Even though there are still more than two months left of the school year, Fuerte Nagüeles has already unveiled its summer camp programme. As from the 22nd of June to the 4th of September there will be six separate sessions for children age 3 to 12, held at the summer camp itself.  Those aged from 12 to 16 years can join the Sport Camp for the Leisure and Sports Programme, which is now in its 33rd year.

Each session can be booked with optional meals or early drop-off and will include themed events, trips and excursions adapted to each age group, along with a wide range of sports and leisure activities. Registration opened on the 15th of April and can be completed online.

On another positive note, Marbella’s beaches have increased the number of lifeguard stations distributed along the entire 27km coastline. They all feature a modern design, in line with the new public toilets and facilities that have been installed in recent years.  These fully equipped lifeguard stations will be in service at weekends until June, from Fridays to Sundays. Our Mayor, Angeles Muñoz, highlighted the city’s commitment to improving the rescue and lifeguard service, with more staff and additional resources to ensure safety.

Just as well, Marbella is already home to 160,000 official residents (from 153 different countries), with some 75,000 to 100,000 “swallows” (part-time residents), plus an estimated 550,000 to 700,000 expected hotel guests this year, not to mention the usual holiday rentals and day visitors; we’re going to need reinforcements.

For more local news updates, events and interviews watch English Edition – Marbella Now on RTV Marbella, first airing Saturdays at 1pm and online.

Long before sun-seekers discovered Cadiz, the Phoenicians had already done so founding Gadir over 3,000 years ago. These savvy seafarers chose well: perched on a finger of land, Cadiz (later Roman ‘Gades’) became a strategic and splendid port. The Romans left behind amphorae, mosaics and a Roman theatre large enough to entertain half the city. Today, you can wander through its stone tiers and imagine toga-clad locals grumbling about ticket prices!

Centuries later, Gades became the launchpad for Spanish ships brimming with gold and silver from the Americas. Unsurprisingly, it caught the eye of Sir Francis Drake, who in 1587 “singed the beard of the King of Spain” by raiding the port and destroying 30 ships. As beards go, it was quite the trim.

Modern Cadiz remains a treasure trove: less polished than other Andalucian cities, but no less charming with its baroque palaces and towers used by merchants to watch their ships arrive.

The golden-domed cathedral became a beacon for sailors returning from the New World, while the Museum of Cadiz offers Phoenician sarcophagi and Roman relics galore.

With Atlantic breezes, labyrinthine streets and the sizzling smell of frying fish, Cadiz is a city that’s endured pirates, plunder and plagues yet still manages to throw the best carnival in Spain. It’s history with a cheeky wink and a generous splash of sherry!

Finally, thanks for all emails to my website below! Thrilled you enjoy my novels too!

Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.  

With an increasing amount of new Chinese manufacturers launching cars across Europe it’s no surprise that we’re constantly seeing names that are unfamiliar on our roads. CHERY Automobile designs, engineers and develops much of its technology in-house and although they are independent brands is also the parent company of Jaecoo and Omoda. Jaecoo in particular has made a big presence on UK roads. Chery confirmed late last year that its first seven-seat SUV would go on sale with prices starting from €32,776/£28,545.

The company continues to expands its European dealer network, and with the launch of the TIGGO 8 there are two main powertrain options: a 147hp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 204hp 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid (PHEV), known as “Super Hybrid”. The PHEV offers around 90km/56 miles of electric-only range. There are two high‑specification trims – Aspire and Summit – and a diverse colour range including Reef Blue and Forest Green.

In 1.6-litre Turbocharged petrol form the 100kph/62 mph benchmark is reached in an acceptable 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 190kph/118 mph. Meanwhile, the Super Hybrid – the plug-in hybrid model with both self-charging and fast charging capabilities – offers a total range of 745 miles, including 90km/56 EV-only miles, and is capable of a 0-100kph/62 mph time of just 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180kph/112 mph.

Two interior trims – Aspire and Summit – feature lots of USB sockets for all occupants, a 6 way power adjustable driver seat, heated seats, ergonomic controls, panoramic sunroof, hands-free automatic tailgate, air conditioning vents for second and third row seats (something often overlooked in large family SUVs) plus an upgraded 12-speaker SONY audio system.

Both trims feature 15.6-inch Quad HD central console display, multi-function steering wheel, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. With the top-line Summit specification lumbar and electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated seats, with passenger massage function in the front row, and heated outer second row seating, alongside a head-up display is standard.

Priced from €32,776/£28,545 for the 1.6-litre TDGI and from €38,517/£33,545 OTR for the Super Hybrid, both variants have a 7-year/161,000km/100,000-mile warranty, with unlimited mileage in the first 3 years. The TIGGO 8 Super Hybrid will have an 8-year/161,000km/100,000-mile battery warranty.

During January to September last year, Chery sold 145,000 vehicles in Europe, more than doubling its sales compared to the same period last year. I suspect we’ll be seeing more this year as they continue to grow their presence.