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Lest we forget TO remember the 100th anniversary of the end of the first World War, Gibraltar has projected a poignant image a British soldier on to the Rock. Gibraltar, which served as a British naval base during the 1914-1918 war, paid homage with a 1,000ft soldier projection. Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, said: “Since the start of the 18th century, the Rock has been besieged on 14 occasions; the Corps of Royal Engineers was formed here and casualties from the Battle of Trafalgar are buried here.
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PICTURESQUE: La Reserva Beach
Huge Costa del Sol fire that saw 400 people evacuated may have been distraction for huge drug smuggling operation By Laurence Dollimore
“We lost local men in the trenches of the Somme during the First World War at a time when there were over 40 US Navy ships and 5,000 American naval personnel based here.“Gibraltarians are all very aware of the sacrifices made by our forebears – both military and civilian.”The campaign has been headed up by There But Not There, who raise money for armed forces charities. The projection on the Rock has followed commemorations in Edinburgh, Northern Ireland and New York.
TRIBUTE: On the Rock
The grey vehicle is typical of drug gangs and is believed to have been dumped in the sea after its engine failed. The fire started at around 1.30am on Sunday night, while the Manilva feria was celebrating its end with a fireworks display. According to reports, several 4x4s were seen racing at high speed from the beach while the hills of Manilva burned.
ESPLENDENT in its beauty, secluded exclusiveness, Sotogrande is one in its aire’s playground that doesn’t like millionto boast about it. If wealth and fame is spoken of at all, it’s in a whisper. In Sotogrande they like to keep it, appropriately, ‘sotto voce’. What it does have a right to brag about however, is its low-density living, its stunning mountain backdrops, plus its amazingbeaches and marina and golf courses.
Spain’s largest privately-owned residential ‘superstate’ is a second home for the cream of European high society. Its privileged views to the Rock of Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of Africa are enjoyed by the likes of ex-UK PM Tony Blair, family and countless European the British royal celebrities, who
don’t want to be spotted. Internationally renowned for its polo, golf and sailing, as well as burgeoning gastronomic scene, this ‘mini Monaco’ of high net worth residents has all the hallmarks of a cosmopolitan resort but without the brashness and bling, as we discover on a trip around the hotspots. “It’s a wonderful place for golfers, polo players, and people with boats,” explains Paul Martin, 74, who moved to the privileged enclave from Bristol in 1988. “After two dull summers in England in 1986 and 1987, I thought there must be than this! So it was chasing thea better climate brought me, but the character of sunshine that what made me stay, as I had plannedSotogrande is to begin here and venture out into the countryside.” But you would be mistaken for thinking that the residents are unapologetic in their privilege and wealth but on the contrary. Sotogrande is different to other ‘celebrity’ resorts: wealthy, yes but pretentious definitely not. Community is such a strong theme in Sotogrande it almost outshines the summer sun, as 63-year-old Jane Waterhouse from Ascot confirms. “What makes Sotogrande different from anywhere else is that it’s a community, rather than a holiday destination. Continues on next page
Vol. 3 Issue 76 www.gibraltarolivepress.com August 1st - August 14th 2018
DRUG trafficking gangs may have been behind a huge Costa del Sol fire which led to dozens of Gibraltarians being evacuated. Police have not yet ruled out the idea that brazen smugglers may have set ablaze to Manilva in a bid to divert attention from a huge marijuana haul. The theory comes after a grey 4x4 was dragged out of the sea on a nearby beach the very next morning. “It’s a well known tactic and has been done elsewhere before,” foreign British councillor for Manilva Dean Tyler Shelton told the Olive Press, “although it is just a line of inquiry for the moment.”
Sacrifices
It’s not a town or even a village, yet every summer this exclusive tree-lined urbanisation is a magnet for the global A-list set. Bradley Stokes and Olivia Burke set out to discover the attraction
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August 1st - August Don’t miss our 14th 2018 annual pull-out travel guide on Sotogrande, packed with features, restaurant tips plus an exclusive peek at Spain’s first inland private beach... SEE PAGE 17 LEAFY: The marina gardens and (above)
La Reserva
Smokescreen
Dumped
ABLAZE: Manilva burning while (inset left) recent drug haul and (top right) car pulled from sea
“If drug gangs were behind the blaze, then it’s possible a huge amount of drugs was brought to shore that night,” added Shelton. Some 400 residents had to
be evacuated as the fire began encroaching on nearby homes. It took emergency services until 8.30am to get the flames under control, pro-
viding the perfect smoke screen for the drug smugglers. Rumours had circulated that the fireworks may have been to blame for the blaze,
but these were quickly squashed given that the fire started around 6km away from the display. More than 40 firefighters tackled the fires in the area of Los Hidalgos, Hacienda Guadalupe and El Goleto residential developments and elephants or 340 people. campsites in the The tourist attraction which was Duquesa area. opened by Luke Skywalker actor, The mayor deMark Hamill and Fabian Picardo, scribed the event is believed to have been damaged as a ‘night of confuby a tool and the Government are sion’, and thanked not ruling out vandalism. the authorities for The Government clarified that ensuring no one other layers of the Skywalk remain was hurt or inintact but the replacement of the jured. damaged glass may take up to 1012 weeks. Guardia Civil told the Olive Press they could not confirm the cause of the fire and added that INFOCA fire investigators needed at least two more days before arriving to a conclusion. The investigation continues.
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THE Government has confirmed that Gibraltar’s latest tourist attraction has cracked just months after opening. The Skywalk, which is located 340 meters above sea-level and boasts views of the Mediterranean, will be closed to the public while repairs take place. It comes after the Government said in March that the Skywalk could hold the weight of five Asian
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Migrant preparation THE PALACE of Sports Vista Alegre de Córdoba is being prepared to provide shelter for the 220 migrants who recently arrived in Patera as the situation is deemed a migratory emergency.
Drugs bust POLICE have seized six kilograms of marijuana, two kilograms of hashish, 278 grams of hash oil, and some packages of narcotics in a private smoking club on the Costa del Sol, arresting six.
Security fraud POLICIA Nacional have discovered a fraud of over two million euros over Social Security funds conducted by 21 companies in Malaga and Granada. Eight businessmen and managers were arrested.
Gibraltar’s bomb squad kept busy with two suspicious suitcases in just 24 hours POLICE have urged people to be extra vigilant with their belongings after forgotten luggage caused TWO bomb scares in Gibraltar within 24 hours. The first incident on Sunday evening resulted in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment’s bomb squad being forced to execute a controlled explosion on the mysterious suitcase, closing the south end of Main Street for around an hour. Gibraltar, in line with the majority of Europe, currently has its threat level set at ‘substantial’ and is currently on a heightened state of alert. However there is no intelligence of any specific threat to the British Overseas Territory. On Monday evening, another
Stories and features in this edition of Gibraltar’s original community newspaper
Double trouble suitcase was found in the car park next to the Wessex Airport Lounge, resulting in the terminal at Gibraltar airport being evacuated. A spokesman for the Royal Gibraltar Police said: “It’s important that people do not leave luggage or bags unattended because in the current heightened security climate, we regard this as a potential security risk and react accord-
ingly.” Police confirmed the misplaced luggage on Sunday belonged to a driver who appeared to have loaded his vehicle in the vicinity but left the suitcase behind. The fear igniting faux pas sparked a security alert after being left by mistake next to the perimeter wall of The Convent, where the Governor of Gibraltar resides. Due to the high profile loca-
Padierna probe
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UNDER FIRE: Arranz
August 1st - August 14th 2018
THE owner of luxury hotel Villa Padierna is being investigated for misappropriation of funds after terminating the services of a health and wellness company. BDB Wellness, which was loaned spaces at the Villa Padierna in Benahavis and Malaga, was kicked out of the hotel chain in 2014. But according to the charges, CEO Ricardo Arranz refused to return the equipment and pre-
vented staff from entering the premises. The prosecution is seeking two years in prison for misappropriation, coercion and disclosure of confidential information. Arranz argued that customers were complaining about the management of the wellness services, particularly the requirement to pay in cash only. Owner of BDB Wellness Ángel Domenech denied the claims.
Enjoy the sun with glare-free lenses
tion of the suitcase, it was immediately treated as a potential threat after police were called at around 19.45pm. After the Explosive Ordnance Disposal squad carried out the explosion, the owner of the suitcase, assumed to be visiting Gibraltar, contacted police to report his forgotten suitcase. Military personnel were sent out in a remotely operated vehicle to deal with the threat after an initial inspection, yet no suspicious contents were found. Unfortunately for the forgetful tourist, his bag was destroyed by the blast. In Monday’s incident, the EOD squad were called upon again after police weighed up the abandoned suitcase, and evacuated the airport as a precaution. Luckily for the owner, who had arrived on a private jet, he was located in time to avoid the need for a controlled explosion, and no disruption was caused to incoming flights.
SEARCH: For Bowden
Find him! A MANHUNT is underway after a British expat was filmed abusing his dog on the Costa del Sol. The 30-second clip shows the owner pick up his pet and slam him against the wall in Sabinillas, Manilva. He then repeatedly slaps and hits the animal before dragging him by his lead. The poor dog can be seen trying to resist going with his owner but is yanked into submission. The owner is alleged to be known locally as Chris Jack Bowden and has lived in the Manilva town for over a decade. An expat close to him told the Olive Press: “He used to be a lovely lad and was well liked around here, it’s a real shame.” Bowden, who is now believed to be a squatter, lists himself as self-employed on Facebook. Guardia Civil told the Olive Press this week that they have seen the video and are actively searching for Bowden.
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Off your head THE World Cup might be over, but Harry Maguire is still putting his head to any ball that comes his way… even in Spain. The World Cup star, enjoying a well-deserved break with girlfriend Fern Hawkins in Ibiza, was more than happy to show off his impressive headwork with an inflatable ball in Amnesia nightclub, much to the crowd’s delight. The 25-year-old headed the ball into the crowd before breaking into a celebratory dance, as the crowd began to chant, “Oh, Harry Maguire!” as he let his hair down with friends.
News
August 1st - August 14th 2018
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Merky in Menorca
STORMZY: With crew
AWARD winning grime artist Stormzy pulled out all the stops for his 25th birthday in Spain. The London rapper embarked on a 24 hour bonanza with his nearest and dearest along with some incredibly lucky fans on the Balearic island of Menorca. Upgrading from last year’s celebrations when he rented out the whole of Thorpe Park for his A list companions and fans, the rapper teamed up with music streaming service Spotify for the 24 hour party. Joined by fellow rappers and pals like Krept and Konan, AJ Tracey, and Not3s, as well as girlfriend Maya Jama, Stormzy was greeted at the airport with signs for #MerkyAirways, before boarding a plane kitted out with personalised headrests, goody bags, t-shirts, sunglasses and hats.
Wedding balls
Spain hosts party of the year as football icons descend on Ibiza
HERO: Harry Maguire and girlfriend
Moving on Out-en DENISE van Outen has revealed how she’s swapping the countryside for the Costa del Sol after purchasing a new holiday home in Mijas. It comes after the Olive Press exclusively revealed in our Property Magazine that the blonde bombshell was buying in the holiday hotspot. The Loose Women panelist fulfilled a long time dream and purchased a two bedroom apartment in the Spanish sunshine. “I’ve fallen in love with the place”, she told Hello! magazine. “It kind of feels a bit like a home from home. For me it’s an extension of my home in the UK. It’s like an extra wing in the sunshine.”
EXPAT: Van Outen
By Olivia Burke
FOOTBALL’S elite gathered on Ibiza to celebrate Cesc Fabregas’ nuptials to Daniella Semaan some two months after the official ceremony. The couple, who tied the knot in May, posed for snaps with their young children on a red carpet outside a huge private villa on the island. Daniella was rocking a bridal inspired look in a sparkling dress with a dangerously high thigh split. The brunette added a touch of spar- kle to her look donning a dazzling diamond necklace with skyscraper platform heels. Fabregas stood out in a white, jewelled outfit as he kissed his wife surrounded by four of his five children, Leonardo, Lia, Capri and Joseph, for pictures - the eldest, Maria, was the only one not in the photographs. Messi was the most famous of the guests, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner donning a blue suit with his arm around stunning wife Antonella. Sunkissed WAG Antonella turned heads in a teal dress and plunging neckline and a sheer skirt. The star-studded affair also included Chelsea legend John
Ricky’s back RICKY Martin is coming to Spain as part of a European tour in August. The Puerto Rican star plays a total of 13 shows, the majority being across Spain, beginning on August 14 in Tarragona. The stud previously said he considers Spain his ‘second home’, and was granted honorary citizenship here in 2011. World renowned for hits such as Livin´ la Vida Loca and She Bangs, the father-of-two most recently starred in true crime television series The Assassination of Gianni Versace:American Crime Story as Antonio D´Amico, the late fashion designer’s boyfriend. Tickets for the tour start at €55.
Gone cruising STARS: Fabregas and wife in white, Messi in blue, and (left) Terry with wife and villa Terr y Carles Puyol and Jordi Alba all a n d Blues in attendance. team mate and World The newlyweds were seen Cup superstar N’Golo Kante. dancing into the early hours Arsenal and Barcelona were at the sprawling villa, which also represented with icons looked over the sea with jaw Thierry Henry, Luis Suarez, dropping views.
Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon were spotted enjoying the Spanish summer in San Sebastian. Accompanied by their wives, Elsa Pataky and Luciana Damon, and children, the families were spotted cruising around the Bay of Biscay before frolicking in the waters. The actors decided to escape the Australian winter whilst celebrating Elsa´s 42nd birthday, as well as providing Hemsworth with an opportunity to wind down after finishing filming Men in Black 4 in London.
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NEWS IN BRIEF Found Fugitive DAVID Daniel Hayes, one of Europe’s most wanted, was found in Granada working as a private English teacher. He has been missing since 2015, when he had nine charges of child sexual offence in the UK.
Bad Shelter OMBUDSMAN criticizes Motril for trying to shelter over a hundred migrants in an old pavilion, a poorly equipped sports center, and other buildings that do not meet the conditions required for offering humanitarian assistance.
Police Population MALAGA government representative María Gámez announced that 190 additional National Police officers will be deployed to Malaga in anticipation of the increased number of expected tourists this summer.
Police Injured MORE than a dozen police were injured at the border between Morocco and Spanish territory Ceuta, in which around 400 migrants from Africa climbed the barrier. Some of these migrants attack police with quicklime.
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August 1st - August 14th 2018
Bracing for Brexit?
Workers claim Brits at Spanish airport to be separated into new ‘Brexit zone’ with Russians and Algerians
March last year. The new rules demand more stringent entry and exit checks on passengers from countries outside the 26-nation Schengen border-free zone - which includes UK travellers - in the wake of the Paris terror attacks. The lengthier checks caused catastrophic delays last summer and in a bid to avoid this, AENA said it is installing 50 ABC barriers in departures and 21 in arrivals at Alicante airport.
EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez
SPAIN’S airport authority AENA has denied preparing ‘Brexit zones’ ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU next year. It comes after an Olive Press reader claimed he was told by an EasyJet representative at Alicante Elche Airport that the new high tech passport control barriers being constructed were to separate Brits from other European travellers in preparation for Brexit. An Olive Press investigation has revealed the airport, one of the most visited by Brits in Spain, is constructing a separate zone which will have two small cafes and limited shops. Once travellers go through the barriers - which are apparently due to start operating this week - won’t be allowed back into the rest of the airport. “It’s ‘la zona de Brexit’,” a Duty Free sales assistant told
NEW BARRIERS: At Alicante airport the Olive Press this week, “the British will be sent through there with the Russians, Ukrainians and Algerians because they are the only other non-EU flights that go from this airport. “We’re all confused about what’s going on because the UK hasn’t left yet,” she added. The sales assistant and a worker at an ice cream kiosk also revealed two passport control booths have been in-
stalled in front of the barriers. “They’re for the British people. I had no idea what the barriers were, so I asked security and they told me it’s for non Europeans, mostly the British because you’re leaving the EU,” added the ice cream worker. But AENA told the Olive Press the new area has ‘absolutely nothing to do with Brexit’ and that the barriers, named Automatic Border Control (ABC), are in response to a new EU law which came into effect in
Regulation
An AENA spokeswoman said: “We are installing these machines across many airports in Spain, including Malaga, to speed up passport control and make the process easier. It’s got nothing to do with Brexit.” An EasyJet spokesperson said the new measures were due to the new EU regulation, while IAG, which manages airlines such as Vueling, British Airways and Iberia, chose not to comment.
EMPTY: Shelves
Brexit future? CUSTOMERS at Morrisons in Gibraltar have been left angry as the shelves at the store were empty. Products that are delivered to Morrisons pass through neighbouring La Linea, where last weekend they had a public holiday to celebrate the Virgen Del Carmen. As many residents were off work to celebrate the public holiday, some groceries were delayed showing up to the store. Some customers took to social media to display their anger. Customers were quick to draw parallels between this episode and how Morrison’s will be following Brexit, with one commenting: “This will be a daily reality under a no deal Brexit.” Should Spain and Gibraltar have a hard border, products passing freely between the two countries may be hampered. It comes after UK PM Theresa May said you should take ‘reassurance and comfort’ in a plan to stockpile food for a no deal Brexit.
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Heatwaves ‘kill women’ HEATWAVES lead to an increase in domestic violence. A study conducted by a team of Spanish researchers found that soaring temperatures can increase the risk of gender based homicides by 40%. The researchers found ‘the risk of intimate partner femicides increases three days after a heatwave’, however still acknowledge that the root cause of violence against women ‘have clear ties to gender inequality and the patriarchal system’.
Violence
Experts in epidemiology, gender based violence and psychologists from Spanish police drew the conclusions based on statistics from the Madrid region between May and September from 2008 to 2016. The period saw 23 women killed by their current or former partners, 38,000 police complaints filed for gender violence and 61,000 calls made to the 016 helpline for domestic abuse victims. Co-author of the report and sociologist, Carmen Vives, said “Heat exacerbates stress and irritability in relationships that are already charged with conflict, yet sexism and patriarchy are ultimately to blame.”
No booze included BRITS on all-inclusive holidays in Mallorca and Ibiza could be forced to pay for alcohol in new legislation being proposed by the Balearic Government. Tourism chiefs have been promising tough implementations in a bid to tackle anti-social behavior which they believe is a direct effect of the unlimited booze. The ban, which could be introduced as early as September, is hoped to squash the rising amount of violent crime and muggings, as well as the new concerning viral trend of ´balconing´.
Striker
With the likes of Torino striker M´Baye Niang taking part in the dangerous craze, calls for the ban come after seven tourists have lost their lives in Mallorca due to balconing this year. Tourism boss for the Balearics Antonio Sansó said: “We don’t intend to prohibit alcohol because you can’t, but we can regulate it.” Due to the ban, expected to be released for public consultation later this summer, the Balearic Government are considering offering guests free trips and guided tours to insert added value for customers.
Expats raise alarm after discovering former community president wanted for questioning over fraud in Hong Kong EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
A BRITISH expat has been operating as president of a Costa del Sol community despite being ‘on the run’ for 17 years. Veronica Crouth, who is wanted for questioning over fraud in Hong Kong, headed the Bermuda complex in Sabinillas, Manilva, between 2009 and 2011 - and is STILL defacto running the community after allegedly collecting a majority of proxy votes from local residents - most of whom are British.
Know thy neighbour The community holds meetings to vote on changes and for a new president or administrator, but residents who are not living in the complex full time can name someone to be their proxy vote. “She cleans their apartments while they’re away and looks after their properties, she has totally won their trust,” a local, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Olive Press. “They have no idea about her past.” The convicted fraudster is wanted in the Far East after allegedly defrauding the medical practice she worked
Shame on you! By Olivia Burke
A BRITISH stag party has sparked outrage after paying a homeless man €100 to have the groom’s name tattooed on his forehead in Benidorm. The cruel pranksters paid 34-year-old Polish national Tomek to have ‘Jamie Blake, North Shields, NE28’ inked on his head, yet it was not completed as he was in too much pain. The tattoo parlour where Tomek was branded posted a photo, now deleted, on their Facebook of Tomek being inked, as he throws up a peace sign whilst staring at the ceiling.
Infuriated
The incident has infuriated expats and locals alike, prompting local businesses to discuss possibly paying for the removal of the tattoo. Despite splitting with his fiancee, Jamie Blake, 37, went ahead with his stag do and proceeded to Benidorm with 30 of his friends. The tattoo, sporting his name, was halted two letters into ‘North Shields’, meaning it reads ‘Jamie
August 1st - August 14th 2018
CRUEL: Tattoo prank
Blake No’. Karen Maling Cowles, the President of the Benidorm British Business Association, found Tomek after seeing the picture, and said he was jaundiced, had the shakes and told her he was an alcoholic. After spending some of the money the stag had paid him, Tomek was attacked and robbed of his remaining €17 on the beach. She described how he was struggling to walk with back pain after he explained he walked 2,700km to Benidorm after the collapse of his relationship.
Petty win A DISGRUNTLED Gibraltarian who successfully took a hotel to court has received his payout in COINS. Martyn Brown, who was using the hotel with a party of 10 for a New Years Eve celebration, challenged the yet unnamed hotel on ‘misrepresentation of goods’ and claimed the the celebrations were a ‘nightmare.’ A legal case was subsequently launched by the courts in Gibraltar and a settlement was reached for £745 but was paid in £1 coins, 50p, 20p, 10p and 5p’s. Angered Brown, said: “After over 30 years of patronage to this establishment, the hotel manager has barred wife from the hotel. “This will not stand. I will return this excessively heavy bag of coins and demand a cheque which is what the hotel should have done in the first place.”
EXPAT: Crouth at of around €200,000. The Dr Lucy Lord and Associates clinic called in police after noticing Crouth, who worked there between 1997 and 2001, had allegedly made fraudulent transactions worth $1 million (HK). According to British press, police took away her passport, but she somehow managed to escape the former British colony, where she is believed to face more than 70 charges. Authorities in the UK con-
firmed this week that she is of interest to police there and have informed Interpol Hong Kong of her whereabouts. She was previously jailed for 15 months in 1996 for defrauding the University Medical Centre in Newcastle to the tune of £30,000 (€33,000). It is believed Crouth - who has changed her surname to Ayre - funded her move to the Costa by selling her British home for £276,000 (€309,000), despite being wanted for alleged crimes in the Far East and for a civil suit in the UK.
Block
The owners of the British medical company she defrauded had tried to block the sale, but according to an investigation by British paper The Chronicle, she remortgaged the home and put it into the name of her husband David Crouth, who was legally able to sell it. Spanish police and Veronica Crouth failed to comment in time for press.
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RIP: Echeverria
Hero honoured A SPANISH man has posthumously been awarded the George Medal by Queen Elizabeth after losing his life defending a woman in the London Bridge attack. Ignacio Echeverría died defending a woman during the 2017 terrorist attack. He valiantly tried to attack the terrorists with his skateboard but was tragically shot to death. The committee, who award the George Medal for acts of bravery on behalf of the Queen, said: “He ran towards them with the intention of stopping them from carrying out further attacks on innocent people who were in the vicinity. “It is beyond doubt that he displayed great courage in choosing to try to tackle the attackers.” The 39-year-old was also honoured by the government of Spain and praised in a speech by King Felipe VI on a visit the UK.
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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly.
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Queen Bey
Fe at u r e NEWS
July 18th - July 31st 2018
Sibling rivalry
ENRIQUE Iglesias is normally the one melting hearts across the world, but this time it’s his adorable baby twins. The Spanish singer (right), 43, shared a snap of Nicholas and Lucy sporting the Spanish football team’s red jerseys on Instagram. To keep things fair, his wife and former tennis champ Anna Kournikova, 37, also shared a photo of the adorable siblings, but this time sporting the shirt of her home country Russia.The happy couple have been together for 16 years and had their twins in December last year.
BEYONCE couldn’t resist posing for a few snaps as she landed in Spain ahead of a sell-out concert. The mother-of-three looked cool as ice rocking Daisy Duke denim shorts and a geometric print shirt, paired with retro red shades. The singing superstar was in Barcelona to perform her only Spain gig on her On the Run II tour. She was accompanied by husband and rapper Jay-Z, who she is touring the world with. The power couple are now in France.
As the famous CURTAIN CALL ‘pirate’ matador of Jerez hangs up his cape after a severe scalping in the bullring this summer, the Olive Press tests national support for the bloodsport GOODBYE: Thousands salute last fight of The Pirate (right)
Despite nearfatal scalping last week, as well as losing an eye, Spain’s most famous bullfighter finally takes a bow
SHE’S ARRIVED: Yonce
Keeping up with Disick
SCOTT Disick and his partner Sofia Richie have taken a break on the Costa del Sol. The reality TV star, 35, who found fame on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, attended a wedding at upmarket Finca Cortesin in Casares. He took his 19-year-old girlfriend and daughter of Lionel Richie to the nuptials of Morgan Curtis, daughter of famed fashion designer Jill Stuart. The couple were seen taking in the sights of Marbella’s old town before Disick gave a speech at the wedding.
DISICK: With Richie
A BULLFIGHTER who famously lost an eye when second occasion a bull’s horn went through his head has finally a horn popped five years later in the same ring out his glass eye and severed his hung up his cape. cheek, leading Juan Jose ‘the Pirate’ Padilla appropriately fought His swansong to titanium plates being installed. his last bull during Spain’s famous San Fermin was lucky to came despite medics insisting he be alive. festival in Pamplona at the weekend. His retirement Thousands of fans cheered the Andalucian torero during which comes after a 24-year-long career, he has suffered over 30 serious inas he raised his red cape for the last time, particu- juries. larly as it came just days after he nearly died after The Jerez-born torero, who is well-known for his being ‘scalped’ by a bull. flamboyant matador suits, is considered an ‘icon’ The 45-year-old matador - who lost one eye dur- among many ing a bullfight seven years ago - needed a stagger- ing attitude inof his fans for his fearless, risk-takthe ring. ing 40 stitches after a bull ripped off a section of his scalp in Arevalo, near Valladolid last week. Pardon Shocking footage shows Padilla trip over before the bull gores him, leaving a section of his scalp Another bullfighter, Estepona-based Jose Tomas, hanging off. was Despite the horrifying attack, which tore off ring paid an estimated €500,000 to return to the in Algeciras last month. around 20 cm of his head, The Pirate was deter- Tomas, mined to get back into the ring one last time to fought Spain’s highest paid torero, had not for over two years, having received his 57th mark his retirement. serious injury in 2015. “There is no reason why I couldn’t fight in Pam- However, it was fellow fighter Miguel Angel Perplona,” insisted the brave matador, who lost his era, 34, from Badajoz, who seized the day with a eye TWICE in the same ring in Zaragoza. remarkable performance, in which his second bull On the first occasion in 2011 his eye was speared was out, as a horn went through his head, while on the the given an ‘indulto’ pardon and allowed to leave ring alive.
IT’S sickening that a person can look at their own dog - another living being that they have chosen to take on and nurture - and beat it senselessly against a wall. The horrific video of a local expat abusing his dog has shocked Brits to the core this week and rightly so. If someone can behave this way in public, we dread to think what could happen behind closed doors. Although incredibly distressing to watch, footage like this is often the only way to prove the facts, identify abusers and bring them to justice. Many have called out the bystander who filmed the video, slamming her for not intervening but as a young woman handling a violent man alone, who knows what could have happened to her? She still helped and did the right thing by documenting the evidence, allowing the Olive Press and readers to alert the authorities and launch an investigation into the attacker. Let’s hope justice is carried out and that poor, defenceless dog is rehomed.
Firestarters IF indeed drug gangs were behind the recent Manilva fires, then they have truly gone one step too far. Most of us are used to drug activity happening behind the scenes, with their illegal activity rarely having an impact on our day to day lives. Some 400 people had to be evacuated and it is a miracle no one was hurt. Let’s hope the truth about the cause of the fire comes out and that if it was started purposefully, those responsible are brought to justice.
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Horns of a dilemma
Vamos Vega
By Pablo Balbontin
Disgusting
August 1st - August 14th 2018
PAZ Vega has wowed the crowds at the world premiere of hit Netflix series Paquita Salas. The 42-year-old Spanglish star donned a sophisticated black satin gown with studded detailing while rocking her trademark pixie crop haircut. She catwalked her statuesque frame in shimmering silver stilettos at the Madrid premiere. The Spanish megastar makes a cameo in the second season of hit comedy Paquita Salas, which follows an embattled talent manager struggling to hold onto her artists in Madrid.
OPINION
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ULLFIGHTING inflames passions on both sides of the culture-versus-cruelty argument, yet it continues to attract worldwide media attention. Juan José ‘the pirate’ Padilla is the latest casualty of the sport, announcing his retirement after another brush with death in the plaza de toros last month. Previous injuries have left the eye-patch-sporting Jerezano with fractures to his jaw and skull, facial paralysis, impaired hearing and loss of sight in his left eye. No one can deny he has suffered for his art. Many Spaniards however, believe it’s time to call a halt to the bloodlust, claiming it is barbaric and cruel. Others see it as part of their national heritage and an integral part of their culture. So how strong is grassroots support for this ever controversial pastime. The Olive Press travelled around some of the country’s key region’s to take its temperature.
MAPPED: How Spain’s regions still feel about bullfighting
Basque Country:
Galicia:
In a region where the spirit of independence from Spain runs high you would expect nothing but scorn for bullfighting but that’s far from the case - Tauromaquia has always had a firm foothold here. In 2015, in a massive reversal, the PNV (Conservative Independent party) and the PSE (Basque PSOE) re-legalised bullfighting in San Sebastian after a three-year ban. The move generated huge controversy as well as massive support from those who consider bullfighting to be part of the Basque Country’s DNA. Meanwhile, Bilbao’s impressive Vista Alegre bullring continues to host not only corridas but a week-long fiesta dedicated to the sport: Semana Grande. Bullfighting has always been a divisive subject among Basques and there have been numerous referendums on the topic, dividing neighbouring villages into factions: those which allow it and those which do not.
Bulls can safely graze on Galicia’s green grass where bullfighting is dying through a lack of interest. Attendance figures are dwindling by the year even for the biggest corridas like Pontevedra’s. On top of that, La Coruña town hall has stopped subsidising bullfights. Although bullfighting is not prohibited, some politicians are arguing there is almost zero interest. The number of corridas hosted in Galicia each year can be counted on one hand: four.
The sport is not going anyway anytime soon.
Castilla la Mancha: Its bullrings may not be as important as those in Andalucia or Madrid but they’re always jampacked. The region’s ex-president Maria Dolores de Cospedal has never hidden her support for the sport and TV Castilla la Mancha’s live broadcasts of the best of the
season always get high viewing figures, demonstrating the huge interest that still prevails. Support may partly be due to the autonomous community’s famous Toro de Lidia fighting bulls, considered to be among the finest of toros bravos.
It could be on a slippery slope, appropriate given the region’s rainfall.
Spain’s heartland the passion is alive and well
Andalucia: Despite being home to a high percentage of animal-loving expats, bullfighting is as deeply ingrained in Andalucian culture as thoroughbred horses and flamenco. It’s almost impossible to conceive a Feria de Abril, in Sevilla, without its festival bullfighting programme, one of the highlights of the season, which brings traffic to a standstill. La Maestranza bullring is an international icon attracting not only aficionados but millions of tourists who place it high on their bucket list of city sights, particularly when a bullfight is on. Ronda’s 234-year-old bullring high in the Malaga mountains is the oldest in Spain and another must-visit on any tourist itinerary. It is famous for its beautiful location and mobbed during the annual Corrida Goyesca, in September, when bullfights are conducted in 18th-century costume. It is always sold out with tickets sometimes going for well over €1000 a seat.
Canary Islands:
La Malagueta in Malaga is another bullring with years of history under its belt although it has been the scene of many animal rights protests of late. And bulls have always been an integral part of the Fiestas Colombinas in Huelva, coming up next month, which celebrate the departure of Christopher Columbus for the New World. And let’s not forget when Spain’s top matador Jose Tomas fought recently in Algeciras, fans sold out the entire three-day festival in just seven hours.
Bullfighting may be losing supporters, particularly among the young, but it’s still a big part of the Andalucian scene.
Despite popular belief, bullfights are not banned explicitly in the Canaries. Quite simply a lack of support led to its demise and in fact, the last corrida on the island was held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife way back in 1984, long before parliament passed the Law on Animal Protection. The law itself is ambiguous, since it does not mention bullfighting. The ban is on ‘usage of animals in fights, fiestas, shows or other activities that imply mistreatment, cruelty and suffering’ - with one exception: Cock fighting is still allowed because of its ‘strong traditional connection to the Islands’. Conclusion: No coming back. The cocks are enough.
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Navarra: Say San Fermin and say no more. The Pamplona bull runs are famous the world over. Starting on July 7, the festival takes over the town and dominates, transforming the streets into bull-running corridors where participants clad in white and red flee in front of the charging bulls in a mass act of bravado. It’s not so much a festival as a right of passage that attracts tourists and TV channels from all over who come as much for the blood and gore as the thrill of the spectacle. The actual bullfights that take place in the evenings after the bull run in the morning are often (and surprisingly) full of local youngsters having fun, spraying each other with water guns and only half-watching the fight.
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Despite some well publicised recent disgraceful incidents, no one in Pamplona is against San Fermin. It’s part of their cultural heritage.
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Catalunya: The pro-independence region hit the headlines when it became the first to abolish bullfights in 2010 but the ban was annulled on constitutional grounds in 2016. During those corrida-less years thousands of famous figures from the bullfighting world spoke against the ban but some bullrings in the region still remain closed. Others, like Barcelona’s Monumental, were put to good use as concert arenas hosting The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Rock singer José María Sanz Beltrán, known as Loquillo, used the bullring as a platform to defend bullfighting, stating: “I was born in front of La Monumental, my parents took me to the bullfights … it represents a tradition that is part of the people”. The sport continues in many villages of Catalunya where bulls are the backbone of the community. Catalunya also upholds the tradition of the ‘fire bulls’, where the animals are chased through the streets with flaming torches strapped to their horns.
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They might want to be independent from Spain, but bullfighting is still very ingrained in the DNA.
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Balearics: On the Islands, bullfighting could be on the way out. Last year the Balearic parliament voted to end traditional bullfights and allow only those where the animals are not killed. The Spanish government fought the move in court on constitutional grounds and the law was temporarily suspended this March, but it’s back on again pending a final decision. Bullfighting is losing its flavour for islanders anyway. There were only four fights held there in 2015 and seven in 2016. And the real aficionados have no interest in ‘friendly bullfights’ that are not to the death, saying they’re ‘boring’.
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Madrid: The capital of Spain is also the capital of bullfighting. Las Ventas is the biggest bullring of Spain and third-largest in the world. Although it’s also used for concerts and motor shows, it hosts more fights than any other bullring. The Feria de San Isidro, a top fixture in the world of tauromaquia, and the newer Feria de Otoño both take place here. Most fights are sold out. Across the region almost every town and village has its own encierro or bullrun. Although many modern Madrileños are antibullfighting, just as many regard it as part of their cultural identity. Not going anywhere soon.
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Valencia: The eastern autonomous community still has a strong attachment to bullfights. Its main city bullring is catalogued as a Place of Cultural Interest and corridas play a major role in the city’s big annual street party, Las Fallas. In Segorbe in northern Castellon region, the Entrada de Toros y Caballos is a major tourist spectacle where bulls, horses and riders charge together along the main streets of the historic centre. As in Catalunya, almost every single town and village has its own bullfighting week where the ‘toro embolao’ bull run is a big part of the festivities. These are infamous for the number of deaths and injuries resulting from the reckless behaviour of participants or poor safety measures. In the DNA pura cepa.
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gust 3
iss Teen Gibraltar 2018, Au-
This year’s beauty pageant gala will be held at the Alameda Open-Air Theatre. The next Miss Teen Gibraltar will be chosen at this event organized by No1 Models. Admissions is 15 pounds per person.
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azz Night, August 2
The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotels hosts its Jazz Night every Thursday from 21.00pm. Go to the hotel’s Veranda Bar on Thursday for an exciting night filled with jazz music and cold drinks.
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3th International Harley & Custom Bike Rally, August 4
Bikers from countries around the world will be joining in on this rally at Casemates Square, featuring live music and speeches by the Minister of Culture and Miss Gibraltar 2018. The event is free and will be held from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
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Turning Japanese BE ‘APPY!
Banderas wins bank backing ANTONIO Banderas is one step closer to raising the curtain on his Malaga theatre project. The Malagueño actor, singer, and producer has received sponsorship from CaixaBank and the new partnership was sealed with the official renaming of the auditorium as Teatro Soho CaixaBank. Due to open in September 2019, the main 700-seater arena to be called Caixa
Aqui dolorat. Officiae laudandis cores pelest incia Hendi omnis NETFLIX’ has released its first Spanish documentary series shedding light on one of the most celebrated Andalusian flamenco singers of all time. Camarón, de La Isla al mito, directed by José Escudier,, is a homage to Camarón de la Isla who passed away 26 years ago. Episodes revolve around the accounts of people who were close to the artist, his family, his childhood friend Lela and many others. The documentary tracks
Bank Hall will host two shows every year. A second 200-seater hall will host more intimate productions. Additionally, the theatre will have space for training up new performers, with rehearsal and lecture rooms for courses, conferences, seminars and exhibitions, and will be a platform for developing Malaga’s arts programme, From Malaga, For Malaga. Banderas plans to invite Spanish and
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international companies with a view to showcasing Spanish and English works and a mix of styles, including ballet, zarzuela and opera. The curtain raiser will be a Spanish production of Zorba the Greek, based on the 1952 novel and 1964 film, a story exploring the relationships between Zorba and American Nikos who inherits a mine on Download our app now and the island of Crete. begin enjoying the ORIGAMI: best Spanish In Malaga news on the go. MALAGA is going oriental this October with its first cultural week dedicated to the Land of the Rising Sun. Living Japan, slated for October, is being organised by Olga Grymierski, owner of the city’s Okami restaurant in collaboration with the Japanese EmThe Olivebassy Press in Spain.
Netflix flamenco LEGEND: Camaron
the transformation of flamenco music in the 50s and 60s, revealing many untold stories and secrets. The brilliant singer was born in 1950s Cadíz province to a family of gypsies. His stage name Camarón de la Isla (Shrimp of the Island) comes from a childhood nickname because of his fair skin and blonde hair. The area’s famous shrimps are also white.
TOP for news in Spain! Diplomatic The initiative marks the 150th anniversary of the start of dipThe documentary pre- lomatic relationships between miered at the Factoría Cul- Japan and Spain. It will hightural theatre in Las 3000 light aspects of Japanese culViviendas, one of the most ture not well-known outside impoverished neighbor- the country, such as as Ikeba(flower arranging), Origahoods in Sevilla, where na mi (paper folding), Nerikomi songs of Camarón can still (pottery) and the martial arts be heard everyday. of Iaido and Kuydo. “It could not be otherwise,” All the activities will be comsaid Escudier. “Las 3000 pletely free requiring inscripis the art district where his tion only. gypsy heart lies … Caméron “We want to incorporate excontinues to live here as a hibitions that perhaps are less myth and a god.” known by the larger public.”
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S otogrande Paradise...on the quiet
August 1st - August 14th 2018
It’s not a town or even a village, yet every summer this exclusive tree-lined urbanisation is a magnet for the global A-list set. Bradley Stokes and Olivia Burke set out to discover the attraction
R PICTURESQUE: La Reserva Beach
ESPLENDENT in its beauty, secluded in its exclusiveness, Sotogrande is one millionaire’s playground that doesn’t like to boast about it. If wealth and fame is spoken of at all, it’s in a whisper. In Sotogrande they like to keep it, appropriately, ‘sotto voce’. What it does have a right to brag about however, is its low-density living, its stunning beaches and mountain backdrops, plus its amazing marina and golf courses. Spain’s largest privately-owned residential ‘superstate’ is a second home for the cream of European high society. Its privileged views to the Rock of Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of Africa are enjoyed by the likes of ex-UK PM Tony Blair, the British royal family and countless European celebrities, who
don’t want to be spotted. Internationally renowned for its polo, golf and sailing, as well as burgeoning gastronomic scene, this ‘mini Monaco’ of high net worth residents has all the hallmarks of a cosmopolitan resort but without the brashness and bling, as we discover on a trip around the hotspots. “It’s a wonderful place for golfers, polo players, and people with boats,” explains Paul Martin, 74, who moved to the privileged enclave from Bristol in 1988. “After two dull summers in England in 1986 and 1987, I thought there must be a better climate than this! So it was chasing the sunshine that brought me, but the character of Sotogrande is what made me stay, as I had planned to begin here and venture out into the countryside.” But you would be mistaken for thinking that the residents are unapologetic in their privilege and wealth but on the contrary. Sotogrande is different to other ‘celebrity’ resorts: wealthy, yes but pretentious definitely not. Community is such a strong theme in Sotogrande it almost outshines the summer sun, as 63-year-old Jane Waterhouse from Ascot confirms. “What makes Sotogrande different from anywhere else is that it’s a community, rather than a holiday destination. Continues on next page
LEAFY: The marina gardens and (above) La Reserva
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“People actually live here and work in Gibraltar mostly, so it’s quite different from down the coast. There are plenty of beautiful restaurants and bars, and urbanisations all around, so there’s a lot to do around here.” If year-round residents have a complaint, it’s that the winter months can be very quiet, so they welcome the recent new investment in the area, thanks to the purchase of the resort by a huge American fund Orion over the last few years. There has been a serious amount of investment in the extended port area, previously known as Blue Marlin, as well as in the hills up towards La Reserva golf. There is a very real sense that the place has upped a gear in the last two years and all of Sotogrande’s 2,500 hectares are being carefully planned and used. “There’s also very good internet now thanks to fiber optics, so people who used to have to commute to the cities can work from home,” continues Jane Waterhouse. “The international school is a big draw for families too.” The Plaza Blanca and general envisions are a photographer’s dream, one of the reasons 61-year-old Gerry Fagan is never seen without his camera. “The old structures and the landscapes here are perfect. I come here because I like the ambience, it’s an escape, or as the Spanish would
August 1st - August 14th 2018
Discreet luxury
IDYLLIC: Sand dunes and luxury homes where the Guadiaro river meets the sea, (right) the marina say, muy tranquilo. in 1962, when an American “There’s also Filipino fama nice mix of ily invested Spanish and ‘The landscapes millions into English here, Sotogrande to here are perfect. make it what it and most things are today. I come because I isStanford translated in UniEnglish too… in like the ambience, versity gradua way you feel ate Joseph it’s an escape’ like you’re at McMicking home, you feel and his Fililike you fit in.” pino family The Sotogrande story started were looking to find a suitable
WARES: Marina market
place on the Mediterranean, when his cousin found what is known as Sotogrande today. Joseph McMicking set up the company Financiera Sotogrande del Guadiaro and submitted a plan to buy the 1,800 hectare estate, which was later approved by the Spanish authorities. From there he commissioned Robert Trent Jones, a famous golf architect, to design the Royal Golf Club of Sotogrande.
Building on the success, in 1978 the International School of Sotogrande was founded to accommodate the growing international population. In 1985, the polo fields of Río Sotogrande I and II were built as well as adding new fields in 1992, 1995, 2003 and 2008. In 1997, just before the Ryder Cup, the Guadiaro to Algeciras coastal highway dual-carriageway upgrade was completed and in 2002 the construction
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August Creator of Sotogrande Resort Joseph McMicking August 1st - August 14th 2018 1st attended Stanford University and was no doubt August 14th inspired by the Pebble Beach Resort in California 2018
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How we see it
Olivia Burke talks to a handful of locals to see what they think about life in Sotogrande Paul Martin, 74, Bristol It’s a wonderful place for golfers, polo players, and people with boats and I have seen plenty of royals such as the Duchess of York, who has holidayed here several years in a row. Gerry Fagan, 61, Liverpool I live in Gibraltar but come here because I like the ambience, it’s an escape or, as the Spanish would say, muy tranquilo. It’s a different pace from Gibraltar, and compared to the hustle and bustle of the UK it’s a completely different lifestyle. Andy Gemmell, 72, Glasgow It’s a great place for families and is very safe, so it’s perfect for children. Sotogrande isn’t commercialised compared to other areas, which is a big draw.
of AP-7 motorway helped visitors reduce their drive time to the resort. Joseph McMicking continued to live out his later years in Sotogrande until his death in 1990. One of longest-established residents Lucrecia Aldao, 60, from the Philippines, has seen nearly five decades of its transformation. “I arrived here in 1968 and grew up in Sotogrande. Since then it’s changed in so much as its grown. Sotogrande is a philosophy…it’s a philosophy of family, of friends. It’s a low key society, and everybody here is low key. “You can run into some extremely rich, extremely famous people and nobody will bat an eyelid. The place itself may have changed, and is modernising, but the philosophy remains the same.” Much of Sotogrande’s fame stems from its sporting firsts. Valderrama golf course was the first to host The Ryder Cup in Europe in 1997. And it’s still a fairway to golfing heaven, according to golfer and former professional footballer Andy Gemmell, who has played some 40 courses in the area. “Sotogrande isn’t commercialised compared to other areas, which is a big draw but it’s getting there. Every year there is a new twist and turn. I don’t think Sotogrande will
Valeria Alfie, Sotogrande It used to be a more seasonal place, whereas recently people are opting to be here all year round. This is very good for small business people such as myself. Wytze Abels Velema, 75, Holland Sotogrande is a small community which has what everybody wants. To live here is unbelievable. It’s extremely safe, there is no crime here.
ever lose its sparkle,” he says. Plaza Blanca’s commercial centre is a favourite meeting spot, with a shop to buy English newspapers and books and several independent clothes stores - one owned by Valeria Alfie. Her shop Calanit was one of the first in the area. “This is very good for small business people such as myself and everyone who has businesses here - real estate, restaurants…. I was one of the first shops in the Marina, and I have noticed it has got much busier, a lot busier than 14 years ago. It is changing slowly, but for the better.” Leaving Plaza Blanca, we move to the marina where the indulgence of wealth is something you cannot ignore: the chic waterfront is lined with a parade of sleek super yachts, glamorous sea-view apartments and
From small time polo to international golf In the early days after polo left the beach for the green grassy fields, it was a common sight to see families with their picnics spread out next to the ‘cancha’, the local gardeners sitting with their families next to members of the British Royal Family. Now it is an extremely well organised 5-star event, and amazingly still free to the public apart from The Gold cup Final on the very last day of the summer season. And Golf. After the huge success of the Ryder Cup, Volvo Masters and Amex World Championship at Valderrama we now have Spain's first Municipal course at La Cañada, as well as the amazing Real Club de So-
togrande course and new courses at San Roque, Almanara and La Reserva, rapidly climbing up the Top Ten chart in Spain. Every year the quality of the regattas from Puerto Sotogrande are becoming more and more important. On top of this, Sotogrande could soon become the Equestrian Show Jumping Centre for Europe as plans are going ahead to introduce top class competitions throughout the winter, when it is too cold and wet to celebrate events in Northern Europe. And most amazing of all, is the incredible new inland beach and mini ocean complex at La Reserva. Spain’s most exclusive inland beach resort.
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SSE BUZZING: In the marina and (above) the beach high end restaurants. The profusion of yachts and kayaks reminds us again of Sotogrande’s huge sporting links, not forgetting the polo. Every August top polo players from around the world descend on Santa Maria Polo Club for the International Tournament, now in its 47th year. During the off-season, many football teams rent the polo pitches to train. At the marina we run into former pro polo player Wytze Abels Velema enjoying a late afternoon white wine. “We moved here after living almost everywhere because I was heavily involved in the polo, which my granddaughter now plays,” says the 75-year-old. “It’s extremely safe, there is no crime here. For me, it is the perfect place. The future of Sotogrande does not worry me.” You only need to sit down at a quayside cafe here to overhear how international this place has become. Conversations are conducted in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Scandinavian - it’s a veritable tower of
Babel. And so well kept. Grass verges are as immaculately manicured as the people, the streets are litter free, even the sea seems to be a cleaner blue. Complacency is something that does not exist here. Gatecrashing El Molino del Conde’s waterfront restaurant for a drink we meet 49-yearold Theresa Cohen, 49, who has just moved to Sotogrande from Oxford. “Among friends we jokingly call it the new Marbella. Not in a flashy way but Sotogrande is how Marbella used to be before it got too commercialised,” she tells us. “Here it is different, being a gated community I think helps that exclusivity. The restaurants in the area, I believe, are worldclass: fine wines and the best seafood dishes around.” The marina is yet another highlight of Sotogrande where the welcome is warm, the hospitality outstanding and the sporting offer unequalled by anywhere else in the world that’s not a town or a village but merely a gated community.
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New builds and numbers
Local agent Consuelo Silva analyses prices and new developments in Sotogrande
I
T is two decades since Consuelo Silva set up her estate agency in Sotogrande. Having worked for a number of years for Sotogrande SA she was in a good position to help both buyers and sellers in the upmarket enclave. Nothing has changed on that front, except for the prices that have gone up considerably. “The average buyers are in the 300,000 to 500,000 euro bracket and you rarely find anything cheaper than that in Sotogrande,” explains the friendly Peruvian, who firstly moved to Spain in 1986. “You can get a two-bedroom apartment in the marina for that price, but plenty of homes are well over the €2 million mark and prices are rising,” she adds. Much of this is due to the distinct lack of new developments in Sotogrande.
Quality
“We only have three on the go right now, the main one in La Reserva, Senda Chica just below and La Finca, being developed by Kronos,” she explains. She is also expecting a new one from Taylor Wimpey in the autumn, as the British homebuilder has recently opened a small office there. In particular, she is a huge fan of the La Reserva development, where her daughter has been working in a landscaping capacity. “It’s one of the last bits of available land so it is lucky it is being developed really well, of a really high quality,” she says, adding that the Beach has added a new dimension to the enclave. The well-spoken, elegant mother-of-two is well settled in the resort and her agency is doing well. “It is vital these days to be up early to deal with enquiries that may have come in during the night,” she adds. It means getting up at the crack of dawn to deal with enquiries at home, before she goes off to the gym, arriving at her office in the Paniagua centre around 10am. A keen bon viveur with a love of wines (particularly French rosés), she enjoys travelling, loving visits to European cities as well as more exotic destinations like India.
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After General Franco closed the 1st border with Gibraltar August - August 14th in 2018 August 1st 1926, Sotogrande experienced a quiet period. By 1997 August 14th Sotogrande S.A was losing a whopping €2 million a year! 2018
Bouncing back
Sotogrande’s property market has got over the recession and the Brexit blip, estimates Holmes’ Ben Bateman
B
EN Bateman can remember the exact moment he knew the worst recession in Spanish history had finally kicked in for the Sotogrande property market. It was appropriately April 13th 2008 when he got a call from a client telling him he would have to sell an option he had on a building plot. “He said I would rather lose 10% today than 50% the day after completion, I need you to sell it for me,” he recalls over coffee at his office, in Paniagua, one of the true nerve-centres of Sotogrande. He was not yet at the reins of his four-decades-old family business Holmes Sotogrande, but he knew exactly what this meant. “It was the first of many and it just went downhill from there,” explains the personable father-of-four, who was in for five very tough years, which almost put the agency, set up by his father in 1979,
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out of business. Things didn’t pick up until late 2012/ 2013 and it was only one deal in February 2012 that kept their heads above water. He remembers it well. “It was February 16 and I got a call from a fellow agent in Estepona informing me that a sale agreement on a €4m house could go through much earlier than expected, The buyer’s company’s stock options had bounced back to a certain level that morning, that allowed them to proceed.. “I made a call and incredibly 15 minutes later €1 million had been put across to the developer so they could get on with building the home. “Without the commission on that sale we would have been unable to pay our staff that month. From that point on the market began to turn around and we were able to keep our heads above waPROPERTY EXPERT: Ben Bateman ter.” It had certainly been a very tough recession, with many ish, French, Italian, Belgian, “If it did go up by 15% to agents going under, or at Dutch and a few German 20% it would mean the British once again outbidding all the very least going under- buyers. “The Scandinavians in par- the other nationalities and, in ground. “But we never stopped be- ticular are strong and for my opinion, would create an lieving in Sotogrande and them it is all about climate, imbalance. The key to ongoclimate cli- ing success is the ‘casual elwe kept marmate and cu- egant’ charm of Sotogrande, keting and riously they with its well manicured looking for clicome here streets, a down-to-earth feel ents… I think we helped The British market out of season and upmarket nature which and not in the is hard to beat. “You can keep the maris strong again summer when walk around in flip flops and ket alive by continuing to although not what they stay back a t-shirt and feel comfortable home.” here, or dress to the nines maintain our it was before He is also and not look out of place, it’s levels of adhappy to re- truly a world of its own.” And vertising.” port that the once you add that to its faHis faith British market cilities, it’s unrivalled. “For exand investment has been returned is strong again, but not like ample, of the five golf courswith Holmes being the best it was before the recession es in Sotogrande three of known and longest estab- in 2008 when up to 35% of them, Real Club Sotogrande, Valderrama and La Reserva lished agency in Sotogrande. buyers were from the UK. “We have buyers from all “Today it is a healthy 15% to are world-class championover Europe and we have 20%, which brings the per- ship golf courses and among the best in Europe,” he says. definitely got over the Brexit fect balance,” he insists. blip of 2016,” he continues. “What I don’t want is for To contact Ben and the “We are very optimistic that the pound to strengthen too team, visit www.holmesowe will end this year very much too quickly again to togrande.com or call 956 795 340 well, and we have, Span- 1.25 or 1.3 euros mark.
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Sotogrande is unrecognisable from its 1980s former self, writes British expat, teacher and jazz genius Mike Izatt
I
T was August, 1986. The overnight sleeper train from Barcelona trundled into Malaga station. My wife, myself and two young children achingly stretched our acheing limbs, having failed miserably to doze on our overnight journey in an undersized sleeping compartment. I approached a railway official to ascertain where we had to pick up our two old cars which had also travelled with us. I was fairly fluent in Spanish, albeit with a northern Catalan accent, but I did not understand a single word of the man’s reply. I listened to conversations
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August - August 14th 2018 August 1st When looking for a suitable site to build 1st an exclusive MediterAugust 14th ranean resort, founder McMicking asked cousin Freddy to travel along the whole Spanish coast…on a motorcycle! 2018
Grande changes around me, and realised that I was hearing Andaluz, a new language with no S's and words cut in half. The drive from Malaga to Sotogrande, where we were going to take up our new teaching posts at Sotogrande International School took well over three and a half hours. Yes, three-and-a-half hours through Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella,
San Pedro and Estepona with not a sniff of a dual carriageway in sight. Luckily, we fell in love with Sotogrande immediately. Huge luxury houses, stunning established gardens, and palm lined streets with wonderful names. They included calle Beatriz la Suabia, Pedro el Grande, Isabel la Catolica, Alfonso el Sabio and a school in Paniagua (Bread and Water).
EARLY DAYS: Mike and family at Cucuruchu Beach Club in the 1980s
Being poorly paid teachers, we had to look outside Sotogrande for a place to stay. We ended up in Playa de Guadiaro, a very peaceful area. Well, until gangsters infamously decided to kidnap five-year old Melody Nakachian and ask for a €9.5 million ransom. How were we to know that they were ‘holed up’ in the very next door apartment. We actually slept through the police raid, the shooting, the arrests and the release of Melody. We learnt about it the next day at school. Yes, I would never have made a good journalist.
Unattractive
Life was very different then. The Sotogrande residents and the villagers in Guadiaro did not mix. Guadiaro was a pretty village with a couple of bars and a football team. Torreguadiaro was a most unattractive string of buildings on either side of the main Malaga to Algeciras ‘highway’, with a couple of bars and a successful little beachfront hotel called Patricia. Pueblo Nuevo hardly existed. There was of course golf at the celebrated Real Club de Soto-
Markets galore IT has been one of the most popular additions to summertime in Sotogrande. And the regularly night market - or mercadillo nocturno - will stay open every Wednesday and Thursday until the end of August. Running from 8pm to 01:00am, it claims to offer ‘everything you want’ and is certainly the perfect place for an evening stroll.
Vintage
As well as stores featuring jewellery, local handmade items, crafts and artwork, there are clothes and toys and a variety of food trucks and entertainment for children. The Vintage Market meanwhile, is held on Fridays in the summer from 10am until 3pm, selling antiques and secondhand goods. Finally, the Mercado del Levante, held in the summer from 12pm to 2am, has plenty of food trucks, live music, and a craft market.
S Bazaar night
THE Hope and Joy Foundation returns for the 11th edition of the Charity Bazaar at El Octógono Beach Club on August 8 to raise funds for its projects in India. The Charity Bazaar is open free to the public from 11am to 9pm. There will be more than 20 stalls featuring craft items from India, jewelry, cosmetics, costume jewelry and authentic Indian accessories. Keeping with tradition, there will also be a charity raffle in which several gifts will be raffled off, such as two flamenco classes with Antonio La Soleá, or dinner for two at Gigi´s Beach in Sotogrande.
MEAT FEAST: Early Argentinian BBQ grande and Valderrama, and polo on the beach, minus the discotheques afterwards. The school was situated in the beautiful, but now abandoned, buildings adjacent to Paniagua. The carpenters and local ‘cantina’ shared the venue. The local church was within the school grounds. Every Sunday hundreds of well dressed Spaniards turned up at the church, which in itself was amusing as the church only had the capacity for 40 people. The people inside the church were, I presume, interested in the ways of the Lord, but the ‘flock’ outside was heavily involved with discussing last night’s football game, or the clothes worn by Senora Fulano at the recent Golf Ball Dinner. Our arrival coincided with a huge boom in construction in the area. Teachers had to make sure they were out of the Urbanisation from 5.45am to 6.30pm when it was virtually impossible to leave Sotogrande as the queue of construction workers trying to join the two lane N 340 stretched from the exit to the beach. With the explosion of new homes being built, Pueblo Nuevo sprung to life. Builders mer-
JUMP TO IT
OTOGRANDE is the home of one of Andalucia’s best jazz bands the New Orleans Jumpband. The group of expats have played for the King of Spain, the opening of Real Madrid’s training facility and played festivals in France, Spain and the UK. On top of this Seve Ballesteros and Darren Clark have sung with them and they have played with Lonnie Donegan and Jools Holland, as well as backed Kenny Ball on a Spanish Tour. Its story began in 1987 when music teacher Dave Gorodi, a graduate from the Royal Academy of Music, decided to set up a group. Sadly the only two people he knew who had an inkling about music were Nick Lee, a very talented flute player who played a bit of guitar, and Mike Izatt, a singer and harmonica player who had just left his well known Heavy Rock
band in Barcelona. Mike also played a bit of guitar. Nick agreed to play bass and Mike agreed to play guitar. David played piano with his left hand, trumpet with his right as well as operating the Yamaha drum machine which sat on top of the piano. They all sang ! The audience however, seemed to prefer the Jazz and they had soon become The New Orleans Jumpband, and found a drummer, and a pianist, and a saxophonist. As a five piece, (Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Sousaphone and Banjo), their fame spread and they have had countless musicians and celebrities sing with the band over the last few decades. Their most recent gig was at the Birmingham International Jazz Festival this year, where they were doing a very special farewell performances after 30 years at the sharp end.
ON TOUR: The New Orleans Jump Band in Birmingham
chants, plumbers, electricians, offices for architects and notaries suddenly appeared, and being in Spain, the need for new bars was also catered for. Fantastic new night spots also opened in Puerto Sotogrande. In 1990 we welcomed Ke Bar, which joined Midas as the ‘place to be seen’. The clientele was a mixture of aristocratic Spaniards, Madrileños who wished to be seen as aristocracy, the upper class from Gibraltar and successful local businessmen. The 90s was a very exciting decade as the cultures mixed and businesses flourished. The beach clubs of Sotogrande were a wonderful place to go in the summer, if you could afford the membership Sotogrande school mainly catered for the offspring of wealthy Spanish businessmen, and some UK and other European entrepreneurs. It followed the Spanish way of life with classes starting at 10.00 and finishing at 16.30. The students had their lunch provided for them in the cantina, with children of the wealthy sitting and eating on one side, and the construction crews in their filthy overalls, supping their wine and puffing on their cigarettes, on the other side.
A great education!
The community spirit grew, and Sotogrande school invited Guadiaro to participate in sporting events. After a few incidents including insults, spitting and stone throwing, things soon quietened down, and it wasn't long before a couple of Sotogrande boys were playing for Guadiaro Football team. Soon, the ever-increasing influx of Northern Europeans chasing the life in the sun, was joined by the first appearance of eastern Europeans, as well as city-style traders working in Gibraltar but residing in Spain. The traders have now been replaced by online betting company employees. As polo became more and more popular we welcomed the arrival of many Argentinians who introduced us to beautifully cooked steaks at their barbecues.. and soon after at their newly opened restaurants. Torreguadiaro has suddenly sprung into life and has a wonderful variety of tapas bars and restaurants. Beach life has never been better and offers great food, drink and entertainment at chiringuitos such as Bahia Limon, Chambao, Gigi's, Trocadero and the Bunker. The ‘small community spirit’ that met us long ago has been replaced by, well, the amazing place we have today!
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August Sotogrande International School 14th August 1st - August 2018 1st educates more than 900 children August 14th from over 44 different countries 2018
Shore thing! Jon Clarke gets an early first taste of La Reserva Beach, the hippest new addition to the Andalucian scene
I
T is the very epitome of understated glamour. Hidden in the folds of the Sotogrande foothills, it has become in just a fortnight one of the most talked about new venues in southern Spain this summer. Taking over two years to create, La Reserva Beach is as eye opening as it is exclusive. And despite being quite a few clicks from the sea, it gives St Tropez and anything in Ibiza more than a run for its money. The statistics, as ever, are everything. Dubbing itself as the ‘only private beach in Spain’, it counts on 2,800 square metres of shoreline and nearly a dozen activities for all the family. Surrounded by a sea of palm trees, you lounge on well appointed sunbeds and hammocks or just hang out by the shore, dipping your feet in the cool, azure water. In the backdrop is a children’s play area alongside a pair of food trucks, while next door you’ll find the achingly stylish restaurant, which cleverly uses wood and light and a collection of natural earthy products. Nothing is left to chance and there is a legion of 88 staff, including nine lifeguards and a phalanx of waiters dressed in white, a dozen chefs dressed in black and the maitres bespoke in beige. In short, you are waited on hand and foot in the sort of classic top-end, five-star luxury that the neighbouring resort and golf course has become known for over recent years. The quality of the food is also quickly evident. The menu is creative enough, without being intimidating or pretentious, and comprises a healthy mix of Mediterranean (mostly Spanish) dishes with a few Asiatic and south American twists. It is also good value for what and where it is, and particularly the various wines by the glass that weigh in from just €3.
STYLISH: Use of wood, glass and concrete
VARIETY: Sushi and prawn carpaccio
Broken down into easy sections, Getting it right, he certainly has, there are plenty of salads and and not only in the execution and soups - mostly cold this year unsur- delivery… with plots for sale around prisingly - plus starters, meat and the beach, already going up in price fish. by two even three times in as many For starters, I particularly liked the years. tuna tacos with black olives and Some, I was amazed to discover, tender sprouts with a chili salmore- are selling for upwards of €7m, putjo, as well as the carpaccio de gam- ting them among the most expenbas, a dish as pretty as it tasted. sive in all of Spain. The smoked sardines with guaca- An erudite Parisian, who has worked mole also worked brilliantly, as did around the world in the hotel and the ceasar salad, however the lob- golf sector for decades, Topiol is ster sandwich (basically in a bao) widely credited with turning around was a little heavy on the sauce. the enclave and driving it forwards. Some splendid sushi made up for Some three or four local business this and the lemon meringue pie owners have sung his praises to me was veritably a winfor his vision and ner. he is surprisingly La Reserva Beach approachable and It has become, is the latest chapter friendly in the flesh. perhaps, the of the Orion Capital It is perhaps little revolution that arsurprise, given that coolest beach rived in Sotogrande he describes himfour years ago. self as a ‘doctor’ hangout this Funded by the big ensuring that ‘evsummer European real eseryone is having a tate fund that took good time’ while on over the private holiday or living in resort run by Sotogrande S.A. in the resort. 2014, it has been carefully created The father-of-three works six days with the concept of privacy and a week during the summer months space to the forefront. and spends most of Sunday sleep“It’s open to the public now, but we ing, he tells me. envisage it being private and just But, most importantly, he completefor residents eventually,” explains ly gets the positioning and uniqueSotogrande CEO Marc Topiol over ness of Sotogrande as a resort and lunch. place to live. “A lot of people doubted it would He describes it using a French word ever happen and it has taken a long ‘desuet’, which literally means ‘out time to build,” he admits. “But it of fashion, but doesn’t translate took over a year to get planning per- perfectly into English’. mission and technically it was very “Basically Sotogrande is not a hip or important to get it right.” trendy place, but it offers a unique
lifestyle different to anywhere else,” he explains. He is certainly not short of jobs to undertake, with two hotels, three golf courses, most of the marina and various plots and developments to manage. There are also various plans to carefully utilise 1,400 hectares of protected green spaces, with new hiking routes, horse riding trails and some ‘glamping’ accommodation for families. But for now, he is clearly delighted with what has perhaps, surprisingly, become the coolest beach hangout this summer.
FUN: Food trucks, mojitos and smoked sardines (top)
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Reservations available from: La Reserva de Sotogrande App and lareservaclubsotogrande.com Tel. +34 956 79 10 06 · Email: lareserva.thebeach@sotogrande.com · lareservaclubsotogrande.com
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Price slashers BE ‘APPY!
Ryanair row takes off
+TheolivepressEs
RYANAIR has come under attack for launching a new marketing campaign just as it confirmed the biggest cancellation of flights in its history. The comprehensive campaign has been described as 'cynical' by a consumer affairs watchdog that supports air passengers. It
AFTER a rare British summer of scorching temperatures and a roaring success for the Three Lions in the World Cup, holidaymakers are opting to stay at home-forcing travel operators our app now and to slash their Download prices across the Mediterranean andenjoying beyond. begin the best Spanish The UK loses its In a bid to tempt customers news on the in what are normally thego.busi- EU anti-piracy est months of the year, holiday firms are scrambling to of- missions to fer the best deals, as analysts Spain as a result warned the slump could hinder of Brexit companies’ profits. After a continuous spout of sun, Brits are deciding to stay at THE EU has announced home and visit the coast. plans to move the head-
quarters of the bloc’s antiThe Olive Press piracy patrol, Atlanta from Discounts
TOPthe forprices news Spain! to Andalucia in the TUI has shaved of in London 2,200 holidays and are offering wake of Brexit. discounts of up to 70%, as well In what is just the latas budget operator Jet2 offer- est reaction to Britain ing £100 off all holidays online. leaving the EU, member Industry giant Thomas Cook states have agreed to move offered a further 10% off pro- the security centre from motion on its already discount- Northwood to the port of ed July holidays as part of a Rota in Cadiz on March 29 three day long promotion, as a - the official day of Brexit. spokesperson told the Mirror: “We are looking at other comPatrol pelling offers for the rest of the summer.”The dry spell of book- Atlanta was first launched ings comes as operators have in 2008 in a bid to fight been hit with further expenses rising piracy crime and by price increases of more than armed robbery off the 10% for hotels and jet fuel. coast of Somalia.
comes after Ryanair cancelled around 600 flights due to cabin crew and pilots going on a series of strikes. Ryanair has announced an 11% profit growth but declined to negotiate working conditions for its staff. Head of flight compensation company
SkyCop, Marius Stonkus, said: “The latest planned walkout would result in over €20 million of flight compensations, if the airline would be obliged to pay for its incompetence in the negotiations. “However, they will walk out without a scratch.”
Piracy plan Spanish, Italian and German navy ships currently patrol the waters close to Somalia, detecting any threats compromising the safe delivery of aid to the country. The operation is particularly aimed at protecting ships belonging to the UN World Food Programme and African Union Mission in Somalia, the latter of which has been waging war on the jihadist group Al-Shabaab. In 2009 Somali pirates brazenly stormed onto a Spanish tuna fishing boat and held the crew captive until they received a ransom.
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NEWS IN BRIEF Stagnant Salary THE ANNUAL Labor Cost Survey recently released by the National Institute of Statistics revealed that the average gross salary that companies paid workers in 2017 increased by 0.1%, an improvement compared to the 0.3% decrease in 2016.
5G Internet THE ECONOMY Ministry of Spain has given telephone providers Telefonica, Vodafone, and Orange access to 5G frequencies, which is 20 times faster than 4G. Each of the companies invested over 100 million euros each for the technology.
Renfe Strike
COMING SOON: Anti-piracy crew
The crew were finally leased after receiving payout and two of criminals were later
rethe the ar-
rested by military officers. The EU has also decided to continue Operation Atlanta until December 31 2020.
FOLLOWING the Ryanair strikes, partial strikes by rail workers have led to the nationwide cancellation of trains on July 27. 161 AVE, medium-, and long-distance trains were cancelled.
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BUSINESS
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What to do if you don’t get your predicted grades for university...how about considering Gibraltar university?
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HEN it comes to securing a university place on results day, it’s really important to have a backup plan. Whether you exceed your predicted grades, or don’t quite get the ones you wanted, now is the time to get ahead of the game. Here’s University of Gibraltar’s 7-step plan to securing a space at university this year. Step 1: What is clearing? Clearing is an important part of the UCAS university application process. It allows universities a chance to fill any spaces they may have left ahead of the academic year. University applicants who don’t hold offers essentially get another chance of securing a university place.
Get set for clearing Step 2: Clearing is not the only option Clearing is run by UCAS which means it only affects applications made through their system. If you’re hoping to get a space at university this year, it’s a good idea to explore all the options available – this includes direct application routes. Step 3: Revisit your original choices Do your research. Think back to what you were looking for in
a course all those months ago and revisit the list of what was important to you at the time. For example, does the course offer industry placements? Will you miss home? Think about which courses/universities you would consider if you don’t get the grades you need. Step 4: Keep an open mind Do consider alternative options. For example, instead of Marketing would you consider Business with a Marketing major? If you have your heart set on a particular location because you were close to friends, it may be time to be flexible on where the course is located. You may be setting off for a different university, to study a different course, but the opportunities to meet new friends and get involved in student life remain the same. Step 5: Don’t wait for results day If you want to get ready for the big day, or perhaps already
August 1st - August 14th 2018 June 20th - July 3rd 2018
have your results, start contacting universities now and ask them about what courses they still have spaces on. If you would rather wait, A-level results are released on Thursday 16 August, ensure that you don’t have any fixed plans on that day just in case you need to make some phone calls. Step 6: Don’t panic and stay positive! You may need to make some fast decisions on results day, but try not to panic. If you’ve done your preparation you should have some idea of which universities to contact first. While it can be tempting to make a decision based on location, make sure you understand what the degree actually involves.
CAPTION: Step 7: If you can, go and visit them The best way to decide if a university is right for you is to go and visit as you’ll speak to staff and find out exactly what they have to offer. For those students hoping to study
M
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business-related subjects, University of Gibraltar is accepting direct applications to its undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration course so call their Clearing Hotline on +35020071000 Ext. 901 to find out more. www.unigib.edu.gi/clearing
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Food, drink & travel
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with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
Slow down on the sangria After a long day at work most of us enjoy an alcoholic tipple to wind down. But Spain’s recommended daily alcohol consumption is becoming a cause for concern among health experts. The country’s Health Ministry recommends a maximum of four standard alcoholic drinks per day for men and two for women. But apparently that’s way too generous.
Double
It’s double what is recommended in France, which is two standard drinks for both men and women, and four times the limit in the Netherlands where just one drink a day for both sexes is advised. British beverage company Diageo highlighted the difference between Spanish and European standards at a seminar of the National Association of Health Informers. Although no other country tops Spain’s recommended limit for men, other countries such as Japan and South Korea recommend the same amount.
Organic water FONT VELLA, the natural mineral water brand owned by Aguas Danone, is bringing an organic drink line to Spain. Font Vella Organic is designed to cash in on the rising popularity of organic products in the country. Font Vella revealed two flavours - orangeade with oregano, and lemonade with basil.
Mineral
The drinks are to be made from mineral water, fruit juice, and all-natural ingredients. The fruits used to make the juice will be completely organic—free of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Font Vella Organic drinks will be sold in 40cl bottles at around €1.45 euros per bottle.
August 1st - August 14th 2018
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Too many men THE World’s Top 50 Restaurant list has been criticised for not including enough eateries with women at the helm. It comes after the latest awards saw only five women-run restaurants named in the top 50 - its highest female quota ever. Eater magazine writer Monica Burton said: “Restaurant awards largely mirror societal inequities — they advance white men, and consistently overlook women and people of color — and while it’s tempting to simply
ignore them and what they celebrate, the material stakes are high. “Winners receive outsized media attention, which leads to greater critical and financial success — opportunities denied to chefs and restaurants that are left out.” She added: “A more fair system would empower women, people of color, and people with diverse economic backgrounds, perhaps even restaurant staff, to make decisions as awards judges and organizers.”
Top Jock Scottish maestro wins top Spanish food prize for pioneering work A SCOTTISH chef has won the coveted Basque Culinary World Prize. Jock Zonfrillo received the €100,000 reward, funded by the Basque government, for his dedication to preserving and promoting the culinary ingredients and techniques of the native population of Australia. The cash injection will go towards his pioneering work, which includes the Indigenous Food Database.
Inspired
Zonfrillo has spent 17 years visiting hundreds of remote cultures Down Under and cataloguing their ingredients and cooking techniques. He was inspired to start his project after realising native cooking knowledge and traditions were woefully non-existent in Australia’s gastronomic identity. "Zonfrillo sows the seeds for a better future," said iconic Spanish chef Joan Roca, chair of the prize jury. "His work is inspiring and has a multiplier
effect." Zonfrillo was chosen from more than 140 nominees across 42 countries. He was then selected as one of ten finalists in the search for a chef that ‘embodies the Basque value of transformational social change through gastronomy’. "My motivation comes from acknowledging a culture who farmed and thrived from the land they have lived on for over 60,000 years," Zonfrillo said. "The first Australians are the true cooks and ‘food inventors’ of these lands and their exclusion from our history, and specifically our food culture, is unacceptable." Zonfrillo hopes his research will help unearth new superfoods and create new farming jobs for the native populations. Anyone in the world will have access to the database. "Through the world of gastronomy I'm able to make a difference," added Zonfrillo.
Sacre bleu! FOUR people have been arrested for passing off Spanish wine as French. The suspects were found to be part of a criminal organisation with a rap sheet including money laundering and crimes against public health. The fake vino workshop was located in La Coruna and had been operating since 2014. They passed off wines as Pingus 2004 and 2006, Flor de Pingus, and Vega Sicilia’s ‘Unico’ online and in a restaurant in La Coruña. Some 1,600 Pingus labels and 2,000 Vega Sicilia labels were seized by the Guardia Civil. According to the EU’s Intellectual Property Office, Spain has the most counterfeited wine in the EU.
Open Tuesday to Sunday. until 22.00 Closed 12.00 until mid February
WINNER: Zonfrillo
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Spain’s Jon Rahm ranks top five in world SPAIN’S Jon Rahm is now the fifth best player in the world. It comes after new rankings put the 23-year-old in the top five following an impressive past two years. Recent British Open champion Francesco Molinari climbed to a career-high of sixth after becoming the first Italian in history to win one of golf’s four majors in July. The 35-year-old started 2018 outside the top 20, but his strong recent form had already produced wins in the European PGA Championship and the Quicken Loans National. Meanwhile Tiger Woods’ comeback continues as he enters the top 50 after being outside the top 1,000 following a break from back injuries. The US’s Dustin Johson topped the rankings with the UK’s Justin Rose close behind at number two. Justin Thomas, also from the US, rounds up the top three.
August 1st - August 14th 2018
August 1st - August 14th 2018
SPANISH SUCCESS AT BRITISH OPEN MIGUEL Angel Jimenez is bringing home the glory after becoming the first Spaniard to win the Senior British Open last Sunday. After a flawless round on the final day at St.Andrews, Jimenez made it look easy, despite the temperamental
weather conditions. The 54-year-old finished on 12-under 276, after dropping only one stroke en route to the final round 3under 69. Beating defending champion Bernhard Langer by a single, Jimenez was especially pleased with himself as he followed in the
footsteps of his idol Seve Ballesteros, the first Spaniard to win at St Andrews after winning the 1984 British Open. Jimenez, intriguingly sporting blue aviators UNDER his cap, said of the win, “It has always been my ambition to win here. It feels like I am part of history.”
Hats off Spain’s Jorge Campillo wears an empty hat at British Open
STAR ON THE RISE: John Rahm is making a name for himself in the world of golf
COUNTLESS company logos dot the hats of many professional golfers. Yet, Jorge Campillo’s was an exception at the recent British Open. Campillo, a Spanish golfer from Casa-
res, made his first major debut sporting a navy hat without any sponsors. Unfortunately, it was not a fashion statement. TaylorMade, the brand marked on his hat for the past six years, did not renew its contract with Campillo last year after Adidas AG sold the leading golf brand for 425 million dollars. Yet, Campillo, now ranked 70th in the world, is not too concerned with the blank space on his hat.
Crazy
“I do not go crazy looking for a sponsor. I prefer to dedicate myself to playing well,” Campillo said. Moreover, the Spanish player has had a remark-
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NO BRAND: For Spain’s Campillo
able breakout this year, finishing in the top 10 in seven out of 16 starts this year. Campillo’s agent Gorka Guillén remains optimistic as he looks to sign sponsorship contracts for the upcoming academic year. “Now, there are people who are turning heads.
They realize that they have made a mistake,” Guillén said. Although Campillo failed to overcome the unforgiving Carnoustie Golf Links this British Open, the breakthrough player’s virgin navy hat surely drew eyes on the fairway.
offered at a private cocktail party on the final day. ” In some ports of call, Blue World Voyages plans to challenge members of local European Country Clubs for friendly tournaments.
Following the game, competitors will be invited back to the ship for lunch. Visit www.blueworldvoyages.com for more info.
All aboard! A CRUISE company has announced plans for two ‘Golf Only’ voyages per year. Blue World Voyages is partnering up with Hank Haney Golf to bring the cruises to the best regions for the sport in the world, including Spain, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal. Blue World Voyages expects to have at least 2030 golfers on board each sailing, plus others looking to take up the sport. “On an average 7-night cruise we expect to have three rounds of golf scheduled at different ports”, said Gene Meehan, Founder and Chairman of Blue World Voyages. “These rounds will be organized by an on-board Hank Haney teaching pro. All three rounds will be designed as tournament play, with prizes
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Property
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Price hike
More than 90% High +TheolivepressEs of Marbella’s coastline has stakes BE ‘APPY! been built on in just 30 years
SPANISH billionaire and founder of Inditex Amancio THE rate of urbanization Ortega is the of Spain’s coastal land has front runner more than doubled in the for snapping up Download our apppast 30 years, according to now and Grade II listed begin enjoying theenvironmental organization best Spanish building the Greenpeace. on the go. Despite the introduction of Adelphi in central news London. Just weeks after missing the a law in 1988 intended to mark with a €1.13 billion bid limit the development along for Goldman Sachs’ London its shores, the property headquarters, the 82 year old boom throughout the 1990s is understood to be the pre- led to a mass production of ferred bidder for the 330,000 resorts, hotels and holiday square ft building, which is homes along the Spanish reported to sport a price tag coast, until the financial of around €680 million. crash in 2008. The Olive Press As the world’s second most visited tourist hotspot after Spotify TOP for news in Spain! France, during the boom Currently housing the likes coastal laws were often of music streaming service worked around while ofSpotify, the building is owned ficials turned a blind eye to by the US’s largest private eq- sprouting buildings. uity firm, Blackstone, which purchased the site in 2012 for Rebounded €294 million. Other tenants include Conde Since the Spanish economy Nast, The Economist, and rebounded, the depletion public relations company of the Spanish coastline reFinsbury. sumed. After recently undergoing a As a result, 530,000 hectcomplete refurbishment, the ares of the coast has now 1938 building remains true been built upon, compared to its heritage and is still to 240,000 hectares in 1988. framed by the four sculptures According to the Greenproduced by sculptor Gilbert peace report, over 90% of Ledward. the first 500 meters of the
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OVER-DEVELOPED?: Marbella has seen most of its coastline built on
Coastal shame
majestic Marbella coastline has been built upon, while the northeastern region of Catalunya has lost a huge 26.4% of its coast to urbanisation. Greenpeace representative in charge of coastal is-
sues, Paloma Nuche, told a Barcelona news conference discussing the condition of Spanish coastal areas: “The occupation of the coast has been massive and this leaves a legacy of a saturat-
ed coast”. In a bid to discourage this excessive urbanization, Spain’s Supreme Court has ordered that the 21-story Azata Del Sol complex in Almeria should be torn down.
SOME 134,705 house sales have been completed in the first quarter of 2018, according to the Ministry of Development and National Statistics Institute. The majority were in Alicante, Ibiza, Malaga and Mallorca, with 16.67% of the sales coming from international buyers. The stats suggest the typical British buyer is being put off by the steady rise in house prices, with buyers from Scandinavia and Belgium picking up the slack. In April alone, the National Statistics Institute reported that the number of mortgage approvals had risen by 34% year-on-year. Banks lent €3.54 billion euros to home buyers that month, a year-on-year increase of 46.5%.
ON THE UP: Prices
NATIONAL HEALTH NEWS FOR EXPAT’S
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Columnists
August 1st - August 14th 2018 August 1st - August 14th 2018
Backyard blockbusters Grab a garden chair and dive into some ‘non-escapist’ literature set in exotic locations down the road
A Thousand Cuts (2018), Thomas Mogford Setting: Gibraltar The fifth crime thriller in the series starring Spike Sanguinetti as a Gibby legal eagle willing to risk everything to protect his client. This time, a routine court case takes a sinister turn when he uncovers a WW2 conspiracy implicating some of Gibraltar’s most influential families. Lawyer-turned journalist Mogford has done his research, providing insight into life on the Rock past and present. And, for extra realism, his fictitious characters have genuine Gibraltarian surnames! The Guardian called it ‘shrewd and atmospheric Mediterranean noir’.
Tangerine (2018), Christine Mangan
The Drifters (1971), James Michener
Setting: Tangier
Setting: Costa del Sol, Pamplona, Morocco
This debut psychological thriller has already been optioned for film by George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures, with Scarlett Johansson to star. Set in 1950s Tangier during its decadent International Zone days, Canadian school friends Lucy and Alice, estranged after a mysterious ‘accident’, rekindle their relationship among the mosques and minarets but Lucy’s feelings for Alice run deeper... Set in the days when Tangier was ruled by 12 countries and a good time had by all, Mangan makes good use of ‘this strange, lawless city that belonged to everyone and no one.’
It’s way too big to take to the beach but if you wish you’d dropped out on the Costa del Sol in its hippy heyday, this cracking rights-of -passage tale will beam you straight there. Six disparate young drifters meet by chance in a Torremolinos bar and spend the extended gap year of a lifetime doing bull running in Pamplona, dope in Marrakech and a whistlestop tour of the Costa de la Luz. It’s pure baby boomer nostalgia enriched with characters who will become part of your life. Follow up with Iberia, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author’s non-fiction tribute to his second home.
Under the Sun (2018), Lottie Moggach
A Vineyard in Andalucia (2017), Maria Duenas
Setting: Costa del Sol
Setting: Jerez
Many expats will empathise with Anna, who gives up everything in London to live the dream in an Andalusian mountain finca with a handsome Spanish artist but soon finds herself single and penniless working in a local bar. Set in the fictional Costa del Sol resort of Marea, inspired by Torremolinos, the plot thickens when Anna uncovers a racket smuggling African migrants into Spain. Not only spot on for topicality, the Sunday Times says it’s a ‘compulsive page-turner’.
If you’re partial to sherry, pour a large one and waft yourself back to 1860s Jerez when British demand for the tipple made the city rich and famous. You’ll learn loads of sherry secrets as you follow the adventures of a ruined Spanish merchant who wins a Jerez vineyard in a bet and begins the greatest adventure of his life. It’s tipped to be as successful as The Seamstress, best-selling Spanish novel of 2012 and another great local read. Set in Tangier and Spain, it’s based on the story of British WW2 spy Rosalinda Fox who lived out her years in the coastal Cadiz village of Guadaranque, near San Roque.
August angst
W
ell, summer has finally arrived. By the time you have this article in your hot little hands – quite literally - it’ll be the beginning of August. Summer in southern Spain presents some interesting challenges, to put it mildly. The sudden influx of tourists, ranging from the Madrileños looking down their noses at you, or beered up Brits, heading boisterously to the nearest beach party at midday, only to return a few hours later, hopelessly ‘over refreshed’, plus the even longer queues at the bar/restaurant/check out mean you have to keep your wits about you at all times if you want to survive summer.
Toying
I was toying with the idea of hunkering down in the Casita for the entire month, only peeking out when September ends, or taking the sound advice of either staying by the fridge or the pool – or, even better, move the fridge next to the pool. I do, however, have to earn what is laughingly referred to as my living, so in order to get through the next couple of weeks, I have decided to go full native.
To be honest I was already halfway there. One of the benefits of having a car with no air con – and both are in the garage as I write this – an all time record – is that you find that you have a magnificently tanned left forearm from driving with the window open. The rest of your body may have the same pallor as the undead, but from fingertip to T-shirt sleeve, you look bronzed and healthy… Another trick is starting early. It’s pretty common knowledge that I now get up when I used to get in, but in summer you can avoid the madding and maddening crowds if you are up at the crack of cicada fart. The only thing to beware of is Spanish kids leaving the nightclubs at 7am, but you should be able to hear them coming
as they normally have the dreaded Reggaeton music blasting from their cars. All this early activity should have you indulging in that most Andaluz of activities, a long lunch of seafood or grilled sardines, some sangria and then slipping away for a surreptitious siesta. Or you can follow the example of several of my Spanish friends in the know, load up the kids in the car and go west. A few weeks chillaxing in Conil, kicking back in Zahara or going deep undercover on the Algarve are perfect ways of escaping the summer madness. In the meantime I intend to clear a laptop sized space on the nearest sun lounger, pour myself something long and cool and let this summer wash over me. Resistance is indeed futile…
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BE ‘APPY! MOVING: Hadi Sacko
Leeds to Las Palmas
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Spain turned down offer to take on Newcastle boss during World Download our app now and Cup drama begin enjoying the best Spanish
news on the go. SPANISH news outlet SPAIN rejected an offer Fichajes has claimed Leeds from Newcastle to use RaUnited player Hadi Sacko is fael Benitez as their World set to join Spanish side Las Cup coach, it has been rePalmas. The alleged move came less vealed. than 24 hours after the two The offer came via a letter following the sacking of Jusides met in a friendly. The 24-year-old winger strug- len Lopetegui just 24 hours before the country’s first gled to haveThe an impact at El-Press Olive land Road and new manager match in the tournament. Marcelo Bielsa has seemingly According to Spanish fednews in Spain! eration president Luis Ruostracised TOP the for French-born Mali international from the biales, a letter was sent by squad. Toon chiefs offering them Sacko only managed 279 min- up Benitez. utes of Championship foot- Instead, former sporting diball last season, spread out rector Fernando Hierro was over 14 league appearances. named as Spain’s interim He will now look to resurrect boss with the 2010 winners his career in the second tier of later suffering a shock exit to Spanish football. hosts Russia in the last 16.
“When I sacked Julen I immediately called Hierro and told him I didn’t want to make any changes. Two days later a letter arrived from Newcastle saying ‘Are
you interested in our coach? He’s at your disposition.’ We said thanks but no,” Rubiales said. “We would have never done that, we couldn’t hire Benitez because it would have been acting in the same way for which we reproached Julen.” Lopetegui was given the sack after he announced that he had agreed to take over Real Madrid straight after the World Cup, without the permission of Rubiales. Benitez mentioned the possibility of coaching Spain during the World Cup earlier this month. He said: “There was maybe a chance, but still I am here and I am happy to be here.” Luis Enrique was appointed as Spain’s coach earlier this month.
NEWCASTLE BOSS: Benitez
Filling the void
WELSHMAN Gareth Bale will ‘help fill the void’ left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus, Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has said. The forward had been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu after failing to hold down a regular first-team spot under previous coach Zinedine Zidane last season. But Ronaldo’s £99m switch to Juventus means Bale is back in the team’s good books. “Gareth is happy to play at Real Madrid,” Lopetegui said. “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the main players in the recent history of Real Madrid. He expressed a desire to leave and we allowed him to. “Gareth Bale is a magnificent player, with so many qualities. He can help fill the void.”
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‘Bringing music to your ears, and Gibraltar to your screen’
Making history POPULAR: Luka
Loca for Luka SPANISH football fans think Croatia’s Luka Modric should be crowned with the coveted Ballon D’or this year. It comes after Spanish publication conducted a 30,000-strong poll of who its readers think should win the FIFA title. Some 14,227 voted for Modric, with Cristiano Ronaldo coming in a distant second with 5,340 votes, followed by Lionel Messi with 4,384 votes.
SPANISH tennis player Rafael Nadal has made history by surpassing the $100 million (around €86,000,000) earnings mark. The 32-year-old Mallorquin has become one of three tennis players to ever receive the sum, along with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The 17-time Grand Slam winner has reportedly earnt $101,328,524 (€86,738,736) over his successful career. It comes after Nadal, the world number one in men's singles tennis, bagged his 11th French Open win in May by beating Austrian Dominic Thiem in straight sets. Nadal is only the second player in history to win the same Grand Slam on 11 occasions after Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Open titles between 1960 and 1973.
Favourite
Ronaldo is the bookies’ favourite, yet there's a strong argument that his former Real Madrid teammate should add the FIFA 'The Best' award to his collection. He won the Champions League title alongside Ronaldo and then followed up his Real Madrid showings with a superb World Cup, inspiring Croatia to the final and bagging the Golden Ball award.
WINNER: Rafael Nadal
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FINAL WORDS
Anti-Narco Plan MINISTER of the Interior Fernándo GrandeMarlaska proposes a Special Security Plan that allocates seven million euros of resources to tackle drug trafficking in the Campo de Gibraltar and improve citizen safety.
Booming Tourism OVERNIGHT stays in Andalucia during June have increased 3% compared to those in June 2017, in which overnight stays had decreased by 1.5%. Tourism Board member Francisco Javier Fernández expressed his optimism for tourism this summer season.
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Wat-er devil Huge Devil Ray escorted from shores of beach in southern Spain
A HUGE two metre endangered sea creature, the devil ray has been rescued after being spotted on a popular tourist beach in Alicante. An onlooker filmed the unbelievable rescue of the imperil devil ray on the La Mata de Torrevieja beach. The dying species, known for their incredible surface acrobatics, are most
DEVIL RAY: Towed awat
commonly seen in the Mediterranean Sea. After swimmers spotted the devil ray, they alerted authorities due to its close proximity of the shore, sparking the unconven-
tional rescue operation. Municipal biologist Juan Antonio Pujol, and local diver Vicente Martinez assisted police officers, which was mounted the giant onto a stretcher towed
by a jet ski, to return it to deeper waters. The animal was driven around three miles out to sea before being released, to try and reroute it’s journey away from the shore. "We don't know if it will get over it or not, but at least we've given it another chance," said Juan Antonio Pujol. "The ray had some kind of problem that took it to the coast, but once it was towed out to sea and felt that it had depth below it, it disappeared." Despite their name suggesting otherwise, devil rays are actually harmless, shy creatures and filterfeed on plankton, krill and small fish.
FAIL: For new submarine
Sub-par job SPAIN’S new state-of-theart submarine is too big to fit in its naval base. The S-80 Plus submarine measures 81 metres in length, but its home in Cartagena can only accommodate vessels of up to 78 metres. It comes after the 800 tonne machine had already faced issues with buoyancy, forcing the Navantia shipyard to add 10 meters to the ship to resolve the issue. It has cost around €2 billion to build.
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