Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 364 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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International

Women’sDay

How these two women - an expat and a local did two centuries apart

The

OLIVE PRESS

Mijas Costa FREE

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we hear the inspirational stories from over a dozen expats from around the country

Andalucía

Your expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 14 Issue 364 www.theolivepress.es March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Torn down Owners demolish their own homes to escape massive fines as the Junta finally gets tough on illegal construction By Dilip Kuner

DANGER: El Palmar Landscape threatened by illegal development and (right) Len and Helen Prior dream home in the sun. Andalucia has had dozens of victims of illegal homes – including expats – who bought their villas in good faith only to see them later flattened by bulldozers. The most famous case involved British couple Helen and Len Prior who bought their villa which had planning permission from their council in Vera (Almeria). It was later deemed illegal and knocked down by the Junta as it was on land zoned as agricultural use only. It took 10 years of court battles before the retired couple finally received €236,000 compensation from Vera council in 2018. With an estimated 300,000 illegal properties in the region, the Junta has in recent years introduced measures to help victims legalise their homes. The majority though have been left in a ‘legal limbo’ with many left unsaleable. At least under new edicts brought in since

the Junta was taken over by the PP in 2019 less problems are being created. Indeed, in 2020 there were 95% more inspections undertaken and 300% more probes into shady developers, with so far €4million in fines levied. One key seaside town that is benefitting is El Palmar, in Cadiz, where fines of more than €600,000 have been slapped on the owners of any plot with a prefabricated house. The area was badly affected when an area of 500 hectares of agricultural land was effectively subdivided into hundreds of plots between 500sqm and 1,000sqm by speculators. A total of 16 cases were launched against people advertising development plots for sale on agricultural land. Most were tracked down via online adverts, many on social media. “It’s great they are finally clamping down and I’m in total agreement,” said local hotel owner James Stuart, from the Califa group in nearby Vejer. “So many houses do not have licences and the area just does not have the right infrastructure to support it all.” He added: “Thankfully there are ALL AREAS COVERED quite a few areas still totally untouched by development.” The Junta’s Minister of Develop4G UNLIMITED ment, Marifran Carazo, stressed she INTERNET is determined to fight the proliferaIDEAL FOR tion of illegal buildings. STREAMING TV “What is the point of passing a decree to legalize irregular housing ALSO IPTV, that was in legal limbo for decades SATELLITE TV if we allow these new types of illegal building in. We are not going to tel: (0034) 952 763 840 allow it.”

OWNERS of illegal homes have started to tear them down to try and escape massive fines of over €600,000. It comes after the Junta finally got tough on illegal homes, doubling the number of inspections and tripling its prosecutions against unscrupulous speculators. In a landmark year for the environment, there were double the number of inspections around Andalucia in 2020. Some 1,087 constructions were probed, while 75 investigations were launched into developers looking to cash in from holiday rentals and joint ownership schemes. So sharp was the rise that owners voluntarily knocked down their properties before getting fined in ‘almost all’ of Andalucia’s eight provinces. A number of homes have been voluntarily knocked down in El Palmar, as well as in Oria, Alcolea del Rio, Iznajar and Algatocin, revealed the Junta this week. The move is being seen as vital to stop dodgy developers before they can sell on the properties to unsuspecting people looking for a

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Opinion Page 6

...with an introduction from our British consul in Andalucia, Charmaine Arbouin

...and introducing our new Digital Editor, Fiona Govan, in Madrid All inside our International Women’s Day special supplement

A special four-page pullout

March 2021

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CAPTION TO GO HERE

One in five Spanish women gave up work due to the COVID crisis, while they also poorer and harder are than men, writes Olive working Press Digital Editor Fiona Govan

FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN´S

LONG WAY TO GO

N previous years March 8 a day when I would meetwas grandparents to toddlers hoisted with a group of friends up on shoulders, came together in a we would hit the streets and sea of purple brandishing signs of Ma- with powerful drid joining tens of thousands slogans to show others to mark International of that modern Spain means equal Wo- opportunities, whatever men’s Day. gender you are. We would don purple items of But the demonstrations clothing and join in the also unprotests derlined how that attracted people much there was from all still to do; women walks of life and across may now be the nerations – both men and ge- fully accepted in the workplace wo- but they are still men, boys and girls. penalised by a There was a carnival atmosphe- gender pay gap, which is not im- men is still recognised as a major proving fast enough. re as people of all ages, problem in Spain and the from Meanwhile violence we are against wo- witnessing the rise of the try’s political far right and counwith it a denial of gender inequalities. This year with Spain still in the grip of the pandemic, are no mass protests withthere thorities banning gatheringsauto avoid potential super-spreader events, but the health crisis has highlighted and even compounded some of the inequalities in society. Working from home has seen a steep rise in mental health issues with women bearing the of the burden of childcarebrunt and housework as they try to balance work life with home-schooling and care for their elderly relatives.

Pics are on the wall

See inside

A SMALL village in ed the skills of twodeep inland Malaga has enlistwhitewashed walls local artists to transform the into a tribute to rural across the ages. women In a project entitled rapher Ana Becerra ‘Saucedeñas’, Ronda photogtaken to Villanueva and artist Selector Marx have Residents awoke lastdel Rosario. week to large scale white collages of images black of local rural women and blazoned on walls of em“The women on the municipal buildings. are entrepreneurs, photographs are women who who cultivated creativity had a history of self-improvement” or who said Becerra.

When Spain went into lockdown a year ago, gender violence soared with the authorities reporting an 18% rise in calls ring the first fortnight alone. duA survey conducted by DYM in

DAY...

Important day Charmaine Arbouin, British Consul for Andalusia, Canary Islands, Ceuta & Melilla. Based in

women in managerial positions Malaga she covers remains around a third of that of the region of Spain men with the numbers dropping even further as careers progress. that has the largest Spain’s female executives concentration of British 15.1 percent less than their earn residents counterparts, although this male below the EU average is just salary gap of 16 percent according “International Women’s the latest EU data from 2017. to Day is an opportunity the run up to Women’s to Day this This inequality is highlighted celebrate the achieveyear revealed that 7% of in women the statement issued ments of women - both had suffered physical or by psycho- government on March Spain’s past and present; those logical abuse from men 8: “Woduring men in Spain work who have shaped 2020. more than and transformed our world, men today, but And most alarwhether that be politithey are poorer.” mingly of all, accally or in the fields Of course there cording to the laFIVE LINERS science and culture. of are still reasons test data, women it’s also a moment toBut xxxxxxx to be positive remade up 93% of flect on what still needs and to celebrate those who gave xxxxxxxxx to be done and that’s just how far woup employment why this year’s theme xxxxxxxx men have come during 2020 in of Choose to Challenge in Spain. Spain... citing camatters. We must xxxxxxxxx all Spain may not ring for minors, choose to call out bias have had a feand inequality, so that elderly or sick remale prime we have even more great latives as the main reasons. nister but it has the largest mifemale achievers to That is one in five women, share accor- of women in any European ebrate in the future.” celding to a survey by online lecom- gislature with women munity MalasMadres. representing 47 percent of elected During the second quarter MPs, of last a bigger proportion year, a period that coincided of female with lawmakers than even Sweden. Spain’s strict lockdown 61,000 More than half of Pedro women gave up their jobs to chez’s cabinet comprises Sancare for others compared woto just men – each one impressively 6,500 men. qualified for their role – And when it comes to with wothe kplace itself, the proportionwor- men holding key ministerial poof sitions including Foreign Minister and Health Minister. We’ve come a long way the end of the dictatorship since a woman had to have when her father’s or husband’s permission to travel and couldn’t open a bank account. But there’s no room for complacency, we still have a long long way to go.

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Curfew breakers NEARLY 30 partygoers – including French and Belgian nationals - drank alcohol, did not wear a mask or respect social distancing measures at a house in the Capuchinos district of Malaga

Smash & grab Four hooded men and their getaway car were captured on camera stealing from a phone shop in Ronda.

Bag of bites COPS in Toledo uncovered a hoard of 45 poisonous and lethal snakes and 12 scorpions inside the home of a 31-year-old man after he was rushed to hospital with a snake bite.

Driven crazy AN AMBULANCE driver accused of slitting the throat of a nurse at the Prince of Asturias Hospital in Alcalá de Henares over 'romantic relationship' with his girlfriend has appeared in court.

COPS who caused a riot after they attacked a man and his teenage daughter last month claim they faced severe provocation and acted in self defence. The two Policia Nacional officers charged with the aggravated assault in Linares claimed the man was also under investigation for the assault of a police officer. During the attack, the victim, known as Carlos M, suffered cuts and bruises, a fractured eye socket, the loss of a tooth, a broken nose and a bruised MORE than 2000 children including hundreds in Spain - are believed to have been tricked into sending sexual images to a paedophile in Huelva. Police said girls as young as seven fell victim to the sickening crime after they were targeted by the 28-year-old man over social media. The hunt for the creep began two years ago when a horrified mother contacted cops in the Axarquia region of Malaga to say her child, who

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Bad cop worse cop spine. His 14-year-old daughter who was also caught up in the fight suffered bruises to her face and neck, a swollen eye and cuts to her legs. The officers claim they also suffered injuries during the fight, however video evidence show that both the men appear unharmed.

The accused are currently being held at a detention centre in Jaen. Their actions led to a riot which left 19 officers and locals injured and police having to use rubber bullets to dispel the crowd. The two officers, one a deputy inspector, are facing up to five years in prison.

SICK PICS Girls as young as seven targeted by predator posing as a teenager on Instagram was eight, had been asked for photographs of a sexual nature.

Detectives say the man contacted 311 minors across 20 provinces, aged between sev-

Grassed up

Cruel shot

A HAPLESS drug trafficker unwittingly handed himself in when he walked into the police station to sort out a lowly residency card. Police in Ronda rumbled the fugitive, who was working under four different identities, when he appeared at the station to process a residency application for a family member. The 43-year-old’s criminal past came back to haunt him when cops realised he had an outstanding International extradition warrant on him, issued by the Moroccan authorities.

AN Iberian lynx has been shot dead by hunters in Doñana National Park. The animal had gunshot wounds on her legs and shoulders, according to green group Ecologistas en Accion. Initial observations reveal that the wounds were made using buckshot cartridges which are totally forbidden for hunting. Ecologistas claimed that six similar cases had failed to lead to a single prosecution. In the worst case the body of a lynx was riddled with 30 bullets near Villamanrique de la Condesa, near Sevilla.

en and 13, obtaining sexual images of 96 of them. The creep used a fake profile and posed as a teenager to contact girls before tricking them into sending lurid images. He gained their trust by lying that he was in contact with well known celebrities and threatened to unfollow the youngster unless they did as he said.

Instagram

He even claimed he could have them banned from Instagram if they didn’t do what he asked. On arrest he was found to have 2,484 sexual photographs of girls he had contacted via the Instagram app on his mobile. The detainee is charged with 96 crimes of sexual abuse and corruption of minors.

Cruel Punishment A MAN has been arrested in Mijas for hanging his dog from a pergola as a punishment for digging up his plants. An investigation has been launched by the Guardia Civil’s Seprona animal welfare unit after a video was posted on social media showing the Siberian husky tied by the neck with its leash and hanging from a pergola. The owner was arrested, accused of animal abuse with cruelty.

Tracked down TWO hunters have been charged with cruelty to animals after they hung one of their dogs from a tree. The pair were picked up in Almogia after disposing of the dogs body in the nearby Montes de Malaga hills. The Guardia Civil had been brought in after a sharp-eyed local spotted them stringing up the Podenco dog in a nearby tree. Police were eventually able to match the chip from the dead dog to one of the hunters. The pair attempted to justify their actions claiming the animal was 'not fit for hunting'. The men were also facing charges of resisting arrest, disobedience, and crimes against traffic safety.

Opportunities Abound: Why Consider Studying in The US Now? A With everything that's happened in the last year internationally, it might not feel like the right time to approach a study abroad program. But 2021 might just be the best year yet to get acclimated with the opportunity a study abroad program brings with it

PARTNER: Auburn has been welcoming foreign students for decades

s COVID-19 vaccinations are sweeping the world, universities across the United States are prioritizing their students' safety WELCOME: President Biden and health with added securi- NEW is bringing a new face to America, ty and public health measures. while (right) Agave partner FIU Students attending campus activities are largely required to take ted States alone might make it their temperature and monitor feel like now isn't the right time to their health daily, reporting every travel. Under the new administrasymptom as soon as it occurs. tion, things are changing rapidly. Students, faculty, and visitors are President Biden has advocated for required to wear masks in com- study abroad experiences, plans pliance with Centers for Disease to tackle immigration reform, and Control and Prevention (CDC) is in the works to make temporary guidelines, and hand sanitization and permanent work visas more is highly encouraged. These cam- readily available. He is already puses are probably the cleanest cultivating a more welcoming enthey have ever been right now. vironment for students and visitors Right now, many from abroad. universities are utiUniversities have lizing combination Biden is more been focusing on online learning and the improvement of welcoming to are looking to do so their study abroad into the near future, programs in recent students who so whether you are years. After student ready to apply now wish to study in activities and reguor you're looking lar scheduling was the US ahead to apply in taken out of the coming years, there picture last year, should be more learning options there was more time to focus on than usual. This will make lear- the needs of students across the ning more accessible and often spectrum. The universities Agave easier to acclimate to. Education partners with offer foThe political turmoil in the Uni- cused attention on international

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NEWS

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Start your engines, Spain!

March 10th - March 23rd 2021 CELEBRITIES often snap up homes all over the world, from sprawling mansions in LA to penthouse apartments in Paris. And Blue singer Lee Ryan is no exception, taking to the cover of a magazine to show off his swanky Malaga pad. The ultra-luxe property boasts an outdoor pool and plenty of room for his growing family. The All Rise singer used the cover shoot and home tour as an opportunity to announce that he is expecting a baby girl in June with his girlfriend Verity Paris. It will be the pair’s first child together and Lee’s third time

Supremme de Luxe is making herstory as the first solo queen to host a Drag Race spinoff. The Spanish drag artist, from Madrid, has been crowned as the judge of Drag Race España and will reign over the season 1 panel when the show debuts later this year. Drag Race España is Europe’s third international Drag Race installment, following in the high-heeled footsteps of UK and Holland remakes of the hit drag show. De Luxe, who has built up a loyal following after years stunting pretty in the capital, celebrated her new gig by taking to social media to share the exciting news with fans.

All Rise as a father - the 37-year-old is already dad to daughter Bluebell, 13, who he shares with ex Jessica Keevil, and son Rayn, 12, whose mother is his ex-fiance, Samantha Miller. Speaking to Hello! magazine, the former Strictly Come Dancing star said: “I’m so excited. I love being a dad; there is nothing better than that. It’s the most amazing thing in the world.” Verity, who works as an Ariana Grande tribute singer, later took to social media to thank fans for their support, adding ‘bring on June!’.

Kitty

She told her Twitter followers that she’s ‘glad to be able to’ finally let the kitty out of the bag. A Spanish version of the major drag competition is expected to hit screen later this year, becoming the latest in a long line of international editions of the Emmy-winning global franchise The series also recently expanded to include Canada’s Drag Race (recently renewed for season 2), Drag Race Down Under in New Zealand and Australia, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, which is currently airing season 2 on WOW Presents Plus. Last year, production company founders Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey said there were ‘three or four’ new iterations of the franchises in the works.

Latin lovers?

Spanish duo make waves in America

SPANISH superstar Rosalía turned up the heat with reggaeton star Bad Bunny for a steamy duet on Saturday Night Live. The Latin singers cosied up for an intimate performance of their new song La Noche de Anoche. The saucy performance marked the pair’s first time performing together on the SNL stage and the duo did not dis-

appoint. Rosalia wore a stunning pink silk slip for the occasion while Bad Bunny looked dapper in a white monochromatic look. The duet comes fresh off the back of Bad Bunny’s third LP. El Último Tour del Mundo, which features Rosalia on the title track, became the first-ever entirely Spanish-language album to reach No. 1 on America’s Billboard 200 chart.

Cheaper by the half dozen ‘Spain aficionado’ Hilaria Baldwin is no stranger to causing confusion. Last year the yoga instructor and author set tongues wagging after it emerged her Spanish roots were a work of fiction and she was in fact born Hillary Hayward-Thomas in the US to American parents, not Mallorca as she has always suggested. Now fans are scratching their heads once again following her latest surprise announcement. Hilaria took to Instagram this week to reveal that she and husband Alec Baldwin had welcomed their SIXTH child - just five months after she gave birth to son Edu in September.

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ESTUCO INTERIORS

The couple, who are also parents to Carmen, seven, Rafael, five, Leonardo, four, and two-year-old Romeo, revealed they had called their newborn daughter Lucia. Hilaria shared the first photos of their adorable daughter on social media, cradling her newest addition while surrounded by her five other children. The pair’s growing family was quickly met with perplexed responses from fans who wondered how Hilaria was able to welcome a sixth baby less than nine months after giving birth. The wellness personality and 30 Rock actor quickly cleared up any confusion, revealing that they had help from a surrogate mother.

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March 10th 4 www.theolivepress.es March 23rd 2021 NEWS Votes Swift decline causes rising concern for Life THE UK government looks set to finally grant expats ‘votes for life’ in future general elections. The news was revealed in last week’s budget, with £2.5 million reserved for funding the change. The move comes after years of campaigning by expat groups around Europe. Under the current regulations, Brits based in Spain are only entitled to vote in domestic elections for up to 15 years after leaving the UK. But if Boris Johnson’s government follows through with its plan and amends the legislation later this year, Britons abroad will be able to vote indefinitely.

Promises

The 15-year rule was introduced in 2002 following three decades of debate on the issue, and until 2015 the number of overseas voters registered to vote had never exceeded 35,000. But that shot up to a staggering 264,000 in 2016 because of the Brexit referendum and has hovered above 200,000 since then. Successive Conservative governments have been promising to offer votes for life since 2015, but until now efforts to progress the scheme have not made it past the red tape.

THEY are a popular arrival in early Spring time, soaring from roofline to roofline. But there has been a drastic 27% decline in swifts in Spain over the last two decades. As the migrating birds make their way back from the winter sojourn in Africa, they are believed to be meeting increasing numbers of hazards. Aside from the usual geographical barriers, weather and predators, they are facing the additional dangers arising from climate change and human activity. Illegal hunting, overhead power lines and wind turbines are all believed to add to the massive

drop in numbers. So big is the concern that charity SEO Birdlife has named the swift its ‘bird of the year’ and launched a number of detailed studies to investigate further. According to the charity the species has experienced a 27.2% decline in Spain over the last 22 years (19982020). “We need to rethink our relationship with nature and eliminate all threats to the species wherever possible.” said the SEO’s Luis Martinez. Swifts live for 12 years and may fly almost 6 million kilometres in their lifetime.

Plastic probe EU investigation set for the ‘inhuman’ living conditions of migrant workers in Almeria and Huelva By Laurence Crumbie

THE European Union is set to launch an investigation on the living conditions of seasonal workers in Andalucia.

INHUMAN: Conditions for workers have been slammed

It comes after hundreds of immigrant workers’ homes were destroyed in

Almeria and Huelva by fires in separate incidents. The probe will also study two blazes, the first in Nijar on February 13 and the second a week later near Palos de la Frontera. The European Commission will also look at living conditions among the invernaderos, or plastic greenhouse workers, who mostly come from Africa. "We want all human rights violations to be investigated," said Pepa Suarez, spokesperson for the Multicultural Association of Mazagon and Almeria (IU). It comes as a victory for organisations that had been putting pressure on the EU to take action for years. The IU filed a petition in November 2020, demanding ‘an immediate and firm response’ from the EU to the living situations.

Inhuman

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A UN special envoy sent to look at conditions last year described the living conditions as ‘inhuman’. Special rapporteur Philip Alston said the way the migrant workers were being kept rivalled ‘the worst [he] had seen anywhere in the world.’ A full European Parliament debate on the matter could be held later this Spring. Both Almeria and Huelva have sprawling networks of greenhouses in which thousands of migrant workers pick fruit and vegetables for European supermarkets. See Why stop? p10

can’t

www.theolivepress.es A BRITISH pensioner has called out a Spanish bank for demanding she pay a hefty fee in order to receive her pension each month. The expat, based on the Costa Blanca, was also horrified she would have to pay an additional €15 to have her late husband’s reduced pension sent to her. Devastated Nicole Chandler who moved to Denia from the UK with her partner in 2016 was left gobsmacked when La Caixa bank forced her to pay €15 to transfer the money from the UK last month.

Brexit

The expat, 71, told the Olive Press: “I now have to pay €15 for my deceased husband’s pension from the Bank of England and €15 for my own state pension every month. “I also have to pay €15 if I receive any transfer from the UK.” Nicole, (right) who relies on the pension payments to make ends meet, said she wanted to speak out about the charges that came into force following the Brexit deal. THOUSANDS of demonstrators formed a caravan on the motorway in the Despeñaperros gorge, in Jaen, to protest a lack of funding. Locals insist both the Junta and Madrid have long abandoned the province, leading to higher than normal rates of unemployment and the exodus of its working population. "We need investment, infrastructure, services and em-

NEWS

Robbing banks

EXCLUSIVE: Expat pensioners slammed with new bank charges to transfer UK pensions to Spain By Kirsty McKenzie

The Olive Press has since learnt that British expat clients of other major Spanish banks are also now charging up to €18 per month to receive their UK pensions. It comes as expats across Spain took to a Facebook group called UK Bank Accounts and Brexit to complain that they had been stung by large fees. They have singled out both Sa-

Road block ployment for Jaen,” said Juan Manuel Camacho, of Jaen Merece Mas (Jaen Deserves More) at the protest. The region might start by attempting to re-name it’s famous gorge, which means the ‘cliff where dogs plunge’ believed to have been named after the place locals once discarded unwanted pets.

5 Pointless deaths

March 10th March 23rd 2021

badell and the Italian bank Unicredit so far. Since the UK left the EU, thousands of expats have been hit with fines, had credit cards withdrawn and bank accounts closed because EU ‘passporting rules’ no longer applied. A statement issued last year by the European Commission warned: “After the end of the transition period, the EU rules in banking and payment services will no longer apply to the United Kingdom.” Despite repeated attempts, The Olive Press was unable to speak to anyone at Nicole’s bank to clarify the issue.

20th Anniversary! – 20 years serving you from our Mijas Shop

THE grim task of destroying nearly 900 cattle stranded on a ship docked in Spain has started. The animals are being killed after Turkey refused to take in the shipment that had originally set sail from Cartagena, in Murcia, on December 18. It came after critical information was left out of health certificates issued to the ship owners based in Lebanon. Now the cattle have been sent back to Spain on the original ship, the Karim Allah, and face certain death.

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The mix up came after Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture failed to add that some of the cattle had come from the Aragon region, where there was an outbreak of Bluetongue, last year. As a result they should not have been transported more than 150km. Despite assurances that the cattle remained healthy, the Spanish authorities have started to cull the animals. The Ministry blamed the exporter of the cattle, claiming the company shouldn’t have exported the cattle to Turkey.

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NEWS FEATURE

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OPINION About time FOR decades owners of irregular properties bought from unscrupulous estate agents lived in fear of having their homes demolished in Andalucia.. It took years of campaigning for the authorities to finally ensure that innocent buyers, like expats Helen and Len Prior, weren’t left crying again by the side of the road their dreams left in tatters Their villa, let’s not forget, was torn down despite having a building licence issued by the local town hall… and they then had to wait 10-years before getting any compensation. Up to 300,000 properties were illegally built around Andalucia before the authorities finally stepped in to do anything. While many have now been semi-legalised, we are still left with far too many homes built on green spaces, river floodplains and beauty spots. At least the authorities have finally accepted it is mostly unfair to ‘go after’ the owners, the vast majority who were innocent victims who bought entirely in good faith. Instead they are finally tackling the unscrupulous speculators and dodgy developers, who make small fortunes, then simply declare their companies bankrupt when the shit hits the fan. By targeting these criminals BEFORE they sell illegal properties on to innocent people – we might finally take a positive step forward. This way we can both further protect the countryside and keep the public safe at the same time.

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Spain’s very own Florence Nightingale has a controversial COVID hospital named after her, discovers Laurence Crumbie in International Women’s week

The Señora

EW health centres have been the nucleus of such controversy as the pandemic hospital inaugurated on December 1, 2020, near Madrid airport and which has become the ‘main’ warehouse for the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfitzer. Some €50 million over budget, opponents of the Isabel Zendal Nursing Hospital dubbed it ‘one more urban hit’ for building companies, while unions were outraged when a worker lost his life in an accident resulting from its rushed construction. The government had placed a four month deadline on the hospital’s completion, hoping to cut the red ribbon before another wave of coronavirus could wreak havoc in the winter. In fact, if there is anything about this 80,000 square metre project that is not contentious

T’S common knowledge among expats that if you survive your first five years in Spain you will never look back. But just days before reaching this milestone I’ll be on a flight home to Blighty to start a new chapter in London. And while the hustle and bustle of the capital excites me, there are many parts of Spanish culture I will sorely miss. It goes without saying this includes the 300-plus days of sunshine and the cheap tapas and canas after a hard day’s work - which Shoreditch and its ilk have repeatedly tried and failed to replicate. But while we all love Spain for it’s great food and weather, it’s the every-day normalities I will find most lacking in London. I will no longer say ‘hola’ - or ‘hello’ - to strangers in a shop or on the street, and definitely not on the tube, unless I want to be sectioned. I will no longer go for churros on a Sunday morning, or enjoy late night walks without having to look over my shoulder. Coffee will be overpriced and served in far too large of a cup, and I won’t receive marinated olives or ‘cho chos’ with each round of drinks (be careful when you’re ordering the latter, if you know, you know). There won’t be an independent tapas bar on every corner, but a Pret A Manger or McDonald’s. And when I ask for a gin and tonic it won’t be served in a fish bowl, but probably a test tube glass, and I’ll be asked

STAR POWER: Maria Castral as Isabel Zendal in 22 Angeles then it is its name. For Isabel Zendal was one of the most philanthropic figures in medical history – and Spain’s equivalent to Britain's Florence

Nightingale, after whom its own Covid hospitals are named. Born in 1771 in Galicia, to a pair of farmers who struggled to put food on the table, Is-

Missyoualready,Spain It’s the jingles at Mercadona, a short stroll to his padel club and, of course, the goldfish bowl G&Ts which will be missed when Laurence Dollimore returns to Blighty ‘single or double?’ - perdona? I will no longer have everything I need just a short walk away, including my padel tennis club. And I won’t get that blissful end of September feeling when the tourists go home and we have an Indian summer and we get our beaches all to ourselves. And what will replace my local summer feria and Semana Santa processions? Let’s be real, I’m sure London can offer enough culture for me to get my fix. Let’s face it, Notting Hill Carnival is one hell of a party, if it’s allowed to take place. And moving back home won’t be all bad. One thing I will appreciate is the efficiency of the UK. At least I will have reliable public transport (mostly), banks will open past 3pm and I will never again be forced to endure Spanish bureaucracy - those of you who have had an ITV or been through the residency process will know the pain I speak of.

But what will I do without Mercadona and its catchy jingle? The supermarkets at home just don’t spark the same amount of joy. At least when I’m driving I’ll be safer, as unlike in Spain, drivers know how to use their indicators. I’ll also no longer fear being taken out by a bus on the motorway, which is where their stops are often conveniently placed along the Costa del Sol. Jokes aside, it’s been an incredible five years in Malaga (with a few months in Sevilla) and I’ve met some amazing people in the expat community during my time as an investigative reporter. Yes, I have caught paedophiles and exposed countless crooks and fraudsters, but they are just a small minority and do not represent the community, which is made of mostly good, honest and hardworking people. If the job market was as competitive as back home, there would be no chance of me leaving. But alas, no country has it all, although Spain comes pretty damn close.

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with the Syringe PIONEER: Zendal and doctor Balmis set sail

abel was the second eldest of eight in a family grievously affected by sickness, as many were in those days. Three of her siblings died before their first birthdays and at just 13, her mother succumbed to the deadliest virus in history, Variola major, or smallpox that carried a death rate of 30%. Devastating as this loss was, Zendal did not let it destroy her teenage years but turned her bright mind to the world of medicine, making it her purpose to help those in need. Noted for her studiousness, she left home at 20 to begin work at the Charity Hospital of A Coruna. It was in this ‘little hospital of God’ that Zendal gave birth to her son, Benito, whom she would raise as a single mother - in itself an act of heroism considering the times in which she lived. Seven years later, in 1800, she became the rector of an orphanage, living off a small monthly salary in addition to a daily payment of one pound of bread. A year later, this increased to 1.5 pounds of

ADVENTURE: From Spain to the Americas

bread and a pound of meat. chor and voyaged to Venezuela, where they In 1803 Zendal’s fortunes really parted company and went their separate changed for the better after a chance ways, with Balmis and Zendal travelling to encounter with Spanish military doctor Fran- Cuba and then Mexico, where they took onciso Javier Balmis. He seboard another 25 orphans. cured her a place a smallpox Although Balmis would later Zendal is vaccination mission funded sail to the Philippines and by King Carlos IV, whose own China, Mexico marked the recognised as daughter had died from the end of the journey for Zendal, the first ever disease. who was feeling the toils of She was soon setting sail on the journey as Balmis rememnurse to go on her first international sanitary bered in a diary entry one year expedition in 1803. an international later: As the smallpox vaccine in‘The miserable rector, who by mission vented by English physician her excessive work and the Edward Jenner involved inocrigor of the different climates ulating a person with material from a cowpox through which we have travelled, has lost her lesion, Zendal was placed in charge of 22 or- health,’ he wrote. ‘Indefatigable night and phan boys who were to serve as successive day, she has poured all of the tenderness carriers of cowpox. of the most sensitive mother on the 26 litUnder her care, the tle angels that she has in her care, and has boys transmitted the assisted them perfectly in their continuous disease from one to illnesses.’ (Macau, 1806) the other every nine or Zendal never returned to her homeland, dy10 days, ensuring that ing as an expat in Puebla, Mexico, at some the precious pustular point over the next few decades. lesion made it first- Overall, the expedition directly vaccinated ly to Tenerife, where around 250,000 people and is regarded Balmis’ team spent by some medical scholars as a ‘pioneering a month conducting event in international health that should be vaccinations, and revisited in the current era of persistent inthen to Puerto Rico, in equalities in global health.’ February 1804. Nor has the legacy of the Maria Patia’s one To Balmis’ astonish- female crewmember been forgotten. ment and disappoint- The WHO recognised Zendal as the first ever ment, however, the nurse to go on an international mission, in local population had 1950, while numerous institutions have already been inoculat- named awards in her honour and various lited by a Danish colony erary works have immortalised this pioneeron the Virgin Islands. ing nurse as one of the most selfless figures So the team cast an- in Spanish history.

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The most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: Covid-19 rules and restrictions for 1- UpdatedSpain’s Andalucia (26,883 views) print: New bank charges introduced 2- Theforsmall receiving UK pensions in Spain (26,373 views) Explainer: How Spain’s green corridor plan 3- for vaccinated Brits could save summer tourism (24,810 views)

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COVID protection is my right come The balanced view in years to e to will be that obnoxious Brits cam to Spain - not wearing masks - onlyuse have THEIR own good time beca ID they have had a jab and got a COV any‘passport’ and don’t care aboutat all. ne anyo that e Mak n. Spai one in TV That s p a n y c ear rom Eng sh ee The ma or y o us expa s are e says Everyone ng embarrassed by mus hey ee sa er n Spa n Europe nes cons der s c zens and see vacc e o s op carr ers as we as con r buwor d herd pro ec on and he who e a y has o be COVID c ear or norm my o re urn We a have r gh s and ID n r gh s o be pro ec ed rom COV over my own d s r c Th s s ar rom own and cer a n y one coun ry on s can change ha ac

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the than double That is more of the currently average rate de Gibraltar besieged Campowhich stands health district,per 100,000 inat 506.5 cases habitants. district, made The whole is currently one up eight towns, meaning no closed down,exit without a juscan leave or such as medical, tified reason, work. legal or for will remain These measures at least Januin place until said at a press ary 25, Moreno today. conference was first closed off disThe campo authorities when health more contagious covered the of the virus had UK variant which arrived in Gibraltar. La Linea, workSince then, an exreceives cross-border has seen ers daily, increase in tremely sharp COVID-19 cases. told the Olive One worker that the situof Press this week area was ‘out ation in the control.’ who works lives The young woman, del Sol but parton the Costa and her in the Campo,both waiting to ner are still coming into dibe tested after with a COVID-19 rect contact infected person.

- January 26th

2021

the border confiscated at hot sauce was but his Peri-Peri cloves were accepted his chilli and was angry when STUMPED: Lathey expat has branded A BRITISH officials ‘ridiculous’ legisSpanish border But Spanish after they confiscated prohibited list. and ‘clueless’Peri Peri sauce at the law 2019/2072, vegetalation, specifically his Nando’s vegetables and Exclusive by dictates that Gibraltar border.27, was left fuming that are prohibiteda ridiculous as 16 Laurence Dollimore from ble-based products Joseph Lathey, his weekly shopping “I said it was been a total of the peninsula most of my shopping THERE have COVID-19 since admit- from entering when much of he tried to cross back would mean be allowed in.” to be named, told the deaths from first struck in was binned as the who asked not down his ‘third country.’ would also not told the Brit he stuffed bacon they were The Gibraltar Government the pandemic into La Linea. his bananas and Indeed, officials his £55 shop that ted that after hearing someone Olive Press: “The Government’s spethe Gibraltar. This meant seeing into a customs were his underwear only items from occurred on is that EU law majority of The last four vaccines finally understanding plant products inleeks being tipped cross the frontier seizing the sa- could and chilli powder. weekend the officer’s bin. add- else’s products.classes the UK as a cifically exempts consumption 9. cloves his vegetable for personal Border Conany sense,” he now were weekly arrived on January It also included “It didn’t make to be pretty clue- The EU of the deaths his favourite bringing in tougher tended controls at The majority mosas, one of from Ramsons, on third country,what can and cannot from official introduction to the EU. with underlyed, “they seemed of elderly peoplealthough there trol Posts on treats he buys controls on bloc. less. border into the to provide documents cloves ing conditions exceptions. Waterport Road. “I asked them they were taking and cross the to the Gibraltar Govhis chilli and were also some what Meanwhile, acceptable. Agreement will be cases sura link According several items a to justify me a photo of just COVID-19 active are now were deemed ernment website, the Government with they just sent website.” stumped. I had 1,000 mark alhave passed the this matter and milk “Therefore, his for personal consumption “I was completely period to a Spanish Government I thought might he could take seeking to clarify including all meat after the Christmas chicken which but not the Peri-Peri Spanish Authorities. Lathey was told onto the Rock to banned, (bar powdered infant milk, have since stabithough they agreement with required the relevant been stopped told the Olive Press. products shopping back and special food “Until the final future relalised. sauce,” Latheysaid it contained onion imposed in for £20, baby food reasons or pet food restore it. respect to Gibraltar’s selling it all settled, and proThe strict measures introduced “The officials “I ended up than nothing,” added for medical it contained health reasons). with the EU is on the social lockdown on Decempuree, meaning was therefore not quired for animal in more than 20kg tionshipthe Government advisesderwhich is better Lathey. cannot bring or more than 2kg unless by the government 2 have ficessed veg and measures or It comes after You specific bridgingbeen agreed whilst ber 27 and January any fish product allowed over. having Giseveral reports of other specific animal products, nally taken effect. live mus- ogations is negotiated,third experts believe on social me- of a honey, oysters, that agreement Public health third wave was be treated as EU cusdia of Brits including braltar will of the start of the food sels and snails. Friday shopthe purposes reminder, pubhaving Government 4, does not list country for initiated by Black 29. See page 16 seized at the The controls.” shopping on November lished on January as being on the toms border. As the pre-Christmas and famexpat, vegetable products One ping spree continued to meet together ilies started to have spread it is believed further.

most of his shopping left fuming after labelled ‘contraband’ British expat Peri-Peri sauce - was including the due to new Brexit rules at Gib border

Dark times

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SPAIN could be gearing up for an avalanche of tourists to its shores in May. Airlines and travel agents have seen the number of Brits booking holidays abroad soar this week after the UK announced its roadmap out of lockdown. UK tourists could finally be able to leave the country for holidays from May 17, the government announced on Monday. Costa Blanca hoteliers have welcomed the announcement from Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who revealed the move as part of his four-step plan for gradually lifting restrictions in England. “It opens the door for our members to start to prepare to reopen their hotels. We just need to hope that the planned date happens,” said Hosbec hotel association boss Nuria

By Kirsty McKenzie

Montes. Only 20% of the area’s hotels are currently open with occupancy rates of around 10%. The surge in optimism comes as airlines said bookings for the summer season were more than four times higher compared with the same period last week. Alicante, Malaga and Palma were among the most popular destinations, according to the budget holiday giant easyjet, with August its busiest month. was announcement The described by chief executive, Johan Lundgren, as a ‘much-needed boost in confidence’. “We have consistently seen a pent-up demand for travel and this surge in bookings shows that this signal has been what

Back in as s t o business c u n e w f o r plans to Boris lift travel ban

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has rules ‘his worst nightmare’ after a birthday present of his favourite treats from the UK was banned from entering the A Sierra Nevada Mike Battle, country. 41, was left stumped when he heard his package of goodies had been held up by customs in Madrid for over TEN days. S The gift, sent from his family, via courier company Fedex, contained Tel: 952 147 834 crisps and spice mixes - but Mike never got to unwrap them. The parcel, valued at around €20, was deemed unacceptable by customs chiefs and returned to Mike’s mother in Hit the slopes Leeds.

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February 2021

Vol. 14 Issue 363

www.theolivepress.es

to You can finally slope off Andalucia’s skiing heaven, writes Charlie Smith

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We step out at Borreguiles, mewhich sits some 2,700 tres above sea level. for This is the basecampruns, many of the Sierra’s the which range from facil’ green-coloured ‘muy lapistes to those in black, belled ‘muy dificil’. Continues overleaf

voice in Spain TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd

See page 11

Vol. 2 Issue 34 www.theolivepress.es February 25th - March 10th 2021

Nightmare

“It was confirmation of my worst nightmare when

it comes to receivCELEBRATION: Peggy received ing her anything from the UK,” Mike told COVID jab (Below) the and happy days at Olive Press. “Before Brexit it her 100th birthday

Tel: 952 147 834 TM

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Madrid for over TEN days.

Opinion Page 6

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21/6/19 13:30 La Linea shut down

border THE town of La Linea de la Concepcion extra has been handed reharsh coronavirus de Anstrictions by the Junta dalucia. which municipality, The has been borders Gibraltar, 4.2 of the placed into Level tier sysregion’s coronavirus tem. an unprecThe town is facingthe number edented climb in to orof cases and was forced business der all non-essential activity and trade to cease Sunday. from midnight on hotels, This includes shops, - with restaurants and bars essential the exception of supermarbusinesses such as kets or petrol stations. decision Experts made the president along with regional Friday afJuanma Moreno on inter the town’s cumulative 1,247.9 cidence rate reached people. cases per 100,000

It comes as the government UK consumers have been confirmed they are looking at waiting for,” he said. the idea of vaccine passports Holiday bookings were up by to allow travel abroad. 630% and flights by 337%. At the moment Brits are only “While the summer may be permitted to travel for essena little while off, we will be tial work purposes. working around the clock to No one is allowed to enter ensure we will be ready to Spain from South Africa, Braramp up our flights to recon- zil or the UK via air or sea unnect friends and family or take til 6pm on March 2 under the them on a long-awaited holi- current restrictions. day to remember,” he added. Travel firm Thomas Cook said Restrictions traffic to its website doubled in the day after the Prime Minis- The ban was first introduced ter’s statement, while Ryanair in December when scientists confirmed there had been a first detected a more-trans‘large surge’ in bookings. missible variant of the virus in However, Health Secretary the UK. Matt Hancock urged caution Tight restrictions were origiwarning that the effectiveness nally supposed to end on Janof vaccines will dictate wheth- uary 19 but the ban has now er international travel can go been extended multiple times, ahead. with restrictions currently in He said: “We have to protect place until March 2. against these new variants, This ban comes after Spain and that is a big challenge.” its first case of the confirmed Hancock added that ‘we can be Brazilian variant on Friday, much more relaxed about in- with two cases of the South Afternational travel’ if vaccines rican variant and 479 cases of work well against the South the British variant of the virus. Africa and Brazil strains. Anyone flying into Spain must “If the vaccine doesn’t work also proof of a negative Covid against them, then that will be test, which should be taken up much, much more difficult,” to 72 hours before departure. he said.

96 649 1883

The gift, sent from his family, via courier company Fedex, contained crisps and spice mixes - but Mike never got to unwrap them. The parcel, valPERI-LESS ued at CROSSING around € 2 0 , w a s deemed unacc e p t able by

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double the That is more than currently average rate of the Gibraltar besieged Campo de stands health district, which 100,000 inat 506.5 cases per habitants. made The whole district, currently up eight towns, is no one closed down, meaning a juscan leave or exit without as medical, tified reason, such legal or for work. remain These measures will least Januin place until at at a press ary 25, Moreno said conference today. closed off The campo was first diswhen health authorities contagious covered the more virus had UK variant of the arrived in Gibraltar. which Since then, La Linea, workreceives cross-border an exers daily, has seen in tremely sharp increase COVID-19 cases. the Olive One worker told the situPress this week that was ‘out of ation in the area control.’ who works The young woman, but lives on the Costa del Sol her partin the Campo, andwaiting to ner are still both into dibe tested after coming a COVID-19 rect contact with infected person.

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border was confiscated at the his Peri-Peri hot sauce cloves were accepted but angry when his chilli and STUMPED: Lathey was has branded A BRITISH expat ‘ridiculous’ Spanish border officials confiscated and ‘clueless’ after theysauce at the his Nando’s Peri Peri legisprohibited list. But Spanish Gibraltar border. 2019/2072, left fuming lation, specifically law and vegetatotal of 16 Joseph Lathey, 27, was shopping Exclusive by as that THERE have been a since dictates that vegetables prohibited “I said it was ridiculous when much of his weekly Laurence Dollimore deaths from COVID-19 my shopping to cross back ble-based products are struck in would mean most of was binned as he tried in.” the pandemic first peninsula from a would also not be allowed to be named, admit- from entering the into La Linea. Gibraltar. bananas and told the Brit the who asked not his ‘third country.’ on the This meant seeing his a customs Indeed, officials his £55 shop that ted that he stuffed bacon down told the The last four occurred finally they were The Gibraltar Government only items from leeks being tipped into were his underwear after hearing weekend the vaccines of someone Olive Press: “The Government’s could cross the frontier officer’s bin. EU law speseizing the majority arrived on January 9. vegetable sawere and chilli powder. understanding is that It also included his inhe add- else’s products. The majority of the deaths weekly cloves the UK as a cifically exempts plant products underly“It didn’t make any sense,” mosas, one of his favourite of elderly people with pretty clue- The EU now classes Ramsons, on for personal consumption in tougher there ed, “they seemed to be treats he buys from Border Conthird country, bringing and cannot tended ing conditions although from official controls at to the EU. less. Waterport Road. were also some exceptions.surdocuments controls on what can and cloves trol Posts on introduction “I asked them to provide taking and cross the border into the bloc. Meanwhile, his chilli COVID-19 active cases just Gibraltar Govjustify what they were were deemed acceptable. passed the 1,000 mark I had a to just sent me a photo of a link According to the several items period althey Agreement “I was completely stumped. ernment website, website.” after the Christmas might have are now stabichicken which I thoughtthe Peri-Peri to a Spanish Government take his for personal consumption and milk “Therefore, the Government will be though they have since Lathey was told he could been stopped but not Olive Press. this matter with to banned, including all meat lised. in back onto the Rock infant milk, seeking to clarify Authorities. sauce,” Lathey told the products (bar powdered onion shopping The strict measures imposed food required the relevant Spanish with “The officials said it contained pro- store it. the social lockdown introduced all for £20, baby food and specialor pet food re- “Until the final agreement relaDecem“I ended up selling it future puree, meaning it contained added for medical reasons by the government on therefore not respect to Gibraltar’s reasons). 2 have fiwhich is better than nothing,” cessed veg and was quired for animal health than 20kg tionship with the EU is settled, and ber 27 and January Lathey. on in more allowed over. nally taken effect. It comes after You cannot bring or more than 2kg unless the Government advises believe or derPublic health expertswave was several reports of any fish product animal products, specific bridging measures whilst the start of the third on social me- of other specific oysters, live mus- ogations having been agreed shopGiinitiated by Black Friday dia of Brits including honey, that agreement is negotiated, food sels and snails. be treated as a third ping on November 29. shophaving See page 16 reminder, pub- braltar will EU cusAs the pre-Christmas seized at the The Government 4, does not list country for the purposes of and famlished on January ping spree continued together border. on the toms controls.” expat, vegetable products as being ilies started to meet spread One it is believed to have further.

Dark times

after most of his shopping ‘contraband’ British expat left fuming sauce - was labelled including the Peri-Peri new Brexit rules at Gib border due to

Continues on Page 5

was the same as receiving deliveries from around

www.moraira-hamiltons.net

As Boris Johnson announced the UK’s four-step plan out of to it beat him

By John Culatto

Gibraltar to recovery from the corona- lockdown, GIBRAlTAR has started on its road Monday too, with masks to be Buses restarted at half capacity on virus pandemic. outside Gibraltar’s town centre worn on-board. Masks will now not have to be worn reported in mid-February. 14 and be applicable to the curfew will continue until March after very few new active cases were the news in what he said But restaurants. all businesses including the bars and from Major Incident staChief Minister Fabian Picardo delivered on CoVID-19. away could be his last live press conference down to just 33, with a doz- The government will finally move tus on Monday. Active cases of the coronavirus are now apalthough of 12 for now,Mike BATTLING: wants Sports will only be allowed in groups en of them in hospital. to theand spices, and his crisps rise and are now at 91, with the plications can be made for greater numbers Pandemic deaths have continued to (below) our previous latest occurring on February 22. a trickle with a number of days government’s sporting association.return a front to page new cases have now gone down to despite over 1,000 tests a day. The Contact Tracing Bureau will end of the and isolate system at the A BRITISH expat has when there were none at all reported vaccines being delivered test, trace month. These are the clear results of over 30,000 branded post-Brexit were over 70-years-old to the local population. continue to Residents who are lockdown onrules will this ‘his worst nighttoday, February arriving vials freed from their own With a new batch of Pfizer mare’ after a birthday inoculate Gibraltar’s population. and are allowed back into 15. cannot throw caution to thepresent of his favourWe Children have now returned to schoollottery again. ite treats from the UK wind,” warned Picardo. playgrounds while adults can play the to able was banned from en“We are very close to being protect everyone in our commu- tering the country. Mike Battle, 41, was nity through vaccination. stumped when “Do not bring CoVID-19 on left friends he heard his package yourself, your family or See page 16 of goodies had been by going out to look for it in held up by customs in Spain.”

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A POPULAR well-known expat centenarian has had her first COVID jab as she approaches her 101st birthday. Peggy Bloomfield, based in Moraira, got her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Teulada Medical Centre. And she’s now raring to go, according to her neighbour Shirley Young. SPAIN could be gearing up for an avalanche of tourists to its shores in May. Airlines and travel agents have seen the number of Brits booking holidays abroad soar this week after the UK announced its roadmap out of lockdown. UK tourists could finally be able to leave the country for holidays from May 17, the government announced on Monday. Costa Blanca hoteliers have welcomed the announcement from Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who revealed the move as part of his four-step plan for gradually lifting restrictions in England. “It opens the door for our members to start to prepare to reopen their hotels. We just need to hope that the planned date happens,” said Hosbec hotel association boss Nuria Montes. Only 20% of the area’s hotels are currently open with occupancy rates of around 10%. The surge in optimism comes as airlines said bookings for the summer season were more

“She is amazing! Thrilled to bits to get the jab and feeling great!” she told the Olive Press. “Lockdown permitting I’m hoping to get the Mayor to visit on her birthday this year.” Her second jab is booked in two weeks’ time and Peggy will be celebrating her 101st birthday in April. Our photograph shows nurse Juanjo administering

the first dose of the vaccine to Mrs Bloomfield, while the second pic shows her receiving a visit with balloons, champagne and cake from Olive Press reporters when she hit the big 100 last year. Is she the most elderly expat in Spain to get the COVID jab? If you know anyone older, please contact us at newsdesk@theolivepress.es and tell us about it!

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than four times higher compared with the same period last week. Alicante, Malaga and Palma were among the most popular destinations, according to the budget holiday giant easyjet, with August its busiest month. The announcement was described by chief executive, Johan Lundgren, as a ‘much-needed boost in confidence’.

By Kirsty McKenzie

“We have consistently seen a pent-up demand for travel and this surge in bookings shows that this signal has been what UK consumers have been waiting for,” he said. Holiday bookings were up by 630% and flights by 337%. “While the summer may be a little while off, we will be work-

f o r

ing around the clock to ensure we will be ready to ramp up our flights to reconnect friends and family or take them on a long-awaited holiday to remember,” he added. Travel firm Thomas Cook said traffic to its website doubled in the day after the Prime Minister’s statement, while Ryanair confirmed there had been a ‘large surge’ in bookings. However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged caution warning that the effectiveness of vaccines will dictate whether international travel can go ahead. He said: “We have to protect against these new variants, and that is a big challenge.” Hancock added that ‘we can be much more relaxed about international travel’ if vaccines work well against the South Africa and Brazil strains. “If the vaccine doesn’t work against them, then that will be much, much more difficult,” he said. It comes as the government

Back in business as Boris plans to lift travel ban n e w

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Are you feeling depressed? Addiction problems?

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confirmed they are looking at the idea of vaccine passports to allow travel abroad. At the moment Brits are only permitted to travel for essential work purposes. No one is allowed to enter Spain from South Africa, Brazil or the UK via air or sea until 6pm on March 2 under the current restrictions. The ban was first introduced in December when scientists first detected a more-transmissible variant of the virus in the UK. Tight restrictions were originally supposed to end on January 19 but the ban has now been extended multiple times, with restrictions currently in place until March 2. This ban comes after Spain confirmed its first case of the Brazilian variant on Friday, with two cases of the South African variant and 479 cases of the British variant of the virus. Anyone flying into Spain must also proof of a negative Covid test, which should be taken up to 72 hours before departure.

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A Sierra Nevada ll about

Vol. 14 Issue 363

Model patient

www.theolivepress.es

February 2021

Slide away You can finally slope off to Andalucia’s skiing heaven, writes Charlie Smith

Your expat

voice in Spain

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. 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’. Continues overleaf

LONG TIME IN COMING: But residents of Mallorca can hopefully soon hit the slopes See page 11

11th 2021

A POPULAR expat centenarian has had her first COVID jab in her 101st year. Peggy Bloomfield, based on the Costa Blanca, got her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Teulada Medical Centre this week.

And she’s now raring her neighbour Shirleyto go, according to Young. “She is amazing! Thrilled to bits to get the jab and feeling great!” she told the Olive Press. “Lockdown hoping to get the Mayor permitting I’m to visit for her next birthday.” Her second jab is in two weeks’ time and Peggy ing her 101st birthday will be celebratOur photograph (far in April. right) shows nurse Juanjo administering the vaccine to Peggy, the first dose of was all smiles as she while right she received a visit with balloons, champagne from Olive Press reporters and cake when she hit the big 100 last year.

Is she the oldest expat COVID jab? If you knowin Spain to get the anyone older, con- CELEBRATIONS tact us at newsdesk@theolivepre ALL ROUND: Peggy ss.es COVID jab (inset right) receives following her recent her 100th birthday

SKY HIGH HOPES Island could soon be back in business as UK travel ban to be lifted in May

Hancock added that Confidence ‘we can be much Palma was one of the more relaxed about tions, according to themost popular destina- international travel’ easyJet, with August its budget holiday giant if vaccines work well The announcement was busiest month. described by chief ex- against the South ecutive, Johan Lundgren, as a ‘much-needed Africa and Brazil boost in confidence’. strains. “We have consistently the seen a pent-up demand “If vaccine for travel and this surge doesn’t that this signal has been in bookings shows them, work against then that will have been waiting for,” what UK consumers be much, he said. much more Holiday bookings were up by 630% and difficult,” he said. flights by 337%. It comes as the gov“While the summer may be a little while off, ernment confirmed we will be working around the clock to en- it was looking at the sure we will be ready to ramp up our flights idea of vaccine passports to allow travel

Good read

Time will tell

I rea y en oyed read ng he co umn by Mar n Tye I ound he de a s very n eres ng and wasn aware o Spa n s prev ous y poor record on he env ronmen ep om sed by he r d cu ous bu hank u y recen y-removed sun ax Indeed s now hear en ng o read abou he progress ha Spa n has made owards becom ng proac ve on mprov ng he env ronmen as we as earn ng abou he re a ve y good a r qua y n my home prov nce o Ma aga I s good o see he O ve Press re n orc ng s green creden a s and I awa w h n eres he nex Green Ma ers ar c e

It has not yet been proven if people who have been vaccinated can still transmit COVID as this wasn t part of the trials for the first three vaccines The trials only focused on recording people getting symptoms and/or hospitalisation As we go on and get more data we will know if people can carry and transmit the virus after vaccination

Mallorca - Issue 100

Peter McDermott Marbella

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MALLORCA

Vol. 4 Issue 100 www.theolivepress .es February 26th - March

MALLORCA could be lanche of tourists to its gearing up for an avashores in May. Airlines and travel agents By Kirsty McKenzie abroad. At the moment have seen the numBrits are only permitted ber of Brits booking holidays to travel for essential work week after the UK announced abroad soar this to reconnect friends No one is allowed to enter purposes. and its roadmap out on of lockdown. a long-awaited holidayfamily or take them rica, Brazil or the UK via Spain from South Afair or sea until 6pm on to remember,” he March UK tourists should finally added. 2 under the current restrictions. country for holidays from be able to leave the Travel firm Thomas The ban was first Cook May 17, the government announced on Monday. site doubled in the day said traffic to its web- when scientists first introduced in December detected a more-transmisafter the Prime Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the ter’s statement, while Ryanair confirmedMinis- sible variant of the virus in the UK. move as part of his four-step there Tight restrictions had been a ‘large surge’ were in bookings. plan for gradu- However, ally lifting restrictions end on January 19 but originally supposed to Health Secretary Matt the ban has now been Hancock cial contact rules finallyin England, with all so- urged caution, warning lifted by June 21. that the effectiveness of extended multiple times, with restrictions curAirlines, including easyJet, vaccines said bookings el can will dictate whether international trav- rently in place until March 2. for the summer season go ahead. were more than four times higher compared with the same period He said: “We have to protect against these last week. new variants, and that is a Opinion Page 6 big challenge.”

21/6/19 13:30

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SPAIN could be gearing up for described by chief execuBy Kirsty McKenzie an avalanche of tourists to its tive, Johan Lundgren, as a “If the vaccine doesn’t work shores in May. against them, then that will be Airlines and travel agents have to reopen their hotels. We just ‘much-needed boost in confi- much, much more difficult,” seen the number of Brits book- need to hope that the planned dence’. he said. ing holidays abroad soar this date happens,” said Hosbec “We have consistently seen It comes as the government week after the UK announced hotel association boss Nuria a pent-up demand for trav- confirmed they are looking at Montes. el and this surge in bookings its roadmap out of lockdown. the idea of vaccine passports UK tourists could finally be Only 20% of the area’s hotels shows that this signal has been to allow travel abroad. able to leave the country for are currently open with occu- what UK consumers have been At the moment Brits are only waiting for,” he said. holidays from May 17, the gov- pancy rates of around 10%. permitted to travel ernment announced on Mon- The surge in optimism comes Holiday bookings were up by tial work purposes. for essenas airlines said bookings for 630% and flights by 337%. day. No one is allowed to enter Costa Blanca hoteliers have the summer season were more “While the summer may be Spain from South Africa, Brawelcomed the announcement than four times higher com- a little while off, we will be zil or the UK via air from Prime Minister, Boris pared with the same period working around the clock to til 6pm on March 2 or sea ununder the ensure we will be ready to Johnson, who revealed the last week. current restrictions. move as part of his four-step Alicante, Malaga and Palma ramp up our flights to reconplan for gradually lifting re- were among the most popular nect friends and family or take Restrictions destinations, according to the them on a long-awaited holistrictions in England. The ban was first introduced “It opens the door for our budget holiday giant easyjet, day to remember,” he added. members to start to prepare with August its busiest month. Travel firm Thomas Cook said in December when scientists The announcement was traffic to its website doubled in first detected a more-transthe day after the Prime Minis- missible variant of the virus in ter’s statement, while Ryanair the UK. confirmed there had been a Tight restrictions were origi‘large surge’ in bookings. nally supposed to However, Health Secretary uary 19 but the end on Janban has now Jávea / Altea Matt Hancock urged caution been extended multiple times, warning that the effectiveness with restrictions yorkshirelinencostablanca.com of vaccines will dictate wheth- place until March currently in er international travel can go This ban comes 2. after Spain ahead. confirmed its first He said: “We have to protect Brazilian variant case of the against these new variants, with two cases of on Friday, the South Afand that is a big challenge.” rican variant and 479 cases of Hancock added that ‘we can the British variant See page 19 be much more relaxed about Anyone flying into of the virus. Spain must international travel’ if vaccines also proof of a negative Covid work well against the South test, which should be taken up Africa and Brazil strains. to 72 hours before departure. TM

S u b j e c t

cine to Mrs Bloomfield, while the ond pic shows her receiving a visit secballoons, champagne and cake with Olive Press reporters when she from hit the big 100 last year. Is she the most elderly expat in Spain to get the COVID jab? If you know anyone older, please contact us at newsdesk@ theolivepress.es and tell us about it!

Back in business as Boris plans to lift travel ban

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Hit the slopes See page 11

SKY HIGH HOPES

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the jab and feeling great!” she told the Olive Press. “Lockdown permitting I’m hoping to get the Mayor to visit on her birthday this year.” Her second jab is booked two weeks’ time and Peggy will be in brating her 101st birthday in April.celeOur photograph shows nurse Juanjo administering the first dose of the vac-

Costa Blanca Issue 50

A model patient

o n l y .

Continues overleaf

CELEBRATION: Peggy received her COVID jab (left) and happy 100th birthday days at her

Costa Blanca Sur - Issue 34 TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd

Vol. 2 Issue 50 www.theolivepress.es February 25th - March 10th 2021

A POPULAR well-known expat narian has had her first COVID centejab as she approaches her 101st birthday. Peggy Bloomfield, based in Moraira, got her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Teulada Medical Centre. And she’s now raring to go, according to her neighbour Shirley Young. “She is amazing! Thrilled to bits to get

ll about

Slide away

of his shopping after most labelled ‘contraband’ left fuming British expat Peri-Peri sauce - was rules including the due to new Brexit at Gib border

m e r s c u s t o

SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS

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A BRITISH expat branded post-Brexit

2021

Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea

Nightmare

S u b j e c t

r * O f f e

- January 26th

the border confiscated at hot sauce was his Peri-Peri accepted but and cloves were when his chilli Lathey was angry STUMPED: branded expat has A BRITISH legisofficials ‘ridiculous’ But Spanish Spanish border after they confiscated prohibited list. law 2019/2072, and ‘clueless’Peri Peri sauce at the vegetalation, specifically vegetables and his Nando’s Exclusive by dictates that are prohibiteda that Gibraltar border.27, was left fuming from Laurence Dollimore ridiculous as ble-based products shopping the peninsula of 16 shopping Joseph Lathey, “I said it was been a total of his weekly admit- from entering most of my when much as he tried to cross back THERE have COVID-19 since to be named, would mean be allowed in.” told the down his ‘third country.’ the who asked not was binned deaths from first struck in would also not told the Brit that ted that he stuffed bacon they were The Gibraltar Government and “The Government’s into La Linea. the pandemic Indeed, officials his £55 shop his underwear after hearing seeing his bananas someone Olive Press: is that EU law spethe were This meant tipped into a customs Gibraltar. only items from majority of occurred on understanding plant products inseizing the cross the frontier leeks being The last four vaccines finally consumption UK as a cifically exempts sa- could and chilli powder. he add- else’s products. officer’s bin. weekend the classes the cloves for personal at Border Con9. his vegetable any sense,” weekly clue- The EU now bringing in tougher tended were controls didn’t make It also included arrived on January is to the EU. of the deaths of his favourite Therecountry, on “It “they seemed to be pretty ILENCE. third and cannot from official introduction mosas, one The majority ed, with underlyfrom Ramsons, peep on what can trol Posts on not a single controls the bloc. treats he buys of elderly peoplealthough there less. upwards GovI climb the border into to provide documents asand cloves cross Waterport Road. ing conditions exceptions. “I asked them they were takingthrough the valley to to the Gibraltar items his chilli and Agreement will be surof a link According website, several Meanwhile, acceptable. justify what were also some active cases meet my maker. ernment a to just sent me a photo are now Government with of the were deemed website.” COVID-19 1,000 mark just they consumption and milk “Therefore, the stumped. I had matter my head out personal GovernmentI poke have forand the meat to clarify this take “I was completely passed the window period alto a Spanish told he could carhis cable Authorities. including all I thought might milk, seeking to banned, fresh alwith stabiRock chicken which but not the Peri-Peri Nevada’s after the Christmas relevant Spanish Lathey was powdered infant Sierra onto the have since final agreement products (bar special food required the been stopped told the Olive Press. though they pine air hits my lungs. shopping back re- “Until the Gibraltar’s future relafood and sweeping £20,it – ababy or pet food I hear for Then sauce,” Latheysaid it contained onion lised. all store it. imposed in respect to is settled, and white reasons proup selling it crunchadded down the crisp for medical with the EU health reasons). “The officials The strict measures introduced advises on it contained not “I ended than nothing,” than 20kg tionship quired for animal piste, as a snowboarder puree, meaning or derthe social lockdown on Decemwhich is better Lathey. bring in more than 2kg unless the Government and was therefore past below. whizzes You cannot fibridging measures whilst or more cessed veg by the government and comes after It Another tears through, January 2 have any fish product animal products, specific having been agreed Gireports allof weaving allowed over. ber 27 and effect. several then a third, is negotiated,third live mus- ogations me- of other specific nally taken social as a the mountainside at honey, oysters, ondown that agreement experts believe be treated was of Brits Public health speed. includingsnails. diablistering braltar will the purposes of EU custhe third wave terrisels and food more for reminder, pubthe start of Black Friday shopI’m definitely having Government 4, does not list country Spanish thethreeThe at the See page 16 initiated by fied than 29. seized on January as being on the toms controls.” carriage shopguys sharing thelished ping on November border. products vegetable with me.expat, As the pre-Christmas and famthe One We have left behind ping spree continued to meet together cosy bars and restaurants ilies started to have spread main in Pradollano, the ski it is believed town of Andalucia’s only further. resort.

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the vaccine to Mrs Bloomfield, while a visit second pic shows her receiving cake with balloons, champagne and she from Olive Press reporters when hit the big 100 last year. Spain Is she the most elderly expat in know to get the COVID jab? If you us at anyone older, please contact tell newsdesk@theolivepress.es and us about it!

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her COVID jab (left) and happy

she get the jab and feeling great!” told the Olive Press. to “Lockdown permitting I’m hoping get the Mayor to visit on her birthday this year.” two Her second jab is booked in celeweeks’ time and Peggy will be brating her 101st birthday in April. Our photograph shows nurse Juanjo of the administering the first dose

February 2021

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The

La Linea shut down

border THE Lintown of LaConcepcion ea de la extra rehas been handed Anharsh coronavirus the Junta de strictions by which dalucia. municipality,has been The the borders Gibraltar, Level 4.2 of sysplaced into tier region’s coronavirus tem. facing an unprecThe town is in the number to oredented climb was forced of cases and business der all non-essential to cease activity and trade on Sunday. from midnight shops, hotels, with This includes and bars restaurants of essential the exception such as supermarbusinesses stations. kets or petrol the decision Experts made regional president along with on Friday afinJuanma Moreno cumulative ter the town’sreached 1,247.9 cidence rate people. cases per 100,000

CELEBRATION: Peggy received 100th birthday

cenA POPULAR well-known expat jab tenarian has had her first COVID as she approaches her 101st birthday. Peggy Bloomfield, based in Moraira, got her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Teulada Medical Centre. And she’s now raring to go, according to her neighbour Shirley Young. to “She is amazing! Thrilled to bits

www.theolivepress.es

You can finally slope off to Andalucia’s skiing heaven, writes Charlie Smith

RE E TU SIV PIC CLU EX

SKY + + THE DOCTOR

BATTLING: Mike wants his crisps and spices, and (below) our previous front page

nightmare when “It was confirmation of my worst from the UK,” Mike it comes to receiving anything it was the same told the Olive Press. “Before Brexit around the corner, as receiving deliveries fromthe UK is just as diffinow receiving products from Mike, who has lived cult as from China,” continued based in Malaga. in Spain for 27 years, currentlytrade agreement in “There is supposed to be a what that agreeplace, but no-one knows exactly exactly what Brexit ment is - just as no-one knew for it,” added the they voted was when businessman, who recycles products. electronic It comes just a month after LIVE the Olive Press broke the stoRESS ry that guards at the Gibralconfiscatborder tar-Spanish PERI-LESS ed a furious expat’s Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce under new CROSSING Brexit rules. Joseph Lathey, 27, a Brit who works in Gibraltar but lives in Spain, said was left fuming when much of his weekly

Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the move as part of his four-step plan for gradually lifting restrictions in England, with all social contact rules finally lifted by June 21. Airlines, including easyJet, said bookings for the summer season were more than four times higher compared with the same period last week. While Spanish destinations were popular, Gibraltar businesses will be looking forward to a surge in airport arrivals too. The announcement was described by chief executive, Johan Lundgren, as a ‘much-needed boost in confidence’. “We have consistently seen a pent-up demand for travel and this surge in bookings shows that this signal has been what UK consumers have been waiting for,” he said.

You’ve got no mail!

Nightmare

Sky high hopes

Continues overleaf

The

GIBRALTAR could be gearing up for an avalanche of tourists to its shores in May. Airlines and travel agents have seen the number of Brits booking the slopes abroad soar this week Hit holidays announced its roadUK11 page after See the map out of lockdown. UK tourists will finally be able to leave the country for holidays from May 17, the government announced on Monday.

ll about

Vol. 14 Issue 363

Slide away

Your

expat

voice in Spain

The

is ILENCE. Therepeep not a single as I climb upwards to through the valley meet my maker. out of the I poke my head and the cable car window fresh alSierra Nevada’slungs. pine air hits my– a sweeping Then I hear itthe crisp white crunch down snowboarder piste, as a below. whizzes past through, and Another tears all weaving at then a third, down the mountainside blistering speed.more terriI’m definitelythree Spanish fied than the the carriage guys sharing with me. behind the We have left restaurants cosy bars and the main in Pradollano, only ski town of Andalucia’s resort. at Borreguiles, We step out 2,700 mewhich sits somelevel. tres above sea basecamp for This is the Sierra’s runs, many of the from the which range ‘muy facil’ green-coloured in black, lapistes to those belled ‘muy dificil’.

VALENCIA / COSTA AZAHAR February 25th - March 10th 2021 FREE Vol. 1 Issue 7 www.theolivepress.es

post-Brexit rules ‘his A BRITISH expat has branded present of his faworst nightmare’ after a birthday banned from entervourite treats from the UK was ing the country. when he heard his Mike Battle, 41, was left stumped up by customs in package of goodies had been held Madrid for over TEN days. via courier company The gift, sent from his family, mixes - but Mike Fedex, contained crisps and spice never got to unwrap them. €20, was deemed The parcel, valued at around and returned to unacceptable by customs chiefs Mike’s mother in Leeds.

OLIVE PRESS

slope off to You can finally heaven, Andalucia’s skiing Smith writes Charlie

FREE

Double the than double That is more of the currently average rate de Gibraltar besieged Campowhich stands health district,per 100,000 inat 506.5 cases made habitants. district, currently The whole towns, is one up eight meaning no closed down,exit without a juscan leave or such as medical, tified reason, work. legal or for will remain These measures at least Januin place until said at a press ary 25, Moreno today. conference was first closed off disThe campo authorities when health more contagious covered the of the virus had UK variantGibraltar. which arrived in La Linea, workSince then, an exreceives cross-border has seen ers daily,sharp increase in tremely cases. Olive COVID-19 told the situthe One worker week that ‘out of Press this area was ation in the control.’ woman, who works lives The young del Sol but parton the Costa and her in the Campo,both waiting to ner are still coming into dibe tested after with a COVID-19 rect contact infected person.

February 2021

www.theolivepress.es

363 Vol. 14 Issue

expat

James Carter Lliber

A Sierra Nevada

COSTA BLANCA

A model patient

TAR

OLIVE PRESS

The

La Linea shut down

border THE Lintown of LaConcepcion ea de la handed extra rehas been de Anharsh coronavirus by the Junta strictions which dalucia. municipality,has been The of the borders Gibraltar, Level 4.2 tier sysplaced into region’s coronavirus unprectem. is facing an number The town in the to oredented climb was forced business of cases and activity der all non-essential to cease and trade on Sunday. from midnight shops, hotels, - with This includes and bars restaurants of essential the exception such as supermarbusinesses stations. kets or petrol the decision Experts made regional president afalong with on Friday inJuanma Moreno cumulative ter the town’sreached 1,247.9 cidence rate people. cases per 100,000

Slide away

Your voice in Spain

OLIVE PRESS

BATTLING: Mike wants his crisps and spices, and (below) our previous front page

ll about

OLIVE PRESS

W TH CHEAPER

The

The the UK. is on a list of 33 The south-western European nation and not even a top countries which requires a quarantine boxer can be excluded from the rules. are always having to “In the current environment we Eddie Hearn. think on our feet,” said promoter March 6 happen, but “We did everything to try and make was impossible. with the new travel restrictions it the box, compelling, we have something outside “now Nevada A Sierra heavyweight fights of and a unique setting for one of the Rock!” the year - roll on the Rumble on the sent Povetkin to the Brixton man Whyte had twice in August. The Rusground during the first clash back knocking out Whyte sian had the last laugh, however, S with a single punch.

Andrew Witkowski Estepona

Raising awareness SAVE MONEY

Mixed feelings

Grea ar c e on h s sub ec I s very mpor an or you o ra se he awareness o he prob ems we are eav ng beh nd or he nex genera on We done

Joanna Elliott Cadiz

R C TY IMPORTANT: The Olive Press GREENER E ECT has long been highlighting environmental issues

Passport deal on the cards A deal (for people who have had the COVID-19 vaccine) makes sense especially with such slow progress with the vaccine programme However I am sceptical about allowing tourism into Spain All is well and good if UK citizens that have had the vaccine want to come here but they can still transmit COVID to the entire population here that haven t had a sniff of a vaccine

Jus a qu ck ema o congra u a e your paper on cover ng a very mpor an ma er such as he env ronmen and he renewab e so u ons ha ex s here n Spa n So hank you

D w

GIBRAlTAR

FREE

Rumble on the Rock!

boxing fights of the ONE of the biggest heavyweight March 27, thanks to year will be held in Gibraltar on CoVID-19. get a second chance to British boxer Dillian Whyte will Rock because of UK topple Alexander Povetkin on thehe succeeds he will coronavirus quarantine rules. If Fury for the WBC win back the right to challenge Tyson Antony Joshua in their world belt - so long as Fury beats own fight. was a shock, was meant Whyte, whose defeat to Povetkin on March 6, but to have a rematch in Wembley Arena he would have had to with Whyte training in Portugal, when he arrived in go into hotel lockdown for 10 days

Keeping it up!

A NEED S THE A R HA BR A H …

Mike Jeffrey Calahonda

OLIVE PRESS

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

It’s good to be green...

Dear Olive Press,

100th Edition

2 Nothing special (7) 3 Devout (5) 4 Diurnal (5) 5 Small banger (7) 6 Won’t take no for an answer (7) 7 In competition (5) 13 Affair of the heart (7) 14 “--- it be nice?” (Beach Boys hit) (7) 16 Damages (7) 18 Harbour entrance (5) 19 Fund (5) 20 Piles of straw (5)

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Green Belt

Martin Tye on the concept of giving up plastic

Why can’t we stop?

REMEMBER as a delinquent and rebellious teenager my mother’s words…”If you don’t knuckle down you are going to end up as a Stop and Go man!!” Stop and Go. Simple words, frequently used, with many connotations. Changing tack to my theme for this edition’s article, why as human beings can’t we stop and go green? Why can’t we increase our efforts to stop pollution? Will we actually ever get serious on this topic, or just pay lip service to one of the major issues this world faces? Is it something we believe other people should do, optional...like using your car indicators in Spain? Why do my children keep attending beach clean ups? And What do we and local councils do to stop pollution on our beaches? Precious little in my view. Spain relies on tourism. Yet PLASTIC is a major problem on our beaches. Plastic waste is a global phenomenon that the UN is trying to tackle by persuading countries to introduce restrictive measures. Spain has introduced - after most Europeans - the banning of free plastic bags in shops. Baby steps. If we all do a little, we’ll only achieve a little. That’s the truth.

HISTORY OF PLASTIC The first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was produced in 1907, marking the beginning of the plastics industry. Rapid growth came after the Second World War. From 1950 to 2020 annual production of plastics increased more than 200-fold. Annual production now exceeds 400 million tonnes. To put this in context, this is roughly equivalent to the mass of two thirds of the world population. I am not castigating plastic. It is a unique material with many benefits: It’s inexpensive, versatile, lightweight, and resistant. This makes it a valuable material for many applications. The trade off between its benefits and pollution are therefore complex. What I do take issue with is the ultimate destination of this item. In 2020, the world produced more than eight billion tonnes of plastic - more than one tonne for every person alive today. A staggering statistic. ONLY 22% OF PLASTIC IS RECYCLED While 23% is incinerated, a process that produces Carbon Dioxide (CO2), a primary driver of global climate change. Now the bad news....55% is discarded. Within Europe, Spain does

Green matters

By Martin Tye

not not fare well. 0.28Kg is wasted per person, per day. That’s a lot of plastic. By comparison, France is 0.19Kg per day, while Italy 0.13Kg per day.

WHAT CAN WE DO? • Cut down on use of non essential plastics • Replace single use plastics with sustainable alternatives • Recycle • Stop littering • Be responsible, do more and educate others PLASTICS LAST FOREVER Macroplastics (small particles), appear to persist on the surface of the ocean for decades without breaking down. Objects are regularly found at sea that date back to the 1950’s. Even if we stopped ocean plastic waste this year (there’s more chance of COVID ending tomorrow), macroplastics would remain in our surface waters for many more decades. This is because we have a huge legacy of plastics buried and awash on our shorelines. Big changes are needed. Stop and Go think, dear 100% Certified Green Energy readers.

Martin Tye is the owner of Mariposa Energy, contact him at martin@mariposaenergia.es

A HIGHLY ambitious plan has been announced by Malaga City Council to combat climate change. The council, through the Urban Environment Observatory (OMAU), is beginning to lay the foundations for a project which, if it becomes a reality, will greatly increase the environmental value of the capital.

Alarming CLIMATE change could have devastating effects on food safety all over the world in 20 years’ time. According to research by Valencia-based non-profit technological centre Ainia, global warming is expected to cause problems with regards to access to food, nutritional quality and product price stability as early as 2021. Biological threats are a main cause for concern, with a type of bacteria known as Vibrio potentially due to appear in seafood products as a result of rising temperatures in the oceans. Vibrio can cause an infection known as vibriosis, which currently kills 100 people and infects an estimated 80,000 in the USA every year. Animal welfare risks could also appear.

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The initiative, modelled on the Climate 2050 Plan, involves the construction of a large green belt in the eastern part of the municipality, which would involve the planting of more than three million shrubs and trees to reforest more than 2,000 hectares of land. The project would allow almost 390,000 tonnes of carbon to be captured and sequestered over a period of 30 years. According to the OMAU document, the estimated cost of the green belt, and its management in the period 2021-2050, is more than €16 million . The project includes the creation of new woodlands and areas of Mediterranean undergrowth within and around Malaga city, as well as an increase in the amount of space available for public use. The reforestation, which will also provide flood and disease control, will be done with holm oaks, cork oaks, carob trees, wild olive trees, black poplars, willows, kermes oaks, aladern, mastic trees, oleanders, taraje, palimito and myrtle. Ecological connectivity within the belt and surrounding areas with the creation of natural spaces in the interior of the province, towards the Montes de Malaga Natural Park and the city itself is also included in the progress document posted on the Urban Environment Observatory (OMAU) website. www.omau-malaga.com

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March 2021

enahavis

Selling quality properties in Benahavís for 50 y

EAGLE’S EYE: Benahavis has spectacular views of the coast

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 | info@panorama.e

the Costa lifestyle with benefits You really can have it all in this elite mountain enclave – including free Spanish lessons and the lowest council tax in the country, writes Kirsty McKenzie

UGH Grant has holidayed here; Rod Stewart and Cristiano Ronaldo have also contributed to the town hall coffers; Princess Diana took William and Harry here as boys to hide out from the paparazzi on Lady Annabel Goldsmith’s sprawling estate. Adnan Khashoggi, the Saudi arms dealer and one-time richest man on the planet also had a huge stake in the area now known as La Zagaleta, Spain’s poshest private estate.

The people who have it all recognise a kindred spirit in Benahavis, the pueblo that has it all - Costa del Sol beach views, wild nature on the doorstep, sun, seclusion and sophisticated nightlife in reach. Tucked into the southern slopes of the Serrania de Ronda above Marbella, 20km from town as the Porsche flies, it’s no wonder the hills of Benahavis boast some of the swankiest homes in Continues overleaf

CHARMING: The heart of Benahavis is a popular place to dine

SELLING QUALITY PROPERTIES IN BENAHAVÍS FOR 50 YEARS Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 www.panorama.es Offices at Puente Romano and opposite the Marbella Club hotel Regulated by RICS

2 March 10th - March 23rd 2021

The Voice was forced to wait for his big day

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HE Olive Press revealed exclusively in 2014 that 'People's tenor' Russell Watson was left to wait nervously for 50 minutes when his new bride, Louise Harris, 33, arrived nearly an hour late for his Benahavis wedding. Not one - but two - vintage Rolls Royces failed to arrive at the allotted time to pick up his bride, and she arrived at 1.50pm rather than 1pm. Fortunately for the opera star - who sang

just days before in the Colosseum of Rome with Andrea Bocelli - his bride, 21 years his junior, finally arrived at Benahavis Church in a third Rolls Royce. The 63 guests heard two readings during the 20-minute service and then gave, naturally, a rousing rendition of All things bright and beautiful. He is, after all, the man behind The Voice, the UK's biggest-selling classical album of all time and has sold over seven million albums worldwide. "You could clearBIG DAY: ly hear Russell's ss Pre ve Oli voice ringing out pic of Russel over the assemWatson’s bled throng," wedding said church warden Bernardo Gallagher. Watson has been a longtime visitor to Benahavis and has occasionally even been coaxed to sing while on a night out in the town (see Dining Room of the Costa later).

642 32 91 59

B enahavis

Mountain pure

From front

Spain. And COVID has barely put a dent in demand. It is still one of the best performing property markets in Spain, as well as one of the wealthiest per capita. Over 85,000 residents from more than 100 countries of the world have settled here, enjoying panoramic views of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean and North Africa. Yet despite being a playground for the well-heeled, the municipality has the lowest property tax in

the country. Becoming resident Benahavian comes with all kinds of fringe benefits you wouldn’t get anywhere else – including your photograph immortalised for posterity in the town hall records! Registering on the town hall padron gets you free access to language lessons, arts classes and a variety of sports including padel, tennis and basketball. And crime is almost unheard of thanks to the security cameras snapping every car registration that comes through

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its pearly gates. lent than the last. And the heavenly parallels More benefits are on their don’t end there. Zigzagging way. The medical centre is up from the set to expand, coast’s sandy as are the beaches along Every twist and transport links a gently winding connecting turn reveals mountain road Benahavis to following the Marbella, and a another Guadalamina new school for gleaming river is like en1,000-plus putering a Garden pils is planned mansion of Eden: every for 2024. Golf twist and turn fanatics will be reveals another gleaming thrilled to hear about the demansion peeping between velopment of a spectacular the foliage, each more opu- 18-hole golf course, which

13 March 10th - March 23rd 2021

will see the famous Marbella Club Golf resort doubling in size. At the heart of the community is the quaint town centre with its retro postcard appeal: sun soaked bars and coffee shops sit alongside bijou art galleries and quotes from Shakespeare, Blake and Sabines resonate in script on the sides of whitewashed buildings. It’s a reflection of this cosmopolitan community who are over 60% foreigners - generations of Brits, Americans, Asians and Europeans adding to the rich heritage of the town. “There’s a place for everyone here and we are proud of that,” says local councillor Scott Marshall whose remit is tourism, immigration, communication and local development. “We have a cultural hub here which has its own library and seminar room that can be used for meetings and lessons and upstairs we have photographs of everyone who has lived here over the years. There’s a real sense of community. Families look out for each other.” Scott’s family is one of the best known in the area through his artist father. One of the very first expats to settle here after emigrating from Scotland more than 50 years ago, David Marshall helped to develop the town centre, setting up an art gallery for his famous sculptures that have adorned many a mansion around Spain since the 1970s.

POWERPLAYERS: The Goldsmith clan (top Ben and Zac) and (above left) Cristiano Ronaldo took a holiday last summer and (above) Sir James and his former guest Lady Diana

“When my father first arrived Babel of languages ringing there was almost nothing out across the square, popuhere. But it has really flou- lar with families late into the rished thanks to his hard evenings. work.” Follow the smell of tapas and Scott’s knowledge of property enjoy food at popular haunts in the area is equally unmat- like Bodeguita El Chico, La ched. Born and raised in Be- Escalera and Los Abanicos. nahavis, only leaving it once Or for those missing Britain? for a year, he launched his “You can’t beat the burgers real estate business, Proper- at Legends,” grins Scott. tieSpain, in 2009. Walking off the calories isn’t “It was only exactly a proafter spenblem, with paThere has ding a year in del courts and Aberdeen that football pitches been huge I realised what free for resia great quality dents. Golf is investment of life we have also big here, made on sports here,” he exas is hiking into plains. “So I the mountains facilities came straight from town along back out.” the well-sig“People always talk about nposted trails. Marbella and Estepona, but “There has been huge investI think Benahavis is the real ment in sports facilities and hidden gem of the coast,” he miles of walking and cycle says. tracks,” says Scott. “It’s rea“The town hall is the weal- lly a great place if you like to thiest per inhabitant in the keep fit, particularly when the whole of Spain, which means sun is shining.” there are all sorts of subsi- And it almost always is - the dies here that just don’t exist Costa del Sol sees an averaanywhere else. ge 320 days of sunshine a Year-round, the town’s year, making it an obvious alleyways, restaurants, es- place to settle, especially for presso bars and baroque those fed up with lockdown in courtyards planted with co- Britain. lourful flowers are always “We’re seeing a lot of peobuzzing and you can catch a ple looking for more outdoor space than ever before,” says Scott. “People are really keen to have as much space as possible and are turning away from flats to bigger properties.” Nor should Brexit put British buyers off, Scott believes. “We have lots of ‘floating residents’ here, many of whom are from non-EU countries, so we are very familiar with the process of helping people settle in from outside the EU. “The town hall is definitely here to help. “I don’t see Brexit or COVID changing people’s mind about Benahavis. We don’t see big price swings, rather a slow, steady increase, year after year,” Scott adds. “It never goes out of fashion!”

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March 10th - March 23rd 2021

B enahavis

Presidential perfect PALACE: The €20m mansion linked to Putin and (left) visitors Hugh Grant and Rod Stewart

‘

SECRETIVE’, ‘exclusive’ and ‘elite’ – words that perfectly describe La Zagaleta, said to be Europe’s most expensive residential estate and country club. It is home to some of the world’s richest businessmen, oligarchs and celebrities, up in the hills above Benahavis and with all-encompassing views along the Costa del Sol and out to Gibraltar and Africa. Surrounded by rumours and jealousy – and one of the world’s slickest security operations – Zagaleta has the mysterious allure of a place that is both known, yet completely unknown. The longest-running rumour (rumbling around for nearly eight years since it was first reported by the Olive Press) is that Russian president Vladimir Putin owns a €20 million palace within its borders. The soaring mansion, sitting atop its very own peak, counts on three underground floors, a garage for dozens of cars and a 200m shooting range, revealed Olive Press sources. It also has a wine cellar, with its own separate champagne section, and the highest security of any of the houses in the estate. “Zagaleta already has the best security in Spain but when there’s a certain person at home, you can’t believe how tight things get and it has its own security within security,” explains one. The property was later revealed to be owned by a group of six incredibly wealthy men, with Putin a firm favourite to be the biggest player. Unofficially the world’s richest man, he certainly owns many properties outside Russia and, according to official travel doc-

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Swimming in riches and swirling with rumours, it’s easy to see how Zagaleta is known as ‘Europe’s most exclusive development’ with allegedly Putin as an owner uments, he was a long time mayor of Moscow as well as visitor to the Costa del Sol on Orange Telecom founder Hans dozens of occasions before Snook, ex CEO of Starwood becoming presiHotels Jurgen dent. Bartels and Lord What is for sure Stanley Fink, though is that It already has the the former Conthis 2,200-acre best security in servative Party enclave is extreasurer. Spain but when And let’s not foractly the kind of place one could get Athina OnasPutin comes it imagine a Russis, whose famigoes haywire sian president ly have a home residing. on the borders, Flying in by heas well as Hugh licopter, before taking a dip in Grant, Cristian Ronaldo and their infinity pools and then Rod Stewart, who have either banging off a few rounds of golf owned, rented or visited in the (or guns). leafy enclave. They include a range of secre- The villas vary dramatically, tive figures, such as the former from elegant Moorish designs

with sea views to new modern builds surrounded by forest, each complete with pools, gyms and jacuzzis. But the best views are found at the estate’s helipad, which allows those with the deepest pockets to land at Malaga airport in their private jet, hop on a helicopter and 10 minutes later they are sipping a cocktail by their pool. And Zagaleta certainly provides the security required to relax and unwind, with armed guards and pack dogs constantly patrolling on and off road. Every property is also directly linked to central security, meaning touching a panic button delivers the weight of Za-

galeta’s forces to your doorstep its current owners – a Spanish/ within seconds. Swiss consortium – in the mid And it wouldn’t be the Costa del 1980s. Sol without a stunning, top-of- The development officially bethe-range golf course. Well, Za- gan being marketed in 1991 galeta has two. And there is no and has been regarded as problem getting a tee time, as the height of luxury living ever long as you have a home there, since. that is. Currently around 30% of resiThe clubhouse dents are Britwas originally ish, 30% Gerthe home of man, 15% ScanAfter his fall disgraced fordinavian and mer billionaire from Grace for 10% Russian. businessman So far neararms dealing, Adnan Khashogly 300 or so gi, and he clearly homes have the estate was had an eye for a been built, but confiscated good view. there is room for The entrance is more than 400, studded with his with a new, final hunting trophies – stag heads zone soon to be zoned at the – and the communal areas are back, below the Ronda road. elegantly furnished. With plots starting at around After his fall from grace for arms €3m alone, don’t expect to find dealing, the estate was confis- anything for sale for less than cated and then purchased by €10m.

Golfing hotspot

THE gently sloping foothills of the Serrania de Ronda and glistening sea views make Benahavis the ideal location for a round of golf - as nine stunning courses can testify. With more than 320 sunny days per year, golf is played in all seasons, and more often than not in polo shirt and shorts. Clubs such as Los Flamingos, Atalaya and La Quinta boast more than 18 holes. While the village itself is now home to its own driving range and hosts regular tournaments on its courses. The spectacular courses were designed by renowned golf architects such as Robert Trent Jones and golfing legends including Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. In 1991, the Benahavis Golf Club was founded, aiming to get residents playing at their local course for a reasonable price, even the luxurious fairways in La Zagaleta.

A special four-page pullout www.theolivepress.es

March 2021

GENERATIONS: The many faces of solidarity on International Women’s Day in Spain

One in five Spanish women gave up work due to the COVID crisis, while they are also poorer and harder working than men, writes OP Digital Editor Fiona Govan

N previous years March 8 was a day when I would meet up with a group of friends and we would hit the streets of Madrid joining tens of thousands of others to mark International Women’s Day. We would don purple items of clothing and join in the protests that attracted people from all walks of life and across the generations – both men and women, boys and girls. There was a carnival atmosphere as people of all ages, from grandparents to toddlers hoisted on shoulders, came to-

gether in a sea of purple brandishing signs with powerful slogans to show that modern Spain means equal opportunities, whatever gender you are. But the demonstrations also underlined how much there was still to do; women may now be fully accepted in the workplace but they are still penalised by a gender pay gap, which is not improving fast enough. Meanwhile violence against women is still recognised as a major problem in Spain and we are currently witnessing the

The faces onthestreet

A SMALL village in deep inland Malaga has enlisted the skills of two local artists to transform two whitewashed walls into a tribute to rural women across the ages. In a project entitled ‘Saucedeñas’, Ronda photographer Ana Becerra and artist Selector Marx have taken to Villanueva del Rosario. Residents awoke last week to large scale black and white collages of images of local rural women emblazoned on walls of municipal buildings. “The women are entrepreneurs, who cultivated creativity or who had a history of self-improvement” said Becerra.

Long way to go

rise of the country’s political far right and with it a denial of gender inequalities. This year with Spain still in the grip of the pandemic, there are no mass protests with authorities banning gatherings to avoid potential super-spreader events, but the health crisis has highlighted and even compounded some of the inequalities in society. Working from home has seen a steep rise in mental health issues with women bearing the brunt of the burden of childcare and housework as they try to balance work life with home-schooling and care for their elderly relatives. When Spain went into lockdown a year ago, gender violence soared with the authorities reporting an 18% rise in calls during the first fortnight alone. A survey conducted by DYM in the run up to Women’s Day this year revealed that 7% of

tions remains around a third of that of men with the numbers dropping even further as careers progress. Spain’s female executives earn 15.1 percent less than their male counterparts, although this is just below the EU average salary gap of 16 percent according to the latest EU data from 2017. women had suffered physical This inequality is highlighted or psychological abuse from in the statement issued by men during 2020. Spain’s government on March And most alarmingly of all, 8: “Women in Spain work according to more than men the latest data, today, but they women made are poorer.” Women up 93% of thoOf course there represent 47% are still reasons se who gave up employment to be positive of elected during 2020 in and to celebrate Spain... citing MPs, a bigger just how far wocaring for mimen have come proportion nors, elderly or in Spain. sick relatives as Spain may not than Sweden the main reahave had a sons. female prime That is one in five women, ac- minister but it has the largest cording to a survey by online share of women in any Eurocommunity MalasMadres. pean legislature with women During the second quarter of representing 47% of elected last year, a period that coin- MPs, a bigger proportion of cided with Spain’s strict loc- female lawmakers than even kdown 61,000 women gave Sweden. up their jobs to care for others More than half of Pedro Sancompared to just 6,500 men. chez’s cabinet comprises woAnd when it comes to the wor- men – each one impressively kplace itself, the proportion of qualified for their role – with women in managerial posi- women holding key ministerial positions including Foreign Minister and Health Minister. We’ve come a long way since the end of the dictatorship when a woman had to have her father’s or husband’s permission to travel and couldn’t open a bank account. But there’s no room for complacency, we still have a long long way to go.

Importantday Charmaine Arbouin, British Consul for Andalusia, Canary Islands, Ceuta & Melilla. Based in Malaga she covers the region of Spain that has the largest concentration of British residents “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women - both past and present; those who have shaped and transformed our world, whether that be politically or in the fields of science and culture. But it’s also a moment to reflect on what still needs to be done and that’s why this year’s theme of Choose to Challenge matters. We must all choose to call out bias and inequality, so that we have even more great female achievers to celebrate in the future.”

March 2021

HoW Women work

HERE are many unsung heroines on the Costa del Sol who have experienced an extraordinary year. Everything changed when Spain implemented a draconian lockdown for its residents. Today we step inside the lives of some of the women who lived and breathed it to find out how they have coped with the last 12 months and how dealing with COVID here has impacted them. Melissa Vaughn, for example, lost her cleaning work when lockdown struck. With suddenly a lot of time on her hands, she started reading stories on Facebook at 4pm to cheer up friends and family, and to distract herself from a ‘terrifying time’. But then she had a brainwave: A couple of months earlier, Melissa had recorded a voiceover for a video promotion for her local choir and a jingle for a radio station. She had received fantastic feedback, so with no job and unsure of what to do, she decided to try to use her voice to generate an income. The Casares resident registered on an online platform where she could apply or be recruited for voiceover work and she now has more than 80 five-star reviews from clients who have used her for anything from podcast introductions and jingles to radio and TV adverts. She has even gone on to help create a children’s musical e-book called The Nature of Me, in which she narrates poems from Spanish-based p o e t Jaany. “2020

How has Covid-19 affected the lives of women on the Costa del Sol? Helen Barklam had a chat with six expats to find out.

INSPIRATION: Singer Melissa Vaughn (above) and (below) Natalia Edelmann has turned out to be the best year of my life. I have never done voiceover before and now I have a brand new career. This would never have happened without the lockdown,” she explains. Another expat who had to make drastic changes was Dixie Mitchell, who has run estate agency IPP Spain in Fuengirola for nearly 20 years. When lockdown began, Dixie knew she had to make changes to be able to stay afloat. A large proportion of her business of sales and rentals was from British, Belgian, German and Scandinavian clients, many of whom had fled back to their home countries. While March was usually the start of her busiest time of year, all of a sudden she had nothing. They needed to urgently adapt. “But what we suddenly saw was the number of enquiries going through the roof. People were sitting at home and contemplating life. They were starting to realise what their priorities were and that perhaps it was time to start fulfilling their dreams of a holiday home abroad. “Others

had started to realise that you don’t hear any of the they could work from any- stress and worry that she has where in the world, so why obviously been through. But not work from Spain in the this positive, inspiring womsunshine. Some of the con- an had an idea. versations we have had with “When lockdown happened clients have been extraordi- we thought it would be fun to nary. do an online concert to help “We started doing online keep people’s spirits up and calls with property develop- entertain each other. ers and clients to bring the “Within an hour of doing a new projects to life. The great radio interview, we had thouthing about new develop- sands of requests to join ments is that there is nothing Rock the Lockdown. At its for clients to see as it is ei- peak there were 875,000 ther a plot of land or a build- people in the group, it was ing site. As long as they were incredible. happy with the location, then “While it wasn’t an income there was no reason why they generator, it helped give me couldn’t buy from the call. a purpose during an incredi“We would also get our prop- bly difficult time. erty owners to do video tours “Sure we may have had to with clients. It give up our worked really dream home well and it has and it has When you changed the way been tough, we do things.” but, looking have a family Dixie didn’t let back, creatCOVID beat her. ing Rock the and adversity She has gone on Lockdown has to use the crisis strikes you have helped us to to launch a new create a new to find a way luxury properline of work. ty brand called “We were able Mitchell’s Presto give a plattige Properties. form to artists we would nev“2020 was a big learn- er have known. As a result, ing curve, but we have got one was offered a recording through some very tough contract and another setimes and things are set to cured work on a cruise ship. explode in 2021,” she be- “As well as our own gigs, we lieves. are now working with other Lucy Pardoe meanwhile, was artists and helping them to a singer and wedding hair get their voices heard. We and make-up artist, who saw have tours planned. I have all her events and weddings just had my first hair and cancelled from the lockdown. make-up booking for a wedShe lost both of her busi- ding. Things are looking up.” nesses and - alongside her Lucy Reed, from San Pedro, partner Ollie, who was also is a mum of four and was a hugely popular Robbie Wil- working in commission only liams tribute act - they had to sales when the pandemic downsize from a wonderful took hold. villa in the Mijas hills twice to “We had just come out of our be able to make ends meet. quiet period at work and the But, when you speak to Lucy, busy season was about to

Cristina Hodgson, Olive Press reporter and former international runner

Kate Langshaw Olive Press tech guru

hey say that a challenged T world is an alert world, appropriately, this years’

International Women’s Day 2021 theme is ‘Choose to challenge.’ Yet sometimes, without choosing, without even realising, we really can challenge. As a former international runner Cristina Hodgson , based near Cordoba, comprehends what ‘challenge’ means more than most. “Automatically, I always associated it with a physically demanding test,” she said. “But ironically one race will always stand out in my mind as one of my most ‘challenging’ but not for the physical toll undertaken.” It was New Years eve, 1998, and Cristina had signed up to run an important open race in a town near where

start when COVID and lockdown happened. “I had three teenage boys home-schooling. One was going for his GCSEs and one was doing his finals to get him into University. My husband was also working from home. “I had no idea when my office would open again and what to do with myself, so I turned to what was normally my passion project – art. “With bodies everywhere, I made the dining room table my studio. Trying to juggle large wet artworks and mealtimes was an art in itself! “It was a fantastic distraction and there was a lot of interest through a Facebook page I set up, but people’s financial circumstances due to COVID meant buying art was not a priority. “So I turned to my old profession as a graphic designer and worked on some freelance projects and continued with my art on the side. “When you have a family and you are struck by adversity, you have to find a way. And that was what I did. Although we are far from out of the pandemic, things have calmed and I can stop and reflect on what we have all been through in the last year, and how lucky we are.” Natalia Edelmann, from Casares, is an online entrepreneur and business coach so didn’t see an immediate

she lived. She won the race and was given a small, cheap-looking medal to congratulate her win and watched in horror as the male winner walked off with an enormous trophy, a huge leg of jamon Iberico, a box of wine and a wad of cash. “I was appalled to say the least,” she recalls. “I kicked up a right fuss.” The following year Cristina returned to race. “I had my motives and it certainly wasn’t for a leg of jamon,” she said, “That year I walked away with a trophy, a leg of ham, a box of wine, money but most importantly on equal terms. “I never asked for more, just the same. I didn’t choose to challenge, but I’m glad I did.”

change in her work c i r c u m stances when lockdown started. Now, she believes this whole experience has made her stronger and more resilient. “The biggest impact for me was my social world and physical health. Suddenly Zoom became the go-to, but that meant I was sitting for long hours at my desk, more than I would usually. “I was eating more and exercising less. I gained 20 pounds in that first lockdown and had to bring in home gym equipment to help me to get active.” Working and communicating online has changed the way many of us work and Natalia

Christine Hartfield, Silver medalist at the Andalucian Dressage Championships

Most of you readers might not recognise her name. But for six years Kate Langshaw has been ‘skulking under the bonnet’ of the OP engine and making sure the website keeps ticking. Before moving to the Costa Blanca eight years ago, Kate studied for her degree in computer software engineering back home in England. “There weren’t many women on the course and at some points I was the only one in the class. “From there I set up my own website design and development company, working from home and taking on new clients.” She also spent 15 years playing semi-professional poker alongside her web busines, getting sponsored to play tournaments all around the world. “You really do learn to have your wits about you and you meet many characters along the way,” she said. “Being a woman in poker definitely had its advantages and disadvantages.” She also trained weekly at a Thai Boxing gym, believing it was a great way to build confidence and power. “I always thought it was important to be able to defend yourself if ever needed,” she said. Now a single mother raising her son in Spain has provided her with plenty of new challenges. “Being a mum and working certainly changes your priorities,” she said. “ Now my only focus is that I hope I am a positive role model and an inspiration to him.”

hristine, who runs Cortijo Uribe horse C riding holidays near Antequera, said: “My belief is that people should feel empowered

to achieve their personal ambitions no matter what age or sex. Do not be put off by others, do not make excuses. See your goal and make it happen. You will find people on your journey that will help you make your dreams come true.”

rked it out

March 2021

SMILES: Lucy Pardoe (left) painter Lucy Reed, Dixie Mitchell (top) and Ali Meehan saw the opportunity. are thousands of members She has helped women to around Spain. transition their businesses When lockdown was anand scale them online by nounced Ali was just 24 hours becoming the director of the away from the start of their women’s empowerment or- International Women’s Day ganisation BIG Conference. (Believe. In“We had hours spire. Grow). to take the conWe have heard The last word ference online, must go to Ali but we did it. many heartMeehan, one From then on, breaking of the key fewe have cremale figures on ated a much stories from the coast, who stronger onfounded Costa line presence, our members Women more connecting in than 10 years more than 230 ago. online events The group was designed to and we have increased our connect women who were membership across Spain,” living in or moving to the reveals Ali, who is based in Costa del Sol, but now there Fuengirola.

‘I J

“We have totally adapted our business model as a result of what has happened to fit the new world. It has been very hard to keep a positive focus at times, but I believe it is my role among the chaos to stay motivated, engaged and supportive for our members. “We have heard many heart-breaking stories from our members, but we have worked with them to help and find solutions,” she adds. These amazing ladies are just a handful of women who have juggled work, no work, family, mental health, physical health, got creative, not given up and come out the other side of a horrific year. Get in touch and tell us your COVID-19 stories ladies.

UE Wilson moved to Spain with the expectation of a quiet retirement in the sun. But when the Brexit referendum produced a ‘yes’ vote in June 2016, the course of her life changed forever. This is her story: Like many a British tourist, I fell in love with Spain at an early age. The idea of retiring on the costas was a dream that blossomed over time until, in our fifties, my husband Steve and I began to ask ourselves why wait till we retire? Why not just take the plunge? It was the best decision we ever made. Although we moved in 2007, I continued to work for a further 11 years, both in the UK and Spain. When retirement did eventually come, it was rather different than expected – thanks to Brexit. I say I’m retired, but since the Brexit referendum I have never worked so hard, or such long hours.+ Before that fateful day, when the referendum turned my world upside down, I had never been very interested in current affairs, and most definitely not in politics. I didn’t understand it or care to do so. When friends talked politics, I never engaged – I lacked the confidence to comment, or never felt I knew enough to offer an opinion. That all started to change as the day of the Brexit referendum loomed closer. I started to worry that the UK was about to make a terrible decision. I had no real idea what leaving the EU might mean for us Brits living in Europe, or the UK, but it could hardly be good! When the referendum result came in, I felt a range of emotions usually associated with grief. It was a rollercoaster of fear, anger, depression, shock, disbelief and sadness. And swearing, a lot of swearing! Even now, I can’t fully explain why it affected me so deeply, or still does. After three miserable weeks, I woke up on day 22 determined to act. I joined the anti-Brexit campaign group Bremain in Spain. I needed to get involved and take personal action. I don’t know where that drive came from, but I began devouring the news and became very active online. It was a comfort to know my feelings were shared by others and that I was doing something positive. Within three months, I was in-

Battling Brexit

How a British woman in Spain became a leading campaigner for global expats vited to take over as Chair of Bremain, and I have dedicated my life to it ever since. It’s an obsession. I’m not sure my sanity would have survived intact without it. I had found a new family. There are so many downsides to Brexit, but on a personal level, there have been some positives too. I have met some amazing people from all walks of life, many of whom I would never have met under any other circumstances. I have learned new skills, not least public speaking on a scale I could never have imagined. In my career, I had regularly spoken to small groups of people, but delivering a speech to 120,000 people from a stage in Parliament Square in London, was a whole new ball game. Nerve-wracking yes, but the crowd was so receptive, and I got a real buzz from it. My Brexit journey has changed me in ways I could never have imagined. Apart from the public speaking, I’ve got better at dealing with confrontation and I’ve become a writer of sorts. Considering my previous nervousness about voicing any political opinions, it still tickles me when journalists seek out my comment on current affairs. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks after all. I don’t think we fully appreciated what Spanish life for us would be like when we originally made our plans to emigrate. When we dreamed of our retirement in

Spain, we certainly never imagined that I would be doing voluntary work seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year. I am often asked how much longer I intend to continue campaigning, or what I will do when Brexit is finally all over. It’s a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, despite all the pain, disappointment and effort, I am doing something that I care about deeply, and which, despite everything, I enjoy. I have a supportive husband who gets pleasure from seeing me so motivated and engaged, and he’s proud of what I have achieved. That means so much to me. On the other hand, I’m now in my late 60s, full-time campaigning is exhausting, and Steve and I deserve that retirement we dreamed of. There have been many times I’ve looked ahead and given myself a deadline. I’ll give up Bremain when Brexit is ‘done’. I’ll give up Bremain when the transition period comes to an end. Then something will happen in Westminster and the adrenaline kicks in again, not to mention the fact that Brexit likely won’t be fully over for a decade. Maybe I should let fate decide and give it up when a Brexiter finally gives me one real benefit of Brexit. I might have a very long wait! Sue Wilson is the Chair of Bremain in Spain

to be fearless’

ENNIFER Cunningham is happy to share the trials she faced as a woman starting a business in Spain and the personal tragedy that fuelled her determination to become a success. Like many of those who end up living in Spain it was after enjoying a holiday with friends on the Mediterranean coast that Jennifer took the decision to relocate from North London to sunnier climes for a quieter life. “My late husband was much older than me and, after suffering a cardiac arrest, he wasn’t expected to live long, so we took a snap decision to move over to the Costa Blanca where the climate suited him and in fact he thrived and lived another 12 years,” she tells Fiona Govan of The Olive Press from her home in Javea. “I was suffering with diabetes so the move gave us both a new lease of life, swimming every day in the sea and the Mediterranean diet really helped me,” she continues. “The Spanish way of living, taking time to enjoy family and friends, also really gave me a new way of looking at life.” But Jennifer wasn’t content to quietly live out the rest of her days…over the last three decades she has forged a reputation as one of the leading expat business owners in Spain, now running seven offices along the Costa Blanca, as well as one in Lanzarote, as a broker offering private insurance designed especially for

How the death of her son led hard-working Jennifer Cunningham to expand eight insurance offices around Spain

members of the expat community. She learnt early on that to get ahead as a woman in a male-dominated business sphere, she had to be fearless. “I was a widow, surviving on a meagre widow’s pension and so the only way I could start up was to re-mortgage my home, borrow money and make it work,” she admits. “I had problems finding a bank who would support me and I remember the first time I presented my business plan to get a loan, the bank manager wouldn’t address me directly but kept looking towards the male friend I had brought with me. “I had to point out that it was me who was borrowing the money, that I was the business owner and when they didn’t take me seriously, I walked out and went somewhere else.” She eventually found a sympathetic bank manager, a man who has supported her ever since her first venture, and who she has stayed with as he moved across different banks.

She then began working with Liberty Insurance and ASSSA Seguros designing special packages for the expat market. “At the beginning they didn’t want to take me on and they felt sure that I would fail,” she reveals. “My style of selling was completely new to them, the culture here in Spain was so different.” “As an entrepreneur I had to take risks and convince those who had the financial backing of huge institutions behind them to take a gamble on me, but I proved myself and in the end, those very same people later looked to me for strategy and even asked me to teach them how to do it.” She recalls now that she can hardly believe the risks she took. “I realise that I was utterly fearless, when I look back I think to myself: ‘God, did I really do that?’” She admits today that what drove her determination to succeed was the personal tragedy that saw her lose her son from cancer when he was only 33-years-old. “When you lose a child, you just want to die. You can’t get over it and I just knew I had to pour all my energy into doing something to stay alive, losing my son made me want to do something to be proud of,” she said, recounting a loss that even now, more than 25 years later, causes her voice to break with sorrow. After spending the last months with her dying son Paul in a Sue Ryder hospice in Bedfordshire, Jennifer returned to Spain where she lost her husband just over a year later. Finding herself all alone as her

SPARK: The death of Paul drove Jennifer on other son had moved to Japan, she looked for a new focus. “They had taken such exceptional care of my son but on my return I looked around to see what would happen if someone was in the same circumstance here in Spain and discovered that there really wasn’t anything similar. People were simply being sent home to die to be cared for by their family, but what if that wasn’t possible?” The realisation led Jennifer to set up the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity to offer free hospice care at home for the terminally ill among the expat community on the Costa Blanca. “The business and the charity have been my reason to get out of bed and do justice to my life and to his,” she admits. Now in her seventies, does she have any plans to retire? “No chance!” she laughs. “I love doing what I do, and will continue as a long as I am capable of doing so.” Visit www.jennifercunningham.net or www. paulcunninghamnurses.com for more info

ll about

B enahavis

Gardens of Eden

5 March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Jon Clarke takes a tour of one of Andalucia’s true hidden gems to stay and eat

HERE are exclusive places to stay, and then there are dreams. Staying at Alcuzcuz is to be transported back to the 19th century, when the Costa del Sol was the dream escape of wealthy European and American travellers. Part of the so-called Grand Tour these voyagers were in search of authenticity, excitement and landscapes, taking in the famous cities of Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. Inspired by Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra (1832) or Richard Ford’s Handbook for travellers in Spain (1844) they would also often stay in Gibraltar or take the unmissable trip inland to Ronda. Coming up from Marbella would take five to six hours by horse and carriage - and Alcuzcuz was the perfect place to stop and visit en route. Today, it has become one of the true gems of the modern Grand Tour, a place to seek out for those-in-the-know looking for something original and different. While it only has half a dozen rooms, it also counts on a lovely restaurant and some of the best appointed communal spaces in Andalucia. And then there is the garden, which boasts an incredible 20 hectares of grounds, a decent section formally planted with cascading terraces, hidden redoubts and one of the most beautiful pools I’ve

ever seen. With stunning views inland to the Serrania de Ronda and down to Gibraltar and Africa, you could spend the day luxuriating here with a book and never get bored. In the hands of the same family for over 150 years, the house was built in 1884 for the Countess of Aguiar by her son Jaime Parlade Heredia. While it burnt down in 1914, it was rebuilt on the same lines and again re-imagined and upgraded in 1984 by Jaime Parlade Sanjuanerna, the Marques de Apezleguia, with the help of his wife Janetta. The celebrated interior designer also had a key hand in the modern garden, which is overseen by head gardener Mohammed from Tangier and two able helpers. “There are well over 1000 plants here,” he told me proudly, on his regular morning rounds. “And one of our secrets is the compost and manure we use liberally around the garden.” There are hundreds of palms and pines, many over a century old, plus a special collection of mimosas and perennials. You will be amazed taking a stroll around, before taking an hour long hike around the wonderful

SOLAR PV PANELS

wooded grounds that border on the exclusive La Zagaleta estate. Current owner, great grandson Andres Parlade Ybarra - who also runs an estate agency House and Country - has now cleverly managed to open the home as a hotel, but to a very restricted, selective clientele. Refusing to use any of the modern online booking platforms, most of the clients come via word of mouth, or via articles in design or travel magazines. “We want to keep it very low key and with the right sort of people who appreciate the history and style,” he explains. You will definitely feel like you are staying in an English stately home, with its big library and well appointed drawing rooms. One give-away are the 19th century bull-fighting paintings. And also look out for the portraits that flank the living room fireplace, including a 19th-century painting of Parlade’s great-grandmother. Elsewhere an old chapel has been transferred into a guest cottage, with a Guatemalan bedcover and a Moroccan wall-hanging, while the staff are both low-key and on hand exactly when you need them. And don’t forget just 100m up the road you will find the Alcuzcuz Gallery restaurant, which doubles as an antiques shop, art gallery and excellent traditional Spanish restaurant. Visit www.alcuzcuz.es for more information

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ll about

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

A taste of India Indian food is famous the world over

here is only one place to get your fix for your traditional Indian favourites in Benahavis Indian Spice has been serving delicious and authentic curries to hungry tummies in ‘Havis for three years now, going from strength to strength since it opened on Plaza Del Castillo in 2018. Owner Shane Kunnath, who left behind therange rat ofrace Offering a wide the and the world of banking to set upmost thesucculent town’s and top Intraditional Indian dishes. dian eatery, says good ambience and friendly staff have been key to the restaurant’s success. He said: “I really started Indian Spice so I could enjoy my favourite food all the time but I’ve been delighted that people here love to eat it too. “We’re the only Indian in Benahavis and the customers tel: 952 60 55 13 know they can count on us for amazing service a Plaza del Castillo and 1 Benahavís, Andalucia, Spain great atmosphere. www.indianspicebenahavis.com “We’re big on quality and even bigger on quantity, that’s our motto. We want everyone to leave full and happy.” Found in the heart of the town, Indian Spice is known for its buzzy atmosphere and crisp white interiors. Despite the modern look, the food is traditional — must-orders include chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh, with rich tomatoes, onions, garlic, yoghurt and a signature blend of spices. Shane’s favourite? “Always the tandoori lamb chops. They are so delicious and tender. We marinate them to perfection!” So what are you waiting for? Gather a gang for dinner on the buzzing courtyard or order a takeaway and enjoy the rich flavours of Indian without even having to leave your sofa.

B enahavis

T bills itself as the ‘Rincon Gastronomico’ (gastronomic corner) of the Costa del Sol. So it is no surprise that you can eat well in Benahavis. Tucked away in the back streets of the charming town are up to three dozen attractive, atmospheric haunts, the best packed to the rafters at weekends. The food revolution in Benahavis began at the restaurant called Sarten (meaning frying pan) some four decades ago, sucking people in to eat authentic Andalucian dishes from the nearby coast. Its former owner Manolo Espada is luckily still around, although now at a different restaurant La Escalera, just around the corner. Now, very much an institution, it is one of the ‘must visit’ restaurants in Andalucia, with its owner Manolo one of the most likeable restaurateurs. A born comic and charmer, he is not only extremely knowledgeable about food, he knows how to entertain and welcome his guests. Expect funny stories, bouts on the piano and even magic tricks. And best of all, the restaurant is open almost every day of the year, minus the odd few days around Christmas. You also might find yourself dining next to Antonio Banderas… or British opera star Russell Watson, who is a regular visitor, who got married in the town. But you are primarily here for

History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.

Dining room

Benahavis is a key gastronomic hive on the Costa del Sol, writes Jon Clarke

the food, which is both excellent and original and includes such gems as a black pudding crepe with onion and egg and a wonderful fish soup, which at €7 is a steal. His main course chestnut is his grandmother’s recipe for Iberian pork steak, which includes loads of herbs, sweet pepper and olive oil. It was delicious and, before you ask, he won’t tell you the recipe! Another place worth trying is the highly-rated Indian Spice restaurant, which sits in the best square in the town and has an excellent reputation. It is run by Shaheen, who heralds from god’s own Kerala, but who studied in the UK and Spain, before setting up his own restaurant here. It has an excellent mixed menu including all you would expect from an Indian, such as onion bhajees, a great range of biryanis and a proper chicken vindaloo. There is even a Sunday roast with a difference. Another place worth consider-

ing in the village is the restaurant in Hotel Amanhavis, which has a good reputation for its fresh and original cooking. It is a charming spot and has a

nice range of rooms to stay in once you have had a blow out. Run by the same couple, Burkhard and his American wife Leslie, for over 20 years, you are in safe hands.

Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.

With a UNESCO world heritage site offering 120,000 years of human history and only short drive from the Costa del Sol, enjoy the warmth of the British Gibraltarians and splash out VAT-free in Sterling. Gibraltar. Sun, sea and history served with a very British twist. PROUD

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For further information call: Gibraltar Tourist Board +350 200 74950 Or to download a brochure go to: www.visitgibraltar.gi

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7 March 10th - March 23rd 2021

of the Costa

Hidden gem

T LEGENDS: Tucker and owner (above) at La Escalera, while (right) a room at Amanhavis and Indian Spice

That’s a wrap!

W I particularly like the pan-fried Goose Liver on home-made brioche with prune-apple sauce, not to mention the Astronomer’s Observatory room for a decent siesta.

hether you’re going out for dinner with the family or just in search of a snack, look no further than Havis Pizzeria and Kebab. Situated in the picturesque Calle Malaga just a stone’s throw from Benahavis’ main square, this quality establishment has earned its five-star rating on Tripadvisor by virtue of its varied

Offering a wide range of the most succulent and traditional Indian dishes.

tel: 952 60 55 13 Plaza del Castillo 1 Benahavís, Andalucia, Spain www.indianspicebenahavis.com

and well priced menu. This includes a wide selection of authentic pizzas, kebabs, salads, meat dishes and pas- to create a spacious terrace tas, as well as mouthwatering and cozy interior that make specials such as mussels a la customers feel comfortable 32 91 59 whatever 951 66 47weather. 30 marinera and pil pil642 prawns. the But as every great restaurant And for those Open: 12.30 - 22.00 Closed Tuesdaywho prefer to knows, eating out is not just dine at home, this top-notch Pizzas, Salads, about the food but the Pasta, experi- Meats eateryand will even deliverkebabs pizzas and ence - which is why Havis Pizzeother dishes Calle Malaga nr. 2, Benahavís, Spainright to your doorria and Kebab has worked hard step.

HE gem of the costas, as Scott Marshall puts it, is only 10 minutes from Marbella and the golden sands of the Costa del Sol. Malaga International Airport, in turn, is only a one hour drive away. “It’s the ideal location,’ he says. “We have great hotels here including Amanhavis and Gran Hotel. The town council allows the hotels to access sports facilities here for free so it’s common to have teams come out here to train and relax. “It’s such a safe place too, so it makes a great visit for families. While the coast gets busy, we always have a lot of peace. We’re close to the beach but not enough for it to get hectic. Benahavis never feels stressful or overrun.” But despite it’s stunning views and secluded location, Benahavis is far more than a holiday destination. “It’s a great place to be all year round,” says Scott. “You have the sea so close by but you also get the benefits of feeling very safe and secure in the mountains. It’s rare to not see sunshine here, but we’re only two hours from Sierra Nevada if you want to see snow and go skiing in the winter. You really get the feel of the seasons with a temperature drop at the end of summer and when we put up the Christmas lights in December, that’s really special.” “We’ve agreed to 200 more developments but the focus is on making sure we keep the apartments big and developments small.” Buying into this charmed world can be difficult, even if you have the finance available. The price of a private villa often exceeds €10 million, with some properties even going for €30 million. But plenty of cheaper options are available. “The cost of living is low and a two bed flat would set you back only €140k,” says Scott. “Renting is an option too. A one bed apartment would be around €500 a month, a two bed would be between 600 and 800.”

Gastronomy Gastronomía

952 85 50 25 www.benahavis.es

AYUNTAMIENTO DE BENAHAVÍS

LA CULTURA

Art case

EX Santander Vice President and one of Spain's richest men Jamie Botin has seen his second appeal rejected for the attempted smuggling of a Picasso painting. He was convicted in January last year of trying to take the painting, The Head of a Young Woman' valued at €26 million out of the country to sell through London Auction house, Christies despite being denied permission.

Defence

Botin's defense still claims that the billionaire was not trafficking the painting to sell on to a collector, however the courts have rejected all claims and have stood firm on their charges. The Madrid Court has now rejected a second appeal. Botin has been jailed for three years and fined €91.7 million.

March 10th March 23rd 2021

The winner is… Spain’s ‘Oscars’ hosted by Antonio Banderas in Malaga

THE GIRLS, a coming of age drama by a first time female feature film director has scooped the best film award in the 2021 Goyas, the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars. Pilar Palomero also won Goyas for best new director and best screenplay for her drama Las Niñas set in a convent school. The film was also awarded the prize for best cinematography. The film scooped the top prize beating Netflix drama Adú which as the front-runner leading up to the ceremony with 14 nominations although its director Salvador Calvo was awarded the best director trophy. Hosted by Antonio Banderas and Maria Casado, the Goyas

THE fossilised remains of dinosaurs, their eggs and footprints have been found in Catalunya. The fossilised footprints are of tetrapod vertebrates and arthropod invertebrates that lived about 240 million years ago. Among the remains described is the Puigventos ichnite, the best preserved of all the fossilised tracks in the Iberian Peninsula, since it even preserves

detailed impressions of the claws and the skin. Ichnite sites in Spain are amongst the world's most important for the quantity, quality and variety of the tracks to be found, with Catalunya considered as one of the last strongholds of the dinosaurs.

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was held at the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank in Malaga. The Girls also beat other film nominees including Ane Is Missing from David Pérez Sañudo, Icíar Bollaín’s La boda de Rosa (Rosa’s Wedding), and The People Upstairs aka Sentimental, from director Cesc Gay. In addition to Bollaín, also in the running in the best director category this year were Juanma Bajo Ulloa, nominated for his horror thriller Baby, and veteran filmmaker Isabel Coixet for It Snows in Benidorm.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

A YA fantasy novel set in the world of Otera, a deeply patriarchal society where women are second class citizens, denied education and raised to be good wives and mothers. In their 15th years the girls are subjected to a bloodletting ritual to determine their purity, red is pure and gold is impure. When16-year-old Deka’s blood runs gold she is branded a demon and tortured and killed repeatedly, her golden blood giving her the ability to heal and resurrect herself. However, because of her strength and healing powers she, and others of her kind are recruited to the emperor’s guard as elite warriors to fight the monsters threatening the empire. The Gilded ones is both an exciting and engaging fantasy novel, and an examination of the patriarchy with a message of hope and heroism for young women. €12.50 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es

HOST: Antonio Banderas the Goyas were Jan Komasa’s Polish drama Corpus Christi, Viggo Mortensen’s Falling, An Officer and a Spy from Roman Polanski and Florian Zeller’s Brit drama The Father, which won the category. Best Ibero-American film was awarded to Fernando Trueba’s Colombian drama Forgotten We’ll Be, beating out contenders including Chilean documentary The Mole Agent, Guatemalan horror film La Llorona, and Fernando Frias’ Mexican drama I’m No Longer Here, all three of which are on the Oscar shortlist.

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PROPERTY Royal residence 24

IN EXILE: King Juan Carlos I with friends

Sustainable development work to restart PLANS to build a sustainable neighbourhood in El Duende, Malaga, look set to restart after grinding to a halt years ago. Signed in 2011, the Malaga Charter on Sustainable Urban Models forms part of the CAT MED project, which has a general aim ‘to promote the complex, compact Mediterranean city as the reference model in response to problems of sustainability.’ Among other things, CAT MED seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the ‘construction and rehabilitation of buildings that are efficient in their consumption and treatment of water and energy.’

March 10th March 23rd 2021

HE may be living in exile, but he’s not exactly slumming it. Reporters from the television programme Viva la Vida have traced Spain’s disgraced King Emeritus, Juan Carlos I to a secluded, paradise island in Abu Dhabi. A 15 minute boat ride from the mainland, Nurai measures just one kilometre squared and is home to a swanky hotel as well as 11 luxurious villas that are ‘hidden behind vegetation.’ One of them, worth an estimated €11 million, has become the former king’s exile pad. Owned by the Al-Qubaisi family, with whom Carlos I is staying, the two-storey house has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms,

Going green

However, the development of a ‘green’ neighbourhood in El Duende never saw much

progress, and the reactivation of the project is now on the agenda of the Board of Di-

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a panoramic sea view, spacious lounges, a snooker room, a table football room, its own cinema, a private beach, and an infinity pool. Altogether the plot is some 4150 metres squared. Embroiled in numerous controversies, among them an elephant-hunting trip to Botswana in 2012, Carlos I abdicated in 2014 and has since been investigated for various financial crimes. These include the use of ‘opaque credit cards’, for which he had to pay €678,393,72 to Spain’s tax agency in what constitutes an admission of fraud. He left Spain on August 3, 2020, to go into exile, which is apparently not so bad after all.

UYING property overseas can seem like a daunting prospect, especially after Brexit, but it needn’t be. Whether you are looking to make the move to Spain, or you are an expat looking to branch out across Europe, The Finance Bureau can help you with the first step, owning your dream property. Searching for a home abroad is an exciting prospect but it is just one piece of the puzzle. The larger - more complex - part of that puzzle is financing a move. While a small number opt for cash transactions, most buyers will need to take out a mortgage. Getting financial advice is the most important thing to do before taking the property plunge abroad. In most cases you’ll have to arrange a loan with a financial institution based in the country in which you’re looking to move to - which can obviously have its obstacles if you don’t speak the language or aren’t familiar with the country’s processes. There are a few banks in places like Luxembourg and Switzerland who offer mortgages on Spanish properties, but these tend to be for the higher end of the market – think properties worth millions of euros. It means that for most British people needing a loan in Spain, Spanish banks and financial institutions are the way forward.

This is where The Finance Bureau can help Brits looking to move to Spain. With established links to all the major Spanish lenders, TheFinance Bureau acts as a go-between for the client and the bank - but it is important to remember that the broker is not connected to the bank and works independently to find the buyer the best deal available. When buying abroad, it is imperative to know how much you have to play with when scouring the foreign property market. This will be dictated by various factors, including the amount of deposit available, as well as the level and type of income of the applicant. The good news is that banks will take into account all incomes, i.e. salaries, dividents and to a letter extent property rental income, when calculating ‘affordability’, but these must always be clearly defined and declared in the tax return from your country of residence. When lenders are calculating your affordability, mortgage amounts are measured against your personal income and, existing loan commitments, which must be between 30 to 35% of your net income in order to qualify. But the best - and easiest - way to make sure your dream move abroad comes through with no hiccups is to talk to a broker… that is what we are here for after all.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

rectors of the Urban Planning Department.The new package includes plans to create more protected housing and expand La Roa social centre by 100sqm, enabling it to offer more facilities, as well as to connect Calle Rio Gargaliga with Calle Heroe de Sostoa, among other things. The project will maintain the green areas in the urbanisations due to benefit from the plans.

BUSINESS

March 10th March 23rd 2021

Cashing in SPAIN is slated to receive a multi-billion cash injection from the EU as part of a scheme to boost the economies of Member States that have taken a battering during the pandemic. Of the €750bn to be dished out by the EU Recovery Fund, Spain is eligible for €140bn - almost half of which will be handed out in the form of grants, while the other half could be requested as unsecured loans. “It is a tsunami of money and it is a tsunami of responsibility,” Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms. “Spain has all the characteristics to make the most of this historic opportunity.” The Portuguese Commissioner hopes that the funds will be available by the summer and emphasised that time is of the essence because of the ‘different institu-

Spain’s financial capital set to triple thanks to ‘tsunami’ of money from EU

tional mechanisms which need to be complied with.’ So far, only six countries have submitted applications, which

Spanish saviours PRIMARK branches in Spain have prevented the low-cost fashion firm from going under during the coronavirus pandemic, sales figures reveal. In a normal year, sales from Spanish outlets would account for about 20% of the chain’s annual turnover. But as coronavirus restrictions have forced ‘non-essential’ shops all over Europe to close for months at a time - including in the UK, the clothing company’s largest market - Spain has transformed into Primark’s lifeline, with sales from Spanish branches accounting for more than 50% of the retail firm’s turnover between September 2020 and February 2021.

must be completed by April at the latest. “Meanwhile, the Commission is discussing with countries their plans for where and how they want to invest the money,” said Ferreira, adding that she preferred the term ‘invest’ over ‘spend.’ “It’s about investing in restructuring, and consolidating our exit from this crisis with greater attention to and greater capacity for complying with environmental or climate objectives, investing in a more modern economic recovery.” She said this meant a greater use of new technologies, but also needed to be consistent with social and regional needs.”

WE CARE

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s to appreciate those around us and to show them that we care.

t’s for this reason that Liberty Seguros is saying thanks to existing customers and is welcoming new customers with fantastic Cashback offers. From now up until 26th April 2021*, existing clients who take out a new car, home or life policy with LIBERTY SEGUROS will receive 60€ Cashback per new policy. New clients will benefit with 30€ Cashback on their first policy, and 60€ Cashback on subsequent new policies thereafter. Whilst this offer is not available for renewals or replacements, there’s no limit on the number of new policies that can be taken out per customer – and therefore, there’s no limit on cashback rewards. With this in mind, what better time could there be to switch to LIBERTY SEGUROS for even greater savings with the very best covers for all types of insurance? Committed to always being right by your side, LIBERTY SEGUROS is here to make things a little easier for you and your loved ones. It offers peace of mind with its range of products that care for both your family and your assets, and it provides all the necessary tools to make you feel safe and secure – both with policies to ensure you have everything in order, as well as unparalleled assistance and

LIBERTYCASHBACK

support if the unexpected does happen. The advantages of placing your trust in LIBERTY SEGUROS are extensive. From your choice of vehicle repair garage or a courtesy car as standard for up to 35 days in case of accident or mechanical breakdown and up to 45 in case of theft or fire with its car policies, to garden reconstruction and garden furniture replacement with its home insurance – amongst others. Moreover, you will always have a 24/7 multi-lingual freephone number for both roadside assistance and emergency home assistance. Understanding that now, more than ever, there’s a real need for you to feel safe and secure, LIBERTY SEGUROS remains onhand to keep you informed with clear and transparent information regarding its products and

services. What’s more, with LIBERTY SEGUROS you’ll enjoy a bespoke service and the peace of mind that comes with placing your trust in an international group with more than 100 years of experience. With an extensive network of more than 300 expatriate brokers and agents in Spain that speak YOUR language and who are at YOUR disposal for friendly and expert advice that’s tailored to you, it’s easy to see why LIBERTY SEGUROS has become in the preferred expat insurer in Spain with over 175,000 expat clients. To find the location of your nearest broker/agent, simply visit www.libertyexpatriates.es or call 91 342 25 49 * Conditions and minimum premiums will be applied.

ALREADY A CUSTOMER?

€ 60 CASHBACK on each new policy

A NEW CLIENT?

€ 30 CASHBACK on your first policy & € 60 from the second policy onwards

These are hard times, but better days are on the way! Meanwhile, let us treat you!

Until

26th

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Take out a new Car, Home or Life policy and access our Cashback offer! There’s no limit on policies, so there’s no limit on Cashback!

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Visit your agent or or call 91 342 25 49 Offer valid from 24th February to 26th April 2021. Policies must be paid by direct debit. Applies to new car, home and life policies only. Not for renewals or replacements. Conditions and minimum premiums will be applied in all cases. Visit our website libertyexpatriates.es or ask your broker/agent for full details.

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March 10th March 23rd 2021

Affordable Business Contacts

CONSTRUCTION

CLASSIFIEDS

We do not accept sex adverts!

UK CARE & NURSING RECRUITMENT

Looking for Flexible Work Options in the UK? – NOW RECRUITING IN SPAIN – Live-in Carer – £610.40-£732.48 per week Mumby’s Homecare Support is a leading live-in care agency in Oxfordshire, providing care across the South of England. We are currently looking for caring individuals to join our team. Full training provided.

Benefits include: ✔ Competitive Rates ✔ Pension Scheme

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AIR CONDITIONING

AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS AND NEW INSTALLATIONS

ADVERTISING We specialize in Air-Conditioning and heating systems with thousands of satisfied customers. We also service and repair any make and model of Air-Conditioning. Maintenance contracts available from only 5.80€ per month. Ecosense movement sensors fitted from 100€ We are authorized installers by the Junta de Andalucía as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017)

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PLUMBING

Spanish speaking providing legal advice: conveyancing, residency, wills and inheritance. Contact Victoria at: www.britishlawyerspain.com or + 34 678 826 771

STORAGE

Plumbing and leak detection Working on the coast since 2000 Call Simon on 625 70 27 72

ADVERTISING

Our services reach out to the elderly, disabled & recuperating individuals who require assistance with day to day living. We offer hourly visits or 24 hour live in care. Personal Care Medication Prompting • Household duties to include laundry • Meal Preparation

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POST SHOPS

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translations

Having difficulty sending and receiving mail on Spain? OFFEX offer a secure, reliable and cost effective solution for both businesses and individuals requiring mail and courier services to and from Spain Full range of Royal Mail services Worldwide door to door courier service for time sensitive documents and small packages Economy Courier: Worldwide for to door courier service for less urgent documents, small packages and parcels Budget Courier: European door to door service for non urgent items Luggage Service: Low cost unaccompanied baggage service for your personal effects Iberian Peninsula Courier: Overnight deliveries within Spain Postal Service: Priority Courier:

THE POST SHOP

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

tRANSPORT SERVICE/removals

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS. Motorhomes - Caravans Boats - Cars & Vans Delivery & Collection available Short Term - Long Term Established 15 years Safe & Secure - 24hr CCTV

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For classified advertising needs, please contact Tina on 647 078 775

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Indian Restaurant, Coin +34 952 45 55 99 / +34 626 97 72 24 Menu del Dia Lunch Menu 3 platos – 9.95 euros Abierto/Open: 13.00-15.30 & 19.00-23.30 Calle Juan Dominguez Moreno, 49, 29100 El Rodeo

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679 786 669 - Alan - 952 464 947 www.eurodog.es - Email - info@eurodog.es

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Eco-dream March 10th - March 23rd 2021

TRUE GOLDEN AGE

ONE of Spain’s most emblematic buildings has reached the ripe old age of 800. Sevilla’s Torre del Oro has achieved the eight century landmark as the city gears up to open to national tourism again from next month. The 12-sided building was built as a watchtower over the Guadalquivir river during the Arabic Almohad dynasty. It has been a prison and laterly a museum. DAIRY food manufacturer Danone has announced that it is to invest €12 million into its Barcelona facility to expand it’s plant based range. The Spanish food giant plans to increase its Parets del Vallès factory in an effort to increase its vegan range of dairy free products. The new facility will create new products under Danone’s brands Oikos, Alpro and Activa and hopes to add to its already wide range of vegan products currently on the shelves. It will focus on oat and coconut based alternatives to common dairy products such as coffee,

RICHARD Branson has taken another step to realising one of his dreams. The founder of the Virgin Group has longed to convert the Son Bunyola estate on Mallorca into ‘the best eco resort in Europe’ for years now, but now he finally has planning permission. “We are absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to restore this beautiful Finca [farmhouse], with its rich history, and look forward to welcoming another small luxury hotel to our portfolio, inviting guests to discover this unspoilt corner of the world,” said a spokesman for the Virgin Group. “We are hopeful to start construction work later this Spring for a 2023 opening and are incredibly excited to bring back to life a beautiful historic Mallorcan building in one of the most ancient areas of Banyalbufar.” The building due to be developed dates back to the 1800s

Veggie Boost

yoghurt and milk. According to the press release from Danone, the Parets del Vallès plant will see 12 new employees taken on as part of its restructure. The move coincides with the brands commitment to increasing its vegan presence after buying a total stake in the US ‘Follow Your Heart’ brand. The Follow Your Heart brand is famous for introducing its egg free mayonnaise into the market,

Branson finally set to achieve his green hotel plan

By Laurence Crumbie

and occupies a verdant area in the northwest of the island, surrounded by ‘vines, citrus fruit trees, almonds and hundreds of olive trees’.

Vegenaise, with the take over a possible sign we will see the diary alternative enter the Spanish market later in 2021. Danone’s objective is to reach a global plant based sales total of €5 billion by 2025, with its Barcelona plant a key force in boosting Spanish sales. The Parets del Vallès plant has been based north of Barcelona since 1982 and Danone’s first production plant in Europe. Currently, Danone also has plants in Madrid, Asturias and Valencia.

Although its facade was severely damaged by storms in August last year, the farmhouse with its crenellated tower resembling a chess rook, cuts an impressive, proud figure against the bucolic backdrop and the Mediterranean coastline. The British billionaire has been in love with Mallorca for more than three decades and originally purchased the San Bunyola estate in 1987, though he flogged it in 2002 after he was refused planning permission to convert it into a boutique hotel. When the residence went onto the market again in 2015, however, Branson snapped it back up, for £11 million, from the couple he had sold it to 13 years earlier.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Hope for vaccinated Brits travel plans to Spain

SPAIN could create a ‘green corridor’ to allow vaccinated Brits into the country if there is no EU agreement on vaccine passports, the country’s tourism minister has said. Fernando Valdés revealed that the Spanish Government were in talks with the UK in a bid to make travel between the two countries easier in time for summer, allowing Brits to book a holiday in the sun. Mr Valdés added that Spain is hoping to find an agreement with the EU so the country can start welcoming back tourists as soon as possible.

Green light

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, he said: “Right now we have discussions with our colleagues in the UK. “For us the British market is our main market. But obviously since we are a member of the

European Union, the solutions have first to be part of the discussions with the EU. “And obviously if that cannot be reached, we will be thinking of other corridors like green corridors with third countries

Fun calling DON’T miss a chance to support a charity that’s been helping struggling families with food and have some fun at the same time. Collective Calling is holding a Spring Fair on Saturday, March 20, starting midday at Tikitano Besaya Restaurant in Estepona. There will be live music by Soulicious band with Simone Kennedy, an Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Workshop for the children amongst other fun and games in the spacious gardens by the sea. A two course lunch menu for adults – a starter and main course including one drink – and for kids, a main course and drink will be available. The event is sponsored by Mariposa Energia, Spence Clarke Accountants, Helicopteros Sanitarios, Ibex Insurance and the Rotary Club Marbella with Aloha Interact from Aloha College. Tickets are €35 for adults and €18 for kids, including meal and are available direct from Tikitano on +34 671 316 551 or email eventos@grupobesaya.com

that can help us restart tourism flows.” Greek officials have also said UK holidaymakers with vaccine passports could be allowed to skip lengthy queues at the border for COVID-19 tests. Plans could be in place by May, which is the earliest possible date British people may be allowed to travel following the results of a government consultation. The news comes after UK’s health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed discussions about vaccine passports with other countries and the EU. THE pandemic has caused British holidaymakers to become more wary, new research has revealed. Following the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak 40% of Brits are more likely to consider taking out travel insurance and 37% are less inclined to visit spots severely hit by the virus. According to data from Comparethemarket. com, nearly half of Britons

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Dream airline IT may be one of Europe’s smaller airlines, but then bigger is not always better. Binter Canarias was the only Spanish airline to place on the ‘Best Airlines in the World 2021’ list by online travel agency eDreams, beating the likes of flying giant Iberia. Although it did not make the overall top 10, the regional carrier received the best score of any airline for reliability (4.8 out of 5), as well as an admirable 4.2 for general onboard experience and value for money. However, it fell down on speed and efficiency of refunds (2.9) and coronavirus-related security measures (2.8). Binter Canarias is one of the few airlines that has not had to grind its flights to a near halt during the pandemic, as residents often island-hop for medical appointments and administrative reasons, among others. Qatar Airlines took first place in the eDreams’ rankings, with an overall score of 4.4, followed by Delta Air Lines (4.11). British Airways came a respectable fifth (3.88).

Flight risk have confirmed that they are more likely to take out the right level of insurance before their next trip to protect themselves against cancelled plans or unexpected illness. Additionally, it looks like Brits are prepared to splash more cash than ever before to make sure they

achieve the holiday of their dreams after being locked inside for almost a year. Over 20% of holidaymakers are prepared to spend more money than usual when booking their next trip abroad while 18% have said they look to spend less. Meanwhile 34% said they would be taking extra special care while travelling by bringing their own bacterial gel and wearing masks.

UK Landlords - What you need to do if you live abroad Tax specialist team APARI can help you work out the best way to act

F you own a UK property but live abroad, then it is likely that you currently submit a tax return. If this is the case then the way in which you file your Tax Return is changing. From April 2023 it will be a legal requirement for anyone with over £10,000 of combined annual UK income to register for Making Tax Digital for Income tax. This means rather than submitting one annual self assessment tax return, you will be required to submit quarterly statements showing your income and expenditure, followed by an end of period statement and an annual summary. The annual summary is similar to your current

self assessment return. But it’s not just submitting quarterly returns you will also be legally required to keep your records in a digital format, on an MTD compatible software. Unfortunately this means no more spreadsheets! If you currently submit your tax return online already, this could seem like a huge amount of work and change, from filing one return annually. APARI understands this and has developed an MTD ready software with you in mind. With APARI’s free MTD software, you can upload transactions directly from your bank - either by a csv upload of your bank statement, by individual transactions, or soon, by directly linking up with your online banking. Once uploaded you can easily allocate transactions to MTD compatible categories, and at the end of the quarter, you can submit this information to

HMRC directly through APARI. After all four quarters have been submitted, you can input your annual summary information - this is where you will be able to claim any allowances or adjustments for the year. If you currently use an accountant, we would suggest that this be the point you ask them for a review - that way you are only paying them to do the confusing tax parts, rather than the admin. Although MTD isn’t mandated until 2023, why not get ahead of the game and sign up to APARI now - it’s free to use, and by the time mandation comes around you’ll be MTD ready! And as APARI also has a tool to be able to submit the current self assessment Tax Return (for

a small fee), even if you aren’t eligible for MTD now, you can still be in control of your tax position. For all the latest news, join the APARI Community today.

Find out more at www.apari-digital.com

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, become a live-in carer for Helping Hands Home Care. Earn up to £650 per week • Flexible working patterns • Travel costs covered • No paid experience necessary • Be part of a friendly, supportive team •

HEALTH

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Getting vaccinated

THE Spanish Health Ministry has added new vaccination groups to its immunisation strategy, giving people a better idea of when they will be inoculated and with which vaccine. The latest Estrategia de vacunacion includes nine groups, with some of these divided into subgroups, which have been organised according to vulnerability and potential exposure to the virus. Notably, Group 4 - Grandes dependientes - refers to people who require ‘intense measures of support’, but do not live in a care home, as well as their carers, whether professional or not. Included in Group 6 - those

with an ‘essential societal function’ - are army personnel, firefighters, police officers, and the like. None of the nine groups encompass the healthy under-45s, who will presumably fall under the category of ‘rest of the population’ once the vaccination campaign has reached that stage. Although the three vaccines currently available in the EU - Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca - have all ‘shown adequate levels of efficacy and security’, Spain only plans to administer the AstraZeneca jab to those under 56 years of age.

Old ways… Researchers turn to Spain’s ‘liquid gold’ in fight against COVID

A HOSPITAL is trialing a revolutionary tablet containing one of Spain's most synonymous products against the symptoms of COVID-19. The University Hospital of Jaen is testing the effects of a new treatment containing olive polyphenols, a key chemical ingredient in olive oil. A team of researchers are testing the new treatment on a group of 60 volunteers over the age of 50 that have been admitted to the hospital with mild symptoms of

OLIVES: key to reducing COVID symptoms?

COVID-19. The idea is to examine the effects of the olive polyphenols on reducing symptoms in the early stages of the vi-

Favourable Trend COVID-19 cases in Malaga have begun to reduce in recent weeks. The updated health data released on Monday brings the number of new infections down to 64, the lowest figure in the last three months. December 9 of last year was the previous date to register a lower number of positive cases. On that day 32 new infections were recorded. Additionally, in contrast to the decline in numbers of people with COVID-19, the number of cured patients is on the rise. The total number of people cured in Malaga now stands at 59,090.

Trials

Dr Carmen Herrero Rodríguez, researcher at the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Unit, is pleased with the early results the new supplements are showing. “Thanks to intense research work with authorised trials, we now have drugs that have managed to reduce mortality in our patients. “We think that the administration of the nutritional supplement can be beneficial for COVID-19 patients who are showing certain symptoms.”

Jab refusals JUST 2% of people offered a coronavirus jab have turned the chance down, according to the State Secretary for Health, Silvia Calzon. It has been revealed that only 45,611 people have refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19 up to February 24, which is just over 2% of those called up for vaccination. Moreover, not all the refusals of the vaccines have been due to ‘self-will’, but, in some cases, because the person called for vaccination has just had the virus or another contraindication to vaccination.

OP Puzzle solutions

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SUDOKU

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rus, and determine whether it will stem the progress of symptoms before they reach a severe level. During the trial, the patients will still be treated with the standard COVID-19 treatments, but will be given the new tablets every eight hours for a three week period. The tablets, branded under the name Alyvium, contain polyphenols, as well as natural flavonoids, vitamin A, riboflavin and biotin, and contain the name nutrients as around 15-20 olives.

Good news!

Lisa Burgess

After a long struggle against breast cancer, surgery is finally about to start

t has been two and a half years since I was diagnosed with 15 tumours in my right breast. Today I received the news that my reconstruction surgery will go ahead today (March 10). To say I am overjoyed is an understatement. I have endured a mastectomy, eight months of gruelling chemotherapy combined with a weak immune system. Afterwards, the radiotherapy caused severe burns, further delaying my surgery. Then COVID arrived on our doorsteps further delaying my dream of receiving a breast reconstruction. They will be taking fat from my back and replacing it with the painful implant currently residing in my right boob. Afterwards, they will cut and lift my left boob to match the other one. Mmmmm, I can choose a horizontal or vertical scar on my back. I haven’t decided on that yet completely. I yearn to wear a back-

Pamela Anderson: I met the Baywatch star in London

less dress with my new upright pair, so vertical is the front-runner. I will be in Malaga Materno Hospital for about a week depending on how my surgery goes. After my mastectomy at the Costa Del Sol Hospital, I felt like half the woman I once was. I would look in the mirror with sheer incredulity at myself, I was unrecognisable. At 50, I felt deformed, unfeminine, hopeless and faced mountains I felt I would never conquer. I have just turned 53 and sadly my partner and I recently split up. This week though I have been dancing around my living room to disco hits with this phenomenally super

news. I have received tremendous support from family and friends especially within the Costa Del Sol community. I have really tried to keep a stiff upper lip throughout it all but it has been heart-wrenchingly difficult. I have shed many a silent tear. I met Pamela Anderson once in London at the opening of a restaurant in South Kensington called ‘The Collection’. She was extremely friendly, bubbly and truly gorgeous in real life. Though I will never match her beauty I will certainly now be getting her boobs. That is just absolutely bloody boobaliciously fantastic!

A HELPING HAND

Care work may not be your first career choice but now is the perfect time to help the community and your bank balance back in the UK for a few weeks • • • • • • • • • • •

Tell me about your business How long has it been running How many staff members? Why is carework so rewarding? What makes it such a worthwhile job - what would you say to people thinking about joining the care sector? How long do the placements last What is the pay? Weekly or monthly wages? How flexible is the work - is it permanent? What responsibilities are there? What will employees receive - food allowance, travel expenses? What kind of people are right for the role?

With a recession once again crippling the job market in Spain, many expats have been left without seasonal or permanent work. Some have been separated from their families in the UK and are uncertain on how to make ends meet. Mumby’s, a family run care business, who were voted Employer of the Year at this year’s Thames Valley Business Awards, want to offer expats an opportunity to visit their families and regain some financial stability. “We know a lot of people are out of work at the moment,” said owner Ann Mumby. “This could tide you over while you look for work in your career field. Earn some money, attend interviews on your weeks off, and provide a service to a community that is really worthwhile.”

Care work is a rewarding and diverse job that allows for flexible work placements that last from 2-8 weeks. It provides ongoing training and, with Mumby’s, extremely competitive pay. “Maybe it won’t be your permanent career or maybe you’ll stay with us for years. Either way, it’s a short-term solution to a short-term financial problem,” said Ann. Mumby’s provides live in care for people who need assistance in their daily routine but want to stay in the comfort of their own home. Responsibilities include getting people washed and dressed, giving medication, cooking meals, shopping or taking clients out if they wish. Along with the generous salary, employees also receive a food allowance, travel expenses and a house to quarantine in if they wish. Wages are paid weekly straight into your account. “We need people with a caring attitude who’re responsible and would treat somebody with dignity. But we provide full training and it’s not the end of the world if somebody doesn’t have experience.” Each staff member is assigned a care manager who is on the end of the phone to answer questions and provide support 24hrs a day. For more information email Joanna Cardif on recruitment@mumbys.comto chat about the role and get the application process started.

OLIVE PRESS

The Reuse Reduce Recycle FREE

We use recycled paper

Happy families

FINAL WORDS

DIVORCE numbers dropped in Andalucia for the sixth year running. Couples filing for divorce fell by 11.5% in 2020 despite the lockdown and ongoing pandemic.

Load of bull! ONE of Spain's best known matadors has lost a lengthy battle to copyright his most famous 'kill' after the Supreme Court ruled that the bullfighter had acted on impulse and not by design.

Bar Wars!

Andalucía

Vol. 14 Issue 364 www.theolivepress.es

Your expat

voice in Spain

March 10th - March 23rd 2021 A WHITE arm stretches across the bar, a claw-like hand clamped around the rim of a pint glass. Slowly it lowers the glass below the beer tap, waiting as it fills, and adjusts the cup to make sure the head of the beer levels out just right. The secret behind the perfect pour and great service? A robotic duo in Sevilla. One works behind the bar, while another - a robot dog named Spot - whizzes around Cuesta del Rosario, delivering canas and copas to tables.

A lot of dough

Master baker is just earning a crust

IF you're partial to a slice of toast and jam in the morning, chances are you won't be carving a slice off this loaf, dubbed the world's most expensive bread. The pricey pan is the brainchild of Juan Manuel Moreno, manager of a family run

Snapped up SPANISH police officers have rescued a South American caiman from a farm, where it was being held in appalling conditions, after its owner tried to flog it for €2,000.

bakery in the Malaga village of Algatocin, in the Serrania de Ronda. The unique recipe, containing all natural ingredients and blended with flakes of edible gold and silver, is sold to wealthy clients around the globe for a stag-

Tongue tied

LEARNING a language is a point of pride for most people, but apparently not for the Trump family. Donald Trump Junior has made headlines after taking a selfie of himself and his son holding a copy of The Cat in the Hat, as the pair was covering up a front cover starburst in a suspicious manner. Internet users found out that Trump Junior’s son was reading a bilingual edition of the Dr. Seuss classic, as the starburst almost certainly contained the words ‘in English and Spanish’.

BREADWINNER: Moren0’s prized loaf contains gold gering €1,480 per loaf. Moreno is the owner of the Panaderia Pan Piña bakery, a business that has been in his wife's family since 1946 and has been producing quality bread ever since. Moreno explained that he came up with the idea after hearing that the world's most expensive coffee was being sold in Marbella. Keen to see how far he could push the limits of bread making, he set to work creating his ‘artistic’ masterpiece. The result was a loaf that

contains gold and silver in the form of flakes and dust, and in total uses approximately €1,100 worth of ingredients, depending on precious metal prices at the time. One client, a Saudi Prince, ordered 18 loaves for a wedding last year, and since its birth Pina Pan has sold 96 loaves in total, with six so far in 2021. “We did not do this for the money, we did this to try to put the bakery on the map and show what is possible,” said Moreno.

Tips

And the pair are certainly earning their tips - and fans. The devices were invented by Boston Dynamics and Spainbased Macco Robotics before COVID-19, but the pandemic could signal that the time has come for robots to take over. “I think that in times of a pandemic it is very good that there is a robot serving drinks so there is no contact between people. “It’s very cool!” said one customer Abel Ros. Another stunned fan took to Twitter to write: “We need an explanation! 2020, relax now!”

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