Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 170 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 7 Issue 170

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September 18 - October 2 2013

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After vicious assault left a young girl blind in one eye, an Olive Press reader reveals how similar attack also scarred him for life

ALSO BLINDED: Teenage expat Zanlith A YOUNG Briton has slammed the authorities after he was blinded in an eye following a brutal attack outside a Marbella night club. Clinton Fisher, 23, is furious after police apparently allowed his attacker to walk free after the New Year’s Eve assault. In a staggering lapse of procedure, he claims police merely took an email address and phone number of one suspect, following the beer bottle assault outside Terra Blues bar in Puerto Banus. Unbelievably he was not even forced to give a statement and the former expat has had to wait over nine months before the first court hearing, due to take place in October. The appeal follows widespread anger over a brutal assault that also left 15-year-old Nicole Zanlith blind in one eye. The Dane was attacked in Marbella, last month, as she waited for a taxi outside a nightclub.

Where is the Costa del Sol’s leading restaurant, according to Trip Advisor? Marbella? Estepona? Fuengirola? Prepare for a surprise on page 3

Blinded in Banus Fisher, who lives in London, was sparked into action after reading about Zanlith’s appalling injuries, inflicted by a group of Moroccan youths. The recruitment consultant, who went to school in Marbella, had been out with friends celebrating New Year’s Eve 2012, when the attack happened. The group had been enjoying a few pre-club drinks where they began chatting to two Moroccans in the small bar. Photographs were even taken with the pair, but the night soon turned ugly. “After midnight I went outside to wish a friend Happy

EXCLUSIVE By Giles Brown New Year,” Clinton told the Olive Press. “I left my brother sitting on the sofas at the back of the bar with one of the girls in our group. “When he went to the toilet, one of the guys sat down by the girl and started touching her leg and making inappropriate suggestions.” Clinton added: “My brother came back and asked him what the hell he was doing. “The Moroccan stood up and without saying anything

headbutted him. “I don’t know if the guy was on drugs or drunk.” Clinton’s brother ran out of the bar with blood pouring from his face with the pair following. Soon there was a group of us standing outside arguing and Clinton went over to see what the trouble was. “The last thing that I remember is one of the pair smashing a bottle and coming towards me with it,” continued Clinton. When he came to, he was sitting on the pavement in a pool of blood surrounded by friends and police. “I could only see out of my right eye and I knew that something wasn’t right”. Incredibly, one of the attackers came back to be grabbed by his friends and detained by police. But not before he boasted: “You shouldn’t have got involved. This is what happens when you mess with us” After being rushed to hospital, the seriousness of Clinton’s injuries soon became clear. The bottle had sliced the left

side of his face, including the eyeball. “The doctors said that they couldn’t save my left eye and would have to remove it immediately. However his parents decided to fly him back to the UK on New Year’s Day for a second opinion. Doctors in London described it as the ‘most severe eye injury’ they had ever seen. “The damage is so bad that my pupil is spiked like a cat’s eye, and there is still a danger that the eye might collapse completely.” Some nine months later and he can only really see out of

CHANGED MAN: Clinton hours before attack and (top) today. In hospital (left) his right eye, despite three operations on his face. Incredibly police released the attacker the day after. “They just took his email and mobile number” he said. “They didn’t get a statement from him and didn’t get one from me either as they claim they couldn’t find me – but I was in hospital that night.” Clinton is due to appear in Marbella court on October 2 with three witnesses for a committal hearing. But, he insists the hearing is set to go ahead minus the two assailants.

Dangers

Read more on page 31

“My lawyer has told me that police have been unable to trace them and although we have one name and a business address in Tangier we don’t think either will turn up,” he said. “After reading about the attack on Nicole Zanlith in the Olive Press I wanted to come forward to tell my story. Young people need to be warned about the dangers in the Port. “They need to be really careful who they start talking to on nights out because you never know what could happen, as I have discovered. “It’s been a hugely emotional and traumatic year for me, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

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CRIME NEWS

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Justice for Javi

THE family of a Spanish man who died five years ago in mysterious circumstances are demanding the police reopen the investigation. Javier Castilla was discovered at the bottom of a ravine the day after attending a friend’s wedding in La Calahorra, Granada. The 27-year-old engineer was believed to have fallen to his death after getting lost, despite his hostel being close to the wedding venue. But claims by forensic experts that Javi was killed in a hit-and-run accident have led to 40,000 people signing a petition. The campaign, launched by Javi’s parents, has also gained the support of Jaen Town Hall.

Costa hack on trial

EX BBC journalist accused of being a ‘deviant’ molester of young boys

By Claire Wilson A BRITISH journalist based on the Costa del Sol has gone on trial ac-

GLOBETROTTER: Souter with Val Kilner

cused of a string of sex offences. Mike Souter, a former Sur

STUBBED OUT A CIGARETTE smuggler arrested in a Spanish swimming pool has been

jailed in the UK. Malcolm McGowan, 61, was sentenced to four years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court after owing more than €400,000 in unpaid tax. The expat, who lived in Valencia, had smuggled cigarettes worth €19m while evading the €5m HMRC duty. He was also found to be part of a wider POLICE have arrested three Brits for distributing laughing conspiracy to smuggle around 56 million ciggas on the Costa del Sol. All three had been selling the arettes into the UK beproduct as part of their job at a tween November 1999 and March 2000. nightclub in Marbella. Farley of Customers were charged €5 for Adrian a balloon filled with nitrous ox- HMRC said: “We can ide, the effects of which would now begin to recover last for three minutes. the proceeds of McPolice have said that in some Gowans role in the cases the inhaling of the prod- crime which, with uct can lead to loss of con- daily interest, cursciousness, damage to the ner- rently stands at over vous system and even death. €410,000.

No laughing matter

in English travel writer, is accused of being a ‘deviant sexual abuser’ of children. The 60-year-old, who lives in La Cala de Mijas, is accused of molesting seven boys aged between 11 and 16, between 1979 and 1999. Speaking at Norwich Crown Court, prosecutor Andrew Shaw said Souter had cultivated his connections to the Scout movement. He also claimed Souter had worked with Norfolk County Council to work with vulnerable children. He said: “The significance of his work, and his involvement with the Scouts and social services, is that these roles brought Mr Souter into regular contact with pliable young boys, and very often with pliable young boys who were among society’s most vulnerable.”

Shorts

He added: “We say Mr Souter is a deviant sexual abuser of young boys, especially those in uniform and shorts.” Souter, who also has a house in Loddon, Norfolk, arrived at court wearing a charcoal grey suit with a blue shirt and blue tie. He had previously worked in radio at BBC Norfolk, and became something of a local celebrity before moving to the Costa del Sol over a decade ago, where he has also worked in radio. Souter has also previously been accused of a sexual assault on a man and a woman. The trial continues.

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A trip indeed!

NEWS

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

‘BEST IN ANDALUCIA’: El Muelle

Selena uncovered DISNEY star Selena Gomez, 21, has released her new album, Stars Dance, at the Vistalegre Palace, in Madrid

Tiny restaurant an hour from the coast has been named Costa del Sol’s (and Andalucia’s) best restaurant by Trip Advisor YOU would probably expect to find the top restaurant for the Costa del Sol in Marbella, Estepona or Puerto Banus. Dani Garcia’s two-Michelin starred Calima or the highlyrated Messina or Skina in Marbella, for example. Not according to Trip Advisor. The world’s most popular

restaurant search engine it is in the village of Arriate, near Ronda. Yes, that well known cultural hub, known for its gastronomic expertise... about an hour inland from the coast. Incredibly, the small restaurant of El Muelle de Arriate is currently rated Number One, not just for the Costa del Sol, but the whole of Andalucia.

Thoroughly deserving Olive Press editor Jon Clarke on why El Muelle is happily his Number One place to eat THIS paper had a proper go at Trip Advisor last year, when we found it had two brand new restaurants we had never heard of at the top of the charts for Ronda last year? In a four-page investigation we discovered in Sevilla, Vejer, Marbella and Ronda there were numerous discrepancies, particularly when it came to restaurants. That said, we also found that the review website got it right about half of the time... and, in my opinion, they are spot on here. Obviously I am going to be a little biased here... this charming spot sits in the village where the Olive Press was based for six years, before moving to the coast last year. I still have a house in the area and love nothing more than taking the family there for a weekend meal, for the amazing blinis, the tapa of presa and secretos and the fact that they don’t get upset if we arrive with a special bottle of wine. Frank is a genuinely charming, friendly fellow, who cut his teeth looking after clients for a decade at popular Fuente de la Higuera, including David Cameron and Adrian Brody. The way he sits down and takes people through the menu, the way he explains the dishes, the way he smiles when you arrive... if anyone deserves it, he does. Of course, in the words of food critic Giles Coren, most people’s best restaurant is the one where they are recognised when they arrive, where they eat their favourite dish and where they can practically walk home. Well, with El Muelle de Arriate, we certainly got lucky!

Unsung heroes get chance to shine This small, expat-run eaterie is better than anything that Malaga, Sevilla or even Granada can produce. It is nothing short of amazing that this small town of under 5000 people, ten minutes from Ronda, can produce a restaurant of such standing. However in the words of its modest owner Frank Rottgering, 50, a friendly Dutchman from Amsterdam: “We are the best reviewed restaurant on Trip Advisor, not the best restaurant,” he explains. “That said, we have worked incredibly hard for over a year to produce good food at great prices. I am very flattered.”

Proof

This former railway shed (a ‘muelle’) has not only been designed with a good deal of taste, but its chef Isa, from nearby Alcala del Valle, is a star in the making. With simple, yet inspired and original dishes, she and boss Frank have created a true ‘destination restaurant’ that is enticing hundreds of punters up from the coast. “We are getting clients coming from as far as Estepona for the night,” explains Frank, who previously worked as the manager of Ronda´s leading rural hotel Fuente de la Higuera. And the proof is in the pudding. Of 53 punters who have so far commented on Trip Advisor, 49 of them rate it is ‘excellent’, with two rating it ‘very good’. “I’ll be having a stern word with those two,” jokes Frank.

AN awards ceremony is set to celebrate the best of Marbella. The Pride of Marbella cer-

emony, this Saturday, will highlight the most deserving local people in 14 different categories.

PRINCESS Letizia has celebrated her 41st birthday with a private family ceremony. Plagued by marriage difficulty rumours with Prince Felipe, it is now claimed she has had a secret nose and chin job. Speculation comes after Letizia’s aunt told a magazine that she had been visiting a clinic in Madrid once a year for ‘surgical top ups’. Her most recent surgery was in June, she claimed. Another family member, David Rocasolano, her cousin, wrote a book called Goodbye Princess, labelling her ‘obsessive, suspicious, controlling and paranoid’.

Chinless wonder?

Hoff becomes dreamaker

BAYWATCH star David Hasselhoff is to star in the Spanish equivalent of TV show Surprise, Surprise. In the Telecinco show ‘There’s one thing I want to tell’, the 61-year-old he is set to surprise a young woman, who suffered a brain injury at birth and is a massive Knight Rider fan.

These include Teacher of the Year, Carer and Young Fundraiser of the year all nominated by the general public. The ceremony at Funny Beach in Marbella, will feature a series of live shows from groups including The Voice UK contestant Moni Tivony, an Adele tribute and Marbella’s own Lecheritas. The event, also featuring fire eaters and acrobats, will raise money for the Positively Pink and Positively Blue cancer charities with €5 from each ticket sold donated. In addition to the stage show and awards ceremony there is an Argentine dinner and champagne. The event costs €55 for the gala dinner with champagne, or €20 for standing. For more information or to nominate a local hero, visit the Pride of Marbella website, www.prideofmarbella.com

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

NEWS

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NEWS

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Putting lives at risk ss ve Pre S i l O e E th TIGAT S E V IN

Bus driver faces disciplinary action after being filmed by Olive Press reader talking on mobile PUBLIC transport should provide a safe way to get to and from destinations. But, only two months after train driver Francisco Jose Garzon Amo decided to use his phone, rather than the breaks - killing 79 - Avanza Bus Company should be working harder to warn their staff of the dangers of distraction. Passengers were apparently ‘terrified’ when a Portillo bus driver on route M220 between Marbella and Fuengirola, got out his mobile phone to take a call. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, something that Avanza need to address more clearly with drivers. The conversation lasted for a minute, putting passengers lives at risk. He is clearly seen taking his eyes off the road to end the call – which could have led to a serious accident. According to the World

5 News IN BRIEF

Tourism push THE Andalucian government has launched a campaign to promote the region as a destination for tourists from Germany, France and the Benelux countries. The move comes despite a surge in tourism during summer 2013 which saw a record number of visitors.

Seats boost The number of flights out of Malaga will increase this winter compared to last. In total, passenger capacity will be up 10% between the end of October and the end of March. The airport expects to welcome more than four million passengers over the period.

WHAT A BORE

EXCLUSIVE By Alex Iszatt Health Organisation an estimated 57% of Spanish road traffic crashes in 2011 were related to driver distraction. Luckily an Olive Press reader recorded the incident and the video has now been posted online at www.theolivepress. es . Asking not to be named, she said: “After what happened in Galicia, surely drivers on public transportation should be held to a higher standard, let alone simply complying with the law?” A fellow traveller Paul Coral, commented: “We use this bus frequently and at the best of

Something in the wind TARIFA exploded into colour last weekend when the town held its first ‘Festival of Colours’. The event was held to support the Fundación Vicente Ferrer’s work in India and copied the style of a traditional ‘Holi Festival’ in India where participants throw brightly coloured dust at each other. Over 1000 people turned up at Las Lances beach on Saturday, and, at a pre-arranged signal, the multi-coloured mayhem began! Photos. Stefan Schmidt

times, the drivers drive erratically, great to know we are in safe hands…..not.” Another expat, who gave his name as Rob, said: “This bloke risked killing everyone on the bus so he could chat to his girlfriend or his mum. He should lose his job.” A spokesman for the Avanza group last night said that it was not aware of any complaints until the Olive Press informed them of the incident. “Now we have been informed, we will be opening an internal investigation and the company will be taking disciplinary action if considered appropriate,” he said. Watch the video online at www.theolivepress.es

RESTRICTIONS have been placed on the hunting of wild boars. The Junta’s environment department insists that the ban in public forests is necessary as there has been a sharp drop in the number of boars. The Andalucian Hunting Federation is petitioning to the government to overturn the ban.

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

FEATURE

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

OPINION Out of Control IT used to be the case that the only trouble you could get into in the jet set marina of Puerto Banus in its 1970s heyday was losing money at backgammon to F1 playboy James Hunt (and possibly your girlfriend). These days though, the marina has more in common with Magaluf than Monte Carlo. Our front page story – for the second time in a month - highlights the hidden dangers of a night out in the port. A lack of proper policing, a culture of binge drinking and a distinct brand of undesirable tourist; with two young people left with appalling eye injuries, it is clear youngsters need to have their wits about them on a night out. Worse than that, we fear this may be the tip of an iceberg and there may have been many more serious assaults going unreported. It is clear the police and Marbella authorities must act fast to stop the trouble before someone is killed.

Severe delays THE disgraceful video of a Costa del Sol bus driver brazenly talking on his mobile phone with a bus full of passengers will turn many of your stomachs. Coming so soon after the awful train crash in Galicia will only add to the malaise. But, few will deny that the bus situation on the Costa del Sol is laughable. On one recent journey from the airport to Estepona, we were expected to wait two hours for a bus. And to make things worse, the timetable was different at both the bus stop and online. It ended up taking four-and-a-half hours to get just 100 kilometres... and that on a September midweek evening. Why are locals and tourists made to suffer in this way? After all, in that time one could get all the way to Turkey or Manchester by plane, with plenty of time to do some duty free shopping on route. It’s time for the authorities and bus companies to sort something out! After all, if they can do it in Ibiza and Valencia... why not here?

Pet Problems PETS are for life not just for Christmas, so it is a sad state of affairs that someone’s pet was ‘accidently’ left in a drain tunnel for 45 days. It’s even more shocking that the fire service wouldn’t help due to cost. Thousands of ex-pets are left to suffer and perish each year because they are unwanted and unloved. Rescue centers, such as ADANA, are a blessing for man’s best friend, and it is due to them that there aren’t too many dogs roaming the streets. Cats, however, are a different story. The minimum cost of neutering a cat is a €150 – and many are just not bothering. Feral cats are roaming the streets, getting their fill from open bins and dropped waste. And it is becoming an epidemic. We don’t agree that people should be fined for feeding them (as is the case in Torremolinos) but something seriously needs to be done before the cats start to take over.

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Contact our team of journalists in our Costa del Sol office on 951127006 or 691831399 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

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Catching the main culprits

Following reports that jellyfish are starting to dominate parts of the Med, Claire Wilson takes a look at the impact and reports how overfishing is mostly to blame IT is that horrible moment when you start to relax while splashing off one of Spain’s celebrated beaches. A sudden jolt of pain shoots up the leg as a jellyfish leaves a welt the size of your hand on the back of your leg. Throbbing for several hours, the pain can even last until the next day and leave a nasty rash. It is a scene that is sadly getting increasingly common today, with the news that Spanish waters are now awash with a swarm of different stinging swimmers of all sizes. Indeed, jellyfish numbers have tripled over the last few years... and it emerges Spain’s local fisherman are largely to blame. It is no coincidence that nine out of ten species of fish have been overfished around the world, according to the conservation group Oceana. Some varieties have declined to the point where their survival is threatened. In 2010 Greenpeace added the bluefin tuna to its red list- when numbers fell by 72%. Removing the top predators, such as tuna and groupers, is altering marine communities and leading to a surge in smaller species such as sardines and anchovies and most alarmingly jellyfish. WWF warns that European fish stocks will take 100 years to recover under current regulations. Spain is one of the biggest offenders of overfishing. Fact. The country has repeatedly had its knuckles rapped, pulling in far more fish than its quota and leaving stocks dangerously low. Only last month the country received a stiff fine for overfishing, along with Poland. The country has now been ordered to reduce what it catches in 2014 by a massive 800 tonnes. It is bad news for Spain’s fishermen. The country’s fishing fleet represents around a quarter of the entire EU fishing capacity and receives

OFFENDER: The box jellyfish has killed 60 people this year

Tasty delicacy for some

THE surge in the number of jellyfish in the Mediterranean may have been bad news for beachgoers, but some chefs and foodies – in particular Chinese and Japanese across the region - are licking their lips in delight. Although many European varieties are not classed as a foodstuff by the EU, meanings they can´t all be included on restaurant menus, many cooks regularly serve up Asian imports of jellyfish to delighted diners, and

the bulk of EU subsidies. According to Oceana, Spain receives a massive €2.8m of official EU funding a year, and the Spanish government has provided €1.9bn in subsidies over the past 12 years. This has allowed fishing fleets to fund their obsession

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 200,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month. Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 Urb Casares del Sol, bloque 21, portal 70, bajo b, Casares 29690, Malaga Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Reporters: Newsdesk Newsdesk@theolivepress.es Alex Iszatt Alex@theolivepress.es Claire Wilson Claire@theolivepress.es

Distribution/Admin: Sally Anne 951127006 Accounts: Pauline Olivera 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: Stephen Shutes 655825683 West Costa del Sol Jane Jewson 673 958 858 Axarquia Charlie Bamber 661 452 180 Cadiz Elizabeth Gould 683 337 342

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STUNG: A victim shows off a nasty series of stings

serve local varieties at their family dinner tables. The Japanese and Chinese regard jellyfish as a delicacy and it is considered to have numerous health benefits, particularly for the cardio-vascular system and the joints. See Food and Drink pages for some jellyfish recipes

whenever possible, without ruining fishermen, in particular those who complied with the rules.” Mackerel isn’t the only victim of Spanish fishing in the past 12 months. A total of 17 species were being netted into extinction according to the EU. Due to the gross overfishing, the EU cut the quota of all fish removed from the waters by 800,000 tonnes. Xavier Pastor, executive director of Oceana in Europe, said: “This annual deduction of fishing quotas is unfortunate, but countries should understand that there are rules to follow not only to be consistent with the law but also for the sake of the species.” Greenpeace has accused the Spanish government of ignoring the situation in the seas. The environmental group is concerned that fishermen are still receiving subsidies despite continuing to undertake illegal practices and repeatedly overfishing. In particular, Greenpeace is critical of Galicia-based Vidal Armadores, a family-run company which received government funding of €16million between 2002 and 2009. This was despite racking up fines of €3m during the same period, as well as being prosecuted by the British, American and Spanish authorities. This even resulted in the blacklisting of three vessels by the EU. Unfortunately, this case is far from unique. An investigation (Looting the Seas) by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, found more than 80% of subsidized fishing companies in Spain have been fined for infractions. And this all came with 2013 being the first year in ten when there was an actual reduction in the volume of overfishing... and an actual decline in fines imposed. EU fisheries boss Damana-

with overfishing. Despite repeated warnings and restrictions imposed on Spain’s fishermen over the past 12 years, there is clear evidence that public money is still being used to fund unhealthy marine activity. In March this year, the country was also fined and Spain is one of the bigordered to make a gest overfishers and has 15% cut in its mackrepetedly had its knuckerel allowles rapped ance. Maria D a m anaki, the EU’s fisheries and maritime ki noted the reduction in the affairs commissioner, said: total amount of overfishing “Enforcement of fishing rules and said she aimed to conis vital for sustainability. tinue the trend, as ‘rigorously When overfishing happens, and fairly as possible’. the damage done to the “Everything must be in the stocks must be repaired. interests of the long term sus“This should happen, tainability of our stocks,” she

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FEATURE

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

10 simple facts about jellyfish 1. Jellyfish first appeared about 650 million years ago and are found in ever y ocean, from the surface to the deep sea. Some are also found in fresh water 2. Medusa (plural medusae) is another word for jellyfish. Medusa is also the word for jellyfish in: Greek, Finnish, Portuguese, Romanian, Hebrew, Serbian, Croatian, Spanish, French, Italian, Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Russian and Bulgarian

3. Since jellyfish are not actually fish, some people consider the term jellyfish a misnom er, and American public aquariums have popularized use of the terms jellies or sea jellies instead AN ARMY AT WORK: Spanish fleets are to blame for an increase in jellyfish due to overfishing (Lion Mane Jellyfish below) added. need to strengthen our efPopular fish, such as Cod, forts to end overfishing.” Sea Bass and Tuna, may still While it is clear the EU is be in great demand, but it keeping an eye on the situis the species that aren’t on ation and Greenpeace and every menu that need to be Oceana are also constantly embraced. moniAccording toring to the EU the situthere are ation, now 25 speThese figures show things cies of fish unresponsible fisheries are not currently likely to endangered, management can change compared overwork to only two night. 2005. S o “These expect figures show there to that responsible fisheries be a few jellyfish arriving on management can work,” Da- the beaches this time next manaki added: “But we still year as well.

4. A group of jellyfish is called a bloom or swarm 5. Jellyfish do not have a respiratory

system since their skin is thin enough that the bod y is oxygenated by diffusion

6. Jellyfish do not have a brain or central nervous system, but rather have a loose network of nerves, located in the epidermis, which is called a nerv e net 7. Jellyfish are composed of more than 90% water 8. Jellyfish are dioecious; that is, they are either male or female. In most cases, to repr oduce, both males and females release sperm and eggs into the surrounding water, where the (unprotected) eggs are fertilized and mature into new organisms

9. Box jellyfish venom is the most dea dly in the animal kingdom and has caused at leas t 5,568 recorded deaths since 1954 10. The lion’s mane jellyfish is the larg est known species of jellyfish and can have a diam eter of 2.3 metres and tentacles reaching 36 metres

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

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NEWS

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Green for go A REVOLUTIONARY new parking system is being introduced in Malaga. The project – the first of its kind in Spain – will indicate the availability of parking spaces in a large area of the city centre. A total of 2,229 spaces in 100 streets within the city’s ‘blue zone’ will be fitted with sensors which will detect whether or not they are free. This information will be transmitted to a central com-

Malaga to trial first-of-its-kind project to help motorists find a free space and cut down on CO2 emissions By Claire Wilson puter, and illuminated signs at the end of each road will show motorists how many spaces are available in each street. The Perchel and La Malagueta areas are to join a pilot

Mijas enjoys summer boom MIJAS has had its best summer for a decade. Tourists have been flocking up to the town, thanks to an extensive promotional campaign and a drop in parking prices to just €1. Noemi Roman of Hotel La Cala, said: “In August we had 90% occupancy levels and were full for 15 days. As a result the restaurants, golf course and shops have all increased their revenue.”

scheme that has been running in the Mercardo del Carmen zone for the past few months. Testers noted a reduction in traffic as drivers no longer needing to cruise the streets looking for spaces. Once up and running the Catalan company behind the new technology, Parkhelp, estimates the new system will cut the time spent looking for a parking space in half. Reducing traffic on the street by at least 10%, will also result in a fall in CO2 emissions of around 21.6kg a year. The company is also working on a system which will enable drivers to pay parking charges via mobile phone.

Picture by Nicolas Haro

Moscow matador Evening Standard owner: ‘The corrida will live on long after the anti-bullfight brigade have gone home’

E is better known on the London social scene for his hectic lifestyle, extravagant donations to charity and even more extravagant beard. But Evgeny Lebedev (left) - the billionaire Russian-born owner of the UK’s London Eve-

By Giles Brown ning Standard and The Independent newspapers – has secretly harboured another passion...to learn how to fight bulls. Now the tycoon has enlisted the help of British bullfighter Alexander Fiske-Harrison to find out how it is done. The Russian spent a day with Fiske-Harrison, before flying to Sevilla to meet some of Spain’s leading matadors and watching a few fights himself. “His people got in touch because he wanted to go to Spain and write an article about bullfighting” Fiske-Harrison told the Olive Press. “We were going to travel to Sevilla and put him in with a young cow - but due to various reasons that didn’t come through.

Sanguine

“I did meet up with him in London, however, and was able to give him a bullfighting lesson as well as explain what he would be watching,” explained the old Etonian, who has writtten a book on bullfighting. “I have to say that he definitely got it. He was a great student, physically capable and mentally alert, and that’s obviously an advantage. “There is also bullfighting art on the walls of his London apartment, so he obviously has more than just a passing interest.” On his visit to Sevilla he watched one-eyed bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla in action and in the subsequent piece, wrote that the bullfight would live on long after the anti bullfighting protesters had gone. “I think that it also helped that he saw a good bullfight in Spain” says Fiske-Harrison. “Padilla is a particularly artistic bullfighter.” So could he become the first Russian bullfighter? “Well he is the first Russian that I have taught, but I’ve had an inquires from others. “Shall we say they are perhaps a bit more ‘sanguine’ about their relationship with animals”.

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

NEWS

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

News IN BRIEF

Sinking fortunes MALAGA Port is trying to attract new users following a 66% drop in traffic since the start of the year. The port has been operating at a loss for a number of years, and this year´s shortfall is expected to total around €2 million.

Health boost

HEALTH tourism has contributed around €350 million to the region’s economy. A total of 690,000 visitors flocked to health and wellbeing establishments in 2012, an increase of almost 4% on the previous year.

Cops on trial

FIVE policemen will on go trial next month following allegations they abused female immigrants. The officers were stationed at the Internment Centre for Immigrants in Capuchinos, Malaga, at the time.

Budget base Andalucia is the third most popular departure point for budget airlines. The number of passengers taking a low cost flight out of the region increased by 7% in August. The UK topped the list, followed by Germany in second place.

1-Up!

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SUPER Mario finally catches his princess in one couple’s engagement snaps. Raul and Blanca wanted to celebrate their union in a unique way and headed to Valencia-based photo house Fandi to bring their favourite characters to life.

Right to the top TWO former Andalucia leaders have been named in the ERE scandal. The judge investigating the scandal believes that the last two Junta presidents Manuel

By Giles Brown

Chaves and Jose Antonio Grinan were involved in the alleged public money fraud. Judge Mercedes Ayala be-

Former presidents both named as suspects in the €136m ERE scandal

lieves both men - as well as five other former Junta ministers - are linked to the €136

CAT COLONY AT RISK FOR over 15 years Esperanza Arribas and fellow cat lovers have fed, neutered and arranged vet visits for a colony of cats that live on the outskirts of Torremolinos. But now the local town hall has begun fining anyone who feeds the animals. “I don’t understand it. In this year alone we have neutered more than 600 cats,” said Esperanza, who runs the charity Malaga Felina. “They aren’t close to any buildings and they aren’t bothering anyone and we make sure the food is out of sight. But now the Town Hall has decided to effectively starve the cats to death.

Maltreatment

‘They claim that there is a local ruling that prohibits feeding them, but there is also the national law that bans this type of maltreatment.”

No sex till your 16 THE age of consent is finally set to be raised from 13 to 16. Once the law is approved by the Council of Ministers next month, it will put Spain on a par with most of the rest of Europe. Health Minister Ana Mato, explained that the measure has been introduced following the recommendations of the child rights groups in the fight against paedophilia. The European Union considers that anyone below 16 cannot consent to sexual intercourse with an adult.

Abortions rise THE number of teenage abortions in Andalucia has doubled in the last decade. Statistics from the Ministry of Health show a 67% rise of abortions for girls under 20. There has been a general upward trend, across all ages, with a 50% rise in abortions across the province since 2001.

million euro scam. So far nearly 120 people have been named in the investigation that spans a decade. The money, which came from Madrid and the EU, was set aside to help struggling companies and set up new ones. As elected holders of public office, Grinan and Chaves both enjoy parliamentary immunity and it would be up to the Supreme Court to initiate proceedings against them if they declined to forego that immunity. Chaves, who was in the Spanish government under Zapatero, commented last week that he felt ‘defenseless’ and that he thought the judge’s order ‘gratuitous and unnecessary’. Embarrassingly for the Junta,

the court order came as new Andalucian president, Susana Diaz, was swearing in her new cabinet. She admitted the case had shamed her party and authority. “Corruption embarrasses me, no matter what you call it — ERE, Gurtel or Barcenas. “Two years ago, when I was secretary of the PSOE in Andalucia, I apologized for the ERE case because it caused me pain and I was embarrassed by it”. This has not stopped her from appointing former Chiclana mayor Manuel Jimenez Barrios as part of her 12 man executive team. The controversial mayor was behind the construction of an estimated 40,000 illegal homes in the town over a decade. It is thought to be the largest such case in Andalucia and has created a huge planning mess.

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the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

Gib IN BRIEF

Cancer Walk

OVER 600 people participated in the 24 hour Cancer Research Relay organised by the Gibraltar Branch of Cancer Research UK.

Name Change The RAF base has changed its name to Rene Mouchotte Building, in honour of a French airman who flew a stolen plane to Gib when France surrendered in 1940.

Winning Letter Natalie Santos won the Gib leg of the Universal Postal Union’s 2013 letter-writing competition.

GIBRALTAR NEWS

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Taxing times

Religious conversion STUDENTS in Gibraltar are being offered an alternative to GCSE Religious Education (RE), meaning they will not be a qualification down if they opt out of the class. From this school year, General Studies will be taught to pupils who do not wish to take RE for reasons of conscience. Following a campaign launched by Gibraltar’s Humanist Society, the Rock’s Department of Education has made A U-turn on the matter.

Hacienda investigation launched into homes owned by Gibraltar leader and his cabinet

GIBRALTAR’S chief minister has been targeted by the Spanish taxman. Fabian Picardo and various other members of Gibraltar’s government are being investigated to ensure they

ON the Rock Olive Press guide to the best of What’s On in Gibraltar over the next two weeks September 24 - October 11 Model Soldier Exhibition, John Mackintosh Hall ..Tel 20052908 September 28-29 Strongmans Champion League Gibraltar, Casemates/Bayside Sports Complex, Tickets via www. sclgibraltar.com October 2, Benjamin Rivinius String Quartet, 8pm, The Convent, Tickets at £20 on sale from Sacarello’s Coffee Shop, Irish Town and the Silver Shop at 222 Main Street October 2-4, Avatar – The Dance Production, 8.30pm, Organised by the Show Dance Company, John Mackintosh Hall Theatre Tickets £12

By Giles Brown are complying with Spanish tax regulations. Picardo owns two properties on the Costa del Sol; one in Sotogrande and another in Benahavis. Many Gibraltarians have houses or apartments on the Costa del Sol, parts of which are within a 10-minute drive of the border. The properties are often owned by Gibraltarian companies and classified as second residences and as a result the owners pay very

HOMEOWNERS: Picardo with wife Justine

little tax. In a front page article entitled ‘Hacienda investigates Picardo’s fortune’ Spanish right wing paper ABC highlighted the two properties that Picardo owns. Picardo frequently rents the properties out, it claimed. Both properties are in Picardo’s name, while the Sotogrande villa is also in the name of his wife Justine, which means he is ‘comply-

Cuppa on the Rock A CHARITY coffee morning is to be held in Gibraltar as part of a global campaign. The event, dubbed the ‘world’s biggest coffee morning’, is in aid of the Macmillan cancer charity. Last year the campaign raised €12million. This year’s coffee morning will be held at Edificio Sotovila Plaza Mayor from 10.30am on September 27.

ing’ with Spanish law. Allegedly, Picardo took out a mortgage on the Sotogrande property after buying it in 2006. ABC calculates that Picardo has invested a total of €1.4 million through the purchase of both properties.

Lawyer

Hacienda has stated that the probe is part of an investigation into financial irregularities in Gibraltar. A spokesman for Picardo told the Olive Press that he would not be making a statement. However a good friend said: “He bought these properties when he was a lawyer well before he went into politics. “Picardo has done absolutely nothing wrong so why should he make a statement?”

Kate Adie on Rock

LEGENDARY BBC foreign correspondent Kate Adie is coming to Gibraltar next month. She will be joined by a host of other international names including Ben Okri, at the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival, the first of its kind on the Rock. The festival between October 25 and 27 reflects the rich cultural heritage that comes from Gibraltar’s location between Europe and Africa. For more information visit gibraltarliteraryfestival.com

GIBRALTAR NEWS

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By Alex Iszatt

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

News IN BRIEF

Mobile MOT

Promenading

FARM vehicles can receive an ITV at the market in Almihara, Nerja, from 12.30pm on September 27.

The contract for a proposed promenade at El Playazo in Nerja has been awarded to Spanish firm Iberport Consulting.

On the move

AXARQUIA NEWS

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Quique to

The Municipal InformaTicket to ride tion Centre for Women has Students have until Sepmoved to new offices in tember 20 to apply for Nerja’s Giner de los Rios subsidised transport at Centre. Velez-Malaga’s Youth Information Centre. NAME GAME: Quique, named after his rescuer

the rescue by Alex Iszatt

A DOG stuck in a tunnel in Velez-Malaga for three months has been rescued by a local man. It came after firemen refused to rescue the cross breed as nobody was willing to pay the bill. The dog had been trapped in the five kilometre network of tunnels and was near death through malnutrition when local Spaniard, Quique, decided to take matters in hand.

POLICE have arrested eight members of the same family after a knife fight between clans. The brawl in Velez Malaga, started when the men accused a rival clan member of assaulting a woman. A 35-year-old man and his son, 16, received stab injuries and were taken to hospital. Police arrested all eight men, aged between 25 and 55, where they remain in custody.

Dog stuck in tunnel for months is rescued by local after firemen refuse to do the job

Quique placed food at the tunnel’s opening for two days to lure the dog out. Once the dog came out, he then blocked the tunnel’s entrance.

Failed attempts

After a few failed attempts, Quique was able to grab a hold of the canine and pull him to safety.

The dog has been named after his hero rescuer, Quique, and is now receiving medical attention at a local veterinarian hospital. The hospital is actively looking for the dog’s owner. Local vets have said that if the dog had not been rescued when it was, it was likely to have either died from malnutrition, or drowned, as the tunnel was rapidly filling with water.

Simple move to blame for deadly air crash

THE Yak-52 plane that crashed over Velez Malaga on August 16, killing its two occupants, was making a simple manoeuvre when it spun out of control. A two-barrel acrobatic manoeuvre involves making a 360° rotation, which a number of pilots

Family of eight held in knife brawl

Moorish delights

A FESTIVAL celebrating Andalucia’s Moorish roots gets under way this weekend. The annual event in Salares features a souk offering organic food, a craft market and a wide range of entertainment. Belly dancers, a slingshot contest, ribbon races and falconry will also be on display over the weekend in the charming Axarquia village.

Hablas Español? WRECKAGE: The crashed plane have said shouldn’t have caused the plan to crash. Following the accident, the Real Aeroclub de

Málaga Benabu Leoni temporarily suspended all acrobatic flights in the area.

Paying for it twice SEX may be expensive, but many don’t expect to be hit twice in the pocket by their paid-for lover. A criminal organisation has been dismantled by the Guardia Civil in Rincón de la Victoria, after it was discovered they were using prostitutes to recce their client’s homes. Once the prostitutes identified which houses were ripe for picking, the criminal organisation stormed the house with a gun, and tied up the victims. Police discovered the gang after coming across the getaway vehicle hidden in some bushes. Three Spanish nationals, and the hooker, a Romanian national, have been taken into

custody and charged with robbery with violence and intimidation, and the illegal possession of weapons. The victims had mostly contacted the prostitutes via a series of sex ads in local newspapers. The Olive Press has continually refused to accept advertisements of such a nature.

A LANGUAGE exchange aimed at helping expats improve their Spanish launches in Velez-Malaga this month. The event, for all nationalities, takes place at 9pm on September 27 in restaurant El Canillero, with attendees challenged to learn five new words. Organiser Jennie Rhodes said: “I have often found myself in shops helping English residents with their Spanish, so I thought an intercambio would be a good idea for everyone! “I thought, if Mohammed can´t get to the mountain, I would bring the mountain to Mohammed (or Juan in this case!)”. For more information contact Jennie Rhodes on 685 03 01 43.

Stolen mangoes TWO men have been arrested for stealing 300 kilograms of mangoes, worth over €500. The men, 32 and 53, were arrested in Velez -Malaga after a farm in Benamargosa alerted the police of the subtropical theft. Last year police stopped nine similar thefts from farms around the area.

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GREEN NEWS

‘Mafia threat’ developer in court

Los Merinos developer – who sued a trio of expats for their green views – is accused of lying about police inspector A DEVELOPER accused of ‘Mafia-style tactics’ against anyone who publicly opposed his illegal golf project is due in court this week. Juan Rueda Orgaz, the promoter behind the controversial Los Merinos development, in Ronda, is accused of false allegations against local policeman Francisco Moreno. Rueda is charged with a campaign of lies against the local policeman, after he blew the whistle on wide scale environmental damage taking place inside the Unesco-pro-

tected area that sits alongside the Sierra de las Nieves natural park. Moreno was joined by green groups and the mayor of Cuevas de Becerro Teresa Rosado in opposing the 800 luxury home development, with hotels and two golf courses. Work had begun – involving the uprooting of thousands of ‘centenario’ oak trees – despite not having formal planning permission. Protests were organised, but when the story made national news both in Spain and in the

Race for cash

PROTESTS: After protests against the ecological destruction, Orgaz (far left) went on the attack

Walk for fun

THOUSANDS of walkers will take to the streets for a four-day event on the Costa del Sol next month. Marbella 4Days Walking will see ramblers of all abilities walking either 20 or 30

kilometres each day in and around Marbella. The routes, to be walked from October 10-13, offer a great mix of coastal scenery. To register visit www.marbella4dayswalking.com

Big cats on the prowl SELWO park in Estepona has welcomed two female lynxs to its cat family. The wildlife adventure park has joined forces with the Lynx Conservation Programme, in a bid to observe the species. The two cats are from the Boreal lynx family, predators of European and Siberian forests and the largest of the five species.

Doggy decision DOG owners are set to benefit from the use of a purpose built park, under new proposals being put forward by Estepona Town Hall. The plan, involving a 3,000 sq metre plot in the town, is seen as necessary due to a recent rise in dog numbers. A final decision is set to be made following a consultation period which ends later this year.

Lights out on the coast DISUSED street lights are being removed to improve the sea views along the Costa del Sol. Lamps between kilometres 202 and 204 of the A7 are the latest to be taken down by Mijas Town Hall. A further 86 have already been taken away in a move welcomed by walkers and cyclists. One cyclist commented: “The lights have often impeded my ride, especially when there are walkers on the path. “They were pointless as they hadn’t been on for months.”

UK, thanks to the Olive Press, developers behind the €90 million scheme went on the offensive. With the apparent tacit agreement of former Ronda mayor Antonio Marin Lara, writs were issued against two local policemen, the mayor of Cuevas del Becerro and various protesters. In a move that the Spanish Green Party described as ‘Mafia-style harassment’, Rueda also sued three expats claiming the loss of €21million from investors, after they had spoken out in the Olive Press. Alistair Boyd, Petra Wiegmink and David Miles were accused of a list of crimes including slander, coercion, intimidation and threats.

Halted

SPANISH authorities are hoping to cash in on the exposure given to Andalucia by the recent Vuelta de Espana cycling race. The route has become a popular tourist attraction, part of which passes through the picturesque Penas Blancas region. Estepona Town Hall is to create a series of trails in the area in an effort to attract hikers and cyclists.

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

Several months later 80-year-old Boyd, aka Lord Kilmarnock, a writer whose books had done much to promote Ronda, died. His son claiming that the stress from the ongoing case, which was eventually thrown out, had led to his father’s death. The Junta eventually declared the development illegal, largely over the issue of water, and work halted two years ago. Despite developers and Ronda town hall set to resubmit a smaller version of the scheme, it is currently on ice. Should it not go ahead Ronda town hall would likely have to return up to €15m in licence fees. Rueda, who is set to appear in Malaga Court this week, has also been charged with making accusations against villagers in Cuevas de Becerro, the ex-mayor Isabel Rosado, journalists from the news website El Observador and various ecological and environmental organisations.

LETTERS

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

Saving Grace

POTTED POINTERS

Dear Olive Press, ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 80.65% full Same week last year: 55.35% Same week in 2003: 49.37% 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 1.33 American Dollars 0.84 British Pounds 1.38 Canadian Dollars 7.46 Danish Kroner 10.35 H Kong Dollars 8.04 Norwegian Kroner 1.69 Singapore Dollars

PLEASE print this letter for the lovely girl Nicole Zanlith, the Danish teenager who suffered a terrible assault outside a nightclub in Puerto Banus recently. Angel Encinas, Malaga

A packaging quandary Dear OP, I have been living in Spain for just over a year now, moving from the UK and I am really puzzled by the packaging waste here. I have seen everywhere that all products are sold in the tiniest of packages. I’ve just opened a tin of tuna small enough to feed Little Miss Tiny, and I marvel at the waste. Cereal too only comes in the smallest of boxes, gone in two to three days here. Such a waste. I wonder if this issue is being address anywhere? Just a thought. Karen Wilkinson, Coin

Winds of change Dear OP I note with interest your items about the changing weather. Why is anybody surprised that the average temperature is declining? You may recall that, in my articles for The Olive Press, I often referred to the fact that the global warming industry was spreading fear and despondency about

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climate change in order to secure funding from various governments. I said it many times and I will say it again: the climate is changing; the climate always has been changing; the climate always will change. Our challenge is not to stop it – we can’t. However, we can learn to live with, and prosper by, it. Maximilian Bartie, Sotogrande

Dear Miss Nicole, I am very much sorry for the attack you suffered by a group of criminals. I hope that since then you have been surrounded by the love of family and friends and that way you can overcome this. Those criminals have NO future while you HAVE A FUTURE. You will be able, in due time, to help many people going through similar circumstances because as I take it, life is about helping other people as the only way to relieve our living in a society so full of hatred and evil.

Picture NOT perfect

I enjoy your newspaper, and usually have little to complain about, but I was most disappointed to read an article about ‘Columbians’ (sic) being given tourist visas to visit Spain. Firstly, people from the country of Colombia are Colombians, with an O. This is an oft-seen mistake, which although a little irritating, is not cause for me to write to the editor. However, the accompanying photo of Pablo Escobar is just plain insensitive, and frankly unbelievable. First and foremost, what has a ‘notorious Columbian’ drug baron who has been dead for 25 years got to do with Colombians being given tourist visas in 2013? And secondly, don’t you feel, as I do, that Colombians might like to be remembered for something other than the admittedly tragic drugs trade? There are several internationally fa-

Airfare fraud We thought we’d share our Ryan Air experience. We are not a case where we were late and missed out flights, or forgot to print of our boarding pass only to be charged £70 extra at the airport. Nothing like that! We were actually at the

mous and, most importantly living Colombians who could be used to illustrate this piece. Gabriel Garcia Marquez (above) and Shakira for example. After all the efforts that Colombia has gone to ensure that people start to visit it, don’t you agree that it’s time the world was allowed to forget about Escobar and move on? I am sure this was a genuine oversight and not done to offend, but I hope you will print part of this letter to remind your readers that Colombia has something more to offer than just 1970s drug lords. Sarah Clark, Torremolinos ED: Point taken and hopefully this pic of the wonderful Marquez above makes up for it... personally we are all fed-up of seeing Shakira in half our issues.

boarding gate when they closed it in front of us and ruined a perfect long weekend away in Rome. How can consumers be treated this way, legally. Surely we’re protected from this, nothing short of, criminal behaviour? Henry & Sarah Marks, Kent

CROSSMOT 16

Van disgrace I wanted to share my thoughts on the disgrace that is One Way Van Hire, based in Torre del Mar. It has been over 65 days since the van was returned, we are due our deposit of €250, and although we have been promised it there has been no money transferred. It seems they have no intention of refunding it and I am very disappointed in the communication and treatment we have received. Leah Roblin, London ED: Que sorpresa!

Personal campaign After Ricky Gervais shared his views about bullfighting, I am thinking of starting a ‘Love England, Hate Boxing’ campaign. ‘I can think of nothing worse than watching men trying to inflict brain damage on each other for the sake of amusement . . . Just send €5 in a plain envelope to the Olive Press ! P Macleod, Torre del mar

Why it failed Across 1 Links (7) * 5 Puff (5) * 8 Suppressing (2, 9, 2) * 9 Without (3) * 10 Highway (9) * 12 Pasa (6) * 13 Esfera (6) * 15 Immediate (9) * 16 Goma (3) * 18 Starve (5, 2, 6) * 20 Remainder (5) * 21 Duchas (7). Down 1 They (5) * 2 Nurses (3, 10) * 3 Ability (9) * 4 Saw (6) * 5 Esquí (3) * 6 Gingerbread (3, 2, 8) * 7 Funcionar (7) * 11 Explored (9) * 12 Nadador (7) * 14 Camellos (6) * 17 Se encuentra (5) * 19 River (3).

Madrid’s 2020 Olympics bid failed because of Spain’s international damaged brand of political and banking corruption. Sending a Royal to boost the confidences in an Olympic bid has expired its used by date. Spain has to fix itself internally before expecting an international body to support any bid they present. Chop chop Spain fix your mess!!!!! Aranza Mundo, Sydney

Letters should be sent to Casares del Sol, bloque 21, portal 70, bajo b, Casares, 29690 or emailed to letters@theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Published opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

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www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013 17 17

Spain’s top fashion designers are getting a foothold in America’s most stylish city

what’s on

M E

ijas, September 20,

Mijas hippodrome. Horse racing from 8pm

stepona, September 21, Estepona, Unicaja vs

Real Madrid, basketball. From 8.30pm, Pabellon deportivo la Lobilla www.malaga.es

alaga, September 28, Malaga philharmonic

orchestra performs at the School of Dramatic Art. 8pm.

uerto Banus, September 30, Puerto

Banus, a night with Evander Holyfield at the H10 Plaza Hotel info@marbellame.com

N B

erja, October 12, Nerja,

Magic Music Party, Playa Calahonda. From 10pm free.

enalmadena, September 20, Hotel

A bigger bite RUNWAY: Designers taking on New York include (from left to right) - Dalmau, Pedro del Hierro, Joseph Font, Desigual and Custo

THE Spanish fashionistas are taking New York by storm. No less than five Spanish designers have exhibited their Spring 2014 collections during New York Fashion Week. A trio of newcomers – Desigual, Custo and Pedro del Hierro - used the celebrated fashion show to parade their latest designs. Veteran Custodio Dalmau, who has been showing in the Big Apple since 1996, was joined by fellow Spaniard Joseph Font and his Delpozo creations.

Stores

The appearance of both Desigual and Font precedes the opening of their first Stateside shops, with the former due to take up residence in the Miami Fashion District and the latter opening a Fifth Avenue boutique later in the year. Organisers put on 350 catwalk shows at venues across the city during the nine day event, the majority of which exhibited women’s clothes, shoes and accessories.

Hat-trick for horror film WOLF CHILDEN was named the best film at the 16th International Week of Horror Film Festival in Estepona. Director Hosoda Mamoru also scooped the best script prize, and the film was awarded the best soundtrack gong. The awards were presented at the closing gala on Sunday, which was hosted by Diego Arjobna.

Torrequebrada invites English blues band Virgil and the Accelerators for their first show in Spain. Tickets €15 http://lastticket.es

alaga, September 21, Malaga. Celia Flores

at the Echegaray Theatre. 8pm, €15. http://www. teatroechegaray.com

an Pedro, October 5,

Marbella netball club will be holding a Macmillan coffee morning from 11am at Laude international school.

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

la cultura Sordid tale of www.theolivepress.es

ORE than one million Britons are thought to own property in Spain. Buying their homes in good faith, they do not expect their property to be declared illegal and under threat of demolition. In ex-Olive Press journalist Matthew Pritchard’s new book Scarecrow, we begin the journey during the demolition of an expat couple’s property in Almeria, in scenes remarkably reminiscent to that of real life couple The Priors (pictured below). Scarecrow is a crime novel that leads the reader through the streets of Almeria on a hunt for a serial killer whose depravity knows no limits. In the first of a three part serialisation, our hero Danny Sanchez, gets more than he bargains for when he attends the demolition of an expat’s home.

‘

It was already bedlam; hundreds of people covered the dusty patch of waste ground beyond the white walls of the property, shouting, pushing, arguing among the cacti and scruffy palms. The excavator’s arm loomed menacingly above the roof of the two-storey villa. ...

‘

In eighteen years of journalism Danny had witnessed dozens of horrors – people cut from the wreckage of car accidents, a woman leap from a burning building, a suicide on a railway track – but this was something new. They were going to demolish Peggy and Arthur Cookes’ house and nothing could be done to avert it. He’d seen the paperwork. Nearly every penny the poor old duffers had was invested in the villa; a lifetime’s equity would be smashed to rubble. It was like waiting for an execution. The Junta de Andalucía, southern Spain’s regional government, had sent a woman in her mid-thirties to oversee

In the first exclusive excerpt of ex-Olive Press journalist, Matthew Pritchard’s first book Scarecrow, the scene is set around the demolition of one poor couple’s home in Almeria... in scenes reminiscent of the Priors

Writer: Matthew Pritchard

the demolition. Crafty, Danny thought; people found it harder to get angry with a woman, especially an attractive one. Her hard hat and fluorescent bib bobbed at the centre of a tightly knit group of people. ...

obligatory ‘How do you feel?’ It was amazing how dumb those four words could make you feel sometimes. Peggy Cooke wanted to speak, though. ‘Why us?’ she said, her voice shrill. ‘Out of all the hundreds of people, why does it have to be us? Behind them was the press I want you to print that. It’s not pack, two dozen fair.’ strong, cameras Why us? and microphones That had waving above the been everyNearly every crowd as it surged one’s first penny the poor and rocked. Gawkreaction ers and curious in March old duffers had children milled at 2009 when was invested the edges, wonthe judicial in their villa dering what all the demolition fuss was about. orders were delivered to The Cookes eleven differwere inconsolable. Peggy sat ent families dotted around the on an armchair that had been municipality of Los Membrillos. dumped among spiky clumps It seemed so monstrously unfair, of esparto grass. given the scale of the problem Tears carved streaks through in Almeria, the province that octhe dust that had settled on cupies Spain’s south-eastern tip. her face. Danny recognised the A Junta survey had uncovered armchair; he’d sat in it when more than 12,500 irregular conhe’d interviewed them a year structions in just ten of the worst before, when the demolition affected municipalities. orders were first served. Arthur But the Spanish legal system Cooke had looked dapper and was a Heath-Robinson contrapdefiant as he posed for the tion manned by characters from cameras back then; now, every Kafka: immense and baffling in one of his seventy-three years its complexity, arbitrary in the weighed upon him. He stood decisions it dispensed and spitewith his hand on his wife’s fully prescriptive when it did so. shoulder and turned moist It was one of the dangers of emieyes as Danny approached. grating to Spain, the flipside to all ‘Not now, mate,’ he said, shak- the sunshine, fiestas and good ing his head. ‘The bastards are living. ... about to ruin us.’ Danny nodded, glad he’d Why us? Danny knew the been spared having to ask the answer to Peggy Cooke’s ques-

‘ ‘

...

‘

TRUE LIFE: The Priors in Vera ... Scarecrow is partly based on their story, with a twist

la cultura

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destruction and death

tion; he’d interviewed the mayor of Los Membrillos. ‘We had so many applications for building licences, we were swamped,’ the mayor had said, unlocking a cabinet and indicating three large cardboard boxes leaking paperwork. ‘We only got round to processing eleven.’ That was the bitter irony of it; by trying to follow the rules, these unlucky eleven home owners had created a paper trail that Junta officials could follow back to speciﬁc properties. Time was ticking on. The crowd was getting angrier, the shouting louder. More Guardia officers arrived. Danny phoned everyone and anyone he could think of who was involved with the case. It was the usual pass-theparcel. The council blamed the Junta, the Junta blamed the courts, the courts blamed the council; all down the line, each link of the chain shrugged its shoulders and pointed to someone else. Arthur Cooke watched Danny in action, hoping that this

everyone to freeze and fall silent. The crowd turned as the engine revved and the excavator’s mantis arm uncoiled and rose above the house. For a moment, time seemed stilled . . . and then the air thundered as the excavator’s claw drove down through the roof. An angry moan emerged from the crowd as the arm rose and hundreds of dislodged tiles showered and smashed on the ground. ...

‘ Scarecrow, by Matthew Pritchard is available from Amazon £8.99 man who spoke such perfect Spanish could somehow work a miracle. Danny ﬁnished the phone call, shook his head. The flicker of light in the old man’s eyes dulled. ...

‘

The sudden roar of the excavator’s engine caused

Stoic. They were tearing his house down, but he wouldn’t show a flicker of weakness. Another huge section of wall tumbled away; it fell to the ground with a thud. Dust rose, people coughed, choked, began walking back along the road. Danny pulled his jacket up to cover his mouth. The Spanish woman atop the ridge didn’t really care about the foreigners; their house was illegal; it had to come down. She was only there for the spectacle, to have something to tell her friends tomorrow at the market. She was the ﬁrst to see it. Her mouth gaped; then she began to scream and point toward the corner of

Other people had noticed the shouting woman now... silence halted the crowd the house. People looked to see what the noise was but the sounds were rendered unintelligible by the rumble of falling brickwork and the excavator’s diesel chug. But the dust was settling now; people were following the woman’s outstretched hand, squinting as they too noticed the thing wedged in the narrow gap between exterior and interior wall. A Guardia Civil officer rushed to the excavator, banged on the window. The machine fell silent. Other people had noticed the shouting woman now and were pressing closer, shading their eyes, unsure of what they were seeing. For the second time that morning, a sudden silence halted the crowd. Danny thought it was a mannequin at ﬁrst. And then the corpse fell forward, bending from the waist, its blackened head rocking back and forth. Some people screamed; others stood open-mouthed; some turned to run. Arthur Cooke’s face remained expressionless as he stared at the semi-skeletal corpse lolling from the broken wall of his house. Then, without moving a single muscle of his face, he toppled forward and fell heavily to the earth.’

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

19 19

la cultura What a scene!

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the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

DEBUT: Monet’s stunning Marea baja en Varengeville to go on show

Art lovers are being treated to a fabulous autumn in Malaga city, including Van Gogh and Monet ART lovers are to be treated to a touch of Van Gogh and Monet this autumn. In an exhibition at Malaga’s Thyssen Museum, over 50 works will focus on landscapes around Europe. Hand-chosen by owner Baroness Thyssen, the paintings, which span the 19th and 20th centuries, also include works by Leger and Courbet. One of the key works at the exhibition that opens on October 4 is Claude Monet’s stunning Marea baja en Varengeville (above). Malaga meanwhile continues with its ‘Picasso October’ theme at both the Picasso Museum and the nearby museum of his birth.

The museum in Plaza de la Merced will investigate the relationship between Picasso and the celebrated composer Manuel de Falla. Elsewhere the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) will continue its tradition of exhibiting new and cutting edge artists with a show by Briton Jonathan Monk. It is the first exhibition in Spain by Monk, who specialises in conceptual and minimalist artwork. Finally, art lovers also have the last chance to visit a unique exhibition of Dennis Hopper’s photographs which run until the end of September at the Picasso Museum.

Lost and found ARTIST Joan Miro’s famous sketches, which had disappeared from the Joan Miró Foundation in Palma, have been found three years later. The artworks entitled ‘Gaudí XVIII and XIX’ went missing in 2010 under mysterious circumstances and were delivered to the office of Islands Art i Llar SL this month. Police are looking into the circumstances of the disappearance.

MISSING: Guadi XVIII lost for three years

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ll about

SPECIAL EIGHTPAGE OLIVE PRESS SUPPLEMENT: Get yourselves prepared for the cold ... or a busy winter of DIY

DIY

21 2 2013 the olive press - September 18 - October

and winterizing your home

me to the ti ld ’s w o o N c ION: rain and e ARAT PREP ady for th get re

t is wasy to forget that winter here can sometimes be as cold and wey as back home. Some expats can’t even handle spending the winter months in Andalucia and head off to sunnier climes in the southern hemisphere or the Far East. Rain, frost and snow can all damage brickwork, causing flooding and damp. If the property is a holiday home, insurance may cover the damage, but prevention is better than cure. Now is the time to check your roof and fill in any obvious cracks before the rains and cold arrives. A roaring fire – particularly a log burning stove – or low energy use radiators go a long way to making your home more comfortable for the traditional winter period. And there are plenty of basic checks that can really help make the winter sail by and cost a lot less than you expected. Here the Olive Press presents a simple checklist of the things to look out for in winter:

Frost:

Cold snaps can be costly. Pipes freeze and burst, and if you aren’t in the property the floors can lie wet for months. To prevent pipes freezing, consider leaving the heating on (at 13C) when your home is unoccupied. It won’t cost much but it will prevent the problem occuring. And the house will take a lot less time to heat up when you get back.

Boiler:

Turning on the heating won’t help if you have an unhealthy boiler. Get it serviced regularly to prevent break-downs during the frosty months. If you have a condensing boiler, note that external pipes are prone to freezing in winter which causes the system to shut down. Ensure these pipes are lagged.

Insulation:

Loft insulation can help reduce heating bills and retain heat, but don’t forget to lag pipes and hot water cylinders in loft areas to prevent freezing. Wrap exposed outside pipes with insulating sleeves and check to see if grants are available for energysaving improvements.

GET READY FOR WINTER HEAT: From an open fire to an ourdoor heater

Drainage:

If you are away for long periods turn the water off at the stopcock. However, turning it off is not sufficient if there is still water in the system. Get a plumber to drain down the water and central heating system to remove the risk completely.

Breaks: Doing a quick check for any damage to the gutter or roof tiles will prevent sneaky leaks. A wobbly roof tile could fall off in high winds, damaging the property and possibly injuring a passer by.

Gutters:

Clear drains/gutters of leaves and debris so they don’t overflow and cause flooding or damp. Rainwater in blocked pipes may freeze and crack them.

Trees:

In high winds a falling tree could damage your property or a third party. Keep trees well pruned, remove dead/damaged branches and ensure they are clear of buildings and cables.

Windows:

Check all windows for wood rot and cracked putty. Make sure

water flows away from the glass and doesn’t collect on the sill, or drain behind it. Shutters should be well fastened to avoid damage. Check for gaps around windows and seal with caulk.

Electricity surges:

Install surge protectors to your appliances as electrical storms and power surges can fry your electrical gadgets such as TV’s, telephones and modems. They can also cause fires.

Safety checks:

Ensure gas and electrical appliances are serviced annually by qualified engineers and check for signs of damage regularly. This will save money... and could even save lives.

Fire safety:

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working regularly and replace old batteries.

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 201322

www.theolivepress.es DIY and winterizing your home special

EATING the house can be expensive; some providers charge a minimum fee for usage and then charge a premium for anything above it. To keep costs low, thousands of clever punters are now using low-cost electric heaters, which are efficient and effective. Before rushing out to buy a plug-in heater, it is important to get one that will fit your needs. There are many different kinds of electric heaters, such as radiant, convection and night storage heaters, which all distribute heat differently. Radiant heaters are great for close range. Perfect for bathrooms or a quick blast of heat in the morning, but not good for heating large rooms. Convection heaters are a good choice for medium-sized rooms that require heating for longer periods of time, such as living rooms and bedrooms. Night storage heaters use bricks to store heat from cheap-

Electric idea There are various new methods to heat your house at a much lower cost

er offpeak electricity at night and slowly release it during the day. However, these are unsuitable if your house is empty during the day, as a lot of the heat will be released when it is not needed.

Speak to an expert who can help you with your needs. The best companies include Airflow, which can install coin meters to control electricity consumption, as well as service all types of A/C units. It can also offer full installation of A/C units from

just â&#x201A;Ź595. One, highly respected company, which has cornered the market in sustainable heating, is Comfort Plus. The company, run by two Dutchmen out of Tarifa, claims to be able to save your heating costs by up to 50%. The company sells the low energy use radiators through-

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Grow your own heat

out Andalucia and can provide installation for a very small extra cost. Contact Airflow on 952443222 and Comfort Plus on 956627419 and www.comfort-plus.info

PEN fires and log burning stoves are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to gas and electricity. Wood burners can provide heat and hot water for a whole house – and some homeowners are even planting trees in order to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and save money on their bills. The initial outlay for a stove will be a minimum of €400, although expect to pay €800-plus for anything of quality. The efficiency of your wood burner will depend completely on the quality of the wood you burn. Use only seasoned wood (the best age is two to sevenyears-old); and olive, oak, ash, beech, apple, birch and alder are best. For serious, year-round oil and gas replacement in an averagely insulated home, you will need four to eight tons (two to three trees) a year. Think alternatively for your firewood; grow your own trees, club together with neighbours to save on delivery and help yourself to wooden pallets dumped on waste ground. For more advice on the best stove for you, visit Unique Fires. In its seventh year, this local and independent company will provide a no obligation survey. Call Greg on +34 9511 61311 or +34 610 654 422 for more information or visit www.unique-fires.com

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 201323 23

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

DIY and winterizing you

ROOM WITH A VIEW

HE view from a house is as important as the property itself. Why let bricks and mortar obstruct a gorgeous sea-view or perennial planting. A perfect solution can be found in ‘glass curtains’. Glass curtains are exactly what their name implies –panes of glass which fit together to provide an uninterrupted outlook. On top of this installing glass curtains is a fabulous way to create another room for your home, like a conservatory, but considerably cheaper. This can then be a fantastic, light room, which will be an excellent place to sit on a cold winter’s morning, while in summer the curtains will slide back leaving it open to the elements. They can be tailor-made to fit any house, curve, corner or angle. And the 10mm extra-toughened panels will even reduce noise from outside. Even better, nosy neighbours won’t be able to look in with some of the tinted variations, giving owners the privacy they require.

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ur home special www.theolivepress.es

Interbuild holds on to its customers by working for them

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

Building on success

T was back in Gibraltar in 1987 when two eager lads embarked on the challenging road to establish a building supplies company ‘with a difference’. Back then their motto was – ‘Working hard for your business’ and, nearly 27 years later, it still remains their code of practice. The business has grown from strength to strength due to its belief in putting the customer first. Interbuild has supplied materials to virtually all new developments since they started the business, from brick to roofing tiles, and luxury kitchens to paints. Listening to their customers’ needs remains the most valuable tool in the

MODERN: Interbuild showroom and the team (top) company’s development and to this end they remain comfortably at the helm of the industry in Gibraltar, setting trends and leading the sector as the supplier of choice for both small refurbishments works to large scale developments and infrastructure projects. The store is one of the largest around with as many as 90% of its products imported from the best, reputable U.K. manufacturers.

MODERN: Interbuild stock the latest Rangemaster ovens

Interbuild, Unit 12 The New Harbours, Gibraltar. Tel +(350) 200 74567. Email: sales@interbuild.gi

What to do when pipes freeze or burst

F you discover frozen pipes in your home, there is a significant danger that thawing pipes could burst if preventative steps are not taken. Cracks in pipes and plumbing joints may not be noticeable because frozen water is keeping them sealed, but as water thaws and expands, it could cause leaks and internal flooding. These may start slowly at first, almost unseen – but could lead to devastating damage and disruption. What to do: Turn off the water supply at the stop tap to limit the amount that could escape in the event of a burst. Turn off the central heating system or immersion heater. Open the taps nearest to the frozen pipe, so the when the frozen water thaws the water flow will release pressure and help melt the ice. Check pipes for damage or evidence of freezing. Try to thaw the frozen pipe slowly and cautiously with a hot water bottle, or hairdryer. Never use a naked flame. Once the pipes have thawed turn on the water supply. It is always a good idea to consult a registered plumbing and heating engineer for assistance.

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

DIY and winterizing your www.theolivepress.es

Get on the scale!

Get an extra 5% discount on Scalewatcher water conditioner in special Olive Press reader offer

CALEWATCHER is a compact, computerised, electronic water conditioner which will descale your existing water system, prevent new scale from forming and save you money from the moment it is installed. Established for seven years in Andalucia, the product sells for between €198 and €399 depending on the size of property. It is guaranteed to reduce all scale, soften water and help improve the performance of both washing machines and dishwashers. If Scalewatcher doesn’t work after six months, customers will receive their money back. Among the many benefits available are unbelievably low running costs, working out at about €5 per year, a maintenancefree product with no movable parts, low energy consumption and easy installation. You will also notice after a short time how much kinder the scale-free water is to your skin. Taking no more than half an hour to install, it

Don’t out in An individual eye

fits neatly on to the wall above the main water flow coming into the property with only a small electrical point needed. Scalewatcher, a Dutch company, has been on the market in England for 20 years and is used by a range of famous venues including St Paul’s Cathedral, Portsmouth Council and McDonalds. Scalewatcher is now offering a 5% discount to any customer who mentions the Olive Press when purchasing the product. Anyone interested in this offer should contact Peter Walker on 952 857 680 or pwalker2312@hotmail.

IF you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary when it comes to decorating then Matthew Corner has both the imagination and the skill to transform your home with a range of stunning painting techniques. Matthew has worked on some of the most luxurious villas in Marbella, as well as small scale projects. His company Eminence Effects undertakes everything from extravagant Trompe L’oeil -creating illusions of stunning vistas, to a more classical look -using panelling and blocking techniques. Contemporary decor is also popular - using geometrics, pop-art or subtle earth tones. Matthew comments: “Throughout my career, I have enjoyed the challenges of creating artistic and dynamic living spaces, often far removed from the original decor. “I take great pride in taking a kernel of an idea from a client and working with them to bring the idea to life”. www.eminence-effects.com

home special www.theolivepress.es

get caught the cold Get rid of damp the easy way with a new ventilation system

HOUSANDS come to Spain for the sunshine, but many forget that it gets pretty cold in the

evening, in the winter. You may be able to put on a jumper, but your house can be adversely affected by

A comprehensive service

these extremes. Mould, mustiness and damp are a common occurrence, but Damp Tech Spain has a solution. A technician will be able to offer free advice on the best possible solution.

IF you are looking for a comprehensive property maintenance company then look no further than K&S services. The company, based in Spain for 15 years, is able to offer a huge range of services from bricklaying to carpentry and from satellite installation to handyman services. The company, based in Monda, also specialises in damp proofing and painting.

The most popular solution to damp problems is the Room Heat Recovery Ventilator which will maintain a suitable level of humidity and continuous flow of controlled and cleaned air throughout the day. Best of all, it only costs three cents a day to run.

For more info contact 952254203 or visit www.dampproofing.es

Visit www.damptechspain. com for more info.

Recovery

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 201327 27

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

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www.theolivepress.es The Olive Press’

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013 29 monthly youth and education section 29

treme

Sponsor a student New scheme to allow wealthy to fund poor students in Malaga

A CONTROVERSIAL scheme aims to help hard up students in Malaga. The spiralling cost of studying has prompted the city’s university to set up a pool of

donors to fund students who are unable to meet the cost of their higher education. It comes as a survey, carried out by El Pais, showed that more than 30,000 stu-

Taking the tablets

SIXTH Form students at Mayfair International Academy were pleasantly surprised on their return to school when they were given the latest Samsung Galaxy 16GB 10” tablet to help them with their studies and their future education.

dents face expulsion from university because they cannot pay their tuition fees. The proposal by Malaga University president, Adelaida de la Calle, has divided the academic community. Some of her colleagues support her actions as an immediate and practical solution to a growing problem. Although student unions argue that it should be the state’s job to fund education, a view backed by other university presidents. However, she is pushing on regardless and has opened a bank account for contributors to make their donations. She did not discuss any of the legal aspects of the initia-

tive. Malaga is not the first university to launch such a scheme. Madrid’s Complutense also using private money to create an emergency fund for hardup students. The Huelva University Matricula initiative allows companies, individuals, and organisations to contribute toward the costs of students facing economic difficulties. Until two years ago the cost of going to university in Spain was the lowest in Europe. Between 2010 and 2011 the average cost was €1,100 a year. Today the cost ranges from €591 in Galicia to €1,620 in Madrid.

Schools to go on strike TEACHERS, students and parents will be protesing against education reform on October 24. The teachers’ trade union is behind the one day national strike, insisting anyone in education should protest against the rise in college tuition fees and the cuts in scholarships.

Universities on the up A CHINESE education body has included ten Spanish universities in the World’s top 500. The only Andalucia nUniversity included in the respected Shanghai Ranking for 2013 was Granada. The list, which has been compiled since 2003, also shows that the number of women heading to university has risen by 40% and they are slowly outnumbering their male counterparts.

Top Ten

Just 3% of students are foriegn and a third come from European Union countries. Spain had no universities in the top ten, although Cambridge and Oxford were present. The top three were Harvard, Yale and Berkeley. Princeton, at seventh in the list, has a summer exchange programme with the Olive Press.

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

Xtreme

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Slackers lose out

Students with low academic scores will not get government funding

STUDENTS with low academic scores will not necessarily get help with their college funding. Education Minister Jose Ignacio Wert insists that the government

By Alex Iszatt will only help 50% of students that score between 5 and 5.5 out of 10.

BSM head Sian Kirkham throws open the school gates for the new term

Egg-cellent start THE last week of August was a flurry of papers, boxes and staples as BSM staff busily prepared for the start of the autumn term. With many new teachers and teaching assistants joining us from England, the shock of enjoying summer weather without even a hint of rain was welcomed by all. Old teammates re-bonded and new friendships blossomed through a variety of team building games, including an ‘egg box challenge’ that the Music department won hands down after composing their own song about an egg head that likes eggs – something along those lines anyway; Egg-cellent. The week whizzed by, the school was quickly transformed and before we knew it the school gates were flung open to welcome the children back for the new academic year. Cheers could be heard for miles around with a few cartwheels in sight from the more enthusiastic parents, as they enjoyed their favourite day of the year – back to school. I then had the opportunity to share with the children the many exciting developments taking place this term such as a new primary golf programme and the formation of the British Schools Foundation Choir. I will be choosing four very lucky students to join me on a visit to one of our sister schools in Malaysia where they will

All the rest will be denied loans and tax exemption. Wert insisted that there is little point in aiding the low scoring students as they are 20% more likely to drop out of college. He insisted that resources would be better used elsewhere.

Scarce

take part in an exchange and perform with children from all of our other schools. Later in the week the children celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Hebrew celebration of New Year. The whole school enjoyed the traditional treat of apples dipped in honey – the children initially scrunched up their faces at the thought (fussy eaters at BSM? Well, one or two…) but they actually enjoyed this healthy alternative with many requesting their parents to add apples and honey to their weekly shopping list. So it has been yet another extremely positive start to the school year at BSM and, with Art Week just around the corner, school is about to get even better.

The minister has been highly criticised for his stance, especially since a further €350million has been added to the scholarship pot.However, Wert claims that resources are ‘scarce’, just as more people are heading to college, than in previous years.

Top Dollar

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the olive pressbusiness - September 18 - October 2 2013 31 31 The Olive Press fortnightly section taking a look at the Spanish economy and offering tips on how to save AND make money

Reigning in the Fat Cats Bank executives to be forced to relinquish their interests in other blue chip companies

Flying high

NEW laws are to prevent bankers from abusing their positions. Under the legislation bank bosses will be unable to hold executive positions with companies which have links to their institution. The new laws will prevent Spain’s most powerful executive Isidro Faine from sitting on the board of La Caixa bank and various blue chip companies.

A SPANISH company has unveiled a range of drones designed to look like birds of prey. The devices can fly 10 times closer to enemy lines than existing detective equipment. Expal’s unmanned ‘forward observer’ is so well camouflaged it can fly at 100 meters above the enemy without detection, compared to the standard 1,000 meters. The remote-controlled craft (bottom right), which costs around €1,200, is fitted with state-of-the-art cameras and can automatically provide target location data to nearby mortars. It is currently being tested by the Spanish military with a view to being offered to the military in several other countries. “Nobody can tell it’s a spy because it’s designed to the exact body shape and feather pattern of an eagle,” said a spokesman from the company in Madrid.“We can design it to look like any large bird depending on the location of the client.”

Critical

Boatyard’s ship comes sailing in A SPANISH boatyard has been awarded a €75million contract to build six new vessels on behalf of Scottish shipping services firm Craig Group. Family-owned Craig

Group, has selected the Basque-based shipyard to produce the six emergency response and rescue boats which will be used to exploit the booming oil and gas activity in UK and Norwegian

waters. The group has an existing contractual arrangement with the shipyard, and the vessels will be sisters to those built by the yard already in service in the North Sea.

Faine is currently deputy chairman of Telefonica, Europe’s largest telecoms operator, oil company Repsol and infrastructure operator Abertis. Critics have insisted that this has given him unparalleled – and unfair influence across the

country’s corporate scene. The law is a result of reforms agreed last year following the bail out of Spain’s banks by the EU.

Concerned

Faine, and various other bank executives, will be forced to either step down from their bank’s board or relinquish their roles in other companies. A La Caixa bank official said they were waiting for the results of the final draft of the law, due this November, and would make no decision until then. The spokesperson added that Fainehad worked for the Catalan bank for more than 30 years and was concerned with the interests of the institution over those of his own future.

Advertorial

Small firm hits the big time

A MOBILE phone provider is slowly cornering the market. Masmovil is taking on the big boys in a bid to come out on top by offering the cheapest rate for mobile phones and internet. Its new rate plan, the ‘Tarifa Cero in Pay-As-You-Go mode’, gives users five minutes of free talk time as well as highspeed mobile internet for just €6.90 per month. Masmovil has distributors all over Spain, with dedicated English, Spanish, German, Scandinavian and Russian speaking staff to answer any questions you may have. For more information visit www.masmovil.es

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

Top Dollar

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REAL BIG PROFIT REAL Madrid announced a 52% increase in net profit and a fall in debt in their recent end of year report. The club, which was the first to surpass annual revenues of €500m, increased its income to a record €520.9m in the 12 months before debt, meanwhile, dropped by 27% to €90.6m. The club, which recently signed ex-Tottenham star Gareth Bale (right) for a record €100m, is one of just four in Spain allowed to remain member-owned after a 1990 law change obliging all other clubs to become limited companies. This enabled the club to keep its notfor-profit status, reducing its tax burdens to below the level of its competitors.

Bottom of the league

Red tape, wasteful public spending and speed of change is harming Spain’s competitive advantage

SPAIN’S Government needs to improve relations with the private sector if it is to be more competitive globally, according to the World Economic Forum. Its latest report ranks the country’s economy as the 35th most competitive out of 148 globally, and praises its infrastructure, education sys-

By Claire Wilson tem and large, skilled labor force. However, when it comes to politics, it falls outside the top 100, with the government heavily criticised for its wasteful public spending, ex-

Delivery Man needs degree A JOBS portal has posted an advert for a bakery delivery position which requires a degree in business management. Over 630 people have so far applied for the position in Murcia via Infojobs. The job, which is six days a week and starts at 4am, pays between €1000 and €1,250 per month. According to the advert, applicants need a ‘recently completed degree in Business Management’ as well as two years driving experience. A recent study showed that 54 per cent of 16 to 29-year-olds and 56 per cent of 30 to 34-year-olds are carrying out jobs for which they are overqualified in Spain.

STOP THE CUTS ESTEPONA’S politicians are fighting an across-theboard drop in town hall wages. The ruling socialists are fighting the regional PP plan that supports a drop of 10 per cent in wages around Malaga province. But the socialists believe the plan ‘would be catastrophic’ and have asked mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano to defend the municipality.

The latest Labour Force Survey reveals that the province of Malaga currently has 774,200 active workers, who have already suffered a loss of income of 15 per cent since prime minister Rajoy came into power. The average annual salary in the province is €16,000 when compared to the national average of €19,000 per year. Nearly half of all workers in An-

tensive red tape and the time it takes to implement change. The country slips even lower in terms of its private sector business environment. The bureaucracy needed to start a new business, employee relations, the country’s capacity to attract and retain talent, the availability of venture capital, and the effect of taxation on incentives to invest were all criticised, leaving the country outside the top 120. The country fares much better for its transport infrastructure, coming sixth, as well as its skilled labour force, coming in eighth.

Complacent

Analyst Klaus Schwab said: “Spain continues to leverage its competitive strengths in terms of a world-class transport infrastructure and a good use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), coming 23rd, and despite the high unemployment rate a large and skilled labour force thanks to one of the highest tertiary education enrollment rates in the world. “In the current context, however, policymakers must avoid complacency and press ahead with the structural reforms and investments required to ensure it can provide a prosperous environment and employment for its citizens.” The country has improved by one place since last year, although it still remains below the 29th place ranking it scored before the financial crisis hit in 2008.

33 33the olive press - September 18 - October 2 201333

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Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander Richard Alexander advises individuals to look into their contracts when hiring a car or booking a flight

Beware of small print!

s the summer holi- ting hand luggage stowed. days come to an end But as the airlines try to find those who are not tied ways to become more comto school schedules petitive and protect their profit breathe a sigh of relief as margins you now have to be flights and car hire careful of prices return to a the addmore tenable level. ons when Prices for these We all underbooking services increase stand the market flights. forces of supply T h e dramatically in the and demand and b e s t school holidays as much as it may te r m s irk, prices for these can ofservices increase ten be dramatically in achieved school holidays. by comparing the airlines and This isnt the only reason selecting different departure they can jump, however, and places, dates and times; but they can catch you out if you when you come to book you are not careful. have the option to reserve As a frequent traveller, I a seat, which costs extra, to regularly compare prices for check in luggage, which is airline seats and I have to say more still, and sports equipfor short haul flights I am fan ment is more again. of the budget airlinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; options Some carriers are also reducto pay for priority boarding, ing luggage allowances. How and to turn up as soon as the many times have you seen gate opens to be sure of get- people unpacking their case

at check in and putting on ex- the car for more than three tra clothing to meet the weight days, you will be required to relimit? turn it empty, which of course is That always strikes me as impossible to do. being a bit daft as the same The cost of the tank of fuel weight is going on the plane. will also be more, sometimes a When it comes to car hire, lot more, than you would pay at comparison websites are the local petrol station. geared to identifying the lowest Insurance for mirrors, tyres cost for each size of vehicle, and windscreens is something but this can be very mislead- else they like to add on. To opt ing because the price you see out, you have to leave a substanwill undoubtedly not be the tial deposit on your credit card. price you end up paying and Paying a bit more for the hire sometimes the more expen- car at the outset could enable sive options you to take the can work out car back with cheaper in a full tank and Paying a bit more the end. they may not for the hire car at The comcharge extra panies which for additional the outset could... have the lowdrivers, both of save you money est prices which will save add extra you money. costs when It certainly you collect pays to read the the vehicle. small print and be sure what You will have to pay for a tank you are paying and what you of fuel, and often if you have are getting for it.

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

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AGONY ANT

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

BANNED: But it seems Iranians including Iranian President Ahmadinejad (above) are in fact entitled to buy in Spain

Spanish Banks shut doors to Iranian investors TARGOBANK has joined all other Spanish banks by placing a blanket ban on any Iranian national trying to buy Spanish property. Up until now, these ordinary investors, attracted by the comparatively low prices of Spanish property, are seeking to invest in the country and are usually granted tourist visas by the Spanish

Ask Ant

Q. What should I do if my bank account application is rejected?

A. Generally, banks will not openly reject you but will ask for ‘Know Your Customer’ documentation, sit on it and then tell you that your application has been declined. If you think that you have been unfairly treated, you should ask for the branch complaints book and log your complaint. You can also report these cases to the Bank of Spain (www.bde.es).

Q. Is it legal for a bank to freeze the bank account of a deceased person? A. All banks in Spain are authorised to put a block on a bank account whose holder is known to have passed away. It is not necessary for them to have written proof that this is the case, as a verbal communication will suffice, until the matter is clarified.

Consulate in Tehran. Others apply for permanent residency, receive N.I.E. numbers, property deeds by notary publics and empadronamiento certificates by town halls. Yet irritatingly, they are snubbed by Spanish banks on the pretext that laws don’t allow them to do business with Iranian nationals. So while sanctions against Iranian property investors have been tightened, largely due to pressure from the US, it is still not clear what laws the banks are referring to. This has created a view where anything related to Iran is toxic and problematic and thus leads lawyers, property developers and real estate agents to avoid doing business with Iranians looking to invest in Spain. On closer inspection it appears there is no such blanket ban in Spain because there is no specific regulation by the Bank of Spain or the Interior Ministry. And yet one is regularly confronted by branch managers trotting out the same excuses: ‘Iranians have been banned by the EU’, ‘bosses say it is not possible’, ‘the computer system blocks that particular nationality’, ‘our entity does not specialise in dealing with such nationals’ etc, etc. Sadly, it all boils down to Spanish financial institutions being terribly scared of retaliatory action by the U.S. Government and so prefer to drop certain foreign citizens as clients, even if they risk being reported to the Bank of Spain for arbitrarily, when not discriminatorily, refusing to open bank accounts for them.

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Spain on risk list SPAIN has been added to a list of countries at risk due to continued economic problems.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was prompted to act after Spain’s debt hit

Record debt

a record €942.8bn in June. causes concern An IMF report acknowledged Spain’s progress in for International tackling its public Monetary Fund deficit. But it warned of continued government’s target of 91.4% problems due to despite severe spending cuts. mounting debts Madrid was aiming to reduce and slowgrowth, public spending by €150bilwith debts now ac- lion between 2012 and 2014, counting for 92% but rising unemployment and the consequent benefit payof GDP. The figure is al- ments is making this hard to most 15% higher achieve. The Bank of Spain than the same estimates debt could reach period last year, 100% of GDP over the next Keith Spitalnick on the fragile recovery and is above the three years. he Bank of England (BoE) held interest rates at 0.5% for the 14th consecutive month, and maintained its asset purchasing programme at £375 billion in September. The European Central Bank (ECB) also maintained rates at a record low 0.5% for the fifth month, in a move which suggests economic recovery remains fragile. The decision to hold rates and keep asset purchasing unchanged comes against a backdrop of improving data from the UK. A survey of purchasing managers by data company Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing showed supply was at its highest level since records began in 1998. The markets have been anticipating a rise in interest rates, explaining sterling’s recent strength despite a statement from the BoE which said it will not increase the rate until unemployment falls below 7%. While this is not expected to happen until 2016, inflation is above the 2% target and there are signs the housing market is set for a boom, meaning rate rises may come as early as 2015. While this is all good news for the economy, it’s bad news for the BoE , HIFX celebrated its first anniversary in its Centro which pledged to keep long term interest rates low to keep the UK econPlaza office last Thursday. omy more stable in the longer term and avoid the mistakes of the past. Around 300 guests were treated to an evening of Conversely, chancellor George Osborne talked up the UK economy, neon green cocktails and music by Quikke Navarro, claiming a corner had been turned, and called for more 95% mortgages against the backdrop of Nueva Andalucia. one of the causes of the artificial housing boom that caused the financial Attendees included clients, partners and leading crash in the first place! figures from the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain. Shaun Taylor, founding partner, said: “The Keith Spitalnick is head of European Sales at HiFX. To contact HiFX and success of the office shows our continuing commitfind out how the team can help you with your international transactions, call in at Centro Plaza, call 951 203 986 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk ment to both the expat community and local partners, which we are very proud to serve.”

STERLING STUFF

Questionable recovery

Party time!

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

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Top Dollar

Inheritance Tax on up and up... Advertorial

ROM August 6, 2013 the Valencian Government increased Inheritance Tax (IHT) payable by residents within the region. The changes mean resident spouses, descendants, and ascendants now have an increase to personal tax free allowance, or in the case of gifting, to €100,000. In addition, the exemption for assets inherited above the €100,000 allowance has been lowered to 75%. There is no such exemption for brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nephews, partners or friends. Resident’s IHT in Spain is charged by the autonomous region where they live. All non-residents, however, who inherit assets on mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canaries are taxed by the central tax office in Madrid, with a maximum allowance of €15,957 per individual inheriting. A concern for most beneficiaries is that bank accounts can be frozen upon death, the tax has to be paid within the six months stipulated and in a ‘worst case’ scenario, an embargo could be placed on property. Simply becoming non-resident, which has been seen as a solution to the recent asset declaration problem, would not work, as the inheritance tax due for

non-residents is significantly higher and is taxed centrally in Madrid. It has been suggested that this is discrimination against non-residents of Spain and that they could be taxed at a lower rate and in line with residents. As this may not be financially viable to the Spanish Government, taxes for residents may be brought in line with nonresident taxes and taxed at the higher rate.

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Wincham will invest your Spanish property into your own UK company (which Wincham can provide). The client will be the Director and Shareholder, and have total control of their asset at all times. Using the Hacienda’s (Spanish tax office) agreed formula to calculate the investment value there will be no Property Transfer Tax of 7/10% or Capital Gains Tax due in Spain on this transaction. Our method enables you to utilise Spanish legislation to own and maintain your property within a corporate structure in the most tax efficient way. Unlike an offshore company which creates an additional 3% tax burden each year, the UK is not classed as offshore and, in line with EU treaties Spain cannot charge UK companies the 3% tax. Frozen food firm has In addition, all clients accumulated debts of €3.6bn who use our services to PESCANOVA has become Sousa, the company's purchase or invest a propthe largest non-construc- former chairman, is un- erty into a UK limited comtion sector bankruptcy der investigation for pany are covered by Title in Spanish history after fraud and has had his ac- Deed Insurance cover for accounts revealed it had counts frozen by a Span- 20 years and a maximum accumulated debts of ish judge. He denies any of €360,000 compensation €3.6bn. wrongdoing. The scandal-hit frozen Two key shareholders including demolition order, fish producer filed for are now set for a show- fraud and compulsory purbankruptcy earlier in the down as they each try to chase plus many more aryear after failing to sub- take control of the com- eas.

Bankruptcy makes history

mit its accounts for 2012. At the time it was speculated its payments due stood at around €840million. A forensic audit by KPMG later revealed its debt mountain was closer to €3.3billion, and the latest set of figures, produced by Deloitte, showed the actual figure to be €3.6billion. Manuel Fernandez de

pany. Barcelona brewer Damm and US-based Cartesian Capital are attempting to install a new board of directors. However, the brewer's bid is being denounced by the US group as its proposal includes some residual members from the board in control at the time of the alleged fraud.

To receive your free personalised Spanish IHT illustration and to discuss how this method of ownership could benefit you visit www. winchamiht.com. Alternatively contact one of our advisers directly on +44 (0)1260 299 700 (UK) or 0034 965 830 991 (Spain).

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51 www.theolivepress.es

Wine drinkers have reason for cheer

become Why not dge 800 ri b a Cam NT?

LTA CONSU G TRAININ FULL GIVEN!

SAD SPAIN SPAIN is down in the dumps according to the United Nations World Happiness Re-

Predicting death SCIENTISTS have patented a test that tells you how long you have left to live. The ‘death test’, is a painless laser pulse, which goes through the skin from a watch-like device. Lasers then measure the movement of endothelial cells, which results in a time scale of life expectancy. The device will be available in the next three years, and can also test for cancer and dementia.

Disability win

SPAIN has been awarded a top international prize for promoting the rights of its disabled citizens. Queen Sofia accepted the Franklin D. Roosevelt International Disability Rights Award on behalf of Spain at a ceremony at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York. “This award serves us as a stimulus to continue making progress towards a fully egalitarian society,” Queen Sofia said. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon lauded the Spanish royal family, the Spanish Government and its people for “the efforts of the European country towards inclusion and equality, such as last year’s adoption of a comprehensive strategy on disability”.

Bridie did. This is her before – and after! We know that losing weight is only half the battle. Bridie, before Keeping it off long term is what really matters. With its unique one-to-one support, Cambridge 800 is the nutritional, convenient and healthy way to lose weight.

A GLASS of wine a day can reduce the risk of depression, according to a new Spanish study. A trial group of 5,500 subjects were studied over a seven year period, with results showing an inverse correlation between low and moderate alcohol consumption and new cases of depression. Participants consumed between two and seven glasses of wine per week in the study by Predimed, a government-funded organisation investigating the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. It has already established those who consume a diet rich in olive oil are 30% less likely to suffer cardiac issues or to have a stroke.

Country slumps from 2nd to 38th place in the happiness stakes

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the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

or email admin@cambridge800.es for the name of your nearest consultant.

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by Alex Iszatt port 2013. The UN report has seen Spain plummet from second place to 38th in just five years, its sixth greatest decline in happiness. This fall has been down to the economy; increases in perceived corruption in both business and government, and a sharp rise in unemployment. The UN report recommends that governments in countries’s like Spain – and in Greece and Italy - spend more on mental health to increase the well being of their citizens.

Freedom

The Gallup-run study takes into account six factors including real GDP per capita, life expectancy, having someone to count on, perceived freedom to make life choices, freedom from corruption, and generosity. Global happiness leaders are the Scandinavian countries with Denmark coming top and Norway second. Switzerland and the Netherlands are also high up in the charts, while America is at 17th in the happiness and the UK sits at 22nd position.

Don’t get ill on holiday BRITISH holidaymakers will have to hand over a credit card when heading to casualty in Spain. Spanish health officials have installed chip and pin devices in various hospitals, and will force EU citizens to pay up front for treatment.

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The move has been slammed by the European Commission, which insists Spain must continue to accept European health cards. Spain has been warned it faces heavy fines if it fails to comply with EU guidelines.

OLIVE PRESS – 170mm x 83mm – 19th September

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 201338

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The roots of healing Osteopathy began from a US school in 1892 and has three guiding principles OSTEOPATHY has its roots in the USA in the late 19th century. The first school was set up by Andrew Taylor Still, an American doctor, in 1892. It was founded on three fundamental principles: A person’s health is under the influence of his/her body and mind; the body’s structures (muscles, bones and nerves) and the body’s functions (digestion, breathing) are closely related; and the body has a natural tendency to heal itself. Each individual is unique and carries the traces of different wounds and emotions suffered during the course of life. And our posture adapts to our exterior and interior environments as well as our life expe-

riences. The role of an osteopath is to ensure that the muscle and skeletal system is in symbiosis with the body’s physiology. Problems manifesting at a muscle and skeletal level can generate nervous, circulatory, digestive or hormonal dysfunctions and vice versa.

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PIONEER: Andrew Taylor Still The body has marvelous adaptation mechanisms and powers of tissue regeneration. The problems arise when this capacity for regeneration and adaptation finds itself overloaded due to the sum of accumulated physical, emotional and nervous tensions. An osteopath can help as soon as the pain is felt. Within these three fundamental principles the osteopath will use different approaches ac-

cording to each patient. The range of techniques applied by an osteopath is very wide and range from vertebrae or internal organ manipulation to more subtle techniques such as craniosacral techniques. For more information on Craniosacral Osteopathy contact Geoffrey Wattinne on 622 09 89 16 (For clinics in Malaga, Cancelada) / and +350 200 599 55 (For Gibraltar) or visit www.osteopatiadelsol.com

Getting there As tre tch

too far

CALL me yogatron – I have turned into a transformer; half human and half yoga master. After four weeks I am moving effortlessly between the poses – shout out a move and I have it down pat! I never thought I would be going from downward dog to child’s pose so seamlessly, but thanks to Lisa Marie Robinson, and yoga on the beach – I have learnt so much. OK, so I may have exaggerated my master status, but I have come a long way. My balance has improved immensely; as long as I focus I can do a tree pose (one leg on your thigh, like a flamingo) and move into warrior two without falling onto the sand. Not that I am being complacent – Lisa chucks in new moves every session, which leaves me exhausted. But, the more I go, the further I can stretch and the more I am pushing my own body.

The second part of the three part series – Alex (above) gets her yoga on I am also starting to take her nutritional advice - pasta is no longer my daily meal, and I have replaced the evening glass of wine with iced water and a slice of lemon (wine is still my go-to at weekends!). The one thing that has surprised me most is the ability yoga has to distress me. The first couple of weeks I inwardly scoffed when I heard – close your eyes and breathe deeply, getting rid of stress and any negativity –but, when I actually embraced it, I truly felt relaxed, a rarity in this day and age! Try it yourself, and get rid of all your stress. Head to Puro Beach, Estepona Mondays and Wednesdays at 8pm.

OP Columnists Looking S

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013 39 Belinda Beckett, aka 39 Mistress of Sizzle, faces a difficult task.

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PRAISE: Hundreds come to celebrate

o there I was, bombing across the Bay of Algeciras in a Zodiac with six strapping frogmen, looking for a virgin. Spain’s coming down with them but the one in Algeciras plays very hard to get. She lives on the sea bed! Once a year, she’s brought up from her watery grotto and paid homage to on the beach. Tens of thousands turn up to touch her and be healed or forgiven in their swimsuits, in scenes reminiscent of Lourdes. If you thought religion and bikinis didn’t mix, you haven’t been to the Romería Marinera de la Virgen de la Palma, held every August 15 for the last 38. That’s Assumption Day in Spain, held to commemorate the Virgin Mary’s ascension into heaven. In Algeciras she has a somewhat longer journey… As virgins go, she’s no glamour puss: a small, brown statue made of mould-resistant marmolina, un-gilded and uncrowned. Strands of seaweed are her robes, barnacles her jewellery. But to her devoted followers she’s the most beautiful virgin in all Spain, as well as the only sub-aquatic version.

Pride of Gibraltar IT was great to see the good people of Gibraltar enjoying themselves on National Day. It seems that most of the 30,000 residents of the Rock crammed into Casemates Square for the celebrations. And with balloons, fireworks, a rousing rendition of the national anthem and a live video link to prime minister David Cameron, it was quite a party. It was also good to see that there was the minimum of fuss at the border. Just as well. If the Guardia Civil had played silly buggers, it’s quite possible that it could have turned into something out of ‘Braveheart’ with an army of red and white faced Gibraltarians charging, screaming ‘You will never take our Freedom!!!!’

for a Virgin

RECOVERY: The Virgin rises

Relaxing cup of coffee?

ADRID Mayor Ana Botella was roundly criticized for her speech in English to the International Olympic Committee at the end of the capital’s doomed bid for the Olympics. And while it is true that her pronunciation seemed to have come directly from the Fawlty Towers ‘He’s from Barcelona’ School of English, as a man with the worst Andaluz accent this side of Sevilla I can’t really criticize her. I once had an entire real estate office in Valencia in hysterics with my pronunciation of the word corkscrew... But what I found most bizarre was Botella telling the bewildered IOC members that there was ‘...nothing quite like a relaxing cup of cafe con leche in Plaza Mayor’ She’s obviously never worked in newspapers where coffee is anything but relaxing. And more like a pair of jump leads in liquid form. On deadline day I’ve been known to dispense with the water and milk altogether and simply chop up and snort a couple of lines of Santa Cristina to get me started!

ROCKING THE ROCK: Gib style

Sting in the tale

o there I was, enjoying a Friday afternoon BBQ by the lake when I was stung by a wasp on the inside of my big toe. Bloody hell it hurt, but I manfully managed to pull out the sting a la Sylvester Stallone in Rambo style, albeit with more screaming. A Parisian friend of mine who was passing with a group of clients on a 4x4 tour heard my screams and came over to have a look “You need to cover the toe with Blue Bic ink. That will make the pain go”

he advised. I did so and the next morning had a huge and still painful blue toe. And who said the French have no sense of humour? In an effort to rid myself of the pain, I put a request out on the social networks for remedies. A rather cute friend of mine said that peeing on my toe would take the sting away. I asked her how much she charged and if I’d get a discount now we were in September? She unfriended me on Facebook the next day…

FANCY A CUPPA? Ana Botella

For her dutiful escort – members of El Mero Sports Fishing Club and the scuba team who bring her up from the ocean depths and parade her on a floral throne to an altar on the beach – it’s a sacred mission. Spiced with the thrill of the chase! Because this virgin’s no pushover. Raising a 100 kilo statue from 15 metres below sea level requires ropes, oxygen tanks, a winch, an air bag and a flotilla of boats. Putting her back again, 24 hours later, is every bit as challenging. For 13 years, this has been the solemn duty of Roberto Carreto, chief of El Estrecho Dive Club. But even with GPS coordinates, it takes an hour to locate her. He daren’t put out a marker buoy in case she’s stolen. That might be what happened in 1999 when Our Lady vanished and they had to make another one. Finally the airbag breaks the surface of the water, like Neptune blowing bubble gum, and the virgin arises to a cacophony of hooting horns. It’s all hands on deck to manhandle her into her floating portal of palms. The flotilla is lassoed together to make a bridge and everyone’s clambering from one boat to the next to pay their respects.

Floating fiesta

Then we detach and speed in noisy procession through the port, anchoring some way off Rinconcillo Beach where a huge crowd of worshippers are waiting. Let them wait – the water party comes first! Everyone’s cracking open cans of Cruzcampo and lifting lids on cool boxes. There’s Serrano ham and manchego cheese, gambas, smoked salmon, tuna salad and umpteen barras of bread. It’s like the miracle of the loaves and fishes! Where did it all come from? The floating fiesta carries on for 90 minutes. Then suddenly, it’s battle stations! We’re packing away provisions, gathering up belongings and speeding towards the shore. “What shall I do with my camera,” I panic, as a huge wave crashes into the Zodiac and we scramble over the side. Mercifully, the water’s only waist high! Then everyone’s pelting through the melée to get to the virgin before she reaches dry land. The congregation wading into the shallows stretches to the back of the beach and represents every generation from paunchy men and skimpythonged chicas to mothers with babes in arms and little old ladies with their skirts hiked up. Suddenly, like the miracle of the Red Sea, the throng parts, forming a guard of honour as the virgin is carried aloft. Everyone’s is singing and reaching out hands. Most have tears in their eyes and some are actually weeping… This public outpouring of emotion is an eye-opener to a non-church-going guiri like me. The queue to touch, kiss and pose for pictures with the virgin in the searing noonday heat is relentless but even the old and wheelchair-bound are resolute. They’ll still be here for evening Mass and midnight fireworks.

OP Columnists

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the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

Juliet Hambro on why mother-in-law jokes don’t help an already tricky relationship... and gives some tips on how to get on better terms with your ‘in law’

Neither funny, nor helpful Q

. WHAT is the difference between outlaws and in-laws? A. Outlaws are wanted. Q. How are mother-in-laws and shotguns alike? A.If one is around you want to shoot it. Funny? Well, yes, if you don’t happen to be a mother-in-law. Mother-in-law jokes have a history as long as your arm and some of them are funny because the mother-in-law is, by definition, a controlling and disapproving person. But what does that do to our real family relationships out in the real world? It makes us a bit nervous. The roles of the mother-in-law and son-in-law are full of landmines for both individuals. In the first place, both of them are forced into a relationship that is tricky, by nature. For while it is a very close relationship neither are from the same ‘tribe’. Have you ever noticed the wildly different cultures between families? There are all sorts of variables. How much money they possess and their prestige, family values, religion, involvement in hobbies and sports...the list is endless. The smallest difference can become a mountain of a problem. Do you call her ‘mum’ and does she call you ‘son’? Do you kiss her or otherwise show affection...especially if it’s affection you don’t feel? It seems there are endless ways to offend one another. Deanna Brann, PhD in clinical psy-

Granny fact

A teacher asked how one boy spent his vacation. “We always used to spend the holidays with grandpa. They used to live in a big house, but grandpa got retarded and now he lives in a place with a lot of other retarded people. There is a swimming pool, but they all jump up and down in it with their hats on. I guess they don’t know how to swim. At their gate, there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. My Grandma says Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded some day, too. When I earn my retardment I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren.” chotherapy has written a new book entitled Reluctantly Related: Secrets of Getting Along with Your Motherin-law or Daughterin-law. Her advice will translate nicely for sons-in-law as well. She speaks of various patterns in the relationship and how to develop a more natural, easygoing one. Is the relationship a ‘walking on eggshells’ one or have you settled for a phony ‘Camelot’ relationship in which no one can say what they really feel? Brann helps readers get rid of old baggage in the relationship and points

WARS AT HOME: Makng ‘mother-in-law’ jokes is not the best way to deal with issues

the spotlight on perceptions that may be inaccurate. Her solutions are practical and helpful. If you, as a senior, are in the role of mother-in-law, what can you do to make the best of this volatile relationship? Here are a few tips: Focus on the good Your son-in-law may seem lazy, but does he have a friendly personality? Or is he a workaholic, but you’re pleased with the income he brings home? There are always two sides to any issue and you can choose to focus on the positive things in his life. And don’t just decide to think that way, but be ready to give a few compliments and speak kindly about him in front of your daughter and the grandkids. Our perceptions can change over time and speaking positive words can actually have an effect on behavior. You didn’t choose to marry him, but your daughter did. As much as possible, focus on his good points. Curb your tongue. A careless word

Granny quote ¨My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She’s ninety-seven now and we don’t know where the hell she is.¨ - Ellen DeGeneres cannot be unspoken. It’s like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. You probably have legitimate concerns and opinions about the things your son-inlaw does or fails to do, but it’s usually not productive to talk about them, especially to other family members. And offering advice that is not expressly asked for is another no-no. Our children are finding their own way in the world. Their money management, parenting and disciplining, their choice of hobbies and their expression of their faith - all of those are their own choices. We may have the benefit of more experience and may have learned some life lessons they would be wise to

www.askgranny.com is a unique website and resource for grandparents and senior citizens worldwide created by Granny Juliet and provides useful information on a number of topics.

heed. Still, it’s their life and not yours. Don’t say it. Accept reality Nobody is perfect. We usually see our own children in a golden light, but even they are flawed. When we look at a son-in-law whom we may not admire or understand, it’s tempting to be critical and disapproving. That attitude is not only unhelpful, it may actually hurt the daughter you’re trying to support and the grandchildren you love unconditionally. To conclude, be kind to your son-inlaw. Be patient and give the benefit of the doubt. Overlook the character flaws or differences you recognize and instead build on his positive character traits. Sure, it’s not easy, but in an imperfect world it’s the loving thing to do. You’ll avoid the divisions and outbursts at family gatherings that everyone dreads and you’ll begin to build a more positive relationship with that person to whom you are ‘reluctantly related’. Books on the in-law relationship see: The Mother-in-Law Dance by Annie Chapman

U J I www.theolivepress.es

p the

N last month’s column I talked about the ‘cabanuelas’ of August and how they predict the coming years weather pattern. Taking that formula, we can predict January’s weather from August’s. August was cloudy with a heavy atmosphere and a few spots of rain, which cleared to temperatures in the 30s.

ardin path

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 201341 41

HE KNOWS HIS ONIONS! by Peter Langdale

Look to winter

on the block and say the new year will come in with clear skies,warm The new moon comes in on This means that January will be days (18°-20°) and cool New Yea’rs Day and so with the opposite - with clear skies nights (8°-10°). As January this in mind I will put my head and a dry month. progresses the clear sunny days will prevail but temperatures will go down so that as we enter the last week of January maximum temperatures will not surpass 17° during the day and drop to 6° at night. Overall I see good WHY is it, in the first few days of kids going back to through with the dreaded nit comb! winter weather to enschool they bring home more than just homework? As head lice breathe through a hole in their sides, courage all gardeners. Whether it is sniffles, sore throats, not to mention you can suffocate them by applying olive oil to the Now is the time head lice(!) be prepared with some herbal rem- hair and leaving it on for several hours, then simply to get everything going wash out. edies. in the veg plot, to see Rather than using antibiotics as the first port of call, However, this does not always remove the eggs, you through the next few improve your child’s natural immunity with a course which must be removed in order to break the cycle months. There is no limand are sadly best removed by combing out. of echinacea. it. Apart from our usual Always use one that is specially formulated for chil- Cuts and scrapes from the playground are easily full range of salad and and effectively treated with calendula cream, often dren. veg plants we will have Elderflower tea is a great immune booster as well as combined with Hypericum in over the counter oint- some purple sprouting being anti-viral and is easily found on supermarket ments. Children running riot around the house just before broccoli plants available shelves. by the end of October. All the berry fruits are packed full of vitamin C and bed-time – sound familiar? For a really special Well to calm excitable children, add a chamomile are usually liked by all children. treat why not try tree ripJuiced and with a little honey added you have a and lavender tea-bag to their evening bath. ened mangoes? power house of vitamins and anti-oxidants to fight This will work wonders and while they are bathing On a more important have a cup of the tea yourself so that peace and any sore throat or sniffle. note I would welcome serenity abounds, better than reaching for the wine! To treat those creepy crawlies – head lice that are any comments on the fast becoming resistant to chemical shampoos, use Children’s ailments can easily escalate into some- changes we are bringing thing serious so always consult a medical practitioeither neem oil or tea-tree oil. about within Garden La Many herbal shampoos are now based on both oils ner if you are in anyway concerned. Palma. and are simple to use and don’t require combing Email sue@selfsufficiency4u.com I realise our car park

Herb specialist Sue Rodgers on the best remedies to combat back-to-school ailments

Beat back to school bugs

Familiar roots

Ornamental Onion A member of the alliaceae family, ornamental onion grows to two feet in height and thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. Its violet to pink flowers bloom as bold, single cluster balls atop a single stem from mid-summer into the earlier parts of autumn.

Take a wander into Andalucia’s countryside, and keep your eyes peeled for all these native species Bee Orchid

Bee orchid is a versatile perennial orchid and is a member of the orchidaceae family. The bee orchid’s blossoms resemble the form of a bee, and the plant blooms in midsummer. Bee orchids grow less than one foot in height.

Lesser Butterfly Orchid

One of the many orchid species native to Spain’s grassland, woodland and hillside areas, lesser butterfly orchid grows less than 22 inches in height. A member of the orchidaceae family, this orchid blooms from mid-spring into mid-summer, forming floral clusters at the terminal ends of its stems. Lesser butterfly orchid grows in moist soil and in full sun.

Lacy Self-Heal

Anthora

Also known as healing wolfsbane and yellow monkshood, anthora is a member of the ranunculaceae family and grows to three feet in height. It thrives in conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun and in moderately moist soil.

Grey-Leaved Cistus Grey-leaved cistus is a member of the cistaceae family and continuously produces oneday pink, lilac or purple flowers that have yellow centres.

Belonging to the lamiaceae family, self-heal is a perennial herbaceous plant. Also known as cut leaf self-heal, the plant grows up to one and half feet in height and forms pink or white flower clusters at its centre from spring to mid-summer.

is not very user friendly in bad weather but we hope to resolve this problem within the next month. All comments on facilites

and staff attitude will be appreciated. Do not hesitate to email me on peter@semilleroslapalma.com. Until next month.....

C lassifieds

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An expanded classified section to offer readers and advertisers better opportunities THE Olive Press is not only clearly recognised as the best free English language newspaper in Spain. It is increasingly being recognised by businesses as a force of note when it comes to all-important advertising. Readership - along with pagination of the Olive Press - has dramatically increased over the years, with 35,000 printed copies of every edition distributed throughout Andalucia,and issues now double the size of just two years ago. Ever-anxious to continually improve the service offered to readers and advertisers, the Olive Press is now happy to launch a new expanded Classified section, a development brought about by sheer demand. Small businesses and private individuals have increasingly identified that advertising in the Olive Press Classified section brings results, through lineage and small display advertisements that are not buried - and in some cases even lost - among pages and pages of other advertisements, as with some competitor publications. The Olive Press is proud of its policy not to publish any of the sleazy vice advertisements that many competitors sell week after week to boost Classified sections. But the Olive Press is happy to expand

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LOOKING BACK The single-page Classified section in Spring 2012 its Classified section with quality advertisements that will provide an even better service to both readers and advertisers. A better service always provides better results.

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Our range of top quality products have been hand selected, by horse people for horse people. Also English horse feed for sale. Tel: +34 633 48 31 63 English +34 633 414 862 Spanish Email sales@equinos.es

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To place your classified, please call 951 127 006 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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NURSE RECRUITMENT Austin Dean Healthcare Recruitment is now recruiting qualified Nursing staff with minimum of 2 years experience in the health sector to work in London and

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The Olive Press has a solution for too many jellyfish - fish them out and get cooking

Juicy jellyfish! THEY say that to most clouds there is a silver lining... and with the growing problem of jellyfish on the Mediterranean this autumn (see fea-

Munching through the credit crunch SPAIN may be battling the financial crisis, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from Spaniards’ food bills. The total amount that residents of 100 countries around the world spent on food at home, dining out, alcohol and tobacco was calculated by Euro Monitor International. Spain spent an average of €5,160 per person in 2012, with €2,483 spent on food at home, €2,148 on restaurant meals and €529 on tobacco and alcohol. The figures put Spain ninth on the list, with Switzerland, Norway and Australia taking the top three spots.

ture on page 6), thankfully there is also a solution. It turns out jellyfish are a real delicacy in Asiatic countries, in particular Japan and ChiIngredients 125g jellyfish ready-to-eat 500g potatoes 75g butter 3tsp toasted sesame oil 3tbsp fresh spring onions 1 tsp fresh ginger 2 Large handfuls fresh coriander leaves 2 tsp sweet chilli sauce

na, and can be found in plenty of oriental restaurants around Europe. With the growth of Chinese immigrants to Europe, and particularly Spain,

increasing at a high rate, perhaps the jellyfish problem has found a salvation. Here the Olive Press offers a delicious way to eat them:

Jellyfish burgers with chilli

Method Squeeze as much water as possible out of the jellyfish, then pat dry with cloth or kitchen roll to remove more water. Chop thinly into shreds the size of tagliatelle, and about 2cm long. Place on a cloth to continue drying (you really need to get as much moisture as possible out of them). Meanwhile, make your mashed potato: Peel the potatoes, then chop them into walnut-sized chunks. Place them in a pan of hot water, bring to the boil and continue boiling for 1215 minutes until tender Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then mash thoroughly. Add the butter, salt and

pepper and stir through. In a bowl, mix the toasted sesame oil, spring onions, ginger, chopped coriander and sweet chili dipping sauce together and stir well. Put the mash into one large mixing bowl and add half of the toasted sesame oil/herb mixture, and mix together. In a second bowl, add the chopped jellyfish and the remaining toasted sesame oil/herb mixture, and mix together. To make your burgers (you are basically making a mashed potato sandwich with the jellyfish mixture in the middle): First take a handful of herby potato mixture and make a very flat disk the size of your palm. Lay it on a chopping board.

Take a slightly smaller handful of the jellyfish mixture and place it on the potato so that it doesn’t reach the edges. Take another handful of potato and place it on the top. Mould the mixture around so that the jellyfish is cased in potato. Heat a non-stick frying pan until medium-hot, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and fry the burgers one at a time for only 2 mins on each side. You just need to brown the outsides (remember that the jellyfish and potato are all cooked and ready to eat. Serve with jellyfish salad and sweet chilli dipping sauce

Wine and Dine

A CALAHONDA restaurant has held the first of ten special Wine and Dine days, matching its dishes with the best wines from around Spain. Over the next six months, chef Mario Kasala and host Rudolf Sandrick, from La Mandragora, will be joined by a wine expect to give background and commentary to each evening. The first session included a wine pairing session developed by Alvaro Perez Navazo and Diego Canals from prestigious Abadia-Retuerta bodega.

the olive press - September 18 - October 2 2013

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SUCKLING PIG: Roel Basalm Alim, from Restaurante Botin

Babe on a plate As we hit autumn, why not try one of Spain’s classic cold weather dishes, roast suckling pig, which is gaining in popularity in the capital

E R V A N T E S wrote of the timehonoured fare of

roast suckling pig – or cochinillo asado - over 400 years ago.

The tax inspector, who toured the country raising money for

Typical and oh so very tasty Cochinillo Asado or Roast Suckling Pig is one of the most typical dishes in Spanish cuisine

Place in oven and roast, basting often with the pan drippings for about two and a half hours. While the piglet is roasting, peel the carrots and the onion. Slice the carrots into 4 pieces each. Coarsely chop Prep Time: 15 minutes the onion. About 10 minutes before Cook Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes removing the piglet from the oven, Serves six place the carrots and onion in the pan Ingredients: with the piglet. 6 lb suckling pig Remove the piglet from oven when 1/2 cup Spanish olive oil it is fully cooked. (Check the meat and Salt and pepper to taste make sure that the juice is clear and 1/2 cup butter not bloody.) Remove the foil from 2 medium carrots ears and place on a serving dish. Keep 1 yellow onion warm in a warming drawer or under heat lamps. Method: Pour juices from the roasting pan Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Season the piglet with salt and pepper, into a sauce pan with the vegetables inside and out. Wrap the ears with foil to and heat over medium heat on stove. prevent them from burning. Then, place When the juices start to sizzle, skim the piglet in a large, open roasting pan. fat off top. Add two cups of water. InBaste with olive oil and dab with butter all crease heat to high and boil rapidly to thicken. Strain through a strainer or over. cheesecloth. Serve the piglet on a large platter with the warm gravy on the side, roast or fried potatoes and a simple green salad. Cochinillo made an appearance in Ernest Hemingway’s

Facts about suckling pig

The Sun Also Rises - the American writer had his own table at Botín, just around the corner from the kitchen. Suckling pig is known in German cuisine as spanferke. In Asia, roast suckling pig is eaten to celebrate the first month of a baby’s life. The Cochon de Lait festival is held annually in the small town of Mansura, Louisiana, USA.

Per serving Calories 1214 kcal Carbs 8.5g Sugar 29.9g Fat 92.4g Saturates 44.7g Protein 55.0g

the government before writing celebrated tome Don Quixote, raved about the dish. Since then however, the world’s tastes have changed and jamón ibérico and other Iberian cured pig products have gained in popularity. Now Madrid is seeing a reconnaissance for the baby pig dish and restaurants are seeing more and more people trying it.

Slaughtered

Pig farms have been a boom in recent years. Victor Manuel, whose family runs Carnicas Tejedor, a cochinillo distribution company near Madrid, has seen orders doubled over the last five years. His pigs are fed only their mothers’ milk and are slaughtered at the age of four to five weeks before being transported to restaurants in the capital. The pigs have typically been raised on family farms within about 100 miles Madrid. Among the Spanish restaurants most famous for their cochinillo is Restaurante Botín, which dates back to 1725 and claims it’s the oldest eatery in Madrid.

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FINAL WORDS

Home from home SPAIN is still the most popular retirement destination for Brits, according to a survey. A third of those considering relocating would, however, keep a UK base too. France, Italy and Portugal were the next most sought after destinations.

Squaring up Boxer Evander Holyfield is to attend a gala evening on September 30. The former world champion boxer will appear at the H10 Plaza Andalucia Hotel in Puerto Banus, the night after an appearance in Gibraltar.

Liking hashtags

A social media seminar and networking event is being held in Marbella this weekend. Bloggers, experts and video marketers will learn more about how to make the most of social media and to meet fellow users.

the FREE

Covering Andalucia in 2013 with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) and around 220,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

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September 18

October 2 , 2013

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ON HIS BIKE: Horner

Not so dopey HE became the oldest man to even win the Tour of Spain. But organisers were horrified to discover that Chris Horner, the American winner of the ‘Vuelta’ had literally disappeared just hours after his victory. It came as Spanish doping authorities arrived at his Madrid hotel on Sunday to test him for banned substances. The 41-year-old had only just been crowned the winner of the tour, after the final

stage of the month-long race in the capital. It has since emerged, that the request to test him had actually come from the US anti-doping agency, however when officials from the Spanish cycling federation arrived at the Hotel Ciudad de Mostoles, he and his wife had apparently left. Neither his team mates nor his manager could account for his whereabouts. A team doctor said he was in a different hotel closer to the airport, but when officials arrived he was not there.

American Tour of Spain winner disappears just hours after win, conveniently avoiding a drug test As the Olive Press went to press, he had still not been located, despite being due to arrive in his home town in Oregan, USA, on Monday. In an email Horner had written to the authorities, he had made clear his movements. The note, released to the press, read: “Hello. The Vuelta finished today, Sep-

FIT FOR A PRINCESS THE scandal-hit Duke and Duchess of Palma are selling their controversial Catalan

mansion (left) in Pedralbes, near Barcelona, for a cool €9.8million.

Infanta Cristina, daughter of King and Queen Sofía, has moved to Geneva to take a job at La Caixa Bank leaving her husband Iñaki Urdangarín to sell up before joining her. However, Urdangarín may end up staying in Spain for longer than expected if he is sent to jail for money-laundering in the case surrounding his firm, the Nóos Institute, in Palma, Mallorca.

Fraudulent

Ferrari down one FERNANDO Alonso will lose Ferrari team-mate, Brazil’s Felipe Massa, at the end of the season. Finland’s Kimi Räikkönen will be giving Lotus the heave-ho and hopping into Massa’s seat. Massa may have been fired by Ferrari for his inconsistent performance over the last few seasons. Alonso, when quizzed about Massa’s successor by fans on Twitter, said it was ‘not possible’ for him to speculate over names because he had ‘a lot of respect’ for Massa.

SELLING UP: The Duke and Dutchess

The former handball player first appeared in court in Palma in February facing allegations that he and his business partner had funnelled millions of euros raised for the charity foundation through fraudulent deals. The princess was called to give evidence in April, after emails emerged suggesting she was aware of her husband´s financial misconduct. However, in the end she was given immunity. The case continues.

tember 15 in Madrid, and I will fly back to my home in Bend, Oregan on the 16th. I will be staying at the Hotel Ciudad de Mostoles, room 314. I will be locatable there between six and seven in the morning.”

Suspicion

It is not known whether the US body will continue its pursuit once Horner is back on home soil. The debacle is the latest scandal to rock the sport, with Lance Armstrong recently banned for life for taking drugs and numerous other cyclists under suspicion or banned.

Coca-Cola v. anti-abortionists PRESIDENT of Coca-Cola Spain, Marcos de Quinto (top), has started an online war with a religious sect. Ignacio Arsuaga, leader of Hazte Oir, an ultra-conservative religious sect, has been petitioning to remove advertising on reality TV show Summer Camp (Telecinco) when the twitter war started. The religious movement, which launched in Madrid in 2001, believes that the TV show promotes promiscuity and is pro-abortion. However, the president of Coca-Cola, which has adverts on the show, insists that the sect is promoting blind hatred and that the petition is a ‘crusade against a channel’ and nothing else.

No wonder Madrid failed BARCELONA mayor Xavier Trías slammed Madrid the day after it had its 2020 Olympics dream dashed. Madrid came third in the Olympic Committee vote behind Turkey and Japan, with Tokyo winning the bid. Trías mocked the Madrid Olympic committee for their ‘poor English’ — especially Madrid Mayor Ana Botella’s whose speech was an embarrassment. He believes that Barcelona would have had a better chance of winning the bid. “Brand Barcelona is more powerful than Istanbul and almost as powerful as Tokyo,” Trías said.