Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 245 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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CORRUPT: Munoz

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Vol. 10 Issue 245

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August 3rd - August 16th 2016

FORMER Marbella mayor Julian Munoz will likely die in prison after he received a 20-year additional sentence for corruption. Munoz - who was convicted of a number of charges including embezzling public funds, as part of the Malaya case - had just three years remaining of his current sentence.

Illness

The 67-year-old former politician, who was Marbella’s mayor from 2002 to 2003, has suffered many medical complications since he was first jailed in 2006 and was again hospitalised in June after his blood pressure fell dangerously low. Due to his ongoing illnesses, Munoz has served his the past three months of his sentence in a lowsecurity facility in Algeciras that allows for more comprehensive care. He and his attorney have petitioned the court to grant parole on a special health exemption, but so far these efforts have proved unsuccessful.

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Press October 1st - 14th

August 7 - August

One-stop paradise

11 20 2014

Laurence Dollimore welcome in the highfinds a down-to-earth society paradise

Caption

Let me live!

Dying dad who longs to see his daughter’s 10th birthday launches appeal for treatment in Malaga A TERMINALLY-ILL father is desperately raising funds to travel to Malaga for revolutionary cancer treatment. Diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer, father-of-two Adrian Hosken is determined to live until 2025 so he can celebrate his daughter’s 10th birthday.

EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan

To do so he is trying to raise funds to attend the €7,500-aweek Budwig Cancer Centre in Malaga to prolong his life. In fact, just a week after launching a GoFundMe petition the 39-year-old British resident, Est 1984

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IT’S an absolute privilege to live here,” enthuses 29-year-old Georgina Taylor, gled to end a sentence welcoming me to her eponymous chir- than ‘dahling’, ‘sweetie’ orin anything other “There’s a lot inguito Gigi’s. ‘fabulous’. of wealth here but You gar or ostentatious,” it’s not vul- “Sotogrande elegant paradise.” “It’s such a beautiful, for could have mistaken her being too posh to says Georgina a.k.a. is This is Sotogrande, pass the ‘Gigi’, who grew to relax in peace,where the wealthy come time of day. But within Andalucia’s largest they’re not here vately-owned residential 30 sec- Scratch pri- onds of meeting tending school in up here, at- off or be seen, to show beneath bella. super-estate. it’s very nearby Mar- Gigi, her, preconAnd super it most ceptions melt away. whose father is low key,” continues “My clients certainly is. from London. “That’s the traquil Sometimes described And lionaires but they may be mil- why Soto is so as Spain’s ‘million- the same with Sotogrande, it’s special. We have aire’s playground’, walk around in are happy to to stay under the an opulence been able uber chic urbanisation the enclave was flip and find eat radar pose-built for a wealthy in the pur- municipality chiringuito-style.”flops and sort of money through and attract the right of San Roque. a community that Gigi’s targeted marketing.” with the added bonuses cosmopolitan crowd The Perhaps this helps has been bluer-than-blue of 24-hour security, explain why the designer boutiques marina, welcomes pening chiringuito Soto’s hap- economy has resort’s stacked with gin consistently outperformed since it set visitors up awnings My first introductionand quality restaurants and sailing boatspalace yachts three years ago, its Costa neighbours. Throughout galore, is the came via a lifelong to this LA-like location backdrop but you won’t catch crisis, the last Soto resident who to a multi-coloured Gigi or prices while areas like Nerja saw property strug- ury apartments, her business partner enclave plummet by as much Cristobal togrande villas and mansions. of lux- boasting about their as 11%, visitors, sports stars long list of regular royal creased, they remained stable and in Soeven inor celebrity clients. some well into the double And while the grapevine may figures. believe the area have you is full of snooty money-makers, scratch beneath opulence and youthe tranquil will find a down-to-earth, sporty community ready to TYRE CENTER visitors with open welcome “There’s such a arms. community spirit here,” confirms tel: 956 794 657 resident Sue Davies, new C/Sierra Bermeja 51, who relocated with s/n, Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro Wayne last August. husband A7-KM 132 “There’s a great mix of naOpposite Iceland tionalities and everyone is so supportive of www.grupomolin er, it makes it a each othodelconde.es wonderful place to live.” www.grupomolin Ribera del Marlin, odelconde.es “There’s just so Sotogrande Blue do here too - golf,much to Local 34 Antiguo Cortijo Tel. +34 956 61 55 padel tennis, sailing tennis, Autovía A-7 · Km 130 Valderrama 69 or the · 11311 Sotogrande beach,” she adds. Tel. +34 956 236 063 everything in one “You have place and

Photos by Jon Clarke

Locked Up

HEALY MAC S

DISCOUNT

Turn to Page 19

JAILED: Jackson

Drag him back!

BATTLING: Adrian wants his kids to remember him who lives in Kent, has received over €31,000. “The most amazing thing is the number of anonymous donors or the donations from people we have never met,”Adrian’s wife Angela told the Olive Press. “The treatment the Budwig Centre offers is not readily available in the UK and could be the missing piece of the puzzle that Adrian needs. “Everyday is a new challenge, he has his good days and his bad days. “When he can muster up the strength he plays football with our three-year-old son Noah, but that may leave him needing bed rest for two days after.” Adrian, a business development manager, first went into hospital in 2011 with what doctors believed was appendicitis. But the next day his appendix which was riddled with cancer - burst spreading the disease around his body. With 90% of patients diagnosed with this type of cancer dying within five years, Adrian has already defied the odds. Determined to live until at least 2025, Adrian set his goal after

watching a documentary where a 30-year-old woman could barely remember her father, who died when she was 10. As a result he vowed to live until 2025 when his nine-month old daughter Adriela will be 10 and his son will be in his teens. “It breaks Adrian’s heart to think his children won’t remember him,” Angela said. “The kids are too young to understand what is going on. “He just wants to be the best dad he can be.” She added: “He sets himself goals and takes each day as it comes. “His next big goal is to celebrate his 40th birthday in October. We are hoping to travel to South Africa where most of our family still lives but Adrian needs to get better for that to happen.” Adrian is hoping to undergo immunotherapy at the Malaga clinic for a week in August to boost both his Vitamin D level and his immune system. If successful they aim to come back for longer. To donate visit www.gofundme.com/Adrian2025

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A BRITISH man wanted for questioning over missing Scottish expat Lisa Brown has been jailed for people smuggling. Stephen Jackson, 51, has been sentenced to four years and nine months for trying to smuggle a group of Albanians into the UK after entering a guilty plea. Jackson was arrested by Sussex Police in May when his catamaran was stormed at Chichester Marina. He was also served with extradition papers in relation to missing Lisa Brown and is expected to appear at extradition trial next month. However, he will not be deported to Spain until he has completed his prison sentence in the UK. Assistant Director David Fairclough, from Immigration Enforcement Criminal Investigations, said that Jackson was ‘at the centre’ of an organised people smuggling gang. Jackson is believed to be close friends with Lisa’s expartner Simon Corner who Continues on Page 2

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People smuggler jailed has also been arrested over the mother-of-one’s (pictured below) disappearance. A former carpenter in Gibraltar, Jackson frequently moored his boat in Alcaidesa Marina over the last 12 months. ,it has been revealed. A yacht owner at the marina confirmed to the Olive Press that Jackson had moored his yacht there ‘at least two or three times’ in recent months. “He seemed like an ordinary guy. He used to sail over to Lan zarote and had a job as a carpenter in Gibraltar,” the yacht owner said. “When I heard the story about him smuggling those p e o p l e I was surprised. He didn’t seem so stupid.” Another yacht owner, whose vessel had been moored near Corner’s, told the Olive Press that Spanish police investigating Brown’s disappearance had not yet been to the marina to talk to yacht owners. Opinion Page 6

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Downing tools Rogue trader closes property portals as his shady past catches up with him

www.theolivepre

Wolf packs

ss.es

CONMAN ALERT CRIM E

A NEW report Spanish jihadistsinto arrested has found a third of them Spain and wanted to attack part of ‘wolf a majority were Researchers packs’. tuto Elcano at the Real Insti124 jihadists found that of the since June arrested in Spain 2013, 34.5% them had Spain of as their target. The report from ‘lone also found a shift tion – where wolf’ radicalisavulnerable young males are gradually indoctrinated online relatives and– to one in which friends are creasingly involved. inIn 94% of ESTATE the terroristscases from 2013, warned agents are being were of a rogue part of new cells or groups EXCLUSIVE trader’s property portals. a direct link while 75% had By Rob Horgan dicting the to ISIS, contra- British conman recruits are theory that most Lloyd - who is Russell ishhome.com radicalised behind online. companies findmyspan- search-Spain and home-

Warning after British rogue launches Spanis h property trader after portals

July 20th

- August 2nd

2016

Expat saved from crazy dad

A BRITISH FRAUDSTE expat has been released after R: Russell Lloyd being held illegal business captive by his mentally Fuengirola-b practices. unstable “We father for was outed ased Lloyd of do not need this kind years. two person operating dog show on BBC watch- coast,” on the The 19-year-old X-Ray for been exposed .com - has surising pres- Coast Brian Berny, from was in the UK for after to Coast Properties SOS sending policefreed into givingelderly people in an from Sabinillas building workhim cash for Press. told the Olive bypassing his computer, his father’s failed to do. that he then “Most rental controls. A GROUP paof 20 holidaymaker agents here The Olive were attacked Press can reveal out for each look His email read: s that he has “Rescue. other and were trying by Marbella police claim they point they is it Assistance. Help while they to give first convictions a number of thegood to see agents along had collapsed aid me. I am desperate. Hermann ondragged us both away in the UK coast sharing in the street. to a friend who lating to malpractice. My father The group re- tion.” vomitting. his own lying on his and left informa- abuses me. of Norwegian back after I am they were ‘repeatedly He was also “It was very youngsters oner. Estepona-ba Please, do held prisbanned from very dangerous. their pal collapsed hit’ with batons claim “It was being a company not get in only when Adam Nealesed agent touch with after that from excessive in the Sky Bar, tor by UK direc- Meridiana from Terra would kill me because he I was allowed I showed my military drinking me.” Three of the in Puerto Banus. back to ID In total, 11 dards after Trading Stan- was added: “If group told members of Hermann.” numerous I The father believed contacted had been ‘violently’ the Olive between legitimate the il- one claiming neighby some- bours in the businesses pulled off Press they bruises. 18 and 25, were hit group, aged Hermann, Rivas closed were their they while Vaciamadrid and down by the friend One could left with they tried district of him as they author- transform my business ities. to resuscitate of their Madrid line, the first on- were trying “The police waited for an ambulance. even whacked fathers, Stiam Knudsen, However, were extremely ask for was thing I would them through to poison soldier Mattias was despite being when he arrived on their water stopped himthis has not evidence. independent supply and Martini, 23. excessive,” said In the scene, “Myself and the end it sober. If it couldn’t Spain as a setting up in independent target of thethat he was the lance driver another friend who is computer bulance to took over 20 minutes be Russian an were grammer. ly verified pro- would arrive, at which ambu- was for an amtrying maaid but the I fia. taken to not be using point Hermann police just to administer first Through his Witnesses down the street.” wanted to During the the Costa del Sol Hospital. websites he Neither Lloyd nor them.” say move us claims to short drive He added: pulse momentarily Spanish Home Find my weighed six stone the son to the hospital be ‘the most qualified computer when he performing“They were hitting us his stopped provided was lance was forced comment as we first aid on when contacted the carried away and that in Spain’ and coder to pull over and the ambuHermann, were while paramedics house for offers agents by the Olive Press. at one CPR. the opportunity performed 10 minutes with rats andwas infested life-saving to buy membership The father cockroaches. Don’t has sites to displayof his web- monthlymiss our bi- charged with illegal been their properties. Property tention deMagazine in this edi- in the and ill-treatment tion family leased on bail. and was re-

Excessive police force slammed

DODGY: Russell Lloyd

A ROGUE trader exposed by a BBC watchdog has vowed to ‘shut up shop’ in Spain following an Olive Press expose. Russell Lloyd - who is behind findmyspanishhome.com and home-search-Spain.com - will close both companies in the ‘next four or five weeks’ as his past has come to light. Lloyd is banned from being a company director by UK Trading Standards for breaches in health and safety regulations. He has also featured on BBC watchdog show XRay after pressurising elderly people into giving him cash for building work he then failed to do. But despite accepting his ‘past has caught up’ with him, he is adamant he was trying to earn honest money in Spain through his property portal. “My history has come back to bite me in the a***,” Lloyd told the Olive Press. “I am not a saint but I have always had the best intentions. “I don’t know who was out to get me but someone was warning people about me. Maybe it was competition, maybe it was someone else.” He added: “I came to Spain hoping to earn honest cash, unfortunately that has all gone now. I haven’t earnt anything and don’t know where to turn next. Maybe I’ll try and get a job

EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan in a supermarket.” Lloyd said there are currently no ‘paid-for’ properties on his portals and that no refunds will be necessary. Despite his claims he is running an honest business, several readers have contacted the Olive Press over his ‘shady dealings’ since our story in the last issue. One 68-year-old woman from London claims he offered her a 20% stake in his business in return for €150,000 investment. “At first he came across as a loveable chap,” the British pensioner told the Olive Press. “He was a bit flash, drove around in a white Mercedes but was very charming. “When he asked me to invest, I was told I would be sorted for money for the rest of my life.” She added: “He had grand plans of taking the company to Dubai and then worldwide.” Lloyd denied ever offering such a deal when contacted by the Olive Press and said he would never hassle pensioners for investment.

Picked up A ROMANIAN man who fled the UK to Spain with a 15-year-old schoolgirl has been arrested at a Madrid airport. Ionut Gheorghe, 27, was picked up by Spanish police after going on the run with schoolgirl Elena Ciochina.

The hunt for Ionut began when the girl disappeared from her home just hours after he had been spotted withdrawing £250 from a cash machine in Enfield in London. The girl was found safe and well with Ionut and extradition proceedings have now begun.

Opinion Page 6

RUNNING: Delaney

Costa hideaway IRISH police are searching for a Kinahan Cartel henchman who is believed to be hiding out on the Costa del Sol. Francis Delaney, 44, has been on the run for eight years since he was granted bail on charges related to a €10m cannabis bust in 2008. Sources say cartel boss Christy Kinahan has now given Delaney a hideout along Spain’s popular holiday coast. Delaney's last address was in Ireland, where he was a very close associate of Sean Dunne, a well-known armed robber and drug dealer who disappeared in Spain in 2004. When last busted by detectives, Delaney was allegedly caught with 500 kilos of cannabis, and he is now the key target of the Irish Garda Extradition Unit, which are seeking information on his location.

NE WS

www.theolivepress.es

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Bromantic getaway

Back of the net!

YOU’D be hard-pushed to find a more famous bromance. Hollywood heartthrobs Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire have stopped off in Spain as part of a Europe-wide trip. The Wolf of Wall Street and Spiderman stars jetted to party capital Ibiza after a raucous night out in St Tropez. The best buds were seen having lunch with friends before boarding a yacht, where they joined Leo’s new model girlfriend Nina Agdal.

HE’S had his fair-share of gorgeous girlfriends but Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest love interest tops the lot. Enjoying some down time after lifting the trophy at the European Championships, the Real Madrid star has been spotted getting up, close and personal with Miami-based fitness model Cassandre Davis (right). The pair were spotted kissing on a sunbed near to their pool before being snapped at a nearby restaurant.

Tardis on tour

DOCTOR WHO stars Peter Capaldi and Pearl Mackie have been filming for the hit BBC show in Spain. The stars travelled to Valencia to film the second episode at the Northern city’s City of Arts and Science Museum. Mackie will be making her debut as the Doctor’s new companion when the tenth series is broadcast in 2017. It will be Capaldi’s third series as the Doctor.

Striking visit Real Madrid star flies into Gibraltar for some down time on the Costa del Sol

WELSH wizard Gareth Bale has swooped in to the Costa Del Sol. The newly-engaged Real Madrid star was snapped heading out of Gibraltar Airport before stepping into a black Mercedes waiting for him on the La Linea side of

RIOT GANG: Kaiser Chiefs and (right) Michael Cross

Angry mob returns BRITISH rockers Kaiser Chiefs are set to storm Torremolinos’ football stadium. The Leeds-based band will play smash hits I Predict a Riot and Ruby in front of a packed out El Pozuelo stadium. Popular in the area, Kaiser Chiefs vowed to return to the region last summer after stealing the show at the Gibraltar Music Festival. In the crowd will be Olive Press competition winner Michael Cross who ‘cannot wait’ to see the frontman Ricky Wilson belting out The Angry Mob. “I would like to thank the Olive Press so much, I can’t believe I won,” Cross said.

Hot target

BILLIONAIRE heiress Paris Hilton fears she may attract terrorists to Spain because she is a high profile target. The former reality TV star, who is currently DJing in Ibiza, has said recent terrorist attacks in Europe have made her ‘watch her back’. “I’m constantly moving around from one country to another and I’m a famous person who could be a definite target for an attack and that is something

HIGH PROFILE: Hilton

PO Boxes Available

that sometimes terrifies me,” she said. “I’m also a very free person who tries not to be afraid of anything. I just make sure I always watch my back. “Many celebs have ten bodyguards but I like to go out with my friends and be normal because I want to be like everyone else.” Paris will stay on the party island until September, with her last gig scheduled for September 3 at Amnesia nightclub.

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CHUMS: Leo and Tobey

SPOTTED: Bale on Costa del Sol and (right) in Gibraltar

the border. After having his photo taken with some customs officers, the most expensive player in the world sped off up the coast. He later tweeted a photo of himself at glamorous Casares golf hotel Finca Cor-

CRISTIANO: With son

tesin, where he has been guarded around the clock by two sets of security guards. Renting an exclusive hotel villa, costing around £1,500 a night, he has been joined by his fiancee Emma Rhys-Jones and their two children. Similar villas are owned by his friend England International James Milner and the Botin family, who own Santander bank. In fact, he only proposed to Rhys-Jones a week before on a trip to Ibiza. The former Tottenham Hotspur star even paid a trip to a nearby Mercadona to pick up some supplies for the family. Bale, a keen golfer, has played at many of the local luxury courses, including Sotogrande’s Valderrama. Earlier this year he was spotted at the Spanish Open as part of Sergio Garcia’s entourage. After a summer spent skewering defenders at Euro 2016, Bale was enjoying a bit of downtime before pre-season training resumes with El Real’s galacticos. Bale had played at Scotland’s Royal Dornoch course the previous week before jetting over to Gibraltar.

First twerk THE First Daughter of the United States has been blowing off steam before she begins her internship in Spain. A video of Malia Obama twerking alongside friends and security at the popular Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago is currently doing the rounds. She is due to begin her internship at the US embassy in Madrid later this month… it remains to be seen if she will visit the dancefloors of Capital or Pacha during her stay.

TWERKING: Malia

NE WS

www.theolivepress.es News IN BRIEF

Stuck in limbo SPAIN’S economic growth slowed by 0.1% in the second quarter following the continuing political limbo.

Gored by bull A 60-YEAR-OLD man was gored to death during a bullfighting festival in Caceres, the first death in its history.

Re-brand MAGALUF has banned shops from placing alcohol in their display windows in a bid to fix the party island’s image.

Over-spending

ANDALUCIA has been criticised for spending €449m on ‘foreign policy’ during the worst of the crisis between 2011-2014.

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Ambulance anger

Baby born with Zika defect A WOMAN infected with the Zika virus has given birth to a baby with microcephaly in Barcelona. It is the first case of a baby born with the birth defect associated with the Zika virus in Spain. The mother was diagnosed with Zika in May after travelling in Colombia while thirteen weeks

Child’s death leads to calls for 24-hour emergency service

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan THOUSANDS of angry Costa del Sol residents are demanding 24-hour ambulance cover after the deaths of a three-yearold girl and a man. The Manilva group’s Facebook page ‘En El Paraiso Sin Ambulancia’ (In Paradise Without An Ambulance) has attracted over 2,500 people and a Change.org petition has been launched. The child died two weeks ago after waiting more than 20 minutes for an ambulance Meanwhile, in a separate incident just days later a man died

FOUNDER: Maria Sequeiro

in a park after an ambulance failed to arrive. The group is calling on the Junta to establish permanent

24-hour emergency care in the Manilva area, with at least one ambulance and the improvement of current equipment. Currently, Manilva shares an ambulance service with Estepona town hall. “The death of this child is the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said the group’s founder María Victoria Sequeiro. “There are 15,000 people on the city census, but in summer that increases to 40,000. “There is no emergency service at the weekends in Sabinillas because the doctor that is there needs to have a break.”

Bad trip

Rocky road BUDGET for road work and improvement on Spanish highways sinks to thirty-year investment low.

A MIJAS resident is calling for action to be taken after her sister was seriously injured after tripping on an uneven pavement. Brenda Meredith, 71, had to rush her 69-year-old sister Paula Taylor to the doctors after she tripped and almost broke her arm while walking around Playa Marina in El Faro. “The pavements are absolutely shocking there,” Brenda told the Olive Press.

Helping hands THE director general of Spain’s National Police Ignacio Cosidó asked for improved anti-terrorist cooperation among EU member states.

MONDAY

“She was shaking and there was blood everywhere, they need to get it sorted.” After receiving immediate attention at the Centro Medico, Paula had to be treated at Benalmadena hospital the next day. “I still look like I’ve done ten rounds with Mohammad Ali,” she said. “My black eye is still really big, and I had actually got an infection in the skin of my arm but luckily it got treated at the hospital.”

pregnant. The Zika virus has caused more than 1,500 cases of birth defects, most of those in Brazil where the epidemic originated. So far there have been 190 cases of Zika infections reported in Spain, of which 26 are linked to pregnant women, according to Spain’s health ministry.

BRUTAL: Victim bitten

Shark attack

A MAN was bitten on the hand in a shark attack at a crowded beach in southern Spain. The man, a 40-year-old resident of Elche, came out of the sea at the Arenales del Sol beach on the Costa Blanca with a bloody hand after being bitten by a shark. Lifeguards performed initial treatment on the man who was later taken to the hospital for stitches for the ‘serious bite’. Red flags were put in AFTER years of campaigning place for about two Sabinillas has a local police fahours until bathers were cility. allowed back in the waThe new office is located in the ter. Usos Multiples building in Calle It is believed that the culMiguel Delibes and is open from prit was a Blue Shark, a 8:30 am to 2:30 pm Monday to species that rarely bites Friday. humans.

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the www.theolivepress.es Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

www.theolivepress.es August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Voted top expat paper in Spain

OPINION Actions louder than words THE past may be the past but actions must have consequences. As Russell Lloyd rightly says his past has come back to bite him in the rear. Whether or not he was trying to turn over a new leaf in Spain remains to be seen, with his version of events failing to tally with those who claim to have been approached by him. If he has been soliciting money off vulnerable pensioners for investment in a failing business then shame on him for taking advantage of vulnerable people.

Ship him back, now! PEOPLE smuggling is a serious offence, there’s no doubt about it. However, a missing person’s case is obviously of much greater importance. Stephen Jackson’s jail sentence in the UK is in danger of prolonging the unknown and the heartache of Lisa Brown’s family and friends. If he is not extradited until the end of his sentence, then it could be almost five more years before Spanish investigators get a chance to grill him. With this case already coming up for a year, common sense must surely prevail over legal technicalities. The sooner Jackson is quizzed over Lisa Brown the better for everyone involved, especially for her family, who are desperately in need of answers.

AWARDS

2015/2016

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

2012 - 2016

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

ADMIN/SALES (+34) 951 273 575 Newsdesk (+34) 665 798 618 A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 200,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month. Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5 Calle Espinosa 1 Edificio centro comercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 San Luis de Sabinilla, Manilva

How does life compare for Spaniards in London and Londoners in Spain since a vote for Brexit? Asks Laurence Dollimore

A tale of two cities

‘

WHO do you think makes your coffee?” These are words Ramon Martinez never thought he would have to say until he found himself confronting a ‘fascist’ in a London coffee shop following Britain's departure from the EU. After hearing foreign languages being spoken, a white middle-aged man announced to the cafe in Richmond that ‘this island is too small for all you immigrants’, urging them to go back home. But to 71-year-old Ramon and his wife Genovea, 69, London is their home. The Spanish couple met in England when Genovea moved there in 1964, where she worked as a housekeeper. Ramon became a property developer and the pair raised three children in the Big Smoke.

Unwelcome

But since the vote for Brexit, the pair have confessed they no longer feel welcome in the city they have called home for 52 years. “We were devastated by the news and since the result we feel on edge a lot more,” Genovea tells the Olive Press, “We feel scared to speak in Spanish in London in case we get confronted or verbally abused.” The couple now say they want to spend more time in Spain to be closer to their

Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Rob Horgan rob@theolivepress.es Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Admin & Accounts (+34) 951 273 575 Mirian Moreno – General Manager admin@theolivepress.es Maria González accounts@theolivepress.es (+34) 658 750 424 Héctor Santaella hector@theolivepress.es

Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: sales@theolivepress.es Chris Birkett - Head of Sales chris@theolivepress.es (+34) 652 512 956 Kerry Hicks kerry@theolivepress.es 655825683 Spanish Sales Irene Fernández irene@theolivepress.es (+34)692 725 475

PALS: Ramon and Alan

Costs in London Annual taxes: £5,000 Weekly food: £100 Council tax: £1600 Bottle of Rioja: £12 Cup of coffee: £3 Loss in pensions: £0 Health: 0

Costs in Sabinillas

Food: €130 Cup of coffee: €1.10 Bottle of Rioja: €3 Loss in pensions: €270/month Urb contribution: €380 a year Health: Dependent on need UNCERTAIN: Genovea and Ramon

will be, will be. Britain was great before and it will be great again, living here in Spain I would have voted to Remain but as a country I think it might be good that we are out.” Alan moved to Spain after decades of working as an engineer in East London started taking its toll on his health. “I was working 18 hour days and my doctor said to me if I didn’t make the move KEEPING CALM: Alan and Chrissie pronto then I wouldn’t be around much sons who live in Casares and the Canar- longer, and it was the best thing I ever did,” he says. ies. “We would like to move back maybe for “Obviously the cost of living here is a six months in the year, but we want to lot cheaper than London, I mean our urhave British passports,” explains Ra- banization maintenance costs are going mon, originally from Valencia, “Just so down to €380 a year.” I can say, ‘look, I am British!’, and also Chrissie said the pair only spend €130 a week on food, which isn’t much considerbecause we feel safer ing they eat out every day. abroad when we have Brit“And how much is it once ish passports.” It will impact us you take out the wine?!” While they confessed they fork out a lot more in costs but we have lived joked Alan. “I suppose not much because it’s only in the UK, they admitted they would not like to be- through parity and about €3 a bottle.” He adds: “The healthcare come residents in Spain because of the taxes on survived so we will here is also so efficient. income. get through this We both had our eyes done here and we were “London is a lot more in and out really quickly, expensive but luckily we while their aftercare is not have two properties in Wimbledon which we rent out and can as good or expected as it is in the UK, rely on,” Ramon adds, “While we spend it makes for a much more efficient seraround £2,400 a month on costs includ- vice and means their resources aren’t ing food, we are in love with London, we stretched, maybe something the NHS feel British and European, we just hope could take a few notes from.” that it can feel like our home again While they remained largely indifferent to Brexit, they admitted the drop in the soon.” While Ramon and Genovea have been pound’s value has impacted their penleft heartbroken, Sabinillas-based Brit- sions, losing around €270 a month. ons Alan Ashley, 71 and wife Chrissie, “Obviously it will impact us but we have lived through parity and survived so I’m 65, have been left largely unaffected. “I don’t worry about it,” says Alan, who sure we will get through this until the moved to Sabinillas 13 years ago. “What pound bounces back.”

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TU IDEAL leen para conseguirlo. motivo, intentamos Por este temas que interesenque sean a todos. Otra cosa que es recalcar es que importante hemos

ganado el premio creador cos que al existen sobre dico inglés en mejor periódel periódico España y crerespecto al trabajo este país les hacía emos que con falta un ‘The Olive Press’, son mennuestro trabatira. Otra de reflejase su vida, diario que jo también las ayudamos a espasus opinioteme que con gustó fue su cosas que me nes... Además, ñoles, ya que clima y el amme llamó cotizamos biente que se medidas que las respira en las atención que aquí no se la mos puestos de trabajo dacalles. Al tiempo, profundizara tanto y tovolví a Intomarán con se en temas me- dos están contratados glaterra para de manera legal, el empezar a estu- dioambientales o de corruppor tanto, codiar Periodismo ‘Brexit’ tengan tizan a la y después de ción como en Inglaterra y, trabajar unos por algo que Seguridad Social, tanto, pensamos complicado años es importante que estaría decidí regresar en Londres bien que y bueno para este se crease en 2001. seguir en Granada –¿Cómo dico que hiciese un perió- –¿Con qué país. surgió la idea problema una

LO QUE DICE LA WEB ¿CÓMO VALORA EL PROYECTO DE ACERCAMIE NTO DE LA ALHAMBRA AL ALBAICÍN? ACERTADO

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LO MÁS EN IDEAL.ES

LOS ATASCOS PASAN DE LA CAPITAL A LA COSTA

39%

investi- contráis de gación crear un periódico os ensobre estos ahora? aquí? Jon Clarke es –Me resultaba cidimos indagar temas y de- –Desde que el creador del curioso ver un poco más se decidió lo pe- aunque riódico gratuito del ‘Brexit’ tenemos había un grupo que en ellos. inglés ve Press’, impreso ‘The Oli- grande de muy mucho miedo porque ingleses expatria- –¿Cuántas personas en España. ERRÓNEO Ganador del sois y dremos no sabemos si podos viviendo mejor diario El primer día aquí y de turis- qué temas tratáis? seguir 17% en tas no de agosto es este idioma distribuido –En total somos sihubiese un periódico nónimo de vacaciones tendremos que trabajando o en el 14 trabajairnos. Uno de país, ahora pide muchos granadinos para los mayores que le conce- escrito en inglés para ellos. dores; seis son periodistas problemas que dan la doble nacionalidad notó en el tráfico y eso se Por este motivo, y también hay españoles. En existen es que nos subirían pensé que Pero los atascos de la capital. para poder seguir nuestro diario no desaparetrabajando cieron, sólo puedes encon- los impuestos y esto puede como lleva haciéndolo aquí, se trasladaron. trar una gran Desde primera variedad de te- provocar que no podamos desde hora de la mahace más de mas, tanto cultura, ñana la N-340 pagarlos, entre diez años. se colapsó en otras cosas. deportes, –¿Por qué decidiste el tramo Motril-Salobreña viajes, idioma –¿Qué estáis venir a . haciendo al resEspaña? tendemos que o salud. Pre- pecto? exista una co–Entre el año LO QUE DICE nexión con los –En Madrid, 90 y el 92 yo expatriados. dos vivía en España periodistas Llegamos a imprimir EL LECTOR ingleses que trabajaron como profesor trabajando 35.000 en peperiódicos, y de nuestro públi- riódicos importantes bé enamorándominglés y acade mi co es muy variado, país, como ‘The e del país. ya que nos Lo que más leen ingleses, Guardian’, han Times’ o ‘The me gustó fue holandeses ¿CUÁL ES LA la gente y la cultura, e cer una petición decidido haincluso españoles que es muy que quiea través de diferente a la MEJOR PLAYA ren aprender mía. Además, el idioma y nos página ‘change.org’ para la pude comprobar GRANADA? DE recaudar firmas que los tópiy que ses que estamos los inglejando podamos aquí trabaFaltan 31 días conseguir la para que el doble nacionalidad. mercado de fichajes lleDe momento, llevamos gue a su fin casi 20.000 y el firmas y aún CF todavía buscaGranada no se refuerrán suficientes, cuántas sezos claves en todas espero es que lo único que neas. A tres semanassus lípodamos conpara seguirlo, ya el inicio de la que competición, que se hace en es una cosa el club rojiblanco otros no es una petición países y brir siete plazas. debe curara. Otra de las iniciativas Llega agosto tores de IDEAL Los lecy con él, las piden que que vacaciones. Por estamos llevando la directiva y ello, en la web el cuerpo técde IDEAL se que el Gobierno a cabo es diseñó un listado nico aceleren las de diez playas nos ofrezca la de Londres granadinas, taciones. «Sólo contrapara que escoger posibilidad de vienen la preferida. poder contar venes e inexpertos jóAunque la encuesta con un abogado todavía sijugapara que defienda gue abierta, dores que en la ganadora general no nuestros fue la playa de La Rijana, derechos aquí. sirven para el entre Gualprimer equichos y Castell Además, otro de Ferro. po», criticaba ayer uno de bios que hemos de los camlos lectores. Otro de los que, por primerarealizado es asuntos más vez, hemos comentados UNA CIFRA hecho una portada durante la jornada en espade luñol para pedir nes fue la justificación INVERSIÓN EN ayuda a todo el mundo, y que , por parte de viesen que soPodemos, de MURALLAS DELLAS mos personas los pagos en que negro al asisALBAICÍN aquí integradas ya estamos tente de Pablo y que no queEchenique, remos irnos. número tres del De acuerdo con partido. LAURA ÁLVAREZ la formación morada, «no está claro que legalmente haya habido ninguna órgano de la irregulaCatedral de ridad». No obstante, Granada. El asuinstrumento, men «que las según contó cosas IDEAL, drían haber hecho se po«cuenta con ción» a que la dos siglos de Algo con lo que mejor». autovía que antigüedad no están va desde Granada y por sus piede acuerdo algunos zas de metal a Motril, de los que por aquel noble, madera visitantes que entonces esy disposición ayer accetaba todavía es de un gran dieron a IDEAL. en valor. La reparación fuera de peaje. ciernes, El Gobierno mal que venían «Menos permicentral invertirá El entonces tirá escuchar 1,2 millones delegado de ciertas obras car la política. a dignifide Gobernación con un matiz Conocemos consolidación euros en la en Granada, y a cuatro y ya de murallas Jesús Quero, del dades únicas». unas caliAlbaicín. Las les han saliobras se ejecutaafirmó que dadas do escándalos», rán durante «las ca18 meses. racterísticas uno de ellos. afirmaba y la 1996 El ‘timo de de la provincia, realidad las rotondas’ La Junta de también fue sentido alguno no tiene Andalucía CONTACTA objeto de debate habilitar mostró su «rotunda una autovía CON TU IDEAL usuarios, que entre los oposide ironizaban para que llegarapeaje». Sólo sobre el desconocimie nto sin peaje, hubo la autovía, tuideal@ideal.es de las reglas de que esperar circulación www.ideal.es cerca de dos en las glorietas. décadas más. Redacción: C/ Huelva

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The Olive Press pide a los españoles, en nombre de los británicos, que apoyen la petición para poder permanecer en España

80 years on Expats in the Civil War Page 6

24 hours at San Fermin

Pamplona Bull-run madness Page 14

Tuna trawl Search for tuna on the Costa de la Luz Page 52

ÁS de 15.000 personas han firmado ya una petición que concedería a los expatriados británicos el derecho a la doble nacionalidad en España. Necesitamos vuestro apoyo para garantizar que se nos permita seguir trabajando y viviendo en vuestro país. Hemos elegido vivir aquí y hacer de España nuestro hogar. Muchos de nosotros tenemos negocios, hemos formado una familia aquí. Algunos tenemos parejas de nacionalidad española y, aunque quizá no a la perfección, hablamos vuestro struido enlaces muy fuertes con España, a través de escritores idioma. Creemos que contribuimos como Paul Preston, Gerald Breen gran parte al desarrollo nan y Laurie Lee. de la economía local, es- Y por encima de todo, nos senpecialmente en la costa. timos europeos y estamos comHistóricamente hemos con- pletamente opuestos al Brexit,

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que creemos ha sido el resultado de una campaña xenófoba y llena de mentiras llevada a cabo en nuestra país. Nosotros somos los que estamos en la línea de fuego y los que sufriremos las consecuen-

cias más de cerca. Queremos que los españoles entiendan esta grave situación que nos deja en el limbo y que podría impedir que siguiéramos viviendo aquí como llevamos haciéndolo durante años. Esta no es una petición insólita: el Reino Unido permite la posibilidad de obtener la doble nacionalidad tras cinco años de residencia. Curiosamente el Ministro Margallo conoce bien esta posibilidad ya que su hijo, que reside actualmente en el Reino Unido, la ha solicitado recientemente. Así que desde aquí os pedimos, esperamos e incluso suplicamos que os unáis a nosotros en esta causa. Algunos alcaldes y dignatarios ya se han unido a nuestra petición. Pero también necesitamos la ayuda de todos vosotros. Curiosamente los expatriados británicos lanzan este llamamiento exactamente 80 años después del comienzo de la guerra civil española en la que miles de jóvenes voluntarios británicos perdieron la vida. ¿Por qué? Porque creían en España. Y nosotros también. Estamos convencidos de que nuestra aportación a la estructura de vuestro país es muy importante. Queremos quedarnos aquí. No queremos volver. Para firmar la petición visitar change.org y busca ‘Doble nacionalidad para británicos con mas de diez años de residencia en España’

Translated by Mirian Moreno

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Brexit Bounce

An Olive Press of seven expertspanel While Brits make gathered to discuss has large amount of the up a marthe ket, others impact of Brexit like the Spanish propertyon the dinavians and new Scanarrivmar- als like ket. the Polish are filling in the While, they confirm the the drop in gap left by market has British sales. suffered But from initial knee-jerk the lull is widely actions, they remain re- seen as temporary, with timistic, expecting op- the think tank insisting market to bounce the once the exchange rate back stabilises, once the dust settles things will reon turn to normal. the political landscape Read the full in the uK and europe. tory, Part II fromObserva- OPTIMISTIC: page 14

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More than 17,000 sign petition for dual nationality NTERNATIONAL media interest is growing after the first-ever Olive Press front-page splash in Spanish. Our story covered a petition set up by two Madrid-based British journalists demanding dual citizenship for British expats. The petition, set up by William Chislett and Giles Tremlett, calls on the Spanish government to grant joint nationality to Britons ¡Dejad que nos who have lived in quedemos! Spain for more than SPANIARDS WE ten years. M NEE Since last week´s D Olive Press splash, the number of signatures has grown 89€ from 15,000 to 17,000 with the International Business Times and Spanish newspaper Ideal both covering the story. ¨Politics, the clever strategists of Podemos say, is something you do or get done to you,¨ said Tremlett. ¨With Brexit, it is something that has been ´done´ to many of us. This petition is a first at-

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EXCLUSIVE

AN arrest warrant has been issued for notorious Costa del Sol conman Nigel Goldman. Goldman, 58, who changed his name to Howard del Monte, was summoned to Fuengirola court in January over the defrauding of four expats to the tune of €750,000. However, he failed to show and a judge has now ordered police to bring him in.

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He was found guilty of fraud in the UK last year for the THIRD time and must wear a tag during his 12-month suspended sentence. Lawyer Antonio Flores, who is representing the victims, said he could face up to a decade in prison, if found guilty. “It has taken us two years to get to this stage and it is still just the beginning,” he added. Dozens of expat victims claim to have lost as much as €3 million to Goldman through a series of ponzitype schemes. He was first exposed through a series of Olive Press investigations.

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Twenty signs you’ve become well and truly Spanish

T can take a long time to adjust to your new life in Spain, but as the months and years fly by, you may not even realise how much you have blended into your new home. Here are 24 tell tale signs that you have ditched your guiri status and become well and truly Espanol. • You can’t remember the last wonder why Brits don’t listen to time you ordered a pint over a Spanish music more cana • When you don’t even question • The sight of kids in pubs no lonwearing shorts to work ger feels weird • When you can’t have your morn• You answer the telephone in ing toast without some pulped English with the words ‘speak to tomatoes as a spread me’ • When the disorderly queue in • Lunch before 3.00pm or dinner the bank no longer gives you before 10 is for Guiris anxiety • You start ending every question • When chilling on the beach with with a no, no? the family late at night becomes • When 10 minutes late, in your the norm head, means you are early • You stop your car and look at • When you’re singing along to every ‘stop’ sign... Even Spanish songs on the radio and in the middle of the

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night • When you instinctively buy everything you need for the weekend on Friday because you know all the shops will be closed • When you don’t order fish on Mondays because you know it was probably caught way back on Thursday • When you sigh and eyeroll at the sight of British summer drivers • When a plumber fails to turn up 5 days in a row • When you get charged 6 months for a telephone bill that you cancelled last year • You shrug your shoulders when you hear the town mayor has just been found with 250,000 in cash under his mattress • You've worked out what on earth they mean at your bi-annual ITV inspection • When you meet British friends and keep slipping into Spanish

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Big clean!

NEWS IN BRIEF

History restored THE Convent’s centuries-old Franciscan frescoes will be restored in a bid to give insight into the Rock’s role as a launchpad for medieval Christian evangelisation in North Africa.

New friends CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo met with Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to explore post-Brexit economic ties between the two countries.

Alive and well FINANCIAL executive Andy Beckwith, 55, was found alive and well in Spain after going missing from his Gibraltar home for six days.

Case open SPANISH right-wing party Vox has filed a suit against Chief Minister Picardo for allowing for the ‘illegal’ arrest of its two members who flew a Spanish flag on the Upper Rock.

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August 3rd - August 16th 2016

DOZENS of fed-up residents have taken to Western Beach to clean up the shore. Despite complaining to the government about the ‘horrendous’ state of Western Beach, residents were ‘forced’ to take matters into their own hands. With rakes and spades at the ready, the clean-up operation lasted for eight hours. “It was great to see families of all ages helping out to clean up,” Susan Ignacio

Freed fisherman returns to Gibraltar after Ceuta jail ordeal

told the Olive Press. “It was in a dreadful state, with oil and black sea debris washed ashore. “Everyone mucked in, even my son was there doing his part.” She added: “Several complaints had been made to the government but they did nothing about it. “They even had reports from MoD families who live beside the beach, and still nothing was done.” MUCKING IN: Residents

Home at last!

EXCLUSIVE by Joe Duggan A FISHERMAN wrongly arrested at sea by the Guardia Civil has spoken of his ‘relief’ after being released from a Ceuta prison. Jared Pincho has finally been discharged, a week after his two friends Stefan Saltariche and Dylan Barber. All three have now had charges of assault against them dropped. Pincho, 34, had been remanded in custody since his arrest on July 5, when the Guardia Civil appeared to speed towards his boat. All three men were arrested although Barber and Saltariche were released prior to last week’s court hearing in Ceuta. Pincho has now been barred from entering Ceuta for three years after the more serious charge of using his boat to ram

FINALLY FREE: (From left) Saltariche, Pincho and Barber the Guardia Civil vessel was really nervous before the court dropped, however he pleaded hearing as he doesn’t really guilty to disobeying a lawful trust anyone at the minute,” she said. order. Melanie Harrak, Pincho’s sis- “But when the handcuffs ter, told the Olive Press the came off he was free. It was family were delighted that the very emotional. He came out straight away and gave us a ordeal was over. “Jared is really tired. He was big hug.

“He looked so relieved. He had no idea what was going to happen.” She added: “We celebrated with a big lunch in Ceuta and a party back at my dad’s house that night.” Pincho’s arrest sparked a mass protest outside No6, with more than 100 people voicing their discontent. On hearing of Pincho’s release, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo tweeted his delight at the ‘great news’. During his time in prison, in Ceuta, Harrak said Pincho was treated ‘very well’. The family were allowed to visit once a week, but Harrak revealed that her brother turned down the offer of another visit to spare his family the difficulty of travelling to see him. “He is a very strong man. When my parents went over to him, he protected them from showing how hard it was for him,” said Harrak.

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Drink up THE dried-out pools have been filled in the Upper Rock after an ‘infrastructure issue’ left the Rock’s Barbary macaques without a water source for nearly three weeks. Bus and taxi drivers were forced to give the monkeys bottled water to keep them hydrated after the two main drinking pools ran dry. After around a dozen complaints were lodged with the Environment department, the government worked with the MoD and AquaGib to resolve the issue. The infrastructure problem is now said to be resolved and should not cause another issue.

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Third time lucky?

P O LI T I C S

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Back off

Rajoy issues election warning as Spain faces €6 billion EU fine MARIANO Rajoy has warned Spain faces a third general election after talks with PSOE rival Pedro Sanchez broke down. The PP’s acting Prime Minister pointed the finger at Socialist leader Sanchez for refusing to back his bid to become Spain’s new leader after June’s second inconclusive election in six months. The pair have held two meetings since King Felipe invited Rajoy to form a new government last month. Sanchez admitted after the latest talks that he had been

‘left more worried than when I arrived’. Rajoy said: “If Sanchez keeps saying no, we will have another election.” The PP leader, whose party won 137 seats in June’s election, needs to strike a deal with other parties to reach an overall Congress majority of 176. Meanwhile, Spain could be slapped IT seems that in Spain, local govthe earnings list with a net salary of with a €6.1 billion ernment means lucrative pay. €145,471, 84% higher than Rajoy’s fine by the EU if it’s A total of 17 heads of municipal, salary of €78,967. provincial, and autonomous com- gether enough support to form a Politicians from Catalunya and political parties fail munity governments earn more government, the healthy handful Madrid make up the top five earnto form a governthan acting Prime Minister Mari- of Spain’s local politicians are con- ers, while Basque Country local SPAIN’S constitutional court ment. ano Rajoy... without half of the tentedly counting their paychecks. leaders hold five spots on the list, has suspended Catalunya’s pro- With Spain’s govCatalunya’s autonomous commu- the most of any autonomous com- independence plan. headaches. ernment obliged The region had defied the court to present the EU While Rajoy struggles to claw to- nity leader Cales Puigdemont tops munity. by debating the exit strategy with its budget Rajoy’s salary and announcing a vote to con- and spending plan 78.967 solidate the move towards sovereignty, which saw a 72 -11 vic- by October 15, the country faces being tory for breaking from Spain. Province Organo Name Annual salary Magistrates have accepted an hit with the sanction appeal by the Spanish govern- if it fails to deliver on 145.471 Carles Puigdemont Presidecial CCAA Catañuña ment which claimed that Cata- time. lunya’s Committee to Study A budget is unlikely 103.090 Cristina Cifuentes Presidecial CCAA Madrid the Constitutive Process – the to be submitted on group responsible for designing time if no official 101.000 Manuela carmena Town hall Madrid the strategy towards indepen- government is in dence – violated the Spanish place. 100.000 Ada Colau Town hall Barcelona constitution when it allowed “This time the gov99.510 Mercé Consesa i Pagés parliament to vote on the plan. Diputacíon Barcelona ernment has been The plan says the ‘only way pos- able to avoid the 98.976 Unai Rementeria Maiz Diputacíon Vizcaya sible’ for Catalonians to be able fine, but next time to decide their future is to ‘dis- in October it will be 98.494 Iñigo Urkullu Renteria Presidecial CCAA Pais vasco connect’ from Spain. unavoidable,” a govMadrid is now considering tak- ernment source said. 90.513 Ramiro Gonzáles Vicente Diputacíon Álava ing legal action against parliathe EU ment speaker Carme Forcadell, Under 90.409 Juan Mari Aburto Rique Town hall Bilbao who may have broken the law agreement, Spain by attempting to push forward must reduce its defi82.603 Joan Ribó i Canut Town hall Valencia cit to 4.6% this year. independence plans.

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A GROUP of Conservative MPs have warned NATO’s Secretary General about Spain’s behaviour towards Gibraltar. In a letter to Jens Stoltenberg, the group label Spain’s recent conduct as a threat to British security, and warn that it could lead to a ‘serious’ incident at sea. It points to 210 ‘unlawful incursions’ of Spanish vessels into Gib waters, labelling Spain as an ‘increasingly unreliable’ NATO ally. “We personally fear that incursions will result in a serious incident with collisions and serious injury,” the letter - headed by Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti - reads.

Unreliable “The fact that Spain impedes the free movement of NATO forces between Gibraltar and Spain is to the detriment of western security, for example not allowing US Naval ships to bunker in Gibraltar and then dock at Spanish ports.” They add that Spain’s decision to not permit the UK’s Royal Air Force to use Spanish airspace on their way to and from Gibraltar adds an estimated cost of £5,000 to £10,000 to each flight. The letter adds: “It seems to us that Spain’s behaviour as a NATO ally is becoming increasingly unreliable. Opinion Page 6

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August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Cat out the bag CEMETERY: Of trees

Scorched fields forever

A FIREMAN has converted a burnt out forest in Spain into a tree cemetery. The work of art in Barcelona was inspired by the forest fire that broke out in July 2015. Firefighter turned artist Marc Sellares combated the flames, but not before it destroyed 1,293 hectares of trees in the Anoia area of the northern city. Other than a few hours help from a friend, Sellares completed the work by himself, describing it as an ‘act of mourning’. He hopes it will reinforce the message that people need to take extra care in the summer to avoid creating similar incidents in the future.

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A PUMA may be on the loose in Estepona. A video which appears to show a large feline prowling in scrubland close to the Costa del Sol town has gone viral online. More than 19,000 people have watched the clip, posted by expat Daniel Kelly, while it has been shared by around 200 Facebook users. The animal, which only appears for a few seconds before disappearing into trees, has raised serious questions along the coast. An Iberian lynx has been suggested, but it is thought the animal is too big and its tail too long. Instead, most believe it is a puma, also known as a cougar

Innovative ocean cleaning bins could soon be on the Costa del Sol

ON THE PROWL: Puma spotted in Estepona

or mountain lion, weighing approximately 30-35kg. The Guardia Civil and Seprona (animal protection) think it may have been released or escaped from a private residence, as local wildlife parks do not house such big cats. It comes after years of sightings of the La Cala cougar. First spotted in 2007, police

undertook a search for the cult cat after a pig farmer reported over a dozen of his pigs had been slain. In September 2014, the Olive Press revealed the cougar could have resurfaced after cat-lover Marion Lancaster, 71, spotted a feline ‘the size of a puma’ while on holiday in the region.

to suck rubbish from the sea’s surface. When the bins get full up the

plastic can be emptied and recycled. The ingenious invention was created by two Australian surfers Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski, who are based in Mallorca. They were inspired to tackle pollution by being confronted by waste regularly while surfing. “It catches everything floating in the water – plastic bottles, paper, oil, fuel, and detergent,” said Ceglinski. “The majority of my childhood was spent in the water. There’s

Cleaning floaters

OCEAN-CLEANING sea bins have begun their trial-run in Spain. The Balearic Islands have allowed the Seabin company to test out its latest prototype, which uses a solar-powered pump, in four different ports. If successful the bins are likely to be used throughout Spain. This will be welcomed by Costa del Sol swimmers after experts have recently warned that its sewage systems are overflowing into the sea because of people flushing wet wipes and frying oil down the drain. The submerged bins are fitted to a pontoons and use a pump

Historic voyage THE first ever solar-powered aircraft to travel round the world has completed the feat after touching down in Abu Dhabi. Solar Impulse 2, piloted alternately by Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, travelled almost 43,000km in a total of 17 stages without using any fuel. The plane, which has a wingspan wider than a Boeing 747 and carries more than 17,000 solar cells, began its journey in March 2015 in Abu Dhabi, spending a total of 23 days in the air. It stopped in Sevilla at the end of June after crossing the Atlantic.

Cork, blimey!

Dining Secrets The Olive Press Insider’s Guide

The Olive Press Gourmet Guide

MORE than 4,000 trees in the Serrania de Ronda are set to be stripped for cork, the town hall has announced. In total, 4,100 trees in the Berrueco area are marked to be de-corked, with 1,000 of those only turning 25 years old this year. Virgin cork is the first cork cut after a tree reaches about 25 years, and is a lesser quality than a more mature bark. A cork of 50 years is needed to make bottle stoppers for wine and champagne. Cork oaks live between 150 ANDALUCIA and 250 years and the bark RESERVOIR can be harvested every nine to 12 years. LEVELS A bumper cork harvest of This week: 77.67% around 428,350kg is expected, making a profit of around Same week last year: €600,000. 73.85% The Iberian Peninsula is Same week home to more than half the in 2006: 69.77% world’s cork forest.

NEW: Seabins and (top) inventors nothing worse than being out there surrounded by plastic. “The Seabin project is helping create a better way of life for everyone and every living thing.” The bins are safe for fish as they do not go close enough to the surface to be sucked in. After successful rounds of funding and development, the bins are expected to go into mass production in early 2017, when they will be available in 17 countries, including Spain.

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Ax a r q u i a

Unattended suitcase causes bomb scare in Nerja

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Bomb voyage

AN unattended suitcase has caused chaos in Nerja. A South Korean tourist

triggered a bomb scare at the seaside resort when she strapped her suitcase

CHAMPION: Poza (right)

Hometown hero

NERJA’S mayor Rosa Arrabal Tellez has honoured teenage Combat Jujitsu World Champion Juan Antonio Pozo. The 17-year-old has strung together several big wins, including the Spanish Championship in Barcelona and the Open International in Madrid.

Achievements

The young phenomenon hot streak culminated in the World Championship title in Croatia last month. In a commemoration ceremony, Tellez gave Pozo a certificate and a special medal with the town coat of arms for his achievements.

to a public bench at the Balcon de Europa. Hundreds of holidaymakers were evacuated by TEDEX agents from Spain’s speciallytrained bomb disposal unit after being called in by local officials. The entire area was sealed off until the agents had inspected the bag.

Apologetic

BANNED: Circus in Rincon de la Victoria

Show’s over

A CIRCUS in Rincon de la Victoria has had its license revoked. The Circo Jamaica’s threeweek stint was blocked by local authorities when it was discovered they used animals in their shows.

Ponies, pumas, two ostriches, four goats and a camel were found during an inspection, going against the city’s ordinance, which last October banned the use of animals in circuses.

After agents determined that the bag was no threat, the apologetic tourist returned to reclaim her suitcase. She claimed that she was travelling alone and wanted to go for a bite to eat without lugging her suitcase around. She was not charged with any crime. Spain remains on level four alert for terrorist attacks, following a spate of Europe-wide incidents over the last year.

July 6th - July 19th 2016

www.theolivepress.es

Sign now! HAVING read the Olive Press’ article relating to the petition for parliamentary representation for expats/ Gibraltarians I was surprised to see that it has only gained 1,600 signatures (Voiceless, issue 244). Going forward, through the EU exit negotiations and beyond, the issue of representation will be more important than ever. Would it be possible for the Olive Press to carry regular updates of the petition's progress to try and motivate people to sign? It seems like a concerted effort is needed to bring this issue to the fore otherwise the UK will leave the EU and UK expats will be well and truly cut adrift! Paul O'Neill, (Councillor, Ayuntamiento de Gaucín) ED: Paul, we will certainly be pushing the petition and giving it as much publicity as possible

Local nightmare I LIVE near the location of the Alrumbo festival (Firestarter, issue 244). For the residents of the area it was a disaster. How the local authority gave permission for it in a habited area is a mystery, unless of course certain people were paid off as often happens here. I was involved in a least three potential fights as festival-goers parked along our private road and even tried to park in front of the residents driveways. Vomit, rubbish, faeces, urine everywhere! Three days of throbbing noise and a total disregard for any environmental issues or residents’ rights. Total disrespect by the Chipiona ruling elite. This will be remembered by the residents come election time. Rory Thomas, Chipiona

LE TT E R S

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Give us a voice!

Number crunching

Under 10s

Proud Spaniard

I AM disappointed that the petition started for dual-nationality is only for expats who have lived in Spain for 10 or more years (¡Dejad que nos quedemos! Issue 244). There are many of us who have committed our lives to Spain, love the country, hate our fellow countrymen for voting out and desperately do not want to go back to the UK. I for one want dual-nationality despite only living in Spain for six years. Mark Cavell, Malaga WITH all the uncertainty at the moment, people like myself - who is a pensioner - feel very vulnerable. We live in Spain but will always be British, and are thankful, that our government will do the best for us. However, our money is in property in Spain, which if we sold now would not be enough if we had to return to England. If we were forced out we would have to rely on the state to survive. Our health service here is even more worrying if we have to pay private care. Add in the rate of exchange at the moment and our lives are very uncertain, giving us a real scare. I think pride must be put aside and dual-nationality must be embraced by all expats!

OVER the last few weeks, I have read some facts (and a lot of fiction) about obtaining Spanish nationality through residence. I applied for, and was granted, Spanish nationality 30 years ago, in 1986. The procedure is actually not complicated, providing you fulfill certain criteria. The two main requirements are: to have lived continuously in Spain as a resident for the 10 years immediately preceding your application and to have a reasonably high level of the Spanish language. You will also be asked to present a certificate of good conduct, which you obtain from the National Police and proof that you are registered on a padron. You must go to the Registro Civil in your village, town or city to apply. You will be given an exam to test your knowledge of Spanish daily life, customs and culture but above all, to test your knowledge of the Spanish language. If your application is approved and nationality is granted, you will be given an appointment (possibly with others at the same time) in order to swear allegiance to the King before a judge. Your British birth certificate will be taken away from you as you will now be a Spanish national born in the UK (or wherever). There is no need for dual-nationality for Brits who have lived in Spain longer than 10 years and wants to stay. I know where my loyalties lie, it was the best decision I ever made and in 30 years, I have never regretted it for a single minute.

Alan Whale, Axarquia

Lynn Hopkins, Alicante

Modern times

Leopard doesn’t change I KNEW Nigel Goldman years back (Find him, issue 244). He was so full of the proverbial… everything he said had an agenda behind it. Tried to make a living playing poker, even gave me a copy of his book

about blowing 14 million quid – rubbish. Loved the idea that he was part of the ‘elite’ but clearly wasn’t. Hope the Spanish police catch up with him soon but I fear it may not be so easy. Very slippery character! Steve Quinn, Marbella

High praise THANK you Maura Hillen and well done on your MBE, you deserve this honour more than anyone (Congratulations Maura, issue 244). You’ve made helping others your life’s work, keep up the good work. Steph Singer, Almeria

Letters should be emailed to letters@theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

12 Spanish teachers have been

recruited to teach this year in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.

years since Spain joined the European Union with country’s GDP having doubled in that time and exports up eightfold.

118

migrants in five boats were picked up off of the Cartagena coast by Spain’s maritime rescue service, Salvamento Maritimo.

3,000 people gathered to

play PokemonGo in Madrid, setting a new world record for the biggest Pokemon hunt.

6,000 portable ashtrays

have been handed out by the Marbella Council and Hydralia to combat beach littering.

11,000 hospital beds

will be closed in Spain this summer due to budget cuts.

83,993

more jobs were added than lost in Spain in July, the largest net growth for the month since 1997.

2.2m

more tourists are expected in Spain this year due to unrest at other popular tourist destinations, namely Turkey and North Africa.

 Gibraltar schoolgirl reaches semi

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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13 August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Pamplona protest

what’s on

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ACTIVISTS from 22 groups collectively representing women’s, children’sBE and animal rights are calling for an end to the ‘barbaric’ ‘APPY! Pamplona bull run. They have sent a letter to Pamplona Mayor Joseba Asiron asking him to edit out the highlight of the annual San Fermin festivities, when human runners dodge the horns of bulls let loose in the streets while onDownload our app now andlookers taunt and prod the animals. best Spanish MANILVAbegin hasenjoying bannedthefloatThe collective includes PETA, news on the go. ing lanterns from its Full Stand Together and Solace Moon Festival. Women’s Aid, and others, who The Luna Llena fiesta takes see the festival as ‘a senseless places on August 19 on Sabi- amalgamation of violence, all in nillas beach but the miniature the name of entertainment’. hot air balloons will now be In support of its request, the coabsent. Despite the Thai-style alition has cited a US study that aerial decorations consistently links animal violence to antibeing the festival’s biggest social behaviour. draw, the municipality banned However the study, conducted The Press their use due to fireOlive risk. by Northeastern University in Last year, the flying lanterns 1997, only considers physical for news in Spain! blew off TOP the beach and into abuse of animals - evidence forestal Manilva, causing that supports ending bullfights brush fires. more than bull runs.

orse show, Estepona

Horses and Music show at the Escuela de Arte Ecuestre on August 13 at 9pm

Blown out

Hands in the air!

THE Rock is ready to roll again with the launch of the Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival. A diverse mix of the cream of dance talent will be spinning the decks on August 6 at Victoria Stadium. Swedish house DJ Otto Knows, who has collaborated with Britney Spears, Avicii, Sebastian Ingrosso and Alesso, is the night’s

headline act. Underground house star Guti will be hot footing it from Pacha Ibiza to play a live set, with Britain’s own Deekline giving breakbeat fans a taste of his innovative bass-heavy beats. Lady Waks, King Arthur, Deflo and local DJs Subselective and Basscake will also play at the festival’s fifth edition.

oncert, bella

Mar-

British rock band Status Quo takes the stage in Starlite Marbella on August 19 at 10pm

TRIPPY: Legendary producer Youth (inset) and his Granada studio

Space-d out THE Orb, Mixmaster Morris, The Egg and Jah Wobble are among artists playing the first-ever ambient arts festival at legendary music producer Youth’s Granada studio. The Puretone Resonate Festival at the Space Mountain studio in the Sierra Nevada foothills will feature four stages of tripped-out vibes, guest speakers, pop-up spa and fusion cuisine. Curator Youth has sold over 20 million records during a career that has seen him work with Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, U2, Siouxsie & The Banshees and many more. His boutique festival will take place in Space Mountain’s 60-acre olive grove in Albunuelas from September 16-18.

Youth said: “I want to create a space that can express the collective need for beautiful music, an experimental cultural exchange celebrating diversity from all the arts and cultures. “The festival will be held during a full moon, a highly auspicious time, so there will be a reconnection to nature and the mystery of music. “I want to uphold the highest artistic criteria for the artists, from the incredible, high tech soundsystem to the great lineup of performers.” The former Orb and Killing Joke member’s festival will have a rootsy ethos based on pagan and shamanistic values. A teepee village is available for glamping, with gong baths and healing arts.

ribute Mijas

concert,

Eagles tribute band, Rolling Stones tribute band plus a Rod Stewart tribute band will play at Mijas Municipal Auditorium on August 20

each Party, San Luis de Sabinillas

Full Moon Party in Sabinillas on Friday, August 19

rape Festival, Manilva

Manilva Grape Harvest Festival takes place for three days on the first weekend of September with flamenco dancing, wine taster, and the ceremonial trading of the grapes

14 14

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

la cultura

www.theolivepress.es August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Laurence Dollimore discovers Spain’s most treasured UNESCO sites

Sites for sore eyes ANDALUCIANS rejoiced when the historically significant Dolmens of Antequera were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status last month, alongside Gibraltar’s Gorham’s Cave, now the Rock’s first UNESCO site. They now join a list of 44 other sites and structures across Spain that have been awarded protected status from the United Nations culture department since it was

established in 1945. The collection of sites reflects the complex and varied history of Spain from Roman times, through Moorish conquest and Christian Reconquest to the pInnacle of its power as a Renaissance empire during the 15th and 16th centuries. Check out the OP’s own UNmissable UNESCO collection.

ENSHRINED: The Dolmens and (inset) Gorham’s Cave

Palmeral of Elche, Alicante An oasis in the heart of a Spanish city. This historic date palm grove was awarded World Heritage status in 2000 for being a unique example of Arab agricultural practices on the European continent. Its formal layout, a typical feature of the North African landscape, was transplanted to Spain during Islamic occupation and has managed to survive to the present day. The ancient and elaborate irrigation system, which is still functioning, is an additional highlight.

Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid More than 500,000 tourists a year visit the spectacular Renaissance palace and monastery complex built by the great Philip II of Armada fame. Constructed from the profits of New World discovery during the 16th century ‘Golden Age’, it comprises the royal monastery and a magnificent hunting lodge and retreat, some five kilometres away. In these two buildings, the might of the Spanish monarchy and the clout of the Roman Catholic Church come together

in jaw-dropping architectural splendour. Under UNESCO’s wing since 1984, the royal site includes a stone complex of extraordinary dimensions surrounded by formal gardens, the monks’ kitchen gardens, the House of Trades, and the Company Quarters where the palace and monastery services took place.

Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Extremadura From humble origins as a 13th century chapel, this Caceres monastery came to symbolise two significant events in world history both dating from 1492: the Spanish reconquest and Christopher Columbus’ voyage of discovery. It was here that the great explorer came to give thanks to the iconic Virgin of Guadalupe for his safe passage to the Americas. Added to over the years, making it an exceptional example of widely differing architectural styles, the monastery remains a place of pilgrimage for the Western world and Latin America. It joined the UNESCO stable in 1993.

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15 August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Donana National Park, Sevilla This enchanting waterworld overlapping Huelva and Cadiz provinces is one of the most important wetlands in Europe - complete with rice paddies and endangered Iberian lynx. But despite its myriad marshes, lakes, channels, reserves and lagoons, this paradise for birds needs all the protection it can get in the dry summer season, when water is scarce. Its forests shelter fallow deer, Spanish red deer, wild boar, the European badger, the Egyptian mongoose and the rare Spanish imperial eagle. Dunes and 25 km of unspoilt white sand beaches are also part of a unique biodiversity that has been under threat from agriculture, water pollution and tourism. The park was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and added World Heritage Site to its credentials in 1994.

Historic Centre of Cordoba, Cordoba In 1984 UNESCO threw a protective cordon around a chunk of Cordoba’s historic quarter, encompassing the twisting maze of streets that lead to its showpiece Great Mosque. The architecture reflects thousands of years of occupation by differing cultural groups, beginning with the Romans in 2BC. In the 8th century, Cordoba became capital of the Damascan emirate, when 300 mosques and palaces were constructed in a frenzied bid to rival the gems of Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad. When Abderraman III established it as the headquarters of an independent Caliphate in 929, Cordoba’s realm extended all over the Iberian peninsula.

Cathedral, Alcazar and Archivo de Indias, Sevilla This trio of architectural gems in the heart of the city are a monumental draw for tourists.

The Moorish Alcazar is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe; the gothic cathedral is the largest in the world and contains the tomb of the world’s most intrepid explorer, Christopher Vizcaya Bridge, Bizjaia, Basque Country Columbus; while some of his charts A more recent addition to the list is the Vizcaya Bridge, awarded UNESCO stacan be seen at the tus in 2006. The world’s oldest transporter bridge - designed by Bilbao architect Alberto de stunning RenaisPalacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel - opened in 1893. The 43m high structure sance Archivo de Inwas the first in the world to carry people and traffic on a moveable section of dias building, which roadway across a river. The suspended gondola system was used as a model holds the largest for similar bridges old world collection across Europe, Africa of documents relatand America, only a ing to New World few of which remain. discovery. UNESCO added it to Between them, its portfolio in 2006, they epitomise praising its innovaSpain’s Golden tive use of lightAge, incorporating weight twisted steel vestiges of Islamic cables and hailing it culture, centuries one of the most outof ecclesiastical standing architectural iron construcpower and the tions of the Industrial trading clout Spain Revolution. acquired through its colonies.

Alhambra, Generalife and Albaycín, Granada The magnificent red fortress dominating the city of Granada has inspired artists, writers and poets for centuries and is considered to be one of the seven Wonders of the World. The imposing Moorish palace was once the residence of emirs who ruled the area in the 13th and 14th centuries and created the enchanting walled gardens of the Generalife, with its cool fountains and carp ponds. The Albaycin is the medieval town that grew up around the Alhambra, a bustling residential area today, with Moorish and Andalusian architecture harmoniously intertwined. All three sites have been bubble-wrapped by UNESCO since 1984.

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the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

T’S a far cry from the relentless pace of city living and the perfect setting for a unique festival celebrating baroque music. Every August, some of the biggest names in classical music roll up in Zahara de los Atunes for three nights of baroque concerts in the heart of this tiny seaside village famous for its blue fin tuna. Now as much of a fixture on the cultural calendar as its tuna tapas festival in May, the Festival de Musica Barroca is a firm favourite with locals and visitors who appreciate the novelty of affordable, world-class performances in an intimate church setting. You’re more likely to see David Juritz performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at London’s Royal Albert Hall, or at one of the countless recitals he gives in the great concert halls of Europe.

Instrumental

The internationally-acclaimed violinist, born in South Africa, is at the top of his game. But for past three years he has taken his violin to Zahara, at the edge of Europe, trading thousand-seater auditoriums for one of the most select boutique festivals on the classical music circuit. And he’ll be back this year. Festival Director Matt Coman and member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra has been a leading light on the classical scene in Cadiz province for the past 15 years, launching the festival in 2012. So how did it all begin? In a word, ‘serendipity’. Having fallen in love with Spain in the early 2000’s, and always on the look-out for opportunities to reach new audiences, Matt wandered into Zahara’s historic Nuestra Senora del Carmen church one Saturday evening after a day on the beach with his family. He could immediately see its potential and was soon chatting with local priest Antolin. They connected immediately as it transpired that Antolin had trained in music and composition in Madrid before entering the priesthood. A kindred spirit, and ardent supporter,

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Baroque ‘til you drop

August 3rd - August 16th 2016 JUMPING FOR JOY: Matt Coman and (left) the Orchestra

Worldfamous classical musicians swap the Albert Hall for a church in a seaside pueblo this month

Antolin has been instrumental in the Festival’s evolution and success from that point on. “Baroque has played a significant role in Spain’s history and its influences can still be spotted in local towns and villages,” says Matt. “So the festival’s empha-

Music for ‘sinners’ By Michael Hayes

THE historical city of Cadiz played host to the fourth instalment of the No Sin Musica festival last month, and the unofficial celebration of the best rock and indie music in Spain was mobbed. More than 10,000 people flocked to the famous port city for the three-day event. And revellers were spoiled for choice between the established stars - Enrique Bunbury and crowd favourites Izal among them - and local and up-and-coming acts performing on streets and squares across the city. Cadiz once again embraced the festivities, as can only be expected from the home of Spanish Carnival, with open-air performances throughout the day injecting an up-tempo beat to the streets. By night, the gig switched venues to the festival concourse - two stages set up as if to compete with each other, as acts alternated between east and west sides of the festival arena. Indie favourites Love of Lesbian – thrilling festival goers since 1998 – were one of the main draws of the festival, and their stunning show on Friday was one of the highlights of the weekend. Fans were treated to classic hits like Fantastic Shine, as well as newer material from their latest album, El Poeta Halley. Mexican rockers Molotov threatened to usurp the local talent on Saturday with a high-intensity cocktail of sounds that rocked the boats in the port, while the local stage gave bands like Turmalina and Smokers Die Young a suitable platform to showcase their talents. The festival atmosphere was evident throughout, despite the lack of camping facilities which made the event an all-nighter for some concert goers. But the roll-on, roll-off succession of bands and musicians taking to the stages were cheered with enthusiasm and gave as good as they got. No Sin Musica has once again built on previous year’s successes and many will be hoping for bigger and better again next year, as the niche festival certainly has plenty of admirers. Take a note for next summer, it would be a sin to miss No Sin Musica.

sis on baroque is a perfect match for the town’s architecture and rich culture. “But it’s more than that. Baroque music strikes a deep chord with people. That’s why its harmonies are often heard in popular music, like chill out and trance. And Zahara’s beautiful church has a

T was the night music lovers painted the town red, blue, orange, pink and purple … Packets of coloured chalk dust flew through the air at Europa Point as revellers pelted each other with pigment in a celebration of unity through powder power at the Gibraltar Festival of Colour. And the rainbow riot was only the prelude to a night of electronic sounds that rocked the southern tip of Gibraltar into the early hours at what is now the second biggest gig in the British Territory, after the Gibraltar Music Festival. DJs Deflo, Krafty Kuts and Rudimental joined in the fun and after the storm danced up by Britain’s Got Talent semifinalist Jonathan Lutwyche, no one would have been surprised if the Levanter cloud had produced Purple Rain. The festival is now in its second year and Europa Point was mobbed. With limited seating, most rainbow warriors were up from the first song at 6pm, and didn’t stop dancing until two in the morning. But after the powder party, when the sun slipped below the horizon and lasers synced to the beat beamed out across the Gibraltar Strait to Morocco, it felt like the festival had only just begun. English DJ Krafty Kuts began his impressive set with a sample from hip hop group House of Pain’s Jump Around, its high-pitched squealing saxophone guaranteed to get any audience excited.

very special resonance that moves and inspires musicians and audiences.” And while artists are drawn by this perfect performance arena, people from all walks of life get to appreciate their music in spectacular surroundings. This summer’s audiences are in for a real treat with extracts from the much loved Seasons and the Pachelbel Canon, from the ‘Gods’ of classical, Vivaldi and Bach, known for their high energy and extravagance, and Handel’s Arias, gentle and lyrical, embellished with vocals by prize-winning international soprano, Rowan Pierce. “And then in this 400th anniversary year, we pay tribute to Cervantes with Telemann’s Don Quixote Suite, infused by the composer’s talent for drama,” continues Matt. “We want each concert to have its own identity and mood. In the church, lit by hundreds of candles, audiences tell us their

experience is amazing”. Matt has discovered that classical music is a perfect fit with this peaceful corner of Spain, where life moves at a slower pace. “There is not the sense of Europe you get in, say, London or Copenhagen, but it is an altogether more romantic and mysterious place,” he says. The Festival captures this essence with remarkable performances in a remarkable venue. Little wonder it has become such a classic itself. The Soloists of London perform at 21.45 on 10, 11, 12 August in the church, Zahara de los Atunes. Due to popular demand, there are additional concerts at 21.30 on 8 & 9 August in Nuestra Senora de Europa, Novo Sancti Petri, Chiclana. Tickets on sale at the church. For further information contact Matt Coman on +34 617276161 www.soloistsoflondon.com

United colours of Gibraltar Ana DeJesus reports on a rainbow festival that was the ‘chalk of the town’

ht g u e Ca liv

PACKED: Rudimental set (above), and dancer Jonathan Lutwyche (left) And when headline act Rudimental took the stage, concert goers were swept along by the sheer vitality of the

British electronic group as vocals built towards triumphant choruses and monumental drops.

Rudimental challenged the stereotypical DJ set with a saxophone and a live vocalist in a kinetic display that recharged batteries even after hours of dancing - and not just the youngsters. Quite a few ‘young at heart’ older couples were among the throng. The Gibraltar Festival of Colours was the type of event where you are allowed, and even encouraged, to let loose. Afterwards, the Royal Gibraltar Police Commissioner Edward Yome tweeted: ‘Not a single incident at the Festival of Colours. Proud of our youth. Well done to the organisers.’ However, truly remarkable was the way the colourful chalk unified the audience, marking them as part of a special festival and a night of great fun.

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August 7 - August 20 2014

One-stop paradise

HAPPY: Diners at Gigi’s and beach view from Sotogrande

Photos by Jon Clarke

Laurence Dollimore finds a down-to-earth welcome in the high society paradise

IT’S an absolute privilege to live here,” enthuses 29-year-old Georgina Taylor, welcoming me to her eponymous chiringuito Gigi’s. “It’s such a beautiful, elegant paradise.” This is Sotogrande, Andalucia’s largest privately-owned residential super-estate. And super it most certainly is. Sometimes described as Spain’s ‘millionaire’s playground’, the enclave was purpose-built for a wealthy cosmopolitan crowd with the added bonuses of 24-hour security, designer boutiques and quality restaurants My first introduction to this LA-like location came via a lifelong Soto resident who strug-

gled to end a sentence in anything other “There’s a lot of wealth here but it’s not vulthan ‘dahling’, ‘sweetie’ or ‘fabulous’. gar or ostentatious,” says Georgina a.k.a. You could have mistaken her ‘Gigi’, who grew up here, atfor being too posh to pass the tending school in nearby Martime of day. But within 30 sec- Scratch beneath bella. “My clients may be milonds of meeting her, preconlionaires but they are happy to the traquil ceptions melt away. And it’s walk around in flip flops and the same with Sotogrande, an opulence and find eat chiringuito-style.” uber chic urbanisation in the has been Soto’s hapa community that Gigi’s municipality of San Roque. pening chiringuito since it set The bluer-than-blue marina, welcomes visitors up awnings three years ago, stacked with gin palace yachts but you won’t catch Gigi or her and sailing boats galore, is business partner Cristobal the backdrop to a multi-coloured enclave boasting about their long list of regular royof luxury apartments, villas and mansions. al visitors, sports stars or celebrity clients.

DISCOUNT TYRE CENTER tel: 956 794 657 C/Sierra Bermeja s/n, Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro A7-KM 132 Opposite Iceland

www.grupomolinodelconde.es Ribera del Marlin, Sotogrande Blue Local 34 Tel. +34 956 61 55 69

“Sotogrande is where the wealthy come to relax in peace, they’re not here to show off or be seen, it’s very low key,” continues Gigi, whose father is from London. “That’s why Soto is so special. We have been able to stay under the radar and attract the right sort of money through targeted marketing.” Perhaps this helps explain why the resort’s economy has consistently outperformed its Costa neighbours. Throughout the last crisis, while areas like Nerja saw property prices plummet by as much as 11%, in Sotogrande they remained stable and even increased, some well into the double figures. And while the grapevine may have you believe the area is full of snooty money-makers, scratch beneath the tranquil opulence and you will find a down-to-earth, sporty community ready to welcome visitors with open arms. “There’s such a community spirit here,” confirms new resident Sue Davies, 51, who relocated with husband Wayne last August. “There’s a great mix of nationalities and everyone is so supportive of each other, it makes it a wonderful place to live.” www.grupomolinodelconde.es “There’s just so much to do here too - golf, tennis, padel tennis, sailing or the Antiguo Cortijo Valderrama beach,” she adds. “You Autovía A-7 · Km 130 · 11311 Sotogrande

Tel. +34 956 236 063

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otogrande

Boats and the beach From Page 17

BOATS: Marina and beach (far right)

have everything in one place and that is ultimately why we love it. It’s a one-stop paradise.” While sailing has long been an obvious pastime for residents, the sports scene has always been ahead of the curve. Padel tennis, Europe’s fastest-growing sport, has been a Soto favourite for years. It is also polo’s most southerly European home. The big summer tournament at Santa Maria Polo Club in August is almost as famous for its pop-up shopping village and Grey Goose vodka after-parties as the gladiatorial sport itself. That’s largely thanks to the scores of royals and Spanish celebrities who come for the month to spectate and join in when they fancy it. The resort has been tagged with the brand of exclusivity ever since it was first developed by multi millionaire Joseph McMicking

in 1962, after he fell in love with the location on a chance trip to Spain with his wife. A Who’s Who of kings, princes, sultans and aristos followed in their footsteps, buying or renting villas here, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Glenn Hoddle, Eddie Jordan and the current and former Chief Ministers of Gibraltar. Princes William, Harry and Andrew, Fergie, Duchess of York and her daughters, the princesses Eugenie and Beatrice are all familiar faces at Sotogrande polo. Then there are A-list visitors like Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, BBC’s Nick Knowles and

Established in 1980, Blue Sky is the largest property management organisation in Sotogrande and offers its clients a wide range of services. Tel: (00 34) 956 790 464 (0034) 956 790 464 Email: mail@blueskysotogrande.com Web: www.blueskysotogrande.com Blue Sky Property Management Edificio E Local 6-A Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande

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SOTO FANS: The Davies (far left) and the Astles (left)

Genesis’ Mike Rutherford, who have all sought a low-key break in this exclusive enclave. On any good day you might also spot 73-year-old Robin Byers cruising around the puerto in his 1978 blue Volkswagen Beetle convertible. “I have travelled around the world and I can say with confidence that there’s not a development in the whole of Europe that rivals Sotogrande,” he tells me. “When you think of Monaco or St Tropez, they don’t have all the sports that we do and they don’t have Gibraltar and Andalucia on their doorstep. “We have fantastic views and food and we don’t attract the tattoo brigade, dare I say it

attracts well behaved people.” Indeed you can’t help but feel at peace when strolling around the marina, although make that Segwaying around the marina. Personal transporters are the in thing here, whether it’s workers zooming to the office, coffee in hand, or hipster teens taking turns on motorised skateboards. After dodging the two-wheeled-speedsters, check out the port’s bustling Mercado de Levante flea market. From ceramics to vintage fashions, everyone is welcome under the candy-striped awnings that pop up along the quayside. And following on from last year’s success, the convoy of food trucks representing Soto’s finest eateries offer even more choice this summer, with permits to set up alongside the market’s pop-up stalls as well as down at the polo club. Unfortunately, in search of respite from

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STUNNING: Fountain (left), Marina (above), market and walkway (far right)

the Soto sun, I found the gelato truck was Sotogrande’s leafy avenues to Galerias Paclosed so I had to settle for a cerveza. But niagua, the bijou commercial centre where I was spoilt for choice, with high quality ca- the residents buy their foreign newspapers fé’s, bars and restaurants on every corner and paperbacks and can eat out when they of the port. don’t want to cook in. At The Hairy Lemon, a favourite expat Graham and Jane Astle from Cheshire were haunt, I got chatting to James Eden, 38, enjoying a late lunch at cool new eatery, from Kent. Petit Bistro. “Soto has a great ambience, and we love “There’s a huge mix of nationalities, it’s coming here to get away from not a British bubble which the bustling coast,” he exis what we love about it,” plains. “It’s obviously a bit explains Graham, 71. “On There’s a huge mix pricier but it’s worth it, and top of that it is easy to make my wife likes the shopping. friends as everyone is so apof nationalities “We have a place nearby in proachable.” in Sotogrande, Casares but if I could afford Of that I certainly concur. somewhere here I would Maybe it’s the tranquility it’s not just a snap it up in a heartbeat.” lacking in Marbs or Banus, or Despite its upmarket nature, British bubble perhaps the beautiful views this enigmatic resort 25km of Gibraltar from all around. east of Gibraltar is full of Aside from its sports and mostly down-to-earth and family-friendly beach bars, warm-hearted people. Soto also has nice beaches to relax on. “You don’t have to be a snob to get on in And had work not beckoned the following Sotogrande, people aren’t like that here,” morning, it’s more than likely a cabana and Sarah Smith, 51, tells me as she watches cocktail session would have been calling her son at padel tennis training. “To be hon- my name. Perhaps next time. est it’s nowhere near as flashy as Marbella I left Soto reluctantly, sad that I couldn’t where people like to show off their wealth. stay longer, jealous that I wasn’t part of “People in Soto are a lot more genuine, this close-knit community. they mind their own business, meet up with But I’ll be back and, having met a whole friends and have a good time. We’re all just cast of hospitable residents, I know that I trying to live the good life.” will be welcomed as if I were one of their Her words resonated as I drove through own. STACKED UP: Motor boats in Marina

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In the swing of it Golf fanatic James Stewart has been teeing up top properties in Sotogrande for three decades

H MOVING IN: Charlie and Bimba

One in one out SOTOGRANDE residents will have to fix their own shelves as they have said goodbye to BBC Television presenter Nick Knowles. The DIY SOS host had only moved to the exclusive resort in May 2015, switching Eton for the Costa with wife Jessica, 27, and their now 23-month old son Eddie. But less than a year after moving into the luxurious fivebedroom villa, the couple announced their separation in January of this year, forcing the pair to end their Spanish dream early. Moving in, however, are Spanish model Bimba Bose and her English DJ-cum-model boyfriend Charlie Centa. The couple, who have featured in Vogue Spain and high street campaigns including Pull & Bear, are staying in the area while Bimba takes a break from recent cancer treatment. The cool couple were also seen hanging out at San Pedro’s skatepark near Marbella.

SOTOGRANDE APARTMENTS / TOWNHOUSES

E’S swung the irons with Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros, shared Valderrama’s greens with US President George Bush Snr and teed off with Prince Andrew… few people have enjoyed better job perks than James Stewart whose business is associated with the UK’s biggest estate agents, Savills But he has certainly earned it. Despite decorating his office with photographs of famous golf partners and retelling stories of how he helped bring the Ryder Cup to Spain for the very first time, it is clear that James’ first and most important love is his business. And after 34 years in Spain and 17 years in Pueblo Nuevo there is not much James doesn’t know about the property market. “I am really excited about the direction Sotogrande is going in,” he says. “Last year the property market showed some real promise. “The uncertainty around Brexit has obviously taken its toll but we are still busy and will probably see another good year.” He adds: “We had expected to push on from 2015 but with a vote to Leave the likelihood is that the market will remain

JAMES: With Ballesteros

COUNTRY PROPERTIES / EQUESTRIAN

PUEBLO NUEVO DE GUADIARO (NEXT TO VINOPOLIS) CALLE SIERRA BERMEJA TEL. 956 795300 / 628 574953

SOTOGRANDE BEACH (NEXT TO RIO APARTMENTS) PASEO DEL MAR TEL. 956 794516 / 647 526224

WWW.JS-SOTOGRANDE.COM

the same as last year - which is still a positive, just not the boom we were hoping for just yet.” Outside of the property world, James’ passion is on the golf course… in particular in Sotogrande’s esteemed Valderrama. A member for 30 years, his love-affair with the club dates back to the early 90s when club owner Jaime Ortiz-Patiño brought him in to help bring the Ryder Cup to Spain. “It was a great honour for me and I got to meet some top players,” he says. “Seve was by far my favourite, a true gentleman and ambassador to the sport.” He adds: “I’ll never forget playing in the Volvo Masters Pro Am in 1997 with Seve and Zimbabwean pro Mark McNulty. “On the 18th I had the putt to win the tournament and Seve and Mark both took turns at lining me up. I felt huge relief when the ball fell in the hole.” With a separate office in Puerto Sotogrande, James Stewart in association with Savills has established itself as a top agent for Sotogrande and surrounding areas. For more information visit www.jssotogrande.com or call 956 795 300

SOTOGRANDE VILLAS

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Serving up ace facilities, Ian McDougall is nurturing the latest generation of tennis and padel stars in Sotogrande

E played with Bjorn Borg during the Swede’s golden years, represented Great Britain at youth level and even named his dogs Tennis and Padel… it is fair to say that boss at Octogono Club Ian McDougall is crazy for the court. Moving to Spain as a 21-year-old tennis coach in 1982, Ian landed himself a job at the prestigious Puente Romano centre. The 11-time Grand Slam champion Borg had put his name to the club and for six days a year he made an appearance at the up-market Marbella resort. Luckily for Ian, that meant he had the chance to play alongside the Swede as they partnered up for doubles exhibition games against the likes of Spanish legend Manuel Santana. “It was great to play alongside Bjorn,” he says. “He was a really nice guy, quiet, kept himself to himself. “On the court he was at his best, although I had to encourage him to get forward a bit more as he tried winning every point from the baseline as he did so well throughout his career.” In 1987, Ian was crowned the first Padel World Champion in Marbella with partner Marcus Ludlow. From there Ian moved to Argentina where he played at the highest level for a year. Nowadays, father-of-four Ian spends his time running the Octogono club. With five padel courts, three hard tennis courts and three red clay courts,

otogrande

For the love of tennis

NEXT GENERATION: Ian with son Johnny

the 55-year-old Yorkshireman has transformed the centre into a hub for up-and-coming stars.

And while the likes of former England boss Glenn Hoddle, and British royals Eugenie and Beatrice have enjoyed a

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

knock about on Octogono’s courts, Ian is just as interested in getting kids on to the court. As well as running its own summer camps, Octogono also hosts the Soto Academy which nurtures rising stars in Andalucia. Junior competitions are scheduled throughout August for both tennis and padel and local players are encouraged to sign up. And while Ian’s 10-year-old son Johnny hasn’t beaten his dad yet, he says he ‘will soon!’ Meanwhile, Ian’s 29-year-old son Oliver is following in his father’s footsteps and works as a coach at the club. But it is not just a club for kids, tennis mix-ins for seniors take place every Wednesday and Sunday morning while padel mix-ins are run throughout the week. And with a nomembership policy everyone is welcome.

DREAM TEAM: Ian with Bjorn Borg (left), Ian and Davis cup team (above) and his club courts (below)

For more information visit www. tennissotogrande.com or call 659 453 444/ 677 589 895

www.janstaels.com

OPENING SOON! Blue Sotogrande Marina Shopping local 40

HOMEMADE DISHES BAKERY ICECREAMS & FRESH JUICES

Sotogrande 11310

Tel. +34.695 257 900

Blue Sotogrande · Marina Shopping Puerto de Sotogrande T. 956 616 083

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otogrande

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Kids are us STUNNING LINKS: The view from Alcaidesa golf is one of Spain’s very best

Sotogrande is home to more top-notch golf courses than you can shake a nine-iron at

T would not be unfair to call Sotogrande the home of Spanish golf. After all, it has some of the oldest courses in the country and has even hosted the Ryder Cup. Indeed, anyone with half an interest in sport will remember the fantastic last few holes of the 1997 Ryder Cup, when Colin Montgomery played the best round of his life. That was at Valderrama, now viewed as one of the must-play golf courses in Europe, beautifully maintained, pricey and, some say, a touch too challenging. Golfers up for a change should try Alcaidesa, claimed to be the only Links golf course in southern Europe. Seaside courses require a different style of play from your standard 18 and if the ball lands in the water, forget it! As an added touch, Alcaidesa may be the most scenic of all the Sotogrande courses, with breathtaking coastal views to Gibraltar and North Africa. It might explain why the course entices a serious number of high-quality events to its doors each year, from parties to society weddings. There are, of course, half a dozen more courses on the Sotogrande circuit. Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande, a.k.a. the ‘Old Course’, was the first to be built in the area and said to be a dream to play after tricky sister course, Valderrama. It was here that so-called Bermuda grass was first introduced into Spain. Meanwhile Almenara Golf, designed by Ryder Cup champi-

Golf glorious golf on turned respected course architect David Thomas, is up in the hills where footballers Glenn Hoddle, Glen Johnson and Brendan Rogers have homes. La Canada, La Reserve and San Roque complete the ‘famous five’. “There are few places with such a high concentration of great golf courses,” says Ian Bateman, of Holmes estate agents. “When you add the fabulous tennis facilities and polo club, with its 11 full size courses, the facilities in Sotogrande are second to none.”

Tel: +34.951972460 / +34 638 741 376

FAMILY Fun Park Jugarnia has landed at Sotogrande Marina and parents will be just as delighted as children. Following a successful test run last year, the activities-packed park is here to stay and is the perfect place for those aged two and above to run riot. Parents can simply arrange to drop them off for a full action-packed day, then go off to enjoy some quality adult time of their own. “We have everything here - bungee trampolines, laser quest, ball pits, arcade games and more,” MD Carlos Calvo told the Olive Press.

“We provide the children with drinks and snacks, so you can leave them in safe hands all day if you want to enjoy some alone time.” The company offers catered birthday parties and has also expanded into mobile birthday bashes, meaning they can bring the party to your doorstep, providing all the equipment and games your young ones could want, from bouncy castles to animal rides. They can even cater to food specifics. “If for example the kids want a popcorn machine or candy floss or smoothies, we will source that for the client,” said Carlos. The entertainment company has been in operation in Madrid since 1993. “We have 20 years of experience in keeping kids entertained,” says Carlos. “During El Dia del Nino this May we catered for more than 200,000 children. “Our goal is simple - to give the kids a great time.”

www.jugarnia.com

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Journeys end

‘

THE beach is calling and I must go’ reads a chapter of the menu at magical Gigi Beach. And there are few places on the Andalucian coastline that I would rather be at lunchtime in summer. A place where the well-heeled cap-

which points to everywhere including New Delhi, Rio and Dublin. “London bizarrely fell off the day after Brexit,” laughs Gigi. tains of industry take their lunch, The half-Argentinian, half-Londonthe chiringuito screams class and er, who went to school in Marbella, quality. continues: “I like to offer OttolengSet up by the well travelled Geor- hi-style food, very fresh, with Asigina ‘Gigi’ Taylor, 29, three years atic twists, and everything created ago, everything from the plates to with lots of love.” the chandeliers spells creativity Certainly, the tuna tartare matchwith a capital C. es this description, sitting on a But you are here for the food, bed of avocado, while the ‘espeto’ which is inspired by Gigi’s many grilled sardines were amazing. travels around the globe. Her loyal clientele includes such A clue is the pole at the entrance, luminaries as former racing driver Eddie Jordan, wine merchant Robin Byers and Tim Reid, the former Mandarin Oriental bigwig, who couldn’t speak more highly of the place and insisted on being photographed with a sign at the door. “The food is fabulous, fresh and well worth the journey from Jerez toBEAUTIFUL: Dishes at Gigi’s are like works of art day,” he says.

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Grand cru Andaluz

Hotel Milla de Plata deserves much more than silver… it’s gold all the way, particularly for its food, writes Jon Clarke

IDYLLIC: View from Milla de Plata’s terrace and (below) a delicious tuna tartare PERCHED on a rocky outcrop, looking down on an idyllic beach, few places feel as privileged as Hotel Milla de Plata. The domain of Cristobal Rodriguez, the hotel cascades down various levels to the rocky cove below, with billowing-curtain day beds placed at strategic spots. This is classic Grand Cru Andaluz and even better, the hotel counts on a fabulous restaurant Mar Sana with views to die for and food that easily matches. The charming terrace is one of THE places to dine on hot sum-

mer evenings. With its varied menu and decent wine list, it attracts the key movers and shakers from Sotogrande and further afield. They are drawn to its fresh fish and special tuna menu, that has half a dozen ways of eating the celebrated blue fin tuna, well known in the province of Cadiz. The tuna tartare was in particular delicious, and a very generous serving, coming in with three portions on a bed of lettuce. The pulpo a la gallega was also a sure-fire hit.

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otogrande

Learning a new language is fun at the Blah Blah Blah Academy WHETHER you’re declining verbs on the beach or vamping up your vocab in a Spanish cookery class, there’s never a dull moment at Sotogrande’s leading language school. The Pueblo Nuevo-based Blah Blah Blah Language Academy, with outposts in Gibraltar, Tarifa and Marbella, has a team of 12 highly-qualified teachers tutoring small classes in seven languages: Spanish, English, French, German, Russian, Arabic and Chinese. Established four years ago by Barbara Moral, the school promises a fun, flexible, communicative approach with exotic extras including weekend getaways to San Sebastian and wine-tasting tours. The school is now organising summer camps for kids in Tarifa, where they get to try a range of activities, including kite surfing, cycling and kayaking. “The students are the reason why we are here,” says Barbara, the school’s charming director/teacher who speaks impeccable English. “Our slogan is ‘We are committed to make them speak’ and that’s exactly what we do, by adapting to their learning style and making sure they integrate with the local community,” Barbara explains.

CHATTING AWAY: At Blah Blah Blah

Spanish without tears In a recent collaboration between Blah Blah Blah and Ion Kitesurfing school in Tarifa, Spanish on the Beach was introduced to the delight of students, with classes from May to October. Welcoming adults as well as kids, and offering learning bolstered with cultural activities such as wine tasting, orange picking and Spanish cookery lessons, Barbara is creative, inspiring and truly passionate. With an amazing back-to-school party planned for this autumn, she clearly thinks that having fun goes hand-in-hand with learning. “Learning a language is all about communication and our flexibility is key to getting the best out of every student,” she says. Everyone is welcome so get in touch and add a new language to their communications skills, the fun way. Visit www.tarifacamps.com, www. blahblahblahacademy.com or info@ blahblahblahacademy.com or call 956 796 341

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Chiringuito

Tel: 600 654 286

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otogrande

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Up Soto creek with a paddle Arriving in style, Jon Clarke takes a trip down the Rio Guadiaro

ROW YOUR BOAT: Life afloat Jon Clarke taking a trip down the Rio Guardio (above)

T is by far the most exciting way to arrive in Sotogrande. But you are likely to get wet so don’t bring your gladrags. One of the best family adventures on the Costa del Sol, you can rent a kayak and paddle the whole way down the Guadiaro river from El Secadero, which is actually in Casares, to the mouth of the river at Soto-

grande port. Taking a couple of hours, you will see a huge range of birds and feel like you are in total wilderness for much of it. There are even a few rapids to get the heart racing. Organised by Andalucia Activities, kayaks come in three sizes and can comfortably take three people in the larger ones. I joined a group descent, with around 100 people in dozens of canoes, arriving early and getting kitted out properly, with a full safety drill before heading off. But you can also get a special day out for groups or individuals organised by Andalucia Activities. And as well as kayaking, the company also offers walking expeditions as well as paddle board lessons and wakeboarding. For more information visit www.andaluciaactivities.com

The Olive Press Insider’s Guide

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Trample under foot

THE 45th INDI International Polo Tournament has begun at the Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande, running from July 27 to August 28. A total of 24 teams representing 18 nationalities, more than 830 horses and 98 players participating in this year’s tourney. Four of the tournament’s championship cups are classified as World Tour cups, signifying the event’s prestige. Equally presitgious is the host club. The club’s PR manager Pilar de la Puente told the Olive Press: “Sotogrande is known as ‘the cathedral of European polo.’ It’s the best club in Europe and ranked third in the world.” Though the tournament is unsurprisingly glitzy, with such high-end sponsors as Maserati and Cartier, it does have one bit of democratic flare. For every match except the final, attendance is open and free to the public, with crowds usually growing above 50,000. And the finals are only a tenner.

There is a whole new way to discover Andalucia @allaboutandalucia @aboutandalucia @allaboutandalucia All about Andalucia CHUKKA TIME: In Sotogrande and James Beim (left)

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URROUNDED by 35 years worth of paperwork, boss at Holmes Sotogrande Ben Bateman stands a proud man. Knocking on the door of 1,500 home sales, the back room of the office gives an insight into the world of Sotogrande property like no other. With around 3,000 properties on record, the file room at Holmes is a labyrinth of information. And to most of us the files mean very little. But to Ben and the team at Holmes they hold the key to their expertise and success. “We pride ourselves on our market knowledge,” Ben says. “There isn’t another agent who has as much data on Sotogrande’s property market as we do.

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

otogrande With files stacked from the floor to the ceiling, Ben Bateman shares the secrets behind Sotogrande’s property market

Top rank and file

Abundance

“It is very rare to find a house in Sotogrande that we don’t already know about and have a file on.” The data includes everything about the history of a property, from redevelopment plans to previous sale prices. And the abundance of data is not just for show, it allows the team at Holmes to understand the market in Sotogrande better than anyone else. “Knowing the market and the history of Sotogrande is integral to providing the best service for a buyer or seller,” Ben says. “With 35 years of market history we can effectively identify and understand why certain properties and certain areas are worth more

29 29

KNOWLEDGEABLE: Ben Bateman of Holmes Sotogrande

than others.” Set up by his father in 1979, Ben began working at Holmes 15 years ago. Taking the reigns in 2013, Ben’s passion for Sotogrande drives his enthusiasm towards running his business. “I grew up in Sotogrande, and now I am bringing my family up here,” he says. “There really is nowhere quite like Sotogrande. “When describing it to someone who has never been before it is hard to portray the magical atmosphere that Sotogrande has.” He adds: “I get so much pleasure from helping people find their homes and then watching them and their families enjoying Sotogrande for five, 10 or 15 years,” he adds, with a smile. “It is always sad when families leave, but on the bright side they have loved this place and are now entrusting us to help open the door for a new family to move here.” To contact Ben and the team, visit www.holmesotogrande. com or call 956 795 340

Second chance IN May of 2010, San Roque lost its flagship casino which had offered a host of first-class entertainment and became a tourist attraction for the Sotogrande area. Now, six years later, the city has recovered its facilities for leisure and gambling due to Austrian group Novomatic. Last December, the first stone for the reconstruction of the property was placed symbolically and the Casino Admiral San Roque opened its doors on July 27. More than €5 million were invested and over 300 jobs were created in the renovation and opening of the casino. Customers will find rejuvenated facilities with two bingo halls, 125 roulette games, eight tables of games, a multipurpose party room for all kinds of events and an international buffet. Also, during the first 45 days there will be a special programme with performances, animation and surprises. Finalists of the first stage of a competition started on Facebook for local music groups, with the final winner pocketing a prize of €5,000. Three hundred workers participated in the renovation of the facility, which was developed in record time so that the opening coincides with the summer season. Local mayor Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix stressed that the complex, which is intended to be permanent, is an attractive generator of wealth, economy, and employment.

Wild and free

HE hidden gem of the Sotogrande estate is a 27-hectare area of marshland housing an abundance of wildlife. Boardwalks criss-cross the thick foliage and a lagoon with extensive reed beds attracts many winged visitors. The Junta spent €198,000 on the boardwalk in 1999, along with fences, gates and a bird hide. After several acts of vandalism, however, the hide is now rarely open to the public. But bird-watching is still easy enough for those with the will and the

rewards include purple gallinules (swamp hens) penduline tits, cormorants and gulls. The location of the estuary, where the river Guadiaro enters the Mediterranean, is perfect for birds moving along the coast and migrating to Africa. It also provides the best place for views of the estuary and the coast, and, after a morning spent wildlife spotting there is the glorious Guadalquiton beach to unwind on in the afternoon.

CHIRP: A purple gallinule (left), a penduline tit (far left) and the rickety board-walk (above)

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the OlivellPress November 14th - 25th 2016 about

otogrande

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Where to eat

Hidden gems Sotogrande and its nearby coastline has a wealth of places to eat, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

IVEN the demands for quality in Sotogrande, it is perhaps not surprising that to survive, its restaurants have had to follow suit. And there is no doubt, that the quality - and range - of food on offer has improved dramatically over the last few years. As well as great tapas restaurants and some exciting new eateries, including a sushi bar, the more established joints, such as the Hairy Lemon, go from strength to strength. But to really appreciate what this exclusive enclave has to offer diners also need to venture a few miles outside towards San Roque and Manilva. Perhaps the most emblematic

of these hidden gems is atmospheric La Finca (www.lafincafusion.com), which sits next to La Casita campsite in San Roque. Thai fusion in style, you don’t just discover it by accident, but once discovered you will keep returning. In summer you sit around a leafy courtyard, a riot of colours and candles, while in winter you dine inside the authentic farmhouse AUTHENTIC: (top) Courtyard at La Finca, (above) a creation at Terraza de Teo and (left) an amazing outdoor table at Molino with stone floors and fireplaces. The place is run by New Yorker del Conde Chris Cousins and former partner Syrie Blanco Walsh, whose with its own special tuna menu as one of the Costa del Sol’s family has owned the estate (see Grand Cru Andaluz, page genuine ‘hidden spots’. since the 1800s. 26). No surprise, it has stunning Much of its success is down This is a place to come and chill views and counts on some of the to the chef Benny, an amiable out, take in the waters below, freshest fish imaginable thanks Thai/American, whose Thai fubefore a sherry, to a ready supply of octopus sion menu is supper and from the nearby rocks, and a daiadventurous then cocktails. ly supply from the owner’s son. With stunning views with plenty of Your best bet is Carry on another mile towards specials to add it has the freshest to book a room Manilva, and you get to emblemto the mix. for the night. atic Floria, where Dutchman fish imaginable The Thai soups, Next up is il Peter has been attracting the summer rolls thanks to a ready Sono (www.ilso- key movers and shakers from and ‘sticky rice’ on Cala Sotogrande and Gibraltar for a supply of octopus no.es), are legendary, Sardina, which decade. while the duck has been voted Open all year, it is like nothing salad starter Spain’s green- else around and has the best and the Massaman curry are est restaurant and has a genu- Prawn ‘pil pil’ on the coast, not to surefire winners. ine focus on the environment. mention amazing clams. Heading the other direction you Run by Andrea and Tamara, its If you are looking for a chiringuito will find firstly hotel Milla de food is also excellent, with a real a little closer to the resort, then Plata (www.hotelmilladeplata. twist being its pasta with truffle. head for wonderful Gigi’s Beach com), just outside Torreguadiaro, Continuing along you come to (www.gigisbeach.com), sitting which sits on a headland over- the hidden cove of Punto la Chul- just outside the marina (See looking a rocky cove and with lera, where the amazing joint of Journeys end, page 26) by the views to die for. Sal y Sol sits. sailing club. Its restaurant Mar Sana is a Totally hidden from the road, this The creation of Georgina ‘Gigi’ charming spot for an evening charming wooden restaurant Taylor, her youthful hard-working meal and heavy on fresh fish, has been picked out by El Pais approach to style and taste, makes this a surefire winner, not just for local foodies, but international businessman alike. Inside the marina, the real standout place to eat is the Hairy Lemon, which has got better and better since chef Lorenc and THERE is literally no bakery in Andalucia with such delinumber-crunching wife Liz took cious bread and pastries. the helm a couple of years ago. Not just that, Jan Staels has freshly-made ice cream This is the genuine hive for exevery day, guaranteeing that the kids will also love his pats and has a sister The Lemplace. on, next door, which is a bit more There are also plenty of snacks including quiches, sandformal in style. wiches, salads, carpaccios, croquetas and hummus. A great place for families, kids Well established in Sotogrande for five years and offers can happily run (or bike or scoot) clients free parking and wifi, and there are both alcoaround the square by the founholic and soft drinks. tains and the children’s menu is Visit www.janstaels.com for more information popular and healthy. There is an excellent all day menu, but its real strength is the excellent range of tapas, which are freshly-prepared each day. There are over a dozen, including amazing prawns in mint salad and a fantastic teriyaki duck breast, which has a complex meaty flavour enhanced by a delicious Asian glaze and a zingy wasabi coleslaw. If you are looking for a place to sit out to enjoy the boats, then there are two perfect spots in the marina, next to the Ribera del Marlin. The first is the well established

What a steal

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THE BEST KEPT SECRET ON THE COSTA DEL SOL the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

TALENT: Chef at Sal y Sol and (left) a dish Molino del Conde (www.grupomolinodelconde.es), which has just opened its doors, and has the nicest terrace and 30 different types of rice made by world champion paella maker Giuseppe Langastro. Finally, you must try to track down two other interesting spots, firstly La cabaĂąa (www.grupomolinodelconde.es) that sits in the old Cortijo Valderrama, which was the house of Sotogrande's founder Joseph Mcmicking. It sits in lovely gardens, with a pool

and chimneys for cold nights and is great for celebrating events. Last but not least, if you are looking for something genuinely authentic and amazing value, visit La Terraza de Teo (www.laterrazadeteo.com) in Guadiaro. Just on the edge of town this spot owned by Teodoro Sanz and his chef wife Manoli has some of the best quality tapas I have eaten in Andalucia and at amazing prices to match. Best were the warm octopus with sea urchin sauce and salm-

on blini with cream cheese and chives, not to mention the scallop in a potato with hollandaise sauce. As he is from Puerto de Santa Maria, it was no surprise that he also has a great range of blue fin tuna dishes including the tuna tartare extraordinaire.

OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 11:00 TO 24:00 FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER Playa Punta Chullera s/n Tel: +34 630 757 959 CREATIVE: Dishes by Lorenc (right) at the Hairy Lemon

www.facebook.com/CHIRINGUITO-SAL-Y-SOL-PLAY-DEPUNTA-CHULLERA-MANILVA-MALAGA-137839892898655/

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Noisy neighbours BE ‘APPY!

A GROUP news of on angry the go. residents - many expats - are seeking legal action after a hotel turned a quiet part of Estepona into a ‘mini Benidorm’. They claim the Centerparcsowned hotel is allowing music to blare until two in the NOISY: Hotel and (inset) fed up resident Mary Page morning, with noise levels regularly exceeding the 55 Junta. ume.” OlivebyPress decibelsThe permitted the Disgruntled neighbours of She added: “It seems as if the the Pierre y Vacances ho- hotel management has no TOP for news in Spain! tel, in Cancelada, claim they thought, respect or concern have been left with no op- for local residents and that tion but to seek legal advice is unacceptable. The law is THE national construcafter battling the hotel since on our side and we intend to tion industry grew 3.1% it opened in 2014. use it.” year-to-year in May. They claim that a petition From July until September, That figure represents demanding adequate sound- the hotel hosts a group of enthe third largest yearproofing, signed by over 100 tertainers who perform nightto-year increase of all people in January, has been ly on the swimming pool area countries in the EU, ‘ignored’ by hotel bosses, de- which directly fronts residenwhich suffered a generspite several meetings. tial properties. al decline of 1.1% in the “We’ve tried the friendly, Residents have recorded the same period. reasonable approach but it’s noise level as reaching as high Only Sweden and Rogot us nowhere”, British ex- as 90 decibels, nearly double mania’s construction pat Mary Page, 71, told the the legal level permitted. industry grew by more. Olive Press. When contacted by the OlBoth nations’ construc“Two meetings with the hotel ive Press, a spokesman for tion recorded remarkmanager Miren Bilbao have Pierre y Vacances said that able growth, 14.4% and come to nothing, in spite of the matter was ‘being dealt 7.5%, respectively. promises to lower the vol- with’.

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Special report by Iona BOSSES: Cox and Wells

IN COME THE BIG BUCKS! A HUGE US property fund is splashing €45 million on three new Costa del Sol developments. The American bosses Real Capital Solutions behind have snapped up sizeable plots in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavis and continue to look at further opportunities along the coast. The company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.

“We have spent around lion here so far and have€86 mila fund of €100 million to spend,” plained Managing Partner exWells, based in Colorado. Peter “We are one of the largest opers on the Costa del develSol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.”

He added: “Also we do transparently and always things try and deliver on price and quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying ing distressed propertiesand sellUS - has 16 staff working in the its office at Centro Plaza. out of Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting come alive and it’s a pleasure to to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

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Booming July predicted following ‘pause’ in run-up to EU referendum Napier

ESTATE agents in Spain lining themselves up for and Gibraltar are the busiest July on record. It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to referendum on June 23.the forthcoming EU Most agents the Olive Press firmed they had various spoke to con‘paused’ awaiting the result,sales currently despite the British market remaining The majority believe that strong. pected result - to stay in the ex- will lead to the pound Europe strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow. Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the lead up as a ‘pause forreferendum British buyers’ due to thought for concerns over the weak pound. “After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the year - and a sudden wave of bids from British buyers,” he told the Olive Press. One agent in Gibraltar has gone one step further actually employing July. Savills director Sammy extra staff for Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on but I am convinced we hold due to Brexit, and am taking on extra will stay in Europe with the expected delugestaff in July to deal Benahavis agent Scott of business.” Marshall of Proper-

Spanish property sales

33 33 Roll on

Remain

tieSpain, meanwhile, described the pause as ‘very psychological’. He said: “It’s a combination the vote and the exchange of the uncertainty of While many agents have rate right now.” rently on hold, some havea couple of sales cur“We have up to ten sales seen more. til after the referendum,” currently on hold unboss of Castles, in Manilva.said Victor Witkowski, “Buyers are not necessarily they are biding their time pulling out, but to see what happens.” Fellow Manilva agent, confirmed a slowdown, Shani Hamilton, also predicting a huge influx but added: “We are a decision is made.” of business as soon as

Where is Gillian buying?

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Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home. Respected analyst Mark eign demand for SpanishStucklin insists that forin the first quarter with property was up 16% of foreign buyers at 22%Brits the biggest group “The British still dominateof the market share. property and there is no the foreign market for able decline in demand evidence of a noticeas yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone One agent, Graham Govier is suffering. of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. cheap right now and we Prices are extremely are selling two times as many properties as we were He added: “My salesman last year,” he said. a local celebrity - has justPaul - already a bit of enth consecutive sale and completed his sevpeople are buying because they can see that won’t wait around for themthe incredible deals Paul made headlines in forever,” he added. the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.

How to reclaim floor clause fees

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MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

ECJ adviser throws €8 billion compensation deal into doubt

Cruel clause

HE saga around Spain’s infamous floor clause - AKA clausula suelo - has taken yet another surprising turn… and in my eyes it is an unjust one. At the 11th hour, with thousands of homeowners on the brink of reclaiming millions of euros, an adviser to the European Court of Justice has put the mass compensation deal in jeopardy. The ECJ itself will have the final say before the year is up, but if the court sticks by its counsel then Spanish bank bosses will be popping the champagne and toasting the adviser who saved them millions of euros. Meanwhile countless mortgage owners will be left empty-handed with their promised compensation packets snatched from their grasp. If the court confirms the adviser’s opinion, the lenders’ bill will be time capped, cutting the payout in half. The tide of fortunes has quickly turned for both sides. In May, a Madrid judge backed a European Commission ruling, paving the way for 2.5 million people to claim compensation payouts from the banks. Mortgage owners celebrated as analysts expected a whopping payout of around €8 billion from Spain’s major lenders. Estimated to be responsible for a massive 90% of Spanish housing evictions, the minimum-rate inter-

est clause has been costing mortgage holders an average of €3,000 a year for far too long. With around 10% of Spanish mortgage holders affected by the hidden interest fee, most banks had already removed the clauses from recent contracts. To give a little background, the clausula suelo saga reared its head in the mid 2000s, with thousands of customers complaining that they were being tricked into paying thousands of euros on top of their mortgage repayments. In actual fact it only became an issue because Euribor base rates dropped so low, way below the minimum rate imposed by the clausula suelo, leaving clients overpaying by up to 3%. By May 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that the fee had not been outlined efficiently in mortgage contracts. Banks were ordered to remove clausula suelo from all contracts where they were not outlined clearly and to repay any fees paid from that date on. But the ECJ now look likely to quash compensation claims, despite the European Commission and the Madrid courts’ ruling that banks should dip into their coffers and reimburse mortgage borrowers in full. The clausula suelo saga has long been an embarrassing blot on Spain’s mortgage system and any ruling to reduce compensation now would only darken the stain.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

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olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs Small town BE ‘APPY! funds

MALAGA province’s smallest towns are set to receive €115 million in funding from Malaga CityDownload Council.our app now and The council’s five major parties enjoying the best Spanish – PP, begin PSOE, Ciudadanos, IU and Podemos’s party, news on the Malaga go. Malaga Ahora – overcame their political differences and agreed to the funding. Some 87 localities, all with under 20,000 residents, will receive a share of the money between now and 2019.

PP under fire for destroying trial evidence

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members, on charges of organised crime, falsifying accounts, influence-peddling and tax crimes. It has been ruled that the right-wing party will be treated like an individual and brought to court with its new treasurer Carmen Navarro, where it will face charges of perverting the court of justice and destroying evidence.

A court document claims party employees wiped and disposed of hard disks from the laptops after Barcenas was barred from entering the PP’s Madrid headquarters in early 2013. He has since admitted that the two laptops did belong to him during his stint as treasurer. According to the document, the PP could be indicted ‘for not having created an adequate organisational and management framework to prevent this crime from taking place’. A party spokesman declined to comment on the case, while the PP has full-time jobs. continually denied chargThe report shows that 64% of part-time es of involvement in corSpanish workers would rather have fullruption. time jobs.

Part-time problems LABOUR reforms aimed at lowering the country’s unemployment level are preventing Spaniards from getting full time jobs. The number of part time jobs is on the rise, with 1.75 million people working limited hour contracts ‘involuntarily’. A new report shows Spain has the highest number of part-time workers who want

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With Leon Cohen

A is for abogado

ABOGADO/A: A lawyer who is not only licensed(with a degree/diploma) but is also registered with the college of lawyers (there are 83 in Spain) There are 5 specialist categories: Labour, Business, Civil, Criminal and New Technologies. Always ensure you deal with a lawyer who is a specialist in the subject, not one who seems to be familiar with all, as you will not receive the most effective advice and it could prove to be more costly. Lawyers are obligated to provide a clear precise, direct, unbiased service for their clients. Some of the services covered: the process of litigation, dealing with contractual irregularities, work/labour problems, divorce, abuse, fraud or whatever accusation (denuncia) the client wishes to make, covered by the previously mentioned categories. No individual has a right to represent themselves in Spain’s courts of justice. They must have professional representation. All lawyers work alongside a procurator who is assigned to process all paperwork for the court in case of litigation.

Getting to grips with the different professional services available to expats

In Spain it is not obligatory to use a lawyer for the purchase or sale of property. As all of these transactions pass through the offices of a Notary, the legalities are completed here. In cases of poor or negligent representation, or a discrepancy in fees charged by the lawyer, the client has the right (in the majority of cases) to apply to the Colegio de Abogados for intervention and clarification. GESTOR & ASESOR: Administrator and Accountant. Normally these services are provided in tandem by qualified personnel. The Gestor processes public documents and deals with permissions and licenses. These include import/export documentation, driving licenses, work and residency permits, birth, death and marriage certificates, gun and rifle licenses, fishing and hunting permits, etc.

The Asesor deals with tax affairs, declarations, social security contributions, company formations, self-employment contributions, etc. It is always advisable to ask the service provider for their experience and qualifications and their respective charges, before taking on their services. FACILITATOR: That’s me, so I’ll restrict my comments to how I personally define my work. A Facilitator is a qualified individual, independent, with integrity and experience, a go-between who deals with the matter at hand in a transparent, honest and direct way, always working for the benefit of the client. This individual is capable of dealing personally with issues such a permissions for building works, property conveyancing, applications for licenses, bureaucratic paperwork, translation services, project management and many other matters. The Facilitator listens, understands and, here in Spain, is able to negotiate in spoken and written Spanish. As a Facilitator, it is important to have Collaborators who offer a highly professional and effective service. The real objective of a Facilitator is to eliminate doubt, reduce the stress factor and obtain the maximum efficiency from third party service providers, to the complete satisfaction of the client.

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August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Trashed

THE Partido Popular is to face trial for destroying two laptops which were crucial evidence in corruption cases. The computers had been used by former party treasurer Luis Barcenas who managed contributions from businesses and individuals. He is currently on trial, alongside five other PP

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Bad banks RECAPITALISING Spain’s bad bank El Sareb, which was created to clean up the finance sector, has cost the state €996 million.

Doubling time SAMSUNG has doubled its profits in Spain from 2015.

Car trouble

A SPANISH judge has charged Volkswagen with fraud and damage to the environment over an emissions-cheating scandal which has plunged the German automaker into crisis.

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BUSINESS

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Smart celebration Bustle about A NEW app which makes finding the best social events easy is now available for download. Busslr is designed to connect people to the best local events all across Andalucia. Recent Busslr featured events include craft beer tasting in Manilva, a women’s polo tournament in Sotogrande and FootGolf in Casares (in which you use your leg and a football instead of a club and golf ball).

Outside the box SPAIN is taking the international business markets by storm. New figures €55 billion worth of international contracts were signed by Spanish companies in 2015. The figure is a record-high for Spain and represents a 5% year-on-year increase. Major growth in environmental services and renewable energy are largely responsible for the steep rise. Spanish companies have also upped their dealings with infrastructure and transportation services.

THE Smart Currency team are celebrating two years on the Costa del Sol. Located in La Cala, a glass was raised to the hard-working team of international currency experts as mojitos and canapes were enjoyed by partners and clients alike. Business development manager, Mark Rickard, thanked the partners on the coast for their ongoing support. “Our successful second year is due

to the loyalty and commitment of the agents, lawyers and industry professionals that have supported us,” Rickard said. “We are already looking forward to next year… and hope the catering bill will get even bigger! I’m sure Head Office won't mind.”

SUCCESS: Smart Currency wteam

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Death and taxes

Banking on it

Spain paid €300m in pensions to the deceased in a year

MORE than €300 million was paid in pensions to the dead last year due to the government’s ‘holes and deficiencies’. A National Audit Office report claims that 30,000 officially registered deceased received pension payments in 2015. The monthly payment to the dead totalled €25.3 million. The Organisat i o n for Eco-

nomic Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD) 2011 statistics show that Spain spent over 10.5% of its GDP on pensions, well over the 7.9% OECD average. The Audit Office spoke out against the National Social Security Institute (INSS) concerning the systemic failure. A spokesman said: “The INSS doesn’t employ effective controls over who it pays pensions to, and neither do the banks through which pensions are paid.” It comes at a bad time for Spain, which is in the midst of austerity measures and faces EU sanctions over its deficit.

BANKIA, Spain’s fourth largest bank, has beaten analysts’ predictions for quarterly and semi-annual profits. The largely nationalised bank reported second quarter and first half profits of €245m and €481m, respectively, topping the predicted profits of €235m and €469m. Despite the first half’s better-than-expected performance, the bank has still suffered financially thus far this year. The first half profit mark of €481m represents a 13.4% fall from a year earlier. Most of that fall, however, primarily reflects a poor first quarter, as the second quarter figure is up 3.5% from the 2015 financial year.

Property AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

What is the official language of an AGM? T his matter was raised in Court on at least four occasions and interesting rulings have resolved the matter, albeit in different directions. In La Manga, Murcia, a 150-strong Community of Owners had their AGM conducted and approved in English, with the benefit of a translator for the only two Spanish owners. Not happy with the extensive use of Shakespeare’s language, the two Spaniards challenged the AGM in Court, stating that Spanish was the official language of the country and hence, it should have prevailed. The Court of First Instance dismissed the claim on the basis that a) the governing law on communities of owners had no particular norm on the matter and b) the Spanish owners had had the benefit of a translator. Surprisingly, the Appeal Court revoked the ruling. It stated that the Horizontal Property Act came under article 3.1 of the Constitution and, citing national

What is the official language of an Annual General Meeting in Spain?

sovereignty, concluded that the language should be prima facie Spanish, and thereafter as many translators as required by the different nationalities present at the meeting, at the Community’s expense. Not content with the outcome, the dispute was escalated to the Supreme Court who overturned the ruling on the grounds that it had wrongly understood the application of article 3.1 of the Constitution, which does not apply to juridical agreements conducted privately. The Supreme Court stated that ‘national sovereignty’ has nothing to do with AGMs. Furthermore, it held that as the Horizontal Property Act does not specify the language of meetings, these

TONGUE TIED?: AGM protocol

can be conducted in any idiom so long as translators are available. Clearly, the Supreme Court recognized the multicultural nature of many AGMs along the Spanish Costas and rejected being influenced by notions of antiquated patriotism. Down south, Malaga Appeal Court ruled that using English language in an AGMs had not infringed any rights, as the minutes were also in Spanish and at all times, a translator had been fully available.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

www.theolivepress.es The Olive press launches a special regular section on the many issues for expats over Brexit

Spain plays hardball SPAIN’S acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said that Spain ‘has the right to veto’ the UK’s Article 50 exit if it does not agree with negotiations. The Foreign Minister claimed that the Spanish government would veto any exit negotiation that includes Gibraltar, which is in explicit conflict with the UK’s expressed commitments. The UK has promised that Gibraltar will be ‘fully involved’ in Article 50 negotiations. Margallo has spoken aggressively about Gibraltar before, saying in June that Spain would raise the issue of Gibraltar’s sovereignty ‘the day after Brexit.’

Role reversal

A CONSUMER confidence in the Eurozone has remained steady following the Brexit result, a new European Commission survey has shown. The European Commission own guage of confidence showed a rise in the Eurozone to 104.6 in July and 104.4 in June.

BREXIT Bulletin

SPANIARDS are more concerned with the economic impact of Brexit than the Brits. Half of Spanish consumers think Brexit will have a negative impact on their own economy, compared to just 39% of Brits, according to market expert Mintel. The Italians (41%) and Polish (also 41%) are also more concerned about Brexit’s economic fallout than their British counterparts. Toby Clark, Director of EMEA Research at Mintel, believes the results show how ‘widely spread’ the results of Brexit are on Europe as a whole. “The data also shows that British consumers are much more upbeat about their

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Nervy neighbours

Half of Spaniards think Brexit will hit them in the back pocket

prospects than their counterparts in other key European markets," he said. “It's clear that the vote has unsettled people, but in the UK especially, people separate the impact that Brexit

will have on the economy as a whole, and what it means for their own finances. "British consumers are far more optimistic about their own financial situation than they are about the prospects for the economy as a whole. He added: “For most people, nothing has actually changed yet - they're still in a job and prices in the shops haven't changed dramatically. “Post referendum, the nation's spending intentions don't appear to have shifted markedly, other than plans to spend on the home, which

seem to have been hit the hardest. For most consumers, there's no real trigger to change spending patterns at the moment." Mintel’s survey of 7,000 consumers also revealed that one in three Germans believe the UK's vote to leave will have a negative impact on their country's economy, with 31% of French consumers saying they expect it to impact France's economic growth. Half of Spaniards and half of Polish people also believe that Brexit will hit the country’s unemployment level.

Growing up ECONOMIC growth in the UK grew 0.6% in the three months up to the end of June. Second-quarter gross domestic product was up from 0.4% growth in the previous quarter according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Any uncertainty ahead of the referendum seemed to be limited said the ONS. Ben Brettel senior economist at Hargreaves London said: “The figures show an absence of pre-Brexit downturn concerns, meaning that if the forecast does materialise, at least we start from a position of relative strength.” Economic growth was strongest in April with industrial output growing 2.1% and 0.6% growth in the services sector, the largest part of the UK economy, the figures show.

Post-Brexit Investment GLAXOSMITHKLINE, GSK has announced plans to make a €275m investment in the UK to build new manufacturing sites. The firm said that most of the increased production will be exported, and that it expects the investment to bring jobs to the UK. Sir Andrew Witty, the company’s CEO and a vocal Remain supporter, explained that the decision came despite ‘uncertainty’ that Brexit created. “We believed a vote to leave would create uncertainty and potentially regulatory change in our industry which from our perspective was unnecessary," Sir Andrew told the BBC. “But the underlying attractiveness in terms of the UK's economic strengths and its fiscal environment haven't changed and that's why we feel very strongly that this investment makes sense."

Whisked away SCOTLAND’S €14 billion worth of exports to the EU is under threat following Brexit. A new report by Holyrood researchers has revealed that its manufacturing, food and drink and financial services could be dealt a devastating blow if the country is forced to leave the Single Market. The report said: “According to the figures for 2009-2013, Scotland had the highest share of its business economy accounted for by European companies of any UK country or region, with nearly one in every six pounds in the Scottish business economy generated by companies based in the rest of Europe.” Some 65% of Scottish companies believe leaving the EU will have a negative impact on their business.

37 37

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GOLF

www.theolivepress.es August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Olympic dreams

Golf balls-y move

THE Costa del Sol tourism board has set its sights on dominating the golf tourism market. President of the board, Elias Bendodo, wants Malaga to attract 20% of all golfers heading to Spain. In order to achieve the ambitious plan, Bendodo has increased the advertising and promotion budget by 15% compared to 2015. “The Costa del Sol should be the number one destination for golfers travelling to Spain,” he said. “It has hosted over 50 tournaments in the last four decades, including the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama and the 2012 Volvo Match Play tournament.

SERGIO Garcia has described the Rio Olympic golf course as a ‘real test’. The 36-year-old Spanish hopeful also said playing at the games will be a ‘dream come true’. “Ever since I was young, I’ve loved watching the Olympic Games, but I never imagined I would one day be a part of it,” he said. “Especially because golf has not been included in over 100 years. But now it’s back and just being there will be a dream come true.” The PGA and European Tour player hopes the sport’s return to the games will help it grow around the world. “This will be a rare but significant opportunity to showcase our sport and show how enjoyable and exciting it is.”

READY: Sergio Garcia

Royal approval World-famous resort in Spain receives prestigious award

MURCIA’S La Manga golf club has been handed one of Spain’s most prestigious golfing awards. The Royal Spanish Golf Federation gifted the world-famous resort with the ‘Merit in Golf’ award in recognition of its contribution to the sport in Spain, Europe and worldwide. Built more than four decades ago, the club has hosted the Spanish Open five times and has become a recognised course among the world’s elite sportsmen. Jose Asenjo, general manager of La Manga Club, said: “It is a great honour for us to be given this honour. “The award is recognition for all the hard work and effort that has been made over the last four decades to make La Manga Club the favourite destination for golfers in Spain and Europe.” The club was most recently named as Spain’s best golf hotel at the World Golf Awards for the second year running and was voted the best golf resort in Spain by

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Strong starter SPANISH golfer Jon Rahm has been pipped to the post in a dramatic Canadian Open. Rahm finished one shot behind Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas, who finished strong with a final round of 64. The Spaniard, who only turned professional after the US Open in June, qualified for the Canadian competition after coming third at the Quicken Loans National in the States. Rahm’s string of good performances has earnt him a spot on the PGA Tour next season.

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Car Ablaze

Off-Road THINK Peugeot and an abandoned Spanish village isn’t the first thing which comes to mind. But that’s exactly where the French automobile giant chose to launch its new concept ‘2008’ SUV. The venue apparently echoed Peugot’s goals for the car: an SUV that appeals to urban customers who like to get out of the city. Food trucks and a concert stage were installed for the event in the village, near Madrid. Attendees could test drive the Peugeot 2008 in a new environment while enjoying a range of entertainment for the whole family.

FIRE from a burning vehicle in the middle of the A-7 caused traffic mayhem in Malaga. According to reports from the Malaga Traffic Control Centre the incident caused a three kilometer back up near to Rincón de la Victoria. The driver reportedly escaped the burning vehicle and was not

in any immediate danger, but the flames did distract others on the road. There were also reports of a second accident that occurred on the A-7 from Rincón de la Victoria through Cadiz. A tourist and a truck had collided at exit 254.

Hot wheels A WHEELCHAIR user has been filmed speeding through cars on a busy Spanish road. In a video that has since gone viral, the disabled man can be seen building

Speed-junkie wheelchair caught slaloming through traffic up speed in the bus lane before weaving through the traffic on a Barcelona

Desert fox

Social sale EUROPE’S first car sale through Twitter has taken place in Spain. Raul Escolano purchased a Nissan X-Trail after posting #compraruncocheportwitter on the social media site, which translates to ‘buy a car on Twitter’. The Antamotor dealership in Galicia then wooed Escolano by giving him a tour of the car via the live video app Periscope. After being courted by other brands, Escolano chose the Nissan after it won 43% of votes in a Twitter poll he had created to help make up his mind. The keys were sent to him by a courier before he picked up his new motor.

SCORCHED: Melted car

RALLY ROUND: Team Gazoo car

TOYOTA’S racing arm, Team Gazoo, has been testing the team’s latest rally car in Spain. While one Yaris WRC was measured for performance on gravel in Finland, another carved through the Iberian Peninsula’s desert-like terrain. The cars have responded positively so far, with the team’s chief engineer Tom Fowler affirming ‘that the cars’ performance levels are really high.’

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SPEEDSTER: On wheels

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Driving force NEW Spanish car registrations have increased by 11.2% in June. While figures released by the Association of European Carmakers showed a 6.5% increase in sales across the EU, new registrations in the UK fell by 0.8% following a slowdown in private demand postBrexit. Analysts have warned the sales momentum may come to a halt against a backdrop of economic uncertainty following Britain’s departure from the union.

40 40 the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

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42 The Spanish handle the heat better than the Brits, no sweat!

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Hashtag Heatwave

HEATWAVE sent the Twittersphere into meltdown as temperatures in London hit 32C last month. Railway lines buckled from the wrong kind of heat, tempers flared in Hyde Park, where a policeman was stabbed while trying to break – the girls in teeny bikinis and up a spontaneous water fight, undies from Victora’s Secret, and the great British public the dudes bare-chested, flexworked themselves up into a ing their six packs. Green Park should have been renamed right old lather. And serve them right for Brexit! Pink Park, and a nice shade of There’s some satisfaction in lobster some of them turned. knowing that the craziness There were even grown men was caused by us or, more with rolled-up trouser legs and specifically, a warm air plume knotted hankies on their heads in a homage to Monty Python from Spain. no sartorially Although, as self-respecting the British are Spanish senor Men with rolled-up now, officially, would ever pay. Vitamin D-detrouser legs and Social media prived, it looks made enterknotted hankies on like we did them a favour. their heads in homage taining viewing as the Brits The heat hit made light of a to Monty Python on July 19, the sticky situation hottest day with ice-bucket since July 19, challenges and 2006 by bizarre coincidence. grin-and-bear-it humour – alPerhaps they should make it a national holiday because, though man-up you dudes, it hombre, it certainly looked like was 10 degrees hotter in Ciudad Real a couple of days later. a one-day licence to fiesta. Swans fled the Serpentine as Along with the traditional eggoffice workers rushed to rivers frying-on-pavement shots and and parks in their lunch breaks Snapchat shares of family pets (one hour, not two like Spain) being water-boarded in bathto strip out of their suits and tubs, one man selfied himself frocks into the next-to-nothing up to his butt-naked neck in a

Posh Pets

42 www.theolivepress.es

MUST admit I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. The social networking site allows me to keep up with my friends around the world, share my (increasingly random and manic) thoughts on the world and promote my radio and written work. The downside is that I increasingly get tagged in those inspirational quotes that are supposed to spur you on. You know the type – the ones that feature a sunset and a few profound words, that has the cynical hack side of me both reaching for the sick bag and heading towards the gun cabinet a la Hunter S Thompson. And during my, ahem, ‘wilderness years’ when I used to pop out for a pint of milk and not come home for three days, an exgirlfriend of mine used the Book of Face as a Global Positioning System. She’d be able to follow my progress (or descent) via the places that I was tagged in, normally blurred in the back of some photo. My latest escapade, however, really brought home the power of social media. I’d been invited to MC a cancer charity event in Sotogrande and the organiser, the wonderful Patricia Darch, kindly put me and the Hottie Hippie up in a rather splendid hotel. It being a gala featuring some superb opera, I dug out my Black Tie and the HH looked stunning in a beautiful white ball gown. We were just setting off to the event when we bumped into an old friend, who commented on how great we both looked and took a photo. The gala was a great success and, as we turned in for the night back at the hotel, I noticed that she had sent the photo.

KEEPING COOL: Brit takes to bin to stave off heat ‘cool tub’ made out of a wheelie bin. The Spanish must think we’re a

Don’t tell the bride And in true Giles Brown style, I couldn’t resist posting it on Facebook with the immortal words ‘Official Wedding Photograph’ and a winking emoticon, figuring that everyone would get the joke. I figured wrong. The next morning the HH skipped into the ensuite and turned both her phone and the shower on. (Women can multitask like that) Seconds later, I heard the sound of frantic pinging from the phone and a loud shriek from the HH. “OH MY GOD! What have you done?” she cried. “Look at your Facebook!!!” Under my ‘joke’ post was a long list of congratulations on our wedding, wishing us all the happiness for the future, long life and the pitter patter of tiny feet. Most of Facebook, it seems, hadn’t got the joke. And as the day progressed and people woke up across the time zones, more best wishes flooded in from the West Coast, Australia and the Far East. I quickly posted that we hadn’t got married but the congratulations continued for days afterwards. And on the following Thursday, I got an email from my long-suffering father, “Did you get married?” he asked wearily. I may have to give up FB for a while and take up Pokemon Go instead. It might be safer ...

weird lot, although Margallo’s son will have to acquaint himself with our customs for his British citizenship test. (As an aside, it would be nice if the Spanish Foreign Minister would give 1.3 million expats in Spain the same dual nationality rights here. After the bureaucratic hoops we all had to jump through for our bloody residencias, we deserve it!) But of all the #heatwave memes that really tickled me British sunburn pink was the one about freezing your boxer shorts and wearing wet socks. Er, why not carry a fan like the Spanish do? How the Spanish beat the heat: Polar transport. Buses and trains in Spain are A/C-ed to nipple-erecting degrees of cool. The London Underground is at least eight degrees hotter than the outside air, more in the rush hour squeeze. Cool food While Brits sweat over their roast Sunday lunch the Spanish chill their soups and wind the dining hour back to after 10pm. Spritzer sunblinds are the chic cafe must-have here (although turn your Olive Press newspaper into a soggy mess) but many British pubs still lack beer gardens. Free water. You can ask for a glass of agua del grifo (tap water) at cafes in Spain without looking too much of a cheapskate and they may even add ice! In Britain, once the proud home of the public drinking fountain, only 11% of green spaces now have them. Siestas: Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun. Summer hours: Government and industry switches to an 8am-3pm day and some shut shop completely in August, which is why I won’t get my new patio doors until October!

Food, drink & travel

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43 the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

GARCIA: Dani’s diner

Double delight CELEBRITY chef Dani Garcia has teamed up with Puente Romano Beach Resort to open a new restaurant. The Michelin two-star chef has combined his renowned flare for local cuisine with live flamenco to create the complete dining experience this summer at El Patio Dani Garcia, in Marbella. Garcia currently also runs the Dani Garcia restaurant in the Puente Romano hotel, while earlier this year he visited the Philippines for the Madrid Fusion Manila conference, where he cooked a 10-course Andalucia-inspired feast for guests. From Tuesday to Sunday nights in the summer, El Patio is offering dinner with a performance by flamenco troupe Gypsy Kings for €90 for adults and €38 for kids.

Faux and tonic

Spain suffering the most from counterfeit alcohol

SPAIN is the EU country most affected by the sale of fake alcohol. The EU Intellectual Property Office estimates its local producers lose €263 million every year thanks to the introduction of counterfeits into the market. In Spain, legitimate producers lose around €173 million a year on alcoholic beverages and €90 million a year on wine. The trend also affects jobs and tax revenues, according to the EU’s Intellectual Property Office’s 8th report on the eco-

nomic costs of fake products, which was released late July. Spain heads the list of countries with the biggest job losses in absolute terms losing around 1,000 in a year. The report also notes that countries lose millions as a result of unpaid VAT or Social Security contributions, which in Spain amounts to €90 million. While counterfeit production is difficult to detect and its implications hard to analyse, it is estimated the EU as a whole has lost an annual average of €3 billion euros between 2008 and 2013. The countries most affected after Spain are Italy, Germany and France. Spain has been damaged the most because it has the highest number of businesses specialising in alcohol and wine with some 3,700 outFRAUD: Counterfeit alcohol costing Spain millions lets.

More than a matter of taste restaurant | lunch and dinner

A YORK food-intolerance testing company has announced its plans to expand to Spain. The company, YorkTest, offers both testing and guidance to help clients identify and deal with their food intolerances. According to a YorkTest press release, ‘three in four’ of the company’s British clients who tested positive for a food intolerance experienced an improvement in health after working with YorkTest.

Beyond the kitchen

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VENEZUELAN chef Maria Fernanda di Giacobbe has won the Basque Culinary World Prize for her work with cacao. Every year the Basque Culinary Centre gives the award to the chef ‘whose impact can be felt beyond the kitchen’. UK celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal was part of the judging panel. Of the 20 finalists, four were Spanish, including Jose Andres, who supported local Haitian chefs after the devastating 2011 earthquake, and Angel Leon, a two-star Michelin chef based in Cadiz. Blumenthal, 50, said: “People think gastronomy is something done by wealthy people and is not for the masses. Gastronomy is about cooking and eating — it doesn’t have to be caviar.”

July 6th - July 19th 2016

43 43

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

45 August 3rd - August 16th 2016

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Faultless towers PICTURESQUE: View from Molino del Santo and (below) luxury swimming pool

How a rural Ronda hotel maintains its number one status in Andalucia

T isn’t easy reaching the number one spot on TripAdvisor, but Hotel Molino del Santo in the Serrania de Ronda has held it for years. The boutique 18-room retreat, tucked away next to a mountain stream in Benaojan, has been kept at the top of the charts by expat owners Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin, who opened its doors in 1987. “It’s great to get the recognition, especially considering we are ranked number one out of more than 1,700,” Andy tells the Olive Press, “and especially because it comes from satisfied customers, it lets us know we are doing our job right.

SCENIC: Ronda mountain stream

“We always read our feedback sheets scrupulously to see if there are any areas we can improve on and I think that has paid off.” Set in a horticulturist’s dream of a landscape, the hotel is surrounded by luscious gardens and exotic birds, and its restaurant terrace, where you can sip Andalucian wine underneath willow and fig trees while a stream trickles past below, is the jewel in the crown. “It’s the perfect spot for a romantic weekend for two while we also get a lot of visitors coming up from the coast who want a break from the hustle and bustle,” says Andy. The hotel’s restaurant changes its menu every month and sources its ingredients locally, while 70% of the wines sold are from Andalucia. The tranquil oasis holds a maximum of 40 residents but can cater for up to 90 with events, including weddings or birthday getaways, so whether you’re treating friends to a stress-free break or looking for the perfect place to tie the knot, it’s hard to see where the Molino del Santo could fail you. Its secret? Other than the decades of experience, Andy thanks his reliable and experienced staff for a large part of the success. “Some of them have been with us for thirty years and are so dedicated to the job,” he adds. “They’re able to really look after our guests, and that’s the most important thing.”

3 4

In July 2016, which hotel is NUMBER ONE in Andalucia, out of 1792 listings according to Trip Advisor? Is it: a) Molino del Santo in Benaoján? b) There is no b) Which hotel has over 1000 Trip Advisor Hotel reviews and 350 restaurant reviews to support its claim to be the best in Andalucia? Is it: a) Molino del Santo near Ronda? b) There is no b) but feel free to read the reviews. Which hotel near Ronda was chosen by “The Times” newspaper as one of the 20 best hotels in Spain for food? Is it: a) Molino del Santo near Ronda? b) There is no b) – no other hotels in Andalucia were mentioned. Which very special hotel is offering special last minute deals for The Olive Press readers during July and August? Is it: a) Molino del Santo in Benaoján station? b) There is no b) but e-mail for our special rates at any time.

HOW TO ENTER: E-mail your answers to info@molinodelsanto.com before the 14th August to enter into the prize draw telling us why you deserve to win the prize. The winner will be notified on the 16th August 2016. Prize must be taken before the end of October 2016.

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More information of any kind e-mail

info@molinodelsanto.com

www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA

Food, drink & travel

46 46 the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

With high profile chefs and scientists teaming up in San Sebastian for a symposium in October, Ana DeJesus sets out to discover the science behind taste

www.theolivepress.es August 3rd - August 16th 2016

How the Brain Constructs Flavour

Brain food

ABIES are born preferring sweet, as anyone who has tried to get a child to eat their vegetables will know. But did you know, this reaction to bitter food has primitive roots? Taste evolved thousands of years ago as a way to determine if a potential snack was food or poison. And with at least two dozen different taste receptors for bitter (as opposed to one or two for sweet), avoiding poison was a big deal to our ancestors. It turns out that taste is a sense even more complicated than sight. Scientists are still far from fully

understanding the sensory experience of food, although they have identified taste receptors and the genes that code for them. We may have grown up learning that there are four kinds of tastes (sweet, salty, sour, and bitter), however most researchers agree on five. First described by a Japanese scientist over a year ago, umami is the pleasant savory taste found in things like ripe tomatoes, soy sauce, and cured meats. Researchers are still debating whether fat and calcium are basic tastes as well.

It begins with a past meal. The memory activates dopamine reward centres causing us to crave the coming flavours and even salivate.

Aromas from the food are carried into the nasal cavity from the back of the mouth. The brain takes the information and combines it to produce the experience of flavour, most of which comes from those “retronasal” smells, leaving us with the memory of the taste stored for our next craving.

Our brains begin to receive sensory impulses from the food as we smell it and see its colours and shapes, eventually moving it to our mouth.

Taste receptors sit on the surface of taste cells which are bundled together in taste buds our tongues but taste receptors alone don’t produce tastes.

Flavour

The process of chewing also adds to the flavour experience. Is the food crispy like a piece of toast or smooth and creamy like gazpacho?

They have to be connected to taste centres in the brain. The gustatory cortex is a region in the brain that contains clusters of neurons that are specialised to respond to basic tastes. Signals from the taste receptors on our tongues reach the neurons and somewhere in the cortex they

become part of the complex experience that is commonly called taste but more accurately is flavour. Despite all the hard work of our taste buds, most of our experience of food comes from our sense of smell. When we eat, molecules from the food travel into our nasal cavity from the back (think of the way a drink will come shooting out from your nose if you laugh too hard while taking a sip). The molecules then bind with odour receptors in the nasal cavity, forming our main source of flavour. Interestingly, the brain does not

treat the signals from aromas we smell through our noses and odours that reach our nasal cavity from behind in the same way. Our experience of flavor comes solely from the brain combining the odour information from this ‘backward breathing’ with signals from our taste buds although researchers are still working on how exactly that happens. Some think that basic tastes create the structure of the flavour and the aromas add some detail and complexity. Scientists will gather in San Sebastian to debate the science behind taste.

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Sport

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the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

An expat’s guide to the Olympics

S Rio gets set for August 5’s Grand Opening Ceremony, many expat sports fans on the Costa del Sol will want to root for their ‘local’ side Spain. But who are the underdogs in with a chance and who are the heroes expected to take gold? That’s up for debate but Spain’s Olympic team has been a model of consistency over the last three Games. The country’s Olympic committee has fielded a similarly-sized army of athletes since 2004, adding up to a sporting force of 280 to 300

With the Rio Olympics just days away, Lance Rutkin sorts out Team Spain’s top talent competitors. And in keeping with this consistency, those athletes won 20, 18 and 17 medals in 2004, 2008 and 2012, respectively. The veteran core certainly looks set to deliver, with Spain returning eight of its 12 individual and small team London medalists to the international games, as well as three of its four 2012 national and large team medal win-

Gemma Mengual Sport: Synchronised Swimming Age: 39 Hometown: Barcelona Mother-of-two Mengual competed in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, winning bronze in the duet competition in Beijing in 2008. She retired in 2012 and went on to coach the Spanish national synchronised swimming team. However, it seems coaching was not close enough to the sport she loved. She returned in 2015 for the World Championships in Kazan to compete with a former pupil. She will compete with Ona Carbonell, a London duet silver medalist, in the same competition in Rio. Mengual and Carbonell’s free routine kickstarts the duet competition on August 14.

Pau Gasol Sport: Basketball Age: 36 Hometown: Barcelona Two-time silver medalist (2008 and 2012). Spain lost to the US in both finals. Gasol on his decision to play, despite Zika-related health concerns: “The commitment I have, the love that I have for the game, for my national team, for the Olympic experience and trying to win another Olympic medal for my country – knowing that I don’t have many opportunities left at this point in my career – all of those were factors for me to decide to play.” The Spanish stalwart has said he is considering freezing his sperm ahead of Rio. The basketball group stage starts on August 6 and Spain plays Serbia first on August 7.

Eduardo Solaeche Sport: Swimming Age: 23 Hometown: Madrid First-time Olympian; Spanish national record holder in the 200m I.M. Solaeche on his mental preparation for his first Olympics: “I’m trying to approach it like it’s any other meet; like it’s something I’ve done before,” he told the Olive Press. “But it’s true that I’m pretty hyped about it. I’m nervous, but I feel ready.” Swimming begins August 6 and Solaeche swims his best event, the 200m I.M., August 11.

ners. First-time Olympians’ successes will always surprise those outside the sport, but the presence of Olympic freshman Sergio Garcia will certainly help the rookie crowd’s chances of securing bronze, silver or gold. From fresh first-timers to accomplished veterans, these athletes all have the potential to bring home a medal and make us all proud.

Joel Gonzalez Sport: Taekwondo Age: 26 Hometown: Figueres Gonzalez won the gold in the 58 kg weight division in London, but will compete in the next weight class higher (68 kg) in Rio. Gonzalez on his return to the Olympics in a new weight class: “I have some shortcomings, but I’m capable of giving it 100%. When you win the gold, you just want to return to victory… It will be key to trust what I do and control the distance very well.” Gonzalez will see all his Olympic dreams fulfilled or shattered in a single day, as the men’s 68kg division goes through the entire competition, from preliminaries to podium, on August 18. Taekwondo competitions proceed from lightest to heaviest from August 17 to August 20.

Sergio Garcia Sport: Golf Age: 36 Hometown: Boriol First-time Olympian Garcia on golf’s inclusion in the Olympics: “Ever since I was young, I’ve loved watching the Olympic Games, but I never imagined I would one day be a part of it. Especially because golf has not been included in over 100 years. But now it’s back and just being there will be a dream come true.” Golf begins August 11 with tee-times not yet set.

Anni Espar Sport: Water Polo Age: 23 Hometown: Barcelona Silver medallist at the London Olympics Espar on the team’s goals and preparation: “Obviously [our goal] is to play our best and to win the gold,” she told the Olive Press [Preparation has] been very tough, but fun. I think we have worked very hard physically and we are ready to play. We actually can’t wait to start playing.” Spain’s women’s water polo starts its tournament run on August 9 against the US team that beat them in the 2012 final.

Rafael Nadal Sport: Tennis Age: 30 Hometown: Manacor Won gold in Beijing in 2008 but did not compete in 2012. Nadal withdrew from the fourth round of the French Open due to a wrist injury and has been recovering since. Rumour says he will not compete in the singles’ competition

but is set to play mixed doubles with Gabrine Muguruza, the women’s world number three. Nadal will carry the Spanish flag at the opening ceremonies. If Nadal decides to enter the singles’ competition, his 2016 Olympic medal chase would start on August 6 or 7. If the Manacor Matador sticks to mixed doubles, his pursuit will begin on August 10

4747

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Seabiscuit

SANLUCAR de Barrameda will host its annual horse racing on the beach between August 12-14 and 2628, with races beginning every evening around 6pm. Horses have raced on Sanlucar beach since at least 1845, when a horse racing society was formed. Without all the pomp of your traditional race track, families are welcome to bring their beach chairs to the event and get close to the action. Riskier family members may also want to bring their ROCK ON: Gib cricket team pocketbooks, as the Sanlucar de Barrameda Tourism Delegation has GIBRALTAR will play Spain in the first confirmed that attendees will senior cricket match between the sides. The game takes place in the ICC World be able to bet Cricket League Europe Division Two on on the races.

Howzat!

August 20. The Rock’s team will also line up against Israel on August 17, Sweden on the 18th and Germany on the 19th.

For more information, email info@carrerassanlucar.es

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016 with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) Covering Andalucia

and around 500,000 website visits each month…

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Making splashes

FINAL WORDS

SPANISH open-water swimmer Jaime Caballero broke the record for swimming the length of Lake Geneva with a time of 22 hours 39 minutes.

Newborn A BABY Mangabey monkey, a species at risk of extinction in the wild, was born at the Barcelona Zoo on July 8.

Art thief TWO Dali paintings stolen seven years ago from a museum in the Netherlands have been recovered by an art detective.

Holi-decay ONE in four Brits do not bring a toothbrush on holiday.

Vol. 10 Issue 245

www.theolivepress.es

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Grave error Dog park opened at historic mass grave site causes backlash

By Ana DeJesus MALAGA officials have come under fire for placing a dog park on a mass civil war burial area. The San Rafael cemetery is the last resting place for an estimated 4,400 people killed on both sides of the Spanish Civil War. Despite erecting a large memorial at the site three years ago, Malaga’s planning department failed to realise that the planned dog park was on top the graves. Initially, officials, including the mayor, denied accusation from opposition leaders but were later forced to admit that they had been working from an in-

A GIANT bull in Spain took a break from storming through the crowds during a traditional bull run... to make a pit stop at the bank. Perhaps remembering he had to cash a few cheques, the fiery bull can be seen doing a uturn before entering the Bankia bank in Cheste, Valencia. He used his horns to push open the door before charging inside. Participants fearing the

Bank charge people inside were in danger of being injured then run over and hold the door open for the bull as they try to lure it back outside. Nobody was hurt during the incident. To watch the video visit www.theolivepress.es

Knicker-dropper-glory INSENSITIVE: Dogs on mass grave correct ground study that had not marked the full extent of the grave. José Sánchez, president of the Malaga branch of the historical memory association, criticised councillors for building a ‘dog toilet’ on the grave site.

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Some have even called for townplanning councillor, Francisco Pomares, to resign but mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, insists that it was an honest mistake. Officials have now issued an apology and closed the offending area of the dog park.

A SPANISH comedian gave the audience more than they bargained for when her knickers fell to her knees mid-performance. Silvia Abril was imitating Spanish Eurovision contestant Barei with her smash hit Say Yay! on the popular Late Motiv show when she began throwing some expansive shapes. However it took her quite some time to realise her undergarments had slid down her thighs to her knees. She yanked them back up and brushed off the embarrassing gaffe, joking afterwards that she has recently lost a lot of weight.