The Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 132 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

HAPPYAS EASTER AS OLIVEREACHES PRESS FINALLY REACHES ALL HAPPY EASTER INDEED OLIVEINDEED, PRESS FINALLY ALL EIGHT ANDALUCIAN PROVINCES EIGHT ANDALUCIA PROVINCES WITH 30,000 PAPERS PRINTED

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

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Wedding out the rogues EXCLUSIVE by James Bryce A WEDDING association is being set up in a bid to clamp down on a spate of fake vicars emerging in Spain. The initiative will see potential members undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure they are capable and qualified to undertake services here. It comes after the Olive Press revealed last issue that a number of people had lost money to a fake reverend Alan McLean (above), who vanished without completing his contractual obligations. Others have since come forward to condemn McLean, including one couple who rented a property to him in Competa. They insist he failed to pay his rent and falsely claimed expenses for replacing a damaged bed, before disappearing overnight leaving the house ‘stinking and dirty’.

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Vol. 6 Issue 132

By Wendy Williams

RESIDENTS in Spain have been clobbered by Spain’s most austere budget for three decades.

CRUEL TRICK: Georgia mistook olive oil for honey

April 05 - 28, 2012

No April Fool as government introduces seven per cent rise in electricity in new austerity budget Homeowners and tenants alike have been left reeling after the government announced a staggering seven

per cent hike in electricity costs. In a move affecting the whole country, the cost of

Bittersweet victory for writing comp winner

Confidence

Founder of the Association for Wedding Professionals within Europe Jennifer McCloy said the scheme was a bid to self-govern the industry, which is not currently regulated. She said it was vital to regulate a growing trend that sees thousands of foreigners married in Spain each year. “There has been a lot of money lost over the years. This is the first step towards restoring confidence,” McCloy told the Olive Press. “Everybody has a right to a professional service, and given that it is one of the biggest single expenses people make, it is important to know the process is legitimate.”

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IT was a classic mistake that any newcomer to Spain could have easily made. But it was one that budding writer Georgia Willets, 12, remembers as if it was yesterday. Settling down to a fabulous spread of local foods to celebrate her first Andalucia Day at the age of four, how could she have known that it was olive oil in a bottle? Mistaking it for honey she ladled it on her bread, leading to one of the biggest shocks of her short life. Her reminiscence of the day have at least led to a happy outcome with the La Cala-based expat winning the Olive Press OPX’s writing competition. The Lancashire lass, who attends EIC school in Marbella, impressed the Turn to Page 24

Antonio’s pious return

gas also went up by five per cent as of the beginning of this month. In anything but an April Fool, residents will also be affected by a drastic funding drop for the regions, as well as an increase in income tax. The moves are part of a raft of hard-hitting measures which aim to see cuts of around 27 billion euros. In Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s first budget changes also include: l Civil servants’ wages frozen l Ministry budgets slashed by up to 50 per cent l Unemployment frozen

benefit

l An amnesty on tax evasion in return for a 10 per cent fee Consumers have at least been spared some pain as the much anticipated VAT (IVA) rise was not introduced. However, the government is going ahead with a previously-announced increase in income tax by 1.9 per cent, with top earners hit especially hard. Moreover the government plans drastic cuts in all its ministries with an average reduction of 16.9 per cent. The biggest cuts come in Turn to Page 7

MALAGA’S most famous son is making a very pious return. Antonio Banderas (above) has vowed that this Easter he will ‘immerse’ himself more than ever into Andalucia’s Holy Week celebrations, as processions get underway around the region. The star of The Mask of Zorro and The Skin I Live In has returned to his home town to take part in Malaga’s traditional procession on Palm Sunday. “This year I want to be fully committed and have completely cleaned the agenda,” the actor revealed. “I deeply love Easter. It is an opportunity for me to relate to my spiritual side, with the traditions and art. For me, this is a return to my roots.”

Hard times It might be the reason that – for once – his wife, actress Melanie Griffiths, has decided not to take a ride across the pond from their home in Los Angeles. The official reason; that their daughter Stella needs to concentrate on her studies. Banderas also appealed to 65,000 brotherhood members to help those around them during the current hard times. Turn to Page 30 for our Easter Special

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The Olive Press - Number One for crime and investigations

Weed them out STAFF are the main suspects behind the theft of 30 kilos of cocaine and heroin from Sevilla’s National Toxicology Institute. The drugs had been awaiting analysis and since no windows or doors were forced open, the drugs are likely to have been pilfered by employees.

PENSIONER PUSHER A BRITISH pensioner has been arrested for drug dealing in Mijas. The 74-year-old - who has not been named - was picked up after officers spotted him selling cocaine to another man. Following a search, the OAP was found to be in possession of four packets of the Class A drug and a wad of cash. Police later uncovered a haul including 70 grams of cocaine and 5,440 pounds following a search of his home.

More Motortrader trouble FLASHBACK: Our last issue

Expat conman was also behind a string of failed UK companies AN expat businessman who fled the Costa del Sol owing thousands in unpaid debts is also behind a string of failed companies in the UK. Richard Brooks, co-founder of Gibraltar-based car dealer Motortrader, was responsible for five companies placed in liquidation between 1998 and 2005, it can be revealed. The 40-year-old Yorkshireman was also forced to resign from another UKbased company after an investigation revealed details about his chequered past. Brooks’ former boss at civil engineering firm PCR, Geoff Ablett, said: “He was

EXCLUSIVE by James Bryce

under investigation for carrying out work behind our backs using our materials. “Then after he left he approached our clients and told them he was taking over, claiming we were no longer interested in the work.” The investigation also looked into Brooks’ role as a director at Gibraltarbased Tyre Spot while still employed by PCR. A former colleague of Brooks at PCR’s Gibraltar office, Andy Swales, added:

CONMAN: Brooks (right) with Dalmedo “I sussed him out the first time I met him, he is one of the lowest forms of life I have ever met.” It also emerged that Brooks, who has been declared bankrupt in the UK, had been the subject of another employment tribunal for a similar conflict of interest. It is no surprise that soon after moving to Gibraltar in 2010 to set up internet car company Motortrader, he became the subject of countless complaints. As revealed in the Olive Press last month, a string of individuals claim to be owed money by Brooks. His former partner Derek Dalmedo was left with ‘serious emotional stress’ after being owed thousands.

Victims

He is even understood to have vanished owing money for a charity event Help the Heroes, which he helped to organise. Now even more victims have come forward claiming to be owed money by Brooks, who is also understood to have received a police caution for handling stolen goods. Derek Sene, who works for Gibraltar Port Authority, claims Brooks owes him over £4,000 in unpaid bills after renting a property out to him. “I, like many others, would like to see this man apprehended and forced to pay for all his wheeling and dealing,” Sene told the Olive Press. “I even managed to speak to his sister in the UK and she told me that his family had disowned him as he was old enough to know better.” We were unable to locate Brooks for comment.

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

Hungry for a hat-trick!

INVESTORS: Chris Hughton, David Bentley and Stephen Carr

HUFFING: Imogen

Wheely fit WELSH model Imogen Thomas, 29, has been blessing Marbella’s beaches during a boot camp. Wearing skimpy hotpants and a crop top, the ex-Big Brother contestant – who famously bedded Manchester United ace Ryan Giggs – skipped, lifted tyres and wielded giant boxing gloves.

New restaurant has string of Premiership players investing, as well as a seasoned manager

EXCLUSIVE by James Bryce

SAFE HANDS: Ex-England star Paul Robinson is also in the mix THEY might be lacking a striker, but a new restaurant in San Pedro could

What a racket! Picture: Courtesy of SOLARPIX

Will’s Spanish immersion DOUBLE FAULT: Becker with house he must sell BORIS Becker is being forced to sell his Spanish mansion to pay his debts. The former Wimbledon winner reportedly has 276,000 euros worth of unpaid gardening and maintenance bills that have led him to put his La Palma villa back on the market. It comes less than a year after newspapers reported the villa had been seized NATIVE: Ferrell (left) by the Spanish authorities over an unHE’S played a giant green paid wage bill to his fairy and a narrow-minded gardener. newsreader – but is Will A court ordered the Ferrell good enough to pull sequestration of the off a native Spanish speak700,000 sq ft house AMERICAN star Alec Bald- and grounds until er? win is set to marry his SpanThe Hollywood star, of Elf the bill was paid. ish senorita. and Anchorman fame, has Prior to that Becker The 30 Rock actor, who had been unsuccessbeen taking a crash course turned 54 on Tuesday, pro- fully trying to get rid to prepare for his role as posed to 28-year-old yoga of the property for a rancher in Mexican flick teacher Hilaria Thomas this five years. Casa de mi Padre, which is weekend in Long Island. entirely in Spanish. He has had to pay an The couple, who live together enormous upkeep on “It was complete immerin New York, have only been sion,” added Ferrell, who the grounds to keep dating since last March. even started dreaming in his it in pristine shapeThis will be Baldwin’s second for potential buyers. new language. marriage after his divorce The father-of-four And according to co-star Gael from Kim Basinger in 2002, bought the villa with Garcia Bernal, Ferrell nailed while Mallorca-born Thom- his former wife Barit. “He speaks really well, with as will be walking down the bara in 1997 for 1.5 a good, clear accent,” said the aisle for the first time. star of Y Tu Mama Tambien million euros. and Bad Education.

Alec’s Basinger II

CELEB HAUNT: La Sala is in fashion, here with TOWIE stars ‘Arg’ and Joey Essex on recent visit

FACEBOOK REMOVES GAY KISS FACEBOOK has come under fire for deleting a Spanish fan page because it featured an image of two gay men kissing. The social networking site reportedly removed the ‘offensive’ shot used by the Madrid-based Visible Culture group, for breaching ‘infringed publishing rules’ that ban images of a ‘political, sexual or other delicate’ nature. Somewhat ironically, the image by renowned snapper Juan Hidalgo was being used to promote its Gay Arts Looks For A Home initiative.

BAN: The smooch The event, which brings together more than 1,000 works of gay and lesbian art by artists from 30 countries, is aiming to highlight homophobia. “For Facebook, a kiss between two men must be a delicate question,” said organiser Pablo Peinado. “It has a pre-historic code of ethics.”

probably give Malaga FC a run for their money. Despite not even opening yet, Rincon de la Sala already has a string of Premiership investors including David Bentley, Stephen Clemence, Paul Robinson, Alan Hutton, Stephen Carr and Michael Brown. And to knock them into shape, Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton is also in the mix. The restaurant is the latest venture for Ian Radford, who also owns La Sala restaurant and Buddha Beach in Puerto Banus. The Marbella-based businessman, who has lived on the Costa del Sol since 1989, also hopes other stars will join the new venture.

Big Brother

These include Arsenal star Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who he currently works with through his football agency Impact, which he shares with Rob Segal. “Players are no longer looking at property to invest in, they are seeking out successful businesses,” Radford told the Olive Press. “As La Sala has expanded and done well, players who invested from the start like David Bentley have continued to back us.” The agent, whose wife is former Big Brother star Claire Strutton, continues: “In turn this has encouraged other players to come on board as well.

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

NEWS

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‘Cocaine chauffeur’ in custody THE ‘cocaine chauffeur’ Francisco Trujillo has been remanded in custody in the

News IN BRIEF Stubbed out SMOKING has been banned on 75 per cent of each of the 10 beaches in the Gran Canaria village of Morgan.

Crime busters Police have arrested seven international criminals on the Costa del Sol in as many days, with some having been on the run for two years.

ongoing ERE case. As reported in the Olive Press the former driver of Junta

employment chief Francisco Javier Guerrero admitted that he and his boss spent 25,000 euros a month of public money on cocaine and partying. The money was part of the so-called 1.3billion euro ‘repA WEEK-LONG computer failtile fund’ which ure has caused chaos for Malashould have gone ga’s courts. to aid ailing comA staggering 15,000 cases have panies and create built up at the Palace of Justice employment. over the course of a few days folInstead the courts lowing a breakdown in the cenhave heard how in tral server. around 900 cases The embarrassing breakdown the money went to affected dozens of courts around friends or family the city. members of Junta IBM technicians from Madrid fiemployees. nally managed to solve the probTrujillo has now lem on Sunday. been jailed withDuring the five days no cases out bail and faces were suspended, but employees charges including were forced to deal with urgent bribery, influence matters manually using Word peddling and docudocuments. ment fraud.

Court computers crash for a week

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NEWS

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

Residents of controversial Jacaranda home relocate to new ‘secret’ property

Care home exodus The move comes after the return of former owner Georgie Shapiro

EXCLUSIVE by Wendy Williams

OVER half the residents of a controversial care home have moved out after its owner was evicted. The seven pensioners – some with Alzheimer’s have been relocated to a new ‘secret’ residence in a bid to steer clear of the home’s first owner. The move comes after Iain Sands was evicted from Jacaranda Care Home, in Alhaurin el Grande, by former owner Georgie Shapiro. The Olive Press revealed last month how a vicious dispute between the pair had culminated in claims that Shapiro concealed the death of a former resident in order to sell his properties. While strongly denied, both Sands and former care worker Paul Price insisted that emails from Shapiro encouraged the sale three months after the death. Now, as feared, the 11 elderly residents have been caught in the crossfire, with seven of them moving out to a new address.

CONTROVERSIAL: Shapiro (above) is back at Jacaranda (right), while (inset) our story “I can’t say where they have moved to as they don’t want Shapiro to find them,” Price told the Olive Press. “They are frightened in case she tries to cause trouble. “It has all been really awkward.” Meanwhile four of the residents have decided to stay on, despite accusations that

the care home is being run illegally. Sands has now appeared in front of a judge accusing Shapiro – who still owns the freehold of the property - of fraud and the miss-selling of the business. However in an email sent to the residents Shapiro dismissed the rumours and insisted that Jacaranda was ‘not closing down’. “The residents and staff have NOT been evicted,”

she wrote, adding: “It is a case of the the tenant NOT paying his rent.” She added she would ‘untangle the mess left to me after a year of poor management’. However most of the residents’ families were not convinced. One, Betty Frost, whose husband has moved out, insists the situation has been a ‘nightmare’. “It has been a travesty, and

the caring staff don’t deserve to be embroiled in a scandal like this. “It was a lovely happy atmosphere, and we never dreamt that a situation like thiswould ever come about.” She added: “Despite Shapiro’s assurance she pointedly does not address the crux of the matter which is the alleged fraudulent selling of the two properties.” Meanwhile the Age Care charity, launched by Shapiro, has come forward to reveal it is keen to distance itself from the former care home owner. New charity president John Greaves, 77, insisted he had never even met Shapiro who has had nothing to do with the charity for six years. “Shapiro was a founding member and was active for the first four or five years but she has had absolutely nothing to do with us for the last six years,” explained Greaves. Despite numerous calls and messages the Olive Press was unable to speak to Shapiro. A care home worker insisted that ‘someone’ would get back to us.

News IN BRIEF No bull A PETITION bearing 590,000 signatures has been presented to Madrid’s parliament calling for Cataluna’s bullfighting ban to be overturned.

Gun shot Bonhams auctioneers are searching for the descendants of a Spanish merchant who was given two pistols, now worth 6,000 euros, by the Prince Regent in the 19th century.

Global trade Marbella is to host the third World Trade Centre in Spain after Barcelona and Sevilla, with another planned for Gibraltar.

Tax happy Manilva Solicitors will host a talk on taxes for foreigners on April 19 in collaboration with the town hall, followed by drinks and canapés.

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

OPINION OPINION

Resurrecting the economy IT might seem all doom and gloom with talk of budget cuts, rising unemployment and falling house prices, but the negativity sweeping the country clearly hasn’t affected Spain’s Holy Week celebrations. Spaniards could be forgiven for reining in the pomp and ceremony this year with money in such short supply, but the week’s processions to date have provided the usual visual feast. The impressive ‘tronos’ offer a fantastic spectacle, accompanied by impeccably dressed marching bands and the somewhat sinister appearance of colourful, hooded figures. The week is an opportunity for the Spanish to show pride in their traditions, and to flaunt what is one of their biggest assets to the world. And with actor Antonio Banderas vowing to bring Semana Santa to a wider global audience, perhaps the income generated by cultural tourism can help Spain resurrect its economy.

Red tape tangle ONCE again Spain’s shocking bureaucracy has been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. In what has got to be one of the most ridiculous cases ever seen a 20-year-old girl was actually denied an identity due to a paperwork ‘mix-up.’ How anyone could deny that a living, breathing person was in existence beggars belief but between Spain and Britain they managed it. Meanwhile a Barcelona man faces having his property embargoed over a noisy barking dog that he does not own after a functionary put the wrong flat number down. Both of these cases could be solved very easily but it just goes to show that when it comes to paperwork the Spanish leave all common sense at the door.

Canine killers IT is extremely disturbing to hear that an innocent pet dog has been poisoned by a sausage roll filled with fertilizer. Even if it was a case of mistaken identity – and the intended culprits for the poison were strays – this does not make putting down toxic substances to kill animals acceptable. The issue of ownerless dogs and cats in Andalucia needs to be addressed, and fast. Town halls have to work with local animal charities such as ADANA, who are already working with limited resources and unpaid staff. Such organisations desperately need support, and a proper, controlled system is the only way to address the increasing numbers of stray animals on our streets.

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 150,000 copies distributed monthly (90,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 450,000 people a month. Design and page layout: Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: Jackie McAngus B91664029 jackie@theolivepress.es Urb Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon Admin/advertising sales: 13, Arriate 29350 Malaga Pauline Olivera Printed by Corporación de admin@theolivepress.es Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es News Editor: Wendy Williams 689646049 wendy@theolivepress.es Reporters: James Bryce james@theolivepress.es and Eloise Horsfield eloise@theolivepress.es Distribution: 951 166 060

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COMMENT

HE Eurozone crisis, austerity meaures, economic recession, sovereign debt, the banking liquidity crunch, geopolitical paralysis… Such is the seemingly endless list of pessimistic news that comes from today’s media. It is hard not to be affected. ‘La crisis’ is everywhere and certainly for many is an everyday reality that leaves them struggling. Yet, among all the negativity, the doom and gloom and the strangling pessimism, I believe there are reasons for hope. And I implore my Spanish friends to weigh the following five reasons for Spain to embrace optimism; albeit from an outsider!

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Don’t worry, be happy! Despite the general strike and further austerity cuts, American academic Jack Gaioni insists on five good reasons why the Spanish should still be optimistic…

1. A ‘unique’ brand The unique peripheral location of Spain to continental Europe gives the Iberian Peninsula certain advantages. Like England, Russia and Turkey - countries long associated with being part- European, part ‘something else’ - Spain can take advantage of being close enough to Euro-centric influences yet, at the same time, far enough removed to reject Euro-centric disadvantages. A close proximity to core-Europe allows Spain to establish and maintain import/export links and a larger market that has historically strengthened competitiveness and economic performance. Core-Europe also has most of the positive attributes of economic prosperity; transnational links, modern development, higher wages, access to health care and scientific innovation, which Spain can benefit from. Yet, due to its location and the fact it is bordered on three sides by coastline and the fourth side by the Pyrenees, Spain escapes the pull of central dominance and Europe’s historically untenable political strains. The combination of Spain’s isolation and continental proximity (to say nothing of its superb climate or 3,200 km of beautiful coastline) gives the country its own unique ‘brand’ with a distinct worldwide reputation.

POLES APART: But the recent general strike (right) shouldn’t stop us sitting back and relaxing

2. Cultural mix The post-Franco creation of the autonomous regions has allowed for localised parliaments, different cultural identities and even the reemergence of suppressed languages. Yet, while the constitution recognises the rights of its regions, the indissoluble unity of the Spanish state is also emphasised. Central government accounts for 18 per cent of public spending, the regional governments 38 per cent, the local governments 13 per cent and the social security system the remainder - making Spain the most decentralised state in Europe. For those who believe that less government is good government, this is good news.

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Autonomous regions, cooperating with a decentralised state, have been shown to have fewer cumbersome tiers in the organisational structure, a wider span of control and a more efficient ‘bottomto-top’ decision-making flow of ideas. This dynamic represents a shining model of compromise between the former centralised regime of Franco and separatists. The transformation of the Spanish political system has been viewed by many respected historians as an overwhelming success story.

3. Lingua franca Spain maintains a special relationship with its fellow Spanish-speaking countries. Its concept of an Iberian-

American Community seeks to link the Iberian Peninsula to the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America through language, commerce, history and culture. The last five decades have brought increased commerce between Spain and its former colonies that defies most post-colonial experiences. Spanish firms have entered Latin America at a phenomenal rate during this time especially in the areas of telecommunications, transportation, tourism and finance. According to the Financial Times, “Spain has become the largest investor in Latin America with foreign purchases more than tripling in value per decade.” Perhaps the one bright spot in the ongoing global economic slowdown has been the role

COMMENT

www.theolivepress.es of emerging nations, or those nations in the process of rapid growth and industrialisation. The nations of Mexico, Chile, Brazil (albeit Portuguese speaking) Venezuela and Argentina are among those emerging markets that have become the positive integral players in today’s world economy. With Spanish in the world’s top three most spoken languages; the mother country can only hope to gain in its relationship with these emerging nations.

4. Green boost they’re laughing No wonder Since then, Spain has was built near Sevilla.

Spain is one of the most advanced countries in the development of green energy. Nearly 20 per cent of its energy is produced by wind with turbine technology providing power for 10 million households and employing over 30,000 people. Likewise, the development of solar energy further underscores the country’s position as a leader in the field. In 2007, Europe’s first commercial ‘concentrating’ solar tower

ELECTION RESULT ‘BAD NEWS’ FOR SPAIN

Junta win for socialists will be stumbling block to growth, claim banks By Eloise Horsfield AN unexpected election result that leaves the Socialists in power for four more years in Andalucia could be a major stumbling block for Spain’s economic recovery. America’s biggest bank JP Morgan believes that last Sunday’s result is ‘bad news for Spain’ and will do nothing to clear up the rife corruption and squandering of money. “Andalucia continues to be the main brake slowing the Spanish economy down,” insisted a report, adding that there will now not be a necessary ‘clean-up’. Japanese lender Nomura agreed in-

sisting it was a ‘serious setback’ to reducing Spain’s economic deficit. Citigroup added that the ability of Spain to control public spending in the regions – in particular Andalucia and Cataluna – was a major problem. Andalucia is Spain’s poorest region, with 31 per cent unemployed – 8.4 per cent more than the country’s average – despite having some of the highest public spending. While the PP won the election for the first time in its history, it didn’t take overall control of the Junta, as the PSOE united with the left-wing IU party.

upped its solar technology manufacturing and exports making it the world’s third largest exporter of solar technology. In addition, through ministerial rulings, local, regional and central government authorities have removed economic barriers to the connection of renewable energy technologies to the electric grid. Of course austerity measures set forth by governmental technocrats will no doubt cause major revisions to favourable green energy incentive schemes of the past. But the fact remains that Spain, by reducing its dependence on foreign energy and investing in a low carbon infrastructure, innovation, and green technology exports, has recognised a critical lever in reviving its economy.

5. Staying power Perhaps it is no accident that the first evidence of human habitation in continental Europe is to be found on the Iberian Peninsula. Archaeological evidence in the north of Spain (particularly at the site of the Sierra de Atapuerca) dates ‘Hominids’ at 800,000 years old (imagine!), followed by the ‘Homo-sapiens’ at 350,000 years old and the ‘Neanderthals’ at 35,000 years old. Since that time, a tidal wave of cultures— the Celts, the Phoenicians, the Iberians, the Romans, the Visigoths, the Islamic age and the Christian Reconquista - have continually given the Spanish character an ever-changing infusion of differing bloodlines. The ongoing advancement of a certain hybrid-vigour is a fundamental element in the Spanish make-up. In conclusion, to think that a ‘weakened Euro’, ‘austerity measures’ or something benign as ‘structural reforms’ will be fatal to the forward march of the Spanish legacy is folly. It is my sincere belief that the preceding pre-crisis long view of history will give way to an enduring post-crisis optimism. The message to my Spanish friends is simple: this too shall pass... viva Espana!

Residents feeling the pinch From Page 1

overseas aid. According to Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria the nation was in an

Cushy deal for wrongdoers

ONE of the most controversial aspects of the budget has been the inclusion of a fiscal amnesty that allows those with money hidden offshore to regularise their finances. It will come by paying a 10-per cent fee on the revenue declared, without any other fines or sanctions. The government hopes to bring in another 25 billion euros with this amnesty. However Socialist opposition leader Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba has described the proposal as a ‘cushy’ deal for wrongdoers.

‘extreme situation’ and the budget needed to reflect this. “Our top priority is to clean up public accounts,” she said. She added that there needed to be ‘serious efforts’ to introduce structural reforms to stimulate the economy and create jobs. The Financial Times however deemed it ‘strange and worrying’ and said it ran the risk of ‘exacerbating social tensions without creating the conditions to allow a fall in the costs of Spanish bonds’. Meanwhile, Volker Kauder, who was sent by German leader Angela Merkel to inspect the books and discuss the changes, said he believes Spain is ‘on the right road’. The Rajoy administration has now been in power for 100 days.

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

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Economy in turmoil

ANARCHY THE unions have ‘declared war’ on the mayor of Jerez after she announced 390 employees are to be laid off. Yesterday over 50 members blockaded the entrance to the city hall, bringing the ayuntamiento to a standstill.

Unions ‘declare war’ after town hall lays off 390 employees Mayor Maria Jose Garcia took the dramatic step as part of a new ‘adjustment plan’ to ensure the city is

eligible for 328 million euros of central government funds. The money is being made

Marbella needs a homeless refuge

IT is one of Europe’s glitziest holiday resorts, famous for its upmarket tourism and fine sandy beaches. Yet, Marbella urgently needs a homeless hostal, local charities have insisted. “We need a shelter urgently,” Jerenimo Jimenez from the Red Cross told the Olive Press. “People are losing their jobs, and we are seeing more and more homeless people of all nationalities including Moroccan and Spanish on the streets – all sorts.” He revealed that his branch had seen the numbers of families needing charitable handouts almost double in just one year. In 2011, Marbella Red Cross provided 180 families with food parcels, while this year the figure will be nearer 300.

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Economy in turmoil

IN JEREZ! By Wendy Williams

available from the Ministry of Finance to pay outstanding debts to suppliers. The city - Spain’s second most indebted after Ma-

drid - has already run out of money to pay its municipal employees. Many have not been paid for nearly four months, because of the city’s stack of unpaid bills. It is hoped the new mea-

As the recession deepens, charities claim Spain’s most exclusive resort has increasing numbers of homeless, discovers Eloise Horsfield “I go out most nights with a car to give out food and the numbers of homeless are clearly rising,” he added. While official town hall figures claim only 11 people are sleeping rough in the town, other charities such as Caritas insist the figure is at least 100. The local IU party is now supporting calls for a shelter to be set up. But local councillor Miguel Diaz insists that previous calls to the ruling PP mayor have fallen on deaf ears.

“We used to have a shelter in Marbella, but it closed in 2000,” he said. “We have requested a new one now, but the PP administration has rejected it.” Town hall social welfare councillor Manuel Cardena defended the objection, insisting a shelter was not needed. “We are looking for definitive solutions and not temporary ones which increase the risk of social exclusion,” he said.

sures will save 124m euros by the end of 2013. However the decision to lay off 300 employees on permanent contracts and 90 employed by municipal companies has been met with outrage. The former anarchist CGT union - which has the highest representation in the city - has promised a series of demonstrations against the lay offs and has ‘declared war’ on the mayor. “Garcia is crossing a dangerous line,” said union spokesman Jose Garcia.

STRIKE: Fury in Jerez Jerez is traditionally one of Spain’s poorest and most divided cities. In the run up to the civil war in the 1930s, it was a hotbed for anarchism, with the anarchist union CNT having considerable influence.

Negative equity on rise A QUARTER of home owners in Spain will fall into negative equity this year. It comes after predictions that Spanish house prices are set to fall even further – perhaps up to 14 per cent by the end of the year. It follows an announcement by Economy Minister Luis de Guindos in February declaring that banks would be given two years to make 50 billion euros in additional savings. In the week after the plan was announced, more than 10,000 homeowners on Spain’s largest property website, Idealista.com, lowered their asking prices.

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

NEWS

A divine career A NEW campaign offering ‘eternal wealth’ and a ‘permanent job’ has been launched by Spain’s Catholic Church in an effort to attract young men into the priesthood. The recruitment drive aimed at filling a shortage in parish priests - comes at a time when half of Spaniards between 18 and 25 are out of work. The number of priests in Spain has fallen by 25 per cent in the last decade, despite the clergy topping the list of ‘Top Ten Happiest Jobs’ in a study by Forbes magazine last year.

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HANG GLIDING DEATH British holidaymaker dies after 150 metre fall A BRITISH holidaymaker has died in a horrific hang gliding accident. James Berryman, 59, was training to be a hang glider pilot with a local school in Algodonales when he suffered severe head injuries after falling 150m near

The family Martin

PUERTO Rican singer Ricky Martin has posed for Spain’s Vanity Fair with his partner Carlos Gonzalez Abella and three-year-old twins Matteo and Valentino, who the couple adopted through a surrogate mother.

HAPPY FAMILY: Martin and twins

By Wendy Williams

Teba. The Guernsey resident was rushed to the Carlos Haya Hospital in Malaga by helicopter but died a day later of his injuries. A spokesman for HSBC Private Bank, where Berryman had worked since 2006, insisted he would be missed. “We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the news that James has died. “Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this time.” It is understood his close family were in Spain at the time but have now returned to the UK. Authorities are now investigating what caused Berryman to fall.

FINED: Fernandez paid bill for neighbour’s dog

Barking mad!

A BARCELONA man has been forced to pay a fine for a barking dog that he does not own. Victor Fernandez received the fine after authorities mistakenly put the wrong flat number down. He went to the town hall to explain the dog in fact lives next door, but eight months later he has now been threatened with an embargo on his property if he does not pay.

Ombudsman

He has been forced to fork out 150 euros for the fine plus an additional 36 euros for late payment and has filed a claim with the Ombudsman.

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NEWS

Graceless ending for Marbella spa

GRANDEUR: Incosol was opened by Franco in 1973

By Eloise Horsfield IT may well count Grace Kelly and Osama Bin Laden among its former guests, but 60 million euros of debt has forced the closure of one of Marbella’s top luxury spas. The Incosol hotel, which was opened in 1973 by General Franco, was a pioneer in health tourism and once the epitome of glamour and grandeur. With five-star facilities, it offered spectacular sea views, beauty therapy, antiageing treatments and, of course, golf. And then there was the chance for a bit of royal spotting, with former visitors including the kings and

Hotel that counted Grace Kelly, the King of Saudi Arabia and Osama Bin Laden as guests finally shuts GLITZ: Young Osama, King Fahd meets Juan Carlos, and Grace Kelly with Prince Rainier queens of Belgium, Sweden and Denmark. Late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia was so impressed with the Incosol, he rented

out three entire floors of the building, while he waited for his marble palace to be built on the Golden Mile in the 1980s. A famous photo shows him meeting Spain’s King Juan Carlos, who broke off his holiday in Mallorca in 1974 to fly over to meet him at the hotel. Incredibly, in part of his entourage on that trip, was Osama Bin Laden, then a young man in his 20s, who infamously immersed himself in Marbella’s fashionable nightlife. He was said to have returned on a number of occasions between 1977 and 1988 with his family. Hollywood star Grace Kelly also came to stay with her husband Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Hope

But the hotel’s future has been uncertain for a number of years, with debts starting to mount up in the 1990s. At the turn of the century it already owed 22 million euros, with a glimmer of hope offered by Cadiz company Jale who bought it out in 2007, injecting 50 million euros into the business. In 2010 however it was forced to enter bankruptcy proceedings and a commercial court ordered its closure on Sunday. Jale has labelled the closure ‘unnecessary’, with its president saying the bankruptcy officials ‘do not understand business management’. Meanwhile the hotel’s 130 staff – many of whom have not been paid for three months – have vowed to stay on and wait for an investor to buy it out.

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

NEWS

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Med Corridor hits the buffers By Wendy Williams A LAST-MINUTE plan to redirect the Mediterranean Corridor along the coast has hit the buffers. The proposal by the new PP government to take the line from Almeria to Algeciras, via Malaga, has been turned down by the EU.

PP plan to redirect rail line along coast is turned down by EU Brussels refuses to finance the extra cost for the coastal line, which would need over 40 new tunnels. It has instead backed the original line via Granada and Antequera, which

Beach football

REAL Madrid have announced plans to build their own themed resort in the United Arab Emirates. The Spanish giants are splashing out 756 million euros on the development (seen above), which will include luxury hotels, an amusement park and a marina shaped like the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crest.

threatens one of Rondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key tourist valleys. The project has now been fast-tracked at a meeting of European transport heads, who passed the original plan laid down last year by the old PSOE government. It means that Marbella will remain the only town in Spain with over 100,000 residents that does not have railway access. The government has insisted this is not the end of the line for the project and that it will continue to push for this route. It insists that the logical route is to take in the key ports of Motril and Malaga, as well as providing a fast AVE rail service along the coast from Barcelona to Algeciras. It also argues that a rail link along the Costa del Sol past Fuengirola to Estepona is vital for the region. Objections will be debated in the European Parliament later this year.

NEWS

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Blogging for jobs ‘GENERACION ni ni’ is speaking out over the internet. Calling themselves the ‘New Poor’ a group of young, outof-work Spaniards have launched a blog to tell peo-

Spain’s lost generation - or ‘the New Poor’ - are launching a fightback ple about the daunting position they find themselves in. The creators of the blog, un-

employed Santi Perez and Eric Lluent, both 25 and living with their parents, insist

Botellon v. the blackout Responsible town halls around Spain turned the lights off for Earth Hour at the weekend (here the Alcazar in Sevilla), while below thousands of students got drunk at the same time at an illegal macro-botellon in Malaga

By Wendy Williams that their concerns are not being reflected in the media. “We wanted to come out of the closet of poverty and talk about it without shame,” said Lluent, based in Barcelona. “I’m part of the Lost Generation, those young 20-somethings stuck in the ditch of a society that we increasingly see less as ours and identify more as the enemy.” Certainly he is not alone. Already the New Poor site has received thousands of hits with many 20-somethings sharing their stories. “If things stay the way they are, we’ll all have to emigrate,” said one contributor, 29-year-old architect Claudia Freixas. Spain currently has the highest unemployment rate in the EU, with around 50 per cent for those aged 1624. It has led to Spanish youth garnering the nickname ‘generacion ni ni’ with many neither studying nor working. Visit: http://elsnouspobres.wordpress.com/

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

NEWS

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Roaring no more By Wendy Williams and Paul O’Connell

La Cala Lion Frank Bowles - who wrote biographies on Ruby Murray and Toni Dalli - dies at 80 A BIOGRAPHER to singing sensations Toni Dalli and Ruby Murray has died after a three year battle with cancer. Frank Bowles, who moved to the Costa del Sol with his wife Anne over two decades ago, was also a prominent member of the La Cala de Mijas Lions Club. The 80-year-old Londoner later set up the coast’s Diabetic Support Group and undertook both group’s PR and marketing. He was also the editor of the Costa del Sol Golf News for 12 years and regularly wrote for local newspapers. “His wisdom, good humour and kindness will be greatly missed,” said Bryan Coventry, from the Lions Club. His wife Anne added: “I want to say a big thank you to Cudeca and Carelink. I couldn’t have got through this without their help. They

RIP: Bowles at charity bash

nursed him at home and he died at home.” A lifelong Millwall supporter, Frank was a keen writer who scribed a biography on the life of Ireland’s famous singer Ruby Murray, who once had five songs in the Top 20 during the 1950s. He later penned a biography on Marbella-based singer Toni Dalli, who owns the famous same name restaurant. Dalli recorded a string of hits, before being persuaded

by comedian Jimmy Tarbuck to open a restaurant in Marbella.

Funeral

Frank leaves behind four children who will be flying over from Australia for the funeral which will be held today (Wednesday April 4) at 11.00 in Fuengirola Crematorium, with drinks afterwards at the Tamisa Golf hotel.

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

16 Axarquia IN BRIEF

In the stink! NERJA’S 40.5 million euro water treatment plant has finally been given the go-ahead after 12 years of political comings and goings, and should be completed by 2015.

Indian cigs Over 200,000 packets of cigarettes have been seized by Colmenar police hidden under tablecloths sent from India.

Unlucky bet A gang of four is being held on suspicion of theft from parked cars in Velez Malaga, with six winning ONCE tickets among the items stolen.

AXARQUIA NEWS

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Pensioner demands action after a string of pets are killed in Comares

Who poisoned my pooch? EXCLUSIVE by Eloise Horsfield A PENSIONER is demanding action after his dog was ‘deliberately poisoned’. Six-year-old Ozzie spent four days on a drip fighting for his life after eating a sausage roll that had been laced with insecticide or fertilizer. David Watkins, 76, from Comares, woke to find the podenco so ill he was unable to stand. “It was a horrendous sight,” said former sailor Watkins, originally from London. “There was excrement and

CAPTION: POORLY: Ozzie and (inset) owner Watkins vomit everywhere, even on the kitchen table.” Watkins soon found the cul-

for A merry dance Jobs the girls!

prit, a half-eaten sausage roll, which he took to his vet Carolina Guidotti Gonzalez at the Axarquia Veterinary Clinic for analysis. “There were definite signs of a toxic substance, possibly insecticide or fertilizer,” she confirmed. While Ozzie has now made a full recovery, Watkins is determined to get to the bottom of what happened. “We’re going to do whatever it takes to find out who did it,” he said, after paying a 114 euro vet bill.

Worrying

IF you saw a bevy of attractive dancers running and pirouetting their way around Nerja last September then now you will know why. It is all part of a lively music video by Spanish pop star Capitan Truxton, who took in several instantly recognisable spots around the town for the song Miranda, now being aired on TV. Watch the clip here: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=fqelIpkEB7Q

RICH: Paulino Plata HE earns at least 80,000 euros a year and rubs shoulders with Spain’s rich and famous. So Junta culture boss Paulino Plata is not your usual candidate for an educational scholarship. This however, did not stop his daughter from securing a 1,200 euro grant to study for an MA at Andalucia’s International University. But now the grant, provided by the Agricultural Technology Park, in Velez Malaga, has led local mayor Francisco Delgado to launch an investigation into the selection process. “No organisation pays for someone to be awarded a Master’s degree for no reason,” he said, suggesting the grant had been provided to prepare Plato’s daughter for a future job at the park.

“As soon as we get confirmation we’re going to the police and mayor.” The incident comes just two months after the village awoke to find a worrying number of dead dogs and cats strewed around the town. “They counted 22 bodies in total,” said Patricia King, who coordinated a petition to take to the town hall after the apparent mass poisoning. “Will not tolerate this, nor will the police,” said a town hall spokesman, adding that owners needed to ensure pets were not running loose, and to file denuncias for individual cases.

Bad shot THIEVES tried to hide their haul by throwing 40,000 euros-worth of goods out of their flat window when police turned up to arrest them over a spate of burglaries in the Torrox area.

CANNABIS HAUL ON BEACH FOUR Moroccans have been charged following a 1.5 tonne drugs haul at El Morche beach in Torrox. The Guardia Civil, who seized 55 bales of cannabis, had been lying in wait after spotting an unlit boat nearing the coast.

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GIBRALTAR NEWS

Spanish armada thwarted

Motor 17 Insurance

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

Row erupts after Gibraltar asserts its rights to keep fishermen out of its waters

By James Bryce

UNDER ATTACK: From La Linea’s fleet

A DIPLOMATIC row has broken out over the decision to ban Spanish fishing boats from Gibraltarian waters. The Gibraltar Government is enforcing the ban after accusing fishermen of using illegal nets and fishing methods, which breach the 1991 Nature Protection Act. The ban is being enforced within a three-mile radius of the Rock, where previously the boats were allowed to come within 225 metres of the shore, subject to certain restrictions. The Spanish Government

Muamba life-saving kits will save lives CARDIAC arrest victims will benefit from plans to put defibrillators similar to those used to save footballer Fabrice Muamba in key public places around Gibraltar. The scheme is aimed at providing rapid assistance to victims who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest away from hospital. Currently over 90 per cent of the cases on the Rock result in death. Public Access Defibrillators - designed for easy use without any training - will be placed in locations including the Piazza, Victoria Stadium complex and St Michael’s Cave. In total, nine places around

the enclave will have the kits installed. It follows the recent highprofile case of Bolton Wanderers footballer Muamba, who received life-saving treatment on the pitch from medics using a defibrillator. Less than five per cent of people who suffer a cardiac arrest survive without the use of a defibrillator, compared to 70 per cent who have access to one within five minutes. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating and requires immediate medical

SAVED: Muamba talks after being stretched from pitch attention, with the chances of survival decreasing by 10 per cent for each minute the victim goes untreated.

has complained to the British Embassy, while Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has held talks with Algeciras mayor Jose Ignacio Landaluce to discuss the issue. Picardo has made Gibraltar’s position clear on the controversy, saying: “Nobody can come here to fish, French, Spaniard, German or otherwise, in breach of our laws.”

Protest

His Spanish counterpart Landaluce had earlier joined a flotilla of Spanish boats on a ‘protest sail’ into Gibraltar waters after complaining that the ban breached the 1991 agreement. The mayor, who claims to be protecting the livelihoods of 300 fishermen, said: “I do not understand the attitude being taken by the Gibraltar Government. “But it will not be allowed that our fishermen are ejected from the Spanish waters that surround the Rock.”

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

GIB NEWS

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Royal seal of approval dents. “I send my grateful thanks to the people of Gibraltar for their kind message of congratulations,” the Queen wrote. “In return, please accept my good wishes for a memorable and enjoyable Diamond Jubilee Year. Elizabeth R.” A number of events have already been held on the Rock to celebrate the 60-year milestone, with many more scheduled to take place throughout the year. The celebrations will include the forthcoming visit to Gibraltar by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, although the exact dates are yet to be confirmed. “I am sure we will all want to take part in the celebrations of Her Majesty’s reign and of Gibraltar’s enduring Britishness,” GRATEFUL: Queen Elizabeth of Gibraltar Picardo said. THE Queen has written to the people of Gibraltar to thank them for their loyalty as celebrations get under way for her Diamond Jubilee. The monarch’s letter is in response to a ‘message of loyalty’ sent by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo on behalf of Gibraltar resi-

Brotherhood bother Heated protests as Easter parades are cancelled in La Linea due to lack of police HUNDREDS of angry Semana Santa marchers have gone on a protest march instead after La Linea council cancelled their parades. The council took the decision amid safety fears after local police refused to work

Gib IN BRIEF Baby boom UK airline bmibaby. com has launched a new service operating three times a week between Gibraltar and East Midlands Airport.

Odyssey oddity The Spanish Government has accused Gibraltar of excluding ‘significant’ items from an inventory of the Odyssey treasure held on the Rock.

Trio fined Two Spaniards and a Gibraltarian have each received £2,000 fines by magistrates following their arrest for offences under the Imports and Exports Act.

Sierra slog Staff from Ibex Insurance and members of Gibraltar charity AKIN will run the Sierra Leone Marathon on June 9 to raise money for charity.

eight months. The fallout over security is threatening to leave La Linea with no processions due to a pay dispute. Officers announced they during Semana Santa for would not be policing the the first time on record. week-long event because Procession organisers have they had not been paid for vowed to defy orders and go ahead regardless. They insist they will use an army of unpaid volunteers to help with traffic control. GIBRALTAR’S bid to become a The brotherhoods member of football governing are demanding the body UEFA will be decided in council sign docu2013. An application put forward by ments exempting football authorities on the Rock them from liability was discussed during a recent in the event of an meeting of delegates in Istanbul. accident. Current members will be asked Safety has become to vote on Gibraltar’s admission a growing issue in as a full member of UEFA at a La Linea, with 52 congress to be held next year, of the 111-strong something which is likely to local police force having called in meet opposition from Spain. sick in recent days.

By James Bryce

Gib hoping to score with UEFA

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 75.12 per cent full - Same week last year: 86.48 per cent - Same week in 2002: 59.61 per cent 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 EMERGENCIES Police 091 Guardia Civil 062 Medical service 061 Fire 080 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.3116 American Dollars 0.8295 British Pounds 1.2990 Canadian Dollars 7.4356 Danish Kroner 10.181 H Kong Dollars 7.5479 Norwegian Kroner 1.6529 Singapore Dollars

Dear Olive Press, MY partner and I are both quite political. We are card carrying members of a party and my partner even stood as a candidate in our village. However we were unable to vote in either the March 25 regional election or in the general election, and I don’t understand why. I have lived in Spain for seven years, I pay my taxes here, I am never going to go back to England and therefore I think I should have a say in what goes on. My partner is thinking of standing as an independent next time round just so we get a seat. I have spoken to all the parties in my village and they are very happy that all residents get a vote in both the regional and the general elections. I would like to know why I can’t vote.

LETTERS

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Why can’t we vote? A smoker’s choice

No smoke without fire

Brian Deller (Letters, issue 130), has found one of the few remaining minority groups that he can still legally persecute. Clearly he needs an outlet for his vitriol and, with so few politically correct targets now available, smokers have drawn the short straw. With ignorance typical of the fanatic, he makes the absurd assumption that smokers only smoke because they have no will-power. For his enlightenment most smokers choose to smoke, despite the latest fashions in medical opinion. Anti-smoking laws are purely political, based on the fear of massive future litigation by so-called ‘passive smokers’. If governments were serious about smoking as an unacceptable health hazard they would ban the manufacture and sale of tobacco products altogether - but that, of course, would mean equally unacceptable loss of tax and duty revenue.

Brian Deller (Letters, issue 130) has every right to feel outraged at having to endure second-hand smoking in any location, but outdoor spaces are difficult areas to police even if they belong to restaurants. I advise him to be patient a little longer - it took my NHS colleagues and I three years to achieve the first smoke free hospital in England after many battles, most of them with nurses. He is quite kind to describe smoking as a ‘bad habit’ when it is in fact one of the most lethal forms of drug addiction. The addictive substance is the nicotine; the ‘killer’ substances include tar, ammonia and cyanide. As with any addiction, the best way to address the problem is through supervised medical support. Join (or form) a quitting group. And DON’T GO BACK TO SMOKING, not even one little puff. After 72 hours you’ll be leaving it all behind you and can enjoy a healthier life in the future.

Keith Jones, Manilva

Linda Caine, Granada

Kelly Poole

Extremely addictive As a follow up to your article regarding Champix (issue 128), I was recently recommended the drug Tramadol as I suffer from chronic back pain due to arthritis. I was told it was prescription only in the UK, but available here in Spain ‘over the counter.’

I found it quite easily from the pharmacy for a hefty 17 euros. I wasn’t questioned at all about any medical history or allergies. After taking the first one the following morning I found they were indeed absolutely brilliant. It was the first time in about three years I didn’t have even as much as a twinge. However I was later shocked to discover that this drug is normally locked away in

pharmacies and on wards as it is extremely addictive. Just one step down from morphine. No wonder it was so good. Needless to say I have taken no more and put myself back on regular doses of Ibuprofen. Diana Davey, Tolox

In review I have written a restaurant review of a newish restaurant in San Pedro de Alcantara (opened last December), that we have now returned to three times in as many weeks! It must be some 12 years since I last felt the urge to put pen to paper about a restaurant but El Medioevo has stirred me to do just that. Please let me know if you wish to receive restaurant reviews? Morris Bishop, San Pedro ED: Hi Morris, thank you for this…it looks interesting. We generally don’t take restaurant reviews for the paper but you should definitely put it up as a suggestion on our new dining website www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com and we’ll try and get down there to check it out ourselves.

LE Letters WR ASE should ITE be posted to Urb. Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350, Malaga or emailed to letters@ theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Published opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

Returns from Gib Regarding the anonymous letter concerning people in Gibraltar registered cars crossing the border from Spain each morning in order to go to work (issue 132), the writer considers this to be a drain on the resources of the

National Health Service. Does it not occur to the writer that if those people are working, they are probably paying income tax and National Insurance contributions; does she/he think they should get no return for this? Anne Hayes, Casares

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OP Fine schools for illiterate kids

READ THE RIOT ACT: Schools must take blame for UK riots SCHOOLS should be fined if they fail to teach pupils how to read and write, insists a hard-hitting report on the riots which tore the UK apart last year. They should be punished if children remain illiterate when they move to secondary schools, it said. It found that a fifth of school leavers at 16 have literacy levels at or below that of 11-year-olds. The study by Britain’s Riots, Communities and Victims Panel also blamed poor parenting for the rioting, which ended in five deaths last August. “We heard from many communities who felt that rioter behaviour could ultimately be ascribed to poor parenting,” said the report. It also pointed the finger at a lack of confidence in police and a materialistic society.

The Olive Press’ new youth section

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

treme

Parents gone soft? PARENTS are no longer reading their kids traditional fairy stories as they believe them to be too scary. A new survey has revealed one in five American parents has stopped reading the classics. A third said children had ac-

tually been left in tears after hearing the gruesome tale of Little Red Riding Hood. Meanwhile nearly half of parents refused to read Rumpelstiltskin (pictured left) due to its theme of kidnapping.

Hey big(ish) spenders ‘STILL room for improvement’, the report card might read. But it has emerged that Spain is, at least, going in the right direction as far as school spending is concerned. According to a new OECD

Spanish schools are above OECD averages when it comes to school spending... and even beat the UK By Wendy Andersen

report the country is above average for both junior and secondary school

spending... and even pips the UK for the latter! However, despite seeing considerable improvement over recent years, the in-depth study warns

How Spain can do better The key OECD recommendations: • Continue investing in early childhood education, especially coverage for the most deprived sectors. • Increase the proportion of students graduating from upper secondary education through early interventions in primary and lower-secondary • Make vocational training more attractive

• Help schools be effective by giving them greater autonomy, especially in decisions on teacher hiring and course content • Introduce a student loan system related to family income • Link universities’ financing more closely to outcomes to give them greater independence, especially in setting pay and working conditions

KEEP THEM AT ARM’S LENGTH! IT’S not only their rucksacks and uneaten sandwiches they are carrying back from school. A survey has found children bring all sorts of nasty bugs into the family home – with eight out of 10 parents having caught illnesses from their offspring. Mothers are worst affected, with a staggering 84 per cent having caught a cold from their little darlings. Coughs are the next most common ailment brought home, followed by sickness and head lice.

that the government must do something about the unusually high drop-out rate. It also warns there is a big lack of apprenticeship opportunities for young people and a serious need to improve access to tertiary education. It cites the lack of public loans for most higher education courses and, although not excessively high, university fees. It reports that while there are subsidies available for low income families, a student loan system is necessary for general access to university education.

Development

Spending remains above average for the 34 members of the Convention on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). At primary school level, Spain came in at 16th place, spending on average $7,184 per student, behind the UK’s average of $8,758 – both beat the OECD average of $7,153. For secondary level (instituto and bachillerato) Spain spent an average $9,792 per student, coming in above the UK, at $9,487. Both were above the OECD average of $8,972. Top spenders were Luxembourg, Norway and Switzerland.

PETRIFYING: Little Red Riding Hood can lead to tears

But will we fit in? PARENTS choosing schools are more concerned that other families are ‘people like us’ than about discipline, research suggests. Their perception of other pupils and their parents is a bigger influence than whether the school is singlesex or has a religious ethos, according to the UK’s Good Schools Guide. The study asked 500 parents the main reasons for selecting their preferred school and found they avoided some schools because of the sort of families they attracted.

Quality

The most important factor was academic standards, followed by its proximity to home, the quality of buildings and equipment, and the pastoral care. Other factors in the top 10 included competitive sports, music and drama facilities and the school being co-educational. Good Schools Guide editor Janette Wallis said: “We expected discipline to storm in high on the list but it is much less important than eyeing up the other pupils and parents at the school.”

Cleaning strike wipes out classes A CLEANING strike forced thousands of pupils in Jerez out of the classroom. A total of 47 schools have been disrupted. The Department of Education was forced to close schools for several days for health reasons affecting nearly 5,000 students in the area. The 200 workers have since returned to work after receiving one months wages.

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Xtreme

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

What an arty bunch

This a Y1 piece of art work. By Jose Maria

Wow! What fantastic artwork from students of all ages at Swans School in Marbella. OPX loves seeing what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been up to, and encourages everyone to send in photos of activities and artwork

Y4 had a visit from the Local Police and have been learning about Road Safety. By Elia Ibanez.

Year 4 We have been designed their studying own chocolate the French wrapper as impressionist part of their Degas. By IPC lessons. Taymour Lotfi. Y3 By Lance Henderson

Piece of work. Lengua Castellana 3Âş Primaria. By Paloma Caballero. Y4

Gaudi inspired images. By Maria Moro. Y5

Xtreme

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

Ready for fame?

THE Olive Press is helping to launch an exciting new talent contest, giving readers the chance to win a 500 euro cash prize. Singers, dancers, actors and comedians – you name it – are all welcome to enter the Search for a Star competition, organised by the Marbella Stage School. Performing for a professional panel, including original Doctor Who writer Roger Cook, the win-

Olive Press appeal for all artists to enter the ‘Search for a Star’ competition in aid of Cudeca ners will be chosen to appear on Marbella’s grandest stage. “Soloists, duets, trios or groups - adults and children alike - the competition is for anyone with talent,” explained Marbella Stage School director Jayne Melville, a former jazz dancer and actress, who previously worked

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Winners will perform at the Teatro Ciudad

By Eloise Horsfield

with Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips. “We are leaving it completely open because we want to raise as much money as possible.” Entrants can download an entry on the school’s website, with 100 per cent of their 10 euro fee going straight to Benalmadenabased cancer hospice Cudeca.

Talent

Contestants will be judged in heats at various venues in Marbella, and possibly Gibraltar if there are enough entries from the Rock. “We know there are plenty of great talents in Gibraltar, including dance troupes, as my pupils competed with them in

Prague in 2008,” continued Jayne, who set up Marbella Stage School 20 years ago. The best entries will be chosen to take part in a grand final as part of the Marbella Hot Talent Show at the grand Teatro Ciudad on Sunday June 17 – with the audience voting for their favourite and the winner awarded 500 euros

in cash. The Olive Press is sponsoring the awards and donating half the prize money alongside Heritage Resorts. “We’re delighted to be championing talent of all ages around Andalucia and Gibraltar,” said Olive

Job for the boys A CHEERLEADING group in Gibraltar is challenging common perceptions of the discipline in order to attract more boys. The Gibraltar Cheerleading Association is putting together a mixed team of boys and girls to perform ‘Street Cheer’ routines. Street Cheer fuses several dance genres and helps develop skills including balance, flexibility and team work. For more information visit www.gibcheerleaders.com or email info@gibcheerleaders. com.

Press publisher Jon Clarke. “It’ll be wonderful to see what talent emerges and hopefully to raise plenty of money for Cudeca.” The Cudeca charity is close to Jayne’s heart after she lost her brother aged just 60 to cancer five years ago. “It’s so shocking how quickly things can change. Cancer just takes over,” she said. “The last weeks of life are so important, and what they do at Cudeca with hardly any income is so incredible.” Make your entry via the website www.marbella stageschool.com

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

OPX is proud to announce the winners of our first writers’ competitio the personal stories of the two winning entries, which were filled wit for the writers’ new lives in Spain. Thanks to Monarch for sponsoring free flights for the older group, and we hope Queenie (right) enjoys sp prize of book tokens from Books4Spain for her winning entry in the y

MY BITTER SWEET PRIZE

I WINNER 12 and over

WINNER: Georgia with EIC Principal Yvonne Stevenson, ‘honey oil’ and the winning entry From Page 1

Honey oil winner

judges with her warm and funny tale, which really summed up cultural differences between the UK and Spain. “I am really happy,” said Georgia, who admits she now likes olive oil. “The story reminded me of being little. “I just thought I would enter and see if I won. It is really exciting.”

Proud

Georgia, who lives with her mum Christine and dad Ken, has now won two flights to England with Monarch airlines. “I’ll probably take my mum,” said Georgia. “I prefer living in Andalucia but I miss family and friends in England.” Meanwhile mum Christine added: “We’re very proud of her. “We told her school EIC who are also chuffed... they didn’t even know she had entered.”

BEGAN Infantile at Garcia del Olmo in la Cala when we moved to Spain. We had a pretty teacher called Gloria, who all the Dads liked, but also the mums because she was really lovely too. It wasn’t easy understanding the teacher in Spanish, I was only four, but she made us all feel welcome to be there and we had fun. There were new customs to get used to: there was Peace Day when we let white doves go free and the older children made speeches, and International Day when we had to bring a typical dish from our home country. I expected my mum to bake a cake but Dad

brought Black puddings instead (I didn’t want to admit to that one, although he brought Lancashire cheese too). I remember on my very first Andalucia Day, we were to try the typical Andalucian foods. All the class was excited as this was a different day, to try almonds, olives, ham, bread, etc. We had talked about it in the days leading up to this special day. When it came to it, all the tables at the front of the class were covered in lovely table cloths, then the plates of different foods put out, Jamon like I’d seen at our local venta, olives, almonds and there was bread

Cycling the Via Verde

IA Verdes are old disused railway tracks which have been recovered to be used by cyclers, walkers, horse riders. For those who are less energetic they are also lovely places for picnics. They are found throughout the whole of Spain however Andalucia is the region with the most Via Verdes tracks given that it has got 195 Km of them. As it used to be a railway track it is very flat and ADVENTURE: Near the only hills are either very short but steep, or long and going gradually uphill, so that means it is Coripe very good for cyclers. Along most of the Via Verde tracks there are lots of tunnels, some of them even get up to 900m. There are also lots of bridges that go over big rivers and some of these bridges are very high up. The fauna and flora of these tracks are lovely for example you can see wild pigs and eagles; another thing is you can often see shepherds with either sheep or goats. There are also lots of trees like carobs and oaks. You can also see marshland, lakes and sometimes you can even cycle by the river. I have been there many times. The first time I went cycling with Cubs. We were a group of about 50 and we had a great time cycling through the hills. The first day there was lots of rain and we all got very muddy, but the second day was a lot sunnier and it was a lot nicer to cycle. In the evening we cycled up a hill to a town called Coripe and stayed the night in the local sports centre. There are lots of different routes to take throughout the whole of Andalucia so each time you go you can easily take a different route. My favourite route out of all the ones I’ve done is called Via Verde de la Sierra which goes from Puerto Serrano to Olvera. The other good thing about the Via Verde is that it’s away from all the tourists and is always very quiet. That’s why it’s nice to go with friends. It’s good for all levels. This is great for my family because I have a younger sister who isn’t as good as riding as me. This is why I like the Via Verde.

Jasper Kettell, age 11

RUNNER-UP 11 and under

cut into small pieces and there was Miss Gloria pouring from a fancy jug some golden honey onto the bread. We lined up to try it, many of my classmates tucked into all of the plates taking a little of each onto their paper plate. When it was my turn, I was just interested in the bread and honey and took the piece with the most honey on it. I couldn’t wait to get back to my desk to eat it! I devoured the bread and honey, urggghhh! but it wasn’t sweet, it wasn’t honey, it was nasty and poisonous, I thought I was going to die, it was dreadful. I couldn’t speak but my two friends Olivia and Jasmin knew i was in trouble, I had turned white then green. “Miss, Georgia is going to be sick, Miss” they shouted, Miss Gloria looked shocked and rushed to me, I couldn’t make her understand - only make choking noises, I didn’t understand her. She took me to the head teacher’s office, where they rang my mum to say there was something dreadfully wrong, Georgia felt ill. The teacher stayed with me while it took my mum 20 minutes to pick me up. When I told her the tale of how I had just been poisoned, she just laughed! I wasn’t happy about this. This is the only day I have ever been sent home from school ill, poisoned with Spanish ‘honey-oil’. I have tried it again, I like it now. The thing I miss most about England is the twinkly frost on the fields on a winters morning, when you can see your breath and when it snows you can have snowball fights and go sledging near your home. But in England you can’t see the twinkling sea every morning and stay out late at the beach in the summer celebrating San Juan with your friends. It’s difficult but I think Andalucia wins.

Georgia Willets, age 12

MUST SEE: Elena loves Cadiz city

Cadiz, my f day out in A

ADIZ is the best place to visit in Spain fo es. The sand is as fine as icing sugar a tinged bronze like a medal and it’s as s underfoot. Cadiz is also famous for its spectacular views there I guarantee you will be fascinated by the da and wind surfers. For those wishing to stay ove wide selection of beautifully landscaped and pine ing sites where you can have lots of fun. The go Cadiz is that it is not filled with ugly hotels and i aura of peace, natural beauty and rural atmosph My favourite destination in Cadiz province is Tar place to go wind surfing because there is a lot o to be the windiest place in Europe and is often capital of the world’. Whichever beach you visit find water that is crystal clear and very shallow. The first time I visited the beach I had a very int ence. People on the shore were trying to save a b has lost his course and ended up in shallow wa my size and approximately two years old! It was for me because I was very young and I thought m at being able to see a whale at such close proxim see a big turtle being pulled ashore! At the time I was so amused and happy for bein wild animals, but at the time I was very young and stand that both of those animals were dying. The beaches in Tarifa are very diffrent to the one Fuengirola. In comparison they are tiny and less a my friend from England came to see me a few yea surprised by the difference between the beach areas! I was suprised too but her facial expression wa sea in Cadiz is much warmer and clearer and just believe you are in paradise. There are also s mountains. I love rolling down them with my frien I do it in a bikini I often become covered in thorn doing it because it’s so much fun! The food in the Cadiz area is also amazing! The so well, and it’s really tender and delicious. Ther seafood and my favourite restaurant it called ‘El M it specializes in: paella, seafood and fish; I don or eat seafood and fish but when I go there I pig o Everyone should go to this restaurant before they be a law! Anyway, I hope you take my advice and tacular area soon.

Elena Peel, age 14

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on. We loved reading th humour and a love g the first prize of two pending the 100 euro younger group

favourite Andalucia

Two very different Andalucias WINNER W

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

HEN I was four I moved from London to a little village in Andalucia called Zuheros. We just moved to Marbella and I am going to tell you how the two parts of Andalucia are so different.... Zuheros is a very old village and Marbella is posh and new. My house there was very old and was falling down but it was the biggest house I had ever lived in. The house where I live now isn’t as big

RUNNER-UP 12 and over

NEW HOME: Queenie surrounded by ‘posh cars’

or superb beachand its colour is soft as a feather

s. When you go are-devil surfers er night there is e shaded campood thing about it still retains an here. rifa. It’s the best of wind, it is said called ‘the surf you are sure to

teresting experibaby whale who ater. It was twice s quite suprising myself privileged mity. I also got to

ng that close to d I didn’t under-

es in Marbella or attractive! When ars ago, she was hes in these two

as priceless. The sometimes you some huge sand nds, but because ns. But I keep on

e fish is cooked re is also lots of Morrisqueo’ and n’t normally like out completely. y die, this should d visit this spec-

but very posh. The cars in Zuheros are small and cheap and the cars in Marbella are big and expensive. When I first came to Puerto Banus I saw Ferraris, Porsches and other cool cars but in Zuheros there were just Renaults, Seats and boring cars like ours. When me and my brothers see a Ferrari or a Lamborghini we go mad. My friends in Marbella are from lots of different countries but my friends from Zuheros are all Spanish. A lot of English people don’t speak Spanish here. When I

Turn from page 1

11 and under

first came to Andalucia I couldn’t say anything. It was scary but I learnt it really quickly. I could go out on my own in Zuheros. Everybody knew me. Now my mum has to drive me everywhere because there are more funny people around. Also, I was special there because I was the English girl, ‘La Rubia’ with blue eyes but here I’m not so special because there’s lots of other people like that. It snowed in Zuheros. It never snows here. My Daddy lives in the village. Now he’s far away. He’s the best thing about Zuheros. And our cat, Bob. People say Hola in the street in Zuheros, even if they don’t know you. In Marbella if you say Hola to people they ignore you or look at you funny. We had fruit trees growing in our garden in Zuheros, like figs and pomegranates and lots of walnuts. Now we’ve only got a Bonsai tree and it’s dying. So, that’s how different two places can be so in Andalucia. Which one do you like best?

Queenie Molly Argent, age 11

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Xtreme

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! WE are proud to announce the winner of last month’s squiggle competition. ‘A friendly anteater’ by Adam Bradley, aged 10

If you would like to enter this month’s competition, take the squiggle in the box to the right, turn it in any direction you like and, using your imagination, make a drawing from it. Entrants must be 12 years or under to apply. The best drawing will be printed in next month’s paper and the winner will receive a token for art supplies worth 10 euros.

Fancy a movie this weekend? If you want to head to the cinema this weekend, but your Spanish is not up to scratch, check out the VO/VOSE films (Original Version) available in your area Snow White Plaza Mayor (Malaga) 17:45 20:00 22:15 00:35 (weekdays) (weekends) Cinesur, Miramar Fuengirola, 16:00 18:05 20:10 (weekdays) 12:10 16:30 (weekends) The Artist Plaza Mayor, Malaga 19:25 (weekdays) (weekends) Rincon de la Victoria, Malaga 20:20 22:25 (weekdays) (weekends)

Entries should be scanned and emailed to newsdesk@ theolivepress.es or sent to normal postal address

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (12A) Cinesur, Miramar Fuengirola, 16:30 19:00 21:30 (weekdays) 12:10 16:30 (weekends)

Gibraltar: King Bastion, Leisure Ctr. Cinema The Muppets 16:00 (weekends) This Means War (12A) 18:30 (every day) The Artist 21:00 (every day) A Monster in Paris 15:30 (weekends) The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (12A) 18:00 (every day)

Xtreme

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This month’s recipe:

The talent contest at BSM was an event that even Simon Cowell might have liked, reckons Ashley Bolton

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

Chocolate chip brittle Oops Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened (NOT margarine) 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. salt 115 g. sugar 100 g. brown sugar 50 g. flour 350 g. semisweet chocolate chips 180 g. chopped pecans, OR more chocolate chips

Laughable answers

Students can’t know the answer to EVERY exam question. Hats off to those who use humour to fill the gaps

100 g. semisweet chocolate chips for sauce

Method: Combine butter, vanilla, salt and sugar in a large bowl and beat together until well blended, using the back of a spoon. Stir in flour until just mixed. Add chocolate chips and nuts. Press cookie dough evenly into a 15x10” flat pan. Bake at 190oC degrees for 15-25 minutes, until light golden brown. Check at the 15 minute bake time, then watch cookies carefully; they go from light brown to burnt around the edges very quickly. Let cool in pan on wire rack. Place remaining chocolate chips in microwave-safe glass measuring cup and microwave on 50 per cent power for onw minute; stir until melted. Drizzle over the cooled cookies. Then break the cookies into irregular pieces. Store in airtight container. Makes 16 servings

Novel approaches to maths exams

where’s my hat?

T was a show that even Simon Cowell might have raised an eyebrow to in admiration. Armed with glamorous paren- CUTE: Talented performers David and Oskar tal assistants, magic wands the seven-member gymnastics team. and matching outfits-pupils showed off their Following the show, the school’s teachers talents at British School of Marbella’s (BSM) dressed up for a surprise performance of The second annual Talent Show. Enormous Turnip. The show kicked off with the gymnastics One memorable moment was bag pipe-wieldteam who wowed the 60-strong audience ing teaching assistant and Welsh national with handstands, synchronised moves and Miss Leach after donning a kilt and putting on graceful jumps. her best Scottish accent to play Miss ChalmOther highlights from the afternoon included ers. four-year-old Emma who sang SupercalifraAlso in the firing line was the running club gilisticexpialidocious from the musical Mary coach Carlos Pulido, skateboarding FoundaPoppins, Julieta’s disappearing paper trick tion Stage Leader Donna Fry and board memand a poem recital by James. ber Michael Elms. Then there were David and Oskar who wowed Staff who wish to forget the whole episode the crowd with a rousing performance of are now concerned after vicious rumours Papa was a Rollin’ Stone. went around that one parent had filmed the Wearing matching outfits the pair looked to staff show and uploaded it onto the Internet. be the winners of the hotly anticipated show, At time of going to press these rumours have especially with Oscar’s self-proclaimed ‘imnot been verified but certain staff are reportpartial mum’ on the judging panel. ed to be laying low until the heat dies down. But the three judges awarded first place to

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Xtreme

A wonderful way with words Sotogrande International School embraced World Poetry Day by asking its pupils to pen a few lines

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

VERY day it seems that there is a ‘World Day’ for something or other and this month SIS celebrated World Poetry Day. We have always taken poetry writing quite seriously at SIS and students start learning the techniques from a young age. The standard and quality has always

been very high and when we ran a poetry competition for our secondary school students we were impressed at the depth presented. The competition asked for poems with underlying themes of unity and /or diversity. Here we publish the winning poetry which also appears on our website.

1st prize Paulina Musayev

Joint 3rd prize Bryony Charleson

A stranger On a journey down to nowhere I have realized many things. Dwelling on the subject; friendship And what once a stranger said to me “You’re not a no-man Neither am I” He continued with a sigh. The stranger gazed high above the tree tops We heard the sirens of the cops As little raindrops gently landed on our faces. There were no traces of violence just serenity. “You can feel and so can I We could perish in a blink of an eye. We can withstand the strongest storm Yet we are torn from a cunning plan. We are strong when we’re united yet How weak we are alone. Then why do we insist to consist in groups Exclusion is not the solution to our society The variety of us is overwhelming Compelling us to accept So why do we resist?” He preached Continued to persist for his message was vital. Accept and you will be accepted, you will be loved, free. On a journey down to nowhere I have realized... Unity is vital.

Sing When people run away from danger, they look for safety. When people pray for one another, they hope. When people sit in silence, they respect. When people help, they give. When guns are let go, they think peace. When people sing, the world is one.

2nd prize Isabella Mead Disarray My heart has finally ruptured of this wicked evil. It takes me hostage in my own pit of undying passion. For so long have I lived and breathed in these shadows of loneliness, And proceeded without the comfort of your warm hands. For too long have I undergone the darkness, Of which this evil places on me. No longer do I feel the need to hide in the sorrows of my past. By the power of which I invest in you, I now only rise in strength, As you grow on me more and more. As I lay in reflection of times more sombre, Only due to my stupidity and ignorance. Have I hovered in fear to seize my freedom, Now I unite with you. You have evoked this fire which blazes in a statuesque manner, Flickering in a harmonious and lustful rage inside me. And yet I decline this sweet blossom the night guest’s whisper of. I roam these golden sun kissed skies in dreams soon to be reality. Like a bird I dive, landing on my feet as my soul shall flourish.

Joint 3rd prize Will Moody I sit here I sit here, relaxing, Thinking little about my fashion, Little about my skin, my eyes Or my language

we’re in the education, information, Literacy age. The world is getting smaller and we embrace more each day

I sit here, thinking About the boats we’ve tried to sink About the crimes we committed It really makes you think...

Media influx mediates us, But its starting to come naturally This generation is starting To get a hang of it

The purpose? The goal? The desired proposition? Does a life of suppression put you in a dark position? Did evolution rise us,

It gets easier every year I grew up with this Accepting one another No remark for this

or revolutionize us? We’re from the same body Looked at with different eyes

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April 05, 2012

Birthday paradise at the Carmen Thyssen museum

what’s on

os Boliches, April 10-27, Exhibition Hall. Roger Cummiskey, expat specialising in artwork inspired by the writing of famous figures including James Joyce and Cervantes, is to showcase his work in an exhibition on the Costa del Sol

IDYLLIC: Renoir

‘Pioneer’ prof gets awarded

HIS history books feature on university reading lists in both Spain and Britain. Now top British scholar Sir Raymond Carr has won a prize for Hispano-British relations from Santander Bank. The judges said Carr was a ‘pioneer, innovator and promoter’ of Spain and that his contribution had helped ‘bring Spain out of its isolation’. Carr’s work covers Spanish history from 1700 onwards, with a particular focus on the Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship. The professor will collect his award on April 11, which is his 93rd birthday.

ijas, until May 14. Jinete, Carretera La Cala Golf Km 4.5, Mijas Costa. Ensalada mixta brings together the work of five local artists; Margit Björklund, Elaine Carlton, Sally Huntington, Richard Wood and Ian Hunter. For more information call 952 119 170. aucin, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until April 21, at El Cuartito. Art exhibition by Jennifer Waterhouse, from Yorkshire, creates pleasing scenes of the village and its surrounding landscapes as well as portraits.

29press 15- April 05 - 28, 2012 the olive

GAUGUIN, Renoir and Pissarro have arrived in Malaga. A new exhibition at the Carmen Thyssen Musuem, celebrating landscapes, has been unveiled to coincide with the museum’s first anniversary. Paradises: Idyllic landscapes features 40 paintings by 17th to 20th century artists, including the trio of artists, whose depictions of the natural world are sometimes true-to-life and sometimes idealised. The Malaga gallery, displaying art from the collection of Spanish baroness Carmen Thyssen, has received over 200,000 visitors since it opened a year ago. The exhibition runs until October 7.

Arrest over Roman antiquity sale POLICE arrested a Cordoba man after a pair of Roman statues were seized just as they were to be sold on the black market. The first century bronze figures, valued at six million euros each, were taken from the Roman site of Sacilis Marcialis, in Jaen. Police located the statues, which weigh 30 kilos each, at an estate in Pedro Abad, near Cordoba, just before they were sold to an Italian buyer.

BIG BOB BACK

Spain’s summer festivals guarantee not to disappoint

EXPLOSIVE: Chemical brothers

FOLK legend Bob Dylan (right) is set to headline one of Spain’s biggest festivals this summer. The American singer-songwriter - famous for tracks including Like a Rolling Stone and Blowin’ in the Wind will play Benicassim over the weekend of July 12-15. Dylan will be joined on the bill by a stellar cast including The Stone Roses, Florence and the Machine, At The Drive-In, New Order, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Jessie J. Not to be outdone, Andalucia is getting in on the action with British electro stalwarts The Chemical Brothers and Orbital set to headline Creamfields Andalucia. Joining them will be Dutch trance heavyweight Tiesto, Above and Beyond, James Holden and Miss Kitten.

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

la cultura

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EN with tears in their eyes is not an image I associate with the macho act of carrying something really heavy. But that is what greeted me when I was invited to take pictures of the team – or brotherhood – who were about to carry the effigies of Jesus and Mary around the streets of Ronda. In stark contrast to the excitable buzz of the waiting crowds outside, inside it was a sombre and intimate moment that clearly meant a lot to those taking part. Small groups of men clad head to toe in white and clutching rosary beads patted one aother on the back while others stood alone offering a quiet prayer to the Virgin. This touching display of emotion made me realise that I had completely underestimated the motivation of

SAFETY FIRST: The team help each other with the back support those involved. In my ignorance, I had assumed it was based on the

What to do this Easter

N nearly every town and village this week there is a procession of flower covered floats carrying statues of Jesus and Mary, followed by Nazerenos, (penitents) in costumes with pointed hoods, brass bands, and half the village. Here we give a run down of what’s on around the region this week…

Sevilla Head to Sevilla if you want pomp and glory at its height. In particular, see the Virgins of the Macarena and Triana which appear at La Madrugada (early in the morning on Good Friday). Almeria Don’t miss los encuentros on Easter Sunday, followed by a gastronomic fair and an auction. On Good Friday there will be a competition between rival fraternities singing Gregorian chants. Cadiz Fraternities, guilds and congregations turn the city into a new Jerusalem, with hundreds of penitents carrying their crosses with tears of sorrow. Devotees march in silent prayer, while the Saeta prayer is sung from a balcony above, chains clank against ankles, and horns, trumpets and drums set the pace of the procession. Cordoba Penitents march with candles through the streets, kneeling, crouching, and standing as they make their way to the temple gate. The air is filled with the aroma of early blossoms, burning incense and candle wax. Granada Head to the hills of

Sacromonte to see the passage of Christ of the Gypsies on Wednesday (miercoles Santo) where huge bonfires in cave houses form the backdrop to Gypsy dancing. Meanwhile Thursday night is the magical night of Albaycin. Watch out for the act of las Chias (characters from the Inquisition dressed in feathers and embroidered costumes) which takes place on Good Friday at the Convent of St. Jerome. And in the breathtaking backdrop of Alhambra, don’t miss the ceremony at Santa Maria on Holy Saturday. Malaga From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, numerous fraternities parade through the streets and neighbourhoods, representing the Passion of Christ from his entry to Jerusalem to his Resurrection. Just before dawn on Easter Monday, up to 30,000 people gather near the parish of St. Paul to see Jesus and Mary transferred from their chapel to their processional thrones. Monday night should not be missed, when the brotherhood of gypsies comes with its cheerful and somewhat unorthodox courtships from Friars Street.

Wherever you are: make sure you get your shopping done before Thursday as many shops will be shut until Monday as town centres close down in order to host the parades.

desire of a team of 20-something lads to show they were ‘real men’ by taking part in the six-hour endurance test. But it quickly became apparent that they were motivated instead by a deep sense of duty that had influenced them for most of their lives. “It’s a tradition for my family as we’re all members of the church,” Granada-based student Jose Ruiz, from Ronda, told me as we waited for the procession to start.

The dark, cramped space was reminiscent of conditions on a slave ship “I grew up watching the parades and have always liked the imagery. “When you see and feel something special like that, it makes you want to be a part of it.” The poignant atmosphere came to an abrupt end when the group leader barked the order for the carriers to get in position. Those taking the first shift began to scramble under

WAITING GAME: A cigarette for the nerves

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the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

31 31

Under the covers the effigies, into a dark and cramped space reminiscent of the conditions one might associate with slave ships. Once under the turquoise veil that hangs down to the floor, the 30-odd carriers are left in total darkness, unable to stand fully upright and just inches apart from those around them. It is certainly not a job for the claustrophobic. The striking appearance of the effigy above them is typi-

As another rain-threatened Semana Santa gets underway across Andalucia, James Bryce goes behind the scenes with one local brotherhood cal of the iconography that drips from every orifice in Catholic churches. The image of the Virgin Mary with her ornate crown, surrounded by dozens of candles and white flowers, is beauty to behold. As we finally emerged into the

A TIGHT FIT: The team gets into position

streets for Palm Sunday - the first parade of the Semana Santa season - the effigies were greeted by a loud round of applause from the waiting crowd, and away we went. It was nothing short of a miracle, for most of the day had been dominated by speculation about whether the procession would actually be able to take place at all. Yet again, Easter in Spain, has been plagued with bad weather warnings and the clouds had been gathering all weekend. The carriers had busied themselves with final preparations, regularly casting their eyes skyward at the ominous rain clouds lingering overhead. A minister took to the pulpit to give updates on the weather. An eclectic mix including men wearing cushioned neck supports and children in pointed

black hats, were hanging off his every word. Twice the start time was put back, pushing everyone into yet another frustrating cycle of sending text messages and smoking cigarettes. I milled around with the group of carriers as they cracked jokes in an effort to break the palpable tension that filled the air, with many of them admitting to feeling un poco nervioso. Earlier I had watched as they helped each other fit the tight, restricting back supports and neck protection that are crucial to be able to safely carry such a heavy object. There had been a sense of purpose as they did so something which had been lost in the delay that followed. It soon returned the second the minister announced the procession was finally given the all clear to begin. She claimed the good news had come from the Met office, but given the surroundings and the occasion, it was tempting to believe it was down to divine intervention.

UPLIFTING: The image of the Virgin moves the crowd and literally uplifts the team carrying her

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

la cultura

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Semana Santa calendar Viernes de Dolores Sabado de Pasion Domingo de Ramos

Friday, March 30 Saturday, March 31 Palm Sunday, April 1 (Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem)

Lunes Santo Martes Santo Miercoles Santo Jueves Santo (regional holiday) Viernes Santo (public holiday) Sabado de Gloria Domingo de la Resurreccion (public holiday) Lunes de Pascua (regional holiday)

Monday, April 2 Tuesday, April 3 Wednesday, April 4 Maundy Thursday, April 5 (The Last Supper) Good Friday, April 6 (The Crucifixion) Holy/Silent Saturday, April 7 Easter Sunday, April 8 (Resurrection) Easter Monday, April 9 Public holiday UK

Easter egg hunt A FREE Easter Egg Hunt is being held at Arboretum Marbella from 3-6pm today (April 4). Families are invited to hunt eggs in teams, and will afterwards learn about the Japanese ‘Nendo Dango’ tree planting technique. This is a great opportunity to explore the arboretum, a permaculture project created in November on deserted scrub land behind Marbella bus station, which aims to plant 131 native tree species.

An Egg-cellent display Youngsters at BSM made some egg-cellent hats for the Easter Bonnet parade. They were very eggcited about the event as were some of the teachers when the mothers also got involved!

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ADVERTORIAL

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

Would Your Tax Planning Stand Up To Scrutiny? By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent - Blevins Franks Taxpayers are facing higher tax liabilities in Spain, sometimes considerably higher. More people will be looking for ways to reduce their tax bills, but you need to be careful about the methods you use and ensure your tax planning is compliant in Spain. We’re beginning to see increasing evidence that the tax authorities mean business when it comes to tax evasion and more and more people will be caught out and faced with large tax bills, interest and penalties. Property ownership and tax declarations The tax authority now uses external information such as land registry records and utility bills, and cross references them with tax returns to find discrepancies. After studying land registry records last year it began writing to Spanish property owners who it believes have not submitted income and wealth tax declarations for 2007, 2008 and 2009. The letter advises recipients to regularise their affairs before the agency proceeds with an enquiry. Overseas bank interest We are hearing more evidence that the Spanish tax authorities are beginning to actively target Spanish residents who have interest bearing bank accounts in the UK or its offshore islands and have not declared this interest on their local tax returns. Under the EU Savings Tax Directive the UK and EU member states (except Luxembourg and Austria) have been auto-

tax evasion to help reduce its budget deficit. The administration hopes that its wide ranging plan against fiscal fraud and tax evasion will bring in additional revenue of €8.2bn this year alone.

PLEEEEEEEEASE SUGGEST A PICTURE!!!

The planned measures include more tax inspectors; greater scrutiny applied to personal and corporate tax returns; more workplace inspections and applying a ceiling on the use of cash payments for certain financial transactions. All this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to lower your tax bill on your savings, investments, pensions and wealth, because there are still compliant and legitimate arrangements available in Spain that could help you do this. You need to seek personalised advice for your circumstances from a professional adviser like Blevins Franks.

matically exchanging information on the interest earnings of EU residents since 2005. Last July the Isle of Man and Guernsey stopped offering the withholding tax option and now also automatically exchanges information with Spain on all interest earnings by Spanish residents. Since the tax authority knows that accounts could easily have been previously undeclared, it will be rather suspicious if it suddenly receives information on large cash deposits that didn’t appear to exist before. There are people who have not been declaring their offshore bank accounts, and it’s now even more likely they will be found out. New crackdown for 2012 At the beginning of this year the Spanish government announced it was turning its attention to a new crackdown on

Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals must take personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www. blevinsfranks.com

For advice on effective tax planning solutions in Spain speak to an experienced wealth management adviser like Blevins Franks. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals must take personalised advice.

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com

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Drug warning Expats speak out about an antibiotic that caused their tendons to rupture

EXCLUSIVE by Wendy Williams A PAIR of British expats have launched an awareness campaign after a common antibiotic left them with ruptured tendons. Gloria Comer and Linda Stevens are furious that they were issued the drugs, marketed by Sanofi Aventis, which should only be used to treat severe or life-threatening bacterial infections. Originally designed to combat anthrax, the pair are now distributing a pamphlet highlighting the serious side effects of Levafloxin and Ciprofloxin, both in the Quinalone group. So dangerous is the drug that in the UK it has been issued a so-called ‘black box warning’, the last step before being removed from the market. In Spain however, the drug is still being handed out for minor infections. The warnings are buried in the small print. “It was terrifying,” said Comer, 65, from Southampton, who spent nine months in a wheelchair after both her Achilles tendons, calf and shoulder muscles ruptured within 48 hours of taking the drug two years ago. “They gave me the drugs as a prophylactic – in case of infection – not even because I needed them,” added the Javea-based pensioner, who has had to learn to walk again. “I still have difficulties getting around.” In total, she claims, around 500,000 people globally have been affected in a similar way. Many were prescribed the antibiotic for urinary infections. Another victim Linda Stevens, 59, from Hampshire, claims to have lost a year of her life to the drug. “I was coming down some steps and both my Achilles tendons went,” she explained. “They had to operate on both legs, which had more or less disintegrated. “That was over a year ago, and I’m still not walking properly. “At the time I didn’t even associate it with the drug. It is very frightening,” added the estate agent. “You might take the drug and feel better, and then months later you get tendonitis.” As Comer added: “Drug companies might tell you it is rare. But you just have to look at the number of victims around the world. “We need to warn people about the dangers.” The pair are now members of the Quinolone Vigilance Foundation – www.saferpills.org - to raise awareness about these drugs and raise money for research. Sanofi Aventis did not wish to comment.

AGONY: Victims Gloria Comer and Linda Stevens are demanding action

ONE TREATMENT AND I HAD STOPPED FOR GOOD The Olive Press meets anti-smoking campaigner Carol Adams from Stop Smoking in Spain

MOKING is going up, despite the tougher smoking ban brought in at the start of last year. As revealed in the Olive Press last issue a new study reveals that 17.6 per cent of Spaniards now smoke which is 0.5 per cent more than in the previous study, in 2007. And more alarmingly there has been an increase in the number of children aged 13 to 16 taking up the habit. “I am absolutely shocked it has gone up,” says Carol Adams from Stop Smoking in Spain. “You would think it would have automatically gone down. “It must be young people who have started smoking that are pushing up the numbers. “I guess it is still quite cool at that age. They don’t understand the dangers. “The only thing you can do is to scare them with education,” added Adams, who is now a fully qualified Bioresonance therapist who has helped thousands of people to stop smoking for good. “As an ex smoker myself I know just how hard it is to kick the habit, and the addiction. “I tried many times and failed due to a lack of willpower and the massive craving of nicotine. I then discovered Bioresonance therapy. “I flew to the UK, had one treatment and stopped for good. The cravings had gone and when I thought about a cigarette, I was in control of it rather than it being in control of me.” Believing this was something that all smokers should at least try Carol and her husband Richard then set up Stop Smoking in Spain, which is now celebrating seven years on the coast. “Most of the clients I have treated are introduced by word of mouth which is a lovely way for me to run a business particularly one that also unquestionably saves lives,” adds Carol. Bioresonance therapy uses electromagnetic therapy and has been used to treat allergies, asthma, skin problems and addiction problems in Europe for over 25 years. The therapy cancels out the nicotine addiction rather than trying to replace it, and also gives the body a complete detox. For more information visit www.stopsmokinginspain.com or call 649 123 238.

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Expat appeals for a ghostwriter to help tell her incredible tale of courage after horse riding helped her overcome rare disease

My mare has saved my life EACH morning on a farm in Mojacar, Barbara Napier rides bareback on her horse Frisona, a tall Friesian mare. It is anything but unusual, but it actually tells a story of tremendous courage. For the 58-year-old American riding the horse was given just months to live after contracting a rare disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels, affecting the nose and sinuses as well as the body’s organs. “It was a death sentence,” she remembers. “They basically told me to go to bed and write my will.” That was eight years ago, but miraculously Barbara has been able to slow down the effects of a rare disease known as Wegener’s almost entirely thanks to horse riding. In a story that is poignant proof that riding can be as therapeutic as it is recreational, she eschewed conventional medicines – including steroids – to rely entirely on her trusty mare. The Californian is now looking for a ghostwriter to help her tell her moving tale. “It’s all drafted, with all the facts and dates – I just need a good writer to make it an interesting read,” she said. Certainly it is an inspirational story. After a total of 30 TRUSTY: Barbara operations Barbara was left so physically disfigured with her horse Frisana that she suffered severe depression, and felt unable to socialise for over three years. She even went blind for a year – but was thankfully able to see again after receiving a double eye implant. AN OUTBREAK of a skin disease that causes ulcers Then, during a trip to see and can lead to inflammation of the liver and spleen relatives in Oklahoma Barbara somehow found the is being investigated by health officials. Cases of leishmaniasis - which usually affects dogs motivation to ride again but can spread to humans - have increased from 15 after eight years out of the saddle. in 2009 to 228 last month. The rise in the number of cases has centred around “It was incredible,” she said. Fuenlabrada near Madrid, where vets say between “I found that not only did seven and eight per cent of local dogs have the dis- riding make me feel more energetic and happier, but ease. The Ministry of Health has announced it will inves- I somehow found a hidden tigate the outbreak of leishmaniasis, which can be strength inside me.” For Barbara the effects of contracted by humans via sandfly bites. riding were so great, she eventually stopped taking the steroids she had been prescribed for Wegener’s. “They were making me feel so sick,” she said. “I just thought ‘why don’t I stop?’” She has since found her symptoms have improved drastically. Ironically, Barbara is no stranger to the healing powers of animals. For 20 years she ran Animo, the first animal-assisted therapy charity in Spain, using horses and donkeys to improve the lives of disabled children. And now, thanks to her newfound strength, Barbara has revived Animo – which collapsed due to her ill health - at the Albero Equestrian Centre, in Almeria. Contact Barbara at animoalbero@hotmail.es

EXCLUSIVE by Eloise Horsfield

Canine disease spreads to humans

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Touched by Angels!

MALAGA has truly been touched by Angels. That is, from successful Almeriabased Angels Nursing group, which has just opened a new office in Arroyo de la Miel. Since being set up in 2008 by Lee and Nicki Wakeman, the group has established itself as one of the leading British Nursing Agencies in Almeria, with another base in Murcia. It offers a 24-hour emergency support facility with instant access to a network of qualified British nurses. This is particularly important considering many expats only have a small number of close family and friends nearby, which sometimes means finding the necessary support is not easy. Combine this with often only a basic knowledge of Spanish, living off the beaten track and worrying about how to handle a panic situation all contributes to stress. But Angels is here to help. The majority of the company’s work involves caring for clients in their own homes. The team also carries out a great deal of work in hospitals, caring and supporting clients or offering respite for the often forgotten carer. Contact info@angelsnursinggroup. com or call 902 026 468.

SAFETY: Jennyfer (right) lives in Snowflake

An oasis in a toxic world Young Spanish woman with extreme chemical allergy forced to flee home for secluded life in Arizona SHE can’t use paper or normal shampoo, and going near any electrical appliances could kill her. Spaniard Jennyfer Sausa suffers from an extreme case of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a medical condition whose victims are highly intolerant to any unnatural substances – making a

By Eloise Horsfield normal life nigh-on impossible. Forced to live with her mother in the middle of a desert in Arizona, the 27-year-old’s life could not be more different from that of her friends back home in Valladolid. She is the youngest member of a

Aspirin helps beat cancer ASPIRIN could help to prevent cancer as well as protecting the heart and arteries, claim to scientists. In what could be a major breakthrough in the battle against the disease, one study showed that low daily doses of the painkiller reduced the risk of developing cancer by a quarter over three years. The risk of dying from cancer was reduced further, by 37 per cent, if aspirin was taken daily for five years or more.

desert community where 60 people with MCS have gathered to live due to the cleanliness of the air. All the houses in her remote village, near Snowflake, are made from entirely natural materials – and one 30-year-old man even roams naked due to an allergy to clothes. Due to serious allergies, Jennyfer needs constant health checks to ensure she has not risked her own life by doing something most people consider perfectly normal, like walking on a carpet or drinking from a plastic bottle. And while living in Arizona has improved her health, sadly Jennyfer will never be able to leave this protective bubble and return to a normal life in Spain.

Are you getting enough? FOR expats it is one less thing to worry about, but a quarter of Britons back home are not getting enough vitamin D. The findings mean that many people face an increased risk of painful bone conditions including osteoporosis, while children may end up with rickets. Around 90 per cent of our intake of the so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’ comes from exposure to sunlight, which converts cholesterol into vitamin D. Low levels are linked to a range of problems including heart disease and diabetes, as well as bowel and breast cancer. “Vitamin D is important for good health, muscle function and a healthy immune system,” said Dr William Marshall, from The London Clinic. Britain’s lack of sunshine has led experts to believe that many people are deficient, with young children and those over 65 at highest risk.

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The puzzle of life

Raymond Prats of Simplecare gives you a checklist on the things to reduce the risk of dementia and help stay young

OGNITIVE training - including puzzles and handicrafts - is known to help slow down the progress, of dementia among the elderly. But now a new study actually shows that it is also able to improve reasoning, memory, language and hand-to-eye coordination. This is particularly important when you consider it is estimated that by 2050 the number of over 65s will have increased to 1.1 billion, with 37 million suffering from dementia. Here are some tips to ward it off: • Take care of your heart: Everything that’s good for the heart is good for the brain as well • Don’t smoke: It’s a risk factor for heart disease and strokes, and some research suggests it increases the risk of Alzheimer’s • Stimulate your mind: It’s important for the mind to be active and for people to take part in activities that involve learning • Choose activities that match your interests, such as doing crossword puzzles or learning to play the piano • Schedule time for these things, just as you would designate a time to work out.

But don’t stress out about it. There is a wealth of data that shows stress is bad for the brain • Take steps to avoid high blood pressure and diabetes. And if you have either, manage them properly • Watch your weight. Studies suggest keeping your weight in check for possible brain-health benefits and to reduce the risk of hypertension and diabetes • Exercise. It’s important for people to be physically active throughout life, beginning in childhood • Avoid excessive use of alcohol or other dangerous drugs. Excessive alcohol use is a risk factor for damage to the brain and seizures. Also, alcohol abuse may put you at risk of a stroke • Know your family health history. More than 50 per cent of the risk of getting Alzheimer’s is inherited • Report problems. Stay alert to memory changes. They might be difficult to recognise because of their gradual, insidious nature. But if you suspect a problem, get evaluated by a physician who’s knowledgeable and experienced in the subject as soon as possible.

For more information visit www.simplecarehealthplan.com

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THE OLIVE PRESS’ MONTHLY GARDENING SECTION

In the latest in our series on the herbs of Andalucia, Sue Rodgers offers some herbal allergy remedies…

Herbal help for hay fever

OR millions of unhappy people, April is the start of the hay fever season. Hay fever is an overreaction of our immune systems. When the pollen of grasses, trees or flowers comes into contact with the mucous membranes of our eyes, noses or lungs, they can trigger an allergic response, hence the sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes. For those who don’t like the side effects of antihistamine pills, there are a number of herbal alternatives. Elderflower is one of the most effective remedies. Fresh flowers are difficult to come by in Andalucia - the closest to me are a three hour hike! But fortunately there is an alternative; elderflower tea bags can be bought at most supermarkets. Make an infusion and drink three to four cups a day, to ease symptoms.

The sting contains histamine and formic acid, easing irritation The tea bags can also be used once cooled – or better still chilled in the fridge – by placing them on the eyes to sooth the dry, itchy irritation that so often accompanies hay fever. Nettles are another excellent remedy to relieve hay fever symptoms. The sting contains histamine and formic acid which appears to ease those irritating symptoms. An infusion made from a handful of fresh leaves, covered in boiling water and left to infuse for five to 10 minutes, drunk three times a day can offer relief.

SOOTHING: Infusions can bring welcome relief Scutellaria baicalensis is a traditional Chinese herb, used in Chinese medicine to treat hot, feverish condi-

tions that has also been used to treat hayfever with some success. It can be bought online in

pill form – but as always when buying online only use reputable companies. Meanwhile, Eyebright – as you might guess – has been used by herbalists for centuries to treat a variety of eye conditions. The leaf, stem and flowers are used to make a compress that can be placed on the eyes to relieve itchiness and soreness. Make an infusion, once cool soak a piece of muslin and place over the eyes and leave for 10 minutes or so. Eyebright can now also be bought in pill form.

HE KNOWS HIS ONIONS! Peter Langdale of Axarquia’s La Palma garden centre embraces the change of season…

Blooming good

THE arrival of warmer days tells us that we have left the winter behind and spring is finally with us. Springtime being the time when most of our parks and gardens are awash with colour. Here in Andalucia one of the stars of the show is the azahar, derived from the arabic Al-azahar and meaning white flower. We would normally associate this with orange blossom but in reality it refers to all the blossoms of the citrus family such as oranges, lemons, limes, satsumas, tangerines etc. These blossoms are also commonly used in infusions and essential oils and have a calming effect. The citrus family is easy to maintain and can be planted in our gardens or in containers and stood on our patio, where we can enjoy their perfume and later their fruit. At Garden La Palma you will find a whole range of citrus plants waiting for you.

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T gridlocks traffic, attracts armies of thieves, and gives firefighters a fortnight of sleepless nights. Valencia’s Las Fallas fiesta is not the sort of place you’d expect to find a reserved Englishman. This street fest, dubbed the ‘festival of fire’,

Remember eggs?

Mad Dog versus Las Fallas always draws enormous crowds. A tricky assignment for someone who gets claustrophobic on Carrefour’s cheese aisle! I haven’t always been this enfeebled. In my youth, I was something of a maverick and once scaled an 80ft supermarket sign. Reeking of Strongbow and Clearasil, I used a disused skip to peg myself up before dragging my lanky frame up the cloudbursting

pole. Recently, however, I haven’t felt like doing anything wild or spontaneous. I wouldn’t say I’ve lost my ‘mojo’ – I’ve just misplaced it. Boy George once said he’d rather have a cup of tea than have sex. I can’t even be bothered to boil the kettle! Las Fallas seemed like the perfect tonic to hopefully inject some madness back into the Mad Dog. I arrived in Valencia at Saturday teatime and was instantly impressed. I’d imagined it as a kind of jealous, ugly sibling of Barcelona and Madrid. A bit like that bean-pole Bee Gee, with the tragic toupee and tinted specs. But Valencia seemed just as grand as the

You careless Wispa!

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Yesterday it was 29ºC. After enjoying a bit of Wham! in the car, I foolishly left a choccy bar on the dashboard. By the next morning it had melted everywhere. What a careless Wispa!

I SCULPTURES: Ninots Big Two. At 7pm, I strolled towards the centro urbano down the sort of backstreets where dark-featured dodge pots straddle Lambrettas and stab each other over porno poker. I felt like an extra in The Twilight Zone. All the men seemed to sport the same unusual hairdos: a spiky-on-top, razored-upthe-sides, with a rat-tail down the back. I mean, what exactly would you call a cut like that? A Castellon Kajagoogoo? I stumbled onto the Plaza de la Reina and was met with a dizzying sight – dozens of gigantic sculptures. Made from wood and papier mache, the purpose of these monuments is to satirise city life and poke fun at politicians and celebs. One of my favourites was a monolithic ambulance tumbling off a cliff, with doctors and patients staring into the abyss. The statue carried a poignant message – namely that Spain’s health system is buggered and we’re all heading to hell in a hand-basket! Some ninots, as they’re known, were like saucy postcards – bursting with nudity and risqué humour. Gawping at these 50ft bums and boobies was like entering a sauna with a magnifying glass. There were plenty of racist niñots too, like a slimy Jewish sex-pest and big-lipped African sunglasssellers. Who says Spain is living in the past? It’s one thing criticising Spain when crowds aim disgusting monkey-chants at Ashley Cole, but in a few hours thousands of kids will watch effigies of Arabs being burned at the stake. It’s little wonder, really. Talking of stakes (or…steaks), the aroma of fresh sirloins sizzling from nearby BBQs was making me drool. I followed my nose and soon noticed hundreds of Spaniards gathered outside a church. Curious, I popped my head around a wall, and came face-to-face with what can only be described as a fragmenting hand grenade… “Tick, tick…..BOOM!” You’ll think I’m exaggerating, but after this thing exploded I literally did one of those Hollywood leaps away from an inferno. In fear of my life, I forward rolled into the doorway of a nearby tobacconist. My arm was injured – from either exploding shrapnel or that forward roll I’d just performed on hard marble. As I lay there getting my eyebrows singed by low-flying rockets, I prayed Claims Direct had a Valencia branch. Then, like Bruce Willis but with a Bolton accent and slightly more hair, I careered down the high street, following signs for the old town.

T wasn’t long ago that we were warned against eating eggs. Eat an egg, they said, and you will die in screaming agony from amoebic salmonella. Now it is bacon that has caught the eye of the health fascists or, to be more accurate, processed meat in general and red meat in particular. Eat more than half an ounce of processed meat and you will be dead before you hit the floor. So says a study carried out by researchers in that culinary wasteland, the DisUnited States of America, and reported with great glee by Doomwatch, also known as BBC News. Never mind the fact that … nor any drop to drink. Thus wrote the British have been Samuel Taylor Coleridge when he pubscoffing a breakfast of lished The Rime of the Ancient Mariner bacon and eggs for deback in 1797. cades, the Italians have However, it would seem that nothing consumed more kilomemuch has changed in the 215 years tres of salami than Antothat have since elapsed. nio Carluccio can poke The island state that is NSGB, sura bread stick at and the rounded by immeasurable quantities Spanish have been doof the wet stuff, is still struggling with ing unmentionable things hose-pipe bans and campaigns to enwith sausages since time courage people to bath with a friend immemorial. – anything to conserve dwindling water Frankly, given the latest supplies. pronouncement, I am They haven’t figured out how to capsurprised that the world ture efficiently the rain that does fall population continues and they can’t afford to pipe it from to endure, let alone inthe northern wet end to the southern crease. dry bit. Let’s ignore hamburgers But all is not lost. As you would expect, and hot dogs – no one in I can resolve the problem of water their right mind would eat shortage in the UK. one of those. My solution may not be a quick fix but I think this latest report it might just provide the long term anis nothing more than a swer that everybody is looking for. manifestation of AmeriI can’t believe that the numpties in can jealousy. government haven’t come up with it I have visited the counthemselves. try often and have noted All that needs to be done is for the govtheir congenital inability ernment to endow one of the premier to make a decent cup of UK universities with enough funds to tea or to fry a rasher of create a Chair in Water Management bacon without incineratwith the express intention of pursuing it. ing research into the issue of providThe tea is always lukeing economic, reliable, long-term and warm and the bacon practical desalination of the water that shatters on your plate encircles the British Isles. That’s it. whenever you try to stick Here’s a million or two quid. Your job, a fork into it. professor, is to keep the reservoirs full Americans are jealous whether it rains for 40 days and 40 of our piping hot tea and nights or not at all. And your solution they envy our two rashers must be reliable and affordable. of back bacon between The entire programme could be fiinch-thick slabs of white nanced by removing the subsidy paid bread that is dripping to wind farmers which only puts up the with salted butter. price of electricity. The health fascists won’t If wind farms are viable they won’t need be satisfied until we are a subsidy to survive, will they? all eating lentil soup for Actually the idea of endowing a univerbreakfast, lunch and dinsity is rather attractive. ner. For my part, the big I can see it now: the Bartie Professor decision is whether to of Applied Water Technology. When the have three rashers or four academics come up with a sustainable with my early morning fry desalination system I up. can patent it, then I can charge by the glassful. What a good idea.

Water, water every where…

Disgruntled of Andalucia (formerly of Royal Tunbridge Wells)

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COLUMNS

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Easter

THERE’S good news for chocolate lovers hoping to indulge in one or two Easter eggs this week. A new study has found that those who eat chocolate on a regular basis actually weigh less than those

By Wendy Williams

who only eat it occasionally. After surveying more than 1,000 adults aged between 20 and 85, researchers at the University of California found that there was a link between greater chocolate consumption and a lower

Higher-profile plonk A BRITISH-owned bodega is aiming to break into the UK market with a new range of Spanish wines. Bodegas Monterebro, based in Murcia’s Jumilla region, will go head-to-head with some of the world’s best wines at tastings in London in May. “We are very confident in the quality of the wines we produce,” director Jonathan Burrows, 31, told the Olive Press. The former UK-based PR, who grew up in Paris, continued: “All you ever hear is Bordeaux this and Bordeaux that, but people don’t realise that Jumilla has some of the world’s best wines. “We are looking to raise the global profile of the region and have had quite a bit of interest from Asia, particularly China.” The Monterebro wines are produced on a

90 hectare estate using Monastrell grapes, with Jumilla widely believed to be the most important growing area in the world for the variety. “People are starting to realise there are some very good Spanish wines offering excellent value for money,” added Burrows, who created his first vintage in 2010.

CONFIDENT: Briton Burrows hopes his wine will raise southern Spain’s profile

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egg surprise Chocolate could soon be added to weight-loss programmes after sensational study body mass index. This was strongest in people who did not overindulge in one sitting but ate a small amount every day.

“People assume that chocolate, because it has lots of calories and is considered a sweet, is therefore bad,” explained Dr. Beatrice

Spanish plague killing fruit trees AN invasive fruit fly spreading throughout Spain could cause ‘a major agricultural

epidemic’, experts have warned. The pest, most commonly known as a vinegar fly, Green vino on show is native to Asia but has spread throughout SPAIN is set to host the third Inparts of Europe and ternational Organic Wine Fair. even the US in recent The event, held in Pamplona on years. April 17 to 18, will showcase the Drosophila Suzukii has organic wines of Spain, Portucaused ‘major damage’ gal and South-west France with to different fruit trees, wine importers from 13 counin particular cherries. tries due to attend. Low quality fruit should Over 50 organic wineries are exbe thrown out and inpected to exhibit their products fected fruit should be from around Spain.The number stored below three deof organic wineries in Spain ingrees to kill the eggs creased last year to 456. and larvae.

Golomb who led the study. “But it’s associated with lower blood pressure, greater insulin sensitivity and favourable lipid profiles. “These are often factors that track with weight.” The results back up previous studies that chocolate – particularly dark chocolate - contains a number of antioxidants found in cocoa that can be good for the heart and can lower blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.

Guilty

However researchers say more study is needed before chocolate can be considered a diet food. “The study does not support the theory that eating large amounts of chocolate will automatically lead to weight loss,” added Golomb. “But those who regularly eat it should perhaps stop feeling guilty for doing so.”

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

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FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

T is a quintessentially British drink best enjoyed as the weather gets warmer in the spring and summer months. The G&T - once called a ‘mother’s ruin’ - has evolved into a timeless classic that harks back to the days of the Empire. But, while the British may have invented the drink, the Spanish have now taken it to another level. According to the Financial Times the premium gin market in Spain has grown by 18 per cent for the past five years. And, even more excitingly, it is the expensive imported brands such as Hendricks and Bombay Sapphire, which are enjoying the fastest growth. Trendy bars have now started to spring up across the country dedicated entirely to the spirit, made from grain and flavoured with juniper berries and so-called botanicals, And last year a Spaniard even won the G’Vine competition for the world’s best gin bartender. Spain has also become the second largest consumer of gin in the world. So where does Spain’s attraction to a gin-tonic, as they call it, come from? According to Fernando Angulo, 31, who runs website Perfect Gin Tonic, which stocks over 200 brands of gin, the drink goes ‘hand in hand’ with the way of life here. “It is a very refreshing drink

It’s all about the lemons!

BEST WITH ZEST: Bartender prepares the lemon in his own unique way at Casares hotel Finca Cortesin

Spain is going nuts for the very British G&T with sales up 18 per cent and even bespoke bars opening to promote the tipple. The Olive Press asked Wendy Williams to find out why that goes well with the character we have in Spain, where people like to drink in the street or in terrazas,” he ex-

plains. “It is best enjoyed in the sunshine and I think this is why it is so popular here.”

Unlike in Britain where adding anything other than tonic and a slice of lemon would be considered revolutionary, in

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GIN TIPS – Drink it to Coltrane’s Love Supreme “It is not a slow drink,” says specialist Fernando Angulo. “It is an aperitif. Drinking time should never exceed 7 minutes and 37 seconds which is the duration of A Love Supreme (Part 1) by John Coltrane!” Spain the limits are endless. “It doesn’t need playing with.” In bars across the country He continued: “The perfect you can find gin served with gin-tonic is not complicated everything from star anise to but often bars fail to get it cinnamon, nutmeg, cucum- right. ber, apple, or liquorice. “A good gin and tonic requires All this has completely caring, understanding and changed how the drink is common sense,” he insists. viewed and it is being taken “Sometimes the bartenders up by a much younger crowd. forget the basics and they As Alexandre rush it. Gabriel, presi“But the most dent of Co- It is best enjoyed i m p o r t a n t gnac-Ferrand, thing,” he conin the sunshine tinues, “is the whose portfolio includes and I think this lemon. Citadelle Gin, “One that is insists: “Only over-ripe or is why it is so Spain knows has pesticides popular here how to make a on the skin or gin and tonic.” one picked a But there are long time bestill those who favour the fore you use it will badly afclassic. fect the drink. “I am a defender of the lem- “Having good ice is also on,” smiles Angulo. “There very important and someare a lot of things being add- thing that people don’t think ed in some of the fashionable about. bars, but they are just trends “If you have bad quality ice and will pass. the impurities from the water “I don’t want to be a part of will go into your drink. “Obvithat game. It gets out of hand. ously the gin is important, but Gin and tonic with lemon is a you can pour the best gin in timeless drink that has been the world over bad ice and around for centuries. the drink will show it.”

DINING SECRETSFOOD of ANDALUCIA.com & DRINK www.theolivepress.es

It gives you Fever-Tree! IT is the world’s first so-called premium tonic. First launched in the UK in 2005 by London entrepreneurs Tim Warrillo and Charles Rolls, Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water is taking Spain by storm thanks to a current craze for gin and tonic. It has even been championed by world famous Spanish chef Ferran Adria who concocted a sopa de Fever-Tree tonica comprised of a granita of bitter orange peel, rose petals and liquid nitrogen, that was on three Michelinstarred el Bulli’s menu until it closed last year. The tonic, widely available across Spain, is more expensive than other brands but the duo insists it makes sense to have good quality tonic as it makes up to 75 per cent of the drink. And it just goes to show, the Spanish may be taking the drink to the next level in terms of how they serve it, but the basics are still British.

Perfect Landing

So how do you make the perfect gin and tonic?

H what a glorious location for lunch! Down on ‘undiscovered’ Queensway Quay, this is definitely one of the true dining secrets of Gibraltar. A privileged world away from the deluge of tourists on Main Street, The Landings is an elegant and relaxed place to dine. Set opposite the Governors Landing, you sit at a clean raffia table, stylishly set, overlooking some of the Rock’s most upmarket yachts, including one – Maghreb V – apparently owned by Russia’s fifth richest man. Said to be a regular – as is Gibraltar’s new Chief Minister Fabian Picardo – he no doubt enjoys the Russian salad, served with a salmonette roulade with pearl caviar. I certainly did. The menu is also appropriately grand, with a superb mix of exciting dishes and plenty of adventurous cuisine. The homemade terrine of duck and foie with pistacio nuts and bacon particularly grabbed me, as did the fact that they have fresh sushi of the day for just 8.95 pounds and some veggie options. But I was most surprised to see a few Jamaican chesnuts making an appearance, including Jerk pork and chicken with Jamaican ‘herb festival’ cake. It all made sense when chef Patrick Rogers sat down. The friendly Jamaican, who trained for five years under Anton Edelman at London’s Savoy, has cooked around the world and most recently ran the massive Secrets Resort and Spa in Jamaica. He turned up here completely by accident and offered his services to the owner, Londoner Ann Hudson, who luckily gave him a go.

Here we include Fernando Angulo’s step by step instructions…

And what a result she has had. “We make all our food from fresh and everything from scratch and I am building up a good team here,” he explains. Aside from the fabulously fresh ‘line caught’ seabass, there was a nice dish of scallops and calamari, served with Parmesan breaded tilapia. The wine list was nicely varied with a couple of Champagnes, a reasonably priced ‘Il Graniao’ Chianti Classico and a Santa Digna Sauvignon coming in at just 14.95 pounds. Much of the credit must go to owner Ann, who previously worked in the fitness business, setting up the Rock’s well known Atlantic Suites health club. She clearly has an eye for style and attention to detail is impeccable, both in the settings and food presentation. “Customer service, food and ambience are the fundementals,” she explains. “If you get those right, you can’t go wrong.” On this showing, she certainly won’t! 15 Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Tel: +350 20066100 wwww.thelandings.gi

ELEGANT: Terrace at The Landings

Ingredients: • Gin previously cooled in the freezer (3 to 5 cl.) • Tonic water (20 cl.) Stored in the fridge (essential to keep the bubbles) • 4 large ice cubes, preferably from ozonated water, kept as cold as possible • 1 fresh lemon, best picked straight from the tree • A little bit of care, understanding and common sense Preparation: 1. Add three or four large ice cubes straight from the freezer. Only take them out as you begin to make the drink so that they do not begin to melt and mix water with the gin and tonic before it is even prepared. 2. Chill the glass by placing it upside down over a lemon and beginning to whirl it round quickly with the ice inside. As well as cooling the glass this step adds a citrus aroma. 3. Add 3-5 cl. of gin depending on the strength. 4. Cut a slice of lemon peel. With clean hands bend the peel so that the juice sprays into the glass. Throw the peel away and cut another slice with a sharp knife paying close attention to avoid any white pith. Add this to the glass. 5. Tilt the glass slightly and slowly pour cold tonic over the ice.

the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012

the FREE

48 the olive press - April 05 - 28, 2012 Piss poor A MIJAS man is facing a 300 euro fine after police caught him urinating in public in Coin.

FINAL WORDS

New lacto

Onwards and upwards in 2012 with 150,000 papers www.theolivepress.es (90,000 digital) and around 150,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

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Telephone: 951 16 60 60

April 05 - 28, 2012

RED MIST: Referee (in white) just before he hit Cerdera (no.3)

Goats’ milk is to be bottled for sale for the first time in Malaga province at a new plant in Casabermeja.

Rugby ref faces prison for pitch assault on teen

Fierce fine

A man has been ordered to pay 8,125 euros in compensation to a girl who was attacked by his pit bull terrier in Alhaurin de la Torre.

Jet new

Budget airline Jet2.com has introduced a new route between Malaga and Glasgow, with another route between Malaga and the East Midlands planned for June.

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EXCLUSIVE by Wendy Williams

Born again

I EXIST: Jade with her Spanish birth certificate finally issued SHE was the victim of an epic bureaucratic mix-up between the UK and Spain that meant she did not officially exist. But after a battle spanning two decades Jade JacobsBrooks (above) from Essex has finally been given an identity.

Two decades after being born on a Spanish holiday, Jade Jacobs finally gets an identity The problem occurred when the 20-year-old was born in Orihuela, in Alicante, while her parents Linda and Victor were on

holiday. The hospital issued the family with temporary paperwork so they could return to the UK. But once there, British officials insisted the documents were invalid and that without a birth certificate they were unable to recognise the child. To make matters worse, when her father returned to Orihuela years later the hospital could find no trace of her birth, leaving Jade in legal limbo.

Frustrating

With no form of identification she has been unable to get a passport, driving license, vote or even go to bars. “It’s been incredibly frustrating,” she said. “When I turned 18, everyone was going to bars and clubs but I couldn’t go because I didn’t have any identification.” In a bid to be recognised Jade wrote to the government, local MPs and even the Queen. But it was not until lawyers Allen and Overy accepted the case and spent three years investigating that Jade was finally recognised. This week the Alicante authorities finally admitted the error and issued her a birth certificate. “I just want to get on with my life,” said Jade, who is now looking forward to her first holiday abroad... but not in Spain!

A RUGBY referee could face prison and a certain ban after attacking a 16-year-old player for a late tackle. The Spaniard has been reported to the police after forward Facundo Cerdera was punched in the face during an Under 18 game between Malaga and Axar-

Tennis tantrum COMPETITIVE dads losing their cool may be a familiar sight at school sports matches the world over. But for Australian tennis star Bernard Tomic, the issue of his ‘annoying’ dad still persists following an on-court row with Spanish player David Ferrer.

Disapproval

Tomic became so frustrated with his father John’s gestures during a game at the Miami Masters, he asked the umpire to make him leave. Footage shows John Tomic, shaking his head in disapproval before Tomic gestures at him to go away.

quia Rugby Club. The incident happened after Cerdera late tackled the son of the referee. “It was a moment of madness on his part,” Axarquia rugby club spokesman Briton Nick Vallance told the Olive Press. “Everyone thought a yellow card was about to be produced instead the referee ran towards the player, who was on his knees getting up, and threw a full punch into the face of the boy.

Hospital

“The referee then threw his whistle to the ground muttering ‘I don’t want to be a referee anymore’ and effectively sent himself off for violent conduct.” Following the assault the match was abandoned and Cerdera was taken to a nearby hospital for a check-up after complaining of soreness inside his ear. His parents then reported the referee to police. While Malaga rugby club refused to give the referee’s name, spokesman Manuel Castro said: “His actions go against our code of conduct. “It was not at all like him, he has never done anything like this before. “There was obviously a conflict between his role as a referee and that of a father. “But he made a mistake and he recognises that.”

No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the explicit permission of the publisher. While efforts are made to ensure the authenticity of advertisements and articles appearing in The Olive Press, the publisher does not accept any responsibility for claims made, nor do contributors’ opinions necessarily represent his own. Copyright Luke Stewart Media S.L 2012