt a huge blow in 2020 ending the year a whopping €446m out of pocket due to the pandemic. Having enjoyed a record year for box office sales in 2019, reeling in more than 105 million cinemagoers, the coronavirus crisis caused a complete turnaround in Spain and around the world. The film industry saw productions cancelled, travel and social distancing restrictions imposed and cinemas closed to the public. According to new data from Comscore, this caused losses of €446 million in Spain compared

TENET: Gave a small boost. to the previous year. While the year started well in Spain, the three-month lockdown hit the sector hard. Big movie producers

changed their film release dates, but Spain stuck to its summer premieres and films such as Tenet could give box offices only a small boost.

Flight Brake Fears A RYANAIR plane coming to Alicante from Bristol in the United Kingdom had a scary moment on Monday night, December 28 when the pilot feared that there was a failure in the brake system and alerted the airport to a possible emergency situation. Although the Miguel Hernandez airport in Alicante Elche activated their emer-

gency protocol, the pilot landed the plane safely without damage or injury at around 8.30pm. Monday was a troublesome day for flights from Spain to the U K. A Jet 2 flight returning to Manchester from Fuerteventura had to be diverted to Cork in Ireland when an intoxicated woman became disruptive.

NEWS

Disabled parking fines OVER recent months, the DGT traffic authority has considered removing points from a driver’s licence for breaches to parking bay rules. Currently, it is an offence to park in a disabled bay without the appropriate badge, and the fine is €200 which is effective on the sight of the breach. The DGT believe it would also be possible to remove points from a driver’s licence, but this measure has not been approved, and just the fine itself exists at this time. The DGT spokesperson’s remarked removal of points was only for serious breaches of road safety. This harsh penalty would not solve parking illegally in disabled bays, undersecretary of the ministry of the interior Isabel Goicoechea confirmed.

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NEWS

Former Vox In Prison

A FORMER Vox leader has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in Lerida for abusing the dis­ abled and will have to compensate one of the victims with €15,000 and another with €5,000. The Audiencia of Llérida sentenced José An­ tonio Ortiz Cambray, to 14 years and three months in prison after proving that he offered money in exchange for different sexual acts, according to sources from the Public Prosecu­ tor’s Office of Llérida. In the trial, held on November 25, the for­ mer leader of Vox denied having had physical contact with the two men with disabilities: “I swear to God and the memory of my parents, I did not have these meetings.” Ortiz Cambray was arrested at the car deal­

ORTIZ CAMBRAY: Reported to police. ership in Lérida where he worked at the begin­ ning of March 2019, after the Alosa Founda­ tion of Lérida, which protects two of the vic­ tims, discovered the messages by WhatsApp from him and one of the disabled men and re­ ported him to the Mossos d’Esquadra police station.

Spanish are the happiest SPANIARDS once again topped the list of Gallup’s hap­ piness survey in Europe, with 65 per cent of those polled de­ scribing themselves as happy. Only 7 per cent of Spain said they were unhappy, while 26 per cent described themselves as being neither happy nor un­ happy. This marks a 7 per cent decline in Spanish happiness since 2019 when almost three­ quarters of the population de­

scribed themselves as happy. Meanwhile, Europe is the most pessimistic continent on Earth, with only 46 per cent of EU citizens anticipating 2021 to be better than 2020 and 29 per cent believing it will be worse. Italians top the continent for pessimism, with only 13 per cent holding hope that things will improve in the New Year. Overall, half of all Europeans said they were happy, 46 per

cent said that 2021 would bring economic difficulty, and just 25 per cent believed that we can look forward to economic pros­ perity next year. Finland is the most optimistic country in Eu­ rope, at 57 per cent. Indians (64 per cent) and Latin Americans (61 per cent) are the happiest people on Earth, while 54 per cent of the world’s population said they are happy.

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FEATURE

Advertising Feature

Brexit - Currencies Direct

here to support you through 2021 and beyond IT’S safe to say that 2020 has been an extremely difficult year for all of us, with considerable disruption to our lives as we ad­ justed to life amid a pandemic. This disruption has been clearly reflected in the currency market, which has seen some dramatic volatility over the past 12 months. This was particularly notable at the start of the year when the GBP/EUR exchange rate shed al­ most 15 cents in the span of a sin­ gle month. Such extreme movements have created issues for people looking to move money to and from Spain. As was the case for most busi­ nesses, the coronavirus pandemic meant our team at Currencies Di­ rect had to adjust to rapidly changing circumstances. However, adjust we did and we’re proud that we’ve been able maintain our high level of service throughout the crisis and contin­ ue meeting our customers’ cur­ rency requirements without dis­ ruption. At the end of a challenging year, and after being overshad­ owed by the coronavirus pandem­ ic for many months, Brexit started to dominate headlines from Octo­ ber onwards. This injected fresh uncertainty into not just GBP ex­ change rates but also the lives of many expats living in Spain. Brexit and currency In terms of the pound, the fourth quarter of 2020 saw the currency touch some of its worst levels since the start of the pan­ demic against the euro before re­ bounding, but achieve new multi­ year high against the US dollar. This volatility only became more pronounced as December 31 approached without any clear indication of whether the UK and EU would agree upon a trade deal

Currency market has seen some dramatic volatility over the last year.

before the transition period ex­ pired. While the lack of certainty over the UK’s post­Brexit relationship with the EU made planning for the future difficult, at Currencies Direct we took steps to ensure a smooth continuation of service regardless of the outcome, offer­ ing certainty in trying times. Our company acquired a licence with the highly reputable Banco de Espana (the Bank of Spain) so our customers would experience no disruption to services no mat­ ter what. This also ensures that

our customers can be confident that their currency transfers are in safe hands and that we’re regu­ lated to the highest standards. Our commitment to security Peace of mind is key when mak­ ing international money transfers and at Currencies Direct we make the security of your funds our pri­ ority. Our top credit rating At Currencies Direct we’re proud to hold a level one credit rating with Dun & Bradstreet, meaning we have the lowest level of risk.

Segregated accounts At Currencies Direct we keep your money in segregated ac­ counts*, completely separate to the funds we use to run our busi­ ness. Award­winning service We feel that customer satisfac­ tion is a real testament to the dedication of our teams and the level of service they provide, so our five­star ‘Excellent’ Trustscore on Trustpilot is really important to us. We’ve also won a number of awards over the years, including

the 2020 MoneyAge Money Transfer Provider of the Year award. After a year like 2020, who know what 2021 has in store for us! However, if you need to move money to or from Spain in the year ahead our expert team at Currencies Direct are more than ready for whatever might be thrown at us. As always, using our services means you’ll also benefit from excellent exchange rates, no transfer fees and flexible transfer solutions.

At Currencies Direct we’re here to talk currency whenever you need us, so get in touch if you want to know more about the latest news or how it could impact your currency transfers. Since 1996 we’ve helped more than 325,000 customers save time and money with excellent exchange rates, no fees and expert support. With 20+ global branches, including 16 across Portugal and Spain, we’re never far away when you need us. Give us a call to find out more. *Please note, our bank providers do not monitor the funds we place on safeguarding accounts or how we operate these accounts, it is our responsibility to segregate funds.

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Nine-year-old hero A BOY, nine, has become a hero after having the presence of mind to alert the emergency services when his mother fainted in their home in Toledo. The boy, named Lucas, called 112 and told the operator what had happened to his mum at around 5pm on Wednesday, December 23. He gave them the address to their home and opened the door to the Local Police who were the first to arrive, national Spanish daily ABC reports. Close on their heels was a team of paramedics in an ambulance, who took charge of the woman, who by then, was no

LOCAL POLICE: ‘All heroes are now called Lucas.’

longer unconscious. She was taken to hospital for tests, accompanied by her husband, who had since arrived home.

Lucas stayed with his aunt, who we imagine was very proud of him. The Local Police in Toledo reported the events on their Instagram account, saying that ‘now heroes are called Lucas.’ The mayor, Milagros Tolon, wished ‘Happy Christmas to all the heroes who do so much for others.’ Toledo Local Police have dedicated a section of the road safety lessons which they carry out at local schools on how to talk to the emergency services, although it is not known if the boy had attended one.

Willie Thorne’s family feud THE late snooker legend’s wife, former Miss Great Britain Jill Thorne, is locked in a bitter feud with Willie’s three children from his first marriage. Jill said that she wants to auction the star’s favourite cue to raise money for charity, but his children want the cue to ‘remain in the family.’ Jill told The Mirror: “His children said they wanted the cue back which I understand, but he had bequeathed it to me. “He would love it being sold off for charity.” Willie’s first wife Fiona, however, said that it was his wish for the iconic cue to be returned to his children after his death. “Willie was emphatic he wanted Tristan and not Jill to look after his affairs when he died, and there are several witnesses to that. “He was not very keen for Jill to have any involvement. “My family would not be supportive of Jill selling the cue and will not be stating anything to that effect. They were not Willie’s last wishes.”

NEWS

Hotel Bill

Scam

OFFICERS of the National Police who arrested a 35-year-old Spanish man for ducking out on a whopping €2,524 hotel bill in Valencia nabbed the thief in another hotel. The perpetrator racked up the bill when he booked into the hotel from December 12 to 15, before extending his stay until December 20. Hotel staff claim that the man actually departed early, but left all his belongings in the room, meaning that the accommodation couldn’t be rented out. The hotel subsequently charged the man’s card, but the transaction was declined and they called the Local Police after he repeatedly refused to pay up. Officials finally tracked the man down in another hotel where he was staying and have arrested him for fraud.

SIERRA ‘NATIONAL’ NEVADA THE Sierra Nevada is now one step closer to becoming a national park of Andalucia. A report issued on Monday, December 28 which is to be submitted to the councils of ministers for approval is another step closer for the resort to become a National Park of Spain. The park will extend over 23,000 hectares across the municipalities of Malaga, Benahavis, El Burgo, Istan, Monda, Parauta, Ronda, Tolox and Yunquera.

Valencia Euromillions Ticket I T was a very happy Christmas for one lucky punter as they bagged the top prize in the E uromillions draw on Tuesday, December 22 to net a cool €43.7million. The winning ticket was purchased in Valencia. Spain’s newest multi-millionaire isn’t letting the grass grow under his or her feet however, as the ticket has already been validated at the R eceiving Office in Sant Pere de Riudebitlles in Barcelona. It was a fortunate night all round, as two other players, based in Madrid and Barcelona, walked away with almost €50,000 each

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Young forger NATIONAL POLICE have arrested a minor in Barcelona accused of manufacturing counterfeit euro notes and selling them online. As reported by the police authorities, the young suspect moved to a town near the Catalan capital where he allegedly manufactured counterfeit notes of 10, 20 and 50 and sold them online to buyers in various countries including the UK and Portugal. S ources claim he also gave forgery courses online

and revealed where to buy the necessary material and how to make counterfeit notes. T he N ational A nalysis Centre of the Bank of Spain determined the counterfeit notes are ‘very good quality forgery,’ describing the illegal activities as ‘very dangerous’ due to the difficulty in detecting the falsification of them. T he investigation remains open and further arrests are expected to be made.

Beach Cleaning Volunteers THE beach cleaning volunteers of Moaña in Galicia, collected a massive 300 kilos of plastic in only a few hours, in the first of a series of beach cleaning operations. Over 30 locals including little ones, turned out to support the event even though it was raining and cold. It took several hours to clear the O Arnado beach of rubbish, most of which was plastic. The city council along with the Local Action Groups of the Fisheries Sector have set up the ‘Plastic-free Moaña’ programme. The aim of the programme is to clear the beaches especially of plastics, and to teach the next generation about the environment and the dangers of plastic.

Spain’s First Female Pilot LIEUTENANT Elena Gutierrez is the first woman to pilot the Spanish Air force’s Eurofighter jet alone, and her first solo flight took place on December 22. The milestone flight was part of the conversion course for the pilots of Wing 11 and Wing 14 of the 113th squadron. Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister took to Twitter to congratulate Lieutenant Gutierrez and said “Overcoming barriers, breaking glass ceilings, moving towards complete equality between men and women. Our society takes another step on this path. Elena Gutierrez is the first woman to pilot an Air Force Eurofighter fighter. Congratulations!!”

EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPEAN NIBS DENMARK Fewer deaths THE Danish road directorate Vejdirektoratet has announced that 155 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in the country during 2020 which compares to 199 in 2019 and is the lowest number of fatalities for 90 years.

NETHERLANDS Unfair fine A WOMAN who was receiving social service benefits has been taken to court by her local council after it discovered that her mother was buying her shopping and therefore demanded a refund of €7,000, but this is to be reviewed after public outcry.

distancing.

GERMANY Vaccine overdose EIGHT workers in a care home in Stralsund were accidentally given five times the recommended does of the Pfizer vaccine and four were admitted to hospital after they started to exhibit flulike symptoms.

FRANCE Fashion’s loss HAVING been born in Italy, Pierre Cardin who has just died at the age of 98, moved with his family to France when still very young and since then rose to become one of the most prestigious of French fashion designers.

BELGIUM

NORWAY

Serious breach

Striking Pastors

PHOTOS of police officers enjoying a Christmas lunch in the Molenbeek police station shared on social media have resulted in a senior police officer being removed from his position as those at the party were unmasked and ignoring social

A NUMBER of pastors in the Norwegian Church, which is mainly funded by the government, have reluctantly gone on strike over Christmas in protest about the potential loss of housing subsidies and to ask for higher guaranteed pay.

FINANCE May critical FORMER British Prime Minister Teresa May has been very critical about the Brexit deal that was finally signed off by Boris Johnson, saying that it did not adequately protect the financial services sector now or for the future.

Minimum wage PRIME MINISTER Pedro Sánchez gave beleaguered Spanish businesses some good news after confirming that there will be a temporary hold on the introduction of a higher minimum wage and also on certain aspects of labour reform.

Green spuds THE Albert Bartlett food company has reduced its annual use of plastic by 92 tons thanks to introducing reduced thickness, recyclable bags as well as removing plastic trays from its baking potato packs and thinner potato bags.

Sudden resignation MEDIA reports suggest that Emilio Lamo de Espinosa, President of the Elcano Royal Institute has resigned due to pressure from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Spanish Institute is a think tank specialising in international and strategic studies

Possible motorway charges AS the Spanish government looks to increase its income during 2021, through measures such as the Tobin and Google taxes, the fact that some former toll roads became free of charge has not been overlooked. Back in August 2020, Minister of Transport, José Luis Ábalos let it be known through an interview that he was considering charging for the use of the currently free roads although nothing was set in stone. Analysts suggest however that 2021 could be the year that charges of some sort are introduced on these and other major roads.

STAT OF WEEK

www.euroweeklynews.com • 31 December 2020 - 6 January 2021

€10,000

or more will have to be declared in advance if carried by anyone travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland after January 1, 2021.

Online beauty store

Bang goes your breakfast BREAKFAST in Spain for expatriates could be quite different as raw sausages if chilled fall foul of the agreements which cover chilled minced red meat and chilled meat preparations (eg raw sausages). Also falling fowl is any form of minced poultry meat plus certain dishes which include unpas­ teurised milk or cheese (eg lasagne).

Government guidance on Brexit, updated on De­ cember 28, states that UK producers of ‘chilled meat preparations,’ will be ‘prohibited’ from ex­ porting their goods to Eu­ rope as of January 1, 2021, including chilled raw sausages, chilled mince, ungraded eggs, and some unpasteurised milk, while some experts said they believe those goods will be allowed to

LEGALLY SPEAKING Will the 90-day rule change?

be exported if they are in a frozen state. The updated 1,426­ page Brexit deal between the UK and the EU says that each will have its own independent ‘sani­ tary’ rules on products of animal origin, which means that products from either side must first pass specific checks before being allowed to be exported. The chief executive of

the British Meat Proces­ sors, Nick Allen, speaking to The Mirror, is reported to have said, “We had given up hope that they would get this particular issue resolved before Jan­ uary 1. What we hope, and what one or two people have said to us, is that in the coming months we can negotiate an export health certifi­ cate, so this stuff can go to the Continent.”

Tesco Programme Credit: Salt Beer Factory

BUSINESS EXTRA

28

We have owned an apartment in Fuengirola for the past 19 years. We spend on average five to eight months there. I know there has been a longstanding law about the length of time we were allowed to stay in Spain, that is, 90 days in 180 days, but I have the impression that they have never strictly enforced the law. Do you think they will continue this relaxed implementation of the law, now that the UK is out of Europe? B W (Costa del Sol)

Investigation terminated NEW BRANDS: Thumbs up to Tesco.

Don’t count on it. We want to be very YOU AND THE LAW careful in using IN SPAIN terms like ‘never strictly enforced.’ Sometimes the 90­day rule has indeed been strictly enforced. People have been stopped at the border or at passport control at the airport and fined for exceeding the 90­day limit. The rule applies to all non­resi­ dents of Spain whether they are EU or not. There are tens of thousands of Britons who own homes in France or Italy or Spain who would like to spend more than 90 days in their second homes. The Spanish authori­ ties are aware of this problem and they are seeking a solu­ tion.

DAVID SEARL

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana and Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.

THE Bank of Spain has indicated that it is very much in favour of Spanish bank mergers in order to ensure that they will be strong enough to weather any financial storm caused by the Covid­19 pan­ demic. Already Caixabank and Bankia have agreed terms whilst the pro­ posed merger of BBVA and Sabadell was called off after just

AFTER receiving a staggering bonus of £1 billion (€1.1 billion) and promising to pay his £750,000 (€825,000) annual salary to charity, Matt Moulding, the brain behind the UK Hut Group has gone on the acquisi­ tion trail. They have purchased online skincare firm Dermstore from US retailer Target for £259 mil­ lion (€285 million) and then added UK nutrition product sup­ pliers Claremont Ingredients and David Berryman for a further £59.5 million (€65.5 million). Only floating on the UK Stock Market in September of this year, the online beauty products company has seen share prices grow by 50 per cent since its launch.

ONE of the biggest prob­ lems that new brands have is in making contact with buyers for large supermar­ kets which is one of the reasons that Dragons Den is so popular as the entre­ preneurs in the show can easily make introductions, but at a price! Recognising this, Tesco in the UK started its Incubator Programme in 2017 in or­ der to choose emerging businesses who appeared to be likely to have a saleable product but may not have the knowledge of mass marketing and sup­ ply. Since then, Tesco has

worked with 28 different companies teaching them over one year all of the se­ crets of dealing with a mas­ sive group, understanding marketing, packaging and how to cope with dealing with supply across the UK market. This year, the Salt Beer Factory, a microbrewery sited in the UNESCO World Heritage village of Saltaire (Yorkshire) and only set up in 2018 has been chosen for the programme and has every chance of becoming a regular supplier to the su­ permarket chain from its already award­winning brewery.

Spanish banks merge

two weeks of discussions. The next joining of two banks is Unicaja and Liberbank which would make the new entity known as Uni­ caja Banco, Spain’s fifth­largest bank with assets in the region of €109 billion after agreeing terms in principle.

Unicaja with greater market value and assets is due to take 59.5 per cent of the new bank with Liber­ bank taking 40.5 per cent, with the two respective Bank chairmen tak­ ing senior positions for two years. With interest rates at all time lows and the fear of financial diffi­

AN investigation into the transfer of funds from Spain to Switzerland involving HS­ BC, directors of Santander and BNP Paribas in Spain has been concluded and no charges will be made at this time. The investigation started in 2017 and has now come to an end even though Anti­ corruption Prosecutors be­ lieve that a crime has been committed in as much as the transfer of money was hid­ den from the Spanish Trea­ sury. For technical reasons be­ cause of the way in which the transfer took place and the wording of current legis­ lation, it will not however be possible to lay charges against anyone. culty for lower paid workers as well as those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, many banks can expect to have to accept short term losses. This consolidation will however allow them to rationalise their busi­ nesses, reduce staff, cut costs and be in a position to tackle both na­ tional and international markets in the future.

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LONDON - FTSE 100

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C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 4

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3I Group 1.165,00 1.179,00 Admiral Group 2.950,0 2.955,0 Anglo American 2.529,5 2.545,0 Antofagasta 1.482,00 1.487,50 Ashtead Group 3.499,0 3.518,0 Associated British Foods 2.269,0 2.303,0 AstraZeneca 7.455,0 7.467,0 Auto Trader Group Plc 605,40 606,80 Avast 538,39 544,00 Aveva 3.333,0 3.340,0 Aviva 325,71 332,20 B&M European Value Retail SA522,00 525,80 BAE Systems 500,80 504,12 Barclays 144,28 148,68 Barratt Developments 662,40 684,60 Berkeley 4.711,0 4.848,0 BHP Group 1.997,80 2.008,50 BP 261,05 264,90 British American Tobacco 2.751,9 2.761,2 British Land Company 486,30 500,00 BT Group 133,60 135,90 Bunzl 2.514,0 2.517,0 Burberry Group 1.811,0 1.824,0 Carnival 1.370,9 1.399,5 Centrica 47,18 47,76 Coca Cola HBC AG 2.390,0 2.401,1 Compass 1.390,50 1.401,00 CRH 3.172,0 3.197,0 Croda Intl 6.620,0 6.646,0 DCC 5.354,0 5.362,0 Diageo 2.968,8 2.982,0 DS Smith 383,50 385,20 EasyJet 815,60 836,60 Experian 2.866,0 2.870,0 Ferguson 8.876,0 9.018,0 Flutter Entertainment 15.410,0 15.585,0 Fresnillo 1.199,49 1.200,20 GlaxoSmithKline 1.371,20 1.374,40 Glencore 242,10 243,85 Halma 2.510,0 2.514,0 Hargreaves Lansdown 1.521,99 1.540,06 Hikma Pharma 2.558,00 2.562,00 HSBC 377,63 383,15 IAG 161,05 165,46 Imperial Brands 1.558,00 1.565,00 Informa 554,60 559,60 InterContinental 4.739,0 4.793,0 Intermediate Capital 1.719,00 1.759,00 Intertek 5.760,0 5.760,0 ITV 107,30 109,25 J Sainsbury 227,70 229,00

% CHG. 1.162,00 2.923,0 2.471,5 1.462,50 3.486,0 2.267,0 7.402,5 599,80 537,50 3.214,0 325,10 519,60 493,50 143,30 660,00 4.711,0 1.962,20 257,50 2.742,5 484,50 133,45 2.450,0 1.801,5 1.361,5 47,14 2.370,0 1.374,00 3.131,0 6.606,0 5.238,0 2.929,9 378,80 791,57 2.818,0 8.864,0 15.330,0 1.159,00 1.357,40 237,55 2.475,0 1.518,03 2.545,00 377,60 160,55 1.553,50 554,00 4.674,0 1.712,00 5.700,0 107,05 226,00

NET VOL 41,50K 20,22K 281,53K 6,85K 49,03K 68,90K 63,80K 98,42K 4,74K 48,16K 247,85K 91,80K 178,30K 1,06M 55,56K 1,34K 353,02K 1,23M 29,65K 142,08K 1,88M 30,16K 37,57K 29,38K 2,51M 7,26K 162,92K 67,64K 12,63K 6,67K 32,53K 48,21K 259,33K 22,64K 21,63K 1,67K 110,26K 164,61K 4,90M 23,65K 7,14K 10,03K 177,63K 2,59M 23,43K 10,58K 32,89K 45,71K 11,11K 913,73K 263,51K

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

Johnson Matthey 2.481,0 JSC MMC Norilsk Nickel ADR 33,11 JSC VTB Bank DRC 0,995 Land Securities 676,70 Legal & General 265,70 Lloyds Banking 35,30 London Stock Exchange 9.214,0 Meggitt 473,60 Melrose Industries 181,04 Mondi 1.750,00 National Grid 879,60 NatWest Group 161,25 Next 7.072,0 Ocado 2.282,00 Persimmon 2.775,0 Phoenix 707,39 Prudential 1.377,00 Reckitt Benckiser 6.642,0 Relx 1.819,50 Rentokil 526,20 Rightmove 666,00 Rio Tinto PLC 5.667,0 Rolls-Royce Holdings 109,60 Rosneft 5,88 Royal Dutch Shell A 1.321,11 Royal Dutch Shell A 1.320,6 Royal Dutch Shell B 1.278,6 RSA Insurance 679,40 Sage 600,20 Samsung Electronics DRC 1.915,00 Sberbank 14,97 Schroders 3.359,9 Scottish Mortgage 1.221,94 Segro 964,60 Severn Trent 2.314,0 Smith & Nephew 1.562,00 Smiths Group 1.537,00 Spirax-Sarco Engineering 11.550,0 SSE 1.523,50 St. James’s Place 1.130,50 Standard Chartered 461,40 Standard Life Aberdeen 284,80 Taylor Wimpey 161,45 Tesco 234,26 Tui 486,70 Unilever 4.463,3 United Utilities 904,00 Vodafone Group PLC 122,26 Whitbread 3.109,0 WPP 799,80

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

2.491,0 33,11 0,997 691,50 271,40 37,24 9.216,0 481,00 183,60 1.758,00 883,60 169,85 7.254,0 2.316,96 2.839,0 713,00 1.380,50 6.676,0 1.825,00 528,20 668,60 5.690,0 113,00 5,95 1.329,31 1.329,4 1.288,2 680,00 600,40 1.918,00 15,10 3.387,0 1.224,00 969,00 2.325,0 1.564,50 1.544,50 11.555,0 1.533,50 1.155,50 472,80 286,70 169,15 236,08 495,10 4.472,0 913,00 123,26 3.162,0 809,26

2.450,9 32,75 0,980 676,70 264,70 34,92 9.124,0 471,10 180,94 1.742,50 874,00 160,50 7.054,0 2.267,00 2.763,0 706,41 1.347,50 6.562,0 1.810,00 510,60 656,24 5.584,0 108,65 5,87 1.311,40 1.311,6 1.270,2 678,00 589,00 1.909,00 14,94 3.359,9 1.211,00 954,40 2.304,0 1.534,50 1.519,50 11.420,0 1.511,50 1.127,00 461,10 283,40 160,95 234,24 480,00 4.427,0 902,40 122,00 3.102,6 795,44

3,65K 137,80K 43,55K 16,80K 181,35K 24,96M 17,83K 173,35K 184,42K 28,82K 407,04K 1,88M 20,55K 16,24K 57,88K 3,46K 13,77K 56,44K 121,45K 192,82K 7,30K 24,89K 1,88M 403,24K 33,65K 408,57K 80,46K 220,49K 51,16K 2,53K 122,85K 0,54K 269,96K 127,16K 1,77K 115,50K 18,22K 2,86K 171,41K 80,61K 24,46K 371,29K 1,70M 322,75K 685,73K 26,05K 122,30K 3,58M 6,69K 23,73K

0.89694

1.11666 Units per €

US dollar (USD) ......................................1.22737 Japan yen (JPY)......................................126.175 Switzerland franc (CHF) .........................1.08256 Denmark kroner (DKK) ...........................7.44113 Norway kroner (NOK) .............................10.4491

currenciesdirect.com/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 4

COMPANY 3M Alphabet C Amazon.com Amgen Apple Boeing Caterpillar Chevron Cisco Coca-Cola Facebook Goldman Sachs Home Depot Honeywell IBM Intel J&J JPMorgan McDonald’s Merck&Co Microsoft Nike Procter&Gamble Salesforce.com Tesla UnitedHealth Verizon Visa A Walmart Walt Disney

PRICE 174,79 1.751,88 3.256,93 229,92 132,69 214,06 182,02 84,45 44,75 54,84 273,16 263,71 265,62 212,70 125,88 49,82 157,38 127,07 214,58 81,80 222,42 141,47 139,14 222,53 705,67 350,68 58,75 218,73 144,15 181,18

CHANGE 174,87 1.758,93 3.282,92 230,25 134,74 216,90 182,10 85,20 44,84 54,93 277,09 263,93 265,95 213,00 126,03 50,19 157,66 127,33 214,93 81,94 223,00 141,79 139,29 222,79 718,72 351,09 58,80 219,82 144,27 183,40

CHANGE% VOLUME(M) 173,18 1,84M 1.735,42 1,01M 3.241,20 2,96M 225,89 1,82M 131,72 99,12M 212,70 10,49M 178,75 1,72M 83,96 8,35M 44,16 15,11M 54,27 8,49M 269,81 12,90M 258,00 2,04M 263,58 2,61M 209,67 1,41M 123,99 3,57M 48,72 28,58M 155,11 5,10M 124,82 8,58M 210,78 2,61M 80,38 5,26M 219,68 20,94M 140,37 2,95M 137,39 4,08M 220,17 6,01M 691,12 49,65M 344,05 1,97M 58,02 12,91M 216,20 5,92M 142,85 5,94M 180,27 7,07M M - MILLION DOLLARS

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES J ANUARY 4

COMPANY

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

+1.00% +0.94% +3.08% +1.97% +0.71% +1.57% +28.63% +1.92% +2.71% +1.47% +1.23%

393.39M 1.85B 2.92B 209.59M 1.77B 35.04B 11.56M 171.48M 7.53M 122.72M 462.77M

-2.20% -0.88% -2.08% -4.55% -7.51% -5.91% -2.51% -13.71% -47.70% -9.15% -4.66%

426.30M 9.63B 632.76M 2.21B 17.22M 106.62M 785.43M 17.88M 236,838 996.86M 275.15M

Most Advanced Booking Holdings Inc. Alphabet Inc. Cl A Netflix Inc. Equinix Inc. Alphabet Inc. Cl C Tesla Inc. Sigilon Therapeutics Inc. Align Technology Inc. II-VI Inc. 6% Pfd. MarketAxess Holdings Inc. Charter Communications Inc. Cl A

Most Declined MercadoLibre Inc. Amazon.com Inc. Trade Desk Inc. Cl A Zoom Video Communications Inc. GRAVITY Co. Ltd. ADR Stamps.com Inc. Lam Research Corp. Kymera Therapeutics Inc. TS Innovation Acquisitions Corp. Cl A Bilibili Inc. ADR Seagen Inc.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

Advertising Feature

Plan your own funeral WHILE death is still considered to be a taboo subject by many cultures, it is becoming more and more commonplace for people to plan their own funeral for a variety of reasons. There’s no need to feel shy about it, start talking about final wishes and fu­ neral plans with your family and get in touch with the experts at Golden Leaves to put your wishes down on paper. Here are seven reasons why you should pre­plan for your funeral. 1. Save money. Times are tight for many families, unfortunately, funerals are an inevitable expense. With Golden Leaves you pay today’s prices and avoid inflation. 2. Have it your way. Of course, when you pass away, your family will work their hardest to honour you in your memorial service or funeral, but only you know yourself and exactly what you want. When you pre­plan your funeral, you are making the decisions for yourself. 3. Lift a financial burden. Funerals are not cheap. There are a lot of items that cost a considerable amount of money and they add up quickly. When you pre­plan, you pay for your own funeral and remove the burden of footing the bill for your funeral from the members of your family. 4. Take more time. Most funerals are thrown together in about a week, which can lead to hasty decisions. When you pre­plan, you get the opportunity to be more methodical about the process and can make the day go exactly as you wish. 5. Get the details right. When you have your funeral your way and take the time to plan it, you can focus on all of the smaller details that might get over­ looked if your funeral is planned by someone else, song choice, clothing, flowers etc are all personalised touches you can choose to reflect you as a person. If you’re environmentally friendly look at eco­caskets and bio­ degradable urns, seeds of memory for family members to plant, all these personal touches reflect you. 6. P r e v e n t additional stress. Your family will be un­ der an enormous amount of stress when you pass away. You can ease at least a little bit of it by making sure all of your affairs are in order before you die. 7. M a k e y o u r f i n a l w i s h e s k n o w n . I f you want to be cremated, pre­planning allows you to arrange for this before death. If you have a specific request for your ashes, you can also make this known in your funeral plan. We all want to plan our own weddings, birthdays, christenings and anniver­ saries, so why should a funeral be any different? In fact, more so than any other event a funeral is a celebration of your life and only you can tell that story from your perspective, and your perspective is the only one that counts when that day eventually comes. Golden Leaves have a team of experts with over 30 years’ experience and will work with you to create a funeral that is totally unique to you and your wishes. Now is the perfect time if you are an expat living in Spain to get your paper­ work in order before the Brexit transitional period is over and all Golden Leaves funeral plans are residency approved, they can even help with other papers you may need to help you obtain your TIE and residency.

7 - 13 January 2021

EWN 31

32 EWN

7 - 13 January 2021

www.euroweeklynews.com

Town creates own cryptocurrency Credit: Lebrija Council

How 2020 hit exchange rates, and what to look out for in 2021

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

CURRENCY MARKET: Volatility can have a significant impact on transfers.

ASK THE EXPERT Peter Loveday

Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com

IT can safely be said that the coronavirus pan­ demic turned 2020 into a year like no other. When last year dawned the world was a very different place from the one we’d come to know over the months that followed, and the currency market was one of many financial markets which experienced considerable upheaval. If you need to make currency transfers to or from Spain, you may have noticed the volatility in the currency market having a significant impact on how much your transfers were worth. 2020’s key exchange rates Highs • GBP/EUR ­ 1.20 • GBP/USD ­ 1.36 • EUR/GBP ­ 0.94 • EUR/USD – 1.23 Lows • GBP/EUR ­ 1.06 • GBP/USD ­ 1.14 • EUR/GBP ­ 0.83 • EUR/USD – 1.06 What happened in 2020? The pound was probably the strongest per­ former at start of 2020, with the currency still riding high on the euphoria that followed Boris Johnson’s landslide win in the 2019 general election. Sterling was supported by hopes that Johnson’s massive majority would aid the UK government when it came to pursuing a Brexit trade deal with the EU. However, priorities quickly shifted over the next couple of months as the coronavirus evolved from a localised epidemic (mostly contained to China) to a global pandemic. As a growing number of countries went into lockdown, we witnessed perhaps one of the most volatile months in currency market history. Driven by both a flight to safety as well as liquidi­ ty fears surrounding the world’s reserve currency, skittish investors flocked to the US dollar through­ out March. While most currencies suffered during this peri­

od the Sterling sell­off proved to be particularly dra­ matic. Currencies began to stabilise towards the end of March, and as the world began to emerge from lockdown at the start of summer the US dollar’s bullish run came to a close. The euro came into its own through the third quarter, with a strong rebound in growth and the announcement of a €750 billion coronavirus relief fund from the EU catapulting the single currency higher. The Pound also ticked higher during the sum­ mer in response to the UK’s sharp rebound in eco­ nomic activity and some Brexit optimism. However, as the days got shorter and tempera­ tures started to sink, it grew increasingly clear that the coronavirus was anything but beaten and a second wave of infections began to sweep across much of the world. Concerns over the second wave were tem­ pered somewhat by the announcement of multi­ ple coronavirus vaccines, which offered investors some light at the end of the tunnel. Other events started to drive currency market movement in the final quarter of 2020, including the US Presidential Election and the to­the­wire Brexit trade deal. 2021 and exchange rates With the UK no longer facing a no­deal Brexit the pound could see a lot more upside potential at the start of 2021 than it otherwise may have done. That being said, with the threat of another lock­ down looming, there may still be some dark days ahead for Sterling. 2021 will also mark the end of what is set to be Angela Merkel’s last term as German Chancellor af­ ter a decade and a half at the helm of Europe’s largest economy. The prospect of life after Merkel will prove unsettling to many EUR investors, and we could see the euro face some pressure as a result. At Currencies Direct we’re here to talk currency whenever you need us, so get in touch if you want to know more about the latest news or how it could impact your currency transfers. Since 1996 we’ve helped more than 325,000 customers with their currency transfers, just pop in­ to your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more.

Visit us at our Spanish offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria, North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca. Telephone UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 SPAIN +34 950 478 914 Email euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com • www.currenciesdirect.com.

LEBRIJA: Launch of the €lio to help promote the sale of goods by local businesses. THE town of Lebrija in Sevilla Province has come up with a novel way of helping those in need and promoting the sale of goods by local busi­ nesses. Alert to the fact that a number of families were suf­ fering financially from the Covid­19 pandemic, the council created the ReActiva Lebrija Plan which has made funds available to some 593 families. There is a twist however as it has created its own cryp­ tocurrency (like Bitcoin) called the €lio which is set on par with the euro (one for one) and depending upon in­ come and number of children aged under 18, families will be paid between €50 and €200 but in €lios. So far 165 local businesses

have been signed up to ac­ cept payment which must be 50 per cent €lio and 50 per cent euro in an effort not on­ ly to help those in need, but to also stimulate local sales. There are also several hun­ dred local businesses due to receive grants of up to €400 and they will also be paid in €lios in a bid to persuade companies to trade with each other. The payment of the amount granted will be made through a mobile application designed by the council which can be downloaded easily and free of charge through the play store or app store. At the moment however, the council has not explained whether it will exchange this cryptocurrency for euros if

Turkey trade deal A TRADE DEAL between Britain and Turkey was agreed during a video call on Tuesday December 29 when International Trade Secretary Liz Truss spoke with Turkey’s trade minister Rushar Pekcan. Last year, trade with Turkey was worth £18.6 billion (€20.5 billion) and the terms will be identical to those enjoyed whilst Britain was still a member of the European Union. According to Ms Truss, the UK has now agreed trade deals covering 62 countries plus the EU worth £885 billion (€974 billion) with more deals to be concluded.

asked to do so by the partici­ pating shops and businesses.

BUSINESS EXTRA Early Easter A SMALL range of Easter Eggs is already on sale in certain UK supermarkets according to numerous comments on social media wondering whether this was a ploy to get around Brexit hold ups or just to give people something to look forward to.

Tobin tax THE Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) has published a list of 56 companies with a market capitalisation of €1 billion or more as at December 16, as from January 16, sales of shares in those companies will attract a 0.2 per cent tax.

No longer confused THE Admiral Group best known for its insurance division, is selling part of its business, which will include online portal Confused.com, to RVU which owns Zoopla in a deal reported to be worth £508 million (€559 million).

FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

7 - 13 January 2021

A step in the right direction LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT THIS year’s resolution should be for the white populace to declare they are utterly fed up from receiving all the unwarranted racism and prejudice they have been subjected to over the past year. Why is it only white people who can be racist? If even a small number of the accusations levelled at the whites had been used by Caucasians against non­ whites there would have been ‘offended’ demonstrations and a multitude of court proceedings that would probably have resulted in years of litigation. There really are far too many examples to go into. We have been accused of glorifying slavery ­ totally ignoring the fact that thousands of white lives were lost in the battles to abolish it ­ we’ve had our statues and culture attacked, with almost no retribution whatsoever; gone to unprecedented lengths to encourage diversity and still the non­white

populace continues to voice their discontent at the way they are ‘treated.’ A recent piece on SKY News actually for me took the whole tin. The subject they were airing introduced a number of black ladies complaining they weren’t allowed to wear their hair in a ‘natural’ way. They insisted that the reason they straightened it or wore wigs was because they were not welcomed into white society or work places with ‘afro’ styles. What a load of complete racist codswallop. Black ladies have been straightening their hair for years. Either because far more styles can be achieved or it’s more convenient, or purely because it enables them to actually get a comb or a brush through it! As the father of three daughters who have inherited afro hair and spent most of their lives attempting to straighten and control it, I do think I speak with some authority on the subject! Being made to feel ashamed to be white, has invoked such conscience stirring in the UK it has resulted in totally disproportionate reactions from the white population, especially those of the ‘woke’ genre. Despite black people making up a mere 17 per cent of

UK citizens, they are now witnessing unprecedented over exposure of black TV commercials, black pundits, black news people, black voice overs and black ‘experts.’ The programme I mentioned on SKY earlier went on for a full half an hour. I have NEVER seen Sky turn its newsroom over for this length of time on such an inconsequential subject. The woman who made a final comment on this marathon piece rather summed it all up for me. She ironically complained that black people were ‘under­ represented in the media!’ The mind boggles. This culture explosion is having a completely reversed effect on British society opinion. The indigenous white majority are seeing all their sincere efforts to overcome diversity now being destabilised by these utterly ill­advised and over the top acts of appeasement. The UK is not the USA and a simple recognition, or show of approval from ethnic recipients of the well intentioned efforts of the majority would be a far more positive step in the right direction. Keep the Faith. Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail,com expatradioscotland.com

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

EWN 33

Correos Creates Jobs

IN some very welcome New Year news, state postal service Correos has announced the creation of 3,254 jobs through­ out Spain. Both full and part­time positions are available across a range of disciplines. Correos prides itself on its equal treatment of men and women and has added that people with disabilities are also welcome to apply for the jobs. Anyone wishing to apply can do so on the Correos website.

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Escape to the Country The Farmers' Country Showdown The Bidding Room Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Pooch Perfect Death in Paradise

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The Farmers' Country Showdown The Bidding Room Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show Garden Rescue EastEnders A Question of Sport Would I Lie to You?

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Final Score BBC News BBC London News Weather Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup Casualty Michael McIntyre's The Wheel Mrs. Brown's Boys BBC News Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup Garden Rescue BBC News BBC London News Weather Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup Countryfile A Perfect Planet The Serpent

Countdown A Place in the Sun A New Life in the Sun Four in a Bed The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News George Clarke's Amazing Spaces The Big Fat Quiz of Everything

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The Simpsons The Simpsons The Simpsons A Dog's Purpose The Spiderwick Chronicles Channel 4 News Scotland's Coastal 8:45pm The Great Pottery Throw Down The Great Gogglebox

ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Bradley Walsh and Son: Breaking Dad Coronation Street The Pembrokeshire Murders

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Channel 4 News Come Dine with Me Steph's Packed Lunch Countdown A Place in the Sun A New Life in the Sun Junior Bake Off The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Food Unwrapped

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Lingo ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale South Africa with Gregg Wallace Martin Clunes: Islands of Australia

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The Best Dishes Ever Made in Great Britain Meerkat Manor Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Rick Stein's Cornwall Cornwall: This Fishing Life Saving Lives at Sea QI XL A Teacher

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Made in Great Britain Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Rick Stein's Cornwall Cornwall: This Fishing Life Gardeners' World The Wife Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands

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Killer Desire 5 News at 5 Home and Away Neighbours 5 News Tonight The World's Most Expensive Cruise Ship Susan Calman's Grand Day Out The World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys

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Access Sing Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly 5 News Weekend Cruising with Jane McDonald Posh Hotels with Sally & Nigel Secrets of the Royal Palaces

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FEATURE

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7 - 13 January 2021

GO LOCAL

THE EURO WEEKLY NEWS is urg­ ing its readers to support local businesses in the community by going local through the lock­ down and for your Christmas shopping this year, instead of feeding online giants and super­ stores. This lockdown and festive pe­ riod we challenge you to redis­ cover your local high streets, markets, butchers, greengrocers and all of the wonderfully quirky independent businesses in your area. Due to the Covid­19 pandem­ ic, you may have to support many local businesses by order­ ing online and making use of any click and collect services they can operate if you are unable to get out due to health reasons or lockdown restrictions. The joy of shopping local means that independent busi­ nesses can help support the local community. Although it may be a euro or

BUY LOCAL: By shopping locally, independent businesses can help support the local community. two cheaper elsewhere or on­ line, consider where your money is actually going. By shopping at an independent store you’re putting food on a local family’s table, and there is no better time than Christmas to give back to

your community by making a small gesture and shopping in this way. Many local stores support lo­ cal charities, support and spon­ sor local sports teams and in many cases the small indepen­

dent stores are actually much more than just a small high street shop, they’re a family’s legacy, often passed down through numerous generations and support not just the current owner, but the generation be­ fore. For those stores which are new, that extra couple of euros spent there are supporting someone’s dream and ambition, and also the courage it took them to step out alone, which is no easy task. It takes quite a large chunk of money to set up an independent store and com­ pete with the multi­national and chains. So be sure to pre­order your turkey from a local butcher and get your spuds from a local greengrocer, let us revive that community spirit and get to know our neighbours again. You could also consider pur­ chasing gift vouchers from local businesses to help them over the

EWN 35

36 EWN

7 - 13 January 2021

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FEATURE

SPENDING LOCALLY: Will make a difference to the local economy.

FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

coming weeks, thinking outside the box can often lead to some fantastic ideas. Why not buy a meal for two, an hour’s tattoo time at a local studio, a hair cut at a local salon or an online study course for someone looking to change their career path. As people are struggling with finances thinking about what friends and family may actually need is important too. Whilst it’s nice to give a glamourous gift perhaps pre­paying a family

member’s phone bill for the month would actually be a bet­ ter gift. Helping people alleviate stress and worry, give the gift of peace of mind through these dif­ ficult times. Choosing to spend your mon­ ey locally will really make a dif­ ference in the recovery of the lo­ cal economy. When we buy local, our money stays local, and it strengthens the local economy in two ways. First, buying local keeps money circulating within

the local economy. Studies have shown that local businesses re­ circulate a greater share of every euro as they create locally owned supply chains and invest in their employees. Data shows that local retailers return 52 per cent of their rev­ enue back into the local econo­ my, compared to just 14 per cent for national chain retailers. Money circulating through the local economy benefits everyone

7 - 13 January 2021

who is a part of each transaction. For example, let’s look at a local farmer growing produce. First, they sell to a local restaurant, which in turn pre­ pares the fresh produce and sells it to local customers. The farmer pays its local employees and the restaurant uses revenue from sales to buy supplies from a neighbourhood hardware store. This example illustrates how the recirculation of money

EWN 37

38 EWN

7 - 13 January 2021

in the local economy leads to a stronger financial foundation for our neighbours and communi­ ties. Buying local also fuels new employment and job opportuni­ ties for people within our com­ munity. Studies show, locally owned businesses employ more people per unit of sales and re­ tain more employees over time. While buying local is financial­ ly compelling to our communi­

ties; the benefits to our environ­ ment are equally impressive. Buying locally reduces the pro­ cessing of goods, packaging and transportation waste, which leads to less pollution. There’s a massive cultural shift underway redefining the way people make buying decisions. We’re seeing more individuals concerned about the environ­ ment, about how products are made and sourced, where mate­

rials come from, and a compa­ ny’s overall social and environ­ mental impact. Many businesses are joining our Go Local campaign by of­ fering customers special offers and discounts throughout the festive period, more details to follow here soon. Just remember to follow the latest government advice and any guidance businesses have to keep everyone safe.

39

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YOUR STARS FOR NEXT 7 DAYS ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Is someone that you are closely involved with trying to drive a hard bargain? Are you surprised at the amount of time and energy that they are throwing at it? It could be that they are more passionate about it than you realised.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) You have been learning about certain people very fast. Do you feel as though you are in the middle of a soap opera? With the winter sun now low, it is possible that passions will fire up. Everything seems to revolve round one person and it is upsetting everything else.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) This is your week to sparkle and show how clever you are. Why be modest? Let others know what you are capable of; your talents will come out sooner or later. Don’t be embarrassed when paid a compliment, for it is richly deserved. You have put on a jolly good show of late and it is now time to listen to the applause.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Something that you had set your heart on, although still coming, is terribly slow. This is not a time to be a pessimist. Please don't, however, allow your tendency to put all your eggs in one basket trip you up. It is not necessary to go about things the way that you normally do.

LEO (July 24 - August 23)

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) This is not a time to take anyone for granted. At this time of the year people tend to look at their situation and ask if they are getting enough out of it. Neglecting someone now could store up a lot of problems for the future. Avoid doing anything that could lead to you being blamed later.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Now is your chance to go straight for what you want. The shock of having this opportunity could cause you to hesitate. Do bear in mind, though, that he who hesitates is often lost. The temptation to keep something for yourself is not selfish but sensible.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) A big change means big chances, so don’t let small things get you down. In the past six months you have come a long way. You are not back where you started. You are being given the chance to start again, but this time you have far more experience.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Challenges that do not please you are inevitable. That does not mean that your attitude towards them could not change. Indeed, unless you want to continue to be upset, it must. Luckily, you have mostly had your own way recently.

HEXAGRAM The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter 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 (DIRECT) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

ARTERY CHEERY COERCE DIRECT (10) EASILY GORGON HEATER HEREBY HEROIC INGEST MASTIC NUTMEG POTENT SEARCH SECOND SHEATH SIESTA TREATY TRIUNE

LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY Sat 2 January

6-8-9 36-39-57

BONUS BALL

37

IRISH LOTTO Sat 2 January

3-6-18 26-42-47

BONUS BALL

1

EURO MILLIONS

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19)

You are moving on in an important area but do not burn bridges before you have others to cross. You will know why I mention this later in the week. You are able to influence others far more than you realise, but with your wish to keep things on an even keel you may be giving away too much. You need to keep a balance.

You have a chance to give someone great delight, so why not go ahead? Your insecure side tells you that it is too good to be true and there must be a catch. Why should there be? This is a situation that you may relax into as only you know how.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23)

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Is there a chance that you are burying your head in the sand? It is likely that something happening right in front of you is being overlooked or ignored. You are able to deal with this more easily than you think. Just take one step at a time and stick to your plan. Simply telling someone what to do instead of asking them to do it can work wonders.

Don’t look for spooks in the closet when there are none. Not only does it look silly but it wastes good time. Basing your actions on past disappointments can only lead to more of the same. Show confidence in others and they will show it in you. Sometimes, your patience wears thin but it is in your best interests to remain calm.

TIME OUT

Tue 29 December

BONUS BALL

3

7-32-39 40-45

8

Fri 1 January

BONUS BALL

16-28-32 44-48

1 9

EL MILLON: JHB90817 LA PRIMITIVA Thurs 31 December

BONUS BALL

4-5-7 15-24-38

41 0

JOKER: 2 876 717 Sat 2 January

BONUS BALL

6-13-19 37-38-43

15

JOKER: 8 180 708

9

TIME OUT

40

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CODE BREAKER

ENGLISH-SPANISH

The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 11 represents W and 16 represents Z, so fill in W every time the figure 11 appears and Z every time the figure 16 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.

Across 1 Toalla (5) 3 Cascos (7) 6 Llega (7) 8 Cap, top (of a bottle) (5) 10 Visera (5) 11 To adapt (7) 14 Outdoor (6) 15 Oysters (6) 17 Error (7) 20 Cocina (aparato) (5) 21 Good-looking (5) 22 Pill (7) 23 Allergy (7) 24 Sonido (5)

Down 1 Tram (7) 2 Hígado (5) 3 Until (5) 4 Letter (of alphabet) (5) 5 Sir (5) 7 Answer (9) 9 Robin (9) 12 See 13 13/12 Puerta trasera (4,4) 16 Camarero (náutico, aéreo) (7) 17 Magic (5) 18 Entre (más de dos elementos) (5) 19 Spy (5) 20 Vende (5)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION • LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION • LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION QUICK Across: 1 Create, 4 Pair, 8 Scrap, 9 Helps, 10 Criticises, 13 Unfinished, 17 Crane, 18 Organ, 19 Sell, 20 Affect. Down: 1 Cash, 2 Error, 3/18 Tip off, 5 Atlas, 6 Resist, 7 Checks, 11 Tender, 12 Quacks, 14 Frail, 15 Eagle, 16 Knot.

BOGGLED

ENGLISH-SPANISH

mine miaou main mane matt inept inapt iamb nipa nape napa natty nope cone coney cope cotta bane baton batt batty boat amine amino ambo atone atop pine piney pinata piano peon pain pane patty pone potty potto opine open otto apian auto tambour tabour tape tapa tone topi tope taut tout iota watt weir utopia utopian

Across: 1 Derecha, 5 Dolls, 8 Rozar, 9 Vacunar, 10 Donkeys, 11 Slice, 12 Speak, 14 Blusa, 19 Evoke, 21 Go to bed, 23 Aquatic, 24 Equal, 25 Setas, 26 Pescado. Down: 1 Dorado, 2 Razón, 3 Cerveza, 4 Advise, 5 Ducks, 6 Lentils, 7 Street, 13 Product, 15 Letters, 16 Petals, 17 Eggcup, 18 Adulto, 20 Éstos, 22 Bruja.

NONAGRAM

CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Dallas, 4 Campus, 9 Pumas, 10 Adoring, 11 Observed, 12 Toot, 14 Evades, 16 Pauses, 19 Comb, 20 Valencia, 23 Condone, 24 Teeth, 25 Afresh, 26 Editor. Down: 1 Deplore, 2 Lambs, 3 Asserted, 5 Avon, 6 Poisons, 7 Sight, 8 Taper, 13 Talented, 15 Almoner, 17 Smasher, 18 Wages, 19 Cocoa, 21 Chest, 22 Dogs.

CODE BREAKER

FUTOSHIKI

dale dare dart date deal dear deer dele dell derv deva drat lade lard lead read reed retd teed trad veld alder dater dealt delta delve deter eared elder evade ladle lated laved rated raved tared trade tread treed veldt advert dealer delver derate elated evader leader leaved alerted altered averted raveled related treadle valeted ravelled traveled TRAVELLED

HEXAGRAM

WORD LADDER

1 MATURE 2 MORTAR 3 PRESTO 4 FRIEND 5 MUSLIN 6 DETOUR 7 VISION 8 COLEUS 9 INGEST 10 VIOLIN 11 REASON 12 INTENT 13 CARTEL 14 SQUINT 15 SORTIE 16 USURER 17 STEREO 18 STUPOR 19 THEORY

CATS CARS CARD HARD HERD HERO

KAKURO

SUDOKU

41

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Costa Blanca TODAY

DENIA JAVEA CALPE ALTEA

WEATHER

BENIDORM ALICANTE

ORIHUELA TORREVIEJA

TOMORROW

DENIA JAVEA CALPE

Malaga TODAY: MAX 17 MIN 6 Fri 15 7 Sat 12 8 Sun 12 7 Mon 11 9 Tues - 13 9 Wed 15 9

Alicante TODAY: MAX 17, MIN 8 Fri 16 7 Sat 17 7 Sun 16 8 Mon 16 9 Tues - 19 8 Wed 19 7

Almeria TODAY: MAX 17, MIN 6 Fri 17 9 Sat 15 7 Sun 13 8 Mon 15 8 Tues - 16 9 Wed 17 8

Benidorm TODAY: MAX 19, MIN 9 Fri 19 9 Sat 18 9 Sun 17 8 Mon 19 8 Tues - 17 10 Wed 17 8 Mallorca TODAY: MAX 17, MIN 7 Fri 16 7 Sat 17 8 Sun 17 8 Mon 18 9 Tues 17 7 Wed 16 8

TIME OUT

FUTOSHIKI Fill in the squares so that each digit from 1 to 6 occurs exactly once in each row and column. Greater-than and less-than signs indicate the relationship of the two adjacent squares. There is only one solution, and you can find it without guessing.

BOGGLED How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? • The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. • Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. • No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. • No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.

ALTEA BENIDORM ALICANTE

ORIHUELA TORREVIEJA

SATURDAY

DENIA JAVEA CALPE ALTEA BENIDORM ALICANTE

ORIHUELA TORREVIEJA

S: Sun

C: Cloudy

Th: Thunder

Cl: Clear

Sh: Showers

Sn: Snow

Bilbao TODAY: MAX 18, MIN 5 Fri 17 9 Sat 14 9 Sun 14 8 Mon 13 8 Tues 16 9 Wed 15 8 Madrid TODAY: MAX 13, MIN 8 Fri 16 8 Sat 15 7 Sun 14 7 Mon 16 8 Tues 17 9 Wed 17 10

Barcelona TODAY: MAX 16, MIN 9 Fri 17 9 Sat 16 9 Sun 15 11 Mon 16 11 Tues 18 9 Wed 19 10

Euro Weekly News strives for accuracy, but cannot be held responsible for any errors in published forecasts

TARGET:

SCORING:

Average: 25 Good: 35 Very good: 50 Excellent: 64

4 letters: 1 point 5 letters: 2 points 6 letters: 3 points 7 letters: 5 points 8 or more letters: 11 points

KAKURO Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

CRYPTIC Across 1 Strange patterns found in the chapel (8) 4 Payment for travel and food (4) 8 Come round again about dog (5) 10 Drug present in diets or otherwise (7) 11 Prisoner opening religious community (7) 12 Appear to be trapped by perverse employer (4) 14 Stick a commercial at this place (6) 16 Quietly allude to and like better (6) 19 Determination shown by Greek leading Italian (4) 21 Field worker finding insect on vegetables (7) 24 Love to put a limit on speech (7) 25 Tends to disrupt races (5) 26 Instead it's in part of Chelsea (4) 27 Trek less confusing for flighty hunters (8) Down 1 Reversible jacket for defector (8) 2 Operator not getting on with sudden increase (5) 3 See Pat exchanging former currency (6) 5 Only an advance, say (5) 6 Little Edward's in a whirl (4) 7 Meals the queen found a problem (6) 9 Commander-in-chief goes to hospital: it's easy (5) 13 Demonstrations in support of experiments (8) 15 Keep damaged retina (6) 17 Natural ability held back by dictatorial fellow (5) 18 Cadge a light cake (6) 20 Spare change, one gathers (5) 22 One from Glasgow, perhaps, seen in racecourse (5) 23 Gave birth to a dull person (4)

TIME OUT

42

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SUDOKU

QUICK

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.

Across

Down

1 First drawing (6)

1 Unaccompanied (4)

3 Travel through water (4)

2 Rubbed out or off (6)

7 Advance of money (4)

4/18 Eat hastily (4,4)

8 Screamed (6)

5 Up to date (6)

10 Answered (7)

6 Below (7)

13 At the middle (7)

9 Changed to suit (7)

16 Reference point to shoot at (6)

11 Tracked down (6)

17 Become dimmer (4)

12 Building for housing cars (6)

18 See 4 Down

14 Ship's company (4)

19 Rigorous, harsh (6)

15 In this place (4)

WORD LADDER Move from the start word (ITEM) to the end word (GLOW) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.

ITEM

QUIZ BACK GLOW

THE BELLS ARE QUIZZING 1. Abba-Esque EP was a 1992 UK number one hit single for which English synth-pop duo, consisting of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke? 2. Between 1966 and 1979, England international midfielder Colin Bell played for which football team 394 times, scoring 117 goals? 3. Currer Bell was the pseudonym of which English novelist and poet, who was born in Thornton near Bradford on April 21, 1816? 4. Derived from the Latin for ‘bell’, what name is given to the art or practice of bell-ringing? 5. First published in 1940, For Whom The Bell Tolls is a novel by Ernest Hemingway that tells the story of Robert Jordan, a young American volunteer attached to a guerrilla unit during which conflict? 6. The Scottish-born scientist and engineer Alexander Graham Bell is credited with inventing and patenting the first practical telephone in which decade? 7. Tubular Bells, the debut studio album by Mike Oldfield, was released on May 25, 1973 as the first album on which, now famous, record label? 8. What is the name of the bell kept at Lloyd's in London and rung whenever there is an important announcement to be made to the underwriters. It had been salvaged from a ship that sank in 1799 with a large cargo of gold and bullion on board. 9. What is the principal reason to ring the division bell in parliament? 10. Where would you go to see the 216-ton Tsar Bell (also known as the Tsar Kolokol III)? Not a lot of people know that… the largest bell ever made was the Great Bell of Dhammazedi, which was forged in 1484 and weighed 330 tons. Unfortunately this bell was lost to the floods of the Burma River in 1608.

NONAGRAM

RACHEL AND FRIENDS

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 T) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET:

audreyquinton99@gmail.com

Average: 12 Good: 17 Very good: 25 Excellent: 32

Answers 1. ERASURE, 2. MANCHESTER CITY, 3. CHARLOTTE BRONTË, 4. CAMPANOLOGY, 5. SPANISH CIVIL WAR, 6. 1870s (1876), 7. VIRGIN RECORDS, 8. LUTINE BELL, 9. CALL MEMBERS TO A VOTE, 10. MOSCOW KREMLIN

FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

7 - 13 January 2021

What now for residency for UK citizens? CONSULAR MATTERS IN my career as a lawyer spanning some 30 years, this represents one of the biggest changes to UK citizens when it comes to living here in Spain. As of the end of the transition period December 31, 2020 British citizens and their non­EU family members will be subject to all Spanish immigration rules for third­country nationals, meaning the EU freedom of movement will come to an end. However, UK nationals and their family members who have residence here in Spain before the end of the transition pe­ riod in accordance with EU free move­ ment law, will maintain their free move­ ments rights after December 31, 2020. In compliance with EU Regulation 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 14, 2018 British passport holders travelling to Schengen countries for holidays, busi­

ness or to visit family do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day­period, provided the visit is not for gainful activity ie work. Please note that the 90 days will start from the date they enter any of the Schengen countries, in­ cluding Spain. British citizens and their family mem­ bers will need a visa for journeys under­ taken after December 31, 2020 for the purposes of residence, studies for a peri­ od longer than than 90 days, work, pro­ fessional, artistic or religious activities. The good news is that if you are living in Spain before the end of 2020 and you can prove it, then you can get residencia in Spain under what i am going to call the ‘old rules.’ You have until March 2021 in order to make your application and the Spanish government has a three month period in which to respond. So what about UK citizens who move to Spain after December 31, 2020?. Well the following ‘new rules’ will apply: A. You will need a criminal record check B. Health insurance in Spain will still

be required C. A medical certificate which states that you do not have a disease which is dangerous to public health D. You will need to prove income of €2,151.36 per month for the first person and €537.84 a month for each family member. The figures for 2021 have not yet been published, so I have used the figures for 2020 as a guide. If for exam­ ple you are a single person and you have a year’s money in your bank account ie at least €25,888.32 then you don’t need to prove your income. I would add that you need to have at least this amount in your account for six months prior to the application. There are of course minor details but the ones listed above are the main ones. As with all my posts this isn’t legal ad­ vice. If you need help with Residency then myself and my bilingual team can help or you can instruct a lawyer here in Spain. I will deal with employment, opening a business via autonomo or as a limited company at a future date.

Marisa Moreno Castillo, Senior Lawyer at Just Law Solicitors and Consul for Denmark.

www.justlawsolicitors.com • contact@justlawsolicitors.com

EWN 43

HEALTH & BEAUTY

7 - 13 January 2021

44 to read more visit

www.euroweeklynews.com

Advertising Feature

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IMPAIRED HEARING: Contact Apple Hearing for a free hearing test. are truly passionate to making sure our customers experience an im­ proved quality of life and led by our very experienced audiologist, Mr

Gary Hagerty and working closely with our manufacturer, Starkey Hearing Technologies, we know we can help to improve your hearing.

We endeavour to provide relief to those with the most severe hearing impairments and other related hear­ ing condition such as tinnitus. So, if you find yourself struggling to understand conversations or you find yourself putting up the volume on the television too high, contact us on 965 020 813 or visit our website: www.applecares.eu to book our FREE, NO OBLIGATION hearing test. We offer flexible appointments to our clients which cover the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida regions. In most cases, we can guarantee your hearing will improve significantly and with our promised 30 days money back guarantee, we ensure that our customers are fully happy with their chosen devices. Furthermore, we pride ourselves in providing the best after care service which means that our relationship with our customers does not end at the point of sale, but

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Quitting sugar for good SUGAR is largely considered the devil of the dietary world with it leading to spiralling obesity rates and ill health. More and more people are attempting to banish sugar from their diet but it may not be as difficult as you think with some simple steps to get you on the path to a sugar detox: Choose wisely Sugar can be hidden in a lot of products so pay attention to food labels when shopping. Look at the ingredients list and anything ending in ‘ose’ such as glucose, sucrose and fruc­ tose, is a form of sugar, as are honey, agave, molasses and syrups like corn and rice syrup. The higher up the ingredients

list the more sugar the product contains. Smaller steps For those who particularly eat a lot of sugar, going cold turkey can be difficult so take smaller steps and don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon once in a while. But if you do, immediately go back to better eating the next day. After a week or so, most people report feeling more alert, having more energy and a clearer mind after not eating sugar so start feeling those benefits and you are less likely to want to go back to eating it. Balance your gut Scientific studies are produc­ ing a growing amount of evi­

dence about the importance of the microscopic bacteria that in­ habit our guts. Taking probiotics can help balance the microbes and reduce sugar cravings. Stay fuller for longer When hunger strikes, it is hard to resist the urge to quickly grab the chocolate or other sweet treats but these hunger pangs are more likely to signal that your body is needing protein. One way to help prevent sugar cravings is to try and en­ sure you include a portion of protein with every meal as this is broken down more slowly and therefore stays in the stomach longer, helping you feel fuller for longer.

7 - 13 January 2021

EWN 45

Update on food, drink, entertainments, what’s on and weekly happenings

SOCIAL SCENE Yoga and Gin on the Beach ENJOY a relaxing Slow Yoga ses­ sion on La Zenia beach ending with an Ocean Cleansing Ritual and an ice cold gin courtesy of Pop Up Yoga Costa Blanca. Let the gentle breeze caress your skin as you move gently from one position to the next guided by your instructor Caroline before the Ocean Cleansing Ritual begins with your feet in the sea and connection to the world around you. For the brave, you can take a

dip (so bring your swimsuit and a towel) and let your cares float away with the waves before you chill out with your fellow yogis to enjoy a glass of Premium Mat­ tiana Gin ­ a local, organic alco­ holic beverage with a hint of ap­ ple ­ unique smooth flavour made naturally! Booking for this won­ derful event, which runs from 12pm to 2pm on January 10, 2021, and costs €10, is essential as there are limited places ­ con­ tact Caroline on 722 742 644.

School of Rock

CHILDREN and Teens in Torrevieja will get to learn Rock, Pop and Jazz as part of Music & Harmony’s Singing and Music School readying them for a real-life gig. Music & Harmony are aiming to bring the movie ‘School of Rock’ to life as they train children and teens ages between 10 and 18 (with or without musical experience) ready for a live performance. They bring together groups and individuals to learn rock, pop and jazz, putting together rehearsals where each participant puts into practice the technique of his or her instrument, as well as guidelines for playing in a group with other instrumentalists, in what is promised to be one of the most fun and entertaining ways to learn music. To sign up for a free trial class and get a feel for whether you would like to take part, call WhatsApp: 627 167 984. Rehearsals take place at Calle Alta 19, Bajo 1, Torrevieja, La Mata on January 10 and 17.

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Shakespeare-Inspired Fury ‘ N OT H I N G i s w h a t i t seems’ in The Taming of the Fury, a Shakespeare­ inspired musical theatre production coming to Mur­ cia in 2021. A drunkard wakes up surrounded by people who make him believe that he is a noble lord, possessor of great wealth, and right there, for him and those present, he will witness the story of The Taming of the Fury. Nothing is what it seems in this theatre production as we follow the journey of the now ‘noble lord’ which covers weddings, marriage, betrayal, music and even some comedy. It promises to be ‘an en­ ergetic attack against in­ comprehension and intol­ erance, in a coming and going of characters in a state of grace while they live their own misfortune, a r e a l b a z a a r o f k a l e i d o­

scopic types and situa­ tions, of deception and challenges and questions thrown up into the air.’ This wonderful show takes place on January 15, 2021, from 8pm, with tick­ ets costing between €10 ­ €15 via www.mgticket.com or at the box office.

NOT WHAT IT SEEMS: The Taming of the Fury.

Welcome To The 60s

TRAVEL back through time with the ‘Welcome To The 60s’ Tribute Festival in Murcia 2021 and enjoy some classic songs. On Saturday, September 4, 2021, two of the most emblematic bands of the 60s will once again perform at the REM hall in Murcia: Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Doors. A unique concert which, thanks to the two best tribute bands in Spain, will transport you to another era, taking you on a journey into the past, where the alter egos of John Fogerty and Jim Morrison will delight the audience. The doors of the hall (c/ Puerta Nueva, 33, 30008) will open at 10pm and advance tickets at €10 are already on sale at www.compralaentrada.com and at the box office from 2pm on the day (€14).

Rocking Covers Tour

DON’T miss Green Covers’ fifth anniversary tour feat: U2, Depeche Mode and The Cure which is heading to Alicante in January 2021. On Friday, January 22, 2021, get yourself along to Room One (C/ Bronce, 8 San Vicente del Raspeig) in Alicante for a rocking night of retro music. The fifth­anniversary tour takes the Green Cov­ ers tribute band to Barcelona, Alicante, Valen­ cia, Madrid, Sevilla... among many other cities throughout the peninsula in which the Valencians will present their new tribute show to Placebo, along with their acclaimed trib­ utes to Muse, Coldplay, U2, Depeche Mode and The Cure. Doors open at 9.30pm with advance tickets from www.eventbrite.com cost­ ing €15 and €20 from the ticket office. Hurry though because these head­bang­ ing tickets are going fast!

PETS

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Looking forward to a brighter new year WHAT a challenging year for all of us! We’d like to take a moment on behalf of us all at HouseSitMatch to wish you the very best of health and good fortune in 2021. Let’s all look forward to a brighter new year for all. And in the meantime, if you are planning a trip for later in the new year consider your plans… Take a moment to plan ahead for pet and house­sit­ ters if you have trips planned next year, to see family and friends or just to get away. Now is the time to get ready. We will help you as much as we can. Our philosophy is that we are all in this together. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a Homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com 2. Choose a Premium ac­ count (£89 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

PLAN AHEAD: Some dogs love their regular walks. 3. Create a profile with pho­ tos of your pet and the house 4. Post a house­sit advert stating your plans for next year’s holiday Covid permitting Do you need a pet­sitter in 2021? Then get started right now. How does it work? HouseSitMatch can help you

find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials ­

4.8 / 5 Excellent rating (New Trustpilot rating scale) Here’s what members have said about us ­ HouseSitMatch found us a perfect house­sitter… HouseSitMatch found us a perfect house­sitter while we were away in Canada and we were delighted with the care and attention that HouseSit Match took in helping us find the right person. Ros Morris ­ Dog owner How do you join? Please register online via our website www.Housesit match.com ­ Choose a membership plan ­ Please note prices go up soon so sign up now on sub­ scription to secure these prices: • Standard (DIY option) = £69 pa • Premium (with support at each step) = £89 pa

Do you need a house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20 per cent discount using coupon code P2020 - an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com.

Cats are just as smart A NEW study at a Japanese university is once again backing up the age­old cat lovers’ theory that felines are just as clever as dogs. Forty­nine domestic cats were used for the study at Kyoto University, which tested their ability to remember which food bowl they had eaten out of after 15­minute intervals. The cats, reported psychologist Saho Takagi, appeared to remember exactly which bowls should still contain food, suggesting they had what is referred to as episodic memory. “Cats may be as intelligent as dogs, as opposed to the common view of people that dogs are much smarter. Also, an interesting speculation is that they may enjoy actively recalling memories of their experiences just like humans,” the scien­ tist said.

SMART CATS: May be just as clever as dogs.

Advertising Feature

Some guidelines to epilepsy A DOG with epilepsy can en­ joy a remarkable quality of life if given proper veterinary treatment. For this, it is important that some guidelines are followed. 1. Complete the clinical di­

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ups every six months. 4. Stay calm during an epileptic seizure of your dog. Remember to videotape the attacks. The videos to see how the attacks happen pro­ vide the veterinarian with a lot of information. 5. Avoid stressful situations for the animal, which may put it in danger. In the attached QR code you have an informative video about canine epilepsy.

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BUSINESS OPP. Coyote Street Food bar, business opportunity for sale. Modern container installation. Tacos , pancakes, waffle, gofre,Smoothie Coctails, Yogurt Ice cream ( best Italian Gelmatic machine), display fridge , fully equipped. 648 603 343 michaelmaj11 @gmail.com (290080)

BUILDING SERVICES J & J PAINTERS. Inside - outside - clean fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (287797)

BUY & SELL BUY FUR Coats & Jackets, handbags, designer bags, oriental & Persian carpets, jewellery & watches. All kind of Silver, sliver plated 90/100/800. Cutlery, tin, amber, coral, coins, medals, porcelain. Radio, musical instruments. Military items until 1945, photos, medals etc. Fair price paid in CASH. Phone 688 335 497 (290436) BUY vinyl records, record players, CD’s & Radios. 688 335 497 (290436) PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662) Facebook Euro Weekly Newspaper

CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life – damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 email aecc_campello@hot mail.com (95475) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462) CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight. com.(10006) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact Harry Palmer Membership Committee. Tel: 966 712 326 or email: 2palmers.que sada@gmail.com (95477)

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja.com We also have a 24hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Sevices at 10am and 11:30am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorrevieja.org (95476) LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English speaking church. For more information see our website www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org (10005) PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www.pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH 1359. The association supports the welfare needs of exmembers of the RAF and their dependents. Due to covid-19 restrictions we cannot hold General

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Meetings at the moment however, we were able to comply with regulations and hold a Battle of Britain Service and a Dinner Dance (without dancing)! We also provide a social hub for members and hold lunches every month. To fund Welfare we raise money through the Wings Appeal. To find out more contact Chairman Tony at tony.elaine.cuenta@ gmail.com. For Welfare contact David on 615 048 892. For general information on RAFA visit www.rafa.org.uk. (238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.co m. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co. uk. (95457) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@rb l.community

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details Hon Sec 692 938 664.(10004) ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION For information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 716 274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 921 996. (95455) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers. With rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 654 801 260 or email strokesupportgroup@hot mail.com, website: torre viejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473) THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.acacostablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

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CHARITY

The Baker Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458) THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807) THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar will be closed for the immediate future due to COVID-19. Identification Fiscal G54713789 (95454)

CLASSES QUALIFIED TEACHER of languages, including Spanish & English as a foreign language, can provide one to one lessons – reasonable hourly rates. 711 096 752 or +447891043768 (290359)

DAMP PROOFING RISING DAMP / ROOFING REPAIRS www.electro-os.com info@electro-os.com 619 666 363 (287819)

DECORATORS EXPAT PAINTER available for painting jobs in Santa Pola, Gran Alacant, El Altet & La Marina areas. No job too small. Very clean & reliable. Free quotes & good rates. Tel 711 073 074 / 447960 606 684 (290428)

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7 - 13 January 2021

ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (285783)

FOR SALE/WANTED WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

GARDENING SERVICES DAVID THE TREE GUY Cutting, trimming & removal of trees. Torrevieja, Alicante, Benidorm areas. 722 652 173 (290501)

GOLD WANTED

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialin suranceinspain.com for online quote. (290871) STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure. com (2887610)

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INSURANCE CASH BACK OFFER! CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UPTO A €1000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATS APP TO) OR VISIT www.sosin suranceinspain.com or email tracey@sosin suranceinspain.com (290495)

FOR SALE WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)

MUSIC TUITION PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (288015)

NAUTICAL INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. RYA VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (290964)

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TAILOR MADE, durable canvas, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. Mazarron based, and at Procomobel Market, Guardamar Saturday mornings. Mail Order and Ordering online 667 879 399 krugercanopies@ya hoo.co.uk (288651)

PET CHARITY EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorse care.net www.easyhorse care.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706) GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, dewormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepas pain.com (95708)

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (283443)

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MOTORING

Audi A3 S-Line saloon - a very tempting package ROAD TEST by Mark Slack GERMAN cars have been loved by us Brits for many years and we are one of the best markets for all German car makers. What is it we like about Ger­ man cars? Well in many re­ spects their character plays a part. They are seen as efficient, the interior layout is always sensible and ordered, they tend to look discreet and are very well bolted together in most re­ spects. They’re a clever lot the Ger­

xxxxx xxx

mans in that they have halo cars such as VW’s R models and Audi’s S models. However, look at most of the lower ranks of their ranges and they still man­ age to make them look rather more than they actually are in terms of upmarket looks and style. Audi has many good exam­ ples of this and one is their A3 saloon. Saloons always seem classier despite the fact that hatchbacks are more practical, and my test example was no exception. The range starts at €28,064 (£25,255) and there are four trim levels, two petrol and two diesel engines, plus a choice of manual or au­

tomatic gears. My S­Line with 150PS petrol power and automatic gears looked suitably expensive, which at €34,467 (£31,010) with some options isn’t actually the case by today’s standards. The €2,489 (£2,240) worth of options included metallic paint­ work, only solid black or white are offered at no cost, superb Matrix LED lights and a flat bot­ tom steering wheel. On the road its four­cylinder, 1.5­litre engine is delightfully smooth and the automatic gears are an object lesson in how to do dual­clutch gearbox­ es. Passing the benchmark 62mph in a whisker under 8.5 seconds proves even the more mundane Audis are capable of rapid movement. S­Line models were once possessed of suspension that was on the firm side of firm, but my test model offered a nice line between comfort and handling.

The usual smart interior of­ fers an essentially digital dash instead of buttons, sadly, but it works better than in some VAG models. Being a conventional three­box­saloon, rather than a

lowered rear roofline, means headroom isn’t sacrificed at the expense of neck contortions to enter and exit the rear seats. It’s a very tempting package that offers the looks of a more

sporting, more expensive A3, very decent levels of equip­ ment and a level of build quali­ ty and finish that is hard to beat. Choose one in red and it looks a million dollars!

SPORT

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Maddison Strikes Again Chelsea beaten at home COVID­DEPLETED Man City beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as they ran Chelsea ragged in the first half.

Back On Top

GOAL: Leicester City won 2-1.

JAMES MADDISON scored again to help Leicester City move up to third in the table following a 2­1 win over Newcastle at St James Park on Sunday, January 3. City bounced back after drawing their last two Premier League games and James Mad­ dison continued his scoring run for the Foxes, opening the scor­ ing on 55 minutes with a great

first­time effort. Youri Tielemans doubled their lead with a powerful long­range strike on 72 minutes and hung on despite Andy Carroll netting late on for The Magpies ­ his first goal since his return to the club ­ as they registered a seventh away Premier League win this season. The result sends Leicester

third in the table above Totten­ ham, a point behind joint leaders Liverpool and Manchester Unit­ ed, as they now move their at­ tention to the FA Cup as they travel to Stoke City next week­ end. Newcastle remain in 15th and next visit Arsenal in the FA Cup hoping to upset in the in­form Gunners.

LUIS SUAREZ scored a late winner to secure a 2­1 win over Alaves and fire Atletico Madrid back to the top of the La Liga table. Uruguayan Luis Suárez popped up in the 90th minute to spare the blushes of Felipe Au­ gusto who scored a late own goal against 10­ man Deportivo Alavés. Marcos Llorente put the visitors ahead after 41 minutes with his latest long­range effort and they looked good for the win when Victor La­ guardia’s 63rd­minute red card seemed to put an end to any comeback from the home side. However, an outrageous own goal from Fe­ lipe on 84 minutes meant an unlikely draw was on the cards until superstar striker Suarez scored a record­breaking goal ­ setting the record for the best start at the club in the 21st century. Atletico Madrid restored their two­point ad­ vantage at the top of the league ­ over Real Madrid who beat Celta Vigo on Saturday (Janu­ ary 2) ­ after a fourth consecutive league win. The defeat leaves Alves in 13th place with 18 points.

A Manchester City team seriously de­ pleted due to the coronavirus outbreak at the club, finished a miserable Chelsea team off at Stamford Bridge within the first 45 minutes, with a dominant display of attacking football, and scoring three goals without reply. Goalkeeper Ederson was a notable ab­ sence, with his American, reserve team stand­in, Zack Steffen, having a shaky start to his first Premiership match, when he was penalised for picking up a back­ pass after only a few minutes. German midfield general Ilkay Gundo­ gan opened the scoring with his strike in­ to the bottom of the net, and just three minutes later, 20­year­old Phil Foden dou­ bled the score, with Kevin DeBruyne fin­ ishing off a Raheem Sterling effort, to send City in 0­3 at the break. The second­half was plain sailing for Pep Guardiola’s team, although Callum Hudson­Odoi managed to slide a goal in at the back post on 90 minutes, but City ran out easy winners, and find themselves in fifth spot, four points off the top of the league. Another home defeat for Frank Lampard builds the pressure on him, and it remains to be seen if he will become another man­ agerial casualty this season.