Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 135

Our promise - Our DNA: The best reporting on Gibraltar and Spain online

O ur D

Closer to lockdown NEW rules will make it tougher than ever for Gibraltar residents to cross the border into Spain.

It is believed that people are only to be allowed into neighbouring La Linea, although that has not yet been confirmed.

The most important rule to remember is that all restaurants, cafes and bars will close at 6pm in Spain with everyone needing to be back home by 10pm.

These are just some of the tougher coronavirus restrictions which came into force for most of Andalucia yesterday.

In Granada, a total closure of non-essential businesses, including the hospitality industry, has been ordered by the Junta due to its ‘much worse’ coronavirus figures.

President Juanma Moreno announced the new rules at a press conference on Sunday evening.

They will be in force until at least November 23, when a review is scheduled.

The night time curfew is now from 10pm to 7am and every municipality having closed its borders, meaning residents can only leave or enter if they have a justifiable reason.

The exceptions include travelling for work, medical or legal reasons or if you are caring for a dependant.

Sports

GIBRALTAR’S famous Barbary macaques face a death sentence if efforts to protect them from COVID fail.

The government has warned it might have to cull the iconic mon-

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Official exams and tests or appointments to renew or collect official documents are also considered an exemption.

You must be able to prove your exception to avoid being fined by police.

It had been suggested that provinces with a lower incidence rate would be spared the stricter measures against the hospitality industry but Moreno’s government has now decided to take a region-wide approach.

There are exceptions to the 6pm closure, including supermarkets, financial entities, vets, driving schools and hairdressers.

Additionally, outside sports activities will be allowed to continue as long as they are in the open air, including tennis and padel tennis clubs.

Government warns macaques must be protected from coronavirus or face potential death sentence

The

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By Dilip Kuner

keys if the coronavirus jumps species, as it has with minks elsewhere in Europe.

Patrols have now been stepped up to make sure the macaques are not approached or touched by humans.

A spokesman from the Environmental department said there were serious worries the macaques could be vulnerable to the virus.

There are also concerns that mutant strains may jump back into the human population from inSee page 15 fected animals.

T h e s e w e r e

Tel: 952 147 834 TM

reinforced by the recently announced cull of farmed minks in Denmark, Spain and Italy, which were found to be infected by a mutated version of coronavirus.

The Danish government said the mutation could threaten the effectiveness of any future vaccine.

The World Health Organisation has said that further scientific study is needed to understand any potential implications of the new strain.

A spokesman said: “It remains a concern when any animal virus spills into the human population, or when an animal population could contribute to amplifying a virus.”

The concerns led to a new law specifically forbidding the touching and feeding of monkeys to be introduced in August.

The new law ‘followed evidence’ that the SARS-COV-2 virus was being transmitted from humans to animals such as dogs, cats, lions and tigers.

“The recent development in Denmark has resulted in the mass culling of mink and is particularly worrying given the implications this could cause for Gibral-

tar’s Barbary Macaques,” said the spokesman.

“The consequences (of a mutation) would clearly be hugely significant, and could include the need to cull our macaques.”

He added the Environment Department would be undertaking ‘more regular patrols at known hotspots’.

Churchill “Interference with macaques has always been discouraged since it can prejudice their health and social structure as well as result in aggressive behaviour,” he added.

The macaques are hugely significant to Gibraltar, with the legend being that so long as they remain on The Rock, it will stay in British hands.

In 1942 after the population had alarmingly dwindled to just seven, Winston Churchill ordered that the numbers of the monkeys be replenished immediately from both Morocco and Algeria.

Macaques are also seen as one of the major tourism attractions of Gibraltar, bringing in considerable revenue.

2

CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF

A MAN allegedly responsible for murdering a drugs rival before dumping his victim’s head in abin after showing it to children has been identified as a Mexican convicted thief and crime ring-leader.

Manuel Jesus Navarro was identified after footage of him surfaced

Future proof SIX apprentices being given a Certificate in Insurance run by the Gibraltar government with the private sector will be offered jobs if they complete it.

Dare-devil A MAN has been arrested after allegedly hitting a woman while riding his motorcycle on Devil’s Tower Road last Sunday night, sending her to hospital.

Peace out ARMISTICE Day events have been organised in Gibraltar to mark the end of the First World War 102 years ago.

Food fall TAKING meat, petfood, milk or fish across the Gibraltar frontier in the new year could be banned if there is a no deal Brexit with new pet passports needed too.

What a dope A LOCAL man has been arrested for posession of hashish while driving around Gibraltar.

Julian Ellul, 26, was detained on Main Street for having 125g of cannabis resin while in a car.

The street value of the hash in Gibraltar is about £625.

It followed a raid on a home on August 20 where the RGP found nearly £50,000 worth of hashish.

Resin

Anthony Castro, 53, of Coelho House, Naval Hospital Hill, has now been charged with possession and possession with intent to supply a class B-drug.

Nearly 10kg of cannabis resin was by Drug Squad officers of the Royal Gibraltar Police at Castro’s home.

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Head case

Wrapped up

discarding a carrier bag containing the head in a recycling container.

Navarro, 60, casually showed passers-by including children the head before disposing of the bloodied head in Huelva.

Bad spell

GIBRALTAR police recorded an alarming 17 crimes in just two days, last week.

In the two-day mini crime wave, the RGP also received five complaints about noise.

In the 48-hour period from 6am on Thursday the RGP dealt with two cases of common assault, one of sexual assault, four of theft and one of burglary.

They also dealt with accusations of fraud, harassment, criminal damage and illegal gambling.

In the hectic spell for the

But do 17 crimes in just two days constitute a crime wave?

EXCLUSIVE

By Dilip Kuner

force, six arrests were made and two warrants were executed.

These figures were around double the same dates last year, although it is not known if there has been a general rise in criminal activity.

An RGP spokesman played down the period telling the

Fuelish hideaway A SECRET marine petrol station has been discovered that is thought to be ready to refuel ‘narco launches’.

RGP officers got a tip-off about the boat fuel being stored in Little Bay and were quickly on the scene.

When they arrived at the seaside location they found 22 litres of marine petrol in ‘an insecure store-room’. Stored in 52 fuel containers, it had a value of around £1,100. “The fuel is suspected to have been stored there temporarily prior to being used to refuel vessels engaged in illicit activity,” said the RGP. “An investigation is ongoing.” Hash smugglers regularly store large amounts of fuel to make the journey to and from Morocco.

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Olive Press: “The number of 'Anti-Social Behaviour' (ASB) crimes may seem to have risen because we have recently started to include 'noise complaints' as ASB crimes.

"In terms of our annual crime statistics, these are scrutinised by the Crime Registrar before they are made public. .

"During this exercise, the Registrar may re-classify some crimes and he may assess that some incidents should not have been recorded as crimes."

He added: “In this morning’s Media Report (Tuesday) there was one road traffic accident, one report of intentional damage, one report of noise and one report of harassment.

“Four incidents in 24 hours. I don’t think this is a dramatic increase, do you?”

Opinion Page 6

AROUND £2,500 of drugs have been seized after officers challenged suspected dealers at Ocean Village.

Two 23-year-old local men and a 32-year-old Spaniard were arrested on Sunday night for having cocaine and other drugs.

The actions of the police came after two of the men were challenged by Response Team officers.

They were found to be carrying several wrappers of cocaine and were arrested.

One of them was charged with resisting arrest and allegedly intimidating a witness.

Diazepam

Officers from the RGP Drug Squad then moved in and searched three local homes and the Ocean Village leisure area.

They found and seized mobile phones, more cocaine wrappers, diazepam and other drug supply equipment.

The street value of the drugs, of classes A, B and C, came to £2,500 All three men are on bail as investigations continue.

NEWS

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November 11th - November 24th 2020

3

Double edged sword for nature as whales move on while eagles soar in ORCA whales are abandoning the Med and heading to Galician waters, biologists claim.

Experts suspect that Orcas (also known as Killer Whales) are leaving the Straits of Gibraltar as the Med is now too warm for them due to global warming.

Previously sightings of Killer Whales averaged at around 65 per season, but this number has now decreased by more than two thirds in the past year.

It comes as temperature increases in the Med are going up 20%

Queen of the high street!

SPAIN’S bargain basement queen has shown her support for the high street donning a pair of €20 trousers from Mango for a record FIFTH time.

Queen Letizia, 48, wore the ankle-length grey trousers from the Spanish brand, while visiting a Madrid drug clinic this week.

She previously wore them to make an outing to present the 2020 Princess of Asturias awards a month ago, having first worn them in September 2017.

Roar blimey!

AN 'extraordinary' 2,400 year old statue of a lion has been unearthed by a farmer in Spain.

The artefact was uncovered by Gonzalo Crespo in the hamlet of La Rambla, Cordoba, while he was ploughing his olive grove.

The statue in perfect condition depicts a lioness devouring another animal and is believed to have been carved around 400 BC. Crespo immediately recognised he had found something significant and

Orca outing faster than the global average, according to the IMBE institute. But despite a surge in violent incidents involving Orcas along the Northern coast, there is no clear scientific explanation for the Killer Whale’s change in behaviour. Since relocating to Galicia, the Orcas have rammed into a navy vessel as well as a series of sailing boats. “These interactions are very rare and aren’t something we’ve seen here before.” said biologist Alfredo Lopez

Flying high SOME of Spain’s most iconic birds of prey are making a concerted comeback as they take advantage of the peaceful skies of Andalucia thanks to

ADIÓS SEAN From Spain with Love, as former Costa resident OO7 star James Bond passes on

HE had ‘Scotland forever’ tattooed on his forearm but for over 20 years his heart belonged to Spain.

The definitive James Bond and long time Spanish resident, Sir Sean Connery has passed away at the age of 90.

The 007 legend ‘slipped away’ in his sleep at his Bahamas home after suffering from dementia.

The couple first met at a golf tournament in 1970 and married five years later, setting up home at Casa Malibu, in Puerto Banus,

Fitness flashback AT HOME: Sean Connery lived in Marbella for years

Marbella.

Connery, a regular in both the port and restaurants in the old town, was best known for his hacking around the local golf courses.

The pair went on to sell the property in 1999 for a staggering €6.4 million before moving to the Caribbean.

Connery, a notoriously private person, cited an increase in new homes around the area for deciding to leave Marbella.

“These people are not going to see me in my underpants, I am leaving Marbella,” he allegedly said.

Goldfinger

Sunset synths called police.

The lioness was transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Cordoba where it will be studied by experts.

COVID-19.

The rugged sierras have seen healthy growth in several species of raptor as less planes carve up their airspace.

Not only are Ospreys breeding in increasing numbers, but Imperial Eagle numbers are at an historic high, with seven more breeding pairs recorded this year.

Most promising of all, three Red Kites have been seen gliding over the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park in Jaen.

The trio - one adult male and two young females - were released after a short stint in a Madrid wildlife hospital.

It comes after the species became extinct in Andalucia some decades ago.

THERE are not many DJ sets that top this one.

Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Ronda tajo, German DJ Christian Loffler looked very much the King of the Decks.

French company Cercle brought a team of over a dozen technicians and engineers to film the six minute video, a mix of mellow beats and electronic riffs.

Perched on a circular glass stage on the edge of the 500 metre-wide gorge, the overall effect is both moving and impressive.

Connery and his wife were also embroiled in a long-running tax fraud and planning case over allegedly illegal plans for Casa Malibu, although the case was dropped in 2014.

He refused to return to face the judge’s questions in the case codenamed predictably ‘Goldfinger’.

See Salute to Sir Sean, Page 14

IT may well turn out to be her last hurrah in Marbs.

Davinia Taylor has shared a photo of her sizzling physique on holiday in Spain just weeks after she put her villa on the market for €17 million. The former Hollyoaks actress, 42, was clearly feeling reflective as she posted the photo taken during the last lockdown here in the Spring. In the Instagram post she wrote that being in Spain had managed to ‘improve her mood’.

No doubt her mood will improve dramatically if she gets a sale of the front line property in Los Monteros for sale through LuxuryEstate. com. It counts on seven bedrooms, tropical gardens and Antonio Banderas as a former neighbour.

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4

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NEWS

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Towering find A 300-year-old mystery has been solved by Gibraltar historians exploring the Northern Defences.

The discovery of the remains of the Round Tower has revealed more about the Rock’s unique military history.

“The importance of the Round Tower lies in the fact that it was the only part of the fortress to fall to hostile Spanish and French troops,” said a government spokesman.

“It was also the last time (1704) that hostile forces set foot in Gibraltar.” It was thought that the Round Tower was located underneath what is now Forbe’s Battery. But clues from old maps pointed researchers to a site overlooking Laguna Estate.

HARM: Illegal tuna fishing putting dolphins at risk

Dolphin danger

By Lydia Spencer-Elliott

BOATMEN have called for tighter regulations on tuna fishing as dolphins in the Bay of Gibraltar are at risk of serious injury from the sport.

“There’s been more tuna in the bay in the last two or three years,” Dolphin Safari partner Tim Montgomery told the Olive Press.

“Lots of annoying boats come from La Linea and when they’re trying to catch tuna their nets are getting mixed up with dolphins who are hunting the same fish.”

In August, the Gibraltar Government increased the quota for Bluefin tuna fishing from 13.6 tonnes to 19.81 tonnes.

An artificial lure known as ‘popping’ that is regularly used by tuna anglers was also of particular concern to Montgomery.

“It’s a real danger to the dolphins, I think it should be stopped,” he said.

The technique has been prohibited inside the Dolphin Protection Zone, which covers the Bay of Gibraltar.

But local boatmen are still concerned by the prohibited use of popping by fishermen from Spain.

DIG: Archaeologists have solved the mystery

DONE DEAL?

By Kirsty McKenzie

GIBRALTAR could still benefit from a deal with Spain and avoid a dreaded wet passporting frontier ordeal.

Talks between Gibraltar, Spain and the UK hinge on an EU deal with the UK this week.

Boris Johnson has assured his cabinet that a Brexit withdrawal deal with the EU is ‘there to be done’.

The news broke amid signs Joe Biden’s US election win has sparked a desire to double down on negotiation.

The Prime Minister is hoping to finally strike a trade deal this week before the European Union’s deadline to reach an agreement on November 16.

Sources say Biden’s win has injected renewed impetus into the talks, with Johnson

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is optimistic that a trade agreement can be reached before the November 16 deadline

OPTIMIST: Boris says Brexit deal is ‘there to be done’

ready to push forward on efforts to reach an agreement.

Monkey business POLICE have been called out to reprimand three monkeys who were lobbing rubbish across the street in Gibraltar.

The macaques sat on a wall throwing paper and plastic towards oncoming traffic before authorities arrived.

An officer who was called to the scene told a crowd waiting for a bus nearby to stay away from the animals.

UNIVERSITY students have been urged not to return home to Gibraltar after the new lockdown came into force in the UK. Gibraltar students are in limbo after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all bars, restaurants and non-essential shops to close.

“If you live at university, you must not move back and forward between your permanent home and student home during term time,” said the Department of Education.

“We do not advise students to return to Gibraltar unless their university has advised

“I’ve always been a great enthusiast for a trade deal with our European friends and partners,” said Johnson.

“I think it’s there to be done, the broad outlines are pretty clear.”

His remarks come as Michel Barnier said he was ‘happy to be back in London’ on Monday to set out ‘three keys to unlock a deal’.

Not welcome!! them to do so.

“You should only return home at the end of term for Christmas.”

As the Chief Minister reported recently, students will be asked to get tested if they do return home.

They will have to call at least four days ahead to arrange a test, and self-isolate once on the Rock until given the all clear.

FIVE pound notes marked with #FreeTommyRobinson are circulating on The Rock.

It comes after far-right extremist Robinson was arrested in London last week.

Police nabbed the former EDL leader for failing to comply with coronavirus restrictions at a rally at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park. Robinson, 37, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, fled the UK in August.

After an alleged arson attack this summer, Robinson left for Spain where he played tennis in Marbella before heading to Gibraltar.

Although Robinson teased his permanent relocation to The Rock he later told supporters on social media: “I will be back in the UK very soon, on the streets of England, doing what I do.” Robinson was arrested in London while crying ‘I haven’t done anything’ to the officers carrying him away.

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator landed in the UK for five days of ‘intensive’ talks with his British counterpart David Frost, highlighting fair trade and fishing agreements as the main points up for discussion.

But Johnson’s optimism was tempered by a downbeat assessment from Downing Street, with No 10 claiming ‘significant differences remain’ between the two sides.

A spokeswoman added: “The prime minister set out that, while some progress had been made in recent discussions, significant differences remain in a number of areas, including the so-called level playing field, and fish.”

Redoubled

She said they had agreed that their negotiating teams would continue talks in London this week to ‘redouble efforts to reach a deal’, adding that they would remain ‘in personal contact about the negotiations’.

In this issue of the Olive Press (see page 6) Anne Hernandez of the Brexpat in Spain group is optimistic that a deal is on the cards.

She said: “One of my reliable contacts has in Brussels has told me that the EU/UK teams are about to next week sign a deal. So, if true, either Boris has buckled to the EU’s conditions or vice-versa. I rather suspect the former!”

Convict cash

TAINTED: A note with the Tommy slogan

6

NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION Crime? What crime?

THE role of a local paper is to report the news.

And more particularly to ensure that information that is in the public interest reaches the ears of the public.

So when our journalists spot something unusual that needs an explanation - or at least a little digging into - that is what they seek.

The Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) recognises its duty includes keeping taxpayers informed, which is why it sends the media a daily report of all incidents received over the previous 24 hours.

When our reporter spotted what seemed to be a spike in crime over the course of 48 hours, he approached the RGP to see if there had been a more general rise.

To be frank, the response was a little less helpful than we would like.

Let us be clear, we are not in the business of making news up. But it would be nice if those people whose job is to help the press were a little clearer in their response to legitimate journalistic questions.

We appreciate that sometimes it is difficult to get all the information needed together, but surely the RGP knows if it is having to deal with more cases than normal, and what the general crime trends are.

Pointing to a single daily report in a defensive manner without actually answering the question does not serve the public well.

Brexit booster THE possible closure of the frontier to all but essential traffic due to COVID-19 could be a real blow to the Gibraltarian way of life.

This situation may even become a permanent fixture unless Gibraltar manages to clinch a deal with both Spain and the UK after December 31.

With Brexit talks still deadlocked, Labour encouraged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to push for a deal now that Europhile Joe Biden has won the US election.

The fall of Donald Trump could spell the end for a potentially lucrative trade deal with the USA and force the UK to get closer to Europe.

Such a scenario with closer ties to the EU could actually be a much-needed lift for a Gibraltar which has seen economic growth forecasts halt for the coming year.

Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke - jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es

John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es

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ANON has landed

There’s a new show in town for deranged conspiracy theorists that makes Scientology seem like the Open University.

Jo Chase gets her hands dirty by looking under the bonnet...

W

ELCOME to the world of lunatic conspiracy theories. And Q Anon might just be the daddy. In case it is yet to make it to you, QAnon is the codename of a high-ranking US intelligence officer – Q – who dripfeeds intelligence to followers.

It centres on Trump’s ‘crusade’ to save the world from a Deep State where a satanic cabal of influential people - Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama among them - hide children in tunnels for the purposes of paedophilia and cannibalism. It also involves the gold standard being restored and, following a mysterious ‘reset’, a basic income being

HIDDEN DEPTHS: The remote town of Orgiva has found itself at home to many conspiracy theorists to the disgust of some residents

paid to all world citizens – known as ‘NESARA/GESARA’ (National Economic Security and Recovery Act).

To most normal individuals it seems totally far-fetched, especially given newly ousted Trump’s record for

Complications ahead for British expats in Spain... But a deal will happen!

As the stopwatch ticks ever closer, Brexit Analyst Anne Hernández on the key chages for January

I

AM beginning to wonder if the world has gone totally bonkers! sure that everyone living in a country What with Brexit, COVID, Boris Johnson’s bumblings and now that has a treaty with the UK will not the knife-edge Trump v Biden race to the White House. Nothing pay tax in two countries on the same seems ‘normal’ anymore and the year 2020 will surely go down in income. history as one of the worst on record.

For British travellers from the UK to the EU however, there will be Brexit is the one thing that will most affect us as British passport stricter border controls and passports must have a validity of six holders here in Spain - and while I have never been a political ani- months. In addition, visas will be needed for work or study in the EU. mal, I have become so since the threat of the referendum loomed Driving in the EU will need an IDP and green card plus GB stickers in 2015 leading to the UK voting to leave the EU. if driving a UK registered vehicle, the UK pet passport scheme will It has been an interesting, albeit sharp, learning curve and I have stop and paying with UK bank cards may become more expensive. made some wonderful new friends and important The Schengen ruling for non-residents being allowed contacts along the way. in the Schengen area for only 90 days in any 180 My association, Brexpats in Spain, that I set-up in days is causing concern for Swallows (or snowbirds), Talk of a no 2016 just after the referendum, now has nearly who holiday here in their second homes for perhaps deal will not 20,000 members. Fed up with all the misinformation four or five months each year. That will probably not throughout the run-up to the referendum I decided be possible after January and their EHIC medical affect our we needed a source of factual information although care will not be valid either so private health care will we have often been accused of ‘scaremongering’ be necessary. rights as which has now proven to be ‘truthmongering’.

Talk of a no deal will not affect our rights as citizens citizens Some Brits here still prefer to be ostriches and will as it refers to trade deals, but it will make it difficult do nothing until the very last minute and I fear they for the UK to compete in terms of world business beare in for a rude awakening! cause the EU has deals in place with 70 countries We ceased to be citizens of the EU on January 31 and were given worldwide. a grace period to allow us to get everything done in anticipation of Despite EU/UK negotiations being strained over the last few January 1, 2021, when we become third country nationals. months, over the last fortnight progress has been made on a deal Spain opted for the declaratory scheme so, as beneto avoid a Hard Brexit. ficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) article While the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier told 18.4, those of us who live here must have a resthe media that there were still some key stumidency, Spanish driving licence, private or state bling blocks ahead, the EU is persevering to sign medical care and be on the Padron at our local an agreement. Us expats must pray our own town halls. dear bumbling Boris is of the same ilk.

The WA ensured that we will have continued Either way, one of my reliable contacts in Brusaccess to employment, healthcare, educasels has told me that the EU/UK teams tion, benefits and other services. The UK are this week signing a deal. So, if government will continue to pay our true, either Boris has buckled to pensions, child benefit, and disability the EU’s conditions or vice-verbenefits as long as we are eligible sa. I rather suspect the former!

UK nationals in the EU. To read more of our ‘truthmonBrexit will not change the existing gering’ go to any of our six BrexEU double taxation arrangements pats in Spain Facebook groups, that apply to EU countries and entwitter or website.

November 11th - November 24th 2020

7 Olive Press online

Expat leader Charlie Ward

- Ou

Our Our promise promise -- Our Our DNA: DNA: r pro The The best best reporting reporting in in Spain Spain in in English English NA

O ur D

What a year!

I

HORRIFIC: Millions

of fish died

Demands for €80m flood aid

FREE

OLIVE PRESS COSTA BLANCA

VAN

Continues on Page

10

Right turn

EXCLUSIVE

By Joshua Parfitt

POLICE on the

in England.

Failed

Levante hotel at 5.30pm to buy cigaretteson September 9 his bearings and before he lost

Wallet

Opinion page 6

answering our questions,” son Lee Pearce, 41, told the Olive Press last night.

SUR / MURCIA

s Vol. 1 Issue 6 www.theolivepress.e

5th 2020

January 23th - February

2020

January

22th - February

4th 2020

14-metre waves A SERIES of giant this week as lashed eastern Spain officially the Storm Gloria became winter storm since most destructive walls of 1982. The record-breaking that left nine water – and weather as Spain declared dead – came on cue

www.theolivepress.es

Risks

a to drink, be it was safe may not

Milk matters

of up Waves Waves of RECORD: RECORD: eastern 14m toup 14m lashed east to lashed this week Spain Spain this week

Climate emergency declared as recordbreaking storm Gloria leaves nine dead

Water worry

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with contact details.

A spokeswoman for the British Consulate told the Olive Press it ‘does not

44, died in Asturias first victim, age of government on Sunday when a truck lost control into be at the ‘forefront’ unprecedented ‘clisnowfall and crashed snow action with an expected within 100 in heavy he was putting on mate change law’ the steps of scores his car while chains. days, following in the world. a 63-year-old died The following day roof of countries across storms lashed in Avila after he was struck by a man It came after serious a 70-year-old Alalso leaving millions the Costa Blanca, of euros of damage. tile. Meanwhile in Moixent, died of hypothermia close to Gale force 9 winds icante after falling into snowpeople – havoc wrought and two homeless Carcaixin 115km/h his home, with Gandia and another record- one in also died from hypothermia. winds ent – included in Oliva anda Four people died yesterday,a homehailstorm, waves reaching in ing a farmer in a record-breaking less person killed by hypothermiacol8.44m in Valen- Almeria, a woman whose house car cia, and a shocking lapsed in Alcoy, and a man whose Benidorm. near 14.22m in Ibiza. was swept off a road So far, nine people Four are still missing in Catalunyaa have died around and the Balearic Islands – including Spain, with a fur- 25-year-old Brit in Ibiza. the ther four missing Leading climatologists backed around the Bale5 aric Islands and Continues on Page The Catalunya.

By Joshua Parfitt

of ‘climate emergena landmark state cy’ for the entire country. (below) insistLeader Pedro Sanchez would now ed ecological transition

We’ve gota learn

to guide OM! Ourbest yoga 17 Spain’s SEE Page breaks

or by pockets of arcticbedrop) is caused A gota fría (cold southeast across western Europe climate, polar air that move warmer, humid Mediterannean fore meeting the scientist Jorge Olcina. hence according to Alicante ‘isolated’ at high altitude,at High Depression The cold blast becomes DANA, or Isolated its spanish term Mediterannean Altitudes. and contact with warmer When coming into vapours immediately condense Orihuein one burst. In air, the rising humid quantity of water 400mm of water fell in drop a massive 2019 over average precipila back in September nearly twice annual less than 48 hours, freak gota fría. tation, due to a

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Good health

Issue 335

be doing anything at all.”

It comes as scores idents have spent of British resweeks searching for signs of the grandfa-

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Vol. 13

of believing pharmaceutical SPAIN’s has issued a warndecades Spain’s tap water watchdogsocial media influ- After finds ing over dodgy health new study encers pushing is among products. (General Council tap water Associ- SPAIN’s in Europe.

The CGCF has filed a the worst Barcelona study of Physiotherapist Spain) has the fourth major ations of with the Spanish Afound it carries cancer for bladder about peocomplaint highest risk continent. that longHealth Ministry medicinal condi- on the suggest a group of ple promoting for beauty Findings to 0.1%, treatments proper knowl- term exposuretap water called ( of less than in the tions without may be of THM count law, chemicals by the Netherlands on the cases edge or training. followed Germany (0.2%). of THMs to Spanish is trihalomethanes one in 20 and only CyAccording promotion is cause forcancer in Europe each highest levels also concluded - behind with 0.1%) and bathing such medical continent 23.2%, Malta wa- The scientists bladder and advertising disease, alBarcelona by indus- year. prus with Ireland’s Liffeythird that showering banned from the trigger the to enter can also 17.9% and a surprising Scientists for Global Health strictly monitored chemicals the the tap ter coming with 17.2%. the lowing thevia the pores of Institute try professionals. analysed

said.

“I’ve got 130 taxi drivers who start

was taken to at 4am Meanwhile Albert The consulate email police. and finish Rivera’s Ciudadanos will be Philip was carrying also stated Two months at 2am, but none on, Lee told the neither his of 14. In the 40dBreduced from 57 to passport nor his Ol- the hotels ive Press gain 14% of the poll Vox is set to he was taken by wallet when search anda request for ‘a ground tablishmentsand esvote, alongside the sniffer dogs’ has PP in second place Benidorm’s Policia a stranger to unanswered, gone seen a sign of have with 21.2% and 91 seats and the PhilNacional stawhile the family tion in the Old are ip.”

Town just after left searching for answers. with 27.3% and PSOE coming first midnight, as CCTV The The PSOE’s 121 votes. footage con- “We just need closure on wheth- spent family has predicted victory firms. er my dad is still would see the party alive or not,” ting up weeks putHowever, what is Lee said. posters and seats than in April’s with two less and why he was not clear is how “But apart handing out prompting another last election, headache for its the station three allowed to leave sent out from claiming to have of his missing flyers leader Pedro Sanchez some father “The police are hours later. the police don’t drones to look, around Benidorm form a government. as he tries to simply not seem to

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Costa Blanca A DANGEROUS have been slammed after they could see Spain’slurch to the right allowed a confused and disorienVox party becominganti-immigrant tated British great-grandfathe ers in this weekend’s the kingmakto walk out of r general election. into the dead of a police station The massive surge The family of night alone. the recent Catalan - off the back of Pearce, 68, arepensioner Philip of Islam - could crisis and a fear demanding ancomment on individual swers from Benidorm see the party seizing 15% of the seats cases’ such as Philip’s. why he was released police over DISAPPEARED: Philip The expected gains in Parliament.

Pearce A Policia Nacional on Septem- (above right) ber 10, at 3am. the last picture enjoying a drink (above), damage centre-right will seriously claimed ‘helicopters’ spokesman while of the pensioner They now fear for Ciudadanos, which could lose in Alicante Airport “It’s scrambled to search had been has been missing his life after he us absolutely gut-wrenching for while the ruling over half its seats, as a family, not for ther-of-three. various Benidorm for Philip on an alarming PSOE and two months. left wing Podemos are also hillsides. he is and why he knowing where Owner of However, he failed expected to sufAnd in a shocking Alicante Transfers, fer. to answer “I just want him disappeared.

David McQueen, questions about home British Consulate,email from the miss Vox, which has the exact details pledged to ‘defend’ him so much.” so badly. I spent ‘four to five’ said he has of his release from seen by the Olive Press this Spain from immigrants, the station or hours every whether Philip is predictsniffer dogs and ed to finish third suggestions of a week, there are from was known to be suffering day scouring abandoned buildground in the country’s breach of duty ings and traveller the early signs searches had been fourth general election of care. of demen- around communities would deployed or tia, but was ‘happy in as many years. the Costa Blanca. be soon.

The official email and smiling’ when The latest polling pensioner had clearlyreveals the friend he left for Alicante with a “I even sent my dog out with suggests Vox, led Have you seen GoPro a and told

by Santiago Abascal, travelling camera police he to search in every in ‘did not remember Philip? partner. bush touch at newsdesk@Get its 24 seats in Spain’s will increase where he He was having a good was staying’ nor holiday we’ve and in every corner, but theolivepress.e 350-seat parwhere he was until he left his Playa liament to 46. found nothing,” from s

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Vol. 1 Issue 1 www.theolivepres s.es

ISHED! T is a particularly sweet landmark.

Against the odds, our youngest edition - Costa Blanca south/Murcia - has made it to its first anniversary.

Launched in November last year, we couldn’t have picked a more testing time OLIVE as our fifth edition PRESS creaked its way 12 through a difficult winter into an agonising Spring and traumatic Summer.

N ACTIO But we held it together and over 26 S STATION issues we managed to bring the region’s expats a range of investigative JANU ARY SALE NOW stories, features and even the odd NOW JANUARY SALE campaign.

Highlights includOLIVE PRESS ed the expat group formed to tackle squatters to the Brit who beat COVID-19 twice, and from a probe Goose into motoring conman Simon Da- cha se Ch arity case trade vies, to the scandal of charity shops dea l having to pay IVA. Then there were the floods, the sad case of pensioner Philip Pearce and the capture of Britain’s Most Wanted Louis VIVAL ISSUE THE EXPAT SUR Robinson in Murcia.

OLIVE All in all, we would not have been SS RE P able to do all that without you, our readers.

Thanks to your commitment, civility and courage in talking to us we can report accurately on what is ...REASONS TO happening out there every issue.

BE CHEERFUL Launching a paper in the middle of winter, then going on to battle OLIVE PRESS the twin challenges of a global pandemic and Brexit may have been a struggle - but we have enjoyed every minute of it.

A VEGA Baja mayor has demanded €80m in flood aid for the devastated Murcia region.

Los Alcazares leader Mario Perez Cervera insisted a major flood retention project should urgently to prevent be implemented ous flooding that the sort of serihappened in September.

He told the government in Madrid this week that it serve the Mar is also vital to preMenor, which was badly hit by the so-called Gota Fria.

The week of heavy deaths of millions rain led to the struction of dozensof fish and the deHe insisted future of homes. floods needed to

The

catch-all term that includes ex-new pujarra residents are unimpressed age travellers, yogis, spiritualists with Q propaganda landing on their doorstep. and the alternative community.

For Qanons, Trump is a James Bond- Tanya Grenfell Williams, from Tijola, like figure, fighting with the good told the Olive Press: “Qanon is tapguys against the Deep State as part ping into people’s fears by providing something concrete in these preof a wider ‘Earth Alliance’.

Along with the ‘Q’ team and Trump, carious times, even if it is false and this alliance allegedly and rather feeding QAnon’s own agenda. frighteningly comprises: ‘loyal gen- “Unfortunately, these more liberal erals and other high-ranking mem- thinkers, normally left-leaning, are bers of the armed forces’; ‘the white finding comfort in these dangerous hats of the National Security Agency conspiracy theories and naively promoting them to other (NSA)’; and numerous people.” global military leaders Sorrell Badger, an ad- Vladamir Putin; Xi JinHow can ministrator of the Orgiping of China; India’s va and Alpujarra Covid prime minister Narenanyone with Group on Facebook, is dra Modi; and crown less polite. prince Bin Salman of a functioning “It’s such a transparent Saudi Arabia (the one who ordered the killbrain fall for it load of b*llocks,” she told the Olive Press. ing and chopping up “I don’t know how anyof journalist, Jamal one with a functioning Khashoggi, in 2018).

According to local Q bigwig Char- brain can fall for it. I also find it worlie Ward (see panel left), the main rying that the same people downplay purpose of the Earth Alliance is the COVID and call it a ‘plandemic’. Just dismissal of the 13 ‘demon blood- look at the death toll in the US – line families of the illuminated Deep 210,000.”

State clique’. This world transition Orgiva resident Nick Chambers addis, apparently, being financed by the ed: “QAnon is a massive distraction Chinese Dragon Family. Confused? for people who really should know better. It is taking attention away It’s no surprise.

And that so many people subscribe from the real issues of today - the to this patent massive inequity of global wealth, nonsense be- the military industrial complex and, comes less of a the really big one, global climate laughing mat- chaos.” snapped Orgiter when one “QAnonsense”, considers that va-based photographer Fred Shively, these are the who hails from the US, summing it people that up in a word.

Trump is seek- However, with QAnon hijacking the ing to inflame #SaveTheChildren hashtag for its to support his own purposes, some people have i n c r e a s i n g - been attracted by evidence that inly deranged stitutionalised paedophilia does exclaims that ist. the US elec- “There’s definitely a paedo cover tion is being up,” commented Orgiva resident Sol‘stolen’ from omon Cardy. “Do you believe that Epstein killed himself? him…

And the worst “I don’t subscribe to QAnon but I do news? It’s arrived on Spain’s Cos- subscribe to there being a massive tas, especially within the expat com- paedo ring involving many politicians and I’m glad it’s finally coming munity...

Take Orgiva, a town with a thriving al- to light.” ternative community, some of whom With QAnons pointing out that Jimmy are posting messages promoting Q Savile was connected to the UK royon Facebook and sharing pictures of al family, and that Epstein is proof of the pudding, some might say this Estepona ‘conspiracy picnics’.

Residents in the Alpujarran market area of debate has some credence. town of Orgiva are reporting ‘Q’ and However, it does not validate the ‘WWG1WGA’ (where we go one, we rest of the QAnon theories or that go all) graffiti splashed across local Trump – a friend of Epstein and on record discussing ‘grabbing p*ssy’ walls.

Meanwhile some members of the – is crusading for the benefit of hucommunity have been attending manity. ‘conspiracy theory picnics’ in an With COVID on the increase and a Estepona mansion where they can huge lack of leadership and scienlisten to QAnon ‘red pill’ speeches tific rationalism in the fight against with ‘private intel’ from the likes of the pandemic, one thing seems British expat oil magnate Charlie certain. People will turn more and Ward – the most prominent figure in more to the absolutist certainly of the kind of theories spouted by the Andalucia’s Q scene.

With these right-wing views seeping chancers and crackpots typified by into the local community, many Al- QAnon. Fasten your seatbelts…

The

SIGN: Graffiti that identifies with the deranged theorists of QAnon disfigures a wall in Orgiva

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www.theolivepr ess.es February 6th

- February 19th

2020

Take a visit to secret AcropoliSpain’s

See page 10

LIFE ON THE EDGE,

Oh and it’s Valentines Day, chaps!

Don’t Forget

See page 5

Find our romantic recipes inside

See page 14

HUNDREDS ty shops are of British-run chariignoring new laws that require Spanish them to charge ue added tax val(IVA) on second-hand goods.

A UK plan for A tax clampdown deal with thea Canada-style free trade already slammed has seen a number with big fines, been rejected. European Union has many more with now It comes as UK the Olive Press in the firing line, Johnson laid outPrime Minister Boris One well knowncan reveal. shop on the deal with Brusselshis vision for a trade Blanca is now facing fines of Costa ‘no need’ to follow insisting there was €24,000’ ‘up to EXCLUSIVE after an inspection EU rules.

His aim is an vealed they

By Joshua Parfitt reCanada signedagreement like the one throughout charged no IVA on sales 2018. goods. tariffs on most in 2016 where import The Torrevieja goods have been charity’s accountant, It comes as another inated. The flow elim- who asked not to be named, British charity, which has two banking – which of services, such as shops are being viewed as any said has also been shops in Torrevieja, tance to the UK is of more impor- high-street other hit with a €5,000 after an inspection more restricted. – however are much changes to business following law fine He also mentioned behaviour. crackdown on fraudulent revealed was paid on however, that if this deal is not second-hand no IVA 2017. the UK will return items in reached “The government’s to the view Withdrawal “It’s completely Agreement, or is that it is not fair that dent, who asked unfair,” the presiAustralia. Borishave a similar deal to is charging a legitimate business IVA on sales to protect the to remain nameless tled ‘unleashing used his speech - ti- door a charity while shop can cut next an work, told charity’s humanitarihighlight the factBritain’s potential’ - to prices,” the down “Our charity the Olive Press. to revert to the that the UK intends ive Press thisaccountant told the OlWorld week.

Trade Organi- “There government issteps in because the sation (WTO) are a lot of expats citizens, and failing to care for its UNDER PRESSURE: such a deal. Heterms if the EU refuses to make themselves who need Charity shops them for it? now we have to pay fines. phatically not said: “The choice is em- is not a clampdown aware that this face hefty Government “Factoring 21% “The question‘deal or no deal’. government doing but merely the Susan is whether we fines its job properly.” prices will heavilyIVA into existing charity Weeding, who operates trading relationship “You have to agree a The accountant bear in mind four affect the shops for do and mean parable to Canada’s with the EU com- Hacienda over said he was fighting we reach fewerwork we Care Rescue Centreher Easy Horse of our rescues come at the that most the money demandin need.” tralia’s. In either - or more like Aus- ed from his request of people she ‘might in Rojales, said police and councils directly – someas The president that Britain will case, I have no doubt not aware’ client as the client ‘was starts having well give up’ if she times from as far as of prosper mightily.” to pay IVA to ty shops were added his two chari- ernment.

Murcia and He pointed the laws. the gov- Granada. some ‘of the very out that back British-run See Time’s Up “We’re not allowed in the UK, charity home enterprises which few’ “The September on page 6 to re-home shops enjoy now adding the storms as they ro-rated VAT are the Vega zetax. on sales of donated Baja region withalready left cases, become evidence in them He urged all court so why should crops and we’re no forage we be hit by the double sure charity shops to make to government for now in debt they are not keep doing our best?” liable to donkeys our 121 horses, ponies just and alive,” she said.

Opinion Page 6

Hundreds of British-run charity shops are facing fines after ignoring tax laws

special edition we Inside this week’s and ideas on how have dozens of tips crisis, including... to survive the Covid

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April s.es April 2nd Vol. 1 Issue 11 www.theolivepres

15th, 2020

business Dance your way tosee p6 success at home

The best Spanish shows to get you through the long days at home see p10

While the army is on the streets, 8,000 have died, millions of jobs are at risk and everyone is on a four-week lockdown, there are...

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the Top From Joe to Ulysses... up on see p10 10 tomes to catch

once The best inland escapes see p14 the lockdown ends And even some advice from Oprah and Chopra see p15

The

credibility and coherence. But the movement’s supporters are deadly serious.

QAnons claim that President John F Kennedy started the concept, although conveniently, as JFK was shot dead in 1963, he’s not around to confirm or refute this.

But although its principles sound like the plot of a B-movie, QAnon has gained traction worldwide, with its supporters trying to decipher ‘Q drops’ and joining forces to fight against the satanic cabal.

And while critics denounce Q fans as delusional, the QAnons claim that the public has been brainwashed by the ‘mainstream media’ (MSM).

People are, in this respect, polarised in their opinions.

Many describe QAnon as being ‘cult-like’.

Now, remarkably, it has taken root in the alternative communities of Andalucia’s Alpujarras and is spreading like coronavirus throughout the Costa Del Sol and Costa Blanca.

For its supporters, known as ‘QAnons’, it’s something to cling onto during the COVID crisis.

For others it is a lucrative business opportunity with Q-themed events popping up in luxury venues along the Costa.

One of the main criticisms of QAnon is that the underlying concept is loosely based on the theories promoted by the Nazis to encourage anti-Semitism and justify the holocaust.

The Nazis were interested in esoterism and magic, as well as Eastern religions.

This helps explain why this newer version of the conspiracy theory proves popular with the ‘cosmic right’ – a

‘Spain’s best English news website’

mise -

The 60-year-old oil magnate, money and self-stated ex-cult member claim trader s that he has been down subterranean tunnels unregistered gold was stored, wher where e shops and houses exist, and people ride arou nd in golf carts.

Such is the current popularity of Q – and ed theories - that Ward has gained 166,relatonline subscribers in five months and 000 11.5 million views (https://www.youtu user/drcharlieward). He also chargesbe.com/ an entry fee for his ‘club’.

For some entrepreneurs, Q is a boost for business.

Peggy Boer runs regular Q Parties at Los Caballos in Estepona, where guesCortijo €22 a ticket and €80 for a night’s accots pay mmodation to hear speakers like Charlie Ward .

One such event, branded ‘Conspira cy Protocol’, attracted 95 guests and was atten by the Policia Nacional although they ded supposedly sent packing by the mas were conspiracy theorists (they don’t believe k-less in face coverings).

Other popular QAnon themes – as seen in their videos – include anti-vaccination, tian religion, hydroxychloroquine (as Chrisfor Covid), the ‘plandemic’, Trump nota cure a woman-molester, the evil of Bill Gate being George Soros, the dangers of 5G and s and between ‘one world government or a choice There is also a strong pro-Brexit elem Trump’. ent.

The

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Here’s to the next year and beyond!

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: Spain’s Andalucia to close off all 1-ofBreaking: its municipalities and bars and restaurants to close at 6pm (52,917 views) Benidorm shops in crisis as shutters are 2-pulled down on Spain’s Costa Blanca (49,168 views) - Breaking: Jet2 suspends all flights and ho3Islands lidays between England and Spain’s Canary until end of lockdown (39,780 views) Tourist slump causes 47-year blowback 4- for Costa Blanca’s Alicante-Elche airport in Spain (37,154 views) flights to Spain until early 5- Jet2 suspends 2021 (34,644 views)

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McQueen

You total doughnut!

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8

LA CULTURA Child star

Atypical triumph

GIBRALTAR’S only winner at this year’s international art exhibition spoke of her desire to talk about the rejection of the different by society.

Artists from Gibraltar, the Republic of Ireland, Spain and UK put forward 150 works for the 47th edition of the event.

Zulaika Vallance (pictured) was the only Gibraltarian to take a prize, as Best Young Artist.

Her ‘History of Atypical Representation’ impressed this year’s judge Mercedes Corbacho Rodriguez, Director of the Cruz Herrera Museum in La Linea.

Vallance’s work features different characters from the norm who were shunned throughout the ages.

One of them was a bearded woman, who she recreated by dressing in Victorian dress, gluing on a fake beard and walked into town “People screamed, laughed and photographed me - it was horrible!” revealed Vallance, an aspiring young local talent.

“Then I looked at hippies and yippies in the 1960s and 70s who protested for a life which broke free from mainstream American life.”

AN eight-year-old boy who wrote a picture book on COVID-19 travel has been recognised at the second Cultural Awards in Gibraltar.

Jake Torres won the Outstanding Achievement Award after selling his 1,200 copies of his Corona Travel book.

Torres raised £7,500 for children’s charities, got social media approval and even took part in a global book collaboration.

Gibraltar classical music composer Karel Mark Chichon received an extraordinary achievement award for his long career.

A special COVID award was given to Dion Mifsud and Nolan Frendo for their Friday Night Live show.

Maribel Matthews, who got an ‘Artist of the Year’ award in New York, took the senior award.

Panist Aditya Dhanwani and dancer Amy Wink got the under-15 and under-25 awards.

The Best Educational Project went to the Youth Service for a portrait project to highlight mental health issues.

Writer Mark Sanchez got the Cultural Ambassador award while Arthur Harper got a lifetime achievement award for his services to photography.

Gender Gap

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Big Screen Sylvia Celebrated American poet focus of local film

SPAIN features in a movie currently being shot that tells the honeymoon story of renowned American poet Sylvia Plath and one of Britain’s greatest 20th century poets, Ted Hughes.

It’s the second film to feature Plath and the city, as a fulllength fictional tale, It Snows in Benidorm is released next month in Spain.

Plath and Hughes honeymooned in Benidorm in the summer of 1956, and director, Maria Anton Cabot, is using local people as actors and extras for her project.

Shooting has been taking place at locations around the resort including the Levante beach area where Anton Cabot met up with mayor, Toni Perez.

The so-far untitled short film is pencilled in to be screened at national and international film

festivals.

Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes married in London just four months after they first met and

MEN are running Spain’s cultural sector and it shows, says a new study.

An audit commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and Sport to study its own structures and bodies shows a striking disparity between opportunities for women and men.

OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Conclusively (4,3,3,3) 8 A mix of living tissue and machinery (6) 9 One or the other of two (6) 10 Eat like a king (5) 12 Having an interesting past (7) 14 Combat area (3,4) 16 Seaport in NW Israel (5) 19 Spanish fleet (6) 20 Walk softly (6) 22 Computer messaging system (8,5) Down

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TRAGIC: Sylvia Plath took own life

1 Salad green (6) 2 Maidenhair, for example (4) 3 Pass into law (5) 4 Consequences (7) 5 Standards of judgment (8) 6 Arm cover (6) 11 Fairly large (8) 13 Dredge up (7) 15 Kind of airliner (6) 17 Baffles (6) 18 Performed terribly (5) 21 Career golfers (4)

All solutions are on page 12

went on honeymoon to Paris, and then onto the Costa Blanca.

They appeared to enjoy their

Some 82% of the artistic directors of public institutions in Spain are male, the study revealed, meaning official decisions on culture remain in the hands of a majority of men.

On top of that three quarters of pieces bought by galleries were the work of men.

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time in Benidorm because they spent around a month there.

They even ended up renting a house all to themselves on Calle Tomas Ortunio Sylvia Plath’s stay is said to have inspired a number of her greatest works according to her diaries.

That included an acclaimed short story called That Widow Maganda which was based on her observing a local house.

Back to virtual tours MALAGA’S iconic el Caminito del Rey has closed for two weeks due to coronavirus mobility restrictions — but a virtual tour is possible.

According to the Diputacion de Malaga, the new measures see the perimeter closure of all Andalucian municipalities ‘making visits to this site impossible’.

You can still however enjoy el Caminito del Rey from the comfort of your sofa in three different ways through the website www.caminitodelrey.info.

People can enjoy 360º views of 40 different stunning points on the trail, watch a series of videos explaining the history behind the Hydroelectric Power complex or follow a virtual visit from a unique stand point.

In the last five years the iconic route has been visited by more than 1.5 million people now tourism bosses hope many more can ‘visit’ online.

A

ll about

G

The

Vol. 5

Issue 135

V

uadalhorce

www.theolivepress.es

alley

November 11th - November 24th 2020

The good life

STUNNING: Fantastic scenery and beautiful villages like Tolox (inset) with ancient customs at festival time and superb architecture like the church in Alora (right)

H

ALF an hour from the coast as the Porsche flies, there’s a different way to realise the expat dream in Spain where life is lived in a lower gear.

Named after Malaga province’s principal river, the Valle de Guadalhorce is a comarca (shire) of a dozen inland white towns that offer a taste of slow lane Spain.

Stretching from the coast into the high sierras around Archidona, the ‘river deep, mountain high’ setting is an alluring option for those who want to

So many expats have found their Eldorado in the charming white towns of Andalucia’s green Guadalhorce Valley, home of the eponymous TV series, writes Dillip Kuner settle away from the Costa fleshpots and prefer to get their kicks from rocky mountain highs and fixes of fresh air.

But don’t let the valley’s laidback ambience fool you.

Discovered by adventurous expats decades ago, it is not at all hard to find every mod con nearby. With the recent-

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email: papcristina@hotmail.com Ctra Cartama L1, Alhaurin El Grande

ly opened Hospital Valle del Gaudalhorce - which cost over €30 million - that includes first class health care on the doorstep without the need to trek into Malaga.

You can get pretty much anything in Coin, the valley’s cultural centre and unofficial ‘capital’ of its lower reaches.

Inmo

A mix of old and new, traditional and expat, you can find craft boutiques and old curiosity shops nestling side by side with modern stores. La Trocha, Coin’s swish commercial centre, has enticed the likes of El Corte Ingles and Dunnes Stores to branch out into the rural hinterland to cater for

the growing expat population. It also has a genuine flea market most weekends.

The feel of authentic rural Spain with a European veneer explains why so many expats from the UK and further afield have chosen to call the Guadalhorce Valley home.

Even one of the tapas to be enjoyed at the Nueva Alameda cafeteria when we visited was a fried bacon, eggs and mushrooms Continues overleaf

‘Integrity Always’

Andaluz Real Estate

Selling all types of Country Properties around the Guadalhorce Valley and Sierra de Las Nieves since 2003 tel. 952 49 16 09 mov. 667 06 72 69 mov. 685 51 48 35 sales@inmoandaluz.com

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10

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ll about

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uadalhorce

Into the valley

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dish. Can it get any more British?

Only the name Coin, perhaps, when spoken of by newbie Brits. It’s pronounced ‘Co-een’ but they call it like the money.

Historically, Coin is very much on the money with a cosmopolitan past stretching from the Roman Empire to pop culture. Eldorado, the BBC’s famously flopped soap, was filmed on a purpose-built set outside town.

The Romans set the place up as the market town of Lacibis, mining the terrain for minerals and laying the foundations for the area’s latterly burgeoning ‘Green Coin’ ceramics trade.

Marble from the quarries of Sierra Blanca, five kilometres south, was used to construct the amazing Roman town of Italica, near Sevilla, the birthplace of the mighty Emperor Hadrian in 76AD. Then, like many parts of Spain, Coin fell to the Moors in the 900s before being reconquered by the Christians in the late 15th century. The town buckled under a siege in which, le-

Los Barcos, the setting for Eldorado

gend has it, the great New World explorer Christopher Columbus took part.

The fascinating 9th century Mozarabe Monastery will take you back to those swashbuckling times.

But there is much more to see in the Guadalhorce valley - with the draw of the mountains a particularly powerful attraction.

A highlight is the Sierra de las Nieves, Spain’s most newly-declared national park to the west of the valley. Largely untouched by tourists yet ridiculously close to the coast, it’s a weekend getaway begging to be booked. Pinsapo fir trees, Spanish ibex and thriving otter populations are some of the gems that won it National Park protection.

Tolox is the back door to this incredible mountain wilderness. As someone once described it, ‘If Coin sits at the foot of the Sierra de las Nieves, then Tolox is the toenail’.

Once part of the Kingdom of Solei- If rigorous adventure is more your man, this whitewashed Moorish villa- backpack, you should try the winding ge also draws visitors to explore the walk from Marbella, which takes in healing properties of its Fuente Amar- the towns of Ojen, Monda, Guaro, ga Spa. Coin and - if you have the energy Stress and muscle fatigue are was- eventually Alhaurin. hed away with a variety of therapies Take water for the steep climb and a ranging from natural gas inhalation camera for the awesome scenery and to mud spray treatments. Former views.

Spanish Prime Minister Every hairpin bend Miguel Primo de Riveround the steep cliffs ra is among the more offers up a fresh angle Pinsapo fir famous faces to have on the Guadalhorce Vaindulged. trees, Spanish lley.

Conveniently close to Looking up at the imibex and the spa on the fringes posing ceiling of white of the Sierra de las Niecloud, and down to wathriving otter ves sits one of the Guaterfalls trickling below, populations dalhorce Valley’s finest it’s easy to forget that hotels. the Costa del Sol meOffering eagle-eye tropolis is just over the views as far as Malaga, the Cerro de mountain.

Hijar hotel is one of Andalucia’s more Arriving in Alhaurin is like deja vu as remote places to rest your head. a ‘castle’ looms into view. It’s the fa-

CHARMING: Coin

mous brick w a t e r tower that starred in the opening credits of the Eldorado series, built to look old.

More striking is how Alhaurin has grown. Where Coin may have one amazing tapas place or cake shop, Alhaurin has several. And it is the place to go if you want to donate to charity. UK Food on the Crtra. de Cartama provides a service where they accept donations to distribute to various charities.

The route south west out of Alhaurin brings you to the serene Barranco Blanco (White Ravine).

A photographer’s favourite, buried in the countryside where wild boar feel

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11 Spain

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HEADY HEIGHTS: The Caminito del Rey and (right) the Barranco Blanco waterfall

safe to roam, its aquamarine waters end in a magical waterfall.

Everyone mentions the Nazis, who allegedly used the area as a training camp during WW2, due to an unofficial ‘alliance’ between Franco and Hitler. You can still see a white building

TOWER: In hills near Alhaurin

that was used as a sentry post as you arrive.

And let’s not forget the Caminito del Rey, a huge hit with thrill seekers.

Once dubbed ‘the world’s deadliest walkway, and with 1,000 visitors a day, this high-adrenalin hike above the El Chorro gorge, is in high demand.

It was recently praised as a ‘shining example’ of a sustainable tourist attraction.

Director of tourism for the Costa, Arturo Bernal, said thousands visited the site last year, while ‘last winter saw visitors of 84 different nationalities flock from five different continents’.

Emerging at the other end of the Caminito in Ardales, in normal pre-COVID times, you’d be hard-pressed to get in your car and leave.

Often called Andalucia’s Lake District, with turquoise waters surrounding tree-lined islands, it’s easy to see why.

The scenery is more akin to the cantons of Switzerland than anything found on the Costa del Sol. So many white villages, so much still to discover about the Guadalhorce Valley. In the towns our catchphrase of the day became ‘We’re not lost’ when people saw us consulting our tourist office maps and offered help.

But really that is the only way to experience the Guadalhorce Valley. Just lose yourself.

Treating people right

Established in Alora pueblo since 1998, Alora Properties has been finding everything from fincas and townhouses to cortijos and villas for home hunters in the Guadalhorce valley

WITH over two successful decades of experience in the Spanish property market, owner Margaret Mitchell has earned a reputation as a friendly and efficient realtor: “I just treat people the way I’d like to be treated myself,” she told the Olive Press.

“I’ve personally listed every property I have for sale. It’s not some big portfolio that I’ve got no idea about,” she added.

Yet, the homes she’s carefully hand-selected to list at Alora Properties are diverse and wide-reaching: think stylish townhouses in Carratraca, country villas in Alora and rural tourism businesses in El Chorro..

Whether in the hills above the Guadalhorce river or in one of the ‘pueblos blancos’, Margaret and her team work hard to treat each property purchase as unique. ”We aim to offer a professional and yet friendly service” she said.

But it’s not just real-estate intel that Alora Properties share with potential buyers.

The team is often called upon to advise foreign residents regarding dealing with town halls, banks, schools, local trades-

men and other institutions that sometimes prove overwhelming to new home owners without knowledge of the area.

“We’re selling a lifestyle not just a property,” said Margaret.

And for Brits looking to return back to the UK, prospects are surprisingly bright, says Margaret: “With the current weakness of the pound against the euro, now is actually a good time for British homeowners in Spain who are looking to sell and repatriate funds back to the UK. The ideal is if a British seller sells to a European buyer.

“The rate is very strong right now, you can get almost a pound for every euro. It’s a very good time for British people to sell,” she said.

So, whether you are hunting for your dream villa in Spain or upping sticks to head back to Britain, Margaret and her attentive team at Alora Properties have the local know-how to make the property ladder an easy climb. www.alora.properties

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12

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Safe travel corridors

SPAIN'S Minister of Tourism Reyes Maroto has revealed plans to extend so-called 'safe corridors' throughout Spain.

Following what was agreed last month between the Central Government and the regional executives of the Balearic and Canary Islands, on establishing a protocol to set up safe tourist corridors with European countries in order to reactivate tourism, Maroto aims to extend the protocol in other areas of Spain, especially in Andalucia.

Protocols

The already established protocols with the Balearic and Canary Islands, decree that travellers from European countries with an incidence of over 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants will have to present a negative test for coronavirus 48 hours before the flight.

The Minister of Tourism advocates working on this project now so that when the current incidence of the COVID-19 in Spain is under control, it will be ‘easier to open corridors as the resources and protocols will be in place.’ The proposed protocols include testing for coronavirus at Spanish airports.

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Burn bright or fade

STAR: Chef Martin Berasategui

Will Spain’s most awarded chef Martin Berasategui keep his dozen Michelin stars this month?

HE’S got more Michelin stars in Spain than anyone…and more in a single country than any other chef worldwide.

But how many of Martin Berasategui’s 12 stars will he keep when the annual awards gala is held this month?

Not even the seasoned 60-yearold chef can answer that.

The culinary godfather - who reached the pinnacle of success with his same name Basque Region restaurant 20 years ago - is keeping his fingers crossed.

By Jon Clarke

However, he accepts that with many of his 12 restaurants closed for much of the year (he has three in the Caribbean, one in Mexico, one in Lisbon) he has no idea.

Admitting it has been a terrible year due to the COVID crisis, he at least hopes for the best.

“With the stars you can never know,” he revealed this week.

“The best minutes of the year

are when you go up to collect the stars, but even better is to see former pupils go up and pick them up.”

But he is realistic about the year in general. “The Caribbean is dead, Madrid and Barcelona are in trouble, Ibiza we opened to simply close, Bilbao, San Sebastian and Lasarte, good and bad. At least we are working.”

Another of the plus sides of the current crisis is that he has found the time to refocus on

CONTINUITY:Will Munoz, Dacosta and Angel Leon keep three stars?

finding a series of new dishes, seven in total.

The end result is what he calls the ‘Menu Pandemia’, which is proving popular in his main three star restaurant, 6kms out of San Sebastian.

“Without this illness we would not have had time to create this new menu, so that is good,” he added.

The Michelin gala takes place in Madrid on November 30 and it will be interesting to see if the capital’s wunderkind David Munoz has kept his three stars for Diverxo.

And if Spain will keep its other three Michelin starred eateries including El Celler de Can Roca, in Barcelona, Akelarre and Arzak, in San Sebastian, and Quique Dacosta, in Denia, and Angel Leon at Aponiente, in Cadiz.

By the middle of September some 86% of Michelin starred restaurants were open in Spain, while this number had dropped off to around 75% by the end of October.

Bottom’s Up

THE best wines in the world for 2020 have been revealed – and one of the top pours comes from Spain.

Montecillo Crianza 2016 was crowned ‘the best buy’ in the world by prestigious booze magazine, Wine Enthusiast.

Leading wine aficionados, sommeliers and luxury travel correspondents who had rated wines from across the globe put forward the Spanish vino as their top pick.

The wine from Bodegas Montecillo, DOC, Rioja’s third oldest winery, was selected as number one by critics who awarded the wine 91 points.

Editor Michael Schachner said he favoured the balance between notes of fruit and wood and its ‘authentic Riojan character’.

Montecillo Crianza is made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes from vines located in Rioja Alta and spends 18 months in American oak barrels, followed by at least six months in the bottle.

The wine, which is sold in most supermarkets for just under €9 a bottle, has previously picked up a number of accolades including a gold medal from Mundus Vini, and 91 points from wine magazine Decanter which featured the bottle on its cover.

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Flying free BRITISH Airways will continue to fly to Gibraltar twice a week during the UK COVID-19 lockdown.

The welcome news for the local community comes after Wizz Air announced it would start flights from Luton airport to the Rock on December 11.

“I’m delighted to welcome a new airline to Gibraltar from Luton for this winter,” said Minister for transport Vijay Daryanani about the arrival of Wizz Air. “The service will open up the North London catchment area once again, providing more options to our existing air services.”

He said the airport had operated despite the COVID-19 pandemic, still operating flights to the UK. “We hope that this service and Wizz Air UK’s relationship with us will grow and evolve,” said the minister.

“We will continue to expand our air services, even whilst facing one of the most testing times the travel and tourism industry has ever encountered.”

Wizz Air will be flying from Luton to Gibraltar on Mondays and Fridays from December 11.

“We are wasting no time by introducing exciting holiday destinations to our UK network, with genuinely affordable fares,” said Owain Jones, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK “They will be travelling with an airline that has led the industry with enhanced health and safety measures, and that operates with the lowest CO2 emissions in Europe.”

British Airways have confirmed that flights from London Heathrow to Gibraltar on Tuesdays and Fridays will continue.

Minister forTransport Vijay Daryanani said, “I’m happy to confirm that British Airways has agreed to continue a lifeline service to Gibraltar during the current UK lockdown.

“These are indeed challenging times and the Government Is pleased that the services will support the business community as whole, allow those that need to travel for essential purposes to do so and ensure that our postal services continue.”

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14

BUSINESS Former BHS boss guilty of tax evasion

Flying south

THE disgraced former boss of doomed retailers BHS has been jailed for six years for tax evasion.

Dominic Chappell - who had several links to Spain including a property at the Oasis Club in Marbella was found guilty of evading tax on the £2.2million income he received after buying the chain for just £1 from billionaire Sir Philip Green in March 2015.

BRITISH and German holidaymakers are flocking to the Canaries now that they do not have to self-isolate on return.

According to a recent study by Bookiply, a service provider for holiday rental owners, bookings to the paradise islands have doubled since last week, proving that COVID-19 is less potent than the travel bug.

"After the German and British governments lifted the travel warnings, we immediately recorded the first bookings," reported Gabriela Rubio, manager of Bookiply’s Tenerife office.

Tourism on the Canaries has boomed since they were taken off the list of risk areas on October 25.

Tenerife has profited the most, with 75% of its accommodation already booked for the Christmas period.

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Jailed!

By Dilip Kuner

Chappell, 53, from Blandford Forum in Dorset (UK), evaded paying £500,000 in income tax, corporation tax and VAT between January 2014 and September 2016.

Serial bankrupt Chappell was convicted at a trial at London’s Southwark

RESTAURANTS and pubs along Gibraltar’s Main Street face closure due to tightened COVID-19 restrictions.

“We’re closing for good in December,” said Sylvia from Piazza Cafe on Main Street. “If it hadn’t been for the new restrictions I don’t think that ever would have happened,” she said.

The buy-up of the Piazza cafe from its owners will now allow the government to take full possession of the parliamentary building.

And the tale is similar further along the high street in The Horseshoe pub. “We’re under serious threat of closing,” said waitress Michelle. “There used to be 10 staff here and we’ve already had to lose four.”

While things have also been

Last orders tough for The Angry Friar pub they’ve been grateful for their regulars: “We’ve been really lucky with the support of the local people,” said a member of staff.

“But I have noticed the people from cruise liners not coming in has made a difference,” they told the Olive Press.

Tough Bars and pubs on The Rock that do not serve food have been ordered to close by 10pm.

For those that do have a kitchen, last orders must be called by 11pm, the Government of Gibraltar has said.

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DISHONEST: Chappell

when he allegedly evicted his brother from a villa at the Oasis Club that had belonged to his mother. He allegedly persuaded her to sign the property over to pay debts associated with the BHS deal.

His brother Damon had lived in the property with his wife and son for over a decade.

Chappell also faced allegations of misusing company funds from Cadiz-based Olivia Petroleum Around €385,000 was allegedly siphoned from the company which he fronted without other shareholders’ approval.

The money was allegedly used to fund a lavish lifestyle and another business.

Just a year ago, Chappell was banned from holding company directorships in the UK for 10 years for ‘abusing his responsibilities’.

COLUMNISTS

A SPANISH online bank has been ordered by a Costa Blanca court to refund €8,820 to a customer who was charged excess interest on a controversial high-interest credit card.

An Orihuela judge decided in favour of a WiZink bank client over charges dating back to 2007 over a so-called ‘revolving’ card.

The card allows customers to continuously borrow up to certain limits depending on purchases and payments.

Captive

Spain’s highest legal body, the Supreme Court, threw out a WiZink appeal in a case involving a Santander woman who had annual interest rate charges on her card of 26.82% ‘Revolving’ card holders usually pay a fixed monthly fee which is not very high, but with an excessive interest rate.

The cardholder ends up paying a much higher amount than the available capital and the payment of the outstanding debt is extended over such a long period that the borrower can become, in what the Supreme Court called, a ‘captive debtor’.

Salute to Sir Sean Everyone lucky enough to live in Marbella between the 60s and 80s has a Sean Connery story

B Our Twitter feed gives users direct to all our stories and every digital access newspaper published ur s to er Yo ory ed st ot 00 llow om 6,0 fo pr 2 ok bo ce Fa

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crown court.

The court heard that he spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on luxury items, including a yacht, a Bentley car and a Bahamas holiday.

A year after he took ownership, BHS collapsed under the weight of a £571 million black hole. Some 11,000 jobs were lost.

In 2016 he made headlines

Time for payback

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We give you more! contact sales@theolivepress.es or 951 27 35 75 for more information

ond star Sean Connery lived in his beachside villa Casa Malibu between 1975 and the mid 90s. But Sir Sean was a frequent visitor to Marbella from the 60s, where he could indulge his passion for golf and relax between films, most notably with fellow actor Sir Stanley Baker. He also developed a lasting friendship with Formula One World Champion James Hunt as well as opera singer and restaurant owner Toni Dalli. There’s even a dish named after him at the Dalli Brothers Pasta Factory in Banus.

As I said, everyone has a Sean Connery story, so here is mine. Or more specifically, my Mum's.

In the early 80s, Mum decided to walk back from the Saturday market at the bullring to our house at the back of Nueva Andalucia. Being pretty and petite, Dad jokingly warned her not to accept lifts from strangers on the way home.

"I was walking back" she told us "when a Mercedes pulled alongside and asked if I wanted a lift. I was just about to say 'no thank you', when I looked in and saw it was Sean Connery.

"I almost leapt in through the window!"

Mum, who was a natural talker and from Glasgow, for once found herself lost for words. "I couldn't think of anything to say" she admitted "I don't even think I mentioned I was Scottish. I asked if he was here for the golf and he said yes. Then we drove in silence for about 10 minutes.

"When he dropped me at the urbanisation, which was normally busy, there was no one around to see me get out of Sean Connery's car apart from a stray dog. I didn't even ask him if he wanted a drink or if I could take a photo with him".

Other friends admit to a prank they played after spotting him driving up to the Aloha Golf Club. As they were in their teens and driving a Golf GTi, there was only one thing for it. They screeched up alongside, leant out of the windows and pretended to machine gun 007 before pulling a handbrake turn

RIP: Connery was a true global star and speeding off. They were treated to 'the look' and a raised eyebrow from Sean.

In the pre-DVD 80s, the old cinema in Puerto Banus was the starting point to a Friday night when it showed English films. With deep, cushioned rattan chairs, an interval halfway through giving you time to hit the bar and a corrugated iron roof, not to mention San Miguel at just 150 pesetas a pop, teens like myself flocked there. Spotting Sean taking a seat one evening, we began to hum the Bond theme, getting louder and louder and finishing with a "DA DA. DA DA DAAAAAAH" One of the boys then approached him for an autograph. '**** off" Sean growled.

The teen beat a hasty retreat.

Sean loved his time in Marbella, whether he was enjoying a night with friends at the Marbella Club or playing a round of golf - where you could often hear him voicing his displeasure down the fairway if he was having a bad game.

Actor, icon and an unforgettable personality during Marbella's Golden Age - RIP Sir Sean.

HEALTH Hotspot MALAGA is the Andalucian province with the highest number of health professionals infected with COVID-19.

Nearly 7% of the total number of coronavirus infections detected in the province since the beginning of the pandemic correspond to healthcare workers.

Although infections have decreased compared to the first wave, when several batches of defective material were bought and official protective equipment was lacking, the outbreak located in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Regional Hospital shows that exposure to the virus continues to be a risk for health care staff.

Malaga, with an accumulated 1,445 positive cases among health professionals, accounts for 22% of the total infections in Andalucia’s health services, ahead of Granada (with 1,281 health services infected, 20%) and Sevilla (1,270, another 20%).

Spain itself has already passed the barrier of 70,000 infected healthcare workers.

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Triple Vaccine Miracle?

Children’s jab may be key to coronavirus ‘immunity’

A SPANISH doctor claims that the triple vaccine given to young children could be the reason why youngsters are not badly affected by COVID-19.

Dr Pedro Reche, an immunologist and researcher at the Complutense University of Madrid, has found evidence of cross-reactive immunity to COVID-19.

Simply put, antigens produced by the DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) vaccine routinely given in the first few months of life help provide immunity against the coronavirus.

For several months Reche has carried out computer research which has confirmed his hypothesis: “The existence of extensive cross-reactive immunity between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the antigens present in the triple bacterial vaccine DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), which is prescribed during the first months of life”.

Reche believes that the protection of infants, and young people to COVID-19 could be due to this cross-reactive immunity.

He said: “It is normal for the

Cancer finder boost A MORE reliable screening programme at St Bernard’s hospital will hope to discover cervical cancer before it gets serious.

The new equipment follows a government desire to promote ‘prevention over cure’ for all women between 25 and 64-years-old.

“By using this process, results will be available much faster and accuracy will be much greater,” said health chiefs.

“It will mean fewer recalls needed due to abnormalities or inadequate smears.”

Women who need to be tested will now receive letters so they can make an appointment.

Minister for Health Samantha Sacramento said she was happy to roll out this manifesto commitment.

RESEARCH: New insight from Dr Pedro Reche geriatric population to suffer an infection and for it to be serious, because the immune system is weakened. What is not normal is for a small child whose immune system is being formed and educated not to suffer this type of infection.”

The strongest correlation factor in COVID-19 cases and severity is age. In fact, the majority of COVID-19 fatalities occur among the elderly (90% of the victims are over 70 years) while the paediatric population is largely spared.

Moreover, the triple bacterial vaccine DTP is the most

frequently repeated vaccine: three or four doses are scheduled during the first year of life, it is reinforced at four to six years old and finally a low antigenic load dose is given between nine and 14 years.

Additionally in countries such as Mexico or Indonesia, which don’t follow the same vaccination programme as many European countries, there are reports of alarming infant mortality due to coronavirus, leaving Reche to conclude that the vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) may be responsible for such protection.

15

Vision off MORE than a third (34%) of people have noticed a deterioration in their eyesight during the pandemic, a new study has revealed.

Figures, released by Specsavers, show that nearly half of people surveyed (44%) have become increasingly health aware due to the pandemic.

But thousands of newly health conscious people were unable to attend routine eye tests due to lockdown restrictions.

“During lockdown many of us were spending more time looking at screens, reading, or watching TV, which is likely to make people more aware of pre-existing sight conditions or prescription changes,” said Specsavers director Martin Blake.

“More screen time can also lead to eye strain and visual fatigue, which isn’t usually serious but could explain why so many people have been reporting issues,” he explained.

Astoundingly half of sight loss is avoidable with routine eye tests, making check-ups essential.

“In the height of the pandemic many people may not have had access to these diagnostic tests,” said Blake. “Not only does this mean their eyesight is at risk but potentially other aspects of their health too.”

“Several changes in our vision can be signs of a wider health condition and there are some things that can only be detected during an eye test,” warned Blake.

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SPANISH nuns from Caceres have grabbed a slice of global fame after a video of them dancing ‘to cheer the world up’ went viral.

Polar-ised AN olive farmer from Ciudad Real province went out after heavy hail storms to find that a miniature glacier had formed on his fields.

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Vol. 5 Issue 135 www.theolivepress.es November 11th - November 24th 2020

Fly and pay

Airborne cabs plan for Spanish cities PEOPLE will soon be able to hail a cab to fly to their destination, if plans for an airborne taxi take off.

ENAIRE Spain's aviation authority has announced a scheme to introduce unmanned flying taxis to Barcelona by 2022.

ENAIRE is working alongside

Poetic licence SPAIN’S transport minister has announced that the Alicante-Elche airport is going to be renamed after the Franco dissident and celebrated poet Miguel Hernandez.

By James Warren

two organisations to realise their dream of air taxis - the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation and private tech company Everis.

Their hope is to begin testing airborne transport and passen-

AS anti-lockdown rioters set fire to the streets of Barcelona this weekend one busker calmly continued his set regardless. Not phased by the disruption, the pianist tinkled the ivories playing The Bangles classic hit ‘Eternal Flame’. In the video, rioters can be seen throwing rocks at police vans and setting fire to objects in the street.

The lyric ‘Is this burning an eternal flame?’ suddenly took on a much darker message as the blaze grew behind the musician. “For some reason [it] reminds me of them continuing to play music as the Titanic went down, videos like this will be looked back in 100 years to try and understand the madness of the pandemic,” commented one Twitter user.

ger vehicles by 2021, with a full roll out one year later.

The cities slated for the first test flights are Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela.

One man passenger drones will be introduced alongside un-manned parcel and goods carrying drones, similar to the

Piano Man

WHAT RIOT?: Pianist played on

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by Amazon.

ENAIRE hopes that the introduction of state of the art technologies will help revitalise the floundering economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is hoped that new logistic solutions will entice private businesses back into the major cities and position Spain at the forefront of this newly developing technology.

“We need to move urban mobility into the third dimension: airspace. And we need to do it as efficiently and sustainably as we can,” said project leader Angel Luis Arias.

Arias hopes that the use of passenger carrying drones will also work towards greener cities and reduce congestion and emissions by replacing fuel burning vehicles on the roads.

FORGET initials gouged into tree trunks or scratched into desks. One 13th century stonemason made his mark by carving a cheeky self-portrait and secretly placing it in one of Europe’s best-known cathedrals.

Perched at the top of a 40 feet column, the 30cm stone selfie has been gazing down on worshippers for over eight centuries, hidden away inside the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral away from clerical eyes.

“The carving brings us face to face with one of the people whose work we’ve been studying, and it was delightful to meet him,” said British art historian Jennifer Alexander, who made the astonishing discovery while conducting a stone-by-stone analysis.

The scholar added that the figure looked ‘pleased with himself’ – perhaps because he had found a way of cementing his place in history, for otherwise stonemasons went uncredited in architectural logs.

Building work on the cathedral was started in the 1th century, and it has become one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Europe, with 350,000 visitors in 2019.

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20/7/20 13:08