Environment
That Friday Feeling – Spain gets happier!
As the Marbella news seems to be dominated by Brexit and poisoned dogs at the moment, I thought that we'd get that Friday feeling going with a good news story. According to the latest United Nations report, Spain’s position on the World Happiness Index has risen six points compared to last year. The country now ranks in 30th, up from 36th last year – its highest position since the survey began…
I fought the law and the law won. Again.
It's a hard task being an ageing Wild Young Thing. It's bad enough that one of heroes that you used to rave to in the 90s passed away recently. 'Firestarter' was THE dance floor filler in my London days, although we amended the lyrics. One of the bunch of Marbella misfits that I partied with in London – we had all moved from the Coast en masse at the start of the decade – was from South America,…
BREAKING NEWS. Access to Istan Lake closes
The Local Police of Istán, following instructions of the Delegate of Health, has sealed the access to the Istan Lake. The public access of Zahara de Istán and El Pinillo have been closed off to avoid the possiblility of the public coming into contact with posions after six dogs died in a week. Water samples from the lake are also under analysis and investigation
Another Poison Death on Istan Lake
The horror continues in Istan with the death of another beloved pet by poisoning, the SIXTH in a week. The latest dog to die was Laila, whose owner Lars Walkler is a well-known figure in the area and who formerly ran an activity company based on the lake. The latest poisoning took place at the same location as the others, close to the water near Zahara de Istan, one of the two public access…
To cut a long story short – Tony Hadley to play Marbella!
One of the most distinctive male singers of the 80s will be playing Marbella this summer. On Saturday, August 10, the legendary Tony Hadley, lead singer with Spandau Ballet will be performing all of his hits, including: “True”, “Gold”, “Through the Barricades” and many more. The concert is part of Marbella Music Week at Puente Romano, organised by promotors Rock Lounge, which will also see The…
BREAKING NEWS. New poisoning scare on Istan lake
At least four dogs have been reported dead over the weekend in what appears to be a fresh outbreak of poisonings. The dogs all died close to the water's edge next to Zahara de Istan at kilometre 7 on the Istan road, which is one of the two access points to the reservoir. One witness said that a dog died just twenty minutes after swimming in the lake. Planet Marbella contacted the authorities at…
The Quiet Life?
When I moved into my idyllic cottage by the lake and escaped the madding and frequently maddening crowds on the coast I did so for a variety of reasons. Some were financial; it's a lot cheaper inland. Some were spiritual, although I have yet to turn all New Age and there is a permanent ban on crystals, wind chimes and anything resembling a dream catcher at the Casita. (As an aside, why do people…
Something for the Weekend? ‘Journeys to the Other Side of the World’ By Sir David Attenborough
Alicia Duggan at The Bookshop reviews the latest book from the world's favourite wildlife expert. Journeys to the Other Side of the World chart the further adventures of a young David Attenborough - from Madagascar and New Guinea to the Pacific Islands and the Northern Territory of Australia. The world has changed enormously since Sir David Attenborough began his fascinating documentaries over 60…
British Ambassador welcomes Spanish plans for No-Deal Brexit
The important announcement by Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez last week, and the approval by the Consejo de Ministros of the Royal Decree covering Spain’s Brexit contingency measures, has been welcomed by the British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley. “The UK Government’s top priority remains securing a deal with the EU that wins the support of the UK parliament. However, like any responsible…
Pet Poisoner Returns?
Dog owners were yesterday warned not to take their pets for walks in La Campana after at least five dogs were poisoned on the same day, with one dead. The news raised fears that the pet poisoner, who killed more than 15 dogs in Nueva Andalucia in 2017, is back. The alarm was raised by Borja, a vet at the UrVet clinic in Marbella, through the Facebook group "Animals lost and found in Marbella".…
Support for Sarah
The case of Marbella youngster Sarah Almagro, who lost her hands and feet due to meningococcus, has seen the Marbella community rallying around her. There are number of fundraising projects and events to get her the prosthesis she needs to lead a full and normal life. Specsavers Ópticas in Marbella are stocking the special fundraising bracelets than can be picked up for a small donation of 2.50€…
It’s Derby Day!
If all the 6 Nations action has you itching to see the real thing up close and personal, then don't miss Trocadero Marbella Rugby Club's match against CR Ciencias Sevilla this Sunday, February 24. Kicking of at 1.15pm, Marbella, currently sixth in the league with 46 points will have to pull off the performance of the season so far to beat CR Ciencias Sevilla, who have yet to lose a game and lead…
Flamenco for CADI
Marbella charity CADI is holding a charity flamenco show tonight in Marbella The Teatro Cuidad de Marbella is the venue for the performance, part of the 2019 tour by Juan Delola. Dance students from the Rocío Guerrero Academy are also taking part, as well as mothers and children from CADI itself! With funds raised going to help pay for the therapies that the youngsters need, the event is sure to…
Beach Blazes “Not Related”
The recent blazes that burnt out Bounty Beach and Playa Padre, were "not related". That is the opinion of Maria Gámez, goverment delegate in Malaga, who made the comment during a visit to Antequera yesterday. Despite the fact that the beach clubs were on the same beach, only a few hundred metres apart and caught fire within eight days of each other, Gámez said that the blazes "were not related,"…
BREAKING NEW: Bounty Beach Burns!
Another Marbella beach bar has been burnt down Bounty Beach, located on Marbella's El Cable Beach, caught fire this afternoon. The fire takes place a week after the blaze that gutted Play Padre, also on El Cable Beach. In that case police believe the fire was started deliberately. More to follow
Monday Motivation: Thin White Privilege by Ali Silver
Before I start this post, I want to be clear – I am not an expert on the subject of privilege and I do not claim to. I can’t claim to know what it is like living in a body that has been shamed, criticised and made into an ‘epidemic’ by the media. But I am well aware of my privilege and I’m learning. People cannot help their position, anymore than you or I can, but it was interesting to me how…
The Boar Wars
Spring has sprung early in the campo. There is almond blossom everywhere as Nature goes into seasonal overdrive, and my garden was looking particularly splendid, a minor miracle considering that I’m now in charge of it since my gardener, maintenance man and all around “fixer”, the multi-talented Florin, has moved on. Luckily he pops back every few weeks to make sure that the place is still…
Something for the Weekend? Book Review: “Moon Sister” by Lucinda Riley
Alicia Duggan at The Bookshop reviews the latest releases. Moon Sister is the eagerly awaited fifth volume in the Shadow Sisters series, however, the books can also be read as stand-alone novels. This novel follows one of Pa Salt’s adopted daughters, Tiggy. Tiggy takes a job caring for animals on the Scottish estate of Kinnaird where she meets Chilly, a gypsy, who informs her that she has a sixth…
Nav aims to reign in Spain
MTK fighter Nav Mansouri is looking to start 2019 with a belt as he takes on Jorge Fortea for the IBF Interncontiental super-welterweight division title in Marbella tonight. Mansouri (19-1-2) faces Fortea (18-1-1) at the Palacio de Deportes Elena Benitez, San Pedro at 9pm , and he’s hoping to come out on top. The Rotherham-born fighter looked confident and relaxed at yesterday's weigh in, held…
Police believe Playa Padre blaze started deliberately
Police investigating the blaze that destroyed trendy beach club Playa Padre this week now believe the fire was started deliberately. Three forensic experts from the Policia Nacional worked through the ruins of the beach club, co-owned by Eva Longoria's good friend Maria Bravo, yesterday. Early reports hinted that the blaze that completely gutted Playa Padre was deliberately started at several…