Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 240 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

Property olive press

www.theolivepress.es

May 25th - June 7th

By Iona Napier

WHERE’S GILLIAN MCKEITH BUYING AND WHAT ABOUT BREXIT? - PROPERTY P17

Caption

In come the bIg bucks! A HUGE US property fund is splashing 45 million euros on three new Costa del Sol developments. The American bosses Real Capital Solutions behind snapped up sizeable plots have tepona, Mijas and Marbellain Escontinue to look at further and tunities along the coast. opporThe company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.

“We have spent around lion here so far and have100 mila fund of 300 million to spend,” plained Managing Partner exWells, based in Colorado. Peter “We are the largest developer on the Costa del Sol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.” He added: “On top of that things transparently and we do try and deliver on price andalways quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying ing distressed propertiesand sellUS - has 16 staff working in the its office at Centro Plaza. out of Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting come alive and it’s a pleasure to to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

estAte agents in spain selves up for the busiest are lining themIt comes as a reasonableJuly on record. number of british buyers put purchases on hold due to the forthcoming eu referendum most agents the olive Presson June 23. firmed they had various spoke to consales currently ‘paused’ awaiting the result, while adding that the british market remained strong per se. the majority believe that the expected result - to stay rope - would lead to the in eupound strengthening considerably against the euro and that mer would be red hot for the sumsales. ben bateman, at holmes sotogrande described the lead up as a ‘pause referendum for thought for british buyers’ due to concerns over the weak pound. “After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the den wave of bids from year - and a suders will be likely,” he toldsterling-based buymarbella agent kent the olive Press. schanke, at Fastighetsbyran added: “some are on hold but in the long british buyers run I don’t think it will affect the market or prices,” he said. “even if there is a brexit, it may cause issues at first, but I think will recover very quickly.”the British market

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Roll on Remain benahavis agent scott marshall of Propertiespain said: “I believe it’s very psychological - it’s a combination of the uncertainty of the vote and also the exchange rate right now.” Adam neale of terra meridiana, in estepona, confirmed ‘if the pound falls While many agents have so do the buyers’. rently on hold, some havea couple of sales cur“We have up to ten sales seen more. til after the referendum,” currently on hold unsaid Victor Witkowski, boss of castles estate Agency “buyers are not necessarilyin manilva. they are biding their time pulling out, but to see what happens.” Fellow manilva agent, firmed a slowdown, butshani hamilton, condicting a huge influx of added: “We are prebusiness as soon as a decision is made.”

Deals

by nationality and quarter

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Booming July predicted following referendum lead up uncertainty

Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home. Respected analyst mark stucklin insists that foreign demand for spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter of this year with Brits the biggest group of foreign buyers at 22% of the market share. “the british still dominate property and there is no the foreign market for able decline in demand evidence of a noticeas yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone one agent, graham govier is suffering. of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. cheap right now and we Prices are extremely are selling two times as many properties as we were he added: “my salesman last year,” he said. a local celebrity - has justPaul - already a bit of enth consecutive sale and completed his sevpeople are buying because they can see that won’t wait around for themthe incredible deals forever,” he added.

Who is buying in Spain?

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Whose the man with a big plan?

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Do you know these secret destinations?

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Is this your dream home?

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May 25th - June 7th 2016

FUND for Fatima

‘We cannot eat and are still in shock’, says husband of tragic hit and run victim Fatima Dorado as Olive Press launches urgent family appeal For Fatima - Page 6

Biting back!

A DODGY dentist has finally coughed up after losing a sixyear legal wrangle with the Olive Press. Notorious Rajkumar ‘Raj’ Rao has been forced to repay €11,800 in costs and legal expenses after losing a libel battle against us. Despite being ordered to pay

Struck-off British dentist forced to pay up after six-year court battle EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan

the sum in 2011, the disgraced dentist has only just handed over the cash - including over

What have Sean Connery and this pair of shoes got to do with Marbella? Turn to Page 7 to find out

€3,000 in interest. While claiming he had no money, Rao continued to operate from his luxury Alhaurin practice promising a ‘world-class smile’ and ‘drop dead gorgeous dentures’ via adverts in local magazines. In reality, many of his patients were given unnecessary procedures and some were left permanently disfigured. One victim, expat David Buchanan took legal action after he was left partially blinded when Rao injected anaesthetic into his eye socket during a ‘routine procedure’. Another 72-yearold patient was given 22 crowns

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instead of the necessary seven. It emerged he had been twicestruck-off in the UK and had it not been for an administrative error, he would not have been allowed to practise in Spain, where he is still active. However, when we exposed his malpractice and reported on the facts, he sued us for defamation, insisting our stories were entirely false. It led to a costly defence, including flying two victims from the UK.

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A THIRD of Spain’s most polluted places are in Andalucia, a shocking new study shows. Puerto Real is the most polluted place in the country, while La Linea comes third, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report. Gibraltar meanwhile, has been exposed as the UK’s most polluted town, faring even worse than La Linea for pollution. The effect of pollution from the Campo de Gibraltar is said to spread as far as Estepona. In total, 12 towns and cities in the region, including Sevilla, Motril and Cuevas de Almanzora, breach WHO safety levels for PM10 and PM2 particles, which penetrate deep into the lungs.

Worrying

Raquel Neco, from green group Verdemar-Ecologistas en Acción, described the report, undertaken over five years, as being ‘very worrying’. “Citizens in the Campo de Gibraltar, in particular, are being exposed to large quantities of particles and the Junta shows no interest in reducing these levels,” she said. “We are all breathing a molotov cocktail of contaminants and people need to know about it.”

Victory

However on the day of the trial in 2010 he failed to turn up. Nor, mysteriously, did the judge leading to a labyrinthine battle to get a judgement in order to get our costs of over €5,000 paid. Indeed, it took a year for the court to even accept our claim and - incredibly - another FOUR years before we could finally collect our dues. Victory only came after the court finally ruled, last year,

Now in Andalucía!

Andaluz air - a Molotov cocktail

THE FATIMA

IN MEMORY: Site of accident and (right) Fatima with baby Katherine

the good life

Page 19

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LOSER: Rao and our stories that we could repossess items of furniture from Rao’s surgery. Only then did he start to cooperate. “We have been pushing the court for years,” said Marbellabased lawyer Adolfo Martos Gross. “It is a great victory for justice but it should never have taken this long. “This case proves that if you keep fighting and never give up then justice can be had, but it is very unfair.” Last night, Olive Press editor Jon Clarke, described it as a ‘sweet victory for justice’, but said it should never have taken so long. “We got sued for doing our jobs. This is the kind of case that puts newspapers off doing investigative journalism, but we won’t be deterred and we will continue to expose all crooks.”

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CRIME NEWS

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Olympic Hold-up

Corner’s jail fear Photo by Joe Duggan

THREE members of Spain´s Olympic sailing team were robbed at gunpoint in Rio, Brazil. Olympic champion Fernando Echavarri, World and European champion Tara Pacheco and trainer Santi LopezVazquez were confronted by five people armed with two pistols. The robbery occurred in the early hours of a Saturday morning in the popular tourist spot of Santa Teresa. “It was a very unpleasant experience,” Lopez-Vazquez said, “There were five youths with two pistols. They took all the work equipment we were carrying at that time.” No one was injured in the robbery, while the team have said they want to put it behind them and focus on their training. The attack will add to concerns over safety at the upcoming Olympic games this summer, set to take place in Rio. “A bag with money, documents and a camera were taken,” confirmed Rio´s tourism police, “Civil police are working to identify the authors of the crime and to recover the stolen objects.” Sailors have also raised concerns over the high levels of pollution and floating garbage in Guanabara Bay, which could impede racing dinghies and windsurfers. Earlier this year a part of the cycling track in Rio collapsed, killing two, and leading many to question Brazil´s credibility as a host of the games. They are due to start August 5.

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May 25th - June 7th 2016

CAUGHT: Corner led into court and (inset) Lisa Brown

SIMON Corner is in ‘big danger’ in prison, the Olive Press can reveal. The ex-boyfriend of missing expat Lisa Brown is currently in Algeciras’s Botafuegos prison awaiting questioning over the Scot’s disappearance. The Liverpudlian, 33, who changed his name from Dean Woods, went on the run following mother-of-one Lisa’s disappearance on November 4 last year. But he was picked up and extradited from Copenhagen and appeared before a San

Roque court this month after a European Arrest Warrant was issued for him. “Corner is in big danger inside. There are people in there who are out to get him,” a source said. “He has upset a lot of people.” Meanwhile, a second man arrested in the investigation can be revealed as a 30-yearold Scot, who lives in La Linea, and who has worked on Corner’s boats. The ginger-haired man - who is described as ‘Corner’s gofer’ - has had his passport seized and must report to court twice a month.

‘I shot gold dealer by accident’ Model claims gun went off as she struggled with Andrew Bush

All cops are bastards A Spaniard has been fined for carrying a bag with the message ‘All Cats Are Beautiful’. Graphic designer Belen Lobeto was fined after police insisted that the letters ACAB stood for ‘All Cops Are Bastards’ even though the bag showed an image of a cat under the letters.

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By Laurence Dollimore A SWIMWEAR model accused of murdering her British boyfriend in Estepona has admitted fleeing the scene after shooting him. Mayka Marica Kukucova, 26, is accused of shooting 48-yearold Andrew Bush in April, 2014, a month after they broke up. It is alleged the Slovakian shot the gold dealer once in the shoulder and twice in the head after he arrived home with a new girlfriend, Russian Maria Korotaeva. However, she claimed in court that it was Bush who was carrying a gun and that it had gone off killing him as they got involved in a struggle. “He started shouting and hitting me. I said I wanted to go but he said no. He was shouting that he was going to kill me and my family,” she told the jury in Malaga. “Then the gun was in my hands. I threw myself on him and we were fighting and then

HAPPIER TIMES: Bush and Kukucova the gun went off. I couldn’t hear anything. I was just trying to get away. I didn’t want to hurt him.” The Bristol jeweller, who had moved to Spain, earning the nickname Mr Bling, dated Kukucova for two and a half years before they broke up. She alleges she was collecting her things when he unexpectedly arrived home with his new girlfriend. His body was found the next morning lying in a pool of blood with the gun in his left hand. Prosecutors allege Kukucova placed it there to deter suspi-

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cion. She said in court she did not know how it got there. Following the shooting, the former model drove off in her Hummer but handed herself in in Slovakia four days later. Asked why she didn’t go straight to Spanish police, she claimed she believed he was not seriously injured, ‘let alone dead’. “I was worried he would send his friends to come and get me. I was terrified something bad would happen.” The trial is expected to conclude this week. Kukucova has not yet entered a formal plea.

A MAMMOTH cocaine stash has been found hidden in synthetic bananas at Algeciras port. The fake bananas were found packed in 19 boxes following an investigation into drug smuggling from South America. The 171kg haul, destined for Huelva, is worth an estimated €17 million. Each box contained 88 plastic bananas which are thought to have come from the town of Turbo in Colombia.

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SPAIN paid €12m to secure the release of journalists held hostage by Islamists in Syria, a Turkish newspaper has claimed. Freelance journalists Antonio Pampliega, Jose Manuel Lopez and Angel Sastre have been flown back to Spain after being held by the jihadist group al-Nusra Front for 10 months.

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NEWS

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Aurevoir LeBeau

STAR: LeBeau

Sashay at Sala COSTA del Sol fashionistas glammed it up for a stylish La Sala Banus catwalk show. The venue teamed up with department store Corte Ingles for the event which unveiled fashion label Intropia’s summer women’s collection. Hosted by former footballer D a v i d Bentley, the lunch attracted m o r e than 120 guests. SHOW: La Sala La Sala has a new ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ promotion, with women receiving unlimited cava if they dine at the restaurant from 1-3 pm during the week.

BLINK and you could have been forgiven for thinking you were back in the 19th century. In a classic return to the days of the past, Ronda locals dressed up as bandits, travellers and aristocrats for their annual

Brad Pitt against the nazis

Blast from the past ‘Ronda romantica’ weekend. Participants from around the Serrania de Ronda headed to the nearby City of Dreams helping to create a colourful procession of history. The peaceful day out was only occasionally interrupted by skirmishes as re-enactments unfolded in front of thousands of onlookers.

BRAD Pitt falls for a French agent, who he suspects of being a nazi, in a new film set in wartime in Spain. The Hollywood legend was spotted filming on the set in Las Palmas, donning a white suit and black and gold shades. The new movie, Allied, sees Pitt play a French-Canadian spy who falls for and marries French agent, played by Marion Cotillard.

Photos by Karl Smallman

ICONIC expat actress Madeleine LeBeau has passed away in Estepona. The last surviving actor from the hollywood classic Casablanca died, aged 92, from complications following a broken thigh bone. The French starlet first appears in the 1942 film as the love interest of bar owner Rick Blaine, played by legend Humphrey Bogart. After being jilted, she gets drunk before later re emerging on the arm of a Nazi officer in a bar in French-controlled Morocco.

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Tim healing

British author stars in documentary to mark 500th anniversary of Prado artist’s death By Joe Duggan

Rushdie’s Bosch job

BRITISH author Salman Rushdie is appearing in a new documentary about one of Spain’s most famous

paintings. Booker Prize-winner Rushdie stars alongside 30 other cultural figures in

the 90-minute film, about Madrid’s Prado museum painting The Garden of Earthly Delights. Talking at the museum, he says: “At the end of a novel, a writer unveils the mystery. In this case, the artist doesn’t want to reveal it. He wants you to stay in this mystery.”

Eclectic

BOSCH: Painting (right) and Rushdie

Don Gibson

HOLLYWOOD icon Mel Gibson has been roving around Spain in an adventure worthy of Don Quixote. The Braveheart star and his girlfriend Rosalind Ross drank in the history of the Alhambra Palace, watched flamenco in Granada’s old town, checked out Malaga and continued the trip in romantic Ronda. They travelled in style, naturally, staying

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in five star hotels, eating in the Parador in Granada and even treating one of Gibson’s fans to a coffee when spotted in Ronda. It came after delighted resident Natividad Garcia spotted the American icon of Mad Max and Passion of Christ fame in the town. She splashed his face on social media, after he bought her a coffee.

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COFFEE BREAK: Gibson

Others appearing in Garden of Dreams about the Hieronymus Bosch painting, include Turkish novelist Orham Pamuk, Dutch writer Cees Noteboom and Mallorcan painter Miquel Barcelo. The eclectic soundtrack includes music by Elvis Costello, Bach and Lana del Rey. The documentary, which opens in cinemas on June 9, forms part of an exhibition celebrating the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death.

A STAR of hit TV show Benidorm has been written out of the show after ‘fighting for his life’ in Spain. Tim Healy, 64, has been in hospital for almost a month after falling ill with a mystery illness while filming. The actor, who played crossdressing Lesley, is currently back in a Manchester hospital, where he is making a recovery. “He’s still in hospital but is making progress. The doctors are keeping a constant eye on him,” said a source.

RECOVERING: Healy

Singing praises BRITISH pop-star Corinne Bailey Rae has raved about her ‘magical’ Spanish hols. The singer, 37, particularly loved the freedom of her camper van while touring the Pyrenees, describing it as her ‘best holiday ever’. She also loves Fuerteventura, where she recently filmed a video. “I loved the lunar landscape,” she said, “It’s a magical place where you can grab a handful of sand and it’s full of shells.”

NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Good Morning Spain

Journo snatched A SPANISH journalist working for El Mundo has gone missing in Colombia while investigating cocaine gangs and is believed to have been kidnapped.

Hard times ACTING prime minister Mariano Rajoy has said the PP would impose more austerity measures on Spain if it is re-elected on June 26.

Droning on A PLANE narrowly avoided three drones when it came to land at Bilbao Airport, with the pilot forced to dodge the drones at an altitude of 900 metres.

English lessons THE Royal Spanish Academy has launched a campaign to fight the anglicization of Spanish with a series of TV adverts called ‘There’s only one mother tongue’.

May 25th - June 7th 2016

MARBELLA is to be the live venue for ITV’s Good Morning Britain show this Thursday. It is the second time in a fort-

night that the channel has sent a team to the Costa del Sol to gauge pre-referendum opinion.

Holiday hell By Joe Duggan BRITISH holidaymakers to Spain are four times more likely to be victims of online booking fraud than in 2014. It comes after British police confirmed there had been a 425% increase in scammers cashing in on holiday bookings. An incredible €15 million was reportedly stolen in bogus booking cons in 2015, a huge rise on the €2.88 million in 2014. Much of the money that was destined for holidays in Spain was syphoned off by high tech

Online holiday fraud soars by over four times in just one year fraudsters who infect computers with malicious software. The scam is set up after the conmen install software that enables them to read emails and steal people’s bank details once they enter them online. Katy Worobec from Financial Fraud Action UK said: “Whenever sending large sums, especially to a new payee, it is a good idea to transfer a small amount first

In the red SPAIN’S public debt is now higher than the value of its economy. The Bank of Spain revealed that debt has reached €1.09 trillion this year, which compares to a GDP figure of €1.08 trillion.

to confirm that the details are correct and the funds have cleared. “However, with criminals increasingly targeting customers directly, it is vital you are vigilant and safeguard your personal and financial information.” Last year, Action Fraud recorded 4,910 cases of holiday fraud, with thieves using fake holiday clubs and airline tickets to swindle holidaymakers. One family, the Pearsons, f r o m Hertford-

shire,

revealed how they lost €630 after having their money swiped, when they paid for a booking on a holiday home in Mallorca. Despite discovering the money had not arrived in the homeowner's account within a week, their bank refused to reimburse the money, as it had already been withdrawn by the fraudsters. The Olive Press has reported extensively on similar scams over the last few years. Last year, we reported how thousands of British holidaymakers lost out after fraudsters hacked into their emails at rental site Owners Direct. com.

WARNING: Juncker

DESERTERS! BRITONS will be labelled ‘deserters’ should they vote to leave the EU, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has warned. In a damning blow for the Leave campaign, Juncker said the UK would face ‘serious consequences’ and would be treated as a ‘third country’ should the country vote for Brexit. “The deserters will not be welcomed with open arms,” Juncker said. “If the British public vote Leave, which I hope they don’t, then life in the EU will not go on as before. “The UK will have to accept that it won’t be handled with kid gloves. “If the British leave Europe, people will have to face the consequences. Relations will no longer be what they are today.”

FEATURE

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OPINION

Long awaited victory! HAVING taken six years to get justice, we are celebrating our victory over dodgy dentist Raj Rao with a pinch of salt, not a bottle of champagne. Yes we feel vindicated, after warning our readers of this twice-struck-off professional lurking in our midst. However, in an age where malpractice, fraud and corruption exists in every corner of society, more needs to be done to encourage investigative journalism. As well as ensuring legal winners don’t wait years to reclaim their costs. From our first report on Rao there was never any doubt we were in the right. Yet we were forced to spend thousands defending our investigation, which is simply wrong. But where other publications shy away from controversy or mostly any real reporting - the Olive Press will stay true to its colours. We are an award-winning community newspaper and be it dodgy dentists, crooked car dealers or misbehaving media bosses the OP will root out and expose the rogue traders operating on our patch.

August 6th - August 19th 2015 www.theolivepress.es May 25th - June 7th 2016

For Fatima

OP campaign launched to raise €10,000 for family of expat killed by wanted Brit in heartless hit-and-run THE Olive Press has launched a fundraising campaign to help the family of Fatima Dorado Para, the mother-ofthree tragically killed in a hit-and-run in Marbella. Kind-hearted readers have stumped up nearly €2,000 in under a week to help widower Tomas Ramirez Yampara bring up their one-year-old daughter Katherine. He is currently unable to work and is fac-

By Rob Horgan, Iona Napier and Laurence Dollimore ing thousands in repatriation costs. The Bolivian construction worker told the Olive Press he has already had to pay €7,000 to fly Fatima’s body to her home town of Santa Cruz, in Bolivia. The Gofundme appeal will also support her 19-year-old daughter Carla Mishel

Raising them up SHOCK is a massive understatement to describe how the family of Fatima Dorado are feeling in the wake of her tragic hit-and-run death. Grief-stricken and anguished, making ends meet should be the least of their worries. Yet with a hefty expatriation charge to transport her body back to Bolivia, bills to pay and children to support, making ends meet is a very real, added pressure. The Olive Press is proud to have teamed up with a kindhearted expat to help raise €10,000 to help her husband and three children. With your help we can help make a difference to this unfortunate family as they grieve for their beloved mother, wife, sister or auntie. Go online and please give generously for this tragic cause.

Safe to breathe THE air we breathe is one of the few things that unites us. So this month’s eye-opening WHO report into global air standards should be heeded urgently by the authorities. The facts are simple. Air quality is of great concern and we need to work harder to clean it up. While plenty of places in Italy and Poland have worse results, it is not a badge of honour that Andalucia has some of the most polluted towns in Spain. Sure, windblown dust from Africa is hard to avoid, but local factors such as the San Roque refinery, can be dealt with. And must be urgently. For 10 years, the Olive Press has been reporting on Andalucia’s key environmental issues. Now we have concrete proof of something that can really kill us. It is time to act and not blow the issue into a corner.

the EE

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly on a Wednesday. Clarke Media Ltd. Registration number: 113878 Suite 2B, 143 Main Street Gibraltar Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Rob Horgan rob@theolivepress.es Iona Napier iona@theolivepress.es Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es Admin & Accounts (+34) 951 273 575 Mirian Moreno – General Manager admin@theolivepress.es

Maria González accounts@theolivepress.es (+34) 658 750 424 Héctor Santaella hector@theolivepress.es Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: sales@theolivepress.es Chris Birkett - Head of Sales chris@theolivepress.es (+34) 652 512 956

THE FATIMA

FUND and 15-year-old son Sebastian, who live in Bolivia with their father Silvio. “Thank you for your support,” Tomas said last night. “It has been a difficult few weeks for us but it is comforting to have so much support from your generous readers.” Dorado, 40, was killed on May 9 when notorious Costa del Sol figure Westley Capper, 38, hit her with his Bentley as she walked home from her job at Alabardero Beach Club, where she had been working for six months, in San Pedro. Fellow waiter Jose Barra, 39, told the Olive Press how ‘devastated’ he was when he heard the news. “She was such a nice person and worked incredibly hard,” Barra said. “I usually drove her home but tragically couldn’t that night. It’s such a shame, she will be missed by all of us.” Capper - who has also been charged with the unlawful detention of Latvian expat Agnese Klavina - has now pleaded guilty to drink driving and remains in Alhaurin prison.

GRIEVING: Fatima’s husband Tomas and one-year-old baby Katherine

‘We are in shock and cannot eat,’ says husband of Fatima, talking for the first time about hit-and-run tragedy

OMAS Ramirez Yampara was at home with his one-year-old baby sleeping quietly in his arms when he received a knock on the door that was to change his life forever. A gloomy day of torrential rain turned to horror, when at around 8.30pm on the night of May 9, a local policeman broke the news that his wife had been killed in a tragic hit-and-run. Shell-shocked, the Bolivian construction worker initially failed to believe that his wife could have been run over on her short 15-minute walk from her job at nearby Alabardero Resort. But now have begun two weeks of grief for Tomas and baby Katherine, not to mention in Bolivia, where Fatima’s two other children and ex-husband live. “The family is devastated by the news, her children in Bolivia are especially grief-stricken and can’t even bring themselves to eat at the moment,” Tomas told

Kerry Hicks kerry@theolivepress.es 655825683 Spanish Sales Juanjo Gonzalez juanjo@theolivepress.es (+34) 678 096 765

GREAT MUM: Fatima with baby Katherine

EXCLUSIVE the Olive Press. “Nor can I. “We are all in shock.” He continued: “We have fallen on hard times as both the family in Bolivia and our livelihood here really depended on Fatima’s income.” He revealed that generous Fatima sent hundreds back to her hometown in Santa Cruz every month to help fund the studies of children Sebastian, 15 and Carla, 19, where they lived with Fatima’s ex-husband Silvio. Tomas added: “She was a wonderful mother, extremely hard working, responsible and always looking at ways to make ends meet. “This is an extremely difficult time.” Tomas who works in construction has had to take time off work to care for baby Katherine on his own while he deals with the shock and bereavement. It is precisely having to look after the day-to-day needs of their adorable child that has helped him focus on the future and keep going. Having already paid €7,000 to send his wife’s body back to her relatives in Bolivia for burial and with little money coming in, Tomas is extremely appreciative of donations. “Every penny donated is so appreciated,” he said. “I am really touched and grateful that ordinary people are helping. “Particularly local expats, many of whom I know do not have much money.” Finally, he saved a word for the driver of the car, Westley Capper, the public school-educated hooligan, who could not have been given a better start in life. “I cannot understand how he has shown absolutely no remorse, has not reached out to the family and clearly has no conscience whatsoever. “It really puzzles me. What a heartless person he must be.”

Reckless

He appeared to be wearing flip flops while sources claimed he had been taking cocaine and went for a curry straight after the crash. Launched in conjunction with British expat Rachel SutcliffeKenneally, the Fatima Fund aims to raise €10,000 - and more if possible - to help make up for the way the family has been torn apart by a reckless British expat. “We hope to help the family through this traumatic time,” Estepona-based make-up artist Sutcliffe-Keneally explained. “I felt compelled to help in any way I could and knew the Olive Press would be happy to set it up with me. “Being a mother of two young children myself, this broke my heart and I knew I needed to do something.” To donate visit www.gofundme. com/24hx5ks

IN JAIL: Capper

FEATURE

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77 7

August 6th - August 19th 2015 www.theolivepress.es May 25th - June 7th 2016

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: The remarcable story behind Marbella’s oldest animal refuge MEMORIES: (from left) Julio Iglesias’ shoes, ex-president Xandra and Sean Connery with two ‘rescue’ dogs

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A lot can change in 12 months but Mijas is still the the most polished jewel in the Costa del Sol crown, writes Iona Napier

April 13th

- April

26th 2016

ANCIENT: Ermita de la Virgen EISTY de la Pena lunch inflamenco in the a secluded street, den, crashing mian artists walled gara back-street birthday and writers and ‘60s, party and, rassingly, bistro in the 1950s ald Fraser’sit was immortalised storey car getting trappedmost embaron a saddle, and continues1973 book, in a multiin Ronjamming park at 2am after repeatedly The white stallions€15 in a to cast a today. my ticket)my business card spell on Pueblo, carriages. bearing carriage) to the Mijas is visitors These are in the machine! (rather than Cinderella-style coming Set just – and it’s on ories of some of my overriding Mijas. not justin leaps and bounds Spain is up above the donkey But there’s about the memtaxis, colourful year and coming to the square, Tuk-Tuk zippy Segway-mounted famous visits with no time to end has been tuk-tuks thrill-seekers dwell on The latest a major of its first and an the spring weather and past million police. news is and anyone draw for Andalucian stamina rediscover. treasure upon us which renovation the enormous, From theto scale hilly Mijas. lacking the The classic trove to €4.7 in the is what looksburro stables hilltop town formed seeing the main town centre from Chelsea like a massiveyou can square transmost newbies. coming beyond recognition, see box charm, to China of Mijas, known direct from de la Pena The Ermita boulder to with 70% While change nails the for its chocolate vibe at the quaint-small-town de la Virgen is, in fact, unpretentious unfolds European kitty. in Plaza coast. just a stone’s an endearingly before your throw from little Forget the as usual Virgen de la Pena, Discovered eyes checked chapel. the guaranteed for most, it’s business or the Sagrada by the globe’s tiles and elled interior. Familia’sof Notre Dame The ways a fabulous tourists are still more bohevisit. spiky, bejewThe hermitage lowed out from the to get around two dozen are in the 17th by a single was holCarmelite burro-taxismyriad, Outside, century. monk (€10 a stone gargoyle spouts water Continues

Iona Napier

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Brexit risk to UK Spaniards

Horrific

In the meantime, Triple A does its best to continue working, taking in animals, while hundreds of supporters and residents have voiced their support. Spanning a quarter of a century, the charity’s work has, to date, housed and rehomed tens of thousands of dogs and other animals. Long a feature of Marbella society, it was set up by Jan Weima with two friends Elisabeth Josiasse and Christel Jurgensen in 1992, when the old Costa Animal Society announced it was closing down. The trio approached Marbella Town Hall for help and were given an old slaughterhouse, which was being used as a temporary municipal animal shelter, on the Coin road. “Before we arrived, if a dog was there longer than three days, they would throw in food with poison,” recalls Swedish interior designer Christel, who today co-owns Marbella company Estuco Interiors. “It was horrific and if you have ever seen a dog die of poison that is something you can never forget.” Christel, an animal lover since birth, became consumed by her role at the charity, where she worked nearly full time for more than 10 years, until leaving to concentrate on her business Estuco. “You get obsessed in this kind of work because there is so much cruelty,” she adds. “There is always so much to do and so much tragedy.” The trio quickly began fundraising in any way they knew how - summer galas, christmas bazaars and dog shows. “It became a 24/7 job,” continues Christel. “People expect you to be

Sean Connery adopted dogs, while Julio Iglesias donated a pair of shoes… Laurence Dollimore traces how the great and the good mucked in during the early golden years of embattled animal charity Triple A

LOCKED UP

Photo by Talia Giraudo

T is exactly 25 years since charity Triple A opened to welcome needy animals through its doors, near Marbella. And little more than 35 days since a morning raid saw an incredible 15 armed police storm its base, arresting its president, secretary and a senior vet, accusing them of a litany of crimes, including fraud, cruelty and money-laundering. It is the sort of charge sheet more reminiscent of a drugs bust than an inspection of an animal charity run by an ageing bunch of apparent expat ‘do-gooders’. So it is no wonder the coast has been left shocked and unsure of what to believe regarding the recent police investigation that also accused the charity of being members of a criminal gang, animal trafficking and misappropriation of funds. On the face of it, German President Bettina Pietsch and Dutch Secretary Jan Weima were among the pillars of the Costa del Sol expat community. And it is, perhaps, not surprising that they have completely rubbished the accusations, which stem from the claims of one Marbella lawyer, who they themselves had allegedly denounced some months earlier for malpractice.

THOUSANDS of UK-based Spaniards could be stripped of their employment rights in the event of a Brexit. The bombshell comes as the IMF warned last night that a Brexit risked causing ‘severe global economic damage’. The 200,000 Spaniards in the UK could lose free access to the NOTORIOUS: Activists NHS, their social security ben- Ruiz efits and require work visas if while(top) and Torres (right) one of the Britain leaves. 300 dogs at risk It would likely lead to further ramifications for expats the other way. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond admitted Britain may have to introduce a quota system if we leave and the Spaniards’ future in the UK would be ‘up in the air’. Spain’s foreign secretary José Manuel García-Margallo has already voiced fears about what may happen to Spaniards in the UK, 50,000 of whom arA HUGE police operation rived last year alone. He said that leaving might also has seen the arrests of two mean shutting the border with expats and a vet at one of the Costa del Sol’s longestGibraltar. World leaders including running animal sanctuaries. Barack Obama are urging the An incredible 15 Guardia Civil officers were involved UK to vote to stay in the EU. EXCLUSIVE Meanwhile, the UK’s Airbus in the dramatic raid of MarBy Rob Horgan Group has warned its 15,000 bella’s Triple A shelter on & Joe Duggan employees about the dangers of Monday, seizing computers, a Brexit vote. “We do not believe documents and other evi- questioning shortly after the leaving will increase the com- dence. 1pm Monday bust, which petitiveness of our British-based German President Bettina came about after a denuncia Pietsch, operations,” a letter insisted. Dutch Secretary Jan from a lawyer. Weima and a senior vet were Sources close to the 25-yearSee Decision of a arrested for animal cruelty old charity insist the lawyer and dog trafficking. Generation on Page 6 had The trio were carted off for the made the denuncia after shelter had itself made

Expat president, secretary and vet arrested in controversial animal shelter raid

found out as abusers and vestigation. scoundrels and they are go- “It is ing to pay for what they have revengenothing more than a tactic,” the source done,” he wrote. said. “These people are bitter a malpractice claim against “I will not be anonymous in about something and the pothis case, I never forget or lice have him. taken it too far. They believe he also drafted forgive.” “Without the shelter, which in notorious animal rights The activist - who was fa- has 500 cats and dogs at activists Pedro Torres and mously kung-fu kicked by a present, Marbella would be Virginia Ruiz - both known matador last summer - add- consigned to having just a for jumping into Marbella’s ed that more animal shelters dog pound, where animals bullrings - to help in his case. would soon find themselves are sent to be put down. This under investigation. Suspiciously, is a great injustice.” Torres slammed the shelter in a However, sources close to Officially a spokesman for Facebook post just hours af- Triple A, which is subsidised Triple A said that the shelter by Marbella Town Hall, told was ‘amazed’ ter the raid. by the arrests. “Those at Triple A are being the Olive Press that there A large number of volunteers were ‘no grounds’ for the in- and nearby shelters have come out in support.

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Briton Mary Page, ex-Vice President of Estepona shelter ADANA told the Olive Press she ‘does not believe’ any laws have been broken. “I cannot believe Triple A has done anything wrong,” she said. “Like many other charities, Triple A sends dogs to adopters in other countries with all the correct paperwork.” Meanwhile Dutch volunteer Joel Harleman said that all staff are standing by the president, secretary and vet. “They have done a lot of damage by denouncing us,” he said. “They want to blacken the name of Triple A. “We don’t believe this is is true and are carrying on as normal.”

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UPDATE: The case against Triple A

The charity has been accused of misappropriation of funds, acting outside its professional capacity and being members of a criminal dog trafficking gang. It is now in the hands of Marbella Court Number three, while police continue to investigate. Neither the police, nor charity was able to comment on the specifics of the case. “Everything is business as usual, we are just trying to continue our work, nothing is interfering with what we’re doing here,” Triple A representative Lily Van Tongeren told the Olive Press this week, “The lawyers are working with the courts and the courts are reviewing the case, so we are just waiting to see if they are doing anything with it.”

BESOTTED: Connery and wife and (above) our frnot page story on probe

COMMITTED: Xandra with Pony and (inset) three puppies

there all the time, so I spent many nights sleeping in the office and rescuing dogs off the road. “I remember the first dog I rescued, I had to sleep next to him in the shelter because he was so frightened.” But just a couple of years in, the charity was slowed down when the government announced plans to demolish the site. They were given a week to move out and were offered an old cement fac-

tory near La Canada, but the site had no running water and a collapsing roof. Christel asked for help from the RSPCA, in the UK, which flew over a specialist to advise on the construction of pens and facilities. “It cost tens of thousands to build,” said Christel. “And once we were set up and were rescuing pedigrees we had people breaking in and stealing them, we had to hire people to sleep at the pound.”

As the c o s t s soared and the number of dogs and animals grew into the hundreds, the charity was working around the clock to raise the much-needed funds. Inspired by the work, celebrities and royalty alike pitched in to give the charity recognition and a lifeline. “Our summer galas became high society events,” recalls Christel, “Sean Connery adopted three dogs, Princess Soraya of Iran donated a piece of her jewellery each year, raising thousands, while Julio Iglesias even donated a pair of his shoes.” The charity grew from strength to strength and became a mainstay on the Costa del Sol. But when it began attracting lots of funds in the late 90s and early 2000s, president Xandra Gamazo Hohenlohe was - perhaps rather like today - accused of using the money to build herself a new house in the Marbella hills. It caused something of a local scan-

dal, and Xandra was heartbroken by the accusation. “To suggest that someone like Xandra, from a German aristocratic family, would do such a thing was awful,” said Christel, “She was so selfless in her donations and time as president. There was simply no way she would have ever done that.” Fortunately, the period passed over and the charity soon recovered, as Christel hopes it will bounce back after the recent accusations. While not close enough to the charity these days to comment on the specifics, she insists that the charity is a vital component of the Costa del Sol. “We need Triple A very much and people should not be quick to judge,” she insists. “Sure sometimes charities don’t do everything right, but you try looking after 400 dogs who are ill, have diarrhea, need feeding, need separating so they don’t fight and you will see how impossible the job can become.” It can send you a little mad, it seems… but not criminal.

GREEN NEWS

www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

Green victory GREENPEACE activists who defaced the controversial hotel Algarrobico have been absolved of all guilt by Spanish courts. The 28 campaigners painted the words ‘hotel ilegal’ on the complex in giant black letters in 2014, but the courts in Vera ruled they would face no punishment following a Supreme

DEFACED: Hotel Court ruling calling for the hotel’s demolition. That ruling, in February, found that the hotel was built on illegal land that belonged to the Junta. It reversed a 2014 ruling allowing the developer to restart work at the 411-bedroom complex.

CUTE: Eagle owls

Hoot hoot! TORREMOLINOS council has announced the birth of its first eagle owl chick in captivity. The furry raptor remains under the charge of the forest guard at the town’s Molino de Inca botanical garden. It is still too early to know the gender, but carers suspect it is a male. Local residents are being invited to choose its name via a social media campaign. The elusive Eurasian eagle owl, common in Malaga, is one of the largest owls in the world, growing to a length of 75 cm, with a wingspan of 188 cm.

Bullsy experiment A TEACHER in Spain released a bull into a bullring of static students as part of an experiment. The encounter was designed to prove that the animal only attacks humans when provoked or attacked. A video of the experiment was uploaded by Spanish blogger Salvador Raya and has been viewed over 14 million times. A group of around 40 students staggered in three rows stood still as the young bull raced around the pen looking for an escape route, showing how bulls react to movement and not colour. It runs around the students, purposely not injuring them.

www.theolivepress.es May 25th - June 7th 2016

Fight them on the beaches

Nine-year wait for four metre bridge leaves residents outraged

RESIDENTS in Manilva and Casares took to the beach in protest over the unfulfilled promise of a coastal pathway linking the towns. Around 100 people turned out to form a human chain after waiting nine years for a four-metre bridge to be installed. Representatives of Ciudadanos in Manilva and Casares supported the protest, claiming that tourism, catering and real estate agents

UNITED: Manilva and Casares residents had all been affected by the years of excuses from both town halls,” Miguel Martilack of a coastal walkway. “So far, there has been nine nez, of Ciudadanos Casares told the Olive Press. “To wait so long for a simple bridge to be built over a small river demonstrates sloppiness and lack of political urgency.” THE first wave power installation in Gibraltar is set to Meanwhile, Mercedes be officially opened at Ammunition Jetty. López, coordinator of CiuIsraeli company Eco Wave Power’s project will be dadanos on the Costa del Sol connected to the Rock’s power station on May 26 in said that the project should front of Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Minister never have dragged on this of Health John Cortes. long. The first stage of the device - a 100KW grid - was in“It should have been comstalled in March before testing began. pleted within three months Once it reaches its full 5MW capacity, the wave powof signing it off,” she said. er installation will provide 15% of Gibraltar’s energy “We are demanding less needs. bureaucracy and more effiThe project’s floating mechanisms, known as the ciency.” Wave Clapper and the Power Wing, rise and fall in When contacted by the Olive tandem with the waves. Press spokespeople for both It will help Gibraltar reach its EU commitments, town halls said complicawhich state that renewables must provide 20% of all tions with the original plans energy by 2020. had led to the delay.

Welcome wave

Tyre fire

ABLAZE: Tyre plant

ECOLOGISTS are calling for ‘serious punishment’ for the arsonists behind the Sesena tyre plant fire. Madrid’s ‘tyre graveyard’ went up in flames after a suspected arson attack in the early hours of the morning. Sending out toxic smoke to the surrounding areas, firefighters struggled to control the blaze, and 9,000 residents were evacuated. Sesena Mayor Carlos Velazquez said authorities suspect someone intentionally started the fire.

The fire comes after the site’s owner was sent to prison for ecological crimes in 2009 and after the administrating company Dislift SA was fined several times. Rights group PACMA said: “Maximum criminal punishment should be issued for the offenders who caused this fire, we ask for a full investigation by the police and health authorities. “The severity of the fire is on an unimaginable scale.”

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OLIVE PRESS – 105mm x 256mm – Colour

11th May / 25th May

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Gibraltar’s ‘unsafe’ air quality worse than all but two places in Spain - revealed in shocking new WHO study GIBRALTAR’S air pollution levels breach international standards and are higher than any other part of the UK, an alarming new study has shown. A key World Health Organisation (WHO) report into global air quality shows Gibraltar’s large particle (PM10) pollution is higher than London and 99% of Spain. Registered at 31, the particles including sulfate, nitrate and carbon, are well above the accepted ‘safe’ level of 20 mg. They can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause health problems, according to the WHO. Only Puerto Real, in Cadiz, and Aviles, in Asturias, fare worse in Spain. Another level (PM 2.5) is also

high and above the WHO safety guideline of 10 microgrammes. The in-depth five year study, covering 795 cities in 67 countries, found 80% of people living in urban areas are breathing air that breaches safety standards. Dr Peter Sheridan, a specialist public health physician for the Gibraltar Health Authority, described the levels as ‘disappointing’. “While the finding is disappointing, the excess of particulate matter is attributable to being a major port close to busy shipping lanes and on occasions climatic conditions that do not disperse the particulate matter,” he told the Olive Press. Much of the pollution is put down to the large Cepsa refin-

GIBRALTAR

NEWS IN BRIEF

WORRYING: Pollution from heavy industry is being ignored by the Junta, claim ecologists

Football fears

THE Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society has expressed concern over plans to build the Lathbury football stadium.

Bully bust

CHOKER!

ery in San Roque, plus other industrial and petrochemical activity. However, Gary Fuller, an air quality expert from King’s College London, explained that

dust from the Sahara desert is also a ‘massive factor’ in Gibraltar’s particle readings. “Several times a year wind from the Sahara blows across the countries of southern Europe,”

‘Bar brawl’ brothers cleared TWO Gibraltar brothers have been found not guilty of a raft of charges in a Supreme Court trial. However, local youths Jesse and Damian Sanchez were both found guilty of resisting police. Jesse, 20, was acquitted of two counts of GBH, one count of ABH, four counts of assaulting a police officer and one count of affray following an alleged brawl at the Quarterdeck Tavern in 2013.

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Damian, 24, was acquitted of one count of affray. During the night in question, one pub regular, Stephen Lee Mandleberg, suffered a fractured skull. Quarterdeck landlord Tony ‘Del’ Farmer also alleged he had been attacked. The jury took four and a half hours to reach its verdict. Judge Karen Ramagge Prescott said the Sanchez brothers must remain on bail until sentencing on June 27.

NOT GUILTY: Sanchez brothers

he said. “Clearly there is nothing the government can do to control that. Shipping will be an issue too but mainly affecting the lower PM2.5.” Janet Howitt, from the Gibraltar-based Environmental Safety Group, described the report as ‘worrying’. “We need robust real-time monitoring to address crossborder pollution from heavy industry located in the Campo area, as we believe this affects Gibraltar, La Linea and other towns in the Bay. “We also campaign on Gibraltar-related sources of pollution as having immediate impacts on our own local community. “Primarily ageing power stations and shipping activity as well as traffic fumes.”

A YOUNG girl - believed to be 15 - has been arrested for assault after a video emerged on Facebook of her punching a boy in the face.

Threat THE current terror threat to Gibraltar remains ‘substantial’ following a review by the Security Council.

Swines! THE GHA has confirmed seven cases of swine flu in March and April but insists that the number is ‘not alarming’.

Safety first A NEW health and safety council, made up of health officials, union members and safety inspectors, has been set up.

www.theolivepress.es

AXARQUIA

Not killing cats

May 25th - June 7th 2016 www.theolivepress.es

Dozens of traps are to only ‘catch’ hundreds of strays around Archez, claims mayor Their fears have now been eased, however, after the town hall confirmed to the Olive Press that they were for ‘catching not killing’. “We have no intention of killing these cats,” Ruben Risa, head of works for Archez town hall explained. “But we desperately need to control population somehow with around 200 cats in the centre - surely everyone wants to live in a clean town?”

By Iona Napier

AN intrepid town hall is facing outrage from expats after installing a series of cat traps to deal with an ‘unmanageable’ stray problem. However the dozens of traps have upset ‘horrified’ cat owners in Archez, who have voiced their anger on numerous Facebook groups. Many of them insist that the devices could lead to the deaths of their pets.

Rocktopus OCTOPUS fishing will be banned in the Axarquia from this September. Fishermen have been left furious, claiming the eight-legged sea creatures account for 60% of their income. While European reports state 93% of Mediterranean fishing grounds are exhausted, fishermen from Caleta de Velez say octopus catches have doubled since 2010. They maintain they return all octopuses weighing under a kilo

into the sea, which has led to a ‘regeneration of the fishing grounds.’

FORBIDDEN: Octopus

Trap

Risa added that any animal caught in a trap will be taken to the local kennel and will either be put up for adoption or returned to owners if they contain a microchip.

BUSTED: Moreno

Caught out drinking A VELEZ-MALAGA Ciudadanos councillor busted in a drink-driving probe was found to be three times over the legal limit. Jose Antonio Moreno was stopped by police in Torre del Mar driving a car he did not own accompanied by someone else. “I was just trying out the vehicle for 100m and there was no harm done, but the police appeared and I can’t deny that I regret it enormously and I am completely devastated,” he said. Moreno who claims he is an ‘excessively sensible driver’ assured police his test results were because he drank two beers and ‘hadn’t eaten all day’. He is awaiting the court’s decision.

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POLITICS

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Jail them! Junta bosses should be locked up for siphoning off millions, insists judge

JUNTA officials should be jailed over the bogus training scheme scandal, a top judge has said. Javier Romero, who is leading the Operation Edu investigation in Huelva, said the Junta’s actions carry ‘a genuine penal responsibility’. “The true victims are unemployed people that should have been the recipients of this money,” he said. “The Junta and its inactions have allowed and consented to this scandal.”

UNDER FIRE: Ojeda (above) and Recio (right)

The ongoing investigation has heard that former employment minister Manuel Recio fraudulently handed €50 million to a businessman he said he didn’t actually know. He said he was merely ‘rubber stamping’ deals already made

Is the far left conning the masses?

ABLO Iglesias and Bernie Sanders have a lot in common in their public discourse. It is astonishing that two political figures on different sides of the Atlantic have been able to woo the masses with promises they know -- or maybe don't realize -- they will never be able to keep. The Podemos leader has offered an array of goodies if he is elected prime minister. He hopes to make drastic changes to banking, business, and other powerful sectors in order to favour the unfortunate in Spain. Iglesias also promises to hold that long exhaustible talked-about Catalan referendum

against everyone's wishes. If it were his choice, everyone in Spain would be entitled to a roof over their heads, which isn't a bad idea except for the fact he hasn't been clear how he intends to keep that campaign pledge. On the other side, Sanders, the US Democratic presidential hopeful, has also pledge free health care and free university education if he is elected. He intends to uphold a recently passed law ordering the nation's biggest banks to break up into smaller holdings. Sanders also wants to extend welfare benefits and provide more jobless benefits.

RIO

ALEGRI

Promises made P

with svengali Angel Ojeda, who owned various companies, which received millions to set up bogus training programmes for the unemployed. Recio claimed he did not know him, despite having worked with Ojeda’s sister-in-law for a number of years. Three other Junta bosses, meanwhile, have been heavily criticised for failing to answer questions in the official probe. Podemos has now filed a denuncia against Fatima Banez and Maria Dolores Genaro for failing to attend orders to appear, with a third is likely.

By Joe Duggan

MADRIDS MATTER

His problem, like Iglesias, is that he has not explained how he plans on changing the minds of the powerful institutions and lobbyists which have run the country for more than a century. In Spain, Iglesias has an uphill battle to try to convince the well established business and industry sectors and other powerful figures who play a behind-the-scenes role in running this country that his radical changes will be good for Spain's future. Two emerging populists with no ingredients for their recipes.

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Off the hook

SPAIN has been granted a reprieve over its failure to meet deficit targets. Brussels will revisit the country’s public finances in July to avoid interfering with the June elections. Spain and Portugal were set to become the first EU countries sanctioned for missing deficit targets. Portugal has been offered a reprieve until 2017.

Question time FORMER Marbella mayor Angeles Munoz is in hot water after failing to correctly declare four properties in Gibraltar during her tenure at the town hall. The ex-PP boss is facing tough questions after she declared the purchases, alongside another in Sweden and one in Malaga. All six properties were purchased either before or during her time as mayor, yet she either failed to declare them entirely or wrongly stated details about their purchase when asked just two years ago. In two cases, Munoz - who is standing as the PP’s candidate for Malaga’s senate - originally stated the date of purchase as five years later than the actual date. The senate has also discovered that the properties are all linked to Gibraltar businesses with links to Munoz’s husband, property developer Lars Broberg. One business has been named as Cutaga, for which Munoz owned shares for five years MARBELLA mayor Jose Ber- and her husband is now 100% nal is keeping to his word by owner. increasing transparency in the town. This includes publishing all the personal expenses he has incurred over the last year, with the majority coming from his own pocket. In particular, he has scrapped payments taking ‘friendly’ journalists to events and conferences, for which his predecessor Angeles Munoz has been criticised. EX-MAYOR: Munoz

Good boy Bernal

12 12

LETTERS

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Broken boulevard THERE was a sad inevitability about the hit-and-run killing of the 40-year-old Bolivian in San Pedro (Curry killers, issue 239). Everyone living in the area has long said the traffic around the boulevard is dangerous. Always make sure you have eye contact with every driver as you cross because there are about 20 little crossings and drivers, especially at night, just don’t see them. About 60 people came to mourn her death near the crossing the very next night. It was very sad but also very avoidable. It is good to see Marbella town hall now taking action but I’m afraid it is too little, too late. Jeanette Majewski, Marbella

Water works THERE have been water bans all over Malaga for the last decade during the summertime, so there is nothing that new about the prospect of restrictions this summer (Dry run, issue 239). Spain has no clue when it comes to water retention. So much water is wasted. Most of the EU funds made available for water retention were either misspent or the projects were abandoned. I expect that many parts of Andalucia will cease to be viable places to live in our children’s lifetimes because of water shortages.

May 25th -

Life guarding

Dangerous sport

olive press online

October 2015

Page views:xxxxxxxxx Spain and Gibraltar’s best English Visitors: xxxxxxxx daily news website Most read this

IT is tragic to hear about the two kitesurfers who drowned in Tarifa (Surf tragedy, issue 239). However, lifeguards are vital for tourists while enjoying a quiet day on the beach but for higher risk sports participants should be prepared to supply their own lifeguards. Surely they could take it in turns between participating and watching, councils should not be expected to pick up the bill for their risky behaviour. Steff Singer, Los Barrios

fortnight on www.theolivepress.es  Costa del Sol on weather alert

with dropping temperatures and more rain - 4616 views

 VIDEO: Floods hit Costa del Sol

as heavy rain continues - 4604 views

Updated daily The Olive  Gangsters’ Pressparadise: onlineA look at the key figures past and present of www.theolivepress.es the Costa del Crime - 3872 views

Duty of care

WEBSITE

IF you like to participate in a dangerous sport it shouldn’t be someone else’s responsibility to ensure your safety. Personal responsibility is the key here. If you are a novice, don’t do it alone. If you are good at it then you should know better than to do it in areas not designated as safe. Your choice, your responsibility.

The website  Torremolinos to open is Anda-

capitals of Europe. One in three of the retail shops within Tarifa are linked to the sport. The town hall should be putting more effort into backing up all the surf schools that fund their economy! Sad for Tarifa.

Fred Smith, Ronda

Help needed KITE surfing brings in millions of euros for Tarifa and is one of the kite surfing My neighbour paid thousands of euros to fill their pool last year. This year they concreted it over. As for the €35m investment, it’s a pathetic amount. Many town halls have embezzled more than that in a year.

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with latest news, June 7th the 2016 making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

Bradley Walker, La Linea

Chris Roache, Coin

Deja vu

IT is great news to see Simon Corner hauled before the courts in Spain (Caught! Issue 239).. However, I cannot help but think this is another case that will drag on for many years to come. Just like in the case of Amy Fitzpatrick or Agnese Klavina, missing expat cases seem to drag on and on. It will be interesting to hear what Simon has to say for himself. Why did he disappear? Why did he pretend to hand himself in? What has he been doing for the last six months? And most importantly, what is he hiding about Lisa Brown? Catherine Chambers, Sotogrande

Waste worry I AM a resident in Cancelada and I am hugely worried about the plans for a waste site in Estepona (It stinks! Issue 239).

Each of the conveniently accessible lucia’sprint biggestissue shopping and leisure Olive Press candesktop be read in centre - 3122 views from your its entiretyto onyour laptop, computer www.theolivepress.es  Gibraltar schoolgirl reaches semi tablets and smartphones -final of Spanish TVupdated talentday show And our site is throughout the 3065 views daily with the you latest news, wherever are. making it one of Spain’s most visited news SOCIALMEDIA www.theolivepress.es websites.

OlivePressNewspaper

October 2015

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Not only will it smell, it will affect the water in nearby agricultural land, it will attract flies and it will be an ugly eyesore in a largely untouched area. The worst thing of all, is that it is totally unnecessary. If a larger waste site is needed why not just expand the one in Casares where one already exists.

Statistics for: May 10th BE ‘APPY!

Claire Wilson, Estepona

 VIDEO: Floods hit now Costa Download our app anddel Sol

Last Hurrah! IT is great to hear the news about Deborah and John Gray (Saved! Issue 239). The fact that the town hall was going to kick them out to build a oneway system wound me up so much. I am so glad that it has been resolved this quickly. Following on from what Deborah said, well done to the Olive Press for campaigning on their behalf! Christine Long, Fuengirola

Congrats and carry on Stefanjo Lewinski, Ronda

The Olive Press would like to thank its readers for the warm words of support following last issue’s announcement that we had been named Spain’s best English-language expat newspaper and the world’s second best. Here are just a few congratulatory messages we received:

A well earned reward, thanks for a great read every two weeks. Jack Smith, Marbella

Congratulations and thanks for highlighting the causes of expats and all those with an interest in Spain.

Wolfgang Hoffman, Estepona

Congratulations and thanks for your openness to non-British expats

+TheolivepressEs Most read this fortnight on www.theolivepress.es

May 23rd

 Costa del Sol on weather alert

with dropping temperatures and more rain Views: - 4616 views Page 310,306

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as heavy rain continues - 4604 begin enjoying the best Spanish views news on the Rate: go. Bounce 3.06%

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read stories the Most key figures past and present of the Costa del Crime - 3872 views

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Download our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

Jane Garrett, Axarquia Thanks for hours of interest and fun. Keep ’em coming! Letters should be emailed to letters@theolivepress. es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

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PRICEY: Picasso

Pic of the bunch ONE year after a Picasso painting smashed records for the most expensive piece of art ever sold at auction, another of the Spanish painter’s greatest works is up for sale. Sotheby’s is gearing up to auction what experts call the most important Cubist painting in decades, Femme Assise. And the 1909 painting which has been off the market for more than four decades could fetch in excess of €35 million, the auctioneers predict. The seller, whose identity is unknown, bought Femme assise at a Sotheby’s auction in 1973 for €433,545 and is now set to receive more than 50 times that. The auction takes place in London on June 21 after an exhibition in Sotheby’s New York, Hong Kong and London galleries over the next month.

la cultura

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Dream come true

what’s on

ALAGA, June 3 A concert with polish rapper and producer Rafael Lechowski at Sala Paris 15, featuring poetry and guest artist Spok Sponha.

British expat who waited whole life to become author publishes first book

A BRITISH expat who couldn’t read or write until he was 16 is about to publish his first novel. Jack Jaeger will end the wait of a lifetime when his debut book The Stone Killers - Saga hits bookshops this month. His novel follows an ‘ordinary chap’ who, fresh out of the army, picks up an American hitchhiker.

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore But drama ensues when his new companion’s bags the proceeds from a bank robbery, alongside three journals containing secret and devastating intelligence on top politicians. Jack, 72, fell in love with storytelling growing up on a council estate in Hampshire

in the UK. He would tell stories to get his younger siblings to sleep. But at 14, unable to read or write, he joined the army, where he became an SAS officer for nine years. The army taught him literacy and he passed the national tests. Instead of pursuing a career in his passion of storytelling however, with a mortgage and

Fighting for the bull A FIGHT to protect a bull from performing in an opera has broken out in Madrid. Around 47,000 people have signed a Change.org petition to prevent the animal from appearing onstage for 15 minutes every night at the city’s Teatro Real. The bull’s owner earns

BOLLOCKS: Bull blasted

about €5,000 per showing of ‘Aaron and Moses’. Campaigners claim it is ‘hu-

miliating, cruel and unnecessarily stressful’ for the 1,500kg beast to endure ‘constant transport’ during production from May 24 to June 17. The demand to Spain’s Ministry of Culture and Madrid mayor also expressed the suspicion that the bull was drugged to keep it placid on stage.

CHUFFED: Author Jack two kids to look after, Jack became a carpenter. He moved to Cadiz 14 years ago, and stayed in the profession until retirement to support his family. “It has been so frustrating,” Jack told the Olive Press. “Writing is something that I’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t commit to, I have been writing this book for 30 years.” Since retiring, Jack was able to complete his first novel in rapid time, and has already written another two. “It’s amazing now that I have the time to write, I just spend hours at a time on my laptop writing stories and doing what I love,” he added. The novel is available from Amazon and all good bookshops from May 31.

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UENGIROLA, June 2-3 American and local artists perform at the ninth annual Blues Festival at the Castillo Sohail.

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Tracking Cervantes

Researchers uncover the author’s Andalucian journey HOTEL: Art show

Picture perfect partners ANDALUCIA’S top hotel is showcasing one of the area’s top local artists for the next two months. Works by James Nitchen will be hanging at the picturesque Molino del Santo as part of the Cortes artist’s Ronda Plus collection. An eclectic style which involves bright colours, Nitchen’s collection draws on the Serrania de Ronda landscape. Originally from London, Nitchen’s work ranges from detailed pencil drawings, oils and pastels to fun cartoons.

HIS most famous character embarked on an epic journey around Spain, and it has now been revealed that Miguel de Cervantes also enjoyed a spot of travelling. In fact, new research has tracked the 16th century author’s own Don Quixoteesque voyage of Andalucia. Researchers linked Cervantes to no less than 28 towns and cities across the region. From Alora and Ecija to Velez-Malaga and Teba, Cervantes’ journey took him to the farthest-reaching cor-

Stop-offs en route Almanzora, Alora, Arahal, Baeza, Baza, Carmona, Castro del Rio, Ecija, Estepa, Granada, Guadix, Jaen, La Puebla de Cazalla, Lopera, Malaga, Marchena, Medina Sidonia, Montilla, Moron de la Frontera, Motril, Palma del Condado, Paradas, Ronda, Sevilla, Teba, Ubeda, Urtera and Velez-Malaga.

ners of the region. And while his famous character’s journey had no real purpose, Cervantes’ travels were far more practical. A taxman by trade, Cervantes travelled the region

Heels at the ready

REGISTRATION has opened for the ‘High Heels and Bag Throwing Race’ at Torremolinos’ Gay Pride on June 3. Participants must run in heels no less than 7cm high, strip and change into a bag of clothes provided by organisers at the halfway point, before crossing the line and hurling a handbag as far as they can. The winner will be decided by an independent jury, who will award points for size of heels, change of clothing, overall time, and length of bag throw.

debt collecting for the government. But he also had time to enjoy himself, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Alhambra. In a new exhibition at the National Library in Madrid, r e searchers used letters (such as above) sent from around Andalucia in the 1590s to mark the author’s journey.

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Granada takes an Tuning in enlightened approach with Gary Beaumont to live music

REETINGS music lovers. This week I’d like to hark back to a previous column referencing local authorities and their persecution of small music venues, because in at least one case that’s not true. The local authority in question is Granada which has just designated itself Ciudad del Rock (Rock City). It has a huge music scene out of all proportion to its size. Some attribute it to the large university campus, others to the huge numbers of bars and restaurants, while yet more cite the romantic influence of the Alhambra and its Moorish past. Whatever it is, Granada has produced more than its fair share of great bands and artists: Los Ángeles, Miguel Ríos, Los Planetas, 091, Lori Meyers, El Puchero del Hortelano, Lagartija Nick, and Niños Mutantes, to name a few, whilst the current crop of indie bands features Napoleon Solo, Estevez, Sonido Vegetal and many more. The ‘brand’ Granada Ciudad del Rock was officially launched a couple of months ago. And amongst

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Rock city the initiatives is the GRX R & R, a rock route listing all the venues that regularly host live music - from small bars to legendary music clubs like Sala El Tren, Boogaclub and Planta Baja. The city council will also be supporting music contests, battles of the bands events and many other projects to further develop the local music scene. All-in-all, it’s a refreshing change from the stifling attitude of petty-minded bureaucrats to be found in too many other town and city councils. And for this, Granada City Hall deserves a standing ovation. For more information visit w w w . g r a n a d a t u r. c o m / granada-ciudad-del-rock

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the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Shaken...not stirred

One of fiction’s most famous heroes was inspired by the iconic expat and British spy Alan Hillgarth, writes Jack Gaioni

‘

THE name is Bond … James Bond’ is a signature catchphrase that needs no introduction. According to estimates, one in three of us have seen or read something from the James Bond series. Ian Fleming’s suave super spy may be fictional but the author once confessed that ‘the Bond character is a compound of all the secret agents and commando types I knew personally while in service to His Majesty’s Government.’ One such agent, a man named Alan Hillgarth (1899-1978), was both a close personal friend and influential colleague of Fleming’s. He had a deep connection to Spain and, by extension, to the ethos of the literary hero. As a young man, Londoner Hillgarth set out to write spy/adventure novels. He travelled widely in search of literary inspiration, visiting Russia in 1920 to pick up some tips from ‘the brave new world of Bolshevism’. Morocco, Egypt, Ireland and Bolivia were also on his itinerary, providing colourful background settings for his novels. But literary success eluded Hillgarth whose book sales were disappointing. His editors criticised his ‘inability to reign in his imagination’

and his ‘implausible and at times preposterous’ plots. In 1932, undeterred by his tepid success as an author, Hillgarth found his way to Mallorca, again in hopes of literary inspiration. He quickly mastered the language and, like many British expats, developed a powerful affinity for all things Spanish - its people, climate, culture, wine and historical traditions. He soon became a prominent figure in Mallorca society and began to to focus on activities other than writing. Namely he began working in covert ways for the British government. As Spain began its downward spiral into civil war, Hillgarth was able to

pass important secret information back to London and, in many cases, directly to Winston Churchill. His reports were influential in His Majesty’s Government’s decision to walk the tightrope of non-intervention in Spain. During WW2, Hillgarth was assigned to the British Embassy in Madrid as Britain’s most important intelligence officer in Spain, tasked with keeping Franco neutral and Spain out of the LEGENDARY: Sean Connery as Bond war. Had the Axis powers captured the Ibe- protect vulnerable Gibraltar and the rian Peninsula and, more importantly, Strait. In the eventuality of a German Gibraltar, cutting off access to the invasion, the operation called for an Mediterranean, it would elaborate guerrilla have been disastrous campaign targeting for Britain and the Alhostile ships, military lies. installations and in‘The name is One of the brightest frastructure. young intelligence ofBond… (insert They also created a ficers assigned to Hillvast spy network depause here) … garth’s mission was signed to maintain a young lieutenant contact with London James Bond.’ named Ian Fleming. should the Nazis The two quickly became invade the Iberian confidants and together Peninsula, travelling planned many creative frequently between and covert intelligence operations the Rock and Tangiers to create a fallwhile in Spain, crafting what became back territory should it be needed. known as Operation Golden Eye to The daring duo also played prominent

roles in Operation Mincemeat, in which fake documents, planted on a corpse were used to fool the Germans about Allied war plans. It not only changed the course of the war, according to many historians, but loosely provided the basis for another Bond movie, You Only Live Twice. It would probably be a stretch to compare Alan Hillgarth to the ruggedly resilient Sean Connery, the dapper Roger Moore or the suave Pierce Brosnan but his Spanish connection with Ian Fleming was instrumental in shaping the James Bond character. And as Hillgarth was a writer-turned-intelligence officer, and Fleming an intelligence officer-turned-author, they certainly shared a ‘bond’ (pun intended)!

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Property

RANKED No.1 for

olive press

www.theolivepress.es

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Booming July predicted following ‘pause’ in run-up to EU referendum Special report by Iona Napier

BOSSES: Cox and Wells

In come the big bucks! A HUGE US property fund is splashing €45 million on three new Costa del Sol developments. The American bosses behind Real Capital Solutions have snapped up sizeable plots in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavis and continue to look at further opportunities along the coast. The company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.

“We have spent around €86 million here so far and have a fund of €100 million to spend,” explained Managing Partner Peter Wells, based in Colorado. “We are one of the largest developers on the Costa del Sol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.” He added: “Also we do things transparently and always try and deliver on price and quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying and selling distressed properties in the US - has 16 staff working out of its office at Centro Plaza. Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting to come alive and it’s a pleasure to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

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ESTATE agents in Spain and Gibraltar are lining themselves up for the busiest July on record. It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23. Most agents the Olive Press spoke to confirmed they had various sales currently ‘paused’ awaiting the result, despite the British market remaining strong. The majority believe that the expected result - to stay in Europe - will lead to the pound strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow. Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the referendum lead up as a ‘pause for thought for British buyers’ due to concerns over the weak pound. “After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the year - and a sudden wave of bids from British buyers,” he told the Olive Press. One agent in Gibraltar has gone one step further actually employing extra staff for July. Savills director Sammy Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on hold due to Brexit, but I am convinced we will stay in Europe and am taking on extra staff in July to deal with the expected deluge of business.” Benahavis agent Scott Marshall of Proper-

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Roll on Remain tieSpain, meanwhile, described the pause as ‘very psychological’. He said: “It’s a combination of the uncertainty of the vote and the exchange rate right now.” While many agents have a couple of sales currently on hold, some have seen more. “We have up to ten sales currently on hold until after the referendum,” said Victor Witkowski, boss of Castles, in Manilva. “Buyers are not necessarily pulling out, but they are biding their time to see what happens.” Fellow Manilva agent, Shani Hamilton, also confirmed a slowdown, but added: “We are predicting a huge influx of business as soon as a decision is made.”

Where is Gillian buying?

Page 19

Where are the coolest Airbnbs?

Page 24

Deals

Spanish property sales by nationality and quarter

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com Source: Registradores Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2013 Q4 2013 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016

Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home. Respected analyst Mark Stucklin insists that foreign demand for Spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter with Brits the biggest group of foreign buyers at 22% of the market share. “The British still dominate the foreign market for property and there is no evidence of a noticeable decline in demand as yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone is suffering. One agent, Graham Govier of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. Prices are extremely cheap right now and we are selling two times as many properties as we were last year,” he said. He added: “My salesman Paul - already a bit of a local celebrity - has just completed his seventh consecutive sale and people are buying because they can see that the incredible deals won’t wait around for them forever,” he added. Paul made headlines in the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.

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Property

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

Top class SPAIN will top the International Monetary Fund’s property market table this year following mammoth increases in UK and Swedish investments. Figures from the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) reveal UK buyers accounted for 21% of sales last year, while Swedish sales increased by 220%, accounting for 6%. The statistics still show however that it is still possible to acquire a bargain in Spain, with property undervalued by 26%. In contrast, the UK and Swedish markets were overvalued by 7% and 114% respectively. “The Spanish housing market has experienced an encouraging start to the year and with an increasing number of overseas buyers looking to Spain, I would expect this positive trend to continue during the coming months," said Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España.

On the up HOUSE sales in Spain continue to climb with a 16.8% year-on-year increase recorded in March. Andalucia was flavour of the month, counting the highest number of housing transactions – 6,299 – followed by 5,123 in Catalunya and 4,878 in Madrid. March saw a total of 31,925 transactions, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute. The second-hand home market is leading the way with sales up by 24.2% in March 2016 compared to the same month the year before: some 25,800 transactions.

www.theolivepress.es

www.theolivepress.es 18 May 25th - June 7th 2016

Foreign demand for Spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter of 2016 with a strong British market despite Brexit fears and a weaker pound, writes Mark Stucklin of Spanish Property Insight

HERE were 99,427 homes sales recorded in the first three months of 2016, up 9.8% on the same period last year, according to latest figures from the Property Registrars. Locals bought 86,571 homes, up 8.9%, and foreigners bought 12,856 homes, up 16.4%. As a result, foreign demand accounted for 12.9% of the market in the first quarter, down from 14.4% in 2015’s last quarter, but up from 8.6% at the start of 2013. Once again the British were by far the biggest group of foreign buyers with 2,814 purchases registered in the period and 22% of foreign market share, followed by the French with 1,014 acquisitions and 8% foreign market share. Looking at just the biggest markets, British demand increased the most yearon-year, up 44%, followed by Sweden, up 34%, and China up 18%. Russian demand once again posted the biggest decline, down 35%. Both the biggest market, and one of the fastest growing, the British domi- BIG INTEREST: Brits leading the way in Spanish property purchases nate the foreign market for Despite the impressive growth of de- might decline noticeably in the first property in Spain. The chart pictured, focusing on four mand from the UK, the recent fall in two quarters of this year, at least unkey markets since Q1 2013, illus- the pound against the euro, and fears til the referendum is out of the way. trates how British demand has taken of Brexit result in the forthcoming But there is no evidence of a softoff in recent years, while France and June 23 UK referendum on EU mem- ening of British demand in these Germany increased only slightly, and bership, led me to speculate that Brit- figures. ish demand for property in Spain However, it’s worth bearing in mind Russian demand collapsed.

No fear

BIG SPENDERS: Brits

that these figures from the registrars lag the market by a month or two, which is the time it takes for sales to be recorded in the property register. If indeed there has been a downturn in British demand in the first quarter, the second quarter’s results might be more revealing. Another chart shows British demand clearly relates to the strength of the pound with a time lag of around six months. As the pound weakens against the euro, less British buyers enter the market. So the next quarter’s results could be quite revealing indeed. However, after the referendum, as the pound inevitably strengthens again, the buyers will come back. Mark Stucklin runs www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

Property

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May 25th - June 7th 2016

A right rural row... AN Andalucian mayor is being investigated after a Lebanese property magnate was accused of building illegally on protected land. Mijas leader Juan Carlos Maldonado is accused by the local PP party of allowing the illegal construction at Finca El Pantanillo, near Río Ojén. “The works are continuing because nobody does anything to stop them and the damage they are causing is terrible,” insisted PP councillor Carmen Márquez. The unnamed developer is now being probed by the Guardia Civil after he begun construction of a home CONTROVERSIAL: Finca El Pantaand dug two huge artificial lakes, allegedly without nillo is under construction permission.

TV doc Gillian McKeith in Spanish hotel business hunt

Marbella leading the way HOUSE sales in Marbella, the property hotspot of the Costa del Sol, are going from strength to strength. The town is settling into its fifth consecutive year of recovery after a successful 2015 when house sales increased almost 10% on the previous year, according to estate agent Panorama. In fact, the sales numbers are almost on a par with those in 2006, the year preceding the crisis when Spain’s market was at its strongest.

Recovery

While prices in the most exclusive areas of Marbella are ‘on the rise’, the number of sales completed, affordable prices appearing, and mortgage opportunities are spelling positive news for Spain’s property market. “There is a similar recovery scenario throughout all of Spain, although recovery on a national level is a couple of years behind Marbella,” said Panorama director Christopher Clover. “Marbella’s ‘head start’ to recovery is a result of its multi-country source market – it’s safe to say that the property market recovery in Spain began here.”

I’m a celebrity, get me into there! A

Peak funds for charity

PROUD: Taylor Wimpey team

IT’S taller than La Concha and the weather is famously inclement, to say the least. But this didn’t stop a group of employees from Taylor Wimpey Espana from leaving Marbella to climb Scotland’s Ben Nevis to raise €11,500 for charity. The group joined the Highland Games, participating in the traditional caber toss before climbing to the summit at 1,345 metres.

TWO thirds of Europeans wishing to buy a house manage to do so in two months, a study by RE/MAX Europe has revealed. Spaniards visit seven properties on average before making a choice, while 81% will conduct extensive searches online before setting foot outside the door. The Portuguese are even faster and find the home they want in one month on average. Meanwhile the Austrians and the Dutch take their time and tend to spend around half a year browsing suitable options. Brits will visit a minimum of 10 houses before putting money down while just 4% of Europeans are fussy enough to visit more than 20. The Finnish, however, are content seeing just four pads.

AS many as 100,000 British property investors could be set for a refund from Spanish banks. Deposits for off-plan apartments which were ‘lost’ when the property crash hit in Spain can now be reclaimed after the supreme court ruled that banks should have protected the deposits. One firm, Spanish Legal Reclaims believes this could mean out-of-pocket investors receiving an average payout of €25,000. This could cost Spanish banks up to €19 billion. “Finally there is a real possibility to recover your money,” said Luis Cuervo from Spanish Legal Reclaims. “Previously it was impossible to get your money from the developers but now you can claim with the banks and they have the resources to pay people back.” He added that ripped off investors should be ‘quietly confident’ they will be refunded but that they might have to put up a fight.

MOVING IN?: McKeith (above), Cortes de la Frontera, and (right) Hotel Sol y Sierra in talks with the town hall about this particular property and all being well they could be the latest new residents in Cortes,” said a source. “Word has

Just two months to buy

Payback time

EXCLUSIVE By Iona Napier

TV doctor who found fame analysing poo samples is on the hunt for a stunning Spanish retreat. You Are What You Eat presenter Gillian McKeith - who also starred in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here - is ready for another adventure, but this time in Andalucia. The Olive Press can reveal that the Scottish health guru, 56, and her husband Howard Magaziner are in the process of buying a dream property in the soaring Serrania de Ronda. The Channel 4 presenter McKeith who became famous for being the first contestant on I’m A Celebrity to refuse to do a task in 2010 - is understood to be buying a 26-bedroom hotel in Cortes de la Frontera. Hotel Sol y Sierra, which sits in the heart of the town, has been shut for a number of years. “McKeith and her husband have been

been going around that she will be setting up a business but we don’t know yet what it will be.” Cortes estate agency Mary Beker meanwhile did not deny McKeith’s plans but stressed that a sale had not yet gone through. “No agreement has, as yet, been confirmed so we cannot say for sure exactly what’s going on,” Tom Beker told the Olive Press. “We hope to know more soon.” When contacted McKeith’s husband, a lawyer, said: “We are not yet in a position to make an official announcement.”

Damning debt

FIVE Andalucia town halls have seen their debt rise by more than €1.5 billion since 2011, new figures show. Jerez, Jaen, Huelva, Granada and La Linea are among Spain’s most heavily indebted town halls. During the period, Jerez de la Frontera lost more than any town hall in Spain,with debts rising by €412 million. Jaen lost €312 million in the four-year period with Huelva (€135 million), Granada (€112 million) and La Linea (€112 million) all in Spain’s bottom ten. Estepona town hall’s debt rose from €16.5 million to more than €77 million.

Property

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF

Popular ruling BANCO Popular has been court ordered to repay €58,000 to a British couple who invested in a property that was never built by developer Aifos.

On the up HOME sales in Spain increased by 6% in April, with apartment sales rising 4% and purchases of singlebed homes up 13%.

Big build A TOTAL of 7,326 new home constructions were completed in the first two months of 2016, a 15.5% year-on-year increase.

Tower tale MARBELLA Town Hall will hear if their application to restore the town’s El Cable sea tower is successful in June.

Rental fines HOLIDAY homeowners now face fines for renting out their property, if they have not complied with new regulations.

While its name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, agency Fastighetsbyran is going from strength to strength, opening its 16th office in Spain THE co-owner of one of the Costa del Sol’s leading estate agents is unfazed that British buyers struggle to pronounce his company’s name. While confirming how important the UK market is to his Swedish agency Fastighetsbyran, Kent Schanke joked: “The British mostly can’t pronounce our name, but they can call us ‘Fastig’ if they want. That is good enough for us.”

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www.theolivepress.es May 25th - June 7th 2016

You can call us ‘Fastig’!

English

Speaking at the launch of a brand new Marbella office - the 16th in Spain the agency boss con- PARTY TIME: At the new office in Centro Plaza tinued: “The British market though is very have a chat to us over a cof- have plenty of keen Scandiimportant for us and perhaps fee... I am sure we can help navian buyers desperate to the key foreign market in find you the perfect prop- invest down here.” Spain. erty. Pronounced as Fasti-gets“Luckily we all speak good “And we really need good booron (meaning ‘The Real English so please pop in and coastal homes to sell as we estate agency’), the brand

new Centro Plaza office, complements other nearby agencies in Estepona, Fuengirola, Torre del Mar and Nerja, while another one opens this summer in Malaga. So far the company has amassed 250 offices in Sweden since it was created in 1966. Speaking over canapes and champagne at the ritzy bash, Kent added: “We want to show that we are a well es-

tablished company. We have decades of experience and everything here is done by the books.” New franchise partners Andreas Ersson and Sanna Magnusson have been in the company for ten years, but only moved to Spain in January. “It’s an exciting time for us, there has been a real buzz today,” said Andreas. “We are looking forward to meeting more British buyers.”

Who is taking bets? by Mark Rickard of Smart Currency

Property Law • Conveyancing Inheritance • Probate • Wills None Resident Taxes Family Law & Divorces • Claims Setting Up Companies We cover from Estepona to Nerja and Inland

HE bar is regularly the place I meet interesting people, and last week was no different. I was returning to the UK for the A Place in the Sun Live! Exhibition at Olympia and the journey had started so well. I caught the 40-minute bus from Marbella to the airport and the driver had the Real Madrid v Man City match blasting the excited Spanish commentator. Luckily for the passengers, it remained nil-nil in the first half - I was worried if Madrid had scored we would have been subject to the driver jumping out his

www.smartcurrencyexchange.com La Cala del Sol, Local No. 17,

We speak English, Spanish, Scadinavian, Dutch and French

Dolores Perujo Palomo Tel: 0034 952 587 704 Email: bonafide@bonafidecosta.es Abogada Lawyer nº 4905 C/Cartama, 25 - 29649 La Cala de Mijas, Malaga

chair Cala at the cry29649, of GOOOOOAL! de Mijas, Malaga tel: +34 to 951 his 401 921 And turning public (the passengers) celebrating, leaving the bus to steer itself! I cleared baggage control speedily with my smartphone boarding pass and just hand luggage before finding a bar for the second half of the match. I naturally wanted City to win, despite being a Chelsea supporter (us Brits are good like that). On my right was a chap who was perpetually on his phone while watching the match and commenting throughout in English. I took up my usual airport hobby of people-watching, and kept an eye on the match. Once the game was over and the chap was off the phone, I asked if he was a City supporter

OUT AND ABOUT: Mark (left) with the team from Spanish Estate Agents talking to his family in the UK. He laughed and said no, he was from Sheffield, and was the ‘price-maker’ for a BIG bookmakers in Gibraltar. His lengthy phone call made sense now! We talked briefly about his job and mine, and inevitably we met slap bang in the middle Brexit and currency. He was concerned that his wages and possibly status in Gibraltar would be affected, and I was waxing lyrical on the episodes that sterling had encountered in the last few months. Once I had finished my market commentary, he talked with conviction about a recent office wager on Brexit and the effect on sterling. I am not a betting man - I have been working too long in the currency markets - but the office sweepstake was: Staying IN

Europe: 90% with Sterling up on June 23 by 7%. Many of us on the coast will hope he is right. Bookmakers usually are... However, a currency broker’s role has always been to protect his clients from the potential downside of economic and political events like the referendum during their transaction. So, we cannot be subject to speculation, or ‘the chap at the bar’. This is where it really pays for those making international transfers to talk to a currency expert, to steer you through all the speculation and focus on the important part - protecting you and your money from the risks of exchange rate fluctuations in uncertain times. Email Mark@smartcurrencyexchange.com or visit the Mijas La Cala office.

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Swing the night away! It’s the dream of every schoolboy and more than a few of their dads, although mums may wonder how they’re going to get the shopping back from Lidl. Perched three metres above the ground, this idyllic tree house in the heart of Sierra de Huetor Natural

Dome sweet dome If living in a bubble is your ultimate definition of getting away from it all, this eccentric annex to the more conventional Los Banos de la Luz guest house will have you floating on air. At number three on the list, the cosy dome takes camping to its giddy geodesic limits with mod cons include an outdoor shower, although the ‘Moroccan style toilet’ (aka squat) may be a little less convenient. Tarifa’s beaches are just 6km away and, from only €26 a night, this quirky back-to-basics bivouac gives you attitude as well as value for money.

Park is accessible only by a hanging bridge. Upscale living it certainly is. And with its own bathroom, cooking facilities and a swimming pool, having a back-to-nature experience is as easy as falling off a log. For just €40 a night, you’d be barking (up the wrong tree) not to try it.

Up with the eagles

Coolest hotspots in the world

If bird’s eye views set your heart aflutter this swish Barcelona eyrie will lift you up where you belong, where the (Spanish Imperial) eagle flies. At number 15 on the list, the stunning penthouse overlooking the Plaza Real is a must-rent for next year’s Semana Santa processions, when you’ll have the best spectator seats in the house. Stylishly-decorated, the loft-style pad boasts an open fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a party-sized roof terrace and sleeps four, from €210 a night.

Five of Airbnb’s 20 coolest stays are in Spain … and they’re all red hot holiday rentals, writes Laurence Dollimore

PAIN is host to five of the coolest Airbnbs in the world, according to a hot list compiled by The Times.

And no wonder - they certainly make the average holiday cottage seem .. well … boring. Try out treehouse living in an Anda-

Magic bus

Not a case of have wheels will travel, but fans of glamping will be in their element in this restored 1950s-style Airstream bus. You won’t miss your creature comforts with a flat-screen TV, wi-fi, iPod dock and plunge pool all included in the price of just €100 a night. Placed 14 in the top 20, this luxuriously-appointed static mobile home is parked up amid the stunning landscapes of Alozaina and the Sierra de las Nieves, with the nearest traditional pueblo blanco just a 20-minute walk away.

PRIMROSE R E A L E S TAT E Turning your dreams into your home

lucian park for size, or get closer to the spanish sun with a rooftop rental perched among the chimney pots of Palma de Mallorca. The collection features 20 of the globe’s coolest and most curious holiday lets for a mini break, with Spain beating off competition from feudal castles, quirky windmills and even an arctic holiday home in Iceland. Join us on a whistlestop tour of Spain’s Famous Five.

Container casa DIY gone mad or a holiday let that ticks every box? Make up your own mind about this rooftop refuge in Mallorca, made entirely from shipping containers fused together in one quirky living space. This fantastic feat of carpentry offers crate expectations for tenants with its central location and expansive views. It comes with a kitchenette, small decked terrace and plunge pool, all just a 10-minute walk from Palma’s vibrant city centre, and sleeps three people from €100 a night.

“Wij spreken Uw taal” - Nederlands, Spaans, Engels “We speak your language” - Dutch, Spanish, English “Hablamos tu idioma” - Holandés, Español, Inglés Primrose Real Estate - run by Lynn Van Wilderode based in Manilva (Málaga), operating on the Costa del Sol, covering Marbella to Gibraltar.

Parking for Sale

4 Bedroom Villa, Duquesa

1, 2 & 3 Bed Apartments for Sale

Luxury Villa, La Zagaleta

PARKING 2 MINUTES TO PORT!

LARGE PLOT!

SEA VIEWS!

VILLA IN EXCLUSIVE AREA!

Marina de la Duquesa – Ref 195 Price: 8,900€

Villa Los Hidalgos – Ref 276 Price: 375,000€

Manilva Playa – Ref 277 Price: from 79,000€

Villa La Zagaleta – Ref 283 Price: 4,950,000€

The private parking is underground and has 24 hr security. Just two minutes walk from Puerto de la Duquesa and its fabulous restaurants and bars.

Large villa of 2 floors set on 1000m2 private corner plot, walking distance from shops, the beach and the promenade into the Marina of La Duquesa. Large open plan living room with many windows. South facing.

Brand new complex apartments for sale in Duquesa with great features incl sea views for many, garage space incl in price, close to the beach and promenade. Communal pool, garden, childrens area and paddle courts.

IBI per year: 33 €

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

Bedrooms: 1,2 or 3 M2 Built: from 89 Pool & Paddle Courts: Communal

A spacious, modern private villa within the prestigious La Zagaleta Golf and Country Club with its 2 Golf courses, 2 clubhouses with restaurants, equestrian centre, heliport, tennis and 24 hour security. Breathtaking views over the golf, mountains and valleys. Bedrooms: 5 M2 Built: 722 m2 Bathrooms: 5 Plot: 4828 m2

M2 Built: 17 m2 Parking: Security

tel: (+34) 661 193 789

M2 Built: 239 m2 Plot: 1000 m2

info@primrose-realestate.com

www.primrose-realestate.com

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the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

2, 59

5, 00

0€

Tel +34 952 816 250

VILLA FRONTLINE LOS NARANJOS GOLF 4 Beds • 4 Baths • 680 Built m2 • 208 Terrace m2 • REF 176-01258P

1, 82 0

00 €

A beautiful and very well built house front line to Los Naranjos Golf in a small gated and private urbanisation. The house has been decorated in a modern style and is being offered fully furnished. The Villa features under floor heating, state of the art AC system, central vacuum cleaner, heated pool and also a special basement level with natural light and consists of a cinema room, guest suite, laundry room, utility area and a large garage.

VILLA LA QUINTA 4 Beds • 5 Bath • 550 Built m2 • 143 Terrace m2 • REF 176-01246P Brand new stunning contemporary villa offering breath-taking views towards the sea and tranquil surroundings. The property has been built to perfection with high qualities throughout. As you enter the house you have a good size living/dining area that leads out to the covered terrace and pool area. The garage holds 2-3 cars as well as having space for a store room.

Centro Comercial Plaza 63, 29660 Nueva Andalucia, Marbella Tel +34 952 816 250 • info@andadev.com • www.andadev.com

Property

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

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www.theolivepress.es 24 May 25th - June 7th 2016

Peace of mind I

Step-by-step guide on how to reclaim money lost to the controversial floor clause

Why use a property management company? F you’re regularly absent from your home in the sun it’s not always safe to assume, once you’ve locked the door and walked away, that all will be well for your next visit. Although for the most part the Costa del Sol has a wonderfully mild climate, time and extremes of weather still take their toll. Regular attention is also needed to check for leaks, damp problems and insect infestations. Neighbours and friends may be willing to keep an eye on your property and usually start off with the best of intentions. But as we’ve found over the years, when a real problem comes up (often at the most inconvenient times), they may not be able to cope. This is particularly true when you rent out your property for holidays, or even just to friends and family. You will want your new arrivals to find the property clean and wellmaintained, beds made and hot water on. You will not want them to have to deal with plumbing problems, water leaks, fridges breaking down or electricity cutoffs during their stay. This is where a reliable property management company with a good reputation can be an in-

valuable ally. Your first thought will probably be the additional cost but it will be a worthwhile investment in the long run, leading to happier holiday clients who will want to return again and again. Quite apart from the peace of mind it will give you, too! As well as maintaining your property and looking after your guests, a professional management company will be able to advise you on legal issues, as and when they arise, and eliminate the stress and worry of being away from your home from home without knowing what is happening to it. A good management company will have the resources to offer a high level of multilingual services to deal with any problem – major or minor. If you have any concerns about leaving your property empty for long periods of time, or have bought it to offer holiday or longterm rentals, you have nothing to lose by talking it all through with the professionals. You may decide it’s not for you but you could also find it was the best decision you ever made! Contact +34 952 83 9595 and info@homecareontheweb.com

Visit www.homecareontheweb.com for more information

Cash back! Homeowners are set for a big payout as the controversial clausula suelo bank clause is finally given the boot

ILLIONS of mortgage holders could be in for a massive payout. The controversial floor clause - AKA clausula suelo - has been deemed null and void by a Madrid judge, paving the way for a big payback for expats and Spaniards alike. Estimated to be responsible for a whopping 90% of Spanish housing evictions, the minimum-rate interest clause has been costing mortgage holders an average of €3,000 since the mid 2000s.

The latest ruling comes after the European Commission ordered banks to reimburse customers in full, last year. Paving the way for 2.5 million people to claim compensation payouts, the Madrid ruling could cost banks a combined €1 billion. But with around 10% of Spanish mortgage holders affected by the hidden interest fee, banks have been reluctant to explain how to reclaim. However, Costa de la Luz-based lawyer Maria Castro has outlined a step-bystep guide to getting your money back:

1. Find out if your mortgage has a floor clause Before taking action, you need to establish whether or not your contract has a clausula suelo. If unsure, seek advice from a mortgage broker or lawyer. 2. Go to the bank If you have established you have a claim then approach your bank. You will need to bring your mortgage agreement with you along with a legal letter with reference to recent court decisions. 3. If/ when the bank says no If not solved by the bank, you will need to approach the Bank Clients Service. You can contact them yourself or get a lawyer to do so on your behalf. You need to submit your claim with proof of the clause in your mortgage agreement along with a legal letter with reference to court decisions. They will answer within 60 days. 4. If Clients Service reject claim If your claim is rejected then you have two options: a) Contact the Client Ombudsman service, if the financial entity is among those who have adhered to this system. A legal argumentation is advisable here. It is an organ who works independently to banks. This needs to be answered within two months. b) Claim before the Bank of Spain. The Bank of Spain is not connected to other banks in Spain and makes an independent decision. They have four months to provide an answer. 5. If all else fails If none of the above work and you have exhausted all avenues then a claim can be made through the courts.

MASSIVE DISCOUNTS ON NEWLY ARRIVED STOCK! Mijas Golf

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May25th 25th- -June June7th 7th2016 2016 May

Leading ladies The team from Estuco Interiors have been redesigning homes in Spain for two decades

HETHER it’s redesigning the Presidential Suite at a Melia hotel, or a luxury villa in Norway, the team at Estuco Interiors never take their eye off the ball. With an incredible vision and passion for creativity, it is little surprise they have grown consistently for the last two decades. Now one of the coast’s leading interior design companies, the team of four professionals have never been busier. “The coast has completely come alive and around 80% of our quotes are being accepted so we have a lot of work,” explains Christel Jurgensen. “It is such a contrast to five or six years ago when I had a huge pile of quotes, almost none of them accepted.” Based out of a fabulous flagship

showroom in Centro Plaza, Marbella, the team offer bespoke designs perfectly tailored to meet your needs – however whimsical they may be. The group of multilingual designers manage every aspect and detail of a project from conception to completion. And they have built up a trusted network of craftsmen, builders, painters, electricians and suppliers who are always on time, on spec and on budget. The versatile team takes on residential, hospitality and restaurant projects and clients may choose from a huge range of fabrics, object d’art and the indemand Farrow & Ball range. Visit www.estucointeriors. com for more details.or email info@estucointeriors.com

VISION: The team at Estuco deliver stylish projects on time, on spec and on budget

Looking for a simpler life?

Cambridge can connect you with it. Whether you are buying currency for the purchase or sale of a property, mortgage payments, school fees, pensions or general bills, Cambridge simplifies the process. We provide fast and affordable ways to make foreign exchange payments. We offer: ▫ a price commitment that consistently beats the high street banks ▫ the ability to move funds online or offline, all assisted by your personal account manager ▫ efficient, award-winning international wire transfer services With over 20 offices worldwide and over two decades in business, Cambridge is FCA regulated, and provides the security and peace of mind you need to effectively manage all your overseas payments.

Ofﬁce: (+34) 952 830 176

Contact our Costa del Sol location at (+34) 952 830 176 or costadelsol@cambridgefx.co.uk for more information!

N340, KM 189

www.cambridgefx.co.uk

costadelsol@cambridgefx.co.uk Local 6, Centro Comercial Andasol Marbella, Malaga 29604

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SIERRA BLANCA COUNTRY CLUB Ref: OP8826

Semi-detached villa with superb views

LOS MONTEROS

3 bedroom semi-detached villa with private garden and pool, in an exclusive gated community with 24-hour security, boasting some of the best views anywhere on the coast. 7-minute drive to the Puente Romano Hotel. South-facing, sun all day. Ready to move into. Bargain price!

Beachside bungalow with 3 bedrooms in the exclusive area of Los Monteros, right next to the renowned 5-star hotel and steps to the beach.

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Ref: OP8871 Built: 163 m² Plot: 776 m² Price: € 925,000

A partially-refurbished villa with sea views in a great location. Within easy walking distance to Puerto Banús. Cul-de-sac. South-facing.

An International Associate of Savills

Built: 201 m² Plot: 578 m² Price: € 690,000

Ref: OP8890

Fully refurbished villa, walking distance to Puerto Banús. Currently 2 bedrooms, easily converted into 3 bedrooms. Cul-de-sac. Southwest-facing.

GOLDEN MILE

Ref: OP8078

Built: 138 m² Plot: 339 m² Price: € 495,000

Built: 124 m² Plot: 564 m² Price: € 675,000

Ref: OP7561

Charming 3-bedroom corner townhouse, on two levels, in a beautiful Andalusian “pueblo”-style residential community on the Golden Mile.

Built: 159 m² Terrace: 15 m² Price: € 450,000

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es

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As we reach peak season, buyers are arriving in their droves – and they’re not waiting for Brexit, insists Shani Hamilton, from Hamilton Homes, in Manilva

Summer sellin’

To get in touch, contact Hamilton Homes on +34 952 890 444 or email olive@hamilton-homes.com prop@hamilton-homes.com

HE property market in Andalucia is hotting up in tune with the weather. And as the parasols go up and the sunscreen gets slapped on, property prices are slowly beginning

AGENTS: Andrew and Shani

to climb again. But, luckily in certain pockets of the coast, in particular in our areas of Manilva and Casares, there are still some incredible bargains to be had.

The market won’t stop for Brexit - but the Brits have taken a pause THERE are lots of people on the hunt for their dream home but British buyers are taking a little pause, with the Brexit referendum looming. They are still looking and they are still putting down small deposits, but most are waiting for June 23 to make a final decision. Either way, Spain will still be Spain after the

Brexit vote and there are still plenty of buyers from all over the world happy to spend money here regardless. My worry is that the British people will miss out and once they’re ready to commit, many of the best deals will be gone. Many Europeans are already buying in force. The good properties are not waiting for the

British to buy them. People from all over Europe are coming up with money, especially from Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Ireland and Hungary. It seems that for businesses Britain is better in Europe - we will certainly be voting to remain in the EU on June 23.

You will certainly find significantly better value for money here than in Marbella - with some properties costing less than half what they would in Marbella. Most clients buying in Manilva are not just buying for investment, but for the fantastic lifestyle here, for personal use and as a holiday home and future retirement property. There is a great combination of the familiarity of a strong expat population alongside the real essence of the real Spain. Wherever you are around here, from Duquesa marina to inland Casares, or from La Paloma beach to Manilva village there is plenty of space. What’s more the beaches do not get busy and there are some great areas to be discovered and explored such as the Castillo and inland at the Roman Oasis, not to mention the stunning white village of Casares.

Hot properties

Here are our ‘quick sellers’ – the most exciting opportunities on our books right now: Sabinillas townhouse for €250,000

Beachside apartment in Sabinillas for €185,000

STAR HOME

THIS three-bedroom photogenic detached townhouse is in Maria Teresa, a quiet area of Sabinillas. It is within walking distance of the quiet beaches, quality local bars and restaurants, supermarkets, parks and also has a communal pool. The independent home in the heart of Sabinillas has a large back terrace and a front porch. The community fees are very cheap.

FOR sea views and ample facilities within a resort-style urbanisation, look no further than this three bedroom, two bathroom apartment. With sea views, the excellently maintained La Noria development leads on to Sabinillas promenade.

Manilva beach townhouse for just €250,000

Luxury apartment in Finca Cortesin for €269,000 THIS gem of a two-bedroom flat in one of Europe’s most elegant resorts has a luxurious, almost colonial feel. The ample terrace with beautiful views has space for lounging and dining. There are also three beautiful communal pools, 24-hour security, while it sits next to the Volvo Masters Finca Cortesin Golf course.

Our superb featured property this month is priced to sell as the owners are changing location. The stunning frontline beach townhouse with three bedrooms and two bathrooms steps literally right onto the beach and its own private garden. There are even four pools, a ten-

R STAAL DE

nis court and a padel court onsite which makes it perfect for families. Buyers will love the proximity to chiringuitos, supermarkets and the port, while community fees are affordable. It has a comfortable layout of split level lounge dining room,

a brand new kitchen, and is decorated to a high standard throughout. The current owners began there as newlyweds, raised a young family here and are now changing location but are reticent to say goodbye to this cherished beachside home.

Duquesa penthouse apartment for €124,000 WHERE else in the world can you buy a penthouse flat for under €125,000? This beautiful penthouse to the sea and golf course also has a jacuzzi bath and is furnished to a very high standard. The fully renovated ‘turnkey’ property also has a storage room and private parking. The urbanisation of Duquesa Village is extremely sought-after and has manicured gardens, a padel tennis court and communal pools.

Bag your bargain: Doña Julia development in Casares SPECTACULAR sea, mountain, vineyard and golf course views are just the one perk of living in Doña Julia development. The south-facing apartments all have elegant fitted kitchens with Siemens and Bosch appliances. Ground floor apartments have private gardens while penthouses offer solariums with hot tubs. And the communal pool areas have have comfortable sunbeds, sunshades and plenty of green space. There is a fantastic infinity jacuzzi

pool which seats 20 and has two jacuzzi beds and the kids’ park complete with a pyramid climbing frame is another bonus. Quality and luxury meet for a reasonable price: we have sold out of units at €152,000 but there are some left at €161,000. Seize them before the next price increase! To get in touch, contact Hamilton Homes on +34 952 890 444 or email prop@hamilton-homes. com

To get in touch, contact Hamilton Homes on +34 952 890 444 or email olive@hamilton-homes.com prop@hamilton-homes.com

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Property

11th 25th www.theolivepress.esthe Olive Press MayNovember 25th--June June 7th- 2016 2016 2015 www.theolivepress.es May 25th 7th

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Agony uncle

Having lived in Spain for two decades, Leon Cohen offers peace of mind for anyone moving here

moved here.” Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Leon left in 1972 to study textile design and management at Leeds University. From there he ventured into the world of retail, opening five shops in London including one on the King’s Road and another two in St. Christopher’s Place in the West End. After a successful 20-year stint in London, Leon packed his bags and headed to Spain like many expats in the ‘90s. Buying a finca in the lower Alpujarras area of Granada, Leon got his first taste of Spanish bureaucracy when he opened first a B&B, then moved into agriculture, running an agro-tourism business dealing in fruit and veg. But in 2013 it was time for a new adventure. Selling his finca and business, Leon headed for the coast. Now based in Mijas Costa, Leon says it is time to give something back. “I have had a lot of success in my life,” he says. “From my time in Granada I have built up a good knowledge of how the property system works and of setting up and running a business. “As I am now fluent in Spanish, also having a Spanish wife, I have a full understanding of the country’s customs and traditions.” He added: “I learnt the hard way. In the ‘90s expats were seen as an easy target and even the local grocers would add on a ‘guiri charge’. “It is, of course, a lot better now, but foreign residents who don’t speak Spanish can still be taken for a ride.” He added: “I am not going to make a fortune from my new venture, but it is time to give something back.” Work on the company website www.facilitatorspain.com is underway and should be online soon. As well as being a consultant, Leon is a qualified master coach in NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) and he sees the two things going hand-in-hand. “As well as setting up the paperwork I can also help people discover what they want to get out of life in Spain.” Starting from next issue, Leon will be addressing common problems facing expats in a fortnightly Olive Press column.

OVING to Spain is not as easy as packing your bags and jumping on a plane. Be it bureaucratic, financial, property or personal problems, moving to Spain can leave the calmest of people pulling their

hair out. However, it need not be stressful at all. A former fashion/ textile designer-cum-developer-cum-hotel owner, it is fair to say that Leon Cohen is a master of all trades. And now he is turning his hand to helping others. A one-stop-shop for all relocating needs, Leon has set up a new company Facilitator Spain to help ease the pain of moving. Assisting with everything from building permits and residency paperwork to changing driving licences and number plates, Leon leaves no stone unturned to give his clients absolute peace of mind. “Anyone who has moved to Spain knows how stressful it can be,” Leon says. “There are so many factors to consider that just do not exist in other countries, be it the UK, Europe or further afield.” He added: “My job is to save people time, stress and to give them the best start to life in Spain at an affordable price. “I love this country but I wish I had been given more advice when I first

PROBLEM SOLVER: Leon Cohen and (left) his old finca and (top) one of his London stores

For more information call 692212567 or email leonc052@ gmail.com

NEW LOCATION FOR LA PERLA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Jane Clay has opened the doors to her plush new office in Sabinillas and couldn’t be happier!!! With it’s central location it’s now even easier to pop in and have a chat to resolve all your doubts on your property in Spain. La Perla Living in Bahia passed on to be La Perla Property Management in 2010 and Jane has over 29 years experience of managing property on the coast. In DLP San Pedro in 1987 then in Sotogrande in Paniagua and followed by La Paloma de Manilva where all the infraestructure was renewed and all the villas built, moving on in 2003 to La Perla de la Bahia where she now manages 140 of the properties onsite. The services are dedicated to taking the ‘hassle factor’ out of being a homeowner in Spain, making your life as easy as you want it to be and increasing the enjoyment of your property. They are always making improvements to be able to offer an even higher quality of service. They offer an array of services for your convenience and they can be specifically tailored to your situation or needs. Services include: Cleaning packages A, B & C Annual Air-conditioning Contracts Insurance Brokers Gardening & Plants Welcome Package Personal Secretary Weekly Check Maintenance Service They can manage the Sale or rental of your property for long or short lets. If you bought your property as an investment or as a second home, they can arrange rentals for the periods where the house is not being used with the advantage that they always have a person on site to help the rental clients and to make sure that your house is always being looked after. Jane Clay – La Perla Property Management jane.clay@laperladelabahia.com janelclay@hotmail.com Tel : + 34 952 890 930 Fax: + 34 952 897 377 Mobile + 34 620 368 288 Conjunto San Luis, Portal 3 Local 4 (next to Banco Popular), Calle Isaac Peral, San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva, 29692 Malaga

www.laperladelabahia.com

Jane and her team can’t wait to welcome you to their new office and help you in all your needs

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the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

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May 25th - June 7th 2016

Rob Horgan tours Spain’s little-known architectural wonders

Hidden gems T

HEY were the architectural treasures of their time, built at huge costs including gallons of blood, sweat and tears, only to be abandoned or eclipsed. Fame was not their destiny, as it was for Granada’s Alhambra, Cordoba’s Mezquita or Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, all known to tourists worldwide.

Knights’ Templar Castle A former Roman castle which was also a Visigoth and a Celtic stronghold, the Castillo de los Templarios is the stuff of fairytales and as impressive as any citadel in Spain. Perched atop a hill at the confluence of two rivers, the 12th century fortress keeps lookout over the boundaries between El Bierzo, Leon and Castilla y Leon. A mix of hexagonal-shaped rooms, towers and archways, tours are available from May until October.

Canfranc Railway Station Spain may boast the second-largest high-speed rail network in the world but the signalman at Canfranc station has been out of a job for decades. This abandoned 20th century railway station in the Spanish Pyrenees has known better times and was a vital trade gateway between Spain and France for much of the last century. Opened in 1928, it transported goods and Swiss gold during World War II but was brought to an abrupt halt in 1970 when a derailment destroyed a bridge on the French side of the line. Today, although the abandoned tracks are mostly overgrown, the buildings are largely intact and guided tours now run in July and August.

Vajrayana Dag Buddhist temple A Buddhist temple is the last structure you expect to encounter at the gateway to the Pyrenees, although the snow-capped mountain scenery bears a passing resemblance to Tibet. And, perhaps because of its unpronounceable name, the Vajrayana Dag Shang Kagyü Buddhist temple is largely unvisited by tourists. It is principally used by Buddhist pilgrims from across Spain who stop to rest up and seek enlightenment in the small, spartan cabins for a day or two. Built on a farm in Huesca in 1984, the temple’s main feature

In a country where cathedrals come 20 to the dozen and Moorish ruins are regularly unearthed beneath humble pueblos blancos, most people would be forgiven for thinking all of Spain’s best-kept architectural secrets had been let out of the bag. But they’d be wrong. Here are seven monumental treasures worth popping along to:

Moreruela Monastery

is a 17-metre high Stupa. Although well off the beaten tourist track, it has room for 40 guests and full board is offered to anyone who wishes to stay, whether they know the words to the hare krishna mantra or not.

One of the first Catholic Cistercian monasteries in the Iberian Peninsula, the 11th century building was once among the crowning architectural glories of Granja de Moreruela in Castilla y Leon. Initially home to 100 monks, more in its 13th century heyday when it was part-owned by the Prince of Zamora, numbers fell to just over 30 by the 18th century and no one knew quite what to do with it after that. It was declared an Artistic Historical Monument in 1931 but was not given protected status

Ancient Acinipo The Bronze-age settlement of Acinipo near Ronda is one of Andalucia’s best-kept secrets, even though the ruins spread across an area the size of 32 rugby pitches. The site boasts an impressive 2,000-seat Roman amphitheatre complete with orange-tiled orchestra pit and actors’ changing room. Minting its own money throughout the first century, Acinipo gave way to Arunda (now Ronda) in 429, as it was easier to defend. The theatre now has a new lease of life as the stage for an annual classic Greek and Roman summer festival.

Sant Climent church Few churches in Spain are omitted from the tourist itinerary but most foreigners and few Spanish can tell you about the Sant Climent basilica in Tahull, Lleida, even though it is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Built in 1125, it was virtually left to rot in peace until restoration began in the 1990s. Now the original leaky wooden roof has been replaced by stone and brick work. Much of the church’s furniture and artefacts which were on loan to nearby museums have also been returned to make the place feel more like God’s own home.

until 1981, by which time much of the surrounding lands had been sold.

Cartuja d’Escaladei The first ever Carthusian monastery built in Spain, the Cartuja d’Escaladei was commissioned by no less a mortal than King Alfonso II in 1194. However, royal patronage and holy heritage clearly counted for nothing and what must, at one time, have been the most beautiful building in Priorat, Tarragona, was seized and largely destroyed in 1835. Today, you can still see vestiges of its former glory on a visit to the ruins, while much of the original furniture and paintings remain amazingly intact.

The Spanish Estate Agent is delighted to announce the opening of its shop in Estepona. Part of the established European property group, Beaux Villages, The Spanish Estate Agent shares its parent company’s unrivalled ethos of complete customer care from initial enquiry through to completion – and beyond! The experienced Spanish team will be based on the Paseo Maritimo of Estepona with a portfolio of property stretching along the Costa Del Sol Buying or selling, they are here to help 20,000+ properties available to view! Call +34 512 703 166 to discuss your sale or purchase or come and see us at Avenida Espana 250, Estepona 29680 Visit our website at www.thespanishestateagent.com Email: info@thespanishestateagent.com

It’s your move!

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the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

Olive14th Press Property Magazine meets the creator of a fantastic new online portal Parapar where you34 www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press November - 25th 2016 sell or rent your own house – entirely commission free

€525,000: 10-bedroom cortijo in Granada Ref JW3166

€169,750: Two-bedroom apartment in Alhaurin el Grande. Ref MA6816

€595,000: Three-bedroom golf course home in Alhaurin el Grande. Ref RD5133

€420 PER WEEK: Two-bedroom Mijas holiday rental. Ref KK2478

The Airbnb of real estate C

OULD this be the start of a new wave of DIY house sales? An exciting new expat venture is making waves on Spain’s real estate scene. Parapar - the brainchild of French/ Spanish culinary whiz Xavier Sierra - is a fantastic way for sellers to manage their own sale or rental by assisting them with online advertising through Spain’s biggest property websites. The multilingual chef, who owns Restaurant Fonda El Postillon, in Alhaurin el Grande, spotted a gap in the market when he saw sellers paying thousands of euros in ‘avoidable commission’. Having worked as an estate agent on the Costa del Sol for a decade before moving into cooking, he knew instinctively what to do launching Parapar, meaning ‘Particular a particular’ (Between individuals). “I realised if I could create a simple, easy to use website, that jumped out at buyers and renters, I could do very well,” Xavier tells the Olive Press. “I have created a simple deal which means clients get seen on all the key property sale websites around Spain.” Xavier, 44, had originally landed in Spain in 1994 after training as a chef in the wine capital of Bordeaux and opened the popular ‘Paris-Madrid’ res-

taurant, in Fuengirola. While incredibly popular he eventually decided to move into real estate, where he spent ten years honing his knowledge at Costa del Sol Estates. He then moved back to gastronomy and opened his restaurant in Alhaurin three years ago. But he never lost his passion for helping people buy and sell the perfect home, which is why he launched the new digital-savvy way of making a sale with the new Parapar website. “Given that 90% of homebuyers search for a property online and many Spanish expats have time to show their property and deal with enquiries, it was a no-brainer to me,” adds the father-oftwo, who lives in Mijas pueblo. “The seller is almost always the best person to display a house or answer questions so it makes sense for them to handle it with the help of our advertising service.” The commission free service was inspired by the extremely popular French website, PAP

€179,000: Three-bedroom terraced house in Mijas Costa. Ref SM3496

(Particulier a particulier) where individuals manage their sale through the online portal. With Parapar, sellers upload the description of the property, 30 photos, one video if they wish, and can decide on the price themselves. His team is also happy to offer tailored professional advice, contacts within the national and European market and total freedom for the seller. It is the perfect support network for a sale with communication facilitated between owners and buyers. For a one-off fee of €198, owners get their property seen on popular sites such as Think Spain, Spain Houses, Google and Youtube and membership lasts until they complete a sale. Alternatively, monthly fees as low as €24 can keep spreading the word about the property. “There are plenty of people who try to sell their house themselves and we are there to help them,” he adds. “You could say it’s the Airbnb for selling houses, but while Airbnb takes a hefty commission, we take an upfront fee for the service we provide and will not

hassle you after that.” With hundreds of registrations since the website was launched in March, Parapar is set to take off in the French and British markets too as the trilingual chef translates the house specs into the three languages. “I see in my restaurant that 95% of my clients are foreigners and we see this scene echoed to some degree on the

€140,000: Two-bedroom flat in Santa Pola, Alicante. Ref DG2741

property market,” he continues. “We are also working hard at the moment to grow our repertoire of short and long-term rentals so do come to us if you have a property you want to rent out.” Call 677 804 804 or visit www. parapar.co.uk for more information

€595,000: Three-bedroom rustic villa in Mijas with pool. Ref XG8877

Call 677 804 804 or visit www.parapar.co.uk for more information

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the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

a very special counTry properTy! From the Owner

Three separate buildings, chic Country Style, natural materials, stone, wood, etc. Modern kitchen and bathrooms. Big well build pool 4 hct. land, perfect entrance from main road. Orange and fruit groves Great views -Gibraltar, Africa, Sea and Riverland10 min. Gaucin, 25 min. Sotogrande and Coast Suitable Boutique Hotel or three Family-homes!

Very reasonable price !!!!!!

Two fanTasTic land holdings!!

40 hct. and 38 hct. both bordering Rio Genal, Ronda Valley

The 40 hct. is perfect for any touristic use. 800 m River frontage, very old mill, flat lands! Olives + Cork wood’s, old buildings to renovate. For training centers, Eco farming, horses, animals sheep, etc.. Summer schools for children, Yoga, executive training, Art Hotel/ Restaurant. Idea plan’s available, Townhall approval. Work team, best price’s and experience. 15 min. two Villages, 45 min. to Estepona. The 38 hct. much closer to Coast, Sotogrande! Great views River, buildings to renovate. Idea perhaps parking short -and long- term for Caravans. Hotel/ Restaurant/ Apartaments. idea plan’s available,Townhall approval. 4 min. main road, 15 min. Coast, 25 min. Sotogrande!

Both Farm’s price under

1.000.000 €

More information call or email: Margarita, tel. 952 11 74 51 / margaritaftaylor@hotmail.com

Or Peter, mob. 670 01 52 02

36 36

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May 25th - June 7th 2016

Homeseller’s Bible Be a savvy seller to get the best price for your house and the swiftest sale possible

HE period of time between deciding to sell and clinching the deal can average two years in Spain so you have to be savvy to make your life, and sale, easier. Adam Neale of estate agent Terra Meridiana advises the Olive Press that small details can make big differences but the overwhelming advantage comes when your paperwork is in order. If you approach the sale with all the following factors in order, you can be sure to speed up your sale:

Homestage

Declutter. Remove personal items. Some sales fall through because the area is too cluttered the buyers can’t see themselves or life fitting into the space. Any signs of damp need to be dealt with – dried, painted over and cosmetically improved. Don’t be afraid to spend money painting the walls, tidying the garden or even replacing heavy, dark furniture with light more modern fittings to give the property a clean, modern feel.

3 Make an invento

Follow the light

Know exactly the ture, even down toitems of furniincluded in the sa light fittings, you plan to keep. le and what With some sales falling throug chandelier or evenh over a writing the rules bea TV, fo playing the game re is key.

Maximising natural light is key. A north facing property should not be viewed in the morning and houses pointing south-east should not be shown after 3pm in the summer.

Trust your agent

Invest in a reputed, experienced agent. All too often inexperienced agents will value a house based on other sales they see online rather than going there, Adam reveals.. And some sellers refuse to take advice from the agent and put it on the market for significantly more money. London sellers can be prone to asking too much as they are used to flipping houses and making huge profits.

Demand a realistic valuation

In Spain, the multi-agency system means agents can flatter sellers by overvaluing the property. The truth may hurt, but if your house is significantly overpriced you risk spending several years trying to sell it when it could have been snapped up quickly. This can be a common problem when sellers go back to the agent who sold them the house and cannot accept the news that the house has depreciated by 10 or 20% since the sale. Don’t be afraid to ask for several valuations from different agents.

EXPERIENCED ENGLISH SOLICITORS & SPANISH ABOGADOS

Looking to buy a Spanish property? Contact us for your free guide to buying Spanish property safely & securely. We provide a wide range of legal services including: Conveyancing

Litigation

Inheritances

Road traffic accidents

Spanish wills that comply with EU regulation 650

Personal injury & medical negligence

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Email: enquiries@mylawyerinspain.com Telephone: (+34) 951 203 094 from the UK 0845 508 2395 www.mylawyerinspain.com Offices: Marbella, Torrox, Murcia, Almería, Alicante & Valencia.

Get plans made

Whereas pouring through British property magazines you might get a floor plan for each property, it is ‘not the done thing’ in Spain. But since the majority of UK buyers will request them, it is recommended to pay to do the job (by a surveyor) and supply all the agents with the plans to properly inform buyers. Videos of the house interior and grounds are also growing in popularity in the current climate.

Know your taxes

This is the most important thing. A massive 70% of sellers don’t know what they’re in for where taxes are concerned, says Adam. And the other 30% haven’t got their paperwork in order. “This can be an unmitigated nightmare,” confirms Adam, who recommends investing in a reliable lawyer or gestor. Get a full tax breakdown of your tax position before you put the house on the market to be in a strong position.

Invest in a bank valuation

Some sales fall through because of the bank valuation is way out line with the property price. The to Bank of Spain has been known down grade by 20% lower than the agents which can trip up mor tgage possibilities. Get a head star t and value your home first via the bank.

Consider your circumstances

Sellers afflicted by the four Ds (debt, death, divorce or downsizing) are usually especially motivated to sell which calls for an efficient agent who can price the house right. In a market that won’t be rushed, your house will either need to be extremely desirable or extremely discounted to sell fast.

Signpost the sale

Some sellers are embarrassed about ‘for sale’ signs because they don’t want their neighbours to pry. But for sale signs really work.

Property

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May 25th - June 7th 2016

ARK angels Arkitects Sotogrande: redefining architecture THEY are easily the coolest architects on the coast. Arkitects Sotogrande, better known as ARK, boasts an impressive collection of extravagant-modern homes scattered across the Costa del Sol and beyond. And designing properties in La Zagaleta, San Roque Club and Marbella, ARK caters for clients looking for a life of luxury. With a multi-disciplinary team of technical architects, boasting more than a decade in the construction sector, ARK specialises in unique design as well as building and town planning. The company is also committed to developing traditional materials and techniques to capture eye-catching results. All of its projects are thought out in meticulous detail combining modern state-of-the-art techniques with classic architecture. And the results speak for themselves. Using traditional materials such as iron,

mortar and copper, ARK’s homes are designed with the landscape in mind. They may be modern hubs but they perfectly complement the Andalucian backdrop. For ARK, the landscape and surroundings are also just as important as the actual house itself. Designed to be enhanced by their surroundings, ARK properties ensure maximum advantage is taken of the Mediterranean sunshine, through lofty windows to provide as much natural light as possible. But ARK’s homes are not just beautiful on the outside. The company is also closely involved with the interior decoration, creating the home as a whole. The company is located in Sotogrande’s Centro Comercial. For more information call 956 793 166 or visit www.ark-arquitectos. com

Property

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Making valuations and the benefits of buying property from banks

Bargain or snare?

Marbella Real Estate Photos NEW on the Costa Del Sol Prices from EUR 90 + IVA Get those all important viewings with good pictures

www.marbellarealestatephotos.com

HEN we carry out valuations, we check many sources for information. We are members of multilisting websites; we scan the free ones; we check for the address on Google; we check our sales records and other relevant information. We do include valuations that we’ve done in the past, if at the same urbanisation or pueblo, as they have been prepared based on market information and it also helps with consistency. We keep our searches to as tight a location as possible and ensure that we are comparing like with like as much as feasible, while accepting that each property is unique in its size, accommodation, services, age, aspect, character and the host of other objective and subjective items that are all put in the valuer’s mind. These are then ‘sifted’ through and eventually we arrive at an opinion as to what the prudent person in possession of all the facts would pay for one property as against another. In carrying out all that research we come across a great deal of widely varying information, from inaccurate, fictitious and negligent, to helpful, factual and true. No one source can be opinion-free as even a cold banking website is there as a selling tool. Sometimes what’s being sold is not just the property, as it can be just an attraction to draw the buyer into another matter. Banks use the property to attract customers for all their services, such as insurances, monthly income depos-

May 25th - June 7th 2016

11+

years experience in

ALL PROPERTY MATTERS

RICS SURVEYORS & VALUERS BY BUILDING CAMPBELL FERGUSON

For peace of mind follow these property buying rules Find Your Property

Instruct Building Surveyor

Instruct Lawyer

Buy with Knowledge & Confidence

+34 952 923 520 admin@surveyspain.com surveyspain.com

its and the like; with the loss the bank might make on selling below the original mortgage level, being balanced by the benefits of bringing in a new, financially sound client, who can be encouraged to take on a high mortgage, perhaps at 110% of the selling price so that all costs are covered too. At this time of a bottomed market it’s much safer to do that with the potential for values to rise being stronger, we all hope, than for them to fall. It’s always been one of those strange and illogical occurrences for banks to be tight on lending when a market is

Connect with us!

down, but splashing their money about when the market, and the risk, is high. The buyer in these circumstances also has to be wary as, if they buy at above the market price and then have to sell shortly after, they are going to take a large hit as they can’t offer mortgages and they will be competing against banks who may be their next-door owner/sellers. When all the costs of buying and selling are added, would they have been better looking for a non-bank property at a realistic market price and having a choice on the mortgage they could get?

Contact Campbell and the team on +34 952 923 520 or email info@surveyspain.com

N May 11, the Junta de Andalucía's new rules for tourist accommodation became law, requiring owners who plan to rent out their properties to visitors this summer to have registered with the Andalusian Tourism Registry (RTA) or risk a fine for operating outside the law. A recent article on idealista.com reported that, in the three months since the decree was passed, only 3,000 properties have been registered with the RTA, although almost 14,430 applications for information have been made to the Junta's Tourism and Sports department. With up to 80,000 properties, containing as many as 800,000 beds according to the Tourism and Sports department's estimations, regularly rented out to tourists across the region, however, it seems many owners are hoping that they and their properties will slip under the radar. But, from now on, if an owner does rent a property for tourist accommodation in Andalucia without having previously submitted a declaration of responsibility and having received a unique registration number from the RTA, fines from €2,000 to €18,000

Now Andalucia’s new holiday rental rules are in force, enforcement won’t be long coming. If other regions are any example, it pays to register can be levied. In Ibiza, the local government is adopting a hardline approach to controlling illegal holiday rentals, in line with regulations introduced in 2012. To date, just 1,500 properties have been registered on the island, offering 5,000 beds to tourists, and there are another 5,000 pending approval, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. This May, El Consell de Ibiza revealed it is using an IT application to comb popular websites for 'pirate' accommodation. Reportedly, 20,000 beds have been identified in 4,500 properties on one site alone. An advertising campaign has been launched to remind owners, estate agents, and tourist operators that fines for illegal rentals can be between €4-40,000.

The Property Insider

by Adam N

eale

In Barcelona, Spain's most popular destination for tourists by far, Ada Colau, the city's first female mayor who came to power last June at the head of the Barcelona en Comú coalition, has recently extended a moratorium on new tourist accommodation that she introduced soon after taking office. Colau's predecessor, Xavier Trias, already 'declared war' on illegal tourism rentals back in 2014, after a wave of incidents involving often drunk tourists and irate local residents turned the tide against the rise of unregulated tourist apartments. To date, just over 9,600 licenses have been granted by the Town Council, but an estimated 6,000 other properties are not complying with Catalunya's new tourism legislation, introduced last summer. Barcelona's council has already begun to issue fines which can reach as much as 600,000€. While the potential cost of fines in Andalucia pales in comparison with Catalunya, if the experience of owners in other areas of Spain that already have tourist rental regulations in place is anything to go by, my advice would be to ensure you and your property comply fully with the new law.

Terra Meridiana. 77 Calle Caridad, 29680 Estepona. Tel: +34 951 318480. Office Mob: +34 678 452109 Email: info@terrameridiana.com. http://www.terrameridiana.com

Property

REDUCED BY €25,000

GAUCIN €450,000 A spectacular village home, Gaucin, Costa del Sol

www.theolivepress.es

REF: WW529

May 25th - June 7th 2016

MANILVA €475,000 REF: WW558 Last remaining 4 bedroom townhouse, Manilva, Costa del Sol

A delightful three bedroom detached house in an enviable location within Gaucin village. This property has masses to offer including spectacular views from every room, a private pool and pretty courtyard garden. This special property is priced to sell. Breathtaking views, jacuzzi bath, solar panels, outside dining, fully fitted bar. Bed 3 | Bath 2 | Plot 203 m2 | Built 168 m2

This spacious 4 bedroom townhouse is located in a secure gated resort, which has landscaped gardens, 4 communal pools and children’s playground. Close to golf course, sea and mountain views, utility room, fully fitted kitchen, large basement, garage, fibre optic and Sky TV. Bed 4 | Bath 4 | Built 247 m2

MANILVA €249,000 3 bedroom penthouse, Manilva, Costa del Sol

ESTEPONA €295,000 An immaculate townhouse, near Estepona, Costa del Sol

REF: WW557

The property is positioned on a stunning hillside and has great views of the sea and mountains. It is only a short walk to vineyards, golf courses and the beautiful marina of La Duquesa. Totally refurbished, communal gardens and pools, rooftop jacuzzi, golf course views, laundry room, gated community Bed 3 | Bath 2 | Built 148 m2

tel: +34 952 880 941 info@winkworth.es www.winkworth.es

REF: WW543

A wonderful four bedroom townhouse located in a popular urbanisation close to both Estepona and San Pedro. Offered for sale in immaculate condition and benefitting from direct access to a stunning communal garden & pool. Close to golf Ccourses, outside dining, marble floor, utility room, south west facing, established community. Bed 4 | Bath 2 | Built 178 m2

Property

www.theolivepress.es

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Fully upgraded apartments with a further 30% discount*. Now available from only 189,900â&#x201A;Ź. 8 communal swimming pools set in tranquil, landscaped gardens. Spectacular views of the Mediterranean & Africa. Surrounded by 3 established golf courses in Elviria, close to central Marbella & Puerto BanĂşs. * Discounted from 2015 prices. ** Fully licensed Marbella Properties.

For sales information please visit

R EAL

C APITAL

www.retreatsantamariavillage.com/olive sales@retreatsantamariavillage.com Tel: +34 951 239 866

SOLUTIONS commercial partner Smart Property Professional

Top Dollar

December 10th - 22nd 2015

Look at the size of that

Good vibrations A ‘BLIND cap’ set to revolutionise Paralympic swimming has been created by Spanish tech firm Chiel Spain and Samsung. The bluetooth enabled headpiece vibrates to alert swimmers when to turn at the end of the pool and begin another length. The device was developed by the Spanish Paralympic Committee and sees the swimmer’s coach tap a prompt on their smartphone to make it vibrate.

REVOLUTIONARY: Cap

Havana great time THE first official visit to Cuba has been undertaken by Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose GarciaMargallo. It follows the normalisation of relations between the two countries two months ago. After landing in Havana, Margallo said that the March agreement between Cuba and the EU, the culmination of nearly two years of negotiations, ‘makes us very happy’. The trip is said to be a review of the bilateral relationship, with Spain hoping to maintain and build on its trade links with the communist state. Spain is one of the leading investors in Cuba, particularly in its tourism sector, and is already its third largest trading partner after China and Venezuela.

Poverty line AROUND 12.5% of Spanish workers are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. New data from the Organizacion Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) shows the number increased by 1.6% between 2010 and 2014. The 2016 global social and employment report recently found that 9.9% of employed workers are already facing poverty or exclusion, for the self employed that number rises to 25.5 %, representing an increase since 2010 of 1.5 and 1.2 per cent respectively. It also found the overall risk of poverty rate in Spain is 22.2 %, 2.5 points more than in 2007. That figure rises above 30% for the under 24’s.

May 25th - June 7th 2016

World’s biggest cruise ship comes home to Barcelona

SPANISH scientists are among an exclusive group to own the world’s most powerful microscope after it was installed in Madrid’s University.

Melon heads

Huawei hopes CHINESE telecommunications giant Huawei celebrated the 15th anniversary of its arrival in Spain.

MAMMOTH: Harmony of the Seas docks home

the Eiffel Tower is high. Built for US-based Royal Caribbean, it also has a 10-storey-high water slide, cinema room and casino. A giant climbing wall, a rope slide, mini-golf, surf simulator, floating jacuzz-

is, and 1,400-seat theatre playing Broadway musicals are among the other attractions. Two robot barmen serve passengers in the ‘Bionic Bar’ and the ship even has its own high street, as well

as a ‘Central Park’ deck featuring 12,000 plant species. The boat will be moored in Barcelona and will begin regular cruises this summer through to late October.

AGONY Property ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

The banks’ payback T

Through the lens

SPAIN has the most profitable watermelon market in the world, raking in €298m last year, topping the largest exporter Mexico.

NEW AGE: Baristas

THE world’s biggest ever cruise ship has docked in Barcelona after completing its maiden voyage. Weighing 227,000 tonnes, the €1 billion Harmony of the Seas - described as a ‘floating town’ - moored in its home port of Barcelona after setting sail from Southampton, UK. With 6,400 passengers and 2,100 crew on board, the 218-foot ship has 18 decks and is longer than

NEWS IN BRIEF

HIS week, failed Spanish property investors woke up to a tantalising BBC news headline; ‘Up to 100,000 UK investors in Spanish homes could get payout’. The article quoted a Barcelona-based law firm, Spanish Legal Reclaims (SLR), on the round figure of investors who could be in line for a full refund. Two issues ago in this very column, we almost anticipated the BBC’s article when stating various 2015 Supreme Court (SC) rulings had confirmed its support for banking, insurance and, notably, off-plan property consumers. In May 2015, and then in December 2015, the SC ruled that property developers are responsible ‘in any event’ of down payments made by consumers on off-plan properties, provided the bank was aware of the purpose of the payments. The ruling, along with two prior ones, addressed the issue of banks’ duty of care towards consumers, in line with the provisions of the 1968 Act on Deposit Guarantees on Off-Plan Properties. But while the rulings are encouraging for anyone caught in the 2008 off-plan property debacle, not every investor will qualify. As a rule of thumb, investors will have the right to claim

100,000 British investors could be in line for a payout from banks who failed to guarantee deposits in the following circumstances: 1. That the bank was aware the deposits were for the purpose of building offplan prope r t y ; proving

‘awareness’ is pretty simple inasmuch as banks ought to have known that hundreds of thousands of euros going through developers’ accounts were from property investors. There have been cases where funds were remitted to UK accounts operated by real estate or intermediary companies, a situation that complicates matters. The ‘Ocean View Properties’ off-plan property scandal comes to mind here. 2. That the properties were not completed or, if completed with delay, that the buyer had exercised his right to terminate the contract for breach of contract before the developer had obtained the licence of occupancy. Banks – and Courts for that matter- are aware that many thousands who were no longer interested in completing on finished properties will file claims for the return of their deposits. 3. That the buyer was not a property investor i.e. buying several units for reselling, in which case he/she will not be classed as a consumer under the 1968 Act. As with most legal matters, a case-by-case analysis will be required to establish the feasibility of a legal claim.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

Pay back STATE-rescued lender Bankia has paid out €1.2 billion in compensation to over 190,000 investors.

War of words ALMOST 100 Catalan companies have been fined this year for using only Spanish in their signage. The region’s consumer code requires businesses to publish all public information ‘at least in Catalan’. The government has been cracking down as its desire to secede from Madrid and enforce Catalan as the predominant language grows. Companies who write signs, menus or catalogues only in Spanish can be fined thousands of euros, depending on the size or the amount of untranslated language. Citizens can report defiant businesses anonymously. A librarian, Roger Sueba, has claimed to have denounced 5,000 companies. In 2015, the number of businesses sanctioned grew from 57 to 68, with fines totalling almost €150,000.

Time to talk A NEW app is promising to make international phone calls 70% cheaper without using Wi-Fi. Orange Spain’s Blablablapp, unlike Whatsapp or Skype, uses standard mobile networks which increases connection quality. The free app is available for Android and iOS users and offers calls to over 200 countries starting at 1 cent per minute.

Are your Financial Affairs fit for Summer - by Richard Black / International Financial Adviser

no longer here and advising you? • Have you a Pension in the UK which needs looked at? A lot of people usually find summer a tiring but exciting period of the year. However, one of the last things the majority of us want to be dealing with, with all this summer activity going on is our Financial Affairs.

Hopefully by now, the rainy days are over and that summer is nearly upon us. The family and friends visiting, the long days with high temperatures, the planned holidays, the school holidays.... You can tell by the number of people out running, cycling, walking etc that there is an eye on getting physically fit for summer with all that time to be had spent by the pool, on the beach or at summer parties, etc.

There is so much political uncertainty in the world with possible Brexit, US presidential changes as well as existing religious and migrational tensions, all having an impact on how we feel about the world we live in.

We have entered new era for international tax planning and cross border wealth management.

Not to mention the financial markets where, the volatility is evident for everybody to see.

At the start of 2016, we saw the start of the new global automatic exchange of information policy which affects everyone who has financial assets outside of their country of residence. This means for example that people who: • Spend more than 183 days a year in Spain • Have dependent spouse and children whom live in Spain • Have their centre of economic interest in Spain

Blacktower have been around for a long time and in fact are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. We know from firsthand experience that our client’s circumstances change from time to time. Regular reviews of our client’s personal finances should be scrutinised for increased improvement in their fitness on a regular basis.

ARE FISCAL RESIDENTS OF SPAIN.

• Are your savings accounts earning the best returns they can or like the majority of funds on bank deposit earning virtually no interest? • Are your investments performing the way you would like? • Is the financial adviser you used to deal with

We will answer your questions on this particular area and advise in order to make sure you are Spanish tax compliant.

So what better time than now to be looking at some of the things you have been putting off, know you should do but haven’t, or are concerned about for example the potential Brexit uncertainties.

The question I would like to ask is - are your Finances in their best shape?

To help you consider your own situation

so chances are where you currently have your offshore banking arrangements will be on this list. The most common jurisdictions where we see clients having bank arrangements historically are Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Luxembourg to name but a few.

So if you have property, bank accounts, investments valued at more than 50,000 euro outwith Spain then you are legally obliged to complete the modelo 720. Now whilst the deadline has passed for this year (31st of March), late fines would be substantially less than not completing this return at all

Surely you do not want to be feeling vulnerable, and would prefer that your financial affairs are fit for purpose and strong going forward.

What you can do and where we can help We will meet with you at our office in Marbella or at your preferred location, and have a friendly and relaxed conversation about your general situation. From this starting point we can determine a course of action that will get you feeling good about all things Financial. Oh and the good news is , that it can an all be sorted and organised before the visitors come out, the temperatures soar, and your eating and sleeping patterns are turned upside down! To organise a review, please feel free to contact me on 0034 952 816 443 or email: richard.black@blacktowerfm.com

Offshore Banking privacy does no longer exist and is in effectively dead and buried. Your local tax authority will potentially receive information about your saving and investments without necessarily asking for them. Over 100 jurisdictions around the world have signed up to the Automatic Exchange of Information or Common Reporting Standards

Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd is licensed by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Licence 00805B and with the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

Looking for peace of mind? • Expert wealth management • Effective tax planning • Tailored investments • International Pension Transfers • Private Banking • Discretionary Fund Management Contact the Marbella or Gibraltar Office: O T +34 952 816 443 | +350 200 42353 E info@blacktowerfm.com Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited is licensed by the Gibraltar FSC Licence 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain. Blacktower Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.

www.blacktowerfm.com

www.theolivepress.es 43

By Rob Horgan THE British Chamber of Commerce in Spain (BCCS) has ‘almost unanimously’ voted against Brexit. A total of 97.4% of Chamber members want the UK to remain in the EU, while 78% believe the UK economy would be ‘negatively affected’ should Britain vote Leave. Speaking at a meeting of around 50 Costa del Sol businessmen and women in Marbella, vice-president for Andalucia Derek Langley stressed that the Chamber was ‘strongly against Brexit’. “BCCS members want the

Top Dollar

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

43 43

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Chamber of unity British firms in Spain unite against Brexit

WARNING: Langley

UK to say no to Brexit,” Langley said. “Their position is almost unanimous and it is the same position taken by the Chamber.” “It is a very, very serious issue and will have global ramifications. “It is our job to defend our members’ views,” he added. The BCCS is the only inde-

pendent British-Hispanic business organisation, made up of nearly 300 Spanish and English businesses. Alongside Derek Langley, researcher Nick Kounis of private bank ABN AMRO warned that Brexit ‘made absolutely no sense economically’. Taking data from polls tak-

en across the board, Kounis presented a poll of polls which shows just a 3% voting gap in favour of staying in. However, he warned that the election turnout would play a large part in the referendum. “Research shows that older people are more likely to vote Leave, and older people are statistically more likely to

vote,” he said. “The referendum could largely be decided by the number of people who go out and vote.” He also said that ‘exit fever’ could sweep Europe if the UK voted to Leave which would likely spark another crisis. Brits are set to go to the polls on June 23.

LIBERTYCAR

ORTEGA: Zara owner

U nt i l ne 2 2 n d Ju 2016

On the up SPANISH companies Zara, Santander and BBVA have been ranked in Forbes’ 100 most valuable brands in the world. Fashion retailer Zara came 53rd, while banking groups Santander and BBVA ranked 72nd and 94th respectively. Zara’s brand value has risen 13% from last year to an estimated €9.38 billion. Apple was the most valuable brand worth an estimated €136 billion, followed by Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola and Facebook.

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GIANT: Fashion store

Cashing in SPAIN’S online gambling market grew by almost one third in the first quarter of 2016, following last summer's legalisation of online slots play. Gross gaming revenue in the same period totaled €102.3m, up nearly 8% from the previous quarter, and up a staggering 32.1% from the same period last year. Sports betting continued to dominate, capturing 50% of all online turnover and 57.3% of all revenue.

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Top Dollar

www.theolivepress.es

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Working for you! Advertorial

From Japan to Spain, international law and tax firm Konsell Abogados & Asesores always puts the client first

HEY may operate in the farthest-reaching corners of the globe, but the team at Konsell Abogados & Asesores has a distinct feel much closer to home. Operating out of Jerez, the international legal and tax firm has clients scattered across every continent, yet remains dedicated to getting to know each of them on an individual level. Working with people in Europe, Japan, Canada and even Singapore, Konsell’s lawyers pride themselves on putting their clients’ needs first. With a team of nine, including three paralegals, director and senior lawyer Jose Manuel Diaz explains that the ‘Konsell ethos’ is to do best by the client. “Because we have a relatively small team we have the luxury of being able to hand-pick our clients,” he says. “We only take on people we can

TOP TEAM: Konsell Abogados and Asesores

help. We explore which avenues we can go down to help them and then if it works for us and the client then we go ahead with a customised strategy.” He added: “The most important thing for us is getting justice for the client. On occasions when a client cannot afford to pay straight away we make an allowance in order to get justice.” Set up in 2013 alongside partner Antonio Lara, Konsell covers everything from property purchases, rentals claims and town planning applications to inheritance, wills disputes and tax matters. During the last three years the firm has successfully won several ‘big

cases’. These include overturning a €70,000 tax fine for a Dutch client, as well as reversing a €95,000 administrative fine imposed on a British-run Marbella beach restaurant, and winning a critical forecloser case against a bank for a group of Brits. Studying at the University of Cadiz, boss Diaz underwent postgraduate specialist training in Madrid and Sevilla before cutting his teeth at a big law firm. “I’m always looking to build on my knowledge,” Diaz said. “Every strand of law needs specialist training.” But after almost two decades in the business it was time to be his own boss from the comfort of his home-

town of Jerez. However, the biggest threat to Diaz’s success is perhaps his 20-yearold daughter Gloria! Currently studying to become a lawyer and business administrator, Diaz jokes that she has threatened to open a rival firm. “It is great to see her going into law and business,” he said. “We have talked about her one day maybe taking over the reins at Konsell but she is determined to make it on her own first. “She has even threatened to open a rival firm.” The father of two is in no such danger from his 16-year-old daughter Alicia, who is preparing herself to

study Psychology. A fully registered Professional Services Firm, Konsell offers specialist international services including legal and tax advice, strategy design and planning, solutions implementation, legal representation, negotiation, mediation and litigation. And as registered members of the AEA, International Lawyers Network, Konsell provides legal support in more than 60 countries. The firm also offers advice on estate planning, business consulting, company formation, and intellectual property. For more information visit www. konsell.com or call 956 33 00 83

Columnists

45 45 the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

www.theolivepress.es

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Orally Deficient When writers get lost for words – verbally speaking

F the genie in the lamp granted me a few wishes, one of them would be to get published in the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. I’d love to own a great one liner. Like George Melly’s quip to Mick Jagger when the ageing rocker said his wrinkles were laughter lines: “Surely nothing could be that funny.” It’s strange but true that being able to string a few sentences together on paper doesn’t mean you can do the same orally.

Prose

It was a lesson I learned way back, as a cub reporter ‘out in the field’ (literally) when stories had to be phoned over to a ‘copytaker’ – a now-defunct breed of speed typists hired to bash out our purple prose on manual Olivettis. There was no need for speed in my case, excluding the race to beat rival hacks to the nearest red phone box – the pay-as-yougo kind. There, while an angry queue built outside, I’d attempt to transcribe my shorthand scrawl into hold-the-front-page

WAY WITH WORDS: Jagger and (left) Bergman

news before someone’s fist broke through the glass. All this while simultaneously rummaging in my handbag for coins to keep the phone fed. “Well, he was found guilty, the

man accused of murder … a Mr um … I know I wrote his name down somewhere.” The copytakers paid each other bribes to be the one not to take my call. Even when I learned the lines

Rain fest

There’s nothing like wet weather to create a ‘real English festival’ in southern Spain

ESPITE my love of live music, I’m not really much of a festival person. The thought of spending four days in a field paying €5 for a toilet roll has never really appealed to me. But the Twist of Lemon event in Cartama sounded good. It promised two days of music and healthy living in the sun, just a short drive away from the fleshpots of Marbella. A chance to tune in, chill out and unfrazzle my frequently frazzled brain, especially after deadline day, all in the bright Andalusian sunshine. The only drawback that I could see was the fact that we would be camping. I have never been a big fan of sleeping under canvas. You can probably trace that back to my days in the cadets at school, where I would frequently get soaked in a tent on a windswept training exercise on Dartmoor. That kind of experience scars a man. The girlfriend, who was already in a high state of excitement about the yoga and meditation classes, had it all planned out, however. “I’ve phoned the organisers at Finca El Limon and had a word” she announced, “I’ve let them know that we are coming as press and they have put us in an en suite room in the finca itself. “They weren’t going to but I told them that you were much older than the other festival goers” she grinned. I was tempted to ask if they had laid on a stairlift for me as well but thought better of it. And then, in the words of the song, ‘If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all’, on the weekend of the festival the heavens opened. Great news for farmers, less so for festival goers. With forecasts of a downpour on the Sunday, the organisers wisely decided to cram all the events into one day and so the revellers really

went for it. Satanito headed off with whoops of joy to join in with the other kids in a muddy game of football, while the Happy Hippy was in her element as she arranged her chakras (or something) in the yoga class and looked for new trinkets and beads to buy in the market stalls. I initially had nothing planned past staying in our warm and dry ensuite room but was eventually coaxed down to join in the fun. And so it came to pass that I found myself not only shaking an out-of-sync maraca in a drum circle but also leaping around in wellies with the Happy Hippy in wellies to Spanish reggae in a muddy field and actually enjoying myself immensely! If you can’t beat them, join them, I may have shouted. And as the last band came off, the heavens opened and we all got soaked and stuck in the mud a Spanish voice yelled out “Fantastic! Now it feels like a real English festival!”

Caption

I’d fluff them. Earlier in my career of oratorial non-excellence, I played Prospero in The Tempest (I was too tall to play female parts). “Betide to any creature in the vessel/ Which thou heard’st cry, which thou saw’st stink” (sic) I declaimed. Well, you try saying “saw’st sink” without adding an extra ‘t’… I got bawled out by the drama teacher. “Beckett. You have succeeded in turning Shakespeare into a farce, which takes some doing.” It’s largely what spurred me on to become a writer. Give me a notebook and I could pen you a dictionary of witty ripostes and withering putdowns: like the one attributed to Malcolm Williamson, Master of the Queen’s Music: “Lloyd Webber’s music is everywhere, but then so is Aids”; or the poet Robert Graves. “That’s Kingsley Amis and there’s no known cure”; or Carina Frost when asked if her broadcaster husband David was religious: “Yes,” she replied. “He thinks he’s God Almighty.” But alas, the mot juste eludes me. I’m a women’s libber but not an ad libber. When it comes to the spoken word, I’m just a mistress of drivel. Five off-the-cuff favourites: “She speaks five languages and can’t act in any of them.” Sir John Gielgud on Ingrid Bergman “She can’t be with us tonight. She’s busy attending the birth of her next husband.” Snooker champ John Parrott on Joan Collins “She is so pure even Moses couldn’t part her knees.” Joan Rivers on Marie Osmond “I’m prepared to take advice on leisure from Prince Philip. He’s a world expert. He’s been practising for most of his adult life.” Neil Kinnock “Does the Honourable Lady remember that she was an egg herself once: and very many members of all sides of this House regret that it was ever fertilised?” The late MP Sir Nicholas Fairbairn to Junior Health Minister Edwina Currie over the salmonella crisis.

RECIO & MADRONA Gestoría Administrative Advisors with 20 years experience in both Spain and the UK Tax advisors and accounting services Business start-up Vehicle transfers, Spanish car registration and driving license renewals Assisting at the notary

EXPAT SERVICES Application for NIE and residency Translation services and help with phone calls to Spanish companies Bank accounts & mortgages

tel: 952 892 097 – info@costamanilva.com Av. Manilva 1 – Edificio Avenida, 1F – Sabinillas – 29692 Manilva

alud S T 46

www.theolivepress.es35

May 25th - June 7th 2016

Sword and the surgeons STEP aside King Arthur. Surgeons in Spain have removed a sword from a man’s chest. In an incredible video, surgeons are seen removing the sword as it brushes past the impaled man’s heart. The man from Zaragoza is believed to have stabbed himself, although

it is unknown whether or not it was done intentionally. In the video surgeons open up the man’s chest and the sword can be seen resting against his beating heart. The team then remove the sword and the man is said to be recovering, with no risk of serious injuries.

OUCH: Sword in chest

Sex roulette SPANISH doctors in Barcelona have warned of a rise in ‘sex roulette’ - a trend where people have unprotected sex at parties where one person secretly has HIV. Partygoers are said to get a ‘thrill’ from knowing they might get infected. Dr Josep Mallolas of Hospital Clinic Barcelona said the parties are a sign that people have ‘lost respect’ for HIV. He said: “There is everything: sex roulette parties, or sex

Mañana, mañana

HOSPITAL patients are having to wait longer to go under the knife. The waiting time for an operation in Spain has gone up to 89 days - a two day year-on-year increase. More worryingly still, is that waiting times have increased by 13 days since 2012, despite there being half-a-million less residents using the health care system. In total, there are nearly 550,000 patients currently waiting for a nonurgent procedure. Patients waiting for a neurosurgical operation will have to wait the longest, at 160 days. This is followed by 135 days for plastic surgery and 112 for traumatology.

Hen-no!

HOLIDAYMAKERS are being warned against getting henna tattoos this summer. UK doctors are urging everyone to avoid black henna, especially while travelling, after a 10-year-old British boy was kept in a Mallorcan hospital for 10 days following an allergic reaction. “This dye is a known contact allergen and can cause significant side effects like redness, blistering, itching, and discoloration of the skin,” Gopal-Kothandapani told Yahoo Beauty. “It can cause a permanent damage to the skin or lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction in some individuals.”

Partygoers get a ‘thrill’ from the risk of HIV infection

parties you can only attend if you already have HIV.” The parties are being attended by people of all sexualities. Often attendees are given blue pills purchased on the black market which allegedly reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Serbian stripper Tijana claimed last year that the par-

ties came from Serbia. She said: “This bizarre variation that seems popular for extreme sex. People who turn up for the party wear masks, and one of them has HIV. “The wealthy organise these sex parties for other rich people. The real kick for these people is apparently the risk

Doctor’s orders

THE Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) has handed out its prestigious Employee of the Year award. Clinical Nurse Manager Frances Catania was crowned with the honour at the GHA’s staff awards ceremony at the Sir John Mackintosh Hall on May 16. The eighth annual ceremony brought together 120 GHA workers and guests to celebrate staff who have worked for more than 25, 30 and 35 years. Other award winners included the District Nursing team and Estela Cascado, Lorraine Wood, Pamela Knowles, Ivana Lavagna, Zarajan Lopez and Frances Catania.

that they might be the one having sex with the HIV-infected partner.” A spokesperson for the clinic in Barcelona said the rise in roulette parties corresponds with an increase in other sexually transmitted diseases, including Chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis C. Among young people aged 15 to 25, 24% are not afraid of the HIV virus. Recent advancements in treatment mean most people with HIV can lead a normal and full life. But Avert news officer Caitlyn Maron said it is still a severe condition which requires daily medication for the rest of an infected person´s life. She said: “HIV treatment is much more accessible and effective in this era, and people living with HIV are living healthier lives and into old age. As such, many people may feel that becoming infected with HIV isn’t such a big deal.”

We all know that smoking is bad for us, but as well as damaging our lungs smoking also harms our eyes

Eye spy some cigarettes By Amrik Sappal, Store Director Specsavers Opticas Fuengirola RECENT reports indicate that e-cigarettes can also damage your eyes, so this month we wanted to explore this topic to help you make an informed decision. Q. How can smoking affect my eyes? A. When you inhale a cigarette, approximately 4,000 chemicals enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. Some of these substances cause blood vessels at the back of the eye to burst, damaging the macula and ultimately leading to loss of vision. This is known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of severe vision loss for people over the age of 55 in the Western world. Smokers more than double their risk of developing AMD, have a higher likelihood of developing cataracts and nicotine slowly poisons the optic nerve, causing impaired colour vision. Q. What about e-cigarettes, are they a better option?

Although e-cigarette research is still in its early stages and the long-term effects are yet to be established, there are early indications that some types can cause irritation to the eyes in the form of dry eye. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as dry eye disease, is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to the eyes drying out and becoming red, swollen and irritated. As a relatively new invention, the risks of ecigarettes are still not fully understood. However, concerns are significant enough that the British Medical Association has called for stronger regulation of e-cigarettes and the findings about dry eye disease certainly support this. If your eyes are sore, dry or red, or you are experiencing discomfort, go to your nearest Specsavers for an eye test. Specsavers Opticas in Fuengirola and Marbella are currently offering free eye tests. To make an appointment or find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es.

www.theolivepress.es The Olive Press’

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015 monthly youth and education section

47 47

treme

Escape to the hills

The ‘hotel of a million stars’ is the perfect destination for detox and Spanish immersion courses

HE finca is alive to the sound of galloping horses and birdsong, while wildflowers, mountains and mature oaks complete the canvas. This is Tambor del Llano, a slice of wilderness in the heart of Grazalema Natural Park, a 32-hectare estate where you are guaranteed to see deer and wild boar and stargazing is obligatory at night. This is the perfect place to relax and its owners have now decided to open it up to a series of amazing breaks for those wanting to detox, immerse themselves in the Spanish language, or just enjoy the stunning nature of one of Andalucia’s most evocative regions. Guests stay in a traditional converted barn with modern touches and where comfort is at a premium. With a central open dining room, there are several living rooms for people who wish to dine privately. The ten bedrooms have amazing views across woodlands and plains and doors lead out onto a stunning terrace where you can eat delicious fare as you gaze at the sierras.

TRANQUIL: Tambor del Llano sits in stunning scenery

The gardens around the house are also a great spot for all yearround-sunbathing, including a ‘green solarium’. SPECIAL COURSES This summer the estate has organised a womenonly detox weekend in July and several Spanish immersion holidays this summer on several dates.

Ace the exam season!

Avoid cramming, reward revision and celebrate afterwards to beat exam fears

HE exam season is coming: “I must revise!” This is true. It is also true to say that for many people any test brings its fair share of fear and anxiety. Everyone gets nervous; it’s a normal part of exams. While it’s not so easy to stop feeling nervous, you can use relaxation techniques to keep your nerves under control and focus on what you want to achieve. As Bayside and Westside students begin their GCSE exams this week, here are a few tips I can offer to control your nerves and do your best! •

• •

•

Before your exams: Being prepared and doing the work will always help you feel more confident about sitting your GCSE exams. Do as much revision as you can. Do not leave it to the last minute. Cramming is a very risky strategy and will not help you remember things in the future Celebrate your successes in revision tasks and give yourself a little treat Meditation and exercise are great ways to help clear your mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and energised. Plan some exercise in the morning – if you start your day well, you are more likely to stay calm Use deep breathing or chill-out music to relax your mind and body Eat fresh food and drink plenty of water – too much coffee/Red Bull or fizzy drinks can make you feel anxious because they are stimulants. Never drink them last thing at night! Use positive language with yourself and visualise your exams going

Teachers tips

with Stephen Co

ventry

smoothly If possible, avoid classmates who are highly stressed or who want to talk about the exams. Sadly some people are stress transmitters and may affect your preparation • Ensure you get plenty of sleep. The brain files away all your revision and knowledge when you get high quality sleep. Lack of sleep will not help your exam performance • Plan your exam day so you feel in control; pack your bag the night before with pens /pencils, etc. allow for travel and proper meals • If possible - visit the exam room before your first exam. Imagine yourself doing well! • Talk to your parents or teachers if you feel stressed. Do not “bottle” it up tell people how you feel In Your Exam; • Breathe – take some deep breaths to relax your body and mind. This will really help if you freeze up or are struggling to get started • Focus on your paper. Block out the exam room and other students • Read the entire question paper, answering the questions you feel most comfortable with. By answering these first, you will feel more confident and settle into the rest of the exam • Stuck with a question? Leave it. Work on the next one and then come back to it • Remember, it’s not a race. You’ve been given a set amount of time – use it and make sure you answer all the questions you can. •

The detox weekend aims to clean the body, boost the immune system and energise, leaving you feeling on top of the world. Meanwhile, the immersion courses are geared towards adults wanting to improve their fluency in Spanish and in search of an amazing holiday experience. Those signing up will enjoy trips to wineries, ancient ruins and various workshops. While Grazalema is widely recognized as one of the most attractive areas in Andalucía, its stunning landscapes are home to some of Spain’s most beautiful Pueblos Blancos. Relaxed evenings outdoors are combined with challenging treks and hikes, romantic walks, horse trails and horseriding adventures, birdwatching and botanical tours, stargazing and trips to the famous white towns in the area. “This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural and cultural surroundings of the Grazalema

Exorcism classes

A SPANISH College has made exorcism classes compulsory. The publicly funded University College of Barberan and Collan’s 196 students are being required to attend a theological conference on “the fields related to the devil, exorcisms, being possessed and hell.” The conference forms part of a series of lectures that students must attend unless they have a valid excuse.

Brexit fears

A BREXIT would make it harder for UK universities to recruit international students, a survey reveals. Almost half, 47%, of the 1,763 would-be students who were applying to UK unis said a vote leave victory would make studying in the UK less attractive.

region,” explains owner Carmen Bueno, a former journalist, at El Pais. “Our views are breathtaking, our food tasty and you will find few places so authentic,” she adds. For more information contact Tambor del Llano at www.tambordelllano.es. Contact 674 48 48 85 or email info@tambordelllano.es

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recruitment Sound Technician/Assistant to the Stage Manager The Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola is looking for an experienced sound technician. We present full-scale musicals and a variety of plays where the ability to obtain, alter and adapt soundtracks is necessary. Ability to read music an asset. Working hours are adaptable to fit in with the theatre’s needs and a 2 and half month summer break makes up for extended hours during the theatre year. Also working as part of a small team you will be expected to assist the Stage Manager in set build and theatre maintenance. This will take about half your working time and training with set building etc can be given. Net pay and allowances around 13k on a rising scale. Apply at: info@salonvarietestheatre.com

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

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Hot to trot SPANISH entrepreneurs are feeling the heat as they grow the world’s fiercest chillis in the Guadalhorce valley. Pedro Gallardo and his partners are taking advantage of the booming chilli peppers market and have grown 39 different varieties on land in Cartama. They have honed in on 20 varieties, which are being cultivated for the first time this year. They plan to produce 40 tonnes in 2016. “Hot chillis are in fashion, sales are booming, especially in the US, UK, China and Italy, which are the world’s biggest consumers,” said Pedro, “We are planning to sell the chillis fresh, dried and ground. We are also going to make spicy olive oils to be sold in Spain and abroad.” Their hottest variety is the Carolina Reaper, which contains more than 2,200,000 Scoville units - the measure of how hot a chilli is. For an idea of scale, a Padron pepper measures 2,500 units.

Expats launch Man vs Foodinspired challenge EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan IF menu del dias leave your stomach growling, a sandwich doesn’t quite hit the spot and grilled sardines fail to satisfy your hunger, then head up into Malaga’s mountains for a proper feast. Inspired by American TV show Man vs Food, expat run eatery Sylvia’s in Alhaurin is laying on a spread to rival all others. The monster challenge includes two 32 oz burgers topped with 12 slices of bacon and 12 slices of cheese, a side order of 750 grams of chips, 12 onion rings, a tin of beans and a pot of coleslaw. And to wash all that down; a litre of milkshake.

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Eat up! PROPER FEAST: Challenge at Sylvia’s

Anyone who completes the challenge gets the meal for free as well as a t-shirt and

a picture of themselves on the restaurant’s ‘Wall of Fame’.

Don’t forget the peppermint NEXT time you’re walking through the campo or down the aisle in Mercadona don’t forget to pick up some peppermint and rosemary. The two common herbs have been linked to improved memory by researchers at Northumbria

university, UK. Peppermint tea was found to significantly boost memory function, while sniffing rosemary helped older adults to remember future tasks.

However, fail - as five from five have thus far - and your face is plastered on the ‘Wall of Shame’. “A few of us were chatting about the American show Man vs Food and we thought why not give it a go,” British owner Andrea told the Olive Press. “A couple of guys claimed they could do it but so far noone has got close.” She added: “ Suzie our cook gets a lot of compliments about her homemade burgers so we thought we’d step it up a notch and do the challenge with two mega burgers.” With contestants already lined up for the week ahead, Andrea is looking forward to the first success story. On the back of the Man vs Food challenge, Sylvia’s is preparing to launch a Meat Feast and Hot Wing Challenge in time to celebrate its one year anniversary on July 4.

Ronda impresses A RONDA red wine has been awarded on the international stage. Encaste 2010, a local cabernet-sauvignon monovarietal, claimed a gold medal at the noted International Wine Festival in Lyon, France. The festival featured 5,800 varieties of wine from 28 different countries.

Cheers! GUILTY about a glass of tinto while enjoying the early summer sun… well, don’t be! Researchers have found that a little tipple IS in fact good for you. A recent study showed that those who have up to a third of a bottle of wine every day have fewer illnesses and a ‘more positive’ outlook on life. The study, carried out at the University of Helsinki, also found that those who drink wine with food enjoy greater health benefits than those who drink away from the dinner table.

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‘Zarajos’ and ‘entresijos’ - the weird food of Madrid

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TUCK IN: Entresijos (left), and (below) pig’s ears

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By Jon Clarke at San Isidro festival

F you thought they ate odd things in Andalucia, try Madrid. A colourful mix of innards, guts and offal were on display during a visit to the capital this month. A bowl of snails, with chorizo, ended up being decidedly ordinary alongside a plate of pigs ears (oreja) and sheep intestines (zarajos) at historic Los Caracoles restaurant, in the La Latina district. The zarajos, which are typical from Cuenca, come on a wooden skewer and are lightly barbecued. “You need to eat them slowly and savour them,” explained local teacher Cristina Herrera, 31 (pictured). Meanwhile, a racion of ‘entresijos’ came out with a round of beers at a restaurant up near Alonso Martinez. A very unusual dish, reminiscent of wild mushrooms, but slightly chewier, turns out to be lamb ‘mesentery’ or, the ‘piece of peritoneum that joins part of the small intestine to the back wall of the abdomen’. But, of course.

Unusual

FINE DINING: On Zarajos

ur y Ho Happrom f 0 - 18:3 16:00

TASTY: Snails

Another unusual tapa is ‘gallinejas’, or chitterlings, which are the intestines of a suckling pig. The specialities are particularly popular during the city’s annual San Isidro festival that ended last week. They are rarely found in the centre, apart from at feria time, and are more likely to be eaten in the working class suburbs, including Carabanchel and Vallecas.

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the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

11 QUESTIONS FOR A RONDA HOTELIER Ever wondered what it’s like to run a small rural hotel in the mountains? We asked Andy Chapell at Hotel Molino del Santo to answer a few questions...

STUNNER: Sadie with sushi

TOWIE’s Elliott Wright makes a splash with his five-star fish and champagne bar in La Cala

ITH Moet on tap, seafood to die for and a glittering guest list, it was always going to be a splashy occasion. And host with the most Elliott Wright certainly pushed the boat out for the star-studded launch of his VIP fish bar above Olivia’s restaurant in La Cala, another class dining act run by the former TOWIE star, named after his daughter. The invite-only party saw celebs, friends and press pack out the stylish upstairs seafood bar. Camera crews were also out in force for the filming of Elliott’s brand new tell-it-all reality show, Elliot Wright: Playa in Marbella, set to hit TV screens in July. “I’m so happy with how it’s gone, this restaurant is what I have always wanted and it has turned out exactly as I imagined, so I’m really

TASTY: Elliot feeds sushi to Linda Hodgkins, of Linekers

All Wright on night pleased,” Elliott told the Olive Press. Guests who braved the rain to attend were treated to an ocean of culinary delights including gigantic king crab claws, tempura prawns, avocado sushi rolls and seabass ceviche carpaccio. “It’s somewhat inspired by the vibrant and creative restaurant scene in Shoreditch,” explained Elliott. “I wanted to bring something similar to La Cala because I think it can become a new hotspot along the coast.” In fact his new chef, Chris Bransc o m b e , honed his skills at east London culinary Meccas The Ace Hotel and Bistrotheque in Shoreditch. Asked what we can expect from his new show, Wright explained that

it’s a fly-on-the-wall documentary of his life in Spain. “It shows a bit of everything, the stresses of setting up a business, my family life, my relationship with Sadie and obviously the odd bit of drama,” he laughs. “The ‘playa’ is a reference to the beaches here but also because I’m a player in business and I like to play big,” he added. “I work hard and play hard and can’t wait for people to get a chance to see me in action away from Essex and in Marbella as a businessman in one of my restaurants.” The exotic fish menu is matched by an experimental cocktail list. The kicky cucumber and wasabi martini has to be tried. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. With its stunning terrace, uninterrupted sea views, comfy seating and Moet on tap, it’s the perfect place to chill out in style. “Downstairs in the restaurant is where you meet the girl or guy,” joked Elliott, “But upstairs is where you take them.”

Q: Andy, tell us briefly how Molino del Santo came about. A: The hotel started as a way for my partner Pauline and I to make a living in a lovely environment back in 1987. We left teaching in Southampton to start the business. Q: How much formal training for the hospitality trade did you have? A: Absolutely none! In fact as young teachers we had hardly ever even stayed in hotels. We’ve learnt on the job – often the best way. Q: So you bought an old watermill on the edge of a rural village near Ronda – some might say in the middle of nowhere. A: Yes we are well off the beaten track but we thought the area was absolutely beautiful – and we still do – and believed enough people would feel the same. Q: Why do people choose Molino del Santo? A: Apart from the beautiful, peaceful surroundings, I think the biggest attractions are our lovely staff and the excellent food that our team produces. It’s a great place for special celebrations too. Q: How do people find you? A: Most people arrive by car but we are also lucky to have a pretty little railway station a few minutes walk away. The train ride to us for lunch from San Roque makes for a great day out as hundreds of people have discovered. We have a factsheet explaining how to reach us by rail. Q: What is there to do in the area? A: Lots! We have produced a guide called “101 Things to Do in the Ronda Area” – Send an e-mail to info@molinodelsanto.com for a free copy. Q: Your best moment in the 30 years of running the business? A: A bit corny, but it’s happy customers. The feedback we get is amazing and lots of people visit year after year. Q: Worst moments? A: Dealing with bureaucracy. We were once threatened with deportation from Spain for a lack of paperwork. Q: Should people book if they plan a visit? A: Yes please. We are very busy a lot of the time. Q: Do you make special offers? A: We do if we have last minute availability. And if anyone mentions this interview we’ll also offer a discount on rooms and restaurant meals. Please contact us for a special deal. Q: How can people find out more about Molino del Santo? A: Our website is www.molinodelsanto.com or call 952 16 71 51. We’re all here to help everyone to have as good a time as possible.

CHEF: With delicious fare

Dream job on TV

Olivia’s La Cala is looking for experienced staff to join its expanding team. If you’re a hostess, receptionist or have experience in waitering and don´t mind being in front of the camera, then you could be the perfect new addition to the Olivia’s family. A Chef de Partie, Sous, pastry and breakfast chefs are also needed. To join the team, send your CV’s and a recent photo to jeremy@oliviaslacala.com

ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

More information of any kind e-mail

info@molinodelsanto.com

EXPERIMENTAL: Cocktails

www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

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My secret garden Expat chef-hotelier Helen Bartlett explains how she discovered her ready-made market garden in the second instalment from her debut cookbook, Fountainhead Food: Cooking in Andalucia

ITHIN a short while of being in Andalucia, I realised that I had planted myself in an enormous market garden. On the morning that I took my first walk here on our Fountainhead hotel site, I brushed past wild fennel, its intense smell leaving me perfumed for hours. I walked

in the almond groves, the trees laden with nuts. I found wild thyme, rosemary and lavender. I walked to sit at the top of the hill, passing carob and plum trees. Gazing across the valley, I could see white beehives dotted along its far contours. I sat on a stump that has since become a huge

Artichoke hearts, shallots, tomatoes, garlic Remove the outer layers of the artichokes, cook in boiling water for approximately 7 minutes. Drain. Finely chop the shallots and sauté gently in olive oil until tender. Finely chop the tomatoes and add to the shallots. Continue to sauté for about 1 minute. Add finely chopped fresh thyme. Cut the artichokes lengthways, pile a spoonful of tomato mixture on top of each half. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.

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tree bearing some 200 purple figs. As the year went on, the olives emerged, gathering weight on the trees – green ones, purple ones, black, oval, round, huge and small. The following spring I found hidden treasures, wild asparagus in thorny bushes and tiny crocuses guarding their jewels. I took a walk down the winding track to the river, past the pomegranate and eucalyptus trees. The valley was lined with citrus groves - oranges, lemons and mandarins - and, further along, market gardens full of avocado and mango trees. Everyman’s plot standing proud with tomato vines, bamboo wigwams brimming with beans, cascading grapes and, always, that broken down old seat just to sit and enjoy his world. Walking back up the road from the village I passed the sweeping pink peppercorn trees and picked some to bring home. Along the track I found a caper plant and, nearing our entrance, three plants that sneak their fruit into view – the wild quince, fig and blackberry – if you blink you miss them. Welcoming gifts arrived - bags of oranges, lemons, home-brewed Malaga wine from the muscatel and, on our doorstep at Christmas, an enormous branch cut from a bay tree. A van honked its horn from the top of the far hill, drove down and sold us watermelons, onions and potatoes. What more could you want! Whenever I cook I always try to incorporate as many local ingredients as possible. Here are a couple of my favourite dishes. For more visit www.fountainheadspain.com

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Sun dried tomato and fresh cheese tart To sun dry the tomatoes, allow 6 hours advance preparation. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and slice. Place on an oven tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with a little salt. Leave in direct sun for about 3 hours then turn them over, leaving again for about 3 hours. The tomatoes will shrink. When ready the tomatoes should be moist, not dried to a crisp. Transfer the tomatoes to a dish. If you can’t do this put them in the oven on 100° for a couple of hours each side. Pre heat the oven to 220°C. To make the pastry, put the flour into a large bowl, mix in the salt and sugar. Add the olive oil and water, bring together with the hands until it ‘holds’. Do not over work. Form small balls, flatten and press into individual oiled tart tins. Work with the fingers to mould a fine layer of pastry. Bake in the oven until golden (5 - 7 minutes). Remove and leave to cool in the tins. To construct the tarts, position a pastry case in the centre of each serving plate. Finely slice the basil. Slice the cheese, season and drizzle with olive oil. Place the dried tomatoes (in small portion-sized piles) on a baking tray. Distribute the sliced basil onto the piles of tomatoes. Layer the cheese slices on top and place under a hot grill for 2 minutes. Transfer each pile to a tart base. Place the baby leaves on top, scatter the pine nuts and chives, drizzle with olive oil and serve.

6 medium vine tomatoes 1 bunch basil leaves 400g fresh artisan cheese For the pastry 400g plain flour 200ml extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 70ml water Baby salad leaves (spinach, lambs lettuce or rocket) Chives Pine nuts (toasted) Extra virgin olive oil Salt Freshly ground black pepper

sport

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May 25th - June 7th 2016

Bosque awarded

Murray for padel

PROUD: Jesus

Homophobia gets the boot SPAIN’S first openly gay referee is calling for action from the EU after being forced to resign. Jesus Tomillero, from La Linea, has launched a petition asking the EU parliament to create a law against homophobia in sport. He quit football 14 months after coming out following a torrent of homophobic abuse from fans and staff. “I want the Andalucian Football Federation to make a law against homophobia – games suspended or a high fine to be paid because the last fine issued for insulting me with a homophobic slur was €150,” said Tomillero. “We shouldn’t be insulted in every game, nor threatened and even attacked. That is what I find deplorable. “I think that civilisation is not up to date yet.”

BRITISH tennis star Jamie Murray is mad about padel. Players at the Chelsea Harbour Club in London got a surprise when he rocked up with doubles player Colin Fleming and played in the Tuesday night social. Founder of British Padel Tom Murray told the Olive Press: "Jamie is an inspiration to us all and his involvement in our sport does wonders for the popularity and visibility of padel. Not only is he becoming a useful padel player, his entire team are now getting hooked and they are all tremendous ambassadors for us here in the UK, and particularly in Scotland.” The sport, created in Mexico, is the fastest growing in Spain.

LEGENDARY Spanish football coach Vicente del Bosque has been awarded for his work with disabled people. The town of La Albuera declared the ex-Real Madrid player the recipient of their Adalid Peace, Freedom and Solidarity award. The 65-year-old guided Spain to World Cup glory in 2010

and helped them defend their European championship title in 2012. Del Bosque has long supported the disabled, and is a sponsor and ´godfather´ of the Roosevelt Association - a group that has been working for the rights and opportunities for people with physical disabilities since 1989.

If other parts of the stadium not shown on camera are empty, clubs will avoid the

fine. The announcement is part of La Liga’s bid to rival the Premier League’s television audiences and revenues. Tebas claims the move will force clubs to find ways to boost their attendances. “The move is simply to keep challenging to be the best league in the world,” Tebas said. “We have the best players, now we must ensure we have the best league.” This season, La Liga crowds went up by 423,625 to 13,588,636 a 3.22% leap from last year.

Pretty vacant!

Clubs to be fined for showing empty seats on TV

THE Spanish league is set to fine clubs who leave empty seats on view during televised live matches. La Liga president Javier Tebas announced the new regulations, which require clubs to fill areas of the ground shown by camera angles. Teams will have to ensure fans are strategically placed

to avoid being hit with fines of up to €6,000, which will come in from next season.

Family connections

PARTNERS: In bed and business

THE long-term girlfriend of tennis star Rafael Nadal has been given a top job at his foundation. Xisca Perello, 26, has just graduated with a degree in business management and administration. She will be the director of social integration for the Rafael Nadal Foundation, which offers education and sport programmes to socially-disadvantaged youngsters.

Mac out

MARBELLA-based boxer Matthew Macklin has hung up his gloves. The three-time world title challenger will retire with immediate effect, despite beating Brian Rose in April. Owner of MGM Marbella, Macklin will be remembered for his brutal super-middlewieght title fight with Jamie Moore in 2006.

Reshuffle SPAIN Manager Vicente del Bosque has dropped three established names from his preliminary Euro 2016 squad. As the country looks to defend their European Championship crown, the legendary manager has left Diego Costa, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres off of his list. The reigning champions will be looking to make up for their 2014 World Cup failure, where they failed to get out of the group stage.

the

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‘Pope’ of bizarre anti-music, antijeans-wearing sect admits it’s all a sham after finding love

It’s a wrap!

FINAL WORDS

DIRECTOR Juanjo Gimenez won the Palme d’Or for best short film at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. Timecode is only the second overall Spanish win since the festival began.

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Slimey

GUARDIA Civil in Madrid busted a network of illegal baby eel smugglers. The Chinese operation was worth €4m.

Das ist gut

GERMANY’S football coach Joachim Loew has said he will work in Spain or England after the 2018 world cup.

Cherry falls

A SHORTAGE of cherries in southern Spain following the recent droughts has caused their value to soar by 50%.

Papal farce By Iona Napier SPAIN’S most shadowy religious sect is in danger of imploding. It comes after its ‘pope’ fled the barbed-wire compound near Sevilla to set up a new life with his girlfriend Nieves. Describing the Palmarian Church as a ‘sham from the beginning’, Gines Hernandez - aka Pope Gregorio XVIII - is now living ‘in sin’ in a village in the Sierra Nevada. The former holyman, who has been the leader since 2011, admitted published texts such as the ‘arrival of the

Antichrist’ in 2012 were ‘lies’. Followers of the sect, that the Olive Press investigated in 2011, fear his proclamations may spell the end of the religion. The fiercely orthodox Catholic faction formed in 1976 near the village of Palmar de Troya, lives off millioneuro donations from its loyal followers. Its bizarre rules include the banning of jeans, no trousers for women, no swimming, trips to the beach and even listening to music. Followers are even banned from talking to anyone who doesn’t fit the dress code. Hernandez’ claims have

Tranquilo,

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SPANIARDS may have to get used to staying awake for the entire day. Researchers have discovered that taking a midday siesta is not as good for you as previously thought. In fact, it could raise blood pressure by up to a fifth. Data from over 110,000 participants in Minnesota, USA, found that those stealing forty winks in the middle of the day were up to 19% more likely to suffer with high blood pressure.

HQ: Palmar de Troya, Hernandez before (below) and now (inset)

opened a massive can of worms for the 5,000-strong religion, after leaked documents suggested it was involved in alleged tax evasion. The documents show that some €2 million had been donated from followers in the USA, Switzerland and

NUDISTS can no longer roam freely on the beaches of Cadiz. The Spanish Federation of Naturism lost its seven-year legal battle against local government legislation that prohibits nudism in the city. The group had tried to argue that going bare was a fundamental right to freedom, protected by Spain’s constitution. However the courts disagreed, saying the authorities had the right to manage their beaches as they saw fit. Nude beachgoers can be fined up to €750, but are permitted to use beaches outside city limits.

Too close for comfort AUTHORITIES used boats to guide a giant shark away from a beach in Mallorca after it terrified holidaymakers. Police failed to get a noose around its neck before eventually managing to escort the blue shark, which can grow up to 11.5ft long, out to sea.

Wakey, wakey!

Germany, which may not have been declared. “Hernandez knows there has been tax evasion and mafia style money-laundering,” said Father Damasco who left the sect and now lives in Ireland. “It’s time for Hacienda to investigate.” Hernandez, who is currently living in Monachil, near Granada, rejects all accusations that he stole €2 million from the church through donations.

No more fights over the sunbeds! AN app has been created to end the international summer scramble for sunbeds once and for all. Book My Sunbed allows users to select their exact sunbed at any collaborating restaurant, club or chiringuito on the coast, reserve it and then relax knowing their sunbed is reserved. The app, developed by a British start-up company, is being trialled appropriately in Marbella and is available for free.