Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 77 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 3 Issue 77 www.gibraltarolivepress.com August 15th - August 28th 2018

Pension shocker

THE EGG TEST Everyone has heard the claims that Andalucia is hot enough to cook an egg on the pavement in the summer... we visited the ‘Frying pan of Spain’ to test out the theory,

EXCLUSIVE By Luke Madeira

BRITISH pensioners in Spain claim to have lost more than a fifth of their spending power over the last two years as a direct result of Brexit. Richard Hill, vice president of Brexpats in Spain, claims plummeting exchange rates, taxes and a rise in the cost of living have caused significant income losses. It comes as the pound sunk to a new low of just 1.10 to the euro last week, as worries of a hard Brexit magnified. The pensioner, who claims he’s around 22% ‘worse off’ since the referendum, believes expats will struggle regardless of whatever deal is reached ahead of Britain’s exit from the EU. The pensioner added: “The significant problem at this stage with Brexit is the fluctuating exchange rate. “Obviously fluctuations are normal, however the steady downward trend is seriously affecting people.”

Plummet

It comes after the Rabobank in London warned that a nodeal Brexit could end in euro-sterling parity, while last week saw the pound plummet to an eight-month low. British expat Karen Watling, from Sheffield, claims she has lost as much as a third of her monthly budget. “Over two years this has caused us problems financially,” she told the Olive Press. “Prices and commodities have also risen so it has been like a double hit.” The exchange rate was an avTurn to page 4

August 15th - August 28th 2018

SEE CRACKING JOB PAGE 6

Olive Press probe discovers lethal painkiller Nolotil for sale in Gibraltar EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez, Luke Madeira & Laurence Dollimore

LETHAL painkiller Nolotil is being sold in Gibraltar despite being banned in the UK and other parts of Europe. It comes after a two-year Olive Press investigation in Spain linked the drug to at least 10 deaths of British and northern European patients. The drug - also known as Metamizole - is believed to attack the immune system by depleting the patient’s white blood cells. While not yet banned in Spain it is currently under investigation, following our probe, and is unlicenced in the UK, US, France, Australia and elsewhere. Incredibly though, the Olive Press this week found a number of pharmacies still apparently handing out the drug on the Rock. An undercover Olive Press journalist was told the drug

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NoloTil VicTory

EXclUSiVE By Elisa menendez

The dad-of-two later died from septic shock – believed to be linked to taking the Nolotil. BritAnother ish expat Hugh Wilcox was prescribed the same for medication shoulder mild pain on the Costa del Sol. developed severe head Continues on Page

loomS

AN Olive Press health campaign has led to ‘the biggest’ drug probes in Spanish history. Our investigation into the mysterious deaths of expats from the painkiller Nolotil last year, is finally being acted on. In a landmark breakthrough, a national probe is expected to lead to new regulation of the drug, which is banned in the UK and most of Europe. “It has been a long time in coming and by raising so much awareness, I am sure lives have already been saved,” medical and legal translator Cristina Garcia del Campo told the Olive Press. The medical professional found our 1000-strong petition online and took it forward after one of her patients died from TRAGIC: Graeme Ward with wife Mary (left) and the drug. “Spain wants to help, Billy Smyth, who both died from Nolotil

need for more research

fully supports Dental Care in Marbella, Dr Nina King, of Oasis Olive Press the drug is not something the campaign, telling the medication,” she prescribes. stick to safe and standarddo, it’s a drug “It’s not a drug I use, I what damage it can she said, “And after seeing future.” I won’t be using in the doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón Marbella-based private drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe Almeda also agrees theOlive Press, “I have lots of British pathe drug,” she told theof what it is capable of doing. tients and I am aware more research on its impact.” “There needs to be a lot

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that’s for sure. I have had support from every healthcare professional I have spoken to. “If I hadn’t come across your article I wouldn’t have realised what was happening to the English community,” she added. We launched our ‘Kill the Drug’ campaign against the painkiller last August, after learning that dozens of British and Irish expats had died after their immune systems were allegedly destroyed by the commonly prescribed drug. A trio of families told us how their relatives had died unnecessarily in excruciating pain. Yet, authorities refused to take our claims seriously, despite the evidence being backed up by local doctors. Fortunately, Ali-

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cante-based Garcia del Campo spotted our campaign, while working with an Irish expat who suddenly became critically ill with sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis after taking the drug. He died later in November. Book with the coast’s most trusted transfer company

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Vol. 11 Issue 271

Save our home!

EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

A BRITISH expat couple are fighting to save their Malaga home from demolition over a technicality. Gill and Bob Ward, both 74, have been locked in a battle with their town hall, which claims their house in Almayate is illegal. Just yesterday the retired couple from Cornwall were given

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August 2nd - August 15th 2017

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THE Olive Press is giving away pairs of tickets for two of the best three concerts on the Costa del Sol this summer... And all you have to do is answer two simple questions!

Michael Bolton takes to the stage for an emotive end of season night at Marbella’s Puente Romano on August 10, while pona is set for its biggest rock concert Estein years with mammoth

Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

tribute bands Think Floyd, Deeper Purple Whole Lotta Led rocking out the greatest and hits of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Led at the Plaza del Toros on August 26. Zeppelin For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Bolton, just answer the question; what year was Michael Bolton born in? For the Pink Purple Zep Fest in Estepona, tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? just Email answers to the newsdesk@theolivepress.es.

Kill ThE drug

THE Olive Press is calling on Spain to ban a lethal painkiller that is killing countless of unsuspecting expats. British dentists and doctors are supporting the ban after Briton Graham Ward, 75, complained to the Olive Press of how he was prescribed the deadly Nolotil drug by a dentist last week. It’s the very one month to knock down their same drug that was blamed only property (pictured above). for killing his wife in 2006. In a court order seen by the The Marbella-based expat Olive Press, the Wards are was furious when he was told warned they will be held crimito take the painkiller by his nally responsible if they refuse. Spanish dentist, after suffer“I don’t know what to do anying from a difficult abscess. more, I’m at the end of my His wife Mary, 59, had died aftether” Gill told the Olive Press, ter being prescribed the same “I’m totally exhausted from the drug following a double vasecwhole ordeal.” tomy at Costa del Sol Hospital. The retired pair, who have now “Within 24 hours she was spent thousands of euros on lein intensive care, her white gal costs, bought the old farmblood cell count plummeted house ‘in ruins’ in 2004, and to zero within days,” explains were given permission from Graham, a former computer HAPPIER TIMES: Graham with Velez-Malaga town hall to retechnician, from London. wife, and Billy Smyth build it. She never regained conscious- again. But when the original wall colMetamizole, Nolotil is banned ness and was on a life support “He said she would lapsed of its own accord during machine for FOUR months, she hadn’t taken it, be alive if in the US, the UK, Ireland and construction, the Wards’ archibefore spending three years heard from dozensbut I have most of Europe, but it is pretect told them it would be fine fighting the impact of the and Irish who have of Brits scribed widely in Spain. and that he would let the town William drug, which led to organ fail- it,” added Graeme. been given Irishman ‘Billy’ hall know. Unfortunately for Smyth was given a five-day ure. It is the third victim “The chief surgeon at the hos- drug the Olive Press of the course of the drug in FebruContinues on Page 8 has re- ary. pital promised me he would ported on in under But when the 66-year-old renever prescribe that drug Sometimes knowna year. also as turned to a different Spanish

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Dr Nina King, of Oasis Dental Care the campaign, telling the Olive Pressin Marbella, fully supports the drug is not something she prescribes. “It’s not a drug I use, I stick to safe and standard medication,” she said, “And after seeing what damage it can do, it’s a drug I won’t be using in the future.” Marbella-based private doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón Almeda also agrees the drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe the drug,” she told the Olive Press, tients and I am aware of what it is “I have lots of British pacapable of doing. “There needs to be a lot more research on its impact.” doctor to get a renewal in April, tests showed the drug had caused a toxic poisoning in his bone marrow and his white blood cell was dangerously low. Billy, a keen sportsman, developed sepsis and necrotising fasciitis as a result and required ‘radical surgery’ to remove the affected tissue in an attempt to save his life.

The dad-of-two later died from septic shock – believed to be linked to taking the Nolotil. Another British expat Hugh Wilcox was prescribed the same medication for mild shoulder pain on the Costa del Sol. He developed severe head Continues on Page 2

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Nolotil, or Metamizol, is still one of the most popular painkillers in Spain, yet the most feared side effect is agranulocytosis, a severe and rapid drop in white blood cells, which leaves patients unable to fight infections. Garcia del Campo noticed that a large number of other English

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doctor to get a renewal in April, tests showed the drug had caused a toxic poisoning in his bone marrow and his white blood cell was dangerously low. Billy, a keen sportsman, developed sepsis and necrotising fasciitis as a result and to required ‘radical surgery’ in remove the affected tissue life. an attempt to save his

EXCLUSIVE: Poems from Gibraltar soldier locked up in Andalucia prison for murder

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Deeper Purple and tribute bands Think Floyd,out the greatest hits Whole Lotta Led rocking and Led Zeppelin of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple August 26. at the Plaza del Toros on pair of tickets to see For a chance to win a question; what year Bolton, just answer the in? was Michael Bolton bornFest in Estepona, just For the Pink Purple Zep Page born? Email Pink Purple Zep Fest tickets tell us; Where was Jimmy s.es. WIN WIN WIN: Bolton and answers to the newsdesk@theolivepres

on THE Olive Press is calling Spain to ban a lethal painkiller of unthat is killing countless suspecting expats. doctors British dentists and afare supporting the ban 75, ter Briton Graham Ward, Press complained to the Olive the of how he was prescribed a dendeadly Nolotil drug by very tist last week. It’s the blamed same drug that was their one month to knock down for killing his wife in 2006. above). expat only property (pictured by the The Marbella-based told In a court order seen was furious when he was are by his Olive Press, the Wardscrimito take the painkiller sufferwarned they will be heldrefuse. Spanish dentist, after from a difficult abscess. afnally responsible if they do anying died “I don’t know what to of my His wife Mary, 59, had same more, I’m at the end Press, ter being prescribed thevasectether” Gill told the Olive the drug following a double “I’m totally exhausted from tomy at Costa del Sol Hospital. was whole ordeal.” “Within 24 hours shewhite now The retired pair, who haveon lein intensive care, her spent thousands of euros farmblood cell count plummeted and Billy Smyth gal costs, bought the old and to zero within days,” explains HAPPIER TIMES: Graham with wife, banned house ‘in ruins’ in 2004,from Graham, a former computer Metamizole, Nolotil is UK, Ireland and were given permission to reagain. technician, from London. alive if in the US, the but it is preVelez-Malaga town hall “He said she would be She never regained conscioussupport she hadn’t taken it, but I have most of Europe, build it. ness and was on a life scribed widely in Spain. ‘Billy’ colfrom dozens of Brits Irishman But when the original wall William machine for FOUR months, during given years heard five-day lapsed of its own accord archibefore spending threeof the and Irish who have been Smyth was given a Februconstruction, the Wards’be fine it,” added Graeme. fighting the impact course of the drug in which led to organ fail- It is the third victim of the ary. tect told them it would town drug, the Olive Press has re- But when the 66-year-old reand that he would let the for ure. hos- drug hall know. Unfortunately different Spanish “The chief surgeon at thewould ported on in under a year. also as turned to a 8 pital promised me he drug Sometimes known Continues on Page never prescribe that

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away three THE Olive Press is giving of the best conpairs of tickets for two this summer... certs on the Costa del Solanswer two simAnd all you have to do is ple questions! the stage for an Michael Bolton takes to at Marbella’s emotive end of season night10, while EstePuente Romano on Augustconcert in years rock pona is set for its biggest with mammoth

Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil

are A BRITISH expat couple Malaga fighting to save their over a home from demolition technicality. 74, Gill and Bob Ward, both a battle have been locked in which with their town hall, claims their house in Almayate is illegal. couJust yesterday the retiredgiven ple from Cornwall were

www.theolivepress.es

and Irish patients had been suffering with sepsis at hospitals along the Costa Blanca. “I thought, this can’t be normal,” explained the translator, from Madrid. And after looking at patients’ notes, she found that each had one thing in common - they were all taking Nolotil. Although manufacturers list side effects such as agranulocytosis, necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis, they are considered ‘very rare’ affecting one in every 10,000. The figures did not seem to add up to Garcia del Campo so she set about doing her own research. However, no information existed in Spanish media. The only articles she could find on the drug and its lethal side effects was in the Olive Press. “I was in disbelief,” continued the Javea-based translator, who lived in the UK for 18 years. “I thought this was surely wellknown and someone was doing something about it. Except it wasn’t. “I felt I had to inform Spain Continues on Page 2

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was available or ‘sometimes in stock’ in at least three pharmacies. An employee at Wesley Phar-

macy told a journalist he could be given the painkiller with a prescription. A parallel investigation by GBC found six pharmacies selling the drug, and was able to buy a packet for £2.50. The Gibraltar government is now looking into several pharmacies for illegally selling the painkiller. It came after one Gibraltarian, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was sold the drug at a pharmacy in March without a prescription. “The man just sold it to me and

said with the amount of pain I was in it would be stronger,” she told the Olive Press this week. “I was also taking 600mg ibuprofen and 500mg paracetamol but he suggested I should take the Nolotil instead of paracetamol.” Another Gibraltar resident also confirmed she took the drug on the Rock. “I go to the chemist and just buy them, never heard of needing a prescription,” she said. After we launched a campaign to have the drug regulated

Beach cam fail

A SERIES of new beach webcams are being bizarrely turned off at night. The government claims the switch off from 10pm to 7am is due to ‘data protection’ issues, not to protect late night illegality. It was forced to give the reason, after being accused of protecting smugglers who were allegedly filmed Eastern Beach on the first night they were operational. According to GBC, one of the six new cameras recorded a group of men tobacco smuggling at the beach. The government insists this is entirely untrue and uses other ‘more sophisticated, intelligence-led’ measures to stop smuggling. The live camera feeds, similar to the ones at the border, allow beach-goers to check for up-to-date conditions and access updates on weather conditions.

in Spain last summer, health campaigner Cristina Garcia del Campo took up the cause and has managed to take our case studies and around 100 more to the country’s top health chiefs. A decision on whether to bring in new regulations is imminent. It came after we reported how the drug left several British expats dead or fighting for their lives. Benalmadena-based Hugh Wilcock, 80, had to plan his own funeral after being prescribed the drug for pain relief following several back operations. But six weeks into taking the pills, he developed sores on his forehead and felt weaker and weaker until he had to be rushed to Malaga’s University hospital, where he remained in intensive care for weeks until his immune system recovered. He is just one of dozens who have been brought close to death. The Gibraltar government did not get back to us as we went to press last night.

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

NEWS IN BRIEF

Migrant preparation THE PALACE of Sports Vista Alegre de Córdoba is being prepared to provide shelter for the 220 migrants who recently arrived in Patera as the situation is deemed a migratory emergency.

Drugs bust POLICE have seized six kilograms of marijuana, two kilograms of hashish, 278 grams of hash oil, and some packages of narcotics in a private smoking club on the Costa del Sol, arresting six.

Security fraud POLICIA Nacional have discovered a fraud of over two million euros over Social Security funds conducted by 21 companies in Malaga and Granada. Eight businessmen and managers were arrested.

Seriously ill Briton locked up with terrorists after being fingered for 1.5 TONNES of hashish found at holiday rental home A BRITISH businessman is seriously ill in an Andalucian prison having been accused of drug smuggling. Robert Anthony MansfieldHewitt, 51, was arrested after police swooped on his rental home during a short business trip to Gibraltar two months ago. The consultant engineer, who insists he is innocent, has yet to be charged over the 1.5 tonnes of hashish police found in the garage of the villa he rented through Airbnb. He insists he has absolutely ‘no connection’ to the drugs that were being stored at the rental in Campamento, in San Roque. The owner of the villa, the Olive Press understands, was charged for importing cocaine into Gibraltar last year. In the case, that has strange parallels to the plight of Scottish student Robbie McMiller, Mansfield-Hewitt was woken up and ‘dragged out of bed practically naked at gunpoint’ by police officers at 8.30pm on June 27. Colleagues and

crime

August 15th - August 28th 2018

Trapped in hell EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

friends told the Olive Press that Mansfield-Hewitt, who has a PhD and no criminal record, is an ‘innocent man’ and has been wrongfully imprisoned. They added that the Chichester-based engineer is currently in a critical condition and is being held in the medical wing at Botafuegos prison in Algeciras - a dangerous jail, which notoriously houses a number of Basque ETA terrorists. The Brit, a consultant at electrical company Genco Holdings Ltd in Gibraltar, who regularly travels to the Rock, suffers from severe liver disease Ascites and walks with a cane. His PA, Pilar June Ford, 54, said she was ‘horrified’ when she received a call from her boss screaming at La Linea police station. She told the Olive Press: “He was at the station shouting ‘please help me, help me, bring me clothes, there’s loads of

drugs in the house.’ It was horrible. “I rushed there with a huge bag of medication, which he needs to take daily for his illness.” After spending two days in a cell, he appeared in front of a judge at San Roque court before being sent to Botafuegos prison. Ford is concerned he has not been receiving the correct medication, after he collapsed in shock as his ‘body started to shut down’ on the way to prison. He was rushed to ICU at Hospital Punta de Europa where his survival chances were described as ‘touch and go’. “The doctor said he hadn’t been given his medication and his liver was functioning at just 15%. His heartbeat was almost non-existent and he was delirious.” His lawyer Jose Maria Castro Escudero believes he is now being administered the correct medication, but still remains in a critical condition. The nightmare began after police were alerted to the stash after following a man of Moroccan nationality, who pulled up outside the property and attempted to get into the garage. Police found 48 packets of hashish weighing around 33 kilos each, or almost 1.5 tonnes. If found guilty he could be sentenced to up to six years in a Spanish prison. According to his lawyer he is ‘fighting every day to free Robert’ and get him bail, meaning he would likely have to report to police once a month while he awaits his trial. The lawyer revealed that a judge is set to visit MansfieldHewitt on Thursday and will make a decision following the meeting.

082

Stories and features in this edition of Gibraltar’s original community newspaper

Manhunt after car explodes

A MANHUNT is underway for the owner and CAGED: Mansfield-Hewitt passengers of a car which exploded just metres from Escudero added: “He doesn’t hundreds of tourists in have anything to do with this. Marbella. He was in the wrong place at Expats and locals reportthe wrong time. ed a huge explosion with “They don’t have a single piece footage showing tourists of evidence that links him to fleeing the hotspot while the drugs, only that he was clo- billowing smoke could be seby. seen from miles away. “There’s no photo or CCTV In the bizarre incident the footage that shows him going into the garage and he didn’t driver’s Audi Q7 shot up in flames at the entrance have a car.” Meanwhile, the villa owner, to Puerto Banus port. who is believed to be Gibral- “It was a massive explotarian, has not been arrested sion and really scary,” and is believed to be lying low a receptionist at nearby on the Rock. The other guest Benabola Hotel told the staying at the property that Olive Press. “Everyone night was also arrested, yet it panicked until we realised is unclear if he had any knowl- it was just a car outside.” edge of the stash in the garage. The owner of the car has Ford meanwhile slammed now been identified as a Airbnb for the lack of back- Moroccan man who reground checks carried out on sides in Europe, although hosts who list their property it is not known if he was on the site. Airbnb confirmed one of the four passengers it is ‘investigating the property in the vehicle at the time. owner’s account’ and has since deleted the accommodation He was identified by his listing. A spokesperson for the port key, which is used British Consulate told the Olive to gain access to Banus’s Press: “We are assisting a Brit- front line. ish man following his arrest You usually need to own in Cádiz in July, and our staff a boat to have a key but are in contact with the Spanish there are a limited number of extra keys available police.” Police failed to comment in for a substantial fee. time for press. Investigators want to know why the men fled the scene while fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the flames. They have said the task will be difficult given that the vehicle was reduced to a ‘tangle of twisted metal.’ Further tests are being conducted as the investigation continues. An Olive Press source revealed that the port authority believed that the fire could have been caused by a faulty airbag or battery.

Bombay smack

A GREEK man tried to smuggle more than five kilos of heroin through Malaga airport by coating it with curry. The suspect was rumbled after a search by Guardia Civil discovered his suitcase had a double bottom. The 39-year-old had arrived from Swaziland, via Doha, and intended to continue to Barcelona by bus. But cops at Malaga airport conducted a search after seeing the suspect was acting suspiciously and noticing that the suitcase reeked of curry but only contained clothes. Inside they found four grills covered in curry sauce, a ‘clear intention to confuse sniffer dogs’. Underneath were 5,519 grams of heroin in a false compartment.

SMOKE: From miles away

Ne ws

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

August 15th - August 28th 2018

EXPAT: I’m Escobar’s love child

ON FORM: Dua Lipa

Popping out in Palomo POP sensation Dua Lipa is the latest celebrity to don the sexy clothes of Spanish designer Alejandro Gomez Palomo. The One Kiss singer wowed audiences at a concert in Toronto in a revealing bespoke two piece outfit by the Cordoba-born designer. The satin pleated mini skirt and matching knot-tied crop top, encrusted with mini gems was the perfect match for her Number One hits. Palomo has already made headlines this year after Beyonce famously wore the designer’s dress in her first official photo with her newborn twins. The Andalucian designer cites the classic Cordoba style of ruffles and rich colours, as one of his biggest inspirations.

Starry night THE stars were out in force for the annual Starlite Gala in Marbella. Malaga native Antonio Banderas and his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel were among the first to arrive to the event which included a host of other stars including John Corbett and Bo Derek (right).

Spain-based Brit is writing a book about his links to notorious cocaine king Pablo Escobar A BRITISH expat claims he is the love child of notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. Mallorca-based Phillip Witcomb, 53, is penning a book about his life as Roberto Sendoya Escobar, who was seized from his Columbian drug lord father in the 1960s.

By Laurence Dollimore

The artist was later adopted by a British couple in Bogota, the capital of Escobar’s infamous crime operation. His new parents had to later hire a private security team because members of the Escobar family allegedly tried to kidnap him on several occasions. The privately-educated Brit is now penning a biography which he wants to serve as a prequel to hit Netflix series Narcos.

Empire

NOTORIOUS: Escobar

Daddy cool

The popular TV show chronicles the rise and fall of his alleged father’s drug smuggling empire. Witcomb claims his adoptive father told him he was Escobar’s son when he reached his 20s. “In reality, I hadn’t really heard of Pablo then, so wasn’t really aware of what he’d done,” he revealed.

SON?: Phillip Witcomb

“But when dad told me about everything, I honestly couldn’t believe it. It all came as a complete shock and made me rethink my life.” Witcomb doesn’t have a birth certificate to prove his story but a baptism certificate shows that he was born to a Maria Lucia Sendoya and lists his father as ‘Pablo Escobar’. According to the document, he was placed in a Catholic orphanage before being adopted at four months old by his current parents.

Roughing it for inspiration RISING British star George Ezra has revealed how he lived with a stranger in a ramshackle house in Spain for inspiration for his new album Staying at Tamara’s. The Brit-award nominee moved to Barcelona for a month where he roughed it in a house that was littered with broken glass and bikes with no wheels. “I thought it would be a good idea to find a stranger on the internet

and go and live with them,” he said. “It wasn’t until I landed that I thought ‘what the f***’ are you doing man? Why are you doing this?” He continued: “I met my host and she took me upstairs and there was broken glass all over the floor and bikes without wheels. “I was thinking this is a bad idea man but it turned out to be the best thing for myself and the album.” Snubbing teams of songwriters and

producers, George preferred to go it alone to help him create an original and honest sound. The 25-year-old is fast-becoming a household name thanks to his first ever No.1 Shotgun still riding the radio waves despite being released back in May.

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HE may be knocking on for his seventh decade, but megastar Richard Gere is to become a father again. The 68-year-old Hollywood legend is having a child with Spanish wife Alejandra Silva, 35, it has been claimed. It comes after the couple tied the knot in Spain earlier this year after four years of dating. It is not yet known whether the baby will be born in Spain or the US. Richard has an 18-year-old son Homer from his marriage to second wife Carey Lowell, while Galician Alejandra has a five-year-old son Alberto from her first marriage to Govind Friedland.

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Fountain damage INSTALLATION of decorative lighting in the Plaza de los Naranjos in Marbella was halted after it was found that a construction worker damaged a historic fountain ‘by mistake.’

Ninja robber A SERIAL robber of supermarkets in Sevilla, dressed in all black, was arrested again while threatening the employees of a supermarket with a large knife.

Baby Cheques MALAGA is accepting applications for its ‘baby cheque,’ scheme which provides economic aid to low-income families.

Lifeguard booths MARBELLA has installed 15 new lifeguard booths with better visibility and a radio system in order to increase safety and improve communication among lifeguards.

A LEADING law firm has warned expats are facing an uncertain future as the possibility of a no-deal Brexit starts to become reality. Immigration advisory firm Fragomen has warned Brits may have to comply with ‘different rules on length of stay, salaries and

NEWS

August 15th - August 28th 2018

Expat warning qualifications’ depending on the country they live in. The company believes that some could be treated as ‘third-party nationals’. “How will British people who need to work in Europe get

their permission? Will they need to wait months for a work permit, like non-Europeans do in a lot of European locations? Should they be ready to be told their partners can’t work in countries

like France and Belgium if they aren’t married? What will the cost be? We need answers now.” Small businesses will also face increased pressure as employment costs rise, and the EU’s lack of clarity on regulation and transition periods is heightening tensions.

Sextortion

Gibraltar webcam hackers demanding Bitcoin from victims after ‘recording them watching porn’ A NEW email scam is seeing fraudsters demand money from the public, claiming to have footage of the victims watching pornographic material. The criminals are demanding payment in bitcoin, and if payment is not made within 24 hours they threaten to send the footage to their list of contacts.

Victims

Victims are being sent their own passwords as proof their computers have been hacked, but in reality the

data has most likely been obtained from third party breaches and not from individual computers or emails. The RGP has been probing the claims and stress there are no reports of the threats being carried out after the demand period had ended. They add that the scam has also been seen in the UK where there have been over 110 reported cases. Police advise anybody subject to the scam to change any passwords immediately, cover their webcams when they are not being used and if money has been exchanged

In peril From front page

erage 1.24 in 2014 before climbing to an average 1.38 in 2015. However the year of the referendum saw the average fall to 1.22 before falling again to 1.14 in 2017. This year so far has been lower at 1.13 and it currently stands at 1.12. Brexpats in Spain has called for a government-run internet bank offering basic current accounts, debit cards and the option to carry out international and national transfers online. The group even suggests ordering RBS - the only bank in the UK in which the government has a stake - to provide a basic facility for expats without a UK address.

Lynx deaths

HACKERS: Attacking Gibraltarians

to report it to the RGP’s Economic Crime Unit. Visit https://haveibeen-

pwned.com/ for more information as well as https:// www.actionfraud.police.uk/.

AT least 10 Iberian lynxes have been killed on Andalucia’s roads this year. The rising death toll is already three higher than the seven, which were killed throughout the whole of 2017. In one of the worst months for the world’s most threatened wild cat two have already died. A two-year-old female lynx was found dead in Jaén, while a male cub was found slain in Córdoba. The Iberian lynx is the world’s most endangered feline species, and according to the latest census, only 589 now remain in the world.

NATIONAL HEALTH NEWS FOR EXPAT’S

NEWS

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HUNDREDS of revellers have raved away at Gibraltar’s fifth annual Electronic Music Festival. Visitors flocked to the Victoria Stadium to see Disciples, from London, headline the event, while other acts included DJ and producer WAYNE and DJ Dan Garcia.

Spain’s new PP leader accused of falsifying his Masters degree THE new leader of the PP party, Pablo Casado is being probed over faking a master’s degree. An investigation, dubbed ‘Caso Master’, has been launched over the law degree he received from Madrid’s Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) in 2009. Madrid’s Supreme Court is investigating whether he has a case to answer over irregularities and corruption. It comes after a Madridbased judge found irregularities in Casado’s qualification, which he obtained

PHOTOS BY DORAN TORRES

Electric night!

Faking it

while being regional deputy for the Partido Popular. He has since admitted he did not attend classes or take exams, while the university waived more than 80% of his coursework.

Innocent

He claims that he is entirely innocent and has offered to hand his then-computer to the judge, in order to avoid having to give evidence. If found guilty, Casado, 37, will face crimes relating to accepting a gift offered due

UNDER FIRE: Pablo Casado

to one’s public position and abetting unlawful decisions by civil servants. This is the second fake degree scandal the PP has faced this year. Former president of Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes was forced to resign in April when it was revealed she had failed to complete her master’s qualification at the very same university. There are now seven people from URJC, including teachers and former students, being investigated in relation to the degree, reported El Pais.

Gib boat migrants taken in by Spain SPAIN has agreed to accept refugees from the Gibraltarregistered Aquarius rescue boat for a second time. Some 60 migrants will be allowed on Spanish shores, while Portugal, France, Germany and Luxembourg will share the remaining 81 people on the boat. The vessel, from the Rock, was once again denied entry to Italy, although Malta have allowed the vessel to “enter its ports despite having no legal obligation to do so.”

Supportive

A tweet from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s account said: “Spain has coordinated a pioneering agreement with six countries to distribute the reception of Aquarius people. “It has been possible thanks to the path that we undertook in June, promoting a common and supportive response to the migratory flows. Spain will welcome 60 people.” The Spanish government is so far the only country to unconditionally accept migrants before today, but that may change as government officials refuse to become the main refugee route into Eu

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www.gibraltarolivepress.com The Rock’s only investigative

local newspaper

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly.

OPINION WHEN you book a couple of nights stay at an Airbnb holiday home, you don’t think twice that the owner could be a drug trafficker. It is also beyond belief that a drug stash found at the property could be pinned on you, when the only PaRiS, ViLniuS, link is be temporarily fRance 35Cthat you just happened toLiThuania 29C staying there. It is doubly outrageous then that this has happened to an apparently innocent British man who is now fighting for his life in a dangerous Algeciras prison. Meanwhile, the owner of the property, who has a criminal history relating to drugs, is walking free. Airbnb needs to do more stringent background checks on people that offer their home publicly to protect holidaymakers. And, of course, so do the police. This has all the hallmarks of a serious miscarriage of justice. eveNiNg staNdard Friday 3 august 2018

Cause for concern IT is deeply concerning that the lethal painkiller Nolotil has been handed out so willingly in Gibraltar for years. The drug has been banned in the UK for years and this is also the case on the Rock. The revelations come despite two years of campaigning by this paper to bring to light its potentially fatal side effects for those of British and northern European descent. Considering how many Brits live and work on the Rock, knows how many may have been impacmeans a risk to life — forwho Italy, Croatia and Switzerland. ted without Here, the Met Office is advisingeven realising. holidaymakers to keep out of the midday sun asLet’s well as being sensiblethe at hope government probe uncovers how home. London was set to bask in warm sunshine this weekend, as Ms Mitchell these pharmacies were able to sell an unlicensed predicted temperatures in the capital could hit 32 today, possibly 33, and 30 orthebetter yet, how doctors were able to on Saturdayproduct, and 29 on Sunday, with high 20s across England. prescribe it.

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Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

pictured left. It was initially thought the shark had survived and been returned to the sea following the drama. But emergency services confirmed that these reports were incorrect and it had died.

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With temperatures hotting up to 46C the Olive Press made an egg-cellent trip to the ‘frying pan of Spain’

S Brits are being warned of scorching temperatures this month in holiday destinations around Spain, thank your lucky stars you're not in Écija, or the ‘frying pan of Spain’. | News Nestled in the heart of Andalucia, rumour AndAluciA has it this little, historic town received its name because it gets so hot you can fry an egg on the pavement. sizzling: journalist maDRiD, Laurence Just an hour's drive Dollimore frying 40C SPain on a marble from Sevilla, Écija is bench in Écija famously dubbed by Cooking eggs in the LiLLe, Spaniards as 32C the hotfRance ‘frying pan of Spain’ test part of the counBut another resident, Elisa try – where forecastMaria Cepas, 50, has Menendez different advice for locals ers in the summer struggling in the heat. “It’s Letter from ... a mistake to drink litres frequently predict and litres of water. That anDaLucia makes you vomit. You temperatures of 48C. need a sugary drink,” said BRITISH holidaymakers the nursing home carer. But how do the locals being warned of Friend Paqui Vidal, 50, scorching temperatures explains how her cope? on the Costa del Sol will colleague — an olive thank their lucky stars picker — is forced to leave "Nobody leaves their they are not in Écija — work sick on the first day dubbed the “frying pan of every olive season. houses between of Spain”. “It can be dangerous for A two-hour drive from olive pickers, many go 2pm and 6pm. It's the tourist beaches, the home throwing up with town is known as being severe sun stroke,” added a ghost town, you the hottest in the country, Paqui, an administrator at where you can cook an an agricultural company. egg on the pavement. won't even find a cafe Meanwhile, across the The temperature was main square, 27-year-old today forecast to reach open," said Enrique Ana Somoza Torres, mops 46C, only a shade below FRYING HIGH: her brow while setting up Europe’s record high. Lopradas, 51, a street tables outside a bar as the “Nobody leaves their temperature were eggedShe on byreaches an42C. Evehouses between 2pm and lottery vendor and We said: “The only way is 6pm. It’s a ghost town, you air conditioning and more ning Standard commission won’t even find a café air conditioning.” And self-confessed 'shade open,” said Enrique what about the egg-frying Lopradas, 51, a lottery theory? The anaemicchaser'. vendor and self-confessed looking one I cooked with “shade chaser”. “I drink day, my colleague Laurence on "I drink seven litres of water every seven litres of water every a marble bench in the day, wear long sleeves move and square wouldn’t grace a wear long sleeves and constantly constantly move to the Full English — but it was shade. I also shower three 6pm after all. to the shade," he adds as orhe swigs from four times a day and ⬤ Elisa Menendez is a don’t start work until reporter for The Olive Press an ice bottle, "I also shower three or four 6.30pm when it’s fresher.” in Malaga times a day and don't start work until 6.30pm when it's fresher."

46C

Vomit

But Maria Cepas, 50, claims Enrique is making a rookie error. "It's a mistake to drink litres and litres of water, that makes you vomit. You need a sugary drink too," said the nursing home carer, "we have to send out warnings to elderly people to keep drinking things like Aquarius in this heat." Friend, Paqui Vidal, 50, explains how her colleague – an olive picker – is forced to leave work sick on the first day of every olive season. "It can be dangerous for olive pickers, many go home throwing up with severe sun stroke," added Paqui, an administrator at an agricultural company. Meanwhile, across the main square, 27-year-old Ana Somoza Torres, mops her

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brow while setting up tables outside of a bar. "The only way is air conditioning and more air conditioning. "We're in Andalucia – obviously we have siestas every day for at least two hours. You just can't leave the house until late." Although the young waitress acknowledges this can be annoying, she points out that this is the only way of life the locals know.

Hermit

Desposito legal 834-2017

AWARDS

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By Elisa Menendez & Laurence Dollimore

Get him out Friday 3 august 2018 eveNiNg staNdard

Cracking job Fe at u r e

2016/2017 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2017

Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

BAR WORKER: Ana Somoza Torres

"I would much rather be in this heat than be cold." So there you have it, become a hermit, cover every part of your body and drink at least a gallon of water/Lucozade and you should just about survive a heatwave on holiday. And as for the frying pan egg cooking theory? Let's just say it won't be making its way onto a plate of Full English any time soon. Although, a semi-cooked, anaemic-looking egg isn't bad for a first attempt. It was 6pm after all.

LOCALS: Lottery vendor Enrique and (above) Maria and Paqui

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Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in August 15th - August 28th 2018 its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

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Visitors to Sevilla’s Basílica de la Macarena little realise they are admiring the tomb of Franco’s chief executioner - thanks to Spain’s Pact of Forgetting

Gibraltar’s best English daily news website October 2015 Page views:xxxxxxxxx

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EXECUTIONER: Quiepo de Llamo (inset) is buried here in Sevilla

Shrine to a mass murderer

minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, its enforcement was promptly halted when Mariano Rajoy’s conservative Populist party regained power in 2011. The law had called for full state cooperation for families hoping to move bodies of relatives killed during the civil war from mass graves, as well as the removal of all remaining monuments of Franco. Both measures never came to fruition. Now, with the appointment of socialist prime minister Pedro Sánchez this June, possibilities for the exhumation of Franco and his military subordinates, including Quiepo, from the Valley of the Fallen have come back into the spotlight. Andalucia has been in the forefront of this rekindled movement. Last year it passed La Ley andaluza de Memoria Histórica y Democrática (Law of Historical and Democratic Memory) which bans all ‘elements in opposition to democratic memory’ on private properties ‘under public projection’. The Basilíca de la Macarena, a private property belonging to the Brotherhood of the Macarena, is subject to this law. However the exhumation of Queipo from the basilica ultimately lies in the hands of the Brotherhood, which has been lukewarm about doing so. Earlier this year, José Antonio Fernandez, the head of the Brotherhood, recognised Queipo as ‘a protector of the movement of the Catholic Church’, noting his contribution in building the basilíca and criticising politicians for attempting to ‘open all this’.

Pain

CONTROVERSIAL: Grave of Queipo

fortnight on - BREAKING: Cars abandoned and aircraft scrambled as forestwww.theolivepress.es fire erupts on Spain’s Costa del Sol (16,023) - More than 60 tourists sent to hospital with  stay Costa at del Costa Sol on weather gastroenteritis after del Solalert with dropping temperatures and hotel (15,700) moredel rainSol - 4616 views - Gunshot fired on Costa sees bullet narrowly miss two policemen’s heads before flying through neighbour’s living room as they  VIDEO: Floods hit Costa del Sol as heavy rain continues - 4604 watched TV (11,461) views after reports - WATCH: Car up in flames of an explosion in popular Marbella resort (7,508)  Gangsters’ paradise: A look at - Why have jellyfish invaded the Costa the key figures past anddel present of Sol? the (6,343) Costa del Crime - 3872 views

But recently, Fernandez confirmed to El Pais that he will propose the removal of Queipo’s body to the governing board of the Brotherhood. “The law speaks and the brotherhood abides,” he said. The day after his statement, the Brotherhood clarified that it ‘has not made any decision or reached an agreement’ on the matter, indicating a potential time lag before any action is taken. Despite the Brotherhood’s reluctance, the Andalucian government has shown robust support for its new law and remains optimistic that Queipo’s remains will be removed from public display. “It’s only a matter of time,” said the vice-president of the Junta. However, the emotional complexity of the issue far exceeds the legal complications. Just as left- and right-leaning politicians remain sharp-

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RICHES: The golden arches of the Basilica ly divided on the treatment of civil war memorabilia, stark divisions still exist amongst the people of Spain: those who want to bury history, perhaps to avoid the pain; those who want to unearth it, perhaps to see justice for the pain; and even those who to this day celebrate Franco’s legacies. For now, individuals who wish to address and rectify history seem to have the upper hand. Last week, premier Sánchez announced that the decision to exhume Franco is firm. “The wounds have been open for too many years, and the time has come to close them. Our democracy will stand as symbols that unite citizens,” he said. Whether the fate of the bodies of Queipo and Franco would reopen or heal old wounds is a question that may never be answered with certainty, even after everything has played out. A city so visibly imbued with silent history, Sevilla has and continues to play host to an uncanny hide-and-seek between history, truth and pain.

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Keeping our cool MALAGA temperatures will hit a comfortable ‘high’ of just 31 degrees this summer, according to national weather forecaster Aemet. It’s a surprisingly low number compared to the highs expected in inland cities like Cordoba, where the mercury has reached 41 degrees.

Fresh

The cool news comes after Spain’s first heat wave brought scorchingly hot temperatures to the Andalucia region. In fact, Malaga is the only province in Andalucia that remains relatively unaffected by the heat wave. The more bearable heat is due to the eastern levante wind which blows cooler air from the sea, bringing temperatures down. A change in the wind from east to west can also bring taro, a summer fog that makes summer mornings feel surprisingly fresh.

August 15th - August 28th 2018

Study hopes to reveal why the Costa del Sol has been bombarded with jellyfish this year A WAVE of jellyfish hit the Costa del Sol along with the early August heat, giving swimmers an attack of the wobbles. The flotilla invasion forced many beaches from Malaga to Sotogrande and beyond to hoist yellow flags, warning swimmers to exercise caution. Some beaches, including several in Manilva, put up red no-swimming flags, with lifeguards cautioning the public to be wary even when walking along the shore. The tentacled terrorists, some of which pack a powerful sting, washed up in the Levante storm over the Alboran Sea,

RECYCLE: Containers

INVASION: Washed up on the Costa del Sol

Jellyfish wobbles

just east of the Gibraltar Strait, affecting 85% of the coastline. Though jellyfish counts have since decreased at some beaches, the Spanish National Re-

search Council has warned of a significant surge in their numbers in the Med this year. Jesus Bellido, a biologist specialising in jellyfish for the environmen-

Planet in the red AUGUST 1 was Earth Overshoot Day but it was nothing to celebrate. It was the date humanity used up its sustainable natural resources for the year. From now until December 31 the world is in a situation of ‘ecological debt’. Various factors have contributed to this situation such as the reduction in biodiversity, soil degradation of soil and extreme weather which is becoming increasingly more frequent and destructive. The earth’s footprint on nature, based on crite-

ria such as consumption of food and usage of forests, is still in credit at around 60%. What puts the planet into the red is pollutant gases such as carbon dioxide, produced by fossil fuels. Earth Overshoot Day was established by the Global Footprint Network in 1997 to measure how the world is spending its natural resources, with devastating results. They found that humanity drains resources for almost two planets every year, giving the earth no time to recover. Or in Spain’s case 2.3 planets.

tal conservation foundation Aula del Mar, found that they were atypically abundant this summer. But the good news is, they are usually located on specific beaches for isolated days, not on a majority of the coastline for an extended period of time. According to Bellido, the Aula del Mar is working on finding a reason behind these influxes in a bid to scientifically establish safe areas on beaches. Meanwhile Malaga Mayor Francisco de la Torre is looking into alternative uses for the tons of jellyfish already collected, calling for an inquiry into their use in the fields of health and cosmetics. And tapas, perhaps … in some Asian countries they are eaten as a delicacy.

Glass act MALAGA has declared war on single-use glass. According to the City Council, almost 50% of waste from the hospitality sector consists of glass bottles and containers that will only be used once. With the summer surge in tourists swelling the city’s population, the council has teamed up with non-profit Ecovidrio to launch a recycling campaign along the Costa del Sol.

Decorative

The campaign is targeting 109 establishments along the Malaga coast by providing them with new recycling containers to make it easier to collect. As an extra incentive, there’s a prize of a master class with three-star Michelin chef Quique Dacosta for those businesses which recycle the most. Ecovidrio will also recognise municipalities’ best recycling efforts and has provided 26 decorative containers in hopes of encouraging more citizens and tourists to use them. Malaga hopes to top the amount of glass it recycled last year, which weighed in at an astonishing 5,237,290 kilos.

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Picasso’s trouble and strife PICASSO’s first wife is to be the focus of a new exhibition showing how the artist changed his style as often as he changed his women. The Malaga Museo Picasso show next year will illustrate the different direction his artistic representations of Olga Khokhlova took as their relationship deteriorated.

Political

The exhibition will reconstruct his body of work within the context of a personal story that developed alongside their fall out. Another major show for next year will explore the link between the artist and American sculptor Alexander Calder.

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III Festival de las 3 Culturas de Frigiliana, August 23 - 26

AN Andalucian has stolen away with Spain’s most prestigious flamenco prize. María Jose Carrasco, a singer from Los Palacios, near Sevilla, has won the Lampara Minera at the 58th International Festival of Cante de Las Minas held in Murcia. Carrasco took home the €15,000 prize, along with the trophy, for her ‘masterful’ execution of the minera, a flamenco song from the mining region of nearby Cartagena. “I’m in the clouds,” Carrasco told the crowds, making a striking figure with her headdress made from rosemary and with a fiery red dress. She previously made the finals in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Another artist from Sevilla, pianist Andrés Barrios received the highest ‘El Filón’ award and €6,000 euros in the instrumental category. Agustín Carbonell ‘El Bola,’ a guitarist from Barcelona, was presented the ‘Bordon minero’ trophy, the highest distinction for flamenco guitar.

The festival was first held in 2006 to celebrate diverse cultures and promote tourism in the area, combining Download our app now and culture, food, and art. The event is both fun begin enjoying the best Spanish and affordable, with tapas news on the go. and drinks at only 1.50€, performances by popular artists, and elaborate fireworks displays.

Big one begins

tarlite 2018: Estopa, August 21

Coming to Marbella is the Rumba Rock sibling Estopa, a band which The Olive duo Press has sold over 4 million records due to their unique TOP for news in Spain! urban flamenco and rumba style. The concert starts at 10:30pm, and tickets cost 52€.

Malaga’s monster ten-day feria kicks off

long with drinks, tapas and booming music. Unlike the more exclusive sister feria in Sevilla, every caseta is open to anyone who wishes to enter. An incredible 300 live performances are scheduled during the nine days of the fair with traditional flamenco shows taking place every day at the Peña Juan Breva at 1:30pm. Another popular attraction are the bullfights staged every evening in the bullring by the Malagueta at 7:30 p.m. This year’s poster chosen by online popular vote was designed by Malaga-born architect Carlos León, who used 3D models to create the artworks for the poster. The poster, which reads

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Shout out for Maria Jose

ONE of Andalucia’s most important festivals has begun. The celebrated Malaga feria features over a week of flamenco, bullfighting and buñuelos. The ten-day feria - which commemorates Malaga being seized by the Catholic Monarchs from the Moors in 1487 - continues until Sunday. Various performances take place in six key squares in the city centre, including Plaza Constitución, Plaza Las Flores and Plaza of La Merced, which has been added for the first time. At night, fun continues at the fairground in Real del Cortijo de Torres, where hundreds of casetas (tents) welcome visitors all night

2nd Costa del Sol Kayak Gathering, August 25

This celebration of kayaking and canoeing will be held on the beach of La Fuente de la Salud. The participants will travel along the cost of Benalmádena and have the opportunity to take part in other games, contests, and raffles.

Juega tu Feria (enjoy your fair) features iconic landmarks of Málaga, such as the La Farola lighthouse and the famous, giant ferris wheel.

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Location, location, location WANT to know where Lawrence of Arabia had lunch in Sevilla and where Indiana Jones landed his plane in a chase scene in Almeria? Want to find out which beach Halle Berry famously gets out of in Die Another Day and where final shootout in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly took

place? This is all being answered in a new film tourism project launched in Andalucia. The Junta has joined forces with the Andalucian Film Commission to launch the new initiative to encourage tourists to visit key areas where filming has taken place. Called ‘Andalucia, destino de cine’ it is the first project dedicated to promote film tourism on a regional level in Spain. A new website features ‘film routes’ that BEACH: Halle Berry take the visitors through different It has initially been scenes filmed in launched at the Spanish Andalucia from fa- public. For a quote or just some friendly advice mous award-winning Spanish movies such See the video at as Alatriste and La Isla www.andalucia.org/ Mínima to international es/andalucia-destiHollywood films. no-de-cine/

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Concert promoter David Giles only gives up his front row seat to kings and has shared a beer with musical megastars around the globe, he tells Jon Clarke

LA CULTURA

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A right royal bash

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HANGING OUT: David (right) with George Benson and Joe Cocker

AVING a shimmy with Queen Letizia, shooting the breeze with President Clinton and sharing a table with Seal and Novak Djokovic. This is all part of the day job of Spain’s from the royals for tickets just days bebest-connected expat music promoter. fore the sold out Palma show. “But there is a lot of hard graft also “The only thing I could do was to ofinvolved in putting on a high profile fer them my own box,” he recalls. “But concert, particularly on the Costa del they said ‘no way!’ and were more than Sol,” explains David Giles, who recently happy to share it with my wife and I and moved full time to Marbella. Cynthia. And he should know, having brought “It ended up being a lot of fun with over a dozen big stars to the coast over prince Felipe and Letizia loving the the last two decades, with this year’s show and both having a dance and a crop including UB40 and Kool and the few beers. They were really nice.” Gang. But it has not always been plain sailing As well as George Benson and Foreign- for the long-time promoter, with certain er, the seasoned British businessman, shows (about 10 to 15% he reckons) 68, has put on Gloria Gaynor, Blondie, l o s - ing money. Van Morrison and Michael Bolton over One of his biggest flops came recent years. when the so-called ‘shoe And, while the Rock Lounge bomber’ terrorist attack led owner has also worked with to the Sugababes being unEric Clapton, Roger Waters able to fly to Spain and Rod Stewart, his most for a show, which memorable night in had to be canSpain was a special celled costing Simply Red gig in h i m tens of thouMallorca in 2008. sands. And that’s hardly “You need surprising when he pretty good ended up sharing cash reserves a box with not just and you have Cynthia Lennon (exto have good wife of John Lennon), insurance in but also the current place,” he exKing and Queen of plains. “It is all Spain. about the risk/ It happened when he reward equagot a special request PALS: With Michael Bolton tion and accepting

you are not always going to win. “But if you get the right artist, at the right venue at the right time, you can make a lot of money.” These days however, it has become increasingly difficult for the smaller promoters with the emergence of huge multinationals, including Live Nation and AEG, who own dozens of venues and put on multiple shows all around the world. “Live Nation has a turnover of €80 billion so they can pretty much outbid anything I want to do,” he explains. “They have 50 shows weekly around the globe, including U2 and the Rolling Stones, and don’t really mind losing money on a few concerts here and there.” This happened recently when he was outbid by well over €150,000 for three Santana shows around Spain. “I’m sure they cannot make money with sums like that,” he estimates, adding: “It certainly makes it very tough to make money if you overpay for acts.” It all began for Giles when he moved to Miami from the UK in the early 1980s. It came after he had ‘lost all his money’ during the tough 1970s recession in England and was desperately looking for a break. He had been working as an estate agent having escaped his council estate upbringing near London with a dad who was a plumber. “It had gone well, but the recession real-

ly took its toll and I decided to try my arm Marbella, and had soon led onto shows as a small time developer in Florida,” he by Blondie and Van Morrison. tells the Olive Press, over a coffee near “Since then I have kept coming back his home in San Pedro de Alcantara. and eventually fell in love with the place As luck would have it his move coincid- so much we are finally moving here,” he ed with a number of British musicians reveals. looking to invest and diversify their es- “I really like the international community tates in America. here and it’s a great climate,” he adds. Thanks to his friendship with Rolling But he has not just upped sticks from Stone Ronnie Wood’s manager Nick Florida without any connections. Cowan and the brother of Police gui- By good fortune his daughter Melissa, tarist Stewart Copeland, he had soon 32, has also inherited the music gene, opened nightclubs with and launched her own them in Miami. concert brand Soulfrito Another would soon in America. His first massive follow for London emWorking with the likes presario Peter Stringfelof Busta Rhymes, Nas show was a low with this, perhaps and Bad Bunny, she inevitably, leading into 10,000 sell out for has already organised organizing concerts for of concerts Blondie and the dozens the likes of Ray Charles since 2002, including a and Jerry Lee Lewis in massive 11,000 sellout Gypsy Kings Florida. concert in New York this His first massive show year and is now planwas a 10,000 sell out ning a big show next for Blondie and the Gypsy Kings on New year in Marbella. Year’s Eve in 1999 on South Beach. “She is building up her brand really “I had always loved music so it was a well,” explains Giles. “It’s all about hip natural progression to move into con- hop, mixed in with Latin and features certs,” he explains. some huge names. His move into Spain, as well as nearby I am pretty sure it will do well on the Morocco and Portugal, came to ‘avoid Costa del Sol.” the Florida hurricane season’, he jokes, For that, only time will tell, but going on in 2004. probability it is 85 to 90% sure to be a It began with a sold out Gloria Gaynor hit… that’s if you go on Giles own succoncert at the Puente Romano hotel, in cess rate.

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AIRY bikers and sporty mountainbikers hug the curvy road like a well-loved woman but if you’re a motorist going to Gaucín, wear a seatbelt! The ‘Camino de Gibraltar’, as the old road was known, was built by the Romans to provide access to Gibraltar and the sea from Ronda. And not a great deal seems to have changed, judging from the potholes. But brave the long and winding road to this classic white village and your courage will be rewarded as you arrive in a picturesque pueblo which seems to collapse in on itself. Colloquially referred to as ‘El Balcon de la Serrania’ (Balcony of the Serrania de Ronda), Gaucin has a foothold halfway into one of Andalucia’s most stunning mountain ranges. Originally settled by the Romans and extended into a military fortification by the Moors,

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A touch of class With its picture postcard villages and lush landscape, watered by the cleanest river in Europe, the Genal Valley has been called The Cotswolds of Spain. Gaucin, perched on the Balcony of the Serrania, is its crowning glory the village is rich in history. The Camino de Gibraltar, which runs through the village, made Gaucin a popular rest stop for Roman soldiers and, later, British artists such as David Roberts, a painter from the 19th century Romantic school. However one of the most infamous historical dates that stands out in the minds of Gaucin natives today is the 1808 invasion of the French during the Napoleonic Wars. A heavy loss was suffered when the village was pillaged, and nearly all of its inhabitants murdered.

Gaucin was eventually reconquered by the Spanish in a triumphant battle that is reenacted by the locals annually, wearing authentic French military uniforms. Today Gaucin is more famous as one of Andalucía’s most sought-after chill-out destinations – an artists’ enclave full of character and charm. If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday, away from the bright lights of the Costa del Sol, Gaucin is made to measure. Ask Fatboy Slim and his wife Zoe Ball who have been a couple of times, ask Jamie Oliver,

or the Sainsbury family who frequently come in summer… and above all, ask Gordon Ramsey who has spent a week filming a TV show in the town at the now defunct Granada Divino restaurant. Sleepy and slow-paced but not devoid of life, you only have to plug into the breathtaking views to recharge your batteries: a panorama encompassing the Rock of Gibraltar and Morocco on one side, and the sweeping valleys of the Ronda mountain range on the other. To appreciate these views at their best, strap on your walking shoes and get ready for some invigorating but very doable hikes along the old Camino de Gibraltar itself, following in Roman footsteps… Finding the path is easy as it is very clearly sign-posted in the village. Just don’t forget your water bottle! Turn to Page 12

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From front page

To see the valleys, pay a visit to the Castillo del Aguila (Eagle Castle), a Roman castle now in ruins that watches over Gaucin like a sentinel. It’s easy to find from the northern side of the village and well worth the trip. Throw in the mountainside church and high-rise cemetery, and the adjoining history museum, for the complete experience.

Lounge lizarding If you just want to kick back and play lounge lizard, Gaucin can help with that too. Or at least, that’s according to one British couple holidaying in the village. When asked what there was to do in Gaucin, their reply was succinct: “Sleep.” But while, it can certainly be a quiet restful place for a break, you can also enjoy the buzz in summer hanging out at one of the pavement cafes. Gaucin is bursting with personality, so hanging out in town is an entertainment. Excellent cafes, restaurants, shops and hotels are scattered throughout, and in summer the population of 2,000 inhabitants, grows manyfold. Although distinctly Spanish, Gaucin also bears the hallmarks of an expat invasion. As you browse the artisan shops and trendy clothing boutiques, look out for the handpainted ceramic lizards that adorn the walls of almost every

street. These ‘salamandres,’ as they’re known, were created by a couple of locals as a marketing ploy to give Gaucin identity.

Though no one knows why the salamander was chosen, they became wildly popular (400 went up in total) through a competition among local art-

Andalucia Country Houses COUNTRY PROPERTY REAL ESTATE AGENTS since 1998

TEL: (+34) 956 948 730 MOBILE: (+34) 682 112 089 sales@andalucia.country-houses.com www.andalucia-country-houses.com Calle Romo 40. Jimena de la Frontera. 11330 Cadiz

ists to create the most original lizard. On the subject of artists, the town has perhaps the most important collection of artists on

the Costa del Sol, with dozens having studios in the town. This all becomes abundantly clear when twice a year the group organise their Art Gaucin

weekends during which they throw open their doors and sell dozens of paintings. In between retail therapy and lizard spotting, make sure you seek out the centuries.

CASTLE OR COTTAGE, THE “CHANGE YOUR LIFE B&B”, A RURAL BUSINESS, PRETTY VILLAGE HOUSE, A REFORM PROJECT, CHARACTER COUNTRY FINCA? Everyone has a dream property out there somewhere, we are here to help you achieve that dream. With over 20 years experience of selling country property in Spain, we think we can safely say we know our stuff when it comes to rural property and Andalucia!

We will offer you sound, impartial advice, guide you through the ins and outs of property purchase in rural Andalucia and be there for you going forward should need help with property management, reform work or just a simple phone call to a utilities company!

At Andalucia Country Houses, whether you are selling or buying a property, we just make it easy for you!

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Guy Hunter-Watts describes his favourite route to discover the best of Gaucin’s scenery

his route makes for a great half-day walk out from Gaucin. It’s easy to follow, the views change with every turn in the path and the ancient cork oaks which you pass are home to abundant bird life. Be prepared for a steepish haul first thing as you head up the north-eastern flank of El Hacho and another at the end of the walk when you head back up to Gaucín. After following a narrow, somewhat overgrown path early in the walk - you may feel more comfortable in long trousers - there’s a longish section of forestry track mid-walk where you can abandon yourself to the soaring views out towards the Sierra del Pino and the Sierra del Libar: your feet take care of themselves at this point. During the winter months you may come across teams of cork cutters: the oaks are particularly memorable when seen after their nine-yearly cut.

El Hacho

The walk begins at the Campsa petrol station on the outskirts of Gaucin, to one side of the A-369. Just before the entrance of the petrol station (at the northern end) head along Calle Camino del Montorio. Reaching house no.16 cut hard left and pick up a path which runs to the left of a line of eucalyptus trees. The path climbs steeply between two fences, past groves of olives and almonds. Ahead you’ll now spot the path you’ll soon be following, cutting across the northern flank of El Hacho. When you reach a fork, keep left and continue to climb. Shortly the path swings hard right, running parallel to a track which is just above you. It becomes more overgrown as it passes just beneath a large, statuesque rock where it divides. Take the left fork and continue climbing. The path becomes clearer as it passes a post with white and yellow P.R. waymarking then runs up to a pylon at the top of the ridge. (20 mins) Here pass through a wire-andpost gate then, bearing slightly left, follow a narrow path which winds down through thick undergrowth beneath the oaks and conifers. It soon becomes clearer and leads to a fence and another wire-and-post gate. Beyond the gate the path continues to wind on through thick undergrowth before angling right and descending towards a pylon. A few metres before you reach the pylon cut left and continue along the narrow path that snakes through cistus, gorse and oaks then, descending, runs past a calera – an old lime kiln. Passing beneath overhead cables it soon descends to another gate with a sign for Coto Privado de Caza. Go through the gate and bear left along a more clearly defined path. You shortly come to a rocky pass to the left of the path. Bear left here, following the path through the breach in the hillside. The path runs on beneath a green–posted fence, descends, then crosses a (dry) stream, then loops hard to the right. You now lose the fence and shortly

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The walk of the cork cutters The Nitty Gritty Distance: 11 kms Time required: 4/4.5 hours Rating: Medium Map: 1:50000 Cortes de la Frontera

(1064/14-46) Water: No springs so take plenty

come to an indistinct fork. Here bear left. The path winds steeply down then crosses another (dry) stream. Just beyond the stream the path divides. Take the lower, right hand fork and drop down the hill parallel to the stream that you have just crossed. After crossing the second of two small (dry) streams the path angles away from the fence then runs uphill and meets with a track leading towards a newlybuilt house. Here angle right and drop down the track towards a pylon. Just before reaching the pylon (1 hr) you come to a junction with a broader track. Here arc hard right and head along a broad forestry track: you’ll be following the track for the next 40 minutes so you can forget these notes at this stage.

Lazy contours The track gradually descends as views open out to the west. Passing a quarry, then a farm where pigs and goats are raised, you reach a junction. Carry straight on, ignoring a left fork down towards Finca La Capellania. Continue along the main track ignoring a smaller track which you’ll soon see leading up to the right. The track

TREK: The road to Gaucin

contours lazily round the valley and eventually Gaucin comes into sight. Soon the track loops sharply left, crosses a tributary of Garganta de las Palas then a few hundred metres further crosses the Garganta de las Palas itself. The track now bears hard left, crosses a cattle grid, then runs on for about 600m and crosses a third stream bed. Careful! 225m past this stream look for a small white sign Camino de Gaucín a Cortes in a tree to the right of the track. (1 hr 45 mins) It’s easily missed but you should also spot cairns - manmade piles of stones - to the left and right of the track. Here bear sharply right away from the track and follow a path steeply up through the heather, gorse and lavender. The path winds on up through the cork oaks and eventually passes through a gate made from an old bed base where it broadens before meeting with a better-defined track by a green metal gate. Bearing right you eventually pass by a group of modern buildings then come to the Ronda-Gaucin road. Turn right. Just past a bandstand cut left along Calle Queipo de Llano following a sign for Centro urbano. After passing a small roundabout head straight on along Calle Los Bancos then arc right into

Calle del Corral. Continue past the Unicaja bank then cross the street and, passing right of Modas Teresa, head to the end of the Calle Barrio Alto. Here bear right and, having passed

the Guardia Civil HQ, you reach the Ronda-Gaucin road, the A-369, and your point of departure. (2 hrs 30 mins) The Walk of the Cork Cutters is taken from Walking in Andalucia

by Guy Hunter-Watts. The book is available via amazon.co.uk, ISBN: 978-84-89954-92-2. The author welcomes feedback about any changes you may encounter via guy@rondatejar.com

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Ancient roots

My Gaucin One of the first expats to live in the area, Mary Beker remembers what Gaucin was like when she moved…

T all started with an advert in The Observer. Mary Beker, 67, originally from Warrington, moved to the town on a permanent basis in 1975 when Franco was still in charge. Here she tells the Olive Press about her early years there. “I saw an advert offering a free weekend in nearby Jimena where they would show you properties around the area. I hadn’t really thought about moving here, I just fancied the free weekend. But I just fell in love with the place. It was a bit of an adventure as it was a long way from everywhere. At the time there was no road to the coast and no ring road bridge, so you had to really want to come here, it wasn’t convenient. There are a lot of English there now but the foreigners that were there before were quire adventurous. We were very involved with the Spanish, and they kind of adopted us. I was always ‘their

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foreigner’ and because I had a car I would get invitations to weddings and pig slaughters ‘Matanzas’ because I could take people. They used to call people who had been as far as Ronda munditos because they had seen the wide world. Most of them had never been to the coast, had never been to the beach even though they could see the sea from Gaucin. Of course, back then there were only three cars in the village. Because there wasn’t much space to park I used to leave the keys in the car and someone would move it if they needed to. There was no concern about anybody stealing it and there still isnt. Women didn’t go in bars in those days and I had to change the way I dressed. All the other women still wore black. Now some of the teenagers seem half naked. It really has changed tremendously, but still, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful villages in Europe.

Dream big

After upping sticks and building a dream property Geoffrey Banham, Director at Andalucia Country Houses, is helping expats find their perfect home in Spain A MOMENT of madness back in 1995 saw me purchase a plot of land on a hillside near the village of Casares. There I built a little villa overlooking the sea and like so many before me, my love affair with Spain began! Turning my back on my city trader life in London, I wanted a different type of life. My experience of building a house in Andalucia led me to buy small village houses in the region, developing them and selling them on to expats in search of a similar dream to my own. In time I expanded into estate agency, specialising in country property, which is a specialist subject as rules and regulations are always changing. The greatest satisfaction is helping people achieve their own dream of owning a home in Spain and giving them the guidance and sup-

Gaucin was once one of the most fought over towns in southern Spain

long with Gibraltar, the town of Gaucín has served as a key gateway from the south into Europe. Ruins and architecture in this mountain town nestled in Serranía de Ronda tell the rich history of great powers grappling for control of Gaucín, a stepping stone to extend their empires further into Europe. The Castillo del Aguila (Eagle’s Castle), a military base of great strategic value, has been under the reign of numerous powerful regimes, from the Romans to the Moors.

Caesar

Roman troops took advantage of Gaucín’s decisive location to access the Ronda mountain range. Laying the foundation for the town, they build a wide network of roads, some of which are still intact today. Gaucín was

MAJESTIC: Castillo del Aguila nestled in the hills of Gaucin

used as an intermediary rest stop for soldiers after the Battle of Munda between Julius Caesar and the Optimates in the Roman Repub-

lic. While the Romans built the first castle, the original construction has been completely replaced by the traces of the following rulers: the

Smugglers’ path

Andalucia Country Houses COUNTRY PROPERTY REAL ESTATE AGENTS since 1998

In the 19th century, Gauín continued to serve as a path of covert agendas and interactions. Long gone were the days of the Romans and the Moors, replaced by smugglers and robbersCASTLE transporting contraband cigarettes and alcohol OR COTTAGE, THE “CHANGE YOUR LIFE B&B”, from Gibraltar to Ronda. The narrow, winding road they A RURAL BUSINESS, PRETTY VILLAGE HOUSE, A REFORM took through the hills is now dubbed ‘The Smugglers Path,’ PROJECT, CHARACTER COUNTRY FINCA? a popular trek for hikers and curious passerby alike. Everyone has a dream property out there somewhere, we are here to help you achieve that dream. With over 20 years experience of selling country property in Spain, we think we can safely say we know our stuff when it comes to rural property and Andalucia!

port I wish I had received all those years ago! Are we different? Maybe we are different from some agencies, maybe not. Like all serious businesses we want to offer our expertise, give good customer service, listen to our clients’ needs and respond in the best way we know how. My small, dedicated team help in every way possible, whether it is with holiday rentals, property management, listings, viewings we are a team that go above and beyond. We will offer you sound, impartial advice, guide you through the ins and outs TEL: 956 948of730 Throughout Andalucia we(+34) list any type rural of property purchase in rural Andalucia and be there for you going forward MOBILE: (+34) 682 112Casa089 tourism businesses. We specifically cover should need help with property management, reform work or just a simple phone call to a utilities company! res, Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera, Ronda and sales@andalucia.country-houses.com www.andalucia-country-houses.com the Campo de Gibraltar. At Andalucia Country Houses, whether you are selling or Come in and Calle see Romo us, drop us an email, or 11330 give Cadiz buying a property, we just make it easy for you! 40. Jimena de la Frontera. us a call and see if we can find the solution for you whether you are buying or selling. HAIR RAISING: The road to Ronda

T IDYLLIC: Geoffrey Banham built his dream home in Andalucia Tel: (+34) 956 948 730 • MOBILE: (+34) 682 112 089 Sales@andalucia.country-houses.com • www.andalucia-country-houses.com Calle Romo 40, Jimena de la Frontera, 11330, Cadiz

Moors. After the Moors invaded Spain in 714 and captured Gaucín, the castle was expanded into a grand fortress. During their reign, the castle was called the ‘Zajra Guazan’, derived from an indigenous word ‘zajra’ for rock and an arabic term ‘gauzan’ for strong.

Pirates

Gaucín was finally handed over to the Christian rule in 1457 during the reign of King Enrique IV and the Christian domain was firmly established by 1483. The first Gaucín governor was Captain Pedro del Castillo, who led the troops of Enrique IV in the battles leading up to the capture of Gaucín. Through seizing command over this strategically important location, the Christians were able to protect its lands and keep the Moorish pirates out. Now, white-washed walls and terracotta tiles welcome visitors to this picturesque destination, belying the tumultuous history of the former military hotspot.

Into the valley

HERE are few regions as evocative and unspoilt as the Genal Valley near Gaucin. Spread over 42,000 hectares between the coast and Ronda, the valley is a paradise for walkers, wildlife lovers and those who just want to get away from it all. It even boasts one of Europe’s cleanest rivers.It is made up of a collection of 16 villages within the Serrania de Ronda, some of which are literally off the map. Moreover, while Gaucin, by far the biggest town in the valley, may have attracted an influx of expats in recent years, few have ventured further into the valley. It remains quintessentially Spanish and for

every few cars, there seems to be a donkey. In fact, taking a trip through the Genal v alley is almost like taking a step back in time. “Life here goes on the same,” explains Ana Martinez who runs El Quejigo in Algotocin, selling local hams and cheeses in addition to typical artisanal crafts from the area. “There are less people these days, it is quieter but it hasn’t really changed much over the years.” Certainly tourism is not generally developed in the Genal Valley. But this is brilliant for those that still venture into it, with each authentic village exuding a sense of the ‘real Spain’ or at least, how it used to be when people lived simpler and slower paced lives.

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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+TheolivepressEsVirgin to test Fashion the Hyperloop One in Malaga forward BE ‘APPY! after agreeing

ANDALUCIA fashion brand Olimara has been awarded a coveted National Award for Fashion and Business Excellence, otherwise known as a Prenamo. VIRGIN are testing their new The National Association of Hyperloop One in Malaga, Download our app now and New and Young Designers of creating more than 250 jobs begin enjoying the best Spanish Spain, the organisation bein the area in the next five hind the awards, years. news oncelebrated the go. Malaga-based Olimara for The US company has made its contribution to the Span- a deal with ADIF (Spain’s ish fashion industry. administor of railway structures) to build the €432 million facility in Bobadilla. Any size The Hyperloop system is Founded more than 30 years designed to transport both ago, Olimara is run under people and cargo at approxithe philosophy of offer- mately 1,120 kilometres per ing designs inspired by the Press The Olive hour. needs of women of any size and age. news Over the TOP past for three de- in Spain! Project cades, the Malaga company According to Virgin’s website, has adapted to new trends the Hyperloop One will be able by introducing new tech- to travel at ‘speeds of up to 700 nologies to the production mph’. process and expanding to The project is set to be online markets and social launched in 2020, and will networks. be used to test the Hyperloop The fashion brand currently during its expansion across has nine of its own stores the world. The system cuts out in Spain and is distributed human error by being comthrough more than 450 indi- pletely autonomous and uses rect channels. electric propulsion to power itself. ADIF claimed Virgin had chosen Malaga for its testing because of the country’s highly qualified workforce and lead-

Merca takeover

a deal with ADIF

SPACE AGE: The new Virgin designed train tunnel

Believe in the hype

ership in high-speed rail. The investment however will not go ahead unless 126 million euros is obtained through public aid, loans and grants.

AGONY ANT

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Faking it Beware of phoney community fines, writes Antonio Flores from Lawbird

OME days ago, a worried property owner wrote to us with a query relating to his “Community of Owners”, along with a photo of a resolution recently adopted by the president of the said community. The text read as follows: 1. The President is then allowed to set fines between €30 and €600, depending on the important and seriousness of the matter, when breaching the above articles, regardless if any damage made has been restored. These amounts will be deposited into the community’s bank account. 2. Penalties must be notified in writing to the owners committing the infraction, describing the specific infraction and penalty imposed,

which will be charged directly to the owner. 3. The HOA (Homes Owners Association) reserves its right to take legal action against owners in violation. After rubbing my eyes in disbelief, I hastily checked up our main source of legislative updates (www.vlex. es) in case I had missed this implausible new legal change that would give nasty and corrupt presidents and administrators jurisdiction to suppress dissidence within the community of owners. But there was nothing, thankfully. So, is the above prerogative lawful? Absolutely not. The Juridical Regime of the Public Administration Act 30/1992 grants the state the monopoly of imposing pecuniary penalties or similar fines, without exception, following a due adversarial administrative procedure.

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This is not to say that a community of owners may not, following the appropriate procedure to adopt community resolutions, agree on a fixed surcharge for late payment of fees or even impede non-payers the use of communal elements (pools for instance). But never the prerogative to arbitrarily sanction specific conducts by its members. A congress held in 2010 by an association of community administrators to debate Horizonal Property Law matters resolved that ‘it is not possible to fine owners for breaching internal regulations, even if this resolution is written into the statutes or voted by a majority’. Presidents and Administrators who despite the above insist on coercing owners into paying fines could face criminal action.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com

Virgin has bought an area of 19,000 square meters for the project which will accommodate all of the equipment needed to make this high-speed

technology a reality. Recently Virgin CEO Richard Branson claimed the hyperloop could be ready for passengers to travel on as early as 2021.

VALENCIA-based chain Mercadona closed the second quarter of 2018 with a share of 24.9% in the supermarket consumption. One in every four euros spent by Spanish consumers for food and household supplies was spent in Mercadona. The retail giant again dominated amongst the supermarket chains, showing a growth of 0.6% in its market share share since last year. Carrefour trailed behind Mercadona at 8.3% of market share.

Decline

Dia, a discount supermarket chain, showed the greatest decline in its figure, losing 1.0% of market share to close the second quarter at 7.6%. Its stock-market value has also dropped 60% in the past year. Despite the fall, Dia held the third greatest market share behind Mercadona and Carrefour. Eroski remained in fourth place with 5.5%.

BUSINESS

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Giving back A

rapidly-growing international financial services company who has a base in Marbella is on a mission to promote corporate social responsibility as it expands its operations. The Woodbrook Group, led by its Irish CEO Michael Doherty, has offices in nine countries across Europe and Asia, and is on the cusp of further significant growth as it looks to extend its influence into Latin America and the Middle East. Woodbrook is domiciled in Cyprus and is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). Aside from advocating the highest standards in corporate governance, Woodbrook also strongly believes in giving back to the communities where the company is based. In Cyprus, it plays a lead supporting role to Charisma, an innovative charity that provides artistic services to ‘charismatic individuals with special needs’. The non-profit charity, established in 2016, enables children and adults with special needs to develop and display

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How Woodbrook’s CSR approach enriches communities, clients and employees their talents and give them the confidence to emerge from the shadow of social alienation. Woodbrook provides support in three different ways: direct financial support, by playing an active role on the charity’s committee to help it achieve its goals and by promoting its work directly in their sales offices to clients, suppliers and their own employees. This innovative mix of financial and hands-on support is an approach the company is looking to replicate by supporting charities in other territories as it expands its global operations. Woodbrook’s CEO Michael Doherty and the company’s Group Director of Operations, Senan McGonigle, have many years’ experience working with non-profit organisations. Both men have children who are wheelchair users, and Senan was previously co-founder of the Association of Irish Pow-

ity and the extremely valuable work that it does, and how they might be able to help if so inclined.” The Woodbrook CEO said the company’s approach to corerchair Football, a sport for porate social responsibility dipeople with disabilities whose rectly correlates with its ethos only ability is to use a powered to help its clients improve their wheelchair. own living standards. Senan said: “From my own He added: “A common theme personal and professional ex- with our clients is planning for perience, giving back to the the future of their children, community benefits everyone, usually by saving for future including the company. Build- education fees. Obviously this ing trust and works if your developing children have strategic partthe mental abilnerships in the ity to go to colGiving back to communities lege. But what the community we operate in if your child is is essential to benefits everyone, disabled - mensecure longtal or physical term sustainor both? How including the ability, it fosdo you help company ters staff loythem in the fualty and helps ture?” to attract new One of the talent while making a positive goals of Charisma is to develop impact on society.” assisted living units with a supMichael Doherty added: “Al- port centre to allow people with most all of us like to help oth- disability to live independently ers, but in our work and daily from their families, albeit with lives we are not presented the necessary support. Where with the opportunity to do this. this is not fully possible, the Through our relationship with centres allow much-needed reCharisma we let our clients spite for families of those with and staff know about the char- disabilities to have some time

CHARITY: Woodbrook Group Director of Operations Senan McGonigle and Woodbrook CEO Michael Doherty to spend together. Aside from its work with wheelchair users, Woodbrook also actively promotes environmental awareness in its offices around the world and with its suppliers. The company also privately supports and encourages staff in their own charitable activities. Woodbrook is keen to promote the benefits of corporate social responsibility and is encouraged to see more companies embrace the idea of giving back

to their local communities. Michael Doherty said: “Charity work is individual and personal. Our own ethos is influenced, of course, partly by my own and Senan’s personal experiences, but all our staff have shown the same willingness to help whenever they’ve been made aware of opportunities. We’re not doing this to be better than others – it’s a corporate ethos, but very much grounded in the goodness of people. Just give them an opportunity.”

*For more information, contact our team at the Woodbrook Group Office in Marbella: Av. Ricardo Soriano, 72 Edificio Golden Portal B, 1ª Planta 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. Telephone: +34 952768471 • Email: officemarbella@woodbrookgroup.com • Woodbrook Group is regulated by CySEC.

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Moving on Let your

Ronaldo +TheolivepressEs ditches Madrid home for new palatial pad in BE ‘APPY! Italy

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has taken one more step to move on from his former club Real Madrid as he looks to leave behind his recent run-in with Download our app now and the Spanish tax authorities. begin enjoying the best Spanish The five-time Ballon d’Or news on sold the go. winner has reportedly his home in Madrid, a €5.3 million luxury mansion in the La Finca area of Pozuelo de Alarcon. The seven-bedroom, eightbathroom home boasts indoor and outdoor swimming LUXURY: New pad in Turin and (right) the sold property in Madrid pools, a football field and a Juventus star’s pride and joy Buddha statue out front. friend Georgina Rodriguez gym. for Press ten years, featuring mono- The football star will be mov- and their four children. The Olive The property was the new grammed door handles and a ing to Turin, Italy with girl- He has bought two connected villas on a hill, with an imTOP for news in Spain! pressive view of the city and lush vegetation providing shelter from the prying eyes of neighbors, paparazzi, or curious fans. These villas are ZOOPLA has revealed its most viewed property for July just as extravagant as his Maa modest three-bedroom chalet in southern Spain. drid home, with separate enThe Alicante new-build is on the market for just €289,900 trances to each villa, expanand beat out a nine-bedroom chateau in Cannes, a 19-bedsive gardens, an indoor swimroom chateau in Dordogne, and an Italian 20-bedroom ming pool, and, of course, a ON TOP: Spanish chalet palazzo to take the top spot in the property website’s top well-equipped gym. 10 international listings. The neighborhood is a popular The villa’s popularity is likely due to Brits looking for their spot for the rich and famous. dream home abroad after being inspired by their summer Ronaldo’s modern mansion hols. is near the residence of John Despite its modest price, the villa comes with its own Elkann, the Italian-American pool, garden with terrace, courtyard, large living area and businessman and president floor-to-ceiling windows. of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

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Plastic peril

olivepressnews

Scabies row +TheolivepressEs

DUREX has been forced to recall 14 batches of condoms after they failed durability tests. The batches in Spain include the Sin Latex and Real Feel condoms, although other brands such as the Natural Feeling, Love Collection and Natural Sensation condoms have been recalled across Europe. A statement by Reckitt Benckiser, owners of the brand Durex, said: “The safety of our consumers always comes first, and this is reflected in out rigorous quality standards. “Our tests have shown that some batches which are currently on the market do not pass the requirements for OVER 60 tourists have burst pressure towards the been sent to hospital end of the shelf life for the with gastroenteritis product. following a stay at a Costa del Sol hotel over the past three Safety weeks. “There could be an increase Hotel MarConfort in in the number of condoms Torremolinos claim that burst during applicathe outbreak could tion or use“. be due to dirty water Durex said: “There is no imtanks collecting bacmediate safety concern for teria at the Hospital consumers and only a limMaritimo next door. ited number of batches are It comes after the hoaffected.“ tel received a wave of complaints with holidaymakers suffering symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and fever, since July 20. The hotel has called for an investigation to determine whether the water tanks are the cause of the sickness.

Hotel bug

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Costa del Sol nursing home hit by scabies outbreak, by Elisa Menendez

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A SCABIES outbreak has rocked an old people’s home on the Costa del Sol. Up to 20 elderly patients may have been affected by the spread of the highly contagious disease at Seniors nursing home in Benalmadena. The mayor of the town confirmed he was even forced to take his grandmother out of the home earlier this year and said ‘the place smelt and the personal attention was quite bad’.

Symptoms

Many claim their relatives were misdiagnosed at the €1,800 a month residence and given treatments for a fungal infection, meaning they were eventually hospitalised as symptoms

Change your life today!

The Olive Press TOP for news in Spain!

OUTBREAK: Seniors in Benalmadena

worsened. Seniors launched an official investigation on July 15, while Junta health officials have also stepped in, they claim only six people have been affected at the home which houses over 100 patients. Officials at Seniors claim they informed authorities immediately and the Jun-

ta declared the home had passed the investigation without any abnormalities. But relatives insist at least 20 people caught the disease and slammed the home for taking ‘more than two months to act’ and added that it had ‘poor hygiene conditions’. One of the resident’s daughter, Ana Jimenez,

Breast is best says report A NEW health report has revealed yet more benefits of breastfeeding for newborn babies. Thanks to a high presence of microbiota, or intestinal flora in the mother’s milk, breastfeeding can greatly develop a healthy digestive system, according to a study released during World Breastfeeding Week organized by the WHO. The event aims to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. Among them, it could save 200,000 and 800,000 babies each year if the mother breastfeeds during the first six months of the infant’s life. The mother’s milk also works similar to a vaccine for children, protecting them from diseases and allergies that could affect them at any point in their life.

said her 80-year-old mother went into Senior’s in perfect shape, but a few weeks later started to lose weight and suspicious infections appeared on her skin.

Dehydration

The hospital’s report confirmed that the woman had scabies and suffered from dehydration and malnutrition. Seniors defended the accusations and claimed they have passed all recent inspections with the last one being just two months ago.

Killer heat NINE people have now died as a direct result of Spain’s killer heatwave. It means the sky-high temperatures have killed more than one person per day over the past week. A 66-year-old man died from heatstroke in Extremadura. A 75-year-old woman passed away two days later after also succumbing to heat stroke.

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A 40-year-old German man who was on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage also died from heat stroke in Extremadura, as did an 81-year-old man. It comes as temperatures in southern Spain have reached just over 46C. Meanwhile in Catalunya, three homeless men have died.Two other men in Murcia – a road worker in his 40s and a 78-year-old pensioner – also died from heatstroke this month.

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Rush of red

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TICKETS for the world’s biggest food fight are up for grabs. And if you want to join the 50,000 revellers who flock to the small Valencian town of Bunol the Tomatina festival, you better get one. Spain’s famous tomato battle takes place annually on August 29 - and the streets of this usually quiet town become filled with the remnants of mushy tomato, sangria and a lot of partying. The festival kicks off at 11am when truck loads of tomatoes are carted into the town, while one brave soul will climb up a two-storey high, greased-up wooden pole to snatch the coveted jamon iberica leg at the top. It’s every man for himself during the tomato battle, until time is called after just one hour and participants flock to bathe in the Bunol River.

Beach bar shame

The Olive Press

Appletising TOP for news in Spain! APPLETISER, a sparkling apple juice brand from South Africa, has won popularity in Spain since its recent introduction to the market. Since Coca-Cola first bought the company two years ago, Spain has been the first significant market in Western Europe to be introduced to the beverage. The 20,000 presentation kits sent to Spain have grown to 43,000 stocked for consumers for the entire nation. The drink is now produced locally, taking advantage of the growing popularity of all-natural food and drinks. With its success in Spain, Coca-Cola plans to launch Appletiser in other markets in Western Europe and the Americas.

Sacre bleu SPAIN is being put over a barrel after France banned a blue wine from Andalucia, describing it as ‘fake’. Almeria-produced Vindigo has now been withdrawn from supermarket shelves in France. It comes after Gallic wine experts doubted the light turquoise colour was natural, insisting it had been added, a claim denied by the producers who insist it comes from the pigment, anthocyanin, found in grape skin. The beverage begins as a Chardonnay grape white wine, changing colour after being macerated with red grape skins at a later stage It has notes of cherry, passion fruit and blackberry. Jean-Louis Escudier, a researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Research, claimed the practice of using red grape skin to pulp together with white wine is illegal. Researchers are not the only individuals who have taken offense. Local wine producers have accused the labelling of Vindigo as ‘de Méditerranée’ meaning ‘illegal and misused’.

R-espeto

ONLY one in five beach bars in Costa del Sol are fully licensed The Minister of Environment José Fiscal claims just 22% of chiringuitos, operating in Málaga have all the necessary permits. Of the 348 operating beach eateries in the Costa del Sol, more than half (53.74%) are still lacking some legal papers. The rest are illegally operating without any documents, however more than 80% either have an opening license or are in the application process for a full permit. In order to be considered fully licensed, beach bars must meet beach-operating regulations set by each municipality, in addition to the opening permits issued by the Junta.

Campaign launched to recognise the ‘iconic’ espeto as a UNESCO cultural icon of Malaga MALAGA has launched a campaign to have its famed ‘espeto’ sardines recognised by the UN as a key part of its cultural heritage. Called ‘Espetacular’, the skewer cooking method is being lauded as a traditional and healthy cooking method that is important to Malaga.

Genius

Javier Lima, a representative of the Marbella Activa Association, described the espeto is a work of ‘genius’ created

By Diana Tang

by the people of Malaga. A book about espetos, literally ‘skewers’, is currently being written by historian Jesús Moreno. A photo contest ‘La moraga y el espeto de sardinas’, has also been launched. The official bid is to be handed to UNESCO next year and could take up to seven years to be successful. The Malaga authorities hope to get the support of the Junta.

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Vintage The fierce rivalry between Spain’s two most visited cities is not confined to the soccer pitch, as Grace Lee reports

HE La Liga clashes between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are legendary but the cities themselves provoke continual head-to-heads over which has the glitziest nightlife, best shopping, oldest restaurant/bar/pastry shop/ice cream parlour etcetera. To settle the score, The Olive Press visited five antique food establishments in both cities to see which one wins this particular clash of the Titans.

EL CLASICO VS MADRID

BARCELONA

Oldest Restaurante

The winner is...Madrid

Madrid: Botín - 1725 One of Ernest Hemingway’s favourite haunts, Botín is listed as the oldest restaurant in the world in the Guinness Book of Records. Much of the four-story building’s original structure has been preserved, allowing customers to step back in time as they enter through the antique wooden entrance embellished with stained glass

windows. Its signature dish, cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), which Hemingway described as ‘the best in the world’ is cooked in the old holm oak-burning oven which gives the meat its singular flavour. A point of pilgrimage for foodies and history buffs alike, be sure to book your table well in advance.

Oldest Bar Madrid: Casa Alberto - 1827 Scarlet doors welcome customers to this antique bar, where ice cold glasses of vermouth have been served across the marble countertop for nearly two centuries. It was a handy watering hole for Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, who lived above the bar during his time in

Madrid. And it’s still the perfect spot for a cold drink after an afternoon of wandering through the bustling streets of the capital. There’s always a crowd and a great atmosphere as the bar is only 10 minute walk from Madrid’s top tourist attraction, the Prado Museum.

Oldest Chocolatería Madrid: San Gines - 1890 San Gines has been serving up Spain’s favourite weekend breakfast indulgence - chocolate con churros - for more than 120 years. Down an alleyway a few steps from Puerta del Sol, the chocolatería is always packed to the gunnels with contented customers dipping sticks of freshly deep-fried dough into comforting cups of gooey chocolate, thick as custard. You can also buy homemade chocolate bars and truffles. The cafe is open 24/7/365 so whether it’s 4am after a wild night out or a 4pm coffee break from work, you can always get your chocolate fix.

Oldest Pastelería Madrid: El Riojano - 1855 One of Madrid’s oldest cake shops, El Riojano has connections in high places. It was founded by Dámaso Maza, personal pastry chef to the Spanish Royal Family who was better known by his nickname ‘El Riojano,’ and generously passed it on to the bakery. Much of the original 19th-century interior has been preserved including the stunning mahogany showcases and antique lights. Pick out a scrumptious treat from the massive selection and enjoy it with a café con leche in the tea room at the back.

Oldest Heladería Madrid: Los Alpes - 1950 To advertise: +34 951 273 575

This classic ice cream business was founded by Italian Pedro Marchi and his Spanish wife Marcelina Ladero. With a passion for creating homemade ice cream with fresh, seasonal ingredients, the pair started with eight flavours and worked their way up to more than 80. For an extra flourish, the artisan cones are made with an original Italian recipe. You can find the heladeria in Chamberi just across from Parque del Oeste, where you can perch on the edge of a neoclassical fountain and keep cool while you devour your cornetto.

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warfare Pawfect petsitters

Barcelona: Can Culleretes - 1786 Runner-up to Madrid in longevity, the oldest restaurant in Barcelona has been flying the flag for Catalan cuisine for over two centuries. Specialities include civet de jabalí (wild boar stew) and canelos ‘los de siempre’ (traditional cannelloni), a classic favourite.

Setting back off La Rambla, one of the city’s busiest streets, visitors can get a taste of Barcelona’s past through three imposing mural paintings inside the restaurant but its deeper history is transmitted through the intense traditional flavours of its dishes.

The winner is...Barcelona Barcelona: Bar Marsella - 1820 The peeling ceilings clouded with cobwebs and the hundreds of empty bottles ranged upon the shelves attest to the countless drinks poured and drunks served who have laughed, wept and partied all night long at Marsella since 1820. Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali were regulars at this bohemian bar, rumoured to have

been a clandestine hotspot for anti-establishment intellectuals and artists during the Franco regime. Bar Marsella is infamous for its deliriously strong absenta (absinthe), a highly alcoholic and hallucinogenic herbal drink served with a fork and a cube of sugar balanced on the rim of the glass.

The winner is...Barcelona Barcelona: Xocolates Fargas - 1827 The artisan chocolates of Fargas on Carrer de Pi are the Cartier jewels of the confectionary world and they come in presentation gift boxes. Although the firm has relocated to new premises a couple of stores down from the original shop, the main counter, window display cabinets and chocolate mill came too and are still in use at this historic chocolatería. The range of exquisitely-crafted chocolate truffles on display lure window shoppers inside to splurge on edible souvenirs gift-wrapped for their loved ones.

The winner is...Barcelona Barcelona: La Colmena - 1849 One of the oldest cake shops in the heart of Barcelona at Plaça de l’Àngel square, La Colmena is the sweetest taste of the city’s history you’ll ever savour. The bakery makes its pastries and tarts with exactly the same recipes that were being used in the 19th century and they’re still just as popular. The display of freshly baked pastries that are lined up in the windows every morning has become a tourist attraction and crowds are glued to the windows at all times of the day, picking out their favorite treats. One of many highlights is the massive meringues which are light and delicate and as big as your hand.

The winner is...Barcelona Barcelona: El Tío Che - 1912 Uncle Che licks Madrid’s Los Alpes into second place for longevity of heladerias having survived two world wars and shared the city’s every inglorious and glorious moment since, including the 1992 Olympics. The business started out as a horchatería serving the plant-based milk made from tiger nuts, but later expanded into artisanal ice creams. The parlour has been through multiple location changes. Today it’s ensconced in the neighbourhood of Poblenou a couple minutes walk from Playa Bogatell, where it’s creamy, thick ice cream offers a delicious beach break.

ome of the best ideas bubble up between friends over a good meal. HouseSitMatch, the award-winning housesitting network, is certainly one such idea. Founder and CEO, Lamia Walker developed the solution for home and pet owners looking for sitters while they are away from home based on personal experience. As a pet owner who travelled for work, Lamia regularly found herself looking for good petsitters who could easily move into her home and take care of her pets and property. One day a friend told her about living rent free while petsitting for short and long-term periods in Australia. The penny dropped and the idea for an online network for housesitting began to take shape. Now five years later, HouseSitMatch.com is celebrating the launch of its new website, which includes automatic ID checks of all members with an online police checking service via the website. Lamia said: "Despite significant growth in our short history, we are keen to manage our network by offering safe participation. The UK remains the largest market for HouseSitMatch and Spain is our fastest growing international market! Online ID and Police checking will help us to grow internationally giving housesitters more options for affordable travel and home and pet owners access to more FOUNDER: Lamia and Dog Nuka checked housesitters."

LOOKING FOR GREAT HOUSE SITTERS? PLANNING A HOLIDAY? Need house or pet sitters? It can be a worry preparing for a holiday. Who will care for your pets? How much do petsitters cost? At HouseSitMatch our sitters are experienced in home and pet care and they housesit for free. HOW DOES IT WORK? All new members register to join our online network. On registration we ID check everyone to ensure we know who you are, in addition we police check sitters. We charge a small fee for membership to ensure that we can afford to manage our site professionally. Benefits for home and pet owners Our membership offers access to sitters through our secure network. You post an advert ahead of your travel, we publish the ad and sitters apply. You view profiles and chat before you choose a sitter “Really great service and even better is the peace of mind of leaving your property in a checked sitter’s hands via a site with a great reputation.” Catherine White, Cat owner – Home owner Review on Trustpilot

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put a ring on it ... or not, writes Giles Brown

ow is your summer going so far? Assuming that you haven’t melted, been driven mad by the heat or become even madder – difficult in my case,

I know – by every conversation starting with ‘Que calor’. I thought that I would broach the subject of male jewellery. I was given a skull ring as a present at the end of last

month, which had me pondering the whole ‘male jewellery’ thing. On a side note, I’ve decided to keep wearing my skull T-shirts (a staple in my wardrobe, not in some, Keith Richards ‘ageing Rock Star’ kind of way but, as I barrel into my 50s, as a mobile memento mori).

Performer

My current collection includes the aforementioned ring, a Fleur de Lyse bracelet and a brightly coloured ‘friendship bracelet’ from Nepal that my Goddaughter gave me. I don’t do piercings or tattoos by the way. The aforementioned Goddaughter, the fabulous Ziggy, who is currently off around Europe on the festival trail breathing fire and spinning hoops (she’s a modern circus performer) has enough of those for both of us. I wear the ring on my left hand for health reasons, by the way. I tried experimenting with some heavy-duty metal rings on my right hand before – an experiment that ended when I shook hands with an enthu-

siastic Dutch friend. He has a bone-crushing handshake to begin with, an effect that was painfully amplified by the metal on my fingers. I yelped, manfully, of course. I also don’t wear necklaces or medallions. Having lived in Marbella for over 30 years I’ve seen enough gold on the beach - mainly in the 80s - to put me off. Plus the thought of looking like an albino rapper doesn’t appeal to me either. You will, however, still see Spanish men of a certain age festooned with gold jewellery. This normally includes at least one image of the Virgin; in a look I call the ‘Tio Triana’. These poor souls run the serious risk, not so much as O.D’ing as O.G’ing – “Over Gold”. I once did a photo shoot and dressed up in this style. It wasn’t pretty, trust me. If you do need to ‘make a statement’ on the beach, take my advice, keep the bangles to a minimum and simply by the biggest, blingest, fake watch you can from the Senegalese street sellers. You’ll look like a billionaire on his

CONFIDENT: Jewelry look

day off and none of the bimbos who you may attract will be able to spot the difference. As long as you don’t pair this

look with a pair of Budgie Smugglers, you may just survive the Male Sartorial Minefield that is summer….

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