ML&S! December2011, Issue 24

ISSUE 24 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 €2.95

cover

Milla

Jovovich

hollywood’s rebel queen of action

BIG-HEARTED SUPPORT FOR MALLORCAN CHARITIES CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS FESTIVE FEASTING…SPANISH STYLE EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

76 ta Ponsa - Ref: 5478 Santa Ponsa - Ref: 5478

4 245 m24

1.121 4 mm2 2 485

1.950.000 4 1.300 485 m2 m€2

Cala Llamp - Ref: Santa 5476 Cala Ponsa Llamp - Ref: Santa -5478 Ref:Ponsa 5476 - Ref: 5478

2.050.000 1.300 m €2

3 2€ 2.050.000

4

3 m42 245

Cala Llamp - Ref: Cala 5476Llamp - Ref: 5476 Santa Ponsa Nova - Ref: 5480

22 1.950.000 € 3 24 1.121 245 1.121 m22 m2€ 2.050.000 1.3001.950.000 m2 € 2.050.000 € 2 485 m 4 m2 1.300 485 m

3 245 m22

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1.950.000 1.121 m2 m2 € 410

Santa SantaPonsa Ponsa- Ref: - Ref:5478 5488

1.950.000 900m2 €

1.950.000 €

44

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1.300 m2 2 1.100m

3

2.050.000 1.700.000€€

tacular, facing villa newly enjoying built Spectacular, southeast spectacular newly facing seabuilt villa views with southeast featuring impressive facingviews villa with to the impressive Charming, viewssouthwest to Spectacular, the Charming, facing newly villa Spectacular, southwest enjoying built southeast spectacular facing newlyfacing villa built sea enjoying villa southeast views withspectacular featuring impressive facing villasea views with views impressive to the featuring Charming, views to southwest the Charming, facing southwest villa enjoying Beautiful, facing spectacular villa modern enjoying sea villaviews spectacular situated featuring in desirable sea viewsarea featuring just a few minutes from Spectacular, New, southwest newly facing built southeast contemporary facingvilla villainwith a pleasant impressive residential views to area thein Charming, south ar area Ponsawith Bay,spacious close Santa toopen shops, Ponsa andrestaurants Bay, covered closeterraces toand shops, beach. andrestaurants Many features and beach. an impressive Many features outdoor Santa an Ponsa area impressive with Bay, Santa spacious close outdoor Ponsa to open shops, area Bay, and with restaurants close covered spacious to shops, terraces and open beach. restaurants and covered Manyand features terraces beach. and an Many impressive featuresoutdoor an impressive area withoutdoor spacious golf area courses, open with and restaurants, spacious coveredopen terraces supermarkets and covered and and terraces Country andClub. Features a chill Santa walking Ponsa distance Bay, close of beach to shops, and marina. restaurants A spacious, and beach. light flooded Many features property an impressive o de o minutes exotic pool, drivewaterfall, to include Puerto exotic solar Andratx. panels pool, waterfall, and lift. solar panels and lift. a summer kitchen. include Two a exotic summer minutes pool, kitchen. drive include waterfall, to exotic Two Puerto solar minutes pool, Andratx. panels waterfall, drive and tolift.

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er - Ref: 5484

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3.500.000 2.600 m€2

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52

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3.500.000 382.500€€

3

acing essivevillaeighteenth with remarkable Impressive century views eighteenth south of Puerto facingcentury Andratx, stone south house, facing recently stoneSplendid house, south recently Impressive east facing Splendid villa eighteenth south with Impressive remarkable eastcentury facing eighteenth views villa south with of Puerto facing century remarkable Andratx, stone south views house, facing of Puerto recently stone Andratx, house, Splendid recently south east Splendid facing south villa with eastremarkable Beautiful, facing villaprestigious views with remarkable of Puerto penthouse Andratx, views of in Puerto a distinctive Andratx, seventeenth century Impressive Lovely south eighteenth facing apartment century insouth excellent facingcondition, stone house, just tworecently minutes Splendid south pathetically igh standardrenovated, of reform, sympathetically retaining set in beautifully arenovated, contemporary designed set yet in and beautifully maintained designed enjoying and maintained all day sun. sympathetically High enjoying standard allrenovated, sympathetically day of reform, sun. High set retaining standard inrenovated, beautifully a contemporary of reform, set designed inretaining beautifully yetanda contemporary maintained designed and enjoying yet maintained all day sun. enjoying High standard all day sun. of building reform, High standard retaining in theofold areform, contemporary townretaining of Palma, yet a contemporary spacious accommodation yet recently sympathetically from the beach,renovated, in a super set community in beautifully with beautiful designedpool andwith maintained waterfall enjoying all day s hens a lovely with super pool and mountain gardens gardenviews, with area.super closemountain to Soller town views,centre. close to Soller town comfortable centre. style gardens withcomfortable awith lovely super pool gardens style mountain andwith garden withaviews, super lovely area.close mountain pool to andSoller garden views, town close area. centre. to Soller town centre. comfortable stylecomfortable with a lovelystyle poolwith and renovated agarden lovely in area. pool exquisite and garden taste,area. to an exceedingly high standard. gardens plus indoor with pool, super Jacuzzi mountain andviews, sauna.close to Soller town centre. comfortable sty

507 rto de AndratxPuerto - Ref: 5505 de Andratx - Ref: 5505

4 700 m32

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3

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1.200.000 €

1.200.000 5 6€ 4

32 700 5 m

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5 700 m26

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95 m m22 € 1.000 2.900.000

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2.900.000 €

295.000 €

43

32

2 2 175 140mm

Porto Cristo -

1.200.000 565.000€€

5

g, ming contemporary villa, located Charming villa only with one direct villa, hundred located sea access, metres onlyoffering one levelhundred walking metres distancelevel Spectacular, walking distance eastCharming facing, Spectacular, contemporary villa, located Charming east facing, villa onlywith villa, one contemporary direct located hundred seaonly access, metres villa onewith offering hundred level direct walking metres sea access, distance leveloffering walking Spectacular, distance east facing, Spectacular, contemporary east facing, A villa super, contemporary with modern direct sea top villa access, floor withapartment direct offering sea access, with splendid offeringroof terrace, on the Charming Spacious villa, southwest locatedfacing only garden one hundred apartment metres withlevel partial walking sea views, distance just Spectacular, eas he accommodation harbour side with to of Puerto the seaharbour views Andratx, and sideevery sunny of Puerto modern and private Andratx,terrace, sunny an and private stylish and terrace, spacious toantheaccommodation stylish harbour andside to spacious the ofwith Puerto harbour accommodation sea views Andratx, side and of Puerto sunny every with and sea modern Andratx, views privatesunny and terrace, every and an private modern stylish terrace, and spacious an stylish accommodation and spaciousedge with accommodation ofsea thisviews delightful and withevery market sea views modern town,and walking everydistance modernto all amenities with tominutes the harbour to beaches side ofand Puerto amenities Andratx, of San sunny Agustin. and Beautifully private terrace, equipped an stylish and spac rraces ctive conservatory and superbattractive pool plus area. roofconservatory terrace withplus sea views. roof terrace with sea views. amenity. Extensive attractive terraces amenity. conservatory andExtensive superb attractive plus pool terraces conservatory roof area.terrace and superb plus with roof pool sea views. terrace area. with sea views. amenity. Extensive amenity. terracesExtensive and superb terraces lovely poolcountry area. and superb and mountain pool area.views, garage and storage. attractive propertyconservatory surrounded by plus attractive roof terrace landscape with sea gardens. views. amenity. Extens

to de Andratx Office Puerto - Tel: de Andratx +34 971 Office 674 807- Tel: • andratx@mallorcasir.com +34 971 674 807 • andratx@mallorcasir.com Puerto de Andratx Puerto Office de-Andratx Tel: +34 Office 971 674- Tel: 807 +34 • andratx@mallorcasir.com 971 674 807 • andratx@mallorcasir.com a Ponsa Office -Santa Tel: +34 Ponsa 971Office 699 824 - Tel: • santaponsa@mallorcasir.com +34 971 699 824 • santaponsa@mallorcasir.com Santa Ponsa Office Santa - Tel: Ponsa +34Office 971 699 - Tel: 824+34 • santaponsa@mallorcasir.com 971 699 824 • santaponsa@mallorcasir.com

Puerto de Andratx Office - Tel: +34 971 674 807 • andratx@mallorcasir.com Santa Ponsa Office - www.mallorca-sothebysrealty.com Tel: +34 971 699 824 • santaponsa@mallorcasir.com

Foto: Bea

Nice bulding Plot at the Sea Porto Petro, Ref. 1163 1.700.000 €

Contry home 8.000 m2 plot Cala Llombards, Ref. 1185 750.000 €

Brand new finca 14.000 m2 plot Santanyi, Ref. 1010 1.270.000 m2

Nice bulding plot 100.000 m2 Andratx, Ref. 1160 8.500.000 €

if you are interested in selling your property please feel free to contact us

Building • Construction management • Renovation • Valuation • maintenance Service • Holiday Rentals

Unique selection of real estate in all price ranges islandwide

Delightful traditional estate Son Negre Ref 1016 € 920.000

Villa in first sea line Cala Figuera Ref 1121 € 1.750.000

Renovated townhouse Es Llombards Ref. 1201 € 399.000

Jerome Ledin Inmobiliaria, S.L. - Calle Centro No. 8 - ES 07650 Santanyi, Mallorca Officina +34 971 653 557 - Fax +34 971 163 416 - Movil +34 65 1100 182 info@jl-immobilien.de - www.jl-immobilien.de

Beautiful rural new villa 22.000 m2 Es Llombards, Ref. 1005 1.100.000 €

New villa with sea view S´Alqueria Blanca Ref 1059 € 1.950.000

Jerome Ledin Inmobiliaria, S.L. - Calle Centro No. 8 - ES 07650 Santanyi, Mallorca Officina +34 971 653 557 - Fax +34 971 163 416 - Movil +34 65 1100 182 info@jl-immobilien.de - www.jl-immobilien.de

A christmas gift from s

er n t r a P ard

C y t l a y Lo

Christmas is the time for giving, the time for sharing and the time for … saving?!

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ore

... a

ny m a m d n

ML&S! have decided to give our readers a gift for Xmas to say thank you for the years of loyal support that have helped make ML&S! the island’s favorite English language magazine.

Our FREE loyalty card will be active as of 31st January 2012; all you have to do is activate it by sending an email to:

activate@mallorcalifeandstyle.com with your NAME, ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER to begin enjoying exclusive discounts, gifts and monthly competitions from some of the island’s most luxurious and sought after brands.

Your Loyalty Card was here

To request your own loyalty card please email info@mallorcalifeandstyle.com

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Contents culture & Entertainment 20 The Big Picture

The wonderful world of movies

Music news and backstage tidbits

The best stocking-filler novels

24 Gig Bytes

28 Reading Room

in Vogue 16 Designer World

Avant-garde style and cutting edge trends

30 Fashion Focus

Inspirational glamour from Hannibal Laguna

tastes of mallorca 50 Flavours of the Med

Christmas feasting… Spanish style

An alternative Christmas

Heavy-hitting dry red

52 Fine Dining

IN PERSON 36 Celebrity Profile

A-list action star Milla Jovovich

40 Christmas for kids

Generous support for charities

45 My Mallorca

“Bishop Beany” of the airwaves

60 Model of the Month

Marta Castillo Ojeda

Sport & Leisure 46 Nautical Update

Boat show season begins

48 Golf Pro

12

Good posture… vital in any sport

54 Wine of the Month

health & Beauty 56 Staying Fit & Happy

Festive season special

Top tips for an easy smoky eye

58 Get the Look

Island bulletin 62 property showcase

Natural splendour in the hills

66 Society

Who’s who and where it’s all happening

70 What’s On

Diary notes and December-January events

74 News Round-Up

Local business and charity update 13

editor’s note PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Mark McCafferty mark@mallorcalifeandstyle.com EDITORIAL editorial@mallorcalifeandstyle.com GROUP EDITOR James Bellevue james@mallorcalifeandstyle.com EDITOR Sarah Hughes sarah@mallorcalifeandstyle.com website Suzy Meiklejohn suzy@mallorcalifeandstyle.com SOCIETY & NEWS Laura Penn laura@mallorcalifeandstyle.com

Thinking of others… the true spirit of Christmas on Mallorca It is always heart-warming to note that one of the more admirable human traits that continues to prevail during difficult times is a generous spirit. That is especially the case on Mallorca.

As our special “Christmas… It’s for the kids” feature demonstrates, many kind and generous people who have settled on the island are dedicating valuable time and money to worthy causes that aim to ease the plight of under-privileged children both here and overseas.

We spoke to two outstanding men whose charitable work is exceptional but they are not alone, and it is not only children who benefit from people’s tireless philanthropic efforts. A host of organisations are supporting a diverse array of admirable causes, involving the elderly, the poor and homeless, cancer sufferers and their families, polo victims, and abused and abandoned dogs and cats.

Some intrepid volunteers are out there on the frontline, coaxing and cajoling others to help, devising new and increasingly creative initiatives to raise money; others are quietly helping behind the scenes.

Whatever their contribution, they are all – collectively – a wonderful embodiment of the true spirit of Christmas and deserve our warmest praise.

While thinking of others, and trying to help those less well of than us or suffering from serious illness, should be our main consideration at this time of the year, it is also important to find the time to relax and enjoy some Christmas cheer.

For most of us, it has been another awkward year – some sadly more so than others, especially the unemployed and families unable to keep up with their mortgage payments – but treating ourselves to a few traditional festive pleasures need not be prohibitively expensive.

Our expanded “What’s On” diary for December and January is full of events, activities and celebrations for the whole family, many free or raising modest amounts for charities without doing too much damage to our budgets. This issue’s “Flavours of the Med” section reveals some succulent recipes for preparing a true feast at home for family and friends, including a Spanish version of the traditional turkey; while, for those seeking something a little more health-conscious, our “Festive Gastronomy Special” includes a recipe for a leaner, but just as tasty, alternative turkey dish.

Of course, many of us will be eager to put thoughts about the ongoing “crisis” behind us, at least temporarily, and see the year out in style. Our “Fine Dining” section features some excellent festive menu options at leading Mallorcan restaurants; “In Vogue” and our special “Shopping in Portals” feature are full of creative gift ideas; and “Fashion Focus” looks at the latest collection from Spanish designer Hannibal Laguna.

This is a triple issue (December-February) so we will be back with you in March. In the meantime, our pacesetting sister publication Home Couture is going bi-monthly and the December issue will be two magazines in one, including the first edition of Villa & Vida. Don’t miss your copy at selected outlets and the main newsagents on the island.

James Bellevue

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ART & PRODUCTION Stefan Arens (cobra5 Design) stefan@mallorcalifeandstyle.com ADVERTISING MANAGER David Edwards david@mallorcalifeandstyle.com Tel. 665 689 907 ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Dion Woollaston dion@mallorcalifeandstyle.com ACCOUNTS MANAGER & OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Anita Bailey anita@mallorcalifeandstyle.com CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Tito Bosch, Jeni Cook, Allegra Curtis, Peter Franklin, Andrés Gelabert, Katie Handyside, Gillaine Hathaway, Jennifer Jane, Peter Ledwidge, Vicki McLeod, Suzy Meiklejohn, Oliver Neilson, Micky Reynolds, Eva Shakouri Torreadrado, Barrie Suart, Warwick Upton Cover image.net PRINTER P&R Grafis Tel. 952 667 788; prgrafis.es DEPÓSITO LEGAL MA 1604-2010 CONTACT AM Media SLU Calle Solo 43, Pueblo Español Palma 07014, Mallorca Tel. 971 450 432 The views and opinions expressed by contributors to ML&S may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers.

AM Media slu takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements or advertorials in this magazine.

No part of ML&S may be reproduced or copied in any way without the prior written consent of AM Media slu.

designer world Life & Living

designer world

Eye-catching limited edition Tag Heuer’s Monaco V4 features the first patented belt-driven transmission in a watch movement. Enclosed in a polished titanium and fine-brushed silicon nitride case, the movement is visible through anti-reflective crystal glass. The hand-sewn anthracite alligator strap has an engraved Titanium buckle. tagheuer.com

Smart gloves Thanks to a special conductive material woven into the thumb and index finger, you can use your touchscreen devices without removing these gloves. The Isotoner SmarTouch Gloves are available in a number of knitted designs and colours, and the women’s collection also includes a stylish leather option. firebox.com

Refined design Dolce & Gabbana have launched a special limited edition version of their original perfume The One. The elegant design of The One Lace Edition is inspired by the femininity of lace and sensuality of lingerie. The classic fragrance inside has fruity top notes of bergamot, peach, lychee and mandarin, balanced out with lily, jasmine and spicy base notes of amber, vanilla, vetiver and musk. theperfumeshop.com

Festive sparkle Pieces from renowned Spanish jewellers Carrera y Carrera have been spotted adorning a growing number of celebs on the red carpets of this year’s award ceremonies. This Calipso pendant and earrings are from their new Mediterráneo collection, inspired by the passion and vitality of the Spanish coast. carreraycarrera.com

in vogue

Personal cinema experience

AVANT-GARDE STYLE AND CUTTING EDGE TRENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Compiled by: Suzy Meiklejohn suzy@mallorcalifeandstyle.com

Board game revolution Gamechanger is an innovative app-based accessory created for the iPad that brings interactive animation and sound to the traditional board game. Simply slide the iPad into the cradle, download the free app and place one of the included game skins on top to start the fun. Even the game pieces interact with the iPad as you move around the board. boardgamechanger.com

Explore and savour the magical cuisine of Asia

For something a little bit different and a whole lot of fun how about treating your loved one and friends to an Asian cooking course? The classes will teach them about the beautifully subtle and exotic flavours of Asia and how to balance them to create some delicious dishes, and you will then be able to reap the rewards when they cook the dishes at home for you and your family!

The price is €35 per person. For booking or more information Tel. 691 995 888 or check out their Facebook page: facebook.com/pages/Cooking-class

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The new Personal 3D Viewer HMZ-T1 from Sony is the world’s first 3D compatible head-mounted display equipped with high definition OLED panels. With the headphones also offering built-in simulated 5.1 surround sound it’s a truly immersive way to enjoy movies and games in High Definition and 3D. sony-europe.com

Dare to be different Upload your own photos and other images for a truly bespoke Blackberry Bold, Blackberry Curve, iPhone and iPod Touch. The images are embedded 80 microns deep into a shatter-proof polycarbonate case, resulting in a high quality photo design that doesn’t fade and is highly scratch-resistant. giantsparrows.co.uk

Electric mini supercar This Ferrari Enzo electric ride-on car is made in Italy under license from Ferrari and designed in conjunction with their engineers. Powered by a rechargeable 12v battery, it has forward and reverse gears and a top speed of 5mph (8kmh) – although this can be limited to 3mph (5kmh) for added safety. play.com

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ChriSTmaS LiFE & LiviNg gifT ideaS

ShoPPiNG iN PoRTAlS

The perfect gift

NOT iN THE MOOD TO BATTLE WiTH THE cROWDS AT EL cORTES iNgLES? LOOkiNg FOR SOME BEAUTiFUL BUT UNiqUE giFTS THiS cHRiSTMAS? THEN LOOk NO FURTHER THAN THE viLLAgE OF PORTALS NOUS, JUST FivE MiNUTES FROM THE MOTORWAy EXiTS OF cOSTA D’EN BLANES AND BENDiNAT, WHERE HiDDEN gEMS LiE iN ABUNDANcE.

Lurelle This stunning little store is run by Michelle Gladman and stocks luxury designer fashion, accessories, lingerie and swimwear. Here you’ll find exclusive brands that are not widely available on the island such as IRO as seen worn by Elle McPherson and other celebrities, Lara Bohinc jewellery, Kane Label, Wild Fox Couture, Melissa Odabash swimwear and 7 For All Mankind. A personal favourite of ours is her collection of Hawick Cashmere (hawickcashmere. com), of which she is the exclusive stockist on the island and can even offer a made to order service. Michelle offers a personal shopping service by appointment for ladies who want to shop at leisure and also help the men out there chose the perfect gift for the lady in his life.

Located on Calle Palma-Andraitx 26, Local 8 in Portals Nous. (+34) 971 677 470

estudio 3 On the main high street next door to the English Book Shop resides Estudio 3, the fun and frantically filled boutique full of exciting unique trinkets and gifts suitable for even the pickiest of recipients. Owner Joanna’s dedication to her customers has lead to her hosting a “Men Only” shopping event which will be on December 21st from 6pm to 7.30pm for all those last minute shoppers! And if being guided through the perfect gift process isn’t enough to tempt them, there’s a complimentary beer waiting for them whilst they have their purchase lovingly wrapped. Throughout December Joanna will also be hosting her “Festive Fridays” where she’ll be waving her magic wand and making it even easier for everyone to afford beautiful Christmas gifts with discounts throughout the store.

For more information call Joanna on (+34) 971 676 472 or check out their facebook page to keep up to date with all the special offers.

Opening hours are 9.30am-1.30pm and then 3.30pm – 7pm during the week and 10am-2pm on Saturday mornings and fiestas.

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That Sweet Temptation Andrea Collier recently opened this amazing little retro village store with the goal of offering luxurious, high quality chocolates and sweets whilst ensuring exceptional value for money. With row upon row of tempting treats, offering everything from aniseed balls to bon bons it’s a must visit, after all where else can you buy a beautiful chocolate stiletto heel shoe for less than 20 euros! If money is tight this Christmas it’s worth noting that the novelty pieces and hand-finished Belgian chocolates, using only Calllebout Belgian chocolate, are half the price than El Corte Ingles at 4.95 100gm. There are some fantastic gift packs available as well as a preloaded credit card to buy as a gift, simply select the amount you would like to put on the card and the recipient can spend it on anything they want in the store.

Special Offer! Just in time for the party season, That Sweet Temptation Shop are offering the ultimate in decadent desserts...a chocolate fountain. Supplying you with all you’ll need for thirty people including Belgian chocolate drops, honeycomb pieces, marshmallows and dipping forks for only €33.50.

They’ll even lend you the fountain for free!

vol.5

CAPPUCCINO DE NOCHE pepe link selectio selection

Salon b Located in the busy town of Portals Nous, Salon ‘B’ is a contemporary but luxurious salon, with many years experience using the latest techniques and products such as Aveda, Thalgo and Creative.

Owner Tracey and her team strive to accommodate each individual clients needs, making them the number one priority.

For further information visit salonbportals.com or call (+34) 971 676 038

www.grupocappuccino.com

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT Life & Living

THE BIG

PICTURE

NEW RELEASES, WHAT’S BEING FILMED AT THE MOMENT, WHAT’S IN PRE-PRODUCTION AND WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE… MICKY REYNOLDS LOOKS AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MOVIES

DECEMBER’S BEST OF THE REST

december movie OF THE MONTH

in time

Release dates: 2 December (Spain); 28 October (USA); 1 November (UK).

This sci-fi thriller has previously created ripples both sides of the big pond and is based on a future where people stop aging at 25, and are engineered to live for one more year, having the means to buy your way out of the situation is a chance to carry on living. Stars JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, AMANDA SEYFRIED, CILLIAN MURPHY.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Arthur Christmas

(Photo: Stephen Vaughan – Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation)

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Release dates: 23 December (Spain); 16 September (UK); 18 November (US) They say good things come to those who wait and this is the case for us here in Spain as this spy thriller has already been a box office smash both sides of the Atlantic. It is based on the first of a trilogy of novels (in 1974) by JOHN LE CARRE spanning the years of the mid-20th century Cold War between the East and the West.

After a British spy (MARK STRONG) is captured by the Russians in Hungary, retired espionage veteran George Smiley (GARY OLDMAN) is drafted back into service by MI6 20

(code-named the Circus) head honcho Control (JOHN HURT), who believes there is a mole within the ranks – Smiley’s job – to unearth the double agent. With the help of a younger agent Peter Guillam (BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH) they narrow down a list of suspects (which unknown to Smiley includes himself) who have been given code names by Control.

Tinker (TOBY JONES), Tailor (COLIN FIRTH), Soldier (CIARAN HINDS) and Poorman (DAVID DENCIK) are the agents in question but, after Control is forced to retire, these four take over the reigns of the Circus and the wheels of a deadly international

spy game are set in motion.

Back in 1979 BBC TV made a sevenpart serialisation spanning over six hours while this movie has been stripped down to just 127 minutes, but it has Oscar written all over it.

As always GARY OLDMAN wraps his acting abilities around the character he has been employed to portray and word has it from Tinseltown that he has already been short-listed for an Oscar ceremony invite when the awards take place in Los Angeles during the early hours (CET) of Monday 27 February.

Also stars TOM HARDY, STEPHEN GRAHAM, KATHY BURKE, SIMON MCBURNEY.

Release dates: 16 December (Spain & US); 26 December (UK) Fourth assignment for IMF agent Ethan Hunt (TOM CRUISE)… A terrorist bomb destroys the Kremlin while Ethan and his team are carrying out an undercover operation in Moscow. The Russian government categorises the attack as “an undeclared act of war”.

When the IMF is ambushed, they are forced to operate without any kind of official US support in an attempt to locate the source connected to the bombing and the attack on them. JEREMY RENNER, VING RHAMES, SIMON PEGG. (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

Release dates: 9 December (Spain); 11 November (UK); 23 November (US) A slice of festive 3D CG-animated fun for children and adults alike. Santa’s youngest son looks to use his father’s high-tech operation when a little girl’s bike is not delivered after it falls off a conveyor belt and is lost under the mountain of present orders.

Voices of JAMES McAVOY, JIM BROADBENT, BILL NIGHY, HUGH LAURIE.

New Year’s Eve

Happy Feet Two

Release dates: 2 December (Spain & UK); 18 November (US) 3D sequel that finds Mumble’s son, Erik, struggling to realise his talents in the Emperor Penguin world, which soon is threatened by powerful forces. Voices of ELIJAH WOOD, ROBIN WILLIAMS, BRAD PITT, MATT DAMON, SOFIA VERGARA.

Release dates: 23 December (Spain); 9 December (US & UK)

Star-studded follow up to last year’s Valentine’s Day telling several stories in New York during the 24 hours between 31 December and 1 January.

ASHTON KUTCHER, ROBERT DE NIRO, KATHERINE HEIGL, ZAC EFRON, JESSICA BIEL, SOFIA VEGERA, MICHELLE PFEIFFER, HILARY SWANK, SARAH JESSICA PARKER, HALLE BERRY, SIENNA MILLER, JULIE ANDREWS, JOHN LITHGOW, JON BON JOVI.

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CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT Life & Living

January movie OF THE MONTH

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

January’s BEST OF THE REST

Las Brisas Puerto de Andraitx

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Release dates: 5 January (Spain); 16 December (US & UK)

When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, evidence points to suicide. However, Sherlock Holmes deduces that the prince has been the victim of a murder that is just one piece of a larger puzzle designed by his nemesis Professor Moriarty. ROBERT DOWNEY JR, JUDE LAW, NOOMI RAPACE, JARED HARRIS, STEPHEN FRY.

The Iron Lady

Release dates: 13 January (Spain); 21 December (US); 26 December (UK) This is the first in a three-film adaptation of STIEG LARSSON’s literary blockbuster The Millennium Trilogy, which together have sold 50 million copies in 46 countries and become a global phenomenon. The trilogy was originally filmed in his native Swedish and has already been a box office success so Columbia Pictures decided a revamp was in order for the English-speaking world.

A discredited journalist, Mikael Blomkvist (DANIEL CRAIG), and a socially maladjusted computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander (ROONEY MARA), are hired by Henrik Vanger (CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER) to solve the mysterious disappearance of his 16-year-old niece who went missing 40 years before at a large family gathering. Vanger believes that she was murdered by one of the family but back then all efforts made by the police were in vain.

As Mikael and Lisbeth’s investigations gather pace they discover far more shocking and horrible things than they could have possibly imagined about the family members, who will go to extreme lengths to keep their secrets just that.

As mentioned above, the 2009 Swedish version was a box office smash and this Hollywood adaption is expected to bank even more bucks with its translation for the wider market. Also stars STELLAN STARSGARD, ROBIN WRIGHT, JOELY RICHARDSON, EMBETH DAVIDTZ.

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Release dates: 5 January (Spain); 16 December (US); 6 January (UK) A look at the life of Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister, with a compelling story of the woman who smashed through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world. MERYL STREEP, JIM BROADBENT, ALEXANDRA ROACH, HARRY LLOYD, RICHARD E. GRANT.

War Horse

Release dates: 13 January (Spain & UK); 25 December (US)

The US media expects big things from this STEVEN SPIELBERG-directed tale about a young man (Albert) and his horse and how their bond is broken when the animal is sold to the cavalry and sent to the trenches during World War I. Despite being too young to enlist Albert heads to France to save his beloved beast. JEREMY IRVINE, EMILY WATSON, DAVID THEWLIS

J. Edgar

Release dates: 27 January (Spain); 9 November (US); 20 January (UK) CLINT EASTWOOD-directed biopic about the FBI director whose career spanned almost 50 years and was feared, admired, reviled and revered and was said to be the most powerful man in America – but his private life was a different story. LEONARDO DECAPRIO, ARMIE HAMMER, JUDI DENCH, NAOMI WATTS.

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CuLTure & enTerTainmenT LiFE & LiviNg

GIG BYTES compiled by Micky Reynolds

MUsiC neWs And BACKsTAge TidBiTs FrOM ArOUnd The glOBe

benicassim beckons the stone roses

BeyonCe

Bwill perform some of her hits and tracks from her last album 4, which topped the charts worldwide during the summer. The 75-minute A Night With show will be broadcast on ITV straight after the Y Factor semifinals on 4 December at 10pm.

They said it would never happen (even though we told you it would on these pages back in July) but the STONE ROSES have reformed and they have been signed up to top the bill at Spain’s biggest festival – Benicàssim, which takes place between 12 and 15 July.

Members of the band have settled differences that have been running since they original split in 1996 and will tour Europe next summer playing their old classics plus new material they are currently writing. Front man IAN BROWN said, “Our plan is to shake up the world. We are going to do what we did the first time and ride it ‘til the wheels come off.” Guitarist JOHN SQUIRE said of the fall out between himself and the lead singer, “Everything changed when we met up. It was surreal. We went from crying, laughing about the old days, to writing songs in a heartbeat. In some ways it’s a friendship that defines us both – and it needed fixing.”

Of the reunion super producer MARK RONSON tweeted, “The Stone Roses reuniting is a bigger deal than Zeppelin. Strictly for the fact of how improbable it seemed until today”; while LIAM GALLAGHER said, “Stone Roses getting back together. Not been this happy since my kids were born.”

It seems a new generation of fans have latched on to their music as sales of their albums have increased by an amazing 1000 per cent and tickets for all UK gigs sold out in minutes.

Tickets for the Benicàssim festival are now available at: tickets.fiberfib.com.

With December comes the end of the XXXX Factor or, as it is now known, the Y Factor (as in why?) or the Z Factor – as in zzzzzzzzzzz. The show is definitely on the decline and this batch of contestants were well below par, including the one who had a name of a cat and wanted to set herself alight on stage. There was no need for her to do it herself – she was so unpopular a queue would have formed from now until Christmas to light her fire. After being voted off she threw a tantrum and was consoled

by GA GA, who gave her some future career advice, “Make sure you smile when you serve the burger and chips.”

Then there was GARY BARLOW saying that the show had driven that guy with the weird hair to drink and drugs – it did the same to a lot of the public when the show was on air. So who will win this year? There should be only one winner: the show’s voiceover PETER DICKSON. Unfortunately Factor fans won’t have to wait long for more of the same kind of rubbish as the BBC’s new show The Voice will be starting in the new year.

Could 2012 see the return of MADONNA? She has been recording a new album with her old pal WILLIAM ORBIT, she looks set to be involved in the Olympic concerts and she has been preferred to GA GA for the prestigious half-time show at the Superbowl, which will be live on BBC2 on Sunday-Monday 5-6 February (at about 1.30am) and promises a show to remember. She is also excited about her “new baby”. No she hasn’t got the chequebook out again – the said item is W.E., a film she has directed about the love affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson which rocked the British Royal family last century.

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CuLTure & enTerTainmenT LiFE & LiviNg Now GARY BARLOW has more time on his hands the members of TAKE THAT will meet up in January to discuss if ROBBIE WILLIAMS is back for good.

Not that the latter seems bothered as he has finished penning his next solo album with his former writing partner GUY CHAMBERS. The pair kissed and made up and they reckon this could be his best work yet – all he needs to do now is find a label to release it on.

DOLLY PARTON, who has recently been touring Europe, says she would like to do a duet with GA GA. The country legend also said, “She can borrow my dresses whenever she wants.” Now we all know two good reasons why that wouldn’t work.

So the BIEBER baby case is being settled out of court… apparently it could have backfired on the young lady in question as she was liable to have been charged with having sex with a minor as the age of consent in California is 18. She said the “brief sexual encounter” only lasted 30 seconds – if that’s what he is capable of doing in such a short period of time the world had better watch out. So, if the allegations are true, our squeaky clean “virgin” popped his cherry and planted a seed. He was said to have been scared about taking the paternity test though – as he hadn’t revised for it.

(Photo Sony Pictures – Arthur Christmas video)

Talking of GA GA… She was a bit miffed while in London recently – she took time out to pop into a West End pub for a swift one (or three) minus her war paint and wearing normal clothes. After 30 minutes no one recognised her so she started making comments about people to draw attention to herself. She didn’t have that problem in India where a local turned up at her hotel with 10 cows and a marriage proposal – plenty of meat there to make another dress out of.

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compiled by Micky Reynolds

The first AMY WINEHOUSE posthumous album, Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures, is released on 5 December featuring 12 tracks including new songs and demos from the Frank and Back To Black sessions. It’s said there is enough unreleased material for at least another three albums but there are another 12 unfinished tunes that the late singer insisted, before she died, should never be released and will remain in the vaults. One, Procrastinate, is said to be a classic.

PETE D’OH-ERTY says he has recently been visited by the spirit of Amy three or four times.

Who does he think he is – Ebenezer Scrooge?

The BLACK EYED PEAS look set to call it a day and will go out with a big bang playing several gigs in the Miami area next summer. Members are all pursuing their solo careers, including WILL.I.AM who recently released his debut single, T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever), with guest vocals from MICK JAGGER and JENNIFER LOPEZ.

together: “I want them to sort it out.”

Meanwhile, Noel had a good weekend when his beloved Manchester City beat local rivals United 6-1 in their own back yard, he was informed his forthcoming solo tour had sold out and he had the pleasure of turning down three United players who were begging free tickets for one of his gigs.

It was obvious it wouldn’t last – the truce between the GALLAGHER brothers. It looks like the two will square up in court next summer after Noel lodged a 14-page document against Liam, who in turn is suing his brother for libel. The two were forced to make up by their mother last summer but the brotherly love has now flown out of the window. Once again mom wants to bang their heads

SUSAN BOYLE got her third number one album in two years in November and the world braced itself as she went out to promote it. As we all know she is not a very good flyer and on a flight to Australia passengers in the business class complained about her behaviour after she was crying, swearing and arguing with her staff throughout the long journey.

Once there she was walking around

Sydney, where it is now the middle of the summer, wearing a fur coat.

She enjoyed herself so much Down Under that she is gonna buy a seafront property near Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Her on a beach! Well, it’s one way of keeping the sharks away from the shore.

So who will get the much-sought after Christmas UK number one single?

There are plenty of takers to try to stop the Y Factor winner’s song and this year’s Facebook campaigner is Smells Like Teen Spirit by NIRVANA. If you remember, in 2009 the site’s users put Killing In The Name by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE at number one. Other contenders include AMY WINEHOUSE, ONE DIRECTION, BIEBER, the cast of TOWIE and THE WURZELS – and don’t forget THE WOMBLES.

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT Life & Living Compiled by Laura Penn

Reading Room As we snuggle down to the festive season it’s time to put the wood burner on and curl up on the couch with a good book. We have picked the best stocking-filler novels around this winter for you to enjoy. One is even all about life on Mallorca in the 1980s.

HASTA LA FLIP FLOPS

By LOUIS “THE LIP “O´BRIEN

Hasta La Flip-Flops! is the story of Louie “The Lip” O’Brien, a well-known face on the club scene here in Palma from 1967 until the early ‘90s and, in his own way, a legend. Louie’s story is not just a great adventure, involving hilarious escapades and encounters with gangsters and other larger than life characters: it’s a story of a time that begins in sunlight, when young people tasted freedom in the sun for the first time and a revolution was quietly taking place in Spain, especially Mallorca.

Back when it was Majorca. It’s also a story that ends in darkness when, for Louie, who believed he’d found paradise in the sun forever, the party was over. A must-read for anyone who lives on Mallorca and loves the island.

THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE

By AIMEE BENDER

On the eve of her ninth birthday, Rose Edelstein bites into her mother’s homemade lemon-chocolate cake and discovers she has a magical gift: she can taste her mother’s emotions in the slice.

All at once her cheerful, can-do mother tastes of despair and desperation. Suddenly, and for the rest of her life, food becomes perilous.

Anything can be revealed at any meal.

Rose’s gift forces her to confront the truth behind her family’s emotions – her mother’s sadness, her father’s detachment and her brother’s clash with the world. But, as Rose grows up, she learns that there are some secrets even her taste buds cannot discern.

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The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake is about the pain of loving those whom you know too much about, and the secrets that exist within every family. At once profound, funny, wise and sad, this is a novel to savour.

THE END OF EVERYTHING

By MEGAN ABBOTT

A close-knit street, the clink of glass on glass, summer heat… Two girls on the brink of adolescence, throwing cartwheels on the grass. Two girls who tell each other everything. Until one shimmering afternoon and one of them disappears. Lizzie is left with her dread and her loss, and with a fear that won’t let her be. Had Evie tried to give her a hint of what was coming, a clue that she failed to follow? Caught between her imaginary guilt, her sense of betrayal, her own powerful need and the needs of the adults around her, Lizzie’s voice is as unforgettable as her story is arresting.

LEFT NEGLECTED

By LISA GENOVA

Sarah Nickerson is a high-powered working mum with too much on her plate and too little time. One day racing to work and trying to make a phone call, she takes her eyes off the road for a second too long. In the blink of an eye, all the rapidly moving parts of her over-scheduled life come to a screeching halt. A traumatic brain injury completely erases the left side of her world.

As she struggles to recover, she discovers that she must embrace a simpler life, and in doing so begins to heal the things she’s left neglected in herself, her family and the world around her.

DARK MATTER

By MICHELLE PAVER

January 1937: Clouds of war are gathering over London. Twenty-eight-yearold Jack is poor, lonely and desperate to change his life. So when he’s offered a spot on an Arctic expedition he jumps at it. Spirits are high as the ship leaves for Norway: five men and eight huskies, crossing the Barents Sea by the light of the midnight sun. At last they reach the remote, uninhabited bay where they will camp for the next year: Gruhuken. But the Arctic summer is brief. As night returns to claim the land, Jack feels a creeping unease. One by one, his companions are forced to leave. Soon he will see the last of the sun, as the polar night engulfs the camp in months of darkness. Soon the sea will freeze, making escape impossible. And Gruhuken is not uninhabited. Jack is not alone. Something walks there in the dark.

THE BLACK HOUSE

By PETER MAY

A brutal killing has taken place on Lewis, Scotland’s most remote island. Detective Fin Macleod, at home in Edinburgh on compassionate leave, is sent to investigate. For Lewis-born Macleod, the case represents a journey both home and into his past, as he attempts to rediscover the life and people he left behind 18 years earlier. But something lurks beneath the close-knit, God-fearing façade of the Lewis community, something primal. As Fin investigates, old secrets are unearthed and he, the hunter, becomes the hunted. The Black House is a crime novel of rare power and vision. Peter May has crafted a page-turning murder mystery that explores the darkness in our soul, and just how difficult it is to escape the past.

fashion focus Life & Living

Inspirational

Glamour

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fashion focus Life & society

Spanish designer Hannibal Laguna is all about glamour‌ his latest collection, showcased at Cibeles Fashion Week, is the perfect starting point to draw inspiration for the party season ahead.

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CELEBRITY Life & LivingPROFILE

CELEBRITY PROFILE

By Margarita McDonald

Milla Jovovich

Rebel with a divine cause Variously referred to as the “reigning queen of kick-butt”, an “A-list action star” and “Every Geek’s Dream Girl”, Milla Jovovich has overcome ostracism as a child and rebellious streak to be recognised as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan and popular Hollywood stars.

Milla Jovovich has kept a diary since childhood documenting the many corners of the world she has visited and “all the mad things” she has done. At one stage strong rumours were circulating in the industry that she planned to convert the diaries into an autobiography, claims she vehemently denied.

“I have no idea where that came from. I guess somebody said something about me publishing my diaries online and when I heard that I was like, ‘No way’.”

For many, this is a shame. In an industry full of anodyne actors and uncouth reality TV stars, the 36-year-old Ukrainian-born model, actress, musician and fashion designer – fluent in Russian, English, Serbian and French – is a refreshingly multi-faceted, engaging and outspoken character.

She has advocated the legalisation of cannabis, featured on the cover of High Times magazine and, in a 1994 article, revealed that her only vices were cigarettes and marijuana. She practices yoga and avoids junk food (trying to lead a healthy lifestyle), prays and considers herself a “spiritual person” (without being associated with any religion), practises Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other martial arts, plays the guitar, writes poems and song lyrics – and still keeps her diary up to date.

She established herself as an international film star

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playing the lead role of Alice in Resident Evil in 2002, was the highest paid supermodel in the world in 2004 (earning over $10 million) and made her debut as a singer, songwriter and musician with the 1994 release of The Divine Comedy.

THE BEGINNINGS Born in Kiev (then the USSR, now Ukraine) on 17 December 1975, Milica Natasha Jovovich was five years old when she emigrated with her parents (a Serbian doctor and Russian actress) to London.

Shortly after they moved to California, where her parents were forced take on house cleaning jobs to support the family, including a half-brother born in 1988 after her father had a relationship with an Argentinean woman.

Her parents divorced when Milla’s father was jailed for his involvement in an illegal medical insurance operation. He was released after five years, and his daughter later noted, “Prison was good for him. He’s become a much better person. It gave him a chance to stop and think.”

In the meantime, Milla had a difficult time, suffering ostracism at school because she had emigrated from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. “I was called a commie and a Russian spy. I was never, ever, ever accepted into the crowd.” This left many emotional scars but she overcame this dark period in her childhood with a resilient spirit combined with a rebellious nature and a propensity for risk-taking.

It also helped when, still 11, she was featured in Revlon’s “Most Unforgettable Women in the World” advertisements and had her first cover shoot, for

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CELEBRITY Life & LivingPROFILE BEHIND THE PUBLIC PERSONA

Italian fashion magazine Lei. She signed her first professional modelling contract at 12 and went on to appear on the cover of The Face, Vogue and Cosmopolitan.

As a child she had taken music, ballet and acting lessons, and she was able to become one of the few supermodels to also develop a serious film career.

She made her film debut in 1988 (at 12) in Two Moon Junction and during the 1980s and 1990s played supporting roles as a teenage actress in film and on TV. She starred in Return to the Blue Lagoon in 1991, co-starred opposite Bruce Willis in 1997’s The Fifth Element and was the title character in Joan of Arc (1999). After a difficult personal period in her life, she rebounded in 2002 as Alice in Resident Evil, and its two sequels.

Away from modelling and acting, she gained critical acclaim as a singer, songwriter and musician with the release of her debut album, The Divine Comedy, featuring pop-infused traditional Ukrainian folk songs. The title was a reference to the epic poem by Dante of the same name, and was chosen

by Milla after seeing a proposed cover artwork sketch by Russian artist Alexis

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Steele. “It had all the struggle that I’m singing about. It is the divine comedy.”

She toured the US in 1994 promoting the album, and its only single, Gentlemen Who Fell, and has since performed live with her band Plastic Has Memory and written tracks for film soundtracks – but is still to release a second solo album.

She continues to write songs she describes as “demos”, provided for free download in MP3 format on her official website.

Milla and fellow model and friend Carmen Hawk launched the JovovichHawk clothing line in 2003, gaining favourable attention from fashionistas.

Vogue magazine praised it for its “girlabout-town cult status most designers spend years trying to achieve”. The pair mutually agreed to end the business in 2008 due to increased demands on their time. “I’m an artist. I’m not someone who can deal with shipping rates and taxes,” explained Milla.

On a personal level, Milla married Shawn Andrews in 1992 while filming Dazed and Confused together. Her mother annulled the marriage two months later: Andrews was 21 and Jovovich 16. The model then moved to Europe and met and lived with exbassist for Jamiroquai Stuart Zender.

Back in Las Vegas in 1998, she married The Fifth Element director Luc Besson but they divorced the following year. She was also romantically linked with poet and musician Anno Birkin and Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante.

Milla is known for giving a great deal of her time to charitable causes. She has served as master of ceremonies and co-chair (with Elizabeth Taylor) for the amfAR and Cinema Against AIDS event at the Venice Film Festival, and is involved with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and the Wildlands Project.

In March 2011, Jovovich was a guest at Mikhail Gorbachev’s 80th birthday celebration, where she sang and gave a speech thanking the former Soviet Union leader. When she and her family had left the Soviet Union in 1980, she said, they were sadly sure they would never see their relatives again, but thanks to him they had been reunited.

BEHIND THE PUBLIC PERSONA “Oh, my God! I used to ride my bicycle around for hours in the garage of our apartment building singing (Madonna’s) Material Girl.”

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“I worked like hell (on The Fifth Element): no band practice, no clubs, no pot, nothing.”

“We’ve got really infantile mentalities on this movie (Resident Evil). We’re like: ‘It’s gross – cool! It’s disgusting – print it!’

You have to think like a 15-year-old. Wet dress. Zombies. Guns. Cool!”

“If this movie (Resident Evil) was made in America they would have had a guy and we would have been his harem or entourage. Big studios don’t trust that women will bring in that kind of audience.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was really an exception to the rule. Most of the time, if you make a big action film there has to be a big action guy in it. It’s very European to trust a woman to play that kind of a role.”

“I think that’s one of the only reasons God created celebrities. To help those who can’t help themselves.”

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS Life & Living

By Laura Penn

Christmas…

It’s for the kids Or so they say! As Band Aid pointed out back in 1984, do some of them know it’s Christmas time at all? There are people here on Mallorca who work to improve the lives of children, not just over Christmas but throughout the year. Their work reaches far beyond this island to touch young people all around the world.

To highlight just two of these people seems unfair to the others, but Michael Stoma and Allen Graham have toiled tirelessly for years to help others, particularly children, and now both men have created organisations that continue to build on the work that they began.

Interview with Michael Stoma

“Our only limitation is our imagination.” Dr Michael Stoma paraphrases Charles Kettering in soft tones. This is no ra-ra motivator but a man who leads by example. Sitting in his surgery in Portals Nous it is not easy to comprehend that this man is responsible for saving hundreds, if not thousands, of lives through his organisation Mediterranea.

“Mediterranea is an NGO, not a charity,” he states clearly. “We do things that governments should be doing to make this world a better place.”

Mediterranea was set up in response to disillusion. “We didn’t agree with the way that money was being handled in other charities so we got together the minimum number of people needed to start an organisation like

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this (six) and started our own.”

In Mediterranea no money is spent on administration. At the present time the NGO has a stable income from members’ monthly donations of €6,500. It does not pay salaries as all the work is done voluntarily. It already does a great deal with this amount but with more members and more contributions it could do a lot more. “We stick to our rules. Money in is money out.”

Nor does it accept money from any government. “Any money from government comes with ties and in the current financial crisis that also means a reduction in funding.

Mediterranea is the opposite. Because we are not reliant on government funding we are able to expand at a time when others are having to cut back.”

On Mallorca Mediterranea funds the Dignipack project, which distributes hygiene essentials to homeless people on the streets. It also feeds people through a soup kitchen and has a new project to help senior citizens on “lousy” pensions by getting volunteers to do repair work and odd jobs for them.

In Ghana the NGO acts as an agent sending physiotherapists to teach and assist.

In Ethiopia it has two schools and various other projects. “The key is education,” says Michael, “First you have to make sure that people do not die so you have to feed them.

None of our kids have died.” The NGO feeds the pupils at its schools so the parents

make them attend. In order to eat, they have to learn.

The next thing is education. “We have taught them to wash their hands, use toilets, and the importance of hygiene.”

Mediterranea has launched the Dignifix project to maintain the infrastructure of the school buildings. “We need to keep things working. With more volunteers come more brains, more ideas and more progress.”

The NGO has built a kitchen, dining room, store-room, toilets and nursery at one of its schools in Abugida which is now one of the top schools in Ethiopia.

“It is a school for street kids, not rich kids.

My wife Victoria does home checks to make sure that the pupils are from poor homes as some parents lie about their situation to try to get their child in as a pupil, and you can’t blame them for that.” When Mediterranea took over the school there were 20 pupils; it now has 200.

“The nursery was the final room we built as the Ethiopians have no concept of a nursery. When the baby comes off the breast it is wrapped and left in a corner whilst the mother goes out to work. It has no stimulation and hence the population of Ethiopia has one of the lowest IQ rates in the world.

Without stimulation a child cannot develop its intellect. Some of the things we do may seem frivolous, like putting a swing in the grounds of the school, but according to paediatric neurologists one of the best ways

to stimulate a child’s development is to let them play on a swing.”

Mediterranea employs local people and hence has a positive effect on the whole community. It selects the most deserving cases to be its employees. “We choose women with heartbreaking stories: the one who has been raped 18 times, the one who has six kids and her husband died last year.

How they can still smile I have no idea.”

One of the staff came to Mediterranea to ask for €20 to get divorce papers as her husband wanted to kill her. As his wife he could do so with no questions being asked but the minute divorce papers had been served he would go to prison if he harmed her. Twenty euros saved her life. The NGO also provides a shelter for battered women.

“They come to us when their husbands try to kill them,” says Michael.

In Ethiopia children cannot go to school without a uniform so the NGO provides the now famous and sort-after blue uniforms of the Mediterranea colours. If one of the pupil’s parents dies the NGO makes sure that the child is fostered or adopted and does spot-checks to make sure that he or she is being well cared for.

“Our pupils survive, grow up and migrate.

They then come back and ask for our help with other projects. That is why the NGO is growing.”

PROVIDING MEDICAL STAFF Its latest project is a school for 340 blind children in Sebeta in central Ethiopia in the Oromia region. It is 17 kilometres south-west of the capital Addis Ababa and time-consuming to get to by road. Mediterranea has already sent an eye surgeon and a theatre nurse to the school and is sending more medical staff soon. It is also rounding up volunteers to go in January to carry out reforms and repairs on the school buildings.

“In Europe the school would be closed down immediately. There are dangerous walls, troughs where the kids can fall and break their teeth, and broken glass in the windows so the kids (who cannot see, remember) cut themselves.” Areas need fencing and there is no sanitation as the pipes to the bathrooms and toilets have all been cut.

“One thing that photographs cannot relay is the smell. The dormitories smell of sweat,

rotting rubber and mattresses soaked in urine. There is no point in providing sheets unless there is someone to wash them so we sorted out the water supply and advertised for a washperson. Ninety-five people applied for three jobs.”

Work has already begun to improve the conditions for the blind children. Mediterranea has created a “messy room”, which has toys and games all transported by volunteers from Mallorca in luggage. The room has been painted and textured murals added to the walls so that the children can feel the shape of a cloud, for example.

“This is paradise for the children,” says Michael. “There is music, laughter, stimulation and, most of all, affection. These kids are starved of any human contact. The only interaction they have is 15 minutes of hand-holding a day. That is the only affection that they get.”

Not all the children that have been classified as blind and sent to the school are actually without sight. One boy learnt how to read and write! The ophthalmic surgeon from Clínica Miramar in Palma that Mediterranea sent to examine the children’s eyes found that 40 of the 340 pupils could be cured by surgery or simply by wearing glasses. They can then return to mainstream education, but need special coaching to bring them up to the level of other sighted children. However, others are blind and will stay at the school, which is why the NGO is busy improving the infrastructure and conditions for the remaining 300 pupils.

“There is land and we can build anything that we want: a sports ground, more buildings, better dormitories – it is up to the volunteers to see the need and fill it.”

People are volunteering from Mallorca (Mediterranea’s base), the Spanish mainland and other countries to go to help with the projects.

“Ethiopia is not like Africa. It is the only country not to be colonised. It has a different year (2003) and a different time zone.

‘Yes’ means ‘I want to make you happy’ so it can mean anything. ‘No’ you don’t hear very often as everyone wants to make you happy. An estimate for work can take as long as it takes the builder to walk away and come back. It’s all about survival. It is safe for white people and visitors have no trouble. Black girls will get raped but white women are safe.” Thirty per cent of the children in the Mediterranea schools would now be dead if it were not for the work of the NGO. “There is always a way of turning something round,” says Michael. “Things can go wrong

but they go right if we try hard enough.

Another school for the blind in the north of Ethiopia has asked for our help. How can we say no?”

The volunteers from Mallorca will be some of the first non-Spaniards to go to Sebeta.

“They will have a life-changing experience.

It will be hard work but with great rewards.

We get so many rewards. The emotional and intellectual experience is invaluable.

We get a lot out of it. Mediterranea is a wonderful baby that is growing fast. I don’t know where it is going to go, but it is beautiful.”

There are many babies in Ethiopia and other places around the world that have Michael to thank for their growth and survival.

Mediterranea’s Dignifix Project is sending two teams of volunteers to Ethiopia, one on 16 and another on 26 January 2012.

Flights have to be self-funded and cost around €600. Accommodation is at a hotel in Sebeta costing between €3 and €6 a night. There is no malaria in the area where the volunteers are going. Volunteers do need vaccinations. If possible, volunteers should take tools to do works.

Dignifix coordinator Ben Parnwell: Tel. (+34) 680 690 603; digniprograms@gmail.com or mediterranea.ong@gmail.com; ongmediterranea.com

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS Life & Living Interview with Allen Graham

“There is always a moment in childhood when a door opens to allow the future to enter.” The words of the celebrated novelist Graham Green are profoundly true and Allen Graham has helped many children to open and walk through that door.

Allen came to Mallorca from Banbridge in County Down (Ireland) as a Salvation Army pastor 28 years ago. At first he first worked from home and out of several hotels then he bought the first Salvation Army centre in Cala Mayor, much to the dismay of the neighbours who wanted him to remove the cross from the side of the building. Apparently the sight of a large religious symbol was off-putting to the clients of the local nightclubs and fleshpots! The cross stayed where it was! “Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission,” smiles Allen.

Just before Christmas 1992, Allen heard that all the bicycles in a children’s home in Palma had been stolen. He decided to replace them. Using his warm Irish charm, he managed to obtain bikes of various vintages and conditions. His public appeal was broadcast and printed in the local media and very soon bicycles and cash donations came in, enabling him to deliver 48 bikes (some new, others re-conditioned but all roadworthy) to the home. Since then, he has gone on to help and support children in care or in need on Mallorca.

He officially retired in 2002 as the pastor of the Santa Ponça Community Church (which he founded) but since then he has been busier than ever working to help children and young people have a better quality of life.

He carried on collecting goods, raising money and providing help, moral, emotional and

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financial, to the youngsters in the homes on Mallorca. These establishments care for abused and abandoned children by housing, feeding and educating them. It is down to people like Allen to add the extra bits like toys, games, computers and advice.

It was in 2006 that the Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz was set up. It was not his idea to call the organisation after himself (the man is far too humble) but the staff of the various care homes insisted. Today the charity is a foundation and Allen Graham is the honorary president.

The Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and young adults on the island who (through no fault of their own) do not have the opportunity to develop the skills that ensure a secure and safe future.

FUTURE OF OPPORTUNITIES Every year on Mallorca hundreds of children of all nationalities, colour and creed are either fostered by families or cared for in one of the 27 residential centres on the island.

They have been abandoned, badly treated or abused or, for various reasons, have parents who are unable to care for them.

The charity provides homes and “life skills” for those who have been in care homes for most of their lives and suddenly, at the age of 18, have nowhere to go. The aim is to assist them develop in such a way as to be able to achieve the things they want in life.

Just like their contemporaries in “normal families”, they need to feel they have a future, one that is full of opportunities, hope and happiness.

When the kids reach 18 they are forced to leave the care homes, which can be a massive ordeal as they are leaving the only safe place that they have known. It is also traumatic for the monitors, who often have formed strong attachments to the young people.

This is where the work of the charity really kicks in as it provides homes, funding for education and job training to help the young adults get a start in life.

“One young lady who is being supported by the foundation is studying hairdressing at Rizzo’s hairdressing school in Palma. She achieved 95 per cent in her end-of-year hairdressing theory exam,” says Allen. The charity pays €198 a month for the course fees and she lives in one of the founda-

tion’s apartments in the capital.

The Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz has purchased two apartments in Palma for the young adults to live in when they leave the care homes, one near the Policía Local building and the other near the centre of the city. Both apartments are light and spacious and all the kids living there are cared for by the foundation, which sends visitors on a regular basis to help them with any problems they might have and help them plan their future.

One young man is gifted with computers (he built his own one from scratch with bits that people had thrown out). The foundation is paying €80 a month for him to do a computer programming course and he is hoping to start a computer engineering course in January 2012.

Another beneficiary of the charity is a student who is studying at Madrid University.

The cost of his studies, accommodation and living expenses adds up to €900 a month. He contributes by working in a fast food outlet when he is not in class, and the foundation pays the rest.

Other cases include the funding for a final year at university for a girl studying “hostelería” and providing funds for a boy who is in his final year training to be a nurse; also for an orphan who is studying political studies and business studies and another course for a girl who is studying to be a nurse.

In return the young people help the foundation in various ways. Some of the lads have just painted the charity shop in Cas Català and the girls also help in the charity shops.

The aim is to get the people fully independent eventually and when the youngsters are taken on to full-time work the second part of the ´halfway house´ project helps them to find somewhere to live.

There are more 18-year-olds who have nowhere to live and others who are coming up to their 18th birthday and face a life on the streets without the support of the Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz.

Getting the money to pay for all of this and continuing to help these kids is always an issue. There are two ways that this is achieved: one is by selling donated goods

at the four charity shops on the island and the other is holding fund-raising events. Often people on the island just get together and do something such as the recent Treadmill Run at the Santa Ponça Country Club, which raised over €2,000.

In October the Amigas Para Siempre group, consisting of women from the north-west of England, held a huge beach party in Magaluf which raised €4,000 for the charity through an auction, a raffle and many local entertainers singing live on stage. The Amigas have been coming here to Mallorca and raising money since 1995.

Fund-raising events coming up this festive season for the Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz include a second-hand book stall at the Christmas markets in Santa Ponça, the Christmas Fayre in Puerto Portals on 4 December and another on 11 December in Can Pastilla. The charity is also doing a Christmas Gift Appeal with collection money boxes situated in various bars in the south-west of the island.

Every year the foundation holds a Christmas party for the children in the homes and this year 250 disadvantaged children aged between one and 13 years old will enjoy an afternoon of food, a bouncy castle, clowns, face painting and more at the charity shop in Port Pollença on Sunday 11 December. Each child will receive a gift and for some it will be the first Christmas present that they have ever had, and the only one that they will get this year.

Allen shows no signs of slowing down and, except for his occasional visit to a golf course, he keeps up his work opening those doors and helping young people on Mallorca to find a brighter future.

OTHER CHARITIES DOING GOOD ON MALLORCA AECC (Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer) works with patients, families, volunteers and professionals for prevention, raising awareness of and funding cancer research projects that will enable better diagnosis and treatment of cancer. aecc.es AGE CONCERN MALLORCA works to promote the well-being of older people‚ helping to make life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for everyone. They aim to secure a positive role in society for the older generation and provide direct services for those in need. acmallorca@ageconcern-espana.org ASBANOB (La Asociación de Padres de Niños con Cáncer de Baleares) was started in 1987 by a group of parents with the intention of working to improve the quality of life for children aged 0 to 18. All activities are designed to support children with cancer and their families. aspanob@telefonica.net; aspanob.com CALVIÀ LIONS meet every second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Santa Ponça Golf Hotel. It is an English-speaking club that gives financial and practical support to charities in Mallorca. The Lions Shop is in Palmanova and they also raise money through social events. The club welcomes new members and volunteers who would like to work in the shop for a few hours each week. lionsmallorca@gmail.com; lionsmallorca.org CANCER SUPPORT GROUP is a voluntary group set up to help and support people diagnosed with cancer. English and Spanish is spoken and regular meetings are held both in the south and north of the island. kristahyer@gmail.com CENTRO CANINO is a charity animal shelter run by volunteers which helps abused and abandoned dogs and cats. centrocanino@centrocaninointernacional. org; centrocaninointernacional.org

The four Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz shops are located at: Cas Català – Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am-13.30pm.

Puerto de Pollença – Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (8pm Thursday); Saturday 10am-1pm.

Llucmayor – Tuesday to Saturday 10am-8pm.

Calonge – Thursday and Friday 10am-1pm.

Tel. 606 791 821 if you have large items that need collection.

More information: info@agc4kidz. com; agrahamcharity.org

FELIZ ANIMAL is a non-profit animal rescue group and is completely self-funded. It is run by a large group of animal lovers who have made it their job to care for, re-home, and rescue abandoned and abused animals in the vicinity of Andratx and Calvià. feliz-animal.org FUNDACIÓ DE JOVES NAVEGANTS DE BALEARS was formed in March 2003 and is based in Palma. It was set up to promote a Youth Sail Training Scheme for underprivileged children in the Balearic Islands. jovesnavegants@hotmail.com; jovesnavegants.org

MAMALENA was founded to give support to chronically sick and terminally ill children, as well as their families, carers and health workers. Their aim is to improve the quality of life of these children and their parents, giving special attention to the problems arising from these illnesses which affect family situations. info@mamalena.org; mamalena.org FREEMASONS Ramon Llull Lodge is the oldest English-speaking lodge in the Baleares, consecrated in 1982. The lodge meets on the third Thursday of each month (second Thursday in December). Masonic guests are always welcome at meetings. Membership is open to any “men of good repute” aged 21 and over. rl9.org RANA (Red Aid Abused Children) is a nonprofit association in the Balearics whose social function is to prevent child abuse and child sexual abuse through advocacy, education and networking. asociacionrana.org ROTARY CLUB OF CALVIÀ is an English-speaking club that meets every Monday at lunchtime. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace and eradicate polio under the motto “Service Above Self”. rotarycalvia.com Paediatric EndocrinologPediatre been trying to find out if anyone else in the world has the same problems as Charley & how it can be treated, they have struggled to find answers.

Just last month Charley attended Great Ormond Street Hospital to see Professor Mehul Dattani who is a specialist in Paediatric Endocrinology e been trying to find out if anyone else in the world has the same problems as Charley & how it can be treated, they have struggled to find answers. Just last month Charley attended Great Ormond Street Hospital to see Professor Mehul Dattani who is a specialist in Paediatric Endocrinology and works with the kind of problems SALVATION ARMY works to help the poor and homeless on Mallorca, with collection shops in Palmanova and Santa Ponça. They need donations of household goods, clothing, furniture, etc., in good condition. A pick-up service is available. salvationarmymallorca.com SONRISA MEDICA is a volunteer group of clowns who entertain children in Son Espases Hospital in Palma. Volunteers and sponsors are always welcome. sonmed@sonrisamedica.org; sonrisamedica.org

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in person

ISLAND CONNECTIONS Life & Living

My Mallorca Phil Bean Phil Bean has lived on Mallorca for five years. He works in sales and as The Mobile Butler, providing care and other services.

He is also a presenter on English Radio Mallorca, where he is known as “Bishop Beany”. He is preparing to travel to Ethiopia in January 2012 as one of the volunteers for Mediterranea’s Dignifix programme, where he will be helping to reform a school for blind children in Sebeta.

Fabulous academy production of Annie As the performers took to the stage at the Es Generador Cultural Centre in Son Caliu in November, the only nerves that were obvious were from the proud parents in the audience.

All of the students of the Pauline Quirke Academy Mallorca (PQA), which currently number over 50, performed Annie in front of an audience of families and friends. Rehearsals had been going on every Saturday for 10 weeks and the hard work clearly paid off with a fabulous show.

The leading role of Annie was played by Isabella Remkes. “I wasn’t really nervous because I have been on stage before when I was much younger,” said the “veteran” nine-year-old.

The teachers at PQA class work towards a showcase in musical theatre, comedy/drama or film/TV each term. This time teachers Melissa Cursons (musical theatre) and Joseph Garcia (drama/comedy) helped the students to put together the show. The academy’s next big project is a film/TV showcase, which will be held at the Ocimax Cinema. Students will be making short films over the next term in preparation.

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, Mallorca is the first overseas academy and has been open since January 2009. It is open every Saturday morning and offers children from four to 18 years classes in drama/comedy, musical theatre and film/TV.

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More information at pqacademy.com or Tel. Rachael on 600 456 064.

What originally brought you to Mallorca?

Work! I was doing a sales job for an outsource company in Belfast. I came because a friend at the time had bought two bars and I came to work as a barman.

Which is your favourite place on Mallorca?

Sineu… It is lovely and peaceful and when I lived there I was on a hill with a beautiful view and everything below me. It’s just a bit far out from work, and I came to Mallorca to get away from commuting.

Which is the most fascinating place you have visited in the world?

Phoenix (Arizona), the Grand Canyon. I cannot explain it… you just have to be there.

I cried. It is such a fabulous and beautiful place. It is breathtaking. I would go there again. I even went over the Hoover Dam between Las Vegas and Arizona, it is just amazing!

What is your favourite Mallorca dish?

Pamboli… I like the mixture of the tastes.

Drink?

Martini – any time, any place, anywhere… that’s me!

Guilty pleasure?

Divine chocolate ice cream lollies with toffee centres, €2 of happiness!

What is your attitude to social networking sites?

I like them as they are useful but you have to be careful.

How did you hear about Mediterranea?

I heard about it from English Radio Mallorca who interviewed Michael Stoma about the Dignifix project. I then met Michael at a Mediterranea charity event and as soon as I heard about the trip to Ethiopia I knew I was meant to go.

What is the last film you watched?

The Adventures of Tintin in Spanish at Festival Park. The characters are so much more realistic from when I used to watch the cartoons as a kid.

What animal do you identify with?

Horse… My name in Greek mythology (Philip) means “the lover of horses”.

What is in your man bag?

Book, papers, pen, mobile, wallet (usually empty), headphones.

Desert Island book?

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown.

Which person (living or dead) do you most admire and why?

Les Dawson… He was so funny, especially Cissy and Ada.

Why do you want to go to Ethiopia?

Because I want to give something back to those less fortunate than me. I want to make a difference to other people. It is something that I have always wanted to do for as long as I can remember. Like most of the volunteers the issue is raising the money for the flights from Palma to Addis Ababa. I am doing a raffle and asking for donations. If people would like to help they can contact me by email: philbean_3@ hotmail.com.

Traditional can also be modern.

You are very welcome to my new office in Santa Ponsa.

Avda. Rey Jaime I, 116, local 3 • Santa Ponsa • Fon +34 971 69 21 21

mallorcaprimehomes.com

Marina Khitarova

Luxury boating Life & Living

Luxury boating

Nautical Update

CHRISTMAS TREAT Peter Franklin is editor of The Islander yachting magazine for the Balearics.

By Peter Franklin

captain, project manager or owner might need.

Yachting season is over... ... Boat show begins

Roll on next summer!

You might be forgiven for thinking that the boating season is not over at all by the way the weather has been on Mallorca just lately. And, indeed, for many it’s a great all year round pursuit with our friendly Mediterranean climate.

In fact a lot of the smaller racing yachts have some very serious regattas during the winter, when they take advantage of brisk seasonal winds. And anyone who has been near a local marina in the evenings will have seen that the fisherman in their traditional wooden llaüts are still going out for the whole night, wrapped up in jumpers and woolly hats though not expecting to worry about freezing fog and ice on the decks as their northern European counterparts are now facing.

I was in Holland just recently where it was very cold already and most of the boats were laid up, covered and fully winterised.

Their engines have to be flushed and primed with an anti-freeze mixture so they are prepared for a sudden drop in temperature that can freeze the cooling block overnight

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and make an expensive winter of it!

Even if they get a nice sunny day with reasonably mild temperatures, they have no opportunity to enjoy a day out on the water without completely de-winterising the boat first.

The day before I left for Holland I was out for a few hours on my boat off Santa Ponça in near perfect conditions, so arriving into that world of suspended yachting leisure, where boaters can only dream of sunny sailing days for the next five months or so, really brought home to me how lucky we are here for continuing our outdoor pursuits such as sailing, golf, cycling and many others.

Anyway, why was I there, you might ask?

Well, one way to keep up with what’s going on in the wider yachting world and to meet up with many colleagues in the nautical business is to get around the various boat shows during the winter months, of which

there seem to be more and more despite the affects of the recession, credit crunch, et al.

As I wrote earlier this year the premier event of them all, at least for superyachts (those longer than 30 metres, or 100 feet in old money), is the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) but second to that, and in a slightly different format, is METS. The Marine Equipment Trade Show in Amsterdam, instead of showing yachts, profiles just about everything that’s needed to build, sail, navigate or maintain them.

Covering 11 halls, acres of space, and all happening over a hectic three-day period, this is one place, just like MYS, where it is impossible to believe there is a global financial crisis, or even a European one!

METS is incredibly well organised by the Dutch, and guaranteed to be attended purely by professionals in the yachting business, giving exhibitors some assurance of a return on their investment for the cost of being there. And it has for the last few years featured a superyacht pavilion which has grown in physical size, attendance and stature, now becoming another “not to be missed” event in the annual yachting calendar.

Contrast this with the Barcelona Boat Show, which I attended the week before. It was celebrating its 50th year, undoubtedly a great achievement, but there was nothing to celebrate in the turn out of exhibitors or visitors.

There was an almost depressing atmosphere in the two halls occupied this year, which compared with five very full and busy pavilions only a few years ago.

If anything should send a signal to the incoming Partido Popular national government that the yachting and water sports industry in Spain needs to have its shackles removed and get into a 21st century state of competitiveness, then a quick visit to the show would have been all they needed to convince them.

Next I’m off to the Paris boat show in December, so I’ll let you know later how things are doing nautically… “sur le France”.

BACK AT THE BOATYARD… So what about here on Mallorca, now that what is known as the “refit season” is upon us, especially for the large yachts that are very busy with charter guests and/or owners on board through the summer? Some of them have been literally cruising all of the world’s oceans, and now in need of some fairly important maintenance, hull painting, antifouling, etc., or even a complete change of interior layout and décor. This could be right down to soft furnishings and galley equipment, and can sometimes mean a project value running into several millions of euros… and all flowing into our local economy.

Why? Because here we have STP in Palma, the largest and best equipped boatyard in the entire Mediterranean. And they are backed by the most comprehensive range of marine service providers based right inside the yard, offering all the products and skills that a yacht

Well, that’s all from me for this year I guess. I’d just like to say I hope you’ve enjoyed my insights into the yachting world, and wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable festive season.

The official opening party of the modernised and refurbished RS Global building, which is situated in the heart of the STP (Servicios Técnicos Portuarios) superyacht refit and repair yard, was held in November.

Our editor Sarah asked me to feature something about Christmas in the home this month, so I would like to offer you a little seasonal gift from me. You might enjoy this when you are fed up with watching the telly with its endless repeats of old films and boring reality shows.

The building was taken over last year by the locally based chandlery, rigging and yachtpainting specialists Rolling Stock Group. It has always been a central building in the boatyard, providing canteen facilities for workers and yacht crews, as well as some workshop and storage space in its old guise.

Go to your computer and log on to: sea-things.tv

Now the RS Global Company have completely refurbished the building, which offers a new restaurant facility called the Dock Bar, together with modern well-appointed offices for up to 20 local and international superyacht refit and repair specialists.

The STP yard has had massive investment over the last few years since being taken over by its present management on a long-term concession awarded by the Balearics Port Authority.

With a number of travel lifts up to 800-ton capacity, several keel pits for sailing yachts up to 60 metres and a large number of deep water moorings, the STP yard is undoubtedly the premium superyacht repair and refit facility in the Mediterranean.

This is a free web TV portal that we have created as part of our nautical media business, and it covers every aspect of ocean preservation, regattas, global sailing races, boat shows, etc. In fact, everything to do with sailing and the sea.

Christmas Gift Idea

I promise you won’t need a subscription or even a password, so please just click away and enjoy.

Even if you’re not into yachting, I’m sure you’ll find something interesting on there, dry including some Personal bag, great educational stuff about madeafter forourwater looking oceans,sports, which the kids might enjoy, and indeed the beach & all outdoor their kids could well benefit from…

pursuits

As the conditions of the STP concession only allow them to lift or moor yachts and provide mains services such as power, water and waste management, it is imperative that yacht captains and project managers have access to the full range of marine services and products on site, and that they are easily contactable on a daily basis.

The list of these marine service providers now available right next to the yachts and within the secure perimeters of the yard is indeed comprehensively impressive, and would rival any repair port in the world for its choice of specialised expertise and capability.

Bolsa personal impermeable, ideal para 47 deportes de agua, la

sport& leisure

PGA professional and European Tour coach Peter Ledwidge is club professional at Golf Santa Ponça II and III – where non-members are welcome for golf lessons.

Tel. 669 188 050 peter@mallorcagolfacademy.com mallorcagolfacademy.com

By Peter Ledwidge

Better Posture Good posture is vital in any sport, but it is essential in golf. Improve your posture to help make a good shoulder turn for powerful golf shots. Straighten your spine for straighter shots.

No matter what sport you practise, good posture is vital. A good horseman is quickly noticed just by the way they sit in the saddle; a good cricket batsman stands with poise ready to spring into action as they watch the bowler. When it comes to golf a good player stands with balanced athletic posture ready to wind up the body for a powerful swing.

Unfortunately, working on better posture is one of the most neglected aspects of golf. Every handicap golfer can improve their posture and consequently their swing by spending a bit of time working on their address position. Because the golf swing is a chain reaction, if you can learn to stand well to the golf ball with better posture it will greatly improve your chances of producing a good swing.

Good golf posture is grounded in a forward tilt from the hips (not the waist) of about 30-35 degrees. If you’re not sure how many degrees it is, picture yourself standing in the middle of a clock face. If your upper body is the big hand, it should point toward one o’clock. You should maintain it for as long as you can, from the take away, all through your backswing and all the way to your finish.

This posture prevents you from moving up or down during the swing, and helps keep the club on the correct swing plane, which is at 90 degrees to your spine. Why 90 degrees? If you were to attach a ball to a rope and swing it around in a circle, it would move fastest when it’s rotating at 90 degrees to your arm. The golf swing works by the same principle: for the club to move its fastest, it must rotate at 90 degrees to its axis, which in this instance is the spine.

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Common errors can be seen in the photos: 1. Too slouched with rounded spine (photo 1) – very common.

2. Too upright (photo 2) – common fault arising from trying to correct too slouched.

Both of these common errors make it really difficult for the body to produce consistent and powerful golf shots: Here is how to avoid them:

your chest. Take hold of a golf club and hold it out in front of you. Bend from the waist and place the club behind the golf ball, keeping the tennis ball pinned to the chest.

Using this method the head angle stays the same relative to the spine. If you have done this correctly the only way for you to see the golf ball is by looking down with the eyes, not by inclining the head more as the tennis ball prohibits it. Relative to the spinal angle the head should have hardly moved. If you bend forward correctly it will feel as though your backside is sticking out.

A good swing comes from good posture

Photo 1

Photo 2

Better golf posture

The most important fundamental of a good swing is a good turn of the shoulders, and to turn the shoulders well you have to have a straight spine. Look at the stance and posture of a tour pro and it is clearly visible how straight the spine is, but if you study a club golfer often their shoulders are slumped and the top of the spine is bent forward as they look down at the ball. Looking down at the ball with the head, rather than with the eyes, is the most damaging fault a golfer can have at stance and the most common cause of poor posture (see photo 1).

While there are many aspects of good posture a straight spine is the most important.

Learn to look down at the ball with your eyes rather than with your head, and you will be able to turn much easier on the backswing. Lift your chin up, look down at the ball with your eyes and then turn round your spine for a much more athletic swing with more power, a wider swing arc and consequently more accurate shots.

The legendary David Leadbetter shows how it’s done in photo 3: perfect posture on the left and too slouched on the right of the photo.

How to take up your stance for better posture

Stand up straight looking forward and put a tennis ball under your chin, pinning it to

Photo 3

FLAVOURS OF THE MED Life & Living

Christmas feasting…

Spanish style

• Break the eggs into a bowl and whip until they thicken and become creamy.

• In another bowl mix the flour with the chopped nuts.

• In a glass bowl place the softened butter with the broken up chocolate, microwave for one minute and set aside to cool.

• Now stir the chocolate mixture into the flour and nuts and then carefully incorporate the beaten eggs.

• Turn into a greased and lined 25-centimetre flan tin and cook in the oven at 200ºC for 10 minutes. Remove and leave to cool.

By Gillaine Hathaway

So it’s Christmas yet again and, for those of us in Spain, that means 12 days of round the clock celebrations originating from customs dating back many centuries. And no, we are not talking turkey!

Christmas cuisine is far different from that in much of the rest of Europe and Christmas Eve is the most important meal of the 12 days of festivities. Apart from New Year’s Eve, of course, and the all-important Three Kings on 6 January when the presents are handed out, just as the Three Kings gave their presents to Jesus after his birth.

Some Spanish homes do prepare a Christmas turkey, especially those living in rural areas. However, this is not like the roast turkey most of us know, as you will see from the following recipe – but believe me it does taste great.

Roast Turkey with Chestnuts Ingredients (serves 6): A medium sized turkey 400 gr chestnuts peeled 1 bay leaf 200 gr sausages Zest of 1 lemon 1 tin peaches 1 tablespoon port wine 1 teaspoon tarragon

1 egg 200 gr smoked bacon chopped 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic peeled and chopped 1 sprig rosemary 1 glass white wine Salt and pepper 3 small onions cut into small pieces

The Christmas Eve meals features special treats for the first course, such as cured cheese, the all important “pata negra” cured ham and prawns dipped into alioli, a garlic-flavoured mayonnaise.

Another important traditional dish which accompanies the first course on Christmas Eve is a rice salad flavoured with a vinaigrette and some chopped, cooked peppers and garnished with olives. The following recipe is a modern version of the traditional, is easy to prepare and can be done in advance. Just remember that Spanish rice takes longer to cook then Indian and oriental rice.

Andalucian Rice Salad

Fish is a Spanish classic on Christmas Day but the following sea bass recipe tastes good any time of the year…

Now how about a simple Spanish classic, from Mallorca. Shops are packed at this time of the year with all sorts of traditional sweetmeats but the following recipe is Mallorca’s own version of turrón – made with hazelnuts on this occasion.

Crispy Sea Bass and Spinach

Turrón de Avellana

(on bed of mushrooms, prawns and herbs)

Ingredients (serves 4): 286 gr hazelnuts 55 gr almonds also roasted and skinned 3 large egg whites

Ingredients: (serves 4) 1 sea bass (lubina weighing approx.1¾ kilos) cut into 4 fillets (you can ask your fishmonger to prepare this for you) 4 sheets of filo pastry 2 tablespoons melted butter 250 gr spinach

For the sauce: 200 gr mixed wild mushrooms cleaned and chopped 4 shallots finely chopped 1 knob of butter 1 handful chives finely chopped 200 ml vermouth 50 ml cream 10 strands saffron 10 ml fish stock 16 small Dublin Bay prawns (cigallas) shelled

170 gr hard honey 170 gr caster sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Rice paper and parchment paper

• First make the sauce by pouring the vermouth into a saucepan with the chopped shallots. Heat and add the chives and cook until reduced by one-third. Add the saffron and cream and cook until the mixture is reduced by half. Set aside.

• Into a frying pan melt the knob of butter, add the mushrooms and fry for a few minutes before adding the fish stock. Set aside.

• Wash the turkey with warm water inside and out and dry with a kitchen paper.

all together, then add in the egg and mix again. Stuff the turkey with the mixture.

• Boil a pan of water with a couple of teaspoons of salt, add the chestnuts and the bay leaf and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the chestnuts are soft. Then remove and drain.

• Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the turkey in it, making sure you baste it well with the mixture.

• In a strong earthenware oven dish place the butter, oil, garlic, rosemary and wine and place in the oven at 180ºC.

• Cover the turkey with a piece of foil, return to the oven and cook for one hour.

Then remove the foil and re-baste the turkey with all the juices.

• Set half of the chestnuts aside and chop the rest and put into a bowl.

• Place the chopped onions and the rest of the chestnuts around the turkey and return to the oven for another hour.

• Chop the sausages and add to the bowl with the drained and chopped peaches, bacon, port, tarragon and lemon zest. Mix

• Remove and leave the turkey to rest and then serve accompanied by fresh vegetables such as carrots and broccoli.

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Ingredients (serves 4 to 6): 1 cup of cooked Spanish rice 8 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons wine vinegar 1 large clove garlic finely chopped 1 small onion finely chopped 2 tablespoons parsley Salt and pepper 1 jar of whole peppers (pimientos) Green and black olives to garnish • Drain the peppers. Cut six narrow strips, set them aside and finely chop the rest.

• Make the vinaigrette sauce by mixing the oil, vinegar, garlic and onions and seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir into the cold rice and add the chopped peppers and parsley.

• Spoon the rice mixture into a serving bowl, cover and chill thoroughly.

• When ready to serve decorate with the pepper strips and olives.

• Brush each sheet of filo pastry with the melted butter. Lay a sea bass fillet on top of each and cover with the spinach. Roll up each parcel, sealing the ends, and transfer to an oven heated to 200ºC and cook for 12 minutes until the parcels are golden and crispy.

• Roast the nuts until the skins rub off and the nuts are a pale golden colour. Then grind them in a food processor until fine.

• Whisk the egg white in a bowl until stiff then carefully fold the nuts.

• Meanwhile, re-heat the mushroom sauce, stir in the Dublin Bay prawns and cook for a couple of minutes. Finally pour in the vermouth sauce and heat, stirring well.

• Cover and leave in a cool place while you melt the honey and sugar together in a heavy bottomed pan.

• When the fish is ready spoon the sauce into four deep plates, cut each parcel into two and place on top and enjoy.

• Add the nut mixture and continue to cook over a low heat for around 10 to 12 minutes, stirring all the time so the mixture does not become sticky.

So how about a really yummy dessert to serve on any of the party days…

• Then turn out into a shallow tin lined with the rice paper. Cover with another layer of baking parchment and leave overnight to set.

Chocolate and Nut Flan Ingredients: (serves 10) 6 eggs 420 gr sugar 400 gr softened butter 250 gr dark chocolate 200 gr flour 275 gr chopped walnuts

• Bring to the boil and then immediately lower the heat.

• Remove the top paper, sprinkle with cinnamon and cut into squares.

Have a magnificent festive season and don’t forget that on New Year’s Eve, when the clock strikes midnights, it is time to eat the traditional 12 grapes, guaranteed to bring good fortune in the coming year.

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TASTES OF MALLORCA Life & Living

TASTES OF MALLORCA Port Alt

Festive Gastronomy Special

Enjoy an alternative Christmas…

Bored of regular turkey this Christmas? Luckily, Katie Handyside is on hand with an inspiringly different Christmas recipe to leave you feeling less puffy and more powerful throughout the holiday season.

Here’s a power-punching, tasty, muscle-building turkey alternative. This easy and filling recipe has the metabolism-boosting power of turkey, which can torch fat and build muscle.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 600 gr extra lean ground or thinly diced turkey breast 2 cloves garlic chopped 1 large onion chopped 1 large red pepper chopped 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil 1/2 tsp freshly ground 4-pepper blend 3 cans (small) diced tomatoes with liquid, no salt added 1 can white beans with liquid or home-cooked 3 strips cooked extra-lean bacon chopped 2 tsp chilli powder and/or real whole chilli diced (seeds removed) 1 small courgette sliced 350 gr fresh mushrooms sliced Instructions: • Heat oil in a wok or pan over medium heat. Cook the turkey until evenly brown, stirring with a spoon to separate.

• Add garlic, onion and red pepper, and cook for three minutes.

• Add crushed red pepper, basil and freshly ground 4-pepper blend. Cook for eight minutes, then transfer to a large pot.

• Add the tomatoes, beans, turkey, bacon and hot sauce.

Stir in courgette and mushrooms. Bring to a simmer then reduce to low heat. Cook for one hour, stirring occasionally.

Serve over brown or wild rice.

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Relax and let someone else do the hard work…

Can’t face hosting Christmas Day? Why not break tradition and head out for the day to one of ML&S’s recommended restaurants offering temptingly tasty Christmas Day menus… washing-up included.

Mood Beach Bar and Restaurant For a special Christmas party celebration among family, friends or colleagues, Mood Beach Bar and Restaurant are offering group menus with prices starting from €19 per person for a three-course menu. They will also be hosting their traditional English Christmas Day lunch on 25 December: a classic five-course menu for €59 per person.

La Villa Located in a magical setting on a cliff overlooking Portals and Illetas, perfect for a memorable festive celebration, Port Alt Restaurant is offering five different menus for Christmas fine dining.

Each of the five menus, including vegetarian, comprise four exquisite dishes (the prices quoted are without drinks).

Vegetarian (€25): onion soup; chick pea, tofu and mushroom salad; vegetable risotto with almond sauce; banana tempura with chocolate and almond sauce.

Menu 1 (€32): beef carpaccio; asparagus au gratin with bacon and baked potato; magret of duck with gnocchi and sauce of berries; crema catalana (crème brulée).

Menu 2 (€38): cream of seafood soup; grilled prawns with spinach and orange salad; herb-crusted sirloin steak with potato au gratin and apple; cheesecake with berries.

Menu 3 (€29): tuna tartar; cream of mushroom soup; turkey stuffed with plums and spinach, with vegetables and potato au gratin; apple strudel.

Menu 4 (€35): prawn pie with spinach and walnut cannelloni; leg of lamb with ratatouille and potato au gratin; chocolate mousse with mango sauce Tel. 971 676 179 / 971 677 254; restaurantportalt.com

Located in the heart of Palma’s Paseo Marítimo, La Villa is known among discerning diners for its exquisite cuisine, superb setting, impeccable service and diverse dining options – all the right ingredients for an exceptional festive celebration.

The special Christmas menu (€35) includes a welcome aperitif; “Christmas soup”; seafood “a la marinera”; Mallorcan-style suckling pig; gateaux with almond icecream; selection of turrones (nougat candy) and traditional Christmas sweets. Wines: Loriñon Reserva (Rioja), Raimat Chardonnay, “artesanal” cava.

For New Year’s Eve (€65): welcome aperitif; cream of lobster “perfumed” with Armagnac; seafood mini-crêpes flavoured with white truffle; Mojito sorbet; sirloin steak with chestnut sauce; chocolate Martini; home-made turrones. Wine: Parató 2004 Reserva (Penedés), Loriñón Reserva (Rioja), José Pariente, Cava Codorniu 1551.

Tel. 971 284 424; lavillamallorca.com

Akbar The colourful world of Bollywood comes to Portals Nous this Christmas with two special dinner events at the Akbar Indian restaurant.

Two Bolly-Nights will be held on 9 and 23 December, with a €20 menu (starter, first and second courses, drinks) and “bolly dancing”.

There’s also a special New Year’s Eve menu on offer for €37.90 per person which includes: aperitifs, starter, gourmet main course, all accompaniments and side dishes, water/wine/beer plus dessert and coffee. A vegetarian offer is is available on request.

Currently serving lunch daily from just €10.90.

Tel. 971 675 864; akbarmallorca.es

Missing those traditional little extras?

Their New Year’s Eve Gala will include a seven-course menu, live entertainment and dancing into the small hours of the morning. “We celebrate both New Year’s Eves here at Mood,” said owner Margaret Whittaker OBE. “We start with the Spanish one where we eat the grapes during the 12 chimes, and then we celebrate again at 1am when we mark the British New Year as well with a snifter of whiskey and Auld Lang Syne. Well, any excuse for a party!”

At Nice Price… crackers, Mr Kipling and Iceland mince pies, Christmas puddings, Cottage Delight goodies, tins of Celebrations, Heroes, Roses, Quality Street and Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts, ready to roll icing and marzipan, cake decorations, Christmas cards and English games, selection boxes and Advent calendars, butterball turkeys, turkey crowns, and Marks & Spencer chocolates.

Tel. 971 676 456; moodbeach.com

Open Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm; Saturday 9am-2pm; Ctra. Andratx Nº43, Sun Sotano; Tel. 971 675 542.

Open Monday.Saturday 10am-7pm; public holidays 10am-2pm. Exit Palma-Andratx motorway at junction 10, in front of Tomir apartments.

At British Bakery in Portals Village… freshly made mince pies, sausage rolls, pies, pasties, large selection of traditional cakes and pastries, freshly made bread, rolls and baguettes, birthday cakes, Christmas cakes. Buffets and birthdays are catered for.

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TaSTeS of maLLorCa LiFE & LiviNg Review by Andrés Gelabert

Wine

of the Month

wine: gran Seleccio 2009 winery: Bodegas Ángel (bodegasangel.com) Appellation: vi de La Terra Mallorca Type: Dry Red Location: Santa María del cami Composition: 60% cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 15% callet, 9% Manto Negro.

Alcohol: 14.5% Source of grapes: The grapes are from the vines surrounding the winery at 100 metres above sea level. With a combination of old and new vines, the Sa Basseta area is known for having red clay soil lined with limestone. A good breeze is always present to aerate the vines during the hot summer months. winemaking process: Merlot are picked at the beginning of September. The other varieties are late ripening and are picked late September and early October. The grapes go through a cold pre-fermentation maceration and then are allowed ferment separately. The grapes are macerated post formation and then pressed. They go

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GET AN EXTRA

€12 OFLFF IGHTS

ALL RETURN

ALL ROUTES, ALL DATES, ALL SEATS.

through a natural Malolactic fermentation and are then placed in new oak barrels, still separated by varieties. After 12 months of barrel ageing in 95 per cent French oak and five per cent American oak the wine is clarified and blended. The wine is then bottled and allowed to age a minimum of nine months.

Description: vibrant dark cherry colour… clean high layer… Aromas of ripe wild dark berries. Slight mineral and mint notes give way to nuances of toasted, smoky, cream toffee oak. gran Seleccio has an initial velvety round and enjoyable smooth beginning.

A full body wine with spiced plumy fruit, acidity and notable barrel tannins prevail… the potent finish is long and dry.

Serve with: This wine is a heavy hitter and should be drunk with a piece of meat with good consistency, such as a T-bone steak or a traditional christmas roast.

The wine can be purchased at the winery’s wine shop in Santa María. A wine tasting is offered and a tour of the winery by appointment.

WiNEMAkER, viTicULTURiST, AFiciONADO…

Andrés Gelabert was born in Mallorca but raised in southern california where his love for wine began. gaining valuable experience from the wine industry in california and Texas, Andrés returned to Mallorca in 2000 to begin plans to build a winery. currently he is the director of Bodegas Ángel in Santa María del camí.

BY ENTERING THIS CODE:

‘FLYUK’

12 FOR TRAVEL UP TO 30 APRIL 20

heaLTh&beauTY LiFE & LiviNg Contact Katie on (+34) 636 322 959 info@katiehandyside.com katiehandyside.com

Staying Fit...and Happy WiTH kATiE HANDySiDE

A PALMA BASED PERSONAL TRAINER AND SPORTS NUTRITIONIST, KATIE HANDYSIDE WORKS WITH ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING ANTI-AGEING COMPANIES AND IS AN EXPERT ON THE LATEST NUTRITIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPLEMENTS.

Christmas Special iF yOU ARE SPENDiNg A LOT OF TiME AT HOME THiS cHRiSTMAS HERE ARE SOME qUick AND EASy HOME AB WORkOUTS TO gET STUck iNTO – WHiLE WAiTiNg FOR THE TURkEy TO cOOk. Many, possessed by few, want a toned mid-section. Use this workout in conjunction with some of my interval training workouts and a clean diet will ensure you are one step closer to the flat, defined tummy you dream about. You will need an exercise mat and a dumbbell or medicine ball (weighted ball), easy to pick up from Decathlon.

Do three sets per exercise, resting up to 45 seconds between sets. Complete up to three times per week for results in under a month.

1. DOUBLE REVERSE CRUNCH

Set Up: Lie face-up on a mat with your legs bent, feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head.

Action: keeping contact between your mid-back and the mat, raise your tailbone from the floor as you direct your knees toward your chest. At the same time, lift your shoulders and upper back from the ground. Pause, and then slowly return your upper and lower body to the starting position. complete 12 reps.

2. SCISSOR KICK

Set Up: Lie face-up on a mat. Place your hands underneath your lower back or extend them along the sides of your body. keeping your legs straight, raise them a few inches from the ground.

Action: Slowly cross one leg overtop of the other in a scissoring motion, keeping them lifted from the ground at all times.

One motion with each leg counts as one repetition. Aim for 15 to 20 reps.

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3.wEIGHTED CRUNCH

Set Up: Begin by lying face-up on a mat, with your legs bent, feet flat on the floor.

Hold a dumbbell or medicine ball in your hands with arms extended above your chest.

Action: Slowly curl your shoulders and upper back from the mat, keeping your arms straight and pointing toward the ceiling Return slowly and carefully to the start.

Do 12 to 15 reps.

4. CROSSOVER CRUNCH wITH REACH

Set Up: Position yourself face-up on the mat, legs bent with arms extended along your sides.

Action: Lift your upper back from the ground and curl to the right, extending your arms and reaching across your body toward your right foot. Hold, then return to the start and repeat on your opposite side for one rep. Repeat for 10 to 12 reps.

5. PLANK

Set Up: From a facedown position on the mat, lift your hips from the ground to support your body weight between your forearms and your toes, aligning your elbows beneath your shoulders.

NEw STUDIO EATING TIPS How to avoid piling on the pounds this christmas • Forget the scale and have your body composition analysed.

• Forget the “ideal” body weight and find your own comfortable weight.

• Think in terms of fat loss, not weight loss.

• You cannot starve a fat cell.

• You have to eat to lose weight.

• Work with your female physiology, not against it.

• Eat what you want when you are hungry.

• Never let yourself get over hungry.

• It’s not what you eat but how you eat it.

• Get back in touch with your body’s signals – from being hungry (real hunger signs, not boredom or emotional eating).

• Any foods are fattening if you over-eat.

• Eat mini meals and maxi snacks throughout the day.

• Match your eating to your metabolism.

• Make your dinner as early and as small as possible.

• Avoid “bad” fats.

• Balance your intake of good carbs, protein and good fats.

• Beware of food advertising claims.

• Exercise is the most important strategy…

• Transform your body into a fat-burning furnace.

• Every additional minute spent exercising is additional calories burnt.

• Make your changes realistic for you.

• Keep food records to monitor your progress.

Portion control…

• Stop eating before you are full.

• Slow down your eating and only eat when you are truly hungry. if you need help with this or any other part of your training or nutrition please contact me for a personalised appointment – we can go through your goals and get you to where you want to be.

i have a new studio in Palma which is proving to be an amazing space to train so give me a call or drop me an email.

Boot camps are held come rain or shine, but please register: Mondays and Wednesdays 6pm outside gates of STP – mallorcafitnesscampo.com. circuit training in the studio every Thursday 5pm – places limited so must reserve.

Enjoy your workouts!

Tel. 636 322 959 info@katiehandyside.com katiehandyside.com Facebook: Katie Handyside

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heaLTh & beauTY LiFE & LiviNg

By Jennifer Jane

Top tips for an easy smoky eye WHERE SMOky EyES ARE cONcERNED, i LikE TO APPLy THE EyES FiRST AS iT’S EASiER TO TiDy UP ANy FALL OUT OR SMUDgES FROM THE EyE MAkE-UP.

Start by applying your usual moisturiser and a little lip balm. Apply your eyeliner underneath your bottom lashes first. Blend the liner with a small pointy brush to give the line a nice soft appearance. Remove any unwanted smudges with a q-tip.

Apply liner to the upper lash line as close to the lash line as possible and blend to soften. it’s a good idea to always start with less and add more as you go along for more definition as it’s easier to add than it is to take away.

To make it more intense add a black eye shadow on top of the liner and blend outwards towards the crease. Do the same on the bottom line but use a smaller brush and blend. if you have any fallout or smudges at this point use a make-up remover wipe or something similar to remove (hence the back to front application tip!). Apply your foundation, blusher and a nudish lip. Fix your hair and you’re good to go.

Black is very dramatic so great for the evening. you can, however, choose a myriad of colour variations or browns for a softer look.

Jennifer Jane – Creating moments of confident beauty (info@jjmakeup.com)

ToP TiP 58

Jennifer Jane is an international make-up expert, trained, qualified and experienced in all aspects of professional make-up and based on Mallorca. Jennifer offers a wide range of creative and professional make-up services, from special occasions to video/film and photo shoot production across the Uk and Europe.

lipgloss ladies if you are hosting a festive event this year why not prepare in perfect style with the Lipgloss Ladies.

The Lipgloss Ladies are a team of beauty professionals, trained hair and make-up artists, nail technicians and massage therapists The Ladies will arrive with their fully mobile make-up station and set up in a designated area of your home or event so you and your guests can come and enjoy a bit of pampering and that all important beauty touch-up. ideal for parties, exhibitions, venue promotions, networking events, pamper evenings, weddings and hen parties.

Tel. (+34) 650 755 884; facebook.com/lipglossladies (all “likes” will receive a 10 per cent discount –for a limited time only).

To party-proof your make-up, mist your face with a light coverage of hairspray. it may sound rather bizarre but it works wonders.

PALMA lounge · bar · restaurant

Businesslunch Daily, monday till friday from 13.00 - 16.30 h 3 course meal inclusive a glass of wine and water, 18,00 € Sundaybrunch Every 1st sunday in month up from 11.00 pm, as well as sunday 18th and 25th of December 2011 and 08th of January 2012 New years eve at Nassau 2011 gala dinner & midnight party with DJ Boris Cantero Happy new years brunch 1st of January 2012 up from 12.00 pm Christmas parties There is no better place to be. Please ask for our special Christmas menus.

Reservations & more infos: phone +34 664 449 053 or reservierungen@nassaubeach-palma.com www.nassaubeach-palma.com

heaLTh & beauTY LiFE & LiviNg

Model

of the Month Name: Marta castillo Ojeda Age:24 What do you love about Mallorca? i love the beach, to walk along the coast and hear the sea.

How did you get into modelling? i started thanks to my friend. She’s a model and took me to her agency, and i started to work with them.

What’s your beauty secret? Sleep a lot and be happy. it’s very important to do things with a smile and energy. you get better results.

How do you keep fit? i’m a salsa dancer – i love to dance. Also run or walk, and drink lots of water – that’s important too.

What’s new on your iPod? i listen to reggaeton music. i like the new Sean Paul featuring Alexis and Usher.

What’s new in your handbag? My new blue nail polish – and pink one.

Photographer: Tito Bosch – titobosch.com; Tel. 670 932 293 Make-up: Susie kennett – susiekennett.com; Tel. 677 714 508

PROPERTY SHOWCASE Life & Living

PROPERTY SHOWCASE

DRESSLER & PARTNER im Baugewerbe) Dressler can ensure the quality of the work while avoiding problems that are often encountered with construction on Mallorca.

Natural

Splendour Located on Randa Hill, this beautiful chalet is encapsulated in the middle of a nature reserve, offering magnificent views over the island and to the mountains of Tramuntana.

Both the main house and the guest-house are surrounded by palm-fringed trees, gently leading you towards the stunning pool and terrace areas.

Entering into the main house you pass through a natural stone entrance, then past a cantilevered spiral staircase into a bright, spacious 145 square metre living area. On the left-hand side sits a modern kitchen which is in perfect harmony with the landscape.

The five bedrooms all feature en suite bathrooms, and throughout the house only the very best quality materials have been used.

Direct access to the terrace and pool from all exits has sensitively been incorporated into this wonderful home.

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More information: Dressler & Partner Tel. 971 125 375 bauenmallorca.eu

Initially founded in Stuttgart in 1984, the name Dressler & Partner has become synonymous with dedication and success within the construction industry.

One secret of its success may be the fact that for the past 20 years it has employed the same methods of construction as used back in Germany. By carrying out work in accordance with the German standard official contracting code VOB (Verdingungsordnung

One of the main advantages of constructing in this way is that the weight of the building is distributed evenly onto the ground through all the walls, instead of the load being borne only at given points.

From a building physics point of view, the advantages lie in the walls, mostly made of aerated concrete blocks (YTONG), which regulate the indoor temperature. The cavities between the bricks and concrete blocks are insulated in such a way as to ensure an even transfer of heat through the wall, which prevents condensation and mould growth. The horizontal damp-proof barrier under all the masonry makes it impossible for moisture from the soil to penetrate.

All building design work is undertaken

in close collaboration with the German firm of architects Rainer Hencke-Steiner and a range of highly reputable Spanish architects, all of whom have a proven track record of reliability, expertise and many years of experience. All construction work is carried out under the supervision of German master craftsmen, and for the structural calculations required in building the company works with Keller, a firm of engineering consultants in Tübingen.

Now with four offices on the island, Binissalem, Port d’Andratx and two in Algaida, Dressler & Partner offers clients a one-stop shop, from finding the ideal plot of land right through to handing over the key to your dream home.

For more information visit: bauenmallorca.eu

advertorial Life & Living

advertorial

Make your life a little easier this christmas with...

Eat

Babyhome, previously known as Babynow, was created in 2002 by a group of young designers and entrepreneurs with the shared vision of creating a collection of beautifully designed childcare products that would satisfy the every increasing needs of today’s parents.

Combining the utmost safety and comfort of the baby with top-end functionality and sleek designs, Babyhome aim to produce products that are a little different from the norm. Creating products to match the demands that a new life requires is not easy, but Babyhome are satisfied knowing that thousands of babies have slept, dreamt, laughed and, of course, cried in their unique designs.

ML&S decided to take some of their most popular products and put them to do the test to see if they truly deserve a place on every parent’s Christmas gift list.

Key information:

Dream

Unfolded measurements: 105cm high x 60cm wide x 60cm deep Folded measurements: 20cm high x 60cm wide x 115cm long Weight: 3.5kg Suitable from three months to three years old Available in sand, purple, red, black, orange, lime, navy, and brown

First up is the appropriately named “Dream” cot. Far from being an average travel cot this versatile aluminium-based travel cot is so cosy and practical that you would be forgiven for dropping the “travel” bit and setting it up in the nursery on a permanent basis.

Weighing in at just six kilograms and coming complete with its own sleeping bag, ergonomically designed mattress (which keeps the baby’s sleeping position centred), mattress cover and travel bag, the Dream cot is ideal for holidays away and overnight stays.

The quilted fabric is easily zipped off the base ready for washing and it features three easily interchangeable positions which can be set it in a “fixed”, “in-motion” or “swing” setting, perfect for settling a restless baby.

Sweet Kit So the chair is called “Eat” and the cot is “Dream”. Why is the “Sweet Kit” different? The clue is once again in the name as this highly evolved product offers parents an abundance of features which can be used depending on your need.

When constructed as a bouncer you can opt for the chair to be in a “set”, “in motion” or “swing” position, or alternatively it has two reclining positions in case your baby opts for an impromptu nap. Manoeuvred into the highchair setting, the “Sweet Kit” offers all the stability and versatility of the “Eat” highchair but it is smaller and a little lighter, making it perfect for travel.

The basket that can be attached regardless of the setting for baby accessories and necessities makes it as practical as it is versatile.

Key information: Unfolded measurements: 72cm height x 54cm width x 84cm length Folded measurements: 15cm height x 54cm width x 84cm length

Things we love about Babyhome products:

Weight: 6kg Suitable from birth Cot available in sand, purple, red, black, orange, lime, navy, brown Sleeping bag available in three different prints, “Minimal” “Abstract” and “Nature”

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Second on the list to be tested is Babyhome’s highchair, going by the inspired name of “Eat”. The base of the chair is made from aluminium, making it light yet surprisingly sturdy. The seat is a generous size and quilted, making for a comfortable and happy baby; and all the covers are removable and machine washable, helping mum become stress-free.

The tray is removable, which means the transition from highchair feeding to eating at the table with the family is an easy one. The simplicity of the design provides the baby with a feeling of freedom rather than restraint but don’t be fooled by its laidback appearance: the safety considerations are all evident on closer inspection.

The chair has a five-point fastening system and the base has been specifically designed to prevent your little darlings from tipping themselves over. The folding system allows for easy space, saving storage if you wish, with the release placed far out of reach of inquisitive little hands.

A popular feature of the design is the padding on the base, enabling you to smoothly pull the chair across to you without scratching your polished wooden flooring.

Key information: Set as a bouncer and unfolded: 60cm height x 53cm width x 72cm length Set as a bouncer and folded: 11cm height x 53cm width x 78cm length Set as a highchair: 92cm height x 58cm width x 73cm length Set as a highchair and folded: 92cm height x 53cm width x 73cm length Available in sand, purple, red, black, orange, lime, navy, brown Weight: Highchair - 2.85kg, Bouncer – 3kg

• The endearingly simple names. Surely being a parent is complicated enough without confusing product names!

• The fresh yet functional design that stops your house looking like the inside of Legoland’s storage cupboard.

• Easy to use and easy to clean... perfect.

Also available from Babyhome: Emotion (stroller) Inbag (changing bag) Onfour (bouncer) Side (bed barrier) Inside (footmuff)

Currently Babyhome is distributed all over Spain, among many other countries. More information on stockists can be found at babyhome.es

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society Life & Living

Generous support for annual charity golf tournament

Text and Photos: Laura Penn

The 23rd Pinmar Yachtsman’s Charity Golf Tournament was played at the Son Gual course. This year 372 players took part (20 more than in 2010) and play had to be extended by an extra day to cope with the demand from golfers wishing to be a part of what is now a major event in the calendar on Mallorca. Pinmar organiser Nick Entwistle was ably abetted by director of golf Peter Ledwidge, professional at the Santa Ponça course and ML&S’s golfing columnist, his wife Linda and their team of marshals and volunteers.

Fun on the course was provided by the “Ugly Sisters” of Richard Gardiner of Global Services and Roger Horner of e3 Systems in their “booze buggy”, assisted by “Sin-derella” played by Amanda Butler of Savills Mallorca. No golfer was safe from their glittery demands for money in return for alcoholic refreshment. The trio raised an amazing €17,000 during the tournament.

The prize-giving gala dinner took place at the Gran Casino de Mallorca where 900 guests enjoyed the “Come Fly With Me” stage show. The proceeds of the event go to Pinmar-supported charities including Great Ormond Street, OK Prosthetics, Joves Navigantes, Allen Graham Charity4 Kidz, Tyume Valley Schools, Mamalana, and the Ellie and Charlie Funds.

mallorcasolutions.com

Official Paperwork - NIE/Residencia, Social Security & Tax Office Vehicle Transfers, Change of EU - NON EU - Historical Plates Business Set-Up, Operating Licences, Procedures & Advice

Thank you for your support and trust.

We are confident of our continued success in New Year 2012!

Avda. Rey Jaime I, 116, local 3 • Santa Ponsa • Fon +34 971 69 21 21

mallorcaprimehomes.com

Utility Bill Set-Up, Change of Electricity Provider & Payment of Annual Rates Translation Assistance & Accompanying Service Benefits for Residents - Health Cards, Working Mothers & Rental Allowance School, Birth, Marriage & Town Hall Registrations

Tel:+34 971131644 • Fax: +34 971234862 Email: info@mallorcasolutions.com

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Elegant celebrations for Palma restaurant’s first birthday Approximately 150 people gathered at Rotana Lebanese Restaurant in Calle San Magin in the fashionable Santa Catalina area of Palma to celebrate the first anniversary of its opening. Guests enjoyed sample foods from the kitchen including hummus and baklava, wine and an exhibition of traditional Lebanese dancing. Rotana is the only restaurant in Palma serving Lebanese cuisine and in 12 short months it has established itself as an elegant and original place to dine.

OUT& ABOUT Who’s who and where it’s all happening on the island

Sparkling calendar launch in Portals Nous Joanna Young, owner of Es Studio 3 in Portals Nous and some of the ladies featured in the calendar, joined Samantha Helmsley and guests to launch the In Celebration of Women Calendar in her store, celebrating with nibbles and cava. Customers and friends came out in full force to support the evening, which ended with some of the ladies dancing in the street! For more information about the calendar visit: samanthahemsley.com

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Decemb January

Life iSLand diarY LiFE & SoCieTY LiviNg

Penn to Paper

Nothing ever happens here on Mallorca in the winter. yeah right! Not in my world. As I write this it is the first evening that i have spent at home for weeks. it’s my own fault of course. i have a low boredom threshold and a fear of becoming boring myself so i create things to keep myself amused.

Sundays is quiz Night. The calvià quiz League has rocketed off to an exciting start with questions on vimto, charles Aznavour, Exocet missiles and Olly Murs. if you fancy joining in, check out calviaquizleague. co.uk.

Wednesday night is Darts Night at Aroma Restaurant in El Toro. What started as a quiet arrow-chucking exercise is turning into a lager-fuelled bonanza worthy of the Lakeside.

Anyone is welcome to come and join in, and being able to actually hit the board is not a requirement.

Thursday night is Pool Night, of course, as the Pool Pussies continue to pot some corkers. The all-girl team has grown and we have some top players, including the aptly named “Potty Paula”, who can double a black into a side pocket with the best of them. All we need now is someone to play against, but watch this space as we are plotting a tournament in the New year.

Friday night is Fish ‘n’ chips Night – being a good catholic girl! i still have trouble with the mushy peas on Saturday mornings but the radio team don’t seem to mind. ironically Saturday nights i usually stay in. it’s a school night for me with the radio show on Sunday mornings, but on Saturday 17 December i will be donning my glad-rags (I do own one or two) and stepping out on the dance floor with my chum ian Pickles for the Happy Hamper Appeal Dinner Dance at Pacha nightclub in Son caliu. it has been a while since Mr P and i have waltzed in public but, as they say, it never leaves you and i am looking forward to “cutting a rug” to Take That! if you want to come along it would be great to see you, and bring a tin of beans (or something else) to go into the box for the hamper appeal for Age concern Mallorca.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the radio show’s Happy Hamper appeal in any way this year. From the many people who have offered to have a collection box in their place, to my brilliant band of volunteer collectors, to the sorters and delivers. it has been work, but worth it and once again shows what the good people of this island can do when they help each other.

As a new year begins i wish you health, wealth (if you want it) and contentment in 2012, plus lots and lots of jolly times.

As the gorgeous Hedy Lamarr once said, “i can excuse everything but boredom. Boring people don’t have to stay that way. you can hear Laura Penn and her team every Saturday and Sunday morning 10am-1pm on English Radio Mallorca, 92.9FM on Radio Marratxi, or listen on the internet at englishradiomallorca.om

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iSLand diarY

compiled by Laura Penn: laura@mallorcalifeandstyle.com

WhAT’S oN iN DEcEMBER & JANUARY

The “SNOW QUEEN” PANTOMIME BY THE NOMADS (North of Mallorca Amateur

Dramatic Society) is produced by Nickie Baylis and Nicki Liles and will be performed at the club Pollença on Thursday 1 December at 7.30pm and Saturday 3 December and Sunday 4 December at 4.30pm. All seats are just €6.

HAPPY HAMPER APPEAL LAWN BOWLS COMPETITION at Talbert’s green in Sa Poressa on Thursday 1 December starting at 12 noon. Just €5 to take part followed by lunch at Aroma Restaurant in El Toro and a game of “killer Pool” at Scottish corner in Santa Ponça at 6pm.

OPEN DAY at the Santa Ponça Riding Stables near calvià on Saturday 3 December. Everyone is welcome to attend, adults and children alike. On the day there will be free horses rides, free hog roast, mulled wine and other beverages (alcoholic and non!). There will even be a free bouncy castle.

The event is from 12noon till 4pm. Owner Sarah Jayne Lindemann will show off the facilities she can offer to people wanting to learn or progress their riding skills. Take along an item to put in the ERM Happy Hamper Appeal collection box.

CELEBRATION OF WOMEN CALENDAR 2012 will be launched at an event at Real golf

de Bendinat on Saturday 3 December. There will be drinks, canapés, a silent auction and music from Edward Wade and Arron Reece. The event is from 7.30pm until 9pm and the ticket price is €25.

ANNUAL PUERTO PORTALS WINTER FAYRE will

be hosted for the first time this year by English Radio Mallorca (ERM) on Sunday 4 December.

There will be lots of festive stalls, magic, clowns, dancing, carol singing, Santa and live music on stage from 11am till 6pm. Some of the island’s best entertainers will perform at the Boulevard in Portals port in an all-day extravaganza that is free for everyone to enjoy.

The CALVIÀ QUIZ LEAGUE is back for its 17th year. Hosted by ian and Ann Morrison it starts at 9pm promptly every Sunday evening throughout the winter with a two-break over the festive season. The fours teams taking part this year are spread out across the calvià region and include Flossies Bar in Santa Ponça, Arfurs in Magaluf, Zanzi Bays in Son caliu and Aroma Restaurant in El Toro.

Check the website calviaquizleague.co.uk for fixtures and results.

CONSTITUTION DAY on Tuesday 6 December kicks off a week of fiestas and the unofficial start to Christmas. Constitution Day commemorates the ratification of the new constitution of Spain in 1978, after the death of Franco.

HAPPY HAMPER APPEAL DARTS TOURNAMENT

continues every Wednesday evening at the Aroma Restaurant in El Toro starting at 8pm. in a knockout format each player pays €5 to compete. €1 of which goes to the ERM appeal to raise money for Age concern Mallorca to make up christmas hampers for senior citizens living on the island.

The FEAST OF IMMACULADA is another fiesta across Mallorca and Spain on Thursday 8 December and is the official beginning of the christmas period festivities. “inmaculada” – the feast of the Immaculate Conception – has particular significance as the virgin Mary is Spain’s patron saint. Many people will “bridge” the two fiestas by taking an extra day off so look out for places being closed on Wednesday 7 December as well too. .

CALVIÀ MARATHON, HALF MARATHON AND 10K FUN RACE takes place on Sunday 11 December in a circular route starting and ending in Magaluf and travelling through Son Ferrer, Santa Ponça and Palmanova. Both the Marathon and Half Marathon races start at 9am. The marathon is two laps of the course and the time limit for completion is five hours.

A CAROL CONCERT by the English Speaking community at San Lorenzo church Palmanova will take place on Sunday 11 December at 4pm. There will be carols and stories in the church and free mulled wine in the church hall afterwards. San Lorenzo church is next to the Palmanova Palace Hotel.

A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE ALLEN GRAHAM CHARITY 4 KIDZ is being held at the charity shop in Puerto

Pollença on Sunday 11 December. Two hundred and fifty disadvantaged children aged between one and 13 years will receive a present and enjoy food, a bouncy castle, clowns, face painting and more. if you can help with donations of toys or food, please call the organiser Jane Raeburn on 616 239 049.

The CANCER SUPPORT GROUP CHRISTMAS LUNCH is being held at Real de velon in Bendinat on Wednesday 14 December. Everyone is welcome to enjoy – €13.50 per person.

A BOLLYWOOD NIGHT will be held at Akbar indian Restaurant

B.I.S. CHRISTMAS CONCERT by the children of BiS Palma will take place on Thursday 15 December from 10.30am until 12.30. The pupils who have been rehearsing hard proudly present their very first Nativity Concert, bringing the Spirit of Christmas to their friends and families. The performance will be followed by a christmas cake and coffee Morning, raising money for the school’s chosen charity, the Salvation Army.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET at the Santa Ponça country club is on the weekend of Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December with 35 stalls, a bouncy castle, Santa’s grotto and lots more for families to enjoy. The funds raised will be donated to the Society for the Protection of Animals in Palma.

KIDDIES CHRISTMAS CRACKER PARTY takes place at Hardley’s American

in Portals Nous on Friday 9 December with traditional indian food and dancing.

SUPPORT CHARLEY tabletop sale at Second Time Around charity Shop in Magaluf is being held on Saturday 10 December.

DIAMOND CHRISTMAS PARTY is on Saturday 10 December, organised by Diamond Events at Pacha nightclub in Son caliu. Enjoy a wonderful three-course meal on the exclusive floor of the Funky Room at Pacha with all your friends to celebrate christmas in style from 9pm till late. Tickets are €45 per person.

HAPPY HAMPER MINI GOLF CHALLENGE takes place for the first time at Golf Fantasia in Palmanova on Sunday 11 December starting at 2pm. The entrance fee is €6 for adults and €4 for children to take part. There will be christmas music, mulled wine and mince pies with trophies and prizes for the winners.

Diner in Port Pollença on Wednesday 14 December. Owners of the diner, gary, Anna and their sons Jack and Freddie, invite the children of Mallorca to join them for a fab christmas Tea Party. Santa may visit and bring them a small gift, but only if they are good! Price is €7 including a tea party with squash, games and a little pressie.

SUPPORT CHARLEY fund-raising night at kariba in Portals Nous will be held on Friday 16 December to raise money for charley Ray Myers and his family. charley is now undergoing treatment at Son Espases on Mallorca and gOSH in London, which means expensive travel costs. This event is to collect funds to help with expenses.

A CHRISTMAS MARKET takes place at the beautiful mountain town of valldemossa on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December with lots of traditional Mallorquín goods and food on offer.

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WhAT’S oN iN DEcEMBER & JANUARY The HAPPY HAMPER DINNER DANCE with dance teacher ian

Pickles and the ERM (English Radio Mallorca) team takes place at Pacha nightclub in Son caliu on Saturday 17 December. Enjoy a three-course meal with wine, reduced bar prices, free entry to nightclub, entertainment from the ERM team and, of course, dancing with Mr Pickles for €29 (€35 on the door and just €10 if you come to dance only). Take along an item to donate to hamper collection box for Age concern Mallorca. The fun starts at 7.45pm

or nativity scenes. Some are really spectacular. The tradition of making the “belén” originated in italy but the Mallorquins have turned it into an art form. The midnight mass service at Palma cathedral is usually standing room only and the party starts afterwards. As they say, “Esta noche es Nochebuena, y no es noche de dormir” (“This is christmas Eve, and not a night meant for sleep”).

CHRISTMAS DAY falls on a Sunday this year… make sure you tune into English Radio Mallorca on 92.9FM whilst you peel the spuds to hear their not-so-traditional pantomime. it’s Navidad so eat, drink and be merry!

December LOS INOCENTES on Wednesday 28 December is the Feast of

the Holy innocents, which is a bit like our April Fools’ Day. People play hilarious practical jokes on each other. When someone falls victim to a jolly prank the joker shouts “inocente, inocente!” Watch out for the local and national media getting in on the act too.

NEW YEAR’S EVE is on a Saturday this year so there will be

plenty of ways to bring in 2012 in style. it is also the traditional Fiesta de L’Estandard, which commemorates the christian conquest of Palma by Rey Jaime i in 1229. A massive procession makes its way from the town hall in Palma to the La Seu cathedral for a service. Afterwards everyone tucks into a lavish barbecue and there is traditional Bal de Bot dancing. if you fancy a better boogie get to Hardley’s American Diner in Port Pollença where they are having a Disco inferno Party.

January A BACK TO THE ‘80s CHRISTMAS PARTY is being held at Hardley’s American Diner in Port Pollença on Saturday 17 December. Dust off the shoulder pads and climb into the leg-warmers for a Wham-style bash that will bring back the ghosts of christmas past.

The TRADITIONAL SALVATION ARMY CAROL SERVICE

will be held on Sunday 18 December in the Sally Army Hall in Palmanova.

The WINTER SOLSTICE on Wednesday 21 December is cel-

ebrated on Mallorca with the “hogueras” or bonfires. This tradition started long before christmas and it observes the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. in the past it was an important Pagan feast day but these days it is marked by the lighting of bonfires across the island and people “fire jumping” to ward off illness and evil spirits.

EL GORDO – “The Big One” – is the annual national lottery

that brings the island (and the country) to a standstill for hours as the numbers are pulled out live on Tv. The Lotería de Navidad (to give it its proper name) is the biggest payout of the year and will be on Wednesday 21 December this year. Everyone buys at least one ticket and schoolchildren sing out the numbers as they are drawn live.

CHRISTMAS EVE on Saturday 24 December is quite rightly

called Nochebuena (literally, good Night)… one of the best nights of the year. Take a walk around Palma and see the “nacimientos”

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The THREE KINGS arrive by boat on the evening of Sunday 5 January in ports all over Mallorca to deliver their gifts to the children. The biggest procession of Los Tres Reyes Magos is in Palma where they dock at the Moll vell (Old Port) and travel by horse through the streets of La Lonja to the town hall throwing sweets to the crowd as they go by. Look out for clever folk who hang umbrellas upside down from balconies to catch the sweets. When the parade is over everyone goes home to exchange gifts after midnight.

The FEAST OF THE THE EPIPHANY is on Monday 6 January

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and is the traditional time for Mallorquins to give and receive gifts.

SAN SEBASTIAN FIESTA will be in held in Palma on 19 and 20 January in honour of the city’s patron saint. Sebastian was a Roman centurion who was shot by many arrows. Legend has it that a relic of one of these arrows came to Palma on a boat and instantly stopped the plague that was raging through the city at the time. Since then the citizens of Palma have celebrated their adopted saint by holding concerts in each square of the city and having a massive firework display on the night of the 20th.

That is about it for now, but then there is the Feast of Sant Antoni, the patron saint of animals, also in January, and carnival and another pantomime to look forward to in February… it’s never dull here on Mallorca!

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BIC DAY GOES AROUND THE WORLD

FELIX FUND GALA NIGHT

The Baleares International College (BIC) held a fair in November with the theme of “Around The World”. Students participated in activities involving music, dancing, games and exotic food from many different countries as they celebrated the Universal Day of the Child. All funds raised went to support the NGO Mediterranea.

Approximately 70 people gathered at Mood Beach Bar and Restaurant to raise money and awareness for the Felix Fund, which supports the British Army’s 11 EOD Regiment, also known as the bomb disposal unit. Major Karl Frankland from the regiment travelled to Mallorca to give a presentation on the work of the 11EOD. The event organisers, Susan Worthington, Sally Luxmoore and Elaine Mcnamara, were delighted at the success of the black tie evening, which raised over €4,000 for the fund – in support of the soldiers and their families. Entertainment was provided by Arron Reece, Peter Ledwidge hosted the Stand Up Bingo game, magician Chris Hurst astounded guests with some close-up magic and the evening was hosted by yours truly. “We are also very grateful to the businesses that donated some amazing raffle prizes,” said Elaine (pictured with Sally). The winner of the bingo went home with a new laptop.

news round-up Compiled by Laura Penn laura@mallorcalifeandstyle.com

QUIZ LEAGUE IS BACK The Calvià Quiz League is back for the winter for its 2011-2012 season. Once again the organisers and hosts are Ian and Ann Morrison, who have been doing the league for 16 years.

Four teams are taking part this year: Flozzies in Santa Ponça, Arfurs in Magaluf, Zanzis in Son Caliu and newcomers Aroma Restaurant in El Toro. The league continues every Sunday evening until 11 March, with the three other teams trying their best to beat the reining champions Zanzi Bays.

RUN FOR CHARITY The Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz held a sponsored run at Sporting Fitness in the Santa Ponça Country Club. One of the gym treadmills was dedicated to volunteer runners from 8am in the morning until 8pm, with people invited to run for one kilometre or more to raise money for the charity. The day raised over €2,000, with the treadmill never stopping.

The team from English Radio Mallorca slipped into their trainers to join in the efforts and the aptly-named “Sporty Bird” Sarah Mullis (the radio programme’s sports presenter) ended the “All Day Relay” in style. Other members of the radio team who took part included popular local singer Jon-Paul Bradshaw, DJ Hugh Carville, Bishop Beany the Butler and anchor presenter yours truly.

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EPORE ROADSHOW HITS SOLLER TOWN A meeting organised by the Europeos por España association at the Circulo Sollerense in Soller’s main plaza enabled local residents to meet mayor Carlos Simarro. The issues raised included resolving the problem with rubbish collection, which will be reviewed early in 2012, and modification of the traffic system around the town with the proposed creation of a pedestrian area. There were also comments about the time scale of the reforms in the port and calls to re-establish the tram stops that have been removed.

Pictured (from left): Epore committee member Tamara Soetemans; mayor of Soller Carlos Simarro; Epore honorary president Kate Mentink; and Epore vice president John Lambourne.

MEDITERRANEA’S FIRST SOCIAL GATHERING The Portals-based NGO Mediterranea held its first social gathering in 10 years at the Bambu Fish Restaurant on Son Caliu beach.

Over 100 people attended and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, the wonderful music of Guitarras del Mar, the food of Delicioso and each other’s company. Wine was donated by Vins Nadal, Binissalem. The ticket price of €12 for adults and €6 for children covered the costs of all drinks and food for the evening.

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