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ROQUETA

JUNE 2023

WELCOME JUNE 2023 - ROQUETA MAGAZINE WELCOME BACK TO ALL OUR ROQUETA READERS! When we first announced that Roqueta was coming back after an absence of nearly 2 years, we were overwhelmed by the positive response and pure excitement from more than 99% of the people we met. Our first posting on Facebook was met by over 50 messages of support in less than 5 minutes! Thank you to all the loyal readers for hanging in there. “Are you going to publish it on paper?” was the first question on everyone’s lips followed by further delight as we told them ‘YES’. Every issue will be available as a printed magazine, or as a digital copy online if you prefer. The sense of anticipation around the island weighed heavily on our minds in the first few weeks. There was a lot to live up to and I spent many a night wide awake at 4am with ideas for articles swirling around my brain and many a panic as to whether we could meet our self-inflicted deadline of 1 June. However, the loyal team of contributors soon came back to help us put together this issue and Angie has been here for support and advice. Our success going forward will depend on everyone out there continuing to send us stories or suggestions. We have missed many weddings, births, openings and closures over the past year. In this issue we are delighted to see a few new babies appearing with their young families. We also have a lovely tribute to Sheelagh Ratliff, who many of you will have known as the owner of Biniarroca hotel.

Liz Parr

John Davies

IN THIS ISSUE ISLAND NEWS

There have been some great success stories while we have been out of print. This month we talk to Matthew Meacham, the owner of Sa Punta restaurant in Es Castell who has also turned his talents to reviving the fortunes of local brands iNNat and Glop Gins and Biniarbolla herbal liqueur.

SNIPPETS FROM ACROSS THE ISLAND, SANT JOAN, THE BIG INTERVIEW, ISLA DEL REY, VISAS, CORONATION PARTY, CASAS EN MENORCA AND PROPERTY NEWS

Sustainability and saving water are essential for the island going forward. This month I visited Binitord, a vineyard near Ciutadella working with GOB as part of their Land Stewardship programme. OK, I was perhaps drawn there too by Deborah’s stories of their award winning Vermut! I also discovered the hidden gem of Es Viver, the garden centre run by GOB to promote the use of indigenous plants in all our gardens. Their experts will give you advice on redesigning your garden to make it more environmentally friendly. Over 50% of the water consumed on the island is used for gardens. The Ayuntamiento in Sant Lluis is now offering money, if you replace your lawn with native plants, artificial grass, gravel or anything that will reduce the consumption of water.

EATING OUT, ROQUETA WINES, VINYES BINITORD, DENADA, ROQUETA RECIPES, MASTER & COMMANDER AND PAN Y VINO CELEBRATE 15 YEARS

The price of paper has skyrocketed since Roqueta was last produced in printed form in 2020. Therefore, we are so grateful to all the advertisers that you will see in these pages who supported and put their faith in us to make this first issue possible. It is a testament to the history of the magazine that it has been remembered with such affection. Next month we will be looking back to when it all started for Roqueta in 1973. Yes, this year the magazine is 50 years old! John and I have lived on Menorca for over 20 years. We were interviewed by Anabel for Grapevine when we first arrived in Ciutadella in 2002 to start our business Holiday Hires… and yes, we are still together! Having worked as an Editor in publishing for much of my career in the UK, we always had one eye on the magazine. For 15 years we ran the RYA sailing school and yacht charter business in Mahon. In January this year I was looking forward to my first summer without commitments. John had other ideas, pointing out that if Roqueta was to come back it was now or never. One month into our new lifestyle there are new pressures, but these have been far outweighed by the enjoyment of meeting new people and discovering new places. We have taken a break from boats this month, but next month boats will be featuring as we look at what has been happening in the Port of Mahon – it’s a very long and complicated story and you will need to make yourself a cup of tea. We will also be looking forward at all things electric including home solar panel installation, electric cars and electric scooters. If you have a good story to tell, please get in touch. If you would like to help us, please spread the word that Roqueta is back in the shops. If you are visiting on holiday you can subscribe to our digital copy when you return home. We will keep you up to date with all that happens on this lovely little rock and help you to look forward to your next visit.

FOOD AND DRINK

MADE IN MENORCA

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

AZULMENORCA AND PAPER PEOPLE

GRAPEVINE

MENORCA BABY TRAVEL HIRE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING, MENORCA PRESERVATION AND SNORKELLING IN THE DARK

LOCAL NEWS

FROM CHURCH NEWS TO CHARITIES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

WHAT’S ON

A GUIDE TO EVENTS AROUND THE ISLAND

WELLBEING

NUTRITION AND FITNESS

READERS’ CORNER PIG TALES AND FUN IN THE SUN

Cover Photo Credit: Caroline Pinnell

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

ISLAND NEWS By Christine Brooker

Hello! It is good to be back with the island news and a new chapter in Roquetas fifty year old history. As always I try to put in snippets that may interest residents and also visitors to the island who want to learn something about current affairs and the history here. This month I am unfortunately included in the news as I fractured my ankle when I fell by the recycling bins outside the Malbuger gym in Mahon. The state of the pavements in some parts of Menorca is appalling – but – I must say that the care I received in the Mateu Orfila hospital here was excellent, also the surgeon who operated too. Happy summer everyone! TALAYOTIC RAVE CULTURE? In recent years there have been interesting cave discoveries in Menorca from the “Talayotic” period which coincides with the bronze and early iron age. Modern technology continues to give us more information about the lives and customs of the prehistoric people on the island. The magazine Scientific Reports has published a study on locks of hair found in the Carritx cave thirty years ago that are around 3000 years old. The results are the first direct proof of the use of hallucinogenic drugs found in humans in Europe. The drugs found in the hair contained ephedrine, atropine, and scopolamine; the investigators concluded these had been used over a long period of time and probably belonged to someone who understood the drugs and their possible effects. They were probably used to alleviate pain, such as toothache, arthritis or abscesses. The lock of hair was part of a funeral ritual and was found in a small wooden container along with combs and vessels which were sealed in a hidden part of the cave. The rituals took place during 300 years between 1100 and 800 B.C. Bodies were anointed and the locks of hair were dyed red using the roots from the wild madder plant that still grows on the island, then they were put in wooden or bone containers and sealed with a stopper.

HANDOVER OF COASTAL LAWS TO COUNCILS One interesting fact has popped up among the current election campaigns. On 1st July the Balearic Islands will finally have responsibility for the coast line, and the PSOE and PSIB in power in the Balearic Government (Govern) have promised to hand responsibilities to local island councils and town halls. This is the biggest hand over since health and education were transferred from Madrid to the islands. The popular beach bar Los Bucaneros in Binibeca is closed; it was affected by a fire last year. The bar which is obviously affected by coastal laws is very emblematic, regular patrons were dismayed when many of the tables and chairs dotted around the rocks were no longer allowed by “costas” (the coastal authorities). It has long been a tradition to have a meal or a drink there and afterwards sit dangling your feet in the sea. Now Costas have offered the concession to the ayuntamiento in Sant Lluis for ten years provided they have adequate sewage arrangements with a septic tank, and also rebuild the public toilets which were destroyed by the fire. The ayuntamiento then intends to rent out the bar annually for just under 10.000 Euros which can be prolonged for five years. Not all is plain sailing as the descendents of the original founder of “Los Bucaneros” from 1968 to 2021 are to appeal the concession to the ayuntamiento, however when it was voted on there were no protests and the ayuntamiento pointed out that in 2021 they passed the concession on to another company.

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

KANE’S ROAD

SANT LLUIS TO COMPENSATE PEOPLE REMOVING LAWNS The ayuntamiento in Sant Lluis is finalising a decree for people who live on the coast of the municipality. If they completely or partially replace their lawns with native plants, artificial grass, gravel or anything that will reduce the consumption of water they will be compensated. The new rules will be incorporated into current legislation, and it is hoped that this will drastically reduce water consumption around the coast. It has been discovered that many use automatic watering systems during the early hours of the morning, this water filters straight through to the sea instead of the aquifer and is lost for the island; the alcaldesa admitted that recycled water should be used to water gardens and that they need to improve the supply. This has already been done in Punta Prima and Biniancolla where people should connect to the taps that have been installed in the streets to water their gardens. The ayuntamiento also intends to channel rainwater in the town and industrial estate where it will be stored in a storm tank and filtered through to the aquifer. Plans are going ahead to increase fines for those who use too much water and they will also be obliged to draw up a sustainability plan to justify their consumption.

Finally, after years of conflict, the stretch of Kane´s Road that runs through Bini Moti should now be open. The public right of way, originally built by the British across the island in the XVIII century under the governorship of Richard Kane, had fallen into disuse when the present main road was built and in many cases access had been cut off. This particular stretch near to Ferreries affects the Binimoti and Na Marcona farms where animals graze. There have been many confrontations with the Friends of Kane´s Road association and the high court has backed up the ayuntamiento in Ferreries who agreed that the road is publicly owned. The agreement with the owners of the farms means that an access which is being cleared of bushes and scrub etc. will run parallel to the original road, for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Vehicles will not be allowed through this part but the ayuntamiento will have keys to the padlocks on the original stretch so that they can go there in case of emergency, rubbish collection, cleaning etc.

SANT LLUIS AND ES CASTELL, MORE CARS THAN PEOPLE Both Sant Lluis and Es Castell have more cars registered in their municipalities than people, Sant Lluis has just over 7000 inhabitants and just under 7000 cars, Es Castell with a population of 7,525 has nearly 80 more cars. These figures are from the last census in 2022 when the population of the island was 96.467 (78,467 are over 18), and the total amount of vehicles on the island was 84.948. Of course many car hire companies search for the cheapest municipalities in order to their register cars (if they are not leasing them) so maybe this has an effect. CLOSER TO A WORLD HERITAGE SITE If there are no more hiccups Menorca Talayotica should finally be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in September. The route to the declaration has been fraught. In 2016, the accesses to the prehistoric sites (A talayot is a conical tower) were considered inadequate, another attempt was thwarted by another region in Spain being put forward, Covid delayed things, the meeting in 2022 should have been held in Russia... There are some conditions before we get there. The unfinished bridge on the road between Alaior and Mahon (subject of argument and change depending on your politics, and expensive for the taxpayers) must be demolished. It towers over the Rafal Rubi naveta (collective burial chamber). Some iron struts must be removed in Torre d´en Galmes and the block of concrete that the archaeologist Margaret Murray and her team from Cambridge University erected behind the taula (T shaped monument) for fear that it might topple in the 1930s, must also be removed. And then, hopefully, Menorca will have two declarations of value for the environment and heritage as it has been a Biosphere Reserve since 1993. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

THE BALEARICS CONTINUE TO FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL PROPERTIES RENTED BY AIR BNB The Govern wants the EU to sanction the multinational platforms such as Air BnB who still promote tourist accommodation on properties that are not registered legally. Many are inadequate and are often in residential zones where permission will never be obtained. Currently it is possible to fine the owners, but not the platforms. Two councillors from the Balearics are going to Brussels to state the case yet again. They are not alone; mainland Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin are suffering amongst others. Palma already has an order from the high court in Spain banning the use of multifamily properties. The law is on their side, but they lack the tools to fine the multinationals who have a powerful lobby in Brussels. A 300,000 Euro fine imposed by the Balearics on Air BnB was annulled by Brussels because they “merely” acted as intermediaries and were not responsible... There has been an enormous effect on the islands since the platforms started; many owners find it more profitable to rent for a few months in high season than all year round and as a result local people and summer staff can´t find accommodation. Bars, restaurants and hotels are desperate for staff. Some stay in camper vans which are parked all over the place (you may have noticed!), plus people in residential areas have to suffer rowdy parties (tourists are on holiday after all) and some areas with few parking spaces find hire cars are taking up all the room.

VANDALISM IN MONGOFRA BEACH

NEW BISHOP Menorca finally has a new bishop and a popular choice, because he is the first Menorcan to be consecrated on his native island in the cathedral at Ciutadella. Gerard Villallonga was born in Mahon in 1958, and was a teacher before becoming a catholic priest. The local priests gave him a crook made of wild olive wood. He has been in Rome, the mainland, and for some years he was the priest in Es Castell, until he was sent to a parish in Ciutadella. He celebrated his first mass at the sanctuary on the top of Monte Toro (the only mountain on the island) with local “giants” included!

In 2012 the artist Nuria Roman created a sculpture on the beach at Mongofra; it consisted of a tall piece of driftwood with a hole at the top and she called it “la aguja de la giganta” (The giants needle). It was part of Land Art, a global project to unite; mend and re establish the fractured planet, all the works of art are placed on the 40th parallel. The sculpture has caused controversy; not being to everyone’s taste and Mongofra is part of the natural “park” of S´Albufera des Grau (the nucleus of the biosphere reserve). The director of the park backed by the coastal authorities said it had to be moved. Despite the Consell backing the artist, they won and a new location was being searched for. The 40th parallel runs roughly between Favaritx and the port in Ciutadella. On 15th May it was discovered that the sculpture had been broken off and a note left saying “Aguja go home”. The remains have not been found and the Guardia Civil are investigating. COLLAPSE OF ITV INSPECTIONS In Menorca you must book your car in for an ITV or MOT at a specialised testing centre. There are only two on the island. One in Mahon and one in Ciutadella. As we go to press the whole system has collapsed with no appointments available until at least August and a threat of a further strike. Therefore, drivers are being forced to drive around without a certificate in date once their ITV expires. It was believed that if you made an appointment before your ITV had expired you could keep the receipt for the appointment in your car and escape a fine. However, the Diario reported that Mahon, Es Mercadal and Es Migjorn police had been sanctioning drivers. It seems there is no homogenous police procedure on whether this is acceptable or not. In other words, being fined or not will depend on the local police who verify the documentation and the municipality of Menorca in which this happens. Let’s hope this is resolved soon!

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

LOCAL ELECTIONS

COINGA REDUCES PRICE PAID FOR MILK Coinga, the co-operative in Alaior, the largest company that buys milk from the farmers on the island to make its dairy products, has reduced the price it is prepared to pay per litre. As of 1st May, they are only paying 48 cents instead of 50. Farmers in Menorca have repeatedly had problems when the price they receive is lower than production costs. They have been waiting patiently hoping for a rise and agricultural authorities are on their side and are pressuring COINGA. The latter says that they hope the decrease is temporary, possibly just a few months while they restructure. They have stopped producing UHT milk and now only produce fresh milk as they are concentrating on quality products such as their cheeses. Apparently, there are problems on the mainland which do not exist in the Balearics but are affecting them. There, a free market with no contracts known as “spot milk” exists and farmers are receiving as much as 64 cents per litre. Agricultural associations are meeting to try to solve the problem.

Local elections are looming on 28th May so will be over by the time you read this, but statistics have been released about who may or may not vote which may be of interest to some. Not everyone can vote for all the categories. Spaniards who are not resident in Spain may vote in the elections for the Balearic Parliament (Menorca has 13 representatives). Only Spaniards resident in Spain may vote for the Island Council (Consell), also for 13 councillors. For the ayuntamientos, the town halls, (114 councillors in total) any resident from the European Community may vote, plus those from countries who have an agreement with Spain. These include some in central and south America, the Caribbean, plus others such as Iceland, Norway, New Zealand and the U.K. Certainly, the non-Spaniards used to influence results in previous elections. It will be interesting to see results.

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

E XPE R I E N C E TH E E S S E N C E O F

SANT JOAN YO U R L O C A L L I F E S T Y L E G U I D E T O M E N O R C A’ S B I G G E S T TR A D ITI O N A L F I E S TA

If you visit Menorca between late June and early September, your stay will coincide with the local fiesta season on the island. These fiestas are always associated with a Patron Saint and all have the elegant purebred Menorcan stallions and incredibly skilled local riders, mainly from farming families, as their protagonists. ‘Sa Festa de Sant Joan’ (the Feast of Saint John the Baptist), is the original fiesta on which all the others are based. It is held every year in Ciutadella on the 23rd & 24th of June, and the Sunday before, this year the 18th June. Three official days of beautiful and emotive ceremony and celebration that dates back centuries. It’s certainly the most incredible experience, with one important caveat: it is only for those who love horses and have a tolerance for crowds of passionate people! It’s most definitely not for everyone. Sant Joan (pronounced Jo-an) is a fiesta that is truly at the heart of the people of Ciutadella and a custom of which they are both very protective and proud. A mixture of tradition, religion, music, people, animals, dance,

by Vanessa Jeny, Menorca Blue

food, gin, colour, laughter, family and friendship. The very best of what you would imagine a Spanish fiesta to be, and very much representative of some of the most treasured values of the Menorcan lifestyle. However, it’s important to know that in the last 10 years, due to social media and increased accessibility via ferry, there has been a huge influx of youth that pour into the town from Mallorca and Barcelona. Combining crowds of over 20,000 with well over 100 horses into limited spaces, it’s important to know where and when to go to enjoy it, and which parts are best left to the locals. It’s impossible to do justice to the whole fiesta in this one article. If you would like to discover more about the events of each day and the beautiful symbolism of the fiesta, there are several articles on my blog Menorca Blue, to learn more about it.

.HHS LQ PLQG WKDW WKLV LV 6SDLQ VR WKH HYHQWV RI WKH ÀHVWD will happen without fail, but in most aspects the timing is approximate, the following pages give you the essentials and our recommendations.

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

• Corregudes de Sa Plaça i Ses Voltes - 10.00pm (approx) The cavalcade heads to the central street of the old town ‘Ses Voltes’, the street with the arches. The whole cavalcade laps this strip three times to the Cathedral Plaza. • Caragol de Santa Clara - 11.00pm (approx) The cavalcade moves to the streets surrounding the church of Santa Clara and loops the route 3 times. This takes time, as many of the houses open their doors for the horses to enter inside! It’s surprising and delightful to see, yet you have to be wary of what’s in front of you AND behind you at all times. Lots of people, lots of horses. It goes on well into the night and those with enough energy to keep dancing usually finish up in the nightclubs in the Port.

DÍA DE SANT JOAN - 24TH JUNE The agenda for the actual feast day is mostly a repetition of the day before. The same sequence repeats in the morning and the night with a closed mass and lunch in the middle of the day. • Primer Toc & Replec - from 8.00am Same as the previous day, mid-morning the cavalcade heads down to the Port to practise for the mediaeval games which are held in the evening. I recommend meeting them in the Port to watch the action.

HERE ARE THE ESSENTIALS TO KNOW: DÍA DES BE - SUNDAY 18TH JUNE 2023 On the first official day of the fiesta, the protagonist is a sheep instead of a horse. A man representing Saint John the Baptist, dressed in sheepskin carrying the sheep on his shoulders, is accompanied by the official committee of horse riders and the sound of a drum and flute, as they visit houses around the historic centre of Ciutadella. It’s tough to time it, you would be lucky to catch a glimpse. Carnival rides open this weekend for the kids.

NIT DES FESTERS - THURSDAY 22ND JUNE 2023 Ciutadella hosts several bonfires around the centre of the town at night. Different musical groups wander around town between the bonfires.

DISSABTE DE SANT JOAN - FRIDAY 23RD JUNE 2023 This is the first day with the horses and the most intense in every way. It’s normally very hot and very crowded. If you are going to go, my recommendation is at night, after 9.30pm and not with very small children. • Primer Toc & Replec - from 2.00pm - 6.00pm

• Jocs des Pla des matí - Mid-morning There are three types of games. First is jousting on horseback towards a target that resembles a large curtain ring hung at the end of the passageway of the Port. The second is the breaking of wooden shields on galloping horseback, and the third translates to ‘galloping hugs’. Common Sense Tip: Stand far away from the galloping horses, view from a distance! • Corregudes de Sa Plaça i Ses Voltes - until 1.00pm (approx) When the games end, the cavalcade heads back up to Ses Voltes and then Santa Clara for another lap around and in and out of the houses, same as the previous day. • Convidada a la l’Ajuntament & Jocs des Pla - from 7.00 - 11.00pm At 7.00pm, the cavalcade arrives at the town hall to request permission to officially start the games in the Port. Then the cavalcade heads down to the port where the games commence. Finishing with the final vigorous ‘Jaleo’ by the horses and band. Warning, it’s very crowded. Go for the atmosphere which is fantastic, but the views are limited and it’s a long time to stand. The best view is on television on IB3.

• Caragol de Ses Voltes & Caragol de Santa Clara - from 11.00pm Same as the previous day, three laps of each, finishing well after midnight. The best chance to see the horses up close and calm during the night.

The official acts start at 2.00pm sharp in one of the palaces in the centre of town with the ‘Primer Toc’, the first strike of the drum and flute. The ‘Fabioler’, the rider who leads the cavalcade of over 100 horses, requests permission to start the ‘Replec’ which is the calling of the other horse riders to the cavalcade. • Caragol des Born - 6.00pm At 6.00pm sharp, ‘El Caixer Senyor’, head of the cavalcade, gallops through the crowd at full speed to the centre of the main plaza and the band strikes up the festival tune called the ‘Jaleo’. With no barricades, the cavalcade loops the packed plaza three times, occasionally horses rising on their hind legs. It’s the most intense part of the whole fiesta. Access to the Plaza is controlled by Police and has limited capacity. • Sant Joan de Missa & Ses Avellanas - from 7.30pm (approx) The cavalcade then leaves Ciutadella, to go to a service at the church of St Joan de Missa, returning around 9.30pm. In the meantime, those in town enjoy the carnival rides in the centre square, or ‘tossing of the hazelnuts’ (an old tradition) on the ‘Contramurada’ street on the perimeter of the historical centre. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

RECOMMENDATIONS: Pay attention at all times: It’s full-on fiesta fun, Spanish style!

It’s your responsibility to take care of yourself Sant Joan is a local fiesta for local people. As a tourist, you have to be prepared to go with the flow and be very cautious of what is going on around you at all times. When in doubt, stay out of the way. There are no barricades. Horses have no brakes, riders have no rear view. Sometimes you need to be wary of the gin-fueled crowds. It’s not the running of the bulls but you have to be on guard not to walk into the middle of the cavalcade or put yourself in danger to take a photo. Read that last sentence again, accidents do happen, make sure it’s not you. If you hear the band, step away from the horses fast as it’s going to get crazy!

Travel light, dress appropriately It’s not a place for open shoes, skirts, big bags, valuables or prams. Recommended are sneakers, jeans/shorts, sunscreen and a hat. There is a lot of walking and standing, not many places to sit in the shade. Keep that in mind.

Consider event timings and travel plans During the hottest part of the day, there is nothing to see. The best way to get to Ciutadella is by taxi, bus timetables are scarce and more so after midnight. Check with your local tourist office for more information. If you come by car, you need a designated driver or to leave it there overnight. Parking is on the outskirts as the centre is closed, you then have to walk to the centre for at least 10 - 15 minutes. Police with alcohol control are at all roads out of Ciutadella at all hours. SANT JOANET - SUNDAY 25TH JUNE - FIREWORKS 11.00PM A day of recovery for everyone post-fiesta, that ends with a firework display over the sea. The best views are on the coastline on either side of the Port just north of Ciutadella on the road beyond the lighthouse ‘Sa Farola’ and on the south side around the small castle ‘Castell de Sant Nicolau’.

Go easy on the ‘Gin amb llimonada’ If you are not used to it, Gin & Lemon is a sweet and strong drink that goes down well and will have you in the fiesta spirit in no time. The small cups make you lose count quickly. Eat well beforehand, drink lots of water and pace yourself. That’s the way the locals do it. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Choose what to enjoy, you can’t see it all No one can see it all, not even the 100+ horse riders. Pick where to go and arrive well before the horses and crowds. Private homes are invite-only, not open to the public. My recommendation if you have to choose, would be to go on the morning of the 24th of June. Most of the partygoers are asleep, it’s family-friendly for the kids and the horses are calm. It’s great for taking photos and getting up close without the crowds and potential danger. My memories as a child with my grandparents are from wandering the streets early on the 24th of June.

The carnival rides are open in the evening all week Each year the centre plaza ‘Es Born’ is closed to host the carnival rides which open each evening. You can also enjoy some sweets, ice cream or traditional ‘churros’. No horses or excess of people most days, only on the 23rd & 24th of June.

‘Axi tot va be’ as the locals say which means ‘This way, all goes well.’ Wishing you all a safe and fun Sant Joan! It’s a privilege to be a part of it and you will never forget it. Written by Vanessa Jeny, Founder of MenorcaBlue.com Peek inside Paradise & Live the Local Lifestyle ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

THE

JUNE 2023

BIG

INTERVIEW WITH

MATTHEW MEACHAM

This month we talk to Matthew Meacham, the British owner of Sa Punta restaurant in Es Castell. In a very short time, Matthew has made a big impression on the island’s food scene. He has used his expertise in designing and implementing winning strategies to develop this beautiful go-to restaurant and tapas bar. With more than 30 years of experience working with some of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, he has also focused his attention on local company Herbes Biniarbolla. Matthew has been working with Cristina Quintana to relaunch the range of liqueurs and reposition the brands of iNNat and GLOP Gin.

When did your relationship with Menorca begin? I first came to Menorca, sailing from Barcelona, when I was just 16 years old. My wife came first when she was 7, to stay with a British aunt in Llucmacanes. Then, 22 years ago, while living in Dallas, we bought a house here and my family have grown up loving the island. I have worked for Bain & Company for most of my career, living in 8 countries around the world. Menorca became a wonderful place to escape from business and spend time with my family. We used to enjoy a quiet existence on the island, and we were very anonymous for 20 years. Unfortunately Sa Punta has changed that! Your restaurant Sa Punta has been fully booked for the last two summers. It has become a highly popular choice for summer visitors and local residents. Has your background contributed to its success? In 2021, I decided it was time to invest in Menorca and I looked at several options. The restaurant of the historic yacht club, Club Nautico Villa Carlos, had been recently refurbished to a very high standard by a businessman from Ciutadella. He had taken great care to modernise the interior and adapt it to current trends, while maintaining the essence of Calas Fonts. The building has the most fantastic, panoramic outlook over the entrance to the harbour, and it was available on a 20-year lease. I could see that, with the right team in place, we could turn it into a successful restaurant. We also took the decision to open all year round, and this has helped develop a loyal customer base. We have become a sought-after venue for special occasions, hosting club dinners, weddings and offering special menus to mark events such as Christmas and New Year. Our aim is to give you a special experience, offering local fresh seasonal products, beautifully presented by our chef. In addition to Sa Punta, we opened Moll de Sa Punta underneath the main restaurant. This is a less formal tapas bar with direct access onto the quay in Calas Fonts. Historically, it was a ‘barete’ where fisherman used to meet up for breakfast on the pier after returning from fishing at dawn. We wanted to turn it back into a place where local people can meet and enjoy a drink and a snack. This year we have launched an exciting cocktail offer which we hope people will love.

Both the restaurant and Moll de Sa Punta are great places to sit and watch the yachts and boats as they sail up and the harbour. I understand you have just finished a full audit of the sources of the food and drink used in the restaurant We really believe in supporting local producers and have high traceability and low transportation impact of our purchases. Indeed, in 2023 to date, over two thirds of our food and drink purchased was cultivated, caught or produced on Menorca! Tell me how you have been involved with Biniarbolla I heard about Biniarbolla in January 2021. I met Cristina and very quickly agreed a plan to relaunch her family business, recovering, preserving and honouring Menorca brands with such terrific heritage. Her grandparents had started making Herbes for the monks in the 1930s. Her father created the SL, and Cristina took over the business in 2014. She launched the gin brands, first with iNNat, and then with GLOP. iNNat is the premium gin brand of Menorca, winning Best Gin Balearics in 2017 and achieving 92 points from Guia Penin. Cristina was doing so well until COVID hit. The market disappeared and the company ran out of cash. Hacienda came down hard on her business, forcing her to destroy all the stock. It has been such a pleasure to work with her to rebuild the business. What is the history of the company? I hear that there are many stories and legends. The monks at Monte Toro had a secret recipe for ‘herbal tea’ involving 16 herbs and a few grains of coffee with cold maceration from 5 weeks. Cristina’s grandfather bought alcohol to the island and his wife, the abuela picked herbs and aromatics from the finca of Binissaida de Barrancons. With the monks’ recipe, la abuela made the first Herbes. Binissaida de Barracones is in the mouth of the port with access to the sea, and it is said that in times past, the caves below were used to smuggle in contraband from the sea. There are tales of her people dressing up as monks and nuns to transport products hidden in coffins, and many other stories.

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ISLAND NEWS

How have you developed the brands over the last 2 years? In 2021, we bought the brands and the equipment. We started by building a new factory on the industrial estate in Es Castell. Ironically, in this instance COVID came to our aid, and we were given help to get the permits more quickly. Then Putin invaded Ukraine and there were new problems to overcome, such as delays in bottle production. We took the decision early on to take the products back to the original recipes and to increase the quality. Herbal liqueurs are a digestif, offered after a meal, but many people had grown accustomed to the cheaper, anise-based industrial Herbes from Mallorca. We were convinced that people would pay for a quality Menorca product with heritage. Biniarbolla uses 16 herbs to make three types of herb liqueur: Herbes Seques (dry) Herbes Semi Doces and Herbes Doces (sweet). Rosemary, aniseed, pine, camomile, thyme, lemon and many other locally grown herbs are left to cold macerate for over 40 days to produce a refined liqueur with no additives. The herbs still come from Binissaida des Barrancons, which is close to the factory and which is part of Menorca’s Land Stewardship Programme, using regenerative agriculture. Binarbolla’s liqueurs are now served with pride as a digestif in our restaurant and we also use them as a base for cocktails such as Herbes Sour. We also launched a limited edition of Licor de Mandarina. Macerating 200 kilos of mandarins from the family’s original “huerto”, we have created 2700 bottles, very popular with barmen on the island. You also have two brands of Gin - iNNat and GLOP. What are the differences between the two? I like to describe iNNat as a connoisseur’s classic with a hint of the island. It is the premium gin of the island. We macerate juniper with pine, rosemary, lemon, and a touch of red fruits and blueberries to give it a distinct flavour. We try to minimise the impact on the environment whenever possible, and our latest initiative is to re-use the bottles. At wedding events, to give one example, we can easily collect, clean and refill the bottles. Each bottle of iNNat gin is hand numbered. Each time it is re-used, the bottle is laser stamped so you will be able to see how many times it has been refilled. The GLOP gin is more citric in taste, younger and more relaxed. It is ideal for events and parties. It has been adopted as the “house” gin in many cocktail

JUNE 2023

bars across the island including BB Cocktail Bar in Binibeca, and Cova del Sol in Torret. GLOP Negro is perfect for Gin & Tonic and also makes a great Mojito. GLOP Rosé with ginger ale and a slice of grapefruit is an ideal summer cocktail, which has become quite popular at the cricket club, I understand. We have had fun with the marketing on Instagram, rebuilding a wrecked Fiat car and branding it to promote GLOP across the island. Finally, how do you relax when you are not working? Do you still get the chance to sail? Yes, I have a classic yacht, a West Solent One Design, called Winnie Marie, that I keep at Marina Menorca. I take part in the Vela Clasica regatta in Mahon each year at the end of August. There is one other West Solent on the island and so my main objective is to finish ahead of my rival. Haven’t done it yet…

Sa Punta at C/ Miranda de Calesfonts, 2, Es Castell, Menorca https://www.sapuntamenorca.com/ (+34) 690 85 46 71

Matthew Meacham’s career Matthew is an Advisory partner for Bain & Company with more than 30 years of experience in the Consumer Products industry. He has focused on food & beverage and has led work with many of the world’s best-known consumer products companies. He has been responsible for opening 5 Bain offices worldwide and he led their business in Spain and Portugal for eight years. Matthew has also served as an Officer in the British Army, and founded and managed his own fashion company while at University. Matthew holds an MBA from INSEAD, France. He also has an MA in jurisprudence from Oxford University.

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ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

By Beverley Ward

VOLUNTEERS AT

ISLA

DEL REY Increasing numbers of visitors and activities

Since the last edition of Roqueta, the Isla del Rey has undergone some important changes and developments. We seem to be in a constant state of evolution. To bring you up to date, I have summarized the most notable differences.

As most readers are no doubt aware, we have managed the restoration of this British Naval Hospital since 2004 through volunteers and donations. This is an amazing feat by anyone’s standards when you look at the enormity of the building. In the eighteenth century there were 1,200 beds for sick and injured military personnel and it was abandoned to its fate in the last century. Now, with Hauser & Wirth open on the island and attracting huge numbers of visitors, some 60,000 by last year’s figures, it is buzzing with activities and people all summer. We’ve had to double our efforts to take advantage of all the visitors to Hauser & Wirth. Initially, many are unaware of the story of the old hospital, but now there are more guided tours being offered, including some with a professional guide. The shop is kept open all morning as well.

The volunteer group continue to turn up every Sunday morning. Our numbers may vary from one week to another, but the enthusiasm and determination doesn’t wane. One of the biggest advantages of volunteering here is that there is no obligation involved, you just turn up when you can. Everyone goes to work where they choose, although you might get called upon to move a pile of chairs or clean and tidy a room when it is being prepared to open. Many new skills have been learned, such as how to drive a supermarket floor cleaner or mix cement! If that doesn’t appeal, there’s restoration of antique furniture or medicinal gardens needing care, and there is work in all the hospital rooms. Volunteers who are flexible and willing are welcomed with open arms. Those with skills at dusting are especially welcomed! Can you imagine the amount that accumulates each week on all the items on display inside a room of mares stone? During the winter, our numbers have benefitted from some new international volunteers. We have welcomed Ukrainian, Dutch, French and even an Australian who turns up when his young family allows him. It is one of the most international groups that I know of in Menorca. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

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project of the ramp for the fourth time! On the other hand, the first floor which tells the History of Mahón Harbour has progressed in leaps and bounds. It is now open to the public on the mornings when there are visits between 12.00 and 13.30 It is free to those who have been on the guided tour and 5€ if you just want to see upstairs. It is worth the visit upstairs for the views alone. You won’t be able to resist taking photos.

After an initial opening for some excellent but lesser known artists, the gallery will close temporarily from the end of May to install new works of art. It will be open again on 17th June to the public for this season’s artist, Christina Quarles from Los Angeles. Her exhibition will run alongside the ‘After the Mediterranean’ Exhibition. The yellow catamaran provides transport throughout the day until late in the evening. We will be publishing on our website the visiting times with the different languages indicated, in the case of the English tours they are planned for Thursdays and Sundays. However, it’s definitely worth getting up a bit early on a Sunday morning to see the atmosphere when the volunteers are at work. You can come over on the 9.00am catamaran for a guided tour, and we then join together at 11.00 for some light refreshments so you will have an opportunity to meet and chat together.

New Projects It’s not all been straightforward. We’ve been waiting since December of 2020 for the permission to install the ramp from the jetty and the lift. This project was already financed and ready to go, but bureaucracy moves very slowly here (as I’m quite sure many of you already know) despite the best and determined efforts from our President, General Luis Alejandre. We will get there in the end, but I believe the architect is currently completing a new

We are presently on a campaign to raise funds to reduce our debt to our wonderful builder, Conrado, who has stood by us unfailingly for all these years and even comes to work on Sundays as a volunteer. Any new work that involves spending money will be put on hold until we have managed to reduce our debt. We can only do what donations allow and that has always been the case for the Foundation.

Remembering the battleship Roma As I write, some of our volunteers are in Sardinia meeting local authorities and remembering the sinking of the battleship Roma in World War II, nearly 80 years ago. The burnt and injured Italian sailors were brought to recover in our hospital on Isla del Rey. Just another example of the international use of the hospital over the centuries. Each year we organize an overseas visit to some site related to our history or in some way connected to Isla del Rey, and believe me, there are plenty of them around the world. If you don’t yet know the island, then lose no more time in arranging a visit. If you do know it you will surely want to come back again and see the progress and the new exhibition in the art gallery. Book online with the yellow catamarans for the boat trip to the Isla del Rey. You can also book a tour through the “activities” on their website. Hope to see you soon! https://www.islahospitalmenorca.org/ https://www.yellowcatamarans.com/en/kings-island https://www.hauserwirth.com/locations/25040-menorca/

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ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

VISAS

OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS, WE WILL EXPLAIN THE POSSIBLE VISAS NOW AVAILABLE TO BRITISH AND OTHER NON-EUROPEAN UNION (EU) RESIDENTS. BELOW WE DISCUSS THE NONLUCRATIVE VISA (NLV) WHICH IS DESIGNED FOR RETIRED OR FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT PEOPLE. NEXT MONTH WE WILL TALK ABOUT THE NOMAD OR TELEWORKERS VISA, A NEW VISA FOR PEOPLE WORKING REMOTELY FOR COMPANIES SITUATED OUTSIDE SPAIN.

Non-working (Non-Lucrative) residence visa The 90-day rule in the Schengen Zone is a regulation that allows non-EU citizens to travel within the Schengen area without a visa for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a tourist visa, and you are not permitted to work. The non-working residence visa or NLV allows British citizens who are retired or financially independent to live in Spain for a longer period if they do not need to work. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must show proof of sufficient financial resources to cover all living expenses in Spain, as well as proof of private health insurance. The visa requires the person to spend a minimum of 6 months in Spain. The minimum amount of financial resources required is based on 400% of the IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator). It is around €2,300 per month for the main applicant and an additional €580 per month for each dependent family member. This financial requirement can be met through various means, such as pensions, investments, or savings. The non-working residence visa is granted for a period of one year and can be renewed annually if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements. After five consecutive years of residing in Spain with this visa, applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain. It is important to note that this visa does not allow its holders to work in Spain. If a visa holder wishes to work, they must apply for a separate work visa.

There are benefits of the visa as there is no need to make an investment in Spain, you can enjoy free movement throughout the Schengen area, and you can bring spouses and children. However, you must seek tax advice on your individual situation. Echeverria Abogados.com have a useful Blog on their website which covers the 6 risks to avoid when applying for a visa. One of them is failing to convince the official that you will spend 6 months in Spain due to financial inconsistency, family ties etc. You do not want to give the impression that you are only applying for the visa to gain free movement through the Schengen area! Required documents for an NLV or non-resident Visa 1. National visa application form 2. Non-working residence visa application EX-01 form 3. Passport sized photograph. 4. Valid, unexpired passport. 5. Proof of financial means. If you are of working age, you will need to prove receipt of a pension or provide a termination letter from your employer stating that you will no longer work for that company or, in case of selfemployment, you will need to provide an affidavit before a Notary stating that you agree not to work while residing in Spain.

British citizens must apply for the non-working residence visa at a Spanish consulate in the UK. Applicants must provide all necessary documents and attend a visa interview. It is recommended to start the application process a few months before planning to move to Spain to ensure enough time for processing.

In the case of retirees, the applicant must be a beneficiary of a state pension in convertible currency or be a beneficiary of a life annuity.

Once you visit Spain, you have one month to get your TIE card. You can also apply for Empadronamiento (confirmation of your official place of residence), although this is not obligatory.

6. Health insurance policy. This must be valid for 1 year and must cover all the beneficiaries of the visa for the risks insured by Spain’s public health system. No travel insurance with medical assistance coverage will be accepted.

In summary, this visa provides a viable option for those who wish to enjoy the relaxed Menorcan lifestyle in their retirement. It is a simpler process if you own a house in Spain. Otherwise, you must provide more paperwork regarding a rental contract.

Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

7. Criminal record check certificate. 8. Medical certificate.

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Case Study - Caroline Warne So there seems to be a lot of documents needed, but how easy is it in practice to apply for a Non-Lucrative, or Non-Residence, Visa. We spoke to Caroline, who recently went through the process successfully. She is a retired nurse from the UK and owns a house in central Mahon. Caroline started to gather together all the required documents in October 2022. She then applied online for the appointment with the Consulate in November. She received an appointment at the Consulate in early January to take all the documentation, pensions, p45, deeds, bank statements, proof financial means, health insurance 4 x passport photos. Her visa was approved in early February. When she arrived in Spain, she made online (CITA PREVIA) appointments at the Police station to take her fingerprints for her TIE and at the Town Hall for her Empadronamiento. She was told it would take around 2 months to receive the formal TIE card. Caroline says she thinks it would have been possible to do the whole process herself through the Consulate Website. However, for reassurance and help, she used the services of Oriol Celestino Martinez at ICAB.cat, a professional company in Barcelona, at a cost of around €500. This company helped her with the translation of documents when required.

For the medical certificate, you need to get an original copy from your GP. Caroline then used Zoomdoc.com Medical letters to receive a certificate of good health at a cost of £49. As part of this process, you make a video of yourself speaking, to show you are in good health, and then the certificate is sent through the post. For proof of residence in Menorca, Caroline had the deeds to her house. She also needed a tax certificate to prove she was retired and a bank statement.

Caroline has a pension and to prove her income it was a simple case of putting money into the bank. For the Health Insurance, she took out a policy with Banca March for €125 Euros per month.

Once she had gathered all this information and paid the visa application fee, Caroline made an appointment at the Consulate. This is made according to where you live in the UK. Caroline received an appointment at the Manchester Consulate and took all her original papers. It was a simple process, and they did not retain her passport. This may not be the case at other consulates.

The Criminal check took the most time. Caroline used the ACRO - Criminal Records Office website https://www.acro.police.uk/ to complete the police form and to receive the Police certificate. ACRO then directed her to the Hague Apostlille website https://www.hagueapostille.co.uk/ for the certificate to be validated. This costs £72 per certificate.

If you are applying for a NLV or a NOMAD visa it is very important to get independent tax advice on your unique situation. Each VISA requires you to stay more than 6 months in Spain. Once you have been in the country more than 183 days there will be tax implications in Spain and you must be sure you know how it will affect your finances.

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

CORONATION

PARTY

ISLA DEL REY By Beverley Ward

It was party time all over the UK, quiches, coronation chicken and champagne being enjoyed by all and sundry! So, we weren’t going to be left out of the fun here in Menorca. The brilliant idea of celebrating on Isla del Rey was the brainchild of our very own Robin West, the man in charge of the St George’s Anglican Chapel. The Foundation - who fortunately much appreciate the minority but very useful element of the British volunteers - agreed wholeheartedly to our using the Chapel and island to party. Even to the point of Hauser & Wirth offering some free places on the catamaran and visitors were offered a free tour of the hospital. After the typical Sunday morning work, we habitually all gather at 11.00 for refreshments and are joined by the visitors. On this Sunday, in addition to the usual snacks offered by Binifadet, everyone was treated to the delights of British cooking prepared by some of us, including Victoria’s marmite sandwiches. There were delicious scotch eggs, coronation quiches and sausage rolls from Son Vilar Bodega and huge pork pies from C’an Dulce sadly I never got close enough to grab a piece of these. With Robin giving a short speech in well-rehearsed Spanish, he invited all the volunteers and visitors to raise a glass to King Charles III, regardless of nationalities, races and creeds but united together in three cheers. A great moment. From then on it was more purely a British affair. We missed our much-loved Rev Paul Strudwick who was in Canada, but fortunately for us, Reverend Michael Higgins was kind enough to stand in. He did an excellent job in a short but poignant religious service in the Chapel. We then moved across to the Church Hall, to hear a speech by Luisa Coll, our honorary Consul. There was an attentive and crowded audience, each with a glass of cava in hand for the traditional toast to the King and three cheers. At this point in the day, there were about 80 people who overflowed from the Chapel and Church Hall and the whole area was permeated with a vibrant and happy energy. Although we were far from London, our thoughts were there. I must say it was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to meet up with old friends who, for one reason or another don’t coincide normally. After the ceremonies, the happy picnickers went off to stake their claim on the chairs and tables outside, while others went to La Cantina restaurant and partied until well into the afternoon. I can’t finish without mentioning a very special guest, Captain Bob Radford, who is an example to all for his courage and spirit of independence He celebrated his 82nd birthday with us on this day and we remembered how he cycled over 80 km on a static bike on his 80th birthday to raise a huge sum for our ramp, despite his limitations from a broken neck. It goes without saying that a lot of volunteers of Isla del Rey, both British and Spanish, put a great deal of effort into making this lovely day possible, and without giving a long list of names, I would like to give a very big thank you to you all. Long live the King! D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

JUNE 2023

WE TALK TO JO LAFOSSE AT

CASAS EN MENORCA ISABEL PETRUS FOUNDER

CASAS EN MENORCA

Casas en Menorca is an estate agency combining more than 40 years of experience in real estate on the island with Isabel Petrus at the helm. It is very much a family company, as Isabel’s son Dino and two of her nieces, Teresa and Virginia, also work there today. The CasasenMenorca.com brand came to fruition as a result of the transformation and improvement of the estate agency Oliver Mateu at the beginning of the 1990s. Isabel took over and with hard work and determination developed it into the company it is today. In 2012, CasasenMenorca.com took an important step forward, rebranding the company with a new image and a comprehensive customer support service, distinguishing itself as a pioneer on the island. One notable achievement was the assessment and subsequent successful sale of the Sant Lluis Industrial Estate. Despite some challenging times particularly during this period, the commitment and trust that we transmit to our clients has placed us at the forefront of the industry in the number of successful operations carried out.

5 OFFICES WITH AN INTERNATIONAL TEAM Clients who choose to work with us benefit from a comprehensive service that encompasses everything related to real estate from our international team. Due to the size of the company, the number of offices and our marketing power, we have an extensive portfolio of clients of various nationalities. Currently (at the time of this going to press) we have a team of 12 specialised real estate advisors, each one dedicated to their own clientele, whether it be due to the languages they speak or the area or type of property they want to buy or sell. Our team are trained in sales and customer service and make it their business to really know the properties that we are selling to create a close working relationship with our clients.

The expertise of our in-house marketing department, photographer and videographer, and the array of different marketing tools available to us, means that properties are positioned in segmented markets in order to increase the success from our campaigns. We carry out specific marketing for each property and this is also sorted by country. We do not underestimate the importance of having a physical office. In marketing terms, it is an invaluable tool being able to promote our properties in our 5 shop windows around the island. Even in this age of internet, email, QR codes and WhatsApps, you’d be surprised how many people want to come in and meet us in person. It gives them security and they can see for themselves what Casasenmenorca.com is all about, particularly in our main office in Plaza Real, Mahon. Our clients are always really (pleasantly) surprised to see the size of the support team behind the name. Personal service is of paramount importance to us. Our support team consists of our legal and administrative team, and also our secretarial support. They are the cogs in the wheel or the unsung heroes of the company, checking documentation, preparing and reviewing contracts and liaising with lawyers, architects and notaries to mention just a few. They ensure that every single transaction runs smoothly from start to finish, allowing the real estate advisors to concentrate on our clients. We also have a tax advisor available to our vendors and buyers, so that our clients can be fully aware of what taxes they will incur and there are no nasty surprises. In addition, a dedicated member of staff arranges the change of name on the utilities. This might not sound very important, but it’s taking care of all the details that really counts. In summary, the service we offer is seamless from start to finish, and our online reviews stand testament to the fact that our clients truly value the services which we offer. For us, the most important thing is is to transmit tranquility and professionalism to our clients, to be transparent so that they have all the information related to the sale in their hands and have peace of mind. In 2022, we completed over 200 real estate transactions, with more than half of our clients coming from foreign countries. We also serve Spanish clients ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

from other regions seeking second homes and properties on the island.

ISABEL’S PASSION FOR THE ARTS Casasenmenorca.com, its brand, reputation, clients and team are always at the forefront of Isabel’s mind. She truly is an inspirational figurehead of the company whom we all admire and look up to. She looks after and nurtures her team, and she finds solutions to problems, just two of the many reasons why the company thrives. Her family is extremely important to her, and she is passionate about the arts, culture and literature. Her love of the arts has led to a long-established collaboration with the Theatre Principal and the Union Football Club in Mahon, where CasasenMenorca.com is a patron. More recently the company has started supporting and working with Hestia Menorca, the basketball team.

THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING TEAM AT CASAS EN MENORCA The company has always been well known in the local and national market, but since Isabel took on native British, French and Italian team members we have, over the last 5 years, tripled the number of international clients and the number of operations carried out with international buyers. There are now three of us who are dedicated to working with English speaking clients, myself and Beth in the main Mahon office next to the American Bar, and Irene in our Es Castell office. Like me, Beth is originally from the UK but she came here with her family when she was just 5 years old and went to school and grew up in Menorca, whereas I moved here when I was 28. Irene was born in Menorca, so she has all the inside knowledge on the island, and she has a lot of contacts here which always helps in this business. Many people know her from her time as mayoress of Es Castell. Irene manages our Es Castell office and speaks perfect English. Contact: Casasenmenorca has offices in Mahon, Ciutadella, Es Castell and Alaior. www.Casasenmenorca.com info@casasenmenorca.com

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PROPE RT Y

NEWS The main message from all over the island is that the Estate Agents are struggling to find enough houses to sell. Menorca became a popular safe haven after COVID restrictions were lifted. Visitors from the Spanish mainland and France were the first to arrive after lockdown looking for holiday houses. In addition, Menorca became popular with investors as it was seen as the ‘next Ibiza’ with visitors from Madrid seeking business opportunities. With many of the best properties snapped up and the housing inventory perhaps only half of what it was a few years ago, it will be interesting to see how the market performs in 2023, especially with the current economic difficulties and inflation. If you are thinking of putting your property on the market there will still be plenty of agents keen for your business. As always, quality houses will continue to sell and there are still plenty of people looking for houses to renovate in the town or the countryside. This month we catch up with a range of Estate Agents big and small to hear how their businesses performed in 2022.

JUAN MATEO - BONNIIN SANSO The Bonnin Sanso group experienced a great interest from buyers and sellers in second and third homes, estates and country houses, and especially in new developments. In addition, we detected a slow recovery of the British market hit by Brexit. In our 5 offices in Menorca and Mallorca, we closed 2022 with almost 400 sales transactions, an average of 1.22 sales per day, and with a group turnover of more than 130M€, 12.3% more than 2021. 14% were sales of up to 100.000€, 56% between 100.000€ and 300.000€, 16% between 300.000€ and 500.000€, 9% between 500.000€ and 1.000.000€ and the remaining 5% have been more than 1.000.000€. 62.8% of the sales were from Spanish buyers, of which 16.2% were residents of Menorca. 11.2% were French, 9.6% from the United Kingdom, 5.3% from Germany and the remaining 11.1% from Italy, Switzerland and others. Regarding sellers; 76.5% Spanish, of which 16.5% were residents of Menorca, 16.2% from the United Kingdom, 2% Germans and the residual percentage, French and others. According to the data, we can say that 48% of the sales were apartments. The remaining 52% was distributed between Villas, Houses, Fincas, Premises and others. Throughout 2022 we received nearly 5,000,000 unique visits to our website and more than 13 visits per day to our offices.

SIMON COTTON - HOME MENORCA Home Menorca is one of six estate agents making up the Portal Menorca group. Their strategy is to group together to share marketing costs and the property database. In 2022 the sales by the group were broken down by nationality into 62.4% Spanish, 18% French, 10.1% British, 5.8% Italian, 1.1% Dutch with the other 5% made up of German, USA, Mexican, Swiss, Belgian. The product breakdown was 40.4% apartments, 22.7% villas, 14.1% Houses, 12.1.% land, 3.5% Rural properties with the rest made up of commercial property, garages etc.

TONIA KIRK - MENORCASA Menorcasa is a Boutique Property Agency which has been run by Tonia Kirk for 22 years. Tonia says “Menorca became more popular because of COVID but also for the French it became a fashion to own a holiday house in Menorca. The construction industry was also affected and there was a lack of new builds coming onto the market. All this has resulted in a noticeable shortage of properties.” Tonia has properties for sale ranging from small holiday apartments, villas, town houses, farmhouses, new developments and plots. In 2022 the company sold a number of these for British owners. Some were downsizing, others swapping their holiday home in Menorca for one in the UK. The British sold to Spanish and French buyers but there were still significant UK purchasers despite the restrictions of Brexit.

Tonia’s philosophy is to be small, compact, energetic and flexible at all times. Val and Cristina make up her small team which offers a unique and very personalised service . Tonia is enthusiastic about keeping her customers informed of everything happening on the island. To this end, she makes regular videos on Facebook and Instagram to explain local traditions, customs and events as they take place around Mahon and further afield. If you want to know why there is a giant warty grandmother roaming the streets at Easter, how to make an Ensaimada, why roses and books are given on St Georges day, or what was on show at the Es Mercadel Horse breed show or Alaior tourist fair, then follow her on Facebook. https://www.menorcasa.com/ Email hello@menorcasa.com Plaça del Príncep, 4, 07701 Maó, Illes Balears Tel: 971355789

Since 2000, Tonia has seen and survived several down turns in the market. At one time she had two offices, one in the Port of Mahon as well as the head office in the centre and she had as many as 8 staff. The recession in 2009 and the impact of the internet on the housing market led her to downsize. She had to make 3 staff redundant, but she managed to hold on to her main office. She learnt not to be overburdened with too many overheads and this stood her in good stead during COVID. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

TONIA WITH HER TEAM

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JUNE 2023

EATING

OUT

By Lorraine and the team

THIS MONTH WE LOOK AT THE CHANGES IN THE ‘FOODIE’ SCENE Welcome to all our readers and especially to those of you who enjoy dining out in Menorca! The whole “foodie” scene has moved forward in leaps and bounds in UHFHQW \HDUV WR WKH JUHDW EHQHÀW RI us all. Everyone will be surprised at the number of changes of ownership this season and/or of location, variety and styles. For this UHDVRQ LQ RXU ÀUVW DUWLFOH , DP GRLQJ my best to cover as many of these innovations as possible, although there are still changes underway. , KRSH \RX ÀQG WKLV XSGDWH XVHIXO We’ve sadly said goodbye to some old favourites, such as the Bucaneros (Binibeca Beach Bar, which is still in legal contention, so don’t give up just yet). In the centre of Mahon we have lost The American Bar, on the port of Mahon the oriental restaurant called Way has disappeared, in Es Castell the doors closed on Bar España, but should reopen soon under new management. Down in Calas Fonts Dinkum has hung up his straw hat finally and La Lola has gone too, along with Botanic and Vell Parrendar, but many are re-opening in different guises, so watch this space for regular updates. There are some exciting developments afoot! Nearly all restaurants now have good websites, often allowing you to book online and check out menus, opening times etc, which is really helpful. Pre-booking is always recommended, and of course if you suddenly can’t make it, do please cancel. It’s amazing how many people don’t do this, which causes much consternation! So for visitors and residents alike, dining out can be such a joy, sampling restaurants old and new, hanging up your apron for a few days, joining friends and neighbours, sharing plates and experiencing new dishes …..and no washing up!

We’d really like to involve you, our readers, more closely going forward, so we are inviting YOU to send your own reports of dining experiences. Editors decision on publication is final! You can submit anonymous reports if you prefer. We’d like to gather a broad island-wide coverage. Our limited resources (and expanding waistlines!) mean we cannot cover everything! So your contributions will be so welcome. We pay for all our meals and the restaurants normally are unaware that they might feature in Roqueta. We’d like to introduce a “Star rating” system, 5***** being the tops! And a cost rating 5€€€€€ being the most expensive! Reviews should cover not only the standard of cooking, but also presentation, level of service, “front of house”...how welcome did you feel, and would you return and tell your friends, plus your date of visit. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS AND REVIEWS TO info@roquetamagazine.net Editor’s decision to print or indeed edit is final.

So here goes with a round-up of some of the main changes you will encounter this season!

MAHON

Meso-South American and Caribbean-inspired fusion social dining and drinking.” Something completely new for Menorca, already proving a huge success in Malta. (Google “HAMMETS MESTIZO” for more details). The AMERICAN BAR, which opened its doors in Plaza Real in the centre of Mahon in 1924, has been sold and will reopen under the ownership of the Castell shoe group “Castell Concept”...offering “shoes and booze”! Maybe some fashion too. We await more details of this interesting venture. Castell already operates a Cafe Concept store on the Industrial Estate in Ciutadella. LA FLAMA and previously MOJIGATA, opposite the Fish Market, has been closed for a while, and will reopen as BELLA SOMBRA (same ownership as Sa Botiga opposite). More details awaited.

CALAS FONTS (Es Castell) Gone: The owners of DINKUM have retired and there is no news of any restaurant opening in this location. As we go to press, the premises are vacant. LA LOLA has reopened as TARAMBANA (Moll de Cales Fonts 28. Tel: 971 726551). It has been completely remodelled and offers a great standard of food, service and location.

The floating platform of MINERVA Restaurant was recently demolished on orders of the authorities, and towed away, thus removing one of the more unusual and iconic venues.

S’HAM, closed, and being redeveloped...more news awaited.

It was considered an unregulated floating object!

BOTANIC...closed.

However, the main restaurants and terrace across the road are still open. Tel: 971 351995. Moll de Levant 87.

VELL PARRANDER...closed.

WAY, famous for its Asian cuisine, run by Mr Wang, has closed down. It plans to reopen under completely new management, to be called HAMMETS MESTIZO, offering “vibrant

BIELS CREPERIE...closed.

There is still plenty of choice in this fantastic location, and we particularly recommend SA PUNTA, formerly Club Nautico, (open every single day of the year) Tel: 690 854671. One of the very best in Menorca in terms of food, service and location.

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

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Also round the port in Calas Fonts we have ES LLENEGAL Tel: 971 964847, and ANA LUISA (Moll den Pons near the Hamilton Hotel) Tel: 649 083675. Be assured of a warm welcome by Carolina and Paco. EL CHIVITO has been recently renovated Tel: 971 352944 At BAR LEMON (971 483271 or 617317148), Juan and Carla offer wonderful classic cocktails and elegant service (no meals, but a great way to start or end your evening). A couple of great bars also worthy of mention are CHESPIR Tel: 681632065, who also offer light but delicious meals, and BAR TUTTI, Tel: 620 925757. Evenings only. Also serve sushi! Sushi lovers should also visit SUSHI ES CASTELL, at the top of the ramp down to the port near the Health Centre (Tel: 871 902779). They offer a wide range of Chinese and Japanese dishes. A very good substitute for anyone missing WAY!

CIUTADELLA SUTUKLAP is a Gin Club located in the heart of Ciutadella, near the Cathedral. Enjoy Music and drinks, in the atmospheric basement in the Plaça Nova, 4 They also organize private events. VESTIGE SON VELL. A new luxurious Hotel Rural, situated in the countryside south east of Cuidadella. Typical Señorial House in the Palladian style built in 1829. It will offer every facility, and will be the largest Hotel Rural in Menorca. The Chef will be the highly regarded Joan Bagur, formerly of Rels in the centre of Ciudadela, which has closed. Opening dates to be confirmed, June onwards. FLAMANTE is a new opening on the port of Ciutadela across the bridge on the north shore. It will be run by Dioni Gelabert, who also owns Cittadella, in the centre near to the Borne square. As the name indicates, food from the grill will be the speciality. Great views too. SHELBY BRUNCH AND DINNER HOUSE is taking over Can Rafa, next to the market place in the city centre.

JUNE 2023

ES BITXO, on the Polígono, close to the Castell shoe factory. A great offering of all-day culinary delights from Breakfast, Menus del dia, burgers, cocktails and various infusions! IMPAR GASTROBAR in Calan Blanes has some good reviews, Carrer Torre de s’Aigua, 259 Tel 659 195271 MORVEDRA NOU, the long-standing hotel rural on the Cami de Macarella, has changed hands. It is now run by AMAGATAY, a company from Northern Spain, who also have opened another Agroturismo of that name, in 30 hectares of countryside close to Alaior on the Alaior/Calan Porter Road (near the Torralba archaeological site.) The MOGA GROUP continues to add new culinary proposals to its already extensive repertoire. First there was KAYPA, offering Peruvian cuisine, this year the novelty is THAI GARDEN ARENA BEACH, located in the Casas del Lago hotel. The chef Emilio Carcur is offering authentic Thai Gastronomy with views over Calan Bosch Marina. It promises everything from street food to the spiciest Thai platters. Son Park GOLF CLUB….this venue has had so many changes over the years! Let us hope they have got it right this time and can offer something that pleases golfers and non-players alike. The swimming pool will also be open. It’s being managed by the Golf Club in a more direct way, along with the Son Park beach bar. We hear that bacon sandwiches are back on the menu at the golf club by popular demand.

NA MACARET ES RACO DE MACARET is garnering rave reviews. It was a former village bar but now operates as a full service restaurant and gastrobar, offering the freshest fish, rice dishes, and high grade tapas plates to share. Carrer de Sa Costa 21, on the way down to the beach. Tel: 613 112039.

ADDAYA PIZZERIA BAIA has now moved to Addaya. 971 159281

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CALAN PORTER VILLA MADRID in San Luis has closed and has reopened as EL VELERO in Calan Porter. https:// elveleromenorca.com/ Paseo Marítimo 16, Cala en Porter Tel: 971 150 464

BINIFADET GROUP update The Vineyard and its charming restaurant surrounded by vines is now open. Just outside Sant Lluís on the road from Es Castell. Tel: 971 150715. Dine here overlooking the vines and you could be in deepest France or Tuscany! Binifadet also operates LA CANTINA on the Isla del Rey, adjacent to the Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery. They are open during the Gallery times. Beautiful setting under the trees. You should book everything online on the H&W Website, including the Yellow Catamaran transfer (every hour). Try to include a visit to the 1711 Royal Naval Hospital (English tours Thurs and Sunday) , and also visit a newly opened area on the first floor of the hospital depicting the whole history of the port of Mahon! Make a day of it! Look out for live music and other special events too in La Cantina area, which is such a spectacular location under the wild olives. TAMARINDOS in Es Grau….on a platform overlooking the sea. Tel: 682 625775. LOS BUCANEROS...aka BINIBECA BEACH BAR... despite a huge amount of public pressure, permission to open continues to be denied by “the authorities” on various spurious environmental grounds. This was exacerbated by a mysterious fire which destroyed the “lavatory block”. It seems our politicians here have no power or control over this situation which is causing so much distress. But we live in hope. There is a lot of pressure behind the scenes to solve this issue. So…..this report is certainly not exhaustive by any means, it I hope will explain some of the main changes that you will encounter this year! Keep us posted with your reports, comments and any other useful information! Happy dining….! The next issue will keep you updated plus will include more actual restaurant reviews. Buen provecho!

FOOD & DRINK

JUNE 2023

RIOJA BORDEAUX’S INTELLECTUAL HEIRESS

By Michael Stevenson

Rioja is now one of Spain’s most well- aged differently. The Rioja region has evolved over time. Some complex segmentations have appeared because of defined market demand. The known and respected wine regions. origin of the grapes became more relevant and new categories, such as Bordeaux wine making know-how was “village” and “single-vineyard” wines have now been defined, but none of this has really diluted the role played by brands in Rioja. Brands are imported into Rioja in the latter half of Rioja’s ambassadors, and they are identified with the region. We Rioja the 19th century. The pioneers realised lovers usually get to know the region through a brand and then explore other wines. I am sure our readers have their favourites. Consequently, it then that careful viticulture, fruit selection, is relevant to pay particular attention to brands as they indicate the quality long maceration and oak ageing would be of the Rioja region. necessary to reveal Rioja’s true potential. Blancos y rosados The business model for the best traditional White varieties of Rioja make up less than 10% of the total Rioja vineyards. whites fall into three distinct categories. First there are the youthful Rioja wineries was also inspired by the These “made last year, drink this year” wines, cool fermented and fresh. They do Bordelais; one of building prestige via the job, especially in our ever-warmer summers. However, these cleanunoaked whites do not really speak of their origins. At the opposite end the use of brands. While producers had cut are the great whites of Rioja. The two most famous are the long-aged Vina the expertise about where the best wines Tondonia Gran Reserva and the Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial from could be made, wine merchants cared Marques de Murrietta. These are wines of immense pedigree. In between is a middle category where real interest and excitement can about names on labels. be found today. The good news is that they are available on our island. In every other respect, Rioja and Bordeaux differed. The French consumers had the support of the famous Bordeaux region’s official 1855 classification. By contrast, Rioja producers were left to their own devices. To create a loyal customer base, brands have to have their own identity and be deemed reliable; however, most Rioja wineries had to buy the bulk of their grapes from small growers. Most land holdings in Rioja are tiny and have nothing in common with the powerful Bordeaux bourgeoisie and their large properties. With very few exceptions, blends are the only possibility for Rioja brands. Year after year, elite Rioja producers dedicated time and intelligence to fine-tune the art of blending.

Brands are Rioja’s ambassadors Master blenders play a crucial role in Rioja. Their ancestors created the recipe, but season after season it had to be adapted to match the vagaries of the climate with the consistency required by the market. Rioja blends had to be quite complex, and a final blend might include several grape varieties from several vineyards and wines that have been

They should be priced from between 7 and 25 Euros and are stocked by De Vins, Enrique Penalver and other independent wine merchants on Menorca. I can thoroughly recommend some that I have tasted such as: Ramirez de Ganuza Blanco 2018, Paco Gracia Tempranillo Blanco Reserva 2016, Vina Ijalba Reserva 2018, Martines Lacuesta Blanco Classico 2018 and Muga Flor de Muga Blanco Reserva 2016. Rioja Rosados are made, by and large, by a combination of white and red Rioja and are generally good quaffing wines. The Rosados that are a cut above the rest are those made by CVNE, Marques de Murrietta, Muga (especially the Flor de Muga Rosado 2020) and the best of them all, Lopez de Heredia, Vina Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva 2010.

Vinedo Singluar and New Wave Rioja There is a new Rioja category, Vinedo Singular (single-vineyard) which was approved in 2017. The majority of these wines are reds, but there are a significant number of whites. At a recent tasting by Decanter magazine the thirty wines shown performed impressively – and remember the oldest

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

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JUNE 2023

wine tasted was 2017. As well as this innovative move, another is gaining momentum: New Wave Rioja. The New Wave producers generally do not use the usual Rioja ageing rules such as Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. This tends to make the wines taste more diverse and varied than traditional Rioja. They are also moving away from the dominance of Tempranillo grapes. There are now 100% Garnachas as well as more use in the blends of Mazuelo, Graciano and Marturna grape varieties. I recently drank a really lovely Palacios Remondo, Propriedad Vina Viejas Rioja 2017 in this category which I can highly recommend. So stock up on Riojas this month and seek out well known bodegas that are good producers such as Campo Viejo, Ondarre, CVNE, Vivanco, El Coto, the three Marquesses: Riscal, Murrietta and Caceres, Vina Ijalba, Lan, Muga, Valoria, Contino, Miguel Merino, Ontanon, Urbina to mention but a few. Buy the Crianzas or, even better, the Reservas or Gran Reservas. Happy drinking!

My recommendations:

TINTO MARQUES DE RISCAL ARIENZO CRIANZA 2018 RIOJA, GRACIANO, MAZUELO, TEMPRANILLO.14%ABV, €10.65 DE VINS. Lovely dark red, good ripe fruit and some oak on the nose. Ripe dark fruit, mid to full-bodied, classy and elegant Rioja with good balance and finish. Good with meat. IJALBA RIOJA GRACIANO, COSECHA 2020, 14% ABV, €13.73 ENRIQUE PENALVER. Very dark red, almost black. Assertive damson nose. Concentrated ripe damson flavours. Mouth filling, good tannins and acidity and hint of vanilla. Will still develop. Great length with dry ripe fruit finish. EL COTO DE RIOJA, COTO DE IMAZ RESERVA 2018, 13.5% ABV, AROUND €8, WIDELY AVAILABLE. Deep red with a classic nose of spice and some vanilla. Classic Coto de Imaz, medium-bodied, lovely balance with a good long finish. Always a consistent Rioja. Good with red meat and stews. VINAS SALVAJE DE MONCAYO, GARNACHA, 2020 VINO DE TIERRA, RIBERA DE QUEILES, 14.5% ABV, €6.98 ENRIQUE PENALVER. Purplish red with a spicy ripe nose. Typical Garnacha, soft tannins, midbodied, a hint of damson and good value. Good with embotits and meat.

ROSADO EL COTO DE RIOJA ROSADO 2020, 13.5% ABV, AROUND €5 AND WIDELY AVAILABLE. Deep salmon pink with toasty aromas. Textured with a slight spritz. Nicely fresh, savoury with plummy fruit and creamy finish. Good aperitif and with light tapas.

BLANCO BERONIA RUEDA 2021, 14% ABV, AROUND €5.50 AND WIDELY AVAILABLE. Pale greenish yellow. Earthy aromas and hint of lemon zest. Chalky on the palate with lively acidity and nice persistent finish. PETIT CAUS BLANCO 2021, PENEDES, CHARDONNAY, CHENIN BLANC AND XAREL-LO, 13% ABV, €8.20 DE VINS. Light straw colour, fruity on the nose, highlighting the Xarel-lo. Very fresh in the mouth, lovely tasty and well-balanced. Very drinkable. Drink as an aperitif or with light fish dishes. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

FOOD & DRINK

JUNE 2023

VINYES BINITORD Land Stewardship Initiatives - Flowers, kestrels, sheep and horsetails

Just 6km south of Ciutadella, there is a beautiful, small and eco-friendly vineyard run by Clara Salord. Binitord grew from a small, private, family dream into a successful business producing award-winning wines and Vermut. It was the stories of the delicious Vermut that drew PH WR YLVLW WKH ZLQHU\ WR ÀQG RXW PRUH In 2002, Clara’s parents and their 2 close friends started to grow vines on their own land and produced wine for their own use. They experimented with different ecologically friendly methods and, in 2007, they started to sell the wine. Clara has taken over the running of the business, after studying Oenology, the science of wine and wine making, at the Institute of Tarragona followed by further studies in the food industry. She continues to work closely with her professor, organisations such as the Institute for Genetic Analysis, and with GOB to improve the quality of the grapes and the production process. The vineyard now extends to 10 hectares.

When I visited the vineyard in early May, there was a beautiful display of herbs and wild flowers, including poppies, growing between each row of vines. The roots of these plants penetrate the soil, making it less dense and more like a sponge, so that rainwater can be absorbed much more efficiently. They also attract insects and wildlife and help keep the natural predators away from the vines. One of the most successful investments Binitord has made, with the help of GOB, is the installation of nesting boxes for kestrels. There are three of these located on tall poles, spread around the fields. Before the boxes were installed, sparrows and wood pigeons were eating 30-40% of the production. Now, with the kestrels on patrol, the loss of grapes has been reduced to just 1-2%. GOB has an animal sanctuary based at the Lithica quarry, near Ciutadella, which receives baby kestrels which have fallen from their nests. These are reared by volunteers and trained to hunt. They are then released back into the wild, and some were released at Binitord. They also have an owl nesting box on the side of the main building.

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In the winter, between October and February, Binitord brings sheep from the neighbouring farm onto their land to graze and keep the weeds under control. A benefit for both parties. Clara heard an interesting story from a French visitor. They told her that when their baby lambs were still suckling, they fed them a vine leaf. They disliked it so much that they would never eat a leaf again when they were fully grown. Another project has been to bring ladybirds to the vineyard to eat the smaller pests. In winter, the ladybirds require protection from the elements, and Clara is working with GOB to create ladybird ‘hotels’. These will be areas of dense aromatic herbs, one in each field, where the ladybirds can take shelter. Without the ladybirds, it would have been necessary to use pesticides every two weeks. Clara has been using biodynamic products, such as one based on the horsetail plant. This is an effective ecological treatment against pests and diseases caused by fungi, and serves as an insecticide against aphids and mites.

JUNE 2023

Binitord produces a young red wine, Binitord Negre, which is ideal for keeping in the fridge and drinking in summer. The skins and seeds are extracted earlier, to produce a lighter wine without tannins. Clara has also taken great care over choosing the best barrels in which to mature the wine. She tried both French and American oak barrels and then asked her distributors to decide their favourite, using a blind test. They all selected the wine matured in the American oak barrels. The American oaks are actually grown in Catalonia, and so the barrels do not have too far to travel. The Ciutat de Parella is matured in the barrels for 2 years.

Award winning Vermut And so to the Vermut. As we moved down to the bottling area, there was a lovely aroma of wine and herbs. In the production process, wine is mixed with 30 aromatic herbs. Local plants such as rosemary and lavender are used along with artemisia (mugwort) which is the special ingredient in the recipe of vermouth. Clara tried many sweeteners but not satisfied, she makes her own caramel in-house to complete the recipe. The beautiful bottles are gravity filled to ensure the highest quality is maintained to the end of the process. The Vermut was awarded the Gold Medal in the Catavinum World Wine and Spirits Competition Spain 2022. If you live near Mahon, Bintord wines can be bought at the GOB Menorca shop in Es Claustre, which is run by volunteers. Tours of the vineyard in English are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 4.30pm and 10am on Wednesday. Places can be reserved on the website https://www.binitord.com/en/content/11-visitas and the cost is 15 Euros to be paid on arrival.

Attention to Detail Everything on the farm is done by hand, including the picking of the grapes and the pruning of the vines. There is great attention to detail with every step. Picked grapes are placed in boxes of just 15 kg so that they do not get damaged or crushed. The picking takes place over several weeks in August as the grapes come to perfection at different times in different area of the vineyard.

Vinyes Binitord de Menorca S.L., Camí Lloc de Monges s/n 07760 - Ciutadella de Menorca. Tel: +34 665 560 224 Email: info@binitord.com

The vines are fed by a watering system, but this is used as little as possible. More water leads to bigger grapes of lower quality. Clara experimented and tried to not water the vines at all one year, but in the end they needed a small amount of water. Because Menorca is a very humid environment, the vines are trained up vertically, between two rows of wires, preventing them from forming a dense bush. This allows plenty of fresh air and sun to get to the grapes.

Wine Production Having toured the vineyard, we moved into the main building where the wine is made. When the business was young, the friends discovered an ancient quarry on the land. This was excavated and turned into the production facility, minimising the environmental impact. The building has since been extended above ground, but the quarry is still visible below in the bottling area. Cutting marks on the wall show how the quarry stone was excavated by hand. Binitord now produces 32-34,000 bottles of wine a year, most of which are consumed on the island. The five products produced are: Binitord Blanc, Binitord Rosé, Binitord Negre, Ciutat de Parella and Binitord Vermouth. Clara explained the different production processes for each of the wines. The amount of time the skin is left in the production process affects the colour of the wine. Grapes for white wine are refrigerated, then pressed and left to ferment at low temperatures. For the red wines, the grapes are not pressed but fed into the tank complete with skin, seeds, and pulp. The contents of the tank have to be fully mixed two to three times a day to stop the skins rising to the top and becoming acidic.

CLARA WITH HER AWARD-WINNING BINITORD VERMUT

Binitord signed up to the Land Stewardship Programme in Menorca. This Custòdia Agrària project was created by GOB Menorca in 2004 to promote environmental and economic sustainability amongst Menorca’s farmers. 34 companies are now signed up and therefore committed to a series of sustainable agricultural practices. GOB Menorca’s main objective is to reconcile human activities with environmental values. As part of the programme, GOB has made 180 investments in farms over the last 5 years. These are grouped into 5 action blocks: Habitat conservation, improving soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, improving water resources and restoring landscapes.

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JUNE 2023

ROB AND ALEX WITH THEIR 2 RHODESIAN RIDGEBACKS, CHESTER AND CHURCHILL, SPRINGER SPANIEL LILY, PEGGY THE PUG, AND GINGER TOM, OLIVER.

¡DENADA! DELI AND DINING EXPERIENCES BRINGING THE BRAAI TO MENORCA Denada is a brand-new Deli and Dining service brought to Menorca by Chef Rob Bell from South Africa and his partner Alex Johnstone. Rob trained as a chef in South Africa, working at a 5-Star hotel in Cape Town before running his own restaurant. He is passionate about locally produced sustainable food, and he is combining his experience of cooking on open fire BBQ’s with the local products and flavours of Menorca. From intimate gatherings, to lavish weddings, Rob, Alex, and their team will deliver appetising feasts to your villa or boat for your family and friends. Rob is keen to emphasise that their speciality is not just nouveau food but natural food, not overly processed. Meals are delivered in large crockery dishes consisting of a main protein plate and large sharing plates of side salads and vegetables. For special events, Rob will come to cook the BBQ at your venue and he can offer a Paella/Fideua experience on site too. Denada’s first wedding is at Son Bonaventura for 55 guests. Denada offers three main menus, a meat BBQ Experience, a fish BBQ Experience and a Paella Experience. The BBQ menus are inspired by the Braai, a cultural institution in South Africa. Look out for: • 1.3 kg T-bone cooked on the BBQ • South African style boerewors (a very special sausage made with Menorcan beef) • Crispy lamb chops • Whipped feta with roasted carrots and chickpea stopped with a foraged fennel vinaigrette In addition, there are delicious ready to eat or heat-&-eat meals available from the Deli. From snacks & wraps, to salads and spreads. These are ideal for beach or boat days, or social gatherings to enjoy in your own garden. For example • Prawn and vegetable summer rolls • Individual layered salad jars - empty onto your plate, add the dressing and enjoy D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

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• A chicken, spinach and feta lasagne which is perfect for summer and can be made with regular or gluten free pasta! • Osso Bucco cottage pie • Lemon & herb whole roast chicken • Rosemary & garlic roast potatoes or Paprika potato wedges The food is being sourced from local sustainable producers whenever possible. Customers will need to order 24 hours in advance for delivery to their house, or they can collect from Denada’s kitchen in Fort de L’Eau, Mahon.

ROB AND ALEX’S STORY Before arriving in Menorca in 2022, Rob and Alex were owners of a highly rated boutique guest farm, restaurant & wedding venue in South Africa. Passionate about locally produced sustainable food, Rob built up his own herd of cattle and spent five years nurturing his own large vegetable & herb garden to create true “farm to table” food experiences. Having decided to leave South Africa, their first plan was to move to Andalucia, where they already owned a house near Nerja. However, having been introduced to Menorca by a friend, they realised that they were country people at heart. Menorca could offer them the climate and the focus on sustainability they were looking for. They searched for a house in the countryside to renovate and although they are not done with all the upgrades yet, they are settled in and ready to start their new business. On the way back from South Africa they ‘stopped off’ in the UK with their 5 dogs and a cat. However, due to COVID the short visit turned into a stay of 2 years. Not ones to sit around,

they put the time to good use, using their building and project management skills to buy, renovate and resell a house in Lincolnshire. ROB BELL

Alex says, “Denada was founded to offer our island visitors the convenience of great food to enjoy while out and about or relaxing at home. Our ethos is to source locally grown and crafted products (as much as we can) to create fresh, interesting, and delicious food experiences.” Denada, 64 Av. Fort de L’Eau, Mahon, 07701. Tel or Whatsapp +34 722 23 99 80 email hola@denada.es Collection times are between 9am and 5pm (out of hours by arrangement).

ALEX JOHNSTONE

Alex worked for many years in financial services before he and Rob decided to work together to create their first luxury guest farm experience. Building this from scratch, growing it into a successful business, they sold it in 2020

MIREIA PONS Joining the team is Mireia Pons from Menorca. Mireia has 12 years experience in the hospitality industry, most recently working at Menorca Experimental. Her enthusiasm for languages and travel led her to living in London and touring France. Her passion and charisma for helping everyone enjoy the island make her a great addition to the team. IGNACIO OJEDA

MIREIA PONS

Most of Ignacio’s life has been related to travelling and food. Originally from Argentina, he has worked in American, British and Irish kitchens, with nearly a decade living and cooking here on Menorca. Frequent culinary trips to France, the Balkans, Middle East and Asia has developed in him a huge interest in ethnic cuisines. He aims to bring joy to each dining experience, with a cosmopolitan point of view.

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ROQUETA RECIPES We asked Chef Rob Bell from Denada for a couple of his favourite recipes. He shares a delicious Pana Cotta, made with strawberries and mint, and a BBQ rub which can be adapted to your own tastes.

STRAWBERRY

PANNA COTTA I first made this back in South Africa with strawberries from the freezer that were excess from the garden when in abundance in early summer. I find in Spain we often have some strawberries that we don’t get to eat so I put them into a freezer bag and use them in desserts or smoothies. With a tweak by adding the mint and biscotti, it became a favourite in the restaurant on our farm.

Ingredients:

Heat the oven to 100 deg C

4 fresh strawberries 250ml milk 750ml cream 140g Castor sugar 200g frozen strawberries 4 gold gelatine leaves Dehydrated strawberries Biscotti crumbs Mint leaves

The first step of this recipe is to prep all the little bits we add. Slice the fresh strawberries as thinly as you can get them. They don’t have to be paper thin as the dehydration process tends to thin them out. Place these on a silicone mat or silicone baking paper and place in the oven. We usually dry them out over 2 to 3 hours. For the Panna Cotta, heat the milk and cream with the sugar and frozen strawberries. Infuse the strawberries until the sugar has dissolved. Be careful not to boil the mixture as this tends to separate the fats in the cream and changes the texture of the Panna Cotta. Strain your mixture through a fine sieve. Don’t worry if the strawberry seeds go through it, they add to the look.

ROB’S BRAAI/BBQ RUB

I like to make my rub in bulk as I use it on dishes from veggies to slow cooked ribs, and BBQ chicken. I find the rub intensifies the flavours way more than simply using a sauce for basting. With my ribs for example, I cook them on a low heat in my green egg with only the dry rub for about 2.5 hours and only add sauce in the final 30 mins wrapped in foil. I also use the rub on slow cooked meats in the oven, which also brings out the intensity of flavour. My BBQ rub is as follows.

In a separate bowl, bloom your gelatine in cold water. We use gelatine sheets available at most good supermarkets or Margarita’s stall in Sa Plaça. Add to the warm cream mixture and make sure the gelatine is dissolved correctly. Place into greased dariole moulds, or teacups. Place these in the fridge for at least 6 hours before you serve them. Once chilled, remove the Panna Cottas from the moulds and place into the dessert bowl. If you are struggling to unmould them, use your finger and separate them a little from the sides gently. Once in bowls, sprinkle biscotti crumb around the base and use dehydrated strawberries. Thinly chiffonade the mint leaves as garnish. This should make enough to fill a small jar. 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 6 tablespoons brown sugar 4 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 4 teaspoons salt 4 teaspoons black pepper 2 teaspoons cumin powder 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon mustard powder BBQ rubs are something you can play with over time. If you like it smokier add more paprika. If you prefer it less sweet take out some sugar. I really hope you find this recipe useful.

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FOOD & DRINK

JUNE 2023

M ASTE R & COM M AN D E R

WINES THIS MONTH: MUNTPALAU 2016 Muntpalau time to “breathe” and treat you to a complex scent of ripe bramble fruit, black cherries, hints of old oak barrels, a touch of honeycomb, anise and rosemary. The palate is delicate but structured and long, with an excellent balance of ripe dark berry fruit, oak and acidity. The tannins are ripe and textured and lead to a stylish, long, fine finish. Although a 2016 wine it is remarkably young and will last but makes for superb long gulp drinking today and can even be chilled in the summer for meals in the open air. Sublimely traditional (with an exceptional label design by the great nephew of Pablo Picasso that transmits all the magic of the wine at just a glance,) enjoy the Muntpalau with many local dishes of beef, lamb, black rice made from Menorcan cuttle fish, and of course aged Menorcan cow’s milk cheese and sobrassada.

FERRER DE MUNTPALAU

Hello everyone! Today is the first in a series of wine recommendations intended to bring pleasure and insights to all wine drinkers, both experts and beginners. After over 30 years travelling the world for some wonderful Spanish wineries and winemakers, I am excited to give back some of my knowledge and promote lesser known, limited production, sustainable family estates. I will only write about wines that are available in Menorca and will give special attention to wines that display a unique sense of place, a singular style and that send the senses soaring! Master & Commander Wines is named after the brilliant Patrick O’Brien novel that begins with the chance meeting, in April 1800, at the Governor’s Palace in Mahon, of its two central characters, Captain Jack Aubrey, and Stephen Maturin his Irish/Catalan friend, naval surgeon and gentleman spy for the British government. The Governor’s Palace was founded in 1733 on C/Isabel II, 20, Mahon by the famed liberal and modern thinker, Richard Kane. Given the unique Anglo/Spanish history of Menorca, something many of us cherish every day on the “Rock” – from the sash Georgian windows to the delightful cricket club - my first recommendation just had to be the extraordinary red wine from Mercadal on the North coast, MUNTPALAU 2016. Imagine the best qualities of a traditional Rioja, (the old oak barrels used for ageing) combined with those of a mature Priorat (the light schist soil from the early Devonian period, 400 million years ago is the same in Mercadal as in Priorat) and an aged fine Bordeaux (the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Merlot planted at Muntpalau) and you have this amazing Menorcan wine. I recommend opening half an hour before drinking so you will give the 2016

Made from 4 Hectares of prime, gently sloping vineyard, the first “modern” Menorcan winery was founded in 1985, near Mercadal, by the visionary winemaking genius Crispin Mariano. Crispin’s idea was to resurrect the Menorcan wine industry to accompany a revival in Menorcan gastronomy led by his mother at their family restaurant. During the English occupation of the island in the eighteenth century there were over 150 Hectares of vines planted and most of the wine was sold at premium prices to the British Navy based in Mahon before the Phylloxera beetle wiped out all the vines at the beginning of the twentieth century. Apart from being a passionate winemaker, Crispin is also a great fan of the work Richard Kane did to improve the standard of living of the Menorcan people in the eighteenth century. This included initiatives such as a huge public water cistern in Mercadal, as well as the road from Ciudadella to Mahon. He has a shrine-like, and flattering portrait of Kane as Bacchus on one of his barrels!

DRINK FROM NOW THROUGH 2038. WHERE TO BUY: BINIPREU supermarket Mahon, 9,99€/Bot (and other wine shops) or direct from the winery Bodegas Menorquinas, Mercadal. http://www.bodegasmenorquinas.com/ Ferrer de Muntpalau, Camí de tramuntana km. 1, 07740 Es Mercadal, teléfono 971 37 53 34, móvil 618 253 253 Email: bodegasmenorquinas@msn.com

FILM PAIRING: MASTER AND COMMANDER! There are many more interesting historical facts and pictures on the winery’s website. Ferrer de Muntpalau was a knight from the 14th century, with lands in the Martinell plains, in the northern area of es Mercadal, where the vineyards of Bodegas Menorquinas are now located. Master & Commander

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A SEIS MANOS

PA N Y VI N O C E LE BR ATE 15 YE ARS By Sarah Folley

To celebrate their 15th anniversary, the ever-popular Pan y Vino in Torret, held two special events in March and April. We visited on 23rd April, when Patrick James, chef of Pan y Vino, invited his two chef friends, Dani Mora from Sa Padrera des Pujol and Doro Biurrun from Sa Parareta den Doro, to create a tasting menu of some 9 courses. We were warmly greeted with traditional Pan y Vino panache by Noelia, Patrick’s wife and co-owner, who explained how the evening was to unfold. We sat on their immaculate, pretty terrace and enjoyed a glass of sherry while the other diners arrived. At our table, in the attractive garden room, with real flame heaters taking the chill off the evening, we were then introduced to the 3 chefs. They explained each of the courses they were creating and the reason they had chosen their specialty dishes.

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Each course was paired with a complementary wine. There were some interesting combinations, including Vermut Zarro (think iced Cinzano Rosso!) which was served with Raolas, curly leaf lettuce very lightly battered with a smudge of tangy kimchi. Also, a pink Cava accompanied the Capaccino de Guisantes. A very delicate pea purée with small balls of spicy sobrasada sausage meat, fresh peas and an egg yolk in the middle with something deliciously crunchy sprinkled on top. A most unusual offering. As each course was revealed, the staff took care to explain the food, its ingredients and the best way to enjoy it. For example, Noelia suggested that the Tartar de Gamba de Menorca should be wrapped in the Shiso leaf and eaten as one mouthful. Shiso is related to the mint family, although much larger and has a wonderfully pungent flavour. When I looked it up, it was described as having the smell of a mountain meadow after a rainstorm!

There were some special additions to the published menu, namely Krystale oysters, a favourite of Patrick’s, apparently – not usually my choice but super-tasty served with an unusual red wine vinegar and shallot dressing. The selection of homemade breads (fig, rosemary, aniseed and plain) and very dainty petits fours served with the coffee, completed the menu. Patrick’s French flair with an Asiatic twist, combined with Dani and Doro’s traditional Menorcan dishes with a contemporary slant, all contributed to this ‘hands down’ excellent cuisine.

Other unusual flavour combinations of note included the grilled Fillet of Corvina, sometimes referred to as black seabass, with hazelnut crust. A star of the show was the ginger and lemongrass purée served with the slow roast belly of pork.

We thoroughly enjoyed our rather ‘grown up’ evening in this family-run restaurant with a warm welcome, exceptional front of house attention and a chef of notable talent. Congratulations to Pan y Vino on your 15 successful years! Look out on Facebook for more special events at Pan y Vino this year as part of their celebrations. If you have not been, put it on your wish list. It is well worth navigating the very narrow roads to get to this special place. Pan y Vino, Camí de la Coixa, 3 Torret - Sant Lluis, Menorca Tel.971150201 www. panyvinomenorca.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

FASHION & BEAUTY

JUNE 2023

MEN IN RCA MADE

AZULMENORCA It was during the pandemic and strict lockdown that Clare Beckmann started making bracelets from broken pieces of jewellery that she had in the house. She says “I’ve always been creative and have painted and loved making things, so making jewellery was new to me, but it was also another challenge. It became quite addictive, and I started buying beads and bands and my husband, started helping. It quickly became a joint effort.”

PAPER PEOPLE WITH A LITTLE PIECE OF SOUL Clare and Jörg soon had quite a collection of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets and realised that it might be a good idea to try to sell online. This was when AzulMenorca was born. “Our knowledge, ideas, and collection kept growing and Jörg mentioned having a shop. At first, I felt rather overwhelmed, and probably a bit old to start a new business. But the idea grew, and we found a good location and opportunity in Es Claustre, the historical building in the centre of Mahon used as an open market with local products.” AzulMenorca opened in April last year. Clare says ‘It has definitely been overwhelming but in a very positive way. Hearing lots of people’s lovely comments is worth more than anything else to me. It makes me so proud to see what we’ve both accomplished together. We only make jewellery with high quality crystal from Preciosa/Swarovski, natural semi-precious gemstones, ceramic, shell, glass, silver, wood or stainless steel. Menorca has a long tradition in jewellery making, and we have components made by companies on the island. We’ve cleaned plastic from many beaches on Menorca and avoiding plastic is very important for us. My passion is making pretty things at affordable prices and our beautiful summer handbag collection completes the shop.”

Azulmenorca is open in Es Claustre 10:00-14:00. You can Follow on Facebook or Instagram

Gloria Esbert studied Jewelery and Costume Jewelery at the School of Arts and Crafts in Mahón. There, she had the opportunity to learn all kinds of pictorial and modeling techniques. It was not until a few years later, and almost by chance, when Gloria began to experiment, to play, transform and model figures with newspaper. Gloria says, “Paper is an organic material that ages over time, and this gives the figures a life of their own. I am not looking for smooth or polished surfaces, but rather the imperfection that paper offers. This technique gives the figures a melancholic appeal full of sensitivity. Human beings are my source of inspiration due to the complexity of their thoughts and emotions. I try to capture small moments of introspection with gestures, colors and shapes that convey some feeling. Some of Gloria’s work can be seen at La Galería Artara (Argos) in Mao. You can ask Gloria to create a family member or friend that you know for a special occasion. TECHNIQUES: Paper modeling, putty and collage. Gloria recycles newspapers, magazines and colored paper. Web: gloriaesbert.com Instagram: gloria esbert Correo: glomenorca@gmail.com

GRAPEVINE

JUNE 2023

GRAPEVINE

BY DAN SULLIVAN AND KATY PAINE

MENORCA BABY TRAVEL HIRE In December 2020 Daniel, Katy and their 8-month-old son moved to Menorca. They have started their own business, Menorca Baby Travel Hire, and Dan has become Captain of Menorca Cricket Club. Katy tells us their story. We had just come out of the second lockdown in the UK and things were very uncertain. With rising covid rates and restrictions we decided to take the plunge and move to Menorca. We applied for residency but aside from that we had not really planned very far in advance, it was quite a spur of the moment decision. Covid and Brexit were still having an impact in Menorca, but restrictions had eased due to lower Covid rates. Daniel and his family have had a very long relationship with the island. They had been coming here for nearly 3 decades and had always felt it was like home. I had been coming to the island with Daniel on holiday for years and, in fact, we always used to buy our copy of the Roqueta whilst here too! Moving during restrictions and away from family and friends has been tough at times but now we are fortunate to be able to travel back to the UK and have our family and loved ones visit us too. I think when you meet people on holiday here and they tell you how beautiful it is and what a wonderful time they have had, it makes you realise how lucky you are to

be living in Menorca. We had never been on holiday here out of the spring/ summer season, but we adore the winters, you really do notice the change of seasons here. We’ve even been swimming in the sea in December and January, albeit not for very long! In the UK, Daniel was operating a property maintenance company. I was an English literature graduate and having trained as an English language teacher had taught adults English in a London language school as well as working as a property manager.

STARTING OUR BUSINESS Once we were here, we decided we wanted to do something where we could work together and that would be flexible around childcare. Having travelled with our son, we knew travelling with baby equipment was not easy. The sheer number of items you need makes travelling stressful, so we talked about a baby equipment hire business for families with young children. We started researching and stocking different items from car seats, pushchairs, sterilisers, travel cots and more. Daniel then constructed a website to give the business an online presence. We decided on the name Menorca Baby Travel Hire and when we heard the traffic light system in the UK had been implemented and was green for Menorca, we were hopeful our business

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would grow. We did have orders for that spring and summer 2021 (we were so excited when we got the confirmation email for our first order) but when the traffic light system went to amber things came to a halt. We knew the island would not have anywhere near its usual tourist numbers due to restrictions. 2022 and this year have been entirely different, and it is great to see people visiting and enjoying everything that this wonderful island has to offer. The business has grown each year so far, and we have had many repeat customers. A definite perk to the job is greeting clients at the airport or at their accommodation and seeing how excited they are to be visiting Menorca. We have many clients from the UK, but also from all corners of the world including Spain, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, the United States, Australia and more. We are constantly updating stock in line with client requests and based on personal experience with our son. We offer a flexible service with free airport delivery and pick up, and we cover the whole of Menorca for delivery and collection to villas and hotels. Outside of work Daniel has been captain of Menorca Cricket Club since 2022, having first played for the club 27 years ago as an 11-year-old whilst visiting on holiday. As a family we enjoy going to the various beaches around the island, participating in local events and fiestas and owing to our son we have built up an encyclopaedic knowledge of local play parks in Menorca. Our son is at nursery now and already understands and is speaking some Catalan and Castellano. He has friends who speak multiple languages fluently at 3 years of age, and it is incredible to see the progress he has made. We live on the north of the island and love it here, although the occasional tramontana can literally take your breath away. The cultures and traditions of the island are fantastic, each town is unique. We meet many people who grew up here and having moved away for work or further education have come back once they have started a family as they say it is like the motherland calling you home. Menorca is such a beautiful and safe environment to raise a young family. We often get asked by clients for recommendations on baby friendly beaches, restaurants and places to go and we discover new places all the time. It is great because we will have a delivery in Binibeca and then one in Cala Blanca. We have visited clients at resorts and beaches that we had never been to before and delivered to some unbelievable properties and hotels with the most incredible views of the island. We are often at Mahon airport too, delivering and collecting items. So, if you are visiting the island and see someone with a car seat/ pushchair/ perfect prep machine/ baby jumperoo (and sometimes all of the above at once) waiting in the Arrivals hall, that would be us! https://www.menorcababytravelhire.com/ info@menorcababytravelhire.com +34677224379 ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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SUSTAINABLE GARDENING

A sustainable garden is one adapted to the local natural environment. A sustainable garden on Menorca takes into account the local climate, geography and physical conditions such as temperature, soil, exposure to wind and proximity to the sea. The aim is to use plants that are already adapted to the local conditions, which need little water and are resistant to pests and diseases.

ES VIVER Es Viver garden centre is a hidden gem, tucked away next to the recyling centre, on the airport road. It is a non-profit-making initiative run by GOB to promote gardens which do not cause problems for the environment and which are easy to maintain. Es Viver promotes Mediterranean gardening without invasive species, and without polluting chemicals. I have lived in Menorca for 20 years, but I was unaware of its existence. Perhaps because they are not permitted to put up a large sign on the main road! You can buy a wide variety of plants, produced on site, with an ecological certificate. The plants are grown in the centre’s own nursery from seeds and seedlings collected from all over Menorca. For example, capers, lavender, and rock roses. English-speaking staff and volunteers work at the centre each morning, providing visitors with help and advice about the best plants to buy for their own garden. When I visited, Sofia from Bulgaria and Belen, from Valencia were working there as volunteers on a special GOB programme for 18-30 year olds. Toful, the centre’s manager and botanist and Tatania, a trained gardener, both made me very welcome during my visits. When I first visited in mid-April the nursery was full of seedlings. Menorca and mainland Spain then experienced a worrying heatwave when temperature rose to as much as 5 deg C above the norm. When the temperatures inside the poly tunnel became too warm, the seedlings had to be moved outside.

GARDEN DESIGN SERVICE Es Viver’s trained gardeners and botanists will visit your garden to help you make it more sustainable or to redesign it into new attractive and functional spaces. They can help you make use of materials such as earth, stones, and wood from the garden itself or from nearby areas. The aim is to avoid the economic and environmental costs of bringing products from far afield. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

Native plants make it possible to create very pleasant spaces, with low maintenance. This is in direct contrast with gardens based on non-Mediterranean exotic plants which create significant problems such as danger of introducing invasive plants, danger of spreading new pests and diseases, high water consumption or higher maintenance costs.

At the centre you can find wild plants and those traditionally used in gardens and orchards in Menorca. When local varieties are not available, orchard trees for example, then suitable species are introduced from Mallorca or similar Mediterranean climates. • Non-invasive wild plants from Menorca or the Mediterranean • Aromatic and culinary plants. • Plants resistant to proximity to the sea. • Fruit trees of local varieties from Menorca. • Organic garden planters of local varieties. • Ancient flowers from Menorca for patios and porches. • Aquatic plants for water purification systems (green filters). • Plants to be used for reforestation. • Soil for making seedlings and pots, with an ecological certificate.

CONSTRUCTION OF GREEN FILTERS, TO PURIFY WASTE WATER If your house in Menorca is located in a rural area without access to the waste water network, you might want to consider building a green filter. This allows you to purify and re/use your water in a closed loop, saving this very precious resource. In addition, it will bring new air to your garden by incorporating an area of aquatic plants and wetlands, creating a pleasant and fresh space for the local fauna and flora. So far, GOB has helped more than 25 properties install these filters in their garden. There is a working green filter at the Centre powered by a solar panel. Contact Details 0034 650 350 172 esviver@gobmenorca.com Open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Located on the airport road, at the entrance to the rubbish recycling centre. There is no big sign advertising the Garden centre due to local regulations, so look out for it on the right as you leave the main road.

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MENORCA PRESERVATION ON THE GRASSROOTS PROJECTS IT SUPPORTS, AND HOW TO REINFORCE THE ONLY WAY FORWARD Since its constitution in 2017, and thanks to the support of many people and businesses, Menorca 3UHVHUYDWLRQ KDV FDWDO\VHG VLJQLÀFDQW IXQGLQJ IRU HIIHFWLYH JUDVVURRWV HQYLURQPHQWDO LQLWLDWLYHV implemented by local entities, within four key pillars of work: land, sea, plastic and energy These have been developed and implemented by more than 20 entities on the island. This equates to more than 850,000 euros awarded to local environmental initiatives to boost the impact of our actions. “I’m so proud of the team and supporters of Menorca Preservation. We have incubated and funded some truly game-changing environmental restoration initiatives across the island. Menorca is fast becoming a leader among the islands of the world as humanity figures out how to live harmoniously within nature.” Ben Goldsmith, Co-founder of Menorca Preservation

In November 2017, Ben Goldsmith (founder of The Conservation Collective) and Estefanía Medina co-founded Menorca Preservation (Fundación para la Preservación de Menorca), a local, non-profit foundation. Their aim was to create a neutral and independent organisation through which one could support and strengthen environmental initiatives promoted by local organisations. In addition, as a foundation within The Conservation Collective group, Menorca Preservation is part of an international network of environmental non-profits, focusing on the protection, preservation and regeneration of biodiversity at a local level.

“I feel incredibly proud of all that we have achieved and what it means: increased knowledge, protected natural areas, new environmental jobs created, an incredible network of people involved and concerned about our natural habitats and the impact of climate change on these etc. Somehow, we are managing to “give back” to Menorca, which was something we hoped for but is also what many of those supporting us, want to do”. Rebecca Morris, Executive Director of Menorca Preservation

Over the last 5 years, Menorca Preservation has worked to slow down the effects of climate change on the island, contributing to the development of a more sustainable Menorca. Between 2017 and 2023, MeP has supported over 80 environmental initiatives focused on protecting, regenerating and conserving Menorca’s natural habitats. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

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Menorca Preservation’s collaborative principle emphasises our objective to support the initiatives carried out by local environmental organisations, avoiding duplication of efforts. We are convinced that achieving the sustainable transition depends on the ability to involve the greatest number of people. Menorca Preservation offers ourselves as a cooperative organisation, bringing together efforts and resources to enhance the positive impact achieved. Menorca Preservation’s areas of work are divided into four main pillars: Land, Clean Energy, Plastic and Sea. Within these pillars, MeP has supported and catalysed projects covering; • research into marine conservation, • educational projects with local schools on the importance of understanding our marine environments, • support to the research campaigns of TURSIOPS, an organisation investigating the presence of a sperm whale “nursery” to the north of Menorca, • the creation of the first Clean Energy Community in the Balearics • the creation of a farmers training programme in sustainable agriculture.

PLASTIC FREE MENORCA ALLIANCE Plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges and, with this in mind, Menorca Preservation catalysed the creation of the Plastic Free Menorca Alliance. This is a platform formed by several organisations with an outstanding mission towards the protection and preservation of the environment. These include GOB Menorca, OBSAM-IME, Associació Leader Illa de Menorca and 0 Plastic Menorca. Through the Plastic Free Menorca Alliance, the organisations have joined forces to achieve an island free of plastic pollution, especially from single use plastics. The Plastic Free Menorca Alliance began its journey in September 2020 and, since then, has achieved some important milestones to reduce the use of plastic on the island. One of the actions is advising and accompanying companies in their transition towards a lower use of plastic through two labels: Plastic Free Balearics for the hospitality sector and the Plastic Free Menorca Commitment for other sectors. Another initiative which has allowed us to orientate our strategy and monitor the steps taken, is the development of the Action Plan for the reduction of plastic pollution in Menorca by 2030. We drew this up together with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the participation of many other organisations.

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We also dedicate time and resources to educating our local community about the need to implement changes. We cover the legal requirements and rights on plastics, good practices that can be implemented to reduce the use of plastic, the impact of plastic pollution on our natural habitats and positive alternatives to plastic as opposed to “fake” solutions etc. Our aim is to give visibility to the effects of plastic pollution and to be an agent of change towards an island with less plastic, working and collaborating with the whole of society.

JUNE 2023

to come to an immediate end. So, we came together with various collaborators, such as Ports de Balears, the fishing associations from Ciudadela and Fornells, Menorca’s Foundation for People with Disabilities – and our wonderful team of local artisans and artists. Together, with each collaborator playing a vital role, we collect the nets, process the nets, give the nets a second life by turning them into a commercially viable product, and sell the products. The project to date involves the participation of 60 fishermen and 17 artisans, with over 230 nets collected and over 40kgs of nets upcycled so far.

MOVING TOWARDS A PLASTIC FREE ISLAND For 2023, Menorca Preservation managed to secure a significant amount of funding from the Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 to strengthen our Plastic Free Menorca Alliance. This new support will allow us to continue implementing the Action Plan for the reduction of plastic pollution in Menorca 2030. It sets out various actions aimed at raising awareness, and promoting and encouraging the elimination of the use of plastics in order to reduce the impact of plastic pollution in the island’s natural environment as much as possible. Some of the key actions will be: • To continue to provide local businesses information on plastic pollution, raising awareness about the regulations and good practices via our Plastic Free certification. • The installation of ten water fountains in busy public places across the island, to reduce the use of plastic water bottles and give the general public easier access to refilling their re-usable water bottles. • In parallel, we are also working to install a small network of installations where people will find re-usable beach products, such as beach umbrellas and children’s toys extending their life cycle and encouraging tourists to re-use these products. • In addition, we are launching a 0 Plastic Experiences platform from which we will promote all the resources available to reduce the use of plastic in Menorca, with a special focus on tourists. This platform will show the companies certified as Plastic Free, the location of the water fountains and the re-use points for beach products.

“It is great to see how nets that we can no longer use can be used for such beautiful things. At the same time, we give more life to plastic and help to solve the resulting pollution problem.” Xavi Marqués, Major Captain of the Guild of Ciutadella Menorca Preservation exists thanks to strongly committed businesses, fabulous collaborators, wonderful local entities and individuals, like yourself. We all have a deep connection to Menorca and wish to preserve its precious environment. If you feel you can support Menorca Preservation, Plastic Free Menorca or PescArt Menorca in any way, please do reach out to us! We are willing to meet you.

“Menorca has the opportunity as a Biosphere Reserve to become a key player in the fight against plastic pollution and we hope that these initiatives are the beginning of a collaborative effort to achieve a Plastic Free Island.” Marta Pérez López, Project Coordinator of Plastic Free Menorca

PESCART MENORCA Last but not least, and as part of Plastic Free Menorca’s initiatives, we also need to highlight PescArt Menorca. This is a circular economy project which seeks to give a second life to discarded fishing nets. The aim of the initiative was clear: the impact that approximately 700 discarded fishing nets per year were having on our environment needed

Contact details www.menorcapreservation.org @menorcapreservation Communication & projects: Sara D’Eustacchio, sara@menorcapreservation.org Executive director: Rebecca Morris, rebecca@menorcapreservation.org

Contact details www.plasticfreemenorca.org @plasticfreemenorca @pescartmenorca Plastic Free Menorca coordinator: Marta Pérez, marta@plasticfreemenorca.org PescArt Menorca coordinator: Núria Sintes, nuria@ plasticfreemenorca.org

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

JUNE 2023

SNORKELLING IN THE

DARK Snorkelling at night is the best thing in the world. Switching on the torch underwater is to poke your face into a world of secrets, all hidden under a magic blanket. It’s 9.15pm as we enter the water. I make sure to bundle up, as I know that nearing 11pm I’ll be ecstatic but freezing. I wear an 8mm wetsuit all through the summer though most people get away with a 5mm, and hood and gloves. The frogman get-up is just as much for the cold as to protect my skin from brushing on a hydroid, anemone or urchin. Our first find, in about three meters of water and under five minutes from the start, is an octopus out hunting for fish and small invertebrates. They hunt by ambushing their prey, changing their skin colour and texture a million times a minute to match their surroundings. This one is a common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) but we also get white-spotted ones, with extra-long legs (Callistoctopus macro-pus).

BY RACHAEL ADAMS

Photo credits to the author and Kirstin Francis.

away. So too do their flitty movements as they shoot jets of water from their siphons. Squid are nocturnal, spending the daytime out in deeper waters and coming into bays at night to hunt. They catch shrimp and small fish. Fishermen use lights to catch them and take a better haul on the new moon: the darker the better. Squid lay their eggs in long dangling tendrils under rocks, and the young are better known to us battered on a plate as chipirones. On one occasion we found a solitary bobtail squid (Sepiola spp). These little guys hide in the sand during the day. As we turn back towards the beach, we find a spotted sea hare (Aplysia dactylomela). What we call their “ears” are actually “rhinophores” used for sniffing rather than hearing. The bottom two curled “oral tentacles” are also for smelling and feeling. These huge sea slugs are algae grazers, so they’re often found quite close to the surface. In fact, they’re so good at guzzling weeds that you can rent one (in America) to clean your fish tank if you (really) need to!

Moray eels hunt octopuses, and we once found a couple tangled up in a furious knot of wrath mid-water. I couldn’t figure out what it was nor believe my eyes when suddenly, amidst a puff of ink, the knot became two different animals shooting off in opposite directions. Consequently, it’s not rare to see octopuses missing their full complement of legs.

Though boring in term of colour compared to many of their cousins, these fatties are still poisonous so don’t poke them or they’ll ooze an irritant pink purply plume of death at you. During the daytime, they pretend they’re innocuous and sleep under rocks.

Snorkellers have a much wider angle of view from the surface, so they often spot things that divers don’t (or things that are fleeing from divers). And more importantly, they disturb the wildlife less from afar so creatures can go about their nightly business as usual. We make sure not to shine our torch directly onto the octopus, but rather, to the back of or near the animal.

Just before the exit, in the shallows, we discover the relatively small sand eels (Ariosoma baleari-cum), or more scarily, “band tooth congers”. They hang motionless, camouflaged against the sand with their white, scaleless bodies, hoping I haven’t seen them. Shy little things at around 40cm long, if I do get too close, they shoot backwards into the sand leaving just the head poking out the top!

As we swim along the reef, huge shoals of silversides stretch the length of the bay, like walls of ster-ling fish slivers reflecting in our torchlight. Soon we spot scorpion fish (Scorpaena spp.) on the sand. Camouflaged on rocks by day, by night they move out into the sand, and lie in wait. As with the octopus, an ambush is the strategy of choice. Voracious hunters, it’s not long before they strike: after a night’s worth of rapid forward hops there’s quite a few fish less in the sea. The one in the picture is stealing my torchlight to attract its prey. A couple of fin flips ahead, a female electric torpedo ray (no claspers in sight) has come out of the sand and is pondering her next move. She has two large lobes on the side of her head which act like battery terminals. Once she chooses her victim, the ray wraps itself around it and stuns it with over 200 volts. Though, somewhat reassuringly perhaps, the amps are too low to kill humans outright. As we near the exit of the bay, shoals of squid (Loligo vulgaris) appear in the distance. Their red colour and glowy-turquoise bioluminescence give them

A word of warning for snorkellers that get so carried away they stay out all night until the sun comes up. Never stray from the edges and always, always take something big and yellow to wave at an on-coming boat. Scream if you must. I clip water bottles and cameras to my buoy. The chance to take a smoothie break on the surface by standing on a submerged rock pinnacle is a big advantage over diving. Though to see the squid eggs up close for any length of time you would have to book a dive as they are in 14m of water. Under an undisclosed mystic rock.

Barcelona University has a good website for species id (https:// www.cibsub.cat/guia.php) and Dive Centre Cala Blanca offer guided snorkel tours. Dive Centre Cala Blanca, Avinguda de Cala Blanca, 07769 Cala Blanca, Ciutadella de Menorca (+34) 642 682 704 info@divecentercalablanca.com

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LOCAL NEWS

CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS

JUNE 2023

NEWS

AGE CONCERN MENORCA A date for your diary! Thursday, June 8th, Age Concern Lunch and Coach Trip to Ciutadella, Es Castell and Cala en Porter pick-ups. Contact Chris on 669 949 370 The shop is still very busy and very well stocked. Thank you for your donations and custom! And a big “Thank you” to all our volunteers, of course! ARE YOU FEELING STRONG? We are still in desperate need of more strong, able-bodied volunteers to help us collect large and heavy items. Even if you are only available one morning a month, or during only a few weeks every year, we’d love to hear from you. At present, we are having to refuse some donations or pay for collections as we do not have the capacity to collect, which obviously impacts on our income and spending power. Also, thanks to your generosity, we have been able to donate items to help refugees from Ukraine as well as help our local community. New Shop Manager Lee Our biggest news is the appointment of a new Shop Manager, Lee, who joined last year after Carol retired from work. Lee’s family bought a holiday property on Menorca in 1986 and then moved here permanently in 1993. After completing University in the UK, he returned and worked in the family business for several years. He then moved to Mallorca, working as a branch manager for the Spanish version of Curry’s until personal circumstances changed, and he rejoined the family business in 2011. In 2014, he started working for a very well known property management company as Property Management Manager on the island. In 2022, he was delighted to find out that his fiancé, Samantha, was pregnant with their first child. Thomas, or Tommy, as he is affectionately known, is now a beautiful baby boy. This great event made Lee rethink his work-life balance, and he joined Age Concern as our new Shop Manager. He feels he can both dedicate more time to his family life and also give something back to the island community he loves Our Services Our Lifeline service offers confidential help to those in need. A team of volunteers led by Carol (yes, she is still very much involved) is very busy supporting individuals in different ways. If anyone you know requires our help, please get in touch. If you would like to join our Lifeline team, please contact Carol. We always need translators. The medical equipment short-term loan service is also still busy. Please make an appointment with Jan. This is essential if you need a wheelchair, crutches, walking frame etc.

Lee, Sam and Tommy

There is no rental fee, but a deposit is required, and we do ask for a donation when the equipment is returned, and you get your deposit back. You can collect from us, or we can deliver anywhere on the island. Loans are for up to 3 months. Lunches and Drop in Sessions It has been wonderful to have our social activities up and running again. We hold a fish and chip lunch at Bar Pons, in Cala en Porter, on the first Thursday of every month. Our second monthly lunch, held on the third Thursday of every month, is in Ca´n Avelino 23 on June 15th. Sandy and Chris are the organisers, booking is essential and everyone is welcome! Both our weekly ‘drop-in’ sessions are up and running. Just come along and make new friends or meet current ones • Every Monday from 11am -12.30 at the Jubilado Centre on the Esplanada in Es Castell • Every Tuesday from 10am – 12.00 at Bar Pons, Cala en Porter. The Tuesday ‘drop-in’ has been running for many years and is wellsupported. The Monday club is going from strength to strength thanks to Roy and Elaine Keep your eyes open for more news, visit our website or Facebook page, email us for the latest information, or just ‘drop-in’ on a Monday or Tuesday. Become a Friend of Age Concern Our membership numbers are very healthy. Membership not only means you are supporting us, but also entitles you to discounts at all our social events. Please contact our Membership Secretary, Shelly, if you would like to support our work by donating €12 a year and becoming a Friend of Age Concern. You can pay at the shop, at our lunches or by bank transfer Thank you all for your continued support through donations, purchases, membership or as a volunteer. We couldn’t do any of this without you!

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

WELCOME BACK ROQUETA!!! Welcome back to our new season of the Arts Society Menorca! Getting things started with our 2023 lecture series was Toby Faber of publishers Faber and Faber. His topic “90 Years of Excellence in Cover Design” was so interesting and informative, especially for us book lovers! On Thursday May 18 our second lecture was on “Conservation of Paintings” with Julia Korner. Julia studied art history and conservation at Cambridge, England and for twenty years worked for Christie’s as a painting specialist.

KEY INFORMATION: Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 09.45 – 13.15. (Closed Afternoons) For the latest information and current offers follow us on facebook or visit our website. General Email: Visit Our Website: Follow Us On Facebook: Social Secretary:

Membership Lifeline:

Menorca@Ageconcern.org.es Www.ageconcernmenorca.com Age Concern Menorca 2015 Menorca@Ageconcern.org.es Sandy: 699 901 777 or 650 729 439 Chris: 669 949 370 Secretary:menorca@Ageconcern.org.es 620 017 437 Lifelineminac@Gmail.com 676 904 487

So you may be reading this and asking “the Arts Society Menorca? What is that?” Simply, we are a branch of an international organisation promoting education of the arts. Committee Chairman, Victoria Dowie further explains, “There are nearly 400 member societies in the UK and abroad, 90,000 people worldwide. Our events provide a venue to hear and see experts live, sharing their specialist knowledge about differing aspects of the arts.” Lectures take place at the AeroClub San Lluís where there are Tapas and your favourite beverages available for purchase.”

Medical & Mobility Equipment Loan By Appointment Only: Acmenorcamedequip@Gmail.com 629 016 307 Shop: Menorca@Ageconcern.org.es 971 156 110 Shop Manager:

Menorca@Ageconcern.org.es 636 347 286

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Arts Society Commitee

Julia Kormer, the Arts Society Menorca’s May Speaker

It’s very simple to join the Arts Society Menorca: send an email to Malcolm at menorca@theartssociety.org and he’ll send you information and an application form. Malcolm Price, Membership Chairman explains, “Membership for 2023 is 60 Euros for individuals and 110 Euros for couples, and this includes admission to the 5 lectures plus 4 quarterly magazines from the Arts Society.” There is a fantastic programme of lectures this year, and details are shown in the events section on the website, www.theartssociety.org/menorca You can follow The Arts Society Menorca on Facebook too! Malcolm adds, “It can be difficult to plan visits to the island that coincide with our lecture dates, so, you can join us any lecture night for just 15€; again, just email me and I’ll send you details”. We are grateful to our friends at Blevins Franks for their support and sponsorship. The AeroClub San Lluís, The Anglican Church Menorca, and Ses Bruixes for their generosity. And to Jorge Fernández Alday for the use of his painting in our graphic design. To a great new season! Your Committee: Victoria Dowie, Malcolm Price, Carles Jiménez, Clive Dowie, and Kate Strudwick.

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LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

SPIRITUAL WELLBEING

Rev Paul Strudwick

After more than 150 recorded services for online worship, with sermons from various places around Menorca, only a couple of locations have been repeated. The island almost always manages to look photogenic!

RESURRECTION, RENEWAL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF LETTING GO Welcome back, Roqueta. It seems appropriate that I heard the news that you were to arise again during the season of Easter, an extended time of pondering what resurrection means. The last words that I wrote for Roqueta, a year ago, were: ‘… by letting go of what needs to die, by focusing on the deeper and enduring needs of our world, by thinking of the longer term rather than instant gratification, and by seeking the common good rather than our own selfcentred desires, we can in fact defy the darkness and open cracks through which the light may shine.’ ‘Cracks through which the light may shine,’ was an allusion to one of Leonard Cohen’s songs, Anthem: ‘There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in,’ suggesting that our imperfections and vulnerability present opportunities for something greater than ourselves to be revealed. But the culture in which we live tries to deny imperfection and is largely dismissive of vulnerability. As a result, we create an environment in which it is fashionable to feign infallibility through bluster and deception, creating facades that inevitably collapse in the face of reality when we live in a world in which it is very difficult to keep secrets. On Easter Sunday this year, in the context of resurrection, I found myself unwittingly returning to the theme of letting things go to speak (partly) about seeds, germination, and new life that can only spring forth when something is allowed to die. At one point, just before things started to spiral downhill for Jesus, he reminded his disciples that, ‘unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’ Seeds respirate ever so slightly if they are alive. A dead seed cannot germinate and grow. Jesus knew this. He knew about agriculture like everyone else in his community, simply because in first century Palestine people lived in closer proximity to the agriculture that provided them with sustenance. Jesus was also a master of metaphor and parables, so an idea that sticks out to us as odd is often the doorway into deeper understanding.

What is it about a seed that dies for it to bear fruit? What is a seed? Basically, it is living potential. And so, to bear fruit, the seed must cease to be a seed. It must spend the energy reserves it has been saving, give up all its protective coatings, and become an incredibly vulnerable sprout. Of course, seeds are designed for security. Their respiration is so slow that they can protect life in incredibly adverse conditions, sometimes for many years. But there’s a twist in this: many seeds never germinate because the life within cannot overcome the protective coating. If we love being a seed, if our lives are about comfort, security and protecting what has been given to us, then we will miss the opportunity to germinate. What God plans to do in us and through us often goes a lot further than our own goals and dreams. Which means that we need to be open for discernment and willing to be changed. Those of us who choose to try to follow a Christian life find ourselves challenged to give all that we are or might be, to use the gifts of ourselves, our time, our resources, our very life to a purpose greater than ourselves or our immediate family circle; to release tribal instincts, so prevalent in modern society, and seek the common good. The seed that cannot germinate because its protective shell is too hard fails to fulfil its God-given potential. That goes for us too. We are not good at softening our protective shells and embracing vulnerability and openness, nor at letting go, at letting something die so that new life can arise. Let’s face it, vulnerability is disdained as weakness in the world around us, which is both sad and unrealistic, because as flawed, fallible human beings, acknowledging our imperfections in vulnerability gives us opportunities to grow. There’s a song by Mumford and Sons, called ‘Roll Away My Stone,’ that seems to be pertinent to all of this. The lyrics include these words:

Roll away your stone, I’ll roll away mine; And together we can see what we will find. Don’t leave me alone at this time. For I am afraid of what I will discover inside …

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS Indeed, letting go, allowing something to die, is not necessarily easy, or painless, and we might find ourselves approaching with trepidation whatever is revealed in the new life that emerges. In the Christian tradition, resurrection of Jesus only takes place after a painful ordeal of abandonment, degradation, humiliation and death. There is not just the death of Jesus to be overcome, but the rebuilding of relationships damaged by disappointment, abandonment and recrimination as well as a very different form of life facing the followers of Jesus. That is why Easter needs to be a season, not simply to celebrate glibly a miraculous emergence from a tomb from which a stone has been rolled away, but to recognise that the human condition is tinged with complicated and disruptive relationships that could use examples of patient healing as a process, not an event. As an example, the rebirth of Roqueta itself only arrives after difficulty and tragedy. A good first step in all this might be to engage in some serious and honest self-examination. We could ask ourselves, in life in general, what protective shell do we need to soften into vulnerability and openness? There is no resurrection without death, so what might we need to allow to go, to allow to die, so that resurrection can occur, so that new life can arise? And are we willing to give those around us the freedom to explore their own journeys of letting go and moving on? Mumford and Sons conclude the song ‘Roll Away My Stone,’ with:

It seems that all my bridges have been burned,

JUNE 2023

CANCER SUPPORT WALKING THE CAMI DE CAVALLS FOR CANCER SUPPORT This Easter a small team of walkers travelled from Mallorca to Menorca to walk the Cami de Cavalls to raise money for the Cancer Support Group. The team, led by Anita Vince, had an amazing time. This is the second time they have come to Menorca, after having walked the GR221 in Mallorca three times in previous years. Anita herself had cancer and the support group really helped her during that time and now that she is well again, she spends a lot of her free time thinking of ways to help raise money to keep funding the work the charity does. This year she also started the Walk Against Cancer challenge, a virtual walk through the Sierra Tramuntana, where participants set themselves a step goal equal to the whole GR221 or a section of it and then walk those steps during the whole month of April, whenever and wherever suits them best. This launch event was amazing, so many signed up, Anita hopes to make this also a yearly event. But what is Cancer Support Mallorca? It is a charity that was founded in Mallorca to help foreigners who are affected by cancer. They help patients as well as family members and friends, their team of volunteers cover many different languages and offer translations, transport, hospital and home visits, free counselling and nutritional advice and much more. Some years after it was founded the group decided to expand their services to Menorca as well, at the time many patients were having to travel to Mallorca for radiotherapy where they needed support, and the group wanted to continue to offer support when the patients got back home to Menorca. Over the years different members from the group have visited Menorca, and the charity has a small network of people willing to help, but are always keen to add more volunteers and collaborators to their list, if you would like to get involved with the Cancer Support Group, please visit their website for more information

https://www.cancersupportmallorca.com/pages/5-get-involved If you have cancer or know someone who does and would like support, use this link https://www.cancersupportmallorca.com/pages/patients or contact us by phone (call or Whatsapp) on +34 659887455.

But, you say that’s exactly how this grace thing works. It’s not the long walk home That will change this heart, But the welcome I receive with the restart. Welcome back, Roqueta.

CHURCH NEWS Worship in the church of Santa Margarita has returned to something close to its pattern before Covid. In addition to Sunday morning worship at 9am and 11am, there is also worship at 11am every Wednesday and morning prayer with a focus on healing at 11am on Friday (also on Zoom). Santa Margarita continues to offer worship online, to respect the needs of those unable to worship in person at the church. The church web site will continue to be the place to seek up-to-date news and information about online worship: anglicanchurchmenorca.com.

The phone number for the chaplain, Paul, is +34 617222382 and his e-mail is chaplain@anglicanchurchmenorca.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

ISLAND INFORMATION CONSULATES How do I contact the British Consulate? You can call or send an email to our contact centre Tel: 933666200 Email: spain.consulate@fco.gov.uk (Make sure you put ‘Menorca’ in the subject line) They will be able to answer most general enquiries and will pass you through to the team in Palma, should you need further assistance. www.gov.uk/government/world/spain. Germany San Andreu 32, Mahón. Tel 971 36 90 12 EMERGENCY NUMBERS General Emergencies 112 (equivalent to 999 in UK). 24 hour service in 4 languages. Domestic Violence 016 Local Police 092 National Police: 091 Police station Mahon: 971 363 712. Police station Ciutadella: 971 363 066 Fire Service 971 35 10 11 Sea Rescue 900 202 202 Emergency Ambulance 061 OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION Tourist Information visit www.menorca.es. Offices in Mahón and Ciudadela Taxis 971 36 71 11

Chemist shops are closed on Sundays, but some are open on Saturdays. Shop Opening Hours 09.00 – 13.30 and 16.30/17.00 – 20.30 Larger supermarkets Monday to Saturday 09.00 – 21.00 Sunday mornings in summer Banks Monday to Friday 08.15 – 14.00 If hiring a car, you are required to keep with you: Hire documents, driving licence and a photocopy of your passport. NB: Seat belts are compulsory, and children must be in the back of the vehicle For a comprehensive list of all bus times on the Island, please visit www.tmsa.es Internal flights in Spain from Menorca: Iberia – www.vueling.com, www.iberia. com POST OFFICES Carrer de Ciutadella, 76, 07701 Maó Plaça des Born, 9, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca Carrer Llevant, 5-7, 07720 Es Castell Carrer Lepanto, 43, 07740 Es Mercadal Carrer de sa Lluna, 13 (antes, Carrer de Sant Esteve, 14), 07710 Sant Lluís HOSPITALS WITH 24 HR EMERGENCIES MAHON Hospital Mateo Orfila Rda. de Malbúger, 1, 07703 Mahón, Phone: 971 48 70 00

CIUTADELLA Canal Salat C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, s/n 07760 Ciutadella Tel: 971 480 112 PRIVATE CLINICS CLINICA JUANEDA Avenida Vives Llull, 6 07703 Mahón Tel. 971 351 115 info.menorca@juaneda.es CLINICA JUANEDA Jose Delfin Serra, 10, 07760 Ciutadella Tel. 971 480 505 info.menorca@juaneda.es POLICLINICA VIRGEN DE GRACIA Av Vives Llull 6, 07003, Mahon Tel: 971351115 RED CROSS CREU ROJA MAÓ C/ Josep Anselm Clavé, 162 ·07703 Tel.: 971 36 11 80 Creu Roja Ciutadella c/ de la Creu, 2 07760 Tel.: 971 38 19 93 CREU ROJA FERRERIES Av. Jaume Mascaró, 66, 07750 Tel.: 971 37 31 39 Creu Roja Es Mercadal C/ Veterinaris Gomila, 12, 07740 Tel.: 971 37 53 00 CREU ROJA ALAIOR C/ Orient, 39 · 07703 Tel.: 971 37 12 38

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CREU ROJA SANT LLUÍS C/ Pere Tudurí, s/n · 07710 Tel.: 971 15 10 01 CHEMISTS Chemists or Farmacias are found around the island. For emergencies out of hours, there is a list of duty chemists displayed on the chemist door. GAS All cooking gas used in Menorca is bought from REPSOL BUTANO. Bottles can be exchanged at petrol stations and at the depots. Mahon: Avinguda de Fort de l’Eau, 125, BJ, 07701 Mahon: Main Road. Maó-Ciutadella ME-1, Km. 3,5. 07714 Ciutadella: Cala Morell Road, c/ Algaiarens, km. 1,5, 07760 See the website for opening hours https://gasmenorca.es/centros-dedistribucion/ FLIGHTS FROM THE ISLAND For all information and timetables regarding travel by air and sea to and from the Island please refer to the airline websites. To contact the airport, call 971 157 000 We will update the website as and when we receive the most up to date information which is kindly supplied by Viajes Pons Sans.

LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

MENORCA CHARITY PLAYERS MENORCA CHARITY PLAYERS HAVE CLOSED THEIR STAGE DOOR FOR GOOD. WELL, IT WAS A BLAST! SADLY, ALL THE BEST THINGS MUST COME TO AN END... From humble beginnings, in the early 1990s, the “Picadero Players” performed at the Picadero restaurant using beer crates as a stage. The founding members went on to join forces with another drama group, to become the Menorca Charity Players. Since the year 2000, the Menorca Charity Players have been performing live theatre productions to raise money to donate and benefit local Menorcan charities. The shows have ranged from play readings, revues, short plays through to full three act productions in some of the most prestigious theatres in Menorca. Two of the most lavish shows from our earlier days were performed in the Orfeon Theatre in Mahon to over 500 audience members. Other shows have been much smaller in scope, with the most recent productions being performed to about 100 audience members. Over the last few years, we have performed short plays, a Christmas pantomime, a number of revues and held three quiz nights. Our recent productions have been held in the Casino Sant Clement or at the Real Aero Club in Sant Lluis. Our ethos has always been to have fun, be creative and not forgetting to acknowledge our fortune in being able to live in such a beautiful environment, creating a desire to “put something back” into our chosen home. We are proud to have been able to achieve that goal. Our horizons were broadened even further since we started performing theatre in local schools and to adults learning English, enabling us to entertain and enhance the children’s and adults’ command of English in an enjoyable way and expanding the range of people who take part in and attend our shows. We also learned a lot ourselves and made some good friends! 70,000 Euros raised for local Causes We are very proud to say that over the years we have donated about 70 000 Euros to various causes on the island. There are far too many to mention them all but the list below gives you some idea of the variety of the organisations we have supported: AECC (Cancer charity) • Diabetes Association • Cruz Roj • Club Vidalba (provides activities for young people with disabilities) • Cardiac Unit of Mateu Ofilia hospital • Aspinob (Children’s cancer charity Cats in Need • Trepuco residential home • Menorca Donkey Rescue Sadly, in 2020, Covid interfered with our ability to perform in schools and elsewhere and this, made it so much harder to recruit new members. We diversified for Christmas in 2020, by producing a Virtual Advent Calendar which we videoed and posted on our website – one video per day from December 1st to 24th. This raised around 300€ through donations from those who viewed it. We have become, sadly, an ageing group (with ageing memories and associated ailments!) and, despite our best efforts it has been very hard to recruit new, younger members. Those who are keen have other responsibilities which has made it hard for them to participate in rehearsals and productions. Our electrical equipment is also quite ancient and costly to replace. Sadly, the ultimate conclusion was that we needed to disband, close our stage door! Our final event, an Entertainment Quiz night was held on Friday 21st April at the Aero Club. It was a very successful evening, enjoyed by all (even if some of the questions were a bit ‘interesting’ and involved us using our acting skills!), raising over 600€ which, along with our existing funds, will be distributed to causes here on Menorca. Of course, the people who worked behind the scenes must know how much their contributions have been valued. During my time (the last 12 years or so) Mike Dixon (now deceased) and Mike Earnshaw have made huge contributions and during the last couple of years Ken Parr’s help has been invaluable too. Also, further back, we can’t forget: Jeanne Hunt (now deceased), a tremendous “wardrobe mistress” who created stunning costumes for “Widow Twanky” and Abanazar in Aladdin and the two “Ugly Sister” in Cinderella; Mike Dixon’s creation of many great sets (“Allo, Allo” was incredible); Gerry Wright who oversaw the summer musical extravaganzas in the plaza of Es Castell Town Hall; Mike Collins and Dave Rayfield who gave the performances life with the sound and lighting. A huge, huge thanks to everyone who has ever been part of the “Players” journey and to all of you who have supported us over the years enabling us to achieve our main objective of helping others. Together we have been a powerful team here in Menorca. Thank you all! D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

LADIES PROBUS LUNCHEON AND AGM Our outgoing president, Susan Johnston, welcomed everyone and gave her annual report. She commended members for their ongoing support to our Ukrainian families on the island throughout the year. She then gave an update on the completion of donations to the three selected charities for 2022/23. Susan confirmed that herself and Sue Clark would be stepping down from the committee. She thanked the entire committee for their support during her time as secretary and president and gave a special thanks to Sue for her eight years of service to the club. Business then moved on to the confirmation of the three new committee members, Anne, Stella and Avril. Janet Quayle was confirmed as the new president. Committee elections were followed by the Treasurers annual report. Charity Support 2023/24 Then it was on to choosing the three charities the club will support during 2023/24. The votes went to Trebaluger Equine Rescue Center, the Mao Orphanage and Red Cross. With any other business concluded, Susan passed the President’s chain of office to Janet and Sue and Susan were presented with beautiful plants and a bottle to enjoy later. May Luncheon at Don Pablos The Ladies Probus May Luncheon was held at Don Pablos on Thursday 11 May 2023 - it was the first luncheon that the new President, Janet Quayle, officiated. A raffle took place with numerous prizes and a bottle of wine was donated by Paul on behalf of the restaurant.

Susan hands over to the new president, Janet

The second Thursday of every month heralds our Ladies Probus lunch and in April we went to Il Porto for the AGM. It was a pleasure to return to one of our favourite restaurants where they always take such good care of us. Our numbers were slightly down as a nasty respiratory bug and covid linger and members were also still away from the island on Easter holidays. Those who attended were in good spirits and enjoyed a lovely three course lunch followed by the customary raffle. Then it was down to business.

The President welcomed all the ladies and introduced the new committee. She mentioned all birthdays for the coming month and distributed birthday cards. She also mentioned the Choirs summer concert 9th and 10th July 2023 - those tickets available from Shelley (689 177 164 or 07791 273062) for the price of 15 euros. We would like to thank Paul and his team for a lovely luncheon which consisted of a choice of 3 starters 3 mains and 3 desserts. We again compliment Paul on the good food and service we experienced A loyal toast was given to King Charles 3rd on his coronation. Ladies Probus is a great place to meet new friends and we welcome membership enquiries. Please contact probusmenorca@gmail.com

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB

Well quite a lot has happened since our last report in Roqueta. The club was unable to meet during lockdown obviously and Elaine Martin valiantly stayed on an extra year as president. Eventually, we got back to normal with our full complement which is often 60 people. The format remains the same, we move around in the summer and then have a permanent home in the winter. This is normally the Hotel Port Mahon but, as it is being revamped, we have been in the Hotel Agamenon and enjoyed its beautiful views. We still have some interesting speakers. Lluis Ametller the official guide for Lazareto gave us a fascinating take on the history of the Port of Mahon. Joanna Young, from Estudio 3 in Mahon put together two fashion shows, with some interesting models to say the least (ahem) and Steve from Sa Botiga in Son Vilar has organised some good quizzes. Our last lunch at Avelino 23 was themed to the coronation; many members turned up in red, white and blue, some with union jack trousers, some were crowned queens! We knew the quiz theme was Kings, but weren´t really expecting to remember that Roger Miller sang King of the Road... Deborah Hellyer revised her diplomatic past and gave the toast to the King and said a few words about him too. The Diari (local paper) also popped along. We had some excitement in the Agamenon when we coincided with the royal protection officers who were due to protect the Spanish king and queen when they visited the Isla del Rey and Ciutadella. What these fit young men and a few girls thought of the British ladies at large one doesn’t like to think...

COMMITTEE CHANGES Elaine stepped down as president, Annie Gooch as vice president and Jane Thornely Higgs. They had all worked very hard, sometimes when they were recovering from surgery. Our new president is Jayne Wolstenhome who has seen the club in all its phases right from the beginning. Her trusty lieutenant is Avril Searles as vice president, Karen Pearson secretary, and Christine Brooker (Manota) Roqueta. New members took on roles including Julie Burchill, membership, Elizabeth Walker raffle, and Sam Roussel who helps everybody especially Karen and Julie on the door. Although the club is not a charitable institution, we do try to help whenever possible. Annie organised collections for the Ukrainians and the Red Cross and still does her wonderful Christmas Boxes. We run a raffle and the profit made means more help for charities and to subsidise events.

Next lunch is 7th June at The Grill by the airport. It is becoming difficult to find venues at the prices we normally pay as costs are rising but we do our best, until next month.

ladiesluncheonclubofmenorca@hotmail.com

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

MENORCA CRICKET CLUB THE BALEARIC CUP Matches are up and running at the Menorca Cricket Club (MCC). One of the highlights of the season is the Balearic Cup and this year it took place in Menorca over three days on 12,13 and 14th May. Dan Osterbery, Chairman of MCC reports “Having lost to Ibiza on Friday, there was a great final match at Biniparrell on the Sunday when we beat Mallorca Cricket Club. It was an incredible match and a complete team performance from our boys. A thrilling end to the competition with all teams having one win each. Ibiza Cricket Club were current holders and so they get to keep the trophy for another year. Thanks to all the supporters who helped make the atmosphere at the ground so electric!” Roshan Goonesekera from Mallorca commented, “It was a fantastic weekend and to be at the picturesque ground was simply amazing. Thanks for your hospitality. After our win on Saturday, we were brought back to earth by a very determined Menorca team. Even when Mallorca were over a 100 without a wicket, they never let their heads hang but were always positive and were very worthy winners. Looking forward to the next Balearic Cup.” MCC modelling their new kit, thanks to sponsors Mehoca, Bambu Menorca, and Home Menorca

JUNE MATCH DATES 12.30PM START

Ted wearing the new Summer Cricket T shirt.

03/06/2023 SANDSEND SWORSDMEN TBC 04/06/2023 SANDSEND SWORSDMEN TBC 07/06/2023 JP21 FOUNDATION CHARITY GAME 10/06/2023 BIG WEST 11/06/2023 BIG WEST 17/06/2023 SEVENOAKS VINE 18/06/2023 SEVENOAKS VINE 24/06/2023 SUTTON COLDFIELD 25/06/2023 SUTTON COLDFIELD

A full list of fixtures is available on the MCC website. Visitors are welcome, so go along and support the team and enjoy the beautiful ground. Also, the Club are always on the lookout for new (ideally younger!) players, so if you live on the island don’t hesitate to get in touch.

SUMMER CRICKET MCC invites all cricketers - both young and old - to participate in games when there are no fixtures. These games are played on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout July & August (See the Fixtures page for dates). Play starts at 10.30am to approximately 2.30pm - 3pm both days. The price is 5 euros per person per game. Please register at the ground 30 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure you get a game. Quality equipment is provided. Players of all ages and ability are welcome but juniors must have game experience and adults must be responsible for their children. For more details of the Junior or Summer cricket programs please contact Dan Osterbery on +34 670 37 89 19 https://www.menorcacricketclub.com/

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

LOCAL MUSIC

EXCITING NEW CELTIC BAND IN MENORCA

POGUE MAHONE Back for another season in Menorca are Pogue Mahone, an exciting fivepiece acoustic ceilidh band with Celtic influences. Following a successful season in Calan Bosch in 2022, the band is here again playing a lively set of traditional music with its roots firmly based in the Irish, Scottish and English genre. But don’t be fooled by the ‘folk’ label. This is not a finger-in-ear, droning folk group. Far from it. Their music is fast paced and lively and you are sure to be tapping your feet and clapping your hands as the pace quickens. Fronted by “box” player Richard Moncad (melodeon) and Marie Weckesser on the fiddle (violin); and accompanied by Gail Moncad - Irish Drum (Bodhran), Fabian Gozalvez (guitar) and Ramon Sanchez - (base guitar); the group brings a fresh wind of change to the usual live music traditionally found in the bars and cafes on the island. Says Richard - “We want to create an atmosphere like that of a typical locals’ pub on the west coast of Ireland or somewhere in the Glens of Scotland. Sit back and enjoy, even dance if you wish, this is not a concert and we don’t want to drown out the conversation or even the Craic!” Whilst the music is certainly Celtic, the musicians are anything but. Apart from Gail who is Welsh, the nationalities represented are German, English, Argentinian and Spanish. Holland is thrown in for good measure when Myrte guests on the tin whistle. So why a Ceilidh band in Spain? Again, Richard - “Well the band was largely born out of frustration. Menorca is a beautiful island but the style and atmosphere of the bars, especially in the resorts, just wasn’t the same as those we had become used to at home. I had been playing with a number of folk bands in the UK and decided it was about time we had some fun here. I roped in the other musicians who didn’t really understand what I was trying to do at first, but soon they were hooked! The mix of nationalities does bring a fresh angle to the music and there seems to be no stopping them now.” … And the name? “Pogue Mahone, whilst influenced by one of my favourite Irish bands, when translated from Gaelic means... on second thoughts you might want to look up the translation yourself as it may not get printed here!” The band will be back at Chaplin’s Bar in Calan Bosch on Mondays throughout the season and BJ’s Bar in Son Parc by invitation. Details will be posted on their Facebook page which can be found by searching “Pogue Mahon Menorca” So if you fancy a little bit of home atmosphere during your time here in Menorca, why not pop along to one of their sessions and enjoy a little bit of Home-from- Home? Maybe even a pint of Guinness to complete the scene. Oh, and in case you are wondering, a Melodeon is a diatonic accordion and Bodhran is pronounced “Bow-ron” Féach leat ag an gig D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

JUNE 2023

REMEMBERING

SHEELAGH MARY RATLIFF 13 APR I L 1948 - 5TH JA N UARY 2023

Sheelagh was born on 13th April 1948 in Newcastle upon Tyne, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (nee Gilliead) Ratliff. She had an older brother, David, and two younger brothers, Michael and Stephen. Post-war Britain was hard, and both her parents worked whilst raising their family. Sheelagh’s mum made many dresses and clothes for them both, with large paper patterns spread across the floor. This was to be great experience for Sheelagh in her future life, although she never really stuck to the patterns. She was always “tweaking” them to make them more trendy, or simply making her own for secret nights out at the Club a GoGo in Newcastle. Quite how she explained to her mother that she had acquired Dave Clark’s (as in Dave Clark Five) drum sticks, or that she had seen The Beatles and Rolling Stones, when she was supposed to be at the local Catholic youth club, I’m not sure. She won a place at the local Catholic Convent Grammar School, La Sagesse, which had a reputation for academic success and strict regulations. Needless to say, Sheelagh quickly challenged the length of the skirt and wore her straw hat at a most irregular angle. Whilst many of the nuns saw this as a challenge, one, Sr Carmel her art teacher, recognised her creative talent and encouraged her to enrol on the Fashion Design course at Newcastle College of Art. This was a forerunner of the prestigious Northumbria University where a later graduate was Jonathan Ive, Apple’s chief designer from 1997 to 2019. Sadly, Sheelagh never quite mastered her i-phone or i-pad, but that’s another story. Sheelagh excelled under the leadership of Professor Mary Bromley who always hoped that Sheelagh would return to the college as a teacher and maybe successor. That was not to be. By 1966 Sheelagh was in London, which was THE place to be for a fashion designer. She quickly established herself in the work and social life of Swinging Sixties London. She went on to put on fashion shows in Paris, Milan and New York, designing outfits for Tina Turner, Lulu and others, and working closely with her friend Jeff Banks. Sheelagh acquired the accent of the Capital, to much teasing from her brothers back home, but she could always slip into Geordie to give a rendition of The Blaydon Races or Keep Yer Feet Still Geordie Hinny, especially after a G&T or glass of red wine. Guests at the hotel might remember her telling off her father, Charlie, for singing; then joining in herself. The creative bug never left her and in 1984 she headed off to Spain, then Menorca, for a new adventure and career in hospitality. With Sandy Dallison from London, she took over Tamarisk, near Es Grau. Then in 1994, she took on the greater challenge, along with local artist Lindsay Mullan, of converting a set of derelict farm buildings into the magnificent Biniarroca Hotel Rural, one of the first Rural Hotels on the island. Her vision included an environmental and sustainable philosophy, which is still maintained. It soon gained a reputation for tranquillity, beauty, fine cuisine and a superb welcome from hostess Sheelagh and her excellent staff. It became the “Go To” hotel for many regular guests as well as a special venue for celebrating weddings, engagements, birthday parties and anniversaries. Its guests have included many well known international figures from the world of music, sports, politics, literature, and TV. Sheelagh took pride in treating every guest equally. She had a rule that mobile phones were not allowed in the restaurant or by the pool, and she would, gently, enforce that with everyone! Sheelagh was widely known on the island and was involved in a number of charitable events, donating dinners and mini-breaks. She also supported many charity shops, spotting bargains which could be turned into fabulous and unique outfits. This habit could drive her brothers mad if they ever went with her to the shops. Her sewing machine never retired as she also turned her skill, learned literally at her mother’s knee, to creating clothes, especially animal prints, curtains, bed covers, cushions and throws, always in her particular style. Poor health in the last few years meant that Sheelagh was less involved in the day to day running of Biniarroca. But she had built up a team of skilled and dedicated staff, many of whom have been with her for over 20 years. Led by Director Nuria Sintes, the hotel was able to bounce back after Covid. Her weekly meetings with Nuria, and her forensic eye for detail, meant that standards were maintained and that the future of the hotel is assured. Sheelagh’s family are delighted that, together with Nuria and her team, the hotel will continue to be successful and build on her vision and legacy. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S

JUNE 2023

LOCAL FIESTAS DATES SUMMER 2023: Ciutadella: Sant Joan 18, 23- 24 June Mercadal: Sant Martí 15-16 July Fornells: Sant Antoni 22-23 July Es Castell: Sant Jaume 24-25-26 July Es Migjorn: Sant Cristófol 29-30 July Llucmaçanes: Sant Gaietà 5-6 August Alaior: Sant Llorenç 12-13 August Sant Climent: Sant Climent 19-20 August Ferreries : Sant Bartomeu 23-24 August Sant Lluis: Sant Lluis 26-27 August

JUNE 2023 One of the biggest complaints in Menorca is that we do not find out about events until after they have happened! Every month we try to list events that we know are happening to help you plan ahead. Of course if you hear of anything else yourself that is of interest to the readers, then please let us know - info@roquetamagazine.net

BANK HOLIDAYS Everything closed, although in the summer months, many shops tend to stay open. All shops and businesses remain closed during the respective local fiestas. 1 May: International Workers’ Day 15 August: Assumption Day 12 October: Spain’s National Day 1 November: All Saints’ Day

Sant Lluis: Sant Lluiset 2-3 September Mahón: Mare de Deu de Gracia 7-9 September Es Mercadal: Sant Nicolau 9-10 September Cala’n Porter: 16-17 September

GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND If you prefer using public transport as an alternative to taking the car, there are three bus companies covering different parts of the island. Buses are very punctual, although bear in mind timetables vary greatly depending on the time of year. Up to date bus timetables can be checked online. TORRES www.bus.e-torres.net Torres buses run between Ciutadella and resorts along the west coast, as well as to the unspoiled beaches to the north and to the south of Ciutadella. TMSA www.tmsa.es TMSA buses run across the island connecting all the main towns, as well as routes to the resorts on the southern coast and eastern coast AUTOS FORNELLS https://www.autosfornells.com/ Connecting Mahón with the north-eastern coastline up to Fornells, also connections to Alaior and Es Mercadal:

6 December: Constitution Day 8 December: Day of the Immaculate Conception.

MARKETS

25 December: Christmas Day.

FARMERS’ MARKETS Ciutadella: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am to 2pm in Plaza de la Libertad (by the fish market). Mahon: Sundays 9am to 2pm, in Carrer de s’Arravaleta and Carrer Nou (by the American bar). Mahón Tapas by the fish market: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11.30pm. Also open Sundays in July and August. Ferreries: Saturdays, 9am to 1pm in Plaza España (main square).

CRAFT MARKETS Mahón: June to September, Tuesdays and Saturdays, Plaça del Carme, 9am to 2pm. Mahón: July and August, Tuesday evenings, in the streets of the town centre, 8 to 11pm. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

WHAT’S ON

JUNE 2023

Ciutadella: 1 June to 15 September, Mondays and Fridays (also Wednesdays in July and August), in Plaça des Born 7pm to midnight. Ciutadella: 1 June to 30 September, daily, on the steps down to the port, 7pm to midnight. Ciutadella: 1 June to 30 September, daily, in Portal de la Mar (slope down to port), 7pm to midnight. Es Castell: 15 June to 15 September, daily, in Cales Fonts, 7.30pm to 1am. Es Migjorn Gran: July, August and September, Tuesday evenings in the town centre, 7.30 to 11pm. Alayor: 1 June to 15 September in the town centre, Wednesday evenings, 7 to 11pm. Es Mercadal: July to end September, Thursdays, in the town centre, 7 to 11pm. Es Mercadal: October to end May, Thursdays, Carrer Nou, 10am to 1pm. Ferreries: Saturdays in Plaça Espanya, 9am to1pm. Fornells: 12 June to end September, Mondays, Carrer Major and Plaça Esglesia, 7 to 11pm. Sant Lluis: 15 June to 15 September, Friday evenings in town centre, 7 to 11pm.

STREET MARKETS Mahón: Tuesday and Saturday 7am to 3pm in the Plaza Esplanada. Mahón: Daily, Pla de Baixamar, 10am to 8pm. Ciutadella: Monday and Friday 8.30am to 3pm in the Plaza Borne. Alayor: Thursday morning in town centre. Fornells: Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm. in Carrer de la Mar. Sant Lluis: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am to 1pm in Pla de sa Creu. Es Castell: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8am to 2pm in Plaza Esplanada. Ferreries: Fridays 9am to 1pm in Plaça Espanya.

MUSIC FESTIVALS SUMMER 2023 PEDRA VIVA

EXHIBITIONS

Music and scenic arts festival in beautiful locations.

Deus Ex Petra: Photographs by Carlos Permuy. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 to 8pm until 10 September at Can Victori, Camí des Castell, 28, Mahón. De profundis naturae” art by Xavier Jansà, artista and scientist. Open Tuesday to Saturday 6to 9pm, also Saturday mornings 11am to 2pm until 1st July. Sala Sant Antoni, Carrer s’Arraval, 32, Mahón. Joan Miró at the Galería Cayón. Open Mondays: 6 to 9pm. Tuesday to Saturday: 10.30am to 2pm and 6 to 9pm. Open 3 June – 31 August. Carrer de Sant Roc 24, Mahón. Admission free. LÔAC: Contemporary art gallery located at Calle Santiago Pons Quintana 56, Alaior. Open Tuesday to Sunday 5 to 8pm, also Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm. Admission 5€. Mites# at El Roser exhibition hall at Calle Roser 11 Ciutadella. Open Monday to Saturday 11am to 1pm and 6 to 9pm. Until 15 July. Admission free Menorca i la llum del Nord: Can Oliver. Calle d’Anuncivay 2, Mahón. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 1.30pm and 6 to 8pm and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm. Until 24 September. Admission 5€. Menorcan House: Calle Isabel II 4, Mahón. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 1pm.

27 July: Rufus Wainwright performing Folkocracy, 9pm at Torre-Saura. 25 and 26 August: Els Pirats, (an adaptation of the Gilbert and Sullivan musical comedy, The Pirates of Penzance), 9pm at Torre-Saura. Full programme and tickets from www.pedravivamenorca.com

MENORCA MUSIC FESTIVAL 4 – 11 August: sustainable music festival held in the Recinte Firal in the town of Es Mercadal. Doors open 7.30pm. Concert starts 9.30pm. 4 August: Amaia 5 August: Melendi 6 August: Crystal Fighters 7 August: Tom Odell 9 August: Vanessa Martin 11 August: Pablo Lopez More info and tickets: https://menorcamusicfestival.com/

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

WHAT’S ON

JUNE 2023

CRANC FESTIVAL 2023

6 August: Boney M feat. Maizie Williams

21 September: Nada Surf. The Cicely Satellite, Es Claustre, Mahón.

7 August: Antonio Orozco

22 September: Belako/La Paloma. Por las Noches. Black Sea Deluge. Barrera, at Bar Akelarre (port of Mahón). 24 September: Rocío Marquez. Bronquio/Tercer Cielo, at Teatro Principal, Mahón. More info and tickets from www.crancfestival.com

LAZARETO FESTIVAL This year the festival is to be held at Castillo de San Felipe, at the mouth of Mahón port. Live music featuring well known groups, food trucks etc. 27 July: Ainhoa Arteta

8 August: Chambao More info and tickets from https://www.lazaretofestival.com/

HAUSER & WIRTH Contemporary art exhibitions on Illa del Rei. Please note the gallery will be closed from 29 May until 16 June due to installation. Admission free. Book the Yellow Catamaran on their website. After the Mediterranean, curated by curator, writer and art researcher Oriol Fontdevila, until 29 October. Exhibition Christina Quarles from 17 June until 29 October.

28 July: The Christians

Several activities (tours, concerts, workshops, etc) are organised throughout the summer. Please see website for more information.

29 July: Taburete

https://menorca.hauserwirth.com/en/home

30 July: Anastacia 31 July: Rigoletto 1 August: Village People 2 August: Earth, Wind and Fire Experience 3 August: Gipsy Kings 4 August: Sara Baras 5 August: Tony Hadley

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

WHAT’S ON

JUNE 2023

FILM AND CINEMA

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

MENORCA FILM FESTIVAL

LIVE MUSIC AT ES CLAUSTRE

8 – 12 September The Film Festival is back, taking place on 8 and 9 September at Fornells castle, 9 and 10 September, at Es Moix cinema in Ciutadella and 10, 11 and 12 September at parc Es Freginal in Mahón. Tickets from website.https://festivalmenorca.com/festival/

The courtyard in Es Claustre, by Iglesia del Carmen in Mahón town centre is the scene of many live concerts, including jazz concerts every Sunday evening until 1st October. https://www.esclaustre.com/es/agenda/

COOKING FILMS MENORCA

LIVE MUSIC AT JAZZBAH

https://festivalmenorca.com/en/cooking-films/ 1 - 4 June: an event in which cinema and gastronomy come together to form the most delicious combination. Tickets and information from website.

Located in the port of Ciutadella, jazzbah regularly holds live concerts, kicking off with British band StOp, sToP! On 9 June at 10.30pm. See full programme on https://jazzbah.es/

OCIMAX CINEMA MAHÓN: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 4.30 to 9.30pm. Cineclub films shown in the original language on Thursdays at 8.30pm.

CINEMES MOIX NEGRE CIUTADELLA Films shown in the original language most Wednesdays at 8.30pm. Cineclub films screened every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm. Opera at the Moix negre cinema: 13 June Il Trovatore, live from the Royal Opera House London, 8.15pm. 26 June : Roméo et Juliette, live from Opéra Bastille, Paris, 7.15pm.

CONCERT: 2 June: Flor de Sal. Concert performed by Joan Mesquida on the clarinet, 8.30pm at Calós Theatre Ciutadella. Joan Mesquida has been the conductor of the Ciutadella Music Band for many years. Calós Theatre is located in Carrer Maria Auxiliadora 38, Ciutadella. Tickets for the concert can be obtained from the secretary’s office located inside Calós Bar, (address Avinguda de la Constitució 57, Ciutadella), from 7.30pm on 2nd June (one hour before the start of the concert). Tickets: 20€.

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

WHAT’S ON

JUNE 2023

TEATRE PRINCIPAL

LÍTHICA

This is the oldest opera house in Spain, dating from 1829., with a wide programme of shows and concerts. See website for full programme. Tickets available online or from the box office. Carrer d’en Deià 40, Mahón Box office open mornings Tuesday to Saturday 1.30am to 1.30pm. Afternoons: Thursday and Friday 6.30 to 8.30pm. https://www.taquilla.com/mahon/teatre-principal-de-mao

Guided tours in Spanish of the quarries Pedreres de s’Hostal every second Sunday of the month at 11am. Stone cutting workshops held every Saturday at 9.30am. https://lithica.es/en/lithica/

SANT JOAN FIESTAS 2023 TEATRE DES BORN Plaça des Born, Ciutdadella Ciutadella’s theatre put on a full programme of events, listed on the website https://www.teatredesborn.com/ Tickets available online and from the ticket office open Tuesdays 11.30am to 1pm, Thursdays 7 to 8.30pm, also one hour before the start of the performance.

SPORTS EVENTS

Saturday 17 June: Vetlla des Be (The vigil of the sheep) from dusk right throughout the night. Sunday 18 June: Dia des Be (Day of the sheep), starting at the Caixer Senyor’s house at 9am, then going round to the town hall and the bishop’s palace, continuing round the town right throughout the day, eventually finishing up at the Caixer Casat’s house.

4 -9 July: Sailing regatta. Menorca 52 Super Series Royal Cup. From the port of Mahón https://www.52superseries.com/events/2023/eu/menorca-52super-series-royal-cup

In the evening at about 8pm there is the traditional battle of hazelnuts on the Contramurada. The hazelnuts are intended to represent kisses. The Municipal Music Band plays by Calós bar.

29 August- 2 September: 19th Copa Del Rey Classic Ships sailing regatta. www.velaclasicamenorca.com

Sant Joan bonfires at various points throughout the town, with music and dancing from 9pm onwards.

16 September: The Trail Fars Nocturn, night run, consisting of two races, setting off from Favaritx lighthouse (23km) and Es Grau (13km). https://traildelsfars.com/nocturna

Friday 23 June: Eve of Sant Joan:

Thursday 22 June:

24 September: Artiem Half Menorca Triathlon. www.artiemhalfmenorca.com 13-15 October: Mountain bike tour of Menorca. www.menorcabtt.com 20-22 October: International cycling tour. www.menorcacicloturista.com

2pm. The Fabioler (piper) asks the Caixer Senyor for permission to start the gathering of the horses and riders, from the Caixer Senyor’s house. The Fiesta flag is handed over to the Caixer Fadrí by the wife of the Caixer Casat. The horses gather in the Plaça des Born, awaiting the arrival of the Caixer Senyor, who canters into the Born at 6pm sharp.

ES CASTELL GUIDED TOURS

The whole cavalcade sets off to Sant Joan de Missa for Mass, at about 7.30pm. Meanwhile, there is another traditional battle of hazelnuts on the Contramurada.

Tours of the town centre in English at 7pm on 6th and 13th June. Then in Spanish and English every Saturday at 7pm, from 17 June to 9 September. Departing from the tourist information centre in the windmill Molí de sa Creu, Plaça s’Arraval vella, Es Castell. Free. Places can be booked by phoning 971 3674 37, or you can just turn up at the start.

The horses make their way back into town for the Corregudes de sa Plaça at about 10pm and the Caragol de Santa Clara, at about 11.30pm. Saturday 24 June: The day of Sant Joan. 8am: The fabioler asks the Caixer Senyor again for permission to start the gathering of the horses and riders.

GUIDED TOURS Fort Marlborough: Fridays at 10am (in English). Tickets online https://www.menorca.es/en/ Visitas_guiadas_al_Fort_de_ Marlborough/16037 Torre d’en Galmés: Sundays at 10am (in English). Tickets online https://www.menorca.es/es/Visitas_guiadas_al_poblado_de_ Torre_den_Galmes/15447 Es Castell guided tours in Spanish and English of the town centre every Saturday at 7pm, from 17 June to 9 September. Departing from the tourist information centre in the windmill Molí de sa Creu, Plaça s’Arraval vella, Es Castell. Free. Cova de s’Aigua, in Cala Blanca: guided tours in English daily at 9am and 3pm. https://www.menorca.es/es/Visitas_guiadas_la_Cova_ de_sAigua/14052 Lazareto Quarantine Island: Guided tours in English on Thursdays at 5pm. Departure from Cales Fonts, Es Castell. Tickets from tourist information offices and from nanventura.es

10am: the horses head down to Es Pla for the heats of the jousting games. They then return to the Born for the Corregudes a sa Plaça, carrying on to Santa Clara for the Caragol. This is followed by Mass in the Cathedral at about 2.30pm. 5pm: The horses and riders gather once more. They make their way to the Plaça Born and at about 7pm, the Caixer Senyor invites the townspeople to come down to Es Pla for the jousting games. On the way down to the port, the cavalcade calls into Santa Clara convent to pay respects to the Abbess. The jousting games take place throughout the evening, before returning to the Cathedral Square for the Corregudes a sa Plaça and the Caragol de Santa Clara by about midnight, finishing in the early hours of the morning. Then the last notes of the flute are played, signalling the end of the Sant Joan fiestas. Sunday 25 June: 11pm: Grand firework display from Son Oleo, to be seen from St Nicolas tower, at the mouth of the port.

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

WELLBEING

JUNE 2023

NUTRITION AND FITNESS WITH TOM AND JESS What You Can Expect from Us! Hey, it’s Jess here. For those of you who have read Roqueta in the past, you’ll be familiar with my, and my husband Tom’s, regular contribution to the health section of the magazine. I wanted to bring you up to speed on what Tom and I offer, and a little bit about our health perspective. You will then know the kind of articles and health and fitness support you can expect from us. A lot has changed over the past few years! We now have two daughters, Olive, who turns three in August and Lola, who is five months old. Our fur-daughter, Boni, who we rescued from the Protectora 5 years ago has been the perfect dog for our family. She is exceptionally loving, a great hike companion and loves nothing better than curling up with you on the yoga mat or under a blanket on the sofa. Wherever you go, she goes. All about Tom Let’s start with Tom’s background and what it is that he does, and who he works with. Tom has been in the fitness industry for 25+ years. He turns 50 this year, though to look at him you wouldn’t know it. He walks the talk. He is a qualified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach and, most recently, a qualified Qi-Gong instructor, which he’ll share more with you in future articles. It is such a gentle, yet energising practice that a lot of people haven’t tried; think of it like a moving meditation. Perfect for those who struggle with the stillness of traditional meditation but want to shift their stress into more positive energy. He works with CEOs, entrepreneurs, high-level executives & clients around the world to help them rapidly upgrade their energy, transform their bodies, & enhance their mental clarity. Tom works with clients on the island, and then when they’re off the island, he continues to support them with accountability check-ins and online coaching. His approach focuses on simplicity, having fun, giving insight into what exercises and foods could support his client’s goals & improving areas of life such as sleep, energy, mood, longevity, and other areas holistically connected to the above. He takes pride in what he does, and getting lasting results is important to him. Outside of fitness and nutrition, the things he is most passionate about in his life are his family, adventuring outdoors here in Menorca, hiking, biking, snorkelling and travelling. He’s happiest at the top of a mountain, soaking up a new view with a snack in hand. Jess or Jessipes Now onto me. My background is Nutritional Therapy. I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between the foods we eat and the impact they can have on the way we feel, and knowing how to listen to our bodies to nourish ourselves accordingly. Food can support our bodies out of disease and it has the power to make us feel amazing. More and more so, this understanding is becoming more widely recognised. As a society, we are becoming more disconnected from our food chain and more reliant on pharmaceutical intervention. People are now recognising that this approach comes with side effects, many of which are to our detriment. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

WELLBEING

JUNE 2023

Tip - For those who enjoy walking Increase the energetic demand on the body on your walks in no extra time. While working as a personal trainer in the City of London, I had the pleasure of working with some fantastic people. One of my clients, let’s call him Mike for anonymity-sake, loved to be pushed in our sessions. He was ten years or so my senior, but his output in the gym was easily higher than most people ten years younger than me or much more.

I’m mostly known for my cooking and recipes, and some people call me Jessipes, pronounced ‘Jessie-peas’, for this very reason! I love deliciously simple foods, incredible salads, middleEastern flavours and ingredients such as harissa, olives, aubergines, honey and mint. But I also love smoothies, juicing and decadent desserts, usually of the chocolate kind. There’s nothing more satisfying than feeding people delicious food that is also full of health benefits. Sharing recipes and helping people to be more kitchen confident is a passion of mine. In the last 4 years I’ve qualified as a Yoga teacher and Personal Trainer, two additional ways of making people feel more energised, mentally happier and calmer, nervous-system-wise. Most of my clients have a body shape goal, and I love helping them achieve this goal by educating them on what to eat and why and providing online group exercise classes to support them in moving their bodies. Inspiring people to take micro steps, to turn their health around is my passion. In my 12+ years of working in the health and fitness industry, I’ve found that it’s sometimes the most simple changes (performed consistently) that make the biggest difference. I’ve also realised that it’s not a lack of information that’s often the issue, it’s having it put across in a way that’s relatable, inspiring & feels achievable. Together we are able to turn our knowledge into a simple, straightforward process that gets results & avoids unnecessary overwhelm and frustration to save our clients time. Here’s a summary of the main services Tom and I offer as we have a few strings to our bows, though everything stems from the goal of wanting to help people feel brighter, move better and have more body confidence. • Online group workouts and online one-to-one Personal Training We jointly run online workouts three times a week every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. The group is called ‘The Online Workout Club’. The workouts are live and a great way for our clients to enjoy the accountability and coaching of a personal trainer but at a discounted cost. We also offer one-to-one personal training and yoga, both online and here on the island. • One-to-one fitness and nutrition coaching This is done online, with Tom covering the fitness side and me covering the nutrition side, and together we provide accountability with weekly Zoom check-ins. • Nutrition support and cooking workshops I run my online nutrition clinic called ‘The Online Nutrition Clinic’, which supports people with their individualised health goals via tailored nutrition support. I’ve been running this clinic since 2012, initially in London when I lived there, and then I transitioned it online when we moved to Menorca in 2016. Also, I teach one-to-one or small-group cooking workshops on the island. • Island hikes

I know he was in the forces, and my hunch tells me it was the Special Forces, namely the SAS, from the conversations we used to have. Needless to say, I learned some great things from him. His holidays often involved hiking. But not just any hiking. He wanted to maximise the metabolic effect and, to be honest, get more out of what he was doing already. I loved this idea of taking something that we already do and looking at ways we can get more out of it. The majority of clients that Jess and I work with have a weight loss goal they’re working towards, but they don’t have an abundance of time; they’re busy people, so we’re always introducing smart, time-efficient ways to help them achieve their goals and sustain them. Most of us are very adapted to regular walks, so Mike’s trick is to carry something heavy with him to increase the energetic demand on the body. His method was to have a strong rucksack and load it with weights. To my recollection, he used some sandbags. Heavy big books are a favourite of some clients. If using dumbbells, weight plates, or anything potentially uncomfortable on your back, then add some cushioning between your back and the weight. A towel could work or get inventive. Alternatively, if you have a baby, put the baby in a baby carrier and incorporate them into your walks. My wife Jess does this regularly with our 5-month-old Lola. I occasionally have 15kg+ of the fastapproaching three-year-old Olive in the backpack with me! Remember that the more weight you’re carrying, the sweatier you’ll get. Also, the more weight you have on you, the harder it is on the joints, especially when going downhill, so select an appropriate weight if you have any joint challenges. The more weight you have, the more calories you’ll burn. You can use this to your advantage if one of your desired goals is fat loss. Start with smaller weights and build up and make sure your pack is balanced. Cami de Cavalls walks suddenly took on a new dimension! Build things up, Have a great rest of your day, and let me know how you get on with the 90-minute delay before caffeinating your body, and the loaded hikes! Tom Nutrition Support-Personal Training-Yoga-Island HikesCooking Workshops www.jessntom.com

Tom runs the hikes, and I prepare juices and healthy snacks for the hike pit stops. He tailors the routes for the group size and fitness ability, and I make up the snacks/juices to keep everyone healthily fuelled! • High-end nutrition workshops and health coaching for businesses around the world Productivity, mental happiness and performance are all improved when our bodies and minds are fuelled optimally. We teach this in our workplace programmes. We live on the island year-round, and when we’re not running our online workouts, nutrition clinic, and island hikes, we’re enjoying family time with the girls, picnics, hikes, and simple island living. The best way to keep up to date with our offerings is to join our newsletter, which you can do over here: https://www.jessntom.com/newsletter Looking forward to sharing all things health and fitness going forward with you! All our healthy best, Jess and Tom Nutrition Support - Personal Training - Yoga - Island Hikes - Cooking Workshops www.jessntom.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

READER’S CORNER

JUNE 2023

PIG TALES DOTTY’S TROTTERS

By Rachael Adams

bri brim of my snout – so the expression “sweating like a pig” is a lload of rubbish. “T “Then I got to be a middle-aged piggle. With gnarly horny tro trotters, very unlike the flawless isosceles triangles of my yo youth. Though I did try my best to grind them down on my ddaily 56,000 laps of the date trees. Nevertheless, by the time I was eight, the mighty Fiskars just couldn’t cut it any more. ““So the mad bat scaled up to horse hoof cutters and ssharpened afresh. She thought that, at 12.50 Euros from Sa C Cooperativa, surely these manly, farrier-like tongs would do jjust the trick. Except she needed two hands to operate them, aand so now also needed an extra helper to feed me grapes. “A grape to the left so I can get her right toe!”, she cried. I gobbled it up as fast as I could and swiped my gnashers right! “Two grapes to the right!” Swipe left! Swipe left!’ Like some mad porcine Tinder, it was very fast-paced and easy to make mistakes. Though, instead of ending up on the wrong date, I’d end up with wonky trotters and nipped blood vessels. This would simply not do.

Pigs that live beyond 6 months of age will likely need their trotters trimmed at some point. Over the last ten years, I’ve wrestled tooth and nail to keep my pot-bellied pig Dotty’s feet tidy. I bought Dot from a small farm in Binidalí for 20 Euros. Back then, she was a two-month-old squealing little black thing, with two white trotters and a white tip on her tail. Her father was a nonchalant brute called Bruno who swaggered about opening doors and getting into cars if he could. She now weighs 70 kilos and as she has aged, her trotters have got thicker and harder. Over to Dot… “When I was a baby, my trotters were lovely and trim – they were naturally shaped like an isosceles triangle. Trotter perfection! Sometimes my owner would paint them just for fun. “One day, though, when I got to be about one year old, she accosted me with some rose pruners. Four snips later, she was gone in a flash and I got a nice vanilla yoghurt for my troubles. “Then my trotters started to get thicker and harder, and my owner had to have the cutters sharpened every six months pre-combat. It got harder for me to earn my yoghurt as I quickly learned to pull my feet away, or just run away completely. You see, I´m a prey animal just like a horse. I hate having my feet off the ground! “Undeterred, the human started creeping up on me in my sleep! But I won again because I have four nails to a trotter and four legs, so she’s never going to manage 16 snips in one whack. HA! “Next, she started luring me into the bathroom and lining the floor with foam mattresses. She’d put a bowl of dog biscuits in the middle of them and try to get the clippers under my trotter without me lifting my foot from the floor. It was quite stressful because I’m a fat little uncooperative sod. Importantly, there’s a real risk that I might have a heart attack. We’d both get very sweaty, yet after half an hour or so I was sorted. By the way, I only sweat on the upper

“Exhausted, my owner sat back on a rock and had i h JJames Herriot wrote about an unruly pig in the 1940s: the an epiphany: bewildered sow had just produced her first litter and was having none of it. They squealed and shrieked and screamed bloody murder, x12! So the kindly farmer got the poor lass a drink. Four pints later and she was out for the count, flat on her side dreaming woozy piggy dreams whilst her youngsters gorged happily on their first feed. “This was before anaesthetising was commonplace. And since I’m a potbelly, I have to have some special anaesthetic anyway, or I’ll have a funny reaction. Back on the rock in Menorca, my owner decided to try some stiff stuff too. “To calm our nerves”, she said. “At first, she thought I might like something very hoppy and strong, like a double malt Voll-Damm sort of thing. Of course, that tasted cack and I told her so too. She said, “Well, tough, I’m not wasting good money on a Franziskaner for you.” So, we settled for something local; a light and refreshing Mahou. Two cans each. We take our time and I smile when it works. I slur my grunts. I retract my trotters more slowly. My owner seems a lot more patient and smiley too. “This year she made it extra, extra special. I like it best when it’s just the two of us. Without the surplus grape feeder. I’m going to be 11 this October, and so we tried with beer and wine! We had Pinna Fidelis Ribera del Duero from a lovely vegetable shop in Alaior (cryptically named ¨Frutas y Verduras¨), and a huge tin of Amigo dog meat chunks in beef sauce (3.50 Euros). “We took our time, she fed me chunks of goo on a fork, and then I washed it down with a slurp of that smooth red stuff. She had a glug every so often too. Munch, more, please! Oink, snip, slurp, burp, oink, snip, slurp, slurp… done! Then we have a lovely nap!” Over to Rachael…. That’s how we’ve been doing it for the last two years. Stress-free. And before anyone says that Dot’s an illegal exotic pet and that I’m not allowed to have her, she has a microchip, a piggy passport, and an escapee fine on the mantelpiece.

D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

READER’S CORNER

JUNE 2023

FUN IN THE SUN Across

Down

7 City where Bongbong Marcos lives in the Malacañang Palace (6)

1 One of several courts on the London Underground (6)

8 _ _ Makeba, singer (6)

3 Legume popular in Mediterranean cuisine (4,4)

9 Hilary Mantel’s fictional account of the life of Thomas Cromwell (4,4)

2 Edith _ _ , singer (4)

4 _ _ Clooney, human rights lawyer (4)

10 Computer operating system first developed in the 1960s (4)

5 Private Eye’s preferred spelling for this newspaper? (8)

11 Tropical fly known for its bites (6)

6 Common, South or Broadway on the London Underground? (6)

13 Red, Stone or Putney on the London Underground? (6)

12 Prime minister, 1970-1974 (3,5)

14 One of five towns on the London Underground? (6) 16 The only valley on the London Underground? (6) 18 Chancery, Turnpike or Wood on the London Underground? (4) 19 _ _ Bardot, animal rights campaigner (8) 21 One of three manors on the London Underground (6)

13 Arts complex on the London Underground? (8) 15 River of which the Marañón in Peru is a tributary? (6) 17 Cryptic crossword setter - and a fragrant spice (6) 19 One of several streets on the London Underground? (4) 20 Metrical foot consisting of an unstressed and a stressed syllable (4)

22 “Where ignorant _ _ clash by night.” Matthew Arnold in Dover Beach (6)

Across

Down

7 Ukrainian city once known as Yekaterinoslav (6)

1 Colour between blue and violet on the visible spectrum (6)

8 Antonín _ _ , Czech composer known for his Slavonic Dances (6)

2 What Mark Wahlberg found when he crashed on to their planet in 2001? (4)

9/21D The day of wrath in a requiem mass (4,4) 10 Otto von _ _ , German diplomat (1815-1898) (8) 11 City and region annexed by Russia in 2022 (7) 13 Nikolai _ _ , Russian short story writer whose works include The Overcoat (5) 15 The home of Rangers FC (5) 17 2010 crime thriller directed by and starring Ben Affleck (3,4) 20 Sadie _ _ , Patsy Kensit’s character in Emmerdale (8) 21 Othello’s antagonist? (4)

3 Russian name for the region of eastern Ukraine including Luhansk and 11 (7) 4 Ukrainian port made famous in Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin (5) 5 1987 thriller starring Kevin Costner and Sean Young (2,3,3) 6 _ _ Panza, companion to Don Quixote (6) 12 The _ _ , 1973 horror film starring Ellen Burstyn (8) 14 Ukrainian port city retaken in November 2022 (7)

22 Short-legged dog breed (6)

16 Russian lake, the world’s largest by volume (6)

23 Seán _ _ , Irish dramatist whose works include Red Roses For Me (6)

18 _ _ Group, Russian private military contractor (6) 19 Ukrainian city where Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin met in February 1945 (5) 21 See 9 Across

ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ROQUETA

MARKET PLACE

JUNE 2023

Postal Address: Cala Llonga 1064A, 07700, Mahon www.roquetamagazine.net/contact Publisher: John Davies Editor: Liz Parr Printer: LV Grupo Grafico y de Communication, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat Dep Legal ME: 187/1973 No. Registro: 1037/3.992 The Publisher reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

All prices quoted were correct at the time of going to press No articles may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher For Editorial contact angie@roquetamagazine.net For Advertising contact angie@roquetamagazine.net For Subscriptions contact info@roquetamagazine.net

WRITING TALENT ROQUETA is always looking for new writing talent to enhance the content of the magazine. If you would like to make a regular or occasional contribution, we would love to hear from you. The subject matter is always Menorca focused and the topics that we are specifically looking for are in the areas of maritime and nautical matters, recipes, music, entertainment and fashion. If you would like to be a part of the ROQUETA team, then drop me an email. Please outline your general area of interest, suggest a few specific themes within this area that you could address, and attach a sample article of no more than 500 words that you would consider appropriate for publication in ROQUETA. info@roquetamagazine.net. TO RENT: Large family villa in Es Castell. Quiet location overlooking Calas Fonts and the harbour of Mahon and a few minute’s walk from restaurants, shops and all the amenities of Es Castell. Not a resort. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 sitting rooms, pool, garden, BBQ, terraces in a residential area with wonderful views. No air conditioning but high up so always a breeze. Fans for all bedrooms. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms downstairs, 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms upstairs. Very well-equipped kitchen as it is a family home. Wifi, toys and children’s books. TV for DVDs only. 2 cots, stair gates, 2 highchairs etc. 2023 fully booked but now booking 2024 mid June - early September. Contact owner email stevos.chiswick@btconnect.com or 00447917717919

BUSINESSES FOR SALE/PURCHASE Do you have a business to sell or are you looking for a business to buy in Menorca – to advertise on the Market Place page please contact roquetajohn@gmail.com SERVICES Sports/Remedial, Cranial & Reflexologist Therapist. Experienced and fully qualified. Tel Vicki +34 680227145 Physiotherapy and Acupuncture. Jan Peter Van de Graaf, Calle Madrid 22, Bajo Mahon. Tel: 971350850 619500200 Mehoca Lavenderia. Professional laundry service for business and the public. Calle de Sa Volta, 11-12, Poligono Sant Lluis. +34 971 15 15 91 laundry@menorcahomecare.com D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T