Connect with us

%

Malaga Boy Meets Shelter Dogs Before Embarking On World Cycle

Published

on

malaga-boy-meets-shelter-dogs-before-embarking-on-world-cycle

Samuel calls attention to 500 dogs needing love and homes. Credit: EWN

A 12-year-old boy preparing to cycle more than 20,000 kilometres around the world stopped off at an animal rescue centre in Mijas on Monday, November 2, where he was greeted by scores of excited dogs desperate for his attention.

Samuel, the young lad behind the Samuel Cycles the World project, visited ACE-SHIN in Mijas Costa, where he met founder Fabienne Paques and many of the abandoned animals in her care. The visit carried extra poignancy. Recently, Samuel’s beloved dog Naam passed away. Meeting so many dogs desperate for attention brought the loss home in a new way, while reinforcing exactly why his project matters so much.

Introduced to the dogs by Fabienne Paques, 28-year director of ACE-SHIN, Samuel quickly fell in love with them all. The excitement was mutual, with the animals jumping up enthusiastically to greet their young visitor. There was just one problem: Samuel couldn’t take any of them home with him. In less than a fortnight, he and his parents, Wendy and Ronald, are due to leave Malaga to begin an extraordinary cycling adventure with a very special purpose. Euro Weekly News previously reported on Samuel’s ambitious 20,000 km plan and his first shelter visit earlier this year.

Samuel and cocker spaniel
‘Excited to meet you, Samuel.’
Credit: EWN

Samuel’s mission to help 56 animal shelters

Samuel and his parents are preparing to travel approximately 20,235 kilometres through 20 countries over 594 days, visiting 56 animal shelters along the way. At every stop, Samuel intends to meet an abandoned dog, film it, tell its story and share it with the world in the hope that someone might offer it a forever home. The idea of visiting animal shelters came from Samuel himself, as did the decision to make the journey by bicycle.

His parents had often talked about travelling around the world in a motorhome, originally as a way of giving their son the opportunity to experience different countries and cultures as part of his education. However, the idea had never progressed beyond conversation until Samuel began developing his own plans. Ronald explained that cycling was perhaps something in the family’s blood, reflecting the strong cycling culture in the Netherlands. What started as an educational adventure has since developed into a mission to help animals that might otherwise be overlooked.

A special meeting at ACE-SHIN in Mijas

Monday’s visit was not Samuel’s first experience of an animal rescue centre, but it provided valuable preparation for the many shelters he hopes to visit during the expedition. Fabienne showed him around ACE-SHIN and introduced him to dogs with very different backgrounds and stories. For Samuel, meeting so many animals in need of loving homes brought home exactly why his project matters so much, especially after the recent loss of his own dog, Naam.

Family together with dog
Family ready to embark on mission of a lifetime.
Credit: EWN

ACE-SHIN, which stands for Animal Care España and the Dutch name Spaanse Honden In Nood (Spanish Dogs in Need), was founded in 1999 by Fabienne and her late husband, Dirk Itterbeek. The organisation works to rescue abandoned and mistreated dogs and cats, provide veterinary treatment and find animals permanent homes. Its Mijas facilities care for hundreds of animals, relying on donations, volunteers and fundraising to continue their work. Euro Weekly News has followed the shelter’s efforts closely, including recent coverage of community fundraisers supporting ACE-SHIN and calls for volunteers to walk the dogs at the Mijas centre.

The scale of the challenge across Malaga province remains significant. Recent police action saw 61 dogs and cats rescued from appalling conditions in Velez-Malaga, while official figures show Malaga has almost twice as many registered pets as children.

Fabienne wished Samuel, Wendy and Ronald every success with their adventure and hopes to keep in touch with the family throughout their 19 months travelling around the world.

The challenges before setting off

Preparing for such a lengthy expedition has not been straightforward. The family originally considered using electric bicycles but encountered difficulties transporting the large lithium batteries required for the journey, particularly when taking flights between continents. They consequently switched to conventional touring bicycles, requiring changes to their route and travel arrangements.

Finding suitable equipment and financing the expedition have also presented challenges. The family has sold its car and many of its possessions to help pay for the adventure, while sponsorship has provided some essential equipment, including water filtration supplies and bicycle security locks. Safety has also influenced their preparations, with the family reviewing sections of the proposed route where cycling conditions may be unsuitable. Despite these obstacles, the November 15 departure from Malaga remains the plan.

How to support Samuel Cycles the World

The family is hoping to raise €5,500 through its GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of the expedition. With almost 20 months of travelling ahead, the financial commitment is considerable. The family estimates that food and accommodation alone will cost around €42 a day, before bicycle repairs, transport and other expenses.

Readers who would like to support Samuel’s mission, follow his progress or find out more about the dogs he meets can visit the official Samuel Cycles the World website, follow him on Instagram or the Facebook page.

For Samuel, the real success will not simply be reaching the other side of the world. It will be the number of abandoned dogs whose stories reach people who might otherwise never have known they existed.

%

Almuñecar Turns Up The Volume

Published

on

almunecar-turns-up-the-volume

Musical November in Almuñecar. Credit: Casa de la Cultura Almuñecar

Queen, Beatles, flamenco and heavy metal headline Costa Tropical’s November cultural programme.

Almuñecar is getting ready for a busy fortnight of entertainment, with a varied November cultural programme bringing live music, dance, classical performances and some familiar tribute acts to the Costa Tropical.

Music, film and music in Almuñecar

From heavy metal and flamenco to the music of Queen and The Beatles, the programme offers plenty of choice for residents and visitors looking for something to do as the autumn season continues. The latest events follow the town’s Almuñecar jazz festival and its Jazz en Otoño autumn music programme.

One of the first events takes place on Friday, November 13, when the Casa de la Cultura hosts Un concierto de película at 8pm. Combining music, cinema and charity, the concert features the Motril choir Son de Caña and supports humanitarian work through the ACOES Honduras foundation.

Metal fans will have a very different experience the following afternoon. The second Sexitanian Falling Metal festival arrives at Parque El Majuelo on Saturday, November 14, from 5pm. Five bands from across Spain are scheduled to perform: Fallen At Dawn, Inyourface, Bourbon Kings, Inxight and El Santo. Further information and tickets for Sexitanian Falling Metal II are available from the organisers.

Saturday evening brings a change of pace, with contemporary dance production ILOCUO taking to the stage at the Casa de la Cultura at 8pm. Classical music lovers can return on Sunday, November 15, when Cuarteto Arriaga performs at 7pm.

From Flamenco to Afro-Cuban rhythms

The programme continues on Thursday, November 19, with Noches de Tango, followed by Sireré Flamenco on Friday, November 20. The latter combines traditional flamenco with Afro-Cuban rhythms in a production featuring dancer Laura García.

One of the most anticipated performances could be The Gospel of Queen, arriving on Saturday, November 21, at 8pm. The production combines the legendary British rock band’s music with gospel singing, featuring Bohemians and Gospel Sounds Granada.

Sunday, November 22, brings two more musical events. The Almuñecar Municipal Band celebrates Santa Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, with a concert at 1pm. Admission is free, subject to available capacity.

Beatles fans can then enjoy an evening with tribute act The Silver Beats, performing at 7pm at the Casa de la Cultura.

Music is not the only attraction in the wider November programme. Almuñecar is also hosting literary activities, historical talks, storytelling sessions for children and cultural exhibitions.

With events catering for very different musical tastes, the town is offering residents and visitors plenty of reasons to enjoy its cultural calendar beyond the summer months. The town’s official Almuñecar events calendar provides further information about local activities.

Continue Reading

%

London Remembers: King Charles Leads Remembrance Sunday

Published

on

london-remembers:-king-charles-leads-remembrance-sunday

Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. Credit: @RoyalFamily X

Britain fell silent on Sunday, November 8, as King Charles led the nation’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph in London’s Whitehall, where thousands of veterans gathered to honour those who died serving their country.

The annual ceremony began with the traditional two-minute silence at 11am, followed by the Last Post and the laying of wreaths at the national war memorial. The UK Government’s National Service of Remembrance brought together members of the Royal Family, political leaders and representatives of the Armed Forces.

The King laid the first wreath, followed by members of the Royal Family, including Prince William. Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, watched proceedings from the Foreign Office balcony.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham also laid a wreath, alongside senior political leaders. An unusual feature of this year’s ceremony was the presence of nine former prime ministers: John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.

Thousands of veterans march through Whitehall

Around 10,000 veterans took part in the Royal British Legion’s annual Cenotaph Parade, representing more than 300 Armed Forces and civilian organisations.

The British Royal Family arrives at the Cenotaph in central London to attend the National Service of Remembrance https://t.co/TTKuFTEXpB

— Imperial Material (@ImplMaterial) November 8, 2026

Among those attending were some of Britain’s last surviving Second World War veterans, with organisers reporting that only around a dozen were expected to participate this year. Their presence offered a poignant reminder that the generation who witnessed the conflict first-hand is gradually disappearing.

Younger generations also took part, including bereaved children and military cadets, ensuring that remembrance continues beyond those who experienced war themselves.

London cabbies give veterans a free ride

Away from the formal ceremony, another remarkable tradition was taking place across the capital. Hundreds of London’s black cab drivers volunteered their time and vehicles to transport veterans to and from the Cenotaph, without charging a penny.

With the final livery applied today, the five liveried Cabs-for-Veterans met together for the first time together

Thank you to Ubiquitous for their generosity. https://t.co/MWdVOj2sVD

— Cabs-for-Veterans (@PoppyCabs) October 9, 2026

The initiative, now called Cabs-for-Veterans, was previously known as Poppy Cabs and has been operating since 2009.

Drivers collected veterans from major railway stations and other meeting points, taking them to Whitehall so they could attend the national service and march past. After the ceremony, taxis lined up on Westminster Bridge to take veterans home, back to their hotels or to railway stations.

The organisers arranged between 700 and 1,000 free taxi journeys during the morning operation, with drivers, taxi trainees and family members helping to coordinate the service.

The idea was funded entirely by the drivers themselves and is particularly valuable for older veterans and those with limited mobility. London’s black cabs are wheelchair accessible, helping people who might otherwise struggle to attend.

Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice

This year’s gathering once again brought together the Royal Family, political leaders, serving personnel, veterans and members of the public.

An incredible sight as the Household Cavalry and the Foot Guards marched from Wellington Barracks to Whitehall this morning for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.

🎥 @KingsGuardTours
📆 8 November 2026
📍 Wellington Barracks, London

#RemembranceSunday #Cenotaph #FootGuards #HouseholdCavalry #LestWeForget

— Kings Guard Tours (@KingsGuardTours) November 8, 2026

For the dwindling number of Second World War veterans able to attend, it was another opportunity to remember fallen comrades. For younger generations, it was a chance to demonstrate that their sacrifices have not been forgotten.

For British residents living in Spain, the annual ceremony also has a familiar connection. Remembrance Day continues to hold special meaning for Brits abroad, with communities across the country organising their own services and tributes.

And for the London cabbies giving up their Sunday, the message was simple: those who served should never be left behind.

Continue Reading

%

Mijas Families Need Support

Published

on

mijas-families-need-support

A few euros added at the supermarket till this weekend could help ensure families in Mijas have food on the table. Seventeen local supermarkets are taking part in Bancosol’s Great Collection on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, inviting shoppers to make a small donation while doing their usual shopping.

Easy ways to help

Rather than collecting tins and packets at the door, Bancosol is asking for financial donations this year. At the checkout, customers can tell the cashier how much they would like to give, and the amount is added to their receipt.

There is no set amount and no pressure to give. Whether someone can spare €1 or a little more, every contribution helps Bancosol buy the food its partner organisations need most.

Participating stores in Mijas include familiar names such as Mercadona, Carrefour and El Corte Ingles, so many residents will be able to take part during an ordinary shopping trip.

Helping neighbours in Mijas

Bancosol, the Costa del Sol Food Bank, currently supports 483 people in Mijas. Of these, 190 are children and young people.

Across the wider province, the organisation helps 20,589 people through 129 local charities and community groups. Of that total, 5,094 are minors.

For families already stretched by rising living costs, reliable access to everyday essentials can make a real difference. Financial donations allow Bancosol to buy items when they are needed, including fresh produce and products with shorter shelf lives.

Volunteers are always welcome

Bancosol is also looking for volunteers to help during the two-day collection. Volunteers will welcome customers, explain the campaign and let people know how they can donate at the till.

Shifts last approximately three to four hours and are available in the morning or afternoon. Some volunteers have already completed the necessary training, but more people are needed to cover all participating stores.

Anyone who would like to help can call 621 30 72 92 for information or to sign up.

A community effort

Mijas Town Council is supporting the campaign, together with the local association Sembrando Sonrisas Cosechando Felicidad, which translates as “Sowing Smiles, Harvesting Happiness”.

The initiative is part of Bancosol’s wider Great Collection across Malaga province, which will involve 285 supermarkets and aims to raise €450,000. The money is intended to help maintain food supplies for vulnerable households until spring.

Bancosol’s president, Diego Vazquez, has stressed that volunteers make a visible difference to the amount raised, particularly in smaller towns where fewer people may already know about the campaign.

For Mijas’s international community, the collection is an opportunity to support neighbours who may be having a difficult time. No specialist knowledge is needed, and a donation can be made in the same visit as a weekly food shop.

How to take part

– Visit a participating supermarket in Mijas on Friday, November 13 or Saturday, November 14.
– Ask the cashier to add a donation to your receipt.
– Consider volunteering for a morning or afternoon shift.
– Call 621 30 72 92 to find out more or register as a volunteer.

For more information on the wonderful work they do, visit the Bancosol official website. Every contribution, no matter the size, can help the families who need it most.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Spanish Property & News