Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 356

The Mijas Costa FREE

- Ou

NA

anon

voice in Spain

See page 6

Vol. 14 Issue 356 www.theolivepress.es November 11th - November 24th 2020

BORIS Johnson has assured his cabinet that a Brexit withdrawal deal is ‘there to be done’.

The proposed agreement comes amid signs Joe Biden’s stunning US election win has sparked a desire to double down on negotiation with the EU. The Prime Minister is hoping to strike a trade deal this week before the European Union’s deadline to reach an agreement on November 16.

While Olive Press sources insist Biden’s win has injected renewed impetus into the talks, Johnson claimed this has always been the case.

“I’ve alw a y s been a

UK Prime Minister optimistic trade agreement can be reached before this week’s looming deadline great enthusiast for a trade deal with our European friends,” said Johnson at the weekend.

“I think it’s there to be done, the broad outlines are pretty clear.”

His remarks come as EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier returned to London on Monday offering ‘three keys to unlock a deal’.

He is here for a week of ‘intensive’ talks with his British counterpart David Frost, with fair trade and fishing agreements the main points up for discussion.

Anne Hernandez of lobby group Brexpats in Spain told the Olive Press a deal would be struck this

week.

She added: “I think Boris has another uphill struggle in befriending Biden who is vocally anti-Brexit but he has to get him on his side since his partner-in-crime is going to be leaving the White House in January.

“There will be a deal and Boris will say they have ‘managed’ to agree it with the EU and he will forget to add the reason being that he buckled and did another u-turn.”

But her optimism was tempered by a downbeat assessment from Downing Street, with No 10 claiming ‘significant differences remain’ between the two sides on Monday.

A spokeswoman added: “ T h e prime

X

TRADING BEYOND THE HORIZON WITH BINCK

expat

POLICE launched an early hours emergency protocol - dubbed ‘Operation Hell’ - after over a dozen cars were set ablaze late on Saturday night.

Residents woke up in fear as flames lit up the streets of Fuengirola when a man set fire to 15 cars in his wanton orgy of destruction.

The Spaniard, 38, was arrested after targeting vehicles, while also breaking the COVID curfew.

Security cameras identified him after following him driving around leaving the blazing wreckage.

One block of apartments in Avenida Miramar was scorched by a line of eight burning vehicles.

Firefighters were called to the incident at 3.20am and were able to stop the flames spreading to the building.

On arriving at the scene, police received four more reports of fires nearby, including four cars in one street and a car at the Miramar shopping centre.

DONE DEAL?

Tennis

See Olive Press online for full list of rules

Your

Streets of fire

HOME by 10pm and restaurants and bars closed by 6pm.

These are just some of the tougher coronavirus restrictions which came into force for most of Andalucia last night.

Expats however, were left confused at where exactly they were allowed to travel and what they could do during the two week lockdown.

In Fuengirola, for example, Olive Press readers questioned if they were able to go to Iceland alongside the N-340, as it sits inside Mijas.

Meanwhile, in Casares costa where there are no shops - expats wondered if they could go to the supermarkets in neighbouring Estepona and Manilva.

In Granada, a total closure of non-essential businesses, including the hospitality industry, was ordered by the Junta due to ‘much worse’ coronavirus figures.

President Juanma Moreno announced the new rules at a press conference on Sunday evening.

They will be in force until at least November 23, when a review is scheduled.

The night time curfew is now from 10pm to 7am and every municipality has closed its borders, meaning residents can only leave or enter if they have a justifiable reason.

The exceptions include travelling for work, medical or legal reasons or if you are caring for a dependant. Vets, supermarkets and hairdressers are allowed to stay open after 6pm.

Outdoor tennis and padel clubs are allowed to stay open.

y The conspirac theorists getting a grip on the costas

Andalucía

Lockdown

O ur D

OLIVE PRESS

See page 7

minister set out that, while some progress had been made in recent discussions, significant differences remain in a number of areas, including the so-called level playing field, and fish.”

She said they had agreed that their negotiating teams would continue talks in London this week to ‘redouble efforts to reach a deal’, adding that they would remain ‘in personal contact about the negotiations.’

Nigel Farage this week blasted the prime minister for failing to secure a withdrawal agreement ahead of the US election results, claiming that Joe Biden ‘hates the UK’.

Opinion Page 6

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NEWS IN BRIEF Terror cell POLICE have dismantled a cell of Islamist sympathisers with 10,000 followers on social media during raids on houses in San Sebastian and Pasaia in northern Spain.

Troll hunting SPAIN and nine other European countries have joined forces to take down disseminators of racist and xenophobic hate speech in an operation that is the first of its kind.

Coke float COPS uncovered 1.2 tonnes of cocaine on a ship bound for the Balearic Islands, just a fortnight after their Brazilian counterparts discovered 1.5 tonnes of cocaine on the same vessel.

Artful Dodger A GROUP of Asians have been arrested in Benalmadena for conspiracy to traffic large quantities of ketamine to Taiwan.

Crime boss ‘killed drugs rival and decapitated victim’

CRIME

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Head case

in the area, Navarro is thought to have a long criminal past after a spell living in Mexico.

According to early reports, Navarro is thought to have been the leader of a criminal gang specialising in robbery and drug smuggling.

By James Warren

A MAN allegedly responsible for murdering a drugs rival before dumping his victim’s head in a bin after showing it to children has been identified as a convicted thief and crime ring-leader.

Manuel Jesus Navarro was identified after footage of him surfaced discarding a carrier bag containing the head in a recycling container.

Mexico

GRIM DEPOSIT: Navarro carries head in a bag

Mexican, Navarro, 60, casually showed passers-by including children the head

Party’s over POLICE have raided a 100-strong illegal house party in Benalmadena Despite large gatherings being strictly prohibited, party-goers danced into the early hours ignoring Covid regulations.

After receiving a phone call from a disgruntled neighbour, officers from the Policia Local were deployed.

Most of the ravers, aged between 20 and 30, were not only in close proximity to one another, but were also without face masks.

The organisers face hefty fines for what is considered ‘a very serious infraction.’

SINGLE IMPLANT

before disposing of the bloodied head in Huelva.

Known as ‘El Mejicano’

Game, set and hash POLICE have uncovered a secret marijuana plantation under the foundations of two tennis courts.

An entrance was discovered next to the courts in Moron de la Frontera leading down to the foundations underneath.

Cops found a sophisticated grow house with heating, ventilation, expensive pumps and large freezing equipment.

In total, 250 kilograms of marijuana were seized, along with 15 air conditioning units, 20 fans, 60 LED lamps, a vacuum packing machine and even a delivery truck.

IMPLANT BRIDGE

Navarro was captured in Mexico in 2009 after a series of violent raids on businesses in the Mexican town of Monterrey, before being sentenced to 10 years in prison.

It is understood that Navarro returned to Huelva just months ago after being released.

The victim, currently identified by his first name Candido, is thought to have been a friend of Navarro and the pair would be regularly seen together walking through Huelva.

“Candido was lovely. He would always help you out without asking for anything in return.” said a local resident.

It is thought that the dispute that led to the beheading was a disagreement over drugs.

End of the line A WANTED Dutch expat with links to South American drug cartels has been arrested on the Costa del Sol. The drug lord, who has Columbian roots, was picked up in Marbella over trafficking and money laundering offences.

The man, yet to be named by police, was arrested after a long Interpol investigation, and a collaboration between Dutch and Spanish police.

He is thought to have worked for the notorious Cali Cartel, and represented the group in the UK and the Netherlands.

Cali

Among his crimes are the alleged laundering of almost €6 million in cryptocurrency.

According to police, he had fled to the Costa del Sol in 2018 after police located his hideout in Amsterdam.

A warrant for the man's arrest was issued after the two-year investigation led authorities to a villa outside Marbella.

When police raided the home they seized three luxury cars, watches, phones and computers plus €85,000 in cash.

In its heyday the Cali gang ran more than 80% of the world’s cocaine market.

IMPLANT DENTURE

NEWS

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November 11th - November 24th 2020

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Double edged sword for nature as whales move on while eagles soar in ORCA whales are abandoning the Med and heading to Galician waters, biologists claim.

Experts suspect that Orcas (also known as Killer Whales) are leaving the Straits of Gibraltar as the Med is now too warm for them due to global warming.

Previously sightings of Killer Whales averaged at around 65 per season, but this number has now decreased by more than two thirds in the past year.

It comes as temperature increases in the Med are going up 20%

Queen of the high street!

SPAIN’S bargain basement queen has shown her support for the high street donning a pair of €20 trousers from Mango for a record FIFTH time.

Queen Letizia, 48, wore the ankle-length grey trousers from the Spanish brand, while visiting a Madrid drug clinic this week.

She previously wore them to make an outing to present the 2020 Princess of Asturias awards a month ago, having first worn them in September 2017.

Roar blimey!

AN 'extraordinary' 2,400 year old statue of a lion has been unearthed by a farmer in Spain.

The artefact was uncovered by Gonzalo Crespo in the hamlet of La Rambla, Cordoba, while he was ploughing his olive grove.

The statue in perfect condition depicts a lioness devouring another animal and is believed to have been carved around 400 BC. Crespo immediately recognised he had found something significant and

Orca outing faster than the global average, according to the IMBE institute. But despite a surge in violent incidents involving Orcas along the Northern coast, there is no clear scientific explanation for the Killer Whale’s change in behaviour. Since relocating to Galicia, the Orcas have rammed into a navy vessel as well as a series of sailing boats. “These interactions are very rare and aren’t something we’ve seen here before.” said biologist Alfredo Lopez

Flying high SOME of Spain’s most iconic birds of prey are making a concerted comeback as they take advantage of the peaceful skies of Andalucia thanks to

ADIÓS SEAN From Spain with Love, as former Costa resident OO7 star James Bond passes on

HE had ‘Scotland forever’ tattooed on his forearm but for over 20 years his heart belonged to Spain.

The definitive James Bond and long time Spanish resident, Sir Sean Connery has passed away at the age of 90.

The 007 legend ‘slipped away’ in his sleep at his Bahamas home after suffering from dementia.

The couple first met at a golf tournament in 1970 and married five years later, setting up home at Casa Malibu, in Puerto Banus,

Fitness flashback AT HOME: Sean Connery lived in Marbella for years

Marbella.

Connery, a regular in both the port and restaurants in the old town, was best known for his hacking around the local golf courses.

The pair went on to sell the property in 1999 for a staggering €6.4 million before moving to the Caribbean.

Connery, a notoriously private person, cited an increase in new homes around the area for deciding to leave Marbella.

“These people are not going to see me in my underpants, I am leaving Marbella,” he allegedly said.

Goldfinger

Sunset synths called police.

The lioness was transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Cordoba where it will be studied by experts.

COVID-19.

The rugged sierras have seen healthy growth in several species of raptor as less planes carve up their airspace.

Not only are Ospreys breeding in increasing numbers, but Imperial Eagle numbers are at an historic high, with seven more breeding pairs recorded this year.

Most promising of all, three Red Kites have been seen gliding over the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park in Jaen.

The trio - one adult male and two young females - were released after a short stint in a Madrid wildlife hospital.

It comes after the species became extinct in Andalucia some decades ago.

THERE are not many DJ sets that top this one.

Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Ronda tajo, German DJ Christian Loffler looked very much the King of the Decks.

French company Cercle brought a team of over a dozen technicians and engineers to film the six minute video, a mix of mellow beats and electronic riffs.

Perched on a circular glass stage on the edge of the 500 metre-wide gorge, the overall effect is both moving and impressive.

Connery and his wife were also embroiled in a long-running tax fraud and planning case over allegedly illegal plans for Casa Malibu, although the case was dropped in 2014.

He refused to return to face the judge’s questions in the case codenamed predictably ‘Goldfinger’.

See Salute to Sir Sean, Page 22

IT may well turn out to be her last hurrah in Marbs.

Davinia Taylor has shared a photo of her sizzling physique on holiday in Spain just weeks after she put her villa on the market for €17 million. The former Hollyoaks actress, 42, was clearly feeling reflective as she posted the photo taken during the last lockdown here in the Spring. In the Instagram post she wrote that being in Spain had managed to ‘improve her mood’.

No doubt her mood will improve dramatically if she gets a sale of the front line property in Los Monteros for sale through LuxuryEstate. com. It counts on seven bedrooms, tropical gardens and Antonio Banderas as a former neighbour.

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New wave THE Canary Islands has had another wave of migrants over the weekend, with more than 1,600 either landing or being rescued at sea.

One person is known to have died after his body was recovered off El Hierro, according to emergency services.

So far this year the Canary

Islands has received more than 11,000 migrants, mostly from North Africa.

This is the highest figure for a decade, although far short of the 30,000 arrivals in 2006.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, more than 600 people have been confirmed dead or are missing on the perilous route from Morocco to the Canaries so far this year.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Nose drive

A BRITISH driver has caused a head-on collision after driving on the wrong side of the road in Cordoba.

Fortunately both drivers were unharmed, although both cars are said to be a write off.

The British driver now faces a fine and the withdrawal of six points from his licence.

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STRUGGLING airline Air Europa is to get a €465 million boost from the Spanish government.

The company has been hit hard by a drop in passengers this year caused by the pandemic.

It has now been given a financial lifeline with a loan that has to be repaid by 2026.

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The company operates a range of domestic services including flights in and out of Alicante, Malaga and Palma airports.

It’s NOT been a tough year for everyone in southern Spain with five tycoons in Spain’s top 100

By Cristina Hodgson

tune of €1.4 billion.

Lao, who is from Almeria, made his money in Catalunya from his gambling company Cirsa, which he has now sold.

Second in the list is Rafael Dominguez de Gor, worth €500 million, who made his

Cull threat for apes GIBRALTAR’S famous Barbary macaques face a death sentence if efforts to protect them from COVID fail.

The government has warned it might have to cull the iconic monkeys if the coronavirus jumps species, as it has with minks elsewhere in Europe.

Patrols have now been stepped up to make sure the macaques are not approached or touched by humans.

A spokesman from the Environmental department said there were serious worries the macaques could be vulnerable to the virus.There are also concerns that mutant strains may jump back into the human population from infected animals.

These were reinforced by the recently announced cull of farmed minks in Denmark, Spain and Italy, which were found to be infected by a mutated version of coronavirus.

The Danish government said the mutation could threaten the effectiveness of any future vaccine.

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GAMBLING, fashion, agriculture - and COVID vaccines - are the sectors behind the five richest people in Andalucia.

The Forbes’ Rich List revealed that the five are worth nearly four billion euros between them.

They include reclusive Manuel Lao, who comes in at the top in Andalucia, with a for-

CJ593

November 11th - November 24th 2020

RICH: Reclusive Lao and (left) Rafael Dominguez

money from clothing company Mayoral.

Born in Malaga, the sports buff loves tennis so much he built a court on the roof of his company’s headquarters in Malaga.

Santiago Domecq Bohorquez - worth €425 million - made his money from livestock farming and other agricultural sectors.

He is most famous for his breed of fighting bulls, bred on his estate near Jerez.

Meanwhile, the brothers Juan, Javier and Ivan Lopez-Belmonte Encina, from Almeria, are worth €900 million between them.

The trio are shareholders in the Rovi laboratory, based in Madrid.

The company has had a good year due to its partnership with the Moderna labo-

ratory which is producing a coronavirus vaccine.

Coming in fifth is Silvia Mora-Figueroa Domecq, who has a fortune estimated at €250 million linked to agriculture and livestock farming.

She is also a shareholder of Coca-Cola European Partners and has links to the sherry industry.

Zara

Predictably, Spain’s highest earner is Inditex fashion mogul Amancio Ortega, who has a staggering net worth of €57 billion.

Ortega, whose empire includes Zara and Massimo Dutti, is in a league of his own. Even his own daughter - who is second on Spain’s rich list with €5.6 billion doesn’t come close.

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NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

OPINION Disservice to service industry Late-night dining and a table filled with tapas is almost as synonymous with Spain as sunshine and sangria.

So the warning that all bars and restaurants will be forced to close by 6pm as part of the latest coronavirus restrictions was about as jarring to some as hearing that Jamie Oliver favours chorizo sausage in his paella.

President Juanma Moreno admitted they were ‘tough and difficult’ measures, but added ‘we make these decisions to save lives’... and it is true we must all play our part in controlling the spread of the virus.

The tragedy is that bars and restaurants have led the way in trying to protect staff and customers (only 3% of infections have come at restaurants) and these late-night venues have become something of a lifeline for lonely locals who have been separated from loved ones for months at a time.

We must work together to keep the country safe but we hope that it does not have to be at the expense of one of the most important parts of our lifestyle and economy for too long.

The temporary closing of bars and restaurants will hopefully pay off - but to classify these venues as non-essential is a disservice to the service industry.

Decision day He started with the battle cry ‘Get Brexit done’ and after almost a year in the trenches, we’re close to stumbling home.

Confused, concussed and just a little bit beaten, we march onwards towards Brexit with our floppy-haired British commander Boris cheering us nonsensically all the way.

D-day this time is November 16, the European Union’s deadline to reach an agreement, and Boris reckons the battle is all but won.

But who’s to say what D will stand for this time?

Devastation? Delusion? Or just any bloody decision will do?

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AWARDS

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2012 - 2020

Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

ANON has landed

There’s a new show in town for deranged conspiracy theorists that makes Scientology seem like the Open University.

Jo Chase gets her hands dirty by looking under the bonnet...

W

ELCOME to the world of lunatic conspiracy theories. And Q Anon might just be the daddy. In case it is yet to make it to you, QAnon is the codename of a high-ranking US intelligence officer – Q – who drip-feeds intelligence to followers.

It centres on Trump’s ‘crusade’ to save the world from a Deep State where a satanic cabal of influential people - Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama among them - hide children in tunnels for the purposes of paedophilia and cannibalism. It also involves the gold standard being restored and, following a mysterious ‘reset’, a basic income being paid to all world citizens – known as ‘NESARA/GESARA’ (National Economic Security and Recovery Act).

To most normal individuals it seems totally far-fetched, especially given newly

HIDDEN DEPTHS: The remote town of Orgiva has found itself at home to many conspiracy theorists to the disgust of some residents ousted Trump’s record for credibility and coherence. But the movement’s supporters are deadly serious.

QAnons claim that President John F Ken-

nedy started the concept, although conveniently, as JFK was shot dead in 1963, he’s not around to confirm or refute this.

But although its principles sound like the

Complications ahead for British expats in Spain... But a deal will happen!

As the stopwatch ticks ever closer, Brexit Analyst Anne Hernández on the key chages for January

I

AM beginning to wonder if the world has gone totally bonkers! sure that everyone living in a country What with Brexit, COVID, Boris Johnson’s bumblings and now that has a treaty with the UK will not the knife-edge Trump v Biden race to the White House. Nothing pay tax in two countries on the same seems ‘normal’ anymore and the year 2020 will surely go down in income. history as one of the worst on record.

For British travellers from the UK to the EU however, there will be Brexit is the one thing that will most affect us as British passport stricter border controls and passports must have a validity of six holders here in Spain - and while I have never been a political ani- months. In addition, visas will be needed for work or study in the EU. mal, I have become so since the threat of the referendum loomed Driving in the EU will need an IDP and green card plus GB stickers in 2015 leading to the UK voting to leave the EU. if driving a UK registered vehicle, the UK pet passport scheme will It has been an interesting, albeit sharp, learning curve and I have stop and paying with UK bank cards may become more expensive. made some wonderful new friends and important The Schengen ruling for non-residents being allowed contacts along the way. in the Schengen area for only 90 days in any 180 My association, Brexpats in Spain, that I set-up in days is causing concern for Swallows (or snowbirds), Talk of a no 2016 just after the referendum, now has nearly who holiday here in their second homes for perhaps deal will not 20,000 members. Fed up with all the misinformation four or five months each year. That will probably not throughout the run-up to the referendum I decided be possible after January and their EHIC medical affect our we needed a source of factual information although care will not be valid either so private health care will we have often been accused of ‘scaremongering’ be necessary. rights as which has now proven to be ‘truthmongering’.

Talk of a no deal will not affect our rights as citizens citizens Some Brits here still prefer to be ostriches and will as it refers to trade deals, but it will make it difficult do nothing until the very last minute and I fear they for the UK to compete in terms of world business beare in for a rude awakening! cause the EU has deals in place with 70 countries We ceased to be citizens of the EU on January 31 and were given worldwide. a grace period to allow us to get everything done in anticipation of Despite EU/UK negotiations being strained over the last few January 1, 2021, when we become third country nationals. months, over the last fortnight progress has been made on a deal Spain opted for the declaratory scheme so, as beneto avoid a Hard Brexit. ficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) article While the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier told 18.4, those of us who live here must have a resthe media that there were still some key stumidency, Spanish driving licence, private or state bling blocks ahead, the EU is persevering to sign medical care and be on the Padron at our local an agreement. Us expats must pray our own town halls. dear bumbling Boris is of the same ilk.

The WA ensured that we will have continued Either way, one of my reliable contacts in Brusaccess to employment, healthcare, educasels has told me that the EU/UK teams tion, benefits and other services. The UK are this week signing a deal. So, if government will continue to pay our true, either Boris has buckled to pensions, child benefit, and disability the EU’s conditions or vice-verbenefits as long as we are eligible sa. I rather suspect the former!

UK nationals in the EU. To read more of our ‘truthmonBrexit will not change the existing gering’ go to any of our six BrexEU double taxation arrangements pats in Spain Facebook groups, that apply to EU countries and entwitter or website.

November 11th - November 24th 2020

7 Olive Press online

Expat leader Charlie Ward

I

SIGN: Graffiti that identifies with the deranged theorists of QAnon disfigures a wall in Orgiva

- Ou HORRIFIC: Millions

of fish died

Demands for €80m flood aid

FREE

A VEGA Baja mayor has demanded €80m in flood aid for the devastated Murcia region.

Los Alcazares leader Mario Perez Cervera insisted a major flood retention project should urgently to prevent be implemented ous flooding that the sort of serihappened in September.

He told the government in Madrid this week that it serve the Mar is also vital to preMenor, which was badly hit by the so-called Gota Fria.

The week of heavy deaths of millions rain led to the struction of dozensof fish and the deHe insisted future of homes. floods needed to

COSTA BLANCA

Your

expat

voice in Spain

SUR / MURCIA

Vol. 1 Issue 1 www.theolivepress .es

November 7th - November

VANISHED! 20th, 2019

T is a particularly sweet landmark.

Against the odds, our youngest edition - Costa Blanca south/Murcia - has made it to its first anniversary.

Launched in November last year, we couldn’t have picked a more testing time OLIVE PRESS as our fifth edition creaked its way through a difficult win12 ter into an agonising Spring and traumatic Summer.

ACTION But we held it together and over 26 S N IO AT ST issues we managed to bring the region’s expats a range of investigative JANU ARY SALE NOW stories, features and even the odd JANUARY SALE NOW campaign.

Highlights included the expat OLIVE PRESS group formed to tackle squatters to the Brit who beat COVID-19 twice, and from a probe into motoring conman Goose chase Ch Simon Davies to the scandal of chari- trad arity case e deal ty shops having to pay IVA. Then there were the floods, the sad case of pensioner Philip Pearce and the capture of Britain’s Most Wanted Louis Robinson in Murcia.

All in all, we would not have been VIVAL ISSUE THE EXPAT SUR able to do all that without you, our E OLIV readers.

PRESS Thanks to your commitment, civility and courage in talking to us we can report accurately on what is happening out there every issue. ...REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Launching a paper in the middle of winter, then going on to battle the O twin challenges of a global pandemic P and Brexit may have been a struggle - but we have enjoyed every minute of it.

Here’s to the next year and beyond!

Continues on Page

10

Right turn

Duty of care claims after missing British great-grandfather was allowed to leave police station at 3am in clearly disoriented state EXCLUSIVE

By Joshua Parfitt

POLICE on the

Costa Blanca A DANGEROUS have been slammed after they could see Spain’slurch to the right allowed a confused and disorienVox party becominganti-immigrant tated British great-grandfather ers in this weekend’s the kingmakto walk out of general election. into the dead of a police station The massive surge The family of night alone. the recent Catalan - off the back of Pearce, 68, arepensioner Philip of Islam - could crisis and a fear demanding ancomment on individual swers from Benidorm see the party seizing 15% of the seats cases’ such as Philip’s. why he was released police over DISAPPEARED: Philip The expected gains in Parliament.

Pearce A Policia Nacional on Septem- (above right) ber 10, at 3am. the last picture enjoying a drink (above), damage centre-right will seriously claimed ‘helicopters’ spokesman while of the pensioner They now fear for Ciudadanos, which could lose in Alicante Airport “It’s scrambled to search had been has been missing his life after he us absolutely gut-wrenching for while the ruling over half its seats, as a family, not for an alarming ther-of-three. various Benidorm for Philip on PSOE and left wing two months.

Podemos are also hillsides. he is and why he knowing where Owner of However, he failed expected to sufAnd in a shocking Alicante Transfers, fer. to answer “I just want him disappeared.

David McQueen, questions about home British Consulate,email from the miss Vox, which has the exact details pledged to ‘defend’ him so much.” so badly. I spent ‘four to five’ said he has of his release from seen by the Olive Press this Spain from immigrants, the station or hours every whether week, day scouring abandoned is predictthere are Philip was known to sniffer ed to finish third suggestions of a build- searches had dogs and ground in the country’s breach of duty from the early signsbe suffering ings and traveller fourth general election of care. been deployed communities would tia, but was ‘happy of demen- around the in as many or years. be soon.

Costa Blanca.

The official email and smiling’ when The latest polling pensioner had clearlyreveals the friend he left for Alicante with a “I even sent my dog out with suggests Vox, led Have you seen GoPro a and told

by Santiago Abascal, travelling camera police he to search in every in ‘did not remember Philip? partner. bush touch at newsdesk@Get its 24 seats in Spain’s will increase where he He was having a good was staying’ nor holiday we’ve and in every corner, but theolivepress.es 350-seat parwhere he was until he left his Playa liament to 46. found nothing,” from in England.

Failed

Levante hotel at 5.30pm to buy cigaretteson September 9 his bearings and before he lost

Wallet

said.

“I’ve got 130 taxi drivers who start

was taken to at 4am Meanwhile Albert The consulate email police. and finish Rivera’s Ciudadanos will be Philip was carrying also stated Two months at 2am, but none on, Lee told the neither his of 14. In the 40dBreduced from 57 to passport nor his Ol- the hotels ive Press gain 14% of the poll Vox is set to he was taken by wallet when search anda request for ‘a ground tablishmentsand esvote, alongside the sniffer dogs’ has PP in second place Benidorm’s Policia a stranger to unanswered, gone seen a sign of have with 21.2% and Phil91 seats and the Nacional stawhile the family tion in the Old are ip.”

Town just after left searching for answers. with 27.3% and PSOE coming first midnight, as CCTV The The PSOE’s 121 votes. footage con- “We just need closure on wheth- spent family has predicted victory firms. er my dad is still would see the party alive or not,” ting up weeks putHowever, what is Lee said. posters and seats than in April’s with two less and why he was not clear is how “But apart handing out prompting another last election, headache for its the station three allowed to leave sent out from claiming to have of his missing flyers leader Pedro Sanchez some father “The police are hours later. the police don’t drones to look, around Benidorm form a government. as he tries to simply not seem

The

Opinion page 6

to be doing

answering our questions,” son Lee Pearce, 41, told the Olive Press last night.

anything at all.”

It comes as scores idents have spent of British resweeks searching for signs of the grandfa-

with contact details.

A spokeswoman for the British Consulate told the Olive Press it ‘does not

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14-metre waves A SERIES of giant this week as lashed eastern Spain officially the Storm Gloria became winter storm since most destructive walls of 1982. The record-breaking that left nine water – and weather as Spain declared dead – came on cue

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Issue 335

BLOG OFF

Water worry a to drink, be it was safe may not

of believing pharmaceutical SPAIN’s has issued a warndecades Spain’s tap water watchdogsocial media influ- After finds ing over dodgy health new study encers pushing is among products. (General Council tap water Associ- SPAIN’s in Europe.

The CGCF has filed a the worst Barcelona study of Physiotherapist Spain) has the fourth major ations of with the Spanish Afound it carries cancer for bladder about peocomplaint highest risk Health Ministry medicinal continent. that longcondi- on the suggest a group of ple promoting for beauty Findings to 0.1%, treatments proper knowl- term exposuretap water called ( of less than in the tions without may be of THM count law, chemicals by the Netherlands on the cases edge or training. followed Germany (0.2%). of THMs to Spanish is trihalomethanes one in 20 and only CyAccording promotion is cause forcancer in Europe each highest levels also concluded - behind with 0.1%) and bathing such medical continent 23.2%, Malta wa- The scientists bladder aland advertising disease, Barcelona by indus- year. prus with Ireland’s Liffeythird that showering banned from the trigger the to enter can also 17.9% and a surprising Scientists for Global Health strictly monitored chemicals the the tap ter coming with 17.2%. the lowing thevia the pores of Institute try professionals. analysed

end of the body from bottom (ISGlobal)all 28 EU countries opposite Denmark’s skin.

At the and Romania water of with a horror list, 2018. social meexcept Bulgaria compared 2005 and tap wa- H2O was the purest, Spanish or obese varieties. water between However have been advocatSpain’s 10.9%, the fourth being overweight lower-fat dia ‘stars’ of certain creams, to At out with odds of peers who drank whole milk causes ing the use tablets in orderun- ter came with their speculated that reduces snacking. which wipes andcosmetic issues, of 28 studIt has been to feel fuller, the resultsseven counhelp withsome of the potential children beacross are less The research combined aware of that indiscrimithe correlation full-fat milk given were conducted health risks and the risk ies that who drink can cause. had explored than those Martin cows milk nate use Guillermo CHILDREN tries, which drinking be overweight children Pharmacist noticed the problikely to or semi-skimmed. in The American of that tween overweight.

Melgar firsta certain brandwas skimmed were publishedand they foundlower of being lem when facial wipes to 40% The findings only Clinical Nutritionmilk had prescription Journal ofwho drank whole selling out, suddenly being recommendchildren chanfind it was Youtube for acne. ed by a popular nel as a treatment

Risks

Milk matters

By Joshua Parfitt

of ‘climate emergena landmark state cy’ for the entire country. (below) insistLeader Pedro Sanchez would now ed ecological transition

44, died in Asturias first victim, age of government on Sunday when a truck lost control into be at the ‘forefront’ unprecedented ‘clisnowfall and crashed snow action with an expected within 100 in heavy he was putting on mate change law’ the steps of scores his car while chains. days, following in the world. a 63-year-old died The following day roof of countries across storms lashed in Avila after he was struck by a man It came after serious a 70-year-old Alalso leaving millions the Costa Blanca, of euros of damage. tile. Meanwhile in Moixent, died of hypothermia close to Gale force 9 winds icante after falling into snowpeople – havoc wrought and two homeless Carcaixin 115km/h his home, with Gandia and another record- one in also died from hypothermia. winds ent – included in Oliva anda Four people died yesterday,a homehailstorm, waves reaching in ing a farmer in a record-breaking less person killed by hypothermiacol8.44m in Valen- Almeria, a woman whose house car cia, and a shocking lapsed in Alcoy, and a man whose near Benidorm.

14.22m in Ibiza. was swept off a road So far, nine people Four are still missing in Catalunyaa have died around and the Balearic Islands – including Spain, with a fur- 25-year-old Brit in Ibiza. the ther four missing Leading climatologists backed around the Bale5 aric Islands and Continues on Page The Catalunya.

We’ve gota learn

to guide OM! Ourbest yoga 17 Spain’s SEE Page breaks

or by pockets of arcticbedrop) is caused A gota fría (cold southeast across western Europe climate, Mediterannean polar air that move warmer, humid fore meeting the scientist Jorge Olcina. hence according to Alicante ‘isolated’ at high altitude,at High Depression The cold blast becomes DANA, or Isolated its spanish term Mediterannean Altitudes. and contact with warmer When coming into vapours immediately condense Orihuein one burst. In air, the rising humid quantity of water 400mm of water fell in drop a massive 2019 over average precipila back in September nearly twice annual less than 48 hours, freak gota fría. tation, due to a

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See page 14

HUNDREDS ty shops are of British-run chariignoring new laws that require Spanish them to charge ue added tax val(IVA) on second-hand goods.

A UK plan for A tax clampdown deal with thea Canada-style free trade already slammed has seen a number with big fines, been rejected. European Union has many more with now It comes as UK the Olive Press in the firing line, Johnson laid outPrime Minister Boris One well knowncan reveal. shop on the deal with Brusselshis vision for a trade Blanca is now facing fines of Costa ‘no need’ to follow insisting there was €24,000’ ‘up to EXCLUSIVE after an inspection EU rules.

His aim is an vealed they

By Joshua Parfitt reCanada signedagreement like the one throughout charged no IVA on sales 2018. goods. tariffs on most in 2016 where import The Torrevieja goods have been charity’s accountant, It comes as another inated. The flow elim- who asked not to be named, British charity, which has two banking – which of services, such as shops are being viewed as any said has also been shops in Torrevieja, tance to the UK is of more impor- high-street other hit with a €5,000 after an inspection more restricted. – however are much changes to business following law fine He also mentioned behaviour. crackdown on fraudulent revealed was paid on however, that if this deal is not second-hand no IVA 2017. the UK will return items in reached “The to the Withdrawal not government’s view is that “It’s completely Agreement, or fair that it is dent, who asked unfair,” the presiAustralia. Borishave a similar deal to is charging a legitimate business IVA on sales to protect the to remain nameless tled ‘unleashing used his speech - ti- door a charity while shop can cut next an work, told charity’s humanitarihighlight the factBritain’s potential’ - to prices,” the down “Our charity the Olive Press. to revert to the that the UK intends ive Press thisaccountant told the Olgovernment issteps in because the sation (WTO) World Trade Organi- “There are week. a lot of expats citizens, and failing to care for its UNDER PRESSURE: such a deal. Heterms if the EU refuses to make themselves who need Charity shops them for it? now we have to pay fines. phatically not said: “The choice is em- is not a clampdown aware that this face hefty Government “Factoring 21% “The question‘deal or no deal’. government doing but merely the Susan is whether we fines its job properly.” prices will heavilyIVA into existing charity Weeding, who operates trading relationship “You have to agree a The accountant bear in mind four affect the shops for do and mean parable to Canada’s with the EU com- Hacienda over said he was fighting we reach fewerwork we Care Rescue Centreher Easy Horse of our rescues come at the that most the money demandin need.” tralia’s. In either - or more like Aus- ed from his request of people she ‘might in Rojales, said police and councils directly – someas The president that Britain will case, I have no doubt not aware’ client as the client ‘was starts having well give up’ if she times from as far as of prosper mightily.” to pay IVA to ty shops were added his two chari- ernment.

Murcia and He pointed the laws. the gov- Granada. some ‘of the very out that back British-run enterprises See Time’s Up “We’re not allowed in the UK, charity few’ “The home on page 6 shops enjoy which are the September storms already now adding the as they become to re-home them ro-rated VAT zeVega Baja region tax. left on sales of donated evidence in He urged all with no forage cases, so why should court crops and we’re charity shops we be hit by the double sure they are not to make to keep our 121 now in debt just government for doing our liable to donkeys horses, best?” alive,” she said. ponies and Opinion Page 6

Hundreds of British-run charity shops are facing fines after ignoring tax laws

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The

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The

the Deep State as part of a wider ‘Earth Tanya Grenfell Williams, from Tijola, told Alliance’. the Olive Press: “Qanon is tapping into Along with the ‘Q’ team and Trump, this people’s fears by providing something alliance allegedly and rather frighteningconcrete in these precarious times, even ly comprises: ‘loyal generals and other if it is false and feeding QAnon’s own high-ranking members of the armed forcagenda. es’; ‘the white hats of the National Secu“Unfortunately, these more liberal thinkrity Agency (NSA)’; and numerous global ers, normally left-leaning, are finding military leaders - Vladamir Putin; Xi Jincomfort in these dangerous conspiracy ping of China; India’s prime minister Nartheories and naively promoting them to endra Modi; and crown prince Bin Salman other people.” of Saudi Arabia (the one who ordered the Sorrell Badger, an administrator of the Orkilling and chopping up of journalist, Jagiva and Alpujarra Covid Group on Facemal Khashoggi, in 2018). book, is less polite.

According to local Q bigwig Charlie Ward “It’s such a transparent load of b*llocks,” (see panel left), the main purpose of the she told the Olive Press.

Earth Alliance is the dis“I don’t know how anyone missal of the 13 ‘demon with a functioning brain can bloodline families of the illufall for it. I also find it worminated Deep State clique’. rying that the same people How can This world transition is, apdownplay COVID and call it parently, being financed by a ‘plandemic’. Just look at anyone with the Chinese Dragon Family. the death toll in the US – Confused? It’s no surprise.

210,000.” a functioning And that so many people resident Nick Chambrain fall for it Orgiva subscribe to this patent bers added: “QAnon is a nonsense becomes less of massive distraction for peoa laughing matter when one ple who really should know considers that these are the better. It is taking attention people that Trump is seeking to inflame to away from the real issues of today - the support his increasingly deranged claims massive inequity of global wealth, the milthat the US election is being ‘stolen’ from itary industrial complex and, the really big him… one, global climate chaos.”

And the worst news? It’s arrived on “QAnonsense”, snapped Orgiva-based Spain’s Costas, especially within the exphotographer Fred Shively, who hails from pat community... the US, summing it up in a word.

Take Orgiva, a town with a thriving alterHowever, with QAnon hijacking the native community, some of whom are #SaveTheChildren hashtag for its own posting messagpurposes, some people have been ates promoting Q tracted by evidence that institutionalised on Facebook and paedophilia does exist. sharing pictures of “There’s definitely a paedo cover up,” Estepona ‘conspircommented Orgiva resident Solomon acy picnics’.

Cardy. “Do you believe that Epstein killed Residents in the himself?

Alpujarran mar“I don’t subscribe to QAnon but I do subket town of Orgiva scribe to there being a massive paedo are reporting ‘Q’ ring involving many politicians and I’m and ‘WWG1WGA’ glad it’s finally coming to light.” (where we go With QAnons pointing out that Jimmy Saone, we go all) vile was connected to the UK royal family, graffiti splashed and that Epstein is proof of the pudding, across local some might say this area of debate has walls. some credence.

Meanwhile However, it does not validate the rest of some members the QAnon theories or that Trump – a of the community have been attending friend of Epstein and on record discuss‘conspiracy theory picnics’ in an Estepoing ‘grabbing p*ssy’ – is crusading for the na mansion where they can listen to QAbenefit of humanity. non ‘red pill’ speeches with ‘private intel’ With COVID on the increase and a huge from the likes of British expat oil magnate lack of leadership and scientific rationalCharlie Ward – the most prominent figure ism in the fight against the pandemic, one in Andalucia’s Q scene. thing seems certain. People will turn more With these right-wing views seeping into and more to the absolutist certainly of the the local community, many Alpujarra resikind of theories spouted by the chancers dents are unimpressed with Q propaganand crackpots typified by QAnon. Fasten da landing on their doorstep. your seatbelts…

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plot of a B-movie, QAnon has gained traction worldwide, with its supporters trying to decipher ‘Q drops’ and joining forces to fight against the satanic cabal.

And while critics denounce Q fans as delusional, the QAnons claim that the public has been brainwashed by the ‘mainstream media’ (MSM). People are, in this respect, polarised in their opinions. Many describe QAnon as being ‘cult-like’.

Now, remarkably, it has taken root in the alternative communities of Andalucia’s Alpujarras and is spreading like coronavirus throughout the Costa Del Sol and Costa Blanca.

For its supporters, known as ‘QAnons’, it’s something to cling onto during the COVID crisis.

For others it is a lucrative business opportunity with Q-themed events popping up in luxury venues along the Costa.

One of the main criticisms of QAnon is that the underlying concept is loosely based on the theories promoted by the Nazis to encourage anti-Semitism and justify the holocaust.

The Nazis were interested in esoterism and magic, as well as Eastern religions.

This helps explain why this newer version of the conspiracy theory proves popular with the ‘cosmic right’ – a catch-all term that includes ex-new age travellers, yogis, spiritualists and the alternative community.

For Qanons, Trump is a James Bond-like figure, fighting with the good guys against

‘Spain’s best English news website’

mise -

The 60-year-old oil magnate, money and self-stated ex-cult member claim trader s that he has been down subterranean tunnels unregistered gold was stored, wher where e shops and houses exist, and people ride arou nd in golf carts.

Such is the current popularity of Q – and ed theories - that Ward has gained 166,relatonline subscribers in five months and 000 11.5 million views (https://www.youtu user/drcharlieward). He also chargesbe.com/ an entry fee for his ‘club’.

For some entrepreneurs, Q is a boost for business.

Peggy Boer runs regular Q Parties at Los Caballos in Estepona, where guesCortijo €22 a ticket and €80 for a night’s accots pay mmodation to hear speakers like Charlie Ward .

One such event, branded ‘Conspira cy Protocol’, attracted 95 guests and was atten by the Policia Nacional although they ded supposedly sent packing by the mas were conspiracy theorists (they don’t believe k-less in face coverings).

Other popular QAnon themes – as seen in their videos – include anti-vaccination, tian religion, hydroxychloroquine (as Chrisfor Covid), the ‘plandemic’, Trump nota cure a woman-molester, the evil of Bill Gate being George Soros, the dangers of 5G and s and between ‘one world government or a choice There is also a strong pro-Brexit elem Trump’. ent.

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The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: Breaking: Spain’s Andalucia to close off all of its 1-municipalities and bars and restaurants to close at 6pm (52,917 views) shops in crisis as shutters are pulled 2- Benidorm down on Spain’s Costa Blanca (49,168 views) Breaking: Jet2 suspends all flights and holidays 3-between England and Spain’s Canary Islands until end of lockdown (39,780 views) slump causes 47-year blowback for Costa 4- Tourist Blanca’s Alicante-Elche airport in Spain (37,154 views) to Spain until early 2021 5- Jet2 suspends flights (34,644 views)

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LETTERS

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Brexit deal last chance See page 4

Extra time Vol. 4 Issue 92 www.theolivepress.es October 30th - November 12th 2020

EXCLUSIVE by Lydia Spencer-Elliott

FAMOUS expat author Chris Stewart is becoming Spanish.

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

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

“I love England because I was the green hills of Sussex and born there, I think of skips a beat,” added the former Surrey and my heart “I shall be like that forever, but Genesis drummer. 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 wish to be considered Spanish or British post-Brexit.

Going native Page 6

National curfew tweaked to protect Balearics bars and restaurants LIFELINE: Balearics government has changed restrictions to try to help beleaguered hospitality industry BALEARIC residents have been given an extra hour to curfew would run from mid- inhabitants

By Isha Sesay and a positivity enjoy their evenings. night rate of 14.3% - the highest in But people living in Manacor such as travelling to or from Negueruela said that ‘the the entire Balearic Islands. won’t be allowed to leave the work or caring for the health sick arics situation in the Bale- The perimeter closures will town. is ‘one of the best com- be applied and edlerly. to the centre of The autonomous government The regional government pared to other autonomous Manacor as well as the urhas adjusted a nationwide decided to adjust the communities, and for this banisations curfew reason, of Son Talent, curfew imposed by Madrid after widespread condemthe government was Puig de Son Talent and Jordi to between the hours of mid- nation from local business willing to adjust the curfew. des Raco. night and 7am, compared to unions who said that But the news came as author- Residents will only be perthe 11pm to 6am originally and restaurants would bars ities slapped an isolation or- mitted to cross the perimeter decreed by Prime Minister tremendously if they suffer der on Manacor. if they have had to The Pedro Sanchez when he de- close by 11pm. municipality has had its such as goinga justified reason to work. clared a state of alarm on This led to the Minister borders ‘closed’ for 15 days All restaurants of La- since and bars in Sunday. midnight on Wednes- these bour and Tourism, Iago It means people will have to ueruela, meeting with Neg- day after a surge in coronavi- 10pm areas must close at and are prohibited be home at those times un- representatives, and union rus cases. from using their inside spachours Manacor less they have a good reason later it was agreed that the COVID-19 now has 458 es. cases per 100,000 Terraces can open but only by reducing their capacity to 50% with staff at all times guaranteeing the safety distance between customers.

THE President of the Balearic Government Despite residents being alhas apologised after she was caught lowed to move freely in the at 2am apparently flouting COVID-19in a bar area, they have to stay at regulations. home and only carry out esFrancina Armengol was found at sential activities.

Hat Bar in Palma on October 7. At the time, night Less stringent restrictions venues APOLOGY: Armengol were supposed to be shut by 1am. have been put in place across In response to the incident Armengol the rest of the islands since was only at the venue as one of her said she “I am aware that the image I have shown is not last weekend. had suffered a fainting spell as they colleagues appropriate and I apologise for what has hapRegional Health Minister Pawere walk- pened,” said ing past Hat Bar. Armengol. tricia Gomez said that bars This was in response to an allegation She didn’t call an ambulance to not will be banned from serving by the more pressure on the already strainedput any Balearic People’s Party (PP) leader Biel Comfood or drinks at their counemer- pany, that Armengol gency services. was drinking tertops, and all orders must after hours. The Policia Local had in the bar be taken at the table. raided the venue after several local resThe sale of alcohol in shops is idents complained about the banned after 10pm and shopestablishment being open ping centres must reduce when it should not have been. their capacity by half.

When the owner was quesSee page 16 The minister said the restrictioned by officers he said that tions would be kept in place he only kept the bar open befor ‘several months’. cause the President was one of his customers.

Opinion Page 6

Photo by Allan Binderup

SWITCH: Chris Stewart swapping passports

Good excuse

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Gibraltar Issue 134 Tel: 952 147 834

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October 28th - November 10th 2020 Vol. 5 Issue 134 www.theolivepress.es

SWITCH: Chris Stewart

Squeezed out by Brexit 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 aucontrols have been announced SAFETY FIRST: Series of stricter thor, 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 they leave the Rock.

European.”

Those arriving from the UK will Brit Stewart gained a huge need to pay a small fee for a test following with his first book or go into quarantine for a short that charted his life as a farmsheep time. ‘self sufficient’ ous measures were needed to Over 1,000 tests are now being

By John Culatto er in a remote part of the MASK-wearing in the town prevent another lockdown. carried out daily, more than five Alpujarras region. centre will become the law It will only be an offence not to times that of Spain per 100,000 He has published three under the latest restrictions wear a mask on Main Street, to be in the area of Chatham people. further books on his nearenforced by the Gibraltar Gov- Irish Town, Town Range, Engi- Counterguard between 11pm The Nightingale Facility is now ly three decade integration 1am on Thursday, Friday ernment. neer’s Lane, Governor’s Street andSaturday. on standby to be back in operinto Spain.

The move comes after the RGP and all connecting lanes. or ation within 24 hours as there Since 2016, more than reported that just over ten per- “I genuinely wished to avoid Cross-frontier workers will now are only eight ICU beds avail350,000 Britons have apcent of the population were this but the advice we have is also be tested randomly as they able with one being occupied plied for non-UK passports. using masks voluntarily on Oc- that these are the areas people come through the land border.

In Spain, dual nationality is tober 26.

Passengers flying to the UK will but stable. is now, once again, can accumulate,” said Picardo. not possible. So, residents Chief Minister Fabian Picardo It will now also be an offence now need to be tested before “The virus must make the seritold the people how these difficult choice of points.

CROSS-frontier workers in whethThe Government cabinet has Gibraltar could be hardest hit er they been meeting intensively to UK the between by a no deal w i s h discuss the options availand the EU. to be able.

The EU’s chief negotiator Mipeople 15,000 conAround chel Barnier warned the UK s i d crossed the frontier everyto short’ very running is ‘time e r e d day before the pandemic, secure a deal.

Spanincluding top gaming execuChief Minister Fabian Picaror ish tives and Spanish hospitality do has, however, kept up British workers. of a deal being secured hope post-Brexit.

In a technical notice pubwith Spain. lished recently, the GovernHe tweeted on October 27: ment revealed local drivers “We are ready to do a deal so would need an internationDON’T MISS: See full long as it is secure, sovereignal driving permit (IDP) in Chris Stewart ty neutral and positive for all Spain. If people are driving interview on Page 6 sides.” to Spain they would need a A no deal would make Gibral1949 IDP and if they want tar more of an island than it to go to Portugal they could has been since the frontier realso require a 1968 IDP. opened in 1982.

All cars would have to be As one of the EU’s southern decked with a GBZ sticker frontiers wet stamping could ALL AREAS COVERED too, apart from the ones on be necessary, which would the numberplates. inevitably lead to much lonThese two will soon be availger queues at the land border.

4G UNLIMITED for agreement able from the Gibraltar MOT Until now EU recognised ID QUEUES: Time running out INTERNET centre at Eastern Beach. cards have only needed to IDEAL FOR be flashed at frontier check-

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all around us,” said Picardo.

“The GHA is presently able to deal with the surge we are experiencing.

“But these numbers can very quickly grow exponentially if the virus remains unchecked.”

The first measure announced was the closure of the elderly homes to visitors with the buildings on lockdown from today. A Major Incident could now be declared within 24 hours and health services are alert to the possibility.

“From now on, do not kiss, hug or shake hands with persons outside of your home family unit,” said Picardo.

“I know we consider it natural to act in that way, but let us understand that we must change our social behaviour, for now at least.

“And do not let your guard down when you are at work.

“That is where the spread is occurring.”

As a result, the private and public sector is now being urged to return to remote working where possible.

Masks are now advised to be worn in all places outside the home, although it will not be legally necessary. The elderly are now being asked not to go out except for the essentials and exercise.

Religious meetings could be scaled down, with funerals expected to take place with only the first degree of family present, all wearing masks.

“Further measures, short of a lockdown, may be required if the numbers of infections are not substantially reduced in coming weeks,” warned Picardo. “I ask you again for your help to tame this new wave “But, let me assure you of one thing – we will get through this.

“We will smile again.”

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

WWW.JAVEABLINDS.COM

SWITCH: Chris Stewart

Squeezed out by Brexit 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.

HALT: Police will “I’m becoming Spanish beenforce curfew cause I’m so incensed by the absurd nonsense of Brexit,” said the million-selling auVALENCIA is on the verge of thor, who lives near Granaclosing the region’s borders this A night-time curfew between da.

By Alex Trelinski levels not seen since March and weekend. midnight and 6 am was introto stop serving from 11pm “I love England because I April, with daily death rates As the national government duced on Sunday as new infeceach night to allow customers was born there, I think of also reaching figures from the triggered a state of alarm on planned for Sunday. tions continue at over 1,000 per enough time to return home the green hills of Sussex early phase of the pandemic.

Sunday, the regional president People from all over Spain tra- day in the region. before the cut-off time. and Surrey and my heart Spain entered a second period Ximo Puig pledged to take even ditionally return on that day to Elche and Orihuela have alA maximum group of six is perskips a beat,” added the forof State of Alarm on Sunday, tougher action to bring the cur- their original town or village to ready spent nearly a fortnight mitted at hospitality businesses mer Genesis drummer. which provides legal protection rent spike in coronavirus cases lay flowers at the graves of their under special measures. and a distance of two metres “I shall be like that forever, for its regional governments to deceased relatives. under control.

The region as a whole has between tables has to be mainbut above all I want to be introduce restrictions. In Spain, Neighbouring Murcia has al- Areas like Valencia City are reached an infection rate that tained.

European.” only the Canary Islands have ready declared it will stop travel considering closing cemeteries puts it into ‘Alert Level Three’ A key aim of the curfew is to Brit Stewart gained a huge escaped a curfew if infection levels continue to which could between regions from Friday. stop illegal outdoor drinking trigger further re- The Valencian following with his first book Community had parties involving Puig has not dismissed follow- spike upwards. strictions, including bar and that charted his life as a mainly young announced two days earlier Puig said: “We will not ing restaurant people and to stop indoor gathrule out suit and closing Valencian capacities being re- that it was putting ‘self sufficient’ sheep farma curfew into erings above six people. borders this weekend with the taking extra action in parts of duced. er in a remote part of the place, which will run until at All Saints Day commemoration the region where coronavirus Valencian hospitalisation figThe only travel permitted beAlpujarras region. least December 9. cases are rising.” ures for COVID-19 are rising to tween midnight and 6am is He has published three Bars and restaurants have essentially for workers, carers, further books on his nearmedical emergencies and also ly three decade integration for an emergency trip to an allinto Spain. night vet.

Since 2016, more than PLUMBING & AIR CONDITIONING 350,000 Britons have apSPECIALISTS plied for non-UK passports.

COSTA Blanca residents are being Opinion Page 6 asked to ‘snitch’ on neighIn Spain, dual nationality is EAS Electric 25 basic bours who break COVID-19 restrictions. not possible. So, residents Valencian Justice Minister, Gabriela Inverter hot and cold A++ Bravo said: SPECIAL “People must make the should not be afraid to phone the police if a neighbour is Standard installation difficult throwing a party that breaks the rules.”

OFFER* Bravo, along with Madrid government choice of 555€ (inc IVA) cian Community, Gloria Calero, called delegate to the Valenwhethfor action against an ‘unsupportive minority’. er they Calero said: “Let’s stick to the rules w i s h and if a neighbour for *Available to Olive Press readers, example sees a party is being organised Simply call and mention Olive to be Press on a farm, then for the sake of everybody’s safety, he conAir Conditioning | Bathroom ing on.” The duo warned of a toughshould report what is goFitting s i d response and penalties Gas and Oil Central Heating against gatherings that flouted social e r e d | Electrics distancing and attendance limits.

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normal flu THE only way to get this year’s ent by the vaccine is to be given an appointm ). What Spanish National Health System (SNS ? Well, happens if you don’t have an SNS card you can curl up and die, basically. e, but I am I am an expat with Sanitas insuranc I am not not eligible for an SNS card because country eligible for a medical card in my ownine is not (Ireland). So now my annual flu vacc available for purchase this year. getting the I have made various enquiries into Sanitas vaccine, often waiting days for replies. in. A Spa in lable avai ine vacc no said there was have ds frien my of ral seve blatant lie, because and both already got appointments to get it, said they ital hosp on Quir and y mac the phar don’t have a flu vaccine. an SNS I also rang the Gestoria to try to get my own card. It told me to get an S1 form from in the Irish country, but there is no such form health service. in the Wouldn’t you think with the economy of revenue toilet that they would welcome a bit to pay for from people like me who are willing the vaccine?

Michele O’Sullivan, Elviria

Let nature do its work FLU vaccines don’t work. Don’t mess with your immune system, it’s been developing and improving for millions of years.

Zak Martin, via FB

Quality of life THE flu vaccine was never meant for everyone, it’s for the immunocompromised, the old, children, and the special population.

It doesn’t mess with anyone’s immune system and it’s made to preserve the quality of life and to increase life expectancy for those who need it.

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OLIVE GOOD for you, Chris PRESS Stewart.

(Chris Stewart to take Alarming!

Spanish nationality, front page Issue 355). Your books were an inspiration to me and part of the reason I came to Spain. If you love a country as much as you obviously love Spain, then why not?

Bitter about BREXIT

ANDALUC

ÍA

See page

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Vol. 13 Issue 355

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October 28th -

voice in Spain

November 10th

2020

Mijas Costa

SWITCH: Chris Stewart swapping passports

EXCLUSIVE by Lydia Spencer-El liott

GOVERNMENTS have to buy flu vaccines in advance of the flu season, but if their best guess of what strain to buy is wrong then it will not work. If they guess right, it will...

Bob Tremain, Javea

FAMOUS expat author Chris Stewart The Driving is becoming Spanish.

Olive Press Over Lemons writer has he is giving revealed to the cause of Brexit. up his British passport be“I’m becoming Border closure HALT: Police Spanish because the absurd nonsense will s and curfew I’m so incensed enforce curfew of Brexit,” said Andalucia follow ing author, who by for “I love England lives near Granada. the million-sellof second state ing declaration the green hills because I was born there, of alarm ANDALUCIA I think of skips a beat,” of Sussex and Surrey is expected to close its borders “I shall be likeadded the former Genesisand my heart this weekBy Laurence end. that forever, has not arrived Dollimore European.” but above alldrummer.

In a sharp U-turn, I want to be typical flu of yet’, nor the an hour, Brit Stewart but it autumn and president Juanma regional nity open this gained a huge winter. book that charted weekend.” to be those withis more likely following with Moreno revealed the a lower incihis first farmer in a remote his life as a ‘self sufficient’ measure in an This weekend is the All Andalucia has interview more than dence of the virus and Saints part bank holiday on Cope Radio sheep of the Alpujarras He has published ‘puente’ 2,000 COVID-19 patients heavy tourism trade, with a yes- weekend, making terday. region. three further such as in hospital, not three decade Malaga. books on his far from It comes after of people more movement 2,800 integration into nearly Since 2016, more vice president Moreno likely. seen at the peak the Moreno also backed Spain.

Juan Marin said than 350,000 of his the said first for non-UK passports. wave the leader there final decion March 30.

Britons have Pablo Casado party were sion no plans to close applied in callIn Spain, dual ing for the state the region teningwill be made after lis- On the 11pm to 6am following the nationality is of alarm curto the committee few installed dents must make by the national last for eight weeks instead to the nationwidedeclaration of experts at a meeting of government the difficult not possible. So, resiwish to be considered state of alarm The choice of whether , Moreno said the proposed six months. of on Sunday. southernmo today. he would extend Spanish or British they “With a May “Honestly, with will join five othersst region time the post-Brexit. to midnight as starting are not going 9 deadline we in decreeSee Make or hospitalisations the data on ing the closure to break page of its borders ed by hoteliers ‘in request- mas, Easter or have Christand ICUs following 4 & Going native this morning, spring festivivarious ties,” provinces.’ the declaration I do not think a Page 6 he said, it is a good time of second nationwide ter to wait saying it is betfor there to state of The president did not be a flow of say pandemic and see how the which provinces people visiting alarm on Sunday. evolves. the region,” president The move by their starting time would see Prime Minister Moreno said.

Pedro Sanchez delayed by gave autonoOpinion Page “I am pessimistic mous 6 about keep- er to communities legal coving the autonomou implement stronger s commu- strictions reon mobility a surge in coronavirus due to cases.

In Andalucia, SPAIN has removed he is concernedMoreno said the nationwide of alarm decree. as hospitalcurfew from its isations are already The measure, state similar to those in April time curfew which ordered all regions ‘and the cold from 11pm to to install a night will

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Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@ theolivepress.es or message us on at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

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6am (with some remain in place only for the 15-day variations), it was first decreed ber 9, autonomous (Sunday). It means period from when that from Novemlift the restriction communities will have if they see fit. the power to The move was sus Montero confirmed by Finance Minister Maria at a press conference said she recognised Jethat citizens on Tuesday. Montero situation but are ‘fed up’ added it is essential with the comply with the they stay informed measures established and .

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Down 1 Salad green (6) 2 Maidenhair, for example (4) 3 Pass into law (5) 4 Consequences (7) 5 Standards of judgment (8) 6 Arm cover (6) 11 Fairly large (8) 13 Dredge up (7) 15 Kind of airliner (6) 17 Baffles (6) 18 Performed terribly (5) 21 Career golfers (4)

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MALLORCA

WHILE watching TV, a ‘clunk’ sound was heard from the gas heater. Very soon there was a smell of gas. The regulator mechanism had failed and although turned off at the time, was allowing gas to escape.

If this had happened during the night or when the property was unoccupied,gas would have built up to life threatening levels.

When this was reported to my local Repsol depot, it was met with a shrug of the shoulders, possibly because the regulator was not one of theirs.

I note that the new one they sold me is guaranteed for five years, but is recommended to be changed after 10 years.

It is frightening if this could happen to anyone at any time so people should take care.

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Vol. 14

Issue 356

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November 11th - November 24th 2020

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The good life

STUNNING: Fantastic scenery and beautiful villages like Tolox (inset) with ancient customs at festival time and superb architecture like the church in Alora (right)

H

ALF an hour from the coast as the Porsche flies, there’s a different way to realise the expat dream in Spain where life is lived in a lower gear.

Named after Malaga province’s principal river, the Valle de Guadalhorce is a comarca (shire) of a dozen inland white towns that offer a taste of slow lane Spain.

Stretching from the coast into the high sierras around Archidona, the ‘river deep, mountain high’ setting is an alluring option for those who want to

So many expats have found their Eldorado in the charming white towns of Andalucia’s green Guadalhorce Valley, home of the eponymous TV series, writes Dillip Kuner settle away from the Costa fleshpots and prefer to get their kicks from rocky mountain highs and fixes of fresh air.

But don’t let the valley’s laidback ambience fool you.

Discovered by adventurous expats decades ago, it is not at all hard to find every mod con nearby. With the recent-

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ly opened Hospital Valle del Gaudalhorce - which cost over €30 million - that includes first class health care on the doorstep without the need to trek into Malaga.

You can get pretty much anything in Coin, the valley’s cultural centre and unofficial ‘capital’ of its lower reaches.

Inmo

A mix of old and new, traditional and expat, you can find craft boutiques and old curiosity shops nestling side by side with modern stores. La Trocha, Coin’s swish commercial centre, has enticed the likes of El Corte Ingles and Dunnes Stores to branch out into the rural hinterland to cater for

the growing expat population. It also has a genuine flea market most weekends.

The feel of authentic rural Spain with a European veneer explains why so many expats from the UK and further afield have chosen to call the Guadalhorce Valley home.

Even one of the tapas to be enjoyed at the Nueva Alameda cafeteria when we visited was a fried bacon, eggs and mushrooms Continues overleaf

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Into the valley

Continues from page 9

dish. Can it get any more British?

Only the name Coin, perhaps, when spoken of by newbie Brits. It’s pronounced ‘Co-een’ but they call it like the money.

Historically, Coin is very much on the money with a cosmopolitan past stretching from the Roman Empire to pop culture. Eldorado, the BBC’s famously flopped soap, was filmed on a purpose-built set outside town.

The Romans set the place up as the market town of Lacibis, mining the terrain for minerals and laying the foundations for the area’s latterly burgeoning ‘Green Coin’ ceramics trade.

Marble from the quarries of Sierra Blanca, five kilometres south, was used to construct the amazing Roman town of Italica, near Sevilla, the birthplace of the mighty Emperor Hadrian in 76AD. Then, like many parts of Spain, Coin fell to the Moors in the 900s before being reconquered by the Christians in the late 15th century. The town buckled under a siege in which, le-

Los Barcos, the setting for Eldorado

gend has it, the great New World explorer Christopher Columbus took part.

The fascinating 9th century Mozarabe Monastery will take you back to those swashbuckling times.

But there is much more to see in the Guadalhorce valley - with the draw of the mountains a particularly powerful attraction.

A highlight is the Sierra de las Nieves, Spain’s most newly-declared national park to the west of the valley. Largely untouched by tourists yet ridiculously close to the coast, it’s a weekend getaway begging to be booked. Pinsapo fir trees, Spanish ibex and thriving otter populations are some of the gems that won it National Park protection.

Tolox is the back door to this incredible mountain wilderness. As someone once described it, ‘If Coin sits at the foot of the Sierra de las Nieves, then Tolox is the toenail’.

Once part of the Kingdom of Solei- If rigorous adventure is more your man, this whitewashed Moorish villa- backpack, you should try the winding ge also draws visitors to explore the walk from Marbella, which takes in healing properties of its Fuente Amar- the towns of Ojen, Monda, Guaro, ga Spa. Coin and - if you have the energy Stress and muscle fatigue are was- eventually Alhaurin. hed away with a variety of therapies Take water for the steep climb and a ranging from natural gas inhalation camera for the awesome scenery and to mud spray treatments. Former views.

Spanish Prime Minister Every hairpin bend Miguel Primo de Riveround the steep cliffs ra is among the more offers up a fresh angle Pinsapo fir famous faces to have on the Guadalhorce Vaindulged. trees, Spanish lley.

Conveniently close to Looking up at the imibex and the spa on the fringes posing ceiling of white of the Sierra de las Niecloud, and down to wathriving otter ves sits one of the Guaterfalls trickling below, populations dalhorce Valley’s finest it’s easy to forget that hotels. the Costa del Sol meOffering eagle-eye tropolis is just over the views as far as Malaga, the Cerro de mountain.

Hijar hotel is one of Andalucia’s more Arriving in Alhaurin is like deja vu as remote places to rest your head. a ‘castle’ looms into view. It’s the fa-

CHARMING: Coin

mous brick w a t e r tower that starred in the opening credits of the Eldorado series, built to look old.

More striking is how Alhaurin has grown. Where Coin may have one amazing tapas place or cake shop, Alhaurin has several. And it is the place to go if you want to donate to charity. UK Food on the Crtra. de Cartama provides a service where they accept donations to distribute to various charities.

The route south west out of Alhaurin brings you to the serene Barranco Blanco (White Ravine).

A photographer’s favourite, buried in the countryside where wild boar feel

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HEADY HEIGHTS: The Caminito del Rey and (right) the Barranco Blanco waterfall

safe to roam, its aquamarine waters end in a magical waterfall.

Everyone mentions the Nazis, who allegedly used the area as a training camp during WW2, due to an unofficial ‘alliance’ between

TOWER: In hills near Alhaurin

Franco and Hitler. You can still see a white building that was used as a sentry post as you arrive.

And let’s not forget the Caminito del Rey, a huge hit with thrill seekers.

Once dubbed ‘the world’s deadliest walkway, and with 1,000 visitors a day, this high-adrenalin hike above the El Chorro gorge, is in high demand.

It was recently praised as a ‘shining example’ of a sustainable tourist attraction.

Director of tourism for the Costa, Arturo Bernal, said thousands visited the site last year, while ‘last winter saw visitors of 84 different nationalities flock from five different continents’.

Emerging at the other end of the Caminito in Ardales, in normal pre-COVID times, you’d be hard-pressed to get in your car and leave.

Often called Andalucia’s Lake District, with turquoise waters surrounding tree-lined islands, it’s easy to see why.

The scenery is more akin to the cantons of Switzerland than anything found on the Costa del Sol. So many white villages, so much still to discover about the Guadalhorce Valley. In the towns our catchphrase of the day became ‘We’re not lost’ when people saw us consulting our tourist office maps and offered help.

But really that is the only way to experience the Guadalhorce Valley. Just lose yourself.

Treating people right

Established in Alora pueblo since 1998, Alora Properties has been finding everything from fincas and townhouses to cortijos and villas for home hunters in the Guadalhorce valley

WITH over two successful decades of experience in the Spanish property market, owner Margaret Mitchell has earned a reputation as a friendly and efficient realtor: “I just treat people the way I’d like to be treated myself,” she told the Olive Press.

“I’ve personally listed every property I have for sale. It’s not some big portfolio that I’ve got no idea about,” she added.

Yet, the homes she’s carefully hand-selected to list at Alora Properties are diverse and wide-reaching: think stylish townhouses in Carratraca, country villas in Alora and rural tourism businesses in El Chorro..

Whether in the hills above the Guadalhorce river or in one of the ‘pueblos blancos’, Margaret and her team work hard to treat each property purchase as unique. ”We aim to offer a professional and yet friendly service” she said.

But it’s not just real-estate intel that Alora Properties share with potential buyers.

The team is often called upon to advise foreign residents regarding dealing with town halls, banks, schools, local trades-

men and other institutions that sometimes prove overwhelming to new home owners without knowledge of the area.

“We’re selling a lifestyle not just a property,” said Margaret.

And for Brits looking to return back to the UK, prospects are surprisingly bright, says Margaret: “With the current weakness of the pound against the euro, now is actually a good time for British homeowners in Spain who are looking to sell and repatriate funds back to the UK. The ideal is if a British seller sells to a European buyer.

“The rate is very strong right now, you can get almost a pound for every euro. It’s a very good time for British people to sell,” she said.

So, whether you are hunting for your dream villa in Spain or upping sticks to head back to Britain, Margaret and her attentive team at Alora Properties have the local know-how to make the property ladder an easy climb. www.alora.properties

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Dreaming of a new life

I

Surge in expats moving inland THE south of Spain has long since been a magnet for British house hunters, with its laid-back lifestyle, tapas on tap and sunshine nearly all year round, there’s plenty of life and action to enjoy.

Not even coronavirus or looming Brexit can stop Brits dreaming of their new life in the sun.

Areas like Marbella and Sotogrande may be famous for their lavish villas and nightlife, but it’s rural Spain that is becoming increasingly attractive to British expats.

Julie Flaxman, who owns Flaxman Estates along with husband Neil and son Richard, says she’s noticed an increased number of buyers choosing inland properties as opposed to coastal in recent months.

“People are looking for private and secluded properties that feel peaceful yet not too remote, with the benefit of being close enough to the coast” The attraction inland is value for money and now is an excellent time to buy.

Julie and her family moved to Spain themselves over 15 years ago and, like many expats, we’re encouraged to head for the Costas.

“Agents told us that’s where we would be happiest, but we didn’t like it,” Julie said. “Moving inland was the best decision we made.”

For Julie and her family, living in Rio Guadalhorce is the best of both worlds. “We’re not far from the coast and the city of Malaga, but here we get to experience the authentic Spanish lifestyle.

“I like the Spanish values and hearing the native language, yet at the same time, I have lots of British friends here. We’re inland but not isolated; it’s perfect.”

“We’re a true family business who love what we do. We get such satisfaction from helping people,” she says.

“The majority of our clients are British, but we also have several international clients, so we are not restricted to one nationality. Richard speaks Spanish and German, which opens up a dialogue with non-English speaking clientele.

“We have recently opened our new office in an ideal location in Alhaurin el Grande, central to all inland areas. We are open from 10 am until 6pm Monday to Friday, and our friendly team welcome new and old clients alike.”

Julie has worked in the property business for more than 16 years and is passionate about helping other expats find their dream homes, She has a wealth of knowledge & experience both in the sales process and product, both inland and coastal and is well respected within the real estate profession. She has an eye for detail and can see past what she views to envisage what could be done to a property to enhance it to make it perfect for her individual client’s requirements. Every client can be assured of her honest and professional, yet caring approach which starts from the first meeting and continues way after their sale has completed.

She added: “Our after sales service is second to none, nothing is too much trouble, whatever our clients need we will endeavour to help them to the best of our ability.”

Despite the challenges brought by 2020, the market in Spain has benefitted from the rise of remote workers - and more people than ever are taking a fresh look at the Spanish hinterland.

“We’ve been fortunate this year, and we have continued to be busy in the aftermath of the lockdown. There is certainly a high number of buyers looking at inland Spanish properties,” said julie.

So where to buy? Both Julie & Neil agree Coin, Monda, Cartama, Alhaurin El Grande and Alhaurin de la Torre are all great locations, being easily accessible from all areas.

Julie said: “We always welcome new vendors from all budget ranges to add new property listings to ensure our portfolio is continually being refreshed.

“We look forward to seeing you at our office when you pass by.” www.flaxmanestatesmarbella.com

12 A

ll about

G The Garden of Allah uadalhorce

T was in Phoenician times that Alhaurin el Grande first developed its role as an important market town, as the already established Iberian tribes bartered their goods with new arrivals from Lebanon.

Later the town thrived under Roman occupation when a number of wealthy merchants from nearby Malaga made money from Alhaurin blossomed under the rich mineral deposits in the nearby hills.

Moorish rule and has They built sizeable villas, such as since been a key Villa de la Mata, and labelled the town Lauro Nova. Evidence has market town been found in the numbers of coins, statues and pillars, a trio of which stand pride of place opposite the town hall today.

But it wasn’t until Moorish rule that the town really blossomed, as the Arabs planted new crops in the wide fertile valley that is crossed by two rivers, the Fahala and Blas Gonzales.

They introduced acequias (or water courses) to irrigate the entire valley and built a number of important mills, such as the Molino STRIKING: ‘God’s Garden’ dates back to Phoenician times Morisco de los Corchos.

An area of particular beauty – 1485, it was eventually merged struction and upheaval. Since not to mention an extremely with Alora, Cartama and Coin then, apart from the turbulent clement climate – it had soon in 1666 to form a single entity period during the civil war, the taken on an apknown as the biggest threat to civil peace was propriate new Four Towns. an influx of English hooligans in name, that of Though it was the 2000s, who thankfully have Alhaurin has ‘Garden of Allah’, anything but plain now gone. undergone or Alhaurin. sailing for the There is no doubt that Alhaurin Remnants of the united municipali- el Grande has been through a a dramatic eight centuries of ty and there were dramatic transformation over Arabic rule can of recent years but there is a transformation epidemics still be found, plague and even now a real swagger about the in recent years an earthquake in place. particularly at the Arco del Coberti1680.

Businesses are opening and the zo, which was a Later, Alhaurin type of expat now coming to live gateway to the medina, that had was occupied for four years by here is more interested in intea souk specialising in silk. the French during the Peninsular gration, learning the language One of the last towns to be con- War in the early 19th century, and enjoying the town’s varied quered by the Catholic kings in which led to the inevitable de- culture.

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A

Great selection of Georgian, Victorian and early 20th Century furniture, paintings, ceramics and collectables SPECIAL TRADE PRICES Open Monday to Friday 10.00 until 14.00 Saturday 10.00 until 13.00 and outside those hours by prior appointment Tel: Margaret Mitchell 609 454 409 Plaza Fuente Arriba 7, 29500 Álora, Málaga

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WAY from the hustle and bustle of vibrant Coin and Alhaurin, a sleepy, white-washed Andalucian pueblo sits waiting to be explored.

Despite keeping its fascinating history to itself with unwarranted modesty, Alora has blossomed into a hive of cultural activity.

Marked out by its stunning Arabic castle atop Cerro de las Torres hill, the sprawling streets are brought to life through Moroccan and Roman influences before them.

However, the castle is even older and was originally built by Phoenicians, before being expanded under Roman rule. And later destroyed by Visigoths in the fifth

M

G

uadalhorce

century before the Moors finally came and rebuilt it. The Muslim minaret is still clearly visible today, protruding defiantly from the elegant and immaculately preserved castle.

Built in 1462, from local history expert and museum worker, Maria Jose says.

“You can see evidence of all the different ages of the castle, it is so interesting and such a shame that so few people come and see it.”

It is a wonderful place to visit, but

CVITIE’S Chocolate Digestives, Kit Kats and jars of curry sauce might not be the first thing you’d think to stockpile when the world turns upside down, but these British comfort foods have helped expats to feel close home during times of crisis in recent months.

“We opened the Post Box just before the lockdown in March,” said Zoe, 44, who founded the Alora store alongside her husband Tom, 61.

“It started just as a post box rental service but because it was so quiet we decided to start selling greeting cards too. Then it just clicked, people were missing home comforts more than ever so it made sense to start selling British products too.”

Over summer diluting juice was the unexpected bestseller but now winter is creeping in warming British staples like chicken or steak pies are flying off the shelves. But what folks seem to miss most is the traditional English breakfast, which has meant a rush on sausages and bacon. Even large sliced white and brown loaves are in demand for making perfect toast.

“I love my gravy granules,” laughs Zoe, who adds that

Alluring Alora

unfortunately the castle is not often open to the public.

A short walk down narrow traditional streets leads to the town’s lowest-lying square. Here stands the impressive 17th century Catholic church of La Encarnacion, which somehow appears to be even larger on the inside.

Adjoining the church is the municipal museum, complete with ancient pottery, historical displays and intense mustiness.

It is a Mudejar construction dating from the 16th century and

Taste of home

it is not just Brits who have been flocking to the store on Calle Vera Cruz.

“We serve a lot of Dutch and German expats, people from Belgium too. And we obviously love our Spanish customers. Just yesterday a Spanish man came in last night and bought jars and jars of curry.” And just because Tom and Zoe opened a one-stop-shop for British expats doesn’t mean the couple don’t adore living in Spain. “We moved here almost exactly a year ago and we absolutely love it. The people, the lifestyle and the food are just great. But it’s nice to bring people a little taste of home, especially when it has been such a tricky year for everyone.

“We had one customer tell us that he was thinking about going back to England to stock up on all this food but we saved him the trip! And that’s really why we are here. We just want to make everyone’s lives that little bit easier.”

Contact The Post Box on 951 20 65 58 for more information

supported by stone pillars and columns.

“Alora is such a wonderful town, there is so much culture to see in the artists, history and of course, the best food in the region is here,” explains local tour operator Kora Buggel.

Hidden right in the heart of the town is an old molino, where olive oil was traditionally produced but it is now used for the occasional concert.

Various small museums and bars have sprung up in the centre since the turn of the century, as this town continues its legacy as one of the most important settlements in the Guadalhorce Valley.

It is certainly a fairly bustling place, much busier than most of the valley’s pueblos.

One of the highlights is the small bodega belonging to José Miguel Pérez Hidalgo, which produces a range of wines from the Guadalhorce Valley’s vineyards, and offers tasting sessions to organised groups.

At the foot of the hill on which Alora rests is a railway station, and it was here, just five years ago, where the houses were struck by a terrible flood, killing livestock and destroying homes.

From the castle it is easy to see where the river ripped apart a bridge, separating Barriada Estacion from neighbouring Barriada del Puente.

Established in Álora since 1998 – We pride ourselves in providing a friendly but professional service Offering a diverse range of properties – Fincas, townhouses, cortijos, villas and country houses

Álora – APA353

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This bright, spacious, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom country villa enjoys a fabulous location just 5 minutes drive from all of the amenities of Álora pueblo. Located within a plot of approx 12,000m2, the total build size of the villa is 142m2 with accommodation offered all on one level In addition to the main living accommodation, this property also boasts a detached garage/workshop of 22m2 and a 6m x 4m swimming pool.

Unique opportunity to invest in a beautiful spacious home complete with business, located just 5 minutes drive from Álora pueblo on the tourist route to the “Caminto del Rey”. On offer are 4 adjoining plots of irrigated land (7 hectares in total) together with a renovated traditional 19th century, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom cortijo farmhouse and separate 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom guest cottage, designed and fully licenced to provide holiday accommodation to people with mobility issues. Total build 310m2.

This spacious 82m2, 3 bedroom, penthouse apartment enjoys an enviable location in the centre of Álora pueblo.

The apartment is located on the 3rd floor of a small block of just 3 apartments. The communal areas of the building have been well maintained.

The accommodation is offered all on one level comprising of a spacious L shaped lounge/ dining room, 3 double bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry /utility area and a bathroom.

Competitively Priced: 195,000€

Price: 595,000

Competitively Priced: 65,000€

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MEN are overwhelmingly running Spain’s cultural sector and it shows, says new study An audit commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and Sport to study its own structures and bodies (including the autonomous ones) shows a striking disparity between opportunities for women and men.

Some 82% of the artistic directors of public institutions in Spain are male, the study revealed, meaning official decisions on culture remain in the hands of a majority of men.

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And the gender gap isn’t just reflected in cultural employment within the Ministry of Culture and the entities linked to it but also in the artists behind works displayed.

For instance the Museo Reina Sofia has acquired 3,609 works between 2000 and 2018, of which three quarters were produced by men (75.2%).

Poet focus of local film

BENIDORM seems an unlikely choice for the nuptials of two world famous literary figures.

But American poet Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, one of Britain’s greatest 20th century bards, spent their honeymoon in the cheap-as-chips package holiday destination and now there’s a new film out about it.

With It Snows in Benidorm due out on general release, this latest and so-far untitled short film is the second movie this year to explore the poets’ connection with the city.

Plath and Hughes holidayed on the Costa Blanca in the summer of 1956, and director Maria Anton Cabot has been using local people as actors and extras for her project which is pencilled in to be screened at national and international film festivals.

Shooting took place at locations around Benidorm including the Levante beach area.

Plath and Hughes married in London just four months

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17:01

TRAGIC: Sylvia Plath took own life

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, including an acclaimed short story called That Widow Maganda which was based on her observations of a local house.

17

what’s on

T

he Villagers

UNIQUE, quirky and fragmented, this must-see short film

by Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde is being screened in the Malaga Centre of Contemporary Art until January 24, 2021.

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BOOK before November 21 to visit Ana Barriga’s latest solo exhibition in Marbella as the Cadiz artist explores transcendental themes through a mix of allegory, irony and barbed criticism.

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HEAD to Casa de la Cultura in Mijas before November 16 to David Tome’s photo exhibition, DUALidades, in which he skilfully exposes two different realities in the same shot.

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ark magic

DISCOVER the world of Andalucian witchcraft in this sculpture exhibition from Lucia Dias Barrales, running in the Espacio Iniciarte Cordoba until November 29.

18

PROPERTY

November 11th - November 24th 2020

From floor to ceiling Expat buyers are scooping €50,000 and up after legal specialist Fairway Lawyers cracked the compensation route from the so-called ‘clausula suelo’ floor clauses

T

Fairway L AW Y E R S

HEY had taken out the mortgage through Bankia in 2004.

The villa in Mojacar, Almeria, was the home they had always dreamed of buying for their regular trips south for the weather.

With its sizable garden and sea views, it was the perfect place to unwind during the hard winters of northern England. clause called the ‘clausula suelo’ or But the Thompsons, like so many buy- ‘floor clause’, which meant the bank alers who took out mortgages in the hap- ways wins. py days between 2002 and 2009, soon Basically this simple clause was inserted found their mortgage was not fairly set into as many as 3.5 million variable rate up. mortgage agreements in Spain during While initially the interest rates were low the last 20 years. and the mortgage payments For most variable rate mortwere low, when rates startgages, the interest rate payInterest is ed to go up they got stung. able is calculated by referFrom 2009 the credit ence rate to Euro Interbank calculated crunch came and interest Offered Rate (EURIBOR).

ARE YOU OWED THOUSANDS FROM by reference rates started to rise with If interest rates increase, YOUR BANK? payments increasing every then the interest on the to the Euro year as the rates simply mortgage also increases, Did you have an illegal floor clause went up and up. likewise, if the EURIBOR deInterbank inserted in your Spanish mortgage?

It wasn’t until late 2011 creases, then interest payOffered Rate that interest rates started ments will fall.

Millions of homeowners were wrongly charged to go down and mortgage However, the insertion of thousands of euros due to underhand tactics, now payments finally began to drop. the floor clause intoexposed the mortgage agreeoutlawed after being by the courts.

But unfortunately for the Thompsons, ment meant that mortgage holders did usfully take abenefit look at your help you while initially good news, after a while Let not fromdocuments the fall inand EURIBOR the complicated process rate of claiming it back, the benefit stopped… because their through as there was a minimum of interest PLUS damages. bank - like so many others, including payable on the mortgage (also known as teamAnd of Marbella-based understand Unicaja and La Caixa - had included aOur bilingual a ‘suelo’). the level of lawyers the floor will the situation well and candepend move quickly on and theefficiently. bank providing the mortNO WIN, NO and FEE.when the gage Get in touch and we will check your mortgage mortgage was deeds takenfor free and let you know if youout, have but a claim your bank. it against was typical to see a floor of 3-4%.

Contact Diego at Fairway This clause Lawyers has been deemed by both the Tel: 952 77 11 50 diego@fairwaylawyers.com Spanish and Europewww.fairwaylawyers.com an courts to be illegal, andde unfair and1CconC/Nuestra Señora Gracia 28, stitute ‘abusive’ prac29602, Marbella (Malaga) tice.

Most mortgage owners have no idea their bank, which could also be Sabadell or Banco Popular, levied the charge.

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One company who can check whether you have a floor clause is Fairway Lawyers, based out of Marbella.

The company has dedicated much of the last few years investigating the abusive clauses and had dozens of victories against banks.

The company has achieved a 99% success rate with clients through the courts… and best of all it is NO WIN, NO FEE. Even if you sold your property and paid off the mortgage you are still entitled to apply for compensation plus interest.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with the team at www. fairwaylawyers.com or diego@fairwaylawyers. com or call 0034 952771150 or 0034 606307885

Golden years MORTGAGE repayments in Spain won’t go up for a decade, according to one of Spain’s leading bankers.

CEO of Caixabank Gonzalo Cortazar said the Euribor rate - which currently stands at a historic low of -0.468% - will be the ‘new normal’ for banks until 2031.

EURIBOR, which is the interest rate at which credit

Low mortgage rates to reign in Spain for at least a decade

institutions lend money to each other, has not stopped falling since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The negative rates mean the cost of repayments on variable mortgages have plummeted in the last few

Silent witness A JUDGE has ordered respected Brit architect Norman Foster to testify as a witness in a multi-million euro embezzlement case in Spain.

If Foster refuses he will face arrest, say officials.

Judge Jose de la Mata from Spain's highest criminal court, Audencia Nacional, ordered authorities to locate Foster in Switzerland.

Although not involved in the alleged wrongdoing, Foster is a required witness to the case. On trial are eight business people involved in a €80 million development plan for a new judicial centre in Madrid, which was never built.

Foster was first contacted by judges in January and given the opportunity to testify via video call from Britain.

But UK authorities told the Spanish judge that the architect was actually living in Switzerland. Foster is one of Britain's best architects and creator of The Gherkin and Millenium Bridge.

He is married to Spanish publisher and art curator Elena Ochoa Foster.

CREATION: Foster and his design for a Madrid court

months, with some homeowners even seeing reductions of up to €120 on the price of their loans for next year.

Now Spanish analysts have revealed they foresee banks gearing up to offer steep discounts on fixed mortgages to pull in customers.

Forecasters predict that lenders will be forced to slash rates on fixed deals to steer people away from variable rates. Meanwhile some banks may insert clauses saying interest payments will never fall below zero.

Pressure

And while this is all good news for homeowners or prospective buyers, these negative rates are putting pressure on the banking sector and add to other foreseeable consequences of the coronavirus crisis in Spain.

Cortazar has pointed out that with this situation and with the prospects that non-performing loans will rise during 2021, banks have no choice but to find ways to improve income and accelerate efficiency.

He highlighted plans to merge CaixaBank with Bankia in order to weather the storm.

“Until then, customers will not perceive that there is a single entity,” he said.

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

T

Clock is ticking What changes will Brexit bring?

HE COVID-19 pandemic has been so all enaway in the last year). compassing that it has dominated thinking After the transition period we at the Finance since March.

Bureau recognise that there is a possibility that But the clock is ticking for UK residents when British buyers may see their eligibility mainit comes to the next big event that may affect taned at 60% as is often the case for other nonproperty purchases in Spain - Brexit.

EU applicants.

Should people rush to complete purchases beBut we would point out that Spanish banks fore December 31, when the transition period often give the green light to loans of 70% LTV ends? Or can they take a more relaxed stance when it comes to Swiss & USA customers, who over such a major purchase? are also non-EU. It is true that while the transition period is in The Finance Bureau feels it likely that banks will place, British citizens have exactly the same avoid tightening lending rules to British buyers rights as any EU citizen. Once as they are such an important over, those already registered as market accounting for a large residents of Spain will keep their Spanish banks proportion of ‘foreign’ transacrights to live, work and study in tions. often give the When it comes to purchasing the country under the terms of the withdrawal agreement. costs, non-EU residents pay the green light to For those registered by the end same as anyone else in Spain in of the year there will be little nothe way of taxes and fees - and loans of 70% ticeable change. Some British there have been no plans pubLTV non-residents are concerned lished to change this. about the difficulties of buying a The above is a generalised outhome after December 31, but of line of what purchasers can excourse they will still be able to do so. pect. But there are other options, which we at After all, many non-EU residents own property in the Finance Bureau can guide you through.

Spain now, and the procedures they have to use With our long experience in the Spanish mortare not too onerous. gage market and our expertise in finding the When it comes to obtaining a mortgage, at the right product to suit a variety of cases, we are moment, as a British non-resident, most proconfident we can help buyers find the best soluviders will lend up to a maximum of 60% of the tion for their finance needs. Give us a call and Loan to Value (LTV) or purchase price, whichevwe can discuss your case and advise you fully er is lower (70% deals are still available in some on the advantages of buying now or after the circumstances although these have been falling transition period.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Safe travel corridors

SPAIN'S Minister of Tourism Reyes Maroto has revealed plans to extend so-called 'safe corridors' throughout Spain.

Following what was agreed last month between the Central Government and the regional executives of the Balearic and Canary Islands, on establishing a protocol to set up safe tourist corridors with European countries in order to reactivate tourism, Maroto aims to extend the protocol in other areas of Spain, especially in Andalucia.

Protocols

The already established protocols with the Balearic and Canary Islands, decree that travellers from European countries with an incidence of over 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants will have to present a negative test for coronavirus 48 hours before the flight.

The Minister of Tourism advocates working on this project now so that when the current incidence of the COVID-19 in Spain is under control, it will be ‘easier to open corridors as the resources and protocols will be in place.’ The proposed protocols include testing for coronavirus at Spanish airports.

7

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Burn bright or fade

STAR: Chef Martin Berasategui

Will Spain’s most awarded chef Martin Berasategui keep his dozen Michelin stars this month?

HE’S got more Michelin stars in Spain than anyone…and more in a single country than any other chef worldwide.

But how many of Martin Berasategui’s 12 stars will he keep when the annual awards gala is held this month?

Not even the seasoned 60-yearold chef can answer that.

The culinary godfather - who reached the pinnacle of success with his same name Basque Region restaurant 20 years ago - is keeping his fingers crossed.

By Jon Clarke

However, he accepts that with many of his 12 restaurants closed for much of the year (he has three in the Caribbean, one in Mexico, one in Lisbon) he has no idea.

Admitting it has been a terrible year due to the COVID crisis, he at least hopes for the best.

“With the stars you can never know,” he revealed this week.

“The best minutes of the year

are when you go up to collect the stars, but even better is to see former pupils go up and pick them up.”

But he is realistic about the year in general. “The Caribbean is dead, Madrid and Barcelona are in trouble, Ibiza we opened to simply close, Bilbao, San Sebastian and Lasarte, good and bad. At least we are working.”

Another of the plus sides of the current crisis is that he has found the time to refocus on

CONTINUITY:Will Munoz, Dacosta and Angel Leon keep three stars?

Smile

Bottom’s Up

THE best wines in the world for 2020 have been revealed – and one of the top pours comes from Spain.

Montecillo Crianza 2016 was crowned ‘the best buy’ in the world by prestigious booze magazine, Wine Enthusiast.

Leading wine aficionados, sommeliers and luxury travel correspondents who had rated wines from across the globe put forward the Spanish vino as their top pick.

The wine from Bodegas Montecillo, DOC, Rioja’s third oldest winery, was selected as number one by critics who awarded the wine 91 points.

Editor Michael Schachner said he favoured the balance between notes of fruit and wood and its ‘authentic Riojan character’.

Montecillo Crianza is made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes from vines located in Rioja Alta and spends 18 months in American oak barrels, followed by at least six months in the bottle.

The wine, which is sold in most supermarkets for just under €9 a bottle, has previously picked up a number of accolades including a gold medal from Mundus Vini, and 91 points from wine magazine Decanter which featured the bottle on its cover.

TM

Reasons to

finding a series of new dishes, seven in total.

The end result is what he calls the ‘Menu Pandemia’, which is proving popular in his main three star restaurant, 6kms out of San Sebastian.

“Without this illness we would not have had time to create this new menu, so that is good,” he added.

The Michelin gala takes place in Madrid on November 30 and it will be interesting to see if the capital’s wunderkind David Munoz has kept his three stars for Diverxo.

And if Spain will keep its other three Michelin starred eateries including El Celler de Can Roca, in Barcelona, Akelarre and Arzak, in San Sebastian, and Quique Dacosta, in Denia, and Angel Leon at Aponiente, in Cadiz.

By the middle of September some 86% of Michelin starred restaurants were open in Spain, while this number had dropped off to around 75% by the end of October.

21

P U E R T O

B A N U S

More information at

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20th Anniversary! – 20 years serving you from our Mijas Shop

22

BUSINESS

Former BHS boss guilty of tax evasion

Splash Pools Mijas S.L. (just below the restaurant Valparaiso)

Large shop and office just off the Carretera de Mijas Easy parking for collection of chemicals Extensive stock of pool accessories, pool toys and games and equipment FREE test of pool water at the shop – just pop in with a small sample Professional maintenance service – tailored to suit your needs | Pool Construction Specialists in leak detection, repairs and renovations New pool builds with 10 year guarantees Installation of pool heaters and automatic covers

Open 8am to 3.30pm Mon to Fri Tel: 952 591 053 / 667 788 291 For directions go to: www.splashpoolsmijas.com

THE disgraced former boss of doomed retailers BHS has been jailed for six years for tax evasion.

Dominic Chappell - who had several links to Spain including a property at the Oasis Club in Marbella - was found guilty of evading tax on the £2.2million income he received after buying the chain for just £1 from billionaire Sir Philip Green in March 2015.

Chappell, 53, from Blandford Forum in Dorset (UK), evaded paying £500,000 in income tax, corporation tax and VAT between January 2014 and September 2016.

Serial bankrupt Chappell was convicted at a trial at

November 11th November 24th 2020

Jailed!

By Dilip Kuner

London's Southwark crown court.

The court heard that he spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on luxury items, including a yacht, a Bentley car and a Bahamas holiday.

A year after he took ownership, BHS collapsed under the weight of a £571 million black hole. Some 11,000 jobs were lost.

In 2016 he made headlines when he allegedly evicted his brother from a villa at the Oasis Club that had belonged to his mother. He allegedly

Flying south BRITISH and German holidaymakers are flocking to the Canaries now that they do not have to self-isolate on return.

According to a recent study by Bookiply, a service provider for holiday rental owners, bookings to the paradise islands have doubled since last week, proving that COVID-19 is less potent than the travel bug.

"After the German and British governments lifted the travel warnings, we immediately recorded the first bookings," reported Gabriela Rubio, manager of Bookiply’s Tenerife office.

Tourism on the Canaries has boomed since they were taken off the list of risk areas on October 25. Tenerife has profited the most, with 75% of its accommodation already booked for the Christmas period.

DISHONEST: Chappell

persuaded her to sign the property over to pay debts associated with the BHS deal.

His brother Damon had lived in the property with his wife and son for over a decade.

Chappell also faced allegations of misusing company funds from Cadiz-based Olivia Petroleum Around €385,000 was allegedly siphoned from the company which he fronted without other shareholders’ approval.

The money was allegedly used to fund a lavish lifestyle and another business.

Just a year ago, Chappell was banned from holding company directorships in the UK for 10 years for ‘abusing his responsibilities’.

COLUMNISTS

Time for payback A SPANISH online bank has been ordered by a Costa Blanca court to refund €8,820 to a customer who was charged excess interest on a controversial high-interest credit card.

An Orihuela judge decided in favour of a WiZink bank client over charges dating back to 2007 over a so-called 'revolving' card.

The card allows customers to continuously borrow up to certain limits depending on purchases and payments.

Captive

Spain's highest legal body, the Supreme Court, threw out a WiZink appeal in a case involving a Santander woman who had annual interest rate charges on her card of 26.82% 'Revolving' card holders usually pay a fixed monthly fee which is not very high, but with an excessive interest rate.

The cardholder ends up paying a much higher amount than the available capital and the payment of the outstanding debt is extended over such a long period that the borrower can become, in what the Supreme Court called, a ‘captive debtor’.

Salute to Sir Sean Everyone lucky enough to live in Marbella between the 60s and 80s has a Sean Connery story

B

ond star Sean Connery lived in his beachside villa Casa Malibu between 1975 and the mid 90s. But Sir Sean was a frequent visitor to Marbella from the 60s, where he could indulge his passion for golf and relax between films, most notably with fellow actor Sir Stanley Baker. He also developed a lasting friendship with Formula One World Champion James Hunt as well as opera singer and restaurant owner Toni Dalli. There’s even a dish named after him at the Dalli Brothers Pasta Factory in Banus.

As I said, everyone has a Sean Connery story, so here is mine. Or more specifically, my Mum's.

In the early 80s, Mum decided to walk back from the Saturday market at the bullring to our house at the back of Nueva Andalucia. Being pretty and petite, Dad jokingly warned her not to accept lifts from strangers on the way home.

"I was walking back" she told us "when a Mercedes pulled alongside and asked if I wanted a lift. I was just about to say 'no thank you', when I looked in and saw it was Sean Connery.

"I almost leapt in through the window!"

Mum, who was a natural talker and from Glasgow, for once found herself lost for words. "I couldn't think of anything to say" she admitted "I don't even think I mentioned I was Scottish. I asked if he was here for the golf and he said yes. Then we drove in silence for about 10 minutes.

"When he dropped me at the urbanisation, which was normally busy, there was no one around to see me get out of Sean Connery's car apart from a stray dog. I didn't even ask him if he wanted a drink or if I could take a photo with him".

Other friends admit to a prank they played after spotting him driving up to the Aloha Golf Club. As they were in their teens and driving a Golf GTi, there was only one thing for it. They screeched up alongside, leant out of the windows and pretended to machine gun 007 before pulling a handbrake turn

RIP: Connery was a true global star and speeding off. They were treated to 'the look' and a raised eyebrow from Sean.

In the pre-DVD 80s, the old cinema in Puerto Banus was the starting point to a Friday night when it showed English films. With deep, cushioned rattan chairs, an interval halfway through giving you time to hit the bar and a corrugated iron roof, not to mention San Miguel at just 150 pesetas a pop, teens like myself flocked there. Spotting Sean taking a seat one evening, we began to hum the Bond theme, getting louder and louder and finishing with a "DA DA. DA DA DAAAAAAH" One of the boys then approached him for an autograph. '**** off" Sean growled.

The teen beat a hasty retreat.

Sean loved his time in Marbella, whether he was enjoying a night with friends at the Marbella Club or playing a round of golf - where you could often hear him voicing his displeasure down the fairway if he was having a bad game.

Actor, icon and an unforgettable personality during Marbella's Golden Age - RIP Sir Sean.

HEALTH

Hotspot

MALAGA is the Andalucian province with the highest number of health professionals infected with COVID-19.

Nearly 7% of the total number of coronavirus infections detected in the province since the beginning of the pandemic correspond to healthcare workers.

Although infections have decreased compared to the first wave, when several batches of defective material were bought and official protective equipment was lacking, the outbreak located in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Regional Hospital shows that exposure to the virus continues to be a risk for health care staff.

Malaga, with an accumulated 1,445 positive cases among health professionals, accounts for 22% of the total infections in Andalucia’s health services, ahead of Granada (with 1,281 health services infected, 20%) and Sevilla (1,270, another 20%).

Spain itself has already passed the barrier of 70,000 infected healthcare workers.

November 11th - November 24th 2020

Triple Vaccine Miracle?

Children’s jab may be key to coronavirus ‘immunity’

A SPANISH doctor claims that the triple vaccine given to young children could be the reason why youngsters are not badly affected by COVID-19.

Dr Pedro Reche, an immunologist and researcher at the Complutense University of Madrid, has found evidence of cross-reactive immunity to COVID-19.

Simply put, antigens produced by the DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) vaccine routinely given in the first few months of life help provide immunity against the coronavirus.

For several months Reche has carried out computer research which has

By Cristina Hodgson

confirmed his hypothesis: “The existence of extensive cross-reactive immunity between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the antigens present in the triple bacterial vaccine DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), which is prescribed during the first months of life”.

Normal

Reche believes that the protection of infants, and young people to COVID-19 could be due to this cross-reactive immunity.

He said: “It is normal for the geriatric population to suf-

OP Puzzle solutions Across: 7 Once and for all, 8 Bionic, 9 Either, 10 Feast, 12 Storied, 14 War zone, 16 Haifa, 19 Armada, 20 Tiptoe, 22 Bulletin board.

Down: 1 Endive, 2 Fern, 3 Enact, 4 Effects, 5 Criteria, 6 Sleeve, 11 Sizeable, 13 Unearth, 15 Airbus, 17 Floors, 18 Stank, 21 Pros.

SUDOKU

Quick Crossword

History, adventure and romance.

That’s just the setting.

RESEARCH: Dr Pedro Reche has a new insight

fer an infection and for it to be serious, because the immune system is weakened.

What is not normal is for a small child whose immune system is being formed and educated not to suffer this type of infection.”

The strongest correlation factor in COVID-19 cases and severity is age. In fact, the majority of COVID-19 fatalities occur among the elderly (90% of the victims are over 70 years) while the paediatric population is largely spared.

Moreover, the triple bacterial vaccine DTP is the most frequently repeated vac-

cine: three or four doses are scheduled during the first year of life, it is reinforced at four to six years old and finally a low antigenic load dose is given between nine and 14 years.

Additionally in countries such as Mexico or Indonesia, which don’t follow the same vaccination programme as many European countries, there are reports of alarming infant mortality due to coronavirus, leaving Reche to conclude that the vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) may be responsible for such protection.

23

Vision off MORE than a third (34%) of people have noticed a deterioration in their eyesight during the pandemic, a new study has revealed.

Figures, released by Specsavers, show that nearly half of people surveyed (44%) have become increasingly health aware due to the pandemic.

But thousands of newly health conscious people were unable to attend routine eye tests due to lockdown restrictions.

“During lockdown many of us were spending more time looking at screens, reading, or watching TV, which is likely to make people more aware of pre-existing sight conditions or prescription changes,” said Specsavers director Martin Blake.

“More screen time can also lead to eye strain and visual fatigue, which isn’t usually serious but could explain why so many people have been reporting issues,” he explained.

Astoundingly half of sight loss is avoidable with routine eye tests, making check-ups essential.

“In the height of the pandemic many people may not have had access to these diagnostic tests,” said Blake. “Not only does this mean their eyesight is at risk but potentially other aspects of their health too.”

“Several changes in our vision can be signs of a wider health condition and there are some things that can only be detected during an eye test,” warned Blake.

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Waltzing like nun other

FINAL WORDS

SPANISH nuns from Caceres have grabbed a slice of global fame after a video of them dancing ‘to cheer the world up’ went viral.

Polar-ised AN olive farmer from Ciudad Real province went out after heavy hail storms to find that a miniature glacier had formed on his fields.

Andalucía

Your expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 14 Issue 356 www.theolivepress.es November 11th - November 24th 2020

Stone me!

Fly and pay

Airborne cabs plan for Spanish cities PEOPLE will soon be able to hail a cab to fly to their destination, if plans for an airborne taxi take off.

ENAIRE Spain's aviation authority has announced a scheme to introduce unmanned flying taxis to Barcelona by 2022.

ENAIRE is working alongside

Poetic licence SPAIN’S transport minister has announced that the Alicante-Elche airport is going to be renamed after the Franco dissident and celebrated poet Miguel Hernandez.

By James Warren

two organisations to realise their dream of air taxis - the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation and private tech company Everis.

Their hope is to begin testing airborne transport and passen-

AS anti-lockdown rioters set fire to the streets of Barcelona this weekend one busker calmly continued his set regardless. Not phased by the disruption, the pianist tinkled the ivories playing The Bangles classic hit ‘Eternal Flame’. In the video, rioters can be seen throwing rocks at police vans and setting fire to objects in the street.

The lyric ‘Is this burning an eternal flame?’ suddenly took on a much darker message as the blaze grew behind the musician. “For some reason [it] reminds me of them continuing to play music as the Titanic went down, videos like this will be looked back in 100 years to try and understand the madness of the pandemic,” commented one Twitter user.

ger vehicles by 2021, with a full roll out one year later.

The cities slated for the first test flights are Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela.

One man passenger drones will be introduced alongside un-manned parcel and goods carrying drones, similar to the

Piano Man

WHAT RIOT?: Pianist played on

ones used

by Amazon.

ENAIRE hopes that the introduction of state of the art technologies will help revitalise the floundering economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is hoped that new logistic solutions will entice private businesses back into the major cities and position Spain at the forefront of this newly developing technology.

“We need to move urban mobility into the third dimension: airspace. And we need to do it as efficiently and sustainably as we can,” said project leader Angel Luis Arias.

Arias hopes that the use of passenger carrying drones will also work towards greener cities and reduce congestion and emissions by replacing fuel burning vehicles on the roads.

FORGET initials gouged into tree trunks or scratched into desks. One 13th century stonemason made his mark by carving a cheeky self-portrait and secretly placing it in one of Europe’s best-known cathedrals.

Perched at the top of a 40 feet column, the 30cm stone selfie has been gazing down on worshippers for over eight centuries, hidden away inside the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral away from clerical eyes.

“The carving brings us face to face with one of the people whose work we’ve been studying, and it was delightful to meet him,” said British art historian Jennifer Alexander, who made the astonishing discovery while conducting a stone-by-stone analysis.

The scholar added that the figure looked ‘pleased with himself’ – perhaps because he had found a way of cementing his place in history, for otherwise stonemasons went uncredited in architectural logs.

Building work on the cathedral was started in the 1th century, and it has become one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Europe, with 350,000 visitors in 2019.

TM

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