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Vol. 7 Issue 169
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September 4 - September 18 2013
The end of our dream EXCLUSIVE By Alex Iszatt
WHEN a small group of Dutch people moved to Spain two decades ago they had a dream to build their own homes and live out their days in simple, rustic bliss. Some 17 years later and they claim they are being evicted from their homes, ‘kidnapped’ by social workers and forced to dismantle their idyllic community.
HISTORY MAN: The Olive Press says Hola to the world’s most expensive footballer Welshman Gareth Bale as he signs for Madrid from Spurs in the heart of the worst recession the country has ever seen Special feature on page 6
Read more on page 31
PAPARAZZO: How I sold two paintings to Brad and Angelina for just €100
You can’t stop the Rock! By Giles Brown
In a show of strength, followed up slavishly by local Spanish and English media, social services Eva Gonzales accused the group of being unhygienic and suggested some of its elderly members
GoldenBales
see page 13
Tel. 951 203 986
EXCLUSIVE
Expats slam authorities for forcing them to dismantle their homes after ‘false’ claims they are ‘hippies’ running an illegal care home in ‘squalid’ conditions In the most bizarre of circumstances, Mijas town hall has accused the friends – who now number just half a dozen - of running an illegal care home and demanded that it must be closed down.
Earpiece Don’t let the Don’t let thein banks cash new size banks cash in 39mm www.hifx.co.uk www.hifx.co.uk xsee 50mm page 13
were being abused. Using a search warrant and escorted by police she explored the entrance to the site in the Valtocado area, before releasing the details of the ‘squalid’ conditions to the press. The only problem – the place is actually rather nice... and anything but squalid. Claims in rival newspapers that they are ‘hippies’ and living ‘surrounded by rubbish’ in an area ‘not fit for human habitation’ have been completely denied by the residents. Moreover, Patricia ‘Alex’ Derks, who runs the camp, told the Olive Press that she is not running a care home and
PARADISE LOST: The commune in Mijas and some of the original group in Spain in the 1990s is now counter suing the town hall for its actions. The mother-of-two, from Nijmegen, insists that their only crime is living a different sort of lifestyle. “It is anything but squalid here and actually rather charming. We have lived here Turn to page 4
ORGANISERS of Gibraltar’s biggest ever rock festival are preparing themselves for potential trouble ahead of this weekend’s event. While insisting that fans should not attempt to drive into the enclave, they fear that the worst border dispute in decades could blow up on the day. “The recent dispute is a big worry for the promoters,” said a member of Gibraltar Music Festival’s technical crew. “Luckily all the sound and lighting, as well as the stage are already in Gibraltar so there is no possibility of that getting stuck at the border. “But with such a high profile event, it would be a nightmare if the Spanish authorities clamped down on vehicles coming into Gibraltar - or worse - for the concert.” Tensions heightened this week after it emerged on Turn to page 12
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CRIME NEWS
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Couple arrested for leaving kids in car as they sat on beach POLICE have arrested a couple, believed to be tourists, for leaving their children sweltering in a hot car while they hit the beach in Benalmadena. A local alerted the police after seeing that the children could not get out of the car. The fire department confirmed they had rescued two boys and a girl, who were then taken to a medical centre and treated for suffocation. The parents, 48 and 39, were found sunning themselves on the beach and have been charged with abandonment.
Manhunt for club thug Moroccan search for youth who blinded clubber in Puerto Banus
POLICE have charged three youths and are searching in Morocco for a fourth after a brutal assault left a 15-year-old Dutch girl permanently blinded in her right eye. Nicole Zanlith had been attacked as she waited for a taxi with a friend at 7am outside the exclusive Olivia Valere discotheque. However, when a taxi arrived an argument HORROR: Zanlith before the broke out with four young men who claimed attack and left, after they had called it. When the argument turned violent Nicole stepped in to try and stop the fight, but one of attackers turned on her, smashing a three litre bottle of vodka in her face and leaving her with six gashes on her forehead and one across her eye. The four attackers fled the scene on foot. The girl’s father, a Danish resident in Marbella, has now offered a reward of €2000 for information leading to the arrest of the attackers. Zanlith, who had been to see French DJ Bob Sinclair at the venue, has been left A BRITON has been jailed blind in one eye. After studying videos from for attempting to smuggle worth of cocaine mobile phones of clubbers £60,000 into the UK from Spain. who witnesses the assault Nicholas Giles, of no fixed Police charged the three abode, was stopped at youths, all Morrocans, for Southampton Internabeing involved in the fight. tional Airport when he arThey are currently search- rived from Malaga. ing for the youth who struck The 44-year-old confessed Nicole with the bottle. to officers that he was carHe is believed to have fled rying the drugs in his suitto Morocco and police are case before they searched currently liaising with the his baggage, and on openauthorities there in the hunt ing his suitcase the drugs were found wrapped in for the suspect.
Coke dope
clear plastic.
No prison passes
BRITISH holidaymakers in Spain are being told to avoid trouble by familiarising themselves with local laws. The Foreign Office warned that some actions deemed harmless in the UK can have serious consequences in Spain. It comes after the British Embassy in Madrid revealed 27% of all cases it has been called to in the past 12 months have involved detained or arrested holidaymakers. “Consular staff often find that travellers are unaware that local laws apply to them and many British nationals think of their British passport as a get out of jail free card,” said Charles Hay, FCO director of consular services. “While consular staff will always try to assist British nationals who find themselves in difficulty abroad, we can’t interfere in another country’s legal processes.”
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Hot, hot, hot
NEWS
REAL Madrid heartthrob Cristiano Ronaldo has gained plenty of admirers on the pitch. And it seems he’s equally popular off it after being voted Spain’s sexiest sportsman. The 28-year-old, who dates Russian model Irina Shayk, gained more than 40% of the vote. Tennis star Feliciano Lopez came second with Spain captain Iker Casillas third.
the olive press - September 4 - September 18 2013
Jetting in SUPERSTAR DJ Fedde Le Grand arrived in style for a recent gig in Marbella. The Dutch producer touched down in a private jet for the final leg of his summer tour. Le Grand has spent recent months playing a host of sets throughout Europe and was on hand for the Olivia Valere closing party.
DOUBLE EXPOSURE EXCLUSIVE: Big spending ‘Brangelina’ (left) splash €100 on paintings by ex paparazzo during secret Costa visit By Claire Wilson THEY have spent much of their lives playing a game of cat and mouse with paparazzi photographers who pursue their every move around the globe. So it is unlikely that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will appreciate the irony of buying a set of paintings from a former Spanish snapper, who
spent nearly a decade pursuing celebs for a living. Incredible as it may sound, the famous pair – dubbed Brangelina – ended up buying two oils for €50 each from a tiny art gallery in the scenic mountain town of Casares last weekend. The Olive Press can reveal that the Hollywood super-
Age old issue ACTRESS Melanie Griffith has slammed Hollywood’s obsession with youth after complaining she has not worked on a mainstream film for years. The 56-year-old, who is married to Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, was speaking during an appearance at the Starlite festival in Marbella. Meanwhile her daughter Dakota Johnson – whose father is Griffith’s first husband Don Johnson – has been revealed as being the lead actress for a screen version of risque blockbuster Fifty Shades of Grey.
stars – further to our exclusive last month that they are looking to buy in the area – bought the paintings while on a tour of the town. Apparently wandering in by accident, the pair ended up haggling over the paintings, which used to sell for €250 before the recession. And while David Espana has previously sold works of art to Barrack Obama, Spike Lee and Henry Kissinger, he was as surprised as anyone when they walked into his gallery on a quiet Sunday. He told the Olive Press: “It was a huge shock and nobody else had spotted them, despite having an entourage of five. “They were really very nice, unassuming, but then a lot of celebrities are.” The Studio 54 owner didn’t
mention his past, when he worked as a paparazzo on the streets of New York in the 80s. However, it was obvious that he had not forgotten his former trade. “Yes, I did try to get my phone out of my pocket, but one of the security guards slapped my leg hard, making it clear I was not to take any photographs. “I could have made a fortune selling them, after all!” He added: “Once a paparazzo, always a paparazzo, you never lose your eye for a good picture!” It is the second visit to the Costa del Sol in under a month for the pair. The Olive Press reported how they had been staying a month ago in Marbella and had been apparently house hunting.
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Wolverine wins
AUSTRALIAN, Hugh Jackman will be awarded the the Donostia Prize at the San Sebastián Film Festival in the Basque Country on September 27. Festival organisers have applauded Jackman’s ‘versatility’ as an actor and his ability to appeal to viewers of all ages, on screen and stage, given his long career in Broadway.
SNAPPER: David Espana in his studio (mid left)
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NEWS
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Scottish birds flying in to breed A FLOCK of Scottish birds has been released in Spain in a bid to boost the country’s osprey population. The 12 birds were released at the Urdaibai estury, in the Basque Country, which is used by ospreys migrating between Scotland and West Africa in spring and autumn. Scottish National Heritage granted the Spanish authorities a special license to take the birds last year. The birds are said to be adapting well to their new surroundings. The release follows the successful reintroduction of ospreys to Andalucía a few years ago, which involved birds taken from Scotland, Germany and Finland. The first pair to breed were identified as a Scottish female and a German male. There are now 13 breeding pairs of ospreys in Andalucia.
Supermarket sweep Radical campaigners swipe stationary from Carrefour in protest against rising cost of school supplies
By Alex Iszatt THE Spanish Robin Hood strikes again. Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo and his merry band of left-wing activists have hit Carrefour in an action to highlight poverty. The radical communist mayor of Marinaleda, near Sevilla, was not with the protest group Union of Andalucian
ROBIN HOOD? Sanchez Gordillo ‘inspired’ raids Workers (SAT), when they walked off with 100 trolleys of stationary for schoolchildren, but he helped to inspire it.
We’re not hippies From Page 1
for 17 years without any problems and always kept ourselves to ourselves and tried to live sustainably,” she said. She explained how the group, who originally numbered a dozen, was legally formed in Holland 26 years ago as a ‘commune’ of like-minded people. Inspired by the Good Life, they moved to Spain, where land was considerably cheaper and built their community by hand, planting a vegetable garden and generally living off the land. To make ends meet they pooled their savings and pensions and supplemented this by selling scrap metal and hand-made quilts and dog beds.
Infection
That was until, last month, when one of the members of the group Judith, 83, who had a stroke four years ago, was taken into hospital by ambulance having suffered an unexpected fall, caused by a bladder infection. While not serious, the infection and a couple of bruises led to the Costa del Sol Hospital, in Marbella, contacting social services about her condition. Alex said: “However her problems are normal for any person getting older, she is a bit clumsy and has had a few falls. She simply has some bladder issues. “But nurses took her bruises for abuse, and after asking questions she didn’t understand she was whisked away to a nursing home in Torremolinos.
“Isolated from anyone who understood Dutch, and unable to get back to her home, she called her daughter who, with the Dutch embassy, managed to get her released from the care home.” The ‘inquisition’ that has followed has worried the other residents – and near neighbours - so much that they have become concerned for their safety.
Nazis
Kyra, 70, who has stage 4 cancer, has been forced to return to Holland for fear of being put into a home. Gardener Jack, 76, who is healthy but has a genetic heart problem, “Lived during the Second World War, and this incident is taking him back to those horrible expereinces he suffered as a child.” said Alex Luckily however, other neighbours and expats in the Mijas area have rallied around with support. One, Arthur Webster, 67, a website designer from Grimsby, has been trying to understand why these vulnerable, yet harmless people, are ‘becoming victims of persecution’. “Mijas town hall has singlehandedly attacked this group, using questionable tactics,” he said. “I have spent a lot of time there and have had often been in their homes and can say it is simply not true. And there is no evidence to support the claims.” Derks, who this week put in a denuncia against Eva Gon-
ANGRY: Alex at home zales, continued: “If the authorities had actually looked around they would have seen there are only six of us living here, and there is clearly no care home.” She continued that photos in the local press apparently showing a junk yard are actually of their scrap metal yard, much of which was waiting to be collected. A group of huts, which are said to be their homes, were actually storage units. The town hall insisted this week that they still believed it was a care home and they wanted it dismantled. But as Webster concluded: “All ex-pats must group together to fight this persecution. We are under attack and need to support each other and be aware of the legal resources that are available to us.”
It comes as it emerged that around four million people live in poverty in the region with many families unable to pay for school supplies. Members went into the French store, in Utrera, in pairs and took one hundred trolley loads worth of books and pens. A spokesman for SAT Diego Canamero explained that more than €2000 worth of items, which are being held at a secret location before being distributed to the poorest families around Andalucia. Security staff at the shop complied with the group and did not intervene in the sweep. All the group managed to escape before police arrived. However, the government has ordered the police to find and arrest the 30 people involved. Canamero criticised the government, adding: “They should be trying to solve the dire situation people in Spain are in financially, rather than wasting their time trying to arrest us.”
Hero
His ally, Spain’s longest serving mayor Gordillo, became a national hero last year when he stole food from a supermarket as well as squatted an unused local estate. In July he told the Olive Press that he would not be ‘cowed’ by a string of court cases he was currently facing. “I am already facing up to 10 years while my town hall collectively faces 53 years from last year’s actions,” the former history teacher explained. Speaking in his office below a photo of Che Guevara, he insisted: “The authorities have misinterpreted our actions and are going about it the wrong way. I very much doubt they can get me put inside.”
NEWS
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Lucky strike
News IN BRIEF
Job happy THE number of unemployed registered in Spain fell in August by 4,674 people, which is a decrease of 0.44% from the previous month.
After being forced to leave Spain for a career in a London call centre, expat, 21, scoops the lottery and can now come home A YOUNG expat’s dreams came true last Friday when she scooped a life-changing €81,650 in the Euro Millions draw. Amy Jewson, 21, matched five numbers and one lucky star, making her the only UK
winner of the second prize on the night. The former Sotogrande International student was forced to leave the school following her parents’ divorce, and spent three years as a barmaid at Lineker’s Bar, in
No-bull
RICKY Gervais has spoken out against bullfighting after describing it as ‘cruel’. The star of The Office has joining a campaign calling on the Spanish government to ban bull fights. Love Spain, Hate Bullfighting has been organised by the Humane Society International. “Bullfighting is so cruel,” said Gervais. “I can think of nothing worse than inflicting terrible pain, fear and suffering on a beautiful animal for the sake of amusement.”
Take over
EXCLUSIVE By Claire Wilson Puerto Banus. She moved to London last year to work at a call centre, but the bright lights of the big city began to lose their shine, and the pressure of London life left the youngster depressed and homesick. “I was so miserable,” she told the Olive Press. “I was missing my friends and family in Spain, and I was dreading going to work. “I was in tears on Sunday, until I checked my ticket.” She continued: “I have always said I would win the lottery some day but I didn’t think it would be so soon! When I saw I had five numbers and a lucky star I had to ring my mum to get her to check too!” Amy’s mum Jane, an artist, who lives near Manilva, said: “The news has made Us all so happy! Amy has had a tough time and deserves every penny of it. “I’m so relieved she can have some fun at last, and does not have to work so hard any more. I am sure she’ll spend a bit, and invest the rest sensibly.”
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ACCORDING to a recent survey, 62.8% of Spaniards support the pressure the Spanish Government is putting on Gibraltar.
No money EXCITED: Amy Jewson can’t believe her win
Topless tactics A SPANISH pressure group has launched an anti-sexism campaign. Protestors from feminist outfit Femen will bare their breasts in an effort to highlight issues including domestic violence and abortion. The protest is inspired by the group’s slogan, ‘our weapons are bare breasts’. Members will first travel to Paris to receive training in how to behave when faced with resistance from the police. “We do not insult, we do not strike out, we do not bite police officers,” explains Femen founder, Inna Shevchenko. “We are not fighting them, we simply offer resistance because we do not agree with being arrested.”
THE High Court has embargoed assets of Luis Bárcenas’ wife. Rosalía Iglesias said she could not meet the six-million-euro bond as part of the Gurtel inquiry.
Award win CARMEN Maura will be presented with a lifetime achievement award at the The 61st San Sebastián Film Festival, as a tribute to one of the most outstanding professional careers in Spanish cinema in the last few de-
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OPINION Paradise Lost SPAIN, and Andalucia in particular has always prided itself in allowing alternative lifestyles to flourish. During the 1960s and 1970s many of those seeking a different way of life were drawn to the beauty of the region and were quickly accepted by the local Spanish population. While regarded a little quizzically, they became part of the furniture and were frequently cherished by their new communities. Drive around the region and you will find ample evidence of alternative communities peacefully existing from Orgiva to Coin and from Tarifa to Gaucin It is sad that the recent actions of Mijas Town Hall against a small commune of Dutch pensioners has sullied that image of acceptability. With typical heavy handiness the Conservative council has decreed, with little proof, that the commune is unsanitary, living in wooden huts strewn with rubbish. Except that it isn’t true, as our report on page 1 reveals. It is clear the authorities have totally over reacted to a harmless group of ageing pensioners, peacefully enjoying their last days of The Good Life in Spain. How very sad.
Worth every penny? ALL around the world football fans can breathe easy as Gareth Bale has finally made his decision on where to go. And for a cool €15m a year in salary, it is understandable that he might choose Real Madrid over Tottenham. The PFA Player of the Year has been described as a footballer with ‘tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities’. But is he really worth it? Whether or not he should receive such a sum isn’t really the issue – the problems will arise if the poor boy gets an ankle injury, or God forbid, his famed skills desert him on arrival in this foreign country. Thankfully, he is not known for his partying ways, so the father-ofone can spend most of his time on the football field - proving to society that he is worth every penny.
Because it’s worth it THE launch of a campaign to tackle gender violence in the Axarquia couldn’t have come at a better time. You might have heard of Caroline Criando Perez. She hit the headlines about six weeks ago after she was subject to a barrage of abuse, death and rape threats at the hands of anonymous Twitter trolls. Her crime? Campaigning for the inclusion of a female on the new range of British banknotes. It would seem a significant proportion of society still deem violence against women as acceptable, and dare I say it, a laughing matter. It’s not on. If this campaign helps just a handful of the 72% of women that don’t report their cases then it has definitely been worthwhile.
Got a news story? Contact our team of journalists in our Costa del Sol office on 951127006 or 691831399 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es
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The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía
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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 198,000 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 Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350 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
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FEATURE
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GoldenBales!
Not since ‘El Becks’ came to Real Madrid in 1999 has the arrival of a British player caused such hysteria at the Bernabeu. But as the economic crisis continues to deepen, is it appropriate to be spending €100 million on a player? Giles Brown reports
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THIS is your stadium. This is your shirt. These are your supporters. From now on this is your home and that of your entire family” With these Don Corleoneesque words Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, welcomed Gareth Bale to Madrid on a six-year deal worth around €100 million (not to mention his wages of €300,000 a week) making him the most expensive player on the planet. The 24-year-old Welsh international had flown into Madrid on Monday morning by private jet to be met by a media scrum – and 20,000 fans - not seen since David ‘GoldenBalls’ Beckham came to the capital. The Spanish sports paper Marca alone devoted two days of solid coverage to the transfer and everything you could possibly want to know about Bale including a pull out poster and two wrap-around covers. After putting pen to paper on his Madrid contract, Bale was then officially unveiled to fans at the Bernabeu. The player, who will wear the REAL DEAL: Bale with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and (top right) during medical No11 shirt, also spoke to his of money spent. new supporters, including a ham. I wanted to come here ed to join Madrid. “Cristiano, for me, is the best With unemployment at message in Spanish where he whether it was for a penny or player in the world. He’s a mas- 26.3%, Real Madrid’s arch risaid: “Hello, it’s a dream for me whatever it cost.” sive factor in why I wanted to vals Barcelona were quick to to play for Real come here. It comes no better jump in. Madrid. Thank than him and it’ll be an honour “Bale’s a very good player,” you for the great to play with him and we’ll have said Barcelona coach Gerardo welcome. Go Bale’s a very good player, a great team and hopefully win Martino. “But the numbers are Madrid!” a lot of things together,” he a lack of respect to the world in Asked about but the huge numbers are a said. general.” the transfer fee lack of respect to the world “I don’t think I need to help At a time when most of and what presin general and to the mashim because he’s already Spain doesn’t have two centisure he felt, proved he’s the best in the mos to rub together, you’d have Bale said at a sive local recession world.” thought Real’s level of spendpress conferReal Madrid has previous ing might upset many fan. ence: “It’s as experience in this regard and But the view however, much pressure since the turn of the century, among most is that the club as I put on myAlthough he has replaced the club has broken the world is a private enterprise and can self. I wanted to come here and play the best football and Ronaldo as the most expensive transfer record on at least four do what it likes with the money I’m going to give 100 per cent transfer in history, Bale still occasions, with two-time presi- that it has...it is the political and try to help the team to win believes the Portugal interna- dent Florentino Perez eager to and financial establishment tional is the leading player in recruit what he refers to as ‘Ga- who come under attack rather things. lactico’ star names. than Perez. “The transfer (fee) had noth- the world. He also revealed the star However, it didn’t take long “What is truly immoral is how ing to do with me – that’s between Real Madrid and Totten- was a big reason why he want- for critics to slam the amount our leaders and banks steal from us, although if I think about it I’m not sure why I am surprised,” warehouseman Enrique Gil, 34, told CNN. “They are just a reflection of the society in this country.” GARETH BALE’S big bucks defection to teams while the country remains mired Another fan Ignacio Servan, Real Madrid sees him joining a club under in recession, and for offering them prefa psychologist and long-term investigation and one of the most finan- erential tax and social security treatseason ticket holder added: cially unstable leagues in Europe. ment. “I consider it entertainment, The EU is probing a deal between Real Recent reports suggest La Liga teams something far removed from Madrid and the city council which saw the have a combined outstanding tax bill of my day to day. I’ve never been club acquire land around its Bernabeu sta- 975m euros, despite generating revenue interested in the financial asdium on favourable terms. of around 1.8bn euros in the 2011/2012 pects of football and it hasn’t But, the commission’s criticism of Span- season. impacted on my support for ish football stretches beyond Bale’s new Commentators say La Liga is likely to Madrid.” team. It recently launched a scathing at- have folded had the state used the same But other fans and analysts tack on the Spanish authorities for re- measures usually applied to deadbeat highlighted the fact that Spanpeatedly bailing out debt-ridden football companies. ish professional football has
La Liga’s financial turmoil
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combined debts of €5.4 bil“Most clubs in Spain live filion, while according to Span- nancially beyond their means ish economist and as long Jose Maria Gay as the footde Liebana, ball governing Teams such as SeReal’s debts bodies turn a are approachblind eye, and villa and Malaga ing $800 milthey get spehave all struggled lion. cial treatment to keep up with “As a Spanfrom the Spanish citizen I ish revenue high spending two think it is absystem, this solutely imwon’t change. moral,” said “The banks marketing seem to be manager Javier Santos Marti- happy to lend the major clubs nez. these sums of money and they “I don’t believe a football are treated in a way other comclub can stop paying millions panies aren’t.” but a small family company Bale’s arrival is the latest must pay or they will have to example of Real and arch-rival close the business. If you take Barcelona importing expena look you’ll be able to find ev- sive, top-level players, while ery Spanish team owes a huge other less wealthy La Liga quantity. clubs try and keep pace. Teams such as Valencia, Sevilla and Malaga have all struggled to keep up with the high spending big two, and many commentators complain that this is hugely unfair. Whatever the rights and wrongs of spending €100 million on a single player during Spain’s economic crisis, Real hope the signing of Bale will help the team win a record 10th European Cup, the fabled, sought-after ‘Decima’. Then he really will be GoldenBales!
7the olive press - September 4 - September 18 2013
FEATURE
POSING PROUD: On the ball at the Bernabeu and (left) with girlfriend
Bale’s move timeline July - Real Madrid publicly court Bale, kickstarting rumours of an impending move. Early August - Bale allegedly snaps up holiday home in Marbella, adding fuel to the fire Mid August - Misses pre-season training at Tottenham due to injury August 21 - Gibraltar shops prematurely sell Real Madrid shirts with Bale on the back August 25 - 28 - Bale summoned back to London from Marbella, but skips training two days later September 2 - Bale deal signed and announced.
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NEWS
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SIXTY YEARS OF STOLEN BABIES The Franco era scandal is coming back to haunt Spain THE FIRST of the Franco era stolen babies cases has reached the European Court of Human Right, after being ignored by the Spanish authorities. It relates to a baby girl born in Malaga Civil Hospital on October 12 1964 for whom no death records exist and whose family were told she had been stillborn.
In a separate case, the youth prosecution services in Alicante has carried out around 15 exhumations of babies believed to have been stolen. So far all remains have been consistent with the paperwork, meaning they are yet to be found of any wrongdoing. It is believed more than
2,000 babies were stolen by nuns and midwives during Francos reign, and from 1939 the newborns of left wing opponents of the regime, or unmarried couples, were removed from their mothers and adopted. The system continued after Franco’s death in 1975 and into the 1980s as an illegal baby trafficking network.
Exhumations
The case has gone through the equivalent of the Crown Court and the Magistrates Court in Malaga, the Provincial Court and now the Constitutional Court which, along with the high court of justice, is the highest in the land.
Granada tourist boom VISITORS to Granada have soared by a massive 9% this August on last year. Andalucia as a whole also saw a healthy 5% rise in tourism last month.
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NEWS
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News IN BRIEF
Heavy rain RAIN in Granada has cost the area €6million and the death of one of its residents. The area remains on orange alert.
Strict laws PRIME Minister Mariano Rajoy has promised to present a stricter abortion law to parliament in October.
Veteran win CYCLIST Chris Horner won the tenth stage of the La Vuelta, between Torredelcampo and Alto de Hazallanas.
Baby death A PREMATURE baby has died following an outbreak of klebsiella pneumoniae in Cordoba’s Reina Sofia Hospital. A further nine babies are in isolation.
Tourist record A RECORD 34 million tourists visited Spain in the six months to June 2013, an increase of 3.9% on the same period last year. Brits accounted for around a quarter of the total.
CHUFFED; Major with his street sign
Ex-PM: Brits should take an inland adventure FORMER prime minister Sir John Major has urged British tourists to swap their normal Costa holidays for exploration of the real Spain. He sang the delights of inland Spain as he addressed dignitaries in Candeleda, his holiday destination of choice near Avila, as the village unveiled a street named after him. Major said: “Up to one million British citizens have a house in Spain. Somewhere between 13 and
14 million British tourists visit every year. “Most of them come to enjoy your beautiful seaside and island resorts - but I’ve learned differently. “I would urge them to venture into real Spain. “They will find not only magnificent cities, part of out common European heritage, but also a whole range of stunningly beautiful towns and villages of which Candeleda is to me, one of the jewels.”
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Gib IN BRIEF Lovely lunch DAY centre staff and service users have enjoyed a slap-up lunch at St Bernard’s Catholic Social Club to celebrate fair week.
Dear Elizabeth A petition signed by 12,000 people has been sent to the Queen to protest about a ripped net that fishermen claim was caused by a concrete block off Gibraltar.
GIBRALTAR NEWS
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NO SUBSTANCE!
EU backs Gibraltar over Spain’s appeal for financial investigation into enclave’s dealings A SPANISH request for an investigation into financial dealings on the Rock has been rejected by the EU. Spain’s prime minister Mariano Rajoy had called
on Brussels to look for evidence of money laundering, contraband and fiscal fraud. But the European Commission insisted it would not be following up what it de-
King: Owning Rock NOT in our interests ON the Rock
Olive Press guide to the best of What’s On in Gibraltar over the next two weeks September 9. Courses begin at Gibraltar College. The range of subjects offered include Languages, Information Technology, Mathematics, Art & Design, Woodwork, Sewing and Glass & Crafts. For further information, please contact telephone 20071048 or email at enquiries@gibc.edu.gi September 10. Children’s Fancy Dress Competition. Parliament Building. Open to everyone aged 15 and under. All entries should display the red and white colours prominently if not exclusively. Registration forms can be collected from the Ministry of Culture.
KING Juan Carlos once declared that ownership of Gibraltar was NOT in Spain’s interests, papers released by Spain’s National Archives have revealed. His statement in a debate on sovereignty in 1983 came after the King of Morocco had apparently warned him that any attempt to reclaim the Rock would result in similar action by Morocco to take back the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. “It is not in the interests of Spain to recover Gibraltar,” the Spanish monarch stated. “It is up to Spain to make herself attractive to the people of Gibraltar, so that they see for themselves the advantages of joining the kingdom of Spain.”
scribed as ‘unsubstantiated allegations’. “The clear statement by the Commission that it will not investigate unsubstantiated allegations from Mr Rajoy in respect of financial services matters is very welcome from the EU Commission,” said a Gibraltar government spokesman. “It is as clear as the earlier statement from the Commission President’s spokesperson that a ‘frontier toll’, as previously proposed by (foreign minister) Mr Margallo, would be illegal.”
Rebel riders warned POLICE have assured Gibraltarians that a group of Spanish bikers planning a protest ride into the Rock will be blocked at the border. The rebel group, called la Marcha de Moteros, is organising the ride via Facebook, while t-shirts for them to wear on the day are being sold on eBay.
GIB FESTIVAL From Page 1
on Sunday that the enclave is planning to install even bigger blocks to a reef that has already caused considerable outrage. In the second phase of the reef going in, blocks six times bigger and weighing 12 tonnes each are to be installed in the coming weeks. The Festival takes place this Saturday with an all-star line up that includes Brit winner Emili Sande, the X Factor’s Olly Murs, Texas and Level 42. In the meantime, hotels in Gibraltar are reportedly fully booked as many concert goers have taken the option of crossing the border the night before. Juan Navarro, spokesman for the Gibraltar Music Festival said: “We are hoping that there won’t be a problem on the day and are advising that the festival goers coming from Spain use the designated parking areas. They can then walk across the border in less than 20 minutes. “The artists themselves are flying into Gibraltar directly on the day. We are hoping that everything goes smoothly”.
GIBRALTAR NEWS
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Climbing for the children
Gibraltarian climbs a trio of peaks, including Kilimanjaro, to raise money for poor children
GIBRALTARIAN Genny Proetta has climbed three mountains to raise awareness for malnourished children.
By Alex Iszatt
Over two weeks the mother of three successfully scaled La Concha
(1,200m), in Marbella, Pico del Veleta (3,400m), in Granada, and Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m), in Tanzania.
After her friends launched the 3 Million Club project – a humanitarian experiment to bring an end to malnutrition by 2020 - Genny decided to get a team together to climb the highest mountain in Africa.
Mission
The project spurred Genny to practice her walking skills on a few ‘hills’ closer to home before trekking to Tanzania. Once in Africa, the team took one week, hiking for an average six hours per day, to climb up the mountain via the Machame route.
Celebration
SUCCESS - Genny, front row second from left, proudly points to the sign marking the achievement.
Once at the peak, the group only had fifteen minutes to celebrate and take pictures, before altitude sickness set in. Six hours after a gruelling descent and the team were back, exhausted but exhilarated. For more information visit www.3millionclub.
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News IN BRIEF
Dirty streets RESIDENTS are up in arms about the state of a street in Velez-Malaga after the Thursday markets. They have complained to the town hall saying the rubbish poses a fire risk.
Fresh water The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment has started work on the construction of the Wastewater Treatment Station (WWTP) in the town of Colmenar.
AXARQUIA NEWS
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Storms brewing Heavy rain on the way for Andalucia WEATHER warnings have been issued across Andalucia with storms and heavy rain expected in the coming weeks. Almeria, Cadiz, Jaen, Malaga and Sevilla could receive up to 25 litres of rain per square metre in an hour, according to Spain’s met office. The warning comes almost a year after the region was hit by severe floods, which destroyed several homes.
Lighting up The Mayor of Rincón de la Victoria awarded Endesa-Enel Sole UTE the contract to supply lighting to the area saving €90,000 annually.
Taking a stand Taxis join fight against gender violence
GENDER violence is being tackled through a new initiative in the Axarquia.
A women’s group and two taxi associations have joined forces to raise aware-
VERY SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE A MAN has been arrested after stolen goods were found stashed in his underwear. Police stopped him as he walked along the N-340 following re-
ports of a burglary in Torrox. Two other men were also arrested after one was caught with a flatscreen TV from the property in his car.
ness of the issue. The campaign includes taxis carrying car stickers, first aid kits and leaflets containing professional advice for abused women. One of the associations has also introduced a training programme to help victims of abuse. “Because violence is a social problem, it is the duty of society to actively mobilise in the fight to eradicate it,” said Stephanie Martin, coordinator of the Andalucian Institute for Women. At present, only 27.4% of women who claim to have suffered gender violence file a complaint, according to Spain’s health ministry.
Culture capital
Growing problem SIX people have been arrested following the discovery of 44 marijuana plants. The haul, weighing 150kg, was found after police received a tip
off from residents in Colmenar. The area has seen a rise in smuggling, with police seizing drugs with a street value of €670,000 last year.
A TOWN hall is set to invest €12 million in cultural attractions. Exhibitions, museums and a contemporary art centre are being mooted as part of plans to make Velez a cultural capital of art. The scheme, to be completed in two years, will create a cultural tour highlighting the region’s past, from prehistoric to modern times. The plans include spending €2.8 million on a sugarcane museum, while the granary will be converted into an archive. The former San Juan hospital will also become a museum.
GREEN NEWS
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Clean shores Feeling blue A TOTAL of 15 Andalucian beaches have lost their coveted blue flag status. Problems related to cleanliness and a lack of lifeguards were cited as the main reasons, by environ-
ment watchdog ADEAC. Beaches in Almonte, Benalmadena, Chiclana, pictured, La Linea, Mojácar, Sabinillas and San Roque were among those affected.
BEACHES around Andalucia have mostly been given a clean bill of health following extensive testing by Spain’s Department of Health. It comes after scientists took samples from 343 points across 258 beaches in 61 municipalities, and tested them for microorganisms, transparency, minerals, oils, foam and foreign objects. The majority were found to be within the quality control limits, and those that weren’t have since been re-tested and deemed to have returned to an acceptable standard. A report will be published at the end of September. Above: Estepona beach
Jellyfish invasion By Claire Wilson OVERFISHING is being blamed for a surge in the number of jellyfish on Spanish beaches this summer. Scientists have spotted mile-long blooms of the creatures along several stretches of the Mediterranean, with some areas hosting between 30 and 40 of them per square metre of sea. Marine biologist Stefano Piraino, who has just flown over 200 miles of Mediterranean coastline to monitor growing jellyfish populations, said the main reason for the increase is the lack of fish in the sea. Piraino said: “If we take the fish out of the oceans we leave more food in the environment and jellyfish are very smart. “They can multiply very easily in a very short time; much faster than any vertebrate.”
Over-fishing largely to blame for dangerous spread of the species Figures gathered by environmental concern group Greenpeace found Spain pulled in three times more fish than they were supposed to in 2012.
Quotas
The fishing had been predominantly funded through EU subsidies. The gross over-fishing has led the EU to slash the country’s fishing quota for 2013 by 800 tonnes, with threats of further deductions if its fishermen continue to offend. The usual breeds of jellyfish found in the Mediterranean do not sting, but rising sea temperatures have led to a number of stinging species travelling down into the waters from the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The result has been a rise in the number of beachgoers
being treated for jellyfish stings, and it is a problem that could perpetuate towards the end of the summer as sea temperatures rise further. Piraino said: “The research is likely to show climate change is also to blame for the increase in jellyfish, and the presence of stinging varieties. Many of the species we are observing have a faster growth rate with increased temperature.” The increase in jellyfish has prompted the Spanish government to introduce jellyfish warning flags on some beaches, while the British Foreign Office issued a warning to travellers this summer.
Landing a blow A GROUP of residents have won a high court battle to give greater environmental protection to an area rich in wildlife. Residents of Malaga’s Pinares de San Anton urbanisation have fought to have the patch of land reclassified under Spain’s zoning scheme to stop developers moving in. They argued that it should be afforded the same protection as the surrounding Montes de Malaga region, because it was home to similar species of plants and animals. Following four years of legal wrangling, Andalucia’s High Court has agreed to amend the legislation. The ruling is the first to successfully challenge Malaga’s zoning laws since they were introduced in 2009.
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LETTERS
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POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 72.95% full Same week last year: 49.62% Same week in 2003: 52.33% 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 1.32 American Dollars 0.85 British Pounds 1.39 Canadian Dollars 7.45 Danish Kroner 10.28 H Kong Dollars 8.04 Norwegian Kroner 1.69 Singapore Dollars
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MEDDLE A BIG THANKS RENTERS of Apartado postboxes in Mojacar are up in arms about the treatment they are receiving from state run post office Correos. A new system is in operation where every single person receiving mail in any box must have paid and be registered. They changed the system overnight in March or April after 25 years. Now mail is being summarily returned to sender and we are not being informed. We are all losing vital letters - often without even realising. Obviously it can be a matter of life or death; things like renewing insurance policies, medical appointments and prescriptions. Quite a few people have lost their pensions because of not answering official letters they didn’t receive and many are having to pay fines for not covering bills on time. Correos said they warned us - but if so most of us never received the warning and those who did say it was inadequately worded and gave no clue as to how Correos were proposing to act. It’s scandalous! Staff do not seem to be capable of working out who is and who is not licensed. It’s an ‘if in doubt send back’ policy! They are treating us like milch cows – just pay up and shut up! They seem to have no intention of doing anything about the very serious traumas they are causing.
I am getting together a group to complain about the service. susiemandrake@gmail. com Susie, Mojacar
Pay up
Two years ago I was returning to the UK with my granddaughters on Ryanair to Birmingham While waiting to board the plane I took off my coat because I was getting hot . I put my coat in my bag which was well within the size stipulated by Ryanair. When it was our turn to board I was asked to check my bag in the cage to measure if it was the correct size .It went in ok but the strap caught on the metal when trying to retrieve it. The staff immediately said I had to pay 50€ to have the bag put in the hold .I refused and said would wear my coat. This was refused and they insisted I pay the fee . The lady in front of me was carrying her coat so she said why couldn’t I carry my coat like she was but the answer was still no.My granddaughters were now getting very distressed so I said Ok,I would leave the coat, it was taken from me and put under the desk ,i asked for it to be left in left luggage and I would collect it on my return. I returned to Malaga the next day and tried retrieve my coat from lost property but
WE opened our doors at Yorkshire Linen over five years ago and as you can imagine have advertised in many different places from little, local magazines, to international publications but out of all of them there are a couple of advertisers who stand head and shoulders above the rest and the Olive Press is one of them . We have always been impressed with the amount of papers delivered, it’s surprising how far people travel to us now after reading our ad in the paper. The staff are fantastic, we change our advert every edition and the design team seem to hit the nail on the head every time with eye catching adverts that draw the reader’s attention. From time to time we have had special events and we have approached the paper to put in a small article, nothing has ever been too much trouble and the articles themselves are always well written and really help to boost foot flow through the store. The paper gets read from cover to cover and will remain on the coffee tables of its readers for a few days (giving us advertisers chance to be seen again and again as the paper is picked up and re-read ) Having a little more time on our hands here in Spain, us ex-pats enjoy nothing more than having a cup of coffee and catching up on
it wasn’t there!! I have written to Ryanair many times, had one automated reply, but still no coat. I agree we should boycott Ryanair but they have now monopolised the market and only they
what is going on locally - it’s almost ritualistic, meaning that the Olive Press is a great platform to get your company name out there and embedded into the minds of its readership on a bi-weekly basis ! Kind Regards Steph Mijas Costa
and Monarch, who are very expensive, have flights to Birmingham so I have very little choice, Pay up or shut up Betty Rose Malaga
CROSSMOT 15
Across 1 Mucheddumbre (4) * 3 Avances (8) * 9 Hesitate (7) * 10 North (5) * 11 Fabricante (12) * 13 Los mas Bonitos (6) * 15 Ocean (6) * 17 Curiously (12) * 20 Heel (5) * 21 Quemadura Del Sol (7) * 22 Tunes (8) * 23 Utilizado (4). Down 1 Movimiento (8) * 2 Tocino (5) * 4 Directo (6) * 5 Anuncio (12) * 6 Crust (7) * 7 Buscar (4) * 8 Pasado De Moda (3-9) * 12 Gobernado (8) * 14 Consejo (7) * 16 Frightens (6) * 18 Nombres (5) * 19 Tallo (4). L = 199
TV trauma
I just wanted to say that people who keep saying that the new satellite will not broadcast BBC television channels or radio stations to Spain – it isn’t true. It will broadcast to Spain, just like every single satellite at 28.2º east currently does. What will change is the dish size needed in some parts of the country. A large area across southern Spain and Portugal may be unable to receive BBC transmissions. This will probably mean a strip about 100 miles wide, from the Algarve to the Costa Del So. This estimate is based on the experience of Astra 2F, which is currently broadcasting. Astra 2F and 2E will be virtually identical. Sky viewers will suffer the same loss of BBC & ITV. Paying a subscription wont’t help as Freesat and Sky both carry the same frequencies. Sky pay-TV services are likely to remain on pan-European beams until at least 2014. The only exceptions to the loss may be More 4 HD, E4 HD, ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD which are all encrypted pay channels. Philip Kent ED: Thanks for your views Philip, but we strongly believe, going on the comments of the BBC’s very own bosses that the service will be disappearing - or at the very least seriously weakening - at some point later this year
Letters should be posted to Urb. Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350, Malaga or emailed to letters@theolivepress.es The writer’s name and address should be provided. Published opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.
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what’s on
S
eptember 10 – 15, Jerez, “Fiestas de la
vendimia” all day, every day
S
eptember 11, Marbella, PAD
Charity Golf Tournament, Miraflores Golf. Tickets cost €40 or €10 for members. For more information call 952 931 960
S
eptember 13, Malaga, Steve
Vai. Rock guitarist plays Malaga Bullring. Entry from €40 www.riffmusic.es
HUMANITY TAX Bullfighter hit in the wallet for refusing to kill
On your bike! COSTA SCREAM FEST HORROR and fantasy fans are being invited to take part in a film festival. A range of activities will take place in Estepona, Manilva, Marbella and San Pedro. Films to be shown include Good Kids Gone Bad by Isao Takahata and Mexican Fantasy by Alejandro Valle. The festival runs from September 6-14. For more information visit www. estepona.es
New cycle network waits for green light in Andalucia CONSTRUCTION of a new €400million cycle network could begin next year following a public consultation. The scheme will create 1,064 cycle paths throughout the region and will include upgrading 3,080km of existing tracks.
Paths
Around 75% of the funding will be provided by the Junta, with the rest coming from town halls. The consultation period lasts until the end of September.
U
ntil September 29, Malaga,
A SPANISH bullfighter has been hit with a €3,200 fine for refusing to kill two bulls. El Remonta claimed he had been unwell following the amateur event in Cogollos de Guadix in Granada. Organisers have come under fire over allegations that the bulls were too powerful and had been bred for a professional fight. Another fighter suffered a fractured wrist at the event, while a third fractured his elbow and dislocated a shoulder.
‘Dennis Hopper. On the Road’. Entry €4.50 at museopicassomalaga.org
U
ntil September 20, Estepona, The
House of Tejerinas hosts “The Alphabet of the Night”, by Ida Idae, and “Details”, by Maria Lezon.
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la cultura VIRGIN SHOW 18
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CREATIVISTS: The journey begins at the studio (above and left) A GROUP of artists is to put on its first exhibition of work later this month. The Finca Vida Painters, based in Alhaurin, have been working together for the past three years having met at an art class led by expat Anne Hird. The works vary in style and include charcoal, chalk and oil, water-based dyes and collages. The group has documented their progress in sketch books, which will also be on display at the exhibition. “It has been an enormous pleasure to share with them that which I have learned on my own journey,” said Hird. “But my greatest pleasure for sure, is to see their individual styles emerging as each person explores and pushes their boundaries.” She added: “This is our first exhibition and we do hope that you will enjoy our endeavours. “We have had such fun making them.” FLAMENCO and horseback riding will lead the festivities to mark the start of the wine harvest in Andalucia. The exhibition runs The annual harvest festival runs from September 10-15 in Jerez de la Frontera. from September 24 Among the activities on offer during the celebration are – October 11 at La wine tasting, exhibitions and competitions. casa de la cultura, Alhaurin el Grande
Happy harvest
Magical music Elizabeth Gould recounts a very memorable night
W
E arrived at Gonzalez Byass Bodega on a perfect summer’s evening ready to enjoy some classical music played by the world class Soloists of London. And to sample the excellent sherry, of course. We were divided into small groups and visited three diverse candlelit areas where we experienced different concerts and sherries. The first concert was Schubert’s Ronda and we were offered a glass of Tio Pepe, which complemented the music perfectly. We then moved to La Cuadrada for works by Hadyn and Borodin, complimented by Palo Cortado sherry. The third and final piece of music was a piano solo in the Lepanto patio, with pieces by
SHERRY SOLOISTS: World class music accompanied by world class sherry Mozart, Rachmaninoff and Satie. In this magical setting we listened to the music and drank Pedro Ximenez. After these intimate 20 minute concerts, the entire ensemble played the final con-
cert in the Royal Bodega de La Concha. This was followed by drinks and tapas in the lovely gardens of Villa Victorina. A perfect end to a wonderful evening in the magical setting of the Gonzalez Byass Bodega.
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XXXXXXX: Xxxxxxx XXxxxxx, xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxx
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Arty space
A CONTEMPORARY art centre is set to open following a €2.6million refit. The former school, in Velez-Malaga, will have five permanent galleries and two temporary exhibitions over four floors. The centre, which opens on September 14, will also feature an auditorium, cafe, workshops and classrooms. Funding for the project was provided by the town hall and the Junta.
LAST CHANCE MASTER CULTURE vultures have one last chance to see the work of a famous Spanish artist. An exhibition dedicated to Julio Romero de Torres, the master of Andalucian symbolism, ends on September 8. The works, which show his different painting styles, have been on display at Malaga’s Carmen Thyssen museum since April.
ROMANTIC: The evolution of Torres’ work moved from romanticism to symbolism
TEACHER: Torres taught at the school of fine arts in Madrid
la cultura cultura la
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ROCKING AND ROLLING LOCAL favourites Orange Peel have been added to the lineup for the Gibraltar Music Festival. The band will perform an acoustic set on the Radio Gibraltar stage, which also hosts Guy Valarino, 10CC and Propellors. The event, on September 7, will be headlined by former X-Factor runner up, Olly Murs. Orange Peel took to Facebook to express their excitement at the upcoming gig: “We have been approached to play an “Unplugged” session at the Gibraltar Music Festival. “Taking it as a new challenge, (we have to change our material into an ‘unplugged’ vibe) we have accepted the offer and we are very much looking forward to this great opportunity” There are only a handful of general admission and seated tickets available. For more information visit www.gibraltarmusicfestival.com
A virgin brought tears to my eyes Klint at the Picasso
MALAGA’S Museo Picasso has announced an autumn exhibition by Swedish artist Hilma af Klint. ‘A Pioneer of Abstraction’ will be the most extensive exhibition ever. Ahead of her time, Klint (18621944) - no relation to Gustav- created an enigmatic body of work that ‘aimed to depict a reality beyond the visible’. “It still has the power to impress with its forms and consistency, and a wealth of symbolism that confronts viewers with the great eternal questions,” said a spokesman. After being shown at prestigious museums such as Moderna Museet in Stockholm (where i t was seen by 185,000 visitors), and the Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin, the exhibition comes t o Museo Picasso Malaga, and shows the complex artist’s career for the first time. Hilma af Klint. A Pioneer of Abstraction runs from October 21
DIDN’T GET LUCKY
LEGENDARY musician and producer Nile Rodgers brought the Chic Experience to Marbella last week for a night of disco magic. As part of the Rock Lounge series of concerts held at the Puente Romano Tennis Club, an ecstatic audience got down and boogied to songs such as Everybody Dance, Le Freak and Good Times. Unfortunately though, the celebrated artist was contractually unable to play the summer Daft Punk classic that he wrote/produced Get Lucky. It didn’t stop the DJ however, from playing the song as the band took their bows at the end. The crowd didn’t complain either way. “It was a night of magic without a doubt,” said promoter David Giles.
Marbella expat author sees his debut novel published in the US By Giles Brown THE debut novel from Marbella-based author Dick Barton is set for release in the US this autumn. Madonna and The Pen is an intriguing ‘spiritual interpretation’ of an apparition of The Virgin Mary. Glasgow-born writer Dick Barton (no connection to the celebrated ‘special agent’) admits the Holy Mother was the last thing he would’ve chosen to write about, and doesn’t describe himself as being religious. “I didn’t write it on a PC, it was all by hand and I felt my hand was being guided by something else,” said Dick.
Weird
“It was a very weird feeling. Sometimes it would bring tears to my eyes, bring me to my knees – this was the strength of feeling I had.” The book is a personal triumph for Dick who left school at 15 with no qualifications. Following the success of the book in the UK, Dick was thrilled to hear that Barnes & Noble, the largest book retailer in America are to stock the novel. “There has also been interest in making a film of the book, and producers at have told me it will make a great movie” said Dick.
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Star torero is seriously injured less than a month before massive engagement in Ronda’s historic bullring
BLOODY: Morante is led away after his injury in Huesca
Goring leaves Goyesca in doubt IT is not known whether the star torero who is due to fight all six bulls at Ronda’s celebrated Goyesca bullfight will be able to make it. Morante de la Puebla suffered a severe goring in Huesca on August 10 and it is ‘in the balance’ whether he can make it at the event on September 7. “He is still in rehabilitation and we can’t be sure whether he will make it,” said a source. “We are all keeping our fingers crossed.” The event, which is the highlight of the town’s annual feria, is one of Spain’s most famous fights, attended by politicians, aristocrats and celebrities from around the country. It dates back to 1954 when Spain’s famous Ronda-born bullfighter Antonio Ordonez made a pact to dress up for the annual event dressed in historic costume as a tribute to 18th century bullfighter Pedro Romero, also from Ronda. He modelled his outfit on a painting of the matador by Francisco Goya. A parade will kick-start five days of festivities at this year’s Feria de Pedro Romero in Ronda.
The event, which is beginning today, is a celebration of the town’s bullfighting heritage – Ronda has the oldest bullring in Spain - and sees
participants riding in carriages while in traditional dress. Other highlights include a flamenco festival and an arts and crafts fair.
TRADITION: Bullfighters arrive in historic dress while (above) posters for the festival
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A land of bear David Baird explores the hidden charms and traditional trades of Asturias, one of Spain’s least known regions
W
HEN temperatures the less-visited southwest corner. soar in August and visiThe only town of any size, Cangas tors by the thousand del Narcea, squeezed into a valcrowd the beaches of ley at the junction of the Narcea the Mediterranean, it’s good to and Luina rivers, is strategically remember that there is another — placed to explore the 600-squarevery different — Spain. kilometre nature park of Fuentes This Spain is a land of remote del Narcea, Degana e Ibias. valleys and forest vastnesses, of Coal-mining brought a brief secluded bays and mist-shroudsurge of prosperity to Cangas, but ed peaks, of fast-flowing trout that industry is declining. streams and ancient crafts. These days the area emphaA land that is green. This is Assises its ecological resources, its turias. hearty wine and the survival of Head directly north from Andaancient crafts. But first let’s check lucia and you find it, fringing the out those bears. Bay of Biscay. Only 30 years But first you ago it seemed have to scale that the days of Indeed, you may some mighty the brown bear mountains — in be lucky enough to were numbered. fact, the Visigoths The 100 or so sight bears within were so imsurvivors in Spain pressed by that hiking distance of were a target for barrier that more poachers, trophyOviedo than a thousand hunters and farmyears ago they deers determined clared the region to protect their was ‘walled in by lambs. In other parts of Europe, the hand of God’. Don’t look for the bear had long disappeared. flamenco, toros and paella here, Even after being declared a proall those stereotypes employed to tected species in 1973, it was sell Spain to the tourist. under threat in Spain. However, Instead you can hear the skirl tougher conof bagpipes, quench your thirst trols, heavy with cider and hear another lanfines and a guage, known as Bable. growing emIf you are a hiker, a fisherman, a phasis on bird-watcher or any sort of natureecological lover, this is the place for you. values have It’s a land where wolves still changed the prowl — and also the brown bear. situation. Indeed, you may be lucky Nature conenough to sight bears within hikservation ing distance of the city of Oviedo. organisaClimbers head for the spectacution Fapas, lar, saw-tooth summits of the Pifounded in cos de Europa and surfers love 1982, has the numerous beaches. played a big But my most recent journey to part in savAsturias, one of Spain’s 17 auing the bear tonomous regions, took me to and other
SLOTH: A family of Asturia bears
RICHES: The region of Asturias offers so much endangered species. It rescues wounded animals, runs environmental education programmes and organises volunteer workers, planting such trees as elder, walnut and cherry in bear habitats. Today more than an estimated 200 bears roam the Cantabrian mountains and a few more in the Pyrenees. Unlike the grizzly, the brown bear is not aggressive. Although it can weigh up to 200 kilos, it usually beats a retreat on sight-
ing humans. The only time it nasty is if a mother thinks her threatened. Local guide Chem who specialises in nature notes: “Attitudes have chang matically. Until the 70s there w of poaching. Miners would go in their free time. Now there more awareness of the value natural resources.” Chema guides visitors throu of the Fuentes del Narcea sparsely populated area.
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rs and bagpipes
can turn cubs are ma Diaz, tourism, ged drawas a lot o hunting is much e of our
ugh parts park, a
Nearby, peaks soar to 2,000 sive trunks. metres. This is the habitat of wolves, In the past roads were few deer, ibex, wild boar and more and each valley lived in a world than 100 bird species, includof its own. ing the comparatively rare capAnd, even today, it is common ercaillie, or wood grouse (about for snowfalls to cut villages off 400 are reckoned to survive). from the outside world. As bee-keeping is permitted “One old fellow who lived to within the nature park, you 107 recalled that he had only often come across groups of left his village twice in his whole hives. life,” said Chema. Older ones are carved from In these valleys you may still chestnut tree trunks. come across They need people speakspecial protecing Asturian, tion as bears They need special formerly known will smash as Bable. protection as bears open hives to Optional in satisfy their will smash open schools, it has hunger for its own Acadehives to satisfy their honey. my of the AsturThus, hives hunger for honey ian Language. are usually Difficulty of shielded by access has high stone helped prewalls, plus — serve the language and local a modern touch — live electric traditions — and also Spain’s wires. One of the best spots to largest oak forest. view bears, especially in spring This lies within the Muniellos and autumn, is the Ibias river Biosphere Reserve. Only 20 valley between Cangas del Narvisitors a day are allowed to en- cea and Degana. ter the reserve, dense with ash, To reach it, you journey up birch, maple and willows. the Narcea valley and through A path winds by tumbling a long tunnel beneath the waters and up to a series of la- 1100-metre-high Puerto del Ragoons, passing ancient oak and nadoiro. From here take a trip chestnut trees, some with mas- to the last of the ‘cunqueiros’ (makers of wooden bowls). The road spirals up over another pass, the Alto del Campillo, to reach the remote hamlet of Tablado. Only 10 of the 52 houses are occupied. Firmly in place, however, are the Garcia family, employing age-old methods to carve utensils from ash, birch and chestnut. Vitorino and his 20-year-
old son Victor turn out such items as cachos del vino (wine bowls), barbeiras (for shaving) and cibreiras (for keeping food warm). Little has changed here; they continue using the traditional tools and a foot-operated lathe. But wait a moment — these days you can find them on the internet. In the past the women of the four villages in this valley saw their menfolk for only three months of the year. During the other months the ‘cunqueiros’ were selling their wares across Spain. They trekked across the peninsula carrying their possessions on mules, setting up portable lathes to produce wooden products to order. They had their own dialect and jargon, making their conversation unintelligible to other Spaniards. The last of these itinerant workers died in 1985. Other crafts survive too near Cangas. Although the hamlet of Llamas del Mouro, high on a hillside, appears to slumber, the Rodriguez Suarez family, Manuel, daughter Veronica and his brother Marcelino, are usually busy in their workshop. The last of a long line of ‘alfareros’ (once Asturias had more than 150), they turn out a variety of utensils, bowls, wine jars and stew pots. They are much in demand, both for their quality and their distinctive black colour. The secret is in the cooking. The pieces are packed into a wood-fired oven, where they are baked for around 15 hours at up to 800 degrees. Smoke is trapped inside the
General information WHERE TO STAY Palacio de Ardaliz, Limés, Cangas del Narcea. Tel. 985 81 22 32. www.palacioardaliz.com. Parador del Monasterio de Corias, Cangas del Narcea. Tel. 902 54 79 79. www.parador.es, HYPERLINK “mailto:reservas@ parador.es”reservas@parador.es. Check for special opening offer. NATURE GUIDES Natur. Tracking bears, wolves, canoe trips. Tel. 619 92 61 32. www. naturactivo.net. TOURIST INFO Cangas del Narcea office. Tel. 985 81 14 98. www. fuentesdelnarcea.org.
oven, penetrating the clay and turning it black and extra resistant. Just down the hillside, at Pambley, more artisans are at work. Raul Martínez and his father chisel skilfully away, producing a variety of wooden products. Probably their biggest sellers are the ‘madrenas’, clogs carved from birch wood. “We make about 800 pairs a year and 90% are for actual use rather than ornament,” said Raul. “They are good to wear in winter as they keep your feet warm and out of the mud.” Asturias is the land, above all, of cider, but the Cangas area is also building a reputation for wine. “The vineyards were largely abandoned in the 1950s when coal-mining became important,” notes Angel Barrero a leading member of the local wine producers’ association. “But, as mining has declined, the wine has staged a revival.” It’s hearty stuff — Penderuyos, a red blending four grape varieties, is 14.5% alcohol. It has won prizes for Anton Chicote who produces 14,000 litres of wine annually on two hectares of steep hillside. David Baird is a Malaga-based author who has written a number of books about Spain. These include Sunny Side Up — The 21st century hits a Spanish village, Don’t Miss the Fiesta! and Between Two Fires — Guerrilla war in the Spanish sierras. They are published by Maroma Press. More information at: http://maromapress. wordpress.com/
1930s HUNT : A group of men track down a bear while above a wall method to stop bears getting to hives
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The Olive Press fortnightly business section taking a look at the Spanish economy and offering tips on how to save AND make money
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Fraud frontier
A CLAMPDOWN on benefit cheats has led to 15% of claimants having their payments withdrawn in Spain, according to official statistics. In Malaga, there was a 30% increase in cases of benefit fraud, leading to 223 people having their payments withdrawn this year. Inspectors also issued fines to 45 companies found to be employing benefits claimants. The inspections have led to €1.5million being repaid to the government. The increase is due in part to an increase in the number of inspections being carried out, with checks carried out on 13% more businesses and 35% more employees than last year. The government pays out €81.6million in unemployment benefits to claimants in Malaga each year, with 113,000 people having claimed an average of €791.90 in June. The Ministry of Employment has set up a virtual message box so people can anonymously report anyone they suspect to be falsely claiming benefits.
LABOUR REFORM AT LAST THE Spanish government is to overhaul its labour laws in a bid to simplify the hiring process for small and medium sized companies. Under the current regime, employers can choose one of 41 different types of contracts, a complicated process, which has prevented many companies from taking on new staff. Under new rules there will be just five contracts available. There will also be an adjustment to the system of subsidies and incentives for workers It is hoped the move will further stimulate the jobs market, and deepen the labour market reform which was introduced late last year. Under last year’s reforms the cost of firing workers was lowered and it became easier for companies to leave collective wage agreements and to strike deals at factory level. Critics of the reforms however, described them as being too timid and called for a more sweeping plan to end the two-tier labour system currently in place, which favours permanent workers and leaves temporary contractors in a more precarious situation.
Bank floored by mortgage group By Claire Wilson A GROUP of mortgage holders have been awarded €225,000 in compensation after their lender refused to refund excess payments made following the abolition of a contentious mortgage clause.
Activists win €225,000 over illegal clause in property loans from Unicaja The ‘floor-rate clause’, which fixed the minimum interest repayable on mortgage loans, was eliminated from existing Unicaja bank mort-
gages following a High Court ruling in May. The clause was also made illegal for any further mortgages.
Spanish banker arrested over billion-euro JP Morgan scam A SPANISH banker accused of hiding €4.5 billion of financial trade losses has been arrested in Spain. Javier Martin Artajo, a former employee of JP Morgan, was charged with conspiracy to falsify books and records and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Artajo, who was living in London, is accused of inflating the value of derivatives to avoid losses, in what has become known as the ‘London Whale’ scandal. The Spaniard, who
also faces charges in the US, was released without bail. However, he must re-
port to a judge every 15 days and is not allowed to leave Spain without prior permission.
While the ruling did not oblige the bank to repay interest charged above the current rate, a total of 39 Unicaja mortgage holders have successfully won compensation in a new court case. It comes as it emerges that they had been signed up to the clause without it being properly explained. The judge ruled that they had been effectively mis-sold, as it had not provided sufficient advice to each individual on the specific terms of the loan.
Compensation
The group had taken out mortgages between 2005 and 2011. The fixed minimum rate of interest payable on their mortgages was significantly higher than the current interest rate, which has been at a record low of 0.5% since May this year. Unicaja, which has returned to profitability in the first half of the year after reporting losses in 2012, said it may appeal against the decision. The lender is one of a number that used ‘floorrate clauses’ in its mortgage terms, with BBVA, Cajamar and Nova Galicia Banco including them in the terms of some of their mortgages.
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Top Dollar
FOLLOWING THE CROWD S
Andalucia’s entrepreneurs are increasingly funding their big ideas through online crowdfunding platforms in bid to beat recession
TRUGGLING to get a bank loan due to the recession? Crowdfunding offers a viable al-
ternative. The idea is simple - investors can get a share in a stake in a start-up business for as lit-
tle as €10, making their commitments online. The concept has been gaining traction globally as small
businesses and big names alike seek alternative sources of capital. Oscar winning director Spike Lee is among those turning to crowdfunding, offering fans the opportunity to have a stake in his latest project through Kickstarter, a crowdfunding site focusing on creative projects. Here in Andalucia a recent agricultural fair which took place in June was funded through online platform Goteo. A combined €1,155 was
By Claire Wilson
committed to the project by 12 investors. Crowdfunders have also invested €2,258 in a film production company to fund their newest piece, a film about the 15M movement in Malaga.
How it works Entrepreneurs seeking capital need to upload a business
advertorial
Join us for ‘Tea on the Terrace’ and find out more about your Spanish Inheritance tax liabilities
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INCHAM has been guiding clients through the Spanish inheritance tax (IHT/ISD) maze since 1994, enabling them to successfully and legally protect their loved ones from what could prove to be a significant financial burden. Many property owners in Spain are sitting on a ticking IHT/ISD time bomb, unaware that when they purchase their ‘dream’ property they are creating a financial liability for those they leave behind. The surviving partner, or beneficiary, may be left with a tax bill which exceeds the value of the entire Spanish asset being inherited, plus the cost of obtaining probate in more than one country. To avoid this, we advise owners to invest the property in a UK private limited company, which makes them a shareholder in the company and enables them to remain in complete control of the asset. Investing in this way also carries numerous tax benefits; the transaction is not subject to the 7 to 10% property transfer tax, and the ownership of the company can be structured to suit the beneficiary’s needs in a way that is simply not possible under Spanish law. Following our successful May Roadshow, we will be hosting three more events in September. Mark Bailey and David Rogers will be available for personal, one-to-one appointments at various venues, during which you can discuss your individual circumstances and take away your free personalised Spanish IHT illustration.
David Rogers Tel 0034 622 345 558
Mark Bailey Tel 077 02 192 797
Appointments available between 10.00am and 5pm
Beatriz Palace Hotel, Fuengirola Wednesday 11th September The Kempinski Hotel, Estepona Thursday 12th September The H10 Andalucia Plaza Hotel, Marbella Friday 13th September
To find out more about the implications of Spanish IHT, the likely liabilities facing your beneficiaries and the legal steps you can take to avoid them, or for future events in your area, please contact Wincham on 0034 965 830 991 / +44 (0)1260 299 700 or alternatively visit www.winchamiht.com to make your appointment to meet the team. Wincham International is also able to assist you with legal, accountancy, will writing and probate issues in both the UK and Spain.
plan, and a transparent breakdown of how all capital raised will be put to use. The cash must be raised within a certain timeframe, or the project will be removed. Once the fundraise has completed, the project will
Entrepreneurs need to upload a business plan, and a transparant breakdown commence although it could be a while before investors see any return on their commitments. If a project fails to raise the desired amount, all investors will have their cash returned. Crowdfunding offers a sustainable and durable source of funding for entrepreneurs, who have the opportunity to raise more capital later on as the project develops.
Should you invest? As with all investments, crowdfunding has pros and cons for the investor. It is cheap and easy to access and investors can make their commitments online without the need to seek advice or pay fees. Some platforms offer the potential for higher returns than is generally achieved on other investment products, although this is generally because they are subject to more risk. On the flip side, investors
This means investors could lose all of their capital should the project fail
need to be aware that the majority of their crowdfunded investments are not regulated and therefore they will not be afforded the protection under the Spanish Securities Market Commission. This means investors could lose all of their capital should the project fail. Dividends can take a long time to materialise, or may not do at all, and your stake may be diluted if the project undertakes further rounds of fundraising and more investors join the pool. As with all bets, it seems the best way to proceed with crowdfunding it to only lay down the amount you are prepared to lose.
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Banking on the future
Spanish bank is winning, despite industry problems
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Splashing along nicely
Pool company celebrates 27 years in Spain AN expat-run swimming pool company is celebrating another birthday, more than 25 years after arriving in Spain. Splash Pools, based in Mijas, was established to meet the high demand for English-speaking pool experts in the 1980s. Now owner Paul Cluit, 61, and his wife Sammi, who he met in Spain, have a team of seven working to resolve all manner of pool-related problems. “We deal with everything!” Sammi tells the Olive Press. “Our state of the art equipment from the US can detect the position of leaks for a fraction of the cost charged by most
other companies. “We test clients’ pool water for free if they bring in a sample and can then show them how to test and regulate the water themselves. “We also deal with calcification, Junta regulations, reports and so on.” The company is the largest of its kind in the area and sells everything including chemicals, pumps and even specialist pool toys to encourage children to swim. Splash Pools is based in Urbanization Doria Pilar, although it is a bit off the beaten track it’s easy enough to find and there is plenty of parking.
ROCK RETURN
A MAJOR financial services firm is returning to Gibraltar after a 14-year absence. Ernst and Young will work alongside staff from Baker Tilly to provide insurance and tax services on the Rock. The company cited increased client demand as the key reason behind its decision to resume operations in the enclave. Baker Tilly will continue to provide its services as normal.
A SPANISH bank is beating the recession thanks to its unique business model, according to bosses. Banco Santander’s policy is to focus on gaining a large market share in specific countries, ensuring better cost efficiency.
Efficient
This is in contrast to the scatter-gun approach of other international banks, claims Juan San Roman, CEO of Santander in Asia Pacific. “We are not like
other international banks, which like to have a presence in all countries around the world regardless of their potential market share,” said San Roman. He added: “Our goal is to obtain critical mass and we are one of the most efficient banks in the world.” In the past three years, the bank’s average return on equity has been 8%, according to an industry report. Last July, Santander was named Best Bank by EuroMoney magazine.
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Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander Richard Alexander examines what was left behind when Equitable Life went under
A
s the very first and indeed oldest Mutual Life Assurance company in the UK, Equitable Life shocked its policyholders when, in December 2000, it closed the doors to new business while trying to sort out the utter mess it was in. As a trusted financial institution, with such a strong reputation, the unthinkable had happened. As a Mutual company, its very existence was to benefit the With Profits policyholders and to protect their interests. The products used With Profits funds, which were considered to be low risk, and provided policyholders with high guarantees in terms of the level of pension they could expect to receive in retirement. As history now shows, it was the combination of falling returns and the high guarantees which led to its downfall. There were frantic efforts to find a way to prop up the company and to protect the policyholders. The Government announced details of a compensation
Are you still owed?
scheme in October 2010, with the first distributions starting in March 2011. By April 2013 over ÂŁ604million had been paid out with nearly as much still to be claimed. It would seem that many eli-
If you ever had a With Profits policy and have not received it now is the time to find out gible people may not be aware that they are entitled to a payout and the clock is ticking as the deadline for claims is April 2014. If you have ever had a With Profits policy with Equitable Life and have not received a payment from them, now is the time to find out if you are indeed due a payment. You will either have needed to start a policy which invested in
WAITING: Many are still holding out for payments the With Profits fund between September 1, 1992 and December 31, 2000 inclusive or had a policy which made a contribution in to the With Profits fund between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 2000 inclusive. If you are in any doubt, I
would recommend that you dig out your policy number or numbers and call the Equitable Life Payment Scheme directly on +44 (0)300 0200 150. The shutter comes down next April act now or miss the chance to claim forever.
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
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TV TURN OFF LOOMS
New rocket launch announced for September 15 could spell end of BBC in Spain
EXPAT residents could find themselves without British television as early as next month if the re-scheduled
launch of the Astra 2E rocket is successful. The satellite broadcasting rocket is due to blast-off
STERLING STUFF
Fragile market
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ell August has come and gone and the pound continues to trade within the range of 1.14 to 1.18 as it has done so since May. In actual fact the trading range has really been limited to 1.15 to 1.17 as we’ve only broken through to 1.18 once in June and we’ve only dropped to 1.14 once in early August. It seems at the moment that all the positive data coming out of the UK is being negated by the positive data coming out of the eurozone which is why GBP/EUR keeps stagnating between 1.15 and 1.17. Recently in the EU we have seen further signs of recovery with both manufacturing and service sectors showing expansion. However the outlook for Europe generally still looks fragile due to the historically
high levels of unemployment around 12%. We have been saying for a while that GBP’s recent rally looked like it was running out of steam and this proved correct as any breaks through to 1.1760 are short lived and GBP/EUR continues to have its advances contained for the time being. The governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, gave a speech to Parliament last week, the general gist of which being that he’s trying to manage expectations regarding the UK economy’s recovery and specifically not wanting us to get carried away with an overly optimistic view that the UK is out of the woods. He confirmed that the interest rate hike when unemployment falls below 7% is still a long way off (one in three chance of happening by 2015)
Keith Spitalnick warns us not to get too optimistic and pointed out that the UK is still no more productive than it was back in 2005. Over the pond in the US the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s meeting, so eagerly awaited by the market for clues as to when or by what amount the market committee might decide to reduce the monthly bond purchases provided very little clarity. According to the minutes the majority now seem to be in favour of the idea of tapering the $85bn bond purchases but they were very non-committal on when, deciding instead to keep just about every option on the table for now. Sitting on the fence has never been so popular …. or comfortable for that matter! The Dollar has snapped back from its losing streak against the Pound and also strengthened against the Euro.
We would expect the current policy divergence between the US and European central banks (ECB and BoE) to favour the Dollar, however, the recent improvements in economic data from the UK and eurozone should provide some support to both currencies if sustained.
Keith Spitalnick is head of European Sales at HiFX. To contact HiFX and find out how the team can help you with your international transactions, call in at the office in Centro Plaza, call 951 203 986 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk
Keith Spitalnick is head of European Sales at HiFX. To contact HiFX and find out how the team can help you with your international transactions, call in at the office in Centro Plaza, call 951 203 986 or email olivepress@ hifx.co.uk
from the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan on September 15, following the crash of an earlier rocket in July. The launch will replace the existing satellite and provide free-to-air and encrypted direct-to-home digital TV and satellite broadband services for Europe and the Middle East. However, it will not broadcast BBC television channels, or radio stations, to Spain, leaving residents without the extensive range of free British channels. It is also unlikely to provide ITV, Channel 4 or Channel 5, insists Mike Crompton, boss of internet TV provider (IPTV) Mediastreamz. He said: “The launch is very exciting and could change the way we watch television completely.” Continued Crompton: “After the first rocket crashed
earlier this year nobody really knew what was going on, but now it is clear they are full speed ahead and it is going to happen one way or another.” He added that, so far, only the BBC has made any formal statement on the changes, but he believes it is only a matter of time before the rest follow suit. “Alix Pryde, the Corporation’s director of communications, said the new satellite would signal the end of BBC broadcasts in Spain as it looks to focus on the quality of service transmitted to license fee payers in the UK.” Be prepared to lose your free-to-air British TV via your satellite dish in the not too distant future.” Testing is likely to last between four and six weeks and that would mean losing signal from around October 15.
Your TV Solution Viewers wishing to continue watching free British channels in Spain can use IPTV, a service which provides TV via your broadband connection. Anyone concerned about the loss of services should be advised to switch to an IPTV provider, such as Smart Sat or Mediastreamz, as soon as possible. “We are preparing for a surge in demand for our IPTV service at Mediastreamz, but urge viewers to get in touch sooner rather than later,” said Crompton.
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Property The Property Insider
Property Insider Bob Callan is happy to welcome new expats onto the block
www.theolivepress.es
The Brits are back
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WAS taken by surprise last week when I was inundated by enquiries from Brits in all price ranges from 100,000 to 6.9million euros. Rightmove.co.uk, one of the UKs leading property websites, is currently receiving 1.5million searches per month for Spanish
Waiting for the right time to buy a home PROPERTY enquiries n Spain have increased by 60% since 2012, according to estate agent Knight Frank. The rise in interest is being attributed to a drop in house prices of 29.3% since 2008. Industry experts claim there could be a further fall in house prices, while the number of overseas buyers continues to rise. Despite a weak pound, cash buyers are widely believed to be using euro loans with a view to cashing in when the pound improves.
property. The UK Chamber of Trade and Commerce announced that UK Growth forecast went up from 0.9 to 1.3. With the pound starting to strengthen again, UK buyers appear to have their eyes on luxury properties in all price ranges ... and are buying!
For example, we sold a property in Sierra Blanca, Marbella for â‚Ź1,300,000 last week (above). It really is good to see the Brits are starting to buy again, and snapping up the deals. Confidence has returned and the UK is investing in both domestic and international real estate - and related services.
Property
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How to sell, sell, sell With over 10,000 visitors a month, the Olive Press’ allaboutand aluciaproperty website is really working for sellers By James Bryce
H
OMEOWNERS struggling to sell their properties in Spain, fear not. Our very own allaboutandaluciaproperty website is showing that a well-presented, realistically-priced property is more than capable of selling. We even know of one agent who has followed this principal and sold, subject to contract, 14 properties in just 18 days. Now how’s that for a supposedly dead market? Recent statistics in the UK suggest that around 400,000 Britons are looking to invest in property abroad, with Spain and France topping the list. Most of them, according to reports, have paid off their UK mortgages much earlier than expected due to historically low interest rates for the last five years. It means over have suddenly found themselves with money
Two bedroom modern golf apartment in the scenic village of Benahavis selling via www.allaboutandalucia.com for €400,000 to invest elsewhere. And Andalucia is topping the list, along with Mallorca and
Beautiful five bedroom finca between Casares and Gaucin being sold via www.allaboutandaluciaproperty.com for 2.2m euros advertorial
Covering your bases
The importance of taking out insurance with a firm you can trust
L
UCKILY for most of us, the kind of disastrous scenarios that keep us awake at night rarely become real-
ity. This means that most of us have little experience of dealing with large claims. But for those that do find themselves facing that unfortunate situation, the claim process can be something of a minefield. With this in mind it is important to choose a reputable insurance company that offers global support. Liberty Seguros, part of the Liberty Mutual group, is one of the world’s leading insurance and
financial services companies. Having recently celebrated its centenary, the firm has a wealth of experience having provided cover to millions of people. “We employ over 50,000 people worldwide and our brokers understand like no other that by treating customers well, strong and long-lasting relationships are built,” said a Liberty spokesman. “We can give you personal advice on which cover best suits your family situation, in Spanish, English, German, Dutch and Scandinavian languages.” Visit www.libertyexpatriates.es to find a broker near you.
the Costa Blanca, according to reports. Indeed, the appeal of moving abroad for those between the ages of 45 to 64 has never been greater, according to recent figures from HSBC. The bank reported last month that the number in that age group considering buying homes abroad has risen to 38 per cent, an 8 per cent increase from three years ago. Our specialist web portal represents houses for sale and rent ONLY in Andalucia, and is the perfect place for people wanting to sell, buy or rent. We are currently receiving
“Well-presented, realistically priced property is capable of selling” thousands of unique visitors looking at tens of thousands of properties a month, while the site is on the front page of Google for search terms including ‘property for sale Andalucia’. We have quality agents offering all types of properties both inland and on the coast. They list at very reasonable rates from €199.99 plus IVA and private individuals can also post a property from only €49.99 plus IVA. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more inexpensive and low risk way to market your property. And as they say, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. Visit www.allaboutandaluciaproperty.com.
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AGONY ANT
YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED
Trusts and their tax treatment Antonio Flores at Lawbird explains Spanish rules A TRUST agreement arises when a ‘settler’ gives assets to someone else, known as a trustee, to keep safe or to manage on behalf of a third party, the beneficiary. Spain’s law does not recognise this kind of arrangement, but residents setting up trusts abroad will be subject to Spanish taxes under the
findings of two rulings issued by the Spanish Directorate of Taxes (DGT). The rules on trusts are as follows: Trusts are not subject to transfer tax Income tax applies - as far as the DGT is concerned, the settlor continues to be the owner of the assets.
Wealth tax - the settlor will be subject to wealth tax and the trust will be considered among the net value of worldwide assets and rights. Wealth tax for 2013 is not applicable, however. Spanish gift taxes - any transfers made from the trust to a beneficiary will be subject to Spanish gift taxes, if the beneficiary is a Spanish resident or the assets and rights gifted are based in Spain. Inheritance tax - transfers made from trusts to beneficiaries on the death of the settlor are subject to Spanish inheritance taxes if the beneficiary is a Spanish resident or the assets and rights gifted are based in Spain. Beneficiaries are subject to Spanish taxes on life insurance policies provided they are Spanish tax residents, or the policy was taken out with a foreign company operating in Spain. The rules will apply so long as Spain does not ratify the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Trusts (July 1985), or it decides to change its laws to accommodate the English law to the legal system. aflores@lawbird.com
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n Buen
CAR COUP
A SPANISH car plant has received a boost after winning the right to build 100,000 new models. German manufacturer Opel will produce its new Mokka in Zaragoza, with production set to start next year. The announcement is good news for the Spanish economy, which continues to struggle due to the financial crisis.
Green light
A SPANISH solar car project has received €2.8 million in funding from the EU. The prototype weighs less than 600kg and can travel at 100km/h for 20 kilometres. The team, incuding the University of Sheffield and car manufacturer Fiat, is attempting to improve the efficiency compared to previous models. If successful, the car will be able to provide power to the national grid when not in use.
amino
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Testing times F1 star Kimi Raikkonen hits the road in Spain FORMULA One star Kimi Raikkonen has got behind the wheel once again during a visit to Spain. The Lotus driver took part in testing as part of a development programme for the GP3 car. The Finn spent time gauging the performance of the car on different tyre compounds on behalf of manufacturer Pirelli, in Barcelona. “I was curious to see how the car handled and it was actually fun to drive,” said Raikkonen. “There were a few issues regarding its behaviour, but we managed to solve most of them.”
Driven to perfection New technology in Spain means a perfect finish
AMERICAN industrialist Henry Ford once declared that customers could buy a car in whatever colour they wanted, as long as it was black.
CHECK UP The car in action
But it seems his company is taking the issue of paint jobs much more seriously these days after rolling out new technology in Spain. The system, unveiled at Ford’s plant in Valencia, uses high-resolution cameras to detect imperfections in the paint finish.
Microscopic scans taken in special lighting can identify marks smaller than a grain of salt. The company had previously relied on the human eye to spot problems. The car manufacturer claims the technology has led to an 82% reduction in the
number of customer complaints about their car’s finish. “This system ensures better paint jobs and surface finishes for Ford customers around the world,” said Ford’s project manager Tom Dougan.
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GOLF In the swing of it
the olive press - September 4 - September 18 2013
ST. GIBREWS Paul Hickling, owner of Roman Oasis takes a tongue-in-cheek look at how a golf course on the Rock might look
GIB GOLF: The view from the challenging ninth
IN THE SWING OF IT
FANCY yourself as the next Tiger Woods? Then why not sign up for the annual Morrisons charity golf day at La Canadal. Teams of four will compete in a Texas Scramble format while raising money for a good cause. The event is on September 29 and costs €70 per player. The price includes a buggy and a three course prize-giving meal in the clubhouse. For more information call 634 685 865.
What a good game Teeing off for charity
I
AM building a world class 18 hole golf course on Gibraltar which will be named The Royal St. Gibrews and will be finished in time for the next Ryder Cup. It has taken many months to successfully formulate because of difficulties that were encountered due to the terrain, environmental factors, and the many objections that had to be overcome. Firstly there was concern from the Gibraltar Milk Marketing Board that players on the ninth hole, which is adjacent to the pastures on the east side, would affect the herds and have a detrimental effect on milk production. Secondly, the Calpe Coot which is indigenous only to Gi-
39 39
braltar and is an endangered species lives on the upper Rock. This flightless bird has adapted to its habitat and now its right leg is shorter than the left enabling it to move clockwise around the rock while it feeds. However, when Tiger Woods made a trial drive from the provisional fifth tee he frightened one and it turned around to run away but unfortunately its short leg was then on the down slope and it rolled into the town
and was run over by a convoy of Spanish cars on its way to buy cheap petrol. The fifth tee has now been relocated to the satisfaction of Greenpeace. Thirdly, opposition came from Mr. A.P.Phace, the head keeper of the apes, who was concerned about badly hit balls, which would be a territorial threat and could lead to serious attacks. After assurances that no member’s balls would have any contact with the apes, we were granted right of way. Another problem which is holding up the work on the greens are the holes themselves.
“St Gibrews wil be the most challenging course in the wordld due to its rugged terrain” St.Andrews Golf Club contacted us as they were replacing their holes and their director Mr.Mc.Divot gave us the opportunity to purchase the eighteen surplus holes. This opportunity to bring tradition to our course was snapped up and they were dispatched to Gibraltar only to be seized as contraband by the Spanish customs at the border. We were informed that we could not export holes from an EU. country without a mandate from Brussels which we now have. Unfortunately, without water, the holes are drying out and crumbling and the Spanish refuse to water them stating that they now view the holes as part of Gibraltar and they therefore will not allow them Spanish water. St. Gibrews will be the most challenging course in the world due to its rugged terrain of which we have taken into account by bringing sherpers from the Himalayas as caddies. Golf buggies will not be available but we are offering HeliGolf using the company helicopter to transport players to the top hole on the course. The Gibraltar government has been particularly helpful in selling us the Moorish Castle, which will house the clubhouse
and offices. For those who wish to converse with the staff in the local dialect we have produced a book of phrases for every eventuality containing a mine of useful information such as ‘Where is el hoyo numero five.’ There will be a themed restaurant where dining hostesses will be available for a small fee to join members for dinner. These ladies are insomniacs and fully trained to appear genuinely interested in those hole by hole post mortems that all golfers love to recount. ‘Accompanied Dinner’ gift vouchers will be available for wives of golfers to give as gifts to their husbands. In the Moorish Tower above the restaurant we have created the lavish and exclusive Golfboy Club where our delectable ‘Birdiebabes’ will be dressed in erotically styled golfing attire giving an entirely new meaning to Titleist as a golf accessory. Also we hope that The Golfboy Club will help GibraltarSpanish relations due to the numbers of Costa golfers who will use it, thereby alleviating the traffic jams on the N340 near the Milady Palace and the Playboy Club at peak ‘after golf ’ rush hour that presently exists. Certainly The Royal St.Gibrews Golf Club will become the most famous in the world and soon we will be accepting applications for membership.
A CHARITY golf day will be held at Santa Clara Golf Club near Granada. Teams of four, including men’s, women’s and mixed, will tee off in aid of Acompalia hospice. The ‘Texas Scramble’ gets under way at 10am on October 1, with registration from 8.30am. The fee is €60 per player, which includes a buffet lunch, refreshments and prizes. For further information on Acompalia please contact Tina Emmott on 958 784 055 or visit www.acompalia.org
FORUM Golf Society members played a Pairs Stableford Scramble at Aguilon on August 23. A competitive day of golf ended with Derek Manning and Fran Elam winning with a very impressive 42 points. Terry Ward and Mike Duckham took third place, with Phil Elam and Terry Davies (34 points) fifth. Forum’s upcoming fixtures are Society Championship Round 1 at Valle del Este (September 6), Society Championship Round 2 at Aguilon (September 20) and Double Par Medal at Marina (October 4). For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847 840 / philjelam@yahoo.co.uk or see www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com
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the olive press - September 4 - September 18 2013
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Grandparenting is Good for Your Health
I
T GOES without saying that the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is a deep and joyful one. But did you know that clinical studies are showing that positive relationships with our grandchildren are actually good for our mental health? It’s true. A study done over two decades and recently reported, has brought back interesting results.
Juliet Hambro explains why you should jump at the chance to look after your grandchildren ceived a psychological boost related to their relationships. It is understandable that a young child going through his or her growing up years would
Granny quote A little boy was in church next his father and at his father’s request said a small prayer, “Dear God, please bless Mummy and Daddy and all the family to be healthy and happy.” Suddenly he looked up and said out loud, “And please don’t forget to ask grandpa to give me a bicycle for my birthday!!” “There is no need to shout like that,” said his father. “God isn’t hard of hearing.” “No,” said the little boy, “but Grandpa is.”
The study was done in Boston over a span of twenty years. Researchers interviewed both grandparents and grandchildren, asking questions about their day to day relationships and about their overall mental well-being and happiness. The study took place with over 350 grandparents and their corresponding grandchildren from years 1985 to 2004. While everyone expected that strong family ties would produce good results, no one expected the dramatic results that were documented. It was determined that if the grandparents and their grandchildren were emotionally close, that both of them had fewer symptoms of depression. It seems both generations re-
benefit from a doting and loving grandparent’s attention. But what also became clear in this study was the fact that grandparents needed the opportunity to give and find purpose in their giving of love, time, financial resources, wisdom and experience and
to continue to give. Grandparent’s mental well-being was strengthened when the relationship with grandchildren was strong over time. The paper on this important study was given last August at the 108th Annual American Sociological Association’s meeting in New York City. The study tracked participants from the time that most of the grandchildren were teens until they were in their thirties. The closer the grandchildren were to their grandparents, the fewer reports of symptoms of depression were reported from both generations. Dr. Sara Moorman, reported, “The greater emotional support grandparents and adult grandchildren received from each other, the better the psychological health.” Because adults are living longer than ever, the prospect of relating to our grandchildren well into their adult lives is a distinct possibility. Genera-
Granny fact Did you know that the average dad and mum call in 250 favours a year from their parents, with baking, babysitting, DIY and gardening topping the list
general support to their grandchildren. It was important not only to receive help and attention from the grandchildren as they became adults, but it was important for the grandparent
tions will co-exist over longer periods of time. Knowing this, we may make the commitment to invest more of our time and energy and resources into our grandchildren’s lives: their ed-
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.
ucation, their moral and social choices, their financial wellbeing and influence on their long-term goals in life. The study continued to report that, “Extended family members such as grandparents and grandchildren serve
important functions in one another’s lives throughout adulthood.” Think about the relationship you currently have with your grandchildren. How can you give them not just gifts and money, but more importantly, how can you share with
them your life experiences, your lessons learned, the stories of your life that can enrich and inform theirs. It’s a fact. If you invest in your grandchildren’s lives, you’ll be improving your own sense of happiness and purpose as well.
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Belinda Beckett (aka Mistress of Sizzle) meets a real Spanish corker!
the olive press - September 4 - September 18 2013
43 43
If you go down to the woods today … H
E emerged from the undergrowth, tall, tanned and taut of torso, and I wondered if I was encountering my first bandit. We were, after all, in bandit country - the wilds of Los Alcornocales Nature Park, the world’s largest cork forest. In decades past, smugglers ran contraband up from Gibraltar
“He has designs on the tree, not me” through these woodlands via mule trains. This guy was tooled up, too. (His axe glinted in the sunlight.) He cracked a vulpine smile and for a moment, I knew how Little Red Riding Hood felt on her way to grandma’s house. But he was a cork harvester,
BANDIT COUNTRY? No, it’s a cork harvester
Marbella: The Good
not a bandit, and he had designs on the tree, not me … I was here to learn about the cork harvest (el descorche), not to leer at a strapping male stripping a tree of its bark like he was ripping open a bodice. Thwack! With a few deft swings of his razor-sharp tool he makes horizontal and vertical cuts in the gnarled grey trunk. (What precision and controlled power!) Thump thump! In and out goes the metal tip of his axe handle to prise the bark free. (But how gentle he is with the tree, taking care not to harm it.) Kerthud! The bark slips to the ground in two perfect halves, laying bare the raw (flesh-toned) skin beneath. Is there an onomatopoeic word for pulling apart a Velcro fastener - that’s what it sounds like as he unzips the bark from the tree. It’s a highly skilled job and this guy’s so good at it (sigh).
Far from being country bumpkins, ‘cork extractors’ take a two-year college course before they’re allowed near a tree. Two can process one in under five minutes. When they’re done, they move on to the next tree without a backward glance. These cork oak artisans don’t do their own dirty work -they have a personal muleteer to gather up the EXPERT He’ a corker! cork after them. These guys’ muleteer really could have been ‘bugger off out did resemble a bandit, with his of it you interfering girlies’. Who swarthy skin and bandit’s ban- knows? His mules understood, waitdana. ‘Bya’ he barked in his rough country dialect. It could ing patiently in the shade for have been ‘buenas días’ … It their next load. They looked content and well cared-for, decked out in colourful blinkers and bridles. Our guides have been hard at it since daybreak and now the sun’s high in the sky. There are 10 of them in the woods today and their target is 2,000 kilos of cork apiece. That’s a lot of cork as it doesn’t weigh much. But not a lot of money, these days. They’ll earn around €100 per man for seven hours work and it’s a short season in Los Alcornocales. Just June and July. If they tell you cork harvesting is a dying art, that’s not quite true. Plastic is not so fantastic for bottle corks (the wine can’t breathe). Although only 15% of the cork harvest ends up in bottles it brings in 66% of the revenue – an impressive €2billion annually.
The Bad
Dying
I
finally managed to make up to the Starlite Festival this year. When Marbella Town Hall first announced that they were going to stage events in the abandoned quarry behind the exclusive Sierra Blanca urbanisation, I must admit that I sniffed heartily. It’ll never work, I thought to myself. The place hasn’t been used for events since the 70s. They couldn’t even get the concerts on the Pinillo beach right (everybody
moved the plastic seats around at the Joaquin Cortes concerts, the seating wasn’t raised so that you couldn’t see the dancer’s feet, the facilities were basic at best and halfway through the concert the neighbouring beach club decided to start letting off fireworks...) So it was with more than a little trepidation that I rocked up to see Paco de Lucia last month. But for once in Marbella, everything worked. The press
passes were collected without hassle, a fleet of minibuses whisked us up to the venue and once there were available an exhaustive selection of bars to choose from for that all important pre concert tipple. And as I watched the legendary guitarist begin, with the moon glinting down upon the audience who were more than comfortably seated, I reflected that when Marbella gets it right it really is a wonderful place to live
My night with Eva
I
’ve interviewed a wide and eclectic range of celebrities over the years - everyone from Samantha Fox (who didn’t know what silicone implants were) Keith Floyd (with predictable results) and Ricky Hatton (there was a terrifying moment when a seagull’s deposit ricocheted off my baseball cap onto the boxer’s T shirt). Now, I’ve always been a fan of Latina Pocket Rockets - and there’s an even longer story there - and so when I first caught sight of Eva Longoria in Desperate Housewives, I was immediately smitten. In fact, when once asked if I thought women should
keep their maiden names when they got married, I replied that if I married Eva, she could call me Fluffy Longoria. Well sometimes fate deals you a lucky card, and I found myself at the Global Gift Gala, interviewing Eva face to face. She was delightful, funny and totally professional. I managed not to go in to total Hugh Grant stutter mode and she was happy to have a photo with me at the end. Afterwards I tweeted what a pleasure it had been to interview her, and Eva retweeted with an “Aww thx”
Just call me Fluffy...
I read with disgust about the two recent attacks on people out partying in Marbella. One left a 15-year-old girl, above, permanently blinded in one eye after she was hit in the face by a thug wielding a three litre vodka bottle outside the “exclusive” Olivie Valere nightclub and in the second a young man was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw at a champagne spray party at the Ocean Club. In the later case the security threw the aggressor out while in the blinding case security were unable to stop the attackers leaving. Which begs the question - what is the point of having bouncers if they don’t detain these thugs until the police arrive?
and the downright Ugly SO another summer has come to an end on the coast. We may not have had the promised visits of Becks and gorgeous George Clooney but we did have the normal bunch of Premiership footballers, a couple of the TOWIE regulars and that girl from the Apprentice who has an, ahem, “colourful” past. I feel in the celeb category we were somewhat shortchanged...oh, apart from Brangelina.
But forests ARE dying. Your children’s grandchildren may never get to see the cork harvest. If you can picture 14,000 international rugby fields laid end to end, that’s how much of Los Alcornocales may be lost forever in the next year or so – a renewable resource destroyed to build two more golf courses, one more five-star hotel and another superfluous airport! We followed the bandit and his mule back down hill to a clearing in the forest called the ‘patio’ where the cork is graded and weighed on a giant set of scales. Some of it might end up at NASA in space rocket heat shields, or at Lords in the core of cricket ball. Lower grade cork goes into fashion shoes (no wonder they fall apart). This is just the start of its journey.But the end of ours. As we depart, I see my pin-up cork extractor returning from his labours with his team and take one last appreciative photo. I won’t see him again here for another nine years (it takes that long for the cork to regenerate), by which time I’ll probably be too decrepit for a repeat visit! Further information http:// vulpes-senderismo.blogspot. com.es/
FOOD & DRINK 44 the olive press - September 4 - September 18 2013 44 with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
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From El Bulli to Blighty Disgusted at the Spanish cuisine on offer in the UK, one chef has made it his mission to bring the taste of Spain to the British Isles.
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adrid boy Omar Allibhoy has taken the UK by storm, and has even been dubbed ‘The Antonio Banderas of cooking’ by his notoriously fiery counterpart Gordon Ramsey. What’s more, his book Tapas Revolution is one of the top selling cookbooks of the year. “A lot of restaurants have tried to emulate tapas by offer-
ing small dishes, but they forget one important thing – that the dishes are to share,” Allibhoy told the Olive Press. “The secret behind good tapas is to replicate the same dish a number of times, so that everyone gets a bite or two, before moving on to the next dish. “There is nothing more beautiful then sharing from the same plate – it is a great feeling
and brings people together - the world is in need of sharing.” Born just outside Madrid, Omar’s passion for food started at an early age, developing his culinary skills at evening classes while still at school. He adds: “My mother let me help when I was five, I was whisking while standing on a chair. “By eight she called me the
‘head chef of the house’ and the ‘child of the spices’ because of my love of experimenting.” He went on to work in numerous restaurants before catching the eye of world-renowned three-Michelin-starred chef Ferran Adria of El Bulli. In 2008, Omar’s dream of taking traditional Spanish cuisine across the channel came to fruition when he left his home country for London. He worked in a variety of restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Moze Grill before taking the reins at the acclaimed El Pirata Detapas in West London, where he is now executive chef. Omar is determined to make Spanish food as popular in the UK as Italian. Over 12 million Brits head to Spain every year, and most of them rave about the food – so why don’t they want it back home? “When I came to the UK I took to the streets to ask that exact question – I met a 50-year-old
woman who had holidayed in Spain every year for the last 20 years. “She told me how much she loved Spanish food. He continues: “I asked her
“Omar is determined to make Spanish food as popular in the UK as Italian” whether she tried to cook tapas at home and her answer... no, because no one has ever shown me. Well that was it, my mission became clear.” Omar noticed that Spanish recipes were basically nonexistent. Cooking legends, such as Delia Smith, added chorizo to dishes and called it Spanish. He decided to go back to basics.
“More than 75% of people buy their food in the five major supermarket chains. As much as we claim we are for sustainability, the truth is very different.” The reality is that many don’t or can’t get to a market - so Omar decided to produce a cookbook where every ingredient can be found on the local supermarket shelves. “No one can say they can’t find the ingredients!” Omar wants to inspire people to enter this brave new world of cooking and incorporate easy, fast Spanish classics into their everyday cooking. Such an advocate of tapas, Omar’s last meal would be a feast of Spanish cuisine including, croquetas, pil pil, roast lamb and finished with his favourite – quesada (cheesecake). TAPAS REVOLUTION is packed with over 100 recipes, dazzling photographs and easy-tofollow instructions. Available on Amazon
Moorish Skewers (Pinchos morunos con mojo picon) - (Serves 4) 500g pork fillet (you can also use chicken thigh, beef skirt or flank, or leg of lamb) 1tsp hot or sweet pimenton (paprika) 1tsp ground cumin 1tsp dried oregano 1tbsp fresh thyme leaves 1 garlic clove, finely chopped Drizzle of olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the Mojo Picon: 1 slice white bread 4-5tbsp Spanish olive oil, plus extra for frying 2 garlic cloves 5 dried cayenne chillies 1tsp cumin seeds 1tsp sweet pimenton (paprika) 2tsp sherry vinegar Salt Trim the pork fillet of any excess fat and a food processor for this bit. Start adding then cut into 2cm cubes. Place the meat the olive oil in a thin drizzle while you are in a large mixing bowl and add the pimenstill mixing. ton (paprika), cumin, some black pepper, When you are ready to cook, thread the oregano, thyme and garlic. Mix well, drizmeat onto skewers (if you are using woodzle over the olive oil and leave to marinate en skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them for at least an hour, but anything up to two in water for 30 minutes to stop them burndays is fine. ing). Meanwhile, make the Mojo Picon. Start by Pinchos Morunos (Moorish skewers) can frying the bread in a little olive oil, drain on be cooked over charcoal, under a hot grill kitchen paper and tear into pieces. Using a or in a griddle pan over a very high heat. pestle and mortar, mash together the garCook for about two minutes on each side lic, cayenne chillies, cumin seeds, pimen- you want them to be cooked through but ton, fried bread, vinegar and salt until you still juicy on the inside. Season with salt have a smooth paste. You could also use and pepper and serve with the Mojo Picon.
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FOOD & DRINK 46 46 the olive press - September 4 - September 18 2013 with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
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Have your cake… but pay for it Hotelier and author James Whaley, from the Hurricane Hotel in Tarifa, warns that looks can be deceiving
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The reOMETIMES the rudest guests are the best c e p t i o n i s t ones, because if you regarded my can meet their needs attire with distaste and told me they will come back and back the hotel was full. What? In January? “Next again. I had once flown from the time I’ll call ahead to reserve,” I replied and Canary Islands took a card to Madrid and from the desk. was dressed Outside, I casually in flip“Soon I was sendtold the doorflops, shorts ing the rude porter man I would and a t-shirt. phone another We went to back to the car to hotel with my the Hotel Ritz, pick up baggage” mobile. and while my Instead, I friend was phoned the parking the Ritz, booked a car, I went to room, and then went back to ask if there was a free room. As I went up the steps, I saw the car. I sent my friend (who was the doorman out of the corner of my eye making a sign to the better dressed) to get the key to the room and wave to me when receptionist not to accept me.
he had it. Soon I was sending the rude porter back to the car to pick up the baggage.
The receptionist was red in the face with embarrassment. “If the owners knew you were
sending away a paying guest when you’re actually empty, you would lose your job,” I told him.
Torta Caprese (makes one 9-inch cake) 9 ounces (255 g) good quality dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces 1 cup (225 g) butter ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder 1 tablespoon almond extract 1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated sugar 1 ½ cups ground blanched and toasted almonds 6 eggs, room temperature
Festival food
METHOD Preheat an oven to 310°F and line the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan with parchment paper. Slowly melt the chocolate and butter over a double-boiler. In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture, the cocoa powder, almond extract and sugar until combined. Add the ground almonds and whisk until combined.
HUNDREDS of people are preparing to mark the annual Ajoblanco festival. The event, which celebrates the famous Spanish cold soup dish, takes place in Almachar on September 7. Thousands of litres of the Andalucian dish are expected to be consumed, along with Muscat grapes, wine and raisons. Entertainment will include flamenco and the lighting of candles and a bonfire.
Add the eggs one at a time, adding each egg after the first has been incorporated into the mixture. Pour the mixture into the spring form pan. Make sure the mixture is level and smooth on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Cool and serve with chocolate spirals or shavings and powdered sugar. Serve with gelato or whipped cream.
Golden ticket
IT has hosted celebrities including Jamie Oliver, Sir Alan Sugar and Prince Albert of Monaco. Now La Sala is set to receive another special guest as it waits for its millionth customer. The lucky winner will be given the full VIP treatment by the popular Marbella hotspot, including a champagne break-
fast and dinner for four. Other treats will include VIP beds at Sala Beach, a seafood lunch, drinks at La Terraza and the VIP jacuzzi suite at Aqwa Mist. To be in with a chance of winning, sign up for the Sala Group’s Local Loyalty Card, which offers discounts and promotions across its venues.
You can’t judge a book by its cover. So here at the Hurricane, you can have dinner in your flipflops and shorts if you like. We certainly don’t think that all that glitters is gold—sometimes it is the best-dressed
“Sometimes it’s the best dressed clients who escape without paying their bills” clients who escape without paying their bills! Once, a couple escaped without paying their bill for dinner. They were the last to leave the restaurant and there was only one waiter left. They sent him off to get them a dessert and while he was gone, the couple disappeared. What a shame as it was a slice of Rita’s finest! Oh, and (left) is Rita’s recipe for Capri chocolate cake.
Rioja rise WINE from the Rioja region is in demand across the world. More than 47million litres have been sold worldwide this year, up 7.74% from last year. The UK guzzles more Rioja than any other country, purchasing 14.8million litres; followed by Germany, with 8.6million, and the United States, with slightly more than 5million litred. Not all of the fullbodied beverage leaves the country, though more than 90million litres have been consumed this year in Spain.
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Feeling hungry? HERE is an unsual thing... a Spanish flag, made from traditional delicacies of chorizo and rice. The tasty standard was created by Australian advertising agency WHYBIN\ TBWA, to promote the Sydney International Food Festival.
Ode to the olive The humble olive has deep roots in Spain
THERE is a long tradition when it comes to growing olive trees and harvesting their fruit in Spain. That is why olives are one of the most traditional and important foods in the Mediterranean diet and play a central
role in Spain’s gastronomic heritage. Yet the humble olive was not only valued for its delicious taste in the past. Early man also viewed the olive tree and its fruit as a symbol of peace, wisdom and
progress. There are around 850 million olive trees on earth, covering more than 10 million hectares of land, around 2.5 million of which are in Spain. Growing increasingly popular in recent years with food lovers around the globe, over 18 million tonnes of olives are produced each year. Spain accounts for 30% of the world’s total output. Andalucia produces the majority (77%) of the total olives grown in the country. Table olives are incredibly versatile and can be used as an ingredient in a whole host of delicious dishes. They can also be enjoyed on their own as an appetiser, snack or scrumptious party nibble. So why not try putting them in salads, tapas, sauces, in meat, fish and rice dishes or simply enjoy a stuffed or pitted olive with a deep, fruity glass of Spanish wine. Once you discover the beautiful taste of olives from Spain you’ll be hooked. • The recommended daily serving of olives is 25g, equivalent to around 7 olives per day. • Olives contain unsaturated fat in the form of monounsaturated oleic acid, which is much healthier than saturated fats found in many snacks and fast foods. • Olives are a source of fibre and help towards meeting our recommended daily allowance. • Olives contain a range of vitamins including Group B, provitamin A and Vitamin E. • The only restrictions on eating olives are for those who have been advised to follow a low salt diet as olives contain sodium, although some varieties have much lower sodium content than others.
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FINAL WORDS
Off lifesupport PP member Cristina Cifuentes is off a life support machine and conscious after being knocked off her motorbike by a car in Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid.
September 4
September 18 , 2013
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You cheeky Monkey!
Flight fear FIFTEEN people have been injured after an aircraft heading for Sao Paulo from Madrid had to make an emergency landing in Fortaleza on the north-east coast of Brazil due to turbulence.
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!
A KIDNAPPED monkey has been rescued from captors on their way to France. The discovery was made when police officers stopped the car on the R-15, near Madrid. They were amazed to discover that the French driver had the monkey, stolen from Gibraltar, in a basket on
the back seat. The French driver tried to convince the police the basket contained a dog and not an endangered species. Unable to provide any official documentation for the animal, the monkey was transferred to the Acuarium Zoo in Madrid before being returned to the wild.
We’ve been chukka’d
Feed the poor
Plague of killer rats EXPATS are running scared after a plague of giant rats started terrorising their community. The group, who live in Almassora, near Valencia, claim they have seen large rats up to a metre in size living around their village. They joined more than 170 Spanish residents to discuss the concerns and diseases they may be spreading. The Town Hall has now been ordered to clean up the beach area of the village to try and cut back on the menace.
Flight of fancy
Some 56 schools in Andalucia stayed open over the summer to provide food and classes to students in need. WINNERS: Model Alba Carnillo with the winning team, while Fergie with her daughters a previous year
Fergie snubs summer polo tournament despite allegedly holing up with her ex Prince Andrew nearby
RIDING HARD CYCLISTS zoomed through the streets from Jerez to Estepona in Stage eight of Le Vuelta at the weekend. Here, the riders head past a venta in Torreguadiaro, near Sotogrande. The winner of the day was Leopold Konig. Czech born Konig was riding for Team NetApp-Endura.
THE Duchess of York has apparently snubbed Spain’s biggest polo tournament for the first time in a decade. In a departure from the norm, Fergie, 53, did not turn up for the annual event at Santa Maria polo club, in Sotogrande. It comes despite a UK report insisting she has been taking her regular two-week summer break at a friend’s house nearby. According to sources she has been holed up at the rented home for two weeks with her ex husband Prince Andrew, with claims that they have rekindled their romance and re-marriage could be on the cards. “You would never know they are divorced because they are laughing and joking all the time and look so relaxed. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they got married again,” a source told the Daily Express. Either way, she did not
attend the tournament as she normally does with her daughters Beatrice, 25, and Eugenie, 23, who are also said to be staying in Spain this week. The pair, who separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996, have described themselves as the “world’s happiest unmarried couple”. The Queen invited the once-disgraced Fergie to stay at Balmoral Castle in Scotland last month for just the third time since she left the Royal Family. Although Her Majesty has a soft spot for her former daughter-in-law, Prince Philip has described her as ‘pointless’ and ‘odd’ and would never allow Andrew to remarry her while he is alive. “It is a bit of a mystery why she kept such a low profile in Sotogrande this year,” one regular tournament-goer told the Olive Press. “Perhaps it was because the main prize was handed out by someone
else.” The main prize for the Gold Cup was handed out to winners Ellerston by model Alba Carrillo. A spokesperson told the Olive Press Fergie didn’t attend this year and they didn’t know why.
BARCELONA footballers have taken up rather different positions for a new ad campaign. Lionel Messi, and Sergio Busquets are just some of the stars involved in ‘Barca island’, which is shaped like the club crest. The Qatar Airways campaign features Gerard Pique as a customs officer and Andres Iniesta as a painter. There’s even a cameo for former Barca and England star Gary Lineker as a taxi driver.