Costa de Almeria 30 Oct – 5 Nov 2025 Issue 2104

Marigold magic

PAWS-PATAS, a local Mojacar animal shelter, extended a huge congratulations to amateur theatre group The Indalo Players for the booming success that was their production of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, in Los Gallardos. The animal shelter, which held a raffle at two of the five total performances of the production, also extended warm gratitude to everyone who donated and helped out, all in benefit of the furry friends at the shelter.

Martine Shindler, a representative of the well-known shelter, sang her praises for the talented performers and crew. “What can we say, other than it was an incredible performance from all members. Well-acted, well-presented, professional, a truly brilliant story; portraying everything life throws at us - sadness, loss, inspiration, joy, hope, and companionship. And a happy ending, which everyone loves!”

The raffles at the event raised a total of €483 for the furry PAWS-PATAS family members.

The highly-anticipated

event by the beloved local theatre group had been building up excitement for months since its announcement, and had been called by organisers one of the most intricate productions that they have produced in 26 years. Though The Indalo Players are an amateur theatre group, the quality of the performances was anything but,

inspiring laughter, tears, and deep-rooted emotion in the audiences.

PAWS-PATAS is celebrating the successful raffle, but will soon get right back to business with fun-filled events, charity organising, and active participation. Their next Bingo Lunch Club, which has ramped up in popularity due to its side-splitting hi-

larity and fun competition, will take place at The Snug in Mojacar Playa at 1.30pm on November 6. Locals can participate in two full games of bingo, get their choice of lunch, and most importantly, have fun in the barrel-of-laughs bingo event. Interested visitors can book their tickets through the shelter’s Web site, paws-patas.org

MOJACAR recently celebrated a savoury gastronomic event, in solidarity with the Red Cross: the sixth edition of the town’s Gastronomic Contest saw a great turnout of participants and talented chefs that rocked residents’ taste buds.

The event took place at the Red Cross’ stand on Mojacar’s idyllic Paseo del Mediterraneo, with the soothing sounds of the sea as a backdrop for the mouth-watering sounds of cooking. More than 25 local chefs and food enthusiasts showed off their culinary talents during the contest, creating delicious dishes that more than 50 excited guests were able to enjoy.

Tapas, empanadas, cakes, stews, paellas, and even cinnamon rolls featured in this savoury showcase of Mojacar’s local flavours. With tables set up on the beach, and leisurely music playing on the loudspeaker, the event was one to remember, all in benefit of a local charity organisation.

The Mojacar Town Hall stated, “We want to express our very special gratitude to Red Cross Mojacar and to all the people who volunteered for their constant labour.”

Prawn pride

FROM noon on Friday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26, Garrucha became the centre of gastronomic attention in the whole of Almeria, with its famed and highly-anticipated Garrucha Red Prawn

Gastronomic Festival. The event, which has become a marker of the autumn season in the lively town, saw countless visitors stop by Garrucha’s port to taste some of the hundreds of savoury kilos of Garrucha red prawns.

marvel at Garrucha’s gastronomy.

Local restaurateurs and talented chefs whipped up incredible meals at the Festival with one of the province’s star products. Local gourmet brand, Sabores Almeria, was also prominent at the festival. Thousands of visitors from Almeria and other provinces across Spain came to enjoy the delicious treats and

The event didn’t only include treats for foodies, however. The festival also offered a fun-filled programme of activities for all audiences, including children’s activities and a playroom and live music by talented local artists including The Freedom Band, Los Lagartos, and Elegante y Embustero. All in all, the event was a golden opportunity for visitors and residents in Garrucha to savour some of its first-class cuisine, in a festive and fun-filled environment.

The Garrucha Red Prawn Gastronomic Festival made for a festive three days in the municipality, and left visitors with their stomachs satisfied, but looking forward to next year’s edition.

WHEN it comes to Halloween celebrations, perhaps no municipality took it to the max more than Albox, which celebrated with a heart-pounding zombie-themed game event that left locals terrified, but excited for more. From the late night of Saturday, October 25, to the early morning hours of Sunday, October 26, the municipality held its edition of the Viral Zombie event, a thrilling night of zombie-hunting adrenaline.

The Viral Zombie event consisted of a real-life survival horror experience, taking place in a local empty building, in this case the Las Ventas Sports Pavilion in Albox. Actors dressed as zombies were on the hunt for the players, whereas the players, armed with prop firearms, aimed to hide from and defeat the monsters in an action-packed stealth battle.

Local Police were heavily patrolling to make

Zombie zone

sure the game stayed safe, enjoyable, and did not pose a threat to the public. The event was also alcohol-free.

This is not the first time Albox has enjoyed an event of this kind.

Last year’s edition of Viral Zombie saw incredible participation from players and actors. With

curious town residents taking to the streets and participating in a horrifyingly fun night, the event has become something Albox residents eagerly look forward to, and this year, the event rang in the Halloween holiday with adrenaline, action, and camaraderie.

Widows’ pension reform

Unmarried parents included

SPAIN could soon extend widow’s pensions to unmarried parents, even if they never married or registered as civil partners - a move seen as one of the country’s biggest social reforms in years. The Ministry of Social Security has drafted a royal decree allowing surviving partners with children to claim the benefit without a marriage or pareja de hecho certificate.

Currently, eligibility requires a legally recognised relationship, leaving couples who built a life together but never formalised it without support after a partner’s death. The reform would let couples prove they lived together for at least two uninterrupted years, shown through an empadronamiento (residence certificate), remo ving costly notary visits and bureaucratic barriers.

The change follows high-profile court cases, including one where a woman who spent 20 years with her partner and raised two children was denied a pension because their union wasn’t legally registered. Such cases highlighted how current laws fail to reflect modern family life, where many couples live together and raise children without marriage.

Bank account freedom

Spanish IBAN myth

IF you’ve recently moved to Spain, you may have been told you ‘need a Spanish bank account for everything’. In fact, under EU law, any SEPA-zone account - from France, Germany, Ireland or Belgium - is valid. Refusing a non-Spanish IBAN is called IBAN discrimination and is illegal under Article 9 of EU Regulation 260/2012.

This means most bills - electricity, rent, taxes, internet or insurance - can be paid with your EU account. Spain’s Banco de España confirms that companies rejecting foreign IBANs are breaking EU law. Yet many smaller utilities and town halls still refuse them due to outdated systems. The European Consumer Centre says such refusals are widespread, though Spain’s Ministry of Economy is taking steps to end the practice. If your IBAN is rejected, cite Article 9, escalate the issue to management, and keep written proof. Complaints can also be filed with Banco de España, your local consumer office (OMIC) or via AcceptMyIBAN. org. Spain’s Tax Agency and Social Security also accept SEPA accounts, as do local taxes like IBI.

If approved, qualifying families could receive around €930 per month, providing vital financial protection to widows and widowers. The measure applies only to couples

with at least one child; those without children would still need formal proof of partnership.

The proposal now heads to Congress for approval and, if passed, would mark a major step toward equality in Spain’s social security system.

Some exceptions exist: Bizum and certain older billing systems require a Spanish IBAN. Fintech services like Revolut, Nickel, Wise or N26 offer easy workarounds. UK accounts still work for euro payments, though some banks no longer support direct debits post-Brexit.

The bottom line: your EU IBAN is valid in Spain, and any refusal is the company breaking the law.

Digital spending watch Payday pinch

Hacienda tracks cards

STARTING from January 1, 2026, Spain’s Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) will begin receiving monthly reports from banks on anyone whose annual card spending exceeds €25,000. The measure, part of a wider effort to curb undeclared income and the shadow economy, will give Hacienda greater insight into how money moves through cards, apps and online payments.

All Spanish banks must report the total value of transactions made with credit, debit, prepaid and virtual cards when the combined total surpasses €25,000 a year, or about

€2,083 a month. Ordinary consumers below that limit will not be affected, but higher spenders will face closer monitoring.

For businesses and the self-employed, the rules are far stricter. From 2026, every card payment received - via POS terminals, online stores or mobile apps such as Bizum - will be automatically reported to the Tax Agency. The previous €3,000 annual threshold for professional transactions is being abolished.

Monthly reporting will replace the current annual system, with banks sending detailed data including cardholder identity, linked accounts, total values and merchant payments. This will allow authorities to cross-check declarations in real time.

The €3,000 cash-payment rule remains unchanged, but expanded digital oversight leaves little room for undeclared income. For freelancers and small firms, it marks a major step towards tighter financial transparency.

New levy to fund pensions

STARTING in 2026, most workers in Spain will take home slightly less each month - not due to inflation or new taxes, but because of the full rollout of the Intergenerational Equity Mechanism (MEI). Part of Spain’s second major pension reform, it aims to rebuild the pension reserve fund and secure the future of retirees. While the government calls it a responsible step towards sustainability, employees will notice a new line on their payslips - meaning up to €95 less per year for some.

The MEI, introduced in Royal Decree-Law 2/2023, channels extra contributions into the Social Security Reserve Fund, known as the ‘pension piggy bank’. It addresses Spain’s ageing population and shrinking workforce - a demographic imbalance threatening long-term pension stability. Instead of waiting for a shortfall, the government is spreading the cost across employers and employees.

From January 2026, the total MEI contribution will begin at 0.9 per cent of salaries, with 0.75 per cent paid by employers and 0.15 per cent by employees, rising annually to 1.2 per cent by 2029. For someone earning €28,000 a year, this means about €42 in extra deductions; for those on €63,000, around €95. The payment does not increase individual pensions but goes into the collective reserve.

Critics say the reform burdens workers and may hurt hiring, but the measure will proceed - a small sacrifice today to protect pensions tomorrow.

Festive fellowship

ON the evening of Friday, October 24, vibrant Vera lit up as the epicentre of the third Andalucian Moors and Christians Festival, one of the most important cultural events in the whole of Almeria. For the weekend, Vera was the Andalucian hub of festivities, merrymaking, tradition, and family, as the municipality organised the blowout cultural and historical event.

More than 20 Andalucian municipalities were participating in the meeting, with Vera at the centre of it all. “This event is a unique opportunity to celebrate what unites us: our love of history, our traditions, and the festive spirit that defines our communities,” said mayor of Vera, Alfonso García Ramos, as he welcomed visitors with a passionate speech.

The event featured presentations by participating municipalities from all across Andalucia, which took place at Vera’s El Palmeral Fairgrounds.

A large paella was offered and a parade marched through the Fairgrounds, filling the event with an infectious joy. Live musical per -

formances from talented local artists also took place. The event also included costumes, parades, reenactments of historical events, food, a guided visit to the Bayra archaeological site, live music, entertainment, markets, and merrymaking.

All in all, Vera showcased that although they have the youngest version of the Moors and Christians Festival at just a decade old, the municipality went all-out when it came to the organisation of the special event. Authorities and Vera residents are filled with

pride at the opportunity to represent such an iconic cultural event for the whole of Andalucia. The event marked Vera as a benchmark municipality for festivities and cultural tourism.

The Vera Town Council and the local Andalucian Moors and Christians Association also thanked all the municipalities, associations, and volunteers who made the event possible, highlighting the spirit of brotherhood, respect, and love for the shared history of this very special edition.

THE DESERT SPRINGS RESORT in Vera, one of the most famous resorts not only just in Almeria, but in the whole of Spain, has announced that it will host the second stage of the DP World Tour Qualifying School, between Thursday, October 30, and Sunday, November 2. The DP World Tour Qualifying School is a tough competition for one of golf’s most coveted memberships to the DP World Tour and establishes participants’ places

Golf glory

Freight freedom

among the elite players of golf not just in Spain, but in the world. It is held in three stages at a series of venues in the UK and in Continental Europe. Among 1,000 competitors who enter the Qualifying School each year, only 25 are awarded the DP World Tour card.

As the Desert Springs Resort is one of the most renowned and famous golfing resorts in Europe, it is a natural choice for this famed and prestigious event.

The Desert Springs Resort, one of the hottest golfing and leisure destinations in Almeria, is Europe’s only international award-winning golf resort.

Its unique and championship desert golf course attracts golf fanatics from all over Europe, and even famous visitors, including its most recent celebrity, David Bisbal.

A NEW initiative will bode very well for more than 13,000 lorry drivers in the province of Almeria: the Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport, or CETM, and the trade unions CCOO and UGT signed off on an application that will allow lorry drivers to retire at the age of 60.

According to figures from the State Employment Service, there are around 13,700 lorry and freight drivers in Almeria as of last year.

Now, following the Spanish government’s ruling that lorry driving is a labour-intensive activity (due to its high accident and mortality rates), the opportunity for early retirement may now be officially open to them.

Almeria, being one of the provinces with the largest lorry fleets and

along with it, one of the largest pools of professional freight drivers, will be one of the provinces in Spain that will see the most people benefit from this new legislation.

“The work of professional drivers requires

constant attention and a high level of concentration, something that can be affected with age due to the natural changes that come with the ageing process, such as the loss of reflexes or the decreased ability to react,” stated CETM.

Hackathon hopes

ALBOX recently celebrated an event to champion the innovative young minds of the municipality: the Hackathon Albox 2025, a workshop organised by Andalucia Emprende, along with the Regional Delegation of Education, saw a massive turnout of more than 70 students from five secondary educational centres in Albox on Wednesday, October 22.

The aim of the initiative, which was focused on middle- and higher-level students, was to encourage creativity, help the young ones to work in teams, and inspire the entrepreneurial spirit in the youths of the town. The workshop also highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Albox in particular.

During the workshop, students wor -

ked in random teams to solve a real business challenge, crafted and simulated by Albox-based company, Margar Stone. Each group showed an impressive array of business-oriented skills, through innovation, design, and entrepreneurial skills.

The activity showed off the students’ forward-looking vision for their own companies in the future. A valuable experience in coexistence, listening to others’ ideas, collaborating, and integrating new members with an open mind and heart, the workshop was a booming success for the young minds of Albox.

With this initiative, Albox gives the older students a chance to shine and dream about their own companies one day, as well as prepare them for the adult world.

A NEW tourist activity will take visitors to Almeria on a journey along the Costa de Almeria, heading towards the scenic Cabo de Gata area.

Organisers in the capital of Almeria are launching a special tourist boat with a promotional maritime route to attract more visitors to the vibrant coastline, with the goal of becoming operational in 2026.

The new tourist boat, which would begin in the port of the city of Almeria and take visitors east along the coastline, has a budget of around

Costa cruise

€400,000 and is being managed through the city’s Department of Tourism, Communications, and City Promotion by the Almeria City Council.

The plan falls under the Large Cities Tourism Plan and is co-financed half and half by the Regional Government of Andalucia and the City Council.

The project is currently out to tender, with a specification that organisers are open to suggestions from companies to

specify the type of boat, passenger capacity, and onboard services to be provided, including a restaurant service.

Interestingly, the aim of the boat ride is actually for it to be active during the off-peak season, around springtime. The sea excursions will continue into the autumn of 2027. The boat tours will mainly head east, although a western route will be available as a complementary service.

Three-race triumph

WELL-KNOWN Mojacar running group, Los Bandidos, participated in yet another action-packed weekend, with members competing in three separate events: the 17th race of the Provincial Popular Race Circuit of Almeria 2025, in Pulpi on Saturday, October 25; the Second Solidarity Race in Los Gallardos, also on October 25; and the Valencia Half Marathon on Sunday, October 26.

In the Provincial Popular Race Circuit, a whopping 23 Los Bandidos athletes took part. In total, 199 athletes completed the race. The race consisted of seven kilometres over a one-lap course, traversing through town, climbing to the Castillo in Pulpi, and descending to loop along the Paseo before finally finishing.

The second edition of the Solidarity Race in Los Gallardos saw four Los Bandidos runners participate. The race was in aid of the Asociación Duchenne Proyecto Padres España, a nonprofit organisation that benefits parents of children who suffer from muscular dystrophy. The five-kilometre race started and finished on Calle Mayor, Los Gallardos, and a total of 65 runners crossed the finish line. Two Los Bandidos athletes, Russ and Teresa Chance, actually impressively competed in both this race and the Pulpi race later that same evening.

Finally, Sunday saw three Los Bandidos runners, Corinne Cherel, Dawn Starkey, and David Looker, compete in the Valencia Half Marathon, one of the world’s fastest races.

Safer scooters

FROM January 2, 2026, the government of Spain will be tightening the regulations regarding insurance for electric scooters and Personal Mobility Vehicles, or PMVs, including in the province of Almeria. The law will enforce mandatory civil liability insurance, under what is known as the Automobile Insurance Law, and will make the roads safer for drivers and electric scooter users amid a worrying spike of road accidents caused by the vehicles.

The Spanish government will create a public registry of light personal vehicles, managed by the Directorate General of Traffic, or DGT. All electric scooters must be registered with the DGT by January 2, 2026. A visible licence plate will not be required, but an official

ID linked to the owner will be required.

Helmet use is required for riders under the age of 16, as well as for those travelling on interurban roads. In all other cases, helmet use is a strong recommendation.

The news is being met with reactions of relief from Almeria residents,

who have long been wary of electric scooters on main roads. Until now, the vehicles had remained fairly unregulated despite their widespread use in the province. Now, Almeria locals are hopeful that the scooters, as well as other light vehicles, can become safer to use and drive near.

PRESS RELEASE

Golden Leaves strengthens European presence with the acquisition of Avalon Funeral Plans

October 2025, London, UK – Golden Leaves Funeral Plans, one of the UK’s most trusted and long established pre-paid funeral plan providers, has announced the acquisition of Avalon Funeral Plans in a landmark deal that reshapes the funeralplanning sector across Europe.

The transaction positions Golden Leaves as one of the largest independent funeral-plan providers operating across Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Cyprus – and the only UK-regulated company dedicated to serving both domestic and international customers.

Both Golden Leaves and Avalon are authorised and regulated in the UK, meaning all plans purchased through either provider – including those bought across Europe – benefit from the same consumer protections as UK plans.

This includes coverage under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), the UK’s statutory protection scheme that safeguards customers’ money in the unlikely event that a regulated provider could no longer meet its obligations. This is the same scheme that protects up to £85,000 of savings held in UK bank accounts.

With shared values centred on customer care, responsible investment, and long-term sustainability, the combined business will deliver greater stability, scale, and value for consumers, partners, and funeral directors across Europe.

Following completion, the new group will manage over 150,000 active plan holders, supported by approximately £325 million held in trust.

This enhanced scale brings stronger financial security, operational efficiency, and purchasing power, while reinforcing relationships with local funeral directors and improving customer outcomes.

The acquisition also consolidates Golden Leaves’ European operations, integrating Avalon’s established local networks with Golden Leaves’ international reach. Avalon’s European operations will continue to serve customers as part of the combined group, ensuring continuity and maintaining the same trusted local teams and service standards during the transition period. The unified group will operate under a single strategic vision, delivering consistent service standards, enhanced

Barry Floyd Chief Executive Officer - Golden Leaves.

governance, and improved resilience within an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Barry Floyd, CEO of Golden Leaves Funeral Plans, commented:

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both Golden Leaves and the wider funeralplanning industry. By bringing together two trusted, UK-regulated providers with shared values and a joint commitment to customers, we are creating a stronger, more resilient organisation capable of delivering greater value and peace of mind to families across Europe.

“Together, Golden Leaves and Avalon will continue to protect customers’ futures and provide a trusted choice for both expatriates and UK residents alike.”

Jason Gardner, Europe Director of Avalon Funeral Plans, added:

“Avalon has built a strong, UK-regulated business with a loyal customer base across Europe. We’re proud of our reputation for trust, growth, and service excellence.

Jason Gardner Commercial Director - Avalon

“Both Avalon and Golden Leaves firmly believe that every funeral plan purchased in the EU should come from a regulated provider, ensuring the highest level of financial protection for customers through the FSCS.

“Joining Golden Leaves is a natural next step that strengthens both organisations, and I’m delighted to remain part of the combined group to ensure continuity for our customers, partners, and teams as we move forward together.”

Both Golden Leaves and Avalon operate trust-backed funeral plans designed to ensure transparency, financial protection, and quality service delivery.

With complementary business models, shared customer bases, and offices in both the UK and Spain, the integration creates one of the largest independent, non-integrated providers in the market.

The enlarged group will continue to invest in service excellence, innovation, and long-term customer value, reinforcing Golden Leaves’ position as a leading force in Europe’s evolving funeralplanning landscape.

Fair-well

HUERCAL-OVERA has said a bittersweet goodbye to its famed fair for another year; with a high level of participation, a wide breadth of activities, musical performances, children’s activities, and a fun, festive atmosphere at the fairgrounds, the event was one to remember and marked a significant welcome for the autumn season for the charming municipality.

The town saw a fairground packed to the brim with locals and visitors for every day of the fair, with an immense positive reception and an energetic excitement. In particular, the musical acts were well-loved by audiences, especially in the youth area with the talented local DJs and talents, including Azúcar Moreno, Rasel, and Se Llama Copla.

Little ones in the town also got their spotlight, with the Children’s Bull Run and the Canta Juegos Gelatina Musical events taking centre stage. The programming of the fair was aimed at residents of all ages, with different activities to appeal to a wider audience. The Huercal-Overa Town Council extended its gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly for days to make sure the event was a fair to remember. Whether in charge of ensuring the safety of the fairgoers, the maintenance and cleaning of the venue, organising activities, or managing the booths, rides, and stalls, everyone collaborated to make the 2025 edition of the Huercal-Overa fair a special one.

Cyber-savvy students

THE municipality of Vera is rolling out a new version of an already-established initiative to teach young residents how to properly use the Internet and social media, amid rising concerns by parents, guardians, and teachers. The leaders of this initiative, called the ‘Cybermanagers’, are a group of 20 fourth-year ESO students who are volunteering to train young ones about the use of devices and the potential dangers thereof.

The Alyanub Secondary School in Vera has launched the initiative, promoting the safe and responsible use of new technologies for their students, in which the Cybermanagers will lead the effort. Together, they teach and encourage good practices

among their peers, as well as helping them recognise inappropriate behaviours and the often-unassuming dangers of the online world.

The programme was promoted by the Vera Town Council and was supported by teachers, and has been offered in the municipality for 20 years as part of the Pantallas Amigas, or Screen Friends, initiative.

As social media and the rise of Internet usage among young people becomes more and more common and normalised, it also becomes a passionate point of contention and worry for parents, particularly due to the dangers of the online world and other aspects, including cyberbullying and scams.

Haunting Halloweekend

ALMANZORA VALLEY

is celebrating Halloween in a big way, preparing to experience the most chilling and exciting night of the year. Various municipalities in the region have crafted a schedule of activities to ring in the spooky holiday and experience a terrifying and terrific Halloweekend.

In Arboleas, for example, there will be music, snacks, and an escape room for the Halloween festivities.

In Zurgena, the Plaza del Olmo will be the epicentre of celebration, with themed activities for young residents, a spooky parade, candy, piñatas, and an artfully crafted ‘Passage of Terror’.

Seron will ring in Halloween with its traditional ‘House of Terror’, this year celebrating its third edition. The long-awaited event is

something the residents have come to look forward to in the municipality, with scary film screenings to get into the spirit of Halloween. Lijar will greet the holiday with a parade of terror to a rural house, which was converted into a ‘house of horrors’. A traditional chestnut festival and a costume contest will also take

place. Finally, the town of Tijola will transform its idyllic Plaza Nueva into a horror night experience, with fun games and a spine-tingling Passage of Terror.

All across Almeria, towns are getting into the fervent Halloween and autumn spirit for what is sure to be a spooky, scary, spectacular weekend.

Autónomo aid

MORE than 25,000 self-employed workers in the Almeria Province will benefit from a new legislation, to be enacted in 2026. The government of Spain announced a freeze on contributions, aimed at self-employed professionals who earn less than €1,166 per month, or €14,000 per year, part of the so-called ‘reduced contribution table’.

The government, during the week of Monday, October 20, proposed a symbolic increase in the contribution bases for remaining self-employed workers (those who do not fall into the reduced contribution table. Those who declare a net income of more than €1,166 a month will see their minimum bases increase by 1 per cent and 2.5 per cent, roughly around €3 and €15 per month.

In the province of Almeria, the number of self-employed workers has spiked. In Nijar and Vicar, for example, a jaw-dropping 25 per cent of workers registered with Social Security are autónomos.

According to data from September 2025, gathered from the Ministry of Social Security, there are currently 63,267 self-employed workers registered in the province of Almeria, which represents one fifth of the total of those registered with Social Security.

In Almeria, the lowest-earning autónomos (that is, those who will be affected by the new rule) are those who work in retail trade, agriculture, light transport, hospitality, and personal services, according to the contribution table statistics.

British man killed in balcony fall

A BRITISH holidaymaker has died and another is fighting for his life after falling from a hotel balcony in the Lanzarote resort of Costa Teguise.

The 56-year-old man was reportedly killed instantly when a section of the railing gave way in the early hours of Saturday October 25. His friend, 54, was rushed to the intensive care unit of Doctor José Molina Orosa Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

According to local media, police

and emergency crews were called to the scene around 1.30am, after witnesses reported hearing a loud crash. Officers from the Guardia Civil and Teguise Local Police are now investigating whether poor maintenance played a role in the collapse.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed: “We are providing support to the family of a British man who has died and to the family of a British man who has

been injured in Spain.”

Sadly, this isn’t the first time a holiday balcony has become the scene of a fatal fall.

Some are tragic freak collapses, like this one in Lanzarote. Others, especially in places like Magaluf or Benidorm, have involved drunk or thrill-seeking tourists who misjudge their limits after a long night out.

Police sealed off the area around the accident site as investigators assess the structure’s integrity.

Primark eyes online

AFTER years of resisting e-commerce, Primark could finally take the digital plunge - starting with Spain. The Irish fashion giant, long known for its low prices and in-store-only model, is now seriously considering launching a ‘click & collect’ service, allowing customers to order online and pick up their items in-store.

The news came from Carlos Inácio, Primark’s Managing Director for Iberia, during the 10th anniversary celebration of its Gran Vía flagship store in Madrid. He confirmed that Spain - Primark’s second-largest market after the UK - is under evaluation as a testing ground for expanding the company’s digital footprint.

“We’re analysing whether the click & collect model can be scaled and implemented in markets like Spain,” Inácio said, noting that online sales aren’t off the table.

This would mark a major shift for a brand built on avoiding e-commerce costs. For years, Primark has maintained that home delivery doesn’t fit its ultra-low-cost model, with shipping costs often exceeding the price of the product itself.

The click & collect system, already successful in the UK, could offer the best of both worlds - letting shoppers reserve online while preserving the in-store experience.

Implementing it in

Spain would mean logistical overhauls: stores doubling as mini-distribution hubs and staff managing both walk-ins and online pick-ups.

Yet, the potential is huge - especially in a country where Primark enjoys record foot traffic. Spain has become one of the retailer’s strongest markets, with massive stores in Barcelona, Sevilla, and Madrid’s Gran Vía, one of the busiest Primark locations worldwide.

Restaurant chair thieves caught

SPANISH authorities have arrested seven individuals linked to a large-scale theft operation targeting restaurant and bar seating.

Over a two-month period, more than 1,100 chairs were reportedly stolen from outdoor dining areas across Madrid and Talavera de la Reina. Between August and September, the group allegedly removed chairs from 18 different establishments, operating under the cover of night. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at around €60,000. The suspects include six men and one woman, all facing charges of theft and belonging to a criminal organisation.

The thefts expose a vulnerability for hospitality venues that leave chairs and tables outdoors overnight, even when chained or stac-

ked. Losses disrupt daily operations, reduce seating capacity, and incur financial strain. The international resale of stolen chairs to countries including Morocco and Romania highlights the transnational nature of such crimes.

Restaurant and bar owners are advised to strengthen security measures, store furniture indoors where possible, and report suspicious activity to Local Police. Detailed inventory records can assist with recovery and insurance claims.

Authorities continue to monitor stolen furniture markets while urging vigilance. These arrests demonstrate the importance of both preventative measures and law enforcement action to protect small businesses.

Aldi’s Lapland ticket hunt

ALDI Spain is bringing a touch of Christmas magic to its aisles with La Maravillosa S Dorada, a festive promotion inspired by Willy Wonka’s golden tickets.

Shoppers across Spain are being encouraged to hunt for 10 golden cards hidden inside products from Aldi’s Special range, with prizes worth thousands of euros, including a family holiday to Lapland.

The campaign runs until December 11 and turns the weekly shop into a festive treasure hunt. One lucky winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Lapland, while nine others will take home luxury hampers and premium gifts worth around €1,400 each.

To enter, customers simply need to buy an item from Aldi’s Special range and check the

packaging. Anyone who finds a golden card must keep their receipt and register their details online at lamaravillosasdorada.es

The grand prize includes flights from Madrid or Barcelona, full-board accommodation and classic winter experiences such as husky rides, reindeer sleighs, snow activities and a visit to Santa Claus.

At the heart of the promotion is Aldi’s Special range, featuring more than 150 premium products, from Iberian ham and truffle cannelloni to panettone, chocolate desserts, fine wines and Cava.

As the golden ticket hunt continues across Spain, Aldi shoppers might just find a little Christmas magic hiding inside their grocery bag.

Misplaced masterpiece

EARLIER this month, a worrying report was filed with the police: on October 10, a Picasso painting was reported to have disappeared, ahead of a special exhibition in Granada, in which it would feature. Now, Local Police have located the work by Spain’s most famous artist, called Still Life with Guitar, and more relieving yet, the circumstances of its disappearance amount to an innocent mistake by an unassuming neighbour.

The Picasso painting was meant to have been moved from its home in Madrid to an art exhibition in the Centro Cultural Caja Granada on September 25, but when the lorry arrived and the works were unpacked on October 6, the work was nowhere to be found. Subsequently, on October 10, a report was filed with the police, who launched an extensive search and even a missing painting

alert on Interpol’s database that yielded no results.

After weeks of worry and the work’s caretakers scratching their heads, Madrid police announced via their platform on X that they had located the valuable piece.

As it turns out, the painting had never left Madrid.

The artworks in the lorry had been numbered improperly, and the valuable

artwork was left behind in the doorway of a building in Madrid, where a neighbour mistook it for an abandoned package and scooped it up for safekeeping. When police thoroughly investigated the delivery load, the discrepancies in the packaging numbers led them back to Madrid and to the missing painting.

Spain parcel scam

SPAIN’S National Police have issued a warning about one of the country’s fastest-growing online scams - the so-called ‘undelivered package’ fraud. The scheme tricks victims into revealing personal and banking information by posing as well-known delivery companies and sending convincing text messages or emails.

It begins with a simple alert claiming that a parcel couldn’t be delivered due to an incomplete address. The message usually includes a link to ‘confirm details’ or ‘arrange redeliver’. Once clicked, it leads to a fake courier website that asks for your name, address, and credit card information to cover a small ‘delivery fee’. Instead of fixing a delivery issue, the data goes straight to the scammers.

Police stress that legitimate courier services

never request payments or personal information through text links, urging the public to delete such messages immediately.

Authorities warn that cybercriminals are getting smarter, crafting messages in perfect Spanish with logos and URLs that look nearly identical to real ones. The group behind this wave of phishing attacks has been sending thousands of

: XPolicía Nacional @policia

messages at once, targeting users nationwide.

Experts urge internet users to avoid clicking on unexpected links, verify websites directly, and report suspicious messages to Spain’s Oficina de Seguridad del Internauta (OSI) or Local Police.

As authorities remind the public: in the age of digital deception, sometimes the safest package is the one that never arrives.

Three day strike confirmed

BELGIUM’S rail network is set to face major disruption at the end of next month as rail workers plan to strike for three consecutive days.

The socialist rail union ACOD Spoor confirmed on Wednesday October 22 that its members, along with those of two other major unions, will take part in a 72-hour strike from Sunday November 23 at 10pm until Wednesday November 26 at 10pm.

The announcement comes after Belgium’s three largest trade unions - representing socialist, Christian and liberal workers - declared a series of coordinated strikes against the Federal Government’s reform plans.

However, ACOD Spoor, the Christian transport union ACV-Transcom, and the liberal rail union VSOA Spoor have now jointly confirmed that rail workers

will take part in all three days of industrial action.

The decision significantly extends the scale of disruption expected on the country’s railways, which form a crucial part of Belgium’s public transport network. Nicky Masschelen, the national secretary of ACOD Spoor, said that the strike will begin at 10pm on Sunday November 23 to ensure maximum impact during the Monday morning rush hour.

The unions have been mobilising their members in response to what they describe as unacceptable government reforms.

Travellers should expect major nationwide disruption from the Sunday night until Wednesday evening, with potential knock-on effects on road traffic and international connections.

Gen Z latest trend

IN a striking cultural shift, Generation Z (born 1997–2012) is flocking to Catholicism, swapping secular trends for faith and tradition. Dioceses worldwide report a 3070 per cent rise in adult converts under 35, with the UK seeing 41 per cent of young Christians aged 18-24 attending Catholic services, outpacing Anglicans 2:1.

In France, adult baptisms rose 45 per cent in 2025, with 44 per cent of converts under 25. Even in Mongolia and Kosovo, youth enquiries are at record highs.

Why the shift? Sociologist Ryan Burge points to disillusionment with secular chaos and post-pandemic loneliness, with 21 per cent of Gen Z reporting serious isolation.

Catholicism offers community, ritual, and timeless truths. Social

Ancient rosary.

media amplifies the trend, with influencers like Sr Bethany Madonna racking up millions of TikTok views on prayer content. Lifestyle changes follow. Gen Z is drinking 20 per cent less than millennials did, favouring clarity for prayer.

In Spain, ‘nunmania’ sees young women embrace convent life, trading nightlife for disci -

pline. Madrid’s Kate, 18, cites nihilistic school teachings on climate and war as a push towards faith’s meaning. Is it a fad? While only 29 per cent of young Catholics attend Mass weekly, diocesan data suggests sustained growth. From packed Latin Masses to bustling RCIA classes, Gen Z’s Catholic revival shows no signs of fading.

New UK passport design

WITH effect from December 2025, there will be a revamp of the front cover of UK passports as well as some internal security features.

Since Brexit, blank passports have been manufactured by the Franco-Dutch company Thales Group in their Tczew facility in Poland and it is likely that this will continue with the newly designed passports.

For the first time, the front cover will bear the Coat of Arms of His Majesty King Charles III but passports issued with the Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth II will remain valid until the expiry date.

The changes between the Coats of Arms are very subtle with a change in the size of the size of the lion’s mane and the introduction of the rounded Tudor Crown rather than the St Edward’s Crown preferred by his late mother.

Apart from new security features which include cutting-edge holographic and translucent features, making passports easier to verify and even

harder to forge or tamper with, the interior of the new passport will contain images representing the four nations of the UK.

These are specifically images of four UNESCO-protected natural landscapes - Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay, and the Giant’s Causeway. According to the British government, it will be the most secure British passport ever produced which will help prevent illegal entry by people with no right to be in the UK.

Your

Should we stop changing the time?

AMID the first weeks of a crisp autumn season, on Sunday, October 26, the clocks turned back once more all across Spain. With an earlier sunrise and darker evenings, Daylight Savings Time is an official marker of the upcoming winter season, and, as in previous years, it has sparked a conversation on whether the age-old practice of turning back the clocks is necessary at all anymore. While for some, it means an extra hour to spend slumbering in bed, for others it is a dreaded omen of 6.00pm sunsets and cold, dark evenings.

there for a reason.” He continued in response to another comment, “It makes the mornings lighter for children going to school, farmworkers and other workers as well. Especially people who are further north.” Cee Ryan also mentioned actually liking the change of the clocks, stating, “No. I like the idea! Helps with the seasonal body clock x.”

When asked if we should stop changing the time twice a year, the responses leaned heavily towards ‘yes’ for many respondents. “Yes, prefer darker mornings and lighter evenings but we all have different opinions,” said Dot Devine. Angela Edgley took a more passionate stance, replying, “YES! It’s completely unnatural and irrelevant. By 6pm it will start getting dark.” Many users replied that Daylight Savings Time no longer has a purpose. Pam Joseph stated practically, “Yes there is no good reason to do it.” Lee Holmes agreed, “Yes, no point nowadays.”

There were still some opposers, however. Johan Ross said “No... it is

Some users took a more lighthearted approach to the question; David Cooke joked, “Stop the madness! It confuses the Roosters... Among other farm animals.” Stefan Sandström proposed an interesting middle ground to keep the peace: “Yes, Stop it. Just compromise and put it in between, on the half hour. And then ... slowly ... back ... away ... from ... the ... clock.”

Other users were fed up entirely with the ceaseless yearly debate. Michael Hannis said, “Should we stop making it an issue every six months? For over 40 years this has been discussed every time the clocks change.”

Overall, the grand majority of respondents answered yes, we should stop changing the time twice a year. For many, the practice of applying Daylight Savings Time has lost its purpose, and many would prefer to wake up along with the sun and make the most of a lighter evening.

Travel

Calatayud uncovered: Exploring Aragon’s historical town

CALATAYUD, in the region of Aragon, is known for its rich history, architectural landmarks, and local traditions. The town lies along the Jalón River and has a mix of Roman, Moorish, and medieval influences visible in its streets and buildings. It provides an accessible base for visitors exploring the surrounding countryside, particularly those travelling by campervan.

Visitors in campervans will find designated areas on the outskirts of the town suitable for overnight stays. Public car parks and motorhome areas are available, some with electricity and water points. Roads in the town are generally well-maintained, although narrow streets in the historic centre may be challenging for larger vehicles. Planning routes in advance and checking local signage helps ensure a smooth visit.

Local food and specialties

Calatayud has a culinary tradition lar with both residents and visitors. Markets occur weekly, providing fresh produce, cured meats, and other regional products. Historical sites and architecture

dings, highlighting the layers of Calatayud’s past. Festivals and events

The town contains several notable historical landmarks. The Collegiate

Calatayud hosts events throughout the year that reflect its local traditions. Religious festivals, such as those in spring and autumn, of-

WITH NATO members fearing possible incursions around Europe of Russian submarines, Italy has announced that it is looking to create a new squadron.

In 2017, it retired its Br.1150 Atlantic aircraft and since then has relied on just four P-72A maritime patrol aircraft, but recognises that these are better suited for peacetime missions and surface surveillance tasks. In a joint programme between the Italian Air Force and Navy, the Italian government plans to obtain six aircraft capable of performing anti-ship, anti-submarine, surface surveillance, and mine countermeasure missions

Actual total funding is still to be revealed but according to Defense Express, €562 mi-

SKY express expands

GREEK carrier SKY express is strengthening its European presence with new routes from Athens to Madrid, Berlin, Lisbon, Hamburg and Lyon. The move marks its transition from a primarily domestic operator to a growing international airline. Each city adds strategic value to the network.

Madrid and Berlin are major business and political hubs, Lisbon provides access to Atlantic markets, Hamburg anchors northern Germany’s economy, and Lyon connects to France’s industrial heartland. The new links are expected to boost tourism and trade between Greece and its European partners. More direct routes mean greater yearround connectivity, encouraging city-break travel and broadening Greece’s appeal beyond the summer season.

SKY Express has invested in new Airbus A320neo aircraft to operate the flights, improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. The modern fleet sustains its push for both operational growth and environmental responsibility. With new routes rolling out between October and December 2025 - Athens to Berlin (four times weekly), Athens to Madrid (five times weekly) and others to follow - SKY express is making its move into Europe’s competitive aviation market.

Italy worried by submarines

llion has already been allocated to the 2025 budget which suggests that a final decision and the placing of a procurement order is imminent.

Knowing the relatively close political relationship existing between Italian premier Giorgia Meloni and President

Donald Trump, the odds are on purchasing the US built P-8A Poseidon, which is already seeing service with several NATO members including Germany. Another option however is Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 which is similar in performance to the for-

mer anti-submarine aircraft operated by Italy until 2017. In the end, the decision will no doubt be based on a combination of performance, reliability, availability and price although there may be a little political slant in the decision making.

Saints celebration

THE 2025 edition of Albox’s All Saints Fair is promising to be an event like no other, with an extensive programme that will have local groups taking centre stage and a variety of fun activities to enjoy during the five days of festivities.

The All Saints Fair will run from October 31 to November 4 and will kick off with an official Fair Proclamation by the five brotherhoods of the municipality.

With a programme for residents and visitors of every age to participate in, the event will feature orchestra concerts every day of the festivities, churros and snacks, folk dancing, a livestock fair, a partridge bird fair, petanque trophies, a round of darts, a ribbon race, a 4x4 exhibition, and a traditional paella offered on the last day of the event,

November 4. The brotherhood booth will be one of the highlights of the Albox All Saints Day Fair. On Friday at noon, it will officially open, and cover band concerts will be held every day. An alternative rock band, Ultraligera, will also perform on Friday at 11.30pm.

IN November, local Albox animal shelter, AA Dog Rescue, will host a special event: The New Trinidad Rocks After Shock, a musical event that will combine 60s and 70s rock, glam, and country music in a blowout event, all to benefit the furry friends at the shelter. The event, apart from the incredible music, will include raffles, prizes, and games, all to make for a fun-filled afternoon.

The event, organised by the shelter, will include lunch and drinks for anyone

Desert dining ALMERIA

IN the internationallyrecognised Desert Springs Resort in the vibrant town of Vera, El Torrente Restaurant is one of the award-winning destinations for luxurious Mediterranean dining. One of the points of pride of Almeria, the restaurant combines mouth-watering cuisine with a serene and elegant atmosphere in the heart of sunny Vera, the restaurant is a model for Almeria excellence and is a main attraction of the already sought-after resort that keeps guests coming back for more.

Following a difficult period of heavy rains last year that led to the suspension of the All Saints Fair activities, locals are especially excited for this year’s edition to go off without a hitch and have fun in this special traditional event.

Its head chef, Sergio Rodríguez, is a seasoned professional with experience in Michelinstarred establishments. Under his guidance, El Torrente boasts the bold flavours of the region with a contemporary and creative flair. With a

seasonal selection that showcases fine fish and seafood, meats, and vegetables, each dish is a perfect balance between authentic rustic cuisine and modern touches. From seared fillet of fish, to slow cooked meat seasoned with regional spices, to delicious vegetarian options, the restaurant experience is satisfying from beginning to end.

Rockin’ rescue

who is interested in spending a fun and musical afternoon, while knowing they are making a positive difference for the dogs. With a rocking spirit, special prizes, fun-filled games, and barrels of laughs, the event will surely be a highlight of November in Albox.

The entry for the event is €2, to be paid at the door, and all proceeds from

THE town of Mojacar is making full use of its mild autumn and winter climate, with a new programme designed to help get visitors and residents active, healthy, and enjoying Mojacar’s famed and idyllic beaches.

The new programme, called ‘Your best moment is to live it in autumn’, includes special seaside yoga workshops, completely free of charge for locals and visitors.

Every Sunday morning from 10.00am to 11.30am, at the Playa del Descargador, the Mojacar Town Hall will be hosting this relaxing activity for interested yoga fans, those

the event will go to the charity. To reserve a spot, visitors should send a message on WhatsApp to Gail, a representative of the charity, on 679 937 753. Interested animal lovers and classic rock fans are not advised to miss out on what will surely be an incredible musical event, all for a good cause.

Open every day from 8.00am to 12.00am, all year round, the restaurant is a perfect choice for a crisp morning or a romantic dinner in the evening. Its high-class dining and breathtaking desert setting make it a must-try for foodies in the area who find themselves drawn to the scenic Desert Springs Resort.

Seaside Sundays

who want to stay active on Sundays, and even those who simply want to enjoy Mojacar’s mild beaches on a beautiful morning. There is no need for previous

registration: interested visitors need only to bring their positive attitudes and an excitement to enjoy their day with good energy.

The initiative aims to

encourage residents and visitors to enjoy Mojacar even in the autumn and winter months, as well as promote the healthy lifestyle which is so emblematic of the municipality. The programme does not only include yoga, however: activities including hiking and skating will also be included, making for a fun and physical way to enjoy Mojacar’s breathtaking natural surroundings. The programme will run every weekend until spring of 2026 and will be chock-full of free activities residents can enjoy.

THE Irish presidential election on Friday October 24 delivered a stark verdict, with counts still trickling in due to an unprecedented low turnout of just 38 to 40 per cent – one of the lowest on record.

Barrister Catherine Connolly emerged victorious, projected to claim 54 per cent of valid votes. She is an outspoken supporter who has faced accusations of pro-Assad and pro-Hamas stances, alongside vehement criticism of Israel and calls for Europe’s demilitarisation.

Critics warn it could strain Ireland’s international ties, complicating efforts towards a united Ireland and drawing

New Irish president Louvre heist arrests

FRENCH police have arrested two men linked to the daring €88 million jewel robbery at the Louvre Museum, where thieves made off with eight royal crown jewels in what’s being called one of the most audacious crimes in recent French history.

The suspects are being held on charges of organised theft and criminal conspiracy, according to French media. One man was caught on October 25 at 10pm at

scrutiny from the Trump administration.

Connolly’s rival, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, a border county Presbyterian with Orange Order family ties, polled poorly, while her candidacy, the first of its ideological stripe in the Republic, left many baffled.

Yet the real story lies in the protest: spoiled ballots have surged to an estimated 17 per cent, dwarfing the usual under 1.5 per cent in elections and referendums. Though the presidency remains largely ceremonial with no policy sway, Connolly’s tenure suggests diplomatic turbulence. As Ireland grapples with this mudslide of discontent, the election reveals a nation weary of its choices.

Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, reportedly attempting to board a flight to Algeria, while the second was arrested shortly afterwards in Seine-Saint-Denis, north of Paris. Both have previous criminal records, police confirmed.

The seven-minute heist, carried out in the early hours of October 19, was executed with precision. The gang moved swift-

ly through the museum, targeting only specific artefacts and avoiding unnecessary destruction. In their escape, they abandoned some equipment and even one of the stolen items, which has since been recovered.

The meticulous execution has fuelled speculation that the thieves may have received inside assistance, given the Louvre’s reputation as one of

the most secure museums in the world.

The theft sparked outrage across France, with many questioning how such a breach was possible. Officials have since launched a full review of the museum’s security protocols, vowing to prevent future lapses.

Meanwhile, investigators believe several accomplices are still at large.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Financial warning

BANK OF ENGLAND’S Andrew Bailey warned that the collapse of US firms First Brands and Tricolor could signal wider financial risks, drawing parallels with the 2008 crisis. He said the Bank would run stress tests on private credit firms due to ‘alarm bells’.

Fraud foresight

MADRID-BASED cybersecurity startup Acoru has raised €10 million in Series A funding led by 33N Ventures to help banks predict and prevent AI-driven fraud and money laundering. Founded in 2023, Acoru’s platform uses pre-fraud detection and intent-based risk scoring to identify scams.

Doughnuts galore

KRISPY KREME has opened its first shop in Spain, launching in Madrid through a joint venture with Glaseados Originales SL. The brand plans over 50 Spanish locations within four years, marking another milestone in its ongoing global growth strategy.

Foreign buyers

HOME purchases by foreigners in Spain rose 2 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, totalling 71,155 transactions, according to the Notaries Association. The British led, followed by Moroccans and Germans. Prices surged in Madrid, La Rioja, and the Canary Islands.

Admin cuts

RACHEL REEVES has launched a crackdown on ‘pointless admin’, pledging to save UK businesses nearly £6 billion a year by reducing red tape. More than 100,000 firms will benefit from simplified reporting rules as part of a government drive to cut bureaucracy and boost productivity.

21.1% of enterprises with 10 or more employees used artificial intelligence in the first quarter of 2025.

Live cattle exports

SPAIN has temporarily suspended live cattle exports to Morocco following the detection of lumpy skin disease in Catalonia, Agriculture Minister Luis Planas confirmed on October 21. The virus, spread by biting insects, affects cattle and buffalo, causing skin lesions and reduced milk production. It is harmless to humans but can lead to severe economic losses and trade restrictions.

The first outbreak was reported on October 1 at a farm in Castelló d’Empúries, Girona, where three of 123 dairy heifers showed symptoms. Authorities confirmed

two further outbreaks within a week, affecting a total of 655 cattle. The Spanish government quarantined the farms, culled infected animals, and launched a vaccination campaign within

Struggling homebuyers

MORE than three in four prospective homebuyers in Spain (76.5 per cent) can no longer afford to purchase in their preferred area, according to the 2025 Buyer Profile Study presented by the Spanish Federation of Real Estate Associations (FAI) at its annual congress in Toledo.

The study found that 39 per cent of buyers have postponed their purchase due to high prices, while 37 per cent are blocked by a lack of available properties. The typical buyer is 41 years old, part of a couple with children, and looking for a home priced between €150,000 and €250,000.

FAI president José María Alfaro warned that Spain’s housing crisis has become ‘a structural problem’, sprea-

Indra funding

SPANISH defence giant Indra is set to expand across Europe with the help of new EU funding, CEO José Vicente de los Mozos told Euractiv. Describing the company as ‘ready for the Champions League’, he said Indra plans to ramp up production of radar and anti-drone systems amid rising EU demand.

The firm, which recently received 96 per cent of Spain’s €6.9 billion defence loans, is targeting Poland, Germany, and Belgium as key markets for growth and partnerships.

a 50-kilometre radius.

“We have temporarily suspended exports of live animals to prevent the spread of the disease; France has done the same,” Planas said in Madrid, as reported by

Reuters.

According to El Faro de Ceuta, Morocco remains free of the virus but has increased veterinary inspections at border crossings to prevent infected cattle entering. The restriction applies only to live animal shipments; exports of red meat and dairy products continue under normal rules.

Spain’s livestock industry has urged the government to limit trade restrictions to affected areas to protect other regions. The export ban will remain in place until vaccination coverage improves, and no new outbreaks are recorded.

ding beyond big cities to medium-sized towns. He called for better coordination between administrations and more efficient use of European funds to boost affordable housing supply.

Popular Primark

PRIMARK’S flagship store on Madrid’s Gran Vía generated €83 million for Spain’s GDP in 2024, according to a new report by consultancy Afi marking the store’s 10th anniversary.

The five-storey, 12,500 m2 location also contributed €42 million in taxes and social security and employs more than 1,000 people. Opened in 2015, it sparked a retail boom along Gran Vía - where the number of shops has nearly doubled from 101 to 186 in the past decade.

Primark Iberia managing director Carlos Inácio said the store had ‘changed us as a brand’ and strengthened Madrid’s retail hub.

Islamic

banking

THE Bank of England has doubled the size of its special fund that helps Islamic banks operate in the UK without using interest, which is banned under Sharia law.

Speaking at a finance conference in London, Executive Director Victoria Saporta said the Alternative Liquidity Facility has grown from £200 million to £550 million. It allows banks to earn returns through Islamic bonds, known as sukuk, instead of interest.

Saporta said the scheme has been a ‘central banking success’, helping UK Islamic banks grow and manage their money more safely.

BUSINESS SECRETARY

Peter Kyle has called for a renewed focus on ‘investment, innovation and regional prosperity’ during the Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham. Highlighting the West Midlands’ ‘dynamic industrial future’, Kyle praised Metro Mayor Richard Parker’s local growth initiatives. He announced a new £4 billion mandate for the British Business Bank to support key sectors and pledged to cut red tape hindering UK business. Kyle said the government’s priority was to “end low growth and deliver national renewal.”

AT the 28th Congress of Spanish Family Businesses in Burgos, over 600 executives warned that ‘excessive regulation and absenteeism’ are throttling growth, as reported by The Corner.

More than half (55 per cent) cited absenteeismwith over one million workers absent daily - as their biggest threat, ahead of skills shortages and regulatory changes. Firms say state and EU bureaucracy is their top challenge. Economist José Juan Ruiz noted Europe issued 19,000 regulations since 2019, ‘four times more than the US’.

Hydrogen network

ENAGÁS has launched its Public Participation Plan for the Spanish Hydrogen Backbone Network in Asturias, at an event attended by regional president Adrián Barbón. The plan covers 23 municipalities and includes workshops in 13 towns to promote dialogue and transparency. CEO Arturo Gonzalo said Asturias will be key to Spain’s green hydrogen hub, where two main network axes will meet. The hydrogen backbone will span 220 km in Asturias, supporting Spain’s energy transition and industrial renewal.

3I Group 4.392,00 4.394,00 4.357,50 45,8K

Admiral Group 3.302,0 3.310,0 3.294,0 11,51K

Airtel Africa 230,40 231,00 228,60 119K

Anglo American 2.851,0 2.886,0 2.846,0 84,61K

Antofagasta 2.648,00 2.660,00 2.637,00 44,93K

Ashtead Group 5.262,0 5.330,0 5.261,0 74,48K

Associated British Foods 2.283,0 2.294,0 2.276,0 18,57K

AstraZeneca 12.494,0 12.582,0 12.494,0 50,43K

Auto Trader Group Plc 814,40 819,00 813,80 23,38K

Aviva 661,20 668,60 660,00 188,74K

B&M European Value Retail SA 181,30 182,60 179,48 825,74K

BAE Systems 1.845,50 1.880,00 1.844,00 317,13K

Barclays 384,15 387,85 382,15 3,09M

Barratt Redrow 405,90 408,40 405,00 218,14K

Beazley 903,90 909,50 903,50 42,24K

Berkeley 4.179,2 4.200,0 4.174,0 5,59K

BP 437,25 437,30 434,80 1,71M

British American Tobacco 3.854,0 3.870,0 3.847,0 152,99K

BT Group 186,10 187,25 185,50 379,61K Bunzl 2.458,0 2.464,3 2.452,0 15,35K Centrica 178,00 179,10 177,90 995,95K Coca Cola HBC AG 3.478,0 3.482,4 3.460,0 29,19K

2.608,00 2.612,00 2.582,00 75,62K ConvaTec Group 249,60 249,60 247,60 341,03K

4.988,0 4.990,0 4.960,0 17,9K

BUSINESS

EXTRA

Digital pound

THE Bank of England has published a new design note outlining how a future digital pound could use ‘aliases’ - such as phone numbers or simple IDs - to make payments easy and secure. No decision has yet been made on launching a digital pound.

Pandora Spain

PANDORA’S Iberia director, Aurélie Alexandre, told Fashion Network that Spain is one of the brand’s fastest-growing markets. From Madrid, she plans to strengthen Pandora’s image beyond its famous charms, expand its Evoke store concept, and grow El Corte Inglés partnerships.

Morocco-Spain relations

MOROCCO and Spain are strengthening their economic partnership as preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which both countries will cohost with Portugal, gain momentum.

Leaders of Morocco’s General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and Spain’s Confederation of Employers (CEOE) met in Casablanca on October 21 to discuss new investment and trade opportunities. The talks, led by Chakib Alj

and Antonio Garamendi, focused on boosting cooperation in high-value sectors such as tourism,

automotive, education, pharmaceuticals, sustainability, and technology. Both sides highligh-

Telefónica Tech threats

TELEFÓNICA TECH identified 82 million cybersecurity events in Spain during the first half of 2025, according to PRNoticias. The company used its upgraded Aristeo platform which analyses industrial (OT) system threats. Although lower than 2024’s 313 million, the new version groups related hacker actions into single, more complex attacks instead of counting each step separately. Without

this update, the figure would reach 369 million, up 17.9 per cent year-on-year.

Aristeo uses real industrial equipment as decoys to attract hackers and study their behaviours, helping companies find weak points before they are attacked. The system also classifies threats using MITRE’s international framework, with most detected cases involving brute-force RDP login attempts.

ted how their economies complement one another - with Morocco positioned as a gateway to Africa and Spain serving as a bridge to Latin America. The partnership aims to encourage cross-border investment, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

A key outcome of the talks was the creation of a joint committee between Morocco, Spain, and Portugal to coordinate private-sector collaboration ahead of the World Cup.

The tri-national group will design a roadmap to ensure the tournament delivers long-term economic and social benefits.

The first Morocco-Spain-Portugal Business Forum will be held in Rabat in early 2026, bringing together business leaders to explore partnerships that support sustainable growth and regional integration.

Backing Britain

THE UK government has launched a ‘Back British’ consultation to ensure defence contracts with overseas suppliers create UK jobs, skills, and investment. Announced by Defence Minister Luke Pollard, the plan would require foreign contractors to use UK firms and manufacturing, strengthening supply chains and boosting SME participation in the national Defence Industrial Strategy.

Bankinter profits

BANKINTER reported net profits of €812 million through September 2025, up 11 per cent year-on-year, driven by strong lending and investment growth across Spain, Portugal, and Ireland. The bank said its finances remain strong, with solid capital levels, low bad loans, and continued cost efficiency, reflecting a healthy and stable balance sheet.

Listening out there?

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WITH their plastic bottles, food cartons and litter left lying everywhere in their wake, plus causing the output of untold thousands of vehicle exhausts as they idled in traffic jams, badly mislead young ‘climate changers’ are leaving a carbon footprint that will probably not be offset until they reach their coming of age. This present generation has to be the most spoiled, self-centred, misinformed bunch of easily led youngsters the civilised world has ever produced.

They have air-conditioning in the classrooms, mobile phones and gismos, they ride in cars to school, they suck up junk food like hoovers and insist on the latest trendy outfits at all times.

All of these luxury products, which they seem to think are their God given right, are manufactured or supplied by ginormous companies that pour billions of tons of carbon dioxide emission into the Earth’s atmos-

phere. These children’s selfish attitudes and lifestyles cause far more damage to our environment than the previous generations they are so keen to accuse. Those preceding them were mobile and ‘designer’ free and took bicycles or walked to their destinations. Most had never experienced jet travel or air conditioning and opened windows when it was hot, instead of closing them.

They received new shoes or clothes only when the previous attire needed replacing, ate home-made sandwiches instead of Whoppers and read books. However, in these modern-day youngsters’ defence, most have of course been brainwashed and mislead by the ‘usual suspects!’ Many of the culprits are those who laughingly profess to be ‘schoolteachers’. Stringy haired trendies, who actually started the rot when the first long haired leftie ‘free thinker’ plonked his behind on his desk and told the class to call him Jon!

The same leftie brigade who welcomes drag acts into the classrooms to ‘enlighten’ four-year-olds, abolish winning and losing and teach tiny

tots to ‘touch’ and ‘feel’ themselves. Well this is the result. A whole generation of young futurists who not only have no respect for their elders, but truly do believe they are actually superior. Unfortunately, ever increasing numbers of them would rather walk into the class with a knife than a ruler. What I did find interesting this week however was the reaction to something I shared on FB. I literally received hundreds of ‘likes’ to the following notice, publicly displayed on a notice board by a youngster of around seven or eight. It read.

‘I’m not old enough to drink, let alone choose my sexuality or gender. How about you let me enjoy being a child and leave me alone?’ Sounds good to me; perhaps there still some semblance of true stability in their young lives yet? You listening out there?

All you woke infested imbeciles that should actually be locked upand would be if I had any say in the matter. Thanks for the mail. 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.

Bad flu ahead

FLU season is hitting Spain hard, with Vizcaya seeing a sharp rise in cases. The Basque Department of Health reported 506 flu cases in a recent announcement, compared to 166 in 2024 and 105 in 2023, suggesting a potentially severe winter ahead. Bilbao’s new ‘vacunodromo’ vaccination centre, opened on Friday, October 24, plans to increase immunisation to slow the spread. Experts warn that H1N1 and H3N2 strains, prevalent in the Southern Hemisphere’s intense flu season, may not fully align with this year’s vaccine, potentially reducing its effectiveness to about 50 per cent, according to the CDC. Japan’s outbreak, with more than 6,000 cases by early October, mirrors these trends and heightens concerns for Europe. Diego García from the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases urges vaccination, particularly for older adults and those with health conditions, as the best defence. The Basque Health Service is promoting flu shots to contain the outbreak, currently focused in Vizcaya but at risk of spreading further. The World Health Organisation stresses preparedness as winter approaches. Residents should check local health authority websites for free vaccination locations to stay protected.

Plump pout

FULLER lips have become one of beauty’s most sought-after features, but not everyone wants to turn to injections or invasive treatments to achieve the look. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies and over the counter options that can help enhance your lips’ shape and volume with a little care and consistency.

One popular natural method is gentle exfoliation. Using a soft toothbrush or a sugar and honey scrub can remove dead skin cells and boost circulation, giving lips a plumper, smoother appearance. A light massage with a nourishing oil such as coconut or cinnamon oil can also stimulate blood flow and create a subtle swelling effect. Just be sure to patch test first, especially with ingredients like cinnamon that can cause tingling.

Over the counter lip plumping products are also widely available. These often contain ingredients like menthol or capsicum, which temporarily boost blood flow for a fuller look. Look for formulas that also hydrate and protect, as dry lips can appear smaller and less defined.

Hydration, both inside and out, remains key. Drinking enough water and using a good lip balm regularly can make a noticeable difference. With regular care, fuller lips can be yours without a single needle in sight.

Colour revival

WITH the change in season comes the perfect excuse to switch up your make-up routine and experiment with richer, more comforting tones. Autumn and winter call for deeper hues and velvety textures that add both drama and elegance to your look. This year’s trending colours are all about understated sophistication with a modern

Burnished copper, soft terracotta and deep plum are making a strong return, offering a flattering warmth to most

skin tones. These shades work beautifully across eyeshadows and lipsticks, giving a refined yet approachable finish. For those who love a bolder statement, forest green and navy are emerging as chic alternatives to the usual smoky eye, bringing a pop of colour without overpowering your overall look.

On the cheeks, muted rose and dusty apricot are replacing summer’s brighter pinks, adding a subtle glow that pairs well with cosy knitwear and cooler lighting. Whether you prefer a natural finish or something more polished, these seasonal shades are designed to enhance your features while keeping things effortlessly stylish throughout the colder months.

Heatless hack

CURLS without the sizzle?

Yes, please. Heatless styling tools are becoming the goto for hair enthusiasts who want effortless waves and volume without the damage. These clever alternatives are kinder to your strands, especially during seasonal changes when hair is more prone to dryness and breakage.

From silky curling ribbons to flexible foam rollers and spiral rods, there is a tool for every hair type and texture. Satin-covered rods are perfect for overnight curls, while twist flex rods can shape tighter coils or voluminous waves with ease. Scrunchie buns and braiding

also continue to rise in popularity, requiring minimal effort and no heat at all.

The key to getting the best results is slightly damp hair, a touch of leave-in conditioner or mousse, and a little patience. Leave the tools in overnight or for several hours during the day for long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Heatless styling not

only saves your strands but also fits perfectly into a low-maintenance routine. Whether you are looking for bounce, beachy texture or soft glam waves, the heat-free route proves you do not need hot tools to make your hair shine.

A limber

STRETCHING can be one of the most underrated forms of exercise, especially for older adults. While many associate stretching with a warmup or cool-down, it can be a standalone practice with huge benefits. As we age, our muscles naturally lose flexibility, joints become stiffer, and mobility can decline. Gentle daily stretching helps maintain your range of motion, improves balance, and can ease common aches and stiffness.

Regular stretching can also reduce the risk of falls, boost circulation, and enhance posture. Best of all, it requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. Start with simple neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and gentle arm circles to loosen the upper body. Seated hamstring stretches and calf raises are excellent for the legs, while a gentle spinal twist supports back flexibility.

Always move slowly

The right tool

BRUSHES, sponges and more, your make-up is only ever as good as the tools you use to apply it. While beautiful packaging and trending colours might tempt you, it is your applicators that do the heavy lifting when it comes to blending, smoothing and defining. Knowing which tools to keep in your make-up bag makes all the difference. Everyday essentials begin with a foundation brush or sponge for an even, flawless base. A fluffy powder brush helps set your make-up with a light dusting of powder, while a blush brush adds warmth and glow to the cheeks. For eyes, a flat shadow brush allows for precise colour placement, while a blending brush creates a seamless finish.

A small angled brush is perfect for defining brows or applying gel liner, and a lip brush can give sharper definition and more control when applying lip colour. For touch-ups, cotton buds

and never force a stretch. Holding each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds while breathing deeply encourages the muscles to relea-

and make-up sponges are handy to have on standby.

Cleaning your tools regularly is key to keeping them hygienic and effective. With the right applicators in hand, your daily make-up routine becomes smoother, faster and far more professional.

se safely. Doing this daily can lead to better movement and less discomfort in everyday activities. Stretching is not about

touching your toes overnight, but rather keeping your body active, comfortable and well cared for as the years go by.

TOPTrending

The Long Walk

THE LONG WALK is not an easy watch, but it’s an incredibly powerful one.

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Based on Stephen King’s early novel, this dystopian drama follows 50 young men forced to walk nonstop through rural America. Slow down for more than just a few moments, and soldiers shoot you dead on the spot. The prize? Whatever the last survivor wishes for. Directed by Hunger Games veteran Francis Lawrence, the lm gives deeply moving performances. It’s dark, gruesome, thought-provoking, and beautifully shot. Watch now on Net ix.

The Chair Company

TIM ROBINSON stars in The Chair Company, a brilliantly absurd comedy that starts with a small o ce accident and spirals into full-blown madness. Ron Trosper, a mild-mannered property developer, suers an embarrassing fall during a company presentation and becomes convinced he’s part of a sinister corporate cover-up. What begins as a simple workplace mishap

turns into a strange, fast-paced mystery full of eccentric collea- gues, late-night paranoia, and laugh-out-loud awkwardness. It feels both ridiculous and relatable. Streaming on NOW TV.

Speaking European: Selim Bouanati INTERVIEW

“For me, moving to Spain didn’t require much thought. My dad, sister and niece were already there for a fresh start, and I was ready for something new,” says Selim Bouanati, 27, originally from a small town near Mons, Belgium.

AFTER years of grey skies, Selim longed for sunshine. “Belgium was full of cloudy days - it made it hard to feel motivated.

I’d always loved Spain from our family holidays; the weather made me happy.”

When the pandemic forced him to close his business, Selim accepted his sister’s suggestion to join the family in Vinaros, a coastal town north of Castellon. “It’s beautiful there, so I thought, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’”

He arrived in January 2021, instantly uplifted by the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Mornings began early with school runs for his niece, seaside runs, and quiet moments appreciating his new surroundings.

Selim rst worked at his sister’s nursery, but the pair took a leap - opening ‘Ohana Eat & Chill’, a seaside restaurant serving Spanish tapas with Belgian touches. The family-run spot thrived for three years before closing, leaving Selim with “only good memories - and my wife, who I met there.”

Now living in La Mata, Torrevieja, Selim works as a waiter, grateful for the life he built by simply following the sun.

Rest in peace ‘Sybil’

PRUNELLA SCALES, the actress immortalised as Sybil Fawlty in the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers, has died aged 93. Her sons, Samuel and Joseph West, said she passed away peacefully at home in London on Monday, October 27, after watching episodes of the show the day before.

“Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home yesterday,” their statement read. “She was 93. Dementia had forced her retirement from a 70year career, but she lived at home until the end.”

Scales played the sharp-tongued wife of John Cleese’s hapless Basil in the BBC series, which ran for just 12 episodes between 1975 and 1979. Set in a chaotic Torquay hotel, it won a Bafta for

Best Scripted Comedy and is widely called ‘the British sitcom by which all others must be judged’. Her career spanned stage, screen and radio. Early work included a lost 1952 BBC Pride and Prejudice.

Later credits featured A Question of Attribution (1992 Bafta nomination), After Henry, Mapp and Lucia and films such as Emma (1996). On stage she portrayed Queen Victoria over 400 times.

days were ‘comfortable, contented and surrounded by love’.

Diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013, Scales retired but stayed at home.

Her family thanked carers, saying her final

She leaves two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchil-

four great-grandchil-

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Farewell Olivia’s

ELLIOTT WRIGHT, UK businessman and former TOWIE star, is closing his iconic restaurant and nightclub, Olivia’s, after 10 successful years on La Cala de Mijas seafront.

Launched in 2015 as Wright’s passion project, Olivia’s became a celebrity hotspot, attracting expats, holidaymakers, and many visitors who travelled specifically to experience its vibrant atmosphere and Elliott’s charismatic hosting.

Now 44, Wright is selling up to focus on family in the UK. Father of five, including newborn daughter Dolly with wife Sadie Stuart, he’s putting quality time with loved ones first.

The venue overcame a devastating 2021 fire, rebuilt with community support. The freehold property and operations go to auction in December, inviting bids from restaurateurs or investors to preserve its legacy.

Wright calls it a new chapter for him, but a lifetime opportunity for buyers.

Axarquia

Caribbean meets Axarquia

THE Axarquia region welcomed a lively group of English-speaking Caribbean representatives, from Jamaica, Barbados and The Bahamas.

After stops in Madrid, Sevilla and Cadiz, they finally touched down in this sun-soaked corner of Andalucia to get a real feel for local life. And more importantly, some local produce.

The delegation kicked off the day exploring a well-known Veleña company specialising in subtropical fruits. Rows of avocados, mangoes and other exotic crops stretched across the fields, giving the visitors a first-hand look at Axarquia’s thriving agricultural sector.

They then moved on to Monte Faco vineyard, tasting wines that showcase the region’s growing reputation for quality vintages.

By the time they reached Moclinejo, local hospitality was in full swing. The visitors got a taste of Axarquia’s best products, from sweet Moscatel grapes to artisanal delicacies.

Mallorca

An emerald in the pearl

THE luxury superyacht Emerald Sakara docked in Palma recently, bringing a touch of boutique glamour to the Balearic capital. Operated by Emerald Cruises, part of the Scenic Group, the 110-metre vessel accommodates 100 guests in 50 luxury suites and staterooms.

Purpose-built for smaller ports, the Sakara offers access to destinations larger cruise ships cannot reach, reflecting the growing popularity of intimate luxury cruising in the Mediterranean.

The ship spans seven decks and features a wellness centre, gym, sauna, and massage rooms, as well as multiple restaurants, an infinity pool, and a marina platform for watersports.

Accommodation options include the Oceanview Stateroom, Yacht Suite, and Owner’s Suite, all offering elegant design and ocean views.

The vessel was christened in December 2023 by Kelly Craighead, CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association, during a ceremony in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Costa Blanca North Community heart

BENIDORM PALACE was ablaze with music, generosity, and heartfelt tributes on Sunday, October 26, as the 14th annual Save My Life charity gala united hundreds to support the rescue and care of abandoned and mistreated dogs.

Dedicated to the late Vicente Climent, the visionary founder of Benidorm Palace, the event drew supporters to raise vital funds for the Save My Life charity.

Christine Climent, president of Save My Life and Vicente’s widow, described the evening as “an amazing day,” filled with gratitude for the community’s unwavering support. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. We couldn’t do what we do without you,” she shared in a social media post.

This year’s gala carried deep emotional weight, honouring Vicente Climent, who passed away on June 26 at 78. Vicente founded Benidorm Palace in 1977, turning it into a cultural Benidorm mecca that has welcomed over 16 million guests.

Costa Blanca South

Elche’s Medieval Festival

EVERY autumn, the city of Elche in Alicante is transformed into the famous Elche Medieval Festival, a vibrant celebration full of history and culture. Running from October 21 to November 9, this year actually marks its 30th edition under the expressive theme ‘Celebratio’ - symbolising the celebration of Elche’s medieval and cultural heritage.

The historic centre of the city, including plazas and narrow streets around the Basílica de Santa María, becomes a stage for a grand medieval market, street performances, parades, live music, theatre, and traditional craft stalls. The ‘Mercado Medieval’, held from November 6 to 9, offers more than 100 artisan stalls showcasing leather, ceramics, woodwork, textiles and handcrafted jewellery. Visitors can also watch traditional crafts in action (blacksmiths, weavers, bakers), sample medieval-style food and drink, and enjoy storytelling, juggling and street theatre.

Costa Calida Race success

THE sun was shining and spirits were high as 91 runners took on the MABS Race for Life at Camposol. The 4km course wasn’t easy, but everyone gave it their all, cheered on by families and friends. The effort from the runners, combined with the generosity of local sponsors and the support of the community, is expected to raise an amazing €7,500. All the money will go straight to MABS Mazarron, helping them provide practical support to the 120 local people they support right now, currently living with cancer. From home visits to emotional support, the charity is there for those who need it most, and every euro raised makes a real difference.

MABS organisers were quick to thank everyone who made the day possible. Special mention went to the small team of residents who first brought the Race for Life to Mazarrón 20 years ago. Their idea has now grown into an event that brings the whole community together every year.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Exceptional off-grid villa with casitas, pool & panoramic views

FIRST CHOICE ALMERIA presents this exceptional off-grid villa on a 30,000m² plot, offering complete privacy, space, and breathtaking panoramic views, just under five minutes’ drive from the beaches of Mojacar and the towns of Mojacar Pueblo and Turre. Combining rustic charm with modern comforts, the property also offers potential for rental income in the stunning, privileged setting of the Mica Valley.

Main villa

The entrance hall, with polished slate floors and a skylight, leads to the openplan kitchen and lounge and a second smaller lounge, creating a bright and inviting space. The fully equipped kitchen includes modern appliances, ample storage, and a large island that doubles as a dining area. The lounge, with high ceilings and a modern log burner, provides comfort and homeliness. Patio doors open to a large conservatory with glass doors, offering a light, airy space in summer and a cosy retreat in winter. The adjoining patio is ideal for quiet relaxation or entertaining with spectacular

Mojacar /

views. The ground floor also includes a second lounge with log burner, pantry, galley kitchen, cloakroom, a versatile bedroom/office, and a master suite with built-in wardrobes and a luxurious en suite bathroom, featuring both a shower and a bathtub with panoramic views.

The first floor comprises two large double bedrooms, a shared shower

Turre

room, a Juliette balcony, and a large solarium. The property benefits from gas central heating, internet, and a balance of rustic charm with modern convenience.

Casitas / guest accommodation

Two independent casitas offer further potential: a one-bedroom casita

with traditional Spanish character, and a two-bedroom casita with a kitchen/ diner/lounge area. Both are separate from the main villa and, once renovated, could provide rental income or guest accommodation.

Outdoor

living

A 6m x 3m pool is set within low-maintenance gardens. Additional facilities include a large garage, laundry room, storage areas, and tiered parking. Expansive terraces and seating areas offer spectacular views and total seclusion, with abundant wildlife nearby.

Off-grid & eco-friendly

The villa is fully off-grid, powered by solar panels, with large water deposits, CCTV, alarm system, and recently updated air conditioning.

This property offers a unique lifestyle opportunity - private residence, holiday retreat, or income-generating homecombining space, privacy, charm, and exceptional views in one of Almeria’s most desirable locations.

Paseo del Mediterraneo Nº 30 Local 5B, Mojacar · www.firstchoicealmeria.com · Tel: 950 615 561

A cat who knows his worth

TALISKER is, by all accounts, a rather particular client. Not in an unreasonable way - simply in the manner of one who knows his own mind, and expects the world to keep up.

While many cats are content with a full bowl and a patch of sun, Talisker wants more. A Burmese of considerable charm and no small reputation among his fur family, he believes that if you’re in his house, you’re there for one purpose only - to entertain him.

Between graceful stretches and languid naps, Talisker will gently (or not so gently) remind his cat-sitter that playtime is not optional. His favourite pursuits vary, but the expectation of enthusiasm remains steadfast.

For one discerning Burmese cat, a housesitter is simply another member of staff to supervise.

dramatic).

It’s an elegant exchange - peace of mind for the owner, companionship for the sitter, and for one distinguished Burmese, precisely the attention he deserves.

Discover how simple it is to find your perfect pet-sitter at Housesit match.com and enjoy your travels knowing your pets are in excellent company.

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His three Burmese companions are far more self-contained - polite, dignified souls who prefer a quiet corner and minimal fuss. Talisker, however, is very much the leading man: charismatic, engaging, and perfectly aware of his star quality. The cat-sitter’s role, naturally, is to play the devoted supporting cast.

So here’s the question: when you travel, who’s caring for your four-legged VIP?

A fair Eexchange

At Housesitmatch.com, pet owners like Talisker’s humans can find trusted, reference-checked housesitters to care for pets and homes - all for free. In return, sitters enjoy welcoming accommodation (and a little feline company with a flair for the

How do you join to find sitters?

“I can highly recommend Hou sesitmatch.com as a very trustworthy house-sitter site. I have had some lovely people come and stay at my house and look after my cats from as far away as Canada. They are always police checked. I also have been away and done some pet-sitting; it’s great fun and Lamia is always on hand to help (even at weekends). Thanks for being so kind, Lamia.”

- Client, May 9, 2025

Register online as a home/pet owner via our website Housesitmatch.com

Reflective

mischief

MIRRORS can be a source of endless entertainment for some dogs. From barking at their reflection to tilting their heads in confusion, their reactions can be both amusing and puzzling. But what is really going on in their minds?

Unlike humans, most dogs do not recognise themselves in a mirror. Instead, they see what appears to be another dog and respond with curiosity, playfulness or even territorial behaviour. This reaction is often stronger in puppies or dogs that are not used to reflective surfaces.

Over time, many dogs lose interest once they realise the reflection does not respond in a typical canine way. Some may continue to enjoy the novelty, while others ignore it completely. A few highly intelligent breeds might eventually understand the concept, though this is rare.

For your dog, a mirror can be a fun but temporary curiosity. So next time they catch sight of themselves mid-zoomies, take a moment to enjoy the show. It is all part of their wonderful, quirky nature.

45 CLASSIFIEDS

far end on the left. To know more contact 711 086 162 (10021)

BUILDERS

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

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at  www. almeria-anglican.com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the

ROYAL BRITISH LEGIONZurgena Branch meetings are now held at Hostal Rosaleda opposite New Bar International in Arboleas. New and Existing Members Welcome Branch Meetings for existing and new members are held on the 1st Thursday of the month, Coffee Morning on the 3rd Thursday and a Quiz on the last Tuesday of the month. For further details please email zurgena. treasurer@rbl.community or zurgena.chairman@rbl. community if you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly. (253989)

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

PETS

ESTATE AGENT

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

INSURANCE

ALBOX INSURANCE contact us today for all your insurance needs. Albox Office: 950 121 943  Mojacar Office: 634 323 399 (313361)

AWARD-WINNING AGENT for ALL your insurance needs. GENERALI SEGUROS ALBOX/ MOJACAR INSURANCE, ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399 (10003)

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)

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €8.00, medium dogs €9.00, big dogs €10.00, cats from €7.50 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotel turre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com (312130)

PLUMBERS

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

REMOVALS

AMANDA’S REMOVALS SpainUK. We won’t be beaten in

price. 634 310 512 / 634 349 347 (350098)

SITUATIONS VACANT

SALES advisor required in Turre, 12 hour contracted position. Applicants must be fluent in English and Spanish and have a valid driving license. We are looking for someone with excellent customer service skills and able to work on their own initiative. Applications by

email only to revolutionsales@ protonmail.com (313604)

SOLAR ENERGY

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

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)

Buying a car in Spain

THINKING of buying a car in Spain to avoid overpriced rentals? You can - even if you’re not a full-time resident. But, as anyone familiar with Spanish bureaucracy knows, it comes with paperwork, patience, and a few quirks.

The good news is that non-residents can legally own and register cars in Spain. All you need is an NIE (foreigner ID number) and proof of a local address, which can be shown through a padrón certificate, property deed, or long-term rental contract.

Buying and registering a car in Spain is possible for non-residents with a NIE and proof of address.

Once you have those, the process begins: submit your passport, NIE, proof of address, ITV certificate (roadworthiness test), and proof of tax payments.

Each province may have its own rules, so if you’re buying from a dealership, let them

handle it - the small fee is worth avoiding the hassle. Insurance is mandatory even if your car stays parked. Most companies insure non-residents but require your NIE and address proof. English-speaking brokers lare often the easiest route. If you already have a car abroad, the six-month rule applies - you can drive it in Spain for up to six months in a 12-month period. Stay longer, and

you’ll need to register it locally or risk fines and impoundment. New residents must re-register within 30 days.

Costs include 21 per cent VAT for new cars, a registration tax based on CO2 emissions, annual road tax (€50-€200), and the ITV inspection (€40€60).

When buying used, always check for unpaid debts, as they stay with the vehicle.

Festive 40th Gymnastics glory

VERA was home to a very sports-based special event over the weekend of Saturday, October 18. More than 700 gymnasts from all over the country gathered in the idyllic town to compete in the Vera Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament, a blowout sports competition that saw great participation, talent, and sportsmanship from its talented athletes.

Held in the Blas Infante Municipal Pavilion in Vera, the sixth edition of the event, organised by the Vera Town Council, achieved a major goal for the proud municipality: attracting the participation of a National First Category team, for the very first time. Talented team Club Valle cas, a prestigious gymnastics club, participated in the special event and

gave the special occasion a boost in quality and consolidation.

Vera was represented by four of its local teams: Benjamín C, Infantil B, Mini Group, and Junior Pre-Cup.

The Junior Pre-Cup team is currently preparing for the Andalucian Championships, which will be held in Cordoba on November 1 and 2.

All in all, the tournament was a friendly, but competitive affair that stood out not only for the incredible talent of the participants, but for their fervent supporters as well, amid a festive and family-friendly atmosphere. Vera continues to be a benchmark municipality for the

THE 40th anniversary of the Mojacar Popular Race has officially closed registrations, and the race will bring together hundreds of participants to fill Mojacar with feverish excitement and the spirit of sportsmanship. The race, which will take place on November 2, is a classic sporting event in Almeria made even more special this year, marking its incredible 40th edition.

The event, which is being organised by the Mojacar Town Hall’s Municipal Sports Department, along with collaboration from the Andalucian Athletics Federation, will be open for 10 total categories, from junior to senior, and the route this year will be more coastal due to inland

and child runners, the grand event will begin at 9.00am for the former and 10.00am for the latter. The event will begin at the Paseo del Mediterraneo, Number 33. A distance of 10 kilometres will be available for seniors and 100 metres will be available for junior runners.

Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category, in both junior and senior races, as well as to the top three athletes overall in the senior race. All racers will receive a commemorative t-shirt, a commemorative bag, and other exciting prizes. All junior finishers will also receive a me dal for their participa tion.