Olive Press Gibraltar Newspaper Issue 14 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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GIBRALTAR

Brexit battlers

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olive press Vol. 1 Issue 14 www.gibraltarolivepress.com

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NEWS

March 16th - March 29th 2016

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March 2nd- March 15th 2016

EXCLUSIVE: John Lennon wedding photographer makes urgent plea to track down his missing negatives, worth over £100,000

HELP!

SPECIAL REPORT By Joe Duggan

While Albert Poggio campaigns tirelessly in London, Fabian Picardo is targeting the Costa del Sol’s expats Our country needs EU Pages 4 & 5

THEY are some of the most iconic photographs in rock and roll history. But controversy surrounds the original negatives from John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1969 Gibraltar wedding taken by British photographer David Nutter, it can be revealed. Showing the Beatles singer celebrating his nuptials to his Japanese lover out of the glare of the public eye, the pictures have been published in thousands of publications around the world ever since. Yet, the valuable negatives - estimated to be worth over £100,000 - vanished in the 1970s after Nutter, 77, lent them to a friend Anthony Fawcett to use in his book, John Lennon: One Day At A Time. Included in the missing batch, taken on Nutter’s Nikon camera, are around a dozen never-before published photos of the wedding day, some seen for the first time in the Olive Press, this issue. Music photographer Nutter - who had flown out for the wedding from London to Gibraltar on a commission from the Beatles record label Apple - has spent the best part of the last four decades trying to recoup his property. Tet two separate investigations by British police and the FBI in America have so far failed to recover them. Now however, in a sensational twist, the Olive Press can reveal that various anonymous ‘sellers’ have recently tried to sell back Nutter’s own images. The London-born snapper, who now lives in New York, revealed that another photographer Brian Hamill, has also been suspiciously offered two strips of his original negatives taken of John Lennon. New Yorker Hamill had also lent the original negatives to Fawcett - a British art critic, author and media consultant - for the same book.

ICONIC: John and Yoko on wedding day and (top left) with certificate while (above) police letter

“Now we are being offered our own photographs back for thousands of pounds,” Nutter told the Olive Press, this week. “It is an outrage and it adds salt to the wounds that go back over 40 years,” he added. He had ‘stupidly’ lent Fawcett the negatives after they became friends, while living in New York in the mid 1970s.

Fawcett had worked with Lennon and Yoko as their assistant for a while and was writing a book about Lennon’s life. “He asked me if I could help with images for the book and I stupidly said ‘yes’ and lent him all the negatives. “When I asked for them back a little while later, he told me his apartment had been repossessed... and everything

had been taken. “Even when I called in the police, I never got them back.” Indeed, a 1983 letter from Southwark Police to Nutter (above), seen by the Olive Press, shows that officers questioned Fawcett at his home in south London. Fawcett told the officers about his flat being repossessed in the Big Apple and that while most of his property was later returned, the photographs and negatives were not included. "However, he (Fawcett) did say he knew someone in possession of the photographs and agreed to telephone Mr

Photos worth over £100,000!

world-renowned Beatles memorabilia expert estimated the set of wedding pictures to be worth over £100,000, last night. Peter Miniaci claims that he, himself, was offered the images in 2007, when he received an email offering him 'some rare John and Yoko wedding photos'. "I was suspicious and asked if the sender had the rights to the images, to which it was claimed that ‘the photographer is dead’ so I didn’t need to worry about it," he told the Olive Press. "Right away the red flag went up. I rang May Pang [Lennon's former PA] and she told me ‘definitively’ David Nutter took those photos and he is alive and well in New York." He later called the anonymous seller, who had a fake British accent, to try and track him down. He said he wanted £20,000 for the contact sheets (which are not as valuable or good quality as the original negatives). "Whoever offered me the contact sheets must know where the negatives are. If David could sell the whole set of photos I'm confident, because the majority are unpublished, he could get £70,000 to over £100,000 for them.”

SUSPICIOUS: Hamill

Nutter with the details,” the letter reads. But according to Nutter, Fawcett never called him with the name. Now living a hand to mouth existence in New York, he is desperate to get to the bottom of the mystery. "I go crazy thinking about it," he said. “I would write my initials in ink on every frame so I would know straight away know they were mine. “And, in any case, who else could have taken them… nobody else was there in Gibraltar. I know they’re still around. How do I get them back?” He continued: "It's heartbreaking. I’ve sort of given up. I could have done very well with those images and people are always asking me for them and I don't have them. I am living in poverty. “I could have made a lot of money not that that was the important thing. Its just the idea of someone having my stuff. I want them back.” As fellow photographer Hamill, who also suspiciously lost negatives in the 1970s to Fawcett, said last night: “Me and David are two old guys who survived the sixties. Those photos for us could mean something for my daughter and granddaughter.“ The Olive Press tried to contact Fawcett repeatedly by email and phone this week to discuss the missing negatives but received no response.

Voiceless BUDDING singer Corinne Cooper gave a valiant performance on UK talent show The Voice. Despite the Gibraltarian’s powerful ballad, she was sent home at the blind audition stage. Performing Sam Smith’s Lay me down, Cooper impressed but unfortunately didn’t wow the judges.

MARATHON: At Dusk

Dusk til dawn PARTY-goers are gearing up for a 12-hour live electronic festival. Dusk’s annual Spring Festival will feature bands and djs, including Dead City Radio, My Sick Project, Lazy Daiz and DJ Rookie. Starting at 6pm on March 12, the festival will also feature a tattoo and piercing studio, graffiti art display as well as a Harley Davidson show. Two-for-one cocktails will also be on offer as well as free tapas.

Monica Fabiani · Documentary Photographer · Create your memoir.......

JET SET: Nutter (below, now) and (left) en route to wedding with couple in plane

Telephone: 0034 617 616 533 or fabiani.monica1@gmail.com

TRACKED DOWN: Stolen negatives and (above) our story last issue 10% discount for OP readers Quote OP10

Taxing times BOOKIES have reacted angrily to a proposed tax on offshore betting. Ladbrokes is boycotting the Cheltenham Festival over the tax, while Betfair is pulling out of the Gold Cup. The Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association is planning to fight the changes, which are expected to raise over £300 million in tax. Official horse racing bodies insist that bookies refusing to pay the tax on their offshore profits should be banned from racing. Over 3,000 people work in gaming companies in Gibraltar.

Get Back… to where they once belonged! THE Olive Press has tracked down a man claiming to sell the stolen negatives from John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous Gibraltar wedding. Masquerading as a mystery buyer, we discovered that the original photos were allegedly being sold by a Beatles biographer from his home in the Far East.

EXCLUSIVE The writer, who we are not naming for legal reasons, put our undercover reporter in touch with an alleged Thailand-based ‘middleman’ before emailing proof sheets showing some of the

never-before-seen wedding negatives. The incredible shots, valued by Beatles experts at over £100,000, went missing in 1975 when British photographer David Nutter lent them to Anthony Fawcett to use in his book John LenTurn to Page 7

Man who sold the World

Soldier credited with ‘helping liberate’ Belsen concentration camp later made millions fraudulently in a string of investment scams linked to Gibraltar A FORMER British soldier who helped liberate Belsen concentration camp was a Costa del Sol con man, banned in Gibraltar. Colonel Leonard Berney who died this week aged 95 - turned to financial scams, including one with local firm Rock Financial Services, after leaving the British army. Despite being credited as one of the first soldiers to enter the hellish Nazi camp, he turned to a life of crooked schemes, perhaps traumatised by what he had seen. Basing himself in Marbella,

HERO TO VILLAIN: Berney, his cruise liner and (above) in army uniform

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan he ran a string of dodgy investment companies, which left hundreds of victims around the world. His projects funded a lavish lifestyle, involving exotic holidays, a Bentley car and ‘gastronomic extravagances’. In later life, his ill-gotten gains even afforded him a £3 million luxury apartment on the exclusive cruise liner The World, with its own hot tub and jacuzzi. Sadly though he accrued

his incredible riches, via a range of investor scams, which were slammed by financial watchdogs in Britain, Gibraltar, Ireland, New Zealand and Hong Kong. One of his schemes offered investors a yield of 12% with no annual charges and ‘instant access to their money whenever they needed it’. Operating without any sort of licence, Berney claimed to have been investing in FTSE options since 1985. “The results have been very profitable. Over the years from 1985 until now, he has made an average return of

38% a year,” a statement from his company claimed. An advert placed in newspapers by Marbella firm Sensible Options asked people to invest in a British Government bond that would provide a ‘regular monthly income of 12% a year’. But no such bond existed and hoodwinked investors were directed to place £20,000 in Gibraltar firm Rock Financial Services or £40,000 with London broker Man Direct. Bets on the FTSE’s movements would then be placed by a South American-based

firm also registered under Berney’s name. When the scheme was finally uncovered, the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission ordered Rock Financial to stop trading and Man Direct severed ties with Berney. The Supreme Court of Gibraltar later ordered directors from Rock Financial Services to pay back £6.2m to compensate investors. In 1998, Berney used a similar ruse while operating out of Dublin and offering Turn to next page

CRIME NEWS

March16th- March 29th 2016

WAR HERO WHO BECAME COSTA CONMAN

NEWS IN BRIEF

From previous page

Spanish steps VOTERS in Spain would like the UK to stay in Europe, a new survey from the University of Edinburgh and German thinktank dpart has revealed.

Judge rules STIPENDIARY Magistrate Charles Pitto has slammed the ‘shambles’ that has seen three dockets of evidence due for cases at the Magistrates Court go missing.

Work alert GIBRALTARIAN businesses could replace maternity leave with paternity leave to ensure career progression is not hampered, the Gibraltar Women in Leadership debate heard.

Lifeline THIS week Childline Gibraltar is running a series of storytelling and theatre workshops to help adults and over 12s tackle emotional issues positively.

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

FRAUDSTER: Berney

investors an 18% return, a claim the Irish Central Bank described as ‘unlawful’. Expat David Klein, whose Costa Del Sol Action Group exposes financial scams, was adamant Berney had plenty to hide. “He was a villain,” business-

man Klein, who is now officially retired, told the Olive Press. “He used to always have front men but he was the man behind it. “There were various false companies set up offshore. “Behind it all was Leonard. We could never reach the

Dog eat dog A VICIOUS gang that robbed and tortured drug traffickers with ‘extreme violence’ has been smashed by police. The criminals used GPS trackers hidden in bales of marijuana to track their movement. Working alongside as-

man. He ran some very big operations.” Another long-term Costa del Sol expat, writer Andrew ‘AJ’ Linn, knew Berney for more than 30 years after the former soldier bought a luxury apartment in the upmarket development Playas

Bon viveur

Torture gang who preyed on rival drug cartels smashed by police sociates in Morocco, they monitored various gangs ferrying hashish across the

Strait of Gibraltar. “They then dressed up as law enforcement officers to

Lisa Brown reward offered A 6,500 pound reward is being offered to anyone with information helping to solve the case surrounding missing Scottish expat Lisa Brown (left). The family of Lisa, who disappeared from her home near Sotogrande four months ago, have issued the reward as they grow increasingly desperate. Lisa was due to start a new job in Gibraltar the day before she disappeared, and her eight-year-old son Marco is now living with his father in La Linea. The reward money was raised via a GoFundMe crowd-funding page. Meanwhile, a petition calling on the British police to intervene in the search has reached over 2,500 signatures. Lisa’s family and friends have grown frustrated at the apparent lack of action from the Guardia Civil. Her boyfriend known as Simon Corner, but who also uses the name Dean Tripp, was due to attend a meeting in Algeciras with Guardia Civil officials but missed it and went AWOL for a second time. His whereabouts is currently unknown.

Del Duque, in Marbella. Linn admitted Berney received ‘a lot of negative criticism’ for his business practices, but was adamant ‘he was never accused of fraud or financial misappropriation’. “He lived a life of luxury and his favorite thing in life was oysters and champagne,” Linn revealed to the Olive Press.

rob the drugs,” the Guardia Civil said in a statement. “They did not hesitate to kidnap and torture their victims in order to extract information on other shipments.” During the operation, police arrested 21 Moroccans, eight Spaniards and one Senegalese man in raids on 29 properties in Cadiz, Malaga, Barcelona and Huelva. As well as 2.6 tonnes of cannabis, officers seized 16 vehicles, over €60,000 in cash and six loaded handguns. The gang, who officers have linked to 25 violent assaults, had contacts with French criminal gangs and would swap drugs for weapons.

“The first time his cruise liner The World came into Marbella he invited all the Marbella Business Institute (MBI) aboard and paid for 60 people to eat caviar and drink champagne. “He was a real bon viveur. If I went out for a meal with him, he would always pay the bill. Apart from his gastronomic excesses, his last car was a Bentley and he was a bit of a ladies man.” Berney’s son John Wood, 56, from West Sussex, defended his father, saying: “My father ran a series of high-risk investment schemes, and because they were ‘high risk’ that was the nature of the beast. “Dad was both ethical and above board, but when someone loses money they obviously become upset.” Opinion. Page 6

NEWS

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

March16th- March 29th 2016

Rocking all over the Rock

ROCKER: Lydon

Rotten returns HE’S the man who brought punk rock to the world. And now John Lydon is taking the road to Spain with Public Image Limited. The Sex Pistols singer is playing dates in San Sebastian, Valencia, Santander, and Madrid during May. Lydon earned worldwide notoriety as Johnny Rotten, the flame-haired frontman of the seminal British punk band before forming PiL in 1978.

THIS year’s Gibraltar World Music Festival will celebrate Portuguese-speaking cultures. The theme, ‘Obrigado’, means ‘Thank you’ in Portuguese and will see performers from Portugal, Brazil and Cape Verde strut their stuff in St Michael’s Cave on June 23. The festival, which of-

fers music, workshops and a street party aims to involve younger generations and many activities will be geared towards younger Gibraltarians. Organisers Gibraltar Productions are looking for senior volunteers to join the team. Tickets from £25-30 are available from 92 Irish Town.

On common ground

STUNNING: Festival venue St Michael’s Cave

Queen calls for ‘inclusive Commonwealth’ in passionate Westminster speech

SPAIN-BOUND: Vaccines

Time to get Vaccinated

BRITISH rock group The Vaccines are set to play their first ever gig in Granada. The London-based band come to Andalucia on Saturday March 19 as they tour their third album English Graffiti. The band are also playing in Barcelona on March 17 before heading to Madrid the following night. The Vaccines have described English Graffiti as ‘genre-defining’ and released the first single, Handsome, off the album on January 19 last year.

THE Queen is urging citizens of the Commonwealth to support ‘those in need’ and those who ‘feel excluded’. In her annual Commonwealth Day address from Westminster Abbey, she spoke about inclusivity. She was later joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and a host of dignitaries for the London ceremony, which included a performance by popstar Ellie Goulding. The Queen said: “By including others, drawing on collective insights, knowledge and resources, and thinking and working together, we lay the foundations of a harmonious and progressive society. “Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant. “True celebration of the dignity of each person, and the value of their uniqueness and contribution, involves reaching out, recognising and embracing their individual identity.” The Commonwealth is an association of former British colonies and current dependencies which represents 2.3 billion people. Along with Gibraltar, members include Australia, Canada, Ghana, Malaysia and South Africa.

In the mix

MIXING IT UP: With two shows in Spain

THEY are the biggest UK export of Girl Power for a decade. Now Little Mix are heading to Spain for a double-header of gigs. The X Factor winners, who got two Brit Award nominations last month, will be jetting into Barcelona on June 24 and Madrid on June 25, on the last two dates of a long 51-date world tour. The Black Magic hitmakers will be promoting their third album, Get Weird, following two number one singles.

BEAUTY QUEEN: Ellie Goulding and (left) Her Majesty

SINGLE: Fergie

La vida loner

FERGIE has been ditched by her Spanish lover. The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, 56, is ‘distraught’ following a break-up with exotic Spanish-Irish toyboy Manuel Fernandez, 47. The pair had been together for over a year, holidaying in Fernandez’ native Asturias last June, as well as skiing in the Alps. Now sources close to the Duchess - who is a regular visitor to Sotogrande very summer - revealed ‘Manuel’s finished it and she’s been very tearful.’

Aphrodite Beauty Easter Eggsravaganza!! 21st to 26th March ONLY! Spray Tan – £15 Party Lashes – £10 Shellac Manicure or Pedicure – £15 Spa Find 30 minute Facial – £15 Only on these selected dates Aphrodite Beauty 262 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel: +350 200 70747 26/28 Ocean Village Promenade, Gibraltar Tel: +350 200 62422 aphroditebeauty.gib@hotmail.com www.aphroditebeautygibraltar.com

BREXIT SPECIAL

My battle to keep us in! Gibraltar’s London rep is lobbying hard in Westminster against Brexit EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan GIBRALTAR’S man in London is furiously campaigning ahead of the key Brexit vote in June. Albert Poggio has revealed he is ‘shocked’ by the number of MPs indicating they will vote for out and is desperately trying to change their minds. The Director of Gibraltar House in London has been lobbying MPs in the House of Commons ahead of the June 23 vote on Britain staying in the European Union. Poggio underlined the seriousness of the crisis facing Gibraltarians by the amount of time he has devoted to lobbying on behalf of the Rock. “For me to spend two days there (in Westminster) is highly unusual,” said Poggio. “I was quite perturbed at the number of friends of Gibraltar voting for out. It was a shock to me.

LOBBYING: Poggio reading his favourite newspaper “Most of them are playing it low key. “Everyone must have their personal choise in this referndum respected.” The effects of a Brexit are likely to be keenly felt by Gibraltarians and their families. This week, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Garcia-Margallo declared that Spain would seek joint sovereignty over the Rock in the event of a Brexit, dismissing fears over Gibraltar’s future as ‘artificial’. Margallo also recently stated that Spain would be looking to discuss Gibraltar’s sovereignty ‘the very next day’ after a Brexit vote. But the border’s closure in the event of a UK with-

drawal from the EU would have a ‘huge impact’ on the more than 10,000 expats and Spaniards who cross the border each day, said Poggio. “I don’t think it’s an acceptable gesture for a government like Spain to close the border in a democratic world,” said Poggio. “But I do think they can make life very difficult for us. We have a very serious problem. “People’s income would be reduced. Gibraltarians have a very comfortable living and that needs to be paid for. “The average man in the UK probably doesn’t care one way or another if they’re out. “For Gibraltar, the interference would be on a daily basis and that has a huge impact.”

Abacus is now offering Qualifying Recognised Pension Schemes (QROPS).

Take control of your retirement dreams

CEO Chris Pitaluga commented, “We have been contemplating entering the pension market for some time and are delighted to launch the Prosperity QROPS, our first QROPS under the Abacus branding.” He further commented, “Abacus is committed to Gibraltar as a jurisdiction and we aim to attract the highest quality introducers as part of our long term plan.” Our Prosperity QROPS could be of benefit to you if you currently have a UK Registered Pension scheme and are living abroad or intend to do so. Deciding on the right pension plan is a fundamental part of retirement planning and will have a significant impact on your retirement lifestyle. Why not benefit from the following? • Increased tax efficiency. • Wider investment control and flexibility. • Income withdrawals from age 55. • Exemption from the UK Lifetime Allowance test. • Pass on your pension fund to future generations. • The simplicity of consolidating all your UK pensions into one QROPS. If you, or your independent financial adviser, feel that a QROPS may be the right solution for you to achieve your retirement aspirations, please contact us. We are here to help.

OUR PROSPERITY QROPS CAN MAKE IT A REALITY

For further Information contact:

Joanne Rodriguez or Erica Power

Abacus Pensions Trustees Limited (Gibraltar Office) T: +350 200 78267 Ext 530 E: pension.services@abacus.gi

www.abacus.gi

BREXIT SPECIAL

In an exclusive, heart-felt plea, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo calls on British expats - as well as Gibraltarians - to vote to stay in the EU

N our thriving and modern small nation, native Gibraltarians and people from Britain, Europe, and further flung corners of our planet, have been living and working together for over 300 years. So I always feel a little ambivalent about the description ‘expat’ which sounds rather outdated after so many decades within the European Union. The fact that many of you come over regularly to the Rock to share in our diet of British sausages, Sunday roasts and a pint down at the pub, is perhaps a simple reminder of the fact that British values and traditions are very much alive in all our hearts. But of course, those values are not just down to nosh. Democracy and fair play are just a couple of the traits that underpin our way of life. Many of you will be able to vote in the coming referendum as UK nationals living abroad who have been on the electoral register in Britain over the past 15 years, and have therefore been enfranchised. We in Gibraltar will be voting en masse to stay, and I would

March 16th- March 29th 2016

Our country needs EU! urge you all to also vote to re- national sovereignty in the dimain EU citizens. rection we choose, but only if In Spain alone there are some we remain members. 319,000 potential British vot- I suspect that those of us living ers. The Rock has 23,000. in continental Europe have a All of us share similar con- deeper sense of the important cerns. role the EU plays in underwritWe also face real uncertain- ing our peace and prosperity. ties, given that the British In practical terms, you will all Government itself has stated be wondering what will hapunambiguously that Brexit is a pen to medical services and step into the dark. pensions, if the EU is no longer I don’t believe in ‘Project there to ensure you receive the Fear’, but I same payments would say and services If Brexit does that Brexit is as you would at simply about home in your occur the reality the practimember state, would be a whirl cal realities the UK. of a huge Don’t let it hapof slow, chaotic, and costly dipen. Let’s avoid horse trading vorce. these pointless This, in cirrisks. cumstances If Brexit does in which Prime Minister David occur the reality would be a Cameron has already shown whirl of slow, probably chaotic, it is not impossible to reverse horse trading and negotiating. many of the issues that annoy It’s unlikely that any state will us. offer a service or facility to now The way the EU conducts its ‘foreign residents’ that is not business can be changed, and equally reciprocated by the UK, we can steer Europe and our say, for Spaniards working and

living there. Depending on who is in power in Madrid, Gibraltar could face uncertainty at the border. It is not about survival, but it is about economics and quality of life. We in Gibraltar will fight on and prosper. But why break something that only needs fixing? Would Spain and/or the new EU want us all to have Schengen visas? That’s just one in a thousand-plus questions that can be avoided by joining in protecting our common interest and voting to remain part of a dynamic Europe. Please use your right to vote. ‘Stay’ and enjoy your life under this splendid UNITED: Picardo with Olive Press southern sun. editor Jon Clarke

Doing it for the Rock EVERYONE picking up an issue of the Spanish Olive Press this week will discover a 16page special supplement on the Rock. Produced in conjunction with the government and the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, the pull-out promotes the Rock as a fantastic shopping destination and family trip for expats, while in two weeks we take a close look at the Rock’s unique commercial environment. In the supplement, supported by leading companies including Marks & Spencer, the Rock Hotel and the Essardas Group, we banish fears of hour-long queues as a thing of the past and focus on everything positive Gibraltar has to offer. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has also written a special article for the Olive Press supplement, persuading British expats in Spain to vote to stay in the EU, for Gibraltar’s sake (republished left). To read the whole ‘All about Gibraltar’ supplement, visit www.theolivepress.es and click on the link from Thursday this week.

FEATURE

March16th- March 29th 2016

Ballad

OPINION Belsen Berney IT’S impossible to imagine the horrors witnessed by Leonard Berney at Belsen concentration camp. As the first British officer to liberate the Nazi camp, Berney was confronted by a scene from hell. We can only guess the impact on the human mind of seeing first-hand man’s worst depravities. But by veering into a life of financial scams Berney has sullied his outstanding war record. A host of financial regulatory bodies, including Gibraltar’s Financial Services Commission, waved red flags about crooked schemes he was linked to. Duped victims have hit out at their losses, which helped finance the former businessman’s lavish life on The World luxury yacht. It’s sad that a war hero’s legacy has been tainted by his dishonesty.or east of Dover.

EXCLUSIVE: The photographer at rock and roll’s most famous wedding reveals all about his secret assignment for the first time on its anniversary

Foul play

SPORT can be a wonderful force for unifying. It brings people together, it builds allegiances and it is all about healthy, competitive fun. That is why it is so appallingly sad to hear about expat children being denied the licence to play in Spanish amateur leagues. As is too often the case, politics has totally missed the point. And innocent young boys and girls are paying the price.

BREXIT - Your vote matters Do you qualify? Overseas UK nationals who have been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years can vote in UK Parliamentary General Elections, UK-wide referendums, and European Parliamentary elections.

Register You will need to know you National Insurance number and date of birth, and have your passport to hand if you have one. If you don’t have a National Insurance number you can still register, but may have to supply more information to show who you are.

Declare You have to sign an annual declaration once you have registered to renew your registration every year. So if you were registered to vote for the 2015 General Elections you will have to renew your registration with your local Electoral Registration Officer in the UK or register again.

Vote You can choose how you wish to vote. You can vote by post, by proxy (voting by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf ), or even in person at your polling station.

www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

the EE

GIBRALTAR

olive press

Covering Gibraltar with 10,000 copies

Tel: (+34) 951 273 575 (admin) Accounts: (+34) 658 750 424 Sales: (+34) 692 725 475

or admin@theolivepress.es or sales@theolivepress.es A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly on a Wednesday. Clarke Media Ltd. Registration number: 113878 Suite 2B, 143 Main Street Gibraltar Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Tom Powell tom@theolivepress.es Rob Horgan rob@theolivepress.es Iona Napier iona@theolivepress.es Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Admin & Accounts: Maria González accounts@theolivepress.es

SPECIAL REPORT By Joe Duggan

HE private jet takes off ties. London’s glitterati from from Gibraltar to Paris Mick Jagger to Elton John, from and John Lennon lets out Twiggy to Eric Clapton and, of a roar of laughter as he course, The Beatles, were all cracks open an ice-cold bottle clad in the flamboyant tailor’s finery. of champagne. Next to the Beatle is his new David, who had worked on wife, Yoko Ono. Both are scandalous satirical magazine dressed in angelic white, Len- Oz, slipped easily into this rarnon sporting plimsolls and efied company. corduroys, a wide-brimmed hat “I got to do some nice jobs because my brother made clothes and mini-skirt for Ono. Opposite, photographer and for the Beatles,” David tells the friend David Nutter clinks the Olive Press. newly-weds’ glasses. A day be- “But I only got involved towards fore, the 30-year-old Londoner the end when the band was had been dispatched to Gibral- breaking up. You could sense tar in the dead of night on a the atmosphere around them was not right. I could sense it top-secret mission. The following morning, he was at Apple. on the Rock taking the iconic “At one point they asked me to images that captured the most photograph them signing some kind of contract on a napkin. It famous wedding was all crazy. in rock and roll But I was alhistory. John and I ways more “We couldn’t friends with couldn’t stop stop laughing John than about the whole laughing about Paul or the thing,” he tells others.” the whole the Olive Press When Mcfrom New York situation en route Cartney marCity. ried Linda “Especially Eastman in John, he liked a good laugh. All we did was tell Marylebone on March 12, jokes on the plane. John was 1969, the attention sparked very English. He seemed very by his fellow Beatle’s nuptials seemed to stir Lennon’s comcasual about the whole thing. “But I had had no idea what petitive spirit. was going to happen,” he re- Lennon had divorced teenage calls. “It was a complete se- sweetheart Cynthia Powell the previous year to be with Ono, cret.” Of course, the day would who had herself recently split end up immortalised in song from her husband. Now marthrough The Beatles’ The Bal- riage was on the cards once more. lad of John and Yoko. But how did David end up “They didn’t want a big fuss,” heading to Gibraltar on a clan- says David. “Apparently Mcdestine mission to photograph Cartney’s wedding was a bit of a circus. There were hundreds a Beatles wedding? Back in London, David’s broth- of people there and a huge er Tommy ran a tailors opposite media scrum. Gibraltar was The Beatles’ record company, chosen because it was one of Apple, on stylish Savile Row. the few places you could get Tommy Nutter was the man married instantly and the press who dressed the swinging six- wouldn’t find out.”

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HAPPY COUPLE: John and Yoko on wedding day

ROCK STARS: Wedding vows come to Gibraltar with him,” reBut their route to Gibraltar was calls Nutter. a circuitous one. “But he wouldn’t tell me why. On McCartney’s wedding day, He just said, ‘Bring your camLennon was travelling to Dorera’. So I got to Gibraltar and I set with Ono to introduce her stayed the night.” to his much loved aunt Mimi, Packing his Nikon and some the stern disciplinarian who rolls of film, David jumped on had brought him up. the next domestic flight to the Opening his limo’s partition in Rock. Poole, he began to talk wedBy the next morning, Brown dings to his chauffeur, Les Anhad confided his secret and thony. And Lennon, the son of David was duly waiting at Gia sailor, had a novel venue in braltar airport. Lennon and mind. Ono’s private jet landed at “When we went to Mimi’s 8.30 am on March 20. Out house, John said he wanted to into the sunshine stepped the get married on the high seas,” most famous couple in the recalled Anthony in Philip world, dressed in Tommy Norman’s biography Nutter’s radiant-white John Lennon. designs. “He said to “It was a lovely ...“It me, ‘Can you warm day,” said was very roput us on a David. “It was mantic. It’s all in boat, Les?’ amazing how I don’t the song, The Ballad laid back and m i n d Of John And Yoko. If you casual they where. want to know how it hapwere. Most And don’t pened, it’s in there. Gipeople would say anybraltar was like a little have made a thing to sunny dream.” John big fuss but they Mimi.” Lennon didn’t.” So John, Yoko Driving from Gibraland Les headed tar airport, the party, to Southampton. which included Brown, Their amorous intenarrived at the British Consulate tions soon fell foul of officialOffice at 9am. Here, they were dom. Irregularities on Ono’s met by registrar Cecil Wheeler. passport meant they couldn’t “They obviously knew who board. it was but there weren’t big “We wanted to get married on crowds of people there,” says a cross-channel ferry. That was David. the romantic part,” said Len“The ceremony was very short, non in a 1980 interview. about 10 minutes, and matter “We went to Southampton but of fact. I don’t remember it bewe couldn’t get on because ing too emotional. I don’t think she wasn’t English and she Yoko shows much emotion.” couldn’t get the day visa to go Despite being the exclusive across. And they said, ‘Anyway, photographer, he had been givyou can’t get married. The Capen no precise instructions from tain’s not allowed to do it any the bride and groom. more.’” “They let me do whatever I Undeterred, the couple flew by wanted,” he says. “The imporprivate jet to Paris on March tant picture would be in the 16, checking in at the luxury registry office. That was the Plaza Athenee hotel. main thing. Them standing But not even the city of rothere and doing the vows. mance was ready to accommo“John was very easy to photodate them. graph. No vanity.” Apple records manager Peter After the brisk service, they Brown informed Lennon and were whisked back to the airOno they couldn’t marry in port. By now, word had got out France as they had not been and a phalanx of press awaited resident long enough. But he them. continued to dig and discovBut after just an hour and a ered there was one place they half in Gibraltar, Lennon, Ono, could get married in immediBrown and David were on ately. board a private jet and headed As a British citizen, Lennon for Paris. A fleeting, but unforcould marry on the Rock. Sudgettable, visit. denly David’s phone was ring“It’s the Pillar of Hercules, and ing. also symbolically they called it “Peter Brown called me at my the End of the World at one pestudio and asked me if I would

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

FEATURE

March16th- March 29th 2016

of John and Yoko

ROCK SOLID: Lennon on the runway in Gibraltar riod,” said Lennon of Gibraltar in 1980.

“So we liked it in the symbolic sense, and the Rock foundation of our relationship.” While the drink flowed on the flight back home, Lennon was in typically jocular mood. “We had champagne, we had a good time and had a few jokes,” said David. “John was talking about all

the old English TV shows that we liked. “When got off the plane in Paris it was a mob scene. One woman from the English papers came up to me and said, ‘I’ve been told I can take all your rolls of film back to the paper’. She must have thought I was stupid. Back in those days it was so haphazard. There were no

contracts or anything, I was just doing it for Peter Brown.” And while Lennon and Ono headed off to the massed ranks of the world’s press in Paris and a lunch date with Salvador Dali, David had more pressing concerns. “I flew back on the jet to London, but I was worried that I didn’t have enough money to get back into London. Luckily the pilot took me back in his car,” he says. “One minute I’m on a private jet with John Lennon and champagne and the next minute I can’t afford to get back into town.” Following the wedding, Brown carried on photographing John, Yoko and the other Beatles, but never as a group. “At the end of The Beatles, Peter Brown wanted me to photograph everything that happened. But then the Beatles folded and I lost the best job I’d ever had,” he says. David moved to New York City in the winter of 1971, where he would occasionally see Ono and Lennon. He recalls seeing John carrying their newly-born son Sean in a shoe box at the Dakota Building after his early birth caught him by surprise and without a pram. But it’s clear, despite those glorious sun-kissed images of marital bliss in Gibraltar, he had reservations about Ono’s influence on his friend. “I had mixed feelings about Yoko. I had a few bad experiences with her after John died,” he says. “I knew May Pang [John Lennon’s personal assistant whom he had an 18-month relationship with] when John was in New York. He was much more relaxed and fun when he was with May Pang. “He was much more tense when he was with Yoko. I think she had a lot of power over him.”

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THEN AND NOW: Nutter, Lennon and Ono on plane out of Gib and (right) Nutter today

FOUNd at last! From Front Page

non: One Day At A Time. the copyright anyway. As we revealed last issue Nutter - who had After a week of exchanges, two remarkable been hired by the Beatles’ record label Apple contact sheets showing never-before-seen for the commission on the Rock - has desper- images of Lennon’s Gibraltar wedding were ately been trying to get them back for four emailed over. decades. But when the writer suspected our underHowever, when the Olive Press contacted cover reporter was working for Yoko Ono he Fawcett, he said ‘these were in fact stolen launched into a vile tirade against Lennon’s from my New York apartment around 1976 widow before ending contact. along with everything else from my flat’. He has since threatened to sue if we reveal his Acting on a tip-off that the negatives were be- identity. ing peddled online, our undercover reporter Nutter, who had unsuccessfully called in poapproached the 62-year-old Beatles biogra- lice over the theft, is furious with the writer pher in the Far East. and just wants his negatives back. Issuing instructions that the fee for the nega- Speaking from his New York home, last night, tives would be £5,600, he put us in touch with Nutter said: “This is criminal. They are my the mysterious seller. stolen property...end of story. Our undercover reporter was “The images of John Lennon told to send 90% of the agreed and Yoko Ono taken at their price after two contact sheets wedding in Gibraltar are mine showing the original negatives and were sent as proof of ownernobody elses. ship (see right). “I was the sole photographer Despite Nutter being commisand I could have made a lot of sioned to take the wedding money not that that was the photos by Apple Corps execuimportant thing. tive Peter Brown, the seller “This is more of a violation. claimed Nutter was on a paid The occasion itself was very assignment from HIS company personal and we wanted to Sparrow Photos. keep the wedding documentThe writer also claimed Nutter ed and the images controlled. MISSING: Contact was ‘dead’ and had never owned I want them back.” sheets see light of day

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March 16th- March 29th 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hot property

PROPERTY sales in the Campo de Gibraltar were up 30.4% in 2015 compared to the year before with 2,622 transactions completed.

Good health JUNTA boss Susana Diaz inaugurated San Roque’s new health centre ‘Evaristo Dominguez’, which will serve 10,000 San Roquenos, on March 12.

Close them down! By Iona Napier

Human rights group calls for immediate closure of Algeciras migrant detention centres

A HUMAN rights organisation has called for the immediate closure of the migrant detention centres (CIE) in Tarifa and Algeciras after numerous ‘incidents’ over the lastmonth. The Andalucian Pro Human Rights Association (APDHA) has described the centres, in Algeciras and Tarifa’s Isla de las Palomas, as ‘places representing the most flagrant infringe-

ras centre, where money was pledged on March 4, but no formal inspection appears to have been recorded. “All doors in the Algeciras centre are closed by lock and key which is a huge fire hazard,” Campo de Gibraltar volunteer Andres A GUARDIA Civil officer de la Pena told the Olive caught trafficking large Press. loads of hash from Ceu- “People that have comta to Algeciras has been mitted no crime are being sent to prison by a Ceuta housed in a deplorable court. state and awful conditions He is one of three of- where they are ultimately ficers tried for involvement in a drug network expelled after a maximum which saw around five of 60 days.” tons of hash transported “We have been denouncby four vehicles and five ing these centres for many years but we get completemotorbikes. Seven out of the ten peo- ly ignored.”

Inside job

A YOUNG artist from Chipiona, Cadiz, won €600 by coming first in the Los Barrios Open Air Painting competition with a collage depicting the town’s San Isidro Church.

ALGECIRAS PSOE has accused Mayor Landaluce of neglecting the needs of the town’s charities and unions which it claims are in a ‘critical situation’.

High life

ment of human rights’. APDHA confirmed an ombudsman ruling on February 5 to not admit women to the Algeciras centre due to poor construction conditions has been ‘completely ignored’. The organisation also wants to investigate fire precautions in the Algeci-

Fine art

Blame game

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SUNK: Hash smugglers busted by Guardia Civil

Drug gang sunk A SUSPECTED drug cartel has been broken up and 23 people arrested by police in Algeciras. The gang, including three suspected ringleaders, is believed to have transported hashish from Morocco to Spain on highspeed boats. Police uncovered 917 kilos of hash, 36 boats, 12 vehicles - some registered in Malaga and Madrid - and €153,000 in cash.

ple arrested in Algeciras were sent to jail with the rest released on bail. The role played by the officers was described as ‘key’ because they controlled the arrival of the vehicles to Algeciras port.

PROTEST: To shut centres

THE brains behind the ongoing Gurtel political corruption scandal has set up home in Sotogrande. Almost four years after Francisco Correa was released from Madrid jail Soto Real, he has been accepted among the exclusive community of the millionaire’s playground. Even though Correa must report daily to the San Roque court and present himself weekly at Madrid’s High Court, he attends a €120-permonth gym and dines in Sotogrande’s restaurants. He has been described by neighbours at his urbanisation Valgrande as a ‘loner’.

HIGH-LIFE: Correa pictured in Sotogrande

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www.theolivepress.es www.gibraltarolivepress.com 9

Sewage saga European Commission probes Spain over long pollution dispute SEWAGE leaks from La Linea into Gibraltar could land Spain in hot water. The European Commission is currently mulling over legal action after Spain failed to provide a satisfactory answer of how it will tackle the sewage pollution problem. The EC began investigating after Gibraltar’s Environment

SAFER: Plants

Nuclear activity SPAIN’S nuclear power stations are close to completing vital safety enhancements put in place after Japan’s 2011 Fukushima disaster. The measures were introduced in 2012 by the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group following a European Council report. Work to protect Spanish plants from natural disasters including earthquakes and floods is now 80% complete. Extra cooling systems have been added, and a central emergency support unit set up.

Unforeseen

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is the Arty tapasthe day special ofcolumn in a new from former starred TV presenter MichelinSteven Nick Knowles TV chef . and stunninglift Saunders 49 star Elliot wife Jessica TOWIE their See Page the lid on SotoWright launches barred of change escape to Page 3 a no-holdsas Page 3 grande on THE winds blown in column ongrill him on ruption have truly before wepages. See ial of anti-cor dozens made substant our food Stuff on parties town halls across The Wright gains in Pages 54-55 they Spain. made clear Spain’s Voters to ditch ty two-par are readyal E-Coli? traditionas new partiesWhat is fecal system s and Ciudada at rea type of Podemo ed well E-Coli is bacteria usually s nos perform local election coliform the intestines of and gional found in and humans. a the clean is on Sunday. fails to animals the country in water reby All over g PP lost absoof Its presence Town Hall played in governin es, meaning strong indication or animal Estepona y river often lute majoritito pact with, cent sewage ation. party a deadl it will have lives in waste contamin one other gov- up bacteria SIVE at least, legitimate When the human intestiEXCLU children Horgan to formts. has been animal or it is harmless. in By Rob bacteria river. ernmen the big mayors nal tracts when it appears ring A DEADLY Estepona of Marbelan E-Coli in Some of the neighbou However callinclude tely treated and found the killer in s are now envidanger Munoz a toxin strand of been detected os, Residents in inadequa o de la A produces Civil’s has Villas Andaluza la’s Angeles water it harmful and poGuardia after Francisc bacteria del Hornacin by bank ing in the l arm Seprona, town Malaga’s which is fatal to humans. river’s the Arroyooften played in ts to the Hall at ronmenta Torre. stream Sam tentially t a variwritten complain Residen of Change, to nothing. as well as children. area is CONCERNED: hall came added. so See A Spring that the from Surrey, rs, have submit4 and 5 it,” Hall is comand mosThey insist on Pages ing aboutdays the smell unous neighbou of formal with rats hall has worse. disgrace are overrun the town ted a number detown hall. hall “On hot le that we absolute and the an health to is ‘inactive’ quitos ly “It unbearab out in our garden.” plaints a town a serious was reto sit been complete the first report and worse, British resident the couple In response, said , Estepona a Green n told was able spite receiving with Ironically spokesmaJose Urbano the hazard,” 78. enviand it in April. ent analysis ofriver Sam Hall, cently honoured Mayor “It’s especially boosting of the problem’ Award for s. Independ that the risk He added:because we have near ‘aware be ‘sorted out’.clean up Flag l awarenes failed to health water shows worrying playing serious when a May ronmenta Town Hall children it flows into would poses a be fatal. Esteponato Olive Press quesio seen However, ‘promised’ for water where and could from Laborator was finally happened. keep respond z stated the be struck to A report Rodrigueof ‘coli- the sea. tions. were to national 18, nothing one thing a Rafael Perez “They say and then do nothquantities that there “If anyone would be that the down, it so high you happy count. forms’ were wife Susanna, many’ to vomiting, scandal.” and his were ‘too cause and Hall E-Coli can , liver disease diarrhoea

shame River of

had consistently excellent bacterial water quality. However, heavy rainfall in the last six years has led to episodes of sewage discharge from drains in La Linea. Gibraltar has also been facing questions over its own lack of a sewage plant during recent years, which the government is currently working on.

DELAYED: Solution

Clean-up on hold

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vealed that two rivers in the town were an environmental threat. Following an Olive Press investigation, a strand of the killer E-Coli bacteria was detected in the Arroyo del Hornacinos, a stream often played in by children, last May. The town hall faced yet another probe into a dangerous river, when levels of methane had been detected in the Arroyo Judio, in El Padro. An EU investigation last sum-

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NOT EXCLUSIV 1 3€ THE boss THIS NOT ISSUE 2 ESBUT of visited tourist Spain’s most 3 Eye been arrested attractio tion over n has vestigatio in a fraud on audio-gu a contract to in- ish supply ides Alhambr n. monume to the Moora director Mar Villafran nt’s 2.4 annual Maria del A REAL DOG after being ca has resigned CORRUPTION DAY €5.5milli visitors, in million charged which misuse ed for. on remains accountwith the of publicof at least €5.5 Public million Villafran funding. police’s prosecutors and ca, who financial the board headed in Granada crimes the of trustees, up tigating ESTEPO grilled have been unit alongside NA Town was contract the legitimac a dangero invessenior members four other Hall is Free us y of the The Europe to supply facing river. varifocal They are of to the company yet another the under staff. an levels of lenses 59€ Union The firm’s investiga Stendal.guides probe methan is could be into - Alhambr payment e have investigating s to the been detected claims CHARG a have Compla a fire risk as well ED: Maria that ints of allegedly royo Judio, as a typhoidin a river high raw sewage del Mar been tainted in El Padron being 10 years Villafra health which by constant lays and nca Howeve by Estepon , have pumped intohazard. been ignored the de- es discount with huge irregular ciation r, a petitiona authorities. Arof four to for over lodged It comes s. nine years by the chairman Tony FORMER hotel workers, by Estepon just a year Europe for the Olive Press to resign Junta presiden and staff an Union. Dodd has travel agents a Expat revealedafter the Palace from the network now been t Manuel AssoHe finallyas a MP after being draggedChaves has accepte fraudule of 45 people how a 50,000who sold an Alhambra “It is great dent Jose stepped down, d been estimate ticket nt €3.5 millionran a Hoteliersbogus tickets. that the tion has d multi-mi Grinan, after alongside into the ERE forced petibeen accepte case. 2005. between 2002 fake would and travel said Dodd, The pair llion bogus lay they were another former take and ists agents offs scandal. both implicate presiGranada who has d,” viously in 2009, along with Gaspar then money from tour’s public d in the have been are calling plaints submitted preZarrias, prosecut Court, over UNESCO take to the comwho led for prison ors following Worldthem into the the police, involvemordered for question town Chaves, the Junta Heritage sentencent in the 71, who briefly partme deals the fire hall, Site in Madrid’s various so-called ing at the Supreme led officials. made with Junta. nt and even de‘reptile parliame Andalucia for idea that slush nt, 19 the “But each millions his Employm previously toldyears and had fund’. SPAIN a seat time I been the court But now fraudulently ent Ministry ignored have was syphoninhe had no a damning every year Greece is hoping Europe this being , Jorge Barreiro 129-page for a decade. can negotiate g tens of a clear despite chance after declaring and disgusti tial evidence at the Supreme report a new bailout demandsfollowing the it would give from Judge ng,” hedanger In May, The alleged the former Court states for Economy in Sunday’s Greek people’s the nation heads reveale the Olive said. fraud between there is Alberto one last rejection substan2000 and is estimatedwere involved. to ask for minister Luisreferendum. of the d that high Press Four years of austerity to deadly levels He added a third rescue de Guindos said teria had ago the2010, when the amount to €855 E-Coli guilty in Olive Press probe was an opinion million possibilit that Spain package after Greece has another been foundbaclaunched the rejecting hinted piece. Estepon in “Given y Greece will is ‘absolutely not (River . that the the first right leave the of shame,a river pair were marketsthe circumstances, 214). Eurozoncontemplating’two. issue e. the from Howeverit is absolutel The riddled y necessar the point could face, he denied any Horanc of view y,” said inos Arroyo del of the troubles accusatio de been visited has since as a knock-on ns that Guindos. ficials by Junta effect of Spain’s economy ofthe Greek CAMPA clearedbut has yet IGNING debt. to be and (above Esteponup. : Dodd yet to a Town Hall page story our front has case. comment on either

DANGEROUS rivers in Estepona will finally be cleaned up. Aiming to be more ‘environmentally friendly’, Estepona Town Hall has pledged to eliminate waste water from beaches and rivers. It comes after the Olive Press re-

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Commissioner Karmenu Vella said sewage from La Linea was polluting the waters on the Rock’s Western Beach. Stemming from a storm drainpipe illegally discharging raw sewage, the problem has been ongoing for six years. Creating a serious risk to public health, the beach has had to be

closed on a number of occasions due to the pollution. In fact, the Spanish government vowed to resolve the problem as long ago as 2011. However, the Gibraltar Environmental Agency said that no steps have been taken by Spanish authorities and the problem is worsening. Prior to 2010, Western Beach is said to have

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THE 10th 2015 have winds of change dozenstruly blown TOWIE parties of anti-corruption in as Wright star Elliot gains made launches substantial a no-holds-barred Spain.in town halls column Voters across before on Page made are ready 3 our foodwe grill him clear traditionalto ditch TV presenter they on pages. The Wright Spain’s system See Nick Knowles OLIVE PRESS Pages Podemosas newtwo-party 54-55 Stuff on and stunning nos performed parties and wife Jessica 27th May Ciudadagional the lid lift and localwell at on Sunday. Arty tapas escape on their reelections All over special is the grande to Sotoon Page governingthe country in a newof the day 3 column lute from former PP the it willmajorities,lost absoMichelin-starred at least,have to meaning TV chef pact Steven to form one other Saunders. with, ernments.legitimate See Page party Estepona 49 Some govdangerof the big up a deadly Town includemayors la’s Angeles Hall in children Marbelfails to Malaga’s river Munoz often Torre. Francisco and clean A DEADLY played de la found See A in an bacteria has in by A strand Estepona been Spring on Pages bacteria of the river. 4 andof Change, has beenkiller E-Coli the Arroyo EXCLUSIVE 5 a stream By Rob del detected in Horgan children. often Hornacinos, played Residents in by of the Villas ing in Andaluzas neighbouring What the Guardiaare now is E-Coli? ronmental Civil’s callwritten arm Seprona, E-Coli envicomplaints hall came coliformis a type to the after bacteria of fecal to They found town insist nothing. usually overrun animalsin the intestines that and humans. of quitos with ratsthe area Its presence is and the and mosbeen completely strong in water town indication spite receiving hall cent is a ‘inactive’ has CONCERNED: in April. waste sewage or of rethe first deanimal Resident Independent When contamination. report worse. Sam water animalthe bacteria “It is analysis Hall at river’s an poses shows that nal tractsor human lives in of the and a serious worse, absolute intestithe river bank and could However it is harmless. hazard,” a seriousdisgrace from when A report be fatal. health risk Sam Surrey, in inadequately said British health ous neighbours, it appears Hall, as well Rafael water from He added:78. resident ted a as variLaboratorio that Perez Rodriguez which it produces treated worrying plaintsnumber of have submit“It’s forms’the quantities tentiallyis harmful a toxin formal to the stated seen because especially In response, town fatal to and poWhich were were so high of ‘coli- the children we hall. comspokesman humans. water playing have that a town E-Coli‘too many’ show ageing costa Mayor to count.there the sea. where it ing about can cause hall diarrhoea, flows near ‘aware Josetold the “If anyone “On hot it,” Hall into after was cancelled DJ’s vomiting, down, Urbano couple liver were days the added. would of the problem’ was unbearable disease he crashed to it be ‘sorted new €60,000 smell and scandal.” would be be struck However, able to and it that we is so a national sit out Hall his was finally when out’. Ironically, Rover and his in our are una clean Range 18, nothing ‘promised’ garden.” cently Estepona wife up Susanna, honoured front into the “They Flag Award happened.for May was restudio’s door? say one with a you happy ronmental for boosting Green thing and then to keep Estepona awareness. envido nothrespond Town to OliveHall failed tions. to Press ques-

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mer found that waste being pumped into the river caused it to be a fire risk as as well as a typhoid health hazard. Despite a subsequent Guardia Civil investigation, both rivers are yet to be treated. However, the town hall has now announced a project to remove all waste water and improve on the current sewage system. Welco me to

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THE USA has confirmed it will not negotiate the nuclear clean-up in Palomares until Spain has a government. Radioactive contamination from the plane collision in 1966 was not tackled sufficiently and after decades of protests, John Kerry finally agreed to find a solution ‘as soon as possible’ in October 2015. But the US government has now confirmed it won’t negotiate until the Spanish government has been formed - a process which could take months. And the US presidential elections could stall the process further. The clean-up is thought to cost €640 million which will be paid by both Spain and the USA.

la cultura

what’s on

ibraltar Drama Festival, March 16-19 Ince’s Hall Theatre will host the event which includes a £1,000 prize for best play as well as prizes for best actor and actress. Info: info@culture.gi, +350 20067236.

raft & Collectors Fair, March 19 March edition of Craft & Collectors Fair will show off traditional collectables, antiques and bric-a-brac to original arts and crafts. Info: 540 23 166.

nremitting Solace, March 30 Gibraltarian-born motivational speaker Coty Benrimoj will be giving a talk at Boyds at King Bastion Leisure Centre. Info: www. Buytickets.gi

bby’s International Dance Adventure, March 23-25 This three-day event at the Sunborn Hotel in Ocean Village features an Ask Abby Q&A, senior master class for over 12s and a junior master class for under 11s. Info: +350 56533000

March 16th- March 29th 2016

Visiting troops pitch in to breathe new life into abandoned graveyard

Reborn

A MAJOR project to clean up neglected Witham’s Cemetery is underway. It houses the graves of over 300 people of all ages who died between 1765 and 1850. Visiting troops from Northern Ireland began the works while standing in for the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, which is away on military duty in the UK. The 10th Signal Regiment has carried out

various community projects while on the Rock. “We have been working for about a year now pulling all the pieces together,” said Delilah Smith, Chair of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust. “The initial phase is to clear the vegetation which the troops are undertaking. “This will be a long-term project run over a number of years, so we will be looking for

further sponsorship in the future.” The contractor for the adjacent Plata Villa development, Reafina, will construct a new entrance and pathway to improve access to the site. Currently it can only be entered from its northern end. Reafina Director Simon Vaughn said he was CLEAN‘extremely pleased’ to help regain a piece of UP: By troops and Gibraltar’s heritage. (inset) graves

Ringing in the spring A SPRING Visual Arts competition will be held this May as part of the Gibraltar Spring Festival. There will be categories for

painting, sculpture, photography, video and installations, with a £500 prize on offer for the winners.

Raffle raises funds A MOTHER’S Day fundraising raffle held outside Morrison’s has been hailed as a ‘great success’. Young people aged 16-plus sold all of the tickets before the end of the day, raising money for the Youth Centre’s Life Skills project. Prizes donated by local business included vouchers of Ocean Village gym, the Leisure Centre and the Rock Hotel.

A prize of £3,250 will also go to the Ministry of Culture’s overall winner, while the £1,000 Alwani Foundation Award will go to the ‘best Gibraltar theme’. Entrants must be 16 or over and can submit up to five pieces of work, but not more than two per category. Entry forms and full conditions are available at The Fine Arts Centre in Casemates Square, John Mackintosh Hall or by emailing info@culture.gi

Smart library A NEW digitised catalogue system for the John Mackintosh Hall Library has been launched. Library members can now view thousands of titles and reserve books online. Barcodes have been placed into the books, which are scanned when taken out and again on return. The government hired 20 university students through its summer job programme to barcode the books over an eight-week period.

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la cultura

11 March 16th- March 29th 2016

Game of thrones

EMANA Santa marks the week when the Spanish love for procession, pageantry and communal expression reaches its zenith. This incense-scented week of penitence and processions is most keenly observed in the orange-blossomed streets of Sevilla. Vast thrones (pasos) supporting ornate religious effigies are paraded through the city. But although ostensibly a religious festival, Holy Week’s long nights and packed streets have much in common with any Spanish fiesta. Families burn the midnight oil to watch the parades, the odd drop of vino is usually on hand to help lubricate proceedings and it’s as much through local pride as religious piety that Sevillanos call out ‘Guapa!’ when the Virgin’s statue passes. Nevertheless, for the first-time observer, the hooded ranks of Nazarenos - the week’s defining image - can be a little startling. Their beautiful medieval robes are co-ordinated in the colour of each religious brotherhood, or cofradia, but their conical hoods, with slits for TRADITION: Crowds gather for procession and (right) bollos de hornazo eyes, have an almost menacing solemnity. a sweet bread made with eggs, sugar and aniseed - as Sol y sombre, Spain’s two defining extremities, are well as hot-cross buns and Cadbury’s Creme Eggs. both here during Semana Santa before the city finally The presence of Roman centurions at the parades explodes into a riot of colour for La Feria. adds to the theatre and underlines that this is an occaThe cofradias organise the processions and the task sion for everyone (in Spain, even the dastardly Romans of carrying the thrones is highly sought-after, with the who were responsible for it all are invited to commemocostaleros - or ‘sack men’ - carrying out this role. Until rate Christ’s crucifixion). the 1970s, sturdy dock workers were hired to perform The sheer scale and length of the occasion can be a the sinew-straining job. little overwhelming, but if you are lucky enough to be Down in Gibraltar, British and Spanish traditions are in Andalucia during Semana Santa you will be right at fused as Easter revellers gobble up bollos de hornazo - the heart of one of Spain’s most extraordinary events.

As Spain prepares for its spectacular Semana Santa celebrations, Gibraltar is baking bread, writes Joe Duggan

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Semana Santa by numbers March 20 - 28: Spain celebrates Semana Santa 1500s: Celebrations of Semana Santa begin in southern Spain 14: The hours a procession can last 50: The number of costaleros it can take to carry the floats bearing images of Christ and the Virgin Mary 70: Cofradias involved during Sevilla’s Semana Santa 1,000,000: Visitors who come to Sevilla for Semana Santa 50,000 : Nazarenos parading through the streets of Sevilla Six to nine: The number of processions in Sevilla each day 400,000: Jobs created in Spain during Semana Santa, according to Adecco One: Every Semana Santa, a convicted criminal is released from prison through a collaboration with Jesús Resucitado y María Santísima de la Asunción 5,000: The weight in kilos of the heaviest pasos carried through Malaga Five: The length in metres of the longest floats in Malaga 10,000: Number of people who attend the Passion of Christ tradition, El Paso, at the El Calvario outdoor auditorium in Axarquia

LETTERS

March 16th- March 29th 2016

POTTED POINTERS EMERGENCIES Police 199 Medical service 190 Fire 190 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.11 American dollars 0.78 British pounds 1.47 Canadian dollars 7.46 Danish kroner 8.61 H Kong dollars 9.42 Norwegian kroner 1.53 Singapore dollars ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 67.75% Same week last year: 76.57% Same week in 2005: 65.40% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 MarineA4.pdf 1 02/10/2012 08:58:04

Battle of Brexit Last issue, we reported that some of Gibraltar’s staunchest political allies in the UK had defied Picardo and backed the UK to leave the EU. By contrast, the UK’s minister David Lidington warned that the very right of Britons to live in Spain would be ‘up in the air’. Here is a pick of our readers’ responses:

Cameron Petrie, La Linea

Devil you know THE truth is, nobody actually knows, or can know, what would ensue after a Brexit. We do know what it’s like to be in the EU, we’ve had half a century to see what it means (good and bad). Leaving would be a ‘leap into the dark’ as the British ambassador says, that’s what frightens people. It is up to those behind the Leave campaign to make their case, they are the ones itching for it. Better the devil you know than the

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

olive press online

Keep on dreaming

October 2015

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DEAR OP,

Best deal IT is simply so difficult to know who to believe in this debate. MP Andrew Rosindell would have us believe Gibraltar will soon be sucked into a European super state if the UK doesn’t leave the EU. Is this so terrible? The Rock would still have its own identity, its own unique race and it would still be British. But with a powerful United Kingdom in the EU, we will be able to get the best possible deal out of this so-called European super state.

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

one you don’t. There’s a lot of mileage in that old saying.

Stefano Liwinski, Marbella

Why leave? I AM not interested what the Stay campaign has to say, because if the UK votes to stay in things will continue as they are. I am far more interested in what the Leave campaigners have to say regarding our status, health care, taxes etc. should the UK vote to leave. So far I have heard nothing and given that Iain Duncan Smith is one of the leading members of the Leave campaign I don’t think he will have much sympathy for us expats, considering the devious lengths he went to in removing the winter fuel allowance. He will no doubt lie through his teeth to secure his position on the plush green leather seats of the House of Commons.

Peter Johnson, Axarquia

I thoroughly agree with artist Paul Cosquieri’s view that Gibraltar should look to add an arts faculty to its university (We need dreamers, issue 13). Although I must say I already think the Ministry of Culture is doing a very good job of promoting art in Gibraltar, just look at the various exhibitions, competitions and fes- DREAMER: Cosquieri tivals. The Spring festival is coming up for example, and we have just had the drama festival. Let’s be honest, Gibraltar is extremely lucky to have such a diverse art scene for such a small place.

A Fernandez, Gibraltar

Dry funds IN response to the letter by Gina Watson (issue 12) on expats’ rights to a winter fuel allowance. Since the UK has been paying child benefit for children of migrants not born or living in the UK then I consider it criminal that pension credit and winter fuel allowance is not being paid to those of us living here. My soon to be ex-husband has every available benefit as he lives in UK. Someone needs to form a group petition to raise this issue with both the UK government and the EU. If we all came back claiming in the UK, how would the Government react? Perhaps Spain - as it is in EU - should be forced to pay the deficit to pensioners.

Janet Hayden, La Vinuela Letters should be emailed to letters@ theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

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A Casares

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March 16th - March 29th 2016

Roman oasis

Vol. 1 Issue 14 www.gibraltarolivepress.com

Casares may be famous for its bread but with its amazing beach, breathtaking countryside and enchanting white village, you’ve got butter and jam on top, writes Iona Napier

HE picture-perfect hilltop town of Casares has come a long way since neighbouring Gaucin coined the ditty: ‘In Casares buy bread and don’t hang around’ (‘En Casares compra pan y no te pares’). And given that Brad Pitt, Axl Rose and Peter Andre all had to ignore that advice, modern Casarenos have the last laugh. And then there is Julius Caesar, after whom the town got its name, when he dropped in for a dip in its healing waters a few centuries back. The Roman emperor is said to have taken to the healing, sulfurous waters of La Hedionda, currently under renovation (and sometimes falsely attributed to Manilva), below the town. Alleged to have been suffering from something of an itch, after a couple of days it is said to have cleared up and Caesar gave the tiny settlement his royal Roman seal of approval. It led to the town inheriting the name Caesaria, from which Casares eventually emerged, and for the spot to become sometimes known as the Roman oasis, not to be confused with the same name restaurant nearby. La Hedionda - which means foul smelling - is set in a beautifully lush valley, through which a footpath takes the more adventurous on a lovely hour or two hike up to the white village above. One of the Costa del Sol’s most stunning walks it criss-crosses rivers, takes in ruined mills and offers up some of the best scenery of karst rocks and distant mountains. Plan it well and you can take in one of the town’s fantastic restaurants for lunch, or alternatively take in one of the many other well signposted walks (there are 200kms of them in total) around the village. Wherever you head, you will inevitably see vultures, eagles, kestrels and other majestic birds of prey soaring over the vertiginous village. The village itself is well worth a poke around, with its

IDYLLIC: Classic view of the village, while (top right) bust of its most famous visitor Julius Caesar

RestauRante Venta La Choza C/n 340km CasaRes tuRn off foR Doña JuLia goLf teL. 952 890 925 www.ventalachoza.com

Continues on Page 27

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charming white streets and handful of shops and restaurants. It is one of the most photographed of Andalucia’s celebrated pueblo blancos and is topped by a ruined castle and church. Such is its fame that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie recently took a spin around the village, allegedly ending up buying bought two pieces of art at the Studio 54 gallery. TV presenter-turned-politician Robert Kilroy Silk liked the place so much he bought an incredible mansion on the outskirts, which he sold last summer. The area also boasts a large expat population, with Casares Costa officially hosting 1,000 Brits among its population of 2,570, although the expat presence is considerably higher than the latest padron (electoral role) suggests. It is no surprise, having one of the coast’s best beaches, stunning views and excellent connections to Sabinillas one side and Estepona the other. Dublin journalist Diarmaid MacDermott is just one of many smitten expats. He arrived in 2001 and now broadcasts a weekly summary of the news in English on Radio Casares. “I fell in love with Casares when I first came here almost 15 years ago,” MacDermott told the Olive Press. “The beaches were lovely, the old town interesting and the people were friendly and open. I like the contrast between the mountains, where Casares is situated, and the coast only a 12km drive away.” He added: “It is a good base to visit many other interesting places in Andalucia, with Gibraltar and Marbella within easy reach and the Costa de la Luz only a short drive away.” For a more authentic Spanish experience, head to Secadero

A slice of paradise TIMELESS: Swim in Casares’ roman oasis

Catalogue of events The cultural calendar includes Culture Week which brings street theatre, flamenco and a book fair to town from April 25-30, and an annual summer music festival in June or July. Duracell bunnies can take on the 21km Mountain Race Challenge on April 10, while there is also a ‘beginners’ race of 10km and a 500m kids race. Meanwhile film junkies are being invited to make their own Casares blockbuster for the third edition of the Andalucian Film Festival, split in two parts: the 48-hour film competition (June 3-5) and the main festival with Spanish screenings (June 6-11). where the orange tree plantations extend for hectares. You might even bump into its most famous resident, Europe’s number one amateur golfer Mario Galiano who continues to make the locals proud of his killer

People of Casares Rosario Lorin has lived in Casares for 26 years and runs Ecotours Casares from the tourist office

FebruaryMarch 17th - 16th March 1st - March 29th 2016

March 2nd - March 15th 2016

STUNNING: View to Africa

FORTRESS: Overlooking Casares beach From Page 13

Casares

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swing. With three courses, Dona Julia, Casares Costa and world-famous Finca Cortesin he gets plenty of practice. The latter is one of Andalucia’s leading courses with a stunning five-star hotel to match. While Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale and Everton captain Phil Jagielka have been spotted

playing the course, celebrities including Axl Rose, from Guns and Roses, Patrick Stewart, from Star Trek and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are said to have stayed there. But Casares has also become synonymous for something else over the last couple of decades… dining! It’s famous road up to the coast counts no less than half a dozen excellent places to eat, while the village itself also counts a couple of top eateries. See On restuarnat road on page 28. Head out of town on the Gaucin road to find emblematic Queseria Sierra Crestellina cheese factory, where you can buy day-old fresh cheese, two-month-old semicured and four-month-old cured cheese. Running for four generations, there are farm tours for the kids and tastings, and a ‘make-yourown-cheese’ day. First, milk your goat! Back down on the coast, a new beach scheme will introduce kayaks, a massage service and more help for the disabled this year, while the town has now applied for blue flag status. It is down here on June 23, that you will find one of Casares’ best nights out. Celebrating the longest day of the year San Juan is hard to beat with its fireworks, live music and massive beach bonfire. As long as you wash your face and feet three times in the sea, a happy year is guaranteed… I did it last year and I haven’t looked back!

“Casares is popular with tourists but at the same time it conserves its traditions and its village life. It’s not like other places on the Costa del Sol, it’s more authentic and has beautiful views and great walks in every direction.”

Montse Espinilla lives in Casares del Sol and runs an artisan shop on Calle Villa “Casares has everything: mountains, sea, nature and tranquillity – everything you could ask for for a good life well lived.” PICTURESQUE: Pueblo blanco and (inset) Galiano

Food fest

The annual food festival (jornadas gastronomicas) on April 23-24 turns the streets into an open market with stalls groaning under the weight of cheeses made from the endangered Payoya goat, ‘chivo’ kid meat and the town’s signature bread.

SCENIC: Hike through Hedionda valley

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C asares P ueblo

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P Casares

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LA ANTIGUA VENTA NUEVA

One of the oldest spots in the village, there are few nicer places to sit and watch the world go by than at la Antigua Venta Nueva. There is a nice wine list, which includes some local wines and dishes including garlic goat, duck breast and langoustines in Jack Daniels! It is open for breakfast too.

OPENING HOURS: 10:00 - 16:30 / 20:00 - 00:30 CLOSED: Tuesday Plaza de España Nº 17 · Casares Pueblo

Tel. 610 345 182

10.

MI CORTIJO

When you finally arrive in Casares Mi Cortijo takes some beating, with its amazing views of the white town and a coquettish French host Elizabeth (left), who knows how to knock up a decent lunch. A real queen of the kitchen she has fantastic foie gras, wild boar stew and other authentic local dishes.

It’s route one (to 10 fans... the road up t one of the true gou Andalucia, writes D Andalucia.com edit

LA BODEGUITA DE EN MEDIO

With its amazing top floor terrace for summer and charming dining room with views of the sea in winter, the Bodeguita is a place for all seasons. Boasting a very seasonal menu, including mushrooms in winter and the best fish in summer, it also has loads of local classics such as stew and lentils. In the heart of the village, it is important to book your table in advance.

ARROYO

Things rea exciting when cleve Japanese wife Nor Honda a decade a Secret, Christian h London and the Fa is changed weekly a seasonal produce. on quality dishes, menu might includ braised oxtail with with white truffle o tempura with a W Ponzu dressing. Yo pura soft shell cr dressing and a sea also offer plenty of winter, as well as venison wellington and mushroom dux

5 4

THE FORGE

VENTA VICTORIA

The grandfather of the modern restaurant scene in Casares is The Forge. Opened two decades ago by Michael and Athene Forge, this 200-year-old farmhouse is elegant in the extreme and has a fabulous menu to match. Thanks to the couple’s love of jazz and theatre, it is little surprise to discover numerous stars have dined here over the years and it is charming in the extreme. Sit on the charming terrace or the candle-lit dining room and opt for exciting starters such as Devils on Horseback (melt-in-yourmouth chicken livers wrapped in bacon) or spicy minced lamb ‘empanadas’. Mains include Cape Malay chicken curry and roast rack of lamb and a superb pudding is chestnut cheesecake. The punters keep coming back.

Open since 1942, charming Venta Victoria is one of the most authentic places to eat, beautifully decorated inside and with a nice dining terrace, sheltered from the sun and wind, at the back. Open most of the day, expect to eat the most hearty of meals, including lamb chops, bull’s cheeks and stew.

VENTA GARCIA

Previously a spit and sawdust ‘truck stop’, today Venta Garcia has an Ibizan feel with chic urban lines and a fantastic use of light. Broadly ‘modern Spanish’ the menu is enticing with an emphasis on quality ingredients and good, solid cooking. Busy at weekends, it has been in the same Casares family for three generations

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ESTAURANT ROAD

0) for food to Casares is urmet routes in Dining Secrets of tor Jon Clarke

t was once a brassic backwater where local transport was by donkey and the main reason to come was to collect wood and esparto grass, to weave baskets and even shoes. Today, the road from the coast to Casares is a true foodies’ paradise full of veritable dining secrets, where those-in-the-know come for a cheeky lunch or a gourmet weekend. As editor of www.diningsecretsofandalucia. com I have long headed into these hills to seek out its chestnuts, often combined with a lovely walk. “The Casares road has long been known as

O HONDO

ally started to get er Christian and his riko opened Arroyo ago. A true Dining honed his skills in ar East. The menu and he uses mostly With an emphasis , with a twist, the de such delights as h Parmesan gnocci oil and king prawn Wakame salad and ou might find Temrab with ‘nam jim’ a weed salad. They f game through the dishes like loin of with jamon serrano xelle.

Plaza España, 15 / Casares Pueblo OPENING HOURS: 12:00 - 16:00 & 20:00 till late CLOSED ON MONDAY 667 511 811 - 952 894 036 VENTA COZAR

2. 1

(El forjador)

EL JARDIN/KABUKI

For those with deep pockets looking for a real treat head into Finca Cortesin, one of the true high-end, glamour spots of the Costa del Sol. Here, you will find two excellent restaurants, the first El Jardin run by German Lutz Bosing and the second Kabuki, which was recently awarded a Michelin star. El Jardin has a distinct Portuguese feel with a fantastic terrace for lunch and warm summer evenings. Kabuki Raw is more Asian-influenced and a superb fusion joint, where you will appreciate creativity at its very best.

Bahia de Casares

March 16th - March 29th 2016

the place to come and eat,” explains Michael Forge, an English expat, who opened his restaurant The Forge with his wife Athene two decades ago. An atmospheric place, set in stunning wooded scenery, he adds: “It sort of happened out of the blue and in summer you often need to book a week in advance if you want a table.” Fellow chef at Arroyo Honda Christian RobsonBurrell believes that it is the healthy mix of styles and ‘bags of ideas’ that has helped to turn the road into a true ‘ruta gastronomica’. “There are none of the usual boring ventas and each place has its own USP with everything from modern Spanish to traditional mother’s cooking and the Asian influence,” he estimates. “And above all, we all work hard.” Going from the top to the bottom of the hill, here are your best picks:

It may be a venta in style but this places oozes charm and warmth and sits with stunning views to the hills and coast. Run by Andres Cozar and his wife Loli for the last two decades, it specialises in meats cooked on the bbq, as well as other classics such as beef stew with mushrooms and the emblematic oxtail meat balls, as well as rabbit in garlic sauce. Friendly in the extreme, at weekends punters come from as far as Gibraltar and Malaga.

VENTA LA CHOZA

The tour begins at the bottom of the MA-546, beside Playa Ancha beach, with its ancient watchtower. Here, you will find historic Venta la Choza, beside the N-340 main road with its turn off up to Dona Julia golf. A friendly spot run by a local family, it is an authentic and attractive place to eat, with some real chestnuts such as clam and mushroom stew, which is delicious, and a Parmesan and spinach crepe, which with oozes with goodness, not to mention king prawns with cream and boiled rice and shoulder of lamb.

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Swooping down for lunch IT is almost impossible to spend a day in Casares without spotting at least one large bird gliding overhead. And when we say large, we mean very, very large, for the large colony of vultures that lives nearby have wingspans of up to 2.8m. These scavengers are majestic griffon vultures,

who have made their home in limestone formations on the western side of the Sierra Crestellina. Circling around overhead, they keep a watchful eye out for dead animals and for the farming community, and the vultures are generally helpful for clearing away carrion, although they have also

Blas Infante - the ‘father of Andalucia’ - was born in Casares and gave his life for the region, writes Tom Powell

HE ‘father of Andalucia’ and a son of Casares, Blas Infante is as much a part of the region as the vultures and eagles soaring above it. The writer and politician was born and schooled in the village of Casares, where he is now immortalised through a small museum in the very house in which he entered the world in 1885. He is most famous for sowing the seed of Andalucian nationalism, designing the flag, composing the anthem and fighting non-stop for the region’s ‘self governing statute’. He wrote a book titled ‘Andalucian ideal’ and delivered Andalucia’s first ever Assembly in nearby Ronda in 1918. He was also elected council representative for the district of Gaucin-Casares-Estepona in 1918, a year before he

married Angustias Garcia Pradas, with whom he had three daughters and a son. In 1936, after the February elections, the Andalucian campaign intensified and Blas Infante was proclaimed President of the new assembly. However, his political ideals did not sit well with the fascist Franco regime and in August that year, as civil war broke out, he was arrested at his house in Sevilla and locked away in an old cinema.

Tragically, nine days later, without trial or sentence, he and two others were driven away and then shot dead at the side of the main road to Carmona. As his body crumpled to the ground, he is believed to have roared: “Long live free Andalucia!” Nowadays, his memory is

‘Long live free Andalucia!’ ICONIC: Infante and (right) tiles in the village

honoured in Casares with the placing of flowers at the base of his statue every year in plaza de Espana.

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Colegiado Nº 2714

been known to carry off the occasional new-born goat. The vultures have become very much a part of Casares, featuring in everything from art all the way through t o school-yard tales, with children at the local school pointing in delight as they swoop past.

HEY represent properties all over Andalucia, but there’s a reason Oscar Ernsten and Anita Schmidt chose Casares as their home. The founders of Villas & Fincas Country Properties fell in love with the region’s stunning natural setting the moment they set eyes on it. And now more than ever they recognise what a ‘privilege’ it is to live in such beautiful countryside. “The current legislation prevents all building on rustic land, so we cherish what we have,” states Oscar. “Sales over the last two years have been booming and we’ve noticed that clients realise how unique these villas and estates are.” A country house in Casares offers privacy, stunning views and various hiking and biking trails, yet is still just a 10-minute drive from the coast and its facilities. Many estates have excellent equestrian facilities too, while the toll road towards either Malaga or Gibraltar is close by. The larger estates, which tend to be located towards the Gaucin area, offer owners the possibility to plant a TEAM: (From left) Aurelia Perez Romo, Luna Lane Notario, Anita Schmidt and Oscar vineyard or establish their very own Ernstsen and (below) one of their properties olive grove. “What joins the people here is the love for nature, peace and tranquility, yet none of us want to be isolated,” adds Anita. “Our children go to international schools on the coast, which are still within half an hour’s drive and we also like to join the hustle and bustle of the coast every now and then.” Villas & Fincas Country Properties Barriada de los Ponis 8b 29690 Casares 952895139 info@villasfincas.com www.villasfincas.com

The founders of Villas & Fincas Country Properties discuss the privilege of rural Casares life

Villas & Fincas | Casares Property Agent Ctra. de Casares s/n, 29690 Casares Malaga SPAIN Phone: + 34 952 895 139 Mobile: +34 636 546 796 E-mail: info@villasfincas.com

March 2nd - March 15th 2016

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CASARES MONTAÑA – 895.000 €

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March March 16th - March 29th 2016

Top Dollar

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

March 16th- March 29th 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF

What’s up, dock?

LNG update

Double whammy GIBRALTAR played host to both a nuclear submarine and a customs patrol vessel this last week. First, HMC Protector made a routine call to stock up on fuel and supplies. The 50m long vessel is one of five cutters operated by the UK Border Force, protecting its waters and coastline all-year round and patrolling high-risk areas. Their primary function is to intercept drug shipments and other restricted or prohibited goods being trafficked by sea. Days later, the Rock welcomed HMS Ambush at the Naval Base for scheduled operational tasking. HMS Ambush is an Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine of the Royal Navy, which was commissioned in 2013.

United by uni Gibraltarian barrister makes history with Spanish University honours

BARRISTER Charles Gomez has made history as the first Gibraltarian to be appointed an honorary professor by a Spanish university. Gomez said he was humbled by the accolade from the University of Cadiz which applauds his work for the faculty of international law. “It is great for me to receive this award,” he said. “Although I have been told that it isn’t just a title and I am expected to work a fair amount.” He added: “The most exciting thing about working at the university, is that they view the region - Andalucia, Gibraltar and northern Morocco - as one place.

“The general consensus is that politics should not interfere with progress and research, especially in relation to international law.” Currently working on two projects, Gomez hopes to publish a paper on the political campaigns since August 2013 and a historical look-back at the political set up since the 18th century. The University of Cadiz has taken a special interest in Gibraltar, holding a lecture on the Rock every year since 1980.

Exit door THE threat to the neighbouring economy in the event of a Brexit was outlined to Fabian Picardo during a meeting with La Linea’s mayor. Gibraltar’s chief minister and deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia held talks with Juan Franco ahead of the vote on Britain’s EU membership on June 26. “When Gibraltar sneezes, La Linea catches a cold,” Franco said. “So if Gibraltar catches pneumonia, things could get quite complicated.” “In that sense, I don’t even want to dwell on the prospect of Brexit.”

It’s o-fish-al THE Gibraltar government is ready to offer Spanish recreational fishermen licences of up to six months to fish in its waters. The move comes after La Linea fishermen and the PSOE lobbied for recreational boat fishermen to have their current licences increased. Non-residents living outside of Gibraltar are currently able to apply for a two-week licence every three months.

Powering up THE Minister for Energy John Cortes claims to be ‘particularly impressed’ by the early works on the controversial power station at New Mole. Cortes paid a visit to the site accompanied by the CEO of the Gibraltar Electricity Authority, Manolo Alecio, as well as the government’s Chief Technical Officer Hector Montado. The £77 million power station caused much political mudslinging in the run-up to last year’s elections, with the GSD claiming safety reports had been rushed and were ‘inconclusive’. However, the UK’s Health and Safety Laboratory still give the project the green light, with Picardo adamant the offshore liquefied natuhouse new engines is in progress. ral gas terminal is the best option. Most of the piling is now complete and the Cortes said: “It’s an exciting project that will construction of separate chambers that will be of tremendous benefit to Gibraltar.”

AN exhibition was held to show the progress being made with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Shell’s Gibraltar LNG project.

Loan launch SUCCESSFUL applicants to the Gibraltar Business Nurturing Scheme (GBNS) have now entered into their loan agreements, the government has announced.

Holiday pains BRITS nipping off to Spain are waiting an average of 15 minutes longer as delayed flights hit a five-year high, with just 73% taking off on time last summer.

Somatics comes to Gibraltar! Do you suffer from back, neck, shoulder or hip pain? Do you suffer with painful sciatica? Are you stuck at a desk all day? Do you have trouble sleeping? Would you like to improve your posture? Would you like to improve your game of golf & other sports?

If you answered YES, come and try something different! Somatic movements are very relaxing and easy to do; they are also very effective at releasing pain and tension in the body. In class you will learn skills to help you take care of yourself for years to come! Classes will start 11th January, visit www.somaticsgibraltar.com or call Sarah 00 34 678 968 954 for more details.

Lidl raise MERCADONA workers taking home €15,150 have been overtaken by the generous employees at Lidl whose full time staff earn €15,257 a year.

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Top Dollar 22

22 March 16th- March 29th 2016

Angered general THE Gibraltar General and Clerical Association (GGCA) has been dragged through the courts by its struck off general secretary. Michael Tampin is claiming unfair dismissal after the post of general secretary was deemed surplus to requirements by the union’s new committee. Tampin’s contract was ter-

No punches spared as exGGCA general secretary takes union to court minated by the GGCA in a unanimous vote to cut costs, after the Govern-

Expansion plans IT is already one of the most esteemed weight programmes in the UK. And now Cambridge 800 is embarking on an aggressive expansion plan throughout Spain, following on from its highly successful launch in the Spanish market place in 2012. Proud to announce highly-regarded surgeon David Deardon as new managing director, Cambridge Weight Plan Espana is also opening up a dedicated training centre in El Campeo, just north of Alicante. Director Sarah Hawes said the company is only going to become more successful with Spanish residents becoming slimmer and healthier. “Cambridge weight plan is already the leading weight management programme in the UK,” Hawes says. “And it is the only weight management company in the world which can support its claims through evidence gathered at independent clinical trials.” She added: “Having David on board is another exciting and dynamic step for Cambridge Weight Plan Espana. “He is an extremely successful surgeon, and his work is respected both in the UK and Spain. “David has recognised the product for many, many years and has used the product personally to lose weight. “In fact, Cambridge 800 is now the leading weight management programme at his clinic in Gibraltar.” For more information call 952 586 324 or visit www.cambridge800.es

ment agreed to meet the union’s wage bill. GGCA president Wendy Cumming slammed Tampin during the industrial tribunal hearing, claiming his position was ‘compromised for financial reasons’. In fact, Sir Peter Caruana, the union’s lawyer, revealed Tampin’s employment had resulted in other ‘extravagant’ expenses such as accommodation fees, telephone costs, and large meal expenses. It was also revealed that Tampin’s position used to cost the Union under £50,000 a year, however it now costs the taxpayer £150,000 annually since the government agreed to foot the salary bill. The union’s treasurer, Anthony Morillo, stated that Tampin’s contract had been terminated because the new committee had absorbed much of the general secretary’s duties and therefore the role was no longer needed. He added that the money spent on Tampin’s wage was now being invested into training schemes and

FIGHTING BACK: Tampin

vital infrastructure costs. In response, Tampin’s lawyer, Charles Gomez, claimed that his client’s dismissal was unconstitutional. Gomez argued that Tampin was necessary to the running of the union and claimed that multiple people have since been taken on to carry out his former duties. The presiding tribunal chairman is expected to reach a decision this week.

AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Touching the void

Thousands of tax insurance policies could be voided

RECENT Supreme Court ruling (March 2015) has sent shockwaves through the many insurers that are offering single premium life insurance policies. Whether named as unit-linked single-premium life assurance policy, life assurance bonds, capital assurance or any other more or less fanciful denomination, any life insurance bond that is made up solely for the purpose of investment faces one very serious prospect: being declared void by Spanish Courts. But this ruling has not come from nowhere: for some years already the administrative section of the Spanish Supreme Court is applying a not-toowell known article of the Consolidated text of the Private Insurance Supervisory Act, which states the following: Article 4. Forbidden transactions and sanction of nullity It is forbidden for insurance companies, and its conclusion will determine it utter nullity and voidness, the following transactions: a) Those that lack actuarial technical base But what does the word “actuarial base” mean? Simply put, traditional actuarial base or science largely revolves around the analysis of mortality and the production of life tables, and the application of compound interest. Which is exactly what these ‘life insurance’ policies, for want of a better word, actually lack.

The Spanish highest Court, in declaring the nullity of these contracts in at least eight rulings, has argued the following: “Judging by its features, this contract cannot be classed as an insurance policy but a capital investment”. “In normal insurance death impacts the assurer in such way that, when a claim occurs, it is the company that suffers a loss” “The blurring of the risk element is, in these contracts, complete and distorts the very nature of an insurance contract” “If there is no transfer of risk from insured to insurer there is no insurance contract” “it makes no palpable difference if the insured lives or dies” “Where age or medical condition –absence of medical questionnaire being symptomatic- are not parameters of any interest, the contract is doubtfully an insurance policy” “The nature of financial product has been repeatedly concluded by Section 3 of the Supreme Court.” Judging by these conclusions, thousands of contracts signed by expats face a serious risk of nullity: to name a few, Lex Life/Altraplan’ life policies, Nordea’s Capital Managed Plan, Seb-Irish Life’s Spanish Porfolio Bond, Prudential’s Spanish International Prudence Bond, Old Mutual’s Executive Investment Bond, Danske Life/Danica Life…and there is no time limitation to being a claim.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

Property

the Olive Press June 25th - July 9th 2015

GRAND UNVEILING: With Picardo

Chief Minister performs topping-out ceremony for World Trade Center GIBRALTAR’S World Trade Center has reached a crucial stage in its construction with Fabian Picardo performing the topping-out ceremony. More than 150 people witnessed the Chief Minister unveil an engraved sign at the tallest part of the building to celebrate the completion of the

NOT GOING ANYWHERE: BHS

Top of the lot

superstructure. The emblematic seven-storey office complex has been designed to be a world-class environment for businesses in Gibraltar. Pete Burgess, sales and marketing boss for the World Trade Center, said: “It was wonderful

Yes to BHS

March 16th- March 29th 2016

for so many people to be able to experience for themselves what World Trade Center Gibraltar will be like. “Gibraltar is a service economy and it is imperative that we can offer the major businesses that are already here, and international businesses

GIBRALTAR shoppers can continue browsing through the Rock’s two BHS stores free from closure worries. Although the British department store is cutting more than 350 UK jobs, its Gibraltar stores will not be affected. However, dozens of shops in the UK could be closed in the move to lift the retailer’s fortunes. “International Franchises has traded as BHS in Gibraltar for 30 years successfully and, as far as we are concerned, business is as usual and we have not seen any changes to our business model since the business was sold by Sir Phillip Green in early 2015,” said franchise holder Nicholas Russo. “We continue to trade from two great shops in Gibraltar with wonderful staff and will continue to serve the local and tourist community with great product at great prices.”

looking at Gibraltar as a potential jurisdiction, the kind of working environment they demand in order to stay competitive.” He added: “World Trade Center Gibraltar has been specifically designed to increase employee motivation and engagement via a double air filtration system, ventilation that changes air at the rate of ten litres per second per person, a central atrium that bathes all the offices in natural light and the use of low-VOC construction materials.”

Shady deal IT’S Gibraltar’s defining symbol, but the Rock is putting solar power in the shade. Not one solar panel has been installed at the new Beach View Terraces after a study revealed the estate will be in the Rock’s shadow most of the day. But solar panels have been installed at Mons Calpe Mews to light the car park during the day. A wind turbine is also due to be installed at Beach View Terraces to exploit the location’s blustery conditions. Renewable energy is a cornerstone of the government’s energy policy, with the GASA Swimming Pool’s solar thermal and photovoltaic panels a standout success. The pool now generates more energy than it requires with the remainder fed back into the distribution network. The government is committed to producing 15% of the Rock’s electricity from renewables by 2020.

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Property

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Housing hopes

Deputy Chief Minister praises affordable housing progress

JOSEPH Garcia has said he is ‘impressed’ with the Rock’s ongoing affordable housing developments. The Beach View Terraces and Mons Calpe Mews complexes were part of the government’s 2011 election pledge. Deputy Chief Minister Garcia spoke after visiting the environmentally-friendly beachside buildings. “During the course of our first term in Government, OPTIMISTIC: Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia the GSLP/ Liberals kept the promises we made in our manifesto commit- “Over the course of the next four years we will ment to provide affordable homes as part of accord housing the same level of priority that our long-term housing plan,” said Garcia. we have in our previous office.”

Cops in Casemates

A BRAND new central police station has opened in Casemates Square. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Justice Minister Gilbert Licudi inaugurated the building. The building was already being used by the government and was chosen for use by police because it is in the ‘heart of town’, a central and accessible location.

All you need is

‘Bringing music to your ears, and Gibraltar to your screen’

March on GBC TV includes: ‘FOOTBALL LIVE – Gibraltar v Liechtenstein’ ‘FOOTBALL LIVE – Gibraltar v Latvia’ ‘Underground Gibraltar’ ‘Viewpoint’ ‘The Hub’ ‘Just Another Day’ GBC TELEVISION

RADIO GIBRALTAR

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GBC TV Live GBC TV Player Radio Gibraltar Live Radio Gibraltar On Demand Latest local news

Property Price is right HOUSE prices have rocketed by 3% across the country according to yearon-year statistics. Data appraisal company Tinsa’s latest report shows that the biggest growth was in cities, which saw a 4.6% increase. The Balearics and Canary islands property markets are also showing signs of growth, up 2.5% in both.

March 16th- March 29th 2016

New builds BUILDINGS are popping up across the country as a new construction boom is in full swing. A total of 49,695 building licences were approved in 2015, according to the ministry of public works. That represents an increase of 42.5% compared to the year before. Of the total number of permits granted during the whole of the year, 35,025 were for apartments in blocks.

Demolition day Iconic streets reduced to rubble as millions of euros are spent on Estepona’s Old Town

A STRING of buildings have been torn down in the historic centre of Estepona, to make way for an underground car park and a brand new hotel. Major regeneration of the Old Town has been put into motion as the town hall continues its plans to boost tourism. Two cafes and a number of small shops have been torn down off of the quaint Plaza de las Flores to make way for a 740 m2 hotel. The 42-bedroom Maravilla Palace cost private investors

RUBBLE: Regeneration begins and (inset) iconic plaza

€10 million and will be the first four-star hotel to be built in the Old Town. It brings the number of hotel beds in Estepona to over

3,000. Meanwhile, a €1.2 million underground car park is being installed at the Plaza Antonio Gerrero.

Columnists

Brexit fever On the mission to ensure all expats entitled to vote are heard... WITH Brexit fever sweeping the UK, the Foreign Office decided to dispatch Britain’s Ambassador to Spain, the alwaysengaging Simon Manley, to the British Consulate in Malaga. Ambassador Manley was on a mission to ensure that all expats entitled to vote do so in what he called a oncein-a-generation opportunity. As befitting such a momentous event, the mandarins at the Foreign Office decided to invite a carefully selected band of distinguished members of the press for an informal, yet vitally important briefing. Somehow, an invitation to the above event

dropped through my email letterbox and landed on the virtual doormat. (As an aside, did you know that the French for kitten is ‘Chaton’? As in ‘The cat chaton the mat’...) Obviously the Foreign Office wasn’t aware that my journalistic and broadcasting credentials aren’t the most traditional when it comes to interviewing ambassadors. Up until last year I had a regular Saturday Night Rock show, and previous interview subjects have included 80s Page Three goddess Samantha Fox (who didn’t know what silicone was) and bad boy actors Dan-

EXPAT PALS: Giles with Ambassador Simon Manley

ny Dyer and Tamer Hassan (which ended in a looooong night out and a firm friendship. Tattoos were mentioned at one stage, but it was all a bit

Moors v Christians As students show their respect for their Muslim heritage in Jerez, OP blogger Luke Andrews ponders the status of the town’s last mosque JEREZ is a city with a tangled history. Like many Spanish towns it has been first Muslim and then Christian during its 1,000 years of existence, when all its mosques were destroyed except one. The mezquita del alcazar de Jerez only survived because it was converted into a chapel. But last week a group of visiting students gave the last Almohad mosque of Jerez the respect it deserves: they took their shoes off. A simple gesture that made a valid point. This is neither crazy Christian Spain nor Al-Andalus. This is modern Spain. Western society teaches respect and acceptance of all, regardless of race, creed or culture. Why can’t modern Spain accept and celebrate its Islamic heritage? Instead the building was given a rather shoddy altar, decorated with two poems by Alfonso X, and called a chapel. Rammed haphazardly onto one side, the rest of the building retains its Islamic charm. The entrance is still dominated by a courtyard with a fountain for cleansing, an essential aspect to any mosque. Before prayer, Islam teaches that everyone must wash themselves to be clean before God. Inside, there are vestiges of the original Islamic prayer room. Its wall still holds the all-important niche indicating the direction of Mecca. A-top this mosque-cum-chapel, the minaret also survives intact. It is clear that the old mosque is still perfectly capable of executing its former Muslim function. Why shouldn’t it be reinstated? It is an argument that could open up a Pandora’s Box as many of Christian Spain’s holy buildings occupy former Islamic sites. The cathedral of Sevilla, for example, rises directly above the foundations of its Islamic predecessor. The surviving court-

CONTROVERSIAL: Jerez mosque yard and minaret attest to its origins. Reinstating the Alcazari mosque could make a lot of people ‘mosqueado’ (a somewhat appropriate Spanish word for ‘angry’ or ‘resentful’). It could certainly spell trouble for Seville’s cathedral, and many other famous holy buildings in Spain. Similarly, it could open up old wounds and anger the Islamic community. ISIS, with its continual spiel of nonsense, is determined to remember Andalucia’s Islamic heritage. The terrorist organisation has published several videos online threatening to retake it for the ‘Caliphate.’ Absolute rubbish and scaremongering, but it raises an important point. Lenience towards former Islamic sites could attract unwanted attention. Spain has so far largely escaped the scourge of terrorism but making a fuss about its Islamic heritage could turn the tables. Although flipping the coin, giving the old mosque back to Jerez’ Muslim community could be a good thing. In respecting their culture, Jerez Town Hall would demonstrate its commitment to western values and desire to celebrate every aspect of its culture. Reinstating the Alcazari mosque would certainly set tongues wagging. What should Jerez do? Are we too far down the road of Islamophobia to respect another religion’s heritage? Is it simply just too late?

blurry). But an invitation is an invitation, so I threw off the Van Halen T shirt, threw on a suit and headed across to Malaga. Plus, as it was an Ambassadorial event, I reasoned that there might be a Ferrero Rocher or two on offer. Those of a certain age might remember the advert that claimed Ambassador’s parties weren’t complete without the aforementioned chocolates... I haven’t been to Malaga for a while, and made the fatal mistake of missing my turn to the Consulate. The city’s fiendish oneway system finally spat me out by the semi-Guggenheimesque conference centre and it took half an hour of frantic rat runs and back-street driving (and in my seven seater 4x4 nicknamed ‘The Tank’, that’s not for the faint hearted) to get back to my original destination.

Ready

Ambassador Manley was unruffled by my late arrival and somewhat frazzled appearance, as you would expect from Our Man in Madrid, and seamlessly explained what the Foreign Office was advising (In a nutshell, go online ASAP and register). He even managed to bat away my ludicrous suggestion that British aircraft carriers might moor off the coast to evacuate expats if Britain voted to leave the EU. “I don’t think our aircraft carriers would be ready in time” he replied, with a slightly weary smile. Briefing over, Ambassador Manley headed to catch the AVE back to Madrid (and probably more serious questions than mine). While I took the opportunity to use all the journalistic skills that I have honed over 25 years of living in Marbella. Within minutes I was getting stuck in to the Ambassadorial buffet table. Alas, no Ferrero Rocher chocolates were on offer...

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FOOD & DRINK WAGAMAMA WELCOME IT’S the Japanese chain which has taken the UK by storm. And now Wagamama is set to bring its inimitable chili squid and chicken katsu curry to the Rock. Wagamama Gibraltar will open this summer in Ocean Village and the restaurant is currently hiring members of staff. The role of head chef and sous chef are up for grabs, as well as team leaders and managers for both back and front of house. Founded in 1992, Wagamama serves pan-Asian food in the style of a modern Japanese ramen bar.

A night of feasting Mama Lotties launches home-cooked Gibraltarian food night FIRST it was an internet forum, next a cookbook and now Mama Lotties is launching a Gibraltarian food night. Teaming up with Eclipse Lounge in Casemates Square, the brains behind the book, Justin Bautista, will offer a three-course menu with some of Gibraltar’s best known dishes.

GETTING AROUND: Bautista with book and (right) on TV show

Bautista, 25, has launched the event because he feels there is a gap in the market for a sit-down, home-cooked Gibraltarian meal on the Rock. “I realised that outside from the quick lunch or showing up at mama’s asking her for

a plate of Menestra, there is no sit-down venue where you can relax with friends, enjoy Gibraltarian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and a glass of wine or Mama’s special sangria,” Bautista told the Olive Press. The three-course meal will

include options such as stuffed calamari, spinach pie, stuffed courgettes, Amaretto trifle and much more. The event is set for the evening of Saturday April 2 and will be ticketed. Visit Mama Lotties Facebook page to find out more.

Taking on europe A SWEET treat from the Axarquia is set to take the European cake market by storm. Tortas de Algarrobo (Algarrobo cakes) are popular snacks made with olive oil, sugar, cinnamon and aniseed in a recipe that dates back to the Moorish empire.

Producers are now preparing to enter the European market by obtaining the necessary certification of quality. One firm, Carmen Lupiañez, which produces 1,000 cakes daily, has begun expanding its premises in order to increase production and marketing

THRILLED: Donato

Jamon king TOP READ: Vegetarian food

Veg mag arrives

THEY used to be an unknown entity but Spain’s vegetarians are growing in force and there is a new magazine to prove it. ‘Slowly Veggie’ arrived on the shelves of Spanish newsagents in March and is set to be a hit with the country’s two million vegetarians and vegans. The objective is to promote vegetarian food and offer recipes from the best veggie and vegan chefs. The veggie community in Spain is thought to grow by 1% each year.

IT might not have the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood ceremony, but for one Spanish farmer, claiming the top prize at an international cured meats awards was ‘better than winning an Oscar’. Spanish pig farmer Eduardo Donato, from Huelva, won the annual Biofach award for his rather pricey ham. Costing €4,100 a leg, Donato’s ham is officially the most expensive in the world. Made from the Manchado de Jabugo pig, Donato is credited with saving the species from the brink of extinction, when he started farming them 25 years ago.

C lassifieds 30 30

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March 16th- March 29th 2016

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UK: +44 203 372 5001 UK: +44 207 993 5136

Email: info@vanbooking.com Mob web: www.manandvanspain.tel Website: www.manandvanespana.com

TO WORK FROM HOME

Are you driven, dedicated and can you work on your own initiative? Are you tired of the same office based telemarketing roles with low or no reward? We offer a fantastic basic salary of 1,500 Euros per month and great commission structure too We are looking for seasoned professional telemarketers that are target driven to work from home and are eager to succeed and exceed targets No selling involved but must have a very good telephone manner Applicants must have a good internet connection and their own computer Working hours Monday to Thursday 13:30 to 21:00 and Friday 10:00 to 17:00

To find out more call us on 647 922 764

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