Costa Blanca North 26 October – 1 November 2023 Issue 1999

YOUR EWN HAS

125 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Issue No. 1999

26 Oct - 1 Nov 2023

COSTA BLANCA NORTH • EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

THE Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir (CBMVC) brought the house down at the DAR Social Centre on October 18. The group not only filled the room to capacity but also raised substantial funds for SOS Ukraine. The crowd was treated to a musical journey that spanned the ages, with a delightful blend of classic favourites and contempo­ rary tunes. The performance fea­ tured some remarkable in­ strumental showcases, in­ cluding the mesmerising talents of Lola, a classical concert pianist. Lola, not only graced the stage but also founded and runs the DAR Social Centre which helps raise funds for the SOS Ukraine charity. The collaboration be­ tween CBMVC’s gifted ac­ companist, Kirsty Glen, and the tenor sensation, Douglas Horne, who har­ moniously duelled on

Image: Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir

CHARITY EXTRAVAGANZA

MALE VOICE CHOIR: Raised substantial funds for Ukraine.

their piano accordions, was a captivating high­ light that left the audi­ ence in awe. If you missed their per­ formance or want to expe­

rience the magic again, mark your calendar for Fri­ day, November 10 at 6.30pm when the CBMVC will be gracing the Moraira church with their voices

during the Service of Re­ membrance. For those who have ever dreamt of joining this tal­ ented ensemble, the CB­ MVC extends an invitation to men of all nationalities who share a passion for singing. You can get in touch with Mike on +34 645 081 539 for more information on how to be a part of this remarkable choir. For additional details, you can visit their website at www.costablanca malevoicechoir.com. The CBMVC holds re­ hearsals every Tuesday at 5.45pm at Bar Mediterra­ neo, Teulada.

FREE • GRATIS

EWN

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

Anna Ellis THE Lions Club of l’Alfas del Pi is celebrating a sig­ nificant milestone this year, their 40th anniver­ sary. The councillor for Inter­ national Residents, Mar­ tine Mertens, took a mo­ ment to extend congratulations to the Li­ ons for their four decades of dedicated service to the community and en­ couraged them to contin­ ue their passionate mis­ sion of helping those in need. The Lions Club of l’Alfàs del Pi was established on December 23, 1983, and it has been actively en­

LOCAL NEWS

40th Anniversary Historic milestone Image: Lions Club of l'Alfas del Pi

2

LIONS CLUB: Celebrating a significant milestone this year.

gaged in social projects at the local level and has al­ so contributed to solidari­ ty campaigns on an inter­ national scale for the past 40 years. Their commitment to

ECOVIDRIO, the Contigo Foundation, and the Gandia City Council have come together to create the first women’s football team dedicated to supporting breast cancer research and the recycling of glass containers. In this unique initiative, top­tier wom­ en’s football players don pink uniforms and join forces with Ecovidrio, the Conti­ go Foundation, and the Gandia City Council to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer while pro­

serving the community and making a positive im­ pact reflects the core val­ ues of Lions Clubs Inter­ national. Lions Clubs Internation­ al is a global service or­

Pink recycling moting glass recycling. The proceeds from this initiative will be directed to the Contigo Foundation, which focuses on research into women’s cancer, particularly breast cancer. The foundation currently supports 20 projects dedicated to the study of the disease and its various treatment meth­ ods. This solidarity campaign serves a du­

ganisation with a vast presence, boasting more than 46,000 clubs and 1.5 million active members across 206 countries and geographic areas. Members share a com­ mon dedication to the welfare and progress of their communities, al­ ways striving to make a positive difference in the world. Congratulations to the Lions Club of l’Alfas del Pi on their remarkable 40­ year journey of service and compassion!

al purpose. It aims to increase awareness about the importance of environmental re­ sponsibility through glass recycling, while also contributing to the ongoing research and prevention efforts related to breast cancer. By leveraging the popularity of wom­ en’s football and the commitment of these players, the initiative seeks to make a positive impact on both the en­ vironment and public health.

ALICANTE­ELCHE Miguel Hernandez Airport is cele­ brating a historic milestone, as it recently marked its best September to date, welcoming a staggering to­ tal of 1,562,661 travellers. The previous record, es­ tablished in September 2019 with 1,552,541 pas­ sengers, has now been sur­ passed. This remarkable achieve­ ment translates to a signifi­ cant 15.1 per cent increase compared to September 2022. Out of this impressive number of travellers, a ma­ jority, precisely 1,561,151, were commercial passen­ gers. Among them, 1,351,392 individuals embarked on international flights, reflect­ ing a substantial 16.9 per cent increase compared to September 2022. An additional 209,759 passengers chose domestic flights, showcasing a note­

worthy 4.7 per cent growth from the previous year. Breaking down the inter­ national traffic by nationali­ ty, the leading contributors to the September 2023 passenger count were the United Kingdom, with 557,043 travellers, fol­ lowed by the Netherlands with 103,186, Germany with 99,539, Belgium with 77,986, and Norway with 71,621. In terms of operations, Alicante­Elche Miguel Her­ nandez Airport managed a total of 9,625 flights in September, marking a ro­ bust 10.9 per cent increase compared to the flight movements of the same period in 2022. When considering the data accumulated for the first nine months of the year, Alicante­Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport wit­ nessed a remarkable 19.3 per cent surge in passen­ gers.

LOCAL NEWS CLOCKS BACK ON Sunday October 29 at 03.00, Day­ light Saving Time ends and the clocks will be turned back one hour to 02.00. There will be more light in the morning, however the dark nights will be drawing in.

NIBS EXTRA Expert meeting THE Valencian Association of Meteorology (AVAMET) hosted its ‘Trobada de la Tar­ dor’ (Autumn Meeting) in Benidorm on October 22. The gathering brought to­ gether more than 50 weath­ er experts and enthusiasts.

Lucky Lotto EL CAMPELLO has handed out the first prize of the Na­ tional Lottery Draw that took place on Thursday, October 19. The Ricardo Lottery ad­ ministration located on Calle San Bartolome sold the number 10,091, handing out a prize of €300,000 to a lucky winner.

Motion agreed DENIA Council is preparing to approve a motion concern­ ing the delimitation of the public maritime­terrestrial domain of the northern coast of Denia. They request the files for the beaches of Les Deveses and Les Marines remain on hold ‘until work on the receding beaches is carried out’.

Think Pink ON October 19, World Breast Cancer Day, the Asso­ ciation for the Fight against Cancer Calpe HQ displayed a banner on the balcony of the Old Town Hall. The purpose was to remind ladies of the significance of research and early diagnosis.

Terror tunnel THE tunnel of terror from Gandia Council is back! With free entrance to the Alqueria Laborde on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 enjoy the fun from 6pm to midnight and on Sunday 29 from 6pm un­ til 10pm.

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

A Date for doggy magic CALLLING all avid dog enthusiasts and furry friend lovers! Mark your calendars for October 28, as something truly spectacular is coming to the Plaza de la Generali­ tat in Busot. This is no ordinary event; it’s the highly anticipated selective test for the Span­ ish Canine Utility Obedi­ ence Championship. More than 50 talented teams from every corner of Spain are set to descend upon Busot to showcase their four­legged compan­ ions’ exceptional skills.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Busot

CHAMPIONSHIPS: More than 50 talented teams to take part.

The gathering is made possible by the collabora­ tive efforts of Workdog and the Busot City Council, and it’s an event like no other. The day kicks off at 8.00am, ensuring you have ample time to witness this display of the extraordi­ nary bond between hu­ mans and their canine counterparts. Whether you’re a dog owner, a dog lover, or sim­ ply someone who appreci­ ates the remarkable skills and unwavering loyalty of our furry friends, this event is for you!

Water bills Esports Gala AGUAS DE CALPE has initiated an information campaign to inform residents that starting from the water bill for the month of November, the regional sanitation fee will be in­ cluded. The fee was suspended by the previous government to combat inflation, but the Generalitat Valenciana decided to reinstate it, including what was not paid during the period from August 2022 to July 2023. The payment can be made over 36 months until January 31, 2025, to minimise the impact on families. This fee is collected by the Generalitat Valenciana for wastewater purification system management and invest­ ments. As a result, the upcoming water bills will be significantly higher than previous ones, including both the regional sani­ tation fee and an additional recovery fee for the deferred amount.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Altea

ANNUAL EVENT: Recognises Altea’s sports teams.

THE Esports Gala will take place at the Palau dels Es­ ports d’Altea on October 27, beginning at 8.00pm. This annual event will bring together all of Al­ tea’s sports teams to cel­ ebrate their achieve­ ments. The Sports Gala aims to recognise the efforts and successes of Altea’s sports teams during the past year. The event will feature a variety of disciplines, from those practised at the Ciutat Esportiva to fan forums and nautical clubs, among others. Sara Soler, the mayor of Sports in Altea, empha­ sised that the gala is not only a tribute to sporting achievements, but also an

opportunity to highlight the local athletes. The event will be free to attend, and tickets will be available one hour be­ fore the gala begins.

EWN

3

NextGeneration LLEGA700 has officially confirmed that in the upcoming days, they will be rolling out a new activation of the next­ generation mobile net­ work. This is a significant step forward in enhanc­ ing communication and connectivity in the area. In their commitment to providing the best service possible, Lle­ ga700 is eager to hear from you. If you happen to en­ counter any issues with the display of TDT chan­ nels, they have your back. You have a generous six­month window to report these problems, ensuring that any glitch­ es are addressed promptly. You can reach out to them via email at aju da@llega700.es or by phone on (+34) 900 833 999. This proactive ap­ proach to customer sup­ port ensures that your experience with the next­generation mobile network is smooth and hassle­free. So, if you encounter any concerns, don’t hes­ itate to get in touch ­ Llega700 have reached out to say they are here to help!

The Euro Weekly News publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews.com and in its papers than any other English news publication in Spain. Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to

always keep it that way.

FOR MORE NEWS STORIES euroweeklynews.com

4

EWN

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

Ooh good for OUIGO Anna Ellis THE popular low­cost high­speed train operator in Spain, OUIGO, has made an exciting announcement. Starting December 10, they will intro­ duce a new daily round­trip service on the Madrid­Albacete­Alicante line. This means passengers will now have the convenience of three round trips per day, amounting to a total of six journeys. OUIGO’s initiative to strengthen its presence in the Valencian Community doesn’t stop here. They’re also introducing an impressive enhancement to their Madrid­Valencia line. The route will have an increase of two

daily services (four routes), effective from December 10. This development will result in five round­trip services per day, making it a total of 10 trips for passengers to choose from. OUIGO encourages travellers to plan their journeys well in advance to take advantage of their budget­friendly rates and top­notch service. But that’s not all, OUIGO has big plans for the future. In the coming year, they’re set to ex­ pand and diversify their offerings within the Valencian Community. Their sights are now set on Elche, a city they’ll soon connect with Madrid and Murcia.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK “Knowledge is power.” Meaning the more you know, the more powerful you can be in your life. This phrase is often attributed to Francis Bacon, but Thomas Jefferson also used the phrase on at least four separate occasions.

LOCAL NEWS

Emerging talent MARTA SIRVENT RUIZ, a rising star in rural sports from El Campello, has been selected as a nominee for one of the provincial sports awards. The winner will be determined during a special gala scheduled for Monday, October 30 in Alicante. Marta’s nomination comes as a result of her outstanding achievements in the discipline of rescue and lifesaving during the 2021­2022 season. At the Junior Spanish Championship held in Cantabria, Marta demonstrated her exceptional skills by clinching first place in Beach Sprint and Flags and se­

curing the second spot in Surf Swim. Furthermore, she achieved top posi­ tions in Ocean Relay, Mixed Ocean Re­ lay, and Sprint Relay events. In the Spanish Absolute Beach Cham­ pionship, she continued to impress, earning second place in Beach Sprint and Surf Swim, while capturing first place in the Sprint Relay and securing a second position in the Mixed Ocean Re­ lay. Marta’s remarkable accomplishments highlight her dedication and potential in rural sports, making her a strong con­ tender for the provincial sports award.

Transformation underway EXCITING times have dawned upon the Ciutat Esportiva Camilo Cano in La Nucia, where renova­ tion works have officially

commenced on the in­ door football field. This rejuvenation pro­ ject is a testament to the commitment of the local

4 Only four words in the English language end in ‘dous’.

authorities to enhance sports facilities and offers a global investment of €60,000. Scheduled to be com­ pleted by the end of Oc­ tober, these renovations will not only breathe new life into the field but also render it adaptable for both football and hockey. This transformation is particularly significant due to the inception of the La Nucía Hockey School two years ago, ne­ cessitating adjustments to the indoor field.

RECENT DONATIONS THE Original Charity Shop and Library have had a wonderful summer with great takings, enabling them to donate to the Red Cross and Caritas. The Red Cross received €1,000 to replenish their food bank and continue their good work in looking after refugees. They also received €2,000 destined to help the Moroccan Earthquake Disaster Fund. Caritas also received €1,000 to replenish their food bank for needy fami­ lies living in the Javea area. They have received a spectacular donation of 25 brand new beautiful wed­ ding dresses. These will be available for sale by ap­ pointment only. Planning a spring wedding? Now is the time to think about your wedding dress. Why not phone the shop on 966 470 803 to arrange an appointment to view and try on some of these won­ derful dresses. They have now com­ pleted the changeover to autumn and winter items and there is a great selec­ tion of ladies and men’s clothes available. Find them on Carrer de Nancy 1, in Javea’s Arenal area. View charityshoplibrary. com or email: info@chari tyshoplibrary.com.

26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

EWN

5

Significant investment Anna Ellis FINESTRAT and La Nucia have demonstrated their ability to attract significant investments in the commercial sector, surpassing even Benidorm. While Finestrat has established itself with a large boulevard around a shopping centre, La Nucia is experiencing growth in the vicinity of Ciutat Esportiva Camilo Cano, thanks to the de­ velopment of La Serreta, which includes three commercial parks. One of these commercial parks, located clos­ est to the sports complex, is situated to the right of access from Roundabout 1. A sign already announces the arrival of new brands, including well­known names like Burg­ er King, Aldi, Popeyes, Tedi, Sprinter, and Pep­ co. The largest of the three, spanning 25,300 square metres, is managed by the German company Activ­Group and is strategically locat­ ed on the right side of the CV­715 road as you

Image: Ayuntamiento de La Nucia / Facebook

LOCAL NEWS

LA SERRETA: Has three commercial parks.

head up from Benidorm, across from the Plenoil Petrol Station. The third commercial park is promoted by the Valencian consulting firm Inmoking, occu­ pying a 21,600 square metre plot on the left side of the entrance road to the sports facilities from Roundabout 1. Alongside commercial brands, there are plans for the construction of a hotel or a resi­ dence for athletes, further contributing to the region’s commercial and tourism growth.

Embrace life IN a burst of colours the tapestry titled ‘Embrace Life’ now adorns the walls of Benissa. This remarkable work brought to life under the guidance of Margo Cano, serves as a poignant tes­ tament to the significance of breast cancer aware­ ness. This artistic master­ piece not only captivates the eye but also carries a profound message, Think Pink.

It’s a gentle yet power­ ful reminder of the ongo­ ing battle against breast cancer, emphasising the importance of early de­ tection and support for those affected. But the celebration of life didn’t stop there. On Sunday, October 22, the spirit of unity and unwavering support filled the streets of Benissa. The town came alive with the ‘Walk For Life’ charity event, a re­

sounding success that resonated with partici­ pants of all ages.

+SHOP FOR POOL EQUIPM MENT & PRODUCTS: CHLORINE, PUMPS, FILTERS, T CLEANERS, COVERS, ETC. +POOLS & SPAS +CONSTRUCTION

Everything i fo or yourr p pool

32 The number of muscles a cat has in each ear.

Calle ll del d l Río í Sill, 2 Jávea 96 646 19 74 · tiendaa@construma.es www.constrruma.es

EWN

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

Increased frequency Anna Ellis THE La Nucia­Benidorm bus service has undergone a significant improve­ ment, with increased fre­ quency, especially during peak hours. This enhancement of service marks a substan­ tial upgrade from the pre­ vious schedule, which on­ ly offered six daily bus trips between La Nucia and Benidorm. The improvement in service quality is the re­ sult of a new concession contract that entailed an investment of €6.7 million by the Generalitat Valen­ ciana. This investment covers the enhancement of the road passenger transport service for 10 lines, includ­ ing Line 52 (La Nucía­ Benidorm), and Line 53 (La Nucía­Hospital de la Vila). Under the new sched­ ule, Line 52 (La Nucía­ Benidorm) will see buses running every half hour

Image: Ayuntamiento de La Nucia / Facebook

6

BUS SERVICE: Has undergone a significant improvement.

during peak hours on weekdays. This high­frequency schedule will be in place from early morning, start­ ing at 7.18am and running through to 9.48am. It will also be available during midday from 12.48pm to 3.48pm, and in the evening from 7.48pm to 8.18pm. Throughout the remain­ der of the day, buses will operate at hourly inter­ vals, providing a total of

20 trips per day, both to and from La Nucía and Benidorm.

12 The number of grapes eaten at New Year in Spain.

LOCAL NEWS

Lacrosse fever THE thrill of intense competi­ tion is about to descend upon Oliva on October 28 and 29. It’s time for the most presti­ gious event on the national ‘lacrosse’ calendar, the Spanish Lacrosse Cup and it’s also the grand opening of the 2023­ 2024 season. Joan Mascarell, Sports coun­ cillor, confirmed: “We’re thrilled to once again host a na­ tional competition in Oliva. “Furthermore, lacrosse could regain its status as an Olympic sport, potentially making Oliva a hub for pre­ Olympic training.” The councillor added: “We aspire for Oliva to continue be­ ing a trailblazer in the world of Tourism­Sports.2 Santiago de la Morena, Deputy Director and Responsi­ ble for Institutional Relations of the Spanish Lacrosse Associa­ tion, said: “Next weekend promises two days of intense competition, enriching experi­ ences, camaraderie, and, heart­pounding action.”

Beatles tribute MAGNUM Concert Pro­ ductions kicked off the autumn season with a spectacular tribute to the legendary Beatles, pre­ sented by what could be the best Beatles tribute

band in Spain if not all of Europe. The Liverpool Band, comprised of four excep­ tionally talented musi­ cians based in the Ali­ cante region, delivered an

unforgettable perfor­ mance that transported the audience back to the heyday of the Fab Four. Having graced stages across Europe and even performed at the iconic ‘Cavern Club’ in Liverpool on multiple occasions, The Liverpool Band brought the Beatles’ time­ less hits to life with unri­ valled precision and au­ thenticity. Their renditions of clas­ sics like ‘Here Comes the Sun’, ‘Michelle’, ‘All You Need Is Love’, ‘Get Back’, ‘Hey Jude’, and ‘How Could I Dance with Anoth­ er’ were nothing short of flawless. Not only did they capture the music, but they also embodied the charm and charisma of the original band. What makes this con­ cert even more special is that all profits from the event will be directed to local charities, including the Alzheimer’s Centre in Teulada.

LOCAL NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

Make a difference Anna Ellis

ARE you passionate about our environment and eager to con­ tribute to its preservation? Here’s your chance to make a real impact. Sign up for Olivas’s upcoming environmental volunteer day, scheduled for Saturday, October 28, at Rabdells Beach. Oliva will come together to tackle invasive exotic vegetation, giving the native Dunar flora the space it needs to thrive. The mission? To conserve the fragile ecosystem and safe­ guard the habitat of the Camanegre corridor, a precious but endangered species along the coastal region. The event will run from 10.00am to 12.30pm, providing you with the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful contribu­ tion to our natural world.

Wildlife day ON a sunny Saturday, Oc­ tober 21, El Torres Beach in La Villajoyosa saw an in­ spiring display of commu­ nity spirit. A whopping 600 kilo­ grams of rubbish were cleared away by over 90 enthusiastic individuals. Among the volunteers were not only dedicated members of the Villa­ joyosa Sailing Club but also

the dedicated folks from Les Talaies, Asmivi, and the La Villajoyosa Centre, who joined forces to make a lasting impact on the occa­ sion of World Wildlife Day. Volunteers worked tire­ lessly to collect a stagger­ ing 600 kilograms of rub­ bish, proving that when a community bands togeth­ er, remarkable feats can be achieved.

Work from home YOU can manage your paperwork with Calpe Council online from the comfort of your home, quickly and easily. To do this, you’ll need a digital certificate, which enables on­ line identification with various administrations, including Calpe Town Council, Suma, and Social Security. If you don’t already have a digital certificate, you can obtain one for free by visiting the Calpe Citizen Services Office (OAC) and presenting your DNI or NIE. The OAC office is located at Av. de Ifach, 12, 03710 Calpe, Ala­ cant.

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN

7

Police winners IN a celebration of athletic prowess and dedication to du­ ty, two exceptional officers from the Local Police of Muchamiel have made their mark at the ninth European Police and Firefighters Games. Stepping onto the mat with determination and skill, Jose Belda Atoche, a member of the Local Police of Muchamiel, emerged triumphant. He proudly clinched a bronze medal in the intense and de­ manding discipline of judo. Diving into open waters, Os­ car Molina Pastor, another dedicated officer from

Spooky initiative THE market of Denia has cooked up a delightfully spooky initiative to cele­ brate the Halloween sea­ son. From now until Novem­ ber 4, you have a chance to win a trolley filled with products worth €200! To participate in the draw, simply make a pur­ chase of €10 or more at the market. With your receipt in hand, look for the dedi­ cated ballot box, and be sure to write your name and telephone number on the receipt before sub­ mitting it. This Halloween promo­ tion hopes to add an ex­ citing twist to your regu­ lar market shopping.

Muchamiel’s Local Police, showcased his aquatic prowess. With resilience and unwavering determination, he conquered the challenging 5km open water swimming event, securing a well­de­ served bronze medal.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Mutxamel / Facebook

EXCEPTIONAL: Two officers won medals.

EWN

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

PREPARE for a remarkable shift in ur­ ban transportation within the Marina Baixa region. The heart of this transformation lies in a new bus service, artfully link­ ing Benidorm with a tapestry of pic­ turesque towns, including l’Alfàs del Pi, Altea, Beniarda, Benifat, Beniman­ tel, Bolulla, Callosa d’En Sarria, Con­

Transport progress frides, Finestrat, Castell de Guadalest, La Nucia, Orxeta, Polop, Relleu, Sella, Tarbena, and Vila Joiosa. The jewel in this crown of trans­ portation progress is Villajoyosa. The town now serves as a bustling

nexus, with enhanced connections to neighbouring communities and a fre­ quency of urban transport services. The new route takes passengers from the heart of the town, beginning at the Parc de la Barbera stop then

VISITORS and residents of Gandia will soon have the opportunity to explore the Prado Civil War shelters, the Palau Cistern, and the Pesca­ teria through virtual tours. These virtual experiences are being introduced to make these historically sig­ nificant locations more ac­ cessible to the public, as their physical accessibility is limited. The Civil War shelters in Gandia are a part of the city’s history, with many of these tunnels being con­ structed or repurposed in re­ sponse to Italian bombings on Gandia and El Grau dur­ ing 1937. These virtual tours aim to provide a first­hand look at these tunnels, allowing visi­ tors to explore these sites

through Huit de Maig street, finally culminating at the Benidorm inter­ modal station. Additionally, it offers access to the metropolitan Tram service in Alacant. Key stops along the way include the Hospital Comarcal Marina Baixa, La Cala, Carrer d’Esperanto, and the centre of Benidorm

Virtual visit Image: Ayuntamiento de Busot / Facebook

8

CIVIL WAR SHELTERS: To be made more accessible.

from the comfort of their own homes. The goal is not only to re­ member tragic episodes but also to raise awareness and prevent them from happen­ ing again. Gandia’s municipal ar­ chaeologist mentioned that of the 37 anti­aircraft tun­

nels in the city, only three shelters can be visited, and these visits will be made possible through virtual means. One of the shelters with unique historical significance is the Pescateria, which was used by the anti­Fascist group of Gandia.

LOCAL NEWS

Pruning purge ATTENTION, residents of Bu­ sot! It’s time to prepare for controlled burning as Busot opens up the period for au­ thorisations. You have the opportunity to clear away debris and agri­ cultural prunings through con­ trolled burning, and this win­ dow will remain open until May 31. From now until April 30, you’re free to conduct burn­ ing activities from the break of dawn until midday. For May, take note that the burning hours are slightly restricted. You can engage in burning ac­ tivities only until 11.00am. Obtaining your bonfire li­ cence is a straightforward pro­ cess. Just call into Busot Town Hall, and they’ll guide you through the process to ensure you’re fully compliant. Before you light up, contact the town hall to verify the cur­ rent alert level. You can do this by calling (+34) 965 938 299. This step ensures your controlled burning activities align with the safety stan­ dards and regulations in place.

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN

9

Is it time to consider downsizing your home? Spain offers fantastic property opportunities in outstanding surroundings, so it is unsurprising that many Britons choose to retire to their own place in the sun. Property may be your biggest asset, with the potential to provide a substantial return on your initial investment over time. For many, their home is also a legacy to help secure the financial future of children and other heirs. However, there are risks in relying on bricks and mortar for your wealth. You cannot fully realise the financial benefits of a property while you are still living in it. Compared to other investments, property can also prove very costly to maintain.

protect against long-term inflation and provide the increased income you may need in the future as the cost of living rises?

a reduced or limited income, this can be draining on your resources, particularly if you own more than one property.

Size does matter Generally, the larger the property, the more expensive the running costs. Mortgage payments, rates, utility bills, building and maintenance expenses can all add up to generate a relatively high ongoing burden. If you are retired with

Affording retirement With today’s increased life expectancy, you may need your existing wealth to stretch to ten, twenty, or perhaps thirty plus years in retirement. Are your pensions, savings and investments on track to sustain your lifestyle for as long as you need? Are they structured to

By Brett Hanson, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

Many people find themselves in an ‘asset rich, cash poor’ situation, owning considerable physical wealth such as property but with substantially less disposable income. Expatriates may additionally hold on to UK property. While property can be a solid investment, it locks your money away in a highly illiquid way. If you want access to your capital, you may not be able to sell easily, nor for the right price. Also, there is risk in tying your funds up in one asset class – if the value of property drops, so does your investment. Property may offer potential leveraging opportunities, but this comes with costs and risks.

vestment growth. By reinvesting in suitable investment funds, for example, you can still invest in real estate if you wish but alongside other assets (equities, bonds etc.) to reduce risk through diversification. And, unlike immoveable property, if you require small amounts of cash you can just sell the amount you need, not the whole investment. A specialist adviser can help you explore investment arrangements that suit your circumstances, goals and risk appetite while being tax-efficient for Spain. You could also unlock other benefits that property cannot offer, such as a regular income and currency flexibility. When it comes to estate planning, there are more opportunities to reduce succession tax for your heirs on investment capital than with real estate.

Benefits of reinvesting your capital Downsizing property can help increase your accessible wealth, but it needn’t be a compromise when it comes to in-

Reducing taxation Higher-value homes can tip you over the threshold for Spanish wealth tax, as well as increasing the inheritance tax bill for your heirs. There are

generally more opportunities to reduce wealth tax on capital investments than on immoveable property. By reducing the amount of tax payable, you can make your money go further in your lifetime and maximise the value of your legacy. Take personalised, cross-border advice to establish an investment and estate planning strategy that can secure a secure retirement for you in Spain today and a lasting legacy for future heirs.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.

10 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

Funding festivities

euroweeklynews.com BENIDORM is gearing up to host the 20th­anniversary edi­ tion of the ‘Gran Hotel Bali In­ ternational Chess Festival’ this coming December. This event has evolved into a global benchmark in the world of chess and has gar­ nered international acclaim over the years. The festival, scheduled from December 1 to 10, promises to be a grand affair. As of now, there are over 400 registered participants from 27 different countries, and this number is expected to

Chess fest grow as the event draws near­ er. The organisers anticipate the total number of partici­ pants to surpass 1,000, repre­ senting more than 40 national­ ities.The 20th Gran Hotel Bali International Chess Festival is touted as “one of the most im­ portant chess events in Eu­ rope.” This reputation is well­

LOCAL NEWS deserved, as it boasts an im­ pressive 10­day duration, fea­ turing five distinct competi­ tions, some of which attract top­tier talent. Over the years, it has attracted more than 1,500 athletes, setting a record for the number of participants. The festival continues to emphasise excellence, with a highly competitive group where some of the world’s best chess players will vie for the top spot and attractive cash prizes. In total, the prize pool ex­ ceeds €33,000.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

Celebrating in style.

ALICANTE is set to inject some serious vitality into its Festival Department, with an impressive total subsidy of €128,000 earmarked for this purpose. Within this generous fund­ ing, there’s an exciting second line of subsidy worth €24,000 allocated specifically for the hiring of live music orches­ tras. The €24,000 grant will be divided among all the associ­ ations that can substantiate their orchestra hiring. For eli­

gibility, these associations are required to assemble a tal­ ented troupe consisting of at least six members, compris­ ing instrumentalists, dancers, and singers. The goal is clear: to enhance the city’s cultural tapestry with rich musical and artistic performances. Now, let’s delve into the €104,000 subsidy that’s desig­ nated for the celebration of patron saint festivities in the neighbourhoods and districts of Alicante. This chunk of funding serves a multifaceted

purpose. It will fuel the organ­ isation of public events, creat­ ing vibrant gatherings that bring communities closer to­ gether. Sociocultural activities will also benefit from this in­ jection of funds, fostering cre­ ativity and connection within the community. Moreover, a portion of this subsidy is directed towards the planning and execution of promotional and dissemina­ tion activities to spread the word about these vibrant cel­ ebrations.

Oliva progress PROGRESS on the rejuvenation of Oliva’s Promenade and the rehabilitation of Calle Hon­ da d’Oliva is steadily gaining momentum. The much­anticipated transformations are set to bring a fresh, vibrant vibe to the town. The Promenade project, with its brand­new pavement and contemporary urban furniture, is well underway. Residents can mark their cal­ endars for January 2024 when the anticipated completion date is set. This revitalisation effort extends not only to the promenade itself but also to the surround­ ing pavements and the welcome addition of

parking spaces for convenience. Meanwhile, the consolidation of Calle Honda’s slope is on track for completion by November, as originally planned. This endeavour is vital to counteract the ero­ sion issues that plagued the area in 2019 and to mitigate geological risks. But that’s not all, this comprehensive project also encompasses the enhancement of street access to Parque Santa Anna, significantly improving the overall envi­ ronment. Mayor, Yolanda Pastor is thrilled with the progress: “We are overjoyed to witness the tangible results of our hard work.”

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

MOUTHWATERING: A burger lover’s paradise is coming to Altea.

Burger showdown Anna Ellis DO you have a craving for a mouthwa­ tering burger that’ll leave your taste buds dancing? Well, you’re in luck! Altea is current­ ly hosting the L’Altea Burger Gourmet gastronomic event, and it’s an abso­ lute burger lover’s paradise. This event is a culinary celebration that runs until October 29. Featuring a lineup of 23 restaurants within the charming municipality of Altea, this event isn’t just for locals but is also a siren call to visitors. And here’s the kicker: for a mere €18, you can savour a sumptuous burger, complete with garnishes, and pair it with your choice of a soft drink, water, or even an ice­cold beer.

Each participating restaurant will have its very own QR code, which al­ lows customers to rate their burger experience based on not only the taste but also its presentation. This means you’re not just savour­ ing an incredible burger; you’re also playing a part in the quest to crown the best burger in Altea for 2023. The eight most beloved establish­ ments, chosen by popular vote, will duke it out in a thrilling final event. There are also fantastic prizes up for grabs including a romantic meal for two at Restaurant Juan Abril, a de­ lightful tasting menu for two at Restaurant La Maja, and three bottles of Mediterranean Blue wine from Restaurant Casa Vital.

ALICANTE is currently facing a significant challenge when it comes to affordable housing. Over the years, the amount of living space that can be rented with 30 per cent of the average monthly salary has dwindled. In 2019, residents of Alicante could rent an average of 74 square metres of housing. However, by 2023, this number has shrunk to just 52 square metres, representing a significant 30 per cent reduc­ tion in available living space. This startling information is backed by a recent study that reveals the stark reality of housing affordability.

EWN 11

Rising rentals Image: Ayuntamiento de Altea

Image: Ayuntamiento de Altea

LOCAL NEWS

ALICANTE: Affordable housing is challenging.

These findings are based on an analysis of average rental prices sourced from the Foto­ casa Real Estate Index and da­ ta on average salaries derived from the InfoJobs platform. In practical terms, this means that back in 2013, an

average resident in the Valen­ cian Community, allocating 30 per cent of their monthly gross salary could comfortably rent a 107 square metre home. However, now the same in­ dividual would only be able to afford a 51sqm living space.

Double your money BENISSA Council is gearing up to wrap up its consumer voucher programme, and the clock is ticking! There are only a limited number of vouchers left, so this is your last chance to grab them be­ fore they vanish. But don’t worry, there’s still time left. You have until the end of October to secure and put to good use your Consumption Bonus. How do these vouchers work, you ask? Well, it’s simple. You can use the vouchers for purchases that are either equal to or greater

than double the value of the bonus. For instance, if you pay €25 for a consumer voucher, you can spend up to €50 on any one purchase. To get your hands on the vouchers, all you need to do is hop on over to the website bon sconsumbenissa.es, and you can register to claim vouchers worth up to a maximum of €100 per resident. Please note that when you redeem the vouchers, participating establishments may ask to see your ID.

12 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023 THE Casa de Cultura in Alfas del Pi are hosting a special con­ cert called A Christmas Festival to help raise money for the lo­ cal food bank on Wednesday December 13 at 7.30pm. The concert is being performed by the international choir Canto Mundial in association with the Alfas del Pi Town Hall. The choir members come

A Christmas Festival from seven different nationali­ ties and will be singing in sever­ al languages including English, Spanish, and Latin. Their musi­ cal director, Philip Ashley, has put together a concert filled with a diverse range of musical styles including some classical, pop and naturally a selection

of Christmas music. The choir do not only sing as a large group. Some songs will be per­ formed by smaller groups of singers or soloists from within Canto Mundial, making up a fun and entertaining pro­ gramme for the Christmas Fes­

euroweeklynews.com tival concert. This is the perfect start to your Christmas cele­ brations and will help many families in need. The choir are asking for a donation of €7 per person that will be given to the Alfas del Pi food bank, to help them to continue their work during the Christmas period. Tickets are available from the choir members, the Casa de Cultura or by telephone on 965 581 483.

700 The number of people with the name Japón in a town in Spain.

LOCAL NEWS

Easy parking BENIDORM’S public car park of l’Aiguera has recent­ ly undergone a technologi­ cal makeover to enhance the user experience and provide valuable informa­ tion about available parking spaces. These improvements in­ clude the installation of two information screens located on Calle Primavera and the upper part of Tomas Or­ tuño, both of which display essential data for visitors. These screens offer a triple set of information. Firstly, they show the number of vacant spaces for regular vehicles. Secondly, they provide

Anna Ellis PREPARE for a delightful Christmas tradition direct from the UK! Costa Pantomimes is bringing a classic British Pantomime to the Costa Blanca with ‘Aladdin’. This iconic Christmas Pantomime will be live on stage at the Auditori Teulada Moraira from November 30 to December 15. ‘Aladdin’ features a star­studded cast, in­ cluding film and TV veteran Frazer Hines, known for his roles in ‘Dr Who’ and ‘Em­ merdale’, and Peter Amory, famous for play­ ing ‘Chris Tate’ in ‘Emmerdale’. Frazer Hines, in the role of a Chinese Police­ man, does his best to keep Aladdin’s nemesis, Abanzar (played by Peter Amory), on the straight and narrow. The production boasts an all­star cast of top British actors and professional Spanish dancers.

information on available spaces for people with re­ duced mobility. Lastly, the screens also in­ dicate the number of unoc­ cupied spaces designated for electric vehicles. This valuable real­time in­ formation helps drivers make informed decisions when parking. The entrance sign to the car park has also been re­ vamped, now sporting a more attractive design. Additionally, the en­ trance and exit fences have been equipped with LED lighting to increase visibility and add a touch of moder­ nity to the facility.

Panto fun It’s written, directed, and produced by two of the UK’s leading Pantomime experts with over 400 productions under their belts. As a special treat, Dino the Dinosaur is set to make an appearance. ‘Aladdin’ is a fast­paced extravaganza that offers fun for all the family. Whether you’re a veteran theatregoer or a first­timer, this production promises laughter, drama, excitement, popular music, dynamic dancing, colourful costumes, audience partici­ pation, sing­alongs, spectacular effects, and even a flying Magic Carpet! Join Aladdin on his magical journey with his enchanted lamp and make attending a tradi­ tional Family Pantomime an entry in your Christmas Costa Blanca Diary.

14 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023 IN previous articles we have analysed in depth the most im­ portant aspects of the housing leases. The possibility for the landlord to recover the property for his/her own or his/her fami­ ly members’ use. The obligatory Energy Efficiency Certificate. The bond. The recent modification of the Housing Law, etc. This week we want to focus on rental for use other than hous­

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Compensation for the tenant. Commercial premises rental. Termination of the contract. Loss of clientele. Urban Lease Act. Expert legal advice. ing (commercial premises rental). Its main differences with respect to the residential lease. And especially, the compensa­ tion for the tenant foreseen in art. 34 of the Urban Lease Act. Leasing for use other than

housing: regulation and main differences The lease of commercial premises is regulated in Title III of the Urban Leases Act (L.A.U.) and presents important differ­ ences with respect to the lease of a dwelling. ­ Deposit In the case of a landlord, the compulsory deposit is one month’s rent. In the case of a landlord for a use other than a dwelling, two monthly payments are obligatory. ­ Subletting When the object of the rental is a dwelling, the landlord must authorise subletting. And the sub­ letting can only be partial. How­ ever, in business premises, sub­ letting (total or partial) is possible without the landlord's authorisa­ tion. In addition, the landlord is entitled to raise the rent by 10 per cent (if the subletting is partial) or 20 per cent (if it is total). ­ Duration In residential leases, there is a minimum duration of five or sev­ en years (depending on whether the landlord is a natural person

or a legal entity). For commercial leases, there is no minimum du­ ration. Compensation for the tenant in the event of non­renewal of the contract Another of the main differ­ ences between renting a house and renting a commercial premises is the compensation to tenant foreseen in art. 34 of the Urban Lease Act. This compen­ sation only applies when the contract is terminated due to the expiration of the term estab­ lished in it. In order to be able to claim this compensation, the fol­ lowing requirements must be met: 1. The tenants must not have expressly waived this indemnity when he/she signed the lease contract.

2. The tenant must have car­ ried out a commercial activity or business in the rented premises during the last five years. 3. Four months before the end of the lease, the tenant must have informed the landlord of his wish to continue the lease at a market price. How is this compensation cal­ culated? In accordance with art. 34 of the Urban Lease Act, the com­ pensation for the tenant can be calculated according to two sce­ narios: ­ In the first six months after the termination of the contract, the tenant settles in other premises, in the same municipal­ ity, and engages in the same ac­ tivity that he/she had been carry­ ing out until now. In this case, the compensation will include the relocation expenses and the damages derived from the loss of clientele. ­ The tenant opens another

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) - White&Baos - Tel: +34 966 426 185 info@white-baos.com White & Baos 2023 All Rights Reserved.

business, in the six months fol­ lowing the termination of the contract but dedicated to a dif­ ferent activity (or he/she does not start any activity). If the land­ lord or a third party starts to de­ velop the same (or similar) activi­ ty in the premises of the previous tenant; the compensa­ tion will be equivalent to one month per year of the contract (with a maximum of 18 monthly payments). Conclusions In summary, when the land­ lord (or a third party) can take advantage of the clientele of the previous tenant, the law aims to counterweigh the tenant eco­ nomically with this compensa­ tion. If you have signed (or are going to sign) a lease for use oth­ er than as a dwelling (commer­ cial premises rental), do not hesi­ tate to contact us. We will study your case and offer you expert advice on the subject. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal is­ sues.

16 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Happy Halloween nounced ‘SAH­win’. This pa­ gan festival was held around November 1, a date that marked the transition from the autumn harvest season to the darker days of winter. It is around this time of the year that it was believed ­ and is still believed for many who continue to honour Samhain ­ that the veil between the land of the living and the depths of the dead is at its most thin. A time where the souls of the deceased revisited the earthly realm and roamed it

freely with unknown inten­ tions. Feasts were held, where places were set and food was offered to departed souls of family members. The pagan gods were also honoured, with offerings of drink and livestock in a bid to appease them and ensure that their animals survived throughout the wretched winter. There were also sa­ cred bonfires that burned throughout the night of Samhain, as they were be­ lieved to have special cleans­ ing and protecting powers. As Christianity swept through Europe and The Isles, traditional pagan celebrations were viciously repressed by the church and its enforcers. In the ninth century the western church endorsed November 1 as the date of All Saints’ Day. In part, this was to present this time of year as one of love rather than ‘su­ perstitious’ fear, stressing that those who die in Christ have

their souls forever in the lov­ ing family of God. However, the oppression against any contradicting beliefs to the new reli­ gion, especially those of the pagan gods, was in­ tense in this period, and by creating a new celebration on this date it intended to secure the complete eradication of Samhain and its ‘radical’ be­ liefs. Today, Halloween is cele­ brated as a fun­filled festival where children and adults alike dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, go trick­or­ treating, tell scary stories and eat copious amounts of sweets. But these modern customs are all deeply steeped in spiri­ tual traditions. For example, the idea of ‘trick or treating’ comes from the door to door travelling of the poor, who would beg for food in return for songs and prayers. This was referred to as

i

t

shutterstock

DOUBLE, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and caul­ dron bubble! Oh yes fellow earth bound souls, the ghost­ ly eve of Halloween is nigh! With the sudden change in weather feeling positively witchy, it seems that the stormy stage for this haunted holiday has been set here in Spain. The modern day Hal­ loween, which is celebrated on October 31 around the world, holds its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a Gaelic word pro­

Have some spooky fun.

‘souling’ and the children were called ‘soulers’. A typical food given to these soulers was a ‘soul cake’, with a holy cross marked on top that rep­ resented a soul being freed when it was eaten. These were sweet treats, made with ginger, raisins and nutmeg. The creepy costumes that modern celebrators wear on Halloween come from the an­ cient desire to hide a person’s attendance at pagan festivals or to mask the energy of the wearer to allow for better communication with the spir­

world. Costumes were also sometimes used to ward off evil spirits from entering the body. Thankfully society is now much more accepting of dif­ ferent beliefs and so all are free to celebrate Halloween loud and proud, with many religious people of varied ideas still enjoying this fright­ ening festival! Whatever way you choose to celebrate, Euro Weekly News wishes all a weird and wonderful night, with many happy hauntings!

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

Flu alarm in Italy

THE World Health Organisa­ tion has raised the alarm about influenza, which will ‘return to pre­pandemic lev­ els’ and will peak between December and January. In the meantime, howev­ er, the ‘para­flu’ viruses, are putting around 80,000 Ital­ ians to bed every week with fever, colds, coughs and sore throats. In the autumn­winter pe­ riod, the medical director of the Galeazzi Hospital in Mi­ lan, Fabrizio Pregliasco, pre­ dicts that, “there will be around 10 million cases in Italy, which will be added to the five to six million cases of the flu itself.” No vaccines or even anti­ viruses exist against influen­ za’s relatives, the ‘para­flu’ viruses. “Infections, there­ fore, must be eradicated by the immune system and we can only diminish the inten­ sity of symptoms with anti­ inflammatories, antihis­ tamines and mucolytics.

EWN 17

Sixth London airport?

Credit: Supporters of Manston Airport Facebook

TIME WILL TELL: Manston Airport closed in 2014.

Photo: Shutterstock

INFLUENZA: Is expected to peak later in the year.

“In short, we simply have to wait for it to pass,” added Pregliasco. However, there are very simple precautions that are effective in reducing the risk of infection. For example, “change the air in the room frequently, trying to keep the tempera­ ture no higher than 25 de­ grees centigrade, to avoid dryness of the respiratory tract, which makes it easier for the virus to attack,” said

the medical director. For influenza proper, the vaccine is already available in Italy and is free of charge for those from 60 years of age upwards. “Considering that about two weeks elapse after its administration before it takes effect, this is the right time to start getting vacci­ nated,” explains Pierluigi Bartoletti, deputy secretary of the federation of family doctors.

LONDON currently has five main passenger air­ ports, City, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted, but many will remember the so­called Boris Island sites for a proposed sixth airport which came to nothing. In 2014, the private owner of Manston Airport in Kent decided to close it and there was talk of the entire area, which was first opened as an RAF station in 1916 and saw service in both the First and Second World Wars, being sold to build housing. The Royal Air Force had withdrawn in 1996 and it was run as a commercial airport until its closure with freight, some passenger and pri­ vate flights taking place regularly. Since its closure, it’s been an overflow lorry park for those taking freight between the UK and France but is now owned by RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) which reportedly plans to invest up to £500 million in bringing the run­ ways up to date and to create a new terminal. Government approval has been given for

work to be undertaken to recreate this potential sixth London Airport but it seems probable that local residents will mount a legal challenge to plans to reopen Manston. Assuming they fail, then it is anticipated that there could be commercial freight services oper­ ating by 2028 and it is argued that it is less pollut­ ing to fly goods to and from France than to ship the equivalent amount of freight in lorries. If this works, then the next step will be to try to attract passenger airlines to use Manston and this will be helped by the fact that earlier this year, Thanet Parkway Station opened to the public and is just three and half miles away from the airport, so with journey time from London St Pancras just over an hour it should be commer­ cially viable to build a link to the airport itself. Time will tell and it could be decades before passenger services start again according to a news source, but London may eventually have another air bridge to Spain.

18 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

Electric ships on the Thames THE first of three new elec­ tric ferries has been launched on the River Thames in London. A hy­ brid system allows the new ships to transport commuters and tourists solely using battery power. It is not only the first but also the largest hybrid unit in passenger transport on the Thames. It is 40 me­ tres long, almost the length of two intercon­ nected tennis courts, and can accommodate 230 passengers. Battery recharging is provided for using energy from biofuel­powered en­ gines which gives a nearly 90 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to when operating solely on conventional marine diesel. “We not only want to use the most advanced technology to reduce our

carbon footprint, but also play our part in opening up new opportunities to maximise the develop­ ment of this technology,” stressed Sean Collins, co­ founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. The Thames is cruised by ferries built in Poland. Located in Gdańsk, Re­ montowa Shipbuilding Shipyard built plug­in hy­ brid vessel ferries carrying passengers and cars be­ tween the banks of the Thames more than five years ago. The passenger­car fer­ ries, which are more than 60 metres long, have a load line of about 210 me­ tres. They can take on board 150 passengers and 45 cars. They were built at the Remontowa Shipbuild­ ing shipyard of Gdańsk fol­ lowing an order from Transport for London.

euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Smashing Pumpkins YOUNG children in the town of Kurdějov in the Czech Republic were distraught when they woke up one morning to discover that the pumpkin lanterns they had carved had been destroyed. They had prepared these miniature works of art for a Pumpkin and Lantern Parade in the run up to Hal­ loween and what had been a joyful event attracting many children and adults turned into an example of wanton vandalism. Undaunted, more jack­o­lanterns were prepared and again they were destroyed overnight by the anony­ mous pumpkin hater. This wasn’t a case of local fans of American band Smashing Pumpkins being unusually creative but a gen­ uine example of what appeared to be a heartless strike against the local children with many locals turning to social media to call the vandal a coward who should own up. Surprisingly enough he did in a letter written to the town mayor and even more surprisingly, it turned out that the local priest Jaromír Smejkal accepted re­ sponsibility. In his letter he said “On leaving the parsonage on Sunday evening, I saw numerous symbols of the satanic holiday [Halloween], which was born in today’s pagan­ ised world as a counterweight to our approaching All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, placed in front of our sacred grounds. “I acted according to my faith and duty to be a father and protector of entrusted children and removed the symbols.” Once he discovered that these weren’t sym­

Carly Lesser & Art Drauglis Creative Commons

WORKS OF ART: Miniature Jack-o-Lanterns.

bols of the devil scattered around the town by worship­ pers of Satan but were carved in innocence by children, he relented somewhat and commented “Had I known this, despite my duty to act decisively and radically against evil, I would have considered the fact that I am also touching the feelings of my fellow men, especially children.” The matter didn’t rest there and Pavel Kafka, the vicar general of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brno told Břeclavský deník “Of course, I am sorry for the un­ fortunate situation in Kurdějov, which I also expressed in a written apology addressed to the mayor and repre­ sentatives of the village.” So, it appears that although Halloween is not widely celebrated in the Czech Republic, the children of Kur­ dějov will be free to go trick or treating on October 31 without fear of damnation from their parish priest.

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 19

IN Spain there seems to be more and more reports of wild boar becoming a nuisance in ur­ ban areas, from rummaging through bins to causing serious accidents on the highway. The latest figures show that Spain’s wild boar population in the provinces of Huesca and Girona, both located in the Pyrenean territories, have seemingly hit their wild boar population peak, writes Pig333. In contrast, regions like Barcelona, Valencia, and Ali­ cante are experiencing high growth rates, indicating the spread. The majority of other provinces fall into a category of relatively low population in­ crease but with a potential for growth in the future. Wild Boar Risks Reportedly the problem was exacerbated during the Covid lockdown where due to the ab­ sence of people on the streets more wild boar strayed into ur­ ban areas. In 2021 there were 1,200 incidents involving wild boars in Barcelona alone. This year alone there have

Credit: Sander van der Wel/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

Spain’s wild boar problem: Humane methods or culling?

WILD BOAR: The population has seemingly hit a peak in some areas.

been news reports of wild boar invading popular tourist spots, causing mayhem on beaches. While not a new problem, the frequency of these instances seems to be on the rise. There are also regular reports of wild boar as the root cause of road collisions, some of them fatal for drivers who were

caught out unexpectedly. Again this is nothing new in itself, but something that is becoming a worrying trend. Aside from these issues, there is the little­publicised problem of disease. The grow­ ing wild pig population poses significant concerns due to the species’ association with dis­

eases, notably African swine fever (ASF). While not a danger to humans, ASF has the poten­ tial to devastate the domestic pig population, a cause for con­ cern among livestock farmers and the Spanish economy. Is Culling The Answer? Wild boar do not have any natural predators, apart from wolves in the northern areas of Spain, which leads many to sug­ gest culling, particularly in Spain’s south. Culling is the act of selectively killing animals, typically to con­ trol their population or to con­ tain the spread of disease. Culling has been one of the pri­ mary methods used in Spain. It’s often done by professional hunters or by local authorities. Those in favour highlight that hunting wild boar is a centuries­ old tradition in many parts of Spain, so many people view culling simply as a continuation of this tradition. Alternative Solutions While some see culling as the way forward, there is also a segment of the population con­ cerned about safety, both in

terms of boar­human interac­ tions and the methods used for culling, which sometimes in­ volve firearms in relatively pop­ ulated areas. Other advocate more hu­ mane methods such as fencing or spraying chemicals that imi­ tate the smell of wolf urine. An­ other option is relocation, but due to their independence on scavenging, some argue that they would not survive back in the wild. This sterilisation method has been considered in some re­ gions. The idea is to capture and sterilise a certain number of boars to control their repro­ duction rate. Regarding the nuisance fac­ tor, authorities have tried to educate the public, usually tourists, about not feeding the boars and securing trash bins to make urban areas less attrac­ tive to these animals. As the wild boar population continues to grow, public senti­ ment and potential solutions will play a crucial role in shap­ ing Spain’s approach to this is­ sue.

20 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Two vessels escorted away A SPANISH ship intercepted a Russian submarine and a tug­ boat that were transiting the western Mediterranean Sea to the south of the Balearic Is­ lands. According to a statement from the Defence Staff (EMAD), the maritime inci­ dent occurred on the after­ noon of Wednesday, October 11. The Kilo II class submarine and the ‘Sergey Balk’ tugboat were detected by the Spanish maritime action ship ‘Rayo’. It reportedly escorted the two vessels until they left the area, which was said to be close to the Spanish Exclusive Eco­ nomic Zone (EEZ).

Credit: Spanish Ministry of Defence.

RAYO: The Spanish BAM maritime action vessel.

It was emphasised by Spain’s Ministry of Defence that at no time did either ves­ sel enter Spanish territorial waters. They were however sailing in waters of Spanish in­ terest, which Spain has the re­ sponsibility of monitoring. The escort process that was carried out was routine and is used for all ships that ap­

proach these areas of interest. On October 1, the ‘Rayo’ was integrated into the Mar­ itime Operational Command, under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS). Until the interception of the Russian vessels, its mission was that of Maritime Surveil­ lance Operations. This con­

sists of maritime traffic verifi­ cation and control activities, the supervision of fishing ac­ tivity within the limits of the EEZ and the protection of maritime lines of communica­ tion in the said area of inter­ est. Kilo­class submarines are a group of diesel­electric attack submarines that were origi­ nally built in the 1970s for the Soviet Navy, entering opera­ tional service in 1980. Their design was updated to a variant called Project 636.3, which is also known as the Improved Kilo II. These lat­ est subs can reportedly launch up to four Kalibr cruise mis­ siles.

Justice Minister resigns BELGIAN Justice Minister, Vin­ cent Van Quickenborne, has quit following a ‘monumental error’ that resulted in the bru­ tal killing of two people in Brussels.On Friday October 20, Vincent Van Quicken­ borne, Justice Minister of Bel­ gium, officially stepped down from his position after it was revealed that the horrific shooting and killing of two Swedish nationals in Brussels could have been prevented. The victims were gunned down on Monday October 16 on the Boulevard d’Ypres ­ north of Brussels city centre ­ by self proclaimed Islamic ex­ tremist, Abdesalem Lassoued. Lassoued, who was shot

Credit: Remko de Waal

Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne.

dead by police the day follow­ ing the murders, had vanished two years prior after being de­ nied asylum and ordered to be deported back to Tunisia. Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne stated on Fri­ day morning that “on August 15, 2022, there was an extra­

dition demand by Tunisia for this man,” he then continued to explain that “the magis­ trate in charge did not follow up on this demand and the dossier was not acted upon.” However, his decision to re­ sign was by reason of his be­ lief that he “must assume all the political responsibility for this unacceptable error.” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called the shooting a “brutal terrorist at­ tack” and offered respect for the courage of the Minister on the social media platform, X. The attack came as extrem­ ist violence cases continue to rise amid global tension over the Israel and Palestine war.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 21

TO coincide with World Energy Saving Day on Saturday Octo­ ber 21, Greenpeace volunteers visited 13 Spanish towns to place stickers on the windows of the information offices of the country’s large electricity companies. Endesa, Iberdrola and Naturgy offices were tar­ geted in A Coruña, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Pamplona, Almeria, Bilbao, Cadiz, Cordo­ ba, Malaga, Granada, Murcia, Valladolid and Zaragoza. The activists believe that the energy companies are deliber­ ately making it difficult for indi­ viduals, especially those in apartment blocks, to install so­ lar panels or other ways of col­

lecting solar power. Green­ peace argue that those who in­ stall solar power can save be­ tween 40 and 60 per cent on their annual electricity and with more than 10 per cent of households in Spain suffering from energy poverty due to es­ calating prices, this could mean the difference between enjoy­ ing heating or staying cold. According to María Prado, head of Greenpeace’s Climate and Energy campaign, “we want to make it clear that these companies are prevent­ ing people from exercising their right to enjoy solar ener­ gy, making it difficult with bu­ reaucratic obstacles to install

solar panels in their homes. “This situation, which should not exist since the re­ peal of the sun tax in 2018, oc­ curs systematically in neigh­ bourhood blocks and energy communities where self­con­ sumption is shared between different people. This is the so­ called collective self­consump­ tion.” The charity believes that so­ lar self­consumption is one of the best tools available to help families save on their electricity bill, be energy efficient and contribute to the fight against climate change. However, according to the Greenpeace campaign, self­

Scientist’s mysterious death Linda Hall LAST year a ‘brilliant and promising’ Spanish bio­ chemist died at the tragically young age of 45. It since emerged that the unnamed re­ searcher’s symptoms were compatible with those of Creutzfeldt­Jakob disease, the lethal hu­ man version of Mad Cow disease. The biochemist began working in Laboratory 4141 at UB’s School of Medicine in January 2018. He headed a research team that worked on identifying specific substances in human cere­ brospinal fluid that could be useful in diagnosing rapid­onset dementia. He began to feel unwell and took sick leave in November 2020 but once his colleagues realised that his symptoms suggested Creutzfeldt­Jakob disease, he swore them to secrecy. On December 2020, Professor Isidre Ferrer, who heads the Pathology Department at the University of Barcelona announced that samples of cerebrospinal fluid belonging to persons and

animals with Creutzfeldt­Jakob disease and oth­ er neurogenerative disorders had been found entirely by chance. They were discovered in a deep­freeze kept at 80 degrees below zero in a box reserved for the group. There was no official record that the sam­ ples had been delivered. Laboratory 4141, ill­equipped to handle high­ risk biohazard samples and without a biosafety air extraction system, was immediately closed and decontaminated, although the samples were not sent for analysis until December 2022. After the results were received in March this year, the university confirmed that the Creutzfeldt­Jakob samples were, as feared, dan­ gerous, but transmissible only through acciden­ tal inoculation or contact with contaminated sur­ gical instruments. Some of the original team needed counselling but it was stressed there was no evidence of any work­related accident in Laboratory 4141.

consumption in multi­family homes (tenant blocks) is not taking off because it is not prof­ itable for large electricity com­ panies, while solar self­con­ sumption in individual homes has grown by 1,200 per cent in the last five years.

Credit: Creative Commons

World Energy Saving Day Installation of solar panels could save money.

Photo credit: casareal.es

22 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

AWARDS CEREMONY: Princess of Asturias and Meryl Streep.

euroweeklynews.com

NEWS

Full October diary for Princess Leonor Linda Hall OCTOBER continues to be busy for Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne. On October 7 and 8 the Princess of Asturias, now at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, was seen in two

public ceremonies with her fellow cadets for the first time. She then accompanied her parents King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the annual Armed Forces parade in Madrid and the official recep­ tion in the Palacio Real Octo­ ber 12, Spain’s National Day,. October 20 saw Leonor pre­ side the annual Princess of As­ turias awards. Held in Oviedo (Asturias), these prizes go to persons, entities or organisa­ tions who make notable con­ tributions to the arts, sciences, humanities, public affairs and

cooperation. Meryl Streep, whose name was probably the most familiar to Spain’s national and international population, won the 2023 Arts prize. Japanese author Haruki Murakami, received the Literature prize, while the Scientific and Technical Re­ search award went to the US biologists Jeffrey Gordon, Pe­ ter Greenberg and Bonnie Bassler. Eliud Kipchoge (Sport), Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (International Coop­ eration) and the Scottish char­ ity Mary’s Meals (Concord)

were also recipients of the €50,000 cash prize and a Juan Miro statuette. Helene Carrere d’Encausse (Social Sciences) and the Ital­ ian author and philosopher Nuccio Ordine (Communica­ tion and humanities) who died earlier this year were represented by relatives. October 31, when she cele­ brates her 18th birthday and comes of age, will be the next big day for Princess Leonor as she swears her loyalty to Spain’s Constitution at a ple­ nary session of parliament and the senate.

Paragliders spark hysteria John Ensor THE ongoing war between Is­ rael and Hamas has made many people suspicious of some of the most innocent of events. On Sunday, October 15, two paragliders inadver­ tently caused alarm in Don­ caster. Kevin Smith, 61, and Brad Sanchez, 26, never imag­ ined their aerial adventure would be misconstrued as a security threat, wrote a news source. The incident occurred when a local woman mistak­ enly believed the duo were terrorists descending on Don­ caster. Kevin, an ex­military per­ sonnel with over four decades of service, and Brad, a com­ puter programmer, recently took up paragliding. Their in­

Credit: Northern Skies Paramotoring/Facebook.com

On the left, former Paratrooper Kevin Smith.

tent was merely to enjoy the skies and visit a notable site in Doncaster. Kevin announced, “We’re not Hamas, and we don’t want to scare anyone or up­ set anyone who might think we are.” Brad expressed un­ derstanding about the preva­ lent fears and stated, “At the end of the day, it’s just me, Kev, and the others at the club, we’ve never wanted to hurt anyone.” The resident

from Armthorpe voiced her anxiety saying, “Whoever thought it was funny to para­ sail over the village, it was in extremely poor taste.” Both Kevin and Brad are novices in paramotoring, a variant of paragliding that em­ ploys an engine. They’re affili­ ated with ‘Northern Skies Paramotoring’, near Goole in East Yorkshire, and often soar over the city with their group. Their Sunday flight aimed to catch a view of a Vulcan bomber at the now­defunct Doncaster Sheffield Airport, a relic from the RAF’s fleet used between 1956 and 1984. In light of recent events and weather conditions, their next flight might be some time away.

Credit: Suzan Holder X (formerly Twitter)

24 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

Nick Owen with Suzan and Noddy Holder October 19, 2023.

euroweeklynews.com

Noddy Holder cancer shock NODDY HOLDER, the icon­ ic frontman of the British rock band Slade, has been given six months to live following a throat cancer diagnosis. According to an article published in the British

Barcelona has the best bar IF you fancy going for a drink at the World’s Best Bar 2023 followed by a nightcap at the fourth Best Bar then Barcelona is the place to visit. Sponsored by Perrier, The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 is an annual competition and this year’s winners were announced in Singapore for the first time on Tuesday October 17. Created in 2009, the top place was reg­ ularly shared by bars in either London or New York but Barcelona recently started to climb up the table and in 2022, Par­ adiso took the top spot and now in 2023 another Barcelona bar Sips has taken the accolade (although Paradiso is ranked No.4 this year). Described as an intimate, cutting­edge cocktail bar located in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district, Sips was only opened in 2021 following the pan­ demic but still managed to hit No.37 in that year’s awards. In 2022 it moved up to third place and now after just two years of opening it has been named Best Bar in the World. You must be dedicated to drinking as there are no reservations and no bar to sit at whilst the mixologists led by own­ ers Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez work from a circular counter in the mid­ dle of the room and then deliver the

NEWS

Credit: Sips Facebook

Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez of Sips.

cocktails to customers sitting at tables. Speaking about the award, one of the founders Simone Caporale explained “We’re a small bar that opened in very uncertain times, but with a dream to prove that we could do something spe­ cial.” The top five of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 saw New York’s Double Chick­ en Please at No.2; Mexico City’s Hand­ shake Speakeasy at No.3 and London’s Connaught Bar at No.5. Only one other Spanish bar made the top 50 and that was Salmon Guru in Madrid which came in at No.16.

Press on Thursday, Octo­ ber 19, by his wife Suzan Holder, he received the devastating news five years ago. She revealed how after receiving a brutal progno­ sis, the 77­year­old singer with one of the most in­ stantly recognisable voic­ es in rock had secretly battled the disease ever since. Thanks to a new trial of experimental chemother­ apy by experts at Manch­ ester’s Christie Hospital, Noddy was even able to perform again earlier this summer after being invit­ ed to join Cheshire musician Tom Seals on stage. Recalling the emotional

moment, Suzan said: “I saw a sight I thought I would never see again earlier this year… my in­ credible husband, back on stage, captivating an au­ dience with hilarious, slightly naughty stories and singing his heart out with a voice still distinc­ tive and powerful. “To watch him do what he does so brilliantly was thrilling, entertaining and profoundly moving,” Suzan wrote. Suzan explained: “We told only immediate close family and friends. They held our hands and kept our confidence. We truly found out who our real friends are.” Formed in 1966 in the

English city of Wolver­ hampton, during a glitter­ ing 25­year career, Slade racked up six No1 chart­ toppers in the UK. Merry Christmas Everybody was their biggest smash. Released in 1973, it has been a regular feature ev­ ery year in the charts over the festive period. Accord­ ing to the press, the record, penned by Noddy and Jim Lea, earns a stun­ ning £520,000 annually. He once famously said: “It’s definitely a pension plan, yes. It was never de­ signed to be that way, but it has taken on a life of its own. It’s been used for adverts and for movies, it’s been used for all sorts of things.”

Orange TV link IF you have an Apple TV box in Spain then you will shortly be able to add Orange TV for your viewing pleasure. Lovers of Spanish football will see a benefit as Orange offers an alterna­ tive source of viewing LaLiga EA Sports and LaLiga Hypermotion as well as supplying coverage of all UEFA Cham­ pions League and Europa League games. Its TV service consists of more than 100 channels which include movies, there is access to Spain’s digital­ter­ restrial TV service and the expected on­demand with some 50,000 videos

or episodes from TV around the world. There is an added bonus as it plans to also offer two new channels via Ap­ ple TV, one provided by LaLiga which is essentially a general sports channel and the other covering interests of a nautical nature. With so many different options available, it could become very expen­ sive to sign up for every option which could include Netflix, Disney, Paramount+, Sky, Orange, Movistar, Apple, Amazon, Dazn and no doubt many others still to come.

SOCIAL SCENE

euroweeklynews.com

Halloween happenings THIS year, in addition to the traditional Halloween celebrations in Alicante, there are three exciting new events planned to take place in the squares of Calvo Sotelo, Seneca, and La Montañe­ ta. These events are being organised with the goal of supporting the local commercial sector, encouraging shop­ ping, stimulating economic activity, and attracting new customers. Numerous businesses in the city cen­ tre are eagerly participating in this cam­ paign, which continues to gain more traction and significance with each pass­ ing year. The first two days of this commercial revival initiative are scheduled for Satur­ day, October 28. The morning event will unfold at Plaza La Montañeta from 10.30am to 1.30pm, and the afternoon session will enliven Plaza Calvo Sotelo from 5.00pm until 8.00pm. As for the third event at Plaza Seneca, a children’s party is planned for Tuesday, October 31, from 5.00pm until 8.00pm, where children can dress up in costumes and enjoy thrilling magic shows. During this festive period, shops will adorn their windows with special deco­ rations in honour of All Saints’ Day.

26 October - 1 November 2023

Gamer’s Paradise IF you are a video game enthusiast, it’s time to get excited and sign up for the X Party Technology event in La Nucia. This gaming extrava­ ganza is set to take place at the Centro Juvenil in La Nucia on October 27 and 28. The event promises loads of gam­ ing fun with various zones and activities to explore. What can you look forward to at the X Party Technology? Virtual Reality: Immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality gam­ ing. Driving Simulators: Test your driving skills with realistic simula­ tors. LAN Zone: Engage in multiplayer gaming and challenges. Mobile Championships: Com­ pete in mobile gaming champi­ onships. Xbox, PS5, and Free­Use Consoles: Play your favourite con­ sole games on Xbox, PS5, and oth­ er consoles. On October 27, the event will run from 5.00pm to 10.00pm, and on October 28, you

Image: Ayuntamiento de La Nucia / Facebook

LA NUCIA: For gaming enthusiasts.

can game from midday until mid­ night. Show off your gaming prowess by competing in popular titles like EA FC, Fall Guys, Fortnite, Brawl Stars, Just Dance, and many more. Gather your friends and prepare for some fantastic fun and fierce competition. Please note that places are limit­ ed, so be sure to register for free on the website logrodesbloquea do.com.

EWN 25

26 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

SOCIAL SCENE

Tapas adventure

GREAT news for food en­ thusiasts in Denia! The Denia Tapas Route has been extended and will continue until Novem­

ber 12, providing more time to savour the delight­ ful tapas offerings from a wide array of participating venues. The 22nd Denia Tapas Route features an impres­ sive lineup of 50 partici­ pating establishments, each offering a unique tapa and a drink for just €4. This is an excellent op­

portunity to explore the culinary diversity and cre­ ativity that Denia has to offer. As you embark on this gastronomic adventure, make sure to get your Route Passport stamped at the participating venues you visit. Collect 15 stamps, and you’ll be eligible to enter various prize draws,

adding an exciting element of competition to your culinary journey. So, whether you’re a lo­ cal foodie or a visitor look­ ing for a taste of Denia, this extended Tapas Route is the perfect opportunity to indulge in the town’s rich culinary traditions and vibrant food scene. Enjoy your tapas adven­ ture!

Prepare the Shoes GET ready to lace up your shoes because La Nucia is promoting its new walking events under the motto ‘Prepare the Shoes’. This healthy walking campaign, titled ‘Less Pills, More Shoes’, encourages resi­ dents and visitors to take part in a series of invigorating walks. The first walk is scheduled to kick off on Monday, October 30 at 9.30am, starting from the Centro de Salud of La Nucia. Following the success of last year’s cam­

paign, this free healthy activity is being re­ vived with the aim of fostering healthier lifestyle habits among the local communi­ ty. The town hall has made it clear that the only requirements to participate are com­ fortable shoes and attire, a bottle of wa­ ter, and your health card (SIP). So, get ready to put on your walking shoes and join in the quest for better health and well­being with the people of La Nucia.

SOCIAL SCENE

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

FROM, October 27 to Novem­ ber 1, El Campello will trans­ form into a food lover’s par­ adise as the Municipal Park hosts the ‘El Campello Street Food Market’ to celebrate Halloween. This five­day culinary ex­ travaganza promises a delectable experience, en­ livened with music and free activities in the spirit of the Halloween weekend. Starting on Friday, October 27 at 6.00pm and running un­ til Tuesday, November 1 at 5.00pm, the event will feature a wide array of entertain­ ment, live concerts, and fami­ ly activities, all open to the public. Throughout these exciting days, a total of 12 vintage food trucks will tantalise your taste buds with a diverse se­ lection of culinary delights, in­ cluding Tex­Mex, hot dogs, hamburgers, and crepes, rep­ resenting gastronomic offer­ ings from around the world. The Street Food Market is more than just a food festival; it’s a gastronomic celebration.

Image: Ayutamiento de El Campello

Street Food Market

FOOD LOVERS: Are promised a five-day culinary extravaganza.

New date for fair THE Denia Stock outlet fair, initially planned for the weekend of October 21 and 22, was postponed due to adverse weather con­ ditions in the forecast. In response to this forecast and for logistical reasons, the De­ partment of Commerce at Denia City Council has rescheduled the fair to take place on October 28 and 29. The location remains the same on Calle Marques de Campo. The event schedule will remain unchanged, with the fair open from 10.00am until 8.00pm on Saturday, October 28, and from 11.00am until 3.00pm on Sunday, October 29. The council have confirmed that this change aims to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees by avoiding un­ favourable weather conditions.

SURVIVAL ZOMBIE is making its return to Gandia on November 11. This immersive and interactive event takes participants on a thrilling journey through a post­apocalyptic world, where they must navigate challenges and evade zombies to make it to the end. The event will be held in the vicinity of Alque­ ria Laborde, starting at 10.00pm until 5.0am the following day. Participants are required

EWN 27

Immersive Zombies to check in at the Alqueria to receive instruc­ tions for the experience. Tickets for Survival Zombie can be purchased at the Consell dels Joves de Gandia and on the website survival­ zombie.is. For those in Gandia, tickets are available at a special price, starting from €5 until the first 200 tickets are sold.

28 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

MOTHERS MATTER

MOTHERHOOD. THAT JOYOUS BLESSING THAT COMES FILLED WITH RAINBOWS, SMILES AND CONSTANT HAPPINESS. RIGHT? Jennifer Popplewell Well, not quite. Although a blessing it is, sometimes, that constant joy that is awaited from motherhood does not quite come as expected, as the reality of sleepless nights, body changes, and crushing responsibility hit some women hard. Add a sprinkle of financial hard times, a marriage breakdown or facing the single mother journey, and you have yourself a cocktail of chaos and confu­ sion! The saying ‘it takes a village’ is often responded to by many mothers wailing in dismay, “where’s mine!?” Throughout the history of humans, mothers have never been so alone as they are in mod­ ern day western society, and this is par­ ticularly true for those women who move away from home and their sup­ port system. Rita Hauge, aged 84, who is the mother of one son born in 1961, ex­ plained to Euro Weekly News that “I am so grateful I had my mother, father and sister all in walking distance, they all massively helped me raise my son. It was a different time back then, we all chipped in.” A stark contrast to the com­ ments from British mother, Lee­ann White, who is currently raising her nine­ year­old daughter alone in Marbella. She told EWN that it often feels like it is “me against the world.” Lee­ann goes on to say that it is a “constant battle financial­ ly as I get no support, and it is difficult to find time for myself.” Unprepared Nobody can be prepared for mother­ hood, no one knows what it is like until it is actually experienced. However, with mothers on social media solely showing a reel of ‘highlights’ and portraying their lives as perfect, many women find them­ selves in quite a shock when the real deal arrives. American woman Taylor Van Dyke, who recently gave birth to her first son, told Euro Weekly News that, “the thing I am finding most difficult is the guilt of not living up to those ‘insta­ gram mums’, I thought I would just in­ stantly bounce back and enjoy every sec­ ond of my baby, it’s not like that at all.” Understaffed In many cultures around the world it is the norm that a couple would live with the

Credit: Babycakes

Babycakes Session Costa del Sol.

grandparents, and although most western women would probably shriek in horror at the idea, when it comes to having a new­ born, the workload is shared ­ and the new mother ­ supported. Having a baby does not mean the world stops, therefore the house still needs to be cleaned, clothes washed, meals cooked, showers taken, alongside all this a baby needs 24­hour care. So how is it possible for one person to accomplish this, whilst said person is still recovering from birth? Postpartum re­ quires at least three people, the mother to look after the baby, somebody to look af­ ter the mother, and somebody to keep the house running in the meantime. But that kind of help is rarely received. Lonely Even the most supportive husband still has to work, and after the excited visitors have had their newborn fill, it might end up that a lot of time is spent alone. New research by The Red Cross has shown that 82 per cent of mothers with children under five feel lonely. “Loneliness defi­ nitely kicks in,” Jessica Grayson, aged 31 told EWN, who then hinted that after the umpteenth episode in a row, one may even find oneself plotting the murder of a certain cartoon swine. Oink oink. Find The Village (and don’t let them go) To those living on the Costa Del Sol, ‘Babycakes’ have been running classes in

various venues along the coast since 2017. These sessions focus on sensory play for babies and small children through music, singing and messy play. Many mothers have raved about the positive effects it had on their lives. “For me the ending to the ‘babycakes song’ lyrics should be….’that you saved me’,” declared Larelle Leah, a mother of two who previously lived in Marbella. She continued to tell Euro Weekly News, “I went two mornings every week and it was amazing to be around people who understood me. Two mornings a week that I could drink my coffee, that some­ one else had made for me, HOT, whilst my baby was happily entertained and in­ teracting with others. I made friends there who I am still close to now, six years later, friends who became like family. I started my little village, and I began to feel like me again, a new me, but a happy one.” Mental Health The World Health Organisation has re­ ported that around 10 per cent of preg­ nant women and 13 per cent of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. Mother of three, Charlotte Kay, who also attended the classes, stated that the Babycakes sessions “did wonders” for her mental health, recalling that the

woman running it, Chantelle Maria, “makes mothers feel welcome and heard.” Chantelle, who still hosts these sessions, stated to Euro Weekly News that her aim is “to provide a safe space for mothers to meet and connect with each other during the first few years of parenthood, to provide a community for many expat mothers, giving them that support and ‘village’ that they crave.” Places To Meet Wherever mothers are in the world, don’t underestimate the power of social media, typing in ‘mothers groups’ in the area or ‘coffee mornings’ will surely yield many results. If not, why not create one? As explored in this article, there are many mothers in the same boat that would surely be appreciative of a loving port to dock in. Local parks are also sure to be frequented by mothers, and fresh air does wonders for the mind. Lastly ­ something for the body and soul ­ moth­ er and baby yoga. These classes are ex­ tremely common in many countries now and even if one has the flexibility of an ironing board or no real interest in the practice, it is a great place to make friends. The Light At The End Of The Tunnel As many mothers know to be true, even though the days feel long, years seem to go by in a flash. Soon the nappy changing and bottle days will be gone and a chat with a friend feels oh so easy as the children can actually entertain themselves! However, as Victoria Wright, a single mother to a six and a four­year­old, ex­ plained to EWN, “single parent life is still no walk in the park (that park I go to twice a day) and the dreaded trip to the supermarket actually seems to be get­ ting harder somehow, but with my trusty village always there to listen to my 12­minute long voice notes, to bring me presents on Mother’s Day morning in case nobody else did, to laugh and cry with about all the madness of mother­ hood, it’s actually turning out to be pret­ ty fun.” In conclusion, you are not alone. Lone­ ly perhaps, but never alone. Go seek out the fellow warrior women out there who are ready to face this beautiful bat­ tle called motherhood, side by side.

euroweeklynews.com

ON the morning of Wednes­ day October 18, social media carried several messages concerning a potential ter­ rorist at the University of Va­ lencia. It was suggested that there was at least one armed person, roaming the campus, that there were bomb threats and 1,000 stu­ dents had been evacuated. Within hours of the first report, the University made three announcements through its X (formerly Twit­ ter) feed that; “The University of Valen­

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 29

False alarm

cia works continuously in co­ ordination with the bodies and security forces to guar­ antee the safety of the peo­ ple who promote part of the UV and the facilities of our University. “The security services of the UV have been attentive to the situation on the cam­ pus in coordination with the police and emergency forces

and have verified that these reports were completely false. In the UV there has been no evacuation of class­ rooms and no incident has occurred. “The University of Valen­ cia informs today, false infor­ mation has circulated on so­ cial networks regarding bomb warnings and armed people at several universities

in Valencia, including the Or­ ange Campus of the UV.” Whenever there is an in­ ternational crisis such as that currently affecting Israel and Gaza, fake stories are spread through social media in or­ der to cause an escalation in tension or because idiots think it is funny and sadly many gullible people report them as if they are true!

French airports evacuated

CHAOS ensued across France on Wednesday October 18 as six airports re­ ceived terror threats leading authorities with no option but to order an evacua­ tion. According to a news source, a series of French airports including Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, Toulouse, and Beauvais near Paris faced emergency evacuations. This swift action was in response to alarming ‘threats of attack’ communicat­ ed via email, as confirmed by a police in­ sider to Agence France­Presse.

By lunchtime, a handful of these air­ ports had already been alerted to poten­ tial bomb threats and suspicious unat­ tended luggage. This prompted immediate action by airport authorities. Beauvais Airport highlighted an ‘anony­ mous threat received by several airports’ on its social media platform. A representative from France’s DGAC aviation regulator acknowledged the evacuations specifically at Lille, Lyon, Toulouse, and Beauvais due to bomb alerts. As a result, DGAC’s online platform

displayed notable delays at these air­ ports. Meanwhile, Nice Airport’s social media feed mentioned an ‘abandoned baggage item’ that led to the establishment of a security boundary for standard safety checks. These credible threats follow in the wake of other bomb threats in France and the recent news of a teacher who was stabbed to death in Arras by an at­ tacker who claimed to belong to the Is­ lamic State Group.

Credit: University of Valencia

NEWS

ATTENTIVE: University of Valencia untouched.

30 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

DENMARK Schmeichel’s apology DANISH goalkeeper and former Leicester star, Kasper Schmeichel, has publicly apologised for his recent outburst during a game. The 36year-old admitted he ‘went over the line’ and ‘failed to be a role model’ after angrily confronting a ball boy for a delay in returning the ball.

Storm Babet DENMARK is dealing with the aftermath of Storm Babet's destructive rampage. Danish insurance companies are overwhelmed with claims, as the storm wreaked havoc across the nation. The country faced some of the most ferocious storm surges in decades, leaving authorities assessing the widespread damage and its long-term implications.

NORWAY

euroweeklynews.com

EURO PRESS PORTUGAL

Credit: Anton Gvozdikov/Shutterstock.com

Abandoned animals ORGANISATIONS in Portugal are battling animal abandonment with almost 42,000 strays rounded up in the country last year. According to the latest data from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), 41,994 animals were picked up off the street or delivered to the official collection centres. This figure is down on the 43,603 strays received in 2021.

Terrorist threat PORTUGAL has raised the terrorist threat level in the country from 'moderate' to 'significant'. As announced

GERMANY

EUROPEAN PRESS

IRELAND Unkind remarks ON BBC's Graham Norton Show, its host was forced to offer an apology to Fermoy, a Cork town, after a previous guest's unkind remarks. Despite a minor mistake mentioning Fermoy's famous ‘giant pencil’ landmark, Norton highlighted the town's Tidy Towns achievements which earned applause from the show’s Hollywood celebrities.

Bean memorabilia Stray dogs in a shelter. in a statement from the secretary general of the Internal Security System (SSI), the measure is 'preventive and cautious' in nature. The Security Information Service (SIS), as the entity responsible for threat assessment, suggested there were conditions that justified: 'the change in the degree of terrorist threat in Portugal’.

FRANCE

A DECADE-OLD tin of baked beans, autographed by Irish singer Chris De Burgh, surpassed expectations by selling for £111 at a Northamptonshire auction. De Burgh's daughter, former Miss World Rosanna Davison, humorously advised, “Since the beans are 11 years old, I hope whoever buys them doesn’t plan to eat them.”

THE NETHERLANDS

King Harald

Peace Prize

Another strike

Party party

NORWAY's 86-year-old monarch, King Harald V, has contracted Covid-19, experiencing mild symptoms. The royal household announced, “His Majesty the King has been diagnosed with coronavirus and is on sick leave until he is symptom-free. The king has cold symptoms and stays at home.”

RENOWNED author Salman Rushdie made a rare public appearance, since his attack in August 2022, at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 22. He was there to discuss his latest novel, ‘Victory City,’ and received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.

THE Pompidou Centre in Paris is due to close from 2025 to 2030 and staff are already trying to protect their positions in order to ensure that they are not the losers because of circumstances beyond their control. Basically, they are now on strike and demand security of employment for those five years.

WITH the next General Election in The Netherlands due to take place on Wednesday November 22, the electorate will have to expand its knowledge of the country’s political parties as although there are currently 21 parties in parliament, there will be no less than 26 contesting the election.

Electric domination NORWAY's remarkable journey as the global epicentre of electric cars continues to dazzle. With over 90 per cent of new vehicles now embracing plug-in technology, the nation is obliterating its own EV sales records. In September, motor fuel sales plummeted by 9 per cent, a testament to Norway's commitment to a fossil-free future, years ahead of schedule.

ITALY

Solar power GERMANY's solar energy sector continues its strong growth. In September, the country added 919 MW of photovoltaic capacity. In the first nine months of 2023, a remarkable 10.72 GW of solar capacity joined the grid, surpassing the government's 9 GW target for the year.

BELGIUM

Nutters challenge MONT VENTOUX in Provence has a peak at 1,909 metres and is invariably a stage in the Tour de France cycle race and causes difficulty for even the most hardened cyclist. The real devotees however take part in what is called the ‘Nutters Challenge’ using three different roads to reach the top three times in a day.

FINLAND

Royal Family TWO Dutch political parties GroenLinks and the PvdA narrowly voted at separate annual conferences to add to their manifestos for the November General Election a call to abolish the monarchy, as they consider it both anachronistic and far too expensive for the ceremonial duties that its members carry out.

SWEDEN

Migrants compensated All that glitters

Wife-carrying races

Deadly weapons

THE European Court of Human Rights has ordered Italy to compensate three Tunisian migrants for, what the court considered to be, “inhuman and degrading” treatment they were given when they were held at the reception centre on the island of Lampedusa. Italy now must compensate the three with €5,000 each plus €4,000 for legal expenses, a total of €9,000.

THANKS to new rules introduced by the European Commission, women in Belgium are going to have to be far more selective in choosing certain makeup as any glitter eyeshadow, nail varnish or lip gloss which is not biodegradable and therefore contains microplastic is to be banned from sale although as is often the case there will be a transition period.

IN Sonkajarvi, Finland, the annual 'wifecarrying' contest since 1992 sees men race carrying their spouses over a challenging course. The winner receives their wife's weight in beer. Originating from a 19thcentury gang leader's endurance test, the event symbolises Finland's cultural blend of humour, athleticism, and fighting spirit.

A DEADLY AR-15 type of semi-automatic weapon was used to kill two Swedes and injure a third person in a suspected terror attack in the Belgian city of Brussels. However, these guns have been legal as hunting weapons in Sweden since the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency changed the rules this summer.

Speed kings

Noble Peacemaker

Tennis open

A NEW rule has been introduced in the city of Genk in an effort to discourage motorists from driving too fast following the introduction of 12 new speed cameras. Any driver who manages to get caught over the limit 16 times within three months faces having their car seized and removed for two weeks in order to teach them a lesson.

FORME Finnish president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Martti Ahtisaari, passed away aged 86. Serving from 1994-2000, he played key roles in global peace mediation, from Kosovo to Namibia. Under his leadership, Finland joined the European Union and NATO. His post-presidential venture, Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), showcases his enduring commitment to peace.

AS a result of beating Russia’s Pavel Kotov to win the 2023 Stockholm Open, 37-year-old French tennis veteran Gael Monfils became the oldest winner in the history of the tournament. He previously lifted the title in Sweden back in 2011. It was his first ATP Tour final in 21 months. After being ranked sixth in 2016, Monfils has since fallen to 140th in the world rankings.

Ghost ship A YACHT was found adrift in the open sea with no one on board. One of the engines was running and the cabins in disarray, there were men's clothes. But there is no one on board the boat. This is the mystery of the ghost yacht of Fregene, found last week just off the popular beach for holidaymakers from Rome.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

THE Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers at a Fossil Free London Protest on the afternoon of October 17. She had joined a number of members of Fossil Free London outside the Inter­ Continental Hotel situated on Park Lane Terrace where oil executives were meet­ ing. Although not specifically referring to her arrest, a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police said it had imposed conditions on the activists under Section 14 of the Public Order Act, to “prevent serious disruption to the community, ho­ tel and guests,” and had asked them to move from the road and on to the pave­ ment. Subsequent to this, the statement continued “a number of protesters failed to do so,” which resulted in six arrests for obstruction of the highway, a further 14 arrests for Section 14 breaches and one for criminal damage.” According to a local news report, Fossil Free London’s protest was organised for the first day of the three­day Energy In­ telligence Forum ­ formerly called the Oil and Money conference ­ where bosses of Shell and Total were due to speak. Speaking at the rally, Greta Thunberg said: “Behind these closed doors at the

Credit: Fossil Free London Twitter

Greta Thunberg arrested

LONDON: The arrest of Greta Thunberg.

Oil and Money conference, spineless politicians are making deals and com­ promises with lobbyists from destructive industries ­ the fossil fuel industry. “People all over the world are suffer­ ing and dying from the consequences of the climate crisis caused by these indus­ tries who we allow to meet with our politicians and have privileged access to. “That is why we have to take direct ac­ tion to stop this and to kick oily money out of politics.” In addition, activists from Greenpeace abseiled down from the roof of the hotel with a banner reading “make big oil pay”.

Captures the essence of Spain FOLLOWERS of Specsavers Ópticas’ social media chan­ nels voted on the picture they felt best reflects and captures the essence of Spain. Kristine Aghasyan was selected as the win­ ner, with the largest amount of likes and com­ ments. Kristine’s beautiful image depicts what she describes as a “ro­ mantic sun­ set”, seen through the rocks at La Mata in Torrevieja. This striking and well composed image encapsu­ lates the rugged beauty of the Spanish coastal areas and the importance of the sea to the communities along the 4,964 kilometres of coastline. It was a firm favourite amongst the jury who shortlisted the entries and the voting public, get­ ting over 300 likes and over

A romantic sunset at La Mata.

1 0 0 comments. This talented photogra­ pher won a €100 Amazon voucher and a pair of de­ signer sunglasses. Lisa James from Spec­ savers Ópticas in Guardamar was one of the three store directors to shortlist the top entries and commented, “I was very impressed with the high standard of entries we received for this year’s competition. There were

58 pictures submitted for us to judge and we thought they were so good, that we could only get the shortlist down to eight entries, be­ fore handing over to our followers to have their say and select the winner. “Thanks so much to ev­ eryone who submitted an entry and for everyone who took the time to vote. Kristine is a worthy winner and I would like to congrat­ ulate her on behalf of all of the team!”

You can see the shortlisted entries on Specsavers Opticas’ via social media @SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook and @specsaversspain on Instagram. Find out more about the optical group and book an eye test in your nearest store via their website www.specsavers.es

EWN 31

FINANCE Engine failure ROLLS­ROYCE intends to slash 2,500 jobs, 6 per cent of its global workforce of 42,000, as it moves towards a simpler organisation “fit for the fu­ ture,” according to chief exec­ utive Tufan Erginbilgic. The engine manufacturer con­ firmed that the UK would be the most affected by the plans for staff.

Out to sea THE CSIF union lodged a formal complaint against Spain’s Sal­ vamento Maritimo sea search and rescue agency, which it ac­ cused of not respecting its members’ rest periods. The union also said that the agency had stopped paying overtime, a ‘substantial’ and unjustified modification of employees’ work conditions.

Flat fizz LVMH, which owns Moet et Chandon, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, reported a €20 billion third quarter turnover, a 9 per cent rise on the same peri­ od last year, but lagging behind the second quarter’s 17 per cent. The luxury firm blamed ris­ ing inflation, global instability and reduced demand for high­ end drinks.

Helping hand SPAIN’S government would re­ ceive an extra €5 billion a year if it withdrew energy and food subsidies, it admitted when submitting its Budget proposals to the European Union. At the same time, the report left the door open to the possibility of maintaining some of the mea­ sures introduced to counteract inflation.

Next move NEXT paid £115.2 million (€132.76 million) for a 97 per cent stake in British fashion firm FatFace. The clothing and lifestyle label is another Next purchase following the acquisi­ tion of Cath Kidston, JoJo Ma­ man Bebe, Joules plus a holding in Reiss which it increased to 72 per cent last month.

euroweeklynews.com • 26 October - 1 November 2023

STAT OF WEEK

€205 million ($216 million)

paid to Barcelona genetic therapies company Splice Bio for a licensing and collaboration agreement in the US with Spark Therapeutics, part of multinational Roche.

Unchanged inflation INFLATION in the UK has re­ mained unchanged at 6.7 per cent in September. Food prices fell for the first time in two years but the inflation rate based on the consumer prices index matched August’s, despite City predictions of a 6.6 per cent fall. Spiralling fuel costs kept up the pressure on house­ holds, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) fig­ ures. “There may be some dis­ appointment out there but we have seen significant falls in headline inflation over the last six months,” ONS’ chief economist, Grant

Photo credit: Rishi Sunak

BUSINESS EXTRA

32

RISHI SUNAK: Britain’s PM expects to half inflation this year

Fitzner, told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme. Prices for food and non­ alcoholic drink fell 0.2 per cent in their first monthly dip since September 2021 as supermarkets vied with rivals, cutting prices of sta­ ples like milk, cheese and eggs, as well as mineral wa­

AIR NOSTRUM reported 2022 sales figures of €494.2 million and aggregated pre­tax profits of €19.6 million. The airline, an independent carrier which operates as an Iberia Airlines franchisee, is out of the red after two years of losses during the pandemic. Speaking at the company’s head­ quarters in Quart de Poblet (Valencia) on October 17, Air Nostrum’s chief ex­ ecutive Carlos Bertomeu said that 2022 had been a good year, showing a 51 per cent improved on 2021, owing to the increased demand registered since the second quarter of 2022. “Air Nostrum returns to the path of profits, something it has never aban­

ter, soft drinks and fruit juice. Prices were nevertheless higher than in September 2022, with the cost of an av­ erage family’s food shop 12 per cent higher on an annu­ al basis. The ONS explained that production cuts by the prin­

Flying high Photo credit: CC/Alan Wilson

AIR NOSTRUM: The independent carrier is an Iberia franchisee.

doned, except at the beginning of its operations back in 1994 and in the two great global crises,” Bertomeu said. The number of passengers rose by 55 per cent from 2.8 million in 2021 to 4.4 million in 2022 and in order to cov­ er the greater demand for seats, the company increased its number of

cipal oil­producing nations have raised global oil costs and would maintain pres­ sure on fuel prices in coming weeks. Despite the unchanged September rate, economists said inflation would still fall below 5.1 per cent by De­ cember and meet PM Rishi Sunak’s promise to halve the rate this year. The September inflation rate is important as the gov­ ernment normally uses this to calculate the following April’s increase in benefits, although Sunak is said to be considering a below­infla­ tion rise as the government juggles its public finances.

flights from 46,710 during the previous year to 65,569. This more than doubled the pan­ demic year and improved Air Nos­ trum’s load factor, the per­ centage of available seating capacity occupied by passengers. Bertomeu went on to announce the creation of the Strategic Alliance of Re­ gional Airlines (SARA), a holding com­ pany resulting from a strategic union between Air Nostrum and the Irish re­ gional airline CityJet. Air Nostrum’s parent Air Investment Valencia will own an 80 per cent stake in the new company, with the remain­ ing 20 per cent allocated to CityJet’s owner, CF Miga Investment Holdings.

New centres

Esteemed clients

Rates apprehension

SPORTS and entertainment multinational Topgolf will open eight new centres in Spain and Portugal. The US company’s €250 mil­ lion investment will also create 3,800 new jobs, sources close to initiative told the Spanish me­ dia. After almost two years of ne­ gotiations, Topgolf has signed an agreement with BAJ Gold Development Iberia, headed by Pablo Juantegui, former presi­ dent of Telepizza who will devel­ op the franchise chain in both countries. Private equity fund Manna Capital Partners, led by Ulysses Bridgeman and Kevin Attkisson, will also participate in the com­ pany.

HIGHER interest rates meant that Span­ ish banks’ profits per client is at its highest in 15 years. These are based on the difference be­ tween a bank’s yield on credit and the cost of paying interest on clients’ de­ posits. This benefited the biggest banks, re­ vealed The Pulse, the latest report from the Alvarez & Marsal consultancy which placed CaixaBank at the head of the largest entities. According to Alvarez & Marsal, Caixa­ Bank enjoyed a rentability of 3.2 per cent per client by the end of this year’s second quarter, ahead of BBVA (3.1 per cent) and Santander (3.1 per cent). Bankinter, Unicaja, Ibercaja and Banca­ ja failed to make the 3 per cent cut with respective ratios of between 2.8 and 2.5 per cent, although the consultancy gave Sabadell 2.9 per cent.

BUSINESS premises’ rates in the UK could rise by £1.95 billion (€2.25 bil­ lion) next year. Increases are linked to the September inflation figure, tradi­ tionally used to determine the an­ nual rates’ increase imposed by lo­ cal councils on retailers, pubs and offices. Spokespeople foresaw that this year’s 6.7 per cent rise would be “the final nail in the coffin” for many businesses. It would “in­ evitably put renewed pressure on consumer prices,” warned the British Retail Consortium’s Helen Dickinson. Leading retailers including Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Ikea also called on the government to elimi­ nate the inflation­linked increase from the October autumn budget.

Toyota overtakes Kia CAR sales rose this year, but by the third quarter were still 15.8 per cent below those of pre­pan­ demic 2019. Industry analysts predict sales of 900,000 vehicles by the end of 2023 when, for the fourth consec­ utive year, they will fail to top one million. Spain would usually expect an­ nual sales of between 1.2 and 1.3 million vehicles, although the last time this figure was reached was in 2019, with the purchase of 1,258,260 cars and off­roaders. Meanwhile, sales to private buyers so far this year have topped sales to companies or hire and leasing firms, with Toyota overtaking Kia as the most popu­ lar make.

Rescue hope FORMER owners of Daily Tele­ graph, the Barclay family, launched a £1 billion (€1.95 billion) bid to scupper rivals’ hopes of snapping up the broadsheets. According to Sky News, Abu Dhabi investors will assist the Bar­ clays in lodging a decisive offer that should write off their debt to the Lloyds Banking Group. This, the family hopes, will pre­ vent potential bidders, said to in­ clude hedge fund billionaire Sir Paul Marshall, German media giant Axel Springer and Daily Mail owner, Lord Rothermere from acquiring the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Tele­ graph and Spectator when they are auctioned off for an estimated £600 million (€692 million).

Three’s company VODAFONE and Three insisted their proposed £15billion (€17.3 billion) merger would not increase prices although it would reduce the number of their competitors. The Unite union told MPs on the Business and Trade Committee that merging both companies “would be bad” for consumers al­ though Three’s legal team main­ tained there were “no merger­re­ lated price rises” in the firms’ combined business plan. The deal must first be approved by regulators, but should it go ahead the two companies would create the UK’s largest mobile net­ work with approximately 27 mil­ lion customers.

FINANCE

34 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page

CLOSING PRICES 23 OCTOBER

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

5.872,0

5.758,0

102,53K

1.319,00

1.302,50

13,61K

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

3I Group

1.991,00

2.012,00

1.987,00

25,76K

InterContinental

5.848,0

Abrdn

151,05

152,40

150,55

297,23K

Intermediate Capital

1.304,00

Admiral Group

2.447,0

2.455,0

2.435,0

16,32K

Intertek

3.990,0

4.007,0

3.979,0

7,83K

Anglo American

2.025,0

2.050,5

2.025,0

188,68K

ITV

63,39

64,00

63,44

188,85K

Antofagasta

1.311,50

1.322,50

1.293,50

53,51K

J Sainsbury

252,10

252,60

251,40

74,91K

Ashtead Group

4.703,5

4.766,0

4.701,0

28,97K

Johnson Matthey

1.469,5

1.479,5

1.468,5

10,69K

Associated British Foods

1.937,5

1.947,0

1.934,0

27,19K

Land Securities

567,80

577,60

566,80

79,20K

AstraZeneca

10.354,3

10.486,0

10.332,0

59,16K

Legal & General

207,17

208,80

206,60

1,06M

64,94K

Lloyds Banking

41,49

41,77

41,48

7,41M

8.234,0

8.276,0

8.206,0

20,28K

Auto Trader Group Plc Aviva

595,60 396,30

B&M European Value Retail SA542,20

603,60

594,00

NET VOL

COMPANY

COMPANY

394,90

369,42K

543,40

533,60

47,59K

Melrose Industries

454,30

458,70

453,90

159,61K

Mondi

1.250,00

1.267,50

1.246,50

107,90K

National Grid

956,69

961,80

952,00

195,61K

NatWest Group

216,20

219,20

216,00

513,72K

Next

6.908,0

6.908,0

6.848,0

7,92K

DOW JONES

Ocado

503,40

504,00

483,10

144,47K

CLOSING PRICES 23 OCTOBER

1.065,00

1.048,50

266,86K

Barclays

144,40

145,68

144,32

3,14M

388,70

US dollar (USD) ........................................1.0587 Japan yen (JPY)........................................158.69 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................0.9457 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4623 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................11.751

397,70

1.064,50

Barratt Developments

Units per €

London Stock Exchange

BAE Systems

394,60

387,70

114,68K

Berkeley

3.935,0

3.960,0

3.930,0

7,87K

BHP Group Ltd

2.240,50

2.258,00

2.240,50

45,39K

BP

542,61

544,70

536,80

1,72M

British American Tobacco 2.442,5

2.457,5

2.440,0

81,60K

British Land Company

294,40

300,20

293,80

98,94K

BT Group

112,65

114,45

112,60

471,31K

Bunzl

2.876,0

2.892,0

2.874,0

7,95K

Burberry Group

1.714,5

1.741,0

1.713,5

41,03K

Carnival

805,7

815,0

805,8

15,81K

Centrica

155,80

157,95

155,35

285,47K

Coca Cola HBC AG

2.113,0

2.120,0

2.112,0

9,84K

Compass

2.053,00

2.059,00

2.036,00

80,99K

CRH

4.529,0

4.551,0

4.501,0

39,35K

Croda Intl

4.039,8

4.070,0

4.038,0

DCC

4.412,0

4.436,0

4.407,0

Diageo

3.081,5

3.097,0

3.079,0

DS Smith

261,10

265,10

1.14887

0.87044

currenciesdirect.com/moraira • Tel: +34 966 265 072 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

Persimmon

963,2

980,0

958,8

72,30K

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE

CHANGE% VOLUME(M)

Phoenix

442,00

445,60

441,10

109,09K

Prudential

824,60

834,60

823,80

171,53K

3M American Express Amgen Apple Boeing Caterpillar Chevron Cisco Coca-Cola Dow Goldman Sachs Home Depot Honeywell IBM Intel J&J JPMorgan McDonald’s Merck&Co Microsoft Nike Procter&Gamble Salesforce Inc The Travelers UnitedHealth Verizon Visa A Walgreens Boots Walmart Walt Disney

86,55 141,57 278,81 172,88 180,04 249,20 166,83 52,93 54,57 48,99 300,05 286,41 181,32 137,16 34,92 153,00 142,95 258,11 102,67 326,67 102,67 148,05 203,73 161,59 527,03 31,57 233,38 21,26 158,76 82,65

87,32 147,94 281,06 175,42 183,39 253,49 169,10 53,59 55,02 49,57 303,25 287,18 183,78 139,27 36,28 153,87 145,14 260,34 103,36 331,92 103,77 149,88 208,11 164,62 534,43 32,14 235,77 21,46 161,10 83,44

86,39 2,52M 141,44 8,22M 275,75 2,44M 172,64 63,02M 179,85 4,45M 248,16 3,08M 166,10 7,42M 52,80 22,03M 54,44 15,66M 48,92 3,91M 298,10 2,31M 283,61 2,85M 181,06 3,04M 137,12 4,84M 34,87 32,22M 152,33 7,17M 142,12 12,83M 257,56 3,77M 99,99 12,43M 325,45 24,97M 102,57 7,76M 147,92 7,08M 202,12 5,50M 161,32 1,50M 526,77 2,80M 31,55 27,16M 232,64 5,71M 20,48 13,55M 158,71 4,98M 82,61 10,26M M - MILLION DOLLARS

Reckitt Benckiser

5.940,0

5.960,0

5.932,0

29,67K

Relx

2.840,00

2.852,00

2.829,00

102,80K

Rentokil

454,00

465,70

453,30

451,54K

Rightmove

478,40

489,30

478,40

175,42K

Rio Tinto PLC

4.879,6

4.925,0

4.878,5

82,26K

Rolls-Royce Holdings

200,40

200,30

196,45

1,62M

Sage

955,40

959,40

950,60

91,71K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.259,00

1.264,00

1.259,00

0,88K

Schroders

365,0

370,6

364,6

64,08K

7,62K

Scottish Mortgage

645,35

652,60

645,00

196,30K

11,17K

Segro

690,00

701,40

689,40

120,95K

124,02K

Severn Trent

2.486,0

2.500,0

2.467,0

16,17K

260,50

156,29K

Shell

2.721,5

2.727,5

2.695,5

449,26K

EasyJet

358,57

361,30

357,50

162,64K

Smith & Nephew

917,40

926,00

917,00

44,80K

Experian

2.645,4

2.654,0

2.630,0

51,64K

Smiths Group

1.531,00

1.534,00

1.523,50

21,22K

Ferguson

12.690,0

12.725,0

12.575,0

2,92K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 8.120,0

8.206,0

8.124,0

2,97K

Flutter Entertainment

12.570,0

12.620,0

12.430,0

25,96K

SSE

1.562,50

1.573,50

1.558,50

37,98K

Fresnillo

540,20

545,60

538,80

30,83K

St. James’s Place

616,20

632,00

615,40

140,00K

Glencore

428,16

432,25

428,15

1,74M

Standard Chartered

715,80

720,00

714,80

202,14K

GSK plc

1.467,60

1.471,20

1.463,60

141,48K

Taylor Wimpey

103,75

106,20

103,60

632,30K

Halma

1.810,5

1.835,5

1.809,0

46,91K

Tesco

272,90

272,90

271,70

432,94K

Hargreaves Lansdown

690,96

699,60

690,20

119,71K

Tui

396,60

410,40

395,00

212,78K

Hikma Pharma

1.942,50

1.956,50

1.939,00

7,81K

Unilever

3.987,0

3.988,5

3.970,0

225,52K

HSBC

610,70

617,50

610,50

774,92K

United Utilities

1.018,50

1.030,00

1.012,50

96,72K

IAG

139,45

139,75

138,40

1,13M

Vodafone Group PLC

74,83

75,78

74,58

2,84M

Imperial Brands

1.710,50

1.716,50

1.707,00

74,49K

Whitbread

3.264,0

3.275,0

3.245,0

28,34K

Informa

686,20

689,80

685,00

59,97K

WPP

674,60

679,20

672,80

123,18K

NASDAQ CLOSING PRICES 23 OCTOBER

COMPANY Most Advanced

CHANGE NET / %

Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited +22.28% Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. +11.75% Euronet Worldwide, Inc. +8.93% Autoliv, Inc. +7.01% Country Garden Holdings Company Limited +6.96% Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. +5.93% Playtika Holding Corp. +5.59% R1 RCM Inc. +4.93% Genmab A/S +4.15% L'Oréal S.A. +4.14% BeiGene, Ltd. +4.12%

VOLUME 449,741 8.695M 1.56M 2.89M 22,531 2.787M 869,233 4.434M 2.473M 73,100 398,327

Most Declined SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. MSP Recovery, Inc. Enphase Energy, Inc. Incitec Pivot Limited Regions Financial Corporation Okta, Inc. Comerica Incorporated Husqvarna AB (publ) Western Alliance Bancorporation Rentokil Initial plc Joby Aviation, Inc.

-27.27% -19.23% -14.68% 0.00% -12.38% -11.57% -8.53% -8.46% -8.38% -8.35% -8.00%

21.316M 263,816 14.475M 365 37.373M 11.019M 5.35M 38,401 4.72M 1.274M 8.681M

‘

euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Happy feet CINVEN, owner of Kurt Geiger since 2015, is said to be working with Bank of America on a fu­ ture auction of the luxu­ ry shoe brand for £400 million (€459.1 million). Leading luxury goods groups as well as private equity firms are all ex­ pected to be interested in acquiring the prestige label which was found­ ed in 1963.

Cashing in BANKINTER earned €685 million between January this year and the end of September, a 59.2 per cent increase on the same peri­ od in 2022, thanks to inter­ est hikes. The bank’s net in­ terest margin shot up by 54 per cent while return on equity rose to 18.2 per cent, chief executive Maria Dolores Bancausa an­ nounced.

26 October - 1 November 2023

Don’t stop drilling BRITAIN’S Energy secretary warned that the country could not allow North Sea gas and oil output to diminish fur­ ther. Speaking at Energy UK’s an­ nual conference in London on October 18, Claire Coutinho said that Britain could be­ come increasingly dependent on energy imports. North Sea Transition Au­ thority (NSTA) data revealed that without new North Sea oil and gas wells, output would halve by 2030, Coutin­

photo credit: CC/David Woolfall

FINANCE

ENERGY MINISTER: New North Sea wells needed, Claire Coutinho said.

Amancio Ortega (again) IT is an unusual week when Zara founder Amancio Ortega fails to loom large in the financial news in Spain and elsewhere. The latest information regarding one of the world’s richest men centres on Pontegadea Inversiones through which Ortega channels most of his activities in the property and energy sectors as well as the income from a 50.1 per cent hold­

ing in the Inditex empire. This year, Pontegadea registered a consolidated profit of €2.3 billion at the end of the 2022 fiscal year, an increase of 30 per cent compared with 2021. Nevertheless, this omitted the income from Ortega’s Pontegadea GB 2020 and Partler 2006 which includes another 9.29 per cent holding in Inditex.

ho said. “This country would be forced to import up to 80pc of our oil and gas by 2030,” she told the conference. “The UK will not only be subservient to foreign regimes, but risk decimating the same people and commu­ nities that we need on this green transition journey.” The Energy secretary added that the UK was reducing oil and gas consumption in line with net zero targets, but added that without a new off­ shore drilling programme, production would fall “much faster” than demand. The UK needs an annual 61 million tons of oil, but with 938 potentially­produc­ tive wells now inactive, British oil production fell to a historic low of 38 million tons in 2022. This would plunge to 22 million tons in 2030 unless new wells were drilled, NSTA data suggested, Coutinho said.

EWN 35

Cut-price TESLA has reduced the price of its basic Model 3 car in Britain by £3,000 (€3,443) to £36,990 (€42,460) in a bid to encourage demand for its electric vehicles as sales have slowed amid increased competition from China. Elon Musk’s company has continually slashed prices in the US this year and also re­ duced its UK prices in Jan­ uary.

Bank job GERMANY is likely to back the Nadia Calviño, vice­president of the in­ cumbent Spanish govern­ ment as well as Economy minister, in her bid to head the European In­ vestment. Finance minis­ ter Christian Lindner re­ vealed that the German government had made its decision but although he did not wish to name the candidate, this is sure to be Calviño, insiders said.

36 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

Egotistical celebrities

OUR VIEW

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT ALTHOUGH this ol boy has had his share of so­called ‘stardom’ over the years, it never stops to amaze me how far some egotistical celebrities are prepared to go to convince the public they are so utterly special. Mariah Carey sure took the bubble recently, when she insisted that the promotors of a tour she had been booked for supplied someone to ‘handle her chewing gum’! Apparently this young lady cannot bear to touch her chomped gum. She therefore needs someone to pick it up and bin it after she has spat it out. Not the job you would particu­ larly enjoy adding to your CV! Of course yours truly has had a few an­ tics in the past. One which I will nev­ er actually forget was my first trip to the USA as a budding ‘chart topper’. On the way to Nashville to appear at the Grand Old Oprey, I laid over in

NY for a couple of days to do a bit of tele. Also there at the same time was Tom Jones. I had known Tom since the beginning of his career, when his manager Gordon Mills, who also managed me, was paying him 10 bob a week and changed his name from Woodward to Jones, to coincide with the popular movie playing worldwide at the time. Riding high by then he was ap­ pearing at the Copacabana and also having a mad affair with the beauti­ ful Mary Wilson of the Supremes, who were the most successful Mo­ town girl group in the business and at that time appearing for a week in the Blue Room of the prestigious Waldorf Astoria. After seeing Tom at the ‘Copa’ on my first night I was subsequently in­ vited to join him and Mary for a club crawl around the night spots of New York. To be honest I didn’t really en­ joy it too much because they were recognised just about everywhere we went and basically mobbed at every turn. Not me of course. My Little Arrows was still rising up

the charts and I certainly hadn’t reached the heights of my two com­ panions. Nevertheless it was an in­ teresting night and rounded off by Mary eagerly inviting me and Tom to have a table at the Wardorf the next evening. We would be able to see the show and after be joined by her­ self and Diana Ross, who she insist­ ed, in her broad American accent, would truly ‘love me with my Beatle haircut and English accent’! Consequently at the end of our evening the ol boy made tracks for the hotel with a skin full, a spinning head and a date for the following night with Diana Ross of the Supremes ­ who was gonna love me! Not a bad start to the ol boy’s USA visit, someone who began his career starving and kipping on the benches of London’s Charing Cross station. Not enough space to give you the fi­ nal result of this hopefully loving for­ ay. No need to ask Tom, I’ll tell you the outcome in the next blurb. Keep the Faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail .com

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

FEATURE

WILD LIFE

RECENT stories on the Euro Weekly News website about the ever increasing number of wild boar appearing in towns and on beaches across some parts of Spain have po­ larised opinion from readers. We asked whether they are a danger that should be culled or catered for because they have only moved to towns because much of their traditional land has been tak­ en over and the drought has made it increasingly more dif­ ficult for them to find food and even water. As will be seen on our Community Comments page, the response to the question was large and generally on the side of the boars. We expectedly had a few tongue in cheek responses with jokers suggesting that they were best served with a good chianti or were ideal for the plan­ cha but on balance the majority seemed to feel that hu­ mans owe a debt to look after the animals. What we tend to overlook is the fact that they are breeding more quickly as there have been several wild boar and escaped pigs mating, so there are more of these hybrids fighting for less space and food. An added problem is that research from the University of Queensland says that by uprooting carbon trapped in soil, wild pigs are releasing around 4.9 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually across the globe, the equivalent of 1.1 million cars. This is therefore a potentially growing problem, both from incursions into urban areas as well as added pollution. We don’t have a proposed solu­ tion but do recognise that the National Government (when there is one) will need to create a sensible policy to recognise the signs of danger and deal with it.

SOFAS - CHAIRS - CORNER SUITES - SOFA BEDS - OCCASIONAL PIECES - FIRESIDE CHAIRS - RECLINER CHAIRS - POWER RISER RECLINER CHAIRS

38 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

By Clinica Britannia

Get rid of the stubborn kilos MANY of us gain weight in the summer months due to holidays and socialising more. So, if you are having problems losing the weight, then contact us at Clinica Britannia to help you get rid of those stubborn kilos. Proper nutrition is essen­ tial to healthy living, success­ ful weight loss and the over­ all well­being of the body. Seeking advice from our Nu­ tritionist can help you to un­ derstand and stick to a diet plan based on your health, physical goals, and medical needs. She may advise you to have a stool or blood sam­ ple to rule out any underly­ ing health problems and to identify the cause of the weight gain, as this can be due to various reasons, one

WEIGHT GAIN: Our Nutritionist will work out a plan.

of them being Gut Dysbio­ sis. In your gut, there are tril­ lions of microorganisms that make up your gut micro­ biome. When these be­ come out of balance, dys­ biosis happens. If left untreated this can cause a range of chronic illnesses such as food intolerances, obesity, Chron’s disease, Type 1 diabetes, and col­ orectal cancer.

Our Nutritionist with the results of these diagnostic tests can work out an indi­ vidual plan tailored to your lifestyle and personal diet preferences to lose weight healthily and for the long term. Also available is a spe­ cialised injection that will help kick start your metabolism, so you can lose weight faster and more effi­ ciently when following a controlled diet.

Appointments Appointments Landline: Landline: 965 965 837 837 553 553 // 965 965 837 837 851 851 •• 24H/365D Emergency Number: (+34) 607 255 755 • Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 9:00am / 5:00pm

Clinica Britannia Calpe Av. Ejercitos Españoles 16 BIS, 1st Floor, Calpe

RED MEAT: Experts recommend limiting your intake per week.

Red meat consumption RED meat, a staple in many diets, has been scrutinised for its potential health implica­ tions. Recent scientific studies suggest mod­ eration is key. Experts recommend limiting red meat intake to about 500g (cooked weight) per week, which equates to roughly three to four portions. This guidance stems from concerns linking excessive red meat consumption to heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

While red meat is a valuable source of nu­ trients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, overcon­ sumption can introduce high levels of saturat­ ed fats and potential carcinogens. For a balanced diet, consider diversifying protein sources, incorporating fish, poultry, legumes, and plant­based alternatives. Remember, it’s not just about quantity but quality; opting for lean cuts and avoiding pro­ cessed meats can make a difference.

Depuffing eye bags: Unveiling brighter eyes T H E struggle with puffy eyes is real for many, often a result of factors like sleep deprivation, stress, or ageing. Thankfully, com­ bating these unwel­ come bags is possi­ ble with a few tried­and­tested strategies. Cold compresses, using chilled spoons or cucumber slices, can constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Proper hydration helps flush out ex­ cess salt, which can retain water around the eyes. Ingredients like caf­ feine, found in cer­ tain eye creams, can tighten skin and increase circu­ lation. Lastly, elevating your head during sleep prevents fluid accumulation. Re­ member, while these remedies can provide temporary relief, addressing the root causes ­ like ensuring ade­ quate sleep and re­ ducing salt intake ­ offers a more last­ ing solution. Brighter, re­ freshed eyes are within reach with a bit of care and at­ tention.

6 -7% the amount of blood in the human body.

40 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

Early detection MAMMOGRAMS: Important in the early detection of breast cancer.

MAMMOGRAMS stand as one of the most vital tools in the early detection of breast cancer. By capturing X­ray images of the breast, they can pin­ point abnormalities often long before physical symptoms manifest. Early detection significantly increases the chances of suc­ cessful treatment and can re­

duce the need for invasive procedures. Regular mammo­ grams, especially for women over 40 or those with a family history of breast cancer, are crucial. They not only save lives but also empower wom­ en with knowledge about their health. Prioritising this simple screening can make a world of difference in the fight against breast cancer.

euroweeklynews.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

By Clinica Britannia

Keep an eye on bone health OSTEOPOROSIS is a ‘silent disease’ that causes bones to weaken, becom­ ing more susceptible to fractures even from minimal impact, occurring gradually over many years without your knowledge, so how can we keep an eye on our bone health? One way to know how strong your bones are is to have a scan known as a bone densitometry, as until about the age of 30, we produce bone faster than we lose it but around the age of 40 it tends to plateau. After this time, the reverse is true and bone mass de­ clines and for women this bone loss is particularly accelerated during the menopause. The Achilles bone density test is a non­invasive test that offers a quick and affordable way for an initial os­ teoporosis assessment and the risk of bone fractures. The exam is quick and comfortable and is performed with the patient seated with one foot placed on the

VEGETABLES: Eating them first can offer notable health benefits.

Book a bone density test now.

Footplate. The machine uses high frequency sound waves to evaluate the os calcis (bone status in the heel). The patient will receive the results immediately from the specialist performing the test.

Remember it is never too early to start looking after your bones so book your Achilles Bone density test here at Clinica Britannia as soon as possible.

Eating veggies first NEW research shines a spotlight on the art of ‘meal sequencing’, sug­ gesting that con­ suming vegetables before diving into meat, rice, or pas­ ta might offer no­ table health bene­ fits. Scientists have found that this simple switch in eating order can lead to improved blood sugar levels, helping to manage and prevent con­ d i t i o n s l i k e d i a­ betes. Additionally, by p r i o r i t i s i n g v e g­ etables, individu­ als often report feeling satiated for longer periods, reducing the chances of overeating and aiding in weight loss. This approach emphasises not just what we eat, but also the order in which we con­ sume it. Embrac­ ing this method could be a game­ changer, offering a fresh perspec­ tive on balanced meals and holistic well­being.

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 41

Advertising Feature

Liberty’s pet insurance sales up 25% in last six months LIBERTY SEGUROS’ pet insurance has grown by 25 per cent in the past six months, surpassing €1 million in annual revenue. According to com­ pany data, this growth follows the trend of the last two years, as this segment grew by 12.7 per cent in 2021 and 13.6 per cent in 2022. The new Law on Animal Welfare, which came into force on Septem­ ber 29, makes it compulsory for dog owners to have civil liability insur­ ance. And this fact has been reflect­ ed in the demand for both Civil Lia­ bility insurance, which in August alone has shot up by 623 per cent, and Liberty’s specific product for pets, which in the same month has increased by 70 per cent. However, compulsory civil liability insurance for natural or legal per­ sons owning dogs will not be effec­ tively applicable until the corre­ sponding regulatory development takes place. In this sense, Liberty stresses that behind the growth of these insurances recently there is al­

PET INSURANCE: Protection from a basic package to much more.

so a growing concern of pet owners to cover their main needs and risks. José Luis García Camiñas, Liberty’s Executive Director of Product in Eu­ rope, says: “We expect this segment to continue to grow in the future not only because of increased regulatory requirements but also because of society’s growing concern to protect the welfare of their pets and to have cover for issues such as veterinary expenses, theft and travel assis­

tance. Specifically, more than 90 per cent of the claims reported to Liberty under pet insurance correspond to veterinary expenses. The rest corre­ spond to the death of the animal, lia­ bility issues and theft or kidnapping.” The number of dogs in Spain is es­ timated to be more than nine mil­ lion, but having them insured is not a widespread practice. This contrasts with countries such as the USA where 70 per cent of households

have a pet and between 20 per cent and 25 per cent of them, especially dogs and cats, are insured. In the EU, 25 per cent of EU households have a dog, according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). “Due to all of these factors, this in­ surance product, which was initially demanded by residents in Spain from other countries, and which has been increasingly valued by national clients, presents a significant growth potential in the forthcoming years,” says José Luis García Camiñas. Main changes that Spain’s new animal welfare law will bring The Animal Welfare Law estab­ lishes new obligations for pets, and in particular for dog owners. One of these is the obligation to have Civil Liability insurance to cover possible damages and injuries caused by dogs, whatever their breed, to other people, animals, or things. However, this obligation will not be effectively applicable until the regulatory devel­ opment of the rule takes place.

On the other hand, the classifica­ tion of potentially dangerous dogs (PPP) disappears and the concept of special dog handling is created. An individualised sociability study will determine whether a dog is a special dog handling. In addition, a compul­ sory training course for dog owners will be introduced. The develop­ ment of these two elements is also still awaiting a regulation. Customised Insurance also for Pets Liberty Seguros has comprehen­ sive insurance policies for pets, a product that is defined by its many adjustment options to provide pro­ tection for the insured animal against risks such as accident and ill­ ness and which can be taken out as a basic package with the possibility of adding others with optional guar­ antees. As for civil liability, it also offers specific insurance for this legal cover for damage to third parties or as op­ tional cover within home insurance.

Visit www.libertyexpatriates.es for more information or call 913 422 549 for the name of your nearest Agent/Broker.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM SUDOKU

WORD SPIRAL

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that every row, column and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contain all of the digits from 1 to 9.

EASY

HARD

9 2

7

Starting from 1, fill in the grid clockwise with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next to reveal the key word in the shaded boxes.

3

1

7

5 5 6

9 3 6

9

10

14

15

8

7

3 5

4

16

4 8 5 2

6 4

11

1

8 2 5

8

3

2

13 7

4

12 6

5

1. Hotel cook

9. Revise

2. Make full

10. Pith helmet

3. Former Italian

11. Skin irritation

currency

12. Sacred

4. Region

13. High-pitched bark

5. First man 6. Repair

14. Colour

7. Information

15. Unit of speed

8. Competent

16. Brass instrument

Keyword clue: A country

QUICK QUIZ 1. Which Italian artist is famous for his detailed paintings of Venice and London? 2. What name is given to inflammation of the voice box? 3. In US law, what name is given to an offence considered less serious than a felony? 4. Which bone is commonly called the thighbone? 5. By what name was Cape Canaveral known from 1963 to 1973? 6. With which game is Emanuel Lasker associated? 7. Which British driver emulated his father in setting world land-speed and waterspeed records? 8. What sort of creature is a fennec? 9. Which city in Nevada has a name which means ‘the meadows’? 10. What name is given to the ancient Chinese skill of balancing forces, commonly used as a principle of interior design?

QUICK CROSSWORD Across

Down

5. Excursion on foot (4) 7. Cocktail (4,6) 8. Romantic appointment (4) 10. Red meat (4) 12. Fuss (3) 13. Hairpiece (6) 16. Depart (5) 18. Sweet potato (3) 20. Look lasciviously (4) 21. Microbe (4) 22. Chest bone (3) 24. Baffling question (5) 25. Destructive insect (6) 26. Household fuel (3) 27. Gateau, e.g. (4) 29. Not hot (4) 33. One-sided (10) 34. Unwelcome plant (4)

1. Young goat (3) 2. Visage (4) 3. Faldo’s sport (4) 4. Craze (3) 5. Roll of banknotes (3) 6. Liquid measure (5) 9. Spring over (5) 10. Spanish dance (6) 11. Purchase (3) 13. Entice (5) 14. Leaf of a book (4) 15. Come into view (6) 17. Boy’s name (4) 19. Accumulate (5) 23. Unopened flower (3) 25. Slack (5) 27. Fossil fuel (4) 28. Retain (4) 30. Squib (3) 31. That man (3) 32. Excessively plump (3)

53

44 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

OMMUNITY

C OMMENTS

THERE has been a huge response to our recent article on the Euro Weekly News website and Facebook page about the proliferation of wild boar and with more than 100 responses, already the general feeling is that they should be treated with care and respect rather than simply killed to make life easier for humans. Read the article as it appears in this edition of your paper as well as these comments below and let us know your feelings on the matter.

“

Hunt/manage them where safe and possible, but let them be when they come for a sanctuary … feeding and approaching them is wrong and a recipe for confrontation ! William Sr. Koninckx

We have invaded their territory, so have to learn to live with them. They are a wild animal so our respect is needed, we definitely should be looking after them! Sabrina Hope

I would not like to see them culled,but maybe pushing them back into the wild country. Michael Stanton

No leave them alone, you’re building on all their places. Christine Belmonte

I live in Andalucia for a very long time and witnessed how their habitat has been shrinking... Furthermore they come down from La Concha, because irresponsible people are to lazy to put their garbage into the containers, they leave it on the street around the containers or throw it everywhere on the street, which is an open invitation... They don't bother humans, only the barking dogs can make them nervous, specially if they are mothers with little ones. When I'm walking my dogs I watch them, which many people don't do, because their face is sticking into their mobiles... The problems are the humans....

unless threatened. Andrew Philip Coates

They are dangerous, they spread disease , people get their cars written off! They should be controlled, they continue to break through fences, destroy gardens (which were there actually before them) and procreate very rapidly. They hunt in packs with the parents often being 300 kgs each. Beware what you wish for! Barry Marshall

Trap, neuter, return (TNR) with vaccinations cost around €400 per head. Hunters are paid €2,000 on average per head, do you start to see the issue? They are being deliberately bred and released. More hunters and wardens are coming forward to confirm it. We then also factor in serious loss of habitat, drought and more rubbish due to more population, so the pigs are ‘in town’. They often have cuts from rubbish. Rubbish they shouldn't be rummaging in. They should have feeding and watering stations with regular veterinary controls and with the huge amount of Chaparral forest decimated for urbanisations, Mijas should be creating a green belt with biodiversity area, there is plenty of land to do so. Luisa Grajales

There's too many and they're causing fatal road accidents. I'd say cull and sell the meat. Celeste Picken

They were on the beach today, weren’t causing a problem just trotting along.

Katalin Zu Windischgraetz

No way, they are beautiful animals, people have taken their natural habitats, this coupled with the loss of forest land due to fires have forced these magnificent animals down to the coast looking for food, they are not aggresive

Laura Charles

Please just let nature take its course. It was their land before we encroached on it. They deserve a life too. Jacqueline Mellis

Comments should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

euroweeklynews.com

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD THE horrific attack on Israel by Hamas ter­ rorists has temporarily drawn the media’s attention from the atrocities in Ukraine. So many innocents of all ages cruelly and in­ discriminately murdered and kidnapped has left the world in shock. This was pure evil. The tragedy is that it takes such an ap­ palling atrocity to generate widespread sympathy with the Israelis and their cause. As I write, the situation in Israel and Palestine seems insoluble. Hamas tries to avoid recrimination by hiding behind the shield of its own men, women and children whom they sacrifice as ‘legitimate targets’ for the Israelis. Understandably, the civilised world condemns the Hamas slaughter. The Israelis have a strong, loyal but exasperated father who will stand by them, no matter what. Sadly, Israel has no real friends. Why is this? The state is sur­ rounded by enemies and is the only coun­ try which other nations wish to see wiped from the map. Why do the enemies seek annihilation rather than a change of leader­ ship, such as many of us wish for Russia, Iran and North Korea? Many errors have been committed, the

26 October - 1 November 2023

EWN 45

ISRAEL AND PALESTINE Photo credits: thenation.com and huffingtonpost

FEATURE

Hospitals and schools are considered legitimate targets not only in the Middle East but also in Europe.

most serious being the location of the Jew­ ish state created by the allies in 1948 ­ by annexing territory from innocent Palestini­ ans who played no part in the holocaust leading to the resettlement. More Jews live in the USA than in Israel and 27 per cent of Israel’s population is non­Jewish, yet a majority of people wrongly regard Israel and Judaism as syn­ onymous. But is it synonymous with Ne­ tanyahu?

The people of Israel have failed to re­ move this corrupt dictatorial war criminal from power, despite the fact that he is probably responsible for more anti­Jewish sentiment than anybody alive. There are sickening images of Biden embracing him. Following the example of Ariel Sharon (Sabra and Shatila in 1982), he has over­ seen the bombing of schools, hospitals and private homes for many years. Since 2005, the Palestinian people’s land has gradually

been converted first into an open­air prison and now into an open­air grave. Their bor­ ders and coast have been sealed to prevent movement in and out. At the same time, electricity, fuel and water have been cut off, leading to a lack of food and drink, medicine, medical equipment and petrol. The people of Gaza are as innocent as the people of Ukraine. It is to be expected that the destruction of their lives and their land provokes hatred among the victims and their regional allies. What is wrong with this part of the world? Subjugation of women by the Tal­ iban, Iran and Saudi Arabia; hatred and in­ tolerance of differing beliefs, practices and races. Israel has lived with various terrorist, mil­ itant and ideological groups on its doorstep. The Phalanges in Lebanon, the PLO, Iran­backed Hezbollah, Hamas, ISIS, Ji­ had…. All the result of the extraordinary 1948 decision taken by United Nations, partly for ancient historical reasons. But where should the Jewish state of Israel oth­ erwise have been located? Probably in the USA.

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

46 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

From Burberry To 007 - Licence To Thrill That week, though, numerous tourists turned to me asking: “Where ARE we?” It was a daft advertising campaign which BREAKING VIEWS caused problems for the people who ac­ Nora is the author of popular psychological tually make TfL money: those who use suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. the network. COMMUTERS and tourists were recently The same TfL that feeds its customers a left angry and confused after a marketing blow­by­blow barrage of idiotic safety an­ stunt to change signage nouncements: “The floor inside and outside Bond may be slippery; hold the Street tube station saw it handrail; see it, say it...” rebranded as ‘Burberry The same station that Street’ ­ as part of London opened late, millions over Fashion Week. budget. Fine if you’re a regular How about the cheese tube traveller. You can people taking over Red Le­ quickly readjust to where icester Square? Armitage you are and be in on the Shanks Waterloo? Or the joke. Not so good if you’re Bond movie company re­ one of those anxious branding Bond Street tube: tourists you see on the ‘007’? tube every day, constantly Nora Johnson’s 12 criti­ checking they’ve taken cally acclaimed psychologi­ the right line or going in cal suspense crime thrillers the right direction. It’s no­ (www.nora­johnson.net) NORA’S LATEST THRILLER. toriously confusing all available online includ­ enough for people to nav­ ing eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), igate without this stunt. Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Like many commuters, I’m normally in Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer a bubble of silence when on the tube. charity.

NORA JOHNSON

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

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

Please take it outside, ok? MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION Views of a Grumpy Old Man I WAS out having a bit of lunch the other day and it was a nice and lively, busy place, but not too noisy so I could listen to Mrs S giving me my instructions for the rest of the day. Suddenly, a man with his son came and sat at the table next to us. His meal arrived and then it started. He got on his phone, not to read a message, no, he was going to have a chat and he was not going to have a quiet one. He was talking at the top of his voice and at the same time stuffing food in his mouth. After about 10 minutes of this I was getting the right hump, but there is nothing you can do unless you want to just say, ‘Oi shut up, I’m trying to have lunch.’ In my younger days I might have, but these days I just give a dirty look and a bit of a tut. Why do people think it’s OK to hold a conversation on their phone in public? Is it only me that thinks this is not acceptable? I admit to checking my phone if a message comes in, but if it rings I go outside or pick up and say I’ll call back. Oh, and if you are

checking your WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram or any of the other apps, I don’t want to hear the 10-minute video your mate just sent of their kid singing some unrecognisable ditty that they think is wonderful but I just think is an intrusion on my chow time. Use headphones but don’t play it out loud. This rule doesn’t only apply in eateries. This goes for every place I am. Aeroplanes, waiting rooms - I’ve been to cinemas and phones go off. That’s bad enough but answering them is just crazy. I love watching snooker and how many times do you hear the referee say ‘turn your phones off’? I was in a hospital waiting room and someone was listening to a video. It wasn’t at full blast but it was audible. Is there no point that they think this may annoy other people? All phones have a silent mode and it’s a shame people don’t! So folks, if you are out and your phone goes off, please take it outside, OK? I would love to have a bit of feedback on these grumps of mine. Does anybody actually read them? Is there some stuff that makes you grumpy that you would like to have mentioned? Send me an email at: mikesenker@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.

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

THE British Benevolent Fund was funded over a century ago to provide financial assis­ tance for British nationals in Spain who face extreme fi­ nancial distress and who have no other recourse, whether friends, family or state sup­ port. The BBF works with partner charities from www.supportinspain.info across the country as well as the UK’s consular network in Spain to help those who have no other means. The lingering effects of the Covid pandemic is still with us ­ many people faced tough ­ almost impossible life affect­ ing situations due to losing their income and job. One such was John who is in his late 50s and had been living in Spain for most of his adult life. He had been living modestly ­ doing odd jobs in gardens and bars which had seen him though many years ­ some good, some less so, but always with a roof over his head and a reasonable living to afford some of life’s luxu­ ries. With the pandemic all his work came to a shuddering halt ­ with every spike in Covid cases saw him deeper in debt as his savings were used up to

Make a donation Olaf Clayton of BBF.

pay for rent and food. He managed to keep a roof over his head for a year but in the end he had no choice but to leave his apartment. He packed his possessions into the car boot and lived there, living off a local food bank and the odd cash in hand job. He continued look­ ing for work, but it was very sparse and now that he was living in his car there were few takers. Although he was legal­ ly resident, he was not able to claim any state support due to a debt with the Spanish so­ cial security ­ it wasn’t much but meant that he could not claim any benefits such as the ingreso minimo ­ that with any income would mean he would be able to get back on his feet. The debt was less than

€100. Working with a local charity who were able to pro­ cess the paperwork the BBF was able to able to pay the debt and pay for a short time a room in a shared apartment whist he awaited his pay­ ment. Which came through a few months later ­ John was able to find more regular work and get his life back on track. Today John has found himself a new place to live as well as plenty of work. He is back on track. The BBF can only help peo­ ple like John with your sup­ port ­ if you would like to make a donation to the British Benevolent Fund please visit our www.british benevolentfund.org ­ thank you on behalf of the many for your help. Olaf Clayton, Chair BBF

PETS Pet-sitters for only £69/€79 per year! Vegan diets for dogs: A healthy 47

SPONSORED BY

THOSE of you who have seen our articles in the Euro Weekly News over the years know that we have maintained good value for our customers in the last 10 years ­ Yes, we are nearly 10 years old! And in all that time we have only ever raised our prices once. We want you our customers to know that you are getting excellent value from a trusted source ­ HouseSitMatch.com. Standard mem­ bership is still only £69 per year! Not bad for free pet­sitting in your own home. If you’re planning a trip in the next few months register now to find pet­sitters in time. Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their rou­ tines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sit­ ting network, and the sitters come for free! Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when need­ ed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet

www.euroweeklynews.com •26 October - 1 November 2023

alternative or a step too far?

A pet-sitter cares for your pets at home.

and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work? HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sit­ ters. 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 holi­ day. House­sitters see your advert, they re­ spond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials – 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com I have had nothing but good and helpful ser­ vice from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cos­ grave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga

How do you join? Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or 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% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer. To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

The hidden paws: Are tenants secretly housing pets? RENTAL agreements of­ ten come with a myriad of stipulations, and one of the most contentious among them is the ‘no pets’ clause. As a result, there’s a growing de­ bate: are tenants secret­ ly keeping pets hidden from their landlords? A recent survey re­ vealed a surprising num­ ber of renters admitting to housing pets without notifying their property managers or landlords. The primary reason? A deep bond with their fur­ ry companions and a lack of pet­friendly rental op­ tions. For many, the thought of parting with their pets is unimagin­ able, leading them to take covert measures. However, this secre­ tive approach can lead to complications. Hidden pets can cause damage, disturb neighbours, or even breach local hous­ ing regulations. More­

over, if discovered, ten­ ants risk eviction or fi­ nancial penalties. Landlords often cite property damage, poten­ tial allergies for future tenants, or increased in­ surance costs as reasons for pet restrictions. Yet, some argue that a more flexible approach might be beneficial. By allow­ ing pets and possibly charging a reasonable pet deposit, landlords can cater to a larger pool of potential renters while safeguarding their property. In conclusion, while the bond between hu­ mans and their pets is undeniable, transparen­ cy and open communica­ tion are key. Both land­ lords and tenants need to find a middle ground, ensuring that rental agreements cater to hu­ man needs without com­ promising the integrity of the property.

THE vegan movement, which emphasises plant­ based diets free from ani­ mal products, has wit­ nessed substantial growth in recent years. As more people adopt vegan lifestyles, there’s a rising debate about whether our four­legged compan­ ions can also thrive on a vegan diet. From a nutritional standpoint, dogs are om­ nivores, capable of ob­ taining nutrients from both plant and animal sources. However, the key lies in ensuring a well­balanced diet that meets all their dietary re­ quirements. Some vegan dog food brands claim to offer nutritionally com­ plete options, fortified with essential amino acids, vitamins, and min­ erals that dogs would typ­ ically derive from animal products.

A Necessity or fashion frill? AS temperatures drop, the sight of dogs donning snug coats becomes increasingly common. But is this trend grounded in practicality or mere aesthetics? Veterinarians and animal experts weigh in: for cer­ tain breeds, a winter coat is more than just a fashion statement. Short­haired, lean, elderly, or small dogs can benefit significantly from the added warmth. Breeds not naturally equipped with thick fur, like Greyhounds or Chi­ huahuas, are more suscep­ tible to the cold and can find comfort in a well­fitted jacket. However, it’s essential to

remember that not all dogs require outerwear. Breeds like the Husky or Mala­ mute, with their dense, in­ sulating fur, can overheat with added layers. Owners should also en­ sure the coat fits well, with­ out restricting movement or causing discomfort. Monitoring dogs for signs of overheating, even in cold weather, is crucial. In conclusion, while dog­ gie coats can be an adorable sight, they serve a practical purpose for many. As always, individual needs vary, so consulting with a vet is recommended before bundling up your furry friend.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS •POLICE/FIRE/ AMBULANCE: 112 24 HOUR PHARMACY FARMACIA ALICANTE - 965 910 220 •CALL LOCAL POLICE CALPE : 965 839 000 MORAIRA : 965 740 946 •24 HOUR VETS MARINA BAIXA VETINARY HOSPITAL L’ALFAS DE PI:966 860 669

However, veterinarians and canine nutritionists stress the importance of thorough research before making a dietary switch. While some dogs may thrive on a vegan diet, others might experience deficiencies, leading to health complications. Common concerns re­ volve around ensuring ad­ equate protein intake and the bioavailability of cer­ tain nutrients in plant­ based sources. For owners considering this dietary shift, it’s cru­ cial to consult with a veterinarian or ca­ nine nutritionist. Regu­ lar health check­ups, monitoring for signs of nutrient deficiencies, and being attentive to

the dog’s energy levels and coat condition can provide indicators of their overall health. In conclusion, while a vegan diet can be an op­ tion for some dogs, it’s not a one­size­fits­all so­ lution. Proper guidance and careful monitoring are paramount to ensur­ ing the well­being of our loyal companions.

SWITCHING DIETS: Make sure you take some advice.

48 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

AIR CONDITIONING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

PIPE CLEANING

REMOVALS & STORAGE

POOL SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

euroweeklynews.com

PLUMBING

26 October - 1 November 2023

INSURANCES

REMOVALS & STORAGE

REMOVALS & STORAGE

SOLAR ENERGY

TV & SATELLITE

EWN 49

50 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023 INSURANCE

euroweeklynews.com REMOVALS & STORAGE

TV & SATELLITE

REMOVALS & STORAGE

SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS APP REPAIRS

CARS FOR SALE

WASHING MACHINE BROKEN? Call Bluesky Repairs for ALL your domestic appliance repairs. 626 430 671 (WhatsApp) (304141)

BUGGY TOURS

CARE HOME PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (304150)

FOR SALE: ENGLISH Mini Market on large urbanization. No competition. Same owners for 17 years. Sale due to retirement. Opening hours 9.00am to 5.00pm. Tel: 966 455 491. (303647)

BUY & SELL PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662) I BUY RECORDS 50s to the 90s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (304500)

CARAVANS MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@hotmail.com (302142)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

26 October - 1 November 2023 • euroweeklynews.com

nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis. (288658) THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA This association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS POPULAR ASSOCIATION, CALL the Secretary on 966 495 228. (295990)

ARCHITECTS

BUSINESS FOR SALE

52

CHARITY EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY – Life and Family Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Bilingual (English and Spanish) at San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello.For more information visit www.el campellochristiancommunity.or g, email campellocc@gmail. com or call Juan Zúñiga – 686203183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton - 680594134 (English). (233602) THE SALVATION ARMY English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service. Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698 609 658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652 319 810 Email dieterzimmer er@hotmail.com, www.cen trosaron.com (10008)

ELECTRICIAN MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mbelectrics.es (302561)

FOR SALE 4 WATER colour paintings and 2 prints. 40€ to 70€. Can Email photos. Alfaz. 966 878 415 mickreen@gmail.com. (303642)

GARDENING SERVICES PROFESSIONAL GARDENER. SPECIALISING IN TREE AND PALM CARE, OVERGROWN GARDENS, PLASTIC AND GRAVEL WORK. QUALITY SERVICES AT ECONOMICAL PRICES. FREE QUOTATION. NO JOB TOO LARGE OR SMALL. FAIR EFFICIENT SERVICES. CALL DAVID 643 989 634. (303637)

ALL METAL WORK AND MOBILE WELDING. +44 7787 585 714 (302963)

GOLD WANTED

HEALTH & BEAUTY CARING and affordable counselling. Appointments online or in person. Tel: 634 354 8 9 2 / w w w. fe e l g o o d c s . c o m (302968)

WIGS WWW.WIGS-R-US.ES Iindoor market, Rincon De Loix Benidorm. Monday to Friday 10 -4pm Sat 10 – 3pm scrunchies, ponytails, toppers, fascinators, headwear etc. Private appts after 3 pm 681 049 502 (302420)

HEARING AIDS PHONAK & SIGNIA from Hear Maika. English speaking professional established 23 years in Spain. 658 446 384. (302960)

HOUSESHARE LADY Looking for someone to share my house with me in Lliber. House comprises of lounge, dining room, kitchen, store room, outside shower and toilet. Large garden, BBQ and secure parking. Upstairs 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, A/C. €300 PCM plus 50% towards the electricity bill. Available from 1st December. 620 767 964. (303653)

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN

CAMPING

INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TOO) OR VISIT www.sosinsurancein spain.com or email tracey@sosinsurancein spain.com (304148) 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.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (304147)

INSURANCE

www.helpbenidorm.org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040. We are an English-speaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all

BEDDING

GEN. MAINTENANCE

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726) STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbey gateinsure.com

LOCKSMITHS/ELECTRICIANS

METAL WORKS

MOBILE WELDER: GATES, RAILINGS AND GRILLS. ALL REPAIRS. +44 7787 585 714 / +44 7470 059 469 (302970)

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

MOTORBIKES PETER ZWAAN MOTORBIKES, A+ Occasions Showroom, Harley Davidson Street Rod, 1200 cc, yr. 2005, 24.000 kms, Lowered price Euro 9.450,= CostaBlancaMotor bikes.com

MOTORING

ALBIR, ALTEA, MORAIRA, 24 HOUR EMERGENCY. 686 513 510 (294632)

MASSAGE FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, SLIM SOPHIE, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302810) RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORM - Excellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls - Tel: 603 324 564 (304269) NATURIST male gives relaxing massage. Half price 1st time offer €25. For men and women. Private premises in Jávea, WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (304496) LOVELY, RELAXING, DELIGHTFUL TANTRA MASSAGE with Teya in a beautiful studio in Dénia centre. Whatsapp 34 692450679 / Yllera2017@gmail.com (303648)

AUTO BASTIAN mobile mechanic. Tel 608 860 725. (304177) WE are currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

NURSING

LOTUS massage in Denia. Lovely Tantra massage in beautiful location in city centre. Whatsapp + 4915255415183. bodyand soulmassage77@gmail.com. (303641) RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (304489)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

CLASSIFIEDS

euroweeklynews.com

OTHERS VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (303521) EDS? We have the solution, Kamagra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mailorder. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PAINTERS/DECORATORS DECORATORS W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (303340)

PETS NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (1296233) BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (304498)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

PET TRANSPORT PETS BACK HOME Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.petsbackhome.co.uk Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657

PROPERTY WHITE SAND HOMES REAL ESTATE. Trusted professional property services for buyers and sellers: 673 557 824

PROPERTY TO LET HOLIDAY RENTAL Modern 2 Bed, 2 Bath Apartment, Central Calpe. 107 SqM. Open Terrace overlooking communal pool & tennis courts. Fully Furnish, air-con, close to supermarket & restaurants. Enquiries +447798 713 399. anilphakey@hotmail.com

PROPERTY WANTED RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixa - prefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800 (279523)

REMOVALS/STORAGE BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (302519)

26 October - 1 November 2023 MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/Whatsapp 636 100 873 (304666) COSTA LESS EXPRESS, small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK budget prices. Urgent jobs undertaken www.costalessexpress.co.uk Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

ROLLER SHUTTERS ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy. com (1296178)

SITUATION VACANT BLUE SQUARE REAL ESTATE is currently searching for Sales Executives to work in the Denia / Oliva area. A training package is provided and excellent incentives. Multilingual candidates, Spanish, French, Dutch and German are sought after. Please email hr@blue-square.com your CV

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors.com

WANTED WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel 678 716 693 (288662) BROKEN or unwanted gold jewellery, watches or coins. IMMEDIATE Cash Payment. Call Peter 617 550 016 (303567)

EWN CONTACT

EWN 53

54 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST by Mark Slack AS taste and fashions change, all car mak­ ers have to adapt their range and move forward with modern technology. Some car makers seem to manage this effortlessly whilst oth­ ers have a tougher time. This can be due to currency fluctuations, regulatory re­ quirements and the cost of advancing new technolo­ gies for smaller companies. Subaru have a long and illustrious history in not on­ ly rallying but also clever and ingenious engineering. Their flat four, horizontally opposed ‘Boxer’ engine is a case in point, along with the permanent four­wheel­ drive that they adopted on their cars long before many others caught on to the benefits. Now there’s hy­ brid technology too. Here in the UK the com­ pany has always attracted a small but very loyal set of buyers and over recent years have changed their

MOTORING

Subaru XV e-Boxer - reliability & quality SUBARU XV: Quite literally takes everything in its stride.

range to encom­ pass hybrid technolo­ gy. Thanks to input from Toyota they have also pro­ duced their first EV, the Solterra. All Subaru models retain an immensely practi­ cal nature and the XV, one of their smaller models, is no exception. Both models in the XV line­up feature the same 2.0­litre petrol ‘Boxer’ en­ gine along with permanent symmetrical all­wheel­ drive in a familiarly reliable Subaru set­up. Unlike al­ most any other crossover, or indeed SUV, the XV as with all Subaru models will tackle some pretty tough conditions. It also has de­ cent ground clearance that helps with the XV’s very

versatile ca­ pabilities. Two trim levels are of­ fered with the lead­in ver­ sion superbly well equipped including heated seats, powerfold heated mirrors, LED lights that are linked to the steering, auto lights and wipers, dual zone climate, keyless entry and start, high beam assist, Ap­ ple Car Play and Android Auto, privacy glass and more. An additional €2,296/£2,000 for the high­ er trim model adds a pow­ er sunroof, leather uphol­ stery and navigation amongst the extras. On the road the XV isn’t especially quick but more than capable of keeping up

with faster traffic, and it feels a particularly safe and solid drive. It handles well too with a smooth and re­ fined drive unless you ac­ celerate hard. The CVT au­ tomatic gearbox, as with all CVT units, does get quite vocal. Adapt your driving style slightly though and it becomes much more hushed. Subaru will never be seen on the road in huge numbers, but those that know will always buy a Subaru. It’s about reliabili­ ty, engineering, solid build quality and the ability to quite literally take every­ thing in its stride.

1832 First electric powered vehicle.

MOTORING

euroweeklynews.com

26 October - 1 November 2023

By John Ensor IT goes without saying that drivers need to take care and be prepared for any eventuality on Spain’s high­ ways. However, here’s just a re­ minder that one mistake is not just inconvenient, but could land you with a siz­ able fine from the DGT. Are you aware of the fi­ nancial risks of running out of fuel? A recent report from a na­ tional newspaper has brought to attention the sig­ nificant penalties levied by the Directorate­General for Traffic (DGT) for such an oversight. Embarking on a long drive comes with its fair share of challenges. A common con­ cern is the vehicle’s fuel gauge dipping into the re­ serve. In such cases, one’s immediate thought is to find a petrol station. If stranded, motorists might consider seeking as­ sistance from the Local Po­

Credit: Maria Sbytova/Shuttersock.com

You could be fined €200

REFUELLING: Make sure you fill up before long journeys.

lice. However, it’s crucial to in­ form your car insurer about any incidents or risk receiv­ ing a DGT fine. Drivers who stop on the hard shoulder or

on the road could face fines up to €200, warns the DGT. Before exiting the vehicle, donning the compulsory emergency vest and activat­ ing the V­16 emergency light

is essential. Non­compliance could lead to a €200 fine. Even pushing the car to the wrong place could land a driver with a €200 fine. And if you’re thinking of fetching fuel in a non­ap­ proved container, brace yourself for a staggering fine of up to €3,000. How can one locate a fuel station whilst driving? A blue sign indicates a nearby station on the mo­ torway. A white sign means you’ll have to drive a bit fur­ ther. Signs will indicate the distance to the nearest refu­ elling place, usually any­ thing from 500 to 1,250 me­ tres. Fuel considerations and road safety shouldn’t be taken lightly. Following the law is imperative. Unfortunately, many drivers remain uninformed about these rules. If you be­ lieve this information is valuable, please share it with friends and family to spread awareness.

EWN 55

56 EWN 26 October - 1 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

THE legendary Manch­ ester United and England footballer Sir Bobby Charl­ ton has passed away at the age of 86. A statement released by his family read: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Satur­ day morning. ‘He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and sup­ ported him. We would re­ quest that the family’s pri­ vacy be respected at this time’, it concluded. The 1966 World Cup winner had been suffering from dementia and died just one week after his 86th birthday. His older brother Jackie had also suffered with the same disease before his passing

Credit: The Centre for School Design/Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication

Sir Bobby Charlton dies aged 86

RIP: Sir Bobby Charlton.

in July 2020 at the age of 85. Manchester United changed the colour of their official ‘X’ account to black in honour of the Old Trafford icon, posting sim­ ply: '’Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, 1937­2023. Words

will never be enough’. A statement published on the club’s website read: ‘Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charl­ ton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.

‘Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world. ‘He was admired as much for his sportsman­ ship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game. ‘The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchil­ dren, and all who loved him’. Born in the mining vil­ lage of Ashington, Northumberland, Sir Bob­ by was undoubtedly one of the all­time greats of English football. He was one of the survivors of the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958 which claimed the lives of eight of his Manch­ ester United teammates.

SPORT

Champions League team news WITH a crucial fixture against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, October 23, Manchester United were hoping to have Sergio Reguilon available for selec­ tion. After fighting back to fit­ ness following an injury, the Tottenham loanee missed last Saturday’s 1­2 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane due to illness. The Red Devils have al­ ready lost both of their Group A matches and a bad result against the Danes at Old Trafford could seriously jeopardise their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament. Speaking about the Span­ ish international defender during a press conference at the Carrington training ground, United’s Dutch coach, Erik ten Hag said: “Today he will train and then we have to assess if he is ready and game fit or if he can be involved in the squad. We have to wait for that.” Luke Shaw is currently sidelined for a lengthy peri­

od which has resulted in Ten Hag using Sofyan Amra­ bat as a makeshift left­back due to his current shortage of defenders. The return of Reguilon would allow the manager to play the 27­year­old Moroc­ can international in his usu­ al midfield role. That would also provide adequate cover for Casemiro who was sus­ pended for the clash after the Brazilian was sent off in the defeat by the Turkish gi­ ants Galatasaray three weeks ago. Tyrell Malacia could also be back soon. The Dutch in­ ternational defender was seen training away from the first­team group at Carring­ ton as he battles back from injury. Arsenal face a tricky con­ test in Spain where they will play Sevilla in a Group B clash in the Estadio Ramon Sanchez­Pizjuan. Last time out, the Gun­ ners lost to Ligue 1 outfit Lens in France so Mikel Arteta’s side really need to pick up a good result on Tuesday night.

British boxer bounces back Most popular sports docuseries BRITISH boxer and former champion Navid Mansouri, living in Marbella, Costa del Sol, has emerged victorious from his first professional fight in three years. The boxing event, which took place on Saturday Oc­ tober 14 at the Palacio de Congresos in Estepona, fea­ tured several international fighters and was presented by Gran Slam events. Navid, who is the father of two sons, had spent many gruelling months training and preparing for the battle. He expressed his happiness following his tri­ umph and told Euro Weekly News “it makes me super happy, and when I saw the smile on my son’s face, how excited he was, that was like the world title right

there. Everything I do is for my family, to see them proud, they are my motiva­ tion.” The family man, who grew up in Rotherham, UK, met his fiancée Karolina un­ der the bright lights of Puer­ to Banus back in 2016 and they now have two sons to­ gether. “My boy is five now, he’s older than when I was fighting before and under­ stands now what winning and becoming a champion is. So that’s the goal, I want to show him that by work­ ing hard and dedicating yourself, you can do any­ thing.” The former English Super Welterweight champion, explained that he discov­ ered the sport as a teenager when he wanted to lose some weight. “I was recom­ mended to join the boxing gym by friends, I went and the atmosphere was great, so respectful. I realised this is what I wanted to do.” During his early career, which began in 2009, ‘Nav’ enjoyed a series of succes­

sive wins and achieved the English Title in 2013, a belt which he defended three times. He took a break from boxing in 2020 after Covid hit and since then family life has definitely kept him busy! However, he felt the burning desire to be back in the ring, and rather than throwing the towel in, he began to plan this colossal comeback. “This win has put the flame back in my belly,” he stated, “I’m going to pick up where I left off, but this time with a different mind­ set, I am more serious now, I have my family and that makes everything more meaningful.” Navid now continues his daily training alongside en­ joying his beautiful family and plans to take to the ring again soon. “I want to be­ come champion,” he de­ clared. For now, anyway, the gloves are off, but it seems like this determined daddy is one to watch!

THE recent release of the highly popular Netflix four­part docuseries ‘Beckham’ has seen the English football player David Beckham back in the headlines. Sports docuseries featuring some of the globe’s biggest franchises and ath­ letes have exploded in popularity recent­ ly. This prompted a recent report to anal­ yse data from IMDb in an effort to reveal the most popular sports docuseries of all time as follows. 1. The Last Dance Revolving around the career of basket­ ball superstar Michael Jordan and the legendary Chicago Bulls, who won six NBA championships and two three­peats. 2. Formula 1: Drive to Survive There have been five seasons of For­ mula 1: Drive to Survive so far and it is highly likely that more will soon be con­ firmed. 3. Welcome to Wrexham Based on what started as a non­league soccer team in Wales struggling financial­ ly, whose ambition then turns to being promoted to the football league, Wel­ come to Wrexham was released in 2022 and is a multiple­award­winning do­ cuseries. 4. Untold: Malice at the Palace This 2021 Netflix documentary from the ‘Untold’ series examines the infa­ mous 2004 NBA brawl between the Indi­

ana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. 5. Sunderland ‘Til I Die Released on Netflix in 2018, this do­ cuseries follows the English football team Sunderland throughout the season. 6. Class of 92 This docuseries follows the famous footballing dynasty of six top Manchester United players. It charts the rise of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and their team­ mates. 7. Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist Released in 2022, this is the sixth part of the ‘Untold’ series. It follows an all­ American college footballer named Man­ ti Te’o, whose life turns upside down when his relationship is revealed to be a catfish. 8. All or Nothing: Manchester City An Amazon Prime Video original, this series offers a behind­the­scenes view of English football club Manchester City during the 2017­2018 season. 9. Last Chance U Released in 2016, Last Chance U is a well­received sports documentary series, revolving around the experiences of ju­ nior college football players and pro­ grammes in the United States. 14. Beckham This docuseries was only released on October 4th 2023, however, it proved to be a favourite among Netflix fans.