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Dig deep for Dali diptych AN original, off-the-wall painting by one of Spain’s most famous artists could fetch up to €11 million at auction today. The diptych, in art lingo, Couple aux têtes pleines de nuages (1937) depicts the Catalan artist and his wife Gala as framed silhouettes with their heads full of storm clouds. “It is full of the highly per-
sonal imagery that made Dali perhaps the most exciting Surrealist. “It reveals his obsession with Freudian psychology as much as his obsession with his great lover and muse Gala,” said India Phillips, Global Head of Bonhams, in London, where the auction will take place on Thursday. Its most distinctive feature is a burning giraffe, likely linked to the Spanish Civil War, which was raging at the time it was painted. Currently, the auction record for a Dali piece is €15 million.
Second bite Slain expat, 21, had been attacked by the same assailant in 2017
Worst offender
Also, man-made storm drains are often badly maintained and easily clog up with flora and ‘other detritus.’ The report looked at the ‘most artificial municipalities’ on the coast, with 10 each in the Canary Islands and the Balearics, two in Catalunya and five in Galicia, plus the ones in Valencia and Andalucia. Marbella on the Costa del Sol was highlighted as the most urbanised, with the report claiming it is the ‘most impacted by intensive tourism in Spain’. Next are Calvia, in Mallorca, Denia, on the Costa Blanca, Estepona, on the Costa del Sol, and Puerto del Rosario, in Las Palmas, in the Canaries. In terms of development close to the shoreline (under 500 metres) Benicassim (in Castellon) is the worst offender with 82% of its coastline developed for tourist purposes. Also criticised are Orihuela Costa, Mijas, Torrevieja and Benalmadena. The proliferation of golf courses was also pointed out in the Observatory’s findings. It claimed that the construction of greens and fairways has far exceeded the land area used for public parks and playgrounds.
expat
Vol. 1 Issue 25 www.theolivepress.es October 15th - October 28th 2020
FREUDIAN: The portraits of Dali and lover Gala
AN alarming 40% of Spain’s coastline is at ‘a high risk’ of flooding from heavy storms. A report from Spain’s Sustainability Observatory reveals that areas with recent and substantial urbanisation are most vulnerable. This includes many parts of the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, where 12 and 11 towns respectively are particularly at risk. It comes as the storm season - which left a number of people dead last year in Spain - is set to begin. According to the report, coastal municipalities since the 1950s have been transformed from rural undeveloped communities to large tourist resorts that have had a negative impact on the local ecosystem. Some 48 localities out of the 50 studied had seen excessive construction for tourist use, mainly in the form of homes, hotels and golf courses. Flooding after storms is generally caused by ‘a lack of suitable drainage, because traditional floodplains have been built on without planning’.
Your
EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade in Ciudad Quesada
TRAGEDY: Nesbitt above and right
THE alleged killer of a British expat had been involved in a knife attack on the same victim in the UK three years ago. The Olive Press can reveal that Ben Nesbitt, 21, who was stabbed to death in Quesada on the Costa Blanca, on October 1, was hospitalised when three men attacked him in 2017. In the vicious assault in Southport, near Liverpool, he was left lying for dead after being knifed while he was asleep on a sofa. A court at the time was told that his mother thought he was ‘half dead’ when she visited him in hospital. The man arrested in Girona was convicted of burglary and stealing £1,600 (€1,780) and jailed for 38 months after driving two men to an address in Southport. While he stayed in the car, the others one of whom has never been identified - entered the property where they found Nesbitt lying on a sofa. One man - who was later jailed for six years and eight months - stabbed the victim, who, ac-
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cording to reports, was only saved from death by the thick clothing he was wearing. But it would appear that the violent incident was not the end of the matter. Sources have told the Olive Press that the man detained the day after Nesbitt’s death was one of the three men involved in the 2017 assault. The man was arrested in Girona by the Guardia Civil as he headed for the French border, which lay just 40 miles away, and was remanded in custody by an investigating judge. He is being probed over the fatal stabbing of Nesbitt, 21, after a party over 400 miles away on the Costa Blanca. The victim’s father Michael, told the Olive Press: “I tried to block it all out, hoping that I’d wake up the next mornsecuritasdirect@anantaseguridad.es ing and all+34 of 611 this475 was just a 892 nightmare - but it wasn’t.”
Nesbitt’s family are now waiting to cremate Ben and return his ashes to his native Southport.
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NEWS IN BRIEF Reopening ELCHE has allowed late-night bars that closed in mid-August to reopen their terrace areas between noon and 1.00am.
Schoolboy error A LOCAL bar in Guadamar has been fined 100,000 euros for serving alcohol to kids.
Hitman A BENEJUZAR man was shot when he returned home and opened his front door in the early hours of Monday morning. The gunman fled the scene with the victim needing emergency surgery.
New look CARTAGENA is to spend nearly €29 million over ten years on a mass revamp of its harbour area in the Plaza Mayor project which will start its first phase in mid-2021.
Smoked out SPANISH Police have dismantled three illegal tobacco factories in Madrid, Murcia and Alicante that together produced over 18,000 cigarettes per minute. In all, 38 people were arrested, believed to be the core of a ‘highly specialized organization’ run by Bulgarians. Valued in excess nine
million euros, 43 tonnes of tobacco cuttings were seized, as were over 1.4 million packets of illegal cigarettes, destined for black market sales across the continent. Of the fake brands, the gangs produced cigarettes labelled as Fortuna, Winston, Chesterfield and others.
Fugitive Brit arrested over firearms gang A BRITISH fugitive suspected of running an arms trafficking gang has been arrested in Murcia. The man was identified by the Guardia Civil as having the initials T.A. and has been on the run for five years from UK authorities over violent assault charges. He was picked up in Murcia City, while another 12 people were arrested in six other addresses. No further details were revealed about the Brit, who was arrested, along with a woman. The British man is alleged to have headed the gang that trafficked arms and will also face fraud and theft charges. The Guardia Civil said that they recovered a number of guns at his home. Authorities say that the operation is ongoing and further arrests are not ruled out.
October 15th - October 28th 2020
Snared at last
Blow for British blowtorch torturor picked up in raid ONE of Britain’s Most Wanted has been snared on the Costa Blanca. The violent fugitive was picked up by the Guardia Civil in a dawn raid earlier this month, after twice fleeing cops. Feared torturer Micah Walfall (pictured), 36, was remanded into custody by a Torrevieja court and faces extradition proceedings. Walfall (right) was branded as the 'heavy' of a gang that kidnapped a drug dealer for a large ransom, which included assaulting him with a blowtorch. Manchester criminals hired the Midlands gang to avoid the chances of being detected. A total of five men were arrested over the incident in Gorton in April 2019, while Walfall managed to escape to Spain. During the terrifying attack they had dressed as police officers to extort £500,000 from the dealer's family. The gang were jailed for between seven and 12 years at Manchester Crown Court this year after pleading guilty to kidnap and conspiracy
Out of stock HIS nickname means ‘Out of stock’, which is entirely appropriate for Italian Vittorio ‘Esaurito’ Raso. For the leader of one of Europe’s biggest crime gangs has been finally snared in Spain. The smiling boss of Italy’s notorious 30,000 strong Ndrangheta gang was picked up by cops in Barcelona at the weekend. Raso, 41, is a notorious cocaine-trafficker and long sought by European police. His arrest came after two years of intelligence, when cops swooped on his home in his upmarket neighborhood of Diagonal Mar.
Kingpin
to blackmail. Walfall, also known as 'Big Dave', was arrested after he was picked up at a random police stop. He had tried to escape by ramming the cop car, but ended up hitting a tree to avoid pedestrians and fled on foot. After a long trawl through the area police finally tracked him down to a home on an urbanisation. Despite launching a dawn raid to arrest him he managed to flee again and jumped in another car, which was luckily blocked in. He then used a can of pepper spray on the agents as they arrested him. He is currently being held in Madrid, awaiting an extradition hearing.
The leader of the infamous Ndrangheta - the main rival to Sicily’s mafia, based in Calabria since the 19th century - was preparing to flee on a ship bound for Brazil. Cops in Italy meanwhile detained many of his gang, seizing weapons, drugs and €360,000 in cash. The arrest of Raso marks a coup for the authorities, who long suspected the mafia kingpin had been hiding out in Fuengirola. His gang allegedly turns over €43 billion a year from people smuggling, prostitution, drugs and extortion. This would make it Italy’s fourth biggest company.
SMILING BOSS: Vittorio was snared in Spain
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es TOM Holland has been spotted filming in Spain. The Spider-Man star is shooting for his new film Uncharted, in Javea, Alicante. Crowds gathered to wave and try to snap a pic with the British heartthrob as he arrived and left for filming. But the 24-year-old actor stopped to take his own selfie as fans were kept behind a barrier due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Holland play’s the leading role in Uncharted, based on the famous video game of the same title.
By Kirsty McKenzie
SHE is the much-loved Colombian singer whose hips don’t lie and who dominates the music charts and storms stages across the globe. Now Barcelona-based Shakira is taking a break from ruling the planet to save it - with a little help from her famous friends. The Waka Waka star, who’s married to Barca star Gerard Piqué, will work alongside Prince William and David Attenborough to help select the winners of the Earthshot Prize. The 13 strong council, which also includes actress Cate Blanchett, the Chinese basketball player Yao Min and Queen Rania of Jordan, will
3
He’s not Messi-ng about
TOP SCORE: Messi takes lead as Spain’s most followed star
Swinging in Shakira to join forces with Prince William and David Attenborough to help save the planet
October 15th - October 28th 2020
SPOTTED: Holland in Spain
Friends of the Earth
WHENEVER, WHEREVER: Shakira has pledged to be there to help Prince Will choose ‘the most prestigious has been likened to a green work tackling major probglobal environment prize in Nobel Prize, and which will lems across climate and ensee a total of 50 environmen- ergy, nature and biodiversihistory’. The Duke of Cambridge, 38, tal pioneers each awarded ty, oceans, air pollution and launched the award, which a €1 million prize for their fresh water. In the video announcing the council, pop star Shakira spoke of her own passion for the environment alongside Brazilian footballer Dani AN upcoming thriller has sparked controversy Alves and the Japanese astrofor casting Penélope Cruz as a Columbian psynaut Naoko Yamazaki. chologist. The star, who has launched Tongues are wagging following the release of her own charity for impoverthe trailer for The 355, with critics slamming the ished kids, said: “I personally Spanish star for taking a role they say should feel it is my duty as a citizen, have gone to a Columbian actress. as a human being and as a The major blockbuster, directed by Simon Kinmother of two young children berg and set for release next year, will tell the stoto bring attention to this issue ry of a group of international spies forced to work before it’s too late.” She addtogether to recover a top-secret weapon and see ed: ‘Your children, my chilCRUZ CONTROL: Penelope takes the Cruz star alongside Lupita Nyong’o and Jessica dren – they have to find ways Chastain. lead in new film to reduce carbon emissions.”
I N S T A GRAM is officially a decade old. Selfies and sunset photos aplenty, the app is an influencer haven: social media stars can earn thousands of euros each month just from sponsored photo posts. On average, we spend 53 minutes a day on Instagram— that’s roughly 15 days of our lives each year scrolling through the site. But what are we looking at? In Spain, a lot of footballers apparently. FC Barcelona captain Messi is the most followed user in the country with a gigantic 167 million fans eager to see his training pics and home life snaps. A highly followed family, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo also joins him in the top 10 users with 13 million followers. In fact, the majority of the chart topping profiles are La Liga players with Marcelo Viera (45.7 million followers), Sergio Ramos (41.1 million followers), and Luis Suarez (38.7 followers) all breaking into the top five.
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4
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
October 15th - October 28th 2020
HEALTH BLOW
Purr-fect THE once seriously endangered Iberian Lynx is making a dramatic comeback. The world’s rarest wildcat is now 10 times stronger in numbers than it was two decades ago. Its population has hit a historic high of almost 900 cats across southern Spain and Portugal, up from just 94 in 2002. According to the latest statistics, which are released annually, there are 894 of them in the wild around the Iberian Peninsula. Best of all, a record 188 of these are breeding females. The total is 509 - or 57% - in Andalucia, with a further 105 around the rest of Spain. The largest colony is in the Andujar-Cardena area of Jaen, where a total of 145 cats are breeding, closely followed by 71 in the Guarrizas area of Jaen. The more traditional Donana-Aljarafe area, in the provinces of Sevilla and Huelva, has 97 specimens, while the Guadalmellato area of Cordoba has 46. The rest are scattered around the rest of Andalucia. Castilla-La Mancha is home to 84 lynx (17.7% of the total), distributed between the Montes de Toledo and the eastern Sierra Morena areas, while 58 (12.2%) inhabit Extremadura.
PLANS for a second Orihuela Costa medical centre are in serious doubt. It comes after private contractor Ribera Salud lost its contract to run Torrevieja’s health services, which will now return to public control. The private company’s plans to invest €6 million for the Orihuela centre had come as part of a €40 million investment package for the Torrevieja re-
Pay to be gay Slip happens A VALENCIA court has rejected a €20,000 claim by a woman who slipped on a pavement covered with fallen fruit. The claimant blamed Valencia Council for not clearing up the mess on Calle Pedreguer caused by fallen mulberries. The unnamed litigant hit her head on the pavement and her mobile phone was broken in the fall. A judge agreed with the council’s defence that the accident was mere ‘bad luck’ and was not due to poor street cleaning services.
By Simon Wade and Alex Trelinski
gion. But only if it kept the contract, which the company has held since 2006. While the decision has been opposed by local town halls, citing ‘political ideology’ reasons, the regional health authorities insisted it was the right decision to terminate the
Mayors slam decision that puts serious doubt on new €6 million health centre
contract. Valencia Health Minister, Ana Barcelo insisted: “This will strengthen public health and improve quality, efficiency and universality.” But Torrevieja mayor, Eduardo
AN angry Spanish wife is suing her husband for ‘being gay’ when she married him. The Valencia woman is using a 131-year-old law to take out her private prosecution. She insists that her husband Javi Vilalta (pictured), who she split from in 2011, should pay her €10,000 in compensation. She claims she was deceived over his sexual orientation when they ‘walked down the aisle’. While she paused divorce proceedings some years ago, she is now seeking a decree absolute. She took the decision after A TRIO of Alicante scientists finding out that Vilalta had have helped make a device to been secretly dating a man for convert urine into drinking decades. water for astronauts. The case has been brought unIn an exciting development for der the 1889 Civil Code which future missions to Mars or exrefers to ‘errors and deceptended stays in space, the trio tions’. at the University of Alicante A hearing was held on October worked with scientists from 1 with Vilalta’s solicitor angry Puerto Rico. The recycling unit that his client had been put uses nanomaterials as electrointo a position where his sexcatalysts to make the converuality is being discussed in a sion, which goes through two courtroom. stages of converting the urine He said: “Javi had to give a into ammonia, and then into written statement that he was water. It is now being tested by bisexual because if he refused, the crew at the International then the court might technicalSpace Station(ISS). ly have ruled against him.”
Taking the urine
Dolon, slammed the decision and demanded Barcelo make a commitment to maintain the €40 million investment plan. He is angry that Barcelo’s announcement was made without any prior briefing to local mayors and health managers. Around 160,000 people, including a large percentage of expats, are served by the Torrevieja Health Department. This includes residents in Rojales, Guardamar, San Fulgencio and Formentera del Segura.
Politics
Orihuela mayor, Emilio Bascuñana, also criticised the decision, insisting the current agreement with Ribera Salud had ‘worked well for years’. “We have independent figures to prove it.” Ribera Salud bosses had joined Bascuñana to visit the proposed site at La Ciñuelica near Punta Prima in July to unveil details of the project. The change in policy has been on the cards since the rightwing Partido Popular lost the regional elections in 2015 to the PSOE-led coalition under Ximo Puig. Their policy is to implement publicly-run health services across the whole of the Valencian Community.
Equal Footing SPAIN has made a giant step forward in gender equality with a new law that will heavily fine companies using outdated pay structures. The government will now require all companies to disclose pay structures for their individual staff, with any company failing to do it facing a fine of up to €187,000. Minister of Equality Irene Montero explained: “The message is very clear, women must be paid the same as men for doing the same jobs.”
Equality
Spain stands out as one of the leaders when it comes to improvements in gender equality. The country made the top 10 on the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Report, leaping 21 places since 2018 thanks to an increase in women's rights. Sanchez's government has had a large part to play in this, creating one of Europe's most female orientated cabinets, with 11 out of 17 ministers. This echoed by the Spanish congress, which is the most equal in the EU, with 47.4% of the members female. Sanchez has also made significant leaps towards finally overturning Spain's outdated sexual violence laws. Opinion Page 6
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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 Mind the pay gap IT is almost astonishing that in 2020 the government has to intervene to ensure that women are given the same pay as men. Equal pay for equal work sounds so simple (as does creating equality of opportunity for all, irrespective of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation) but somehow some of the biggest brains in business still struggle to grasp the concept. As we face another economic downturn in the wake of coronavirus it is clearer than ever that our old systems are failing us at every turn. It is time to challenge the status quo and do away with outdated modes of working - and women need to be helping to usher in the new dawn right alongside the men. Women are just as productive and determined as their male counterparts, and businesses need to recognise this. And not just because of quotas but to build better businesses and a better future for everyone. Speaking of the future, one that continues to pay women less than men or discriminates against anyone way is a discredit to us all. Businesses should of course be making gender equality and equal pay a key foundation of success. It is the right thing to do. It is a shame that companies are now going to have to report how they are doing to make sure that they do the right thing. Our brilliance is in our diversity. Celebrate it. Reward it. And reward it equally. That’s just good business sense.
Pay up! IT is a disgrace that plans for a desperately needed second medical centre for Orihuela Costa have been thrown into doubt by a political decision. Private company Ribera Salud had pledged €6 million from a total package of €40 million promised for the Torrevieja region, as long as it kept its medical services contract. But despite the support of local town halls, the company has been dumped by the regional health authority with services likely to be taken over by a public company. This may or may not be the right decision, but what should not be under question is the future of the proposed health centre. As the health authority has made the decision, it should now dig deep into its own pockets to pay for the premises. The 160,000 people - many of them expats - who live in the Torrevieja area deserve nothing less.
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The need to sift out the lies from reality - by expat British councillor BRITISH councillor, Darren Parmenter, got a recent surprise when he was asked to meet top officials at Spain’s Migrations department in Madrid. Darren, 59, had contacted the Secretary of State for Migrations, Hana Jalloul, and the UK Ambassador Hugh Elliott, praising their joint video message which saw Jalloul firmly state to British residents that ‘this is and will always be your home’. Jalloul and Elliott also made it crystal-clear, in spite of totally unfounded rumours, that no existing residents (with residencia) will need to change to the new TIE foreign residency card. The video was posted on the UK Embassy Facebook page and Darren, one of two British councillors in San Fulgencio on the southern Costa Blanca, said it impressed him greatly. Darren told the Olive Press: “The comment about Spain ‘always being a home’ for British people struck a real chord for me and on a personal level, I just had to send a response to them both showing my appreciation for what was said.” “I wrote that the positive comments coupled with the UK Withdrawal Agreement from the EU has greatly stopped 400,000 British residencia holders from panicking. What Spain and the UK did has been of great reassurance.” Darren was then taken aback a few days later when he received an invitation to visit Spain’s Migrations Ministry. “I was nicely surprised to become the first British councillor to be asked to go to the ministry, where I met various officials.” It was quite a moment for London-born and bred Darren, who has lived in Spain since
Alex Trelinski talks to Darren Parmenter about a Ministry first and the fake news story that shocked the coast
FIRST: Minister Hana Jalloul welcomed Darren Parmenter, right
1989 and started his interest Costa Blanca. “I’ve no interest in changing in politics as a youngster. “My breakthrough moment how the Spanish people do was getting hooked with the their politics but I want to imtwo UK general elections in prove services and introduce ideas.” 1974,” Darren explained. “It wasn’t so much party pol- His range of councillor responsibilities initics that I was cludes tourism, interested in, which sees him but the way that Those false based at the La politics worked,” Marina urbanhe added. alarm claims isation tourist Parmenter was elected 18 caused untold office, as well as markets and months ago on economic international rea PSOE platform and believes lations. damage that his previous That internaexperience as a tional portfolio local journalist brings talk back has helped him to get a grasp to Darren’s visit to Madrid and of what he could bring to the the two Migrations ministry ofarea. ficials. “I spent a lot of time seeing At the meeting the various ofwhat other municipalities are ficials emphasised that existdoing to improve services. I’ve ing residencia holders did not always believed that local pol- need to do anything. itics should not be party-relat- “There was absolutely no suged.” gestion at all that there would There is no sense of superior- be any change on that front,” ity either from the quietly-spo- he insisted. ken cricket fan who was a He has since used many social popular presenter for years on media forums to correct the English radio stations on the bar-talk gossip over residencias that still permeates the British expat community. Only last week a free newspaper published incorrect information from a so-called ‘expert’ over the TIE card that led to an uproar from confused residents. Darren said: “Everybody must have their own reasons for not believing or not wanting to believe the truth… but it is crystal HOME: Darren represents San Fulgencio on the Costa Blanca
Movers international
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E U R O P E LT D
clear that you do not need to apply for a TIE card if you have a green residencia document.” He is also furious about various other rumours, fake news and lies that have caused serious economic damage on COVID-19 matters. In particular, he is scathing about the false report in a downmarket rival of the Olive Press that Spain would reintroduce a State of Alarm in mid-September. “Those false alarm claims caused untold and unnecessary economic damage to the area,” fumed Parmenter.
Priority
“I was certainly aware of people planning to come to Benidorm on holiday that cancelled purely on the basis of that incorrect story.” Wearing his tourism hat, Darren Parmenter’s priorities are no different than any other municipality in areas like the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. “We have to focus on domestic and regional tourism to make up for the shortfall in foreign visitors, even though my area is safe with very low infection numbers,” he commented. “Everything with tourism will depend on the coronavirus figures and we have to be positive that the summer of 2021 will bring us some semblance of normality.” For the full interview, please visit theolivepress.es
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Making sense of Still using a Brexit finance financial ad R By Gerald Turner, Partner, Blevins Franks
Can a UK-based adviser continue to support you from 2021?
eassuringly, even if there is a no-deal Brexit, citizens’ rights for UK nationals legally settled in Spain by December 31, 2020 are protected under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. There are no such guarantees, however, in the area of financial services, which could affect whether you can continue to receive UK-based advice and services as an EU resident. With no certainty that negotiations will be resolved in time, check that your financial planning and adviser will stand up to the challenges that Brexit may bring. The end of passporting If you have a good relationship with your UK-based financial adviser, you may understandably wish to continue using them, despite now living in a different country. However, you need to make sure they can legally continue
to advise you after the Brexit transition period. Under today’s rules UK-based financial businesses can passport out of the UK into Europe, but this will no longer apply next year. Passporting enables cross-border transactions between EU member states through shared financial regulation. Unless a mutual deal is agreed on financial services, the EU will not permit ongoing passporting arrangements for UK financial businesses and advisers from January 2021. Some UK financial firms have put provisions in place to continue working in an EU/EEA country post-Brexit, but others have not. We have already seen letters from major UK banks to EU-based clients, advising they will be withdrawing services and recommending they make arrangements now with an alternative provider who can support them. Make sure you understand your provider’s legal position for clients in Spain. If you retain UK investments, a UK-
It is likely that UK-based advisers will no longer ‘passporting’ system to provide regulated financi the Brexit transition period. Ask your adviser if t and carry out instructions, or if they may be rest based adviser may be able to continue of opportunities available in Spain. Do supporting you there. But if you hold UK theybanks have in-depth of Spain the major write toknowledge clients in withdr
savings and investments with an EU- local residence, tax, and succession based institution, from 2021 they may regimes? alsoimportant unlikely not accept instructions from UKUK-based advis- It’s advisers never beenare more to to en- have the d ers. Check if there will be practical chalsure your financial affairs are comSpanish regime necessary to provide the most tax lenges, such as having to travel to the pliant and suitable for Spain. Secure Ourof local advisers are autho UK for meetings and paperwork.solutions. peace mind by talking to anregulated, experiAlso consider if a UK-based adviser is enced, locally-based adviser as soon as and knowledge best placed to help you take advantage possible. to advise on all aspects of financi
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It is likely that UK-based advisers will no longer be able to use the EU ‘passporting’ system to provide regulated financial services to EU residents after the Brexit transition period. Ask your adviser if they can continue to advise you and carry out instructions, or if they may be restricted. We have already seen major UK banks write to clients in Spain withdrawing services.
Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) is authorised and Where advice is provided outside the UK, via the Insurance Distribution D system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks Trus the administration of trusts and companies. Blevins Franks Tax Limited p has been approved and issued by BFFM.
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LA CULTURA
8
what’s on
C
ultural hub
Make your way to Alicante’s Seventeenth International Film Festival on October 17 for nine days of avant-garde cinema, concerts and workshops.
H
Alan goes Up Memory Lane
ello birdie
GLASGOW-BORN Alan Joseph Kennedy has switched from storyteller to storywriter with the publication of his tale Up Memory Lane. He entered a short story competition organised by AudioArcadia and became one of 20 winners around the world to have their work published. Alan, aged 66, has lived in Spain for 27 years. Before the pandemic, he travelled around Spain working with adults and children alike, visiting venues with bagpipes and folk tales in tow. “It wasn’t just Scottish bagpipes, I had a set from the Galicia area for the students to listen to,� said Alan. He won admirers for his unique repertoire of folk stories about Celtic, Scottish, Irish and Welsh cultures, along with Spanish regions like Galicia and Asturias.
oung knights
Give your children the chance to learn about the life of knights and knaves by heading to Guardamar Castle on October 18 or 25 for a tour of the hilltop fortress.
S
BARCELONA has been named as one of the 10 most cultural cities in the world, climbing the rankings thanks to its architectural flare. The Catalan capital has more landmarks per square mile than any other place, according to
Expat folk tale teller turns author with new book published about colourful life in 1980s London
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by joining the rangers at Penyal d'Ifac Natural Park on 18 October for a tour round the serene salt flats, one of Spain’s best regions for bird watching.
Y
October 15th - October 28th 2020
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But lockdown forced him in a new direction. Alan told the Olive Press: “I have temporarily retired to concentrate on my new projects as a writer. “The inspiration for the piece came when I revisited the Brixton street where I lived for 10 years in the 1980s,� Alan said. “I returned with my Spanish partner and as we walked down the road, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much of the area hadn’t changed despite all the redevelopments being mooted back in the eighties.�
GUARDIA Civil have reclaimed 474 works of art left to the Spanish people by businessman Julio MuĂąoz Ramonet. Priceless paintings and sculptures intended for the residents of Barcelona, have been kept by his two daughters for the past 29 years. The collection was found in various homes in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante. It included 376 paintings and drawings, 87 miniatures, four sculptures, four ivories and three tapestries and dates back to the 14th century. MuĂąoz - described as one of the biggest business ‘magnates’ of the Franco era - left the works to the public in the city of Barcelona in 1991 along with his Muntaner Street estate. Recovered were paintings by Fortuny, Eugenio Lucas, Winterhalter and Frederick Morgan. But lawyer for the Julio MuĂąoz Ramonet Foundation, Marc Molins, says the most important works are still missing.
Colourful
“The characters I created for the story were inspired by the many colourful inhabitants of the street. The community spirit was excellent,� he added. AudioArcadia.com is currently holding it’s Lockdown # 2 competition. Go to www.audioarcadia.com/competition for details.
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research. Famous destinations include the Gothic architecture at Monestir de Pedralbes, Park GĂźell, the enormous Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada FamĂlia and spectacular Catedral BasĂlica Metropolitana de Barcelona.
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Across 1 Learned person, or type of idiot? (6) 5 Scrabble enthusiasts, for example (6) 8 With hindsight (2,10) 9 Chief aide, figuratively (5,3) 10 Covetousness (4) 11 South American ruminant (5) 13 Hirsute (5) 17 Medicos (4) 19 Dauntless (8) 21 Orcas (6,6) 22 Shining (6) 23 Find (6)
Down 2 Person used as one’s excuse (5) 3 Father of Judaism (7) 4 “The Death of Actaeon� painter (6) 5 Stable people (6) 6 Bowling pin wood (5) 7 Win back (7) 12 Plundering (7) 14 Artist’s medium (7) 15 Required number for a vote (6) 16 Wife of Jacob (6) 18 Find the answer (5) 20 Map in a map (5)
All solutions are on page 15
PROPERTY
10 Sales start to rise
THE number of houses sold in Spain in August grew 6.8% yearon-year, with the number of new mortgages approved for buying a principal residence rising 6.5%. According to the Spanish College of Notaries, mortgage loans for the purchase of a property increased by 5.2% year-on-year in the month (18,572 loans) a figure which includes those looking to buy a second property. Loans for construction showed a year-on-year increase of 3.4% in August, at an average amount of €492,611, reflecting a year-on-year rise of 9.4%. This all points to pent-up demand from the lockdown period being released in the form of a surge in deals, according to the college. In other words, coronavirus lockdown merely put sales temporarily on hold , with many purchasers completing as soon as they could. This could shows that people have recognised that the mid to long term prognosis for the market remains healthy, said a spokesman from the college.
October 15th - October 28th 2020
Hot wheels THE trendiest holiday home isn’t a palm treelined house in the Maldives or a penthouse apartment in Madrid It’s not even a sprawling villa in the hills of rural Spain. Rather, home is where you park it - specifically a fully renovated campervan, with fitted kitchen, a spacious bathroom and a skylight perfect for late night star gazing. One Italian expat and mum Monica Rinaldi, who lives in Mallorca, is selling her stunning Ford Rimor. With many expats in Spain choosing to live permanently on mobile home sites, this
By Kirsty McKenzie
surely is the most stylish way to do it. With a calm and cool decor that puts most plush hotels to shame, Monica has completely transformed the van into the ultimate home on wheels Stylish and reliable, with a 1993 reg plate, diesel engine and Tiffany box blue exterior, the camper van is sure to sell quick.
Not only can it sleep six people comfortably, it also has a powerful LPG gas heating system, a slick kitchen plus hot and cold running water. Your heart has probably skipped a beat already, but if you want it you’ll need €17,000 — and to get in line. Camper vans are hot property in these virus-ravaged times when hotels and extensive travel seem like nothing more than a distant memory.
Envy
Meanwhile, the number of people investing in camper vans is soaring, inspiring hashtags on social media, with 8 million posts, and counting. And with a campervan like this fully renovated Ford Rimor you’d be sure to be the envy of Instagram.
TRENDY: Could you make this van your home?
House wars AN expat couple are demanding that their 200-year-old Costa Blanca finca be classified as an 'Asset of Cultural Interest' (BIC) in the latest stage of a two decade-long battle against properties being built on their land. Hans and April Wesenauer, from Austria, say they need the status to be granted as an 'emergency' because works have already started. The pair, who bought the Casa Langostina villa on Campoamor's Lomas de Don Juan urbanisation in 1996, said the cultural interest of the property 'needs to be preserved' as a unique example of local agricultural heritage. In 2000 they were told that they faced losing a large part of their land under the Valencian LRAU planning laws which allowed developers to take land for tourist home construction if it 'was in the community interest'. They launched a major campaign against the controversial 'land grab' but years later they now face three 'white minimalist properties' being built next to Casa Langostina on
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Cool place to chill out A DISTRICT of Barcelona has been named the coolest in the world in Time Out’s annual survey. Barcelona’s Esquerra de l’Eixample is number one on the list, beating competition from the likes of Dublin’s Phibsboro and Soho in London. More than 38,000 residents of cities across the world were surveyed for the list, questioned on where they most loved spending time around their city. This year, Time Out factored in community spirit as well as food, drink, nightlife and independent culture in compiling the ranking of the 40 coolest neighbourhoods. Esquerra de l’Eixample was described as having ‘incredible community spirit’ in 2020, organising events such as the Hidrogel Sessions, in which neighbours co-ordinated mass dance parties on their balconies during lockdown. Its community-run Espai Germanetes garden and independent businesses such as Odd Kiosk – the world’s first LGBTQ+ magazine kiosk – were also highlighted. Downtown LA took second place, followed by Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong. Meanwhile Dennistoun in Glasgow’s East End was the only UK neighbourhood to make the top 20.
their land. In a complex legal tangle, the developer got an Orihuela court ruling that gives him ownership rights to the land, but no permission to execute any construction. Despite the Wesenauers hiring a private security company, the developer tore down a fence and bulldozed some trees last July. A complaint to the Guardia Civil saw the work suspended and the Wesenaur's have pledged to 'take all possible legal action' including going to the European Court of Human Rights.
Stranded
Life has been further complicated by the couple not being able to return to Spain as they have been stranded in India since March due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. They've now remotely instigated the BIC request which in theory would stop any development on their land. Their submission includes reports from an archaeologist and a geologist, which focus on the historic value of Casa Langostina and the potential damage that new construction could cause.
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
Bargain basement Visitor numbers boost as Benidorm launches cut-price deals OVER 46,000 people used Benidorm’s beaches during the four-day puente weekend in a welcome boost to local tourism. The Valencia Day and National Day bank holidays saw tourism down by only 10% to 15% compared to 2019 and there were high occupancy rates for the few hotels (around 30%) that remained open. Hotel association, Hosbec, explained that some hotels achieved nearly 100% occupancy. “Although the figures are
By Alex Trelinski
down, the weekend confirmed that Benidorm is a top destination even in difficult times,” said Mayor Toni Perez. In a bid to keep numbers up, the city is selling cut-priced accommodation and dining packages priced from €209 per head for an all-inclusive six-night stay for a four-person group. Package prices go up to €230 each in a three-person party and €252 each for two visitors.
ENTICING: Benidorm is trying to attract visitors Alcohol is not included in the meal deals and food supplements will be charged over
A Vegan Winner
TASTY: Vegan cheese
A VEGAN cheese made in Alicante Province has been ranked as one of the best in the world. The plaudit has come from a survey done by the abillionveg.com portal which praised a camembert vegan alternative created by the Mommus company in Elche. The cheese, which is totally made from natural products, has cashew nuts accounting for 70% of the ingredients. Portal users, who placed the cheese in their top 20, praised the flavour and the fact that it has no coconut oil in contrast to many other vegan cheeses. The Mommus cheese is covered in camemberti penicillin, which gives it the typical white coating of camembert. It also contains probiotics and vegetable fats that are said to be ‘heart-healthy’. The Mommus company was created by Cristina Quinto and Juan Ignacio Baracat in 2017 to focus on the production and sale of 100% vegan cheeses.
the Christmas and New Year period. Two hospitality associations(ABRECA and COBRECA) have joined forces with the Rosemberg Real Estate Agency and Apartamentos Nicaragua to create the special offer which runs until March 31, 2021. The packages offer the choice of 259 apartments marketed by Rosemberg as well as the Apartamentos Nicaragua. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be taken at any of the 29 participating ABRECA or COBRECA member outlets which are listed on the benidormresort.com website. Costs fall to €125 each for a four person group that opts not to have any meals, with€15 extra to have breakfast for six days.
October 15th - October 28th 2020
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
October 15th - October 28th 2020
Spain is sitting pretty when it comes to white villages with wow factor, but do any have the edge? To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain, Laurence Crumbie picks out five stunners from three Olive Press Regions
as a picture
Morella, Valencia
Alcudia, Mallorca
P
erched on a hilltop 1000m above sea level, the castle town of Morella makes a tremendous impression. Its 16 towers, six gates and two kilometers of circular wall lend it a formidable, yet beautiful character that is enhanced by rich traditions of gastronomy and folklore. Head out before sunset for a view of the castle basking in amber light - you won’t be disappointed.
Grazalema, Andalucia
N
estled within a sublime sierra of limestone outcrops, the town of Grazalema makes for an ideal weekend getaway. Its iconic centre and narrow streets hide layers of history that reach back to the Romans, and local
specialities include wine, cheese, artisan liquors and bitters. If you haven’t overindulged the night before, head out early morning to scale the magnificent Peñon Grande - a vista of quaint white houses and red-tiled roofs awaits you.
E
ncircled by mighty medieval walls that reveal a maze of narrow lanes, honey-coloured stone houses and cafe-rimmed plazas, charming Alcudia old town is one of the
Culla, Valencia
Pollensa, Mallorca
P
ollensa is the sepia-toned epitome of the medieval Mallorca you always dreamed of discovering. And that’s without adding its azure sea, verdant pine trees, rustic stone pathways, quirky traditions and picturesque lighthouse. Plaza Mayor is a hub of activity, where you can organise trips to scenic coves, including Cala Carbo and Cala Clara. Not forgetting the region’s crowning glory, the Formentor Peninsula. Over the years, this natural wonder has inspired various poems and works of art – visit it and you’ll discover why.
most visited villages on the island. The eponymous municipality and tourist capital of north Mallorca stretches along a 61 kilometre peninsula, flaunting a coastline of rugged coves and sandy bays
that distinguishes it from all others. Don’t miss a walk around spellbinding Pollèntia, once the island’s prime Roman settlement to which its stunning amphitheatre still stands testament.
A
must-see for history lovers, Culla boasts one of Spain’s grandest castles. Between the 11th to 13th centuries, the settlement was fought over by Christians and Muslims a handful of times, becoming a base of the Knights Templar in 1303. The ruins of the old castle may be the main attraction, but the municipality is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Levantine cave paintings that date back nearly 9,000 years.
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T
COLUMNISTS
HE dental check-up, check. The farmacia for winter meds, check. The Gibraltar shop for Marmite, mint sauce and Coleman’s Mustard Powder, check. Six months supply of kitty litter, check. Not forgetting the Netflix subscription, the sign-up for online supermarket shopping (before they get over subscribed and lock you out) and the second hand book shop to stock up on lockdown reading (I can highly recommend the one beneath the Olive Press offices in Sabinillas) … So many things to do before we batten down the hatches for a winter of mitigated discontent. No other creature on the planet hibernates twice a year. But with COVID on the uptick and no vaccine in sight – not even for influenza if you normally buy yours over the counter, a reliable source tells me, as Spain’s national health service has commandeered the lot – there’s nothing else for it if you’re on the vulnerable list. The trouble is, while bears can lose a third of their body weight during hibernation, in humans who can’t sleep through the temptation of daily larder visits, the process is reversed. The aver-
October 15th - October 28th 2020
Bears do it
As autumn arrives and coronavirus rates surge, it’s time to hibernate AGAIN, writes Belinda Beckett age resident in Spain gained five COVID Kilos during the last lockdown! Others, finding time hanging heavily and unable to resist the siren call of the drinks cabinet before the sun set over the yardarm, became borderline alcoholics. Self-disciplined types got into home workouts but that requires a strength of character some struggle with, hence the popular saying, ‘You either come out of lockdown a hunk, a chunk or a drunk’. The economy is not in good shape either. And this time around there may be no furlough cushion to cosset us through it, so
Christmas is likely to be off the cards in many households, unless we manage to squash Boris Johnson’s ‘twohumped camel’ and he’s no Wise Man. The jokes about the neighbour grassed up for flouting the Boris Rule of Six after being spotted with a box of 10 Christmas crackers are already circulating. (Note for lockdown list – buy two festive
face coverings, glittery or with reindeer antlers, for Christmas Day walk.) Furthermore, unlike bears who keep quietly to their caves all winter and emerge streamlined and positive with a happy family of newborn cubs in tow come springtime, humans become decidedly grizzly when forced to self-isolate for any length of time with a ten-
dency to run amok. But rather than rushing out with placards to protest against the rules, spread COVID and shoot ourselves in the collective foot, we need to heed the science and change the way we run our world. Otherwise a succession of increasingly novel zoonotic viral disease pandemics are headed our way and hibernation will become a mechanism as essential to the survival of the human species as it is to, well, bears. Now where was I … ah yes, 10 packs of loo rolls, check. Two cases of Larios gin, check. Betty Crocker Devil’s Food Cake mix, check. A rowing machine, maybe...
Cleaning up Spain’s act Getting cross at the litter louts and leaf blowers
G
ROWING up in the UK in the 70s, there are a few things that I can vividly remember. These childhood memories include
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James Hunt and Barry Sheene, Tiswas, Star Wars, and Grifter bicycles. The 70s was also the decade of the public information campaign. There were the frankly terrifying advertisements that warned children to stay away from railway lines and electricity sub stations (with graphic consequences that wouldn’t make it past a censor these days. I’m MUSCLES: Prowse was most popular with mums still haunted by
the image of the school blazer hanging on the bannister, never to be used again after Jimmy went to get his Frisbee and was electrocuted), as well as The Green Cross Code Man, who was played by the impressively muscled Keith Prowse. Keith, who famously played the role of Darth Vader (James Earl Jones provided the voice) came to my prep school as part of the traffic safety campaign. Strangely enough the children couldn’t get close to him as he was surrounded by all the mums. There was also the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. As children we were urged to pick up litter and there was even an iconic logo of a figure dropping rubbish in
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BIN MAN: A start for the Keep Spain Tidy campaign?
a bin. So when I saw a wood figure by the side of the Istan road, dropping cans into a real bin, I did something of a nostalgic double take. The road up to my pueblo may be in an area of outstanding natural beauty, but that doesn’t stop there being a random collection of bottles, cans, fast food containers and other assorted rubbish being flung along the verge. There was never a Keep Spain Tidy campaign and it shows. Living by the lake as I do, I often have to clean up the flotsam and jetsam left by thoughtless fishermen and domingueros. On one memorable occasion, I famously lost my temper gathering up the rubbish and, thinking that I was alone, began swearing loudly. Unbeknown to me, a couple of Guardia Civil were on patrol close by. During my next trip to the village, I was informed that I had acquired a new nickname, in the style of Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves. I was now Shouts at Bin Bags.
Rubbish
Although picking up rubbish may be something of an alien concept, there is one area of public sanitation that the Spanish really excel at. I refer, of course, to leaf blowing. If leaf blowing was an Olympic sport, Spain would have an unbroken run of gold medals. No early morning is complete without the sound of a worker with a leaf blower, complete with safety goggles and ear defenders. I have often wondered if the ear defenders would be better employed if those in the vicinity were allowed to use then instead to block out the din. Or perhaps they aren’t ear defenders at all, and the operator is instead listening to a relaxing chill out playlist on his iPod as he works…
HEALTH
Abortion repeal THE Spanish government says it wants to change the law to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to seek an abortion without parental permission. Politicians have been debating changes to the country's abortion laws as ministers seek to repeal a 2015 bill that made parental consent for those aged between 16 and 18 mandatory. Equality Minister Irene Montero said women should have the right to ‘decide about their bodies’. Abortion is legal in Spain in the first 14 weeks of a woman's pregnancy.
Government says it wants to change the law to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to seek an abortion without parental permission. It was first legalised in 1985 in cases of rape, or when the life of the mother was at risk and it wasn’t until 2010 that the law extended abortion rights to any woman until 14 weeks of gestation. In 2015, the ruling Popular Party (PP) changed Spain's abortion laws and established the obligation of parental consent in the case of girls between 16 and 18-years-old who want-
ed to end their pregnancy. Montero, a member of the left wing party Unidas Podemos, told Spain’s lower house of parliament that the reform was ‘more than necessary’. She added that other measures would be introduced, including a greater focus on sex education which she described as a ‘vaccine’ in the fight against gender violence. The law change would also in-
Virus rules shut down concert
POLICE had to break up an open-air concert at Villamartin Plaza due to a series of COVID infringements. More than 250 people, many of them expats, were sent home as they were dining and enjoying the show, while ‘not adhering to social distancing regulations’. Police released a video to show the lack of respect for hygiene and safety among punters. Billed as an ‘End of the Season Show’, tables at the dozen or so bars and restaurants were supposed to be reserved in advance for the
15
October 15th - October 28th 2020
evening. However, police claimed the event did not have the correct social distancing measures in place. A spokesperson for VillaMartin Plaza said the event was stopped because of ‘one complaint about a restaurant not social distancing so they stopped everything’. He added it was ‘totally legal, just two prat policemen’. A representative of The Tavern Bar added: “It was a great night, a great turn out, just spoiled by some morons.”
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clude the right to the ‘newest forms’ of contraception, the minister told a parliamentary commission. For the move to be approved however, Montero will first have to submit the proposals to the public then negotiate the details with the country’s Ministry of Health. An absolute majority of the Congress of Deputies - 177 or more votes in the 350 seat chamber - will be needed to approve it. Currently, the coalition government does not have an absolute majority and the farright party Vox has already said it will not support the proposal.
COVID fall
Province in a 24-hour period, according to official figures. The picture is echoed across the Valencian Community which declared a total of 268 new positives compared to 589 cases a week earlier.
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Killer revenge
Dog-gone!
SCIENTISTS say a pod of killer whales are attacking Spanish vessels in response to injuries sustained from boat rudders in August.
Chick rescue
FINAL WORDS
COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA
Your
Getting crusty
ANIMAL rights’ groups are trying to find homes for the surviving 3,200 chicks after 26,000 were found dumped at Madrid Airport.
Vol. 1 Issue 25 www.theolivepress.es October 15th - October 28th 2020
A SPANISH dog on its way to a new home in Canada caused chaos when it went on the run and forced one of North America’s busiest airports to close down for an hour. And it wasn’t until 12 hours later that staff at Toronto Pearson Airport were finally able to track down and catch the rescue podenco called Crystal that at one point caused all departures and ar-
Spanish podenco leads airport workers on a merry chase
rivals to be postponed. She was one of four of the hunting dogs being rehomed by the Greyhounds, Galgos and Podencos of Atlantic Canada association (GGPAC). After a gruelling 12 hour flight, from Spain, Crystal decided to take the opportunity to stretch her legs when their
Blind justice
British Airways flight touched down. Ground crew were taken by surprise when they opened the hold and Crystal shot out and disappeared into the distance.
High as a kite
VALENCIAN Hector Melero Marti, 26, has become the first blind person in Spain to qualify as a court judge.
A MARIJUANA plant that sprouted ‘beanstalk-like’ into a five metre tall ‘tree’ was a shock discovery for the National Police Agents smelt the plant on a Molina del Segura (Murcia) street and decided to knock on a few doors to find out where the aroma was coming from. Their inquiries took them to a property which had the entire patio covered by a tent to conceal the single marijuana plant that had blossomed into a monster. The ‘tree’ was cut down and agents seized a quantity of large buds from it. A man and a woman were arrested for drug trafficking.
Peckish plants RESEARCHERS at Alicante University have identified two previously unknown species of carnivorous plants native to the sierras of Tejeda and Almijara.
By Dilip Kuner
POTTY: Giant plant
CHASE: Crystal and Keith It is thought that the door to her travel kennel had not been closed properly. Over the next 12 hours a high-tech search swung into action. Aviation safety officer Chris Stubbs kept a watchful eye out using security and thermal cameras and caught sight of Crystal several times. Falconer Keith Everett (above) drove up and down the runway trying to get close enough to collar Crystal. He said: “Boy, could she run.” In the end he had to sit it out and let the podenco - a breed renowned for its stamina tire herself out. She eventually went to ground under a truck, and Kenny was able to gain her trust with treats and a few friendly words.
IT looks like fans of Wigan Athletic football club may be swapping their famous pies for Spanish empanadas. The troubled club is being sold to businessman Jose Miguel Garrido Cristo, it has been revealed. Known as the Latics, the club was put into administration in July, just a month after it had been bought by Hong Kong based Next Lender Fund. The Lancashire town is famous for its pies, and Wigan’s fans are proud that their club serves up some of the best pastry based treats. So much so that last year the team’s new mascot was unveiled to be Crusty the Pie - a six foot tall ‘traditional pastry’ wearing the club’s blue and white colours. Fans will be relieved to hear that the potential new owner may be on the same wavelength when it comes to food. He is the former international director of Spanish multinational food group Campofrio, so will no doubt be keen to keep the team’s supporters well fed. But the burning question is, will a selection of Spanish-style pies known as empanadas and often filled with tuna, pork or vegetables be put on the menu?
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