Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 154 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

WHICH BUSINESS GREW BY 50% LAST YEAR? YES, THE OLIVE PRESS...the AND WE press WON’T- February STOP NOW07- February 20, 2013 olive www.theolivepress.es

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Vol. 7 Issue 154

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February 07 - Feb 20,

AS A MILLION PEOPLE DEMAND THAT RAJOY MUST RESIGN OVER BUNGS SCANDAL... By James Bryce SPANISH Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is battling to save his political career after facing increasing pressure to resign over the PP corruption scandal. Nearly a million people have signed an online petition calling for him to step down, amid widespread protests. Opinion polls show that 77% believe he is now no longer fit to lead the country, while 54% believe there should be a general election. Opposition leader Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba has called for his head, demanding that Rajoy be grilled in Congress about the allegations. The prime minister stands accused of accepting illegal cash payments made to topranking party officials over a 12-year period.

Slush fund

Rajoy however fiercely denies the claims, describing them as ‘totally false’ and has said he will publish his tax returns online. Among the other politicians accused of taking ‘bungs’ are current General Secretary Maria Delores Cospedal, Senate President Pio Garcia Escudero and even former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. The money was allegedly taken from a €22 million slush fund hidden in a Swiss bank account controlled by former party treasurer Luis Barcenas. Barcenas kept secret ledgers of money received between Turn to page 2

Who will cut out the cancer destroying Spain? POINTING THE FINGER: But Rajoy and many of his cabinet are said to have received black money from a Swiss bank account

While millions sit on the breadline with the highest unemployment in history, and expats come into the firing line with new laws and taxes, the PM allegedly took 30,000-a-year from an 22m offshore slush fund... Enough is enough!

NEWS

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Will Rajoy resign? From Page 1

1990 and 2008 from donors, including construction firms, and it is these that show the alleged payments to Rajoy. The notebooks, published by Spanish newspaper El Pais at the weekend, show the prime minister was allegedly paid €25,200 each year from 1999 to 2008. Until 2007, Spanish political parties were allowed to receive anonymous donations the ledgers were kept from 1990 to 2009. The PP has threatened to sue those making the allegations, which it describes as a smear campaign. But despite the denials, even Rajoy himself appeared to indicate there was some truth in the allegations, in a cryptic answer to a journalist’s question at a press conference in Berlin. “Everything that refers to me, and that appears there, and to some of my fellow party members that appear there, is not right, except for something that the media has published,” he said. Former PP deputy Jorge Trias Sagnier and five other former senior officials have already confirmed that party leaders received bungs. Moreover, Spain’s chief state prosecutor has confirmed there could be enough evidence to investigate, and the PP has been forced to conduct an internal audit.

Barcenas - who controlled the slush fund – has already been forced to step down from his role as party treasurer after being implicated in the Gurtel corruption scandal, in Valencia. The case involves the alleged awarding of construction contracts by the regional government, in exchange for cash donations. Between 2002 and 2004, secret cash payments were made to Barcenas in exchange for public contracts for construction firm Constructora Hispanica. Barcenas got €600,000 in cash during that time, but only put €114,000 through the PP books as political donations. The rest is alleged to have been put into a central pot, which was then distributed by Barcenas and fellow treasurer Alvaro Lapuerta as backhanders to senior PP officials. A total of €120 million, paid into the fund by a group of businessmen led by Francisco Correa, is believed to have gone undeclared. The payment scandal comes against a backdrop of severe austerity, spending cuts and an unemployment rate of 26%. It also comes as Spain tries increasingly hard to raise taxes and penalise middle class earners. On Monday, the threat of political upheaval forced Spanish bond yields to surge and stock markets to dive.

Q & A of the PP corruption scandal

A one off case?

What is alleged? It is claimed that documents published by El Pais are a list of undeclared or secret cash payments to senior PP members. The documents – which the PP claims are false - are said to be written by the party’s former treasurer, Luis Barcenas, who resigned over a separate scandal last year. What do they say? The hand-written notes, marked with dates from 1990 to 2008, contain a series of columns. The names of senior PP members often appear in a lefthand column. In another column, marked as “have” or “out”, appear numbers. Private companies and businessmen are also mentioned in the documents. Alongside these names, in another column marked “owed” or “in”, there are also often large numbers. El Pais claims these are ‘donations’, and that 70% of them would not have fallen within Spain’s party financing laws, which only allow private donor to give 60,000 euros to a political party in a single year.

What was the role of Luis Barcenas? (above) Luis Barcenas is a former senator, and was the treasurer of the Popular Party from 1990 to 2009. He stepped down from the post, after being implicated in a separate, highprofile corruption case in Spain, known as the Gurtel scandal. In that case in Valencia, he stands accused of tax fraud and receiving illegal payments. As part of an ongoing investigation into the Gurtel case, it emerged last month that Barcenas had previously held a bank account in Switzerland containing 22 million euros. Is Rajoy involved? Mariano Rajoy’s name is written a number of times in the documents published by El Pais. Alongside his name are numbers totalling 25,200 for each year, from 1999 to 2008, the dates to which the documents apparently correspond. This means, if true, he took a total €322,000 in black money, which doesn’t appear to have been declared.

No, corruption cases against politicians have become so widespread over the last decade that it seems to be part of a growing cancer in Spanish society. However this is the first time that so many current and former leaders of the governing party, including the prime minister, have been linked to such a high-profile case.

YOUR SHO

We asked four Olive Press readers their opinion on the scandal engulfing Spain

Paul O’Connell, 56, a photographer from Mijas, believes that the PM should resign, saying that as well as allegations of corruption, Spain’s leader had plunged the country into ‘economic madness’. “In light of these corruption charges, he should definitely step down.Although the truth is, Spain has been rife with corruption for the last 30 years, so it is difficult to know who can replace him?” Martin Nathan, 60, chairman of Talk Radio Europe, in Marbella, said Rajoy should remain innocent until proven guilty and people should refrain from forming an opinion until all the evidence had been heard. He said: “It is simply too early to make a judgement one way or another. He is maintaining that the allegations are untrue and before it is proved you can’t assume the allegations are true.”

How damaging could it be? Even Spain’s right-wing newspapers, such as El Mundo and ABC, who back the PP party, believe that the scandal has already badly damaged the image of the prime minister and his party. There have already been protests and a million people demanding his resignation What happens next? The PP has said it will take legal action against those responsible for what it says is a smear campaign. Meanwhile, Spain’s chief state prosecutor has also said that there could be enough evidence to investigate the allegations against the PP, to see if anything illegal has taken place. While the leader of Spain’s main opposition party, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, has called for the prime minister to resign, unless new strong allegations or further proof comes out, it is unlikely to happen.

Jackie Cornwall, 55, from Vejer de la Frontera, said: “We’ve seen from similar scandals in the UK that corruption is endemic in political life, but in the context of today’s uncertainties, he should only resign if something is proved against him. “That’s assuming there is now a proper legal process to establish the truth, which might be too large an assumption.” Adam Neale, 43, a real estate agent from Estepona, said: “It is certainly not looking good for Rajoy that is for sure. “Is he biding his time so he can make an orderly exit or are the allegations really true? “Let’s hope we see some more excellent investigative journalism in Spain so that all these people can be properly exposed.”

NEWS

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the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

TULISA CUTS SHORT MARBELLA BREAK

X-FACTOR presenter Tulisa Contostavlos was forced to shelve a short break to Marbella early after her boyfriend got involved in a vicious brawl in the UK. The N-Dubz singer was seen looking glum at Malaga airport after she had to return home to see Danny Simpson who had been spotted lying unconscious on a Newcastle pavement with blood dripping from his mouth. Before the incident, the singer had been photographed enjoying food, champagne and shots of Jagermeister at La Sala Restaurant, in Puerto Banus, with friends (right).

Meet Tommy in Torre! GARDEN lovers are being given the chance to get some top tips from Ground Force star Tommy Walsh in the flesh. Finance company HiFX is offering five pairs of VIP tickets to this year’s Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle Show in Torremolinos. Along with meeting Tommy, lucky winners will also be treated to cava and canapes at the action-packed event. The show, which runs from April 27 to April 28 at the Palacio de Congresos, will also feature talks from Olive Press gardening columnist Sue Rodgers. To enter the competition, simply email sueinthesun@hotmail. co.uk with ‘Meet Tommy’ in the subject line.

Gary Linekar flies mum home for health care GARY Lineker has paid for a private jet to fly his sick mum from Spain to Britain for treatment. The Match of the Day host grew concerned for mum Margaret, 73, who now lives in Spain. She had been hooked up to a drip in Tarragona Hospital near Barcelona after becoming ill.

‘Dear, loving and gracious’ By Frances Leate NEW mum, Shakira, has tweeted to the world the first glimpse of her baby with footballer husband, Gerard Pique. The Colombian singer released the first official photo of her son, Milan Pique Mebarak, on the social networking site on Monday. The photo shows the tiny tot in the arms of her handsome husband, Pique, who plays for Barcelona. It shows the footballer cradling his son and plant-

Despite the usually good medical care in Spain, the ex-footballer, preferred that she was cared for in the UK. He paid for a private jet to take her and his brother Wayne, who owns a bar in Marbella, to a UK hospital. See Spanish doctors saved my life on page 29

ANTIQUES ARE BACK

Or Milan... to us the short-version of the name of Shakira and Pique’s new baby ing a kiss on his cheek with the message: “Meet our baby boy Milan.” Shakira, 36, and Pique, 26, have asked for donations to children’s charity, Unicef instead of gifts for their newborn.

Barcelona

The superstar singer said: “We hope that, in his name, other less-privileged children in the world can have their basic needs covered through gifts and donations. “Thank you for sharing this unforgettable mo- NEW DADDY: Pique and Milan see the light ment with us.” The She Wolf singer gave lona.Explaining her son’s Slavic; in Ancient Roman, birth to Milan on January name, she said: “It means eager and laborious. 22 in a hospital in Barce- dear, loving and gracious in “Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.” The families are now spending time together at their home in the Spanish city.

IS PENNY PREGNANT?

PENELOPE Cruz is rumoured be pregnant again. The rumours began after the Pirates of the Caribbean actress, who is married to fellow actor, Javier Bardem, was spotted visiting the Ruber International Clinic, in Madrid, which specialises in gynaecology. Cruz, 38, used the clinic during her first pregnancy with one-year-old son, Leonardo. The news comes just weeks after her 35-yearold sister, Monica, shocked the world by announcing she was pregnant through artificial insemination. The single Agent Provocateur model is expected to give birth a few months before Penelope. Meanwhile Penelope gushed about motherhood in an interview with Vogue in June 2011 and said: “Nature is very wise and gives you nine months to prepare, but in that moment, when you see that face, you are transformed forever.”

GEMS: Eric Knowles FOR those with hidden treasures gathering dust at home, Antiques Roadshow star Eric Knowles will be heading to Mijas to lend a helping hand. The expert will be providing free valuations at this year’s Over 50s show on May 18 and 19 following its move from Estepona. The huge lifestyle event is returning to the Hippodrome and will feature everything from golf lessons to wine tasting. Other attractions will include cooking demonstrations, computer lessons, yoga classes, an art exhibition, legal advice and guidance on cosmetic procedures. For further info call 902 003896 or email john@slp. ie

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NEWS

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EXECUTED Expat calls in cops after pet dog beaten to death in her drive

A BRITISH expat has called in police after witnessing a dog being ‘brutally beaten and killed’ outside her home in Almogia. Susie Murdoch, 55, saw a man trying to retrieve a male mastiff from the top of her drive before launching a vicious attack on the animal. “I saw the mastiff, then a man following it and shouting as it tried to hide behind a tree. He picked up a very large stick from the ground and began beating the dog

EXCLUSIVE By Mason Jones so I ran up the drive shouting,” said Murdoch. “He shouted something back at me in Spanish and then walked away.” As the owner left the premises, Murdoch went after the injured animal. After nearly 30 minutes of searching, Murdoch saw the dog collapse in a nearby field through a pair of binoculars. Murdoch, originally from

Please save our fish THOUSANDS of rare and endangered fish are at risk of death as an aquarium falls further into financial hot water. The aquarium - Andalucia’s largest - in Roquetas de Mar is likely to have its electricity switched off due to an unpaid bill for €9,500 this week. The cut off would cause the death of more than a thousand different species, including rare and protected fish. It has been struggling under a €3.5 million debt for several years.

Brighton, found the animal dead with what appeared to be a broken spine. After reporting the attack to the Guardia Civil, Murdoch has been asked by some locals to withdraw her claims because ‘the man has a wife and children’. “That is something I will not do,” she said. “It’s absolutely disgusting, the dog was killed just because it wouldn’t go back to him,” added the expat. It emerges that the man, who is thought to be in his mid-forties, also owns several other animals. Mastiffs are commonly used throughout Spain to guard livestock due to their size and temperament. The incident is just one of many recent reports of animal cruelty in Andalucia, with one man running over his dog recently in Estepona. The case has now been referred to the Guardia Civil.

NEWS

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Pensioners find they are uninsured after robbery despite signing insurance forms and having money in their bank to pay it AN elderly couple who claim to have been bullied by their bank into changing their insurance policy were devastated to discover they

the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

INSURANCE STITCH UP were not covered after being burgled. Terry and Doreen Barker, both in their 70s, say they felt ‘intimidated’ by their

bank Unicaja after visiting it in May 2011. After what Mr Barker describes as ‘hard sales tactics’ the couple were talked into

ELECTRIC NEWS FOR PYLON COUPLE THE Olive Press can claim another victory in fighting bureaucracy in Spain after we exposed town hall bosses who had stopped home owners getting electricity installed. It comes after we told in our last issue how Ken and Val Kendal had been fighting for ten years and spent €90,000 trying to get electricity in their home in Yunquera. Despite erecting 12 pylons and doing everything by the book they were told by their town hall that a new law was prohibiting them getting

switched on. However, after the Olive Press contacted town hall bosses it sparked a turn around and within a matter of days Endesa were given the go ahead to install a meter and turn on the electricity. The reason for the U-Turn is still unknown, but Kendal said he was delighted with the decision. “Thanks for all your help. The day after the article appeared I went to Endesa and signed to have it turned on and we now have electricity after ten long years.”

EXCLUSIVE By Frances Leate cancelling their insurance policy with Linea Directa and swapping for one with Caser, owned by Unicaja. They received a food mixer as part of the deal and signed up to an annual direct debit scheme for a total of €411.13 to insure their property in Velez-Malaga. In February, while celebrating his 75th birthday, the couple were contacted by their security company to inform them they had been burgled. The burglars stole Mrs Barker’s jewellery, money from their safe and a laptop computer, all totalling around €8,000. Mr Barker said: “When we returned we couldn’t believe what we were seeing, there was absolute destruction everywhere.”

THE BARKERS: Let down by bank But unfortunately worse was to come when they contacted Caser to claim on his home contents insurance. “They told me the policy had been cancelled and when I contacted Unicaja they confirmed the horrifying news,” he explained. “This was despite never receiving any communication from them. Quite simply the direct debit had not been processed and the premiums had not been paid. “We were beyond devastated, we couldn’t bear to sleep in the house and my wife even wanted to go back to England. “As if this wasn’t enough we even got let down by our own bank.” He added: “We should nev-

er have given in to them.” Despite having all the insurance documents signed by the bank, plus never having less than €4,000 in the account at any time, the bank insisted the policy was void. A spokeswoman for Unicaja said the bank had sent two letters to Barker informing him of the problem with the direct debit, although Barker claims he never received them. The spokesperson added: “Unicaja is willing to listen to considerations of Barker, in line with the attention and service that the company provides to its customers.” The couple have since employed a solicitor who is now handling the case.

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

OPINION Time to go SPAIN’S prime minister is under intense scrutiny over the illegal payment scandal that is threatening to engulf his government. The idea of political corruption is clearly nothing new in Spain and is so endemic throughout town halls and central government that it has almost become normalised. But the allegations facing Rajoy and the PP are far from normal and the importance of uncovering the truth behind the scandal cannot be over-emphasised. If it transpires that top government officials were indeed taking illegal cash payments from a secret slush fund, the legitimacy of their ruthless pursuit of the little man is completely undermined. How can a government that wilfully allows ordinary Spaniards to be made redundant and kicked out of their homes while creaming off thousands in undeclared payments be treated with any credibility whatsoever? It seems unlikely at this stage that Rajoy will step down, as he vows to continue his battle to save Spain’s shattered economy. But with 77% of Spaniards believing he’s unfit to lead the country, surely from now on he will be little more than a dead man walking.

Checks for animal owners In recent months we have seen a string of reports about animals being tortured and killed in Andalucia. From a dog being run over by its owner (issue 153) to a man breaking his dog’s back in this issue. While the fact that laws have now been put in place to prosecute animal abusers is undoubtedly a good thing, not enough is being done to protect the animals in the first place. The SPAP (Spain’s RSPCA equivalent) do a great job of caring for injured and unwanted pets but first we must tackle the root of the problem, the owners. If this kind cruelty continues it should be mandatory for wouldbe animal owners to undergo checks for previous violent crimes along with passing a basic animal care test.

Milan really? AS far as weird and wonderful names for babies in Celebland go, the more bizarre the better. Sadly, for a whole generation of famous children, no law has yet been passed to prevent famous families naming their children after a variety of fruit and vegetables (Apple -Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin) and we have even had a child born into the world named after a town in Essex (Harlow-Nicole Richie). And thanks to Sir Bob Geldof, the champion parent of weird name calling, we have had Peaches, Fifi, Pixie and Tiger Lily. So when Shakira and her husband, Gerard Pique, announced their tiny newborn would be blessed with the name of the Italian city, Milan, people barely batted an eyelid. We at the Olive Press wondered if perhaps they were either doing a Victoria and David Beckham by naming him after the city he was conceived in (Brooklyn) or that Pique was hoping to make a transfer to the Italian team.

theEE

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

olive press

Tel: 951166060 (admin) or 952895230 (editorial) A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 186,000 copies distributed monthly (120,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month. Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 Urb Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350 Malaga Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es News editor: James Bryce james@theolivepress.es Reporters: Frances Leate frances@theolivepress.es Mason Jones mason@theolivepress.es

Distribution: 951 166 060 Admin/advertising sales: Pauline Olivera admin@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: West Costa del Sol Jane Jewson 673 958 858 Axarquia Charlie Bamber 661 452 180 Cadiz Elizabeth Gould 683 337 342 Ronda/San Pedro/Marbella Jon Clarke 691 831 399

OST people travelling to Andalucia on holiday or even moving here to live will no doubt be moved by the plight of the thousands of abandoned and stray animals roaming the streets and countryside. But it takes a certain kind of person to decide they want to do something about it. From donating, adopting, volunteering and fundraising these determined people with the will to change things for the better are working behind the scenes at a handful of animal charities in Southern Spain and making a daily difference to the lives of animals. In far too many cases they are saving them from death through starvation or unimaginable cruelty. Mary Page, chairman of Adana animal rescue, in Estepona, moved to Spain several years ago and while walking her dog in the countryside her and her partner came across a female dog close to death. She said: “The dog was completely skeletal and looked as though its eye had been kicked in. “It was a shocking sight.” Despite taking her home and making daily trips to the vet after a week it was apparent she was suffering too much and Mary reluctantly had to have her put to sleep. “It was then we realised that although, originally, we had moved to Spain for the quiet life, the problem of abandoned dogs was so great it just couldn’t be ignored,” she said. Mary then got involved with Adana, which has been running in the Estepona area since 1989. Set up by English expats and

FEATURE It’s a dog’s life for many animals on the Costa del Sol thanks to an army of expats who give their time to caring, discovers Frances Leate

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HAPPY: Jorgen and Jane with puppy

Puppy love local Spanish people concerned by the growing numbers of abandoned dogs in the seaside town, the rescue kennels take in up to 400 dogs and puppies each year, re-homing around 250. Last November alone they had more than 60 dogs coming into the centre. The charity has the all-important kennels, a second hand shop in Camino Padre Cura, Estepona, and a stall at the Sunday Rastro, in Sabinillas, but are entirely reliant on fundraising and donations from the public to fund the €8,000 a month it costs to shelter, vaccinate and feed all the dogs. The charity has been in talks with Estepona Town Hall

(which has a statutory re- centre who had endured terrisponsibility to provide shelter ble cruelty, both her ears had for abandoned animals) to been cut off and the story help with funding in the fu- saddened many people. ture but in the It is now meantime they hoped she have around can be adHoming a puppy 200 dogs and opted and puppies in their find a home is one thing, findcare, all in need where she ing a home for of homes. will be With only three treated in an older dog is to five volunthe way she teers helping deserves. another out each day Another and two memdog, now on bers of staff, her way to Mary admits there are simply recovery and awaiting adoptoo many dogs. tion, was found starving and However, putting a dog to chained to a tree. sleep is only ever a very last While the Olive Press was at resort. Adana a Danish couple were She said: “All the dogs we choosing a puppy to take take in are checked home, one of the more hapover by a vet, fed and pier occasions at the centre, given shelter. the couple were thrilled with “Then we advertise their new found friend, who the dogs on our web- was also clearly grateful to A LEADING expat insurer, Liberty Seguros, has launched a new site for adoption. find a proper home. pet insurance policy. With the cost of vets fees increasing every “They are well cared However, homing a puppy is year the policy will make sure your pet is protected if it needs for and we would only one thing, finding somewhere treatment because of an accident or illness. The affordable insurever put a dog to sleep for an older dog that may not ance will not only cover against accidents and illnesses but public if it was too vicious or have the ‘cute factor’ is anliability, a stay in kennels if you are taken into hospital and help gravely ill.” other. with the expenses of finding your pet if it gets lost. Pet owners Earlier this month, a Some dogs have spent half who take out a policy before March 31 will receive a €25 shopping very timid female dog their life at the centre, always voucher to spend in El Corte Ingles. Contact www.libertyexpatriwas bought in to the being passed by by potential ates.es or call 902 255 258.

NEW PET INSURANCE LAUNCHED

Got a news story?

Contact our team of journalists in our Costa del Sol office on

951127006 or 691831399 or email newsdesk@ theolivepress.es

www.theolivepress.es owners. Mary said: “We have dogs here that may never get homed. It is very sad for them because they would certainly benefit from some human love and affection in their last few years of life.” An adopted dog, vaccinated, microchipped and neutered or castrated, costs €150 and comes with a pet passport. Older dogs that have been at the centre for a long time will be given to a good home for free. To see the full list of dogs for adoption or fostering or to find out about fundraising events, volunteering or becoming a flight companion, visit the charity’s website: www.adana.es.

FEATURE

the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

OTHER ANIMAL CHARITIES IN ANDALUCIA TRIPLE A: The Marbella and San Pedro based charity cares for around 500 abandoned and abused cats and dogs. Visit www.aaahelps.com, or call 952 771 586.

Please help us find a home The Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses (ARCH) is a volunteer run charity that provides care for abandoned horses and donkeys based in Alhaurin el Grande. Resident, Indio, is looking for a home. The 15-year-old Skewbald Gelding pony is 13.2 hands, gentle, well-mannered and loves children. For more information about Indio or to volunteer, donate or adopt call Jill on 0034 656 935 613 or Claire on 0034 635 798 219. Or email: info@horserescuespain.org. Adana dog rescue is based in Estepona and cares for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Henry is recovering from a nasty eye infection and needs to be given eye ointment three times a day. He needs lots of TLC and the vet says his best chance for a better life would be to find a caring home. Volunteers at Adana have described him as a wellbehaved and patient dog. Anyone able to foster or adopt Henry can contact the centre on 0034 952 113 467 or email adoptions@adana.es.

The National Association of Breeders of Rare Andalucian Giant Donkeys (ANCRAA): This Association has a breeding sanctuary in Estepona. Visit www.ancraa.org or call 952 790 511. CYD SANTA MARIA: This Malaga-based charity cares for abandoned and mistreated horses.

Animals in Distress (A.I.D) was set up by Jose and Janice Ruiz and their mission is to reduce the amount of stray and abandoned animals in the Coin area.They moved to the Costa del Sol in 1998 and are now a registered charity with a team of volunteers looking after 250 animals a year. The couple are keen to find a home for Carmen, who came into the rescue centre as a pup a year ago.She is a Dalmatian cross who was found with her mum. She is described as a fun loving pup who likes her walks. For more information visit www.animal-in-distress.eu.

For more information visit: www.asociacioncydsantamaria.es. PAD: The PAD animal charity saves many abandoned dogs and cats and finds them new homes. Call Barbara on 952 486 084 or email: info@padcatsanddogs.org PEPIS DOG REFUGE: Pepis Dog Refuge is a registered non-profit charity solely run by volunteers to help fight animal cruelty towards Galgos, Spanish Greyhounds. Visit www.pepisdogrefuge.com

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SHE DESERVES HER BIG DAY... IN COURT! EXCLUSIVE By Mason Jones

A VICTIM of a Marbella wedding planner who fled Spain leaving a trail of unpaid debt has called for more people to report her to Irish police. The Olive Press reported in October that Spanish Dream Weddings owner Sue Danker (far right), allegedly ‘vanished’ without paying at least 15 suppliers. She also left a number of couples ‘high and dry’ on the day of their wedding before moving, it can be revealed, to live near Dublin. Now Keith Comerford, who is still owed €1,200 from Danker, believes more people will have to report her before action is taken. “The Department of Public Prosecution in Dublin said that if enough people report her and there is a strong enough case they might send an investigator out to Spain,” said the 31-year-old Dubliner.

Foul Play

Like many of those who have approached the Olive Press regarding Danker, Comerford was only aware of foul play when suppliers began to call asking for money. “When we met Sue she had a good vibe and she said she’d do it for a good price. “I gave her €2,000 to pay everyone on the day but after the wedding our photographer called up saying he needed his €500.” Comerford was later contacted by other suppliers, who again claimed they had not been paid. One couple told the Olive Press they had to pay for their entire wedding again, totalling over €15,000, and several others are still owed thousands by Danker, including Tanya Brown, who got married last summer in

Smart quote YOU can now get a car insurance quote in just three minutes via your smartphone. It comes thanks to a new website launched by Línea Directa, which can give you the quote after just 10 questions. The website will initially be available for offering car insurance quotes and hopes to give over 150,000 quotes a year via the method.

Victim of Marbella wedding planner calls for victims to come forward to get her investigated Nerja. Comerford feels he and his wife ‘got off lightly’ with a bill of €1,200. At the time of publication the Olive Press has been un-

able to contact Danker, who is now thought to be living in Swords, Dublin. See our wedding supplement starting on page 19

Sad end for expat A CHARITY worker who had been missing for several weeks has been found dead. Richard Sturman, 82, who worked at Cudeca, was found dead after falling down a bank beside a road. A colleague who worked with him described him as a ‘wonderful man’ who cared about other people.

Travelodge set to expand in Spain UK budget hotel chain Travelodge is expanding and building two new hotels in Spain. Some €327 million is being spent on the two new hotels in Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a refurbishment of three other hotels it owns around Spain.

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Landmark meeting Phoenix group campaign gets Spain’s ombudsman on the case CAMPAIGNERS fighting to have their homes rebuilt after the Mijas fires have held a ‘breakthrough’ meeting with Spain’s top ombudsman and local councillors. Members of the Phoenix Campaign group met with Soledad Becerril in La Cala de Mijas before taking her on a tour of the fire ravaged area. Spain’s leading upholder of citizen’s rights, a former government minister, promised to fight for their case. Most of the victims have been waiting five months to get the go ahead to rebuild their homes after the fires last August. The meeting was also attended by Mijas deputy mayor Carmen Marques and a number of councillors. Pat Laing, campaign spokesman, explained:

By Frances Leate “The meeting went really well. She is pretty powerful and will now ask some questions of the Junta. “I think we were very lucky to get a face to face meeting with her.” The issue-backed by an Olive Press campaign-was also recently discussed in the Andalucia Parliament and it was unanimously agreed the situation should be resolved as soon as possible. In the meeting Green councillor Juan Porras, said he hoped his vote would help to ‘unlock a situation that affects many people’. Meanwhile, PSOE spokesman, Fuensanta Lima, said: “The municipal officers should approach the scattered groups to explain to those affected the process forward.”

9 News IN BRIEF

Double death A SEVILLA woman charged with double infanticide after two dead babies were found in her freezer does not have a mental disorder, according to psychologists.

Budget visits Malaga province attracted the same number of tourists last year as in 2011, but they stayed less time and spent less money.

Road rumpus A group fighting for the completion of the link between Coin and the A357 motorway has announced it is to file a criminal suit over the Junta’s failure to conclude the works.

Super support President of the Mercadona supermarket chain, Juan Roig, has launched a scheme to help entrepreneurs fund sustainable and innovative projects.

the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

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GREEN NEWS

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the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

Don’t dig up Doñana Environmentalists threaten action after license is issued to explore for gas near park, where the world’s last lynx still cling on to survival

No wind up Windfarms break a record SPANISH windfarms have produced more electricity than any other power source for the first time in Spain, according to an industry body. Over the past three months more than a quarter of the country’s energy came from wind turbines, which out-performed both nuclear and coalfired power stations. In total, Spain delivered over six terawatt-hours of electricity from its wind farms in January alone, according to the Spanish Wind Energy Association. “Since November 1, wind has been the top technology in the electrical system,” read a statement. “The last time any technology exceeded six terawatt-hours of monthly generation was in 2010, when it was combinedcycle gas turbines.”

ONE of Spain’s most important conservation zones is under threat after a gas company was granted permission to drill for gas in the area. The site is on the border of

MAYORS BOYCOTT NEW COAST LAW MEETING MAYORS and councillors refused to attend a meeting called by the Junta to discuss a new controversial planning law. Not one of the Costa del Sol’s PP Mayors turned up for the meeting to ratify a new law which bans construction within 500 metres of the coastline. The politicians are angry that the so called Ley de Costa, which came into force in November, aims to halt much of the construction that was originally planned in the 1980s and 1990s. It means that scores of development projects, which many town leaders hoped would bring in revenue and jobs, will now no longer happen.

The decree affects 11 towns in Malaga including Estepona, where the construction of 16,751 projected properties is no longer likely. This includes a scheme linked to the Saudi Arabian royal family which involved building a luxury residential development with 1,477 homes, a hotel and a golf course on 60 hectares of land. The new law may also have an impact on the new CHARE hospital development in Cerros de Aguila which aims to serve patients in Mijas and Fuengirola. In the Axarquia, schemes in the La Noria, Playazo Beach and Punta Lara areas are also in jeopardy.

By James Bryce Donana National Park, which is a key habitat for the endangered Iberian Lynx. Petroleum Oil Gas-Espana has been given the go-ahead to analyse the soil to determine the potential profitability of gas extraction in the region. The project, which could include the construction of an 18 kilometre-long gas pipe, moved a step closer to reality following the granting of a Declaration of Environmental Impact document.

Block

The company is due to invest €2.2 million in the scheme, which has been criticised by environmentalists, who may now call on the EU to block it. “The foremost goal of this project is the production of natural gas, and the second goal is to later use the deposits as underground gas storage,” according to a government spokesman.

Green news IN BRIEF

Africa fishing SPAIN looks set to strike a new ‘more profitable’ fishing deal with Morocco, according to Andalucian Federation of Fisheries boss Pedro Maza.

Olive woes Andalucia’s olive harvest is expected to total 560,000 tons this season, down nearly 60% from last year and the worst since 1999.

Health dump Envronmental group, Ecologists in Action, have written a public letter to Nerva Town Hall urging them to study the effects of a nearby land-fill has on public health.

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

NEWS

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Fergie pal killed in blaze David Elias had allegedly previously faked his own death following €100m investment scandal

AN investigation has been launched into a Costa del Sol house fire which killed a friend of the Duchess of York. Property magnate David Elias (above) is believed to have been overcome by noxious fumes caused by a candle setting fire to a rug in his Marbella home. Elias is believed to have pre-

NO INVESTIGATION AGAINST RUSSIAN EXPAT A MADRID court is to hear whether El Pais libelled a Russian entrepreneur over claims he laundered money for African leader Teodoro Obiang. A Moscow court has already ruled that the article about Vladimir Kokorev was libellous. It claimed he was involved in a money laundering scheme for various officials from Obiang’s Equatorial Guinea government. The scheme involved the purchase of various properties including two in Madrid and one in the Canary Islands and Kokorev was said to have laundered “immense amounts of money”. However, the Spanish government has denied any investigation against Kokorev. According to his lawyer Kirill Yaschenkov it is “absurd” that Obiang would launder money via Kokorev in Spain to acquire a modest 90m2 apartment in Las Palmas, of Gran Canaria.

viously faked his own death after the Serious Fraud Office launched an investigation into the collapse of an investment firm. He was declared dead in May 2009 having apparently died from pneumonia and his ashes were said to have been scattered in the Borneo jungle. But the businessman mysteriously reappeared in Spain 18 months ago and had been living in an apartment in Nagueles with his eastern European girlfriend. A neighbour raised the alarm after seeing smoke pouring from a window of the property. “He was alone, he had told his girlfriend not to come over because he wanted to sleep,” said a friend. “There had been a power cut in his building and it seems the candles he had lit burnt down and set fire to some rugs. “Apparently they gave off noxious fumes.”

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the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

GIBRALTAR NEWS

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GIBRALTAR NEWS

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Cruising for commerce

PLAYING THE GAME UK gambling firms based in Gibraltar are facing fresh scrutiny over their tax dealings after it emerged offshore bookies are saving €290 million a year on UK tax. All of the top 10 so-called ‘remote gambling’ operators are now based in offshore tax havens including Gibraltar. This has cost the UK Treasury more than €1 billion in lost duty since 2009, yet the loophole is expected to remain open for a further two years.

Favourable

Two of the UK’s leading betting firms, William Hill and Ladbrokes, are both UK plcs with a large presence on the high street. But bets placed via their websites or phone lines are regulated and taxed in Gibraltar, which offers more favourable tax conditions compared to the UK. Many firms claim to have been forced offshore due to what they describe as the UK’s ‘uncompetitive’ tax rate. Ladbrokes said it had moved offshore ‘to survive and compete’, while William Hill insists it pays corporation tax on the whole group’s earnings.

the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

LUCRATIVE: Cruise ships bring substantial revenue

TOP officials from a number of cruise companies have visited Gibraltar to see what the Rock can offer holidaymakers. The familiarisation trips are the latest effort by the government to attract more visitors to Gibraltar. Tourism Minister Neil Costa is meeting executives from Thomson Cruises this week, having already entertained representatives of Carnival UK. “I am very pleased to welcome senior executives of another cruise company to Gibraltar,” said Costa. “Their visit is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to increase cruise ship calls and to develop new tours for passengers.”

Don’t stub us out A GIBRALTAR MEP has called on the EU to investigate whether new restrictions on the sale of tobacco discriminate against Spaniards living near the border. Recent legislation introduced by the Spanish government restricts the number of cigarettes people living within 15km of the frontier can bring into Spain from the Rock. The figure has been reduced to 80 cigarettes each month, compared to

200 previously. Liberal Democrat MEP Sir Graham Watson has called on the European Commission to investigate whether or not this is a fair policy. In questions tabled in the European Parliament, Watson points out that the same policy is not applied to Spaniards bringing tobacco into the country from Andorra, Ceuta and Melilla. He said: “With VAT and duty being lower in Andorra as well as Melilla

Sir Graham Watson calls on EU to investigate whether new restrictions on tobacco imports are fair and Ceuta, these territories represent a threat to customs revenue similar to that posed by those entering Spain from Gibraltar. “In light of this, does the Commission consider that a consistent, fair and nondiscriminatory approach

would see similar thorough checks also being required at these frontiers?” Guardia Civil officers seized a total of 7,898 cartons of cigarettes and 299 vehicles in 484 separate incidents at the Gibraltar border in January alone.

Gib IN BRIEF New heights Gibraltar government has built an openair escalator linking Engineers Lane with the Upper Town area of the Rock.

Power struggle GSD leadership candidates Daniel Feetham and Damon Bossino have given presentations to the party executive in a bid to win support.

Back track Spanish cross-border workers association Citypeg has apologised to the Gibraltar Government over discrimination claims made in December.

Minister visit Spain’s Minister for Social Services Samantha Sacramento has visited a centre for people with learning difficulties in La Linea.

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013 16

Axq IN BRIEF Infant support ALMACHAR Mayor Jose Gamuz said that parents of children born in 2013 will receive shopping vouchers and a 12 month work contract will be offered to one of the parents if they are both unemployed.

Con-vert Velez-Malaga’s 16th century Las Claras convent may be bought by the town hall and converted into a cultural centre after lying empty for over three years.

Town spend Velez-Malaga Town Hall has announced it will publish an annual declaration of spending and profit on www. velezmalaga.es.

AXARQUIA NEWS

31 www.theolivepress.es

Off-duty hero Policeman on holiday wades in to arrest a robber armed with a knife

AN off-duty policeman and two local residents have stopped a knifewielding caravan burglar in Velez-Malaga. Owners of the caravan, a father and his son, were

Care-home closure A DAYCARE centre for the elderly has shut in Riogordo leaving six OAPs with nowhere to spend their days. The home has been forced to close after being hit with losses of €30,000. Local mayor Antonio Ales admitted: “We have a set plan to meet a debt of nearly €1 million and we simply cannot find €30,000 to serve just six people.”

By Mason Jones surprised to come home to find two men removing items from their trailer last Thursday at 4.00 pm. While one of the robbers fled the scene immediately, the other man pulled out a blade measuring 14 centimetres.

Stanley knife

Alerted by the commotion, an off-duty police officer managed to grab the weapon and wrestle the man to the ground before back-up arrived. Police later found the man was also armed with a Stanley knife and a screwdriver. Velez Malaga mayor Francisco Bonilla congratulated the officer, pointing out that he had also solved two other crimes in the town in just one week.

School attacker gets prison A MAN who assaulted his child’s teacher at a Velez-Malaga school has been given an eight month suspended prison sentence. The incident, reported in our last issue, occurred when the student at IES Reyes Catolicos school called her father after she was told off for being late. When he arrived at the school, the man entered the classroom and assaulted the teacher by grabbing his head and pushing him to the ground. The attack, which took place in front of the girl’s classmates, left the teacher with an eye injury and cuts and bruises. A 300-strong crowd later gathered to condemn the incident, which education authorities in Malaga described as ‘disgusting’. Along with the suspended sentence, the father has also been ordered to pay the teacher over €430 in compensation.

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the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 78.24% full Same week last year: 76.92% Same week in 2003: 57.25% 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 1.3258 American Dollars 0.8151 British Pounds 1.3114 Canadian Dollars 7.4605 Danish Kroner 10.275 H Kong Dollars 7.3611 Norwegian Kroner 1.6153 Singapore Dollars

Dear Olive Press, ALL the English newspapers seem to be focusing on the threats of huge taxes and fines relating to any assets held outside of Spain. Have the Spanish decided that bleeding us expats dry will get them out of the financial black hole that their greed and corruption got themselves into in recent years? I’m rather cynical at present, because I just found out this week that as a resident of Benalmadena for many years, my modest 3 bedroom villa, if sold, would attract a Plus Valia local property tax of over €46,900. I therefore can never afford to sell my property and move even if I want to. John Attenborough, Benalmadena

Belt up I suffer from Parkinson’s disease and don’t drive any more but I have a Citroen Saxo which a friend drives for me. We decided to visit Torrox Costa one evening and at the entrance to the Avenida del Faro we were stopped by the Policia Local. They asked us where we were going and if my friend was prepared to take a breath test.

LETTERS

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Bleeding us dry

He was and it was negative. They asked whose car it was and for the car’s documents. This all took some time and at the end of it all the officer said that he was going to issue my friend with a denuncia for not wearing his seat belt. My friend strongly protested because he was wearing it but the policeman said he had only just put it on. I know my friend was wearing his seat belt. Not only does he always do so, but with the effects of Parkinson’s disease, I sometimes have difficulty putting my seatbelt on and it has become a ritual that, after putting his on, he helps me with mine. The police were mistaken. It was very dark both inside and outside the car and difficult to see clearly. I was wondering if you had heard about any other problems with the Policia Local? Ernest Hole, via email

Fueling debate I was amazed to read Julian Ward’s letter on the subject of the Winter Fuel

Thank you to all at Age Care I have been caring for my mother, who is soon to be 102, for several years. Last June what little help we received from the Ley de Dependencia was stopped due to the crisis and I am now finding it very difficult to cope as she is severely incapacitated. Age Care were very kind and offered to pay for a month’s stay for her at a local elderly people’s home on Benalmadena Costa, thus enabling me Allowance in your last issue, especially considering the marked difference in temperature in Fuengirola compared with the UK at this time. For a person who has lived in Spain for the last 25 years and who has presumably paid no tax or NIC in the

to take a well needed break and spend Christmas with my family abroad. I cannot thank them enough for their caring and generosity. A big thank you to the President, John Hargreaves and his wife, and to Charles Betty. Also to Bay Trees where my mother was looked after so well. Louise Dodge, via email UK in that time to complain about being ‘cheated by DWP’ is a bit hard to take for someone like myself who has paid his full whack all his working and pensioned life. I appreciate that there must be areas in Spain which get cold in the winter, but I cannot understand why ex-pats

Introducing our brand new Spanish learning crossword

CROSSMOT 154

like him should expect the UK taxpayer to shell out to people who pay nothing in to the pot. Evan Jones Neath, UK

Need of help I am 70 years of age and had a stroke with lasting weakness on my right side. I also have balance problems due to arthosis of the cervical vertebrae and visual problems in the dark. I have to walk at night 2.5 kms along a dirt track to my home, because the track has in part been made impassable for my car because the track is damaged. Last time I tried I had to have the car towed and repaired at a cost of €70. I have tried to everything I know to find a solution and spoken to the mayor of Jimena, the Guardia Civil, the Policia Local and the medical social worker, telling them my plight. I have no drinking water other than what I can carry and if I were taken ill no ambulance could reach me. The mayor of Jimena, Guiliermo Diaz Diaz, has offered to make funds available to effect a repair, but not until March. We originally had a meeting in the mayor’s office; there was a lot of angry exchanges, but after that everything has dissipated. Charles Butters, San Pablo de Buceite

Corrections

Across 7 Tos (6) * 8 Notices (6) * 9 Almost (4) * 10 Agricultural (8) * 11 Fértil (7) * 13 Vacío (5) * 15 Artículos (5) * 16 Legend (7) * 18 Poisonous (8) * 19 Termina (4) * 21 Trace (6) * 22 Scarce (6). Down 1 Soup (4) * 2 Cracking (13) * 3 Por Lo General (7) * 4 Hada (5) * 5 Circunferencia (13) * 6 Contaminado (8) * 12 Deliver (8) * 14 Fears (7) * 17 Poles (5) * 20 Polvo (4).  = 198

The Olive Press wishes to correct an error made in the School Report Card for Almunecar International School in the last issue (no, 153 January 24 2013). In the report we listed Sue Richards as the current head teacher, which is incorrect. Dawn Harris is the current head teacher and has been since taking up the post in September 2012. We apologise for the error and any inconvenience caused. In our education supplement we featured a case study on home educator, Louise Sutton. If anyone would like to get in touch with her about home education, the correct email is sutton.lula@gmail.com

Letters should 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.

PLE WR ASE ITE

ll about

Issue 154 Feb 6 2013

NE sunny afternoon back in 1998 my husband got down on one knee and made the most romantic of proposals; Right on top of a mountain in the Serrania de Ronda, surrounded by goats and a bemused looking goat herd! Of course I said ‘yes’, and from that moment on we began a journey into the unknown and, as much as anything, the world of Spanish bureaucracy! We quickly discovered that getting married here was going to prove quite a challenge, especially in those cloudy ‘pre-internet days’ when you relied on local priests, town hall clerks and the occasional expat ‘aficionado’ to provide semi-accurate and sometimes conflicting information. We found it a real learning experience and had soon created a thick file on the subject, (so good was it that even the British Embassy called us once or twice to confirm a few facts!). After gleaning a wealth of information and armed with a local newspaper’s classified section for local florists and photographers we set out to arrange our own wedding. All in all it took us six months and I remember, following the wedding, somebody casually mentioned that we should start our own wedding business. It was said as a joke, but with all the information we’d compiled, we actually took it seriously and our first ‘baby’ was born, ‘The Wedding Service’. Now a decade-and-a-half later with two more babies in tow and still happily mar- Turn to Page 20

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ndalucia weddings

19 19

Claire Chiappe on the trials and tribulations of getting married in Spain

Splice up your life!

Picture credit: Talia Giraudo at www.thoroughlygorgeous.com

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Weddings special

From Page 19

ried (well, we’ve weathered the odd Costa storm or two like most couples!) we have plenty of weddings under our belts. From large churches to small chapels, country fincas to big seaside dos we have done the lot. There have rarely been dull moments, plus some hairy times too, for example sitting outside the law courts in Malaga waiting for the right judge to appear.

AVOID T WEDDI WOES

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the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

Never a dull moment

Farmer

Then there were the hours spent at Estepona Register Office, circa 1999, watching the clerk laboriously type out on her ancient typewriter the paperwork for a marriage application, tippex-ing out the mistakes. These were the days before the term ‘Wedding Planner’ even hit the pages of Bride Magazine. Looking back over the last decade or so we have had some memorable moments! They include the organist who failed to arrive at the church as his wife had gone into labour and me desperately sending the wedding car round the block to give us time to find a replacement. Then there was Jamie chasing around farmland in an

IDYLLIC: It is not just the weather that makes a Spanish wedding. Here, a charming hotel near Gaucin attempt to find the farmer, who supplied the white homing doves, to be released romantically in the glorious surroundings of a luxury five star hotel and forced to sit up all night keeping an eye on the doves just in case one died. Those and many more little details, but on a positive note, for all the responsibility, it is a wonderful and happy vocation, very rewarding

when you see the happiness and joy that comes through on the day. We have also recently been asked if we organise divorces. Tough to tackle on the legal front, but food for thought... we are always up for a good party! Claire Chiappe is the owner of The Wedding Service www.weddingservicespain.com

Frances piece

Frances Leate ponders whether Spain is a land of romance or are the Spanish dead between the sheets?

Picture credit: Trevor Brooks

20 20

Spanish romantic?...hmm

I HAVE always considered myself as a bit of a Bridget Jones-type, drowning in wine and experiencing endless disappointments in love all the while wearing pin-striped pyjamas and singing love ballads on the sofa. Well, not really, but I have had my fair share of crushes on inappropriate men and not nearly enough Mr Darcy types to sweep me off my feet. So moving to Spain presented me with a new opportunity to find Mr Right. I hate to generalise, but I was done with beer-swigging Brits with their eyes glued to the football every night or career-obsessed Englishmen waking at the crack of dawn just to beat their boss to work. I wanted butterflies-in-the-stomach romance, of the distinctly Spanishkind. I imagined quickly finding a Javier Bardem-type, passionate and intense with a penchant for grand romantic gestures. Outgoing, flirtatious and sexy, the Latino lover stereotype wasn’t something I was entirely unfamiliar with. A few years back I found myself knee deep in love with a Cuban. My pina colada-induced romance didn’t last much longer than my two week holiday though, especially after I found out that a wife, girlfriend, lover and a bit on the side was all par for the course for a Cubano. However, with recent statistics showing that Spanish children are

DISHY: Bardem-types are scarce the most stable in the world, with nearly 90% growing up with both birth parents still together, the idea of a multi-dating Casanova didn’t really fit with the huge value Hispanic people seem to place on family life. I sought the help of newly acquired Spanish friend, Diego. A handsome (imagine Julio Iglesias in his hip thrusting prime) man of about 30. Single (or so he says) and looking for romance. He explains: “I don’t think Spanish men are any different to men in England or other parts of Europe or even Latin America. “I think Spanish men do love to flirt and can be romantic, but only with the right girl. “Some British women are more likely to give everything away after the first few dates and if you haven’t had to work for it I don’t think you value it. “But in the end, most single men are really looking for someone to be with long-term. “Family is the most important thing in Spain and I know people think us

Spanish men can be cont it’s really the woman w nates home life.” Despite Diego’s insisten value of family life in Spa essentially egalitarian na titution is still socially and according to a UN s of Spanish men have us tutes at least once. This goes against the idea pride themselves on their prowess. Spaniards lose their vir average at 18, a year or m than in the USA or En explains why teen pregn are a quarter of those in t And according to a 200 statistics institute (NSI) quarter of all Spanish me of women have had only partner in their lives. Despite this, the idea of as mighty Latin lovers ha And as long as hordes tourists flock here to h week of fun in the sun Spanish waiter, tour gui man, the stereotype is away anytime soon. But if you are living in looking for romance, you are here for the lon the universal three date applies. In fact, if you a for something serious, t you wait the better. The truth is, women ar players the world over... forth and trust your judg

THE ING

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nce on the ain and its ature, prosacceptable study, 39% sed prosti-

a that they r seductive

rginity on more later ngland and nancy rates the UK. 03 national ) survey, a en and 55% one sexual

Spaniards as stuck. of female have their with their ide or bar not going

Spain and remember ng-term so e rule still are looking the longer

re the best so girls go gement!

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To avoid some of the heartbreaking scenarios some couples find themselves in after being swindled by so-called ‘wedding planners’, Laura Charles, of Reviva Weddings, has a few tips to ensure your wedding day comes off without a hitch IS your wedding planner insisting you put all your budget into his or her account to book the suppliers on your behalf or is he organising your payments to the suppliers directly? Beware, if you are paying money for the suppliers to the planner, the planner could well be covering up the true supplier costs and marking up the prices. It is a huge risk to hand over your entire wedding budget to one person, regardless of how much you trust them. If you are paying the suppliers directly, overseen by your planner, then you know the actual costs involved and your planner will obtain individual receipts and confirmation of booking from every supplier involved. There are stories about planners bullying suppliers, whether it is photog-

raphers or cake makers, etc, into building in commissions into their prices in order to pay wedding planners. So despite paying your planner a rock bottom bargain fee of €800 chances are he may well be taking €800 again by the venue, plus another €400 or so in commissions from the suppliers. This means the client has paid nearly €2,000 to this planner without even realising it, while suppliers may feel underpaid. If the suppliers are being paid what they are worth then they are happy and will breeze into your wedding without having to worry about cutting corners and scraping back that 10 or 20%. For more top tips visit www. t h e w e d d i n g d e c o r a t o r. blogspot.com.es

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25 21

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

weddings special

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The best of both worlds Advertorial

SETTING: The location really appealed to Crossley (right)

UST five minutes from the beach and 15 from the white-washed village of Mijas Pueblo sits the perfect Andalucian wedding venue. Hotel Tamisa Golf, located in the hills above Fuengirola, offers the best of both worlds when it comes to tying the knot in Spain. With easy access to both the tourism hotspots and the more traditional Spain, Tamisa provides a perfect middle ground overlooking the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, the luxury four-star hotel has been the choice of hundreds of couples looking to wed in Spain. Priding itself on peace and quiet, it is easy to see why famous faces flock to the relaxing hide-away.

Vinnie

Vinnie Jones, Rolf Harris and Spice Girl Melanie C are just some of Tamisa’s previous clients. From footballers to film-stars, the hotel has seen its fair share of celebrity guests both on the nearby golf course and at wedding ceremonies. “Discretion is paramount, and all our guests are assured of the utmost courtesy and privacy to enjoy the hotel’s facilities in complete anonymity without any hassle,” explains hotel manager John Peach. Ex-Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who recently got married at Tamisa, has nothing but praise for the hotel. “The setting, the garden, the food, the staff, the atmosphere were all perfect and we couldn’t have asked for more,” he tells the Olive Press. “All our family and friends commented on how beautiful

By Mason Jones the hotel is and how fantastic the whole day was. “We will definitely be returning for our first anniversary next year,” he added. Visit www.hoteltamisagolf.com

Why celebrities such as footballer Mark Crossley choose Tamisa hotel to get married

la cultura 31

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the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

23 23

July 26, 2012

what’s on

Home gig for Pablo

SOME of Pablo Picasso’s earliest works are to go on display in Malaga. Picasso of Malaga, Earliest Works launching on February 25 will include 55 pieces of the artist’s work alongside 65 pieces by other artists. Picasso, one of the founders of the 20th Century avant-garde art movement cubism, was born in Malaga in 1881. A spokesman for the museum said: “The exhibition puts into context a significant collection of works from the artist’s childhood, with photographs, maps, objects and documents that show what the town was like during its transition between two centuries. “This was where he lived with his family, and where other artists worked, such as Belgrano, Degrain, as well as Picasso’s own father, José Ruiz Blasco, a selection of whose works are also on display.”

uengirola

4.30pm on Feb 11 at Salon Varieties Theatre.Historian Barry Venning, will be talking about the funny, cruel and, at times, extremely perceptive views of cartoonists over the last 150 years. For more information call 664 160 652.

alaga

The REAL Entertainers

‘I was young, rich and foolish’... The origins of Olive Press rival Euro Weekly News started from two close friends in Almeria

HACKS: Newspaper men Lenox and Connolly (left) with Lenox and Scott (right) today

T didn’t get off to the most auspicious of starts after being banned from Gibraltar in its first few months. But what began as a lighthearted project between two friends soon became a run-away success as The Entertainer spread throughout Spain’s expat community. Founded by Lenox Napier and Mike Connolly in 1985 the paper’s humble origins in Almeria quickly ballooned into editions on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. They had soon taken on Marbella dynamo Mike Scott to help with expansion. Napier, 59, grudgingly sold the paper in 1999, which later be-

came the Euro Weekly News. “It was fun because it was the first independent English newspaper on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca,” said Napier. “We started out with my wife

as editor and Mike as head of sales. Mike Scott did a bit of everything. “I was young, rich and foolish and I saw it as a chance to teach the Brits about Spain because no one was giving advice to expats - and to learn more about Spain myself.” And on that ban in IT is Spain’s most presti- But this year organiser’s of the Gib, Napier, who gious art fair and tradition- ARCO contemporary art fair, held moved to Spain in ally attracts international in Madrid, have been forced to pay 1966, added: “The buyers from around the wealthy collectors to attend due to Spycatcher MI5 world, each paying up to poor ticket sales. expose had been With local buyers struggling due €40. banned in the UK so to the financial we paid for the rights crisis, 150 guests in Spain. We serifrom the US, Rusalised it in the paper sia and Asia will but given that GiAN expat author is to publish a book telling have their airfare braltar is part of the the story of one of Andalucia’s most picturand three nights UK we were banned esque white villages. accommodation from distributing the Michael Tracy, 80, charts the colourful hispaid for. paper there for a few tory and local customs of his home village More than 200 months.” in, Bubion - the story of an Alpujarran vilgalleries from 30 Connolly has since lage. countries will be died but the other two The book, to be published on March 1, looks taking part in this have stayed in touch at the role played by the village in some of year’s fair, now and are pictured here Spain’s biggest historical events including in its 32nd year, having dinner at a resthe Catholic reconquest and the Civil War. which runs from taurant in Marbella Visit www.hermitagebook.net February 13-17. last week.

Collectors paid to attend art fair

Tales from my village

Feb 9. A flower parade, including a drag queen, will take place in the historical centre. A parade will also take place on February 10 as part of the Malaga Carnival 2013.For more information visit www.thatsmalaga.com

ierra de las Nieves Nature Park

February 25 to March 4 at El Burgo. The Andalucian Walking and Cultural Festival is a week long event which will include a variety of cultural activities including cookery classes and wine tasting.

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

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Are you ready for the ‘Big Switch off? Internet TV specialist Michael Coard explains why and when you will be losing your British TV this year It’s all about ‘spot beams’ and ‘big birds’ apparently WHEN Channel 5 disappeared in a puff of smoke before Christmas taking with it all those chestnuts such as CSI and Celebrity Big Brother, there was – perhaps understandably – little more than a minor ripple of concern. That was until the million or so British expats in Spain learnt that ITV and BBC might be next. The horror of losing Coronation Street and Eastenders, not to mention X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing, was too much to bear for some people, with one even commenting in a recent article that his wife would ‘force him to move back to Blighty if she lost her British TV’. Action stations then for many, rushing out to find the best value solution to the upcoming problem... but do they really need to worry? Well the short answer is ‘yes’, but it is not imminent and nobody knows exactly which parts of Spain will be affected. What is pretty certain though is Andalucia is in for the chop. And even if you live in Gibraltar you will almost certainly lose your Freesat channels this summer. It all stems back to the launch of the SES Astra Satellite fleet some 13 years ago since when expats on the Costa del Sol could enjoy their favourite television programs via this satellite with little interruption. However the recent and planned improvements to the Astra Satellite fleet will change all this. Let me explain. Our television is provided by several

individual satellites positioned in geo-stationary orbit at an approximate height of 22.000 miles above the earth at 28.2deg east of south. The individual satellites are placed several miles apart from each other and they all help to create a strong and reliable TV signal for their

The huge changes that will come this summer are backed up by a BBC missive clients; the TV networks, such as Canal Plus, Rai Uno and ITV. The problem is that the life of a satellite is around 12 years and as most of the

present fleet were launched around 13 years ago they need to be replaced. This was demonstrated by the rapid decline in performance of the satellite Astra 2D. Although launched in late 2000, its performance declined so quickly that a quick fix was required and all channels were transferred to Astra 1N, a satellite intended for the use of German and Spanish channels at a slot of 19 degrees, but moved to 28.2 to assist the failing 2D. All of the popular British channels were moved from 2D to 1N early last year and reception throughout Spain improved especially in Gibraltar and the Balearic Islands, with Andalucia also faring well. However this is certainly all about to change this summer when 1N will be moved back to its original slot of 19deg as originally planned and all

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33 ?? 25 the olive press - February 07- February 20, 201325

Shockwaves on the Costas Mike Crompton on why it makes sense to be prepared for losing your right to watch Corrie and Homelands this summer

British chann e l s will be moved to the new ‘big birds’ called Astra 2E and 2F. Astra 2F was put into service in December 2012 and Astra 2E has a predicted launch date at the end of May. These two satellites are of similar build and specification and have two main broadcast beams. These are a ‘UK spot beam’ concentrated entirely on a UK domestic client base and a pan European beam. And that is the problem as the UK spot beam will not be received on the Costa Del Sol even with a whopping three metre dish and therefore all channels will be lost. How do we know this? Well it has, in fact, already been proved when Channel Five moved to the UK spot beam in December and disap-

THE upcoming changes to the TV services we receive here in Spain will send shockwaves through the expatriate community. Spain has long been a sort-of extension of the UK; less than three hours flying time away, with English language newspapers, pubs and bars selling British beers and shops selling PG Tips and baked beans. And on top of that we get our favourite television programmes, just as if we were still living back in Blighty....and we didn’t have to pay a BBC licence fee! Now one element of that lifestyle is about to be changed as the free to air television

AXED: Shows like Strictly Come Dancing, Coronation Street and Homeland will not be available peared from our screens UK public service channels (apart from Five HD (High will move to the spot beam. Definition) which is a part of It is likely to happen around the Sky package). two months after the satelThe date for the major lite has been launched, po‘switch off’, as it has come sitioned in the correct place to be known, is being esti- and tested properly, so at a mated to be at some point guess I would say late July. this summer when all the This is already backed up by

missives from the BBC (see end) where they explain about the changes being due to the need to improve services for all UK based viewers, particularly in places like northern Scotland. Ultimately it seems certain that there will be a loss of channels in Andalucia, as well as Portugal and the Canary Islands. Sky channels are less likely to be affected as it is probable that they will be broadcast via the pan European beam that can be received in Southern Spain without problem. They’ve got plenty of clients down here, after all. But nothing is certain.

channels are expected to vanish before the end of the summer. With the main broadcast medium (the satellite system) no longer available, a number of enterprising companies – including mine - have turned to the internet as a way to make sure that the TV programmes, which have become an integral part of our lifestyle, are maintained. And with over a million British expatriates having decided to make their life in Spain – and not being able to live without their telly - it might be wise to place your order for this new equipment sooner rather than later. Contact mike at admin@mediastreamz.com

Luckily there are alternatives to continue getting UK TV using your internet connection. Some free services, such as Filmon, already exist but you view on your PC or connect a cable to your main TV, however the image quality isn’t so good, and you have to pay if you want it in HD. Another, better alternative is to subscribe to a professional streaming service and connect an IPTV set top box to your main television. You will need a stable internet connection of at least 2M and will be able to enjoy many advanced fea-

tures such as ‘never miss a program’ catch up TV, programme-recording, upto-date movies in English and live Premier League football. And to boot, you will be able to use the IPTV set top box to access YouTube, Google and everything else... My advice, don’t hang around... get prepared for the ‘big switch off’ whoever you choose. For more information visit www.smartsat-tv.com and http://www.bbc.co.uk/ blogs/aboutthebbc/posts/ Changes-to-BBC-Satellitetransponders-in-2013

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

la cultura

ONE of Spain’s most famous museums has received its biggest donation in decades. The Prado museum, in Madrid, was handed 12 medieval and Renaissance works in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. The paintings, donated by a Barcelona businessman, include The Virgin of To-

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ARTASTIC! Medieval paintings among 12 works handed to museum bed, the central panel of the altarpiece of a church and a Catalan painting attributed

to Jaume Serra. “These aren’t times of lavish state spending, so this donation is generous and tremendously timely,” said Jose Pedro Perez Llorca, president of the Prado’s board of trustees. Rajoy added: “The Prado stands for the memory of an ambitious nation that has never been stopped by hardship. “This donation enriches in an extraordinary way a museum which is an indispensable element of our image as a country.” SPAIN has plenty of contenders for the world’s wackiest festivals. As a result of the But the annual Jarramplas Festival, held each January in Piornal, Ex- gift, donor Jose tremadura is definitely among the strangest. Dressed in a devil-like Luis Varez has had mask with horns, a huge nose and colourful fabric, one of the villagers a room named after bangs a drum to attract the rest of the residents out into the street. him at the museum. Once there, they pelt him with up to 15,000 turnips. The origin of the It is not yet clear centuries-long tradition is believed to be linked to the punishment of when the works will cattle thieves. go on display.

What a turnip

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the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

Complementary Salud! Down dog dampens D

www.theolivepress.es OCTORS have confirmed what yoga experts have been claiming for years...the practise of yoga can improve mental health problems. It also helps conditions like depression, schizophrenia and ADHD.

Sleeping

DEPRESSION

And doctors have also discovered that yoga can also improve problems sleeping. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, supports the view that yoga can be just as effective as anti-depressants and psychotherapy.

Rubbing up nicely MASSAGE therapy is a key alternative health method in the prevention and treatment of a number of ailments, according to one expert. Different types of massage are often used to help with pain relief, rehabilitation from sports injuries and the reduction of stress.

Stress

But according to Arnold Kelly, a massage therapist based in the US, it can also lower blood pressure, help prevent colds and enhance skin tone. “Immediately following massage, you can experience reduced tightness in the muscles, improved blood flow and breathing, plus reduced anxiety and stress,” Kelly said.

By James Bryce “Over the long-term, the benefits of massage accumulate. “It can increase a person’s range of movement, strengthen the immune system and provide an improved sense of wellbeing.” Massage therapy - often considered a form of complimentary and alternative medicine - is also sometimes used by those suffering from anxiety and depression. Kelly adds: “When deciding which type of massage therapy to have, you need to consider how experienced the therapist is and whether the method focuses more on physical or mental aspects.”

STRICTLY FAT BURNING STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have a great opportunity to learn from the experts thanks to

new ballroom classes on the Costa del Sol. The sessions will be run by ex-world dance champion Lia Mullins who has appeared in a number of TV and film productions. The classes will take place on Sunday mornings at the new wellness centre Los Hidalgos, in Duquesa port. Mullins will also be running her own twiceweekly dance fitness class, combining zumba and aerobics. The centre has brought together a variety of beauty therapists offering a wide range of treatments including chiropody, reiki and hypnotherapy as well as facials, tanning and manicures. Call 622849113 for more information.

Top Salud

29 51 www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

Spanish doctors saved my life After UK doctors ignored a lump in her breast THREE times expat was diagnosed with cancer by Spanish doctor

A WOMAN who went to her doctor in the UK with a lump in her breast was only diagnosed with cancer three years later after visiting Spanish doctors. Elaine Wheeler, 63, who has lived in Torremolinos since 1999, had been going back to the UK every year to see family and get an annual health check. But when she visited her UK doctor in Repton, Derbyshire, 2005 with a lump

EXCLUSIVE by Frances Leate in her breast she was told there was nothing wrong with her despite not being given a mammogram. She was told to go home and ‘get on with your life’. The mother of two told the Olive Press that she was given the same diagnosis on three concurrent visits. Indeed, it was not until 2007 when she went to a

pharmacy in Coin to get painkillers for a headache, that Spanish healthcare stepped in to save her. Because of her very high blood pressure the pharmacist recommended she went to a nearby clinic for a check up. It was there that a Spanish doctor spotted the lump in her breast, which

had grown to three and a half inches, and sent her straight to hospital. She said: “The doctor was taken aback by what she saw and I was immediately rushed to Malaga Hospital for further tests. “I had a number of biopsies which confirmed my worst nightmares, I had breast cancer.

Running on empty and eating an early lunch Advertorial helps you lose weight Life insurance – it’s NEW research has shown that taking exercise before

not all about death!

Don’t pay TWICE the price for your life insurance policy, writes Carol Crompton LIFE insurance is one of those things you must have if you have a mortgage (and probably should have, even if you don’t) but it’s certainly not something you like to pay for or think about. But a good life insurance policy is not all about dying, it’s about providing for you AND your loved ones in the event of all sorts of life changing situations, not just the worst case scenario. If you have a mortgage here in Spain, the bank providing the mortgage will probably have provided the life insurance too; they may have even told you that you HAVE to have a policy with them. This is not true and you would be surprised at the difference in the cost of a policy: you could be paying up to TWICE AS MUCH for your bank’s life insurance company compared to an independent company such as Liberty Seguros. Many life insurance policies will only cover you up to 70 years of age, Liberty now offers life cover up to your 80th year. If you have an accident and can’t work due to disability, the right life insurance policy will pay you a sum enabling you to pay the potential additional expenses and avoid a loss of income which would affect you and your family. Life insurance is one of the best things you can do to take care of yourself and your family financially, in the event that one day you’re not around to do so. If there are people who can’t afford to lose you, you can’t afford to be without life insurance. For more information and a quote, please call Hyperien Insurance on 952 895216 or email me at carol.crompton@ hyperien.net.

breakfast and eating lunch earlier than 3pm will help you lose weight faster. Scientists have discovered that people who eat lunch before 3pm are much more likely to lose weight than those who leave lunch until later or skip it altogether. The study was undertaken in Spain by Granada University, which discovered that 40% of most people’s daily total was consumed at lunch. It has also been revealed that exercising before breakfast can help you to burn 20% more body fat. The discovery was made during a study at the University of Northumbria.

“My whole world fell apart.” Mrs Wheeler then had an operation to remove two tumours from her right breast followed by 16 sessions of radiotherapy. Five years on she is now in remission and hopes to get the all clear in April. She said: “I am lucky to be alive. Thank god I was finally diagnosed.

BITTER SWEET NEWS FOR CUDECA

Fantastic

“The doctors in Spain were fantastic and very thorough, they have been phenomenal and I can never thank them enough. “They were so astute in realising there was something seriously wrong. “My doctor in the UK didn’t even check my blood pressure.” She added: “I spent all those years thinking it was just a cyst because I had been told there was nothing wrong with me, you should be able to trust your doctor but I could have died.”

A ROUNDABOUT outside the Cudeca cancer hospice in Benalmadena is to be named after the charity’s founder and president, Joan Hunt OBE (above). The town hall described Hunt as ‘an exemplary citizen’, highlighting her ‘humanity, her persistence and her work in aiding thousands of people in Malaga province’. The news comes after Cudeca reported a loss of €400,000 last year due to the recession.

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

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Fight the flu Dr Raymond Prats advises on how to avoid the winter sniffles

Sip hot tea People who drink five cups of black tea daily produce 10 times more virus-fighting interferon than coffee drinkers.

Eat 100% wholegrain cereals Oatmeal, shredded wheat, and other whole-grain cereals deliver three nutrients proved to enhance immunity.

Spice up your chicken soup Chicken soup shortens the duration of a cold by 50%. Use hot red pepper, which contains capsaicin, a powerful decongestant.

Breathe steam

aromatic

Fill the bath or sink with steaming water, and add two teaspoons of chopped fresh

ginger. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the steam to get maximum benefit.

Take a warm shower Getting in a warm shower with the bathroom door closed works as your own personal sauna. The steamy bathroom helps to open your airways and moisten and thin the mucus in your sinuses.

Use moist heat compresses If your head is throbbing and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to breathe through your nose, you may find relief by applying warm moist compresses to the cheeks and sinuses.

Increase liquids Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least eight cups of water each day.

Water keeps your respiratory system hydrated, which helps to liquefy thick mucus that builds up with a respiratory infection. Avoid coffee, tea with caffeine, or alcoholic beverages as these may cause dehydration.

Try nasal saline irrigation or saline sprays A host of scientific studies support nasal saline irrigation as an effective flu remedy to thin mucus, decrease postnasal drip, and add moisture to dried mucous membranes. In addition, the nasal rinse helps to remove virus particles and bacteria from your nose. Consider decongestant nasal sprays if you want immediate relief for a congested nasal passage, decongestant nasal sprays are safe to use, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to stop the spray after three days to avoid the development of rebound congestion.

For more information visit www.simplecarehealthplan.com

www.theolivepress.es The Olive Press’

The crying game

thesection olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013 31 monthly youth and education 31

treme

Violent vocation Aggression against teachers continues to be an issue despite efforts to eradicate problem

AS part of Swans School’s ongoing commitment to support local charities, the children of the primary school were very excited to be able to present Triple A animal shelter with a cheque for €600 from money raised at the traditional Christmas Fair. Triple A attended the fair, bringing with them dogs from the shelter, much to the children’s delight. The treasurer of Triple A was awarded the cheque during a special school assembly where he explained to the children how the money would be used and how much their efforts were appreciated. Meanwhile the school has begun collaboration with the WishList Volunteer group of Marbella. The group has been helping to refurbish a local children’s home in San Roque, near Gibraltar. The centre caters for a group of around a dozen children, from various backgrounds, at any given time.

VIOLENCE against primary school teachers continues to be an issue in Spanish schools, despite attempts to eradicate the problem. Half of the primary and secondary schools

in Malaga are affiliated with a scheme to promote tolerance in the classroom. But while experts have reported a significant reduction in class conflicts, cases of threats and aggression

towards primary school teachers continues to be an issue. Of the incidents reported, 61% involved primary teachers compared to just 31% involving secondary teachers. Among the most common complaints by teachers against students were aggression (28%), disrespect (27%) and insults (9%). Conflict with parents was most commonly because of mixed school. harassment (29%), However, Mar Mareno, the Junta’s threats (24%) and education councillor, said public violence (23%). The funding would continue for current statistics come just students up to their graduation but days after a man would not be provided for incoming was jailed for eight students. months after attackShe said: “The rights of children ing his daughter’s must be respected.” teacher at a school The six schools are in the Sevilla and in Velez-Malaga. Cordoba provinces. (See page 16)

SINGLE SEX SCHOOLS DENIED PUBLIC FUNDING

SIX single sex schools in Andalucía have been denied the right to receive public funding. The ruling, made by the Supreme Court upholds the decision by the Junta to deny funding to all single sex schools. Last year, the Junta wrote to all single sex schools in Andalucía informing them that their funding would be stopped if they didn’t become a

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 30 2013

Fancy a movie? 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 King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, Gibraltar Les Miserables (12A) 18.00 Hotel Transylvania (U) 15.30 Parental Guidance (PG) Plaza Mayor, Malaga Hitchcock (12) 19.00 21.10 Lincoln (7+) 22.15

IT’S been a hectic month at BSM with more events than a bumper issue of Hello Magazine. We kicked off our Spring Term with an action packed new Primary Sports programme for Key Stages One and Two.Aimed at preventing the rise of salad dodgers, chocolate chompers and sofa surfers,our children have taken to the new sports quicker than Tom Daley to water. Fighting fit youngsters can now enjoy horse riding, dancing, swimming, ball games and athletics every afternoon after their studies have finished. But if truth be told the near vertical walk up to the Paco Cantos Sports Complex alone is doing wonders for the fitness levels of students. Surprisingly a hitherto unknown competitive sport has evolved in the classrooms since the introduction of afternoon sports. Rival classrooms now race each other for the glory of who can get changed the quickest with seconds being shaved off the record each week. Teachers can only look on in open mouthed amazement as precision folding of clothes at fantas-

Xtreme Headmistress Mrs Kirkham takes a look at what’s going on at the British School of Marbella this month

A RIOT OF COLOUR

By headmistress Sian Kirkham tic speeds is taken to a whole new level. In other news budding writers got the opportunity to meet a real life author when Beverly Saunders dropped in for a visit during Book Week. Armed with her book about shoes who come to life (Shoeman Beings), she helped children between the ages of two and nine invent their own characters. And no special event at the school would be complete without inviting pupils and staff to dress up for the occasion. Among them was Harry Potter spotted in the staffroom drinking tea surreptitiously and several Snow Whites who

could easily have passed as dwarfs. But the talk in the playground and the school gates of late has been centred on the annual parent teacher race on February 24th. Although it’s only a 4km from Puerto Banús to the Trocadero Beach Restaurant on the Paseo Maritimo, event organisers at the school say it will be “merciless”. Several members of staff and parents are reported to have been out on early morning runs with the hope of winning not just the trophy, but bragging rights for the next year. Next up on our school calander is the Chinese New Year on Monday February 11th. So fingers crossed we manage to find a dragon in time!

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To place your classified, please call 951 16 60 60 or email admin@theolivepress.es 83 cents per word. Minimum charge based on 10 words per issue and a minimum of 2 issues. IVA not included All ads include the first 2 words in bold. For all text in bold add 25%

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We are on the lookout for key staff for our new Costa del Sol office:

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The Olive Press is looking for a bilingual individual to help man its busy office. You will need to have a clean driving licence, have a good understanding of computers and programmes including Excel and Word.

SALES EXECUTIVE

We are also looking for a self-motivated, hungry sales executive to cover the Marbella to Malaga area for the paper as we expand in 2013. Must have clean driving licence and good command of Spanish.

If you feel you can meet the above, please send your CV to jon@theolivepress.es

eed fr alo o ad rg g fo he Gu n i t k loo s in anada W o s l p a Gr NO re are ales a and CT US e W ce s eri TA lan ce, Alms CON hor area

COLUMNS

www.theolivepress.es DOWN these mean Marbella streets a man must go and I’ve always had the utmost respect for the forces of law and order. Of course, we’ve had our little differences over the years (a painful encounter with the Guardia Civil in my teenage years after been discovered in the back seat of a car with a young lady springs to mind). But by and large I get on pretty well with the police.

Weapons

So you can imagine my surprise when I was accosted by the boys in blue last week while on my way to do a restaurant review in Puerto Banus. Being a ‘creative’ type, I had decided to dress up a bit for the occasion and was sporting a cream blazer, white jeans, Ben Sherman shirt, white scarf and a trusty pair of brogues. As I ambled down the hill in

the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013

BOYS IN BLUE: Harrassing our Giles

I fought the law and the law won

the sunshine, my mind already looking forward to the starters, I was somewhat surprised when a police van stopped alongside me and the officers asked to see my ID. Having shown them my driving licence and answered their questions about where I lived,

they asked if I had ever been in any trouble with the law. Now, when you’ve led a lifestyle of late nights, bust ups with bouncers and singlehandedly lowered the level of the EC wine lake, the odd night in the cells is par for the course.

MICHEAL O’REILLY BATTLES BUREAUCRACY IN SPAIN WITH THE HELP OF BUSINESS MINDED DIERDRE

The spirit of enterprise

Tales from a bookshop

tion exclusively to the male representative This week Deirdre had the gratifying expeof our household. I wondered, perhaps a rience of receiving commercial recognition tad ungallantly, why the Entrepreneur of the while I endured the converse and rather Year wasn’t cited as a co-defendant. “How irritating experience of being subjected come they’re blaming me?” I said, indignato bureaucratic pedantry. “I’m going to be tion jostling with panic as the keynote in my famous,” Deirdre said, placing an email voice. “It’s your wall too!” “But I couldn’t printout on the counter. I read the message. have committed this offence without the “You’re the Entrepreneur of the Year!” I permission of my husband,” she said not said, brimful of pride. entirely helpfully. “There’s sure to be an old“Well, just one of the candidates,” Deirdre fashioned assumption at the ayuntamiento corrected modestly, “but that’s nice, isn’t that you’re the one in charge.” it!” I didn’t know whether to agree with this Since Deirdre bought up a defunct interpoint of principle or take umbrage. “Will you net cafe and installed the equipment in come and visit me in prison?” I asked, a the empty premises next to the bookshop little petulantly. “Of course, I will,” she said her business has gone from strength to soothingly, “as long as I don’t find a lover on strength – not, I think, just because it fulfils the outside.” In the afternoon Deirdre went a necessary function among visitors who round to speak to the Planning Department. want to print boarding passes or check their “They aren’t going to lock you up!” she said email, but because Deirdre brings a little bit when she came back. “At least for now. of herself to the place. It’s cheerful and efManolo had the right permit, but the clerk ficient. The Internet cafe and the bookshop entered it in the wrong register. There’s anare joined at the hip. We knocked a large other hitch though. When they took out all hole in the wall that had separated the two the paperwork and looked premises. Now, web surfers at it again, they noticed that can wander in and look at the bookshop and the interthe books and book browscafe are legally separate, ers can go through and surf I didn’t know wheth- net and that means we should the web. The knocking of the hole in er to agree with this have got two permits not just one.” I responded to the wall was the subject of the next communication re- point of principle or this with an expression that may accurately be described ceived. It arrived by hand, take umbrage as crestfallen. “But there’s in an envelope bearing the a way out!” Deirdre added crest of the ayuntamiento. quickly. “If we register as one The Planning Department, it business we won’t need two informed me, had concluded permits.” I was unspeakably relieved. “Let’s that the hole in the wall should not, in fact, go and register!” “I’ve got the papers,” she be there. The permit to carry out the work, continued, “and I’ve filled in the details. You obtained by Manolo the builder, was taken just have to sign.” out for a private rather than a commercial I glanced through two photocopied forms. property. The ayuntamiento, entirely silent “This says the bookshop’s been acquired by on this matter until now, indicated in the the internet cafe!” I said, looking at Deirdre characteristically peremptory tone of this with what the gender-challenged people at kind of official note that unless we bricked the ayuntamiento would no doubt characup the hole in the wall and separated the terise as the surprised expression of a henbookshop from the internet cafe within fifpecked husband. teen days we would have to pay an astroDeirdre looked back at me with affectionate nomical fine. I believe my jaw may have serenity. Entrepreneur of the Year indeed! dropped. It didn’t help that the ayuntamienRuthless opportunist, more like. to addressed its high-handed dissatisfac-

At this point, a second police van pulled up, and I envisioned myself spending a long afternoon behind bars. A quick call to the station soon confirmed that there were no European arrest warrants out for me, and I was al-

lowed to go on my way. One question which did make me double take, however, was when the officer asked me if I was carrying any weapons. “You mean, apart from my sword cane, Walther PPK in the shoulder holster a la

James Bond and flick knife in my boot?” I thought to myself. I may have fancied myself as a bit of a tough guy in the past, but with a cream blazer and scarf, these days I’m more likely to be stopped by the fashion police.

Get on your bikes if you dare! Cycling in Spain is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons with the Operation Puerto trial, resulting in several leading names being called to testify over their involvement in drug cheating. Having interviewed Lance Armstrong’s right hand man, Tyler Hamilton, a few weeks ago, he was open and honest about the scale of the cheating that took place - seemingly everyone was at it. I’ve never been a huge fan of cycling,

and even less so since I moved to my place near Istan, a road that resembles a mini Tour de France most weekends as I’m stuck behind some sweating fat guy in Lycra (as I said, my wild days are now way behind me...) My only saving grace is that I can now yell “Drug Fiend” at the startled cyclist as I finally get past. I know it’s a case of the pot calling the kettle black, but it’s a simple pleasure.

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

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U J p the

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45the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013 37

ardin path

Herb specialist Sue Rodgers reveals the best natural remedies for your pet

Perking up your pets! L IKE humans, animals can benefit greatly from natural remedies and they know instinctively when and what plants to

eat to ensure good health. We all know that cats and dogs eat grass as a way to cleanse their intestines without any help from us.

HE KNOWS HIS ONIONS! by Peter Langdale

The month for sowing

IT is finally starting to feel more spring-like after one of the longest periods of strong winds I can remember. Many of the crop covers I boasted about using are now adorning trees, flats and power lines! But do not get carried away with the warm weather, as winter still has a sting in its tail with the forecast predicting frost may be on its way. Now is the time to get your borders filled with an array of spring flowering plants including pansies, primrose and marigolds. For those of you who managed to get your bulbs planted in the autumn, you will now be beginning to see the fruits of your labour. In our own garden we are seeing the appearance of my favourite of all, freesias. As well as giving a superb splash of colour, their perfume is second to none and far superior to bought air-fresheners. For those of you embarking on a spring gardening spree now is the time to finish preparing the ground as February is the ideal month for sowing and planting nearly everything you can think of. Contact me at peter@semilleroslapalma.com

Your garden can provide a wealth of natural medicines – dandelion, parsley, nettles and garlic among them. Add a little grated raw carrot or some thyme to help dispel worms. A daily dose of garlic, whether fresh or in tablet form (only use veterinary tablets) can greatly boost your pet’s immune system, cleanse the whole system and help repel any kind of parasite. Ever wondered what goes into those flea repellent collars? To treat fleas, I use diatomaceous earth (DE), partly because I don’t ever use chemicals. We put DE on our cats’ bedding as it pierces the skin of the flea and kills them within 72 hours. DE is safe for animals and humans and relatively cheap. We also use it in the garden to kill flea beetles, aphids and the like. Of course you must consult your vet if your animal is injured or seriously ill, but even then herbs can help soothe the pain and speed up healing. If you want to know more, then Mary Broughton’s book Herbal Medicine for Dogs is an excellent start. www.selfsufficiency4u.com

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013 46

FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Going local

Mason Jones looks at how supermarkets compare to specialist shops in the region THERE are a variety of reasons people up-sticks and leave the UK for Spain. While people often talk of the climate and slower pace of life, one of the country’s greatest attractions is for some reason rarely mentioned. That is food. Perhaps this is because Spain has no national cuisine, but rather a mixture of regional cuisines each shaped by their local surroundings. Here in Andalucia we are lucky to have a diet moulded through centuries of different cultures and traditions. Though taking influence from the Romans, Greeks and Phoenicians, it is undoubtedly the Moors who left the biggest stamp in the Andalucian kitchen. Many of the dishes considered typically Spanish might not exist at all without the Moorish reign that began over a thousand years ago. Andalucian gastronomy also relies heavily on the land, while hams are cured in the mountains, olive groves sprawl across its sunny plains.

Inexpensive

Fresh fruit and vegetables flourish throughout the region, making them easily available and inexpensive. So, in a place that seemingly revolves around food, the question is, where is the best place to buy it? There’s no shortage of supermarkets in every major town, but a closer look will reveal much smaller localised shops selling quality goods directly from those who produce them. Lauren Aloise, 26, who makes a living writing about Spanish food for spanishsabores.com, told the Olive Press: “Speciality shops often offer quality that doesn’t exist in the supermarkets. “I try to buy ham, cheese, wine, olive oil, and spices from small vendors that I trust, as these products last for a while. “It is more difficult to find good meat and fish, as these items perish quickly and a smaller shop doesn’t necessarily mean that it is any better than a supermarket,” she added. Many expats would worry that, like the UK, a more personalised local service would come at a higher cost. Aloise however, who also runs city food tours, believes that

this is not the case. She said: “I think there is an excellent middle ground between small stores and the supermarkets. “If you go to a ham shop they can cut you an excellent jamon serrano or jamon de cebo that is much cheaper than jamon de bellota but infinitely better than what is pre-cut in the supermarket.

“There are also plenty of reasonably priced wines and cheeses that can even be cheaper than the mass produced stuff that they sell in most supermarkets. “You may have to pay a little more for good olive oil, but the difference is worth it and it is much more healthy than what you’ll find at supermarkets,” she added.

FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

in Andalucia Ham

Seafood Due to its location, one of the major pillars of Andalucía’s gastronomy is seafood. Five of Andalucia’s eight provinces have a stretch of coastline, meaning it is never hard to locate a tasty seafood dish. Prawns, mussels, scallops, crab and squid are just some of the shellfish available in the region. There’s more good news, seafood is not just easy to get your hands on in Andalucía, it is good for you too. Recent studies show that including just one portion of seafood in your weekly diet can reduce your chances of having a heart attack by half. On the coast local fish markets can be a great source of inexpensive and fresh goods while your local ‘freiduria’ can provide great fried seafood.

It has been referred to as ‘the taste of Spain’ by some, and it is certainly one of Andalucía’s most prized delicacies. The cured ham has a varied price range depending on the type of pig used, its diet and the region it is produced in. At €30 per kilogram for the lowest quality, and sometimes over €100 per kilogram for the high end jamon iberico de bellota (or acorn-fed ham), this tasty meat is not cheap. When the amount of care that goes into producing the jamon is revealed however, its price becomes a little more agreeable. The prized Iberico pigs are first fattened with barley and maize before being released to roam in oak groves. Here they feed naturally on grass, herbs and acorns until slaughter, where the ham is salted and left to dry for several weeks. After being rinsed and dried for another four to six weeks the meat undergoes a curing process that can take anything from 12 to 48 months. Although you may not be able to splash out on a kilo of jamon iberico de bellota, a local vendor should let you try other types of ham and will probably give you a more generous cut than the supermarket.

47the olive press - February 07- February 20, 2013 39

the FREE

Covering Andalucia in 2013 with 186,000 papers www.theolivepress.es (120,000 digital) and around 150,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

the olive press - February 07 - February 20, 2013

Antique e-reader WHILE e-readers are widely regarded as a modern phenomenon, some historians believe a Spanish woman had the idea over 60 years ago. In 1949 a teacher named Angelina Ruiz Robles (above) created a device she called the Mechanical Encyclopedia, long before the arrival of Kindles, Kobos and Nooks. The device used pressurised air to turn pages of preloaded content and even included a ‘zoom’ feature. Robles intended the device to reduce the weight of her students’ school bags. Sadly Robles could not find sufficient funding for the project so the prototype never reached the market. María Jose Rodriguez Fortiz, from the University of Granada, said: “There were other priorities in the country and they went for other projects. It is easy to see that there are very few women who have dared to enter their ideas for inventions and innovations.”

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February 7 -

February 20, 2013

The wrong formula

www.theolivepress.es FORMULA One supremo Lewis Hamilton gets behind the wheel of his new team’s car for the first time in Jerez this week. But his visit comes just a day after the British driver had looked on in horror after the back of his team mate’s Mercedes F1 car caught fire. The dramatic incident, involving Nico Rosberg, saw flames and smoke coming from the back of the car as the German completed a test lap. The fire was later blamed on a relatively minor electrical fault and came on the first day of a three-day testing session at the Circuito de Jerez.

SEEN MY CAR?

Near miss for mother Earth

SCIENTISTS in Granada have discovered an asteroid capable of wiping out an entire city heading towards Earth. Fortunately the fireball will miss our planet by 17,200 miles, a very near miss in space terms. The asteroid, which will enter the Earth’s orbit on February 15, was discovered by astronomers at Granada’s La Sagra Sky Survey observatory last year. “In future times the possibility of a collision cannot be completely excluded. It is highly unlikely, but the chance is greater than zero,” said Dr Gerhard Drolshagen from the European Space Agency. Our next close encounter with the asteroid is predicted to be in 2046, missing earth by a more comfortable 37,000 miles.

A DOCUMENTARY that centres on an abandoned car lost by Clash singer Joe Strummer in a Madrid garage in 1986 is being made. The documentary, ‘I Need a Dodge! Joe Strummer on the run’, is being produced by British film maker, Nick Hall. The film will depict the times when Strummer frequently left his troubles in London for the sunny climes of Spain. In particular, it looks at the hilarious story about how the singer dumped hid beloved Dodge in a hurry ‘somewhere in Madrid’ when he flew back to the UK on hearing his daughter, Lola, was about to be born. The legendary musician first made an appeal for the car’s return on Spanish Radio 3 live from Glastonbury Fes-

Documentary will attempt to track down the car Clash frontman Joe Strummer ‘lost’ in Madrid By Frances Leate

tival in the 1990s, saying: “Friends, women, brothers and sisters, I loved that Dodge”. During the documentary, Barcelona-based film maker, Hall, sets out to find the lost car and in doing so reveals a lot about the singer’s life in Spain. It is hoped the film, which is in post-production, will be part funded by fans of The Clash. In return, the producers, Tindog Films, are offering a series of gifts in return for donations, including a mention during the films credits, a DVD with extras and a tour around Spain in a Dodge like Strummers.

Sell your property THIS WEEK with an online ad reaching thousands for just

49,99 euros www.allabout andaluciaproperty.com

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Techno boost ERICSSON hopes to create 100 more jobs at Malaga’s Andalucia Technology Park this year, creating a further 300 jobs by 2015.

FINAL WORDS

Clean sheet Malaga City Council has been ranked as one of the most transparent in Spain by independent assessors Transparency International.

Holy case A nun due to appear in a Madrid court over the abduction of twin babies has died aged 88.

Swing fund The Costa del Sol Tourism Board plans to spend €4.1 million to attract golfers to the area this year, €1.1 million less than in 2012.

Congenital

For more information visit www.ineedadodge.com This year is the tenth anniversary of Joe Strummer’s death of a congenital heart condition and in August he would have celebrated his 60th birthday. The Olive Press recently revealed how Strummer will be honored in his adopted home of Granada by having a plaza named after him. The frontman once told Olive Press editor Jon Clarke about his love for Almeria and how he had a home in Cabo de Gata. 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 2013