Costa Blanca South Olive Press - Issue 8 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

The

OLIVE PRESS

Far right push to clamp down in the classrooms See page 4

Dodgy deals, the mafia and how squatters are now ‘owned by the banks

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA

FREE

expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 1 Issue 8 www.theolivepress.es February 20th - March 4th, 2020

Hidden costs EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

See page 6

Your

A BRITISH man has been hit with a €30,000 legal bill after lawyers brought a lawsuit ‘without his knowledge’ in Murcia. Mike Joines, 58, from Hampshire, began litigation with the well-known law firm in 2006 over fears he would lose his deposit on an off-plan villa in Dolores, near Los Alcazares. The Cadiz-based legal firm, CostaLuz Lawyers, undertook legal proceedings to reclaim Joines’ €53,557 deposit after the off-plan villa’s com-

British man faces €30,000 bill for lawsuit ‘brought without his knowledge’ pletion date was delayed by a year. There were also serious concerns raised about the legality of the development by Spanish firm Peinsa 97. “I’m paying nearly what I’d already lost in 2006,” Joines told the Olive Press. “I’m 58, heading for retirement, and I can’t bear the cost of this for the next 10 years it would take to pay in instalments.

DELAY: Led to unwanted legal bills

“I don’t know who to turn to or what to do.” Email correspondence, seen by the Olive Press, reveals Joines paid €3,600 to the firm after being told he had a ‘strong case’ to get all his money back ‘plus interest and legal fees’. A later email on November 27, 2006, stated clearly: “That’s your last investment on litigation”.

Expat tragedy Alina, 36, found dead in bin was due to be married to well known Dutch agent now accused of killing her

The Spanish property battle between two British dukes See page 12

How Spain’s Wikiloc is taking over the world

Exclusive report on page 2 See page 16

However, following a lengthy case and appeal, concurring added costs, a second lawsuit was launched in 2010 without Joines’ prior knowledge, he claims. “What is going on? I am not aware of any second lawsuit,” Joines wrote in an email dated March 24, 2010. “I have no money to keep piling into this matter. Also, with this lack of communication, it is very worrying as you have power of attorney for my actions in Spain.”

Gobsmacked

The law firm replied saying they had acted on Joines’ ‘behalf’ to pursue a second case with ‘no further fees’ given they had won ‘several’ similar cases in the past. “We are very confident, not to say certain, that at least 80% of your money will be recovered.” Following little communication and an entire four years of total silence, it came as a complete shock when they wrote again last month requesting €29,874 in legal bills. “I was gobsmacked and there is no way I can pay it,” he insisted this week. CostaLuz Lawyers director Maria Luisa Castro told the Olive Press there was ‘nothing else to do for the client’ and so the case was closed in 2020. She added her law firm did partially win the case ‘at appeal’, with the company Peinsa 97, which was ordered to refund Joines ‘part of his deposit’, however the company went into insolvency in 2016. She added there was a ‘risk’ to checking whether Joines was included as one of Peinsa’s creditors due to legal matters pertaining to the court win.

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Rape claims AN expat couple are facing eight years in prison after raping another foreign woman, whom they had met via the internet in November 2018 and invited to their house in Torrevieja. The man raped the victim before ‘finishing off sexual relations’ with his wife.

Bad message A PLASTIC surgeon has been sentenced to pay €30,702 compensation after giving a 51-yearold woman a breast lift and then telling her, via Whatsapp, to treat herself after her left breast began necrotising.

Moving fast A MAN has been arrested for attempting to throw his partner out of a moving car in Valencia. He was driving under the effects of alcohol.

CRIME

Expat tragedy

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Alina, 36, found dead in bin was due to be married to well known Dutch estate agent now accused of killing her

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

THE wedding date had been set and the invites recently sent out. So friends were left stunned when the body of Alina Mocanu was found in a rubbish bin on Monday - with her expat fiance now accused of killing her. The mother of a 14-year-old son was discovered by dustmen at 8.10am wrapped in a blood-soaked blanket. She had been bound in ropes and had deep wounds to her forearms and to her neck. The whole Moraira community is still in shock after it emerged her husband-to-be - a well known local estate agent - had admitted to the brutal slaying. The 36-year-old from Calarasi, near Bucharest, in Romania, had been dating Dutch expat Arthur Karvink, 59, for two years. The pair worked together in a front line estate agency, just yards from the beach of the idyllic resort town. But now the ex-marine is facing life in prison after turning himself into the Guardia Civil in nearby El Portet at 12.30pm on Tuesday. He quickly confessed to the horrific crime. The next day, videos circulated of a man, face concealed, being manhandled by detectives into the Brilliant Real Estate office, that had been

Fine arts

founded by Karvink, back in 2016. Shouts of ‘Mordenaar’ (‘murderer’ in Dutch) and ‘Asesino’ were hurled at the hooded figure on Moraira’s central Avenida Madrid. Reports later appeared of the prime suspect admitting he had killed Alina in the office, where they worked together, with a kitchen knife following an argument on Sunday. Karvink’s case will now be heard at Denia’s Court of Violence Against Women. It it not the first time the former Marine Corps soldier has been in the dock for attacking his would-be bride. A spokesperson for the Valencian Courts of Justice told the Olive Press, this week, that police had actually raced to an incident at Karvink’s house in the early hours of June 30, last year. A Denia judge went on to issue a restraining order of 300m to protect Alina from her fiance. He also ruled zero communication between the pair, in the run up to Karvink’s trial at Benidorm’s criminal court no 2. However, Alina refused to testify and the case collapsed due to lack of evidence. A friend of the couple told the Olive Press that Karvink was ‘prone to aggressive episodes’. The Dutchman, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “He got strange and aggressive with me on two occasions and I immediately recognised he had

Not paying your non-resident taxes in Spain could lead to sudden fines, write Sun Lawyers

MAGINE you are driving your car along a Spanish one-way system. From out of nowhere, a Guardia Civil officer steps into the road, right arm up, left arm pointing at you to pull over… What could go wrong? Several minutes later, you get a ticket (€1,500) because you had not realised your car insurance had expired. An innocent overlook, perhaps – but not enough to avoid the fine. This is exactly what could happen if you missed the deadline to pay your non-resident tax. Please read through this article that we’ve written to help you understand how non-resident taxes work.

country with an effective exchange of tax information with Spain will be charged a Spanish income tax rate of 19%. In either category, the general rule for fiscal non-residents is that tax is based on their gross Spanish source of notional income (benefit of having an asset), net rental income and on capital gains arising from assets located in Spain. You are a non-resident and property owner, what taxes should you pay?

You are a Spanish fiscal resident if you live more than 183 days per calendar year on Spanish territory (and had previously applied for a Spanish residency card). Otherwise, you are a fiscal non-resident. However, both fiscal non-resident and resident property owners in Spain are obliged to file annual income tax returns, as the Spanish tax system operates through self-assessment. The fiscal tax year in Spain begins on the 1st January and ends on the 31st December. Spanish fiscal non-resident annual tax returns are declared in arrears and hence the following year. How much tax will you have to pay?

Before we dive into it, there is an important rule you should keep in mind. When property is owned by more than one person, each person will be an independent taxpayer who will have to declare separate tax returns. The income tax amount will depend on the use of the property: A) Notional income tax on properties in private use Let’s say you were not the owner of the property during the whole year. In this case, you would only pay notional income tax that would apply to the period where you were the actual owner. This same formula would apply if you rent your property out. Notional income tax is calculated according to the calendar year – 1st January to the 31st December. B) Income tax on property that is rented out The rule here is: non-resident property owners who rent out their property are obliged to declare the total amount received and are taxed over the net income. Unlike notional income, this kind of tax is declared quarterly as follows: · 1st-20th April (1st quarter) · 1st-20th July (2nd quarter) · 1st-20th October (3rd quarter) · 1st-20th January (4th quarter) Have you got any questions on non-resident tax? If so, then please do let us know.

There are two main categories here: Non-residents in Spain from non-EU member states or non-EEA countries are required to declare income earned in Spain at a general rate of 24%. Non-residents of an EU member state or EEA

Sun Lawyers is a Spanish law firm founded in 1985 with more than 30 years experience. Our team of English-speaking lawyers represent both residents and non-residents in all aspects of legal, fiscal and property law. Contact details: Email: admin@sun-lawyers.com

What kind of homeowner are you? If you own property in Spain, you are within one of the following three groups: 1. Investor, to rent out (not possessing Spanish residency card) 2. Holiday home owner (not possessing Spanish residency card) 3. Permanent home owner (possessing Spanish residency card) If you’re within groups 1 and/or 2… keep reading please! Are you a Spanish fiscal resident?

HAPPIER TIMES: Alina and Arthur

this behavioral issue.” He put the issue down to his tours of duty in trouble spots around the world as a soldier. “I am dealing with two other friends with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder for almost 30 years and so I know how to recognize the symptoms. “It’s really sad about what happened, but he was sick in the head.” Questions are now being raised about the authorities’ intervewntion as Alina becomes the 11th woman to die at the hands of a partner in 2020 so far. Moraira Town Hall declared a day of mourning on Wednesday, this week, while Alicante’s Town Hall held a minute’s silence in Alina’s honour. “From the youngest among us, we must put a stop to this social disease of gender violence,” said Alicante’s deputy mayor Mari Carmen Sanchez. “We cannot continue having years as black as this one has begun. “We must be totally intolerant – if you have any doubt or suspicion about this type of situation, I encourage you to report it and prevent victims from being silent. We must use all the mechanisms available to us by the administrations to stop the figures of this social scourge from rising.” Opinion Page 6

Oh sugar!

A DRAMATIC chase of three suspected drug traffickers ended in an anticlimax after officers could only find 12 bags of sugar in their car. The lackluster raid came after the Moroccan trio from Ceuta crashed their vehicle while being chased by Policia Local in Marbella. The suspects then made a run for it with online footage showing two officers in hot pursuit. Police can be heard firing a warning shot before arresting all three. But upon searching their vehicle, police could only find the bags of sugar.

Behind bars POLICE have caught a trio of thieves red-handed robbing a Murcia bar in the early hours of Monday morning. Despite the robbers attempting to hide during the 3.30am raid by locking themselves in the toilet, hiding under a table and the bar, all three were arrested. Aged between 47 and 58, the trio are to be charged with violent robbery.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Trumped again SPAIN’S King and Queen have usurped Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez… at least in the pecking order of Donald Trump. The Spanish royals have been invited again for a state visit to America, before the new PSOE leader has even got a look in! President Trump has extended his undersized hands to Felipe and Letizia for the second time in two years. The US President will stage an official visit for the Spanish Monarchy on April 21. Their first trip across the pond in 2018, saw style-conscious Letizia outdo First Lady Melania, in a fuschia pink dress, which she paired with matching heels and clutch bag (see left). The world’s press will be watching to see what the two global style icons will be wearing this time.

King and Queen Doñana and a Gooseberry fool! THEY are a romantic pair, just like the rest of us. And so it was no different for Spain’s King and Queen who took a romantic escape to the country’s most famous national park for Valentine’s Day. Felipe and Letizia booked a long weekend in idyllic Donana for the most romantic day of the year. Staying in an isolated cortijo, they went birdwatching and walked through the famous dunes. The trip coincided conveniently with the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the national park. Making three a crowd, the president of the Junta, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla joined the royal duo as King Gooseberry at the Unesco Biosphere Reserve for a commemoration service.

Stardust stays at home! Hard luck for Banderas as he’s beaten again at the Oscars

JOAQUIN Phoenix trumped Antonio Banderas to Best Actor at the Oscars. The Malaga-born actor lost

out to Phoenix for a second time, following his defeat at the Golden Globes last month.

A date with the Red Devils ESTEPONA’S mayor is a United fan and he’s got the shirt to prove it. Jose Maria Garcia Urbano, 57, looked happy as Larry (or Lingard) as he was handed the shirt at the Kempinski hotel where the squad was staying. Gifted it, appropriately, by two Spanish players Juan Mata and David de Gea he then chatted to other players from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, who were at the Marbella Football Centre for winter training. The week-long break certainly did the trick, as they trounced Chelsea 0-2 away on Monday night. “Sometimes you just need a change of scenery,” said manager Ole about the holiday following the win. “The freshness in their heads, their mentality, the smile.” They were meant to stay at Marbella’s Westin La Quinta but changed plans due to coronavirus fears when they found out Chinese side, Dalian Yifang,

It was the 59-year-old’s first Academy Award nomination, which he received for his role as Salvador Mallo in Dolor y Gloria, directed by godfather of Spanish cinema, Pedro Almodovar. At least the award went to a deserving role and it was fourth time lucky for Puerto Rican-born Phoenix, nominated three times before. The 45-year-old picked up the coveted golden statue for his title role in Joker, the origin story for Batman’s arch nemesis. The other three nominees fighting for the prize were Leonardo DiCaprio for his

role in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Adam Driver for his role in Marriage Story and Jonathan Pryce for his role in The Two Popes. Meanwhile, Spanish animated film Klaus which won Best Animated Film at the BAFTAs failed to replicate its success at the Oscars. The biggest winner of the night was South Korean film Parasite, which made history for becoming the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture gong. “The Oscars are becoming more international,” insisted Banderas on the night.

Crooning in SPAIN’S most famous singer is heading south this summer. Julio Iglesias, 76, has announced four concerts in Fuengirola, Merida, Chiclana and Cordoba during August and September. The mini tour kicks off on August 5 at Marenostrum Castle, in Fuengirola. The Grammy-Award winning singer, who has sold more than 300 million records, will then play at the Concert Music Festival of Chiclana on August 14.

Step aside Penny! PEDRO Almodovar has a brand new muse. Step aside Penelope Cruz, for the legendary Spanish director has turned to Tilda Swinton for his next two movies. The Castillian filmmaker has opted for the British star to anchor the two English-language films. It is the first time he will direct movies not in his native Spanish, and he is apparently taking no chances. The first film The Human Voice, written by poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau, is to start filming this Spring. The other is a feature length film called A Manual For Cleaning Women, by Lucia Berlin. Swinton, 59, won an Oscar in 2008 for Best Supporting Actress in Michael Clayton. The redhead Thespian descends from Scottish aristocracy and is an avid supporter of Scottish independence. The mother-of-two, based in London, recently appeared in A Bigger Splash, with Ralph Fiennes, as well as Doctor Strange and the Avengers: Endgame.

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Let’s kick ‘em out! A FIGHT against squatters is underway after Alicante politicians signed a motion demanding Spain’s government to bring in stricter laws. Representatives of two po-

Dug out

Reporters Simon Wade and Joshua Parfitt

Your reporters, here to help on the Costa Blanca

A HOMELESS man had to be rescued from an isolated refuge in the middle of an Andalucian mountain range. The Guardia Civil pulled the 49-year-old man from a temporary shelter where he has lived for three months along with his two dogs. The man had run out of food and was starving, according to the agents who found him in La Polarda, in the Beires area of Almeria. He told agents he had become trapped after heavy snowfall and not been able to get supplies for some time from the nearest village of Ohanes 20 kilometres away.

litical parties signed a joint institutional declaration this week, urging Madrid to make significant legal changes to the criminal code. Quicker and more severe punishments are being demanded for so-called Okupas, including a 12 hour mandate to be given to authorities to evict them. A joint statement from Partido Popular and the Ciudadanos read: “Direct consequences of illegal occupation are a surge in fights and drug trafficking, contributing to the deterioration of entire neighbourhoods. “On many occasions, squatters leave before their trial but only after many years have elapsed and irreparable damage has been caused to the property.” Leaders also blasted the installation of marijuana plantations where illegal hookups to public lighting can cause serious fires. Squatters for sale Page 6

Fugitive paedophile nabbed Contact them with any stories or news on 951 273 575 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es (Personal contacts on page 6)

AN Irish paedophile on the run for three months has been picked up in Andalucia. He was found living in the Axarquia village of La Vinuela, when picked up by Spanish cops after a tip off. The 54-year-old man is wanted for his involvement in child exploitation and pornography. This latest arrest comes after a 77-year-old British man was arrested in nearby Velez-Malaga for uploading child porn images to several fake Facebook profiles.

PARENTAL RIGHTS: Vox leader Santiago Abascal flexing muscles in Murcia stronghold

The right not to learn

SCHOOLS in Murcia are in uproar over a new pin system allowing parents to stop their children attending classes that go against their moral values. The controversial initiative was spearheaded by the far right Vox party, which made huge gains in the November election to become the country’s third largest political force. But Spain’s government claims the move promotes ignorance and is blocking children’s right to a balanced education - a backlash that could end up in court with legal action being taken against the region. The ruling introduced in the south west of Murcia in September, allows parents to stop their children from attending classes on any subject they believe goes against their personal ideology. Vox says the policy - not yet a signedoff law - is designed to protect children, by requiring parental permission for exposure to content relating to ‘ethical or social values or civic or sexual

Politicians and teachers in Murcia at daggers drawn over classroom censorship scheme morals’. Vox has long argued that such classes encourage pupils interest in homosexuality and transgender identity. But critics claim the move will shut down debate on gender, sexual orientation, feminism and the environment as the scheme also requires parental consent for any activity relating to ‘socially controversial moral questions or sexuality’. Teachers are divided in the region with some stating parents should have this inalienable right as part of the Spanish constitution.

Ignorance

However, the majority believe in openness and freedom in education. One teacher, who did not want to be named said: “Education should guarantee that every child receives knowl-

Expat left for dead A BRITISH expat has been beaten and left for dead after a vicious assault by two teenagers. The 36-year-old had just got home in La Linea when, according to police, two minors under the age of 17 launched a savage assault from behind. The Brit tried to shut his door but the two attackers proved too strong, kicking and beating him until he fell unconscious. The youths threatened to slit his throat if he did not hand over his phone and wallet. The expat was found on the ground by a neighbour, who cared for him until emergency services arrived. La Linea police did not take long to identify the suspects and were even able to retrieve the stolen phone.

edge based on the universal principles of equality and freedom of speech and which encompasses a wide range of issues”. Vox’s position as kingmaker to the PP and Ciudadanos coalition in Madrid and Andalucia has enabled it to drive the measure through, threatening to veto Murcia’s education budget unless the parental pin was adopted as part of the package. But others are looking into legal ways of blocking the policy. Government spokeswoman, Maria Jesus Montero said: “There are parties that do not want free men and women to educate us freely. The right wing sees ignorance as freedom.” Education Minister Isabel Celaa has now threatened to take legal action against the region if it fails to remove the parental veto within a month. Meanwhile, regional government leader, Fernando Lopez Miras spoke on radio station Cadena Ser, stating: “The freedom and rights of parents within the region are non-negotiable”. He continued: “The ideological neutrality of teachers in Murcia is unquestionable. The parental veto gives parents freedom.” But Spain’s new equalities minister, Irene Montero, called it educational censorship. “The sons and daughters of homophobic parents have the same right as everyone else to be educated about respect, the promotion of human rights and being able to love whoever they want. The sons and daughters of sexist parents have the same right to be educated about equality and feminism.” Ironically, the Spanish rank among Europe’s most supportive when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. In 2005 it became only the third country in the world to allow same sex marriage. The respected Pew Research Center reports 77% of citizens either supported or strongly supported same-sex marriage in 2018.

NEWS

108 not out

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Fresh pool probe into drowninigs INVESTIGATORS have once again inspected the pool which took the lives of three British holidaymakers in Mijas on Christmas Eve. It comes after a Malaga judge allowed a ‘parallel’ probe be launched by the Diya family into how the pool at the Club La Costa World Resort could have killed dad Gabriel, 52, daughter Comfort, aged nine and her brother Emmanuel, 16.

The site was visited by an engineer, professional diver and an assistant. The experts carried out several tests in front of the Diya family lawyer Javier Toro. Guests of the hotel remained lounging on sunbeds as the diver entered the water for around half an hour.

Scarred By Simon Wade

THE Troubadour of Totana has turned 108 on the Costa Calida. Juan Tudelo Piernas (above) added another year to his belt on February 14 and celebrated his birthday by entertaining the local mayor with the old Troubadour tradition of singing improvised songs. Known locally as El Tio Juan Rita, he has become an unofficial cultural ambassador for Totana and the surrounding Murcia region. The Archivo General of Totana is now hosting an exhibition of photographs chronicling Piernas’ life. Although he has never revealed the secret of his longevity, it is believed the local climate, Mediterranean food and a life-long passion for music are the answer.

THE Red Cross is still supporting families five months after the devastating gota fria floods, it has been revealed. The Cruz Roja has helped over 440 families across 19 towns and villages in the low-lying region of the Vega Baja in Costa Blanca South. The organisation announced last week that the €550,000 raised from private donors and companies helped meet ‘material and emotional needs’ of those that have suffered, so far.

Psychological

They have made over 1,000 deliveries of furniture and appliances in Daya Nueva, Dolores, Almoradi and many other places. With its slogan ‘We continue working’, guidance and professional advice

Terrifying floods last year have taken a toll on the mental health of families on the Costa Blanca

has been given to help rebuild damaged homes. Psychological services are still caring for 22 people, according to Maria Casanova, of Orihuela Red Cross. “We are seeing cases of anticipatory anxiety, where

people become obsessed with the weather, who see rain through the window and live through what happened again,” she said. President of Alicante Red Cross Francisco Galvan said: “The fact that we have

OLIVE PRESS

The

www.theolivepress.es

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Your expat

voice in Spain

For all your local advertising needs please contact our Sales Manager Charles Bamber 0034 661 452 180 charles@theolivepress.es

a physical presence makes it possible for us to give a more immediate response. "Our work is not going to end ... there are many families who need a lot of support because they have lost everything.”

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 one million people a month.

OPINION

Open Justice

SOCIAL media has witnessed a rapid turnaround from a mystery murder to a case of domestic violence in the heart of a Costa Blanca town this week. Videos, eyewitness accounts and police updates have provided a flurry of information on what happened to the woman found dumped in a rubbish bin in Moraira last Monday. In particular, the naming and photographing of those involved has caused a stir. As law-abiding citizens, we believe in the principle of innocent before proven guilty. However, we also believe in the role of journalism in justice. It was over 200 years ago that jurist and social reformer Jeremy Bentham said: “Where there is no publicity, there is no justice.” He said publicity ‘is the keenest spur to exertion, and the surest of all guards against improbity’. So when a horrific crime comes to our neighbourhood, we deserve to know what happened. When gender violence has already seen 11 women murdered by current or former partners in 2020, we deserve to know what happened. During her speech following a minute’s silence in Alicante, deputy mayor Mari Carmen Sanchez said ‘we must use all the mechanisms available to us’ to put a stop to the ‘social disease’ of machistic violence. We believe that information from the authorities is vital to stopping this insanity at its root, and to detering perpetrators from thinking they can get away with such brutality. Until then, if somebody does not want their private lives brought into the public eye, don’t murder anyone – and should you be found innocent, don’t confess to it.

Carbon crackdown It’s great to see that a remarkable green story has caught the attention of our readers. The story of the terrace heater ban in France and the planned ban in Barcelona has been viewed almost 40,000 times since Monday. The new regulations are sparking much debate on the fight against climate change. Here in Spain we are lucky enough to enjoy a mediterranean climate and so dining al-fresco without potentially damaging the environment could and should easily be the case. Enjoying a cocktail at a chiringuito or taking cena on the terrace is a luxury and we can definitely do our bit in the current climate emergency by taking a jumper, dining inside and some restaurants and bars even offer blankets. Although not everyone will agree with this ban and it is yet to be seen if it will come to be implemented throughout the rest of Spain, the fact that this is encouraging discussion and challenging perceptions is always positive. Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Charlie Smith charlie@theolivepress.es

Joshua Parfitt joshua@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es

Dimitris Kouimtsidis dimitris@theolivepress.es

Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es

Joanne Oakley joanne@theolivepress.es

Simon Wade simon@theolivepress.es

Admin Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es

Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

Distribution ENQUIRIES (+34) 951 273 575 distribution@ theolivepress.es

Newsdesk: 0034 951 273 575 For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 Head office

Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5, Calle Espinosa 1, Edificio cc El Duque, planta primera, 29692, Sabinillas, Manilva Deposito Legal MA: 498-2019

AWARDS

2016 - 2020 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2020 Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

features

February 20th - March 4th 2020

HERE is a chalet for sale on the Haya real estate site for €347.679. It was built in 1974 at the upmarket end of a small mountain town on the outskirts of Madrid. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a Spanish flag flying out front. The flag was put up by a young family of squatters who moved into the property and were apparently to be ‘sold’ along with it, together with the electro-domestics. The house actually belongs to Bankia, which repossessed the property when its previous occupants failed to keep up with their mortgage payments. The new occupants pay nothing at all – not even for their water and electricity, creating a certain amount of resentment in the neighbourhood. As Vox captured much of the town’s vote in the 2019 general election, perhaps the flag was an attempt to win over the locals. The story went round that the family had come to an arrangement with the bank: they could BREAKING: A man forcing an entry at an Alicante home, while stay until the property was sold (right) a squatter who attacked an Olive Press reporter in Murcia and would be given a lump sum to move on when it was. In this case, the rumours may be groundless but the concept is not the ‘urban myth’ dismissed by Idealista real estate spokesman Beñatdel Coso.

Anarchist

Squatters for sale

According to Enrique Villalobos, president of the Regional Federation of Neighbours Associations of Madrid (FRAVM) “It goes in Dodgy deals, mafia and waves. OLIVE PRESS There are times when it is of in- squatters ‘owned by homes and is still demanding terest to vulture funds and finan- banks’. Heather Galloway LINE OF DUTY they meet the rest of their debt cial entities to coordinate with investigates the murky with interest. the mafias.” Clare. M. who lives in Puente The most glaring instance oc- underworld of real estate de Vallecas, the second most curred between 2014 and 2017 popular area for squatting in the in Ensanche de Vallecas, Madrid where free accommodation capital, agrees that there are difwhen the vulture fund Encasa comes at a hefty price ferent types of squatters. “The Cibeles (part of Goldman Sachs) young girls squatting in front of bought social housing there. “We empty and don’t pay communal GUIDE reported, me have been up on the roof all don’t have any hard evidence but costs, which is an open invitation l y day mending it. They have vastlegal tenants had conversations to squatters, so the area gets so the company works with social ly improved the house. It was a with the squatters who said they run down no one wants to live services to find them alternadrug den before they came, knee expected to be paid between there. Then they get permission tive housing. Would Sareb offer high in syringes.” €2,000 and €5,000 to leave to build on land nearby, make money to squatters to leave the Meanwhile, in the Tetuan district when the time came, and there a fortune with new upmarket premises? “Absolutely not,” she close to the centre, a group of were no efforts to report them to apartments and a whole new says. “Sareb is extremely scrusquatters who participate in the police while modern neigh- pulous.” activities organised by the Anarthey were there,” bourhood in Scrupulous maybe – sympachist Occupied Space Embossays Villalobos. Madrid is cre- thetic, not so much. According cada, worked hard to win their The building beNo wonder ated for people to Rivas, “Sareb is evicting the highest number of families. All wary neighbours over. came so run down with money. people voted we can do is keep negotiating “Dinners are organised for and lawless that That’s how it’s with them and demand that the the entire neighbourhood on Vox,” retorted the legal tenants done.” Wednesday evenings,” says Ana on social housPAH spokes- State makes Sareb’s properties one disgruntled available.” who is involved in the movement. ing rents vacated woman Marga neighbour “So the neighbours change the their homes. Job Rivas corrobo- According to current estimates image they have of squatters in done. rates Villalobos’ there are circa 87,000 illegally general. They have accepted the “Curiously all the view that money occupied properties in Spain, situation.” squatters arrived can exchange the majority owned by the But for the squatters in the together and left together,” says hands in a counter-intuitive di- banks. And while the FRAVM believes mafia-controlled squats €347,679 chalet (below) outside Villalobos. “The buildings’ apart- rection. Madrid, the reception is proving ments have since been refur- “Some funds and financial insti- are a minority, their impact can frostier, despite the patriotic flag. bished and sold.” tutions will offer squatters mon- be devastating for a neighbourhood. “No wonder people voted Vox,” In December, the Supreme Court ey to leave. But most of the retorted one disgruntled neighannulled the sale of 2,939 social families don’t want that. What However the majority of squatbour. “They want politicians who housing properties to Encasa good is €3,000 or €4,000 to ters, according to Villalobos, are are going to sort this kind of thing Cibeles by Madrid’s PP govern- them if they are back on the those reeling from a banking sysout.” ment in 2013. Then priced at street? They want to be left in tem that has repossessed their €201 million, they now have a peace and to pay a rent that cormarket value of €400 million. responds to their income.” Almost half have been sold but According to Rivas, financial inthe PAH (Platform for those Af- stitutions still have around 3.5 fected by Mortgages) is demand- million repossessed properties ing these sales be overturned or on their hands which they sell at compensation paid. market value to Other areas of individuals but for Madrid look susnext to nothing to ceptible to the investment funds. same dubious Around 60,000 strategies, acbelong to Sareb, cording to Villalobos. the government-owned so-called “Anyone looking at an aerial ‘bad bank’ set up to sell off toxic shot of the Puente de Vallecas real estate assets belonging to area south of Madrid can see Bankia, Catalunya Banc, NGC that this district will attract a lot Banco-BancoGallego and Banco of property speculation over the de Valencia. next 15 years,” he says. “Invest- Sareb spokesperson Susana ment funds are already buying Diaz told the Olive Press that here. They leave the properties while squatters are immediate- PATRIOTIC: Family of squatters fly flag in Madrid suburbs ONE English website consolidates its reign as the NUMBER ress.es IT’S OFFICIAL: - 24 hours a day - visit www.theolivep in Spain…. For more exclusive content COSTA BLANCA

The

Your expat

tel: 966 46 38 45

voice in Spain

FREE

WWW.JAVEABLINDS.COM

Vol. 1 Issue 13 www.theolivepress.es

September 12th- September 25th 2019

like kings’ and Spain Guardia Civil source: Squatters ‘live

WE WON’T GO QUIETLYto

after Olive Press journalist assaulted‘flash exposing ‘violent’ gypsies who the pool’ residents’ and ‘throw rats into

EXCLUSIVE BORIS Johnson has managed exBy Joshua Parfitt silence Parliament, but British pats in Spain have shown they will nonot be cowed into a harmful AN Olive Press journalist hasa deal departure from the EU. been attacked after exposing Brits around the country are mo- ‘violent’ gypsy family allegedly bilising to oppose the shutdown squatting and stealing electricity and stand up for their EU rights. from a Costa Blanca complex. Protests have spread to the Costa Simon Wade was chased down del Sol where pro-remain cam- the street and headbutted as a paigners are planning a Protect on young man tore off his glasses Our Rights march in Malaga and tried robbing his camera in September 22. broad daylight in Formentera del It comes as an exclusive online an Segura, near Torrevieja, last Satpoll by the Olive Press revealed astonishing 73% of expats remain urday. journalist was phostaunchy in favour of remaining The dedicated squats when within the European Union past tographing alleged door with the October 31 deadline (Pages the man flung open the a tattoo his chest exposed and 6-7). The Facebook poll shows that had reading, ‘I die for my family’. they been able to participate fully “My specs can be replaced, and in the biggest ‘democratic exercise the bruising will fade, but decent for generations’, the expat vote people here are living with this would have proved decisive.

24/7,” Wade said. A denuncia was made to the Guardia Civil, who called thea perpetrator a ‘wild beast’ with string of convictions. It comes as British resident, Ena Cummings, 53, contacted us claiming gypsies had thrown ‘dead rats’ into the Virgen del Rosario complex’s pool and repeatedly set terraces on fire. “They're stealing electricity and water, meaning us residents are paying for the squatters' utilities,” Cummings told the Olive Press. "They have no sense of dignity, neighbours young and old have had genitalia flashed at them by squatters.” Residents have held a community meeting, and are stuck between an expensive legal battle

Damage

“We are the people most affected and we didn't get a say, that is what is most unfair,” said protest organin iser Valerie Lawrence, 68, based Torrox, in the Axarquia. “Most of us could not vote and postal votes went missing. “Now we are just trying to stop the Brexit or at least minimise damage,” added the retired Yorkshire woman. It comes after an alarming treasury report issued two weeks ago spelt extreme danger for expats in various ways. The leaked Yellowhammer document warned of issues over penContinues on Page 7

Turn to page 7 to find out which were the biggest stories this fortnight and how to get the most up to date info

is a long way from solving crisis

(leftt), while (right) the CAUGHT: CCTV of troublemakers Press journalist squatter who attacked on Olive

‘SQUATTING’: Familes are refusing

to leave Costa Blanca flats

“The developer can’t sell their apartments, the bank repossesses the complex, and the gypsies break in,” the source told the Olive Press. “The owner of the property is the only one who can denounce the squatters - but banks don’t want to as court cases cost thousands. “If they do get an eviction order, the gypsies just break into anothEviction er complex owned by the bank. have Brit residents Linda Brown and “Either that, or the gypsies the apartArnene Ashley have been ‘in and a legal right to request housing. out’ of court suffering assaults, ment be offered as social will be death threats and most recently “This means the bank out at bewinning an eviction order for the forced to rent the flat tween 75 to 150 euros. illegal squatters last month. But the situation in Spain is fara “So the bank does nothing. for“The developers are tricking from resolved, according to eign buyers through their greed Guardia Civil source. The agent last week blamed for more money. construct“Meanwhile the gypsies in Spain ‘greedy developers’ for than the ing too many luxury apartment live in better apartments complexes at prices ordinary police officers.” Spaniards ‘can’t afford’.

and bringing in ‘security’ to kick squatters out of the eight apartments, from a total of 68. It comes after this newspaper has tirelessly reported on the ‘hellish’ Mirador Monte Pedrera complex with 24 of 64 apartments illegally occupied by ‘abusive’ gypsies and squatters in Denia.

Tel. (+34) 96 649 18 29 info@hispaniahomes.es www.hispaniahomes.co.uk

VENDORS

UK BASED

HOW TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY QUICKER AND BETTER

Want to sell your property? Ask here for our VENDORS GUIDE

Certified Residential Specialist

SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS

The Proven Path to Success

96 649 1883 www.moraira-hamiltons.net

and get the most success in your task

TRAVEL INSURANCE for Spanish residents

www.globelink.co.uk

96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082

Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea

Avda. Madrid, 24, 03724 Moraira - Alicante

PARTNERING OWNERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Specialists in Luxury Villas Holiday Rentals and Sales

Javea - Denia La Sella Golf Area tel: 966 424 505 mob: 647 575 152

www.vacationvillasspain.com

features

Olive Press 7 online

THE Forgotten

OBBED, beaten up, sleeping rough in public toilets, living on charity handouts - the story of how one British couple’s dream life abroad turned into disaster beggars belief. Vivian and John Shipley arrived here from Newcastle in 2003 after selling the bungalow they’d worked hard to buy. Spain promised work and a new life in the sun and they spent 17 happy years here before it all came crashing down. An issue with a new home was the catalyst to a chain of misfortunes that left the pair homeless in September last year. First, they were turned away from their new rental property. “The stuckup landlady saw John and said ‘I don’t like the look of him so you can’t have the house’,” recalls 64-year-old Vivian. What the landlady did not know was that decorator John, 60 had lost four stone in weight due to a virus, wrongly diagnosed after a cancer scare, and due to his illness had been unable to work.

They came to Spain to live the Mediterranean dream but it turned into a nightmare. Joanne Oakley and Dimitris Kouimtsidis uncover the plight of homeless British expats on the Costa del Sol

IN-DEPTH: On coronavirus in Spain, freak Spanish weather and Rothschild saga

real SPANISH CONTENT

eurotrash

IRRELEVANT: Taylor and dad, Martin Freeman and Cardiff pensioner

W ACTION: Vivian (left) and Oscar (above) petition for a building to house the homeless

Petition

They tried Fuengirola, Mijas and Alhaurin for a place to stay but it was Feria week and there was no room at the inn. Ultimately, they were forced to take shelter in public toilets in Coin which became their home for the next five weeks. While based at this insalubrious address, Vivian, 64, was beaten up and the pair had all of their belongings stolen. This unforeseen situation coincided with a banking error which left Vivian without her weekly income so they didn’t even have the price of the cheapest hostel. It didn’t help that they had their fourlegged family in tow. Angel their cat stayed with them throughout the whole ordeal but the dogs were put into care until Vivian could house them, clocking up more bills they were unable to pay. However, there are good Samartians in the world. While living on the streets Vivian met Oscar Emilio Califano who has helped the pair immensely. Now, between them, they are petitioning for a municipal homeless shelter where those who have fallen on hard times can help each other get back on their feet. Oscar, a 54-year-old personal trainer from Argentina, ended up on the

‘Spain’s best English news website’

HILE other websites offer you stories about Taylor Swift’s dad in Florida, Martin Freeman calling his kids ‘little f**kers’ and a Welsh pensioner fighting off a mugger, we stick to news in Spain. Focusing entirely on the country where we actually live, our remit is simple: Report on the important news that matters to tourists and expats based in Spain and occasionally nearby Portugal and Morocco. This includes a report on the homeless expats in Fuengirola, freak Spanish weather and the latest news on the spread of the Coronavirus. With a dozen-plus qualified journalists (all writing in their REAL names) we are able to provide a comprehensive round-up of everything important in Spain. Indeed, ours is the only resource expats interested in Spain need to use, not to mention tourists arriving here in their millions each month. With dozens of stories a day and over 1,400 links (none paid for) from global sites - including the BBC, Daily Mail and New York Post - is it any wonder we are getting over a million readers a month. Visit www.theolivepress.es and see how much content we have... and if you’ve got a business just how much exposure we can give you.

Here are the top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: streets himself last autumn due to ‘short temporary working contracts and long hours’, he says. “When the contract ends it takes time to find another job and until then I couldn’t afford rent.” “The Red Cross and other charities can’t really help,” adds Oscar who is not registered on the Padron so has been unable to get official help while living on the streets. “Nobody makes sure we have a place to stay, shower, put on clean clothes and have something to eat,” says Oscar whose petition is calling for a universal payment to help others temporarily in dire straits to live with a little more dignity. Vivian and John no longer sleep

rough. The delayed money finally arrived and they were able to rent a roof over their heads. They try to look on the positive side: “Life goes on,” says Vivian with a wry smile. “I will always help the homeless, you don’t know what’s around the corner, nobody does”. Interestingly, during her time on the streets she observed a marked difference in attitudes towards her. As she told the Olive Press: “The Spanish have been brilliant, but the English ... they give you nothing but disapproving looks.” Anybody wanting to support the cause and sign the petition can email their interest to califanooscar@yahoo.com

1 2

- France follows Spain in clampdown on outdoor heating inbars and restaurants (40,391 visitors) - REVEALED: British who own homes in Spain facing significant tax increase on rental profits post-Brexit transition (32,426)

- ‘Fuming’ British expat on Spain’s Costa del Sol files denuncia after 1,000 tonnes of rubble dumped at his Marbella dream home ‘blocks’ his view of Gibraltar and Morocco (30,397)

4 5

- EXPLAINED: The thick fog which arrived on Spain’s Costa del Sol today is a phenomenon dating back to the Phoenicians (30,020) - British in Spain must carry passport at all times or risk being detained by police, UK Foreign Office warns (26,525)

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

CARPET HEAVEN

Fitted & Edged Carpet from the UK Traditional & Modern Rugs Soft Step Cushion Flooring Burmatex Carpet Tiles

tel: 966 720 782

Avenida Del Mar 33B, 03187, Los Montesinos carpetheaven@hotmail.es

www.carpetheaven.es IF YOU LIKE COLOUR YOU WILL LOVE CARPET HEAVEN

GREEN DAMAGE caused by the severe storm Gloria, which battered eastern Spain has sparked a debate about coastal management. Questions have been raised about coastal development policies, as councils and business-owners struggle to repair and rebuild ready for the Easter holidays. Gloria ripped apart resorts from Catalunya in the North, before moving down to the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. Waves of five meters combined with torrential rain and gale force winds, caused over €54 million in damage, according to estimates from the government. A total of 13 people were killed, while over 200 resorts were directly affected. Chringuitos, restaurants and rental companies saw their premises completely destroyed. In some popular resorts, beaches completely disappeared and sea defence barriers were displaced, with up to 35 metres of land being reclaimed back by the ocean. Local councils have been rac-

February 20th - March 4th 2020

A race for Easter

ing against the clock to repair the damage caused, ferrying in sand and materials to rebuild the sea defences and beaches ready for the influx of tourists at Easter. However local business owners are less than sympathetic as they demand long term solutions, because in their eyes it was ‘only a matter of time.’

Seagrass shocker

SEAGRASS meadows are under greater threat from the plastic tide than first thought, a new study of ocean habitats has found. Research carried out in the Orkney seagrass beds found that every blade was contaminated with microplastic flakes, fibres and fragments. Seagrass performs many important functions such as creating habitats for other species, protecting small fish from predators and feeding many marine creatures. The Costa del Sol has seen a widespread increase of plastic on its beaches and in the sea, with Malaga one of the worst offenders.

Storm Gloria beach damage raises questions as resorts struggle to get ready for Easter Holidays

Trouble on the terraces

They are also urging local councils to start using nature as inspiration to help with flood prevention instead of fighting against it. Many insist pumping hundreds of thousands of euros into sea defences, while reclaiming land from the Mediterranean for further construction is a recipe for further problems. Hugo Moran, the Secretary of State for the Environment agrees. “We have to rethink the way of managing the coast,” he insisted, this week. “To protect the coast we need solutions based on both nature and engineering.”

FRANCE has taken the lead on banning terrace heaters, in a bid to tackle climate change. The heaters, which are key to the Mediterranean al fresco dining culture, emit up to three kilos of CO2 every hour. The French town of Rennes has become the first in the country to axe heaters, with Spain set to follow suit. Madrid, which has more than 4,500 terraces, tried and failed to ban the heaters in 2017, despite a huge consensus. Barcelona has introduced regulations that will see the end of gas heaters in five years, while Granada has refused any ban.

TWO men have been caught in the bloodthirsty act of beheading a protected wild sheep. The culprits were unaware that they were being tracked by Guardia Civil after being spotted roaming around a reserve in Navas de San Juan in Jaen. Agents tracked the pair on foot and caught them red-handed – literally – cutting off the head of protected a mouflon. One of the men froze while the other grabbed his rifle – which had shot the

DO I

Off with its head horned animal – and made a run for it through the woods. He was eventually caught in his 4×4 with his gun in the back seat. The bullet from the animal is now being tested to confirm it came from the man’s gun. The men, aged 32 and 58, are to be charged with crimes against the protection of flora and fauna.

? T U O STAND

CT CONTAORE THIS FOR MMATION S A L A I N FO R 3 5 7 5 O R R E S S . E S S VISU SUE A E B 7 P D 2 OUL S €75 AN IS 9 51 @ T H E O L I V E C S S E ITLE A BUSIN SA L E S YOUR FROM AS L

ON DRIVE

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Mallorca Issue 73 OLIVE PRESS

The

ANDALUCÍA

Mijas Costa

FREE A

ll about

Ditching the Brits

February

February 2020

so many good

Continues

overleaf

schools in the right one

worked on - but we’ve as algebra your choice. as confusing to help simplify child’s education sheet checklist with a cheat

It’s all about

See the battle of British dukes and their Spanish property empires, pages 12 to 15

balance

HEAD TO HEAD I

VICTORY!

Pages 15 to 41

A PEARL BEYOND PRICE

LEAMING like hills above a white pearl in the Marbella, no wonder, is the Benahavis classic whitecrown jewel of Andalucia’s Grant, Rod with the likes of visitors Stewart and Hugh villages for sons. do contributing Cristiano Ronalso many reato the town Most famously, The village hall coffers. it’s the richest cipality in billionaires is second home to a host of wealthiest the region and the muni- neighbouringwho have bought property per capita second swankiest La Zagaleta, in average income in all Spain Andalucia’s private with Putin pushing €29,000. is reportedlyurbanisation. Vladimir And one - although the

HEAD TO HEAD II It’s Westminster vs Wellington

With a driving Charlie term with butterflies Spain, picking are certainly says first day of parents. after school of academia,” there on the can southern choice question. just the of School and activities a barrage E’VE all been – and that’s starting a new school Internationalschools “Exam results parents don’t want days of is a multiple a cheat sheet alike, Sotogrande in our stomachs think nerve wracking and adults force but some head teacher atschool, and I don’t decide For children memorable and/or Smith prepares James Kearney, a balanced dads pacthe most to help you versions of suit their (SIS). “They want mums and be one of into the best school will of anxious little one has walked answers exam factories. about which overleaf our lives. children develop should be from the number after their them to get on with it Continues long and hard when it Parents want to see You can tellthe school gates long for choice will have thought parents leave are spoilt of Spain’s premier ing outside you really Although some far prefer. the best for child. with some in Andalucia, through them. which older kidsin common is wanting to enjoy them. for your Fortunately quality education, along independently,all parents have to a perfect climate launchpad final tweak before the the kitchen comes facilities and thepicking the perfect But one thing going long sporting it makes their children.for the big day gettie) and the cry from Unfortunately, Preparations (aka the school parents of the nooseyour packed lunch!’ and buffed to a shine, ‘Don’t forgetshoes are purchased Before new

ll about

enahavis

expat

special supplement

All this and more in our free Education Supplement.

Boosting

Olive Press

Private or state school?

to The new drive means the need in get more flights to new markets America, Asia and the Middle East. up It is hoped flights will be set between New York, Washington and Miami, making up for the loss of the Delta Airlines route to New York cancelled last year. The plans come in an 800-page marketing plan for 2020-2023, which has detailed 213 objectives to increase competitiveness. These include improving the quality of jobs and boosting the €16.8 billion market by 3.4% each year. They also want to focus marketing spend more on the Nordic market. A

Your voice in Spain

February 19th - March 3rd, 2020 Vol. 13 Issue 337 www.theolivepress.es

A 16-page

Education

T STROKES DIFFEREN W

by MALAGA is bracing for Brexit looking to the US and Middle East to reduce its reliance on the traditionally important British market. The province’s tourism bosses to have decided the area needs not diversify in terms of visitors just from the UK, but also the local market. a “If the national market catches cold we don’t want to get pneumonia,” said tourism boss Francisco Salado, “we want to have an antidote.”

GLOBAL APPEAL

2020

Unlike its well-heeled residents you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy the wealth of natural wonders in Benahavis, writes Joanne Oakley

Expat couple will keep Costa home in landmark win against Rothschild bank

By Laurence Dollimore

A BRITISH expat couple have wona a landmark legal battle against bank after being duped into mortgaging their dream home to plunder their cash into supposedly ‘low-risk’ investments. Pensioners Barry and Marion Joyce were about to lose their home in Benalmadena, which had cost them their life savings, after becoming trapped in the sophisticated financial product. Devised by the Rothschild bank, the product targeted expats who no had properties in Spain with

Rothschild to return ‘every penny in paid’ so far by the Joyces, both their 70s. to They have also been allowed to keep more than €15,000 given on them by the bank as a signing bonus.

mortgages. It allowed them to take out mortgages worth up to 75% of the value of their homes with the proceeds then invested with an insurance company to provide an income. inBut things went awry when the vestments did not perform as well as promised, leaving the expats unable to pay off their mortgages. Now a judge from Malaga has condemned the bank, ruling in favour of the Joyces. The Torremolinos court annulled Everything you need to know in our the entire mortgage and ordered free travel guide pages, 23 to 34

Beautiful Benahavis

DUPED: The Joyces joyous after

Demanding

It is the first sentence to directly vertised as ‘safe products’. condemn N.M Rothschild & Sons In the case of the Joyces, they took and its Credit Select Series Four out a loan of €227,000 with the arm, which marketed the Spanish bank which was invested into supInvestment Transfer and Income posedly ‘low risk’ financial prodMobilisation Plan (Sitimp). are ucts abroad. inMore than 100 other cases This product was actually a life set to come before courts around surance through a company called Spain over the next few years. Aspecta Assurance International In each case, once expats agreed Luxembourg SA, which was also to mortgage their homes, the bank condemned in the case. the couple’s assessed their property and immeits In the first year alone diately gave them 5 to 10% of in €227,000 investment sunk by a value shocking €55,443. cash. T h e y Stress t h e n u s e d By 2016, 10 years after signing their eq- onto the deal, the investment had to uity not grown and the Rothschild bank i n v e s t was demanding €302,000 in mortin what gage repayments from the couple. were adThe bank threatened that if they didn’t pay their home would be taken from them. The stress of the case was similar

Gibraltar Issue 115

landmark win to many other cases the Olive Press five has reported on over the last years. In 2017, we reported how bank owner, French aristocrat Baron David de Rothschild had been the forced to answer questions over investments in an Alicante court. sciThe multi-millionaire banking the on denied any knowledge of complex case that saw up to 1000, mostly British pensioners, lose millions. not Rothschild insisted that he ‘did know’ about the product. “I was not personally involved in the contracts”, he wrote in French. Marbella lawyer, Antonio Flores, of Lawbird, who is helping doz-a ens of British pensioners mount class action against the Rothschild “I enterprise, told the Olive Press: find it shocking that the man who’s a boss in a bank doesn’t know one about what was going on with of his companies or anything about the product that was being sold”, he said. Opinion Page 6

Tel: 952 147 834

See pages 15

952 147 834

c u s t o m e r s

The

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

OLIVE PRESS

TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd

FREE

n e w

f o r

v a l i d

* O f f e r

c o n d i t i o n s .

GIBRALTAR

The Rock’s ONLY free local paper

Vol. 5, Issue 115 www.theolivepress.es February 5th - February 18th 2020

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND? Take a visit to Granada’s secret Acropolis, or a peek at Spain’s most original expat art. See pages 12 to 15

Goose chase EU ruffles feathers over Boris’s plans for Canada trade model

A UK plan for a Canada-style free trade deal with the European Union has been rejected. It comes as UK Prime Minister

Will EU play fair?

Boris Johnson laid out his vision for a trade deal with Brussels sisting there was ‘no need’ to infollow EU rules.

His aim is an agreement like the one Canada signed in 2016 where import tariffs on most goods have been eliminated.

Picardo calls on the bloc to approach postBrexit negotiations with ‘generosity of spirit’

The flow of services, such as banking – which is of more importance to the UK – however are much more restricted. He also mentioned however, that if this deal is not reached the UK will return to the Withdrawal Agreement, or have a similar deal to Australia. Boris used his speech - titled ‘unleashing Britain’s potential’ highlight the fact that the UK to intends to revert to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms if the EU refuses such a deal. He said: “The choice is emphatically not ‘deal or no deal’. “The question is whether we agree a trading relationship with the EU comparable to Canada’s - or more like Australia’s.

“Much will be said By John Culatto to seek to divide us or make you fear the ‘PEOPLE must come before rheto- progress or potential ric, borders or politics.’ outcomes of the negoThat is the message from Gi- tiations. braltar Chief Minister ahead of “Remember: that is post-Brexit talks with Spain. the oldest trick in the The message was part of the Brex- book for a negotiating it Day speech which was marked opponent. by the taking down of the EU flag and its replacement with that of Spirit the Commonwealth on January “Instead, we must 31. Competition Fabian Picardo said Gibraltar’s work to protect the “In either case, I have no doubt ‘political safety’ as a British terri- frictionless fluidithat Britain will prosper mightily.” tory was not on the table as talks ty of people across He added he will reject the between the UK and Spain begin our frontier with Euquirement for the UK to adopt rerope.” Euon its future outside the EU. ropean rules ‘on competition polHe said he would ‘not TALKING TOUGH: Picardo “We will not accept any attempt icy, subsidies, social protection, to be bares his teeth in EU speech able to give a blow by blow accompromise our sovereignty, the environment, or anything simju26. Picardo expressed ‘genuine “If all the talk in relation to risdiction or control over any part count of every meeting or contact’ Gi- ilar, any more than sadness’ about leaving the EU when the process gets going in al- braltar is of vetoes, then our Eu- be obliged to accept the EU should of our territory,” assured Picardo. Al- though he hoped its values UK rules’. geciras on February would ropean colleagues The EU’s chief be expressed in be failing us, they will not just Barnier, was negotiator, Michel will be failing not so forthcoming the Future Trade themselves. and offered a contrasting opinion. Agreement. “That is not the generosity of spir- He said the EU was ready to offer “If the EU takes it and approach which this histor- a ‘highly ambitious trade deal as a line in rela- ic moment requires the central pillar of this partnerof us all.” tion to Gibral- Despite Brexit, the ship’. Chief Minister He tar which is not said that Gibraltar added it included ‘zero tariffs inclusive of us, that the ‘safest coursehad realised and zero quotas’. UK BASED is with Brit- But according the EU will have ain that we know, trust and un- dependent on to Barnier this is failed to under- derstand’. the UK agreeing to ‘specific and effective guarantees stand why the to ensure a level playing field’, UK is leaving,” so Time’s Up Page 6-7 competition ‘is and remains open said Picardo. and fair’. for Spanish The highly controversial issue of residents fishing was also addressed with the Frenchman expecting the www.globelink.co.uk to allow ‘continued reciprocal UK access’. See page 5 President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said 96 626 5000 negotiations will be ‘hard and +44 (0) 1353 699082 and fast’ but that the closer fair UK wanted to be to the Union, the more it had to abide to its rules.the

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Tel: 952 147 834

Costa Blanca Issue 23

952 147 834 * O f f e r

v a l i d

TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

OLIVE PRESS

The FREE

COSTA BLANCA

Vol. 1 Issue 23 www.theolivepress.es

Your expat

voice in Spain

February 6th - February 19th 2020

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND? Take a visit to Spain’s secret Acropoli See page 10

Oh and it’s Valentines Day, chaps! Don’t Forget Find our romantic recipes inside

LIFE ON THE EDGE, See page 5

Back to his old tricks See page 14

SAFELY HOME: Gatsby

Expat pet transport scoundrel emerges again after years working below the radar around Spain

SOCIAL media recommendations can be life-saving – but for one over-trusting Costa Blanca expat a post led her into the hands of an alleged serial conman. The recommendation for a pet transport company on Facebook saw Maria Vila lose €350 to firm she claims is a ‘scam’ anda operating ‘without appropriate licences’. The 43-year-old had contacted Pet Taxi Transport to arrange the travel of her cat from London to her home in Spain in January. Despite further checks she paid the company in full to bring her kitten, a Cornish Rex called Gatsby to her villa in Gandia, Valencia. It was only when owner Jeremy Griffiths (above right) refused requests to provide basic company information that Vila became suspicious. “I then put his name into Google to find his company website, and

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

I was absolutely speechless,” Maria told the Olive Press. “Articles from the Olive Press came up over a number of years about dogs dying in transit and other problems. I then found Jeremy insisting one poor client’s dog had died because it was ‘overweight and fat’.” She continued: “Most pet transporters I’ve known are amazing and will bend over backwards for a beloved pet, but this man is an utter crook.” She immediately cancelled the order and asked for a refund for the January 25 trip. However, when no refund was made, she was forced to shell out an extra €275 for a separate transport company to deliver her kitten.She has now made a

VENDORS

GUIDE

UK BASED

TRAVEL INSURANCE

PARTNERING OWNERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS

for Spanish residents

Specialists in Luxury Villas Holiday Rentals and Sales

www.globelink.co.uk 96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082

Javea - Denia La Sella Golf Area tel: 966 424 505 mob: 647 575 152 www.vacationvillasspain.com

HOW TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY QUICKER AND BETTER

denuncia to the Guardia Civil and reported Griffiths to Malaga Trading Standards (OMIC). But without any registration details it will be difficult to see results. “I’m determined to stop this man,” insisted Vila. “He is so dodgy, using his mother’s address and an English mobile number.” When contacted by the Olive Press, Griffiths was unrepentant and insisted his business was registered in the UK – however Companies House has no record of the company ever existing. A spokesperson for the UK’s Defra Transport Compliance Team confirmed in emails that there is ‘no transporter authorisation for Mr Griffiths’. Griffiths, based in Torre del Mar, near Malaga, added Maria had ‘violated clause 11’ of the company’s contract as she cancelled

under 24 hours in advance and was therefore ‘not entitled’ to a refund. However clause 11 of the contract, seen by the Olive Press, makes no mention of cancellations and instead details what will happen in the event no person is present to receive a pet.

Tel. (+34) 96 649 18 29 info@hispaniahomes.es www.hispaniahomes.co.uk

Want to sell your property? Ask here for our VENDORS GUIDE

Certified Residential Specialist The Proven Path to Success

and get the most success in your task

SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea

Avda. Madrid, 24, 03724 Moraira - Alicante

Heart-attack

He said the money would be used to help bring over a pet ‘for charity’ in the future. It comes after Dianne Lunt, from Marbella, said her pet pug suffered a heart-attack while in transit under Griffiths from Spain in 2013. Another expat, Alec Strathern, also denounced Pet Taxi Transport after claiming his three dogs were transported in a van without ‘air conditioning’ and with holes in the floor.

96 649 1883 www.moraira-hamiltons.net

PET PROTECTION

LETTERS

Dear Olive Press, The lamentable animal transport tale revealed by the Olive Press (Back to his old tricks, Issue 336, pg 1) fills my heart with despair – despair because we have been here before. I pity the poor woman who lost €300, for she is just Jeremy Griffith’s latest victim, as your coverage since 2013 attests. Please warn you readers once again: the transport of pets is a highly specialised service, something NOT to just any ‘man-with-van’ purporting to be ‘libe trusted toTrio LEAVERS: and experienced’ just because they claim able censed, of Brits in Spain such on social media. Live animal transport is a ‘protected profession’ in law. To procure or conduct without licences is a criminal act – so be especially aware of removal companies offering to ‘take your pet’ too. Live animals are NOT freight. n – not as a political for their lly,ours. aresees The rules EU, essentia theprotectio Moore Rose ers opd transport real, authorise few, proud, very and pg 7). The of the As one hip Issue 325, (Leave dictators law, I can domesticstates, UKsovereign and28 EU, Spanish under erating . There are opposite is the reality seeking when rulesto follow these owners petUK, advise allthe become ly chose whichtovoluntari including : transport pet would UK the that believes Dunne Steve d. associate ndations social media on terms. Do notonrely 1. better to. In I’m not going Not so.recomme WTO fair l Agraria Comarca Oficina local by to your page speak Spain, and chapter quoting letters down your weigh ministry – agricultureinto – of the Spanish (OCA) officerecomme the looks. nd that Steve verse, business canI confirm the legalityheofknows. whichbut Trump that any industry of offices specifics call Deprefer but if youThat speak English, Most OCA should UK in EU-free with an a trade deal Carlisle. trying to get isfra/APHA desk rt (WIT) n-Transpo ’s Welfare-I deals ng tradeconcerni Trump’s know: to want you all you claims tell all validate to happy are staff Their Brent Mahler speaks for Finally, es. labels.business US-first have gistered British-re armed force EU provider’ anthe of of s Transwary citizens of UK copy number a hard a 2. to see Demand ideas t aredocumen , these paper union. an A4-sized closer – it’sHowever tion an ever and Authorisa porter ers alpolicy. I am EU transport and notReal ut Europe. people d througho by specific floated recognise their on of pro-webyears numbers Type-240-plus insidious least the their post atat waysworried more site. against the EEC/EU by the Mail, Telegraph, paganda issuing did auany licence What Sun.the the number The with 3. CheckTimes and, ofofcourse, Express, away. , then is no so anthere he was whywalk thority. Ifsay was asked hevalidation when Murdoch professio the“When withof: is: check into the advice I gonals…alAgain, the lines g along Somethin ti-EU? ways! The EU.” the to go I when say: I what do they 10 No. implication is that he had to ask for an appointment!

Get educated

Dan Coughlan, Northampton www.animalexpress.org

Taking the p**s

Readers react to the news that dog walkers in Sevilla are to be fined for not cleaning up their pets’ urine (Online, January 15)

No glory

Priorities

While Gloria has wreaked havoc throughout Spain, I wish those of you who have suffered losses of any kind, my sincerest condolences (It’s an ill wind for reservoirs, Issue 336, pg 10). I have been looking forward to the day I could report the latest water levels of the reservoir in Istan. A couple of weeks ago, I wandered down to the lake, to be hugely surprised by the change in water levels (see my pic above). Michele Brecknell, Istan

Get a life!! Have you seen our streets and beaches? They are full of rubbish, maybe we first learn to clean after ourselves!. Signe Soomre, Marbella

Moneymaker

Really... So responsible dog owners are to be targeted and yet the local police are not concerned with prosecuting the people who hatchet their dogs in the head, or dump the puppies in the river by my house? The river is full of plastic, killing turtles, otters and other wildlife, yet we are worried about a bit of dog wee. Wake up folks, dog wee is not a problem, animal welfare and pollution is, get real and understand that another possible tax is just that, a tax. Mark Livingstone, Tolox

Onwards and upwards You buy a home, you think you have a view, until someone builds in front of you (Getting ready to rumble, Issue 336, pg 8). A view is not guaranteed, unless your property is on the front line. Sorry, that’s how it is here. If there is empty ground in front of you, you’re going to have something happen to it, normally upwards! Sue Cowin, Cartama

Easy peasy

Carrying a squeezy bottle with some mild disinfectant as well as the poop bags should not be a hardship really. I don’t want your dog peeing up my front door or gate. Alex Blair, London

Window dressing

Climate unicorns

I live in Estepona and dog poo is a huge problem. Nobody seems to care. As long as the beach front is looking good nowhere else matters. Disgraceful. Peter Canning, Estepona

We are in a grand solar minimum, so yes we can expect more extreme weather worldwide as the jet streams wander (Buckle up, Issue 336, pg 10). Look back in history and you will see that this is a repeating pattern. l guess it’s all ‘survivable’, but a few poor souls died and we must respect their friends and family. For them the nightmare is very real. There are always a handful of unicorns who believe nothing until it’s on their doorstep... Jacqui Suksamran-Borlant, Jerez

Sorely needed

I think it is a great idea. Walking around Fuengirola, there’s a lot of staining on walls etc. If Cadiz can do it then so can other places. Lilian Mowbray, Fuengirola

Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@ theolivepress.es or message us on at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 First shot in tennis (5) 8 Sterile (7) 9 Least difficult (7) 10 Above (5) 11 Book of elementary principles (6) 13 Register (5) 16 Wide open (5) 18 Violin (6) 21 Pending (5) 23 Move forward (7) 24 Chooses (7) 25 Indoor game (5)

9 5

OP Sudoku

Check out our issues online at www.theolivepress.es

1 4

1 5 3 2 8 6 1 7 3 6

2 6 3 9

9 6

Puzzle by websudoku.com

Down 1 Salad sauce (8) 2 Withdraw (6) 3 Kiln for drying hops (4) 4 Individual (6) 5 Pace (4) 6 Go away (5) 7 Drowsy (6) 12 Regret (3) 13 Mischievous person (3) 14 Commonplace (8) 15 Renovates (6) 17 Stately mansion (6) 19 Intrude upon (6) 20 Swearword (5) 22 Confer (4) 23 Too (4)

All solutions are on page 22

LA CULTURA Buried treasure 11

February 20th - March 4th 2020

By Dilip Kuner

HISTORIC: A sketch of the famous Nuestra Senora

ON the night of October 31, 1631, the ruin of the Spanish kingdom arrived. Spain’s galleon Nuestra Señora del Juncal, loaded with more than one million pesos of gold, silver and precious stones, was swallowed up by the wa-

Spain and Mexico launch search for €1billion worth of lost treasure off South America

ters of the Gulf of Mexico. But now, almost 400 years later an agreement

EVENTS GUIDE Thu 20 Feb QUESADA, Los Amigos, 8pm. Debbie H singing songs from 60’s to present day Fri 21 Feb LOS ALCAZARES, La Zona Bar & Mini Golf, 3pm. JoJo - singing songs from 50’s to now LA MARINA, Plaza 39, 7.30pm. 60’s Rock & Roll Party with Boo Perkins CABO ROIG, Trinity, 11pm. Rain O’Connor - Rock, pop, country, Irish music. Sat 22 Feb SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR, Plaza de la Constitucion, 11am. Children’s Carnival Parade with workshops, games and entertainment. EL GALAN, Summer’s Bar, 4pm. Debbie H singing songs from 60’s to present day ALGORFA, Corner Flag Sports Bar, 8.30pm. Singo Bingo & Karaoke with Dean Alexanda Sun 23 Feb QUESADA, Bar Esquina, 5pm. Keith Dee Ska & Reggae Show SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR, Parque Condesa Villar de Felices, 5pm. Adult Parade to Carpa Municipal on the Explanda of Lo Pagan Mon 24 Feb ROJALES, Monet’s CafeBar, 7pm. Rojales Spoon Festival

starts (diff. venues through week) BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha, 7pm. Debbie H singing songs from 60’s to present day FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, The Inn Place, 8pm. Darts practice and team selection. Tue 25 Feb QUESADA, The Club, 1pm. Charity Auction ROJALES, Cosmo Taberna Wines, 7pm. Food & Wine tasting.

has been reached between Spain and its former colony to renew search efforts for the buried treasure.

Investigate

The new campaign, to be carried out over 10 days in the spring, will be co-financed by the two countries and will involve a team from the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Arqva), led by archaeologist and historian Ivan Negueruela. Negueruela said: “It is a unique opportunity to develop a great joint investigation, since Mexico and Spain signed the 2001 UNESCO convention for the protection of underwater heritage. “We have 20 years ahead of us to investigate a site that

could yield 150 tonnes of historical material.” The treasure had been destined to pay for the wars in Flanders. For two long years Dutch pirates had made sure none of the wealth of the Spanish colonies in America had made it back to Spain. In desperation, the Spanish king, Philip IV, ordered the fleet to set sail during the Caribbean storm season. Therefore avoiding pirates who were far too sensible to sail at that time of year, but this was a huge gamble – one that Philip was to lose. Despite needing repairs, the Juncal set sail as part of a 13-strong fleet, only to sink, taking its vast treasure to the bottom of the sea – along with 261 members of its 300 crew.

Wed 26 Feb ALGORFA, Silverstones Bar, 6pm. Psychic supper CATRAL, Belmontes Cafe & Bar, 8.30pm. Quiz Night Thu 27 Feb LOS MONTESINOS, Oasis Bar, 11a. Zumba classes. TORREVIEJA, Restaurante Christopher, 8pm. 50’s Cabaret Show Fri 28 Feb ALGORFA, Olivio’s Restaurant, 4pm. A celebration of Polish cuisine by Pawel Grabowski QUESADA, Coopers Arms, 8.30pm. Debbie H singing songs from 60’s to present day Sat 29 Feb LO CRISPIN, Lo Crispin Tavern, 9pm. Lewis James, playing live. CABO ROIG, Auld Dubliner, 9pm Rain O’Connor - Rock, pop, country, Irish music.

NB: If your business has events from 24th Jan to 5th Feb, please email full details to us at simon@theolivepress.es

Get on board STARS: Festival attracts famous faces

Get your freak on HARRY Potter, Game of Thrones and Star Wars stars are coming to the Costa del Sol, it has been announced. Daniel Portman, who played Podrick in GoT will descend on Malaga for the city’s annual Freakcon Festival. He will be joined by Devon Murray, known for his role as Harry Potter’s pal Seamus Finnigan, while Star Wars actor Natalia Tena is also set to appear. Around 35,000 visitors are expected at the pop culture event, which also features manga, comics, anime and video games. It will be held at the Palace of Fairs and Congresses from March 7-8, with the Hollywood stars attending on the second day.

A TRUE treasure of the Spanish sea-faring era is set to dock on the Costa Blanca. The El Galeon ship will sail into Denia between 23 February to 1 March. A perfect replica of the original 17th century galleon, it took the lead role in the trade and cultural routes into the Indies. Existing ships were not fit for purpose following Columbus’ discovery of the Caribbean islands in 1492. Hence the larger galleons were built to traverse the longest ocean voyages yet-covered by European nations. The ships carried 150 people on board and were up to 60m in length. Taking basic products for the colonies – wheat, olive oil, weapons, etc – the ships then brought back the treasures of the New World. El Galeon itself was built from 2009 to 2010 by the Nao Victoria Foundation. Designed and developed by Ignacio Vial at Punta Umbria shipyard, in Huelva, El Galeon has already sailed over 48,000 nautical miles around the world, visiting ports in four continents. Visitors may view the ship from 10am until 6.30pm. There is no guided tour, though visitors may speak with the ship’s crew and view the on-board museum installations.

February 20th - March 4th 2020

LA CULTURA

He has been dubbed the world’s richest man under 30. Now Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster is investing his millions in Spain and he’s not the only one. Heather Galloway looks at two British aristocrats going head to head here YOUNG AND FLUSH: Hugh Grosvenor

FEUDAL: Huge La Garganta estate is shut off to hikers

Westminster v

ROMANTIC: La Garganta has played host to Prince Harry and Wills as well as (left to right) Sofia Wellesley, James Blunt and Poppy Delavigne

HEY say it’s hard to tell members of the British aristocracy apart, the Duke of Westminster and the Duke of Wellington are cases in point, on paper at least. Both have close ties with the British royal family and both own estates in Spain to match the size of their bank accounts. But while the 9th Duke of Wellington’s attachment to the Iberian Peninsula is rooted in the past, dating back to his ancestor’s heroic exploits in Spain’s 19th century War of Independence, the 7th Duke of Westminster’s link with the country is a 21st century affair and looks set to become a conquest of a different sort. This seems fitting, given the generation divide – the Duke of Wellington, otherwise known as Arthur Charles Valerian Wellesley – is well into his 74th year while the Duke of Westminster (aka 16th Baron of Eaton, aka Hugh Grosvenor) has age on his side, having celebrated his 29th birthday at the end of January. The world’s richest man under 30 with a fortune of £10.1 billion, Tatler magazine voted him one of its most eligible bachelors. However he is rarely seen without his childhood sweetheart Harriet Tomlinson (below). One Duke has medals, the other money. The Duke of Wellington may have a more modest fortune but it would be hard to compete with the feats of his ancestor. The original Duke of Wellington was made Viscount of Talavera by the UK and Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo by Spain for his part in liberating

the country from the French, crat Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenwith La Torre estate in Grana- stein. She was the woman who da thrown in. triggered the monarch’s fall La Torre sprawls over almost from grace back in 2011 when 1,000 hectares of land near it transpired the pair were the Andalucian town of Illora. hunting elephants in BotswaSaid to be the secret love nest na when Spain was still reeling of Prince Charles and Camilla from the economic crisis. Parker-Bowles when Princess Sun-kissed playgrounds for Diana was still alive, it boasts Europe’s blue-bloods they may a 19th century palace and be, but when it comes to their enough game to satisfy Davy respective neighbouring comCrockett. munities, these fincas have But it is dwarfed by the size also proved highly controverof La Garganta, the Duke of sial. Westminster’s fiefdom of al- A 40-minute drive north west most 15,000 hectares. Lying of Granada, La Torre has between Cordoba and Ciudad been dubbed ‘the Gibraltar Real, it was bought by the of Granada’ by locals, though Grosvenor Estate in 2001 for it is private property and very a reported €90 million, laying much subject to Spanish law. the foundations for the expan- In fact historian and the Chairsion of the family’s real estate man of Madrid’s Wellington portfolio in Spain. Society, Stephen Drake Jones, With its arid landscape rem- insists that such resentment iniscent of the African veld, would be unjustified. “The last La Garganta may be a far cry Duke [who died in 2014] went from the upmarket sophistica- there a lot because he loved tion of Grosvenor to hunt. He was Square in Lonvery humble don which the when he was Prince Wills family also owns, there and would and Harry along with anothnever have er 121 hectares treated anyone have regularly of land in Mayas though he fair and Belgrashot at Hugh’s were superivia; but this relor. The family estate ative backwater is very apprehas been a regciative of the ular retreat for estate and emPrince Charles’ sons, Prince ploys a lot of the local people.” Harry and Prince William. The In a show of appreciation, the royal connection runs deep. current Duke - whose eldest Hugh Grosvenor is godfather son Arthur Gerald Wellesley, to Prince William’s firstborn Earl of Mornington, will even(Prince George of Cambridge) tually inherit the title - donated while his late father was god- a four-figure sum around the father to heir apparent Prince time of his daughter’s wedding William himself. to restore the tower of the loLa Garganta is as much a par- cal Church of the Incarnation adise for hunters as La Torre, and upgrade a disintegrating only on a larger scale, but the sculpture of Christ. estates probably break even Few would contest the controwhen it comes to the roster versy that has surrounded La of European nobility passing Garganta, however. through their gates. Located in the Valle del AlLa Torre was the setting for cudia natural park and the Sithe wedding of the Duke of erra de Madrona, it is the last Wellington’s daughter, Lady of Spain’s macro fincas and Charlotte Wellesley, to Co- is equipped with a heliport, lombian aristocrat Alejandro church, school, clinic and a Santo Domingo in 2016. The number of palatial residencsinger James Blunt – married es, not to mention a staff of to the 8th Duke of Wellington’s 50 and herds of deer as well granddaughter Sofia Wellesley as numerous examples of wild – and Cara Delavigne’s sister boar and partridge. Poppy were among the 200 But it is the high fence surguests. rounding the finca and its Both fincas have been graced small army of guards who have by visits from Princess Caroline sometimes blocked the pubof Monaco and Prince Ernst of lic route running through the Hanover and, while La Torre property that has sparked reis said to have provided the sentment in the nearby towns backdrop to the Charles and of La Conquista and Minas de Camilla affair, La Garganta Horcajo and enraged ecoloalso saw its fair share of illicit gists. romantic action, including the Now Minas de Horcajo is all first meeting between Spain’s but bereft of residents and former King Juan Carlos and the furore has died down. But his mistress, German aristo- Hugh Grosvenor, known for

LA CULTURA

Wellington

13 13

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Spain’s favourite English aristocrat

Before he became the 1st Duke of Wellington (inset), General Wellesley was a hero in these parts. After fighting a handful of battles against the French in Portugal, he moved into Spain to defeat Napoleon’s forces at the Battle of Talavera in July 1809. The British gave him the title of Viscount Wellington of Talavera on the back of it and the Spanish reciprocated, making him Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo and Generalissimo of the Spanish armies. As they could not afford to pay him for this role, they gave him La Torre estate in Granada as a mark of their appreciation, though according to the chairman of Madrid’s Wellington Society, Stephen Drake Jones, he never spent any time there. In 1812, the dashing duke liberated Madrid, which brought him the title Earl of Wellington before going on to win the Battle of Vitoria in 1813, finally chasing the French over the Pyrenees. He was made Duke of Wellington in 1814, the year before he 9th DUKE: Charles Valerian Wellesley fought Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. THRONE: Queen Elizabeth II

GRANDEUR: At Wellington’s La Torre his aversion to publicity, has made sure that his estate is one of the most secretive and exclusive retreats in Europe – and a perfect springboard for territorial gains. Already the owner of more land in Britain than Elizabeth II – 0.22% compared to the Queen’s meagre 0.03% – recent investments suggest he is set to become a major play-

er in the Spanish real estate market. In 2017, the family group sunk €200 million into four property projects in Madrid. The most lavish is at number Calle de Jorge Juan in the upmarket Salamanca area and is being refurbished by the Ortiz León studio of architects, complete with an on-site Mediterranean garden.

COURTING: Former king and mistress Corrina

On the other side of the city’s main drag, in the Chamberí district, 12 apartments are being designed at Modesto Lafuente while a 100-year-old building on General Arrando street is being revamped and a new building put up behind the traditional façade bled since the crisis in 2008,” on García Paredes, a stone’s Grosvenor Estate’s European throw from the British Council. Managing Director, James Raynor, told Cinco According to the Días last year. Spanish finan“In Madrid, cial news site, Britain’s they still havCinco Días, the 342-year-old fam- seventh biggest en’t reached ily enterprise has taxpayer footed pre-crisis levels and that’s plans to sink anwhy we have other €100 milan 82 million redoubled our lion into the city euro bill investment in over the next 18 the Spanish months. market.” “The prices in London and Paris have dou- Before branding him another

ILLICIT: Camilla and Charles property shark, it is interesting to note that Hugh has made a number of headlines in recent years for the amount of taxes he pays into government coffers. Britain’s seventh biggest taxpayer, he footed an €82 million bill on home turf and another equally eye-watering sum abroad, where the family firm owns 1,500 properties. These are reportedly worth €8 billion and rake in an income of up to €15 billion – figures

that make the €6 million spent on his 21st birthday bash seem entirely reasonable. So whatever the Duke of Westminster’s reception south of Ciudad Real, the Spanish treasury will be welcoming him with open arms … though when it comes to being accepted into Spanish high society, the Duke of Wellington wins hands down. He is, after all, ‘the most Spanish of the British nobility’, as the Spanish media would have it.

How well does your investment or pension performance compare? One of the unique services Chorus offers is a full in-depth portfolio analysis which will help you understand exactly how well your current advisor is doing vs others and the wider markets. What exactly does this mean? Well, let’s first of all cover the factors that dictate the performance of your portfolios: *Charges *Your attitude to risk *The quality of your underlying funds *The quality of the overall fund allocation Charges speak for themselves – the lower the better, but without compromising on quality. Your attitude to risk should dictate the overall risk score of your portfolio. For example, you may be a Medium risk investor (this could be ‘Balanced’, or perhaps 4/7 on a risk score). This would generally mean we’d expect to see around 40-60% of your portfolio made up of the riskier types of assets, so stocks and shares, and the rest in more stable assets like fixed interest, bonds etc. The quality of your underlying funds is incredibly important – there are literally thousands of funds out there, and we’d expect to see clients in those that are performing in the top 5% in the World – not always the case from what we see here in Spain! The overall fund allocation is how your advisor has put your portfolio together. This could mean you have a good mix of say 12-16 high quality funds, all chosen for very specific re-

Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning.

asons to spread your assets across different sectors, geographical regions etc. If all of the above is done well, then this should result in you outperforming the overall investment markets, and indeed outperforming what’s on offer from other investment firms here in Spain. What we see in reality is that most people live in a bubble. They can see their performance, but they have no idea if it’s actually good when compared to the wider markets. If you’re a balanced investor and you’ve made 8% this year, is that a really good performance, or perhaps for the risk you’ve taken you might have expected more? How can you really know? This is where our analysis helps. We will input your exact portfolio (so the exact amount you hold in each fund) into a special system, and this will analyse exactly where your performance lies when compared to high quality portfolio runs by some of the UK’s top investment managers.

By Sam Kelly DipPFS, EFA, BA (Hons). Managing Partner, Chorus Financial rewards they are seeing can justify. Our analysis immediately identifies if you fall into that very dangerous category, and from that we can help you make changes to bring your risk vs reward back into balance. Naturally Chorus are happy to put our money where our mouth is, and the picture in this article is our Chorus Balanced portfolio, which we’ve been publishing for many years now,

benchmarked against the AFI Balanced portfolio. The AFI Balanced is the performance of a panel of the UK’s leading financial advice firms, and Chorus are very proud to say that we outperform them year after year. As this is a fairly labour-intensive service that we are currently offering for free, we are only able to carry it out for portfolios of £200,000 or more, or currency equivalent. Hopefully in the future we’ll be able to offer this to everyone. To take advantage you will need to email a full valuation – which shows the name of your funds and the exact level of each holding to s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es – please allow 5 working days for a response. If you wish to discuss this, or any other financial matters, you can call me direct on +34 664 398 702.

We’ll be able to tell you exactly how risky your portfolio is using the Financial Express Risk Scoring system – an industry leading benchmark. From this, we can tell you if your portfolio falls into the correct category for you – ie Cautious, Medium, High etc. So how can this help me? Well, when you put your money into any type of investment, you are balancing the risk you’re willing to take versus the potential rewards on offer. Sadly, here in Spain we see many people who are actually taking far more risk than the

Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.

Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B, registered with the UK FCA reference 539348, registered with the Spanish DGS and CNMV Nº Registro Oficial 3214.

965 641 163

www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es

February 20th - March 4th 2020

LA CULTURA

The fire and the fury Enormous ‘ninots’ are set to be set alight when Valencia’s famous Fallas festival kicks off next month

ALENCIA will be set in flames as the UNESCO-recognised Fallas festival begins in four weeks time. The event, from March 15 to 19, is the highlight of the year for roughly 400 neighbourhoods in the capital. Each of them spend all year holding fundraisers to pay for elaborate sculptures, later burnt in honour of Saint Joseph. The event has its origin with carpenters – patronised by Saint Joseph – who would burn disused furniture as a sort of spring clean. While the festival is celebrated across the Valencian Community, the largest sculptures are to be found in the capital. The ninots – as the sculptures are known – are typically a satire of current affairs. Last year, a ninot made headlines around the world as it depicted figures of Trump standing next to Hitler, Stalin and Franco, all with miniature male sexual organs. The falleros, as participants in the neighbourhood associations are known, are also sticklers of traditional Valenciano culture. Last year’s Masterchef semi-final in Spain was thrown into chaos when falleros from Valencia were served a Catalonian dish by contestants. The semi-final was re-run in Denia, showcasing authentic Valencian cuisine.

Costa Carnaval All you need to know about the carnival celebrations on the Costa Blanca

CARNIVAL is coming to the Costa Blanca to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Town Halls up and down the region are organising fancy dress parties, activities for

children and late-night fiestas for the main event on Saturday February 22. In Javea, a children’s parade is scheduled for 5pm, followed by music and anima-

Going nuts ALMOND blossom is the sole inspiration for a month-long festival that takes place annually among the almond groves on Alcalali. This weekend the festivities will come to a close – but there is still time to breathe in the pollen and soothe your eyes with the white-pink blossom. On February 22 and 23 a hikers walk is organised to meander through the almond groves in the surrounding Vall de Pop. The walk, which is around 6km long, will depart from the Placa de l’Ajuntament. The walks are followed by markets of handicrafts, organic produce and local fare. Games and traditional Valencian songs will follow Saturday’s walk, while an exhibition and awards ceremony of the 5th Photo Marathon will take place on Sunday at the Ethnological Museum. The closing ceremony will take place at 6pm on Sunday.

tions until the adult’s parade begins at 11.30pm with prizes for ‘best individual’, ‘best couple’ and ‘best group’ outfits. Denia is celebrating its ‘oriental’ themed Carnestoltes 2020, requesting visitors base their attire around the ‘East’. Prizes for the 5.30pm parade will be awarded for ‘minis’ (up to four years), ‘children’ (5-12), ‘dos’ (couples of any age) and ‘comparsas’ (groups of 3+ and of any age). Calpe will spend the whole day celebrating, with music and activities from 1pm until

prize giving at 10pm. Cash prizes up to €450 will be awarded for individuals, couples and groups. Moraira will hold its parade at 12pm, followed by paella and drinks at 1.30pm and a dance act at the Plaza de la Sort. A children’s parade will be held in Pego at 10.30, followed by a massive street spectacle at 7.30pm featuring 150 artists, dancers, live music, theatre and circus acts. A street disco will keep partygoers up from 11pm until late.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Last orders

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Spain’s Oscar winner

SPAIN may not have officially won an Oscar this year. But one of its companies has hit the Academy Award jackpot, after one of its products - the crisps Bonilla a la vista hit the big time. It happened after the brand was seen prominently in huge winner, the Korean film Parasite. The scene has led to the Galician family firm seeing a 150% rise in sales in just two weeks. Helped by an army of unofficial social media ‘influencers’ Bonilla’s tasty snacks are seeing a full-blown craze. Bonilla, based in the town of Arteixo, already exports 40 tonnes of its crisps to the Asian country each year. This makes it by far its biggest market outside Spain, although it does export to 20 nations. The company, headed by Cesar Bonilla, 87, has been making crisps for almost a century and it remains a family firm with 100 employees. The firm produces about 540 tonnes of crisps each year. While a 500 gram tin costs €13 in Spain, it weighs in at a chunky €23 in South Korea.

By Dimitris Kouimtsidis

THE number of bars and restaurants closing down in Spain is on average 2,000 per year. In 2017, Spain had 246,203 establishments. That number dropped to 244,428 in 2018 and 242,443 in 2019. That means that over the last two years, 3,760 es-

Hotels and restaurants increase on costas, while it’s closing time for thousands of Spanish bars tablishments have closed down. In the specific case of bars, we have gone from having 167,798, to 165,736. Celia Rodriguez, an expert at Nielsen consulting said: “Behind this phenomenon

Reeling amazing

are demographic movements, the population does not grow but ages. “In addition, the villages are emptying and people are moving to the cities, so bars are closing in rural areas and instead opening in

TO those in the know, the rushing rapids of Lleida’s River Ebro and the angry waters of the Rock of Gibraltar are among Europe’s top fishing spots. Now they have been honoured in a new list of the ‘top 10 best places to go angling in 2020’, compiled by fishingbooker.com. The river town of Lleida in Catalunya is well known for its enormous wels catfish, which can reach more than 200 pounds (see left). Gibraltar on the other hand is the only route between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, making it a superhighway for huge, predatory fish. Tenerife was also honoured in the rankings for its seabream, amberjack, and dentex, which roam the reefs, while marlin and tuna hunt in the bluewaters just a mile or two offshore.

urban areas.” Independent bars and clubs are the ones suffering the most. This is due to a change in the consumption habits of Spaniards, as more drinks are now drunk in the day time than late at night. Out of over 240,000 establishments in the country, 186,000 are the hybrid cafeteria-bar type, highlighting the above trend even further. Millenials Rodriguez added: “The aging population has a lot to do with this loss, because as people get older, they tend to go to bars less.” The same applies for clubs, with late night customers having decreased between 30% and 40%. Rodriguez concluded: “Millennials are not choosing to go out at night and those from previous generations haven’t stopped going out, but they don’t do it at night anymore.” On the coasts however, things look a little bit different. Bars are closing down, but more hotels and restaurants are opening.

You’ve been mangoed MALAGA beer brand Cruzcampo has gone hipster with a fruity new limited edition pale ale. The world famous brewery is courting beer aficionados and gastronomy lovers with its ‘Mangos de Malaga’ tipple. Flavoured with one of Malaga’s most important tropical exports, the new IPA will form part of the drinks giant’s new ‘Sessions’ range, designed to promote Andalucia’s seasonal specialities by letting local ingredients shine. According to the brains behind the project, Mangos de Malaga is a light-bodied, medium-high bitter and dark reddish amber beer (4.5 ABV). It has caramel notes from toasted malts and fruity highlights like citrus and pinaceae, contributed by hops, as well as mango.

February 20th - March 4th 2020

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Appy wandering Spanish app Wikiloc fuels hiking resurgence with 13 million routes globally, writes Dimitris Kouimtsidis

HEN you think of expats and tourists in Spain, you tend to think of them going to the coast to bask on beaches and soak up the sun. However, increasingly they’re heading for the hills and spending more of their free time on

biking and hiking. That’s where apps like Google Maps and Wikiloc really come in handy. You have definitely heard of the former, but may not have heard of Wikiloc, an app you can use to find obscure hiking trails and cycling routes that have been

uploaded by other users. One of the most important features is that the GPS works offline, conserving mobile data, especially in remote locations where it’s difficult to get a signal. Something else you may not know is that the app was creat-

ed in Spain. Spokesperson Berta Nicolazzi described it to the Olive Press as “a collaborative platform with a community of outdoor enthusiasts exploring and sharing millions of great outdoor trails around the world for hiking, cycling, and many other activities”. When someone discovers a new trail, they can choose to upload details of it on the app, including location, distance, time it takes, difficulty and pictures. This enables fellow explorers to discover these ‘hidden’ gems and have an idea of what to expect. “Our goal is to help people have better experiences before, during and after their outdoor activities”, said Nicolazzi. Wikiloc was created in 2006 by Catalan Jordi Ramot and in the same year, Google Maps Spain rewarded him for his hard work. Apple even included it as the ‘app of the day’ on the app store. In 2008, it reached an agreement with Google to show the routes as a default layer in Google Earth, although it didn’t renew its agreement in 2019. As of October 2019, Wikiloc has more than 5 million members, sharing a whopping 13 million routes and 24 million photo-

graphs and videos. app, it has also spread around Ramot is a computer engineer the world. and a big fan of outdoor train- On the first day of the app’s ing, off piste skiing and moun- launch, someone posted a tain biking. route in Japan and it’s now in The Catalan is also an avid fan dozens of countries around the of taking pictures where he vis- world. its. This desire to share experi- “We didn’t believe it,” he said. ences is what led him to create One of the reasons you may a web page where he uploaded not have heard of Wikiloc is bethe images of his routes and to cause it doesn’t spend much which some friends had signed on advertising. up. “We can’t afford In the days beit,” says the CEO. fore Google That’s why they World famous Maps, Ramot rely so heavily on would have to good customer hikes like the contact local experiences and pilgrimage to libraries and word of mouth to archives and regrow their memSantiago de quest access to bership. the cartography But why has Compostela of the spaces Wikiloc had so he wanted to inmuch success? clude online. A big factor is the Fortuitously, Google Maps hit change in our holiday tastes, acSpain shortly after the launch of cording to resident expat and Wikiloc, making the new compa- hiking expert Guy Hunter-Watts ny’s job a lot simpler. who has authored several guide “It simplified the work a lot, we books on walking in Andalucia. went from thousands of lines of “People are keener on walking code to about 20 or 30 to get now, they’re not just interested the same result”. in beaches and museums,” he The idea was created in Girona, told the Olive Press. which is still where the compa- “It’s not just a form of exercise ny’s headquarters are based. but also entertainment.” Although, Catalunya is one of Hiking is very trendy at the mothe most popular regions on the ment, but Hunter-Watts reckons

EXPLORING: Wikiloc now maps every region of Spain and dozens of countries globally

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Full steam ahead

EXPERTS: Guy Hunter-Watts (right) is a fan of Ramot’s (left) work it has only become popular in the last three decades. “This is especially the case with world famous hikes like the pilgrimage that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia,” he explained. “It attracts all sorts of people, even some who aren’t necessarily experienced walkers, who just want to do it because it’s famous,

sort of like visiting a famous monument.” Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives and the same applies for hiking. “These phone apps have helped me greatly with writing my books,” he continued. The 61-year-old guide believes that

apps such as Wikiloc are great because they provide the perfect backup in case someone gets lost, but he doesn’t believe in relying on it for your entire trip. “I’m a purist and a romantic, it can detract from the pleasure of the hike, a map, a compass and a key sense of direction are a better set of tools.”

FOR eight amazing days the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo will be your lounge, bar and bedroom - a hotel on wheels - in which you sleep and wake up in a different place every day. The landscape passing by the window of your deluxe suite or social carriage with upholstered sofas means each coffee is a new adventure. It makes the San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela route unique and unlike any other experience in Europe. The original 1923 Pullman coaches, evoking the nostalgia and charm of early 20th century grand express trains, will take you back decades while a jam-packed itinerary will keep you up to date with all the goings-on in Northern Spain. The cherry-picked route will take passengers through the verdant Basque Country, Castilla y Leon, Cantabria, Asturias and on to Atlantic-fringed Galicia. Through the Costa Blanca-based Falken Tours, a Deluxe Suite aboard the unforgettable train can be yours for €5.500 per person. Departure dates for 2020 are: April 25; May 9, 23; June: 6, 20; July: 4, 18; August: 1, 15, 29; September: 12, 26; October: 10, 24. Or, the returns from Santiago towards San Sebastian are: April 18; May 2, 16, 30; June 13, 27; July 11, 25; August 8, 22; September 5, 19; October 3, 17. Suites include a la carte and buffet breakfasts every day, as well as the finest cuisine in hand-picked restaurants en route. Passengers are also treated to entertainment on board, including music and live performances, parties in the pub car, show cooking and cocktails, dancing, and more. Gastronomy, landscape, culture, glamour, entertainment and relaxation come together to make this journey a unique and unforgettable experience. Visit www.falkentours.com for more information

February 20th - March 4th 2020

PROPERTY

Brexit bombshell By Laurence Dollimore

IT’S bad news for Brits who own homes in Spain and rent them out for extra cash or to help pay the bills.

Renting out your Spanish home as a Brit is about to be a lot less profitable due to post-EU rental tax surges

According to economist Santiago Lapausa, the tax paid by Brits on profits earned

from rentals will rocket by 5% after the transition period unless a specific deal is

Ronaldo beds down in Madrid CRISTIANO Ronaldo has announced he will open a hotel in Spain’s capital this summer – the first to open outside the soccer star’s native Portugal. The Juventus forward’s €15 million ‘CR7’ development will occupy a 1920s building currently being renovated by design studio B76. It will be followed by other openings in Marrakech and New York later this year, Manchester in 2021 and Paris in 2023.

reached. Currently, as European Union citizens, Britons pay 19% tax on the profits made from renting out their properties, and after deducting expenses. This is done every quarter. However, once the transition period ends and Britons are labelled as third country citizens, that tax will increase to 24% of the gross rental income and they will NOT be allowed to deduct any expenses.

Warning

The warning was made by Lapausa at the Brexit and Now? conference in Marbella, organised by the Centre for Tourism Initiatives, lawyer Ricardo Bocanegra and British consul Charmaine Arbouin. But it’s not just the Brits who may suffer, given that 50% of the Costa del Sol real estate market and perhaps and even larger percent of the Costa Blanca market relies on British buyers. Brits have long been sold on buy-to-let property purchases as a way to offset mortgage costs. Additionally, property managers have created a whole industry in looking after and managing such properties.

BUSINESS

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Hanging up on tech show

part-time jobs. GSMA CEO John Hoffman said the coronavirus outbreak has made it 'impossible' to put on the event, scheduled to take place in Barcelona on February 24. More than 1,000 people have been killed by the virus with some 42,000 infected. It has spread to at least 25 countries, including the UK and Spain.

Pack your bags

ZARA founder, Amancio Ortega has been ranked as the fifth richest man in the world and richer than Oman. Data from Learnbonds.com indicates that the 83-year-old Inditex boss has amassed a €71.51 billion fortune. This is more than Oman’s GDP and means that clothing mogul Ortega would rank 67th in a list of the world’s countries. Ortega is still behind the likes of Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Bernard Arnault and Warren Buffet in the rich list. The Leonese is the richest man in Spain and second wealthiest in Europe, behind Bernard Arnault, known for his ventures with Louis Vuitton and Sephora.

EUROSTAR bosses have announced that they’re planning to expand throughout western Europe, including Spain. One of the journeys planned for the train company would connect London St Pancras International to Barcelona. The projected travel time between the two cities is around six and a half hours, based on calculations of speed, distance and existing train times. Transport Secretary Grant

Rail giant Eurostar to connect London with Barcelona, for new super-fast six-hour journeys

Shapps said: “We are fully committed to expanding international rail routes as a Government – and Eurostar is too. “Among those destinations mentioned to be added in the future is Bordeaux, Spain and

Holiday essentials

TOURISTS are spending most of their money in supermarkets, a study has revealed. In Valencia alone, 29.5 million foreign and domestic tourists visited in 2019 – a record number for holidaymakers. Just over €2.1 billion of a collective spend of €13.4 billion was in supermarkets alone, a figure representing 15.8%. That is according to the Trade and Territory Office of Valencia’s Chamber of Commerce (PATECO). It reported that out of the €2.1 billion, for every €10, a total of €6 was spent on everyday goods, such as food, drink, toiletries and cleaning products.

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Don’t delay Now Brexit is finally here, those buying a house in Spain with a mortgage may want to act fast, writes the Finance Bureau’s Tancrede de Pola YOU may be aware that Boris Johnson has finally, in his words, ‘got Brexit done’, ending Britain’s 47 years as part of the EU. For the hundreds of thousands of Brits living in Spain, this has various ramifications, both personal and financial. UK nationals now have until December 31 to sort out crucial aspects of their lives abroad, such as obtaining Spanish residencia and changing their driving licenses. However one thing that this ‘transitional period’ doesn’t really address, is the Brits who are trying to get a mortgage in Spain. From first-time buyers, to those snapping up a second home, Brexit has added to the mortgage complications of British expats in Spain. Spanish banks are running scared in the same way they were last summer, due to fears over exchange rates and employment prospects. As always, the exchange rate between euro and pound sterling has an impact as mortgage loans become more expensive to service for those earning in pounds thereby changing the affordability calculations.

We are finding that prospective British buyers are seeing their dream moves affected, as banks pull out of 70% LTV deals. The good news is that there is still some limited availability but these deals are harder to access. This is compounded by a new law in Spain, obliging banks to charge the mortgage in the buyer’s home currency if the exchange rate has fallen significantly against the Euro. As always, every bank is interpreting the new rules, introduced last June, in different ways, and the key is to know where the red lines are with each lender. Brexit has been chaotic for the value of the Pound, which hit record lows last August. While there was renewed hope last week as the Pound climbed to €1.2009 against the Euro after Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle, there remains scepticism from banks in Spain. For now we are still accessing competitive mortgage products for our british clients but, the mortgage market is fluid, so, if you are considering a purchase using a mortgage, it may be sensible to do this sooner rather than later.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

Portugal.” This new venture is pencilled in to be introduced once the planned merger with Franco-Belgian high-speed train firm Thalys comes into effect in 2021. The company wants to directly compete with low-cost airlines that offer cheap city breaks. The train is seen as a more environmentally attractive option for eco-friendly travellers who are concerned about the harmful impact of flying. This comes after the announcement that the first Amsterdam to London service was officially launched. Currently the furthest the Eurostar travels is to the south of France, which is around 800 miles from London.

Sponsored posts on our website with to your site and with an average of links 50,000 visitors per day ur s to Yo ory d 00 er st ote 0,0 low 2 l om ly fo pr ar ok ne bo ce Fa

More money than Oman

te l ee ia 00 si Fr tor 0,0 eb i 1 w ed ur ay o -d in r-a to si vi

THE Mobile World Congress in Barcelona has been cancelled due to coronavirus fears. Organisers GSMA were left with little other choice after Amazon, Sony and a slew of big names dropped out of the biggest mobile phone showcase in the world. It means the economy will miss out on a €490 million boost and some 14,100

When you take out an advertising campaign with the Olive Press, you get a lot more than just the printed newspaper

We promote you on our hugely popu Facebook page with 23,000 likes lar and as many followers

The Olive Press gives you more! contact sales@theolivepress.es or 951 27 35 75 for more information

February 20th - March 4th 2020

HEALTH

www.weekender.news HEALTH APPOINTMENt

Come cry buff: Get your sexy back with me p everything you love

r built thing. ﬀ is a othing shorts - can ntuate ou are or way

better e. Far people g and e good ﬁnally about giving doing having y. of imally body look ing to en and c. And gularly ave a , with

By Jeremy Kenton

Flying may be safer than driving, but can still lead to poor health, writes expert osteopath Jeremy Kenton

Nobody should be afraid of flying, Deep Vein Thrombosis gas, however, isn’t ideal. but they should be afraid of crash- Long hauls are more likely to put Since you can’t control what your body ing – said Groucho Marx. you in the red zone for a clot. In a will do once you’re in midair, try calmtruSculpt by AsBPT everyone will tell you, flying isbut 2001 additional Italian study, treatments researchers loving ing your their stomach before youiD board: may required optimal results. In aanyseparate one of the safest forms of trav- foundbethat 4.5% for of passengers avoid eating foods thatstudy could porunners yoga not enthusiasts results. individuals whogut, hadlikethe el, but and regrettably one of thesculpting developed leg clots after ten to 15 oftentially upset your beans, healthiest. hours of flying. iD is a very procedure, dairy, and carbonated beverages. topping the list. “TruSculpt 100 percent said The impacts of flying to pro-exciting One reason form is that your Alcohol According to relate boardnewclots development in they were satisfied, would get longed stress, sunlight, knees tend tobody be at 90 degrees on itThe simple answer avoid it, as it will certifi ed sitting, plastic surgeonalti-non-surgical contouring. done again and iswould refer tude and, I suppose, there is also a plane, so blood can’t pass these lead to dehydration and swelling. Walter L. Bernacki, MD The lower abdomen and love a friend for truSculpt iD. And the factor of the boring passenger ‘kinked’ veins. The effects of altitude enhance the poof you Ohio Plastic Surgery in handles can beKeep treated justflowa everyone felt better inaerated - or outdrinks get stuck next to. Your solution? the in blood tency – especially with Central Colds Ohio, “The newest single ing by 15-minute flexing your comfortable muscles every ofsuch as sparkling - their clothes. wine and beer. A plane’s airbody conditioning is not atreatment 30 minutes while seated, and walk It is amazing howthinking many people land in non-surgical contouring session. Our patients So, if you’re about breeding for germs. around every hour. an inebriated state onlykind to climb into system is ground Cutera’s truSculpt have been very pleased with the looking into a new of After the plane takes off, the cabin Gas a hire car. iDairthat radiofrequency sculpting results they up canto personalized body sculpting goes uses through a series of filtersbody Intestinal gas can expand Sunburn (RF) technology to target andkill-achieve withairthis innovative resorting about 20 to 30 times an hour, 30% during travel, as the de- without Just because you’retoin drastic the clouds, permanently destroy in your system,” Dermatologist findthat a truSculpt iD find ing most bacteria andfat microbes. crease insays pressure (because of measures, doesn’t mean the sun won’t You are at most risk fromn the therey altitude) causes an increase you! trouble spots (think muffi topsper-Jeff S. Dover, MD, FRCPCin provider near you by searching sitting next to you, In fact, a two-hour flight may double andsonlove handles) - inespecially just 15 ifofvolume. Skincare Physicians in https://trusculpt.com/find-athey are coughing and with spluttering. Sitting in a confined space with your daily dose of ultraviolet radiation, comfortable minutes no Chestnut Hill, MA. provider. according to the NOAA Space Weather downtime. We have found that By and large, people are Prediction Center. Be aware if sitting by the treatment works on all skin a window seat to apply SPF 15 where necessary. types, sizes and physiques, Back pain including individuals who Neck pain can arise as you sit in the were previously not considered cramped confines of often poorly decandidates for body contouring signed seating, especially on budget procedures.” airlines. If you are likely to fall asleep, then inWhat’s more, truSculpt vest in an inflatable neck cushion. iD produces an average fat Get up and wander around the plane reduction of 24 percent, and at regular intervals. Avoid crossing visible improvements are seen your legs and keep your feet and in 6 to 12 weeks following the calves moving. first treatment. Multiple areas Failing that, take your osteopath with you – especially on long haul journeys can be treated in one session, to exciting places!

HEALTH

The wobbles You may think that loose teeth can only be solved by dentures, but Karan Sud Dental’s fibrebond technology can save you the time, effort, pain and cost

SUFFERING with loose teeth? You may have been told that you will now need dentures or implants. But this is not actually the case, especially with regards to the front teeth. At Karan Sud Dental, in Calpe, we use fibrebond technology to splint loose teeth together and replace missing teeth. This innovation uses a resin-based fibre, placed behind the affected teeth, that can strengthen them without having to pull them out and allows you to keep your teeth for much longer. Dentures are bulky, and affect both taste and function. They also can jeopardise the health of remaining teeth. Dental implants in the anterior region - or front teeth - are also very complicated. They involve surgery, and take a lot of time, effort and expense. With fibrebond technology, however, you can save on all of these things, as well as pain. If you have mobile or missing teeth, please call us to see if British dentist Calpe you’re a suitable candidate for this innovative treatment.

Dr Karan Sud

“Very pleased with my new dental treatment from Karan and the team. My teeth were loose, but this treatment solved the problem completely. I am usually very nervous around the dentist, but the procedure was pain-free and the aftercare was easy and exceptional. Well done.” Glenys Cook

For more information visit www.ksuddental.com Tel: (+34) 965 837 553 - 24h emergency: (+34) 602 612 688 Clinica Britannia, Avda Ejercitos Españoles 16, first floor, Calpe

hout giving up everything you love

HEALTH

Looking sexy, svelte or built by BPT but additional treatments in your clothing is one thing. may be required for optimal Looking better in the buff is a runners and yoga enthusiasts sculpting results. whole other ballgame. Clothing topping the list. “TruSculpt iD is a very According to board- exciting new development in - even low-cut necklines, shortplastic surgeon non-surgical body contouring. shorts or tight-fitting tees - can certified hide your flaws and accentuate Walter L. Bernacki, MD The lower abdomen and love your assets, but when you are of Ohio Plastic Surgery in handles can be treated in just a nude, there’s nowhere - or way Central Ohio, “The newest single 15-minute comfortable non-surgical body contouring treatment session. Our patients - to hide anything. If you want to look better system is Cutera’s truSculpt have been very pleased with the naked, you are not alone. Far iD that uses radiofrequency body sculpting results they can from it. More and more people (RF) technology to target and achieve with this innovative are into healthy living and permanently destroy fat in your system,” says Dermatologist NOT quite. Eastern medtroublethe spots (think n topsrelieves getting t these days.lamp The goodfrom Jeffrey S. Dover, MD,and FRCPC Afimagic Eastmuffi that pain icine practitioners have news is that there is finally and love handles) - in just 15 of Skincare Physicians in for thousands of years stiffness this beminutes something out of with no Chestnut something you can – do could about comfortable Hill,Aladdin? MA. been treating the Qi, or downtime. We have found that it that doesn’t involve giving By and large, people are ‘vital energy’, of patients. by a human body. the treatment works on all skin up carbs and sweets, doingdeep And now Clinica BritanThe rays penetrate types, sizes and physiques, excessive or having nia’s new Thermal Deinto crunches the body, promoting including individuals who invasive cosmetic surgery. and imsign Power (TDP) lamps blood circulation, one-third showcase the best of Fully proving skin tissue. of were previously not considered East meets West with an In the opt Eastforthey might say candidates for body contouring Americans minimally infrared heating device our fat ‘Qi’reduction is circulating better procedures.” invasive or body proven to accelerate nat– whereas in the sculpting treatments to West look we What’s more, truSculpt ural healing processes. bettermight are strengthin thesay buffwe , according to iD produces an average fat The lamps work by temening micro-circulation, reduction of 24 percent, and a new survey of 500 men and porarily increasing blood boosting metabolism and women from Cutera, Inc. And visible improvements are seen circulation in the area enhancing immunity. in 6 to 12 weeks following the thoseDoctors who exercise regularly treated, and are coated the world over are first treatment. Multiple areas are most likely toto use havethea inwith a special mineral beginning can be treated in one session, body-sculpting treatment, withlamp formation consisting of frared mineral TDP

The Magic Lamp

more than 30 elements essential to the human body. When heated, the lamp emits electromagnetic waves from one to 25 mm in wavelength, and 28 to 35 mw/cm2 in intensity, that coincide with the wavelength and intensity of the electromagnetic waves released

successfully for a number of medical conditions – including relief of pain, muscle and joint stiffness, spasms, sprains and strains. The TDP lamp is also increasingly popular with surgical physicians and physical therapy departments. Could your condition be helped by our magic lamps?

Come and visit us. We will inform you. CLINICA BRITANNIA, 16 BIS (next to 16) FIRST (not Ground) Floor, Ejercitos Españoles Av. Tel 965 837 553 - 24H 607 255 755

Dear Jennifer: Are there any changes I have to do immediately, now the Brexit decision is made?

ver the last year, I have been trying not to get too involved publicly in Brexit. Having lived and worked in Spain for over 30 years, I consider myself to be European. What saddens me most of all, is the surrendering of my EU British passport. I wonder if the UK really understands the implications of coming out of the EU and whether it is just a fairy story – only time will tell. fice. I am relieved a decision has finally been The new office is located in the Aremade and some of the uncertainty has nal area of Javea, with the same gone. telephone number 966 461 690, I, along with other businesses, can start between Michaels bed shop and the to make decisions for the future. For Chinese restaurant on Avenida del the moment, nothing has Pla, giving you the choice changed. of which office to visit, as However, if your wish is to both will be able to help Chaos for a stay in Spain, you will reyou with all your insurfew months, quire a Residencia card, ance needs. health care and a Spanish regards to the which will not With driving licence, for a start. southern area, the BeniMy advice would be to do be easy for the jofar office will be having this as soon as possible. a major reform this year, staff My first decision, after a lot which is exciting as we of deliberation, is closing will have a beautiful reone of the offices in Javea furbished office. port, which was my first office, and that There will, of course, be a certain is one that I am relocating. amount of chaos for a few months, The reason for two offices in the port which will not be easy for the staff, was essential at the time, but this is no because we will temporarily move longer the case, with the Renewals now into the office above, but the results firmly established in my Els Poblets ofwill be well worth it.

For help, advice and information, please contact one of my offices or visit my website www.jennifercunningham.net

loving their truSculpt iD results. In a separate study of individuals who had the procedure, 100 percent said they were satisﬁed, would getFebruary 20th - March 4th 2020 it done again and would refer a friend for truSculpt iD. And everyone felt better in - or out of - their clothes. So, if you’re thinking about looking into a new kind of personalized body sculpting without resorting to drastic measures, ﬁnd a truSculpt iD provider near you by searching https://trusculpt.com/find-aprovider.

February 20th - March 4th 2020

COLUMNISTS

Open sesame

GetTING ConnectED By Loraine Gostling

After years of clubbing trolls out her Facebook group, Javea Connect admin Loraine Gostling has fine-tuned her selection procedure

Rock bottom

Farm Flash By Susan Weeding

Spiralling debts, tax grabs and the pilfering of €3,150 destined for rescued horses have worsened the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre crisis, writes Rod Weeding

22,000 members. Now, you may think that is a lot but, in fact, we now refuse more people than we allow to wipe their feet on the welcome rug! Back in the first couple years – before Facebook decided that they want to help you grow your group and suggest it to every Tom, Dick and Pedro south of Barcelona – it was easy-peasy and calm. But now people seem to be very

loathe to miss out on anything that may contain the word ‘Connect’ in it! Since I started it in 2011, there have been many copycat Connects jumping on the bandwagon but, believe me, it takes more than answering five FB questions and pressing that old ‘publish’ button to run a group. So, after a few years of booting out trolls and dealing with nosey-parkers, whingers and moaning minnies, we put into place just three questions that ALL have to be answered before joining: 1. Why do you want to join? 2. Have you read the rules? 3. (In short) Confirm that you are not one of the above-mentioned numpties. Well, around 25% do not understand the word ‘all’; 15% are not British and so many question mark replies ensue (lol); 20% are businesses who, although are clearly told to post once per month, seem either to have short term memories, or think they are special and have a right to spam the group as they need more customers, or think admin are too busy removing comments and won’t notice the odd sneaky offer, or don’t give a tiny rat’s bum about rules!; 5% have pressed the wrong button and wanted to join Extinction Rebellion Connect or Beniconnect; 5% are undercover reporters who just want to steal our juicy stories!; 5% offer up their life stories like it is an interview (bless); and the rest (never was any good at subtraction) are so tired of all the questions, they have lost interest anyway! But JC is our baby... and we will continue to chuck buckets of compost on it for as long as it continues to flourish!

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Serve, 8 Aseptic, 9 Easiest, 10 Supra, 11 Primer, 13 Enrol, 16 Agape, 18 Fiddle, 21 Until, 23 Advance, 24 Selects, 25 Darts. . Down: 1 Dressing, 2 Recede, 3 Oast, 4 Person, 5 Step, 6 Scram, 7 Sleepy, 12 Rue, 13 Elf, 14 Ordinary, 15 Renews, 17 Palace, 19 Invade, 20 Curse, 22 Talk, 23 Also.

SUDOKU

RUNNING a Facebook group like Javea Connect is like trying to pick up jelly with a fork. You manage to keep a few morsels on a prong, but the rest just slithers through and ends up just making a mess on the floor. A mess that even that marvellous invention, the kitchen roll, has a tough job cleaning up. Tonight, actually as I write this, the JC bell just rang and declared we had reached

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is at rock bottom. In last week’s issue, we reported we are ‘experiencing the worst pressure we have ever been under in the 11 years we have been up and running’. Sue Weeding reported previously that we owed €20,000 for forage, above the €2,000 or so that we have to pay every couple of weeks for a new delivery of hay for our 121 horses, ponies and donkeys. We’ve got the debt down to €17,200 thanks to donations, but then the bomb fell earlier in the week! The suppliers of the forage have asked us to pay the remaining money we owe now. We totally understand, but are completely devastated as we just don’t have this type of money. The huge forage bill is not a normal occurrence and is due to the devastation caused by last September’s horrific storm, which destroyed local crops and doubled the cost of alfalfa in the Vega Baja. Help for our cause has come from as far as Austria, where a very kind animal lover encouraged farmers to donate desperately needed hay from across Austria and Germany. A local golf society then generously paid for the transport, which totalled €3,150. The money was paid to transport company OTS-OBERLAUSITZER TRANSPORTSERVIC in Germany back in October – but we have been fobbed off with excuse after excuse as to why we haven’t received this delivery. The company are not responding to letters or phone calls, and the golf society has got lawyers involved to deal with this despicable transport company. A second case of fantastic support came from Norway, where a wonderful man organised several loads of hay alongside a much-needed tractor and water pump too. Even this, however, has become another stumbling block! The Spanish customs department are demanding that 21% IVA (tax) must be paid on this donated food, pump and tractor as there is no ‘crisis situation’ in Spain to warrant waiving it. The Norwegian charity involved and their lawyers, arguing this tax does not abide by EU law. As mentioned previously, our four charity shops have been a vital source of funds that have kept the centre going. But new government measures to claim IVA tax on all donated items sold in charity shops is affecting the takings and taking essential resources from the horse’s mouths. All of this is adding even more pressure to us. This hasn’t come about through bad management, but through a series of extreme circumstances beyond our control. Ultimately, the ones who will suffer are the animals. The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre are not only rescuing animals from desperate situations but are continually striving to influence the authorities and lawmakers of the country to make changes to animal welfare in Spain. The 120 so very deserving horses, ponies and donkeys – and the other rescued animals too – need your help and support. As always check out their website for all details: www. easyhorsecare.net.

6 9 5 7 4 2 8 3 1

1 7 3 9 5 8 6 4 2

2 8 4 1 3 6 5 7 9

7 2 8 4 6 9 1 5 3

3 5 9 2 1 7 4 8 6

4 6 1 5 8 3 2 9 7

9 1 6 8 7 4 3 2 5

8 3 2 6 9 5 7 1 4

5 4 7 3 2 1 9 6 8

Puzzle by websudoku.com

SPORT

February 20th - March 4th 2020

Net result EXCLUSIVE By Dimitris Kouimtsidis

THE UK’s second biggest team sport for teenagers between the ages of 11 and 16 doesn’t get any funding from UK sport, meaning senior international players have to juggle fulltime jobs between their playing careers. Team GB’s Nicolette Fong-Lyew-Quee, 27, told the Olive Press: “The most important thing is funding. “In Spain, at under-20

After Team GB women suffer heartbreak against Spain in Olympic qualifier, key player reveals why UK game is playing catch up

court hire and for hotels, it’s so demoralising.” The lack of funding in the UK is what prevents the national teams from reaching their full potential, starting from a young age. “Young players see that there isn’t any money in the sport, so choose a different career.

level, players get paid to attend training camps. “In the UK, players themselves have to pay for the

“In Spain however they are encouraged and helped to play basketball. “That’s how Spain keeps

Funding

Impregnable

1-0

ATLETICO Madrid have beaten Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League match-up at the Wanda Metropolitano. The Rojiblancos played to their strengths and came away with a 1-0 victory, going into the second leg at Anfield in three weeks time, with a slight advantage. Diego Simeone’s men scored very early on in the game – in the fourth minute – with Saul Niguez being the quickest to react after a corner kick was fumbled in the Liverpool penalty area. After that, in classic Atletico fashion, they defended admirably and managed to hold out for the win. Liverpool on the other hand, despite all the possession that they had, didn’t trouble Jan Oblak in goal, failing to register a single shot on target.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Fong-Lyew-Quee in action for Baxi Ferrol

all its best players,” she added. Team GB went into the Olympic qualification tournament ranked number 18 in the world, whereas their Spanish counterparts were going in as European champions and number three in the world. Just getting to that stage was an accomplishment in itself, for a team that receives zero funding from UK Sport. “Professional players in the UK are only part-timers, they have to juggle full-time jobs. “That’s why we can only train four times a week and late at night,” said the

Durham Palatinates player. Fong-Lyew-Quee, originally from Manchester, spent last season playing in Spain, for Galician side Baxi Ferrol, in the country’s top division. She therefore has the experience of playing in the top level of both the UK and Spain.

Behind

The reason for leaving her family and loved ones behind and moving to Spain was to play at a higher level and improve as a player. She said: “In Spain we would train twice a day, even at Christmas.

“We were paid professionals whose only job was basketball.” In the UK however, not many teams can afford to pay their players a good wage and most choose to pay the foreign players instead. “In the UK the best paid players are the Americans, whereas in Spain there weren’t that many foreign players. “All the best Spanish players played in Spain, therefore improving the quality of the league. “That one season I spent in Spain helped me realise how far back UK basketball actually is.”

SPAIN is suffering a shortage of ham carvers, according to human resources firm Adecco following a study into unfulfilled vacancies in the job market.

Ridin’ dirty

FINAL WORDS

A PORN video was broadcast in the shop window of an Andalucian driving school, as hackers managed to manipulate the TV to display the video.

Penniless A VALENCIAN man is taking Santander to court after he won €6.5 million in the Bonoloto lottery and then lost it all through ‘toxic’ investments without touching a penny.

Blind fear AN ALICANTE man has denounced the city’s taxi association after he claims drivers refused to allow his guide dog on board.

Moove THE government of Castilla y León have fined a livestock owner €38,000 after his cows blocked a trainline.

OLIVE PRESS

The The

Pork que?

COSTA BLANCA

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA

FREE FREE

Your Your expa ex patt

voice in in voice Spain Spain

Vol. March 4th, 2020 Vol.11Issue Issue87 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es February February20th 6th --February 19th 2020

Tall tale By Laurence Dollimore

A BRITISH bodybuilder has been caught riding Spain’s highest waterslide after suing a company for ‘leaving him scared of heights.’ Ben Bardsley, 38, is facing a €15,000 legal bill after footage emerged of him riding the 108ft Verti-Go, in Benidorm. It came after he made a personal injury claim for an accident in July 2015 which saw him fall

Watergate! Over leaking underwater museum

Man with fear of heights and bad back vibes rides Spain’s highest waterslide

into a garden pond. Bardsley, from Stockport, filed a claim against Koi & Aquatics after a digger knocked him into a pond the company was excavating. He claimed injuries to his neck and back meant he could no

longer lift weights and that the accident left him scared of heights.

Donkey wrong A MAMMOTH 60-metre wheelchair ramp has turned a Spanish primary school into a laughing stock. The €110,000 installation was unveiled in Sevilla and replaces a single staircase running parallel to the school gym. Bosses at Guadaira Town Hall have been left red faced after the new ramp, of six individual slopes, was mocked online. The CEIP San Mateo school went viral with its new ramp being likened to that which Super Mario climbs to fight Donkey Kong.

Aviva, the insurance firm acting for Koi, hired investigators to probe his claims. It found that Bardsley had continued to lift weights immediately after the accident and even loaded footage of himself enjoying ‘the highest water slide in Europe’.

Guilty

In the clip he insisted there was no queue ‘for obvious reasons’ before getting on the 33-metre shoot. A judge at Manchester County Court ruled he was guilty of ‘fundamental dishonesty’ and ordered him to pay costs of £14,318.

AN underwater museum is set to close due to constant leaks. The Arqua Museum, in Cartagena, is to close for six months after it was discovered to be in serious danger of collapsing. It comes after Spain’s Culture Ministry uncovered numerous flaws in the buildings’ fabric, putting many of its ‘priceless’ displays at risk. These include 600,000 coins from the Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes, a Spanish galleon that sunk in the early 19th century, as well as a Phoenician ship dating back to 700BC. The museum, which sits in the city’s port, has been suffering from humidity and damp for years. It was constructed using reclaimed land from the Med, putting it four metres below sea level. Arqua was designed by architect Guillermo Vazquez Consuegra and cost a whopping €20.3 million to build. The repairs are expected to cost around €280,000.