Olive Press Mallorca- Issue 110

OLIVE PRESS

The

MALLORCA

FREE

Vol. 5 Issue 110

www.theolivepress.es

I’m running things now

Your expat

Female expat makes moving tribute to her famous bullrunning dad

voice in Spain

See page 10

July 16th - July 29th 2021

Rollercoaster ride for our man getting married on the Rock during Euro final Find Find out out how how it it went went on on page page 6 6

Vaccine fury OVER 40,000 people have signed a petition to allow vaccinated British Expats to visit the UK without quarantining.

It comes after dozens of expats expressed outrage at a rule that made them exempt and needing to quarantine on their return to see family or friends back home.

Rule

The digital petition, which claimed the rule prejudiced up to six million Britons living abroad, caused a rapid response from the UK government, defending its ‘pragmatic approach’.

A spokesman said: “Public health has always been our number one priority and we will not risk throwing away our hard-won achievements.”

For the petition to be considered in Parliament it needs to reach 100,000 signatures.

That didn’t last long

Misery as Balearics taken off UK green travel list after just two weeks BRITISH tourists have told the Olive Press of their misery after having to cut their holidays short when the UK government downgraded the Balearics to the amber travel list.

The announcement from British Transport Minister Grant Shapps was yet another wave of disappointment for Brits who had planned to return home from the islands of Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera, in the coming weeks.

The new restrictions will come into play from Monday at 4am.

A l i s o n Young, 32, from Wolverhampton,

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told the Olive Press of her misery about having to cut short her Ibiza holiday as a result of the news.

“We had planned to stay until Thursday but booked another ticket home this morning for Saturday.

“I am gutted. The hotel won’t refund us for the nights we now can’t stay and the plane ticket was more expensive than the original return.”

Gutted

Deanne Scarlett, 32, who is holidaying with Alison and three other friends, believes the UK government hasn’t thought about such problems for those already in the Balearic Islands.

“I just find it all so unpredictable and I feel really sorry for businesses here, we all know the Balearics depends on British tourists - but who wants to quarantine when they get home?”

The downgrade coincides with new rules that will see quarantine

LIST: Grant Shapps has downgraded Mallorca

scrapped for those returning from amber countries, as long as they can show an NHS record of full vaccination. But those who can’t are rushing to get home before the deadline.

According to the latest data, the infection rate has risen to 304 new cases per 100,000 in the Balearic Islands in the last seven days - only three weeks ago there were just 50 cases.

Commenting on the latSee page 16 est travel list changes, a spokesperson for Abta travel, said: “Thousands of travel jobs and

Tel: 952 147 834 TM

businesses are in desperate need of a successful summer season, and quarantine for unvaccinated travellers remains a significant obstacle.”

EasyJet also said that it couldn’t understand why the government was ‘not comfortable with people going to the beaches of Europe where the infection rates are lower than in the UK.’ In Spain, cases are also rising, with the average infection rate across Spain tripling in just two weeks to 470 cases per 100,000 people over 14 days.

See Terenia Taras on page 14

2

CRIME

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Electric power POLICIE in Palma added a pair of electric motorcycles to their fleet as part of their commitment to making a sustainable fleet by 2030.

The two bikes join the seven hybrid vehicles already in use.

The bikes have a range of 262km and have 69bhp.

Night thief A 32-year-old Moroccan man has been arrested for sneaking into nine homes while the owners were asleep.

One resident was woken when the burglar picked up his phone from the bedside table, setting off its screen light.

Last orders Restauracion CAEB Mallorca has called for a curfew in the Balearic Islands between 2am and 6am, to prevent customers from continuing to party in large groups when bars close, as they believe this is when the spread of COVID-19 is at its highest.

A TEENAGER has reported his own father and brother to police after they beat him up for being gay.

The 14-year-old brother and 50-year-old father have been arrested for a hate crime after insulting and beating the 18-year-old victim.

The incident was sparked when the family was watching a news report about a hatecrime murder.

The younger brother said to the older one:

July 16th - July 29th 2021

Unhappy family “You faggots are all the same. I would shoot you all”.

When the brothers started to fight, the father initially tried to separate the pair but in the end joined in the assault on the victim.

The victim’s grandmother then stepped in to break up the fight and ended up getting hurt and needing medical treatment.

Dirty grandad THE father of a 15-yearold girl has denounced his own dad, a 77-year-old, for abusing his daughter for a year in Palma.

According to the teenager, the elderly man took advantage of her by touching her sexually.

Pint sized hitman Reward offered for information leading to capture of UK fugitive

48, who was shot dead near Glasgow in June 2007.

Crimestoppers has offered a £5,000 (€5,850) reward for information leading to the arrest of the diminutive Scotsman who is 5 foot 2 inches

A CASH reward has been offered for information about a pint-sized hitman who has been on the run since 2007.

Derek Ferguson, 58, is wanted in connection with the murder of Thomas Cameron,

A TEENAGER who was told to quarantine at home in Mallorca after testing positive for coronavirus has been found by police at an illegal party.

The youngster and her mother had been directed to stay at their home in Selva after the pair were infected with COVID-19.

However, just one day into the quarantine, Policia Local received an anonymous tip that the girl was not at home and instead out galavanting with her friends.

Much more than four stars.

The special group dedicated to investigating sexual offences and offences involving minors, UFAM, Family and Minors Unit, is in charge of the complaint.

The grandfather has been charged with a continuous offence of sexual abuse.

Fly in thieves

E-FIT: Ferguson in 2007 and how he might look now tall.

On the Most Wanted list for years, the reward is being offered in the hope that he will finally be traced.

It is believed that he has been hiding out in Spain protected

Teen carrier Hours later, the girl was found by Guardia Civil at an illegal party held at a farm in Campos with some 42 other people.

After quickly shutting down the event, the girl was taken to Manacor hospital and all revellers that had been in contact with the teenager have been ordered to take a COVID-19 test.

Friends.

by criminal associates.

In 2015 the Olive Press reported that he was in the Marbella/Calahonda area, but since then there have been no sightings.He may be in another region.

Reward

As well as the reward for information, Police have ssued e-fits to show what Ferguson may look like now.

A National Crime Agency spokesman said that he is probably no longer known by his original name, may not be speaking with a Scottish accent and is thought to have had plastic surgery.

POLICE have busted a criminal gang that stole from dozens of tourists.

Cops say the group, all originally from Romania and six who travelled to Mallorca from Malaga last month, would pickpocket from unsuspecting tourists in the area.

They are also believed to be responsible for a score of robberies on holidaymakers in Palma old town.

So far, multiple mobile phones and more than €5,000 in cash have been recovered from the gang with more arrests expected to be made.

It comes as 10 people were arrested for ripping off 300 tourists with fake accommodation across the country, including Mallorca.

According to reports, the group collected €4 million through their fraudulent activities and that a highly experienced hacker led the organisation, setting up fake web pages to hook the prospective holidaymakers.

Good life.

Reset.

Comfort.

At Ocean Drive Port Portals we have our own star rating. Because, we like the stars of the Majorcan sky, the stars that form the lights of the harbour or the star service provided by each member of our team.

Music.

A hotel that maximises the destination to it's full potential, thanks to it's excellent location. It offers great local experiences at any moment. With art, design, relaxation and comfort. A hotel full of life.

Sunset.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es HE’S got every right to lie back and take it easy.

Having won the Golden Boot at the Euro 2020s championships, Cristiano Ronaldo deserved a long and luxurious break.

And the Portuguese star cer-

tainly looks to be having it swanning around on boats in the north eastern corner of Mallorca.

He and girlfriend Georgina Rodriquez, from Murcia, have been renting the magnificent Castell de Manresa estate, near Pollensa.

The pair were seen out and about with their four children, while the Juventus star also posted images of his holiday on Instagram.

The Castell de Manresa was a citadel built in 1715, which has now been

Riding in IT’S enough to give Jilly Cooper palpitations. Argentine hunk and top ranked polo player in the world, Adolfo Cambiaso, is squeezing into his jodhpurs and heading for Spain this summer.

He will be the star attraction as Sotogrande hosts the 50th edition of its International Polo Tournament from July 26 to August 28.

Bringing the star back to the fields of the wealthy enclave for the first time in five years has seen the restoration of the tournament to the very highest tier of the polo world – the High Handicap category.

The three most prestigious clubs in Sotogrande - Ayala, Dos Lunas and Santa Maria – are co-hosting the event and there will be a series of activities to entertain between chukkas.

It is one of the traditional places to see and be seen during Spain’s summer social calendar – and everyone can join in. So, if you happen to be in the area, pop along – admission is free.

Jilly Cooper - the Mistress of the Bonkbuster novel who regularly sets her books in the polo world - once said: “Anyone looks good in jodhpurs,” but she might have added about Adolfo “but some look better than others!”

July 16th - July 29th 2021

Kicking back converted into a luxury holiday home where prices start at €50,000 a week.

It comes with a fully staffed kitchen and personal spa. It also has its own helipad, tennis court and, of course, private beach.

Conveniently he also has his €6m yacht the Azimut Grande 27 on hand nearby.

He bought the 27-metre yacht last year as a celebration after Juventus took home their ninth Serie A title in a row.

Taxing time Pop star Shakira could face trial over tax ‘fraud’

COLOMBIAN superstar Shakira could yet face trial over an alleged €14.5 million tax fraud, despite having paid up the full amount two years ago.

The Hips don’t Lie singer had hoped to avoid needing to testify in court – but now pre-trial depositions have been made by the prosecutor and defence.

A judge will decide if the case should go to court. If it does, Shakira, real name Isabel Mebarak, could face a hefty fine, or even jail as well as being forced to publicly testify.

A Shakira spokesman said:

3

Boots are made for watching ELCHE’S Footwear Museum is displaying a pair of boots belonging to one of Spain’s greatest-ever footballers.

F o r m e r Barcelona star, Andres Iniesta, has loaned the boots in which he scored Spain’s

extra-time winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against Holland.

The museum has got a local manufacturer to donate a pair of shoes to Iniesta’s wife, Anna, as a ‘thank you’.

Frying high REVEALED: Shakira could face a fine or jail

By Dilip Kuner

“As soon as she learned how much she owed the Spanish tax authorities – and before a complaint was filed – Shakira paid the full amount, as well

Tennis comes home IT might not have come home for the English football players this weekend.

But the Wimbledon title made its way back to Andalucia thanks to the Costa del Sol’s most famous expat Novak Djokovic.

The Marbella local won his 20th Grand Slam on Sunday after claiming his sixth Wimbledon title.

The Serbian star owns a stunning Morrocan style mansion in the Sierra Blanca hills, where he has lived for much of the last year.

He spent most of the lockdown at the villa, which naturally has a court, training hard for this year’s tournaments.

The training clearly paid off, as the three time Wimbledon consecutive winner is now only the second man in history to win the first three major tournaments of a season. This feat was also achieved by Rod Laver in 1969.

The Serb has also now drawn level with the record for most ever major tournament wins, alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

He has won two French Open titles, three US Open titles and nine Australian Open titles.

So the people of Marbella can celebrate this momentous victory for their adopted son.

as providing the tax office with exhaustive information.

For this reason, there is currently no debt whatsoever.”

However, this is not enough to stop the case from going to trial, according to prosecutors.

They maintain that the singer – who has two sons with Barcelona footballing legend Gerard Piquet – should have submitted tax returns in Spain from 2012 to 2014.

At that time she had entered into a relationship with Pique and, prosecutors maintain, she lived in Barcelona and therefore had to pay tax in Spain. Her defence insists she was resident in the Bahamas at the time.

While prosecutors admit she did not spend the six months and a day per year in Spain that would make her automatically tax resident, they claim that she was effectively living in the country as she always returned to Barcelona after business trips.

Award Winning Rehabilitation Clinic

HE is a lot more than just a whiz in the kitchen.

Jose Andres may well be one of America’s most famous chefs with a string of Michelin-starred restaurants and credited with bringing tapas to the states.

But he is also a famous charity worker, who has helped millions of people suffering from poverty and hunger.

Now he has scooped Spain’s prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for his humanitarian work in feeding those in the midst of crisis and natural disasters.

The 51-year-old chef and his NGO, World Central Kitchen has won the Concord Award for ‘offering extraordinarily fast and efficient on-the-ground response to social and nutritional emergencies’.

Born in Asturias, he trained in Barcelona before moving to the US in 1991 where he rose to fame popularising tapas and opening a number of restaurants, two of which earned two Michelin stars.

In 2010, Andres formed the World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organisation with a remit ‘to end hunger and poverty’ by using the power of food to empower communities’.

The charity rushes to the aid of those suffering natural disasters such as Hurricane Maria, when the team supplied 3.6 million meals to the people of Puerto Rico.

Last year it dedicated restaurants to feeding those struggling in the coronavirus crisis.

Andres is a friend of former president Barack Obama, who awarded the chef a National Humanities Medal in 2015. He is a fierce opponent of Donald Trump who sued him and lost after Andres pulled out of a restaurant deal over the ex-president’s disparaging comments about Mexicans.

The Princess of Asturias Awards comes with prize money of €50,000.

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4

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es AN investigation has been launched against Spanish TikToker Naim Darrechi after he boasted that he had tricked multiple women into having unprotected sex with him.

The 19-year-old Mallorcan-born ‘influencer’ who has 26.7 million followers on TikTok, made the comments during an interview with a popular Spanish YouTuber named Mostopapi.

Asked about his sexual experience, Darrechi claimed that he found it ‘difficult to wear a condom’ and for this reason, refuses to use one when having sex.

He continued that ‘he would have sex

Adios to financial chief ONE of the best known expat financial figures has passed away in his seventies.

Bill Blevins, the joint founder of expat financial services company Blevin Franks, died after a long illness.

Blevins worked closely with David Franks to build Blevins Franks into a major international tax and wealth management advisory firm.

“His lively personality, insight and generosity made a big impact on staff and clients alike,” said a spokesman for the firm.

“He will be sadly missed by all at Blevins Franks and many clients and business partners who met him over the years.”

Founded Blevins Franks was originally founded in the UK in 1975 before they set up in Spain when a client moved to the country. They then expanded, setting up offices across Europe.

Blevins and Franks sold the company in 2012 as they went into retirement. Blevins lived for many years in the South of France where he featured on radio shows and in the local English press offering advice on finance.

July 16th - July 29th 2021

Silly Toker

with women and tell them to ‘relax’ with the lie that he was sterile and underwent surgery to stop him having children.

Soon after the interview was shared online, Darrechi received a backlash for the comments, with many pointing out that he was exposing women to sexually transmitted diseases and deceiving them with a lie.

The Balearic government has now filed a complaint against the TikToker for sexual abuse by deceiving an undetermined

number of women, inciting violence against women and against their sexual freedom, and a crime against sexual and reproductive rights.

Nowhere to stay AFTER two years of waiting for their longed-for holiday to Mallorca, a Scottish couple finally made it to the island only to be left stranded outside a hotel that had yet to open for the season.

William and Marina Ferguson (pictured), both 71-yearold pensioners, had booked

British pensioners find booked hotel closed

By Alex Oscar

a holiday package before the pandemic for £1,400 to the beautiful Cala d’Or, a popu-

Brits targeted

TROUBLE: Naim Darrech

lar resort on the east coast of Mallorca.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic and travel restriction and repeated flight cancellations they finally paid out a

Bl**dy students!

Cash talking

ANGRY students locked up in Palma’s ‘Hotel COVID’ have finally been let free - but they have left the premises in a shambles.

Broken doors, broken walls, stains on the walls are just some of the damage that staff are having to deal with as they clean up the mess.

Cigarette butts, empty rum bottles, leftover fast food on the floor and sheets piled up after having been used as ropes to carry objects up to balconies were also left scattered around.

The four-star Palma Bellver had taken in 249 students aged between 17 and 18 on end of year trips to the island. The Balearic government had ordered them to be quarantined after they attended a reggaeton concert and other parties held on boats and various hotels in Palma.

Some 68 of the youngsters tested positive, 165 tested negative and a further 16 were admitted to Palma's Son Espases hospital.

After many complaints from the students, a magistrate declared that only those who had tested positive should be isolated.

THE Balearic government is forking out €225,000 to boost the learning of Catalan.

Cash will be available to local governments, non-profit organisations and even individuals who plan to help teach and advocate the use of Catalan in daily life.

The deadline for applications to the The Department of Political Linguistics is July 23.

Catalan

There are currently 10 million Catalan speakers around the world, half of whom speak it as their first language. According to the latest figures 93% of the population of the Balearic isles understand Catalan, yet only 74% can speak it and even fewer can write it.

The UK’s Leading Online School interhigh.co.uk The Olive Press -14, 15 and 16 July --- 1/3 Page - 256 mm w x 105 mm h --- (all editions except Gib)

THE Balearic government has decided to enforce new restrictions in areas populated with British tourists.

San Antonio in Ibiza and Magaluf, Playa de Palma and S’Arenal in Mallorca will be hit with what the government has described as ‘special measures against coronavirus’.

These include capacity limits, with a maximum of 100 people permitted to congregate indoors and 200 people outdoors.

For bars and restaurants, no more than six people can sit at a table inside and 10 outdoors with the closing time now set at 2am.

Alcohol

further £400 for new flights.

The pair were dropped off outside their holiday accommodation only to discover the Gavimar La Mirada Club Resort was closed and not scheduled to reopen until the end of July.

After a number of failed attempts to get in contact with Teletext Holidays and as the fear that they may be left out on the street for the night began to set in, some locals saved the unlucky couple by helping them find accommodation in the sister hotel Gavimar Ariel Chico.

Hot Water

Gavimar la Mirada Club has stated that the situation was probably a result of a misunderstanding between the couple and Teletext Holidays.

However, William told The Daily Record that the bus driver acted with such hastiness to drive away and leave them there that he suspects he may have been aware of the problem.

Teletext Holidays have been in hot water recently and faced legal action over £7 million worth of unpaid refunds for cancelled holidays.

Shops and supermarkets will also be prohibited from selling alcohol between 9pm and 8am each day.

Revealing the restrictions spokesman and tourism minister Iago Negueruela said that after the UK government gave the green light for travel to the Balearic Islands, the archipelago had seen a noticeable influx of British tourists.

“We ask all tourists to act responsibly and especially young people since this is the age group where infections are rising the most,” said the minister.

He also noted that the government’s tourism reactivation plan had been a success, seen in the ‘sharp increase in flights to the Balearics’ in recent days.

Murky waters THE red flag was flying on Can Pere Antoni beach on Wednesday after a pipe burst.

Raw sewage flooded across the paseo del Portitxol and into the port area then out to sea.

As a result swimming was banned until lab tests could ensure the water was safe.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Stitch up

July 16th July 29th 2021

5

Pensioner ‘left with nothing’ after losing home in long legal dispute with builder A BRITISH pensioner has lost her dream home in the sun over a decade-long legal dispute over a boundary wall.

Margaret Townley, 75, claims she has been the victim of a miscarriage of justice after being forced to walk away from the house on which she has spent more than €300,000.

The former social worker, from Bath, has handed the keys to her neighbour after a vicious 13-year legal battle.

She told the Olive Press she believes corruption and fraud has caused the loss of her retirement home in Salobrena, Granada.

Her nightmare began after she got into a legal battle with

EXCLUSIVE

By Fiona Govan

her builder neighbour over a dodgy collapsed boundary wall, which led to a judge ordering the house to be sold at a closed auction.

To add insult to injury it was bought ‘under value’ by the family of the very builder responsible for the collapsed wall.

Townley and her Chilean husband Roberto had first purchased their plot above Salobrena on the Costa Tropical in Granada in 2002.

Conveniently they hired a local builder, who lived next door, to build the house and a boundary

Battered bosun BELOW DECK Mediterranean’s Malia White has revealed she was hospitalised with severe injuries after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Mallorca.

The 30-year-old reality star took to Instagram to give fans an update on her condition after her shocking near death experience.

Bosun Malia, who is originally from Florida shared pics of her bandaged and bloody from a hospital bed in Mallorca.

She said she has suffered multiple injuries after she fell off of a scooter while on a day off with her shipmates but ‘luckily’ was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

DISGRACE: Collapsed wall led to loss of Townley’s (inset) house wall at a cost of €18,500 All went well until in 2008 a section of the wall collapsed after a winter of heavy rains and it emerged it had been built without proper foundations and drainage.

“We carried out technical surveys which determined that the wall had not been built to the specifications agreed and attempted to seek legal redress for him to replace it or pay compensation,” said Townley.

But the builder died, and his wife then sued Townley for the damage caused to her fruit trees when the wall collapsed.

Incredibly, she was successful when Motril court ruled that she was responsible for repairing the wall to avoid further collapses and appointed a technical architect whose report quoted a rebuild cost of €117,000.

“It was an absurd amount and as the ruling didn’t say we had to actually follow that plan we instead forked out €30,000 on a new wall that was given ap-

proval by Salobrena town hall,” said Townley.

The case was referred up to the Provincial Court in Granada where a judge ruled that it had no jurisdiction as it was not a criminal case but acknowledged that she had suffered ‘a gross injustice’.

But it was ordered to return to the judge at Motril Court 2 for yet another technical report for the Town Hall.

However, despite evidence put to the court by technical architects that the fixed wall was adequate, the judge ruled that the debt was outstanding.

He ordered the house be sold at auction and the proceeds used to build the new wall.

“It went under the hammer in a sale that took place when travel restrictions meant I couldn’t fly into attend,” said Townley.

“It was sold to a company owned by the son of the builder and bought for the hugely under-the-market value price of €65,000,” she said.

6

NEWS FEATURE

No place

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

Jon Clarke on the rollercoaster ride of supporting England, including tickets in Rome in the quarters, then at home for the Euro final

OPINION Coming together THE English nation has been deeply divided over Brexit.

Social media has been the battleground for Leavers and Brexiters for years now.

These same divisions have been found in expat communities in Spain and further afield.

But in recent weeks there has been something that has pulled the English together - and that is its football team.

Millions of English fans in Spain, Gibraltar, around the world and of course in England itself have largely backed the team.

Yes, there have been the usual grumbles about selection, tactics and the strengths and weaknesses of individual players. But when it came down to the matches themselves, people came together to support the team.

By reaching its first major final since 1966, the team helped put a smile on the faces of the English nation and its diaspora after the miseries of pandemic lockdown.

And divisions over such matters as Brexit were forgotten – or at least put aside – as the England team, at last, gave people something they could agree about.

Denmark, Italy, Wales and Scotland too can look back with pride as their teams did their nations proud.

The exploits of all four teams showed the power of football in a positive way. Few other things in life can draw people together.

Take the knee Unfortunately, a small minority took delight in opening the festering wounds caused by racism. From booing the taking of the knee in support of Black Lives Matter (BLM) to the racist abuse heaped on four fine young men, which ironically showed exactly why they were taking the knee in the first place.

But the outraged reaction from the majority to the abuse suffered by those black players is heartening to see.

Hopefully this new-found togetherness is something we can all carry on into the coming years.

Andrew Attrill 64, Retired, Isle of Wight

L

Andrew made a last minute decision to travel to Ibiza with his son Jack and their friends after finding a cheap flight to the White Isle on the weekend. Watching the big game at Flahertys pub in San Antonio, the retired father of three said that he couldn’t be more proud to be supporting England in the final. “I will always remember this day and even more so to share it with my boy in Ibiza,” said Andrew.

Simon Turner 48, Electrician, Surrey Simon has been coming to Ibiza for the last 16 years and after missing out last summer due to the COVID-19 crisis, he didn’t hesitate to book his ticket after the UK gave the Balearics a green light for travel. “I am not a huge football fan but I have never been so excited for a tournament. The atmosphere is electric here and despite losing, we did a smashing job,” said Simon.

Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Fiona Govan fiona@theolivepress.es

Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Isha Sesay isha@theolivepress.es

Katherine Brook katherine@theolivepress.es

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S

OMETHING old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

That just about sums up our weekend in Gibraltar.

Two very important events occurred almost simultaneously - England played Italy in the final of the Euros, and we also tied the knot on The Rock.

The decision to book a Gibraltar wedding was made in part because of Brexit, after our local ayuntamiento in Alicante admitted that there could be ‘unknown delays’ and added bureaucracy due to the UK leaving the EU. Despite both fiance, Nicola, and I having Spanish residency, it was decided not to risk it, and Gibraltar register office was only too happy to oblige without fuss.

That it coincided with the championship’s climax, only started to matter after England thumped Ukraine 4-0.

The prospect of a potential place in the final alone was mouthwatering, but what if we could go on and win?

It would certainly make for unique dinner party conversations in the future when

iving up in the very Spanish mountain town of Ronda means there are no English bars… and every football-loving expat we know had, predictably, gone down to the coast. Including our teenage daughter!

So having firstly toyed with the idea of watching the Euro 2020 final at a friendly Italian pizzeria and then booked the terrace of a local restaurant, we decided we would be far happier at home with Auntie Beeb and good old Gary Lineker.

For starters we could scream (and then cry) without any Italians or Spanish around to laugh and, secondly, to watch the build-up in English. Oh, and the Wimbledon final before it.

It turned out to be a great evening, despite my father-in-law randomly deciding to support Italy 15 minutes before the game, despite being a dyed in the wool monarchist and playing cricket for the British army and Surrey. He did live in Italy for two decades, I suppose, and he could see it coming. And he was right.

But what a month - and tournament - it’s been.

Having watched the largely unmemorable group stages on the Costa del Sol, where we live in the week, we headed off on holiday to Italy with no idea that there was a chance England would play a game there.

It was only as we prepared to watch Italy versus Austria in the charming main square of Ceglie, in Puglia, that we saw the permutations that could take us to Rome.

We worked out that if we beat Germany a few days later (a big if, mind) England would be heading to the quarter finals in Italy’s amazing capital city. With both kids gagging for a trip to the Eternal city and the wife shrugging her shoulders, I booked a great-value apart-

EXPAT ARMY: Jon with Charlie (right)

ment for two nights.

I had no idea if we would get tickets for the game, but given no English supporters could travel to Italy and it is not swamped with expats like Spain, I figured we would have a chance.

I got on every fan group and Facebook page and eventually located three tickets for 200 euros each. A lot, but not extortionate.

But just before buying them I got a superb bit of advice from the Olive Press’ salesman extraordinaire Charlie Bamber, a keen travelling England fan, who told me that UEFA would be releasing some more tickets the following day.

He told me I had to register with the official website, putting in my passport details and where I lived (if you had an English address you were automatically stopped from buying) and he would tip me off at the right time.

And so it came to pass, I got the phone call by the pool at 4pm the next day when 1,800 tickets went out on general sale at cost price. Amazingly I was able to secure four tickets for just 75 euros each. Even the missus, who had only seen one other live game in her life before (a wet and windy draw be-

Rocking the final

By Simon Wade in Gibraltar

the ubiquitous ‘where were you when...?’ question crops up.

‘Something old’ was how I felt after driving the 600 km from home in Alicante province.

A new car can make you FEEL younger, but it only hides the reality of middle age with a (passion red metallic) veneer ‘Something new’ was the fact that the England men’s football team did reach a major final for the first time in recent history.

A night spent in Casemates Square saw thousands of supporters cheering on the England team with fervour, humour and passion.

‘Something blue’ wasn’t the despondency or inevitability of the penalty shootout result, but the disgusting treatment of our own players by so-called fans afterwards.

Those that abused black players online should be traced and dealt with accordingly.

And the grown men that punched and kicked young Italy fans in Wembley stadium should be named, shamed and jailed.

There is no place and no reason for such shameful behaviour in today’s society none whatsoever.

Still, the wedding went without any drama, and everything went to plan (see pic front page).

As for ‘something borrowed’?

After Sunday, let’s hope it’s racism … living on borrowed time.

like home

July 16th - July 29th 2021

www.theolivepress.es

7

Time to travel

Forever England

By Fiona Govan in Madrid

T

HE backroom of a bar in Madrid’s Malasana will be forever England, or so it would’ve been had the night turned out differently.

A few dozen Brits resident in the capital had gathered there for what they hoped would be the evening they had been waiting for all their lives.

“I’m pretty anxious to be honest,” said Tom Graham, a signwriter in the district, at the start of the match in La Taperia. “But I feel it really is our time.”

He was wrong. And just a few hours later, disappointment was writ large on his face. “I’m not going to cry,” he said as his face crinkled and we heard the jubilant cheers from Italians in a neighbouring bar.

“I’m probably the only one in this bar who actually remembers 1966,” admitted Celia Clayden who was a teenager in London when England last won a championship. “It’s a real shame this lot won’t know how that feels.”

tween Tottenham and Bolton 25 years ago) would be coming.

So there we were, in Rome, having taken antigen tests and passing through seven, yes seven, security checks to watch England v Ukraine in the quarter finals.

What a game, what an experience. We blew them away and guess who was sitting in the row in front? Yes, Charlie Bamber. He gets about (see pic left).

But what was incredible was the amount of expat Brits who had travelled from all over Spain to the game. The flights to Rome, to Milan, to Naples, etc, etc, were full of England fans, who could legally watch their team in a massive game.

We did the team proud, making an incredible racket… and who was interviewed live on Sky News by the Trevi Fountain? Mr Bamber, of course.

Having sung for Spain in the heart of Positano against Italy in the semis (what an injus-

tice), we came back and watched England in Puerto Banus against Denmark.

The best England performance for years, we had made a final for the first time in 55 years!

What a game, but now we had to meet the tactical masters of the game. The trickiest, most slippery bunch of streetwise footballers there are.

Italy were played off the park by Spain (but won on penalties), only just overcame Austria in extra time, and squeezed past Wales… but they always seem to win. A bit like Germany used to.

My father-in-law had predicted a 2-1 win.

I knew we would lose if it got to penalties.

We almost always do.

Local friends Lisa and Andy, not huge football fans but up for it nonetheless, watched the agony and ecstasy of supporting England this Sunday. The term; that Monday morning feeling, was never more apt.

Thirsty for glory

T

HE ecstasy and the agony were lived in equal measure at the Thirsty Monk pub in Castelldefels, near Barcelona.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions.

The atmosphere after the first goal was electric,” said expat Liam Hill, who has lived in Spain for four years.

He showed the Olive Press a photo of how

By Graham Keeley in Barcelona

an Italian player fouled Bukayo Saka.

“This is a good photo of how Italy played.

“Twice they should have had a red,” he added.

“That said, we hace had a good run in the Euros. It was a good night with good people.”

32

The place was buzzing

By Katherine Brook in Estepona

PAIN is not short of beautiful cities oozing history from between the cracks of their ancient iconic buildings, such as Granada’s Alhambra and Sevilla’s Alcazar.

But one comes above the rest, according to a poll published by global travel bible Lonely Planet this year: that of Cordoba, a true melting pot of ancient, modern and everything in between.

The birthplace of renowned Roman playwright Seneca and Jewish philosopher Maimonides, to name two great thinkers, the place is a veritable warren of historic sites.

Now is the perfect time to visit Cordoba’s numerous attractions without the crowds and clamour, drifting through the town at your

May 19th - June 1st 2021

T

WALK THIS WAY

own pace.

I wanted to explore the city without going to ‘the big three’ - the Mezquita, the alcazar and the medina - as I have a pretentious passion for taking the path less trodden. Just follow your nose and take an aimless amble

around. You won’t be disappointed. Cordoba entertained right from the get-go as I stumbled across the Church of San Francisco, built by Fernando III in the 13th century with its adjacent square with red and white porticoes. Heading west, I wound

my way through sinuous stone streets and chanced upon the Calleja de los Flores, a quaint alleyway lined with flower pots.

From here it is just a gentle stroll to Casa Arabe, also known as Casa Mudejar, an arts and culture centre that hosts qual-

diced egg), I meandered along the riverfront and over the marvellous Puente Romano, a 250m stone bridge that dates back to at least the second century AD. Founded around 152BC by the Romans, Corduba, as it was called then, was the capital of

Hispania Ulterior and flourished economically by virtue of its prized olive oil.

It became a Roman colonia between 46 and 45BC, but after the city put its money and troops on the wrong horse in the civil war between Pompey and Caesar,

the latter sacked it and slaughtered some 30,000 people.

These seismic events would inspire Lucan, born in Cordoba just six years earlier, to compose one of the most extraordinary poems in the Latin language - the Pharsalia, a subversive, gory epic

100 years of flower power

I

T’S a botanical binge to inspire the most relucFrom as far as back as the Roman occupation tant gardners. of Cordoba, houses have been built around inner For a fortnight in May, all Cordoba opens its gardens enclosed within thick walls to provide a private courtyards to the hoi polloi who traipse haven of shade during the summer months when through the cobbled alleys and duck through the mercury often tops 40ºC. doorways to be amazed by the green-fingered These internal spaces were refined to include skills of those who live here. As the child of flofountains and water features under Moorish rule, ra-obsessed parents I recall many trips around when the Umayyad caliphate built the mosque – the formal gardens of National Trust properties since converted into a cathedral - that remains a - most often in the rain and endured only for the highlight of every city tour. promise of ice-cream or a cream tea in a chintzNowadays these spaces have been elevated to filled café. works of art, where each wall in every garden has Now with a patio of my own in Madrid sprouting been designed with the festival in mind, each pot several sad yuccas, a few hardy spider plants and of geraniums carefully placed to maximise conone pitiful geranium, it was time to seek inspiratrasts and provide sensational bursts of colour. tion from a city that packs more So good are they that the patios flower power than San Francisco have been afforded UNESCO-produring the merry month of May. tected status.

A perfumed This year marks the 100th anniSome gardens belong to single versary of the Feria de los Patios, properties and others are collecpromenade when residents open their floral tions of courtyards with different inner sanctums to the public and through private dwellings looking out on them. compete for the prize of prettiest One of my favourites was No. patios in the walled garden space.

6, Calle Marroquíes where low old quarter Usually mobbed, but with COVID-19 bungalows are home to artisan keeping tourists away, it was easy workshops within a labyrinth of to find an affordable, last-minute interlocking corridors and patios Airbnb. Mine was ensconced in a quaint alley a bedecked with tumbling greenery and blooms. cobblestone’s throw from Plaza de la CorredeIt’s easy to tell the serious gardeners (the ones ra, a colonnaded square filled with terrazas fresnapping close-ups of leaves to identify plants quented by Cordoba’s student population. that might thrive on their own windowsills) from The route map provided on the website takes the nosey parkers (me). I had more fun peeking visitors on a perfumed promenade to dozens of through doors and windows, enjoying the access private patios throughout the old quarter and it’s to private spaces sealed off behind closed doors an olfactory overload even if you only visit half of for all but this fortnight in May. them.

My guide was Cordoba local Chapi Pineda, a I interspersed courtyard visits with stops at tapas celebrated flamenco guitarist with a deep love bars and bodegas and sightseeing around the of his home city and an insider knowledge that Mezquita and Juderia - a joy to do in this beautihe is proud to share: including where to taste fully compact walking city. the best tortilla in town (Bar Santos) and how to Thankfully the queues for patios were shorter find a table with unrivalled views of the cathedral and faster this year, despite social distancing (upstairs on the terrace of the Pairi Daeza restaumeasures which, fortuitously, gave everyone a rant). few brief moments alone to enjoy the space withSomewhere in the maze of narrow white-washed out crowds of selfie-takers and couples romantilanes between the synagogue and the Mezquita cally posing beneath bougainvillea. he also revealed a real local treasure: Bodega

SO SPECIAL: The Roman bridge (left), the Alcazar (above), Roman pillars (below) and a work by Julio Romero de Torres

ity photography exhibitions on niche topics, including Morocco’s breathtaking blue-washed town, Chefchaouen.

After a delicious lunch of tortilla and salmorejo, Cordoba’s celebrated tomato purée topped with serrano jam (or in a vegetarian’s case,

As Cordoba’s famous patio festival marks its centennial, Fiona Govan visits the city that goes potty for plants in May

33

SIMPLY STUNNING

about the aforementioned civil war whose quality scholars still debate fiercely today.

Next up was the Museo Julio Romero de Torres, where I was the only visitor.

Tucked away on the Plaza del Potro, this cosy, elegant museum dedicated to the eponymous local painter was the unexpected gem of my trip.

Romero, born 1874, was possessed with the fervour of Flamenco, which he often personified as a naked or scantily clad lady, such as in La musa gitana (‘The Gypsy Muse’). As is the case in so much art produced by men, many of Romero’s busty women were conveniently spilling out of their garments in one place or another, leading feminists to vilify him; nonetheless, his striking style that fused a gamut of motifs - classical, mannerist, Christian, Andalucian - made a stronger impression on me than the artwork in the Bellas Artes museum opposite and lingered with me long after I left.

Unmissable monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984

HE iconic symbol of Cordoba is the stunning Mosque-Cathedral, which is an extraordinary example of the blending of Muslim and Christian cultures.

Built in the 8th Century under the rule of Amir Abd ar-Rahman I, the mosque became a Christian church when Cordoba was conquered by Fernando III of Castilla in 1236.

Such was its stunning beauty, the christians decided to preserve the mosque rather than destroy it, enhancing its beauty by adding new spaces and monuments.

The central focus of the edifice is a shellshaped prayer niche built in the 10th century.

The mihrab traditionally faces Mecca.

However, the one in the mosque of Cordoba faces south.

The striped brick and stone arches are supported by 856 granite and marble pillars from the Roman and Visigothic ruins.

The sun’s rays create an impressive play of light between the pillars and the arches.

Also, like many cathedrals in southern Spain, the Mosque of Cordoba has an orange tree courtyard.

You can enter the Patio de los Naranjos free of charge, and this is where you will find the kiosk to buy your ticket for the oficial tour.

Entrance to the Mosque costs €11 per person. Children between 10 and 14 years old will pay €6, and children under 10 are free.

Early risers can visit the mosque for free from Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 9:30am.

We are open – See you soon!

The Costa de la Luz’s most emblematic restaurant and hotel. In the stunning white town of Vejer de la Frontera.

Lavish

BEAUTY: The patios are a colourful treat Guzman, its dark tiled interior exuding the musty aroma of fermenting wine, where a glass of local fino can be enjoyed for a staggeringly good value €1.10.

In the evening we dined at Taberna San Miguel Casa el Pisto, a typical Andalus restaurant where we sat in a tiled courtyard covered in feria memorabilia.

Beneath a portrait of the greatest matador of all time, Cordoba-born Manolete - painted by Chapi’s own father, the artist Rafael Pineda - we devoured local delicacies including the simple but divine cogollos al ajillo - who knew lettuce could taste this good?

Cordoba in May is exquisite, even for those who don’t think flowers are that interesting.

In fact, I dare you to visit and not come away with a few souvenir pots and a head full of ideas for improving your own urban garden. I certainly did.

My last stop of the day was the Viana Palace. Dating back to 1492, this lavish manor exhibits an unusual intertwining of Roman and Arabic architectural styles and boasts 12 beautiful patios à la the Cordoban custom, not to mention sumptuous salons that evoke the lifestyles of the various nobles who were lucky enough to call this place home.

Flowers and fruits fragrance the air and nearly every courtyard is bursting with colour. My favourites were the reception patio, with its porticoed galleries supported by stately Tuscan columns, and the serene Patio de los naranjas whose trickling fountain and spectacular purple wisteria lend it a soothing, serene atmosphere.

It made for a superb end to an excellent day round Cordoba which reaffirmed an age-old truth of travel: even if a city is best known for one building alone, scratch below the surface and you’re sure to find that the place has a whole lot more to offer as well.

CalifaVejer.com tel: +34 956 44 77 30 Plaza de España, Vejer de la Frontera,Costa de la Luz, Cádiz

M I

T may not sound like an obvious choice to watch England in the Euro2020 final, but Irish pub Healy Mac’s in Estepona port was rammed with patriotic expats and tourists.

One group in particular led the crowd, keeping up the energy with chants from their prime spot in the centre of the bar.

Chris Legg, (pictured above right) a 41-year-old builder from Watford, said the group had been out to watch every game together and was ever optimistic that England were going to win.

“This is our year. It’s got to come home now,” he insisted with a vodka Redbull in hand.

“We’re going to the feria after, win or lose - we’ll either be celebrating or drowning our sorrows.”

When the first goal was scored everyone went wild with bottles and drinks flying around, but it was all in good spirits.

Most of the friends had been there since lunchtime, with Jason Naylor (pictured above left), 35, from Wolverhampton, explaining that the group went ‘this hard’ for every single game.

“It’s not every day we make it to a Euro final!” he explained.

New recruit to the group, Ollie Buckingham, 29, from London said the atmosphere was ‘amazing’. “What a place to watch the game,” he insisted.

“This place is buzzing, it’s brilliant.

The only way to watch a game like this.”

The Spanish connection

CHART TOPPERS: from left, Hamilton, McClarnon and Frost

For most tourists Cordoba is all about the Mesquita, the Alcazar and the Roman bridge.

Laurence Crumbie took the road less travelled and found a city chock full of treasures lesser known

S

CORDOBA SPECIAL

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

IT became a football anthem sweeping the terraces in the FIFA World Cup 2018. And it has continued throughout this tournament.

It started when English fans spontaneously altered the lyrics of Atomic Kitten’s number one hit Whole Again to Southgate you’re the one, football’s coming home again.

It was so popular the band reunited to re-record it for Euro 2020 with no less than two Spanish connections.

The new vocals and lyrics were recorded in Ibiza, when Jenny Frost joined up with Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon for the first time in 13 years.

Meanwhile the song’s original writer and producer is Costa del Sol expat Bill Padley.

Ironically, the Novello award-winning writer, who is a DJ at Talk Radio Europe, isn’t even English – he is a proud Scot.

ANY people know Spain only for its key cities and beaches.

While these are justly famous, there is a lot more to the country than that.

Now travel restrictions are largely behind us (at least within Spain) the nation is once more open to travel. But where to go?

Well, we have the answer. The Olive Press has for years thrown a spotlight on hundreds of the hidden and not so hidden corners of Spain.

While often visiting the emblematic cities of Sevilla, Madrid and Valencia and the fantastic islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, we’ve frequently been off the beaten track.

For 15 years our writers have been highlighting the often overlooked beauty spots in places like Galicia and Extremadura.

Take a look at our spotlight on Santiago de Compostela, or the delights of the Sierra de Gata or the secrets of the abandoned arabic city of Madinet, near Cordoba.

These are just three of hundreds of articles in the travel section of our website, including dozens of restaurant and hotel reviews and plenty of tips of what to do.

And all this is at the tips of your fingers.

Just go to theolivepress.es and click on the Travel tab – and Spain is your oyster!

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: paid to Samuel Luiz Muniz, 24, beaten 1- Tributes to death in Spain over his sexuality New restrictions enforced in Spain’s Ibiza and 2- Mallorca as Balearic Islands welcome floor of British Tourists of Spain’s Malaga moved back to more 3- Half restrictive level 2 health alert due to spike in positive Covid-19 cases Brits living in Spain furious that new quaran4-tine exemption doesn’t apply to those vaccinated outside UK Curfews returning to high infection towns and 5-cities in new anti-covid measures for the Costa Blanca and Valencia areas of Spain

Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote

8

GREEN

www.theolivepress.es

Pest control

A TEAM of Spanish scientists has developed a new system to diagnose crop diseases that can greatly reduce the use of pesticides.

The technology created by Ainia relies on artificial intelligence and can be mounted on drones and terrestrial vehicles, such as tractors, to take 3D shots in real time of fruit trees and other crop plantations.

With the information obtained, farmers can check for any infections or pests, and accurately calculate the type and minimum amount of chemical pesticides needed to treat them.

It will also enable landown-

Artificial Intelligence technology can reduce use of harmful pesticides

By Glenn Wickman

ers to check water requirements and drought conditions, leading to a more precise allocation of resources.

Valencia-based Ainia believes that the system will help reduce pesticide use by 10% to 60% depending on the type of crop, as well as cutting working hours and the amount of fuel used by agricultural machinery.

The project is part of Ainia’s contributions towards the

so-called ‘agriculture 4.0’ - a drive to update and transform farming using modern technology - with the aim of complying with the United Nations’ (UN) Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Develop-

ment Goals by making a better use of resources, saving energy and fuel, and reducing environmental impact.

According to the UN, demand for food will increase by 70% over the next 30 years, with climate change and pollution resulting in a drop in crop production of between 10% and 50%.

Emissions down CARBON emissions in Spain fell 13.7% last year to their lowest level in 31 years.

A surge in renewable energy coupled with a decline in industrial and road activity due to the pandemic meant the country’s emissions fell to 272 million tonnes, 6.4% below the 1990 level, according to the Environment Ministry.

In terms of electricity generation, 35% less carbon was emitted as coal fired power stations were phased out and renewables such as wind and solar grew 13%.

In total, 3.6% less electricity was generated than in 2019 as business demand declined during the lockdown.

Spain aims to be carbon neutral by 2050, with its climate plan foreseeing coal capacity to be zero by 2030.

SOLAR PV PANELS

PEOPLE in Spain are amongst the most optimistic when it comes to the battle against climate change.

A survey conducted in 16 countries found that people aged 55 and over believe most strongly that their behaviour can make a positive difference.

The majority of people questioned in Spain, Canada, Brazil, Italy, China and Thai-

Still time

land felt that if we act now there is still time to save the planet, the survey by Mintel found.

Overall, 54% were optimistic there is enough time to combat global heating, with 51% saying changing their own behaviour could make the crucial difference.

Martin Tye explains how the construction trade should help fight climate change

Green Matters

Costa del Building Site

By Martin Tye

I DRONE: Latest technology helping farmers

July 16th - July 29th 2021

REMEMBER my father saying to me on my first visit to Spain, many years ago “The Spanish would build on a roundabout if they could!”

Funny how you remember certain things from way back. By lunchtime I can’t remember what I had for breakfast!

Yet I remember that.

Probably because the landscape in Spain doesn’t allow you to forget.

Cranes, building sites,heavy construction traffic and the endless stream of white man vans serve as a constant reminder.

In 1987, alternative rock band The House Martins released an album titled The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death

NOT GRINNING NOW: The Housemartins

Could this apply to the raft of avaricious developers building more and more close to you?

So relevant to today’s theme are lyrics from a hit song of theirs Build.

“Slow, slow and quick, quick quick.

It’s wall to wall and brick to brick.

They work so fast it makes you sick.

Let’s build” I’m not against sensible development but I am against: High density development Let me start with high density development. This leads to areas being ruined and creates future infrastructure issues. Spanish planning officers all need a trip to Specsavers.

Method of Construction Let’s learn from others.

Worldwide, the construction sector alone is responsible for more than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The impact of construction is even more evident when looking at CO2 emissions from energy use – with the sector contributing 38% of the world’s emissions.

At a time when car manufacturers rev up their zero – emission vehicle ambitions, what is happening in the

construction sector?

Nothing that I have witnessed.

Car makers are striving to produce low emission vehicles and to be fully electric by 2030. The same impetus should be applied to the construction sector.

Case in point – Scandinavia Cities like Oslo, Helsinki and Copenhagen are working to clean up this high emission industry.

At a site at Olav Vs gate, one of the busiest streets in the heart of Norway’s capital city Oslo, things are very different.

Work started in 2019 as a pilot project for the first zero emission urban construction site in the world.

All the machines used on site - excavators, diggers, loaders - were electric.

Using electric equipment in place of traditional diesel engines meant that everyone in the vicinity noticed a significant reduction in ambient noise and pollution.

Even the builders shouted less. (Hard to imagine that here in Spain!).

So it can be done.

Oslo now wants all Municipal construction sites to be zero emission by 2025.

And all construction work, public or private, to be zero emission by 2030.

To ensure this happens all public tenders for construction work are only awarded to contractors who use zero–emission machinery and trucks.

Wake up Spain - there is no need to be left behind!

Martin Tye is the owner of energy switch company Mariposa Energy. +34 638145664 ( Spain Phone ) Email him at martin@mariposaenergia.es

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LA CULTURA

Changing sides

SPAIN has approved a draft bill on LGBTI rights that will allow transgender people over 14 to change their legal gender without medical diagnosis or hormone therapy.

The cabinet of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez approved the controversial draft bill a day after World Pride Day. The draft bill will now go to a public hearing before another reading in the cabinet before being put to the vote in Spain’s Congress.

“This is an historic day after more than 15 years without any legislative progress,” Equality Minister Irene Montero said in a news conference.

Jurassic Park New species of dinosaur discovered in Spain

NEW BEAST: never discovered before

By Glenn Wickman

A NEW species of dinosaur has been discovered in Spain.

Investigators working at the Portell de Morella (Els Ports) archaeological dig in Castellon have unearthed fossilised remains of the previously unknown species, which they have named Portellsaurus sosbaynati.

Similar to an iguanodon or large iguana, the crea-

AN investigation is ongoing to see if a skeleton found in the Real Alcazar of Sevilla could be those of a noble child.

The remains of the four-year-old girl were found under the main altar, suggesting that she was the daughter of a very prominent family dating back to the 15th century.

Discovery

July 16th - July 29th 2021

The discovery was made in April during work being carried out in the chapel of the Gothic Palace, in view of the restoration project of its ceramic tiles.

A preliminary survey to study the possibility of installing an airing chamber to guarantee

ture measured eight metres long, weighed one tonne and lived in the area 130 million years ago.

The large herbivore is said to be related to similar species that inhabited what is now China and Nigeria just

Noble find

the chapel’s preservation had revealed the funerary remains.

The girl’s lead coffin contained the remains of the child, said to be in a relatively good state of preservation and dressed with fabrics, shoes, leather and mother-of-pearl buttons.

Even parts of the girl’s hair remain. The quality of her clothing points to her being a member of a wealthy and possibly noble family.

By the position of the bones when unearthed, her hands would have been folded across her chest when she was buried.

OP QUICK Crossword Across 6 Hillock (5) 8 Snaps (6) 9 Fastened (8) 10 Cry at the end of an exam (4) 11 Adapts (5) 12 Artic's load (7) 15 Language-garbling clergyman (7) 16 Deep ditch (5) 18 Iris (4) 20 Job vacancies (8) 21 Accumulations of rocky debris (6) 22 Fashion's --- Karan (5)

OP Sudoku

Down 1 Superficial (4-4) 2 Shake up roughest men to find first languages (6,7) 3 Long, thin and angular (7) 4 Donations (13) 5 Sailing boat headbanger? (4) 7 Carefree outing (4) 13 3-D image (8) 14 Penitent's emotion (7) 17 Type of knot (4) 19 Deficiency (4)

All solutions are on page 15

after the Jurassic period.

Investigators reached their conclusions after uncovering a full jawbone in what has become one of the top spots in Spain for dinosaur discoveries, with up to 250 other items currently being tested at the lab.

Spokespeople for the team explain that the jawbone has a set of characteristics that make the creature unique throughout the world. It is also the oldest species of dinosaur discovered so far in Castellon Province.

The name Portellsaurus sosbaynati combines the site where the remains were found, Portell, with the Greek term sauros – ‘lizard’ – plus the surnames of Vicente Sos Banyat, the first scientist to receive an honorary doctorate by the UJI.

9

Cash for culture TO support the stability and regrowth of Palma’s cultural industry after a difficult year, the City Council has given €600,000 to the sector.

The money will be split between cultural spaces and businesses.

General coordinator of culture in Palma, Miquel Angel Contreras, said: “Today, the effects of the pandemic are still being suffered, and it is with the intention of minimising the economic consequences that the health situation may leave in the cultural ecosystem of Palma, that the Department of Culture launches these extraordinary measures to support the cultural sector endowed with €600,000.”

In the next couple of months, the council will also release a further €286,000 for schools of music and dance, and independent cultural activities, taking the total to €886,000.

“It is a historic figure which confirms the support the department has shown from the beginning, in these difficult times for spaces and cultural creators of the city,” added Antoni Noguera, deputy mayor of culture and social welfare.

GRANTS: To boost cultural sector

10

LA CULTURA

July 16th - July 29th 2021

Hemingway, my dad and the bulls

In a moving tribute to her legendary father, American Deirdre Carney explains why she sorely misses running the bulls at July’s postponed San Fermin festival

I

T’S oddly invigorating to A fair few will be reading the wake up at seven in the morning paper where that day’s bulls are presented, morning with a analysing their hangover and attributes, insleep deprivation, and then cluding horn put yourself in slopes and fur the way of terror colour while siWe are just for the fun pping coffee. I ritualistic of it. pretend to note beings and the That’s what the details trying communion happens when to look far more of being there you go running relaxed than I with six half-ton feel. in this electric fighting bulls The agony of atmosphere at Pamplona’s the last 30 miwhere fear famed San Fernutes before the and adrenaline rockets blast at min festival.

8am, (when the It will be around and joy are bulls are relea7.15am when I all mixed into stroll up to the sed) and your one is barriers by the life is quite posincredible old Hostal Marsibly on the line, is nearly unbeaceliano, now a civic building, rable. and greet my But for me, thefriends who will also be run- re is (usually) no turning back.

It just so happens my father, ning the bulls that morning.

“

“

THRILL: Deirdre and dad Matt run with the bull

Matt Carney, was the first foreigner famed for his bull running skills.

An Irish-American WW2 Mari-

History, adventure and romance.

That’s just the setting.

ne Officer who was shot and wounded on Iwo Jima, he started his career at San Fermin by meeting and getting in

a fist fight with legen- d a r y writer Ernest Hemingway.

That’s a longer story, but let’s just say, they both deserved it.

He ran as well as the Navarrans, the locals used to say and he did it for 30 years from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.

With a UNESCO world heritage site offering 120,000 years of human history and only short drive from the Costa del Sol, enjoy the warmth of the British Gibraltarians and splash out VAT-free in Sterling.

Gibraltar. Sun, sea and history served with a very British twist.

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BRITISH

For further information call: Gibraltar Tourist Board +350 200 74950 Or to download a brochure go to: www.visitgibraltar.gi

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Phoenician Empire Calentita

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THE ROCK The MoorishMusicCastle Festivals Festival Pillars of Hercules Food Week, Chess, Snooker, Darts, Backgammon Championships 100000 YEARS National LITERARY FESTIVAL

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A year of Culture

Bring hearts, minds and souls

LA CULTURA

July 16th - July 29th 2021

11

ls while (right) the photo of Matt impaled that was on the living room wall

I have seen photos and videos feeling like it. I was hooked. and it is true. He was graceful, That was in 2010 and after he seemed fearless, he smiled that I moved to Spain and transcendently, and he had ti- started going to smaller fesming. He was never running tivals around Navarra and away from, but actually run- running in places like Tafalla, ning with the bulls, which is Larraga and Estella, trying to learn more. exactly the point.

The way he described it, it was I had days when I was braver an act of spiritual convergen- than others. I had runs where ce with the herd, of being ac- I slunk out just after the rocket, cepted by them. You are not not feeling it, and somewhere the antagonist, but a brother. along the line I managed to You may run side by side, or get accepted into this colourful ‘on the horns’ meaning right group of bulls and men. in front of the bull, in perfect This endeavour seems to atrhythm. It’s spectacular athle- tract mostly men. The best ticism mixed with mental acui- answer I get to why women ty and bravery. It is pure joy, don’t run the bulls is simply better translated in Spanish as that they are not that stupid.

It is rather pointless in a conalegria.

When I was a child I asked my crete way, though perhaps dad if he would teach me how not in a traditional-ritual conto run and he said: “Why sure text. Male chauvinists claim - when you’re old enough. us women are not physically Just, uh… just don’t tell your or mentally equipped to run mother.” I will never know if with the bulls. However, on he meant it as he any given mordied shortly after ning, neither Male when I was still are many of the little. male particichauvinists In my late teens pants. and early twenAnd then there claim women are the young ties I attended are not up to male foreigners San Fermin but who are often I just wanted to bull running full of bravado party. I finally but completely went to learn clueless as to about the bulls with my dad’s old friend, Bom- what it all entails. ber (“Don’t yell my name in an The most clear danger I was ever in was in 2014 when an airport”, he used to say).

He had long white hair and infamous Miura, among the sunglasses he never took off. fiercest breeds of bull, slipped He was the first person to and fell at the back of the agree to show me the way of herd. the bull run, or encierro, as it’s A bull on its own will become known in Spanish. “Because relentlessly aggressive. This that’s what your dad did for one was no exception and I had also tripped and fallen me and others,” he told me.

He plonked me in a corner of just ahead of him. The bull, the encierro (the streets barri- named Olivete, looked at me caded for the run), and then and then gored an Australian the rockets blew, the crowd and two or three more guys surged and the bulls literally right in front of me. flew by clopping on the cob- Somehow I survived by stanblestones. ding stock still like a statue When they were gone and I plastered against the wall. The was left standing there, appa- game is Don’t Move a Hair. rently still alive, there was no I was wearing a ridiculous li-

nen jacket and had make-up on, because my father had apparently worn a suit out of respect for the Miuras. I felt absurdly overdressed but thought grimly, if you get gored by a bull, you might as well look your best.

The street had cleared considerably and only the most experienced runners were left trying to entice the bull away from those of us stuck along the walls. People on the balconies screamed above us in unison each time the bull charged someone. Reality shifted to a dreamlike quality.

After a surreal amount of time, I managed to sprint up the street in bursts when the bull was not looking my way, finally sliding through sawdust and grime under a barrier to safety. The adrenaline rush from that left me shaking on and off for hours, even after a couple of glasses of brandy.

My father was gored in 1977, incidentally by a Miura, not long before I was born. I watched a video of him speaking about it from the hospital, possibly on some very good drugs. There was no pain, he said, just that feeling of blood flowing out of his leg, of life flowing. It reminded him of being wounded on Iwo Jima.

He told the interviewer that he simply went deep into himself and remained calm - it was unfolding as it should unfold.

I grew up with a graphic photo of the goring on my living room wall, my dad swinging by his leg on the bull horn, which gives a kid some life perspectives I guess. He loved that photo.

In a world so driven by the fear of death and an obsession with safety, some people still seek the feeling of confronting it.

It’s a ritual played out in many different ways across human cultures. This ritual happens to be one of the most exciting and dangerous still left on the planet.

A lot of the foreigners are vete-

rans who have seen battle and many say the bull run is therapeutic for them. “I can finally feel something again,” one told me having seen unspeakable things as a medic in Afghanistan.

As the clock nears 8am, we move somewhere to sing our prayers to the saint San Fermin. I can usually barely stand. I am so nervous - no matter how many times – and we sing: A San Fermin pedimos… We sing once in Spanish, then in Basque three times over, asking that San Fermin protects us in the bull run.

INTENSITY: Bulls leap over men at the entrance to the ring

We are ritualistic beings and the communion of being there in this electric atmosphere where fear and adrenaline and joy are all mixed into one overwhelming yet strangely beautiful emotion, is a rare experience and one I will always love.

The final song is sung one minute before the rocket goes.

We yell VIVA! GORA! and move to our spots. My hair is usually standing on end. BAM, BAM the rockets go, the pen is opened, and your destiny barrels down on you.

12

BUSINESS

July 16th - July 29th 2021 BARS and restaurants across Palma de Mallorca could face new coronavirus restrictions in the coming days.

It is understood that the capital’s Consell is currently discussing stricter measures after it was found that the current restrictions were being ‘abused’ by both business owners and the public.

Quids in SPAIN now has 1,147,000 millionaires according to Credit Suisse. Following current trends, this number will rise up to between 1,800,000 and 2,000,000 by 2025; this is a massive increase of 57%.

Yet compared to other western European countries, Spain is lagging behind slightly in its number of the very wealthy.

France and the UK both have more than 2,460,000 millionaires each, despite having populations of only a little over a third more than Spain.

Indeed, the number of French and British millionaires each make up 4% of their country’s population and 5% of the world’s millionaires.

Whereas, Spanish millionaires make up 2% of the country’s population and 2% of the global number of millionaires.

Some 8.8% of the United State’s population are millionaires. However, they make up 39% of all millionaires globally. This enormous

Limits

According to local press, these could include limits on capacity and seating at tables, or in a more extreme move, reduced opening

By Alex Oscar

ratio difference indicates a high concentration of wealth within a small group of people.

This concentration of wealth can also be seen in small nations.. Singapore has 4.4 billionaires per million people, whereas the UK, France and Spain have between 0.5 and 0.67.

Wealth

Andorra is 32nd in the world for GDP per capita (according to the UN), while Spain is down at 43rd.

Yet, it is Gibraltar’s wealth which is the most striking, in terms of GDP per capita.

In 2016, according to the local government, the GDP per capita of Gibraltar was $92,843 (USD). Without even factoring in inflation, this would place the Rock in the top 10 countries in the world for GDP per capita.

Here we go again hours.

It comes as the Balearic government has introduced new restrictions across the archipelago in its continued fight against COVID-19.

As well as a ban on the sale of alcohol in shops after 10pm, areas populated with British tourists in Ibiza and Mallorca will have to obey a range of special measures.

These include capacity limits on indoor and outdoor events as well as set closing hours for bars and

restaurants.

Revealing the new restrictions earlier this week, tourism minister Iago Negueruela said that since the UK government had given the green light for travel to the region, there had been a noticeable arrival of British holidaymakers.

“We ask all tourists to act responsibly and especially young people since this is the age group where infections are rising the most,” said Negueruela.

Scam alert Fraudsters target telephone payments system BIZUM fraud is on the rise due to the increased use of phone payments instead of cash.

One of the main scams is to make an offer to buy an item using the payment network, but instead of sending the money they request a payment.

The victim then receives a notification with the agreed amount and, through inattention, ap-

By Elena Gocmen Rueda

proves the payment thinking they were actually receiving it.

The money is instantly paid into the scammer’s account, who then ignores messages from the victim.

Fraudulent calls from so-called telephone companies have also been reported. They contact

customers promising a discount which they associate with Bizum.

They are led to believe that they will receive a PIN to confirm the offer but it is in fact an attempt to get your account details.

Victims of such scams should contact their bank

Never standing still APARI 2.0 launched to help you with HMRC tax declarations by Emilia Carvell

A

S Olive Press readers we know that you have become familiar with APARI and our mission to educate all taxpayers about Making Tax Digital, and making the transition to this new tax system, as seamless as possible.

Which is why we are happy to announce that APARI 2.0 is now live!

APARI has been a labour of love for our founders Sudesh & Anita Sud, and the whole team is really proud of what’s been achieved by the original APARI Product but staying ahead of an emerging market means we have to adapt and adjust with our users and their tax requirements.

That is why we have taken our extensive

MTD expertise and knowledge alongside feedback from existing users, and developed a software that will not only help navigate the new taxation rules, but will also help users keep a track of all of their business income and expenditure.

As showcased during our March Webinar, the upcoming upgrade of the software includes enhanced features designed to make your transition to Making Tax Digital (MTD) as smooth as possible.

APARI has been created with you in mind it is not only a tool to calculate and submit tax, but also to manage your property and business portfolio. Our brand new mobile application will enable you to keep up to date on the go, and amazing features such as snap and save receipts along with bank feed connection, will make digital record-keeping near effortless.

Some things will stay the same - APARI is

still HMRC recognised and will continue to educate our users about all things tax. For more information on MTD, visit the HMRC website.

So, how do you know that APARI is the right product for you? Well, to be honest, that's something only you can decide but the joy of APARI is that you can sign up and start your journey for free! And, even if you’re still unsure, it really is the best time to prepare and start digital record-keeping, ready for the official switch to MTD in 2023.

For all the latest information and advice visit www.apari-digital.com

immediately. Subsequently, a complaint has to be filed with the nearest national police headquarters.

Since June 15 the maximum number of monthly transfers that can be received by an individual user has been reduced from 150 to 60 in an effort to reduce the scope of such fraud.

Business users still have access to unlimited transactions.

Delivering the goods THE Alcampo supermarket chain has linked up with the British company Ocado to develop its online business.

Alcampo has 310 stores in Spain as part of the French-owned Auchan Retail group that has outlets in 13 countries.

With online shopping boosted due to the pandemic, Alcampo has now struck a deal with Ocado to get a share of the lucrative home-order market.

Locations

The two companies will initially build a customer centre for the Madrid region that will open in 2024. It will be the first of a series of automated warehouses in Spain, with further locations yet to be announced.

An Ocado spokesman said that the partnership will ‘allow Alcampo to meet growing demand for competitively priced, high quality grocery e-commerce’.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

July 16th - July 29th 2021

Pigments of the imagination

13

Looking for somewhere to cool off this summer? Visiting southern Spain’s amazing caves tell the story of early human culture, with Shannon Chaffers

T

HE first human inhabitants of Spain were hunter gatherers who lived in the mouths of caves scattered around the country.

One remnant of the era, which has led to some of the most significant discoveries about early human life, is cave art.

Forget the stalagmites, stalactites and underground lakes, in caves around Spain, pot holers, explorers and residents alike have discovered paintings of animals, ships, and more abstract figures dating back to the Neolithic and, in some cases, the Paleolithic time periods. While

WORLD: of stalactites is a stunning setting for the art of our ancestors

some of the most famous examples, like those in the Cave of Altamira,

are closed to the public, southern Spain is home to its fair share of cave

HORSES: See more than 100 paintings in the stunning Altamira cave

LEARN: Remains and art have led to significant findings about early man

art available to the public. Many have been designated UNESCO heritage sites.

Starting in the southeast corner of the country between Almeria and Murcia, look out for Cueva del Gabar and Cueva SPOTTED: Cave art dating back to the Neolithic era is a wonder de los Letreros, both of to behold and gives an insight into early man which are located near tening underworld of sta- the cave have led to sigVelez Blanco.

For those looking for an lactites and stalagmites, nificant findings about adventure, viewing the sprouting and dripping these settlers. And, as paintings in Cueva del into weird and wonder- the name suggests, the Gabar requires a rope and ful formations, with each cave hosts one of the ladder to scale a sheer flight of stone steps the most important bat colorock face with the help eerie caverns get more nies in Spain. You can visit via a guided tour. of a guide. For a more low impressive. key experience, you can Heading inland to Ardales Cadiz province is also reach Cueva de los Letre- is the Cueva de Doña home to considerable ros via a kilometre walk Trinidad, which is a kilo- cave art. For example, metre and a Cueva del Bacinete, in from your car, half in length, the Alcornocales Natuwhere you’ll c o m p l e t e ral Park, near Los Barrifind renderIt is a with tunnels os, has cave paintings ings of huand lakes. A that range from 3,000 to mans, birds, marvellous guided tour 6,000 years old. animals that glistening will take you Next, Cueva del Muro, date back to paintings located in the Estrecho around 4000 underworld of to from about Natural Park, near GibralBC. stalactites 20,000 years tar, includes cave paintShifting westago, includ- ings of horses that are ward to Rining those of more than 20,000 years con de la Vicold. deer, goats, and fish. toria is Cueva del Tesoro.

Earning its name from a Near Ronda, the Cueva legend that it contains de la Pileta, in Benaojan Centuries hidden treasure, the cave is a popular spot. A guidhas been the site of a ed tour through the cave centuries-long, as yet will allow you to observe Finally, Cueva de Laja unsuccessful treasure over 100 paintings from Alta in Jimena de la hunt. You can also visit a the Neolithic time period. Frontera, boasts unique room where Roman aris- While there, you can also cave paintings, includtocrat Marcus Cerassus spend time in the cave’s ing those of ships that allegedly hid for eight vast chambers which passed through the area months after fleeing boast fascinating rock during the first centuries formations. of the first millennium from Rome.

Nearby is one of Spain’s In Zuheros, near Cordo- BC. You can also catch most famous, la Cueva ba, the Cueva de los Mur- a view of the Rock of Gide Nerja, which boasts cielagos (bats) is a cave braltar from the cave. the world’s largest sta- system known for its dis- Visiting any one of these lagmite; a 32 metre high tinctive cave paintings, caves will afford you a column verified by the as well as its archaeolog- new perspective not just Guinness book of world ical record of human set- on the wonder of nature, tlement in the Neolithic but also that of human records.

It is a marvellous glis- period. The remains in history.

COLUMNISTS

July 16th - July 29th 2021

The name’s Bond: Benny Bond!

A GEING is simply an attitude of mind.

Think young and you will inherit the flame of eternal youth. Whoever said that, was as bonkers as Boris. As far as I am concerned, if you’re not getting older, you’re dead.

Simple as that! OK, maybe you can just keep ahead of the Grim Reaper by retaining a sense of humour and keep taking the tablets, but when you are stooping in an attempt to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you’re down there, the signs are on the wall.

As Bernard Shaw once said: ¨If I had known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.¨ But being old also has its advantages.

You’ve done it all, good or bad.

No more having to try harder, no more keeping up with the Jones’, and above all, it’s the kids turn to look after you for a change.

Got the T-shirt, wear it with pride. Also, retired wrinkly expats in Spain can have fun with their younger neighbours by reinventing their past careers.

Wrinklies I met at past social events were never ordinary workers.

All managed to self-elevate their historical CV´s to positions of grandeur including former managing directors, military officers, bank managers, top consultant engineers, high ranking police officials, and even MI5 ‘Bond’-type operatives, ¨Sorry, still

OL D HA CK IN TH E SU N

Benny Davis

Ramblings of an 80-something exp at

cannot talk about my past, Official Secrets Act, old chap. Today, life in Spain is simply a relaxing piece of cake.

The only lay-by stops on the motorway to the eventual ‘afterlife’ are ensuring you take your pills on time, medical help is only a push button away, assistance with opening ‘secure top’ bottles, tins, wine corks, climbing steps, and in many cases, actually standing up and ensuring you don’t wander too far from a loo.

Which reminds me, don’t forget that unmentionable essential, maintaining a good stock of incontinence pants. On reflection, maybe not so much a ‘piece of cake’, after all.

Family reunited Green list for Mallorca is not just about holidaymakers

I HAPPY FAMILY: Terenia, Anton and Paul

T was great news when the UK government put the Balearic Islands on the Green list, especially as I’d booked for my son to come out on holiday.

Thousands of British tourists have been arriving in Mallorca now they no longer need to self-quarantine on return to the UK. I was one of the many people at the airport looking forward to welcoming loved ones after the long-awaited announcement to add Mallorca to the Green list.

For those who think it’s selfish and irresponsible that people should even con-

Terenia Taras

Telling it like it is

sider wanting to travel, it’s not just about getting away for some sun. But even if it is a bit of sun, sea and sand you’re wishing for, you shouldn’t be made to feel guilty.

For many of us it’s about being reunited with loved ones who haven’t been able to travel because of the world-wide COVID restrictions.

As I waited outside arrivals at Palma airport I got chatting to a few people who were the first to arrive in Mallorca from the UK.

Celebration

For recovering cancer patient Diane Frere it was a celebration of life after arriving at Palma airport after undergoing cancer treatment. She’ll also be celebrating her 40th birthday whilst on holiday in Cala d ’Or. “I’m ecstatic to be here,” said Diane. “It’s a long-awaited rest after having cancer treatment last year. I’m now in remission and it’s my 40th birthday, so it’s a double celebration.”

Maeve Leaning and husband Jeremy who live in Port Soller were patiently waiting for her daughter to arrive after not seeing each other since August 2020.

Tearing up as she spoke, Maeve said: “It’s emotional. I haven’t seen Allanna since last year. We Facetime but it’s not the same. Allanna lives and works in London and we didn’t want her to come out until we thought it was safe.”

Husband and stepfather Jeremy whose son lives in Australia, added: “Mallorca being added to the Green list is not just about holidaymakers, it’s about reuniting families who have been unable to see each other for a long time.

“I think as long as you’re vaccinated or have a negative test people should be able to travel freely.”

After a tearful reunion, Allanna Jackson, 31, who works in hospitality and events, said: “It’s fantastic to see my mum and I’m really looking forward to having two weeks with her.”

As for me, it’s great to finally be able to spend some quality time with my son Anton, who is doing a business studies degree at Leeds University and also works in a DIY store.

Whilst Anton is here I’m going to enjoy time with my family after our lives have been on hold for so long.

This sporting life

E

ngland may have fallen agonisngly short in the final of Euro 2020, but there has still been rejoicing far and wide. The performance of Gareth Southgate’s team in the championships has been described as one of the greatest English sporting moments since 1966 and all that. This made me consider my own sporting highlights.

Apart from a brief and undistinguished rugby career, where I was described as an ‘impact player’, because nobody had an idea what sort of impact I would have, and a couple of blasts around Thruxton in a single seater, my sporting history is confined solely to, ahem, ‘memorable incidents” with professional athletes.

Although I hail from Stoke I support Chelsea due to the fact that I spent most of the 90s tearing up and down the Kings Road, just as the “Italian invasion” of Zola, Di Matteo and Vialli began.

One night, somewhat ‘over refreshed’ at Pucci’s Pizzeria, I managed to slip, stumble and go sprawling down a set of steps, finally landing on Vialli, who was coming up the other way. In one fell swoop I could have ended the Italian legend’s career. He took it very well considering.

Blurry

Away from football my other great sporting moments have been to do with rugby. These include a long and slightly blurry afternoon with England and Lions legend Steve Smith. At one point he put me in a friendly headlock. At least I think it was friendly. I also met the great Gavin Hastings at a charity function. He asked me if I played, which was somewhat akin to Ayrton Senna asking you if you drove.

But my finest sporting moment was at a Marbella house party in 1999. I found myself in the kitchen talking rugby to a friendly Nigerian bloke.

I was waxing lyrical about my various non-existent rugby highlights, only to ask my new friend, Steve, where he came from.

Bath, he answered.

And then the penny dropped.

Steve. Steve Ojomoh. Bath and England player...

Steve burst out laughing and called out to his mate in the corner. “Addie. Come and meet Giles. He plays a bit of rugby.”

England winger Adedayo Adebayo introduced himself, and the pair, unable to contain their mirth, insisted that I came with them for after party drinks.

The pair insisted on taking me with them as they left the party, and I can honestly say that I’ve proved that not only can I not perform like a rugby player but I can’t party like one either.

OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 6 Knoll, 8 Photos, 9 Anchored, 10 Time!, 11 Gears, 12 Freight, 15 Spooner, 16 Gully, 18 Flag, 20 Openings, 21 Screes, 22 Donna.

Down: 1 Skin-deep, 2 Mother tongues, 3 Spidery, 4 Contributions, 5 Boom, 7 Lark, 13 Hologram, 14 Remorse, 17 Bend, 19 Lack.

SUDOKU

14

HEALTH Delta hell

THE Delta coronavirus variant that swept the UK has become dominant in Spain and could be attributed to the country’s recent spike in COVID cases.

Health officials have warned that further action is needed to slow its spread after it was confirmed the number of cases had soared by 15% over the last week.

The new strain, which first emerged in India, now accounts for the vast majority of the total coronavirus cases in Spain and is continuing to gain ground across the county.

Vaccinated

Delta accounts for 71% sequenced cases in Spain this week, up from around 55% last week, according to the health ministry.

Around 45.9% of Spain’s 38million adults are fully vaccinated and 59% have received at least one dose. These levels aren’t high enough to defeat the more contagious Delta variant as herd immunity would only be achieved with around 85% of the population vaccinated.

July 16th - July 29th 2021

THE reporting rate of side effects from COVID vaccines in the Valencian Community stands at 0.25%, 32% lower than in April.

Safest jab was the Janssen vaccine, where just 0.05% of recipients reported a bad reaction.

Next was the Pfizer jab, which had a

Low side effects

side effect rate of 0.2%.

The UK serum Vaxzevria - AstraZeneca - had a reporting rate of 0.38%, while the Moderna vaccine had a rate of 0.47%.

The main side effects reported were pain at the injection site, fever, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and diarrhea.

Of the 3.4 million doses offered in the Valencian Community, 42,776 refused

15

the jab, 1.25% of the total.

Of these, more than 1,200 did so for medical reasons, having an allergy to some component, and more than 39,000 refused for no medical reason.

The remaining 2,000 had already had COVID and inoculation was not recommended at that time.

Warning signs SPAIN is in the grip of a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections that have placed it among the top three danger zones in Europe.

A map of Europe shows Spain and its neighbour Portugal tinted dark red based on the number of new infections while most of the rest of the continent is yellow or pale orange.

Fifth wave puts Spain back among top COVID-19 infection zones in Europe

AT LAST: Carolina Darias reveals plans for self testing

Infection

Only Cyprus currently has a higher infection rate than the Iberian peninsula.

The latest data from Spain’s health ministry shows that the country has a cumulative infection rate over 14 days of 368 cases per 10,000 people.

Infection rates are rising across the nation but have spiked in Catalunya where it has reached 725.59 cases per 100,000 people, followed by Castilla y Leon with 660,73 cases per 100,000, Navarra with 548,10 cases per 100,000.

By comparison the UK has

By Fiona Govan

a current rate of 583.4 cases per 100,000 people over 14 days, while France has 63.6 and Germany a mere 11.5 cases per 100,000 people.

The huge rise in infections across Spain has caused some regional authorities to re-in-

troduce measures including curfews and curbs on nightlife.

The rise in infections have led some countries to tighten restrictions on travellers returning from Spain.

Germany categorised Spain as a simple risk area on July 11 and France has advised its citizens not to travel there.

COVID-19 self-diagnosis tests will be made available in pharmacies, without a prescription.

Minister of Health, Carolina Darias stressed that having the tests available will help to ‘improve early detection of suspected positive cases’, especially in those who are ‘asymptomatic’, as many recent cases in 12 to 29 year-olds have been.

A draft decree by the Ministry of Health said that the introduction of self-diagnosis tests will ‘help effectively control the spread of the virus and therefore reduce mobility restrictions

DIY tests

and allow the resumption of normal activities.’

The decree will be taken to the Council of Ministers on July 20, where the official plan will be confirmed for the distribution of the self-diagnosis tests, as well as how they will be advertised across the country.

The news comes as a surprise to many, as until now, the Ministry of Health had refused to distribute self-testing kits, despite pressure from both the pharmaceutical sector and communities.

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Christmas pickings

FINAL WORDS

EL Gordo Christmas lottery tickets are now on sale throughout Spain, with a whopping €2.4 billion up for grabs in the draw on December 22.

High steaks HEALTH minister Alberto Garzon receives a mixed response after launching a campaign to encourage Spaniards to eat less meat, following research that Spain consumes more than any other EU country.

Oh, pants!

ALMORADI City Council has put out a warning to residents that having visible washing lines or satellite dishes on terraces and balconies may incur fines.

OLIVE PRESS

The

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Vol. 4 Issue 110

Nomophobia A SPANISH study has discovered that a large proportion of young people experience moderate levels of nomophobia: the fear/anxiety of not having access to a mobile phone.

The University of Granada study showed that nomophobia comes from a fear of not being able to reply to messages, a lack of phone or data coverage and an inability to interact with social media.

Deduced

The investigators deduced that nomophobia is related to ‘fomo’ (fear of missing out) and to dependence on mobile phones for carrying out everyday activities.

They also found out that, through the study of the 880 nursing students, experiencing nomophobia can lead to problems in peoples’ daily lives. For instance, the anxiety it causes can cause issues in work/study productivity and quality of life (in terms of rest, social relations and eating habits).

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voice in Spain July 16th - July 29th 2021

Got it licked

Battle for the statue

A COURT has delayed the removal of a monument celebrating a fascist victory during the Spanish Civil War. The Monument to the Battle of Ebro celebrates a decisive defeat of the Republican army in 1938 by Nationalist forces led

by Franco.

The 45-metre high memorial, which was inaugurated by dictator Franco in 1966, is the latest symbol in an ongoing battle between Spain’s left-wing government which seeks to remove all remnants of the late dictator and those who oppose it.

Campaigners in Tortosa, a town of 33,000 inhabitants, launched a legal battle to oppose attempts by the pro-independence Catalan regional authorities to remove the statue.

The Friends of the Monument in Tortosa argue that author-

Court halts efforts to remove Franco monument after campaign by locals

By Graham Keeley

ities should respect the result of a 2016 referendum in which 68% of local people voted to save the statue.

“They are overriding the interests of local people to suit the political interests of Barcelona.

We are not in favour of Franco or against,” lawyer Alejandro Hernandez told Olive Press.

Hernandez said the monument bears no trace of the Franco regime.

Lourdes Ciuro, the Catalan justice minister, said she was confident the memorial would be removed later this month.

“It is a fascist monument which honours one side who won the

war,” she added.

Spain’s left-wing government ordered Franco’s remains to be removed from the Valley of the Fallen, a huge mausoleum outside Madrid, in 2019.

ANIMALS at a Spanish nature park have been keeping cool in the recent hot weather thanks to some specially-made ice lollies.

Mundomar staff came up with a lolly range to cater for the different diets needed at the Benidorm park.

For example, the lemurs got an ice and vegetable mixture while it was a fish-themed lolly for the otters and meat combined with ice for the meerkats.

Staff and visitors were able to enjoy watching the animals using different techniques to eat the lollies. These ranged from biting them and throwing them on the ground through to old-fashioned licking!

Experts said that one bonus was that they had their senses invigorated by the icy treats because they were something that the animals were not used to.

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Olive Press Mallorca – 170mm x 256mm – Colour

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July 16