Olive Press Costa Blanca - Issue 42

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Vol. 1 Issue 42 www.theolivepress.es October 29th - November 11th 2020

Alarming!

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SWITCH: Chris Stewart

EXCLUSIVE

By Lydia Spencer-Elliott

FAMOUS expat author Chris Stewart is becoming Spanish.

The Driving Over Lemons writer has revealed to the Olive Press he is giving up his British passport because of Brexit.

“I’m becoming Spanish because I’m so incensed by the absurd nonsense of Brexit,” said the million-selling author, who lives near Granada.

“I love England because I was born there, I think of the green hills of Sussex and Surrey and my heart skips a beat,” added the former Genesis drummer.

“I shall be like that forever, but above all I want to be European.”

Brit Stewart gained a huge following with his first book that charted his life as a ‘self sufficient’ sheep farmer in a remote part of the Alpujarras region.

He has published three further books on his nearly three decade integration into Spain.

Since 2016, more than 350,000 Britons have applied for non-UK passports.

In Spain, dual nationality is not possible. So, residents must make the difficult choice of whether they w i s h to be cons i d e r e d Spanish or British post-Brexit.

HALT: Police will enforce curfew VALENCIA is on the verge of closing the region’s borders this weekend.

As the national government triggered a state of alarm on Sunday, the regional president Ximo Puig pledged to take even tougher action to bring the current spike in coronavirus cases under control.

Neighbouring Murcia has already declared it will stop travel between regions from Friday.

Puig has not dismissed following suit and closing Valencian borders this weekend with the All Saints Day commemoration

By Alex Trelinski

planned for Sunday.

People from all over Spain traditionally return on that day to their original town or village to lay flowers at the graves of their deceased relatives.

Areas like Valencia City are considering closing cemeteries if infection levels continue to spike upwards.

Puig said: “We will not rule out taking extra action in parts of the region where coronavirus cases are rising.”

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See Make or break page 4 & Going native Page 6

Border closures on the cards as curfew enforced across the whole of Valencia region

New location further down the road towards Moraira town centre, next to Gemisant & Kostas Restaurant

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A night-time curfew between midnight and 6 am was introduced on Sunday as new infections continue at over 1,000 per day in the region.

Elche and Orihuela have already spent nearly a fortnight under special measures.

The region as a whole has reached an infection rate that puts it into ‘Alert Level Three’ which could trigger further restrictions, including bar and restaurant capacities being reduced.

Valencian hospitalisation figures for COVID-19 are rising to

levels not seen since March and April, with daily death rates also reaching figures from the early phase of the pandemic.

Spain entered a second period of State of Alarm on Sunday, which provides legal protection for its regional governments to introduce restrictions. In Spain, only the Canary Islands have escaped a curfew The Valencian Community had announced two days earlier that it was putting a curfew into place, which will run until at least December 9.

Bars and restaurants have

Get Grassing!

COSTA Blanca residents are being asked to ‘snitch’ on neighbours who break COVID-19 restrictions.

Valencian Justice Minister, Gabriela Bravo said: “People should not be afraid to phone the police if a neighbour is throwing a party that breaks the rules.”

Bravo, along with Madrid government delegate to the Valencian Community, Gloria Calero, called for action against an ‘unsupportive minority’.

Calero said: “Let’s stick to the rules and if a neighbour for example sees a party is being organised on a farm, then for the sake of everybody’s safety, he should report what is going on.” The duo warned of a tough response and penalties against gatherings that flouted social distancing and attendance limits.

Tel: 952 147 834

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TM

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Squeezed out by Brexit

to stop serving from 11pm each night to allow customers enough time to return home before the cut-off time.

A maximum group of six is permitted at hospitality businesses and a distance of two metres between tables has to be maintained.

A key aim of the curfew is to stop illegal outdoor drinking parties involving mainly young people and to stop indoor gatherings above six people.

The only travel permitted between midnight and 6am is essentially for workers, carers, medical emergencies and also for an emergency trip to an allnight vet.

Opinion Page 6

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

96 649 1883 www.moraira-hamiltons.net

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Scrumping A FIVE-STRONG gang of avocado scrumpers has been arrested by the police stealing 3,600 kilos of the fruit from Polop farms to sell on the black market.

Ouch!

FIREFIGHTERS rescued a 64-year-old Alicante man who tried to get into his third-floor flat after locking himself out.

He climbed onto the roof but fell down onto a first-floor patio awning.

Misfire A XATIVA man killed his 50-year-old hunting colleague on Sunday when he slipped and accidentally discharged his gun.

Bunged up A FLUSH €2million is spent each year unblocking Alicante’s sewage network due to wipes, tampons, and masks blocking local toilets.

October 29th - November 11th 2020

Killed after sex British man launched frenzied attack on his wife A BRITISH expat had sex with his wife before killing her in a frenzied knife attack at their €450,000 Spanish mansion, prosecutors say.

Wealthy businessman Geoffrey Elton, 56, attempted to smother Gloria Tornay and then tried to strangle her before she broke free after the bedroom romp, it is alleged.

Court papers claim he then

Paedo dad caught

By Kirsty McKenzie

chased Gloria, 58, through their Estepona villa with a 5.7 inch long kitchen knife, stabbing her 11 times on March 9 last year.

Spanish-born Gloria was knifed in the back as she tried to flee her husband, prosecutors allege.

She died from massive blood loss.

POLICE have revealed more details of the arrest of infamous Irish drug smuggler John Gilligan that could possibly link him with a 24-year-old murder mystery.

Gilligan, 68, was arrested in Torrevieja after a collaborative effort from Irish and Spanish police dismantled a violent group of drug traffickers operating out of the area.

Four parcels of marijuana and 15,000 prescription pills were intercepted in the post heading for the UK, which led police to infiltrate the gang led by the veteran criminal.

During the investigation, four properties linked with the gang were raided, with police seizing a further four kilograms of marijuana buds and 11,000 more pills ready for shipment.

VICTIM: Gloria with Geoffrey Elton who allegedly killed her when she decided to leave him

He then allegedly shut off the power and told their 15-year-old son to leave

King pinned In total, five men have been arrested between Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa.

Shockingly, a revolver type pistol was discovered in the garden of one of the properties which could possibly link Gilligan to the murder of a journalist in Dublin back in 1996.

Veronica Guerin was gunned down by two armed men on a motorcycle after she began her own investigation into the wealth and lifestyle of Gilligan.

Although his gang was found responsible for the murder in 2001, Gilligan himself was aquitted due to the unreliablity of evidence linking him to the case.

and threw away mobile phones to slow the emergency response.

Elton was found drenched in blood beside his wife of 30 years after trying to take his own life but was saved by medics and later charged with murder.

Paranoid

Spanish prosecutors want Elton locked up for 14 years and forced to pay €200,000 in compensation for her children if he is found guilty.

Expat Elton moved to Estepona six years ago after retiring from his successful satellite dish installation company.

Pals alleged Elton was ‘increasingly paranoid’ and reclusive.

AN Icelandic paedophile who abused his daughter has been arrested in Benissa.

The perverted parent had been sentenced to jail for 12 years in Denmark over the assaults but ran away to Spain.

His daughter endured a series of horrific attacks between 2006 and 2010 in Iceland and Denmark when she was aged under 12.

She was seriously injured a number of times by being beaten on her head and body with various objects if she resisted her father’s predatory sexual advances.

The girl is said to have endured at least 10 sex assaults at his hands.

Police learned in June that the fugitive might be hiding in Spain and launched an operation to track him down.

Investigations took them to Benissa where he was spotted and put under surveillance before he was arrested close to his home.

NEWS

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Queen Joan ICONIC Dynasty actress Joan Collins, 87, has been spotted in Madrid filming the new medieval series Glow and Darkness.

Alongside Denise Richards, the Dame will star as Adelaide of Maurienne, a 12th century Queen of France and the second wife of King Louis VI. Her and husband Percy Gibson, 55, were stopped by fans outside their Madrid hotel, despite Collins being barely recognisable beneath a face mask, hat and sunglasses.

Glow and Darkness will detail the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and feature other recognisable characters including Eleanor of Aquitaine, played by Jane Seymour.

Royal fashion ALL eyes were on Queen Letizia as she attended the National Fashion Industry Awards in Madrid.

And the royal returned to one of her favourite high street Spanish designers for the occasion: Massimo Dutti.

Paired with a black shirt and coat, Queen Letizia opted for an affordable pleated skirt from the brand.

Spotted

A royal favourite, Kate Middleton has also been spotted in Massimo Dutti this month.

During a visit to the University of Derby, the Duchess of Cambridge paired knitwear and a check-print coat from the brand with black trousers and heels.

Bank in Malaga. Banderas intends to transform the theatre ‘completely’ by introducing a circular stage, which the audience sits completely around - ‘a daring and complicated proposal that we’re going to deliver’, he promised.

Princess Diaries

Heir to throne Leonor and sister Sofia were on hand to congratulate the prize winners

PRINCESSES Leonor and Sofia joined their parents on royal duty to meet and congratulate winners of the 2020 Princess of Asturias Awards.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s daughters met with the victors in Oviedo, in the Principality of Asturias in the north of the country.

The sisters, aged 14 and 13, were every inch the perfect princesses on the day – wearing modest but stylish shirt dresses and face masks for the event.

Elegant

FAVOURITE: Kate

Meanwhile their mum Letizia, 48, looked elegant as ever donning a recycled green and blue floral dress and forest green high heels.

Movers international

SISTERS: Leonor (left) and Sofia were in Oviedo

The annual awards are presented to individuals or organisations who make notable achievements in the sciences, humanities, and public affairs.

The award ceremony shares its name with heir to the throne Leonor who holds the title of Princess of Asturias.

Each recipient present at the ceremony received a diploma, a sculpture expressly created for the awards

by Spanish sculptor Joan Miro, and a pin with the emblem of

E

E U R O P E LT D

the Foundation.

There is also a cash prize of €50,000 for each category, this amount is shared if the category has more that one recipient.

The decision to go ahead with the awards amid the coronavirus pandemic with protective measures in place – one of which involved moving it from its usual venue, the Campoamor Theatre, which has capacity for 1,400 guests – to the smaller location, and limiting audience numbers.

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MOVERS

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Aiming high

In great company HOLLYWOOD heartthrob Antonio Banderas (pictured) will return to his hometown of Malaga next year to direct and star in what will be the longest-running theatre show ever in any single Spanish city.

The man behind The Mask of Zorro made this announcement in style, when his cast performed a song from the upcoming musical Company at the Teatro del Soho Caixa

October 29th - November 11th 2020

STORERS

•

SHIPPERS

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FORMER Murcia basketball star Ovie Soko has penned his very own book one year after finding fame on Love Island.

The 29-year-old’s self-help book will detail his life before the show and offer guidance, advice, and inspiration on how to become the ‘dopest’ person you can be.

Announcing his happy news on social media, Ovie shared a snap of his debut book You Are Dope (subtitled Let the power of positive energy into your life).

He enthused: “This book was one of the most exciting projects I’ve had the chance to work on over the last year, it was such a great experience making something of substance to GIVE BACK. “I think there is something that everyone can take away from the read to help them on their life journey.

“Have a dope day people.”

“Dopeness is innate, and it’s in everyone,” it reads.

“You’ve probably been dope for a lot of your life and didn’t even realise it. Remember the time you did the washing-up for your mum and dad without them even asking? Dope.”

During his time on Love Island, Ovie was praised for his level-headed attitude and was often the go-to guy when the other Islanders were having relationship woes.

POLLY’S International Bookshop

Quality Used Books since 1985 Polly’s Bookshop in Javea Port is 35 years old.

“Polly’s is as old as me,” says Sam, her proud owner, “and to celebrate, we are opening a new Polly’s Bookshop in Moraira.”

Like Polly’s Javea, the new shop has thousands of quality used books, fiction and nonfiction, in English, Spanish, German, French and Dutch. Apart from the books that are extra special, they’ll still be 3 euros each with a euro credit if you want to return it.

We are continuing with our busy proofreading and editing services and our popular book finding and ordering services too. It feels great finding an out of print book for someone who has been searching for it.

Javea Port, Calle Santisimo Cristo del Mar 03730 – tel: 665 314 404 Moraira-Teulada, 237 Moraira Calpe Road 03724 – tel: 711 010 439

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www.theolivepress.es

Remembering

COVID-19 restrictions have ensured a low key launch to the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal on the Costa Blanca this year.

In contrast to the usual parade of standards through Benidorm streets, a brief ceremony took place at the Oscar Espia amphitheatre. In an act of remembrance, wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Benidorm mayor, Toni Perez, and Sara Munsterhjelm, the British Vice Consul in Alicante.

NEWS

October 29th - November 11th 2020

Make or break THE EU’s chief negotiator has delayed his return to Brussels to remain in the UK for intensive discussions with British counterpart Lord David Frost.

Michel Barnier was expected to return on Sunday but agreed to extend 'intensive discussions', which have been taking place in London, until this morning.

The Prime Minister’s official

Last ditch negotiations as UK and EU try to avoid no deal Brexit

By Kirsty McKenzie

spokesman said: “We are in now what is an intensive phase of negotiations.

“I wouldn’t wish to pre-empt what’s being discussed. It’s the first time that we have been negotiating on legal texts and across all areas at the same time and we have welcomed that fact.

“But there is also much work to be done if we are going to bridge what are the significant

gaps that remain between our positions in the most difficult areas and time is very short.”

Sources on the British team said the extension of talks showed discussions are progressing.

But they cautioned that there was still a 'long way to go' and they remain 'very far apart' on the issue of fisheries so a deal may not be reached.

It comes as Downing Street was forced to play down claims that Boris Johnson is delaying talks with Europe until after the US presidential election.

Off death row PETS on ‘death row’ on the Costa Blanca have been given a reprieve.

A ban on putting domestic animals down has been brought in by the Valencian government as part of one of the toughest animal protection laws in Spain.

Exceptions to the ban are restricted to health and safety reasons. It means the routine destruction of strays is a thing of the past.

The new measures aim to stop pet abandonment and abuse as well as imposing standards on how an animal should be looked after.

The current ban on shops displaying live pets and circuses with animals has also been confirmed. There is no mention though of animals used in bullfighting.

People falling foul of the regulations face hefty fines of up to €45,000.

Owners will have to ensure that their pets are well looked-after in regard to health, food and exercise.

And people who interact with animals as part of their work will have to get compulsory training.

Animal welfare volunteer, Carol McManus, told the Olive Press: “Anything that promotes the treatment of dogs and cats is good, but we need ways of stopping abuse before it happens.” The new law gives town councils the flexibility to decide how many pets can be kept in a home, and breeders could also be charged a local tax.

That money would help pay for municipalities to pick up strays and provide appropriate vet care until they are taken to a shelter.

REPRIEVE: Pets will no longer be destroyed

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DELAYED: Barnier Reports suggested Number 10 would only risk a No-Deal Brexit if Donald Trump was to win. A victory for his rival, Joe Biden, would mean Boris Johnson having to give in to European demands.

Ivan Rogers, who was the UK’s permanent representative in Brussels from 2013 to 2017, told The Observer that ministers in several European capitals believe the Conservative leader is trying to stall until the result of next week’s vote is known.

Rogers said: “Several very senior sources have told me they believe Johnson will await clarity on the presidential election result before finally deciding whether to jump to ‘No-Deal’ with the EU, or to conclude that this is just too risky with Biden heading for the White House.

Screw missing AFTER the UK public named a multi-million pound polar research vessel Boaty McBoat face you would think public christenings would be off the cards.

But an Ikea store in Valladolid once again thrust control into the public’s hands and asked them to name the street behind the shop.

More than one thousand people voted in a Facebook poll, with 54% of voters backing the winning entry.

Thus, Calle Me Falta un Tornillo, or I’m Missing a Screw Street, will now become an official address in the city.

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NEWS FEATURE

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from civilisation to his isolated farmhouse in Granada’s Alpujarras.

About time!

Illegal Algarrobico Hotel faces demolition after 16 years

T

HE notorious Algarrobico Hotel in Almeria may finally be demolished 14 years after construction was halted.

Money has been set aside in the preliminary 2021 budget of the Andalucian regional government (Junta) to send the bulldozers in and flatten the massive 411 room, 21 floor illegal building.

It was partly built on protected land in the Cabo de Gata national park, leading to howls of protest from environmental groups desperate to keep the virgin beach unspoilt for future

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ILLEGAL: Monstrous construction

“People come here and say, ‘blimey, it looks like Afghanistan’,” jokes Chris. “All we can

NDS O

R

FF

Publisher / Editor

As best-selling author Chris Stewart takes Spanish nationality, sealing a 30-year love affair with his adopted homeland, Lydia Spencer-Elliott talks to the famous expat about pandemics, politics and surrendering his British passport

OU

WE remain in the grip of a global pandemic and governments around the world have correctly focussed on dealing with this. But the countdown to Brexit is on and now is not the time for the UK government to stick their head in the sand otherwise the devastating consequences of a No-Deal will follow.

Beggars can’t be choosers - that’s the attitude most of the EU countries have towards the UK government now. And how could they not? It’s hard to take UK leader Boris Johnson seriously at the best of times but the suggestion he might inflict a No-Deal Brexit on the UK, in the midst of a global pandemic, beggars belief.

L

IKE Peter Mayle and Carol Drinkwater, his books have inspired a mass exodus of Brits hankering for the good life abroad.

But unlike A Year in Provence which brought the world and his wife to Mayle’s door demanding pastis and autographed copies, unsolicited visitors will never bother Chris Stewart unless their name is Indiana Jones. El Valero, his finca wedged between the Sierra Nevada slopes and the Costa Tropical, is way too inaccessible.

Indeed, Driving Over Lemons, the title of his first international best-seller, is only one of the hazards to negotiate along the white-knuckle mountain route

AS

.

EL CHEF: Cooking at home

HA

VALENCIAN officials are doing a high-wire balancing over the latest COVID-19 state of play on the Costa Blanca.

Coronavirus case rates are ripping upwards but as bars and restaurants get another kicking, foreign tourists are still being wooed.

President Ximo Puig put the Valencian Community into a night-time curfew last weekend to slow down new infections.

Experts though doubt that a curfew is the answer.

Stopping illegal parties was said to be a big motivation for the measure, but the hospitality trade is being made to suffer.

Exactly the kind of businesses that tourists want to use for a pleasant night out.

One Valencian hospitality association put the cost of curfew closures at €5 million per day across the region.

National figures show that bars and restaurants have caused less than 3% of coronavirus outbreaks, with 40% coming from home gatherings of families and friends.

Remember the closure of Costa Blanca clubs and other nightlife in mid-August?

That move yielded no obvious infection falls as rates carried on climbing.

So why do regional politicians keep saying that they welcome UK tourists to an area that is a ‘safe place’ to visit as the shutters get pulled down early?

Managing the pandemic is a thankless task, but a bit of logic and consistency would help along the way.

C O ST

generations.

The Olive Press has long campaigned for the hotel to be demolished – indeed the story featured in the first ever edition of the Olive Press in 2006.

Now it looks like the authorities have finally decided to take the plunge and level the site – as they were ordered to do in 2016 by Spain’s Supreme Court.

It overturned a 2014 decision by Andalucia’s TSJA court which ruled in favour of developers Azata Del Sol. The Supreme Court also decreed that the land belongs to the Junta.

The ruling accepted arguments by Greenpeace and the regional government that the land should be protected.

The property on Cabo de Gata beach had at the time been the focus of a decade-long legal battle.

A building licence was granted for the project in 2003 with Greenpeace directors dubbing it ‘Hotel Illegal’ in 2006.

The president of the Junta, Juama Moreno, has now promised to demolish the Algarrobico as part of a ‘green’ programme outlined by the regional government. It is not yet certain that the hotel will be demolished as the budget for 2021 has yet to be finalised.

see are rivers and mountains, there are no other houses. It’s the perfect place for a lockdown.

“Things were closing down even when I was young and travelling and I never got to Afghanistan, which is one of my few regrets,” he continues on a more sombre note. “Now it’s very difficult to travel anywhere in the world. My daughter has lived in China for the past six years and we visit her every year … but not this year.”

One move this born-again campo dweller will never regret is upping drumsticks and the chance of fame in a British rock band to farm sheep in the wilds of the Spanish countryside over three decades ago.

Alongside classmates Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford and Anthony Phillips, Stewart spent much of his youth playing in a school band that would later become Genesis.

He never got to tour the world playing The Silent Sun. Instead, when he was bumped from the band in 1968 to make room for John Silver, he hit the road to travel and work in Europe.

“It was destiny that drove me to Spain” he says. “When I was 20 years old I came to the country to learn guitar. There is not a single day I regret

IDYLL: Stewart spends his days rearing

October 29th - November 11th 2020

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Don’t stop the press

I

T’S fair to say that right now we all have a huge weight on our shoulders - and some days it’s difficult to understand how the world keeps turning.

Between a global pandemic and the looming challenges of Brexit to the USA election and the senseless brutality taking place OLIVE in Nigeria, keeping up to date with PRESS local news can often feel daunting or even pointless in comparison.

Clicking through social media or Google, everyone is keeping their OUR SQUATTER eye on the bigger picture. And HELL while that’s no bad thing, it’s also so important to keep track of what is happening close to home.

That’s where the Olive Press comes in. Local reporting campaigning has always been in this paper’s DNA for 14 years. Since 2006, we’ve taken pride in making sure institutions are held to account - so that nothing ever slips through the net.

We work to a very high standard, never afraid to take on difficult stories and we won't let anything stop us getting to the truth of the issues that are important to our readers.

Local journalism is vital to connect and inform people about the community they live in, helping the co-ordinate campaign groups or identify where neighbourhood efforts are most needed to look after the vulnerable in the area.

In recent issues, we’ve spoken to the neighbourhood watch groups who are trying to keep their homes safe from squatters. We talked to expats fearful that their bank accounts would be shut by the end of the year and residents who have rallied together to retrieve packages from their hapless local post office. Our stories prove that news is about the everyman - not just people in positions of power.

All those years ago we promised to create a newspaper that sets the agenda. One with clout, substance and authority. A title that gives a voice to everyone in Spain and brings political issues from local regions, not just Madrid. One that challenges the global-centric nature of today’s journalism. Objective achieved - and we’re not for stopping.

The

HAPPY: Chris at home in the hills (above), with wife Ana and their much-loved dogs (left), and the renovation of their fashionable finca ‘El Valero’ in the Alpujarras over the years (below)

ANDALUCÍA

Your expat

Mijas Costa

FREE

voice in Spain

Vol. 13 Issue 353 www.theolivepress .es September 30th October

13th 2020

MEET THE STARS AT SAN SEBASTIAN

AN OLIVE PRESS SPECIAL

REPORT: SEE PAGE 3

Royal sweep

QUEEN Doña Sofia has caused a stir in the Axarquian town of Rincon de la Victoria. fishing The 81-year-old monarch pate in International Beacharrived at the coastal town to particithe world's beaches after Cleaning Day, an incentive to tidy up During her 30-minute a summer of use. visit, Queen Doña Sofia mask and refuse bags and donned gloves, a joined the volunteers in from the Virgen del Carmen collecting trash beach.

In an effort to keep the crowds to a minimum media was kept in the during her visit, spite this, almost 700 dark until the very last minute, however deDuring her 30 minuteonlookers gathered to show their support. stay the support from overwhelming, with shouts the audience was of 'Long live the Queen!', and 'Long live Spain!'.

'Beautiful!'

The love for the former versy surrounding her monarch is far removed from the controtion into his corruptionhusband Juan Carlos I and the investigathroughout his reign.

Maddie

Chief suspect ‘confessed’ to kidnap at Granada festival...

Page 5

LITTER QUEEN: Doña

Saintly town

All you need to know about San Pedro de Alcantara...

Sofia helped in costa

clean-up

Squatters take over British expat’s property meant for while threatening toher sick daughter kill entire family

A BRITISH expat has become scared to leave her own EXCLUSIVE “When they finalter being terrorised by house afBy Laurence Dollimore a family of ly had a lawyer, squatters for the past two years. he managed to Tina Cackett, 64, claims find a misprint been verbally assaulted she has ble began when Tina bought and re- house, which the in the escritura ceived several death sits just across the family since they threats from out riverbed from her own a dried which he claimed illegally took in Competa, home, over the property next Malaga, at the end of suggested the into hers, 2018. heritors which she also owns, might in December The previous not have had the 2018. owners, very close to, had died,who she was right to sell the On one occasion, Tina, and the in- property, carer, had to barricade a live-in heritors of the property decided but to was just a typo.” it side her home while herself in- sell it to Tina.

To make of the squatter family the father “I wanted a home for my daughter ters worse, matrepeatedly Kristine, screamed at her in she is often ill and needs had to find Tina her driveway hospital that he was going to kill a new treatment or looking after, solicitor so the setup was ideal,” “It was terrifying,” Tina,her.

Tina ex- discovering after SCARED: Tina chester, told the Olive from Col- plained.

Cackett and daughter her Kristine (left) previous one was charging looked deranged, like Press. “He But while waiting for the deeds her for started throwing to be hours not worked. something, and just kepthe was on put into her name, which rocks A tour of Spain’s most iconic Tina claimed, “even their at him,” that he was going to kill screaming eral weeks, the squatters took sev- She now has the documents child was in ormoved in der to prove me and that and changed castillos... he had friends who would she bought the home shouting death threats, it’s just horcome and Since then the locks. kill me. a legal battle has ensued, legally and is hoping for a resolution rible, and the mother is supposed to be a care worker! Even this year, but everything which has been delayed “His wife was holding Page 20 my daughter has been has received and extend- slowed down due to the COVID-19 begging him to leave him back and ed on technicalities. threatening my driveway “The messages, which we haveWhatsApp pandemic. first couple of times saved for while they Meanwhile police.

I turned p h o n e d means up without a lawyer, which continues to the squatter family “I’m scared to the case gets adjourned,” leave threaten Tina and her p o l i c e . ” added Tina. take my dogs for a walkmy house to loved ones.

“I’ve been told it’s in case they The trou- tic they use a lot to buy time. a tac- Just three weeks ago Tina’s partner do something to me.

“This was also threatened by the father, and family has ruined our lives it’s just not fair, while mother and son, who I paid all is only around 12 years their bills they’re living rent free in my property and driving old. around in “They told him to ‘go a new car.” back to England you Tina has contacted two privateEnglish madman’ and ly-run squatter removal companies but they said as there is a court case ongoing they cannot take on her case.

THE SKY AUTHORISED It comes as Spain’s right DISTRIBUTOR wing parties are hoping DOCTOR Take control of your to clampdown on squatting, future and ALL AREAS COVERED make your own financial which has soared during KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! choices! coronavirus pandemic. the 4G UNLIMITED The Partido Popular and BinckBank.com/horizon Special Anti “Okupas” INTERNET want to see stricter Vox meaIDEAL FOR sures, including thousands alarm offer STREAMING TV of euros in fines and three years in prison. up to Immediate Police ALSO IPTV, However left-leaning SATELLITE TV parties response fear it may criminalise gling families who havestrugCall: +34 611 475 892 tel: (0034) 952 763 840 unable to pay rent duringbeen colin.securitasdirect@gma the info@theskydoctor.com il.com COVID-19 crisis. www.theskydoctor.com

Page 9

TRADING BEYOND THE HORIZON WITH BINCK

moving. I’ve been here for three and Johnson and all those othdecades and I love the country er fools have dealt with it.” with a passion. We’re the rich- His enthusiasm for Spain radiest people in the world because ates from the pages of his quarwe have beautiful countryside tet of autobiographical books and this wild mountainous land- chronicling his misadventures scape around us.” in the Granada countryside.

Today he and his wife Ana More than two decades since spend their days shearing the first was published, they still sheep and planting olive trees resonate with expats, travellers with a parrot, two and homebodies horses and sundry alike. dogs and cats for “I think I just talkSpend their company.

Chris ed about univerdays shearing sal issues and feels safer and happier in Spain experiences,” sheep and than in the UK reflects Stewart. and so attached is planting olive “I tapped into a he to his adopted universal vein. trees homeland he is Everyone you set to prove it by talk to says taking Spanish ‘oh wow I’d nationality. love to move to a differ“I’m about to become Spanish ent country, get out of the because I’m so incensed by the rat race and get into the absurd nonsense of Brexit,” he countryside’ but barely fumes. anyone actually does.

“And If I could personally thank “Our lives are so saddled (Prime Minister) Pedro Sanchez by the desire for comfort, for how he’s handled this aw- security and convenience. ful pandemic then I would,” he Those are three words that adds. “Just look at how Trump I hate. People shop on Am-

g sheep

azon because it’s convenient even though the people working there have a crap time on zero hour contracts.

“It makes me realise how lucky I am, even during a pandemic.

There is a monstrosity present in so many forms of work, corporations who don’t give a stuff about their employees. That’s capitalism for you … it’s given me a great run but I detest it.”

Driving Over Lemons has sold over 1.5 million copies to date but the

state of the world has shifted considerably since it was published 21 years ago: “Of course, inevitably, the world has changed,” says Stewart.

“But the way it’s changing at the moment is so sudden and so profound.”

However, the 69-year-old author is keen to look towards life beyond COVID-19: “Coronavirus is a global issue but it hasn’t made all the other problems go to sleep,” he says.

“I feel sort of guilty that the world my generation has handed to the next is pretty tainted, in particular with regard to climate change.

And politics is moving towards a totalitarian right-wing way of doing things. It’s really unpleasant.

“One of the fundamental changes in Spain of late is the arrival of the wretched VOX Party,” he mourns. “I see them as a grim future and something we should all be afraid of. This country suffered 40 years of vicious dictatorship and you can still see the dregs of it in some elements of Spanish society today.

“We must fight tooth and nail against the ignorance and hatred espoused by these people - it’s simply not the Spanish way.”

For Chris, now a best-selling Spanish author thanks to his new national identity, it will be the Spanish way forever.

“I love England because I was born there, I think of the cosy little green hills of Sussex and Surrey and my heart skips a beat,” he says. “I shall be like that forever, but I want to be European.”

X

Castle heaven

+

+

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: Squatters run riot on Costa del Sol as orga1-nised gangs hand over keys to top properties (59, 195) property price falls predicted for 2-theMajor Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca in Spain (53,574) - Spain’s Costa Blanca wakes up this 3invisible morning to new 50% capacity rules as ‘the enemy’ sweeps through the region

(50,817)

to declare state of alarm 4- Breaking: Spain tomorrow (26,284) Spain’s Costa Blanca to get 5- Breaking: night-time curfew ‘as soon as possible’ (21,317)

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

Opinion Page 6

OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Angolan capital (6) 8 Hibernian (5) 9 Thin layer (4) 10 Try to make someone believe they are going mad (8) 11 Thugs (5) 12 Propose (7) 15 Source of teenage angst (7) 17 Seventh sign of the zodiac (5) 20 Not non grata (8) 22 Move along in a stream (4) 23 Literary genre (3-2) 24 Mourn (6)

Down

OP Sudoku

1 Erstwhile Peruvian President (8) 2 Kind of band (3-3) 3 Squads (5) 4 Topping the agenda (5,2) 5 Upholstery trim (6) 6 "Be quiet!" (4) 13 Overcome (8) 14 Stet (5,2) 16 Allow (6) 18 "A date which will live in ---" (6) 19 "Someone Like You" singer (5) 21 Mountain path (4)

All solutions are on page 14

8

LA CULTURA

Big Screen Sylvia Poet focus of local film

BENIDORM features in a movie currently being shot that tells the honeymoon story of renowned American poet Sylvia Plath and one of Britain’s greatest 20th century poets, Ted Hughes.

It’s the second film to feature Plath and the city, as a fulllength fictional tale, It Snows in Benidorm is released next month in Spain.

Plath and Hughes honeymooned in Benidorm in the summer of 1956, and local director, Maria Anton Cabot, is using local people as actors and extras for her project.

Shooting has been taking place at locations around the resort including the Levante beach area where Anton Cabot met up with mayor, Toni Perez.

The so-far untitled short film

By Alex Trelinski

is pencilled in to be screened at national and international film festivals.

Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes married in London just four months after they first met and went on honeymoon to Paris, and then onto the Costa Blanca.

They appeared to enjoy their time in Benidorm because they spent around a month there.

They even ended up renting a house all to themselves on Calle Tomas Ortunio Sylvia Plath’s stay is said to have inspired a number of her greatest works according to her diaries.

That included an acclaimed short story called That Widow Maganda which was based on her observing a local house.

TRAGIC: Sylvia Plath took own life

October 29th November 11th 2020

Flying high

AFTER writing her debut novel simply to ‘spice up’ early retirement, expat Jacqueline Carpenter, has gone on to enjoy worldwide acclaim with her sequel, too. The Olive Press first interviewed the ex-City broker last year when her debut novel Louisa was published.

The historical tale of family life in war-torn Kent had sold really well and is still continuing to receive positive reviews.

With such success, Carpenter decided to continue writing and the sequel to Louisa has just been published.

And Joan is already receiving great reviews, with Sheila Thompson from USA saying: “Enjoyed Louisa, and this follow up wasn’t a disappointment.

Felt you lived there life of ups and downs with the characters. Can’t wait for the next one” Jacqueline is currently writing the third, as yet untitled, novel of her trilogy.

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The Olive Press all editions FP (342mmx256mm) October 28

Making sense of Still using a Brexit finance financial ad R

By Gerald Turner, Partner, Blevins Franks

Can a UK-based adviser continue to support you from 2021?

eassuringly, even if there is a no-deal Brexit, citizens’ rights for UK nationals legally settled in Spain by December 31, 2020 are protected under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. There are no such guarantees, however, in the area of financial services, which could affect whether you can continue to receive UK-based advice and services as an EU resident.

With no certainty that negotiations will be resolved in time, check that your financial planning and adviser will stand up to the challenges that Brexit may bring.

The end of passporting If you have a good relationship with your UK-based financial adviser, you may understandably wish to continue using them, despite now living in a different country. However, you need to make sure they can legally continue

to advise you after the Brexit transition period.

Under today’s rules UK-based financial businesses can passport out of the UK into Europe, but this will no longer apply next year. Passporting enables cross-border transactions between EU member states through shared financial regulation. Unless a mutual deal is agreed on financial services, the EU will not permit ongoing passporting arrangements for UK financial businesses and advisers from January 2021.

Some UK financial firms have put provisions in place to continue working in an EU/EEA country post-Brexit, but others have not. We have already seen letters from major UK banks to EU-based clients, advising they will be withdrawing services and recommending they make arrangements now with an alternative provider who can support them.

Make sure you understand your provider’s legal position for clients in Spain.

If you retain UK investments, a UK-

It is likely that UK-based advisers will no longer ‘passporting’ system to provide regulated financi the Brexit transition period. Ask your adviser if t and carry out instructions, or if they may be rest based adviser may be able to continue of opportunities available in Spain. Do supporting you there. But if you hold UK theybanks have in-depth of Spain the major write toknowledge clients in withdr

savings and investments with an EU- local residence, tax, and succession based institution, from 2021 they may regimes? alsoimportant unlikely not accept instructions from UKUK-based advis- It’s advisers never beenare more to to en- have the d ers. Check if there will be practical chalsure your financial affairs are comSpanish regime necessary to provide the most tax lenges, such as having to travel to the pliant and suitable for Spain. Secure Ourof local advisers are autho UK for meetings and paperwork.solutions. peace mind by talking to anregulated, experiAlso consider if a UK-based adviser is enced, locally-based adviser as soon as and knowledge best placed to help you take advantage possible. to advise on all aspects of financi

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com

Still using a UK-based financial adviser?

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It is likely that UK-based advisers will no longer be able to use the EU ‘passporting’ system to provide regulated financial services to EU residents after the Brexit transition period. Ask your adviser if they can continue to advise you and carry out instructions, or if they may be restricted. We have already seen major UK banks write to clients in Spain withdrawing services.

Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) is authorised and Where advice is provided outside the UK, via the Insurance Distribution D system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks Trus the administration of trusts and companies. Blevins Franks Tax Limited p has been approved and issued by BFFM.

Talk to the people who know

965 705 502 gerald.turner@blevinsfranks.com

UK-based advisers are also unlikely to have the deep understanding of the Spanish regime necessary to provide the most tax-efficient financial planning solutions. Our local advisers are regulated, authorised and have the experience and knowledge to advise on all aspects of financial planning in post-Brexit Spain.

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Where advice is provided outside the UK, via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts and companies. Blevins Franks Tax Limited provides taxation advice; its advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFFM.

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BUSINESS €100 billion blow October 29th November 11th 2020

Tourism industry sent back 25 years by coronavirus crisis

Mind the Gap

JOBS in Spain could be at risk after Gap announced it was considering closing stores across Europe.

The American clothing giant revealed it was proposing changes to its business model outside the United States in a move that could lead to 129 store closures.

Gap, which currently had 75 locations in Spain including concessions in El Corte Ingles, said it wants to focus on its domestic American business.

“Franchisees already operate in 35 countries through 400 stores and we believe there is significant room to expand our franchise footprint,” Katrina O’Connell, Gap’s chief financial officer, said at a virtual investor event.

The news comes just over a month after the brand opened a flagship store in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarters on September 3.

Despite the new store, the retailer has struggled to compete with high street rivals for a number of years and is the latest fashion chain to consider closing stores as shoppers slow down on clothes shopping during the pandemic.

Earlier in the year Gap said that it planned to close more than 225 unprofitable Gap and Banana Republic stores globally.

11

SPAIN’S vital tourism sector is expected to take a €100 billion hit by the end of the year.

This would mean the industry will have reverted to income levels last seen in 1995, according to the Exceltur tourism association.

The organisation has updated its predictions after regional governments started to impose new restrictions in an effort to halt the rise in COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks.

More than 1 million people have been infected in Spain, with 34,000 deaths attributed to coronavirus so far.

Exceltur’s vice president, Jose Luis Zoreda, said: "We could go

TAXES on plastic packaging are to be introduced as part of attempts to cut environmental waste.

Spain’s government plans to limit the most environmentally damaging single-use plastic products and hopes to raise €1.8 billion from the new ‘green’ taxes.

Ministers are also considering a higher levy on sugary drinks in the hope of raising a total of €6.8 billion, its draft budget

OLD DAYS: But will busy beaches make a return?

By Dilip Kuner

back 25 years in terms of what the Spanish tourism sector generates," adding that it would be a ‘dire scenario’.

Green tax showed.

The hike will see value-added tax on sweetened beverages jump from 10% to 21%.

Parliament has already given the green light to the implementation of a controversial 3% charge on digital services, such as advertising and data sales, on a booked locally by large tech firms such as Google, Amazon and Facebook.

Now the association is calling for cash handouts to tourist-related businesses similar to the bail-outs provided to banks in the financial crisis of the mid to late 2000’s.

Zoreda claimed that the government had not realised how badly the sector had been hit by the crisis and needed to urgently provide direct aid and extend the nation’s furlough scheme when it runs out in January.

The tourism industry accounts for 12% of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 13% of employment.

The sector was initially devastated by the three-month coronavirus lockdown then hopes for a successful summer were dashed when the UK and some other countries imposed self isolation rules on returning holidaymakers.

Dear Jennifer:

12

Be ready

Do I have to get a TIE/ Residencia card?

A

S I suspected, the demand for TIE/Residencia appointments is very quickly increasing. It is vital that if you have not got your Residencia and you wish to stay in Spain after 31/12/20, you need to get your TIE sorted now, or as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, if you do not do this, the laws will be changing and you will need a vast amount of money held in your bank account and a proven monthly figure of income. I have heard a number of times: “I am British and therefore I am not panicking as there will be different rules in place for us after Brexit.”

What a naive idea, because being British will mean even less than it does already after January 1, 2021, especially within the EU. We will just become normal immigrants and will need the correct papers in place just to visit and live in Europe.

With all this dreadful COVID situation, Brexit is also going to take its toll, both here but especially in the UK. I feel very fortunate to live in Spain because the news from the UK is worrying. So I am determined to make sure that I and all my staff are in possession of all the required documents so we can continue to give exactly the same, excellent service to our clients.

For your TIE/Residencia application, you will require health insurance and if you are thinking to cancelling it at the end of the first year, you would be very foolish to do so, because you may find yourself with no health cover at all and paying privately is not an option as it can be very expensive.

ASSSA health insurance provides the correct certificate for your application.

I do appreciate that many are not used to having private health insurance but life changes and you will require it to continue living in Spain.

You will be very surprised at the premium, as in comparison to British private health prices, it is remarkably inexpensive.

If you need any further information or an appointment to discuss your requirements, please contact one of my offices, visit the website www.jennifercunningham.net or email info@jennifercunningham.net.

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

Air cuts

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Life behind bars

BOSSES of airline company IAG have announced that 70% of Vueling, Iberia and British Airways flights will be cancelled.

Meanwhile, rivals Easyjet and Ryanair will fly at 25% and 40% respectively indicating a bleak outlook for all major airlines.

It comes after the IAG travel giant reported a €1.3bn loss in their third quarter, which was even worse than financial experts had predicted.

Losses Due to coronavirus, passenger numbers were down by 78% with operational flights only half full.

IAG fired Spanish British Airways CEO, Alex Cruz, last week after four chaotic years at the head of the company that saw IT meltdowns and staff strikes.

October 29th - November 11th 2020

WHAT a cunning lot the Brits are!

Wherever they stray across the globe they stake out a corner and stock it with traditional artefacts to remind them of home. And no shrine honours this custom more sacredly than the good old British pub.

Union Jacks and pictures of the royal family are often prominently displayed, along with dartboards, faded posters and examples of that subtle British humour.

By David Baird

O

nce, like most people, I figured that running a pub on the Costa del Plenty must be a barrel of laughs.

But way back, when the coast was young and you tripped over celebrities on every corner, I interviewed some of its famous bar owners and jet-setters who revealed a more sobering truth. The advice they gave me then is just as valid today, so if you’re thinking of going into the trade yourself, take note.

What drew most of them to the Costas were such obvious attractions as sunshine, cheap booze, low taxes, an easy-going lifestyle, carefree beach days, sunshine, cheap booze… but in the wee small hours a rather different story emerged.

How difficult it is to get a

STAR ATTRACTION: Stewart Granger was just one of the actors at Daphne’s bar

suntan when you work 15plus hours a day. How red tape trips you at every turn.

How impossible it is to get reliable staff.

Ask any landlord for their top tip on running a pub and they’ll probably tell you: ‘Don’t!’ while conced-

ing it has it’s fun side. Then they’ll regale you with anecdotes about their more outrageous customers and start dropping names.

Back in the Marbella scene of the 1970s those names included Brazilian playboy Baby Pignatari, bullfight-

TM

952 147 834

* O f f e r v a l i d f o r n e w c u s t o m e r s o n l y. S u b j e c t t o c o n d i t i o n s . E n d s 3 1 / 1 2 / 2 0 .

TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME0720.indd 1

20/7/20 13:08

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

October 29th - November 11th 2020

13

Running a pub in Spain is a sentence to hard labour even if the sun’s shining and the customers are celebs.

David Baird shares some of the amazing bar stool stories tapped from legendary landlords during the Costa’s early days

GOOD TIMES: The Victoria Inn, Torremolinos

How's this for a sample of the wisdom on their walls?

er Luis Miguel Dominguin, King Simeon of Bulgaria, the Duchess of Alba, Sean Connery...

So what does it take to run a pub? According to the veterans, iron nerves, infinite patience, business aptitude and - the biggest challenge - liking people.

Peter, who once ran Peter’s Place in Los Boliches, listed the occupational hazards as ‘gout and cholesterol.

It’s nice to make money but you have to treat it as a laugh, a joke rather than a commercial proposition’.

According to Eileen Wendell who, with her husband, ran Jac’s Bar on Fuengirola’s Paseo Marítimo: “You’ll never get rich in this job, but over the years you build up a relationship with people and they become your friends. In the 1960s there were artists and writers here. Then came the retirees, who had lived in places like Kenya. I remember Georgina, married to a playboy known as Rotters. She threw a birthday party here and everybody rode straight into the bar on horses.”

In San Pedro a popular bar, which doubled as a library, was run by former actress Daphne whose showbiz background attracted fellow thespians. She recalled Stewart Granger and Ray Milland sitting at opposite ends of the bar one day slagging each other off with outrageous comments.

Remember Granger in one of the screen’s most amazing sword fights with Mel Ferrer in Scaramouche?

His costar Eleanor Parker described him as ‘a dreadful person, rude...just awful’. But despite his reputation, the day I chatted to him in Daphne’s bar fresh from his leading role in The Wild Geese, he was amiability itself. Later he lost most of his fortune through a bad investment

MORE SIR?: The Oliver Twist kept customers happy

in Estepona real estate and moved to California.

The more affluent Costa visitors knocked back their sherries in the Marbella Club, run by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, who played a big part in attracting the rich and famous to the coast.

Also on the scene was the aristocrat Don Jaime de Mora y Aragon (below) who acted in some 30 films when not running Marbella’s tourism office and aiding Saudi wheeler-dealer A d n a n Khashoggi with his real estate investments. I met him when he started a bar. There he was, with his monocle and silver-topped cane, as elegant as usual - although it was hardly a career move likely to go down well with his sister, Fabiola, Queen of Belgium!

Most bar owners concurred with Audrey Hassall from Yorkshire, who with husband Joe ran Nerja’s Plaza de Toros: “The best aspect is the people you meet.”

“One day a fellow came in on a pony, his feet almost touching the floor on either side,” she recalled.

“He ordered a beer, drank it down, turned the pony around and rode out. An American customer stared after him and asked: ‘Say, how much do you pay that guy?’ “ In the 1980s one of the In-places was the Sinatra Bar at the entrance to Puerto Banus. It throbbed

FAVOURITE: Bottle Bar in Marbella was popular

with pulsating music, mil- listen, not comlionaire yachtsmen, glam- ment. You must orous girls and beach bums not be excitable of all nationalities. and you should In contrast, Wyns Bar, at La dilute what anyCapellania in Benalmade- body says by na Pueblo, was a popular 80%.” haunt for British under- Jan and Barry world figures, including from Rotternotorious East End villain dam who run Ronnie Knight.

The Bottle Bar These days, the customers on Marbella’s are more respectable. But Calle Fuerte back then, as I discovered hadn’t much myself, if your face did not use for cossfit, you could be made to ies either. feel very uncomfortable …

“People conA pub’s atmosphere can sidering opening a bar make all of the difference should first try working in between success and one in their home country failure. One Costa publi- and not just dream about can frightened off clients the sun,” advised Jan. through his violent argu- “Many come here for the ments with his wife (going sun and end up working 24 into business together can hours a day.” really test a One of the marriage). On hazards of runtop of that he ning a bar, Jan ‘First try concealed his revealed, was poor knowl- working in a bar that customedge of Spaners tended to in your home ish by giving a misplace their cool reception false teeth! country before to the locals.

Pub toilets, Spain’ Liverpudlian along with Alan Blunaircraft loos, dell (pictured appear to be above right), of the Harp favourite locations for this Bar, Marbella, stressed: unfortunate habit.

“Anybody thinking of com- Dorothy Clifton, who ran ing here on a romantic mag- The English Pub on Marbelic carpet...forget it. I don’t la’s Calle Peral, summed even own a pair of swim it up: “You meet the good, trunks.” the bad and the ugly, the He advised: “When custom- famous and the infamous.” ers are talking, you can only Swedish customers are the

craziest, she told me: “They are noisy, boisterous, drunk when they got off the plane and never sober up.

“The French are tight and the English take time to unwind,” she continued.

“But even if a Spaniard only has a few coins left in his pocket, he will still spend them. They love playing darts and they even like my steak and kidney pie. My favourites are the Dutch. They are so friendly and ready to spend without questioning.”

Over at the Victoria Inn in Torremolinos, Mike Small, an ex-submariner from Bedfordshire, noted that many British holidaymakers weren’t sure which country they were in. “Quite a few apologise when they come to pay.

“They say ‘I haven’t got English money, will Spanish do’?”

with Tracy Storer, Senior Partner, Chorus Financial.

Pension problems Money Matters answers all your questions on finance, tax, pensions, investments and more

This week we received the following question from Mr John P from Jalon Dear Tracy, I have recently turned 60 and have tried to access my private pension with Aviva.

Unfortunately, they have told me that as a non-UK resident my options are restricted to either take an annuity, draw my entire pot or transfer to another pension plan. Can you explain why this is and why I can’t drawdown my pension flexibly as originally planned?

Hi John, Firstly, you are not alone with this issue! We are in the process of dealing with lots of Aviva and other pension schemes, where our clients are facing similar restrictions.

The issue is that when your scheme was originally set up, the manner in which you could access your pension would have been based on what was around then and purchasing an annuity would have been the main feature. Pensions options have changed since then and buying an annuity may not be as attractive as it once was.

In 2015 the government introduced pension freedoms and with this came flexible drawdown. This method of accessing your pension has proved to be very popular with pensioners both in the UK and overseas. It is flexible, so it allows you to take what you need from your pension when you need it. This could just be a regular monthly income, or it could be ad-hoc lump sums (or a blend of both). Accessing your pension in this way allows you to plan around your specific income needs and also allows you to take the Spanish tax system into consideration when planning your income.

The problem with your current Aviva pension is that to access flexible drawdown you would need to transfer to one of their other pension schemes. Unfortunately, these new schemes are only available to UK residents, which leaves you with the limited options while resident in Spain of buying an annuity, taking your pension in finding an external scheme.

Fortunately, there is a solution, as there are several UK pension providers that you could transfer to who offer flexible pensions to non-UK residents. A local adviser such as Chorus can help you explore your options and provide ongoing advice on such pensions.

If you have any questions about finance, tax or money matters here in Spain please email them to me on t.storer@chorusfinancial.es with subject ‘Money Matters’. All emails will get a response, and some may even appear in our column!

14

COLUMNISTS

I

HAVE two favourite months in Spain. May marks the beginning of the summer season: the temperatures rise, the countryside is magnificent in its full bloom and the first events of the social scene take place.

There is always a feeling of optimism – that businesses will enjoy a record year, that old friends will come and visit and that new friendships in Marbella’s cosmopolitan mix will be made. September on the other hand, is the gentle unwinding of the summer season as the madding and maddening crowds dissipate, the sun loses some of its fierceness and a chilled out vibe returns.

I may be stating the bleeding obvious, but 2020 has been a little different. The lockdown was harsh enough, but the ‘new normal’ made operating a business a real struggle, especially when quarantine restrictions meant that the normal flow of tourists, including the wedding parties, off season visits by relatives and sun starved golfers, was reduced to a sparse trickle. Maybe the lockdown caused a short circuit in the minds of the less desirable members of Marbella society but, along with the graphs showing the

Money Matters answers all your questions on finance, tax, pensions, investments and more here in Spain.

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For example, if you own a second home and are concerned about being an ideal target for squatters, LIBERTY SEGUROS offers a complete legal defence guarantee, covering up to €6,100 in legal costs for Illegal Occupation proceedings.

Owning a rental property has additional worries, such as tenant vandalism that can lead to complex and expensive legal proceedings. For this reason, LIBERTY SEGUROS offers a guarantee of up to €3,000 to cover acts of vandalism by the tenant. This allows landlords peace of mind to enjoy profitable rental incomes without added worries.

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It’s also worth noting that LIBERTY SEGUROS’s new home appliance repair cover includes 2 services per year up to 300€ – including parts. The maintenance of air-conditioning filters is also covered to include filter cleaning twice a year. In this manner, the units can continue to work just as they should, at the same time as helping occupants to avoid the health issues associated with their usage.

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October 29th November 11th 2020

Mama, we’re all crazy now Giles takes an in depth look at his favourite two months in Spain

LAZY DAYS: Giles taking refuge at his Istan home rise of cases as the second the second-in-command of wave of coronavirus crashed a Dutch drug baron and the around Spain, the only other recent shooting of a Brit on a uptick seemed to be in the Saturday night – took place number of high profile crim- on the stretch of road known inal incidents that made the as the Aloha Strip – with its national and international bars, lounges and restaupress. The majority of these rants.

– including the high profile Previously this area of ‘Golf kidnapping at gunpoint of Valley’ was best known as the place to spot nothing more menacing than Bruce Forsyth, Ronnie Corbett, Jimmy Tarbuck and other household names from the world of light entertainment. They were normally heading out to play on one of the three golf courses in Nueva Andalucía, although Sean Connery was best approached with caution, especially if he had been hacking around the Los Naranjos course.

Sleepy In the past decade, this sleepy spot has transformed and it’s not uncommon to spot Premiership footballers, world champion boxers and the obligatory reality TV stars. It has also become brasher, with supercars roaring up and down the strip.

Perhaps it is that brashness that has encouraged an ‘anything goes’ mentality. Over the past couple of weekends my social media feeds invariably carry the question ‘Anyone else hear gunshots in Aloha’ as the police cordon off the area once again?’

As the wannabie and real gangsters continue to regard it as something of a free fire zone, it’s safe to say that the title of ‘most dangerous road in Spain’, that used to be applied to the frankly terrifying N-340 coast road in the 70s and 80s, has now been taken by the Aloha Strip. In the immortal words of Noddy Holder, Mama, we’re all crazy now.

CONNERY: Just one of the many stars who graced Marbella

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HEALTH Vaccine hopes soar

A SPANISH company is preparing to produce a coronavirus vaccine candidate in the new year.

Pharmaceutical firm Rovi, based in Madrid, is in charge of the ‘fill and finish’ final stage of manufacturing for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate outside the United States.

There is no approved COVID-19 vaccine yet, but advanced trials of a vaccine from Modern, the American biotechnology company, showed that it was safe and provoked an immune response.

The Moderna vaccine works by injecting a piece of genetic material, known as RNA, into a person. This provides instructions for the person’s cells to create a protein found on the virus. It is hoped that this will train the body to recognise and fend off the real pathogen if it later becomes infected.

Rovi’s Vice-President, Javier Lopez-Belmonte said: “I don’t know if there will be ingredients in December or January, but we will start manufacturing very soon.”

October 29th - November 11th 2020

15

Freeze, suckers!

THE incoming cold drop will stop the West Nile virus outbreak in its tracks, experts have said.

According to the Doñana Biological Station, once temperatures stop exceeding 20C, the mosquitoes which spread the disease will stop reproducing.

It comes after the virus has infected dozens of people and claimed the lives of seven this year after first being detected in Sevilla.

Mosquito populations boomed by more than 30% this year thanks to a wetter-than-average May and the coronavirus lockdown which saw people confined to their homes for weeks on end.

The virus was first detected in humans in Sevilla towns close to marshlands along the Guadalquivir river, before also being found in Cadiz.

While many areas have been fumigated, many large rice paddies, where the blood suckers are known to breed, cannot receive the same treatment until they are harvested (usually in October).

Residents have naturally been warned to steer clear of rice crops and all marshland areas. Additionally, as long as temperatures remain close to 30C, as they have done in Sevilla this week, there will continue to be mosquitoes and the risk of West Nile virus spreading.

Therefore people are advised to use repellents and nets in

Mosquito-borne West Nile outbreak will be brought to a halt by cold winter weather

DROPPING DEAD: West Nile mosquitos cannot breed in the cold their homes where possible.

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Family feuds AN 85-year-old lady had to call the police after her grandson claimed she was making life ‘impossible’ and threatened her with a razor.

A YORKSHIRE terrier named Kike has found its way back to its loving family in Malaga after disappearing two years ago.

Trolley dash A PADDED shopping trolley by Zara that sold out in 24 hours in Spain and is due for the UK market has been dubbed ‘perfect for stockpiling’ by Tweeters.

Melting away ICE cream sales for consumer goods giant Unilever have plummeted across Spain while sales of hand sanitisers and soap have surged.

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Vol. 1 Issue 42 www.theolivepress.es October 29th - November 11th 2020

Plane crazy

A WOMAN who booked a flight from Stansted to Valencia ended up in Kiev when she boarded the wrong plane.

Inka Fileva, 30, was looking forward to a romantic break visiting her boyfriend in the Spanish city.

But when she got off her Ryan Air flight cold water was poured on her dreams as she realised she was not in the sunny Costa Blanca capital but in the chillier clime of Ukraine.

Bar worker Fileva, who is

Wrong gate mix-up means passenger ends up in Kiev not Valencia

SCOTLAND is looking to Andalucia in its fight to save its wildcat from extinction.

The Scottish wildcat is Britain’s last native cat species and with fewer than 100 believed to exist in the wild, the feline is on the brink of extinction.

Habitat loss and cross-breeding with domestic cats are the main reasons

The right cat-itude

originally from Bulgaria but now lives in London, had slept through the whole journey. The first idea she had that she was not where she should be was when she disembarked. It was when she spotted that none of the signs were in Spanish and the police looked ‘different’ that it dawned on her that she was 3,000 kilometres away in the wrong country.

why it is on the verge of extinction, despite the fact that it has been protected under UK law since 1988.

Andalucia, which has proven itself as the number one refuge for the Iberian Lynx with 57% of the animal’s popula-

By Dilip Kuner

She posted her story on Facebook, saying: “I’m in Kiev at the moment! Waiting at the airport and the worse part is there is no Ryanair office here so everything is taking ages to sort out!

“I don’t understand how my ticket got scanned and

tion, is collaborating in the international partnership Saving Wildcats.

It is now offering expert advice on the development of a captive breeding programme for the Lynx’s Scottish ‘cousin’.

WRONG GATE: Inka passed and how I came here without a visa.”

She explained that she had gone to gate 54 instead of 44 by mistake. But with staff scanning her ticket she had no reason to suspect she could end up on the wrong flight.

Eventually, the situation was sorted out and Fileva finally arrived to the welcoming arms of her boyfriend in Valencia.

But in a final twist her luggage didn’t make it - instead it was flown to Manchester.

BARCELONA’S Mossos d’Esquadra police force is training 400 rescue dogs to detect COVID-19 in humans.

Dogs are already working at Finland’s airports to detect the presence of the virus and have been recently incorporated into airport checks in Dubai, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

According to researchers running Helsinki’s pilot scheme, a dog is capable of detecting the presence of the coronavirus within 10 seconds and the entire process takes less than a minute to complete.

The scheme has now reached Barcelona, where the pooches are being trained to detect COVID-19 in human beings.

Josep Peris, former head of the Mossos d’Esquadra, has launched this project under the name ‘K-anary’.

All the canines that form part of the team have been found in dog shelters where they were abandoned.

Training takes approximately one month, after which the canines are able to detect the virus in about 200 people an hour.

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