Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 26 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 1 Issue 26

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April 12th - April 25th 2018

Brit expats using fake money By Elisa Menendez

FOUR Brits have been arrested for handing out fake bank notes at businesses in Magaluf. Alarm bells went off when locals realised the criminals were paying with false €20 and €50 notes in bars and restaurants. Although the notes looked identical to real ones, the texture of them was not perfect which made vendors suspicious. Guardia Civil and Policia Nacional detained the suspects on Monday night in Torrenova. After spending the night in a cell on Monday, the next

BUSTED: Fraudsters morning the expats were taken by police to the apartments where they were registered in Terranova. In their bedrooms, officers found €5,000 in cash - €2,000 of which were false notes. It is still being confirmed if the remaining sum is real money. The Brits have reportedly been ‘living their lives to the full’ in Mallorca for some time now and regularly hang out in Magaluf’s famous tourist areas. Investigators are trying to find out if the gang is merely a group of friends financing their stay on the island, or if they are part of a wider organisation.

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TRAGIC: German cyclist Christoph Bohnen (left) killed after group of nine were mowed down by Porsche Cayenne

Reckless driver who killed cyclist had been nicked three times for drug use By Gillian Keller

THE driver of a Porsche Cayenne who ran over nine German cyclists – killing one – has been arrested for driving while high on three separate occasions. The 28-year-old Spaniard who tested positive for marijuana, after running into the cyclists in the Capdepera area - was caught drug driving in 2015, it has been revealed. Named as Anais MB, she was also arrested the following year as part of a clamp down, known as Operation Formosa, on drugtaking on the island. She was one of 19 people charged 15:36 in the Llevant 16/06/2017 area, after 2.5 kilos of co-

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at the roadside. She also denied she was coming back from a late night party, and insisted the cyclists drove into her. “I'm not a drug addict who goes out on the road to kill eight people,” the young woman said. According to Anais, she was coming back from a nearby cleaning job.

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car swerved into the group of cyclists killing Christoph Bohnen, 47, from Bavaria. The father-of-two died after being rushed to hospital with multiple organ failure. Two of his fellow cyclists

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remain in serious condition in hospital, while six others received minor injuries. While Anais claimed she was not driving under the influence at the time of the accident, she tested positive

She said: "When I was going to overtake, they were two in two, but suddenly four went in parallel, occupying almost the entire lane. “Suddenly I see that I am on top of the cyclists and hit the brakes". She later claimed that the sun had blinded her, and when she went to put her visor down she hit a cyclist. Seven ambulances were called out to the wreckage, and victims were transferred to three different hospitals. The courts have refused to grant her bail while she awaits trial.

EXCLUSIVE Serial cat killer has murdered three cats as rights groups fear more deaths are to come SEE NEXT PAGE

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crime

April 12th - April 25th 2018

Justice for Luna

News IN BRIEF

Dreadful discovery A BODY has been discovered in a shed near Son Sardina in Palma. Police have reported there appears to be no signs of violence, but the body is in an advanced state of decomposition.

Hang in there! FIREFIGHTERS have rescued a paraglider who became stuck ten metres off the ground in a tree near Sa Pobla. The young man was safely removed from the tree, luckily with no injuries.

Rouge taxis PLAIN-CLOTHED agents will be patrolling Palma airport this season trying to catch 'pirate taxis'. After numerous complaints of illegal taxis trolling the airport from licensed taxi drivers in 2017, the ministry of transportation announced the operation for this year.

Cat killer at large

TWISTED: One cat barely survived being shot with x-ray (right) showing bullets lodged in chest

Exclusive by Joe Wallen

RESIDENTS are demanding action after a spate of shootings left three cats dead and at least three seriously injured. Police are now probing the shootings in Puerto Pollenca, which come amid other reports of cats being run over or poisoned in the area. Animal rights groups have now urged the authorities to take the vile attacks seriously and to work in tandem to control the cat population. It comes after Louisa Copa, of Cat Protection Pollensa, found

Brutal attacks on the local cat population has left animal rights groups demanding action three cats shot and others missing at the El Vila colony. Copa, who looks after five local colonies of wildcats, found oneyear-old Ella slumped over a wall, and rushed her to a nearby vet. It emerged that Ella had been shot with pellets, some becoming wedged in her chest. Ella survived with vets telling Louisa she had found her in the nick of time. After ten days in intensive care the charity is now fundraising

to pay for her treatment. Louisa however also found two other cats shot dead, both being shot in the face, while another three are missing, presumed dead. The horrendous incident comes after another volunteer witnessed two cats being run over in Soller by a man who had previously threatened he would get rid of a local colony. “I really do not know who or why people would do this cruel

act to such intelligent and loving animals,” Copa told the Olive Press. Animal rights groups do admit that it is a constant battle to control Mallorca’s feral cat population from negatively impacting life on the island. However, as explained by Maxi Lange of BALDEA, a federation of animal protection associations, the solution is neutering cats not killing them. This can only be effective, she explains, through collaboration between animal rights groups, the police, town halls and local politicians. The police confirmed to the Olive Press that an investigation into the shootings is underway.

A MAN has been sentenced to six months in prison for a man who let his dog die slowly over six months without seeking treatment or care. The 36-year-old man from Coll den Rabassa, Antonio Pericás, accepted his sentence of animal abuse after his pitbull Luna spent months suffering from Leishmania disease, caused by a sandfly bite, which can be treated. The dog was in such bad shape that Palma police had to intervene and take the dog to Son Reus, but she died shortly after. News of the case has gone viral on the island, with more than 30,000 people signing the original petition for Antonio to be charged with animal cruelty. Antonio will avoid jail if he has no contact with animals for two years and completes a course on the protection of animals.

Porn panic A SPANISH man has been arrested in Palma after he tried to blackmail his ex by threatening to release homemade pornography videos of her. The 46-year-old demanded money from the victim in return for not releasing the private tapes. The pair broke up as recently as mid-March, according to the police.

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April 12th - April 25th 2018

Rich in Ibiza

FRIENDS?: Letizia and Sofia

All made up QUEEN Letizia and Sofia were all smiles and affection while visiting Juan Carlos in hospital last weekend. It comes after an awkward video of Letizia stopping a picture being taken with her children and Sofia went viral. Rumours have swirled since of a rift in the royal family, but a spokesperson dismissed the clip.

Worries

"She is very committed to taking care of her daughters, with the protection of their image, she worries who takes photos of them, she worries where they come from, who approaches them. It's a very motherly reaction. "It's been silly, it's not a serious issue, nothing has happened." Former king Juan Carlos was recovering from a knee operation in Madrid. Sofia and her granddaughters Leonor and young Sofia posed for pictures outside the building.

AWKWARD: Viral video

HOLLYWOOD hunk Richard Madden has made another stop in Ibiza to catch some sun as Spring finally begins. The Scottish actor, best known as Rob Stark in Game of Thrones has been spotted on the Balearic island relaxing in the sun. The trip may be both business and pleasure as the 31-year-old is starring in a new film, titled Ibiza, coming out later this year.

Down in the Trumps

Trump Jr escapes to Spanish mountains to ease the pain of divorce back home

THE eldest son of US president Donald Trump has been seeking solace in Spain as his divorce proceedings get underway back home. Donald Trump Jr donned camouflage for a series of wild treks in the Beceite Mountains in Aragon, where he was staying in a farmhouse. The 40-year-old posted pics from his trip raving about the ‘truly incredible scenery’ describing it as ‘rugged and unique’. He also posted a snap of himself and his friend, who was likewise wearing camouflage and had binoculars around his neck. “Some truly incredible scenery and terrain here in Spain this weekend,” he wrote. Other photos included a snap of his steak as well as a photo sitting on a cliff in the mountains.

TRUMP: With family

The trip came after his estranged wife Vanessa filed for divorce shortly after her family’s multi-million dollar windfall from her late father’s investments. It also comes after Don Jr was accused of having an affair with former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O’Day. The 40-year-old is seeking an uncontested divorce to end her 12-year marriage with the president’s son, with whom she has five children.

Still got it BRITISH beauty Elizabeth Hurley caused a lot of excitement when she was spotted on holiday in Ibiza. The model and actress, currently playing a fictional queen of England for the hit E! show The Royals, posted a stunning selfie from Tagomago island. The hollywood legend, who famously once dated Hugh Grant, has frequented the Balearic islands many times over the decades, usually in the waters around Ibiza.

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April 12th - April 25th 2018

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Olive Press medical campaign finally draws blood with Nolotil regulation close EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

AN Olive Press health campaign has led to ‘the biggest’ drug probe 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 (pictured above). The medical professional found our 1000-strong petition online and took it forward after one of her patients died from the drug. “Spain wants to help, 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 fami-

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April 12th - April 25th 2018

Nolotil victory

looms TRAGIC: Graeme Ward with wife Mary, who died from Nolotil

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 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.

lies 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, Alicante-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.

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

Necrotizing

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 about it,” she added. After months of research she got the evidence in front Pharmacovigilance - a drug safety organisation, which monitors and prevents adverse effects. It immediately classified the information of ‘exceptional importance’ and began its own probe. Using our petition and expat social media groups, she has managed to compile ‘up to 100’ case studies. Now, thanks to the translator’s incredible efforts, government bodies Direccion General de

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Vol. 11 Issue 271

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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

gET in iT TO win iT!

THE Olive Press is giving away three pairs of tickets for two of the best 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

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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 Velez-Malaga town hall to reHAPPIER TIMES: Graham with technician, from London. wife, and Billy Smyth build it. She never regained conscious- again. But when the original wall colMetamizole, Nolotil ness and was on a life support “He said she would be alive if in the US, the UK, is banned lapsed of its own accord during machine for FOUR months, she hadn’t taken it, but I have most of Europe, Ireland and construction, the Wards’ archibefore spending three years heard from dozens 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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need for more research

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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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.

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CHANGE: In speed limit

Slowing down? ROADS across Spain could see the speed limit dropped from 100km/hr to 90km/hr in a bid to improve road safety. Regions would be allowed to go back to the 100 limit only if the route was deemed ‘safe and well maintained.’ The proposed changes in law will be sent to the Spanish Home Office ‘soon’ according to reports.

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Farmacia, and Pharmacovigilance are carrying out ‘the biggest national study ever into medication’ across 17 regions, she revealed. Medical professionals now believe there could be a lack of an enzyme or a genetic difference, that means Anglo Saxons are at higher risk than Spaniards. At high-level meetings with dozens of health professionals this week in Valencia, an official decision is expected to be made. Last night Graeme Ward, who tragically lost his wife Mary, to Nolotil in 2006, said: “It’s high time for it to be banned, I’m so pleased something is being done.” Garcia del Campo is still urging expats and holidaymakers affected by Nolotil to come forward by messaging her at cristinadrugresearch@ gmail.com. Direccion General de Farmacia failed to comment before press.

Costly screw A CONSTRUCTION company has been ordered to pay more than €15,000 for using the wrong sized screw in a job. It comes after investigators discovered the mistake while installing a drainpipe at a school in Bunyola. The error only came to light when the pipe came loose and fell onto a child, smashing his hand. After the child’s family made a successful claim to the town council, earning €17,500 in compensation, the council’s insurance company in turn sued the building firm. While the company put the blame on poor maintenance, it was discovered that one of the original screws used was too thin to secure the pipe.

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FURY: Protestors

Cruising for trouble PROTESTERS gathered as the largest cruise ship in the world, the Symphony of the Seas, arrived in Palma on its maiden voyage. The Royal Caribbean ship was met by 200 activists, who demanded less tourists and more refugees be admitted to the island. The huge ship can accommodate around 9,000 tourists a number the protesters claim is ‘far too big’ for a city like Palma. The protest was supported by political party GOB, which highlighted that the ship uses as much energy in three days as the town of Sant Joan does in a whole year burning through 15 tons of fuel an hour.

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Tripple winners THREE Mallorcan resorts are among British holidaymakers favourites. Magaluf came in fourth most booked resort, according to lastminute.com, while Alcudia came in seventh and Palmanova in tenth. Benidorm was the destination most booked by Brits, with four other Spanish resorts also making up the top ten. British tourist reasons for booking a Spanish holiday was the guarantee of ‘having a good time’.

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F e at u r e

www.theolivepress.es Mallorca’s original community newspaper

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

OPINION About time! After countless expats and holidaymakers tragically lost loved ones to the lethal drug Nolotil, it seems we may finally be close to achieving justice for them. Campaigns, petitions, official complaints and word of mouth previously failed to catch the attention of Spanish authorities but now the information is in the hands of the right people, healthcare officials are treating this highly seriously. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Cristina Garcia del Campo, who has worked tirelessly day and night around a full-time job for months, she has managed to gather around 100 case studies and vital information which have been the foundation of the investigation. The Olive Press also want to thank the many victims and carers who bravely came forward to share their stories with us, along with the 1,000 expats who supported our petition. Let’s hope we finally achieve what we set out to do almost two years ago. Watch this space as results are set to be released in the coming weeks. Depòsito Legal PM: 610-2017

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AWARDS

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.

April 12th - April 25th 2018

EXCLUSIVE

An ode to chokey I

FAULKNER: In happier times at home with children

T’S not everyday the Olive Press receives mail from a prison inmate. At first glance the letter appeared to be a selection of requests, asking if certain people had received his correspondence and if he could have a copy of ‘our esteemed publication’ sent to him. But what it actually contained was a treasure trove of poems, detailing how Nicholas Faulkner, who served as a solider in Gibraltar for much of his life, came to be sentenced to 25 years in an Algeciras prison.

ere’s a joke, For my nephews in Gib, Into a bar walks uncle Nick,

Near seven hours he just sits there, Had a couple of vodkas, Then sat NOT DRINKING, just stared, Didn’t get noisy or fall down, Piss off the punters or act the clown, Didn’t sing sing sing or show them his ring, Still woke up in a cell, Not knowing a thing! Woke up in a cell, There’s one man dead, Got no memory in my head, The drink they say, It must be true, ‘You’re an alki Nick,’ ‘Look at you,’ I’m an alki yes, But something’s wrong, Where’s the missing nine hours gone? Two years pass accepting my fate, ‘You were drunk and driving, ‘Get on with it mate’, If they had dropped intent, I was happy to stay, Secure in prison, ‘Keep me away’, Mourning the child I killed that night, Gets to the trial, What? There wasn’t a fight! Alcohol too low, no stumbling stuff, Agreed with the fiscal, The drink wasn’t enough Destroyed my defence, But the jury heard, How the doorman recognised my truthful word, Stuck to my guns, Got 30 years, Thank our lady for that jury,

British soldier convicted of murder in Andalucia pens poems to tell his side of the story

Not much has been reported on the case, other than that the former squaddie at the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, ran over and killed a young man from La Linea. The tragic event unfolded two years ago outside a strip club in Cadiz. The court heard how he’d argued with a group of three men, who he then ran over with his van. Two of the men did not sustain serious injuries, with the third known as Juan Carlos - dying on the spot. The judge in Algeciras also ordered him to pay €170,000 For justice only briefly deferred in compensation to the deceased’s mother and sister. If I was drinking I would have been But now, through a selection of weeping lulling about the bar, poems that can be exclusively All alone again without my chilrevealed by the Olive Press, dren, Faulkner has given his side of The drunks depressingly familiar the story. moan, In one poem, entitled GHB, he tells the story of the night Left alone, on of all days my birthof the incident that would day! change his life forever, while The staff would have got me home, 600 Kilos is a witty commentary on corruption within Would have been in bed by Spain’s Guardia Civil police 10 O’clock, force, both are as poignant as Full of sobs, they are articulate. But with my dogs,

GHB

On my own, In anguished heartbreak, But at least I still had jobs, No more money spent, No families rent, Apart by sudden death, If the killers hadn’t drugged my vodka, Juan Carlos would still be alive, I would be working on my gardens, And our parents need never have cried, All victims of a criminal act Of envy with malicious intent, Because I escaped his evil clutches And wasn’t living in a tent, Now it’s suspended, the prosecution, While they investigate the cause, I can hear the little birds tweeting, Echoes around these prison walls, I know who spiked the vodka, Will be no surprise in Jimena town, Everyone will know who done it, As soon as word gets round, How many came before me? Can we find them all?In time. I told Pepe I’d planned a garden for Juan Carlos, We will build a shrine

600 kilos One lost 600 kilos, Another a tonne and a half, Between the Guardia seizing the cargo, And the documents getting to court, Illegal trade feeds endemic corruption, Infecting all political discourse, Stewed reports and outright lying, Keep the prohibition ship on course, Lots of cash and lots of power, We hand it all to them, Supply of a non-toxic, non-addictive natural remedy, Controlled by criminal men, The ones that benefit mostly, Are the ones that buy the laws, A stick with which to beat us, They twist it in their claws. Don’t miss more poems from the Bard of Belmarsh in our next issue

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As more scandal emerges over a leading politician’s faked university degree, Lenox Napier asks: ‘why do politicians never resign in Spain?’

F e at u r e

April 12th - April 25th 2018

The Chains of Office

PAIN’S leading political problem is Catalunya, brought about by poor management and policies from Madrid over the years. Barcelona could have been a partner, but DID SHE instead, it has become a vassal. As the OR DIDN’T tension built slowly up, and the threat of SHE?: a unilateral declaration of independence Cifuentes loomed, Madrid came in swinging. Now holds up several Catalan politicians are in prison, without charge. Others are in exile. They ‘fake’ masare either rebels, or political prisoners, deters degree pending on your point of view, and the subject is not going away and feeds upon itself daily, with Madrid mostly being painted as the baddie. Last Thursday turned out to be an interesting day for the courts. The Swiss currently have two Catalan ‘rebels’ that Madrid urgently wants to try in court (that’s to say, they are in exile there peacefully enough), while the Spanish have Herve Falciani, the whistleblower who walked out of HSBC in Geneva in 2008 with a long list of those who had improperly stashed their swag in offshore accounts, including many Spanish politicians and captains of industry here. Thanks to Falciani, who now lives in Spain, the Panama Papers became possible, and all kinds of people were caught with their taxes undeclared or their money laundered. Among the most notable was the Botín (Banco Santander) family and their two billion euro stash in the Swiss bank. Falciani is wanted in Switzerland for leaking official documents, and they want him on trial. How about a deal, one Spanish prosecuNO DEAL: The Spanish allowed Falciani out while the Germans freed Puigdemont tor thought, nabbing Falciani off the street in Madrid on Wednesday – just as he was about to give a talk at a university entitled: ed on a Spanish judicial order, was politely a fake. She couldn’t have been studying there ‘When telling the truth is a wonderful thing’. set free. Meanwhile in Madrid an- when she claimed and the signatures on The Swiss – who have Falother leading PP politician the document were false. ciani pencilled in for five was somehow holding on to Other newspapers picked up on the story years behind bars for breakher chains of office with a and provided extra ammunition. ing the Helvetian Eleventh They usually The university finally admitted it ‘reconvice-like grip. Commandment – didn’t attempt to stay, Cristina Cifuentes took on structed’ the document after ‘the original have much chance to weigh the advantages of a possible when they should the key job as president was destroyed’, but they have now sent of the Madrid Region two all the paperwork to the police and public trade before a judge howevresign, they are years ago offering a clean prosecutor to make a decision. er, defied the prosecutor for after years of prob- While it all looked very damning, Cifuenmisuse of the law, unlocked short on morals sweep lems. "The corrupt era tes finally came out of hiding, and made a the cell and said in effect, has come to an end," said three-hour statement insisting the claims ‘scram!’, you’re a free man. Cifuentes as she triumphed were untrue. But few were convinced and In Spain, politics sometimes the scandal rumbled on. into office. trumps justice. At the same time in Germany, a court de- But this has now come to a rather spec- While the socialists and Podemos demandcided Carles Puigdemont, the ringleader of tacular end, with the news, broken by news ed a motion of no confidence, Ciudadanos the Catalan rebellion, wasn’t a rebel after site El Diario, that her master’s degree stuck with the ruling PP government and all, and Puigdemont, who had been arrest- from the King Juan Carlos University was won by a vote. Cifuentes, evidently fearing a return to Civvy Street, remained firm. I’m not leaving, she thundered as the PP-controlled Spanish THE leader of the PP party in Manational television conveniently turned its drid, Cristina Cifuentes, is being focus onto another subject more in keeping probed over claims she faked a maswith their own Masters’ viewpoint. That of ter’s degree qualification (see feature the pesky Catalans. page 7). On Friday however, all media organisations, Pressure is mounting for the Ma- regional law’ from the university in even including the PP supporting ABC drid regional president to resign af- 2012. newspaper, were reporting up to the minWhen questioned, the regional leadter Ciudadanos joined the PSOE and ute on the case. Would Cifuentes survive er claimed she had ‘misplaced’ her Podemos to demand a vote of no conthe weekend? The answer: ‘Somehow she thesis, while the university also was fidence against her. did.’ Spain’s public prosecutor and police unable to release a copy. We are left with this question – ‘Why in are now studying evidence presented However, a certificate was soon proSpain would most politicians rather die by King Juan Carlos University, that duced which appeared to show she than resign?’ The answer might be that, did in fact have the qualification. contradict her claims. this is all they know. Two professors and the dean of the After being caught out, Cifuentes In other countries, disgraced politicians admitted she did not attend classes university have been giving evidence blithely return to their previous occupaor take exams with other students, in Madrid, after one of them contion... here, well they often have no predue to a private agreement with the firmed his signature had been falsivious occupation... Whether presidents, university to accommodate her busy fied. ministers or mayors, many of our leaders schedule. It comes as a maDespite the furore, are loathe to leave office, as they have no jor embarrassment to the Cifuentes, 53, insistother skills and quite enjoy the perks, after PP party which held its ed: “I am not going all. Cifuentes is the perfect example, havnational conference in to resign because I ing been in politics since she was 16. Sevilla over the weekhave not lied about Politicians in Spain usually attempt to stay end. It was announced anything.” on in their post, when they should resign, this week that a vote of News website, El Dibecause they are short on moral qualities. no-confidence will be ario, broke the news Politicians probably think that the public held between April 13 that the politician are fools – and, judging by the way we parand May 7 in Madrid’s failed to complete don their corruption and gross ineptitude, parliament. a degree in ‘public perhaps they have a point.

Faking it

Olive Press can be read in 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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la cultura April 12th - April 25th 2018

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THE 35th Palma Boat Show - the biggest one to date kicks off on April 27 with 80,000 metres of exhibitions for boating and yacht lovers and Download admirers of all levels.our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish The five day event will host around 700 newsbusion the go. nesses and hundreds of boats to jump aboard. ON DISPLAY: Sorolla and dresses i m m e !

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April 12th - April 25th 2018

AN art exhibition has cleverly paired the celebrated paintings of artist Joaquin Sorolla with many of the dresses and jewelry of the time. In the show at Madrid’s Thyssen Museum and the nearby Sorolla Museum, the Spanish fashion trends of the 19th and 20th century are displayed beside 70 of his paintings. Recognised as one of the great pioneers of Spanish art, Valencian-born Sorolla was heavily inspired by fashion, with an emphasis on women’s styles. The exhibition, taking place until May 27, includes a number of paintings that have never been seen by the public before.

SAILING THROUGH

D A N C I N G Queen, one of the biggest ABBA tribute bands, is returning ThetoOlive Press the Palma Auditorium on April 20 forTOP a mustfor news in Spain! see performance of the greatest hits of the Swedish sensations. The popular band has performed thousands of times around Europe over their 15 year run, growing quite the fanbase themselves. SOULFULLY soft singer Damien Rice will be coming to Mallorca to perform for ew Nikki the first time this August, it has been anNIKKI Beach nounced. The Irish songwriter is fulfilling is hosting their his dreams on the Wood Water Wind tour, grand opening bash on and sailing from concert venue to concert April 26 with globally venue across Spain and Italy in an old inspired cuisine, signawooden sailboat. ture cocktails and live “This tour traveling from concert to concert music all on the beaution an old wooden sailboat is a dream that ful Magaluf seafront. has been percolating under a dusty lid for over 10 years,” Rice explained. “All that

Damien Rice coming to Mallorca for first time mesmerizing movement of sails and ropes and waves gives me the feeling of being carried into the elements on the back of a giant, mythical sea creature. “It’s a place I feel deeply vulnerable, and immensely free.” The Irish romantic’s most famous songs from his debut album O, The Blower’s Daughter and Cold Water, were both fea-

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tured in the film Closer, becoming massive hits in the US. After a successful second album, Damien took eight years to perfect his most recent album, My Favourite Faded Fantasy. Dublin-born Damien will set sail after his August 7 concert at the Palma Auditorium to Menorca for another show before cruising east to Italy.

Duly noted THE Symphonic Orchestra of the Balearic Islands has pitched in on the debate about using Catalan in the workplace. The group has announced that it will now give musicians with an accredited B2 or intermediate knowledge of the language priority when filling temporary vacancies. The nationality of applicants is irrelevant, a spokesperson has said. The orchestra did specify that for those joining on a temporary contract which has a duration longer than a year and a half will not be initially penalised for not speaking the language. However they are expected to obtain the B2 language certificate within a year or else their contract with be terminated.

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Here comes the Summer

t feels like this Winter has dragged on forever, but fear not - summer is just around the corner - and it’s full of events and festivals to sink your

teeth into. Below we have compiled the ten must-dos for Mallorca so you can get the most out of the upcoming months.

Dance the night away at BH Mallorca Drive the Tramuntana

s e l a m no shoewgirls or sihn the s s e r p olive

There is no feeling quite like hitting the road for an adventure with a close friend. And where better to explore than the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Serra de Tramuntana. The 90km mountain range is breathtakingly beautiful, stretching from Andratx in the southwest of the island to the Cap de Formentor in the north. On route you can stop off at the vast Gorg Blau and Cúber reservoirs and if you fancy building up a sweat you can attempt to scale one of the formidable peaks of Puig Major, Teix, Massenella or Tomir. The perfect time for this road trip would be July, when the town of Deià - a favourite haunt of the late Princess Diana - is hosting a number of concerts as part of its international music festival.

Putt yourself on the green

Sunbathe on the Bahía de Alcudia

The Olive Press does NOT and has NEVER accepted sex ads as a genuine family-friendly newspaper

When one thinks of busting a move in the Balearics it is often Mallorca’s smaller neighbour Ibiza that comes to mind. Yet Mallorca still has a world-class nightlife scene in its own right. BH Mallorca in Magaluf is the island’s only openair festival venue with an array of top DJs. Steve Aoki will officially open the clubbing season at BH with a gig on June 14. While there truly is something for dance music fans - from techno to funky house - we would advise checking out RnB crooner Craig David on June 26, Dutch trance legend Armin van Buuren on August 2 or house music superstar David Guetta on August 19. See you on the dancefloor!

There is a famous saying that life’s a beach and that certainly applies to Mallorca. The island boasts 262 separate beaches stretching for over 50km in total - it truly is a paradise for the sun worshipper! The sheer amount of golden sand means there truly is a beach for everyone but we would recommend spending the day at the Bahía de Alcudia. Not only is it the island’s longest - meaning you won’t be fighting for space to put your towel down - it is also adjacent to Alcudia itself and its remarkable old town. We recommend visiting on a Tuesday or Sunday when there is a local market in the city centre. You can enjoy some retail therapy while sipping on a cool Sangria - sunbathing is thirsty work after all!

Spain has a rich golfing heritage with Sergio Garcia, Seve Ballesteros and Miguel Ángel Jiménez all making a name for themselves on the fairway. With the weather improving what better way to enjoy the sublime sunshine that spending the day out on the course perfecting your swing? We recommend checking out Golf Sant Juan in Sant Jordi for its undulating greens and tranquil oasis feel. It costs €100 to play the full 18 and the reduced fee of €60 for nine if you want to make it to the clubhouse in time for a cold San Miguel on the terrace. Just make sure you don’t pitch up when the club is hosting one of its tournaments just for members - the Peter Wackel Golf Trophy will take place on July 7 and the Club Championship will take place on August 10-12.

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Celebrate the Festival Sant Bartomeu The Spanish are well known for their love of both fiesta and siesta. What better place to enjoy the former than at the Festival Sant Bartomeu in the atmospheric town of Soller. Taking place between August 24 and September 1, the town welcomes tourists to celebrate its Patron Saint Bartholomew. Vibrant markets line the streets offering clothes, food and local crafts with an array of free art exhibitions and performances in the evenings. The week culminates in the ‘Gran Nit del Foc’ or Great Night of Fire. Locals dressed as demons light soaring fireworks which spit sparks onto dancing revellers below. A word of warning though - wear wet or damp clothing if you want to join the fray so as to avoid setting yourself alight. Plenty of time to catch up on the siesta in September!

Enjoy a tipple at Wine Days Mallorca There are over 70 wine producers on the island ensuring there really is a tipple for even the most demanding pallet. To show off the phenomenal variety of Mallorca’s wine the kind folks at DO Binissalem have organised an eight day celebration. Taking place between May 12-20 in the spectacular aforementioned Tramuntana region, vino devotees can enjoy guided visits in a number of different languages to the local vineyards and wineries. The organisers have also planned out hiking routes though the area to give the liver a rest as well as open air concerts and theatre performances. We’ll raise a glass to that!

Potter to Marratxi You can go potty for clay plates, jugs and tiles in Mallorca’s famous Marratxi region this Summer. The town’s legacy as a ceramics hub stretches back 800 years when it emerged as the crafts capital of the Mediterranean. It was the first place in Europe where Hispanic Moorish pottery was made and historians believe the decorative tin-glazed artefacts were exported from the island to Italy as early as the 13th Century.

A mere 10-15 minute drive from Palma, the town makes the perfect day trip for those with small children or with a knack for the arts. You can enjoy daily demonstrations from the craftsmen and even give it a go yourself. Don’t worry if you aren’t as good as the Marratxi locals - they have had a bit of practice after all! For the historians among you there are also archaeological remains in the town showcasing an agglomeration of past Talaiotic, Roman, Arab and Medieval Christian cultures. We recommend visiting in August when you can combine your visit with one of the town’s cultural celebrations.

Catalan crooner Marcel Cranc is performing on August 5 and is not to be missed.

Get a slice of the tennis action in Manacor Mallorca’s second city Manacor is home to one of its favourite sons: 16-time grand slam winner Rafael Nadal. What better on those long summer evenings that to pick up your racket and take to the very clay courts where the tennis ace honed his craft. You can even enjoy tennis lessons at the Rafa Nadal Sports Centre, with bespoke training programs provided to suit your needs. Whether it is that pesky forehand or backhand that needs a little work - there is coaching for everyone. If you haven’t quite had your fill of the tennis legend there is also a Rafael Nadal Museum Xperience in Manacor allowing you to relive some of Rafa’s greatest moments. We advise booking in advance as it can get busy, with tickets priced at the reasonable €18

Join in the celebra-

tions for Sant Pere A carnival featuring a sardine fest? What could be more Mallorquin! From June 22-29 the residents of Alcudia will be celebrating the festival of Sant Pere with a week packed full of entertainment, live music and events. Tracing its roots to Alcudia’s maritime past, the event celebrating Saint Peter culminates in a sea and land procession on June 29. Worth a visit if not for nothing else to see boats spectacularly donned with images of the saint.

April 12th - April 25th 2018 March 29th - April 11th 2018

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Jazz festival taking over streets of Mallorca once more

New art DANISH artists Niels Jensen has set up his latest works in Palma for Rialto Living's for their current must-see showcase. Raised by artists in Sweden, Neils is extremely talented in a plethora of art forms. He has written and released seven albums, from pop to punk. He spent the 90's as a video director for international bands before painting became his primary art form. Niels has exhibited his work around the globe, from Paris to Shanghai, Barcelona and London. In 2007 the artist found a muse in Mallorca after an exhibition in Soller, and has since moved to the island to focus on music and painting. His bold and colourful pieces can be seen throughout Rialto Living's stunning space for a couple more weeks.

SMOOTH Jazz will take over the east coast from April 25 through 30 in Sa Coma, with the only Smooth Jazz Festival in the European Mediterranean. The 5-star Protur Biomar Gran Hotel and Spa is hosting the event, 300 metres from the shoreline, providing the perfect backdrop for edgy music.

April 12th - April 25th 2018 April 12th - April 25th 2018

Smooth operators The event kicks off with a gala dinner with all the artists and musicians, followed by a prefestival concert.

Thursday, April 26 the main event starts, with the smooth jazz all-stars that includes ten top performers at the openair concert.

Raise the San Jose A TREASURE ship that both Spain and Colombia claim to own would cost €57.2 million to recover, a new report has revealed. The San Jose galleon, which was carrying among its haul 11 million gold and silver coins, was scuppered by British pirates on June 8, 1708. Found on December 4, 2015 off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it was heading from Spain to Cartagena. There is an ownership dispute between the two countries with Spain claiming it was a state-owned vessel, while Colombia argues the treasure is rightfully theirs as it was on its way to the country. However both nations have expressed a readiness to reach an amicable agreement. Colombian President

Friday night the Americans take over, with Tim Bowman starting the night and Euge Groove ending the evening. Both artists have numerous solo albums, and a number of number one hits on the jazz charts. Saturday and Sunday both have all day events, with concerts starting at 10:30am – and the evenings finish with an 'Aftershow Chillout' at midnight.

Genre

Juan Manuel Santos has stated that public and private companies would be used to recover the wreck to avoid using taxpayers' funds. The haul, which was estimated at $1 billion (€811,400) in 2012, also includes several million emeralds, pearls and other precious stones.

Performers include the UK's Incognito and American Jazz stars James Lloyd and Marcus Anderson, among other top musicians in the genre. The final day will see a spectacular performance from Detroit legend Althea René, the first flute playing to reach number one on the billboard charts. After René performs, UK pop jazz band Shakatak takes the stage to end the festival with some of their many top-twenty hits.

Sleeping beauty THE Auditòrium de Palma has something in store for all the family this weekend. A production of Sleeping beauty - but not as you may know it - is set to grace the stage on Saturday and Sunday. Instead of adhering to the traditional Disney storyline, it will tell the story of Beauty’s search for her saviour prince, in the style of a rock musical.

Netflix no chill BRITISH holidaymakers travelling to Spain will no longer be able to watch Netflix UK or Amazon Video following Brexit. The announcement by the European Commission comes following discussions about digital portability rules. The rules form part of the EU’s Digital Single Market plan, that regulates e-commerce, telecommunications, streaming and online marketing across the European Union, and have posed a unique challenge in Brexit negotiations. Currently Netflix UK offers about 2,500 films, while the German and French versions offer roughly 1,500 and 1,700 movies respectively.

HOT E L M A M A The Magic Hotel by Grupo Cappuccino

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No deposit +TheolivepressEs needed BE ‘APPY!

SPAIN’S second biggest bank, BBVA, is bringing back 100% mortgages after almost a decade. The loan will allow buyers to purchase property without saving up for a deposit first. It is set to have lower interest rates than when previously available.

Property

April 12th - April 25th 2018 March 29th - April 11th 2018

HOTELIER: Lionel Messi

Messi weekend

Striker’s Balearic hotel set to host four-day orgy event

BARCELONA superstar Lionel Messi has

bought Download our app now anda luxury hotel in Ibiza, and is already making big plans including an excluMarket begin enjoying the best Spanish sex party later this year. sive female-only Spain has the largest supply Formerly the Es Vive hotel in Ibiza, the news on the go. of empty housing in Europe, footballer purchased the hotel a few

standing at 1.36 million, and months ago and has renamed it the Hotel it is hoped that this move will MiM Ibiza Es Vive. help re-invigorate the mar- The 52-room luxury hotel is an art deco building from 1959 and was almost ket. Almost a quarter empty hous- purchased by Cristiano Ronaldo before ing stock currently belongs to 30-year-old Messi finalised the deal for banks and investment funds, around €30 million. ORGY: Planned for Messi’s Balearic hotel with many repossessed dur- The rooms, which were redesigned by British designer Sean Cochrane in 2014, are rooftop bar, a classy cocktail bar, and a Skirt Club, an ‘underground community ing the financial crisis. priced from €224 to €528 a night and sit world-class restaurant. for the curious kind’ who host exclusive It comes after the government along Figuertas beach. announced plans to build be- The hotel also features a spa, luxury pool, Messi has big plans for the four-star hotel, female only sex-parties. including a four-day orgy hosted by The The exclusive private club stages femaletween 120,000-150,000 new only sex parties around the housing units this year, a foractual news in Spain! world. 71% increaseTOP from the Its 9,000 members include number of new homes built lesbians and bisexuals as well last year - 43,300. FAMILIES have taken to living in commer- premises remained unoccupied and a debate as straight and bi-curious This is in addition to a publiccial properties in Barcelona as rents have is now raging over whether these properties women. ly funded mortgage subsidy skyrocketed over recent years. should be turned into housing to help alleviMost Skirt Club events are scheme which will give under It comes as the average rent in the city in- ate the crisis. Currently, 3,106 commercial one night only. However their 35s earning less than €1,600 creased by 10% last year to €900 a month. properties are being used as living quarters Ibiza extravaganza, dubbed Le per month €10,800 to help It is believed around 10,000 non-residential despite having no occupancy licenses. Weekend, is due to run from them buy their first home. October 18 to 21.

The Olive Press

LIVING AT THE OFFICE

Tycoon trips HAVE you ever wondered what it would be like to holiday like billionaire Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson? Now you can! A German real estate company has released three exclusive villas onto the holiday rentals market in Branson’s own private estate of Son Bunyola, in Mallorca. The luxury properties have been restored from historic buildings, each sleeping eight to 10 people and offering all the expected Branson benefits such as your personal Michelin star chef, private jet and crewed yacht. The cost of a weeks rental runs into the tens of thousands but includes all drinks and meals tailored to the client’s requirements.

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MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Beware the 100% THE news that BBVA are bringing back 100% mortgages for resident buyers in Spain should be a cause for concern for some. Before the great 2007 crash, most banks were far too happy to hand such mortgages out, but the disaster that followed changed after millions of homeowners were left unable to pay back their loans, leading to financial meltdown from which we have only just recovered. It has been almost 10 years but BBVA are one bank in many to bring back the controversial offering of 100% mortgages at fixed or variable rates for residents willing to purchase from the bank’s stock. In some cases the loans include all the expenses of the purchase of a property especially where the property values much higher than purchase price. It means if the purchase value of a property is €100,000, and the appraised value is €130,000, an 80% loan would amount to a €104,000 mortgage. Therefore, the bank pays the total €100,000 euros that the apartment costs, leaving the buyer €4,000 towards completion expenses. This new breed of 100% mortgages carries some serious risks, and these days that risk is taken on by you, the buyer, rather than the lender.

You are likely to face higher fees and charges and you will have fewer deals to choose from if you don’t put up any capital. The buyer is limited to properties held by the bank that rarely, these days, represent good value for money. Although lenders may have found a new way to offer 100% Spanish mortgages by asking borrowers to contribute additional security, nothing much has changed in that they put buyers at risk of negative equity - a much greater risk than a buyer who has contributed financially to the purchase. Equally, the higher loan amount means higher monthly repayments which may make future rentals less viable. In addition, buyers should be prepared to pay extra for a Mortgage Indemnity Guarantee. This is an insurance policy to protect the lender against loss if the buyer defaults. So although it may be a tempting offer, only those with extremely secure finances should consider 100% mortgages.

Property Football stars suing over failed investments in Spain FOOTBALL pundits Robbie Savage and Danny Murphy are suing the Queen of England’s bank Coutts over a failed investments into property on the Costa del Sol. The ex-Premier League stars are understood to have lost a fortune after investing in controversial property-based tax avoidance schemes in the early 2000s. The pair are part of a group of four former top players to bring legal action against Coutts and the Royal Bank of Scotland for allegedly giving them bad advice over the deal.

Winger

Former Leeds and Sheffield United striker Brian Deane and ex-Blackburn Rovers winger Jason Wilcox are the other players involved. The four players invested in apartments in the Monte Resina development in the hills of Marbella for a total cost of £6 million, plus others in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Savage, Murphy, Deane and Wilcox each also bought a flat in the Spanish development. Players said they were persuaded to invest because of a four-year mortgage guarantee. When the guarantee ran out

April 12th - April 25th 2018 April 12th - April 25th 2018

ROBBED: The Spanish development and (below right) Savage and Murphy

Balls up in 2008, however, the Spanish property market was collapsing due to the financial crash, and the flats were only worth a fraction of their original value. Several of the players who invested say they suffered a fall in value of more than 50%. One flat is now on the market for

€350,000 (£250,000). Coutts and RBS Gibraltar were the banks that provided loans for the investments, which were promoted by financial adviser Kingsbridge Asset Management directors David McKee and Kevin McMenamin. The players are claiming dam-

ages, costs and interest, but an amount has not been set. Coutts has denied the claims, saying: “Coutts acted as a reasonable and prudent bank in considering whether to lend to the claimants based on their circumstances and ability to repay the loans.”

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Property

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April 12th - April 25th 2018 April 12th - April 25th 2018

Capital gains

MADRID is leading the way as house prices have increased significantly across Spain since the start of the year. Property prices have increased nationally by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2018 year-on-year, but the capital saw an increase of 17%.

Highest

Palma de Mallorca wasn’t far behind, with a 14.7% price increase. They were followed by Barcelona with a rise of 11% and Pamplona with 10.4%. Meanwhile, transactions in Madrid and Barcelona

Madrid and Palma lead the way as prices grow steadily in strong start to 2018 are at their highest level since the property crash, according to real estate agency Lucas Fox. New homes accounted for 50% of the agency’s total sales in the two cities and transactions across all Lucas Fox’s offices in Spain increased by 39%. Asking prices have also risen across the country, including in Andalucia. Madrid saw the largest quarter on quarter asking price rise at 7.8% to

Strong start to 2018 PROPERTY investment in Spain increased by 9% to €9.2 billion in 2017. According to Savills Aguirre Newman, foreign investors continued to be the most dominant, accounting for 65% of the total, increasing from 56% in 2016. It means British and other European nationalities sunk €6 billion in the Spanish property market last year. Across Europe, property investment rose 7% to €234 billion in 2017.

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A NEW Life in the Sun is looking for expat business owners in Spain for its next series to be aired on Channel 4. STUNG: Routledge Download our app now and The hit show follows Brits who have movedbegin abroad to the best A BRITISH expat claims enjoying Spanish start a new life or business, news on the go. his bike business has aldocumenting the trials and ready changed ‘dramatitribulations of setting up cally’ since the UK voted shop in another country. for Brexit. A spokesperson said: “If Gary Routledge, originally you’re British and have re- from Scotland, has been cently moved or are planning to move to Spain with living in Andalucia, for the the intention of setting up past 10 years. a new life and a business, The Scot, who is currently The Oliveapplying Pressfor citizenship in then we would love to have Spain, has run a bike shop a chat with you.” TOP for newsfor inalmost Spain!a decade.

Any expat interested in getting involved should email anewlifeinthesun@truenorth.tv

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On your bike, Brexit!

Expat cycle business already feeling the squeeze in Spain

he has had to almost entirely stop ordering parts from the UK. He said: “Since Brexit kicked in we have started

Pay up!

to buy less bikes from the UK due to the fact that bikes have gone up in value - they charge us more for the same bike.

“So we are now buying more Spanish bikes. We buy 80% of our bikes from Spain now and 20% from the UK, whereas it used to be 100% from the UK. “So the UK is losing out both from us and the wholesalers who we speak to.”

Not qualified THE Mallorca government has hired hundreds of bus drivers and technicians without the proper license. The National Federation of Ambulance Businessmen (ANEA) has filed a complaint after 266 workers were hired without a C1 card allowing them to work and service vehicles over 3,500 kg. "A significant number of drivers and technicians that currently lack type C1 permits, they are aware of the responsibility of this public company for the need for such authorization, not only for drivers, but also for the assistant technician," the manager of ANEA, Javier Rodríguez stated.

THE Balearics have registered the highest average wage increase in Spain in the first quarter of this year. Wages increased an average of over 4%, the largest in the country. The national average is a mere 1.5%, according to the ministry of employment and social security. Much of this is due to the unions around the island who have fought for a increase in wages earlier this year.

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Sepiatoned fiesta ALCUDIA'S annual cuttlefish fair is back from April 13 to 15 with an exhibition, craft market, boat show and, of course, the fishy food market. There will be a trail of restaurants all participating in the event with cuttlefish, also known as sepia, as the main ingredient of each masterpiece. DJ's will fill the air with live music as visitors fill their tums with seafood and local wine.

Critics toast 2015 Spanish wine as ‘one of best on planet’ A SPANISH producer is making the best wine in its category in the world. American wine guru James Suckling has dubbed the wine, Les Tosses, from Catalunya, ‘perhaps the greatest Carinena in the world’. The former editor of Wine Spectator insists

the Priorat vino - made out of century-old vines - is his favourite in Europe. After tasting nearly 1,200 wines, his company installed the 2015 vintage in the Top 10 best wines in Spain. Created by the Terroir al Limit winery, it ranked ninth out of Spain’s top 100 wines

Moveable feast ONE of the island’s biggest cookery events is about to come to the boil. The Mostra de Cuines, in Calvia, will take place from this Friday with 54 restaurants participating in the event. The celebrations start with cooking exhibitions in the gardens of the town hall and showcase the best of the region’s food. Every Friday in April, recipes from a different region of Calvia will be on show, with special set menus from €12 to €16. Many restaurants will also offer children's menus and specials for vegetarians and gluten-free eaters. On Friday, April 13, nine participating restaurants can be found in Paguera, Cala Fornells, and El Toro, including Rancho la Romana, and Vino del Mar. On April 20, the gastronomy of Il-

letes, Cas Català, Bendinat, Portals Nous, Costa d'en Blanes, and Son Caliu will be showcased at seven different establishments, including OD Port Portals and Collins Restaurant. The final 18 restaurants will field special menus on April 27 in Palmanova, Magaluf, and Son Ferrer, with Bondi Beach, My Thai, and The Blue Bar among top establishments joining in the fun.

this year. The winery was launched in 2001 by Dominik Huber and winemaker Eben Sadie. Produced using 120-year-old vines, the wine was first released in 2006. The grape, also known as Carignan, is named after the area where it is believed to have originated - Carinena in Aragon. The same winery also saw its Priorat Pedra de Guix 2015 come in at no.19 on the list, while its Garnacha Priorat Les Manyes 2015 securing No. 33. Iconic wine Vega Sicilia’s Unico 2006 took the top position. The Ribera del Dueno producer also has its Reserva Especial at number 12 on the list. The second best wine in Spain was voted as Prado Enea Gran Reserva, produced by Muga in Rioja. Meanwhile three of the top 10 wines were made a stone’s throw away from each other in Haro, Rioja: CUNE’S Real de Asua, 2001, La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 890, 2005 and Lopez de Heredia’s Vina Tondonia 1996. Spain’s most expensive wine Pingus found itself dropping down to No.16 on the list. His top 100 can be found at www.jamessuckling.com/winetasting-reports/top-100-spanish-wines-2017/

Fulla good food FULLA D'Ostra in Santa Catalina has hosted a special gourmet five-course pairing menu, with each course served with a different wine plucked straight from Jose L. Ferrer’s Mallorcan vineyard. . The from grilled octopus to vegan tartar, every dish from chef Hector Marceló was carefully paired with a local wine plucked straight from the vineyard. Mains included cod with potatoes and a poached egg, and Iberian pork with purple onion chutney, potatoes and mini courgettes, each paired accordingly with a white and red wine. The night finished off with a passion fruit mousse cake with black chocolate ganache served with the dessert wine Veritas Dolc.

Fish feast FISHY celebrations will go off the scale at the annual Fira des Peix Fair in Colonia de Sant Pere. Local restaurants will offer marine-inspired morsels on Sunday April 29, along with workshops and discussions on local sea life and the Mediterranean environment.

Cellar performance RIOJA exports increased by 4% last year, new figures have shown. Over 108 million litres were shipped out, with most growth seen in newer markets such as Russia, which was up by 40% and China, which shot up by 17%. However, the growth was not just to emerging markets, with the UK also increasing its importation of Rioja by 3.2% on 2016. Sales of white and rose grew by 61% and 42.3% by volume respectively in the UK. Rioja makes up 31% of all Spanish DO-labelled wine exports with its average bottle price 49% higher than other Spanish DO wines. In the UK, Rioja accounts for nearly half (49%) of all Spanish wine.

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A TRIO of Mallorca's top chefs will be cooking up a storm at a fabulous Download our app nowfund-raisand ing bash this month. begin enjoying the best Spanish Michelin-starred expat Marc news on the go. Fosh is being joined by Adrian Quetglas and Fernando Arellano for an upcoming charity gala dinner, 'A Soiree with the Stars'. The charity event raising money for local children will Olive be asThe elegant as itPress is delectable, with live music during for news Spain! the TOP cocktail hour inpreceding the gourmet three-course banquet. Fosh and Quetglas are famous for their eponymous Palma restaurants, while Arellano brings a two Michelin-star experience from his restaurant Zaranda, in the village of Es Capdella. More live music and dancing will follow the iconic feast on April 21 at Palma's Finca Son Mir. The black tie evening is hosted by the Joy Ron Foundation, supporting Balearic children in need. Book now before tickets sell out.

April 12th - April 25th 2018

Better beer-lieve it BEER Palma – the city's favourite ale festival, returns to its popular pitch in front of the Cathedral from April 27 through May 8. Over 200 beer brands from around the world, including a dozen of Mallorca's own home brews, will exhibit their finest ales, stouts lagers and specialities. Next to the big boys like Guinness, Heineken and Damn, you’ll find local favourites including Forastera, Cas Cerveser, Ralf and Palma’s Gypsy Brewers. Forastera is one the more unique craft brewers on the island, with unusual and rare flavours and types of beer, from Indian Pale Ales to English Scrumpy cider, pulp and all. “Our head brewer Sven, always on research, continuously creates different beers - now 11 of them, English and American ales, Lagers German style, and more are available on the market in bottle and keg,” manager Marta told The Olive Press “Forastera is unique because it is handcrafted,” she continued. “As a real artisan craft, it is made with wisdom and passion”. The event includes speciality tapas prepared to compliment the different beers, keep an eye out for the ‘tapas tour’ map so you can try all participating restaurants.

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Food, drink & travel April 12th - April 25th 2018

Spring collection Wine time With Aleesha Hansel

HANKS to the ´Beast from the East´ the weather in Spain over the last week or so has been far from ideal. Thankfully however, the worst will soon be over and come March 20 Spring will officially have sprung. So to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the welcome return of the sun, here are three wines you need to try while sitting by the pool (or just on your sofa).

Bar Molly Malone – C/ Monsenor Palmer 5, Palma

In the start of a new column Olive Press wine expert Aleesha Hansel rounds up the delicious whites you should be sipping this spring

Verdejo - Rueda Despite evidence dating production back to the 11th century,little was heard about the region till the 1970s. The wine´s fate was almost sealed during the early 1900s when oxidative Sherry-like white wines became fashionable, distinctly different from Rueda´s citrus acidity. Step in Marques de Riscal, one of the oldest wineries in Rioja. The company saw that Verdejo would be a great Spanish alternative to the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Major investment was ploughed into the area by Riscal and as a result official DO status

was acquired in 1980. Wines labelled Rueda Verdejo must have at least 85% Verdejo while just Rueda will usually contain 50% Sauvignon Blanc and another variety. Slight tropical fruit and fragrant citrus notes can be picked up on the nose, while the palate offers a full bodied wine. Its high acidity means it is the perfect accompaniment to other match well will other acidic and punchy foods. Think tomatoes, vinaigrettes, onions, fresh cheeses and grilled or fried fish such as sardines, chipirones or calamari.

Music, gastronomy, design, comfort and great art.

OD Port Portals combines good location with contemporary and mediterranean design. For work or for pleasure, as a true symbol of quality, OD Port Portals is everything anyone staying in Majorca can ever wish for. A lively place, with its own events, Burger Meets Gin, Mexican Brunch or Tasting Brunch, where locals and visitors are welcome. Av. Tomàs Blanes Tolosa, 4 07181 Calvià | Mallorca +34 971 675 956 odportportals.com

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International cuisine with Mediterranean flavours. Menu created and designed for food lovers by the chef Hector MarcelĂł. From 2nd May to September Tuesday to Saturday 6pm-11.30pm hola@fulladostra.com tel: (+34) 971 251 556 WhatsApp: (+34) 629 759 904 c/ Cotoner 47 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Santa Catalina Palma de Mallorca

Godello- Galicia The history of Godello is somewhat unclear. The first official reference to the grape was in 1531 under the names Agudelho and Trincadente in the Douro, Portugal. Grown in both Spain and Portugal, it originated on the banks of the RĂo Sil in Galicia, and faced near extinction in the 20th century with only a few hundred vines remaining by the 1970s - possibly something to do with the smallsized grapes and tightly packed bunches, which in the damp and cooler conditions of Galicia are sensitive to rot and mildew. It was brought back from the cliff edge by a team led by Horacio Fernandez and Luis Hidalgos, and now boasts over 1200 hectares in Spain. A variety of aromas and flavours come through, from apples and pears to blossom and honeysuckle and even limes and grapefruit. Full bodied, medium acidity with a distinct minerally back bone, it is best paired with shellfish such as scallops, mussels, clams, crab and oysters.

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Moll - Mallorca Also known as Prensal blanc, this variety grows on Mallorca. Relatively unheard of on mainland Spain, it represents about 70% of the white grapes planted on the island. Viniculture was introduced there by the ancient Romans in 121 BC when Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius claimed the island for Rome. The wines grew to enough notoriety that Pliny the Elder wrote about them. Production continued even throughout the Moorish dominion and when King Jaume conquered the island in 1230 he was famously offered wine as a peace offering. Before the arrival of phylloxera, a louse that kills the vines, around

27,000 hectares were under vines producing exports of 300,000 hectolitres a year. Most vineyards were replaced by almond trees, reducing the area of vineyards to 5,000 hectares, however a revival is now well and truly underway. Moll produces crisp, light and refreshing wines with balanced acidity. While not particularly aromatic, quality bottles give aromas of green apples and almond. Look for Binissalem-Mallorca DO on the label, which over the last decade has consistently produced wines rates as very good or excellent. Perfect matched with a mild-flavoured fish drizzled with lemon.

traditional

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Elegant Urbanisation, Cala D’or This new residential complex is composed by with ground floor, first floor and penthouse apartments, they all have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large modern style kitchen integrated into the living room and an elegant living room with access to a nice terrace with great views over the nautical club of the area. The ground floors have large and beautiful gardens and porches, the penthouses have a private solarium with wonderful views. All of them have private parking. This beautiful urbanization has been designed with native plants and gardens of the island and an elegant pool. It is located a few meters from the Cala D’or Nautical Club with its exquisite restaurants and elegant terraces and very close to the Vall D’or golf course, an idyllic place for your holidays!

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New Apartments, Nova Santa Ponsa This new elegant complex of apartments is located in Nova Santa Ponsa. It is situated close to the golf club of Santa Ponsa III. This new project consists of spacious apartments with 3 bedrooms that will have big terraces and the ground floors will take an advantage of private gardens. There will be exterior and underground parking spaces available. In the complex you will have to your disposal two big pools with views over the gardens that will be used exclusively by the future owners. These apartments will face south-west, which will let you enjoy the wonderful sun of Majorca.

P U I G D E S C A S T E L L E T. 1 - 2 , B L . 3 , 0 7 1 8 0 S A N TA P O S A , M A L L O R C A (+34) 971 695 912 • INFO@SGI-MALLORCA.COM

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Just saying

Splitting the bill is not always necessary and pick up your plastic!... writes Lesley Keith

ERE we all are bouncing joyfully back into our unfolding summer. Heaters are stashed away, quilts are put into vacuum sealed bags and thick winter clothing is removed from the wardrobes. Out comes the summer stuff and the sheer pleasure of being able to wear something completely different, however mine always seems to have shrunk a little bit somehow (why is that?). Although a bit breezy and cool we actually had a picnic on the beach this week, well when I say ‘picnic’ it was a baguette and some crisps hastily bought from a local Spa, does that count? Actually who cares, it was very nice. There were some hardy souls actually attempting to sunbathe close by, probably Scots who’d just flown in now the flights have restarted. To them no doubt it seemed tropical and they didn’t want to miss a second, their vitamin D starved bodies were likely craving some rays. What I have noticed is that with the warmth and increase in inhabitants social invitations have definitely started to increase. This is very nice and I shall probably enjoy every one but of course it nearly always ends up costing me money. Being on a budget I have to be careful. Yes

April 12th - April 25th 2018 April 12th - April 25th 2018

of course I want to experience that new restaurant or go to the best places with the amazing views, don’t we all? The fact is though it’s going to cost me and nearly always more than I think! Yes I admit it, I am that person that doesn’t want to split the bill.

Picture this scene, a lovely new place, a varied menu, a group of people, some I only sort of know and a lovely fun lunch together. Before we started some of us had a little discussion saying we weren’t drinking and therefore didn’t want to pay for everyone else that was. All good and ac-

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cepted. Fast forward three hours following aperitifs, numerous bottles of wine, pints of beer, cocktails, oh and the one bottle of fizzy water for me that everyone seemed to help themselves to –‘Can I just have a bit Lesley?’. The bill comes and it’s ‘Shall we just split it between

Mallorca diaries

By Lesley Keith

us then?’. Well no, actually we gets stuck around sea walls won’t. and harbours but there was I’m then made to feel like Shy- actually nothing. Well done lock and my embarrassment Alcudia beach. Sadly it’s not was complete when the com- quite as good at Puerto Pollenment ‘Oh poor Lesley the pen- sa and poor Cala San Vincenc sioner!’ from someone I didn’t always gets more than its fair know well and had previously share when the wind blows in considered as charming. (He is a certain direction but I supnow off my Christmas card list pose Rome wasn’t built in a I can tell you). So of course I day. paid up, life’s too short to argue If you are reading this (and I about such things and I hope thank you for that) then now that the drinkyou know that ers all enjoyed when you visit my generosity. Embarrassment a beach you Let it go...On pick up three was complete a lighter note I pieces of plaswas delighted tic. Doesn’t when he said to see that matter how beaches here ‘poor Lesley, the small as apart seem cleaner. I from being pensioner!’ always comply unsightly the with the worldplastic is getwide campaign ting into the to do the ‘three food chain. piece plastic pick up’ whenever Turtles think plastic bags are I go, well actually I pick up for jellyfish, whales ingest them my partner too and anyone else and bottles as they scoop up I’m with. the plankton and it’s killing Well on my aforementioned these lovely gentle creatures. picnic there just weren’t any! We eat fish tainted with plasI really looked hard but not tic in their systems and it’s a piece to be seen, isn’t that definitely not good for us eiwonderful? This isn’t stuff that ther. Let’s all return that plaspeople leave it’s what gets tic straw, use a paper bag and washed in and can be pretty take any beach litter away gross, I’ll let you use your with us even if it isn’t our own. imagination here, it normally Nag, nag, nag…..

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BE‘APPY! ‘APPY! BE BE ‘APPY!

There was success for Australia and Download Downloadour ourapp app now nowand and Britain Great Download our app now and begin beginenjoying enjoyingthethe best best Spanish Spanish at the first begin enjoying the best Spanish news newsononthethego.go. news on the go. International TEAM SPAIN: Nadal and Olympic sailing Ferrer event of the year in Mallorca

Rafa to the The Olive Olive Press Press TheThe Olive Press rescue

AUSTRALIAN world champions Mat Belcher and Will Ryan received the highest accolade in thein49th Trofeo Princesa Sofia TOP TOPfor fornews news inSpain! Spain! TOP for news in Iberostar Spain! sailing contest. The nautical pair took home the RAFAEL Nadal and Da- Princesa Sofia Trophy, awarded vid Ferrer have secured to the boat with the greatest

Spain’s place in the Davis Cup semi-final. Germany led 2-1 after Saturday’s doubles but world number one Nadal evened out the tie with a 6-1 6-4 6-4 victory over Alexander Zverev. Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6 (7-1) 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-5 in the deciding rubber in Valencia. France will host Spain in the final four after beating Italy.

overall points tally after ten races. The competition is significant not only because it attracts 1200 sailors from 60 different countries but because it is the first International Olympic classified event of the year.

Almost there RCD Mallorca has closed in on promotion back to the second tier of Spanish football after beating Lleida. Los Bermellones ran out 3-2 which leaves them six points clear of Villareal B in Grupo III of the Segunda División B with five games to play. Only the team that finishes top of the league will be promoted to the Segunda Division. Mallorca’s goals were scored by Marc Pedraza, Lago Junior and Alvaro Bustos as they streaked into a 3-0 lead. Lleida then staged a late comeback with two goals from Juan Tomas but the Balearic side held on despite the nervous finish.

A good competition can see crews jumping to the top of selection for their respective nations for Tokyo 2020. “It is really special to win the overall, this is a special event to me having first come here in 2001 and so it is a great credit to

the place, here, and the organisers to have so many boats her,” Belcher told the press. “It is fantastic. We focus on what we need to do but it really is special to win the overall trophy and it sets high expectations for the season ahead - we love this event.” It was a good few days for the Aussies with Matthew Wearn and his crew finishing also first in the Laser Standard category. Japanese pair Ai Kondo Yoshida and Miho Yoshioka took home the biggest women’s prize, triumphing in the 470 category. The Brits also didn’t leave Mallorca empty handed with Giles Scott and his crew winning in the Finn category. Encouragingly, British teams also finished second in the Nacra 17, Laser Radial and 49er events.

Big splash SWIMMER Jordan Gonzalez has broken Gibraltar’s 100m backstroke record at the Commonwealth Games. Gonzalez shaved two seconds off the record coming in at 1:01:38 at the games on Australia’s Gold Coast. Speaking after the race Gonzalez said: “The race felt extremely controlled for me I’m happy with the time now to smash the 50m record.” Held every four years since 1930, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to WW2, this will be Gibraltar’s 15th attendance at the event. Although there are 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, 71 teams are able to participate as dependent territories compete under their own flags.

902 123 282 * Fu l l y co m p re h e n s i ve o f fe r v a l i d fo r n e w c u s to m e r s o n l y. Ty r e C o v e r a v a i l a b l e w i t h o p t i o n a l Tr a v e l A s s i s t a n c e . S u b j e c t t o c o n d i t i o n s . E n d s 3 1 / 0 6 / 1 8 .

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A DRUNK British woman has been fined £800 (€915) after spitting at a BA flight attendant for refusing her alcohol on a flight from Malaga to Gatwick.

Life savers TEN firefighters had to use a special stretcher to transfer a 50st man to Hospital Clinico in Malaga for an operation.

Ultimate school trip A GROUP of British school kids have won an all-expenses-paid holiday to Mallorca after filming their own version of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme tune. The students from Southwark Primary School triumphed in Jet 2’s Ultimate School Trip Competition. The contest tasked pupils to create their own promotional video for the Sol Katmandu Park and Resort hotel, in Magaluf. The victorious students will visit the hotel for a long weekend on April 20 for an educational workshop with celebrity hosts, including Dick and Dom. “It is a dream come true for them,” said teacher Nick Smith.

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Just the ticket

The volvo had been left in the private parking space since March 2009

ITS existence had reached mythical status for the parking attendants at the Plaza Bisbe Berenguer Palou in Palma. Now finally a vehicle which had been left in the car park for almost ten years has been towed by the authorities. During this period the Volvo in question clocked up €28,000 worth of parking fines. The vehicle was left in a space next to the barrier

back in March 2009 by a woman known as ‘Inmaculada M.’ She never returned. Back in 2013 a judge ruled that ‘Inmaculada M.’ would have to pay the fine and collect the vehicle as soon as possible but they were unable to track her down. Months then turned to years with still no response from the mystery motorist. A further legal decision in 2017 awarded the Volvo to the parking lot owners, although its diminished value did not even cover a fraction of the giant parking fine. The owners decided to wait until this week to see if ‘Inmaculada M’ would finally materialise but eventually gave up and had the car towed. It is not the first time that a car has overstayed its welcome in the parking lot. While handling the case involving the Volvo they revealed that four other vehicles had also been abandoned in the lot for months on end. In one such incident a car had A POPULAR expat karaoke bar on the Costa Blanca has been left by a recently divorced become a stage for the X Factor. couple who both believed the veIt came as talent scouts from the British version of the hicle belonged to the other. show travelled to Benidorm and Tenerife to conduct open In another instance a motorist auditions. parked his car to go to a nearby Voices bar in Benidorm played host to wannabe stars last hospital where he then died. week with dozens turning out. However, unlike the Volvo, in all Owners Peter and Heike Giesbers had previously worked four incidents the car park ownwith the production company behind rival show Britain’s ers were able to receive some Got Talent. money towards the fine.

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Much knee-ded op FORMER King of Spain Juan Carlos was all smiles as he was discharged from hospital following a knee operation in Madrid. The monarch, who gave up his throne to son Felipe VI in 2014, had his old prosthesis in his right leg replaced at La Morajela hospital. His family put on a united front as they arrived at the hospital following a week of scrutiny after a video emerged appearing to show his wife Sofía and daughter-in-law Letizia having an awkward stand-off during an Easter Sunday church service in Mallorca.

Our Father, who art in Spain … surely? A TOURIST from Granada has become an internet sensation after ranting about the use of Catalan during a Mallorquin church service. The Spaniard fumed to Balearic TV station IB3 that while she expected not to understand mass when abroad, it shouldn’t be the case at Palma’s cathedral. She launched into her tirade after walking out of Easter mass, also attended by the King. “What I do know is that there were words missing in the service, you can only take half of it in,” the woman slammed. “I’m not the most cultured person, but this is still Spain, isn’t it?,” she asked. Her forthright views have divided opinion online. Some commented that the woman had every right to be angry as the service was indeed in Spain, and therefore should be carried out in Castilian. Others argued that the Balearics have their own separate culture which the tourist should have respected. According to government statistics, 700,000 out of the 1.1 million Balearic islanders speak Catalan.

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Vol. 1 Issue 26

Suite and Gallery – Private dinner – All in the same place