Spain 'a Top Choice' For Those Thinking Of Moving Abroad
Alexa Chung range a hit
former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range.
The former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range. Asked by The Guardian if she'd like her own fashion collection, she replied: 'Do you know what? I wouldn't rule it out, actually. I have loved designing these shoes. I haven't enjoyed a project so much in a long time. So, yes, it might be the start of something.' Chezza stepped out earlier this week during London Fashion Week to launch her shoe collection with website Stylistpick.com at The Home House. The star will also be choosing her favourite items from the online accessory store's collections and telling fans why she likes them in a new blog. Stylistpick’s chief creative officer Juliet Warkentin said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Cheryl. Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm, a quality that has made her the nation's favourite. 'We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact; establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design and further democratising fashion.’
Is Cheryl Cole the new Victoria Beckham? (Picture: PA)
Brit Designers Shine At London Fashion Week
"The truth is that all the ideas come out of here," he said.
"Before they used to be picked up by every other designer from around the world, diluted and communicated to other parts of the world and other people were making the money.
Models display creations by British born designer Osman
"Maybe now it is becoming a lot more important.
"I think Burberry, in a way, bringing their shows back to England has been very important because they have managed to bring the attention back here - that England isn't only a hub of ideas but it is also a business and there is an industry working and people are making it happen."
Rosario Dawson and Pippa Middleton on the front row at Temperley catwalk
The runways have seen a global standard of models showcasing collections, with designers including Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Jonathan Saunders, Mario Schwab and Mary Katrantzou.
US-based media analytics company Global Language Monitor recently ranked London as the Global Fashion Capital, overtaking New York.
It said the Alexander McQueen wedding dress that Kate Middleton wore at her royal wedding moved London from third to top position.
Cheryl Cole 'Falls For Hunky Soldier' In Afghanistan | Cheryl Cole
Celebrity Cruises Taps Top Chef to Join Culinary Team
Known for its culinary leadership and commitment to offering guests a modern, luxurious experience during their precious vacation time, Celebrity Cruises has expanded its already robust culinary talent by naming 2010 James Beard Foundation "Rising Star Chef" nominee and 2007 "Rising Star Chef of American Cuisine" John Suley as its director of Culinary Operations. Tapped by Celebrity's charismatic Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden – himself a James Beard-nominated Master Chef – Suley is widely regarded as one of the country's top "up and coming" chefs. Prior to joining Celebrity, he worked in the star-studded, international dining scene as executive chef at the South Florida incarnation of three-time James Beard honoree Alfred Portale's famed "Gotham Bar & Grill" (New York), "Gotham Steak" at the chic Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. Suley's wealth of experience also includes work at the Ritz Carlton-South Beach, the Waldorf Astoria and St. Regis hotels, and with many of the world's most accomplished chefs, including Daniel Boulud, and Celebrity's Van Staden himself, at some of the finest restaurants in the dining mecca of Las Vegas. Suley is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. At Celebrity, Suley joins Van Staden in leading the line's continuing quest to achieve the highest levels of consistency, quality and innovation in the culinary experience. "John Suley is known for his edgy and innovative cooking style, and is a genuinely unique chef," said Van Staden, "Having known him for 12 years, and observing the amazing contributions he made during the recent debut of our newest Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Silhouette, I am confident he will be an inspirational and creative leader within Celebrity's innovative culinary team, and will make tremendous contributions as we continue to prove to vacationers around the world that we can treat them to a dining experience that is easily comparable to the best on land." About Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America.
Who needs The X Factor when you have your own shoe line?
Cheryl Cole was all smiles at the Olivier National Theatre in London on Monday night, where the ousted X Factor judge was celebrating her newest venture -- fabulous footwear! To celebrate her partnership with U.K. fashion website, Stylistpick.com, the 28-year-old Brit showed off her amazing figure through the sexy cutouts in her scarlet mini dress. She styled her hair into a voluminous bouffant accessorized with a gold headband and sported smoky eye makeup. The stylish star finished off her look with a pair of sparkling, sky-high heels. But despite their fabulous appearance, weren't such a walk in the park. "Girls..Don't you just love taking your foot out of a heel and into your slippers..The best! Feels like my feet are having a cuddle.. X," the Girls Aloud singer tweeted after the event. Cole's limited-edition footwear collection is due to hit stores in December just in time for the holiday season. "Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm -- a quality that has made her the nation's sweetheart," Stylistpick's CEO, Juliet Warkentin, said. "We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact, establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design." Cole will also curate her own picks on the site as well as give style tips to users.
Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage.com
Georgia jets out ... just as Calum arrives here
GEORGIA Salpa was flying out to Marbella today to get over Calum Best -- just as the infamous bad boy was landing in Ireland for the week. The half-Greek model is taking some time out from the spotlight and relaxing with her Celebrity Salon co-star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace. A source said Georgia (26) really needed this break to clear her head. "Georgia needs to take time to sort her head out and finally decide what she wants," the source said. "Georgia will be staying in Spain for about a week. At the same time Calum is in Dublin for a few days doing some promotions so thankfully there will be no awkward meetings." Even though it looks like the top model is looking to start afresh, a close pal says going to Marbella may bring back some old memories of her relationship with Calum. "The last time she holidayed in Marbella she bumped into Calum, it was right after they filmed Celebrity Salon, so the visit might stir up some old memories. Either way she needs some time to relax in the sun." Rift This isn't the first time AR model Georgia has jetted out of the country after a break-up. Last year the model headed to Spain with pals Daniella Moyles, Leah O'Reilly and Emily Mackeogh when she split with DJ Barry O'Brien. This was the same trip that apparently caused a rift between Georgia and her former best pal Nadia Forde.
Pippa Middleton sat front row at the Temperley London show at London Fashion Week
The line contained garments that could easily be seen on either Middleton sister, with tailored jackets and clean cocktail dresses. Drop-waist dresses and a ’20s flapper vibe was also incorporated in the collection, a trend that was also seen during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York last week. This is not the first time Pippa and Temperley have appeared in the same headline. The royal bridesmaid wore an emerald green gown by the designer for Kate and Will’s post-wedding festivities in April.
Pippa Middleton had a prime seat at the Temperley runway show at London Fashion Week at the British Museum. (Tim Whitby - GETTY IMAGES) on Monday, taking in the elegant 2012 resort collection by Alice Temperley next to British journalist Peaches Geldof and actress Rosario Dawson.
THE seventh edition of the Marbella Classic poker series was won last weekend by a visitor from the beautiful Emerald Isle, Mr Thomas O’Shea.
THE seventh edition of the Marbella Classic poker series was won last weekend by a visitor from the beautiful Emerald Isle, Mr Thomas O’Shea. A highly delighted Thomas picked up a very handy €11,500 for his troubles after beating some of the local poker pros into submission, including last year’s series winner Julian Galan, Miguel Cortijo, Marco Palazon and the very charismatic Pedro ‘El grande’, Spain’s answer to super Mario. Congratulations must also go out to former Marbella Mob Poker founder member Sir Nigel Goldman. In his first European Poker Tour event two weeks ago in Barcelona, he managed to secure his expenses and a little bit more by getting a very respectable 66th place from a record starting field of 817. A nice cheque from the casino for €12k and a jolly decent stay in the fabulous Arts Hotel were just what the doctor ordered. Well done Sir N. Closer to home, the local games are just throwing up amazing hand over amazing hand. Not quite as dramatic as the back to back straight flushes a couple of weeks ago, but none the less very remarkable. How would you feel if you flopped quad tens only to have the monster overturned by a royal flush? Pretty sick eh, actually this is the second time in less than a week that poor Gary has come up against the 650,000 to 1 shot as last week his full house got done by the Royal flush of clubs. Last night his quads got beaten by a royal flush in, guess what? Clubs again!! To specifically hit a royal flush in clubs is a 2,598,960 to 1 chance. He had better buy his lottery ticket now as he’s got more chance of hitting the jackpot than what’s happened to him.
Des O'Connor is in Marbella topping up his tan.
Des O'Connor is in Marbella topping up his tan. He’s only been here two days, but already he’s an improbable shade of mahogany. ‘Look at this,’ he says, flashing a generous glimpse of sun-burnished chest. ‘I only have to look at a travel brochure and I go brown. My neighbours see me and say: “Here he comes, the Singing Tan”.’ 'My wife has mentioned having another baby. But it would be a bit selfish of me at my age, even though I'm in reasonably good nick,' said Des O'Connor Here we have the measure of Des, 79, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers: his capacity for self-mockery is matched by an irrepressible facility for fun. Inducing laughter in others is a compulsion. And in a world where vulgarity and foul-mouthed parody pass as comedy, Des’s brand of humour is remorselessly clean. He’s never said a word worse than ‘piddle’ during an act. He doesn’t go in for gratuitous insults. Once he made an unkind joke against Christine Hamilton, wife of the ex-Tory MP Neil, and felt so bad about it after he resolved never to be hurtful towards anyone again. Yet when his old friend Eric Morecambe routinely disparaged him on the Morecambe And Wise Show, he joined in the laughter. Each week, there would be a fresh assault on his voice.
APPLE MEGASTORE IN MARBELLA
Tourists come to know Marbella as one of the most sought after holiday destinations not only in Spain but throughout the European continent; now Apple choose the charming mediterranean town with the highest Millionaires concentration to host its most ambitious project in the Iberian Peninsula.
A series of rumors speak of the future opening of an Apple store in Marbella, something which has been discussed for months, but now with an added extra, since it would be the largest Apple store in Spain.
Recently, Apple opened two of its famous stores in Madrid and Barcelona and everything indicates that the next one will be located on the Costa del Sol, specifically in the shopping center La Cañada in Marbella.
The Apple Store in Marbella would have an area of 1700 square meters, which would make it the largest in the Spanish territory. Its inauguration is expected in November. Thus, Marbella will host the third Apple store in Spain.
Saudi Arabia: Pretty Maids From Morocco Seen as Threat
Facebook May Help Online Luxury-Goods Sales Grow 20% Annually
Online sales of luxury goods may climb 20 percent a year by 2015 as producers build networks of potential customers on social media websites such as Facebook.com, according to a study published today. Revenue from fashion, jewelry and other luxury products is likely to reach 11 billion euros ($15 billion) in four years, the report from Italian luxury trade group Altagamma shows. “The explosion of social media and the increasing investments in the online channel by luxury companies has reinforced and enlarged the community of those who explore, comment upon and eventually purchase luxury goods,” Milan-based Altagamma said in a statement. Luxury companies are more than doubling their “friends” on Facebook annually in recognition of the link between online and offline purchases, according to the report. At least half of consumers in Europe, the U.S. and China form an opinion or seek information online before buying in a store, while most online luxury sales are preceded by a boutique visit, Altagamma said. Burberry Group Plc (BRBY), the U.K.’s largest luxury goods maker, gets “the most reach and most response” from digital initiatives compared with other media, Burberry Chief Financial Officer Stacey Cartwright told analysts on July 13. To promote the Burberry Body fragrance, which hit shelves this month, the London-based company offered exclusive samples to its nearly 7 million Facebook fans. It received more than 225,000 requests in little more than a week. The Internet plays a key role in increasing the hype around luxury brands and their products, Altagamma said. Fashion Blogs The web’s influence on perceptions of luxury goods is strongest in China, where fashion blogs are the source of opinion for 58 percent of consumers, compared with 27 percent of their counterparts in Europe and the U.S., the report said. The Asian country also has a higher penetration of online purchasing. Seventy-eight percent of Chinese buy luxury goods online, compared with 56 percent of Europeans and 46 percent of Americans, “mainly because they wish to avoid interactions with sales personnel or their insistence,” Altagamma said. The study included surveys of 187 companies with total revenue of 60 billion euros ($82.1 billion), interviews with 1,500 consumers and analysis of 450 websites in seven countries.
Ferrari Proves Recession Proof as Ultra-Luxury Sells Out: Cars
Maserati SpA’s new sport-utility vehicle was one of the most sought-after models at the Frankfurt car show this week and Ferrari SpA predicted record sales as executives said ultra-luxury remains recession-proof. “If you go to the Ferrari stand, there aren’t any customers worried about the recession,” Fiat Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne said at the International Motor Show. “The last Ferrari customers I saw at the show weren’t crying.” Fiat’s two upscale brands may help the Turin, Italy-based carmaker weather a decline at its main business as Europe’s credit crisis worsens. Even without the Kubang SUV, Maserati aims to boost deliveries by almost eightfold to 45,000 cars in 2014 as it increases dealers by 150 percent worldwide. Lamborghini SpA’s new Aventador model is sold out for 18 months and Rolls-Royce Cars announced a 10 million-pound ($15.8 million) expansion at its Goodwood, England plant. Ferrari expects to deliver 7,000 cars in 2011 on demand for its first family car, the $356,000 four-seat FF that came to market this year. Fiat’s most profitable unit plans to cap sales at 7,000 going forward to maintain exclusivity. Ferrari targets “significant” results this year after earnings before interest and taxes rose 23 percent in 2010 to 302 million euros ($414 million) on revenue of 1.92 billion euros, Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said. “I’m not worried because we have quality, exclusivity, a strong brand and innovative technology,” Montezemolo said in an interview when asked about the effect of the economic slowdown. Mixed Fortunes The ultra-luxury optimism stands in contrast to concern voiced from volume carmakers that a worsening debt crisis in Europe is prompting consumers to rein in spending. PSA Peugeot Citroen CEO Philippe Varin said this week that Europe is facing a possible recession, while Ford Motor Co. said sales in the region next year will be little changed. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, the world’s biggest maker of luxury cars, is the best performer in the Stoxx 600 Automobiles & Parts Index this year. BMW stock has slipped 6.4 percent, compared with a 24 percent loss for the index. Fiat, which also owns Chrysler Group LLC in the U.S., is the worst performer on the index, with a 42 percent decline. Sales of the main high-end European luxury brands -- Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin -- will rise 19 percent this year to 28,090 vehicles, and gain another 13 percent in 2012, according to a forecast from industry analyst IHS Automotive. “The rich have gotten richer and the number of millionaires in emerging countries is really growing so the demographic trend is very positive” for the ultra-luxury carmakers, said Erich Hauser, a London-based Credit Suisse automotive analyst. “Things would have to get very nasty before they face a problem.” Rolls-Royce Record Rolls-Royce, owned by BMW, expects in 2011 to break last year’s sales record of 2,711 cars, Chief Executive Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes said, adding that China may overtake the U.S. as its top market. The German executive said he’s ”optimistic” about the prospects for the super-luxury segment and that his company so far has not been affected by the slowdown. The ultra-premium segment is likely to weather this downturn better than the previous crisis, Mueller-Oetvoes said. Along with the factory expansion, Rolls-Royce may boost its dealerships to 100 from the current 85 and add a coupe version of its best-selling Ghost model, he said. The carmaker debuted an extended-wheelbase version of the Ghost in Frankfurt. Lamborghini, owned by Volkswagen AG, unveiled the 189,000- euro Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale at the show, the most powerful addition to the Gallardo series. The 570- horsepower vehicle comes with matte black finish on the large rear spoiler, engine hood and front air intakes and surges to 100 kilometers (62 miles) in 3.4 seconds. Limited Edition Deliveries of the model, which has a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour, will be confined to 150 and start in December, Chief Executive Officer Stephan Winkelmann said in an interview. The Volkswagen division also announced production of the 1.6 million-euro Sesto Elemento. No more than 20 will be built with deliveries due in early 2013. Lamborghini sales may advance from last year’s 1,302 on the back of the Aventador LP 700-4, which will hit showrooms in October and is sold out for 18 months, Winkelmann said. “The super-luxury market has been in steady recovery from its low in 2009,” Winkelmann said in an interview, adding that order books at Lamborghini are showing no declines. “We’re aware that there are risks.” Bentley Motors Ltd., whose customers include Queen Elizabeth II and the Sultan of Brunei, rolled out an updated version of the Continental GTC convertible with deliveries of the 575-horsepower model starting before the end of the year. Powered by revamps of the Mulsanne and Continental models announced over the past year, full-year deliveries may top the 7,000 mark which would mark a 40-percent gain on 2010, CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer said in an interview. An SUV that the Crewe, England-based VW unit is considering may help more than double sales to 15,000 by about 2018, he said. “We’re very optimistic, our business is developing extremely soundly and the order situation is looking good,” Duerheimer said. “We mustn’t talk up a crisis. Growing debt problems in Europe and the U.S. are giving enough reason for concern, but the underlying economic picture remains positive.”
California-based Spectrum Wine Auctions is working with London luxury drinks merchant Vanquish to launch a UK auction business.
The partners, who are soliciting consignments of ‘the most rare and unique’ wines for their first sale, in February 2012, said they are hoping to shake up the staid London wine auction scene. ‘Anyone who's been to a sale in New York or Hong Kong recently knows how different they are,’ said Richard Brierley, head of Vanquish's fine wine division – and ex-Christie's North America wine chief. ‘Auctions should be lively, social occastions. London is well-established but lacks the buzz, the excitement of the full room. We want to bring that back.’ Jason Boland, president of Spectrum Wine Auctions, was attracted by London's pedigree and importance to the secondary market, and its potential. Brierley also said auctions would be held in non-traditional venues and at a more accessible time. ‘A private collector with a day job in the City may not find it ideal to wander down to a sale room in St James's at 11am on a Thursday.’ Since launching in 2009, Spectrum Wine Auctions has grossed $30m (£19m) from internet sales and live ones in California and Hong Kong.
Each season, the fashion industry hand picks their own musical muse
Each season, the fashion industry hand picks their own musical muse — usually a star on the rise who ends up performing at every single industry soiree from New York to Paris and whose hit single is played at a number of the big ticket runway shows. This past February it was all about Adele and before that, Florence Welch. This time it's rapper/singer Theophilus London, and although he's still one of hip-hop's under-the-radar talents, he's quickly becoming fashion's musical darling of the moment. This week, London's not only been spotted front row at the Tommy Hilfiger Men's show, performing hits from his new album "Timez Are Weird" at Tommy's FNO party and hanging at Imitation of Christ and Carlos Campos, he's also promoting his new shoe collaboration with Cole Haan. Last night at their Soho store, London was on hand to mingle and perform, telling us that his new blue suede bucks were, "very cool." He continued, "it was fun to do, but I wish I made them for women. That's all I really care about is pleasing women, not so much men. Don't you want a pair?" London also weighed in on yesterday's somewhat shocking news that Kanye West will be showing his new collection during Paris Fashion Week, starting September 27th. When we asked what he thought about Kanye's move into the world of fashion design, he responded enthusiastically, "I think it's sick man, I totally back him. He actually emailed me this morning and invited me to the show, so I'm definitely going to hop on a plane in a couple weeks and be there for him. He's Kanye, he can do anything." We also suggested that it'd be amazing if he'd team up with Kanye and/or Jay-Z on his next album. "We'll see, I mean that'd be a dream come true. It's cool they even support me, but right now I'm just chillin." Though he was quick to claim his "chillin" status several times throughout our conversation, it doesn't appear that this guy's slowing down any time soon. With a fashion collaboration already under his belt, the attention of iconic designers and an open invitation to what's bound to be the most talked about show at Paris Fashion Week, London's got a swagger we'll be following all season long.
Cole Haan
Vogue group opens London fashion school
Having long passed judgement on the catwalk via the pages of Vogue, a leading magazine publisher is setting up its own fashion school in London. The Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design will open in September 2012, taking up to 300 students in its first year. With courses branded around its stable of monthlies and weeklies, its principal will be Susie Forbes, editor of Easy Living and former deputy editor of British Vogue. Last year, Condé Nast's British arm made £34.6m. It is thought the conglomerate's move into teaching may face hostility from the arts education community, with the capital already hosting the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins. Nicholas Coleridge, managing director of Condé Nast, said: "The reputation and authority of our brands puts us in a strong position to teach and inspire the fashion and decorating talent of the future."
Málaga singer picks up three nominations in the Latin Grammys
Málaga Singer, Pablo Alborán, who had a surprise number one album in Spain this year has been nominated in three categories of the Latin Grammys, including best new comer and song of the year for ‘Solamente tu’. When he heard the news the Málaga singer wrote on Twitter – ‘Family, I don’t know what to say. This is a dream, I love you!’. Shakira, Ricky Martin and Maná also have three nominations this year. Grand favourites at the Latin Grammys this year are Calle 13, a due from Puerto Rico who have as many as ten nominations. The ceremony will be held in Las Vegas on November 10.
Thief who swallowed diamond is caught on X-ray
The theft happened when two British women entered a restaurant in the luxury southern resort of Marbella and one of them left her handbag on the floor by her chair, police said in a statement. "Two well-dressed men came in, one sitting at the bar and the other next to the woman," it said. When the men left, the woman discovered that her handbag, containing 2,000 euros (£1,700) and £400 cash, a mobile phone, a pendant with a diamond worth 12,000 euros (£10,400) and other valuables, had disappeared. Hours later, police stopped a car at a routine checkpoint and found the four occupants had criminal records. Inside the vehicle they also discovered a handbag as well as valuables and cash, which they later identified as belonging to the British woman. All that was missing was the diamond. "During the operation, officers noticed one of the men putting his hand to his mouth," police said. "This gesture and the fact that they had found the pendant without the diamond made the police think he may have swallowed it. "To find the stone, those arrested were taken to a medical center where they underwent X-rays, and the diamond was located inside the stomach of one of them, who admitted swallowing it."
Chris Stewart has been voted the most influential expat of the past 200 years in Andalucia
Individuals included on The Olive Press's “Expat 100” list ranged from little-known historical figures such as Amelia Loring, the grandaughter of a former British consul who founded Málaga's botanic gardens in the 1850s, to modern-day celebrities such as Sean Connery, who lived for many years in Marbella. Top of the list was Chris Stewart, ex-drummer of the British band Genesis, whose books about life on his Andalucian farm have, the newspaper said, “completely changed the perception of Andalucia as a region, as well as encouraging thousands to visit". Mr Stewart said that he was "flattered and privileged" to have been given first place. “I’m a huge fan of multiculturalism and the presence of foreigners here has really helped the region,” he added. Stewart was closely followed by the American author Washington Irving, who is credited with rediscovering Granada’s Alhambra palace, Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg, the Bavarian-Spanish playboy who transformed Marbella from a tiny village into a thriving tourist destination, and Joan Hunt CBE, the British founder of the cancer hospice Cudeca, on the Costa del Sol. Less famous characters who also made the list included Canadians Scott Abbott and Chris Haney, who invented the game Trivial Pursuits while in Nerja, and Betty Molesworth Allen, a New Zealand expat who became an expert on Andalucia's flowers and plants. Readers generally responded positively to the choice of expats on the list, which was compiled with help from the British consul in Málaga, a judging panel of prominent local expats, and readers who sent in nominations. Opinion was divided however over the exact ranking order, with one reader complaining that there was an over-prioritisation of "fame and celebrity". Top 10 influential expats in Andalucia
A British couple who spent £9,000 on their dream wedding ceremony in Spain were jilted at the altar
SWNS
- by their priest.
Gary and Marie Mead had organised a ceremony with 74 of their friends after legally marrying in Las Vegas last August.
The pair had gone to great lengths to create their big day - from learning their vows inSpanish to exporting a cake from England - only to be left locked outside the pretty Las Alcazares church in Murcia, with no priest.
Gary, 51, who runs a scaffolding business, told the Daily Mail: 'The priest we had booked the whole thing with just never showed up.
'Our friends had a blessing by him in the same church just over a year ago and said how great it had been so we thought we'd do the same.
'When we got to the church and realised it was shut I grew more and more concerned but in the end we had to laugh.
'We knew the Spanish had a more laid-back attitude but didn't think it was this extreme.'
The couple had wanted a celebration near their villa in Mil Palmeras - but they didn't let a small thing like no priest put them off enjoying their reception.
After waiting 'for ages in a bar near the church', the couple realised he was coming, and along with their wedding party headed to the beach, before making their way to their reception at a nearby bar.
They have not contacted the priest for an explanation so far.
Marie said: 'All I'm really missing from the day are pictures inside the church.
'We have just chalked it up to experience - we would not go through it again, it is surprising how much work went into it.
'I'm happy though - we had a lovely celebration with families and friends and have some great pictures to remember the day, it was definitely memorable.'
British company wants to buy La Manga Club
British real estate fund asked for a price for La Manga Club in Murcia. La Manga is one of the main tourist and sports complexes in the region and is under bankruptcy protection. The fund which is showing an interest is London and Regional (L&R) Properties. They talks with the owners, MedGroup, are reported to be currently on hold, but La Verdad reports that the workers’ union CGT consider the sale as signed and sealed. The union would welcome the purchase, and notes that L&R already has some 60 hotels including the Hilton chain. Antonio Ros, the General Director of La Manga Club, told the paper that ‘It’s true that there were conversations, but at this time we have no information’. L&R Properties are reported to be interested in a greater holding in the Spanish market. The fund is owned by Ian and Richard Livingstone, and completed their first purchases in Spain last June with the purchase of two FCC offices in Madrid and Barcelona, to then rent them back to the same company. La Manga Club applied for bankruptcy protection at the end of 2008 when it was unable to finance its debt of 97 million €.
Bentley Continental GT
Price: £135,760 What do you do when you see a sweating man changing the foot-wide punctured tyre of a Bentley Continental GT in the rain? You smile, of course, then drive past and inhale that most satisfying aroma – rank schadenfreude. Well, last weekend, on the busy A429, that man in the rain was me. To make the most of my time with the new GT, I'd taken it on a mini Grand Tour, up through the Cotswolds then back in a long lazy loop to London. I'd spent several happy hours powering past small fry and practising my look of haughty disdain. But then, to my horror, I plunged into a gaping pothole. A sickening thump was followed by the unmistakable slapping sound of a flat tyre. Worse was to come. The skinny spare has a limit of only 50mph, so I spent the day inching the 200mph supercar back home. The final insult was added when I was flashed doing 48 in a 40 just miles from London. Oh the perfect irony… The Bentley Continental GT is enormous – it weighs in at an immodest 2.3 tonnes. The bonnet stretches into the horizon. Peering forward you can only hazard a guess where your four corners are. And yet, despite its awesome scale, it's the little things that win you over. The steering wheel is heated. The air vents are controlled by organ-stop chrome knobs. You can press a button to remind yourself of not only the air pressure in each tyre (zero in the front left), but which set of wheels you're driving on – the 20in, the 21in or the winter wheels. The boot is opened by lightly brushing the "B" on the rear badge. The boot and doors are self-closing and, let's be honest, having to shut things can be a real fag. Best of all is the fact that when you sink into your fat-man's driving seat, a small arm passes you your seat belt. Heaven forbid you might have to reach over your own shoulder. If the Conti GT were a person it could well be Michael Winner. It is larger than life, brazen, unapologetic and quintessentially English – yet despite its shortcomings inspires great affection. It is packed with contradictions: it's hugely overweight yet boasts graceful lines and dances round corners; it is conservative yet technically ahead of its time; it is one of the most glamorous marques in the world, yet it is built in Crewe. But, channelling its inner Michael Winner, the Bentley doesn't hide this fact – it rejoices in it. Every vehicle has a metal plate screwed to the door with the words: "Handcrafted by Bentley Motors Ltd, Crewe, England." This most recent model of the Continental GT now comes with a revolutionary six-speed auto gearbox that reduces shift times by 50%. The monumental 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine has been uprated and now puts out a heroic 567bhp. The car features active air suspension, so it raises and lowers itself to improve its aerodynamics. All this indulgence brings with it a certain amount of pain. And that pain is felt most acutely when watching the fuel-consumption figure. You feel like cheering when the figure jumps from 4.3 to 4.4 miles per gallon. Admittedly that was in nasty start-stop traffic – on the open road it was managing an average of about 21mpg – the official combined figure is a pitiful 17.1mpg. And that's surely enough to bring a blush even to the cheek of Michael Winner
Miles per gallon: 17.1
Top speed: 198mph
Apple to open a new store in Marbella
Apple has chosen Marbella for a new store which Diario Sur reports will be the company’s largest in Spain. The paper says it will open in La Cañada in November and will cover an area of 1,700 square metres. It’s understood that work is already underway on preparing the premises. There has been no official confirmation from the company as yet, but Diario Sur notes that Apple includes the Marbella store on its web page under its job offers in Spain. The paper however reports that the selection process for Apple’s 65 Marbella staff began in June and is close to conclusion.
Puerto Banús bar owner has set himself his biggest ever charity challenge – to climb La Concha 40 times in 40 days.
Russell Soden
Russell Soden, a co-proprietor of Terra Blues in the port and Lick FM DJ, is taking on the mammoth trek to raise funds in memory of his daughter Coral, who he lost to cot death 14 years ago.
The money raised will go to the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID), the UK's leading baby charity aiming to prevent unexpected deaths in infancy and promote infant health.
Russell, who has lived on the Costa del Sol for 11 years, is no stranger to fundraising challenges. In previous years he has trekked up Kilimanjaro, built a school in Africa and earlier this summer leapt out of an airplane with 14 other Marbella area bar owners in a sponsored skydive to raise 2600€
But the 40-day hike could be his biggest yet and he hopes to have raised 4000€ at the end of it all.
“Obviously, this cause is one that couldn’t be closer to my heart and over the last few years I have picked one big charity push each year, usually by getting involved in organised expeditions, to help raise money for it,” said Russell, aged 40, originally from Leamington Spa in the UK.
“I was struggling to find something different to do this year so first I managed to rope some other local bar owners into jumping out of an airplane. Then I thought I would try and do a more physical challenge close to home rather than flying halfway round the world.
“My initial idea was to climb La Concha twice a day for 20 days but then I thought that was a bit much – so I’ve made it a little gentler at 40 times in 40 days!
“It does seem like a huge task that will go on for well over a month but it’s too late to back out now. I have climbed La Concha a few times before so know what I am a letting myself in for but it is still a little daunting.
“I really hope that people can get behind me and support me on this and that we can raise a significant amount for this vital research and support from FSID which I know from first hand experience can be a huge help at a very difficult time.”
La Concha is 1,215 metres high at the western end of the Sierra Blanca mountain range. Russell will start his first ascent on 19 September from Refugio de Juanar. It is 11 kilometres to the summit and back and expects it to take about six hours each time.
You can sponsor Russell by www.justgiving.com/russell-sodeno or find out more on the terra Blues website at www.terra-blues.com, or call 686 908 016
Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_31881.shtml#ixzz1XXh5I0DG
three million expats estimated to live in Andalucia – including unofficially one million Britons
three million expats estimated to live in Andalucia – including unofficially one million Britons – standing out from the crowd can be difficult. Expat 100 poll is not just about acknowledging those people who have reached a wide audience and helped to attract visitors in their droves. It is also about celebrating the lesser-known personalities who have played an equally influential role in their communities and gone the extra mile to help the lives of others. These include characters, such as George Langworthy, who gave his fortune away to the poor in Torremolinos, and Betty Molesworth Allen, who in her eighties, was still compiling books on the botany of the region. And then there are the off-beat characters. The likes of Scott Abbott and Chris Haney, who invented the popular game Trivial Pursuit in Nerja and Sergio Leone, who single-handedly invented the Spaghetti Western genre in Almeria. Finally there are the downright strange, such as Mr Garlick, who fastidiously collected notes in bottles and other curiosities that got washed up on the shore in Cadiz and Pepe the Scot, who apparently used to dictate the start of Sevilla’s feria. Either way, the demographic landscape of Andalucia has changed dramatically over the past few centuries – the majority of it since the 1970s – with most towns and villages now boasting fully-integrated residents of several different nationalities. It all adds to the harmony of what is, without doubt, one of Europe’s most attractive places to live. As our winner Chris Stewart insists: “It’s a privilege to be part of the melting pot. THE TOP TEN MOVERS AND SHAKERS After starting out as a founding member of British rock band Genesis, Stewart enjoyed a foray around Europe before making his home on a farm in the Alpurrajas nearly three decades ago. During his time in Andalucia, Stewart has turned a dusty, dry corner of semi-desert, near Orgiva, into a productive farm, as well as representing the Green Party, running as a candidate in the 2007 local elections. But it is Stewart’s impact on the region as an author that has cemented his place at the summit of the Expat 100 list. His autobiographical trilogy of Driving Over Lemons, A Parrot in the Pepper Treeand The Almond Blossom Appreciation Society, completely changed the perception of Andalucia as a region, as well as encouraging thousands to visit. “I feel enormously flattered and privileged, it’s made my day,” Stewart told theOlive Press when informed of the accolade. “It’s a pleasing vote of confidence, and rather surprising, I’m thrilled.” The former drummer – who now runs a farm, El Valero, with his wife Ana after moving to Andalucia in the 1980s – recalled how much things have changed since then. “I’m a huge fan of multiculturalism and the presence of foreigners here has really helped the region,” Stewart insisted. “Expats have brought things like yoga to the region and there was no such thing as wholemeal bread when we first moved here,” he says. “Because of us, diets have changed enormously.” He continued: “When people move to a new place it enriches the demographic and helps to inject life into society. “It’s a privilege to be part of the melting pot.” Modest by nature, Stewart, 61, plays down his impact, but does acknowledge that he has helped to draw visitors to southern Spain and the Alpujarras in particular. “People come here with the book and say ‘we just had to see the place’ and I am sure they have had a small economic benefit on the area. “On top of that the feedback I have had from the Spanish has been dazzlingly positive.” His personal picks: Ian Gibson, who had a ‘huge effect on Spanish literature’, as well as his literary friend Michael Jacobs, and David Baird. “I should also mention Gerald Brenan, as he was largely the reason I came to live here.” What is more, he is unlikely to be leaving in a hurry. “Our life has changed a lot since we’ve been here, but I still get tremendous pleasure from writing and living here. There is no way I am leaving, apart from in a box.” 2 WASHINGTON IRVING The American writer and diplomat put Andalucia on the map with his book Tales of the Alhambra, which was published in 1832. Irving is credited with ‘rediscovering the Alhambra’ and spent a short amount of time living in it in 1829, when it was in a poor state of repair. Publication of the book led to the restoration of the palace, which quickly became one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions. This, in turn, brought major benefits to both Granada, and Andalucia generally. 3 PRINCE ALFONSO HOHENLOHE Charmed by Marbella after stopping for a picnic, he bought an estate with a ruined vineyard. This eventually became the Marbella Club, that came to welcome everyone from Hollywood stars, to royalty to the town. And as the man himself once pointed out: “Thanks to my initiative, Marbella’s Golden Mile alone now provides 60,000 jobs.” The Prince later went on to set up his own successful trailblazing vineyard in Ronda – one of the first – and lived there until his death from prostate cancer in December 2003. 4 JOAN HUNT CBE After becoming a registered charity in 1992, Cudeca has gone from strength to strength under her leadership and continues to flourish. In 2002, Hunt was awarded an OBE for her services in southern Spain. When informed of her place in the Expat 100, she said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in this way, it’s wonderful. “Can you thank all of your readers who nominated me, it’s lovely.” She also highlighted just how much of a difference Cudeca makes to people’s lives. “Being unwell in a foreign country where perhaps the patient doesn’t speak the native language can be hard and it’s a great comfort to them to have us here to care for them.” 5 SIR GEORGE LANGWORTHY He was a rich man but was very generous towards the town’s poor. Indeed, following the death of his wife from pneumonia, Langworthy became depressed and decided to give away his fortune to the poor, giving away a peseta (then enough to feed a family for a day) in return for a prayer from the Bible. This earned him the title of ‘el ingles de la peseta’, giving away an estimated total of 12 million pesetas. He then went on to set up the first hotel in the town in the 1930s before dying in poverty in 1945. 6 WILLIAM MARK THE Former British consul (from 1824-1836), established the English Cemetery in Malaga in 1831, the first in Spain to allow people of all religious denominations a proper burial. Protestants and all other non-Roman Catholics had previously had to be buried in an upright position on the beach at night, leaving the bodies exposed to the tides and scavenging dogs. Mark applied diplomatic pressure on the king, which led to the establishment of Protestant cemeteries in all Spanish towns that had a British consul. Notable names to be buried in Malaga’s English Cemetery include Robert Boyd, Gerald Brenan and Gamel Woolsey (all included in this supplement). He went on to set up Spain’s most famous sherry firm – celebrated for its black bull adverts perched on hillsides nationwide – and ran the business until his death in 1854. The Osborne Bull remains an iconic symbol around the world, having been created in 1956 as a means of advertising. The company continues to thrive to this day, bringing many economic benefits to Andalucia and Spain as a whole. Osborne is also credited with designing El Puerto de Santa Maria bull ring to seat 12,816 people – the exact population of the town at the time. 8 GERALD BRENAN CBE The Malta-born writer – who later married American poet Gamel Woolsey (herself a writer) – arrived in Spain in 1919 but later returned to the UK during the Spanish Civil War. He was permitted to return to Spain in 1953 despite his political views being anti-Franco. His books have greatly promoted the region, with The Spanish Labyrinth having been a key tome, even used by brave Spaniards to understand what really happened during and after the civil war under Franco. A plaque acknowledging his role in promoting Yegen can be found on his former home in the village. 9 SERGIO LEONE Starting the genre known asSpaghetti Westerns, he shot several films in the region, including A Fistful of Dollars,which made Clint Eastwood a star. Other films to be shot in the desert of Tabernas includedFor a Few Dollars More andthe Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Thanks to Leone, Almeria later attracted other directors including Steven Spielberg and Planet of the Apes director Franklin J. Schaffner to the area. 10 AMELIA LORING Originally a private estate, the spectacular tropical site was purchased in 1990 by the Malaga city council and has been open to the public ever since. The gardens are one of the most important in Spain and attract a large number of visitors, helping to generate revenue for Malaga and boost the city’s reputation. Today, the site is popular with visitors to Malaga and has recently become an officially protected landmark.
1 CHRIS STEWART
Irving later served as US Minister to Spain from 1842-1846 and now a well-trodden ‘Route of Washington Irving’ continues to draw visitors to the area, keen to follow in his footsteps.
Responsible for transforming Marbella from a sleepy fishing village into a millionaires playground, Hohenlohe had first hit upon the area after being sent to Andalucia by his father Max in 1947 to search for property.
AS the founder and President of the Cudeca cancer hospice in Benalmadena, Hunt has had an enormously positive impact on the lives of patients receiving palliative care over the last 20 years.
TORREMOLINOS’ only officially ‘adopted son’, Langworthy moved to the town in the 1900s when he purchased the old fort and had the grounds landscaped.
7 THOMAS OSBORNE MANN
ENGLISH merchant who settled in Cadiz towards the end of the 18th Century.
BEST known for works including South from Granada and The Spanish Labyrinth,Brenan lived for much of his life in Andalucia, living first in Yegen in the Alpujarras and then later in Churriana and Alhaurin near Malaga.
THE Italian film director spent considerable time in Andalucia and played a major role in putting the region on the map through his film sets in Almeria.
THE granddaughter of the former British consul, Loring founded Malaga’s celebrated botanical gardens (Jardin Botanico La Concepcion) in the 1850s.