Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 211

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April 16th - April 30th 2015

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where were the warnings?

OLIVE PRESS – Earpiece 15th april / 29th april

Enquiry launched as British rescue hero questions lack of signs, flags and ambulance delay after drowning tragedy in Marbella A BRITISH nurse has slammed Marbella’s emergency services after three Turkish tourists drowned and a fourth has been left battling for his life.

Zatytha Charlemagne, 24, who performed emergency CPR on the men, criticised both the time it took for an ambulance to arrive and a lack of warnings at La Venus beach on Monday.

The A&E nurse, who is on holiday in Marbella, almost certainly saved the life of one of the students, while two other British tourists risked their lives to pull the men from the water.

EXCLUSIVE

By Rob Horgan Charlemagne, from Luton, told the Olive Press she was ‘shocked’ that it took at least 10 minutes for an ambulance to arrive and there were no lifeguards on duty, nor warning flags in evidence.

“I was very shocked it took so long for the emergency services to respond,” she told the Olive Press last night.

“When they did arrive, I couldn’t believe that only one police officer jumped in the sea.

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Brit boom THE Brits are flooding back to Spain. Fact.

Contrary to reports that we’re all heading home, the number of British expats grew by an impressive 4% in 2014.

While a scathing BBC documentary recently insisted it was all doom and gloom on the Costas, in reality 276,000 British residents were on official registers in Spain last year, a 3.87% rise on 2013.

Only Moroccans and Romanians have a bigger presence here.

The news comes as it also emerged that British tourists have made a third of all holiday rental enquiries in Spain so far this year.

They have been the undisputed driving force behind the 22% year-on-year increase for Spanish rental enquiries, followed by the French, Dutch and Italians.

See Mockumentary on Page 4

TRAGIC SCENES: At Marbella beach “The others just stood there and watched.”

She added: “When the first guy was pulled out he didn’t have a pulse.

“I got an input from him after performing CPR and I placed him in the recovery position.

“The ambulance then arrived and I helped them to perform CPR on the others but sadly they died.”

Another eyewitness, an Irish tourist called Cait, also slammed the emergency services insisting the response was ‘not good enough’.

“It is incredible that it was left up to other sunbathers on the beach to rescue these men,” she said.

“Marbella must know this is a very busy beach and

HEROINE: Zatytha they should be better prepared.”

The British tourists had been alerted to the situation by another Turkish student when his friends got caught up in the strong currents.

The deceased were later identified as a 30-year-

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CRIME NEWS

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TRIO OF BRIT HEROES From Front Page

old teacher and two students, aged 18 and 19, who were visiting the Costa del Sol from a deaf college in Turkey.

Emergency services received the first call at 15.22.

In the off season most Spanish beaches don’t have lifeguards.

However a member of the town’s Protección Civil, a group set up to monitor beaches and events, said the undertow was well known at La Venus beach and more should have been done to prevent the tragedy from occuring.

DANGEROUS “There should have been a red flag stopping these men from entering the water,” said Salvador Martin, who has 40 years experience working with the group’s diving section.

“They should never have been allowed in the water, there are many underwater tidal channels under the water that do not look dangerous but are.”

The Mayor of Marbella, Angeles Munoz, announced that an official inquiry will now take place and has declared three days of mourning.

April 16th - April 30th 2015 4

the olive press

- November 27

Five months after the Olive Press printed photo of suspect...

Missing NEWS IN BRIEF

Name and shame

Agnese - Brit expats named

JUNTA boss Diaz could be Susana facing a lawsuit after mixin the names of Alhau g up la Torre and Alhaurin de Grande, and accid rin el accusing the mayoentally la Torre of corru r of de ption.

- December 10

2014

NEWS

www.theol

expat mystery

Continued from

front page

month contract at beach restaurant Ocean Club.

She previously worked in boyfriend MichaelLondon with er of Westbourne Millis, ownTENS of thous Her last job in Studios Club. ands of Spain Spaniards prote though was at popular restaurant PP’s failure to sted the Guey, in Nuev a Andalucia, women’s right torestrict where she was allege abortion and threatened after sitting down dly sacked to SEARCH: abandon Prime to drink and smok with friends Minis ter e in the midJoakim Rajoy in next year’ dle of a shift. s elections.

Broberg (inset) A source at the restau rant said: “She was a lovely was shown a real party animal.”person but a CCTV image of Agnese, who drove a bald, large a rented Jeep, began the RENFE has released evening of man in shorts September 6 party 28,700 promotional ing with getting into a Joakim, Niclas train tickets between the Living Roomand friends at car with Agne Malaga and Madr bar in Puerto s.

Banus, which closed Christmas, with id for He believes this at 3am.

They then move counts of up to 70%. disphoto from the d on to Aqwa Mist where she tickets are alread The night could snapped with the was later sale at www.renfe y on .com show the man group two hours last of the before her disappearance. from behind While her friend s were all interviewed by police had her drink spike d or anyESTEPONA Town ing week, incred the follow- thing in the photo Hall ibly, officers ,” said Brohas allocated a did berg. not visit “But it is very hard Aqwa €18 million to further to CCTV footage untilMist to take tell.” four days Agne wards ongoing put tolater, just before se’s ex-boyfrien beaut it would id Millis have flew to Marb fication projects been automatical ella the orchid centr such as cording to a sourcly deleted, ac- to join her sister from London e as the Gunta Klavitown aims to becom The video appears e. na in the search days later. to be crucial, They ‘garden of the Costae the as it shows two men set up a Facebook del encourag- a Gofun page, Sol’. ing Agnese to get dme page “It is possible sheinto a car. ‘missing’ poste and placed ing to an after-partywas just go- Costa del Sol. rs along the and it doesn’t look with them, But Millis is anything like she had happy with the investigatibut on

SEIZED:

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Public schoolboy among two Brit suspects - pictured - in court over disappearance of stunning Latvian A PRIVATE school educated expat has been grilled in court over the disappearance of beautiful waitress Agnese Klavina.

Briton Westley George Capper, 37, who studied at Aloha College, in Marbella, is officially named as one of two suspects.

The sports-car driving businessman has now been questioned about getting into a car with Agnese, on the night she disappeared last September, alongside colleague Craig Porter, 34.

The pair were allegedly photographed loading a large, heavy bag onto the boat of Capper’s father in Puerto Banus the following night.

Both had been seen on CCTV driving a car away from Aqwa Mist nightclub at 6am with Agnese, 30, inside.

It was an Olive Press report two

with the investigati witness, and I’ve on as a stepmother [the asked my put pressure on mayor] to them to find her.

“But police told putting up poste me to stop rs and stay out of it.”

Were you out that you help? If you night? Can have any information that will Agnese please contahelp find desk@theolivepre ct newsss.es or call 951 273 575.

EXCLUSIVE

By Tom Powell months later that first pointed the finger at balding Capper, who was pictured from behind in the club that night.

At the Marbella hearing both men – dressed casually in jeans and polo shirts - remained silent when questioned.

The court was shown pictures of three men taking the heavy bag onto the motorboat the following night.

The same luxury cruiser, which allegedly belongs to Capper’s multi-millionaire father, property magnate John ‘Freddie’ Capper, was seized after moving to Cartagena, in Murcia, a few days later.

DNA samples were taken from the boat and sent to Madrid for testing, with the results not yet made public.

EXPOSED AT LAST: Capper (left) in Aqwa Mist with Porter (right) and friends, and (above) our report pictured Capper in November

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE

Capper and Porter are well known around the Marbella area, regularly drinking in Puerto Banus bars and driving convertible cars.

However, both have been rarely seen since Agnese vanished on September 6.

Capper works for his father

Freddie has owned properties on the coast for almost 30 years, and also owns a plane and homes in Barbados where he spends most of his time.

Freddie - a friend of Rod Stewart’s - was infamously kidnapped by eastern European gangsters a decade ago,

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and lack of publi has been getting. city the case “It’s so frustrating won’t tell us anyth, police ing because of this so-ca order,” he said. lled secrecy “People even starte d taking posters down in cause of the negatthe port beive effect on tourism.”

Incredibly, this backed up by the claim was mayor’s very own stepson Brobe rg.

“I have been trying to help

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near his luxury home on the Ronda road above Marbella.

Porter, who reportedly works as for the Cappers, previously admitted to being in the car with Agnese on the night.

However, he claimed he fell asleep before Capper dropped her off.

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GREENPEA have taken protest agai the green gr Spanish nav Protesters tu aga last nigh release of the The ship wa thorities foll ful protest in rounding Lan Mario Rodrig Greenpeace S detention of rise violates t people who s the environme “It’s telling th government w support the i oil company, R a peaceful organisation alongside milli who oppose re ploration.”

Meanwhile, in Islands hundre took to the stre banner ‘Canarie to protest agains exploration.

A recent poll fo residents are aga ing and fracking rounding waters.

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NEWS

April 16th - April 30th 2015

Battle of the Brits II GLOVES OFF AGAIN: Albarn (left) and Gallagher (right)

Rock legends Damon Albarn and Noel Gallagher to square up again as Benicassim goes Britpop crazy

THE rivalry between legendary British bands Blur and Oasis is set to be rekindled in

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A COPYCAT criminal gang have made away with millions in jewellery, in what appears to be a heist inspired by a film set mostly in Spain.

A safe deposit vault in London’s jewellery quarter was raided last month in a raid that has an uncanny resemblance to the plot of film Sexy Beast.

The gang are thought to have posed as workmen and gained access to the vault through the elevator shaft.

Largely shot in Almeria, Sexy Beast, featuring Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley, depicts a London gang targeting a safe deINSPIRATION: Ray Winstone posit centre.

Spain this summer.

Showcasing the best of Britpop, Benicassim festival will play host to two of the 1990’s biggest rivals Blur and Noel Gallagher’s Oasis breakaway band High Flying Birds.

The battle between the two bands was fierce in the 1990s, and turned nasty in ‘96 when Noel was quoted as saying that he wished Blur’s frontman Damon Albarn and bassist Alex James would ‘catch AIDS and die’.

Mancunians

While Blur were plucked straight out of middle-class London suburbia, Oasis were binge-drinking, working class Mancunians who picked fights and picked up girls.

It is not known if they are to be on the same stage on the same night, but Blur are definitively billed as the festival’s headline act.

Meanwhile a whole host of other British super stars are also set to feature.

Prodigy, Portishead, and Florence and The Machine are all set to play at the event, which runs from July 16 to 19, in Castellon.

Other acts include Public Enemy, Clean Bandit and Bastille.

3

LEGENDARY: Domingo

King of the Opera swoons in again

HE has been dubbed the ‘King of the Opera’, so it is an excellent coup that he is to sing in Marbella this summer.

In what will be one of the highlights of the summer, tenor Placido Domingo is to star in the town’s Starlite festival on July 25.

The Madrid-based singer, 74, is widely regarded as the best tenor alive and will be joining a host of stars including Lenny Kravitz, Lionel Richie and the Village People at the festival.

The Marbella hills venue has a special place in Domingo’s heart since it was he who discovered the superb acoustics of the quarry of Nagueles three decades ago.

Along with friends Julio Iglesias and Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe, they decided an auditorium should be built there - and now the month long musical event is held there every year.

Spanish dreamboat Enrique Iglesias is also returning to his roots with a show at the festival, his only Spanish gig while on tour promoting latest album ‘Sex and Love’.

Rocking at Glastonbury del Sol A BRAND new music festival is set to rock Mijas Costa over the last weekend in May. Promoted as ‘Glastonbury in the sun’, the inaugural Mijas Rocks Malaga Festival in La Cala promises 60 artists and two days of nonstop music.

And with an array of international artists al-

ready signed up, including many blasts from the past, it looks set to be a hit with retro rockers.

Organised by production manager John Wood, the festival takes place on May 29 and 30.

For more information visit www.malagamusicfestival.com

HEARTTHROB: Iglesias

4

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Wage wars WORKERS in Spain get paid 27.3% less than the Eurozone average, making €15.70 per hour in 2014 compared to the €21.60 average in common currency nations.

Crony central THREE Manilva mayoral candidates vying for the coveted post still have pending court cases against their names.

Pest control OVER 300 bird boxes have been installed in Mijas in the hope that small tits will flock to the area and prey on the poisonous processionary caterpillar.

April 16th - April 30th 2015

Heartbreak hotel Former B&B faces demolition over alterations undertaken by old owners over two decades ago A RETIRED British couple face seeing their luxury B&B knocked down because of an ongoing property dispute with their town hall.

Expats Patrick and Valerie Jubb, 63, ran celebrated La Vina de Linan, in Jimena de la Frontera until last year after buying the property in 2008.

But now, the stunning farmhouse, which is for sale, is facing a demolition order from the town hall over some illegal additions made by a previous owner 14 years ago.

“We did everything by the book,” explained Patrick, 64, a former engineer from London.

“We used Spanish lawyers, contacted the Junta and the

EXCLUSIVE

By Rob Horgan town hall, and obtained all the correct paperwork.”

The couple only learned about the legal issues when they struck a deal to sell their 4-bedroom property for €680,000 last year.

But as the deal reached its final stages the town hall declared that the first floor, kitchen and pool had been constructed illegally by previous owners in 1994 - some 14 years before the Jubb’s even purchased it.

This was despite the couple getting certification from the Junta - seen by the Olive

FINAL VERDICT: For Terttu

Hard knock THREATENED: B&B and (below) Patrick and Valerie Press - confirming there were Alcornocales Natural Park, no planning infractions when meaning the normal ‘four they bought the 280m2 prop- year rule’ does not apply. erty.

“It means the land registry Although the previous own- should never have approved ers didn’t have official build- the alterations, but of course ing permits at the time, the they did,” explained Patrick. alterations were later legal- “We are in absolute pieces ised, according to the Jubbs, over this. All we want is to at the land registry in San go back to the UK to be with Roque in 2005. our family and friends, but we The problem emerged be- can’t. All our money is tied up cause the home is inside the in the property.”

Mock-umentary

AN expat grandmother has lost a six-year battle against Estepona Town Hall to save her loft conversion.

Finnish expat Terttu Balson, 70, was this week forced to start demolishing the extension, even though her next door neighbour has one.

Incredibly she has also been fined €24,300 for building the extension without the correct planning permission despite her neighbour - and many others - in the Seghers development also having illegal extensions.

But it is not all doom and gloom for Balson.

The town hall has now granted her permission to construct a smaller extension after the original comes down.

ANALYSIS

All too common Maura Hillen, the president of AUAN, a group set up to legalise properties in Andalucia, said cases like this are ‘all too common’ across the region.

“This is yet another variation on how foreign buyers fall foul of the way planning is badly controlled in Spain,” she said.

“It all comes back to the same thing. Failure to enforce the planning regulations and too much power in the hands of town halls.

“If it is any comfort they are not alone, many others have similar stories to tell.”

10

NEWS

the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ashya thanks BRITISH ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, has thanked the Hospital Materno Infantil in Malaga for its treatment of Ashya King, on behalf of the British government.

Top stamps SPECIAL edition stamps of King Felipe and Queen Letizia have been launched by postal service Correos. Showing official photographs of the Royal duo, they can be bought for €1.

They’re singling me out!

Pensioner, 70, complains of discrimination after being ordered to take down extension, despite neighbours all having the same

A FINNISH grandmother ordered to demolish a nineyear-old extension has accused Estepona Town Hall of being 'racially motivated' and 'singling' her out.

Terttu Balson, 70, has been involved in an ongoing six-

without the correct planning permission.

Several other properties in the Seghers community have similar extensions without planning licences - including Balson's next door Spanish neighbour - but Balson is the

EXCLUSIVE

By Rob Horgan

year legal battle with the town hall after they served her with a demolition order and fined her €24,300 in 2008 for building a loft extension

Boozy trips ONE in seven youngsters coming to Spain on holiday have admitted that they are drunk on the plane, according to a survey by website Jetcost. com.

Big Willy MANCHESTER City goalkeeper Willy Caballero has told La Liga officials that he was approached by a match-fixing syndicate when playing for Malaga last year.

HALF-BAKED: BBC show

A CONTROVERSIAL documentary about expat life in Spain has been dubbed ‘irritating and unsubstantial’.

The BBC programme ‘Costa del Sol: Last Brits Standing’ was also incorrect, with recent figures showing that, in fact, British expat numbers grew last year and continue this year.

“It’s a manipulated, out-ofdate report that doesn’t bring anything new to the table.

Just irritation,” said Barbara Mora of online news site Vertele.

Meanwhile Spanish daily ABC said that the assertion that dreams go sour in Spain was unfair given last year’s record tourist rates of 65 million, 15 million of those British.

Telegraph critic Ceri Radiford described the documentary as ‘an entertaining if insubstantial look at expat life’.

www.theolivepress.es

only resident facing court action.

"It is completely discriminatory, I cannot help but think that it is not a coincidence that I have been chosen when I am the only foreigner living here," she told the Olive Press.

Balson believed she had received planning permission when she contracted a Spanish architect Mario Jones in 2005.

Now however, she feels that he did not do his job properly despite being paid €2,500 to take over the project and sort out the building licence.

Jones, however, said he feels 'no guilt or responsibility and that Balson is to blame for the situation.

He said: "I told her from the beginning that she wasn't allowed to build. Most people get away with it but she hasn't.

"She is definitely being unfairly treated and I am not sure why. I hope that the town hall is not targeting her because she is foreign.

"Maybe that sort of thing happened in the old days, but

DESPERATE: Balson and dogs with so many foreigners living on the coast I don't think it happens now."

Despite numerous attempts Estepona Town Hall did not answer any of our questions.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Terttu’s ‘illegal’ extension and adjoining neighbour’s (right)

Still on-the-run FLASHBACK: Our story Offer

A WANTED property fraudster has been tracked down to a luxury home in Benahavis, after an exclusive Olive Press investigation this month.

According to neighbours in upmarket La Heredia urbanisation, Rebecca Wells, 37, has fled owing money to several businesses.

Keen horserider Wells - who spent eight years posing as an estate agent - is now being sought by police, as reported in the Olive Press last issue, after four denuncias were posted against her.

“She owes money to the butcher, restaurant and the baker, as well as for repairs to her car,” said one neighbour.

An expat couple living opposite Wells’ house in the urbanisation reported that they saw her packing all the family’s possessions into a rental car on October 1 the day our expose came out.

When the Olive Press visited a few days later, the house had clearly been abandoned and the family car - a black Chrysler - was apparently dumped outside.

Meanwhile another UP UP AND AWAY

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Vol. 8 Issue

Taken for a ride 197 www.theolivepress.es

October 2- October

15 2014

Police probe alleged expat property fraudster who ‘took deposits homes she didn’t for own’

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reported concern for her four children.

Comyn, who lived opposite her for two years said: “The

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VICTIMS are erty fraudster hunting an alleged propCosta del Sol who has vanished from the owing tens of EXCLUSIVE euros. thousands of days as a holiday

By Imogen Calderwood The Guardia rental, but she me around it Civil confirmed showed is investigating last night it an 11-month and convinced me to sign posits to rent contract. becca Wells afterhorse-owning expat Reproperties that claim receiving four Page 11 she has no “I want her caught and cias against her. denun- One to. punished,” he clared. victim, British deBriton Wells, expat Raymond Wells, a mother-of-two 37, also known accused of duping Paul, as Prior, is told the Olive Press: “I Iost from Wolverposit on people into paying a €1,000 de- hampton, appears to have repeated same trick at de- “She hadrenting a home she didn’t the different properties own. actually only the region over rented it for around the last eight four A Facebook campaign has years. now been launched by ing to gather the group, aimas possible. as many victims EXCLUSIVE In the case of Yorkshire, he Paul, 60, from put down €500 A LUXURY yacht as a deposit and that burst nus is owned €500 for the first month’s by ex-Formulainto flames in Puerto Barent at the propBertrand Gachot, One racing driver erty in La Cala The 51-year-old it can be revealed. de Mijas in August.

Frenchman, dan between But after just 1989 and 1995, who raced for Jorthree days Wells €2 million yacht is the owner asked Paul and of the Gilliana that blew morning. up on Sunday clear out ‘so an his wife to Two crew members urgent energy certificate matter were rushed to with serious could be hospital, one dealt with’. burns to his woman, 34, was hands and another, AN embattled “We were left animal rescue The 23-metre treated for smoke inhalation. a two days, and in the dark for centre owner has upon returning the place admitted €42,000-a-weekPrincess yacht Gilliana discovered is ‘out of control’. to rent, via Diamovit costs Rentals. staying there,another couple Kim Halliwell (above) Exclusive A source said: has our possessionswith many of now agreed to allow “Gachot is very The driver was an initial still inside,” 15 dogs and upset.” he said. many cats to leave Grand Prix team famously thrown out her Mijas kennels, “We still haven’t following the roundabout for spraying CS gas at of the Jordan get some things managed to an Olive Press investigation. a taxi driver on at Hyde Park ceived a two-month back, we are It comes after Corner, for which absolutely furious prison stint. police also inhe reHis race seat filed a denuncia.” and have spected the site, acher, makingwas temporarily filled by Michael various denuncias following When Paul set his Formula One Schumfrom fordebut. meeting with up an urgent mer staff. cuss what had Wells to dis- After we told of the BLAZE: F1 legend failed to show. happened, she conditions’ at Kim’s ‘terrible Gachot (inset) Animal Rescue, friends However another loses yacht and supportin fire couple in ers rallied around their early 20s with the also turned aim of cutting up telling him the similar amountthey had lost a animals by half. number of of money.

The Olive Press “Lots of her attended victims are in worse situation a emergency meeting, spoke an with who knows howthan us, and various other centres are still to come many more found new volunteers. and has out of the We have now woodwork,” he appeal to find launched an Another victim added. homes for the is Stuart Hall, who lost out animals.

44, and his HUNTED: Rebecca Wells on her horse

DISAPPEARED: Wells and La Heredia, where she rented a home

former neighbour Frank Comyn, president of the Palmeras del Golf urbanisation in Benalmadena Costa, has

kids barely went to school and rarely even came out to play.

“She never mixed with the local community here and one day she was gone leaving an unpaid electricity bill.”

The Olive Press has still been unable to contact Wells, over her defrauding of expats who paid rent on properties she did not own.

Wells, aka Prior, allegedly took a series of deposits for homes which she did not own.

If you have any information about Rebecca Wells, please contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es

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5

‘Happy and free until the end’ THE expat mother of a teenager who died while kayaking on the Guadiaro river, near Cortes, has issued a moving tribute.

Sarah Oker wrote that son Joshua (right), 16, lived for the river and was ‘happy and free until his last moments’.

She continued: “The day he died he ran down the mountain extremely excited to go down to the river and try out the kayak.

Guardia Civil release images of burglars’ secret symbols to help residents battle break-ins BURGLARS are using a cryptic code to help fellow criminals target wealthy and defenceless homeowners.

The secret symbols indicate whether a home offers rich pickings, has already been burgled or, more disturbingly, is occupied by a vulnerable female.

English expat Debbie Porter contacted the Olive Press after she discovered markings on her Sabinillas home.

“A neighbour saw a man writing on the wall outside our house,” she said.

“He told us that he had heard that it was a secret code for burglars and that he thought the house has been made a target.

“We have been a little worried and feeling on edge. For the first time since I have lived here I don’t feel as safe

“The river was for him where he went to have fun, he grew up with it and I have lots of happy memories of him there.

“I know he would have felt happy and free until his last moments, and this gives me great comfort.”

She added that he had recently been able to ‘experience the intensity’ of a first love and always lived his life with ‘muchas ganas’.

Cracking the crime code EXCLUSIVE

By Rob Horgan and Tom Powell

WATCH OUT: For the burglars’ secret language as I did.

She added: “What is even more worrying for me is that the ‘X’ marking on the house indicates that it is vacant, which it clearly isn’t, but I

worry that they will attempt a break-in while we are in.”

After reporting to the Guardia Civil, Porter was advised to paint over the markings.

The N332, the Guardia Civil’s

English language support group, has now released a chart of the most commonly found symbols to help residents stay one step ahead.

“Knowledge is power. If we’re aware of it happening we can see if there have been any burglaries in the area and we can analyse the data to gather intelligence,” said spokesman Francisco Morales.

“We do not want to alarm people, only inform them.”

As well as identifying prime property, the secret code also warns burglars away from homes which have nothing worth stealing or are too risky to break into.

April 16th - April 30th 2015

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the olive press - April April16th 16th--April April30th 30th2015 2015

OPINION I know nothing IF a newspaper publishes a libel, it is the editor who takes the blame and works to make amends.

Even sometimes facing prison.

If a restaurant gives someone food poisoning, it is the manager who stands up and apologises.

Or gets closed down.

But when the Junta is embroiled in the biggest public money scandal Spain has ever seen, the former president of 19 years can simply brush it off claiming ignorance.

And stay in a job.

Just like his famous comedy name-sake from Fawlty Towers, Manuel Chaves insisted this week: ‘I know nothing’.

Well we know something... In any truly responsible society, any boss of any company, party, or region which stole up to a billion euros would be…

Yes, out of a job.

Call for action WHEN three British tourists are the only ones around to save the lives of people drowning on a busy Costa beach, questions must be asked of the emergency services.

The quick-thinking and bravery of British nurse Zatytha Charlemagne and two other holidaymakers may have saved the life of one stranded tourist in Marbella… but surely it was not their job.

With local experts confirming the waters were too dangerous to swim in, it begs the question where were the red flags and other warnings?

It was 3.30 in the afternoon, after all.

Equally disturbing are reports of the late-arriving ambulance.

Thankfully, questions must now be asked and changes made to improve beach safety and emergency service response.

Tragic television

IT’S a tragedy that the BBC gave Mentorn Media a stage for such a one-sided documentary about expats in Spain.

For the ‘mockumentary’ Costa del Sol: Last Brits standing was not only negative… but it was plain wrong.

New stats show that, in fact, the British expat community is not only growing in size again, but has been for over a year.

In fact, we officially number 276,000 here and are the second fastest growing nationality in Spain.

So much for heading home.

For one hour, we watched the Brits and Spaniards wage war in a contrived, out-dated report that was, at times, stranger than fiction.

We hope that the good to come out of this film is the outraged reaction from anyone with first-hand experience of living in Spain, fortifying Anglo Hispanic relationships rather than deteriorating them.

the EE

FR

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

olive press

FEATURE

A battle for nature

I

N 1823 a small group of Spaniards - outnumbered by 16 to one - stood their ground as 30,000 French soldiers invaded Cadiz’s Trocadero Island. Over 1,000 were captured and 150 killed as King Ferdinand VII’s troops marched on Spain.

Today, almost two centuries later, a new war is underway to save Trocadero’s embattled ecosystem, and it’s one the Spanish seem to be winning.

Their target is to bring the birdlife back to the stunning La Covacha salt pan at the centre of the Gibraltar-sized island.

There may be no soldiers bearing arms this time, but the odds are just as unevenly stacked.

And an unexpected trio of local celebrities have been conscripted to the frontline of this new eco assault against the destructive forces of man and nature: sculptor Javier Ayarza, flamenco fusion singer Clara Montes and two-star Michelin Chef Angel Leon, aka The Chef of the Sea. They are all founder members of Salarte, a non-profit NGO dedicated to the recovery and preservation of La Covacha.

All three have close connections to this forgotten natural paradise, and a passion to see it restored to its natural glory.

Clara Montes is a top recording artist from the Cadiz area; Javier Ayarza has a studio in nearby Cabo de Trafalgar and specialises in natural sculptures; Angel Leon, of Puerta de Santa Maria’s world-famous seafood restaurant Aponiente, needs no introduction.

They are working with a team of dedicated ecologists and the crowdfunding platform verkami.com to save these extraordinary salt flats and their feathered inhabitants from extinction and open up the area to ornithology tourism.

“People will pay thousands of

or admin@theolivepress.es or sales@theolivepress.es

Tom Powell Tom@theolivepress.es Rob Horgan

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euros for top quality birding holidays,” Salarte spokesman and volunteer Deborah Powell told me when I visited this little-known water world. “We hope to be able to offer them the same experience but at a fraction of the cost.”

But human and natural forces are against them. High tides threaten to submerge the 5.25km2 island for good, while litter washed up on its banks and damage by

ON THE UP: Ospreys, spoonbills (top) and flamingos are flocking back to Trocadero island

boats using the wetlands as an illegal shipping route have shattered the fragile ecosystem, once a haven for wildlife.

Plundered for salt throughout the 1950s and 60s, the salt pan was abandoned when modernisation ended the need for traditional extraction methods, leaving La Covacha unloved and neglected for decades.

The contradiction between the natural beauty of the island and

Spain’s extradition system is strictly tit for tat

T

he Justice Ministry’s list of criminal fugitives wanted by the United States, who are currently fighting their extraditions, is a large one.

US Embassy sources say Spain is dragging its feet in sending back people who have escaped their jurisdiction. One American woman facing federal charges in Puerto Rico for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill her rich Canadian husband 10 years ago, has been sitting in a Madrid prison since June 2013.

Despite a 1971 bilateral treaty, Spain treats each extradition case with special caution. But there is also a big stumbling block that has gained little attention.

David Mendoza Herrate is serving a 14-year drug-trafficking sentence in New Jersey. In 2009, he was sent back after the US government reportedly guaranteed he could complete his time in a Spanish prison if he waived his extradition. Since then, the United States reneged on its pledge and Mendoza has filed a civil suit in US federal court to demand the Americans comply with their promise.

In December, the Spanish Supreme Court ordered Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to ‘take all necessary measures’ to

the invasive metal industrial structures nearby illustrates the tragic trajectory of destruction.

However, in February 2014, Salarte took over the site and its rejuvenation began.

Just prior to handing over the management to Salarte, the Junta actually invested emergency funds to carry out structural developments to save the island which was in real danger of disappearing. The Junta

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Once a war zone, today an ecological battle ground – Rob Horgan discovers why a singer, a sculptor and a Michelin-starred chef are fighting to turn an island in the Bay of Cadiz into a birdwatching paradise

Wanted: fair play

Tel: 951 273 575 / 665 798 618 (admin)

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 200,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month.

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MADRI MATTE D RS

ensure that the 50-year-old Mendoza is allowed to return.

The opposition UPyD party has taken up his case, and recently asked in Congress for the government to explain what it is doing to resolve the matter.

It seems one big factor is that Mendoza, who was born in Seattle to Basque parents and has lived all his life in the US, asked for and was granted Spanish nationality eight months prior to his arrest in Vizcaya, where he fled before his indictment.

In court papers, US prosecutors have not used this in their argument for keeping Mendoza; they simply say that there was no such pledge made. And no one seems to have come up with any written evidence.

But Spanish Ambassador Ramón Gil Casares conveniently told Washington recently that the Mendoza case, if not resolved promptly, could jeopardise future extraditions - reprisals Spain will no doubt apply to other countries.

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FEATURE

April - April the olive press - 16th April 16th -30th April2015 30th 2015

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then decided that an NGO running it was the way to go.

Backed by renowned ecologists and supported by many leading local lights, the island is being nursed back to life and the birds are returning.

The salt pan is now one of a select few places where non-assisted breeding area of a rare species of osprey has returned to the Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park.

“It is incredible to see,” enthused Salarte’s lead ecologist, Juan Martin Bermudez.

“To watch the ospreys coming back here in the spring is a beautiful sight.

“In the 60s and 70s, ospreys migrated here to breed. More recently they have only been found to breed in the wild in northern Europe, but last year they came back here and it is our aim to encourage even more.”

Bermudez set up Salarte in March 2012. Originally from Malaga, he previously managed the Andalucian Network of Metropolitan Parks in his role at the Andalucian Public Land Company.

During our afternoon together

AVIAN PARADISE: Flamingos and (right) spoonbills while (below) fishermen kep the water level in check eastern side of La Covacha, it was clear to see his passion avian species. for nature and burning desire For the last year, Bermudez a sad inevitability of modern to protect other species which and his team have worked tire- times. have long used La Covacha lessly with local fisherman to Bermudez is arranging a as a breeding ground. From maintain the island and protect cleanup operation this sumspoonbills to flamingos, the it from extinction. Their main mer but accepts it is a diffiisland is home to 34 different enemy is the daily fight against cult task.

“When someone throws a the tide.

Rising and falling four times a day, packet of crisps or a beer High-flying backers high tide cuts the island off from bottle in the sea they don’t rethe outside world so it can only be alise where it goes,” he says.

Chef of the sea “It comes here and ruins our accessed for short periods.

They have built a 10-metre island.”

“MY love of fishing came first flood barrier to stop excess wa- Equally, boats using unauand one passion led to anothter coming in, and a series of thorised shipping lanes close er,” says Angel Leon of Aponito the island threaten the equigates to allow it to escape. ente, the only two-MichelinA pact with local fisherman librium. star restaurant in Cadiz. A allows them to harvest the “Last year I was watching the Gaditano born and bred, he’s birds from waters, rich equally passionate about his afar,” Bermuin shrimp and home province and is its top dez explains. shellfish, in To watch the ambassador, astounding food“They were return for conies the world over with his exospreys coming happy, I was trolling water perimental fish dishes, caught happy. Then levels on a dayback here in from the ocean on his doorstep. all of sudden to-day basis. the spring is a they flew up Affectionately Eco artist into the sky as nicknamed the beautiful sight if startled by ‘machacas’ CANTABRIAN sculptor Javier something (workhorses) Ayarza takes his inspiration brothers Juan and Ricardo Ari- “I took my binoculars down from nature, wildlife and the za Jurado have assumed this and there I saw a small boat stunning scenery around his important role, and they have passing right by them. adopted home in Cabo de Traeight other brothers to call on “I couldn’t believe it. I ran over falgar. He works in everything - all fisherman. The Ariza family to the boat and shouted. Peofrom marble and bronze to has worked in the waters sur- ple don’t even realise that this stone and driftwood picked up rounding La Covacha for de- is protected land, it is as much from his local beach. about educating people as it is cades, if not centuries.

When they spot anything they anything else.”

Vocal backer report it to Bermudez who re- One way Bermudez hopes to lays the information to the An- raise awareness of La Covacha FLAMENCO fusion singer and share his dream with keen dalucian government weekly.

Clara Montes was born in MaThe number of birds, their date bird watchers. drid and began her career playof arrival and departure and Last month, a jetty and a viewing the capital’s hip cafe-conthe day they start breeding are ing platform were installed and cert circuit. But her heart lies all noted down in a meticulous the first small tours have been in Cadiz, where her family has effort to demonstrate the ben- conducted. Plans are in motion roots. Today the Atlantic sito construct a refreshment area efits of conserving the island. ren lives by her beloved ocean But it is not only tides that put it and open the island to bird lovwhere the soothing sound of at risk. A large area of rubbish ers worldwide this summer. the waves inspires many of her washed up from local beaches is “The main job is finished and compositions. suffocating the sea grass on the although we need to continue

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our work, we also want to show off the island, to offer people the chance to come over for the day and see our little piece of paradise,” said Bermudez.

“The main aim of the project has been restoration for scientific purposes, the second aim is the tourism it may bring.”

The plan is to promote the island as a bird watchers’ paradise and to run day trips for tourists visiting Cadiz.

The team has even salvaged

a small fishing boat - originally used to bring 80 migrants from Africa to Spain (how they all fitted in, I have no idea) - to take tourists to the island from nearby Puerto Real.

The defence strategy on Trocadero seems to be working.

The birds are returning to this forgotten island and now the tourists can flock back too.

Further information, www.salarte.org

ECO-WARRIORS: Olive Press’ Rob Horgan and Mirian Moreno with Salarte’s Deborah Powell and Juan Bermudez

Contact our Marbella Office: Avda De Manolete, Centro Plaza Local 12-13, Nueva Andalucia, 29660, Marbella, Malaga

Tel: +34 951 203 986 costadelsol@hifx.co.uk

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the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

POLITICAL NEWS

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CLUELESS: Manuel in Fawlty Towers (above) and Manuel Chaves (right)

‘I know nothing’

Ex-Junta president insists he ‘would have acted’ had he known about €855 million ERE fraud. By Iona Napier

EX-JUNTA boss Manuel Chaves has claimed ignorance over Spain’s biggest

public money scandal.

Appearing in court in Madrid over the ERE scandal,

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yesterday, he insisted: “If I had known what was going on, I would not have per-

Elections update

Local voices

P O Boxes Available Ask in the shop for details

Aprilwww.theolivepress.es 16th - April 30th 2015

Ballot bonanza

EXPATS wanting to vote in the UK general election on May 7 have until April 20 to register.

They will be able to register online for the first time, assuming they have appeared on the electoral roll in the UK over the last 15 years.

The five-minute process can be done online and requires your National Insurance number.

Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

EXPATS registered to vote in the town hall elections on May 24 can take advantage of the postal vote until May 20.

Fill out an application form available at post offices (don’t forget ID), paperwork will be sent to your home and it must be returned by May 20.

Better together PARTIES Podemos and Equo are forming a united front for the local elections in six Costa towns.

The joint party, named Costa del Sol Si Puede, is set to field candidates in Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos.

Eye on mitCORRUP TION ted it.”

The 70-yearold, who led Andalucia for 19 years and now has a seat in Madrid’s parliament, claimed to have no idea that his Employment Ministry was syphoning tens of millions fraudulently every year for a decade.

Jose Grinan, his successor, in 2009, also claimed to know nothing about the fraud.

However he admitted that there was a failure to bring in controls and said: ‘There was no grand plan but there was great fraud’.

The alleged fraud is estimated to amount to as much as €855 million between 2000 and 2010, when the probe was launched.

In a four hour hearing, Grinan described the proceedings as a ‘torment’ for him and his family.

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the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

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10

GREEN NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Helena’s tuna triumph

End of the line

ENVIRONMENTAL agencies are calling for an international crackdown on illegal fishing in the Mediterranean.

A massive 91% of the Med is now heavily overfished - most of which is illegal - according to the European Commission.

Illegal drift nets, long lines and dynamite fishing are the main concerns, identified by environmental organisation The Black Fish as a ‘non-stop problem’.

Overfishing leads to many of the ocean’s animals being killed due to ‘catch’, such as seabirds, turtles, whales and dolphins, that are accidentally drowned as a result of illegal fishing methods.

April 16th - April 30th 2015

CUDDLING a tuna to raise awareness of the endangered fish has paid off for Helena Bonham Carter.

The actress posed nude with a tuna to prevent the fish, popular and important to Spain’s coastal economy, going the way of the dodo.

And now the UK government has

With temperatures on the rise, is Spain set to trade its precious cash crops for camels and dates?

CAPTION: Caption here

Renewed hope SPAIN’S green banner is flying high with news that the country sourced 47% of its energy from renewables in March.

Zero-emissions technologies are on the up, with a further 23.8% coming from nuclear power, while wind has provided almost a quarter of Spain’s electricity generated this year so far.

Spain is a green energy leader, the first country in the world to rely on wind as its top energy source for an entire year.

It plans to use wind power to supply 40% of its electricity by 2050.

agreed to create the world’s largest marine reserve, at 324,000 square miles, around Britain’s last overseas territory in the Pacific, the Pitcairn Islands.

The actress, 48, said: “I never knew taking my clothes off could be so effective. I must do it more often.”

BARREN LAND: Is this the future for Spain?

Desert storm

By Iona Napier CAMELS and date palms may be on the horizon for Spain as global warming edges the country’s climate closer to Morocco’s.

With average temperatures expected to rise by as much as five degrees by 2050, Spain’s universally appreciated crops could be in serious jeopardy.

Olives in Andalucia, Valencian lemons and even La Rioja’s vineyards would be critically affected if temperatures approached North Africa’s arid climes.

The forecast is bleak: not only were the 10 years from 2002 to 2011 Europe’s hottest ever decade; the rate of warming here is calculated to be 0.2 degrees above the world average.

The continent is lagging behind other nations in the fight against climate change, with temperature rises predicted to bring

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longer summers, warmer winters and the desertification of land. The report Climate Change in Europe 1950-2050 by Spanish climatologist Jonathan Gomez Cantero, presented by political party Equo, aims to urgently raise environmental awareness, particularly in politics.

“The problem is that the Spanish government is currently conducting a series of measures that are completely contrary to the fight against climate change,” said Gomez Cantero.

“Oil drilling, fracking, high taxes for installing solar panels... they are causing a serious problem.”

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OLIVE PRESS – 105mm x 256mm – Colour

15th April

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Gibraltar NEWS

April 16th - April 30th 2015 www.theolivepress.es 12

‘Worst day of my life’ Expat recalls tragic scene at his flat, while it emerges dead family were awaiting paperwork for their dog before going home

AN Australian expat who discovered the dead bodies of his family friends in his Gibraltar flat has told the Olive Press about the ‘worst day of his life’.

Walter d’Cruz revealed that the family-of-four, who had

EXCLUSIVE

By Rob Horgan lived in Estepona for a year, were only set to stay in his apartment for ‘a few days’ be-

NEWS IN BRIEF Mighty meals COOKBOOK ‘76 Mama Lotties, recipes from Gibraltar’, has been nominated for the Gourmand World Cook Award 2015, the most prestigious award for recipe books.

Extra charges FORMER Kings Bowl manager Colin Fisher, charged with child porn possession and voyeurism, is now also charged with using a fake online name and encouraging participation in child porn.

Staying put CHIEF minister Fabian Picardo has warned Gibraltar will push to remain in the European Union if a referendum on Britain’s membership is held under a future Conservative government.

G

IBRALTAR’S First Minister, a former Miss World and two ex-Spurs stars were on hand to celebrate the launch of a brand new La Sala restaurant on the Rock.

Fabian Picardo congratulated the team, who are set to open their latest franchise on the Sunborn Yacht hotel in Ocean Village next month.

At a bash attended by investors Jeff Stelling from Sky Sports and former footballers David Bentley and Stephen Carr, Picardo told the Olive Press it was ‘welcome good news’ for the territory.

It is the fifth restaurant for the group, which opened

La Sala ahoy!

KEY PLAYERS: Segal, Stelling, Radford, Bentley and Carr while (top left) Aldorino one in Essex last year, popular with Jamie Oliver and numerous TOWIE stars. The other three are in Marbella.

Sky presenter Stelling, who has worked with the group for nearly a decade, said: “They are a talented bunch of guys,

who know how to play and work hard.”

Football agent Rob Segal, added: “This will raise the bar of dining quality in Gibraltar.”

Former Miss World Kaiane Aldorino said: “It’s the most exciting launch for ages.”

fore heading to live in the UK. He explained how friend, Briton John Shannon, 31, from Liverpool, had asked if he could borrow the flat in Bochetti’s Steps, en route to the UK. He needed to get some paperwork sorted out, in particular for his dog, before flying home, it can be revealed.

The Sydney telecoms specialist, who works with Shannon’s dad, said: “I went over on the Monday to collect the keys thinking they were going and found the door locked and was confronted with the scene.

“It has been a real torrent of emotions and the last few days have been the toughest of my life.”

Meanwhile, Gibraltar Police have insisted it will take up to two months before releasing an official report on the deaths of Shannon, his wife Anarda De La Caridad Perez, 37, and two children Amanda, 4, and 6-week-old Eve. While some reports have suggested the mother may have actually undertaken the killings, before committing suicide, police have insisted it is still speculation.

Last night, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo told the Olive Press that he is still in disbelief.

“I’m still really shaken up by the murders, things like this never happen in Gibraltar, we are all still coming to terms with it,” he said.

Magic art ‘FROM everyday life to magic realism’ is the theme of a new exhibition launching at Sacarello’s cafe on April 25.

The works by Venezuelan artist Gabriela Fernandez, who lives in Algeciras, are a ‘fusion of textures inspired by nature’.

“It will show my emotional reaction towards what captures my eye,” she said.

ON the Rock April 18-19

The Sunborn Yacht Hotel is hosting a wedding fair with a huge range of exhibitors. Open from 10am - 4pm and entrance is free.

April 19 The third annual STM Group Fun Run in support of the Guardian Angel foundation starts from Casemates at 10am, for both the 5km and 10km distances. For information visit www.facebook. com/stmgroup.

www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es

AXARQUIA

Granny-slayer

By Rob Horgan A PENSIONER is facing life behind bars after being charged with brutally murdering a granny in Rincon de la Victoria.

The unidentified woman is to face trial on June 1, where she stands accused of slitting the throat of 70-year-old Dolores Ruiz in broad daylight in December 2013.

The murder happened on La

13

NEWS IN BRIEF Storm shield

On your hike

Cala del Moral’s promenade and is believed to have taken place following an argument over a €4,000 debt owed for jewellery.

The accused - described as

THE mystery Midas of Rincon de la Victoria could face a fine of up to €3,000 if caught.

Over the past month, several items of street furniture around town have been illegally given a golden spray-paint makeover by the clandestine ‘artist’.

Mayor Francisco Salado called on the town’s citizens to locate the culprit two weeks ago.

And now a council spokesman has announced that the joker with the ‘art of gold’ could face a fine ranging between €1,501 and €3,000.

“These unauthorised pieces are considered a very serious offence, according to the municipal laws,” the spokesman said.

There have been four reported cases of the golden sprayer so far: a bench next to the tourist office, a paper-stand in Plaza de la Iglesia, a bin in Plaza de la Constitucion and a swing in the promenade’s park.

Aprilpress 16th -- April the olive April30th 16th2015 - April 30th 2015

A NEW infrastructure project has been commissioned to protect the beach of Ferrara in Torrox Costa from future storms in the area.

Woman on trial charged with murdering pensioner over €4,000 debt

GOLD WATCH

13

ON TRIAL: Pensioner blonde and of average height - allegedly stole her victim’s handbag and jewellery, including a €2,500 gold watch, before fleeing the scene with her hands covering her face.

The pair were seen having lunch in a nearby chiringuito just moments before the attack.

Eyewitnesses said the accused chased Ruiz along the promenade with a big kitchen knife.

When she finally caught up with her she stabbed her in the chest several times before slitting her throat and leaving the motherof-two to bleed to death.

Arrested in February 2014, a trial date has now been set and prosecutors are demanding the woman is sentenced to 21 years in prison as well as paying damages of €150,000 to the victim’s children.

TWO hikers were rescued by the Guardia Civil after getting stuck on the notoriously dangerous mountain paths of Collado del Apretadero between Frigiliana and Fuente del Esparto.

Walkabout TRAVEL company Gestion Por Ti in VelezMalaga is launching four new tourist routes to show off towns such as Comares, Salares and Canillas de Aceituno.

Cleaning up A PROJECT is underway to improve five run-down water treatment facilities in the region, with the cost expected to reach over €1 million.

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14

la cultura

what’s on

F

uengirola, April 16, 7pm Fund-raising concert from T.I.M.S in Aid of the Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre. Held at the Lux Mundi Centre, entrance €5 including tapa and drink at interval. Call 952 573 983/654 891 790

E

stepona, April 17-19 at 7pm Side Effects, by Eric Chappell, a comedy from the International Theatre Studio, held at Atalaya Park Hotel Theatre.

Tickets €12, call 952 880 630 or 952 896 739

F

uengirola, May 11 at 4.30pm Lecture ‘The Glasgow Boys: Painting in Scotland 1875-1914’ by Julian Halsby. Held at the Salon Varieties Theatre, guest tickets €10 on the door

B

enalmadena, April 18 at 8pm Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers to perform at Sala Fortuna, Torrequebrada Hotel. Tickets €15, contact cath@sabs.es or call 686 773 442

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April 16th - April 30th 2015

Art behind bars Abandoned prisons to become art galleries

By Iona Napier WHILE England opened the Tate Modern in a disused power station, Spain has begun converting its deserted prisons.

So far four old clinks have been transformed into cultural attractions - and Malaga is next.

The conversion of the 14,000m2 Prision Provincial in the Cruz de Humilladero district of the city began in January, after almost six years of closure.

BUT WILL THEY CELL: Artworks in Segovia prison You can also see ‘art in the can’ at Vigo’s Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, the DA2

of Salamanca, the Museo Extremeno in Badajoz, and Segovia’s La Carcel: Centro

Doing us Prado

A SPANIARD has landed one of the most coveted jobs of the art world.

From humble beginnings as a curator at the National Gallery in London, Dr Gabriele Finaldi (left) will return as its Director.

Dr Finaldi, 49, has been deputy director for collections and research at Madrid’s Prado Museum since 2002. He will take over the top London job from current Director Nicholas Penny in August.

Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed the appointment and Dr Finaldi said he was ‘eagerly looking forward’ to working at the world–class collection.

de Creacion.

Renovators tend to keep the original structure of the prisons and take advantage of the open spaces, as Vigo did, hosting the Jazz Festival in 2015.

But the prison/painting combination is not altogether new.

Spanish art historian Jose Milicua found that some Civil War jail cells were built like 3D modern art paintings to torture prisoners – with sloping beds, irregular flooring and dizzying surrealist pat-

Madge’s mask maker unmasked YOU have probably seen the work of Spanish craftsman Cecilio Castrillo, who hails from Burgos in northern Spain, but you don’t know it yet.

The horned masks made by this talented artist were worn

by Madonna’s dancing troupe the night she took a tumble and went viral - at this year’s Brit Awards.

Other celebrity clients crazy for Castrillo’s work include Lady Gaga, Beyonce and rapper Brooke Candy.

The nose-pierced 36-yearold artist said LA’s luvvies were perplexed by his lowkey demeanour when he took his up-and-coming brand, Leather Designs, across the Atlantic.

“They were expecting someone much darker, much more sophisticated than me,” said the Spaniard, whose career has come a long way since he started street-selling outside nightclubs in Ibiza.

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Could this be a Banksy?

IT is an evocative image, daubed on an abandoned farmhouse.

Spotted by the Olive Press reader multimedia artist Jane Jewson, 55, on the road from Casares to Gaucin, two lifelike soldiers in battle dress square up to each other on the side of a ruined building.

But the artist in question remains a mystery.

Painted in typical Banksy-esque fashion, it begs the question: has the Bristol artist been over to Spain?

The numbers on the soldiers’ uniforms - 09 and 11, a clear reference to 9/11 - point to a political motive, which would be in keeping with Banksy’s dark, satirical style.

“I love that it’s depicted on a ruin way out in the middle of nowhere, such a clever illustration of the pointlessness of violent confrontation and the permanent damage it causes,” Jewson said.

If you know the secret identity of the artist or the origin of the artwork, contact the Olive Press at newsdesk@ theolivepress.es or call 951 273 575

Varietes is the spice of life!

Salon Varieties theatre is celebrating its 30th Birthday on the Costa del Sol

IT is 30 years since a group of optimistic thespians transformed a fleapit cinema in Fuengirola into a thriving theatre.

US chart-topper Acker Bilk, in trademark bowler hat, goatee beard and striped waistcoat, opened Salon Varietes’ first show in June 1985.

For seven years the theatre survived thanks to volunteers contributing funds and

physical labour, and in 1992 became a cultural association with an elected board of nine.

Fast forward to 2015, through years of productions from Shakespeare to Chekhov, thrillers to historical dramas, and the theatre is in better shape than ever.

And now the 30th birthday celebrations will begin on Friday April 17 with the launch of a 50-page commemorative

magazine, everyone is welcome to attend at the theatre between 12:30 and 2pm.

The celebrations continue with The Reunion Weekend (June 12 -14) with the highlight being the Anniversary Concert in the Mijas Auditorium on June 13.

More than 80 talented performers are involved in the show, produced by the popular John Gale, who is also ap-

pearing at Salon Varietes in his brandnew show ‘One Night in Vegas’ with another top entertainer - Ricky Lavazza.

To book tickets contact 952 474 542 or www.salonvarietestheatre.com

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LETTERS

the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

Round we go DEAR OP, I could not believe my eyes this week… the infamous ant roundabout on the A-7 (between Estepona and Sabinillas) is open!

I was so startled that I nearly crashed into the side of a car as it made its way around.

I have got so used to jumping across the roundabout without any need to check and honestly never thought I would have to… given the drawn-out farce it had become.

I’m still not too sure about the giant ants, but the palm trees look good and at least it is finally opened!

Adam Roberts, San Pedro

Blame game THE vast majority of people with so-called illegal properties are not culpable in any way. These people used reputable Spanish lawyers who carried out the necessary checks at the time of purchase but the building licences for their properties were subsequently revoked.

There was no reason for any of the buyers to doubt the word of their lawyers at the time and after all, they were buying property in Spain not Syria and it is reasonable to expect another EU member state to have a reliable and workable legal system. I can’t think of anywhere else in the EU that has over 300,000 illegally built properties up

www.theolivepress.es

Lynx footprints spotted in Manilva COULD this be the track of an Iberian Lynx? Or even the infamous La Cala cougar? I found this foot print (pictured) along with a smaller one - possibly that of a cub - in the campo area near Manilva Costa today. It measured 13.5 cm from heel to toe.

Jane Jewson, Manilva

for demolition and the sheer scale of the problem suggests systematic failure on the part of the Junta de Andalucia.

Jane Garrett, Axarquia

Green report IT was great to see the Olive Press going back to its green routes last issue.

I really enjoyed reading about the Los Merinos case and the Algarrobico hotel.

The need for a conclusion on both of these projects has been long overdue and I cannot express how happy I am that common sense has prevailed and neither will go ahead.

The Los Merinos plan should have been scrapped years ago

and it is frankly beyond me how the Algarrobico got so close to being completed.

No doubt there will be similar cases in the future and I urge the Olive Press to keep up the good work and keep the pressure on.

Adam Laidler, Ronda

Holy changed I WAS in Madrid for Semana Santa in 1968 when it was a wholly different affair (Semana Santa virgin, issue 210).

The Gypsy women singing from balconies as the procession passed was very passionate and moving but the rest was nothing more than a public display of Sado-Masochism.

Masochists flogging themselves; lots of blood. Others crawling on their knees; more blood. Others carrying real wooden crosses being flogged by others dressed as Romans; even more blood. Safe to say, I much prefer the processions in Sevilla and elsewhere these days.

Stuart Crawford, Marbella

Loving La Cala I LOVE La Cala (Beach life, issue 210)! It is tranquil, peaceful and friendly. I often visit the Costa del Sol and always make time to visit La Cala and sit on the lovely beach and blow away the cobwebs.

The locals are friendly, they seem to remember me and make me feel very welcome.

I enjoy my Menu del Dia at a favourite restaurant and visit the market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I have discovered many a find there and fresh fruit and veg as well. I love the La Cala Lions charity shop, great for a browse and a bargain!

It is a beautiful place to visit and live in, I thoroughly recommend it.

Lynne Whittaker, United Kingdom

Corporate giants I THINK much of Spain will go the same way as the popular Almeria tapas bar which

has been forced to close (Last orders, issue 210). One new massive shopping centre includes a casino, 10-pin bowling alley, gym with indoor pool, very large supermarket, all the Inditex branded shops such as Zara, Primark and 150 others, as well as restaurants, bars, cafes.. the works!

The place is packed. They even have live bands and shows on during the evening.

It sounds hard to believe, but I have been told that people are even taking holidays in this area because of this place and its proximity to the beach and golf courses. I predict that most nearby clothing shops will close, if they have not already, like many local bars already have.

John Henley, Almeria

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 81.27% Same week last year: 83.48% Same week in 2005: 62.79% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 EMERGENCIES Police 091 Guardia Civil 062 Medical service 061 Fire 080 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.07 American dollars 0.72 British pounds 1.33 Canadian dollars 7.47 Danish kroner 8.27 H Kong dollars 8.47 Norwegian kroner 1.45 Singapore dollars

Here come some other big cats CALLING all Jaguar lovers on the Costa del Sol! At a recent meeting of the Spanish Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, the president suggested the need for a Costa del Sol branch… and now here I am setting it up!

The first meeting will take place on April 19 w i t h lunch at the Hotel Rural AlmaZara in Nerja.

We hope to meet once a month or so for a meal and a good old chat about our Jags. On occasions we will organise something a little more special, mystery tours or weekends away.

What’s more, in March next year there are initial plans in place for a joint Portugal / Spain meeting to be held in Cordoba.

Anyone interested should contact me on JEC.CostaDelSol@ gmail.com, call 669 434 457 or visit www.jec-spain.com.

Philip Wray, Regional director of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club

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.

CROSSMOT 55 Across 1 Settee (4) * 3 Helado (8) * 9 Realizar (7) * 10 Criadas (5) * 11 Disturbing (12) * 13 Touched (6) * 15 Giraffe (6) * 17 Que Representan (12) * 20 Matorral (5) * 21 Inútil (7) * 22 XRay (2, 5, 1) * 23 East (4).

Down 1 Apoya (8) * 2 Granjas (5) * 4 Común (6) * 5 Fighters (12) * 6 Existed (7) * 7 Mástil (4) * 8 Considerablemente (12) * 12 Ranges (6, 2) * 14 Más Clara (7) * 16 Problemas (6) * 18 Artículos (5) * 19 Utilizado (4).

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It’s a beach resort with pots of charm and now with a Gladiator helping its latest horticultural happening take off, Estepona is turning its neighbours green with envy! Rob Horgan reports

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The not-so secret garden

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F you’ve been to Estepona of late, you’ll know that half the town’s gone quite potty. Potty for plants, that is.

There are flower pots all colours of the rainbow decorating every wall of every street, along with hanging baskets, verdant verges and floral borders perfuming the air. Which makes it the smelliest town on the Costa - in a good way!

But that was last year’s news. This year, Estepona’s secret gardeners have really come out of the closet with the opening of the town’s new pin-up tourist attraction: The Orchid House, an awesome secret garden growing under glass.

A trio of waterfalls nurture over 8,000 species of orchids under three giant glass domes.

With water cascading from the ceiling into a pool below, and somewhat bizarrely - the soundtrack to Gladiator playing in the background, it’s not so much an attraction as a ‘horticultural happening’, underscoring the new green direction Estepona is taking.

The Orchid House reflects the town’s mission to break away from the hackneyed ‘sun, sea and sangria’ mantra some Costa towns still cling to. And with more than 100,000 visitors expected to generate €2 million a year, it’s far more than a futuristic greenhouse.

On opening night, a foray of fireworks were sent high into the sky for all of Estepona to see, a symbolic finale to the town’s Continues on Page 18

GREEN STREETS: Estepona’s marvellous promenade and (top left) Russell Crowe in Gladiator

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Turning green total transformation. Welcome to the not-so-secret garden of the Costa del Sol. It only takes a quick up-anddown through the steep, whitewashed streets of the Old Town to get a good impression of its charms but a drawn-out stroll is much more pleasurable.

Cute tapas bars sprout from every corner of every flower pot-decked street. Water-features, murals and a multitude of bijou, flower-fringed plazas spring up in the most unexpected places, inviting discovery.

A major rejuvenation over the last two years has seen the pedestrianisation of Estepona’s central thoroughfare, giving it the feel of a traditional white Spanish pueblo.

The town hall has also attached thousands of freshlypainted plant pots to the sides of the houses, allowing the

IN BLOOM: The streets have been rejuvenated and (left) the orchid house locals to choose the colour for The idea of living the Costa del Sol life, but in a typically Spantheir street.

The traditional image of ish way, is also what attracted boozed-up Brits living it large Irish expat Seamus Hayes and on the Costa del Sol could not his wife Alena to the town last be further from reality in Es- May. tepona’s picture postcard Old “We first came across Estepona when driving through one Quarter.

And it is for exactly this reason evening,” Seamus explains. that expat marketing specialist “We felt that it had a real buzz and soon visited every weekBarcley Spicerend.

Jenkins, 21, “The Spanloves living here, ish feel to by the sea.

The port is a the town “Unlike many breath of bracing p u t s places on the i t Costa, Estepona sea air for locals more than caand tourists ters for the demands set out by large quantities of tourists while retaining its own character and individu- head and shoulders above other resorts ality,” he explains.

“High rise holiday lets don’t along the coast. scar the landscape, nor are “Living the dream there tacky shops, bars or pubs is all that can be that give a feel of ‘England in said about our time here.” the sun’.

“The Old Town is so well-main- If Spanish tapas tained that you experience bars and late night beauty at every turn and the strolls around idenwell-managed flora not only tical streets gets a brings an abundance of colour bit too repetitive, to the area but it also makes for a complete the back streets smell glori- contrast there is always Estepona ous.”

Port.

A 20-minute walk up the wide, palm tree-studded promenade takes you into a world that moves to an up-tempo beat more typical of a classic Costa del Sol beach resort.

A wholly different beast to the Old Town, the port is the setting for more tales than you’ll find in a Hans Christian Anderson tome – although they’re not salty sea dog tales. They stem from the port’s frenetic nightlife.

From salsa bars to Irish bars and from

If it’s drama you’re after…

IN a community as diverse as the Costa del Sol it’s no surprise to find a thriving expat amateaur-dramatics group.

The International Theatre Studio (ITS, as its

often known) has staged every type of entertainment in its 30-year history.

Recent productions have sold out and more people are joining, whether to perform onstage, help back-stage or just offer support.

Look out, in particular, for ‘Lark in the Park’, an open-air review in Benahavis, a new touring Murder Mystery play, monthly play-readings and two full-length plays.

Visit www.internationaltheatrestudio.org or call Kate Jackson (952 880 240) for membership details (benefits include concessionary ticket prices).

ROLE PLAY: I.T.S. members getting into character at a regular play-reading

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PORT AND DANDY: In Estepona Thai to Chinese to Indian restaurants, the port is a breath of bracing sea air for locals and tourists by day and a hip hangout for the younger set after dark.

It may not have the same authentically-Spanish charm as the Old Town, but it makes up for it with its buzzy vibe.

On a Friday and Saturday night the bars are so full that revellers spill out on to the streets in their own version of the Spanish botellon.

On Sundays, the weekly flea market draws in hundreds of visitors from along the coast.

And the port is not the only place to party in Estepona, which has not one feria but

If there’s a reason to celebrate, Estepona’s up for it big time two.

The first one in May celebrates San Isidro, the patron saint and there’s an even bigger one in

July, lasting a week and coaxing the whole town out to drink, socialise and party in the sun.

The four-day July festival, based next to the spanking new football stadium, includes a livestock fair, a bullfight, concerts and fun-filled family events.

The locals in the centre don traditional costumes and serve up food and drinks from their houses - the highlight!

And the partying is not limited to the ferias. Christmas, New Year and Semana Santa parades, and civic happenings throughout the year, are all red letter days in any Esteponian’s

diary.

If there’s a reason to celebrate, Estepona’s up for it big time,

usually closing off Calle Terraza - the main road through the Old Town - in the name of celebra-

Off the wall!

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FLASHBACK: Our mural article in last issue

IT’S quite literally the most offthe-wall collection of urban art on the Costa del Sol. Everyone from top international artists to creative prison inmates have contributed to Estepona’s amazing al fresco art gallery of 24 murals glamming up bleak concrete buildings around town.

Every other high rise is bursting with colour and imaginative designs – from dancers and divers to optical illusions which deceive the eye from a distance.

tion, happily trapping everyone inside so they’re forced to kick back and enjoy!

While the Old Town preens its new green appeal and the port struts its multicultural stuff, Estepona’s historic gems are equally worthy of note although they don’t make such a song and dance about it.

From the scattering of watchtowers built to ward off the Moorish invaders to the Arab-built clock tower and the 16th century castle ruins, Estepona is a lady with a past.

Destroyed by the conquering Christians in the 15th century and rebuilt by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand almost a century later, King Philip V granted the town a charter for 600 families in 1729.

Compare that to the 60,000plus residents today, a figure that more-than triples in summer!

Spectacular The latest addition to the ‘Artistic Murals Route’ is a gardener cutting bougainvillea on the side of Victor de la Serna school MURAL MURAL ON THE WALL: Which is the fairest of them all?

by Jaen painter Jose Fernandez Ros. The impressive ‘Fishing Day’ mural, also by Jose Fernandez, occupies 1,000m2 across six separate buildings – and holds the record for the largest vertical mural in Spain.

Artistic inmates of Alhaurin prison meanwhile created six-metre-long metal sculptures for one mural which recreates the sea floor as part of the Moraga Collective initiative.

Erin Aman whose work is featured in San Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, is another of the famous contributors to the offbeat outdoor expo.

The locals are also proud of their 18th century Franciscan monastery, now the Church of our Lady of Redemption. The church tower is a spectacular vantage point. Don’t miss the sunset, with the Sierra Bermeja mountain range silhouetted in the background!

If Estepona is impressive at ground level, the views from above are even more enlightening.

The white-washed rooftops are stacked higgedly-piggedly-style, with roof terraces and balconies jutting off at odd angles, a sure sign of a town that has gone its own haphazard way, over the centuries, rather than conforming to any straight-laced rules.

Estepona is a town that likes to do its own thing. Currently, that thing is plants.

Potty it may be but that’s all part of the charm.

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Advertorial

Changing gears for a quarter century

How one Estepona expat family has created one of Spain’s leading repair centres for automatic gearboxes TOP GEAR:

For service at Transmatic

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HEY have been thinking out of the box for quarter of a century... the gear box that is.

Estepona company Transmatic knows everything anybody needs to know about gear boxes.

Formed in 1991, the family

business specialises in the repair and service of automatic and transfer gearboxes for all makes of car.

The company has grown into one of Spain’s leading transmission repair and service centers boasting the latest diagnostic equipment.

Advertorial

We’re the wheel deal THE team at Premier Bodyshops is dedicated to getting your wheels back on the road at high speed.

Probably the largest motor vehicle repair shop in Estepona, they operate from a 700m2. fully-equipped workshop on the industrial estate.

They undertake all types of accident repair work for vans and motor homes as well as cars - from vandal scratches to major collision damage and convertible roof replacement to windscreen and glass replacement. You name it, they can do it.

They are approved by virtually all the major insurers, with numerous testimonials to their service and quality.

Better still, you get use of one of their fleet of nine courtesy cars while your repair is being carried out – totally free – and a free valet service on collection. All work is guaranteed for one year.

The company also specialises in classic restorations, from bare metal to fully-trimmed and painted running vehicles.

Specialist mechanical work can also be undertaken. No job is too big or too small.

Find Premier Bodyshops at Estepona Poligono, 23/25 Cl. Juan de Herrera.

While brothers Robert and James Sutcliffe run the business, father Paul, who is semiretired, spends most of his time on classic car repairs.

“We recommend drivers undergo regular servicing of the transmission,” insists Robert.

“While most drivers understand they need to regularly service their car to keep it on the road few realise the gearbox can suffer from high amounts of wear and tear.”

In many cases, he insists, garages and even main dealers will not change the oil and filter of the transmission when servicing your vehicle as they lack the knowledge and tools.

“Performing this service is a specialist job which, if not done correctly, can cause premature transmission failure and in some cases the vehicle will not even function after the service,” he adds.

Transmatic has invested in machines such as the ATX PRO2 transmission fluid exchanger and the new coolant contamination tester you can be sure your car’s gearbox is in the best possible hands.

Book your car for a service via the website, or email info@ transmatic.es or call 952 796 166

TOP OF THE TOWN: Rob (right) with www.theolivepress.es pals on his terrace

the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

Estepona may not have the same name recognition as its glitzy neighbours but that’s the way we like it, writes resident reporter Rob Horgan

An ode to Estepona

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IGHTEEN years in south London, four in Hull and a year in Estepona. It’s fair to say my latest place of residence is slightly more charming than the previous two.

Like a fish out of water, I was plucked from the mean streets of Croydon and transported to the picturesque streets of the ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’ last year.

With the sun shining on my back, I wheeled my worldly belongings behind me along the paseo in a suitcase with only three wheels.

As it bumped and scraped along this popular walking thoroughfare I looked out to the Med and, with the sight of a jagged rock to my right and views across the ocean to a faraway land, I thought to myself: ‘why the hell haven’t I lived here all my life?’.

Four days of panic-stricken, house-hunting later and I found the dream flat, replete with massive roof terrace and views across the Old Town as an added bonus.

Since then I have got to know Estepona well, particularly falling for evening strolls around the back streets of the Old Town.

At first I took the beauty of Estepona to be the norm on the Costa del Sol. Since then I have come to understand that I live in the most beautiful town on the coast.

And then I was introduced to ‘the Port’.

On my first night portside, my new Olive Press colleagues threw me in at the deep end at Irish pub O’Donoghues to sing into a microphone to

the lyrics to Blue’s smash hit, ‘All Rise’.

But all rise, the bar did not.

Starting off well enough, a deadly combination of over-confidence mixed with forgotten rapped verses led to sweating, nervous mumbles and ultimately, a disappointed glare from the karaoke master. But I have lived to tell plenty more tales.

Now if Irish bars and karaoke don’t cut the mustard with you, despair not.

My personal port highlight is the Sunday market which runs from 9-ish (I’ve learnt time always runs with an ‘ish’ in Spain) to midday-ish.

With leather goods, electrical gadgets and handpainted crockery in abundance, the market is the perfect place to snap up some bargains - and proved a lifesaver shortly before Christmas.

Nothing beats the 20-minute walk along the beach to the port, a leaf through the market stalls, followed by fish and chips on the beach on a Sunday.

An afternoon on the beach, with the occasional visit to one of many chiringuitos, rounds off my perfect day - with one note of caution: watch the frisbee-swallowing sea, which has claimed more than one flying disk in my time here.

Other than that I could not have wished for a better start to life on the Costa del Sol. It may not attract TOWIE stars or have the same glitz and glamour as nearby Marbella, but that is exactly why I love it.

It is fair to say that Estepona is one of just a few secret gems left on the Costa del Sol.

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Don’t forget your greens!

By Tom Powell

Estepona boasts two of the Costa del Golf’s founding courses, and a whole lot more

TEE UP!: Golfing paradise Andalucia

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WO of the genuine grandes dames of the Costa del Golf are found in Estepona.

Both El Paraiso and Atalaya rank with the oldest courses on the coast and were established in the days when

you could build a golf course just about anywhere you liked.

As a result, the quality of the courses is fantastic, built on wonderfully flat land with the mountainous backdrop of the Sierra de las Nieves.

It means you don’t lose so many balls and the courses are easy to walk around.

El Paraiso caters for every kind of golfer, boasting seven

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different types of membership and up to eight competitions a week for varying abilities.

It also has an active ladies section, with more than 200 members.

Atalaya Golf Club proudly dates back to 1968, when the design of the course was more important than fitting it between apartment blocks.

Eucalyptus trees, cacti and palms line the club’s two 18-hole courses - Atalaya Old and Atalaya New - whose wide, easy-walking fairways pass fountains and flower beds.

As a members’ club that is open to guests, the course

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Advertorial

New laundry service in Estepona port REAL estate firm Time in Spain has added a new string to its bow... a laundry service.

It is a year and a half since Sud’s Laundry Service closed down in the port and it has been badly missed.

But now there is finally a new laundry service, with an accessible drop-off point in the Time in Spain office, open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, as well as 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

A one-day service is available for urgent items (for a supplement) and you will be notified by text

PICTURE PERFECT: A green at El Paraiso

has a lively community feel and there is always a buzz around the clubhouse.

Although a younger course, dating from 1989, Estepona Golf is famous for superb putting surfaces and sea views.

Featuring strong par 3s, it provides an excellent round for players of all standards, with an FROM football fans chanting in the stands to volleyball enthusi18-hole Green Fee asts battling it out on the beach, sport in Estepona is boomcosting just €39 ing and everyone is getting involved. per person.

Named the European City of Sport in Spain for 2013, a new“Estepona has ly revamped 4,500-capacity stadium is the latest jewel in the best golfing the town’s sporting crown. temperatures in And despite Union Estepona CF playing in the fifth tier of the Spanish football leagues, loyal fans turn out in their droves Europe, with over to support them each week.

320 days of sunThe town is certainly football crazy, with kids kicking shine a year and balls about on street corners and the beach socan average of 22 cer pitch rarely out of action. degrees,” explains A six-pitch astroturf arena next to the main staJason Callow, of dium is also buzzing with budding Cristiano RonEstepona Golf.

Game on

aldos every Saturday and Sunday.

But it’s not all about the football.

Seven-foot giants can often be spotted roaming around the town, as the popularity of basketball spreads across the town.

Padel tennis is also a smash hit with the locals, and with a number of courts across the town there are plenty of places to play.

It is also the time of year that volleyball nets are added to their poles and the locals show off their bumps, sets and spikes.

And there is soon to be another sport to get involved with.

A group of Irish expats are setting up a Gaelic football side and hope to be in training by the time summer arrives.

With teams already set up in Marbella, Gibraltar and Sevilla, the Irish contingent of Esteponians are aiming to tap into Andalucia’s fastest-growing sport.

Ex-Premier League football David Bentley has even shown an interest in the sport, so it will be interesting to see which team - Marbella’s Costa Gaels or Estepona’s new outfit - wins the contest to sign him up.

And with the weather turning warmer, expect to see more swimming trunks and cycling shorts being sported around town soon.

Panoramic “This coast is one of the best places in Europe for golf, due to the weather, the breathtaking panoramic views across mountains and sea, and of course the great choice on offer.”

Contact El Paraiso on 952 883 835 or email info@elparaisogolfclub. com For Estepona Golf, call 952 937 605, or email informat i o n @ e ste p o n a golf.com

message when your laundry is ready for collection. There is also a reward points system for returning customers, meaning regulars will benefit from lower prices.

Mention the Olive Press to receive an introductory 30% discount on your first order (offer ends 15 June).

The laundry service is located 70 metres down the right-hand side after entering through the main roundabout. Look for the Orange ‘Laundry Service’ sign. Call (+34) 952 798 305

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ON TOP OF THE WORLD: Reporter Iona Napier atop the peak

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The mighty vermillion mountain looming high above Estepona is a nature reserve like no other, with a wonderful walk around it, writes Guy Hunter Watts

S

TANDING like a monolith towering over Estepona sits a mountain bigger than Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.

The perfect backdrop to the coast’s most upmarket resort, this stunning peak, Los Reales, is an amazing place to escape the buzz of the Costa del Sol and get back to nature.

Indeed, this mountain sitting in the Sierra Bermeja nature reserve is about as far removed from the coast as you can get - yet only 8km inland.

The perfect place for a walk, the easy circuit leads to the highest point of the nature reserve, known as the Pico Reales.

Rising to 1,450m - some 106m taller than Ben Nevis - from its antennae-topped summit there’s a dizzy, panoramic vista of a huge slice of Andalucia: north to the Sierra de las Nieves, east to the Sierra de Ojen, west to the Alcornocales Natural Park and south to Gibraltar and Africa.

One of its best walks goes through the Pinsapar de los Reales, home to one of the few existing stands of the uniquely beautiful pine, Abies Pinsapo Boix, found in less than half a dozen places around the world.

Bigg Ben

Stop at the great viewing point, the Mirador de Salvador Guerrero, which entails a short diversion but which is well worth the extra effort.

Finding the starting point for the walk is all part of the adventure. To reach the trailhead, you’ll need to follow a snaking mountain road inland from the town for about 20 minutes. Here is a breakdown of how to do it:

Reaching the start From Estepona take the MA8301 towards Jubrique (it begins next to the Mercadona supermarket on the north of the town) for 15km to the top of the pass, Puerto de Peñas Blancas. Here turn left past a sign for Los Reales, pass a green barrier then continue for 2.75km to a signboard to the right of the road marking the beginning of the Pinsapo walk, Paseo de Los Pinsapos.

The walk

Lorca inspired by trees, before climbing steeply through dense undergrowth: as you climb higher From the signboard Paseo de los Pinsapos head Mediterranean pines begin to take the place of down a narrow, rocky path which drops away the pinsapos. from the road into the pinsapo forest. Just 75m Careful! Some five minutes beyond the ceramafter crossing a small concrete bridge you reach ic sign of Lorca’s poem you reach a junction a junction. Cut left following the sign Los Realil- marked by twin stone mounds. Here cut hard los/Los Reales for 2.2km. left and continue your ascent, zigzagging up The path leads past a signboard about pinsapo through the pines and the reddish rocks. pines then on past a ceramic sign of a poem by Passing a small breach in the rocks the path runs up to the top of the ridge where views open out Circuit to the Pico Reales and the to the southwest and the top of the Sierra Bermeja Bay of Algeciras. (30 mins) Here the path bears left towards the transmitter THE NITTY-GRITTY antennae atop the Reales Distance: 8 km (up and down) peak, through another Time required: About 2.5 hours (inc. breaks) swathe of pinsapo pines.

Rating: Easy/Medium Marker posts help guide Total height gain: 5,300m you up. Passing across anMap(s): IGN 1:50000 Jimena de la Frontera other jagged ridge the path

1071 (14-46) & Estepona 1072 bears right and continues (15-46) to climb.

Reaching a flatter area and Water: Tap with unchlorinated bearing left it runs on up to

water @ 1 hr 15 mins the antennae. Here, reach-

ROCKY reserve Pinsapo Olive Pr

ing a wh follow a the top This is a ible pan peak re first whi Five me path wh the tran board fo right do eastern another a group tion with to Edm unique P Here, cu area, Ár bles and del Sol. There’s warns th the bett Continu ing circl rero. Fro reach on lar viewi After vis to the B for appr of depar

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ger than Nevis!

Y MOUNTAIN WAY: The nature e is home to extremely rare o pines (left) and (above) the ress walking team

hite hut, cut right, pass a second hut then narrow path up to the trig point marking of Los Reales (1,450m). (50 mins) a great spot for a break with the incrednorama that lies before you. Leaving the etrace your footsteps back towards the ite hut which you passed earlier. etres before the hut cut right on a narrow hich drops down to the track leading to nsmitter masts where you’ll see a signor Sendero de los Realillos. Here angle own a stony track which loops down the flank of Los Reales, shortly passing by r transmitter mast. Looping on down past p of forestry buildings you reach a junch another track and a plaque dedicated mond Boissier who first catalogued the Pinsapo pine. (1 hr 10 mins) utting right for 100m you reach a picnic rea Recreativa, where there are picnic tad, just beneath, the Mirador de la Costa

a tap with water to the right: a sign hat it isn’t chlorinated but the taste is all ter for that. uing on along the track you reach a turnle and a sign Mirador de Salvador Guerom here continue along a narrow path to ne of the Costa del Sol’s most spectacuing points. siting the mirador trace your steps back Boissier plaque then follow the track on roximately 1.6 kms to return to your point rture. (1 hr 55 mins)

Local issue 51:The Local Issue 5 10/03/15 09:17 Page 36

This walk can be found in Guy Hunter Watt’s book Coastal Walks in Andalucia, which contains a selection of 50 stunning walks close to southern Spain’s coastline. The walks vary in length and difficulty.

It is available at most bookshops as well as from amazon.co.uk.

Visit www.guyhunterwatts. com

SLIM DECISION

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26 the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

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Established in 1995 in the UK, stepona now offering a fast and friendly

How does your garden W grow professional service to the local area.

2 seater sofa €40.00 3 seater sofa €45.00 3 pc suite (3 seater & 2 chairs) €85.00 Rugs/Carpets from €25.00

Tel/Fax: 952 885 661 Mobile: 630 200 600

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quote price to size) Property(will sales areaccording growing Please call for a free estimate or advice. healthily again in Estepona after Satisfaction a few years in theguaranteed. doldrums

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Telephone & Fax 952 805 267 Mobile 672 066 710 info@tecnoaluminio.com - www.tecnoaluminio.com SHOWROOM - Prolongacion Monterosso, Local 57, Estepona (Exit Km 155. In front of the football stadium, Francisco Muñoz))

ITH the Costa del Sol property market starting to grow again, buyers are flocking to Estepona for their slice of the property pie.

Second only to Marbella in terms of demand, the new golden mile, as it is sometimes called, is seeing decent growth this year.

“Things are definitely picking up,” explains Adam Neale, from Terra Meridiana, who definitely noticed the trend, particularly with property in the rejuvenated Old Town.

“Now, there’s a steady trickle of British, French, German, and Scandinavian clients looking to live in the historic centre,” adds the father-of-three, from London, who settled in Estepona a decade ago.

“Many of our Spanish friends who were born here and now live in the suburbs are planning to return too.

“Everyone says the same thing: ‘it’s so nice to live in a town where almost everything you need is walking distance.”

And while property in the centre booms, houses in the surrounding urbanisations and at the Port are also set to see an increased interest as a result of the Costa del Sol’s property resurgence.

Please mention The Local when responding to advertisements Page 28

Celebrating 10 years in Estepona

Apartment in Estepona Centro 223.000 € Ref: 501-07984P This 1st floor new apartment has a fantastic position on a lovely square, just around the corner from the beach, with a west facing terrace which enjoys afternoon sun. It comprises an entrance hall, fully equipped kitchen with utility area, a large living and dining room with large sliding doors leading to an 8m2 covered terrace facing a beautiful square, 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom featuring a bath and marble tiles, the master bedroom with en suite bathroom featuring marble tiles and walk-in shower. All the bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and there are marble floors throughout and air conditioning. The property is being sold with a parking space included in the price. Must be seen!

Apartment in Estepona Puerto 225.000 € Ref: 501-07950P This bright fourth floor apartment is situated at the front of one of the Puerto Paraiso buildings, directly facing Estepona marina and the sea. It comprises an entrance hall, a large living room with sunny covered terrace and recently fitted modern kitchen (with dishwasher and granite work top) facing the sea, the master bedroom with a large enclosed terrace and bathroom, and a further bedroom and bathroom. Both bathrooms have also been recently refitted. There are 2 outdoor swimming pools part of the complex and a gated parking area for residents. There is direct access to the Marina and all its facilities including restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, etc.

Villa in El Velerin 430.000 € Ref: 501-07946P This rustic-style property is located about 2km from the beach in the countryside, El Velerin, only a 10 minute drive from Estepona town centre and 5 minutes away from amenities. In the main house there is a good size fully equipped kitchen, a guest toilet and utility room, a very large double height living room with dining area facing the main terrace and up a flight of stairs there is the master bedroom en suite, 2 small bedrooms with a shared bathroom and further en suite bedroom with access to a private terrace and connecting to the 5th bedroom. There is a large covered terrace, a beautiful patio area, a large storage room off the patio, a closed garage, a sauna, swimming pool, large orchard and parking area for about 6 cars. The whole property is gated and enjoys some sea views from the swimming pool area. The house has gas central heating throughout and air conditioning. A lovely property sold fully furnished, at a very good price.

Terra Meridiana S.L. Property Consultants 77 Calle Caridad, 29680 Estepona, Spain

Tel: +34 951 318480 Mob: +34 678 452109 Fax: +34 952 808791

Email: info@terrameridiana.com Skype: Terra Meridiana (Adam Neale) www.terrameridiana.com

Member of Leading Property Agents of Spain (LPA) AEGI (Asociación Empresarial de Gestión Inmobiliaria) Infocasa and IDD Network Members

ON THE UP: The garden of the Costa del Sol is in demand, claims agent Adam Neale (inset with wife)

Advertorial

HOME HELP A talented photographer and filmmaker has taken over the running of property management business Home and Away WITH over 20 years experience in property management Home and Away is expanding its horizons with a new manager at the helm.

Established in 1993, the company prides itself on taking care of property owners on the Costa del Sol, in particular Estepona.

Now under the management of Mark Hemsley since he took over in August 2014, a range of new services are on offer.

In particular to help promote and market their homes for rental or sale.

“Our aim is to build on what was already taking place here,” Mark explains.

“We want to build on the property management and maintenance side of the business while offering our clients new and exciting ventures.”

A trained photographer and filmmaker, originally from England, Mark, who has a Swedish wife, is now offering clients the opportunity to take advantage of his expertise.

Offering two minute short films aimed at property sales/rentals and promotional business video Mark, who has lived around the world in places including Tenerife and Sweden, believes his slick

THE BOSS: Mark Helmsley

video production will give clients the edge.

Home and Away also offer an airport transport service as well as the option to hire equipment, with wheelchairs,

travel cots, z-beds, games consoles, high chairs and much more available to rent.

For more information visit www.homeandaway.es or call 952 886 492

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From young offenders in Leeds to dive instructing in the Caribbean - now Jemma Clements is looking after villas in Estepona

Keeping it in the family

F

OR a 38-year-old, Jemma Clements has had a varied and colourful career.

From teaching young offenders and children with behavioural problems in the UK to working as a dive instructor in the Caribbean, she has certainly had quite a bit of variety.

Her latest career is running Estepona Villas, which offers a personal service to the owners of 42 beautiful villas in

the town.

Alongside her husband James and UK-based lawyer sister Tara, the company is incredibly busy keeping the thriving business in check.

“We work with the villa owners – we do a lot of the maintenance free of charge just to keep the properties ticking over and help the owners out,” says Jemma.

“And we offer owners as much or as little as they need – whether you’ve had the same cleaner for 20 years or whether you’ve just bought a house and need us to sort out any trusted staff.”

Jemma’s father, Ian Fishwick, fell into the property business 30 years ago when his mother asked him to rent out her Costa del Sol home.

The favour mushroomed into thriving Mijas Villas which now boasts 85 homes and together with sister company, Estepona Villas, the family business hosts a staggering 10,000 guests from 60 differ-

IN CONTROL: One of Estepona Villa’s homes and (left) Jemma Clements

ent countries each year and is a real family affair.

Offering a trusted, reliable service, the team will honestly assess how many weeks per year they can let out

your villa or apartment and take care of all the number crunching and maintenance, making the whole process a breeze. www.estepona-villas.com

Holiday villas in Andalucia, Spain Villa Holiday Rentals in Andalucia MARKETING: We actively promote our business and your property - that means more bookings for you!

EXPERTISE: We specialise only in properties in the Estepona area. (Duquesa to Estepona to San Pedro) SERVICE: A reputable family company that cares - we offer a personal friendly service tailored to your requirements.

OUR TEAM: We have a dedicated team of experienced personnel.

EXPERIENCE: Established over 10 years with many satisfied clients.

Estepona Villas is the trading name of Estepona Villas Ltd, Registered in the UK No. 5871947

Estepona Villas - Olive Press:Layout 1 31/03/2015 16:18 Page 1

VILLAS WANTED FOR HOLIDAY RENTALS www.estepona-villas.com

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact Jemma Clements jemma@estepona-villas.com Office: 952 119 827 Mobile: 635 437 534

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Fringe benefits in A warm expat welcome is guaranteed from Estepona’s own ‘Eastenders’

SIMPLY THE BEST: Beaches in Benavista

B

ENAVISTA is one of the most popular places for British expats to put down roots on the Costa del Sol. Less developed and lower rise than many of its neighbours, Estepona’s ‘east end’ is aptly

named - you get a better vista in Benavista!

A family favourite resort that has grown up around the beautiful (and arguably best) beaches between Estepona and San Pedro, the thriving community of foreign residents has

shaped it into what it is today, and there’s always something going on.

“We are so spoilt for choice,” says Hughie Holgate, 64, who runs the popular Benavista Bowls Club and its Green Bar, as well as the next door restau-

rant, Los Arcos.

“There are at least half a dozen golf courses within a mile of here and the facilities for families are great.

“On top of that, you are only a short drive from the hills via the Ubrique or San Pedro

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the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

Benavista SOCIAL HUB: The bowls club and (below) shopping mall

Man up!

How Man Friday became one of the celebrated little gems of Estepona

roads.”

The bowls club is a real magnet for the area, added entrepreneur father-of-four.

“We have many members who play in leagues up and down the Costa del Sol,” he says.

“And non-members have their own green.”

Down from here a necklace of well set-up urbanisations – Diana Park, Benavista and El Pilar – offer every variety of shop and service, all with an expat twist.

They include a range of excellent butchers and cake shops, as well as English supermarkets, curry houses and British bars.

It is also the Spanish headquarters of British construction company Roger Bullivant.

One of the best shops is Cath’s

Cards, which stocks a fabulous range of greetings cars, balloons and party accessories.

“There is pretty much everything you could need around here,” says Pauline Kavenagh, who runs Grumbles Restaurant, which has been open since the late 1980s.

And don’t forget, cross the footbridge and you are in Benamara, which has some of the best restaurants in all of Estepona, including Robin Hood, Chilis and Co-

como… and you are just two minutes walk to the beach!

The pawfect escape

G

OING away? Treat your four-legged friend to some five-star luxury at Stefanie’s Kennels.

Set in beautiful countryside 1km east of Estepona, with sea views and a specially-designed exercise lawn, your puss or pooch can feel thoroughly pampered.

There are 13 en-suite garden bedrooms for dogs, while the cattery is surrounded by lush vegetation.

Stefanie has been supplying luxury stays for expat cats and dogs for nearly 30 years and is now assisted by her son Gianna, ensuring the next generation takes animal care onwards.

The kennel holds licences from both the town hall and Junta de Andalucia.

DOGGY DREAM: Kennel hotel

IT is one of Estepona’s distinctly different eastern districts.

But how many people know how Man Friday got its name?

The area of shops between Estepona and San Pedro was actually named after a Spaniard Jose Maria, who moved and married a Scottish woman in the 1970s.

The all round handyman and engineer returned to the Benamarra area of the coast with his new wife Maria Weldon 30 years ago.

“He was a real handyman and we called him Robinson Crusoe, Man Friday and the name just sticked,” explains friendly Maria, who runs the Aliprox supermarket, which is now for sale.

Her son Stefan is also running the popular Amara bar and restaurant, which is usually packed at lunch time, particularly if the sun is out.

“It’s a great mix of Spanish and English businesses and clients,” he explains.

“There has always been a nice atmosphere here and we even have a couple of upmarket French clients.”

It is not hard to see why this small parade of shops is a popular stopping off place.

Not only can you always park your car, but you have a good range of shops and even a hairdresser David, a keen Spurs fan.

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OU have to head to the four corners of Estepona to really find out what is going on in the culinary stakes.

The best place to start is in Benamara where a group of excellent restaurants battle hard to pack in the punters.

Leading the charge is Cocomo, where former Savoy chef Simon Taylor-Lane, gets busier as the years go on.

Having trained with Marco Pierre White at the Criterion in London, he has the classic knack of creating culinary classics and, best of all, at amazing value with a set lunch for just €5 during the week.

He and wife Sally run a tight ship and the pair even come up with their own marketing to boot.

Nearby you have also got the excellent Tanino, run by talented Dutch businesswoman Trudy, who has a lovely eye for interior décor and a menu to match.

Meanwhile the brand new Chillis, an Indian/Mexican fusion, no less, has just been opened by Raj and Sunny.

Throwing away the rule book, the contemporary decor offers an oasis of calm to ready you for an assault of the spices, both mild and sweet!

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CHILL OUT: But spice is nice at Chilli

Spice up your life Estepona has a splendid mix of good places to eat, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

Fusion

Authentic dishes are complimented by fusion tapas served in the bar and there is a wide range of beers, wines and spirits and a takeaway and home delivery service for those in a 10km radius.

For those looking out for something different you must try out Lebanese restaurant L’Oriental, recently completely refurbished by an expat couple, who have lived around the world (see article below).

The pair also own the excellent pub, the Robin Hood, which has been an institution for years and now has an incredibly fresh, exciting menu, all washed down by a decent range of beers.

Another original spot, well worth hunting down is the country gem Eden Bar, located in a stunning location five minutes inland from Laguna Village.

This great rural spot, which dubs itself the ‘pub in the campo’ has a great kids play park and a legendary Sunday BBQ. Up in the heart of Estepona you must look out for Lola’s, run by a French couple from Paris, who also own the superb Burgr Bar restaurant on Calle Real.

They have come up with a great range of tapas, including the fantastic spring rolls (nems)

STYLISH: Recently opened 11 y 11 in the port and snails, and even their very own invention, ‘rajaos’, which means ‘something broken’ and is effectively a bread roll with a filling.

If it is fish you are after check out El Pescador around the

corner right on the beach and famous for its fantastic sea bass served in a salt crust, or its classic fried fish starters.

One of the town’s mostly-highly recommended restaurants, Sur is definitely the place to

From belly dancing to an excellent pint!

THERE is a not so quiet revolution happening in Benamara, where an expat couple have transformed a British pub and brought a spectacular Lebanese to the area, with more to come.

The Robin Hood, a fixture for years, has been refurbished into a classy take on a British ale house. A great meeting spot, there is top live entertainment and good, affordable British fusion food.

Not forgetting the wonderful Sunday lunch, with booking recommended.

L’ Oriental meanwhile is a dining experience you don’t want to miss.

One of very few restaurants serving Lebanese cuisine in southern Spain, it is perhaps not surprising that some customers even drive all the way from Sevilla for lunch.

The atmosphere is wonderful, while the surroundings are luxurious and portions generous.

Fun awaits in the evening with live belly dancing, on the beautiful terrace on warm evenings.

MEETING SPOT: The Robin Hood

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TALENTS: Chef at Robin Hood and (below) Simon at Cocomo

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BEST CHEESECAKE IN TOWN: At Tolone

eat a steak.

Run by an Argentinian dynasty, this is a classic family affair where you will often find father, wife, son and daughter, not to mention son-in-law, helping out.

In summer you sit in the charming square with its fountains and views across the sea.

Juicy empanadas arrive followed by delicious spinach and pine nuts wrapped in filo pastry and a fresh tropical salad next. There is a good mix of lamb tagines and fish dishes, but it being an Argentinian joint you really need to try the steaks, which are fabulous.

Just across the square is easily one of the best hang outs, or meeting points, in the town.

Tolone, run by cultured American Kristi, is now an institution and famous for its breakfasts, juices, cakes and snacks. And it is always busy. A real sun trap, my top tip is definitely the amazing cakes and, in particular, cheesecake created

by Kristi.

If it is a good Italian you are after few places come as good as Rincon Toscana.

This stalwart sitting in the heart of Estepona old town has fantastic pasta and

pizzas of the most authentic type.

Up in the port meanwhile, a fantastic new spot, also run by Argentinians is 11 y 11.

A genuine family affair, father Oscar is an accountant, wife Silvia keeps an eye on the kitchen, while daughters Candela and Anabel does are in charge of design and paperwork.

A son Sebastian meanwhile is a famous actor in Mexico so is not so often on hand.

Either way, it is an incredibly stylish place with a fabulous interior and a brilliant sunspot terrace.

It also has the freshest food in the port, with, in particular, some excellent steaks and delicious grilled octopus.

If it is a beer you are after then your best bet is the Irish Fiddler, opposite the sailing club, which serves up a good range of beers and tapas.

Finally there is Rick’s Cafe, which specialises in great G&Ts and live music at the weekends. GALLIC FLAIR: David at Lola’s and (top) Rincon Toscano

GOan Try It!

SPECIALISING in Goan gastronomy, Plan B is a great new place to try out in Estepona Port.

Run by Oscar and Veronika, the food is an A to Z of the flavours of modern fusion cuisine.

The décor is quirky, the atmosphere welcoming and all the dishes are homemade, from authentic curries to a full English breakfast and expect to find some great fresh juices and smoothies.

Open from 10am there are plenty of tapas with an Indian twist and the hosts treat you like family. Plan B, really should be your Plan A.

NEW BREW: Plan B

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CAPTION: Caption here

Property

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Bust and move Marbella properties up for auction after being seized in drugs operations

DODGY PAST: Don Gonzalo urbanisation

A lotto home for €10!

A FOUR-BEDROOM house in Valencia will change hands for €10 after its previous owners, faced with Spain’s ailing property market, got creative.

Their strategy: a raffle.

The Bolumar family inherited the 141m2 house in the town of Segorbe and, after failing to shift it for €90,000, spent a year becoming the first sellers in Spain to raffle their house.

Some 32,000 €10 tickets were sold from a Valencia kiosk and online on their website lotohome.es after news spread on social media.

Most tickets were bought in Spain but there was also interest from Florida, Canada and Australia.

Confident to have raised at least €100,000, Bolumar admitted that the revenue would not come close to €320,000 after server costs, publicity and property transfer prices which

MORTGAGE THINK TANK

L

TWO former Marbella drug dens are set to rake in millions when they go under the hammer this month.

The properties - worth a combined €3.5 million - are up for auction after they were seized in separate drug-bust operations.

They include a two-storey underground car park on Calle Tamon Gomez de la Serna and a luxury home in the Don Gonzalo urbanisation.

The car park is valued in excess of €2 million, while the house is expected to fetch at least €1.2 million.

However, a bargain buy may still be on the cards as government rules state bids can start at 60% of the listed prices.

The proceeds will go towards further drug investigations and the sale could outstrip the total amount raised in drug-busts in Malaga from 2010 to 2013.

During that time 13 properties, 41 vehicles, 32 boats and seven pieces of jewellery brought in a total just under €2 million at auction.

The auction will take place at the National Drug Plan office in Madrid on April 23, though bids are due at the office by April 16.

BARGAIN: €10 townhouse mean the new owners do not have to pay a cent over €10.

The family plans to leave the website open to help others interested in selling their house in the same way.

LEADER OF THE PACK: Marbella

Marbellous news!

Year of Eastern promise

by Tancrede de Pola

Word of the Costa del Sol’s property revival has spread, as mortgage expert Tancrede de Pola discovered on a trip to Dubai

AST week I packed my bags and headed east for Dubai.

A gala dinner with Sheik Mohammed Al Maktoum in the Burj Khalifa - the world’s tallest skyscraper - and a luxury dinner in the middle of the desert were just a couple of personal highlights.

But the real reason I was there was for the International Property Show.

Hosted at the impressive World Trade Centre, property experts from across Europe and Asia were in attendance... and the word from the East is that things look promising for Spain’s property market.

In particular, Marbella and the Costa del Sol have piqued the interest of buyers looking to invest in overseas property.

With most of the attendees coming from the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, it’s fair to say that money from the Middle East will soon be making its way up the Golden Mile and beyond once more.

A lot of chatter focussed on the ‘Golden Visas’ scheme. Designed to attract investors from be-

yond Europe, the scheme provides residency visas to non-EU nationals buying property in Spain.

A €500,000 investment qualifies the client for a visa, offering travel and educational opportunities for his/ her family too.

We have already seen a number of Russian and American investors making the most of this scheme. Now it appears those in the Middle East are set for their slice of the action.

There were also a great number of enquiries about ‘investment yields’ as word of Marbella’s ‘bounce in demand’ spreads.

In real speak, it’s good news for the Costa del Sol’s new build market.

At the Finance Bureau, we have been working with clients from the Middle East for the last two years.

In partnership with our banks we have been developing specifically tailored mortgage products for these clients in order to give best loans-tovalue and competitive rates.

And this year’s trip proved to me that interest will only grow in the year ahead.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call 666 709 743 or email tdp@thefinanacebureau.com

MARBELLA is leading the way in the Costa del Sol’s financial recovery, according to Mayor Angeles Munoz.

A recent report reveals that Marbella is in pole position with new businesses and property sales looking healthy and unemployment rates dropping.

She’s not the only one to have high hopes for Marbella, with the Wall Street Journal stating that the city now resembles southern California more than it does southern Spain.

The article puts the 600,000 yearly visits to ‘ritzy, sun-soaked’ Marbella down to it’s ‘welcoming microclimate’ and notes a buyer demographic that is shifting towards the higher end, with people choosing to live there all year round.

33

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Property

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Age-old buyers Spanish property is set to be snapped up by British pensioners receiving a cash injection BRITISH pensioners are cashing in and heading abroad to make the most of new pension reforms.

Buying a holiday home abroad - particularly in Spain - has been identified as ‘one of the main investments’ made by pensioners withdrawing large sums from their sav-

ings.

Reforms introduced earlier this month by UK chancellor George Osborne allow people unlimited withdrawals from their pensions after age 55.

And while most people are

Read it here first

MALAGA is the new Barcelona, according to the Daily Mail… Now where have we heard that before?

It appears that where an Olive Press columnist ventures, the UK nationals follow.

Described as a ‘thriving cultural scene’ the UK national’s article has a sense of deja vu about it.

The parallel between the two Spanish cities was first made by Olive Press columnist Adam Neale as far back as February 3.

Pointing to the cost of living, as well as the cultural landmarks on offer, both Neale and then the Mail picked up on the growing popularity of the southern city.

And now our rival newspapers on the Costa del Sol have jumped on the bandwagon too, with articles appearing in both the Euro Weekly News and the Sur in English.

not seeking an immediate payout it seems those that do are spending it overseas.

“While it is far too early to draw any definite trends, it has been interesting to see the wide variety of reasons people have given [for withdrawals] - everything from paying off debt to purchasing a speedboat,” said Jamie Jenkins, head of pensions strategy at Standard Life.

“It serves to remind us how varied people’s lives are.”

Property investment was identified as the ‘number one’ reason for withdrawing money, whether that be paying off a mortgage or buying a holiday home.

A bentley, a speedboat and ‘thai girls and booze’ were just some of the alternative reasons offered by pensioners withdrawing their cash.

Clean sweep THE Olive Press campaign to K.O. unethical business kickbacks is gathering momentum week on week, as more local lawyers and estate agents back our clean-up call.

And now it is easy to see exactly which firms are supporting our campaign, by visiting the ‘Kick out the kickbacks’ page on the Olive Press website.

The ongoing probe aims to expose a practice of lawyers giving estate agents ‘backhanders’ of up to 20% for working on conveyancing deals.

And the growing support from legal and real estate firms doing things by the book only emphasises the need to stamp out the dodgy dealings.

A total of 12 law firms and five estate agents are already backing the campaign and we are still appealing for more to step forward.

To view the full list of lawyers and agents already supporting our campaign and read previous articles, visit: www.theolivepress.es/kickout-the-kickbacks

Top Dollar

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35

Self-styled Cupid’s mobile matchmaking business sparks feminist fury

taking aim at what they call a derogatory practice that objectifies women.

“Feminists are calling this

UNEMPLOYMENT in Spain fell by 63,200 in March, suggesting that the nation really is rising from the ashes of the crisis.

This makes it the highest single-month reduction in jobless figures since 2002, according to the seasonally-adjusted statistics.

The Basque Country is the only region in Spain that has not seen its jobless rate fall, recording instead an increase of 510 unemployed over the year.

While a total of 4.45 million are still unemployed in Spain, this is down 323,927 on one year ago.

Spanish consumer confidence is improving and the econom y looks to be in recovery mode.

event sexist,” lamented an unrepentant Gozalo. “But it’s just a meetup of women and men.”

Started in 1995, women pay €20 for a weekend of rural living, while their male counterparts cough up €50 to participate in the events.

While Gozalo insists it is an innocent event, feminists have taken exception to it.

“From the publicity, one would deduce that the women don’t have a right to decide who they will spend their time with or how,” said Marisa Tena, of feminist association Malvaluna.

“Instead that power will reside with the men who paid €50.”

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Taxing times Lawyer Antonio Flores explains how to avoid the ‘terror’ of a tax inspection

T

Road to recovery SPAIN’S PMI - an economic indicator derived from private sector companies - rose to a twomonth peak of 56.9, inline with the Eurozone recovery.

MALAGA airport will increase the number of flights to various destinations over the summer, particularly Madrid, as well as Birmingham, England and Edinburgh, Scotland.

AGONY ANT

HE Spanish Tax Office (AEAT) carried out just under 500,000 tax inspections in 2013. Although these enquiries are triggered when the tax authorities ‘smell a rat’, they are usually also conducted at random, so no one is ‘safe’.

Standard practice for avoiding an inspection includes getting good advice from your accountant, declaring everything you should declare, avoiding risky schemes and paying taxes in a timely manner.

Keep the tax inspectors at a distance by bearing these golden rules in mind when you make your next tax return: Personal expenses: Be careful when deducting these, if you have the notion that clothes, Mercadona shopping and rounds of pub drinks are legitimate business expenses. They are not!

Vehicle purchase: With the exception of transport companies, travelling salesmen and similar, you can only deduct 50% of the purchase value, unless you can prove that the business activity is wholly dependent on the vehicle/ transport. One famous example relates to the well-named Sr. Cuatrecasas, the chairman of Spain’s second largest law firm, who has just settled a criminal prosecution brought against him for trying to include his luxury yacht, private properties and furniture as deductible corporate expenses.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Taking off

TICKET TO RIDE: Gozalo’s caravan

Jobs on the up!

3535

April 16th - April 30th 2015

Women on wheels A SPANISH matchmaker is facing a backlash from politicians and feminists after sending bus-loads of single women to meet men in the country’s most rural areas.

For an astonishing 20 years, 58-year-old Manuel Gozalo has run his ‘Caravans of Women’ scheme to ‘stave off depopulation’ in the country’s most remote villages.

In the past year he has sent more than 260 coach loads of chicas around the country as part of his Asocamu business.

But now more than 10,000 people have signed a petition

the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

Holidays: For obvious reasons, these are not deductibles expenses.

Documenting expenses: For an expense to be deductible, a proper ‘factura’ (invoice) is necessary. Receipts or tickets are not valid.

Habitual residence: The AEAT has different ways to establish whether a person is living in the property they claim to be their habitual residence: checking water and electricity consumption levels, children’s schools or even asking the neighbours.

Using companies to offer professional services: Although invoicing for professional services through a limited company is not illegal, this very basic scheme has recently come under fire. The AEAT will apply one simple principle to prevent service providers paying less tax: ‘the market cost of a service is what someone alien to the provider is prepared to pay’. Anything different is incongruous to the AEAT, and will invariably attract hefty fines.

Mistakes or errors in tax returns: Any tax advisor will confirm that one mistake on a tax return can cost hundreds of euros in potential rebates and may trigger an inspection.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

Prime location SPAIN’S richest man, retail magnate Amancio Ortega, has reached an agreement to acquire the building hosting Primark in Oxford Street for €552m.

Bridging it BUILDING is underway on a new bridge in Estepona connecting the urbanisations of Park Beach, Costalita, Hacienda and Sun Beach.

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the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

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Top Dollar

Stop the music!

Nice to be nice

BUDGET airline Ryanair is bringing smiles to the faces of its passengers through its ‘be nice’ policy.

The Dublin-based airline saw numbers soar by 28% in March, flying 1.5million more customers than in the same period last year.

And the airline’s management are claiming their charm offensive is partly responsible for the positive stats.

Chief executive Michael O’Leary said the airline’s policy is to make its passengers feel ‘warm and fuzzy’.

“If I’d known being nicer to customers was going to work so well, I’d have done it ages ago,” he added.

“I want us to be more liked, more useful - the thing about Ryanair is that it has a bit of a swagger.”

April 16th - April 30th

Spain cracks down on illegal downloads following damning report THE national court has ordered internet providers to block Goear.com, a popular music streaming website.

This follows the decisions to block The Pirate Bay website last month on copyright grounds.

A study revealed earlier this year that an incredible 88% of online content watched in Spain is streamed illegally, making the country one of Europe’s worst offenders for pirated films and music.

But now that could all change as Spain finally toughens its stance on illegal streaming and downloading.

After its success in persuading a Madrid court to sanction blocking The Pirate Bay, the Association of Intellectual Rights Management (AGEDI) set its sights on Goear, which provides unlicensed access to an estimated four million tracks.

Early efforts to close the site were blocked by the Spanish court, overruling the Ministry of Culture’s ruling that it was illegal.

But after reviewing the case, the court has backtracked and now given local internet providers just 72 hours to block goear.com.

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37 37

the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

Advertorial

Capital Gains Tax changes could spell trouble for expats owning UK property Foreign owners of UK property assets are being advised to seek property valuations to avoid falling foul of changes to Capital Gains Tax, writes David Westgate – Managing Director, Andrews Letting & Management

C

hanges to Capital Gains Tax for UK property investors based out a valuation on your property as soon after that date as posoverseas were first announced by George Osborne last year sible. and now here we are, just a few weeks’ away from the new That way, both you and HMRC will know exactly how much your legislation being introduced. property is worth from the very outset of the new regime and any In essence, this will mean that if you’re resident outside of the increase can be easily calculated from that date forward.

UK and you decide to sell a property which you continue to own Without an accurate valuation in place, you’ll be required to there, then you will be liable to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on seek a retrospective valuation on your property at such point as any rise in value between April 6 2015 and the you come to sell it in the future. date on which you sell that property, once annual This will not only cost more to commission, but could Can you CGT exemptions have been deducted (currently also be subject to closer scrutiny and analysis by £11,000 per person).

HMRC. afford not to Some investors have taken action in the last year Andrews has had it confirmed by HMRC in recent take action by making the decision to sell these properties to weeks that they will honour such a valuation when avoid being landed with a large CGT bill. calculating any capital gains made in the future, so now?

If, however, you haven’t been able to do this or can you afford not to take action now? are undecided on how you wish to manage your Andrews’ sister company Landmark is able to offer UK-based property investments over the longer term, there is still this service and any survey booked via http://www.landmarkpositive action that you can take to ensure that you manage the surveyors.co.uk will be eligible for a 15% discount on fees. situation most effectively.

If, however, you continue to spend time in the UK, or think you Simply, gains started accruing on April 6 and as such, we’d admay even return to the UK full time at some stage, you may wish vise first and foremost to get a RICS Registered Valuer to carry to take advantage of the Principal Private Residence relief (PPR).

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However, changes are afoot here too, and moving to qualify for PPR relief, the owner of a UK property only needs to show that they have spent at least 90 days in the property for each year when they are not UK resident.

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The first European circuit of the season sees the world’s top two-wheelers descend on the Circuito de Jerez on May 3.

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Holiday Apartment

Business

Pet

Community

Car sales accelerate NEW car sales in Spain have gone into overdrive, rising by a substantial 40.5% in March.

This marks 19 consecutive months of growth for the motoring market as purchases continue to rev up, helped in part by a government subsidy scheme.

A total of 112,299 vehicles were sold in March, the first time in almost five years that sales exceeded 100,000 in the first quarter.

their perch.

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi holds the most circuit wins, with three, while last sea-

ernment since new regulations came into play last April.

In total, foreign drivers have paid a massive €60 million to the UK Treasury since a levy was introduced last year.

The levy means that all lorries registered outside the UK and weighing more than 12 tonnes must pay up to €15 a day or €1,500 per year to drive on British roads.

Foreign lorry drivers from 90 different countries have paid 1.8 million in road tolls so far.

Polish operators have spent the most, contributing 26% of the levy.

Operators in Romania have accounted for almost 12%, and Spanish drivers have paid for 8% of all foreign levies.

Truckers from overseas who ignore the levy face a €450 on-the-spot fine.

son saw young pretender Marc Marquez stomp to victory.

The race in Jerez marks the start of what many riders describe as the most important part of the season.

With the travels afar out the way and any offseason cobwebs cleared away, the race in Jerez should reveal who the real title contenders are.

Pump up the volume MOTORISTS in Spain could be in for a fuel windfall as a plan to save at the pumps is set in motion.

Run by the Spanish consumer association, OCU, it aims to give motorists a fairer deal through a loyalty card scheme.

Working on the concept of ‘collective purchasing’, the scheme is the first of its kind in Spain.

“The OCU believes that consumers are suffering as a result of fast-rising prices and that motorists are being ripped off by a lack of competition in the motor fuel sector,” a spokesman said.

“Together we can get more, and now our goal is to achieve a better price for gasoline and diesel.”

Participation is free. To sign up visit www.quieropagarmenosgasolina.org before May 12.

GOLF In the swing of it

39

Golf IS for girls Costa del Golf’s female players claim sex equality hasn’t ‘buggered up the game’ in Spain VETERAN TV sports commentator Peter Alliss has blamed the fight for gender equality in golf for ‘buggering up the game’.

Alliss, regarded by many as ‘the voice of British Golf’, claims that thousands of women have ditched the sport after Harriet Harman’s Equality Act, which ended reduced fees and free club facilities for wives.

The 84-year-old former professional told Radio Times: “The Ladies’ Golf Union has lost 150,000 members since equality for women came in.

“Hundreds of women have left golf clubs because they’ve gone from paying half fare to full fare. It’s caused mayhem.”

The Costa del Sol has a huge female golfing population with associations such as the Marbella Ladies Golfing Association and G.I.R.L.S golf.

Lynn Fisher, who is on the committee of the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation, said: “Here on the Costa del Sol there are no restrictions for women and never have been so it’s a different kettle of fish.

By Iona Napier “Interestingly, though, most of the men who don’t really approve of women golfers are British anyway.

“Mostly they let ladies play under sufferance.”

Spanish female golfers are

also on the rise with stars such as world number 16, Azahara Munoz, who hails from San Pedro de Alcantara.

Statistics show up to 25% of golfers are now female, and Scotland’s Royal St George’s Club recently ended its menonly rule after 128 years.

No major problem HE may have flown the flag for Spanish golfers for well over a decade, but Sergio Garcia is yet to win a major… something he claims ‘he no longer dreads’.

Ranked number eight in the world and part of five Ryder Cup winning teams, the 35-year-old is running out of time to tick off the one remaining box on an otherwise illustrious CV. But he claims that he has ‘got over’ the fear of ending his career without a major win.

“It is important but it’s not the ultimate thing,” said Garcia.

“At the end of the day, the most important thing for me when I quit playing golf is to leave the game better than when I started. Hopefully I can put my little fingerprint on it and help it a little bit.”

most

OUTSPOKEN: Alliss

Columnists

40 the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

The birds and the bees Belinda Beckett, Mistress of Sizzle, reflects on the rites of spring

I

F you’ve been in the countryside of late, you’ll have noticed that spring has sprung. There’s fecundity and fornication in the air and everywhere you look (and I’m not a voyeur) Mother Nature is getting it on, the hussy.

It’s all happening down here in Los Barrios. The birds and the bees, the storks (making their own babies), the tortoises in the river (strange but true); humans too, judging by the number of new baby clothes shops sprouting in Los Barrios.

They’re all doing it!

Jealous? Moi? (I hope Dave’s not reading this).

Our patio has taken on the appearance of a pornographic film set for flora and fauna, and the air is abuzz with copulating carpenter bees. When they’re not pollinating the season’s first blue wisteria blooms (unbelievable, even the plants are at it!) they’re having it away on the wing.

I don’t know whether you’ve seen a carpenter bee (biology byte: so-called because they nest in wood) but they’re black, shiny and bloody gi-nor-

HIGHER LOVE: Mil e High Club for storks

CONSCIOUS COUPLING: A civil partnership of storks ©cadizturismo mous (about the size of your clasped together in coitus, thumb). When there are two of that’s scary. them dive-bombing you while All along my walking route,

You’ve come a long way, Baby

I WANT MY MULLET BACK:Giles in the 80s

A

T the end of last month I celebrated something of a personal milestone. It wasn’t anything that a self-help book, life coach or personal therapist had advised, but it was a significant achievement nevertheless. March 25 marked 30 years since I moved to Marbella.

As I am originally from Staffordshire, you can well imagine that the move was seamless.

Stoke on Trent and Marbella are so similar, it is almost uncanny. Substitute the longboats on the Trent and Mersey Canal for the superyachts moored in the millionaires’ playground of Puerto Banus and you’ll see what I mean.

Education was even more fun. Coming from an all-boys independent school - where you wore a uniform, where life-sized portraits of longdead headmasters gazed sternly down on you during morning assembly and the school song was in Latin - to start in the sixth form of an international college on the coast was a shock.

This was the mid 80s, there was no school uniform and everybody looked as if they had just stepped out of a Brat Pack movie. Think ‘Top Gun’ meets ‘Pretty in Pink’ and you’ll get the general idea of the fashions worn in class.

Classes were mixed, which caused all sorts of trouble with my adolescent hormones. To be perfectly honest, and judging by my dating history since 1985, I’m not sure I’ve ever recovered. Added to that was the fact that there were 32 different nationalities at the college from all over the world, when the closest we had got to that at my previous school was the

replacement French teacher from Lyon...

Spain was a very different country then and I call the period when I moved over ‘Jurrasic Marbella’. Franco may have been dead for a decade and Felipe Gonzalez’s socialists in power, but the police were still pretty heavyhanded when it came to dealing with teenagers on 50cc motorbikes. I learnt a painful and valuable lesson then that still applies today – never talk back to the Guardia Civil.

But at the same time, Spain was going through its ‘Movida’ stage, and young people were out to have a great time. I’ll never forget the first time that I walked down towards Marbella Port and saw hundreds of kids my age partying outside the dozens of bars. It was as far away to having a sneaky cider in the car park of a Stoke pub as you could imagine and I threw myself into the lifestyle with what could charitably be described as ‘gusto’.

To describe the following 30 years would take a book in itself (working title ‘It must have been a fun night. I’ve got bruises in all the right places.’) but one thing stands out. The many friends that I made that first summer of living in Spain are still my closest, and Marbella made me the man I am today.

Bald, single and heading back to rehab!!!

there are birds bonking. Los Barrios boasts one of the largest nesting stork colonies in Europe. I’m a can’t-tell-storkfrom-butter girl myself but I know they don’t have two backs and four wings.

Every pylon and telegraph pole is topped with a breeding pair, joined as the season progresses by two or three smaller, fluffy heads - clear evidence of what they’ve been up to. The local council even provides the beds! They make special nesting ramps above the electric cables to prevent the storks from getting roasted... in one way...

There’s one pair making whoopee atop our church tower, which makes you wonder how they manage it. Even with wings, it must take some doing.

They’re local celebrities, an avian civil partnership who return to the same nest, year on year (sweet!). We’ve got kestrels going bats in our belfry, too, though it’s coitus interruptus when the bells ring.

There’s only one creature in our village who doesn’t conform to these vernal cavortings. Margarita: a moggie for all seasons. Spring, summer, autumn, winter - she’s hot to trot, the strumpet! She’s had half a dozen litters already and she’s barely out of kitten-hood herself.

She’s owned, in a casual way, by the lady who runs our neighbouring sweetshop (the one run from a garage). She sleeps rough but is allowed out back to have her brood. All have been found homes.

The last batch was jet black and I don’t have to look beyond our own rooftop to know which big, butch, black, ballsy, earbitten alley cat is the culprit.

He’s out there every day now, prowling, yowling and spraying.

Yes, spring has sprung in Los Barrios. It’s time to give them all – plants, carpenter bees and alley cats - a good cooling off with the hosepipe!

C lassifieds

41 www.theolivepress.es

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4242the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015 the olive press

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FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

A dog’s life,

by Eddie the hotel hound

Squeaky Fun I’ve lost my squeaky. This may not come as a surprise, given that I am a rescue dog and we all get neutered at Adana… but I’m not talking euphemistically about that squeaky

I REFER to plastic toys which make annoying high-pitched noises when you bite and chew them. I’ve had a few over the years. My favourite was a chicken in a bikini which a guest gave me, and said it reminded him of his ex wife.

There is a problem though. After a time, the bit that makes the squeak falls out. This presents a dilemma for He-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed because he’s actually hugely fond of me BUT it means putting his hand in his pocket and spending some of his ill-gotten gains.

The hotel and restaurant must have been busy at Easter because he has just lashed out €5 on a new football boot toy, complete with irritating sound.

It’s now my favourite toy, for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Mistress gets really annoyed by it when I squeak it a lot (maximum reaction when she’s trying to read or siesta ) or leave it in the middle of the room where she kicks it as she walks past.

She is quite a nice person – especially compared to him – but I can elicit a string of abuse from her if I get my timing right.

Secondly, you can play ‘the table game’ with the toy. You just need a dining table in the centre of a room and you can play chase all day.. First one way, then the other. I have perfected the art of always being diametrically opposite to the chaser.

Frustrated, the cunning chaser has even tried to vault the table to reach me but they’re way too BUTTER WOULDN’T MELT: Eddie slow. So much fun!

To get in touch with Eddie, contact his owners Andy and Pauline at the Hotel Molino del Santo. Bda Estacion s/n, 29370 Benaojan, Malaga. 952 167 151 - 952 167 927. info@molinodelsanto.com

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FORGET the feeding of the five thousand! Five kilometres of tables and almost 15,000 chairs lined Aviles in Asturias, northern Spain, for the annual ‘Comida en la Calle’ street food festival.

Over 20,000 people dined Last Supper-style at one very long table that was set up from 11pm on Easter Sunday, ready for the Monday celebrations, a hit since the festival was born in 1993.

Extended Spanish families packed out tables groaning with everything from tortilla and torta to croquetas and crema catalana – with cider and wine in no short supply.

Most people contribute their own home-cooked dishes to the feast.

But, for those less adept in the kitchen, the Xagos de Miranda doled out 1,000 portions of fabada – a rich bean stew typical of Asturias.

FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

45

Oil la la!

Famous French designer to invest €15 million transforming disused olive oil factory INTERNATIONAL designer Philippe Starck is set to invest €15 million in a tourism project related to organic farming and olive oil.

Frenchman Starck, one of the world’s top designers, plans to renovate a historic oil factory on the outskirts of the mountain town.

The 66-year-old is already the artistic director of Ronda-based company La Amarilla, whose luxury olive oil sells in Harrods in London.

He described himself as a ‘lover of Andalucian spirit’ when he presented his latest plans to the Junta’s tourism minister, Luciano Alonso, in Malaga this week.

By Tom Powell Starck, who has led cultural projects in New York and London as well as refurbishing Bilbao’s Corn Exchange in 2010, claimed the initiative will be ‘great for tourism in Andalucia’.

“The interest of a world-renowned designer like Starck highlights the extraordinary attraction that Andalucia has become worldwide,” insisted Alonso.

Other famous people who have raved about Ronda include chefs Jamie Oliver and Jean Christophe Novelli, UK prime minister David Cameron and DJ Fatboy Slim.

CULTURE VULTURE: Philippe Starck

Win a chocolate-making extravaganza by solving the photographic mystery

Inside Oolal’s lab

By E MC²

Evidence of the afterlife discovered in Mijas ‘DUSTING-resistant cobwebs’ spotted beneath a seemingly misplaced bag of chocolate at the Mayan Monkey Mijas Chocolate Factory yesterday prompted a team member to send a WhatsApp photo request for advice to company management.

The ‘Costa del Sol Real Ghost Research Society’ was immediately contacted when a pair of ‘dangling furry legs’ appeared after the photograph was retouched in line with current ‘selfie’ standards.

What at first glance seems to be a perfectly normal bag of chocolate is in fact the ghost of an infant spider monkey.

Although those gifted with infrared vision have reported seeing a ‘cuddly toy’, this theory has been rejected by investigators since infrared sight is not a native human faculty.

Mijas historians insist there are no records of a simian population living in the town, and it is thought the ghost may be that of a donkey levitating at an anti-natural angle.

At the time of going to press, the chocolate factory team were understood to find the ghost ‘quite cute’, while a town hall source added that as long as all relevant ‘paranormal’ taxes were paid, the ghost could stay.

QUESTION: What Chocolate Factory did the ghost of a spider monkey recently appear in, and – in your opinion - why?

Post answers to www.facebook.com/mayanmonkey for your chance to win a free chocolate-making workshop at Mayan Monkey Mijas.

46

the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

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FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Spain on a plate Take your tastebuds on a virtual tapascum-gastro tour as Iona Napier whets your appetite with some of the nation’s famous foodie favourites

Spanish paprika. Simples!

ASTURIAS – Where the cider house rules GALICIA – First catch your octopus THEY go OTT for octopus in Galicia, the northwest corner of Spain, where no self-respecting tapas bar omits this delicious dish, now famous nationwide.

Ritualistically dipping the octopus in and out of boiling water in a copper pot makes the tentacles curl up nicely. The old method of beating it with a rock (don’t worry, not when it’s alive) will make it more tender.

Traditionally served on a wooden plate, it’s served with boiled potatoes and a few glugs of olive oil seasoned with sweet

Asturias is Spain’s largest cider producer, accounting for 80% and growing over 30 different apple varieties.

It is traditionally served estanciada – poured from a great height to aerate the drink. The drinker downs it in one but leaves a little at the bottom of the glass to tip on the floor.

The reason? Either to clean the glass or, as Celtic legend has it, to return to earth a little or what it has produced.

PAIS VASCO – Basking in gastro glory A WONDROUS, hearty worker’s lunch could sum up Asturias’ culinary identity, comprising cider and fabada, a rich, meaty bean stew.

Their famous flat, tart, 4-6%-proof cider is not so much a drink as a national treasure.

culture, pinchos (or to the Basques, pintxos) are the more elaborate older brother of tapas.

So-called because pinxto means ‘spike’, a toothpick pins ingredients to bread, from traditional tortilla to miniature ‘gastrotastic’ creations.

A serious sport in the Basque country, a pintxo crawl is not to be taken lightly – bars compete for coveted food trophies and tough competition keeps the culinary quality extremely high.

The Basque Country pintxo capital? San Sebastian.

CANTABRIA – Oceans of choice

A CORNERSTONE of Basque

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FOOD & DRINK 47 www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com ing boiled pork blood and even a yellow, egg-based version.

LA RIOJA – Wine and vine LA Rioja is proof that the best things come in small packages: it covers just 5,000km2 but produces 250 million litres of internationally-acclaimed wine per year, and is incredibly rich in natural resources.

Man cannot live on wine alone, however, and typical cuisine includes patatas a la riojana (potatoes with chorizo) and chuletillas al sarmiento (lamb cutlets with vine shoots).

WINDSWEPT Atlantic Cantabria, perching on the shores of the Bay of Biscay, unsurprisingly serves up an incredible array of seafood.

The coastline may look a bit like Britain but the culinary flavours are vibrant, spicy and rich. However, like the Brits, rich, hearty stews are a favourite, given the sometimes gloomy weather.

A speciality, almejas a la marinera – clams in a garlicky white wine sauce – is best with a crusty baguette to mop up the juice, and has become a Spanish favourite – especially at Christmas.

more rivers than anywhere else in Spain, gets our vote for simple, classical cooking.

It is believed that lamb united the three cultures in the area – Muslim, Christian and Jewish – and the young lamb, served up as ternasco, is still a cultural point of reference.

The delicacy fardeles is, in layman’s terms, like a meatball married to a sausage. It’s made from pigs liver, seasoned with spices and wrapped in kidney skins.

NAVARRA – Sausage heaven

DEAL AT RONDA’S MOST

POPULAR AWARD WINNING HOTEL! Molino del Santo is offering three special deals during the month of April. Which will you choose?

DEAL 1 - EAT AND STAY OVER

MADRID – Capital fare THE king of winter stews, cocido madrileno is heavy on chickpeas, meats, vegetables and is of Jewish sephardic origin from the Middle Ages Tradition dictates that the separate components – first the stock, then the vegetables and, finally, the meat – arrive separately. Sometimes the leftovers become the basis for croquetas, a tapa favourite.

Bed and Breakfast – with our popular monthly menu for two people You also receive a bottle of our excellent house wine on us for each room – and we’ll give you a free room upgrade on arrival subject to availability.

Price per person in a Standard balcony room – 82 euros.

DEAL 2 - EAT a la CARTE, STAY OVER & MASSAGE Bed and Breakfast and three courses from our A La Carte Menu, a bottle of our excellent house wine on us with a relaxing half hour back or leg massage per person included. Free room upgrade on arrival subject to availability.

CATALUNYA – A culinary cornucopia

THIS bright red sausage – a thin chorizo flavoured with garlic, salt and paprika – is Navarra’s speciality, best served fried or grilled.

Although the production of chistorra may be off-putting for the squeamish – made of minced pork (and sometimes beef) encased in lamb tripe or plastic – these piquant bangers are undeniably tasty.

They’re fast-cure sausages, usually dried for 2-25 days, and can reach up to a metre in length – a banger and a half!

IF you’ve ever been to La Boqueria fruit market in Barcelona, where sellers shout like fishwives over mountains of fresh fruit, you’ll understand how much pleasure the Catalans take in food.

Popular Catalan exports on the Spanish national menu include pan tumaca (tomato on bread) crema catalana (crème brulee), aioli (garlic sauce) and butifarra (a type of sausage).

Butifarra is made to ancient Roman recipes and exists in a glorious rainbow of variety: white butifarra made of lean meat, black butifarra contain-

ARAGON – Cuisine classics

Price per person in a Standard Terrace Room – 117 euros.

CASTILLA LA MANCHA – Quixotic cuisine DON Quixote’s sidekick, Sancho Panza, was a well-fed fellow and, with his home turf being the birthplace of Manchego and migas (breadcrumbs with meaty titbits), that’s no surprise.

Whether or not marzipan was invented by Toledo’s nuns, knock at the entrance of any convent in the city and you will involve yourself in a behindclosed-doors trading operation the envy of the finest drug barons!

DEAL 3 - SPECIAL 5 COURSE TASTING MENU, STAY OVER & MASSAGE Bed and Breakfast with our excellent Five Course Tasting Menu included along with a super relaxing hour long whole body massage per person. We’ll include a glass of local wine matched to each course of the menu totally free.

Price per person in a Superior Room – 147 euros.

All bookings subject to availability. New reservations only.

Other combinations possible – just call or e-mail us at info@molinodelsanto.com.

We’re also open every day for non-residents for coffee, teas, lunch and dinner. Come and discover for yourself the best food in the Ronda area.

Lots of people come on the train too- contact us for more details

LUSH, unspoilt Aragon, with

RESTAURANTE at

Hotel Molino del Puente

I

Tapas

Open for lunch on Saturday & Sunday and dinner Tuesday to Sunday

47

CHOOSE YOUR SPECIAL the olive press - April 16th - April 30th 2015

Monday evening tapas night is back!!

14.50 for a fun night of food tasting

Tel: 952 874 164 or visit www.hotelmolinodelpuente.com 5 mins from Ronda on the A374 Ronda/Sevilla Road

“It’s really hard to find a restaurant this good on the Costa del Sol – and it’s great value for money.” MW April 2015

VALENCIA – Paella paradise Paella Valenciana is Spanish gastronomy’s crowning glory, said to be born of a beautiful union between the Romans, who supplied the pan, and the Arabs, who brought the rice.

The legend goes that slaves of Moorish kings created the dish out of left-overs from royal banquets.

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Free Guide to 101 THINGS TO DO IN THE RONDA AREA available by e-mailing info@molinodelsanto.com

FRE E GIF T

the dog Eddie

Follow us on Facebook for Special Offers Hotel Molino del Santo www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA

Costa del Crime A BRITISH production company is to begin filming a new television series, called Cash, focusing on a mafia boss’ money laundering business in Marbella.

the

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olive press F

Telephone: 951 273 575

FINAL WORDS

Being Franco SPAIN’S former fascist leader General Franco will finally be officially recognised as a dictator in a rewrite of his biography El Generalisimo.

Walk this way MIJAS Town Hall is offering 50 lucky children a free trip to the ‘world’s deadliest walkway’, the Caminito del Rey, on April 26.

Over and out CONSERVATION groups have announced the Western Black ERhino is now extinct.

April 16th - April 30th 2015

Restaurant, Takeaway, Bar & Café Menus At Your Fingertips

www.theolivepress.es

WWW.GIBRALTAR-MENU.COM

Kicking up a stink

London’s burning SUN worshippers in London, UK, have been treated to a warm bout of weather this month with temperatures soaring above those in Spain to 25 degrees.

Covering Andalucia in 2015 with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) and around 500,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

NO SQUATTING: Polite request

By Rob Horgan ANDALUCIAN football clubs are part of a ground-breaking study into homophobia in the game.

The University of Sevilla has teamed up with Arco Iris, which represents the LGBT community in Spain, to asses the level of tolerance towards gay footballers.

La Liga clubs Cordoba, Granada, Malaga and Sevilla are taking part in the ongoing study, as well as a number of lower league sides.

No top-flight Spanish footballer has ever publicly come out as gay - something Arco Iris believes must change.

“We are urging players to come out and stop hiding their partners so they can serve as role models for young gays, in the same way heterosexual players do,” a spokesman for the federation said.

The study involves players, coaches and management

WALKERS taking on the world-renowned Camino de Santiago, in northwest Spain, are being urged to stop defecating outdoors.

Signs declaring the area as a poop-free zone have emerged in the village of Gali-

cia as its residents have become fed-up with the mess.

Lavatories are available in towns and hostels along the route but it appears walkers cannot resist the urge to be at one with nature.

info@gibraltar-menu.com

What happens on tour...

Kick it out!

Gay soccer stars in Spain urged to come out and be counted as role models

answering a short questionnaire.

The report’s director, Joaquin Piedra, hopes it will break down the stigma attached to football in the country.

“In Spain football is currently seen as an area of male dominance, with a pronounced tendency to exclude anyone who deviates from the ‘norm’,” he said.

ROLE MODELS: Ronaldo and Messi

Clash of the titans

THE world’s two most celebrated footballers could put their rivalry to one side and don the same strip in a oneoff exhibition game.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo are tipped to appear in a North v South European super-clash.

The La Liga duo would appear for the southern Europe side alongside stars from the French and Italian leagues.

Meanwhile the northern Europe side would be comprised of the best players from the English, German and Russian leagues.

TOP OF THE MOPS: Jalon

Money for old mops AUCTIONEERS are looking to clean up when they sell the first ever mop and bucket, invented by a Spaniard in 1956.

The brainchild of aeronautical engineer Manuel Jalon will have a reserve price of €300 at auction house Balclis.

Jalon’s design, although slow to catch on, revolutionised housework, meaning cleaners no longer had to work on their hands and knees.

The original mop and bucket is rare and one of the few copies lives in the Museum of Decorative Arts in Barelona.

A BRITISH stag-do reveller allegedly roamed Spain for two days after a Barcelona taxi driver dumped him miles from his accommodation.

Plymouth father-of-twins Marc Carn, 29, claimed to have walked 100 miles to find his bearings after being stranded without his mobile phone or money.

Relatives raised the alarm when he vanished and missed his flight home, but they received a ‘garbled’ telephone call when he handed himself in to the British consulate after some 40 hours of absence.

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