MONThLy MAGAzINE - OCTOBER 2011 - Nº 6 - PRICE: 2 €

AA VVIISSIITT TTOO

GGOOLLDDEENN FFAARRMM

2 focus on menorca

To advertise in this monthly magazine please contact:Christine Watterson on tel. 699 065 493or email to ads@focusonmenorca.com

The magazine’s website, www.focusonmenorca.com, is now operatio-nal and has details of advertising rates etc.

AN IDEAL GIFTOR SOUVENIR

Menorca, Artists of Todaywith texts also in English

ON SALE IN

BOOKSHOPS

AND

NEWSAGENTS

This magazine can be purchased from news-agentsand the press section of some supermarkets intowns and urbanisations, plus the following pointsof sale:

· El Picadero, Maó· Taj Indian Restaurant, Maó· Con Estilo (Darcey’s), Maó· Bar Delfin, Es Castell· The Teapot, Es Castell· Scandals Restaurant, Es Castell· Cats in Need, Noria Riera (and back copies)· Supermercado Es Talaiot, Trebalúger· Monet’s Hairdressers, Sant Lluís· Simon Dunn’s Chocolates, Sant Lluís· Ca’n Dulce, Sant Climent· Bar Nelsons, Son Vitamina· La Tetera de Aloe Vera, Alaior· Es Mercadal Emporium· Son Parc Golf Club· Rex’s Bar, Son Parc· BJ’s, Son Parc· El Castillo, Port d’Addaia· Neat & Tidy, Port d’Addaia· Bar Churchills, Cala en Blanes

Please contact us if you would like to sell Focus inyour outlet.

3focus on menorca

A NOTE FROMThE EDITOR

INDExOF CONTENTS

Firstly, I would like to offer my apolo-gies to Bryce Lyons, President of theMenorca Britannia Association, whosubmitted last month’s article “AMenorcan Connection in London” butwhose name did not appear on the

page - sorry!This month we introduce a new contributor to themagazine - B. A. Ware - who has kindly agreed towrite some spoof articles for us to fill the gaps left bynot having to print fiesta programmes! - thanks.We also hear some more from Steve Morgan on fund-raising for the Rest & Recover Menorca projectwhich, at the time of going to print, has just broughtout the second group of soldiers from the HouseholdCavalry wounded in Afghanistan for a short break onthe island.We are starting our FREE Car Boot Sale Section nextmonth and would like to hear from people with itemsto sell for 100 euros or less (excluding services andcatering adverts). Now that the season’s windingdown it’s a good time to have a clear out and adver-tise unwanted items free of charge in “Focus”.A reminder that we will be publishing “Focus onMenorca” throughout the winter months. If yourusual point of distribution closes at the end of theseason, you should be able to find a convenient al-ternative outlet from the list on the previous page. Ifyou are returning to the U.K. for the winter, you cankeep in touch with happenings in Menorca through“Focus” by taking out a subscription (for three, six ortwelve months), details of which will shortly be pub-lished on our web site.We can be contacted through our website: www.focu-sonmenorca.com; or by email: editor@focuson-menorca.com or ads@focusonmenorca.com if youwish to have a letter printed or air your views (pleaseinclude your full name and address) or to advertise inthe magazine (rates for which can be consulted on-line).

Best wishes,The Editor

Es Castell’s English radio show.............4

“Happenings at Pinchbeck Hall”,the MCP’s next production.....................6

Menorcan Llaut donated to Club Vidalba...................................................7

Fund-raising for the next R&R visit ........................................................8

A visit to Golden Farm .........................10

The ghost of the Port of Mahón ...........12

Not all gloom and doom ......................14

Grand charity gala for the A.E.C.C ......16

A welcome gift in times of need ..........18

News Round-up ...................................19

Events to look out for ..........................25

Places of Interest .................................26

In memory of Maria Luisa Serra ..........27

Leisure Corner: Sudokus, Codeword andQuick Crossword .................................28

Useful Telephone Numbers .................29

Solutions to puzzles .............................30

Prima Ventanas - doing a good job

D.L.: ME 154/2011

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY:

Setmanaris i Revistes S.L.

C/ Pin tor Tor rent, 7 - 07760 Ciu ta de lla de Me nor ca

PHONE: 971 38 55 58 - FAX: 971 38 29 20

4 focus on menorca

ES CASTELL’S OWN ENGLISh RADIO ShOW

Thanks to the Town Council,Es Castell is to have its ownweekly English-speakingradio show, aimed not only atthe British but also other resi-dents who understand the lan-guage. The idea came from EsCastell’s Councillor for Cul-ture, Education and Youth,Maria Coll, who approachedthe President of the MenorcaBritannia Association, BryceLyons. The scheme was enthu-siastically endorsed by the as-sociation’s committee so, as

from 20th October, there willbe an hourly “Menorca Britan-nia Radio Show” on Radio EsCastell (103.40 FM) from2000 hrs., which can be re-ceived in Es Castell, Maó,Sant Lluís and parts of Alaior.The show’s main presenterwill be Tess Facey who will beknown to many for her splen-did portrayal of the Good Fairyin the Menorca Charity Play-ers’ pantomimes. Describingherself as “an OAP of ad-vanced years”, she is an artist

and garden designer who haslived in Torret for 12 yearswith husband, Chris, two catsand four hens “all with an atti-tude”.A novice to broadcasting, Tesshas been taught “which knobsto twiddle” by Andrés Ferrer,the radio station’s main pre-senter. Practising one day witha friend, she was unaware thatthe channel was still open andthat everything that they saidwas being broadcast, until alistener phoned in to tell her!

Tess Facey will be ‘the voice’ of the Menorca Britannia Radio Show

According to Tess the pro-gramme will be based on a“poor man’s Desert IslandDiscs” with a diary section ofevents for the following weekand maybe a report on any-thing of interest that has hap-pened, such as a Red Crosssale. Each week there will be aguest who will be interviewedand will choose pieces ofmusic that mean something tothem; Tess is grateful that theguests will be responsible forthe choice of music as her mu-

5focus on menorca

ES CASTELL’S OWN ENGLISh RADIO ShOWsical tastes are limited to clas-sical music and Elvis. Thefirst guest will be Bryce Lyons,President of the Menorca Bri-tannia Association, who willbe followed by the HonoraryBritish Consul in Menorca,Deborah Hellyer MBE, andLorraine Ure, a member of theMediterranean Garden Soci-ety. Others from various sec-tions of the community havealready been lined up for thenext three months’ pro-grammes.As this is a new venture thatshe has never done before andis “doing for fun” and in thebelief that it is important tokeep the brain active, Tesswould like some input fromthe British population as it will

be “their programme”. Anemail address will be givenout so that people can contacther with ideas or constructivecriticism.She also hopes that people willcome forward to learn how touse the machinery and have ago at presenting the showthemselves, thus enabling herto have the odd holiday or two.Having found it “very diffi-cult” to learn how to operatethe various machines in thestudio in the Town Hall, Tessis a little nervous about gettingeverything right on the firstshow on 20th October, butfeels that doing the pro-gramme will be fun and a newchallenge.

6 focus on menorca

“hAPPENINGS AT PINChBECk hALL”, ThE MCP’S NExT PRODuCTION

The Menorca Charity Playersare preparing for their nextproduction, “Happenings atthe Hall” which, in the wordsof Chris Collman, will be “anEdwardian melodrama withfarcical undertones”. The Pla-yers will be returning to thesetting that saw their debut in2000 - the Casino in Sant Cli-ment - and the entertainmentwill take the form of a theatresupper to be held on fournights; 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10thDecember.Directed by Jane Higgs theplay will star the usual well-known faces: Janice Rayfield,Lynn Swift, Andy Sharpe,Shirley Smith, Chris andCathy Collman, Gerry Wright,Sylvie Collins and A. N.Other. Mike Collins will beresponsible for the lightingand Mike Dixon is again thescenery builder, with his workcut out, as, this year, they willhave to build their own stageas the Casino’s is too small.In view of the economic cli-mate, the Players have optedto do smaller shows more fre-quently which will also givethe actors the chance to do abit more.The audience will be limitedto 50 people per night, soearly booking will be essen-tial; the tickets will be on saleat 25 euros from the usual ou-tlets from November. Theprice includes dinner (withchoices for each course) andthe show. The main charity to benefitfrom this production will beASPANOB (the association forparents of children with can-cer in the Balearic Islands),which maintains flats inPalma and Barcelona wherethe children undergoing treat-ment and their families can

stay. As with many other localcharities, ASPANOB is feelingthe effects of the economic cri-sis with official subsidies andprivate donations drying upand there were fears that theywould be unable to maintain

the accommodation that is sonecessary, especially in thecase of lengthy treatment.The charity was chosen partlybecause one of the Players hasa personal connection with it.Janice Rayfield’s daughter

and son-in-law, Leigh andPaul Tolmie, have a veryyoung daughter, Elena Lily,who is being treated in Palmaand the family has receivedhelp from ASPANOB.

An Edwardian melodramawith farcical undertonesdirected by Jane Higgs

7focus on menorca

MENORCAN LLAuT DONATED TOCLuB VIDALBA

When Nigel and Moira Dwyerdecided to part with the Me-norcan Llaut they had ownedfor 30 years, they were notsure what to do with it, until itwas suggested that they coulddonate the boat to a local cha-rity, a prospect that excitedthem. The couple, who have aproperty in Punta Prima, were

Car Boot Sale SectionAdvertise items to be sold for 100 euros or less

(excluding catering or services) FREE of charge.Contact us at ads@focusonmenorca.com withyour name, address and telephone number,

together with the text for the advert, or leave theinformation at Ca’n Dulce (the Chocolate Shop)

in Sant Climent for onward transmission.

introduced to Gabriel Carre-ras, the President of Club Vi-dalba, a voluntary associationthat provides sporting and lei-sure activities for the handi-capped in Menorca and, aftera lot of paperwork, the boat isto be donated to this local cha-rity.The idea is that the children

can do activities on the boatand also maintain it (anti-fou-ling, varnishing etc.) and it isanticipated that it could alsobe used by other charitable or-ganisations.The Menorcan Charity Playershope to raise small amounts ofmoney to help pay for the up-keep of the craft so that it is

not a drain on the charity’s li-mited resources and are cu-rrently looking for a mooringfor the llaut. If anyone canhelp with this request, pleasecontact the Menorcan CharityPlayers or “Focus on Me-norca”.

8 focus on menorca

The 17th September saw thethird annual charity fund rais-ing event held at BJ’s Bar inSon Parc. BJ’s owners Andresand Sofi along with the effer-vescent Maureen (yes, thatMaureen from Cool Oasis!) de-cided this year to give theirsupport to Rest & RecoverMenorca.The evening got off to a greatstart with live music from ‘Lit-tley & Large on Tour’ with spe-cial guest vocalist NealBurton. A hat was passedaround at the end of their ses-sion and a very welcome 60€started the fund-raisingevening. This was followed bya Tombola, Raffle, Bingo, PubQuiz and a Disco. Each eventadding more and more to thepot.Also a very special ‘thank you’goes to Joan and Karen, to-gether with the rest of the teamat Menorca’s premier clothingmanufacturer, Pou Nou. Wegave them our logo design andspecifications at the last pos-sible moment and the almostimpossible task of printingsome ‘T’ shirts and Polo shirtsin time for BJ’s do….Ofcourse, they came to our res-cue and, because of their help,sales of the shirts by the endof Saturday amounted to over170€ with plenty more tocome!Towards the end of the eveningthere was a surprise visit fromElvis! Rikki Ryan told us thatElvis had already performedthat night but was so keen to

FuND-RAISING FOR ThE NExT R&R VISIT

help he hot footed it from EsCastell to give his second per-formance of the night.He was joined on stage by hisvery own 'Hoola Girls' andwhilst we all thought theylooked beautiful we couldn'thelp thinking that one of themmust have been the twin sisterof our own committee memberAdrian Deamer (aka www.pri-vatechefmenorca.com) as thesimilarity was almost unbe-lievable, which is, coinci-dently, a word which alsodescribes the ‘Hoola Girls’dancing!Not only was money raisedduring the evening for ‘Rest &Recover’ but there was a spe-cial charity auction in aid ofthe Cruz Roja. Over the pastfew months BJ’s has held pig

Anne Maddison explaining about R&R Menorca (photo: Steve Morgan)

Elvis making a surprise appearance (photo: Steve Morgan)

9focus on menorca

FuND-RAISING FOR ThE NExT R&R VISITracing! Now, before you start writingyour letters of complaint, let me add thatthese little pigs were battery-operatedwith jockeys knitted by the ever-talentedLadies’ Craft Group. The six pigs, ‘Lester Piglet’, ‘Duchess ofPork’, ‘Rodney Trotter’, Barbara Q Ribs’,‘Chris P. Bacon’ & ‘Cary Grunt’ weresold to some very eager bidders and atotal of 176€ was raised without eventhe slightest smell of bacon!When all the totals were added together,including money raised by Elvis 'selling'his songs, an amazing sum of a little over1,700€ was handed over to the Rest &Recover Team and Cruz Roja.Anne thanked everybody for their gen-erosity and especially Andres, Sofi andMaureen for organising such a fabulousevening.We are now just a matter of days awayfrom the arrival of the next group of sol-diers and BJ's fantastic efforts will en-sure that we can give these lads aholiday they will thoroughly enjoy andremember for many years to come.You can follow us on Twitter;@RandR_Menorca.

The Hoola Girls adding to the eve-ning’s entertainment!(photo: Steve Morgan)

by Steve Morgan

10 focus on menorca

A VISIT TO GOLDEN FARM

Another place that has recently beenopened up to the public for visits,through the Menorca Britannia Asso-ciation, is Golden Farm, the large Geor-gian house with a red facade that can beseen high on a hill overlooking Maó har-bour. The 18th century house com-mands stunning views over the port, theIsla del Rey and the town of Maó on theopposite bank and was, in fact, theplace chosen by many members of theassociation to watch the spectacular dis-play by the Red Arrows in May.The visits are led by the association’sPresident, Bryce Lyons, assisted by hiswife Sheila, who relates the history ofSan Antonio, once one of the island’sbiggest estates covering 1,000 hectaresand stretching from La Mola to CalaMesquida to the power station and alongthe harbour. Bryce explains that the

11focus on menorca

A VISIT TO GOLDEN FARM

name “Golden Farm” was coi-ned by sea captains in theirship’s logs because the fieldsof corn nearby were the onlysplash of yellow in an other-wise green countryside.The original two-roomed farm-house dates back to Arabtimes, maybe as far back asthe late 12th century, but themajority of the house wasadded during the 18th century.It has been the property of theDelás Vigo family for morethan 400 years and has wit-nessed many of the island’smain historical events andbeen visited by such well-known people as the Prince ofWales, later Edward VII, and

his wife Alexandra, KaiserWilhelm, and Lord Nelson (al-though without Lady Hamil-ton) who slept on his own cotin a small bedroom as respitefrom his ship, the Foudroyant,which was anchored in Maóharbour.The tour of the house includesthe reading room which hou-ses an extensive collection ofleather bound books and cup-boards full of old documentswhich are currently being ca-talogued by the Island Coun-cil and digital copies made.There is also a facsimile of anunfinished letter from Nelsonto Emma Hamilton written justbefore his last battle.

An interesting visit made themore so by Bryce’s depth ofhistorical knowledge and easyway of imparting it. The visitsare open to anyone over theage of 12 years but booking isessential and can be donethrough Sheila on 971 366

206. The cost is 10 euros perperson which goes towards theupkeep and repair of thehouse. Visits are usually onMonday and Friday afterno-ons, although times and daysmay vary as the family is in re-sidence.

23, Sinia des Muret - Mahón - Menorca

Telf.: 971 35 40 70 - taj@telefonica.net

www.indianrestaurantinmenorca.com

AUTHENTIC INDIAN RESTAURANT

Specializing in Balti

and Tandoori Dishes

Wedding receptions and

parties catered for

with a variety of Indian

and/or Chinese food

Excellent choice for

vegetarians

Takeaway service

Belly dancing and Indian

dancing on certain dates

12 focus on menorca

Few people know of the exis-tence of the ghost of the Bri-tish Admiral and hero ofTrafalgar, Lord Collingwood. When Nelson was shot and ki-lled early on in the heat of theBattle of Trafalgar his secondin command Admiral Lord Co-llingwood took completecharge of the British fleeteventually inflicting the deci-sive defeat of the combinedFrench and Spanish fleet.Following the battle of Trafal-gar and after a lifetime of ser-vice to the British crown,Collingwood, instead of reti-ring honourably as he had re-quested, and indeed hadexpected, to spend the rest ofhis life with his wife and twodaughters in Morpeth, Nor-thumberland, the Admiraltyordered him to Mahón to takecharge of the British Medite-rranean Fleet. Here he servedbetween the years of 1805 andhis untimely death in 1810.Lord Collingwood loved Me-norca and occupied, as hisshore base, a house directlyopposite Golden Farm, but onthe southern shore of the har-bour above Fonduco.This beautiful home is now theboutique hotel with the nameof the Hotel Almirante. Pere Melis in a short article inthe Menorca Diario newspaperon July 13th referred in pas-sing to Es Castell and themystery known as The Ghostof the Hotel Almirante. Asmost people would never haveheard of this and although anintriguing story, research

ThE GhOST OF ThE PORT OF MAhÓN

shows that it seems that mostof the elderly people of EsCastell consider the appea-rance a regular and quite nor-mal event. It is apparent thatstrange things happen withinthe hotel especially when it isclosed during the wintermonths. It is said, that with no onethere, lights can sometimes beseen in some windows, espe-cially on rainy nights or whenthe Tramuntana wind blows.People passing by on the roadhave even heard voices co-ming out of CollingwoodHouse. This is why the localpeople of Es Castell talk of theghost of Port Mahón.On many occasions I have hadthe pleasure of accompanyingSr. Francisco Montanari, theproprietor of the hotel, on hisguided tours for his residentguests. After his detailed ex-planations of the many pain-tings and the numerousantique heirlooms to be seen

as we take the stairs to theupper floor we enter the mainsalon and view the many arte-facts here.Sr. Francisco says, like me, heis not a believer in ghosts butwith an open mind he introdu-ces the subject when pointingout the antique piano againstthe wall close to the bedroomthat Admiral Collingwood isthought to have used duringhis frequent visits to PortMahón.He gives, perhaps logical ex-planations (or stories?) of acouple of different eventswhich have traditionally beenattributed to the ghost and thecurious history of the piano.“On a typical winter’s nightwith the Tramuntana wind blo-wing and pouring rain buffe-ting the old and badly fittingwindows, Sr. Montanari waschatting with the only threeguests of the hotel downstairs,three very typical elderly Bri-tish ladies. One of the three,

before going to her bedroom,got up and with her glass ofwine in her hand went to thepicture of Lord Collingwoodthat dominates the room andoffered a “goodnight” toast tohim. Then Sr. Francisco andthe ladies clearly heard threenotes coming from the pianoon the upper floor. Surprised,they all went up to see whocould have played the piano.They searched all the roomsbut there was no one on theentire top floor. Was it theghost of Lord Collingwoodreplying to the “goodnight”toast? Could it have been amouse? Could it have been thewind? But it had been threenotes - very distinct and veryclear that had emanated fromthe piano.”When Lord Collingwood, se-riously ill and dying, wasbeing taken back to Englandhis ship, the Ville de Paris, en-countered a tremendous stormjust a few miles of the coast of

13focus on menorca

ThE GhOST OF ThE PORT OF MAhÓN by Bryce Lyons

Menorca and it was at thistime that he expired. NavalTradition has it that, should asailor die at sea, his soul re-turns to the port from which hehad last sailed. That is whymany elderly people of EsCastell still believe that, oncertain cold nights of the Tra-muntana, the spirit of the Ad-miral still walks through theempty rooms of his home inthe Port.True or not? The jury is out onthis one. However it is won-

derful to think that on occa-sions the spirit of the greatman lives on and returns oc-casionally to the place heloved so much and secondonly to his family home atMorpeth and the valley of theRiver Wansbeck in Northum-berland.With grateful thanks to Sr.Francisco Pons Montanariand family for the many ple-asant hours in their companyand their vision of keepinghistory alive......

Lights and voices from an emptyhotel and notes played on a

piano with nobody nearby lendsubstance to the legend

14 focus on menorca

Creations 52 All Seasons IceCream SA is the brainchild ofItalian Luigi Costello who, in2008, set up a savoury icecream pilot production unit atthe disused mineral water bot-tling plant in Es Mercadal.Luigi, “.... please call meLou,” hails from Tuscany,where his father made icecreams in a converted garageand sold his produce from acart to his neighbours for var-ious celebrations, fiestas andfamily occasions. Workingalongside his father, Louhelped develop a frozen fruit-flavoured drink, with a vanillaice cream centre, on a stick.Later the family sold the ideaand the technology to Lyons,Cadby Hall, Hammersmith,London who then producedthe famous Mivvy ice lolly.Lou left Italy in 1987 andmoved to Pennsylvania State,USA where he worked for Her-shey as a product developmentscientist. When many otherconfectionery manufacturersdiversified into quality icecream production, Lou was ap-pointed to head up an R&Dteam whose purpose it was tocreate a chocolate and peanutbutter based ice cream snackon a stick; but it was much toolate! By the time they hadsomething ready for massmanufacture and sales, othermajor food companies such asUnilever, Mars and Nestlé hadalready taken an unassailablechunk of the market. The Her-shey venture failed.Now without a job SignoreCostello decided to head backto Europe and set up shop onhis own, producing the

savoury ice creams which hehad dreamed of years beforewhile working with his father.Stopping off in Menorca to seeold friends, he decided thiswas the ideal base to establishhis new business. Some of thebest quality milk in Europeand many other essential in-

gredients were available here,as was a work-force of enthu-siastic people who were al-ready experienced in theproduction and packaging ofmilk and cheese products, notto mention the renowned SantLluís rhubarb flavoured sor-bets. Some had even worked

for La Menorquina ice creamsbefore that company relocatedto Barcelona in the early1990’s.Creation 52 is developing anexciting range of savoury icecreams for specific Europeanmarkets as well as for specialcelebrations. For example,whereas Danish Bacon andPork Scratchings flavours willsell throughout the year inScandinavia, Bratwurst andSauerkraut will be availableonly during the German BeerFestivals season; Austria willtake delivery of “Mozart” intime for the Salzburg Festival.This exquisite product has ahint of Schnitzel and Red Cab-bage aroma.Costello has focussed early at-tention on the British market.Apparently, according toNeilsen data, there is enor-mous potential for selling new

NOT ALL GLOOM AND DOOM

Humble beginnings

Island ice cream manufacturer begins European exportsby B. A. Ware

Pilot production plant

15focus on menorca

savoury products to smokerswho have to stand outsidepubs and offices in the coldand rain. Market research re-sults show that Pickled Onion,Bangers and Mash, and Curryflavours were well received bypeople working in the open air,as well as with football fansand golf spectators. Otherflavours already tested includeSmoked Salmon and Cucum-ber, Steak and Ale Pie, York-shire Pudding with GravyRipple, Cheese and Onion,and Scrambled Egg.British supermarket giantCashco has approached Cre-ation 52 with a request forChristmas Pudding and HotCross Bun flavours. SignoreCostello told me that, althoughthese are not true savouryproducts, success of these spe-cialities would put Menorcawell and truly on the gastro-nomic map. There is a bigpush to get these items intotheir branches before Easterand Christmas 2012. For somereason not fully understood byCostello, Cashco want to sellHot Cross Bun flavourthroughout the entire year!At the recently held GenevaSnack Food Fair, Creation 52proved to be a sensation. Food

wholesalers and retailers fromall over the globe bombardedthe company with requests todevelop such delights asFourth of July, Halloween,Great Wall, Shark Fin, BrownSauce, End of Ramadan,Hangover Fix, Vegemite,Braised Kangaroo and so on.Costello says that, at this time,he has to be realistic and con-centrate on the near-by Euro-

pean markets. “Consider thedifficult logistics of exportingcontainer loads of frozen shortshelf life products to theUnited States or Australia.”Quietly he told me that helongs for the day when he candevelop products for far offmarkets; he has a secret recipefor something he calls“boomerang.”Ever the visionary entrepre-neur, Lou Costello has takenthe option to lease the Vergedel Monte Toro hospital fromthe Ministry of Health andconvert it into a factory andcompany HQ. He told methere is room for everythingthey need at this time: produc-tion departments, offices, lab-oratories, raw materials andfinished goods storage, as wellas dispatch areas. He feelsthat it might be necessary toclaim back the original car-parking areas to use as con-tainer lorry parks. Apart fromthat there will be no changes

Costello in his lab

that are apparent from outsidethe building. He plans to be atfull output by mid 2014 and,at that time, he hopes thatsome Creation 52 productswill be available to local con-sumers.While I was talking to him hetook a call from the BurgerKing Corporation, Miami,Florida. He put the phonedown and smiled at me.“Would you believe that,” hesaid, “they want me to developa savoury dessert for them.” Iwonder if he would describe itas a Whopper? Anyway, myvery best wishes go to the Cre-ation 52 team, their suppliersand customers.Creation 52 is asking localresidents to suggest flavourswhich might have special ap-peal throughout the year inMenorca. Also they are look-ing for people to become mem-bers of Taste Panels. Pleasesend your views and ideas tocreation52sa@hotmail.com.

Future HQ

16 focus on menorca

In spite of thunderstorms, the GrandCharity Gala organised by the MenorcaBritannia Association in mid Septem-ber went ahead. Having set up in thesquare in front of Sant Lluis’s town hall,the weather forced committee membersand volunteers to move everything tothe LOAR theatre in a rush before theshow started.The new venue only accommodatedaround 260 people, compared to the400 capacity of the square, and many ofthe later arrivals had to be turned away.However, the packed hall enjoyed a var-ied show that included flamenco danc-ing, a choir, solo singers and a group.Even with the reduced audience a totalof 1,279 euros was raised for the char-ity, after the cost of posters and ticketshad been deducted.

GRAND ChARITy GALA FOR A.E.C.C.

All photos for this article by courtesy of Steve Morgan

Organised by the Menorca Britannia Association andheld in Sant Lluís on Sunday, 18th September

17focus on menorca

GRAND ChARITy GALA FOR A.E.C.C.

The President of the Asociación MenorcaBritannia, Bryce Lyons, sent an email outto thank the committee and volunteerswho had to set up twice and then had toclear everything after the concert.There was also a letter in the “Menorca”newspaper from the President of A.E.C.C.(the Spanish Cancer Association), PedroOrfila, thanking Menorca Britannia fororganising the event and also those whotook part in the concert: the RocieroChoir and Dancers from the Casa An-dalucia, sound technician DavidSangüesa, the Escuela de Alaior, MarcRiera, Carmen Caballero, Martina Olives,Pepa and her guitar, Aigua Blava, LoliAznar and Arrells de Menorca.A presentation is to be arranged shortlyfor the donation of a cheque for 1,279euros to the A.E.C.C.

All photos for this article by courtesy of Steve Morgan

Organised by the Menorca Britannia Association andheld in Sant Lluís on Sunday, 18th September

18 focus on menorca

A WELCOME GIFT IN TIMES OF NEED

Grand Gala Cheque Presentation: Fina and Pedro Orfila (president of the A.E.C.C.) receiving the cheque for 1,279 euros fromBryce Lyons (President) and Andrés Herrero (Vice President Menorca Britannia Association)

The President of the Probus Club ofMenorca, Chris Knightley, (centreleft) recently presented a cheque for500 euros to the President of the As-sociation of Families of AlzheimerSufferers in Menorca, JosepXabuch, (centre right) who ex-pressed his gratitude to the club fortheir “continued generosity in timesof crisis” and promised to use themoney to the best effect. Also pres-ent were Peter Edgar, CommunityService Convener, Probus, (left) anda representative of the Alzheimers’Association (right).

...AND FROMPROBuS

19focus on menorca

TOUR GUIDE OF MENORCA / TRANSLATOR

Private tours available with experienced guideanywhere on the island

Translations also undertakenSpanish to English or English to Spanish

Tel. 617 361 714 for further information

NEWS ROuND-uP

Elderly man arrested in connection with death at old people’shome in CiutadellaA 71-year old man, A.S.T., resident in the Ciutadella MunicipalOld People’s Home, has been arrested in connection with the deathof another resident, Maria Auxiliadora Florit Cavaller on the nightof 16th August. The 89-year old woman was found with a pair ofscissors in her temple and died shortly afterwards from herwounds. DNA tests on the scissors were carried out in Madrid andconfirmed the police suspicion that A.S.T. was the author of thecrime. The arrested man, who suffers from schizophrenia, is underthe guardianship of the Aldaba Foundation which cares for elderlypeople in geriatric homes in Menorca who are legally consideredhandicapped.After an initial hearing the judge remanded A.S.T. in custody with-out bail and he will be kept in the new prison pending the courtcase which could be in a year or two’s time.

Balearic senior citizens’ subsidised holidays at riskSubsidised holidays for senior citizens in the Balearic Islands, thePlan Ocio 60 which offered more than 9,000 places in the 2010-2011 season, are among the programmes which are affected byGovernment cutbacks. Last year the Government spent 1.2 millioneuros on financing holidays for Balearic pensioners, but this yearthe holiday programme has been cut due to lack of funds.

Last year senior citizens could spend a week in a three-star hotelfor 151 euros, all-inclusive, and the programme brought 3,820 win-ter holidaymakers to the island, whilst 1,328 pensioners fromMenorca enjoyed a holiday on one of the other islands. Not only didthe programme enable senior citizens to enjoy a holiday at veryreasonable prices, it also made it possible for hotels to remain openduring the winter months, with the resulting employment.Balearic travel agents and hoteliers are to hold talks with the re-gional Government to try to find a way of keeping the Pla OCI 61aliveA similar programme run for senior citizens throughout Spain, IM-SERSO, will continue to run, although with fewer places on offer.With effect from 24th October the senior tourists will start to arriveat four of the island’s hotels: the Almirante Farragut in Cala enBlanes, the Blanc Palace in Sa Caleta and the Castell Playa andAguamarina complex, both in Arenal d’en Castell.

Government debt to chemists increasesDespite paying 30% of the money owing for May, the amount owedby the Balearic Government to Menorca’s chemists had risen toaround 5 million euros (41 million euros in the whole of theBalearic Islands) by the end of August. The situation is threaten-ing the survival of many of the island’s chemists who have had totake out loans to pay their suppliers and staff wages.

20 focus on menorca

The chemists are danger-ously near the point wherethey will be unable to dis-pense National Health pre-scriptions without thepatient paying for the med-icines.

Last year 12% of Menor-can businesses ceasedtradingIn 2010, some 295 shopsand 115 bars and restau-rants in Menorca (12% ofthe total number) ceasedtrading, almost the samefigures as for the two pre-vious years added together.At the end of last yearthere were 1,849 shopsand 771 bars and restau-rants still in business,compared with 2007’s fig-ures of 2,748 and 991 re-spectively, a drop of 22%over the last three years.

Alaior Council to cut backon staffThe new party in power inAlaior, the PP, has decidedto restructure all the Coun-cil departments and serv-cies and to cut back onstaff. Every position is tobe studied individuallyand the cut backs will bemade gradually, through-out the year. The decisionwas taken in order to re-duce the wages bill whichis the Council’s biggest ex-pense.At present there are 146people on the Council’spay list, a figure describedby the Mayor, MisericordiaSugrañes, as “Excessiveand disproportionate”.Proportionally, Alaior isthe most indebted Councilon the island, owing 17.5million euros, of which 6million euros are in con-nection with unpaid in-voices, some dating backto last year.

Ciutadella Council to borrow one million euros to pay debtsCiutadella Council is to borrow one million euros from the OfficialInstitute of Credit in order to pay outstanding bills. The loan, whichwill be repaid within three years, will enable the Council to settleinvoices dated between November 2010 and the end of April thisyear in an attempt to diminish the effects caused by the delay inpublic administrations settling their debts.

Endesa threatens to cut off Ciutadella Council’s electricityOne of Ciutadella Council’s outstanding debts is to the electriccompany Endesa which threatened to cut off the supply to the mu-nicipal buildings (apart from those considered by law to be ‘es-sential services’) if the Council did not pay 200,000 euros of the420,000 owing.In July Menorca owed 3.7 million euros to the Italian-financedcompany, of which 2.4 million corresponded to companies and in-dividuals and 1.3 million to the administrations. The company hasalready cut off the supply to councils in Mallorca and Ibiza for fail-ure to settle accounts.

... and Maó also faces being cut offEndesa also threatened to cut off the supply to Maó Council for adebt totalling 267,973,07 euros, giving the Council until 26th Sep-tember to settle the account. The Council had started by payingits debts to smaller suppliers, leaving the larger sums owing untilagreement could be reached on stage payments; the electricity billwas one of these. The electricity company’s threat drew an indignant response fromthe Council which claims that nearly 65,000 euros was paid at thebeginning of the month and that the amount to be paid on 21st ofthe month would leave 95,619 euros owing, all of which referredto bills that were less than one month old. The Council has de-manded an apology from Endesa for “the damage caused to itspublic image”.

Public transport under scrutiny to reduce costsA study is being carried out on all the island’s public transport inan effort to reduc costs which, according to Councillor Luis Ale-jandre, “are unsustainable and will ruin the Island Council”. Someof the services are clearly unviable, such as the basketball bus be-tween Fornells and Menorca Basquet’s pavilion which carries anaverage of three passengers, or the Maó to Llucmaçanes routewhich, in its four months of existence, has averaged out at a costof 25 euros per passenger per journey, dearer than the cost of a

taxi. The public transportsystem costs three millioneuros a year to run at pres-ent and alternatives arebeing studied.

Maó’s loss is Ciutadella’sgainThe port of Maó is continu-ing to feel the effect of Ciu-tadella’s new outer harbour,losing 21,231 passengersand 36% of cargo in July,whilst the western port’sfigures were up 78% on lastyear.Maó’s performance is theworst in the Balearic Is-lands, the other ports (Al-cúdia, Palma and Ibiza) allincreasing their passengernumbers and only Palmaseeing a drop in cargo fig-ures.

Cost of mooring in Maóhigher than the Costa AzulMaó is one of the dearestports in the Mediterraneanfor mooring, its pricesbeing higher than even St.Tropez, despite offeringfewer services than most ofits competitors. During thehigh season owners have topay 321.90 euros per dayfor a berth on the Moll deLlevant for a 20 metre boatand 160 for a 12 metre,compared to St. Tropez’scharges of between 125and 305 euros, and the 32to 99 euros charged in Niceor Cannes.Even on the north shore ofthe harbour where Ocibarmanage the moorings andthe prices are lower, at 150euros for the larger yachts,the cost is higher than inthe majority of Frenchports.Many owners have nowmoved their boats to Ad-daia or Fornells to escapethe high charges.The Port Sostenible (Sus-tainable Port) Association,

21focus on menorca

22 focus on menorca

created by residents andbusinessmen in the port ofMaó, is calling for a Touristproject to be drawn up forthe port to attract trade andallow their businesses tosurvive.

Project to provide accom-modation for patientstreated in PalmaThree years after havingbeing rejected by theBalearic Parliament, theproject to construct a centreto accommodate Menorcanpatients undergoing pro-longed treatment in Palmaand their families is beingrevived by the PP. The plan,currently under study, is tobuild a residential annex atthe Son Espases Hospitalwhere those travelling fromMenorca, Ibiza or For-mentera could stay.

Maó commercial outlet planto be rescindedThe commercial plan forMaó introduced in July lastyear by the PSOE/PSMwhilst they were in power inthe Island Council is to berescinded by the PP. Theplan restricted the openingof new commercial outletson the industrial estate andprevented large supermar-kets from opening. The cur-rent President of the IslandCouncil, Santiago Tadeo,believes that there are manycommercial projects in thepipeline that could createemployment in Menorca buthave been stopped by thePlan. Tadeo also stresses theneed to improve town cen-tres to make them “attrac-tive and commerciallyactive”.

Eleven of the prison’s 54 in-mates are BritishThe new prison in Menorcacurrently houses 54 prison-ers, of which 11 are British.

According to the prison service, they are serving their time on theisland because the flights between the U.K. and Menorca make iteasier for families to visit. Twenty-three of the other prisoners haveconnections to the island (either being natives or residents) andthe remaining 20 are being held “temporarily” pending hearingsin Menorca’s courts.

Plans to enlarge Cala en Bosc marinaThe preliminary project to develop Cala en Bosc marina, whichwas first presented to the Port Authorities in 2007, has been takenout of mothballs and is to go ahead, once the necessary permis-sions (including an environmental report) have been obtained. Thedecision to resuscitate the project is part of the PP’s announcedintention of backing any initiative that will help to “return theBalearic Islands to the first division of nautical tourism, a placethat we should never have lost”, according to Antonio Deudero,the Director General of Ports. Included in the project is a proposalto construct an exterior jetty, running parallel to the shore, fromPunta des Tancats or Es Dormidor to the Punta de Sa Guarda. Thiswill provide protection from storms and will make entering andleaving the Lago de Cala en Bosc safer. It will also provide around300 new moorings, thus doubling the marina’s current capacity.

Saturday evening opening in MaóFollowing the success of the late opening and live entertainmentin the town on Tuesdays in the summer months, Maó has decidedthat, during the winter, shops will open from 1700 to 2000 hrs. onSaturday evenings and musical, cultural and artistic activities will

be laid on in an effort to re-vitalise the town centre. Theinitial idea is to run thescheme for three months.

Casino Marítim closesThe casino in the port ofMaó, which was housed atthe top of the Club Marítimobuilding, has closed, the fix-tures and fittings beingstripped out at the beginningof September. No detailswere released by CasinoMarítim SA, an independentcompany which, neverthe-less, belongs to the GrupoComar. The Galician groupannounced that it wouldcontinue to work in Menorcabut declined to give detailsof any new location.

Further improvements to EsMercadal’s Centro de Arte-saníaIn addition to recent im-provements to the Craft Cen-tre in Es Mercadal, whichincluded the construction ofa craft museum, a perma-nent exhibition centre andthe installation of a firealarm system, it has beendecided to install air condi-tioning, at a cost of 65,700euros. Es Mercadal’s Mayor,Francesc Ametller, ex-plained that the Craft Centrewas “a meeting point in thecentre of Menorca” that hehoped would also be usedfor other activities out ofseason. Once the work is fin-ished, the exhibition centrewill cover 5,585 sq. metres,of which 1,851 are for theCouncil services and 3,734for social, cultural andtourist activities. At the present moment thereis an exhibition of cyclingand bicycles, thanks to thePresident of the BalearicCycling Federation, ArturoSintes.

Project submitted for golf

23focus on menorca

course in AlaiorA project has been submit-ted to Alaior Council forpermission to construct an18-hole golf course on landbetween the Son Bou roadand Sant Jaume Lane. Itwas first submitted in May2005 but did not receivethe necessary backing togo ahead and has lain dor-mant in a drawer sincethen, until the change inpower at the Island Coun-cil and Alaior Council.The promotor, Golf AlaiorSon Bou, is ready to investaround 9 million euros onacquiring the land and cre-ating the course which hasbeen described by theTown Planning Councillor,Emilio Agis, as “environ-mentally sustainable” as itwould be watered by recy-cled water from the sewagefarm near Son Bou. GolfAlaior Son Bou is a groupof Menorcan businessmenwith interests in Son Bou,Torre-solí and Sant Jaume,but is open to local busi-nessmen and individualswho wish to invest in thescheme.The project does not in-volve the construction ofany buildings as existinghouses on the land wouldbe converted into a clubhouse, changing rooms anda bar/restaurant.The golf course would belocated close to a 5-starhotel planned to be built inTorre-solí by Solvia Devel-opment S.L., with 225 bed-rooms, a spa and 14,300sq. metres of garden.

.. and suggestions for“pitch and putt” coursesAnother suggestion is tocreate a series of “pitchand putt” courses on theisland, which are acheaper option than golfcourses and only require

one-tenth of the land. The sport is apparently growing in popular-ity in Catalunya where there are 40 courses and it is claimed thatopening courses in places such as Son Bou, Santo Tomàs, CalaGaldana, Ciutadella and near S’Algar or Punta Prima could ex-tend the season by one month at either end.One such course is already under construction at the MalbúgerSports Centre in Maó, at a cost of 400,000 euros.

Fornells hosts 113 km. triathlonThe last Sunday in September saw 410 athletes participate in the“Extreme Man 113” triathlon - 1.9 km. swimming, 90 km. cyclingand 21.1 km. running - held in Fornells, a significant increase onlast year’s entry list of 290.Over 50 of the competitors were from abroad; France England,Germany, Italy and Scotland and 73 were from Menorca. Amongstthe professionals taking part were the 32-year old Spaniard,Clemente Alonso, who won the competition last year, and 36-yearold Briton Philip Mosley who finished fourth last year.Clement Alonso was again the first man to cross the finishing line,completing the gruelling 113 km. triathlon in 3 hours, 53 minutesand 20 seconds and bettering his time of just over four hours lastyear. In second place was José Manuel Tobar, 3 minutes 20 sec-onds behind the winner and in third, Xavi Llobet in 4 hours and36 seconds. The highest placed Menorcan athlete was Juli Martíwho finished eighth in a time of 4 hours, 19 minutes and 1 second.The first woman to finish was Sophie Kiefer from France in a timeof 5:04:59, followed by Nuria Aubeso (5:10:12) with LucianaBermúdez in third place (5:16:45).

Spanish Europe class sailing championships in MaóSome 77 participants from 17 clubs participated in the SpanishEurope Class Sailing Championships held in Maó from 9th to 12thSeptember.After four days of racing the winner was Albert Codinachs (CVBlanes) with Juan Calvo Boronat (RCN Denia) in second and VeithNicklas (CN Ibiza) third. The highest placed Menorcan was JordiTriay (CM Mahón/Pedro’s Boat Centre) who finished in eighthplace.

Cross-channel swim for charityMallorcan Teresa Planas swam the channel separating Menorcaand Mallorca in September to raise funds for the A.E.C.C. (Span-

ish Cancer Association).Teresa set out at 0345hrs. from Cap d’Artrutx,estimating that it wouldtake her between 14 and16 hours. In the event shecompleted the 21-mile(39.4 kms.) swim in 12hours 18 minutes and 42seconds, breaking the ex-isting record set in 2009by just 18 seconds. She isthe first women to haveswum the MenorcanChannel and only theseventh person to haveofficially completed theswim.

Es Mercadal to spend26,000 euros on signpost-ing pathsEs Mercadal Council hascontracted ProsenyalS.L. to supply and installsignposts on the district’scoastal paths and walks

24 focus on menorca

at a cost of 26,148 euros.Maps and panels givinginformation on the land,places of interest, thelength of the route and thedegree of difficulty will beerected on four walks:Fornells to Ses Salines,Arenal d’en Castell toPunta Grossa, Ses Salinesto Son Parc and CovesNoves to Macaret, CalaMolí and Addaia.

Jackie Haworth recog-nised for her dedication toCala en PorterAs part of this year’s Calaen Porter fiesta pro-gramme, Alaior Councilpaid homage to JackieHaworth for her “dedica-tion to the urbanisation”.A resident of some 30years standing, Jackie hasalways been involved inorganising events and ac-tivities in Cala en Porterand is currently the Pres-ident of the Petanca Asso-ciation. An act of homagewas held in Bar Pons atwhich Jackie was pre-sented with a plaque anda book on Menorca.Lazareto visits may con-tinue in winterThe guided tours ofLazareto have proved sopopular that not only didthe Fundació Destí(tourist board) have to puton extra tours in Augustand the first fortnight inSeptember, but the possi-bility of continuing thevisits beyond 15th Octo-ber is now being consid-ered by the IslandCouncil.

Maó Motor Show can-celledThe economic crisis and alack of confidence in theresults have led the Asso-ciation of Car Dealershipsin Menorca to cancel FE-

RIAME, the Maó Motor Show.The figures show that, since 2001 there has been a 67% drop in carsales in Menorca, from around 7,000 vehicles sold in 2001 to ap-proximately 2,300 last year, leaving many dealerships in a pre-carious situation.FERIAME was held last year after a two-year absence.On the other hand Habitat, the fair for home decoration and inte-rior design, may return this year after a three-year absence, pro-viding that there is sufficient response from the sector toparticipate. The planned dates for the fair are 11th, 12th and 13thNovember.

Possibility that Vueling will offer a same-day return flight to Madridin winterThe Councillor for Transport, Luis Alejandre, has confirmed thatthere is a possibility that Vueling will operate a same-day returnflight to Madrid this winter. The Councillor stressed the impor-tance that such a flight would have for Menorca, adding that a con-dition would be that it departs before 1000 hrs. and returns after1900 hrs.

Two Euromillion winners in Menorca in one monthA businessman from Es Castell, who owns a car dealership on theSant Lluís industrial estate, was the lucky holder of a ticket withfive correct numbers in the Euromillion draw in mid September,netting 58,899 euros. The winning ticket was purchased in theSant Lluís newsagents.Later in the month a second lucky gambler was one of six peoplein Europe to share the Euromillion lottery’s top prize, receiving311,192 euros for his 10-euro stake. The ticket was sold inCafé Balear, a bar in Carrer Nou, Ferreries.

Remember, remember, the fourth of NovemberThe Rotary Club’s Bonfire Night will be held on Friday, 4thNovember this year at the Picadero Restaurant, with thefire being lit at 2000 hrs. and fireworks later, on what IvorWhite promises will be a “riotous night”. As this is asmaller venue than in previous years and numbers are lim-ited, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance. These are onsale at the Picadero Restaurant and Bonnin Sanso’s officeat 10 euros for adults, 5 euros for children, the cost includ-ing a hamburger or hot dog and hot soup.

Cats in NeedAnother charitable con-cern in need of funds isJanice Bockling’s “Cats inNeed” which feeds andcares for the island’s straycats, neutering them toprevent over-population.In order to raise fundsJanice sells a good selec-tion of general greetingcards, Christmas cards,diaries, calendars, giftswith a difference, bonechina mugs and muchmore, not to mention bothcurrent and back copiesof Focus, from her homeat Noria Riera 16, EsCastell, on Fridays from1100-1300 hrs. and Sun-days 1000-1330 hrs.

Boat Jumble Sale in EsCastellIntermar, Chris and CathyCollman’s marine com-pany, is to hold a BoatJumble Sale on Saturday15th and Sunday 16thOctober, from 1000 hrs.,on the Es Castell indus-trial estate, number 28.Offering the chance tobring or buy there will behundreds of boating re-lated bargains, not tomention a bar and spaceto park.More information can beobtained on tel. 696 434787 or by email on inter-mar.menorca@gmail.com.

25focus on menorca

Saturday, 1st October1000-1230 hrs. GuidedMenorcan Cheese &Wine Tour at the SantPatrici estate, Ferreries(see cheese production,the cheese museum, theestate’s cellar and sam-ple their products). Fur-ther information onwww.santpatrici.com.1800-2200 hrs. Astronomy session in La Mola Fortress.Sunday, 2nd October1000 hrs. XIII Day of the Bicycle in Es Castell - cycle tour ofthe district - registration in the Cultural Centre annex in thePlaça Esplanada.

Thursday, 6th OctoberSant Patrici Cheese & Wine tour (see Saturday, 1st)Saturday, 8th OctoberSant Patrici Cheese & Wine tour (see Saturday, 1st)Saturday, 15th October2100 hrs. Concert by the National Academy of Santa Cecilia(Italy), conducted by Carlo Rizzari, in the Teatre Principal,Maó.Friday, 21st OctoberXI International Cycling Tour. Further information onwww.menorcacicloturista.com.Saturday, 22nd OctoberXI International Cycling Tour. Further information onwww.menorcacicloturista.com.Sant Patrici Cheese & Wine tour (see Saturday, 1st)2030-2200 hrs. Concert by Guiem Soldevila in the Sant DiegoCultural Centre, Alaior.Sunday, 23rd OctoberXI International Cycling Tour. Further information onwww.menorcacicloturista.com.Menorca Britannia Association’s Car Treasure Hunt - followhistoric clues to answer questions or collect required items be-fore arriving at a special surprise event at lunch time. Furtherdetails available from Sheila on tel. 971 366 206.1800 hrs. Teronga - African music and dance in the TeatrePrincipal, Maó.Saturday, 29th October1145-2130 hrs. VII Menorca Mountain Bike Tour. Further in-

EVENTS TO LOOk OuT FOR ...formation on www.menorcabtt.com.1800 hrs. Family show - La Belle i la Bèstia (Beauty and theBeast) at the Teatre Principal, Maó.Sunday, 30th OctoberMenorca Britannia Jeep Safari - a different route with freetime for lunch. Further details available from Sheila on tel.971 366 206.1045-2030 hrs. VII Menorca Mountain Bike Tour.Monday, 31st October1145-2130 hrs. VII Menorca Mountain Bike Tour.

* * * * *Jazz ClubJam Session every Tuesday at 2130 hrs. in the Casino, SantCliment.Charity Car Boot Sales0900-1300 hrs. every Sunday at El Picadero Restaurant, Maó.Pitch fees of 5€ go to Club Vidalba. Bookings through 971363 268.Trotting:Saturdays 1730 hrs. at the Maó hipódromo on the Maó-SantLluís road.Sundays 1800 hrs. Hipódromo Torre del Ram, Ciutadella (andoccasional flat races).Equestrian ShowTuesdays and Thursdays 2030 hrs. “Somni 2011” at Son Mar-torellet on the road to Cala Galdana.

* * * * *ExhibitionsPhilip Dunn “Hidden La Mola” - photos of parts of La Molaunseen by the general public. La Mola Fortress.Dani Triay “Xilos”. Centre Internacional de Gravat Xalubinia,Alaior. Until 28th October.Pou Nou “25 Years of Art and Clothing”. Sa Nostra’s CulturalHall, Ciutadella. Until 14th October.Francesc Florit Nin “Arrels als ulls”. Sa Nostra’s CulturalHall, Maó. Until 20th October.History of the “casetes de vorera” (small huts on the Menor-can coast originally used by fishermen). Sant Diego CulturalCentre, Alaior. Open 1900-2100 hrs. except Mondays. Until13th October.

Friday, 7th October1930-2130 hrs. Demonstration by artist Elisabeth Wake-ford of hand-painting T-shirts, wraps, scarves and jew-ellery, with a chance to order items (all priced under 20euros) for Christmas. To be held at Es Mercadal Empo-rium. Entrance fee of 5 euros includes drinks and nibblesand will be donated to ASPANOB. Limited numbers soplease book your place in advance through Linda Dove on971 375 669.

26 focus on menorca

PLACES OF INTERESTMAÓ

La Mola FortressWell preserved 18th century fortress at the mouth of Maó harbour. Open daily from 1000-1400 hrs. Audio tours in English. Gui-ded tours, Jeep Safari La Mola (Mondays, 1030 hrs.), Monumental tours and cycling route available by prior booking. Tel. 971364 040 / 686 659 400; www.fortalesalamola.comIsla del Rey HospitalFormer naval hospital built by the British in the eighteenth centurycurrently under restoration but well worth a visit, with rooms laid out with equipment from the period. Boats leave for the isletfrom Moll d’Hospital near the end of Calle Fontanillas, Es Castell, on Sundays at 0900 hrs. returning about 1100 hrs.LazaretoThe former quarantine island in the port of Maó is now open to the public with 90-minute guided tours every Sunday, until 15thOctober (this date may be extended). The boat leaves from Calasfonts at 1715 hrs. Tickets at 10 euros are available from TouristInformation Offices.S’Albufera des Grau Nature ReserveBeautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, on the road to Es Grau. Guided tours of approx. 2 ½ hrs. Saturday mornings for groupsof more than 6, by prior booking. Tel. 971 356 302 / 609 601 249.Trepucó Talayotic VillageCamí de Gràcia, Trepucó. Open Tuesday to Friday 0900-1430 hrs.,weekends 0900-1500 hrs. Information office closed Mondays. En-trance 1.80€, free on Sunday.Menorca MuseumOpen Tuesday to Saturday 1000-1400 hrs. and 1800-2030 hrs., Sun-days 1000-1400 hrs.Hernández Sanz-Hernández Mora MuseumClaustre del Carme 5. Open Monday to Saturday 1000-1300 hrs. andMonday to Friday 1800-2100 hrs. Entrance free.Parc Rubió i TuduríLarge collection of indigenous plants. Open Monday to Saturday1000-1300 hrs. and 1700-2000 hrs.The Golden Farm, Sant AntoniOnly available through the Asociació Menorca Britannia. Normally on Mondays and Fridays at 1700, 1800 and 1900 hrs. al-though times may vary. 10€ per person (children over 12 only). Prior booking essential through Sheila on 971 366 206.

CIUTADELLACathedral of MenorcaOpen for visits Monday to Saturday 1000-1330 hrs. and 1600-1800 hrs.S’Hostal Quarries – LíthicaCamí Vell, km. 1. Spectacular former quarry with botanical and mediaeval gardens. Open Monday to Sunday 0930-1430 hrs.and Monday to Saturday 1630 hrs. to sunset. Entrance: adults 4€, over 65’s 2€, groups of 12 or more 2.50€, children free.Bastió de sa Font Municipal MuseumPermanent archaeological exhibition. Open mornings only 1100-1300 hrs.Naveta des TudonsPre-Talayotic burial chamber. Maó-Ciutadella road km. 40. Open Tuesday to Saturday 0900-2030 hrs., Sunday and Monday0900-1430 hrs. Entrance 2€, Sundays free.

ES CASTELLFort MarlboroughFortification dug into the rock by the British at the beginning of the 18th century. Cala Sant Esteve. Open Tuesday to Saturday0930-1430 hrs. (last visit starts at 1345 hrs.), Sundays 0900-1430 hrs. (last visit starts at 1345 hrs.) Visits in various languagesincluding English. Entrance 3€, Sundays free.Sant Felip CastleFurther information from tel. 971 360 462.Menorca Military Museum (right)

27focus on menorca

Further information from tel. 971 362 100.

ES MERCADALMenorca Craft CentreExhibition and sale of Menorcan craftwork. Open Monday to Friday 1000-1400 hrs. and 1700-2000 hrs., Saturday 1000-1330hrs. Entrance free.Cap de Cavalleria EcomuseumSta. Teresa estate-Port de Sanitja. The archaeology, ethnology and nature of the cape and an exhibition “A World to Discover”.Open daily 1000-1900 hrs. Group visits or information from971 359 999; www.ecomuseudecavalleria.com

ALAIORTorre d’en GalmésTalayotic village with information office. Son Bou road. OpenTuesday to Saturday 0900-2030 hrs., Sunday 0900-1500 hrs.,Monday 0900-1430 hrs. Entrance 3€, Sundays free.

IN MEMORy OF MARIA LuISA SERRA

her time - librarian, archivist,archaeologist, musical director,investigator, historian, photo-grapher, philanthropist ...amongst her many talents”. Shewas well-known for her workboth on the island and abroadand made a special study of lifein Menorca in the Middle Agesand 18th century. As director ofthe ‘Casa de Cultura’ she alsoproduced theatrical and live

The bust of Maria Luisa Serrawas unveiled on the Isla delRey by the Mayor of Maó,Àgueda Reynés, on Sunday11th September, a memorial toa woman who would have been100 this year had she not diedat the tender age of 56.In the words of Lorraine Ure ( aguide on the Isla del Rey),Maria Luisa Serra was “a ladyof many parts and a pioneer of

musical events. She was one ofMenorca’s most important ar-chaeologists and was responsi-ble for recognising and rescuingmany of the island’s monu-ments.She and her sister bought thePuente de San Roque and do-nated it to the town of Mahónwhich conferred the prestigioustitle “Illustrious Daughter ofMahón” on her. To mark the

centenary of her birth, the Is-land Council declared 2011“The Year of Maria LuisaSerra”.The bronze bust of Maria LuisaSerra, the work of sculptorRamón Cuello, has been erec-ted on the site of the sixth cen-tury Paleo Christian basilica onthe Isla del Rey where the ar-chaeologist worked intensivelyin the 1960’s.

Photos courtesy of www.islahospitalmenorca.org

MaóTuesday and Saturday

CiutadellaFriday and Saturday

AlaiorThursdayEs Castell

Monday and WednesdaySant LluísMonday

Es Migjorn GranWednesdayFerreriesFriday

Street Markets

28 focus on menorca

LEISuRE CORNER

Moderate Sudoku

Down1 Beautify (8)2 Reserved (6)3 Atomic number 80 (7)4 Cut of beef (5)5 Voyage (6)6 Prudence (4)13 Alien (8)14 Inhibit (7)16 Workshop (6)18 Excite (6)19 Unpredictable (5)21 Flat (4)

Across7 Distant (6)8 Warning (6)9 Nucleus (4)10 Woodwind instrument (8)11 Joy (7)12 Banquet (5)15 Stanza (5)17 Trait (7)20 Extraordinary (8)22 Lease (4)23 Conclude (6)24 Churlish (6)

CodewordEach letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a dif-ferent number. All you have to do is work out whichnumber represents which letter. You have been giventwo as a start, M=7 and K=24, so these can be filled inwherever they appear in the grid to help you work outthe others.

Tough Sudoku

4 7 9 87 4 3

2 96 7 3 9

5 2 8 76 9

8 1 7 37 3 4 5

4 27

1 3 5 8 93 2

9 2 6 57 9 4

6 5 8 72

4 9

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12 13

14

15 16 17 18

19

20 21 22

23 24

21 21 1 7 21 16

21 26 19 10 14 5 14 19 24 11 1 10

7 14 13 9 13 25

4 23 1 26 21 16 1 1 3 12 4 20

4 10 6

1 11 4 2 18 1 19 10 14 11 14 21

13 18 19 25 8 2

14 8 16 1 10 16 14 19 24 15 18 11

21 17 14

3 14 21 10 13 8 16 1 1 14 25 19

8 13 25 25 14 13

24 13 7 4 19 4 21 3 25 4 18 10

12 19 22 1 11 21

1 2 3 4 5 6 7M

8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24K

25 26

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

29focus on menorca

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Emergencies:112 All emergency services,

English spoken061 Medical emergencies091 Policía Nacional / National Police062 Guardia Civil / Civil Guard900 202 202 Salvamento Marítimo (Sea Rescue)

Maó:Airport 971 157 000Air taxi / ambulance 669 357 288Ambulance – Illes Balears 971 352 002Ambulance – Red Cross 971 361 180Clínica Salus 971 366 663Fire Brigade 971 363 961

971 351 011GESA (Elec) – breakdowns 902 534 902Guardia Civil 971 363 297Hospital Mateu Orfila 971 487 000Med. Centre Dalt Sant Joan 971 353 255Policía Local 092Policlínica Virgen de Gràcia 971 351 115

Es Migjorn Gran:Med. Centre 971 370 221Policía Local 971 370 505Town Hall 971 370 111

Ferreries:Med. Centre 971 373 670Policía Local 971 155 177

606 372 355Red Cross / Cruz Roja 971 373 139Town Hall 971 373 003

Sant Lluís:Med. Centre 971 156 792Policía Local 971 151 717Red Cross / Cruz Roja 971 151 001Town Hall 971 150 950

British Honorary Consulate: 902 109 356

Anglican Chaplain: 971 352 378 617 222 382

New Life Church Pastors:Alan 687 016 426Lyn 617 074 941

Alcoholics Anonymous: 647 713 950Nick 971 156 972 / 630 006 647

Repsol (Gas) – breakdowns 901 121 212Sorea (Water) – breakdowns 902 250 370Tourist Information Office 971 363 79Town Hall 971 369 800

Ciutadella:Ambulance – Clinic Balear 971 482 020Ambulance – Red Cross 971 381 993Canal Salat Med. Centre 971 480 112Clínica Menorca 971 480 505Clinic Balear 971 482 020Policía Local 971 380 787Town Hall 971 381 050

Alaior:Med. Centre - Es Banyer 971 372 931Policía Local 971 371 320Red Cross / Cruz Roja 971 371 238Town Hall 971 371 002

Es Castell:Med. Centre 971 356 411Policía Local 971 362 747Town Hall 971 365 193

Es Mercadal:Med. Centre 971 154 187Med. Centre Fornells 971 376 420Policía Local 971 375 251Red Cross / Cruz Roja 971 154 198Town Hall 971 375 002

30 focus on menorca

LEISuRE CORNERSOLuTIONS

Moderate Sudoku

CodewordQuick crossword

Tough Sudoku

SPONSOR LEISURE CORNERWe are looking for a sponsor for Leisure Corner. If you are interested, please contact us, either by email ateditor@focusonmenorca.com or ads@focusonmenorca.com, or by telephone on 699 065 493.

1 2 4 7 5 9 8 3 67 9 6 4 3 8 1 2 58 3 5 6 2 1 7 9 46 4 8 1 7 3 2 5 92 7 3 9 4 5 6 8 15 1 9 2 8 6 3 4 73 6 1 5 9 2 4 7 84 5 2 8 1 7 9 6 39 8 7 3 6 4 5 1 2

8 5 7 6 4 9 2 1 36 2 9 1 3 8 5 4 74 1 3 2 7 5 8 9 65 4 1 3 6 2 7 8 93 9 2 7 8 1 6 5 47 8 6 9 5 4 1 3 29 6 5 8 2 3 4 7 12 3 8 4 1 7 9 6 51 7 4 5 9 6 3 2 8

D M M S C CR E M O T E T H R E A T

C D R E U RC O R E C L A R I N E T

R S U K SR A P T U R E F E A S T

T Y R TV E R S E F E A T U R E

T D P H AP E C U L I A R R E N T

V D C E I GD E C I D E S U L L E N

N O Y S L R

S S E M S HS Y N T A X A N K L E T

M A I Z I RO B E Y S H E E P D O G

O T JE L O Q U E N T A L A S

I U N R C QA C H E T H A N K F U L

S V AP A S T I C H E E A R N

C I R R A IK I M O N O S P R O U T

D N W E L S

31focus on menorca

PRIMA VENTANAS - DOING A GOODjOB AT ThE RIGhT PRICE

With thirty-two years of experi-ence in the business, Tony Elliottknows the importance of givinggood value for money and usingthe right materials for the job,which is why his company, PrimaVentanas, uses a tropical mixUPVC for doors and windowsthat can withstand the high tem-peratures in Menorca, unlike thematerial imported from the U.K.The UPVC frames are manufac-tured in the company’s 6,000 sq.ft. factory on the Maó industrialestate (Calle Bajoli, 5) whereTony works with son-in-law Jesúsand Prima Ventanas also installsaluminium and timber windows.As from 8th October, the factory’sshowroom will be open to thepublic every Saturday morningfrom 1000-1200 hrs.Prima Ventanas offers a first-class, reliable and prompt instal-lation service and a 10-yearguarantee on UPVC, glass andlocking mechanisms. It is also theonly company on the island to beable to offer ClearShield, a glass

surface protection system whichmakes the glass surface non-stick, thus very low maintenanceand easy to clean. Prima Ven-tanas also services and repairsexisting windows if there is aproblem and has just been con-tracted by a major insurancecompany to do glass replacementand any boarding up work theymay need. Tony is very interested in startingto do conservatories on the is-land, planning the job from startto finish and installing tintedglass in the roof or air-condition-ing, if required.As well as believing in doing agood job at the right price, Tonyputs on monthly special offers;October’s being a 25% discounton any doors plus free installation- an excellent reason for visitingthe showroom and seeing the highquality of his finished productsfor yourself before orderinggleaming UPVC replacements foryour old, high-maintenance tim-ber windows and doors.