OLIVE PRESS
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Ditching the Brits MALAGA is bracing for Brexit by looking to the US and Middle East to reduce its reliance on the traditionally important British market. The province’s tourism bosses have decided the area needs to diversify in terms of visitors not just from the UK, but also the local market. “If the national market catches a cold we don’t want to get pneumonia,” said tourism boss Francisco Salado, “we want to have an antidote.”
Boosting
The new drive means the need to get more flights to new markets in America, Asia and the Middle East. It is hoped flights will be set up 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.
AL APPEA L
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enahav is
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Unlike its well-heeled residents don’t needyou deep pocke ts to enjoy the wealth of natura wonders l in Benahavis, writes Joanne Oakley
LEAMING like a white hills above pearl in the no is the crown Marbella, Benahavis wonder, classic white jewel of Grant, Rod with the likes Andalucia villages sons. of visitors ’s do Stewart for so many Most famously, rea- Thecontributing to and Cristiano Hugh Ronalthe town village cipality it’s the in the region richest billionaire is second home hall coffers. wealthiest munineighbour s who have bought to a host of per capita and the second average in income swankiest ing La Zagaleta, property in pushing all Spain with €29,000. Putin is private urbanisati Andalucia’s reportedly And on. Vladimir one - although the Continues
overleaf
Beautiful Benahavis
Everything you need to know in our free travel guide pages, 23 to 34
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February 2020
Your expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 13 Issue 337 www.theolivepress.es February 19th - March 3rd, 2020
HEAD TO HEAD II It’s Westminster vs Wellington
t Press special supplemen
Education A 16-page Olive
KES FFERENT STRO DI W so many good
schools in right one
worked algebra - but we’ve as confusing as your choice. child’s education checklist to help simplify with a cheat sheet
See the battle of British dukes and their Spanish property empires, pages 12 to 15
on it
balance
With of term with butterflies picking the Charlie on the first daythe parents. southern Spain, E’VE all been there question. school can – and that’s just certainly a driving in our stomachs adults alike, starting a new of is a multiple choice of after school are of academia,” says wracking days and activities a cheat sheet For children and and/or nerve “Exam results parents don’t want a barrageInternational School most memorable Smith prepares you decide be one of the force but some head teacher at SotograndeI don’t think schools and dads pacto help anxious mums our lives. school, and James Kearney, the number of after their little one has walkedit answers will suit their (SIS). “They want a balanced of with You can tell from about which school best versions school gates long them to get on exam factories. long and hard ing outside theAlthough some parents leave develop into the it should be will have thought want to see children for choice when through them. which older kids far prefer. wanting the best for child. Continues overleaf really are spoilt premier Parents independently, parents have in common is in Andalucia, you along with some of Spain’s them. education, tweak Fortunately But one thing all climate to enjoy comes to a quality for your before the final their children. the big day get going long cry from the kitchen sporting facilities and the perfect the perfect launchpad it makes picking Preparations for the school tie) and the Unfortunately, of the noose (akapacked lunch!’ to a shine, parents ‘Don’t forget your are purchased and buffed Before new shoes
It’s all about
Private or state school? All this and more in our free Education Supplement.
HEAD TO HEAD I
Pages 15 to 41
Victory! By Laurence Dollimore
A BRITISH expat couple have won a landmark legal battle against a 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 had properties in Spain with no 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. But things went awry when the investments 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 the entire mortgage and ordered
Expat couple will keep Costa home in landmark win against Rothschild bank Rothschild to return ‘every penny paid’ so far by the Joyces, both in their 70s. They have also been allowed to keep more than €15,000 given to them by the bank as a signing on bonus.
Demanding
It is the first sentence to directly condemn N.M Rothschild & Sons and its Credit Select Series Four arm, which marketed the Spanish Investment Transfer and Income Mobilisation Plan (Sitimp). More than 100 other cases are set to come before courts around Spain over the next few years. In each case, once expats agreed to mortgage their homes, the bank assessed their property and immediately gave them 5 to 10% of its value in cash. T h e y t h e n u s e d their equity to invest in what were ad-
DUPED: The Joyces joyous after landmark win vertised as ‘safe products’. In the case of the Joyces, they took out a loan of €227,000 with the bank which was invested into supposedly ‘low risk’ financial products abroad. This product was actually a life insurance through a company called Aspecta Assurance International Luxembourg SA, which was also condemned in the case. In the first year alone the couple’s €227,000 investment sunk by a shocking €55,443.
Stress
By 2016, 10 years after signing onto the deal, the investment had not grown and the Rothschild bank was demanding €302,000 in mortgage repayments from the couple. The bank threatened that if they didn’t pay their home would be taken from them. The stress of the case was similar
to many other cases the Olive Press has reported on over the last five years. In 2017, we reported how bank owner, French aristocrat Baron David de Rothschild had been forced to answer questions over the investments in an Alicante court. The multi-millionaire banking scion denied any knowledge of the complex case that saw up to 1000, mostly British pensioners, lose millions. Rothschild insisted that he ‘did not 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 dozens of British pensioners mount a class action against the Rothschild enterprise, told the Olive Press: “I find it shocking that the man who’s a boss in a bank doesn’t know about what was going on with one of his companies or anything about the product that was being sold”, he said. Opinion Page 6
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NEWS IN BRIEF
You’re done FORMER ETA leader David Pla has been arrested after appearing at a police station in Hendaye, France, extradition to Spain is planned under a European arrest warrant issued following a further investigation into his criminal history.
Big mistake A HUNTER who was intending to shoot a wild boar, instead managed to shoot and kill a man in Almeria, then turning himself over to the police.
Slippery slope A MAN was arrested for trying to smuggle €62.5 million worth of critically endangered baby eels from Spain to East Asia via the UK.
Disgusting A COUPLE was arrested for throwing its newborn baby into the river in Castilla y León, after lying repeatedly to the police about its whereabouts.
CRIME
Hearing about Hercules By Dimitris Kouimtsidis
What happened to missing ‘child painter’? POLICE have reopened the case of a ‘child painter’ who vanished in 1987 without a trace. David Guerrero Guevara disappeared 33 years ago near his home in Malaga when he was just 13-years-old. More than three decades have passed since April 6, 1987, when David left his house heading to a gallery in Malaga where his work was being exhibited. His house was 150 meters from the bus stop but he failed to catch the bus and his trail was lost somewhere along this journey. The mystery surrounding the circumstances has never been solved and the case was filed in 1996 with no clues as to what happened to the child.
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
THE family of a British man killed on the Costa del Sol are still demanding urgent answers, nearly 18 months after his death. Sean Hercules was shot by Spanish police in September 2018, after allegedly reaching for a gun. Yet, his mother Martha Friel, 65, insists she has still not received an official police report, as an inquest is set to begin in the UK. “They shot him 38 times which is surely an excessive number,” she told the Olive Press exclusively this week. “Because he was black, it meant the police didn’t treat the situa-
With the inquest on Sean Hercules’s death approaching, his mother is still looking for answers over his violent death at the hands of police
tion cautiously, they didn’t want to take any risks and went with the intention of shooting him.” His death came after the previously convicted British criminal had allegedly pulled out a gun. The 39-year-old was a convicted robber, who just 12 weeks after being released from a four
Fugitive paedophile nabbed 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. The UK’s treatment of convicted paedophiles has recently been under scrutiny after a high level inquiry released shocking figures of the number of predatory expats that are able to flee to Spain and continue to abuse children, away from the UK legal system. In 2018, five British expats were convicted of sex crimes against minors in Spain, with five more convicted of holding indecent images of children.
year sentence went on to shoot a man in Leeds city centre in 2006. Yet his mother insisted he had become a changed man. “Yes, he was a criminal in the past, but he had reformed, he was getting ready to open a business,” she insisted this week.
Killing
He had gone out drinking with some friends in Puerto Banus and then crashed his car on the way back home, allegedly fleeing the scene with a gun. The police arrived to arrest him at a hotel room in Cancelada. Once there, the father of two opened the door, walked down the corridor and drew a weapon, which led to the policemen firing and killing him. Despite looking like an open and shut case, the British consulate has failed to get the police report despite asking on many occasions, his mother claims. “I want to know why would Sean pull a gun on policemen, that’s suicide. “I think they had him confused for someone else. The full inquest is to take place in Wakefield on March 2.
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.
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.
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
February 19th - March 3rd 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.
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Dug out 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. He has been put in the care of the municipal shelter in Alhama de Almeria.
NEWS
Hidden costs EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
A BRITISH man has been hit with a €30,000 legal bill after lawyers brought a failed lawsuit without his knowledge in Spain’s Murcia region. Mike Joines, 58, from Hampshire, began litigation with the well-known law firm in November 2006 over fears he would lose his deposit on an off-plan house purchase. The Cadiz-based company,
British man faces €30,000 bill for lawsuit brought without his knowledge in Spain’s Murcia region
not named, undertook legal proceedings to reclaim Joines’ €53,557,50 deposit after the off-plan house’s completion date was delayed by a year and serious concerns raised over its legality. “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. “I don’t know who to turn to or what to do.” Email correspondence reveals Joines paid €3,600 to the firm after being told he had a ‘strong
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
DELAY: Led to unwanted legal bills case’ to get all his money back ‘plus interest and legal fees’. “That’s your last investment on litigation,” emails from November 27, 2006 read. However, after both the case and an appeal failed, a second lawsuit was launched in 2010 without Joines’ prior knowledge. “Just what is going on? I am
EXPATS PLUNGE HORROR
Shop ‘til you drop!
AN expat has died while her husband is fighting for his life following a horror car plunge in rural Malaga. The 65-year-old Belgian was killed after her Toyota plunged 200 metres into a ravine in the Axarquia. Her husband, who was in the passenger seat, was rescued after a five-hour rescue made harder due to the steep terrain, near the village of Archez. The couple were on their way to visit friends when investigators be-
A LONG-awaited luxury brand shopping centre has finally opened. The McArthurGlen centre, next to Plaza Mayor, in Malaga has nearly 50 shops of a planned 100 up and running and will employ 600 people. It is set to be 80% completed by the end of February and will offer discounts of up to 70% on luxury brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger, throughout the year. “Malaga is a city that is growing and is very attractive,” insisted company CEO Joan Jove. “We believe in the potential of this market.” He revealed that the city had been in the company’s plans for 11 years.
lieve the woman became distracted and veered off the windy rural road. The accident occurred on the road between Archez and Competa. The accident occurred at around 1.45pm near the the MA-5104, which connects Archez with Competa. The car was completely destroyed in the crash. Firefighters were called from Nerja and Velez-Malaga to help in the rescue operation.
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.” The law firm replied saying they had acted on Joines’ ‘behalf’ to pursue a second case with ‘no further fees’ given they had won similar cases previously. “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, they wrote again to Joines in January 2020 requesting €29,874.37 in legal bills for the failed cases. “This is not right,” Joines replied. “Years of no communication suggested it was done and dusted. Receiving your invoice has caused much distress for myself and my wife, I’m now waking up in the middle of the night with worry.” The law firm has been contacted for comment.
features
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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
Better late than never IT has been nearly six years since the Olive Press first demanded answers from the Rothschilds for their expat loan scam. But we now finally have our first case of justice. British couple Barry and Marion Joyce this week won a landmark case against a bank. This has raised new questions. Will normal everyday people now start to get justice for all the injustices they suffered in the past? This case has opened Pandora’s Box for an abundance of cases to come before the Spanish courts against the Rothschilds. But are things really going to change? Are the rich and powerful suddenly going to become more accountable to laws? We’d like to think so and for the time being, this huge victory is worth being celebrated, especially for the people who have been cheated and will finally get their money back after all these years.
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
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February 19th - March 3rd 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 money deals, mafia waves. OLIVE PRESS There are times when it is of in- involvement and squatters homes and is still demanding terest to vulture funds and finan- ‘owned by banks’. Heather LINE OF DUTY they meet the rest of their debt cial entities to coordinate with Galloway investigates with interest. the mafias.” Clare. M. who lives in Puente The most glaring instance oc- the murky underworld of de Vallecas, the second most curred between 2014 and 2017 popular area for squatting in the in Ensanche de Vallecas, Madrid real estate where free capital, agrees that there are difwhen the vulture fund Encasa accommodation comes at ferent types of squatters. “The Cibeles (part of Goldman Sachs) a hefty price 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 Spanish 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
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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.
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features
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Olive Press 7 online
7
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
THE Forgotten
R
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
V
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)
3
- ‘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)
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8
NEWS
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Scouse excuse
A DEAF British man wanted in Spain for cashpoint robberies claims he cannot get a fair trial because he can ‘only lip-read Scouse’. Harry Meadows, 39, is due to stand trial for his part in a UK gang’s crime spree, blowing up cash machines on the Costa del Sol. The father is fighting attempts to haul him before a Spanish judge, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Harry Meadows ‘unfit’ to stand trial
Spanish officials have expressed concerns that Meadows could be ‘deliberately’ exaggerating his condition. Meadows is wanted over the robbery of €350,000 from blown up machines between Marbella and Malaga. The Liverpool man and his
Fresh pool probe
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. He took photos of all areas of the pool, focusing on its suction systems and drains. The group then introduced a piece of cloth into the water and analysed how it reacted to the suction system. They then did the same with a swimming cap, similar to that of Comfort’s, which had been found by Guardia Civil officers in the main drain of the purification system following the tragic incident.
EXAGGERATING: Meadows
cronies allegedly targeted 14 ATMs at banks between 2013 and 2014. Spanish prosecutors are seeking to extradite Meadows to Spain, alongside five other suspects, who are all ‘in UK prisons’ for other offences. Meadows, who denies the allegations against him, already served three months in a Spanish prison, before returning to the UK. Despite a judge approving an extradition order at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in 2018, there is still an ongoing legal battle. At the High Court in 2019, Meadows’ lawyer argued that he ‘required a specialist lip-speaker who could pronounce words, and shape lips, to produce a Liverpool accent, a specialism rare in England, and rarer still in Spain’. His defence rests on the fact that he never learnt sign language and is therefore ‘unfit’ to stand trial in Spain, as he can’t lip-read Spanish.
www.theolivepress.es
Hero teen
AN inspirational 16-year-old British boy is running every day for a year to raise funds and awareness for Battens Disease in memory of his cousin who tragically died from the condition four years ago when she was just 13. Sam Clarke is covering between five and 20 kilometers every day across mainland Spain and then Mallorca, Italy, Canada and the UK. Most recently, he finished first in the 5k Torremolinos Colour Run, with a speedy time of 22 minutes. He also ran up the Rock of Gibraltar, in the Top of the Rock Race, in which he finished first for his age group. To donate to Sam search ‘running4ayear’ on justgiving.com
Scot free SPAIN has launched a bid to bring a Catalan separatist leader back from Scotland to stand trial. Former Catalan Education Minister Clara Ponsati faces a Supreme Court summons for her role in the illegal 2017 independence referendum. Ponsati fled to Scotland, where she currently teaches at St.Andrews Universi-
NEWS
ty, and has claimed diplomatic immunity. However, Spain’s top court has now made a formal request for her extradition, asking the European Parliament to revoke Ponsati’s immunity. The extradition will also strip Ponsati of her MEP status, a title that, according to Judge Pablo
Drilling it down YOUR windows may be rattling this week and you may even catch a sonic boom as you eat your cornflakes. It is all part of an air drill laid on by Spain’s Ministry of Defence over Malaga and Cadiz. Operation Eagle Eye 20-01 will see 800 soldiers and six F18 fighter jets take part in exercises for five days. The planes of the 15th Air Force Wing division will be joined by the frigate ‘Admiral Juan de Borbon’ off the Costa del Sol. Training drills will include ‘defensive air missions’ which will involve manoeuvres to deal with enemy aircraft.
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
9
Let youngsters vote!
Llarena, she obtained to strengthen her immunity in the UK. Ponsati’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar, insists however, that she continues to have immunity until the end of the Brexit transitional period at the end of 2020. He said: “Spain has repeatedly chosen to disobey a ruling by the highest court in Europe. “It failed to release Junqueras and has abused the system of European Arrest Warrants. “The fact that it is now desperate to remove Clara’s legal immunity as an MEP comes as little surprise.” Ponsati is facing the same charges that 11 former Catalan MP’s have already been jailed for. Among them are former deputy leader of Catalunya, Oriol Junqueras, for his role in the botched attempt to leave Spain three years ago.
SPAIN’S youngest MP wants to change the law allowing 16-year-olds to vote. ERC member Marta Rosique, 23, proposed the lower voting age, insisting it’s the younger generation who lead the feminist, ecologist and anti-fascist movements. The Catalan independence supporter believes the younger generation have better access to technology than the older generation ever had. It means they are better informed and have wider political views. Opponents argue that - as seen with Brexit - voters are manipulated by fake news and the younger generation is more susceptible to this and more easily influenced by false promises. If the voting age is lowered, Spain would join Austria to allow voting at 16.
HELP WANTED for mailing service shop, which is opening soon in Alora. The applicant must have some experience in the mailing or post office area. Also Spanish speaking would be a great advantage.
For further information please call: 0034711087794
10
GREEN
www.theolivepress.es
We don’t dig it
RESIDENTS in Coin have been protesting against the opening of a new quarry. They are fighting plans to open a controversial new dolomite quarry in the mountains near the town. Around 500 people attended a demonstration against the proposal, organised by a citizen’s protest group called Salva Tu Sierra.
Hundreds take to streets to protest opening of new quarry that could ‘destroy’ environment
The scheme is currently still at the public consultation stage, but the group is to formally lodge objections to the scheme on environmental and health grounds.
The site is also located close to a farm school, visited by thousands of children and teachers each year, which could be forced to close. The group describes the
project as a ‘crime’ and argues that residents have already been protesting for decades at the ‘unbearable’ dust particles in the air near the existing quarries.
Measures
Trouble on the terraces
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.
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
The protesters urge all parties to back its campaign, adding that the group isn’t in favour of closing the existing quarries, but want to make sure that quarries do not break the law. The mayor of Coin, Francisco Santos, confirmed the town hall is also studying legal measures it can take against the project.
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 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.
Seagrass shocker
Paths to glory PLANS to finish over 10km of coastal path have been given the green light by the Junta de Andalucia. One €3.3 million investment will see a 2.9km route link La Cala with Fuengirola, with construction to start in September.
Off with its head
Meanwhile, work is also soon to begin on an uninterrupted path from Estepona centre to the Guadalmansa River. The €976,670 project will see a 870m section built to open up a 10km path as part of the coastal corridor project.
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.
Big gig
BRITISH bands top the bill at the Brisa Festival lineup, which has just been announced for Malaga. Headliners Northern Irish indie-rock band Two Door Cinema Club are joined by Anglo-Spanish group Crystal Fighters. About 3,000 are expected to attend the event in the city’s port on June 19 and 20, with tickets starting at €35 from brisafestival.com.
LA CULTURA
11
Buried treasure By Dilip Kuner
HEADLINING: Two Door Cinema Club
Freedom fighters
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-
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
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
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende Although this is a work of fiction, the story contains so much historical fact that at times it feels like reading a biography. Allende’s latest offering is a historical saga which takes us from the Spanish Civil War to the rise and fall of General Pinochet in Chile. Victor and Roser fight against Franco’s army but eventually must flee Spain. They go to France where they eventually board a boat chartered by poet Pablo Neruda to take Spanish refugees to Chile where they begin their new life only to have to, one again, endure the rule of a dictator. This is a story of love, loss and displacement and shows us the human cost of politics and conflict. It is peppered with lines from Neruda’s poetry and serves as a good introduction to the Spanish Civil War and Chile under Pinochet.
€11.90, Available from The Bookshop San Pedro - www. thebookshop.es
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.
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.
Gamble
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.
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February 19th - March 3rd 2020
what’s on
A
frica El Mar Europa
AN exhibition reflecting on the immigration of people across the Mediterranean, with 65,000 refugees reaching Andalucia (the most affected region in Europe) in 2018. At the Casa Museo de Mijas until March 2.
T
he Lady of Shalott
IMMERSE yourself in an exhibition about a series of works taking a new look at the Lady of Shalott by Alfred Tennyson. At the Casa Amarilla in Malaga until February 29.
A
rabian Fantasy
LIVE your 101 nights with the ‘Arabian Fantasy’ exhibition with the theme of Arabic life or how it was romantically depicted by artists in the 19th century. At the Carmen Thyssen Museum in Malaga until March 1.
E
rotica
EXPLORE a display of paintings, sculpture and poetry with the theme of eroticism by a group of local artists. At the Casa de la Cultura in Almunecar until February 22.
C
ueva del Tesoro
ENJOY Gospel IT, a group of 20 young musicians from Malaga, who will be performing gospel versions of classic rock, reggae, pop and soul. At the Rincon de la Victoria in Malaga on February 22.
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
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
T
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 FEUDAL: Huge La Garganta estate is shut off to hikers 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
YOUNG AND FLUSH: Hugh Grosvenor
PARTNER: Harriet
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
February 19th - March 3rd 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
SINGLE IMPLANT
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
IMPLANT BRIDGE
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.
IMPLANT DENTURE
14
February 19th - March 3rd 2020 Check out our issues online at www.theolivepress.es Mallorca Issue 73 OLIVE PRESS
The
ANDALUCÍA
Mijas Costa
FREE A
ll about
Ditching the Brits
February
February 2020
so many good
Continues
overleaf
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
it
balance
HEAD TO HEAD I
23
VICTORY!
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
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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
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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
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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
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
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.
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.
Tel. (+34) 96 649 18 29 info@hispaniahomes.es www.hispaniahomes.co.uk
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)
Priorities
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
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
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
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
Ask here for our VENDORS GUIDE The Proven Path to Success
No glory 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
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
Climate unicorns 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
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Across 1 Slice of bacon (6) 5 Packet (6 8 Private feud (8) 9 Defence organisation (1,1,1,1) 10 Unfavourably (3) 11 Malady (8) 13 Forgiveness (6) 16 Worn on a necklace (6) 19 Adolescent (8) 23 Quick-fire talk music (3) 24 Increase in size (4) 25 Gesture of approval (6,2) 26 Die from lack of food (6) 27 Make more intense (6)
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schools in the right one
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
B
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
PET PROTECTION
LETTERS
Down 2 The New World (7) 3 Nestled together (7) 4 Charges (5) 5 Space surrounding an altar (7) 6 Argument (3,2) 7 Vows (5) 12 North American deer (3) 14 Cereal grass (3) 15 Bedtime lingerie (7) 15 Responsive to drugs (7) 18 Marry (7) 20 White heron (5) 21 More recent (5) 22 Circular (5)
All solutions are on page 50
A
ll about
February 2020
A 16-page Olive Press special supplement
Education
Different strokes W E’VE all been there on the first day of term with butterflies in our stomachs – and that’s just the parents. For children and adults alike, starting a new school can be one of the most memorable and/or nerve wracking days of our lives. You can tell from the number of anxious mums and dads pacing outside the school gates long after their little one has walked through them. Although some parents leave them to get on with it independently, which older kids far prefer. But one thing all parents have in common is wanting the best for their children. Preparations for the big day get going long before the final tweak of the noose (aka the school tie) and the cry from the kitchen ‘Don’t forget your packed lunch!’ Before new shoes are purchased and buffed to a shine, parents
With so many good schools in southern Spain, picking the right one is a multiple choice question. Charlie Smith prepares a cheat sheet of answers to help you decide
will have thought long and hard about which school will suit their child. Fortunately in Andalucia, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to a quality education, along with some of Spain’s premier sporting facilities and the perfect climate to enjoy them. Unfortunately, it makes picking the perfect launchpad for your
child’s education as confusing as algebra - but we’ve worked on it with a cheat sheet checklist to help simplify your choice.
It’s all about balance
“Exam results and activities after school are certainly a driving force but some parents don’t want a barrage of academia,” says James Kearney, head teacher at Sotogrande International School (SIS). “They want a balanced school, and I don’t think schools should be exam factories. Parents want to see children develop into the best versions of Continues overleaf
16 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
A
ll about
Education Listen carefully
Growing our Future Together
From previous page
By Mrs Lee-Allan, Principal
We place significant value on developing opportunities that offer a range of cultural, social and creative experiences for youngsters to discover and develop new interests. Through such opportunities we develop learners’ understanding that whoever we are and whatever background we come from we are all citizens of the future who can learn from one another’s skills and experiences. Our philosophy that underlies how we grow and develop is based upon respect for ourselves and others and for our learning environment. We pride ourselves on being positive and enthusiastic role models for all our young people to be enthused by. Our learner-centred approach to education, our passion for all young people to be ambitious and successful and our dedication allows youngsters to feel valued, respected and supported. Building relationships with our young people, our families and staff are important to everything we do; we always aim to listen, learn and reflect together. We are very proud of our school and look forward to welcoming you in the near future where you will see for yourself what a unique learning experience we offer.
themselves they can be.” It’s worth considering as you mull over the first item on your checklist, headed Public or Private. Do you opt for an international college or a Spanish state school? It’s generally an easier decision to make for younger children, as primary schools throughout Europe are more or less comparable. Around two thirds of expats send their children to local state schools – called ‘colegios’ (primary schools) and ‘institutos’ (secondary schools). There are two serious advantages to Spanish schools. One – children will learn Spanish fast and should integrate well into their new home country. Younger children, in general, thrive in state schools with the under nines normally picking up impressive spoken Spanish (usually, far better than their parents) within a year, just by socialising with their friends. Two – state schooling is free of charge from the age of three, when children can begin attending ‘infantile’ or ‘pre-escolar’, equivalent to a nursery in the UK. The only costs you’ll have to cover are books, trips and, if the school has them, uniforms. There are also plenty of downsides to Spanish schools. Older and less extrovert kids with limited Spanish can have trouble adjusting. Learning maths and physics in a foreign idiom isn’t for sissies! Also throwing them into Spanish schools if they are over nine can be daunting in the extreme. It is definitely worth considering extra language tuition outside school hours to help ease the transition. Budget up to €20 per hour for private lessons - although there are plenty of excellent local academies offering Spanish and some town halls even give free classes.
Your child will not only be more able to keep up with lessons but is far more likely to make friends if they can socialise in the same language. “It is fine if you get the kids into school early, at a young age, but if they are nine or 10 then they will find it harder,” advised one English parent whose two children have been through the local system in Manilva. “They will almost certainly need some extra tuition and watching carefully. It also helps if the parents get involved in the school and try to get to know the other Spanish parents. Joining the parents/teachers association certainly helps.” If you decide against the Spanish state system
17 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
New heights
S
STANDING OUT: Get counted and have fun
– either because you fear educational standards are low (according to reports, Andalucia does indeed come well below average), or because you prefer to have your children educated in English – then you will have no choice but to go private.
Top of their class It’s likely you’ve already heard of some of the region’s more well-established private international schools. Benalmadena International College (BIC) is well established, as is Sunny View for nearly half a century. Laude in San Pedro, which is part of the UK’s International Schools Partnership, is one. The grouping includes the British School of Malaga and the highly-respected Lady Elizabeth school in Javea, Alicante, as well as dozens more globally. Laude has a roll call of nearly 1,000 pupils and has grown consistently over decades. Sotogrande is another of the biggest and bestknown schools, established in 1978 and now totalling around 1,000 students of over 50 nationalities. The English International College (EIC) in Marbella also has a prestigious reputation based on results and its high teacher-to-pupil ratio (currently 66 teachers to 450 pupils). Over 60% of its pupils get into Oxbridge and Russell Group universities each year and the school is regarded as the most academic on the coast. EIC head teacher Ron Griffin said: “We follow a British curriculum and get our pupils into the top British universities, apart from those who want to go elsewhere. “With so many teachers we can guarantee that pupils get the education they deserve.” And let’s not forget the highly-rated Prior Park in Gibraltar and Cameron International nearby.
What do they offer? Most international schools follow a UK curriculum of GCSE and A-levels but many also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme as well as the local secondary school qualification, the Bachillerato. The IB – which may be unknown to some English readers – is the normal route to university for European students. The main difference is that IB students take six or seven subjects – which often include elements of community work and public-speaking – as opposed to just three or four at A-level.
Counting the cost International schools are widely considered the best learning environments, although the most obvious downside is the cost. Schools range from basic to luxurious but they all come at a price. Fees range from €3,000 a year for primary school to between €6,000 and an eye watering €17,000 per year for secondary schools. And that generally doesn’t include the cost of books, school trips or uniforms. A further downside is that children may find themselves in something of a language vacuum, unable to integrate with the local community outside the English-speaking classroom. But international schools are beginning to fight this effect, with many more Spanish extracurricular activities available, more access to local culture on school trips and after-hours classes such as flamenco dancing.
Wrapping it up When it comes to education, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach, and what school you choose for your children will depend on their individual needs. Just one final tip for parents who decide to go with the Spanish system: learn the language yourself. How else will you chat to your kids’ teachers at open days? And, more important for your kids than that, how will you help them with their homework?
MIXED BAG: International schools offer both academia and excellence in the arts
unny View School continues on its exciting path of growth and improvements, with more students than ever this year and further upgrades to the school’s facilities. Following last year’s addition of a fourth science laboratory and an onsite urban garden allotment, this school year has seen the launch of new libraries for both Primary and Secondary students, as well as a sixth form study area with an adjoining outdoor terrace. Playgrounds in Preschool and early Primary have been remodelled and outfitted with new equipment. The school, located in Torremolinos, has also launched a bus service with two routes offering transport to/from Málaga and to/from Mijas Costa. The additions and improvements are aimed at meeting the needs of the growing student population while maintaining focus on what Sunny View School does best – delivering quality, British education here on the Costa del Sol. This is achieved through a professional team of experienced and inspirational UK-trained teachers and a school-wide ethos that emphasises not only academic achievement but also personal and social development. The school also places a high value on learning outside the traditional classroom environment, which has been shown to raise attainment and achievement, improve behaviour and increase the engagement of students. In addition to end-of-year trips, the school offers a broad range of visits and excursions throughout the year which support the curriculum, offer students the chance to experience something new or inform them about their options once they leave Sunny View. Helping students plan for their future studies and career choices is further enhanced by the school’s annual Careers Week, when visiting speakers come to discuss their professions with students.
18 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Posh private or Joe public - is paying for an education worth it? Olive Press reporters Dimitris Kouimtsidis and Charlie Smith compare their own schools to find out
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To pay or not to pay Private
V
STATE
MY state education gave me three qualWHEN my parents told me they of my year ended up at Russell Group ifications I never expected: the confiwere sending me to private unis – it was the norm, not the excepdence to perform on stage, the chance school for my GCSEs, I didn’t tion. to experience new countries and the know how to feel. Most people tend to not name their secbest way to deal with bullies. When you’re 14, all you think about is how ondary school on their CVs but mine takes I attended a secondary school and sixth form sad it is leaving your friends and chang- top billing, along with my university degrees. centre in Oldham for a combined seven years. ing environments – from something where That’s the sort of confidence that a private My C of E school definitely stood out you felt comfortable to going somewhere school education gives you, because I know from the rest in what is one of strange and new. what sort of closed circle the most deprived areas of the But the older I get the more I realise how it is. Anyone in West UK. Indeed it was frequently grateful I am to my folks for providing me London will have heard rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. with a jumpstart to adult life. about my school and Students were from I did quite well in my GCSEs (A*s and As) know I’ve had a good a range of backand on my first day of Year 12, our Head education, augrounds, from the of Sixth Form had a surprise for me and to m a t i c a l l y less affluent to around 20 of my classmates: we were to be seeing me those used to be‘tutored’ because we were considered pro- in a more ing ferried about spective Oxbridge students. favourin mummy and Already we were a step ahead of other kids a b l e daddy’s Land who were thinking about Oxbridge, as we w a y . Rover. had teachers actively helping us not only It’s my We were lucky with our applications but with those all-im- G o l d enough to visit portant extra curricular activities. Card. some amazing The school actively promoted as many outcorners of the side interests as possible so that we could world on school become ‘well-rounded individuals’. trips, including I may have not gone to either Cambridge Iceland, Ecuador, or Oxford in the end, but I chose Leeds, a the Galapagos Russell Group University where emphasis Islands, Paris and is placed on developing students’ potential. of course, Chester Unlike my friends from state schools, most TALE OF TWO PUPILS: Privileged Dimitris (left) and achieving Charlie (right) Zoo.
However, closer to home, you didn’t need 20-20 vision to see that the facilities could have done with a lick of paint – or two. Martin – the school’s beloved janitor – was tasked with keeping tabs on pretty much the whole school grounds, from the decrepit lighting and plumbing to the decades-old woodwork machinery. Even as a young teen, you got the sense that the budget of a private institution might have made school a more comfortable place to learn, especially in winter. There were exceptions, such as our fantastic drama studio and science labs, however the yellowing and dogeared 1970s textbooks in our language classrooms left a lot to be desired. I had some inspiring teachers, who helped me in my successful university application to study Geography at King’s College London. But lessons often spiralled out of control. With classes frequently numbering 30 students or more, things can get rowdy. Smaller class sizes and more one-to-one contact time, in line with the private school model, would definitely have been beneficial. Apart from having to stand up to the occasional bully my school days were some of the best of my life. But there was always the feeling that a private school might have done just that bit more. Hence, my report card to my alma mater reads: Needs to pay more attention to detail.
Exciting times ahead
It’s bound to be a momentous year for Sotogrande International School with expansion keeping up with ambitions IT’S shaping up to be an exciting year for Sotogrande International School (SIS), with plenty of exciting opportunities for students, a new building and improved sporting facilities. The new building, which is scheduled to open in September 2020, will house 20 state of the art middle/upper school classrooms, staff rooms, office space and an area for older students to relax and study. Situated within the existing grounds the building will have spectacular views over Sotogrande and down to the sea. This phase of the development also includes new 5-a-side and multi-sports pitches, outdoor recreational areas, extended food hall, whole school library and primary classrooms. The entire school community will benefit from the increased space, modern facilities and improved learning environment. Phase 2 of the expansion, due for completion in September 2021, will see the creation of a brand new Boarding House, nestled in the wooded area around the school. Built with en-suite bathrooms, study areas, a
fully fitted gym, and access to the outstanding facilities at SIS, the Boarding House will provide an exceptional environment into which to live and study. The Boarding House has been home to the students with the best exam results for the past two years. In 2018, Patrick Kobriger received the maximum score at IB Diploma, of 45 points, and 2019 saw Boris Delev earn an impressive 42 points at IB Diploma. Exam results are consistently above Word Average at Sotogrande International School, with 90% of students getting into their first
choice of university in 2019. Primary school provides the foundation for high achieving students to start their educational journey. Sotogrande International School is a fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) school, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from the age of 3. In Early Childhood (3 to 6 years old), the curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. Providing many opportunities for student-centred, self-directed learning in the light and airy indoor and outdoor classrooms. Older primary students (6-11 years old) are
encouraged to become independent learners, think for themselves and take responsibility for their own learning. Technology is creatively embedded into the curriculum and, as an Apple Distinguished School, students become proficient and knowledgeable in the fast-changing world of Information Technology. If you would like to learn more about the Primary Years Programme at Sotogrande International School, you are invited to join the team on Saturday March 7 for the Open Day. For more information on the Open Day and to confirm your place visit www.sis.ac/openday
20 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
ation; ideally located for families in Gib raltar and Southern Spain. ll about A Education New Sixth Form now ope n!
Growing and thriving Prior Park School continues to go from strength to strength and is a vibrant part of the community in Gibraltar. Now into its fourth year, the school continues to deliver an impressive set of exam results with an 100% high grade pass rate and this GCSE cohort achieved 50% of grades at 7 to 9 with a remarkable 14% of all grades achieved by the year group were 9s, the new highest grade. The national total in the UK last year was just 4.3%. ‘These results well exceeded the expected level of attainment in the UK and we are
immensely proud of our students for their hard work and fantastic achievements,” explains Headmaster Peter Watts. The school prides itself on co curricular initiatives for pupils where they spend an hour each week on sports, charitable enterprises or creative enterprises in the community. Pupils can also enjoy a wide range of activities from skiing in Italy to language courses in France. The school has also driven inter schools sports competitions among schools in Gibraltar and in Spain. Next year, the school plans to add another 50 students to its growing campus. “With ambitious plans for the future of our school, we continue to support, encourage and lift up our students to be forward-thinking, compassionate and driven young individuals,” concludes Mr.Watts. w w w. p r i o rp a rk g i b ra l t a r. com
12-18 Day Co-educational Ca tholic Senior School 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. 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 knowledge based on the universal principles of equality and freedom of speech and which
Holistic approach FINDING the right school for your children is tough. You want to provide them with the best education you can. That’s where Emerald Sixth Form comes in, teaching IGCSEs and A Levels. The private school based in Estepona prides itself on the small class sizes – with a maximum of ten students per class – and the fact that it allows students to choose what subjects they want to study, without restricting them to blocks. If you’re looking for an alternative to large mainstream schools, then this is the place for you. They focus on a more holistic approach to teaching, the welfare of the student is most important and they provide mentors to help students cope with the pressure of academic and social life. There are still a few spaces available for next term, so contact them on admin@emeraldsixthform.com in order to visit the school and see for yourself the terrific work they’re doing there.
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.
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Cameron International enters the Champions League of southern Spanish schools
A
S the name suggests, Cameron International School is truly outward-looking in its ethos. Students are exposed to a global mix of experiences, from skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada, to helping build a new tennis court at a school in Guatemala. The most exciting new development though, is the school’s sports academy (CISA) partnering with global football giants Tottenham Hotspur. From April, the Champions League finalist’s Player Development Programme will give boys and girls aged six to 16 first-rate training in Spain. “We want our students to be able to experience sports at the top levels, and partnering with a Premier League club was a way to do that,” explains Janice Pennie, the school’s founder, who has lived in Spain for 16 years. Although the school has international appeal it has retained its Spanish roots and is still based at the San Roque Club, near So-
togrande, in Cadiz. Since setting up as a nursery in 2010, the school has grown to over 100 students. The current building is being redeveloped so that some 300 students will be able to study there. However, class sizes are kept small in order to maintain the highest standards of learning and give each child the opportunity to thrive. Cameron International’s intake is from ages three to five in its foundation programme and up to age 14 in its Primary School. Art, cooking, languages and sport, all feature in a diverse and evolving array of classes, in line with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Used by schools in more than 90 countries around
Education
Global appeal
INCLUSIVE: Children of all ages at Cameron International School
the world, this curriculum sees children engage with philosophy, literature and the natural world. From September 2020, IGCEs and A-levels will also
be offered, in subjects including photography, textiles, biology, chemistry and more. “At Cameron International School we want all our chil-
dren to be able to develop their talents,” adds Pennie. “We are also looking at an NVQ programme. We understand that higher education is not for everyone, so we
want to develop all our children’s talent.” For more information, visit cameronschool.com, email info@cameronschool.com or call +34 956 797 078
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February 2020
enahavis
A pearl beyond price
G
LEAMING like a white pearl in the hills above Marbella, Benahavis is the crown jewel of Andalucia’s classic white villages for so many reasons. Most famously, it’s the richest municipality in the region and the second wealthiest per capita in all Spain with average income pushing €29,000. And
no wonder, with the likes of visitors Hugh Grant, Rod Stewart and Cristiano Ronaldo contributing to the town hall coffers. The village is second home to a host of billionaires who have bought property in neighbouring La Zagaleta, Andalucia’s swankiest private urbanisation. Vladimir Putin is reportedly one - although the Continues overleaf
Unlike its well-heeled residents you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy the wealth of natural wonders in Benahavis, writes Joanne Oakley
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24 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
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Happy hatrick THEY are possibly the three most exclusive places to buy in Andalucia. And Aylesford Spain concentrates its efforts in all three of them. The Benahavis estates of La Zagaleta, El Madronal and The Marbella Club Golf Resort all offer privacy and exclusivity with first class leisure facilities. Among the most expensive places to buy in Spain, they guarantee high security, while space is certainly not at a premium. El Madronal and La Zagaleta have the benefit of easy access to the AP7 motorway, while Marbella Club is close to Benahavis village. Described as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the Costa del Sol, Zagaleta offers owners the cachet of living in one of the most exclusive residences in Europe. House prices range from €3 million to €32 million in a range of styles from modern Andalucian to highly contemporary. The country club offers two private golf courses, only for use by members and their guests, superb riding stables with exercise facilities, tennis courts and two clubhouses. As some of the original owners from 20 to 25 years ago move on, they are being replaced by a younger generation looking for their private escape to an environment of tranquility and relaxation. That Benahavis should be home to three such wonderful estates is remarkable, but not surprising. The amazing weather and the proximity to everything that Marbella offers truly make them a twelve month destination. For more information on properties for sale visit www. AylesfordSpain.com or contact the team at sales@aylesfordspain.com or on 610 842 774
Mountain pure Continued from previous page
Kremlin has never confirmed it. Where celebrities lead, classy dining follows and today there are so many top-rated restaurants in the village it’s been dubbed the Dining Room of the Costa del Sol. But not all its riches are counted in cash. Its wild scenery, jaw-dropping views and natural rock pools watered by the crystal clear Guadalmina river are among a wealth of natural attractions that are totally free of charge.
Lungfulls of pure mountain we arrived. Set in the grounds air are also on the house al- of the chapel, stalls selling though it’s a huff and a puff art, tribal masks, household up cobbled nicknacks and streets to the recycled clotop of this bestthes stretch in kept pueblo Arabic stronghold a landscape of hung with painbric-a-brac as crowned by ted flower pots, far as the eye and ornamencan see. It’s 11th Century ted with stylish worth a rumMontemayor street lanterns, mage you fountains and could find some castle viewing points. of Rod’s old On Sundays the cast-offs! There effort is doubly are even food worth it for the flea market trucks for al-fresco dining if which was in full flow when you feel peckish.
Walking around the village is a free history tour that will take you back to Moorish times, evidenced by the winding streets of this former Arabic stronghold crowned by 11th Century Montemayor castle, overlooking vast swathes of the Costa del Sol. The village takes its name from its first wealthy resident, Havis (Benahavis means son of Havis in Arabic), a Moorish prince who once ruled from the castle. But it wasn’t always a good place to live. The fortress was reconquered by the Catholic monar-
25 February 19th - March 3th 2020
chs around the 15th century FAMOUS FACES: Crisbut war broke out between tiano Ronaldo took a Benahavis and Marbella and holiday last summer, raged on for 350 years until while Tony Blair has the village gained its indepen- been a visitor. dence. POWERBROKERS: The Goldsmith clan Although several kilometres (top Ben and Zac) and (above) Sir Jafrom the coast in the foothills mes and his former guest Lady Diana of the Serrania de Ronda, water babies will love Benahavis as the Rio Guadalmina is with the gallery after he arri- on the ‘must visit’ list handed one of its coolest natural at- ved.” Marshall headed to to me by OP editor Jon Clarke tractions. Take a river ramble Benahavis for the tranquility, and he wasn’t wrong. I choalong its banks, go wild swim- away from the bright lights of se from the vegetarian menu ming in one of the deep rock the coast. Among his many (although the meat dishes pools or try canyoning along commissions, he now designs also looked divine), opting the Canon de Las Angostu- the awards for celebrity Eva for mushroom croquettes foras. Not for the faint-hearted, Longoria’s cha- llowed by spinach and melted the 50-metre rity foundation, cheese crepe. With entertaindescent starts along with gol- ment from a Mariachi band at Charca de Guadalmina, fing trophies. followed by an impromptu pialas Mozas - a the nine no performance, it went down an easy family With popular picnic golf courses a treat. Señor Manolo himself spot south of s u r r o u n d i n g insisted I finish with a chupiwalking route the water tower Benahavis, it’s to while he explained how he roundabout of around four a thriving busi- personally decorated the alluthat’s become ness venture. ring interior, graced with an kilometres the unofficial But the entire arty mural of flower pots. swimming bavillage is an That evening I chatted to Maths. Dive in open air art rianne and Jerry who moved there’s no charge! gallery, littered with poetic to the area on the strength Parts of the river were chan- quotes from Shakespeare, of one dinner chez Manolos. nelled by the Arabs in order Blake and Sabines to educa- “We came for a meal and loto supply farmhouses and te and inspire walkers as they ved the mountain feel and orchards. These routes have wander through the winding the walks, the air is easier to since been adapted for hi- streets. Camilo Jose Cela breathe here,” said Marianne. king with the addition of a plaza is named after the Spa- Jerry appreciated the choice suspension bridge over the nish author and Nobel prize of tapas bars and lack of tacAngosturas canyon, opening winner, highlighting the local ky souvenir shops. up the Sendero Acequia del affection for literary figures. The chance to do a bit of celeGuadalmina, an easy family However, with all its wealth of brity spotting is, of course, the walking route of around four natural beauty and designer icing on the cake. Tony Blair kilometres. But everywhere charm, it’s the gastronomic owns a pad nearby (allegedyou look, there are new trails artistry that attracts hungry ly), and the wealthy Goldsmith to be discovered. visitors in droves. family are also frequent visi“You can walk for ages here,” This tiny village boasts a cor- tors. The financier and tycoon enthuses resident Charlotte nucopia of top restaurants Sir James Goldsmith spent Wakerley. “And I especially - Trip Advisor lists over 100. the weeks before his death enjoy spending time at the Your only proin 1997 at his rock pool or at the reservoir.” blem is decifarmhouse and Present day Benahavis really ding where to his sons Ben only began to take shape wi- eat. I suggest A rhubarb and and Nat and thin the last 60 years as one starting with sister Jemina apple crumble local reminisced. “When I a well-deserKahn still come left the village in the 1950’s ved cafe con - not the typical for holidays. it was very small with only leche after the They often around 300 residents...on my winding drive order for a food bring famous return after about 60 years, through the guests, but connoisseur the town had grown to around G u a d a l m i n a few can trump 8,000!” One local celebrity gorge where the occasional who helped to put the village you can flick guest of their on the Google map is Scotti- through the list on your phone dad - one Lady Diana , who sh sculptor David Marshall and pick your place. My first stayed on a few occasions. whose work graces many high choice was Las Canas Viejas Mostly, these famous resiend homes and can be seen for a rhubarb and apple crum- dents keep a low profile, hearound the village. ble - not the typical order for licoptering back and forth “My father was the first fo- a food connoisseur but so- to their palatial La Zagaleta reigner to arrive here in 1973 metimes we expat Brits crave mansions where the tight when he started working from a sweet taste of home. The security lockdown buys them a small workshop,” explains restaurant fits the bill on the the privacy they seek. But his daughter Kristi who works savoury front too with its full even that is a privilege occaat the David Marshall gallery English breakfasts and tradi- sionally worth sacrificing for in Plazoleta Camilo Jose Cela tional Sunday roasts. a moment in Benahavis - and . “He helped to design the An evening cena at La Escale- for a reminder, perhaps, that small Aldea complex along ra de Manolo Espada was also the best things in life are free.
VARIETY: From second hand market to village wedding to river walk
The Voice was forced to wait for his big day THE Olive Press revealed exclusively in 2014 that 'People's tenor' Russell Watson was left to wait nervously for 50 minutes when his new bride, Louise Harris, 33, arrived nearly an hour late for his Benahavis wedding. Not one - but two - vintage Rolls Royces failed to arrive at the allotted time to pick up his bride, and she arrived at 1.50pm rather than 1pm. Fortunately for the opera star - who sang just days before in the Colosseum of Rome with Andrea Bocelli - his bride, 21 years his junior, finally arrived at Benahavis Church in a third Rolls Royce. The 63 guests heard two readings during the 20-minute service and then gave, naturally, a rousing rendition of All things bright and beautiful.
BIG DAY: Olive Press pic of Russel Watson’s wedding He is, after all, the man behind The Voice, the UK's biggest-selling classical album of all time and has sold over seven million albums worldwide. "You could clearly hear Russell's voice ringing out over the assembled throng," said
church warden Bernardo Gallagher. Watson has been a long-time visitor to Benahavis and has occasionally even been coaxed to sing while on a night out in the town (see Dining Room of the Costa later).
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B enahavis
Presidential perfect PALACE: The €20m mansion linked to Putin and (left) visitors Hugh Grant and Rod Stewart
‘SECRETIVE’, ‘exclusive’ and ‘elite’ – words that perfectly describe La Zagaleta, said to be Europe’s most expensive residential estate and country club. It is home to some of the world’s richest businessmen, oligarchs and celebrities, up in the hills above Benahavis and with all-encompassing views along the Costa del Sol and out to Gibraltar and Africa. Surrounded by rumours and jealousy – and one of the world’s slickest security operations – Zagaleta has the mysterious allure of a place that is both known, yet completely unknown. The longest-running rumour (rumbling around for nearly eight years since it was first reported by the Olive Press)
Swimming in riches and swirling with rumours, it’s easy to see how Zagaleta is known as ‘Europe’s most exclusive development’ with allegedly Putin as an owner is that Russian president its own separate champagne Vladimir Putin owns a €20 section, and the highest semillion palace within its bor- curity of any of the houses in ders. the estate. The soaring “Zagaleta almansion, sitready has the ting atop its It already has the best security very own peak, Spain but best security in in counts on when there’s three underSpain but when a certain perground floors, son at home, Putin comes it a garage for you can’t bedozens of cars lieve how tight goes haywire and a 200m things get and shooting range, it has its own revealed Olive security within Press sources. security,” explains one. It also has a wine cellar, with The property was later re-
Organic growth
vealed to be owned by a group taking a dip in their infinity of six incredibly wealthy men, pools and then banging off a with Putin a firm favourite to few rounds of golf (or guns). be the biggest player. They include a range of seUnofficially the cretive figures, world’s richsuch as the est man, he former mayor After his fall certainly owns of Moscow as many properfrom Grace for well as Orange ties outside Telecom foundarms dealing, Russia and, er Hans Snook, according to the estate was ex CEO of Starofficial travel wood Hotels confiscated documents, he Jurgen Bartels was a long time and Lord Stanvisitor to the ley Fink, the Costa del Sol on dozens of former Conservative Party occasions before becoming treasurer. president. And let’s not forget Athina What is for sure though is Onassis, whose family have a that this 2,200-acre enclave home on the borders, as well is exactly the kind of place as Hugh Grant, Cristian Ronone could imagine a Russian aldo and Rod Stewart, who president residing. have either owned, rented or Flying in by helicopter, before visited in the leafy enclave.
Golfing hotspot
IT’S been a busy six years for boss Javier at Benahavis’ dynamic organic supermarket. Family-run Chipolino Natural has grown rapidly and now stocks supermarkets around the region and even further afield. In store there is an impressive range of products: from dairy to pet food, toothpaste to wine, fresh bread to frozen fish. Everything in the shop, just two kilometres up the Ronda road, is certified organic and comes from over 100 suppliers, mainly local - especially its fruit and vegetables. It also has an extensive variety of gluten-free and vegan products, plus many from the UK and abroad, and serves dozens of similar eco-shops all around Andalucia. The multi-lingual team is hard working and knowledgeable and we promise: if we can’t find it we will get it for you. Visit www.chipolinonatural.es for more information
THE gently sloping foothills of the Serrania de Ronda and glistening sea views make Benahavis the ideal location for a round of golf - as nine stunning courses can testify. With more than 320 sunny days per year, golf is played in all seasons, and more often than not in polo shirt and shorts. Clubs such as Los Flamingos, Atalaya and La Quinta boast more than 18 holes. While the village itself is now home to its own driving range and hosts regular tournaments on its courses. The spectacular courses were designed by renowned golf architects such as Robert Trent Jones and golfing legends including Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. In 1991, the Benahavis Golf Club was founded, aiming to get residents playing at their local course for a reasonable price, even the luxurious fairways in La Zagaleta.
The villas vary dramatically, from elegant Moorish designs with sea views to new modern builds surrounded by forest, each complete with pools, gyms and jacuzzis. But the best views are found at the estate’s helipad, which allows those with the deepest pockets to land at Malaga airport in their private jet, hop on a helicopter and 10 minutes later they are sipping a cocktail by their pool. And Zagaleta certainly provides the security required to relax and unwind, with armed guards and pack dogs constantly patrolling on and off road. Every property is also directly linked to central security, meaning touching a panic button delivers the weight of Zagaleta’s forces to your doorstep within seconds. And it wouldn’t be the Costa del Sol without a stunning, top-of-the-range golf course. Well, Zagaleta has two. And there is no problem getting a tee time, as long as you have a home there, that is. The clubhouse was originally the home of disgraced former billionaire businessman Adnan Khashoggi, and he clearly had an eye for a good view. The entrance is studded with his hunting trophies – stag heads – and the communal areas are elegantly furnished. After his fall from grace for arms dealing, the estate was confiscated and then purchased by its current owners – a Spanish/Swiss consortium – in the mid 1980s. The development officially began being marketed in 1991 and has been regarded as the height of luxury living ever since. Currently around 30% of residents are British, 30% German, 15% Scandinavian and 10% Russian. So far nearly 300 or so homes have been built, but there is room for more than 400, with a new, final zone soon to be zoned at the back, below the Ronda road. With plots starting at around €3m alone, don’t expect to find anything for sale for less than €10m.
27
Gardens of Eden
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HERE are exclusive places to stay, and then there are dreams. Staying at Alcuzcuz is to be transported back to the 19th century, when the Costa del Sol was the dream escape of wealthy European and American travellers. Part of the so-called Grand Tour these voyagers were in search of authenticity, excitement and landscapes, taking in the famous cities of Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. Inspired by Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra (1832) or Richard Ford’s Handbook for travellers in Spain (1844) they would also often stay in Gibraltar or take the unmissable trip inland to Ronda. Coming up from Marbella would take five to six hours by horse and carriage - and Alcuzcuz was the perfect place to stop and visit en route. Today, it has become one of the true gems of the modern Grand Tour, a place to seek out for those-in-the-know looking for something original and different. While it only has half a dozen rooms, it also counts on a lovely restaurant and some of the best appointed communal spaces in Andalucia. And then there is the garden, which boasts an incredible 20 hectares of grounds, a decent section formally planted with cascading terraces, hidden redoubts and one of the most beautiful pools I’ve ever seen. With stunning views inland to the Serrania de Ronda and down to Gibraltar and Africa, you could spend the day luxuriating here with a book and never get bored. In the hands of the same family for over 150 years, the house was built in 1884 for the Countess of Aguiar by her son Jaime Parlade
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Jon Clarke takes a tour of one of Andalucia’s true hidden gems to stay and eat
Heredia. While it burnt down in 1914, it was rebuilt on the same lines and again re-imagined and upgraded in 1984 by Jaime Parlade Sanjuanerna, the Marques de Apezleguia, with the help of his wife Janetta.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Head gardener Mohammed and snapshots of the house and gardens
The celebrated interior designer also had a key hand in the modern garden, which is overseen by head gardener Mohammed from Tangier and two able helpers. “There are well over 1000 plants here,” he told me proudly, on his regular morning rounds. “And one of our secrets is the compost and manure we use liberally around the garden.” There are hundreds of palms and pines, many over a century old, plus a special collection of mimosas and perennials. You will be amazed taking a stroll around, before taking an hour long hike around the wonderful wooded grounds that border on the exclusive La Zagaleta estate. Current owner, great grandson Andres Parlade Ybarra - who also runs an estate agency House and Country - has now cleverly managed to open the home as a hotel, but to a very restricted, selective clientele. Refusing to use any of the modern online booking platforms, most of the clients come via word of mouth, or via articles in design or travel magazines. “We want to keep it very low key and with the right sort of people who appreciate the history and style,” he explains. You will definitely feel like you are staying in an English stately home, with its big library and well appointed drawing rooms. One give-away are the 19th century bull-fighting paintings. And also look out for the portraits that flank the living room fireplace, including a 19th-century painting of Parlade’s great-grandmother. Elsewhere an old chapel has been transferred into a guest cottage, with a Guatemalan bedcover and a Moroccan wall-hanging, while the staff are both low-key and on hand exactly when you need them. And don’t forget just 100m up the road you will find the Alcuzcuz Gallery restaurant, which doubles as an antiques shop, art gallery and excellent traditional Spanish restaurant. Visit www.alcuzcuz.es for more information
CULINARY TALENTS: Chef at Alcuzcuz Gallery restaurant
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A
FTER battling our way down the Rio Guadalmina, forced to leave one of our team behind, we had eventually found what appeared to be a way back to civilisation. But a series of bent metal steps jutting out of the vertical rock face had never looked less enticing, as I clutched my shaking body and scanned the cliff for an alternative. Two-and-a-half-hours before, four of us had set off just south of Benahavis on the river walk – sometimes called canyoning – with no idea what to expect. Driving up the valley towards the village gives no indication of the exhilarating, some would say hard-core, experience you are about to have.
Adventure
After parking our car in the village, by the water tower roundabout, we walked down to the river and initially hovered awkwardly around the first pool, uncertain whether we were in the right place. Finally taking control in true Bear Grylls fashion, amid shouts of ‘It’s not deep enough’ and ‘You’re going to smash head-first into that rock’, I lowered myself onto a slippery waterfall and went plunging into the murky water below, screaming as I went. As I resurfaced, shouting my approval while messily ejecting river water from my mouth, the others ditched their fears and bounded down to slide in after me, and that was it, we were off.
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Rocky river rapids The Olive Press walking team takes on the infamous Benahavis river walk, writes Tom Powell A series of open pools, bridged by slippery rocks and feisty little waterfalls took us down deeper into the gorge, until the
sun was obscured and the November chill began to take its toll on our exposed torsos. Little frogs and fish bounded
around our ankles as we tried to locate a foothold in the riverbed, while an enormous dragonfly sent me crashing when
it shocked me into losing all sense of balance. The rocky path opened up into long, deep stretches of stream
that required swimming, and we were soon engulfed in the beautifully peaceful valley. But when we came upon a
29 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Get Brexit ready
DAUNTING: The Benahavis river walk will put hairs on your chest pitch black cave that had to be swum through, one of our three began to raise serious questions. Questions like: ‘Are we sure this is even the right river?’, ‘Is there ever going to be a way out?’ and, most pertinent of all, ‘Are we going to have enough energy to go all the way back up when we eventually decide to turn around?’. But untroubled by negative mum-
PARADISE: Stunning scenery awaits at the end of this watery trail
blings at the back, I surged forward through the narrow passageway and emerged clambering over slimy rocks, only to realise I was well and truly alone. After what seemed like an eternity of unanswered shouts and shivering, I beat a solitary path onwards; confident I would find the end and meet the weaklings in my group back at the car.
But at that moment I was overjoyed to hear a clumsy sloshing from behind me, with only one of the team actually going back. And ten minutes later we found ourselves face to face with the questionable metal ladder, one missed step and we were dead. So instead of watching my violently shivering companion slip and slide his way up the perilous cliff
edge, I got on all fours and improvised, hauling myself up the rock using grubby handholds and tree trunks. Perhaps, in hindsight, canyoning down the river is more of a hot summer’s day activity, and a brilliant one at that. But even in the winter drizzle, it was a great adventure, and I can’t wait to do it again.
NOW Brexit has finally happened, it is more important than ever for British citizens to register as European citizens in Spain before December 31, 2020 in order to benefit from the Exit Deal Agreement signed between UK and the EU. Benahavis lawyer Paula Salamanca is the premier choice to assist you through this period of adjustment. She says: “There is no reason to panic if you are well informed by a professional when preparing for Brexit, even when many uncertainties remain, we can update you in the best way possible with information from proper sources.” Guidance and support is also offered on other questions raised by Brexit such as changing your driving licence and holiday homes. With 18 years experience working on the Costa del Sol Paula aims to bring peace of mind and satisfaction to residential and non-residential clients. Paula also offers specialised legal advice on conveyancing, wills, inheritance and property legalisation. For further information or for a competitive price for non-resident income taxes, contact Paula on 952 855 689 or head to the website at http://www.paula-salamanca. com/es/
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B enahavis
Hurrah for Heredia WHETHER it’s a glimpse as you climb the road to Ronda - or in its full glory as you enter the village - when you see La Heredia for the first time you’ll know it’s something special. This little known pueblo, which sits at 300m above the Med, is striking and attractive in equal measure for its architecture and colours. Dig a little deeper and the history behind it is just as interesting. The story begins when a young boy arrived in the Malaga area from Rioja around the turn of
There’s a lot more in a name than first meets the eye - enter gypsy-loving Dapper Don Heredia the 19th century. That boy Don Manual Augustine Heredia (1786-1846), becameone of the first entrepreneurs in Spain and a founding father of Spanish industrialisation. Records show he started work as a sales assistant in Vélez-Málaga at the age of 15 but by 1808 he had progressed
We’re Going Dutch SIT on a sunny terrace overlooking the beautiful Andalucian countryside while indulging in Dutch cheese and freshly baked bread. That’s what you can get at Panaderia La Heredia. A Dutch supermarket, situated on the road from Marbella to Ronda, KM 43 Benahavis Urbanization La Heredia, caters to guests from all corners of the globe. You can buy more numerous authentic Dutch products, while also being able to enjoy breakfast and lunch on their sunny terrace. They make their own fresh bread every morning and sell world famous Dutch cheese, Stompetoren. You can also find a vast selection of freshly prepared meals, including homemade soups, but also delicious pastries and cakes. Panaderia La Heredia also takes care of your culinary wishes on location. From bbq to snack buffet, their mobile team is ready for you. They are open six days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
and began to make his fortune with his first business projects trading nuts and wine with Gibraltar during the War of Independence. In 1826 he created the company La Concepción, mining iron ore to the east of Marbella and building the first blast furnaces in Spain. This business expanded in 1833 with the founding of the La Constancia in Malaga, one of the most advanced ironworks in the world at the time. Don Manuel made so much money he was able to buy a huge area of land densely forested with pine and cork trees which includes what we now know as neighbouring El Madro-
ñal (named after the strawberry trees that were once common here) and La Heredia. At his peak Sr. Heredia employed more than 2,500 people and having tried experienced Welsh miners who could not cope with the searing summer heat a large proportion of his employees were gypsies. Unfortunately not all gypsies were thought to be as hard-working and honest as those miners and in the mid 1800’s the Spanish government started to expel all who were not properly baptised with properly-registered family names. And that’s when Don Manuel had the brain wave to adopt every one of his workers officially into his family. And so the story goes he brought a priest and a notary to the offices of the Governor of Malaga, along with all of the gypsies, hundreds of
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CELEBRATED: La Heredia in a Country Life advert in 1984 them. While there he proceeded to dictate a document whereby he and his wife adopted each and every one of them, they went on to the chapel where they were duly baptised and given the Heredia name before going back to work. Fast forward five generations to the early 1980’s and two descendents decided to create a unique pueblo named in honour of their great-great-great-grandfather. The building of around 50 large villas had already begun next door at El Madroñal when Francisco (Paco) Parlade, an architect, and his brother Jaime, an interior designer, identified a horseshoe shape hill with south facing panoramic views… perfect for a classic Andalucian pueblo. “When this pueblo is finished
I would like people to look at it and wonder how many centuries it has been here,” insisted Francisco. So winding cobbled streets, plazas and fountains were introduced, alongside mahogany doors and wrought iron window rejas... and for that, like Sr. Heredia, he turned to the gypsies who scoured the local countryside. They came back with such treasures that sometimes the design of a house was changed to fit a particularly fine old door. As Francisco would always insist he wanted to make sure the place had class and style and didn’t just make him a small fortune. “After all, I live just up the road,” he said.
Adverts dutifully followed in upmarket British magazines like Country Life (see above left). Now 40 years later and the pueblo is complete, having matured beautifully into its environment with a profusion of lemon trees and bougainvillea. With its elevated position just a few kilometres from the coast La Heredia not only offers a photographers paradise, but now there are a decent number of restaurants and cafes to keep you entertained, before you take a ride further into the famous Serrania de Ronda perhaps.
32 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Fantastic growth in Benahavis’ ‘Ronda Road’ area again ONE part of Benahavis - on the border of San Pedro and Nueva Andalucia - is home to some of the most sought after properties on the Costa del Sol. The area is known locally as the ‘Ronda Road area’ as it sits at the beginning of the mountain road which eventually leads up to the historic town of Ronda. An exclusive district of upmarket urbanisations - including La Zagaleta, La Quinta and Los Arqueros - have grown in both popularity and prices have been healthy for the last 20 years. “2019 was a particularly strong year for the region with both prices achieved and volume of properties sold,” explains Michael Odysseas-Travers, partner at the Riva Property Group. “In fact, it surpassed all our expectations.” The area frequently attracts affluent second home owners and is home to a strong international community of expats. And owners enjoy incredible peace and nature, while being connected to many great golf courses, the beach and the amenities of nearby Marbella. “While affluent, it’s also relatively accessible to most budgets,” explains Michael. “There is a wide range of properties available – both new build and resale – and prices range from about €200k for a 2-bedroom apartment to €10 million plus for a large villa.” Visit Riva in the heart of Centro Comercial Los Halcones, next to the All in 1 Cafe. Tel: +34 952 781 886 or visit www.rivapropertygroup.com
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T bills itself as the ‘Rincon Gastronomico’ (gastronomic corner) of the Costa del Sol. So it is no surprise that you can eat well in Benahavis. Tucked away in the back streets of the charming town are up to three dozen attractive, atmospheric haunts, the best packed to the rafters at weekends. The food revolution in Benahavis began at the restaurant called Sarten (meaning frying pan) some four decades ago, sucking people in to eat authentic Andalucian dishes from the nearby coast. Its former owner Manolo Espada is luckily still around, although now at a different restaurant La Escalera, just around the corner. Now, very much an institution, it is one of the ‘must visit’ restaurants in Andalucia, with its owner Manolo one of the most likeable restaurateurs. A born comic and charmer, he is not only extremely knowledgeable about food, he knows how to entertain and welcome his guests. Expect funny stories, bouts on the piano and even magic tricks. And best of all, the restaurant is open almost every day of the year, minus the odd few days around Christmas. You also might find yourself dining next to Antonio Banderas… or British opera star Russell Watson, who is a regular visitor, who got married in the town. But you are primarily here for the food, which is both excellent and original and includes such gems as a black pudding crepe with onion and egg and a won-
Dining room Benahavis is a key gastronomic hive on the Costa del Sol, writes Jon Clarke
derful fish soup, which at €7 is a steal. His main course chestnut is his grandmother’s recipe for Iberian pork steak, which includes loads of herbs, sweet pepper and olive oil. It was delicious and, before you ask, he won’t tell you the recipe! Another place worth trying is the highly-rated Indian Spice restaurant, which sits in the best square in the town and has an excellent reputation. It is run by Shaheen, who heralds from god’s own Kerala, but who studied in the UK and Spain, before setting up his own restaurant here. It has an excellent mixed menu including all you would expect from an Indian, such as onion bhajees, a great range of biryanis and a proper chicken vindaloo. There is even a Sunday roast with a difference. Another place worth considering in the village is the restaurant in Hotel Amanhavis, which has a
good reputation for its fresh and original cooking. It is a charming spot and has a nice range of rooms to stay in once you have had a blow out.
Run by the same couple, Burkhard and his American wife Leslie, for over 20 years, you are in safe hands. I particularly like the pan-fried
33 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
of the Costa Melting pot
LEGENDS: Tucker and owner (above) at La Escalera, while (right) a room at Amanhavis and Indian Spice
Still at No.1 Goose Liver on home-made brioche with prune-apple sauce, not to mention the Astronomer’s Observatory room for a decent siesta.
YOU would be hard pressed to find a regular visitor to the ‘Ronda Road’ area of Benahavis who doesn’t know about the All in 1 Cafe. An incredible 16 years after opening, it now sits as the crown in the centre of a bustling strip of upmarket restaurants, bars and shops. And owner Tenes Mertens could not be clearer on the key to his success. “Always listen to feedback – especially from your regular customers and never stop innovating,” he explains. This involved a big investment in the kitchen last year with a ‘Josper’ indoor charcoal-burning oven as well as more live music (particularly on Friday and Sunday evenings) with a new stage area built. Open seven days a week from 9am, it serves up a mixture of European and Asian inspired dishes and there is a great value lunch menu, with a different 3-course menu available each weekday from 1pm – 4pm for just €10,95. Visit facebook.com/allin1cafespain for all the latest information or call 952 78 93 15 to reserve. www.allin1cafe.com
“GOLF, gastronomy, hikes, along with cultural events, there is something for everyone.” That is how Benahavis Culture Councillor Mari Angeles Mena (above) describes her idyllic hilltop pueblo. “People visit the town as it is a great location, close to all amenities but far enough that it is secluded,” she says. Gastronomy is a major attraction, with many top-rated restaurants and the local cooking school for those who fancy trying their hand at the town’s traditional culinary delights. After enjoying the mountain air on a relaxing stroll why not enjoy a more spirited and flamboyant experience at one of the various parties and festivals in the Benahavis cultural calendar. Carnaval on February 22 will see you slap on the face paint and join in costume contests, as Benahavis becomes awash with colour. Easter weekend brings the traditional Huerto del Niño festival which has taken place for hundreds of years. If you enjoy fancy dress, then head up the mountain on April 25 for an American-themed fancy dress festival which culminates culture week. Culture week has an amalgamation of events, plays, concerts and activities for little ones. Benahavis, with all its quirks brings visitors from Spain and further afield, including Russia, China, the United States and Canada. Some 70% of Benahavis residents are expats, making Benahavis the perfect melting pot for a multicultural break.
36 February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Get to know the Spanish state system There are four phases: •
Educacion Infantil (Pre-school) 3 to 5 years of age (inclusive, i.e. three years). This is optional.
•
Educacion Primaria (Primary Education) - 6 to 11 years of age (six years). Compulsory.
•
Educacion Secundaria Obligitoria or ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) - 12 to 15 years of age (four years).
•
Bachillerato (Post-Compulsory Schooling) - 16 and 17 years of age (two years).
The Pre-school stage (infantil or popularly known as pre-escolar) is free for all children but not compulsory. However, it is regarded as an integral part of the education system with infants’ classes at almost every primary school. There are some separate nursery schools, colegios infantiles, also. The next two phases, primary (colegio) and secondary school (instituto) education are compulsory and free of charge. At the end of the ESO successful pupils are awarded a Secondary Education Certificate, which is necessary to enter the post-compulsory stage of schooling for their university or vocational studies. Alternatively they may leave school and get a job. Once pupils have their Bachillerato they can take their university entrance exam.
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Cyber scourge BULLYING may begin in the school playground but it no longer ends there. The greatest threat to 21st century schoolkids is cyber-bullying and it can happen relentlessly anytime, anywhere. This insidious form of antisocial networking is the biggest battle all parents, schools and pupils are fighting and it’s a massive
Tips for choosing a new school lIgnore the glossy brochures - go to the school and see for yourself lMeet the head, meet the teachers, and meet the students lIf the students seem happy, chances are your child will be happy too lBe clear about what you want from a school - do lots of research lLook at the exam results lFind out about opening or taster days
Mobile phones for minors are ‘like giving kids a car without explaining the rules of the road’ say police
problem not only in Spain but throughout the world. The Policia Nacional insist mobile phones were a g a m e c h a n g er and in their experience, most bullying cases become cyberbullying over time. “The talks we used to give to 15-yearolds, we now give to elementary school kids,” said a spokesman. “Parents give phones to their kids without
much thought, it’s as though they were giving them a car without explaining the rules of the road.” Statistics show that 45.2% of 11-year-olds have a phone, rising to 75% of 12-year-olds and 92% of 14-year-olds. And not having one can also be a reason for social isolation. But Spain is cracking down on the problem. This year Madrid banned the use of mobile phones in classrooms, following the lead of schools in Galicia and Castile La Mancha. Around 1,700 public schools and around 800,000 pupils will be affected by the ruling. “This is a measure aimed at improving students’ academic achievement, especially those who have major problems with studying, and is also focused on fighting bullying and cyber-bullying,” said a spokesman for the Ministry of Education.
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Founded: 1973
lpe School
dro de Alcantara
Head teacher:
From Gibraltar to Malaga, the Olive Press presents report cards from nine leading private schools
Mr J Proetta Curriculum: Briti sh National Curri culum Contact: 952 786 029 –www com –info@calpes .calpeschool. chool.com Reasons for ch Successfully teacoice: from the ages of hing children of all abilities, Calpe School is a 2 to 11 years since 1973. ing a vibrant and private Primary School, providevery child is va suppor tive environment where spired to achievelued as an individual, and inPupils flourish in their full potential. setting due to th this caring and professional Calpe School en e high teacher to pupil ratio. ment and progjoys high standards of achieveress with strong foundations. educational The school prov id safety, making it es a high level of care and A warm welcomethe ideal choice. you step through awaits you from the moment to learn’ motto our door, fulfilling our ‘Happy
School name: Sotogrande International School (SIS) Location: Sotogrande Founded: 1978 Headmaster: James Kearney Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Contact: www.sis.gl 956 795 902 admissions@sis.gl Reasons for choice: For over 40 years Sotogrande International School (SIS) has provided an inspirational educational environment. When you step onto the campus, you know you are somewhere special: a spirit of learning, community, fun and energy permeates the air. Situated in a picturesque area with stunning views of the Med, lessons often take place outside making the most of the beautiful weather and location. A school bus service runs from Marbella, Estepona, La Linea and Tarifa
School name: tional School Cameron Interna que Club, Location: San Ro diz Ca e, San Roqu Headmistress ron Pennie Mrs Janice Came National Curriculum Curriculum: British ronchool.com 7 078 – www.came Contact: 956 79 chool.com – info@camerons e: nt every child to Reasons for choic tional School wa Cameron Interna ppy learning experience, to be e box, to find a have a fun and ha think outside of thgives them self to al, du ivi ind an that excites and challenge in life ance to have a modern and foch e th , ion at tional School motiv . Cameron Interna cused education n, safe and secure learning enhas created a fu its students. Our future ambasvironment for allback and be proud that they are sadors will look ron International School legacy. part of the Cameture holds for our students they Whatever the fu dence to take the challenge on will have the configth and support of the Cameron with the full stren ol International Scho
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Education
running a rule
School name: Ca Location: San Pe
anSenior Sch An excitin quality Bri located for and Southe New Sixth F
School name: The Br Sch h School ool name: Prior Paritis of Ma k Sch laga (formerly St Geool orge) Locca atio raltar Lo tion:n:Gib Ma laga Fouun nde d: 201 6 Fo ded: 2000
Schad ool Principal: Mr Peter Wa He teacher: Fiona Lee-A tts llan Cur ricu : Curriculum lum: Stu den ts dna 11 and 18. Starting in Key British Naage l Curriculum year 7, we tio follow the British Curriculum, witStage 3 in h GCSE’s andnta A Lev el exa min Co ct: +34 952 atio 29 ns reception@stgeorge0 149 or malaga.com Contact: 00350 200620 06 or wwas w.pon rior bra ltar Re s par forkgi choice: .com Rea s for choice: Th e son Britis h School of as St George, offer Malaga, previously known s the British nationa Prio r Par k ool the ulum to chSch cuion t and only co-edulcat rricrenisfro mfirs independentildsec 3 to al 18. “I firmly belie ond lea ary sch rni ool ng ve in ca Gib n ralt on ar, ly offe tak ring e a new pla ce cho ice wh for en fam yo are ilie un gsthe happy, safe and cus here and across Sou terrn s Spain. us and it is our job We offer students rio tea chers very best of the British as to ignite that the Cur lea ricu rni lum ng with subject specialist ”, principal Fio teaex chipla Lee-Allan. “Our lea ngins andthe cilitse ies . Outsidna e the rni classroom, our ran po ngofis pufaful r-an d refl ge ec ts co-cur the ricu lar opportunities is vast, mo desai rnling woto offer rldrob , wh ing ile the best chance from otic Ou s. r sm of all ex cla ss am size cess. We also plasceand outstanding ina tion sufor cuta tion pasal, toral care, means thasig nificant varep lue tur on t no cu so chi lld cia at Prior Park is left and educational ex beh Our lstu periences for dents have ambitions yo unind gs.ter s to dis cover and developas bou ndless asts. the vie ws from our new int es terr aces ” er-
School name: The British School of Málaga
School name: Laude San Pedro International College
Location: Malaga
Founded: 2004
Founded: 2000
School Principal: Amanda Hughes
Head teacher: Fiona Lee-Allan
Curriculum: Full British Curriculum from 3-18 years (IGCSE, A-Leve Spanish National Curriculum (ESO & Bachillerato) from ls). 12 years of age. Contact: Mercedes Colmenar, Head of Admissions. admissions@laudesanpedro.com Reasons for choice: Laude San Pedro International College is a reputed Intern tional School offering an inclusive and bespoke educa ation where students are encouraged not only to achieve acade ic success, but also take advantage of every oppor tunity mto develop life-skills through amazing learning experi ences. The curriculum covers from the Early Years and Found stage through to the Secondary School and Sixth Form.ation The school has been voted in the top 100 international schoo in Spain and is proud to be part of the International Schoo ls ls’ Partnership, a growing educational group which now operates across Europe as well as North and South Americ a, the Middle East and Southeast Asia
Curriculum: British National Curriculum Contact: +34 952 290 149 or admissions@britishschoolmalaga.com Reasons for choice: We offer a British education in an international environment that is complemented with Spanish studies. Our bicultural curriculum creates more opportunities for our students to learn, giving them more options when they leave. We are proud of how we develop personalised learning experiences for every young person and not just a one fits all approach. Our students learn to be motivated and confident in the pathway they are travelling and, as a result leave The British School of Málaga as happy, aspirational, independent and successful individuals.
Amazing Learning at Laude San Pedro
mazing learning happens when our students simply surprise themselves – and their parents and teachers, too – with the levels of learning they have reached. They have got better to a level beyond that which they thought was remotely possible. At Laude San Pedro International College we want our students to leave us with a memory of how they were supported to reach a level that they cannot quite believe they achieved. We want them to take that memory of excelling beyond themselves into their adult lives, so that they are confident of their place within an ever-changing world. Whether they take on the British curricular path (all the way from the Early Years Foundation Stage to A Level) or decide to study the Spanish secondary education from the age of 12 (with up to 65% of les-
sons being taught in English), we strive towards outstanding learning experiences for all our students which go well beyond the classroom. Our cutting-edge learning technology and state of the art performing arts and sports facilities set us apart from other schools. Laude San Pedro’s values are integrated into all of our work and school celebrations. They reflect the identity of our students: to be generous to others, whilst having the courage to develop academic curiosity and confidently pursuing their own strengths and interests. Students of all ages are constantly encouraged to develop personal goals which will enable them to be at ease with the continually changing context of their lives. As a member of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a leading
educational provider and a growing and financially secure group with 43 schools worldwide, Laude students get the chance to experience international cultural learning opportunities beyond their home classroom. The ISP Buddy Exchange Programme”, Model United Nations and ISP Summer Camp in the US, all provide amazing learning experiences across countries, cultures and languages. Amazing learning is what our children, students and families deserve. It is why we have set the bar as high as we have at Laude San Pedro International College. For more information on our unique educational provision and to request a personalised school tour, please contact Mrs Mercedes Colmenar on 952 799 900 or email admissions@laudesanpedro.com
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39 School name: Phoenix Co llege Málaga Location: Malaga
nly SpecFou ialis t Si nde d:xt 20h18 Form College in
Málaga
or students of dive rse academic leve ls who have the driv tential. Founde He adm d by e to discover the threeast teaer: chersJam ir Rile with es much / education adminis UK y& International tration experience School , who have lived , we are a selectiv for alm e priv ost ate 20 school, teaching years Cu rriculum: Our A-level tea A-levels & PCE (se chers are lectividad) highly committed ersity, Trinity Co and qualified with Brilleg tish A-le vel e Dub s, degrees from Inte lin rna and tion Dur al ham A-le s to university University and we vels and PCE notlec (Se justtivi enable students in the dad UK), but also in Spa in and the rest of the world. Ou r Subjects: tics, Biology,Co Chnta emistr ct: y, Phy +3 4 sics 95 , His2 22 tory , Ge02 Maths, alongside 75y, Pol ograph oritics, Spanish a choice of six Spa info@p nixcolleg nish PCE sub em This year we plahoe jectcom ga. s (selectividad). n to add Business, ala IT and Law at: Calle Méndez Nú Reasoñez 1º Dcho ns5,for (junto icea :plaza Uncibay) Málaga 290 on: +34 952 22 02 75 yEm 08 The onl ail tish us at: info Bri Six@p nixcm thhoeFor olleCo gemlleg alaga.c e om in Málaga, eac
we strive to help whatever that may be. We all classes (max. group siz have e 12) so there is more ind port. ividual supThe college is a bridge between school and un ronment, so students hav iversity/work enviin their learning. There e wider flexibility and more responsibility is alw ays a warm, welcomin ous atmosphere and we have highly committed g and industritive-English teachers and qualified na-
h oe stu den www.ph t fulfi l the nix pot colle gema lagir a.comential, sm
School name: lege (EIC) English International Col Location: Marbella Headmaster: Ron Griffin Curriculum: British National Curriculum tion@ Contact: icmarbella.org/– informa 952 831 058– www.http://e eic.edu or reReasons for choice: ‘free of all political, racial Established in 1982 to be ool counts on around 500 pupils sch the ’, ice ligious prejud and its and 66 teachers. ool through to Sixth Form It goes from primary sch unities for students to discover, ort portaim is to provide opp talents in a friendly and sup explore and develop theirourages academic and personal ive atmosphere that enc ourachievement. a unique opportunity to enc “We believe that we have the rich culture and language of the age, not only to appreciate elop a broader awareness of Spain, but also to dev ” live world in which we
School name: Benalmadena International College Location: Benalmadena costa Founded: 1997 Head teacher: Keith Ellis Curriculum: UK national curriculum with sixth form completing A-levels Contact: 952 561 666 / www.bic-benal.com Reasons for choice: Benalmadena International College has an excellent reputation for academic success and caring staff, with outstanding facilities for learning and preparation for university life. The co-educational college’s philosophy is to give each child focused learning and confidence in an enjoyable environment. With committed staff, the college prides itself on languages and science technology, with sport playing a vital role in children’s overall development. Home to more than 28 different nationalities, pupils are surrounded by different cultures, and many can speak several languages before reaching senior school. Just 300 metres from the beach, the 17,500 square metre campus comprises the senior school building, cafeteria and games room, and a new primary building. The sports centre and swimming pool are still under construction. The college has been officially inspected and approved by a team of British inspectors from the British Council. It is also registered and licensed with the Spanish Education Authority, allowing the college to teach students to university entrance level
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
“DEDICATED TO LEARNING”
C
alpe School is a private Primary School, following the British National Curriculum, that has been educating and inspiring children to learn since 1973. The school enjoys a stunning beachside location in San Pedro, Marbella and has brought a new dynamic approach to Primary Education on the coast. Calpe School provides a vibrant and supportive environment for children from 2 – 11 years. Every child is valued as an individual, and inspired to achieve their full potential. Preferring encouragement to pressure, children at Calpe School are challenged and supported by dynamic teachers with high staff to pupil ratio. As you enter the school through the modern, spacious library, you will already see fantastic interaction taking place between the oldest and youngest pupils, creating strong bonds between all age groups. Through the corridor, the murmur of happy voices can be heard as the children in Early Years learn through play. The use of role play is encouraged and is fostered throughout our state-of-the-art Foundation Stage unit. Stimulated by a wealth of tactile games and experiences, the essential ‘building blocks’ for the future learning of the children are being laid down. The use of technology has already been introduced at this early stage and is developed throughout the school. Although technology is a key element, and interactive whiteboards or Clevertouch screens are used in each classroom, the traditional, academic skills of maths, reading and writing are the primary focus, giving us the high standards of achievement and progress we’re renowned for. Children leave Calpe School having built sound foundations and with the confidence to succeed. Discovering education in a caring and professional environment, a warm welcome awaits you at Calpe School, living up to our “Happy to learn” motto! Viewing by appointment only Contact info at: www.calpeschool.com
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A
ll about
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Education
Learning curve Four top tips to step up your Spanish this year
L
EARNING a language is hard. Luckily for us living here in Spain, Spanish is one of the easier languages to pick up. But we are all busy and despite having the best of intentions it can be difficult to find the time to learn and improve. Below we have rounded up four top tips which will let you learn the lingo that much faster.
RISING STARS: EIC students show off their debating skills, while (left) Christine Wright
Be opportunistic Try to take advantages of opportunities to speak Spanish
Education centre Spanish lessons for foreigners (children & adults) Help to guide your children and prepare them for their exams
Olga Ruiz Aulacuarentaysiete@gmail.com C/Espinosa ,1D-Planta 1 29692, Sabinillas Tel: 655 078 187 www.aula47.com Follow Us
whenever you can. Chat to the locals in the bus queue, in shops and in the street. Look up local conversation classes or ‘intercambios’, where groups of English and Spanish meet for a copa or caña to practice each other’s languages. You should also try living with a Spanish speaker which will force you to speak the lingo on a daily basis and will naturally improve your vocabulary. Dedicate time to learning Putting money towards lessons can really help you prioritise your learning and is especially helpful if you’re just starting out. Learning in a group can be a really fun way to learn. If you can’t afford lessons, make a weekly timetable and set aside at least four hours a week to learning. Make sure you nail the basics and try to set yourself daily targets of X amount of new words.
Make it your routine Try to incorporate Spanish into your everyday routine. This means playing a language app like Duolingo everyday, listening to Spanish music and/or radio and watching your Netflix or TV with Spanish subtitles. Pick out the odd word and translate it and add it to a vocab list either on your phone or in a notepad. Practice makes perfect Don’t underestimate how important it is to practice - constantly and consistently. Throw yourself out there and speak to the bus driver, hairdresser, shopkeeper or anyone who will lend an ear. If you’re not in a Spanish speaking country, then repeat phrases in front of the mirror, to family and friends or even your dog—basically anyone who will listen! Don’t be scared, the more you practice the more confident you become.
The Best Yet Host families required THE British International College (BIC) in Benalmadena is receiving a number of Norwegian students this September to study the British Curriculum. We will need host families to accommodate these 16-year-old students from September 2020 to June 2021. The college will pay €700 per month to cover accommodation, food and travel. A spare room will be required and the travel distance from the college should be no further than a 30-minute drive. If you are interested and would like further details please contact the college on 952561666 or email info@bic-benal.com
THE English International College (EIC) was privileged to host the COBIS Student World Debating Finals, for a second time, having held it here in 2017. Students from 15 schools in 11 countries travelled to Marbella for two days of rigorous academic debate on a broad range of pertinent issues. The event also included a cultural day-trip to Málaga and a Gala Opening Dinner, attended by Christine Wright from the British Embassy in Madrid, representing Hugh Elliot, the newly installed Ambassador to Spain. The debating prowess on display throughout the competition was of an extremely high calibre, and both the senior and junior EIC teams achieved very commendable third place in the Cup and Plate competitions respectively. It was an outstanding event, lauded ‘the best yet’ by a number of visiting schools.
Teachers of the future WITH students from the UK, the Netherlands, Russia, Ireland, the US and China, the draw of CLIC International House is clear to see. Unlike other schools, its CELTA course is tailored to those hoping to inspire the next generation of English speakers. For those wanting to teach English as a foreign language it is the most widely-recognised initial certification. The four-week programme is by far the most popular of the TEFL courses (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). It is designed to help budding English teachers develop into leaders in the classroom. Forget mindlessly reciting from a textbook, the CLIC way is dynamic, fun and includes plenty of practice with volunteer local Spanish students. The emphasis is definitely on the practical here, with lesson planning, teaching assessments and feedback, included as crucial pillars of the course. A high C1 level of English is required for this Cambridge University-accredited course, but applicants do not need a university degree. Taught at CLIC’s Sevilla and Malaga schools, there are no
better places to learn to teach than in schools full of eager adult students from around the world. Local people are brought in for trainees to practice with, and feedback is a crucial part of the teaching methodology. Also, with 300+ days of sunshine, amazing cuisine and some of Spain’s most fascinating culture on your doorstep, what more could you want. Graduates of the CELTA course receive the ‘Cambridge English CELTA Certificate’ and also an International House Report. The full course price is a very competitive €1,490 and includes a job information service. The course runs for four weeks throughout the year, with an online version with face to face teaching practice over an intensive two week or extensive ten week period also available. And for those looking for that next step along their English teaching journey, CLIC also offers seven-week, intensive DELTA (Masters level) courses from July to August in Malaga, or September to October in Sevilla for experienced teachers. For more information, visit clic. es or call the Sevilla centre on +34 954 50 0316
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Last orders
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February 19th - March 3rd 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.
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February 19th - March 3rd 2020
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
Appy wandering Spanish app Wikiloc fuels hiking resurgence with 13 million routes globally, writes Dimitris Kouimtsidis
W
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
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
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.”
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February 19th - March 3rd 2020
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Many thanks for including me in your listing for the Newsletter. It’s very well presented and informative. I am going to send it to The Mail, in the UK and tell them to note how such ‘e-newspapers’ should be presented and to get their fingers out ! Well done The Olive Press Team. Regards, Allan Hance
Costa del Sol hire car company Helle Hollis donates €1,000 to cancer charity
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LEADING car hire company Helle Hollis has presented its annual donation of €1,000 to the CUDECA Cancer Care Hospice. This is the 10th consecutive year in which Helle Hollis has chosen the Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice for its charity community work. The cheque was handed over on February 4 by Marketing Manager Christine Fleischer to the Communication and Fundraising Manager Angel Krebbers at the charities palliative centre. These funds have been raised by donating 10% of the discounted car hire cost to the Cudeca charity. Since 2009, when Helle Hollis started a collaboration with CUDECA, it has donated almost €10,000. For anyone wanting to help to increase this amount given to the Cudeca charity, they can do so by entering the charity number C0001 into the charity number box when booking a hire car on the Helle Hollis website. Cudeca Hospice has expressed its sincere gratitude to Helle Hollis Car Rental for its continued support. With donations like these, Cudeca Hospice is able to continue with its vital work within the community by ‘adding days to life’ for those who need it most. Helle Hollis was founded in 1982 and has more than 38 years of experience on the Costa del Sol. It has become one of the leading local car hire companies with a multilingual, service-minded staff and a fleet ranging from 700 – 1500 vehicles depending on the season. The fleet is constantly renewed and offers small to medium-sized models, as well as SUVs, automatics, hybrids, cabriolets and seven/ nine-seaters. www.hellehollis.com.
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February 19th - March 3rd 2020
BUSINESS
Before it’s too late, captain
Chartered Financial Planner Jonathan Holdaway reveals the importance of hiring a Life Planner
JUST before Christmas I attended a two-day be seen again. mely pleased to join the and he did not have the retirement he had course in London with the Kinder Institute of If you work with a life planTeacher’s ‘Final Salary dreamed of for so long. Life Planning. ner you quickly realise that scheme’. If only he had spoken to a Life Planner, and It was the start of my journey to become a it feels a little different. It was a very stressful explored his long held dreams and could Registered Life Planner and join one of the In the first few meetings job as he worked at a have shown him the minimal effect five years’ 1,500 RLP’s in over 30 countries, who are a you’ll notice that they do school for what can less pension would have had on his lifestyle. subset of the global financial planning com- very little talking. Instead only be described as He could have maybe then enjoyed a longer munity. of graphs and spreads‘bad boys’ – one step retirement rather than pushing himself to an The next stage is a five-day advanced cour- heets, you’ll find a space in away from prison. early grave. se followed by a six-month mentorship pro- which you feel comfortable But he stuck at it, in Jim was my father and my mother remained gram. to voice the things you feel order to build up his a widow until her own death 23 years later. It’s a huge investment but one I think will be are vitally important to you. pension entitlement, so This is what excites me about what I do – well worth it, being able to help my clients It might be the first time he could enjoy his futu- helping my clients realise they can afford to plan their financial futures properly. anyone has truly heard DYING YOUNG: Spock didn’t live forever re retirement with his retire and enjoy their retirement without fear In his book A Golden Civilisation George you, and a Life Planner will wife – ‘just one more of running out of money too soon. Kinder writes: “Life Planning is the term for listen to your entire story, pay attention to year’s pension’ he used to say every year to Business-owners are the worst because they a kind of coaching that financial advisors do both the technical financial details as well as her. Jim wasn’t in very good health and was are emotionally attached to their business – that is dedicated to discovering your personal goals and priori- being treated with medication for high blood it’s their ‘baby’ and they are reluctant to let it and delivering their clients into ties. pressure. However, one side effect of this go sometimes. their dreams of freedom reI’m passionate It’s how we know where your was that it increased the chance of having a By use of sophisticated financial planning gardless of their means.” energy and inspiration come heart attack. software, I am able to give you a snapshot that my clients from, so we can help you em- Unfortunately, towards the end of his career of your current and future financial situations, When you step into a financial planner’s office, you typically brace and step into your life. he was off sick, and fortunately the school’s and also run various ‘what if’ scenarios to achieve their have a specific goal in mind. Life Planning is financial plan- employment conditions were very generous stress test it, if the worst should happen. You might be looking for goals and dreams ning with heart. – six months at full pay and six months half It’s also a living document which we will upthe planner to figure out the I’m passionate that my clients pay. He then retired not long after turning 61 date each year to reflect changes in your life before they die achieve their goals and dreams, on August 1, 1992 – also his wife’s birthday. and financial situation. amount required for retirement, analyse your insurance and do not run out of money That day they went on holiday to Devon, loo- I call myself a ‘Financial Life planner’ as I can needs and recommend a suibefore they die. king forward to many such trips during his help you plan and achieve the retirement you table product, or invest some money in the It’s not all about the money – it’s also about long and happy retirement. have dreamed of and keep it on course when most tax efficient way. living long enough to enjoy it, let me give you Sadly he had a fatal heart attack two days life throws unexpected situations at you. If they are really good they might even pre- an example. later – the widow-maker I think they call it, pare a comprehensive financial plan for you, Jim was a teacher – a bricklayer by trade, filled with solutions to the problems you’ve who got into teaching much later in life, who Jonathan now has an office Malaga, which can be found here: Alameda bought them which, like most people, you hadn’t built up much by way of pensions Colón, 9, 1, 7. 29001 Málaga, Spain. Phone: +34 951 579226 will take home and put in a drawer never to before he started teaching, so was extre-
Contact me for a no obligation investment product and/or portfolio review and at my expense on +34 654 898 303/+44 77230 27864 or email me at jonathan.holdaway@chasebuchanan.com I’ll even buy the coffee.
BUSINESS
49
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Hanging up on tech show 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
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
More money than Oman 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.
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HEALTH
50
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
Spain backs euthanasia Assisted suicide will no longer be a crime despite opposition from politicians and Catholic Church move in line with the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Public polling in Spain has shown that 89% of the population support being able to apply to end a life under the
country’s healthcare system. Spanish law currently dictates that any doctor or family
WATER DAMAGE
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The bill has angered the Catholic Church, which has twice before managed to get previous bills thrown out of court. The Partido Popular is also strongly against the bill, wanting to instead focus on palliative care. Some medical professionals are also concerned that they will have to go against their beliefs and assist in ending a patient's life. “We have a responsibility to preserve life and respect the autonomy of the patient.” said President of the Ethics Committee of the Organisation of the Medical Colleges.
Corona is here A BRITISH man who was being tested for the deadly coronavirus along with his family in Mallorca has tested positive. The man was rushed to Palma’s Son Espases Hospital with his wife and two daughters. He alone tested positive for the virus, which originated from the Chinese city of Wuhan and has killed 811 people worldwide and infected 37,000 people in 27 countries. The wife and two daughters tested negative and are currently asymptomatic. The four Brits were placed under observation following their contact with a friend on a skiing holiday in France between January 25 and 29, who was subsequently diagnosed with the virus, named covid-19.
OP Puzzle solutions
Quick Crossword
TM
Across: 1 Rasher, 5 Carton, 8 Vendetta, 9 NATO, 10 Ill, 11 Sickness, 13 Pardon, 16 Locket, 19 Teenager, 23 Rap, 24 Grow, 25 Thumbs up, 26 Starve, 27 Deepen.
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We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 952 147 834. More information about Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com
ivePress-256x170-CAR-4.indd 1
member found guilty of euthanasia can face up to 10 years in prison for homicide. Details of the bill explain that the person in question must have an incurable illness or a chronic disability that renders life ‘unbearable.’ Any application must be made in writing and duplicated four days later, and provisions can be made to transfer power of attorney if the patient is incapacitated. Maria Luisa Carcedo, a Socialist MP and former health minister explained that the bill would be ‘very specific in order for it to not be misused.’
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PEDRO Sanchez and his new socialist Government have approved a draft bill to decriminalise euthanasia. The move would see Spain join seven other countries where assisted suicide is no longer a criminal offence. It comes after years of opposition from the Catholic Church and right wing conservative parties, Partido Popular and Vox. The ruling PSOE party, along with the centre-right Ciudadanos, discussed the bill with legislators, eventually voting in favour of decriminalisation by 208 to 140. Catalan and Basque regional parties also backed the bill, meaning that Spain could
Struck down in the campo
THE influenza virus that has gripped Cordoba continues to spread at epidemic levels, the Junta de Andalucia has warned. Over 85,000 people have been treated per week since it broke out, meaning that 180 people per 100,000 have been struck with the virus. Although the total figures have decreased in Cordoba by 2.31% since last week, Malaga registered an increase of over 6.46%. The Government has reiterated that the strain of influenza prevalent across Andalucia is not related to coronavirus, and sufferers should not be concerned. Cases began in mid January, with sufferers experiencing severe fevers, muscle aches, stomach cramps and migraines.
Golden oldies
THE number of sexually transmitted diseases for OAPs has skyrocketed by a staggering 41% in four years. Diagnoses for syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and genital warts, among the over-65s, have all increased. The three main reasons for the shocking figures are failure to use condoms, divorce rates and new sexual partners, according to experts. Figures obtained by the BBC show that 1,845 of over-65s in England had caught these main STIs in 2018, compared to only 1,312 in 2014.
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The future’s bright
Spain’s top golfer Rahm misses out on first ever chance to become world’s best JON Rahm has missed the chance to become world number one for the first time in his career. The Spaniard needed to win the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles, in order to unseat Rory Mcllroy at the top of the world rankings. Australia’s Adam Scott was instead crowned champion, finishing on 11 under par. "It's a very special win this week," said former world number one Scott, 39. "They're not coming easy for me these days so I'm going to savour this one.” He continued: "It's a great way to start. This has to be my year. I can't afford to let the next 10 years slip away. I have to make it happen now.” This allowed the Northern Irishman, Mcllroy, to keep his throne. Rahm finished in 17th place, alongside his countryman, Rafa Cabrera Bello, both on five under par. The 25-year-old however, will have the chance once again to reach the peak of his
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January has again been an excellent month on the two courses at Alcaidesa and at this time of the year I have never seen the courses in such good condition, the fairways are green and lush and the greens are fast and true. This has led to some sparkling golf during the month with the highlight being a ‘Medalford’ competition for the Ron Cammann Trophy which was won and shared by Blair Bath, Kjell Amundsen and Mike Dunlea. Other winners this month included Frank Hansen, John Edwards, Norman Roberts, Mike (Delores) Stead and Peter Manley. The Monthly Trophy was an extremely tight affair with it being decided on the last day when Blair Bath crept up on the rails unnoticed to snatch the trophy from Mike Dunlea by a point. The dreaded ‘Oscar’ was taken home again by The Pontiff (Mike Pope) where except for the odd excursion elsewhere it is more or less making a permanent home with Mike. Due to the very bad weather in the UK and Ireland we have had a steady stream of visitors this month to take advantage of the great weather and courses that we have on the Costa del Sol and long may it continue.
career, at the Mexico Championship this weekend, as he tries to overtake Mcllroy. Fellow Spaniard, Sergio Garcia finished on one under par, ending the tournament in 37th place. The surprise of the compe-
Putting health first PLAYING golf once a month can reduce the risk of an early death, a study has announced. A ten-year study of nearly 6000 people found that those in their seventies who played golf regularly, were more likely to be alive a decade later. The study is based on data from the Cardiovascular Health Study, which is believed to be the first of its kind evaluating the longterm health benefits of golf, suggests that the risk of an early death was being cut almost in half. One in seven of those who played the sport died during the study, compared to one in
tition however, is former world number one, Tiger Woods, coming in last. The American finished in 68th place, 11 over par – at the bottom of the pack of players who made the final cut.
four of those who didn’t play. One of golf’s benefits apart from physical exercise is to reduce stress. In addition, people can continue to play the sport even after a heart attack or a stroke, because of the controlled nature of the game. Adnan Qureshi, a neurologist at the University of Missouri and lead author of the study, said: “While walking and low-intensity jogging may be comparable exercise, they lack the competitive excitement of golf. “Regular exercise, exposure to a less polluted environment and the social interactions provided by golf are all positive for health. “Another positive is that older adults can continue to play golf, unlike other more strenuous sports such as football, boxing and tennis.”
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PROPERTY
52
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
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
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 reached.
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.
How to net your perfect buyer! HE is one of the UK’s most successful living sportsmen. Now tennis legend and entrepreneur David Lloyd is serving up a new service to the Spanish property market. The former Davis Cup captain - who went from winning Junior Wimbledon to launching the UK’s best known gym business - has teamed up with online property firm Sell4LessSpain.com. Joining as an executive director, he is enthusiastic about the online business,
which covers the entire Iberian peninsula. “I am delighted to be part of the team at Sell4LessSpain,” he told the Olive Press this week. “I believe the service the company provides is exactly what the Spanish market re-
quires.” He continued: “Sell4LessSpain is shaking up the traditional agent model in Spain – to the benefit of the consumer. DAVID LLOYD: From tennis to The commission fees agents property charge for the work they do making the cost prohibitive pany owned by two businessmen from London, both with to many homeowners. “Sell4LessSpain gives own- homes in Andalucía. ers choice, and a wide ex- It has grown and reshaped posure due to the extensive since its initial launch in marketing presence we have 2014 and reports to have across the major property saved customers over €4Million in commission and portals!” Sell4Less Spain is a UK com- counting!
Rentals climb again RENTALS in Spain have climbed for the fifth consecutive year. The country has smashed its own records seeing rental prices climb 5.1% in 2019. But that’s not all, the price per square metre has reached unprecedented levels! Rental yields have soared over the past five years, equating to a substantial 50% increase. The average annual rental yield in Spain now equates to 5% of property value. Buy-To-Let in Spain has proven a very successful investment for savvy investors. Scores of landlords make large amounts every tax quarter and you can expect to rent out nine months a year as a holiday rental, with huge landlord tax breaks of 70%, or more, on (rental) income tax. This lenient tax relief also extends to non-resident landlords. The income can also be used to offset overheads and maintenance expenses, including
Larraín Nesbitt Lawyers is a law firm specialized in conveyancing, taxation, inheritance and litigation. You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, or at (+34) 952 19 22 88.
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. 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.
mortgage repayments. Pretty much, no other investment is giving a 5% yield per year as safe as this one. But that’s not all, it only gets better! Besides soaring rental yields, you also need to factor in the capital appreciation of the property (the increase in value of real estate over time). Properties in Spain have seen their value increase over the previous five years at an average rate of 5% per year, according to Moody’s. Pro-tip: When you combine both soaring rental yields and capital appreciation, you reach the conclusion that Spanish real estate is giving a safe two-digit return. In plain English, that's over a 10% yield every year safely, ideal for retirees who are afraid of sharp stock market fluctuations and seek a safe investment in bricks for their pension pot. At Larraín Nesbitt Lawyers we can represent you buying properties and dealing with their non-resident taxation. We can also put you in touch with other reputed professionals that will assist you to choose and make the most out of your property portfolio and maximise your return on investment. Visit www.larrainnesbittabogados.com for more information
Game changer
The company uses all the major property search portals, including Rightmove Overseas, Kyero, Zoopla, ThinkSpain and many more to generate leads. The properties are also advertised online with the Daily Mail and Sunday Times. Director Simon Pelling explained: “Having David on board gives our customers the reassurance they need from an online service. We are a real, what we do works, and we get results! We are not a “for sale by owner” site." Simon continued: "In addition to our standard services we also offer services including viewings, photography & plans, EPC’s, legal assistance and much more. We are here to help at every stage of the process. We believe in providing a high quality service for a low monthly cost which we can sustain based on the volume of properties we represent” Visit www.sell4lessSpain. com or call 951 490 285
54
February 19th - March 3rd 2020
COLUMNISTS
Carnival Capers CITIES all over Spain shake a sequinned tail feather in the lead-up to Lent but nowhere out-razzle dazzles Carnaval in Cadiz – Mardi Gras with a Spanish twist. I only found out how twisted last week when I was Googling chirigota – one of six types of musical acts who compete at a song contest held in the lead-up to the carnival proper. Like flamenco, it’s complicated, but think risque limericks performed by guys dressed up as dinosaurs or pirates (there are hardly any female groups) whilst playing medieval lutes, kazoos, reed whistles and gourds and you’ll get the picture. Everyone from politicians to celebs are sent up in these witty ditties – a Venice carnival tradition introduced by 16th century Italian mer-
If you never knew Cadiz Carnival had a song contest this may shock you, writes Belinda Beckett
chants when Cadiz was a port-of-call en route to the New World. Most expats go for the parades but for Gaditanos, COAC (Official Competition of Carnival Groups) is a big deal. P e r fo r m a n c es are X Factor-slick as the several hundred groups of artists rehearse all year. Tickets for the televised final at the Gran Teatro Falla (February 21 this year) are in such demand
there’s a lottery for them. Or you can watch it live on a big screen outside the theatre – although unless you have an Honours Degree in Andalucian slang, the lyrics will float way over your head. Perhaps that’s as well because some of the humour is as ripe as anything you’d hear in the men’s locker room. I wouldn’t have known had
Freshening up for Feb
Giles Brown has an awkward moment with Spain’s DGT while changing his British license post-Brexit
THIS February I decided that I had to tweak a few working habits. While most people complain that January in Spain drags on interminably, it’s one of my busiest times as I try and prepare for the year ahead. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not one of those ‘New Year, New Me’ types – but the pressing combination of sorting various bits of paperwork out and some new projects on the horizon mean that I’m making a conscious effort to get more organised. This, however, is more of a challenge than I anticipated. Being a long time freelancer, my basic modus operandi
I not discovered Carnaval Feminista, a collective campaigning for Carnival Equality by shaming the most misogynist songs on Facebook and Twitter. Lyrics mentioning La parienta (Her Indoors), motherin-law jokes – ‘I bought my suegra an igloo because that’s where focas (seals) live’ – quips about vibrators, pube-shaving and fellatio and crude comparisons between chorizos/seafood and the male/female anatomy have all come under their spotlight. Complaints this year are already in, with the Chirigota group No te gusta na...Jose, cited twice: ‘Jose doesn’t like anything – he doesn’t get excited if the woman DRESSES UP AS A SCHOOLGIRL’, commented one peeved contributor. ‘In the end he gets excited with the mother-in-law who of course did not wear her dentures to make the couplet funnier.’ Another on the same act reads: ‘In the medley, Jose doesn’t like going to the gym until they see a bikini photo of the woman running it, then
they all want to go. Vamos, they’ve started doing push-ups in the middle of the theatre!’ In a previous year, a group called La familia Verdugo (The Executioner Family) were called to account on the gender violence front for beheading ousted Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont but sparing ‘an adulterous woman’, as the lyrics went, because ‘it would be a waste. This girl makes me hard so instead of an axe, I will kill her with my cudgel’ (cue pelvic thrusts).
Changes
“We are tired of sexism in the Carnival,” say Carnaval Feminista, whose members remain anonymous. “Exposing the macho attitudes of groups dedicated to a creative effort is not pleasant, but it is necessary to put on the table what is sometimes almost invisible to those who do not see the problem, in order to deconstruct a misogynistic society,” they explain. So now you know a bit more about Cadiz Carnival. Enjoy?
MIJAS MATTERS By Bill Anderson
With Brexit done it’s time for expat Brits in Spain to adopt David Bowie’s mantra - ‘turn and face the strange’, writes Mijas Councillor Bill Anderson has been crisis management and chaos theory at all times. It’s stood me in good stead thus far but means that my desk is littered with press passes, old magazines, petrol receipts and other freelance flotsam and jetsam. I even found my NUJ Press Card from 1996 when I moved one particular pile of papers (ED: Hey Giles - I’ve still got mine). It was a reverse Dorian Gray moment, I
can assure you. It’s an, ahem, eclectic system that moved one guest to turn to her children on a first visit and comment: “See kids. This is what happens when a man lives alone.” I’m also debating whether to have a full-scale de-cluttering session with my clothing. There are certain items that, as a 50-something male, I would be foolish to wear again, including black shirts with Chinese lettering, old rugby shirts and anything vaguely skateboarder-related. And although some items may have sentimental value, I have to ask myself if I really need to keep hold of a brewery T-shirt from Euro 96. I also booked in an appointment to change my UK license – yes, I know I should have done so ages ago -– and dialed the DGT number. Phonetically spelling out my name to the operator, my brain froze on the first letter. Rather than Geneva or Girona I blurted out ‘G de Gibraltar.’ “Opps, sorry for that,” I said in Spanish, which prompted a burst of merry laughter from the other end of the line. Let’s hope that the rest of the paperwork goes smoother…
ON the morning of February 1, guess what – the sun still rose. Everything was in exactly the same place we left it while we were still Europeans. After all the stress, arguments, falling outs, insults precipitated by Brexit, the aftermath seems to be the calm after the storm. There was a last minute flurry of activity from people who suddenly realised that after 10 years living here, they didn’t have their paperwork in order. So, nothing new here, then. Nevertheless, change is coming. Mark Twain allegedly said that the only person who likes change is a wet baby. We don’t like the uncertainty that change brings. Even good changes produce stress: new job, new house, new country, new baby! Anatole France, French poet and novelist, wrote: “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” I do sense that we are leaving part of ourselves behind in leaving the EU, for good or bad, as it has been part of our lives for the greater part thereof, for most of us. Perversely, change is also the only constant we have. As JFK said: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” Whether we were for or against leaving the EU, we now need to look to the future. Our comfort zones are not so expansive, we
need to make sure that we are all sorted for today and prepared for tomorrow. British writer and philosopher Alan Watts adds to this idea. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance,” he wrote. The time for accusations, recriminations and arguing about who was right is past. Now our only option is to stop whingeing and ‘join the dance’. Let’s get on with it. Asking why we need to register, or why we need to change our driving licence, or why we may need to get a visa to travel, or why we need to get our fingerprints taken and get a foreigners’ ID card is a waste of energy. We need to go with the flow. Gone are the days of the British Empire when a British citizen could travel anywhere with a sense of entitlement. We are no more than citizens of a small island with self-induced isolation on the edge of continental Europe. If we don’t get used to that idea, it will affect our happiness and our ability to feel at home in our chosen country. We are no longer in Spain by right, we are here by the courtesy of the Spanish government – which, I have to add, has been far more respectful of our rights than the British government – and step positively into the future. We are not second class citizens but we are guests. Let’s bear that in mind.
SPORT
55
February 19th - March 3rd 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.
History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.
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.”
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A LUCKY bricklayer won €1 million through a scratch card but decided to go back to work, playing it safe with his earnings.
Ridin’ dirty 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.
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Vol. 13 Issue 337 www.theolivepress.es February 19th - March 3rd, 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.