Costa Blanca South Olive Press - Issue 4 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

The

OLIVE PRESS

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA

Nightmare Before Christmas BRITISH expats are understandably in turmoil about their futures in Spain, following the Conservative Party’s huge election victory. Healthcare, pensions and the fate of the pound are bound to keep many of us awake this Christmas, now that Johnson has promised to ‘get Brexit done’ by the end of January. But, while it could be an unsettling festive period ahead, it may not be as bad as many of us fear, believes Our Man in Spain. “No deal is now a very remote possibility and our citizens rights are still in place,” insisted ambassador Hugh Elliot at a meeting with expats on the Costa Blanca this week. Putting a little sparkle back on the Christmas tree, he promised that the same healthcare agreements, uprating of pensions and rights to work will not change for British expats until December next year. And after that period, they will stay ‘the same as long as you remain a resident in Spain’. However, Anne Hernandez of Brexpats in Spain insisted it was still not clear and claimed ‘mounting’ confusion was causing many residents distress, with some even contemplating suicide. “It is putting people under incredible pressure. Some have said; ‘I am so suicidal,’ particularly some of the elderly,” she told the Olive Press this week. British councillor for San Fulgencio, Darren Parmenter, hit back however, criticising the ‘amount of misinformation’ groups like hers have been pedalling. He told the Olive Press that once the current withdrawal agreement was signed everyone would be much more optimistic. “Not once has any of these groups said that, if the withdrawal agreement is passed, you have nothing to worry about,” he slammed. “It might have saved lots of unnecessary panic, ‘feelings of suicide’ and even people selling up and moving back to the UK because of the uncertainties.” Christine Rowlands, chair of Conservatives Abroad on the Costa del Sol, had a more conciliatory view. Despite being a ‘staunch remainer,’ she told the Olive Press she was glad the election result meant Brexit would ‘finally be over’. “The reaction has been good from both sides,” she said. “My members just want the job done.”

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December 19th - January 8th, 2020

Fight back EXPATS are being forced to patrol their own streets after a series of violent muggings went mostly unanswered by police. The group of Brits have set up Street Angels, an online community group, following dozens of attacks in their Mar Menor town. With an absence of better policing, the residents of Los Alcazares are convinced it will help to battle the alarming rise in crime. “We needed to come together to create a visible force as many elderly and vulnerable people may not be aware of the risks,” Paul Canfield, 51, told the Olive Press this week. “I was attacked a few years ago and have been vigilant ever since,” added the creator of the group, which has garnered 1,000 members in just a week. The Londoner insisted the forum was peaceful and hoped it would help support victims like expat Patricia Miller, who was violently robbed on December 8 by a man

Brits form neighbourhood watch group to battle ‘scary’ rise in violent muggings

EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade

on a bike. It would also help others, like local author Jacqueline Carpenter, who was violently attacked outside the 525 Hotel on November 30. Recalling the incident, she said: “It was awful. He threw me to the floor, jumped on top of me and wrestled my bag away while my partner was trying to get him off.” Another victim, Jill Francis was pushed to the ground and suffered a broken wrist and needed a metal plate inserted after a vicious robbery.

Struggling “This is not just pickpocketing, these thugs are dangerous and pick on the vulnerable - my worry is that one day they will go too far and kill someone.” Incredibly, within an hour of the interview another Spanish local was robbed of her €600 pension

CRIME FIGHTERS: Members of the expat defence group in broad daylight outside Banco Sabadell. As Canfield added: “You’re in dan-

ger no matter what age, sex or nationality you are.” The group now plans to raise awareness, organise street patrols and promote integration with the overstretched local police force over the Christmas holidays. The group is also looking for official translators who are willing to give their services for one night a month to help foreign victims report attacks to the police.

Patrols

On the slopes with the pros in snowy Granada Page 11

AUTO DIRECT

Home cooking with the biscuit-baking nuns Page 20

It comes with reports that funding is at breaking point due to the cost of the gota fria clean-up from September. This week, Los Alcazares town hall admitted to the Olive Press that it was struggling to cope. “The two floods have admittedly drained our resources and we have less money than we should have due to not enough people registering on the padron,” insisted deputy mayor Pedro Jose Sanchez. Opinion Page 6

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Fake money scam busted

Reporters Simon Wade and Joshua Parfitt

Your reporters, here to help on the Costa Blanca Contact them with any stories or news on 951 273 575 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es (Personal contacts on page 6)

ARRESTS: The goods on show EUROPOL and Policia Nacional have arrested 11 people involved in a huge fake money scam operating across Europe. Five of the arrests were in Spain, with some in Alicante, where agents seized thousands of forged 50 and 20 euro notes. Printing presses were first discovered in Portugal while fake 50 euro notes were found for sale on the internet. Agents tracked down the buyers in a simultaneous operation throughout Portugal, Austria, Germany, France, Ireland, Greece, Luxembourg and Spain. Europol said ‘Operation Deep Money’ has dismantled the secret printing press and the entire criminal organisation behind it. Investigators claim it was one of the biggest operating counterfeiting groups.

CRIME Brit locked up for stealing bus in dangerous joyride

A BRITISH man who stole a coach in Benidorm before embarking on a reckless joyride could face up to seven years in prison, court documents reveal. The 27-year-old, named as Josh Wannan, has been remanded in custody without bail as the Benidorm judge said there was a ‘risk’ of him fleeing the country. The holidaymaker is charged with dangerous driving, theft of a motorised vehicle and attacking a police officer. Wannan reportedly stole the keys to the Premier coach on Sunday night before riding round Benidorm streets on a two-kilometre rampage that saw 29 vehicles damaged. CCTV footage of the outraAN UPSURGE in late-night house thefts on the town’s outskirts has led to the arrest of seven suspected burglars, all from the town. Guardia Civil eventually gathered enough evidence to detain six Morocans and a Spanish man, all aged between 23 and 42. They are believed to be re-

Cannabis cops

A PAIR of Spanish policemen are among 26 accused of bringing over two tonnes of drugs onto the Costa Blanca. All are up before Murcia’s Provincial Court this week, with the two Guardia officers allegedly having been bribed into revealing sensitive oper-

December 19th - January 8th 2020

Coach poach

NEWS IN BRIEF No room at the inn MURCIA region’s vice-president, Isabel Franco, has warned that the 13 refugee holding centres are almost full, and they’re asking Madrid for extra cash to house any more arrivals before Christmas.

Building ban

geous joyride caught the moment motorbikes went flying as the disorderly driver mowed into a parking lane on Benidorm’s Camino Salto de Agua.

San Javier suspects

sponsible for at least ten robberies this year. Three of them are being held awaiting trial at San Javier courts.

ational data. The Customs Surveillance Service recovered 79 bales of the drug worth more than €3m, as it landed on a La Manga beach in 2017. Arrests followed in Cartagena and Cadiz soon after. €30,000 and a ban from any public office for nine years.

The bus crashed on Calle Bélgica metres from a Policía Local station where Wannan resisted arrest and attacked a police officer. The Benidorm magistrate said the reckless journey was made ‘consciously’ and ‘violated the most elementary rules of road safety’. The magistrate added the suspect was ‘a foreign citizen, who lacks residency in the Spanish territory, and therefore could avoid appearing before the Administration of Justice’. He has been placed in jail without bail as prosecutors press for up to five years in prison for dangerous driving and two years for assaulting a police officer.

A MORATORIUM on new buildings around the Mar Menor is being considered. The five year ban is designed to limit future man-made environmental impact on the lagoon.

Less Taxis WITH the new Corvera Airport having as few as only THREE flights a day, the maximum number of taxis serving the hub at any one time is being dropped from 22 to 11 throughout winter.

How drunk? A FOUR year ban is expected for a Ukranian lorry driver stopped at Escombreras port (Cartagena) who had SEVEN times the amount of permitted alcohol in his blood.

NEWS

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December 19th January 8th 2020

Resigned to sleepless HE may have lost millions of voters in Nonights! vember’s Spanish elections.

Putt a ring on it

But Alberto Rivera clearly hasn’t lost his mojo. The ex-leader of Ciudadanos party and his pop star girlfriend Malu have announced they are expecting a baby. “I am very excited to share this wonderful gift that life has given us,” the 40-year-old

said in the post he shared with followers. Rivera and Malu certainly haven’t wasted any time in embarking on family life. The couple have only started seeing each other this year, soon after Rivera’s breakup from his four year relationship with influencer Beatriz Tajuelo.

There will be chorus’s all round if Banderas wins a Golden Globe

RELAXED: Smith

STIFF COMPETITION: From (clockwise) Pryce, Driver, Bale and Phoenix

for a massive Guns N Roses show in Sevilla next year. The legendary US band, behind hits like Sweet Child O’ Mine and Paradise City, will play at the Benito Villamarin Stadium in May, in what will be their only date in Spain. It will be the second date of the European leg of their tour, which starts in Lisbon on May 20. The tour then heads to Germany, England, Sweden and many other countries.

Benefits Consultancy KIM CLARK

By Robert Firth

However, the 59-year-old, who is currently starring in his version of musical, A Chorus Line, in Malaga, is under stiff competition. Banderas will have to beat Christian Bale, Adam Driv-

No need to lock up your daughters Tickets go on sale on December 20. The group has performed 160 concerts for more than 5.5 million fans around the world.

er Joaquin Phoenix and Jonathan Pryce to win the best actor globe in January, which is normally a predictor for the Oscars. In the film Pain and Glory, he plays an aging film direc-

tor, afflicted by a creative block who recalls significant life events such as first loves and breakups through a series of flashbacks. It is a semi-autobiographical look at director and writer Almodovar’s life, for which he is up for a director’s award. Banderas meanwhile, picked up the best actor accolade at the European Film Academy awards in Berlin. He was also named best actor at Cannes, where the film premiered in May. Malaga-born actor Pablo Puyol will replace Antonio Banderas in A Chorus Line when he heads across the pond for the Globes and the Palm Springs Film Festival. A Chorus Line will run at Malaga’s Soho Caixabank until January 19.

OLIVE PRESS

The

HE has taken another star-studded step towards Academy Award recognition. Now, Malaga’s favourite son Antonio Banderas has come one step nearer, after being nominated for the prestigious Golden Globe in his latest role in Pedro Almodovar’s film Pain and Glory.

If you suffer from... • Mobility problems • Pain / Breathlessness • Falls / Stumbles

Royal retreat

A star is re-born

HE may have won numerous trophies in 2019, but now Spain’s top golfer Jon Rahm has won what he wanted most of all – his girlfriend’s hand in marriage. The 24-year-old tied the knot with American fiancee Kelley Cahill, 25, in a fairytale winter wedding at his childhood church in Bilbao. It comes after the world number three won his second Race to Dubai last month, in the same year he was crowned European Tour Golfer of the Year. The Arizona-based newlyweds will return to the US for another wedding in San Diego in April.

THEY are believed to be two of the wildmen of American rock. But Slash and Axel Rose are normally on best behaviour when they visit Spain these days. According to Olive Press sources the pair, who get on well, usually stay with their families at luxury Malaga hotel Finca Cortesin, never making any noise or mess at some point during the tour. Now the pair will reunite

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HE plays Prince Phillip in The Crown. And Matt Smith has been spotted relaxing at a destination suitably fit for a king. The former Doctor Who star was seen chatting to rowers on the exclusive Canary Island of La Gomera, ahead of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. The race is one of the world’s toughest rowing competitions, which sees contestants travel 3,000 miles from the island to Antigua in the Carribean. The 37-year-old looked relaxed as he shared a cuppa with the competitors prior to the start of the race. It was a world away from his love troubles back in the UK, where he is reported to have split after a five year romance with actress Lily James in favour of co-star Claire Foy (below), from the Crown.

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NEWS

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Winter fun WINTER activities on Orihuela Costa have been a ‘complete success’. Over nine weekends since October 13, hundreds of expats and locals have enjoyed varied activities on La Caleta beach in Cabo Roig. Events included paddle surfing, a diving ‘baptism’, canoeing, chil-

dren’s workshops and sports (including yoga and zumba). Lopez Cabrera, of the Department of Beaches and Youth, said: “We wanted to promote watersports outside of summer, since we have a more than suitable climate and beaches.”

NEWS

December 19th - January

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS Laughing Policemen

TRADITIONAL: Festive light switch on

HUNDREDS of Britons and Spaniards braved the chill to see San Fulgencio switch on its Christmas lights. The town held an official ceremony with dance troupe Security Dance lighting up the evening with special costumes, fire dancing and drumming.

Christmas spirit

Councillor for Fiestas (URB), Samantha Hull, said: “We wanted to do something very different for this year, and we’ve certainly achieved that. “I’m already thinking on how

we can go one better for 2020!” Sunday’s unveiling of the traditional Belen (Nativity Scene) was also attended by San Fulgencio mayor, Jose Sampere Ballester.

Boy drinks into coma A CHILD has been hospitalised with alcohol poisoning after being found unconscious near a railway line. The 12-year-old boy is in a coma after a Saturday night drinking session with pals in Murcia.

He was seen throwing up before passing out and being treated by medical staff, soon after they were called at 8:30pm. The youngster was attended by Policia Local officers and two ambulances before being

rushed to the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital. He was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where he remains comatose and in a critical condition.

SPAIN’S National Police are promoting SMILING over Christmas. One tweet read: “Face the day with the best of your smiles and remember that we will be there whenever you need us.”

Toys for kids CARTAGENA Town Hall is collecting toys for children that may not receive any gifts this Chtristmas. The toy bank, which last year collected 1,800 gifts, is open in Calle San Miguel until December 27.

Barcelona flights COSTA Blanca South is to be reunited with Barcelona again, when Vueling flies from next year from San Javier airport three days a week. The route was disbanded in the 1990s dubbed unprofitable.

Not so ‘woof’ NATIONAL Police brought a police dog to meet sick kids at the Lorca childrens hospital as a festive boost.

FEATURE

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 one million people a month.

OPINION Britain’s Chrismtas no.1 On Friday we discovered what was top of the British people’s Christmas list. Santa Claus promised them a ‘Christmas gift’ they couldn’t turn down. And they lined the streets queuing up for it. And they got it. ‘Let’s get Brexit done,’ said Boris Johnson, ripping off his beard. Brexit they got. But like every child who sits on Santa Claus’s knee and tells them all his wishes, the British people were sold a lie. And you don’t have to wrap yourself in an EU flag outside Westminster to believe that. For Boris Johnson like Father Christmas can’t ride through the sky, granting everyone’s wishes with a gusto-filled ‘ho ho ho.’ Even as Johnson’s hefty parliamentary majority will allow him to whizz Brexit through the commons by Christmas and have it ‘done’ by the end of January, years of wrangling over the EU and Britain’s future relationship and ehem trade deal waits around the corner like a new year hangover. And the future of every British citizen living in Spain is tied up in that. Only yesterday Micheal Gove - who is in charge of no-deal planning - refused to rule out no-deal when challenged over the government’s plans to make it illegal for Britain to ask the EU for an extension to the transition period which ends in eleven months. Fair enough, he might have been doing himself out of a job by ruling out the possibility his job exists to plan for. But that will be no reassurance for those whose futures these politicians are meddling with.

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December 19th - January 8th 2020

Assassins for neighbours Nearly 40 years since his articles coined the phrase ‘the Costa del Crime’, it is not surprising we’re STILL living in a gangster’s paradise, writes author and journalist David Baird (right)

that there was no way they could strong, respected newspaper) be extradited from Spain to the detailing a crime wave along the UK following the collapse, in coast. The article was headlined 1978, of a long-standing agree- ‘The Costa del Crime’ and the ment between the two countries. name stuck. A logo of a shifty guy This extraordinary extradition in a black hat by a palm tree beloophole was not closed until came almost seminal. 1985. Although the report was totally So Brits on the run began buy- factual the coast’s tourism bossing properties on es were furithe Costas in the ous, accusing late 1970s and me of saboThe coast’s early 80s, flaunting tage. Howevtheir ill-gotten gains er, since then tourism bosses and frequenting the number of the top night spots. were furious, shady individHitmen, conmen enjoying accusing me of uals and bank-robbers the good life in rubbed shoulders our midst has sabotage with aristocrats and multiplied. bullfighters. Among the They were soon more notorimaking second fortunes being ous residents was Ronnie Knight, conveniently close to the vast once married to Carry On star plantations of marijuana - which Barbara Windsor. He was wanted was getting increasingly fashion- for his part in the 1983 theft of £6 able - across the pond in Moroc- million from the Security Express co. headquarters in Shoreditch, east In the early 1980s I filed a report London. to the Sunday Express (then a I ran him to earth along with Sue

ERE’S a question you don’t often ask yourself: how many murderers have I known in my lifetime? The answer is - almost certainly more than you imagine. No matter how tranquil and law-abiding you are, you are likely to have come into contact with somebody who has committed a fatal crime and got away with it - by sheer luck, thanks to a cleverly faked accident, or whatever. And, if you live on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, the odds you have been elbow to elbow with a most wanted criminal are even greater. Not for nothing has the region been dubbed the ‘Costa del Crime’, a tag that originated in the early 1980s. Until then, the coast was mostly famed for the antics of international jetsetters, from Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe, founder of the Marbella Club hotel, and millionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi to film star Stewart Granger and society hostess Gunilla Von Bismarck. But then more sinister sun-seekers arrived: Underworld figures learned

Organised crime was shocking a decade ago. But, warn the authors of Costa Nostra, it’s nothing compared to the drugs cartels’ vice-like grip today BREXIT could threaten attempts to bring the drug trade under control along the Costa del Sol warn journalist and author Miguel Diaz and IU politician Antonio Romero. It comes a decade after their book, Costa Nostra: The mafias on the Costa del Sol, sent shockwaves through Spain and threatened its essential tourism trade. The authors say the same problems with criminal organisations still exist, but ‘with even more intensity. “The political context today is about less cooperation,” says Diaz. “The UK is key (in helping tackle the mafias) and Brexit keeps Europe from having common legislation.” This comes after John Sawers, the ex-chief of the UK’s foreign intelligence service, said Britain’s security depended ‘heavily’ on the security of Europe and he hoped relations between the EU and Britain would not completely collapse after Brexit. Diaz and Romero believe the growth of mafia activity is to do with social impoverishment, and unemployment. Thousands of people in drug

Haylock, his girlfriend, in their luxury home in the hills behind Fuengirola, but they (not so politely) declined to be interviewed. When Ron and Sue married, in typically flashy style at a Costa restaurant, an army of expat crooks turned up in force, brazenly flaunting their wealth and contempt for the law. But Ronnie’s cash dwindled and he and Sue ended up running a Fuengirola bar, attracting thrill-seeking British tourists. Eventually Ronnie was forced to return to the UK to face the music. So too was Freddy Foreman, a fearsome hitman and friend of the notorious gangsters, the Kray brothers. He loved the Costa, remarking recently: “Sun and sangria and birds. I would still be there if I could!” Meanwhile, along the coast in Almería, known as the home of spaghetti Westerns, another arch-criminal once ruled the roost. On the surface Juan Asensio Rodríguez, a chunky, balding

COSTA mafia to the duo, due to some authorities and institutions looking the other way.This has been seen at Algeciras port, where 30% of drug profits are said to be spent bribing dock workers, customs agents and police officers.

trafficking hotspots like La Linea, on the Gibraltar border, are employed by gangs, often throwing stones and attacking police during chases of suspects. “There are lawyers and financial advisers who create companies to launder the ill-gotten cash,” the pair said.“A network of professionals collaborate with the mafias because they generate wealth in the short term.”

There are around 120 organised groups along the coast, according to the Ministry of Interior.“. “Officials previously denied the mafias saying they were isolated events, but now they admit it’s a well-installed phenomenon.” The gangs

Bribing

The crisis has also been allowed to fester, according

Timeline of the crimes

Jan. 21

2019

Popular businessman Marco Yaqout shot to death while driving his Bentley home in Marbella

Body of French man, 23, found dumped in Guadalhorce industrial estate after being shot 10 times

Mar.17

2019

Young man of Moroccan origin shot in his leg in Benalmadena as a suspected warning from a rival drug gang

April 1

2019

May.27

2019

come from an increasing internationalised scene and are either collaborating or clashing, with Dutch and Italians taking over, alongside British and Irish. “There is growing cooperation between the gangs,” continued Diaz and Romero, “who share the work in the criminal chain.“There are very specialised individuals who weave alliances between groups.“They outsource work - criminals come in, do the job, and leave.“ The renewed focus comes after one of the most wanted in Europe was arrested while

The body of a man is found dumped on the side of the A-7 between Marbella and Mijas showing signs of violence

Sep.17

2019

Oct.27

2019

Bulgarian man British father and son found dumped disappear from Costa in a ditch near del Sol and have STILL Marbella and not been found. Daniel and Liam Poole, 46 and Istan, just hours 22, are feared dead from after being shot three times a drug deal ‘gone wrong’

Dutchman shot dead outside property in Marbella before killers made off in his car Nov.15

2019

Frenchman, 60, executed with series of shots outside restaurant in Cabopino, by two masked hitmen

Nov.21

2019

Dec. 5

2019

Briton Peter Williamson, 39, killed outside his property in Mijas. Police believe the murder was drug-related

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FEATURE

December 19th -January 8th 2020

EXPOSES: David’s stories in the early 1980s, the front page interviews with Ronny Knight (below) businessman, was a pillar of society, controlling all 12 Almería cinemas. But by night he inhabited a sleazy netherworld frequented by prostitutes and men with criminal records; a world of bleak, garishly-lit establishments with obliging hostesses which cropped up like mushrooms along the main highway. Many a ‘chorizo’ (petty criminal) had his bail paid by Asensio, who then put them on his payroll. They bore nicknames like Rambo and El Loco. And those who fell out with him suffered nasty sometimes fatal - accidents. Asensio’s estranged wife was killed outside Almeria’s Imperial Cinema. Apparently a corpulent man in a black leather jacket shot her several times, finishing her off on the ground. No witness could be found. Joaquín Abad, editor of the Crónica, an Almería paper, campaigned against Asensio. He told me several attempts had been made on his life and then I understood why his office was protected by bullet-proof glass, Almería’s astonishing period of

lawlessness was ended when campaigning Judge Balthasar Garzón, scourge of drug-traffickers and organised crime, dispatched a squad of Civil Guards from Madrid to tackle him head on, deliberately not advising the local authorities. Asensio was released after eight years in jail, but in 2004 he was executed gangland style, leaving his family to squabble over his €100 million fortune. Another Costa execution occurred in 1990 when Charlie Wilson, a key player in 1963’s Great Train Robbery, discovered there is no hiding place when you fall out

with fellow criminals. A blond man on a yellow bicycle turned up outside his house near Marbella. He shot Wilson, who was preparing a barbecue to celebrate his marriage, and made his escape. In 2008 Judge Garzón turned his attention to the Costa del Sol, launching Operación Troika, a huge operation against money-laundering mafia gangs along the coast. Some 400 police made 30 si-

strONGhold celebrating his birthday in Puerto Banus some weeks ago. Whilst the infamous Marbella-Fuengirola-Estepona triangle has been hotter than ever, the action is spreading to Mijas.“The Algerian mafias operate in El Zoco,” the experts revealed. “There is little suspicion raised around there.”

Bombs

There have been six shootings, including the death of a British man, Peter Williamson, who was shot to death by a man ‘of Arab origin’ in Mijas, as well as a Frenchman, who was executed in the car park of a Cabopino restaurant. “A man was also shot in

Nagueles, Marbella while taking his boy to school and we have seen bombs and arson attacks by Dutch mafias in the infamous triangle recently,” added Romero. Asked how to tackle the problem, the pair said an increase in specialised police would be ‘a start’

multaneous raids. Arrests were made in Almuñécar, Nerja, Frigiliana, Marbella, Estepona and San Pedro, with a further 10 detentions in other provinces. Near my village, police swooped on a luxury residence. The Russian owner kept a low profile, posing as a respectable expatriate. But his mansion did have some special features, such as unusually high walls and the presence of a security guard. One of my friend’s daughters was well-paid for looking after his children and taking them to school. Treated as one of the family, she even went to Moscow on holiday with them. An innocent abroad indeed. Then, abruptly, the picture changed. The discreet neighbour proved to be Alexander Malyshev (left), a notorious gang leader, accused of several killings. He was arrested and taken to Madrid to await trial, along with his wife Olga and my acquaintance, the children’s maid. It turned out that Malyshev had been jailed on at least three occasions in Russia on murder

charges and illicit possession of arms. He led one of several Disturbingly Judge Garzon, who competing mafia groups involved brought many criminals, includin heroin smuggling in St. Peters- ing Chile’s President Pinochet, to burg in the 1990s, when Vladimir book, was banned from practising when his enemies in the judiPutin was deputy mayor. After several attempts on his life cial system organised his removal from office. Malyshev had That’s good news sought a safe reffor the internauge and moved Sleeping with tional cohort of to Spain where criminals who (according to The an axe and a have moved to Guardian) his machete under the Costa, and group allegedly laundered more his pillow to fend their arrival has not stopped. than US$62 milMost recently, lion through real off rivals Dutch and Irish estate. gangsters have A huge invesbeen settling tigation was launched but Operación Troika accounts in public fashion as a collapsed in October 2018, when warning to their enemies. These no case could be proved against mobsters of various nationalthe 17 accused, consisting of ities don’t have much faith in seven Russians, five Spaniards, the Spanish authorities’ ability two Ukrainians, a German, an Es- to protect them. When a leading tonian and a Lithuanian. By then Russian mafioso was arrested in Malyshev, surprisingly let out on Mijas in 2017, he was sleeping with an axe and a machete under bail, had fled Spain for Russia. his pillow to fend off murderous rivals. Meanwhile, my one-time neighbour Alexander Malyshev is back in St. Petersburg with partner Olga, where with two sons they run several successful businesses. Local publications have noted: ‘The godfather of the 90s has returned’. David Baird has been reporting from Spain since the 1970s. His books include Between Two Fires, an account of the guerrilla war in southern Spain in the 1940s and Sunny Side Up, how the 21st century hit an Andalusian village. Published by MaroEXECUTION: Of Frenchman in Cabopino just weeks ago ma Press (www.maromapress. wordpress.com)

December 19th - January 8th 2020 Check out our issues online at www.theolivepress.es

LETTERS ‘Get Brexit done’

Gibraltar Issue 112 OLIVE PRESS GIBRALTAR

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Vol. 5, Issue 112 www.theolivepress.es December 18th - January 7th 2020

Like Scotland, Gibraltar might avoid ‘trap’ of joining an EU trade deal

FABIAN Picardo has insisted braltar can ‘walk away from any GiEXCLUSIVE bad deal’ signed with Europe. By John Culatto The Chief Minister added that enclave was ‘ready’ to swerve the for Gibraltar. agreement that was bad for the any “No deal with the EU may be better ritory, which voted by 96% to stayter- than a bad deal.” in Picardo referred the EU. to those who are It comes after Johnson’s landslide ‘foolishly wringing their hands with glee at talk of vetoes’. victory at the UK elections that left the Tories with a sufficient majority to leave the European Union on JanHistoric uary 31. It comes after Marco Aguiriano, However, Picardo revealed that Gi- Spanish Secretary of state for the braltar has the option of not signing EU, the Future Trade Agreement (FTA) Spainsaid that ‘it is very clear’ that would have the final word on with the EU. Gibraltar He told Parliament definitively that Aguirianoin the FTA. said that despite trying to the FTA ‘may not include anything ‘consolidate the prosperity with the of interest to us’ on the benefit side, Gibraltar while ‘many obligations’ on the neg- holding Campo,’ he would not be back ‘on the historic reinative side. forcement on the claim to Gibraltar’. This would be the case even if Picardo FTA included the possibility of the know continued: “I think we all nancial services privileges for fi- ally that EU member states generGihave a veto over the internationbraltar companies to passport into al agreements that the EU enters the EU. into “We will need to be involved from He with third countries.” added that they would have to be the beginning but ready to walk careful not to be provoked over the away in the end if the balance following months. STRENGTH: Gibraltar is looking rights and obligations is bad for of “We elsewhere in face of Brexit will always want to have strong braltar businesses,” said Picardo. Gi- relations with the EU, our closest needs to understand that we are right for a commercial “We must hold our nerve and never going to compromise on matadvantage.” be neighbour. He said that the Gibraltar commuready to walk away from a bad deal “But everyone beyond Gibraltar ters of sovereignty,” he added. “We are never going to sell our birth- nity had to “consider carefully what part of any future UK – EU Free Trade Agreement’ they want for Gibraltar. He added that Johnson had confirmed his ‘continued and entirely fulsome support for Gibraltar’ in GIBRALTAR is pushing for new a fi- tengo, Senior Executive of phone call since his victory. nancial services work with the secthe Min“Although it was not our choice, and istry of Financial Services told ond largest economy in the world. the we continue to see the challenges Olive Press. As the territory decides to leave it presents, we will leave the EU with European Union on January 31 a the Both Astengo and Minister for Firethe United nancial Kingdom,” said Picardo. Services Albert Isola took cent visit to China is being seen as Despite the blow to the territory’s stepping stone to greater things. a the stage at the Free Trade Port Ininterests, thanks to the work of ternational Cooperation Forum “This is a very big development the be- Digital Economy and Blockchain on Gibraltar Government, the Withcause China makes up about a fifth drawal “The Agreement forum was held following on will now apply of the world’s population,” Paul As- from the announcement by Gibraltar when it leaves the EU to the Chion January 31. nese government “This means that we will enjoy that it was going the benefit of the transitional arrangeto adopt blockments applying to Gibraltar also,” chain at creating he told Parliament. their own which At one point, there were reports that is a very big de- Mike Ashton is providing informa- this would not be the case because velopment,” As- tion on insurance of Spanish pressure. services. tengo revealed. UK BASED “It has proved With Joe Bossa- companies to attractive to Chinese no working on in terms of see what we’re doing been doing that they invited us to other aspects of said Astengo.our licensing regime,” a closed-shop event limited to 500 people.” Chinese trade, “It’s a recognition of the work we’ve He said Brexit would lead to more links being established with other for Spanish countries and China was one of the residents priorities. “There are now more Chinese peowww.globelink.co.uk ple living in Gibraltar than there ever were in the past, a lot related to See page 19 the types of businesses we’re developing,” he concluded. 96 626 5000 “These are the small seeds that we +44 (0) 1353 699082 hope will grow into something more substantial.”

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UNRULY: Magaluf clubbers subject to Government ban on rowdy tourists

Hotels and bars in Mallorca’s top tourist destinations to be handed eye watering fines and shut down in NEW crackdown on boozy Brits

pact. “I’ve never heard of them,” said beat to patrol pedestrian areas during the owner of JJ’s Sports Lounge in the summer season. An Irish barman Calvia. He added that he would catch By Gillian Keller and Robert ALL inclusive holidays at party Firth at popular Magaluf drinking hole Zep- up on the new measures when he rehotspots will be banned under tough pelin’s Live Music Bar said he hadn’t new measures to tackle troublesome from holidaying in Tenerife. the new laws, but said he turned tourists being debated by politicians. be forced to close during high season heard of The fresh crackdown on troublesome was concerned police might try and visitors comes as Mallorca tries to reThe new rules would see balcony throughout June, July and August. laws to impose jumping tourists sent packing back Hotels will also be targeted as part of misinterpret the new invent itself as a leading tourist destithe collapse of Britsh to their home countries immediately the drive and could face hefty fines if harsher fines. it’s not the music nation following and impose draconian fines on busi- they fail to swiftly kick out disruptive “They never stop. If with, it’s some- tour operator Thomas Cook. The nesses found to be selling alcohol out- guests. The sanctions drive marks a they’ve got a problem Olive Press. Balearic Isle was disproportionately he told the buisness’s failure in side of licensed hours. departure from the harm prevention thing else,” sell alcohol after affected by the The zero tolerance approach to badly measures that have previously been He added: “If you fined. As long as September. 1.2 million of the 16 milwho visited Malbehaved tourists will target destina- favoured by the Mallorcan govern- hours you should get drinking up lion holidaymakers with Thomas tions popular with British holiday- ment, such as makeshift first aid units the police don’t confuse People get half lorca in 2018 travelled makers, including stag do favourite on popular bar strips. Residents of time with after hours.It’s a problem if Cook. The tough new rules are expectSant up. and drink de to Palma Playa hour de an Magaluf, Playa Magaluf, tourist hotspots like ed to be approved next January and then.” Antoni have previous- the police start coming in Olive Press come into force for the 2020 season. Antoni. Under the new measures, the be Palma and Sant bars selling booze after hours could to ly criticised politicians for gimmick Most other bar owners of them and Opinion Page 6 contacted had no heard slapped with crushing fines of up responses to problem holidaymakers, potential imtheir by the unfazed on euros. of seemed bobbies thousands British tens of such as getting Offending establishments may also

Sailing into a new storm...

...BUT NOT ON A DONKEY Untitled-1.pdf

16/06/2017

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on record. T will go down as the hottest decade on land and With temperatures soaring, botha major issue sea, global warming has become for the world. above the average With temperatures about 1.1C has been spreadfrom 2010 to 2019, desertification Spain. ing, in particular, through southernand Almeria are The provinces of Granada, Malagalarge parts of Vain serious risk, while Murcia and conditions. lencia are also at risk of semi-desert the world was anThe ‘exceptional’ heat around Organization nounced by the World Meteorological Thunberg (pic(WMO), as climate activist Gretaen route for a key tured) arrived in Portugal by boat week. climate summit in Madrid this a donkey ride from The Swede snubbed an offer ofpreferring the modLisbon to the Spanish capital, ern comforts of the train. climate activist It would have taken the teenage Madrid on donkey more than five days to reach have missed half back, by which time she would the capital for two the summit. She is set to stay in this Friweeks, taking part in a huge demonstration day. the 1.5C warming Temperature rises are close to weather and that scientists insist will cause extreme many places. Other the loss of vital ecosystems in heatwaves and impacts include severe droughts, over the seas there floods across all continents, and have also been heatwaves. this year will be that show WMO The findings by the the second or third warmest records since began.

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How one man and his dog could lose everything Page 4 in floods

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Taxi driver turned local hero

EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade

...BUT NOT ON A DONKEY

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rescue his injured friend

With no documentation on him, nobody knew who he was until a nurse recognised Jim in a local missing person's post. But the ordeal was not yet over as when Jim finally did come round doctors ordered he could not fly for at least three months due to the affect cabin pressure would have on his injuries. “They were very worrying times – and we were absolutely ecstatic when we found out he was in hospital,” Phil told the Olive Press from Northern Ireland, this week. “Phil has been a great customer of my firm 365 Taxis, and I often have a wee BIG HEARTED AND BIG FARE: pint with him at our pub. Phil’s trip cost £4,300 “So when I found out he couldn’t I joked that perhaps we could sendfly “I said ‘that’s the way to do it, all we “How could I turn around a need is a driver’, and then all eyes and say taxi to Benidorm. no?” were suddenly on me. No sooner had he left Belfast for the news broke in newspapers around Ireland, the UK and even Spain that T will go down as the hottest decade he was on his way. With temperatures soaring, both on on record. land and sea, globA whopping nine days, (82 drival warming has become a major issue ing hours) and a taxi metre reading With temperatures about 1.1C above for the world. the average from £4,300 (€4,700) later – Jim is now 2010 to 2019, desertification has been spreading, in particsafely home with his family in the subular, through southern Spain. urb of Newtownabbey. The provinces of Granada, Malaga and “The firm covered all the costs which ous risk, while Murcia and large parts Almeria are in seriof Valencia are also was a lovely gesture from our direcat risk of semi-desert conditions. tors,” Phil continued. The ‘exceptional’ heat around the world “And we’ve been inundated with mesthe World Meteorological Organization was announced by (WMO), as climate sages of support from New Zealand, activist Greta Thunberg (pictured) arrived in Portugal by Australia and America. boat en route for a key climate summit in Madrid “People this in week. Benidorm made us sandThe Swede snubbed an offer of a donkey ride from Lisbon wiches for the journey home, Brittany to the Spanish capital, preferring the modern comforts of Ferries gave us a free passage from the train. Santander to Cork and C&C MotorIt would have taken the teenage climate parts offered a free service on our five days to reach Madrid on donkey activist more than reback, by which time turn. she would have missed half the summit. She is set to stay “Our local Indian even gave us a comin the capital for two weeks, taking part in a huge demonplimentary meal – it’s unbelievable.” stration this Friday. He continued: “The story has clearly Temperature rises are close to the 1.5C given people hope. We might fight tists insist will cause extreme weather warming that scienand the loss of vital among each other, but when one of ecosystems in many places. Other us impacts include severe in need we all gather round, regarddroughts, heatwaves and floods across all continents, and less of race, colour or creed. over the seas there have also been heatwaves. “I think the reason it touched The findings by the WMO show that the hearts of so many people is that stosecond or third warmest since records this year will be the began. ries like this turn out pretty bad – and this had a happy ending.” So can we save the world? Page 7

Sailing into a new storm...

GUIDE

expat

Home run

HE was once an ordinary taxi driver from north Belfast – but these days gets pestered for selfies and stop he ped by people pestering him in the supermarket to call him a 'hero'. All because of a good deed gone viral. This is the story of how 43-year-old Phil Hamilton embarked upon the longest journey of his life – some AN angry mayor has slammed the re- 4,107kms across six countries – to gional authorities for failing to clear help his friend in need. blocked drains that have caused It started when the news broke that second round of flash floods in justa fellow Belfast local Jim Moore, 58, three months. had gone missing in Benidorm on NoFurious Los Alcazares leader Mario vember Perez told the Olive Press the ‘mud- Shock 15. quickly turned to desperation filled drains’ were the reason over as no news of Jim arrived for 72 hours 100 local residents had to be evacu- – until ated on Monday following torrential friend a Spanish nurse contacted a via an appeal on social media. rains. It turned out he had slipped on the It comes less than 80 days since stairs deadly gota fria downpours left the plex, at his Acuarium II hotel comsix needing an urgent ambulance to VillaJoyosa hospital where he was Continues on Page 4 placed into an induced coma. DELUGE: More floods in the Costa Blanca

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Boar off Get educated

I came face to face with a huge wild boar and three piglets as I came out of our back gate just last Thursday. than 10 feet I froze for a moment as I was no more Moore sees the EU, essentially, as a political Rose away. The in the pg 7). 325, Issue andssproud, move hip (Leave every dictators g its watchin motionle As i stood states, sovereign 28 are There . gave me opposite even the is never reality boar the that realised I s, darknes UK, which voluntarily chose to become thelook. including a second wouldoff the UKeyes that themy believes taking Steve Dunne associate past without I slowlyd.walked going atoflinch. I’m not Not on WTO without betterand fair rooting onso. carried it justterms. animal and when chapter quoting page by letters s later moment weigh a few still there were boarsyour The down the into looks Steve that nd recomme I but verse, shop. I returned from the Trumpa quick That took knows. that he industry anymore now and specifics t by confiden little I felt a of trade deal with an EU-free UK should get avideo. trying toand ispicture Trump’s know: want toeven above the you all headsdeals you their trade tell lifted never animals The speaks for Mahler Brent Finally, labels. US-first have floor. force due EU armed citizens of UK poor quality number a The a very of an are of videowary and picture closer an ever and s. union. However, these are ideas darknes to the am not EU policy. by specific s nearI Torrenue floated de Miraflore is Angeland tion people My urbanisa years of pro40-plus insidious the at worried more va. h, same Mail,allTelegrap thethey the EEC/EU said the paganda and people by to several I spokeagainst did What apparen Sun.there The and tof course, Times Express, are there animals theand, thing, that was so anhe why asked was he when say Murdoch them. of families ly three go into of: “When the lines g along and they in the Iarea ti-EU? anyone harmed have never TheySomethin when I go to the EU.” The do awhat they on No. basis. dailyI say: are10seen appointm for anwithout ask time to the hadall much as soent! is that implicati them by he Peopleonpass glance. a second Martin Lovatt, La Cala de Mijas

Voter apathy

Are these the British expats that couldn’t be bothered to vote. In my, albeit very small, group of expat work colleagues, five out of five couldn’t be bothered to vote. Jenni Johnston, Malaga

Broken system

The results are due to the voting system, they are not what people really want. If there was a proportional voting system, the outcome of this election would be different. Zuzanna Marecka, Gibraltar

15-year rule

I’m an expat in Spain whose vote, like many, was taken away by my own government! Actually I would have voted Brexit because I think it is best for UK. There is no reason on earth why Brits will not be able to work or retire here if they wish, just as they could before the EU was in existence. Pauline Laverick, Torrevieja

Insane bureaucracy again, people (Frozen the €10m Quesada kitty, Issue 3, pg 4)! Madrid don’t care what happens in Rojales or Quesada. Pauline Laverick, Torrevieja

Years in the making We can beat that delay in draincleaning (Get off your arses!, issue 3, pg 1). Sailing West of Ronda in aintonew OLIVE Malaga province, storm... PRESS we haven’t had Get off drains cleaned your since the flash I arses! floods of October 2018! Oh my Your expat

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Future at risk

If the immigration point system is introduced there will be consequences for future migration from the UK worldwide. Bob Ludgate, Norfolk

Vol. 1 Issue 3 www.theolivepress.es

voice in Spain

December 5th - December 18th, 2019

...BUT NOT ON A DONKEY

T will go down as the hottest decade on record. With temperatures soaring, both on land and sea, global warming has become a major issue for the world. With temperatures about 1.1C above the average from 2010 to 2019, sertification has been spreading,dein particular, through southern Spain. The provinces of Granada, Malaga and Almeria are in serious risk, while Murcia and large parts of Valencia are also at risk of semi-desert conditions.

Julie Wilkinson, Cortes de Frontera

The ‘exceptional’ heat around the world was announced by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as climate activist Greta Thunberg (pictured) arrived in Portugal by boat en route for a key climate summit in Madrid this week. The Swedish 16-year-old snubbed an offer of a donkey ride from Lisbon to the Spanish capital, preferring the modern comforts of the train. It would have taken the teenage mate activist more than five daysclireach Madrid on donkey back, to by which time she would have missed half of the United Nations Climate Summit. She is set to stay in capital for two weeks, taking partthe a huge demonstration this Friday.in Temperature rises are close to 1.5C warming that scientists the insist will cause extreme weather and the loss of vital ecosystems in many places. Other impacts include severe droughts, heatwaves floods across all continents, and and over the seas there have also been heatwaves. The findings by the WMO show that this year will be the second or third warmest since records began

Authorities slammed for not clearing drains blocked from September gota fria

gota!

EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade

PANIC: As floods arrive in the

AN angry mayor has slammed the for failing to clear blocked drains regional authorities that have caused a second round of flash floods in just three Furious Los Alcazares leader Mario months. Press the ‘mud-filled drains’ were the Perez told the Olive reason over 100 local residents had to be evacuated on Monday following torrential rains.

Vega Baja

It comes less than 80 days since downpours left six dead around thethe deadly gota fria Vega Baja region. He blasted Murcia president Fernando Lopez Miras for failing to clear the drains despite a number of urgent requests. “If they are still clogged up with tonnes of dry mud from September, where is the excess rainwater supposed to go?” he demanded to know. He lashed out as emergency plans led to dozens of homes and families being moved to safety as the streets flooded again. The town centre had to be closed to traffic due to flood waters, while residents with upper floors were told to go upstairs and not leave their homes.

EMERGENCY services rescued up to 30 people from their cars and over 100 homes were evacuated following a near repeat of the gota fria horrors of three months ago. INUNDATED: Residents watch A total of 140 people were evacuated on as a car is submerged in Murcia across the region this week as Murcia’s weather agency issued an orange res, the town was seriously flooded and shore schools had to be closed. warning for the Costa Blanca due “If drastic measures to Hundreds of cars were half heavy rain and strong winds. submerged through on a massive are not rushed under dirty flood waters, while scale, the Jewel of Huge four-metre waves lashed the en roads had to be closed off. over a doz- the Costa Calida could fade becoming a coast, while more than 12 litres of rain watery ghost town,” he said. Minister for Infrastructure, fell in just six hours on Tuesday in the Diez de Revenga, has warnedJose Ramon Podemos councillor, Pilar Marcos, atvillage of La Murta. motorists to tacked ‘irresponsible governance’ for Heavy rain persisted in many areas take precautions when driving in the area causing the floods. this week. throughout Wednesday morning, She said: “This is the result of urbanisabut Los Alcazares expat Ian Walker it is expected to mostly dry up and insisted tion without controls and the government needed to start a cleanup farming without return to sunshine and blue skies controls. Climate change will make by of the area quickly to avoid a this Thursday (today). repeat of the happen again.” In the worst hit area of Los Alcaza- disaster following the September flood- It is the fourth gota fria event to hit the reing, when dead wildlife washed up on the gion in the last year.

Shame

Alcazares councillor Maria Jose Lucas made a punchier demand to Murcia on social media. She wrote: “Get your fat asses out of your comfortable armchairs and get to work. You have no shame, you have no scruples, you have no empathy.” If you have been affected by the floods, please tell us of your experiences by emailing newsdesk@ theolivepress.es Opinion Page 6

AUTO DIRECT

No crib for a bed

Both as bad as each other

If Diane Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn were the alternative, then I guess I have nothing to say. This is like shooting oneself in the foot instead of shooting your other foot. Brian Alexander, Marbella

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA

The In 1978 there were no decorations and Christmas day lasted just that (IF YOU KNOW YOUR CUSTOMS: Today’s the day for getting your Christmas tree up in Spain, online, December 9). Later on when we got Corte Ingles they sold nativity scenes, but every Jesus got stolen from the crib. The next year the poor chap was Sellotaped down!.

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

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Plastic shocker

GREEN

Climate flop COP25 conference ends in ‘failure’ as countries agree vague pledge to work harder to meet warming targets ACTIVISTS symbolically dumped a pile of manure outside the global climate conference as it ended after 14 days in Madrid this weekend. It was a fitting end for the 2019 United Nation’s Climate Change Conference. For as Greta Thunberg said, the much hyped-up, COP25 talks ‘failed.’

Positive

OVER a third of Spain’s plastic packaging ends up in landfill, shocking new statistics have revealed. An alarming 38% of packaging ends up dumped in landfill, compared to just 0.1% of packaging in Germany, according to research. The UK fares slightly better, chucking 22% of plastic packaging into landfill each year.

Other European countries also recycle more than Spain. In France, 29% of plastic is dumped without being recycled and in Italy only 14% of plastic waste isn’t recycled. Europe produces 20% of the world’s plastic waste, about 60 million tons of the 348 million tons of plastic the world throws away each year.

World leaders ended up agreeing to come up with more ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions, in order to meet the 2015 Paris agreement. The accord, which is now more than four years old, pledged to limit global warming to below two degrees. Few countries who attended the summit brought with them revised plans to meet the targets set in Paris. In one small positive, the EU finally agreed to its

“John had no idea his investment fees were so high!”

John came to see me because he wanted a second opinion on an investment plan he had set up when he first moved to Spain 5 years ago. Somehow, despite strong financial markets, John’s portfolio had barely beaten inflation in all that time. John was helpful enough to bring along all the original paperwork and valuations his IFA had provided since he started his plan, along with some Fund Fact Sheets. The first thing I noticed was that the original recommendation had included a 10year tie-in and a very high annual bond fee of 0.95%. I also quickly realised that the funds that had been recommended to John had incredibly high annual fees and below average performance.

John’s had been recommended funds that were costing up to 5 times more than the average due to undisclosed fees they were paying to his adviser. Due to the complex way the fees were

December 19th - January 8th 2020

disguised and layered, John had no idea his investment fees were so high. There were only 2 small reassurances I could make. Firstly, he was not alone – 10,000s of expats in Spain have been set-up with similarly over-priced portfolios as this is widely practised by firms here. Secondly, it’s a very easy problem to solve. John agreed for Chorus to take over the management of his portfolio, and we immediately sold those over-priced, under-performing funds. Unfortunately, as John had already signed paperwork for that 10-year tie-in 5 years ago, there was nothing I could do about those high bond fees, and he would continue to pay them for a further 5 years. Chorus clients can now benefit from exactly the same investment bond for just 0.25% per annum, with no tie-in. It’s just a shame he hadn’t sought a second opinion from us before signing up. The good news is that John now has a diverse portfolio of FCA regulated funds, with a strong track record from well-known, UK based investment ins-

target of reducing Co2 emissions to net zero by 2050, more than 30 years in the future. Experts say more ambitious emissions cuts are needed if the world has any hope of meeting the objectives set in the Paris accord. Particularly as emissions have risen by 4% since the agreement was signed in 2015. The president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, insisted, at least, that his region - Spain’s most endangered - was set for a ‘green revolution.’ This will involve injecting €350 million to fund reforestation, as well as encourage more renewables and hydroelectricity

Green jobs boom GREEN jobs are increasing at a faster rate than jobs in all other sectors in Spain, new figures have revealed. The number of environmental jobs increased by 4.5% last year, compared to a 2.5% increase in jobs overall, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Some 316,200 new green

projects.

Droughts

Andalucia has suffered a 40% reduction in rain in the last four decades while

jobs were generated in 2018 and the production of environmental goods and services added an extra €26.4 million to the economy. The increase means that jobs related to the climate and natural resource management now account for 1.76% of all employment in Spain and make up 2.2% of GDP.

bouts of flooding and droughts have become more frequent. The autonomous community is also home to the Tabernas desert, one of Europe’s few deserts.

Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning. By Tracy Storer, Senior Partner titutions. Even with that high bond fee remaining in place, his annual fees have now reduced by 1.6%, meaning John will save significant amounts in fees over the coming years, which will have a positive effect on the growth of his plan. Although past performance can never be a guarantee of future performance, the portfolio we placed him into has substantially outperformed his existing portfolio historically, and I’m confident he’ll see better returns moving forward. The exact overall fees you may pay for any investment or pension solution will depend on your specific circumstances so can vary, but Chorus pride ourselves on fair & transparent fees and are now offering Spanish compliant investment bonds and platform options with no tie-in.

965 641 163

www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es

If you would like me to demonstrate where I can help reduce costs and improve the returns on your existing portfolio or a new recommendation, including QROPS, SIPPs and Spanish Compliant investment Bonds, please call me today for a no obligation consultation on 664 398 702 or email t.storer@ chorusfinancial.es for more information.

Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.

Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B, registered with the UK FCA reference 539348, registered with the Spanish DGS and CNMV Nº Registro Oficial 3214.

ASierra Nevada ll about

Vol. 13 Issue 333

www.theolivepress.es

White world

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

2019/2020

First-time skier Charlie Smith slopes off to the Sierra Nevada to discover the thrill of the chill on our doorstep

By Charlie Smith We step out at Borreguiles, which sits some 2,700 metres above sea level. This is the basecamp for many of the Sierra’s runs, which range from the green-coloured ‘muy facil’ pistes to those in black, labelled ‘muy dificil’. Blinded by the brilliant white sheen given off by the snow, I meet my teacher for the day, Joey, from the British Ski Center. Having only ever skied on the dry slope in Halifax, Yorkshire, Continues overleaf

photo by Telemark

ILENCE. There is not a single peep as I climb upwards through the valley to meet my maker. I poke my head out of the cable car window and the Sierra Nevada’s fresh alpine air hits my lungs. Then I hear it – a sweeping crunch down the crisp white piste, as a snowboarder whizzes past below. Another tears through, and then a third, all weaving down the mountainside at blistering speed. I’m definitely more terrified than the three Spanish guys sharing the carriage with me. We have left behind the cosy bars and restaurants in Pradollano, the main town of Andalucia’s only ski resort.

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December 19th - January 8th 2020

Pascual perfect WANT to avoid all the chaos of queuing for skis and kit on arrival in the resort? Why not take a short stop at Pascual Ski on the way up? Opposite the BP garage in the village of Cenes de la Vega, just off the main road, here you will find Jose Luis Pascual, 65, who has nearly 50 years of working in the Sierra Nevada. He has a great range of new skis and boots and all the tools to repair and prepare your own skis in advance of your arrival. You can literally park right opposite the shop at the petrol station. As well as speaking perfect English he has a big number of skiing instructors available to connect you to. “I have always been one to look after the clients,” explains Jose Luis, who did his military service at the age of 19 with the so called ‘legion blanca’ in the Pyrenees. “We can do repairs that people might think are impossible and we take particularly care of the boots we rent out.” You can find it at Camino de la Vega, 23, Cenes de la Vega or call 958481048 or visit www.pascualski.com

Sierra Nevada

THROWING SHAPES: Charlie shows some classic early form after getting ‘Bambi legs’ From Page 17

Halifax’ finest

on a school trip, it’s fair to say I am out of my depth. Joey takes me over to a small conveyor belt up a very gentle incline slope, that is probably classed as ‘muy muy facil’. He puts me through my paces and after an hour of intensive training, I’ve gone from Bambi on ice to actually skiing. It’s time to hit the slopes. The pair of us hop onto the Emile Allais ski lift, named after the French alpine ski champion of the 1930s. And maybe Emile would have been proud – if not a bit bored and bemused – as I safely ‘snow ploughed’ my way to the bottom. Saying goodbye to Joey, I pop into Restaurante Borreguiles for a much-needed and reasonably-priced cafe con leche and bocadillo, while I reflecting on my newly-discovered sporting prowess. With the sun now beating down, I take my confidence – or should that be cockiness – back up the slope and prepare for my first solo run. All goes well until I cross a small but slippery patch of ice – a rarity on most of the Sierra Nevada slopes, which are generally icing sugar-soft. A €9 million cash injection for the 2019/2020 season has seen the introduction of 33 new snow cannons, which produce the same amount of snow

in half the time, meaning the environment benefits as well as the slopes. As I hurtle over the ice, desperately trying to slow myself, I clip the skis of 10-year-old boy, sending us both flying. As I look up I realise his classmates have witnessed the whole thing. But rather than giving me a dressing down, the lad’s teacher imparts some words of wisdom and encouragement.

December 19th - January 8th 2020

Old age pleasures

IDYLLIC: The Sierra Nevada puts skiers on top of the world

SURFS UP: Some daredevils ditch skis and snowboards as they ride the slopes

for a hot steam bath and soak up some me-time at one of several This friendliness is a characterising feature of the Sierra Nevada, as hotel spas. locals and tourists – from Portugal, Britain, Germany and ScandinaBut all year round, the Sierra Nevada is paradise for fresh air fiends. via – seem at peace among the tranquility of the idyllic landscape. After ‘the melt’, the resort becomes a haunt for walkers, wildlife lovGiven that my ‘victim’ and I both walk away unscathed, all in all, I ers and mountain bikers. count my first ever day’s skiing as a roaring success. Get the best views by taking advantage of the ski lifts, which in sumThe prices for all this fun in the snow are not to be sniffed at either. mer carry both people and bikes to the summit to enjoy the breathMy adult’s one-day ski pass was €50.50 (low season price, which rises taking routes back down. in high season to just over €52). Seven-day options start from just €271, while there are generous dis- Borreguiles, the resort’s imprescounts for children, elderly and disabled customers. sive ski bowl, boasts a bike park This is a bargain when you look at what the Sierra Nevada has to offer, in the hotter months. Youngwith 124 different runs for every ability, whether you’re Shaun White sters can test their strengths in or Barry White. the mini-olympiads zone or race Beginner and intermediate slopes are in abundance with 19 green against each other on the pedal runs and 41 blues – my kind of territory. car track. And for Beijing Winter Olympics hopefuls there are 50 red runs (dif- Guided dawn and dusk walks ficult) and 14 black and orange (very difficult). and a bumper running and cyThere is even more adventure for the 2019/20 season, with some 30 cling race calendar are a magevents including Snowrunning (snow mountain race), Potholes (free- net keeping the resort busy 12 style), School (alpine skiing) and Veterans (alpine skiing) competi- months of the year. tions. Back in the icy present, it’s time But perhaps the most exciting will be the Snowboardcross event, on to sample some of Pradollano’s March 6 and 7, starring legendary athletes like Lucas legendary apres Eguibar and Regino Hernandez. ski scene. It’s hard to believe that 106,8 kms of pistes and 124 runs For the perfect The bar’s walls (75% open in mid-December) lie just two hours from start, drop into sunny Marbella on sea and half an hour from Granada. include a family Bar Esqui where It truly lives up to the marketing hype as a place where affable landlord you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the coast, photo featuring Nichu slings pina colada in hand, by the afternoon. cañas across the a fresh-faced Expert skiers treasure the snow which, particularly in counter like a springtime, is quite unlike the tightly-packed ice found King Felipe VI bartender in a in many European winter sports resorts. western saloon Some ski fans even brave the mountain descent in bikiwhile blasting nis for the last day of the season in May (la bajada en bikini), an un- punters with everything from missable occasion charged with champagne, hedonism and near-nu- Michael Jackson to 90s club dity. classics. A hearty pub grub menu Even on my trip in cold December I spotted some shoeless surfer – with quality albondigas – is on dudes, wetsuits and boards in tow. offer as you scrutinise the history “Constant improvements and an ability to produce a lot of snow are adorning the bar’s walls, includjust two of the strengths of our resort,” said Santi Sevilla, who has ing a family photo featuring a been working at Cetursa, the resort’s administrator, for eight years. fresh-faced King Felipe VI. “Add to that the arrival of the Freestyle Ski World Championship and An equally-tasty post-ski belSnowboarding here in March, and the affordability of ski passes, and ly-warmer is the lentejas, freshly you can see why it is one of the most attractive resorts in Europe. served up by Jose Carlos and his “One of my favourite new additions is the Pista del Mar in the heart team at the cosy and modestof Borreguiles. ly-priced Casablanca. “This has been created to make a fun and safe area where families and La Visera is also a great spot for beginners can enjoy the snow.” steak, while Swell, Tito Tapas Santi is far from the only skier smitten by Pradollano’s charms. and La Bodeguita are all defiOver one million people visit the resort each year. nitely worth a trip too. That is an impressive achievement considering it was only construct- For those with a bit more spended in 1964, making it a newbie in comparison to some of France’s ing money, La Muralla’s relong-established resorts like Chamonix and Courchevel. vamped menu makes that hard But there is much more to the Sierra Nevada than sliding down it on work on the slopes all worthtwo planks of wood. while. The melt-in-the-mouth You can tackle it by toboggan and snowboard, or on a snowshoe hike carrillada is a must, as is the (akin to walking with a tennis racket strapped to each foot). courgette carpaccio with fig Family-oriented Mirlo Blanco park gives kids their adrenalin fix as sauce and the peanut tart to finthey brave the star attraction, Trineo Ruso (Russian sled), which ish. And of course, nothing goes whisks riders around a several hundred metre track with tight turns down better at this time of year and a 550 metre descent. than a steaming glass of tinto de A magic carpet slide and bouncy castles can also be found in the zone, Invierno - spiced, mulled wine. along with mountains of snow for DIY fun. Salud! And if that sounds like too much action, you can always swap icy snow www.britishskicenter.co.uk

THEY have been coming to the Sierra Nevada for decades from their home in Almeria. And, best of all, retired expats (above) Martin and Brenda Carney, 72 and 70, now get their ski passes completely free of charge. “All we have to do is rent our gear and we have been using the same shop Ski Sol since we first came,” explains former UK hotelier Brenda. “We love it up here and the snow is usually excellent.” Shop boss Montse (pictured with them) explains that they have dozens of clients in their 70s, and one Norwegian in his NINETIES. “He’s been coming down here for years,” she reveals. “He is amazingly fit and I think skiing really helps him stay that way.” Many of the local business owners still ski every day, well into their sixties. They include Jose Carlos, at Bodega Casablanca, and EOE skiing school boss Jose Luis Hernandez, 64, who explains: “It’s a great sport, using almost all your muscles, your arms, your legs and your dorsals, not to mention the heart. “My brother Manolo still skis and he’s in his 80s and I intend to ski when I’m 90.” Statistically 2.7% of skiers in the Sierra Nevada are over 60 years old. Last but not least there are a lot more Asian skiers coming these days, including the group (left) from China who live in Malaga.

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December 19th - January 8th 2020

ll about

Sierra Nevada

Jetting in! World champion Jet Skier David Selles has set up on the slopes

AVING whizzed around the world as a professional jet skier David Selles has slid onto the Sierra Nevada slopes with an exciting new business. The seven-times World Champion, from Benidorm, opened a ski shop and school in the heart of Pradolla-

HOT SEAT: David with team and (top) after winning jet ski title

no last season. Be Snow is the culmination of a three-year search for the perfect way to make a living on the slopes. “Since buying a home nearby some years ago, I haven’t stopped looking,” Selles, 48, tells the Olive Press. And when decades-old ski shop Pascual Ski, in Plaza Andalucia, came up for sale he jumped at the option. Now half a year later he has finally opened with a stylish new urban look, with a few of the former staff and with tens of thousands of euros of brand new equipment. “We’ve got 650 new pairs of skis and 800 pairs of brand new boots,” he boasts. “It is the most important thing for anyone wanting to guarantee to have fun on the slopes. “Top class skis with fantastic edges and the most comfortable boots you can find. We can promise that.” It has been an exciting couple of de-

cades for the father-of-two, whose Brazilian wife, Alyne, often helps out in the shop. After growing up in Finistratt, near Benidorm, he took up the sport of jet-skiing and won his first world championship in Crete in 1997. He then competed around the world in countries as diverse as Japan, Canada, Alaska and Chile, before winning his final championship in Marbella in 2008. It was a pretty full on two decades and, technically, he was not allowed to ski during all the time as a professional. “Contractually my sponsors would not allow it, but - of course - I couldn’t resist and came quite a few times incognito,” admits the businessman, who first skied in Candanchu at the age of eight. “Now I couldn’t be happier. This is my passion, not a business. I get to ski every day and make a living at the same time,” he concludes.

Don’t boob this one

THRILL-SEEKERS: Get their kit off every year

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

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Century in the making +34 958 481 170 +34 675 470 669 www.alquileressierranevada.es

The history of Telemark - one of the Sierra Nevada’s oldest ski companies - has roots as far back as 1912 PROUD: Luis shows a off a photo of his grandfather skiing near Madrid

THEY say a photo is worth a thousand words. And the picture of Luis Casanove’s grandfather 100 years ago is certainly no exception. Taking pride of place on the wall of his company Telemark’s office in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, the grainy black and white image shows him skiing in Spain, in 1912. In the hills of the Guadarra- PERSONAL ATTENTION: From Luis, while (right) he teaches children ma range, north of Madrid, he actually appears in faultless English. to be snowboarding at first glance. “And here we still offer Telemark as well “He is actually Telemark skiing, which was the as many other types of skiing classes.” original way, before Alpine skiing became more Be it hiking, Telemarking, cross country, fashionable later in the century,” explains Luis, snowboarding or off-piste skiing, there are not many inches of the Sierra Nevada that Luis and his business partner Jesus Fernandez don’t know. Going for three decades, they are well known for their famous off-piste mountain adventures that last from a morning to two days. But their school, set up in 1989, is now focusing very much on families and children. “We have realised that our knowledge and know-how is perfect for families who want the perfect personal one to one break,” continues Luis, who spends half the year in the resort and the other half in Africa. The company also runs amazing wilderness trips that literally end up in another world... the charming cobbled villages of the Genil valley, in the Alpujarras. These one or two-day adventures take you through deep off-piste snow onto narrow WANT to avoid all the chaos of queuing for skis mountain tracks. and kit on arrival in the resort? “We try to put an emphasis on ecology Why not take a short stop at Pascual Ski on the and nature and it is impressive to see the way up? typically old farmhouses in the area and Opposite the BP garage in the village of Cenes how little they have changed,” adds Luis. de la Vega, just off the main road, here you will “It is a real, fun adventure, something you find Jose Luis Pascual, 65, who has nearly 50 will not forget. years of working in the Sierra Nevada. “Best of all, a team of mules ends up helpHe has a great range of new skis and boots and ing to bring your stuff back to Pradollano,” all the tools to repair and prepare your own skis in advance of your arrival. he adds.The day trip costs just €100 per You can literally park right opposite the shop at person and includes transport and lunch. the petrol station. Another popular pastime for those who As well as speaking perfect English he has a don’t fancy risking life and limb on the pisbig number of skiing instructors available to tes, is to have a day of cross-country skiconnect you to. ing on two or three well established paths “I have always been one to look after the cliaround the resort. ents,” explains Jose Luis, who did his military “It is great fitness and you do get to enservice at the age of 19 with the so called ‘lejoy the fabulous views and nature at the gion blanca’ in the Pyrenees. same time,” he adds. “We can do repairs that people might think are The company can also help organise hardimpossible and we take particularly care of the core uphill climbing for mountaineers to a boots we rent out.” half day soft snow walking trip with snow rackets. You can find it at Camino de la Vega, 23, Cenes Contact the team on telemark@telemark. de la Vega or call 958481048 or visit www.pases or call 958 48 11 53. cualski.com

Pascual perfect

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December 19th - January 8th 2020

Sierra Nevada

WHERE TO EAT

introducing...

SHIMBUYA RESTAURANT

REBEL SUSHI AND MUSIC

tel: 958 88 55 06 Virgen de las Nieves, Edifico Bulgaria (local 7), Monachil

Après scoff

There are mountains of good places to eat in the Sierra Nevada, writes Jon Clarke

IN their matching outfits and sparkly tops, there is a real sense of fun at Ci Vediamo. But the real reason to visit is the wonderful creative food of chef Stevie Silva and his team of hip, young chefs. Now in his 11th year on the slopes, this talented young chef spends his summers in Asia or south America, with girlfriend Luna, picking up new dishes to test out on his faithful clients. The pair deserve all the success they have had, opening just as the worst recession in Spain’s history kicked in. Their excellent dishes this season include a ceviche of scallops in a bloody Mary sauce and an amazing false risotto with coco-

TOP TUCKER: Olive Press editor Jon enjoys Nevada Suiss, while (right) team at Ci Vediamo

nut milk, kimchi and prawns. Also look out for the amazing uzukuri of turbot with yuzu and an amazing soft crab tempura. But let’s not forget they also have some of the best pizzas in the resort and lots of more traditional dishes to boot, not to mention a great wine list. They also have a new Japanese inspired restaurant Shimbuya, halfway up the resort, that keeps getting better and better. Staying faithful to the Japanese style of minimalism, it has electric blue tiles on the wall and lots

of plain wood and even a slot machine at the door. I particularly liked their California Roll with a king prawn, salmon and sesame seeds. Next door, keep an eye out for the excellent local Swell next door, which is a cool place to hang out, grab a burger, salad or wok and watch the football. Close by is another recently-opened restaurant, La Cariguela, run by the team behind the most popular bar in town Bar Ski, set up by Nichi two decades ago. Here you will find Nichi’s partner Fatima running a classic soul kitchen concentrating on excel-

lent quality fish and the resort’s only Moroccan dishes, including a delicious chicken tagine. This is a classic local place, warm and friendly, where service is at a premium and where you will eat some of the resort’s best food, including my personal favourite the tartare of bluefin tuna with avocado, apple, cucumber and caviar. In particular, stop to chat to Fatima’s son Mohamed, who is a livewire of information and at 22 as ambitious as anyone I’ve met in the Sierra Nevada. In the heart of the resort, few places come more traditional than Tito Luigi, where at least

Michelin trained chef Esteban Silva produces classic Italian style dishes with a modern twist

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • Monday to Saturday • 12.00-16.00 & 20.00-24.00 Plaza Andalucía, Edf. Salvia s/n • Pradollano • Tel. 958 480 856 • civediamosn@gmail.com Find Us on Google Maps with 360° degree view

December 19th - January 8th 2020

FACES: At La Visera, Vertical and Tia Maria bar (below) Nichu shows off his skills at Bar Ski

KINGS OF PRADOLLANO: Javi and Luis at Tito Luigi, while (below) Fatima and Mohamed at La Cariguela two kings of Spain have eaten. Take a look on the walls and you’ll find evidence of the royal family’s many sojourns down to the golden slopes… and plenty more aside. Indeed, over the last three decades, this wonderful restaurant, run by pals Javier and Luis, has also provided dinner for bullfighters, Hollywood stars and politicians. And it’s perhaps no surprise for a joint that consistently provides for 250 covers every evening during the busy season. Specialising in good Italian fare, it serves up great pizzas, pasta dishes and my favourite squidink spaghetti with prawns. The pair have another, hipper restaurant Tito Tapas just up the road and a third more formal restaurant up the hill in the middle of the resort. Next door look out for the also well established La Muralla, run by Argentinian Gonzalo Funes, and appropriately with the best steaks in the resort, not to mention excellent wines by the glass. The melt-in-the-mouth carrillada is a must, as is the courgette carpaccio with fig sauce and the

FACES: At La Visera, Vertical and Tia Maria bar (below) Nichu shows off his skills at Bar Ski peanut tart to finish was a sure- lanueva, who grew up on the slopes, with his father opening fire winner. The ‘tostas’ are also great and one of the first hostals in the come in various guises, while I 1960s. The historic photos add to the loved the milhoja of foie gras. He and his brother Luciano also atmosphere (as does a framed run the brand new Muralla Olive Press article!) and the Burger, almost next door, which heart-warming soul food is always excellent, specialises in the and includes best quality burgstews, lentils as ers on the slopes. A cool crowd well as prawns It’s a lovely spot and you will wrapped in poand makes a tato with a soya great addition to struggle to find mayonnaise and what is easily the a seat on many lovely lamb chops most competitive with whisker-thin run of restaudays wild asparagus. rants in the Sierra Looking for Nevada. views, the recentAnd don’t forget the brothers’ other bustling ly-opened, Al Dente faces right spot Las Gondalas, right in the onto the slopes and has a suheart of the town and perfect for perb mix of Italian and Spanish some apres ski light bites, a hot dishes. My tomato, mozzarella bruschetdrink or a beer. The cool sounds playing to the ta with basil and black olives was terrace attract a cool crowd and original, while I particularly loved you will struggle to find a seat on the Saltimbocca, which is fillet steak stuffed with ham and with many days. Just up from here, look out for a rich ricotta sauce. the amazing Bodega Casa- There were some delicious ‘nisblanca run by Jose Carlos Vil- calo’ mushrooms added for ex-

tra measure. Owned by friendly Granada lawyer Antonio, his team are knowledgeable and service is crisp. He also co-owns the well established La Visera next door, along with chef Pepe, who is a very capable chef and always leading the charge in the kitchen. Another excellent place overlooking the slopes is Tia Maria, which has a good mix of dishes and is a great place for breakfast. Run by Carlos, the brother of Tito Luigi’s Javier, this is an institution and place to while away the day. Newer and really leading the charge food-wise is La Mar Sala, where Carlos has created an ambient spot, perfect for tapas and wines by the glass. This prime spot by the Melia hotel is normally filled to the rafters and counts on some excellent

wines by the glass and the very best seafood from Motril, including boquerones, cigalas and conchas finas. A genuine find. He has also just opened another place called La Mar del Bueno, which is a stylish place and promises to be a true winner this winter, with a decent, creative looking menu. For coffee, breakfast, and in fact just about everything, Vertical is hard to be beaten and also has a great range of snacks and

light bites, including hot dogs for the British clientele. Another brilliant option, particularly for great coffee and amazing pastries, is La Croissanteria, in the heart of the main square. Run by friendly Argentinians Cristian y Jessica, service is very much with a smile and there are even a couple of unusual south American chestnuts I had never tried before.

WHERE TO STAY

Snow dreams

There are hundreds of places to stay in the Sierra Nevada, but only a handful are really reliable, writes Jon Clarke IT is hard to describe Pradollano as an authentic mountain village. But, with a metre of snow on the ground and the sun finally out, it certainly has its charms. There are lots of places to stay but easily one of the most charming has got to be the authentic Hotel Kenia Nevada, which is well located near the centre of town and open most of the year. Run by the friendly Don Pedro – who used to ski for the country as a youngster - it is clean, well run and serves up one of the best breakfasts in Spain. It also has a gym and spa, with an in-house masseur, and plenty of communal areas, filled with charming old furniture. You could also go upmarket and splurge on one of the two wonderful Melia hotels, right

in the heart of the resort. The rooms at the Melia Sierra Nevada have been recently renovated and the New Premium rooms have been built on floors 7 and 8. Meanwhile the nearby Meliá Sol y Nieve hotel offers The Level experience, which is the hotel group’s most exclusive commitment to luxury and personal service. Another good budget option is the GHM Monachil, which is well located right by the slopes and has had a massive upgrade over the last couple of years and continues with the rooms now. It has an excellent breakfast buffet and a big car park, which costs just €10 a day for guests. Another popular option is to rent an apartment in the resort, of which there are many.

Be careful, of all the many deals on the likes of airbnb and booking you could be in for a shock when you arrive, being stuck out in Babylon or find the place much smaller and dirtier than it initially looked in photos. A much better option is to trust the long-time local specialists, Sierra Nevada Alquileres, which has a massive 150 apartments on its books, which start from €80 euros a night and go up to well over €1,000 if you want something really exclusive. It even has some chalets to rent to boot. The company is always busy but its boss Antonio always has time for a chat if around and will always find you a good deal. Visit www.alquileressierranevada.es) for more information.

BUSINESS

Rich get richer Spain’s richest man adds another couple of billion to his fortune

AMANCIO Ortega has an extra €2.75 billion in his pocket this Christmas thanks to a huge stocks recovery. The firm he founded, Inditex, has seen a 5.2% increase in its stock value fol-

lowing the announcement of its third quarter sales. The Galicia-based textiles giant saw a €2,758 million revaluation in shares — this is 59% of the company’s total capital. It comes after the market

Barcelona’s saving grace CATALANS have received the best Christmas present after a year from hell. Their most famous cathedral has made it into the top 10 tourist sights, according to TripAdvisor. The Salvador Dali designed La Sagrada Familia (right) was the only attraction in Spain to make the list.

Record

SPAIN’S uncertain political landscape after its general election, has prompted investors to splash the cash in Portugal instead. National and international investment has increased in the country following the November 10 vote that saw the PSOE party left without an overall majority. Portugal has a GDP growth rate of 2% compared to that of Spain, which stands at just 1.6%. Tax exemptions of up to 10 years under

Viva portugal! Portugal’s NHR program for non-habitual residents, also make the country an attractive prospect for Spanish investment. Law firms and real estate agents have been among the businesses to have registered their interest in Portugal in recent weeks. Spain remains unstable, while acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez enters negotiations with other parties.

Ryanair Scare

RYANAIR has promised a new year’s sacking spree after a row with workers who refused to accept new contracts. Union bosses have slammed the budget airline, which they say ‘put pressure’ on staff to accept pay cuts of up to 25%. It comes as the Dublin-based operator was set to axe its bases at Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Girona on January 8. However a U-turn over its Girona operations, saw Michael O’Leary’s firm offer 160 workers new contracts, in a bid to maintain a foothold in the northeastern city. The majority of Ryanair’s 160 staff at the Girona base accepted new contracts, but some cabin crew and most of the site’s 20 pilots hit out their penny-pinching employer. In defiant annexes, workers said they recognise that the contracts ‘do not conform’ with Spanish law and could even

reacted to the news that up to October of this year Inditex’s sales had increased by 7.5% to €19.8 billion. The first nine months of 2019 is a record period for the business, which has exceeded €19 billion for the first time in its history and has almost hit the €20 billion mark. Only a few years ago, this figure was the equivalent to the multinational company’s sales for the whole year. Clothing firm Zara brought in 70% of sales for Inditex, which also owns Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear and Stradivarius.

prompt a visit from an employment inspector. In response, Ryanair has classified the disgruntled workers as ‘Expediente de Regulacion de Empleo’ (ERE). This is a procedure which allows companies facing bankruptcy to fire workers and

receive public funding to underwrite severance and early retirement packages. After negotiations ended on November 5, Ryanair issued a statement that said: “Enough employees had signed the new contract and that Girona would stay open under the new conditions from January 1.” Lidia Arasanz, from union USOC was highly critical of Ryanair’s treatment of its staff. She said: “They had a meeting in which they said that to keep the base open, the employees would have to sign a new contract with the company in which they would only be contracted to work nine months of the year instead of 12.” Ryanair’s three bases in the Canary Islands are still set to close on January 8, leaving it with 10 bases across Spain, including Girona. It comes after Ryanair announced at the end of July a plan to cut 900 jobs from its 13,000-strong workforce.

Turnover in the third quarter of 2019 also surpassed €7 billion for the first time ever, and was also 9.2% higher than the same three months of 2018. The quarter is also the best Inditex has had since 2017 and exceeds the 8.5% growth in turnover, predicted by Bloomberg analysts from August to October. Inditex president Pablo Isla attributed the impressive figures to the integration of online and offline stock, which has allowed the company to streamline its inventory by 5%, which improves gross profit margins.

December 19th - January 8th 2020

T’S beginning to smell a lot like Christmas, here in Spain, when the buttery aroma of mantecados warm from the oven wafts from bakeries and abuelas’ kitchen windows, filling the chill December streets with festive expectation. Sinful homebaked sweetmeats have been a guilty Christmas pleasure in these parts since Moorish times and every town, village, peña and brotherhood has its own traditional recipes – frequently jazzed up with a naughty nip of cider, sherry or aniseed liqueur. But who could have guessed that some of the nicest (and naughtiest) are produced behind convent walls by nuns! Some sisterhoods have been tempting mortals with their convent confections since the Middle Ages, guarding their recipes with the secrecy of the confessional. So it was with a fair degree of excitement that the Olive Press got to spend a morning baking with a group of group of nuns at the Convento San Francisco in Ronda… and the results were divine! Convent pastries - such as Huesos de Santo (Saints’ Bones), Trufas de Madre de Dios (Mother of God Truffles) and Corazones (Sacred Hearts) de Santa Clara - are often christened to reflect their saintly origins. And the nuns

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

A taste of the divine Get thee to a Spanish nunnery for the best sister act in home-baking since Two Fat Ladies. Karethe Linaae gets an exclusive cookery lesson in Ronda

work their culinary alchemy with the humblest of ingredients. Augustine nuns at Sevilla’s Convento de San Leandro have been baking since the 16th Century and their most famous pastry, Yemas de San Leandro, contains only egg yolks, sugar and a few drops of lemon. They are among a heavenly host of artisan reposterias made in Andalucía’s convent kitchens. Carmelite, Cistercian and Franciscan are among the orders now busy at their devotions to produce seductive sweetmeats for Christmas. While initially selling to the surrounding communities, some convents now have websites, offer gluten-free alternatives, and

can ship anywhere in the world. Our local nuns in Ronda have also gained quite a reputation for their blessed dulces. We are led in to meet them in their wonderful authentic kitchen in the bowels of their wonderful home, just off the mountain town’s historic Plaza de San Francisco. We are soon watching ancient Sister Natividad cracking a sack of almonds on a tree trunk in the convent patio with a giant hammer. As December begins, the sisters can be found rolling dough around the clock, kneading their love, care and culinary traditions into every bite-sized treat. They are baking an incredible 35

PROCESS: A patient nun watches her mantecados bake in the oven kilos of mantecados – meaning a few thousand cookies – by hand in a single day! Originating in Antequera and brought to fame in the tiny town of Estepa, mantecados have gone nationwide to become synonymous with a Spanish Christmas. What’s the secret? Could it be the generous amount of lard? In their industrial-sized 19th-century kitchen, the sisters chat softly as they fill tray after tray with neat round dough balls which one of the novices will top with sesame seeds. After baking, each mantecado is individually wrapped in a silk paper with the convent’s seal. “Working and praying is our life”, Sor Isabel tells me. Madre Nieves, the Abbess, adds touchingly: “With all the bitterness in the world, we pray that

our treats will sweeten the lives of those who eat them”. When I ask them where they keep their recipes, they look down at their busy hands, pretending not to hear. Each convent has its own specialties and the recipes are sacrosanct. What I can disclose is that no pastry is made with more than a handful of ingredients and contains no preservatives or artificial flavourings; just ground almonds or wheat flour, butter or lard, cider or sugar and a touch or cinnamon, lemon peel or orange zest. Most ingredients are grown locally, some in the monastic gardens. Some closed convents still sell their confections clandestinely through a revolving Lazy Susan embedded in the wall so as not to show their faces, but our nuns

now sell them from their little store, albeit still behind bars. People here say that the nun’s reposterias taste of home cooking, old village kitchens and a bit of heaven. Thanks to the income from their baking, the sisters can continue their simple lives and maintain their convent. By purchasing their artisan pastries, you are not only sharing in a best-kept Spanish gastronomic secret but also keeping alive an important part of the country’s culture. And when you get to eat them believe me - heaven can wait! The convent in Barrio de San Francisco is open for purchases from 10.00 to 18.00. Tel: 952872177

Festive feria

FORMENTERA del Segura has celebrated its local food and culture at the town’s 11th annual Christmas market. The Mari Luz Dance School performed a num-

ber of routines, keeping the hundreds watching entertained in the December chill. “We make sure we’re here every year, Christmas is such a wonderful time in

Formentera,” said British expat Peter Corner, from Liverpool. “This kicks off the festive season for us, and it’s very important to support local business, too.”

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 1 Images, 5 Sickly, 8 Florida, 9 Afar, 10 Bomb, 11 Regulate, 12 Tore, 13 Fee, 14 TASS, 16 Bacteria, 20 Iran, 21 Soon, 22 Illegal, 23 Statue, 24 Shrewd. Down: 2 Mafioso, 3 Goodbye, 4 Skier, 5 Spangle, 6 Crawl, 7 Least, 13 Fertile, 14 Trigger, 15 Swallow, 17 Adopt, 18 Tenet, 19 Atlas.

SUDOKU

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

December 19th - January 8th 2020

EVENTS GUIDE

Thursday 19 Dec FORMENTERA, Sunleys, 5pm Jammin’, all singers & musicians welcome. Free buffet. ALGORFA, The Orange Tree, 7pm. Mulled wine & Xmas Tapas, only €10. FORMENTERA, Rumours, 8.00pm. The ‘Brain-Busting Quiz” with Ian Cochrane CAMPOAMAR, The Madhouse, 6pm. Doggy Xmas Party, fun & festive games for your pooch. €10. FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Sunleys Bar. Jam Session with House Band, ‘Spirit of ‘69’ plus house guests. Bring an instrument and join in from 4pm to 7pm. Friday 20 Dec QUESADA, Laurel’s Bar, 8.15pm . Debbie H. TORREVIEJA, Monroes, 10pm. Live on stage, John ‘Wardi’ Ward. GUARDAMAR, Marjal Camping. Sugar and Spice, call Angie on 656475334 for ticket info.

CABO ROIG, Cabo, 10pm. Xmas Party, free entry from 10pm

LA MARINA, Social Centre, 5.30pm. Santa Claus arrives at his grotto.

Mckenzie’s on the Roof. Rising star, Mario Sandrie. VILLAMARTIN, The Hub, 9.30pm. Live music with Danny (Rock, pop, reggae & more)

FORMENTERA, Rumours, 6pm. Becky singing through the years. Free entry.

Saturday 21 Dec LOS ALCAZARES, Plaza de Ayuntamiento, 9am. Special Xmas Market. SAN FULGENCIO, Municipal Ice Rink 10am. Music and entertainment all day & night. QUESADA, Chiefs on Broadway, 2.30pm. The Big Jam, with Xmas fancy dress. CAMPOVERDE, Danny’s Bar, 9pm. One Love, Reggae Party featuring Martin Kay.

ALGORFA, Yorkshire Pud Inn, 8pm. Christmas music bingo.

CATRAL, House Of Culture, 8.30pm. Christmas Concert with symphony band. SAN JAVIER, Time-out Bar, 8pm. Flashback, the hottest duo on the Costa Blanca.

QUESADA, Buda Cocktail Club, 9pm. Deja Neil’s - soul, Motown, jazz. LA MARINA, El Bar Estacion, 7.30pm. Dinner-Show with Roberto The Voice. Only €10 The Club. The Union Gap.

QUESADA, Buda Cocktail Club, 9pm. Christmas Party. Good music, drinks and cocktails, free entrance. ORIHUELA, Evolution La Fuente Centre, 7pm. Brass Band, Christmasa carols, mince pies, mulled wine - free. Xmas Day FQUESADA, The Archers. Free lunch for anyone on their own this Xmas. Please call 652 298 299 and ask for Claire.

HORSING AROUND: At Easy Horse Rescue Centre in Rojales BENIMAR, Breeze Bar, FREE New Years Eve Party. Buffet, raffle, cava at midnight.

LA ZENIA, La Zenia Boulevard, 6.30pm. Father Christmas Parade.

LA ZENIA, La Zenia Beach. Xmas Day On The Beach, all welcome. Just bring food and friends. Boxing Day FORMENTERA, Rumours, noon. Full day of back-toback football.

ROJALES, Rojales Cultural Centre, 7pm. Christmas Flamenco Show.

MONTEBELLO, Silverstones, 8pm. Christmas Quiz with mince pies, chocs and Andy Jones.

FORMENTERA, Floyds, 7pm. 2020 Party. Hot buffet, live music, only €5.

ALGORFA, Jilly’s Bar, 8.30pm Skittles Night, free entry.

Friday 27 Dec CAMPOAMAR, Cosy Corner, 9pm. Live singer, Bella Luna.

QUESADA, Sam’s Bar & Kitchen, 8pm New Years Eve Party, only €10.

Sunday 22 Dec QUESADA, La Vida Sunset Bar, 7pm. Daz plays guitar anthems and soft rock classics. CABO ROIG, Jax Bar, 9pm. Live singer, soul & Motown with Bee Rumble. Monday 23 Dec PILAR DE LA HORADADA, Plaza Iglesia, 10am & 4pm. Father Christmas visits.

Festive fun: Almoradi, Bar El Toro

ORIHUELA COSTA, Cafe Concierto 8pm. Xmas Party with No Limits.

Saturday 28 Dec ROJALES, Teatro Capital, 8pm. End of the year concert with the Mediterranean Symphony Orchestra. FORMENTERA, Auditorio Centro Socio-Cultural, 6pm. La Ratita, el Musical - Free entry.

TORRE PACHECO, Paddy’s Sports Bar & Lounge, 8pm. Xmas Party with Rain O’Connor on vocals.

Sunday 29 Dec LFORMENTERA, La Vuelta, 7pm. The New Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. Extensive four-course dinner, €28.50.

Xmas Eve QUESADA, Coopers Arms, 7pm. Christmas quiz, fun and games, free nibbles.

New Year’s Eve FORMENTERA, Sunleys, 7pm. New Years Eve Party. Ticket only, €15. Dress code strictly black & white.

NB: If your business has events from 19th Dec to 8th Jan, please email full details to us at simon@theolivepress.es

ALMORADI, Bar El Toro, 7pm. Free New Years Eve Party. Music, buffet, entertainment.

CABO ROIG, Bushwacks, 10pm. Live on stage, Kolted. FORMENTERA, Rumours, 9pm. Nikki Nock karaoke party. Ticket only, €5 redeemable for drinks at the bar. ALGORFA, Jilly’s Bar, 8pm. New Year’s Party, free supper, cava & disco. Thursday 2 Jan SAN FULGENCIO, Cardenal Belluga Theatre, 6pm. Open film night for the whole family. Sunday 5 Jan ROJALES, Easy Horse Rescue Centre, 1-4pm. Come and see the 120 rescued horses, ponies & donkeys. Free.

HEALTH

Danger dish

Dinner crime

HORRIFIED parents have launched a campaign to improve the quality of school dinners after their children complained of rotten fruit, bits of bone in rice and maggots. Children at the Costa del Sol school are also being served fish with large bones, stale bread and extremely salty vegetable sauces, according to the group of parents. They have now lodged several complaints with the Andalucian Public Education Agency, after collecting signatures from other parents at the Estepona school. The concerned parents have

now organised monthly tasting sessions of the school menu in order to monitor the quality of the food being served. “The worst were the egg tortillas. They had a disgusting texture and a very bad taste,” said Estefanía Vaca, whose children attend Colegio Publico Ramon Garcia. She added: “The children began to complain and tell us certain things. When they got home we had to feed them again because they were hungry. “The food was even worse than what the children told us. Salty and watery sauces,

meat and fish with a horrible smell and taste and rotten fruit.” Another mother, whose 8-year-old daughter attends the school, said that she had found stones in rice. When she confronted the school about the foreign objects, staff tried to accuse her daughter of adding them herself. The Junta of Andalucia’s education department said they were aware of the complaints and confirmed the regional education agency was investigating. The company responsible for catering at the school declined to comment.

SPAIN’S Ministry of Health has warned against sucking the heads of prawns. The health body has sounded the alarm over high levels of cadmium (Cd) in the crustacean, a heavy metal associated with zinc, copper and lead ores. While it occurs naturally in the environment, human activity such as mining and the burning of fossil fuels and waste has seen a spike in its presence. The metal can accumulate in the human body, mainly in the liver and kidneys, over a period of 10-30 years. After prolonged exposure, it can cause renal dysfunc-

tion and failure and in the long term, cancer. It’s why the metal has been classed a category 1 carcinogen for humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Given its potential for accumulation in the liver and kidneys of animals, the highest levels occur in the edible offal of animals (Kidney, liver etc). High consumption levels are also found with shellfish, because in many cases the whole animal is consumed, including the viscera (liver, kidneys etc), where cadmium is

Breaking the mold

Government issues stark prawn warning that could leave bitter taste for seafood-lovers concentrated. In the case of prawns, the majority of these organs are contained in its ‘head’, before the body. In products of plant origin, the highest levels are found in algae, cocoa, wild mushrooms and oilseeds.

HEALTH APPOINTMENt By Jeremy Kenton

The sunny weather in Spain is what we’re all here for, but our homes can become a breeding ground for black mold, writes medical expert Jeremy Kenton One of the disadvantages of living in a beautiful climate in Spain is humidity and moisture in the summer, and even in the winter. We have all stood in supermarket queues and smelt a faint odor from the clothes of fellow queuers. Or, we have glanced at the bottom of shower curtains and the grouting of tiles, and found small, black spores that invade the home through lack of ventilation combined with the humidity and

dampness. We go down to an underbuild to retrieve the winter clothing and only find black mold. It isn’t just the visual presence that I’m worried about here, but it’s the fact that these spores also enter into your airways through your nose and your mouth. The World Health Organization has looked closely at the effects of mold and found it to be a cause of many respiratory illnesses. Far more worrying is the proven link between spore

inhalation and the start of asthma – especially in young children. And it’s not just children who are affected, but adults as well, with a mixture of conditions ranging from lung conditions, to skin and eye irritation, coughing and sneezing. More worrying is the fact that pulmonary hemorrhage with bleeding into the lungs and nosebleeds can also come about as a result of mold spore inhalation. If you buy a property or rent a home when you first visit, smell it. Then

look for signs of black mold infestation. Diluted bleach is an effective way of getting rid of this evil black substance, but ensure that your home is well ventilated. As you stand in the aforementioned supermarket queue, please make sure you have purchased a couple of spray bottles of an effective mold cleaner, and go home to scout for signs this evil, black little devil is not the cause of some of your undiagnosed problems.

COLUMNISTS

GetTING ConnectED

How The Bloody Cats Stole Christmas

By Loraine Gostling

A goodwill adoption of two cats turns sour for Javea Connect admin Loraine Gostling as the creatures terrorise her Christmas decorations So this is Christmas, and what have I done? The truth is... not much. You see, something dreadful happened to us that stopped me getting in my elf outfit on November 30, ordering Alexa to play Christmas tunes (with a strict ban on Mariah Carey, as she really grinds my gears) and starting work on the seasonal decorations. Yes, this year we’ve acquired cats. And the two furballs have put paid to the Gostling Christmas twinklies. The new additions to the family – namely Draco Meowffoy and Muggle – were unwanted by their previous owner and ended up at APAC Protectora de Caballos in La Xara. Now, the M&M brothers are not your usual unwanted moggies: they were spoiled rulers of their previous kingdom, fed on caviar, sleeping on sheepskin rugs, peeing in that posh kitty-litter with the sparkly bits and

wearing diamond collars. Hell, they even had their masculine bits replaced with artificial testicles known as ‘neuticles’ – or sili-balls as we call them – so they still looked like Lion Kings from the rear! But feline fate stepped in and they soon found themselves living in the APAC stable (a little like that other famous Christmas Dude). Being cats, they are sly little buggers, and learned to act like that cunning pussy in Shrek with the big eyes, and they flung themselves around my daughter’s neck, purring and mewing and BANG... next thing I knew, we had adopted two fiends destined to ruin my season of goodwill for years to come! My normal three, fully -adorned, twinkling trees have been replaced by a stupid little artificial model that has to be hidden in a moggie-proof cabinet. Oh, the shame! But, as always, I digress! So as 2019

comes to a close, let me quickly brief you on the sagas and cliffhangers of this Getting Connected column: KFC Ondara is now open and STILL causing finger-wagging discussions on Javea Connect; Tortie the missing randy tortoise from Jalon has still not been found; the swingers discussion lasted for over three weeks and is still being followed (for a friend obviously); I have not been back to the airport to see if I can master the sauce level of the Burger King one-arm bandit; and, as far as I am aware, there is still no cure for stupid.So folks, ‘Javeaselves A Very Merry Christmas’!

December 19th - January 8th 2020

Dear Jennifer: Why do I need travel insurance and will Brexit make any difference? A good question and I can offer you a number of answers. I started my company over 26 years ago, originally working from home and developing the business slowly. Once established, I employed staff and rented a large office in Javea port, where I am still to this day. How life has changed for me since, and for the better. I realised when I moved to Spain that there was very little help available, and what was available was normally in Spanish. There was no private health insurance, no funeral plans and no insurance dedicated to the expat, and little customer service. So I started my business selling health insurance for a British company, along with funeral plans. Having lost my husband in Spain, I realised how difficult it was to arrange a funeral and the costs were enormous. Being very disciplined myself (probably due to my time in the Air Force), I have a strong work ethic. I used to work from home during the day, and I would go out early

evenings making home visits until I was busy enough to take someone on to help me. From those early days when I worked tirelessly, I built my company and now have seven offices. I demand from my excellent and loyal staff that they treat all my clients with respect, courtesy and honesty and offer them the best service possible. I pride myself that the after sales service is the best – a service very rare in Spain. I have a Claims Administrator and a dedicated Renewal department, who will make sure that as your circumstances change, your policies could change, and you should remain fully aware of your coverage. These are just some of the reasons why we are so special. We are more than just a voice on the phone, offering good, old fashioned service. Not always the cheapest, but the best, working with Liberty Seguros and ASSSA healthcare, who both provide special expat policies and are the best in the market.

For more information or a quotation, please call one of my offices or visit the website www. jennifercunningham.net

Did the earth move? TWO earthquakes in a week were felt in Jumilla and Lorca (Murcia region) measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale.

FINAL WORDS

Flasher arrested CHILDREN at a Murcia school were subjected to a 46-year-old man dropping his trousers and underwear at the gates during break. Police were on the scene quickly and he was arrested for exhibitionism.

Green schools ALICANTE has given approval to install solar panels at 33 schools before next summer. Work will be carried out in three stages at a cost of €1.1m.

Pass, do not pay THE AP-7 motorway between Tarragona, Valencia and Alicante will be free as of January 1, 2020.

OLIVE PRESS

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December 19th - January 8th, 2020

Round the bend! A SHOCKING video has captured the moment a dopey lorry driver rammed a car sideways down a motorway for 2km. The scary footage shows a female driver in a damaged Nissan Micra being pushed

Oblivious lorry driver ‘T-bones’ motorist down Costa del Sol road for miles without stopping

around by the trucker who had no idea there was a vehicle in front of him. When the Spanish driver was

Costly moss-take

THERE is little more harmless than a Christmas nativity scene showing baby Jesus in a bed of hay at the local church. But top environmental lawyer Agustin Bocos has warned of laws sanctioning the harvest of moss – a common element of nativity scenes – from the Spanish woods. According to Bocos, ‘the forest regulations of 1962 consider a serious infraction for the cutting or tearing of the moss from the mountainside’. The expert said that fines for removing protected species from woodland areas range from ‘€1,000-100,000’ and up to ‘€200,000’ if harvested from a protected area. Moss is considered a ‘cornerstone’ of woodland ecosystems, as they form a lawyer that absorbs water, prevents soil erosion, captures nitrogen from the air and serves as a shelter for microorganisms that make the soil fertile. The lawyer admitted however there exist ‘little means’ for authorities to catch suspected criminals at present. He suggested flower arrangers and decorators use ‘synthetic moss’ or other materials for making nativity scenes.

finally stopped by dozens of fellow drivers on a dangerous bend in Mijas he revealed he had ‘no idea’ she was there. “I didn’t see her, where was she?,” he can be heard saying in Spanish, “I thought I had a puncture.” The terrified woman, called Ana, believed to be from Sweden, adds: “I was in the right lane, he was pushing me for miles.” Local English chef Steven Saunders shot the video, coming off the A-7 at La Cala de Mijas. He revealed: “Oh my god, she is lucky to be alive!.” The Nissan sustained body damage, as well as a flat tyre and a broken wing mirror in

the incident Police later breathalysed the driver, who is believed to have passed a test. The Spanish-plated truck appears to be from haulage company, Palletways.

O Christmas tree! A DOG-WALKER has shared his surprise at finding a fully decorated Christmas tree in the middle of a Costa Blanca woodland. Hugh Somervell was out with his Australian shepherds when he spotted the mystery pine complete with red baubles, silver stars and a Santa Claus on top. In a now-viral social media post, Hugh shared his joy a the ‘amazing sight’ and fascination with the fact that ‘no one had pinched the decorations’. “It’s a lovely sight when walking the hounds,” he said, adding the sighting occurred on the edge of the Granadella forest on Carrer del Passarell in Cost Nova, Javea. An Olive Press investigation revealed the tradition had begun ‘more than five years ago’ by two Brits Liz Dickson and her friend Dawn. “Some years back Dawn suggested we decorate a tree in the woods to bring some Christmas cheer to dog walkers,” Liz told the Olive Press. “Dawn walks her dogs there twice a day, and several others did too, including me. It was a lovely idea and so nice to see. “But this year one of the Swedish ladies told Dawn the original tree was ugly, so a proper Christmas tree was bought and put up there.” She the new tree may be a little over the top, as there were already a ‘shedload of trees in the wood’, but she hoped it brought a smile to walkers out this festive season.