Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 268 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

Voted BEST expat paper in Spain FREE

Vol. 11 Issue 268

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June 21st - July 4th 2017

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Catch these conmen

679702_DFS_SPANISH_BOX_AD_40x40_MIJAS_COSTA.indd 23/02/2017 11:31 1 EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

Geldof weds

Exclusive look at Pixie Geldof’s star-studded wedding

Page 3

A look at Spain’s greatest gay icons during Pride month

Page 6

Coastal gem Our annual Marbella travel supplement

Page 17

Fit for royalty

Exclusive look at Spain home that was built for Princess Di

Page 33

Missing expat Lisa Brown suspect flees Spain to escape Costa del Sol ‘drug mafia’ La Linea by the ‘Costa del Sol drug mafia’. He says they believe he could be a police informant after being docked close to people

Sister’s promise Lisa’s sister, Helen Jordan, 50, has insisted her family will never quit until those responsible are behind bars. It comes two months after Simon Corner was released on bail, paying €10,000. “We are Lisa’s voice now and will never stop pushing for answers,” Jordan told the Olive Press. “The people who know where she is are living normal lives among you. They are walking your streets and are dangerous.” Police fear she was murdered at home before her body was thrown out to sea.

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who work in the drugs trade in Alcaidesa port. “I’m just a guy on a boat trying to enjoy the easy life, I mind my own business.

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“But they came to me and gave me 24 hours to leave or they said they would slit my throat. “They think I’m a grass, if I go back to Spain I’m a dead man.” He claims he has been pleading with the British Embassy for help, but that they had not returned Beasley’s calls at time of press. Lisa’s sister claimed she could not comment directly about his involvement. Helen Jordan, 50, said: “We just want him to tell the truth and maybe the authorities will then help him.” If you have information contact the Olive Press on 951 273 575 or at newsdesk@theolivepress.es

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Vol. 11 Issue 267

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

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Spycatcher

679702_DFS_SPANISH_BOX_AD_40x40_MIJAS_COSTA 23/02/2017 11:31 .indd 1

BRAVE: Ignacio and Sergio (right)

TRUE HEROES

A PAIR of Spanish heroes came to the aid of Londoners attacked by three crazed terrorists. Ignacio Echeverria and Sergio Farina stepped in to save the lives of innocent bystanders caught up in the carnage that killed seven and injured 48. Fears however are now growing for Ignacio Echeverria (pictured top left), from Madrid, who defended a woman from one of the terrorists. Echeverria, 39, is said to have been on his way home from a skate park on the Saturday night when he attempted to defend a woman with his skateboard in Borough Market. He was last seen lying on the pavement and his family have been unable to locate him despite calling the Spanish consulate, and hospitals. The Red Cross has also made an appeal to locate him.

Onslaught

In a second incident, a heroic Spanish waiter put his life on the line during the onslaught. CCTV footage shows Sergio Farina, from Galicia, throw himself against the door of his bar to prevent one of the knife-brandishing terrorists from entering. He managed to keep the man at bay, before opening the door to help another person find safety. “You do not even think about it,” he said. “I could have simply left, as everyone did, but I would have left 28 people behind.” He added that ‘all he could see was a guy with dynamite’ as he tried to lower the bar shutters. He added: “We did not know how many terrorists there were and whether they would return.” Opinion Page 6

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Page 18

England rugby international demands action over sophisticated holiday scam website that netted nearly €50,000 from him

Mauled EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

RUGBY star Dean Schofield is urging action after being mauled in a sophisticated holiday shakedown.

Wasps international Dean (above) and wife Gemma, both 38, were set to take a dream break to Spain with friends to celebrate the England international’s retirement. But the vacation turned into a nightmare after the group of 16 from Cheshire unwittingly booked via a fraudulent holiday website that has dozens of homes on the Costa del Sol. In total, scammers took payment and deposit of €5,700 (£5,000) and €11,400 (£10,000) respectively before swiping another €29,800 (£26,000) for their stunning villa in Mallorca, which is owned by a wealthy British owner.

other stories came up. When we emailed the person we’d been dealing with called ‘Flavio’ he sent an abusive email back. “Luckily we were in a fortunate position where we could arrange an alternative villa and still get the flight over. But what if we were from a normal family and couldn’t afford to come? a horrible moment and we We were at least able to salvage weren’t sure what to do. “We started Googling it and the holiday.” The group had come across the stunning six-bedroom villa with a huge pool and grounds and got in touch via email. Rentholidaysvillas.com is hosted by with law enforcement The website looked extremely on alleged fraud US-based server GoDaddy, which was and have processes credible and even had a photo for taking action. If warned as long ago as April of the scam anyone believes of its alleged owner, ‘Flavio Herby a leading holiday rental site in Spain. ed they should they have been defraudnandes Davila’, who did the necontact law enforcement.” When asked why it was still live this week, Contact your local gotiating. police and Action Fraud GoDaddy Digital Crimes boss Ben Butler, and email newsdesk@theolivepress.es “I must confess we did think if explained: “We communicate regularly you’ve been scammed. it was a bit cheap for where it was, and it in fact rents for a lot more,” admitted Gemma. Thankfully, the group of eight 1987 adults and eight children who Patience of 2017 are still on holiday are now a Santo! trying to reclaim their money as the booking was made via a JOINING THE credit card. three decade CLUB! The website however is still live, The Olive Press toasts the 30th despite being reported to its web anniversary of two of Andalucia’s hosting company by the Olive Press and to UK police. yet leading hotels, Molino del The website boasted that ‘you SCAMMED: Holiday group and (right) fake site with profile

The group only rumbled the scam, via rentholidaysvillas. com, the day before they flew.

stolen from Oz agent

“We were very angry when we found out,” Gemma told the Olive Press this week. “It was

STOP THE SCAMMERS

THREE DECADES

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Food, drink & travel

June 8th - June 21st 2017

www.theolivepress.es

June 8th - June 21st 2017

ago

years

TODAY

CAPTION.

A year in the life of Andalucia’s favourite molino hotel, as it reaches its 30th birthday

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 June 8th - June 21st 2017

IN BUSINESS SCAM: In last issue sleep on oblivious and normal breakfast service begins at normal at 8am

2000 WEDDING MADNESS

Few weddings match the Brits T is 30 years ago this Spring that their guests) who got married in (and two British teachers left their steady jobs full Wild West costumes with their sixin UK primary schools to make a shooters… and in July. The ceremony living in Spain with a couple of friends. takes place in 4pm as the mercury Despite having no experience of nudges 40ºC with the bride arriving hospitality trade, they decided to the ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt on a white steed to meet her groom in located from room 3 to the terrace vert a run-down watermill in rural conchaps and a Stetson and to the sound RonCAPTION. outside and remains there for the strong guys to help carry a big da into a small hotel. of gun shots. next 12 nights. An embarrassed husband to their terrace. Half an hour box Fast forward three decades Estione non later Andy explains that he has been banished the same guests asks for a large Chapell and Pauline Elkin run one raturep eli2001 POLITICAL SHENANIof and hopes there is no problem. bucket of ice. It soon emerges a Spain’s most successful small hotels, we can afford to multiply and we Not tiae rnatur? the slightest, and we are delighted complete with optics has been bar Molino del Santo, employing 25 people our first heiress – and Carmen’s have GANS set arrivQui te when on the penand accommodating thousands al reassures locals that these weird up on the terof A famous MP, a regular guest here, ultimate night he guests each year. foreigners may not be so strange race… all well has af- such a wild wedding anniversary is readmitted to But, it has certainly been something ter all. night and good until, of that he forgets he has changed rooms. sleep with ER INan emotional rollercoaster with plenty said guests, His wife goes to bed before him DOORS. of hiccups and unusual goings arrive at happy with 1993 DOCTOR’S KNICKERS the room key so he has to serenade her along the way, as the pair reveal: on hour in the bar to get in during 2008 SURand invite variAt the village health centre opening it’s the wrong the wee hours. A shame door! ous others to 1987 MISSED DEADLINES party one of the doctors gets so inebriPRISING their terrace ated she chooses to relieve herself GUESTS BARKING DISREto avoid payIt’s not a fantastic start as our the lawn and rejoins the party with on 2002 shoeher SPECTFUL PART THREE ing the hotel’s string budget only allows for seven skirt tucked into the back of her knick30 ROOM NIGHTS - we are offering prices. rooms which, being Andalucia, ers. It’s a night to remember. JUST 30 room nights at are The cleaners deThe hotel policy is to allow pets not open in time. Delayed by a week, very special rates between the 15th mand we chat to June and the 26th July 2017. some guests go just too far, but guests have to be accommodated 2013W RE1994 BEST RURAL HOTEL when in the sixty-somethey take down their curtains alternative hotels CAPTION. TURNING to thing woman in 30% DISCOUNT - yes book a stay After seven years graft we are select- make a bed for their dog to sleep on. with us within the above room 10, who reception counter comes into 25 GUESTS 25 There is fur everywhere www.theolivepress.es June 8th - June 21st dates 2017 and you fresh perwork. June 8th - June 21st 2017 ed as the ‘best rural hotel’ in Spain and the drywill get a FULL 30% discount on our changes contact with a customer’s very expeninto a glitzy London ceremony. It’s all at cleaning bill is horrendous. normal rates a sive mohair sweater. Limited edition It is not uncomminuscule go - BUT it only applies to a total of 30 1991 NAKED ACTRESS from here. g-string and gyrates to imaginary clothing costs more to replace room nights - once they’re mon toJune CAPTION. find8th - June 21st 2017 than 2003 SEMI ROYAL WEDDING It quickly becomes clear that gone, they’re gone. Maximum of two music until they have finished that all our 18 Estione four expected. It’s a costly start to the year. While filming in the their nights per booking at this rooms are being occupied by people bosses are too many and the partnerarea, a famous and 1995 HEIRESS NUMERO tasks. What can you say. Free world An aristocratic Spanish family choose non raturep very attractive Spanish actress arrives who have been before… and the most special rate. Subject to availability. ship collapses with huge stress for really. DOS ev- 1990 POLICE VISIT Molino for the wedding of their daughto eat with friends. She asks if she faithful guest record is held jointly elitiae rnaeryone involved and Andy and Pauline by ter. Hotel resources are stretched swim in the pool and then changes can a couple from Lancashire and a family go it alone, thankfully with the tur? Qui te to into With the birth of Rosanna we are 2009 CHANGE OF TACK With finally accommodate the 90 guests but the from San Roque. from their friends at a few key help policethe season in full flow, local her bikini on the dining terrace in no accepted, properly, voluptures moarrive demanding paperwork rush and without any into the village. event goes very well, although tragedy ments. need of a towel… After 20 years of training local chefs, which it is virtually impossible ea nam acstrikes when the bride soon dies to one memory which is hard to forget. 2014 HONOURS AT FITUR suda Scottish chap Gordon is introduced obtain. Threats of immediate depordenly leaving husband with a young catem haris 1996 FAMILY ILLNESS from a nearby village. He has tation are only prevented by baby. ex et voloria soon legal 1992 HEIRESS NUMERO Molino del Santo is honoured opened our eyes to new techniques 30 MEALS - we are offering JUST intervention. And, typically of course, It’s a year of back and forth 30 meals at very special rates nonseque Spanish Travel Fair Fitur at Trip at UNO and really excellent food. He moves four years later a very large fine AdAndy’s mum is diagnosed with after 2004 FLOODING on is visor event. A huge photo of a Cadiz between the 15th June and the the nis dia simo in 2013 but his legacy lives on. a tersanctioned despite no other 26th July 2017. minal illness in hotel white within 100kms beach in the Andalucia pavilion having the correct pa- As the business starts to grow nicely Resources are the Channel Islands. Heavy mountain convinces the owners to forge ahead stretched and rains leave the lower 30% DISCOUNT - yes book a meal 2010 OH MATRON soon see how being away from you floor under six inches of water. with a plan to purchase a Costa with us within the above your Guests home and business brings all kinds la Luz home that has been eyed de dates and you will get a FULL 30% of are temporarily accommodated in lofor We normally remind guests of things practical issues. cal hotels while mopping-up goes discount on your final bill a while. left behind, but we decide against - BUT it only applies to a total of 30 and within four hours (thanks to on there meals - once they’re gone, pointing out a drawer full of sex being no carpets) the hotel returns 2015 LOCAL ECONOMY 1997 VIPS DINING to in one room and a small plastic aids normality. bag they’re gone. with a white substance in another. Since its earliest days the hotel TALENT: Ricky helps As our fame grows, we have the head They are quickly disposed of. Maximum raiseof€12,200 for charity two people has per booking at this special rate. Subject sought to recruit and buy locally whenthe Junta, no less, turn up for lunch. of 2005 EDUCATIONAL ISSUES to availability. He ever possible. This reaches a arrives with full entourage and security Seafood Restauran 2011 CHEEKIEST GUESTS Having made the choice to send t point when a local group of young new and guards stand at all entrances our people offer to play flamenco for guests all our staff getting frisked beforewith little heiresses to school in the UK, for A group arrives with a fleet of luxury and become a regular fixture. ing allowed to serve the guests. be- the next six years two homes are mainvehicles - some It’s a tained and we To celebrate its big 30th birthday, a huge long way from a class of nine-year-olds take it in turns two million euros charity bash raised a staggering €12,200 here or there to look after them, to be in Hampshire. • Early Bird 20€ - 6.00 - 8.00pm worth - making our 2016 GRATE-for charity. also running the hotel. Testing while times car park look like indeed. FUL OWNERS The sold out event, featuring Ricky Lavaz• Á La Carte Menu Monte Carlo. After 1998 GUIDING GUESTS za, with his Robbie Williams and Michael We will only accept bookings for these the bill is paid the As the owners cel- Buble renditions, distributed the money 2006 FOOD THIEF BOOKING RECOMMEN question of a reBy now with 15 rooms we get DED ebrate their 60th raised to three children’s charities. special offers via e-mail. Mention peat trip is raised, ognition by Michelin, The Good rec- Cleaners this birthdays in the “We take pride in discover that a little old lady but because they tel Guide, Alastair Sawday and Ho- in advertisement when you enquire. same year, some of the fact we give SERIOUSLY GOOD FO room 12 is a kleptomaniac and The have these very exRough Guide all helping to spread OD the staff organize something back filled every single surface in her has on at Sunset Beach and info@molinodesanto.com. lot going THERE pensiveis acars room the word. (ED. Olive Press owner mak-for a journey for them to local charities. with themselves. speak the ingstatistics Open Tuesday - Saturday from the place Clarke and wife spend a night Jon tableitems filched from the breakfast look to Barcelona with I think it’s imporDon’t leave it too late - once 30 people here 6pm – more yogurts, bananas, rolls tant to give to amazing, while on holiday) would flights and accom- those and cakes than she could ever eat. total, the hotel caters for around ●it beInpossible who don’t have booked we’re closing the offer. thea day in peak season – modation ALL paid. get to enjoy holiemerges that she arrives at breakfastIt guests next 2,000 stay could be 1,000 at any time of It is such a kind days, like termiwith a large hand bag and when rarely under free?and ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt So will we not gesture – no won- nally-ill 1999 A DIFFICULT NIGHT the year. watched grabs enough food to feedunchildren,” be paying a our supder that so many said manager Mark counts 554 rooms and com● The hotel small army. pliers and staff Local 1, La Cala de Mijas guests comment Wardell. We are awoken to discover that a areas,forwhich are looked after by a munal that particular on the excellent The event, held at to 69 cleaners, who process has died, quickly confirmed byguest 2007 team of upstay then, awestaggering DOMESTIC ARGUask… Un-450.000 kilos of laundry staff at the hotel. Dutch doctors in the room next the the resort’s Moondoor. MENTS believable. every year! The local medic is called and arranges light Bar, was a ● The Food and Beverage team mean2017 NEW TRICKS for an undertaker to arrive at 5am complete sell out, to Staff show great concert counts 71 staff who work tirelessly take the body – the rest of the guests with www.molinodelsanto.com prizes from when on 2012while GUESTS from Oasis | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 2 a la the various outlets 2 of a 14-night stay a mattress day inCHEEKIEST A hotel is never boring and we are like companies is re71 51 al- Jet2 dining, poolside snacks, lobby/ ways adding new activities and things and OakESTACIÓN Land DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA Some carte guests arrive asking beach bar, Luna for club, cocktail two Salitos Furniture up for to do. This year it is paragliding to add grabs. beach bar show rooms and banqueting. ● Then there are 14 ‘animation’ girls and There were other performances, including guys whose sole purpose is to make an Adele tribute by Nikki Rae (above). young and old guests alike have a funThe money donated went to the Debra Butpacked visit. terfly Children Charity, Make a Wish Spain ● And then come the weddings, with and Barretstown Ireland charities. FUN TIMES: Entertainment team today across the key

Molino del Santo - the best-loved hotel and restaurant near Ronda - is celebrating 30 years in business with 30 special offers in the hotel and another 30 in the restaurant

HOTEL OFFERS

24 24

A B

ll about www.theolivepress.es 1988 COLLAPSING PARTNERSHIP enalmadena

ago

1989 DESIGNER CLOTHING ROW

years

RESTAURANT OFFERS

Unfortunately a recently-painted

SEA FOOD DIFFERENTLY

ERCHED on a headland below the pretty white village of Benalmadena lies Sunset Beach Club. Surrounded by lovely beaches and with stunning views across the Med, it is no surprise it has become one of the Costa del Sol’s best known hotels. But while it is already a major landmark receiving thousands of visitors from around the world each month, it has now reached legendary status. For Sunset Beach has just celebrated its 30th birthday making it a true Malaga stalwart. Celebrating in style with a big anniversary bash, which raised €12,200 for charity, the hotel has never been in ruder health. Aside from the hundred-plus weddings it hosts every year, it has countless returning guests and a capacity rate of an incredible 93% between February and November. “That’s a rate almost unheard of on the coast,” explains Mark Wardell, who has been managing the hotel for the last 13

Santo and Sunset Beach Club

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Giving back

Sunset Beach Club, the emblematic hotel, has reached its 30th birthday writes Laura Duckett

GRAB HOW ANTO OFFER

Measuring up

| Mob: 661 84 33 83

Avenida de Rota, Urb. Torrenueva,

More information of any kind e-mail

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EIGHTIES STYLE: But with computers

years. An incredible range of guests and nationalities come throughout the year, including Canadians in the winter, people from most European countries and plenty from further afield. “We regularly have returning guests who used to stay with their families as children in the 80s,” continues Wardell, a cultured, softly-spoken Irishman, who is incredibly approachable and hands on with both staff and guests. “And it is great to have them back.” So what is the key to the hotel’s success? Sunset Beach is a complete resort as opposed to a hotel. The guests needs are entirely taken care of and waited on hand and foot by up to 220 staff at peak times. Its Irish owners - who also own upmarket La Cala Resort in Mijas - have spent over €22m upgrading its facilities since the Millennium. Without a doubt the price/ quality level is one of the best on the coast across all

PERFECT LOCATION: By a headland in Benalmadena

POSTCARDS THROUGH THE AGES: How things have changed from the 1980s to today in terms of quality and comfort and in terms of the amount of entertainment and huge range of guests, who come from over 100 countries around the world

its extensive facilities. On site, there’s a supermarket, gym, beautician and hairdresser, as well as a variety of restau-

Luna Beach Club review By Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

YOU dine to the sound of waves, which almost lap at your feet. Romantic in the extreme, you could not ask for a nicer ‘chiringuito’, which sits a short stroll up the beach from the Sunset Beach hotel. Subtly-lit, this natural spot - all thatched roofs, simple deckings and rope fences - also counts on an excellent menu, at extremely good value. I particularly liked the grilled langoustines, which came with a choice of sauces and

a very generous green salad, while the brochette of chicken and salmon was delicious. A starter of vegetarian spring rolls were excellent in sweet chili relish, while a rack of lamb is available for the more hearty eaters. There was a catch of the day and a nice range of puddings as well. A wine list includes the excellent Payoya Negra from Ronda, as well as the good value Habla de Silencio from Extremadura, at 22 euros.

rants and and bars, bars, including including the the excellent excellent Oasis Oasis rants restaurant, Luna Luna Beach, Beach, Panorama Panorama bar bar and and the the restaurant, popular Moonlight Moonlight Bar Bar venue, venue, which which has has aa cacapopular

pacity for 350 and hosts various events throughout the year. In addition, there is a huge range of activities

So much on offer

around 130 spread months from April to October.

on offer, including aerobics, cookery and Spanish classes all year round, not to mention billiards, live music and scuba diving. The rooms are all one or two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi and satellite TVs with several international channels. Blas Lopez, who has been at the hotel since its opening in 1987, says the resort has always been ahead of the game in terms of technology. “When I arrived, even the guests were surprised that we had computers at the reception,” he recalls. Lopez, along with several other long-term loyal staff members, has seen the hotel

evolve throughout the years - from a quality three-star establishment, to the more luxurious four-star property it is now. While most visitors hail from the UK and Ireland, the resort has recently been attracting more and more customers from around the world, with up to 100 nationalities staying here throughout the year. This is one of the things Lopez enjoys the most about working there. “You get all kinds of people here - Canadians, South Africans and Germans - it really depends on the year. So no two days are the same working here. “ That along with the satisfaction he feels by helping his guests with their requests large or small. It’s staff like this and their commitment to hospitality that, undoubtedly, give the resort its gleaming reputation.

BIG CHEQUE: For one of three charities with Ricky and Steve Day, of Oak Land Furniture

met range of dishes (see review far left). For nightlife, few places are nicer for a cocktail or sundowner than Salitos, overlooking the sea. A popular summer haunt with expats, it is open from 6pm to 4am and usually buzzing at key times. If it is live entertainment you are looking for the Moonlight Bar has plenty of events and concerts, many of them free. One of the top venues on the coast there have been a range of big shows, including a Blues Festival, and other international artists, such as Otis Redding III.

CELEBRATIONS: Inside RANGE: From Salitos (far left) to Panorama and Oasis (right)

Continues on Page 2

No catch

2for1 EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

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TRIO PROBED: Jackson and Corner and (middle) Beasley

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Dragged

However, he insisted he is entirely innocent and was wrongly dragged into the investigation over missing Brown, who mysteriously vanished November 4, 2015. Beasley was pals with Lisa’s boyfriend at the time, Simon Corner, who he sold a boat engine to. He was pulled in for ‘withholding information’, alongside Stephen Jackson and Corner, both of whom are still under investigation. “I was held for three days and grilled constantly,” he told the Olive Press. “If they had anything they would have charged me by now, it’s ridiculous, I told them everything I know,” Speaking on a mobile from his boat in Portugal, he added: “The last time I saw Lisa was on November 1, (three days before she vanished), when I asked her if she had got some antiques I had delivered to her home, and that’s all I know. “If I knew where Lisa was, I would have told the police.” He is now involved in a legal tussle with Spanish police to have his passport returned. The Swansea-born expat, who has a wooden leg and needs heart medication, claims he was forced to leave

NOW!

A THIRD British man arrested over missing expat Lisa Brown has fled to Portugal on his grandson’s boat, it can be revealed. The Olive Press has spoken to the Welsh pensioner, who confirmed that he was currently ‘living in a Portuguese port’, but refused to give further details. Ron Beasley, 71, confirmed he had broken his bail conditions, which required him to report to San Roque police every day, but had been forced to leave Spain to escape the clutches of the ‘Costa del Sol drug mafia’.

1987

See page 12 xx

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1987

Mijas Costa

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THE Olive Press is demanding action against a string of fake holiday rental sites falsely advertising luxury villas across Spain. It comes after we reported last issue that scam site Rentholidaysvillas.com was conning British tourists out of thousands of euros each year. In total, British victims lost €8.16 million in holiday scams last year, a year-on-year rise of 20%, claims the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). OLIVE PRESS – 70mm x 40mm FRONT COVER 7 June

Worst

In one of the worst examples, reported last issue, rugby star Dean Schofield shelled out nearly 50,000 euros for a fraudulent villa break. We have now discovered many other websites running similar fraudulent schemes, including Spainvipholidays.com, Luxurydreamsvillas.com and www.digitaldreamsholidays.com. Top-end properties in Marbella and Sotogrande are being marketed by the scammers at massively reduced prices to lure victims in. Helle Heredia, from Costa del Sol-based rental firm Novasol, said she had heard of ‘25 to 30’ recent cases of people being scammed but believed there were ‘many more’. “It’s so scary with these scam sites - they pop up with just one purpose, of robbing people of their money in the most important time of everyone’s year - their holidays,” she said. “It is too easy to make a website today - just ensure not to be tempted by fantastic offers by companies you have never Continues on Page 2

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Gang feud EXCLUSIVE

No more drunks! MARBELLA is cracking down on tourists tarnishing the image of the town. Councillors have drawn up plans to regulate behaviour they consider anti-social and to impose fines on anyone who doesn’t comply. This includes going shirtless in certain places, in particularly Puerto Banus. It comes after two drunk Brits ran over 10 pedestrians after being kicked out of a popular beach club in Puerto Banus. It also follows a video of two British women walking around drunk on social media, as well as a campaign launched to force the town hall to clampdown on drunken Brits. Councillor for security Javier Porcuna insisted the recent incidents ‘will not be tolerated’ adding that bars are now being more closely watched, especially those considered to be encouraging antisocial behaviour. “Licences are granted at our discretion and we will analyse whether they are contributing to the improvement of Banus or whether they are taking a step backwards,” he said.

CRIME

A LONG-term gang war is believed to be behind the drunken Marbella car madness that left eight pedestrians injured, it can be revealed. According to Olive Press sources a feud between Birmingham and Liverpool gangs led to the carnage that saw a top-of-therange Audi SQ7 run down pedestrians in Puerto Banus two weeks ago. The two men arrested for driving the car, Marcus Stewart, 27, and Liam O’Neill, are understood to be part of a Birmingham gang, while the car is said to belong to their Scouse rivals. The incident occurred after a 24-hour bout of madness that saw the gang firstly clash the night before in central Banus, then fight again at the Ocean Club on May 28. “They had originally come to blows after a night out in Mar-

Brummie and Scouse gang war led to the running over of eight people in Marbella

bella a year ago,” said one local nightclub owner, who asked not to be named. A separate source told the Olive Press: “The rumours have it that one of the Liverpool gang allegedly killed Stewart’s brother some time ago.” What seems apparent is that the two gangs both arrived on the Sunday in question at Ocean Club and after drinking

Underground funds ONE sixth of Spain’s economy is hidden ‘in the black’. An incredible €168 billion escapes the tax system, according to a study by the association of Spanish economists. This leads to a tax loss of €25.6 billion, with ‘education’ said to be one of the best ways to try to eradicate the problem.

came to blows. Security and local police quickly stepped in and broke up the fight and ejected the Liverpool gang, before letting the Brummies leave half an hour later, claimed the sources. “But inevitably the Scousers waited for them outside and came to confront them as they left,” said one. “It was at this point that two of the Birmingham gang tried to run them over, before driving off to escape police.” The €150,000 black Audi, on British plates, was eventually stopped by police with both men fleeing before being arrested. Ironically, the Liverpool gang, who are based on the Costa del Sol, drive a similar car, also on English plates. The Birmingham pair, who both failed drink and drug tests, are currently behind bars while a judge continues to investigate.

June 21st - July 4th 2017

Stop the fraud From front page

heard about. Don’t let scammers ruin your holidays.” Our investigation discovered one Sotogrande property listed by luxurydreamsvillas.com at €453 a night, but the images have been lifted from James Villas Holidays, where the price is actually fication key. around €1,310 per night. An IT expert told the Olive A spokesperson at James VilPress that this was a classic las confirmed: “We get a lot of case of ‘domain farming’ and this.” Google should have taken Meanwhile photos of one these sites down immediately. eight-bedroomed Mallorca “It is clearly domain farming property, advertised from and these sites should be re€800 per night on spainvimoved, but Google has kept pholidays.com, have been liftthem both.” ed from a genuine American He added: “But Google is website luxuryretreats.com. faceless, it is a robot behind On the genuine the actual these decisions.” price is from €2,930 a night. All three scam websites are The fraudsters are very good hosted by US-based firm at creating fake profiles and, GoDaddy, which also hosts as revealed last issue, the Rentholidaysvillas.com. photo for the agent ‘Flavio’ for The UK’s Action Fraud conrentholidaysvillas.com was firmed it is now investigating actually an Australian estate rentholidaysvillas.com, alagent. though at the time of going to We have now discovered that press had not responded a photo of Balearicvillaesto our enquiries. capes ‘property agent’ Alba GoDaddy was made Portillo Olivares is actually aware of Rentholia stolen photo of Paloma daysvillas.com’s Bonder, director of top Ibifraudulent activity in za luxury villa rental comApril, but the site, and pany Bonder and Co. the three others, are Both fake websites still live. are listing the same The Olive Press properties, use has yet to hear the same website back from Gotemplate, with Daddy at the both website dotime of going to mains having the press. same Google veri- VICTIM: Schofield

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Mack’s back

Back to Bass-ics

LEGENDARY Sex Pistol Glen Matlock (above) is to perform at an intimate acoustic show in Gibraltar The bass player, who co-wrote hits Pretty Vacant and God Save the Queen, as well as No More Heroes by the Stranglers, will play on August 30.

Blossoming CELEBRITY chef Steven Saunders is opening a new restaurant in Marbella (above). The former Ready Steady Cook presenter is opening a second Little Geranium eatery, alongside wife Michele, on the Golden Mile. His first restaurant opened in La Cala de Mijas in 2015 and has been a big success.

Thomas boys unwind AFTER spending weeks in the wild filming Bear Grylls' Celebrity Island, Ryan Thomas let his hair down in Mallorca. The ex-Coronation Street star joined Love Island star and brother Scott, 28, at a BH Mallorca Hotel pool party. The siblings toasted Ryan’s 33rd birthday in style, mixing with the revellers and drinking vodka.

EX-MADE In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh has been sunning herself in Mallorca. The brunette beauty was with boyfriend Hugo Taylor to celebrate a friend’s wedding in Puerto de Pollenca.

The 27-year-old looked sizzling hot in a white lace-up bikini in photos she posted of her break on Instagram. Fashion designer Mackintosh was attending the nuptials of friends Alex and Sophie Potter. The former reality TV star founded her own clothes label three years ago.

Pixie perfect!

SPLURGE: Madonna

Soccer mum Madonna

A-list crowd, including Harry Styles and Daisy Lowe, descend for Geldof wedding

MADONNA has splashed €5.7 million on a palace in Portugal. The 58-year-old has splurged on the property in Sintra, near Lisbon, to help her 11-year-old adopted son David - who is currently training with Benfica football club's junior team. The 18th Century Quinta do Relogio Palace was once owned by a Portuguese nobleman, whose colourful life inspired Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count Of Monte Cristo.

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

IT was one of the most glamorous weddings Spain has seen for a while. Pixie Geldof and rockstar fiancé George Barnett tied the knot at a star-studded ceremony in Mallorca on Saturday evening. Arriving in a grey bus with her bridesmaids, including Daisy Lowe and Alexa Chung, at the exclusive Son Marroig mansion, in Deia, Geldof, 26, looked stunning in a traditional white wedding dress with tiered white gown as she clutched a white bouquet. Proud dad Sir Bob Geldof wore a smart dark suit as he walked daughter Pixie

Wild

BIG DAY: Bob and wife Jeanne (left) and Pixie (above) with bridesmaids

down the aisle. Fashion designer Chung, 33, and model Lowe, 28, sported off-the-shoulder pink dresses and carried elegant pink and white bouquets.

Celebrity pals attending included One Direction stars Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. Other stars celebrating the couple’s nuptials included The Clash bassist Paul Si-

Marvellous Mahiki

FAMOUS: Jagielka

June 21st - July 4th 2017

MAHIKI has officially opened in Marbella following a starstudded launch party. Mahiki Beach by La Sala saw ex-JLS star turned DJ Marvin Humes spin the decks while the likes of Everton FC’s Phil Jagielka (left) sipped on champagne. Flame throwers and exotic dancers wowed revellers, many of whom enjoyed the famous club’s signature treasure chest cocktails. In London, the popular nightclub has attracted media attention as a favourite haunt of royals including Princes William and Harry as well as Kate Middleton and celebrities such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga.

monon and Radio One DJ Nick Grimshaw along with Pixie’s sister Fifi, half-sister Tiger Lily Hutchence and Peaches Geldof’s widower Thomas Cohen.

Majestic

Tying the knot overlooking the Mediterranean in front of around 140 guests, the couple exchanged vows in the venue’s majestic gardens as the early evening sun began to dim. The happy couple chose Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You for their first dance as husband and wife. The Olive Press was the only local paper present, along with two UK national papers.

“Madonna visited Portugal in March and the fans went wild,” said a source. “One even sent her a message saying they were an estate agent on Instagram and she started following them back. “It was then it became pretty apparent that she was looking to make a move permanent. "Now the town is abuzz.” "It's a stunning building in the hilltops with a huge number of bedrooms and bathrooms all decorated in striking Islamic style, although there are huge plans for a redesign inside already."

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4 Brits busted over fake holiday sickness claims in Spain TWO British holidaymakers who claimed compensation for food poisoning while in Spain sunk at least 109 alcoholic drinks in just nine days. The holidaymakers from Liverpool were caught out by undercover investigators from holiday firm Jet2, while in the Canaries.

Vomiting

The company found CCTV footage of the pair at the Gloria Palace hotel in Gran Canaria binging on cocktails, beers and spirit, despite later claiming they were ill with diarrhoea and

June 21st - July 4th 2017

It’s sick vomiting Hotel boss Jose Maria Mañaricua said: “They enjoyed a wide range of drinks, despite supposedly being sick and bedridden.” It comes as police arrested two suspected ‘touts’ for allegedly encouraging tour-

Mishap capital YOU are most likely to become ill or have money stolen when holidaying in Spain, according to new research. The study of European countries has revealed that almost a quarter of all UK trips to the country end up in some kind of mishap. It comes after comparethemarket.com created a ‘mishap map’ after polling 8,000 UK holidaymakers. The research revealed that one in ten British jollies to Europe involved setbacks like illness, injury, or loss of theft or property. Spain topped the chart for overall mishaps, followed by Greece, and Italy.

ists to post bogus insurance claims for sickness. The pair were held in Mallorca for allegedly asking holidaymakers to lie about having stomach bugs. They are believed to be the first arrests of their kind in the scams, which are costing hoteliers tens of millions a year. Meanwhile, the Junta de Andalucia has demanded help from Spain’s central government to tackle the problem, which has seen bogus claims rise by 1,400% in two years, according to travel agents Thomson and First Choice. Regional tourism minister Francisco Javier Fernandez urged Madrid to mediate ‘with the British authorities...and help the police on the stretches of coast affected.’ Some 90% of claims are believed to be false. “A sharp rise in claims is costing hotels and firms dear,” said Jet2holidays boss Steve Heapy.

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www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION Sickening ALL inclusive holidays to Spain are already great value (considering all that’s included in the price). Yet an increasing number of unscrupulous British tourists are looking to make an extra buck after gorging themselves on the unlimited buffets and drinks. Egged on by touts, who pass on their contacts to ‘claim farms’ in the UK, they are falsely claiming to have had their holidays ruined by illness brought on by hygiene standards. It is deplorable behaviour it’s giving the UK a bad name. It’s only a matter of time before some resorts take action and ban them, meaning all honest holidaymakers miss out on the cheap deals. It is good to see that arrests are at last being made, but more needs to be done to bring those who commit these frauds to justice.

Real journalism THE story of Robert Gascoigne finding his long lost Gibraltar/Spanish family is something we revel in doing. Not to toot our own horn, but we take pride in our exclusive human interest stories… whether that be exposing cowboy conmen or reuniting long-lost families. Robert’s story is a great example of journalism in action, and we wish him all the luck in meeting his Spanish family. We also look forward to meeting him when he visits in September.

international p ri d eJunemonth 21st - July 4th 2017

Rainbow

SINCE the 1970s, Spain has been ahead of the pack when it comes to LGBT rights. The nation’s rapid ascension into the 21st century came after decades of Franco rule, which saw sexual minorities imprisoned or even killed simply for being who they are, including the legendary poet Federico Garcia Lorca. But when Franco was finally toppled in the 1975, his ‘Vagrancy

Spain’s past and present offer up a raft of trailblazing LGBT heroes, writes Laurence Dollimore Act’ was abolished, kick-starting the country’s march towards equality. The year 1979 welcomed Madrid’s first Gay Pride march, attitudes drastically softened during

Federico Garcia Lorca Lorca achieved international recognition as an emblematic member of the Generation of ‘27, a group of poets and writers who introduced the tenets of European movements - including symbolism, futurism, and surrealism - to Spanish literature. Lorca’s writing was considered deeply homoerotic and was banned until 1954 and censored until 1975, while his family rarely spoke of it. Even as late as the 1980s, when Sonnets of a Dark Love was posthumously published, its title was changed to Love Sonnets. Lorca, who is believed to have been in love with the artist Salvador Dali, was executed by Spanish Fascists in 1936 after he took refuge in a friend’s house in his hometown of Granada. It is said that one of the men on the death squad claimed to have ‘fired two bullets into his ass for being a queer.’ Lorca, whose body has never been found, is believed to have been killed for for being homosexual, as well as for his left-wing beliefs. He has become a symbol of the crimes of the Spanish Civil War.

the 1980s while the 90s saw the election of the first openly-LGBT member of a regional parliament in Catalonia. Then in 2005, Spain became one of the first countries in the world to

David Delfin Malagueño Delfin was world-renowned in the fashion industry. The 46-year-old, who tragically passed away from cancer this month, first made his mark as one of Spain’s most provocative designers by covering models’ faces with hoods and putting nooses around their necks at the Pasarela Cibeles fashion show in 2002. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy paid tribute to the designer after his death. In a telegram sent to Delfin’s family, Rajoy said he ‘was one of the most charismatic and creative fashion designers in Spain’ who ‘leaves an incomparable legacy’. Delfin founded his studio in Madrid in 2001 and was later praised for ‘developing his own avant-garde universe.’

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Pedro Almodovar One of Spain’s most internationally successful film directors, the openly gay 67-year-old from Ciudad Real came to prominence during La Movida Madrileña, the cultural renaissance that followed the death of Franco. Early films like The Law of Desire (1987), themed on a gay love triangle, captured the sexual and political freedoms of the period. Although the man from La Mancha dislikes being branded as a ‘gay filmmaker’, his movies are well known for challenging traditional ideas, and transgenderism and homosexuality are recurring themes. He first achieved international recognition for his black comedy-drama Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988), which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He went on to win two Oscars. All About My Mother (1999) received the award for Best Foreign Language Film while Talk to Her (2002) earned him the award for Best Original Screenplay.

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legalise same-sex marriage and in 2007 it was hailed as having the most developed LGBT rights in the world. In celebration that year, it held Europride in Madrid, and welcomed more than 2.5 million people over the course of one week. With June being International LGBT Pride Month, we focus on the trailblazing ‘rainbow warriors’ of Andalucia and Spain.

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

2012 - 2017

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

Cristobal Balenciaga Balenciaga was a Basque fashion designer and the founder of the Balenciaga fashion house. During the 1930s he lived openly with his lover, the French-Polish aristocrat Wladzio d’Attainville, above his Paris studio. As a couturier he had a reputation for his uncompromising standards and was referred to as ‘the master of us all’ by none other than Christian Dior. Coco Chanel said he was ‘the only couturier in the truest sense of the word’, adding that ‘the others are simply fashion designers’. To this day he is revered as the supreme deity of the European salons and is known as ‘The King’. Since 2011 the purpose-built Museo Balenciaga exhibits examples of his work in his birth town Getaria. Many of the 1,200 pieces in the collection were supplied by his pupil Hubert de Givenchy and clients such as Grace Kelly.

Angela Ponce Ponce was the first openly-transgender woman to compete for the Miss World Spain title. The 25-year-old from Sevilla, who was representing Cadiz, lost out to Miss Barcelona in the 2015 pageant. She had been the favourite to win the title, but failed to make it to the final ten in the beauty show, which was held locally in Estepona. She said: “I have the regional crown on my head and I will keep fighting to make us seen, to make us heard and to demonstrate that I am already a queen with my own crown.”

Patricia Yurena Former Miss Spain Yurena came out as gay in 2015. The beauty queen shared a photo posing intimately with her girlfriend, Spanish DJ Vanesa Klein, with the caption ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Yurena held the title of Miss Spain in both 2008 and 2013, and told Spanish press that she came out because it made her happy to be in a relationship with Klein. “I did it because I am happy about what’s going on in my life,” she said. As the first openly gay national beauty queen, she has opened the door for other women to be true to themselves.

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p r id e month

warriors

LOUD AND PROUD: Madrid Pride is one of the largest and most popular LGBT Pride marches in the world, attracting tens of thousands of Spaniards and international tourists every year. Next month it is hosting World Pride. It promises to be a major festival that coincides with the 40th anniversary of the first LGBT Pride protest in Spain. It will likely be the largest parade ever held in the capital.

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Bibiana Fernandez Bibiana was born with the name Manuel and spent her childhood in Málaga. She later went to Barcelona to fulfill her dream of being an artist. After a period of making shows in several of the city’s vaudeville haunts, she made her debut into the film business with a Vicente Aranda film, Cambio de Sexo (Sex Change). She was soon famous across Spain, making appearances and releasing several single song hits such as Call me Lady Champagne and Sálvame (Save Me). In the 1980s, she began working with Almodóvar, and performed in many of his films before hosting several TV shows.

Miquel Iceta Llorens

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Miquel became the first the first openly-LGBT member of a Regional Parliament in Spain when he was elected in Catalonia in 1999. The 56-year-old is currently First Secretary of the PSC (Socialist’s Party of Catalonia). He spoke out against independence for his region in March, saying it would be a ‘nightmare’. “It would be so much like recognising that you are unable to find a good relationship with your neighbours,” he said.

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John Galliano John Charles Galliano is a Gibraltar-born British fashion designer who has headed French fashion companies Givenchy, Christian Dior, and his own label John Galliano (1988 to 2011). The 56-year-old is currently the creative director of Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela. He first studied at the Saint Martin’s School of Art in London, where he graduated in 1984 with a first in Fashion Design. His first collection, inspired by the French Revolution and entitled Les Incroyables, received positive reviews and was bought in its entirety for resale in the London fashion boutique Browns. He then started his own fashion label alongside long-term collaborators Amanda Harlech. He soon rented a studio space in London, but his love for London’s nightlife soon took its toll. After becoming bankrupt, he moved to Paris in search of financial backing and a strong client base. He won the support of Moroccan designer Faycal Amor, who invited him to set up his base in Paris. His career has been on the up ever since. Galliano has been named British Designer of the Year four times, received a CBE and a French Legion of Honour.

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Felix Alvarez When Alvarez tried to bring his non-EU, same-sex partner to the Rock, he was shocked by the insurmountable bureaucracy and prejudice he encountered. As deputy leader of the Independent Liberal Forum (now defunct), he persuaded his party to back him in the establishment of what was to be known as Gib Gay Rights (GGR). In a GBC television news broadcast in 2000, Alvarez said ‘the fear factor’ was over as far as gay citizens were concerned and that from then on, they would be demanding equal rights as full citizens. GGR is now known as the Equality Rights Group, it has been at the forefront of the LGBT movement on the Rock and was instrumental in pushing for samesex marriage legislation.

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Specs-tacular! SHE describes them as an ‘essential part’ of herself. And Lidia Miralles Oms certainly looks amazing in her glasses. The Spaniard has now been awarded with the first prize of €1,000 and a pair of designer glasses In the Specsavers’ Spectacle Wearer of the Year awards.

Much-loved Spanish matador gored to death in southern France SPANISH bullfighter Ivan Fandino has died after being gored by a bull in southern France. The 36-year-old was entertaining a crowd in Aire-surl’Adour when he tripped on his cape and fell to the floor. The bull swiftly gored him savagely in his right flank. The Basque bullfighter, from Bilbao, was rushed to a nearby hospital after undergoing an emergency procedure at the bullring, but he was announced dead on arrival. It is understood his heart stopped in the ambulance. "It's a tragedy," said a shocked colleague. "We just do not know how it could have happened." His last words are said to have been ‘Hurry up, I’m

“I think of my glasses as an accessory that are an essential part of myself and they give a strong sense of my personality. I love the way I look in them!”. Four semi-finalists from different age groups all won designer glasses worth €159. Specsavers has stores in Marbella and Fuengirola and Mallorca.

Live by the horns… dying!’ as he was being rushed to the hospital. The married father-of-one

fought hundreds of bulls during his career in the controversial passtime.

He is the second Spanish bullfighter to die in 12 months after the death of Victor Barrio last July. Tributes from hundreds of fans have poured in over social media. Humane Society International said in a statement: "The matador's death is a tragedy but for the 1,000 bulls brutally killed in French bullfights every year, every single fight is a tragedy in which they have no chance of escaping a protracted and painful death. "Bloodsports like this should be consigned to the history books, no-one should lose their life for entertainment, human or animal."

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10 UK and EU ready to guarantee reciprocal rights of expats and Eu citizens THE rights of 1.2 million Brits living in the EU and three million EU citizens in the UK appear to be inching closer. The initial focus for Brexit will be on expat rights, a financial settlement and ‘other separation issues’, it was confirmed after the first day of negotiations in Brussels. At the joint press conference on Monday, David Davis and Michel Barnier also said the issue of common travel in Ireland was important. "We've laid solid foundations for future discussions and an ambitious but achievable timetable," said Davis, Britain's Brexit minister. Davis insisted that talks about trade would occur ‘in parallel’, but Barnier said they would start only in a second phase. First, ‘significant progress’ would need to be made on the EU's priority issues, notably the rights of expatriate citizens and a settling of financial accounts. It is hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May will use this week’s European leaders summit in Brussels to brief EU leaders on how the UK intends to treat the 3.2m EU citizens currently in the UK, in a bid to kick-start the substantive negotiations on a positive note. EU negotiators have told British In Europe, a coalition which

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June 21st - July 4th 2017

Expats rights closer includes campaign groups in Spain, that current citizens’ rights should remain unchanged. However, campaigners are nervous, with Jane Golding, Chair of British in Europe, saying: “For the past year, Theresa May has repeatedly refused to make a unilateral offer to the three million EU citizens in the UK. “She has said this is to protect the rights of the 1.2 million UK citizens in Europe but we have no detailed information on what that might mean.” She added: “The EU offer gives

plenty of detail and goes almost all the way to guaranteeing all our rights but everything depends on how the UK decides to respond.” A spokesperson for the UK government’s the Department for Exiting the European Union (EU) said its ‘first aim’ was to secure the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU. “We want to end the anxiety facing four million citizens,” he said. “That has always been our first aim and that is what we will do.”

Rajoy wins no-confidence vote PABLO Iglesias has lost a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Only 82 MPs voted in favour of the Podemos leader’s motion, with 170 voting against and 97 abstentions. Iglesias filed the motion in protest at a series of corruption scandals that have engulfed Rajoy’s right-wing PP party. Rajoy said: “I am happy because the motion has been rejected by an absolute majority. “It has been a very important rejection because in other countries in Europe rejection has produced radicals and extremists.” Podemos were only able to muster the support of 15 MPs outside its own representatives. Albert Rivera’s Ciudadanos voted with Rajoy’s party in the no-confidence vote.

Gib deal SPAIN’S foreign minister has dismissed claims Spain would block a general Brexit agreement over Gibraltar. Alfonso Dastis stressed that any discussions about the territory would be bilateral between the UK and Spain. “I think no: this does not depend only on us, it depends on the United Kingdom and above all on an agreement being reached,” he said.

G reen

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Snakes on a hot tin roof A SNAKE measuring 1.6 metres has been caught by Malaga police after devouring two swallows. The large horseshoe snake had fallen from a nearby courtyard onto a roof of a building in Paseo de Reding. Removing the serpent was particularly difficult due to the roof being NEW climate models have predicted that Spain will be rocked by devastating ‘megadroughts’ by the end of the century. The worst projections foresee a 15-year period of rainfall less than half the current average level. Researchers from Newcastle University selected a total of 15 different climate models used by leading scientific bodies around the world, including Nasa and the Met Office. They found that ‘extreme future droughts’ were predicted by climate models which could accurately simulate what had happened in

made of old wooden planks that could not support the weight of officers. While capturing the beast, the officer was bitten on the hand, but fortunately protected by his safety glove. After being placed into a tank, the animal regurgitated the two birds.

Drying up Spain at risk of 15-year ‘megadroughts’ within the next 80 years the past. Spain has seen three major droughts – the latest of which spanned 1990 to 1995 – affecting most of the country, with rainfall re-

duced by up to 30%, but it has also experienced a number of smaller ones in recent years. Writing in the International Journal of Climatology, the

Malaga ready for forest fires MALAGA has assigned 600 professionals to prevent the spread of forest fires over the summer. The authorities have assigned 600 people, 12 vehicles and three helicopters to prevent the spread of any potential fires.

This comes after limited rainfall in areas such as Ronda, Mijas and Marbella. Some 75 municipalities are in the danger zone, of which just 68 have approved emergency plans.

researchers said: “All models project an intensification of drought conditions for the Douro, Tagus and Guadiana river basins. “Some project small increases in drought conditions but most project multi-year droughts reaching up to eight years of mean annual rainfall missing [over a 15year period] ... by the end of the century.” A previous study suggested southern Spain could become a desert by 2100, as global warming changes the ecosystem ‘in a way that is without precedent’ since 10,000 BC. A 15-year megadrought would likely decimate Spain’s farming industries, risking vast economic consequences.

Green Day SPAIN has admitted it must do more to reduce emissions. Secretary for the environment, Maria Garcia, called for Spain to 'almost triple' its efforts to meet its target. Garcia expects Spain to meet its target of reducing emissions by 26% before 2030, but said the country must do more. She then outlined government plans to implement this, including the introduction of a National Energy and Climate Plan, a future law on Climate Change and Energy transition, and a second green recruitment plan.

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June 21st - July 4th 2017

Zombie Nation

THE local Velez tram may finally open again this month. The public transport system had been delayed due to issues over costings but it is now set to re-open in weeks. PP councillor Marcelino Mendez-Trelles said: "I already got in touch with the company last week and we just have to agreen on the fare. "If the company agrees to what was signed and written there will be no problem.” This was disputed by socialist mayor Antonio Moreno Ferrer, who accused the PP of being responsible for the transport issues.

Cave concerns SERIOUS damage has been caused to the Cave of Treasure in Rincon de la Victoria. The caves have suffered scratches, cavity damage, and been defaced by painting. Police were alerted to the damage after an employee discovered mattresses, chairs and empty beer bottles inside the caves. Mayor Francisco Salada has since visited the caves, and condemned the perpetrators. He said: “This could be considered as an alleged crime against Historic Artistic Heritage.

IN CHARACTER: Participants

Local mayor caught up in dumping ground investigation

THE Zombie apocalypse descended on Rincon de la Victoria this month. 400 survivors ran through the streets in the role-playing game organised by Last Zombie Day, which sees contestants try and pass 15 tests, find vaccines and

avoid being eaten in a six hour event. The game is being played in 25 locations across Spain, with more than 15,000 players taking part. In addition to being a survivor, guests can also elect to play as zombies.

Toxic probe hesa del Rio Chillar and Sierra de Tejera, Almijara y Alhama natural parks, is thought to be around 15 years old. Investigators say the dump is a ‘serious danger to the environment and the balance of natural ecosystems, as well as a significant fire risk.’ It has seen uncontrolled fly-tipping for years, featuring many different dangerous construction and demolition waste. Because the area is home to a rare flora and endangered species, a wildfire could have disastrous affect on the areas biodiversity. All of the suspects must now appear before a judge.

THE mayor of Nerja is being investigated in an illegal toxic dump probe. Rosa Arrabal is among 40 local public officials and businessmen who are caught up in the investigation, which has seen €5 million worth of assets seized.

Serious

It is alleged the group issued false certificates to companies who contracted them for waste management, which said a landfill site was legal. The 36,000 square-meter dumping ground, next to the La Miel River within the protected Pinar y De-

ILLEGAL: Toxic dump

RESEVOIR: Low supply

Water woes SOME €300 million is to be invested by the water board to battle Malaga’s ongoing drought woes. Officials are considering diverting water supplies from the Guadalhorce reservoir and building overflow reservoirs to hold excess water during times of low supply. Soaring temperatures, which reached abnormal highs of 34C in the Axarquia earlier this month, means farmers on the Costa del Sol are having to stop watering on certain days. There have been at least 12 fires so far, with firefighters battling flames in Malaga, Cartama, Ronda, Ardales, Archidona, Ahaurin, Teba and Alora.

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-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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+TheolivepressEs Prayer battle BE ‘APPY!

A SPANISH street artist has reimagined some of the art world’s masterpieces for a New York exhibition. Miguel Angel Belinchon Bujes known as Belin - from Jaen has described his work as post-neocubism and cited Picasso as an inspiration The Street Masters exhibition, held earlier this month, was a collaboration between Sotheby’s auctioneers

Pitch perfect A NEW weekly car boot sale has opened in Mijas. Held every Sunday opposite Aladin’s in La Cala, pitches are being offered at a special rate of just €10. “A classic car boot sale followed by fabulous fish and chips across the road, what better for a Sunday?” said Chug, one of the organisers. The local livewire and his wife Karen have invested more than €500,000 to reinvent the adjacent block of empty commercial units,

which now boast Aladin, a buzzing cafe and several other thriving businesses. After years of lobbying from locals, a new zebra crossing has also been put in place to connect the nearby car park and St Anthony’s College to the new row of shops and cafe. “It’s great news,” said Chug, “it’s nice to have the area buzzing again. “We hope to see lots of locals pitching up for the car boot sales over the summer.”

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and the street art gallery Fat Free Art, based in New York’s Lower East Side. It included work by a host of internationally renowned street artists. Of his pieces for the project, Belin (right) said: “I kept using vivid colors and a mix in textures.” He added that with a combination of techniques he hoped to bring a new dynamic to the work.

Ring the till FOR SALE: Ring made by Picasso

1313

Send your informati on to newsdesk@theolivep ress.es

Taking to the streets

CATHOLICS in Granada have been left outraged by a muslim prayer meeting held at the site of a Virgin Mary statue. The gathering, sanctioned by the Download town hall andnowwelour app and comed by mayor Francisco begin enjoying the best Spanish Cuenca, saw dozens of musnews oninthethe go. Jardines Artist’s kisslims praying del Triunfo park. Several politicians Tweeted and-make-up their outrage, saying that al- ring to go under lowing muslims to pray near the cherished Virgin Mary the hammer for was a ‘provocation’. more than half a Granada MP Luis Salvador said: “Mr. Paco Cuenca con- million euros fuses tolerance and religious PressA PICASSO ring designed by respect The with Olive provocation. Call for Muslim Prayers at the artist to appease his angry lover is expected to fetch more TOPoffor news in Spain! the Virgin Triumph??” Fellow politician Manuel than €500,000 at auction this Olivares, said it was ‘regret- month. table’, ‘incomprehensible’ The Malagueño artist made and ‘disrespectful’. it for fellow painter and muse While far-right party Vox Dora Maar after she tossed staged a ‘counter-prayer’ her own ring into the River session, PSOE councillor Seine during an argument in Jemi Sanchez defended the the 1930s. Muslim community. Picasso had chided her for “Multiculturalism can never be a threat, it is an added persuading him to swap an value,” she wrote on Face- art piece for a ruby ring, so she ripped it off his finger and book. “For the first time, the City tossed it into the water where of Granada supports its it may well remain to this day. Muslim community wishing The oval apology ring features them a happy Ramadan in a portrait of Maar done in ink and colored pencil on paper, the gardens of Triumph.”

Christmas 310€ New Year 330€

June 21st - July 4th 2017

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set in a tiny metal frame decorated with enamel flowers. It will go up for auction on June 21 at the Sotheby’s Actual Size sale. Curator Thomas Bompard said: “Picasso has depicted a world on a scale so intimate you can hold an entire artistic vision on your finger. “Sometimes the smallest of things can contain a universe of thought and emotion, and so it is with this ring - an intimate piece that allows us a captivating glimpse into secrets that might otherwise not be shared.” The auction of the piece follows the sale of Maar’s estate. It is expected to fetch at least €560,000.

erja - The magic of dance, June 22 The National Ballet of Cuba visits the Nerja Caves for its show “La magia de la danza”. Featuring nineteenth century classical ballet choreography for stage, including pieces from Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, the Nutcracker, Coppelia, Don Quixote and Swan Lake.

Fuengirola Pop Weekend, June 22 - 25 Set in eye catching Sohail Castle, this festival in its 10th year will see performances both in Fuengirola. The line-up includes Beach Boys and La Casa Azul.

alaga - Noche de San Juan, June 23 The highly anticipated night brings thousands to the beaches all over Malaga. There will be bonfires, music, food and drink while revelers celebrate the arrival of summer.

uengirola - Crystal Chalice Healing Centre meeting, July 9 An evening of mediumship healing, music and meditation at Studio Mind Body Avda Jesus Cautivo 11, los Boliches, from 6-8PM. €8.00, all welcome.

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June 21st - July 4th 2017 June 21st - July 4th 2017

How a lost suitcase changed photojournalism, by Jack Gaioni FAKE NEWS’, ‘alternative facts’ and ‘post-truth’ are popular euphemisms destined for the Oxford Dictionary’s list of new words and phrases this year. Although the terms are contemporary, the role of journalism in ‘manufacturing opinion’ has been a human activity as far back as reliable evidence suggests. From ancient cave drawings to radio and television and from Cold War propaganda to today’s Twitter feeds, all are communicative attempts to influence an audience and/or further an agenda by presenting facts selectively. One particularly interesting chapter in journalism’s attempt to manufacture opinion happened right here in Spain. It involved a man with a camera, Spain’s darkest days and a lost suitcase. Let’s connect the dots…. The practice of illustrating news

PASSIONATE: Soldiers

Fact file

●●

you are Fake news

Baggage claim

stories with photos, known simply as photojournalism, began nearly two centuries ago in London. The Illustrated London News (1842) first paired news with pictures using primitive engravings. Over the next hundred years or so, great advances in photographic and printing technologies brought photojournalism into the modern age. The Spanish Civil War - perhaps Spain’s greatest nightmare - was the catalyst for some of the most dramatic imagery ever witnessed in reporting the news. The Spanish war experiences of Ernest Hemingway and George Orwell are legendary. But with the addition of action photos matched with the popularity of the reporting by Hemingway, Orwell and others, the Spanish Civil War became recognised as the ‘Golden Age of Photojournalism’. Readers now felt like they were in the same foxhole as the actual com- in the world”. batants. The addition of action pho- Capa would go on to cover the Dtos captioned by these infamous Day invasion, World War II, postauthors enhanced the perceived war Russia and Germany and the founding of Israel (1948). In May ‘truthfulness’ of wartime news. Action photos put forth the adage of 1954, in covering the early stages of the Vietnam War, he fatally that the ‘camera does not lie’. A man named Robert Capa, a stepped on a landmine. He was 41 years old. But the close associate of legacy of the man both Hemingway did not die that day. and Orwell, was the bellwether photog- The discovery has Rather, it was just beginning… rapher in this new changed the way In December of age of photojour2007, some 53 nalism. He would we look at the years after his often accompany war correspondents Spanish Civil War death, one of Capa’s lost suitcases was like Hemingway to found in an attic in photograph battleMexico City. Someground action. Life Magazine, Esquire Magazine and how or other, a lower-level diploothers published many exclusive mat in exile in Mexico after the Hemingway pieces, often paired war, had came into possession of with Capa’s dramatic photos. The some of Capa’s belongings, possiPicture Post, a pioneering photo- bly holding them for him while he journalism magazine published photographed combat worldwide. from 1938-1957, described Capa The forgotten suitcase contained as “the greatest war photographer over 4,500 previously unseen photos from the Spanish Civil War. This

Robert Capa’s photo The Falling Soldier and Pablo Picasso’s infamous painting Guernica exist as two of the most iconic images to emerge from The Spanish Civil War. ●● Trisha Ziff, a British scholar and curator at the Guggenheim Museum, directed a film about the controversy surrounding Robert Capa’s long lost suitcase. Her film, The Mexican Suitcase, was produced in 2011. It can be viewed at www. youtube.com/the Mexican Suitcase ●● The entire Mexican Suitcase exhibit is preser ved and periodically on display at the International Center of Photography in New York. It is scheduled to be on loan next year at yet to be announced locations in Spain. Go to www.icp.org for more information. ●● Ernest Hemingway was, in part, inspired to write his classic For Whom the Bell Tolls from his experiences with Robert Capa.

DEATH: One of the world’s most famou photos by (right) Capa, shot in Cordoba

treasure trove of historical records has become known in journalistic circles as the ‘Mexican Suitcase’. The discovery not only changed the way we look at the Spanish Civil War, but has cast doubt on the perception that the ‘camera does not lie’. Experts of photojournalism, in researching and interpreting these images, have raised questions about the pure objectivity of Capa’s photographs. Some experts now claim that many of these unseen photos were ‘staged’, discrediting the notion that the p h o to g r a p h e r was indeed ‘in the thick of battle’. Many

of the photos show larger sequences of the same event, suggesting that Capa may have ‘cropped out’ real time combat action in favor of a more dramatic yet staged photo. Also found in the suitcase were some of Capa’s notebooks which reveal the man as a passionate partisan who favoured Republican (anti-Franco) ideology. Was Capa trying to sell his ideological position to sympathetic foreign readers? Could this be one of the first attempts to use the camera as a propaganda tool? What came first - Capa’s photos or Hemingway’s captions? Some of these same experts have come to Capa’s defense. This was an age of infancy in war photography. Perhaps Capa was merely experimenting in camera angles, vari-

ous lighting effects and how best to create dramatic effect to tell a larger story. Perhaps his purpose was to bring the horrors of war - any war - to his and Hemingway’s readers. If re-staging events achieved that goal, then is there not value in Capa’s work? These questions that have arisen in unpacking the Mexican Suitcase (pun intended) are indeed rhetorical. They can never be fully answered. What is undeniable is that the intensity of Capa’s imagery changed the way news was reported. Photojournalism, the symbiotic relationship between the written word and photography born during the Spanish Civil War, became an established form of representing a news story. Robert Capa’s dramatic war photos derive their intensity not only in what they depict but also from the ideologically-charged historical context from which they emerge. Is this an example of ‘fake news’ or ‘alternative facts’? Again, the questions are rhetorical.

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June 21st - July 4th 2017

17/06/2017 08:57

PROPERTY Number crunching

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e is

property pricen by another

o figures from y of Develops sold between d March this ged €1525.80 metre. represents the essive increase market prices. ignificant rises in Barcelona , going up 5.4% spectively.

t to

for tourist in Malaga has 172%. he National Intatistics shows beginning of April a total ourists rented in the capital. ents a rise of ared to 2016, nts the biggest y urban city in

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LE T T E R S

www.theolivepress.es Take over

It’s spotted more asteroids than Star Wars, now Mallorca observatory needs to find a buyer

11 th - Spain’s ranking in terms of cheapest alcohol

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

IT would make the perfect mountain escape for a privacy-obsessed film or pop star. But, in truth, it would be best for a lover of real stars… the ones in the sky! For the Mallorca observatory, which has just come on the market, is celebrated around the world for its track record of discovering comets.

Home for stars

and tobacco in Europe.

STAR BUY: Mallorca’s observatory

44 C - Highest temperature recorded in Cordoba Tragedy

Astronomers at the Observatorio Astronomico de Mallorca, in Costitx, have spotted no less than seven comets during its 26-year history. These include DA14 which, had it struck earth, would have created a 100-foot-high tsunami. On sale for €1.8 million, agent Amanda Butler at MJC Associates hopes the unique local landmark will be bought by an astronomer

during Spain’s unusually hot June weather.

lled in the space of eight days, wrecking havoc on Andalucia’s busiest route.

762 - Migrants arrived by boat to Malaga this year 1,000 - Number of police officers deployed

especially for Madrid Gay Pride on July 1.

10,765

- signatures collected to protest a Velez-Malaga bullfight on June 17.

3.3

million - Amount of money Manchester United manager Mourinho accused of in Spain tax fraud.

Lesson for Spanish Government: don't kill the Golden Goose of holiday rentals (Holiday rentals take over in Spain for the first time, issue 267). A lot of people prefer to stay in private apartments or homes than in hotels. Worry less about the competition to hotels and more about enhancing long term tourism as well as the local construction industry. Ron Adam, Nerja

FORCED

So sad OUT

SOME 10% of locals have been forced out of Madrid’s city centre in the last decade due to accommodation platforms like Airbnb. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the capital each year, adding to rental pressures that only see prices increase. Last year alone, rentals through Airbnb reached 650,000, higher than anywhere else in Spain. Meanwhile, rent in the capital has risen by 14.6% in just one year. Madrid’s city hall is now planning new regulation to undermine the Airbnb phenomenon. It includes limiting the number of days per year a property can be rented out, and ensuring that only someone living in a property can let it out as tourist accommodation, in a bid to curb bulkbuying of properties to rent out full-time.

RIP to you, sir. You were so courageous (Spanish ‘skateboard hero’ confirmed as one of the dead in the London terror attack, issue 267). But why was any of this necessary? People need not die so young. Terrorism is cowardly, evil and immoral and it MUST be stopped for good Tom Wakley, London

Hotel refurb

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Spycatcher

0x40_MIJAS_COSTA.indd 23/02/2017 11:31 1

BRAVE: Ignacio and Sergio (right)

TRUE HEROES

Onslaught

Remembered

Spy Garbo’s links to Malaga

Mauled EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

RUGBY star Dean Schofield is urging action after being mauled in a sophisticated holiother stories came up. When we day shakedown. emailed the person we’d been Wasps international Dean dealing with called ‘Flavio’ he (above) and wife Gemma, both sent an abusive email back. 38, were set to take a dream “Luckily we were in a fortunate break to Spain with friends to position where we could arcelebrate the England internarange an alternative villa and SCAMMED: Holiday group and tional’s retirement. (right) fake site with profile stolen from Oz agent still get the flight over. But what But the vacation turned into a if we were from a normal famnightmare after the group of The group only rumbled the “We were very angry when 16 from Cheshire unwittingly scam, via rentholidaysvillas. found out,” Gemma told we a horrible moment and we ily and couldn’t afford to come? the We were at least able to salvage booked via a fraudulent holi- com, the day before they flew. Olive Press this week. “It was weren’t sure what to do. the “We holiday.” started Googling day website that has dozens of it and The group had come across the homes on the Costa del Sol. stunning six-bedroom villa with In total, scammers took paya huge pool and grounds and ment and deposit of €5,700 Rentholidaysvillas.com is got in touch via email. (£5,000) and €11,400 US-based server GoDaddy, hosted by with law enforcement on alleged fraud The website looked extremely (£10,000) respectively bewhich was and have processes warned as long ago as April of for taking action. If credible and even had a photo fore swiping another €29,800 by a leading holiday rental site the scam anyone believes they have been defraudof its alleged owner, ‘Flavio Her(£26,000) for their stunning vilWhen asked why it was still live in Spain. ed they should contact law enforcement.” nandes Davila’, who did the nela in Mallorca, which is owned GoDaddy Digital Crimes boss this week, Contact your local police and Action Fraud gotiating. by a wealthy British owner. Ben Butler, and email newsdesk@theolivepress.es explained: “We communicate “I must confess we did think if regularly you’ve been scammed. it was a bit cheap for where it was, and it in fact rents for a lot more,” admitted Gemma. Thankfully, the group of eight 1987 adults and eight children who Patience of 2017 a Santo! are still on holiday are now trying to reclaim their money as the booking was made via a JOINING THE credit card. three decade The Olive Press toasts the 30th CLUB! The website however is still live, despite being reported to its web anniversary of two of Andalucia’s hosting company by the Olive yet leading hotels, Molino del Press and to UK police. The website boasted that ‘you Santo and Sunset Beach Club CELEBRATIONS: Inside

STOP THE SCAMMERS

THREE DECADES IN BUSINESS

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Food, drink & travel

June 8th - June 21st

2017

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ago

June 8th - June 21st

2017

years

TODAY

CAPTION.

A year in the life of Andalucia’s favourite molino hotel, as it reaches its 30th birthday

sleep on oblivious and normal breakfast service begins at normal at 8am

2000 WEDDING MADNESS

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 June 8th - June 21st

2017

T is 30 years ago this Spring Few weddings match the Brits (and British teachers left their that two their guests) who got married in UK primary schools to steady jobs full Wild West costumes in their with sixing in Spain with a couple make a livshooters… and in July. of friends. Despite having no experience takes place in 4pm asThe ceremony hospitality trade, they decided of the nudges 40ºC with the the mercury to convert a run-down watermill on a white steed to meetbride arriving in rural Ronda into a small hotel. chaps and a Stetson and her groom in ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt located from room 3 to to the sound Fast forward three decades of gun shots. outside and remains there the terrace CAPTION. strong guys to help carry Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin 12 nights. An embarrassedfor the next to their terrace. Half an a big box Estione non Spain’s most successful run one of explains that he has been husband 2001 POLITICAL SHENANIsmall hotels, the same guests asks hour later we can afford to multiply banished raturep eliMolino del Santo, employing for a large and hopes there is no and we have GANS 25 people bucket of ice. It soon emerges our first heiress – and Carmen’s and accommodating tiae rnatur? the slightest, and we problem. Not a bar arrivthousands of complete with optics are delighted al reassures locals that guests each year. has been set when on the penQui te foreigners may not be these weird A famous MP, a regular guest But, it has certainly been up on the terultimate night he so strange af- such here, has ter all. a wild wedding anniversary an emotional rollercoastersomething of race… all well is readmitted to that he forgets he has changed night of hiccups and unusual with plenty and good until, sleep with ER INHis wife goes to bed before rooms. along the way, as the pair goings on 1993 DOCTOR’S KNICKERS the said guests, DOORS. him with reveal: room key so he has to serenade arrive at happy her to get in during the wee hours. hour in the bar At the village health centre 1987 MISSED DEADLINES A shame 2008 SURopening it’s the wrong door! and invite variparty one of the doctors gets so inebriPRISING ous others to ated she chooses to relieve It’s not a fantastic start herself on 2002 GUESTS their terrace the lawn and rejoins the BARKING DISREstring budget only allowsas our shoefor seven to avoid payskirt tucked into the backparty with her SPECTFUL rooms which, being Andalucia, PART THREE of her knickare ing the hotel’s ers. It’s a night to remember. not open in time. Delayed by a week, 30 ROOM NIGHTS - we prices. guests have to be accommodated The hotel policy is to allow The cleaners deare offering JUST 30 room pets but in alternative hotels some guests go just nights at mand we chat to 1994 BEST RURAL HOTEL very special rates between CAPTION. the 15th June and the 26th they take down theirtoo far, when the sixty-some2013W REcurtains to July 2017. reception counter comes make thing woman in After seven years graft TURNING we are select- There a bed for their dog to sleep on. June 8th - June 21st 2017 30% DISCOUNT - yes book contact with a customer’s into fresh perwork. room 10, who ed as the ‘best rural hotel’ is fur everywhere www.theolivepress.es very expenand a stay with us within the GUESTS sive mohair sweater. Limited 25 June 8th - June 21st dates changes a glitzy London ceremony.in Spain at cleaning bill is horrendous. the dry2017 and above into edition 1991 NAKED It’s all go you will get25 clothing costs more to a FULL 30% discount on a from here. ACTRESS minuscule It quickly becomes clear It is not uncomour normal rates expected. It’s a costly startreplace than g-string and gyrates - BUT it only applies to a 2003 SEMI ROYAL WEDDING to the year. While filming CAPTION. bosses are too many and that four mon toJune total of 30 room nights find8th - June 21st 2017 music until they have to imaginary in the area, once they’re ship collapses with huge the partnerfinished their that gone, they’re gone. Maximum Estione very attractive Spanish a famous and 1995 HEIRESS NUMERO An tasks. What can you say. rooms are being occupied all our 18 actress arrives DOS aristocratic Spanish of two nights per booking eryone involved and Andystress for ev- 1990 POLICE VISIT Free world to eat with friends. She asks non raturep really. who have been before… by people at this Molino for the wedding family choose if she can go it alone, thankfully and Pauline special rate. Subject to availability. swim in the elitiae rnafaithful guest record is and the most ter. Hotel resources areof their daughfrom their friends at a with the help With the season in full flow, local her bikini onpool and then changes into With the birth of Rosanna stretched to few key mo- police arrive demanding the dining terrace in no a couple from Lancashireheld jointly by tur? Qui te 2009 CHANGE OF TACK ments. accepted, properly, into thewe are finally accommodate the 90 guests but the and a family paperwork rush and without any from San Roque. which it is virtually village. event goes very well, although voluptures impossible to one memory which need of a towel… tragedy obtain. Threats of immediate is hard to forget. strikes when the bride After 20 years of training ea nam actation are only prevented depor1996 FAMILY ILLNESS denly leaving husband soon dies suda Scottish chap Gordon local chefs, 2014 HONOURS AT FITUR with a young catem haris intervention. And, typically by legal 1992 HEIRESS NUMERO baby. from a nearby village. is introduced ex et voloria four years later a very of course, UNO It’s a year of back and opened our eyes to newHe has soon Molino del Santo is 30 MEALS - we are offering sanctioned despite no large fine is Andy’s mum is diagnosed forth after 2004 FLOODING nonseque and really excellent food. techniques Spanish Travel Fair Fiturhonoured at other with a terJUST 30 meals at very special white within He moves on minal illness in 2013 but his legacy lives 100kms having the correcthotel As the business starts visor event. A huge photo at Trip Adnis dia simo rates between the 15th June and to grow nicely Resources in the Channel Islands. on. pabeach in the Andalucia of a Cadiz are stretched Heavy mountain rains leave the the 26th July 2017. the lower soon see how being away and you floor under vinces the owners to pavilion con2010 OH MATRON six inches of water. Guests home and business brings from your are temporarily 30% DISCOUNT - yes book with a plan to purchaseforge ahead all kinds of accommodated a Costa de a meal with us within the practical issues. la Luz home that has been cal hotels while mopping-up in loWe normally remind guests above dates and you will get a FULL eyed for a while. and within four hours (thanks goes on left behind, but we decideof things 30% discount on your final - BUT it only applies to a being no carpets) the hotel to there bill pointing out a drawer full against 1997 VIPS DINING returns to total of 30 meals - once they’re normality. in one room and a small of sex aids 2015 LOCAL ECONOMY gone, with a white substance plastic bag As our fame grows, we have they’re gone. They are quickly disposedin another. Since its earliest days the Junta, no less, turn up the head of 2005 EDUCATIONAL of. Maximum ISSUES raiseof€12,200 for charity Seafood Rest two people sought to recruit and buythe hotel hasTALENT: Ricky helps arrives with full entourage for lunch. He per booking at this special aurant locally whenrate. Subject to availability. ever possible. This reaches and guards stand at all and security Having made the choice 2011 CHEEKIEST GUESTS entrances with a new point when a local group all our staff getting frisked little heiresses to school to send our of young peoin the UK, for ple offer to play flamenco ing allowed to serve the before be- the next six years two homes A group arrives with a fleet of luxury are mainand become a regular fixture.for guests long way from a class of guests. It’s a tained and we take it vehicles - some • Early Bird 20€ - 6.00 nine-year-olds here in turns to be in Hampshire. To celebrate its big 30th birthday, a huge two million euros or there to look after - 8.00pm charity bash raised a staggering €12,200 also running the hotel. them, while worth - making our • Á La Carte Menu Testing times 2016 GRATE-for charity. indeed. car park look like 1998 GUIDING GUESTS FUL OWNERS The sold out event, featuring Ricky LavazMonte Carlo. After za, with his Robbie Williams and Michael the bill is paid the 2006 FOOD THIEF By now with 15 rooms We will only accept bookings As the owners cel- Buble renditions, distributed the money question of a reognition by Michelin, Thewe get recfor these ebrate their 60th raised to three children’s charities. peat trip is raised, Good Ho- Cleaners discover special offers via e-mail. tel Guide, Alastair Sawday that a little old lady birthdays in the “We take pride in but because they Mention this Rough Guide all helping and The in room 12 is a kleptomaniac and has same year, some of the fact we give have these very exadvertisement when you the word. (ED. Olive Press to spread filled every single surface in her room enquire. the staff organize something back lot going THERE pensiveis acars mak-on at Sunset Beach and Clarke and wife spend owner Jon with items filched from the breakfast info@molinodesanto.com. a journey for them to local charities. speak for themselves. the a night here table – more ingstatistics the place look while on holiday) yogurts, bananas, rolls to Barcelona with I think it’s imporamazing, and cakes than she could Don’t leave it too late - once the hotel caters for around total, would ●it beInpossible flights and accom- tant to give to 30 people emerges that she arrives ever eat. It thea day in peak season – guests modation ALL paid. those who don’t have booked we’re closing next 2,000 stay could with a large hand bag at breakfast be 1,000 at any time of rarely under the offer. 1999 A DIFFICULT NIGHT It is such a kind get to enjoy holifree?and So year. will we not watched grabs enough and when unlike termithe food to feed a gesture – no won- days,ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt be paying small army. our supnally-ill children,” counts 554 rooms and com● The hotel We are awoken to discover der that so many said pliers and staff manager Mark that a guest areas,forwhich are looked after by a munal has died, quickly confirmed guests comment Wardell. that particular to 69 cleaners, who process team of upstay Dutch doctors in the room by the 2007 DOMESTIC ARGUon the excellent The event, held then, awestaggering ask… Un-450.000 kilos of laundry at The local medic is called next door. MENTS staff at the hotel. believable. the resort’s Moonand arranges every year! for an undertaker to arrive light Bar, was a ● The Food and Beverage team mean2017 NEW TRICKS take the body – the rest at 5am to Staff show great concert complete sell out, counts 71 staff who work tirelessly of the guests 2 when 2012inwhile CHEEKIEST of a 14-night stay a mattresson day with www.molinodelsanto.com GUESTS prizes from from Oasis the various outlets 2 a la is reA hotel is never boring and | info@molinodelsanto.com companies carte dining, poolside snacks, lobby/ like Some cocktail | 952 16 71 51 ways adding new activities we are al- Jet2 and OakESTACIÓN guests arrive asking beach bar, Luna Land for club, two Salitos and things DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, to do. This year it is paragliding beach bar show rooms and banqueting. MÁLAGA to add Furniture up for grabs. ● Then there are 14 ‘animation’ girls and There were other performances, including guys whose sole purpose is to make an Adele tribute by Nikki Rae (above). young and old guests alike have a funpacked visit. The money donated went to the Debra But● And then come the weddings, with terfly Children Charity, Make a Wish Spain around 130 spread across the key and Barretstown Ireland charities. FUN TIMES: Entertainment team today months from April to October. POSTCARDS THROUGH evolve throughout the years - from a quality THE AGES: three-star establishment, to the more luxuHow things have chanrious four-star property it is now. ged from the 1980s to on offer, including aerobics, cookery and While most visitors hail from the UK and today in terms of qualiSpanish classes all year round, not to men- Ireland, the resort has recently been atty and comfort and in tion billiards, live music and scuba diving. tracting more and more customers from The rooms are all one or two-bedroom around the world, with up to 100 nationaliterms of the amount apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, ties staying here throughout the year. of entertainment and free Wi-Fi and satellite TVs with several in- This is one of the things Lopez enjoys the huge range of guests, ternational channels. most about working there. who come from over Blas Lopez, who has been at the hotel since “You get all kinds of people here - Canadi100 countries around its opening in 1987, says the resort has al- ans, South Africans and Germans - it really the world ways been ahead of the game in terms of depends on the year. So no two days are technology. the same working here. “ “When I arrived, even the guests were sur- That along with the satisfaction he feels prised that we had computers at the recep- by helping his guests with their requests rants and and bars, bars, including including the rants the excellent excellent Oasis Oasis pacity for 350 and hosts various events through- tion,” he recalls. restaurant, Luna Luna Beach, large or small. Beach, Panorama Panorama bar restaurant, bar and and the the out the year. popular Moonlight Moonlight Bar Bar venue, venue, which popular which has has aa caca- In addition, there is a huge range of activities Lopez, along with several other long-term It’s staff like this and their commitment to loyal staff members, has seen the hotel hospitality that, undoubtedly, give the re- BIG CHEQUE: For one of three charities with Ricky and Steve Day, of Oak Land Furniture sort its gleaming reputation.

Molino del Santo - the best-loved hotel and restaurant near Ronda - is celebrating 30 years in business with 30 special offers in the hotel and another 30 in the restaurant

HOTEL OFFERS

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A B

ll about www.theolivepress.es 1988 COLLAPSING PARTNERSHIP enalmadena

ago

years

1989 DESIGNER CLOTHING ROW

RESTAURANT OFFERS

Unfortunately a recently-painted

SEA FOOD DIFFERENTLY

BOOKING RECO MMENDED ERCHED on a headland below the pretty white village of Benalmadena SERIOUSLY GOO lies Sunset Beach Club. D F O O1987 Surrounded by lovely beaches and D with stunning views across the Med, it is Open Tuesday - Saturday no surprise it has become one of the Costa from 6pm del Sol’s best known hotels. But while it is already a major landmark receiving thousands of visitors from around the world each month, it has now reached Avenida de Rota, Urb. legendary status. Torrenueva, Local 1, La For Sunset Beach has just celebrated its Cala de Mijas 30th birthday making it a true Malaga stalwart. Celebrating in style with a big anniversary EIGHTIES STYLE: But with computers bash, which raised €12,200 for charity, the years. hotel has never been in ruder health. An incredible range of guests and nationAside from the hundred-plus weddings it alities come throughout the year, including hosts every year, it has countless returning Canadians in the winter, people from most guests and a capacity rate of an incredible European countries and plenty from fur93% between February and November. ther afield. “That’s a rate almost unheard of on the “We regularly have returning guests who coast,” explains Mark Wardell, who has used to stay with their families as children been managing the hotel for the last 13 in the 80s,” continues Wardell, a cultured, softly-spoken Irishman, who is incredibly approachable 1987 and hands on with both staff and guests. “And it is great to have them back.” So what is the key to the hotel’s success? Sunset Beach is a complete resort as opposed to a hotel. The guests needs are entirely taken care of and waited on hand and foot by up to 220 staff at peak times. Its Irish owners - who also own upmarket La Cala Resort in Mijas - have spent over €22m upgrading its facilities since the Millennium. Without a doubt the price/ its extensive facilities. quality level is one of the On site, there’s a supermarket, gym, beautician best on the coast across all and hairdresser, as well as a variety of restau-

Tel: 952 49 35 04

Giving back

Sunset Beach Club, the emblematic hotel, has reached its 30th birthday writes Laura Duckett

GRAB HOW ANTO OFFER

Measuring up

| Mob: 661 84 33 83

More information of any kind

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PERFECT LOCATION: By a headland in Benalmadena

Luna Beach Club review By Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

YOU dine to the sound of a very generous green salad, waves, which almost lap at while the brochette of chicken your feet. and salmon was delicious. Romantic in the extreme, you A starter of vegetarian spring could not ask for a nicer ‘chir- rolls were excellent in sweet inguito’, which sits a short chili relish, while a rack of stroll up the beach from the lamb is available for the more Sunset Beach hotel. hearty eaters. Subtly-lit, this natural spot - all There was a catch of the day thatched roofs, simple deck- and a nice range of puddings ings and rope fences - also as well. counts on an excellent menu, A wine list includes the exat extremely good value. cellent Payoya Negra from I particularly liked the grilled Ronda, as well as the good langoustines, which came value Habla de Silencio from with a choice of sauces and Extremadura, at 22 euros.

e-mail

info@molinodelsanto.com

So much on offer

he hotel counts on three restaurants and various bars. The excellent Panorama bar on the sixth floor overlooking the pool is very much the nerve centre and busy for much of the day, particularly at Happy Hour, from 7pm when you’ll expect to find hundreds of revellers enjoying a sundowner. Downstairs the Oasis Restaurant and Terrace serves up a big range of dishes, with met range of dishes (see review far left). a very international flavour. For nightlife, few places are nicer for a Open for breakfast, lunch and cocktail or sundowner than Salitos, overdinner, there is often live music looking the sea. and a takeaway service is avail- A popular summer haunt with expats, it is able. open from 6pm to 4am and usually buzzChildren have a Pirates menu ing at key times. at just seven euros and If it is live entertainment you are looking there are various set menu for the Moonlight Bar has plenty of events specials and early bird dis- and concerts, many of them free. counts. One of the top venues on the coast there Nearby, the Tikki pool bar has various have been a range of big shows, including RANGE: From Salitos snacks on offer, while Luna Beach Club a Blues Festival, and other international (far left) to Panorama has a much more sophisticated and gour- artists, such as Otis Redding III.

and Oasis (right)

www.oaklandfurniturespain.com

Opinion Page 6

Mosquito Screens

Page 18

England rugby international demands action over sophisticated holiday scam website that netted nearly €50,000 from him

NOW!

- three times the number that arrived last year.

NOW!

tarium in Granada, discovered an astonishing 7,000 asteroids, second behind only the USA. The combined asteroid discoveries made in the rest of the world during the same period are only half those made by the two Spanish centres. The most important discovery was in 2012 with DA 14, which would have had a ‘blast radius’ of 2,000 square kms. "If it had landed on Mallorca it w o u l d have destroyed the island with the force of an atomic bomb," observatory guide Joan Guillem told the Olive Press. "It came within 30,000 kms of earth, or one tenth of the distance to the moon, so very close." Contact Amanda at ajb@mjcassociates.net or call 690 075 169

HOLIDAY rentals have taken over hotels for the first time in Spain. Newly released figures show that last year there were more beds available in socalled ‘tourist apartments’ i.e. Airbnb accommodation, than in hotels. The study, by Exceltur, shows that the number of bed space available through short-term home rentals nearly doubled from 2015 to reach 362,493 beds in Spain’s 22 biggest cities. That figure is 9.76% higher than what was available in hotels. “In just four years, vacation rental accommodation has exceeded the number of hotel beds created during entire decades of tourism-industry development,” said José Luis Zoreda, executive vice-president of Exceltur. Airbnb has been growing at a pace of nearly 100% in recent years, and now represents 54.2% of all available vacation rentals in Spain.

NOW!

insisted Butler. "It's a wonderful facility and it would be a great shame to lose it. “It would be a tragedy for the Balearics if it was shut and I am determined to try to find someone interested enough in the universe to save it.” She believes the right sort of buyer would get help from the town hall to use it in part as an ecolodge or hostal. “ T h i s w o u l d m a k e it more commercially viable and would end up attracting international study groups, as well as schools and universities from the mainland, an interesting addition to our tourism industry,” she continued. Mallorca’s space-age planetarium was added in 2003, and, together with its sister La Sagra plane-

72 - RENFE Malaga - Fuengirola trains canceand kept open to the public. She claims that a group of developers are currently looking to buy it and plan to make it into a private estate. "It is in the interests of everyone to keep it open,"

Lessons learnt

June 8th - June 21st 2017 June 8th - June 21st 2017

June 21st - July 4th 2017

SHOWROOM: Calle St Maria, 29670, San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella Malaga (next to Maxi Dia Supermarket and above GM Cash & Carry) Tel: 951 979 221 | sales@oaklandfurniturespain.com

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MELIA hotels is to give Estepona’s Atalaya Park Hotel an €18 million makeover. The four-star hotel will become a Sol by Melia hotel and is said to become one of the ‘leading resorts on the Costa del Sol’. It will come complete with 468 rooms with six restaurants and bars, an outdoor pool and a heated pool, playground and children's activities, gym, and a wide range of sports facilities, including a golf driving range. Atalaya Park will fall under Melia management in 2018. .

I offered 50p but they said no! Good riddance - another awful company bites the dust (Santander buys struggling rival Banco Popular for €1, online). Adrian Day, Marbella

True gents I have found the men in a spain have always offered their seats to a woman! They have also been eager to help with lifting bags, on and off the buses (Women’s group seeks to ban ‘manspreading´ on Spanish public transport, issue 267). Sylvia Barraclough, Vancouver

Oh, snap! Our British expat readers react to the shock UK election result and Theresa May’s coalition with Northern Ireland’s farright DUP

Enough is enough The British voters have decided enough is enough and have left Theresa May as the unelected. The result may be a chance for Great Britain. If the Tories and DUP cannot agree on a Brexit scheme, then in early 2019 the electorate may be asked, again, if they want a Brexit. What a pity for the UK that within the coming 21 months the government will not be able to run the country, let alone Brexit negotiations.

Ted Heath did years back and he got flung out as well. Lynda Addi, London

Right person With 44% of the vote she did better than most since Margaret Thatcher! She is the right person for the job. Jean Heathcote, Mijas

Result! This is a brilliant result. Chaos for arrogant May.

Wolfgang, Estepona

MUNDO MANIA

Common sense Populists are down. Common sense is up. The percentage of idiots in the US is around 50%. In Russia it is 90%. In Turkey it is unknown but presumably high. In Europe, the common voter is not an idiot. They seek what is best. And they see that absolute power is not a good thing. With absolute power, you do not have to talk with anyone, because you can say you have ‘the mandate of the voter’, and ignore all common sense for four years. There is simply too much at stake. Joanna, Malaga

Downfall

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She was arrogant and never debated anything and her plans regarding school meals, taking homes away from people in later life, plus the pensions lock situation have all been her downfall. She did what

Julie Frank, Malaga

Disaster It's not brilliant. It puts this country further in the s**t. I wish people would stop being so flipping selfish and think about the country. We needed a strong win. However it looks like May will continue to reign with a DUP coalition to keep out the Labourites. Moreno Intranova,

Don’t count chickens

your

A soft Brexit? Don't be so sure. If the EU think it’s going to be easier now they are very wrong. If no agreement can be formed by the infighting of whatever government is formed then it could result in an even harder Brexit. Phil Slanely, La Linea

Dear Sir,

I write on behalf of Craig Porter and in defence of his right to honour and reputation. I request you to publish this letter aimed at rectifying the false information that your newspaper published on the June 8 in the ‘Letters’ section on page 20, under the heading ‘Justice’, which was provided by an anonymous person from Malaga. This note attributes a crime to Mr Porter while the truth is that he was not even driving nor was he the owner of the car that unfortunately ran over a Bolivian woman causing her death.

The anonymous letter, which shows a total disregard for the truth and whose falsehood is fully known by its author, accuses my client of a crime which he has not committed and attributes him a behaviour which is not his with the sole purpose of slandering him and staining his name and reputation causing moral damage not only to him but to his wife and his four children as well as to his parents and siblings. Inmaculada García López, Lawyer

Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

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Magical

ANDALUZ VERNACULAR: A more Andalucian scene could not be found anywhere else in Andalucia. Next to new restaurant La Tapa, while other snapshots from Marbella old town

Despite the recent tabloid overkill, the glitziest resort on the Costa del Sol is still pulling crowds and sitting pretty for another record-breaking summer, writes Alex Brown

Pictures by Jon Clarke

EFORE I ever set foot in Marbella I pictured a ‘tinsel town’ in the Med populated by reality TV stars, distinguished by ostentatious displays of wealth and tarnished by a nightlife akin to the worst excesses of university days. I quickly realised that my understanding was as shallow as some of the tabloid stories I’d read. Look past the sensational headlines and you’ll find a historic town as asset-rich as some of its visitors. I knew Marbella was popular but before speaking to Miguel Luna Rodriguez, the city’s tourism chief, I had no idea quite how popular. “We had more visitors than we’ve had in history last year and this year could be even better,” he told me. “This month, hotels are 90% full, next month it will be 95%, and for many days it will be 100%.”

That’s pretty good going and particularly given the resort has more five star hotels than the rest of the Costa del Sol combined. Tourists come from the whole of Europe for the town’s upmarket shopping, fabulous golf courses, stunning beaches…and fundamentally the temperature, all made bearable by the breeze from the nearby mountains. In its famous port, these hordes of visitors are easy to find. Puerto Banus is a place where worlds collide. On one hand, there are the 20-somethings covered in tribal tattoos careering from club to club, and stags and hens in ludicrous get-ups making the most of the Marbella movida. Step back a little though, and you’ll also find the ultra-wealthy one percent parking their Porsches and mega-yachts to indulge in

Continues on page 19

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Inmobiliaria

June 21st - July 4th 2017

Real Estate

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Beautiful Duplex Penthouse situated in gated residential community conveniently located on the Golden Mile close to all amenities and beach. Magnificent views over the grounds and the sea. One of the most secure and quiet complexes within Marbella. Includes spacious lounge and dining room, guest toilet, nice size kitchen, large utility room. Three bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms.

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This beautiful residence situated on a cul-de-sac frontline of the exclusive Los Flamingos Golf. Enjoys lots of outdoor space and stunning views. This luxurious property has a built area of 816m2, with an exquisite use of space, light and air. All rooms have splendid floor-to-ceiling glass sliders. Bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms are in a separate area so that the house can operate with its day area.

Ed. Milla de Oro, Boulevard del Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Local 3, 29602 Marbella, Málaga

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FAME AND ROMANS

REGULAR: Hugh Grant having dinner

DIVERSITY: From hens in Banus, to a yoga class on Marbella town beach When the heat gets too much, respite can be Star restaurants in Andalucia, proud of its title found within the cool stone walls of Our Lady of as the gastronomy capital of the Costa del Sol. the Incarnation church, a 17th century former The cultural scene is also thriving, with the Marwaterfront dining and designer shopping. This is the part of ‘Marbs’, as it has come to be mosque that was taken over by the Christians bella International Arts Festival now a regular during the Reconquest. fixture on the calendar, and the Marbella Inknown among a certain crowd, Inside, along with beautiful paintings ternational film festival growing at an unprecthat never sleeps, it’s voice and locals praying, you’ll enjoy the edented pace. speaks loudest when people highly-efficient air conditioning. Along with the annual feria in June and the Starimagine Marbella. Tributes paid, you can find Marbella lite music festival held at Marbella’s amazing These are the TOWIE stars and monuments even older than this, dat- Nagueles quarry auditorium over a month in ex-footballers and a Who’s ing from 1AD. The first Roman bridge summer, Marbella is never boring. Who of the almost-famous, the can still be found beside the Puente The resort has continued to grow, despite the B and C-list, if you like. Romano hotel and the baths still 2008 crash that brought Spain to its knees. However, they are not to be stand in Guadalmina. In part, this due to the current town hall which sniffed at... When the celebratWhen you tire of burning shoe leather, is working hard to do away with the corruption ed Essex soap opera TOWIE jump into a horse and carriage for a that plagued the city for years. staged a two-episode special town tour or bag a park bench in the With incredible nightlife, a blossoming arts in Marbella in 2015, internet green shade of one of its exquisite scene, and the best food in the region, the party hotel bookings rocketed by public gardens. La Constitucion park is only getting better in Marbella.. 72%. and the Alameda Gardens are parBut this is anything but the ticularly lovely, the latter always brimbest of Marbella… ming with locals and surrounded by Scratch the surface and you’ll great cafes and bars. find a Roman settlement From here, you can walk down to the drenched in history, epitobeach through Avenida del Mar, remised by its enchanting old splendent with five statues by iconic town. Spanish artist Salvador Dali who was This ancient walled town rea regular visitor. (Don’t miss the Cutains nearly all of its original deca charity shop on the left, halfway 16th century layout, even down, for second-hand designer lathough chichi art galleries, fab bels!) tapas bars and artisan fashion This beauty is the unsung hero of and ice cream shops populate Marbella, a city brimming with more its cobbled streets today. natural wonders than its tabloid imWhether you are thirsting for age suggests. There is tropical greenhistory or only a drink, Orange ery everywhere and its beaches are Square, named for its abunsome of the best in Andalucia. dance of orange trees, will Boasting 27 kilometres of coastline, oblige in either case. San Pedro and Puerto Banus both Enclosed by an 11th century proudly fly the prestigious Blue Flag, Arab wall, the showpiece of an award given to the best beaches the square is the 16th cenby the Foundation for Environmental tury Old Governor’s House, VISITOR: Michelle Obama Education. which dates back to the 16th This garden of Eden has also bloscentury. A tourist hotspot, the square’s bars and restaurants charge a little somed into a gourmet paradise. Marbella glitters with the highest concentration of Michelin more but it’s worth it for the ambience.

From Page 17

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Marbella’s sibling San Pedro is sporting a sassy new identity that is as distinct from her glitzy sibling as Hove is from Brighton, writes Laurence Dollimore

Big sister

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Olive press_April 2013_120x145.indd 1

HERE snarled lines of traffic once backed up along the coast road, a striking urban boulevard sprouting trendy pavement cafes has reclaimed the once maligned San Pedro de Alcantara. With a skating rink, a skate park and a hat trick of new children’s play parks, the seaside town is unrecognisable from a few years back. The town’s head-turning new footbridge with its serpentine coils, is doing for San Pedro what the Golden Gate did for San Francisco. Just 10km west of Marbella, ‘San Peds’ has been reborn over the last decade. But some things have never changed in the 15 years I have been visiting the town. The evenings still see veteran San Pedranos gather on shaded benches around St Peter’s statue, outside the parish church; the traditional Saturday market remains a weekly highlight; and you can bet your bottom centimo the pavement cafes and ice cream parlours are heaving on Sunday nights. What has kept San Pedro special has been its ability to hang on to its Spanish persona in the face of massive investment from Marbella Town Hall - nearly €100 million. The new central boulevard, crowned by its snaking pedestrian bridge, has turned the town from an also-ran suburb into a spanking new social hub where whole families come to skate on the all-weather artificial ice rink and

LOCATION: Seaside walking enjoy the regular food truck festivals. Office workers make a beeline for its congenial cocktail bars on Friday nights. Other welcome upgrades include the €85 million tunnel diverting dangerous high-speed traffic below the town centre, and a muchneeded underground car park. New investment is also seeing the centre of town part-pedestrianised. “San Pedro really does have it all,” says Sean Woolley, 47, CEO of Cloud Nine Properties, who has run his company from town for 15 years.

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ANGULAR: The rolling curves of the bridge over San Pedro boulevard and (right) its church “The new boulevard and urban park have become a magnet for new restaurants and bars and it has created a place that now offers something for everyone,” he says proudly. “There is this charm and tradition of a typical Spanish town fused with trendy and cosmopolitan additions, from organic cafes to lively wine bars. When you couple this with its sandy beaches and fabulous promenade, San Pedro is pretty much perfect.” Beneath the glitzy exterior, San Pedranos are as friendly and unassuming as they were in their 19th century farming days. And if anything is a reminder of those rustic origins, it’s San Pedro’s resident pig! On any given Sunday this sociable creature and town mascot can be seen strolling around its new neighbourhood, uttering contented grunts of approval. Central to its evolution has been its bustling beach promenade that links seamlessly to Banus and Marbella, putting the town on the map for cyclists, joggers and walkers. Its beaches fly the prestigious blue flag, the worldwide standard of excellence, while chic chiringuitos like Macaao and Guayaba are hotspots for the cool and hip. The once-barren wasteland between the boulevard and the ocean now sports shops, restaurants, residential communities and world class amenities like Nueva Alcantara paddle and tennis club, which hosts regular international tournaments. “I adore it here, you feel like you are in the

Star town

JUST a stone's throw away from Marbella's Golden Mile sits the luxurious urbanisation of Guadalmina. It's just five minutes from Puerto Banus and ten minutes from Marbella, while the charming old pueblo of San Pedro is a short walk away. The development may have a tranquil exterior but don't be fooled, it can still pack quite the

FAMOUS FACES: Spotted in Guadalmina

real Spain,” raves 39-year-old San Pedro newcomer Debbie Lush. “You are so close to Marbella and Estepona but without the madness and business of Puerto Banus, it’s perfect. “You can walk to the beach, cycle to Marbella and there are so many good places to eat, you have everything on your doorstep,” she adds. Like most locals, these days, she’s proud to tell anyone who asks that, no, she’s not Marbelli - she’s ‘Sanpedreño, actually’.

punch. When you're done sunning by the pool, try a round of golf at its sprawling 18-hole course, or get your kicks down at its famous cable ski where thrillseekers are thrust around a scenic lake on a pair of skis or wakeboard. The quality of its restaurants has also sky-rocketed over the last ten years. Boasting almost 20, the variety ranges from the unrivalled Argentinian steak house La Rosa to the longest-standing spot for a traditional English breakfast, Tricky Ricky's. Pop over the road from the restaurant front and you'll find Guadalmina Baja, home to huge villas which wouldn't look out of place in Beverly Hills. If you're there at the right time, you might even spot a celeb ex-Spanish Prime Minister Jose Aznar is often seen jogging with his four brooding bodyguards, while the Princess of Monaco is also rumoured to live close by. The food is exquisite, the scenery is stunning and everything you need is right on your doorstep.

Open every day from 13.00-23.00

Call for take away tel. 952 785 257 Avda. Luis Braille 20, San Pedro www.gourmetburger.com

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HETHER it was Diana Dors or Sean Connery, Ava Gardner or Audrey Hepburn, James Hunt or Rod Stewart, none would have come to Marbella without the influence of Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe. For the German aristocrat was the svengali with the necessary capital to turn the dusty village into a highfalutin millionaires’ playground to rival the likes of Cannes and Deauville, in France. It was in 1947 that the charismatic playboy had been sent to the coast by his father Prince Maximilian to purchase some land. The family already had business interests in southern Spain, particularly in Malaga. The 23-year-old was told to hook up with his eccentric uncle Ricardo Soriano, who had been eulogising about the merits of the coast for a number of years. A huge fan of watersports, Soriano especially liked powerboat racing and lived an enviable bohemian life. He was soon chaperoning his nephew up and down the coast in his vintage Rolls-Royce looking for land. The bilingual Alonso – who was a keen painter - was immediately taken by what he saw in Marbella. Sheltered by the dramatic Sierra Blanca and with crystal-clear waters just a stone’s throw away, the savvy prince immediately saw a wealth of opportunities. He ordered his father to sell off his wine cellars in Malaga and began developing his now seminal Marbella Club hotel, which opened in 1954. But that was not enough and the well-connected prince soon embarked on a European-wide campaign to convince all his high-flying friends that Marbella, not San Sebastian or Cannes, was the only place to be.

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Despite revelling in its exclusive status, the Marbella Club was anything but formal. “At dinner everybody arrived with a dinner jacket, but I said ‘Stop! This is not the Marbella way! You only

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Stardust memories

The Olive Press looks back at the lives of the aristocrats and celebrities that turned a small fishing village into a glitzy, star-studded resort for the ‘jet set’

FILLING HIS BOOTS: Sean Connery and Jackie Lane

STARS: Sinatra and Ava Gardner flew in

wear a dinner jacket on New Year’s Eve,” recalled Alfonso. As the inspired prince’s creation boomed, so did Marbella and its surrounding hillsides. New restaurants, bars and sports clubs began sprouting up as the Costa del Sol quickly entered its so-called golden

era. Developers included Jose Banus, who built Puerto Banus marina and King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, who built a white palace (still there today) that is modelled on both the White House and a mosque. The likes of multi-millionaire arms

Place to be

And his campaign worked with the grand families of central Europe, including the Bismarcks, Rothschilds and Metternichs, coming to see what the fuss was about. A string of celebrities followed suit, with actresses including Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, photographer Patrick Lichfield, footballer George Best, model Brigitte Bardot, and Rolling Stone Bryan Jones joining the in-crowd. Even British aristocracy got in on the act, with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Edward and Mrs Simpson) visiting the hotel. “The people I met in Hollywood, in New York, and in Europe, they were the roots, the bridge that brought people to Marbella… who made Marbella,” explained Alfonso. Marbella took pride in being cut off from the hectic, stressful and often scary modern world. Indeed, news of the Cuban Missile Crisis did not reach the resort until it was over. “Everybody had the most gorgeous parties when the rest of the world was trembling that World War III was starting,” explains Count Rudi Schonburg, a former manager of Marbella Club. Coining the nickname the ‘King of Clubs’, Alfonso’s reputation quickly preceded himself and he soon opened up a disco which got the club swinging every Tuesday and Friday nights.

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ON THE BALL: George Best spent time in Marbella

Built by Romans...

MARBELLA began its life as a town in the seventh century BC, when it was a Roman settlement called ‘Salduba’. This is also the name of a well known bar at the entrance to Puerto Banus that has been there for centuries too. Meanwhile an original Roman bridge (above) still stands surreally in the middle of the Puente Romano Hotel and a few kilometres away is the restored Roman villa at Rio Verde with its beautiful mosaics. A sleepy town during the period of AlAndalus, Marbella was retaken by Christians in 1485. The Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) has been the focal point of the town since then and the town hall is still located there today.

dealer Adnan Khashoggi (who formerly owned La Zagaleta, Spain´s most expensive urbanisation) were able to dock their luxury yachts in the port. “Thanks to my initiative, Marbella’s Golden Mile alone now provides 60,000 jobs,” Alfonso once said. While his friends called him the ‘King of Clubs’ or the ‘Little Prince’, locals came to know him affectionately as Ole-Ole, because of his difficult to pronounce surname. Yet as the Costa del Sol dream began to spiral into uncontrollable development, Alfonso became aware of the monster he had helped stir. Concrete towers were sprouting up as far as the eye could see, from Malaga all the way down to Estepona, almost 100 kilometres away. Worse still, wanted British criminals began to take advantage of a lack of an extradition treaty between England and Spain. This influx of crooks and subsequent crime left the idealistic Alfonso disillusioned with the vision of rich grandeur he once envisaged for Marbella. After growing weary of the mass

tourism that was lowering the tone of his town, he sold up all his Marbella business interests in 1978 in search of a new vision. Entering his 60s, the prince settled in his last home with his third wife Marilys Haynes, a Gibraltarian divorcee. He plumped for a mountain retreat, in the hills close to Ronda, with a trout lake, partridge wood and an impressive library. And the ever-inventive Alfonso decided on another successful business pursuit – producing the soonto-be award-winning wine Principe Alfonso. And it was nestled in the heartland of Andalucia, close to the sleepy village of Arriate, where Alfonso finally found true happiness before passing away, leaving his estate to his children, in 2003. “I have lived in castles, in Venetian palaces and the world’s finest hotels. I have watched the sun rise over the beaches of five continents and I have looked into the eyes of the most beautiful women of the universe,” he famously remarked. “Everywhere I sought my dreamedof city and at last I have found it in Ronda.”

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The team at Hairworx have taken a shortcut to success with a fabulous new salon

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arbella

Location, locat on

T is definitely a shortcut to success. The popular team at Hairworx have set up a fabulous new salon, opposite La Sala restaurant and next to the new La Caixa bank. The group of hairdressers, barbers and beauticians have the perfect dedicated space, nearer than ever to the heart of Puerto Banus. Here at the Centro Comercial Iberico, you will find manager Victoria, a trained physiotherapist, masseur and nail artist, Fatima and Laura, the hairdressers, Raisa, the barber, Karima, in charge of pedicures and waxing, Alla, a genius with acrylic nail extensions and, of course, Nina, the friendly receptionist. Most of them have been working for Hairworx for years and continue to work with their long-term existing clients. The salon was set up five years ago by owner Sue Laird, a dynamic expat, who previously ran a successful employment agency in Ab-

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erdeen, filling both offshore and onshore jobs. She and her long-term partner John fell in love with the Marbella area two decades ago, when they bought their home in La Quinta. “I had really come here to retire, but I saw an opportunity with the first salon by the H10 hotel,” she explains. “And it really took off from then.” Hairworx has grown in popularity since opening and now works with many leading brands, including Wella, Redken, Tanino and L’Oreal. The team offers nail art with Shellac, luxury pedicures, threading and waxing, HD Brows, make up and acrylic and gel extensions. And naturally they cut hair… and very well!

FRIENDLY WELCOME: Some of the team at Hairworx

POLE POSITION: The team in front of new home at CC Iberico, plus doing their business

Come and visit the new team beside Noche and la Caixa bank in CC Iberica. Phone 952929387 for appointments.

HAIRWORX H A I R , B E A U T Y, N A I L S & L A S H E S

WE HAVE RE-LOCATED TO CENTRO COMMERCIAL IBERICO, NUEVA ANDALUCIA!

Acrylic & Gel Extensions Nail Art with Shellac • Luxury Pedicures Threading/Waxing • HD Brows • Make-Up

Centro Commercial Iberica (Opposite La Sala) Avda. de Manolete Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella tel: (+34) 952 929 387

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No need for alarm

Linea Invest has an international team that understand the myriad of issues involved in buying or selling in Marbella, writes Jon Clarke

T is very much on the front line in the heart of Marbella. Nearly a decade old, the team at Linea Invest have an enviable position on the Golden Mile between Puerto Banus and Marbella old town. Set up nine years ago by Russian economist Luba Sobinova, the team specialise in all aspects of property around Marbella. Whether you are looking for a bargain twobedroom apartment in Banus or a massive villa in the Sierra Blanca hills, the team of eight will be able to help you. With a solid mix of international clients, from as far and wide as Belgium and Italy, Ireland and Russia, they have a wealth of experience of dealing with different nationalities. And as director Luba began life in a legal firm in Marbella three years before setting up her agency, she understands well all the intricacies and issues involved. “There are so many grey areas and issues that always come up,” explains Luba, who speaks good English as well as German and studied economics at Volgograd University. “There are new laws coming in all the time and the only fully legal town plan goes back to 1986, so technically there are thousands of illegal properties in Marbella and every-

SALES on the Costa del Sol have fallen for the first time since 2011, but there is nothing to worry about, insists MarVilla next to The Westin La Quinta bella’s leading agent. Golf Resort & Spa 5-star hotel According to Panorama’s annual Property Market report, Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís collectively saw a drop of 5.97% on the official index of sales in 2016 compared to 2015. But the in-depth report, written by director Christopher Clover, says the decrease is perfectly normal after so many years of increasing sales following the 2008 financial crash. “Since 2012, most of the distressed properties have been sold, even though there remain some excellent bargains in all price categories and in most areas,” explains Clover, whose agency has been established for nearly five decades. “The majority of buyers who had waited so long were finally able to buy confidently and at exceptional prices,” he writes in his report. “Now that the dust has settled, the volume of sales has naturally readjusted to the figures we saw in the pre-crisis years of 2007.” Panorama, an official associate of Savills, opened its first office in Marbella in 1970 with Chris taking the helm in 1973. It is now run in collaboration with his children Alex and Katinka. GOLF VALLEY

Ref: OP9720

Bright and spacious 5-bedroom family home with beautiful mature garden and pool. Located in La Quinta with all the hotel’s facilities at hand and within a short drive to Puerto Banús. Competitively priced.

one knows that is not the case. “What we always do is study each property on its own and work out how to deal with the issues,” she adds. “I know the legal system in Spain very well and all the various local laws and paperwork issues, which really helps our clients.” A big fan of the Marbella lifestyle, she loves its location and environment. “The quality of life is perfect, there is little traffic and there are great doctors and dentists, plus 14 private schools, lots of beauty clinics and good shopping. It is also very clean,” explains Luba, who lives in Nueva Andalucia. “There are also many cultural activities and events, such as Starlite and art exhibitions.” She also likes its location near to Tarifa, a place she loves visiting when she gets time at weekends. “I am a big fan of Spain in general but in particular Ibiza and I definitely prefer Madrid to Barcelona,” she continues. Her team includes British agent Tia WattRoy, who grew up in Andalucia, as well as Olga, Natalia, Nellya and Slava. Contact the office on 952828129 or at Blvd del Príncipe Alfonso Hohenlohe, Edif Milla de Oro, local 3. www.lineainvest.com

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NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Ref: OP9651

Stylish 3-bedroom townhouse with mountain views, close to amenities and walking distance to Puerto Banús and the beach. Private garage.

GOLDEN MILE

Ref: OP9806

Built: 80 m² Terrace: 42 m² Price: € 399,000

Rustic-style 3-bedroom, south-facing townhouse in Lomas Pueblo. Walking distance to the beach and the Puente Romano Hotel.

Built: 110 m² Terrace: 15 m² Price: € 280,000

5-bedroom villa next to Centro Plaza, walking distance to Puerto Banús. Sea views, guest apartment, fireplace, 2-car garage and garden.

Ref: OP9736

Bright 2-bedroom ground-floor apartment in a gated complex, beautiful gardens and pool. Only a few minutes’ walk to the beach and amenities!

Built: 279 m² Plot: 796 m² Price: € 899,000

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Built: 164 m² Plot: 100 m² Price: € 490,000

Ref: OP9830

Built: 327 m² Plot: 812 m² Price: € 1,250,000

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es

An International Associate of Savills

THE TEAM: At La Linea Invest

www.theboardwalkmarbella.com | Media@TheBoardwalkMarbella.com | Tel: 952 864 736

Regulated by RICS

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OU only need to take a look at the most recent Michelin guide to realise quite how important dining is to Marbella. No less than half of the Michelin starred restaurants in Andalucia can be found in the town, with its wunderkind Dani Garcia garnering two with his eponymous own name joint on the Golden Mile. El Lago, Messina and Skina make up the list with each offering their own unique blend of cooking. “We keep getting better and better here and pushing the boundaries,” Garcia himself explained to me. “And I expect it to continue.” And that is very much the story, as the town has one of the largest variety of top eateries in Spain. There are over 100 different nationalities cooking in Marbella, from leading Japanese places like Nobu and Takumi to excellent Ban Thai. And then you have some excellent beach restaurants, such as Bono Beach (www.bonobeachmarbella.com), La Sala by the Sea, Boardwalk and Casanis Plage. Another restaurateur who shows no signs of slowing down is Ian Radford, boss of the La Sala group, who opened his fantastic Oak restaurant last year, and has just opened his hip Mahiki beach this week. The original La Sala (www. lasalabanus.com) on the way up to the Nueva Andalucia bull ring is, without a doubt, the

M The real stars! June 21st - July 4th 2017

arbella

Marbella is the true foodie capital of Andalucia, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

ROMANCE: At Casanis most famous Marbella restaurant abroad. This is a must-visit for any holiday to Marbs and a huge hit for 'ladies who lunch', not to mention movers and shakers, celebrities, footballers and the wealthy empresarios who make Marbella what it is.

An emporium of glass and seductive lighting, its real strength though, lies in its wood-decked terrace, that is serves as the ideal tourist sundeck. But, let’s not forget the food, which has so far never let me down. Whether you are after meaty fare (ribs, burgers, etc) or fish dishes and seafood, you are always well catered for and there is always a contemporary twist. But if you are looking for some romance, you need to head into the heart of Marbella old town, where you are literally spoilt for choice for excellent places to eat. One of the most celebrated is Belgian-run Casanis (www. casanis.es), where boss Guy Sirre has been constantly evolving for the last decade and now runs no less than FOUR restaurants in Marbella (see article on page 28). Its head chef Fabian Cangas

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June 21st - July 4th 2017 has been at the helm since day one, but frequently takes time out to train at different restaurants around the world. Now in charge of around 20 chefs at Casanis and nearby sister Italian restaurant Cafe Flore, he has brought in plenty of new ideas, picked up on his travels. His attention to detail and passion for food is immediately obvious, with a broad and inspiring menu, always including specials of the day. Using as much local produce as possible from his daily trips to the local markets, Fabian knocks up fabulously fresh dishes. Even better, the restaurant now has its own nearby organic huerta from where, in season, they can get 25 to 30% of their fresh produce.

OUTDOOR DELIGHT: At Cibo on the golden mile Another continually improving restaurant is Cibo, on the Golden Mile, which is beauti-

Getting fresh

IT describes itself as an ‘urban-style’ cafe with a cool country feel. Tomate, which now has four locations in Marbella, bases its success on ‘fresh fun food’, made with the all-important ingredient of love. Tomate is great for a healthy breakfast - think wholesome natural juices, pretty poached eggs, oat pancakes and toast. For lunch and dinner, choose from fresh in-house burgers made with the best quality meat, or mouthwatering chicken and lamb, incredible baguettes, home-made soups and more. There are ever-changing dishes of the day, and for those with a sweet tooth, there’s a whole world of homemade desserts to discover. Between their two Puerto Banus locations, they are open for 24 hours, so if it’s a quick stop to get the party going or to aid recovery from a late night, Tomate is the place to go.

fully decorated and has a great menu. Owned by the capable Metro Group (Joys, Jacks, Mumtaz, Metro, etc), it is excellent value and a romantic spot for dining out. On the beach near Marbella old town you will find Boardwalk (www.theboardwalkmarbella.com), which offers casual beachside dining in contemporary surroundings. Run by British businesswoman Kara Caradas the place gets more popular by the year and is busy from breakfast to dinner with a range of great fresh dishes. They organised plenty of charity events, including Ascot Day, this week, raising money for Amusuvig, a charity for victims of domestic violence.

Meanwhile the long-standing Cafe de Ronda (www.cafederonda.es) in Marbella town centre is the place to have a great coffee with a homemade pastry, then later fresh tapas or a fuller lunch or supper. Open from 8am, it has delicious Eggs Benedict and superb fresh fruit salads. Up in San Pedro you will be spoilt for choice, but really look out for Macaao, which really stands out as a special place to visit. Set up by Belgian Michel Dhondt, who heralds from a long line of restaurant owners and trained with Alain Ducasse on the Cote d’Azur. Open all year, it concentrates on fresh, seasonal ingredients and there are always loads of specials, including, no surprises, mussels, as well as oysters, shrimp croquettes and ceviche. Also in San Pedro is the very elegant L’Impronta, an upmarket Italian joint, run by capable Francisco Vacas, who actually heralds from Cordoba. Finally another man helping to change the face of San Pedro is Malcolm Spendlove, who has been at the helm of the ever popular Passion Cafe (www. passioncafe.eu) for the last 16 years and now heads up one of the coast’s best hamburger joints, Mr Gourmet Burger (www.mrgourmetburger.com) on the boulevard. It counts on 100% beef burgers, halal too, while Kids are encouraged to make their own 'Junior G' burgers in 'four easy steps'.

THEATRE: Federico knocks up a splendid carbonara at Cafe Flore

Order the special set menu, compromising a fresh green salad, prime entrecote steak accompanied by the tasty ‘sauce originale’ and french fries

You no longer need to travel to Paris to enjoy this amazing dish Calle Ramón Gómez de la Serna, 23 29600 Marbella, Malaga

facebook: tomatefreshfunfood

Phone: (+34) 952 90 08 99 Monday to Saturday 8.30am-11pm

SAN PEDRO C/Cordoba 15 - 951 196 494 MARBELLA AV. Ricardo Soriano - 952 968 253 PUERTO BANUS C/Ribera (Second Line) 951 279 334 TAKE-AWAY BANUS In front of PYR Hotel Plaza Antonio Banderas - 952 636 923

M Grand cru Andaluz

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ERENADED by a group of travelling troubadours the diners in the square outside La Tapa couldn’t be happier. A more Andalucian scene you could not conjure up, with the trio of palm trees soaring over the plaza with its twinkling fountain and chapel at one end. This is the latest addition to the Casanis stable, a group of four restaurants, that shouts out style and quality. Set up and run by Belgium owner Guy Sirre, 50, it has the inimitable style of the other

TEAM: Fabi right at Casanis

214 Casanis.indd 1

BiSTROT CASANiS

The hippest restaurant group in Marbella has grown again with La Tapa. Review by Jon Clarke

three eateries in the group, Casanis, Casanis Plage and Cafe Flore. The setting is complemented by a simple, but inspiring menu that takes in an original range of dishes from sweetbreads to lamb

CAFÉ FLORE À L’iTALiENNE

The Original

From our garden to your plate

C/Ancha 8 (Casco Antiguo Marbella) tel . 952 900 450 www.casanis.es

chops. The gyozas served in a lettuce leaf with fresh mint were a real winner, while Guy’s very own cheese croquette recipe, which he mastered at the age of 10 back home, come with fried parsley and truly melt in the mouth. “It keeps going onwards and upwards,” explains Sirre, 50, who arrived in Marbella nearly two decades ago, via a career straddling Michelin-starred restaurants in France, London and San Francisco, not to mention a stint with the Sultan of Brunei. The entrepreneur has worked hard to create the perfect vibe at each restaurant and is constantly refining his cuisine, looking for new recipes and getting his hands dirty in the kitchen. His flagship restaurant Casanis is, without

Plz/Puente de Ronda 5 (Casco Antiguo Marbella) tel . 952 770 535 www.cafeﬂore.es

BOSS: Guy at La Tapa with musicians

A S AN IS

Restaurants

de Coeur

FAMiLY

a doubt, one of Marbella's leading joints, where diners include leading politicians and celebrities such as Hugh Grant. Set around a typical Andalucian townhouse – in an evocative patio or on the wonderful terrace outside – there is a very distinct ambience at work. Its head chef ‘Fabi’ Cangas has been at the helm since day one and runs a tight ship, also looking after the team at the fast improving Cafe Flore nearby. Another charming spot, you really must try the highly original Spaghetti Carbonara, which is conjured up for you by genius Federico (see pic on page 31), using grappa flambeed in a half parmesan before being served with parsley and ‘guanciale’, pig's’ cheeks imported from Italy. Finally, La Plage Casanis, in Elviria, has just been rebuilt after winter storms left it in tatters. It is very epitome of cool and has a menu that even rivals the mothership. Plus you are sitting right on the beach.

LA PLAGE CASANiS LA TAPA

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Plz/Santo Cristo 6 (Casco Antiguo Marbella) tel . 952 901 040 latapacasanis@gmail .com

The place to be

Urb. Coto chico 4D, El viria-Marbella tel . 952 837 862 www.laplagecasanis.com STYLISH: Inside La Tapa and (above) croquettes

26/05/2017 11:59

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arbella

June 21st - July 4th 2017

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Four generations dedicated to the real estate profession Established in Marbella in 1970 27 highly experienced professionals, speaking 13 languages A portfolio of more than 1,000 exceptional properties Specialists in Marbellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden Mile and the greater Marbella area Exclusive associate of Savills for Marbella, Estepona, y BenahavĂs Regulated by RICS Offices at Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa and opposite the Marbella Club hotel

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An International Associate of Savills

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Castle+TheolivepressEs built for a princess on sale for €38 BE ‘APPY! million

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Booming July predicted following ‘pause’ in run-up to EU referendum Special report by Iona Napier

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 behind Real Capital Solutions 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.

June 21st - July 4th 2017

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“We have spent around €86 million here so far and have a fund of €100 million to spend,” explained Managing Partner Peter Wells, based in Colorado. “We are one of the largest developers on the Costa del Sol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.” He added: “Also we do things transparently and always try and deliver on price and quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying and selling distressed properties in the US - has 16 staff working out of its office at Centro Plaza. Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting to come alive and it’s a pleasure to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

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ESTATE agents in Spain and Gibraltar are lining themselves up for the busiest July on record. It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23. Most agents the Olive Press spoke to confirmed they had various sales currently ‘paused’ awaiting the result, despite the British market remaining strong. The majority believe that the expected result - to stay in Europe - will lead to the pound strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow. Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the referendum lead up as a ‘pause for thought for British buyers’ due to 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 extra staff for July. Savills director Sammy Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on hold due to Brexit, but I am convinced we will stay in Europe and am taking on extra staff in July to deal with the expected deluge of business.” Benahavis agent Scott Marshall of Proper-

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

Where is Gillian buying?

PAGE 19

Where are the coolest Airbnbs?

33 33

PAGE 24

Deals

Spanish property sales by nationality and quarter

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com Source: Registradores

Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2013 Q4 2013 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016

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 Stucklin insists that foreign demand for Spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter with Brits the biggest group of foreign buyers at 22% of the market share. “The British still dominate the foreign market for property and there is no evidence of a noticeable decline in demand as yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone is suffering. One agent, Graham Govier of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. Prices are extremely cheap right now and we are selling two times as many properties as we were last year,” he said. He added: “My salesman Paul - already a bit of a local celebrity - has just completed his seventh consecutive sale and people are buying because they can see that the incredible deals won’t wait around for them forever,” he added. Paul made headlines in the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.

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IT’S the fairytale Spanish villa that was fit for a princess. The Mallorcan Castle, a favourite of a young Lady Diana Download when she our holidayed app now and on the island, is on the begin enjoying bestmilSpanish market for a cool the €38 newsEngel on the go. lion with & Volkers. The idyllic mansion near Port Andratx boasts a swimming pool, seven bedrooms and bathrooms, a billiards room, piano lounge and sauna.

Majestic The Olive Press

Ready to Sell?

Think you’re ready? Not if you don’t have the right paperwork sorted!

hen Survey Spain is asked to carry out a pre-acquisition survey of a property, it's usually after it's been marketed for some time and been inspected by the potential buyer at least twice. There will have been others looking round the property, reading the agent's details, driving round the neighbourhood and selecting lawyers and estate agents. The house will have been cleaned and tidied again and again, and there may even have been a home stager employed to bring the property to a decorative state where it is attractive to most. There will have been agents spending hours describing all the property’s features in ‘breathless’ prose and they and friends advising on the price. The sellers, in between cleaning and tidying the house once again, will spend sleepless nights worrying, “will we, won’t we”, over a hundred minor and major decisions. So, all should be perfect when we come along. I don’t mean the condition of the house as, except for the minor points, that’s usually on the basis of ‘what you see is what you get’, and hopefully the surveyor won’t see too much wrong. No, I’m thinking of essential paperwork items. What’s brought it sharply to mind is a valuation I’ve just completed, where the house is being offered for sale for many millions. It's been on the market for ages. I wonder why? Physically, it's in great shape. Yes, a little damp here and there, but that’s par for the course. Surely it couldn’t be that on the nota simple it's stated to be single storey, 700 sq m, whilst it's actually two storeys

Property of the Week

Fuente de Piedra, Malaga - TH3385 59.950€

One of the three suites in the main house is named for news in Spain! after TOP Diana, who spent various summers holidaying here before she married Prince Charles. A private docking area can hold a yacht of 30 metres in length or, if you prefer to drive, Palma is a mere 20-minute spin away Nestled within beautiful STUNNING: Sprawling pad was a favourite of Princess Diana’s gardens the villa offers panoramic views of the space, with a private celler The nearby villages of The castle is just a short majestic Mediterranean nearby. Andratx, Sant Elm and drive away from the surcoastline. An open-air dining room S’Arraco offer scenic views rounding beaches and golf It’s 6,000-square-metre is the perfect spot to while across the Sierr a courses. plot comes with 1,097 away the long summer T r a m u n t a n a square metres of living evenings. Contact: Engel & Volkmountains. ers, +34 971 674780

Property June 21st - July 4th 2017 Roll on Find our bi-monthly Remain Property magazine online at www.theolivepress.es

13 11+

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ALL PROPERTY MATTERS BUILDING SURVEYORS & VALUERS BYRICS CAMPBELL FERGUSON

For peace of mind follow these property buying rules

plus basement and over 1,500 sqProperty m? Find Your The mortgage valuer has to value to the lesser of the title area or the actual size, so any mortgage offer will beInstruct based onInstruct a Building Surveyor Lawyer property half the actual size. Or perhaps it’s that no paperwork is provided to show that the property has perBuy with missions for the extra area and, toKnowledge make & Confidence matters worse, much of the garden and pool is within the Ley de Costas restricted use zone! The absence +34 of952a923 decennial 520 admin@surveyspain.com structural insurance policy for the buildsurveyspain.com ing additions, which means that the property can’t be sold without it until 10 years after the work! Or even that the mandatory energy certificate isn’t available, which automatically means large fines for the owner and agent if the authorities happen to look at the marketing of the property? What are the owners and agents thinking? It will take months to sort out the paperwork on all of these and if they do have a potential buyer prepared to wait, their offer to buy will be subject to getting the title registered and that will only happen when all the papers are in place. So, the buyer will look around at all the alternatives and it's probable that they’ll decide on somewhere else where they can buy now, cleanly and sure of what they are getting, rather than their dream house as described above. So, before primping up the house to sell, make sure that all the paperwork is in place. Yes, it will cost to do so, but it's going to have to be done anyway before a sale, and the expenses running costs, interest and tears as yet another buyer walks away are all avoided.

Contact Campbell and the team on +34 952 923 520 or email info@surveyspain.com

Connect with us!

Sales slump House sales have fallen in Andalucia by 10.8%. A total of 5,970 properties were sold in April of this year, a 10.8% fall compared to the same month last year. According to the National Statistics Institute, these figures are a steeper decline than the national average, which saw sales fall by 8.6% to 32,227. Despite the large drop, Andalucia still tops the charts for house sales, closely followed by Catalonia on 5,289.

Barcelo Boom THE Barcelo hotel group is to expand in Andalucia. The company will implement four brands in the region, where it has already invested €50 million in the past five years. The four brands, Royal Hideaway, Barceló, Occidental and Allegro, appeal to different target markets. Barcelo now intends to invest €5 million in Sevilla, as well as renovate the 300 existing hotels currently in the region. The group already employs 2,600 people across Andalucia, and expects that to grow 10% in the next few years.

This 3 bed, 2 bath property is a short walk from the town square local shops, bars and restaurants. The house has a gated entrance for secure off road parking and access to a private patio area at the front and rear.

tel: +34 952 741 525 Calle de la Villa 14, 29532, Mollina, Malaga info@inlandandalucia.com www.inlandandalucia.com

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Registering your rental property is more important now than ever

AILURE to register your rental property could cost you €150,000. It comes after new regulations came into force across Andalucia last year, requiring every prospective landlord to apply for a VFT number. Those renting on a shortterm basis without the number could lose their licence to rent.

Property

June 21st - July 4th 2017 June 21st - July 4th 2017

Roll call!

Illegal

“They would be breaking the law,” explains Emma Holland, founder of Short Term Rental Advisers. “It’s really important to make sure you are registered properly as these fines are real and are already being imposed. “The Junta have special teams checking utility bills, tax payments, Airbnb and more to root out anyone who is not on the register.” Emma founded her company just six months ago with qualified legal expert Luis Sanchez after the pair noticed many properties in the region still weren’t legally registered. “Even if you’re renting for one month you need to apply and register for a num-

INSPECTORS: From Junta are checking utility bills and Airbnb

ber.” Director Emma is hoping to raise aware-

ness to the many homeowners who may still not be aware of the rule changes. The pair can register your

property speedily and have already helped 100 property owners get their VFT number since beginning operations a

month ago. “We are not a real estate or rental company so we are not in competition with them, we just want to provide the best service possible for homeowners.” The dynamic duo are setting up shop in Mijas and are catering to all homeowners in Andalucia. “We can get you registered within a month, which is fast considering going it alone can usually take around six months,” says Emma. “Luis’s legal background means we can draw up contracts and legal documents in Spanish a lot quicker, and having registered so many properties we know all the tried and tested methods and what needs to be done and when.” But if you would still rather do it yourself, Short Term Rentals Advisers will be there to help. “We can still provide homeowners with all the information they need, our website gives a comprehensive and easily accessible rundown of what they will need to and how best to do it.” The site, which took Emma months to create, doubles as an encyclopedia of legal knowledge and a succinct how-to guide for registering your property. For more information visit www.shorttermrentaladvisers.com

AGONY Property ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Banc-no Popular

ack in 1993, the London-based Up to 300,000 Banco IBCA rating company, later absorbed by Fitch Ratings Inc., Popular shareholders to sue hailed Banco Popular as the most profitable bank in the world, for for their lost investment a fifth time in a row. And Just over a year ago, the bank issued €2.5 billion worth of new shares, subscribed by both consumers and institutions investors. Fast forward 24 years from the heyday of the bank and it is worth exactly €1, to the dismay and horror of hundreds of thousands of shareholders who have lost everything, literally overnight, victims of a bank that suffered terminally from the uncontrolled lend- law firms (larger firms are always on ing that financed the previous con- banks’ payrolls) are lining up to grab a struction bubble. piece of the impending litigation cake. Santander Bank was ordered by the For its part, the largest Spanish conSingle Resolution Board sumer group OCU sent a (SRB) -an independent letter to the Bank of Spain agency set up by the Euroand the Ministry of Econopean Commission in 2015 my demanding that Popuand charged with winding lar’s 300,000 retail invesdown banks- to take over should have claims Something here tors Popular for a symbolic heard quickly, rather than price, €1, a rescue that the years that it normally has been free from cost takes to resolve. for Spanish taxpayers. And on the firing line But the terms of the takeSantander bank, universal over of Popular are likely successor of the disapto be challenged in court; whilst share- peared bank and the Spanish authoriholders dub the EU-sponsored opera- ties, allegedly responsible of a gross tion ‘expropriation’, ‘confiscation’ or supervisory failure to warn the public ‘daylight robbery’, several peripheral of this disaster.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com

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Great+TheolivepressEs expectations

THE BE Bank ‘APPY! of Spain has announced it expects the Spanish economy to grow 3.1% in 2017, above an earlier forecast in April of 2.8%. The central bank also bumped up its forecast for 2018 to 2.5% from a previous Download our app now and estimate of 2.2%. It said begin its projections enjoying the showed best Spanish that a ‘phase in news onof theexpansion’ go. the Spanish economy would extend. The Bank of Spain said it expected Spain's 2017 public deficit to be 3.2% of GDP and would fall below 3% after 2018.

June 21st - July 4th 2017

Smashing stereotypes ALMOST 60% of Spaniards never have a siesta. According to a recent survey by Simple Logica, just 18% will sometimes have a midday nap It comes after it was revealed that the Spanish spend far more time working than many of their counterparts in Europe.

Spanish multinationals to continue investing in UK despite Brexit

Dropped The Olive Press the ball

SPAIN-UK trade relations are only improving since last year’s Brexit referendum. Despite the pound’s depreciTOP for news in Spain! ation, Spanish exports to the UK reached a record high of CRISTIANO Ronaldo is being €19 billion in 2016. prosecuted for allegedly de- Meanwhile, a staggering one frauding Spanish authorities in four Brits came to Spain of €14.7 million between 2011 for their holidays, making and 2014. them the largest contributor Spain's prosecutor's office to the €77 billion the counsaid in a statement that the try made from its tourism Real Madrid forward had industry. knowingly used a 'business While Santander’s UK busistructure', set up in 2010, to ness saw net profit fall by hide his income connected to 14.7% due to the weaker the sale of image rights. pound, like most other mulAccording to the statement, it tinationals, it has not siginvolved a 'voluntary' failure nalled that it will decrease to comply with his tax obliga- its investments into the tions in Spain. country.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Main changes

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Spaniards rack up 1,691 hours at work each year while British workers do 1,674 annually and the Germans work just 1,371 hours per year. The figures counter stereotypes of the Spanish as being lazy or extremely laid back.

Business as usual The UK is still the number two destination for Spanish foreign investment, with Spain multinationals hold-

ing a €60 billion stock of investments in the country. Iberdrola chairman Ignacio Sánchez Galán has assured

June 21st - July 4th 2017

COMMERCIAL delivery times on Main Street have changed. Changes include a reduction in the hours commercial vehicles can deliver goods in the morning and a new evening slot. Loading and unloading zones, requiring specific permits, have also been designated.

Warning

that the company will continue to invest in Scottish Power and in the numerous projects underway in the UK. Ana Botin, who headed up Santander’s business in the UK (23% of total group net profit) before taking over from her father, stated she remains ‘as committed as always’ to this market. The same goes for Sabadell chairman Josep Oliu. He repeated the message: a risk in the short term, yes, but the trend will be positive in the medium and long-term.

THE Eurogroup of finance ministers may block an €8.5bn loan to Greece if it does not grant immunity to privatisation agency officials from Spain, Italy and Slovakia, Spanish Economy Minister Luis de Guindos has warned.

Five years SPANISH prosecutors have asked for former IMF chief Rodrigo Rato to be jailed for five years over the failed 2011 listing of Bankia, which had to be rescued by the state.

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June 21st - July 4th 2017 June 21st - July 4th 2017

Costa del Style Change your look at the recently opened New Styles salon in Arroyo de la Miel

Crash landing THE UK has three of the world’s worst airports, according to a new study. London Gatwick has been ranked as the second-worst in the world after Kuwait. The third-worst was Manchester, followed by Edinburgh at number five. Meanwhile, Spain’s Barcelona and Madrid airports ranked in the top 10, at seventh and eighth place respectively. Flight compensation company AirHelp ranked 76 airports by punctuality, quality and service, as well as over 130,000 tweets over three months of this year. Malaga was not analysed in the study, while Palma de Mallorca was ranked 40th. Singapore Changi Airport

UK airports among world’s worst while Spain’s feature in top ten

took the top spot, with an overall AirHelp Score of 9.07. The mega hub has long been

praised by travellers for its beautiful architecture, efficient operation, and luxurious amenities.

If you’re looking for Swedish or deep tissue massage, you won’t find many beauty salons in Arroyo de la Miel offering them. Seeing the gap in the market, Dublin expat Lynn Montgomery opened New Styles last September, just steps away from Benalmadena’s golden coast. Lynn and Tracy have more than 10 years experience on a variety of services ranging from manicures to facials to hairdressing under their belts, and that, along with their friendly attitude makes New Styles a popular haunt, most notably with Irish and English expats. “We have had a lot of support from the community. People just come in to say hello or wave to us through the window as they walk by, says Lynn.” Contact 952 64 33 09 or 603 137 670 for bookings.

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business

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High margins CANNABIS production in Spain is booming. The Spanish police took 379,846 plants out of the market in 2015, an amount only surpassed by those in the Netherlands and the UK, according to new data released by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). The surge is believed to be due to to a higher demand and prices. A gram can range from five to 25 euros while penalties are much lower than other drugs, appealing to criminal gangs looking to make

Spain becoming a leading grower of marijuana big money. While Spain has long been an entry point for cannabis resin, it is now increasing its own marijuana production to satisfy local and external demand. Seizures of cannabis plants grew by 53.6% between 2013 and 2014 and an extra 40.3% in 2015, the statistics show. “Cannabis resin has always been a very plentiful product in Spain, like in France, and Italy, and it is also the case that now the herb is

Great expectations SPAIN’S financial growth is exceeding expectations amidst ‘historic’ job creation. The Minister of Economy, Industury and Competitiveness, Luis de Guindos, claimed growth could exceed 0.8% during a forum in Madrid this month. He put this down to ‘historic’ job creation during April and June, as well as reforms implemented by the government. Despite this, unemployment remains above 18%.

Bank bargain SANTANDER has bought struggling rival Banco Popular for a nominal one euro after it was determined by European authorities that the bank is on the verge of insolvency. Santander – Spain’s biggest bank – will ask investors for around €7 billion of fresh capital to cover the cost of boosting Popular. Popular has come into trouble due to mounting risky prop-

erty loans worth billions of euros. The rescue is the first use of an EU regime to deal with failing banks, which was adopted after the 2008 financial crisis. Instead using taxpayers’ money to save the bank, the method imposes steep losses on shareholders and some creditors. The move has been described as ‘unexpected’.

more frequent that cannabis resin. So in this sense Spain is part of a general European trend”, said Laurent Laniel, a scientific analyst for drug supply reduction at the EMCDDA. “The growing of cannabis is becoming a business in many countries and Spain it seems is certainly one of those which has recently been taken in this movement very strongly”. Laniel added: “Most of the plants seized come from commercial plantations owned by people who are organised criminals...It seems that Spain is a particular target for these organisations.”

June 21st - July 4th 2017 June 21st - July 4th 2017

3737

education

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Repair Job ALMOST €200,000 of repair works are to be carried out on a middle school in Malaga. Over the next four months, the Secondary Education Manuel Romero de Villanueva de la Concepción will have the entire east wing redone to prevent damage caused by movement in local terrain. The building will also be waterproofed, as well as having cracks repaired. Around 175 students will benefit from the investment, which comes from the Andalucian Public Education Agency.

We care MALAGA is to inject €100,000 to support school children at risk of social exclusion. The city council will offer the grants to non-profit organisations across Malaga, with a total of €2,000 for each workshop. Groups may pitch two projects, with education tolerance, and social responsibility the key values required for the scheme. The council hopes the scheme will improve education standards.

June 21st - July 4th 2017 June 21st - July 4th 2017

Education, Education, Education Andalucian university students who pass every subject could have up to 99% of their fees paid by the Junta. The plans mean students will only pay for one year of their course, unless they already have a scholarship.

Academic in Spain announces book studying the effects of Brexit on British expats A SPANISH academic has launched a major new study into the effects of Brexit on British expats. Dr Joel Busher’s two-year project will document expats’ experiences throughout the process of Britain leaving the EU. “Lots of research is a oneoff and you meet people once and take you conclusions from that.” the Coventry University doctor, 37, told the Olive Press. “I’m trying to follow a pro-

The Andalucian government estimates the scheme could help more than 30,000 students, and at €29 million, it is just 2% of the region’s university budget. Prior to announcing the plans, Junta boss Diaz said she wanted ‘a university model that rewards effort and brings equality.’

Brexit project

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

cess and look at how people respond to the drift of information.” “Lots of interesting things are coming out about how people now feel about being British and Britain. “People aren’t really forced to think it except during World Cups and things like that.” Speaking at his home in Palma, he continued: “I’m most interested in how

British communities in Spain have responded collectively to Brexit.” The author behind 2015 book The Making of AntiMuslim Protest, which examined the English Defence League’s (EDL) grassroots, added: “How the campaign group Brexpats in Spain have responded is interesting, sharing newspaper stories online in a non-partisan way.” The book is due to be

published in 2019, with Busher aiming to talk to a range of expats from across Spain. Busher spent a year researching his award-winning EDL book meeting leader Tommy Robinson and many grassroots supporters. “It was interesting trying to understand why they got involved with something that most people in society don’t like very much,” he said.

WINNER: Zagajewski

Pole position POLISH poet and author Adam Zagajewski has won Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Literature. Zagajewski, who was born in 1945 in what was then Lwów - now Lviv in Ukraine - is one of the most preeminent contemporary Polish poets from the so-called Generation of '68, also known as the ‘New Wave’. He was a well-known dissident during Poland's Communist era and was forced into exile in 1982, living for the next two decades in Germany, France and the US. Some of his best-known works include the poetry collections Tremor (1985), The Canvas (1990), Mysticism for Beginners (1997), and World Without End: New and Selected Poems (2002).

17 YEARS

OF PORTRAYING MARBELLA’S BEST

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health

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June 21st - July 4th 2017 June 21st - July 4th 2017

Health Out

Diaz Dilemma JUNTA boss Susanna Diaz has been implored to make changes to the way the region runs it’s health department. Juan Marin, spokesman for the Citizen parliamentary group, told reporters that the department for health was not good enough and ‘needed improvement.’ Despite calling for Diaz to act, Marin also urged caution, saying she must ‘not do experiments or tests.' Marin also criticised the Department of Education, Employment and Justice.

FORM: For donation

Organ-ic growth

ORGAN donations in Malaga have risen, with only 8% of the population refusing to provide them. Refusals to donate in Malaga hospitals have dropped from 13% to 8%, with 61 donations provided between January and May of this year. Of these 61 donations, 103 transplants were performed, as well as 47 implants. This comes after Malaga celebrated National Donor Day, with families who received organs paying homage to the donors.

Already struggling NHS sees mammoth drop in EU nurse applications

Stark

THE number of EU nurses applying to work in the UK has dropped by a whopping 96% since last year's Brexit referendum. Last July saw 1,304 nurses from the EU join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register, compared to just 46 in April of this year. The Health Foundation

What are the most common problems with eyesight?

he most common vision problems are refractive errors, more commonly known as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Most people have one or more of these conditions. In this column we wanted to explain what they mean and how can they be corrected Q. What is myopia/short sight and how can it be corrected? A. A person with myopia or short sight can see objects close to them clearly, but not far away. Myopia is caused by the shape of the eye; either the eyeball is slightly too long or the cornea is too steeply curved. Myopia is corrected by spectacles or contact lenses with lenses which are 'minus' or concave in shape. Q. What is hyperopia/hypermetropia/long sight and how can it be corrected? A. A person with long sight can see objects far away from them clearly, but not those

There are several reasons why people come to Specsavers with eyesight issues close by. This is caused by the shape of the eye - the eyeball is slightly too short. It is corrected by spectacles or contact lenses with lenses which are 'plus' or convex in shape. Q. What is astigmatism and how can it be corrected? A. People with astigmatism have an unevenly curved cornea or an unevenly curved lens inside their eye, shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. It is corrected by spectacles with a cylinder shape built into the lenses at a certain angle. Contact lenses can also correct astigmatism - mild astigmatism can be corrected by an ordinary gas-permeable lens. Those who

No catch 2for1

prefer a soft lens or have higher amounts of astigmatism can use specially designed, 'toric' soft lenses. Q. What is presbyopia? A. As a person ages, so do their eyes. The crystalline lenses become thicker and less flexible, resulting in a condition called presbyopia. People often begin to notice its effects during their forties as a result of these changes, objects closer to them become blurred and the point of closest focus gradually moves further away from the eyes. You should seek professional advice if you are concerned about your eye health and have regular eye tests. Specsavers Opticas in Marbella and Fuengirola offer free eye tests, visit www.specsavers.es for more eye health advice and to find your nearest store.

has said the findings, which come at a time of chronic shortages in the UK's National Health Service, could not be more stark, adding that they should act as a 'wake-up call'. The NMC said new English language testing for EU nurses is also likely to have played a part in the drop in applications. The NHS is already struggling with nurse vacancies, meaning shortages could now become a lot worse.

Wake up

Recent research by the Royal College of Nursing in May found one in nine posts in England was vacant. The results of the study mean the NHS is 40,000 nurses short of what is needed. Anita Charlesworth, director of research and economics at the Health Foundation said: "Without EU nurses, it will be even harder for the NHS and other employers to find the staff they need to provide safe patient care. "The findings should be a wake-up call to politicians and health service leaders."

2for1 glasses incl. all lens options from

59€

including prescription sunglasses

PATIENTS seeing a doctor in Malaga are getting getting just five minutes each due to lack of staff, it has been claimed. The Medical Union of Malaga has announced the region needs another 128 family doctors and 32 pediatricians to meet demand, with doctors assigned too many patients for them to handle. The group's coordinator, Jose Antonio Becerra, claimed the situation will get worse in the next ten years, with 35% of the region's doctors set to retire. The Costa del Sol is considered the worst region for doctors, with almost all centres having more patients than recommended.

Chamber of secrets CAMPAIGNERS have raised more than €160,000 for children needing bone marrow transplants. The Association of Volunteers of Child Oncology raised the money to build new isolation chambers for bone marrow transplants at the Hospital Materno Infantil. With events across 30 municipalities, more than 100,000 people were involved in raising the funds, and are hoping to raise another €300,000 to completely fund the chambers. Chair of the group, Juan Carmona, thanked all 1,800 volunteers at a press conference this month.

Request a FREE eye test online at specsavers.es or by calling your local store:

Marbella 952 863 332

Avda. Ricardo Soriano 12

Fuengirola 952 467 837

Avda. Ramón y Cajal 6

No hidden costs 2for1 offer: When you buy 2for1 glasses from the 59€ - 199€ ranges, you only pay for the more expensive pair, regardless of choice of lenses and add-ons. Second pair from the same price range or below, and to the same prescription. Single-vision lenses (1,5) are always included. The offer is personal and cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes reglazes, safety frames and non core lenses. Offer valid until 16 July 2017. ©2017 Specsavers Opticas.

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Jamon sales in China soar, outperforming EXPORTS of English sparkling wine rose nearly 14% by Italy’s parma The Olive volume and 17% in value in Press ham for the the first quarter of 2017. According to TOP the Food and in Spain! for news Drink Federation, the weak first time pound has boosted food and drink exports across the board. The group added that the area of planted vines is set to grow by a further 50% by 2020, by which time production will double to 10 million bottles per year. The spike comes after domestic sales increased by 8% last year, outselling both French and Australian sparkling wine. It is now the UK’s fourth favourite drink, just behind Spain’s Cava.

SALES of Spanish drycured ham in China have doubled between 2012 and 2016. According to the Interprofessional Association of Iberian Pork, Spain is now leading sales of drycured ham in the Asian powerhouse, making €1.8 million in sales last year, excluding Hong Kong. Italy made €1.4 million while France trailed far behind with just €30,000.

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Summer begins THE champagne was flowing as the Who’s Who of Marbella celebrated the opening of La Sala by The Sea. The beachclub restaurant is now in its second year of business and its annual opening party has firmly positioned itself as the official start of the summer season. Guests, dressed in gold and white, enjoyed prawn tempura and mini burger canopes while dancing to the tunes of Dj Scotty Strutt. Live violinist Quike Navarro, fire breathers, stilt walkers and showgirls were also out in force to entertain the crowds, while live music by The Jackie Brown Band kept the party atmosphere going into the wee small hours.

FIESTA: Violinist (left), fire breather and pool area

Peking interest The figures come after several Jiarui Fine Foods employees (above) travelled to Jabugo in Huelva in March, invited by the Cinco Jotas company. Herds of purebred black Iberian pigs graze there in pasturelands covered with oak trees. The acorns they eat give the ham its unique hazelnut taste after a threeyear maturing period. Cinco Jotas workers explained to the

Chinese sales managers how the dry-cured ham is made. They have used this information to attract customers back home in China, where classic jamon sells for up to 20% more than in Spain. “At the beginning, customers were just looking for elegant products because they’re rich,” says Wu, a sales manager at Jiarui Fine Foods. “But more and more they want to learn more and educate themselves... to know why it’s so good and why it’s got such a high price.” The highest quality hams can rake in even higher margins. A leg of the most soughtafter pata negra jamon can sell for up to €3,000 in Hong Kong.

Full of praise JAPANESE masterchef Nobu Matsuhisa has revealed that Spain is his favourite place to eat seafood. The fusion food maestro who recently opened a Nobu restaurant in Marbella at the Puente Romano Resort & Spa, says the country serves one of his favourite dishes — angulas (baby eels). He likes them served ‘in olive oil with garlic and chilli... Spanish olive oil is very good with them too’. Discussing the similarities between Spanish and Japanese food, he added: “It’s very natural. Spanish food is simple, just like in Japan.”

TASTY: Nobu

In trouble SPANISH stone fruit farmers may be forced to destroy their crops in a bid to increase prices. According to Luis Ochoa of Olympic Fruit, the market is in serious trouble. “Spain is producing huge volumes,” he said, “There are even reports that the growers are leaving fruit to rot on the trees or destroying them to push prices back up again. “We now find ourselves in a situation where people are willing to give discounts just to make the sale.” The importer says there is no short-term solution. “There is good demand, but the supply far exceeds this. This will only change if there is less produce, which will reduce the supply and increase the demand.” Meanwhile, a sharp drop in the availability of seasonal workers is causing problems in Extremadura’s Jerte Valley as they gear up for a bumper cherry harvest. Arrivals of migrant pickers – primarily from Romania – are estimated to be down by around 40% this season.

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Nick Clegg may have lost his parliamentary seat but never his appetite, thanks to the culinary skills of his Valladolidborn wife. And her cookbook, Made in Spain, dishes up the perfect comfort food

Spanish chickpea and chorizo salad

ORMER Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg was visibly crushed after losing his ticket to Westminster in the recent UK elections. But at least he was going home to a delicious meal made by his Spanish wife Miriam Gonzalez. Lawyer Gonzalez, it emerges, cooks for her husband and three sons every night. “I usually cook something light like an omelette or a salad” she revealed, “I like to cook for everyone, because I believe it’s very important to have that time together. “The Spanish have a word, sobremesa, which captures this: at the end of the meal, everyone carries on talking at the table, that’s when the big conversations happen. “Cooking has kept me anchored to my Spanish roots and to my family and friends. “It helped me to go through the intense political years of the coalition government without losing my mind,” she confides in the book Made in Spain, which gives an insight into the Spanish lifestyle as well as recipes from favourite family dishes. While we can’t imagine what the Cleggs’ post-dinner chats would have been like over the fraught past two weeks, we can be pretty sure Miriam’s cooking will help to sweeten the bitter aftertaste of politics. Here are four of her Spanish-inspired recipes taken from the book to try out yourself.

Hojuelas A traditional Easter dessert in Spain, very similar to Churros. They are meant to be as thin as paper and they should break into little pieces when you eat them. Ingredients: 125 gr of plain flour One egg The measurement of the egg shell (one half) of sunflower oil The measurement of the egg shell (one half) of tequila, sambuca or vodka One tablespoon of sugar A pinch of salt A quarter of a teaspoon of red wine vinegar Lots of olive oil (refined, not virgin) to fry them Lots of caster sugar

Ingredients:

Southern comfort

ANCHORED: The pair eat at home every night

Basque cod Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced olive oil sea salt 4 x 120–130g cod steaks plain flour, to dust 10 tbsp good-quality tomato passata 100ml white wine 4 canned piquillo peppers chopped parsley leaves, to serve

Method Slice the garlic and fry it for one minute in the olive oil (do not let it get too golden). Set aside.

Instructions: Mix the egg, oil, tequila (or similar) and vinegar and beat well. Then add the salt, sugar and finally the flour. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium to high heat.

Salt the cod steaks, dust them with flour and fry for two minutes on each side over a medium heat in the same oil in which you fried the garlic. Add the tomato sauce and then the white wine. Put a pepper on top of each fish steak and sprinkle it with a bit of the garlic. Sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley on top and let it simmer over a low heat for five minutes to burn off the alcohol in the wine. That is all.

Get little balls of the dough (the size of a walnut). Put the dough balls in between two pieces of baking paper and roll them out as thinly as possible with a rolling pin. Take the upper bit of paper off and peel the pastry carefully. Put the pastry into the olive oil and fry it until each hojuela gets golden. This

1 x 400g jar or can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 3 spring onions, finely sliced 100g feta cheese, cut into small squares 150g chorizo, cut into small squares 1 garlic clove ½ tbsp red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp chopped parsley leaves METHOD Mix the chickpeas, spring onions and feta cheese. Place in a salad bowl. Dry-fry the chorizo cubes lightly, then add to the salad, discarding the oil that runs out of the meat. Grate the garlic and combine it in a small bowl with the vinegar and olive oil. Mix this dressing well with the salad. Sprinkle the parsley on top. I do not add any salt, as the feta is naturally salty, but do so if you wish.

takes only one minute or so on each side, but you need to turn them around (which is very easy as they harden almost immediately). Remember that the oil should be very hot and you should get big bubbles in each hojuela as soon as they touch the hot oil (see the picture) When they are golden take the hojuelas off the pan, put them on kitchen paper to get rid of the excess oil and sprinkle them with sugar (naturally the more sugar you use the better they taste) as soon as you get them off the pan.

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Orange and pomegranate pavlova Ingredients: 4 egg whites Pinch of sea salt 250g caster sugar 1 tsp cornflour 1 tsp white wine vinegar 250ml double cream 3 oranges Handful of pomegranate seeds 4 mint leaves

Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4. Beat the egg whites with the salt for a few minutes, with an electric mixer or by hand, until they form stiff peaks. Beat in the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time. Sprinkle the cornflour and vinegar on top and fold them in carefully. Draw a 25cm circle on a piece of baking parchment on a baking tray and pile up the mixture on top of it, building up the edges to form a slight rim. As you put the meringue in the oven, reduce the temperature to 150C/ga s mark 2. After one and a half hours, turn off the oven, prop the door open with the handle of a wooden spoon and let it cool completely (preferably overnight). Put the meringue on to a plate. Whip the cream to soft peaks and pile Cut the oranges into squares (carefully removing all skin, pith and it on top. range on top of the cream. Scatter the pomegranate seeds on top andseeds) and ardecorate with the mint leaves.

Spanish peppers stuffed with cod 1 onion, finely chopped 1 leek, finely chopped 75ml olive oil, plus 6 tbsp 200g salted cod (soaked in water for 48 hours, water changed three times), cut into small chunks 8 tbsp tomato passata 1 heaped tbsp plain flour 250ml whole or semi-skimmed milk 20 canned piquillo peppers

1 bay leaf 1 tsp chopped parsley leaves

Instructions: Fry the onion and leek in 4 tbsp of the oil over a very low heat until they become translucent (12-15 minutes). Add the cod and keep frying for another 10 minutes. Add 4 tbsp of the passata and let it all simmer for 5 more minutes. Drain this mixture in a colander over a bowl, reserving the cooking liquid. There may not be much liquid, but it is worth doing in any case so that the mixture is not wet. Prepare a béchamel by heating the flour in 2 more tbsp of the oil, stirring for 3 minutes. Ingredients: Separately, warm the milk, then gradually pour it into the flour mixture, stirring, to 6 chicken thighs, or 1 chicken cut into 8 make a smooth sauce. Keep stirring until 2–3 tbsp olive oil the mixture thickens (7-10 minutes). Mix 1½ onions, chopped into half moon slices the sauce with the cod mixture and let it ½ red pepper, finely chopped cool down a bit. 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced Stuff 16 of the peppers with the sauce; 3 carrots, finely chopped this really is not difficult, but requires a Salt little practice. Put the stuffed peppers in 2 tbsp sherry vinegar a shallow sauté pan as you are stuffing 1 bay leaf them. 3 cooking apples, cored and quartered Separately mix the cod cooking liquid with 4 piquillo peppers (there are norSalt the chicken pieces and fry them in the oil over a memally a couple that break when you are dium heat, turning until golden on all sides. Take them out stuffing them, so just use those) and add of the pan and set aside. 4 more tbsp of passata. In the same oil as you fried the chicken, fry the onions, red Blend it all together, then pour the sauce pepper, garlic and carrots to soften them – first over a high over the piquillo peppers. Add the bay heat, then reduce the heat. Add a little bit of salt. leaf, sprinkle with parsley and put the When the vegetables are soft, return the chicken to the pan back over a medium heat for 5-7 pan. Wait for 3 minutes, then add the vinegar. Let it bubble minutes. for a couple of minutes, then add a glass of water (about That is it. Or you can forget the sauce and 150ml) and the bay leaf. Cover the pan and let it all simmer just dust the peppers in flour, turn them for 30 minutes. through beaten egg and fry them in olive Add the apples to the pan, cover once again and let it all oil, to serve as finger food. simmer for another 20 minutes until the apples are soft.

Catalan chicken pot stew

YOU NEED TO BE QUICK!

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Instructions:

Ingredients:

GRAB IT June 21st - July 4th 2017

Molino del Santo - the best-loved hotel and restaurant near Ronda - is celebrating 30 years in business with 30 special offers in the hotel and another 30 in the restaurant

HOTEL OFFERS

30 ROOM NIGHTS - we are offering JUST 30 room nights at very special rates between the 15th June and the 26th July 2017.

30% DISCOUNT - yes book a stay with us within the above dates and you will get a FULL 30% discount on our normal rates - BUT it only applies to a total of 30 room nights - once they’re gone, they’re gone. Maximum of two nights per booking at this special rate. Subject to availability.

RESTAURANT OFFERS

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30% DISCOUNT - yes book a meal with us within the above dates and you will get a FULL 30% discount on your final bill - BUT it only applies to a total of 30 meals - once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Maximum of two people per booking at this special rate. Subject to availability.

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June 21st - July 4th 2017 June 21st - July 4th 2017

Giles Brown on the fallout from the Banus champagne spray party that saw revelers run down by a 4x4 and the subsequent police chase

Chaos in Marbella...

N a press conference, Marbella mayor Jose Bernal praised the town’s emergency services and claimed the incident demonstrated that ‘Marbella is a safe town’. Mayor Bernal praised the ‘rapid and efficient response’ that saw 40 police and two fire engines attend the scene of the accident, As Briton Marcus Stewart was due to appear in court, the mayor said that it was ‘only a small percentage that is difficult to control’. This didn’t impress everyone

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 12.00 til 22.30 Kitchen closed 15.30 til 19.00 Sunday 12.00 til 16.00 Closed on Monday Reservations: elgarden2016@gmail.com

however. “Aliens could be abducting concejales and probing them

...and a warning

By Natalie Rose Kern

brown.

h summer has come all too soon And with it hoards of drunken loons All tearing up our pretty town To drink and screw and turn reddish-

Marbella splashed across the news Not for its charm, nor swish venues Not for its style, its class, its chic Lavish restaurants and lux boutiques But for the louts who've come undone Whilst holidaying in the sun. Yes, the breeze is hot And the sun may gleam And it's all good fun 'til you hear the word ‘REEEEM!’ Bedlam will descend once more; The TOWIE crew and Geordie Shore Oh soon they'll be here, rolling in With lashes, brows and orange skin! On easyJet and Ryanair Talons groomed, extensioned hair They'll come and dance, and drink and dazzle And flash that thing they call a ‘vajazzle’ With L-plates on and wedding veils The hen parties going off the rails And stag dos too, in lairy teams With t-shirts emblazoned ‘MARBS 2017’ The bars, all bursting to the doors With drunken golfers and ‘part-time’ whores And teenagers puking down the second line Telling their friends: "I'm fine! I'm fine!" Beach clubs for the champagne spray? I'd rather drink it any day! The scenes emerging from 'Banus (Aptly nicknamed 'Port of Abuse') Drinking all day, brawling all night, Another crash, another fight, I watch in horror, hang my head, How much more 'til someone winds up dead. I fear it's getting out of hand Too drunk to drive, to walk, to stand Us ‘Brits abroad’ get all the blame And I can't help but feel the shame 'Cause we’re gaining quite a reputation But what of us Brits not on vacation? Hardworking Brits, like you and me Who love our life in this country.

WWW.ELMUELLE-ARRIATE.COM ESTACIÓON DE ARRIATE | ARRIATE (MA 7400, KM 4) 0034 637 784 416 | 0034 952 166 370 CLOSED ON MONDAYS

Marbella diaries

As scenes of debauchery descend on Marbella, Natalie Rose Kern implores to visitors of her adopted home

O restaurant | lunch and dinner

up the butt and the Mayor would still say everything’s ok,” remarked a weary Mar-

Siestas and fiestas too A laidback life, that's what we do From every walk of life, we've come To make Marbella our happy home A vibrant, colourful, social lot

An international melting pot Of ages, colours, classes, creeds Coexisting – but for Marbella's summer greed! Oh sure, it's easy to complain But each must take his share of blame 'Cause why not keep the drinks flowing As long as cash is coming in And why not pour another shot He might remember it – or not And why not serve another round Even if half of them are on the ground Doubles, trebles, two for one It's easy money, so much fun Get them drunker, run up those bills, Max out those cards, ker-ching go the tills Wads of cash like they've won the Loto Driving 'round town like it's Grand Theft Auto But it's not fun when chaos breaks out "Don't drive, you're drunk!" We hear them shout And in the midst of summer's heat They wreak pandemonium on our streets So surely now must come a time For bars and clubs to draw a line. Right now, they're dancing with the devil, Play on like this, but at their peril Madness will only escalate And next time it may be too late So to all visitors of our coast We hope to be upstanding hosts Come dance and laugh and love and live The Costa del Sol has so much to give The lazy days and balmy nights But we implore with all our might That you treat our home with respect Enjoy sun, sangria, sea (and sex?!?!) But please, refrain from getting crude In public places – I'm no prude – But these displays are getting silly No-one wants to see your willy! There's so much more to do and see Adventure and gastronomy Rivers and lakes, culture galore Wildlife, sports, shopping and more No feuds, no fights, we beg, no fuss Don't spoil it for the rest of us We've left the dark days back in Blighty So come, fiesta! – but please play nicely Remember we're all guests in Spain And happy we'll be to remain So practice courtesy, please, and try To keep morals, heads and standards high That's all for now, I'm out of time I'm out to bask in the sunshine And July is set to be a stunner Come on, guys, let's have a magic summer!

bella surfer friend. In the meantime the Town Hall decided it would get tough and issued a decree that public drunkenness, anti social behavior and not wearing a top would be punishable by fines. Sadly my application to be the arresting officer if any young blonde Scandinavian tourists intend to go topless was turned down. Others turned to Social Media to voice their displeasure. Some even went as far as to sign a petition to ban ‘low class tourism’ from Marbella. Although I did stop to pause and wonder how they were going to enforce this. Perhaps an urbane, Noel Cowardesque figure could be stationed, wearing a smoking jacket on a chaise longue under the Marbella arch, pale sherry in one hand, copy of Debretts in the other, to make sure those wishing to enjoy their two weeks of sunshine weren’t just too beastly for words?

Severe

Having said all that, a video of Spanish hooligans (Spoligans?) bashing seven bells out of each other outside the Wall Street nightclub, also went viral last week and proved that lack of brain cells isn’t purely a British problem. It was a subject that I touched on when I was interviewed by a German TV crew, wanting to know what it was like being an expat on the Costa del Sol, post Brexit. (Although it has to be admitted that if I am the average British expat then we are all in deep trouble). The German TV crew followed me around for the day, and kept remarking how beautiful Marbella was, with its Old Town, paseos, beaches and not at all how it had been reported in the media – full of tattooed bad boys, pneumatic bimbos, flash cars and all the rest. I explained it thus: “The thing is this. When you have a contagious disease, you quarantine the area off so that it can run its course and won’t spread any further. And that’s what we’ve done here. We’ve had a severe outbreak of Narcissistic Bling Wannabeism accompanied by the usual idiotic behavior, and we’ve decided to quarantine Puerto Banus. The virus is expected to burn itself out by September 1 when they all go home and we can get on with life as normal.”

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sport

June 21st - July 4tha sports 2017 story, If you have

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Friday 17th - St. Patricks Day

Charity battle 2.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 4.00 pm 7.00pm 9.00pm 10.00pm

Cheltenham Races All Ireland GAA Club Finals 4€ Biddy Mulligan´s Golf Society Party Live Music with John Maddocks Ireland U20´s vs England U20´s Ireland Women vs England Women Live Music with Alan Shiels

On the move

t r a d i t i o n a l

MALAGA striker Sandro Ramirez is on the brink of joining Everton football club. The Toffees are said to have met the 21-year-old's buy-out clause of €6 million, taking their spending so far this summer past €65 million.

DAY menu A GROUPSt. ofPATRICKS William served all day Hill employeesGuinness, are Kilkenny, organising Magners €4 a football tournament for St Patricks charities on the Rock.Day Shots €2 FACERock PAINTING The Battle of the will saturday 18th - 6 Nations see Gibraltar’s gaming com- Final Day Italy panies 1.30pm vie forScotland thevsvstitle 3.45pm France Wales in aid 6.00pm Ireland vs and EnglandClubof Samaritans GI 9.30pm Live Music with Layla house Gibraltar. Sunday 19th -Masterson Premier League Organiser David 1.00pm Middlesbrough vs Man Utd 3.15pm Spurs vs Southampton said: “Mental Health is an 5.30pm Man City vs Liverpool issue very to with mySeanown 9.30pm close Live Music Murray heart as my family have had Check out our Facebook page for our Virtual Tour, some issues inSpecial the last year Offers, Whats Coming Up and received great support Biddy Mulligans BiddysLaCala Tel: 952 494 877 from organisations such as these.” All the money raised from the teams’ registration fees will be split between the two charities. Corporate donations from gaming companies are welEuropean clubs make play for come. There will also be snacks Ronaldo following news that he and refreshments on the pitches, which have been wants to leave Spain provided free of charge by MANCHESTER United is reportedly willing to of- do’s decision is taken and the player wants to leave the GSLA.

Up for grabs

To enter a team or donate, contact David Masterson at david. masterson@williamhill.com

fer Real Madrid €208 million and David De Gea for Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata. It comes after shocking revelations that Ronaldo is said to be considering leaving Spain following recent tax fraud allegations. The Real Madrid star is being prosecuted for allegedly defrauding Spanish authorities of €14.7 million between 2011 and 2014. “Despite the player’s deep passion for Real, Ronal-

Spain shortly after the short holiday following the Confederations Cup,” according to Portugese publication A Bola. Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move for the 32-year-old, while Bayern Munich denied interest earliert this week. The father-of-one is said to be ‘deeply disillusioned’ by the allegations, and feels he is ‘a victim of persecution’.

La Decima

Ram bam SPAIN’S Jon Rahm lost his cool at the 2017 U.S. Open. The rising star was seen by many experts as a real contender to take home the trophy on Sunday, but things seemed awry from the start. The 22-year-old pro bogeyed his first two holes, 10 and 11, and four of his first eight holes in the first round. He finished with a 76. On Friday, Rahm made bogey at the 1st and was even on the day, well outside the cut line, when he got to the par-5 14th hole. En route to making bogey at 14, Rahm slammed and kicked his wedge and tossed a bunker rake after hitting into fescue. After another bogey at 17, Rahm fell to five over and missed the cut.

RAFAEL Nadal has won his tenth French Open final. The Spaniard, from Mallorca, performed a masterclass against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka, winning 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. The 31-year-old did not drop a set all tournament and is the first player in the open era to ever win an individual grand slam title ten times. The King of Clay took home €2 million for what is his 15th grand slam title. He is now second behind Roger Federer for the most grand slam titles ever won by a man in the Open Era.

Play your cards right THE International Pokerstars championship is currently underway in Marbella. Taking place at Marbella Casino, the event has seen 1,000 elite players from around the world descend on the event, which has a buy-in of €1,100. Across the six-day event, players will win around €2 million.

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Ramirez is thought to be one of Spain's most promising young talents. He joined Barcelona's youth set-up at 14 before going on to make 17 senior appearances for the club, scoring two goals.

When asked by a reporter about the lawsuits, Ronaldo said: “I have a clear conscience.” Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said the star’s apparent dissatisfaction is ‘all very strange’ but that the club expects the superstar to stay at the Bernabeu this summer. "Not I nor anyone at Madrid is contemplating that Cristiano could leave the club," he said. "He is not a business - he forms part of this club's history. He's at the level of Di Stefano."

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FINAL WORDS

THE Andalucian Ministry for Education has allowed children to stay at home for the last few days of school due to unusually high temperatures. It comes after a recent heatwave saw highs of up to 44C.

advice

Tram time TRAMS could be reintroduced to VelezMalaga after five years. The council is said to be considering a deal with Travelsa in order to set the plans in motion.

Up to speed ALL Malaga taxis will have to accept card payments from July 1. It comes after a two-year margin drivers were given to ensure they had the appropriate facilities in their cars.

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Long shot to track down family from Australia pays off - thanks to Olive Press EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

IT was a long shot, to put it mildly. When Australian-based Robert Gascoigne decided to make a final last-ditch attempt to track down his long lost Andalucian relatives he did what anyone should do; he reached out to the region’s most popular newspaper. But, it was nothing short of amazing that within just two days of the Olive Press splashing on his moving appeal, last issue (see right), the 79-year-old turned up trumps. For out of the woodwork emerged local Pepe Pallas, 71, who by good fortune had spotted the tale in his regular fortnightly read of the paper.

June 21st - July 4th 2017

Covering Andalucia with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) www.theolivepress.es and around 500,000 website visits each month…

June 8th - June 21st 2017

Voted BEST expat paper in Spain FREE

Baby come back A BABY in Marbella has been found safe and well after the car it was left in was robbed. Its mother, who had parked outside her husband’s business, said she had only briefly popped into his office when it was stolen but then abandoned nearby.

No idea 76% of Spanish students do not know what degree to study. A survey of 17,300 students found the majority had still not decided.

Gender bending AN ASTURIAS fireman accused of psychologically abusing his wife may escape charges after undergoing gender reassignment surgery during the trial. This is because Spanish law does not punish abuse by a woman against a woman if no physical violence is alleged.

Vol. 11 Issue 267

www.theolivepress.es

June 8th - June 21st 2017

PLEASE CLEAN UP: The poo campaigners

Find them

Australian pleas for help to find longlost family after 60

FAMILY: (Left to right) Sister Maria, aunt Maria, mother Manuela and Robert himself

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

THE son of a British soldier has made a passionate lastditch plea to Olive Press readers to help locate his long-lost family. It comes six decades after his Estepona mother’s brutal murder severed all ties with the family, who he believes still live in the Malaga area. Robert Gascoigne (pictured above), 79, told the Olive

Press he just wants the family back together. “I’m at a time in my life now

where I just want to see the family reunited,” he said, “I could have some cousins and relatives that I don’t even know about, I’m just hoping I can find them.” The father-of-four was evacuated to England at just fourmonths old to escape the Spanish Civil War in 1938. He soon emigrated to Newcastle, north of Sydney in Australia, with his Esteponaborn mother Manuela Valcarcel Santos. But at the age of just 20, Gascoigne - whose father was a British soldier stationed in Gibraltar - had his life turned upside down when his uncle Juan joined them down under. Juan was Schizophrenic, but

very little was known about the condition at the time. As his behaviour became more troubling, Gascoigne’s mother placed him in a mental hospital. “She felt so guilty it made her ill,” explained Gascoigne. “So she had him released one Christmas, but unbeknownst to us he had a shotgun.” Juan shot and killed Gascoigne’s mother, who was just 42, before turning the gun on himself. “It was tragic but I can’t blame him for it, he was ill. “It was a horrible time for me at just 20 years old, and after that we lost all contact with our Spanish family,” Gascoigne said. “I have never been able to find out any more on them or where they are currently living, but now I’m hoping to reconnect.” The former computer software business owner is now planning a trip this Autumn to track down his relatives. “I will be visiting Gibraltar, Estepona and Malaga with my wife in early September for six weeks and I would love to be able to contact my mother’s family,” he said. “It would mean a lot to me if any of your readers can help.” Other than her brother Juan, Gascoine’s mother had two sisters, named Maria and Francisca.

Cut the crap THE Costa del Sol Si Puede party (CSSP) has launched a campaign against dog poo in Torremolinos. Called ‘Cut the crap’, it hopes to raise awareness over dog fouling in the streets and have heavier fines brought in. Representatives are touring the town with a giant inflatable dog poo to undermine what they believe is a lack of action from the town hall.

TAKING THE P***! A CAMPAIGN has been launched to relocate the public toilets in Cordoba’s famous mosque. Citizens group Plataforma Mezquita-Catedral believes the lavatories built into the important Islamic Qibla wall are an affront to its islamic past. They believe that keeping the toilets in the wall, which faces Mecca, is insulting to muslims and could threaten the building’s UNESCO heritage status. “There must be a better location for the toilets,” said Jose David Luna of the group, who believes their installation is one in a list of examples of how the building’s current Catholic management is attempting to downplay its Islamic past.

FOUND: Last week’s issue and (far left) Pepe’s wife Shell shocked

BillThe former sales manager boozled quickly realised he was related to Gascoigne and contacted us to put the pair in touch. It turned out that Robert’s IT was a ‘one in a million’ romance that ended in heartache. When an international appeal was launched to find rare snail Jeremy a mate, two would-be suitors - one from Spain - were dispatched to the UK. A rare genetic mutation means Nottingham-based Jeremy cannot mate with most females, whose shell spirals curl to the right in the opposite direction. “This snail is very rare. It’s a one in a million,” explained snail expert and professor Angus Davison in an appeal on BBC radio 4. After Davison’s appeal however, another ‘lefty’ snail from Ipswich - called appropriately Lefty - and a Mallorca snail, Tomeu, were dispatched to the UK to try to help. Miguel Salom, who runs a snail farm near Binissalem, told the Olive Press how he found Tomeu. “I was working on the farm and saw the snail. It is really hard to find a snail like that, and if I hadn’t known about the appeal he would have ended up in a restaurant,” he said. When both fellow ‘lefty’ snails arrived in the UK, Jeremy thought his luck was finally in. But tragically for lovelorn Jeremy it was not to be… for the jet setting pair only had eyes for each other, leaving Jeremy on the sidelines. Tomeu and Lefty have now had their first offspring, producing some 170 baby snails, leaving poor Jeremy nursing a broken heart.

A REPORT has found one in four 15-year-olds cannot understand a utility bill. A report on standards across 15 countries found Spanish pupils are finding it more and more difficult to understand bills that arrive at the family home. These figures have increased by 8% since the last report of the same nature three years ago. The Spanish are still 2% above the average scored by other countries.

Relax.. Jacks got it covered

FRANCE - ITALY - PORTUGAL

June 21st - July 4th 2017

A SUSPECTED robber who stormed into a chemist wearing a pair of pants as a mask has been arrested. The 28-year-old suspect was discovered by police hiding in the pharmacy after breaking in around 3am. He had a pair of boxer shorts wrapped round his head to hide his face. Officers found €1,325 in notes and €38 in change on his person and arrested him. He now faces charges of breaking and entering the shop in Mallorca with force.

Lost and found FINAL WORDS

Too hot

Vol. 11 Issue 268

A briefs encounter

SPAIN - UK - IRELAND

auntie was his mother-inlaw, and that he could help locate the rest of his family, who are still based in Estepona. 79-year-old Gascoigne was lost for words when we contacted him. “Thank you so much,” said the father-of-four, from Newcastle, north of Sydney, “It’s fantastic news, we really appreciate it, we couldn’t have done it without you.” He added: “What amazing readers you have… even among the local Spanish community.” The former chemist had told last issue how he is visiting the Costa del Sol with his wife

in early September to find his family. He lost track of them after being evacuated to England at just four-months old to escape the Spanish Civil War in 1938. From there he emigrated to Australia, with his Esteponaborn mother Manuela Valcarcel Santos. But at the age of just 21, Gascoigne - whose father was a British soldier stationed in Gibraltar - had his life turned upside down when his uncle Juan joined them down under. Juan was Schizophrenic and killed Gascoigne’s mother, who was just 42, before turning the gun on himself. “It was a horrible time for me at just 20 years old, and after that we lost all contact with our Spanish family,” Gascoigne said. “I have never been able to find out any more on them or where they are currently living, but now I’m hoping to reconnect.” He has now arranged to meet with Pepe, who will introduce him to his long-lost relatives.

On a record break

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A LOCAL clairvoyant has been drafted in to help track down a missing parrot. And expat Paul Hickling is appealing to eagle eyed Olive Press readers to also help in the hunt for his chatterbox parrot, Ruby. The owner of the celebrated Roman Oasis restaurant in Manilva believes the intelligent bird - who speaks over 200 words - has not gone far and may have been adopted locally as a pet. A local medium, ‘Inga, the Animal Communicator’, has had a vision that Ruby is currently caged up in a house ‘overlooking a field or garden’. The clairvoyant added that the three-year-old African grey is with someone who ‘speaks to her in English...’ and there is a disabled person in the house. But she is ‘not happy’ as she is missing her ‘husband’ Rocko. O w n e r Hickling is offering a €500 reward for anyone who returns the bird after she went missing nearly two months ago, while he was away. “We are devastated as she is a part of our family,” he said. “I would know her straight away and so would anyone by the things she says.” She can order a gin and tonic and can say the ‘pheasant plucker’ rhyme, among many other phrases. As well as welcoming guests to the restaurant, which reopens on July 1, she orders the family dog around and says ‘goodnight daddy’ before she goes to sleep. Roman Oasis celebrates its 35th birthday this year by reopening on July 1 until the end of August Contact newsdesk@theolivepresss.es if you can help

Operating on the Costa del Sol for over 40 years, you can rely on us to take care of every aspect of your move. From carefully packing your belongings to safely transporting your pet, we will give you a personal, professional and friendly service.

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Polly needs a cracker!

AN Irish groom-to-be was pranked by his mates before a flight to Malaga. His stags made life difficult for Anthony Slaughter after they printed out a hugely over-sized boarding pass. He was pictured at Dublin Airport trying to scan the pass to board his flight, which incredibly still worked.

NUDISTS are furious after Malaga council stripped them of their beach in favour of a different sort of tackle. The 600 metre stretch of Guadalmar beach has now been handed over to kite-surfers. The decision has enraged naturists who have been using the beach since 1995.