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Vol. 10 Issue 229
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December 23rd - January 5th 2015
HISTORIC MOMENT: Pablo Iglesias’ political revolution is born unto parents Rajoy and Sanchez while wise men, Podemos mayors Carmena, ‘Kichi’, and Colau bring gifts and angel Rivera watches. The IU’s Garzon sheep-watches jealously
ELECTION SENSATION
Good tidings and a new dawn in Spanish politics THEY said ‘we can’ and they certainly have, storming the political scene grabbing a massive 69 seats in Spain’s national assembly. On an historic day, anti-corrup-
By Joe Duggan tion party Podemos - meaning ‘we can’ - have changed the face of Spanish politics.
Along with fellow emergent party Ciudadanos, the party led by Pablo Iglesias seized an incredible third of the votes, signalling a break from the traditional two-party system.
“Spain is not going to be the same again,” said the radical pony-tailed leader at a rally on Sunday night. “Today sees the start of a new political era. The forces of change are
Wanted by police and criminal gangs… The man with four names AWOL Simon Corner is key to missing Lisa mystery
MISSING: Lisa
EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION By Tom Powell & Jon Clarke THE AWOL boyfriend of missing Lisa Brown is not just being hunted by police, but also criminal gangs from South America, Morocco and Gibraltar, it can be revealed. The Olive Press has also discovered that Simon Corner, 33, has been using up to four aliases in his shady business life in Southern Spain over the last decade. A source close to the investigation revealed that his real name could be Dean Tripp, while he also uses ‘Dean Woods’ and occasionally the first name ‘Damien’. Lisa’s sister, Helen Jordan, told the Olive
Press last night that Corner had allegedly made contact with police via a legal firm based in Thailand and Spain. The firm insisted he has ‘nothing to hide’ and would hand himself in if necessary. However, the mystery deepened after an Olive Press source, who is a friend of missing Lisa’s, claimed he is NOT actually in Thailand, as reported, but is lying low in Portugal. “We understand a credit card has actually recently been used in the Lisbon area,” said the yacht worker, who has known both Lisa Turn to Page 2
making a historic advance.” In the most dramatic general election day in history, the ruling PP party lost a stunning 3.8 million votes, taking just 123 seats, their worst result ever. Meanwhile, the socialist PSOE won just 90 seats, their lowest total since 1977, and the IU were practically obliterated with just two seats. New party Ciudadanos, led by Albert Rivera, won 40 seats. But now the problems begin, as with no party winning an overall majority, a political pact will be vital to form a government. Podemos and Ciudadanos will almost certainly become kingmakers in any coalition. Meanwhile, stock markets went haywire, as Spain now faces a period of likely prolonged uncertainty as the parties thrash out a deal. Last night, the PSOE confirmed it would not consider taking power with ruling PP leader Mariano Rajoy.
Coalition
SOUGHT: Corner
This means that the PP can only stay in power with the help of Ciudadanos and a mix of other regional parties. However with Rajoy’s clear opposition to Catalan separatism, he is extremely unlikely to get the votes he needs from Spain’s second most important region. On top of this, Ciudadanos have also declared they prefer to be in opposition than pact with the PP. Should Rajoy fail to form a government after Congress reconvenes on January 13, PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez may well be the man tasked with cobbling together a leftist coalition of parties. He will be comforted by the fact that Spain’s electorate have made a clear ‘move to the left,’ as he put it. However, it is not certain that Podemos would consider working with a party, that has long been described as being corrupt and out of touch with the country. If no pact is forthcoming by mid January, Spain will have to go to the polls once more within two months. The horse trading in the coming days will determine how long the uncertainty lasts.
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CRIME NEWS
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Not such a Merry Christmas Nige!
NEWS IN BRIEF
Dawes downed EUROPE’S biggest drug dealer Robert Dawes, currently awaiting trial in France over a €200m cocaine bust, has had his home raided by Spanish police.
Rajoy relative THE 17-year-old youth who punched Mariano Rajoy in the face during an election campaign visit to Galicia is the PP leader’s wife’s cousin’s son, according to reports.
Case closure A TOTAL of 647,793 open criminal court cases could close by June 2016 after Mariano Rajoy’s Criminal Procedure Act deadline rules came into force in December.
Brits busted SIX British men have been arrested after police found 1.5 tonnes of cocaine worth £240m disguised as pellets in Valencia.
December 23rd - January 5th
FACING JUSTICE: Goldman
Notorious fraudster summoned to Spanish court at last
EXCLUSIVE By Tom Powell
COSTA del Sol fraudster Nigel Goldman’s Christmas has just got a whole lot worse.
CORNERED From front page
and Corner for a year. “The police are the least of his trouble. He is hiding from two or three big criminal gangs who he is said to have crossed, owing over €50,000. I think he would be safer in custody.” The Olive Press understands the ‘wheeler dealer’ upset the gangs over various business deals, at least one linked to Ceuta. “It is possible Lisa was caught up in the saga,” they said. “I fear the worst for her now.” A separate source, who knows Corner, backed up the claims, revealing that the convicted criminal had been involved in a ‘serious incident’ in Ceuta a month ago connected to two women and a possible stabbing. He said: “I am not sure if he was arrested or not, but there was an incident of some sort. I know there are some Moroccans who are scouring the globe for him now.”
Corner, who was convicted of making death threats with a knife in Gibraltar last year, is known in the area as a ‘wheeler dealer’ who bought and sold boats. He was living on yacht, Rosa, in Alcaidesa marina until he disappeared overnight this summer, owing money to the marina and various workmen.It was here that Lisa was a frequent visitor this summer, while dating the Liverpudlian, who moved to Spain a few years ago. Lisa’s best friend Emma Campbell, who lives in Scotland, confirmed Corner used various names and provided a new photo of him (right). “We have been concentrating on a man called ‘Simon Corner’, however he goes by many names so please keep sharing his picture,” she told the Olive Press. Meanwhile, Brown’s son Marco, eight, who is currently staying in La Linea with his father Tony Tomillero, is close to celebrating a first Christmas without
his mother. She was declared missing when she failed to pick him up from school on November 9, although the Olive Press understands he is still not aware of the full situation. A search of the surrounding area, including helicopters, sniffer dogs and a diver operation in the river by her home in Guadiaro found nothing. She had been due to start a new job in Gibraltar with gaming company Bet365 after leaving Ladbrokes. It is still being treated as a missing persons case. Sister Helen added last night: “We are being kept in the dark by the Guardia Civil, all we can do is keep sharing these photos and keep searching for answers.”
Still missing - Page 4
Goldman, who changed his name to Howard del Monte, has been finally summoned to court in Spain over the defrauding of four expats to the tune of €750,000. It comes after the 58-year-old was found guilty of fraud for a THIRD time in the UK. While he is awaiting sentencing on January 8 at Reading Crown Court, he has been ordered to appear in Fuengirola on January 5. “If he fails to turn up then the next step will be to issue an arrest warrant for him,” said Marbella lawyer Antonio Flores, who is representing some of the victims of his elaborate investment scam. “It has taken us two years to get to this stage and it is still only the beginning,” he added. The former radio pundit and newspaper columnist could spend a decade in jail if found guilty. Before he faces justice in Spain however, Goldman will discover his sentence for carrying out a €12,000 gold coin eBay scam out of his small Berkshire cottage.
NEWS
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Brit invasion!
BRIT BOYS: Jamie XX, New Order (inset) and (right) Coldplay’s Chris Martin
IT’S set to be another sterling year for British music in Spain. Following on from Portishead and Blur’s smash appearance at Benicassim, next year it is the turn of Coldplay in Barcelona and New Order in Bilbao. The legendary Manchester band are to appear at the BBK festival, in July, along with Hot Chip, from London, while Londoners Coldplay are set to play two nights in Barcelona in May. Other bands scheduled for BBK include huge American stalwarts the Pixies and Australian Courtney Barnett. Both Bloc Party, Jamie XX and the Maccabees have so far been confirmed for the Benicassim festival in July.
December 23rd - January 5th
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Beauty IS skin deep SHE claims to be beautiful on the inside as well. So it is appropriate then, that Miss Spain (right) has been crowned the new Miss World. After her historic win - the first for Spain - Barcelona model Mireia Lalaguna Roy, 23, insisted: “Just because I am beautiful on the outside does not mean I am not beautiful on the inside, too.” She swept to victory in China, with Misses Indonesia and Russia coming second and third.
Forget Myrrh, Frankincense and Gold, we bring you three festive exclusives!
Room at the inn EXCLUSIVE 1 By Iona Napier
Just in time for Christmas CHILDLINE Andalucia has had a massive response in its first week of going live. The charity, offering multilingual support to youngsters, was launched by Manilva mum Tracey-Leigh Bennett after two years of hard work. “So many kids have got in touch, mainly British expats but also some Spanish,” Bennett told the Olive Press. She is desperate for donations, volunteers with child protection experience, and support, before the phone lines go live in the new year. Visit www.childlineandalucia.org for more information
A KIND-HEARTED expat has given a refugee the gift of a home this Christmas. Briton Tamara Essex, 57, has welcomed a needy Palestinian into her house in Colmenar after his office on the West Bank was destroyed . Former UN accountant Yousef Alkhouli, 35, applied for asylum last year and has
Generous expat gives refugee the ultimate gift: a home for Christmas
become the first official refugee to register on the Axarquia town’s padron. Tamara, a charity consultant, became friends with the father-of-one after they met at a Malaga language exchange group in March. Cultured Yousef, who speaks five languages, found asylum
in Madrid - but his wife and baby daughter are still in Palestine. He spent four months in a ‘holding centre’ before moving to a Malaga centre – where he met Essex. “I have promised Yousef six months, though I’d be unlikely to chuck him out
Selling all over the coast EXCLUSIVE 2
PERFECT: Parfitt’s pads
WHATEVER you want, whatever you need, Status Quo star Rick Parfitt has the dream home lined up just for you. Swapping rock and roll for mansions in Marbella, slick Rick and his wife Lyndsay have set up their own estate agents, appropriately named Status Homes. Working alongside experienced Costa agent Julian Hall, Status Homes, in Guadalmina, offers everything from apartments to beachfront mansions between Benalmadena and Sotogrande. The Parfitts have been long-time lovers of the Costa del Sol, with homes in Alhaurin el Grande and Marbella. In fact, their new business partner Hall actually sold them their first Spanish property in 1999. They will be hoping their new venture will bring about a change in fortunes after they were both duped out of thousands of euros in a pots-and-pans scam earlier this year, as exclusively revealed in the OIive Press.
Sun, C and sangria … as Lady C plans a New Year break in Spain EXCLUSIVE 3
AGENT: Hollingsworth
LADY C is planning a New Year’s visit to the told the Olive Press. Costa del Sol, it can be revealed. “At the moment, she is incredibly busy preparThe controversial aristocrat is set for a wining to host a Christmas house party for ter sunshine break, following her unusual friends in her property, Castle Goring appearance on hit show I’m a Celebrity in Sussex, but we are planning a trip Get Me Out of Here. down here soon.” Lady Colin Campbell, 66, is set for a soFormer broadcaster Hollingsworth, journ in Marbs at a friend’s home, fol69, has been coordinating her highlowing a busy month of interviews and profile media campaign from his TV appearances. new office in Mijas Pueblo, where “It is her favourite part of the coast, and he has lived for the last three years. she is also very fond of Gibraltar,” re“I stay here for most of the year, vealed her agent Mike Hollingsworth, flitting backwards and forwards, who lives in Mijas. and usually spend three “She needs to recuperate down summer months in the here after emerging battered but UK,” he explained. not bowed from the Jungle,” he MARBS COVER: Lady C
HOME FROM HOME: Tamara and Yousef
at the end of that,” Tamara told the Olive Press. “The key issue is getting his wife and baby daughter here.” Tamara, who moved to Spain from Dorset three years ago, helped him register for residency and get a work permit.
“Yousef has brought his bags, his strange washingup habits, his humour and his excellent cooking skills to Colmenar,” she explained. “I have learned a thousand things from him and my life is far, far richer for knowing him.”
Me or the mansion ANOTHER week, another celebrity divorce. And following an amicable split after 18 years, Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffiths (pictured) have finally settled their assets. Banderas will keep their Los Monteros Marbella mansion while Griffiths has bagged their ski chalet in Aspen, a Picasso drawing and will receive €59,000 monthly. All other assets they have made since 2004 will be split between the couple.
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NEWS
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EVERY year new names are added to the list of missing expats in Spain. And with each passing month the search becomes slightly more desperate. As Christmas looms, the Olive Press has decided to highlight some of the most famous cases. It is important to not give up hope
December 23rd - January 5th
Still missing
John Wright
British expat John Wright was last seen on July 2, 2015 in Orba, Alicante. His family are extremely concerned for his welfare and describe him as extremely ‘vulnerable’.
Agnese Klavina
Latvian Agnese Klavina was last seen leaving Aqua Mist nightclub in Puerto Banus in September 2014. CCTV footage showed the 30-year-old getting into a car with Marbella-based British expats Westley Capper and Craig Porter.
Lisa Brown
Scottish expat Lisa Brown, 32, was reported missing on November 9 after she failed to pick her son up from school. Living in Guadiaro, Lisa was reportedly dating Brit Simon Corner who has also gone missing.
Robert Golden
Brit Robert Golden went missing in November 2012 after failing to return to the UK following a solo hiking trip around Andalucia. A sighting of Robert was reported in January 2013 in Sabinillas.
Amy Fitzpatrick
Irish teenager Amy Fitzpatrick went missing in 2008 at the age of 15. She was last seen at 10pm on New Year’s Day 2008 in the Calypso/ Riviera area of Calahonda as she walked home.
Home for Xmas
Tim Beardsley
Missing British man Tim Beardsley disappeared from his home in the UK in July 2012. A potential sighting of him in Malaga in 2013 led to an investigation to find him in Spain.
British charity launches renewed appeals to locate three missing expats A BRITISH expat charity has launched fresh appeals for missing expats around the world. As part of its Home For Christmas campaign, the Lucie Blackman Trust has launched a daily appeal for a different missing expat throughout the month of December. Missing Costa del Sol expats Amy Fitzpatrick and Lisa Brown both featured within the first five days of the appeal. As did missing 63-year-old John Wright
EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan who was last seen in July in Alicante. A spokesman for the trust said it is ‘important to remember those who are not with us, for one reason or another, over the Christmas period’. “Most of us will have been touched by the sad reality of a missing person at some point in our lives,” a spokesman told the
Olive Press. “We originally set up to provide free advice and training on safety overseas, but soon realised there was a greater job to do.” He added: “If our campaign helps to bring just one person home then it has been a success.” Providing families with information and advice, the Lucie Blackman Trust is commissioned by the UK’s Ministry of Justice and the Victim Support National Homicide Service.
Madeleine McCann
Missing since 2007, Madeleine is the most heavily reported missing-person case in modern history. Last seen on May 3, Madeleine disappeared from her apartment in the Algarve, Portugal.
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John Leach
Former El Dorado actor John Leach is still missing after leaving his Mijas home on August 21, 2012. John, 65 at the time he went missing, was suppose to attend a wake on the day he disappeared.
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October 28th - November 11th 2015
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OPINION
Olive Press Christmas appeal
Time to give FOR most of us, Christmas is a time of plenty. But not for everybody. It is worth remembering that Christmas is first and foremost a time for giving. And at La Linea charity Hogar Betania, the selfless volunteers and workers who man the homeless centre need your help. With another funding crisis putting their soup kitchen and accommodation shelter at risk, the Olive Press is asking its generous readers to dig deep and donate time, toys, money and clothes to help those in need, even including some expats. In the words of former Hogar Betania resident, Gibraltarian Ronald Henry Lima,‘The best thing in life is to help out. Because one day you might need help too.’
New dawn rising
PABLO Iglesias chose his words very deliberately. Spain ‘is going through a new transition’, said the Podemos leader shortly after Spain’s seismic general election results called time on the old order of PP/PSOE domination. The success of emergent parties Ciudadanos and Podemos signals that Spaniards are sick of the cronyism and corruption that has marred their political system for decades. Spain’s original ‘Transicion’ came after 1975 when the country returned to democracy following a 40-year dictatorship. After Sunday’s explosive results, the compromise shown by those political leaders 40 years ago needs to be summoned by the leaders of this ‘new transition’.
Never give up SOMETIMES it can feel like the world has forgotten the many thousands of missing people around the world. And it is true, once the initial media buzz has faded away, there is often nobody left to keep the names and pictures out there. That is why we - at least locally in Spain - will continue to ask questions, to probe and follow up any lead in the hunt for answers. Christmas can be a time of great joy, but it is also about remembering what you have and what you don’t. Our thoughts go out to everyone still praying that a loved one will be found. We won’t give up asking questions, if you don’t give up hope.
Olive Press payments THE following companies are no longer allowed to do business with the Olive Press (Luke Stewart Media SL - CIF B91664029), due to long standing debts: - MWM Investments Ltd - Petersham Coins, Marbella - Investor Spain - Simple Care - Autotunes Manilva - Hotel Embrujo, Arriate
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or admin@theolivepress.es or sales@theolivepress.es A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 200,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month. Iona Napier Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 iona@theolivepress.es 951 273 575 Joe Duggan Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5 joe@theolivepress.es Calle Espinosa 1 Admin / Distribution / Accounts: Edificio centro comercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 San Luis de Maria González Sabinillas, Manilva accounts@theolivepress.es Printed by Corporación de Medios Mirian Moreno de Andalucía S.A. admin@theolivepress.es Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Newsdesk SALES TEAM: newsdesk@theolivepress.es Chris Birkett Head of Sales Tel: 665 798 618 652 512 956 Stephen Shutes 671 834 479 Tom Powell Sarah Adams 655 825 683 tom@theolivepress.es Axarquia Rob Horgan Charlie Bamber 661 452 180 rob@theolivepress.es
One La Linea homeless charity is on a mission to help those in need at Christmas. Joe Duggan discovers the amazing work they are doing
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EGOÑA Arana Alvarez looks drawn, but defiant. The director of La Lineabased homeless and crisis centre, Hogar Betania, is discussing the mounting problems and heartbreaking decisions her organisation is facing this
Christmas. Hogar Betania’s soup kitchen feeds daily up to 400 people -- young families without work, Spaniards, expats, Gibraltarians and refugees -- for nine months a year. But with funding cuts looming for a third consecu-
Ronald Henry Lima, 65, Gibraltar GIBRALTARIAN Ronald found himself living rough on the streets of Fuengirola as a 61-yearold. After serving four years in the British Army as a Royal Engineer, he embarked on a successful career in the tourist industry. He moved to Fuengirola in 1989 but, in 2011, the hotel he managed suddenly folded when it was discovered the owner had been paying bribes. With no family to turn to, Ronald was left with nothing and ended up sleeping rough. “I lost my job, my home and all my belongings,” he says. “It was terrible. I ended up living in a cash point for two years.” Despite enduring traumatic hardships, Ronald refused to be beaten. “I never let myself go down or go on drugs. I saw a hell of a lot of that,” he says. ”I would be beaten up by youngsters when I was
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ITH the general elections finally over, the governability of Spain is now at stake. It had already been suggested, before the race, that the major Popular Party (PP) and opposition Socialists would have to seek out support from the emerging groups Podemos (We can) and Ciudadanos (Citizens). They would need to form partnerships or coalitions because neither forces will get a parliamentary majority. The problem with this notion now is that if even the PP and Socialists pair off with the other two, they still won’t have enough seats together to obtain the necessary 176 absolute majority in Congress. While Podemos and Ciudadanos were applauding
sleeping. They stole my belongings and everything. It wasn’t safe at all.” After two years of living hell, Ronald happened to overhear two people talking about Hogar Betania. He immediately reached out to Begoña. “I contacted Begoña and came over to her. She interviewed me and I was here for 751 days,” said Ronald. “They did everything for me. They are my family. The family I have never had.” Hogar Betania have helped Ronald find accommodation in La Linea, and he hopes to make his way back to Gibraltar, which he left more than 20 years ago. “To me the best thing in life is to help out,” he said. “Because one day you might need help. I’ve been right at the top, and right at the bottom, and now I’m halfway and heading up again.”
tive year, they may have to start turning hungry families away. “It’s very difficult if people are in a queue to come and get food,” she sighs. “How do you say, ‘Stop there. I can’t feed you.’ Here in La Linea, the average monthly income for a family is €400 a month. That’s supporting four or five people.” La Linea is the poorest town in the poorest province (Cadiz) in Spain, with unemployment among its 63,132 residents running at an apparent 38.5%, and all the attendant social woes are to be found here. Among Hogar Betania’s residents are victims of domestic violence and their children, homeless people and migrants, many trafficked by gangs in Senegal, Nigeria and Ivory Coast before undergoing perilous journeys to Spain. In the midst of these hardships, the bright graffiti sprayed by Malaga artists Burjone and Lalone on the side of Hogar Betania’s main building glows like a bold statement of intent: ‘ESPERANZA’ (HOPE). And hope is something they cling to here. Because the centre faces an unprecedented crisis. As well as money, vital refurbishment work is needed. Volunteers are required to help paint and refurbish the bedrooms to allow another 34 people to stay at the centre, where there are currently around 30 residents, including 10 women and their nine children. Education classes and workshops are set up to help the unemployed back to work. In fact, this is the only centre in Andalucia to offer food, clothes, accommodation and prepare residents for a better life in society. Clothes and children’s classes are provided, with a free summer school for children. Last year, they distributed toys to 300 children from deprived backgrounds. But Hogar Betania desperately needs donations to help keep its services running. Heading the tireless team is
Spain in flux
The people have spoken but uncertainty remains over the future government themselves for breaking the decades-long bipartisan system for the first time, neither group stands in a position to negotiate on their own with the two major parties. With the PP winning 123 seats, welcoming in Ciudadanos would only give Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy 163 seats. At the same time, the number of deputies won by the Socialists and Podemos together account for 159 seats. So both the PP and Socialists will have to bring in minor
parties to fill out the shortages – a task that isn’t going to be easy considering the constant bickering that sowell characterizes Spanish politics. Party leaders weren’t talking on Sunday about the pacts or offers they will make to each other. But Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias did set down a small list of rules. He said that the anti-austerity party wants to overhaul the Constitution to provide more social welfare guarantees for Spaniards, and proposed a
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MADRIDS MATTER plan for a national recall vote against any prime minister who doesn’t follow his campaign manifesto. The lines have been drawn by at least one party, which demonstrates that tough negotiations between the heckling political factions will continue to be played out well after the holidays. If no middle ground is reached, new elections may have to be called in May, which would unnecessarily draw out the process for already wear voters.
FEATURE
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August 6th -- August www.theolivepress.es December 23rd January19th 5th 2015
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Luis Holgado, 27, London
TEAMWORK: Volunteers at Hogar Betania with some of those they tirelessly help out
Charity in Spain 22 million kilos of food distributed in Spain’s La Gran Recogida food collection.
215,000 volunteers working for Spain’s Red Cross, La Cruz Roja.
€6,990 raised by Estepona’s Association for the Rights La Linea-born director Begoña. The 30-year-old started working as as a volunteer at fellow charity Carritas when she was 17. Her powers of resourcefulness have helped the centre battle through many crises. “In 2012, the money the church got from the government was stopped so they decided to close the centre,” she says. “We decided we weren’t going to let people, including children, go back to sleeping on the street. “So four or five volunteers used our own money to put a roof over the head of 12 people. We all lived together under one roof. We begged and borrowed to get them to let us back in.” After moving back into the smaller premises, the centre also took charge of a second, larger building in 2012, which was formerly an old people’s home. “This place was knee deep in rubbish and full of syringes,” says former resident, Gibraltarian Ronald Henry Lima, 65. “The ceiling was falling in.” Painstaking work to rebuild the centre began, and the currently unfinished building now houses 30 mainly male residents with the smaller centre looking after the women and their children. Begoña tells me this is ‘always full’. Such selfless devotion to La Linea’s poor and deprived has earned her the 2014 Jovenes Andaluzes de Futuro (Young Andalucians of the Future) award. In a country where the social security net provides scant protection for the long-term unemployed, such altruistic work is a lantern in the dark. As well as volunteers, Begoña’s team includes three psychologists, two social workers, a child psychologist and a teacher to help residents, many of whom have undergone horrific ordeals. “We have women who were trafficked here from Africa. Many of them come over in rubber dinghies you can buy in a supermarket. They fell into the hands of the mafia,” she says. “They are sexually and violently abused and passed from one hand to the other. They tell them when they get here that they own them. And then they become prostitutes. It’s very, very difficult to get them out of that.” Manuel Cañestro Merchan, the centre’s social anthropologist, explains more about what the centre needs. “We’ve only got one bathroom for the men here, which causes queues and
of Abandoned Animals (ADANA) at their Christmas Fair. 450 children received gift bags from Duquesa’s Society of St George. €1,330 raised for Cudeca Hospice by a Charity Club and Pleasure ‘Biggest Coffee Morning In the World’ event.
LUIS came over to Spain in the summer while caring for his father. A personal trainer and keen musician, Luis came hoping to find work in La Linea, where his family are from, and learn Spanish. He hoped to build a new life in Spain, but struggled to settle into work. “I wanted to come here to learn the language and about the culture,” he said. “My situation in London was far from perfect. I was going through hard times and had trouble finding work.I was looking for personal training work and I put many years into music as a rapper.” With personal problems at home forcing him to seek alternative accommodation after arriving in Spain, he turned to Hogar Betania. “This place is fantastic. It’s a godsend. If you don’t get a job, you’re just on the streets.” Luis is currently trying to find work in GibralHOPEFUL: Luis tar while helping out at the centre.
Hope, Nigeria HOPE survived a horrific two-year journey on foot from from her home in Nigeria before making it to Spain. En route to Libya, her group was abandoned by police in the desert. “I saw people dying on the spot from disease and from scorpion bites,” says Hope. “We were piled on top of each other in an open truck in the desert. We ran out of water in the desert and had to drink our own urine.” After arriving in Libya, war broke out and Hope had to flee to Morocco. Once there, she was sold to a mafia gang. A member of the gang locked
her up and abused her. “I was only able to escape when I became pregnant and he let me go,” she says. Desperate, she boarded a flimsy rubber raft before undertaking the treacherous crossing to Spain with 54 other refugees, including six other pregnant women. Saved at sea by the Red Cross, she was taken under Hogar Betania’s protection once she arrived in Spain. Traumatised by her ordeal, Hope didn’t speak for a month. Begoña and Manuel attended the birth of her child and helped care for Hope and her new baby. She now has a
job and helps counsel other victims at the centre, and has learned Spanish and English. While at Hogar Betania she met her current husband. And in November last year, Hope named her second baby after Begoña. “I feel like the queen of Africa. I have two guardian angels looking after me when I was at the point of death,” she said of Manuel and Begoña. “I implore people to help them continue their good work as nearly everyday people come to them for help.”
Salif Cisse, 18, Ivory Coast SALIF left his home in the Ivory Coast, where employment prospects were bleak. After a two-month journey to Morocco, he made his way to Tangiers. Pooling their scant resources, a group of migrants scraped together enough money to make a raft, which they boarded one day four in the morning. “The crossing was very hard and very dangerous,” he says. “People got hypothermia. I was terrified.” Around midday, their makeshift vessel was spotted in trouble off the coast of Tarifa by the Cruz Roja, who rescued them. Thankfully all of the occupants survived. But many who undertake that perilous journey are not so fortunate. Salif is now helping out with the refurbishment work at Hogar Betania, where all residents work in some capacity, and hopes to find work. “This place has given me hope and a new chance.”
Guido Abayian, volunteer CARING: Hogar Betania staff and residents problems,” he says. “We also need to open rooms up so people have somewhere to sleep for the night. Each room costs about €856 to refurbish. We need walls, floors, and windows putting in. “We have victims of domestic violence, women who have been beaten up by their husbands, people who live in the street or have been living in houses that have been falling down around them. We have people who come over on rafts from Africa who have nowhere to go.” Manuel and Begoña show me the centre’s garden, which was recently paid for by donations from Sotogrande International School, whose pupils have also been helping out at the centre through their Kindred Project charity. Vans have been provided by one of the centre’s sponsors, La Caixa bank. Rooms are sponsored by, among others, Estepona Rotary CLub and Bet Victor.
But despite this corporate funding, much of which comes from Gibraltar, the centre faces steep running costs. Begoña estimates they spend around €120,000 a year on food. Local families arrive at lunchtime to collect hot meals in tupperware boxes. They take the food home to avoid the stigma of eating at the centre. Meanwhile, the annual accommodation cost for one resident is €10,800, while medical costs come in at €1,080. Faced with such huge odds, the tireless Begoña refuses to countenance defeat or the possibility of having to close some of the centre’s facilities. “I will never let it happen,” she says. “We have a guardian angel looking after us. We always manage to get through the month. But we need help. “If we don’t get money people will just be on the street and they will go down, down, down.”
ARGENTINE Guido joined Gibraltar’s champions Lincoln Red Imps over the summer. During his time off the pitch, he has been coming to the centre to help sort and distribute clothes. “I believe that is very important that as I have free time as a footballer it’s very important to give time back,” he says. “That’s more important than money. Since I’ve been here there have been four or five new volunteers coming down. But we need more.” People are needed to help sort clothes into different sizes, many of which are given to children from deprived backgrounds. “The people who work here are amazing,” says Guido. “It’s a very difficult job, and they have to deal with very difficult things. They desperately need more money so they can help more people. Nationality is not important. People come here from all over the world and we need people to help out.”
8 NEWS IN BRIEF
Voter increase A TOTAL of 8,740 Nerja residents voted in the General Election, around 500 more than in 2011, as the PP came out on top with the PSOE second.
Piping up WATER shortage problems in the Axarquia are set to be solved by a new €20 million water pipeline which will carry water from the western Costa del Sol.
AXARQUIA
December 23rd - January 5th
A Wiz on the beach AMERICAN rapper Wiz Khalifa (right) will be turning Torre del Mar young, wild and free at July’s Weekend Beach Festival. The ‘See you again’ singer has been announced as the headline act for the third
Weekend Beach festival 2016 announces superstar headline act edition of the dance music event. Wiz, who claims to spend €15,000 a month on can-
Wall-breaker THE Caleta de Velez port is set to receive a makeover to the tune of €650,000, including demolishing part of the much maligned port wall to extend the seafront.
Moreish migas
WIZ KID: Set to star at Torre del Mar
AN incredible 45,000 people attended Torrox’s Las Migas fair, the 34th edition of the culinary event.
TOO MUCH WORK!
Tram talk A COMMITTEE has been established in Velez-Malaga to discuss a new tram model for the town, after the old system closed down three years ago.
A POPULAR British Axarquia grocery store Arkwrights is up for sale. Based in Puente Don Manuel, the shop has become an essential part of life for expats in the area, as it stocks all manner of British foods as well as cards and household essentials. But owners Linda and Geoff have announced they are selling the business because ‘working seven days a week is just too much’ at their age. For more information email arkwrights@gmail.com
nabis, has released four albums and had two US number one singles. Other festival acts so far include Alpha Blondy & The Solar System – hailed as Bob Marley’s heir – as well as British drum and bass duo Calyx and Tebee. This year’s festival saw reggae royalty Damian Marley take centre stage in one of just two Spanish shows he played. Meanwhile, the debut event in 2013 featured a DJ set from Australian band Pendulum.
A Christmas steal THREE unwise men and one woman have been seized by police for a massive avocado burglary. The light-fingered thieves were caught greenhanded with 17,500 kg of the popular fruit bagged up in the back of a van in Velez Malaga. Police noticed a ‘suspicious driver’ and dished out nine denuncias for similar crimes across the region. The street price of the loot would have come to €45,000… that’s a lot of chocolate coins.
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December 23rd - January 5th www.theolivepress.es
Marrache duo walk
TWO accountants accused of false bookkeeping for the disgraced Marrache lawyers have been found not guilty by Gibraltar’s Supreme Court. Brothers Benjamin, Solomon and Isaac Marrache were jailed in 2014 after Gibraltar’s longest-ever trial over a multimillion fraud shook the territory and its Jewish community. Court documents show ac-
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Accountants found not guilty after prosecution ‘failings’ countants Ian Wood, 55, and Kenneth Robinson, 65, were accused of having ‘deliberately and dishonestly misrepresented the true financial position’ of the firm and of having ‘suppressed knowledge of the fraud’.
However, two previous trial dates had already been adjourned following delays from the prosecution. This time around, Chief Justice Anthony Dudley said ‘failings by the Royal Gibraltar Police and the prosecution have resulted in the Crown being unable to meet three trial dates’. “At the heart of the failings may have been limited resources and an earnest desire to minimise cost but this has resulted in a failure to deal with both investigation and disclosure obligations with any degree of expedition and an inclination to avoid what LOVE NEST: Mons Calpe Suite views undoubtedly are onerous obligations,” he said. In the original trial, which took four years to come to A GIBRALTAR spot has been awarded the title of court, Benjamin was senBest Mediterranean Wedding Venue by a prestitenced to 11 years while Solgious magazine. omon and Isaac were both Mons Calpe Suite, 412m atop the Rock, was hongiven seven-year terms. oured by Destination Wedding and Honeymoons Victims included young invesAbroad. tors, first-time home buyers, The panoramic venue Local sits issue alongside UK Issue winner 43:The Local 5 11/11/13 Page 9 an 12:28 Irish PM multi-millionaire, a Winters Barns in Kent, and Europe winner Italian retired teacher and a successLa Cervara, Genoa. ful Czech businessman.
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DISGRUNTLED dog owners are uniting to save one of the Rock’s last remaining canine walking spots. Fighting back against plans to build a leisure centre at Rosia Bay, animal lovers Natalia Robba and Anne Coelho have set up a change. org petition to stop the work. Claiming dog owners are being ‘shunned and ignored’, the pair are aiming to collect 1,000 signatures to present to the government. The pair launched a similar petition four years ago, which led to the promise of two dog parks within the GSLP’s 2011 election manifesto. But one election on, they say ‘not enough has been done’. “The Rosia Bay dog beach has long been a place to take your dogs without fear of reprimand, and now we are at risk of losing that,” photographer Robba, 29, told the Olive Press. “Dog owners are once again being ignored as one of the last unofficial dog areas is in the process of being removed.” She added: “It’s high time for owners to take a stand and demand concrete solutions to a long-term problem.” A government spokeswoman insisted they were working to solve the issue, having recently designated an area in Alameda Gardens for dog walkers.
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GREEN NEWS
December 23rd - January 5th www.theolivepress.es
The ‘mist milker’
A 97-YEAR-OLD Spanish man is being credited with inventing the prototype for a revolutionary way of collecting water from mist as it condenses. Tadeo Casanas came up with his plan after his small island of El Hierro in the Canaries went without rain in 1948. After being awakened by water dripping through the heather roof of a hut he had built high up in the fog-shrouded hills where he had gone to hunt, he crafted a makeshift water collection system. He cut various branches to collect the condensation then constructed an
97-year-old Canary Islander invented system to collect water from mist
WISEMAN: Tadeo Casanas
aqueduct to a cistern, before installing a pipe that delivered 14 litres a minute and helped save his village. “They called me ‘the wise man of El Hierro’,” said Tadeo. “Now, I am dying. But I bother people with questions. Because I want to learn more.” The modern version of Tadeo’s plan was invented by Venezuelan Ricardo Gil. His Agua de Niebla de Canarias company has created aluminium structures capable of collecting 35,000 litres of water a day from an area of only 350 square metres.
REVIVAL: Iberian lynx
Lynx death! YET another Iberian lynx has been killed in Andalucia. The campaign to protect the species has suffered a difficult year, with nine of the wild cats run over on Andalucia’s roads. The latest incident took place in Jaen, near the town of Vilches. An EU-financed project was launched across the region 12 years ago after the number of wild Iberian lynx plummeted to under 100. That number has at least tripled since then, and the latest births suggest the big cats are now re-establishing themselves across a wider area. In March, the Junta and the Ministry of Public Works announced reduced speed limits in areas where high death rates have been recorded for the lynx, the world’s most endangered feline.
Be-spoke green deal PEDAL power is leading the push for a greener Spain by offering city cyclists enticing shopping discounts.
Ciclogreen, a Sevilla-based company, converts kilometres travelled by bike or foot into ‘ciclos’, a currency valid in participating restaurants and shops. Registered users earn four ciclos for each kilometre walked, with one kilometre cycled earning two ciclos. Discounts include 20% off MARIANO Rajoy has hailed the ‘historic’ Paris Climate Change a bike bag for 100 ciclos or Conference agreement. a 25% reduction from a full The Spanish leader also praised his former PP colleague, the bike maintenance for 100 European Commissioner for Climate Change and Action, ciclos. Miguel Arias Cañete. Since it was set up 16 The 196 participating countries have agreed to limit the rise months ago, Ciclogreen’s in average global temperatures to ‘well below’ 2°C, or 1.5°C if 1,500 users have travelled possible. more than 220,000 kilomeThe agreement doesn’t state by how much each country should tres, reducing CO2 emiscut its emissions, although from 2018 onwards countries have sions by 55 tonnes. to submit individual targets every five years. The award-winning scheme “I am satisfied by the historic Climate Change Agreement also operates in Madrid, #COP21. The leadership of Miguel Arias Cañete was vital to Barcelona, Valladolid and achieve this. Great work,” Rajoy tweeted. Valencia.
Rajoy’s Paris pride
Passenger permit MADRID council is relaxing its city-centre car ban to permit access for vehicles carrying three or more passengers and for motorbikes. Taxis will also be allowed to park in previously prohibited blue sections of the city centre to wait for customers. Prior to this they were only allowed if they were already occupied. In November, the Spanish capital brought in parking restrictions for non-residents to battle air pollution.
Slow and steady IT may look like this tortoise has had a few too many mince pies and brandies, but this is actually his normal size. The giant tortoise, which can be found at Fuengirola’s Bioparc, can grow up to 1.3 metres long and weigh as much as 400g. Cute? Maybe. A good Christmas dinner guest? Probably not.
la cultura
Fat lady sings
Montserrat Caballe gets jail sentence after being found guilty of tax fraud OPERA icon Montserrat Caballe has been handed a six-month suspended jail sentence after admitting to tax evasion. The 82-year-old world-renowned sopra-
no singer was also ordered to pay a fine of €254,231. A Barcelona judge ratified an earlier prosecutor’s decision not to send Caballe to jail or send her to trial. In 2010, Caballe admitted that she diverted her earnings through an Andorra-based company despite being a Spanish resident. Caballe pleaded guilty from her living room via a video link citing poor health. She has since repaid the €500,000 that was lost to tax authorities. The singer is best known for Barcelona, her 1987 duet with Freddie Mercury that became the theme song for the 1992 Olympics. During a 50-year career, she has sung alongside opera giants such as Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.
SKATER PARADISE: Santa Barbara
Kick-flipped
IT must go down as a transformation of biblical proportions. A 100-year-old abandoned church has been given a new lease of life as a skate-park. Originally designed by Austrian architect Manuel de Busto in 1912, the Santa Barbara church in Asturias was crumbling from neglect. That was until Church Brigade - a group dedicated to saving abandoned churches - raised enough funds to bring the ancient relic into the 21st century. Now dubbed Kaos Temple, the church-cumskatepark was designed by Santander artist Okuda San Miguel.
Written in the stars
IT must have been written in the stars for Spain’s most famous author Miguel de Cervantes. The Don Quixote writer has won a worldwide vote to have a planet that is 49 light years from earth named after him. The planet in the µ Arae system is bigger than Jupiter, the largest in the solar system. The four main characters Quijote, Sancho, Dulcinea and Rocinante - from Cervantes’s iconic novel also had stars named in their honour. Cervantes won with 38,503 votes, 69% of the total of the vote, with the campaign backed by the Society of Spanish Astronomers, Pamplona Planetarium and Cervantes Institute.
Goyas go for Girlfriend A FILM based on Federico Garcia Lorca’s Blood Wedding has been nominated for 12 Goyas. The Girlfriend (La Novia) received more nominations than any film for Spain’s most prestigious film awards. The 30th annual Goya awards ceremony takes place on February 6. Paula Ortiz’s adaptation of Lorca’s tragedy will battle it out with Juliette Binoche’s Nobody Wants The Night (Nadie quiere la noche), which has nine nominations.
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what’s on
M
alaga, until 29 February
The Centre for Contemporary Art showcases a new exhibition of ten paintings by artist Jose Maria Yturralde called Transfinito. For info, call 952 12 00 55
E
stepona, until 30 December
English photographer David Brewer’s exhibition at the Plaza de Toros museum captures well-known corners of Estepona, a town he first visited 15 years ago. For info, call 952807148
M
alaga, 2 January
The Strauss Festival Orchestra and Strauss Festival Ballet visit Malaga as part of their ongoing European Tour. Info at www.unientradas.es
B
enalmadena, 4 January
Welcome to Broadway show features the Feel’armonia Rock Symphony Orchestra with soloists performing hits from Cats, West Side Story and Cabaret. Info at teatrocervantes.es
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14
la cultura
the Olive Press 14 November 11th - 25th 2015
Passing I on the passion
www.theolivepress.es December 23rd - January 5th
Andalucia’s best flamenco teacher is off to Madrid’s National Championships… but could the San Roque celebrity teach Tom Powell to dance?
LITTLE DARLINGS: Spot the 20-something journalist
’M stood anxiously between two rows of little girls while Andalucia’s Queen of flamenco selects the music for my first dance. All of a sudden I am shocked into action: “Put your hands on your hips or get out!” At that moment I realise Chari Expresati is serious. She has after all just led her flamenco starlets to victory in Andalucia’s ‘Vive tu Sueño’ semifinal in Almeria. Next stop: Madrid for the national championships in March. Before that she has the tough task of taking a team to the International Theatre Festival of the Mediterranean in Tetouan (Morocco). And before even that she has the gargantuan task of teaching me how to strut my stuff without landing headfirst on the floor. Luckily, Chari is the ultimate pro. She twists and turns and steps and ducks and dives while I desperately try to keep up. But she never stops smiling and keeping an eye on my progress. Although as soon as I’m successfully following her feet, my arms get lost, and vice versa. I can’t win it seems. On first evidence, I’m not going to make it into her team for Madrid, and not just because it’s a female group of 10 and 11-year-olds. But I doubt they’d need me anyway. Chari has been dancing since she was four years old. She’s 66 now. That’s 62 years honing her passion and 40 of those have been spent passing it on. This year coming is also the 30th anniversary of Chari’s school at the Universidad Popular de San Roque.
TWIST AND TURN: Chari teaches Tom how to dance like a pro while (below) victory in Almeria
“I love flamenco and it’s been my whole life’s passion,” she says. “But passing that passion on to the youngsters is very rewarding.” “I have taken groups to so many places, including Japan, England, Holland and Morocco. “I have taught foreign children here too, and it is popular with Americans and Italians in particular.” The corners of the dance hall are indeed testament to her success, with numerous trophies vying for the most prominent positions. In fact, a mother of two girls in the class tells me Chari is something of a ‘San Roque celebrity’. Her feats have certainly helped put this tiny town in the Campo de Gibraltar on the map. But there’s one more question I have to ask before I let her get back to work… how did I do? “Fantastic! You’ll make a great dancer yet!” (ED: Yeah, yeah, yeah...)
WINNER: Chari Expresati
‘OVERJOYED WITH MY
- SHINING STAR PAGE
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English-language The original and only in Andalucía investigative newspaper
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Vol. 10 Issue 228
2015
PM who was in Estepona
...while Rajoy brushes up on his expat news
Podemos boss in massive comeback
came both parties. Mr Rajoy is A BEAMING Pablo Iglesias crucial TV “This is the reason out swinging during a the Span- not here: he too received illegal leaders’ debate to blow open. payments,” roared Iglesias. not would ish general election wide Ra- Also insisting he clearly got the With Prime Minister Mariano proceed- bomb Syria, he joy absent - and watchingPodemos upper hand on his nervous ings in his pyjamas - the a huge main anti-corruption rival Alleader’s popularity received9.2 mil- bert Rivera, of Ciudadanos. was ‘una bomboost in front of a record largest TV The end result say, lion viewers, Spain’s ba’, as the Spanish would 2015. top by a mile in audience of the long- coming out on Going for the jugular, the PP - various polls yesterday. haired leader slammedof corrup- These included the right-leanraft a over with nearly half and PSOE engulfed ing El Mundo, readers (42%) tion scandals, that have of the paper’s while PP rep their parties. 51-second siding with him, In a damning final should be- Soraya Saenz de Santamaround-up of why he he listed ria got 30%, Rivera 22% and come Spain’s new PM, rocked PSOE’s Pedro Sanchez, just 7%. of La five key cases that have
Three leaders
Readers Vanguardia went even stronger in their support, giving him an astonishing 55%, ahead of Rivera (16%), (16%) Sanchez and Saenz de Santamaria (13%).
INCISIVE: Malaga PP boss points out another Olive Press exclusive to Rajoy
to speak English, he rages about his ability spending a and While debate still in our last front page, before Minister is out of touch was clearly engrossed the issue. OME say the Spanish Prime the pulse. PP boss Elias Bendodo his minute flicking through has taken his finger off doubters wrong by gettinggen- Finding plenty of interest, with Malaga’s out something apparBut Mariano Rajoy proved he then pointed run-up to the most exciting looking over his shoulder, priorities straight in the on the cover. referhistory. of the website for future debate on ently intriguing eral election in Spanish engaged in a crucial TV important Perhaps he was making a note While the other party leaders preoccupied with the more pictured on the ence on his return to Madrid? Monday, the PP boss was he was imagining himself in Andalucia. Or maybe, just maybe, following a landslide victory on December matter of... what’s happening of our next edition matter was spot on! And his choice of reading speech for party faithful in Estepona, cover true. come can your very 20. Dreams nation Page 6-7 After a keynote campaign Election fever sweeps up on expat news by reading he found time to catch Olive Press. own, decade-old, super-reliable
S
for a fourth time Nigel Goldman convicted
GOLDMAN GUILTY
Infamous expat fraudster been given VICTIMS in Spain have Goldman fresh hope after Nigel fraud in the was found guilty of UK. Press was A jury heard how the Olive the 58-yearinstrumental in bringingdel Monte, to old, now called Howard justice. online, two After spotting our reports gold coins men who failed to receive him called they had purchased from he was found in police. A year later, and now guilty on two counts of fraud faces jail.
One way ticket to jail! Page 4
December 10th - 22nd
al TV debate minus the
Pablo’s back...
BOTTLE: (From left) and Santamaria
www.theolivepress.es
begins with sensation
Election countdown
PHOTO: Iona Napier
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FIRST MICHELIN STAR’
the
Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated 23rd - January 5th daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.
GOLDMAN: Awaiting
prison
Rajoy joy I WOULD like to congratulate you for getting your fantastic newspaper into the hands of the Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy. I know how busy the rally was and it is great that you managed to talk to him. Rajoy comes to Malaga a lot, it is one of his favourite provinces. The problem in terms of expats is that he does not speak English, although he is learning. But our Foreign Officer in Mijas, Angel Nozal, speaks great English, German and French and I support his work. If you ever need any information about Mijas we are happy to help, and as local politicians we see the expat community has the utmost importance. Maria Banco Hacienda councillor, Mijas Pueblo
Waiting game WHAT exactly is the Junta waiting for? (Don’t let us down, issue 228). They could have solved the illegal housing problem years ago. Too many people have been in
December www.theolivepress.es
Doggy bag
olive press online
October 2015
A BAG-FULL of puppies found in a bag of horse feed are desperately seeking a new home. The bag of abandoned black labrador puppies were taken to a Torrox vet where they were almost put down. But thanks to the kind vet, we have been given two weeks to find them a home. Anyone that can help should get in touch with APA Nerja - Estacion Esperanza on its Facebook page or call 653 782 878.
Page views:xxxxxxxxx Spain and Gibraltar’s best Visitors:English xxxxxxxx daily news website Most read this fortnight on www.theolivepress.es Costa del Sol on weather alert
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Lucy Sargison, Nerja limbo in the Axarquia for too long. They have the power to change the law and legalise all the affected properties tomorrow but for some reason, known only to themselves, they drag their feet. Now there are properties in Marbella also affected by the woefully inadequate property laws that they created and still they do nothing. I wish I could feel optimistic about the Junta doing the right thing but I doubt that any law change will be either effective or far reaching enough to finally draw a line under this debacle. Jane Garrett, Axarquia
Not so golden A WORK colleague of mine was telling me about how the Marbella PGOU debacle has affected her (Back to the fu-
VIDEO: Floods hit Costa del Sol
ture, issue 228). She purchased in Marbella in 2013, and had a property survey done too. Now reality has kicked in and the PGOU has just made her property ‘irregular’. It just goes to show that despite using the correct legal process, and getting a property survey, nothing is guaranteed when purchasing property in Spain, even in the so-called ‘golden mile’. No amount of lawyers and surveyors can save you from Spain’s broken property planning system. Fred Smith, Ronda
Post please OVER the years, I have read lots of negative things about
Correos, and the postman burning 3,000 letter is just the latest (OP online). Fortunately I have always found Spain’s postal service to be fantastic. Maybe the Gods (Celtic) smiled upon us but having lived in Galicia and Andalucia we never experienced anything but a first class postal service. In fact, when we moved to Galicia, the postman actually called to introduce himself. And it was the same in Guadix, where we found their computerised system faultless and got to know all the staff – to make things even better some of the postwomen were very tasty – oh to have been younger and single. Stuart Crawford, Coin
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As of September, expats living in countries where the average annual temperature is higher than the UK’s warmest region – the South-west, at 5.6 degrees – lost their winter fuel allowance. Many petitions and campaigns have subsequently been launched to overturn the ruling.
VIDEO: Floods hitnow Costa Download our app anddel Sol
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THIS is extremely unfair on pensioners living in European countries considered to be warmer than England. First of all, Spain - among other countries - can be extremely cold in the winter and require heating. We live in Tenerife which is usually cold enough to require heating in winter from November until March with bills more than double in those months. We have paid NI and taxes for most of our working lives in the UK so deserve a few benefits especially as our pensions are not nearly as good as our EU partners. Surely this legislation is in contravention of the EU ruling on winter fuel. Eva Ashton, Tenerife
Unjust rewards I LIVE in Gibraltar and my flat needs heating in the winter. I am classed as a UK pensioner here so don’t receive any of the benefits that Gibraltar pensioners enjoy. This means that I survive on the basic state pension. If I lived in the UK I would cost the government money. I worked in the UK for over 30 years and paid my taxes, it’s not the taxes of current employees that support my fuel payment, it’s taxes which I’ve already paid! Angela Worth, Gibraltar
No sympathy THERE will be few people living in the cold in the UK who will have much sympathy with the withdrawal of winter fuel payments. Why, after also paying into the UK system for years, should they be discriminated against? The Winter fuel Payment was never originally designed to top up the incomes of those outside the UK. It was an EU ruling that made it so. For those who feel strongly about it, the obvious answer to their problem is to return to the UK. John Green, London Letters should be emailed to letters@ theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.
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the olive press - October 30 - November 12 2014
Vol. 10 Issue 229 www.theolivepress.es
December 23rd- January 5th
Christmas card snowscapes and adrenaline-pumping thrills are guaranteed at one of Spain’s finest ski resorts. Iona Napier (above) negotiates the slopes of the Sierra Nevada
PHOTO: Alejandro Molina
i k S l e d a t s Co WINTER WONDERLAND: Sierra Nevada is paradise for snowboarders, skiers and dogs
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Y colleague lay spread-eagled in the snow, one ski several hundred feet uphill and the other at my feet. “That’s it, I’m giving up,” he sulked. It had been a testing day on the slopes for ski virgin Rob, and after a particularly ambitious blue run with three consecutive wipeouts, his sense of humour had vanished without trace. His grimace was barely visible through the layers of buff, hat and goggles, but the snarls were audible. “I’m not skiing down this slope; I’ll walk back up and take the lift down,” he pleaded, looking longingly uphill, while skiers zipped effortlessly past us.
ICE COOL: Swimwear ski party
Our impatient group had already sped off back to base, in Pradollano, for a hot chocolate, without a second thought for our Rob. But, the good natured person I am - plus admittedly several years’ experience on the slopes - I stepped in as his impromptu ‘teacher’. After some cajoling, we set off gingerly down the highest mountain range in peninsular Spain, making ‘giant pizza slices’, as my first teacher had called them, with our skis. Before long, Rob was back in his stride – or slide - and I was considering a career change, as I sped down the Laguna de las Yeguas piste, which has staggering views towards the Mediterranean and, on a clear day, Turn to Page 18
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UP UP AND AWAY
FLYING HIGH: The largest piste is 6km long
From Page 17
the Rif mountains of Morocco. It was the start of a fabulous weekend of skiing in the Sierra Nevada, with bright sunshine, perfect powder snow and some of Spain’s best après ski to look forward to at the end. The longest piste, Aguila, is a dreamy 6km of easy turns and magnificent views. The Sierra Nevada is easily one of Spain’s best skiing resorts, with 110km of pistes over 1200 vertical metres, famous for being a place where you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the coast, pina colada in hand, by the afternoon. Some even brave it in bikinis for the last day of the season in May (la bajada en bikini), an unmissable day festooned with champagne, near nudity and hedonism. But it’s not just for fun junkies; expert skiers treasure the snow which, particularly in springtime, is a soft and sumptuous ride, unlike the tightly-packed ice found in many European resorts. Locals proudly describe it as ‘cream snow’ (nieve crema), and most say it is at its best from February to April, although the season often begins in late November, weather permitting (this year it has been a bit
JUMP FOR JOY: There are 110km of pistes shaky to be fair with just a few kilometres open by the middle of December). And thanks to a €3.1 million cash injection from the Andalucian tourist board – with three new lifts last season, the price for passes has remained the same for the past four years (€45 for an adult day pass) and even less at the season’s opening (€25), with free parking chucked in. “It is a magnificent resort,” explains Mercedes Delgado, who has worked here
for Cetursa, the company that runs the resort, for many years. The charming 50-year-old was born in Granada and has worked in the resort for 29 years. She is living proof that it is near impossible to leave a place like this. And she is far from the only one, with numerous local business bosses having done three decades, and many even more. “The really strong points here are the sun and the location,” explains Mercedes. “The climate makes excellent snow conditions, a pleasant temperature to be in, with late night skiing too, and the season continues to May making it very versatile.” She continues: “And our proximity to Granada is a huge plus, whereas many European resorts are very isolated.
Uphill ski
NOVICES: Tom and Rob learn to ski
THE price of renting an apartment in the Sierra Nevada has rocketed this winter. Rising by 12.5%, the average weekly apartment rental costs €1,015.
19 December 23rd - January 5th
Festive fun MAGICAL: Three kings on the slopes and (inset) snowy Pradollano The resort is one of the most festive places to be in Spain, and the Spaniards know it, as they descend in their droves for Christmas and New Year. ‘Nochebuena’ or Christmas eve, when the Spaniards celebrate the festive season with a huge family meal and lashings of turron, is usually a sell out. Mean“You can come to the Sierra while ‘nochevieja’, or New Nevada and also see the AlYear’s Eve, where massive hambra, and eat some famous screens show the countGranada tapas.” down in Madrid’s iconic She also mentions the stratePuerta del Sol, with grapes gic location: near the beach, galore, is a riot. For the eve not far from Madrid, and perof the Reyes on Jan 5 the fectly accessible from most of three kings duly arrive on southern Spain. skis. Kids will love it. Indeed the 106.8km of slopes Carnival, from February are just an hour-and-a-half 6-14, also sees a mass arby car from Granada’s Costa rival for the fancy dress ROYAL APPROVAL: King Felipe loves Sierra Nevada Tropical and the nearby Nerja competition, snow-sport beaches, and only half an hour pose-designed for little ones: contests and spectacles ruined; it is still very Spanish for Granadinos. with Dreamland and Alpine from Granada University, and fairly low-key.” Madrileños do not flinch at Garden for infants. There is a while February 27 2016 will Spanish is still the lingua their four hour drive, while Semagic carpet lift, bike-skiing see a huge jump competifranca – although virtually all villanos and Malagueños’ can and toboggan runs for kids or tion, just next to the main restaurateurs speak English. get here in two hours easily. non-skiers. resort. By contrast, in high-end French The Portuguese also have a Pista del Bosque features aniresort Courchevel, where the strong following. mal figures for children too, Russian women walk Alongside a fiercely loyand the new Pista del Mar in their Chihuahuas in al British crowd, many the heart of Borreguiles has white skintight saThe from Alicante and been a hit since last season lopettes, you’re Murcia, the majorwith its weekly gymkhanas. resort has hard pushed ity (around 80%) More experienced skiers - and to find a native held on to its of the Sierra Nehundreds of snowboarders French speaker. vada’s skiers are head to the Sulayr Terrain Park, That said, Rusauthenticity Spanish. where there are 110 different sian tourists miand charm The resort has kept ramps and rails, with the larggrate enthusiasits authenticity and est ski-jump in Europe. tically to the Sierra charm that swanky The cool kids also hang out in from the Marbella French resorts have long the Loma de Dilar area, which area, and all nationalisince lost, with prices to match. boasts the biggest half-pipe in ties are met with open arms by “We have been growing masSpain, with a cross country ski the hospitable resort staff, sively in popularity since the and snowboard run. well over 90% of whom live in world ski championships in And it’s not just the skiing that Granada. 1996,” continues Mercedes. keeps punters coming back (it The resort is very family friendThe night skiing is something was my second trip), the nightly, with the majority of the 124 the resort prides itself on, with life and restaurants are second runs at a beginner or interme9am-9pm uninterrupted snow to none. diate level. There are 19 green play on weekends at the height And the Sierra Nevada’s busiruns, 41 blues, 50 reds and 14 of the season, and also latenesses are delighted to meet black and orange (the scariest), night skiing on Thursdays. you, run by friendly, down to to be exact. “But the resort has not been earth folk that do not mock There are several zones purtheir customers with ski-high prices. In fact you can still get a cana and a tapa for under €2 in some places. Then, after dinner, head to lively watering hole Jaleo, run by Sevillano Roberto. A laid-back bar with great music and reasonable drinks, it’s the perfect place to test-drive your moves before venturing uphill to bars, including Soho and HippoTHE Sierra Nevada is incredibly good value, blasting its interdrome, 10 minutes up into the renational competition out of the water. A day ski pass is €45, sort. There is even a discotheque while Colorado resort Beaver Creek charges a mind-boggling Mango. €131 per day, Whistler in Canada is €91 and Switzerland’s You may well find yourself disZermatt can set you back €92. tracted by the Marbella Club’s And that’s before skiwear, accommodation and food is also Sierra Nevada outpost, El great value, where French resorts can demand silly money for Lodge, a sumptuous, five-star, the most bog standard of spaghetti Bolognese. high-end addition to the local In the Sierra Nevada, the Spanish ethos of delicious food and scene, just reopened after a fire alcohol at highly reasonable prices is exemplified across the burnt it down two years ago. resort. This is the sort of top end place Xavi at Tito Tapas and Paco at La Bodeguita are hospitable that rivals anywhere in Ibiza or bosses with no sign of the ice queen reception to be expected Cannes, and keeps the wealthy in swankier resorts, and the Granada ‘free tapas with your expats on the Costa del Sol drink’ tradition exists in most establishments. more than happy whether Try Tito Tapas’ brie parcels and the goat’s cheese with carathere is snow or not. melised apple at La Bodeguita… before washing it down with Yes, all in all, there really is a comforting, velvety hot chocolate on tap at Mama Goye’s. something for everyone in the It’s not just the food, drink and accommodation that are reaSierra Nevada, however you cut sonable – the warm Spanish welcome sets them apart. your cloth.
Pocket-friendly resort
21 December 23rd - January 5th
A shoe-in
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ADVENTURE: Telemark offers another option for those seeking the wild outdoors
Off piste perfect
B
UDDING Ray Mears’ can embrace their inner adventurer and head off the beaten track in the Sierra Nevada. With Telemark you can have a wilderness trip that literally ends up in another world... the charming cobbled villages of the Genil valley, in the Alpujarras.
Swap your skis for a wild mountain adventure with experienced Telemark, writes Jon Clarke
Whether there is snow or not, the two-decade-old company offers one and two-day crosscountry adventures into the mountains. Both trips end up taking you through (hopefully) deep off-piste snow onto narrow mountain tracks. “We try to put an emphasis on ecology and nature and it is imTHE A-TEAM: With boss Luis (right) pressive to
see the typically old farmhouses in the area and how little they have changed,” explains boss Luis Casanova, who spends the other half of the year in Africa. “It is a real, fun adventure, something you will not forget. “Best of all, a team of mules ends up helping to bring your
stuff back to Pradollano,” adds Luis. The day trip costs just €100 per person and includes transport and lunch. Another popular pastime for those, who don’t fancy risking life and limb on the pistes, is to have a day of cross-country skiing on two or three well established paths around the resort. “It is great fitness and you do get to enjoy the fabulous views and nature at the same time,” he adds. The company can also help organise hard-core uphill climbing for mountaineers and a half day soft snow walking trip with snow rackets. Contact the team on telemark@telemark.es or call 958 48 11 53
E has one of the most infectious laughs in Andalucia. And, no surprise, with happy Javier Nagore co-running three of the resorts top eateries, as well as doubling up as a shoe entrepreneur on the side. Menorcan Nagore is half of the talented team behind Tito Luigi’s two restaurants and nearby Tito Tapas. But when he is not overlooking the foodie empire on the slopes, he is keeping an eye on his family business, which makes hand-made shoes for sale in dozens of shops around the UK alone. Manufactured back in his second home of Menorca, his JAVIER: Tito Luigi boss shoes sell in the British chain the Natural Shoe Store, as singers as clients, they have well as many places else- certainly done well since setting up Tito Luigi 27 years ago. where in Europe. He and Tito business partner The flagship restaurant has Luis Alija, started life setting just doubled in size with a up the first ‘hippy market’ stylish makeover, while the in Menorca in the 1970s, recently opened Tito Tapas, before branching out to sell is one of the hippest places shoes and jewelry around the to dine on the slopes. Meanwhile, the third restauworld. Today they are very much rant Tito Luigi’s II, sits higher alive and kicking in Pradol- up in the village and is populano, ensuring that their res- lar with locals. Together they taurants - alongside emblem- employ around 40 people. atic Tia Maria, owned by Luis’ “The idea behind Tito Tapas brother Carlos - continue to was to create a natural yet modern place where friends adapt and grow. Counting former King Juan could come and meet, someCarlos, not to mention a host thing a bit different,” exof bullfighters and flamenco plains Javier.
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the olive press - October 30 - November 12 2014
December 23rd - January 5th
ADVERTORIAL
FAMOUS FANS: Cayetano and Fran Rivera
HOSPITABLE: Rafa (above, second right) and his employees while (right) the terrace at La Bodeguita and (inset) huevos revueltos with eels and prawns
E
VEN the most hardened adrenaline junkies like to ‘come down’ from a day on the slopes with convivial drinks and tapas shared around a glowing brazier. Just ask dashing bullfighting brothers Fran and Cayetano Rivera, who normally choose the venues of La Bodeguita and La Tinaja. Overlooking the hustle and bustle of Pradollano’s main square, it is little surprise that many of the resort’s most famous après skiers make a beeline for this bar/restaurant double act. Like yin and yang, both offer a fabulous range of dishes and wines, with the fun part thrown in for free. La Bodeguita alpine bar, with its beer barrel tables and magnificent pizza oven, is usually buzzing late into the night, while upmarket La Tinaja has one of the most sophisticated menu and wine lists in the resort.
Luxuriate
The terrace at La Bodeguita is the perfect spot to luxuriate with a beer or glass of wine at lunchtime or at sunset. Its outdoor braziers and attentive staff do a great job at making you comfortable and the excellent dishes include baked goat’s cheese with caramelized apples and the amazing acorn-fed jamon and scrambled eggs with eels, prawns and potatoes (see pic inset top). La Tinaja has a more chic, formal vibe and a stunning mezzanine level with breathtaking views across the resort through floor-to-ceiling windows. Charming host, Rafael Vigo, 37, took over and revamped both establishments two years ago, and since then popularity has soared to keep 17 members of staff run off their feet. “We are probably the biggest restaurant in the Sierra Nevada,” Rafa ex-
A taste of the high life
TEAMWORK: At La Tinaja
From Flamenco stars to celebrity bullfighters, few places beat La Bodeguita and La Tinaja for apres-ski and fine dining, writes Iona Napier plains. “At 400m2, we have a lot of space and we can serve over 200 people at once between the two restaurants in high season.” An entrepreneur in the resort for seven years – and a weekend visitor for many decades – Rafa has owned and revived several restaurants in Pradollano. Having been ‘brought up on the beach’ in Almunecar, he applied the relaxed mentality to all his successful establishments, combining style with top quality food. The most-ordered dish is charcoal grilled steak, served with green pep-
pers and chunky chips. The pizzas are also a hit, with Rafa’s favourite: a tomato, mozzarella, ham and egg concoction. For the sweet-toothed, the mango and custard apple mousse is a refreshing alternative to the decadent turron cheesecake on a brownie base. “We keep an incredibly high standard, with uninterrupted service from 1pm until 1am, at least 120 wines, so we can cater for everyone.” Rafa continues. He’s right… even on a quiet day, this is the place to be seen and attracts people from all walks of life.
CASUAL DINING: In La Bodeguita As well as welcoming celebs like the Rivera brothers, Rafa has even played host to Franco’s millionaire descendents, the Bordiu family, not to men-
Tel: 958 480 400 Tel: 656 345 602
Bajos Hotel Meliá Sierra Nevada
tion the bosses of the Melia hotel chain. “We’re like a family here, and there’s always a great atmosphere,” he says.
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23 December 23rd - January 5th
No easy sport T
HERE haven’t always been gondolas, magic carpets and chairlifts to escort skiers and snowboarders up the slopes. Back in the day, the only way to get to the top was to walk, or call in the help of a donkey! Up until 1969, when the two main lifts, Borreguiles and Parador were built, the burro taxi was the best way up the hill. The ski resort dates from 1912 when Spain’s oldest ski club, the Sierra Nevada Society, was founded. It started to grow seriously in popularity from 1964 when lift pass company Cetursa was launched and a regular bus service came in.
SUITED AND BOOTED
PROFESSIONAL: The team
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OR five decades the Sanchez del Rio family have been running ski shops and teaching on the slopes. First in Australia and more recently in Spain, their company Riosport has been ahead of the game in terms of quality of equipment and expertise. Set up originally by Alfonso and wife Joan in the Sierra Nevada in 1988, the business is now run by sons Philip and Alexander, both in their 30s. Based out of two locations, both just yards from the main ski-lifts, they have cleverly cornered the expat and foreign market that makes up around 20% of the resort’s clientele. “Over 60% of our clients are foreign, at least half of those British and Irish but we have lots of Dutch too,”
explains Alexander, who went to school in Granada before studying law at university. “I put our success with expats down to giving straightforward good service and good quality products,” he continues. “We are not the cheapest, nor the most expensive, but above all we know what we are doing. “We either do things properly or we don’t touch it,” he adds. One of the areas the company specialises in is the quality of its boots. Indeed, Riosport is one of only two dozen places in the world where you can get the top quality, personalised Strolz brand of ski boots. Custom-fitted for the most tricky customers, they almost guarantee not to give you pain. “They are perfect for any foot,” he explains. Visit www.riosport.es
SHOP & RENT ski and snowboard Your specialised mountain ski shop in Sierra Nevada
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Snow patrol
THRILLSEEKERS: Grinding and carving around the Sulayr park
Sierra Nevada’s slopes offer Spain’s snowboarders a pleasure playground
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ITH snow like fine powder, the Sierra Nevada is a Mecca for thrill-seeking snowboarders. For beginners and experts alike, Spain’s highest resort is a glorious snowboarding setting. Stunning scenery is matched by the top-class facilities, which saw the resort awarded the 1996 Alpine World Ski Championships and could see it host the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in 2017. Those who are
just starting out should head to Borreguiles. Twenty-two lifts deposit snowboarders on this gentle gradient where you can easily get accustomed to the slopes. And Sierra Nevada is also home to SuperPark Sulayr, Europe’s largest freestyle snowboard park. The park has now relocated from Loma de Dilar to an altitude of 2,700 metres on Borreguiles. Spain’s most famous snowboarding park also houses the country’s biggest permanent half-pipe, measuring an astonishing 165 metres in length with a height of six metres. The special design flattens the snow on the side of the half-pipe so snowboarders can jump on both sides. More experienced snowboarders have two railings with a jump of four metres. Intermediates can enjoy a railing with a two metre jump. Most importantly, an airbag is on hand to ensure a soft landing!
FREESTYLE: Mountain sp
W
HEN a trio of brothers visited the Sierra Nevada for a season in the early 2000s, it was to be an adventure from their native Argentina, which would change their lives forever. Coming to teach snowboarding, Richard, Dani and Leo Martinez loved the buzz of Europe’s most southerly resort so much they literally never looked back. A decade on and the boys from Mar de Plata are still here (well two of them at least), running their own snowboarding and ski school, Rules, plus a brand new shop with clothing and mountainwear. “We came to enjoy the snow and spotted a huge gap in the market with nobody working the snowboarding scene,” explains Dani, 37, who has been riding the slopes since the age of four. Offering snowboard rental and classes, the small marginal sport has grown to such an extent that it is almost now as popular as skiing. “It’s a huge market, probably as big as skiing, and we have so much demand for good equipment.” He continues: “The snow park and the skateboarding scene are also incredible, and we are changing the way people see and understand snow sports.” So successful has their business been that this season they have opened a brand new school, Rules, based just 50 metres from the main ticket office. The stylish shop (above) has cutting-edge design,
SNOW LOVERS: Dani (second left) and the team
modern equipment, with the latest mountainwea and clothing, as well as other brands, includin Bonfire and Volcan. “We are all about board sports, all abo free-style and our school and you ca really see it in our shop and school says Dani. The 12 instructors he employs high season are all professional trained to bring out the best students and encourage them embrace the ‘freestyle mentalit and enjoy the buzz of masterin the elements. A one-stop shop for all your snow–r lated needs, Dani and the team are a ways delighted to have a chat so drop in the Plaza Andalucia or Edificio Telecabina office to get tutored, suited and booted.
Surf in style! Visit www.rulessierranevada.com
l
25 December 23rd - January 5th
The largest ski school in Spain since 1986 A name you can trust
The Official Ski School Sierra Nevada was founded in 1986 with Diploma for Teachers RFEDI (Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation), to offer winter sports enthusiasts better service and a personalized and appropriate education on each level.
WE OFFER: • Bilingual teachers English-Spanish • Lessons for kids from 3 upwards • 28 years experience on the slopes • Snowboard and skiing for all levels • Dreamland ski area for children
EOE DIRECTOR Juan Luis Hernández Linares
BREATH-TAKING: Perfect snow and stunning views in the Sierra Nevada
Ski & snowboard rental 958 480 906 www.monitortecno.es
tel: 958 48 00 11 eoe@eoe.es
HEAD TEACHER Fernando Arias Fanjul
www.sierranevadaescuela.com
El Balcón, Paradollano y Edificio Montebajo, Plaza de Andalucía Sierra Nevada, Granada
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Pz. Andalucía, Edif. Monachil, Local 1 y 2 18196, Sierra Nevada (Granada) tel: +34 958 164 641 email: info@rulessierranevada.com WWW.RULESSIERRANEVADA.COM
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CORPORACIÓN DE MEDIOS DE ANDALUCÍA CONGRATULATES OLIVE PRESS ON ITS BIRTHDAY
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27 December 23rd - January 5th
British ski teachers Giles Birch and Jonathan Buzzard have been teaching on the slopes for an incredible 20 years, writes Jon Clarke
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HEN Jonathan Buzzard walked into Sierra Nevada’s seminal Crescendo bar in the early 1990s, Giles Birch knew he’d found his man. With a long flashers’ mac, ‘big hair’ and a friendly, outgoing persona, he knew he would make the DECADE DUO: Jonathan and Giles in the 1990s and today (right) perfect transport rep. In his first season working as a coordinator for the big travel companies, including First Choice and Thompsons, he explains Jonathan, who lived in explains Giles, who is now in needed someone with a bit of Marbella in the golden years his benchmark 20th season in knowledge and experience to before it was ruined by corrupt Granada. help him out. leader Jesus Gil. Since arriving he has married “I had no idea what was going “We used to bring in thousands (a Portuguese girl), had a famon but had been told that Creof foreigners every week, but ily and taught literally thouscendo was the place to find after a couple of dry years in sands of clients. the Brits and the reps-in-the the 1980s the resort’s reputa- So what makes the Sierra Nevada know,” he recalls. tion suffered badly and things so special, according to him? “Next thing in walks Jonathan all began to change. “It is the length of the season. with just the right attitude and he “Luckily the snow came back, We start in late November and was soon helping me deal with albeit not yet this year, but stay open until early May while the three to four flights we reguthese days it is all independent other resorts don’t open until larly dealt with on a Sunday.” travellers and the agencies mid December and end their The pair are still working tohave all but disappeared.” season in March.” gether some two decades Of course there have been This is partly due to the relater, collectively running the some bad years such as 1995 sort’s altitude and the quality extremely successful British when Jonathan recalls cycling of the snow which is constantly Ski Center from their base near up Borreguiles run on a moun- worked on during the night. the resort. tain bike in shorts on Christ- “That’s why you’ll never see Great mates, they both now mas Day. slush even in the latter part of teach, as well as sort out holi“But generally it is as good as the season.” he adds. days for hundreds of clients most other international reeach year. sorts and the range of skiing Visit www.britishskicenter. “Of course things are com- PISTE POWER: Sierra and schools is hard to beat,” co.uk for more info pletely different to back then,” Nevada
Guiri guiding!
EXPERIENCED: Skisol shop and boss Jose Antonio (left)
Customer is king IT is a classic family business. Jose Antonio Lopez and his wife Montse are often joined by their two children at weekends when the resort gets busy. But thankfully it’s not too far, the family living in nearby La Zubia, just at the foot of the slopes. In an excellent location, their shop Skisol has some of the best quality skis and snowboards to rent and customer service is the key to its success. “We always put the customer first and have plenty of returning business,” explains Jose Antonio, who has been renting out skis in the Sierra Nevada for 35 years. Best of all, the prices have not gone up for a decade, “And we don’t just rent out any old equipment… we buy at least 50 new pairs of boots alone each season,” he adds. Visit www.skisol.es or call 958 48 08 57
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Icy spicy! T
WHERE TO EA
Sierra Nevada has one of the best mixes of quality restaurants in Andalucia, writes Jon Clarke
T
HERE has been a massive influx of money into the Sierra Nevada over the last year bringing in a string of new restaurants, wine bars and tapas joints. There is even a brand new Asturian-style Sideria, where the waiters do the classic over the shoulder pouring of northern Spain’s finest. The real plaudits, however, must go to the group behind Tito Luigi, who have turned their recently-expanded Italian into a stylish blend of classic and modern architecture, in line with their hip opening last year of Tito Tapas. Contemporary and cutting edge, the beautiful space, with its historic ‘cave’ at the back, counts dozens of famous guests including the former king. On the walls lies the photographic evidence that the long-standing spot has provided good food and ambience for the last quarter century. There is a great range of pizzas, salads and pasta dishes, with my current top pick: the amazing squid-ink spaghetti with prawns. On the subject of institutions, look no further than La Lonja, which is a great place to eat seafood and the selection of marisco is impressive and there are always fresh lobsters waiting to be cooked. Three decades serving skiers, boss Antonio began life as a waiter in Granada, and counts another restaurant in Sanlucar de Barrameda and unsurprisingly stocks its famous langoustines. TALENTS: Brothers Gonzalo and Luciano at La Another long-term fixture is Muralla, Luis at Tito Luigi and (top) La Sideria Bodega Casablanca, next
LENTILS: At Casablanca door, run by Jose Carlos Villanueva, who grew up on the slopes, with his father opening one of the first hostals in the 1960s. He, of course, knows a fair bit about catering, and the bar has a nice range of photos and memorabilia and is a great place for tapas or simply to hang out. The food is delicious, real heart-warming soul food, including tasty lentils, as well as prawns wrapped in potato with a soya mayonnaise and lovely lamb chops with whisker-thin wild asparagus. Another superb institution, regularly number one on Trip Advisor on the slopes is Antorcha,
29 December 23rd - January 5th
Edif. Atlas/ Bajo Hotel Kenia . T 958480345/654345117 Sierra Nevada . Granada
TOP TEAM: The boys at Ci Vendiamo
SAUSAGE TREE: La Antorcha
another excellent spot Las Gondalas, right in the heart of the town and perfect for some apres-ski light bites, a hot drink or a beer. Without a doubt though, the most consistent place to eat in the Sierra Nevada is the brilliant Italian Ci Vediamo, where chef/owner Stevie Silva produces a great Michelinstarred range of food. Silva, a professional snowboarder, just gets better and better, thanks to help from his talented team, including Austrian chef Tomas. It is an amazing place to eat steak and superb pizzas thanks to his pizza oven, but it is the sushi which most impresses this season. The ‘false’ sushi rolls, with courgettes, seven spices, cress, chives and edible flowers are unmissable, while the superb duck roll with ginger, guacamole, tuna and soy sauce is delicious. There are fabulous mini ‘gambas pil pil’ hamburgers and a lot of the classics such as raclette and provolone with tomato. And this year, the guys have launched a kids menu for just €7.50 and English breakfast from 8am! A new chef to watch out for, meanwhile, is Albert Iniesta, who previously worked at Ci Vediamo. Now installed at the stylish Vinoteca, he learned to cook in Girona and Mallorca, where he turned a failing local into the number one rated restaurant on Trip Advisor for the whole island. And it is not at all surprising, his knowledge of the cookery scene being tip top and his repertoire being wide. A fan of ‘molecular cooking’, which he studied for six months, he has turned his kitchen into a sort of science lab, and experiments with all sorts of foams and fads. Either way, his crude tartar of salmon with wakame and sesame seeds was amazing, as was
· RESTAURANTE ·
“Our speciality, meats on the authentic stone”
CAPTION: Caption here
which sits by the Kenia Nevada hotel. Run by Antonio and Maite for a decade, each table gets its own ‘sausage tree’, while its speciality of the house is the ‘hot and spicy platter’ on which you can cook your own rump steaks, up to 400g. Another popular and successful spot is La Muralla, run by brothers Luciano and Gonzalo, which is rarely empty and has some of the resort’s best tapas and excellent wines by the glass. Apart from the amazing steaks, a real highlight are the ‘tostas’, which come in various guises and a milhoja of foie gras. The brothers, meanwhile, have
La Antorcha
FABULOUS FISH: At La Mar Sala and (below) La Lonja
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Sierra Nevada
30 - October 30 - November 12 2014 the olive press ll about
From Page 29
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WHERE TO STAY
From modern to traditional, there is something for everyone’s budget in the Sierra Nevada
I CREATIVE: Albert at Vinoteca his 52-hour slow cooked lamb. A ‘basil cake’ pudding with apple ice cream, tomato and amaretto was incredible. I was also impressed with the recently-upgraded La Mar Sala, where Carlos has created an ambient spot, perfect for tapas and wines by the glass. This bijoux spot by the Melia hotel counts on some excellent wines from around Spain and the very best seafood from Motril, including boquerones, cigalas and conchas finas. For a great place to eat overlooking the slopes make your way to Tia Maria, which has a good mix of dishes and is a great place for breakfast. Finally, for coffee, Vertical is hard to be beaten and also has a great range of snacks and light bites, including hot dogs for the British clientele.
T is hard to describe Pradollano as an authentic mountain village. But, with a metre of snow on the ground and the sun finally out, it certainly has its charms. In terms of places to stay there are plenty of modern hotels, such as the stylish Sol Melia in the heart of the town or the incredible five-star Lodge, part of the Marbella Club chain, which recently reopened after a fire gutted it two years ago. But easily one of the most charming has got to be the stalwart Hotel Kenia Nevada, which is well located near the centre of town and open most of the year. Run by the friendly Don Pedro – who used to ski for the country as a youngster - it is clean, well run and serves up one of the best breakfasts in Spain. It also has a gym, with an amazing in-house masseur Belen Gomez, and plenty of communal areas, filled with charming old furniture. Slap bang in the centre, then you can do no better than the Melia Sol y Nieve, which has a celebrated spa, comfortable luxury rooms and all the mod-
Sliding to sleep
TRADITION: Kenia Nevada Hotel and (below) Melia Spa ern feel of a top urban hotel. If you are looking for somewhere to rent then Sierra Nevada Alquileres (www.
alquileressierranevada.es) is a good bet, with the company having over 100 places on its books.
Meliá, hoteles Ski y Après-Ski SKI & APRÈS-SKI AT MELIÁ HOTELS
MELIÃ SOL Y NIEVE
MELIÃ
MELIÃ
S I E R R A N E VA DA
SOL Y NIEVE
MELIÃ
S I E R R A N E VA DA
Information & Booking: (+34) 958 480 400/300
MELIÃ
SOL Y NIEVE melia.com
31 December 23rd - January 5th
REVELLERS: Apres ski fun in the 1970s
Party pistes! WHERE TO GO OUT
FUN: At Mar Sala & Jaleo
IT has been an institution for apres ski nightlife in Spain for decades. But unless you know where to go it might leave you scratching your head. Something of a secret scene, based in half a dozen key spots, you need to ask the Sierra Nevada locals where and at what time things kick off. One thing is for sure, the place will be rocking at key times of the year, particularly Christmas
There are plenty of nightspots in the Sierra Nevada if you know where to look
PARTY BOYS: At Jaleo and New Year and at Semana Santa. Outside of this weekends are pretty busy most of the season. As the sun sets in the afternoon you need to be hanging out at various terraces in the heart of the village, including Tia Maria and Crescendo, and the legendary Bar Ski. Later, things start hotting up at la Bodeguita, at the Sol Melia hotel, La Mar Sala and at the institution Jaleo, which is rocking well into the early hours.
The montage of photos on the walls are testament to this factory of fun and this is your best spot in the heart of the resort come nightfall. From here you need to head up the hill to the main concentration of nightspots, which congregate about halfway up the hill in Edificio Bulgaria. Here you will find an Irish pub, Hippodromo and the stylish Soho Soho, which bangs out some fabulous dance tunes well into the early hours.
Burger breakthrough
MARIA: Meaty treats at Telesilla Burger WHEN Maria Rosales Donaire got a decent severance payment from her previous job as an accountant for a French multinational in Madrid, she knew exactly her next career path. Coming from Granada, it was only natural that the canny mother-of-two would set up a new business in the nearby Sierra Nevada. Seeing a gap in the market, she invested in a restaurant in pole position right on the main square in the heart of Pradollano. Rebranding it as a quality hamburger joint, Telesilla Burger, she has cleverly trapped a large part of the expat and foreign market. Installing some funky ski lift seats, not to mention a big screen for all the big footie games - including the Premier League she has seen big growth over the last four years. “We just offer good quality, simple food, that is my motto,� she explains. And it seems to be working.
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Property
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the Olive Press June 25th - July 9th 2015
December 23rd - January 5th
Hotel heaven VISITORS to Andalucia are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. And with such an extraordinary range of options, hotels in the region have their work cut out to stand out from the crowd. According to travel website, Trivago, The province’s best hotels offer every-
Andalucia’s best hotels announced - and three are in the Ronda area
thing from luxury, a sense of the region’s history and top-range cuisine showcasing the best of Andalucia. And whether it’s a high-class spa, heavenly views of
Cordoba’s mosque or an idyllic converted olive mill, Andalucia’s outstanding hotels have something for everyone. Here, we highlight five of them...
La Fuente de la Higuera, Ronda Set in an renovated olive mill, husband and wife Christina and Pom’s hotel combines traditional architecture with a postmodern design. A swimming pool, terrace
restaurant, an honesty bar and a small library ensure your stay will have everything you need, with Ronda and the Tajo gorge’s splendour just a ten-minute drive away.
Aire de Ronda, Ronda One of Spain’s smallest hotels, this three-bedroomed hotel offers elegant accommodation for six people. Its open fireplace offers a cosy glow right in the heart of one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Its popular restaurant also offers hearty traditional fare.
Molino del Santo, Benaoján
Hot property
MORTGAGE THINK TANK
THREE-bed homes are the most in demand properties in Spain. A whopping 60% of potential home buyers at the Sima Otono real estate fair said they were interested in threebedroom properties. Meanwhile, 36% of buyers said their aim was to ‘improve their current housing’ and the average age of buyers was between 36 and 45.
Happy new year ahead
by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola
R Land grab A COMPANY is hoping to become Spain’s biggest home builder by ploughing €1 billion into buying land for new homes. Neinor Homes plans to purchase the land and build more than 8,000 homes as Spain’s property market continues to pick up. The firm has been buying land in the Basque Country, Costa del Sol, Barcelona and Madrid. The company was recently bought by American firm Lone Star Funds for €500 million, who are owned by billionaire John Grayken.
NEW on the Costa Del Sol Prices from EUR 90 + IVA Get those all important viewings with good pictures
Vincci Selección Aleysa is the only five-star hotel in Benalmádena. Tourists can enjoy its prime location on the beachfront, as well as a cozy spa, equipped with a thermal circuit and treatment cabins. This boutique hotel earned a 95.59 score from visitors at the online travel website Trivago.
Balcon de Cordoba, Cordoba
2015 will be remembered as the year Spain’s property market awoke from a seven year slumber. And next year promises much the same
OLL on 2016. The last 12 months have been unbelievable and I expect the next year to be even better. 2015 will most certainly go down in the memory as the year in which everything turned around. Banks began lending again, mortgage rates dropped and borrowers were finally given value for their money. On a business level, the Finance Bureau relocated to its new office in Guadalmina and added an insurance service to the business, while on a personal note I began writing for the Olive Press! Arguably the best news to come out of the last 12 months was the removal of all clausulas suelos (floor clauses) from mortgage agreements in Spain. Estimated to be responsible for a whopping 90% of Spanish housing evictions, the minimum-rate interest clause had been costing mortgage holders an average of €3,000 a year for far too long.
December 10th - 22nd 2015
Vincci Seleccion Aleysa, Benalmadena
This towering 17th century building, in the heart of historic Cordoba, is a melting pot of classical, Islamic and Castilian designs. Its three heavenly courtyards, traditional chino cordobés stepping stones and ornate fountains are a luxurious step back in time. The upper floor offers commanding views of Cordoba’s iconic mosque.
This stunning boutique hotel near Ronda is run by expats Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin. The perfect base for exploring the area’s magnificent scenery, the Grazalema Natural Park or for visiting some of the famous white villages, Andy and Pauline have run the hotel since 1987.
Marbella 33 Real Estate Photos
But with that finally sorted out, I hope 2016 will see the end of the compulsory insurance clause which forces the borrower to take out insurance with their lender rather than being given the choice to shop around. And with a stable property market and mortgage rates starting as low as 1.5% (+ Euribor), I expect an even greater boom in the property sector next term. Banks are seemingly happier to lend to less straightforward clients - such as self-employed investors and non European nationals - and I am sure that things will continue to get better and better for the borrowers. That even includes high-end buyers taking out large mortgages as what was previously considered as ‘unsafe’ is now seen as being much more appealing to lenders. Merry Christmas Olive Press readers and I’ve no doubt that it will be a happy new 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
www.marbellarealestatephotos.com
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Property
the Olive Press June 25th - July 9th 2015 December 23rd - January 5th
If you go down to the woods today Extraordinary Spanish pad comes on the market A PRIZE-WINNING, iconic Spanish property has come on the market for a bargain €1.5 million. Casa Levene, nestled in pinewoods in Madrid’s Monte Abantos mountains, was designed by Bilbao architect Eduardo Arroyo. The eye-catching fourbedroom, four-bathroom house’s design has been exhibited in New York’s MOMA art museum and won the prize for the ‘best detached house’ by Swedish builders Technal. Each square metre of the building is worth €3,055. The current owner Richard Levene, editor of architect’s magazine El Croquis, surely enjoys his privacy in the quiet San Lorenzo del Escorial area, just 50km from Madrid on the motorway. The environmentally-
essentialmagazine
®
TREEHOUSE: The pad has its own swimming pool
friendly house was built around 50 ancient trees and also has a semi-indoor heated pool, four big terraces, underfloor heating, two
On the up HOUSE prices registered the largest increase since 2008 in the third quarter of this year. The average price of housing in Spain increased by 1.4% compared to last year, according to the ministry of public works. Madrid led the charge, recording an increase of 3.5%, while the Balearic Islands (+3.2%) and Aragon (+3.1%) also saw some big price increases.
lounges, a bar and a study. It is on the market for a pretty penny via one of Spain’s leading internet estate agents idealista.es.
Santa’s grotto IT’S a far cry from the inn where baby Jesus was born. But Spain’s most decorated home still shines brightly. With over 100 lightbulbs, this three-bed house on the outskirts of Madrid has become somewhat of a tourist attraction. And the visitor numbers are set to soar, after real estate company Atlas Agency crowned it Spain’s best-decorated Christmas house.
When in Spain How is property valued in this country?
16 years 1999-2016
w w w. e s s e n t i a l m a g a z i n e . c o m
F
OR 47 years I’ve been accused of bias, ignorance or insanity. Sometimes all three! Yes, I’m a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors-registered valuer living and working in Spain, viewing and listening, analysing and giving opinions. Mostly, people require a valuation for a mortgage; or the taxman is chasing alleged hidden assets; or of jointly owned property linked to a divorce; or quantifying their family assets for probate. RICS valuers are trusted by courts, companies and individuals worldwide, confident that they are regulated, qualified, experienced professionals. In the UK, valuation is easy. Sale prices for the past 10 years are available online at the touch of a button. All a valuer has to check is that the property is still there and what changes have been made since the last sale. The data go into a computer to produce a report with so many caveats as to be unactionable. In Spain, it’s so different! Firstly, recorded sale prices are not publicly available. Secondly, if they were, would you believe them? In the past, so much money passed under the table that recorded prices were a work of fiction. Property descriptions could be massaged to produce higher or lower figures. Now money-laundering laws mean data are more accurate. Our market insight comes from a network of reliable agents, lawyers and clients
11+
years experience in
ALL PROPERTY MATTERS
RICS SURVEYORS & VALUERS BYBUILDING CAMPBELL FERGUSON
who provide actual sale prices, which we analFor peace of mind follow yse against asking prices toproperty get an buying average these rules difference. That’s then applied to the asking prices for similar properties. Find Your Propertythe We analyse the physical differences, neighbours, the utilities and whether the house is overbuilt or underbuilt or complies with planning and regulations in any way at Instruct Instruct all. Building Surveyor Lawyer The differences are endless. As valuers, we must get into the mind of a buyer. Formally, our task is to find ‘the estimated amount for Buy with Knowledge which an asset or liability should exchange Confidence on the valuation date between a& willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing and where the 952 923 520 Connect parties had each acted+34 knowledgeably, pru-with us! admin@surveyspain.com dently and without compulsion.’ surveyspain.com But sometimes one person’s prudence isn’t rational to another. Thus we have different ideas of value. Also you have got to ensure you are comparing like with like depending upon the client’s instructions. Some banks want their valuation to be after tax deductions, selling costs and other unavoidable expenses; so it’s what the bank will actually be left with. That’s very different from the bundles of money that are going to be slid over and under the table at the notary. Well, that’s how it was done in the old days!
Contact Campbell and the team on +34 952 923 520 or email info@surveyspain.com
Top Dollar www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es
the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015
35
December 23rd - January 5th
Imitation game
Cheap Chinese rip-offs play havoc with Spanish toy market
Schooled by a kid A 17-YEAR-OLD whizzkid forecasted Spain’s largest ever bankruptcy after the world’s second biggest auditors had given an energy giant the all clear. Schoolboy Pepe Balta, now 18, forecast Abengoa’s collapse in his 18-page economics paper. Auditors Deloitte & Touche spent €20 million over three years auditing Abengoa’s books, but Pepe accessed the company’s 2012 and 2013 accounts on its website. “If it doesn’t act quickly, Abengoa has a strong risk of going into suspension of payments,” Pepe’s report read. Although Abengoa hasn’t been in touch, Pepe scored full marks for his school paper and is now studying at Barcelona University.
SALES of fake children’s toys and games in Spain are among the highest in Europe, costing the nation’s manufacturers millions according to a new study. The market in cheap Chinese counterfeits costs the country €167 million in lost sales each year, 16.6% of the total, the OAMI report states. Spain ranks fifth in Europe - behind only Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Hungary on the worst offenders list for
retail rip-offs. The report states that the sale of unlicensed toys is costing the sector 498 jobs, 13.7% of the toy industry’s total. It also reveals that after IVA and IRPF tax losses are taken into account, the cost to the Spanish treasury is €370 million. The report looked at toys such as action figures, dolls and jigsaws, but omitted video games, video game software and bicycles.
Solar sorted ENERGY developer Solarpack has restructured €94 million in debt on five of its photovoltaic solar parks in Spain. Managing director Pablo Burgos said the lengthy process, necessitated by the government’s ‘harmful policies’ on renewable energy, has made possible the ‘financial viability’ of the group’s PV parks in Spain. The five parks include two in Sevilla, two in Badajoz and one in Caceres. The company has six projects in Spain with a total installed capacity of 34.66 megawatts.
BOSS: Kevin Harwood
President’s Club TOY TROUBLE: Fake games are flooding the market
A mobile market IF you’ve left it late to buy Christmas or Reyes presents, you may have thought about turning away from the traditional market and buying second hand. A total of 81% of Spanish residents used the second-hand market last year, saving on average €205 on each purchase, according to Spanish website segundamano.es. Michael Battle, owner of Malaga-based RestoreElectronica.com, which sells pre-owned mobile phones and tablets says secondhand shopping is great, so long as you know about potential fraudsters.
“Buying second-hand from independent sellers is risky,” Michael told the Olive Press. “Try to purchase from a company which offers good post-sales service is easily contactable, has good reviews and above all offers a legal guarantee. “Despite the big savings on offer, there can be pitfalls to second-hand shopping. “Be sure to read the product description right so you know the condition of the product you’re buying. If prices seem extremely low, be suspicious – also beware of fakes.” Visit www.restoreelectronica.com for more info
MORE than 200 guests at the Presidents’ Club International Winter Gala dinner have raised almost €5,000 for Andalucian charities. And with CEO Kevin Harwood planning to open 40 more associations from Huelva to Mallorca, 2016 is gearing up to be a huge year for the Presidents’ Club. “It was a fantastic night,” said Kevin. “I didn’t get to bed until 4am. Next year is going to be very busy.” Guests heard speeches from Kevin and Mikey Blanco, son of The President Club’s operations manager Alicia Blanco. The Presidents’ Club also donated a brand new car to charity Cudeca for their home care programme.
Merry Christmas to all our Clients and Visitors
Living Room • Dining Room • Bedroom • Garden • Lighting • Art • Commercial
ANTIQUES JUST ARRIVED!
36
the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015
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Top Dollar
www.theolivepress.es December 23rd - January 5th
Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander
M720 alert: A timely reminder! Know your stuff to get your affairs in order for a better night’s sleep
O
NE of the trade publications I read on a regular basis is International Adviser magazine. As the title suggests, it covers many areas of concern for UK investors who have moved overseas. Earlier this month, the magazine reported on a case that has been brought to the European Courts of Justice (ECJ) and which will be of interest to expats resident in Spain. It involves a Spanish taxpayer who is appealing to the ECJ over an ‘excessive’ penalty for disclosing overseas assets late. As you are probably aware, since 2013 it has been a requirement for all Spanish tax residents to declare their assets outside Spain if they exceed €50,000 in each defined asset class. In this case, the individual failed to disclose €340,000 held in stocks and cash in Switzerland and, in May this year, he was ordered to pay over €442,000 in interest, fines and other costs! The taxpayer’s failure to declare his overseas assets was viewed as a serious violation by the Spanish authorities, and the
maximum penalty of 150% of the tax due was levied, plus other costs. Whilst this may be an extreme case - and there are several Spanish law firms who contest that the level of penalty is disproportionate - the European Commission has also written to the Spanish Government to question the policy, as it may contravene European law. It is worthy of note and a reminder that filing accurately, and on time, has to be the best policy. The cost of not doing so could be extreme, as you can see. Even though this case is being appealed, when the ruling may be ove rturned or modified, the individual concerned will not recover costs, to say nothing of the stress
this must have caused him. If you have always filed your M720 as required - and kept it updated if the value of your non-Spanish assets has changed markedly since the previous year - then you have nothing to fear. If you need to make changes, this will next be relevant to the year ending on December 31 2015 and should be filed by March 31, 2016. If you have not made previous declarations and, perhaps, should have, then you need to take some urgent advice from an expert on how to proceed. I don’t think it is sensible to wait and hope that the legislation will be withdrawn in response to the European Commission enquiries. As we know, many more countries are signing up to the voluntary sharing of financial data and, with advances in technology, this becomes ever easier for them to achieve. Whilst there may well be penalties and tax to pay as a consequence of ‘putting your hands up’, getting matters straightened out should help you sleep at night.
Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com
AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES
T
HE tax status of people living in Spain has been subject to extensive debate and is still open to interpretation, particularly given taxpayers’ ability to travel freely within the EU’s borderless Schengen countries. There’s no space, here, to detail all the intricacies of this interesting topic but the 10 points below will help clarify the basis of tax residency status...
1
- The distinction between tax domicile and tax residency is a concept more associated with Common Law systems and virtually ignored by Spanish laws.
2
- Tax residency is, prima facie, demonstrated by means of a Fiscal Residency Certificate issued by the tax authority. It should confirm the taxpayer is a fiscal resident in that country and subject to tax on worldwide income.
3-
According to Spanish Courts, utility bills, bank statements, insurance policies, local taxes, civil registry and consular registrations are other means of proving tax status and, more importantly, the fact of declaring (or not) income obtained worldwide in a particular country.
4-
The Spanish Income Tax
Taxing
Ten key facts on Spanish tax residency status
Act states that tax residency in Spain will be determined by one or more of the following: spending more than 183 days of a calendar year in the country; having the centre of economic interest or business in Spain; having a non-separated spouse and dependent children residing in Spain.
5
- The 183-day count ignores temporary absences except where the taxpayer demonstrates tax residency in another country with a certificate, as per point 2.
6- Tax residency in more than
one country is possible. Double tax treaties signed by Spain generally stipulate where such individuals should be taxed.
7
-Where the taxpayer invokes tax residency in a ‘tax haven’, the Spanish Tax Office may request proof of physically being there for more than 183 days, in addition to documentary evidence covered in point 2. Where a taxpayer of Span-
ish nationality changes tax residency to a tax haven, the Spanish tax authorities will still consider that individual a tax resident in Spain for the following four years.
8
- Where a taxpayer has economic interests in more than one country, the tax authorities will take into consideration the weight of each. They will look at the intensity of social, political and family relationships in each of such countries, and whether the individual has a permanent dwelling in, or nationality of, that country.
9
- Spanish authorities may apply for information from countries with whom a tax information exchange agreement has been signed. The UK is one such country.
10
- Double Tax Treaties are in place to prevent tax evasion, not to encourage it. This applies to the anomaly of using UK companies to avoid Spanish inheritance taxes.
Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es
www.theolivepress.es
“NEW YEAR, NEW START”
the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015
With Christmas, New Year and Three kings behind you, what better time to carry out a health check on your personal financial affairs? - By Richard Mills / International Financial Adviser
retirement. A regular review to consider any new or changed circumstances and to ensure plans and projections are on target is essential.
Over the course of time many things change which can have an effect on your financial situation. A change in your own circumstances, or in those of your family, or changes in regulations either here in Spain or in your ‘home’ country can all have a significant impact. Whether you’re new to Spain or an established expat, a young family or a retiree, a financial health check can help you plan for the future, avoid mistakes and give you peace of mind. A full review will cover many aspects of financial planning, but some of the more common areas for expats resident in Spain are:
become resident, a financial review can help to put in place plans for the transition. There are some items which should be considered and put in place before becoming resident to minimise Investments: The tax efficient the future taxes payable. A review can investments available to people resident help to identify these and put plans in in Spain are in many cases different place to mitigate them. to the investments they may have had before moving to Spain. A review can Blacktower Financial Management check that the investments in place meet (International) Limited are ideally placed the tax regulations here. An investment to help you. The Blacktower Group was should also be regularly checked to formed in 1986 to provide independent confirm that it is meeting its goals, be wealth management advice and a it to provide income, capital growth or a bespoke service for both individual combination of the two. and corporate clients. We celebrate our 30th anniversary during 2016. Retirement planning: Whether Our international financial advisers retirement is some years away or just continually keep pace with the changing around the corner, understanding what needs of our clients, and of changes to you will need during this phase of your regulations and legislation. We follow life is vital, as is ensuring that you have a strict regulatory and compliance plans in place to get you there. For those framework to ensure protection of for whom retirement has already started clients assets at all time. it’s important to ensure your plans continue to be sustainable for the long Should you wish to meet to review your term. A regular review of your retirement plans will help to ensure you meet your own financial situation, please feel free to contact me to arrange a meeting on targets. +34 952 816 443 Wills and Inheritance planning: or email info@blacktowerfm.com Inheritance taxes are one of the least liked taxes, so understanding the rules and regulations of both Spain and your ‘home’ country is essential. Similarly, having an up to date will in place that correctly reflects who you want to the beneficiaries of your estate to be is equally important. Recent changes in regulations for wills here in Spain and around Europe has made it important to check that your will reflects this and will be executed as per your wishes.
Savings: For those in work, regular saving for the future is very important. Some of the key reasons for building up a lump sum are paying off a mortgage, covering further education costs for your children, or building an income for For those new to Spain, or about to
Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain.
Looking for peace of mind? • Expert wealth management • Effective tax planning • Tailored investments • International Pension Transfers • Private Banking • Discretionary Fund Management Contact the Marbella or Gibraltar Office: O T +34 952 816 443 | +350 200 42353 E info@blacktowerfm.com Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited is licensed by the Gibraltar FSC Licence 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain. Blacktower Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.
www.blacktowerfm.com
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property “Beautiful, luxury well-furnished penthouse apartment in Casares including fully equipped kitchen with ceramic hob, combi fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine. 2 en suite bedrooms; one twin, one double. Panoramic sea, golf and mountain views from private roof top terrace. €450 to rent per month. Swimming pools amidst landscaped tropical gardens. Just five minutes’ from beach or 2 golf courses with clubhouse.
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40the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015 40 www.theolivepress.es the olive press
C lassifieds
BUILDING
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Apparently. So I’ll try not to hum my bug...
C
December 23rd - January 5th
Merry Winterval!
HRISTMAS in the UK has become completely commercialised, just another excuse to buy stuff -- in this case between Black Friday (a US import no one had heard of a few years ago and has now gotten completely out of hand. The retail version of Miley Cyrus, if you will) and the New Year. But at least in Spain we are still allowed to call it Christmas. In some council offices in the UK the festivities were renamed “Winterval” a few years ago. Presumably not to upset Ahmed in accounts. This being Spain, of course, we tend to start celebrating Christmas from the public holidays on December 6 and 8 through to Epiphany on January 6, when Spanish children traditionally received their presents from the Three Kings. I’m not sure how it works for children with dual nationality. Perhaps they get half their gifts on December 25 and half on January 6. The Christmas music starts much earlier of course. One of my other jobs is in radio (yes, gentle reader, hard to believe it’s true but even my handsome monthly retainer from the Olive Press is not enough to sustain my extravagant lifestyle). And this time of year always involves the dreaded Christmas record. I thought
automobile
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GETTING IN THE FESTIVE SPIRIT: With ‘Santa’
Yoko Ono screeching along to Merry Christmas War is Over” was bad enough, and don’t get me started on Noddy Holder yelling “It’s Christmas”, but that was before I heard the Spanish Christmas songs that belt out over the tanoy at your local supermarket. They make the Gypsy Kings sound like Brian
Eno. As well as the music, the other thing to beware of at the supermarket is turron. Maybe it’s my Northern European upbringing but one of the most important things about Christmas to me is the chocolate – Quality Street, After Eight Mints and of course the mighty Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Turron misses the festive point completely and I have since deduced that since turron is practically inedible, the only thing that you can do with it is give it to someone else as a gift, a sort of Christmas pass the parcel. The Spanish do their celebrating on December 24, which means that Christmas Day is quiet on the coast as you enter the dreaded festive no-man’s-land between now and New Year’s Eve.
Santa baby … ...hurry down my chimney before the drones get you
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O Santa’s job is safe for another year. The jingle of sleigh bells won’t be drowned out by the whir of robot rotor blades this festive season. Amazon will not be sending in the drones to deliver your 2015 Christmas presents as confidently predicted … although maybe next year, if unmanned, commercial aerial vehicles are legalised that soon. I’m not sure if I should be singing Allellujah or Hohoho-sanna, but I’m jolly pleased for Santa, who’s facing the biggest threat to his future since radiators made chimneys redundant (though I still keep mine swept for him). But he’d better watch out or he won’t be coming to town for much longer, drones or no drones. I’m fond of the jolly pipechomping boozer with the off-the-scale Body Mass Index whose name is an anagram for Satan. But he’s far from the ideal role model for children in these politically correct times. On top of the smoking and drinking, the wearing of animal fur and the clinical obesity, no sane parents leave their child alone in a grotto with a stranger in a red ermine-trimmed bathrobe (although mine did, a long time ago).
Fiesta
DRONING ON: This Christmas It’s no secret that Santa advertised tobacco and guns during the First and Second World Wars. He exploits the vertically-challenged in his factories (where I’ve heard he refers to his elves as subordinate clauses), and fuels rampant consumerism. He’s even been branded a climate criminal in some quarters for his global travel itinerary’s giant carbon footprint. But that’s not strictly true. Reindeer eat moss and lichen so the sleigh runs on biofuel. But he needs to smarten up his act with some pukka credentials. So this year (even though he never comes down my chimney) I’m going to buy Santa a present: a course at the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Michigan, offering diplomas since 1937 in resume writing, media studies, beard grooming, reindeer handling and accountancy. The world needs Santa and not
only because you can’t snog a drone under the mistletoe. Jake Gyllenhaal looked hot sporting a Santa hat and a six pack in Jarhead. He’d just look daft dressed as a drone. Parents need the disciplinary incentive of Santa’s ‘naughty and nice’ list. With drones, all bad kids need is a smart device and Mum’s credit card details. And, as US TV producer-turnedprofessional-Santa Jonathan Meath told Time magazine, “Santa is the only cultural icon we have who’s male and doesn’t carry a gun.” Happily, drone technology has yet to work out how Santa fits an orange, a bag of nuts and a cuddly toy into a child-sized sock. Besides which, half the magic for kids on Christmas Eve is leaving out sherry and mince pies for Santa (to be scoffed by adults later). It won’t be half as much fun if drones take over -- unless you’re partial to batteries.
I try and break the deadlock by throwing a Boxing Day Bash up at the Casita, where the kids get to burn off some of their chocolate-induced energy on the boats, while the “grown ups” work on their hangovers with the Bloody Marys. My Spanish friends have embraced the fact that Boxing Day is a fiesta with gusto, and are usually the last to leave, singing “supermarket-style” carols. Boxing Day over, it’s time for serious rest and recovery before New Year’s Eve. “Lifestyle choices” mean that I now longer celebrate New Year in the same riotous way (The 1995 churros melee in the Plaza de Naranjos that was broken up by the Guardia Civil will live long in the memory), but my reputation does somewhat precede me. I’ll be celebrating 2016 with a large agua con gas, and if anyone asks why I’m not heading out on December 31 with the crowds, will smugly reply “New Year’s Eve is for amateur party goers. I, my friend, am a professional!”
FOOD & DRINK
www.theolivepress.es
with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
Ooh La Liste A ‘DEFINITIVE’ list of the world’s top 1,000 restaurants has been compiled via a computer algorithm. Drawing on data from over 200 food guides in 92 countries, including Michelin and the World 50 Best list, La Liste has been assembled by the French foreign ministry. Costing €275,000 to compile, the list turns up Restaurant de l’Hotel de Ville in Switzerland as the number one. Spain’s top restaurant and the current number one on the World 50 Best list, El Celler de Can Roca is the only Spanish eatery to feature in the top 10, coming in at number six. La Liste accounts for food quality, ambience, wine lists, and service.
La Liste (Top 10):
1. Restaurant de l’Hotel de Ville, Crissier, Switzerland
2. Per Se, New York 3. Kyo Aji, Tokyo 4. Guy Savoy, Paris 5. Schauenstein, Furstenau, Switzerland
6. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain
7. Kyubey, Tokyo 8. Maison Troisgros, Roanne, France
9. Auberge du Vieux Puits, Fontjoncouse, France
10. Joel Robuchon,
Yebisu Garden Place, Japan
The only English newspaper in Spain with a dedicated food and drink section every issue
the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015
Grape expectations SPAIN will host the Institute of Masters of Wine symposium for the first time in 2018. Scheduled to be the largest ever symposium, the quadrennial event is set to take place in La Rioja.
The last event took place in Florence, Italy, attracting more than 450 wine professionals from 33 countries. The 2018 symposium will be held in the city of Logroño from June 14-17.
Sketchy Celebrity chef turned away from London eatery for scruffiness
YOU’D think being a treble Michelin-starred chef would give you carte blanche in London’s top eateries. But Madrid’s DiverXO chef David Munoz had a nasty surprise when smart celeb hotspot restaurant Sketch REJECTED: Chef extraordinaire Munoz turned him and TV presenter wife Cristina Pedro- lutely unbelievable’, before won’t be allowed in if you are che away because they were posting a photo of his red wearing shorts or trainers,” wearing trainers. Nike trainers which retail Sketch’s duty manager told the Olive Press. He took to twitter to vent at over €100. his rage, saying ‘Really? In “At Sketch, men must wear a It’s the same rule for them London? In 2015? Abso- smart jacket and you simply all, dear boy!
41
42 42 the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015
42
Call off duty
FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com FARMERS in Spain are trying to stop dutyfree imports from Morocco. Agriculture union COAG Andalucia has raised concerns over Moroccan olive oil imports after the annulment of a 2012 EU trade agreement. An EU court annulled an agreement which permitted duty-free imports of certain Moroccan products into the EU.
The decision has prompted COAG Andalucia to request a stop to Moroccan imports of olive oil into Spain (Morocco’s largest olive oil importer, accounting for more than 60 percent of imports). A COAG spokesman said the inability to prove the origin of the olive oil means imports could be coming through Moroccan from other countries, therefore breaking EU rules.
Star chef backs cookery school Michelin-starred Diego Gallegos backs students at threatened La Consula catering college EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan MICHELIN-STAR chef Diego Gallegos has thrown his weight behind the campaign to reopen La Consula catering college by joining a student ‘sleep-in’. La Consula’s students have staged a lock-in for the past two weeks at the famous cooking school with a Junta payment of €441,000 to the college outstanding. Brazilian-born Gallegos, whose Fuengirola restaurant El Sollo won its first Michelin star in November, attended La Consula from 2006 to 2008. Gallegos said: “I think it’s very sad what is happening. “La Consula taught me every-
thing I know about cooking. “All the people who work in my restaurant are from there. “The students called me to help them and I slept there with them and the people who work there. “They have to organise and make more noise.” The campaign to reopen the school is being backed by Antonio Banderas as well as el Bulli owner Ferran Adria and two-Michelin-star-winning Dani Garcia. “Of the eight Michelin stars Malaga won, five are from former La Consula students,” said Gallegos. “Young people are inspired by that. If it closes, it would be difficult to find people to improve the food in Malaga.”
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the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015
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Take the stress out of Christmas dessert with this delicious seasonal twist on baked Alaska. Mouthwatering and suitable for preparation in advance, it’s the perfect pud for diners who prefer a lighter dessert, writes Joe Duggan
Authentic italian Bar & Antipasti
Alaskan bake-off
JUST DESSERT: Baked Alaska is perfect for Xmas
perejilgrill Perejilgrill
CHRISTMAS dessert is perhaps the most excessive dish of the year. After you’ve shoveled half a roast bird, acres of brussels sprouts and an army of pigs in blankets into your gaping maw, the last thing your body needs is more food. But what the heck, it’s Christmas! And a baked Alaska is more than a few notches down on the stodge scale from Christmas pudding. This 70s kitsch classic is due a comeback, so why not bring it up to date and give it a yuletide makeover this December. Panettone is the classic Italian Christmas treat. Its angel-
light base is studded with aromatic Christmas spices, candied fruits, raisins, orange zest and, if you’re lucky, a soupcon of amaretto. Anoint it with velvet-soft stewed fruit marinated in sugar and gran marnier or whisky to give yourself a warm festive glow. This is a quick, easy-to-follow recipe that can be prepared days in advance. That way, whoever is charged with cooking Christmas lunch, which often requires the physical stamina of a galley slave, has a bit more time to kick back with a well-deserved glass or two.
Ingredients
1 kilogram panettone 9 tablespoons Grand Marnier 1 litre vanilla ice cream (slightly softened) 6 large egg whites 150 grams golden caster sugar 2 tablespoons flaked almonds
Method
Use a long-bladed, serrated knife to cut a lid from the top of the panettone, and put it to one side. Cut, dig or scoop out the centre of the panettone, leaving a hollow container with fairly robust walls and bottom. Sprinkle the interior of the panettone with 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier, then pack in the ice cream ( it should fill it completely). Sprinkle the cut surface of the lid with another tablespoon of the liquor, before replacing it on top of the ice cream and pressing it firmly into place. Put the panettone onto a flat dish that will take kindly to both the freezer and the oven and is also pretty enough to go to the table. Cover with clingfilm and store in the freezer for anything up to a week.
To make the meringue:
whisk the egg whites until they form stiff, shiny peaks and you can turn the bowl upside down over your head without disaster. Whisk or fold in (using a large metal kitchen spoon) about a fifth of the sugar, then add the remainder gradually. Quickly remove the panettone from the freezer and cover it completely with a thick layer of meringue, then flick the meringue into flamboyant peaks. Scatter the meringue with the almonds and put the Alaska back in the freezer if it is not going to be cooked straight away. Just before serving, preheat the over to 200 degrees C, 400 degrees F, gas mark 6. Transfer the Alaska straight from the freezer to the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, when the meringue should be dappled golden brown. In the meantime, gently head the liqueur in a small saucepan. (You may want to use brandy or something similar which will burn better) Sprinkle the cooked Alaska with the heated liqueur and set on fire. Bring the Alaska to the table, then cut it into thick slices and serve.
amino E C ................................. 45Press November 11th - 25th 2015 the Olive
www.theolivepress.es
n Buen
45 45 45
December 23rd - January 5th
EU criticises Spanish toll roads as taxpayers pick up multibillion-euro bill
Road rage
TAKING THEIR TOLL: Expensive roads
Driving forward THE Spanish auto market continues to surge forward, with 25.4% more cars sold last month than a year earlier. And 23% of sales were made on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when 7,500 and 11,900 cars were sold, respectively. The country saw the best November since 2009 and forecasts a total of 1.03 million cars being sold over this year. The first 11 months have seen a 20.9% car sale growth on the same period last year.
THE EU has condemned Spain’s toll-road system after taxpayers were left picking up a multi-billion bailout bill. Brussels criticised the policy in a new report after Spaniards were left with the bulk of a €3.5 billion debt for eight non-profit-making toll roads around Madrid. The highways were constructed by private companies who used the state as a guarantor to secure bank financing. Among the beneficiaries of the fiasco are the grandson and family of Franco, who owned land expropriated in order to build the roads. Some of the highways ended up carrying 82% less traffic than had been originally envisaged. When they were originally planned 15 years ago it was thought it would cost €387 million to build them. SOLDIERING ON: Alonso
Winning Formula
FORMULA One ace Fernando Alonso will race on. The Spanish driver has dispelled retirement rumours, saying he will ‘100% be racing’ next season. It had been hinted by McLaren boss Ron Dennis that Alonso would take a year out of the hot seat following a dismal 2015, during which he recorded just 11 points. “Goodbye to 2015 because it has been a very tough year for us, very difficult and the performance has been quite poor,” Alonso said. “I will be racing, 100%. If I had to choose a sabbatical year, I would choose this one!”
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NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE: Podemos leader Iglesias
Taxi for Pablo
PABLO Iglesias hailed a fare deal from 30 taxi drivers in the run-up to the general election.
The Podemos leader’s campaign poster was plastered across a fleet of Madrid vehicles, whose drivers had volunteered to carry the advert in support of him. A similar campaign saw taxis carrying the THINK Ronda and futuristic self-driving cars aren’t the first thing that poster of Madrid springs to mind. But the beautiful, historic town has been chosen as the filming location Ahora candidate for a Swiss car firm’s new creation. Manuela CarThe Etos EV, which has a fold-away steering wheel and its own drone mena in the runand landing pad, was filmed crossing the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. up to May’s muThe film – and car – are set to be presented to the world officially in nicipal election, the USA next year. which brought Ronda has been used previously as a location in Playstation game Gran her the mayor’s Turismo. job.
Old meets new
46
GOLF In the swing of it
Olympic bid WORLD number 12 Sergio Garcia is hoping a strong winter in Asia will secure him a spot on the plane to next year’s Olympics. The Spanish golfer claimed his first title in nearly two years at the start of December with victory in Vietnam. More strong performances should ensure the 35-yearold a spot in Spain’s Olympic squad, while Garcia is also eager to make it into the European Ryder Cup team for the eighth time. He is hoping to push on from his win in Vietnam at upcoming events in Thailand and Dubai.
23 46 December 23rd - January 5th
Girl power Top golfers support golfing beauty after she comes under fire TOP world female golfers have come out in support of Paige Spiranac after she was heavily criticised for crashing out of the Dubai Ladies Masters on the first day. Often dubbed the ‘world’s most attractive female athlete’, the buxom American blonde (pictured) came under fire, with many pundits claiming she was only invited because of her good looks. Shooting a first round 77, Spiranac failed to make the cut and was out of the competition. This led to media reports in the USA criticising Spiranac’s inclusion in the tournament.
‘W
HEN I’m up here, I feel a million miles away from Gibraltar, traffic and the stresses of everyday life.” It is easy to see why the Rock’s only professional golfer Trevor Garcia loves the peaceful surroundings of Almenara golf course. As we wind our buggy through pine trees and across lakes on wooden bridges, we quickly forget Gibraltar is a convenient 15 minute drive away. Garcia, 41, has been coming here since 1997 to train, six years before turning pro, and is still beaming as he shows me around his escapist paradise. “I come up here whenever I can because I know I can completely switch off,” he says. “Almenara is very special, of all the great golf courses around here this is the place I come to practise and play in total peace.” Garcia fell in love with the game aged 22, and a challenging but ultimately rewarding professional career ensued. He has played on the European PGA tour, the Asian tour and most recently on the Costa del Sol’s Gecko tour. But difficulties in obtaining sponsorship and the lack of financial support proved the biggest stumbling blocks to Garcia’s career. And when the opportunity arrived to work for the Gibraltar government’s sports department recently, the prospect of financial security was too much to turn down. “I look back and think I’ve done pretty well considering I didn’t have the financial backing to get to all of the tournaments,” says Garcia. “I would always leave a tour and then have to wait four or five months before my next, which meant I could never quite get to
However, a number of experienced golfers have been fighting her corner since. Among those backing up the 22-year-old are England’s Liz Young and Spain’s Carmen Alonso. “Paige deserves to be here,” Alonso said. “She is young, she may not quite be at the top level yet but she is working hard and is dedicated to the sport. “I am sure she will do well.” Spiranac gained the attention of the world’s press after a video of her performing a trick-shot was watched over 1.5 million times on YouTube. She also has half a million followers on Instagram.
Fit for a pro Gibraltar’s only professional golfer tells Tom Powell about the stunning course he has always escaped to
PEACEFUL: Trevor Garcia loves the calm at Almenara golf course that elite level I wanted to. “I do wonder if I had been pushed to be the best I could have been, maybe I would have been able to become an elite player. “But it was a tiring way of life with lots of traveling, although I do miss it, the excitement, the nerves and competing with the best.” However, Garcia now has his sights firmly set on training the next generation of Gibraltarian golfers. And this time around, he’s hoping one of them can make it to that elite level. Gibraltar itself is the perfect training ground for golfers, with a multitude of immaculate courses on its doorstep including the legendary La Reserva, Valderrama and Alcaidesa. “I have been very lucky to have
PROS: Garcia with director Ricardo Andrades all these great courses here,” adds Garcia. “I am sure that is what motivated me to train and practise and make it to professional level. “And now I hope Almenara and
Alcaidesa are going to help me produce Gibraltar’s next professional golfer. “There’s one eight-year-old I think has got a great future, for example.”
sport
47
December 23rd - January 5th
Sky at night TEAM Sky have delivered a unique Christmas greeting from their traditional Spanish training camp. Riders Ian Stannard and Ben Swift took time out from their Mallorca schedule to rig their bikes up to 5,000 fairy lights and use pedal power to light up the ‘Happy Christmas’ message. Tour de France winner Chris Froome is currently absent as his wife Michelle has just given birth to their first child. Sky have also released their new kit ahead of the new season as they aim to seal their fourth Tour de France win since 2012.
Billy’s bout
Marbella boxer wins middleweight world title fight
A MARBELLA boxer has become a world champion for the first time. Billy Joe Saunders, 26, is adamant he can overcome his next challenge after winning his world middleweight title bout against Ireland’s Andy Lee in Manchester. The MGM gym boxer (above left) knocked fellow traveller Lee to the can-
El Nev needs win GARY Neville is still looking for his first La Liga win following Valencia’s 2-2 draw with Getafe. Neville’s only win so far was in the Copa del Rey against third tier Barakaldo, following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Lyon and a 1-1 draw with Eibar in La Liga.
be a dream,” said Saunders. “I’m in good shape now for Canelo or Cotto or Jacobs. Bring ‘em on. “In our community it is terrible to lose a fight to another traveller (gypsy),” he added. “If you do, you are damned as a loser and give up all bragging rights. I couldn’t let that happen.”
Marco Fu-nomenal
Pep talk PEP Guardiola is set to move to Manchester City next season following the announcement that he will leave Bayern Munich. The former Barcelona boss’s departure was confirmed by Bayern Munich who revealed Guardiola refused to sign a new contract. City boss Manuel Pellegrini has indicated he would prefer to see the highly-regarded Guardiola replace him at the Etihad eventually rather than join a Premier League rival. Pellegrini said: “I hope he will have the option to work at Manchester City because I love this club and I hope, in the future, he can work here also.” Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are also thought to be keen on recruiting Guardiola. The Spaniard will be replaced in Munich by exReal Madrid and Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.
vas with two right hooks in the third round before claiming the WBO title on points. And Saunders is now eyeing up fights against Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez, the USA’s Daniel Jacobs or the Puerto Rican former WBC champion Miguel Cotto. “Since I’ve been a young boy I’ve wanted to fight Cotto. I’d love that fight, it would
Ladies day
BAU-BALL: Bale and tree
Bale’s four-goal fairy decoration THE Welsh wizard Gareth Bale has a rather unusual decoration adorning his Christmas tree this year. The Real Madrid forward celebrated his four goals in a 10-2 win over Rayo Vallecano by planting the La Liga match ball on top of his tree. Bale tweeted photos of his new festive fairy following the Bernabeu victory. Bale, 26, who has scored six times in the last four games, helped Rafa Benitez’s side move within two points of tabletopping Barcelona. The in-form forward has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the last few weeks.
AN all-ladies final occurred at Santa Maria Bowls club’s round-robin two bowl singles competition this month. Pam Kinane seized victory over Angie Holt after John Pearce and Alan Turner lost in the semi-finals. The top four bowlers were presented with a bag of Christmas goodies. Arthur Lees, president of the club, thanked everyone for supporting Santa Maria. New bowlers are always welcome at the Bowls Club and the club is looking forward to more competitions in the New Year.
MARCO Fu hit a maximum 147 break en route to beating Michael White 4-1 in the final of the Dafabet Gibraltar Open. World number 14 Fu hit the perfect break against Sam Baird on the Friday of Gibraltar’s first professional snooker tournament before beating Stuart Bingham 4-0 in the semi-final. The 24-year-old hit a 140 break in the fourth frame of the final win against White, his first title triumph in two years. Runner-up White described Gibraltar as ‘the best place I’ve been to’. Local players taking part included Stephen Webber, Sean Galligan, Francis Becerra, Ivelin Bozhanov, Richard Ammons and Lee Prickman.
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The gift of life SPAIN has seen 38 people receive the best gift of all this Christmas - with a new record for organ transplants in one day. The unprecedented number carried out in less than 24 hours was announced by the National Transplant Organisation. The organs came from 14 deceased donors and one living kidney donor, and provided 21 kidneys, nine livers, five lungs and two hearts.
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olive press
FINAL WORDS
Spec-tacular SPECSAVERS Marbella has launched a Christmas appeal running until December 31 to collect food and glasses for local residents.
December 23rd - January 5th
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Walking wonderland
A DANISH do-gooder is stopping off for Christmas in Spain on a three-year charity pilgrimage from Denmark to Tanzania Charlie Uldahl Christensen, 27, is walking 18,000km to fund a new water supply in a Masai village where he once worked in an orphanage.
The ex-soldier passed through Antequera on December 21 and hopes to reach Finca La Sacristia, near Benaque, for Christmas. “The free-spirited people there are taking me in for free as it’s Christmas,” Charlie told the Olive Press.
Seeing stars!
DOZENS of Santas took to the water on their paddle boards in Barcelona to raise money for a new children’s area in a local hospital.
A HORSE which fell into a swimming pool on a Valencia estate was saved by firemen in a two hour rescue which involved a crane.
F
Telephone: 951 273 575
Santa soaked
Stallion save
Covering Andalucia in 2015 with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) and around 500,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!
E RE
THE Angel Gabriel must have been looking over an elderly Scottish expat after she survived the trauma of her house collapsing in the middle of the night. Jimena de la Frontera’s finest firefighters, police and ambulances rushed to the scene after the roof of frail and bedridden Jane Smith-Gomilla, 87, fell in with a huge crash. Firemen had to remove roof tiles to extricate Smith-Gomilla from the only room that had not been totally flattened. The street, Calle la Vaca was closed for some time with collateral damage on neighbouring PINE needles have been swapped for houses but, miraculously, Jane knitting needles in the Granada village did not sustain serious injuries. of Notaez. She was rushed to the health The Asociacion de Mujeres have knitted centre and has now been their hearts out to create this two-metre housed by social services in woolen pine tree. nearby Estacion de Jimena.
EXCLUSIVE By Iona Napier
Christmas miracle as British OAP survives roof collapse
People tree
CLOSE CALL: OAP’s lucky escape
Fat chance MORE Spaniards are expected to take part in the annual Christmas lottery than voted in the General Election. It is estimated that 75% of Spaniards will buy tickets for the €2.24 billion El Gordo (The Fat One) lottery, while just under 72% voted in Sunday’s election. El Gordo, which takes place on December 22, is the world’s biggest lottery with a top prize capped at €4 million. The Christmas lottery has been a Spanish yuletide fixture since 1812. The winning numbers are sang by pupils from San Ildefonso, which was originally an orphanage.
A Lotto potential WOULDN’T it be nice to have a little extra cash in your back pocket this Christmas? An innovative lottery syndicate company is set to multiply the chances of that cash win you’ve always dreamt of. Lottoplus is the ultimate modern company with an international team from the UK, Cyprus, Spain and France, who communicate via Skype every day. Kent-based owner Gregory Dixon, 41, who has also lived in Gibraltar, hand-picked his team – two of whom are based on the Costa del Sol. Lottoplus.com is easy-to-use, transparent, and buys official lottery tickets from all over the world with small syndicates to increase chances of winning. “We know it’s going to be successful, and I couldn’t have done it without my incredible team,” Dixon said.
Tranquilo,
they’re on their way home..
FRANCE - ITALY - PORTUGAL
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For a quote and some friendly advice
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