Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 281 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS...

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The Sierra Nevada has all the white stuff for a winter wonderland getaway, writes Jed Neill (right)

HE doesn’t know the mountains how lucky he is, with friendly expat on his doorstep,” says his four-year-oldClive Jones, referring to son, as the Emile ski slaloming skierslift takes us skyward, soaring Allais lourful outfits. zig-zagging down the pistesabove in coThe little boy stares unblinkingly tling with this thought, before down, as if wreswhy are your skis piping up: ‘Daddy Fearless and iciclebigger than mine?’ cool, the high adrenalin ence is easily accessible fun-filled day in experifor this intrepid the snow Mum and dad tot. dropping junior have bucked the parental trend of him the ropes ofoff at ski school and are teaching the slopes themselves. The smiles on their to do with leaving faces probably have something live and work in the Welsh countryside behind Murcia, under the sunnier pastures of Aguilas to mier ski resort.three hours away from Spain’s in preI met the family on a gondola out wards the transport of Pradollano tonexus of Borreguiles.

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Mijas Costa Expats’ fear independent Catalunya

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Vol. 12 Issue 281 www.theolivepress.es December 20th - January 3rd 2018

OVER 75% of expats living in Catalunya are strongly opposed to the region obtaining independence, according to a new survey. Shockingly, 45% of those polled also revealed they were considering leaving Catalunya as a result of uncertainty surrounding the region’s future. The results of the study come before Catalans head to the polls this week to elect a new regional parliament. While Inés Arrimadas’ Ciutadans (Cs) party is predicted to win the most seats, a coalition between pro-independence parties Esquerra (ERC), led by Oriol Junqueras, and Junts per Catalunya, headed by the exiled Carles Puigdemont, are expected to form a government. “The independence movement has come to dominate public life but the identity politics of it leaves many expats cold,” said Mark Stücklin, of Spanish Property Insight that conducted the poll. “Expats choose to live in Catalunya because of its high quality of life, so they struggle to relate to the historical grievances and nationalist emotions of the independence movement. “An exodus of expats would be a disaster for Catalunya,” he said.

ERE Reptiles facing justice 22 Junta politicians go on trial

Page 8

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EXCLUSIVE

The British heroes who tried to save a tragic truck driver See full story on page 4

Expats’ desperate plea to save ‘tortured’ dogs illegally chained up for Christmas By Jed Neill

THERE can be few more pitiful sights on a freezing cold morning in December. Clearly undernourished and surrounded by junk, two dogs stare out, almost pleading for a Christmas miracle. Chained up and covered in sores, the dull-eyed animals begin to howl a distressing chorus that echoes around the hillside and does not abate for hours. It is a sight that is sadly far too common in this part of southern Spain. But, it is not for the want of trying that this junkyard, on the outskirts of Estepona, remains akin to a crime scene on CSI International. Expat neighbours of the finca in El Padron, close to Carrefour supermarket, have tried to raise the alarm on numerous occasions, both to police and local town hall. “We have tried several times to get something done,” said

Cry for help

CHAINED: Ill-looking dog is tethered 24 hours a day at finca (far left)

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one local English businesswoman, who has lived nearby for the last year. Asking to remain anonymous she added: “Our neighbour is clearly badly abusing animals. “His dogs are illegally chained up 24/7 and are clearly starving and on the verge of death. “There are five of them there and they are covered in sores and look very miserable.” The 30-year-old Londoner has called police several times and even visited her local station to report the situation. Each time however, she has been fobbed off with a number for the Guardia Civil’s environmental arm Seprona, which has not got back to her. “I spoke to someone who

promised to get back in touch, but nothing happened,” she said. This week the Olive Press also attempted to contact the owner and speak to police to raise the alarm over the plight of the animals.

Incapable

When we visited the farm we were shocked to see the state the animals were in. Two dogs at the entrance to the finca were clearly incapable of moving more than three feet, while others, according to sources, are chained at the back. “One of the dogs is really unwell and foaming at the mouth

from a lack of food,” said the source. Another local expat couple from Newcastle told the Olive Press that the owner, an elderly Spanish man, visits the finca once a day and gives them ‘some bread and water.’ “He is set in his ways and old fashioned and will just not listen to us,” he said. However, the law clealy states that animals cannot be kept in this state. “It’s upsetting and frustrating that so often no action is taken on complaints,” said Mary Page, president of local animal charity ADANA. “It is against the law to chain dogs and has been for some time.” She continued: “Many things are tolerated, which are considered primitive by many Northern Europeans.” Estepona Town Hall refused to deal with the matter, while a spokesman for Seprona said that until it had received an official denuncia it was unable to comment. Opinion Page 6

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www.theolivepress.es News IN BRIEF

Posh dosh The Spanish mint will issue a colourful €30 silver coin to mark King Felipe VI's fiftieth birthday in 2018.

Foreign Aid THE Spanish Government has given €2 million to the UN to support Palestine Refugees in the Middle East.

Life quality Andalucia has the lowest life expectancy in Spain (81) according to a BBVA Foundation report.

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Amy stepdad to stay behind bars THE stepfather of missing teen Amy Fitzpatrick (left) has lost his appeal to have the sentence he received for killing her brother reduced. Dave Mahon, 46, had been given a seven year sentence for the manslaughter of 23-year-old Dean Fitzpatrick, his stepson, in May 2013. The young man was stabbed in the abdomen

outside the apartment his mother, Audrey, shared with Mahon in Dublin. The State argued that Mahon (right with Audrey) was drunk and had intended to kill his stepson. He was found guilty in June last year. It comes almost 10 years since 15-yearold sister Amy Fitzpatrick went missing on New Year’s Day 2008 as she walked home from a friend’s house on the Costa del Sol.

Unstitched FOUR men have been accused of planting drugs in the car of a well-known eco-warrior. The shady group were working for an expat developer when they allegedly planted 47 grams of cocaine in the vehicle of ecologist Juan Clavero. A judge in the case has summoned the men, including a Guardia Civil officer. They are accused of planting the drugs

Four men - including a cop accused of planting drugs on green campaigner in Clavero’s car on the day of a demonstration against the estate where they worked. The Ecologistas en Accion organiser had been leading the protests against a closure

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The Malaga province saw the second largest rise in unemployment after the Balearics, since August.

Police pay rise THE PSOE in Marbella are calling for a boost in Guardia Civil numbers. The Socialists will support a town hall motion next week which will call for an increase in numbers and a salary raise to match the Policia Nacional.t comes after the local government said the staffing of the Guardia Civil ‘is not appropriate.’

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BACKING DOWN:

Carles

BACK FROM BRINK

Stitch-up Eco-warrior claims expat

‘mafia developers’ planted

cocaine in his car

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

SPAIN and the EU breathed a sigh of relief as Catalan’s CONFLICT: Galle leader A LEADING ecologist the land for €11 million failed to declare independence wants to develop, blamed ‘mafia methods’ has a San Roque developer from in a critical parliament after speech drugs were planted while Clavero is believed to be launching and is last night. in his car to stop him protesting against market hunting businessan upopposed Instead, Carles Puigdemont the blocking of footpaths. When Clavero returned there. reiterated the region’s right to Juan Clavero, a car Guardia Civil officersto his break from Spain following regional organwaiting, pulling out a bag were month’s referendum, when this iser of green group Ecologistas 90% en Accion, believes taining the drugs after a conof 2.4 million Catalans search voted to developers could expat-linked of the vehicle. leave. be behind the seizure of 47 grams He was taken to Ubrique Switching between Catalan and found under a car of cocaine station where he was keptpolice Spanish, Puigdemont overoffered Clavero, who was seat. night. an olive branch, proposing arrested dia- charged over the offence, and week: “It was a complete stitch can “We are certain that there logue with Madrid after use these mafia methods has up and like third world to Clavero has been connection to the closureis a coun- frame environmentalists. of mounting tension. ten days now been found innocent after tries where involved of drug traffickers “I a judge dismissed the case. a series of protests against in public paths in this stitch-up,” “We propose to suspend have never been involved reign. the he said. blocking of footpaths dependence declaration the in- He told the Olive Press this “It is inconceivable with drugs and the and a in order judge development developers agreed.” to work towards putting in the celebrated He added that his group had Sierra de Grazalema now identified the name practice the result of the into natural address and referPark, between Grazalema endum. of the person responand sible Ronda. for planting the drugs. “We are making a gesture of On the morning of his arrest “It has been given to police responsibility in favour HUNDREDS of Brits and on the courts, of diaAugust 26, he had taken logue.” but let’s see what in Spain are demandpart in happens a protest against the estate, He added: “The ballots next. ing action after losing by Jerez-based company run “I am not aware Marnix to independence this is say Yes up to £20 million in a del Agua Investments SL,Breña has anything to do with Galle that I want to go forwardthe will failed pension investnear but this, the village he should investigate “I want to follow people’s with. of Benamahoma. ment scheme. Pension the The company is owned actions Catalonia to become anwill for boss Darren Kirby has by Bel- clarify of his employees and indegian tycoon Marnix Galle, pendent state.” fled to Australia, leavwho against what they are doing is said to be building He also called for internationthose who defend right ing a string of allegaa huge of 800-metre-square mansion way tions in his wake. on In his on public roads.” Continues on Page the land. 7 court case, last Galle, one of Belgium’s the judge at Ubriquemonth, richest court SEE PAGE 4 property developers, purchased ruled that Clavero was the vic-

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Former mayor Joser Bernal said: “That is why we urge the national Executive to take action on security, an issue that is so important for our municipality.” The PSOE will also urge Madrid to bump up the Guardia Civil salary. “This proposal was shown as an amendment and was not supported by the PP,” said Bernal.

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of footpaths at the Sierra de Grazelema estate owned by Belgium property magnate Marnix Galle. As reported in the Olive Press in October he had spent a night in prison awaiting trial over the alleged offence. Three of the men worked on the huge 1,600 hectare hunting estate owned by Breña del Agua Investments SL, but had recently been fired. According to detectives, the men were seen meeting the Guardia officer a day before the protest. The meeting was caught on camera at Mesón Calvillo, in El Bosque. The agent was working on the day of his arrest and was allegedly sent a text reading: “Look below the front passenger seat.” The judge will announce if the men are to be charged in February.

Hitman snared ‘RAMBO’ has been arrested for allegedly shooting three people, two of them policemen. Serbian Norbert Fehe, also known as Igor Vaclavic, is accused of killing the Spanish officers and a farmer in Aragon after hiding out in Malaga. The suspected hitman, wanted by Interpol, is thought to have killed at least three others in Italy, where he was previously imprisoned for eight years. Commonly known as ‘Igor the Russian’, Feher is suspected of murdering two Guardia Civil officers. Police say he had already killed a dog and attacked several households on December 5, injuring two. He is an expert in martial arts and firearms, and is suspected by Italian police of several violent crimes, including murder, in Bologna. In April of this year, some 1,000 people joined a manhunt to track him down in the Italian city.

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Costa del Action!

Malaga coastline chosen as filming location for US British gangster TV series

Timeless murals READERS have one final chance to bag a stunning mural that promises to revolutionise your home. The winner of the Olive Press’ Christmas competition, will get one of the coast’s most innovative and inventive artists to paint a free mural at their home.

Pack-a-Punch

Tony Faulkner taught himself to paint and has crafted a metallic style that packs a punch for any art lover. The 48-year-old, based in Manilva, trained his eye on portraits of Winston Churchill, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe and has become a staple for expats who want their childhood heroes brought to life. All you have to do to win one of these timeless pieces is share this article on Facebook and the tag the Olive Press in the post and ‘like’ Tony’s Facebook page craftworks.

YOU may recognise him as the ginger wizard who fell head over heels for Hermione in the Harry Potter saga. But now Rupert Grint is set to join a trio of British stars on the Costa del Sol as a British gangster. Producers of Snatch, based on Guy Ritchie’s hit film Snatch. Starring Brad Pitt, chose Spain as the location following the devastating hurricanes in the Caribbean. TV bosses were deciding between Barcelona and Malaga but settled on the British holiday favourite for its favourable weather conditions. The political situation following the independence fallout is also rumoured to have been a deciding factor, although Malaga-based producer for Fresco Film, Peter Welter Soler, claimed it ‘was not relevant’. “Barcelona has a large audiovisual market, so the really determining thing has been to show that Malaga has an industry and professionals capable of developing an international production like this,” he said. The series will be shot for four months, starting January 23. The show, in its second series, stars Rupert Grint who shot to fame as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film franchise. His character flees to Malaga

STARSTRUCK: Destination Malaga

with his band of strays where they continue with their scams, robberies and criminal activities.

Into the groove IT’S been an open secret for most of the year. Now, Madonna has finally splashed out on a home in Portugal. The American superstar has snapped up a permanent residence in Lisbon, fit for the Queen of Pop.

According to Portuguese media, she has put a deposit down on an 18th Century 15-bedroom mansion in the city’s historic centre. Madonna has been a regular visitor to Portugal since her adopted son David joined Lisbon football team Benfica’s youth academy.

The ten-episode series will shoot across Marbella, Nerja and the whole coast. Created by Álex de Rafkoff, it will be released on Crackle, Sony’s streaming platform similar to Netflix and Amazon Prime. The first series saw a group of young swindlers involved in a spiral of violence and crime after robbing a truck loaded with bullion gold. Along with Rupert Green, the cast includes Luke Pasqualino from British cult series Skins and Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl.

Winter is coming AMERICAN actress Charlotte McKinney flaunted her ample assets for all to see while on a recent holiday in Ibiza. The 24-year-old Baywatch star was spotted relaxing in a leopard-print bikini as she enjoyed a holiday on the White Isle. McKinney used to date Megan Markle’s ex-boyfriend, film producer Trevor Engelson, but is now believed to be single.

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 

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  

PR paedophile dies DISGRACED Costa del Sol regular Max Clifford has died in prison while serving an eight-year sentence for sex offences against teenage girls. The 74-year-old, who had a villa in Marbella, collapsed in his cell in Littlehey prison in the UK. Clifford was one of Britain’s best known publicists and a regular visitor to Spain.

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Pet victory PETS have now been classified as ‘beings’ rather than ‘objects’ in a change to Spain’s civil code. The PP law change means that dogs cannot be passed on as inheritance like other possessions, nor can they be seized by bailiffs in case of debt. PP Spokesman Rafael Hernando said the goal of the reform was to give animals ‘more protection’. The Parliamentary Association in Defense of the Rights of Animals (APDDA) has called the new law ‘a historic step’.

Population shrinking THE birth rate in Malaga is at its lowest for a decade, figures have revealed. In the first six months of this year there were 6,728 births compared to 7,131 last year. It is a 22% drop from the same period in 2007, figures from the National Statistics Institute (NIE) show. The decline in births began as the economic crisis rocked Spain from 2008 onwards. At the national level, the first half of 2017 continued the two-year trend of fewer births and more deaths. It means Spain’s population has shrunk by 32,132 in the first half of 2017.

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Animal killer behind bars A CATKILLER first exposed by the Olive Press five years ago, will be spending Christmas behind bars. Evil Carmen Marin has finally started a three year and nine month sentence for illegally slaughtering 2,100 cats and dogs at Torremolinos’s Parque Animal. Marin was found guilty of injecting animals with improper drugs, leading to slow and painful deaths, as well as falsifying the signatures of vets to receive €1 million in public subsidies.

EXCLUSIVE By Aleesha Hansel

A PAIR of brave expats have told of their dramatic attempt to save a lorry driver who had crashed onto a Costa del Sol beach. Chris Starkey, 31, and Andy Jardine, told the Olive Press how they didn’t hesitate to help when they saw the truck plummet off the edge of an infamous ‘horror bend’ on the A-7 motorway, in Calahonda. The British pair - who were total strangers - revealed how they had desperately tried to save the still-alive Moroccan despite pleas from police not to. Father-of-two Starkey, who saw the crash as he had lunch with his family at the Streets of London pub opposite, said: “I rushed down to find the engine still running and smoke everywhere. “I was soon joined by Andy and we found the window and saw an elbow hanging out. He was still alive so we didn’t hesitate to try and get the door open,”

Her reign of terror, which ran from 1998 to 2010, was first exposed by an Olive Press probe in 2012. Guardia Civil officers eventually raided the animal shelter to find the bodies of dozens of animals in rubbish bins and freezers. In a hard-hitting report by Seprona, the Guardia Civil’s environmental arm, it is claimed Marin spent up to €1 million of her sanctuary’s funds on trips abroad, spa treatments, cars and driving lessons between 2008 and 2010.

Unsung heroes

British expats recall their brave attempt to save lorry driver at ‘horror bend’ site

added Starkey, who has recently moved to Malaga. “We tried everything… logs, all

sorts of stuff. Soon there were around ten of us trying to rip the door open.” But tragically the crash had positioned the lorry’s diesel tank above the door. At this point Jardine, who is disabled, said: “We realised we needed to remove the steering wheel which was trapping the driver’s legs, so Chris ripped off the cover while I tried to stop

the diesel leaking into the cab with a piece of chewing gum in my mouth.” He then crawled in and gave the man mouth-to-mouth in the cab, until the emergency services came, but sadly they could not resuscitate him. Starkey said: “You never train mentally for something like that. It’s amazing that such a good bunch of people helped. “I’m gutted the way it ended.” There have been calls to improve conditions at the lethal curve in the A-7, where many motorists have been killed.

Expat spirit BRITISH expats have donated thousands of euros to a family after their daughter was left fighting for her life following a horror crash. Big-hearted locals have stumped up €3,750 out of a €4,000 target to help pay for hospital treatment for motherof-one Laura Fuhr, 26, who is set to get married next year. The group gave the money in small donations to the GoFundMe page, after a heartwrenching appeal from her mum Sally Rose. The driver, who was allegedly driving the wrong way up a one-way street, walked away from the crash, in Manilva. “Thankfully she is out of danger but will be she in hospital for sometime with endless injuries which will take months to heal. The money will pay for dental surgery to correct her smile. Mum Sally this week thanked the generous donations and told the Olive Press the family were now in a legal battle with the driver.

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Flying low… again!

That’s a rap

IT will hardly come as a surprise to the many frequent expat flyers who live in Spain. Ryanair has been voted, once again, as the worst airline in the Which? annual poll. The only consolation perhaps is that Spanish carrier Vueling came level bottom in customer satisfaction polls, with both airlines scoring 45% in popularity ratings.

Poor service

British Airways meanwhile came third (52%), following the scrapping of free food and drink on short-haul flights this year. Customers, however, showed cheap prices didn’t have to mean poor service with Jet2 and Norwegian scoring 76%, coming in joint second. Which? Travel’s Rory Boland said: “Passengers are telling us there are many ways to be a great airline, but providing great service at an acceptable price is a must have.”

(Food) Bank raid BRITISH expats have blasted workers at a food bank for allegedly raiding the much-needed supplies before desperate locals arrive. According to Joe Clark, 62, helpers are taking the ‘cream of the crop’ before the resource in Salar, Granada, officially opens at 4pm. Clark told the Olive Press he has seen helpers leaving with bags full of food before it has even opened. “Even if they’ve got the biggest family in the world, there’s no way they’re going to need the amount of food they took,” he said. “They’re obviously going to sell it on.” A local resident who uses the food bank and who did not want to be named, said she knew something was amiss as she was able to get very little food. “I’ve been getting little more than a pile of fruit and vegetables, much of which has already gone rotten.”

Festive warning

New figures show date rape drugs are much more prevalent than authorities might want to admit

UP to 50 people have been raped or sexually assaulted after drink spiking in Granada since 2012, new figures have shown. The startling statistics mean almost one person has been drugged and assaulted in the city every month over the last five years. The figure should set off alarm bells for

with no memory of the assault or the moments leading up to it. It means the real number of those atlocals and expats around the whole of tacked is suspected to be much higher. Spain, as these statistics ONLY repre- Cases prove extremely difficult to prossent those who have reported being at- ecute as the victim has little to no memory of the attack, which in turn puts tacked. The drug used in most cases, Burun- people off coming forward. danga, is designed to leave the victim The annoucement by the Granada health authorities comes afWIN WIN WIN... Tickets to see the UK’s hottest reggae band Steel Pulse on page 22 ter campaigns by the Olive The original and only English-language CRIME NEWS Press to raise awareness of investigative newspaper in Andalucía Tech fights the drinkRape victim the epidemic were largely igspiking demands justice nored and labelled as ‘sensaLet HiFX help you reach your tionalist’. destination. www.hifx.co.uk FREE Vol. 8 Issue 191 www.theolivepress.es July 10 - July 23 2014 Last year, British security boss James Hickey warned Full Moon festival comes under fire our readers to be vigilant of a ‘shocking level’ of drinkspiking on the Costa del Sol. Within just six months of the IN Oli setting up private security VE ve ST Pr Style queen’s IG ess AT firm CP Marbella, he claimed fashion boost ES to have heard of at least 15 victims of the crime. Shocking failure to police drink-spiking Find your dream property today! OLIVE PRESS: Previous in Spain needs to be addressed In January of this year, the campaigns about the date Costa del Sol Hospital was forced to introduce a new rape epidemic protocol to detect traces of date rape drugs following a Stars come out to play spike in reported cases. Eye The scheme takes blood, hair 29 29 www.theolivepress.es HEALTH to eye and urine sample from vicLow Fight to tims in a bid to detect submorale end life stances, which cause ‘chemiCat-calling cal submissions’. OP awareness Mudbaked The drug affects the nervous campaignand bears reborn fruit as attacks system and can reduce freein Malaga soar will before knocking the victim out for up to 24 hours. The Institute of Legal Medicine recently revealed there was a 35% increase in sexual assaults in Malaga city alone Why is an eye test an HEALTHCARE last year. HEADACHE important health screening? UK TV Solutions By Laurence Dollimore

olive press 2

AN ‘irresponsible’ beach party is set to see the release of hundreds of ‘illegal’ Chinese lanterns, despite a clear fire risk, claim campaigners. The Sabinillas Full Moon party will see the launch of the candle-lit lanterns at midnight, watched by an estimated 5,000 revellers. However opponents have criticised Ma-

nilva Town Hall for not banning the release, with the coast on high fire alert after an extremely dry Spring. It comes after the coast saw three infernos last week - with Competa, Casares and Torremolinos all experiencing serious fires. At the weekend, more than 1,200 guests also had to be evacuated from el Club La

SPIKED!

POLICE in Spain have apparently no official records for the crime of drink-spiking. Hospitals and town halls have also failed to give any indication of the severity of the problem, despite a terrifying 60% increase in sexual attacks in Spanish resorts last year. The shocking revelation comes as assaults from spiking begin to soar, with the

By Imogen Calderwood, Carey Camel and Jared Garland

summer season now well underway. “It is clearly becoming a bigger issue and particularly in the summer,” said a source at Marbella Town Hall. “The problem is we just don’t have the statistics to back it up.”

OUCH?: Let the annual carnage begin in Pamplona, with the police on watch for sex assaults. See Page 8

Death is never easy...

It is this failure to keep official records of attacks that is making it hard to tackle the issue as millions of young holidaymakers descend on the costas this month. In an exclusive investigation, the Olive Press has uncovered evidence of numerous attacks at a variety of Spanish resorts including Puerto Banus, Fuengirola and Magaluf. At one nightclub, bosses sacked an employee for spiking a client’s drink, without even calling police, while at Feb 1st - Febre14th another, a teenage expat vealed how a man had brazenly ‘added a powder’ to her drink. Magaluf, in Mallorca, hit international headlines this

the Sept 3 2014 theolive olivepress press--August August20 7 -- August 20 2014

A NORWEGIAN expat who was drugged and brutally raped on a night out is determined to have her story told and bring justice to her attackers. A year after she was drugged and assaulted in an Albir bar, in Alicante province, Goril Hvidsten has waived her right to anonymity in an attempt to warn other potential victims. “If this has happened to me, and to other people I know, who knows how many countless other victims there are,” Hvidsten, 48, told the Olive Press. “What about the girls who aren’t in their 40s and aren’t strong enough to go to the police, that are suffering in silence.” Hvidsten - who moved to Costa, in Mijas. Albir in August 2013 - was The Costa del Sol firewatch has she outside group the bar when was approached by three slammed the event, while local bookmen: two Spaniards and a shop Sabinillas bookshop has withRomanian. “I had only had two beers drawn the lanterns fromso sale. I was far from drunk. But suddenly I insisted was completely Manilva Town Hall however out of control. I don’t rethe free event will go ahead Julyfrom 12 the memberonmuch next seven hours, but some as planned. things are very clear. continues on Page 3 “I remember walking outside to a taxi rank, and feeling safe because I was sure that the taxi driver would realise something was wrong. “But then one of the three guys walked to the driver’s side and got in, and I realised it was his taxi. “You’re always told to get a taxi home after a night out because that’s the safest

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SMAS H the spikin g

EXCLUSIVE By Imogen Calderwood

way. But it was these men that attacked me.” Hvidsten was driven to the Romanian man’s apartment, where she was raped by all three men. “They were relaxed, like they had done it before and it was an everyday thing.”

Scarred “One man left early because he had to go back to driving his taxi. “It was so brutal that I was bruised and scarred all over, and they crushed three of my front teeth. “When it was over one of them said ‘Okay, you can go now’ and kicked me out.” Hvidsten reported the crime to the police in Altea five days after the assault, and has picked her attackers out of identity parades on three different occasions. The bar-owner showed CCTV footage of Hvidsten and the men to other taxi drivers in the area, and one identified the Romanian man as his own brother. All three men have admitted to having sex with Hvidsten but deny the charges of

Expat backs Olive Press ‘Stop the Spiking’ campaign after being raped on night out in Spain

front of a Benidorm judge, there is still no court case pending. “Everything just takes such a long time. I only want answers and no one can give me them. I have a Spanish lawyer and he’s trying to help me, but it’s just the system here. There are always so many excuses. The Olive Press has launched a campaign against drink-spiking in Spain, after an exclusive investigation revealed an alarming absence of statistics and advice for tourists. The campaign, which hopes to improve safety for tourists, has three simple aims: more statistics, better policing, clearer advice. If you would like to get in touch with the Olive Press about any aspect of the campaign, email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

JUSTICE NEEDED: Goril Hvidsten recovering, and (inset) Goril’s injuries the day after the brutal attack that crushed three front teeth

drugging and raping her. “But the doctors say I must have been drugged because of the violence I endured,” argued Hvidsten. Medical reports from the Hospital Comarcal conclude that Hvidsten was drugged with Scolapamine, otherwise known as burundanga, previously reported on in an Olive Press investigation into drink-spiking. The drug is powerful, fastacting and notoriously sim-

Queen Letizia gives Spanish businesses a helping hand

ple to administer as it does not need to be ingested but merely inhaled. “He had it on his finger and just reached over and put it under my nose, and I was under his spell for seven hours. “If they had asked me to jump out of the window, I would have.” Despite numerous identity parades, the confessions of all three men and a preliminary hearing in March in

BIG developments have been made by tech experts into preventing drink-spiking. A UK-based company has developed ‘Spikey’, a small plastic tube and stopper that fits into most glass bottles to prevent people dropping substances in the drink. Clubs can even order them in bulk to hand out to their patrons. If you don’t fancy a bottled drink then another gadget is here to help. Developed by David Wilson, a medical technology expert, pd.id is a small, USB drive-sized device to put in your drink that flashes if the drink is tampered with. It can even be synced to a smartphone and give notifications if the chemical composition of your drink changes.

STOP: ‘Spikey’ in action

See Page 49

After 10 years of helping our customers buy safely in Spain, we’ve opened our new Costa del Sol office to make it even easier to find your dream property!

From property agents to legal advice, we have all the expertise you need in one place. We meet Starlite founder Sandra Garcia Sanjuan See Page 20

February 1st - February 14th 2017 February 1st - February 14th 2017

Drugging fears Centro Comercial Cala Sol Boulevard La Cala 17

A EUTHANASIA bill is to be debated by Spanish politicians. Left wing parliamentary group Unidos Podemos en Comu wants to legalise the practice in all of Spain and Police stations in Marbella, decriminaliseHARSH doctors REALITY: who A Olive Press enjoy an annual Malaga, Mijas, Fuengirola carry it out. night out can end in jaunt to the Costa de la Luz and Mallorca were shockingly If successful, it would allow See Page 25 real danger both adults with terminal illunable to provide any statisnesses and those in ‘insuffer- MARBELLA’S Costa del Sol tics about drink-spiking. ablecame pain’ to request help to Hospital has introduced Malaga National Police a new protocol to detect end their lives. back insisting our Inrequest a document presented to traces of a ‘knockout’ date was ‘unauthorised’ –Congress, with no the lower house rape drug following a spike explanation why - before diof parliament, people would in cases. recting questions to also its headhave to be sound of The scheme takes blood, quarters in Madrid. mind, conscious and wanting hair and urine samples to do so voluntarily. from victims in a bid to This is in addition to having detect substances like BuTHROUGH A GLASS DARKLY - PAGE to 6 file two written requests, rundanga, which causes each at least 15 days apart. ‘chemical submissions’. the victim out for up to 24 Group spokeswoman María The drug affects the ner- hours. Sibina argued that currently vous system and can reduce The new scheme comes ‘Spain is not a good place to die’ due to a lack of quality free will before knocking after two Olive Press repalliative care. No date has yet been set for the debate on the law, which has already been rejected by the right wing Partido Popular and Ciudadanos, who want to introduce fresh measures to ensure a ‘dignified ANDALUCIANS are more worried about healthcare death’ instead. than corruption, a new study has revealed. Installations Socialist party PSOE said Health was the number one concern for 31.7% of that it will study the text prethose surveyed in Troubleshooting the poll, published by the Centre sented. for Political Analysis and Electoral Documentation in • shows Euthanasia is already alAndalucia last week.The dramatic rise 663 303 figure 932 / 675 033a474 lowed in countries such as on the last study, conducted in 2013. Switzerland, Belgium, the info@alpusat.com Unemployment continued to be the top worry for AnNetherlands, Luxemburg, dalusians, at 83.8%, www.alpusat.com while corruption was the princiCanada and some states in pal concern of only 28.7%. the USA.

week after a video of a British teenager performing oral sex on 24 men on a dance-floor went viral. The two minute clip shows the young blonde led on by a cheering, cat-calling crowd. The 18-year-old from Northern Ireland has since claimed her drinks were spiked and she was later raped. The incident has led many concerned tourists - and expats - to question the ability of the authorities in Spain to take drink-spiking seriously.

A MARBELLA rapper has been found guilty of ‘glorifying terrorism’ by a court in Madrid. Ivan Leszno, 25, and fellow members of the La Insurgencia rap group are facing two years in jail and a €4,500 fine each. It comes a year after police summoned the group to court after seeing them performing on the street. Their lyrics, according to prosecutors, praise the antifascist group Grupos de Resistencia Antifascistas Primero de Octubre (GRAPO). “Our music is written by young people who use hiphop to express the rage of a generation who has been robbed of their future,” said Leszno. “They just want us to stop singing or start self-censorship.” He added that the recent imprisonments of Catalan leaders showed a worrying trend in Spain of locking people up for their ideas. The group are appealing the ruling before the Supreme Court.

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ports last year, which were labelled as ‘alarmist’, attempted to warn of a rise in drink spiking.

The Institute of Legal Medicine has now revealed that 2016 saw a 35% increase in sexual assaults in Malaga alone. Over New Year, a 19-yearold British woman was drugged and sexually assaulted while a 20-year-old foreign girl was recently raped on a patch of waste ground in Estepona. The scheme’s main focus is on sexual assault, although police have noted an increase in the use of the knockout drug in robberies and other crimes. The protocol is the result of collaboration between police, legal and health authorities, and is one of the first of its kind in Spain.

DEPRESSION is responsible for one in four sick days in Spain. The condition was responsible for 24.4% of lost work days last month in the southof Europe, which also includes Portugal and Italy. And anxiety was named as the reason a further 16.8% of workers took sick leave in the southern zone, part of the worst affected region for mental health-induced work absences. According to the Instituto Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas, which conducted the study, a total of 36.3% sick days in the region were caused by mental health issues. Poor mental health caused 27.5% of lost work days in ‘central east’ region of Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and Northern Ireland and 9.8% in Bulgaria and Romania.

How a simple test can uncover a host of underlying diseases

What can an eye test spot? A surprising amount can be revealed from an eye test, from the early stages of conditions which can permanently damage the vision such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, to spotting warning signs of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, risk of a stroke and symptoms associated with brain tumours. New research has been released from University College London’s Institute of Ophthalmology which has shown that changes in the retina may reveal the presence of Parkinson’s Disease and allow early diagnosis before patients start to suffer from the tremors. Early diagnosis gives more treatment options, so an eye test will become an important tool in fighting this debilitating disease as well as many others.

tests and the latest technology. A great tool for health checks is Digital Retinal Photography which uses a camera to take a picture of the back of the eye – the only part of the human body where the microcirculation of blood can be observed directly. The state-of-the-art technology helps to identify changes that might be associated with certain eye conditions and health complaints. The ability to save images creates a lasting record for ongoing monitoring. If necessary, the optician can refer patients directly for further medical examination to their hospital or general practitioner.

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MALAGA is to be put at the ‘forefront of the fight against cancer’, the Diputacion president Elias Bendodo has announced. A pioneering breast and prostate cancer research unit is to move into the nursing college building at Malaga’s Hospital Civil. The prostate unit is already in existence at the Institute of Biomedical Research in Malaga’s Clinico Hospital premises. But due to a pressing need for space it has asked to move into the nursing unit, which though five years old has never been used. It is hoped that the project, backed by the government, the Junta and the University of Malaga, will turn the provincial capital into a major international research centre.

THE UK press has run various stories of late on British care companies providing ‘inexperienced’ live-in help from overseas. While not one of the companies named, The Good Care Group is a provider of quality live-In care and we believe that the benefits associated with both this type of service and associated employment opportunities were sadly ignored in the coverage. The Good Care Group is regulated by the Care Quality Commission to provide live-in care to people in their own homes. Recently rated ‘outstanding’ by the regulator, we are proud to be one of the 2% of social care providers across England to have achieved this accolade. The Good Care Group’s success is based on a set of values which embrace its diverse workforce, including a number of professional carers who live overseas. All of our professional carers have previous experience in car-

ing for others and are recruited for the knowledge, skills, training and qualifications they bring to our team. Every carer completes a thorough and rigorous interview process,

How can ophthalmologists see these health conditions? To be in with the best chance of spotting the signs of health conditions you need to have a thorough eye test which includes a range of

which includes psychometric profiling and a five-day assessed residential training course to ensure their values align with our own. The quality of care they give is something we are very proud

Where can I get digital retinal photography included in my eye test? This technology is expensive so its use is not widespread, however Specsavers Opticas believe it is important, so have Digital Retinal cameras in their Marbella and Fuengirola stores on the Costa del Sol, and include the technology as standard as part of an eye test, with no additional charge. To find your nearest store and book your free eye test visit www.specsavers.es.

of. To say people do this work just for the money is deeply unfair and certainly not representative of our own valued workforce. They are paid a decent salary for the work they do (the pay scale is the same as for UK-based carers) and we employ them all on a permanent, fixed-shift contract. We operate a 24/7 service centre available to carers around the clock so they can access the support they need at any time. We also have a consultant admiral nurse who ensures all of our clients, carers and managers are always fully supported, and an occupational therapist who supports the needs of our complex clients. All of our carers receive refresher training each year and ongoing training options to further develop their skills. These professionals are, in fact, unsung heroes who work tirelessly to make their clients lives the best they can be every single day.

They provide companionship and assistance to enable clients to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Live-In care is proven to achieve far better outcomes than a care home setting. For example, just 4% of clients at TGCG use antipsychotic medications, versus 40% of people living in care homes, and clients fall significantly less often when in their own home. This positively impacts on the NHS by reducing costs to the health system. Employing over 600 carers based in both the UK and abroad, we are always looking for like-minded people to join our expanding team. If you would like a fulfilling and rewarding career then please contact Tracy Jackson for an informal chat on 951507423 or 622047351. I can also been contacted via email on: tracy.Jackson@thegoodcaregroup.com.

DANGEROUS: Lyrics

Phone hackers POLICE are warning mobile phone users to be aware of a ‘missed call scam’ affecting Spain. The scam sees victims receive one-ring calls from Albania, Ghana, Ivory Coast or Nigeria. When they see the missed call and attempt to ring back, a high surcharge is added to their account which the scammers skim from. Authorities are warning phone users to avoid prefixes 335, 225, 223 and 234.

Fe at u re

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

OPINION Christmas tragedy IT seems even Estepona’s most innocent residents are suffering from mistreatment at the hands of ignorant owners. Dogs chained up for days on end with just enough food and water to keep them alive for the following day is no way to live. We always try to cover these crimes and make sure those who are responsible are brought to justice. We would never ask for people to take the law into their own hands but to call up the police, and report the issue to someone with power. Time and time again animal rights are brushed over for things that need ‘urgent attention’. But if we can’t look after the most vulnerable inhabitants of our society how do we expect to look after those ‘who matter’.

Sherry shenanigans Here at the Olive Press we take our food and wine very seriously…and there is no better time to get together and share it with the ones you love than at Christmas. We love the traditional fare of Buck’s Fizz, mulled wine and eggnog but sometimes change is as good a rest. That’s why we are all very excited about the cocktail recipes, that give a slight twist on the classics. We might not be James Bond, but we’ll have ours shaken and not stirred any time.

As part of our Christmas appeal we decided to focus on championing the most vulnerable in our society children. Writes Jed Neill “CHILDREN are not distractions from more important work, they are the most important work,” said Chronicles of Narnia novelist C. S. Lewis and defending children is the central theme of the Olive Press’ Christmas appeal this year. At a time when preserving the planet for the next generation has never been greater, children are becoming increasingly vulnerable. In a country as advanced Spain, with one of the oldest monarchies and an established role in global events, it is absurd that more than 20% of the population live below the poverty line. Many of these statistics are children with limited access to a decent education, poor healthcare and not enough food... and Andalucia has long been one of the poorest regions in the country. According to a study by the European Anti-Poverty Network, a shocking 40% of Andalucia’s eight million people live below the poverty line, double the national average.

Struggling

Shockingly, the study also showed that 66% of Andalucian children don’t have access to books or pens or other after school resources. Without proper education it becomes easy to get trapped in a chain of misfortune, and despite governmental programs to provide a proper education for kids between three and 16, the region’s schools are struggling. With the gap between rich and poor growing, Andalucia’s residents are struggling to keep up in two towns in particular, La Linea and Sanlucar de Barrameda, which have the lowest household incomes (under €20,000) in the whole of Spain. These towns have seen an increase in immigration and crime, having becoming hotbeds of deprivation. As a signatory of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, Spain must work harder to eradicate all forms of discrimination that affect children in this country. But with long delays and slow responses from the government, progress is not coming any time soon. As a result it is sadly left to a range of charities to help the region’s children and we have reported on many of them over the last few years. Here, however are a handful of amazing charities we are supporting this festive period.

Protect our children!

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Run by monks from the Catholic religious order Hermanos Obrero de Maria, this well established Malaga charity provides homes for destitute children and those removed from parental custody. The on-site school, in Malaga city, is open to children from lowincome families, and specialises in providing care for children with mental disabilities. Located at Finca los Asperos it raises funds through a whole host of events from golf tournaments to Halloween parties. The charity promotes the development of children through their ‘City of Children’ programs in Granada, where the brotherhood was formed in 1958, as well as in Huelva and Malaga.

Horizonte

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Jed Neill jed@theolivepress.es Joe Wallen joe@theolivepress.es Aleesha Hansel aleesha@theolivepress.es

Ciudad de los Ninos

For more information on how to donate call 958 275 936 or email Juan Correa at director@cnmalaga.com.

Publisher/ Editor Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Free a Girl According to the UN, Spain is one of the main destinations for victims of human trafficking sexual exploitation and prostitution. Free a Girl works closely with NGOs, police and social workers to help liberate girls from the spectre of child prostitution. While mostly focusing on Asia, a recent appeal, including an impressive €65,000 fundraising event at Castillo de Monda, has turned attention more locally to Spain and other parts of Europe too. The charity provides childcare, vocational training, medical care, trauma counseling, and reintegration support for victims. It also works with law enforcement to take on traffickers, pimps and brothel owners to ensure that they get the sentences they deserve. Over 60% of female prostitutes globally were introduced into prostitution as minors and human trafficking generates up to €6 billion for criminals every year. Director of Free a Girl, Evelien Holsken said: “Child prostitution is a global issue and therefore needs an international approach.” For as little as €5 per month, you can contribute to the rescue and rehabilitation of girls trapped in forced prostitution. If you would like to make a donation, please visit: www.freeagirl. nl/en/get-involved/make-a-donation/

Providing after-school clubs and activities for underprivileged children in Marbella, this charity is at the forefront of combating drug addiction among local youngsters. Horizonte also provides tailor-made programs to the specific needs of each individual child and runs three day courses for high risk children who have no family support or those with a history of drug addiction. It also helps children who are HIV positive as well as those who have been abused physically or sexually. One of the main ways it does this is through organising various sporting events for children through its Pivesport program in collaboration with a number of schools along the Costa del Sol. Volunteers are always needed for thrift shops and with 12,000 people walking through its doors every year, you can be sure that help is always needed. You can help sponsor a child for a year through one of the educational integration centres for just €350. For more information please email voluntariado@horizonteproyectohombremarbella.org or call 952 858 652

Accem Breaking the chain of misfortune is essential in tackling the spread of poverty from parents to their children. This is where Accem excels, as it provides educational opportunities for families and in particular children. The charity does this through offering free therapy, and after-school clubs, as well as setting up centres in deprived urban areas. It has been developing its CaixaProinfancia program since 2007 in Malaga and Sevilla and has connections across 12 municipalities in tandem with state programs. If you would like to donate please contact Manuel Guijarro, sevilla@accem.es.

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Towering Teide 3,718m Standing tall at number one with the most vertiginous vital statistics in Spain, Tenerife’s Mount Teide in the Canaries is glued to the landscape like a giant limpet. UNESCO describes it as Earth’s third-tallest volcanic structure and this mythological mountain is steeped in folklore. The native Guanches believe that Magec, their God of Light, is trapped inside and erupts when angry, releasing a molten tide of rage over the landscape. However, the last time Magec got hot under the collar was in 1909. These days he’s a lot more chilled.

The Mighty Mulhacén 3,479m This monster massif is named after another captive of his environment, Muley Hacén, the penultimate Muslim King of Granada. In the 15th century, according to legend, he was buried at the foot of the mountain, the loftiest in the Sierra Nevada. In a country flanked with reigning peaks, Mulhacén stands above all of them and is the highest peak in western Europe after the Alps. But the path to the peak is well-signposted and can be reached in a day so forget the satnav and add a sturdy pair of hiking boots to Santa’s list.

Peaks of perfection

December 20th - January

Set your sights higher than the festive food mountain this Christmas and scale one of Spain’s Awesome Eight. Writes Jed Neill

HRISTMAS is an opportune time to fill your boots with food and drink and veg out around the family fireside but extreme measures may be called for later when your trousers don’t fit

… like climbing a mountain! That’s not such a tall order in Spain, Europe’s second most mountainous landscape after Switzerland. And with six scaleable sierras on the doorstep in Andalucia ( no need for

crampons), plus the rock of Gibraltar, there can be no excuses. To celebrate International Mountain Day on December 11 we bring you Spain’s Awesome Eight. Happy hiking!

Sublime Cerro de los Machos 3,327m Vertiginous Veleta - 3,398m Back in the Sierra Nevada, this steely champ protects and inspires skiers from all over the world. Having gained fame for hosting the World Ski Championships in 1996, southern Europe’s de facto ski resort is celebrated as the place where you can ski in the morning and be back on the coast, mojito in hand, in the evening. The highest ski lift, Puerta Laguna, arrives just shy of the summit offering one of the longest ski runs down to Pradollano for a flying finale.

Despite being outside Andalucia, this geological giant deserves recognition for standing guard against the French along the Pyrenees. But its reputation as the ‘needles of ice’ is under threat as its impressive glacier is rapidly shrinking due to ever-increasing summer temperatures and scientists estimate it could completely disappear by 2050. The icy heart of Spain can still be scaled in under 12 hours by both experienced and novice climbers alike.

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The Amazing Alcazaba - 3,371m Almost a quarter of Spain sits a kilometre above sea level and Alcazaba, whose north face is the backdrop to the city of Granada, is no different. A walkers’ paradise with one of the longest climbing seasons in Europe, nimble ibex are a regular sight. But if the going gets too tough, you can take refuge in the Poqueira hut at a height of 2,500 metres. If that’s full, there are a few stone huts on the western side of the mountain but book well in advance, they’re popular. Competent climbers take on the north face challenge while novices stick to the gentler south.

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Often overshadowed by its siblings, Veleta and Mulhacén, this mini mountain is the perfect to hone your mountaneering skills, taking 2 hours 30 minutes to reach the top.

This rocky gem has its own claim to fame as the highest peak in Malaga province. Taking nearly six hours to scale, but travellers are rewarded with some of the best views of the Mediterranean on reaching the summit.

Awesome Aneto 3,404m

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily2018 with the latest news, 3rd making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

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Luscious La Concha - 1,200m Named for its conch shell shape, Marbella’s La Concha mountain is the defining feature of the Costa del Sol, whose beauty has been revered by settlers for millenia. The walk is not difficult and caters for families and climbers of all abilities.

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Reptiles on trial

Real problems remain A GROUP campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU have issued a scathing rebuttal of the government’s sluggish Brexit negotiations. Bremain in Spain, who campaign to protect the rights of expats in Spain say ‘outstanding issues’ still remain. “I can assure you that British citizens in the EU are not celebrating or grateful but more fearful than ever of being thrown under the Brexit bus,” said Sue Wilson, Chair of Bremain in Spain. “We did not anticipate that the EU would recommend moving to phase two of the negotiations at this stage – not when there are so many unresolved citizens’ rights issues.” The rights of British citizens abroad and those of EU residents in the UK were supposed to be one of three separation issues agreed upon before proceeding to phase two, alongside the divorce bill and the Irish and Gibraltarian borders. Bremain say no such guarantees have been given on citizens rights or on the future of Gibraltar’s border and they are not likely to be given as the next stage of Brexit talks begin. “We will continue to fight to protect ourselves in the best way possible, by fighting to remain in the EU,” Wilson added.

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

By Joe Wallen

UNDER SPOTLIGHT: Junta’s leaders

SINGLE IMPLANT

INVESTIGATORS are to be given a further 18 months to probe Spain’s largest ever corruption fraud. A Sevilla court will be allowed to shine a closer spotlight into the workings of the Andalucian authorities, which oversaw the embezzlement of nearly €1 billion of public money. It comes as 22 leading politicians, including two former Junta leaders, went on trial over their involvement in the scandalous ERE case. The group, including ex-leaders Manuel Chaves and Jose Grinan, are accused of swindling €855 million between 2001 and 2010. The largely EU money - which was meant to go to stimulate unemployment and help companies make redundancy payments - was instead syphoned off to give to family and friends. Placed in a series of slush funds - one dubbed appropriately the Reptile Fund - the money was

IMPLANT BRIDGE

But courts to get another 18 months to probe the ERE case...Spain’s biggest public money scandal

frequently used to pay off rivals and buy favours. In one of the worst cases, the former minister is said to have spent nearly €1 million on drugs and prostitutes with his socalled ‘cocaine chauffeur’.

Shiver Now, Judge Maria Nunez Bolanos is being given more time to analyse numerous incriminating documents that have been seized so far in the investigation. Junta chief between 1990 to 2009, Chaves’ lawyer called for the acquittal of all charges, saying he ‘knew nothing of the the alleged irregularities’. This was despite more than €576 million being diverted into illegal slush funds under his leadership between 2001 and 2008.

Griñan’s lawyer also requested an acquittal, with his lawyer saying he ‘never’ intervened in the granting of aid. “My client did not know of the alleged irregular use of public funds, given that it was not within his Treasury Department’. Current PSOE leader Susana Diaz continues to support the pair, saying they did not personally benefit or become rich through the scandal. The case has sent a shiver down the spine of Spain’s PSOE socialist party, which has run the Junta since the 1970s. The investigation has had to be subdivided into multiple cases – one for each company that benefited from an irregular ERE, which is a redundancy payment claim. The trial will resume again on January 9.

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Tree rehabilitation STORM Ana brought chaos to the streets of Malaga as fallen trees blocked off main roads. Malaga town hall has said it will replace up to 9,000 trees that are deemed high risk because their chances of surviving another storm are low. Alameda Principal, known for its long lines of trees, was particularly damaged with only four trees along the whole strip deemed healthy enough. The town hall hopes to replace all ‘high-risk’ trees within the next 25 years. Wind gusts of 100 kilometres per hour resulted in 40 trees being uprooted, with one injuring a 63-year-old woman as emergency services dealt with 100 incidents. Malaga airport also came to a standstill as several flights were cancelled and redirected.

Electric avenue SPAIN’S hybrid vehicle sales have shot up more than 83% from this time last year. According to data from the Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Automobiles and Trucks (Anfac), registrations of hybrid vehicles have risen to 51,079 since the start of the year. Sales of electric vehicles have increased by 78% from the same period last year. In November alone, electric vehicle sales rose by 30%. In total, some 7,486 electric vehicles have been sold so far in 2017.

Sands of tidiness A MASSIVE cleanup is underway to save sand dunes along the Costa del Sol from being ruined by invasive plant species. Malagueña Forestal, the company in charge of the cleanup targeting the dune reserves of Artola-Cabopino, La Adelfa and Rio Real. Rio Real is the worst hit, and Forestal workers are removing canes, weeds, acacia, yucca, agave and castor oil plants in an effort to preserve the dune’s ecosystem.

Pruning

Marbella town hall is spending €22,000 on the weeding and in La Adelfa the team will be pruning 63 pine trees, and 57 broom shrubs while in Artola-Cabopino, canes and acacias will be taken away. “All of these species are invasive and stop the growth of indigenous plants in the dunes,” says environment councillor Manuel Cardena. He also claims that the dunes in Marbella are the ‘only healthy ones in the whole of Malaga province’ and the town hall have made brochures to educates the public about the dunes.

Seed bombs THOUSANDS of seeds hidden in clay composites have been dropped from a helicopter in an effort to repopulate trees in the fire damaged area of Competa. The project, which is the first of its kind in Andalucia, dropped 27,000 seed ‘bombs’ containing over half a million seeds from 30 different species, including pines, carob and lavender. A Guardia Civil helicopter helped distribute the seeds. Malaga environment minister Marina Bravo said: “Rain will help their germination and they will be perfectly preserved in the clay.”

Rain rights THOUSANDS of farmers from three different municipalities hit the streets to protest against water shortages. Farmers from Alicante, Almeria and Murcia demanded more water after a recordbreaking drought and high temperatures have plummeted water supply levels to their lowest levels. Organisers say 20,000 people participated calling for the maximisation of desalination plants, the modernisation of irrigation systems and for fair tariffs to be applied. Greenpeace Espana have echoed these demands and say ‘poor water management’ is to blame, just as much as the lack of rainful.

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DOZENS of Catalan protesters took to 10 Downing Street during a UK visit from Mariano Rajoy yesterday. The protest, organised by the Catalan Defence Committee, demanded the release of the Catalan referendum leaders who remain in jail on charges of sedition and rebellion. Holding up placards saying ‘freedom for political prisoners’ and ‘the streets will always be ours’, the protesters amassed such a large crowd that traffic was diverted from Whitehall.

Our readers react to the news that Spain will declare pets as ‘beings’ and not ‘objects’ in a historic move changing three Spanish laws

Rajoy was forced to enter number 10 through the back door. The turmoil comes after a Spanish supreme court judge ordered the release of six Catalan secessionists. Puigdemont’s deputy Oriol Junqueras and Catalan ex-Interior Minister Joaquim Forn, however, must stay in jail. Puigdemont has been given a lifeline after his European arrest warrant was withdrawn this week to allow Madrid full autonomy into the investigation of what they claim was an illegal independence referendum. .

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The soon-to-be Duchess of Sussex has a love affair with Spain and the Balearics SEE PAGE 3

HANDS OFF OUR LAND!

New sustainable approach to land use will see green areas re-classified By Kirsty Tuxford

A RADICAL new building ban will prevent further erosion of the islands’ valuable green spaces. The Balearic parliament ruling means that land previously classified as ‘urbanizable’, or available for development, will be re-classified if construction has not yet begun. Thanks to a campaign by Més per Mallorca thousands of hectares of rural land will be saved from construction across the islands. The law which comes into force in January will see heavy fines for anyone breaking the rules. “It’s great news for the environment,” said Damia Borras, PSOE deputy leader in Menorca. “It provides transparency and more control mechanisms to combat urban speculation.” At a press conference to celebrate the ruling, MES spokesman Bel Busquets said that in the town of Llucmajor alone some 200 hectares of land would be prevented from being developed. That’s the size of 280 football pitches. She added that the regional authorities were ‘committed to a more sustainable model, which is adapted to the needs of a limited territory that we 15:36 16/06/2017 have to preserve’.

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December 6th - December 19th 2017

The Rock’s original community newspaper

Vol. 3 Issue 59 www.gibraltarolivepress.com December 6th - December 19th 2017

THE new leader of the opposition has promised a radical overhaul to the education system in Gibraltar. In his first in depth interview since being elected GSD leader, Keith Azopardi told the Gibraltar Olive Press about his radical nine-point political plan. Azopardi - who beat Roy Clinton in Thursday’s leadership election - promised to get straight down to business. In particular with the education system. “Not enough is being done for non academic people,” he insisted. “We want more practical opportunities for our youth.” “It is a policy priority, not only to cater for academics but for non-academic youngsters.”

Concern

His comments come after GSD MP Elliott Phillips stated his concern that the current government had created a ‘lost generation’ by pushing too many students into higher education. Lawyer Azopardi takes the subject particularly seriously, with two daughters currently going through Alevels and GCSEs. He admitted it had certainly been ‘a frenetic time’ since becoming leader but was looking forward to the dust settling so he could debate policy with party members. “It’s a great privilege and an honour to lead the GSD and I’m very grateful for the support I have received,” said Azopardi, who won Continues on Page 4

G V Ain’t No Mountain High Enough ...

By Laurence Dollimore

round of Brexit negotiations. It comes after a bitter row over whether to allow Northern Ireland to stay in the EU threatened to put a spanner in the works. Now after Wales, Scotland and even London suggested they could have separate trading deals, leader Fabian Picardo warned the UK not to overlook them as wrangling over trade talks goes to the wire ahead of a crunch EU summit in 10 days.

ST FIRPIC

The

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

All about

Vol. 3

Issue 59

uadalhorce December

December

6th - December

alley

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6th - December

19th 2017

June 26

- July

1111 9 2014

19th 2017

… but the peerless of the Sierra peaks could make de las Nieves you dinner, writes ... late for

STUNNING: Alhaurin front of and (left) the soon-to-be Yunquera declared in

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National INDING Park the top a red telephone makes of a Spanish box (below) you question mountain at left home peak whether It’s a talking at all. you really ro de Hijar, point in one of thethe courtyard hotels, of the CerBut as although you country’s most can’t phone isolated cleavagethe clouds part of the and the home on it. itself, I Guadalhorce deep green missing. realise what home hasValley reveals But don’t always just take been tional government my word The Sierra agrees. for it. Spain’s to become de las Nieves naMalaga’s is currently only the first third in on track Parts have Andalucia.national park….and 1989 and had natural its heartlandpark protection is a UNESCO since reserve biosphere is set to but now its status Largely soar. tourists, untouched despite by connections its close to it is a quick, the coast, way to spend hassle-free a weekend. The park’s biodiversity, wealth of the celebrated including fir trees, Pinsaop ibex and populations, are key otter ponents coveted of its bid forcomtitle. the Approaching be new this wouldal park kid on the nationblock, it go through is best mountain Tolox, back to door to range. If Coin this incredible Nieves, sits at the foot of the At this then Tolox is Sierra the toenail. de las dimplestime of the year, the trees green andburned into are auburn an otherwise tres, there’swith the highest seamless plenty to peak But with go round. at 2,000 meresting eight municipalities a tough your head after to choice. long dayschoose from, One place walk can the centre that is off be the grid With arab of authentic but Spain is very much in tre of town,archways running Alozaina. it is a firm reaching through the At the top the Moors were.reminder of how cenis the Iglesia church farDe Santa the side.with a Romanesque Ana, a small ing at a Inside, three tower glued cross. Catholic onto After spending women sit starand a beer €3 on bread, at Bar de Barman Olivo, I fried squid tapas Hector will change felt good. Santos in mid-2018.if national thinks the park status whole area is granted

Full story on accused Carolina Lishman killer on page 4

ForgEt mE not! Continues

Picardo hits out at Theresa May in Brexit blast GIBRALTAR’S leader has blasted Theresa May and Brussels for forgetting the territory during the latest

on Page

Frontier

The Chief Minister said: “We can’t forget that thousands of people will need to be able to continue to freely cross the frontier between Gibraltar and Spain after Brexit — it’s not all about the border with Ireland! “The Gibraltar frontier affects families, tourists, businesses and workers. “It has to continue to work without Madrid or Brussels bureaucrats putting unnecessary obstacles in people's way to punish us for Brexit. “And this matters as much to Gibraltarians and Brits as it matters to Spaniards and other Europeans.” In the furious broadside,

he also took a pop at Spain, adding: “13,000 Spanish residents work in Gibraltar every day - and many kids come into Gibraltar for private schools here too! "We musn't let stale Spanish

or European politics get in their way." It comes after Prime Minister May came up with a breakthrough plan to allow Northern Ireland to remain in the EU, while the UK left,

as she met with EU negotiators in Brussels on Monday. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted staying in the EU was the ‘right solution’ for Northern Ireland, but added that she saw ‘no

good practical reason’ why other regions couldn’t stay in. London mayor Sadiq Khan joined in, insisting there would be ‘huge ramifications for London’ if it could stay in the single market and customs union after Brexit. “Londoners overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU and a similar deal here could protect tens of thousands of jobs.” Picardo agreed with the leaders, saying: “If differentiated solutions are a possibility, they should be a possibility for each of the relevant nations, Gibraltar included.” Some 96% of Gibraltarians voted Remain last year. Sadly the DUP and Northern Ireland assembly opposed the plan, putting a spanner in the works insisting the party had not been properly consulted. High level negotiations are set to continue all week.

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THE former Spanish foreign minister has claimed ‘Gibraltar may be Spanish in four years’. José Manuel García-Margallo made the claim during a private interview with members of the Andalucian Management Club. He believes a drop in living standards will occur when Gibraltar leaves the EU, making Gibraltarians more sympathet- ic to an allegiance switch. “This is an opportunity that we have not had since 1700 and the Treaty of Utrecht, since at the same time that the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, so does Gibraltar,” he said. “A bilateral negotiation must be established between Spain and Great Britain. “Staying outside the EU and not being able to access the European market would affect their standard of living, giving us the upper hand in any negotiations.”

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

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018

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Lonelines is a subject that is close to my heart. I have written about it before so I was interested to read about a report published by the Jo Cox Commission on the subject. You may remember that Jo Cox was the Labour MP who was murdered over a year ago and she started this investigation well before her untimely death. Age Concern Fuengirola y Mijas have been focused on loneliness for years. In the UK 9 million people suffer from loneliness, which is said to be more damaging smoking 15 cigathan obesity or rettes a day. Here in Fuengirola and Mijas, the sun, sea and tapas bars mask a similar problem. Our three drop in centres are more like family gatherings and now see around 100 clients each week and the number is growing. We know that clients enjoy the atmosphere whenever they enter one of our social clubs. They are always inviting places where you can relax chatting with old friends and make new ones. We can't sort out the problems of the world but we can make inroads into fighting loneliness with friends. Sometimes it is caused by distance but more commonly it is the passing of a loved one. Whatever the reason the effect is the same. We know, we understand and we can help if you´ll let us. Pick up the phone and ring our LIFELINE on 652537615, open weekdays from 10.0017.00.

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olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs Pening it down BE ‘APPY!

Do you have a what’s on?

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Send your informati on to newsdesk@theolivep ress.es

what’s on

Santa run MORE than 7,000 Santa Clauses have run through Madrid in a charity race for cancer research. Sacrificing comfort for a good cause, racegoers donned red robes, Santa hats and billowing white beards to run five kilometres along Madrid's Paseo del Prado and Castellana avenues.

A BRITISH expat has published her first book after spending a year travelling the globe meeting women from all walks of life. Author D.D. Nonny says the skeleton of Unpenned remains autobiographical but and is Download our app now SANTA CLAUS: On the move filled with theenjoying storiesthe of best people begin Spanish she met travelling during a year news on the go. long hiatus from work. “The female characters in Unpenned were inspired by the people I met,” she told the Olive Press. “In the first Press two The Olive weeks of leaving TOP for news infor Spain! the UK a year of travelling I decided I was never going back.” The 44-year-old qualified as a teacher in Vancouver, Canada THE Three Kings have cerduring her travels, and is now tainly come early for Mallorca working as a teacher at a private this year. English academy in Medina Police divers have managed to retrieve two stunning hauls of Sidonia, Cadiz. She has been visiting Spain Roman antiquities from the since the 1980s, and says ‘Spain bottom of the sea this month, floor to the north of the island. The anchor comes from a Rois like a second home for me’, potentially worth millions. before continuing, ‘I realised The Guardia Civil’s underwa- man galleon that is believed that there was more to life than ter team (GEAS) were particu- to have sunk in the Marina de London’. The book is now avail- larly ecstatic after they man- Llevant nature reserve around able on Kindle and paperback aged to retrieve a priceless 100AD. The Consell de MalRoman treasure from the sea- lorca’s department of heritage for £6.99.

Children also took part, many dressing in green robes and elf hats in what organisers claim was the largest Santa-themed race in the world. Part of the entry-fee paid by each racegoer will be donated to cancer research nonprofit Fundacion Intheos.

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authorised the recovery and will now decide how best to display it. The find came almost a week after police seized 42 historic archaeological pieces also found underwater off Mallorca and Ibiza.

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THE Martín Carpena Sports Arena, in Malaga, will play host to Euroleague Basketball game Unicaja CB v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on December 22.

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FLAMENCO artists share their passion for the Andalucian tradition at Felipe VI Auditorium, in Estepona on December 21 and 28.

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TOP Queen tribute - Queenie - is performing at Malaga’s Cervantes Theatre on December 27.

Historic underwater finds are a rare early Christmas present for the Balearics

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018 December 20th - January 3rd 2018

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD: Christmas delicacies in all their historical might from English traditions to Spanish homemade alternatives

SWEET TREATS: Andalucia’s own

Feliz navidad C HRISTMAS dinner for Brits means Brussel sprouts, pigs in blankets and a stuffed (and hopefully not-too-dry) turkey taking pride of place at the

feast. Bon viveur Henry VIII allegedly talked us into turkey in the 16th century, as the first English monarch to choose it for the festive occasion at court. Hitherto, roast peacock or swan

How to cook a merry Spanish Christmas. Writes Aleesha Hansel

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We speak English, Spanish and Scandinavian

Dr. Sacha Miller-Wojtan

who have adopted our turkey tradition prefer a much fruitier affair involving prunes, raisins and apples. So what else do the Spanish do differently? Christmas Eve, not December 25, is the big event when family and friends get together to eat. Known as ‘Nochebuena’ - literally ‘good night’ - the feast starts in the evening and lasts for several hours, after which everyone goes out … to the bar, to the disco, to midnight mass... In Andalucia where the sea laps the doorstep, fish start the celebrations off with a splash. Think langostinos, prawns and sopa de pescado y marisco (fish and shellfish soup) for starters. If fish isn’t your dish, Picadillo soup with noodles, ham, boiled egg and fried bread cubes is a tasty traditional alternative. Nibbles in between courses often come in the form of huevos rellenos, boiled eggs stuffed with potato salad, seafood or tuna, creatively presented in festive shapes. While a Christmas turkey is no longer unheard of in Spanish homes, more traditional mains are A Christmas roast lamb or turkey is no longer Rioja-style salt cod. unheard of in For the cod, Spanish homes three days of soaking and three water changes are required to remove the salt before cooking it with the key ingredient of the dish: dried red choricero peppers. Grown in northern regions of Spain and air-dried to preserve their flavour, the pepper gives the fish a sweet and tangy taste. Around an hour prior to cooking, the dried peppers must be placed into a jar of water to rehydrate, after which the inner flesh is used and the papery skin disgarded. If that sounds like too much work, never fear as most local shops sell it pre-prepped ready for cooking. Orginating in Estepa, Andalucia, the crumbly cakes called mantecados and polvorones are served up for the sweet course. Mantecados are typically made with lard (manteca) while polvorones get their name from their powdery (powder - polvo) texture. Turrón, an almond nougat, is another firm favourite, as you may have noticed from the mountain of boxes taking over your local supermarket. The oldest written recipe dates from the 16th century Manual de Mujeres (Women’s Handbook). Made with honey, sugar and egg white in brittle and chewy versions, both are thought to have come from a Muslim recipe brought to Islamic Spain, called turun.

KING SIZED: Henry loved his food

LIGHT DELIGHTS: Perfect nibbles

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DEAR EXPATS IN SPAIN

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018 December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Fuengirola

Malaga

The days before Christmas Eve are celebrated across the Costa with nativity contests. One of the most well known events is held in Fuengirola. Many residents will dedicate an entire room or their whole garage to a nativity scene. Preparation can sometimes begin months before. Each year, the town designs a route with signs to guide anyone who wants to visit each scene.

One of the most popular in the whole province, the capital’s market runs from November 24 to January 7 at Pier One in the port. Visitors can decorate nativity scenes, shepherd costumes, tambourines and sweets, alongside necklaces, rings and earrings handmade with love for a Christmas gift for that special someone.

Three Kings

Estepona

Santa Claus came early and the centre of town is abuzz with Christmas atmosphere. Choral carol concerts, nativity scenes, and Christmas sweets contest are among this year’s holiday happenings. The huge Christmas market runs until January 5.

Festive map

The highlight of the festivities in Spain, and when many children receive their main Christmas presents, everything stops for Three Kings on January 5. The street parades or ‘cabalgatas’ are huge spectacles featuring ingenious floats and fabulous costumes and the biggest are broadcast live on Spanish television. Naturally, Spain’s capital hosts one of the biggest, with 100,000 people spilling into the streets of Madrid including thousands of expectant children eager to catch the sweets thrown into the crowd with the magi. Locally, this year, they’ve ditched the camels and horses and will arrive in San Pedro and Marbella by helicopter. The parades all start around 4-6pm and last for a few hours.

Our top picks for things to do on the Costa del Sol this season. Writes Laurence Dollimore

HERE’S nothing like a Christmas Market to kindle the heartwarming spirit of Christmas. And on the Costa del Sol, locals and expats are spoiled for choice, with festive al

fresco stalls doing a roaring trade in gorgeous gifts and tempting local delicacies throughout the region. But the fun doesn’t stop there. A whole calendar of seasonal activities are set

to keep everyone aglow with goodwill from Nochebuena to Three Kings Day on January 6. Check out our Christmas map to plan out your own holiday celebrations.

San Pedro

Some 12 metres in diameter, a giant festive bauble has been stopping the traffic on Marques del Duero street. Containing 70,000 LED lights, the ornament is designed to ‘compensate for the ugliness of the current works being carried out’, according to Mayor Rafael Piña. The aluminium ball, according to Piña, ‘will be the great attraction of Christmas in San Pedro and we hope it will help encourage shopping, commerce and local businesses.’ The ornament will take centre stage at an audiovisual show with sounds provided by Miguel Ríos’ Anthem of Joy and Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas is You, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m respectively.

Christmas can be the most dangerous season, according to Villa Paradis THE festive period is here again, with a full diary of Christmas events and office parties. The time of year when you can let your hair down, speak freely and simply blame the alcohol. But do we actually take a moment to think of the bigger picture and do we really understand the risks and damaging affect this period can have on your health and well being? Do we support friends and work colleagues who may struggle at this festive period? Ask yourself would you wish any of the below on anyone? Alcohol-related hospital admissions can skyrocket over Christmas, when excessive drinking costs health services in the western world millions. In the UK alone, an estimated 1.8 million married couples and cohabiting partners will consider splitting up, with drunk-fuelled rows often finally bringing things to a head. An average of 30,000 people die each year from alcohol misuse-related illnesses and incidents, with many of these fatalities occurring between mid-December and early January. Interestingly, 3.18pm on Christmas Day is the specific time when the majority of family drink-driven arguments start behind the front doors of Britain, proving that alcohol-related incidents are not solely night-time events!

Think-mas! Extreme alcohol consumption (and related behaviour) makes Christmas a time when domestic abuse peaks; this can be both physical and emotional abuse committed by both sexes

New Year’s Eve Every village, town and city in Spain holds its own NYE celebrations, usually in the main square, garnished with live music, rivers of Cava and ‘lucky grapes’ at midnight. In Malaga, thousands will gather at the Plaza de la Constitucion, where some 3,000 bags of grapes and 2,000 cotillions (party bags) will be handed out between 22.30 and 23.45. The Cruise Orchestra will also be performing for what guarantees to be the biggest night of the year. The biggest parties will take place at the following hotspots: Malaga: Parque de la Constitución (Constitution Park) Torremolinos: Plaza de la Nogalera (Nogalera Square) Benalmádena: Plaza de la Mezquita (Mosque’s Square) Fuengirola: Plaza de España (Spain Square) Marbella: Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Square)

According to the Association of Chief Police Officers, drink(and drug) driving arrests over Christmas and New Year in 2017 amounted to more than 7,000 across England alone. That is 7000+ potentially deadly law-breaking acts in about a fortnight That last statistic is particularly alarming, isn't it? With the celebrations seeming to start earlier and earlier each year, police forces everywhere are now forced to launch and enforce month-long drink-driving monitoring campaigns (which often extend into early January, when New Year revelry can sometimes last an entire week). Make this Christmas one to remember and celebrate it responsibly with your loved ones. Always think of the people who might be struggling and offer them support. Maybe give them the gift of recovery and support them to begin their journey. If you feel that you, a friend or loved one are affected by any of these issues please do not hesitate to reach out to us for support. Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week including over the festive period. Call our helpline on freephone number 0808 1646848 or +34 689 806769. Email info@villaparadisospain.com All calls and emails are completely confidential.

S A Sierra Nevada

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ierra Nevada

Creche course Vol. 12 Issue 281

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+34 958 481 170 +34 675 470 669 www.alquileressierranevada.es

December 20th- January 3rd 2018

HE doesn’t know how lucky he is, with the mountains on his doorstep,” says friendly expat Clive Jones, referring to his four-year-old son, as the Emile Allais ski lift takes us skyward, soaring above slaloming skiers zig-zagging down the pistes in colourful outfits. The little boy stares unblinkingly down, as if wrestling with this thought, before piping up: ‘Daddy why are your skis bigger than mine?’ Fearless and icicle cool, the high adrenalin experience is easily accessible fun-filled day in the snow for this intrepid tot. Mum and dad have bucked the parental trend of dropping junior off at ski school and are teaching him the ropes of the slopes themselves. The smiles on their faces probably have something to do with leaving the Welsh countryside behind to live and work in the sunnier pastures of Aguilas in Murcia, under three hours away from Spain’s premier ski resort. I met the family on a gondola out of Pradollano towards the transport nexus of Borreguiles. Continues on next page

Photo by Telemark

The Sierra Nevada has all the white stuff for a winter wonderland getaway, writes Jed Neill (right)

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From Page 17

Just 10 minutes above Granada’s famous skiing resort, from here the mountain is your oyster, snow milling with 107 kilometres of pistes, nine distinctive areas to ski and a network of 124 runs coursing through it like capillaries. They are the lifeblood of the resort. And with 19 green runs, 41 blues, 50 reds, and seven blacks, you can be comfortable in the knowledge there is never a wrong turn, just a new adventure. Two runs from Borreguiles through the Rio Monachil valley stay open at night, so no need to neck your drink and rush down after the other lifts close at 5pm. With close transfer links to Granada airport and just two hours from the Costa del Sol, you can be on the mountains, togged up and with beer in hand, long before the last order bell rings out, which explains Europe’s most why it’s busy at weekends. southerly ski But young famiresort shares lies who prefer less traffic on Andalucia’s the slopes have sunshine record an entire park to themselves in Mirlo Blanco, equipped with magic carpets, toboggan ramps and gentle runs for novices and nippers to tackle. Europe’s most southerly ski resort shares Andalucia’s enviable sunshine record. And there is nothing more amazing than standing in the white stuff and looking down on the coastline and beaches below. But at Veleta, the resort’s highest point peaking at 3,398 metres, the wind is screaming over like a frothy broth, and I quickly realise I should have packed an extra jumper and perhaps my long johns. On a clear day you can clearly see the outline of Morocco, as well as over 100kms to Ronda and Almeria. But on my day to visit, it’s a bit overcast and the clouds appear to have taken hostage of the Spanish landscape, blanketing the hustle and bustle below

Ski central in white mist. After an exhilarating run down through the clouds, I arrive in Plaza de Pradollano, terra firma for the hungry and thirsty. Trendy bars and restaurants crowd round this buzzing square and on a various streets around it. This is the après ski centre of attraction as well as the commercial hub of the resort, which is run by

Cetursa, an offshoot of the Junta. If you are in need of a ski pass, Carmen at the reservations centre will fix you up. In high season, prices top out at €48 for an adult, €44 for a juvenile and €35 for a child. Carmen, 42, has been with Cetursa for 14 seasons and knows why people keep coming back. “Everything about it just works, the snow, the sun

and the people make it unforgettable,” she says. In her job since 2003, she is used to welcoming visitors in a variety of languages thanks to the resorts cosmopolitan clientele ... Spanish mainly but also many Brits, Dutch, Germans and even Americans. In fact she thinks ‘everyone who has a bit of spare time should come and get lost for the weekend’. The Sierra Nevada gained international acclaim

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STUNNING: The mountains offer amazing views and (far right) Rocio serves up food at Casablanca

Don’t boob this one

Photos by Telemark

A COLLECTION of Sierra Nevada’s bravest and silliest thrill seekers rush down the mountain in swimsuits for the last day of the season. Next year, the V Bajada Swim, will start at Borreguiles where participants hand in their clothes to take to the slopes into Pradollano where drinks and hedonism awaits. Budding nudists also get a discounted ski pass if they sign up to the official page. However, space is limited to 500 people and prizes are given to the best and most outrageous outfits.

when it hosted the 1996 world ski championships and interest has been growing ever since. Today a band is playing an open air concert to usher in the start of the new season, with Spanish pop music booming out in the late afternoon sun. Mothers are dragging their apprehensive children into the mix while the Sierra Nevada Observatory points telescopic fingers into the air, as if joining in with the merry dancers who’ve swapped their blades for snow boots. What’s more, this atmosphere can be enjoyed at bargain basement rates. I was able to hire skis, clothes, gloves and a helmet for €30 a day. And if I had stayed for longer the price would have come down. Juan Garcia, 31, joined the ski rental company Masim nine weeks ago and there’s little he doesn’t know about snow sports. Skiing runs in his blood – his grandfather started at 16 and didn’t hang up his blades until he was 80 – but Garcia got turned onto snowboarding 15 years ago by ‘The Birdman’ Tony Hawk. His girlfriend prefers skis. ‘We are rivals when it comes to the slopes,’ he laughs. Garcia thinks February is the best month to visit, mentioning the Young Blood Slopestyle Trophy. Held from February 9 to 10 in 2018, it pits teenager against teenager to see who can pull off the best trick. Then, from March 17-18 it’s the pros turn at the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Championships. Held at Sulayr Terrain Park, the testing course includes 110 different ramps and rails, the largest skijump in Europe and the biggest half pipe in Spain. For those who enjoy a challenge outside competitive spectacles, the Loma Dilar area contains five of the

resort’s seven black runs, weaving through spectacular scenery, When the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, the entire resort is illuminated in a dome of pastel colour, Spain’s remake of the Aurora Australis. And with a two-man chair lift taking you direct from the town centre to the very top of the resort, and all the various accomodation options, you don’t have to tramp for miles burdened under the weight of your ski equipment. But it’s hungry work and after a day on the slopes, a proper meal is in order to fuel up for the following day’s exertions. At night, ski clothes double as evening wear for the mostly Spanish (around 80%) visitors who fill the bars and restaurants. Establishments here carry on the great Granada tradition of free tapas with a drink, which makes Pradollano perfect pub crawl territory. The vibe is unpretentious and rugged, a far cry (happily) from your chic Courchevels and chichi Val d’Iseres. But the shops could certainly be described as ‘haute’ couture, perched at 2,100 metres - only 200 metres less than Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe. The altitude does not limit the choice of food which is totally international. Don’t miss Tito Tapas, or any of its near neighbours, such as Braseria, which recently opened. I chatted to barmaid Rocio at Casablanca. She is starting her first season here and has already fallen under the Sierra Nevada’s spell. “The climate is the best because we still get sunny days, which makes it possible to enjoy the snow and the skiing while also enjoying the

Festive fun MAGICAL: Three kings trudge up the slopes on January 5

he resort is one of the most festive places to be in Spain, and the Spaniards know it, as they arrive 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. Meanwhile ‘nochevieja’, or New Year’s Eve, where massive screens show the countdown in Madrid’s iconic Puerta del Sol, with grapes galore, is a riot. For the eve of the Reyes

on Jan 5 the three kings duly arrive on skis. Kids will love it. Carnival, from February 6-14, also sees a mass arrival for the fancy dress competition, snow-sport contests and spectacles from Granada University.

temperature,”enthuses the 25-year-old. She finds Christmas the most magical time, thanks to the festive ambience and all-night parties. But many nights, La Chimenea, and Hipodromo are busy with revellers until the early hours. With Christmas just round the corner, a day in the glittery Sierra Nevada will get you in the mood and, despite all that sunshine, there’s no worry it won’t be a white one. With 44 snow cannons keeping the going soft and powdery, there is never a bad time to slope off on the piste here!

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Sierra Nevada

Plastic mountain

BLOWING UP: Efforts to clean up

A RECYCLING project has been launched in the Sierra Nevada Ski Station in an effort to rid the mountain of plastic. Some 90 shops, hotels and restaurants have joined in the initiative which is encouraging commercial outlets to segregate their waste, just as businesses on the coast do. To that end, participating establishments have been supplied with more than 130 buckets and waste bins to help them keep the Sierra Nevada clean and green, and 40 adapted containers have been installed close by at street level, helping them to comply. Each business has been given a key to their nearest adapted container, designed to ‘greatly facilitate the deposit of previously separated waste’. Meanwhile a huge yellow blow up cup is encouraging children to conserve water.

The slopes fit for a king EVEN Spain’s royal family can’t resist a skiing session on these beautiful slopes. Despite having the means to splash out on more expensive resorts, the

family have chosen time and time again somewhere closer to home for their family’s snowy adventures. This year King Felipe VI accepted the honorary presidency of the World Championships at the resort. He followed in the footsteps of his father, IT is a classic family business. Juan Carlos I, Jose Antonio Lopez and his wife Montse are often joined by their two who held the children at weekends when the resort gets busy. same honorBut thankfully it’s not too far, the family living in nearby La Zubia, just ary position at the foot of the slopes. for the World In an excellent location, their shop Skisol has some of the best quality skis Alpine Ski of and snowboards to rent and customer 1996. service is the key to its success. Other Span“We always put the customer first and ish household have plenty of returning business,” exnames known plains Jose Antonio, who has been rentto visit the ing out skis in the Sierra Nevada for 35 slopes include years. bullfighting Best of all, the prices have not gone up brothers Fran for a decade.w and Cayetano “And we don’t just rent out any old Rivera, who equipment… we buy at least 50 new like to unwind pairs of boots alone each season,” he at La Bodeguiadds. ta and La TinaEXPERIENCED: Jose ja for a taste Visit www.skisol.es or call Antonio and Montse of apres ski. 958 48 08 57

Customer is king

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SMALL ACORN: First bar

The Funes family opened the Gondolas bar and shop two decades ago and now have half a dozen business

Healthy growth

OMING together for Christmas is what families are all about. And the Funes’ know this more than anyone, building one of the Sierra Nevada’s most dynamic and bustling businesses. Under the parent name of Las Gondolas, they have a supermarket, ski hire company, a school and three restaurants in the resort of Pradollano. The Argentinian family all run their part, with the three children Lorena, 40, Gonzalo, 38 and Luciano, 36, primarily doing the daily graft. It was their father who brought them over from Argentina two decades ago, wanting to come back to his natural home of Granada (he was born nearby in Lanjaron). They had run a supermarket in south America, so it was perhaps natural that their first business in the Sierra Nevada was a similar

December 21st - January 3rd 2017

RENTAL & SCHOOL

SKI & SNOWBOARD

www.alquilerlasgondolas.com

BIG BEEF: Gonzalo at Muralla while Luciano (right) with employee at Las Gondolas type of shop. It did so well, they had soon opened a bar and restaurant next door, before expanding across the street with a ski rental business. To this, they have now added a ski school - run by Luciano’s girlfriend Simone, a super friendly Austrian - as well as two more restaurants, the celebrated La Muralla and Entrecopas. Together they have become a force of nature in situ with Sierra’s stunning scenery. “The key to our success is quality and excellent service and we bend over

backwards to help our clients,” explains Gonzalo, who takes particularly pride in the amazing steaks on offer at his main restaurant La Muralla.

Plaza Pradollano, Edif. Telecabina · Information and Reservations: 657 454 448 Email: lasgondolasrentalschool@gmail.com

Las Murallas RESTAURANTE

ESPECIALIDAD IN CARNES A LA BRASA

And This year we incorporate

Music · Food & Aprés Ski

our new gastro bar...

Las Murallas Restaurante, Sierra Nevada

Tel: +34 677 41 33 31 Calle Virgen de las Nieves, 18196, Granada

Plaza Pradollano, Edif. Genciana · Frente Telesilla Parador · Tel. 675 825 756

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Blighty United

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

It’s two decades since intrepid expats Giles Birch and Jonathan Buzzard started working in the Sierra Nevada, writes Jon Clarke

ANT to find the cream of Brit- had been told that Crescendo was the ish skiing talent in the Sierra place to find the Brits and the reps-inNevada? the know,” he recalls. Well look no further than “Next thing in walks Jonathan with just seminal Crescendo bar at the foot of the the right attitude and he was soon helpslopes, where Jonathan Buzzard and ing me deal with the three to four flights Giles Birch met over we regularly dealt two decades ago. with on a Sunday.” This is their second The pair are still office and where you working together, will find them propcollectively running ping up the bar after the extremely suca hard day’s teachcessful British Ski ing on the slopes, Center from their which they know like base near the rea fox in a fox hole. sort. Step back to 1996, a Great mates, they boom time in Spain, both now teach, as and Giles was lookwell as sort out holiing for the ideal days for hundreds transport rep to help of clients each year. him grow his travel LONG TERM: Giles and Jonathan “Of course things business, working are completely with the likes of different to back Neilson Ski alongside First Choice and then,” explains Jonathan, who lived in Thompsons, that had just launched in Marbella in the golden years before it Granada. was ruined by corrupt leader Jesus Gil. Jonathan had all the right traits with “Sierra Nevada used to see in thouhis long flashers mac, ‘big hair’ and a sands of foreigners every week, but affriendly, outgoing persona. ter a couple of dry years in the 1980s “I had no idea what was going on but the resort’s reputation suffered badly

ON AND OFF THE SLOPES: Team in the bar and on their skis and things all began to change. “Luckily the snow came back, albeit not yet this year, but these days it is all independent travellers and the agencies have all but disappeared.” Of course there have been some bad years such as 1995 when Jonathan recalls cycling up Borreguiles run on a mountain bike in shorts on Christmas Day.This year however, is one of the best. “But generally it is as good as most

other international resort and the range of skiing and schools is hard to beat,” explains Giles, who is now in his benchmark 21st season in Granada. Since arriving he has married (a Portuguese girl), had three children and taught literally hundreds of clients. So what makes the Sierra Nevada so special, according to him? One aspect is the length of the season. We start in late November and stay

open until early May while other resorts don’t open until mid December and end their season in April.” This is partly due to the resort's altitude and the quality of the snow which is constantly worked on during the night. “That’s why you’ll never see slush even in the latter part of the season.” he adds. Visit www.britishskicenter.co.uk for more info.

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Snow bound

ROADBLOCK: While some years - such as 1995 - there was almost no snow - other years were legendary and it took weeks to carve a route in

HAT was once an isolated farming region in the back garden of the Alhambra Palace has changed beyond recognition. The Sierra Nevada has long played an important role in Spanish history, its natural barrier marking the border between the Roman provinces of Hispania and Taraconense. The ski resort has a more unusual tale to tell. The idea of turning it into a winter sports resort was first floated in the 19th century by the Spanish consul to Helsinki, Angel Ganivet.

The Sierra Nevada ski station turns 120 Ganivet, who was born in Granada, suggested that a ‘Finnish Granada’ should be created to rival the sporting traditions of his homeland. In 1898, a group called Diez Amigos Limited (Ten Friends Limited) was formed, made up of writers and artists seeking inspiration in the mountains and thrills speeding down them on two planks of wood. They later changed their name to Sociedad Sierra Nevada, Spain’s third

oldest club, and built the mountain’s first refuge in 1912. Soon after, in 1914, Spain’s National Sport Week was celebrated there. In 1920 a road was built between Granada and the Sierra Nevada and by 1964, Cetursa was founded to run the resort. However, it was not until 1996 with the World Alpine Ski Championships that the resort gained international acclaim, becoming a Spanish National Park in 1999. In 2010, the World Freestyle Cup diversified the resort’s portfolio again, putting it on par with Alpine resorts.

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We’re flying The Sierra Nevada is fast becoming a natural haven for Spain’s top snowboarders

LOCAL PRO: Jesus at South Star shop

L ‘Your snowboarding centre in the Sierra Nevada'

OCALS boast of its cream snow. So it is no wonder the Sierra Nevada is a Mecca for thrill-seeking snowboarders, who come in their droves to take advantage of a soft and sumptuous ride. For beginners and experts alike, Spain’s highest resort is a glorious setting. With its stunning scenery and top-class facilities, it was no surprise that it won the bid to host the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships this year. One of the best places to catch the top riders in action is at SuperPark Sulayr, Europe’s largest freestyle snowboard park. Sitting at an altitude of 2,700 metres on Borreguiles, the famed snowboarding park houses the country’s biggest permanent half-pipe. Measuring an astonishing 165 metres in length

'Lessons, gear, advice and tips’ Plaza de Pradollano 3 y Plaza Andalucía Edificio Salvia, local 16 · Granada

Tel. 958 48 07 31 WHAT A CARVE UP: At the largest half pipe in Spain

with a height of six metres, the special de flattens the snow on the side of the half-pip boarders can jump on both sides. Rookies will also find a place to carve their n in the resort, thanks to the gentle gradien central station, Borreguiles. Here, lifts deposit snowboarders on a smooth well-groomed area where they can hone their s Many professional snowboarders class Sierra vada as their home and a few shops speci just in snowboarding. These include South Star, where Jesus and brother juggles their passion for the snow running their own shop. “It’s a fantastic place for snowboarders, one o best in Spain, if not Europe,” he explains. “It grown loads over the last few years and we always busy.”

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018

MECCA: For snowboarders across Europe

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Telemark has been catering for families and adventurers on the snow since 1989, writes Jon Clarke

W T

HERE are not many inches of the Sierra Nevada that Luis Casanova and partner Jesus Fernandez don’t

know. Be it hiking, biking, cross country or offpiste skiing, they have slipped, slided or skidded down the lot for the last three decades. Celebrated for their famous off-piste mountain adventures that last from a morning to two days, they are perhaps the most experienced and wisest pair in the Sierra Nevada. But their ski and snowboard school, set up in 1989, is now focusing very

hite orld

much on families and children. “We have realised that our knowledge and know-how is perfect for families who want the perfect personal one to one skiing break,” explains Casanova, who spends half the year in the resort and the other half in Africa. The company also still runs amazing wilderness trips that literally end up in another world... the charming cobbled villages of the Genil valley, in the Alpujarras. These one or two-day adventures take you through deep off-piste snow onto narrow mountain tracks. “We try to put an emphasis on ecol-

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Sking is for all ages and the Telemark team are famous for looking after all ages ogy and nature and it is impressive who don’t fancy risking life and limb to see the typically old farmhouses on the pistes, is to have a day of crossin the area and how little they have country skiing on two or three well eschanged,” adds Luis, in perfect Eng- tablished paths around the resort. “It is great fitness and you do get to lish. “It is a real, fun adventure, something enjoy the fabulous views and nature at the same time,” he adds. you will not forget. “Best of all, a team of mules ends up The company can also help organise helping to bring your stuff back to Pra- hard-core uphill climbing for mountaineers to a half day soft snow walkdollano,” he adds. The day trip costs just €100 per ing trip with snow rackets. person and includes transport and Contact the team on telemark@ lunch. Another popular pastime for those, telemark.es or call 958 48 11 53.

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December 20th - January 2nd 2018

Dream team PALS: Jose Luis and Juan Angel

HEY are the definitive dream team on the slopes. With over 50 years experience between them, Jose Luis Pascual, 65, and Juan Angel Gallardo, 34, have all the bases covered. The pair, who run Pascual Ski, can organise everything from ski hire to lessons and ski repair to jumping practice. Based out of a shop just 50 yards from the main ski lift, they speak English and have no less than 10 teachers working for them. “But what we do is really look after the clients,” explains Jose Luis, who did his military service at the age of 19 with the so called ‘legion blanca’ in the Pyrenees. “We can do repairs that people might

think are impossible and we take particular care of the boots we rent out.” His partner Juan Angel is one of the top qualified teachers on the slopes and has been competing in freestyle skiing since the age of 12. “I was a national ski trainer and en-

joy nothing more than teaching kids how to do jumps or ski muguls,” he explains. For more information contact them at 958 481048

PASCUAL SKI tu alquiler de Sier ra Neva da

SKI HIRE AND SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL TEAM working on the slopes for FOUR decades

PRIVATE LESSONS two pupils for the price of one! ALL TYPES OF HIRE AND REPAIR of skis, snowboards and boots

Tel: 958 481 048 Plaza Andalucia, s/n, local 8 18193 Sierra Nevada, Granada, España Next to the main cable car (30mts)

www.alquileresquissierranevada.com

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Sierra Nevada

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ll about

WHERE TO EAT

WHERE TO STAY

White out!

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. There are lots of places to stay but easily one of the most charming has got to be the authentic Hotel Kenia Nevada (www. kenianevada.com), 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 and spa, with an in-house masseur, and plenty of communal areas, filled with charming old furniture. 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. Boss Antonio (left) is knowledgeable and friendly. You could also go upmarket and splurge on one of the two wonderful Melia hotels, right in the heart of the resort. The rooms at the Melia Sierra Nevada have been recently renovated and the new Premium rooms have been built on

December 20th -www.theolivepress.es January 3rd 2018

Even fondue!

Sierra Nevada has so much more than raclette and gluvine, writes Jon Clarke (pictured above) with a fondue set

COMFORT: Kenia Nevada and Melia

floors 7 and 8. Meanwhile the nearby Meliá Sol y Nieve hotel offers The Level experience, which is the group’s most exclusive commitment to luxury and personal service.

Tlf: +34 958 17 72 93 Plaza de Andalucía, Edificio Montebajo, Local 1, 18196, Sierra Nevada National Park

T may not be San Sebastian but there’s literally mountains of great places to eat in the Sierra Nevada. Indeed, the sheer variety of restaurants in Pradollano is as good as anywhere in Andalucia… and the quality keeps getting better. Much of this is thanks to a strong influx of foodie restaurateurs in recent years, with the latest offerings including an excellent Italian Al Dente, a new Mar Sala and the excellent Braseria. “You really need to have your specific niche and I really like to do things differently,” Yolanda, from Braseria told me. This certainly rung true when she brought out a delicious starter of thinly sliced foie gras with mango and strawberries and a rocket salad, followed by a churrasco de ternera served with a ripe melon and brown sugar! She has recently opened this trendy joint with partner Jaime, after working for six years at the nearby Nevada Suisse restaurant, and I am ex-

NEW BROOM: Al Dente and (top) at Nevada Suisse pecting great things. But, without a doubt, still leading the way in the creativity stakes is Stevie Silva and his hip young

Tlf: +34 638 58 83 73 Plaza de Andalucía, Edificio Montebajo Local 2, 18196, Sierra Nevada National Park

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018 December 21st - January 3rd 2017

MEAT FEAST: At Braseria team at Ci Vediamo. Along with his girlfriend Luna Coronado, who runs the sala with aplomb, this former professional snowboarder carves it up as well these days in the kitchen. Always on the look out for new dishes it helps that he travels widely each year in the quiet season, including recently Indonesia. One day this boy will earn himself a Michelin star… at the very least a bib gourmand for his wonderful dishes such as uzukuri of turbot with yuzu and kimchee. He now bunches his oriental style delicacies in a separate ‘rebel food’ menu, which changes

No torch to this

AS stalwarts go, few top busy Antorcha, which sits by the Kenia Nevada hotel. Run by Antonio and Maite for a decade, it is a warm and friendly place on a cold evening. Each table gets its own ‘sausage tree’, while the speciality of the house is the ‘hot and spicy platter’ on which you can cook your own rump steaks, up to 400gr.

TEAM: At Antorcha

by the day depending on what he can get at the markets. There are always various cerviches and tartares and his soft crab tempura with winter vegetables is a fantastic one for a cold night. There is also a fabulous dish called ‘tuetano’ basically the sinews from the shinbone of beef, served with stunning fresh prawns. And let’s not forget the ‘gambas pil pil’ hamburgers, the Nero spaghetti with champagne sauce and king prawns, and some of the best pizzas around. Also creative is Tito Tapas, run by long term pals Luis and Javier, who also own two Tito Luigi restaurants in the resort It’s a cool spot with great food and wine and perfectly complements their more traditional restaurants, which are always packed at night, serving up fantastic food, including pizzas, salads and pasta dishes, with my current top pick: the amazing squid-ink spaghetti with prawns. In particular punters love the historic ‘cave’ at the back, which counts dozens of famous guests including the former king. The photos are there to prove it. On the same run - which should be called Foodie Corner - you must also check out La Muralla, run by Argentinian Gonzalo Funes, and appropriately with the best steaks in the resort, not to mention excellent wines by the glass. The ‘tostas’ are also great and come in various guises, while I loved the milhoja of foie gras. He and his brother Luciano now have a stylish new restaurant Entrecopas, almost next door, which is great tapas including gyozas and provolone cheese with spicy peppers. And don’t forget the broth-

La Antorcha · RESTAURANTE ·

Continues on Page 30

“Our speciality, meats on the authentic stone” Edif. Atlas/ Bajo Hotel Kenia . T 958480345/654345117 Sierra Nevada . Granada

THE BOSS: At Vertical

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OFFERING: La Mar Sala and (right) La Visera From Page 29

Foodie feast

ers’ other bustling spot Las Gondalas, right in the heart of the town and perfect for some apres ski light bites, a hot drink or a beer. The cool sounds playing to the terrace attract a cool crowd and you will struggle to find a seat on many days. Just up from here, look out for the amazing Bodega Casablanca run by Jose Carlos Villanueva, who grew up on the slopes, with his father opening one of the first hostals in the 1960s.

The historic photos add to the atmosphere (as does a framed Olive Press article!) and the heart-warming soul food is always excellent, and includes stews, lentils as well as prawns wrapped in potato with a soya mayonnaise and lovely lamb chops with whisker-thin wild asparagus. Newer and really leading the charge food-wise is La Mar Sala, where Carlos has created an ambient spot, perfect for tapas and wines by the

ALWAYS BUSY: At La Muralla

glass. This prime spot by the Melia hotel is normally filled to the rafters and counts on some excellent wines by the glass and the very best seafood from Motril, including boquerones, cigalas and conchas finas. A genuine find. He has also just opened another place on ‘Foodie Corner’ called La Mar del Bueno, which is a very stylish place and promises to be a true winner this winter, with a decent, creative looking menu.

www.labraseriadesierranevada.com Reserves: 622 809 275 Address: c/Virgen de las Nieves, 3 Local 1. Sierra Nevada.

Reserves: +34 695 425 633 www.lafonduedenoa.com

Address: c/ Virgen de las Nieves, 3P29. Sierra Nevada

www.theolivepress.es

December 20th - January 3rd 2018 STEVIE WONDER: Some of the delicious creations from Stevie Silva at Ci Vediamo (pictured right) with Maitre Luna

Another excellent place overlooking the slopes is Tia Maria, which has a good mix of dishes and is a great place for breakfast. Run by Carlos, the brother of Tito Luigi’s Javier, this is an institution and place to while away the day. Next door, you will find perhaps the most scenic place to take lunch in Spain. Recently opened, Al Dente has a superb mix of Italian and Spanish dishes. My tomato, mozarella bruchetta with basil and black olives was original, while I particularly loved the Saltimbocca, which is fillet steak stuffed with ham and with a rich ricotta sauce. There were some delicious ‘niscalo’ mushrooms added for extra measure. Recently opened by a friendly Granada lawyer Antonio, his team are knowlegeable and service is crisp. He also co-owns the well established La Visera next door, along with chef Pepe, who is a very capable chef and always leading the charge in

PALS: Javi and Luis at Tito Luigi (also right)

CASABLANCA: And (left) Entrecopas the kitchen. For coffee, breakfast, and in fact just about everything, Vertical is hard to be beaten and also has a great range of snacks and light bites, including hot dogs for the British clientele. Next door, Bar Ski will not disappoint if you want to have the real mccoy, local Granadino food and banter. This is THE place to hang out and have fun and the owner, Michi, is, as they say in Spanish ‘a crack’. Last, but not least, and if you really still harp for something very traditional… but with a very Alpine twist, head to Nevada Suisse, where Yolanda, who owns Braseria knows how to serve up traditional Swiss fare. This is where you come for a classic fondue and you can have it in half a dozen different ways, a Mexican style called ‘Chingona’ and even a ‘Curry House’ which is bound to be a hit with the Brits.

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intensely sun and snow

family · friends · apreski · night skiing · snowpark · competition winter season

2017-2018

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SPAIN has added 11 new villages to its official ‘Los Pueblos mas Bonitos de España’ list, and four are in Andalucia. The additions will become part of the government sponsored network from January 1 2018. Chosen for their architectural beauty, cultural heritage, traditions and natural environment, only 20% of those who apply are chosen. To qualify for membership, towns must have a population of under 15,000 people. And if they win they can publicise them-

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Flawless four selves as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. Segura de la Sierra in Jaen, Zahara de la Sierra in Cádiz, Bubión in Granada and Almonaster La Real in Huelva all feature.

Top of the props The Olive Press

TOP for news in Spain!

SPAIN has had its best quarter for property sales since the 2008 financial crisis. Some 121,561 units were sold in the third quarter of this year, a 16.7% increase on last year, according to the development ministry. It’s just shy of 2008’s third quarter when 122,949 units were sold. From September 2016 to September 2017, some 516,643 homes were sold, an increase of 15.8% compared to the previous twelve months. All the autonomous communities registered increases in the number of home sales in the third quarter of the year. The highest increases were La Rioja (+ 32.9%), Cantabria (+ 31.9%), Murcia (+ 25.6%) and Andalucia (+ 23.6%). Ceuta and Melilla also registered significant

Spain has officially recovered as property sales match pre-crisis levels

increases (+ 26.3%). Transactions carried out by foreigners resident in Spain experienced year-on-year growth for the twenty-fifth consecutive quarter. Specifically, the increase was 17.6% compared to the third quarter of 2016, totaling 20,257 purchases. Likewise, purchases made by foreigners, both residents and non-residents, reached 24,009 operations, which represents 17.4% of the total. By province, the ones that registered the highest number of sales by foreign residents were Alicante (4,619 operations), Málaga (2,429), Barcelona (1,937), Madrid (1,564), Valencia (1,183) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1,175).

Sales boom ►► Asturias 22.11%, ►► Castilla-La Mancha (+ 21.7%), ►► Catalunya (+ 19.1%), ►► Aragon (+ 18.7%), ►► Valencia (+ 16.8%), ►► Balearic Islands (+ 15.5%), ►► Canary Islands (+ 14.7%), ►► Castilla y León (+ 11.5%), ►► Galicia (+ 10%), ►► Navarra (+9.9) %), ►► Madrid (+ 7.9%), ►► Extremadura (+ 5.7%).

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

MALAGA city and Marbella are benefiting the most from the property recovery, new figures have shown. According to Fomento, in Malaga a total of 5,289 homes were sold up to September this year, up 33% on the same period last year.

Increase

In Marbella, the figure was 3,196, an 8.2% increase. While Estepona sold less homes (2,121), its sales increased the most, by 33.4%. Mijas sold 2,097 units, a 13.1% increase while Benalmádena saw 1,639 more units (+ 5.1%). Fuengirola sold 1,388 homes, a 20.9% increase, while Torremolinos sold 1,332, a 3.8% increase. It is the third consecutive year of strong growth for the Costa. Some 93.9% of sales were second-hand, as new housing is still scarce. Foreign buyers also continued to dominate, accounting for 34.4% of sales in Malaga and 67% in Andalucia.

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018

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Costa del boom

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

The property market has recovered and 2018 is looking good, writes Tancrede de Pola

Back on track

HIS past year has shown just how par with 2006 and 2007. robust Spain’s property market has It’s safe to say the Spanish property market become since the 2008 crash. has officially recovered, with 75,000 new Despite domestic political deadlock homes having been built by the end of this at the beginning of the year, Brexit and the year, a 15% increase on 2016. ongoing Catalunya crisis, sales have in- Assuming there is no political or natural creased nationwide by around 8.6%. disaster, 2018 has an optimistic outlook, Meanwhile, prices are up an average of with a likely strong return of the British 2.4%....The average square market in particular. metre bought in September, Spain’s economy is forefor example, cost €1,331, cast to be one of the fastest It’s safe to say It’s no surprise then, that growing in the Eurozone and mortgage lending has also further direct investment the Spanish risen as negative equity isinto property is continuing property market sues have diminished and, at a steady pace, especially because of the extra liquidby the big US hedge and prihas officially ity retained in the system vate equity funds. recovered due to money-printing by the So if you do decide to invest ECB. next year, remember how In September, the average essential mortgage brokers loan was €163,330, an 4.6% increase on can be in ensuring you avoid hidden fees 2016. and matching you with the right lender, Meanwhile, lending to buy a home went up with the best conditions, thus leveraging by 9.2% while those for commercial and the strong relationships we have built with other properties rose by 1.2%. the banks over many years. It has meant an extremely busy year for us We hope to welcome many new clients over here at the Finance Bureau with lending the next few quarters, and to our existing volumes now, for the last two years, on a clients we wish you 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

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BUSINESS

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Price wars

Malaga hotels +TheolivepressEs

to resist pay BE ‘APPY!increases despite boom in profits TRADE unions in Malaga are set to negotiate higher wages for hotel and restaurant staff. They argue the 78,000 who Download our app now andin the industry deserve work significant begin enjoying the best Spanish salary increases considering the historic highs in news on the go. hotel occupancies and visitor PAY RISE: To lose its fizz amid hotel industry highs in visitor numbers numbers. There were 18.1 million overnight stays between January ZARA’S net profit has surged and October this year and hotel by 6% in the first nine months profits have boomed by at least of this year, its owner has an- 13%. But hoteliers are calling for nounced. Spaniard Armancio Ortega prudence, claiming the cost per in Malaga is higher than The Olive Press said profit from February to worker October stood at €2.34 bil- elsewhere in Spain. It comes after the Balearics just union in Malaga Lola Villalba The current agreement, which ends on December 31. lion, compared TOP to €2.2 for bilnewsincreased in Spain! the wages of their ho- said she wants an agreement has seen fixed wage increases of “We want there to be speed so lion over the same period last wrapped up by the end of the between 0.75% and 1.50% each that the agreement can be ready tel and restaurant staff by 17%. year. year. year over the past four years, in the spring, before Easter. The secretary of the CCOO Sales rose by 10% to €17.9 bil“We think that it is high time for lion. higher wage increases, because It opened new stores in Belarthe profitability of hotels and us this summer and continrestaurants has risen so much ued expanding in all markets, compared to previous years. mostly in Asia. It owns 7,504 “The sector is booming.” ANDALUCIA had the second high- created in the tenth month of the shops in 94 countries, more The level of employment in est rate of business creation in the year, which racked in total capital of than half of them with online tourism has risen 4.4% in just country in October, new figures €432 million euros. stores. one year and is already similar have revealed. Madrid, Andalucia and Catalunya The group was founded in to 2006 and 2007 levels, before Business creation grew by 1.5% na- registered the highest number of 1975 by Amancio Ortega and the financial crisis hit. tionwide compared to the year benew businesses. has become the world’s largWhile the industry put a cap on fore. A total of 1,709 new businesses were est clothes retailer with eight wage increases during the crisis Spain’s Statistical Office (INE) said seen in Madrid, 1,260 in Andalucia brands, including Massimo years, unions say those days are a total of 7,236 new companies were and 1,224 in Catalunya. Dutti, Bershka and Pull & over and a decent rise is needed. Bear.

Passion for fashion

Wage war

Back in business

HIGHER hotel prices are pushing holidaymakers back to rival hotspots like Turkey, a holiday boss has warned. According to TUI group chief executive Fritz Joussen, Turkey and Bulgaria will only benefit if Spain continues to become more expensive. “Our Turkey bookings are up 70% for summer 2018,” Joussen said. “It is our most important destination in summer. “There have been very, very high prices in Spain, and now Turkey is coming back, perhaps it is customers from Spain going to Turkey again. “But prices are coming down a little in Spain so we do have a place in both markets.” Other destinations were benefiting from being outside the Eurozone following the pound’s fall, he added, with TUI making ‘huge investments’ in countries like Croatia and Bulgaria.

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A giant leap forward

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Advertorial

SPECIALIST: Marc Ellul is up on the DLT wave

Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is a big deal for Gibraltar, writes Marc X. Ellul

here is often a stigma attached to Gibraltar saw potential in online gaming those willing to think differently or and proactively promoted, embraced and break the zeitgeist of their time. put a regulatory framework around it so Galileo was heavily persecuted by that it would protect consumers without the Catholic Church for challenging the harming the product. DLT is benefitting view that Earth was at the centre of the from this same approach. solar system. The new DLT Regulatory Framework (the Nikola Tesla was ridiculed for his Alternate “DLT Regulations”) announced in October Current by Thomas Edison, albeit for fi2017, which comes into force in January nancial reasons, and even Einstein’s The2018, offers those “carrying on by way of ory of Relativity was mocked by German business, in or from Gibraltar, the use of physicist and Nobel Prize winner Philipp distributed ledger technology for storing Lenard. or transmitting value belonging to others,” This tells us that believing in and champiaccording to the Financial Services Reguoning something different that may challations of 2017. lenge the status quo will face resistance. This is a legitimacy and security that is not The logic of these challenges or criticisms found elsewhere. often needs little sense or relevance to After two and a half years of research and damage its credibility. planning, once again Gibraltar sets the This makes the task of promoting change trend. more problematic. Word spread fast and the DLT Regulations Governments are often the most sceptibecame global news. They have reshaped cal of stakeholders. Former President the framework for those looking to set up Reagan once said, “If it moves, tax it. If it or who are already operating in this space. keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops Relocating DLT operations to Gibraltar is moving, subsidize it.” now a real option for many, as licensing ofIn a similar vein, and particularly in the fers not only reassurance for customers, it digital age, it is more a also gives a competitive case of, “If there’s benefit advantage to the haves to be gained, embrace it. versus the have-nots. Our aim was to If we can’t keep up with It will have the added it, regulate it. If it’s going benefit of introducing a attract high-tech to happen anyway, supnew wave of skillsets into port it.” industry, create the local market, such This is certainly the apas blockchain architects proach taken by the Gi- jobs and enhance and crypto experts. braltar Government and At Ellul & Co we have the skillset our regulator regarding embraced the fintech Distributed Ledger Techrevolution. Since 1973, nology (“DLT”). we have been involved in DLT (or “blockchain”) is a secure peer-toall aspects of Gibraltarian business from peer technology. There is no longer the both a legal and advisory aspect. need for a central controller. It is a system DLT is no different. that monitors activities and information Our dedicated fintech team personify the across a network of personal computers, ‘Gibraltar Way’ – dynamic, innovative, agwithout any one person or middleman inile and competent, yet remaining true to tervening. our roots and values, by continuing to proThis disruptive technology is changing vide a wide range of the more traditional how the world does business and is the services. foundation upon which cryptocurrencies Our team has a wealth of knowledge and exist. experience. DLT can help manage and verify Our Managing Partner has over 20 online data such as transacyears’ experience as a corpotions and personal data which rate/commercial lawyer workmeans that the running ing in the financial services costs of businesses can be industry. reduced and processes He is joined by a senior assimplified. sociate with over 10 years Gibraltar has been a hub for of similar experience. financial services activities The team also includes a for some time now. Having chartered accountant and a embraced online (née teleprevious employee of the Giphone) betting in the 1990s and braltar Financial Services Comoffered insurance companies a stamission (GFSC), the body assigned ble and strategically beneficial jurisdiction to issue DLT licenses and supervise these to operate in (also funds, trusts, company firms. management), we are no strangers to With our collective experience of both major financial, complex and technologyworking in and advising a wide variety driven industries. of regulated industries (locally and inGibraltar was one of the first EU jurisdicternationally), we bring a unique body of tions to grant online gambling licenses to knowledge from these industries not prescommercial operators. ent elsewhere and have the agility to act Our aim was to attract high-tech quality inswiftly and decisively when needed. dustry, create attractive jobs and enhance We offer the full package to fintech firms, the skillsets of our population whilst policfrom structuring advice, strategy and busiing the licensed businesses. ness plan review, to ensuring all regulaThis, in turn, promoted the jurisdiction as tory and compliance conditions are met, a centre of excellence. including anti-money laundering proceIt was and continues to be a great sucdures, data protection and (for DLT) ensurcess. ing that the nine regulatory principles, set

out in the DLT Regulations, are met. We will guide DLT businesses through the licensing process with the GFSC and supporting every step of the way. We also advise on other areas such as Initial Coin Offerings including structuring advice, strategic advice on token sale launches, and drawing up white papers and advice on anti-money launder-

FORWARD THINKER: Galileo

ing, corporate governance, risk management and data protection requirements. DLT firms have found a home in Gibraltar where they will receive the nurture and support they need to offer customers a robust, secure and world-class service and at the same time promote the fintech revolution from a reputable EU-standard jurisdiction.

Ellul & Co are here to ensure your setup is smooth and seamless, supporting your business and underlying interests and aligning those with protecting and promoting the good reputation of Gibraltar. Marc X. Ellul is the Managing Partner at Ellul & Co, Contact him at 00350 200 70921 or visit www.ellul.gi

Traditional Values Innovative Solutions

Ellul & Co Trusted Since 1973 For more information contact us below: Ellul & Co, Suite 7, Hadﬁeld House, Library Street, Gibraltar T: +350 200 70921 F: +350 200 74969 E: info@ellul.gi

www.ellul.gi

Ellul&Co Law Firm

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Kebab relief

Slick dealings BAD: For ‘Spanish brand’

Cost of crisis

THE Catalunya crisis could cost Spain €12 billion, a research company has claimed. Reputation Institute reported the country’s popularity as a tourist destination among Europeans fell by 3.1% as a direct result of the referendum crisis. Some 60% of Europeans believed the ‘Spanish brand’ has suffered from the events following the ‘illegal’ vote on October 1.

Top ranking TWO business schools in Spain have been ranked in the top 15 in the world by Bloomberg. IE Business School in Madrid was ranked 8th, followed by compatriot ESADE, in Barcelona, which ranked 11th. The top three spots went to schools in London.

VENEZUELA leaders under Hugo Chavez hid €2 billion in bribe money in Andorra, reports have alleged. At least ten vice ministers, businessmen, their relatives and front men acting for politicians took illegal commissions from contracts with the state oil company PDVSA between 2007 and 2012. The money was paid into Banca Privada d’Andorra (BPA), a tax haA MARBELLA chiringuito owner has been fined €10,000 for ‘illegally extending’ his beach bar. The owner of a Llevante Beach Club must pay €5,400 to the town hall after he knocked down and rebuilt his popular eatery on a licence that only allowed for ‘minor renovation works’. He must pay a further €4,320 penalty for breaking the law. A Malaga court blasted the works for building on protected land. The owner asked for permission to extend the property in 2006, and was given the green light in 2008. But the works, which began in late 2009, saw the bar totally knocked down and rebuilt, exceeding the limits of the licence. The new build also exceeded the maximum occupation allowed by Costa del Sol planning laws. Authorities repeatedly called for the works to stop, but the owner refused to comply.

ven in the pyrenees between Spain and France. The money was then moved to other tax havens, including Switzerland and Belize, according to investigators. The judge on the case believes the accused took commissions of 10 to 15%, chiefly from Chinese firms, and that these were received for contracts for oil extraction managed by SPANISH JOB: Chavez’s leaders PDVSA and its subsidiaries.

Chiringutio row Marbella chiringuito owner fined thousands of euros for extending popular hangout

LLEVANTE: Facing hefty fine

The court has sentenced the boss to a year-and-a-half prison sentence. It comes 10 years after the concessions for around 300 chiringuitos ran out. New concessions have yet to be granted and the president of the Association of Beach Businesses on the Costa del Sol called the situation ‘unsustainable’ last year. The sector has faced mounting issues and has expressed frustration with bureaucracy.

KEBAB shop owners will be breathing a sigh of relief after a proposal to ban a crucial ingredient in their meat was voted down by the EU parliament. It comes after EU politicians voted on a proposal to ban phosphates, deemed necessary to keep seasoned kebab meat moist. The politicians had argued it negatively impacted health and is linked to heart disease. But the move was voted down by three points in the EU parliament today. The issue arose when the EU’s executive commission proposed to officially authorise the use of phosphates in lamb, mutton, beef, or veal. The Health Committee voted 32-22 to oppose it, following recent studies indicating the additive put people at a greater risk of heart disease.

January 2018 &

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Affordable Business Contacts

GENERAL BUILDING WORK. HOUSE PAINTING. CARPENTRY. PLUMBING. TILING. GROUNDWORKS & EXCAVATIONS.

Single 37mm x 17mm (1-15 words)

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN MAINTENANCE. POOL MAINTENANCE.

double 40mm x 38mm (16-30 words)

CALL COLIN: 692300396 colinscrivens8@gmail.com

treble 50mm x 65mm (31-45 words) DELIVERIES Man and small van between Gibraltar and Malaga. 20€ per hour Contact Brad: +34 670674193

recruitment Care and Nursing at Home

Work as a carer in the UK, up to £580/wk Free training and selection event 4th–8th Dec 2017 Find out more Call Jayne Vale on 658 521 907

pool shop

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services

Urb Dona Pilar, Ctra de Mijas Below restaurante Valparaiso splashpools@electronbox.net www.splashpoolsmijas.com www.splashpools.es

parking

Darrell Everest

Tiling & decorating services

€450 + IVA €580 + IVA

No payment until job is complete All work guaranteed for five years

Darrell Everest TEL: (0034) 642 720 608 info@darrelleverestpaving.co.uk

Yearly Net Cash INCOME 70,000 € EASY TO RUN. Part time or full time Sell 49,000 € 697 834 934

Air-conditioning

toldos

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THE POST SHOP

Avda. De Tivoli, C.C. De la Miel, Local 13, Arroyo de la Miel Tel: 952 577 816 Mon to Fri: 10.00-17.00 Sat: 10.00-12.00

legal

Sunshine toldos All types of awning and blinds Installed or fixed Manual/electric Will travel Inland No deposit/cash on delivery Call John on 952467783 680323969

tRANSPORT SERVICE/removals

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SWIMMING POOL SHOP

€280 + IVA

ENGLISH ACADEMY

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS. ALL LANGUAGES. SENT BY COURIER. 654613094 sanpedrotranslations@gmail.com

Tel: 952 591 053

Chemicals & Equipment • Parts & Fittings Toys & Games • Free Water Analysis Leak Detecting Repairs • Renovations New Builds • Professional Maintenance

business for sale

These rates are for the whole year!

RUBY SERVICES

Spanish speaking providing legal advice: conveyancing, residency and commercial matters.

housekeeper HOUSEKEEPER who enjoys cooking and likes to take care of the household as if it where her/his own. Availability of a house on the domain that is fully equipped and maintained which guarantees privacy. DEVOTION and MOTIVATION is a MUST. Driving license required or willing to obtain one. Good contract. Marbella area. E-mail: pierre.bettens@telenet.be or call: 0034 630 691 310

removals

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Construction

+34 678047483

We do not Single display www.theolivepress.es 39 39 39mm x 50mm accept sex adverts!

49.00 euros

Double display 79mm x 50mm 69.00 euros

Triple display 120mm x 50mm 89.00 euros

motors December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Tel: 951 273 575 Mob: 655 825 683

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Eurodog Boarding Kennels & Cattery

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Recruitment

STORAGE

Fully Licensed Sanitary Approved Large Secure Runs Purpose Built Secure Play Area Established For Over 20 Years 5 Minutes From Fuengirola

679 786 669 - Alan - 952 464 947

MAYFAIRONMAIN Calling all qualified, experienced and creative stylists. Gibraltars luxury hair salon experience where quality and service matter: Mayfair On Main, launched in April 2017, now with a busy clientele we are looking to expand our team to cope with client demand. Are you NVQ qualified, a motivated team player, passionate about hair, committed to providing high quality service and keen to be part of the team set to revolutionise the hair industry in Gibraltar. Email your CV and covering letter to info@mayfaironmain.gi or call us on 00350 20075913 using the reference Olive Press.

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Holiday Homes available on lovely park in Devon UK from £26,995 to £150,000 Open 11 ½ months. Email: Michaela37@hotmail.com for more information

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

17 YEARS

OF PORTRAYING MARBELLA’S BEST

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

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

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Food, drink & travel December 20th - January 3rd 2018

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

japanese restaurant

SUSHI | TEPPANYAKI | NOODLES | TAPAS

+(34) 666 665 555

sushi@tutemakistore.com

TUTEMAKI RESTAURANT, AVENIDA LUIS BRAILLE 14, 29670 SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA, MALAGA. ESPAÑA.

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Going global SPAIN’S food industry is ramping up exports in a bid to counter the country’s shrinking population. Since 2012, the number of citizens has been decreasing and is projected to shrivel from the current tally of 46 million to 40 million residents by the year 2064 — a 12% decrease. Meanwhile, the global population is projected to increase from 7.6 billion to over 9 billion people by 2050. “The obvious option for the Spanish food industry is to increase exports,” said Fernando José Burgaz Moreno, Managing Director of the Department for the Food Industry in Spain. He emphasized that this trend is already being realized — with Spanish food and wine exports having increased by almost 50% since 2011. “Internationalization and innovation are key to exports,” added Josep Lluís Bonet, President of the Alimentaria Organization Committee, which arranges Alemantaria, Spain’s largest food and drink convention every year in Barcelona. “It’s important to diffuse information about our products throughout the world.”

Turron twisters Local baking maestros create inspired cheese and wine turrons

MALAGA bakers have created goat cheese, wine and pecanflavoured turrons just in time for the Christmas season. Damian Ramos and Sebastian Guerrero from the Ramos cake shop are serving locally inspired desserts based on Malaga goats’ cheese, Pedro Ximenez wine from the bodega Cortijo le Fuente de Mollina

and organic pecan nut from the Guadalhorce river in Coin. It comes after the Velez-Mala-

Eating well stops bullying CHILDREN who eat healthy diets are happier, have better self-esteem and a lack of emotional and social problems, a European study has found. Kids who eat fruit, vegetables and fish are more likely to benefit from a lack of emotional problems and, as a result, are less prone to being bullied. The study looked at 7,675 children between the ages of two and nine, from eight different countries in Europe - Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Spain and Sweden. Parents were asked to report how often their child ate food from a list of 43 items. Depending on their consumption of these foods, the children were then assigned a Healthy Dietary Adherence Score (HDAS), which records adherence to healthy dietary guidelines, including limiting intake of refined sugars, reducing fat intake and eating fruit and vegetables. The height and weight of the children was also measured, and repeated again two years later. The results found that those who best met European healthy food guidelines had better self-esteem and wellbeing, regardless of their weight.

Weighing In THE people of Malaga have shown what Christmas is all about by donating their food. Over 600 tonnes of food was collected over a two-day campaign for the Gran Recogida foodbank. Having smashed last years record the supermarkets that donated the most were Carrefour Los Patios and Carrefour Alameda. Organiser Joaquín Jiménez said: “This campaign has been characterised by people's awareness to help those in need.” The foodbank helps 49,000 people across Malaga.

ga-based pair became famous for creating mango and avocado flavoured turrons last year. “We’ve been thinking of making turron with cheese for a while and now we’ve done it,” said Ramos, “It’s taken us a year, since we launched the avocado turron in 2016.” The baking duo have a stand at Malaga’s Christmas market on the Paseo del Parque this year and will also sell the treats in their Caleta shop. Turrons are a nougat-like confection, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, with toasted almonds or other nuts, and usually shaped into either a rectangular tablet or a round cake. Dating back to at least the 1400s but more likely the Romans, it is a traditional Christmas dessert in Spain as well as countries formerly under the Spanish Empire, in particular Latin America.

Avocadabra AVOCADO growers are hiring security guards to deter thieves from stealing their fruit in Axarquia. The move comes after a number of growers reported thefts in their fields. One grower, Francisco Torre, contracted a security guard after 1,000 kilos of fruit were stolen from his land, which he says ‘have a value of around €2,500’. Avocado prices have skyrocketed from a surging global demand and reduced harvests from major producers in Mexico, Peru and California.

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018

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Food

OR many, the word ‘sherry’ brings back memories of a dusty blue bottle that makes a brief appearance at Christmas before being put back into the deepest recesses of the cupboard for next year. But sherry has come out of the closet for good and luckily for us, it’s made down the road, globally speaking, in the Andalucian province of Cadiz. Evidence of winemaking in the region dates back to 1100 BC and the Phoenicians. But it wasn’t till the 1200s that a wine similar to the sherry we know today was widely exported around Europe. Working on behalf of the Spanish authorities at the time, explorers Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan both took sherry on their voyages across the seas.By the end of the 16th century it had gained a reputation in Europe as being one of the world’s greatest wines. Dry sherry is produced in a variety of styles,

December 20th - January 3rd 2018 December 20th - January 3rd

A sherry merry Xmas

ranging from light versions such as Fino and Manzanilla to darker and heavier versions known as Olorosos, all made with the Palo-

mino grape. Cream style sherries, made popular by the Brits, use Pedro Ximenez blended with dry styles to make it sweeter,

while PX-only sherries are luxuriously sweet. Here are seven classic cocktails with a sherry twist to get the party started.

Sherry Colada 30 ml Manzanilla 30 ml Amontillado 30 ml Simple Syrup 30 ml Pineapple juice 30 ml Coconut Cream

Combine all ingredients in a blender with 180 ml of crushed ice. Blend on high speed. Pour into a Berliner glass, add a straw and a parasol.

Maria Sangrienta

restaurant | lunch and dinner

Strawberry & Mint Sherry Mojito 3 strawberries half a lemon 2 spoons sugar 25ml Amontillado 35ml rum handful of mint

Muddle the strawberries together with the sugar and the juice of the half lemon. Add mint, then ice, pour over the rum and sherry and give it a good stir. If you want to make this into a long drink, simply top up with soda.

Jerez Cosmopolitan 50ml Cranberry Juice 25ml Fino 35ml Vodka 35ml Cointreau + 1 lime

30 - 40 ml Fino 55 ml tomato juice 7 ml fresh lime juice 7 ml Worcestershire sauce 4 drops Tabasco sauce 2 turns fresh black pepper Pinch salt Combine all ingredients and stir over ice. Strain into rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with olive, celery stalk and lemon peel.

Sherry Berry Cobbler 40 ml Palo Cortado 40 ml Medium Dry Amontillado 20 ml Pedro Ximenez 1 strawberry 1 blackberry 1 raspberry 15 ml fresh lemon juice 7 ml agave syrup

Muddle berries with fresh lemon juice in a mixing glass and add rest of ingredients. Shake with ice and strain over ice cobbles into a rocks glass. Garnish with a blackberry and raspberry.

Add 6 lime wedges to cocktail shaker – DO NOT MUDDLE OR SQUEEZE. Add remaining ingredients, fill with ice, SHAKE. Double strain over martini glass with orange peel garnish.

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

35ml Vodka 35ml Tia Maria 25ml cream sherry 1 shot Espresso

Add ingredients to cocktail shaker, fill with ice and shake until frothy. Double strain into martini glass. Garnish with 3 espresso beans.

Perfect Sherroni 30 ml Oloroso Sherry 15 ml Dry Vermouth 20 ml Vermouth di Torino 15 ml ounce Campari

Stir ingredients together with ice, strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange wedge.

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December 20th - January 3rd 2018

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44 44

44 Columnists

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Lotto mania

December 20th - January 3rd 2018 December 20th - January 3rd 2018

There’s more than a fat chance of winning El Gordo

HIS time tomorrow we could be millionaires. That may sound like a pipe dream from Only Fools and Horses but El Gordo (The Fat One) – Spain’s lottery jackpot payout, famous for making entire villages rich overnight – offers much better odds. In fact, you’ve got more chance of hitting this festive jackpot (1 in 100,000) than you have of dying in a skydiving accident (1 in 101,083). No wonder some 98% of Spanish adults indulge in a flutter. The biggest prize pool in the world worth a staggering €2.38 billion this year, the Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad on December 22 is Spain’s own secular miracle at Christmas, although these days it’s taxed. Like a Santa Claus for adults, it distributes sack-loads of cash to thousands of lucky winners three days before Christmas and transforms pauper pueblos into millionairesvilles at the drop of a Gregorian chant. (More about the singing later).

Money avalanche

In 2011, only one member of the tiny farming community of Sodeto in Huesca (population 250) did NOT hold a winning ticket to sums ranging from €100,000 to €1 million each. The only non-ticket holder was a Greek resident (the lottery tradition was Greek to him) but he cashed in too, by making a documentary about the extradordinary windfall. Tickets cost a whopping €200 each so most people buy a decimo (tenth of a ticket). This year there will be 170 duplicate copies of every ticket which, if all are sold, will deliver 170 El Gordos (jackpot prizes) worth €4 million each, 170 second prizes of €1.25 million each and an avalanche of runner-up prizes. You need the mind of Einstein to work out all the odds but according to the European Lottery Guild it can create up to 390 millionaires at a time and it’s possible to win up to seven times on a single ticket. Since the lottery went online, foreigners have been buying into it in increasing numbers with people from 140 nations having a bet. This year’s was launched in July with a YouTube video subtly titled The Guiris, portraying extranjeros waving their lotto tickets on a Benidorm beach. But with pink paunches, socks, sandals and strangled Spanglish all in evidence, I’m not sure it couldn’t be classed as racist. Millions tune in to the public Sorteo, a televised extravaganza on the scale of the X Factor. The numbers and corresponding prize values are ‘sung’ as the balls are drawn from their golden drums – a relentless numeric litany that drones on for three hours (not unlike the X Factor). The choir is made of Pupils from Madrid’s San Ildefonso School, according to a tradition dating back to 1812 when the lottery began. If, like me, you never win anything, qué va. In Spain it’s customary to console yourself with the loser’s mantra: ‘It's health that really matters.’ And you can have another go on El Ñiño, drawn on January 5. With 3 to 1 odds last year, there’s an even fatter chance of winning!

Marbella Max My run-in with the late PR guru Max Clifford

had mixed emotions when I heard of the death of Max Clifford last week. The PR guru was widely vilified when he was convicted of historic sexual offences a few years ago, although his court case did produce one of the most hysterical legal exchanges in recent memory. Among the startling pieces of evidence to come out of the hearing were the frequent references by witnesses to Mr. Clifford’s ‘button mushroom sized penis’. One of the female witnesses, however, who had, in newspaper parlance, ‘been forced to perform a sex act’ on Mr. Clifford, reduced the court and the public gallery to hysterics. She testified on oath that, contrary to the others, she didn’t think Max’s penis was particularly small. “But I do have a rather petite mouth” she added. The judge was forced to call a 10-minute recess for the council, the jury and presumably everyone else who heard those immortal words to get their composure back.

MIXED FEELINGS: For the late Max Clifford Max also had a long association with ‘Golden Age of Light Entertainment’. Marbella. He had a home in the middle As you would expect from a PR guru of the golf valley and was frequently Max was a great interviewee, talking spotted dining in town. (It struck me about his clients and full of anecdotes, while writing this column that the gen- including dinner with Sinatra. He even eration of light entertainers who had posed by the pool in his yellow Speesecond homes in Marbella – Brucie, dos for photos, and when he asked us Ronnie Corbett, Cilla - have gone to that if we would drop by and take a photo at saintly Saturday night 7pm slot in the his friend Sandro Morelli’s Villa Tiberio sky). restaurant as a favour, we were only too In the midst of the corruption scandals happy to do so. that seemingly landed most of Marbel- When we arrived that night, we were la’s mayors and countold that Max was gocillors in jail, Max took ing to be a little late, but part in a press conferwould we like something ence organised by the to eat? Knowing that VilAs you would then new mayor, Angela Tiberio was renowned expect from a PR for its Italian cuisine les Muñoz, where it was rumoured that he would eagerly nodded our guru Max was a we unveil a new plan to get heads, expecting to be the town some much great interviewee shown to a table. needed PR. In front of No such luck. a hushed crowd of exAnd thus it came to pectant Marbelli, the PR pass that guests arrivguru announced that ing in their finery for he did, indeed, have a plan that would an evening of fine dancing and enterrevamp Marbella’s image, but it would tainment were treated to the sight of cost them €10,000 a month. a your humble correspondent and a Funnily enough, the Town Hall never paparazzi pal perched on a sofa in the took him up on his generous offer. restaurant reception scoffing jamon y I interviewed Max face-to-face over a queso sandwiches. ‘We’re really, redecade ago. He was staying at Las Du- ally hungry and couldn’t wait,’ was the nas hotel for a charity event and chat- best explanation that I could come ting to Dale Winton and Cilla in the up with when a friend asked what on lobby – as I mentioned before it was a Earth I was doing…

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motors

Are you in the driving seat?

You’ve Got Mail

UNLIKE the British system where points are added to your licence for offences, in Spain up to 15 points are awarded for good driving. New drivers receive eight points, with three points added every three years after. Penalties range from losing six points for being under the influence, to four for illegally parking and three if caught with a mobile. Drivers can regain points by doing a reeducation course of 12 or 24 hours, depending on how many are needed,

Not valid

A MAN in Madrid has become the first Spaniard to take delivery of a car from the online retailer Amazon. Javier Luque Lora, 50, reserved Opel’s new SUV Grandland X in an online sale that lasted 30 minutes as part of a collaboration between Amazon and Opel to find new ways to reach customers. 72 hours later, the car arrived in a giant box on the back of a trailer to his home. “We were looking for new ways to market the model and we wanted to take advantage of the power and visibility of a platform like Amazon,” says Javier Mendizabal, head of marketing of Opel Spain.

Ginvincible New Spanish car has breathalyser that can’t be tricked

CARMAKER SEAT has showcased its new model in Spain which features a breathalyser that shuts the car down if the driver is over the alcohol limit. It will then call a taxi for the driver, alerting the cabbie to the exact location of the is just a concept car but the technology car. Called the Leon Cristobal, the family will be rolled out across the wider Volkhatchback will only start if all occupants swagen Group, who own SEAT, over the in the car have their seatbelts fastened coming years. but of course this costs. A wise man once said 'by and the driver has passed a breathalyser This includes a feature called ‘Guardian failing to prepare, you are test. And drivers cannot get sober pas- Angel’ mode, which collectively activates preparing to fail' but this sengers to take the test because the car 15 active and passive safety settings – for renewals. Subject to company underwriting regulations. can be avoided by taking out has a rearview camera in its mirror so it such as adaptive cruise control and lane assist – to keep the car ready to react to knows who is in control of the car. cover. Línea Directa’s Traffic Fine It is so high-tech that it can detect if a any potential risk. There’s also a smartHandling service, allows a driver’s eyes are even reading a text mes- phone app that can allow parents to driver to claim up to €500 sage. There are also sensors on the doors set a maximum speed and area restrictowards the cost of the of the car that vibrate alerting the driver tion that alerts them when their child is breaking their rules about where and course and the driving li- to objects or cyclists close to the car. The Spanish carmaker say the Cristobal how fast they can travel. cence recovery test. The amount is either conveniently given to the beneficiary directly or reimbursed upon proof of payment. As with all contracts in life, ARE diesel cars are the world’s worst polluting vehicles, or is the cover does come with that just a smoke screen? small print, but unlike othIn a new study, scientists from the University of York examers Linea Directa are, well, ined the concentration of nitrogen dioxide at roadsides across direct about it. 61 European cities, analysing 130 million hourly measureSome limitations include ments. that claimants must notify The study revealed that levels of nitrogen dioxide in Euthe company within three rope are two times smaller than previously thought and the months of points lost or disamount of hot air coming out of diesel cars is half than that qualification and that drivused in policy predictions for the European Commission. ers must pass their retest on “The forecasts are likely pessimistic because they overstate the first go. the current fraction of emissions that is directly released as NO2,” said author Dr David Carslaw. For more information While Anthony Frew, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at contact Linea Directa the Royal Sussex Hospital said: “This is encouraging data for on 952 147 834 or look drivers of diesel cars, this news will come as some relief from online at www.lineadithe recent demonisation of diesel.” recta.com

4 . BIG

December 20th - January 3rd 2018 December 20th - January 3rd 2018

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Demonised diesel

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Car

45 45

Behind the times THE European Commission has slammed the Spanish government for its ‘very limited’ plans to promote environmentally-friendly cars. In a new report criticising Spain’s efforts to go green, the Commission says not enough resources are being allocated for long-term plans to encourage car manufacturers to meet goals set by the EU.

Injection

This comes after the government announced a €35 million cash injection, under the MOVALT plan, to promote alternative cars in Spain. However, the Commission feels these initiatives do not go far enough, describing them as ‘very limited in time and budget’. In addition they say not including the number of charging points in their plans for 2020 is a ‘violation of a basic requirement of a directive’. At present, the EU has 118,000 public charging points for electric vehicles, while in Spain there are 12,883. By 2020 they hope to have between 38,000 and 150,000 to reach 2.6 million by 2030.

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November 8th - November 21st 2017

golf

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Kingpin of golf THE Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf and Spa has been voted the best golf course in Europe. Square Mile magazine awarded the resort as part of their Golf Awards 2017. The magazine described the resort saying: “Beyond the everimproving course, it’s the experience itself that makes this trip to the south of Spain worth making. “It is the whole package that will bring you back to the resort time and again.” The 523-acre estate, located in the rolling hills between Marbella and Sotogrande, specialises in luxury golf getaways. The resort has picked up numerous awards this year, including being ranked in the best 50 hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. General manager Rene Zimmer

It has been an award-winning year for The Finca Coretsin golf course

said: “Everybody at Finca Cortesin is striving constantly to deliver the ultimate customer experience to our guests and to be recognised in this way by a magazine with such a discern-

Big cheese IT has been quite the year for Spain’s Sergio Garcia. The 37-year-old has been named the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Year 2017, as voted by members of the golfing media. Garcia, who wed golf reporter Angela Akins in July with the couple now expecting their first child, said: “I think both on and off the golf course it has been a unique and unbelievable year and one that I will definitely remember my whole life. “I am so happy to receive this award, and to be named the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Year, against the calibre of players that were in contention is incredible.” Garcia beat Englishman Justin Rose to pick up his first major title at the 2017 Masters. He also won the Dubai Desert Classic and the Andalucia Valderrama Masters, an event hosted by his own foundation.

Big cat duo TENNIS ace Rafa Nadal has been in the Bahamas watching Tiger Woods making his comeback. Nadal, who held off from pre-season training to allow his knee more time to recover, stopped in to watch Woods at his Hero World Challenge at Albany. Woods came joint ninth scoring eight under par beating the No.1 player in the world, Dustin Johnson, by eight strokes. Nadal has returned to training in Mallorca, with the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi his first scheduled event of the season on December 28.

ing readership is fantastic.” The resorts par-72 championship course was the first to use an environmentally-friendly type of Bermuda grass on all its greens. A judging panel, from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators awarded the course the 2018 IAGTO Sustainability Award for Resource Efficiency. Given in recognition of efforts to reduce water consumption on their courses by 40% and using 100% recycled water on the greens and the trees. Miguel Girbés, director of golf at Finca said: “It’s a tremendous honour for the resort to be given this award and to receive global recognition for our work in conserving the environment.”

Red carpet GOLFERS from across Europe teed off at Spain’s flagship resort for the seasonending La Manga Club Golf Open. Over 150 players from Spain, UK, France and Germany headed to Murcia for the 54hole event. England’s Ian McMeekin claimed victory with 103 Stableford points, while Spain’s Arceli Huici claimed the top prize in the ladies’ event.

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sport

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

December 20tha-sports January 3rd 2018 If you have story, contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 0034 951 273 575

Lost momentum

Friday 17th - St. Patricks Day 2.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 4.00 pm 7.00pm 9.00pm 10.00pm

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

All time greatest St. PATRICKS DAY menu t r a d i t i o n a l

served all day MEGASTAR Cristiano Guinness, Kilkenny, Magners €4 Ronaldo will have to find even more Stroom his €2 Patrickson Day Shots mantlepiece after being FACE PAINTING awarded his FIFTH saturday 18th - 6Ballon Nations Final Day d’Or. 1.30pm Scotland vs Italy 3.45pm France vs Wales The win nowIreland puts Ronaldo 6.00pm vs England 9.30pm long-term Live Music with Layla level with rival Lionel Sunday Messi,19th who has also - Premier League 1.00pm Middlesbrough vs Man Utd won the acclaimed award BRITIAN’S most successful 3.15pm Spurs vs Southampton road cyclist Chris Froome 5.30pm Man City vs Liverpool five times. 9.30pm Live Music with Sean Murray Argentine Messi finished is facing the prospect of being for stripped of his Vuelta a our Facebook our Virtual Tour, secondCheck in outthis year’s page Espana title Offers, Whats Coming Up after failing a award, withSpecial Brazilian drug test. Tel: 952 494 877 Mulligans BiddysLaCala Neymar, Biddy now at Paris Saint-Germain, in third It has been revealed that Froome had double the place. The Ballon d’Or honours permitted amount of asththe male player judged to ma medication salbutamol have performed the best in his blood when he won over the previous year, the Vuelta a Espana in Sepvoted on by football jour- tember. nalists. Double dose Last season, Ronaldo was in inspired form scoring The 32-year-old admitted 42 times as he helped his he had upped his dose to side, Real Madrid, win the control his symptoms afChampions League and ter suffering from asthma their first La Liga title since he was a child. since 2012. But the UCI, cycling’s gov“This is something I look for- erning body, have asked ward to every year,” he said. ‘for more information re“Thanks to my Real Madrid garding his use of the drug’ team-mates and the rest of and if he is unable to come the people who helped me up with a valid explanation reach this level.” he could be stripped of his

FIFA have threatened to kick Spain out of next years World Cup after writing a letter to the Spanish football federation (RFEF) warning them about political interference. The footballing body say they are deeply concerned about the Spanish government's’ continued interference in the upcoming election for RFEF president. The previous president, Angel Maria Villar, stepped down in July after being arrested on corruption charges and an interim president has since been in place. FIFA are throwing the rule book at them saying they have the power to suspend membership if they feel elections are not independent. A statement from FIFA said: "A joint delegation from FIFA and UEFA will travel to

If the result of the test is upheld it will be another massive blow to the cycling world

day.” Froome was nominated for this years BBC Sports Personality of the Year, but lost out to Mo Farah. Speaking via video link from his training camp in Mallorca on the show he said he ‘understood people’s concerns’. “This is quite a horrible situation if I’m honest and we’re working as hard as we can to try to get to the bottom of this,” he said.

Imbalance

UNDER PRESSURE: Team Sky’s talisman Froome

Vuelta title and a 12 month ban. Talking to the press, Froome said: “I have a very clear routine, how I use my inhaler, how often.

Cause for concern Madrid in the near future to observe and analyse the situation that the RFEF is going through. "We recently sent a letter to the RFEF showing concern and reminding them that, according to the Fifa statutes, all member federations must manage their affairs independently and ensure that there is no interference by third parties." Spain are currently one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

Unstoppable force

REAL Madrid are celebrating after their best ever year. The Spanish champions saw off Brazilian challengers Gremio, 1-0, to become the first team to retain the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi. This is the fifth trophy that Los Meringues have won in 2017, after win-

ning La Liga, the Champions League, as well as the UEFA and Spanish Supercups. Ronaldo, who scored the winning goal, has since called for Barcelona to give their arch-rivals a guard of honour before their upcoming El Clasico fixture on December 23.

“Salbutamol is something that can be affected by a lot of different factors. Dehydration, the way the body metabolises it for example, can change from day to

Team Sky, who Froome spearheads has a no nonsense policy on drugs and he could face a series a laboratory tests to replicate and explain the imbalance in the results, potentially missing the chance to defend his Tour de France title next year.

47 47

Winter champs MARBELLA FC will finish the year in style and remain in pole position for promotion. After thrashing Villanovense 4-0 at home the Blanquillos are now third in the Segunda B Group IV, three points behind league leaders FC Cartagena. Carlos Julio Martinez scored the opening goal just before half time, which was followed by two goals in five minutes in the second half. The fourth goal scored by Sergio Narvaez in the 71st minute allowed the team to take their foot off the accelerator.

Teeing off CONSTRUCTION of a new golf course in Estepona is now complete. But golfers will have to wait for the growth phase to be finished to play on the course. Work began on the Doña Lucia Golf course in mid-2016, led by Cadiz-based firm GTM Golf. The course is grassed with Bermuda Riviera on its fairways, while Agrostis L93 XD features on the greens. It is hoped the course will be ready to play on towards the end of 2018.

Quality not quantity, and at least half a million readers a month www.theolivepress.es

December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Voted BEST

expat paper in Spain FREE

Summer Fun

FINAL WORDS

LOS Álamos Beach Festival, a five-day summer electronic-music event, will move from Torremolinos to Estepona next year (August 1-5).

Prime Location AN estate agency from popular Channel 4 show ‘Sun, Sea and Selling Houses’ has opened a new branch in Albox.

Holy Moly! A PRANKSTER changed a nativity scene near Madrid to show reindeer copulating and Mary performing leud acts on Joseph.

Vol. 12 Issue 281 www.theolivepress.es December 20th - January 3rd 2018

Young Brit arrested for marijuana plants slams Spain for ‘violating’ his human rights

BUM-NOTE

Planted!

A BRITISH expat is demanding answers after a ‘wrongful’ arrest over marijuana plants has left him unable to work for months. Robbie McMiller, 24, has had his passport confiscated since October and will be stuck in La Linea over Christmas. The Glasgow lad was working out in the garage-cumgym next to his rental apartment when police stormed in and questioned him about six plants they had found growing around the back. He was arrested the same day - October 20 - and put in front of a judge the next day

By Laurence Dollimore

MCMILLER: In Limbo

and has had to appear on the 1st and 15th of each month since. The West of Scotland University graduate had only been in Spain for two weeks when the raid happened, but this still didn’t stop him being the prime suspect. “It is ridiculous,” he told the Olive Press this week, “the plants were between two and four metres high, I only arrived in Malaga on October 1.” Since appearing before the judge, he has been given no more information on his case nor has he been given any trial dates.

“I feel absolutely stuck, I might make it through to the New Year but I don’t know what I will do after then.” McMiller had recently moved to the area and had been applying to work in Gibraltar’s gaming industry sector. He had just landed an interview with gambling giant BetVictor. But now, with no passport, NIE or Spanish bank account, Robbie feels helpless and furious with the Spanish legal system. “This would never be allowed to happen in the UK,” he added.

A HIDDEN handwritten note has been found up the bum of an 18th century statue of Jesus Christ in Northern Spain. The message dating back to 1777, documents key information about the period including famous people, popular pastimes and political matters. Signed by Joaquin Minguez, priest of the cathedral of Burgo de Osma at the time, it was found when restorers removed a piece of fabric used to cover Christ’s derriere, exposing a small gap. Double sided and two pages long, experts believe that the priest’s intention was to make a time capsule. The wooden statue is now kept at the church of Santa Agueda in Sotillo de la Ribera, in Burgos.

Sky’s the limit Bullish behaviour SOME of southern Spain’s most beautiful towns will be on cinema screens as a new animated blockbuster featuring a talking bull will the talk of town this winter. 20th Century Fox’s Ferdinand, the story about a Spanish pacifist bull mistaken for a violent beast will be a real tear-jerker as it depicts Ronda’s famous Puente Nuevo bridge. Based on The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson, the family-friendly film wrestles with the controversial issues surrounding bullfighting. Featuring voiceovers from John Cena, Kate McKinnon, David Tennant and NFL star Peyton Manning, it will be released in Spain on December 22.

Teacher fined for gay insult WWW.LAVA-PRODUCTIONS.ROCKS

A TEACHER has been fined 417 euros for saying that homosexuality is unnatural in a philosophy class. The 64-year-old at the school in Lleida has now apologised to students after comparing homosexuals to being ‘lame or one eyed’. The comment, which was recorded on a mobile phone, is in violation of law which guarantees the rights of LGTBI members.

A MILLION more passengers have used Malaga airport this year. Some 17.6 million travellers came through the hub between January and November, an increase of 11.9%. The figures released by Spanish airport authority Aena, also showed that more than 15 million people flew to or from airports outside of Spain, with domestic flights representing just under 7% of the total. Growth is expected to continue next year, with a new route between Malaga and Lyon launching in April by Transavia.

Stubbed out POLICE have raided an illegal tobacco factory capable of producing two million cigarettes per day. Some 18 suspects have been cuffed in raids at the factories in Granada and Malaga, where the cigarettes were sold and distributed. The factory had a €3 million investment from crime bosses, including more than 14 tonnes of tobacco. The gang had the same production levels of other legal factories and even had their own packaging process and brand. It had already made at least 4.5 million cigarettes when it was busted.