MONTHLY MAGAzINE - SEPTEMBER 2011 - Nº 5 - PRICE: 2 €

CCLLAASSSSIICC BBOOAATTSS CCOOMMPPEETTEE IINN MMAAÓÓFFOORR TTHHEE PPAANNEERRAAII TTRROOPPHHYY

AANNDD KKIINNGG’’SS CCUUPP

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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.

· Ca’n Dulce, Sant Climent

· El Picadero, Maó

· Jimmy’s Bar, Maó

· Taj Indian Restaurant, Maó

· Hallissy’s Restaurant, Llucmaçanes

· Supermercado, Trebalúger

· Scandals Restaurant, Es Castell

· Bar Delfin, Es Castell

· Bar Windsor, Es Castell

· Teapot, Es Castell

· Dinkums, Calesfonts

· Cats in Need, Noria Riera

· La Boyera, Binissafúller

· Monet’s Hairdressers, Sant Lluís

· Bar Nelson’s, Son Vitamina

· Bar 007, Cala en Porter

· La Tetera de Aloe Vera, Alaior

· Bar Pins, Port d’Addaia

· Neat & Tidy, Addaia

· Smithy’s, Arenal d’en Castell

· Restaurante Copas, Arenal d’en Castell

· Cafetería Ebora, Coves Noves

· Bar Churchills, Cala en Blanes

· Golf Club, Son Parc

· Es Mercadal Emporium

· Kitcat Bar, Son Bou

This magazine is on sale in all newsagents on the island, plus the following points of sale:

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A NOTE FROMTHE EDITOR

INDExOF CONTENTS

With a sigh of relief on my part, Augustis over and September, one of the bestmonths to be in Menorca, is here again,bringing to mind the T-shirts that usedto be printed every year with the slogan“Thank God I survived August 19xx inMenorca”!

This month we have been successful in obtaining the pro-grammes for September’s fiestas, Sant Lluïset, Maó andCala en Porter, before having to go to print!But, on a sad note, we include some of the tributes paidlocally to Flt. Lt. Jon Egging, the Red Arrow pilot whodied at a recent air display, and our condolences go to allthose who were close to him.We hear from Darcey who is introducing the latest keepfit craze in the U.K., Zumba, to the island with classes inAlaior and Maó.We are still waiting to hear from people with items to sellfor 100 euros or less (excluding services and catering ad-verts) so that we can start our FREE Car Boot Sale Sec-tion. Now’s the time to sort out the unwanted itemscluttering up the spare room or shed and advertise themfree of charge in Focus.We can be contacted through our website: www.focuson-menorca.com; or by email: editor@focusonmenorca.comor ads@focusonmenorca.com if you wish to have a letterprinted or air your views (please include your full nameand address) or to advertise in the magazine (rates forwhich can be consulted online).

Best wishes,The Editor

Inside Spain’s smallest prison ................4

The Cavalry are coming (Rest &Recover Menorca) .................................6

A helping hand from Probus ..................7

A Menorcan connection in the heart ofLondon ..................................................8

Menorca pays tribute to Flt. Lt. JonEgging (Red 4) .......................................9

A visit to the Quarantine Island(Lazareto) ............................................10

Maó Fiesta programme ........................12

Events to look out for / Sant Lluïset Fiestaprogramme ..........................................14

Cala en Porter Fiesta programme ........15

Classic boats compete in Maó .............16

IB-Salut to help with patients’ travel costswhere necessary ..................................18

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

Foundation for Handicapped facing crit-ical financial situation .........................24

Street markets .....................................25

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

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

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

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

Zumba keep fit classes to start onisland ...................................................31

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

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INSIDE SPAIN’S SMALLEST PRISON

The exterior of Menorca’s newprison may be abstract in de-sign but the interior is remi-niscent of a warship; stark,functional and with a predom-inant use of dark grey in thedecor. At the time of our visit(arranged by the AsociaciónMenorca Britannia), Spain’s“smallest prison” was awaitingits first inmates, the first groupof 20 arriving the followingday after being transferredfrom Palma prison by theGuardia Civil.Situated on the Maó to SantLluís road, next to the GuardiaCivil headquarters, the “Cen-tro Penitenciario Menorca”will house only the lower riskprisoners who have familylinks with the island.

Menorca’s first prison has cost over23 million euros to build and equip

Entering through the staff en-trance makes you immediatelyaware that this is a prison.There is a holding section,with a metal detector throughwhich everyone entering willhave to pass, which has outerand inner doors that cannot beopened at the same time. Thespace in between is coveredby security cameras and underthe scrutiny of the control cen-tre.Walking along passagewayswhose starkness is incongru-ously relieved by pictures ofscenes that could have come

from the “Hovis” advert, paststaff changing rooms andshowers, you enter a spaciouscourtyard with newly-plantedflower beds on the far side ofwhich is the entrance to one oftwo residential blocks, onehaving 40 cells and the other44. In addition there are 24cells for prisoners arriving ordeparting, 6 in the open sec-tion (for prisoners whose sen-tence allows them outside), 8in the sick bay and 6 for soli-tary confinement (where in-mates spend time when beingpunished for breaching prison

regulations or for bad behav-iour).The cells in the blocks are allidentical, measuring some 12sq.m. and being equipped withair conditioning and centralheating. Each has a stainlesssteel shower, toilet and washbasin, two desks and ampleshelving (all built-in) and atelevision. Although the cellsare fitted with bunk beds,wherever possible they willonly be occupied by one pris-oner. A large window, barredbut with curtains, allowsplenty of natural light to enter

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INSIDE SPAIN’S SMALLEST PRISONthe cell.Whilst all the corridors andcommon areas are covered bysecurity cameras, there arenone in the cells, to protect theprisoner’s right to privacy.Another courtyard is laid outfor basketball and volleyballgames and surrounded by thesick bay (the prison will haveits own doctor and nursingstaff), barber’s shop, gym(equipped with several exer-cise machines) prisoners’ din-ing room, a large lounge,equipped with a table tennistable, table football and a tel-evision (yet to be installed),and one of the four classroomswhere inmates can take freeclasses and even universitycourses.The prison also has its own li-brary with around 500 booksand one of the classrooms isfitted with computers,although there is noaccess to the Inter-net.

VisitorsThe centre has fivestandard visitingrooms where prison-ers will be separatedfrom their visitors bya glass partition fittedwith a telephonicspeaking device,three family roomsand three more for in-timate visits. The reg-ulations allowinmates one standardvisit of three-quartersof an hour per week;one family visit of oneand a half hours permonth; and a monthlyintimate visit fromtheir accredited part-ner, also one and ahalf hours in length.

Following a morning headcount, the prisoners’ dailyroutine will start at 0815hrs. when they will rise andgo for breakfast, after whichthey will have time for per-sonal hygiene and cleaningtheir cells. From 0930 hrs.until midday (and anotherhead count) they can carryout various activities, suchas classes, workshop or ex-ercise. Lunch will be at1330 hrs. followed by a restperiod until 1630 hrs. andthen further activities untildinner at 2000 hrs. Theywill return to their cells at2030 hrs. when there will beanother check that all are

present.Prisoners will be permittedto take some types of food(not cooked) and refresh-ments to their cells. Theywill also be allowed tosmoke, although, if sharinga cell, the non-smoker willhave preference over thesmoker.Some prison tasks, such asserving food, cleaning andlaundry work, will be car-ried out by inmates in returnfor pay.Instituciones Penitenciarias(the Prison Service) is alsoprepared to come to agree-ments with local firms (e.g.jewellery or shoe manufac-

turers) whereby inmates willcarry out simple work ontheir behalf whilst in prison.In return, the inmates willbe paid at the same rate asthey would be if working inthe factory.An example of this is thefurniture in the commonrooms in the Maó prisonwhich was made by inmatesin other prisons.Some of the wages earned bythe inmates can be spent atthe prison’s small storewhich stocks items such ascigarettes or coffee and softdrinks, the latter two beingsold for 30 centimos and 48centimos respectively.

Prison Routine

And just in case any of youthink the Household Cavalryis there just for show we referyou to a quote from RCMMark Kitching of the House-hold Cavalry:-“We representour Country and we do so on adaily basis. Most people don’trealise that we have an ar-

London.All 744 of the horseshoesused at the royal wedding ofWilliam and Catherine werebought by the Daily Mail for a“substantial contribution” tothe Household Cavalry Chari-table Fund and subsequentlygiven away in a competition.

In a flash September arrivesand it’s only just a matter ofweeks before the secondgroup of guys from the House-hold Cavalry D squadron willbe here enjoying every ounceof hospitality we can givethem.You may have recently learnta little about the HouseholdCavalry but here are a fewmore fascinating facts to dropinto conversations in thebar…… The Household Cavalry wasformed in 1660 by King Char-les II and is made up of tworegiments; The Life Guardsand The Blues & RoyalsEach year’s new horses aregiven names starting with thesame letter of the alphabet.At any one time approxima-tely 250 horses and men arestationed at the Hyde ParkBarracks in Knightsbridgewhich has served as their basesince 1793.The changing of the guard atBuckingham Palace occursevery day at 11am (10 am onSundays). An officer and 15guards indicate that theQueen is in residence whilstan officer and 12 guards indi-cate that the Queen is not in

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THE CAvALRY ARE COMING...by Steve Morgan

We don’t just look good,we’re fighters too

moured reconnaissance aswell as a ceremonial regiment,and that they are entwined.Everyone in the regiment canperform operational dutiesone moment and ceremonialduties the next. We don’t justlook good – we’re fighterstoo”.

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A HELPING HAND FROM PROBUS

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

The President of the Probus Club ofMenorca, Chris Knightley, and Secre-tary, Barry Ord, attended the RedCross Craft Group meeting at Halliss-y’s Restaurant in Llucmaçanes in midAugust to donate cheques to two localcharities.The first, in the sum of 625 euros, wasreceived by Anne Maddison on behalfof the local Cruz Roja (Red Cross) inthe presence of the Honorary BritishConsul, Deborah Hellyer, MBE.The second, for 160 euros, was pre-sented to Jan Henman for the Rest &Recovery Menorca project, whichbrings soldiers from the Household Ca-valry, wounded whilst on active servicein Afghanistan, to Menorca for shortbreaks to aid in their recovery.

Membership of the Probus Club is open to English-speaking retired or practising business or profes-sional men, able and willing to devote time andexperience to the Club’s objectives, which are formembers to enjoy the company of like-minded menand to participate in projects aimed at harnessingtheir skills and experience for the benefit of thelocal community.Anyone interested can attend one of the regularlunch meetings held on the first Wednesday of everymonth, 1300 for 1330 hrs. The meetings in Sep-tember and October will be held at Scandals Res-taurant near Es Castell.

Donations to the RedCross and R&R

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A MENORCAN CONNECTION IN THEHEART OF LONDON by Bryce Lyons

Take a walk along JermynStreet in St James’s, Londonand you will encounter an in-triguing 18th century façade.Here at number 89 is theFloris perfumery with much ofthe original shop front and in-terior fittings dating from 1730when the business was firstfounded.Two hundred and eighty oneyears and seven generationslater, and with the eighth andninth now working in the busi-ness, this is still perhaps themost famous and prestigiouspurveyor of fragrances in theU.K.Juan Femenias Floris left hisnative Menorca during the firstBritish colonial period and, in1730, settled in London. Ap-parently, on seeing the typicalBritish weather his first busi-ness enterprise was to sell um-brellas but surprisingly thissoon floundered. Perhapsthere was already too muchcompetition?For some time Juan had beenlooking for something innova-tive and distinct. He movedinto selling shaving productsand combs but he soon re-alised that in the early 18thcentury perfume and fragrancewas a very new concept andmuch sought after by theBritish “High Society”. Hisastute choice of businesspremises in the fashionableSaint James and especiallyJermyn Street, which was akinto Bond Street, and his carefulelaboration of fragrances soonbrought him to the notice ofthe London aristocracy. Hisskill at using natural ingredi-ents and the quality of his cre-ations ensured the steadyincrease of highly placed cus-tomers and he soon became

well known amongst them at apersonal as well as profes-sional level.He married Elizabeth, a youngBritish lady, and together theycontinued the expansion oftheir clientele. Their sonRobert Floris spent much timeabroad sourcing the authenticingredients for the perfumeswhilst learning the trade.A later generation of the fam-ily (in 1863) Mr. James Floriswas delighted to receive a let-ter of thank you from FlorenceNightingale, after she had re-turned from the battlefield ofthe Crimea, and during thetime she was setting up thenurses training school at St.Thomas’s Hospital, extollingthe virtues of their“nosegays”. The original of

this letter is displayed withinthe shop today alongside theRoyal Warrant, the Seal of Ap-proval as official suppliers tothe Royal Family when thePrince of Wales became KingGeorge IV in 1820. Today,over 190 years later, theBritish Royal Family still pur-chase perfumes and other fra-grant items from the Floriscompany. Numerous wellknown personalities areknown to have purchased fromthe Floris emporium, amongstthem Sir Winston Churchill,Marilyn Monroe and Sir Ran-ulgh Fiennes.As well as much of the origi-nal and beautifully preservedfaçade, the interior still retainsthe solid mahogany Spanish-made display cabinets pur-

chased at the 1851 Great Ex-hibition in Hyde Park, and thefragrant and tranquil ambi-ence of its founder Juan Fe-menias pervades.The shop at 89 Jermyn Streetis still the heart of the busi-ness and is run by Juan’s de-scendants today. However in1989 a new factory in Devonwas officially opened by HRHPrincess Diana and it is herethat all their products are nowmanufactured.Into the 21st century andmuch of the business is nowon line but the name Juan Fe-menias Floris and his visionlive on.So when next in London whynot call in and see a Menorcanconnection at 89 JermynStreet, St. James.

The British Royal Family stillpurchase perfumes and other fragrant items

from the Floris company

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MENORCA PAYS TRIBUTE TOFLT. LT. jON EGGING (RED 4)

Tributes have been paid inMenorca to Flt. Lt. Jon Egging,the R.A.F. pilot who died whenhis Hawk T1 jet crashed follo-wing a display by the RedArrows at the BournemouthAir Festival in Dorset. The ae-robatic team had completedtheir routine and were comingin to land when, for reasonsstill under investigation, Red4’s aircraft lost height and,after evasive moves by thepilot to avoid some nearbyhouses, crashed into the RiverStour, about 1 kilometre south-east of Bournemouth.The 33-year old officer, knownto his colleagues as “Egg-man”, joined the display teamlast autumn and was an expe-rienced pilot and a veteran ofthe Afghanistan War.Many residents in Menorcahad the chance to meet andtalk to the nine Red Arrowspilots in late May when theteam put on an unforgettableperformance over the port ofMaó as part of the celebrationsmarking the tricentenary of theNaval Hospital on the Isla delRey. Not only did the team im-press for the professional wayin which they flew in the dis-play but also for the ease of

manner, politeness, interestand sense of humour they sho-wed when meeting total stran-gers.In an article in the local “Me-norca” newspaper, GeneralLuis Alejandre paid tribute toFlt. Lt. Jon Egging who, withhis companions, had “impres-sed us with their display overthe port of Maó, but above allhad left a trace of professiona-

lism, rigour, courage andfriendship among the Englishcolony and among all of us,most especially among the en-gineers and controllers at theAirport of Menorca and theAeroclub on the San Luisroad”.A few minutes silence wereheld in his memory in the An-glican Chapel on the Isla delRey on the Sunday following

the accident. GeneralAlejandre ended his ar-ticle by wishing Lt.“Eggman” a “goodflight to heaven”.The president of theAsociación MenorcaBritannia, Bryce Lyons,sent a letter of condo-lence to the Red Arrowteam on behalf of the260 members andasked that their dee-pest sympathy be pas-sed to the pilot’s wifeand family.“Many of us were privi-leged to meet the wholeteam at the official re-ceptions and record theenthusiasm and profes-sionalism of you all”,he wrote, “What fantas-

tic ambassadors for the UnitedKingdom!”“Focus on Menorca” wouldlike to echo these sentimentsand send heartfelt sympathynot only to Flt. Lt. Egging’swife, Emma, and his family,but also to his flying collea-gues and ground crew whohave lost a fine young manwho was a credit to his family,the R.A.F. and his country.

Jon Egging at a press conference in Maó in May this year

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

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A short boat trip from Calesfonts, Es Castell’s lo-vely little fishing harbour, takes you to Lazareto,an islet full of history that has, at long last, beenopened up to the public for visits. Led by the guideJosé, whose English is much better than he thinks,the visitors make their way up the slope to the en-trance to the former isolation hospital, nowadays aholiday retreat for workers in the Spainish healthservice, passing the statue of Saint Sebastian (pa-tron saint of the ill) shaking off the chains of dise-ase, and entering the peace and quiet of the shadygardens surrounding the historical buildings.José recounts the history of the quarantine islandwhich served the whole of the Spanish Mediterra-nean seaboard and helped to prevent the spread ofinfectious diseases such as the plague, yellowfever, cholera and malaria. Construction of the hos-pital began in 1794, using some of the stone fromthe Sant Felipe fortress across the harbour, and

A vISIT TO THE qU ARANTINE ISLAND

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continued until 1807 but Laza-reto was not opened until 1817,remaining in full use until 1917.During this time some 400,000people passed through the islandfrom 12,000 sailing ships and1,500 steamships.José explains how the island wasdivided into three areas to segre-gate the passengers according totheir state of health, ranging fromsuspected cases to the infected,each area being independent,even having its own well, vegeta-ble garden laundry etc.The 90-minute tour takes visitorsto the Tower of Whispers or Se-crets, the tiny chapel where thepriest was isolated from the in-fectious inmates, the centralwatch tower (one of five) and thethree areas of differing degrees ofinfection with their quarters andgardens. In the garden of the hos-pital (now a hotel) is the oldesttree in the Balearic Islands, adragon tree which dates from theconstruction of the hospital.A very interesting tour and wellworth the 10 euros charged bythe tourist board (which includesthe boat crossing).Tickets can be bought from Tou-rist Information Offices and ad-vance booking is advisable as

this is a popular trip not onlywith tourists but also withlocal residents who have hadto wait for a long time to visitpart of their heritage.There are guided tours everySunday, with the boat leavingfrom Calesfonts at 1715 hrs.,

but, such is the demand thatadditional visits are being runon other days. Check with theTourist Information Offices tofind out when there are toursas days may be changed if theMinistry of Health has activi-ties planned on the island.

A vISIT TO THE qU ARANTINE ISLAND

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PROGRAMME FOR THE MARE DE DÉU DE GRÀCIA FIESTAS IN MAÓ

The times given for the different events are approximate - as itsays in the Maó Fiesta Programme “the fiesta has its own rhythmand we must adapt to it”.

Wednesday 7th September

0900 hrs. Breakfast for the riders in Dalt es Camí des Castell

1030 hrs. ‘Aigua-ros’ (rosewater) is taken to the Municipal Ge-riatric Hospital, the Island Council’s Geriatric Home and theMateu Orfila Hospital.

1600 hrs. The bells toll out and the ‘fabioler’ (flautist) sets outto collect the ‘caixer fadrí’ (bachelor or spinster rider).

1615 hrs. Parade through the streets by the Dalt Sant Joan Cor-net & Drum Band, the Maó giants, carnival figures and guestgiants from Menorca, Mallorca and Catalunya.

1630 hrs. The fiesta flag is handed to the ‘caixer fadrí’ and thecavalcade starts to form.

1900 hrs. Compline Mass in Nuestra Señora de Gracia Chapel.

2030 hrs. Traditional ‘Jaleo’ in Plaça de la Constitució, to musicfrom the Maó Band.

0030 hrs. Open-air dance in the Plaça del Carme/Plaça Españawith the Orquestra Sarau and DJ King and DJ Sas.

Thursday, 8th September

0715 hrs. The ‘fabioler’ (flautist) sets out to collect the ‘caixerfadri’.

0730 hrs. Reveille with the Dalt Sant Joan Cornet & Drum Band.

0730 hrs. The town’s flag is handed to the ‘caixer fadri’ and thecavalcade starts to form.

0800 hrs. The cavalcade sets out from Plaça de la Conquestaand follows a traditional route through the town.

0900 hrs. The giants of Maó and guest giants from Llucmajorand Vendrell parade through the streets.

1030 hrs. The statue of Nuestra Señora de Gracia, patron saintof the town, is carried to the Santa Maria Church.

1100 hrs. Mass for the riders in the Santa Maria Church.

1215 hrs. Accompanied by the riders, the statue is carried tothe Pont de Sant Roc.

1230 hrs. Traditional ‘Jaleo’ in the Plaça de la Constitució tomusic from the Es Migjorn Gran Band.

Presentation of green canes to all the riders. Samba dancing andsinging of the ‘Volem Vi’ in the square.

1800 hrs. The cavalcade sets out from the Plaça Constitució.

1900 hrs. ‘Corregudes’ (horse races) in the Cós de Gràcia.

1930 hrs. Performance by the Big Band AMC in Plaça delCarme.

2030 hrs. The final ‘caragol’ (tour of the town) by riders and hor-

ses accompanied by the Maó Band. Itinerary: Cós de Gràcia,Carrer Ses Moreres, Costa de Sa Plaça, Plaça Colón, Calle del’Àngel, Plaça Reial, Calle Anuncivay, Plaça del Princep, Calledel Carme, Plaça Espanya, Portal de Mar and Plaça Constitució.

2200 hrs. The cavalcade disbands and the final notes are pla-yed on the flute.

2300 hrs. Refreshments for the riders in the Town Hall.

2400 hrs. Open-air dance with Fraggles and DJ Kimg and DJSas in the plaça del Carme/Plaça Espanya.

Friday, 9th September

1630 hrs. Demonstration of ‘vela latina’ sailing.

1830 hrs. Human pyramids by the “Castellers de Vilafranca” inPlaça Constitució.

1830 hrs. Cross harbour swim from the Illa Pinto to the Moll deLlevant.

1930 hrs. Human pyramids by the “Castellers de Vilafranca” inthe Port of Maó.

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PROGRAMME FOR THE MARE DE DÉU DE GRÀCIA FIESTAS IN MAÓ

Estación Marítima (Ferry Terminal) Zone:2000 hrs. Singing and dancing by the Casa de Andalucía2100 hrs. Folkdancing by the Grup Folklòric Es Rebost2215 hrs. Traditional dancing by the Esbart Dansaire fromSanta Tecla (Tarragona).

Port Authority Zone:2100 hrs. Concert by the Maó Band2145 hrs. Ballroom dancing Festival.

Port Authority Zone - Children’s Activities:2030 hrs. Puppet Mania, family musical show2130 hrs. Xineta i Tico Show.

Paseo del Mar Zone:2130 hrs. Performance by the group The Legend.

Mô Mermaid Zone:2100 hrs. Menorcan music from the Arrels de Menorca.

S’Hort Nou Zone:2100 hrs. Fiesta for the Latin community and associations.2330 hrs. Firework display from the Illa Pinto.

2400 hrs. Final burst of firecrackers from the Ferry Stationsquare bringing the fiestas to an end.

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Sunday, 4th September2200 hrs. Jazz Concert by the Suso González Trio in Sa Te-rrassa des Claustre.Monday, 5th September1800 hrs. Two-hour tour of the scenes of activities in the Maófiestas, led by Francesc Carreras, starting from Nuestra Señorade Gracia Chapel and ending at the Town Hall.1900 hrs. Line dancing exhibition in Carrer Ses Moreres, Maó.2000 hrs. Concert by Bastió de s’Illa in Plaça Princep, Maó.2000 hrs. Concert by the choir of the Casal de Gent Gran,conducted by Lluís Josep Ferrer in Pont de Sant Roc, Maó.2200 hrs. Concert by s’NSMBL in the Pont de Sant Roc, Maó.Tuesday, 6th September1130 hrs. Balearic Championship in the Europe Class in thePort of Maó.1800 hrs. Two-hour tour of the scenes of activities in the Maófiestas, led by Francesc Carreras, starting from Nuestra Señorade Gracia Chapel and ending at the Town Hall.1900 hrs. Line dancing exhibition in Carrer Ses Moreres, Maó.2100 hrs. Concert by the group NASH and DJ in the Ocimaxcomplex, Maó.2200 hrs. Catalan pop concert by Xef Malatesta in Sa Terrassades Claustre, Maó.2200 hrs. Concert by Naughty Noise in Plaça del Princep,Maó.Wednesday, 7th September1130 hrs. Balearic Championship in the Europe Class in thePort of Maó.Friday, 9th September1500 hrs. Spanish Championship in the Europe Class in themouth of Maó harbour.Saturday, 10th September1130 hrs. Spanish Championship in the Europe Class in themouth of Maó harbour.

Sunday, 11th September1130 hrs. Spanish Championship in the Europe Class in themouth of Maó harbour.Monday, 12th September1130 hrs. Spanish Championship in the Europe Class in themouth of Maó harbour.Saturday, 24th September2100 hrs. Folk festival presented by the group Arrels de SantJoan in the Plaça des Pins, Ciutadella.FiestasSant Lluïset: 2nd to 4th SeptemberMaó: Mare Déu de Gràcia - 7th to 9th SeptemberCala en Porter: 16th to 18th September.Organ recitalsMaó: In the Santa Maria Church, daily except Sunday at 1300hrs.Ciutadella: In the Socors Church on Tuesdays and Thursdaysat 1100 hrs.Alaior: In the Santa Eulàlia Church Wednesday to Saturday at1130 hrs.Jazz ClubJam Session every Tuesday at 2130 hrs. in the Casino, SantCliment.Maó Guided ToursUntil 14th September, guided tours of the town every Wednes-day at 1900 hrs. and Saturday at 1100 hrs., starting from theTown Hall’s main door. Price 6€ per person, under 12’s free.Tickets available from Tourist Information Offices and ViatgesMagon.Alaior Guided ToursGuided tours on Tuesday and Thursday 1830 hrs. startingfrom the Església de Gràcia, Plaça Constitució. Price 4€.Charity Car Boot Sales0900-1300 hrs. every Sunday at El Picadero Restaurant, Maó.

Pitch fees of 5€ go to Club Vi-dalba. Bookings through 971 363268.Trotting:Saturdays 1800 hrs. at the Maóhipódromo on the Maó-Sant Lluísroad.Sundays 1800 hrs. HipódromoTorre del Ram, Ciutadella (and oc-casional flat races).Equestrian ShowTuesdays and Thursdays 2030 hrs.“Somni 2011” at Son Martorelleton the road to Cala Galdana.

Friday, 2nd September1900 hrs. Athletics race - entrants canregister up to 15 minutes before start ofrace.

Saturday, 3rd September1800 hrs. Parade with the giants andband.1830 hrs. “Chocolatada” - children’schocolate party in the Pla de Sa Creu.1900 hrs. The cavalcade tours the stre-ets of the village.2000 hrs. ‘Jaleo’ - mini jaleo in front ofSant Lluís Church with music from theSant Lluís Folk Group.

2200 hrs. Line Dance Menorca - de-monstration of line dancing followed bychance for everyone to join in. Pla de SaCreu.2300 hrs. Sant Lluïset Dance in the Plade Sa Creu to music from Huracan.

Sunday, 4th September0800 hrs. Clay pigeon shooting in LlocNou (practice the previous day at 1500hrs.)1130 hrs. Paella Competition - lunch at1430 hrs. - in the Circuit Natural withmusic from Aigua Blava.

SANT LLUÏSET FIESTA PROGRAMME

EvENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR...

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Saturday, 10th September1700 hrs. Mini Motorbike ex-hibition1830 hrs. Mini-marathon –Starting at Mevis Square andgoing around various streets inthe urbanisation2030 hrs. Pregón de Fiestas.The town crier opens the fies-tas; Pau Faner is going to readhis work "La donzella de lesaigües" (translated copies willbe available)2200 hrs. Music in the PlazaGran with the Group Gaima.

Sunday, 11th September0930 hrs. XV Annual Pet-anca Competition at the foot-ball pitch.

Friday, 16th September1200 hrs. Official start to theFiestas with a salvo of fire-crackers. Games and a festiveatmosphere can be found inthe restaurants and touristcomplexes of the urbanisation1700 hrs. Tribute to JackieHaworth in Bar Pons1730 hrs. Seven-a-side-foot-ball competition: Spain versusEngland1930 hrs. Children’s enter-tainment in the Plaza Gran 2130 hrs. Line dancing inPlaza Gran.2000 to 2200 hrs. A juryformed by members of theTown Council and the com-mission of fiestas will tour theurbanisation and award prizesfor the best-decorated publicestablishment. Please notifythe Municipal Office or theAVV if you wish to participate.2300 hrs. Corre Focs (fireworkshow) with the group “Colla deDiables de Maó” in theChurch Square (next to BarPons). Spectators must comply

with the rules stated2400 hrs. DJ Bruno Costa –Deep House & Drum Bassin Plaza Gran Square

Saturday, 17th September1100 hrs. Sandcastle com-petition on the beach forchildren of all ages. Judgingwill take place at 1230 hrs.and there will be prizes for1st and 2nd1300 hrs. Children’s festivi-ties on the beach when KingNeptune will arrive and givethe children gifts andsweets. 1700 hrs. The Alaior Ma-jorettes, Giants and Bigheads parade the streets ac-companied by the Alaiordrum and trumpet band.1800 hrs. The traditionalcavalcade will set off fromthe Plaza de la Iglesia. Firstof all, it will proceed to theMunicipal building wherethe flag will be handed overto the “Caixer fadri” (un-married rider), and the proces-sion will be joined by the“Caixer President” (Presidentof the riders) Daniel PachecoCurran, following which theywill all move off around thestreets of the town.1930 hrs. Lively “Jaleo” ofhorses in the square on thebeach.2200 hrs. Live music at PlazaGran with a Gospel choir.0030 hrs. Dancing at PlazaGran square until the earlyhours.

Sunday, 18th September0900 hrs. Salvo of firecrack-ers. The Alaior drum andtrumpet band parade aroundthe streets.0930 hrs. Everyone is invited

to a typical Menorcan break-fast of hot chocolate and cakeat the municipal building. Thehot chocolate will be suppliedby Bar Restaurant “Lorengo”.0950 hrs. The horses and rid-ers will parade around thestreets.1130 hrs. Mass in the Munici-pal building for the riders. 1215 hrs. “Jaleo” in the PlazaIglesia, next to Bar Pons.1500 hrs. Reception for au-thorities, residents and visitorsat the Municipal building.1700 hrs. Children’s games atthe Plaza Gran. All childrenare invited to come along andjoin in the fun.1900 hrs. Exhibition by theAlaior Majorettes at PlazaGran square.

2000 hrs. Live music in thePlaza Gran with Eva Sons.2200 hrs. Performance by De-lobi in the Plaza Gran. Comealong and dance, sing andenjoy a mix of golden oldiesand traditional music. 2400 hrs. Firework display atthe Plaza Iglesia, next to BarPons.

There will be lots more goingon in and around Cala enPorter over the fiesta weekend.Many of the local bars andrestaurants will add to theparty atmosphere by puttingon their own entertainment.Full details will be availablein the official fiesta pro-grammes that will be availablethroughout the resort.

CALA EN PORTER

FIESTA PROGRAMME

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A total of 56 boats from tendifferent countries arrived inMaó late in August to take partin the Spanish stage of thePanerai Classic Yachts Chal-lenge Trophy 2011 and theCopa del Rey (King’s Cup)held over three days. It was arecord number of entries forthe annual event which at-tracts classic yachts from asfar afield as Britain and theU.S.A.There was a chance to admirethe yachts at their moorings infront of the Club Marítimo inthe days preceeding the racingand then to enjoy the magnifi-cent sight of them leaving theport to take part in the regat-

tas, which thrilled spectatorslining the banks of the harbourand clifftops.The trials started at 1300 hrs.on each of the three days (25thto 27th August) and comple-mentary entertainment hadbeen arranged in the port inthe evenings, including a per-formance by Menorcan horsesand folkdancing.The yachts competed in windconditions that varied from a 7to 8 knot southerly wind on thefirst day to a strong 16 to 18knot northerly wind on thethird and final day, over a 13.5mile triangular course thatstarted at the mouth of the har-bour, passed the Illa de l’Aire

CLASSIC BOATS COMPETE IN MAÓ

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CLASSIC BOATS COMPETE IN MAÓ

The international eventattracted 56 boats from ten dif-

ferent countries

and finished a few metres fromthe Club Marítimo.The Challenge has five divi-sions in which the yachts com-pete: Big Boats, Classic,Vintage Gaff, Vintage Marconiand Spirit of Tradition (modernboats built on traditionallines).The next stage of the PaneraiClassic Yachts Challenge cir-cuit will be held at Porto Ro-tondo in Italy from 8th to 11thSeptember and, this year, thefinal stage will be in Cannesbetween 17th and 24th Sep-tember.

Winners of PaneraiTrophy 2011:Big Boats:Moonbeam IV (MonacoYacht Club) Spirit of Tradition:Calima (Club MarítimoMahón)Classic:Alba (RCN Barcelona)Vintage Gaff:Kelpie (RAF)Vintage Marconi:Peter (RCN Barcelona)Overall Winners of Pane-rai Trophy 2011:Big Boats:Moonbeam IV (MonacoYacht Club)Vintage:Peter (RCN Barcelona)Classic:Alba (RCN Barcelona)

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IB-SALUT TO HELP WITH PATIENTS’TRAvEL COSTS WHERE NECESSARY

During a visit to the island inearly August, the new BalearicCouncillor for Health, Familyand Welfare, Carmen Castro,announced that the problemarising from travel agents notbeing reimbursed for tickets forpatients transferred off the is-land for medical treatment was“on the point” of being re-solved.She also announced that anypatient in Menorca requiringtreatment in either Mallorca oron the mainland who was un-able to pay for their ticketshould contact the patients’ as-sociations or Doctor AntoniSalvà, the recently-appointedthe spokesman for these associ-ations, “to work out the best so-lution”.“The problem of patients whohave to be transferred is a mat-ter of priority on which we havebeen working practically fromthe first day”, she declared dur-ing a lightning visit to the“Mateu Orfila” Hospital to meetthe new head of the Health Se-vice in Menorca, Doctor JoséLuis Gallego.In his first public speech as thehead of Maó’s hospital, Gallegostressed that it should be thespecialists and not the patientswho have to travel from one is-land to the other, saying that itwas not only a matter of eco-nomics but that, normally, pa-tients are not in the bestcondition to travel. However, heconsiders four oncologists onthe staff of the “Mateu Orfila”to be “sufficient” to cover thedemand in Menorca and thatthere “is not much sense” inopening a radiotherapy sectionon the island due to the highcost involved and the little ben-efit that would arise due to thescarcity of patients. He admit-

ted that it was difficult to coversome specialist positions, suchas in cardiology, in Menorca, asin the rest of Spain.The Balearic Government has,in fact, approved various meas-ures aimed at increasing effi-ciency and cutting costs withinthe health service, amongstwhich are the use of ‘telemedi-

cine’ wherever possible andsending specialists from Mal-lorca over to Menorca andIbiza,which will reduce theneed for patients to travel offthe island for treatment.Gallego stated that one of hisobjectives is to strengthen thePrimary Attention sector andimprove the efficiency of the is-

land’s health system resources.In his view, Primary Attentionhas been largely forgotten andhe aims to introduce a systemwhereby patients consulting aspecialist arrive at the consul-tation with all the medical testsalready carried out.

Air Nostrum has agreed with IB-Salut to pro-vide eight return tickets per day, Monday toFriday, for Menorcan patients having to travelto Mallorca for medical reasons and to providethe same service for Ibiza. The airline willcontinue the scheme until 31st January andmay then extend it further.It will be the doctors in each hospital who de-cide who will benefit from the tickets, takinginto account the urgency of the case and thepatient’s age.

The airline’s decision has surprised the is-lands’ travel agents who cannot understandwhy a similar agreement was not made withthem, as it is they who provide clients for theairline, and who view Air Nostrum’s action as“a way of robbing them of clients”. The travelagents had refused to issue tickets unless thepatient paid for them as they have not beenpaid by the Balearic Government for ticketsissued over the past few months.

Air Nostrum to provide eight tickets per day for patients

Many Menorcan patients receive treatment in Son Espases Hospital in Palma, Mallorca

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Elderly woman dies after scissor attack in Ciutadella GeriatricHomeMaria Auxiliadora Florit Cavaller, an 89-year old resident in theGeriatric Home in Ciutadella, died shortly after being stabbedin the temple with a pair of scissors. The incident, still under in-vestigation, happened in the early hours of the morning, bet-ween the two night rounds at 0200 hrs. and 0500 hrs. when thevictim was found, still alive. Despite receiving medical treat-ment she died shortly after midday.The police are speculating that it may have been a mercy ki-lling as the victim was in the intensive care unit in the terminalphase of her life, or that it may have been the work of one of theother residents suffering from mental problems.

Head-on collision leaves one dead and one seriously injuredA head-on collision on the road between Sant Climent and EsCanutells resulted in the death of a 39-year old man, S.E., andserious head injuries to another, A.E., who had to be transferredto Son Espases Hospital in Mallorca. Five other people suffe-red minor injuries; a 44-year old woman, R.B.M. and her threechildren aged 6, 8 and 11 years, and another woman, 31-yearold J.P.The accident happened at 1535 hrs. on 23rd August when, forreasons unknown, two vehicles collided head-on. Such was theforce of the crash that two occupants had to be rescued from thewreckage by firemen.

Government owes four million euros to Balearic pharmacistsBalearic pharmacists are warning that the dearer prescription med-icines may soon be in short supply if they are forced to take meas-ures to reduce their costs. The pharmacists have not been paid bythe Balearic Government for prescription medicines since May,but have still had to pay their suppliers in full for the drugs andhave had to take out bank loans to cover the deficit. In mid Augustthe figure owing to the chemists was around four million euros.A proposal to petition the laboratories for more time to pay was re-jected by some of the pharmacists at a meeting, on the groundsthat the suppliers, too, were suffering from bills that had not beenpaid by the authorities.So far the pharmacists have taken no action, taking into accountthat the Balearic Government is relatively new and their respon-sibility to citizens, but an extraordinary meeting is planned for thebeginning of this month at which, if the situation has not changed,measures will be adopted to put pressure on the government to ful-fill its commitment and pay the money owing.

Passengers forced to spend night in AirportBetween 35 and 40 passengers had to spend the night at Me-norca Airport when their Spanair flight due to take off for Ma-drid at 2110 hrs. on 21st August was delayed and no hotelaccommodation wasavailable. The airport,which usually closes at0100 hrs., had to re-main open all night andto keep on cafeteriaopen to serve the stran-ded passengers andAENA staff had to re-main one duty to pro-vide information. Themajority of the passengers, around 90, were found hotel accom-modation and some 20 others made their own arrangements, ei-ther returning to their own villas or staying with family or

NEWS ROUND-UP

Restaurant openTuesday to Saturday 1.00 to 3.30 pm and 7.30 to 10.30 pm

Sunday 1.00 to 3.30 pm (Closed Monday)

Bar openTuesday to Saturday 12.00 to 12.00

Sunday 12.00 to 7.00 pmClosed Monday

Tel.: 971 365 313

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friends, but the remaining35-40 had no option but topass the night at the air-port. The flight eventuallyleft the next morning withan 11-hour delay.Two days later, the scenewas replayed when a Vue-ling flight to Barcelona suf-fered a technical problem.On this occasion some 90people had to stay at theairport all night, sleepingon available chairs or onthe floor and eventually ta-king off after a 14-hourdelay.

Ciutadella and Es Mercadalask for more masts to im-prove mobile phone serviceFollowing the court’s rulingthat the Mobile TelephonePlan drawn up by the previ-ous Island Council restrict-ing the installation of newtelephone masts was invalidas the island’s governingbody had no jurisdiction inthat area, the councils of EsMercadal and Ciutadellahave taken steps towards in-stalling more masts in orderto improve coverage in areaswith a weak signal, espe-cially tourist resorts andbeaches.In Ciutadella district theareas in question are Calaen Blanes, Son Xoriguer,Son Catlar, Son Saura andeven some parts of the townitself, although the lattermay prove difficult bearingin mind the construction ofthe buildings (with thickwalls) and that the area isprotected.The Mayor of Es Mercadal,Francesc Ametller, plans tooffer the district’s watertanks as sites for installingnew masts, as they are suffi-ciently far from built-upareas and are also locatedon higher ground, condi-tions sought by the tele-phone companies. The plan

would not only improve mobile phone coverage but the money paidby the companies for the installation would also benefit the Coun-cil’s finances.Another district suffering from poor coverage is Sant Lluís wheresome of the telephone companies have shown an interest in erect-ing new masts but have been unable to do so due to the Island’sTerritorial Plan.In response to criticism from the tourist sector, many of the island’shotels have taken their own steps to improve mobile phone cover-age, to meet the increasing demand from their guests who nowa-days use the mobile for far more than just phone calls. Workingwith Globatel, many have installed frequency amplifiers in theirbuildings so that the guests can enjoy full coverage for all theircommunication needs.

Minor robberies in Binibèquer Vell and Torre-SolíThe “Menorca” Island Newspaper reported that there were sev-eral minor robberies at restaurants and homes in Binibèquer Velland Tori-Solí at the end of July and beginning of August, with be-tween 300 and 500 euros being stolen, including one in broad day-light while the occupant was taking a siesta and was awoken bynoise in time to see the thieves escaping through a window.The State’s Island Director, Javier Tejero, insists that the numberof robberies this summer is virtually the same as last year and thatno increase has so far been noted.

Two British arrested for hotel robberiesTwo British men, R.C.D. and Z.B., have been arrested in connec-tion with seven robberies in hotels on the island. They were de-tained when they tried to leave the island by boat from Ciutadellain a car rented in Calvìa, Mallorca, in which police found cash invarious currencies, clothing, watches and accessories as well asipads iphones, top of the range mobile phones, blackberries anddigital cameras. The pair had spent their two nights on the islandin different hotels, making it harder for police to identify them.

Social Services have debts dating back to 2009The Island Council’s Social Services and Youth department hasstated that an initial examination of the department’s accountsshows unpaid bills dating back to 2009, with a total outstanding ofaround 200,000 euros. This has aroused the indignation of the newhead of the department, Aurora Herráiz, in view of the former Is-land President’s (Marc Pons) claim that the Island Council paidits debts within 60 days and that it was debt-free.Agreements with Tour Operators under studyIn an interview with the “Menorca” Island Newspaper, the new Is-

land Councillor for Tourism,Salomé Cabrera, spoke ofthe need to resolve the prob-lem of air transport, not onlyfrom the aspect of tourism,but also to make local busi-nesses more competitive, formedical transfers and stu-dents.She believes that the islandhas great potential fortourism but that work needsto be done on highlightingits differences from other re-sorts, with more promotionof the cultural heritage, gas-tronomy and nature. Sheadded that the way had to beleft open for investors inter-ested, for example, in creat-ing golf courses and that theTerritorial Island Plan had tobe amended to encourageinvestment and to allow ob-solete hotels to be modified.Referring to the agreementsmade with tour operators,Cabrera said that these hadbeen drawn up in a differenteconomic climate and thatthey expire next year andthat it was necessary in thepresent climate to decidewhether to continue withthem, revise them or extendthem so that not only hote-liers benefit but also com-plementary areas.

No takers for tourist lunch-eon vouchersThe system of vouchers formeals in restaurants fortourists, designed to com-pete with all-inclusive holi-days, has so far not attracteda single customer. “MenorcaFull Experience” cost theprevious Island Council over25,000 euros to set up and,although 30 restaurantsaround the island signed upto the initiative, it failed toattract any customers, due,according to a representa-tive of the restaurants, to alack of publicity.

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July occupancy rate 89%According to figures re-leased by ASHOME (theMenorcan Hoteliers’ Asso-ciation) the occupancy ratefor tourist accommodationin July was 89.1%, which is2.4% higher than July lastyear. Since May, eachmonth this year has pro-duced an increase on2010’s figures.Three and four star hotelshad the highest occupancyrates, as did tourist estab-lishments in the areas ofAlaior, Es Migjorn and Fer-reries.By nationality, the largestincrease has been in thenumber of Italian touristswho last year accounted for12.26% of the total and thisyear make up 18.78% of theisland’s visitors. There hasbeen little change in theBritish, German and Span-ish markets which this yearaccount for 28.4%, 9.18%and 34.13% of the total re-spectively.

More tourists but less in-comeThe reported increase innumbers of tourists this Julyhas not equated to an in-crease in the income of localbusinesses, almost all ofwhich have seen their tak-ings drop in comparisonwith the same period lastyear. A survey carried outby PIME (the association forsmall and medium sizedbusinesses) shows that allsectors, apart from ruraltourism where 50% of busi-nesses recorded increasedtakings on last year, havefared less well this year; thesectors most affected beingcar hire where 90% of firmsare down on July 2010 andcafés/bars/restaurantswhere nearly 68% are worseoff. Nautical companies,normally one of the most

stable sectors, are also feeling the effects of the crisis, over 60% ofthem recording a drop in income , as are shops over half of whichare down on 2010.

Cleaning gang for Ciutadella urbanisationsCiutadella Council has contracted three people exclusively formaintenance work on the district’s urbanisations. The gang willwork all year round to ensure that maintenance is carried out allyear round and not only immediately prior to the start of the touristseason.

More berths needed for boats in transit in CiutadellaThere have been calls for more berths to be made available forboats in transit in Ciutadella when the Port Authorities start to con-struct new pontoons in the interior harbour in September. Visitingboats have had to anchor in the mouth of the bay of Platja Gran inAugust due to a shortage of temporary berths.Considering the high potential of nautical tourism, there is an ar-gument for providing berths for visitors that will allow them easyaccess to the town. On the other hand there is the view that moor-ings within the harbour should be reserved for those who requirethem all year round, for which there is a considerable waiting listwith some boat owners waiting up to twenty years for a berth.

New maritime signal at the mouth of Maó PortA new maritime signal has been installed on the roof of “LittleVenice” in Cala Apartió to indicate the entrance channel to Maóharbour. A new technological system has been used, cheaper thanthe signals previously used. The light glows in different colours(red, white or green), depending on the angle of observation.

New synthetic drug detectedin BalearicsThe National Plan for Drugshas warned that a new,highly toxic drug has beendetected in Spain for thefirst time, at fiestas in theBalearic Islands. “DovesRed” is a mixture of ecstasy,meta amphetamine and anew “highly dangerous”component, that has beenconnected to various drug-induced deaths elsewhere inEurope. The problem is notconsidered serious at themoment as only smallamounts of the drug, whichis sold via the Internet, havebeen detected.

Mercadona to open super-market on Maó polígonoIn addition to the already-announced opening of astore in Cós De Gràcia, Maó,the Valencian chain Mer-cadona is to open a super-market on the Maóindustrial estate and maybe,later, another in Ciutadella.Each of the stores will costaround three million eurosto set up and all will followthe company policy of onlyselling food, domestic clean-ing materials, hygiene andpet food.The chain already has 36supermarkets in theBalearic Islands and plansto open another ten in Mal-lorca, three in Menorca andfour in Ibiza.

Earlier closing time in Ciu-tadella centreIn an effort to strike a happybalance between bars andleisure centres in Ciutadellatown on the one hand andlocal residents on the other,the Mayor of Ciutadella,José Maria de Sintas, is pro-posing to introduce a byelawwhereby the former willhave to close at 0200 hrs.during the summer months

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and midnight the rest of the year, thus allowing residents to sleep.It is hoped that this measure, along with others proposed, will helpto persuade residents to continue living in the centre of the townand not move away. Another proposal is to install “intelligent bol-lards” which will allow residents access to their properties butkeep other vehicles out. The Mayor also wants to make it easier forresidents to alter their properties, e.g. turning two flats into one,providing the outward appearance is not affected.

Yacht blown ashore at Arenal d’en CastellA change in the direction of the wind, which veered to the northwith strong gusts, resulted in a 12 metre hired yacht being blownon to the beach at Arenal d’en Castell in the early hours of Satur-day, 27th August. Four people aged between 35 and 40 years wereon board at the time but fortunately there were no casualties.

Are we really the worst drivers?A study carried out on the British driving in Menorca which fea-tured in an article published in the “Menorca” newspaper on 15thAugust highlighted the problems that the British encounter whendriving “on the other side of the road”, such as turning at junc-tions, or the correct use of the lane in the centre of the road forturning left. But, are we really the worst drivers? The statisticsshow that British drivers were involved in 12.2% of traffic acci-dents in Menorca, which means that they were not involved in theremaining 87.8%. Bearing in mind that the British account fornearly half of the tourists on the island, you would think they’d beinvolved in nearly half the accidents and not just 12.2%. You won-der why the study does not concentrate on the drivers of other na-tionalities who cause by far the majority of accidents.

The coldest July since 1993According to the Balearic Meteorological Centre, this July was thecoldest since 1993, with an average temperature of 23.6ºC whichis 0.9ºC lower than the average for the month over the period 1971-2000. Mallorca also had a cooler month with an average of 24.8ºC,0.4ºC lower than usual, while Ibiza’s average temperature was0.3ºC higher than the mean of 25.2ºC.A spokesman for the Centre said that July had been an “anomaly”with a great variation in the temperature between the first twoweeks, which were hot and sultry, and the last fortnight when heavyshowers, storms and a cold front resulted in temperatures consid-erably lower than the norm.

Club Marítimo opens its lift to the publicUntil such time as the lift connecting the port with the town of Maóis operating, the Club Marítimo has agreed to let the public usethe lift within its building (until now reserved for its members andclients) to travel from one level to the other.

Binipreu to collaborate with Maó Food BankBinipreu has signed an agreement with Maó Council whereby thesupermarket will supply 800 kgs. of food per month to the MaóMunicipal Food Bank for the rest of this year.The Food Bank helps between 80 and 100 people in the districtwho are out of work and do not receive any social security pay-ments or other income.

Art auction in aid of ASPANOBA total of 1,540 euros was raised at an art auction held in EsMigjorn Gran, where 25 paintings and photographs came underthe hammer to raise money for ASPANOB (the Balearic associa-tion for parents of children with cancer). The painting which soldfor the highest sum, 375 euros, was an oil by Ronald Webb whichwas bought by a British resident.The money raised will go towards maintaining the flats that the as-sociation has in Palma and Barcelona for accommodating chil-dren with cancer, who are undergoing treatment, and their families.

Successful Sale for Red Cross Craft GroupThe Red Cross Craft Group held their Summer Clearance Sale inAugust and, in just over two hours, managed - through sales of lim-ited edition homeware, babywear and handmade cards togetherwith bric-a-brac, books and clothing -to raise a total of 850 euroswhich will go towards local causes. The photo shows Dennis andBetty manning the jam jar appeal stand.The raffle prize of a hand-finished quilt made by the group’s ladieswent to Margaret Miller and the quiz was won by the “Two Jans”who were presented with a bottle of wine, selection of choclate andfree tickets to the zoo.The group would like to thank everyone who helped make the salesuch a success.Due to the closure of Hallissy’s Restaurant, the Red Cross CraftGroup’s weekly meetings will move to Scandals Restaurant, wherethey will be held every Tuesday from 1000-1200 hrs. Further in-formation available from Anne Maddison on 618 373 528.

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DEBTS OWING TO THE FOUNDATIONBY THE COUNCILS AS AT 30/06/2011

Grants Work and Services2010 2011

MAÓ 32,123 15,908 8,914FERRERIES 3,468 0 0SANT LLUÍS 4,875 234 8,277CIUTADELLA 22,800 19,650 168,360ALAIOR 21,174 29,886 18,031ES MERCADAL 3,677 985 1,595ES CASTELL 18,004 9,147 4,638ES MIGJORN GRAN 3,582 21 889ISLAND COUNCIL 13,503 32,308

______ ______ _______89,334 243,012

TOTAL 109,703 332,346

FOUNDATION FOR THE HANDICAPPEDFACING CRITICAL FINANCIAL SITUATION

In mid August the Fundacióde Persones amb Discapacitatde Menorca was down to10,000 euros in its account, asum far exceeded by its debtswhich include 226,484 eurosowing in wages, 121,925 eurosto Social Security and 165,189euros to suppliers who havenot been paid since March andwho warn that they cannotcontinue to provide materialsif they are not paid.

Unpaid grantsThe foundation, which groupstogether almost all the localassociations dedicated to peo-ple with any type of handicap,is in a critical situation finan-cially as the result of publicadministrations, which formpart of it, not fulfilling theircommitments. Whilst thefoundation’s debts amount to1.12 million euros, the amountowing to it totals almost 1.8million, much of it due fromthe Balearic Governmentwhich has paid nothing sinceJanuary and which owes overhalf a million euros in grantsand a further half a million to-wards the cost of setting up theCarlos Mir Centre.The Town Councils, which arealso part of the foundation,have also failed to meet theirobligations in paying thegrants promised or for workand services carried out forthem by the foundation. Threeof the Councils have not paidthe grants since the foundationwas set up in 2008. The out-standing grants total over109,000 euros. The founda-tion’s auditors send a yearlyletter to each council remind-ing them of their commitment- some do not even reply.The local councils have con-tracts with the foundation for

work, such as gardening, andfor catering services but manyof the unpaid bills for thesedate back to last year.The situation forced the foun-dation to stop paying suppliersin March and some are nowsaying that they will have tostop deliveries until the billsare settled. As a result thefoundation’s social catering

section is at risk.Social security payments havealready been delayed twiceand, if not paid this month,vital benefits received for em-ploying 52 handicapped work-ers will be lost.Loans are not an option at themoment as banks will not ac-cept the foundation’s propertyas a guarantee as it would be

almost imposible to embargo itin the case of non-payment.It is now up to the BalearicGovernment to draw up andactivate a plan which will savethe foundation and its socialwork.

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Most of the island’s towns hold a street market one or two mor-nings a week throughout the year with stalls selling clothing,shoes, leather goods, craftwork, ornaments, table and bedlinen etc.

STREET MARKETS

MaóTuesday and Saturday

CiutadellaFriday and Saturday

AlaiorThursdayEs Castell

Monday and Wednesday

In addition various towns hold markets during the summer months.Alaior – Night market with musical entertainment – Wednesdays in the town centre 1900-2300 hrs.Cala en Porter - Monday to Thursday 1900 to 2300 hrs. in the Plaça de MevisFornells – Plaça des Forn – Saturday and Sunday from 1800-0100 hrs. and on Thursdays 0800-1400 hrs.Maó – Parque Rochina in the port daily from 1000 to 2100 hrs. Farmers’ market on Sundays in Plaça Reial.Ferreries – Craft market every Saturday from 0900-1300 hrs. in the Plaça d’Espanya.Es Castell – Craft market every Monday until 12th September 1930-2400 hrs. in Miranda de Calasfonts.Punta Prima – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1800-2300 hrs. and Sunday 1200-2300 hrs.Ciutadella – Costa de Capllonch – Monday to Thursday 1700-2400 hrs., Friday to Sunday plus holidays 1700-0200 hrs.Es Mercadal - Craft market every Thursday during the summer from 1900 hrs. in Carrer Nou.

Es MercadalSundaySant LluísMonday

Es Migjorn GranWednesdayFerreriesFriday

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PLACES OF INTERESTMAÓ

La Mola Fortress (right)Well preserved 18th century fortress at the mouth ofMaó harbour. Open daily from 1000-2100 hrs. Audiotours in English. Guided tours (historical route – Fri-days 1800 hrs.), Jeep Safari La Mola (Mondays, 1030hrs.), Monumental tours and cycling route availableby prior booking. Tel. 971 364 040 / 686 659 400;www.fortalesalamola.comIsla del Rey HospitalFormer naval hospital built by the British in theeighteenth centurycurrently under restoration but well worth a visit,with rooms laid out with equipment from the period.Boats leave for the islet from Moll d’Hospital nearthe end of Calle Fontanillas, Es Castell, on Sundaysat 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. The boat leaves from Calasfonts at 1715 hrs. Tickets at 10 euros are available from Tourist Information 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 Mon-days. Entrance 1.80€, free on Sunday.Menorca MuseumOpen Tuesday to Saturday 1000-1400 hrs. and 1800-2030 hrs., Sundays 1000-1400 hrs.Hernández Sanz-Hernández Mora Museum

Claustre del Carme 5. Open Monday to Saturday 1000-1300 hrs.and Monday 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.

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VISITS TO THE GOLDEN FARM, SAN ANTONI (left)Only available through the Asociació Menorca Britannia. Normallyon Mondays and Fridays at 1700, 1800 and 1900 hrs. althoughtimes may vary. 10€ per person (children over 12 only). Prior boo-king essential through Sheila on 971 366 206.

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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.

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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)Further information from tel. 971 362 100.

ES MERCADALMenorca Craft CentreExhibition and sale of Menorcan craftwork. OpenMonday to Friday 1000-1400 hrs. and 1700-2000hrs., Saturday 1000-1330 hrs. Entrance free.Cap de Cavalleria EcomuseumSta. Teresa estate-Port de Sanitja. The archaeo-logy, ethnology and nature of the cape and an exhi-bition “A World to Discover”. Open daily 1000-1900 hrs. Group visits or information from 971 359 999;www.ecomuseudecavalleria.com

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

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LEISURE CORNER

Moderate Sudoku

Down1 Reporting (8)2 Food-grain (6)3 On account of (7)4 Vestibule (5)5 Essence (6)6 Smudge (4)13 Menacing (8)14 Language (7)16 Give back (6)18 Trachea (6)19 Critical (5)21 Prowl (4)

Across7 Part of a dress (6)8 Prophet (6)9 Mantle (4)10 Sufficient (8)11 Illusion (7)12 Banquet (5)15 Convivial (5)17 Remote (7)20 Code of behaviour (8)22 Slumber (4)23 Mimic (6)24 Wooden house (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, T=15 and R=19, so these can be filled inwherever they appear in the grid to help you work outthe others.

Tough Sudoku

5 76

8 2 4 19 8 7 41 5 6 4 86 2 1

6 7 33

9 8

9 22 1 7

8 7 69 5 3 6

8 4 3 54 7 8

6 3 17 6

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12 13

14

15 16 17 18

19

20 21 22

23 24

1 21 6 2 7 7 8 25 7 2 7 3

20 21 20 12 7 19 24

19 21 18 8 18 21 12 7 13 20 5 15

8 17 7 10 19 17 15

18 4 9 7 3 5 26 21 18 18 9 7

15 15 12 19

18 12 7 7 22 7 20 10 7 12 5 14

3 24 23 7

20 9 6 21 24 24 23 18 7 19 11 7

12 7 3 19 15 11 13

6 21 20 1 24 12 6 20 6 24 17 15

7 3 10 7 16 9 24

19 9 18 15 14 19 7 16 9 18 20 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15T

16 17 18 19R

20 21 22 23 24 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

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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

COBBLERS RESTAURANT

SEPT & OCT OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY

EVENINGS FROM 7PM

SUNDAY LUNCH FROM 12.30 PM

BOOKINGS NOW BEING

TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

SAN MACARIO 6 - ALAIOR

TEL.: 971 37 14 00

www.thecobblers.es

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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.

4 5 3 1 7 6 8 2 97 1 9 2 4 8 3 5 68 6 2 3 5 9 4 7 19 2 8 7 3 1 5 6 41 3 7 5 6 4 2 9 86 4 5 9 8 2 1 3 72 9 6 8 1 5 7 4 33 8 4 6 2 7 9 1 55 7 1 4 9 3 6 8 2

5 7 4 1 6 9 8 3 22 8 6 4 5 3 9 1 71 9 3 8 2 7 5 6 44 2 9 5 3 1 7 8 63 5 7 6 8 2 1 4 98 6 1 9 7 4 3 2 59 4 2 7 1 8 6 5 36 3 8 2 9 5 4 7 17 1 5 3 4 6 2 9 8

C M B F N BB O D I C E O R A C L E

V L C Y T OV E I L A D E Q U A T E

R E U R RF A N T A S Y F E A S T

G E D IM E R R Y D I S T A N T

E A A H IP R O T O C O L R E S T

O U U E O TP A R R O T C H A L E T

M N E T T R

M I D W E E K J E W E LA I A N E R OR I S K S I N E X A C TK P E G R P TS Q U E L C H I S S U E

T T N RS N E E Z E A G E N C YL O B EA U D I O O B S E R V EN E L R T V XD I A M O N D A D O P TE L G E F U OR U S T Y R E F U S A L

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zUMBA KEEP FIT ARRIvES ON ISLAND

The latest keep fit craze to hit theU.K. has now arrived on the island.Zumba is an exercise class based onLatin American dancing, such as thesamba, salsa etc. Taking the classeswill be Darcey Smith, known to manyreaders through his hairdressingsalon in Maó, “Con Estilo”, or his linedancing classes in previous winters.A former teacher of Latin and ball-room dancing in Carnaby Street,Darcey describes zumba as “a funway to exercise that involves all thebody” and one that he took to imme-diately the first time he tried it.Classes will be held, in Spanish, fromthe first Tuesday in October at theAsociación de Baile de Salón’s (Ball-room Dancing Association’s) lovelyballroom in Alaior - formerly the in-door car park for San Crispin on theindustrial estate and almost next door

to the supermarket. Every Tuesdaythere will be an hour of line dancingfrom 1930-2030 hrs. followed by anhour of zumba 2030-2130 hrs.The Taj Restaurant in Maó will be an-other venue from the end of Octoberwhen classes will be held in Englishevery Monday (when the restaurantwill be closed to diners), with linedancing from 1930-2030 hrs. andzumba 2030-2130 hrs.Finally, there will also be line dancing(but no zumba) in BJ’s Bar in SonParc, again in English, on Wednes-days 1930-2130 hrs., starting on 7thSeptember.Darcey stresses that it is essential towear trainers for zumba, not danceshoes.Further information on prices etc. canbe obtained from Darcey on 625 228022.

AN IDEAL GIFTOR SOUVENIR

Menorca, Artists of Today - with texts also in English

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