Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 210

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April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Black Monday

OLIVE PRESS – Earpiece 4th & 18th March

Why is Ashya smiling again?

King family gives the Olive Press an exclusive interview

See Page 3

Laundry FM

HORRIFIC: Murder of expat couple while (right) police guard Gibraltar crime scene

Crossing of paths as a long weekend of Semana Santa processions sparks into life See our Easter special Semana Santa virgin See Pages 16-17

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IT will go down as one of the darkest days in expat history.

In a tragic Black Monday, a family-of-four was found dead in Gibraltar, while a retired couple were murdered in rural Alicante.

Peter and Jean Tarsey, both 77, were found by friends in Jalon, lying together on the sofa with their hands tied together and gunshot wounds to the head.

Photo by Rob Horgan

HOLY: Cross-bearer in Setenil

Quadruple ‘suicidemurder’ in Gibraltar, while retired expat couple shot dead in Alicante

By Tom Powell, Rob Horgan and Iona Napier Meanwhile, police officers in Gibraltar, including Superintendent Wayne Tunbridge who is leading the investigation, are receiving counselling after witnessing their own horrific murder scene.

A 31-year-old man, report-

edly from Liverpool, and his 37-year-old Spanish partner were found dead, alongside a four-year-old Spanish girl and a six-week-old baby girl.

All four had stab wounds, while the woman and children are believed to have had their throats cut.

They had moved to Gibraltar five days prior and were not known by their neighbours,

who heard the screams at 10:45am.

A government source told the Olive Press he believed that the man murdered his family before taking his own life.

“Put it this way, we don’t believe children of four years and six weeks could slash their own throats.”

He also hinted that the man Continues on Page 2

How a string of top celebrities helped mafia launder €200 million on the Costa del Sol See Pages 6-7

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Black day for Gibraltar may have come to Gibraltar to work in the online gaming industry, or ‘perhaps he had come out here for the kill’.

Intriguingly he added, a relative of the family apparently flew into Gibraltar that morning, ‘just hours’ before the bodies were found.

Police confirmed last night they are looking into the mental states of the two adults, along with various other lines of inquiry.

However, only officers deemed ‘mentally prepared’ are being allowed on the scene.

Commissioner Edward Yome said: “I will not allow officers that don’t need to see it to KEEPING WATCH: Police at scene be exposed to.”

The UK’s leading pathologist, Dr Cary, is flying into the Rock today (Wednesday) to carry out post mortems.

The children’s bodies were moved to St Bernard’s hospital on Tuesday morning due to hot weather, while the adult were moved later in the evening.

The names are being withheld until family members arrive in Gibraltar to meet police chiefs.

Nobody is currently being sought in connection with the murders.

A policeman working on the case told the Olive Press the door had to be forced open to find the bodies, while the kitchen light was still on.

Manager of nearby Paparazzi cafe, Bryan Zammit told the Olive Press that the whole of Gibraltar was ‘in shock’.

“It was crazy, there were police everywhere, I ran out on to the street to see what was going on and was told to stay back,” he said.

“I have been here for 25 years and nothing compares to this.

“Gibraltar is such a small place, we are all like family here.”

See Devastated on Page 13

CRIME NEWS

April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Murdered in each other’s arms

One down, nine to go

Former British olympic diver and loving wife executed at Jalon home

AN expat couple murdered in Alicante had been robbed twice and recently put their house on the market.

Peter and Jean Tarsey, both 77, who had lived in Spain for two decades, had made plans to move to Mallorca to be near one of their sons.

But tragically their plans were halted when intruders broke into their home on Sunday and shot them both after tying them up.

The pair were found in their country villa in Jalon, near Benidorm, by friends who had come around for dinner.

Locked in each other’s arms on their sofa, they were surrounded by bullet casings.

The only item apparently stolen was a television, while a computer and a webcam were bizarrely found in the swimming pool.

The police are treating the case as homicide, after confirming no gun was found at the scene.

The couple, who had been expats in Spain for 18 years, had no criminal history.

Mr Tarsey was a former

TRAGIC: Police at the couple’s home while (inset) happier times Olympic diver who competed for Great Britain at the 1956 games in Melbourne.

Neighbours described the pair, who were well known locally, as a ‘lovely couple’.

The couple had put their three-bedroom villa up for sale for €230,000 in order to

move to live nearer to their son, Sascha, who lives in Palma de Mallorca.

BANGED UP: Walford

A CONVICTED killer who was on the run has been detained by Spanish police in the Canary Islands.

Shane Walford was arrested just five days after his named on a list of Britain’s 10 most wanted fugitives.

The ex-soldier and former boxer killed Paul Gibbons, a father-oftwo off-duty fireman, with a single punch outside a bar in Coventry in 2010.

Walford and nine other men featured as part of the Operation Captura crackdown on British fugitives thought to be living in Spain.

They are wanted for crimes including rape, child sex attacks, manslaughter and drug trafficking.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es LEGEND: Bob Dylan

Blowin’ in to Granada

April 2nd - April 15th 2015

3

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE

Grinful of Ashya

HE’S being rocking the free world for over 50 years… now legendary American singer Bob Dylan is set to take to the stage in Andalucia this summer.

As part of his Never Ending Tour around the world, the 73-year-old will appear at the Palacio de Deportes, in Granada, on July 8.

Promoting his 36th album Shadows in the Night, Dylan will embark on a European tour in June, starting in Rome.

Age-old issue ANTONIO Banderas has said that Hollywood is not to

Fashionably late SPANISH superstar Antonio Banderas has revealed he is moving to London to study clothing design.

The Malaga-born 54-yearold is trading in the limelight for a rigorous course at the world-famous Central St Martin’s art school.

The college has alumni such as John Galliano, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen.

blame for women feeling pressured into cheating their age.

The 54-year-old blames society for the obsession with women needing to look young, but admits that men have it easier than women in Hollywood.

He said: “There’s a social convention that allows men to grow older and not be so criticised about beauty, and for women it’s different.”

Banderas - who recently called time on his 18-year marriage with Melanie Griffith, 57, to date Nicole Kimpel, 34 claims he finds grey hair and wrinkles ‘interesting’.

CAPTION: Caption Here

IT is a picture that will warm hearts and raise smiles throughout Spain.

It shows recovering Ashya King enjoying a family day in the sun, in Manilva, and playing with his older brother Matty.

But now the family have told the Olive Press they are making plans to move back to the UK, insisting they are unable

Ashya King happy and well in Spain… but family want to return home, they tell the Olive Press to make a living here.

While they are delighted with the health care in Spain for their son Ashya, who has just

been given the all-clear from cancer, they are unable to find substantial work here.

“It is practically impossible to

You do like Ron-Ron SHAKIRA’S pedestal of popularity has been shattered by a footballing upstart… from her boyfriend’s bitterest rival team.

Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken the Spain-based singing superstar as the most popular person on Facebook.

Shakira, who dates Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, has been overtaken by the Portuguese striker, with 107 million people declaring themselves Facebook fans.

Jivin’ and thrivin’ A POPULAR dance school has appeared in the BBC documentary Costa del Sol: Last Brits Standing.

JiveSpain, which has been teaching nifty steps to expats on the coast for seven years, is as much a social club as a dance class and boasts 1,300 members.

The group offers four nights of classes a week on the coast and has just launched a new venue at restaurant Los Arcos, between Coin and Cartama.

Visit www.JiveSpain.com for more information.

find work here, particularly for me and my older brother Danny,” Ashya’s brother Naveed revealed.

“He has already started to make a move back to England to get work and I need to join him.

“Of course, we love it here, but we can’t stay forever if we cannot work.”

The family have been living in a rented apartment between their old home in Casares and Marbella for the last few months, while Ashya has been undertaking rehabilitation treatment at the HC Marbella hospital.

On a recent visit to their favourite cafe in Manilva, father Brett told the Olive Press the family would miss the country.

“We are so happy with the treatment and the decision we made,” he said. “Look at him, look how well he is doing.

“While expensive it has been the best move for Ashya.”

CRAFTSMEN IN PAINT AND PAPER

Fat festival WORLD-renowned British super DJ Fatboy Slim will be dropping beats at Almeria’s Dreambeach festival this summer.

Fatboy - aka Norman Cook - is a regular in Spain in summer, having rented holiday homes around the Serrania de Ronda on various occasions.

He is being joined by a string of massive international DJs including Eric Prydz, Sven Vath, Paul Van Dyck, Armin Van Buuren and Paul Kalkbrenner for the two day DJ feast.

Dreambeach festival has won international awards.

The event takes place on August7-8, for more info visit www. dreambeach.es.

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www.theolivepress.es

April 2nd - April 15th 2015

NEWS IN BRIEF

Common sense at last as controversial Los Merinos golf in Ronda is finally scrapped...

Catastrophic crash

BUNKERED AT LAST

THE co-pilot Andreas Lubitz who crashed Germanwings Barcelona-Dusseldorf flight, killing all 150 on board, was being treated for suicidal tendencies.

Anarchy 15 MEMBERS of Grupos Anarquistas Coordinados (GAC) have been arrested in a bomb plot around Spain.

Jihad family A BARCELONA family has been detained for sending their underage twin children to join a Jihadi cell in Syria via Morocco.

Saving face

IT is a massive victory for common sense.

Ronda’s ill-conceived Los Merinos double golf course macro-project has been finally bunkered by the Supreme Court after over a decade of legal warfare.

Spain’s top court has backed a decision by the Andalucian High Court (TSJA) that the 783-home housing project on UNESCO-protected virgin land should be scrapped.

One of the most controversial schemes in Andalucia’s history was only finally stopped due to the bravery of local people, green groups and a campaign by the Olive Press So heated was the opposition

SURGEONS in Barcelona claim to have conducted the most complex ’face transplant’ in history, lasting 27 hours.

Speed saga DESPITE multi-billion euro investments, none of Spain’s AVE high-speed rail lines is turning a profit and benefitting neither businesses nor society, says study.

High Court backs a ruling that the 783 home macro-project on Unesco protected land can’t go ahead

By Iona Napier to the plan – promoted by a former boss of the Junta’s Department of Public Works – that thousands protested on the streets.

The small town of Cuevas del Becerro, which feared it would lose its water supply, called a general strike.

But arrogant bosses of the Club de Campo and Golf de www.theolivepress.es

Ronda ordered work to go ahead regardless - cutting down hundreds of protected oak trees - despite not having the final work licences.

So involved was Ronda Town Hall that incredibly, two local green policemen (‘patrulla verde’) were removed from their posts and put on traffic duty for daring to submit negwww.theolivepress.es

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HOW TO DEAL WITH A MID LIFE CRISIS

Living Consciously

**Western Edition**

page 3

Issue 20, October 19th 2007 CHRIS STEWART WRITES FOR THE OLIVE PRESS

PR ON THE PROWL

page 16

We send our hot new columnist to interview designer Sophie Cranston

page 22

His take on the Brits jailed for “saving the environment”

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Issue 33, May 01 2008

It’s a hard life: First International Winecreator meeting in Ronda

page 32

BUNKERED

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AN ecological nightmare, hundreds of ancient oaks apparently stand dead.

Pulled up for a huge golf macroproject, they line up in eerie rows like war graves in the Somme.

Many centuries old, they have been sacrificed for Europe’s insatiable desire for golf and holiday homes.

Part of the unrelenting costafication of Andalucia, they sound the death knell for nature conservation in southern Spain.

**Western Edition**

A year on the bungling investigation that never had a chance

Olive Press praised for bringing controversial golf scheme to ‘international audience’

INV live press EST IGA TE o

MADDIE

the olive press

La Cala Cougar moves inland

the olive press OH TO BE IN OLVERA

ative environmental reports.

When a trio of local expats joined a campaign by the Olive Press to oppose it, they were wrongfully sued by the developers to the tune of 21 million euros.

While later dubbed as ‘mafia tactics’ by a Judge, it came too late to prevent the untimely early death ‘from stress’ of green campaigner Alastair Boyd, aka Lord Kilmarnock.

Luckily, the British press, including the Times and Independent, picked up on the story following our exposes.

With Ecologistas en Accion and Greenpeace also weighing in this eventually led to in-depth stories in all of

“This is a cynical and botched attempt to create ambience around the golf course and create space,” said tree surgeon Kit Hogg. “I am sure very few of these protected trees will survive. It is disgusting.”

Despite ongoing efforts to stop the work, EU investigations and – crucially – no guarantee of water, work at Los Merinos, near Ronda continues unchecked. This is the true price of golf.

As Olive Press launches an investigation into plans for the last remaining virgin coastlines on the Costa de la Luz, Stranglers’ former frontman Hugh Cornwall pleads:

Don’t let them Strangle the Costa de la Luz!

Turn to pages 12 & 13

Lack of licences and economy blamed by developers for halt at Los Merinos scheme

SPAIN’S most controversial golf scheme has gone into the rough.

The Los Merinos project near Ronda has stopped all work at the site for “at least a year”.

Developers admit that a combination of the world economic situation, the property crisis and a lack of the correct licences are behind the halt.

The double golf course scheme with 800 houses and three luxury hotels had been continuing on Unesco-protected virgin woodland, despite opposition from both the Andalucian authorities and water board.

This week much of the machinery was being removed from the area, despite developer Copisa insisting that it was not “a total withdrawal or paralysis”.

Local sources told the Olive Press however, that a shortage of buyers, perhaps due to its controversy, had played a large part.

“This is a fantastic victory for all the brave locals who have fought tirelessly to stop it,” said Isabel Teresa Rosado, former mayor of Cuevas del Becerro, one of the towns most threatened by the scheme.

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With its low-pitched pantile roofs, and a central courtyard filled with fountains and a sunken kidneyshaped pool, it could easily be based on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, where BP is responsible for the world’s worst oil leak.

But the lavish six-bedroom home, with a tennis court, basketball court and games room, sits in the

Exclusive story page 4

My Top Ten best green escapes To help launch our new Green Guide, Greenpeace boss Juan Lopez de Uralde runs a rule over Spain’s top nature spots...

PLUS our Top Ten green hotels and a Top Ten of green cars Our 12-page green pullout starts on page 11

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EXCLUSIVE By Andrew Pearce and Jon Clarke SURROUNDED by orange trees and swathes of fragrant bougainvillea, it is the perfect palatial home to escape from the nightmare of the world’s worst ecological disaster.

But BP boss Tony Hayward might regret the style of the million-euro home, which has distinct shades of a Mexican hacienda.

EXCLUSIVE: Wanted sex offender Peter Wheatherley used a false name in court ONE of Britain’s ‘Most Wanted’ sex offenders used a fake name in court after losing his front teeth in a fracas.

Peter Wheatherley – who spent three years in jail for indecently assaulting a schoolgirl in 1996 - called himself ‘Peter Kennelly’ when suing for damages.

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GREEN SPECIAL: Under-fire BP boss finds the perfect retreat from his US nightmare... although his new Mexican-style hacienda could bring back bad memories...

Continued on page 4

When Confidence Matters

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HISTORY OF CAMPAIGNING: Beginning with the first ever Olive Press, we have continuosly fought against the Los Merinos development

Spain’s main newspapers.

However, in the end, it was not local opposition that stopped the 2000 hectare scheme, alongside the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, but the fundamental issue of water.

Despite numerous appeals from the developers and Ronda Town Hall, the Supreme Court has backed the TSJA Andalucian High Court ruling that the multi-million euro project would have affected the water supplies of at least seven neighbouring towns and villages.

Spain’s Hydrographic Confederation expressed its ‘overwhelmingly unfavourable position’ on the development, which led to the TSJA court’s retraction of the licence.

The first ever issue of the Olive Press campaigned against the proposal back in November 2006, when developers blocked a national footpath the GR-7, and we have followed the case’s twists and turns ever since.

Ronda Town Hall announced a few months ago that it was negotiating hard to try and preserve the project, proposing 400 houses and one golf course less.

Developers Copisa are now demanding €8.5 million back from Ronda town hall in licence fees paid.

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5

5

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

...While even Algarrobico is facing demolition

Top week for nature!

CONTROVERSIAL: The Algarrobico hotel in Almeria had ‘Hotel Ilegal’ painted on it by greenpeace

GREEN groups have praised in Almeria.

Green groups a decision by the Junta to fi- After the money, already paid rejoice as nally repossess the land on in licence fees has been rewhich Spain’s most contro- turned, it is understood deJunta finally versial hotel has been built. molition of the illegal hotel Greenpeace and Ecologis- can begin. takes steps to tas en Accion have hailed A spokesman for Ecologistas knock down the agreement to return said: “This is a positive step €2.3 million to the develop- and shows a change in the Algarrobico hotel er of 1the Algarrobico bookshop - olive press Post Boxes:Layout 12/02/2015 14:36Hotel, Page 1 politics of the Junta.”

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MY Greenpeace coastal protection specialist Pilar Marcos CY deadded: “It’s an intelligent cision.”

CMY Constructor Azata del Sol has been fighting hard to stop the K process, which has so far seen an incredible 94% of the hotel built.

While Spain’s High Court has so far issued four decrees against it, builders continued to construct the hotel on the beach inside the stunning Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

The Junta has now slammed the actions of Azata, which refused to voluntarily hand over the building after the land was ruled out of bounds for development.

Dubbed ‘Hotel illegal’ by Greenpeace protesters in 2006, work on the 400-room complex was halted when the Junta claimed licences were sold under an ‘illegal’ contract.

However, a series of u-turns have led to a bizarre contradictory stance by different authorities.

A final ruling by the Supreme Court next month will be the final nail in the coffin for the hotel.

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Green groups shocked as Algarrobico hotel is deemed legal while expats, as the Priors, such their dispute see d homes bulldoz ed

By Giles Brown

GREENPEACE the ‘dark forces’ has slammed that it claims are behind the inexplicabl decision to legalise e the El Algarrobico hotel.

The environme the Junta have ntal group and the decision of now appealed the Andalucian high court (TSJA) to overturn a ruling that monstrosity wasthe 20-storey on a protected built illegally virgin beach in Almeria.

They fear it will door to a golf now open the course, 1,500 homes and EIGHT more hotels in the area.

FREE

The Priors

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INSIDE The original and only English-langua investigative ge newspaper in Andalucía

Vol. 8 Issue

184 www.th eolivepr

ess.es

April 2 - April

16 2014

LEGAL: Develope rs can now complete the 411-room hotel built INSIDE Natural Park...a protected and with a golf course, more 1,500 houses hotels and coming next

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EXCLUSIVE: Discussions over a Queen visit to Gib ’s See page 12

OLIVE PRESS

STUNNED:

BUMPER 20-PAG E GUIDE

olive press DISGRACE! the

OPINION

A DECADE of court cases, appeals, claims… Millions claims And at the end, spent on lawyers and gatheringand counter to stand on onea disgraceful concrete monstrosityevidence… is allowed beaches! Why of Andalucia’s last dozen genuinely was the decision virgin last minute? Suspicious put off for really up for sharing ? You bet. If the Juntaa month at the and State costs to demolish should move fast this carbuncle are they millions of black and pay the developer something from the like Switzerland money that has been syphoned and the Cayman off Islands over recentto places years.

Another green Mojacar have group Salvar cial complaint put in an offiEXCLUSIVE: against the trio of judges behind Amy’s stepda - Rafael Cantero,the decision Jorge Munoz Cortes and charged with d Maria del Mar this week: Jimenez Morera “It - claiming How can they is a disgrace. the stomach. murder corruption. get away with It’s real hypocthis?” risy.”

Others have questioned why Their home See page 2 Picture by Jon The Olive Press their ruling, due Clarke on February molished in in Vera was de- that the can reveal 25, was suddenly company behind delayed by a with the wave January 2008 developme month at the l March 3, of a pen due to nt, Azata del the last minute. ‘planning irregulariti is already linked Sol, Claims of corruption sion to build 2003. Carboneras Town es’.

Hall in “We two grants permisother were corruption cases, have been joined by l April 30, cries of anger everyone 100% legal and scandal the 2005. Environme from expats authorities investigate in Estepona Astapa ntalists demand Len and Helen standing,”else’s house is still it - where Prior whose nearby planned l Novembe that the added r 17, 2005. The home was are still fighting Prior. “We commerciato build the largest demolished not be built closer state rules that for compenl centre in Spain - without com- sation and than 100m to the hotel canand even the pensation - six l February still the sea infamous Gurtelplace that we in the same case, which Len Prior told years ago. tel should be 22, 2006. Judge rules were six years links the Olive Press ago. that work on ment in Madrid the governviolate the ley stopped as a precautionary the hoto illegal cash de Costas matter as it could “This news makes l March 30, us sick to payments.

2006. Junta The company l May 10, 2006. revokes the building built the La Junta agrees to Alcazaba urbanisatio l November buy back the plot licence 4, 2010. Andalucia n of 219 luxury homes Carboneras Town high court Monte, which in Boadilla del l March 27, Hall’s appeal and prohibits (TSJA) dismisses any developmen as causing thewas described the ley de Costas 2012. TSJA rules that t that the hotel ‘Marbellisation’ of the area. l July 5, 2012. broke EXCLUSIVE: The mayor Central Governmen of Boadilla, to demolish the t and the Junta Cops issue Panero, was Arturo Gonzalez l January hotel agree later indicted 8, 2014. TSJA in hotel and confirms rejects the constructio apology for that the Junta Continues on l March 25, n of the Page 10 owns the land errors in Sam land on which 2014. The TSJA inexplicabl the hotel is located y rules that the is ‘zoned for building’ Hardy case

Timeline to

a travesty

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THE OLIVE PRESS – 344mm x 126mm

4th March

6

FEATURE

the olive press - April April2nd 2nd--April April15th 15th2015 2015

OPINION Press power prevails at last MAKE no mistake, the power of the press is still thankfully strong.

For 20 years the Los Merinos saga has rumbled on, political greed and corruption determined to destroy thousands of hectares of UNESCO-protected virgin land near Ronda.

A golf course and residential complex planned to fatten the wallets of corrupt politicians and developers pitted against a united desire by locals to preserve Andalucia’s natural beauty.

But it was not until 2006, when the Olive Press launched a campaign against the development in our first ever issue, that the growing dissent found a proper voice.

Up till then - and to this day - the local media in Ronda have done nothing but support the project.

But we would not be cowed despite losing friends and even receiving threats.

Nearly a dozen front pages helped to spread the news around Andalucia and further afield - in particular to the UK press - that Los Merinos was unethical, unsustainable and corrupt.

And now, the thousands who have stubbornly protested against Andalucia’s most controversial macro-project will be ecstatic.

That is the local villagers, ecologists and expats who dared to stand up and be counted... and, above all, the local policemen, who received up to 20 denuncias against them for daring to do their jobs.

This is a hard-fought, long-overdue victory for them and proudly, above all, for the Olive Press, which still has the ability to affect the change its readers desire.

A black day AS the dust settles for Gibraltarians after one of the most macabre incidents the Rock has seen in 30 years, the community is in shock.

Police need counselling and neighbours are sickened.

First minister Fabian Picardo’s heartfelt reaction reinforces the message that Gibraltar will weather this storm and the violent bloodbath is an anomaly to the usual harmony.

The same goes for the thoroughly decent expat couple in Alicante brutally slain just hours before.

Our thoughts are with the victims’ friends and relatives, whose grief will last much longer than the soft toys and flower tributes left at the scene.

Olive Press payments THE following companies are no longer allowed to do business with the Olive Press (Luke Stewart Media SL - CIF B91664029), due to long standing debts: - MWM Investments Ltd - Petersham Coins, Marbella - Investor Spain - Simple Care - Autotunes Manilva - Hotel Embrujo, Arriate

- Jaipur Purple, Estepona - Reservatauro, Ronda - Webuycarsinspain.es - Motor Trader - Best Coches The details are being published in support of other companies that may be unaware of the problems that might be faced by providing credit facilities to the businesses and their present individual owners.

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Tel: 951 273 575 / 665 798 618 (admin) Accounts: 658 750 424 Sales: 655 825 683

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

Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 951 273 575 Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5 Calle Espinosa 1 Edificio centro comercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Reporters: Newsdesk Newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tom Powell Tom@theolivepress.es Rob Horgan

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IKE a scene from Scarface, it is easy to imagine him sauntering down the stone staircases to his glistening pool, slowly taking in the panoramic views to Gibraltar and Africa while drawing on a huge cuban cigar.

A stunning home, hidden away above one of Estepona’s top golf courses, the best clue to its multi-millionaire owner are CELEBRITY SPIN: Simon Cowell, Kerry Katona and the capital ‘Fs’ which embla- Bobby Davro were used in money-laundering scheme zon its enormous wrought-iron gates.

How a radio station, a residential For this is the home of one of Europe’s biggest gangsters, Ridevelopment and a smattering of cardo Fanchini. showbiz friends - including Bobby Described as the ‘CEO of organised crime’ and the ‘PolDavro, Kerry Katona and Simon ish Al Capone’, it has recently emerged that he was the link Cowell - helped a mafia boss between countless Russian corrupt the Costa del Sol. Tom and Eastern European mafia gangs who made their money Powell investigates from gun-running, drugs and prostitution.

A terrifying crime lynchpin - currently banged up in a US jail the father-of-two lived an enviable jet set lifestyle of fast cars, gin palaces, not to mention homes in numerous countries.

But it was here, almost inevitably on the Costa del Sol, that he radio station. And he wanted found one of his favourite playMaurice as the boss. grounds… and a place, where Another bottle of Burgundy and it has now emerged, he mana pair of lobsters later and the aged to launder an incredible popular Irishman had agreed €200 million of dirty money. to jump ship from Onda Cero Using hapless celebrities such and help set up a brand new as Simon Cowell, Bobby Davro radio station. and Kerry Katona plus a string And so REM – the coast’s of media companies, Fanchini first English-language talk raand his associates corrupted dio station and, as it has now town halls, breaking myriad emerged, a pillar of dirty monlaws and making Andalucia the ey – was born. veritable Wild West of Europe.

They met the next day in GasWhile in jail on charges of trafpar’s offices in La Colonia, in SLICK: Fanchini, ficking, Fanchini’s legacy lives San Pedro de Alcantara, where here with friends, on in Spain, where his ex-wife the REM studio was built and organised interstill lives in his luxury seven remains today, now operated national crime bedroom villa, with a sweeping

by Talk Radio Europe (TRE). summits 200m private drive and stunWithin a couple of hours Gasning pool. par had handed over a cashJust 30km west stands the legitimate companies, that set well as Sol Mijas developers able cheque for €100,000 for enormous white elephant of up TV and radio stations and and Blue Sky Television. an FM frequency, no questions the Majestic urbanisation, in put on countless events and The pair also took over the runasked – REM was effectively Casares – the 115 luxury villas, concerts. ning – and later ruining – of the on air. in tropical gardens, built in total It has now been revealed by Es- now-deserted Mijas racecourse Minutes later eccentric Gasviolation of planning laws. tepona court that the Majestic under the guise of Carrera Enpar was acquiring new offices Money laundering on the larg- brand was part of a network of tertainments (see sidebar). for his staff, and then flying in est scale. companies fronted by Fanchi- However, it is another compahis own personal psychic from The ongoing investigation, ni’s Kremlyoskaya gang, led by ny, Radio Europe Mediterraneo England to help with decisionOperation Majestic, has seen right-hand men, Ukrainian Rob- (REM), that is so intriguing in making - on an eye-watering former Casares Mayor Juan ert Gaspar, 55, and Armenian its aiding of the gangsters’ suc€10,000 a month salary.

Sanchez charged with corrup- Robert Frank Mani, 54. cess… and later collapse.

He would soon have his own tion, as detectives continue Police believe Gaspar, a French Its murky history began when radio show too, while infamous to uncover the shady dealings national of Ukrainian origin, Gaspar was new on the coast convicted fraudster Nigel Goldthat have blighted the coast for is the mastermind behind the and with money (lots of it) to man also featured regularly years. scandal. He is still the subject spend. after winning the station’s Beat But it is the minutiae behind of an international arrest war- The story starts at the plush the Broker competition. the scene that are so shocking rant, while Robert Mani was Las Dunas hotel, in EstepoAs one former REM presentto unravel. arrested at Malaga airport last na, where Gaspar and Mani er told the Olive Press: “The For over nearly a decade, year. are to meet Maurice Boland, whole project cost an absolute Fanchini and his cronies were Their network, launched in the coast’s leading expat DJ, fortune. They pumped around able to launder their money 2004, included the now de- known locally €1.2 million though a string of supposedly funct Majestic TV station, as as ‘Mr Marinto the stu“We all knew bella’, and dio, and much with a string more into the perfectly well it of famous inTV station. was laundering terviews under “Maurice was his belt, indirty money from rolling in it, cluding David getting paid day one” Beckham, Ted €20,000 a Heath and month and Quincy Jones. given €30,000 A svengali character, who preto pay staff wages.” viously ran nightclubs in DubThe source added: “We all lin and acted as the manager knew perfectly well it was launfor teenage sensation Mandy dering dirty money from day Smith (she of underage sex one. There could be no denywith Rolling Stone Bill Wyman ing it. These were gangsters fame), he had forged a name through and through.” for himself at the helm of the Despite this, Boland, now an popular Onda Cero radio staestate agent, insisted last night tion. that he did not know this at the Recalls Boland today: “He (Gastime. “I asked them where they par) immediately struck me as had got their funds from and a likeable character, whose acthey said from a copper mine cent reminded me somewhat or something. of the film character ‘Borat’.”

“I obviously got involved in Chablis in hand, Gaspar went something that turned out to on to reveal his plans for a new be not nice at the end, but I relifestyle and property TV and ally didn’t know back then.”

Laundry FM

FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es The company was initially registered with three directors, Boland, mystery Frenchman Thierry Carcel and Frank Mani, who also had businesses in the UK. Boland got to work, persuading the crème de la crème of the coast’s DJ’s to join him at the new station, including Roy Silverthorne, Howard Brereton and Mary Harboe.

With one of the most advanced radio systems in Europe, the launch in May 2004 was heavily anticipated. All it needed was some media buzz and celebrity spin.

Enter Max Clifford.

The disgraced PR guru – since jailed for eight years for child sex abuse – was personally hired by Gaspar.

Clifford – a master of the dark arts and keeping his clients’ protected from bad press – was paid an alleged €30,000 a month to keep REM’s shady backing under wraps.

Shortly after putting pen to paper, the PR-paedo, who conveniently had a holiday home in Marbella, persuaded Gaspar to shell out tens of thousands to host a photoshoot for Kerry Katona, British pop-star turned reality TV stalwart.

It’s fair to say she wasn’t the obvious candidate to promote a high-end property company, particularly one in Spain.

Nonetheless, an enormous villa at Majestic, two chauffeured Mercedes, private chef, maids and more were laid on for Katona and her entourage, in return for giving Majestic some – barely noticeable – publicity in OK! Magazine (pictured above).

Clifford dipped further into his bucket of go-to celebrities next, persuading Gaspar to lease an even larger villa to Simon Cowell to film his X-Factor bootcamp week.

The extravagant Gaspar once again footed the entire week’s bill for the music mogul, in return for minimal publicity.

And it wasn’t only eastern Europeans behind Majestic though, an Englishman named Richard Roberts has also been implicated.

Roberts and his wife Jane worked for Majestic, running seminars to persuade IFA’s to sell property in the urbanisation before fleeing to Las Vegas in a cloud of smoke.

April- 2nd - April 2015 the olive press April 2nd -15th April 15th 2015

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NERVE CENTRE: La Colonia in San Pedro

MAFIA MEN: Gaspar (above) with Max Clifford and (below) Mani with former Mijas mayor Antonio Sanchez

“They worked out of the La Colonia back office with a guy named Peter Perfect,” said one former colleague.

There was so much money swilling around that at one Majestic Christmas party, subject to a trademark sprinkling of Clifford’s twisted stardust, comedian Bobby Davro was flown in for the night at the five-star Puente Romano hotel.

However, the future was not

Mani and Gaspar could not keep throwing ludicrous sums at projects as bright as it seemed for the station built on black money.

Mani and Gaspar could not keep throwing ludicrous sums at projects and before long it appeared to be heading in the same direction as the Mijas hippodrome.

Boland - later sacked by TRE over an alleged relationship with a 15-year-old girl - recalls the moment he knew Gaspar’s time was up in his online blog, iTalk.

He was live on air when he opened a letter from the tax authorities (Hacienda) ‘demanding €150,000 for outstanding social security payments’.

Unable to control his shock, he called in a back-up presenter and ran to meet his benefactor at a restaurant across the road.

“After, what felt like an age, he looked me straight in the eye and delivered the words I was dreading to hear. ‘I’m so sorry Maurice, It’s all over, we’re broke’.

“I felt tears welling up as I slowly stood up and walked out of the restaurant without saying a word,” he recalls.

But, bizarrely, this was not to stop his rich benefactor from persuading him to buy a €75,000 Mercedes convertible with a cashable cheque the following week, he admits in his blog.

Things were definitely not going well. The tap was being turned off and Mani and Gaspar were becoming thin on the ground, with their money-laundering network unravelling elsewhere too.

Majestic TV crashed, leaving staff owed thousands of euros, while the Mijas hippodrome, again owned and ran by Mani and Gaspar, also sunk in a cloud of mafia mystery, as reported by the Olive Press in 2009 (see sidebar).

By 2010, the Spanish press had begun to report on the MaGOLDEN BOYS: Boland, here with David Beckham, was paid €20,000 a month to run REM for Gaspar and Mani

jestic network as an investigation into the Casares development gathered momentum.

Two years later, mayor Juan Sanchez was being led through the picturesque pueblo’s streets in handcuffs, and then bailed to await trial.

The endless money circulating through the hands of Fanchini, Gaspar and Mani had clearly been enough to blind Casares Town Hall from its civil duties and the law.

So far up to 250 homes, five commercial premises, 20 cars and 165 bank accounts have been embargoed as part of the Majestic investigation.

However, as the empire crumbled, REM’s Boland found a lifeline for his ailing radio station: A man with pockets deeper than the Grand Canyon and willing to pay the station’s debts and take over.

Enter British businessman Martin Nathan, with a long term love of the coast and a son, who even acted in its infamous sitcom Eldorado.

Nathan was a wealthy man with a string of property companies in London, as well as Ashstead Estates and Falcon SA in Spain.

He agreed to buy out Gaspar and Mani’s 75% stake, according to Boland in his blog, and agreed to pay off the debts.

He became, in Boland’s words, the ‘chairman of REM’, helping to save it from certain disaster.

With a good business nous he started a new company that has continued the radio station under the more direct ‘Talk Radio Europe’, a station that has continued to thrive up to this day.

“It was all Martin’s decision, he wanted to pull away from

the past,” Boland told the Olive Press over lunch at La Canada shopping centre. “I knew he was a very wealthy man and thankfully he put his arm around me. He took over from then.”

As for its change from REM to TRE in 2010 it was in the words of one former DJ of both stations ‘incredibly fluid’.

He added: “There was little fanfare. One day it was REM, the next TRE, based in the same studio, using the same equipment, frequency and mostly the same staff.”

Either way, it had conveniently

Race to ruin Opened by Mijas town hall in 1997 after a €30 million construction, the Hipodromo racecourse should have been one of the coast’s crowning jewel. In reality, it struggled to break even.

It was handed over to Mani and Gaspar in 2003 after an advert in the local press gave just one week for applications.

Conveniently, their company – Carrera Entertainment Corporation, founded that week – was the only one to enter.

They promised to invest a ‘minimum of €5 million a

The legacy of Fanchini, his employees and dirty money lives on severed connections to the Majestic corruption case and the Kremlyoskaya gang, and the station lives on today under the new company.

Meanwhile, the legacy of Fanchini, his employees and dirty money lives on in the form of an abandoned racecourse, an illegal residential complex and a multi-million euro corruption case that once again shames Spain.

Even more ironically - and stranger than fiction - Fanchini’s eldest daughter has been living on the Costa del Sol as recently as last year, even working for the Olive Press as a journalist, but had no input in this investigation.

TRE didn’t take over REM Chairman of TRE Martin Nathan stresses that neither himself or Talk Radio Europe was part of the Majestic business empire, nor did it take over from REM FM. He was not an employee of REM. He added: “In accordance with Spanish law, when re-employing persons formerly employed by REM FM SL, all social security contributions owed in respect of such persons was verified as paid in full and the position in that regard was confirmed to Talk Radio Europe SL. We are not aware of any trade debts of REM that remained unpaid.”

year’ and build a covered grandstand for 5,000 spectators. Neither happened.

It was in 2005 that a series of now-infamous concerts were organised at the racetrack in a last-ditch attempt to raise cash.

Heavily promoted by REM and bankrolled by Mani and Gaspar, svengali Max Clifford provided the PR spin.

Elton John and Rod Stewart kicked off the concerts, but they were not selling as well as hoped and just 24 hours before Jamiroquai was due to play, the plug was pulled.

Two further shows featuring Bryan Adams and the English National Orchestra were also cancelled, leaving an estimated 6,000 ticket holders high and dry – especially as €300,000 in ticket sales was unreturned.

One of the promoters drawn in, David Bainbridge, told the Olive Press at the time: “They were selling tickets and pocketing money. There were also advances from the town hall that went into pockets.

“It just went from bad to worse.”

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www.theolivepress.es the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Immigrant immunity

Body found THE body of Lalo Garcia, ex-Forum Filatelico club basketball player, who went missing 28 days ago, has been found in the Pisuerga river in Valladolid.

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What the blazes!

Former officer appeals for help after being left destitute and trapped

by Spain’s court system to and unable to return home the UK

you Let HiFX help reach your destination. www.hifx.co.uk

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CATCH-22

claims he RSIAL new A FORMER soldierin a KafkaA CONTROVE to arsonists has been ‘trapped’after getting law could lead green esque Catch-22a tax fraud in torching valuable the door for caught up in he was a vicspaces to open which he insists developers. have tim.

Environmentalists a former offilegislation Tim Hawkins,Royal Artillery, slammed the land razed cer with the been unable to that allows reclassified claims he has by fire to be t if - or work leave the countryyears. quickly for developmen an ‘overfor nearly seven began when ruled as having interest’.

His nightmare during a famriding public Ecologistas he was arrested Green groupsSEO/BirdLife the Costa Brava ily holiday to en Accion, the change in May 2008. advisor, 57, was and Equo insist Act will allow The financial his wife and to the Forest environmendragged from objections on to be easily aged four at two young sons, tal grounds ‘accidental’ they arrived and eight, as passport consolved with an Girona airport fire. trol. cell, he was a into Bundled Re-zoned with no exheld for 15 hoursleft terrified, land burnt Previously any 30 years planation, andunable to speak by fire required confused and be re-zoned before it could to his family. that Hawkins for building. Equo spokesIt emerged army to run a Green party who left the de UralManchesLopez in Juan man, finance business international is a return de, said: “This ter - faced an after being to the past. arrest warrant, any obfriend’s “Previously when linked to a Spanish earlier. tax scam a decade 5 Turn to Page

- February 4th

he Pedro Sanchez. and full of doubt,” he Iglesias leader “Sanchez is lost whether leader Pablo PODEMOS the only options in No- claimed. “It’s still unclear PP or not.” the (left), claims will be his party wants a coalition with deputy to injury, his to critivember’s elections To add insult on or the PP. the party’s first Teresa Rodriguez, went Diaz, claimhis Susana At a rally celebrating ‘herediSevilla, he insisted cise Junta leader Rajoy had created a anniversary in option for change’.

MAIN RIVAL: ing her party party is the ‘only PSOE-led capital of tary bureaucracy’. socialist Speaking in the slammed new Andalucia, he

OLIVE PRESS – Earpiece 8th & 21st January

WINTER LAND: WONDER at last!

Snow is falling... the San Here it is on road Pedro-Ronda

January 22nd

It’s us or the

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Ex-British army officer celebrates ‘freedom’ after seven-year wait for courts to return his passport

PAGE 3 RESURFACES ON

unable to go “It means I am to work and am home, unable he explained. living in limbo,” grant to help A British Legion and travel costs pay his rent has now dried for hearings unable to pay up, leaving himbills. rent and other only been alHawkins has to the UK on lowed to return in six years for times three grounds, compassionateof his two adult the weddings his father’s fudaughters and neral. wife Giulietta Tragically, his him, insisthas now divorced wait for his the rest couldn’t with she ing s wedding and he has his daughter’ return for ever,sons Duncan (on right) at his S: Hawkins in Spain to re- only seen have refused appeal FOND MEMORIE to Page 4 (inset) alone thorities Turn and an the in passport as of his family Northern Ireland been turn his is ongoing. has been in insists he has process the 1970s, to remain in Spain “The whole situation nightmare,” forced a complete told the Olive without his passport. support father-of-four ending and Despite receiving Mike Press. “It is never my life. his British MP Emhas destroyed wrong, as the from the Spanish Legion, “I did little but I have be- Thornton, and the Britishforward. courts agreed, of Spanish bu- bassy to move come a victim the injustice of he is unable only found toa While he was cog in reaucracy and aube a small, passive the justice system.” tax scam, the in TorremoCurrently living who served complicated Est 1984 linos, Hawkins,

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April 2nd - April 15th 2015 www.theolivepress.es

Great escape

NEWS IN BRIEF

ILLEGAL immigrants will be entitled to free healthcare in situations of emergency, pregnancy or birth thanks to Spain’s ruling PP party.

NEWS

REUNITED: Tim and his passport and (above) our front-page

A FORMER British soldier ‘trapped’ in Spain for nearly seven years has finally been given his passport back.

Tim Hawkins, an ex-officer with the Royal Artillery, has been unable to return to the UK since he was arrested in May 2008 while on a family holiday on the Costa Brava.

He has only seen his two sons three times since, missing a huge chunk of their childhood.

Hawkins, 57, had his passport seized and has been living in Torremolinos since he was detained on an international arrest warrant at Girona Airport.

Caught up in a tax fraud scandal in which he played an ‘unknowing’ minor role, he was unable to leave the country or work.

With nowhere else to turn, the former financial advisor contacted the Olive Press in January and finally his for-

Missing Brit boy’s body found THE body of a 16-year-old British boy has been found in the Guadiaro river in Cortes de la Frontera.

Emergency services were called to the scene after Joshua Oker’s kayak and oars were discovered in the river.

His mother Sarah, who once wrote for the Olive Press’ Green Guide, was

unaware of his disappearance because she thought he was staying at a friend’s house.

The rescue team, including specialist divers, found his body near to a power plant in Gaucin.

A memorial service at the family village of El Colmenar took place on Monday.

EXCLUSIVE

By Rob Horgan

tunes have changed.

We publicised his plight and after setting up a crowdfunding site (www.gofund.me/k68kz0) to support himself, the court’s have returned his passport.

However, it’s not a ‘get-outof-jail-free’ card. While he will now be allowed to fly back to the UK to see his family, he must remain in Spain for the next two years and serve two months community service, which he hopes to do with charity Cudeca.

But at last, he can ‘finally see the light at the end of the tunnel’.

Particularly, since army charity Officers of the Legions has chipped in agreeing to give him quarterly payments of €500 to help him stay afloat.

“It is such a relief,” he said.

“Thanks must go to the Officers Association and of course the Olive Press for all your support.”

He now hopes to fly back to the UK this summer to visit his two sons, whom he has only seen three times since being arrested.

“I am hoping to fly back for the school holidays,” he said.

“I have missed watching them grow up and can’t wait to making up for lost time.”

Trying start for Junta victor SUSANA Diaz faced a major crisis with multiple Junta arrests just three days after she won the Andalucia elections.

Judge Mercedes Alaya ordered the arrest of 16 Junta politicians accused of fraud in connection to a €950 million in unaccounted bogus training course fees.

Fourteen were former employees, while Diaz suspended the two officials still in office – economy minister in Sevilla, Aurora Prieto, and Eduardo García, in Huelva.

“Anyone who is arrested must be removed from office to fulfil our responsibility,” Diaz said.

“Public confidence in the our institutions must come first.”

It came just days after her PSOE party scraped through to win the elections with just 35% of the vote, the poorest result for the Socialist party in over 20 years.

While Diaz insists she will continue ruling the region, none of the other parties have agreed to support her, with Podemos, who came third with 15% of the vote, and Ciudadanos, with 9%, ruling out a pact with her.

They also demanded she severs ties with previous leaders Manuel Chavez and Antonio Grinan - both linked to various frauds - to stand any chance of having their tacit support.

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www.theolivepress.es 10 10 www.theolivepress.es

Field of dreams THE Junta want to double the amount of protected land in Malaga province by Janu-

Liquid gold DESPITE continued resistance by green groups, Spain’s pursuit of oil is gaining momentum.

An estimated 250,000 jobs could be created in the oil sector over the next 50 years, claims Deloitte.

ary 2016.

There are currently 80,000 hectares of protected land within the province.

Six new sites were declared ‘special conservation areas’ by the Junta last month.

These include the Sierras and Real Bermeja in Estepona, the Sierra Blanca in Marbella, the Camarolos mountains between the Axarquia and Antequera, the Genal river valley in Ronda, the Sierra Blanquilla in Yunquera and Corbones River which borders Sevilla.

GREEN NEWS

the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Rooting out cruelty

Ronda animal sanctuary re-educating to combat abuse before it begins

BEFORE AND AFTER: Dramatic transformation of rescued dog

By Tom Powell A GROUND-breaking new animal sanctuary in Ronda is getting to the root of animal cruelty and neglect.

Running educational activities for children and adults, Asociacion Rondena Proteccion Animales (ARPA) aims to fight the underlying problem of why animals are mis-

SANCTUARY: For abandoned pets treated in the first place.

For decades, owners Aurelio Ottolenghi and Irene Orozco

Careras have been rescuing, vaccinating, micro-chipping and rehoming abandoned animals.

Tree of life

DECEASED loved ones can now be immortalised as a tree.

A Barcelona firm has designed a biodegradable urn from which an ash, oak or beech tree will grow.

The innovative urn is divided into two halves, with the seeds in the top section which germinate and grow roots down through the ashes in the lower half.

Developed by design company Estudimoline, a Bios Urn costs €134 and comes with a choice of six different seeds, with gingko, maple and pine also available.

The brothers behind the creation, Gerard and Roger Moline, said they wanted to create something that showed death not as ‘the end of life’, but as ‘a return to life’.

The urns require the same care and conditions as a normal tree, and will begin to biodegrade when the roots come into contact with the ashes. A company spokesman said: “Bios Urn offers a smart, sustainable and ecologically friendly way to approach what’s probably one of the most important moments in human life. “The intent is to offer users an alternative for remembering deceased people or pets in a natural, sustainable fashion. It is innovative, useful and discreet.”

Irene explained: “Today it is impossible to rescue all the animals that need rescuing and find them families – and that’s totally disheartening.

“Therefore it is our responsibility to change the situation, and it’s going to take an awful lot of work.”

Responsibility

INNOVATIVE: Bio urn

ARPA has developed an educational programme – Human-Animal Symbiosis – to change the way people think about animals.

They are also planning to introduce various activities, such as animal-assisted therapies, a farm school, canine psychology and a dog park, that will generate a small income to help the running costs of the sanctuary.

For more information visit http://arpsimbiosis. jimbo.com or email patersons2001@hotmail.com

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the olive press - February 19th - March 4th 2015

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the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

NEWS IN BRIEF Straight to jail

Pipe dreams

THE disgraced former mayor of Tolox, Juan Vera, has been given one month to voluntarily enter jail to begin serving his five sentences.

SEWAGE plants in VelezMalaga, Rincon de la Victoria, Torrox, Algarrobo and Benamocarra will benefit from a €200,000 renovation project.

Cave man

Easter act

THE vice president of the Nerja Caves Foundation, Jose Alberto Armijo, is campaigning to allow visitors to entr two caves currently offlimit to the public.

MORE than 600 people will join in the reenactment of Jesus’ crucifixion on April 4 for Semana Santa in the village of Riogordo.

AXARQUIA

www.theolivepress.es

Autism exclusion

Girl with special needs subjected to discrimination of ‘apartheid’ proportions in Rincon de la Victoria MORE than 20 children were pulled out of school by their parents in protest over an autistic girl being in their class.

Parents of the girl’s classmates in Rincon de la Victoria decided not to take their children to school over three consecutive days of protest.

They claimed that their children were subjected to ‘daily aggressive and insulting be-

PROTEST: At Colegio Gregorio Maranon

By Iona Napier haviour’ from the nine-yearold who had been attending Colegio Gregorio Maranon de la Cala del Moral primary school for three years.

The parents of the autistic girl likened the ‘discrimination’ she suffered to ‘apartheid times’ and are now taking her

elsewhere.

The Lopez-Reduella family described her as ‘a girl, like any other, who wanted to en-

GOLDEN TOUCH: Glitzy vandal at large

Goldfinger A MANHUNT for a spraypainter with the Midas touch is underway in Rincon de la Victoria.

Public benches and bins have been given a bit of illegal glitz by an unknown sprayer.

Mayor Francisco Salado has called on citizens to find the perpetrator.

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

joy and share in school life’.

“The most important thing here is the health and well-being of the child, and because the hostile environment of the school does not cater to her special educational needs, they will be looking for a different school,” said a spokesman for the family.

The girl’s parents had been campaigning for more educational support for their daughter for five years ‘without response’.

She had recently been assigned a monitor who was not sufficiently trained to care for autism sufferers to ‘contain her’.

A spokesman for the charity Solcom added: “If this had happened to any other child without a disability it could be called bullying.”

ART OF WALKING: In Competa

Open-air art COMPETA is gearing up for the start of its seventh annual art walk.

Art and crafts from 19 of the region’s best artists and sculptors will be displayed in venues in the picturesque village.

Running throughout Easter week from April 1, the ever-popular event also includes live music.

Guided tours will run at 11am and 2pm each day, except on Wednesday which will have only one, at 11am. The tours meet at the main car park in Competa, by the blue kiosk.

With the warm weather finally here, it is the perfect opportunity to get out and meet the artists of Competa.

For more information visit www.artcompeta.com

Gibraltar NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Marble-ous idea THE Bishop of Gibraltar has issued a plea for some iconic antiquities the Elgin marbles - to be returned to the Greeks.

They are currently on display at the British Museum.

Kick the queue RECONSTRUCTION of the Gibraltar border is due to be complete by July 2015, say officials, making lengthy delays a thing of the past.

Terror alert GIBRALTAR featured in the UK press when two newspapers reported the Rock was on ‘high alert’ amid fears of a terrorist attack, to the concern of many residents.

Charity cut DEFENCE police officer Romany Cortes raised over £900 for five local charities after after getting her curls lopped off in a charity hair cut.

Devastated

the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Rock rallies after most horrific murder in decades GIBRALTAR has been devastated by the most horrific crime to hit the Rock in decades.

Chief minister Fabian Picardo adjourned parliament upon hearing news that a family of four – with daughters aged six weeks and four years old – had been found dead.

A minutes silence was then held as Gibraltar reeled from its first murder since 2010.

Picardo said: “As a husband and father, I am in total shock

ON the Rock March 30 - April 14 PROUD: Golden goal

Football crazy TRIBUTES: Flowers and soft toys to hear about this terrible crime.

“Gibraltarians are not accustomed to witness this type of incident in our peaceful and

Waste matter

GIBRALTAR’S lack of a sewage treatment plant has landed the UK government in trouble with European courts.

The Rock is one of 17 locations with insufficient sewage treatment referred to the European Court of Justice by the European Commission.

Gibraltar pumps its sewage into the sea at Europa Point, a direct breach of EU legislation from 1991.

Surfers Against Sewage campaign director Andy Cummins said the legal action could ‘set a precedent’ for the UK water industry.

“We have been calling for a maximum of three spills during the bathing season and nine for the entire year – that might sound like a lot but some of these CSOs are discharging 60 or 70 times a year.”

law-abiding community.

“Words will fail us all at a moment like this and all we can do is keep the victims and their families in our thoughts and put our full trust in the Rule of Law so that justice prevails.”

The family, who had moved to Gibraltar just five days earlier, were not known in Gibraltar.

It is the first recorded murder since Beverley Anne Campbell was found stabbed to death in a pool of blood at her home near Rosia Bay. A government source told the Olive Press: “Murder is very rare here, I can’t remember one in many many years, and never one like this.

“This is a big investigation as it is a horrible, horrible case.”

13

A FORTNIGHT of highs and lows for the Gibraltar football team ended with the start of Allen Bula’s unfair dismissal trial.

But policeman Lee Casciaro was the hero on sunday, scoring Gibraltar’s first ever goal in a European qualifier against Scotland.

The final result was 6-1 to Scotland, but the goal is etched in Gibraltarian history forever.

Bula was sacked as manager in March for acting in an ‘aggresive manner’ during filming for a Sky documentary and for making ‘derogatory comments’ against the GFA in a newspaper report.

He ‘totally refutes’ the decision and an unfair dismissal appeal has been set in motion.

It comes after the GFA put damning allegations about a plans for a national stadium at Europa Point to bed, for now at least.

Every Tuesday Positivity Parents will be holding a meeting for expecting parents in the Holdings Boardroom at Europort.

Course costs are £10 per person/ couple. For more info email parenting-gib@ hotmail.com

April 5

The Sunborn Hotel will be hosting an Easter lunch complete with Sunday brunch and egg painting from 1pm. A kids competition and a meeting with the Easter Bunny will also be on offer. For more info call 20016923

April 9

A talk titled ‘Buckets to Pumps’ will be delivered

by Jason Mesilion at the John Mackintosh Hall, covering the history of the Rock’s fire service. Admission is free and doors open at 7pm

April 14, 8pm

Gibraltar Philharmonic Society’s season continues with a piano recital featuring Elena Bashkirva at the Convent Ballroom. Tickets €20. Visit www.philharmonic.gi

14

April 2nd - April 15th 2015 14

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The Olive Press – 338 x 256mm

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la cultura

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the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

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April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Paint by numbers Off the wall

LIFELIKE: The gardener tends to Estepona’s bougainvillea

Pablo Picasso’s ‘Women of Algiers’ is set for a world record fee when it goes under the hammer in May

A PAINTING by Pablo Picasso could set a new record for the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction.

The Malaga-born artist’s ‘Women of Algiers’ is expected to fetch around €130 million when it goes under the hammer at Christie’s auction house in New York on May 11.

Painted in 1955, the masterpiece focusses on Picasso’s second wife Jacqueline Roque and was created as an homage to his friend and rival, Henri Matisse.

Experts are expecting the piece to smash the current

The man who painted Spain’s biggest vertical mural has brought high art to an Este-

Self promotion

PRICEY PICASSO: Up for auction on May 11 record set by Francis Bacon’s ‘Three Studies of Lucian Freud’, which sold for €129 million in 2013.

“One can arguably say that this is the single most important painting by Picasso to remain in private hands,” said Olivier Camu, Christie’s deputy chairman of impres-

sionist and modern art.

The ‘Women of Algiers’ last sold for €28 million in 1997, to an unknown buyer who is remaining anonymous.

In 2010, Christie’s sold Picasso’s ‘Nude, Green Leaves and Bust’ for €96 million, the highest price ever for a Picasso.

MANILVA tourism office is jumping on the selfie bandwagon in a new promotion drive.

The tourism office has launched a Twitter competition to find the best selfie taken in the Costa del Sol town. With prizes including a hotel stay, dinner for two and sports equipment, Manilva residents have until April 30 to snap up the goods.

To enter, tweet a picture of yourself in Manilva using the hashtag #ConoceManilva.

1515

pona wall.

A gardener tending to a bougainvillea is the subject of a new mural which covers 300m2 – spanning all four facades of a school building.

It is the first time Estepona’s mural route has included a painting covering all four sides of an entire building.

Jaen painter Jose Fernandez Ros is completing the work which covers Victor de la Serna nursery and primary school.

Once the mural is complete, it will be the 24th piece in Estepona’s mural route.

Fernandez Rios has already created two town hall-promoted pieces of art, one of a fisherman and another of a girl watering flowers.

The first, titled Dia de Pesca (fishing day), was the biggest vertical mural in Spain, spanning 1,000m2.

what’s on T

he Axarquia, Periana April 12 The 16th Fiesta del Aceite Verdial will celebrate the produce of the verdial olive with a bread/olive oil breakfast, tastings, crafts and stalls throughout the day

E

stepona, April 17, 18 at 8pm, April 19 at 7pm International Theatre Studio performs Eric Chappell’s comedy ´Side effects’ at Atalaya Park Hotel, call 952 880 630 for tickets or 952 896 739 on weekends

M

alaga, until April 30 Free exhibition paying tribute to role of female artists in contemporary art is held at the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo de Velez-Malaga, closed Mondays

T

orremolinos, until April 30 British artists exhibit a selection of their paintings in Vanilla Cafe, Plaza Nogalera

16

16

the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

la cultura

16 16 www.theolivepress.es April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Semana Santa virgin

Tom Powell witnesses the pageantry, piety and passion of Sevilla’s world-famous Holy Week processions from the best seat in the house

M

Y friends laughed when I told them I was going to see Sevilla in Holy Week.

Because of course, so was everyone else. There’s not even standing room in the streets on Good Friday when the city plays host to over one million spectators.

Sevilla is home to 58 hermandads (brotherhoods) and each of them fields a procession of float-carrying penitents, followed by their family and friends ... abuelos and tíos, siblings and babes in arms walking solemnly behind, generating one giant traffic jam.

It’s almost impossible to describe the processions without making them sound like a sinister Disneyland parade. But when I joined Toma Tours’ trip to Sevilla on Holy Wednesday with MD Manni Coe, I promised to try, so I will avoid references to the Klu Klux Klan.

We arrived as Sevilla was sleeping, the calm before the storm, parking on the outskirts as all roads through the centre are closed to traffic during Holy Week; a whole thriving city shut

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BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE: Sevilla’s semana santa processions are unbeatable

down. Toma Tours had rented a balcony, the largest in the city, we were told, owned by a welcoming American-turnedSevillian named Brad.

It was certainly massive, 30 metres in length with views over the church and plaza of Cristo de Burgos.

Spaniards are not averse to mixing vino with their veneration and we enjoyed a copa, along with wafer-thin slices of jamon Iberico, from our balcony - surely the best seats in the house.

The priceless floats are beautifully hand-carved and this is the only time they leave their churches. Although ‘float’ they do not. They can weigh several tonnes and the technique of swaying them to emulate dancing is devilishly tricky to master.

Christ came first, followed by hooded nazarenos dressed in black and shouldering crucifixes, all accomplished in reverential silence and under the gaze of a thousand expectant eyes. The Virgin followed, bedecked with candles, flowers and silver, then the band, pumping the sound of drums and brass around the square.

I recognised the music. I’d heard it being rehearsed from the sports hall in Estepona on many evenings over the previous month.

Of course, similar processions are held across Spain, from tiny pueblos to major cities, but they can’t hold a candle to Sevilla’s.

As the sun dipped behind the spires, the rapturous music and the scent of burning incense and candlewax created an intoxicating, ethereal cocktail.

Among the hoods were immaculately-dressed children hurling sweets into the crowd from buckets, excited to be the centre of attention.

Other youngsters holding balls of wax hovered tentatively on the edge, begging the nazarenos to pour candle wax onto them as part of a competition between the local kids to end the night with the biggest ball.

We spotted one lad cheating

– pouring wax over a football - but refrained from reporting him to the wax ball police.

It was soon time for our own Virgin’s return, streetlights were turned off and candles alone lit

A saetaro began singing to the crowds and all eyes were turned upon us the majestic scene. As the procession stopped one last time, a saetaro on our balcony began singing to the crowds and all eyes were turned upon us.

The saeta, a mournful gypsy prayer that has become a song through flamenco, is notoriously difficult to sing and only heard in Holy Week.

Everything that had gone before led up to this still moment in time: the statues, the flickering candles and the lines of nazarenos caught in freeze frame before wending their weary way back into the church, watched by the entranced worshippers.

I understood why there were TV cameras in every square, beaming this breath-taking footage to screens around Spain.

But it doesn’t come close to being there, living it, breathing it, being a part of it.

IN AWE: Christ statue departs the Cristo de Burgos church

Respite on the Rock WHILE Semana Santa is undeniably a superb spectacle, for those that live here it can be somewhat disruptive.

But there is one place that will definitely not be dominated by mile-long processions and blanket shop closures.

For when it all gets too intense, there is always the safe haven of Gibraltar, ready to welcome any escapees across the border with open arms.

The renowned Rock Hotel is even offering special threenight easter packages, including daily breakfast and dinner, an afternoon tea, a €10 bar voucher and a full easter Sunday lunch. (See advert right).

la cultura

17 April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Holy smoke!

NOWHERE on this earth goes in for Easter with as much pomp and circumstance as Spain.

Celebration, ceremony and crowds will descend on the cities and pueblos across the country, with Andalucia’s capital Sevilla’s 50,000 robe-wearers holding the most famous processions on the planet.

Holy week, or Semana Santa, will replace traffic with processions from March 29 to April 5, where medieval hooded figures, lifesize religious effigies and wailing trumpets are commonplace.

Thousands are set to flock to Andalucia’s main cities in rituals that can be traced back to the 16th century. Expect to see: •

Religious brotherhoods (cofradias), which were formed in order to regulate the Catholic doctrine in their communities, while processions were intended to showcase the customs of the Catholic Church

•

Today, the cofradias are highly organised groups that take their responsibility extremely seriously and can have up to 3000 nazarenos

•

· •

Each group holds a procession from its parish church to a set point and back again, parading their unique Virgin Mary and Jesus statue The nazarenos, with pointed hoods and medieval robes colour-coordinated with their cofradia, are dressed as such to repent in anonymity

•

Processions leave the church in solemn silence but singing and clapping soon engulf the cross and lantern-bearers

•

Pasos - the floats - can weigh as much as five tonnes and are carried on the shoulders of as many as 100 members of a cofradia some of whom will go barefoot for extreme penitence

•

Sacred gypsy song la saeta is the soundtrack which condenses centuries of tradition, notoriously difficult to sing and reserved for holy week

The Olive Press brings method to the madness descending on Andalucia during Holy Week...

HUGE FAN: Banderas led a procession this week

Sevilla

SEVILLA welcomes up to a million visitors for holy week. Extremely crowded but extremely impressive, there are almost 70 cofradias and six to nine processions per day - the longest lasts a marathon 14 hours.

The early hours of Good Friday are the highlight of week. La macarena – one of Sevilla’s two favourite virgins – emerges from her Basilica at midnight and gran poder can be found in the Basililica del Gran poder from 1am, with Esperanza de triana leaving Capilla de lso Marineros at 2.10am.

Malaga

MALAGA has been celebrating Semana Santa since it rejoiced the the Catholic Monarchs’ arrival in 1487 but it today’s federation of cofradias didn’t take shape until 1921.

The cheering and musical accompaniments make Malaga holy week different to the hush of other cities. Also remarkable are the size of its floats, sometimes over five metres long and carried by 260 people. Antonio Banderas makes a special effort to attend Malaga’s celebrations as he often leads the Virgen de las Lagrimas y Favores procession.

Axarquia THE AXARQUIA offers an outdoor re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion with a cast of 600 locals in Riogordo – almost a quarter of the town’s population! This Passion of Christ tradition El Paso, established in 1951 is one of Spain’s very special, unique events. It will attract 10,000 spectators to the El Calvario outdoor auditorium. It is held in two acts on April 3 and 4 at 4.30pm tickets cost €5-8.

Marbella MARBELLA and San Pedro come alive in holy week. With nine brotherhoods, the silent procession of the Yacente (Reclining Christ) as it departs from the Santo Sepulcro on Good Friday at 9.30pm is an emotive highlight of the week.

Mijas MIJAS combines culture with religious fervour with many activities for children throughout the week and adhere to the most traditional of Andalucian traditions, kicking off Holy Thursday with the first procession at 6pm and going into a traditional day of mourning on Good Friday.

Estepona ESTEPONA offers daily processions throughout holy week tracing Calle Real and calle terraza with celebrations culminating on Easter Sunday with processions leaving Iglesia del Carmen at 11am.

Ronda EMOTIVE: Christ statue

RONDA has been celebrating Holy Week in style since 1538 and sees 15 processions from 14 magnificent brotherhoods.

Many cross the Tajo at Puente Nuevo into Plaza Espana and the night of jueves santo and viernes santo are highlights.

17

18 18

LETTERS

the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Kind strangers saved my day DEAR OP, I would like to express my sincere thanks to a gentleman called John who came to the aid of a lady in distress (me) .

I had my handbag stolen in Lidl carpark, Sabinillas, on Monday 16th March (I sat my bag in the boot of the car, turned round to put shopping from trolley into a bag, turned back and my handbag was gone, did not hear or see anything , my own fault).

It had my house keys, car keys, purse with money and bank and credit cards, also I had printed cards with my name and address in my purse , plus all the other very necessary things a woman carries in her handbag.

John noticed my distress and very kindly came over to help, and a lady he knew lent me her phone to call home, I’m sorry I did not get her name to say thank you, John went home and brought me back a crooklock to secure the car, he also gave me €20 and a lot of support.

So I hope John and this lady read the Olive press as I cannot express my thanks in any other way.

Sally Malley, Duquesa Village

www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es

ELECTION SPECIAL

POTTED POINTERS

Citizens reign

Losing faith

I LIKE what Ciudadanos’ Juan Marin says and right now they look like a far better alternative and they are making the right noises i.e. they are business friendly and want to kick-start the economy. Meanwhile, the business-unfriendly Podemos says it ‘admires’ Venezuela and thinks it is a model for Europe… frankly Podemos’ credibility is evaporating.

HAVING lived for a number of years in both France (10) and Venezuela (12), I have to say I have lost all faith in political leaders whether right or left. I found it offensive that your newspaper publicises Podemos and showed Pablo Iglesias wearing a bracelet representing the Venezuelan flag.

My husband made a recent trip to Venezuela and found that people are queuing up for the basic necessities, violence has increased exponentially in the barrios, and corruption is rife. You do a wonderful job of outing corrupt politicians but I don’t think you should glorify the wearing of Venezuela’s flag by a political representative who has almost certainly been financed by the Chavistas.

Jane Garrett, Axarquia

Cadiz can

THE trouble with Podemos is that they are cashing in on the corruption and seem to be very organised, as well as very radical… I think people voted for Podemos in Cadiz because Teresa Rodriguez is born and bred Gaditana, and people are fed up with Teofila who is not from Cadiz… There is more than just politics going on there. I think there is a good chance Podemos will win Càdiz in the local elections.

Same difference

Clive Muir, Grazalema

THE PSOE and PP might as well make a pact – who on earth can tell the difference anyway?

In the meantime, Podemos has nothing to be ashamed of, spending only €400,000 of crowd-funding money to get that result. It appears there is still hope for Spain come the national elections.

Stefanjo Slawinski, Marbella

Call for help I AM looking for help. I spent £36,000 deposit on a penthouse at Playavista development in Morocco but have

Frances Robert, Benahavis

now been told by my solicitor that the work has stopped again at the site, due to legal & financial problems. He has advised me that the best way forward would be a class ac-

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ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 80.71% Same week last year: 82.59% Same week in 2005: 62.31% 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

MAKE-UP: New Andalucian parliament

tion by a number of people affected so that the costs can be shared. Can anyone who is interested in helping or knows someone who might be, please contact me on mel. melan@hotmail.co.uk.

Mel Hughes, England

Real respect I CANNOT understand Real Madrid fans attacking their own players (Gareth Bale and Real Madrid star attacked after training, OP online). I know that there may be a lot of passion when it comes to soccer. But attacking a player because of his performance on the field is not something that should happen. Having said that, the Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos seems to see in these actions something more positive. He definitely has a positive outlook on the situation that may help the club turn these negative

events into positives…

Tim Davies, Madrid

Past papers I’M writing a thriller, part of which is set in southern Spain in the 1960s. Was the Olive Press in existence then? If not, were there any English language papers about at that time?

Ian Hunter, UK Reply from Lenox Napier: Hi Ian - the first Englishlanguage newspaper was The Iberian Daily Sun, out of Madrid, owned by American André del Amo. The paper was bought by ‘Serra’, a mogul from the Balearic Islands and still exists as ‘The Mallorca Bulletin’. A monthly magazine with a small circulation called ‘Guidepost’ is

EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.08 American dollars 0.73 British pounds 1.37 Canadian dollars 7.47 Danish kroner 8.39 H Kong dollars 8.68 Norwegian kroner 1.49 Singapore dollars the oldest mag here, started by staffers at the American Embassy/Consul/military base in Torrejon in the fifties. It might still exist. The main magazine on the coast was ‘Lookout’, a glossy and surprisingly good mag with full-colour pictures and articles. The first weekly was The Costa Blanca News, owned in those days by Brian Something, and they are still in operation.

THE FIRST ENGLISHLANGUAGE PAPER ON THE COAST: Iberian Daily Sun

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 54 Across 7 Los Pilotos (6) * 8 Suficiente (6) * 9 Lío (4) * 10 Packing (8) * 11 Golondrina (7) * 13 Enojado (5) * 15 Medio (5) * 17 Más Populares (7) * 20 Dieciocho (8) * 21 Este (4) * 23 Pasar Por Alto (6) * 24 Entra (6).

Down 1 Fuego (4) * 2 Fósil (6) * 3 Thick (7) * 4 Verb (5) * 5 Polen (6) * 6 Holes (8) * 12 Escritos (8) * 14 Montado (7) * 16 Escuela (6) * 18 Tratado (6) * 19 Fiebre (5) * 22 Llaga (4).

L = 198

A M

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ll about

ijas

Issue 183 www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

1919

April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Ass good as it gets!

It’s not just about donkeys, discovers Iona Napier. World-famous for its chocolate box charm, Mijas has some tempting new flavours to try this season

It’s not just about donkeys, discovers Iona Napier. World-famous for its chocolate box charm, Mijas has some tempting new flavours to try this season

I

F you haven’t ridden one of its world-famous burro taxis, you must be something of an ass.

But the famous donkey-drawn carts are anything but the only carrot drawing tourists to this cobbled village these days.

Known from New Jersey to Japan for its chocolate box charm, this classic Spanish hilltop town has many other claims to fame. And with Tuk Tuks and police Segways (see Page 30) now adding to the mix, even the local transport system refuses to stand still!

Mijas was discovered internationally by bohemian artists and writers in the 1950s and 60s who fell under the spell of its Moorish vibe. If stepping into the pages of a book is your thing, read historian Ronald Fraser’s 1973 historical homage The Pueblo: A Mountain Village on the Costa del Sol. The expats who followed were equally captivated, making Mijas one of the richest towns in Malaga province. Despite its peaceful hilltop home, 8km from the fleshpots of Fuengirola and its municipal ‘other half’, Mijas Costa, the population is 40% foreign, giving the place a pulse of its own.

And nowhere does that pulse beat more vibrantly than the colourful Bodega del Pintor, which is heaving with expats and locals throwing their finest salsa moves when I look in on my first evening in the town.

Maybe it’s something in the water but dance was never Turn to Page 20

STUNNING: Nestled in the mountains, Mijas is the true gem of the Costa del Sol

tel: +34 670 607 247 tel: +34 952 486 296 mijas@palominoproperties.com

www.palominoproperties.com Avda. México, 43 Nuevo Pueblo Mijas, Local 4 29650, Mijas (Málaga)

20 20 the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

A M ll about

From Page 19

HISTORIC: Chapel of the Virgin of the rock

in short supply during my 24hour stay. And it isn’t limited to the hours of darkness.

The main square is a weekly flamenco free-for-all (see picture across page). The conversation of stallholders, flower sellers and spectators gathered around the Plaza de la Constitucion is subdued to a whisper by the spectacle of guitar strumming, soulful singing and flailing lace sleeves.

There’s a free show here every Saturday, and another

(& La Cala)

A town of contrasts

on Wednesdays outside the tourist office in Plaza Virgen

THE MOLE OF MIJAS

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T is one of the most remarkable stories to emerge from the Franco era.

Now best known as ‘The Mole of Mijas’, Manuel Cortes Quero was the last Republican mayor of the pueblo, from March to November of 1936.

However, when the town fell to dictator Franco’s nationalist troops during the Spanish Civil War he was forced to abandon his wife and newborn daughter and flee the town under the cover of darkness.

However he returned in 1939, willing to sacrifice his freedom in exchange for living under the same roof as his family, making himself a prisoner in his own home.

For 30 years the Mole stayed

hidden, driven by his belief in democracy and socialism, tucked in a cramped space under the stairs behind a false wall.

“I pulled out my own teeth, as soon as I got an ache,” Cortes told his biographers Jesus Torbado and Manuel Lequineche, authors of the book ‘Los Topos’ (The Moles).

“I would work at the tooth until it was loose and then I would yank it out with my fingers, without any pliers or tongs. I pulled out nine or ten teeth this way.”

In 1960, after 21 years of hiding, Cortes’ daughter Maria got married.

“I had to make do watching her come out of church through a little hole above,” he said.

“The wedding procession left

the house and after the ceremony Maria scurried away to come to my room and kiss me, just as we had planned.”

Listening to the radio on March 28, 1969, with his ear pressed to the wall, Cortes heard the news that he had been waiting 30 years to hear.

The government had granted amnesty to those people who had committed crimes from July 18 1936 to April 1 1939.

“I got a lump in my throat because of the emotion of the moment,” said Cortes. “I couldn’t think straight.”

The then mayor of Mijas, Miguel Gonzalez Berral, accompanied Cortes to the headquarters of the Guardia Civil in Malaga, where the world’s press waited to hear the confirmation that

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de la Pena, both at midday, weather permitting.

HIDEOUT: Quero’s room and (top) with radio

It’s as good as any you’ll see at Sevilla’s tobacco factory or Granada’s cavernous haunts, and one of the best seductions drawing trippers to this pueblo in the clouds every week.

Start your tour at Mijas Tourist Office, one of the oldest in Spain and extremely switched-on. The bilingual staff will give you a map with

They’re all wellsignposted in perfect English, something of a rarity in Spain!

he was finally free.

“Was it worth it?” asked Cortes.

“I never lost faith in democracy.

The tyranny of the dictatorship could not last forever.”

a walking route and point you in the right direction.

Depending on your internal GPS and frequency of pit stops, it will take you to the main sights in under two hours. And get this: They’re all well-signposted in perfect English, something of a rarity in Spain!

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Not quite the ticket Even in an underground car park, a kindly gesture can break down barriers, writes Iona Napier

ORNATE: Sculptures in museum With two Mudejar churches, the old Arab wall, three museums and a wealth of courtyards, shrines and garden - all overlooked by the white Calvary chapel - Mijas has masses of cultural appeal.

Locals leaning from shutters or lounging in beaded doorways spot my map from a mile off and want to help when I stray from the path.

The winding, whitewashed streets lined with artisan emporiums and hung with ceramics and trinkets demand to be wandered.

First I head for the shrine of the Virgin of the Rock, a chapel excavated by a Carmelite monk and dedicated to Mijas’ patron saint in the 17th century. According to legend, two shepherds discovered her when they were guided to the spot by a dove in 1586.

This is the first of many ‘miradors’ from which to view Fuengirola, its coastline of hotels resembling jagged teeth, and across a cluster of urbanisations and golf courses to Mijas Costa.

Plaza de los Siete Canos may not compare to the thrills of

PANORAMIC: The bull-ring boasts spectacular views Madrid’s Plaza Mayor but its sugar levels falter, a seriously low-key Andalucian architec- chocolatey hot chocolate can be found at the Mayan Monture has charm.

The small but handsome bull key, which has two cafes and ring, built in 1900, is one of its very own factory in the town. only a few in There are Spain that loads of atmoA harmonious is oval not spheric places round. It’s a coexistence to eat and sliver of old Spain with its between past and foodies will be clean, white- present, foreigner f l a b b e r g a s t ed with the washed lines and Spaniard choice! Conand ceramic gratulations, tiles showcasMijas Tourist ing famous Office, for striking a perfect matadors.

These days it’s used for con- balance between catering for tourists and preserving aucerts as well as bullfights.

With a couple of dozen water- thenticity. ing holes and cafes surround- History lovers will enjoy the ing every cultural sight, re- municipal museum, the flour fuelling is no problem and if mill and the well-preserved

ATMOSPHERIC: Flamenco in the street

churches while kids (and grown-ups who’d rather not be) will be spellbound by the museum of miniatures, El Carromato De Mijas.

Among the baffling exhibits are shrunken heads, the Seven Wonders of the World painted on a toothpick and Da Vinci’s Last Supper, reproduced on a grain of rice!

One euro meanwhile will buy you a bargain blast into the past at the excellent Folk Museum where you can see ancient artefacts and convincing mock-ups of how Mijas houses would have looked centuries ago.

The exhibition also revisits the pueblo’s roots in winemaking and weaving esparto products. The Mijenos are fiercely proud of this heritage and are pushing to bring it back.

The latest attraction is a tour by tuk tuk, which launched this month, and costs from €7 to 9 per person.

“We’re really excited about the tours and there has been loads of interest for this new project,” says founder Myriam Van der Zalm.

But thankfully the famous burros are not living on borrowed time. The donkey taxis and horse-drawn carriages show no sign of being sidelined by these new-fangled machines that are all the rage in the Far East.

And that is the key to Mijas’s success… a harmonious coexistence between past and present, newcomer and old timer, foreigner and Spaniard.

If you’re leaving by car, before heading down to the coast, take the windy backroad up towards the Guadalhorce Valley for the most harmonious perspective of all.

From here you can see the pueblo shining bright like a diamond in its hilltop setting, just as the tourist brochures promise for ‘the jewel in the Costa’s crown’.

AVID ADVENTURER: Reporter Iona Napier THE time is 2am on a Friday night.

Revellers have retreated from smoky lounges, restaurants are pulling down shutters and even the burro taxis have clocked off.

Leaving the colourful bistro where I’ve spent the evening, I return to the echoey, starkly lit underground car park. Then, panic!

My ticket has been chewed up and swallowed by the machine and the Fort Knox-style barrier is not receptive to charm.

Twenty minutes of trying to save myself is to no avail and my hotel bed is feeling a lot further than a 20-minute drive away.

There’s an emergency button, and though it’s hardly likely to connect me to anyone now, I push it.

Joy! A woman arrives to my summons in seconds, and I want to kiss her.

She takes the machine to pieces to extract my ‘parking ticket’, then her face splits into a smile as we survey the chewed-up evidence … a business card from the last bar I visited - the same shape and dimension as the ticket.

Doh! I gasp at my own stupidity.

“No pasa nada!” hoots the laughing car park attendant, not angry at all, and I try to recall the last time someone showed me such civility at 2am after such a boob.

With a friendly squeeze of my shoulder, she sent me on my way, leaving me wondering how this would have played out in England...

I was moved. And if even a fraction of the villagers are like this kindly lady who came to my rescue in my hour of need, I’m moving to Mijas too!

Mijas by numbers 12,500 - trees to be planted in the El Calvario area 7,000 - Japanese tourists visited in 2014 with tour operator Hankyu 43 - Picasso’s ceramic works in the Contemporary Arts Centre Mijas (CACMijas), the second most important collection of this type in the world 254 - UNESCO world heritage sites, 255 if Mijas’ application is successful 20,185 - foreign residents seen by the Mijas Foreigner’s Department in 2013, the first department of its kind in Spain 5,911 - patients attended to by the GP Out of Hours emergency service in Mijas in 2013 82,184 - population of Mijas 2,920 - hours of sunshine per year (243 days of solid sunshine)

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(& La Cala)

Our ‘happiness lab’

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T is the sweetest project imaginable. But not everyone would have carried it off.

Enthusiasm, imagination and drive, that is what expat couple Jason Godwin and Eli McCarthy have combined to create the Mayan Monkey Mijas chocolate factory.

Making Willy Wonka proud, the factory offers excited children (and adults) a tour into the history of chocolatemaking and the opportunity to make their very own bars.

Combining a factory, museum, cafe and shop, Jason describes the new venture as a ‘happiness laboratory’.

Factory fun “Eli and I decided we wanted to do something fun, something that the tourists can really feel warm and fuzzy about,” said Jason.

“Because it’s good to have fun in your work life. And what’s more fun than a chocolate factory?”

Godwin, who has been on the Costa del Sol for 23 years and runs his own internet service provider and property portal, designs all of the packaging and helps to create the amaz-

How two of the coast’s most innovative expats created a chocolate factory in Mijas ing array of flavours.

The cocoa comes directly from the Dominican Republic, where the couple are now looking at buying up a plantation ‘so we can be involved in all parts of the process’.

Always brimming with ideas, the current gimmick is to offer a free bar of chocolate to the man with the best ‘beard of the day’.

Mayan Monkey not only make all their own chocolate, using locally sourced ingredients, they also offer chocolate-making workshops which include an introduction to the chocolatier craft.

And Jason and Eli are now looking at yet another plan… to open an ice cream factory in the town.

The ‘Moroccan Munchkin Mijas’ - anyone got a better suggestion for a name?

WAGON OF WONDERS: The museum and one of its bizarre exhibits

Microscopic magic

WINNER: Beard of the day, with Jason and (right) Eli

Lookout for Mayan Monkey’s fortnightly cryptic-quiz to win a free chocolate-making workshop, starting in the Olive Press next issue!

THE Miniature Museum in Mijas Pueblo boasts a collection of the world’s smallest knick-knacks.

Housed in a canary yellow gypsy caravan, the odd exhibits at the Carromato de Mijas have been baffling tourists since 1972, when the museum was founded by famous hypnotist Juan Elegido Millan.

Going by the stage name of Professor Max, he amassed a collection from over 50 different countries showcasing an eye-opening ensemble of microscopic artistry.

The story goes that economic difficulties led Professor Max to collect miniatures, as his house was too small for artwork of normal dimensions.

The collection includes a bullfight painted on a lentil, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on a pinhead and a bust of Winston Churchill, sculpted from a stub of chalk.

Shrunken heads and three dried fleas dressed up as a family count as some of the more oddball exhibits in the museum, perfectly illustrating the eccentric legacy of Professor Max. Exhibits are presented in well-lit glass globes with magnifying glasses and information plaques. Although many are anonymous, Cordoban David Reyes features heavily.

Reyes, 43, visited the museum when he was just eight years old and can now put his name to around half the pieces in the collection.

One of his most impressive creations is a version of Velazquez’ famous Las Meninas, painted on a pinhead.

Despite the focus on minutiae, the museum has a big heart: proceeds from entry fees go to AFESOL, a charity founded in 1999 to help families of people suffering from severe mental illnesses.

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the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

PERFORM IN STYLE INTRODUCING THE PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON LADIES’ COLLECTION. Following the success of Pádraig’s men’s golf range for Dunnes Stores, this co-ordinated, stylish collection for women takes the same technical approach combining performance, elegance and durability. Designed with every aspect of your game in mind, because the better you feel, the better you play

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CENTRO COMERCIAL LAS RAMPAS

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Fuengirola

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(& La Cala)

Beach life!

The Hut Fantastic entertainment every Sunday from 4pm Great snack style menu which is just that little bit different!

Open sandwiches, 100% homemade beefburgers and the popular ´Snack Baskets´ for when you´re feeling just a tad peckish while you sip on that ice cold beer!

A comfortable, fun, friendly atmosphere pub to call in for a mid week chat & bit of banter or to while away your weekend afternoons with foot tapping music that you will want to dance and sing along to, plus, the friendliest customers where everyone mixes and no one is left out!

Craig (affectionately called Grumpy Landlord by all who know him!) and his wife Nicola really are a great team and everyone is made to feel welcome with a friendly smile and fun chat.......they are certainly gaining an excellent reputation from the local residents who have already found this gem of a pub.

You’ll see us on the left just outside La Cala as you head to El Faro... don´t miss the El Chaparral golf slip road, just after the bend past El Faro/Playa Marina – open every day (except Tuesday) from 12:30pm - Tel: 952493409 Follow and like TheHut2014 on to see what´s happening and going on at The Hut... plus the photos are funny to look

Synonymous with world-class golf and all the cosmopolitan class of the bigger coastal resorts but with less commotion, Mijas Costa has it all... writes Iona Napier MIJAS COSTA: Combining the best of Costa del Sol beach life and Mijas’ charm

T

HE ocean defines Mijas Costa in the way the mountains shape Mijas Pueblo. They are two halves of the same municipality, like a well-matched couple with different hobbies.

While the bijou pueblo appeals to country lovers and culture vultures, the racy oceanfront resort is big on social life and sport. It’s not the only municipality with a split personality.

Mijas is Malaga province’s fourth largest municipality and one of the most profitable destinations on the Costa del Sol, thanks to its beach clubs, golf courses and vibrant nightlife.

It spreads over almost 150km² of the province, encompassing a 12km ribbon of coastal communities: Las Lagunas, La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol, Miraflores and Calahonda.

While its sister pueblo is sometimes shrouded in early morning mist, Mijas Costa takes full advantage of the Costa del Sol’s 300 days of sunshine annually and, like its neighbours, it’s rising again from the smouldering ashes of the financial crisis.

Its coastline curves around secluded rocky coves fringed with sandy beaches and it spreads inland, too, to a fertile golf valley that’s a fairway to heaven for visitors.

Its six golf clubs offer a huge range of courses to suit all handicaps and budgets.

Sandwiched between glitzy Marbella and funky Fuengirola, like the satisfying filling in a deli sandwich, no wonder famous Brits like TV presenter Chris Tarrant, Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave and soccer star Ryan Giggs have been smitten.

Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson owns a property in the area and Irish singer Val Doonican (of diamondpatterned jumper fame) has been coming here for nigh on 30 years.

Between the authentic historical charms of the pueblo and all the sporting and leisure facilities of the coastal scene, Mijas refuses to be pinned down into one single identity.

Its string of seaside villages (see map, far right) showcase an array of great restaurants, bars, hotels and beach hideaways, dazzling like charms on a bracelet.

I’m gagging for it!

THE most famous celebrity to settle in La Cala de Mijas is undoubtably Scouse comedian Stan Boardman.

“It’s one of the few places left on the coast that still has a local village feel,” he tells the Olive Press.

With a mug of tea in one hand and a steak and kidney pie on his plate, he added: “There is still a very Spanish feel and people are very friendly.”

La Cala de Mijas is one of the jewels, known as the Bay of Mulberries until the 1970s after its signature mulberry trees.

Since the boom of the 1960s, it has been transformed from an Andalucian fishing village to a bustling resort with so-

We do not want anyone to feel like a foreigner, no matter where they come from phisticated places to dine and dance. But you’ll still see fishermen hauling in their catch and you can enjoy sardines fresh from the sea from Easter.

There is no doubt that La Cala truly comes alive in summer, as the beach and neighbouring restaurants start to hum with people.

But the big mix of Spanish with English, German, Dutch and Scandinavians is quickly apparent.

“We do not want anyone to feel like a foreigner in Mijas, no matter where they come from,” insists local councillor Mario Bravo.

Historically a place of defence, La Cala’s past is hinted at by the fortified watchtower in the centre of the village.

The tower was originally part of a series along the coast that provided an important system of defence duing the 12th century, warning Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Marbella of the presence of pirates and enemy ships.

Now a museum and tourist information centre, the tower’s exhibitions tell the story of General Torrijos - who led a revolt against King Ferdinand VII’s regime in 1831 - the history of other coastal watchtowers, and

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HISTORIC: Watch-towers used to guard the Mijas Costa

the traditional fishing customs of the Mijas Costa.

It was only four decades ago that the village consisted of little more than the watchtower and half a dozen fisherman’s cottages.

Even up to the 1970s, almost all transport was by donkey, recalls Pepe Martin, 58, who has lived in La Cala all his life.

“I was actually born in Malaga and my mother got there just in time with an hour donkey ride to Fuengirola, where she took the train,” he explains.

A gardener at Las Buganvillas urbanisation, he explains how back in the late 1950s most of the land in the area was split between two big families, the first a German family called Berne and the other a wealthy Malaga family called Cotrina.

The two families between them owned most of the land up to Fuengirola and inland towards Mijas village.

“They had most of the land carved up between them and employed many local labourers,” he adds.

His family had a little bit of land of its own, where they grew vines to produce raisins.

“My grandfather used to own a lot of vines but they all died when the phylloxera virus hit.

But we grew other things as well and shared farming equipment with other families in the area.

“It was beautiful back then, the land was so unspoilt and the fields were full of life. We had an incredible time growing up here.

“If you had a little bit of land you could live very well, but if you lived in the town of Fuengi-

rola with no land say, you would be pretty poor,” he explains.

Many expat Brits have now settled in the area so language is no longer a barrier, indeed many of the attractions and local businesses are run by foreigners, so

you’ll feel quite at home.

With Malaga airport just 25 minutes drive away, Mijas Costa is spruced up for summer and perfectly poised to share in the profits from this year’s predicted tourism bonanza.

A long stretch of sand

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ROM Fuengirola to Marbella, Mijas Costa’s 12km stretch of golden sand is divided into several sections, each appealing to different types of holidaymaker.

El Faro’s rocky, rugged coastline leads to a surprisingly sandy beach, with beach bars and restaurants, and sunbeds for hire in summer.

El Faro also offers the town’s best fishing, and you can see the fishing rods set up along the shore late into the night.

La Cala de Mijas, presented with an EU blue

PICTURESQUE: Streets in La Cala

PLAYTIME: Kids boat in La Cala flag for quality, is ideal for children and its 2km long beach is a haven for families, with a huge range of facilities and services and the kids will love the huge play boat and swings.

At Butiplaya, sometimes referred to as Torrevieja Beach, you will find a fantastic 1.5km stretch of sand, which has also been awarded an official blue flag.

Loungers and parasols are available to rent on this famously safe and family-friendly beach which also offers snorkelling.

GOLDEN STRETCH: The 12km of beaches of Mijas Costa

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Mijas mayor Angel Nozal talks to the Olive Press about nature, tourists and hobbies, but not his favourite bar…

(& La Cala)

International man

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AYOR Angel Nozal works tirelessly to improve Mijas life but once rid of his chains of office he loves playing dominoes with pals or walking the hills.

The PP politician has been in power since June 2011 and although a keen traveller (he has a Scandinavian wife and speaks several languages) he is very Mijas-focussed.

“I have a goal of trying to make the town a little better each day,” he explains.

An avid promoter of the town’s paths and green spaces, Nozal says the biggest changes have been down by the coast.

“We have the best natural beaches of all the Costa del Sol and barely anyone knows about them,” says the former insurance agent.

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“Mijas is constantly transforming and we are currently working on three huge projects that will improve transport links between La Cala, Mijas Pueblo and Las Lagunas.”

WHEN Ian Fishwick’s mother asked him to rent out her Costa del Sol home 30 years ago, he never guessed it would lead to a thriving family business.

Word soon spread: Ian had a knack for taking care of everything – from advertising to organising trusted housekeepers, gardeners, pool care and more.

The properties in his care soon grew from a cosseted few to more than 20 and 11 years ago Ian and his wife Jill relocated to Mijas Pueblo and started the company Mijas Villas.

As Spain welcomed recordbreaking numbers of tourists last year, Mijas enjoyed a hearty slice of the pie.

“Of course we suffered during the recession, but we have

seen visitors returning with vigour, especially in 2014.

“This has been especially visible in Mijas Pueblo with packed terraces, hotels recording better trade and the tourist office

Homes from home Showcasing hand-picked properties from Mijas to Marbella, the company now boasts 85 beautiful homes and prides itself on paying villa owners before guests come to stay.

Trusted and reliable, help is always just a phone call away and more than a staggering 10,000 guests from 60 different countries use their properties each year.

It truly is a family business – two of Ian and Jill’s three daughters and their partners and six grandchildren have

Est Villas - Olive Press:Layout 1 27/03/2015 13:11 Page 1

counting more visitors – especially in summer.”

The town hall has been working hard to promote tourism – weekly free flamenco shows are just one part of this - and

active roles in the business, while their third daughter takes care of the legal side from the UK. From coming to view your property at a convenient time, honestly assessing how many weeks per year they can let it – plus all the number crunching and maintenance requirements – Mijas Villas makes letting your Costa villa or apartment a breeze.

With sister company Estepona Villas letting out 40 villas down the road, this family company is keen to concentrate on quality rather than quantity, giving both villa owners and holidaymakers unparalleled treatment.

it strives to keep communities cared for and roads clean.

“When I became mayor in 2011, the town hall was in a dire situation, economically speaking.

“But we have really managed to turn this around and over four years have generated almost €20 million.”

Nozal is passionate about defending the ‘impressive natural treasure’ that is the Sierra de Mijas, boasting its over 100km of footpaths, and welcomes expats with open arms.

Mijas’ foreign population is 40% on paper, but Nozal believes the real figure to be much higher and confirms expats form a huge section of the community.

He continues: “We’ve got it all here, from spectacular beaches, more than 100km of stunning nature paths, three golf courses, first-rate bars and restaurants and flamenco.”

He adds: “It really is the heart of the Costa del Sol and everyone here is delighted to welcome visitors.”

He is adamant that the community should be well-integrated, and wants to keep multilingual communication lines open with regular meet-ups and publishing the town newspaper in English and Spanish.

Spain’s longest-standing Foreigners Department – celebrating 30 years this year – is in Mijas.

A man of integrity, the only hesitation from Nozal comes when asked which is his favourite bar or restaurant...

“I couldn’t possible choose,” he laughs. “There are so many excellent places, it’s impossible to pick one!”

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!

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

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact Zena Robinson zena@mijas-villas.com Office: 952 486 726 Mobile: 665 666 215

Mijas Villas is the trading name of Mijas Villas Ltd, Registered in the UK No. 4347478

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MAIN DISH: Thomas Weller

TOP OF THE TOWN

Mijas Pueblo’s biggest employer after the town hall, Thomas Weller is bossing the Mijas food scene with an award-winning chef and three new additions to his empire

Bana Bana winner!

T

HOMAS Weller is not one to shy away from firsts.

From co-pioneering the Costa del Sol’s first ever sushi bar in 1998, he is still notching up firsts a few kilometres inland.

The Canadian expat, 43, has just launched Mijas Pueblo’s first ever seafood restaurant Latitud 36, while he will open an Italian restaurant in May. All in all he so far owns five restaurants and four shop in the town, making him one of the Pueblo’s largest employers after the town hall at peak times, with over 60 employees come summer.

How funny then that he had never even heard of the Costa del Sol when he arrived from Canada to work in the Swiss Alps as a ski rep in the 1990s.

Literally coming across the old town centre by chance on a break, he quickly spotted a gap in the market and, along with business partner Hugo German, had the gumption to go for it.

“We have been really lucky,” says Weller, who also owns the popular Secret Garden, Aroma cafe and Taberna Meguinez restaurants in the centre.

But it is hard to believe that luck is the only ingredient in this success story.

“Mijas’ culinary scene is getting more and more exciting all the time.

“When I arrived here 18 years ago, there were a lot of over-

2727

priced places in the plaza, charging tourists twice as much as the hidden away places but now there are many great places to eat.”

He was first enticed over here with an offer of setting up a photography company on the coast. The business was an enormous success, in particular taking pictures of golfers and golf courses.

Weller’s first boutique venture was the opening of ‘Mariposa’ in 2001, a little shop that now nestles among the three further boutiques and clutch of restaurants that make up his kingdom.

“The key to everything is being different. We’re always looking for new designers, products and names that don’t exist here yet,” he explains.

He continues: “I remember being terrified at the idea of spending 75,000 pesetas

Bana Bana chef, Chelo Gonzalez, has bagged three culinary awards, and beat 200 Andalucian chefs with her prize-winning Salmorejo Mijeno.

Now, the new and improved cafe Bana Bana Express Bar will develop the original café with more modern tapas and cocktails.

EXCITING LAUNCH: Latitud 36 is Mijas Pueblo’s brand new seafood grill (€450 euros) a month on a shop. It seemed like a huge amount of money at the time,” he continues.

Following the success of ‘Mariposa’, Weller opened a string of boutiques over the next few years, including the largest candle shop on the coast, an artisan cosmetics store, and a shop selling handbags and costume jewellery.

He puts his ability to run so many businesses in one place down to being able to walk between them and his excellent team.

“I think it’s good to be involved with lots of very different projects, and to always be taking

on something completely different,” he says.

“That way, if one thing starts to lapse you can always rely on the others.”

Retail in Mijas did take a hit during the recession, but Weller maintains that across his businesses ‘we were too busy for the crisis’.

He said: “We have been so busy throughout it here on the Costa, we have been very privileged but, of course, feel terrible for those who have been going through difficult times.”

His one hope for this year is for the British pound to stay strong so the Costa del Sol can continue welcoming the tourists and

rebuild the economy.

Weller insists he rarely makes concrete plans for the future, putting his success down to being fortunate with timing and working incredibly hard...

“Mijas is the best place on the Costa del Sol,” he said. “I’m very proud to say that this little town stood up strong in the crisis, because of everything that it is.

“And despite the waves of foreigners that come and go, Mijas hasn’t lost its soul or character. It’s still just the same as when I first arrived.”

Latitud 36 Seafood Grill on Calle los Canos is the most exciting opening in the town this

year so far.

The excellent spot, in an excellent corner location, was buzzing over its first weekend.

His new ‘authentic’ Italian restaurant will even further diversify Mijas’ food scene when it opens next month.

His cafe Bana Bana opens at the amazing hour of 5am, while Cafe Aroma and the Secret Garden Restaurant, which opened in 2003 and 2008 respectively, are open all year.

Both extremely popular, The Secret Garden’s unique appeal is, unsurprisingly, its secrecy - it can only be accessed through the back garden of the Cafe Aroma.

ING!

EN ¡GRAND OP

MIJAS PUEBLO A new & unique sh restaurant 432 m above sea level!

Specialists in seafood, tapas & wines

Calle Los Caños, 14 - 952 59 02 63 649 093 932

28 28 the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

STAR APPEAL: David Beckham, Lorraine Kelly, Val Doonican, Shed’s Ian Anderson, Freddie Starr and Anthony Worrall Thompson have bought Mijas homes

Spotted!

Celebrities have been in on the costa’s best kept secret for donkeys’ years...

A WHOLE host of celebrities have been won over by the charms of the Mijas area over recent years.

From Stan Boardman to Gerry Marsden and Freddie Starr to Rick Parfitt, they’ve been visiting the tourist hotspot for years.

One of its biggest celebs to own a property in the town today is TV luvvie Lorraine Kelly, who has a Spanish villa which she insists is ‘nothing posh, just a wee bolthole in the sun.’

Irish singer Val Doonican meanwhile, has an apartment in Mijas Pueblo, while celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson’s secluded villa is tucked away in Las Lomas de Mijas.

Other fans include David Beckham and his wife Victoria, whose parents have long had a house in Riviera.

Cave of opportunity

LA GRUTA situated, in Plaza Virgen de la Peña, is a genuine cave of opportunity.

First used by a Muslim king Omar Ben Hafsun to store food and arms, this astonishing cave in the heart of Mijas pueblo now houses wares of a very different kind.

La Gruta stocks a great collection of jewellery, art works and other artisan goods from around the local region and further afield.

Brands include LLadro, Majorica, Gucci, Rado, Sargadelos and Bohemme.

It is part of the family-run business, which has two other nearby shops, Tamisa and El

Shop.

Owned by Jose Luis Ribera Baño, who started business as an antique dealer in the 1960s, the shops with his English wife Marian Rome have diversified into selling the best quality artworks, jewellery and porcelain on the coast.

“Bit by bit we expanded, always offering great value,” explains mother-of-two Marian, whose daughter Sonia, 35, now runs most of the business.

It is well worth a visit just to browse at the many wonderful pieces they have for sale.

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CREATIVITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS: Mijas workers created an industry around weaving o esparto grass, men picking it in the high mountains and women folk creating a range of bas hats and even shoes, with examples at the Mijas folk museum

ARTISAN TOWN

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A M DROP THE DONKEYS 30

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RESTAURANT & BAR Our Famous Freshly Cooked Fish & Chips & Pukka Pies served with Mash & Liquor or Chips & Gravy Gourmet Homemade Burgers Grill Menu and more available every day All items are also available for takeaway, just ring us to order or pop in and enjoy a drink while we prepare your food!

We also specialise in large bookings & celebrations with menus to order including buffets or table service

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CHOOSE YOUR RIDE: Tuk tuks (top right) and segways are taking on the donkeys

Donkey taxis have ruled the streets of Mijas for 40 years – but some new ecovehicles are rocking the status quo

D

ONKEY taxis and horsedrawn carriages are no longer the only ways to get around Mijas Pueblo with the town turning to some wacky new ways of scaling its hilly paths.

A fleet of Tuk Tuks now provide a tourist trail with a difference while the police are set to roam the streets on Segways.

Mijas Town Hall has purchased two electric Segway-style vehicles and is also bidding for 26 new police motorbikes.

The eco-friendly, economical Segways can reach speeds of 20km/h and will facilitate police patrols along the coast and inland.

Meanwhile, Tuk Tuk Spain – brainchild of local entrepreneur Myriam van der Zalm – lets visitors career through the narrow alleyways of Mijas in a chauffeur-driven canary yellow chariot.

The brand new – and unconventional – company offers trips from 30 to 45 minutes and costs €7 to 9 per person.

A multilingual tablet gives out information.

www.theolivepress.es

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WHERE TO STAY

New kid on the block But Carlos Baeza is perfectly qualified to take the stunning Hacienda Puerta del Sol to a whole new level, writes Iona Napier

H

OSPITALITY runs in Carlos Baeza’s blood.

From heading over to his father’s Mallorca hotel after school in the 1980’s to working as Hotel Manager in the Hotel Riu in Mexico, Baeza is no stranger to hotels.

He has, just this month, stepped into the role of man-

ELEGANT: Modern luxury at the Hacienda Puerta del Sol ager at the luxury, four-star Hacienda Puerta del Sol in Mijas and is loving every moment.

An economist by trade, Baeza has already started improving, refurbishing and giving a new look to the typical Andalucian

FANCY A DIP?: The hotel has an enormous pool while (above) manager Carlos Baeza

‘Cortijo’ style hotel, rare on the Costa del Sol. The hotel is in a perfect spot: near enough to enjoy Fuengirola and Mijas Pueblo but secluded enough should you wish to escape it all.

It also has fantastic grounds, with a stunning pool, and a stylish interior full of an amazing array of antiques and curios.

The 130 air conditioned bedrooms are extremely comfortable and off season some amazing deals can be had.

If you look at TripAdvisor, customer care is where the Puerta del Sol really excels, with a great quality price ratio, a peaceful location and happy staff who really care.

Get in touch with Carlos and the team on +34 91 275 4913 or visit or www.hhpuertadelsol.es

Bienvenidos al Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, una experiencia única, un mundo aparte que les ofrece las comodidades que espera de un pequeño gran hotel Welcome to the Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, a unique experience, a world apart that offers the a menities you expect from a small grand hotel

Ctra. Fuengirola-Mijas, Km. 4 Mijas (Málaga) Tel. 952 48 64 00 reservas@hhpuertadelsol.es www.hhpuertadelsol.es

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Walk on the wild side

T

AKE a walk in most directions outside Mijas Pueblo and you’ll find a network of trails varied enough to tempt hikers of all abilities.

Although geographically close, the spectacular hills of the Sierra de Mijas - which it is hoped will soon become a Natural Park - feel distant from the buzz of the coast.

With more than 100km of walking trails through unspoilt terrain with stunning wildlife and bird-watching opportunities, there is so much to see.

Even better, this trail network is well marked and maps are available at the town hall or tourist office.

Graded by levels of difficulty, walkers can learn about the natural environment through a series of routes.

The starting point for most trails is the Mirador de Mijas Pueblo. Panels throughout walks will direct you, offering cultural information on the surroundings.

Prime-time for walking is midSeptember until mid-June, as high summer temperatures can be overwhelming.

Blue skies and almond trees in blossom are typical of January and Spring is beautiful, with the wild poppies, lavender and other flowers in bud.

Head up to the popular ‘masts mountain’ hike, visible from Mijas, where the antenna tow-

SPECTACULAR: The Sierra de Mijas could soon become a natural park

Tranquility and stunning vistas lie in wait around Mijas ers mark the peak.

Once the summit has been reached, walkers are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views for miles inland and across the sea to Morocco.

Take care to bring plenty of water and wear proper footwear as terrain can be tricky.

Finally, if you have your trainers handy, a 10km race through Mijas is set for Sunday April 12.

The 10km Villa de Mijas race starts on Avenida Andalucia at 11am.

Entry is €7 and you must sign up at www.gescon-chip.es before 2pm April 10.

FRIENDLY WELCOME: Steve and Brenda specialise in glutenfree baking

Unexpected treasure AN unexpected English treasure-trove awaits locals and tourists alike in Mijas Peublo.

In a courtyard off the main street waits the English Tea Shop.

Walking through the door, you are transported to a Yorkshire tea room and a little piece of England in sunny Spain. Yorkshire tea, homemade scones and cakes with a difference abound.

All the baking is gluten-free, while retaining 100% taste.

Steve and Brenda, from Sheffield, have retrained after leaving behind their former careers.

Inspired by family members and friends who suffered from celiac disease and gluten intolerance, Brenda went back to school to learn how to bake with confidence.

For a friendly northern welcome and excellent food, be sure to visit.

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We have grown the group of companies to cater to the one thing that all our holiday home owners want, and that is to know that their investment is being looked after and to receive a service that gives them stress-free holiday home ownership. As the majority of our owners want a return on investment in the form of rental income, we developed different, specialised companies to be able to fulfil this need and offer the best service possible to everyone.

HomeCareontheWeb focuses on the care, maintenance and rental of the property. Many of our owners have been with us since we started in 2003 and one aspect they all agree on that makes us stand out from other property management companies is the comprehensive Owners’ Management Area.

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34 34 the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

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A M ll about

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BIG DRAW: New boardwalk

One step at a time

La Cala’s exciting new boardwalk has got the property market on the up, writes Tom Powell

W

HILE other Costa del Sol resorts saw property value drop by up to 70% in the crisis, stubborn La Cala de Mijas remained almost unchanged.

And now the ‘recession-proof’ resort is leading Mijas Costa’s property market recovery – thanks in part to a whole lot of wooden planks.

The new coastal boardwalk, officially opened last October, has become a huge hit, almost too popular on sunny weekends with cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers all vying for space.

“It’s been a massive draw,” explains Andrew Partridge, of La Cala Sales and Rentals.

“But we’ve also got to thank the huge investment from the town hall for driving the market.”

La Cala is certainly going places. A new roundabout and slip-road is under construction, while it counts on some of Mijas’ best schools and medical facilities too.

“People buying property want to do so in an area where it is clear the town hall is investing,” adds Partridge.

Originally from Oxford, he has been working as an estate agent for 20 years in southern Spain, setting up the La Cala office seven years ago, and as a result has been through the good and the bad.

But La Cala stayed strong

HISTORIC: La Cala tower

throughout the crisis, there was always demand simply because the area was never overdeveloped.

In short, the village never got greedy, and is now reaping the rewards, he insists.

He has already had a ‘healthy’ number of sales this year and there are ‘plenty more on the way’.

A lot of this is being helped by the rising value of the pound and the strong UK economy, which is bringing a lot more British buyers back into the market.

IN DEMAND: La Cala (below) and (right) Andrew Partridge

www.theolivepress.es

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Terra firma for Teres

I

T’S the stuff of dreams: going on holiday, falling in love with a place and never going home.

This is exactly what happened to Susanne Teres over 30 years ago when she discovered Mijas and fell for the place and its warm-hearted people.

She made it her home in the hazy days ‘BC’ (before computers) and opened up Mijas Properties, a real estate business, which has built up an unparalleled reputation for honesty and professionalism over the years.

PILLAR OF SUCCESS: Susanne

Susanne Teres and her Mijas Properties team are going from strength to strength after three decades, writes Iona Napier From her bright and spacious office in the heart of town with far-reaching panoramic views to the sea, Susanne takes pride in running a friendly, family-run business.

The great team operates in English, Spanish and French and boasts bucket-loads of experience and local knowledge built up over time.

Mijas Properties offers villa sales, holiday rentals and long-term rentals to clients who just keep coming back.

Susanne says: “We have clients renting with us year after year for their holidays and many long-term rentals clients have been with us for many years.”

She continues: “The second recession was very long and very difficult, but we are proud to have weathered the storm and are so excited about the future with renewed interest recently.”

A number of celebrities have bought properties from her – but she’s too discreet to name names.

The logo, designed in 1984, remains the same and Susanne and the company are optimistic for the future with Andalucia attracting ever increasing interest from people looking to buy and let.

For more information call 952 485 025 or email info@mijasproperties. com

the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

LA CALA BLUE TRAVEL AGENTS • ESTATE AGENTS • PROPERTY MANAGERS WORLDWIDE HOLIDAY LETS – ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

Property for Sale in La Cala de Mijas Oasis de la Cala, Garden apartment – €249.000 Los Golondrinas, beach side – €249.000 Cala Azul, 3 bed – €249.000 Jardines de la Noria – €259.000

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH! Nueva Andalucia – Aloha 2 bed, 2 bath €105.000 Lots more available, come and see us or check out our website www.lacalablue.com Holiday rentals from 1 bed to villas with pools available all year round Winter rentals available from €600 per month walking distance to La Cala de Mijas

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Here are just a few of the fantastic properties we have on the market – for more information on these properties and others available – please visit our website or pop in & meet us!

Located on the main street in Mijas Village, towards the Town hall, next to Zurich If you are thinking of putting your property on for sale or rent, please do not hesitate to call us!

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WHERE TO EAT

An oasis on the coast!

HIP: Burgers at Blue Coffee Bike

I

T bills itself as ‘an oasis on the Costa del Sol’ and I’d be struggling to put it any other way.

For starters, La Capucine’s chefs Jose Maria and Pilar Castro have worked at some of the best restaurants on the coast (Frutos, El Lago, etc) and even around Spain. While its maitre d/sommelier Jorge Perez did his time at Spain’s three Michelin-star temple Akelarre in San Sebastian.

And the food definitely does not disappoint, it being beautifully presented and with numerous stylish touches.

The vol au vents with chicken, asparagus and boletus mushrooms were stunning, while the ravioli filled with foie and with a Perigord sauce is hard to beat for a starter.

Recently renovated and taken over by a local expat family, it has a lovely leafy garden with views towards distant mountains… an oasis indeed.

Up in the pueblo there is an-

Mijas is developing a richer and richer dining scene, writes Jon Clarke

This amazing garden is a delight to kick back and dine in good weather other spot that could equally be described as an oasis.

Appropriately called the Secret Garden, it sits behind a more typical white walled restaurant Aroma. This amazing garden is a delight to kick back and dine in good weather and the menu is a nice mix of authentic Iberian dishes alongside Argentinean fare – particularly steaks.

Next door make sure to look out for the Secret Garden’s sister restaurant Taberna Meguinez (which means ‘Are you winking at me?’) which has an excellent menu.

While easily the most exciting launch of the year is Latitud 36, a new fish restaurant also owned by the same group (see article on page 27).

Another authentic restaurant in the pueblo is Restaurante La Reja, which is charm personified and has an amazing dining terrace looking over Mijas and the faraway

AUTHENTIC: The pueblo’s La Reja

NUDGE AND WINK: Meguinez hills. Run by Manolo and his wife, it has a simple good value menu, described as ‘traditional Andalucian kitchen’, and expect to eat delicious aubergines in honey, perfect steaks and the freshest fish.

If you are more in the mood

A true captain THE Captain’s Bar is a real hidden treasure with a lovely friendly atmosphere and popular with locals and holiday makers alike.

Just off the A7, near La Cala, there is plenty of parking outside and large indoor and outdoor areas. It has a real ‘beach-house’ feel and a kids play area and pool table. The food is freshly prepared with a brand new menu with daily specials, pie, mash and liquor, plenty of tapas and a grill section, including gourmet burgers and their famous fish & chips now available every day. On Sunday, you can enjoy a superb roast.

for Italian, then next door La Bella Coppia, meaning ‘beautiful couple’ is a surefire winner. Run by Pedro for 25 years, it has a superb dining terrace for warm weather and is charming inside, serving up a good range of pasta dishes and pizzas.

Last, but very much not least in the village, you must look out for the excellent Blue Coffee Bike, a stylish café with excellent food. Run by Catalan Rosa, a fashion designer, who has an amazing eye, this is one of the hippest spots in town.

Rosa’s partner Antonio is the chef, knocking out some incredible dishes such as the mushroom risotto and his ‘croqueton’, a giant, succulent croquette. But no visit would be the same without a plate of the amazing mixed burgers, each in their own flavour.

On the coast, there is a great variety including The Hut, a well established Britishrun bar and Capitan’s Bar, popular with a great garden (see inset).

The pick of the busy El Zoco centre must certainly be Italian Villa Paradiso, in a typically romantic square and with excellent fresh food, while El Toro nearby is also highly recommended.

On the main road near La Cala

37

look out for Snack Attack, one of the busiest cafes on the coast. Its capable owners Mark and Robert are busy throughout much of the day. Start the day with an amazing Eggs Benedict or Florentine or go for the great value €3.95 breakfast deal with all the trimmings.

They also own the popular cocktail bar and lounge venue Bar Tuta next door.

STALWART: Pedro from La Bella Coppia while (below) La Capucine and a typical dish

Ole indeed!

Mijas’ best known dining secret reaches its 21st birthday IT has been an incredible 21 years since Juan Gomez opened Ole restaurant in La Cala de Mijas.

A true local on the road to the race track, his clients are a massive mix of Spanish and just about every other nationality on the planet.

It is hardly surprising that this is one of the area’s most popular joints (up 30% last year): Juan is a charming host – speaking perfect English – and puts a great emphasis on fresh ingredients.

Much of it comes from his finca near Ronda, where he decamps at the weekend when he ‘has a moment to spare’.

Otherwise he changes the menu regularly and insists on having at least five or six specials every day depending on the season.

“I buy all the meat and fish and go shopping every day to the local markets to find the very best ingredients,” he explains.

“And price/quality is the key to my success.”

Expect to eat fantastic stuffed red peppers, delicious lettuce hearts with anchovies, and great salmon cooked in a spicy dill sauce.

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Property

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K.O. the ki- April the olive press - April 2nd ckb15th ac2015 ks

Borderline insanity EXCLUSIVE

By Tom Powell MARBELLA Town Hall’s attempt to alter the municipal boundary with Benahavis has been blocked by the Andalucian High Court (TSJA).

The agreement to gift Benahavis 170,000 square-metres of land, known as Vega del Jaque, was met with huge objection when it was revealed last December.

The land – classed as nonurban in Marbella – would have been urbanised under Benahavis’ new Plan Parcial, allowing the construction of 50 luxury villas.

The exchange would have greatly benefitted property promoter Lars Broberg – the husband of Marbella Mayor Angeles Munoz – and his brother Jim Broberg.

Munoz and Broberg live in a stunning villa in the area, and would be liable for less IBI tax after the land deal.

However, more than 2,750 letters and signatures were

Court prevents Marbella and Benahavis controversial boundary deal

OPPOSED: Marbella mayor Munoz with developer husband Lars Broberg presented to the town hall, from people who argued there was nothing for Marbella to gain from giving away the land.

The TSJA ruled that ‘borders cannot be altered by a General Plan’, but the decision will be appealed to Supreme Court.

Petition organiser, expat Cris-

tina Falkenburg said: “The ruling is extremely important for anyone owning land in that area or being offered real estate for purchase.”

“By altering the boundaries, you can build on that land.

“Of course, all taxes and future income from developing that land goes to Benahavis.”

the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Agents on board

A NUMBER of Costa del Sol estate agents have joined an Olive Press campaign to expose the unethical practice of lawyers giving estate agents ‘kickbacks’ for work.

Launched last month, our ongoing probe aims to stamp out the bent practice of lawyers paying estate agents unethical commissions up to 20% in return for conveyancing work.

With a number of clean lawyers already backing the campaign, agents are now coming out in support.

Leading the charge is Marbella’s longest-established agent Chris Clover, from Panorama Properties, who insists that the practice is ‘abhorrent’ and an idea that he would ‘never entertain’.

Other estate agents adding their weight to our campaign include Terra Meridiana, Cluttons, Hudson International Properties and Inland Andalucia.

While law firms offering their support are My Lawyer in Spain, Lawbird, MT Legal, Anderson PCL, Temple Cambria, Gutierrez del Alamo & Martos Abogados, Poveda & Associates Lawyers, Paradigm Family Law, C&S Abogados and Bench & Co. To add your support email newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 951 273 575

39

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Homes under the hammer

By Rob Horgan THE former mayor of Almeria, Federico Molina, is in the dock as the fate of 29-foreignowned homes goes to court.

Molina, his partner Antonio Penuela, and three former councillors, face charges of building on protected land in the Retamar residential development in 2006.

Prosecutors now want to demolish the 29 villas, owned by 17 foreign investors most of whom are British.

The court will hear that Molina’s ‘administrative silence’ allowed building to go ahead although he knew that it was illegal.

The prosecutors will also be attempting to force the development’s promoter, Amador M.M, into paying compensation to the 17 buyers who unknowingly bought the illegal properties.

Owner of Residential Retamar, Amador could also be deemed legally responsible for providing the €134,000 needed to demolish the houses and restore the land.

Last month, a decision to change the law meant expats

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Former mayor in the dock as expat homeowners discover the fate of their dream homes abroad

ILLEGAL: Almeria homes could be demolished who unknowingly bought illegally-built property would receive compensation if their home was demolished.

It is unclear whether the law will come into effect in

time for this case. There are an estimated 300,000 illegally built homes in southern Spain, many of which were snapped up by foreign buyers in the late 2000s.

Forever blowing bubbles

Homes alone THERE are more empty homes in Almeria than in Malaga, Granada and Jaen combined.

At the end of 2014 a total of 16,201 newly built properties were still unsold in the province, according to the Ministry of Development.

In comparison, Malaga had 4,159 empty newbuilds at the end of the year, and in Granada and Jaen combined there were just over 10,000 newly built properties left uninhabited.

Despite the enormous numbers of empty homes, developers and banks actually had a good 2014, selling 7,052 newbuilds in the province.

And only five years ago there were around 40,000 unsold homes in Almeria.

The Property Insider

by Ad

am Neale It’s not just premium areas on the Costa del Sol that are recovering rapidly. All over Europe, property prices and sales are surging in select spots where demand outstrips supply and where the wealthy want to buy

S

INCE the start of the year, I’ve written a couple of columns about the real-estate market picking up in prime locations on the Costa del Sol. Citing data on transactions, values, and purchasers from multiple sources, I’ve tried to explain why demand for quality property on the coast is, once again, on the upturn. Some may say that’s simply talking up the market (full disclosure: I am an estate agent), but those numbers aren’t made up.

In last issue’s first-ever Olive Press Property magazine, well-respected Spanish property commentator Mark Stücklin came to the same conclusion. Highlighting rises in sales last year, both in Marbella itself and in Malaga province, he noted the market is only really recovering strongly in those locations where cash-rich foreign buyers choose to invest their money. And what is true on the Costa del Sol applies pretty much everywhere else in Europe.

Although Marbella may lead the way at home, it’s far from the only in-demand hotspot among the 28 members. Last year, Europe’s top 15 markets saw sales jump 36%, driven by commercial and residential deals worth €200 billion according to Savills. The highest growth occurred in ‘riskier’ states like Ireland and, you guessed it, Spain, where prices and sales fell faster and farther post-financial crisis. Recovery has come at a faster pace than forecast, but, rather than take place evenly, demand and prices are really only rising in pockets of wealth.

Earlier this month, The Irish Times reported the Emerald Isle was looking greener than ever in 2014, thanks to a massive influx of real-estate investment in the year to September. Nationwide, the marketplace grew by 15% last year, but prices shot up in Dublin by over 24% yearon-year, until the end of October. In Spain, only

Barcelona and Marbella posted real price increases last year and are where sales should rise most in 2015. According to most market experts, Madrid will surely add its name to the list before the year is out.

Even in more resilient markets like the UK, while prices continued to climb all across the country in 2013, they did so at well over twice the rate in the capital. Last December, The Telegraph noted property prices in the UK rose by an average 6% in 2014, whereas in London they jumped by more than 15.5%, fuelled by an upsurge in demand for high-end residential properties among overseas cash buyers.

Some observers have expressed concern that another bubble may be forming, meaning the feeding frenzy could lead to stomach ache for those whose appetite gets out of control.

Outside Europe, some of the fastest-growing markets globally, many of which were in Asia, have slowed down or even started sliding downhill into recessionary cycles, after double-digit price and sales hikes resulted in overheating. Even investment darling Dublin saw prices this January drop by 2% again.

Nevertheless, strong spending – by investment funds that have billions on the books and are acquiring assets in capital cities, HNWIs (high-net-worth individuals) shopping for cut-price homes in high-price locations to add to their portfolios, and ordinary investors who feel the market has finally bottomed out and would rather take their money out of the bank and sink it into property – looks set to be sustained for some time to come.

Historically low interest rates, the euro’s ongoing depreciation against most other major currencies, and even the ECB’s quantitative easing plans have all contributed to making the purchase of property in some of the best addresses in Europe look like a good, and a relatively safe, bet in the long term.

Terra Meridiana. 77 Calle Caridad, 29680 Estepona. Tel: +34 951 318480.

Office Mob: +34 678 452109 Email: info@terrameridiana.com. http://www.terrameridiana.com

Property

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the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Staying home Cautious heads outweigh pull of the strong pound for Brits buying abroad THE number of Brits buying abroad could tumble as the UK flirts with the prospect of an EU exit.

The majority of Brits think overseas property is an insecure investment, with one in three claiming an EU exit would put them off buying in

Boom from abroad THE number of foreigners snapping up bargain Malaga properties shot up by 30% last year.

A total of 9,140 houses were sold to buyers from foreign shores in 2014, according to figures from the Ministry of Public Works.

A total of 23,929 properties were sold in the province, with foreign buyers making up 38% of the market.

The sale of houses to foreign buyers almost doubled in the past two years: from 5,140 in 2012 to 9,000 last year.

The list of foreign property

buyers is led by British, Scandinavian, French and Benelux

buyers, while purchases by Spaniards also rose by 29%.

Balearic best PALMA de Mallorca has been crowned the best place to live in the world by The Sunday Times.

The capital of Mallorca, in the Balearics, was voted first out of 50 destinations thanks to its ‘picturesque old towns’, ‘fancy shops’ and ‘slow-paced charm’.

The panel of judges described it as a ‘pocket-sized city that has it all, on a beautiful island’. Palma de Mallorca has transformed itself from a fishing harbour to a modern, bustling destination for tourists and expats alike, thanks in part to the Spanish royal family’s annual holiday there in the Marivent palace.

the Eurozone, according to a YouGov survey.

Despite the euro’s record slide against the pound, finance expert Jordan Tilley says Brits are not getting ‘caught up in a European buying frenzy’.

“Today’s findings suggest the British are still cautious about committing to property in the Eurozone, and need a better understanding of the market before they can take the leap,” Tilley said.

“A year ago, a property worth €180,000 would have set you back £150,000 – this month, a weak euro means that figure would be more like £128,000.

“Still, with Greece’s debt talks rumbling on and the possibility of a Brexit referendum following May’s general election, many buyers are wise enough to know that the dream of a European place in the sun is best undertaken with a full knowledge of the risks.”

For more information, see www.buyapropertyabroad.com

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42 42the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

BUSINESS IN BRIEF Plans derailed THE European Commission has launched a probe into a proposed €358.6 million high-speed train test centre in Antequera.

Double banker SPAIN’S Banco Sabadell sees little chance of a rival bidder for British Bank TSB after agreeing a €2.32 billion takeover deal.

Reform rift GREECE will not receive money from the eurozone until it implements all of its proposed reforms, according to Spain’s economy minister Luis de Guindos.

www.theolivepress.es the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Hola amigos A NEW bank is giving a warm welcome to expats who own or rent a property in Spain.

Hola Bank is launching with an initial 100 branches throughout Spain, in Málaga, Murcia, Alicante and the Canary and Balearic Islands.

Owned by Caíxa Bank, which has 375,000 international customers, it will concentrate on serving clients in English and other international languages. Director general Juan Antonio Álcaraz told the press at Marbella’s Don Pepe Hotel that it was an ‘exciting time’ to be opening a new bank.

He said: “The bank will cater

Backed by Caixa Bank, Hola Bank will serve expats and foreign investors

to a group of clients with very specific needs, providing an innovative, comprehensive and high quality range of products and services.”

He added: “We think the name will make clients feel comfortable… And it is easy to recognise.” Some 16 branches are in Andalucia,

WARM WELCOME: Hola bank

while the bank hopes to get a 25% market share of the expat market within four years.

Eventually 16 branches will open in Malaga, to cater to 25,000 foreign clients.

TEAMWORK: HouseSitMatch founder Lamia Walker meets similar minds at a Financial Times summit

The bank’s existing foreign clients create a business volume of €6 billion. It uses the catchphrase ‘Making your life easier’ and has its own website www.holabank.es.

AGONY ANT

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Money makers EXTREMADURA and La Rioja are leading Spain’s economic recovery, with Galicia, Asturias and Madrid at the other end of the scale.

Antonio Flores asks if presidents of communities of owners can receive remuneration?

Presidential perks PROPERTY owners are filing increasing numbers of complaints about presidents of the comunidad de propietarios (community of owners) in their buildings.

Abuses of power, passiveness, overstepping legal boundaries, refusal to call annual general meetings and to sanction budgets, unauthorised maintenance and using community funds without approval are common grievances.

Considering that this is technically a non-remunerated post, this may sound like unnecessary aggravation for the presidents. However, could it be that some community presidents are being paid salaries or taking backhanders, and as result, acting like toxic workplace bosses?

We shall leave the second scenario for now – as it is difficult to prove – and address the main question: are presidents of communities of owners entitled to remuneration?

The Horizontal Property Act is mute on this point as it neither endorses nor bans it. Caselaw on the contrary is more specific, giving the following clues: The appeal courts of Malaga, the Balearics and Tenerife have declared that presidents cannot have a fixed remuneration although ‘they may be compensated for the costs and trouble inherent to carrying out the job of President.’

The appeal court in Las Palmas holds a contradictory case where statutes specifically state:

“The President of a specific Community will not generate remuneration,” adding however, “this prohibition is not incompatible with covering representation expenses, more or less modest, against submission of receipts or invoices for the most relevant expenses.”

The appeal court in Granada is more restrictive and states: “... while prima facie the job of President is pro bono, such a mandate is not incompatible with receiving consideration by the community.”

In this case, an AGM resolution where the president was exonerated of paying his monthly fee was deemed void because it ‘altered the coefficients of ownership within the community of owners … and a professionally remunerated administrator can do this job’.

On the contrary, the appeal court in Barcelona is adamant about the validity of the prohibition since the Catalan Civil Code specifically envisages the unpaid nature of this job.

Regarding the required quorum in an AGM (or EGM), most courts consider that a resolution to grant a regular remuneration requires unanimous consent, if it goes against the statutes or articles (because they stipulate that it is an unpaid job), whereas a resolution to simply cover representation expenses can be decided by a majority of votes, irrespective of what the statutes or articles state.

Sitting ovation SPAIN’S number one house-sitting network, HouseSitMatch, has celebrated its two-year anniversary.

The online network lets people travel worryfree, assured that their home and pets are in safe hands.

Boasting more than 1,000 sitters and owners in 20 countries as far afield as Costa Rica, the network is on the up.

Former marketing exec Lamia Walker launched HouseSitMatch from her garage in Buckinghamshire, but now employs five staff - two of whom are house-sitting their way around the world.

Walker met with representatives of similar companies such as AirBnB and Blablacar at the Financial Times inaugural summit on the Sharing Economy, where they discussed the collaboration for mutual benefit.

For more information visit www. housesitmatch.com

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

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Top Dollar

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the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Like a boss...

Inditex head honcho is number one in the eyes of the Spanish public

RETAIL magnate Amancio Ortega has been branded as the ‘best boss’ by the Spanish public.

A resounding 29% of people voted for the Inditex founder and owner of Zara as

their ideal boss in a recent survey for Adecco.

Meanwhile former CEO of Ikea Iberia, Frau Bethlehem, came in second with 24.9% and Mercadona CEO Juan Roig snapped up 18%

Advertorial

Just 20 yearly spaces left at Helle Hollis!

IT is little over a year ago that Helle Hollis opened its car park.

A success from the very start, there are now only 20 yearly parking spots left.

“They are being sold with the special offer where you get 14 months parking for the 12-month price,” says Managing Director Hans Hugo.

The secure indoor 24-hour installation, 800 metres from Malaga airport, has video surveillance and 24-hour staff.

Unlike other parking companies you can drop off and pick up your car as often as you like without restrictions.

“If a customer wants a friend or family member to pick up their car, then this can of course also be arranged,” adds Hans.

A free courtesy bus service runs continuously and the company can arrange vehicle inspections (ITV) and repairs so that your car is always, clean and ready for the road when you return to Spain.

“Many choose us because the clients want assurance that their car is parked in safe installations, with security and personal service - and we can confidently give them that,” concludes Hans.

of the vote.

A larger number of women chose Ortega, with the men leaning towards Frau and Roig.

Ortega’s fortune recently topped €60 billion, making him the fourth richest person in the world, behind Bill Gates, Carlos Slim and Warren Buffett. The top 10 bosses also included Banco Santander chief Ana Botin, Real Ma-

TOP BOSS: Ortega

drid president Florentino Perez and Mango founder Isak Andic.The Spanish also voted tennis star Rafa Nadal as their number one sport coach, with basketball ace Pau Gasol and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas coming second and third.

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Top Dollar

www.theolivepress.es 44 the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Crowd pleaser Crowdfunding raises over €1 million for Spanish startup companies in one year SPAIN’S yacht charter market has finally beaten the recession, according to industry experts.

With the British pound, the Swiss franc and the Swedish krona all strong against the euro, visitors from these countries are grabbing great deals in Spain.

Last year saw the first growth in Spain’s recreational boat market since 2007, with a 9.92% increase in registrations compared to 2013.

Lorenzo Vila, director of easyboats said: “Charter enquiries are flooding in this year and they’re also coming

A CROWDFUNDING site dedicated to startups in Spain is redefining the way businesses are set up across the country.

Six businesses have raised a

Yachts afloat again

WIND IN THE SAILS: Of the yacht sector in, and closing, far earlier in the season than usual.

“We’ve signed contracts on

several charters, mainly in the 45ft to 60ft sector, and some for as early as Easter.”

combined figure of over €1 million through Crowdcube’s crowdfunding site since it launched last year.

They include Barcelonabased drone company HEMAV which broke the record for the largest crowdfunding total in Spain when it raised €450,000 in just six days.

Managing director of Crowdcube Spain, Pepe Borrell, said he is committed to ‘bridging the gap’ for startups in Spain.

“There is a real gap in funding for start-ups and early stage businesses in Spain so I’m pleased that we’ve already been able to fund six businesses and that Spanish investors are embracing crowdfunding,” he said.

“There’s a huge potential market for crowdfunding in Spain so we’re excited about the future of Crowdcube Spain.”

Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander

HMRC backtrack on QROPS Richard Alexander on ‘a la carte pensions’ and avoiding ‘financial indigestion’

W

ITH the so-called ‘new era’ of UK pensions starting this April, it was expected that increased flexibility would also apply to QROPS. HMRC told us this would be the case back in December 2014.

However, by mid March they

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realised that there were some gaps in their thinking and because of their own rules for QROPS, they could not extend the flexibility without a major re-think.

And now, with the UK General Election so close, they have announced a ‘temporary delay’. How long you may ask?

We will have to wait and see...

QROPS stands for Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme and allows peo-

From this month on, UK pensions are indeed going a la carte ple with accumulated benefits in UK pension schemes to move the pension fund into a QROPS based scheme outside the UK. This removes some of the restrictions and UK tax implications for people who are no longer UK resident. In fact, there are still some advantages for people who remain UK resident, but that is another story.

With increased pension flexibility we have seen great changes to some of the rules relating to benefits payable after the death of the pension holder. These are a step forward, with the removal of the commonly-levied pe-

nal 55% tax charge. People with QROPS will benefit from these changes – good news for them.

In his Budget statement, Chancellor George Osborne made reference to people who have already used their pension fund to buy an annuity contract. He intends to extend pension flexibility to these people from April 2016.

Exactly what this means and how it will work will become clear over the next year, but I suspect we will see the creation of a secondary market where people may sell their annuities for a capital sum.

In this way, the annuity providers will not see a run on their investment strategies because the annuity contracts will remain in place on the original terms; it will simply be the beneficial owner that changes.

The value of those contracts remains to be seen, but it certainly will not be a means to recoup your entire investment in the annuity unless it was a very recent purchase.

With the introduction of more choice with pension fund options comes the need for more advice. When you are in a restaurant, the menu del dia is a simple solution, but the full a la carte takes longer to study to make the right choices. From this month on, UK pensions are indeed going a la carte, so get sound advice if you want to avoid financial indigestion!

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

45 45

Top Salud 45

Organ-ised crime deal

THE first ever international treaty to combat human organ trafficking has been signed by 14 European nations in Madrid.

Black market transplants – an estimated 10,000 each year – generate more than €1 billion in illegal cash.

The agreement will make it illegal to take organs from people living or dead without their full consent and also bans making money off transplants.

“This is one of the most exploitative trades on the planet,” European Council secretary general Thorbjoern Jagland said.

“The so-called donors are the impoverished, the weak, the orphaned, the uneducated, the vulnerable.”

Countries to sign the treaty include Albania, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy Luxembourg, Norway, Moldavia, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.

35

www.theolivepress.es the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

Strength in numbers Costa charity set to raise awareness of debilitating disease with gala dinner

LITTLE STAR: Talia suffers from Mitochondrial disease

A COSTA del Sol charity is hosting a gala dinner to help its fight against mitochondrial disease.

The debilitating physical, developmental and cognitive disease affects as many as one in 4,000, according to recent statistics.

Now non-profit organisation Service in Satchidananda is collaborating with the National Mitochondrial Association to host a fundraising gala dinner in San Roque, with talks from leading experts on the disease.

Vice-president Shanalle Bacarese-Hamilton, whose seven-year-old daughter Talia has a very rare mitochondrial disease, said they charity is determined to build a national register of patients. ““It really is the first step to implementing change as there’s no cure at the moment.

EXCLUSIVE

By Iona Napier “In the association there is a lot of love and support - we just want all patients to be known and supported.”

Mitochondrial disease saps the sufferer from energy to such a degree that organs and systems can be damaged with loss of abilities from walking and talking to

swallowing.

Tickets cost €85 for the gala dinner – at Alcaidesa Golf Hotel on April 24 at 8pm – and include a DanceWorks performance, welcome drinks and a three course meal.

To find out more or buy tickets call 687799856 or email onyommail@ gmail.com.

Unlikely saviour HIGH cholesterol could actually reduce the risk of diabetes, a new study suggests.

Scientists have found that patients whose cholesterol was boosted by a genetic disorder were half as likely to get type 2 diabetes.

The findings may explain why statins, which are taken to lower cholesterol, also increase the risk of diabetes.

Some studies suggest that people taking cholesterol-lowering agents are almost twice as likely to developed diabetes.

Ask the Optician – Are my sunglasses up to scratch?

By Leighton Griffiths, Store Director from Specsavers Opticas Marbella

W

ITH the weather heating up and people rushing to the slopes for the end of the ski season, sunglasses are so much more than just a fashion accessory... they are crucial to protecting your eyes. Here we answer your questions about this important topic.

Why do I need to wear sunglasses?

It is very important to wear appropriate sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

It is not only the direct sunlight you need to be wary of, light reflected from surfaces like windows also contains UV.

What damage can it do?

Excessive exposure to bright sunlight is not only uncomfortable for the eyes, but can lead to painful inflammation of the cornea at the front of the eye. UV exposure has also been linked to cataracts, age related macular degeneration and cancer of sensitive skin around the eyes.

EYE-CATCHING: More than just a fashion statement

What glasses should I choose?

Check sunglasses comply with UNE-EN 1836:2006 + A1:2008 or bear the CE kite mark and are marked UV 400. This way you know they are up to standard. Beware of budget sunglasses – many actually cause the pupil to dilate, increasing the amount of UV light filtering into the eyes.

If you wear prescription glasses, consider photochromic lenses that adapt to light changes, darkening in bright light so your eyes are always protected. If you are looking for maximum comfort and protection by the pool, on the beach or for outdoor sports, polarised lenses can really help and there are even special lenses for driving.

Specsavers stores in Fuengirola and Marbella are currently offering free eye tests. Specsavers Opticas’ Wall of Sun features a wide range of styles, colours, sizes and shapes which all offer a high level of UV protection. Visit your nearest store to check out the range.

To book an eye test or find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es

Free varifocal lenses with glasses from 89€

59€

ONLY IN SPAIN End 28 Jun s e 2015

Choose a single pair of glasses from our 59€ range or above, and we’ll give you 1.5 PENTAX Standard varifocal lenses, usual price 69€, free. Or, if you’d rather have varifocal lenses from our other ranges, we’ll give you 69€ off the price, meaning you could get Premium varifocals for 55€, Elite varifocals for 100€, or Tailor-Made varifocals for 165€.

And what’s more, an eye test is included in the price.

Request an eye test online at specsavers.es or by calling your local store

Marbella 952 863 332 Avda. Ricardo Soriano 12 Fuengirola 952 467 837 Avda. Ramón y Cajal 6 Cannot be used with other offers. Eye test usually 15€. 199€ Fineform and Rimless ranges: include 1.6 PENTAX Standard varifocal lenses. All lenses are scratch-resistant. Extra Options available at an additional charge. Subject to suitability. Ends 28 June 2015. ©2015 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

OLIVE PRESS – 105mm x 256mm – Colour

1st April / 29th April

46 46 The Olive Press’

OP

XUniversity monthly youth and education section

the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

treme

challenged

TUCKING IN: To cake

Let them eat cake Ms Kirkham recounts a fun and calorie-packed month at BSM

CAPTAIN Hook, Robin Hood and Snow White are three colourful characters you wouldn’t normally see alongside each other in a school play. That is unless you managed to get hold of tickets to the hottest show in Marbella this month – Every Pantomime That Ever Was! With a name almost as ostentatious as its star-studded list of protagonists (from every fairy tale you could possibly imagine), the British School of Marbella’s show was a sell out. Many local dignitaries had to be turned away at the school gates!

Among those clambering to get front row seats were talent scouts from EastEnders who had heard that the level of acting from our Year One and Two youngsters was going to be an ‘epic tour de force’ – if a preview piece in the Sunday Times was anything to go by. And with legendary directors Miss Bruce and Miss Armstrong at the helm, it was no surprise to see a standing ovation and stellar performances all round. Bravo!

What’s more, not only did we raise the roof with our acting ability at BSM this month, we also raised a substantial amount of funds for the UK charity Comic Relief – while eating copious amounts of cake.

How did we do that you may ask? Well, we organised the Great British School of Marbella Bake Off of course. Luckily there were no soggy bottoms in our competition as rival classes went head to head to see who could sell the most delicious cakes.

Our Year Three class rose to the occasion, selling a staggering €160 of baked goodness to teachers, staff, fellow pupils and family members – proving once and for all that you can have your cake and eat it!

Not to be outdone, Foundation Children also got involved in the fundraising with a sponsored Dance-a-thon that lasted an eye-browraising 22 minutes and gave many teachers some new moves to try out at the the port next weekend.

But the icing on the cake – we also got to celebrate UK Mother’s Day this month.

And after all the cake we’ve eaten, I’m sure the mums were glad that they were given a milkshake to celebrate!

Students and lecturers protest reforms to the country’s university system SPAIN’S students have been hitting the streets to protest against university degree reforms.

The government has approved the new ‘three plus two’ law which will reduce undergraduate degrees from four-six years to just three, in line with much of the rest of Europe.

The law will also see masters degrees extended from one year to two.

Education minister Jose Ignacio claims shortening un-

FIGHTING BACK: Against changes to Spanish degrees

dergraduate degrees saves families a total of €150 million each year.

“The four year undergraduate degree and one-year master’s system in Spain is

News reader

TOMORROW’S LEADERS: At Swans International School

Little leaders BUDDING politicians from Swans International School have been debating international issues with 600 students from around the world.

The five future diplomats debated everything from clean water treaties to the use of drone warfare at the Model United Nations, the biggest conference of its kind, in the UK. The students - Cesar Gonzalez, Edvards Celmins, Miranda Tessore, Sara Lindblom and Sara Benkirane - gained invaluable experience in debating, teamwork and investigating.

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very rare,” he said.

“Moving the degree programme inline with our European neighbours will save families all over the country a great deal of money.”

However, many academics disagree with the reform and have already staged public protests in Madrid and Valencia.

They believe a two-year master’s degree will increase costs for them, while squashing down undergraduate degrees will lead to cramming.

Weak

By changing the Spanish system, UK graduates may find it easier to get their qualifications recognised abroad.

Until now, a British degree was shorter than a Spanish one and was rarely given the full credit by the Spanish education authorities.

In contrast, a Spanish master’s degree has always been considered weak in other northern European countries because it involves less study time and rarely includes a dissertation.

Columnists

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the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

The McMichelin experience

N

ORMALLY, I’d rather fast than eat fast food. If Ronald McDonald himself gave me a year’s supply of free Big Macs I’d tell him to burger off and go fry himself.

Other people have food allergies. I have intolerance to plastic cutlery, meat served in styrofoam boxes and mayonnaise of any kind, unless I know exactly what’s in it.

It was with these misgivings that I found myself down at our local Golden Arches outlet last week to investigate the shocking rumour that Dani Garcia has designed a burger for McDonalds.

That’s the two Michelin star chef Dani Garcia. And it’s all true! Yes, I was Mcmystified too, as to why he’d hitch his stars to a brand that’s not exactly top of the food chain when it comes to gastronomy.

T h e

Dani Garcia has boldly gone where no two-star Michelin chef has dared to go before. Belinda Beckett, aka Mistress of Sizzle, reluctantly followed him into the McDonalds zone...

Grand McExtrem BiBo Burger is a mouthful just to order. That’s McDonalds, Extramadura beef and Dani’s BiBo Brasserie in Marbella, all crammed into a pretzel bun (garnished with Iberian cheese, Batavia lettuce and crispy onions).

Being an out-and-out Garcia groupie, a gal who’d do anything for a chupito of Dani’s

BURGER KING: But has the McDonalds connection tarnished Dani Garcia’s crown cherry gazpacho, it had to be tried! Even though it was tanking with rain and we had to

The last boy racer

PETROL-HEAD: Giles

F

EEL free to indulge in as many “Keep Death off the Road” jokes as you want to. Regular readers of this column (I know that there are some of you out there – you keep asking me who the Yummy Mummy is... Sorry, I’m sworn to secrecy and the threat of facial lacerations if I reveal her true identity) will know that my superb friends clubbed together and raised more than €1,000 to buy me a car.

I was so dumbfounded by this act of generosity that I was literally speechless for hours afterwards – an impressive achievement in itself.

After said Yummy Mummy had used her (considerable) feminine wiles to extract the promised funds out of my friends – another impressive achievement in itself – it was time to go looking for a vehicle.

With the strict proviso that my new car ‘was not a f**king Freelander’ I enrolled the help of an Iraqi friend who also happens to be a dab hand when it comes to motors. Together we scanned websites, social media and the classified ads of the local papers.

I’m more than used to scanning the classified ads, but usually in the ‘Relax’ section, so this was a whole new experience for me...

My friend quickly put me off getting another 4x4, shaking his head at the various ones I had underlined as being likely to spend more time in the garage than on the road.

We decided on something sturdy and cheap to fix if something went wrong. After several weeks of dealing with various Andalus versions of Arthur Daily – (Arturo Diario perhaps?) we finally found a great Seat Ibiza.

What’s more, it had a two tone paint job and flame details in the interior carpets that awakened the inner boy racer in me. I immediately went on the internet to search for furry dice.

Car purchased, it was time to transfer my insurance from the late, not lamented at all, Freelander to the Seat. ‘Let me take care of this’ said my friend, and for the next 30 minutes he revealed his Arabic penchant for haggling as he harangued the hapless broker on the other end of phone to get the price down.

Job done, he handed me the phone.

‘I think you should go and get a Gin and Tonic’ I advised the broker.“Do you know how we say that each call may be recorded for training purposes?” a trembling voice replied. “Well, my manager just told me that he is going to save me dealing with your friend and play it at our Christmas party at the end of the year!”

battle with bags of chips and plastic beer containers (because that’s what it comes with, whether you want it or not – this is the complete McMichelin Meal Deal).

We brought cameras too, to take a picture of the bun on the poster as it should look but never does (and certainly wouldn’t when we finally got it home, past the cat, and onto the dining room table for its close-up). We didn’t want to eat it in situ as Los Palmones Industrial Estate doesn’t have quite the right ambience for Michelin dining.

At €6.95 - only one euro more than a Big Mac - the price is cool and at least the box is made of natural materials (cardboard). The burger didn’t look too off-brief either, although why the pretzel bun has a cross in it (like a hot cross bun without currants) remains a Mcmystery.

Well, I had to eat my words and lick my fingers, because it wasn’t at all bad. The bun was a bit spongy so I’m not sure about the pretzel logic (if Steely Dan fans will excuse the pun); but the Extremadura beef was extraordinarily good, with a char-grilled flavour, and the cheese had a pleasant, smoky taste. The onions and lettuce were soggy but you can’t have everything.

Compared to a Big Mac it’s a star turn but maybe not a twoMichelin-star turn. I’m not sure what people are expecting for the price but there have been some pretty scathing comments on the social network forums, reinforcing my view that the Grand McExtrem BiBo Burger will do more for McDonalds than Dani.

I’d go back for more though ... except that now I’m one hot cross bunny because, according to our Golden Arches guy, it will be off the menu by the time you read this ...

The promotion finishes at the end of March, just before Easter – the very season for hot cross buns, which is just plain McDaft. Perhaps I should write to their marketing department and demand they resurrect it!

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Recipe for success

Essex TV star ditches fame to take over Marbella restaurant

Local issue 50:The Local Issue 5 12/01/15 13:00 Page 84

THE star of The Only Way is Essex is set to ditch the reality TV show to take over a restaurant in Marbella.

Heartthrob Elliott Wright, cousin of TV presenter Mark who also made his name on the show, announced his career change on-air.

After filming the show’s annual summer special in Marbella, he fell in love with the glitzy resort, and will now take over a €2.5 million restaurant.

It is not all bad news for fans though, as he will continue to appear in the Costa del Sol specials.

The move means he will be closer to his children and former partner, who still live in Marbella.

The news came as a bombshell to on-off partner and fellow TV personality, Chloe Sims, who welled up as he broke it to her.

Wright, 34, joined the hit show in early 2014 aiming to emulate his cousin and use it as a springboard for more business opportunities.

However, he is not a novice when it comes to hospitality - or Spain - having previously managed his family’s Alicante restaurant La Finca de Eduardo.

Squids in SPAIN is officially Europe’s largest exporter of seafood.

A massive 157,000 tonnes of canned and prepared seafood was shipped out of Spain in 2014, leaving other European exporters far behind.

Spain’s fishing industry – which employs 25,000 workers – is worth approximately €4.5 billion according to the National Association of Canned Fish and Shellfish.

Canned tuna accounts for a massive 67% of the total exports, with squid and cuttlefish making up a combined 16% of the industry.

TASTY: Wright with TOWIE co-star Danielle Zarb-Cousin

A dog’s life,

by Eddie the hotel hound

ahh!

ACTIVE: But Eddie’s master can be a bore

Where meat meets mustard......

TOP EXPORT: Seafood

A

RE you a dog lover? Looking for a new pet? If so, this could be your chance...

I am seriously considering trading in my old man. It’s just one thing after another with him.

If there’s not too much work at the hotel, he’s got to visit family in UK or he’s off on holiday in one of those big silver birds somewhere else.

As you can imagine this greatly affects a poor mutt’s walking schedule! And, as if all these excuses weren’t enough, now we have the story of his Achilles heel.

Ice packs, trips to Málaga, specialists and X-rays... If I could talk, I’d suggest he gets an X-ray of the top of his head to see what is wrong with the old grey matter, but that’s too great a challenge for any vet.

Heel, boy!

This time last year we were up hill and down dale as he put a list of walks together for hotel guests. Now, because of his Achilles, we are stuck on flat paseos.

Luckily (for him) there are some lovely walks in this area without the need to scale peaks. Take for example the old Drover’s path from Benaoján to Jimera de Libar.

It is a decent 8km and mostly flat or downhill and he was very pleased with himself because he did it in one hour and twenty minutes. Hardly left me time to sniff about or water a tree or two.

One thing I’m having problems understanding is that although his heel limits his dog walking abilities, when it’s time to strut around the golf course he makes a miraculous recovery...

Amazing things, masters.

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

Sunday Lunch Still only €12.00 for 2 courses

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Please mention The Local when responding to advertisements

POTATO farmers across the country are facing facts: Spaniards just ain’t that in to spuds.

More than 15,000 hectares of land dedicated to potato crops are to be dropped after a 3% decrease in consumption in 2014.

The cutback will see production diminished by 20% as acreage falls to a record low of 60,000 hectares.

RESTAURANTE at

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Tel: 952 874 164 or visit www.hotelmolinodelpuente.com 5 mins from Ronda on the A374 Ronda/Sevilla Road

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April 2nd - April 15th 2015

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Whine expert Sevilla-based wine expert’s website warns against ‘undrinkable’ vino

CRUMBS: 100 Montaditos in USA is bankrupt

Reality bites...

ONE of Spain’s best-loved fast-food chains has bitten off more than customers can

Rained off RAINY weather may have put an early stop to sunworshipers returning to the beach, but it had an even graver impact on Andalucia’s agricultural industry. After a promising start to spring, farmers in Almeria are reeling from flash floods which decimated their crops.

Heavy rain at the end of Marchsaw numerous greenhouses flooded, with tomato and other greenhouse vegetables completely wiped out.

By Rob Horgan

chew with its American venture.

The US arm of sandwich specialist 100 Montaditos has filed for bankruptcy.

Specialising in bite-size snacks at bargain prices, the chain launched in Spain in 2000 before heading Stateside in 2011.

And despite an ‘initial buzz’, lawyer Leon Hirzell said business has been far from booming.

“It may appear to the public that these are thriving businesses but the majority are not viable,” he said.

The Florida franchise, owned by a company called Thinkgusto, called the U.S. expansion ‘an absolute fiasco’, complaining of a revolving door of managers in the States.

WINE experts worldwide readily offer up their favourite Chardonnay or Merlot, but seldom dedicate themselves to exposing bottles of cheap, toxic plonk…

Enter Jose Olmedo, the founder of Sevilla-based wine company Tierra Nuestra, who has taken it upon himself to warn consumers off bottles that really are ‘scraping the barrel’.

And with over 30 years of experience, Olmedo is better placed than most to cast the damning verdict.

“The issue is a delicate one, but I do not see what’s wrong with commenting on wines that don’t make the grade, or that I have simply found to be bad,” Olmedo said.

“It has always been my conviction that, when a wine is bottled, the purpose is to

‘May cause sudden death’

Three wines have scored the dreaded zero so far Costing €7.58 a bottle, Palacio de Aranjuez Ecologico is reviewed as ‘undrinkable’, while Olmedo warns the Sierra de Cazalla at €3.25 ‘may cause sudden death’.

Making up the trio is the €1.30-a-bottle Vino tinto de mesa Sandevid, described as having ‘all the attributes of the worst wine in the world’.

To see more potentially life-saving reviews, visit: www. malosvinos.com

la salarience NAMED AND SHAMED: ‘Worst’ wines

give pleasure, therefore, it is hard for me to understand when the opposite happens.”

Olmedo adds that there ‘are

bad wines at all prices’ and while his study only examines wines under €20, he believes ‘good inexpensive wines do ex-

ist’. Judged out of five, Olmedo tests each wine blindfolded and uses an established vintage as a measuring stick.

TM

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Disaster chefs The next Danny Garcia could be hard to come by, as Spaniards reveal they don’t know their courgettes from their cucumbers SPANIARDS are among the worst home-cooks in the world… according to themselves!

A surprisingly low 20% of Spanish people said they had a ‘good knowledge about food and cooking’ in a recent survey for market researcher GfK, putting them close to the foot of the table.

With only Belgium (19%) and South Korea (13%) below them, Spain is desperately lacking in budding chefs.

Overall, 29% of people in

the 22 countries surveyed claimed to know their way around a kitchen.

Topping the list was South Africa and India, with 50% and 48% of people keen cooks.

Turks, Ukrainians and Indonesians also fancy themselves in the kitchen, while the French, Russians and Australians don’t think too much of their skills in front of the stove.

Meanwhile, 34% of women surveyed said they were top chefs compared to just a quarter of men.

Last orders ALMERIA’S ‘most famous tapas bar’ has been forced to close after more than a century of service.

Run by brothers Leonardo and Jose Lopez, Casa Puga has fallen foul of new rental laws.

More than 2,000 people campaigned to save the bar, but the owners could not cover increased rental costs.

Prospective new owners are in negotiations to take over the bar and it could reopen within a month.

“I would like to thank all our regular customers who are all friends and have spent many years watching us,” Leonardo said.

New rental laws which came into play in January put an end to a 30-year rent cap which protected independent businesses in Spain.

Industry experts warned that 100,000 stores, bars and restaurants are ‘at risk of closure’ in Spain - threatening thousands of jobs.

COOKING UP A STORM: Head chef Ruben and team

Divine dining Reporter Rob Horgan played disciple at a last supper with a twist

T

LEGENDARY: Casa Puga has served its last tapa

HIS Easter a Marbella restaurant is recreating history’s most famous feast… and I was lucky enough to get an early bird special a week before the big event.

Taking Easter to heart, Mosaik in Puerto Banus has transformed its dining area into the scene of Jesus’ last supper.

But fear not, there is more than bread and wine on the menu.

With belly dancers, mojitos and a five-course meal to boot, this is the last supper with a twist.

Culinary delights included black olive tapenade, fresh mackerel and an enormous leg of lamb. The paprika-smeared cross was a slightly tenuous link, but the food was delicious

DIVINE: Lamb with paprika smear respresenting Christ’s cross nonetheless.

Expertly paired with the house red, the attentive staff are on hand to top you up after every mouthful.

If this was the last meal I ever had, I’d die a happy man.

Reservations for the April 2 event are €50 a head. For more info visit www.mosaikmarbella. com or call 952 929 467

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55

RONDA HOTEL WINS the olive press - April 2nd - April 15th 2015

TOP AWARD FIVE YEARS RUNNING ON THE UP: Owner Paolo in the kitchen at La Trattoria

Pasta master!

HE heralds from Verona, so he should know a thing or two about pasta.

And so Paolo does, demonstrating a fabulous range of techniques in his authentic Italian La Trattoria.

The Nueva Andalucia restaurant is a study in stylish design, with soft romantic lighting and original drapes hanging on the walls.

Special rates for Olive Press readers – an ideal spot for your next getaway

But it is the food that is helping owner Paolo go from strength to strength in his second year open.

In particular you must try the creamy, trufflestuffed ‘ravioletti’ with parmesan and chives, not to mention his awesome osso buco.

Previously making a name for himself in Tarifa, on this showing Paolo will now make giant strides in Marbella.

OIL OR NOTHING Marbella has predictably produced what is being dubbed the world’s ‘most exclusive’ olive oil at 170 euros a bottle

Award-winning Molino del Santo – ideal for everyone. Special Rates available for Olive Press Readers.

Molino del Santo, a charming old watermill converted into a friendly boutique hotel and restaurant near Ronda, has won a Trip Advisor Award for the fifth year running for its excellent service.

From the moment you arrive at Molino del Santo (The Mill of the Saint) you know you have found somewhere outside of the norm – you could say very much NOT run of the mill. There are just 18 comfortable rooms – the most popular with terraces with mountain views – but rooms book quickly so don’t leave it too late.

By AJ Linn OLIVE oil started out as part of the staple diet of the poor in Andalucia and was made at home.

Now it has been turned into a luxury item with Marbella, predictably perhaps, creating the world’s most exclusive olive oil.

Costing 170 euros a bottle, Olivia Marbella, has released just 75 bottles onto the market.

And sales are already taking off.

The bottles are Swarovski crystal and hand finished with individual numbers for maximum exclusivity – just like the buyers.

The fruit of the top quality Picual trees is hand-picked rather than being beaten off the branches as is usual.

Cold-pressed on site so no second class olives can get near it, it has a minimum acidity of between 0.1º and 0.2º.

The particular olive grove in question belongs to a Granada millionaire and its location is a closely guarded secret.

You will find delightful gardens alongside a mountain stream with stunning flowers and shrubs. There is a heated swimming pool too and lots of shady spaces to relax.

There are great walks from the hotel gates for people of all abilities.

GREAT MASSAGES AVAILABLE In the main room is a comfortable lounge with a log fire for cooler evenings as well as an elegant newly-refurbished dining room. A massage and beautician service is available every day with a discount for early booking.

You may just choose to come for the food

though. Experienced local chefs offer a whole range of different dishes, based on local produce and prepared and presented with flair and imagination. The service as you would expect is friendly and efficient from a team who have been here for many years. See menus on the website www. molinodelsanto.com.

NEAR A PRETTY RAILWAY STATION Molino del Santo is an hour from San Pedro by road and just over an hour from San Roque by picturesque train. If you are staying in the hotel there is a lovely walk which uses the train to bring you back to Molino. Contact the hotel for more details of routes or train times or visit the website www.molinodelsanto.com.

SPECIAL RATES Whatever your special occasion, Molino del Santo in Benaoján is ideal. Experienced, relaxed and small enough to really care.

Mention this ad to receive a special discount on hotel rates - if you book before the 15th of April.

English-speaking staff are on hand at 952 16 71 51 or e-mail for a prompt response to any enquiry : info@molinodelsanto.com.

Great

l0lIdeas ke the to ma of the most AREA A D RON y Chapell d by And Compile

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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

Murky Madrid MADRID scores low for clean air and its skies are only out-polluted by Rome, Lisbon and Luxembourg in a Soot-free City review of 23 European cities.

the

E RE

Covering Andalucia in 2014 with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) and around 500,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

olive press F

Telephone: 951 273 575

April 2nd - April 15th 2015

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Restaurant, Takeaway, Bar & Café Menus At Your Fingertips

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FINAL WORDS

Cudeca cares

Racquet and two veg

AN on-air charity auction from Talk Radio Europe raised more than €50,000 for endof-life care charity Cudeca on March 27.

Joy for Rajoy PRIME minister Mariano Rajoy opened Malaga’s Pompidou museum in a grand ceremony cementing the city’s status as a cultural capital.

All kosher SPAIN is on the cusp of offering citizenship to 2.2 million Jews to make amends for mass expulsions in 1492.

Liga law SPAIN’S 42 professional football clubs halted strike plans giving the government more time to push through a law facilitating collective bargaining for TV rights.

SERVING UP: Sets of ham and olives

SPANISH tennis sensation Rafa Nadal is set to show off his meat and two veg.

Following his steamy underwear campaign with Tommy Hilfiger he is to become the face of Spanish ham, olives and grapes.

Signed up by the agriculture industry, Rafa will be promoting the country’s very best produce in a new promotional campaign under the slogan ‘born in Spain, admired around the world’.

And Rafa’s image rights don’t come cheap, with an estimated cost of around €1 million for the tennis ace’s services.

Andalucia’s BFG

By Iona Napier A ‘GIANT’ walked the dusty paths of Andalucia a millennium ago, scientists have discovered.

The man, who could have been over seven foot tall, was probably Jewish and died at the age of 30.

His remains were discovered by a dog walker in the countryside, near Lucena, when a bypass was constructed around the Cordoba town in 2006.

Scientists investigate a giant discovery in Cordoba

After analysis, one bone – a human femur – was found to be abnormally big and he had a huge jaw of 10 inches wide, compared to the 7.5 inch average at the time, which points to gigantism.

The site has emerged to be that of a big Jewish cemetery, where slaves were kept

GIANT BONES: Discovered and (below) Roald Dahl’s fictional favourite

before being distributed to Muslim leaders around the peninsula. Carbon dating traces his death to around 1050 and his remains

are being kept at Granada University. He is being compared to Irish giant Cornelius Magrath, who was seven feet, one, and died in 1760.

Party on, Party Island BOOZED-up British teenagers are set for another alcohol-fuelled summer in Magaluf despite a crackdown on binge-drinking.

The party destination hit new lows last summer when a video went viral showing a British girl performing oral sex on 24 men in return for a cocktail.

And despite new drinking laws, which will give police the power to seize drinks after 10pm, the company behind the infamous event, Carnage Magaluf, is promising punters ‘unlimited free shots’ and ‘£30 booze cruises’.

Meanwhile the Magaluf 2015 Twitter feed posted a message labelling the drinking laws as ‘absolute nonsense’.

It also posted a photo of girls in bikinis with the caption: “I can’t wait to be ashamed of all the things I do in Magaluf 2015.”

It added: “Don’t believe the hype, the Magaluf street drinking ban isn’t going to change anything this summer!”

Grounded!

SCOOT ON OVER: To Sabinillas

Scooter hootenanny OLD Mods are dusting off their leathers and revving up for the return of Sabinillas Scooter Day. Following the resounding success of last year’s event, the streets of Sabinillas will be filled with Lambrettas and Vespas on April 18.

A morning ride-out will be followed by lunch then an afternoon spin down to Duquesa port.

Three top DJs will then hit the decks on the Paseo between Frankies and Las Palmeras before a night of live music at the Mayfair Club.

For more information call 952892250.

A ‘disruptive’ stag party was kicked off a Ryanair flight to Spain after reducing an air steward to tears.

The group of 20 from Wrexham were heading for a weekend in Benidorm before groom Wayne Roberts’ wedding next month.

The flight attendant said he couldn’t cope with the group and burst into tears.

The pilot ordered the party to leave the aeroplane and the group, which has lodged an official complaint with Ryanair, lost more than £4,000-worth of tickets.