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Orihuela Moves Ahead With €485,000 Park Upgrade To Transform Key Public Space

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The Ingeniero Juan Garcia park in Orihuela is set for a full renovation Credit: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela

Orihuela is moving forward with a major upgrade of one of its most used public spaces after launching a tender worth nearly €485,000 to fully renovate the Ingeniero Juan García park.

The project, announced in early April, aims to modernise the ageing park and improve safety, accessibility and usability for residents, with works expected to take around six months once construction begins.

A long-overdue renovation

Located next to Avenida Príncipe de Asturias, the park has seen heavy use over the years and is now showing clear signs of deterioration, particularly in its children’s play areas and sports facilities. Local officials described the intervention as necessary to bring the space up to modern standards and respond to current community needs. The project forms part of a wider strategy to improve public areas across Orihuela.

What will change in the park

The renovation plans include a complete overhaul of the children’s playground, with old equipment removed and replaced by new certified play structures and safety surfaces. The sports area will also be significantly upgraded. The existing multi-use court will be expanded to 44 by 22 metres, allowing for a wider range of activities, and will include new seating, protective fencing and ball-stop netting. In addition, the project introduces several new features designed to diversify how the park is used. These include a dog park equipped with agility elements and a decorative “dry fountain” with eight water jets and an underground tank.

New spaces for all ages

Beyond sports and play areas, the park will be redesigned to serve a broader range of visitors. Plans include the installation of pergolas, benches and leisure features such as pétanque courts, ping pong tables and game areas.

Walking surfaces throughout the park will be replaced with more durable and accessible materials, including concrete paving, stabilised earth and permeable flooring, helping to improve both comfort and drainage. Lighting will also be upgraded using energy-efficient LED systems, while irrigation improvements aim to optimise water use and support the maintenance of green areas.

Fully funded project with six-month timeline

The works are fully financed by the Generalitat Valenciana, with a base budget of €484,996. The tender process was opened at the start of April, and construction is expected to take approximately six months once awarded.

What this means for residents

For residents, the upgrade represents a significant improvement to a central community space that has struggled to keep pace with demand. Once completed, the park is expected to offer a more modern, accessible and versatile environment, supporting everything from family use and sport to social gatherings. As Orihuela continues investing in public infrastructure, the renovation signals a broader push to enhance everyday urban spaces across the municipality.

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British Couple’s Juice Empire In Spain Steals Spotlight On UK Television

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Stacey being quizzed on camera. Credit: EWN

Cameras rolled through the doors of Andajuicya juice bar in Alhaurin el Grande on Friday, April 17, as part of a popular UK television programme that follows British people who have moved to Spain.

Producers chose the location to interview Andi and Stacey about the rapid growth of their cold-pressed juice enterprise and them making success of moving to a whole new life in southern Spain.

Nationwide deliveries bring healthy options to hotels and workplaces

Andajuicya now distributes fresh juices right across Spain. Hotels and companies order regular supplies so staff members enjoy tasty, nutrient-rich drinks that support daily fitness and wellbeing. Customers appreciate the absence of additives and the focus on pure ingredients pressed daily. Employers love the idea that this little extra they give to their staff will go a long way to keeping them healthy, and, of course, in shape for work.

Cafe draws visitors from every corner of Andalusia

People travel from far and wide to experience the cafe at Andajuicya in the Malaga Province town of Alhaurin el Grande. Expat families and local Spanish residents drop in for revitalising juices combined with nourishing meals. Stacey explains their approach clearly. “When we were first starting, everyone was advising we do English breakfasts and bangers and mash. But, Andi and I don’t eat those things. We do things like sausage meat muffins and sausage and bacon pancakes, but we use the best locally-sourced ingredients, and it’s all homemade,” she says. Flavours remain familiar yet every dish receives careful preparation with only the best produce and ending with a fresh juice chaser.

Expansion into franchises and retreats

Andajuicya is now branching out and developing franchise opportunities as well as launching wellness retreats inside the Guadalhorce Valley. This area has gained fame over centuries for rich soil that yields abundant fresh produce ideal for juice recipes. Early interest from British television channels confirms the couple’s achievements as they launch what promises to become the major success story that Spain has been waiting for.

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Fireta Del Llibre Brings Culture And Activities To Santa Pola

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Santa Pola book fair features readings, awards and family activities. Photo Credit: Kate Bezzubets / Unsplash

Santa Pola is gearing up to celebrate the 4th edition of the Fireta del Llibre on Sunday, April 26, turning the heart of the town into a vibrant meeting point for readers, writers and culture lovers. The literary event, held in Santa Pola, will run throughout the morning with activities designed for all ages and a strong focus on encouraging reading among children and young people.

Children’s events, recognitions for readers, author signings, and delicious food

During the event, children will be able to enjoy a creative space of wooden recreational games organised by Jocs de Fusta, offering an accessible and playful introduction to the festival atmosphere. The programme will continue just before noon with the awards ceremony for “The Most Readers 2025”, recognising the most dedicated young readers from the municipality’s libraries.

One of the highlights of the day will take place from noon to 2:00pm with “The Literary Reed”, an interdisciplinary session combining live readings by local library users, music by CHAMÁN, and a popular food and drink offer of a beer or soft drink with a tapa for just €2. The session will also include book signings by popular local authors, strengthening the connection between writers and their community.

Visitors will also find bookstalls from Guilló, Sarai, Sonidos y Letras and El Morenet, offering a wide selection of titles and new discoveries. The municipal library stands will present Fanzine Arte_Fact_0, the first youth magazine in Santa Pola, while language promotion will be led by AVIVA Santa Pola, supported by Generalitat Valenciana, along with Som Cultura Santa Pola and the Xarxa de Biblioteques Municipals de Santa Pola.

A bookish event for the whole family

The Fireta del Llibre in Santa Pola continues to grow as a key cultural event, reinforcing its role as a meeting point for literature lovers across the region. Families are encouraged to participate in the Fireta freely and explore all scheduled events throughout the morning, in an event that is sure to inspire readers and writers from all over the municipality and beyond.

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Trailblazing BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw Dies At 66

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Radio One DJ Andy Kershaw Rest in Peace. Credit: AK X

Andy Kershaw passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 66. His family confirmed the sad news, stating he died around 7.30pm on Thursday evening following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Pioneering broadcaster who championed world music

Kershaw gained fame through his long-running BBC Radio 1 show from 1985 to 2000, where he introduced listeners to global sounds and indie acts they might otherwise never have heard. Many remember his distinctive northern voice and passionate storytelling on air. He often played sessions back to back with John Peel, giving entire evenings of rare sounds to music fans not interested in the regular pop usually favoured by BBC Radio One.

He also notably presented coverage of Live Aid in 1985 and continued broadcasting across BBC platforms for decades, including Radio 3 and documentaries.

In 2025, cancer affected his spine and left him unable to walk. Doctors diagnosed the condition last summer, with a public announcement in January 2026. Kershaw underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments while maintaining positive spirits and plans for more podcasts.

Tributes pour in from fans and colleagues

Social media users quickly shared memories of his impact. One X post noted: “A truly unique voice who introduced so many of us to incredible music from around the world. His passion and storytelling made him unforgettable. Rest in peace, Andy.

Another user wrote: “He did a lot for African and world music and indie bands back in the ’80s when it was rare to hear an unashamedly northern accent on the BBC.”

A further tribute highlighted his influence: “Andy Kershaw and Charlie Gillet were two wonderful souls and millions of music fans… credit them with broadening our musical horizons… their beautiful influence goes on.”

Hundreds of fans have been sending messages of condolences as well to his older sister and co-BBC radio presenter Liz Kershaw.

Born in Rochdale in 1959, Kershaw built a career that opened doors for non-Western artists in British radio. Colleagues and listeners recall his dedication to eclectic playlists and global discoveries.

Legacy lives on through recordings and podcasts

Kershaw’s later podcast revived elements of his classic shows, allowing new generations to experience his selections. Family members, including sister Liz Kershaw, also a broadcaster, have received messages of support.

His death marks the end of an era for those who delight in world music and alternative radio. Many express gratitude for the sonic journeys, the tales behind them, and the magic discoveries he provided over nearly three decades at the BBC. Kershaw leaves behind two children.

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