Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

Content in this newsletter blog site comes from its Editor, Sponsors & Supporters (Holiday Fundraiser Donors). Submissions are subject to editing and posting at the Editor’s discretion. If I don’t want to post something, I won’t, and I do not owe you an explanation. Content from other sources is credited. The Editor is Naythan, aka DoctorLaptop.

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*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor

Home Page  and  FB Page

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

I can only produce DigameXtra with the financial support of my readers. Once a year, during the year end holidays, I do a fundraiser to help pay production expenses throughout the whole year. This year’s goal is to receive a donation from 4% of subscribers. The 4% Club finances DigameXtra for the 96% group that don’t donate. Which group will you belong to? The generosity of the 4% Club members is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS! 

Just like your morning coffee, what would you do without your morning DigameXtra?

– Holiday Donation Info, 2 Methods –
#1. You may drop cash donations off in person and say hello, by appointment, or place them in my mailbox beside my door anytime. Please be sure to include your name on the envelope- there are benefits to being on the DigameXtra Donor’s lists, such as not needing to open an issue every 2 weeks to maintain your posting privileges, but only if you donate at least €30. Due to health reasons, unannounced drop-ins are inconvenient for me. But if I am expecting you, no problem! My mailbox has the name HARRIS on it. Email me for map and directions. Cash donations are strongly preferred. 
#2. Alternatively, you may send me an Amazon ES (Spain) “eGift card” by email. You need to have an Amazon.es account. The only info you need is my email address and your name (the sender’s name). Remember, this is an “eGift card” you buy that Amazon emails directly to me, don’t buy a plain “gift card”. Use the link provided below to access the “eGift card” purchase page. 
PLEASE DO NOT SEND AMAZON UK eGIFT CARDS. NO BANK TRANSFERS OR PAYMENT APPS.
Here is the Amazon.es eGift Card Link, (NOTE: YOU CAN CHOOSE ANY AMOUNT YOU LIKE ON THE FORM, it is set at €50 by default):
https://www.amazon.es/Cheques-Regalo-Amazon-es-mail-Amazon/dp/B07SS5PFJK/
On the eGift card purchase form, enter the DigameXtra email as the recipient, as shown below in Spanish and with English translation.
Para/For : digamextra@protonmail.com

Total Donations Received As Of Today: 131 (2.6%)

4% target = 200 donations from 4955 subscribers

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NEW RULE: Anyone can read DigameXtra for free- on the website, or by email subscription.

However, subscribers who wish to actively participate by making submissions will need to have donated at least €20 to the 2024 DigameXtra Holiday Fundraiser. If you won’t make the effort to donate just 39 cents a week (€20/yr), then please refrain from making submissions, as I have supporters – the donors and sponsors that pay the production expenses – that require my attention.

Depending on the fundraiser results at the end of January, I may consider rescinding this rule. With people returning from holidays, enough donations may arrive this month to achieve the goal. Thank you.

The Submission Rules Page has been updated to reflect this change.

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What’s On

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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41 CLUB NERJA

41 Club Nerja Going From Strength to Strength:
– 41 Club Nerja is delighted to report that we really are going from strength to strength, our membership continues to grow and our doors are open for more new members to join our vibrant Club.
– Do you remember in your local communities all the events that the Round Table and 41 Club organised? Yes! that’s us!
– Do you love getting out and about in our beautiful Axarquia area and also like the idea of being with people who enjoy life and help the local community too? Well, that’s also us! So please come along, meet us, see how we do things, and you don’t even need to have been a member previously.
– We enjoy a wide variety of exciting activities, interesting meetings and tasty meals in many of the lovely restaurants we have in our local area. Our get togethers are attended by our members (who hail from nine different countries) as well as our partners, guests, friends and family too. We’re a very friendly bunch.
To get in touch you can
Email us: steve.ryan.sr56@gmail.com
Phone Steve on 0044 7546 402770
You can connect with 41 Club Nerja via Facebook.
Or visit our website to find out more at: https://41clubnerja.org/ 
We’d love to hear from you and we’d also love for you to come along and join in the fun!

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‘Take Your Pet To The Museum’ Day: Saturday, 18 Jan.
Vélez-Málaga
Under the label ‘Al Museo con sus mascotas’ this has the aim of encouraging the attendance of residents and visitors accompanied by their pets. Throughout the day, attendees and their pets may explore the Francisco Hernández Contemporary Art Center (CAC), Museum of the City of Vélez-Málaga (MUVEL), Holy Week Museum and Cervantes Room, all environments enabled for the occasion. Pet owners must come with the necessary hygienic material to care for the animals. This event coincides with the celebration of the Day of San Antón, patron saint of animals.

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Kaiser Chiefs confirm Costa del Sol summer music festival- ON SALE NOW:
– Weekend Beach event, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, will take place in Torre del Mar from 10 to 12 July.
– NOTE: The festival is 3 days long, but the exact date(s) that each band will perform has not yet been announced!
Info & tix: https://www.weekendbeach.es/ 

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Algarrobo festival pays tribute to its patron saint San Sebastián: Saturday, January 18 to Monday, January 20
– Although the events in honor of San Sebastian started last Friday, January 10 with the transfer of the Saint from the chapel to the Parish of Santa Ana, the program of activities starts on Saturday, January 18, with musical performances by Kike and Manu and DJ Luigy from 23.00 hours in the Park of the Escalerilla.
– The activities of Sunday the 19th will begin at 12.00 pm with the parade by the Panda de Verdiales de Moclinejo and at 14.00 pm will begin the free tasting of wine and migas by Cortijo Paco among attendees, all enlivened by the orchestra Onda Sonora. During the afternoon, Latin dances, and the music of Son del Puerto, Dany Cantos Company {Video Link} and Onda Sonora, will liven up the celebration. 

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Benagalbón fair in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria:
Thurs-Sun, January 30 to February 2
– The first of the activities of the festivities will begin with the traditional lunch for seniors on Thursday January 30, which will be enlivened with the performance of Adolfo Cisneros, and Rocio Borrezo and women Benalbinas, which will give way to Virginia Gamez. At 21:00 pm is scheduled the performance of ‘La Cara B’.
– On Friday, January 31 at 10:00 a reveille floreada and charanga Confusa announce the start of the daytime festivities that will start about 13:00. The popular paella will be at 15:00 hours. This same day, will be held the election of king and queen of the festival, and live music will arrive with Abelito & Terrones at 21:30 pm, MR. Proper and Alboré at 23:30 and 01:00 hours.
– Saturday, February 1 will be a full day of festivities with the presence of the Benagalbón verdiales band at 14:00 hours, a bicycle ribbon race, the Seño de los Cuentos, dances and live music with `Un sueño de locos, tribute to el canto del loco’, `El niño de la Fernanda’ and Alboreá from 21:30 hours. The program will continue on Sunday with appetizers, charanga, the panda Santo Pítar verdiales band, & more.
– The processions of Our Lady of Candelaria and St. Joseph will be held on January 31 and February 2 at 19:00 pm through the streets of Benagalbón. As is traditional, the neighbors will throw peanuts and sugared almonds as the processions pass by. Ref: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/benagalbon… 

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast

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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town 

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Services Wanted/Offered

Check the DigameXtra Sponsor’s list whenever you need a service. By using these services you are helping support DigameXtra.
Landlords, tell your renters about DigameXtra, where they can get overnight answers to questions about local stuff without having to call you!

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CÓMPETA SOLAR

Cómpeta Solar:
-Solar Electric (PV) (Self-Consumption)
-Grid Connected or Off Grid Solar Electric
-Solar Hot Water
-Solar Pool Heating
-Heat Pumps
-Installation and Repairs
Contact: James Bain, Competa
Tel: +34 652970608 (Spain)
Email: info AT competasolar DOT es
Web: www.competasolar.es
We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.

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TONY ROAM TRANSPORT & REMOVALS

Tony Roam Transport & Removals Spain To UK To Spain:
Fortnightly Runs Spain to UK and Up to 4 weeks free Storage. Spain or UK.
18 years Removals To & Fro Spain / UK Spain.
Man & Van, Local & Long Distance Removals
No subcontracting, all collection and delivery in house.
Transportation, Removals & light haulage company that have scheduled trips all year from UK to Torrox and back every month.
Also additional unscheduled to suit your needs.
Full or part loads undertaken.
Dedicated Delivery Personal Service Full or Part loads up to 60 cubic meters up to 5.5 tonne.
Up to £25,000.00 insurance with British Insurance Company.
Evidence of insurance can be supplied by email on request.
Hard Copies always carried on the vans.
This and a current Operators licence are a legal requirement.
Our International Operators Licence No UKGB / OG2043664
We live just behind Torrox Pueblo in Spain and in South Wales UK and have vans going back and forth UK to Spain to UK by way of Santander or Bilbao / Portsmouth or Plymouth Ferry.
For more information and prices for all to see please visit our website http://www.tonyroamremovals.com
email ; tonyroam@btconnect.com
Spain 0034636393542 – UK 00447973362003.
Face book Tony Roam – WhatsApp Either Number
Our contact details are shown every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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GREEK CASITA RESTAURANT & BAR

Reopened 1/1/25. The Greek House – Greek Casita Restaurant & Bar –Torrox Costa:
Located on the sea promenade, between the Safari bar and Picadero restaurants, BLQ 80 bajo. We offer you a little piece of Greece with our Greek home made specialities. You can choose meat specialties (Gyros, Souvlaki, Bifteki, Sutsukaki, Mussaka), cheese (Feta Psiti, Feta Saganaki, Hallumi), vegetables (Greek salad, Hummus, Eggplant cream, Mezze, Tzatziki) or sea fruits (prawns or octopus), all of this accompanied with our special Greek pita bread. For dessert… HOMEMADE BAKLAVA! We offer a lovely meal time in a quiet and exquisite atmosphere, accompanied with the best Greek music. See you soon! Hours: 7pm to close, Wednesday thru Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday. For reservations call 642585049. https://la-casita-griega.business.site/ We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section. 

 

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ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES & JUBILEE HOUSE

ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES IN THE AXARQUIA REGION:
Do you have health or mobility issues?
Would support enable you to remain independent in your own home?
Liz Brown, probably the only nurse registered to practice in Andalucia to hold the ENB 941 (Specialist qualification in care of the older person), together with her fully insured and police checked home care support team offers one-on-one support and companionship in the comfort of your own home. COE Malaga reg. 17425
HOME CARE/NURSE SUPPORT
Palliative care / Companionship / Health monitoring English Nurse / Hospital sitting / Respite at home / 24 hr live in care / Housekeeping / Correspondence & Communication / Medication collection & dispensing systems / Dressing, bathing & daily hygiene / Shopping & meal preparation / Fast response Falls Team / Provision of medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hoists
englishnurse@rocketmail.com
Tel: 951550581 or 692419548
JUBILEE HOUSE – Close Care Unit in Torrox
VACANCY: Due to a successful rehabilitation we will have vacancy from 21st November in one of our ensuite units for a long stay English speaking guest. Please contact Liz on 692419548.
5 ground floor individual units all en-suite
24-hour care at all stages from the English Nurse Care Team
Main language- English / Extensive sea views / Wheelchair accessible / Garden / Home cooking / Wifi / Air conditioning / Visiting physiotherapist, hairdresser, chiropodist and nutritionist
And we welcome guests for the day. We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section. 

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DOCTORLAPTOP’S COMPUTER REPAIRS

DoctorLaptop’s Computer Repairs & Sales- Torrox Costa (near the bus station): Computers only, Windows / Linux / Mac. No tablets or phones. 
I don’t work on dinosaurs computers made before 2018 unless I have been servicing then annually. 
Contact: doctorlaptop AT protonmail DOT com
Or call 675 993 069 (no calls before 12noon, missed calls returned asap). More info on my website. All work by appointment only, no drop-ins please. Appointments are only available 2pm-8pm, Sunday thru Thursday. Closed Fridays & Saturdays. Always include the make & model number of the device when requesting assistance. My contact details can be found everyday at the bottom of the Sponsor’s Section.

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Buy / Sell / Trade / Rent / Wanted

Click on pics to enlarge

How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a 
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/

Are you still dealing with scammers on Fakebook Marketplace?
Sell your items here, to locals, for cash, without the shenanigans.

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COMPARE FUNERALS SPAIN

 

Compare Funerals cover the whole of Spain
ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
* Direct Cremation €2,250
* Collection of deceased and conveyance to Funeral Home
* Supply of coffin
* Preparation and care of deceased
* Registration of death and certification of all legal documentation
* Cremation and any doctor’s fees
* Supply of Urn
* Delivery of Urn and associated paperwork to family (death certificate, cremation certificate etc)
This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
Contact Ruth Forder on 0034 693 715 718 ; funeralplansbyruthforder.com
Your questions answered by Ruth from Compare Funerals Spain
– Why should I have a funeral plan? Having been funeral planning for over 10 year I’ve experienced some very sad and upset families when nothing is in place. A Spanish funeral plans will ensure that all costs are covered for your funeral service. Getting a prepaid plan will help you feel assured that your family will not be under any financial strain when it comes to paying for your funeral. A plan also means you can have peace of mind that everything has been organised in advance, so your loved ones do not have to make any difficult decisions.
– Why choose Compare Funerals? There seems to be a gap in Spain between independent funeral directors, offering plans at a good price but lacking the security of an established Trust or ability to cover a client overseas and Providers who seem to charge more than necessary. We want to be right in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Our best-priced plan is only 2,250€ and does the essentials.
– Can I do a payment plan? All our plans are payable in full or over up to 5 years interest FREE. The interest free periods are based on initial deposit. The higher the deposit the less your monthly repayments will be.
– Can I transfer the plan? The answer is YES. You could name 2 people on one plan however if you had a friend/family member pass away we can transfer the plan into a 3rd party’s name.
– What happens if I move? All our plans offer the equivalent service in Spain (including the islands), Portugal, Republic of Ireland and the UK. If you moved to the UK, we would transfer the plan to one of our many partners at no extra cost to you.
– Is paperwork included? Yes, your family will receive a death certificate in Spanish and an international certification in English. We also provide a cremation certificate that allows the ashes on board a plane.
We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section. 

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For Sale: 3x curtain rails. Size 210 length, they come with rings and brackets, unopened box. 10 euros each.
Message Amanda, Nerja. Tel 680739577
Josiahamanda@gmail.com

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For Sale: New Lenovo Laptop, €320
Many people tell me they only need a simple laptop, all they do is emails, banking, social media and chat apps. Maybe stream some video. Well, here it is. This is a basic laptop with entry level specs, but at a very reasonable price for a major brand. This unit is not designed to store large media collections. 
– Lenovo V15 G2 laptop with Windows 11 Pro (UK English)
15.6″ FHD display, 8Gb ram, 256Gb M.2 SSD
Processor: Intel Celeron N4500 (1.1 – 2.8GHz)
Full size Spanish keyboard. Very low power consumption. Fully set up, updated and ready to use. 2 year factory warranty.
Naythan, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com

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For Sale: New Laptop, Acer Aspire 3 A315
Powerful business model. 15.6″ FullHD display
Windows 11 Pro (UK), 16 Gb RAM, 512 Gb SSD
Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U, up to 4.4GHz
Spanish keyboard. HDMI, Ethernet, 3x USB 3.2, Wifi 6.
Price: €480, fully setup and ready to use.
Naythan, Torrox Costa.
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com 

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Recommendations, Requests & Comments

When making a recommendation always include the phone number or website of the biz, service, etc., so readers can reach them.
Note: I can’t post third party email addresses.

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Make your annual DigameXtra donation now!: All the details are in the Announcements section at the top of the issue. If you want to be able to make submissions you’ll need to do this. -Ed.

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News & Articles

(Click the link to read the full article) 
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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SPAIN

Ignoring almost 3 months of pleas for help, DANA victim’s EU relief funds delayed to the last possible moment by the Sanchez admin: {Translation, summary}
– The Government will delay until the last moment the deadline for requesting the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), after the dana that devastated the provinces of Valencia and Albacete on October 29, with the excuse that they are compiling documentation on the damages and to obtain the maximum possible resources, ignoring the urgent needs of the displaced victims for almost 3 months.
– This has been confirmed by the Executive, despite the fact that the President himself, Pedro Sánchez, assured days after the tragedy -on November 5- that Spain had “already formally requested the aid from the European Commission”. This is an allocation of up to 1,500 million euros, the term of which expires on January 21.
– In this regard, the mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, described as “serious” that Sánchez – who has not visited ground zero for two and a half months – claimed that the EUSF had been requested when it had not, and still hasn’t been, requested. ”This has been confirmed by the competent European commissioner himself,” she stressed. In addition, she has put the focus on the fact that “one week is remaining” for the Government to be able to claim these resources. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/comunidad-valenciana/gobierno-apura-plazo-pedir-fondo-solidaridad-ue-20250115153550-nt.html

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Princess Leonor has already anchored on the coast of Tenerife with the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano: {Translation, summary}
– The training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano has already anchored off the coast of Tenerife. The ship is expected to dock this Friday in the port of Santa Cruz and one of its midshipwomen, Princess Leonor, is expected to disembark and set foot on Canary Island soil at some point, together with her companions.
– Since 2014, when the reign of Felipe VI began, this ship is received with a historical recreation, which is expected to be done on this occasion as well. Then, the members of this action will board the ship to greet the commanders. The authorities plan to fire three cannons, nine artillery shots and a fusillade to honor the ship.
– It would be the first official visit of the heiress to the Canary Islands, a land that her parents have visited on several occasions as royals. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5673264/0/princesa-leonor-ya-ha-fondeado-costa-tenerife-con-buque-escuela-juan-sebastian-elcano/ 

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The record price of rent plunges the youth emancipation rate to the worst figure in history- only 14.8% manage to become independent by age 30: {Translation, summary}
– Record prices for housing rents in Spain have plunged the youth emancipation rate to its worst level in history. Only 14.8% of those under 30 years of age were living outside the family home in the first half of 2024, according to the latest report by the Emancipation Observatory of the Spanish Youth Council (CJE).
– The authors of the study stress that this figure represents a significant drop compared to 2007, the year in which youth emancipation in Spain peaked, with a rate of 26.1%, and breaks the upward cycle of five consecutive six-monthly improvements.
– “It is the worst emancipation rate since we have records (2006), a very bad figure not only for young people, but for society as a whole,” lamented Pilar Blasco, vice president of the CJE, at the presentation of the data. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5673044/0/precio-vivienda-hunde-tasa-emancipacion-juvenil-peor-dato-historia-solo-14-8-se-logra-independizar/ 

MALAGA PROVINCE

The rain returns to Malaga- Aemet predicts rainfall this Friday morning on the coast: {Translation, summary}
– The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) announces “weak and occasional” rainfall, more likely on the coast, during the early hours of Friday, January 17. The greatest probability of rain rises to 95% in Malaga capital at 6.00 am while in Marbella the probability drops to 70%. In the Axarquia, in municipalities such as Velez-Malaga or Rincon de la Victoria, the percentage is 85%, also in the same time slot. The clouds are expected to clear by 1pm. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga/lluvia-vuelve-malaga-aemet-preve-precipitaciones-madrugada-20250116104932-nt.html

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Mayor warns about prefabricated houses- “You have to be informed to avoid severe sanctions”: {Translation}
– The mayor of Alhaurín de la Torre, Joaquín Villanova, has appealed to the population to be well informed in the City Council before acquiring the so-called prefabricated housing, since there have been cases of violations and penalties for not knowing the regulations fruit of “some deception” by sellers. Villanova recalled that this model of houses “must comply with all the rules and planning regulations like any other”, so they can not be installed on rural land or not considered urban, and must also take into account the limits of buildability of the plot or plot in question.
– For this reason, has insisted on the need for advice to “avoid deception that can lead to penalties and major problems.” “The City Council has to give license for any house according to the law,” said the mayor, who stressed that from the government team ‘we are aware’ of the existing problem of housing prices: ‘We know that there is much need, but any solution has to be compatible with the law’.
– A developer is facing a prosecutor’s request for fifteen months in prison for allegedly executing without a municipal building permit and on undeveloped land the installation of a prefabricated house, with a covered porch, underground sewage system and a portable swimming pool. The prosecution requests that the defendant be convicted of a crime against land management and in addition to the prison sentence requests a fine of fifteen months with a daily fee of ten euros and special disqualification of profession or trade related to the development or construction for two years, according to the indictment, to which EFE has had access.
– In addition as civil liability, “as the only possible measure for the restoration of the altered legal order”, the demolition and removal of the works and installations executed at the expense of the defendant, with full restoration of the land to its original state and restoration of the urban legality infringed.
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/provincia/alhaurin-torre-advierte-casas-prefabricadas-sanciones_0_2003152077.html 

RINCÓN DE LA VICTORIA

A network that swindled almost 77,000 euros from 17 people in Rincón de la Victoria by the ‘son in distress’ method is captured: {Translation, summary}
– The investigation began after receiving several complaints in which the victims claimed to have been swindled by the method known as “the son in trouble scam”, in which cybercriminals impersonate the identity of the victims’ children through text messages, pretending to have problems with their phone line and providing a new one to communicate, then requesting the swindled to make money transfers, claiming not to be able to access their banking applications.
– After numerous steps, a total of 17 complaints committed in Rincón de la Victoria between the years 2023 and 2024 have been clarified, being swindled for a total of 76,889 euros. In one of the complaints received, the victim was swindled out of more than 16,000 euros.
– Thirty-two people have been identified as alleged perpetrators of the crimes of swindling and belonging to a criminal organization, who were located in different Spanish provinces such as Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, Valencia, Huesca, Malaga and Seville. Steps were also taken with police authorities in other countries such as Italy and the Netherlands to locate other suspects. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/cae-una-red-que-estafo-casi-77-000-euros-a-17-personas-en-rincon-de-la-victoria-por-el-metodo-del-hijo-en-apuros/

EUROPE

French PM Bayrou survives no-confidence vote:
– French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou {pic} passed the first test of his new minority government on Thursday as he survived a vote of no-confidence called by the hard left after the centre-left Socialist Party did not back the motion.
– The far-right National Rally (RN) party of Marine Le Pen had already signalled it would not support the motion.
– It means President Emmanuel Macron’s government lives to fight another day without being solely reliant on the far-right’s grace. But Bayrou’s administration remains weak, and still faces an uphill battle to pass the 2025 budget that led to the ouster of his predecessor, Michel Barnier.
On Thursday, 131 lawmakers voted in favour of the motion – well short of the 288 votes that were needed. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/french-parliament-head-warns-against-backing-no-confidence-vote-versus-2025-01-16/ 

UK

Far Left UK Government Proposes Banning “Controversial” Conversations:
– The leftist Labour government in Britain has proposed radical reforms to the rights of workers that could include classing ‘sensitive’ topics of conversation in the workplace such as religion, women’s rights, or transgenderism as ‘harassment’.
– The proposed legislation would force employers to prevent workers from being subjected to such subjects by third parties, such as customers. If they are found to have failed to do so, they could face lawsuits under the legislation.
– Watchdog The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned that if it comes into the force next year, the proposed law could significantly impact freedom of expression and even be applied to “overheard conversations” such as those between two or more people in a pub. The EHRC has noted that applying the harassment law in cases involving a “philosophical belief” could lead to problems owing to the fact that many employers do not understand such topics are protected by equality law. “The legal definition of what amounts to philosophical belief is complex and not well understood by employers. It is arguable that these difficulties may lead to disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of expression,” the watchdog warned.
– A spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association said in comments to The Times “Any legalisation must be carefully drafted to make sure it does not have unintended consequences, such as pub workers expected to decide whether private conversations between customers constitute a violation of law.” Full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/far-left-uk-government-proposes-banning-controversial-conversations 

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Brits Start Considering Non-Lucrative Visa an Alternative to Spanish Golden Visa Program:
– With the deadline for the termination of the Golden Visa Program approaching, Brits have started to turn their eyes to the Spanish non-working (non-lucrative) residence visa.
– This kind of visa permits non-EU nationals to acquire a one-year residency in Spain, which can be extended for an additional four years, provided applicants meet all the needed conditions, Schengen.News reports.
– Among the conditions to benefit from this kind of visa is to have sufficient economic means to stay in the country without being engaged in any work or professional activity. In addition, those benefiting from this kind of visa are also eligible to bring their families with them. Full article: https://schengen.news/brits-start-considering-non-lucrative-visa-an-alternative-to-spanish-golden-visa-program/ 

GASTRONOMIA

The best traditional restaurant in Malaga in 2024 is in Caleta de Vélez and is a steakhouse: {Translation}
– In Caleta de Vélez for traditional food Asador El Puerto reigns and stands out. The top quality meats and stews of Asador El Puerto (Calle Real, 25) have recieved this year the Santiago Dominguez Award for Best Traditional Cuisine Restaurant to this family restaurant. It has a great tradition already in Velez-Malaga, undoubtedly one of the great temples to eat meat, a grill that cajoles with its embers. “A family establishment that’s tops for quality meats, grilled, as well as stews and traditional dishes, taking care of both the product and the elaborations”, wrote the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga, justifying the award for the Asador el Puerto.
– This meat temple, run by the Jiménez-Navas family, stands out for its attention to detail, both in the selection of the product and in its preparation, as well as in its powerful wine list.
– The specialty of Asador El Puerto is, without a doubt, grilled meats. Cuts such as T-bone steak, entrecote and sirloin, from carefully selected breeds, are masterfully prepared to offer an impeccable result. In its menu, the shoulder of suckling lamb (24 euros) stands out. Another must is the steak tartar (22 euros), considered by many as one of the best on the Costa del Sol. Its meticulous preparation and perfect balance of flavors make it a unique experience. They also have first class matured meats, all by the kilo, such as Buey, Rubia Gallega, Simmental, Black Angus, Pasto or Wagyu Nacional.
– Side dishes, based on traditional family recipes, are another strong point of the restaurant, where, depending on the day, you can find beans, cabbage, spinach or lentils (6 euros). These options, together with salads made with fresh produce from local gardens, offer a variety that perfectly complements its meat dishes. Among the starters, the eggs with boletus, foie and truffles (22 euros), the house salad (12 euros) and the acorn-fed Serrano ham (25 euros) stand out, all prepared with the artisan touch of Asador el Puerto. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/la-farola/mejor-restaurante-tradicional-malaga-2024-velez-asador_0_2003079328.html 

HEALTH

Appointment delays persist despite new 72 hour response system: {Translation, summary}
– New year, old problems. Delays and difficulties in getting an appointment with the family doctor continue in the midst of the respiratory and influenza viruses, the peak of which is expected in the coming days. Many users these days are faced with the response that “at this time we cannot offer this type of consultation for the selected professional” when trying to get an appointment with their physician. And it usually doesn’t matter whether they try to make an appointment in person or by telephone. The message displayed is the same.
– L. P., a user, wondered: “And if I don’t get an appointment with my doctor, what do I do?” Her case was not urgent, so she preferred “not to abuse” her health center’s non-urgent consultation. “But I need an appointment with my doctor and I can’t get it,” she remarked.
– The professionals consulted explained that this message is displayed when a physician has his or her entire schedule covered, which is common in these periods of high attendance. Given that the health centers reserve a percentage of appointments, the option in these cases, they explained, is to go to the outpatient clinic.
– “But I have to lose part of my morning one day to go to the outpatient clinic to request an appointment and, if I get one, another lost day to go to the doctor. And, like many people, I work,” said another patient. So the complaints of the users continue and also the demand for less delays to be able to access the family doctor.
– These criticisms occur precisely when the plan to provide a response in less than 72 hours in Primary Care has begun to be implemented in the province of Malaga. It started last Monday in the region of Antequera, the Serrania de Ronda and Axarquia. But it has not taken long to receive harsh criticism from different groups that consider that it turns family doctors into “a call center”, an opinion shared by Marea Blanca and the Malaga Medical Union. Although they admit that it can solve “specific issues”, they insist that “it is not the solution to the serious problems” of the health centers. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/dificultad-lograr-cita-medico-cabecera-malaga_0_2003147222.html 

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Andalucía needs 30,000 more nurses to reach European average, according to WHO:
– The Andalucía region of southern Spain needs at least 30,000 more nurses in public and also private hospitals to reach the average of the 27 EU countries, as calculated by the Ministry of Health using data provided by each Spanish region and the World Health Organization. In Malaga, the province would require at least 6,000 more nurses to reach the European standard. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/andalusia-needs-30000-more-nurses-reach-the-20250115081755-nt.html 

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Unions protest in the face of “deterioration” of healthcare and threaten to strike: {Translation}
– After months of mobilizations, CCOO, SATSE, CSIF and UGT have gone a step further in their protest actions by staging a lock-in at the Maternity Hospital in Malaga to denounce the “breaches” of the agreements reached between the unions and the Andalusian Health Service. “We are seeing” how the health system is ‘constantly deteriorating,’ warned Antonio Macias, head of health of UGT, because ”just look at the waiting lists, the care given to the patient, the working conditions of professionals.”
– The lock-in that began early this Wednesday is a new attempt to get the Regional Ministry of Health to take “imminent” measures, because, “if not, things could be irreversible”. In addition, the unions have organized an assembly with Malaga professionals in the hospital center itself and have set up tables to collect signatures, both from staff and users, to “try to convince the Board to change policies, because it is clear that the measures they have taken so far are worthless,” said Macías. These actions will be extended throughout the eight provinces of Andalusia: “We will maintain the mobilizations until the healthcare policy does not change. Encierros (lock-ins), demonstrations in Seville and, even, we do not rule out a 24-hour strike.”
– “We will continue until the agreements are fulfilled,” added José Sánchez, secretary general of Satse. The unions have addressed the Ombudsman, still awaiting a response, “asking for help” and the Minister of Public Function, José Antonio Nieto, because “I think he should also intervene”. This pact was signed with the aim of improving the pay and working conditions of healthcare professionals and improving the quality of public healthcare for users.
– José Pelayo, secretary general of CCOO Health, has stated that this is the consequence of “mismanagement”, because “the billion, which they have boasted so much about increasing the budget, instead of dedicating them to improving healthcare, they dedicate them to outsourcing services”.
– “Inaction is the best word to define the Minister of Health,” said Juan Pedro Ruiz, head of CSIF Health Malaga, ‘with the approval of the Board’. Ruiz has spoken of “a painful management of human resources” that adds to the “null recruitment and overload of services” resulting in an “unsustainable” situation for professionals and users. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/malaga/1857864/los-sindicatos-se-encierran-ante-el-deterioro-de-la-sanidad-y-amenazan-con-una-huelga/ 

HOAX / BULO

The rumour going around about the ITV sticker in Spain- is it compulsory to display it on the windscreen?:
– The sticker must be placed in a visible spot, normally on the upper right-hand corner inside the windscreen. In the case of motorbikes, the sticker must be easy to see.
– With this explanation, the Spanish association of entities collaborating with the administration in the technical inspection of vehicles (AECA-ITV) has clarified that the information circulating on social media about the sticker no longer having to be displayed on the windscreen is a hoax. The regulations concerning the inspection have not changed in this regard, and therefore it is still compulsory to display the sticker correctly on the windscreen of the vehicle. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/the-hoax-about-the-mot-sticker-compulsory-20250114084906-nt.html 

TRAVEL

Malaga Airport congestion expected to increase as Ryanair will eliminate 12 routes this summer in Spain and will cease its activity in Jerez and Valladolid: {Translation, summary}
– Ryanair intensifies its protest against Aena’s “excessive fees” and announces that it will eliminate twelve routes and 800,000 seats for its schedule this summer. The low cost airline will cease operations at two Spanish airports and reduce operations at five others due to the “lack of effectiveness”. Specifically, Ryanair has decided to cease operations in Jerez and Valladolid, will withdraw an aircraft based in Santiago de Compostela and reduce traffic in Vigo (-61%), Santiago (-28%), Zaragoza (-20%), Asturias (-11%) and Santander (-5%) in what they consider a “completely avoidable” loss. This is how categorical the company’s CEO, Eddie Wilson, was at a press conference this Thursday in Madrid.
– However, the CEO of the Irish airline has recognized this Thursday at a press conference a net increase of 1.5 million seats for the next summer season, despite cutting by 18% the offer at smaller airports. Therefore, his conclusion is that the company is going to increase its offer in the most touristic airports, including Malaga, with more traffic and, therefore, with “substantially higher” fares. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/empresas/ryanair-eliminara-rutas-verano-espana-cesara-actividad-20250116181944-ntrc_amp.html 

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CHURCHES & WORSHIP

Churches: Please submit your posts on Thursdays only, before 6pm.

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Cornerstone International Church- Torre del Mar:
For English speakers. Sundays at 11:30 am.
Calle Solera 2, Local 2. In front of the Torre del Mar bus station.
634540519 / romyandalucia@gmail.com

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PETS FOR ADOPTION

Vélez-Málaga Municipal Pet Adoption Service, FREE adoptions:
– The animals are at the Don Animal Kennel and Feline Residence, currently located in Arroyo Granadillas Finca “El Olivar”, in Rincón de la Victoria (29730, Málaga). The adoptions will be totally free, and the animals will be identified with microchip and with all their mandatory treatments.
– Contact Telephone: 952971663
– Schedule: Monday to Friday from 9:00 – 14:00 & 16:30 – 20:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 – 14:00
– Email: info@donanimal.com
– Adoption form: https://donanimal.com
– See photo gallery of available pets: https://velezmalaga.es/index.php?mod=medio_ambiente&tag=servicio-municipal-de-adopcion-de-animales-de-compania

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Humour Section

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Cinesur El Ingenio Films schedule: You can find the film schedule at this link. Films tagged as (VOSE) are in the original language with Spanish subtitles. 
https://www.cinesur.com/es/cine/mk2-cinesur-el-ingenio

Useful Links, Info & Numbers

2025 Holiday Calendars by town, click/tap to view:
Algarrobo 
Competa 
Malaga 
Nerja 
Rincon 
Torrox 
Velez-Málaga 
For other towns in Malaga Province, visit this website, click your town, then look for the post named “Calendario Laboral de ‘Your Town‘ 2025 “, click that to see calendar.
https://www.foro-ciudad.com/malaga.html

Petrol Prices – Updated daily: These are the fuel stations in Malaga province with the lowest prices. The price data for 95 and 98-octane petrol and diesel fuel is updated every day. See it here:
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/updated-daily-these-20220314114157-nt.html

Weekly Markets
Monday: Torrox Costa
Tuesday: Nerja, Salobrena
Wednesday: Rincon de la Victoria, Algarrobo Costa
Thursday: Velez Malaga, Torre del Mar, Frigiliana
Friday: Almunecar, Salobrena, La Herradura- Summers only, Mercadillo de La Cala del Moral- Rincon de la Victoria.
Saturday: Competa, Mezquitilla@Algarrobo behind the Sala Ottowa
Sunday: Nerja Car Boot 

Taxi
Nerja 952 524 519
Torrox: 952 531 030
Frigiliana: 952 533 231

Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Services.: 112
National Police: 091
Guardia Civil: 062
Ambulance: 061
Fire Station (Bomberos): 080
Emergency English Help Line: 902 102 112

Local Police
Torrox: 952 539 828
Nerja: 952 521 545
Frigiliana: 952 533 126
Torre del Mar: 952 549 238

Local/National News in English, The Sur: http://www.surinenglish.com/
Local Weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/es/torre-del-mar/306652/weather-forecast/306652
Bus Info: https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/our-destinations/regional
Currency Converter: https://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=EUR&to=GBP&amount=1
Internet Speed Test: http://beta.speedtest.net/
Local Bank Holidays: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/spain/index.php  UK Newspaper Front Pages and Worldwide Newspapers All On One Site: https://www.thepaperboy.com/uk/front-pages.cfm

Check All Lottery Results Here: Updated daily. 
https://www.20minutos.es/loterias/

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Malaga Province: New, updated link (Aug, 2023). Info in English with list of English speaking meetings. https://aacostadelsol.com/

DoctorLaptop’s Homepage: https://doctorlaptop-repairs.webnode.com/

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