Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 310 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

Spanish hunting dogs killed my beloved rescue pup Tommy

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‘Julen family must NOT be charged!’ EXCLUSIVE

THE uncle of little Julen Jimenez, whose body was pulled out of a well on Saturday, has blasted state prosecutors who are seeking a reckless homicide charge

against him. David Serrano Alcaise is facing prosecution alongside Antonio Sanchez, owner of company Triben Perforaciones, which originally dug the well. Both are facing between 18 months and four years behind bars and could be ordered to pay up to €1.5 million in costs borne by the state in the biggest rescue mission in Spanish history. Marbella lawyer Antonio Flores, who is representing Alcaise, told the Olive Press he is devastated and is still reeling from losing Julen. “It is a very sad situation and totally unfair,” he insisted. “This family are really poor and are in no way responsible. “If anyone it is responsible it is the professional who dug the well. “By law he should have plugged the hole with concrete and he didn’t.” Speaking from the family home in El Palo, Malaga, he added: “They only bought the land two months ago and wanted to use it for horses. “We will fight as hard as we can to prevent him having to face these charges." Little Julen fell down the opening on January 13, sparking a 13-day rescue operation involving 300 specialists and costing the state at least €1.5 million. His lifeless body was recovered from the wreckage at around 1.30am last Saturday. See The World Wept page 7

COULD SET OF HUMAN BONES DUG UP IN GARDEN BE BEHIND HAUNTING?

Death probe Olive Press helps police after expat uncovers body of a ‘teenager’ in his back garden

SHOCK FIND: Expat Nicholas with bones found in garden

AN investigation has been launched after an Olive Press tip off led police to a mysterious set of human remains. It came after British expat Ni-

EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith & Laurence Dollimore

cholas Smith, 63, got in touch after discovering parts of a skull, jaw and leg bone in his back

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garden. The dad-of-four from Leicester was left stunned when he happened upon the discovery while burying his dog at his home of 12 years on the Costa del Sol. He believes the bones are those of a teenager, who appears to have been murdered and buried at his home in See pages 39 & 40 La Cala de Mijas.

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After meeting the former bricklayer and authenticating the find, the Olive Press tipped off the Guardia Civil immediately. Cops were on the scene at his home within the hour and had taped off the area before carrying out a full excavation. They told the Olive Press this week: “We can confirm that a set of human remains have been located on a property in the La Cala area. “We cannot comment any further as this is now an ongoing investigation.” Smith believes that the bones could be up to 100 years old, a fact, confirmed to him by the police. The East Midlands expat also believes the bones could be the cause of a series of supernatural

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Terror concerns THE UK foreign office (FCO) last week updated its website warning tourists about the ‘likely’ threat of terror attacks in Spain’.

Notes no more THE Bank of Spain will no longer issue €500 notes from Sunday, amid concerns that they facilitate corruption and finance terrorism.

Corrupt cop DISGRACED former national police chief and owner of Estepona’s Cenyt hospital, Jose Manuel Villarejo, amassed €20 million through corruption, officials have revealed.

Buzz off LEADING news organisation Buzzfeed Spain has folded following hundreds of shock job cuts across the global digital platform.

Drug link to mystery shooting

Boss of Linekers, Portside and Tibu ‘had links’ to Irish mafia A POPULAR businessman gunned down outside his Marbella home may have been a ‘key player’ in an Irish drugs empire. Marco Yaqout, who owned a string of nightclubs, including Tibu, Portside and Linekers, had ties to Irish gangsters the Kinahan clan, it has been claimed. The Spanish/Moroccan businessman was shot 20 times as he arrived home in his Bentley in San Pedro. It comes despite friends telling the Olive Press they were stunned by the sudden mur-

der and could not fathom why the ‘much-loved businessman’ would have been a mafia target. One, who attended a wake at his home at the weekend with up to 500 people, said: “None of us were aware of any feuds he was involved in, it seems utterly senseless. “That said there are 20 different theories and it is impossible to rule out he was involved in something.” According to respected Belgian website boevennieuws.pro, Yaqout, 49, was involved in the movement of cocaine for clients

Dirty drone dozen A TEAM of talented drone pilots helped a drug trafficking ring smuggle six tonnes of hashish into Spain from Morocco. Two of the 12-strong gang were experts in the use of drones and had been using the unmanned aircraft to check if the coasts were clear of police. The gang, made up of Spaniards, including two women, would then send in the RHIB boats loaded with hashish into Almeria, Malaga and Cadiz. The group, based out of the Campo de Gibraltar, brought more than six tonnes into Spain over two months, police confirmed.

SLAIN: Marco along the Costa del Sol. The site claimed: “With his excellent contacts in South America and his ideal position among the jet set, including wealthy Arabs, Marco was in a key position.” A journalist from the site told the Olive Press: “We have multiple sources in Spain, Morocco and the Netherlands. “This information is mostly from Dutch Moroccans who spent a lot of time in the area, specifically in Puerto Banus.” Irish newspaper Sunday World also reported his close links to the Kinahans (inset above). Yaqout owned several bars and nightclubs in the upmarket resort, and co-owned popular Linekers, named after founder Wayne Lineker, brother to England ace Gary Lineker. The investigation continues. Prince of Banus P37

January 30th - February 12th 2019

Time’s up for Goldfinger crooks By Gerard Couzens, in Madrid

HALF a dozen British timeshare touts have been on trial over links to the infamous John Palmer crime empire. Palmer, aka ‘Goldfinger’s, alleged right-hand man Richard Cashman, 52, is accused of fraud, money laundering and criminal association. Five other Brits, including Palmer's nephew Darren Morris, are also standing trial at the Audiencia Nacional, in Madrid, - nearly 20 years after Palmer was jailed by the Old Bailey for fraud. His wife Christina Ketley, 58, however, was acquitted from the case on the first day, due to a technicality. She left court without making any comment with the couple's son James, 28, who was working out at his dad's gym in June 2015 when 1983 Brink's Mat gold smelter Palmer, 65, was shot six times by a mystery assassin in the back garden of his Essex mansion. At the time lead investigator DCI Stephen Jennings linked the Madrid trial to the murder which happened shortly after Palmer was charged in Spain.

Supergrass

It was believed he was shot as he was about to turn ‘supergrass’ before the Madrid trial. Shortly before he was jailed in the UK, Palmer's Canary Islands empire came under attack from former associates-turned-rivals including British boxer Dennis New and Lebanese-born Mohamed Derbah, who was arrested and investigated but never charged. The fraud and money laundering allegations relate to the years 1993 to 2002. The accomplices swindled at least 16,000 Brits, many pensioners, out of cash although the Spanish case centres on 234 complainants allegedly defrauded out of millions. Cashman insisted he played no role in the timeshare part of Palmer's business empire after moving to Tenerife in 1993 and was a bodyguard later given cheque-signing powers after earning the former market trader's trust. The defendants are accused of defrauding victims out of cash through schemes including non-existent timeshares and fake 'holiday club' discounts. Palmer's nephew is also facing an additional two and a half year prison demand on an illegal firearms possession charge.

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Queen in red CONGRATS: Elliott, Sadie and (below) William

Prince William (of the Costas) MARBELLA’S Elliott Wright has become a father again with new wife Sadie. The former TOWIE star and owner of Olivia’s La Cala restaurant took to Instagram to reveal Sadie had given birth to ‘beautiful’ baby boy William James Wright. Wright told the Olive Press: “Thank you for the well wishes, the baby is lovely!” The reality star wrote on Instagram: “I’m so proud… so proud of both mum and baby.”

Waltzing on in HOLLYWOOD’S top villain has swooped in and made a guest appearance in the Spanish capital. Inglorious Bastards star Christoph Waltz, was in Madrid on Friday to attend a photocall for his new film Alita: Battle Angel. The two-time Oscar-winning actor looked sharp in a light blue open-buttoned shirt, teamed with a navy tweed blazer and matching dark blue chinos. Directed by Avatar’s James Cameron and Sin City’s Robert Rodriguez, the new flick is a big-budget fantasy adventure based on Japanese Manga comics. Waltz stars alongside Rosa Salazar, Jennifer Connelly, and Mahershala Ali, while Brit popstar Dua Lipa features on the soundtrack.

Sauce of regret

RAZED: Beach club featured in Las Ketchup music video comes down

Costa del Sol beach bar used for iconic Las Ketchup hit is bulldozed EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith

LEGENDARY girl group Las Ketchup are heartbroken that a famous expat-run beach bar has been demolished. The massive Spanish band - famous for The Ketchup Song hit in 2002 - expressed their dismay that iconic Palm Beach chiringuito in Estepona has been knocked down. The all-girl group from Cordoba recorded their iconic video for their hit at the bar on Estepona’s main beach. “We are very sad, because Palm Beach brings back

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LEGENDARY: Girl group’s music video such good memories,” said band member Lucía Muñoz. “We had a great time, there was a good atmosphere. It was summer, and there was a lot of joy surrounding the recording of the video.” The legendary venue, built in 1998, has fortunately only been temporarily razed and is being rebuilt this Spring.

Dolph-in town

STILL GOT IT: Dolph

Or you need... •

DOLPH Lundgren has been back on the Costa del Sol. The legendary Rocky actor has been staying at exclusive Nobu Hotel Marbella and posed for pics in a purple jumper matched with brown shades and a blue strap watch. The blonde Swede, 61, was in town for the premiere of his new action film Creed II. “Such an honour to have you here,” Nobu Hotel said on Twitter: “Still hot!”

Palm Beach owner Erwin Vanderdonck, 52, from Amsterdam who took over in 2001, admitted he had ‘no idea’ how big the song had become. He added: “I only found out how huge the song was becoming when I got a call from a newspaper in Holland.” Palm Beach is set to re-open in April and Erwin said: “We had many great times in there, but now things are going to be even better.”

Platinium

Now living between Madrid and Córdoba, the Las Ketchup sisters told the Olive Press that they will soon be announcing a 2019 world tour, packed with festival dates. Asereje went platinum in the UK and reached number one in the charts in 26 other countries, selling over seven million copies worldwide.

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BEYONCE has donned a Spanish designer in her latest viral Instagram post. The US superstar rocked red jewelled thigh-high boots and matching red blazer paired with an encrusted chanel purse. The powerful ensemble is the work of Catalan designer Maria Escote, who shared an image of the look, captioning it ‘The Queen in Red’. The photo has been liked more than three million times. Escote, from Barcelona, is seen as a rising star in the fashion world and has dressed other big names, including Miley Cyrus.

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Kings on the road AMERICAN rock gods Kings its 25th anniversary, the fesof Leon have been confirmed tival has pulled out the stops as the latest major headline signing British pop favourites act at Spain’s most famous George Ezra and Jess Glynn music festival. for the four-day festival. The Nashville brothers head The artists will join the lithe bill at Benicassim in July kes of previously announced on their first trip to Spain in headliners, such as Lana del three years. Rey and The They will 1975, on the be joined Barcelona by UK indie stage. favourites Benicassim Franz Fersaw some dinand, as 170,000 well as You people from Me at Six at 25 different July 18 to 21 countries FIB bash. attend last To celebrate ROCKING: Kings of Leon year.

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

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I’ll be the judge A BOGUS lawyer has been arrested after stealing up to €80,000 from a series of clients. The fake brief, who is understood to be a Spanish woman from Malaga, had been masquerading as a solicitor for up to two decades. Based in Fuengirola, she had been charging a series of clients, including a number of expats, up to a whopping €2000 a minute. Amazingly, the bogus brief was even able to defend clients in court. However, she is understood to have lost the majority of the cases, and therefore her clients’ money. “When you go to court nobody asks for your credentials,” veteran Marbella lawyer Antonio Flores, of Lawbird, told the Olive Press. “So if for example you are a lawyer from Pamplona and need to attend a hearing in Huelva as counsel, you go straight, no questions asked.” He believes the fake lawyer could have simply waltzed in unchecked. “Having said that,” he added,“These scams are hard to get away in the long run as someone will eventually notice you have no clue.”

January 30th - February 12th 2019

Justice for Tommy

HOME: Veranda where Tommy was attacked

British activist taking on hunters whose pack mauled her ‘beautiful’ rescue dog to death A BRITISH expat has called in police after hunters ‘murdered’ her beloved rescue dog Tommy. Sarah Hermitage, 65, is furious that her Daschund mix was ‘torn to shreds’ by an out-of-control pack of hunting dogs. The lawyer is also suing her local hunt, which is specifically banned from entering her land. The Granada-based expat, who is celebrated for fighting corruption in Africa, told the Olive Press: “I won’t let them get away with it. “At least 12 hunting dogs came right onto our veranda and attacked poor Tommy. They ripped him apart. Tore him to shreds.

GUESSING GAME

AN expat paper in Alicante has left its readers guessing, after a cryptic front page claimed that a ‘high profile’ member of the expat community is set to be arrested. The story, published by The Weekender, claims the ‘leading business person’ has

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“It is so unfair as he had such a difficult start to life being abused as a puppy,” added Hermitage, “He was a beautiful little soul and didn’t deserve it. “What would have happened had there been a child standing there?” The incident happened at the weekend after the hunt charged across her land in leafy Los Guajares, near the Lecrin Valley. “I came home to find my husband as white as a sheet,” continued Hermitage, who has owned the property for 10 years, having previously lived in Tanzania.

been on the run from the UK since the 1990s. The paper claims the alleged fugitive - who the Olive Press coincidentally knows well failed to appear in court as a co-defendant in a trial in Manchester. It reported that the case hinged around a car crash and perjury committed by the prominent member of Spain’s expat business community. “The defendant (unnamed at this time) is a person that is said to have fled to Spain under a past name to avoid justice being served for the same crime.” The story claims that that person has since become a ‘key figure in the public domain of British expats working and living in Spain.’ It concludes: “Police are now working to discover the facts of this report and to identify the person being named as the absconder that could lead to their arrest and extradition back to the UK.”

DEVASTATED: Sarah holding Tommy The land around their home has been declared a no hunting zone but that has not stopped local hunters from ‘terrorising’ the residents that live there. “They are shooting guns at night and are baiting around here, all of which is illegal,” added Hermitage, who blasted the local authorities for letting the hunters get ‘out of control’. Hermitage famously won a libel suit brought against her by Tanzania businessman Reginald Mengi in 2012, after she revealed how he undertook a campaign of harassment that caused her and her husband Stewart Middleton to abandon their farm. Hermitage has now sought additional legal advice to take on the hunters and police have been informed. It comes two years after the Olive Press exclusively revealed how Spanish hunters massacred British expat Illona Mitchell’s pack of dogs after she banned hunting on her land. The shocking assault, also happened in Granada and also saw Mitchell’s horses attacked.That investigation is still underway with no one having been charged.

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www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION Action needed IT is heartbreaking that Spanish hunters have again broken the law and killed a much loved, innocent pet. And it’s not the first time in the Granada area, with expat Illona Mitchell seeing five of her dogs massacred after she banned hunting on her land. Yet again marksmen have ignored the rules and acted above the law with an illegal and vile hunt. Tommy, who was abused as a puppy, has now died in agony as a result. Let’s hope the hunters feel the long arm of the law this time around.

Blame game THE search effort to try and save little Julen who fell down a well captivated the world. While it ended badly and with a high cost for the state, it is not fair to begin a witch hunt against his family, who are already reeling from the tragedy. Yes, of course, it was irresponsible of the well digger to leave the hole not properly sealed and, it begs the question, how many other holes like this are lurking around the Spanish countryside? Publisher/ Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Elisa Menendez elisa@theolivepress.es

Charlie Smith charlie@theolivepress.es

Pablo Balbontin pablo@theolivepress.es

Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

Admin Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es

FEATURE

Shop to the top! Nicknamed the ‘Gilet man’, new Junta leader Juanma Moreno once wanted to be a pop star and grew up impecuniously often working at his dad’s grocery store

Malaga’s very own Bono

For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 POPPELGANGER: Moreno and (above) Hadley

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Family man

IS goal was to put an end to Andalucia’s 36-year Socialist government. And the PP’s Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla achieved his dream with 59 votes in favour, to 50 against, in the region’s historic elections last month. By signing into a coalition with centre-right Ciudadanos and far-right Vox, it was the nail in the coffin that took down former leader Susana Diaz’s maligned PSOE party, which had plagued the region with corruption for decades. It took four nervous weeks to confirm, but Moreno was finally sworn in as Andalucia’s seventh leader a fortnight ago - the first non-Socialist. “I always believed in myself, because to change things you have to believe in yourself,” said the Malaga politician, who was born in Catalunya. “I came here four-and-a-half years ago with the goal to change Andalucia and luck has been on my side,” added the 48-year-old at his inauguration. After his first public outing - to promote Andalucia at Madrid’s massive FITUR tourism fair (right) - the Olive Press shines a torch on the private life of the once wannabe pop star, popularly known as ‘Juanma’.

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A dad of three kids and a newly adopted Maltese Bichon pup, the politician certainly has his hands full in and out of the office. The mother of his children and the ‘First Lady of Andalucia’, Manuela Villena (above and right), has been his biggest supporter since they married in 2006. She too shares a successful career, with a degree in Political Science, leading to a job as an executive at pharmaceutical company Bidafarma.

Sevillanos out The first Junta leader not from Sevilla, Juanma is a Catalan by birth, born on Workers Day, in Barcelona, in 1970, before moving at just eight weeks to Alhaurin el Grande, where his parents were originally from. Although his father often used to speak to him in Catalan, he insists he is a true Andalucian. “My parents always told me happy stories about Catalunya, a region I love, but I do not feel Catalan,” he explains.

While a clever boy, who excelled at school, he was anything but your normal Andalucian lad, initially planning to be a pop star. Despite looking more like Tony Hadley (left with arm in air) from Spandau Ballet, he preferred British ‘indie’ bands, including The Cure, U2 and Simple Minds. Such were his singing talents he became lead singer of various Malaga groups including Lapsus Psiquico, Falsas Realidades and Cuarto Protocolo. While none had any commercial success, he has never given up singing and even took to the mic on his wedding night to sing Danza Invisible’s Sabor de Amor. Today he lists his pastimes as jamming to his favourite bands, playing basketball, and joining Antonio Banderas for his Semana Santa brotherhood ritual.

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Working class roots The son of a shopkeeper and the grandson of farm labourers, Moreno is an unconventional leader of the conservative PP party. His family had emigrated to Catalunya for work and only came back when his father, an industrial draughtsman, swapped his job at SEAT in Martorell, to work as a taxi driver. By a stroke of luck, the family won the lottery in 1975, which gave them the funds to buy a house and open a grocery store on Avenida Ingeniero de la Torre-Acosta in Las Chapas in Malaga, close to the city’s main mosque. It gave Juanma and his two sisters plenty of work growing up, as well as, crucially, a grasp of commerce.

‘The Gilet Man’ The PP politician has become Spain’s answer to Gareth Southgate. Moreno rarely makes an appearance without his suave gilet, earning him the nickname ‘el hombre del chaleco’. Those close to ‘Mr Gilet’ say he is proud of his image and loves having his photo taken, meaning he never steps out of the house looking less than camera-ready.

From pizza boy to politician

The politician has not forgotten his roots and says his early jobs of working as a pizza chef, a bartender, and a salesman - as well as in his dad’s shop, Although he is a proud ‘bohelped shaqueron’ follower of Malape his career ga CF, Moreno has made and got him it clear he is also a big fan to where he of Real Madrid. Some is now. speculate that the That, and a politician’s favourite team degree at Mais the capital city’s lteam, drid’s Camilo but in order to keep up Jose Cela Uniappearances he also suversity also pports the Costa del Sol helped. lads.

Malaga CF or Real Madrid fan?

Passion for the Partido Popular Likely to do with his commercial upbringing Moreno has long been a staunch member of the PP party and joined at the age of 19. He slowly worked up the political ladder to become the president of the PP’s New Generations in Malaga and later Andalucia, before becoming a councillor of Malaga at the tender age of 24. His career really started to take off when he joined Congress in 2000 as the Secretary of State for Social Services and Equality, under former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s premiership.

FEATURE

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

olive press online

Spain and Gibraltar’s best English daily news website The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:

1 2 3 4 5

- BREAKING: Body of little Julen found in

The world wept TRAGEDY: Little Julen (left and far right) lost his life down well and was the second child lost by mum and dad Jose and Vicky (centre)

HEY say lightning never strikes the same place twice. Tell that to Jose Rossello and Vicky Maria Garcia, who had to bury their twoyear-old son on Sunday. The unbearable tragedy, played out in front of the world’s media, came less than two years after their first son, Oliver, died of a heart defect in 2017, aged just three. The unimaginable began when the Malaga couple’s second son, Julen, fell down a well in a fluke accident in the tiny Axarquia village of Totalan. The couple, a tradesman and fast food worker watched and prayed through 13 dark nights until on Saturday morning at around 1.30am the lifeless body of little Julen Rossello was finally pulled out. It was a story, akin to the rescues of the Thailand cave boys or the Chilean miners, that ended up being watched around the world. Few stories in Malaga have captured the attention globally for such a length of time and it is fair to say that millions were holding their breath as the rescue effort went into its final hours on Friday night. It came after the biggest rescue mission the country has ever seen, involving 300 experts, firemen and police working round-the-clock to rescue the tot. As the days past, no one wanted to give up hope. No one wanted to believe life could be so cruel. Encouraged by dozens of local media groups, nearly nine days were spent digging two parallel wells, before a crack team of eight Asturian miners were flown in to dig a horizontal tunnel to Julen some 71 metres underground. After a slew of frustrating setbacks, the group took more than 31 hours, working tirelessly, digging in pairs in 40-minute shifts, to reach the tot. There was still hope when on the 13th day of the search they finally reached him, with a field hospital of doctors ready to operate and even a helicopter on standby should it be needed. As the search entered its final hours, dad Jose had to be treated for a panic attack in a nearby home, where he and his wife were waiting for news with some 30 friends and family.

After the lifeless body of Julen Rossello was finally found, Laurence Dollimore reports how little Julen broke hearts around the world

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

Choosing the right school can be a puzzle of Einstein proportions for parents. But problem solved - we’ve done the homework for you, writes Laurence Dollimore

ENCIL cases to fill, textbooks to buy, packed lunch menus to plan weeks in advance… the first day of school can be as big a deal for parents as it is for their kids. For new students, those first tentative steps across a schoolyard filled with strangers is one of life’s key rites of passage. So making sure it’s the right school is a test all parents want to pass with flying colours. Whether it’s playschool, primary school or secondary school, parents in Andalucia and Gibraltar have as many choices as back home in Holland, Sweden or the UK. Of course, your selection will depend on certain key factors: distance from home, budget, academic standards, teaching style and word-of-mouth recommendations, to name just a few. So where do you start? The first item on your checklist should be Public or Private – do you opt for an international college or a Spanish state school? It’s generally an easier decision to make for younger children, as primary schools throughout Europe are more or less comparable. Around two thirds of expats send their children to local state schools – called ‘colegios’ (primary schools) and ‘institutos’ (secondary schools). There are two serious advantages to Spanish public schools. One – children will learn Spanish fast and should integrate well into their new home country. Younger children, in general, thrive in state schools with the under nines normally picking up impressive spoken Spanish (usually, far better than their parents) within a year, just by socialising with their friends. Two – state schooling is free of charge from the age of three, when children can Continues on Page 16

We look for students of diverse academic levels who have the drive to discover their true potential. Founded by three teachers with much UK & International School teaching / education administration experience, who have lived for almost 20 years in Málaga, we are a selective private school, teaching A-levels & PCE (selectividad) subjects. Our A-level teachers are highly committed and qualified with degrees from Oxford University, Trinity College Dublin and Durham University and we enable students to gain access to university not just in the UK, but also in Spain and the rest of the world.

Is the chemistry right? Our Subjects: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Politics, Spanish & Further Maths, alongside a choice of six Spanish PCE subjects (selectividad). This year we plan to add Business, IT and Law We are at: Calle Méndez Núñez 5, 1º D (junto a plaza Uncibay) Málaga 29008 Call us on: +34 952 22 02 75 Email us at: info@phoenixcollegemalaga.com

www.phoenixcollegemalaga.com

ROCKET SCIENCE: For pupils at Sotogrande school

g Open Mornin uary on 18th Febr ary 10:00 - prim ary nd co se 12:00

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

ll about

The art of learning

Education

January 30th - February 12th 2019

From front

begin attending ‘infantile’ or ‘pre-es- in the school and try to get to know colar’, equivalent to a nursery in the the other Spanish parents. Joining UK. The only costs you’ll have to co- the parents/teachers association ver are books, school trips and, if the certainly helps.” school has them, uniforms. If you decide against the Spanish There are also plenty of downsides to state system – either because you Spanish schools. Older, less extrovert fear educational standards are low kids with limited Spanish can have (according to reports, Andalucia does trouble adjusting. And learning maths indeed come well below average), or and physics in a foreign idiom isn’t for because you prefer to have your chilsissies! dren educated in English – then you Also throwing them into Spanish will have no choice but to go private. schools if they are over nine can be Budget is a major consideration but daunting in the extreme. many expat parents say an internatioIt is definitely worth considering ex- nal school gives a gentler introduction tra language tuition outside school to education in a foreign country, with hours to help ease the transition. smaller classes taught in English. Budget up to €20 per hour for private Most international schools even folessons - although there are plenty of llow a UK curriculum of GCSE and excellent local acadeA-levels, with a nummies, offering Spanish ber of local schools reand some town halls gularly seeing their puAnd learning even give free classes. pils getting into the top Your children will not British universities, maths and only be more able to including Oxbridge. physics in a keep up with lessons International schools but they are far more have very different foreign idiom is likely to make friends personalities and phiif they can socialise in not for sissies! losophies, and it’s very the same language. much a matter of per“It is fine if you get the sonal preference. But kids into school early, with more than two at a young age, but if they are nine dozen on the Costa del Sol alone, or 10 then they will find it harder,” ad- there are more than enough to choovises one English parent whose two se from. children have been through the local Marbella – with more than 40,000 system on the Costa del Sol. resident foreigners – has the lar“They will almost certainly need some gest concentration of international extra tuition and watching carefully. It schools after Madrid and Barcelona. also helps if the parents get involved But most of the towns on the coast

Tips for choosing a new school lIgnore the glossy brochures - go to the school and see for yourself lMeet the head, meet the teachers, and meet the students lIf the students seem happy, chances are your child will be happy too lBe clear about what you want from a school - do lots of research lLook at the exam results lFind out about opening or taster days

CREATIVITY: Art and music at Laude, while (below) netball enjoyed at Prior Park have one or two schools, while Gibraltar has a couple of its own. The rise of international schools in Spain can be traced back to former dictator General Franco, who introduced tourism to the Costa del Sol. Since then, a torrent of foreign visitors settling along the coast has turned it into a melting pot of cultures, providing endless opportunities for education start-ups. British schools are now said to account for two-thirds of the international schools on the coast. The oldest is Swans International School, established in 1971, and named after its legendary headmistress and founder, Tessa Swan. Others include Sotogrande, established in 1978, which now numbers 980 pupils. Only a few other schools, including Laude, come near that number. Most British schools are members of the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) and are inspected regularly by the group, a set-up similar to the UK’s Ofsted inspections. A great advantage for many parents is that international schools often have a more multicultural environment than state schools. Most have some 20 different nationalities attending and offer a bilingual study programme. Paul Whitelock, a former UK schools inspector based in Ronda explains: “Pupils meet other students from so many different countries. “This is such a valuable opportunity as it awakens a curiosity for other cultures, languages, traditions, customs and even food from a very early age.” To tie in with this, many of the top schools are increasingly offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, as well as the local secondary school qualification, the Bachillerato. The IB – which may be unknown to

some English readers – is the normal route to university for European students. The main difference is that IB students take six or seven subjects – which often include elements of community work and public-speaking – as opposed to just three or four at A-level. As well as a more up-to-date, relaxed approach to teaching, international schools are generally considered to offer a better learning environment. The most obvious downside, of course, is the cost. Schools range from basic to luxurious but, take note, they come at a price. Fees range from €3,000 a year for primary school to between €6,000 and €20,000 per year for secondary schools. This generally does not include the cost of books, school trips or uniforms. A further downside is that children may find themselves in something of a Spanish vacuum, unable to integrate with the local community outside the classroom. But international schools are begin-

ning to fight this effect, with many more Spanish extracurricular activities available, more access to local culture on school trips and after-hours classes such as flamenco dancing. Education specialist Whitelock concluded: “Effort and attitude varies considerably from family to family. Some are content never to venture into ‘Spanish’ situations, while others make every effort to integrate, join sports clubs etc. and have much more exposure to the language.” But there are no rulebooks or easy answers to choosing the right schools in Spain. It really all depends on which boxes you need ticked, whether that’s affordability, integration or a smoother transition. Just one final tip for parents who decide to go with the Spanish system: learn the language yourself. How else will you chat to your kids’ teachers at open days? And, more important for your kids than that, how will you help them with their homework?

THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF MÁLAGA

ucation located for families in G 17 aJanuary nd 30th So- uFebruary the12th rn2019 Spa17 in . New Sixth Form now op

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

Get to know the Spanish state system There are four phases: •

Educacion Infantil (Pre-school) - 3 to 5 years of age (inclusive, i.e. three years). This is optional.

•

Educacion Primaria (Primary Education) - 6 to 11 years of age (six years). Compulsory.

•

Educacion Secundaria Obligitoria or ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) - 12 to 15 years of age (four years). Bachillerato (Post-Compulsory Schooling) - 16 and 17 years of age (two years).

The Pre-school stage (infantil or popularly known as pre-escolar) is free for all children but not compulsory. However, it is regarded as an integral part of the education system with infants’ classes at almost every primary school. There are some separate nursery schools, colegios infantiles, also. The next two phases, primary (colegio) and secondary school (instituto) education are compulsory and free of charge. At the end of the ESO successful pupils are awarded a Secondary Education Certificate, which is necessary to enter the post-compulsory stage of schooling for their university or vocational studies. Alternatively they may leave school and get a job. Once pupils have their Bachillerato they can take their university entrance exam.

Leading from the front

RIOR Park School continues to grow and is a thriving community within Gibraltar. Now into its third year, its recent first set of GCSE examination results, from its founding cohort of students were superb, with a 100% high-grade pass rate (C or above) and an outstanding 80% of all grades being between 7-9 (A-A*). “These results well exceeded the expected level of at-

tainment in the UK and we are immensely proud of our students for their hard work and fantastic achievements,” explains Headmaster Peter Watts. This year is seeing another new chapter for the school, as it plans to begin accepting year 7 students, in line with the Government of Gibraltar’s recent announcement to align the education system with that of the UK. “This is fantastic news for the school and serves us well in having plans to expand the school site, a p p rove d , ” adds Watts. “The ambitious plans will equip the school with some more outdoor, green spaces for STRUMMING AHEAD: Pupils in music lessons

Gibraltar’s first Co-educational Christian-Catholic Independent Senior School An exciting opportunity for a quality British education; ideally located for families in Gibraltar and Southern Spain. New Sixth Form now open!

students to relax and unwind out of the classrooms, as well as new teaching classes and a state-ofthe art performance space.” This year, all students have been handed the task of giving at least one hour per week to a charitable cause and the school continues to raise money for various local and international charities. Students at Prior Park are also fast being active members of the wider sports community, playing fixtures against other local schools for the first time in Gibraltar’s history. “With ambitious plans for the future of our school, we continue to support, encourage and lift up our students to be forward-thinking, compassionate and driven young individuals,” concludes Mr.Watts.

12-18 Day Co-educational Ca Old School thol

www.priorparkgibraltar. com

Life is Inspiring... To Find out more visit our website

www.priorparkgibraltar.com 12-18 Day Co-educational Catholic Senior School

A SPANISH school in Ronda has launched a drive to keep the art of letter-writing alive. Colegio Esclavas set a task for all its Year two pupils to write a letter about their Christmas holidays and send it to their teacher. Here, one expat pupil goes about the task posting his effort from the central Ronda p o s t office, exactly 300m from the school.

Email: mshatwell@priorparkschools.com Tel: +350 20062006

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

ll about

Education

January 30th - February 12th 2019

Scaling walls A foreign trip to Berlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrated sites, opened the eyes of a group of Swans teenage students, writes head teacher Rob Maldonado

DUCATION can be so heavily weighted towards academic success that sometimes it is easy to forget the value of enriching young people's minds. At Swans, we always strive to produce the best results that we can at IGCSE and IB level, but we also place great emphasis on what happens outside of the classroom. On a recent trip to Berlin, I was able to experience firsthand how inspired our students can become when they are placed in a different setting and given the chance to live the lives of others. As we wandered the sites of the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the many museums that retell the horrors of life in Nazi Germany and during the

20th February

Holocaust, it was amazing to see how our students developed in their interest and knowledge, asking questions that they probably would not have asked before. There is great value in this that cannot be taught in a regular timetable. Our most inspiring day came when we were given a walking tour by two Syrian refugees, who told their stories of fleeing a wartorn country and their experience of arriving as immigrants to Germany. It was a chance to take our students away from the bubble that we live in on the Costa del Sol and open their eyes to the realities of the world while providing them with some modern-day politics at the same time. The number of messages received from parents on our return showed

INSPIRED: Swans students were fascinated by the Brandenburg Gate and nearby Checkpoint Charlie

us that their children had all enjoyed a wonderful experience, and had returned wiser and more interested in the world around them. It is our belief that this area of education is invaluable. We have been heavily involved in the European Youth Parliament during the past three years, which allows open-min-

ded students to play a role in discussing key global issues that affect us all. Some of our students have even organised debating sessions for the Malaga region and travelled abroad to take part in International Sessions, which has been a huge responsibility.

It is our hope that, by inspiring our youngsters with such experiences, we are not only enhancing their academic education but instilling the confidence in them to become leaders in whichever field they choose. Visit www.swansschool.net for more information

IB Open Afternoon. Information on our IB Diploma and Scholarship Programme Event at Swans Sierra Blanca | Wednesday 20th February 2019 | 4.30 pm

Our Swans IB Diploma Programme continues to grow from strength to strength. Last year, our top scorer gained 45 points (something that is achieved by less than 0.4% of candidates globally) and we regularly have a number of students that gain over 40 points, which puts them in the top 5% of IB students worldwide! Join us for more information: C/Lago de los Cisnes, s/n 29602 | T. +34 952 902 755 | www.swansschoolinternational.es

20 February 2019: IB Open Afternoon th

External Scholarships available for September 2019

4.30 pm | Swans International Sierra Blanca | Information on our IB Diploma and Scholarship Programme Our Swans IB Diploma Programme continues to grow from strength to strength. Last year, our top scorer gained 45 points (something that is achieved by less than 0.4% of candidates globally) and we regularly have a number of students that gain over 40 points, which puts them in the top 5% of IB students worldwide! Join us for more information: C/Lago de los Cisnes, s/n 29602 | T. +34 952 902 755 | www.swansschoolinternational.es

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HEY had a combined service of nearly half a century at Malaga’s St.George’s school before they jumped ship to set up their own exciting educational establishment. And it’s top marks for the trio of Kirsty Ridyard, James Riley and Alex Mitchell who had the brainwave to open the first Sixth Form College in Andalucia. Having graduated from the triumvirate of Oxford, Durham and Trinity College Dublin, their CVs alone suggest that Malaga’s Phoenix College will be a roaring success. And so it is coming to pass in their first academic year with 16 students studying for A-Levels in a range of subjects from maths to chemistry and Spanish to history. “They are all aiming very high,” explains school secretary Lisa Paullada, who previously ran her own language

January 30th - February 12th 2019

Phoenix rising

January 30th - February 12th 2019 The College is owned by a board of investors (which includes the three teachers, parents and local businessmen) which has ‘an invaluable advisory role’. The College represents a ‘stepping stone’ between school and university, so students are given more freedom, such as ‘study periods’ in the timetable where they organise their own work. Students are expected to work hard and take responsibility for their learning, which is guided and supervised by the team. The PCE (Selectividad) subjects are Matemáticas Cientificas, Física, Química, Biología, Matemáticas Aplicadas and Economia de Empresa. The PSC (Personal, Social and Cultural) desire to make the best of themsel- Programme helps students to set their ves,” adds bilingual Lisa, who is origi- own termly targets to expand their horizons and experiences. nally from Wales. The private day-school teaches Briti- “Each student is encouraged to push sh A-levels, International A-levels and the boundaries of their comfort zones, PCE (Selectividad) subjects for those developing existing skills and seeking wishing to access Spanish Universities. new ones, always with the guidance Students join after completing GCSE of a Personal Tutor who students see (year 11) or 4ª ESO at other schools, in every morning,” adds Lisa. “Any difficulties can also be discussed the year that they reach then, or an appointthe age of 16. ment made to talk The A-level courses, the things through in more Degrees UK equivalent to Badetail. chillerato in Spain, give from Oxford “The Programme also students access to university not just in the UK University, Trinity helps students to make important decisions but also in Spain and College Dublin about their futures the rest of the world. through events such as “Our teachers are comand Durham trips to University Fairs mitted and highly qualiand visits from profesfied with degrees from sionals and former stuOxford University, Trinidents.” ty College Dublin and Durham and all New subjects, including Business have UK Qualified Teacher Status. “English is their first language and they Studies, ICT, Law and Economics are have a proven track record of helping among the subjects to be added in the students to achieve places at the best coming months. Universities in the UK, Spain and elwww.phoenixcollegemalaga.com sewhere in the world.”

A trio of talented teachers have set up Malaga’s first Sixth Form college, writes Jon Clarke school in Santander. “Quite a few of them are hoping to get into Oxbridge and their initial grades

TOP OF THE CLASS: Teachers and students at Phoenix

are excellent.” The central philosophy of the college - set up in one of the coolest parts of central Malaga city - is that all students fulfill their individual potential and achieve the best that they are capable of. “We use interviews to select interested students and ask for references to ensure that they have a satisfactory minimum academic level and above all, the

The Only Specialist Sixth Form College in Málaga We look for students of diverse academic levels who have the drive to discover their true potential. Founded by three teachers with much UK & International School teaching / education administration experience, who have lived for almost 20 years in Málaga, we are a selective private school, teaching A-levels & PCE (selectividad) subjects. Our A-level teachers are highly committed and qualified with degrees from Oxford University, Trinity College Dublin and Durham University and we enable students to gain access to university not just in the UK, but also in Spain and the rest of the world. Our Subjects: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Politics, Spanish & Further Maths, alongside a choice of six Spanish PCE subjects (selectividad). This year we plan to add Business, IT and Law We are at: Calle Méndez Núñez 5, 1º D (junto a plaza Uncibay) Málaga 29008 Call us on: +34 952 22 02 75 Email us at: info@phoenixcollegemalaga.com

www.phoenixcollegemalaga.com

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

ll about

Education

School name: The British Sch of Malaga (formerly St Georgeool ) Loc ation: Ma January 30th - February 12th laga2019 Founded: 2000

Head teacher: Fiona Lee-All an Gibraltar’s firs Cur ricu lum : t Co-education Christian-Cat Brit a National Curriculum l holiish c Independent Senior School rec Contact: +34 952 290 149 or eption@stgeorgemalaga.co m An exciting op Reasons for choice: portunishitSchyoolfoofrMaalaga, previou quality British asTheStBrit George, offers the British nat s ion culu edlea ma totchi ldren from 3 to 18. “I firmly urnin c io From Gibraltar to Malaga, the Olive Press n ; id e g can a only take plall locateprivate cey d for familie are happy, safe and curious when you presents report cards from seven leading and it is ou teas chein rs to ign itertha G t lea ib rnin a l lt schools a r rg”,leaexp principal Fiona Lee-Allan. “Ou and Southern pos rnin efu l and refl Spoffe s the modern worl ainring. the besect t chance of cess. We also place signific examinat tural, social and education ant value New Sixth For you al experien ngsters to discover and dev m nresots.” elop ne w open!

rUNNING A RULE School name: Swans International School

Location: Marbella

School nam

Founded: 1971 School Principal & Head of Primary: Karen Kearns Head of Secondary: Rob Maldonado Curriculum: UK National Curriculum in all Key Stages alongside Spanish National Curriculum/ GCSE in Key Stage 4/ IB Diploma Programme in Sixth Form Contact: 952773248 (Primary) / 952902755 (Secondary) admin@swansschool.net Reasons for choice: Swans International School is one of the longest serving schools on the Costa del Sol and has a reputation for academic excellence in a familiar environment. Based on two sites in central Marbella, it boasts excellent facilities, enjoyed by over 850 students currently on the roll. The Primary school has garnered its reputation through a large number of long-serving staff members who instill the values that the school carries through to the end of Secondary, where academic results at GCSE and IB level compete with the best students globally and ensure that they gain places at some of the world's best universities.

School na Location:

me: Calpe

e: Prior Park School Location: Gib raltar Founded: 20 16 School Princ ipal: Mr Pete r Watts Curriculum: We cater fo 18. Starting r students aged betw the British C in Key Stage 3 in year een 11 and 7, we follow their GCSE’s urriculum, taking studen and A Level ts through examinations . Contact: 0035 www.priorpa 0 20062006 or rkgibraltar.co m Reasons for choice: Prior Park S chool is the tional indepe first and on tar, offering ndent secondary scholy co-educaol in Gibrala ne w choice for across South famili very best of ern Spain. We offer stes here and specialist tethe British Curriculum udents the classroom, aching and facilities. with subject nities is vastour range of co-curricu Outside the lar , from sailing class sizes an to robotics. opportud ou ts ta nd toral care, m ing reputationOur small for pasleft behind. eans that no child at Pr boundless as Our students have am ior Park is bition the views from our terraces s as .

School name: Laude San Pedro International College Founded: 2004

12-18 Day Co-ed ucat Hughes l: Aman nalcipa Prin olio Scho Catho lic Seda nior School Curriculum:

(IGCSE, A Full British Curriculum from 3-18 years & Bachil (ESO culum Curri nal Natio ish vels). Span to) from 12 years of age.

Admiss Contact: Mercedes Colmenar, Head of .com edro sanp aude ns@l admissio Reasons for choice:

a repute Laude San Pedro International College is and bes sive inclu an ing offer ol ternational Scho ed not o education where students are encourag advan achieve academic success, but also take through of every opportunity to develop life-skills c culum curri Their es. rienc zing learning expe throu from the Early Years and Foundation stage schoo the Secondary School and Sixth Form. Thenal sc been voted high in the top 100 internatioof the in Spain ranking and is proud to be part educa national Schools’ Partnership, a growingpe as w group which now operates across Euro and North and South America, the Middle East theast Asia.

School

San Pedro de Alcanta ra Founded: College 1973 e: Phoenix School nam Head teac Málaga her: Mr J P roetta alaga Curriculu Location: M m: in Málaga 8 ge odrm 20o1lle F British Nati :C d th e ix n S u t Fo lis cover their onal Curric ecia e drive to dis ulum who have th l Sc The Only Sp naR ilehoyol tio na s er emic levels e Int ad & m ac UK Ja se h er Contact: ster:lived for almost 20 years th m s of div auc s wi era dm che k for student ree teaH loo th 9 ve e 5 ha W by o 2 d tividad) wh de 786 e, l. Foun info@calpe & PCE (selec from on experienc true potentia ing A-levels school.com029 –www.calpesc administrati th degrees hool, teachlu wi sc d / education : te fie m ali ing iva hooteal.ch qu pr u d and students com – are a selective mitte Cucorrmic and PCE d we enable in Málaga, we level teachers are highly wonrld Reasons eo University an thti a.l A-levels am of t rh res Du e Ad a r th an d an, Intern for choice blin Du ain Sp ge subjects. Ou in lle ls o Co t alsA-leve bu : rsity, Trinity sh the UK,ti Oxford Unive ty not just in Bri Despite th ss to universi ct: ividaogdra)phy, Politics, Spanish cts le to gain acce Suebje r (S e Ou sm all appeara d). ry, Ge is far more ysics, Histo cts (selectiv Ph n ry, 2ida75 or ce ist em PCE su9bje fr Spanish 4d La5w2 22 0 alaga.com 3an cessfully te to Calpe School th om the outside, Mthathematics, Biologyng, Ch + : oice ofosix ct ch a ta e IT n s, sid m es C e reer Maths, alo eg Busin plan to add @phoenixcoll) Málaga 29008 Calpe Sch aching children of at meets the eye!&SFuerth This year we info(junto a plaza Uncibay D safe and viool offers high qualitall abilities since 197uc1º malaga.com 5, ge z lle ñe co levels dez Nú phoenix at: info@ for choice: of diverse academictential. School, webrant environment. y education in a hapW3e ,are at: Calle Mén2 22 02 75 EmRaileusaso s n 95 A p o ts 4 s y, a p n re able to a dedicate : +3 de true coum years old agra.st kalfo d Prim Call us on cater geom llege iscover their coellelo ixW e drive to d British Sixth Form Co uch and strengand concentrate on for all children fromary th www.phoen ve a h o h m ly w n h th th o it 2 s e w e w ir th rs it : e in h our team ue dividual ne ch From the of We are uniqfounded by three tea ing / education e modern spmoment you enter thhighly committed st ds ach ga, te la l á o M o for alin ch a S a ff e l ci . school thro ationa have lived ning activit ous library, you ugh the UK & Internon experience, who selective private ca ie s n b se e in e g ti dynamic le Pre-Nursery carried ou administra rs in Málaga. We are a electividad) suband thrive to Upper Key Stag t right through from armost 20 yeaching A-levels & PCE (sighly committed o e in u 2 r . th A is pe ll ch our “Happ school, tea -level teachers are h xford University, y to Learn” rsonalised environmildren benefit motto. ent fulfillin jects. Our Ad with degrees from Om University and g and qualifie ge Dublin and Durha to university not Trinity Colle ents to gain access round the world. enable studK, but also Spain and a just in the U

School nam

e: Sotogrande School (SIS) International Location: So

togrande Founded: 19 78 Headmaster: James Kearne y Curriculum: Internationa Contact:

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www.sis.gl 95 6 795 902 ad missions@si s.gl Reasons for choice: For over 40 ye (SIS) has pr ars Sotogrande Intern environmen ovided an inspirationaational School you know yot. When you step onto l educational learning, co u are somewhere spec the campus, the air. Situ mmunity, fun and ener ial: a spirit of ated in a pict gy ning views of uresque areapermeates th with stune M ed , lessons of outside mak te and location ing the most of the beau n take place bella, Estepo. A school bus service ru tiful weather na, La Linea ns from Mar and Tarifa.

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Bullying on rise

SPAIN has seen a significant increase in school bullying with Andalucia as the region with the most reported cases, new figures reveal. Between 2012 and 2017 police registered a total of 5,500 incidents in students up to the age of 17 across the country, excluding Catalunya and the Pais Vasco. Andalucia registered the most school incidents, recording 255 incidents, with Madrid following behind with 170, while Navarra and La Rioja had only four. It comes after 15 teens were recently arrested, aged between 14 and 16, for severely bullying two brothers at Juan de Villanueva school, in Madrid. The suspects reportedly attacked, harassed and humiliated the 13 and 15-year-old siblings, which they filmed and shared on social media. The victims were unable to go to school for six weeks afterwards. A recent study by the University Foundation of Health Sciences estimated that at least 20% of children suffer harassment at school, while 7% of students are exposed to physical abuse every day according to the

Let them play!

OOKING for a multilingual daycare centre that encourages children to be happy and creative? Then look no further than Joy Playschool in Estepona, Atalaya. Offering yoga, music, dancing, cooking, art and more, the school is open seven days a week and can cater for kids from eight months to 12 years. The school has been set up by friendly mum-of-two Tabi Olamai, who has years of experience teaching art to children in Sweden and London. And with English, Swedish, Farsi and Spanish, she’s more than likely to speak your language. “We offer a harmonious and inspiring space for children to be happy, calm and creative,” Tabi explains, “Our facilities have been carefully designed for the new generation of children in mind. “Clear, tranquil, uncluttered spaces allow children to be free and still, peaceful and happy in this busy world.” Healthy food will be provided throughout the day and there are also holiday clubs. For more information 672416209 or email info@joyplayschool.com.

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ary 10:00 - prim ar-y primary on:0d0 12:00 - sec10

January 30th - February 12th 2019

secondary Spain sees 0 - increase 12:0an while more organisations are raising awareness for troubled teens

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). But numerous organisations are campaigning for change, including the town of Fuenlabrada in Madrid, with a 4,000-strong march ‘against bullying’. Each student was given a mini postbox to report cases of harassment as they

How a British education was my ticket to personal growth, writes Romanian Radu Socol, 16

walked some 24km. Meanwhile, Sevilla’s Alameda Theatre hosted a play on January 27 called Otelo #EnLaRed (Othello #Online) against school abuse and cyberbullying aimed at teenagers. The Shakespeare adaptation sought help from the Youth Red Cross and hosted a Q&A for teens at the end.

Welcome to Laude

Y name is Amanda Hughes and as the Principal, it is my privilege to introduce you to our school. Laude San Pedro is a private, co-educational school with pupils from 3-19 years old and we deliver the British National Curriculum. In the Primary school we frame this within the International Primary Curriculum so that the content is more vibrant and relevant for our pupils. In Secondary School and School and Sixth Form we continue the British National Curriculum so that students are entered for GCSEs and A-Levels. These examinations are the gold standard in UK academic qualifications, giving students access to universities throughout the world. Because we are a fully inclusive school, we offer pupils in Years 8-13 and alternative to the British curriculum and they have the choice to study and qualify within the Spanish system. In this way they can obtain the ESO and Bachillerato, with the opportunity to prepare for the highly demanding Selectividad exams as well. We are very fortunate to have over 50 nationalities in our school community and this enables our students to experience other cultures and develop into global citizens in a more profound way than their multilingual abilities demonstrate. In order to give access to our curriculum we provide individual pupil support and the Accelerated English Programme. This bespoke provision helps us to enable pupils to get better at learning so that they can all go on to achieve more than they dreamed possible. The extra-curricular life of our school is exciting and dynamic, giving students the opportunity to take on roles of responsibility, as well as leading events and activities for other pupils and the wider community. Whether it is competitive sports or a desire to improve fitness, our sports programme and outstanding facilities on campus allow us to link with other students in the region and in other countries. From Danzart to international food events; singing to gymnastics; Young Investors to Literature quizzes. The pupils can all enjoy activities which will enrich their school lives. Our aspiration at Laude San Pedro International College is that each child will achieve more than they dreamed possible, in a happy and inclusive environment where everyone is supported and encouraged to excel. We hope that you will share this vision for your children and that you will come and see us, to learn more about the bespoke curriculum we offer and the amazing opportunities our students enjoy. Appointments for Open Days and personal visits can be made through our Head of Admissions, Mercedes Colmenar who will be delighted to hear from you. Please call 952 799 900 or email admissions@laudesanpedro.com

Studying in the sun

S somebody who began his academic voyage in the bleak waters of the Romanian educational system, jumping ship from the equivalent of a sailing dinghy to a power boat may just have been the wisest decision that my parents ever made. Since my pre-teen years I dreamed of being taught in English, having developed a strange liking for the language and culture. But since my family felt intimidated by the ‘colourless way of British living’ (it was due to the weather, to be honest), our best bet was moving here to sunny Spain, well-regarded for its plethora of British schools. And so, nearly five years ago, I began a new academic voyage of discovery at Benalmádena International College. Graduating from the Romanian way of schooling that had shaped me thus far proved far easier than I thought. The Brits took me in with a sullen glare and had me reshaped by lunchtime. I felt relieved to have been integrated into a fresher way of doing things so quickly.

Melting pot

But most importantly, choosing a British college on the Costa del Sol – mine is made up of 28 nationalities – was what really helped me fit in so easily. Such a rich cultural melting pot - compared to the tighter constraints of a traditional British school, I’m told - fosters a warm, get-along atmosphere of appreciation and acceptance of differences. It widens your horizons past whatever fears or insecurities once held you back from enjoying the freedom of expression an international school’s cosmopolitan climate can provide. There were times when I felt intimidated by the change of pace. I was in Year 8 when I found out that school can be a relaxed, rewarding environment rather than a stress-inducing, mind-churning meat grinder, especially regarding intermediary exams. Ditching the tortured logic that every bad grade will have a cataclysmic effect on your future was a true relief. That said my teachers’ dedication and support also counts immensely, adding a more personal mentor-apprentice approach that has become a rarity in modern education. Various teachers have inspired me through their own skills and work ethic, opening my eyes to wider academic vistas - such as maths actually having a sliver of importance. Rather than alienating and ridiculing my difficulties, as is the norm in Romania, I was encouraged to rise to the challenge and overcome such barriers. That was when everything started to add up.

Cameron International Primary School WE OFFER The best school to nurture your children’s abilities and fit your busy lives

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REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!! Call: 956 797 078 C.C. San Roque Club, San Roque www.cameroninternationalprimaryschool.com

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ll about

Education

Challenging, nurturing and academic

otogrande International School (SIS) is a day and boarding school, which follows the IB programme from 3-18

years. Home to a passionate learning community who inspire and encourage learning and intercultural understanding, promoting education as a force

CREATIVITY: A key skill

for good in the world. With more than 980 children from over 44 countries, SIS provides a challenging, nurturing and academically rigorous international education. Throughout the IB programmes teachers aim to combine academic excellence with extraordinary educational experiences. As an Apple Distinguished School, technology is creatively embedded in the curriculum for all students from the age of three, while the F1 in Schools programme and the Hyperbaric Challenge provide an exciting way for students to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related subjects. Academic results are consistently excellent, with both MYP and Diploma students achieving well above world average scores year after year. 2018 saw ten of our students receive an impressive 40+ points, with two achieving a perfect score of 45.

Since opening in 1980, Sotogrande International Boarding House has become home to intellectually adventurous students from all over the world. The diverse student population, composed of 29 nationalities, live together in the recently refurbished Boarding House, which provides excellent accommodation in large, shared twin bedrooms, all climate controlled and with en-suite bathrooms and WiFi connection. Boarders have access to a fantastic array of facilities which include an outdoor swimming pool, gym, music recording studio, tennis and basketball court, dance studio, student lounges, TV rooms and a library. To meet the changing demands of everyday life we offer a variety of boarding options, from full boarding to weekday or flexi-boarding.

January 30th - February 12th 2019

And weekday boarding is increasingly popular among the 1000 lucky pupils at Sotogrande International School

VARIETY: From adventures to homely comforts at Sotogrande

Weekday Boarding

Our Weekday Boarding programme is particularly popular with students who live between Mรกlaga, Sevilla and Gibraltar. Weekday boarders benefit from the boarding experience with supervised study time and activities on school days whilst also spending valuable time at home with family and friends on the weekends.

A transport service is available to collect boarders from along the Costa del Sol, Tarifa and Gibraltar on Monday mornings and take them home after school on Friday afternoons. For more information about how Sotogrande International School can help your child reach their full potential contact admissions@sis. gl or visit our website www.sis.ac

BRAND NEW DAYCARE IN ATALAYA/ ESTEPONA Welcome to Joy Playschool Caring for and encouraging a New Generation At Joy Playschool we offer a harmonious and inspiring space for children to be happy

Providing Flexible Daycare, After School Club, Weekend Club and Holiday Camp We speak Spanish, English, Farsi and Swedish Call Us: +34 672 416 209 | +34 691 598 267 | info@joyplayschool.com Avenida Las Golondrinas | 57 Jardines de Atalaya | Estepona 29680 | Spain

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

ll about

Education

January 30th - February 12th 2019

TEFL-ing terrific T

EACHING English as foreign language is a passport to the world - with fringe benefits. You can spend time in different countries, earn a salary and get to know places from the inside out rather than as a tourist or a traveller. If you’re already living in Spain, becoming a TEFL teacher is not only a fast-track to integration in the community but also extremely rewarding personally and professionally, allowing you to develop all sorts

How to choose the perfect TEFL course to take you teaching around the world

of transferable skills. If TEFL-ing is a course you’re set on, a quick internet search throws up a wide range of ways to qualify, with online, classroom-based and combination courses that vary

massively in price, length and content. Which to choose? Our five-point checklist will help you weigh up the options: price, official accreditation and professional recognition as well as the extent of teaching practice and the level of careers assistance. Price – How much does it cost? A course that costs €100 cannot - regardless of any claims on the website - offer the same as one costing €1,500. The cheaper versions tend to be online crash courses or even just a weekend, often described as TEFL taster courses or - as an honest and very reasonably-priced course puts it ‘an ideal solution ... in preparation for a TEFL

Try Teaching English

For more information: www.activelanguage.net e-mail: training@activelanguage.net phone: 956 22 14 26

HE recent boom in private language schools offering English language tuition both on the coast and inland has meant the consequent increase in demand for English teachers. This means that more and more expats living in the area are finding the opportunity of either starting off on a new career or simply obtaining an additional source of income. Can just anybody get a job in a language school? Surprisingly there are no legally required qualifications to work as an English teacher here in Spain, which has logically led to a lot of shady language schools being run without offering a quality teaching service. Those looking for work in the sector can start by checking out schools belonging to ACEIA, the Association of Andalusian Language Schools, whose website www.aceia.es has a list of members. If you have little, or no, previous teaching experience or wish to re-cycle, it would be a good idea, and a very rewarding experience, to take a Cambridge CELTA teacher training course. Employers around the world, not just in Spain, ask for CELTA - an internationally recognized TEFL qualification which will provide you with the skills necessary to teach in the classroom as well as hands-on experience. A CELTA certificate is regulated by Ofqual at level 5 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework. A Teaching Qualification does not automatically lead to employment, but it certainly gives you a head start over other people applying for work or setting up on their own in what is currently a thriving business here in Spain.

course or course interview’. However some such courses masquerade as the ‘full Monty’ and might well fail to deliver. Does that mean that an expensive course is necessarily better than a cheap one? Not necessarily, but taken together with other criteria, price is a good yardstick.

Accreditation – Who says this is a good course? There seem to be number of accrediting bodies these days. How can you tell one from another? A good place to start is Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulator) which together with the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) is responsible for overseeing these courses. If the course you're looking at doesn't clearly state its accreditation, then ask. It might not be clear on the website but if you're not satisfied with the answer, treat with caution. Recognition – Is the course well-known and well respected by the profession? While British Council recognition is a good benchmark for courses around the world, the profession is somewhat fragmented internationally and there are significant differences between countries. For example, in Andalucia members of the national association of language schools (FECEI.org) and its regional equivalent (aceia. es) much prefer teachers with a Trinity Certificate in TESOL or a CELTA course qualification. Careers assistance – How much help do you get in finding the work you want afterwards? Nearly everybody approaches their TEFL course focused on the job prospects at the end. Some of the cheaper courses will provide you with work after your course but is it where you want to go and the sort of job you want? There may well be reasons why other teachers would prefer not to do these jobs. What might seem like the perfect introduction to the profession may well turn out to be the opposite. A good course should also offer careers guidance, assistance in writing your new CV and ongoing support reflecting the investment you’re making in terms of time, effort and money. Some top courses offer life-long careers support. If you are thinking about TEFL as the gateway to a year of adventure, go for it, it may well be the perfect course for you. But be aware you may need to take a better-recognised course when you move on elsewhere. Your TEFL course is your first step into a profession that offers you almost everything under the sun, literally! Make sure your first experience is the one you want. Have a look at our website activelanguage. net for more information or call Simon on 956221426. We’re taking enrollments for courses all-year round.

Looking for a NEW CAREER PATH? Get TEFL QUALIFIED in Malaga and TEACH ENGLISH in SPAIN or WORLDWIDE! Full and part-time courses available (4, 5, 6 & 8-week) accredited by TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON. including a FREE CAREERS SERVICE

TEACHER DEVELOPMENT | TEFL REFRESHER COURSE

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January 30th - February 12th 2019 MORE students than ever before are participating in the Erasmus+ scheme, new figures have revealed. The EU invested a record €2.6 billion in the programme in 2017 - which saw a hike of 13% compared to 2016 - offering more opportunities for young people than ever before, revealed the EU Commission. The university scheme offers students grants and connections for students to study, volunteer, work, or train abroad for a year as part of their degree. In 2017, Erasmus+ provided support for

Four top tips to step up your Spanish this year

EARNING a language is hard. Luckily for us living here in Spain, Spanish is one of the easier languages to pick up. But we are all busy and despite having the best of intentions it can be difficult to find the time to learn and improve. Below we have rounded up four top tips which will let you learn the lingo that much faster. Be opportunistic Try to take advantages of opportunities to speak Spanish whenever you can. Chat to the locals in the bus queue, in shops and in the street. Look up local conversation classes or ‘intercambios’, where groups of English and Spanish meet for a copa or caña to practice each other’s languages. You should also try living with a Spanish speaker which will force you to speak the lingo on a daily basis and will naturally improve your vocabulary.

Learning curve Dedicate time to learning Putting money towards lessons can really help you prioritise your learning and is especially helpful if you’re just starting out. Learning in a group can be a really fun way to learn. If you can’t afford lessons, make a weekly timetable and set aside

Education centre Spanish lessons for foreigners (children & adults) Help to guide your children and prepare them for their exams

Olga Ruiz Aulacuarentaysiete@gmail.com C/Espinosa ,1D-Planta 1 29692, Sabinillas Tel: 655 078 187 www.aula47.com Follow Us

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CMY

at least four hours a week to learning. Make sure you nail the basics and try to set yourself daily targets of X amount of new words. Make it your routine Try to incorporate Spanish into your everyday routine. This means playing a language app like Duolingo everyday, listening to Spanish music and/or radio and watching your Netflix or TV with Spanish subtitles. Pick out the odd word and translate it and add it to a vocab list either on your phone or in a notepad. Practice makes perfect Don’t underestimate how important it is to practice constantly and consistently. Throw yourself out there and speak to the bus driver, hairdresser, shopkeeper or anyone who will lend an ear. If you’re not in a Spanish speaking country, then repeat phrases in front of the mirror, to family and friends or even your dog— basically anyone who will listen! Don’t be scared, the more you practice the more confident you become.

On the up

800,000 young people and funded cooperation between education institutions, youth organisations and businesses. Since 1987, the EU organisation has been offering young people opportunities to gain new experiences by living in foreign European countries. Currently 33 countries take part, including all 28 EU Member States, as well as Turkey, Macedonia, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

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4 week course from 1st to 26th July 2019 1,450 Euros A Cambridge CELTA teaching qualification provides you with the skills required to teach English around the world JEREZ – What better place to study and relax this summer?

CELTA in Jerez c/Caracuel, 15, 11402 Jerez de la Frontera Tel: 956 324 707 e-mail: info@tenidiomas.com www.celtacadiz.com TENIDIOMAS – Cambridge Assessment English Teaching Qualifications and Platinum Examinations Centre ES391

CALPE SCHOOL

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Ban-ting

A BRITISH expat has been threatened by police with an €800 fine for not taking down Union Jack bunting at her ‘Little Britannia’ bar in Spain. Tracey Walker, 54, from Bradford, and her customers told the Sun that her business in Benidorm was under threat, due to the anti-UK sentiment surrounding Brexit. “It is a British bar so what harm are some flags doing promoting my business?” she said. “I wonder if they’d do the same if the flags were Spanish?” Police even threatened to double the fine to €1,600 when Tracey refused to take down the flags at the bar in the city’s old town.

Solicitor

The Yorkshire woman says her bunting has been up for two years and that now she is hiring a solicitor to fight the fines. One of Tracey’s regulars also told the Sun: “There’s real concern that local bigwigs have ordered a crackdown on Brit bars. “There’s not a lot of love lost for Brits in Europe right now, and this could be Benidorm officials giving Brits a kicking in their own way,” they added. The bunting has now been taken down, while Tracey looks to overturn the ban.

FIGHTBACK: At Brit bar

Ronaldo pays price for tax evasion in Spain but avoids jail as teammate Alonso risks prison protesting innocence

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AMERICA’S Delta Air Lines is bringing back its popular direct flights from Malaga to New York this summer. The daily service will operate from May 24 until the end of September - and it’s no ‘red-eye’. Takeoff from Malaga is at a civilised 8.15am with arrival at JFK Airport at 10.35pm local time. The return flight leaves New York at 5.05pm, landing in Malaga at 6.50am local time.

Delta has been offering direct flights between Malaga and the Big Apple every summer since 2008. All Delta aircraft operating from Spain are equipped with Wi-Fi and customers can enjoy free on-board messaging through iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Tickets must be booked through Delta.com or at local travel agents.

Game of halves

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DESTINATION: New York link to Malaga

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has been slapped with a 23-month prison sentence as well as a hefty €18.8m fine for tax evasion during his time at Real Madrid. But the deal he agreed with prosecutors is a virtual get-out-of-jail-free card that will keep the five-times winner of the Ballon d’Or from being banged up behind bars. In Spain convicts rarely do time for sentences of under two years and, due to the non-violent nature of his offence, Ronaldo has received the equivalent of a suspended sentence.

Based in Spain

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

The 33-year-old Juventus forward was all smiles as he arrived at court in Madrid with his fiancee Georgina Rodriguez for sentencing. The Portuguese athlete’s crimes relate to a period between 2010 and 2014, when he avoided paying tax while a Real Madrid Player.

Richest

Forbes lists Ronaldo as the third-richest athlete in the world, and he is thought to be worth more than €108 million. His ex-Los Blancos teammate Xabi Alonso was also in court, where he maintained his innocence over three counts of tax evasion. But unlike Ronaldo, Alonso did not accept a deal. Prosecutors had asked for a five-year sentence and €4m fine for the Basque player in relation to alleged tax evasion between 2010 and 2012. He said: “I have the conviction and confidence of having done everything right, collaborating from the start without hiding anything. “I’ve come here and I’m going to keep going until the end because I have confidence in justice. I’ve done everything right.” However a longer sentence means that he could face prison time.

UNDER FIRE: Alonso and Ronaldo

OLD NEWS: Pensions up

Pensions hike

SENIOR citizens in Spain are to receive an average 6.4% extra in their pension packets this year. The government has agreed to spend €135 million on retirement benefits in 2019 10.8% of GDP - to bring them in line with inflation. According to labour minister Magdalena Valerio, the increase will improve the acquisitive power of retirees. Seguridad Social will receive a loan of €15 billion to put this and other commitments into action - including aid for single-parent families and temporary disability - although it’s hoped they won’t have to use up all the money in the pot.

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Jan 30th - Feb 12th 2019

Southern Spain neighbourhood labelled poorest as average income in Madrid town is 1000% higher MIND the wealth gap in Spain. There’s a wallet-busting €100,000 difference between the average disposable income of its richest and poorest neighbourhoods. In the barrio of Carrus Este, in Elche, Alicante, it’s a miserly €13,286 while in La Moraleja, Madrid, it’s €113,642 - the other end of the pay scale. Carrus Este was traditionally a district of Spanish migrants who came to work in industry. But the economic crisis hit it more drastically than most.

PROPERTY Wealth gap January 30th - February 12th 2019

foreign immigrants whose economic level is very low, explained the mayor. The black economy is another factor, he added. However despite the deprivations, Carrus Este has its good points. “Living here is very pleasant, despite prejudices,” said Toure Modu Biabo, a Spanish resident of Senegalese origin.

Isolation

BIG GAP: Madrid mansion while (inset) Carrus Este According to its Socialist Ma- lly among long-term jobless’. yor Carlos Gonzalez, it ‘faces a The population is now ‘a dehigh unemployment, especia- pressed zone’ dominated by

Cheaters never prosper A BRITISH expat stole more than £46,000 in housing benefits from the UK government while stupidly boasting of her real estate company in southern Spain online. Louise Jones, 50, was claiming housing benefits for a home in Hull, and another property in Cleethorpes for almost 10 years. Both homes were owned by her husband, Bruce McHardy, but the couple were actually living near

Alicante. In total, Jones illegally claimed a staggering £46,000 between 2007 and 2016. Exeter Crown Court heard how Jones dobbed herself in after she posted pictures of her wedding to McHardy, a property developer, on social media. With photos on her Facebook page of her engagement to McHardy in 2015 and her wedding in July 2017, she also described herself as managing director of his Spanish pro-

LOUISE: With McHardy perty business, McHardy Spanish Properties.She admitted eight counts of benefit fraud and was jailed for six months, suspended for two years, by Judge Peter Johnson.

While La Moraleja also has a mix of national and foreign migrants, they are the kind who can afford to pay half a million euros for a house and send their children to the best private schools. However residents live in virtual isolation behind walls bristling with high security systems, almost totally disconnected from the outside world or the nearest neighbourhood of Alcobendas. “The kind of lifestyle here is largely indoors”, affirmed one resident. In fact 30 years ago La Moraleja residents campaigned to separate from the Madrid municipality of Arroyo de la Vega it belongs to, arguing that they paid too many taxes for the services they received. Their proposal didn’t make it but people continue as if they are living in an independent republic.

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

TIMESHARE MIS-SELLING – THE NEXT FINANCIAL SCANDAL!

Malaga based law firm Maxima 1 Legal S.L. (M1 Legal) can now confirm they are regulated by the Claims Management Regulator in respect of regulated claims. This means that they can now take legal action on behalf of consumers against financial institutions such as banks and credit card companies for misrepresentation and unregulated lending which can potentially win huge compensation payouts for their clients. This will be another side to their business which will be given a strong focus over the coming months under the branding of Bank Reclaims. M1 legal lawyer Adriana Stoyanova commented “When the UK Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") took over responsibility for regulating consumer credit from the Office of Fair Trading ("OFT") on 1st April 2014, it promised tougher measures aiming to protect consumers and restore public confidence in the sector. “It seems, however that before that date and during the transition period some companies involved in the sector still did not comply with the legal requirements imposed under the applicable legislation. “An example which recently disclosed such infringements is the case of the timeshare resort Azure Island Residence Club, located in Malta, which sold timeshare products to many British citizens, financed by Barclays Partner Finance,” she added.

In 2018, M1 Legal secured what is believed to be the biggest timeshare victory ever recorded in the Spanish courts. Mr and Mrs Sewell-Rutter from Southampton were awarded 365,000 against La Pinta Beach Club in Tenerife. The Sewell-Rutters said “M1 Legal made this possible due to the continuous dedication and commitment supporting this case”.

“It appeared that during the period 1st April 2014 – 24th April 2016 British consumers signed 1,444 loan agreements which financed their timeshare purchases through the credit intermediary Azure Services Limited, which was not authorised by the FCA to carry out a regulated activity, i.e.credit brokering. “The FCA issued a validation order; however, we appealed the validation order, on behalf of 25 affected people, in front of the Upper Tribunal. The judge found that there was evidence of potential consumer detriment - a relevant factor to be taken into account in deciding whether it is just and equitable to make a validation order (which was a precedent). “In this particular case, the evidence of potential detriment was considered being that the consumers were misrepresented about the duration and the loan conditions. For that reason, the Upper Tribunal decided to remit the matter back to the FCA to reconsider its decision, with a direction to take into account Consumer Detriment, without placing any further limitation on the scope of what the FCA should consider.”

M1 Legal finished 2018 with

46 victories

in the Spanish courts totalling a massive

£1.1million awarded to clients.

M1 Legal currently have

in the courts 470 cases prepared 245 being for submission and

In addition, cases won on appeals are now being fast-tracked through the lower courts.

Visit here to view the pdf of the Upper Tribunal: www.m1legal.news/tribunal In their representations, BPF stated that the total amount payable under the relevant 1,444 loans is around £47million. ''Considering the fact that this is a small timeshare resort in Malta, we could imagine what the amount would be for some of the European timeshare resorts, which have thousands of members. This could be the next financial scandal!'' said Adriana Stoyanova. An audit was also carried out on all M1 legal files. It revealed that 52% of the files which had loan agreements were arranged by unregulated finance brokers with loan amounts totalling just under £6 million. M1 Legal will shortly be contacting all clients that fit this criteria to advise them of potential further claims against the relevant lenders. They are also conducting a further audit on the files held by their associate UK lawyers Messrs. Pinder Reaux.

December resulted in 6 more victories.

£55,884 Silverpoint - winning 2 cases total awarded £41,961 An – winning 3 cases total awarded

Airtours total awarded

£15,122

“These final victories for 2018 are a great way to finish the year. This, I'm sure, will continue as we strive for further successes in 2019,” said spokesperson Sharon Johnson. “We would urge any time-share owners who believe they have been missold to call us so we can get the ball rolling and see if they are due payouts.”

STOP PRESS: M1 Legal starts the New Year on a positive note having won four awards against Club la Costa, Anfi Resorts, Leisure Dimensions and Marriotts Vacation Club totalling £89,300. In addition, two wins against Club La Costa on jurisdiction.

For any timeshare enquiries regarding this story call 0034 951 562 209 or email sharon@m1legal.com.

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Candy crush

ROW: Between Moro clans

Grapes of wrath A VICIOUS spat has broken out between two leading Spanish vineyards over the right to use their names. International wine brands - both named Moro - have become embroiled in a real battle of the grapes. Carlos Moro, owner of Grupo Carlos Moro, which makes Matarromera, and Jose and Javier Moro, owners of Emilio Moro, are at loggerheads over the brand names.

January 30th - February 12th 2019

restaurant | lunch and dinner restaurant | lunch and dinner

Spaniards set to see major health changes in nearly 400 of their favourite food brands

SOME 4,000 products in Mercadona, McDonald’s and Carrefour are set to see major sugar and salt cuts. It comes as hundreds of leading food and drink brands have pledged to reduce at least 10% of sugar, saturated fat and salt in their products by 2020.

Feud

It had not been an issue until recently as the wineries were based in different locations With one based in Ribera del Duero and the other in Rioja. But the feud kicked off when Carlos decided to open a winery in La Rioja also under the Moro name. Now, in a bid to protect their territory, his rivals have launched a huge advertising campaign, with the slogan: “In the wine world, Moro means Emilio Moro.”

Spain’s Ministry of Health has signed 20 agreements with 398 companies in a bid to improve diets. More than 4,000 products from

Don’t get fried young! FRIED chicken increases the risk of premature death, claims a new study. According to the study by the British Medical Journal, eating fried chicken daily is linked to a 13% chance of dying early. Meanwhile, fried fish was found to be linked with a 7% higher risk. The BMJ researchers pointed out that the new information contradicts

a Spanish study which found no links between fried food and premature death. The discrepancy is believed to have emerged as Spaniards tend to cook with olive oil, which is considered healthier than normal cooking oils, used in the UK. Researchers, however, concluded that despite olive oil being a better choice, eating fried foods still increases the risk.

13 different sectors will be regulated, including soft drinks, pastries, cereals and dairy products. The government hopes to reduce salt by 16%, trans-fats by at least 5% and packaged meat - such as ham, turkey breast, sausage and chorizo - products by 10%. All supermarkets will have to stick to the changes, set to be published in the coming days. Other fast food giants, including McDonald’s, KFC and Telepizza, have signed the document adhering to the new regulation. “This enormous effort in the industry is a milestone, another step towards achieving a healthier diet. We can be proud of our companies, which show responsibility with health and the plan will have a very significant impact on nutritional work,” said Minister of Health, Maria Luisa Carcedo.

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Going local How I fell in love with vegetarianism, writes Manna Teji, Andalucia based chef who is starting a new recipe series with the OP

WAS born in Punjab, India and became known as the into a loving Sikh family. black sheep in a family that I was vegetarian even loved food and cooking. before I was born, as for I went to university where I some reason my mother obtained a masters in clascould not face eating meat sical Indian music. After while she was pregnant with marrying I met an exceptiome, which carried on while nal chef whom I asked to I was a baby. Finally when teach me to cook. Although I was three years old, my I wasn't a very good student, parents met their spiritual he did give me some advice mentor and that has stathe whole fayed with me mily converted all through my He told me to vegetarialife - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Whatever nism. you cook with whatever you Growing up I lilove will turn cook with love ved in many diout wonderfulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. fferent places At the time will turn out as my father's I thought he wonderful work took him was just an around the old man that world. My padidn't know rents were great entertai- what he was talking about, ners with food being an inte- but now I know better! gral part of the household. Cooking became my passion Through the different cooks and as I travelled around the we had at home I experien- globe and tasted all kinds of ced a wide variety of styles food, curiosity about the diof cooking. fferent gastronomies drove However when I was a child I me to learn, investigate and refused to enter the kitchen, innovate in my own kitchen, every day. Having children also sparked a new desire to invent interesting, tasty and fun vegetarian food that would be nourishing but appealing. Finally after living in five different continents, I settled in Spain in 1999 and became a professional vegetarian chef. I always try to source my food locally, and am lucky enough to live in the agricultural province of Almeria, where I support local initiatives to grow organic produce. Here I have created food for markets to top restaurants as well as catering for yoga schools, vegans, people with food allergies and a host of other needs. I am presently advising Albar Restaurant at Casona Granado in the Lubrin area, as well as a healthcare pro-

VEGGIE FOR LIFE: Manna Teji is in love with veggie cooking

vider in London, who are keen to include more vegetarian and vegan choices on their menus. I currently live just outside Mojacar, where I run a small B&B offering various courses with accommodation. I also give cookery classes and advise on all aspects of vegetarian catering, from gift hampers to children's parties. Here (right) is one of my

HOME MEMORIES: A market in Punjab

most popular sweet treats for you to try at home. Enjoy! Manna Teji is an Indian chef living in Mojacar who is passionate about vegetarian food. Manna welcomes questions on the topic of food and health, especially vegetarianism and veganism, so feel free to contact her at mannateji@hotmail.com

& TRAVEL

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

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January 30th - February 12th 2019

VEGAN STICKY TOFFEE CAKE Serves 6 to 8 INGREDIENTS:

www.bistropoint.gi

For the pudding

UNIVERSITY OF GIBRALTAR, EUROPA POINT

• • • • • • • • • • •

250g of stoned dates 250g of flour 75gs of maple syrup 200g of chopped walnuts 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder 2 teaspoons of baking soda 100ml. of olive oil 2 tablespoons of egg substitute (optional) 100ml. of water 1 pinch of salt

For the toffee • • •

250gms of cane sugar 50gms of vegan butter 80gms of vegan cream (chilled)

METHOD: Preheat your oven to 180ºC/ 375 F. Prepare your baking tray or tin. Put water, dates and baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) in a pan, bring to boil and simmer on medium heat until the dates are softened. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, sieve the flour with baking powder, pinch of salt and egg substitute. Add the cooked dates mixture to the flour along with olive oil, vanilla essence and walnuts and mix well. Put the batter into the baking tin and bake for 40-45 min or until if you prick the cake with a stick and it comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 20 minutes before turning out. In another pan, heat the butter and add the sugar. Let it cook without stirring until it caramelises into a brown syrup. Now carefully pour the chilled cream into the pan and stir well. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Pour the toffee generously over the cake and leave to cool before cutting. Another way is to serve the toffee mixture hot, poured over each serving like a pudding.

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Obesity blues BEING depressed can make you fat, according to a groundbreaking new study by Malaga’s Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica (Ibima) which has found a link between obesity and mental health. Traditionally obesity has always been connected to metabolic diseases like diabetes. But the scientists have discovered the biological mechanism that can trigger both obesity and mental disorders. The study, published in Nature magazine, revealed that 35% of obese people suffer from mental disorders, leading the researchers to rethink treatment strategies like biomarkers to aid early diagnosis and prevent mental disorders.

Flu epidemic THE influenza death toll in the Canary Islands has now risen to 12 as an epidemic is declared across Spain. The islands have also seen 95 serious cases admitted over the last week, meaning the Canaries will also now declare an epidemic. “Everything seems to indicate the beginning of the epidemic wave this week,” read a report by the Surveillance Network of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS). The Canary Islands incidence rate now stands at 78.75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

HEALTH Mutant cancer gene

January 30th - February 12th 2019

Deadly gene mutation behind prostate, breast and ovarian cancer can be inherited HIGHLY aggressive prostate cancer has been linked to hereditary breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer for the first time in Spain. Spanish scientists have discovered that men with the most aggressive prostate cancer have mutations in a gene called BRCA2. It is the same genetic mutation that leads to breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer. It means family members of prostate cancer patients with mutations in the BRCA2 gene have a heightened risk of developing cancer and should seek testing and a family cancer prevention programme as soon as possible. The gene mutation also means those with prostate

January 30th - February 12th 2019

(IBIMA) and the Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM). Since 2013, more than 400 patients with metastatic prostate cancer of the type resistant to castration or hormonal blockade have been followed in 38 hospitals throughout Spain. It is the first large-scale prolonged study in the world on metastatic prostate cancer patients resistant to castration.

Advanced

cancer see their condition worsen more rapidly while responding poorly to typi-

cal treatment, according to the study. The results that are now published are the first of the PROREPAIR-B s t u d y , which has CLINICAL trials for a rub-on gel that could cut the risk of been run by breast cancer have begun in Spain and Germany. the CNIO As part of the study, 330 women aged 35 to 75 will apply in collathe tamoxifen gel or a placebo to their breasts daily. boration The women are cancer-free, but after one year they will with the be X-rayed to check the density of their breast tissue, Biomedical which could indicate whether the gel is effective. Research Scientists believe it could reduce oestrogen levels in the Institute body, the hormone that causes some cancers to grow. of Malaga

Well gel

“Our study shows that the treatment and follow-up protocols we use in patients with advanced prostate cancer may be insufficient for those with mutations in BRCA2,” concluded David Olmos, head of the Clinical Investigation Unit of Cancer of the CNIO and one of the work coordinators. “We are working to understand the characteristics that make these tumors more aggressive and to define new management strategies that improve the prognosis of these patients.”

Addictive personalities TODAY’S hyperactive teens could be tomorrow’s potsmokers, according to a new study that shows addictive behaviour is in the genes. And people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are eight times more likely to consume cannabis during their adult life. A team of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction specialists at Catalonia’s Hospital Vall d’Hebron reached their findings after mapping the complete genomes of 85,000 volunteers. The results showed they shared four different genetic traits.

Abuse

In general they found that both adults and youngsters with ADHD are more prone to substance abuse, whether or not they have other mental health problems. But 70% of ADHD patients also suffer from other problems like sleep disorder and anxiety. Lead researcher Dr. Marta Ribases said: “Our findings prove the temporal relationship between ADHD and future cannabis consumption, and reinforce the need for better prevention of cannabis consumption”. In the EU, ADHD affects 3.3 million youngsters between the ages of 16 and 17.

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Doctors in Spain pioneer groundbreaking surgery on ‘inoperable’ pancreatic cancer patient SPANISH doctors have performed breakthrough surgery on a patient with terminal Stage 4 pancreatic cancer for the first time in the country’s history. Surgeons at the Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona successfully treated the patient who had previously been considered ‘inoperable’. The pioneering surgery involves a new technique which punctures the tumour, penetrating through its protective ‘shield’, allowing cancerous cells to be burned away with heat. It is the first time this advanced procedure has been used in Spain. Until now patients with this aggressive form of cancer could only be offered palliative chemotherapy. The breakthrough comes as

January 30th - February 12th 2019

Cancer coup the result of a clinical trial at the hospital called PELICAN, which is also being tested at 18 medical centres across Europe by a team of Dutch experts. Elisabeth Pando, a doctor at the Hepatobiliary and

Wait lifted MALAGA has the the third shortest waiting times for surgery in Andalucia, new figures have revealed. In operations which have maximum waiting periods of 180 and 120 days, the average Malaga patient will wait 68 and 47 days respectively. Cadiz and Cordoba have the shortest waiting lists in the region, with average delays of 59 and 62 days respectively (on operations with 180 day maximum waiting period). The region-wide average is 84 days. Patients will have to wait the longest for surgery in Granada (135 days), Jaen (88) and Huelva (82).

Transplant Surgery Service, stressed that the trial ‘is about offering an alternative or a treatment’ for those who are usually considered inoperable. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Doctors predict that by the end of 2019 it will be the second cause of death, while only one in five cases can be operated on. Experts say the reason is because pancreatic tumours are usually very close to arteries and major veins. Despite the team’s success, Pando stresses the study is still in its early experimental phase and more time is needed to obtain definitive results.

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“

MUM, why won’t my Xbox work?”, bellows a voice from behind his bedroom door. “We don’t have internet,” I sigh, and unpack another box. “WHAT? Even the goat house had internet, what am I supposed to do?” “Get off your arse and chat to real people?”, I mumble. Our worldly possessions had arrived the day before, delivered by a very nice man with a very big van. Looking at the mountain of boxes I realise I haven’t packed one kitchen utensil, not even a fork. But we had brought the 4-foot long fibreglass shark head which is currently residing on the balcony underneath the washing line. Foolishly I had thought that every expat selling a property in Spain would leave their abode furnished, like a 1980s Wimpy show home. But we purchased from locals, and locals take everything with them, including the shower head.

January 30th - February 12th 2019

New wife in the sun

No wifi, no water and no cutlery, how can Paula Leskovitz make her new life work in the sun?

We also have no hot water. The ancient gas boiler didn’t even make an attempt to fire up. It just stood there, white and lacklustre, mocking my sweaty armpits with silent authority. It’s barely 10am on a Saturday and I drag the petulant one out of his bed. We amble over to Miramar shopping centre and queue at the Movistar desk, waiting patiently to speak to the solitary English-speaking staff member, hoping he can enable our access back into the 21st century without a Tardis. Two hours later we claim possession of an extortionate phone contract with the promise that fibre optic will be installed into our flat forthwith. The midday sun beats down around scantily clad tourists and we decide to take a pitstop to fill our growling bellies at a local café.

Sitting at the table opposite is a blonde woman of similar age, talking rapidly on the phone in French and flicking cigarette ash onto the pavement. She catches my eye and smiles, raising her eyebrows in a conspiratorial ‘are people actually this stupid’ motion, slams her phone onto the table and inhales another round of nicotine. Her brown eyes swivel in my direction and land directly on my rapidly evaporating glass of wine. “I think I’ll join you in one of those,” she says in perfect English and beckons the waiter. “Would you like another?”, she enquires, then orders two wines before I have time to accept her generous offer. Devoid of any real adult conversation since moving into our new home, I motion her to join us at the table. “So,” my new friend enquires, “what do the people with chil-

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MUST HAVE: Shark head ornament takes pride of place dren do here in the summer months? My two boys don’t start school for another 12 weeks, we’ve just moved here from France and they need to find some form of activity apart from exercising their wrists on the Xbox.” I smile and lean forward, fuelled by too much cheap wine. The person sitting

across from me is a complete stranger but I hear my voice engage before my brain has time to complain. “I’m also a new wife in the sun. I think I may have an idea…” Follow our further adventures at www.anewwifeinthesun.com

The prince of Puerto Banus As the coast is rocked with the shock death of well-known businessman Marco Yaqout, Giles Brown pays tribute to his friend of 10 years

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HE news flashed across my social media I’ve known Marco for over 10 years. As a busifeed and I barely raised an eyebrow. ness partner of the massively successful group Spanish press were reporting the murder that runs TIBU nightclub, Lineker’s and Portside, of a 49-year-old Spaniard who had busi- Babilonia and Bijou, as well as many other ponesses in Puerto Banus, gunned down outside pular establishments, he was an instantly recoghis house in the early hours. Police were quoted nisable figure in Banus. Marco was one of the saying that the killing was a suspected ‘settling earliest and most loyal supporters of Hot Marbeof scores’. lla Magazine, which I edit. ‘Here we go again’, I thought to myself, scanning While some in Banus act as if they are in a real the report and making notes for a post in my blog life version of The Sopranos, Marco was always later that day, ‘another baby gangster getting approachable and great fun. He loved the Marbewhat was coming to him’. lla lifestyle - complete with luxury cars and desigI didn’t really think too much about it until a friend ner clothes - but he was a shrewd businessman, called. “This shooting in San Pedro,” he said, “I as more than a decade at the very top of the think it might be Marco.” I told him that I would Banus bar and nightlife scene proved. check my contacts and see what I could find out. Behind the extroverted, party-loving exterior was A text message came back minutes later. It was a person who took time out to talk to everyone, Marco. “F**k,” I said under my breath. testament to the outpouring of social media triAs a Marbella based journalist butes that have flooded in since for the past 20 years, I have the news. Even my barber told written about every aspect of me about the time Marco sat life in this colourful, cosmopoliand talked with him when he tan, and often chaotic town - the was just in his teens. good, the bad and the sometiI last saw Marco when I was mes very ugly. I have occasioeating in a frontline restaurant nally worked with international with friends, he drove past, top TV and radio reporting on crime down in the Bentley, shades on stories, including gang feuds, (of course), saw our group and shootings and drug busts, and stopped to shoot the breeze. He even contributed to the Marbeseemed genuinely pleased to lla chapter of Dutch book, World see us and drove off with that of Crime. In the past year my big smile of his, busy taking a blog, Planet Marbella, has recall, off to another meeting. ported on a marked increase in That’s how I’ll remember him. violent crime. Rest well Marco. Your friends But it all seemed abstract, the already miss you. victims two-dimensional. You really were the prince of Until this. Puerto Banus. SLAIN: Marco Yaqout

Down: 1 Apollo, 2 Bulimia, 3 Taken, 5 Recycle, 6 Bacon, 7 Crazy, 8 Unqualified, 14 Trooper, 15 Aircrew, 16 Unreal, 17 Laser, 18 Adept, 19 Ad lib.

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BOXER: Mansouri

No glove lost BRITISH Super Welterweight champion Navid Mansouri has confirmed he will fight Jorge Fortera of Spain on the Costa del Sol. The mouthwatering clash for the IBF Intercontinental Championship title takes place at the Sports Centre of San Pedro Marbella on February 16. Eurosport TV are broadcasting the fight, which is expected to attract 2,000 on the night. The Englishman has an impressive 19 victories, one defeat and two nulls under his belt, and is matched by the Spaniard’s 18 victories, one defeat and one null. Another five professional fights provide the warm up, including a tasty encounter between English cruiserweight boxer Joe Sheriff and Spaniard Alvaro Terrero. Sheriff, who has a record of 12 victories and one defeat should have it easy against Granada-born Terrero, who has just three victories and nine defeats.

Nadal crushed by rival Djokovic in Australian Open final RAFAEL Nadal has had his Grand Slams lead over world number one Novak Djokovic cut to just two, after losing the Australian Open final in straight sets. The Serb defeated the Spaniard 6-3 6-2 6-3 at Melbourne Park to claim a record 7th title in the competition. The historic win marks Djokovic’s 15th Grand Slam victory and sees him move within five of Roger Federer, who has 20 and just two of Nadal on 17. “I don’t say I have been destroyed,” said Nadal after the defeat. He added: “I have been playing against a player that was at the highest level possible, in my opinion.” Nadal now looks ahead to the

January 30th - February 12th 2019

Grand Slammed

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BEAT: Nadal loses to Djokovic down under French Open in May, where he is known as the ‘king of clay’ for his record 11 singles titles in the Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

Search for Sala POLICE have called off searches for Premier League player Emiliano Sala after the plane he was on vanished over the English Channel. The 28-year-old Argentine, who began his career in Spain had joined Cardiff City in a record transfer of €17m. But after the forward said goodbye to his teammates at

39 39

January 30th - February 12th 2019

French side Nantes and flew to Wales his flight disappeared near Guernsey. Sala’s family have launched a private rescue effort, with crowdfunding reaching €350,000, including a €30,000 donation from PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.

Djokovic will be looking to steal the title from Nadal, after a blistering run of form saw him clinch his third successive major in Melbourne. Reflecting on his stunning performance he said: “The first thing I’m going to do is recharge my batteries and obviously then, you know, have time to reflect.” The match in Melbourne lasted two hours and four minutes as Djokovic crushed his old rival with 34 winners and just nine unforced errors. The 53rd on-tour meeting between the pair is a repeat of their 2012 final that was the longest grand slam title match in history at five hours and 53 minutes.

Hard Brexit In the case of a hard Brexit, the UK may have to give up access to the single market and the Customs Union. EU payments would probably end as would free movement of people, meaning that UK citizens would lose their automatic right to live and work in any European country. The UK would be free to make its own rules and regulations, and negotiate their own trade deals with countries around the world. Trade between the UK and the EU would continue but with more restrictions and new rules on how it would work. No-deal If a new set of rules and regulations for a hard Brexit cannot be agreed, then the UK could leave the EU with no deal. In this scenario, the UK may have to defer to the World Trade Organisation rules on international trade when doing business with EU countries. UK exports would be subject to taxes and customs checks. The legal status of UK expats in Europe and EU expats in the UK would be uncertain. Would people require visas? Would the price of food imports rise? Would business be thrown into chaos? Did you know? Whatever the final scenario, the UK is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29 2019. Given that negotiations have started, we understand that it is of vital importance for expatriates to stay informed about the outcomes and how it affects them.

For more information please call 902 123 282 or visit www.lineadirecta.com.

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Employment surge

FINAL WORDS

SPAIN ended 2018 with its highest employment record since 2006 by creating 566,200 new positions mostly in the public sector.

Welling up ECOLOGISTAS en Accion estimates that 60% of Malaga wells are illegal, revealed following the rescue operation for little Julen who fell in an open well in Totalan.

Refugees welcome SPAIN saw a record-breaking 56,500 people apply for asylum status in 2018, with Venezuelan applicants making up some 40%, the UN has revealed.

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Vol. 13 Issue 310 www.theolivepress.es January 30th - February 12th 2019

Stone returned

Quixotic park

Stolen ancient artefacts are found decaying in British aristocrat’s back garden A BRITISH aristocrat has been forced to return a series of priceless 7th century Spanish treasures he was using as garden ornaments. A MAN dressed as a unicorn has been arrested on suspicion of robbery. The 20-year-old Spaniard, whose identity has not been revealed, broke into a Malaga computer shop wearing a hooded dressing gown emulating the mythical creature. Police confirmed the man, who has now been arrested, took a dozen

It comes after an art detective discovered the Visigoth sculptures covered in mould and leaves at the back of the British lord’s estate.

Uni-crook mobile phones and €700 in cash. He has since been linked to another eight robberies in the city, after breaking windows to steal goods.

PRICELESS: Visigoth treasure Dutch historian Arthur Brand found them at the unnamed aristocrat’s land, having spent eight years tracing them around Europe. The limestone sculptures, engraved with Catholic saints, were stolen from a medieval church in Burgos in 2004. "The thieves wanted to sell them and make a lot of money, but soon found such heritage was extremely difficult to sell," Brand said. "So, they decided to sell them as garden ornaments." According to police, the 50kg pieces were bought a few

years ago by the aristocrat, who was ‘entirely unaware’ of their background. It is believed the aristocrat spent just €58,000 apiece for the ‘priceless’ works, which are worth millions. "It is incredible that these priceless 1,300-year-old artifacts made for the Spanish sun were in their garden, exposed to the English rain," said Brand. The artifacts were returned to the Spanish embassy in London on January 21 and will be returned to the Santa Maria de Lara church, in Burgos, later this year.

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A SPANISH guerilla, an Arabic king and Spain’s most famous writer are the inspiration behind an unusual theme park set to open near Toledo. Set to open to the public in 2021, it will feature characters as varied as Don Quixote, King Fernando VI and Al Ma-mun, the caliph who inspired the book 1,001 nights, also known as Arabian Knights. A French company has been joined by La Caixa bank to help fund the massive €242 million project, which will look at Spanish characters through history. Puy Du Fou, the French company behind the project, believes the new attraction will create some 2,500 jobs. The park at finca Zurraquin is expected to be similar to a French park, near Nantes, owned by the company, which features the Three Musketeers, Merlin and King Arthur.

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