Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 267 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

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EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

SCAMMED: Holiday group and (right) fake site with profile stolen from Oz agent The group only rumbled the scam, via rentholidaysvillas. com, the day before they flew.

with law enforcement on alleged fraud and have processes for taking action. If anyone believes they have been defrauded they should contact law enforcement.” Contact your local police and Action Fraud and email newsdesk@theolivepress.es if you’ve been scammed.

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ars

June 8th - June 21st 2017

www.theolivepress.es June 8th - June 21st 2017

Y DA

CAPTION.

T is 30 years ago this Spring that two British teachers left their steady jobs in UK primary schools to make a living in Spain with a couple of friends. Despite having no experience of the hospitality trade, they decided to convert a run-down watermill in rural Ronda into a small hotel. Fast forward three decades Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin run one of Spain’s most successful small hotels, Molino del Santo, employing 25 people and accommodating thousands of guests each year. But, it has certainly been something of an emotional rollercoaster with plenty of hiccups and unusual goings on along the way, as the pair reveal:

Patience of a Santo!

A B

24 24

It’s not a fantastic start as our shoestring budget only allows for seven rooms which, being Andalucia, are not open in time. Delayed by a week, guests have to be accommodated in alternative hotels

ll about www.theolivepress.es 1988 COLLAPSING PARTNERSHIP enalmadena It quickly becomes clear that four bosses are too many and the partnership collapses with huge stress for everyone involved and Andy and Pauline go it alone, thankfully with the help from their friends at a few key moments.

1989 DESIGNER CLOTHING ROW Unfortunately a recently-painted white

2000 WEDDING MADNESS Few weddings match the Brits (and their guests) who got married in their full Wild West costumes with sixshooters… and in July. The ceremony takes place in 4pm as the mercury nudges 40ºC with the bride arriving on a white steed to meet her groom in chaps and a Stetson and to the sound of gun shots.

we can afford to multiply and we have our first heiress – and Carmen’s arrival reassures locals that these weird foreigners may not be so strange after all.

1993 DOCTOR’S KNICKERS

1994 BEST RURAL HOTEL

CAPTION.

g-string and gyrates to imaginary music until they have finished their tasks. What can you say. Free world really.

JOINING THE three decade

2009 CHANGE OF TACK After 20 years of training local chefs, a Scottish chap Gordon is introduced from a nearby village. He has soon opened our eyes to new techniques and really excellent food. He moves on in 2013 but his legacy lives on.

2010 OH MATRON We normally remind guests of things left behind, but we decide against pointing out a drawer full of sex aids in one room and a small plastic bag with a white substance in another. They are quickly disposed of.

Seafood Restaurant

• Early Bird 20€ - 6.00 - 8.00pm • Á La Carte Menu

CLUB!

As our fame grows, we have the head of the Junta, no less, turn up for lunch. He 2005 EDUCATIONAL ISSUES arrives with full entourage and security and guards stand at all entrances with Having made the choice to send our all our staff getting frisked before be- little heiresses to school in the UK, for ing allowed to serve the guests. It’s a the next six years two homes are mainlong way from a class of nine-year-olds tained and we take it in turns to be here or there to look after them, while in Hampshire. also running the hotel. Testing times indeed.

Tel: 952 49 35 04

| Mob: 661 84 33 83

www.thebluemarlin.eu

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 and salmon was delicious. your feet. 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 hearty eaters. Sunset Beach hotel. 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 excellent Payoya Negra from at extremely good value. 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.

2011 CHEEKIEST GUESTS

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

Laura Duckett writes 1998 GUIDING GUESTS 2006 FOOD THIEF

By now with 15 rooms we get recBOOKING RECOMMENDED ognition by Michelin, The Good HoERCHED on a headland below the tel Guide, Alastair Sawday and The pretty white village of Benalmadena Rough Guide all helping to spread SERIOUSLY GOOD FOOD lies Sunset Beach Club. the word. (ED. Olive Press owner Jon Surrounded by lovely beaches and Clarke and wife spend a night here Open Tuesday - Saturday from 6pm with stunning views across the Med, it is while on holiday) no surprise it has become one of the Costa del Sol’s best known hotels. But while it is already a major landmark re1999 A DIFFICULT NIGHT ceiving thousands of visitors from around the world each month, it has now reached Avenida de Rota, Urb. Torrenueva, Local 1, La Cala We are awoken to discover that a guest de Mijas legendary status. has died, quickly confirmed by the For Sunset Beach has just celebrated its Dutch doctors in the room next door. 30th birthday making it a true Malaga stalThe local medic is called and arranges EIGHTIES STYLE: But with computers wart. for an undertaker to arrive at 5am to Celebrating in style with a big anniversary take the body – the rest of the guests bash, which raised €12,200 for charity, the years. An incredible range of guests and nationhotel has never been in ruder health. Aside from the hundred-plus weddings it alities come throughout the year, including most hosts every year, it has countless returning Canadians in the winter, people from furguests and a capacity rate of an incredible European countries and plenty from ther afield. 93% between February and November. who “That’s a rate almost unheard of on the “We regularly have returning guests children coast,” explains Mark Wardell, who has used to stay with their families ascultured, been managing the hotel for the last 13 in the 80s,” continues Wardell, a softly-spoken Irishman, who is incredibly approachable POSTCARDS THROUGH and hands on with both staff THE AGES: and guests. “And it is great How things have chanto have them back.” So what is the key to the hoged from the 1980s to tel’s success? today in terms of qualiSunset Beach is a complete ty and comfort and in resort as opposed to a hotel. terms of the amount The guests needs are entireof entertainment and ly taken care of and waited huge range of guests, on hand and foot by up to who come from over 220 staff at peak times. 100 countries around Its Irish owners - who also the world own upmarket La Cala Resort in Mijas - have spent over €22m upgrading its facilities since the Millennium. Oasis excellent Oasis the excellent including the bars, including and bars, rants and rants Without a doubt the price/ its extensive facilities. the and the bar and Panorama bar Beach, Panorama Luna Beach, restaurant, Luna quality level is one of the On site, there’s a supermarket, gym, beautician restaurant, cahas aa cawhich has venue, which Bar venue, Moonlight Bar popular Moonlight best on the coast across all and hairdresser, as well as a variety of restau- popular PERFECT LOCATION: By a headland in Benalmadena

Cleaners discover that a little old lady in room 12 is a kleptomaniac and has filled every single surface in her room with items filched from the breakfast table – more yogurts, bananas, rolls and cakes than she could ever eat. It emerges that she arrives at breakfast with a large hand bag and when unwatched grabs enough food to feed a small army.

NO W

Measuring up

on at Sunset Beach lot going THERE pensiveis acars mak-for themselves. speak the ingstatistics the place look

amazing, would total, the hotel caters for around ●it beInpossible thea day in peak season – guests next 2,000 stay rarely couldunder be 1,000 at any time of free?and So will we not the year. be paying our supcounts 554 rooms and com● The hotel pliers and staff areas,forwhich are looked after by a munal that particular to 69 cleaners, who process team of upstay then, awestaggering ask… Un-450.000 kilos of laundry believable. every year!

2007 DOMESTIC ARGUMENTS

●

The Food and Beverage team meanwho work tirelessly

counts 71 staff 2012while GUESTS from Oasis 2 a la the various outlets inCHEEKIEST

Staff show great concert when on day 2 of a 14-night stay a mattress is re-

NO W

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

So much on offer

CAPTION. Estione non raturep elitiae rnatur? Qui te

2008 SURPRISING GUESTS PART THREE

DISRE-

The cleaners deThe hotel policy is to allow pets but mand we chat to some guests go just too far, when the sixty-somethey take down their curtains to thing woman in make a bed for their dog to sleep on. room 10, who www.theolivepress.es There is fur everywhere and the drychanges into cleaning bill is horrendous. a minuscule

After seven years graft we are selectreception counter comes into fresh perwork. ed as the ‘best rural hotel’ in Spain at June 8th - June 21st 2017 contact with a customer’s very expena glitzy London ceremony. It’s all go sive mohair sweater. Limited edition 1991 NAKED from here. ACTRESS 2003 SEMI ROYAL WEDDING clothing costs more to replace than expected. It’s a costly start to the year. While filming in the area, a famous and 1995 HEIRESS NUMERO An aristocratic Spanish family choose very attractive Spanish actress arrives DOS Molino for the wedding of their daugh1990 POLICE VISIT to eat with friends. She asks if she can ter. Hotel resources are stretched to swim in the pool and then changes into With the birth of Rosanna we are finally accommodate the 90 guests but the With the season in full flow, local her bikini on the dining terrace in no accepted, properly, event goes very well, although tragedy into the village. police arrive demanding paperwork rush and without any need of a towel… strikes when the bride soon dies sudwhich it is virtually impossible to one memory which is hard to forget. denly leaving husband with a young 1996 FAMILY ILLNESS obtain. Threats of immediate deporbaby. tation are only prevented by legal 1992 HEIRESS NUMERO It’s a year of back and forth intervention. And, typically of course, after Andy’s mum is diagnosed with a ter- 2004 FLOODING four years later a very large fine is UNO minal illness in the Channel Islands. sanctioned despite no other hotel within 100kms having the correct pa- As the business starts to grow nicely Resources are stretched and you Heavy mountain rains leave the lower soon see how being away from your floor under six inches of water. Guests home and business brings all kinds of are temporarily accommodated in local hotels while mopping-up goes on practical issues. and within four hours (thanks to there being no carpets) the hotel returns to 1997 VIPS DINING normality.

SEA FOOD DIFFERENTLY

June 8th - June 21st 2017

tttttttttttttttttttttttttttt located from room 3 to the terrace outside and remains there for the next 12 nights. An embarrassed husband explains that he has been banished and hopes there is no problem. Not the slightest, and we are delighted when on the penultimate night he is readmitted to sleep with ER INDOORS.

2001 POLITICAL SHENANIGANS A famous MP, a regular guest here, has such a wild wedding anniversary night that he forgets he has changed rooms. His wife goes to bed before him with the room key so he has to serenade her to get in during the wee hours. A shame it’s the wrong door!

2002 BARKING SPECTFUL

1987

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

2017

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

At the village health centre opening party one of the doctors gets so inebriated she chooses to relieve herself on the lawn and rejoins the party with her skirt tucked into the back of her knickers. It’s a night to remember.

1987 MISSED DEADLINES

The Olive Press toasts the 30th anniversary of two of Andalucia’s yet leading hotels, Molino del Santo and Sunset Beach Club

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

THREE DECADES IN BUSINESS

carte dining, poolside snacks, lobby/ Some cocktail guests arrive beach asking for club, two Salitos bar, Luna beach bar show rooms and banqueting. and ● Then there are 14 ‘animation’ girlsmake guys whose sole purpose is to young and old guests alike have a funpacked visit. with ● And then come the weddings, key around 130 spread across the months from April to October.

CAPTION. Estione non raturep elitiae rnatur? Qui te voluptures ea nam accatem haris ex et voloria nonseque nis dia simo

strong guys to help carry a big box to their terrace. Half an hour later the same guests asks for a large bucket of ice. It soon emerges a bar complete with optics has been set up on the terrace… all well and good until, said guests, arrive at happy hour in the bar and invite various others to their terrace to avoid paying the hotel’s prices.

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. 2013W RETURNING 30% DISCOUNT - yes book a stay with us within the above 25 25 GUESTS 2017 and you will get June 8th - June 21st dates a FULL 30% discount on our normal rates

It is not uncom- BUT it only applies to a total of 30 room nights - once they’re mon toJune find8th - June 21st 2017 gone, they’re gone. Maximum of two nights per booking that all our 18 at this rooms are being occupied by people special rate. Subject to availability. who have been before… and the most faithful guest record is held jointly by a couple from Lancashire and a family from San Roque.

O W

2014 HONOURS AT FITUR Molino del Santo is honoured at Spanish Travel Fair Fitur at Trip Advisor event. A huge photo of a Cadiz beach in the Andalucia pavilion convinces the owners to forge ahead with a plan to purchase a Costa de la Luz home that has been eyed for a while.

2015 LOCAL ECONOMY

RESTAURANT OFFERS

30 MEALS - we are offering JUST 30 meals at very special rates between the 15th June and the the 26th July 2017. 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.

for charity Maximum raiseof€12,200 Since its earliest days the hotel hasTALENT: Ricky helps two people per booking at this special rate. Subject to availability. sought to recruit and buy locally whenever possible. This reaches a new point when a local group of young people offer to play flamenco for guests and become a regular fixture. To celebrate its big 30th birthday, a huge charity bash raised a staggering €12,200 2016 GRATE-for charity. out event, featuring Ricky LavazFUL OWNERS The sold his Robbie Williams and Michael za, with We will only accept bookings for these the money As the owners cel- Buble renditions, distributed charities. special offers via e-mail. Mention this ebrate their 60th raised to three children’s pride in birthdays in the “We take we give advertisement when you enquire. same year, some of the fact back the staff organize something info@molinodesanto.com. to local charities. a journey for them I think it’s imporDon’t leave it too late - once 30 people to Barcelona with tant to give to flights and accom- those who don’t have booked we’re closing the offer. modation ALL paid. get to enjoy holiIt is such a kind days, like termitttttttttttttttttttttttttttt gesture – no won- nally-ill children,” t der that so many said manager Mark guests comment Wardell. on the excellent The event, held at staff at the hotel. the resort’s Moonlight Bar, was a complete sell out, 2017 NEW TRICKS prizes from with www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 like A hotel is never boring and we are al- companies Land DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA ways adding new activities and things Jet2 and OakESTACIÓN to do. This year it is paragliding to add Furniture up for grabs. There were other performances, including an Adele tribute by Nikki Rae (above). The money donated went to the Debra Butterfly Children Charity, Make a Wish Spain charities. Ireland and Barretstown FUN TIMES: Entertainment team today

Giving back

HOW ANTO GRAB OFFER

More information of any kind e-mail

info@molinodelsanto.com

evolve throughout the years - from a quality three-star establishment, to the more luxurious four-star property it is now. visitors hail from the UK and on offer, including aerobics, cookery and While most resort has recently been atSpanish classes all year round, not to men- Ireland, the and more customers from tracting more tion billiards, live music and scuba diving. world, with up to 100 nationaliThe rooms are all one or two-bedroom around the here throughout the year. apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, ties staying of the things Lopez enjoys the free Wi-Fi and satellite TVs with several in- This is one working there. most about ternational channels. kinds of people here - CanadiBlas Lopez, who has been at the hotel since “You get all and Germans - it really its opening in 1987, says the resort has al- ans, South Africans the year. So no two days are ways been ahead of the game in terms of depends on the same working here. “ technology. with the satisfaction he feels “When I arrived, even the guests were sur- That along guests with their requests prised that we had computers at the recep- by helping his large or small. tion,” he recalls. this and their commitment to Lopez, along with several other long-term It’s staff like undoubtedly, give the reloyal staff members, has seen the hotel hospitality that, reputation. sort its gleaming

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

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 a very international flavour. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is often live music and a takeaway service is available. Children have a Pirates menu at just seven euros and there are various set menu specials and early bird discounts. Nearby, the Tikki pool bar has various snacks on offer, while Luna Beach Club has a much more sophisticated and gour-

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.

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

CELEBRATIONS: Inside

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? We were at least able to salvage the holiday.” The group had come across the stunning six-bedroom villa with a huge pool and grounds and got in touch via email. The website looked extremely credible and even had a photo of its alleged owner, ‘Flavio Hernandes Davila’, who did the negotiating. “I must confess we did think 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 adults and eight children who are still on holiday are now trying to reclaim their money as the booking was made via a credit card. The website however is still live, despite being reported to its web hosting company by the Olive Press and to UK police. The website boasted that ‘you Continues on Page 2

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a horrible moment and we weren’t sure what to do. “We started Googling it and

STOP THE SCAMMERS

Rentholidaysvillas.com is hosted by US-based server GoDaddy, which was warned as long ago as April of the scam by a leading holiday rental site in Spain. When asked why it was still live this week, GoDaddy Digital Crimes boss Ben Butler, explained: “We communicate regularly

Opinion Page 6

Mosquito Screens

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

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

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.”

Mauled ag

Onslaught

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

ars

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.

Page 18

True heroes

Remembered

BRAVE: Ignacio and Sergio (right)

Spy Garbo’s links to Malaga

• Car • Home • Pet • Business • Health • Marine • Travel • Holiday home

See our adverts inside

www.ibexinsure.com OLIVE PRESS – 70mm x 40mm FRONT COVER 7 June

CRIME

www.theolivepress.es

Holiday scam From front page

can put your trust in us’ while it included stolen photos from hundreds of properties across Spain, Portugal and Greece and has a series of fake testimonials from ‘happy’ clients at the bottom. There are 18 properties for rent on the Costa del Sol and 38 in Mallorca, as well as 38 in Ibiza and 21 in Portugal. Various genuine rental firms on the Costa del Sol and in Mallorca are demanding legal action after their own properties were taken and offered to rent at much cheaper prices. The Olive Press has discovered that the photo of Davila is actually a photograph of an Australian estate agent, whom we are not naming, for legal reasons. Another British victim of the site, pensioner Anne Landon, said she became suspicious after booking a break through the site and transferring £4,600 into one of their UK bank accounts. “I take my grandchildren on holiday every summer and was getting pretty desperate trying to find somewhere,” said Anne, 74. “The price was very reasonable and I was so excited. But immediately after booking he sent another email to say he had given me the wrong bank account number and could I send the money again. “I immediately felt very uncomfortable. I phoned my brother and said. ‘I think this is a scam.’” Anne phoned both hers and the recipient’s bank and her money was returned four days later. While she got her money back, she was forced to apply for a new

passport after sending a copy of her passport to the fraudsters. This week, an Olive Press reporter, posing as a holidaymaker, enquired about renting an exclusive property with rentholidaysvillas.com. ‘Flavio’ offered us a price of £3,850 a week, plus a 10% discount for full payment up front, requesting a passport copy and full address. When asked why he needed this, ‘Flavio’ replied: “When we make the contract, we need to be sure of your passport details.” One genuine property rental site, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed her ‘regret at the negative impact this could have on holidaymakers. “We are deeply shocked and saddened,” she said. “This is extremely clever criminal activity and we will always do our best to help people who have been treated in this way.” Helle Heredia from Malaga-based holiday property rental firm Novasol, said: “We hear about these types of scams all the time and the name ‘Flavio’ has been mentioned several times by some of our guests that have been scammed before reaching to us for help. “My advice for holiday makers, is to book with well-known and established holiday rental companies, check there is a valid phone number, always use a credit-card when you make a booking, google the websites first to check if they have been reported for scams before and always remember if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is!”

June 8th - June 21st 2017

Sick parents cuffed TWO Brits who fled to Mallorca after being charged with prostituting their own daughters have been arrested in Cartama, near Malaga. Aged 54 and 59, the married couple had offered sexual relations with their daughter to a man back in 2009. They were convicted of sexual abuse of a minor in 2016, but then fled to Mallorca in a desperate attempt to avoid police. From Mallorca, they moved to a shack on a farm in Cartama (left), where they have now been found and arrested. The pair will now face prison.

EXCLUSIVE: A dozen expats busted over sophisticated timeshare fraud operation

By Alexander Brown

A DOZEN expats have been quizzed over a multi million euro timeshare fraud. The group, based between Mijas and Torre del Mar, are said to have been raking in up to €100,000 a week from the scheme, which allegedly involved laundering money from scams through an admin office in the Axarquia town. North Londoner Howard Capelli and son Jack are said to have been behind the operation, which ‘netted millions over the last few years’, claimed an Olive Press source. Police launched their probe after the tax authorities

Clamp down discovered a big tax bill had gone unpaid. Among those questioned was a leading Benalmadena lawyer, said to be linked to the gang, as well as local bar owners and various timeshare touts. All 12 were arrested after a dawn raid which saw vehicles, computers and credit card machines seized by police and sniffer dogs. “These guys got most of their business from the

various timeshare decks up the coast. They were merely involved in the contracts, invoicing and money collection side via credit card machines,” said the source. Police confirmed the probe, but didn’t wish to comment. Most of the gang have since been released on bail. If you’re a victim of the group or a similar operation, contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es

161

Stories and features in this edition of the coast’s number 1 English newspaper

Catch me if you can BRITAIN’S most-wanted fugitive has evaded cops again, this time in Geneva. Mark Acklom, who was thought to be hiding in Spain, was spotted at a cafe in the Swiss capital, but by the time the police arrived he had vanished. Acklom, 45, was last tracked down to Murcia by the Olive Press, where we discovered his wife runs a property business. He is wanted by UK police for allegedly defrauding fiancee Carolyn Woods of all her €960,000 (£850,000) life savings in Gloucestershire four years ago. The National Crime Agency is now investigating the sighting. Alleged victim Woods said: “I’m not really surprised that he’s sitting openly in public because he is supremely arrogant and probably feels invincible - not surprising bearing in mind he has slipped through the net so easily on numerous occasions before.”

Family affair

Steroids buff-ted THE largest ‘european supermarket’ of steroids and doping products has been closed down in Malaga. Raiding the property, police found more than three million doses of steroids, hormones and sexual enhancers, as well as €2 million in cash. Located in Benalmadena, the flat was also home to packaging machines, medicine labels, and substances believed to have been smuggled in from China and India. The Guardia Civil made 14 arrests, including a doctor, a trainer and a bodybuilder.

17 YEARS

OF PORTRAYING MARBELLA’S BEST

® essential marbella magazine W W W. E S S E N T I A L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Shocking rise in wife killing THREE women have been killed by their partners in just one day. It comes as figures showed a shocking 47% increase in domestic murders this year. The incidents, which occurred in Madrid and Murcia, led to the arrest of two of men while the third in Murcia took his own life. None of the victims had reported any mistreatment by their spouses previously. Their deaths bring the number of domestic abuse-related murders in Spain this year to 27 - nine more than last year. Andalucia had 6,913 victims of abuse last year, which represents one out of every 500 women, the highest number in Spain.

A BRITISH family has been found guilty of scamming €51 million from UK taxpayers to fund their luxury lifestyle in Spain. Geoffrey Copp, 56, his brother Andrew, 50, and his son Joshua, 24, enjoyed ‘high living on a grand scale’ thanks to their elaborate VAT scam. Dad Geoffrey, who owns four mansions in the UK, also bought a huge villa on the Costa del Sol, where he spent much of the year. They spent a total of €340,000 on private flights to Malaga in just six months and owned three Bentleys. His brother Andrew meanwhile owned eight homes, six mortgage-free, including one in Malaga. His car collection, including Lamborghinis, was valued at €1.5 million. Son Joshua spent thousands on Rolex and Piguet watches and splurged an incredible €150,000 in London’s Selfridges in one day. Their business Central Payroll Specialists worked with recruitment companies and issued invoices to customers with 20% VAT applied. Meanwhile, they declared sales amounting to just under €23 million, when it was actually more than €285 million. They also kept the VAT due. The trio have been found guilty of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue and money laundering and will be sentenced at a later date.

NE WS

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

The Talented Mr Reader JUDE Law has been spotted in Seville enjoying the book fair. The BAFTA winner was snapped reclining under a lamppost enjoying the sun with psychologist girlfriend Phillipa Coan. The star was seen taking pictures with tourists and locals alike, ahead of enjoying the fair in Plaza Nueva. Since arriving in Andalucia, the heartthrob confirmed his role as Albus Dumbledore in the sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Toe curling

BEACH READY: Pamela

Baywatch Pamela Anderson has opened a new club in Marbella. The former Baywatch star, 49, was in town to cut the ribbon for the new Playa Padre club in Marbella. Her move comes as the show's big screen reboot, starring the Rock, opens in cinemas. The former Playboy playmate of the month has most recently been linked to Julian Assange.

Nip and tuck DANNIELLA Westbrook has travelled to Poland to receive several plastic surgeries. The 43-year-old actress tweeted that she intends to have a boob job, face lift and a teeth procedure on June 6 in a bid to boost her appearance. She wrote: “Can’t wait to go to Poland on the 6th of June . Face lift boobs and teeth being sorted ! About time after a year of hell.” The mum-of-two, who has just opened a bar on the Costa del Sol, is taking some time out in Benidorm after her successful month-long stint in rehab in Marbella. She recently revealed she was clean from booze and drugs after being admitted to the clinic for a cocaine addiction and troubles following her miscarriage last year.

SPAIN FANS: Camerons DAVID Cameron and his wife Samantha have showed off their pedicured feet during yet another romantic holiday to Andalucia. Samantha shared the intimate pic on her instagram account, writing: “Married for 21 years today!” The couple are staying at the exclusive €270-a-night Alcuzcuz resort in Benahavis, on the Costa del Sol, which boasts a natural saltwater swimming pool and terraced gardens. It offers the guests an opportunity to ‘disconnect from the outside world and spend unforgettable and restful days.’ The ex-Tory leader is a regular visitor to Spain, frequenting many a British favourite, including Ibiza and Mallorca in the Balearics. He knows the Benahavis area well having stayed in nearby Ronda, at least twice over the last few decades. A keen walker, he was photographed by an eagle eyed Olive Press reader after walking the celebrated Mr Henderson’s Railway route between

Former PM shares intimate pic with wife during latest Spain trip

PAMPERED: Happy couple show off pedicured toes Benaojan and Jimera de Libar. His annual Spanish holiday caused a stir last year after he and Samantha stayed in an illegal hotel in Lanzarote. The Hotel Gran Castillo in Playa Blanca had had its building permit quashed

by the Canary Islands Supreme Court in 2007 after it breached the 1991 building plan. But nearby San Bartolome, where he stayed in 2014, believes his publicised visit had an advertising value of more than €1.2 million.

Out of this world THE first images of the Hans Solo film set in Spain have been released. The Star Wars spin-off is currently being filmed on the island of Fuerteventura as the hometown of Han Solo emerges from the white sand of the Jandía Natural Park. In the film, the inhabitants of the planet Corellia live in some damaged igloos and under the remains of ships

and other intergalactic scraps. The film, starring Game of Thrones’ star Emilia Clarke and hunk Alden Ehrenreich, is expected to hit cinemas in May next year.

HUNK: Alden and (above) Emilia, while (top) the set

Pretty woman RICHARD Gere couldn’t keep his hands off his girlfriend on the red carpet in Madrid. The Hollywood star, 67, hugged and kissed his 34-year-old bella Alejandra Silva as the pair posed for pics. The duo were attending the pre-

miere of Gere’s new film Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer. Gere looked dapper in a simple black suit and a white buttondown shirt, while his ladylove looked gorgeous in a black-andwhite striped gown.

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Making good JOB creation in Spain’s manufacturing sector rose to its highest level this century in May after it took on staff at the strongest pace for 19 years

Permit fury Expat anger after Junta rejects disabled permit for wife, 86, who’s lived in Spain since 1979

Staying put SPAIN has reiterated its commitment to the Paris climate change agreement after Donald Trump pulled the US out of the 190-country strong deal.

Place to be ESTEPONA’S population could be nearly double the number stated in official statistics. Last years figures suggested it was 67,000, but new analysis of water usage suggests it could be 120,000.

New route THE number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Morocco to Spain has more than tripled this year, making it the fastest growing sea route into Europe.

June 8th - June 21st 2017

NOT HAPPY: James and Mary

A BRITISH expat has blasted the Junta after being forced to wait more than a year for a disabled parking permit for his wife. James Biryon, 86, applied for the permit for his partner Mary Spalding - who has lived in Andalucia for nearly 40 years in June last year. But after ten months of hearing nothing, the Junta rejected their application, forcing them to apply again last month. “It’s ridiculous and quite frankly a disgrace,” Biryon, originally from London, told the Olive Press.

“I have a thick pile of documents of doctor’s appointments and medical assessments proving my wife needs this permit. “How can they fail to get back for 10 months and then just reject us?” Mary, 84, from Boston, USA, has suffered three strokes, her latest one in January of this year and she finds it difficult to walk long distances. The pair, together for 16 years, live in Mijas while also having a second home in Fuengirola, where they used to spend weekends to relax. “The permit is essential,” explains former oil rig conlove of the artworks. structor Biryon. “Parking While he has owned the here is impossible and is historic bar for three often too far from home for decades - celebrating its her to walk. anniversary this sum“We can’t go to our Fuengimer - he is also a keen Japanese art dealer, rola home either as we can’t who spends his time beguarantee close enough tween Spain, Paris and parking.” Tokyo. The couple have applied again, Many of the sculptures but have no idea whether they are for sale. will be successful. The Junta were unavailable www.delfosmojacar.com for comment.

Oriental discoveries AN exhibition of stunning Japanese art has landed in Spain. The group of beautiful 17th century miniature sculptures, which were traditionally used as fastenings on kimono robes, can be seen in Mojacar from June 16. The exhibition, at celebrated Delfos Bar, is taking place thanks to its owner Robert Fleischel’s

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

Creative legacy MARIANO Rajoy has paid tribute to Malaga fashion designer David Delfin after he passed away from cancer. The Spanish prime minister expressed his condolences for the world-renowned Malagueño, who was just 46. Rajoy said in a telegram sent to Delfin's family that 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.'

Fire ban THE annual fire ban has come into effect across Andalucia and will remain in place until at least midOctober. No fire can be lit across the region without correct local permission. Barbecues are forbidden anywhere within 400 metres of a forest and vehicles are forbidden from driving through forest areas.

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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 We feel for you MOST of us at the Olive Press herald from or have lived in London at one point or another. So while the Manchester bombing was painful in the extreme, the attack on our beloved capital has hit right to the quick. Our hearts go out to the victims, but, above all, we hope there is no knee-jerk reaction. This was the work of three deluded outcasts, who have no place in any religion. In a true testament to the greatest city in the world, people went about their business this week, without a sideways glance… because terrorism doesn’t - and shouldn’t - work. Above all, we hope this week’s general election can take place in peace and that the attacks don’t affect voting intentions. We at the Olive Press would love to see a Lib Dem/Labour alliance to - maybe, maybe keep the UK and Gibraltar in the EU.

Holiday hell

THE summer season is just starting and innocent holidaymakers are already falling prey to professional conmen. The devious scammers behind rentholidaysvillas.com hide behind the internet’s anonymity. So far, precious little appears to have been done by web host GoDaddy to take the site down. It has to be hoped that the UK police’s Cyber Crime unit have more success at persuading them to act. The scam is far from being unique to Spain, with Greece and Portugal also suffering. And while such stories do nothing to promote tourism, it is important the public are well-informed so the number of people being stung is limited. As Costa rental agent Helle Heredia told us: if a holiday rental deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Publisher/ Editor

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On the 80th anniversary of the Paris International Fair, Joe Duggan meets the Mallorca artist’s grandson

Magical Miro June 8th - June 21st 2017

OAN Punyet Miró is a tireless keeper of his namesake grandfather’s artistic flame. As the early-afternoon traffic cruises down Palma’s Jaume III, below the Successió Miro office, he reveals how the Catalan maestro’s dreams ignited his bold artistic visions. “He started work while asleep at night,” said Punyet Miro, the manager of Successió Miro, which looks after the artist’s estate. “As a good surrealist, he was seeing how his soul was leaving his body behind, flying to the stars, running through the universe and coming back with a net. “In the morning, he would down his visions in a notebook by the bed.” Of course, Mallorca was a formative and enduring influence on Miro’s dazzling creativity. It was here he became entranced by the island’s light and colour as a child. And it was here, deep in the dark heart of Franco’s dictatorship, he chose to build a home and a studio, defying the regime’s brutality while others fled into exile, and seeing out his final 25 years as an artist on the island. It was a dangerous, and courageous, decision. His opposition to Franco’s regime couldn’t have been clearer. Eighty years ago this month, at the Paris International Exposition, Miro and Pablo Picasso first presented two of art’s most provocaYou’re hired! tive political works. Guernica and Miro’s The Reaper were a doubleTHE number of unemployed people in barreled shotgun aimed squarely at Franco’s Malaga fell by 5,134 in May, a decrease Nationalists. But whereas Picasso’s Guernica of 3.26% survived the war, Miro’s masterpiece was lost in the ensuing chaos, explains Punyet Miro, one of the heir’s to Miro’s estate who administers the rights of the artist’s works.

Penniless

“Unlike Picasso, who painted Guernica on canvas, Grandpa painted huge six panels on the wall made out of compressed wood,” he said. “As soon as they touched the panels he said, ‘I cannot take the panels. I am penniless and have no place to work’. “He sent them to Republican headquarters in Valencia. But I think they were used as barricades to help protect Republican soldiers and then they were destroyed.” The loss of the painting deprived the world of a masterpiece. But Miro himself thought differently. “He didn’t care,” said Miro. “It was like a Banksy MIRO: With The Reaper and (right) with graffiti. It was meant to be in that specific time family and (below) with wife and place. It was ephemeral art - it was not supposed to be sold or kept. It was an artistic weapon.” It was certainly that. The 5.5-metre-high painting depicts a Catalan peasant, sickle in hand, wearing the traditional red barretina hat. A symbol of Catalunya’s rebellious spirit - the Catalan national anthem is called The Reapers - the reaper’s fist is clenched tightly into a Republican salute. “My grandfather wanted to paint one Catalan peasant in a sign to make a revolution against fascism,” explained Punyet Miro. “He is the figure of all revolution against fascism. It is saying, ‘We are against Franco and fascism. “My grandfather was a democrat and that is what Picasso and he were speaking about.” The carnage depicted in Picasso’s work, which stood close to his close friend Miro’s in the extwice. Let him live, but control what he is doing’.” hibition’s Spanish Pavilion, provoked a famous In 1954, Miro bought a plot of Mallorca to build exchange between the artist and a Nazi officer. a family home. A purpose-built studio was com“One Nazi official was with Picasso in front of pleted in 1956, where Miro’s blistering work-rate Guernica and asked, ‘Did you make this?’” said produced some 2,000 paintings. It’s construcPunyet Miro. tion was complicated by the political exile of its “‘No”, he said. “You are the one that made this.”” architect, Miro’s fellow Catalan Josep Lluís Sert, Miro began his flight from France after Hitler inwho corresponded with the artist via letter from vaded Poland in September 1939, finally makAmerica. ing his way back to Spain in 1940. Upon returnWhy did he choose Mallorca as an artistic base? ing, the artist was treated like ‘the living dead’, “The light and peacefulness - and to be away says his grandson. A marked man, he had to be from journalists and museum curators,” said on his wits. Punyet Miro. “He was living in Mallorca and the regime “Through the hills of his house the mowanted all the letters he sent away to be ment when you see dark and twilight it’s opened and read,” said Punyet Miro. like magic happening because you can “That’s why my grandfather never wrote. My see the sun and moon share the same grandmother was the one who wrote space at same time.” letters. Prepared to put his life at Punyet Miro recalls being captivated risk, but nevertheless fearful of the as a 10-year-old boy upon first entereffects the regime would have on ing his grandfather’s studio. him and his work, Miro was pos“I discovered the magic of colour. Hunsibly spared by the international dreds of paintings on the floor, drawoutrage sparked by the murder ings and prints and etchings everyof another revered Spanish Rewhere. Plus a great group of different publican. elements that shocked me,” he said. “Franco made a mistake in “There were skeletons, roots, cactus1936 when he shot Federico es and sculptures from Africa, South Garcia Lorca. So Franco said, ‘I America cohabitating with different won’t make the same mistake PROUD: Joan Miro elements used in Mallorca culture.”

His grandfather strictly regimented his working day. From nine until two, he painted. In the afternoon, he personally replied to his letters. At night, he read poetry, listened to music - jazz was a favourite - and drew sketches. Punyet Miro remembers laughing along to the films of Charlie Chaplin - a close friend of Miro’s - together. During his time in Paris in the 1920s, Miro would box with Ernest Hemingway (‘Hemingway was very tall and strong and Miro was tiny’), who bought The Farm from the poor young artist. As no colour photographs of The Reaper exist, a replica of the work - recently exhibited in London for the 80th anniversary of the Spanish Pavilion was made in black and white. “We didn’t want to guess,” said Punyet Miro. “We tried to be loyal. “We wanted to do it in London because the Picasso sent Guernica there to get money for refugee Spanish children. Also, many English people came to Spain to fight against Franco.” Through his work with Successio Miro and the Miro Foundation, Punyet Miro says they come across ‘many’ fake Miros (the FBI and Interpol often investigate the culprits). However, he still holds out hope that the original of The Reaper may yet resurface. “Sometimes I dream it has not been destroyed and I will find it in the future,” said Punyet Miro. “Of course it’s possible.”

WEBSITE

www.theolivepress.es How the acclaimed British historian’s Spanish Civil War rocked Franco’s regime

UGH Thomas’s death last month saw the passing of one of the Spanish Civil War’s greatest chroniclers. His totemic 1961 book on the war was banned by dictator Franco and became an underground staple in Spain. Copies were smuggled across the French border. Anybody caught with one faced jail. Such was the power of Thomas’s words, the simply-titled The Spanish Civil War was described by Professor Paul Preston as ‘the Bible of the Left’. “The Spanish War appeared as a ‘just war,’ as civil wars do to intellectuals, since they lack the apparent vulgarity of national conflicts,” stated Thomas. “It looked, at least at first, as the great moment of hope for an entire generation.” Although the historian grew to become associated with the Left, his roots were actually firmly in Britain’s establishment. His father was a colonial officer in Ghana, where Thomas spent his childhood, and his uncle was the governor of Singapore during Britain’s humiliating Second World War surrender to the Japanese. Thomas went on to study history at Cambridge, where he became the Conservative president of the university’s Union. He later took a position at the Paris Embassy, resigning in 1957 to start work on the legendary tome, albeit nearly 20 years since the conflict ended. Armed with never-before-seen papers from the German foreign office, diaries from the Italian Count Ciano and parliamentary papers from France Thomas was able to shine much new light on the role of foreign countries in what was ostensibly a domestic conflict. Thomas’s meticulously researched work drew on extensive interviews from participants on on both sides of the Spanish conflict. One right-wing Carlist historian assured him the unexploded bomb in his fireplace had been dropped there by ‘the Reds’. He also interviewed Noel Fitzpatrick and Peter Kemp, two of the few Britons who fought alongside Franco’s forces. Meanwhile those who fought for the Republicans - among them 4,000 Brits who joined the International Brigades - Thomas interviewed Kitty Wintringham, widow of the British Battalion’s commander Tom Wintringham. The poet Stephen Spender and the Communist reporter Claud Cockburn and George Aitken, former commissar of the XV Brigade were other notable contributors to Thomas’s tome. Beavering away in the Reading Room of London’s British Museum, Thomas pored over books written by left-wing Brigadistas and contemporary journalists. While unable to speak Spanish, he still travelled extensively throughout Spain to undertake research, passing through Madrid, Andalucia, Toledo, Asturias,

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Mr Thomas

the Basque Country and on to Barcelona. “I remember how excited I was by the lively avenue, the Rambla, with its flowers and stalls and cafes, and the great statue of Columbus on his column at the end of it, facing the sea,” he wrote of Barcelona. Thomas would go on to meet the Andalucian-based leg- HISTORY: Britons fighting for Spain’s Republican forces end Gerald Brenan against dictator Franco (he himself the writer of a famous civil himself was regularly asked to comwar book, the Spanish Labyrinth) in his ment on statements in it. Churriana home, near Malaga, before “He largely dismissed it all as ‘lies’, the Spanish Civil War was published denying that civilians were killed when in1961. he bombed Barcelona or that there It soon became highly sought after in were mass executions. The book’s noFranco’s Spain, its dissenting voice toriety led to colossal sales after the challenging the regime’s narrative of dictator’s death in 1975.” the conflict. The Spanish Civil War went on to sell Copies of the book were printed by a a million copies, with Thomas winning group of exiled Spanish Republican ref- international acclaim. Further books ugees at the publisher Ruedo Iberico on Cuba, Spanish artist Goya and the in Paris before being smuggled Suez Crisis were to cement Thomas’ across the border. Founded position as one of the world’s most by José Martínez Guerricabei- preeminent historical scholars. tia, Ruedo Iberico’s printmak- The former Labour Party parliameners were of varying political tary candidate was also later to beallegiance, but united in their come an unofficial adviser to Margaimplacable opposition to Fran- ret Thatcher. co’s regime and hell bent on Writing five years before his death, establishing the truth about Thomas addressed the thorny issue of the Civil War. reconciliation in a country where over One working-class Spaniard 100,000 victims of the war still lie in caught red-handed with two unmarked graves. suitcases of the book at the “My solution to the problem of the French border was sentenced memory of the war is a simple one. A to two years for ‘illegal pro- monument should be erected outside paganda’ and ‘spreading Madrid along the lines of the Holocommunism’. caust Memorial in Israel. Writing in the Guardian, “On this, the names of all those who academic Paul Preston com- died in battle as a direct consequence mented: “So successful was of the conflict, either in battle or bethe book that even Franco hind the lines, should be inscribed.”

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Andalucia’s biggest Gay Pride breaks all records A RECORD 40,000 people attended Torremolinos Gay Pride this year. The massive figure is a 30% increase on last year. Thanks to the spike in visitors, commercial activity in the town increased by 14% while hotel occupancy rates reached nearly 100%. The four-day extravaganza saw performances from worldrenowned transexual singer Dana International, while the rainbow flag flew proudly over the town hall. Councillor Aida Blanes said the event demonstrated a ‘a celebration of integration, coexistence between people who are lesbian, gay, transsexual, bisexual and intersexual.’

news

Prouder than ever The Pride March this year beat records both in terms of floats

Comment By Laurence Dollimore THE celebrations at Torremolinos pride epitomise Spain’s liberal attitude to LGBTQI rights. As one of the first countries to legalise same-sex marriage, an LGBTQI person will rarely feel unsafe here. As the rights of people like me

and people. Some 9,000 LGBTQI indi-

Grateful

are under threat in places like the Philippines, Chechnya and even the US, festivals like this remind me how lucky I am to live in such a tolerant and liberal country. The streets were awash with love and acceptance as revel-

Mallorca Ibiza Marbella Madrid Valencia

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

viduals and friends marched through the streets on Saturday. Bar owner Paolo lers, me included, danced the Molleda told the day and night away. Olive Press: “There But while fun, we never forget were so many peothose in the likes of Russia or ple in the parade it Syria, who right now are bewas great to see. ing rounded up and killed for “The event is growsomething they cannot coning and growing trol. each year and in Hopefully one day every these times it is country in the world will have more important a pride like Torremolinos. than ever.”

Health scare EXPAT pensioners forced to return to the UK after Brexit could cost the NHS a staggering €1.15 billion a year, a new report has claimed. If the UK fails to strike a deal over health rights for elderly Brits living in the EU, the NHS would have to foot the bill, the Nuffield Trust has warned. Currently, the UK government pays €575 million a year for healthcare provided to some 190,000 British pensioners living in the EU, the largest number in Spain. The reciprocal ‘S1’ scheme grants pensioners the right access to the same healthcare as the local population. Report author Mark Dayan said: “The NHS and social care were already under pressure from tight funding settlements and growing staffing problems well before the EU referendum last year. “But if we handle it badly, leaving the EU could make these problems even worse, given the potential impact on both the strength of the UK economy and the supply of overseas staff to both health and social care services.” The report also highlighted the importance of EU workers in the NHS, with social care facing a shortfall of 70,000 workers if migration is halted.

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Worrying times SPANIARDS are growing increasingly worried about corruption in their country. A total of 54% of citizens expressed their concerns last month, which is a sharp rise from 42% in April. The rise is believed to be due to the avalanche of high profile cases which are in the media at present, in particular surrounding the ruling PP party. It also follows news that the public prosecutor in charge of corruption cases was discovered to own an offshore company in Panama. (see story (right). The rate is the highest since 2015 when the public raised concerns about the Gurtel Case, Operation Punica, the so-called ‘black cards’ of Caja Madrid and trial of ex-Catalunya president Jordi Pujol.

Family affair THE Mayor of Marbella has courted controversy by hiring the husband of his chief of staff to run his media operation. Jose Bernal has hired Juan Carlos Angulo to be a media advisor, with a yearly salary of €31,171. Bernal was criticised last year for giving jobs to the boyfriend and mother-in-law of one of his staff.

Corruption prosecutor resigns over links to offshore company SPAIN'S leading anticorruption prosecutor has resigned after admitting he holds a stake in an offshore company in Panama. Manuel Moix stepped down shortly after it was revealed that he has a quarter-share in a company that was set up as part of an inheritance from his parents.

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

Panama firing

Irregular

Despite his decision to leave, citing ‘personal reasons’, his boss Jose Manuel Maza insisted there was no suggestion 'of any

STAGE SET FOR MEGA TRIAL AN investigation into corruption at Estepona town hall is finally set to go to trial after almost 12 years. During the course of the so-called Astapa case, a total of 94 people were investigated

and 113 witnesses were questioned. Of an incredible 1,056 town planning offences committed, only 212 resulted in fines. This represents a staggering loss of €43 million from the town hall. While launched in 2006, the case hotted up in 2008 when police arrested thenmayor Antonio Barrientos. ESTEPONA town hall employs an incredible 1,096 A 226-page report shows staff. Of these, 164 are civil servants, 129 are local po- systematic irregularities licemen and 35 people work in admin. between 2003 and 2008, This is despite claims that the town hall has not hired when the PSOE mayor was anyone new in a decade. in charge.

The deformed town hall

irregular or illegal behaviour.' But Moix's short time in office has been mired by accusations that he has attempted to interfere in corruption investigations involving the ruling Partido Popular. Only in the role since February, Moix is alleged to have undermined several investigations of fraud involving senior PP members in Madrid. It also emerged at the weekend the offshore trust owned various properties in Spain, including a €530,000 villa, near Madrid. Opposition parties insisted his resignation came too late. Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said: “Ministers and prosecutors who corrode democracy and are parasites on institutions' need to be kicked out of office.”

SINGING: For EU

Singing the Brexit blues A SPANISH anti-Brexit song which welcomes Brits to Spain has gone viral. El Primo Juan and Ismael Balotelli’s anthem, ‘DespaBrexit’, which has been viewed more than 200,000 times on Facebook, tells British people ‘you know how beautiful the beaches are in Spain’. The jaunty tune laments that post-Brexit ‘slowly bars and airports will be empty, all the smiles will already be lost’ but that ‘when you come to Spain you will always be welcome’. El Primo Juan said: “It is criticism from the perspective of the expats in Spain and it has had a great response with people taking it well.” The track was recorded on a mobile phone near the duo’s Manchester home.

G reen

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Nest quest

Pedal power A CYCLING protest has taken place in Malaga opposing urban planning. Representatives from 30 political, environmental and social groups attended the cyclist demo, campaigning for a green development in front of a proposed tower and new office blocks. Located near Repsol, the project covers 17 hectares of land. Pedro Francisco, pedalling the message for Bosque Urbana Malaga said: "We do not want more buildings in this area. "We call on the people of Malaga to join this initiative."

Energy source A GEOTHERMAL deposit has been discovered in Almeria. Located in the fields of Nijar, the area is 490 metres below the ground, and has an average temperature of 41.8C. Sacyr Industrial will build a geothermal plant in the region next August, initially covering 24 hectares. After a second survey, this capacity could potentially double. The initial development plans foresee the construction of three plants in just two years, and a much faster development after that.

June 8th - June 21st 2017

ANDALUCIA is home sweet home for harriers with the highest number of nests in Spain. A total of 693 have been counted in the region, ahead of Extremadura (259), Castilla la Mancha (68) and Castilla y Leon (61). The most Andalucian nests were found in Sevilla province (160), Jaen (146) and Huelva (104). Harriers breed mainly in cultivated areas and colonies of the hawk-eyed birds of prey have also been found in the marshlands and rice fields of Donana.

Protest groups are calling for action on Malaga’s mosquito problem PROTESTERS have marched through Malaga to demand more action in the fight against mosquitoes. Stop Mosquitoes marched through the city to protest the lack of action taken by the council, specifically in Guadalhorce, by the river. Campaigners complained that despite repeated meetings, the issue of mosquitoes in the region has still seen no significant action. Stop Mosquitos began the march at Sacaba Beach, before ending at Clara Campoamor College. The group have had biweekly meetings with the City Council, but feel nothing has changed. Spokesman Mayte Martin said: "We do not not see any new solutions or action.”

Buzz off BIG PROBLEM: Mosquitos

This comes days after it emerged the environmental monitoring company hired by the City Council, Athisa, only examined the absence of larvae, meaning only adult

mosquitoes can be detected. Despite the march, Malaga City Council has been working with Guadalhorce, one of Europe's largest mosquito expert groups to learn how

to combat the presence of the bug. Meeting this month, they discussed the success of traps to catch the insects in the Camargue Natural Park in France.

11 ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 53.50% Same week last year: 60.55% Same week in 2006: 60.49%

Going greener ANDALUCIA boasts some of the largest and most diverse protected areas in the EU. It comes after some 14 locations in the region were chosen to become Special Areas of Conservation by the PP’s Environment and Spatial Planning department. The conservation zones include Cabo de Gata in Almeria, Trafalgar Point in Cadiz, Sierra de Castell de Ferro in Granada along with a number of areas in Sevilla and Huelva provinces. However, according to the government, the management plans of the areas ‘do not limit or prohibit’ agriculture or development.

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PULLING OUT: Trump

Climate commitment

GIBRALTAR has reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. Chief minister Fabian Picardo said that it was ‘important for our civic pride’ to highlight the Rock’s commitment to cutting emissions to ward against global warming. He made the statement as part of his campaign to gain permission for the Rock’s Government to independently ratify the agreement, which was agreed by the UK last autumn. “We remain 100% (committed) to the cause because although we may be small we act local and think global when it comes to protecting the earth,” said Picardo. It comes after US leader Donald Trump received worldwide condemnation after pulling America out of the agreement.

gibraltar

June 8th - June 21st 2017

Marathon man Personal achievement as recovering Gibraltarian drug addict set for royal honour

EXCLUSIVE By Laura Duckett

A FORMER drug addict has been honoured by the Gibraltar governor after raising £1,400 for charity in the London Marathon. Steven Walker, 26, whose nine-year struggle with cocaine only ended last year, couldn’t even run five miles before he started training for the 26-mile race. He completed the October race in five hours, despite suffering a hamstring injury halfway through and raised the money for Bowel Cancer UK. He has now been invited to the Queen’s birthday parade in recognition this month. “It’s a massive honour for me after being a problem for society for so long,” the factory checker told the Olive Press.

INSPIRATION: Walker

“My battle with addiction was way harder than running with an injury and made me stronger men-

tally,” he added. Aside from proving to himself that he was capable of such a feat, he had another personal motive for running the race. “I also ran the marathon on behalf of my granny who recently passed away with bowel cancer in 2006. “I always had a pain inside me because I was never there for her - I was too busy getting high. “So I felt proud I could finish the race in her honour - she is my true inspiration.” He started drinking heavily and taking drugs aged 13 while struggling with anger issues. By 16 he was using cocaine and by 25 was completely addicted having lost everything. His addiction was so bad he spent up to £20,000 in a week on the habit, rather than investing in a prop-

erty or other businesses. Once he had frittered away all his savings, he became very depressed and even attempted to commit suicide. Now following intense counselling he is back on the road to recovery and feels strong again. “I can finally just be myself,” he explained. “And now I want to give everything I can to Gibraltar because I’ve been a problem to society for so many years.” You can find out more about Steven’s addiction and life on his YouTube channel, Steven Walker Journey of an Addict, where he offers advice for those suffering from addiction. He is currently training for a half marathon in Manchester and is even training his mum to join him for the next race.

Coked up

A GIBRALTAR detective has blamed drug activity in La Linea for the Rock’s growing cocaine seizures. It comes as 143 grams of the Class A drug have been netted by the Royal Gibraltar Police in the past five months, while HM Customs hauled more than 84 grams of the white powder. The same period saw 17 people cuffed for cocaine-related offences. RGP Detective Superintendent Ian McGrail claimed the high amounts of drug activity in nearby towns in southern Spain ‘rub off’ on the Rock. “Even though you can’t really say how affected our youth is and how affected our population is by that, being so close to a place which has such a high intensity and activity of this type of organised criminality, some of it rubs off unfortunately, some of the mud sticks to you in terms of its effects, its collateral damage,” he said. “Thankfully we have controls at the border and we work very closely with schools to educate children to stay away from drugs.” He also said the results could be caused by better policing, adding that they try to ‘hit the drug dealer’ first. “We know how damaging cocaine is to society, how it can wreck families… so we try our utmost to hit the drug dealer so that those drugs are at least harder to get…for recreational users.”

a xa r q u i a

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Tax back VELEZ-MALAGA Town Hall has received more than 180 claims over taxes on land value that hasn't increased. A rule change in March allowed locals to claim back tax on the increase of value of urban land if it had not gone up. In three months since, 180 people have written to the town hall to claim tax back. Applications can be made through the Citizen Assistance Office.

Child Support MORE than 100 health and education professionals attended a children's mental health conference in Axarquia. Put on by the Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, the event focused on ways to help children and adolescents from the region. Taking place at the Malaga-Axarquia Health Area, groups were separated into four tables, with each one discussing a particular theme related to mental health. These included drug consumption, the benefit of primary education, and facing difficulties in adolescence.

June 8th - June 21st 2017

Brit Bashing

Beer hop VELEZ-MALAGA is to host a craft beer festival. Guests will be able to enjoy as many as 35 different beers from nine different breweries, all with their own unique flavour. The event takes place on June 9-11 on Paseo Andalucia. There will also be an assortment of American food trucks and other artisan stands.

A FURIOUS axe-man attacked his neighbour after becoming enraged by a series of insults about his mother. The attacker, in his 40s, reportedly swung at his 24-year-old neighbour’s head after the pair began arguing in Las Monjas. The young man was left

Axe Attack

Neighbours argue after mum insult a slashed head and broken wrist and had to be rushed to the Axarquia

Treasure hunt A FILM about a search for the Almoravid king's treasure is to be filmed in in Rincon de le Victoria. Directed by Alberton Pons, the shoot will film around the region and inside the Cave of Treasure. Approved by the the Council of Tourism, the short film will then be shown at a number of international festivals, including Sitges. The Cave of Treasure is one of only three visitable caves of marine origin in the area.

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General Hospital. His injuries were not believed to be life-

threatening. Police were called to the incident and the axe-man was arrested at his home. According to reports, the two families have a long-standing rivalry, with the two men having been separated after fighting previously. In this latest flare-up, it was reportedly a series of mother-related insults which triggered the violent attack.

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PUPILS at a school in Axarquia restaged an 18th-century victory over the British to celebrate a famous Viceroy born in Malaga. Students at CEIP Custodio Puga dressed up in traditional attire to reenact the 1781 Siege of Pensacola, when British troops were defeated by the US. The event was held to pay homage to military historian Bernando de Galvez, who led the Spanish forces against Britain during the Revolutionary War. He later became the 61st Viceroy of New Spain (north of present Panama) and even attended July 4 parades with George Washington.

Towns on tour THE mayors of Torrox and Antequera have agreed to join forces and promote each other’s towns as great tourist destinations. Oscar Medina, of Torrox, and Manuel Baron, for Antequera, have announced they will advertise the locations as a joint package. Tourist offices in both regions will now distribute information and guidance for the other. Medina said: “It can form a package of great interest for visitors of both municipalities.”

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what’s on

etsuke June 16 BE ‘APPY!

An exhibition of unique Japanese sculptures at the Delfos Mojacar. Runs until June 18.

Do you have a what’s on? Send your informati on to newsdesk@theolivep ress.es

We’re Desperado

Game of Thrones trailer features Andalucia filming locations

ANTONIO Banderas has been begged to return to his project to revolutionise Malaga city centre in a letter signed by more than 50 culture professionals. The 56-year-old Zorro star had pulled out of the scheme, but has now been backed by 55 professionals both local and national. These include playwright Antonio Tejedor, politician Joaquin Leguina, and international Flamenco dancer Eva Yerbabuena. Banderas had originally cancelled the project after opposition councillors criticised the bidding process. It remains to be seen if this new backing will change his mind.

erja Caves International Festival Download our app June now and SEVILLA has a starring 10-July 1 begin enjoying the best Spanishrole in the new Game of Now in its 58th year, the event Thrones trailer. on the go. seens news a number of shows The clip gives the first look ranging from Flamenco Opat the penultimate series of era Carmen to the National the hit fantasy series, which Ballet for Cuba performing was filmed in locations Arcangel. Performances take across Spain. place inside and outside the It opens with a shot of Semagnificent caves of Nerja.

villa’s Real Alcazar Palace, doubling as Queen Cersei’s ityThe of Fuengriola FesOlive Presspalace in Dorne.

tival June 10- July 29 World famous acts inEnemies TOP in Spain! cluding Stingfor andnews Jamie CulThe trailer promises that lum perform at Sohail Castle, a ‘great war is coming’ as one of the region's most Cersei, played by Lena iconic monuments. A number Headey, vows to defeat all of local artists also appear at the month long festival. enemies.

itingo in concert June 10 Pitingo performs in Malaga after the release of his sixth album Soul, Buleria. The Huevla born singer combines sole and flamenco together to form his own brand of Spanish pop.

Daenerys says she will fulfil her birthright, claiming: “I was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms.” The clip goes on to show San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in the Basque region, where Melisandre is seen watching figures approach Dragonstone. The huge castle in Almodóvar del Río in Cordo-

June 8th - June 21st 2017

ON LOCATION: Sevilla’s Real Alcazar Palace

Winter is here

ba was another key filming location at the end of last year and will likely feature heavily in the show. The city of Caceres and

Culture vultures

nearby town of Malpartida will also feature. The seventh season of Game of Thrones begins on July 16 on HBO in Spain.

CULTURE is taking over from climate as the top reason tourists visit Andalucia. The region saw 10.6 million international tourists last year, with the weather cited as the biggest draw. However, Jose Ramon Benitez, Spain’s new Cultural Heritage and Museums chief, says that monuments are now the main reason people visit the destination. Cultural tourism now represents 28.8 % of all visitors to the region. Across Andalucia, there are 126 declared historic areas, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Artisan Points A paint workshop in Almeria has been declared an Artisan Point of interest in Andalucia. The Art Studio il Museum, run by Emilio Perez, specialises in contemporary and avant-garde paintings, sculpture and and engraving. Located in the El Zapillow neighbourhood, the workshop becomes the seventh place in Almeria to be given the award, which comes with €3,700 of funding from the Junta. Mr Perez’ work can be found across Europe.

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Clowning around ESTEPONA is to stage its second festival of music and circus showcasing big top thrills in the open air. Circuspona will feature Spain’s clown prince, Pepe Viyuela, flamenco and jazz saxophonist Antonio Lizana and a host of other acts. In addition to performances, guests will also be able to enjoy workshops from the Malaga School of Circus. The event takes place in Estepona Children’s Park on August 5, with adult tickets €20 and children’s tickets costing just €1.

International guitar maestros tune up for the city’s stringdriven music festival RONDA is to host it’s second annual guitar festival showcasing top international artists. Hundreds of music fans from around the world will descend on the town to enjoy concerts, workshops, talks and artisan guitar makers selling their wares in the atmospheric setting of Santo Domingo convent.

Debut for Estepona ONE of the oldest production companies in Spain is premiering its new play in Estepona. The comedy Alta Seducion, written by Maria Manuela Reina, makes its national debut in the resort this month. The piece stars Arturo Ferandez, an actor described as the ‘the great seducer of the Spanish scene’. Performances take place at the Padre Manuel Cultural Centre on 8-9 June, with tickets available from www.auditorioestepona.com

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The event was founded by Surrey-born Lucy Stewart, 42, and her internationally renowned guitarist husband Paco Seco, 43. They run the Ronda Guitar House, where the festival was born from their love of the genre. “My husband is an international concert guitarist and we thought we would set up a festival so that we would get to see famous artists in Ronda,” said

Lucy. “It’s not just flamenco and classic guitar, it’s all

kinds of performers from Spain, Costa Rica, Portugal, and Argentina.

Charity Culture THE first Indian culture festival in the region has taken place in Andalucia. Entitled I Festival of Dance and Culture of India, the event saw guests enjoy workshops, traditional Indian food and dance shows. Taking place in Sala Tavora Teatro Abierto, in Seville, the festival's theme was solidarity. Funds raised from the event went towards health care and support for those suffering from HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis in India.

DANCER: At festival

“You get wonderful music from internationally renowned artists and with the beautiful sights of Ronda, it’s perfect.” The event runs from June 6-10, with tickets costing €35 for the week, or €10 per performance. They are available from the Ronda Tourist office, or at www. rondaguitarfestival. com/english/tickets/.

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GUITAR HEROES: Paco Seco and guests to rock Ronda

THE Prodigy are to headline the Costa del Sol’s Weekend Beach Festival next month. The dance music stalwarts, who are huge in Spain, have been confirmed for the three-day event, along with Rosendo, Matthias Tanzmann and The Royal Room. Billed for Torre del Mar over July 4-8, the event sees tens of thousands descend on the beach for camping and music. Tickets cost €40, and can be bought from www. weekendbeach.es.

HIT Netflix series Black Mirror is filming in Malaga. The Charlie Brooker written satire is using the cities old prison to film scenes for the upcoming season 4 episode 'Black Museum'. Set in a Las Vegas museum, the episode explores the dangers of alien technology. Nevada desert has been recreated in Tabernas, the Casino city jail is depicted at the Cruz de Humilladero, while the streets of Antequera will be used to film a car chase. Series four is expected to be released later this year.

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

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On the anniversary of D-Day, writer David Baird reveals the secret life of legendary MI5 agent Garbo (right), how he met him in Andalucia and how his handler mysteriously died in Mallorca

OU don’t often meet a man who has come back from the dead. Nor a man who helped to change the course of history. But above all, it’s rare to find journalists admitting they missed the story of a lifetime. So you can excuse my mixed emotions as the anniversary for D Day approached this week - June 6 when in 1944 the Allies launched the biggest naval landing in history and the world held its breath. Every journalist has his tale about ‘the one that got away’ — the fantastic scoop that they somehow missed. But most of these are small beer compared to mine, which concerned a momentous event, the Normandy landings and the man who played a vital role in their success. This is the tale of an infamous double agent named ‘Garbo’ whose false intelligence reports misled the Germans into believing the real invasion would come near Calais. It is also the tale of his fellow agent, Tommy Harris, who died a mysterious death in a Mallorca car crash. Everybody believed that the mysterious Garbo had died shortly after World War Two. So I was not inconsiderably surprised when, 40 years later, I met him face to face in Spain. There he was, walking along the main street of my village, Frigiliana, in Andalucia. With him was a friend, Desmond Bristow, a charming fellow with a fund of entertaining anecdotes. The trouble was that you did not know how much to believe. With a wicked smile, Desmond told me: “This is an old colleague and he has a EXPAT: Desmond Bristow very important appointment in London.” And sure enough, that bald, unassuming fellow at his side, did have an appointment a few days later — at Buckingham Palace, where he chatted with the Queen and Prince Philip and emerged with an MBE, the medal awarded him 40 years earlier, but which he had never been able to collect. Too late, I realised I should have listened to Desmond a little more carefully. Many an evening over a few glasses of wine he had spun tall tales from his past. Too late, I realised that he had guarded a secret that would make headlines around the world. On the surface Desmond was just one more expat enjoying retirement in the sun. In fact, he was a wily ex-MI6 agent who had made a name for himself as a master of deception. And here’s the irony. Secret agents live their entire careers in a twilight zone. They sign oaths of confidentiality and are expected to take their secrets to the grave. They may receive medals but can never reveal exactly what they are for. But they are only human. Deep down, they crave recognition. Imagine all those exploits they are warned not to talk about, ever. It’s not surprising that some decide to spill the beans. As Desmond finally did. After leaving the Secret Service, he had first worked for the De Beers diamond com-

la cultura

June 8th - June 21st 2017

Spyca D-DAY LANDINGS: Thanks to Garbo the allied landings in Normandy were made a success

MONUMENT: An American tank has become a Normandy monument

pany before retiring to an old mill on a hill launched an attack, the guards rushed overlooking the coast near Nerja. out with guns drawn. It took all Desmond’s He was discretion personicharm and diplomacy to calm fied – well, most of the time. matters down. He did attract the authorities’ I had always imagined that attention on one occasion — discretion was a vital part Imagine all those in an explosive manner. of a spy’s armoury, but DesTo extend his house, workexploits they are mond dispelled that view. Afmen needed to blast away ter a few glasses of wine, he some rock. Unfortunately warned not to talk would launch into amazing they overdid the dynamite tales. Thus he recalled that about, ever. and a huge blast shook the Peter Ustinov’s father had whole village and lumps of once worked for British intelrock soared hundreds of feet ligence. into the air, then crashed onto the roof of “Klop he was called. A colourful fellow,” he the Civil Guard barracks. would say. “Did useful work for us in LisSuspecting that Basque separatists had bon. I remember once…ah…hmm…yes, but

that’s another story.” Desmond always knew when to stop. Raised in Huelva, where his father was a mining company executive, he spoke fluent Castilian and spent much of World War Two in counter intelligence in Spain and North Africa. He was based in Gibraltar when the Germans were assiduously monitoring all the traffic passing through the Straits and in and out of the Rock, though Allied submarines escaped surveillance by secretly docking in caves carved below sea-level. Desmond and colleagues would often hop over the frontier to enjoy food and wine in neutral Spain and on one occasion they entered the restaurant of the stately Hotel Reina Cristina in Algeciras to find none other than Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, head of the Abwehr (German intelligence), lunching there. “Each side pretended not to notice the other,” recalled Desmond. “But the Germans knew who we were and nodded politely as we left the room.” In Algiers, Desmond (using the codename Tapwater) ran deception operations. His speciality was locating spies working for the Germans and ‘turning’ them to work for the Allies. I never dared ask what gentle means were used to achieve this. Then in 1942 arrived a young Catalan named Juan Pujol offering his services to the British. Initially he was rebuffed. But finally they realized his potential value (he revealed that he was already supplying false information to the Germans under the name of Arabel) and he was flown to London. There, Desmond was asked to use his flu-

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

atcher

Spy Batt

Southern througho Spain was rife The mos ut World War Two with Allied and Axis spie gence orgt chilling were th . s e a A n b is w a e ti hr, the N on who o cia thank governme s to the cooperaperated throughoazis’ intelliut tion of Fra Its prime nt. nco’s na Andaluta tionalist rg et was G repeated ibra Fortunately tried to attack. ltar, which it ob served a and sym ly, a counterwe nd prevent opathetic anti-Fasight force of turn c ver 40 sa botage a ist Spaniards maed agents ttempts. naged to

SPANISH LINKS: Frigiliana where Bristow lived and (right) Llucmajor where Harris died mysteriously

ent Spanish to gain Pujol’s confidence and assess whether he could indeed be trusted. Soon he was joined by Tommy Harris, a sophisticated art-lover and an MI5 operative. They agreed: Pujol was the genuine article. And he was given the codename ‘Garbo’. Harris became Pujol’s mentor as an elaborate plan was evolved to fool the Germans. Pujol fabricated a string of 27 non-existent agents dotted around the UK. Reports apparently coming from them were sent to the Abwehr station in Madrid, to be passed on to Berlin. Such was German trust in their agent Arabel that they believed his misinformation about the range of the V2 rockets aimed at London so that many missed their target. On hearing of Pujol’s work, Churchill allegedly commented: "In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies." As D-Day approached, the Allies were concerned at the potential losses when troops stormed ashore. Thus was devised the biggest coup of all. Via Garbo, the Germans were led to believe that the main assault would take place not in Normandy but near Calais.

Warning AT the last minute Garbo sent a warning that Normandy was the main target. That way their faithful agent appeared to have done his duty, but, by then, it was too late for the Germans to rush reinforcements to the landing zone. So pleased were the Germans with Garbo that they later awarded him the Iron Cross. After the war, fearful that Nazi agents would

seek vengeance, he went into hiding. The rumour was spread that he had died in southern Africa. Meanwhile, some suspected that Harris, whose mother was Spanish, was a double agent. Frequent visitors to his London house were leading figures in the world of espionage; Blunt, Philby, Burgess, as well as Desmond Bristow and Guy Liddell. After the war, Harris moved to Mallorca, where in January 1964, he was killed in a strange motor accident at Llucmajor, when his new Citroen inexplicably veered off the road and hit a tree. Some observers have suggested that Harris was murdered by the KGB before he could give important info to British security. Desmond meanwhile retired to Frigiliana, MASTER SPY: Tommy Harris where he thought of writing a book, with my help as a ghostwriter. There was one big prob- By the 1980s, however, whatever secrets lem with this. Getting Desmond to stick to the Desmond knew had mostly been revealed. point was nigh impossible. Just when an im- What more was there to say? But this master portant revelation seemed close he would veer of deception did have one more secret up his off in another direction. sleeve. Deception was his game. It Thus, when he read a book had been all his life. And inon MI5 by Nigel West in which deed, when he finally pubGarbo was reported long dead, I comfort myself lished his memoirs, A Game he could not resist writing to of Moles, they were sub-titled today with the fact contradict him. ‘The Deceptions of an MI6 OfWest (real name Rupert Allaficer’. (MI6 did its best to block I had been dealing son, once a Conservative MP) publication, quoting the Offia smooth talker and a fast with a master of was cial Secrets Act). mover. He took the first flight The ingredients were there. He deception to Málaga and a taxi to Frigilihad known some of the most ana. notorious traitors in British The wine flowed — and then intelligence such as Anthony Desmond made an astonBlunt and Kim Philby. The last he heard from ishing revelation: Garbo was still alive, in Philby was a Christmas card mailed from Bei- South America. And a relative in Barcelona rut. It showed three Bedouins heading east knew how to find him. and bore a scrawled message: “May not see Desmond had given away for free the inforyou for a while. Love, Kim.” mation that could have made his memoirs a

best-seller. Hardly believing his luck, West flew to Barcelona, then London, where he signed a deal with The Mail on Sunday. Next stop: New Orleans. And there, alive and well, was the man who was supposed to have died years before, Garbo. He persuaded him to fly to London to pick up his bravery medal, just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Normandy landings, where Garbo and Desmond would duly be pictured walking those beaches. There were emotional scenes as scores of veterans came up to shake the hand of the man who had helped save their lives. It was splashed across every paper and TV station. Too late, I realised how close I had been to breaking an amazing story. If only I had taken Desmond a little more seriously. Many a time he must have been about to reveal his secret, but checked himself at the last moment. If only I had been able to push him. I comfort myself today in the fact that I HAD been dealing with a master of deception. Inevitably, one wonders what other secrets lurk in the closets of power. Why, for example, does Britain’s Official Secrets Act still prevent certain information from the First World War being revealed? And how many others in the upper ranks of the Establishment were actually traitors? But that — as Desmond loved to say — is another story… PS Desmond Bristrow died in 2000 and is buried in Malaga´s English cemetery NOTE: David Baird is the author of Between Two Fires, a poignant account of the anti-Franco guerrilla movement in Málaga and Granada (published by Maroma Press, www.maromapress.wordpress. com). A Spanish edition, La gente de la sierra, has just been published. His other books include East of Malaga – Guide to the Axarquía and Costa Tropical and Don’t Miss The Fiesta!

LE TT E R S

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Number crunching

I've been in quite a few flights when they have asked people not to open anything containing nuts as someone on board had a severe allergy so they announced that they would not be selling them (British mum and nut-allergy son ‘stranded’ in Mallorca as airline refuse to stop serving nuts, online). It was no big deal not that big of an ask. I just did without my peanut m&m's. I survived!

0.3

Sue Cowell, Malaga

the number of art installations by French artist Invader which are now being investigated over damage to the city.

Barred Looks like it's not only the customers they have total disregard for, this establishment ruined my 40th birthday celebrations (More than a dozen ex-employees taking popular Estepona Irish pub to court, issue 266). I was then told by Mijas Costa the management -after I took my guests to another bar to actually enjoy the evening - that we were all barred.

3,300 the number of migrants coming to Spain in the

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highest amount since February Malaga’s College of Architects,2011. approves all which new buildings, the rise as ‘very described positive.’

EXCLUSIVE By Alexander Brown

OVER a dozen ex-members of staff are taking a popular Irish pub to court in a dispute over pay. Disgruntled ex-employees of Healy Mac’s, in Estepona, claim they were forced to work more than three times the hours in their contracts, and in some instances were not even paid for their work. The bar, which opened last year, is currently facing a series of legal battles connected to treatment of staff. One alleged victim, Kayleigh Smith, 22, said: “They treated us with complete disdain and no respect. “It was bullying and after countless legal letters, visits and requests we’ve got nowhere.

“Going to court is our last re- in court ESTEPONA week to accuse PORT Irish Bar &this sort.” Restaurant Smith, who was a supervisor Healy Mac’s S.L of unfair disat the bar in Estepona Port for missal. nearly six months, claims she He told Malaga court he was frequently had to work up to fired without explanation, 60 hour weeks, and was bul- only for the company - which lied by other members of staff. has various Irish pubs around A former manager at the bar, the world, including Thailand Alvaro Mendo, 30, appeared - to later accuse him of stealing from them.

Tel: 951 517 015 www.healymac s.com

Spain offers solidarity to UK terror victims

Melissa Spencelayh, Marbella

Madrid’s squads, who contested the Champions League final this month.

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FACTOR Crunch time

Our voting guide for UK election

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Eating late

Why the Spanish meals are skewed

Page 7

Property

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WILL BREXIT AFFECT YOUR PROPERTY? THE LATEST AND MORE IN OUR PROPERTY MAGAZINE PAGE 15

March 29th - April 11th 2017

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Issue 13

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Anything but a dump

Mogul’s Marbella TV debut

PAGE III

Tivoli world makeover

PAGE V

A dedicated Spanish architect has spent more than 30 years turning a rundown cement factory into his perfect home and office space

Page XI

BAD PRACTICE

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Expats take legal action on double glazing firm over thousands of ‘missing’ euros

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EXCLUSIVE: Agents unite as some ‘bad apples’ are slapping finders fees on buyers without warning

“I have no objection to agents operating but I do object when these so called with a finder’s fee, without declaring from the outset that buyers bill both sides He added: “When unscrupulous agentsthey will be doing so.” abuse the system by adding extra amounts, the whole industry suffers. “Beware of this sharp practise.” Legal expert Antonio Flores added that such practises can be deemed illegal. “It is not illegal to have your commission with the agreement of the vendor,” he built into the price, The problem is when an agent adds told the Olive Press. but does not tell the buyer or seller. a commission on top “This happens when the agent is the middle man and the parties are not in touch via their lawyers. This is actually a criminal offence.”

Granada’s new eco-village

PAGE XIV

Andalucia’s highest towns

Have you been a victim? Email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

STRUGGLING TO SELL YOUR SPANISH

PAGE XVII

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AN employee at a well known glass and windows company has come clean after dozens of clients complained about unfinished work. Expat Rudi Kaiser, 58, revealed that tens of thousands of euros of work has not been completed by his former firm Andalucia Glass & Steel. He admitted he ‘could not take it anymore’ after receiving a barrage of complaints and being cited in various court cases. “I have been tarnished by this company and I’m not happy about it,” the German told the Olive Press this week. “We are talking about large Lastpaid MARBELLA of money, amounts LANDMARK FOR ditch NEWS

March 15th - March 28th 2017

CANCER BATTLER

Homeless plea 4

Eviction

“We are really grateful we have this hut for now, but it has no running water, electricity, heating or gas. “I’m really worried what effect living in these conditions will have on Paul’s health and my own,” she continued. The couple, who moved to Spain 15 years ago, had fallen into financial difficulties last year when Paul had to stop working when he had a pacemaker fitted following a heart attack. As he was unable to continue running his mobile car valeting service they quickly fell behind in the rent. “The heart attack left him dependent on crutches to walk which meant he couldn’t work for 18 months,” added Leslie. After receiving a letter in January from the landlord telling them he was taking them to court, they were evicted on March 7. “It was horrible to find police and bailiffs banging on our door telling us

We’ve got Andalucia covered

Olive Press story helps homeless couple March 1st -

+IVA

March 14th

2017

of EU citizens fibrosis believes THE numberUK actually inExpat with cystic leaving the last year. help save lives By Chloe Glover creased by 17% new pills could the amount In the year of Brexit,to the EU or is pleading for of people returning increased A BRAVE expat denied a vital moving elsewhere help after being 103,000 in one operation. from 85,000 to lung transport who has cystic year. Becky Baker, revealed that relies on an New figures also fibrosis, currently as UK breathe. Spaniards registering oxygen mask to from Coin, is fell by 2,000. a residents also The 32-year-old, readers to get has been Meanwhile, there asking Olive Press campaign in the number sharp increase the country folbehind a nationwide new US of Brits leaving June 23 result to legalise a pioneering lowing the shock drug called Orkambi. for somelast year. She is also searching the Office for able to help her The figures from one who may bemedication. show that National Statisticsthe UK rose find alternative live,” said Becky, emigration from “I just want to Spain with her in 2015 to now and before by 9%, from 297,000 who moved to lungs. from Burn- BRAVE: Becky Baker, cluding my newa chance that I 323,000 in 2016. 20 mum Sarah Spencer Málaga to push in Somerset “If there was treatment or a Fibrosis Quística ham-on-Sea more its legalisation. to could get in the UK I would go years ago. campaigning stay alive every for there is re“I’m fighting to life and am in “We’ve been for the past year transplant back but the weather I don’t get it legalised single day of my to repair for my lungs and expensive costing now if I’d WORK is underway constant pain. kilos (1.25 stone) and yes it’s patient per year…. ally bad wrecked by I would be here Malaga beaches “I’ve lost eight months alone, €120,000 peryou consider that think other last December’s floods. it stayed. in the last few pills a day and but when knows of any will be spent who are using have to take 50 fed at night as some people to take their oth- “If anyonethat may help I would A total of €4.1m sand and rehave to be tubemany calories as now don’t needor stay in hospital treatment them as I am on restoring of love to hear from at the mo- pairing the infrastructure er medication I’m burning so so high. from feeling very down my heart rate is Spanish doc- it’s not bad.” coastal areas stretching recently refused ment.” the Axarquia. Spanish doctors “At the moment, been who has a campaigning Manilva to a lung transplant, anything to help tors won’t do only keep me to give Becky her main hope Becky, called See Off CF Spain, Diggers have alreadystretch website which had been me. They will sand from one a fundraiser for hopes to launch cystic fibrosis moving to another in Estein of survival. stable. of beach which is legal I have amyloidosis Marina, research into more “But Orkambi, that has been “It’s because Becky. pona and at Casares a cures. as well,” said the US, is a drug both badly hit with Becky to lung function by “They said that even if I had To get in touchhelp, go to www. which were proven to boost too the conhow to from floods. of kidney transplant and would find out thinning mucus. it, as would lots dition would return organs, in- seeoffcfspain.com “I’d love to try know here.” other other people I up with charity damage my She has teamed

Contact spencersarah46@yahoo.com or visit www.seeoffcfspain.com if you can help

www.legal10abogadosmarbella.com

www.mortgagesolutionsinspain.com

MAKESHIFT: Leslie and Paul are living between a Ford Fiesta and a hut

are desperate and don’t know what to do.” Their good samaritan, a local Spanish landowner, jumped in to help after seeing a plea a friend of theirs had posted on Facebook. He quickly offered blankets and dog food and allowed them to live in the hut on his land. “But now we need someand permanent thing would be over the moon if anyone out there could help us. “We almost have enough to pay a deposit and would find enough money somehow. “We just need a little help to get us over this hump. It is incredible how quickly you can fall here.”

our neighbours’ houses temporarily and live in our Ford Fiesta, but we

Anyone able to help can contact Leslie and Paul via newsdesk@ theolivepress.es

quality homes 11 since 1958

xxxxx xxxxxxx

Page VI

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Page Ix

equivalent

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xxxx xxxxxx

last year’s Page properties rate, while the total amount A massive sold in Spain rose by of across the 40,461 homes 26.9%. country highest in March, were sold which is Malaga’samount since approves College of February 2011.the Architects, the rise all new buildings, which as ‘very Last year described positive.’ saw more amount on the of new homesthan double the given is home previous year xxxx in Malaga,licences to the key Benahavis markets which xxxxxx and Mijas. of Marbella,

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Getting in a car knowing you are drunk is the same as going out with a loaded gun. I hope the Spanish police make an example of them with a long sentence! Brenda McCann, Scotland

Goat season

Page 50

Mosquito Screens

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Sad! It is truly sad that Puerto Banus became and still is the cesspool of British low class trash and criminals in all its shapes and forms. I say ban the British once the brexit happens.

Bars and clubs should not allow people to get into such states. I saw a video of the driver being arrested and he couldn’t even stand. Instead of releasing them onto the streets they should make sure they get into a taxi or call the cops.

Anonymous, Estepona

Anonymous, Sabinillas

Bad habits

Terrorists

We need to ban the British drinking habits rather than the British people. I just hope the victims will survive and be okay.

Ploughing into ten people in a car in my eyes is terrorism. Plain and simple! 30 years the pair of them. The other bloke should never have gotten bail either, he’ll be away like a shot!

Christine, Marbella

Justice

I saw a video of when the car was finally stopped after it crashed into oncoming vehicles. I wonder how much he's going to enjoy life in a Spanish prison? The driver had been thrown out of the Ocean Club and got into his car and drove at pedestrians, it’s disgraceful behaviour!

Let’s hope some real justice is served this time, unlike it was for Craig Porter who will only get a maximum of five years after killing a Bolivian mother in his car while on drugs last year! Sort it out Spain! Anonymous, Malaga

Chris Jopp, Sevilla

Go to page 16.

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Disgrace

WE CAN HELP!

29 March

The Olive Press Insider’s Guide

Blame it on the bar

Nigel Barton, Malaga

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SOUGHT: Boss Vincent Ware and (above) Rudi

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- June

Issue 14

soared

period. The Andalucia region excellent growth with has also registered sales at 28% above

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A DETERMINED expat is devastated after being told she cannot have the drug she has been campaigning for. Doctors told Coin resident Becky Baker, who has cystic fibrosis, she is now too ill to have the Orkambi drug, despite being well enough when she first requested it a year ago. It is the latest blow for Becky, 32, who spoke to the Olive Press last issue (see left) after Malaga’s Carlos Haya hospital, where she NEWS Br-exodus - as they is a patient, said she was no longer to €245 Drug plea fight leave UK!eligible for for a lung transplant due to having too low a lung function. She had been campaigning to have American drug Orkambi legalised in Spain, which thins mucus, to help Coast clear those with the progressive lung condition. “For the hospital to only say now I could have had the drug were I betback on your ter when I began to campaign to get Due money long ago is so gutting,” said Becky, originally from it so mortgage? Spanish Somerset. FREE family has ramped up its plea to find an alternative HerRISK Call us today - 952 78 03 38 treatment. 647 20 20 29 - NO FEEout there has any other suggestions for us or NO WIN “If anyone In association with... would like to fundraise to enable more research into CF that would be great,” said Becky’s mum, Sarah.

www.theolivepress.es March offer

Long term expat couple need urgent help after being forced to live between their car and a hut

By Chloe Glover

May 25th

2017

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revealed that he was offered a €187 discount if he did a bank transfer immediately. “The man’s impossible to deal with,” said Jones, 69. “We could never get him again. “We have used another company now. I just want my money back from Ware.” Another victim, Pete Jones, paid Ware half of a €9,000 quote for bifold doors in his as deposits on contracts kitchen in October. that were never completed, After hearing nothing for some up to €20,000.” five weeks, Jones was told Kaiser, who lived in London by Ware via text that he was for 30 years, began work at having computer problems the Marbella-based compaand that work would start ny four years ago working ‘imminently’. as a salesman and on social “Of course, nothing hapmedia. pened,” said Jones. “Since However, it soon became then I have been constantly apparent that boss Vincent trying to contact him withWare, also 58, was not de- Jones, claims he never two patio doors in Estepona out luck. heard from Ware again af- last October. livering what he promised. “I am sure, like others who One victim, expat Graham ter transferring €2,000 for Jones, from Cheltenham, have lost money, plea for there is very little Becky that can be done. “I think exposing his practices will at least help people in the future.” A HOMELESS couple towards a deposit for a By Chloe Glover One client, hotelier have received much needflat, which they are in the Andy Chapell, was ed financial help thanks to plight last issue. process of looking for. forced to go to court Kennedy, who runs the “If it wasn’t for groups an Olive Press story. to demand the reLeslie and Paul Dunt, who Help the Homeless Costa and people like Joel, we turn of €800 paid were left sleeping between del Sol Facebook page, wouldn’t be as close to for a safety fence, their car and a shed, have said the money had been finding anywhere,” said which never arbeen offered €500 by left over from a recent Paul. “We are very graterived. good samaritan Joel Ken- group fundraiser. ful for their generosity and Malaga Court ruled nedy who read about their Paul will put the money support.” DONOR: Joel

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

BACKING BRITS, PAGE 9

March 29th - April 11th 2017

T is a practice that most property professionals had hoped was a thing of the past. But Olive Press Property can reveal that tionable practice of charging buyers the ethically quesrearing its head again on the Costa del as well as sellers is Sol. According to sources, at least two agents in the Marbella area have recently stung their buyers with bills of up to 5%. scene’, especially when you consider The so called ‘finder’s fees’ are in addition they already have very from taking com- high purchase taxes mission from the seller. which are often in “We as agents are paid by the sellers excess of 10%. “It’s disgusting,” said Terra Meridiana’s and we never nothing wrong with finder’s fees if you Adam Neale, “I have a fee to a buyer,” he said, “On the whole our industrycharge works ent beforehand, but I have heard from agree it with the cli- very well as it is, without the need to start charging such high certain agents are adding a 5% fee with several buyers that additional fees to buyers. We should be encouraging them to invest here!” “It’s bad ethics and gives agents on the no prior warning. Costa del Sol a bad Ben Bateman name.” of Holmes in Sotogrande added he was aware of the practice happening ‘in a few cases’. Mike Smith, Chairman of Marbella-based agreed that charging potential buyers First Choice Spain, “It is totally unethical and gives our business a bad reputasuch fees was ‘ob- tion for sharp practices,” he said.

WHAT A PANE!

A BRITISH couple have pleaded for help after eviction left them living between their car and a shed. Leslie and Paul Dunt are desperately hunting for somewhere to live for themselves and their 17 rescue dogs after being thrown out of their home in Coin. Paul, 56, who has a pacemaker, and Leslie, 63, who has a serious back problem, now fear for their health, as they struggle to survive on a small plot of land of a friend in Alora. “We can’t believe what’s happened,” said Leslie, who comes from east London.

- June 7th

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murals

How to cook the popular red meat

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ber of bone marrow donations. Raez sadly lost his battle to leukaemia in February, but not before launching a campaign that went viral, its aim being to increase donors from 230,000 to one million. The petition has now been submitted to Marbella mayor José Bernal. MISSED: Pablo Raez

May 24th

per day.

Page VI

Page 10

Expat Newspaper in Spain Voted BEST

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MAllorcA

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Hot island

Are you a winner?

In Property

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It’s your move!

Voted BEST

MORE than 160,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org asking for a street in Marbella to be named after brave cancer sufferer Pablo Raez. The campaign has been set up in response to Raez's inspirational campaign to increase awareness, as well as the num-

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CAPTiON

ROPERTY ince are sales in Malaga at their 2008. highest provsince An were sold incredible 2,925 in March, The which is properties only increase of nearly 100 37% on beaten last year, by the between January number of new was and March, builds which

Page VIII

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MARIANO Rajoy has condemned the terrorist attack that rocked Manchester this week. At least 22 people were killed and more than 50 injured after an explosion at Manchester Grande concert on Monday night.Arena during an Ariana “I condemn the attack in Manchester. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased victims and I wish speedy recovery to the injured,” said the Spanish Prime Minister Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias added: “Our solidarity goes to the victims of the bombing in Manchester. Counter-terrorism: The rule of law, democracy and human rights.” Newly-elected leader of the PSOE Pedro Sanchez said we need to remain ‘united’ ISIS has claimed responsibilityto fight such terror. for the attack while its affiliates were celebrating on social media shortly afterwards. The UK election campaign was suspended yesterday as Prime Minister Theresa May chaired an emergency Cobra meeting.

OLIVE PRESS – 70mm x 40mm FRONT COVER 24 May

ALBERT Rivera is giving his ‘total support’ to British migrants living in Spain. The Ciudadanos leader told the Olive Press he realised the importance of British expats and tourists on the costas. In the week Brexit is being invoked, he promised to back our rights to stay here. He later told a rally in Mijas he was going to be fighting corruption in Andalucia over the coming years and hoped to bring a train line to the coast.

2017

Malaga with 100market booming per day, properties sold growth ofas Spain sees 27%

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Employed by the bar from June 2016 to Feb 2017, Mendo also accused them of making him work 60 hours a week, despite being placed on a 20hour contract. He said: “It was a nightmare from start to finish and the same for many other staff.” A judgement on his case is expected on June 6. When contacted by the Olive Press, Healy Mac’s declined to comment. DISPUTE: Smith and Mendo

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Property

- June 7th

frIday

Malaga market booming with around sold per day,100 homes sees growth while Spain of 27%

Last year amount of saw more than double new homes the on the previous given year in Malaga,licences is home to the key markets which Benahavis and of Marbella, Mijas.

SELLING FAST AT THE SPANISH ESTATE AGENT!

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

€1.060 billion the combined cost of Juventus and Real

Vol. 11 Issue 262

May 24th

How to live like legend... oh, a Hollywood few million toyou’ll need a start with

stayed here

ROPERTY sales in Malaga ince are at their highest prov2008. since An incredible 2,925 properties were sold in March, which per day. is nearly 100 The increase only beaten of 37% on last year, by the number was between January of new and March, builds soared at 121% which over 2016’s period. equivalent The Andalucia last year’s rate, region has also while the total excellent growth properties with sales at registered A massive sold in Spain rose amount of 28% above 40,461 homes by 26.9%. across the country were in March, which sold is the

Come and meet our motivated Or visit our and professional website at www.thespanishestateagent.com consultants

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Voted BEST expat paper in Spain

See page 27 xx

Madrid-Malaga trains between April 2016 and April 2017

A WORD IN YOUR SHELL LIKE: Olive Press reporter Joe Duggan interviews Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera

injuring

The airport needs to get their cleaners doing there jobs before opening another lounge (New lounges announced for Malaga airport, issue 266). It's disgusting! When I flew out last Wednesday morning the toilets especially and the tables outside were filthy.

in Malaga. None of the areas selected have ever had a complaint

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

bella pavement before eight pedestrians

Clean it up

15 number of zones street musicians can now perform in

FREE

Readers react to two Brits who drunk drove their car onto a Mar-

Craig Beattie, Palma

2.9% the forecast of growth for Malaga economy

See page 11 xx

Shame

No biggie

degrees, the amount the the estimated amount global temperatures will rise as a result of the U.S withdrawing from the Paris climate accord

June 8th - June 21st 2017

The Olive Press Gourmet Guide

Lift the ban How about there's just a nice big normal park with grass and trees where we can walk and run our dogs? (Mijas to get its own specialised dog park, issue 266). Not these horrible small fenced in enclosures where 20 dogs are supposed to get along while you

www.theolivepress. es

Toddler drowns

A BOY has drowned in a swimming pool in the Axarquia . The three-year-old from the pool in was rescued Victoria and takenRincon de la to hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. This takes the number of fatal drownings in Andalucia to three this year, amount that occurredthe same throughout all of 2016.

What a wag!

A SPECIALISED a see-saw, ramps dog park with and obstacles is to be built in Mijas. The €360,000 space, in Las Lagunas, will even have specialised furniture for the dogs to relax on. The park will even into spaces for be divided smaller dogs, as bigger and well as have its own water supply and toilet area.

Alleged Costa conman returns to UK after Olive Press story A SUSPECTED has returned to fraudster following an Olivethe UK Press expose.

The boss of Glass and Steel,Andalucia Vincent Ware, has alleged turned to London ly rehe is working in , where struction sector. the con-

WS a bench and hope a fight doesn't sitNEon

break out. Dogs are banned from every ST Eout ELthere. ING park Why can't we have a park where humans are banned if they are not AW A Y ! with a dog? May 24th - June

7th 2017

SUPPORT: Local

Forced

Ware - who advertised heavily in a rival per - was forced newspathe Kew area, to flee to where his father lives, after of expats compla dozens had paid his ined they company thousands of work that was euros for never finished. Rudi Kaiser, 58, employee who a former whistle on Ware,blew the Olive Press that told the his ex- ADIOS : Ware returns

to the UK SPAIN has demand ed the British authorities tackle a worryin increase in xenoph g obic attacks against Spaniar It comes after a ds. 27-year-old from Valencia was attacked hit him in the face by a thug wood with a plank of as he talked ing information shouting: "F***in to his girlfrien on how many in Spanish after g Span- xenoph d a night out in ish, speak English" (picture obic Poole. right). Attacks against d reported by attacks have been Spaniards foreigners The Tomas Gil was appear to be on government has in the UK. the rise since last ing attacked byseen on CCTV be- June's Brexit followed this up and Daniel Way who referend political party Podemo um, with London has Spain’s embassy in issued a s demand - asking for Spaniards statement to report

sport

Athletics boost for Jennifer Estepona

boss drove back after failing to last week find more work on the Costa del Sol. “He knew that he was finished here,” said “He tried to set Kaiser. again but people up shop recognised him from the Olive story and felt uneasy Press going into business with He claimed that him.” Ware had placed an advert A MASSIVE 6.1 English-speaking in an be million are to used to improve per masqueradingnewspa - athletics Estepona’s stadium. other glass compan as an- The proposals include “He had someon y. a 1000-space undergr ound car who was frontinge in tow park, plus him and probab this for the track, improvements to the football field, ly funding it as well,” explain as well as the “But he was also ed Rudi, circuit area.creation of a BMX his bets as he was hedging The plans would make applyin the stag for jobs back in dium one of the most modern the UK.” in Andaluc

Knowles, Manilva

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

any such attacks. "We have sent cases of which details of specific the UK’s Home we are aware to Office and have requested an investig ation,” said a government spokesm an. Almost 5,500 giously motivat racially or relied offences were reported to police in the month after the Brexit vote in June last year.

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Issue 267

Benalmadena

June 8th - June 21st 2017

ll about

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

From Moorish invaders to Buddhists and from dolphins to its own ‘Guiri Army’, Benalmadena is the quintessential good time had by all, writes Tom Powell

Triple magic ColomareS

N Benalmadena, being a ‘guiri’ has taken on a whole new meaning. The derogatory term for foreigners has been turned on its head by the legendary ‘Guiri Army’, Malaga FC’s die-hard British expat fan group. As a prelude to every home game, this motley crew gathers in the seaside resort before heading off to Malaga on their personalised bus to cheer on the Spanish football team they have made their own. This is not the behaviour of your average British guiri, more likely to be seen sporting flip flops and Union Jack shorts and checking the Premiership scores on his iPhone. These are the actions of integrated expats who have become a part of local Spanish society… and don’t they just love it!

Photo by Kayleigh Smith

VARIETY: From Colomares castle to (left) a coastal tower, (right) the buddhist stupa and (below) the marina

That’s Benalmadena all over, a cosmopolitan triple decker sandwich of a town which welcomes Arroyo de Miel and its buzzing Benalmadena Costa into its warm municipal embrace. All this rolled into one, means one key thing: there really is something for everyone. And guiris especially, as the Moors discovered when they invaded the Iberian Peninsula centuries ago, bring huge prosperity to the pueblo in the hills where Benalmadena’s story began. The Muslims helped develop agriculture, introducing sugar cane, figs, grapes and mulberry trees from the East during the 11th century, when the local population was concentrated within the pretty walled town.

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Pictureperfect pueblo

From previous page But that’s another story. My own journey began above the pueblo, with the monument that you can’t help but notice every time you drive along the A7 coast road: the Stupa. Looming above the sprawling town, this striking Buddhist temple was built 12 years ago, a reminder of Benalmadena’s multicultural nature. The final project of Buddhist master Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche (another guiri), it was inaugurated in October 2003. At 33 metres tall, the Stupa is the largest of its kind in Europe and the peace and harmony it promotes is enhanced by the panoramic views of glistening Mediterranean waters lapping against the shores below.

Sugarcube

IDYLLIC: Pretty church in Benalmadena village

COOL: Car cable system

And if the temple leaves you feeling a tad too mellow, the Mariposario, or butterfly park, across the road will soon have you all-of-a-flutter. More than 1,500 exotic butterflies dwell within the walls of this Thai temple-cum-tropical paradise, flitting nonchalantly between waterfalls and windows, flowers and foliage. But don’t linger too long, as there are other worlds to explore below, not least a pueblo to rival any in Andalucia with its enchanting, sugarcube houses and flower-filled streets. Standing 280 metres above sea level, Benalmadena Pueblo’s tranquil exterior – clustered around Plaza de Espana – hides an attractive little village replete with greatvalue tapas bars and picturesque squares. But the highlight of any trip up to the village has to be the wonderfully bizarre castle, built just 22 years ago in honour of Christopher Columbus and the New World explorers. Castillo de Colomares (pictured front page) would be at home in Disneyland with its fairytale turrets, but it was here that Doctor Esteban Martin, a talented amateur architect, erected his masterpiece. A flight of Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque and Mudejar fantasy, whose ornate towers and spires rise skyward like an illustration from a Grimms’ fairy tale, the castle took seven years and many millions of

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PICTURESQUE: Beachfront and (far right) the charming and colourful pueblo days before you even make it down pesetas to build. to breezy Benalmadena Costa. A replica of one of Columbus’ ships This is the beating heart of the – the bow of the Pinta, jutting surtown, blossoming out from big really from the walls – hints at the beautiful La Paloma real reason for the Park with its endless existence of this cugardens (all 20,000 riosity. Winner of the square-metres of It was inaugurated in them) and scenic 1992 by the last de‘Best Marina in swan lakes which scendant of Columthe World’ award are home to many bus, with a mass held other visiting bird by a priest from Palos it’s a down-tospecies. de la Frontera in Cadiz province, the port earth Sotogrande An oasis at the centre of the metropolis, from which Columbus the park is a favouset sail. rite with joggers and Heading down from those who need to retreat a while here, you arrive in Arroyo de Miel, a from the racy pace of the paseo, very different proposition where the Benalmadena’s bar-lined seafront. action really starts to get going. If you’ve got this far, it’s definitely A town in its own right, Arroyo time for lunch. And for good food, boasts the coast’s number one great beaches and a buzzing atmoamusement park, Tivoli World, with sphere, the 2km seasome 40 rides and a whole variety front is right where of shows. Tivoli is one of the highit’s at. lights of any trip to Benalmadena, From Benal Beach to whether the parents like it or not! the port, an eclectic range of Unless they suffer from vertigo, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops they’ll definitely prefer Benalmadecompete for your attention. With a na’s most iconic tourist attraction, coastline spanning almost 10km, one that can be seen from miles there’s a playa made to measure around. for you and your family, whether you The Teleferico cable car ferries hunprefer quiet coves, sporty beaches, dreds of people each day over the A7 and up to the peak of Mount Cal- somewhere close to a chilled beer or even if you like to get naked on amorro, where you’ll be rewarded the naturist ‘strip’! with more than just spectacular Me? I prefer the one near the Araviews. Various shows take place at bic-style Bil Bil castle, its red walls the summit throughout the afterflanked by cool fountains shimnoon, including galloping horses mering in the sun’s rays. Built by a and falconry displays. Frenchwoman in the 1930s, today It’s fair to say that if you try out evit’s the picturesque setting for conerything Arroyo has to offer, it will be

certs, exhibitions and weddings. One place that is always busy is Minigolf Benalmadena, where manager Mark Tyndale, 28, is constantly on hand. “I love Benalmadena because it is so friendly,” he says. “I’ve always lived here and it really feels like home.” Back from the beach, Calle Bonanza is the social hub. It’s here, in the Lounge Bar, that the Guiri Army congregates to practice their chanting in support of Malaga FC. While, for the young and hip (but maybe not the parents), there is nowhere better than neighbouring Ibensa Square to spend a sunny afternoon

NERVE CENTRE FOR THE ‘GUIRI ARMY’

HROUGH the highs and lows of the last 20 years, Malaga Football Club has enjoyed the unlikely – and truly devoted – support of a group of British expats: the legendary ‘Guiri Army’. And the man behind it all is Benalmadena-based expat Dave Redshaw, who also wrote the first Malaga FC history book. The 40-strong supporters club essentially began with a bus, which Dave organised to take fans to games from the Lounge Bar. Nowadays a decent crowd of tourists and expats meet every matchday to prepare for the ensuing match. A billowing Guiri Army flag makes it obvious where the crowd sit in La Rosaleda sta-

DIE-HARD FANS: Malaga FC’s Guiri Army dium, alongside battalions of Spanish supporters, united in a simple desire for goals. “We’re all mates,” explains Dave. “We all support Malaga and they love the Guiri Army.” And if proof were needed, the ritual rousing round of ‘Oh

Malaga is wonderful’ should do the trick. Champions League semifinal or a lower-league scrap, the Guiri Army will keep their corner of the Rosaleda alive and kicking for many decades to come.

with friends in one of the many vibrant bars. But the jewel in Benalmadena’s crown is, undoubtedly, Puerto Marina. There are many reasons why it has won the ‘Best Marina in the World’ award more than once. Distinctive for its Moorish-style architecture, its minaret-shaped domes are so like swirls of Mr Whippy ice cream, they cry out to be topped with a Cadbury’s Flake. The serried ranks of designer boutiques, bars and restaurants cluster around artificial islands of apartments reached by oriental bridges and there’s always an upbeat vibe.

By day the marina touts many tempting watersport options, from scuba diving to water skiing, dolphin cruises and glass bottom boat trips. The restaurants in the port do a roaring trade day and night and you’ll find some of the best places to eat fish here. After dark, when a myriad of lights twinkle along the waterfront, and the trendy outdoor disco pubs pump up the volume, the port really struts its stuff. The parents might not like that either but order them up another cocktail and they’ll soon be dancing the night away ’til dawn.

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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

Sunset Beac emblematic reached its writes Laura

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

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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 bars, including the excellent Oasis restaurant, Luna Beach, Panorama bar and the popular Moonlight Bar venue, which has a ca

So on

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W NO ! TALENT: Ricky helps raise €12,200 for charity

Giving back

ch Club, the c hotel, has 30th birthday a Duckett

W NO !

FUN TIMES: Entertainment team today

To celebrate its big 30th birthday, a huge charity bash raised a staggering €12,200 for charity. The sold out event, featuring Ricky Lavazza, with his Robbie Williams and Michael Buble renditions, distributed the money raised to three children’s charities. “We take pride in the fact we give something back to local charities. I think it’s important to give to those who don’t get to enjoy holidays, like terminally-ill children,” said manager Mark Wardell. The event, held at the resort’s Moonlight Bar, was a complete sell out, with prizes from companies like Jet2 and Oak Land Furniture up for grabs. There were other performances, including an Adele tribute by Nikki Rae (above). The money donated went to the Debra Butterfly Children Charity, Make a Wish Spain and Barretstown Ireland charities.

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

Measuring up

THERE is a lot going on at Sunset Beach and the statistics speak for themselves. In total, the hotel caters for around 2,000 guests a day in peak season – and rarely under 1,000 at any time of the year. ●● The hotel counts 554 rooms and communal areas, which are looked after by a team of up to 69 cleaners, who process a staggering 450.000 kilos of laundry every year! ●● The Food and Beverage team meanwhile counts 71 staff who work tirelessly in the various outlets from Oasis a la carte dining, poolside snacks, lobby/ cocktail bar, Luna beach club, Salitos beach bar show rooms and banqueting. ●● Then there are 14 ‘animation’ girls and guys whose sole purpose is to make young and old guests alike have a funpacked visit. ●● And then come the weddings, with around 130 spread across the key months from April to October.

●●

W NO !

s e a-

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

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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

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

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enalmadena

Benalmadena has transformed dramatically since its modest fishing village days

Rolling back the years

BACK IN THE DAY: Benalmadena coast had the feel of Galiciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Costa del Muerte in the 1950s, while its historic Torremuelle (above) has changed little

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taurants and beach clubs have sprung up here at break neck speed - and it’s hardly surprising. Resting just west of Malaga, a short drive from the airport brings you to 7km of gorgeous sandy beaches packed with a multitude of restaurants and bars along its newly improved promenade. But there are still remnants of the old Spanish village up in the pueblo, with its traditional Spanish architecture and culture. From churches to historic look-out towers, it’s comforting to see the remnants of these now tourist hotspots still exist beyond just black and white photos.

Photo by Jon Clarke

T’S hard to imagine Benalmadena as anything other than the buzzing holiday hotspot it is today, but it was once a poor modest fishing village accessible only by dirt roads and nestled on a sprawling countryside reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, or, closer to home, Galicia´s rugged Costa del Muerte. The town was transformed in the 1950s when it became among the first to be developed into a resort for UK and European jet-setters who could afford a break away from the likes of smoggy London and Berlin. But since the tourism boom throughout the 70’s and 80’s and the package holiday phenomenon of the 90’s, hotels, res-

SURROUNDED: Bil Bil Castle today and 50 years ago

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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.

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

Roll on Remain 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.”

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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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Millions paid out to Brits who lost out in property crash

AN Andalucian law firm has won more than €2 million for clients suing banks for lost deposits this year. Between January and May, CostaLuz Lawyers won 13 Download our app now and cases on behalf of British and begin enjoying the best SpanishIrish buyers, forcing six big Spanish banks - SGR, BBVA, news on the go. Sabadell, Caixa, Banco Popular and Caja Rural - to pay out a total of €2,155,072. A NEW ruling on Plusvalia That figure is before intertax could qualify thousands est, which is still being deterof homeowners for a re- mined. One case alone saw a fund. The constitutional court €958,000 payout, plus interest. has decided tax should Thethe Olive Press not be levied if a property Keith Rule, from the Cadiz

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loses its value. for news Spain! RulingTOP in favour of theintaxpayer, the Malaga court said it is unconstitutional for the tax, which is based on hypothetical changes in land value, to be charged on a property that is sold NIGHTCLUB impresario Peter Stringfellow has leaving Spain ‘would be a life for less than its original admitted changer’ as he puts his villa on the market purchase price. for €3.5million. The unanimous decision The self-made millionaire, famous for his will open the way for a raft London nightclub Stringfellows, is swapof claims. ping Spanish life for a taste of Italy, eyeing Some 35,000 people in the up a pad in the glitzy Italian region Puglia. province are now entitled But the legendary lothario admits it will be a to a refund. wrench to leave his pad overlooking Puerto Councils are likely to see Portals in Mallorca. their budgets impacted by “If somebody comes along that makes it easy and meets my price then I will possibly sell it, but the ruling.

Leopard print walls, mirrored ceilings and all! to let Mallorca go would be a major life-changer,” he said. “We still love Mallorca but we just don’t have the time to go. I used to be on a plane every couple of weeks, but when you’ve got babies you can’t do that,” added Stringfellow, who is a dad of two. Stringfellow’s four-bedroom villa boasts four ensuites, a fabulous pool with some rooms kitted out in his trademark leopard print. The home, for sale through Balearic Properties, also has mirrored ceilings in the main bedroom, as revealed by the Olive Press last issue.

company’s UK office said: “The wording of Spanish law LEY 57/1968 and the ruling made in respect of my own case opened the doors for those in similar situations to come forward and try to recoup their lost investment. “It’s not a quick process, but it is possible to beat the banks and reclaim funds that were handed over in good faith, even if the transaction dates back many years.” In one case, at La Reserva de Marbella, the homes had been built illegally, while another related to the Malaya political and planning corruption saga at Marbella’s local council. “These successful judgements are making a huge difference to people’s lives. The stress associated with going through the process of losing so much money can never be taken away, but at least a ruling that the bank is required to pay back the money (plus interest) finally draws a line under the matter,” said Mr Rule. “However, there’s more to it than simply getting people’s money back. The evolution of Spanish case law that we’re seeing is going a long way to restore faith in the Spanish property market. “The Spanish judiciary is working hard to ensure that a system exists in which individuals’ rights are respected and that Spain is one of the safest countries in the world for the purchase of off-plan property.”

Crime haven AN incredible ONE PER CENT of the population of a village has been arrested in a crackdown on illegal construction. So far, 35 people are being probed over the construction on non-development land in Villanueva de la Concepcion, near Antequera. Prosecutors are looking into how permission was given for the illegal schemes in the village of just over 3,000 residents. Both the current and former mayor have been arrested as well as various constructors and promoters.

Brexit bust BRITISH buyers in Spain have fallen by 22%. During the first quarter of 2017, over 15,000 Spanish properties were bought by non-Spaniards, but only 14.5% by Brits. Experts have likened the fall to the continuing uncertainty over the conditions of the UK's exit from the European Union. Despite the drop, the UK still tops the list of overseas buyers.

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Price is right SPANISH property prices have risen by another 2.2%. According to figures from the Ministry of Development, homes sold between January and March this year averaged €1525.80 per square metre. This rise represents the eighth successive increase in average market prices. The most significant rises were seen in Barcelona and Madrid, going up 5.4% and 4.9% respectively.

Rent to be DEMAND for tourist apartments in Malaga has gone up by 172%. Data from the National Institute of Statistics shows from the beginning of the year to April a total of 57,356 tourists rented apartments in the capital. This represents a rise of 172% compared to 2016, and represents the biggest boost of any urban city in the country. Of these visitors, 64.9% were foreign.

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Take over

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

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

Home for stars and 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,"

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-

STAR BUY: Mallorca’s observatory

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.

Forced 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.

Hotel refurb 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. .

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You’re hired! THE number of unemployed people in Malaga fell by 5,134 in May, a decrease of 3.26%

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sive 33.2% of total sales. According to the Secretary of State for Trade, Spain increased its total weapon sales by 8.9% just over €4 billion, accountCUSTOMERS with MovisThe Olive Pressto tar, Orange and Yoigo will no ing for 1.6% of total exports. longer need to pay roaming And for the past ten years, the for news in Spain! UK has been among the top chargesTOP in EU countries. four Airbus A400M trans- Multi Role Transport Tanker This comes after ten years of four buyers of Spanish arms. (MRTT) air-to-air refueling negotiations over roaming Last year, the UK bought port planes and two Airbus charges, and a change in EU law. From June 15, customers will PASSENGERS spend more on duty be free to use their phone in free at Malaga Airport than any oththese regions without fear of er in Spain. racking up huge charges, irAround 16.6 million people passed respective of whether on paythrough the airport last year, with a in the sales, with many customers as-you-go or contact. buying last minute gifts for friends third of them being British. Vodafone customers will also The expanded shopping area has and family. be able to take advantage of recieved a wealth of funding, with Popular products range from local the change, but only if their €300 million going towards 25 wines, of which 60,000 are bought phones are on contracts. each year, to of course the classic stores. Iceland, Norway and even A study has found the high propor- Toblerone, which sells a cool 1 milLiechtenstein have also been tion of local produce was a factor lion. included in the no charge list.

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

Brexit could undermine Spain’s biggest arms market

BREXIT could take flying back to 1970s conditions, an BE ‘APPY! airline boss has warned. Chief executive of Monarch, Andrew Swaffield, has sug- TOURISM isn’t the only busigested cheap and regular ness in Spain that’s under flights were made possible threat from Brexit. Last year, the UK was the by European membership. He said: "Fares will gradu- country’s biggest customer in app now ally go Download up and our there willand be the arms industry and there less competition. begin enjoying the best Spanishare fears it will be unable to keep this up after leaving the "It’s easy newstoonforget the go. the benefits, and what facilitated EU. As part of an EU arms prothose benefits. gramme, Spain sold Britain "It would be a step back- €1.3 billion worth of weaponry wards.” in 2016, representing a mas-

June 8th - June 21st 2017

“One of the biggest problems users face is network speeds changing depending on how many people are using the internet at one time,” said Steven. “Usually internet works well in the morning, but in the evening when it gets busy, the quality of connection is impacted.” With X Pat Planet, this is not a problem - every customer is given the same quality of connection. “That’s what makes us different - we offer a dedicated service, and do not rely on an ADSL line, which means that if you sign up for 10 megabytes of data, you actually get 10 megabytes.” Xpat Planet can also provide a fixed line service, CCTV and Freeview with Catch Up. Visit www.xpatplanet.online

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi has invited Spanish companies to invest heavily into his country during the first trip to the country by an Indian leader in 30 years.

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aircraft, along with spare parts for the Eurofighter 2000, all of them part of EU arms programs. Britain is expected to remain part of these programmes after it leaves the EU, but it will find it harder to join future projects, which could deprive the Spanish defence industry of its main market. Two-thirds of Spanish arms sales went to EU members or NATO partners, with a third spread out among 52 countries, chief among them Egypt, Oman, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

13 11+

MORE than 20,000 taxi drivers across Spain have protested against ride-hailing apps Uber and Cabify after they continued to recruit drivers using another Spanish startup, Jobandtalent.

Pulling out UK insurer Aviva is continuing to reduce its Spanish presence with the sale of two businesses, which raised €475m.

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business

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

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Mortgage valuation A Spanish lender will require that the property be valued by one of their appointed valuation companies. This can cost anything from a few hundred to more than one thousand euros depending on the property’s worth.

Opening Fee Most Spanish mortgage lenders charge a fixed fee for setting up a mortgage. This is typically 1% of the value of the mortgage, but can range from 0.5% to 2%.

Notary Fee If a Spanish property has a mortgage secured against it this has to be declared before a Notary and a separate title deed (escritura) drawn up. Notary fees are based on the number of clauses in the deeds and will have approximately the same number as a purchase deed. The notary will charge for this and therefore a Spanish mortgage increases the notary costs at the time of signing the public deeds of sale.

Hidden costs

What are some of the extra fees you can expect to pay on your Spanish mortgage? Land Registry Fee

Deed Arrangement Fee

A mortgage on a Spanish property must be registered with the land registry, which will increase the land registry fees when buying property. The fee for registering a mortgage is roughly the same as the fee for registering the property.

This is paid to the gestoria which arrange for the deeds to be inscribed correctly in the local land registry and to calculate the correct taxes and other costs contained in the escritura. Lenders use their chosen gestoria to ensure both the property and the mortgage have been properly registered. It should cost no more than a FEW hundred euros.

Spanish (AJD)

Stamp

Duty

This tax - paid to the government - is worked out as a percentage of a Spanish mortgage. The amount can vary from region to region and will vary according to the amount of the mortgage. In the Costa del Sol it is 1.5% and is calculated as a percentage of the full responsibility, i.e. of the interest payable over the full term as well as the loan amount.

Cancellation fees It’s important to remember that early cancellation fees are quite the norm and are usually 0.5% of the value of the property. There could also be fees for paying off part of your mortgage early. In any case we can usually negotiate these away. And, finally, all Spanish lenders are currently making life insurance and buildings insurance a condition for the offer. However, these can often be cancelled after the first year.

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

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Malaga to host innovation festival MALAGA is set to welcome more than 8,000 global visitors for its business innovation festival. More than 400 investors will attend the Malaga Innovation festival, with a global investment capacity in the region of €500 million. They, along with various startups, businesses and lecturers will travel from all over the world for the event which runs from June 5-11. The Malaga Innovation Festival will take place across the city, with events happening simultaneously at areas including the Trade Fair Palace, the Unicaja María Cristina Hall, the Picasso Museum, and the Automobile Museum.

business

Hotel boost THE hotel sector of Torremolinos has been boosted by more than €150 million in refurbishments and development. Extensive works have been carried out across the sector, with the intention to revitalise the town. It comes after a meeting of hotel chain representatives presented varying refurbishment projects, including improving the Hotel Melia Costa del Sol and the Hotel Don Paquito. In addition to the reforms, Torremolinos has also recently

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

Torremolinos has been boosted by a wealth of new investment

seen an abundance of new hotels. These range from the Luxury Boutique Hotel, focusing on Muslim-friendly tourism, to the Ritual Hotel, which is the first hotel in Torremolinos to specifically target gay men. José Ortiz, mayor of Torremolinos, said: “Today has reflected the commitment of the hoteliers of our town and now we can compete in a high-level market, which is something we could not do previously. “Torremolinos is transforming

and it needed this remodeling so that we can recover some of the ground lost to other competitors.” Torremolinos is one of the top European destinations for hon-

eymooners, and these developments represent efforts to become the most popular tourist destination on the Costa del Sol.

EC blasts Spain THE European Commision has called for Spain to change how it awards public contracts, linking the current system to corruption. It it's annual review of the Spanish Economy, the EC said changing the system would help alleviate corruption at various levels. The report also WOMEN continue to receive less than 17% called for Spain to of the national average wage, a conference reform its system in Malaga has heard. for finding people Speaking at the Unión General de Trabaemployment, a jadores headquarters in Malaga, the UGT demand made for also explained that women statistically a sixth consecuwere also more likely to be on part-time tive year. contracts than their male counterparts. Other suggesResponding to the findings, Leonor tions include Gálvez, Secretary General of Equality and revising public Social Policy, said industry or construction spending, and to fields needed to create policies that boost correct the minithe role of women. mum income system.

Pay gap

Ahead of EU THE Spanish economy is accelerating faster than most of the European Union. Growth was at 0.8% in the first quarter of the year, significantly ahead of the EU average of 0.5%. This comes after an increase

in exports, with the foreign sector accounting for 80% of GDP during the same period. Sales doubles growth in the sector to 8.4%. Such accelerated growth has led the IMF to revise its economic forecasts for Spain this year.

Local time PSOE leaders in Malaga have called for a €4.8 million injection to boost local businesses. Funds are already being distributed for the Plaza Mayor Shopping Centre expansion, but socialists argue more should be spent improving current facilities. The majority of the new stores will be established brands, but the PSOE have criticised this move and called for more support for local shops. The matter will now go to the council.

business

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June 8th - June 21st 2017

You’re Hired UNEMPLOYMENT in Andalucia has gone down by 115,953. According to the public employment services office, May this year saw unemployment fall by 115,953, a decrease of 12.27% compared to the same time last year. Currently there are 829,087 people who are unemployed in the region. The decrease represents the biggest fall of unemployment in Spain. There are currently 3,461,128 unemployed people in the country.

No fly zone SPANISH BA chief Alex Cruz suffered his second crisis after hundreds of flights from Gatwick and Heathrow were cancelled. It came after a major IT failure disrupted its global operations, and wreaked havoc on thousands of travellers around the globe. Although customers were offered a full refund, they were up in arms after waiting in long queues and facing hours of confusion. The computer crash affected BA’s booking system, baggage handling, mobile phone apps and check-in desks. Bilbao-born Cruz headed Vueling airlines when the airline ground to a halt last year, causing delays of up to 12 hours and almost 50 cancelled flights which affected 9,000 fliers.

June 8th - June 21st 2017

Property of the Week

IMPROVING: Spain’s jobless rate

Don’t try it

Hotel owners on the Costa ready for fake sickness epidemic rocking Spain’s tourism industry

Sevilla / Badolatosa - TH3186 was 54.000€ NOW 34.495€ The property has been modernised throughout and offers a lounge diner with airconditioning and log burner, which leads on to a fully fitted kitchen with new appliances 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom.

COSTA del Sol hoteliers are bracing for a wave of fake sickness claims from British tourists this summer. The epidemic, which has rocked tourist hotspots like Mallorca, has cost the tourism

industry at least €60 million so far. Hoteliers in the Balearics, Canaries and Costa Brava claim a whopping 90% of sickness accusations are false. But as the legal cases are against the tour operators and in the UK, the hotels have no chance to defend themselves and are forced to pay up under their contractual terms with the tour opA BRITISH businessman has said he will move his €206 erators. million business to Spain because of Brexit. Now Luis Callejon Sune, Speaking to James president of the Costa del Sol O´Brien (pictured right) hoteliers association Aechos, on his LBC Radio show, has vowed to face down any the businessman said he attempts at bringing the has already begun the trend here. move. “If they think that this desThe anonymous caller tination is their next target, said: "I was one of the 48% we’re going to face it head on who really didn't want to with legal action,” he said. leave, and post the deciThe Junta has also promised sion, my company will be to defend hoteliers’ interests. leaving the United KingThe fake sickness claims are dom. often encouraged by cowboy "We had no choice... law firms looking to make a simply because of what STUNNED: O’Brien quick buck. happened to the pound As all-inclusive hotels are against the euro.” The caller, whose company provides renormally the target, the Costa frigeration units for trucks and commercial units, added: del Sol has so far managed to "The customers are terribly nervous about having to pay remain unaffected given there tariffs. "What we supply they would put a tariff on it, so we are few resorts offering this made the decision." type of holiday.

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Malaga third in country for car thefts MALAGA is third in the country for number of cars stolen. In 2016, 2,259 cars were stolen from the province, though this does represent a decrease of 10.4% compared

GREEN: Eco-car

Charging around Spain The first ever round trip of Spain in an electric vehicle has begun. Organised by utility company Endesa, the car is travelling around the country in order to raise awareness of alternative energy.

Greenlight

Passing through Malaga during the trip, the journey will cover nearly 2,000 kilometres, ending in Madrid on June 11. Manufacturers BMW, Nissan, Kia, Renault, Smart and Volkswagen are all involved in the event.

to 2015. Madrid topped the table with 10,559 car thefts, while Barcelona experienced 6,682 vehicles taken. Across Spain, 43, 524 cars were stolen last year.

Rock n Rally

Sotogrande holds first Grand Prix with roaring success MORE than 100 pre-1965 vintage cars descended upon Sotogrande for its inaugural Grand Prix. The Sotogrande Rally, the first of five automotive events that comprise the Grand Prix, is a three-day, 560-mile route beginning in Seville’s Plaza de España. The caravan travelled through Cordoba and ended at the Guardiaro River Bridge in Sotogrande for a speed test called the Flying ¼ Mile. Marc Topiol, CEO of Sotogrande SA, the real estate and tourism company hosting the Grand Prix, said: “Events like this have an immediate impact on their surroundings

in terms of business across all sectors and if they are well executed, their benefits reverberate positively for a long time to come. “Although this is the first time that a lifestyle and sporting event on this scale has come to southern Andalucia, it is attracting large numbers of international visitors.” Five-star hotels and restaurants along the rally’s route became fully booked after the Grand Prix was announced. “Given the context of the event, of course it is bringing enthusiasts and collectors but also many global affluent visitors,” added Topiol. The Sotogrande Concours

Trucking out NISSAN is to stop assembling medium-size trucks in Spain. The company have announced its Avila factory, located just north of Madrid, is to be converted into a plant for parts, by September 2019. Ending assembly in Spain not only affects prices, but is also estimated to cost around 100 jobs.

Promise

Nissan Spain says it will invest €40 million to transform the truck-assembly plant into one that will mainly produce r assembly parts for Renault and Nissan car bodies in the European market.

READY TO ROLL: Vintage cars in Soto d’Elegance, on the fourth day, showed 13 models, including an Aston Martin DB2 Volante that raced the 1949 24-hour Le Mans, the OSCA MT4 that won the Modena Grand Prix in 1950, a Jaguar E-Type 3.8 OTS S1, the Lancia Aurelia Competicion owned by Swiss

Ferrari F1 pilot Gianclaudio Regazzoni, and the only Kellison in Spain. The final day (Sunday) saw more than 100 GT vehicles made after 1996 tour through the Andalucian mountains and do track tests as part of the GT tour.

NO MORE: Trucks

Search for victory RENAULT has admitted it will be unable to give Fernando Alonso a winning car next season. The team’s special advisor Alain Prost also omitted that despite the team’s recent progress, they will unlikely be contenders in 2019 either. Alonso is out of contract with McLaren at the end of the year and has warned he will go elsewhere if his team cannot persuade him that they can be winners next year. Renault had been the favourite to sign Alonso, but the new admissions have poured cold water on the idea given that it is unlikely to be able to give the Spaniard a victory in the near future.

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Men’s club WOMEN who play golf are 90% more likely to serve on a corporate board compared to women who don't. A new study has suggested that those who participate in male-dominated social activities like golf are more accepted on predominantly male corporate boards. The National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School analysed more than 10,580 golfers and more than 1,640 directors from 2000 to 2014 from two sources. They looked at more than 430 firms listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange over this period where they have actively traded over the last two years, and golfers’ handicap books from the same period matching directors with their golfing statistics. The study found that among the board of directors, 90.6% are male, while nine in 10 golfers are also male.

Growing out of bounds THE world’s number one golf club renter has opened its ninth centre in Spain. Clubstohire.com has set up shopin the Bay of Cadiz, an area surrounded by 22 golf courses. "The club sets will be delivered free of charge to hotels in the Bay of Cadiz area, which attracts about 80% of passengers landing at Jerez airport," said the company's General Manager, Tony Judge. "British visitors to the Cadiz region have grown by up to 250% since March last year and low-cost Jerez airport operates direct scheduled flights from London Stansted and Gatwick," he adds. "There has also been a large increase in the numbers of domestic visitors in recent times, since the area has more than 330 days of sunshine, with a mild average temperature of 18ºC. Spain is still the most popular destination for European golfers who want to play with the sun, which is why we have so many venues in this country, including the busy Malaga airport store.” Prices for clubs start at €35 per week.

Lost to sweaty socks

golf

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

Number one

Spain’s famous La Manga loses best in world title to Scotland’s Gleneagles

LA Manga Golf Resort has been beaten to the ‘Best golf resort in the world’ title by Scotland’s Gleneagles. The Telegraph’s luxury magazine Ultratravel asked its readers to vote for their favourite travel experiences in 19 categories, with Gleneagles taking the top golf award ahead of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in the US and the La Manga Resort near Murcia. Bernard Murphy, Gleneagles’ Managing Director, said: “We continually strive to offer all our guests an industry-leading experience and prestigious awards such as this – voted for by our customers – underline the quality of our world-class golf facilities and the dedication of the whole Glenea-

PROUD: Award winners with their prize gles team.” The accolade comes as the 850-acre Perthshire estate prepares to host two significant events over the next two

37 37

years - the 2018 European Golf Team Championships and the 2019 Solheim Cup. It also coincides with the comple-

tion of a detailed renovation project on The King’s and The Queen’s courses. The King’s Course, the number one inland course in Scotland, will celebrate its centenary in 2019, and has been taken back to James Braid’s original design vision last year. La Manga remains a solid favourite with golfers around the world and has regularly been labelled the best resort on the planet. Set in an area three times the size of Monaco and just a 20-minute drive from the airport, La Manga Club’s facilities include three 18hole golf courses and newly rebranded Golf Training Centre, a 28-court tennis centre and eight full-size football pitches.

BREAKDOWN cover comes as standard No matter what vehicle you drive breaking down is always a possibility and being stranded on the road is no fun for anyone. Travel assistance from Línea Directa is a comprehensive breakdown cover that comes as standard in every car insurance policy giving you the assurance that help is always just a phone call away. Emergency repairs on the spot If your vehicle breaks down we will provide emergency repairs at the roadside. If we cannot repair your car within 30 minutes we will tow your car to the nearest official garage or one chosen by you, whichever is closest. And Línea Directa will provide you with a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired. Roadside assistance at home Breakdowns don’t just occur on the road. If your car won’t start, Línea Directa will provide assistance at your home address, an invaluable part of the service if you rely on your car for work. Customer service in English Breakdowns can happen at any time, but in Spain there’s a good chance your problems will be exacerbated, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. With Línea Directa, their customer service centre speaks English and can quickly provide assistance in your language. Maximum peace of mind Choosing Línea Directa means a 24hr rescue line, 365 days a year. We give priority to vulnerable drivers and aim to respond to every call for assistance within 40 minutes. 75% of vehicles are repaired at the roadside so you can continue with your onward journey. If your car cannot be repaired on the spot, we will take you and up to 4 passengers either to your intended destination or back to your departure point, whichever you choose. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 902 123 282 or visit www.lineadirecta.com

Bird for Bello RAFA Cabrera Bello has scored a rare albatross in the final round of The Players Championship in Florida. The 32-year-old Spaniard raised his arms in jubilation after holing his second shot on the par-5 16th hole during the PGA tour event at Ponte Vedra Beach. Cabrera Bello bounced the ball through across the green into the cup, from 164m away for only the third albatross in the history of The Players Championship. He had started the day in a tie for 10th place and was 2-over par through the first 15 holes. The double-eagle allowed him to move up to third overall. He birdied the 17th and made par on the 18th to finish on 70 - 2-under par. Cabrera Bello finished in a tie for fourth place.

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Due to recent expantion of the brand we are looking for a mature and experienced Director of Sales. This is a multi-facated role building on 10 years success of the business. Excellent pay and benefits are available to the successful applicant. Key Requirements: ●● Five years proven sales experience, preferably in media ●● Excellent management skills ●● Building key reliationships with clients ●● Good admin and communication skills ●● References essential Please send your CV to admin@theolivepress.es

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Boozy+TheolivepressEs BritsBE ‘APPY! ONE third of the world's prosecco is drank by Brits, a study has revealed. It spells bad news for Spanish produced cava, which continues to fall further behind it’s Italian arch rival. Download our app now and The Consortium for the Probegin enjoying the best Spanish tection of Prosecco reported news410.9 on the go. that a whopping million bottles of bubbly are produced each year, with 112.7 million gulped down by boozy brits. This comes after a 44.8% boost in prosecco production between 2014 and 2016.

Food for thought

June 8th - June 21st 2017

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

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London to Marbella

MATADOR MARTINI A BRITISH expat has won a coveted cocktail prize in the UK. Joe Bamber, who grew up in Torre del Mar and works in The Alchemist in Leeds, won the company’s internal competition which saw hundreds of its bar staff create their own cocktails. The 21-year-old’s winning tipple, the Matador Martini, was a twist on the old classic using Don Julio tequila, but instead of olives, the drink contained asparagus wrapped in jamon. The Spanish-inspired cocktail beat out hundreds of other entries. The Alchemist is a cocktail bar chain with dozens of bars across the UK.

TASTY: Cocktail

Farm-to-table triumph

The Olive Press

TOP for news in Spain!

STUDENTS in Malaga are campaigning for supermarkets to donate expired produce to food banks. “One third of the food sold in supermarkets ends up being thrown away, a massive quantity,” said Pablo Narvaez, who is studying advertising. The group hopes the campaign will show supermarkets how they can improve the lives of the unemployed, those in foster homes and the elderly.

ANDALUCIA is selling more homegrown foods and beverages abroad than anywhere else in Spain. Farm produce and the drinks sector now account for 44% of Andalucian exports. The region's output reached €3,497 million euros in the first quarter of 2017, the most productive in its history. Andalucia's main agricultural export is

Now the world is enjoying a taste of Andalucia

olive oil, with the city of Jaen producing 28% of the world's oil and 43% of Spain's. It is also the essential ingredient in another of the region’s most famous exports, gazpacho, the chilled tomato soup whose popularity has gone global. The new export record represents growth of 26.2% in just one year, and continues Andalucia's upward trend as a national leader in food.

Andalucia is not just top of the sector, it completely dominates it, accounting for 28.5% or over one in four euros. This comes after its exports tripled to more than double the national average. Andalucia 's closest rival is Catalunya, which saw growth of 19.4%. Since 2015, the sector has contributed €2,449 million euros, accounting for 68% of the national surplus.

CELEBRITIES have descended on Marbella for the grand opening of the Mahiki Coconut Cocktail Bar. Guests included a host of famous names, including TV personality Mark Wright, model Vogue Williams, and celebrity referee Mark Clattenburg. Former footballers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Jamie o’Hara and Stephan Carr were also in attendance, as was MIC star Emily Blackwell. Makihi Beach is set to open this month. The venue is an extension of the popular London celebrity haunt Mahiki, with has played host to stars such as Rihanna, Prince William and even Jay-Z.

STARS: Wright and o´Hara

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o g a

DISASTER ZONE: The molino was a complete mess before being reformed

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

T is 30 years ago this month that two British teachers left their steady jobs in UK primary schools to make a living in Spain with a couple of friends. Despite having no experience of the hospitality trade, they decided to convert a run-down watermill in rural Ronda into a small hotel. Fast forward three decades: Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin run one of Spain’s most successful small hotels, Molino del Santo, employing 25 people and accommodating thousands of guests each year. But, it has certainly been something of an emotional rollercoaster with plenty of hiccups and unusual goings on along the way, as the pair reveal:

Patience of a Santo!

have our first heiress – and baby Carmen’s arrival reassures locals that these weird foreigners may not be so strange after all.

1993 DOCTOR’S KNICKERS At the village health centre opening party one of the doctors gets so inebriated she chooses to relieve herself on the lawn and rejoins the party with her skirt tucked into the back of her knickers. It’s a night to remember.

1987 MISSED DEADLINES It’s not a fantastic start as our shoestring budget only allows for seven rooms which, being Andalucia, are not open in time. Delayed by a week, guests have to be accommodated in alternative hotels

1988 COLLAPSING PARTNERSHIP It quickly becomes clear that four bosses are too many and the partnership collapses with huge stress for everyone involved and we have to go it alone, thankfully with the help from friends at a few key moments.

1989 DESIGNER CLOTHING ROW Unfortunately a recently-painted white reception counter comes into fresh

1994 BEST RURAL HOTEL IN IT TOGETHER: Original team with Pauline (left) and Andy (second right) contact with a customer’s very expensive mohair sweater. Limited edition clothing costs more to replace than expected. It’s a costly start to the year.

1990 POLICE VISIT With the season in full flow, local police arrive demanding paperwork which it is virtually impossible to obtain. Threats of immediate deportation are only prevented by legal intervention. And, typically of course, four years later a very large fine is sanctioned despite no other hotel within 100kms having the correct paperwork.

1991 NAKED ACTRESS While filming in the area, a famous and very attractive Spanish actress arrives to eat with friends. She asks if she can swim in the pool and then changes into her bikini on the dining terrace in no rush and without any need of a towel… a memory which is hard to forget.

1992 UNO

HEIRESS

NUMERO

As the business starts to grow nicely we can afford to multiply and we

fl Seafood Restaurant

SEA FOOD DIFFERENTLY

• Early Bird 20€ - 6.00 - 8.00pm • Á La Carte Menu BOOKING RECOMMENDED

SERIOUSLY GOOD FOOD Open Tuesday - Saturday from 6pm

Tel: 952 49 35 04 | Mob: 661 84 33 83 Avenida de Rota, Urb. Torrenueva, Local 1, La Cala de Mijas

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After seven years graft we are selected as the ‘best rural hotel’ in Spain at a glitzy London ceremony. It’s all go from here.

1995 DOS

HEIRESS

NUMERO

With the birth of Rosanna we are finally accepted into the village.

1996 FAMILY ILLNESS It’s a year of back and forth after Andy’s mum is diagnosed with a terminal illness in the Channel Islands. Resources are stretched and you soon see how being away from your home and business brings all kinds of practical issues.

1997 VIPS DINING As our fame grows, we have the head of the Junta, no less, turn up for lunch. He arrives with full entourage and security guards stand at all entrances with all our staff getting frisked before being allowed to serve the guests. It’s a long way from a class of nine-year-olds in Hampshire.

1998 GUIDING GUESTS Now with 15 rooms we get recognition by Michelin, The Good Hotel Guide, Alastair Sawday and The Rough Guide all helping to spread the word. (ED. Olive Press owner Jon Clarke and wife spend a night here while on holiday. “I’ll never forget the Guardian-reading Andy”, recalls Jon.)

1999 A DIFFICULT NIGHT We are awoken to discover that a guest has died, quickly confirmed by the Dutch doctors in the room next door. The local medic is called and arranges for an undertaker to arrive at 5am to take the body – the rest of the guests

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

2000 WEDDING MADNESS A pair of Brits get married in their full Wild West costumes with sixshooters… and in July. The ceremony takes place at 4pm as the mercury nudges 40ºC with the bride arriving on a white steed to meet her groom in chaps and a Stetson and to the sound of gun shots.

2002 BARKING SPECTFUL

DISRE-

The hotel policy is to allow pets but some guests go just too far, when they take down their curtains to make a bed for their dog to sleep on. There is fur everywhere and the drycleaning bill is horrendous.

2003 SEMI-ROYAL WEDDING An aristocratic Spanish family choose Molino for the wedding of their daughter. Hotel resources are stretched to accommodate the 90 guests but the event goes very well, although tragedy strikes later when the bride dies suddenly leaving husband with a young baby.

2004 FLOODING Heavy mountain rains leave the lower floor under six inches of water. Guests are temporarily accommodated in local hotels while mopping-up goes on and within four hours (thanks to there being no carpets) the hotel returns to normality.

2005 EDUCATIONAL ISSUES Having made the choice to send our little heiresses to school in the UK, for the next six years two homes are maintained and we take it in turns to be here or there to look after them, while also running the hotel. Testing times indeed.

2006 FOOD THIEF Cleaners discover that a little old lady in room 12 is a kleptomaniac and has filled every single surface in her room with items filched from the breakfast table – more yogurts, bananas, rolls and cakes than she could ever eat. It emerges that she arrives at breakfast with a large hand bag and when unwatched grabs enough food to feed a small army.

2007 DOMESTIC ARGUMENTS Staff show great concert when on day two of a 14-night stay a mattress is relocated from room three to the terrace

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Y A OD

1987

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

2017

ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt outside and remains there for the next 12 nights. An embarrassed husband explains that he has been banished and hopes there is no problem. Not the slightest, and we are oly just delighted when on the penultimate night he is readmitted to sleep with ER INDOORS.

LUXURY: Bosses Pauline and Andy (right) and the hotel today

2008 SURPRISING G U E S T S PART THREE The cleaners demand we chat to the 60-something woman in room 10, who changes into a minuscule gstring and gyrates to imaginary music until they have finished their tasks. What can you say. Free world really.

2013 RETURNING GUESTS

RETREAT: The hotel is an oasis beside the Grazalema Natural Park and has some of the best food in the whole Ronda area

2014 HONOURS AT FITUR Molino del Santo is honoured at the Spanish Travel Fair Fitur at a TripAdvisor event. A huge photo of a Cadiz beach in the Andalucia pavilion convinces the owners to forge ahead with a plan to purchase a Costa de la Luz home that has been eyed for a while.

Since its earliest days the hotel has sought to recruit and buy locally whenever possible. This reaches a new point when a local group of young people offer to play flamenco for guests and become a regular fixture.

A group arrives with a fleet of luxury vehicles - some two million eurosworth - making our car park look like Monte Carlo. After the bill is paid the question of a repeat trip is raised, but because they have these very expensive cars making the place look amazing, would it be possible the next stay could be free? So will we not be paying our suppliers and staff for that particular stay then, we ask… Unbelievable.

Some guests arrive asking for two strong guys to help carry a big box to their terrace. Half an hour later the

It is not uncommon to find that all our 18 rooms are being occupied by people who have been before… and the most faithful guest record is held jointly by a couple from Lancashire and a family from San Roque. They’ve been dozens of times.

2015 LOCAL ECONOMY

2011 CHEEKIEST GUESTS

2012 CHEEKIEST GUESTS 2

same guests ask for a large bucket of ice. It soon emerges a bar complete with optics has been set up on their terrace… all well and good until, said guests, arrive at happy hour in the bar and invite various others up to avoid paying the hotel’s prices.

2016 GRATEFUL OWNERS As the owners celebrate their 60th birthdays in the same year, some of the staff organize a journey for them to Barcelona with flights and accommodation ALL paid. It is such a kind gesture – no wonder that so many guests comment on the excellent staff at the hotel.

LEGENDARY: The shady terrace is very authentic

2017 TRICKS

NEW

A hotel is never boring and we are always adding new activities and things to do. This year it is paragliding to add to a long list, that includes hot air ballooning and cork-cutting.

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

HOW

TO GRAB AN OFFER

We will only accept bookings for these special offers via e-mail. Mention this advertisement when you enquire. info@molinodesanto.com. Don’t leave it too late - once 30 people have booked we’re closing the offer.

ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

More information of any kind e-mail

info@molinodelsanto.com

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

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www.theolivepress.es Food, drink & travel Almost €20,000 up for grabs for Malaga’s best goat’s cheese AN €18,000 prize for the best goats cheese in Malaga is up for grabs. Sabor a Malaga is hoping the financial incentive will boost production and promotion of goats cheese, which has a long history in the province. The prize was set up by the Diputacion de Malaga to promote the image and quality of Malaga’s agricultural products. There are already more than 200 goat cheese farms in the region and, in April alone, they

Grate news

produced more than 1.2 million litres of goat's milk. Goat’s cheese is known to be a healthier alternative to cow’s milk. It contains around half the fat, cholesterol and calories of commercial cream cheese made from cow’s milk, which it sometimes resembles in texture. It has around 60% of the fat, cholesterol and calories of cow’s milk cheddar. ONE of Spain’s largest Cava pro- Italian Prosecco. Malaga province ducers is hitting back in the battle It comes after sales of Prosecco alone has the of the bubbles by launching its own soared by 37% in the UK last year, highest concentration of goat while Cava sales dipped by livestock in Euabout 5%. rope, with more It has also been revealed than 1500 goat that Brits drink one third farms and more of the world’s prosecco supTESCOS in the UK have begun stocking exthan 20 tradiplies, making it a hugely imtra large Spanish lemons. tional cheese portant market. Weighing 250 grams each, they come from factories. Freixenet, a 150-year-old a swollen crop in Spain where heavy rainfall The Malaga goat family-owned company led to super sized citrus fruits. Usually the is an indigenous and Spain’s biggest Cava Emperor lemons are not available in the UK and protected exporter, is introducing an because they are in short supply but followSpanish breed Italian fizz to reach a new ing the wet weather, Spanish growers had that is among audience. an abundance of the crop. The supermarket the most highly Between one million and said stocking the lemons is part of an onproductive dairy two million bottles of the going commitment to make sure fresh probreeds in the Prosecco will be produced duce from suppliers does not go to waste. world. for Freixenet this year.

If you can’t beat them... Bitter and better

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Cheers to the British cocktail Spain has adopted as its national drink

T’S World Gin Day this Saturday, the perfect excuse to pour yourself a large measure of the spirit invented by the Dutch, topped off with an anti-malaria mixer created by the British in India. We Brits call it G&T. The Spanish call it ‘gintonic’ – all one word, no ampersand – and Europe’s largest nation of gin drinkers can’t get enough of it. Spain is third in the world for gin consumption per capita, behind The Philippines and America, and even drinks Britain under the table in the juniper-infused spirit. Adios vodka ice bars and frozen shot glasses that tore the skin from your lips. El gintonic is Spain’s new coolest drink and sangria is so yesterday. But it’s a different beast entirely to the genteel cocktail British officers wives sipped

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

restaurant | lunch and dinner

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Columnists

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

¡Viva el gintonic! from highball glasses in the days of the Raj. Here it comes in a f***-off copa de balon (goldfish bowl on stem), stacked with industrial-sized ice cubes that never melt and festooned with elaborate garnishes to rival Del Boy Trotter’s yuppie cocktails in Only Fools and Horses. It also requires two hands to

hoist it to your lips unless you want a cinnamon stick up your nostril. Spain’s Michelin chefs pioneered the balloon glass trend, all the better to inhale the bouquet and pack enough ice to keep it cool under the hot Spanish sun (or in their hot Spanish

#prayforMarbs The horrors of driving in Marbella, writes Giles Brown

iving in Marbella, you get used to seeing some fairly, ahem, "interesting" driving. Especially during summer when the madrilenos come down with their Mercs, Puerto Banus is full of playboys posing with their supercars and tourists getting confused in their renta-cars. Then there’s the annual migration of Moroccans hurtling bleary eyed to catch the ferry at Algeciras. And now we can add to the mix the havoc that a couple of coked up Brits caused when they obviously mistook a post Champagne Spray Party Sunday drive for an open casting call for the new Mad Max movie… Parking is another minefield. Every long term Marbella resident has a horror story of having their cars scratched, bumped and dented by drivers who simply fled the scene. Or has watched an idiot park too close and repeatedly bang their door on your precious paintwork as they struggle to get out. And then there are those who seem to think that the white line in a parking space has to go in the middle of your car in a Scalextric sort of way. And don't get me started on the morons who park in disabled spaces ‘Just for five minutes’. I would be all for drivers undergoing a refresher course in basic parking, until I saw this. It's a Sunday lunchtime outside McDonalds so the car hasn't been parked by a student.... Feel free to send your own observed outstanding parking fails to me. Who knows. We may have an award at the end of the summer... While we are the subject of summer, let’s have a little recap of where we are. So far we've had weapons being drawn at one beach club (after all what day at the beach is complete without sunscreen, an airport novel and a 9mm automatic p i s -

kitchens, according to some reports, but let’s not suggest they drink on duty). Meanwhile a gin-nami of cheffy new brews infused with everything from seaweed to frankincense to wood ants (said to taste lemony by the ‘ima-gin-ative’ Cambridge Distillery) is flooding the global market and Spain is lapping it up. Barcelona is beginning to look like London during the other Great Gin Craze of the early 18th century, when there were half a dozen gin shops to every 100 citizens selling liquor laced with turpentine to give it a woody flavour. Today’s baristas have gone so barmy for botanicals – in the tonic as well as the gin – you can choose from an entire menu. Andalucia has its own brand of gin, Puerto de Indias – try the one made with strawberries from Huelva and spirit from Cordoba, bottled in Sevilla with corks from Jerez. Gin has gone local, specialist and artisanal – just like cheese only

MYSTERIOUS: Parked or abandoned?

tol?) a gang brawl followed by a hit and run outside another and a subsequent huge crash. It made a 10 minute news item in the Spanish national news and had the UK Press up in arms about a possible terrorist attack. Though what you call a ‘possible terrorist attack’ we call ‘late Sunday afternoon shenanigans’. Meanwhile, social media seems to be updated daily with images of half naked drunken Brits staggering around Banus and general ‘something must be done’ posts. And we are only in the first week of June It’s going to be a long summer… #prayformarbs

it’s 37.5% proof. In Britain, where supermarket shelves groan with more curious bottles than a Victorian apothecary’s window, the government has added gin to the notional ‘shopping basket’ that measures the Consumer Price Index. Asda is selling G&T ice lollies, the Ginstitute is a new London hotel where you can drink gin all day and make your own and even the delightful Mary Berry of Great British Bake Off fame is topping her lemon drizzle cake with gin and tonic icing. Do we really need a world gin day? I’ll raise a glass or three to it myself but a large G&T with ice and slice has been my nightly reward after a hard day’s work for more years than I care to reveal in public. And whether drinking it from a plastic cup in the buffet car of the London to Brighton train, as I once did, or from a glass the size of my head as I do now, it always goes down a treat. Salud!

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sport June 8th - June 21st 2017

June 8th - June 21st 2017 story, If you have a sports

contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 0034 951 273 575

Friday 17th - St. Patricks Day

The real deal

Ramirez fails to confirm his future amid t r a d i t i o n a l St. PATRICKS DAY menuBarcelona rumours Guinness, Kilkenny, Magners €4

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

served all day

St Patricks Day Shots €2

FACE PAINTING

MALAGA striker Sandro

Ramirez has refused to saturday 18th - 6 Nations Final Day

rule out leaving the club over the summer. Sandro, 21, is under conSunday 19th - Premier Leaguetract with Malaga for an1.00pm Middlesbrough vs Man Utd other two seasons but is 3.15pm Spurs vs Southampton 5.30pmUnicaja Man City vs Liverpool DENIED: a reported target of At9.30pm Live Music with Sean Murray letico Madrid, as well as Check out our Facebook page for our Virtual Tour, Premier League club TotSpecial Offers, Whats ComingHotspur. Up tenham Biddy Mulligans BiddysLaCala Tel: 952 494 877as MalAfter finishing aga's top scorer in the 2016-17 campaign, the UNICAJA have missed out on former Barcelona star the league play-offs after los- has become hot property, ing at home to Real Madrid fueling speculation he Baloncesto. The hosts led for 36 minutes might leave. but ultimately the Madrid He said: "There are sevwere too strong, winning 76- eral clubs interested. "I honestly don't know 73. Despite missing out on the what my future holds but play-offs, the Malaga side can right now, I'm focusing still be proud of a fine season. on getting ready to train Winning the Eurocup trophy with the group and conand qualifying for the Euro- tribute to helping the naleague, as well as reaching tional team win the Eurothe semi-finals of the league pean U21 Championship. playoff represent a massive "It's true that I have a low overachievement of what was release clause but right expected. now I'm a Malaga player.” Madrid will play Valencia in “I'm in no hurry to join a the league final on June 9. big club." 1.30pm 3.45pm 6.00pm 9.30pm

Scotland vs Italy France vs Wales Ireland vs England Live Music with Layla

Madrid win

Head in the Sandro

His words will come as little comfort to the expat fans of Malaga, known as the Guiri Army, who have

Scouting for talent

A NEW Spanish football academy is spearheading the search for the next Ronaldo as it opens its doors in Marbella. Top Soccer Center will invite aspiring professionals aged 16-22 to develop and learn from Fifa Pro Licenced Coaches and visiting La Liga players. While most academies focus solely on development, TSC also field the squads as a team affiliated with Marbella FC, with scouts coming to watch the players. Marketing Director John Hayward, 54, told the Olive Press the paid-for experience is ‘unique’. “We will welcome not only national but international players for theoretical and practical training,” he said. “Players will train in the gym and the swimming pool and we will put them up in hotels near the academy. “They can do two weeks, three weeks, and we specialise in certain skills. “What makes us different is the club runs in conjunction with the academy. “It’s a window for scouts.” TSC offers season-long courses, as well as short summer camps. “The people involved have worked in management for over 15 years, in Portugal, in France, Belgium and Spain,” added Hayward. Those interested in applying to the school should email info@ tsc-mgm.com for more information.

NO PACE, NO PROBLEM: For walkers

Walking Tall A MARBELLA Walking football side will be joined by a former Celtic star this month. The local club in Elviria will be joined for the June 8 session by Adam Virgo, 34. A winner of the Scottish Scottish Premier League in 2006, Virgo also won League One and Two while at Brighton and Hove Albion. He now works as a pundit for TalkSport Radio and Channel 5 in the UK. Aimed primarily at the over 50s, the sport continues to grow, with almost 1,000 clubs in the UK alone.

Try for Trocadero A RUGBY club will host a summer boot camp to get kids into the game. The Trocadero Marbella Rugby Club has partnered up with Max Sports Group to put on two weeks of sessions, which will be dedicated to helping young people aged eight to 18

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to give the sport a try. It is the latest initiative announced by the club, whose future is uncertain due to a tax dispute. Starting on June 26, participants will learn new skills and take part in activities to improve their physical health.

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seen seen stars like Isco leave for big clubs previously. Sandro scored 14 goals in

21 La Liga appearances after joining Malaga last summer following his release from Barcelona.

CRISTIANO Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid retained the Champions League. Real record 12th triumph saw them see of Juventus, with Ronaldo having now scored in in three different Champions League finals. All the talk before the game was whether Welsh star Gareth Bale would start in his hometown, but ultimately manager Zinedine Zidane opted for Isco, the boy from Benalmadena. Ronaldo opened the scoring early in the first half, only to see Mario Mandzukic cancel it out with a sublime overhead kick. Juventus had started strongly, but Real were not to be denied, tearing the Italians apart in the secondhalf. Casemiro and Ronaldo put Real in control, before substitute Marco Asensio rubbed salt in the wounds with a precise finish in the last minute. Isco prompted laughter from his teamates after the game at his reaction to meeting King Juan Carlos. He said: "With a hug and everything? “What a romantic!"

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Baby come back

FINAL WORDS

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

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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.

Shell shocked 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.

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.

Billboozled 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.