ROQUETA ISSUE 376 OCT25

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

EDITORIAL ROQUETA MAGAZINE 376 - AUTUMN 2025 AUTUMN IN MENORCA If you’ve made it to Menorca in October, congratulations – you’re in on one of the island’s best secrets. If you work in the tourist industry and have made it to October, congratulations too! The frantic pace of summer is behind us, the weather is still kind (with the odd dramatic sky thrown in), and the beaches suddenly feel like they belong to you. There’s nothing quite like wandering down to a cala and finding only a handful of people swimming – or sometimes no one at all.

This is the month when the island takes a deep breath. Locals are out enjoying their favourite restaurants again, chefs are a little less frazzled and full of creativity, and the markets are bursting with autumn produce. It’s a brilliant time to tuck into Menorcan dishes, sip a local wine, and just slow down with the rhythm of the place. In October, you need to check before you go as the closing dates are always “mobile” depending on the visitors and the weather.

Don’t hold it against the restaurant owners, they are up against the terrible pressures of rising food and labour costs and there are no tax breaks for small businesses in Spain. If you prefer to cook at home, we have some delicious recipes from Brindisa, and an interview with the company’s co-founder, Monika Linton, who introduced the UK to quality Spanish food, including Mahón cheese, back in the 80s.

The countryside is greening up after the long summer, which makes walking or cycling the Camí de Cavalls a real pleasure – the light in October is golden and soft, perfect for those long, lazy afternoons. And in the evenings, when there’s a little nip in the air, it feels just right to sit outside with a jacket on and a glass in hand, watching the stars come out. Rachael has been out at night to search for bats. They love to live in our caves in Menorca but they need peace and quiet so it is important not to disturb them.

At the end of the month, we will enjoy the autumn traditions of Halloween and All Saints Day, or Tot Sants as it is known in Menorca. Food is central to both traditions. For Tot Sants, the island’s kitchens fill with the comforting aromas of bunyols (small doughnuts made with Boniato), roasted chestnuts, and sometimes panellets.

If you experience a rainy day, there is plenty to explore in the towns, including the museums and galleries such as Ca n’Oliver. Vanessa tells us about the tours available at the Cathedral in Ciutadella and there are plenty more things to do which can be found in our What’s On Guide, including sporting events and concerts.

So whether you’re here for a gentle escape, an active adventure, or simply to enjoy Menorca without the summer crowds, you’ve chosen well. Autumn is when the island feels most itself – calm, authentic, and welcoming.

We’re so glad you’re here to share it.

After this issue we will take a break, but Roqueta will be back in December to bring you more activities and information about the island, including Christmas and the Three Kings festivities.

Liz & John

IN THIS ISSUE 04 09 12 14 16 18 26 28 30 36 38 40 42 44 46 47 48 52 57 62 63 66

ISLAND NEWS CIUTADELLA CATHEDRAL PLAN FOR THE PORT EES ENTRY SYSTEM MONIKA LINTON, BRINDISA RESTAURANTS, WINES, AND RECIPES PLATE TURNING DR CLEGHORN CLASSIC YACHTS COMMEMORATING THE ROMA THE CASTILLO HALLOWEEN & ALL SAINTS ART IN MENORCA BATS IN MENORCA GRAPEVINE GEORGE FERRARA CHARLOTTE FINDLATER 60 YEARS OF DONCARS CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS WHAT’S ON AUTUMN 2025 ISLAND INFORMATION NUTRITION AND FITNESS PIG TALES - DOT IS BACK

Cover Photo: Cala Sant Esteve

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

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

ISLAND NEWS

BY CHRISTINE BROOKER

PRINCESS OF WALES AND PRETTY BALLERINAS The Princess of Wales – Kate Middleton, or Catalina de Gales as the Spanish press loves to call her – was flying the flag for Menorca again. On a visit to the Natural History Museum in London, she wore a pair of suede Pretty Loafers made in the factory in Ferreries.

6.64 MILLION EUROS A DAY ON BALEARIC ISLANDS HEALTH Raúl Lara, the director of the Health Service on the islands, has explained how some of the daily expenditure of 6.64 million euros is spent. Ten years ago, the figure was 3.5 million. There is a staff of 18,000, and new technologies include CAR-T, which is personalised treatment for each type of cancer per patient. More complicated surgery, especially in cardiology, takes place in Son Espases in Mallorca through the CESUR programme. There are over 30,000 daily appointments with specialists, which reduces queues in Outpatients.

No mention is made of the scandal of nearly four million euros that was spent by Francina Armengol, when she was president of the Govern Balear, on masks from China during the Covid crisis of 2020, which turned out to be useless. The case is ongoing, with more revelations currently being published. Meanwhile, she is now the equivalent of the Speaker of the House of Commons in Congress in Madrid.

CALA EN PORTER WANTS REPRESENTATION Residents in Cala en Porter are organising a group to demand representation on the town council in Alaior, on behalf of Cala en Porter, Son Vitamina, and Cales Coves.

They want fairer investment in the urbanisation. Leading the project is Roger Ferrer Kemp, who previously served on the town council as an independent when the PP was in power. He has experience and says that during the last six years hardly anything has been spent on residents or tourists. There are 1,000 people on the census in Cala en Porter, 250–300 in Son Vitamina, and about 100 in Cales Coves. Ferrer questions where the tourist tax goes, saying it certainly isn’t to Cala en Porter. The town needs help socially and in sports. The citizens’ office currently only opens on Fridays, but Ferrer says it should open daily.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 UNFORTUNATE COMPLAINT

FLAT OR VILLA FOR RENT, AT A PRICE

The Spanish Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, who regularly spends his holidays in Menorca, complained about the time he had to queue in a bakery in Es Mercadal, saying that in 15 years he had never waited so long to be served. The owner replied that, as the government had raised the minimum salary so much and had increased the costs of running a small business, it was impossible to employ more staff. The incident was reported in the national press.

Autumn is nearly here, with the disagreeable surprise that the properties for rent which appear on the market from October to May – sometimes for fewer months – are no longer at a reasonable price. These rentals, useful for people who cannot find long-term contracts, have now risen sharply.

Most properties are 800 euros a month or more. One example is a 55 sq. m apartment in Cala en Blanes from November to May at 1,200 euros per month. The market has adapted quickly to the reality of the lack of accommodation, and rooms in flats are now being offered at what was until recently the price of a whole flat. Many come with conditions: no children, no animals, some only want women.

Since 1st July, owners must display their registration number showing they can legally rent – either to tourists or for short-term contracts. Noticeably, this is not always happening, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Districts will force websites to remove those who are not registered. Another legal modification to prevent fraud is that tenants must justify shorter rentals (e.g. studying away from home or temporary work). Otherwise, the property will be considered residential and subject to different laws. The councillor for tourism in the Consell, Núria Torrent, says many adverts that appear after August are highly suspicious and may be used for illegal tourist rentals in the high season. She encourages those who suspect such fraud to make an official complaint to the Consell.

PIPEFISH SEEN IN THE PORT OF MAHÓN Two Black Striped Pipefish (Syngnathus abaster), known as “River Needles” in Menorquín, have been spotted on the north side of the port of Mahón. The fish is related to seahorses and is classified as rare in the Balearics due to the degradation of its habitat. It was documented by Alba Piris during her student placement at Barcelona University, as part of a project for the conservation and restoration of the bays at Addaia and Fornells, and the port of Mahón.

The programme is evaluating coastal ecosystems. The bays and the port are home to many habitats for rare species, but pressures such as poor water quality, the effect of navigation, and coastal urbanisation are a major threat to them.

The prohibition of trawling in nearly 2,000 square kilometres of the Canal de Menorca (the channel between Mallorca and Menorca), which was declared a ZPP (protected fishing zone) in 2016, has allowed many natural habitats to recover.

There has been a vast improvement of the seabed, with the return of species and calcified red algae – even in areas where trawling is still permitted, next to the protected zone. An article about this was published in Biodiversity and Conservation magazine.

POPULATION FIGURES Menorca’s population has increased in the 21st century from 72,716 in 2000 to 100,323 in 2024. Es Mercadal has shown the largest increase, doubling its inhabitants from 3,100 to 6,200. Sant Lluís has also risen significantly, from 4,395 to 7,130. Es Castell has seen the smallest rise, from 6,504 to 7,772. Mahón and Ciutadella still have the largest share, with a total of 62,360 people. Ciutadella, with its urbanisations, remains the most populous municipality, while Es Migjorn is the smallest with only 1,690 inhabitants.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 SOLAR PANELS GET THE GREEN LIGHT The Agrisolar solar farm in Es Mercadal, the second largest on the island, has finally received the go-ahead to connect to the grid and will be able to supply 20 megawatts. Work finished in October 2023, and it is only now that all the required authorisations have been granted. The investment was originally 17 million euros, with a subsidy of 2.7 million. The farm combines solar energy with agricultural activities, hence the name. It covers an area of 20 hectares on a plot of 56, and intends to expand output to 30 megawatts in a second phase.

Electricity will be stored and supplied to the grid at night.

In 2023, the solar farm at Son Salomé in Ciutadella opened – the largest on the islands so far – capable of producing 50 megawatts. More renewable energy is on the way; next year a new solar farm is expected to open between Sant Climent and Alaior. But can all the energy produced be stored? Can it be sold?

And will our electricity bills go down?

MORE TOURISTS IN THE WINTER If you see more senior citizens wandering around the island this winter, it is because the IMSERSO programme – subsidised by the Spanish government – has doubled the number of people who can come here. However, for the first period they are only going to two hotels: the Menorca Club Hotel Aguamarina in Arenal d’en Castell, with 72 rooms, and the Hotel Globales Almirante Farragut in Ciutadella, the island’s second largest hotel. The offer includes 493 rooms and over 2,100 beds, compared with 1,142 last year.

In the second period (in the New Year), other hotels will also participate, as they did last year in Es Castell, Cala Galdana, and Cala’n Bosch in Ciutadella.

Many hotels do not join the programme because the government pays such low prices that they cannot make it work. Prices for participants have risen slightly this year, and the government has reserved some places for those with the lowest pensions.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 RIGHT OF WAY TO THE COAST The municipalities are cataloguing the rights of way in their areas. Francesc Xavier Roig, a geographer, has participated in the creation of three of them. He comments that Es Migjorn Gran has declared routes going through “S’Heretat des Duc,” a large property to the south of the village, as “private.” Some of these reach beaches on the coast.

Roig says that the ayuntamientos should defend the rights of the public, but instead they have created an “à la carte” menu to help the property owners. He argues that the ownership of the lanes is “doubtful” and it is up to the owners to prove their rights, not the ayuntamiento to help them. He also says the ayuntamiento has been deceitful, using the argument that if a lane has been closed off for a few years it becomes private.

Other municipalities have declared rights of way public, and then given the owners of surrounding land a certain time to object, providing documentation, etc. In its defence, the ayuntamiento says it does not want long court cases with the owners and that it consulted technical reports. Of the rural lanes in Es Migjorn, 21 are public and 28 private. The way to Binigaus beach – which has seen controversy in the past – is definitely protected. It was confirmed in 1848 as a route to the coast from the village, again in 1899, and once more in 1915 on a military map as a rural right of way.

AMMUNITION SHELL DUMPED BY THE RUBBISH A live shell from the old Vickers Armstrong guns (152/50) on the coast of Menorca was left by the rubbish bins in Cala en Porter. It was 15.2 centimetres long and weighed 43.5 kilos. The Guardia Civil sent patrols to cordon off the area and diverted traffic. The bomb disposal unit (Tedax) eventually removed the shell and destroyed it at the military base at San Isidro. The public have been warned that if they have this type of ammunition – probably once used as decoration – they should always inform the authorities rather than put it out with the rubbish!

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SALT FLATS The prestigious American photographer Steve McCurry, famous for his photograph of the Afghan girl on the cover of National Geographic in 1985, has been in Menorca photographing the historic Concepción salt flats in Fornells. These were created in 1853 and closed in 1984, until they were restored in 2018. They are important both historically and culturally, as well as economically. McCurry is documenting their current activities and integration into the Menorcan countryside.

ITV PROBLEMS ARE TO CONTINUE

Photographs will be available for the public to view in the first edition of “Raw Photo Fest,” which will take place in Alaior from 7th to 10th May 2026. Good news about the salt flats: they have made a remarkable recovery after the DANA (high-altitude isolated depression) last year, which flooded them and destroyed shallow walls. They are now producing high-quality salt flakes again, thanks to the tramontana wind and the sun.

I am sure you have all heard stories – or suffered personally – from delays in getting an up-to-date MOT (ITV) for your car. The relationship between the Consell and TÜV Rheinland Certio, the company in charge, is non-existent, and it seems the public must suffer another year. The company has appealed against a 9,000-euro sanction (which they paid) imposed by the Consell in 2023 for failing to meet the terms of the contract. Despite their gross inefficiency – with waiting lists of 8,000 and long delays after staff went on strike – the Consell will have to give them another extension in November. The contract allows up to five extensions; this will be the third. It seems incredible when the contract clearly states that there can be no more than a seven-day delay in inspections.

The public are naturally furious, as there don’t seem to be any consequences for the company. Ciutadella is in a worse situation, and some inspections are transferred to Mahón. Workers say that last year there were 11 inspectors, and this year only 9. They blame the lack of qualified people and low wages.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 STOP PRIVATISATION OF MOORINGS Owners of small boats who moor in the port of Mahón, particularly in the Moll de Llevant and Moll de Ponent, are angry about their treatment by the Balearic Port Authority (APB). They have formed an association, Es Jonquet, and are taking legal advice on how best to defend themselves. Their lawyer has told them that the authorities proceed in an “I give the orders, I am in charge” fashion, which could infringe the Transparency Law. At the end of the fiestas, a flotilla of small boats staged a protest in the port, sailing in circles and distributing information. Their argument is that, for generations, locals have had social moorings and if these are lost, the port will lose much of its character. Another concern is that the APB intends to transfer the renting of moorings, which they see as yet another form of privatisation. For years it has been increasingly difficult for residents with small or medium-sized boats to find moorings. It does seem incredible with such a huge port; in Ciutadella there are always similar worries.

BLUE BIRD IN MENORCA During the recent XXI Copa del Rey Classic Yacht Regatta, many interesting boats could be seen in the port of Mahón, including the Blue Bird of 1938.

She is 31 metres long and was built for Sir Malcolm Campbell, designed by the Scottish architect G.L. Watson. Her original mission was to sail the oceans in search of treasure, and she underwent a restoration a few years ago in Mallorca without altering the original design. For more information on the Classic Yacht Regatta, see page 30.

IBERIA LEAVES MENORCA OUT Iberia Express, the low-cost branch of the Iberia Group, has launched a campaign of offers for Balearic residents to fly to Madrid from 1st October to 11th June 2026. The “Express Days” promotion offers tickets from 10 euros flying from Ibiza and 12 euros from Mallorca, for those who join the free Club Express.

Menorca has been left out of a campaign which, according to the company, is designed to “look after its resident clients, stimulate the market between the Balearics and Madrid after the summer peak, and generate business during the next few months.” Iberia Express does run a direct route to Madrid from 25th October, which, together with Iberia and Air Nostrum, comes under the OSP (Public Service Obligation) with tariffs somewhat higher than the special offers for the other islands. For example, a resident in Ibiza can fly on 2nd December for 10 euros, or 27 for a non-resident. In Menorca on the same day, the price is 22 euros for residents and 66 for non-residents.

FLAT BROKEN INTO TO RESCUE DOG Someone broke into a flat in Calle Bonaire in Es Castell and removed a dog that was later discovered in the municipal pound in Mahón. Neighbours had presumably taken matters into their own hands after repeatedly reporting the cruel treatment of the dog by the owner. The dog howled and barked day and night and was in very poor condition due to being locked on the balcony during the intense heat. Police confirmed that they had visited the flat various times and found the animal living in unhygienic conditions in the sun. It was not properly cared for, and several summonses have been issued. However, the owner – a woman squatting in the flat – was able to collect the dog from the pound.

ROCK FALLS On 10th September, a large rock of almost 250 kilos fell from the top of the cliff and landed between sunbathers at Macarelleta. On its way down it smashed into the path, very near a couple walking to the beach. Firemen and authorities arrived, and it was necessary to make a controlled fall of another rock that was also in danger of crashing down. A thorough inspection will be carried out this winter.

CONTROVERSIAL POSTER

On Sunday 14th September, cliffs at Fonduco in the port of Mahón gave way at 21:30, and rocks fell close to inhabited buildings. Again, no one was in the area. The landowner was summoned to an urgent meeting with the mayor of Es Castell (Fonduco belongs to this municipality) and Port Authorities. He was informed that he would receive a formal notification and, within ten days, must contract someone to clear the scrub and bushes away so the site can be properly inspected and decisions taken on the necessary actions. Firemen had already carried out emergency measures.

A billboard has appeared showing a woman wearing a burka with her head bowed, next to a happy, smiling girl, with the question underneath: “What Spain do you want?” The VOX logo, belonging to the far-right party, is displayed beneath. The board is in the Avenida Menorca area, near the Mateo Fontirroig school. The same poster appeared in Almería, but with the PP (conservative) and PSOE (socialist) logos stamped on the burka. Presumably they complained, as these were absent in Menorca. Similar posters have been displayed in Mallorca and Ibiza. The school and other political parties were quick to condemn the xenophobia and racism. The government delegate on the island has reported the incident to the Prosecutor’s Office to determine if there is a penal infraction. The faces on the billboard were quickly covered in white paint.

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THE CATHEDRAL OF MENORCA AND THE CLAUSTRE OF SANT AGUSTÍ From the cobbled streets to the stately palaces, every corner of Ciutadella holds a story of its layered past. At the very heart of the old capital of Menorca rises the Cathedral de Ciutadella - a landmark that not only dominates the skyline but also embodies centuries of devotion, artistry, and resilience.

Yet, the experience does not end at the Cathedral’s ornate doors. Thanks to a combined entry ticket, visitors are invited to explore another hidden treasure nearby: the Claustre of Sant Agustí, part of the old Augustinian convent. Together, these two spaces offer a profound journey into Menorca’s spiritual and cultural heritage. And for those seeking something truly unique, it is now even possible to stay overnight within the cloister walls, in traditional lodgings.

THE CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DE CIUTADELLA Built on the site of a former mosque after the Christian reconquest in 1287, the Cathedral stands as a living palimpsest of Menorca’s layered past. Construction began in the late 13th century under King Alfonso III of Aragon, who did not get to see it finished. Over the centuries, the church absorbed successive architectural influences. Today, its façade bears the graceful lines of Catalan Gothic, while its interior features later Baroque and Neoclassical interventions.

Step inside and the first impression is one of light and verticality. The single, soaring nave, considered one of the tallest in the Balearics, draws the eye upwards to the ribbed vaults and the reflective light of stained-glass windows. The main altar, with its ornate tabernacle, commands attention, yet the side chapels offer more intimate encounters: each dedicated to saints, guilds, or noble families that once shaped the city. These side chapels host daily mass, and were add-ons after the cathedral was built.

The Cathedral is also home to a small but fascinating museum, where ecclesiastical treasures such as liturgical vestments, silverwork, and 09

BY VANESSA JENY, MENORCA BLUE

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

paintings are preserved. These artifacts speak not only of faith but of the artistry, patronage and varied history of the cathedral, the towns and noble families of the island that flourished in Ciutadella’s golden age as the capital.

When the capital of the island moved to Mahon, there was a bid to move the cathedral to Mahón too, which was unsuccessful. To this date the Cathedral of the island remains in its original place.

Adding a touch of magic, on Thursday evenings at 20:30 h the convent hosts night tours. By lantern light and evening hush, the cloister and convent reveal a new dimension of mystery and beauty. These visits, also available in Catalan, Spanish, and English, cost €10 (or €5 for residents) and must be booked earlier the same day during opening hours.

For those who wish to see the city from a different angle, the Cathedral’s guided tour at 12:00 h offers access to the first-floor terraces. From here, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the rooftops of Ciutadella, the port, and the Mediterranean horizon beyond. The tour is available in Spanish only, and costs €12.

THE CLAUSTRE OF SANT AGUSTÍ

In recent years, part of the convent has been given a new lease of life. The former monastic lodgings around the cloister have been carefully restored in traditional style and converted into unique guest accommodation. Staying here allows visitors to experience the cloister not just as a monument, but as a living space, a quiet sanctuary within the heart of Ciutadella’s historic center.

Just a short stroll away through Ses Voltes, turning right onto Carrer des Seminari lies a space that feels worlds apart in atmosphere: the Convent of Sant Agustí. Founded by the Augustinian order in the 17th century, the convent complex has long been intertwined with the intellectual and spiritual life of Ciutadella.

This transformation has been managed privately, with a focus on authenticity and comfort. Guests enjoy simple amenities within heritage surroundings in the heart of the old town, with direct views into the cloister and access to the atmospheric gardens. It is a rare opportunity to connect with Menorca’s history in an intimate and memorable way.

Its cloister, or claustre, is the centerpiece—a serene quadrangle of arches and columns framing a quiet and well kept courtyard. Once the daily setting for monastic contemplation, today it offers visitors a tranquil pause from the busy streets outside.

For more details or to book, visit: elclaustredeciutadella.com.

The standard combined entry ticket (€5) allows visitors to explore the lower part of the convent: the cloister itself, the church of El Socors, and the Diocesan Museum rooms. Exhibits here range from archaeological collections to paintings by Pere Daura and Pepe Torrent, alongside an intriguing Physics and Natural Sciences cabinet that reflects the convent’s historic role as a place of learning.

The combined ticket makes it easy to enjoy both of these landmarks in a single visit.

For those seeking a deeper experience, the daily guided tours at 12:00 h are highly recommended. Conducted in Catalan, Spanish, and English, these tours last about an hour and reveal areas normally closed to the public: the historic library lined with centuries-old volumes, the choir loft of the church, and the upper cloister. The cost is €10, or €5 for Balearic residents, and the ticket also includes entry to the Cathedral.

• Standard Combined Entry (Self-Guided): €5

STAYING AT THE CLAUSTRE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Opening Hours: May to October, Monday to Saturday, 10:00–16:00 (last admission 15:30).

• Season: Official visits and tours run until the end of October each year.

Includes the Cathedral (and its museum) and the Convent of Sant Agustí (lower cloister, church of El Socors, Diocesan Museum: archaeology, art, and sciences).

• Balearic residents: free.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 Convent Guided Tour (Daily): €10 Every day at 12:00 h, 1-hour tour in Catalan, Spanish, English. Includes the historic library, church choir, and upper cloister. Ticket also includes Cathedral entry.

Residents: €5.

Convent Night Tour (Thursdays): €10 Thursdays at 20:30 h, in Catalan, Spanish, English. Must be purchased earlier that day during opening hours. Also includes Cathedral entry.

Residents: €5.

Cathedral Guided Tour (Terraces): €12 Daily at 12:00 h, in Spanish only. Includes access to the Cathedral’s first-floor terraces with panoramic city views.

TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT • Arrive early to enjoy the Cathedral in the calm of the morning.

• Join the guided tours at 12:00 h - they unlock hidden areas and bring the history alive.

• Don’t miss Thursday evenings if you are in Ciutadella: the night tour offers a unique perspective.

• Wear comfortable shoes as some areas have uneven stone steps.

• Allow at least two hours to experience both sites fully.

• Consider staying overnight at the Claustre for a truly immersive experience.

A LEGACY PRESERVED As Ciutadella continues to welcome visitors from around the world, landmarks like the Cathedral and the Claustre of Sant Agustí remain essential anchors of identity. They remind us that Menorca’s charm is not only in its beaches or sunsets, but in the depth of its heritage and the resilience of its culture.

Whether you are a first-time visitor, a returning traveller, or a lifelong resident, the combined entry ticket is more than admission to two buildings. It is an invitation: to step into the peaceful heart of the town, to listen to the echoes of its past, and to carry a little of its spirit with you long after you leave.

This initiative is organised by the Diocese of Menorca, which continues to care for and share these exceptional spaces.

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

HORIZON 2030 PLAN FOR THE PORT OF MAHON

Back in July, Javier Sanz, president of the APB (Port Authority of the Balearics), came to Menorca to announce a 2030 target for completing major pending projects to renovate the waterfront of Mahón Harbour.

The cost is estimated at €50 million in public investment, with a further €30 million committed by the private sector. If you’ve driven along the road to Cala Llonga, you will have seen that preliminary work has already begun on an essential part of the project: the widening and renovation of the main road.

The ambitious Horizon 2030 plan focuses on three major projects designed to radically transform the waterfront: the new Cós Nou maritime station, the redevelopment of the entire southern bank, and the remodelling of Cala Figuera to convert it into a mooring and service area for large yachts.

Cós Nou Maritime station €21 million has been allocated to build the new ferry terminal, which will cover an area of 85,000 square metres. This includes pre-boarding areas, parking, access routes, and a new energy self-sufficient building with a restaurant overlooking the south bank. The new station is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The current ferry terminal, operating since 2015, was only ever meant to be temporary and was constructed with structures from the former Iscomar company. Back then, €15 million was allocated for a new terminal, but construction costs have since soared.

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

The southern bank The project with the greatest impact will be the redesign of the port’s 2.5 km harbour front on the south bank, from Colársega to Cala Figuera.

However, the APB has announced that it will not commission the project until a participatory process has taken place. It has awarded the contract to Nearco to gather feedback from port users over three months, beginning in September, and promised to launch a website where proposals can be submitted and progress monitored.

The port authority intends to reduce the prominence of road traffic and promote friendlier mobility, including a new cycle lane and an electric public transport system connecting the future Cala Figuera car park with the Cós Nou maritime station. Plans also include expanding green space, installing high-quality street furniture, and creating new recreational areas designed for active and year-round use. €8 million has been allocated for these improvements, which are expected to begin in 2028.

Cala Figuera The other major project, planned for 2029, is the transformation of Cala Figuera, with a €15 million investment in a marina specifically designed for large vessels. The eastern dock is expected to be consolidated for a future concession to manage small-vessel moorings, while the entire western dock will be reserved for large yachts, developed in the same architectural style that will define the transformation of the port’s southern shore.

Other plans The APB president said that 2030 “will mark the beginning of a profound transformation that will consolidate the port of Mahón as an island reference.”

He also referred to the rehabilitation of the Port Authority buildings at Moll de Ponent, the expansion of the cruise ship dock (€4.7 million), the refurbishment of the Cós Nou dock (investment yet to be determined), the new access road to the area (currently underway at a cost of €2.8 million), and a new roundabout in front (€700,000). The latter is considered essential to ensure connectivity and the safe transit of heavy vehicles. Let’s hope the plan also includes improvements for this section of the Camí de Cavalls!

The traffic-calming and pavement plans may encounter the greatest resistance from restaurant owners and retailers in the port, many of whom reported a decline in business since the one-way system was introduced and the amount of available parking reduced. Several sewage problems also remain unresolved. It will be interesting to see how the project ultimately unfolds.

More info at www.portsdebalears.com

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NEW ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES) If you are travelling for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.

From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin.

This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen Area.

Once fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. If you enter the Schengen Area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen Area.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay each time they cross the external borders of any of the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

If you frequently travel to the Schengen Area for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay does not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. You should also be aware of the penalties and enforcement measures for exceeding immigration limits in any individual Member State you plan to travel to or through.

The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area, and therefore EES is not applicable when travelling to either of these countries.

Your digital EES record is valid for three years. If you enter the Schengen Area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border when you enter and exit.

7KH %HQHÀWV RI (ES 1. Modernising border checks: The EES will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital system that records when travellers enter and exit, making border checks faster and helping staff work more efficiently.

Why the EU is introducing EES, and then ETIAS EES is part of wider EU efforts to strengthen border security. In the last quarter of 2026, the EU is planning to launch the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will announce the specific launch date before ETIAS comes into effect.

2. Easier and faster travel: With EES, travellers will spend less time at the border thanks to faster checks, self-service options, and the possibility of providing information in advance.

When ETIAS is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen Area countries if travelling on a UK passport. You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a €20 fee as part of the authorisation process.

3. Preventing irregular migration: The EES will help track who comes in and out of the Schengen Area, using fingerprint and facial data to stop people from overstaying, using fake identities, or misusing visa-free travel.

4. Increasing security in the Schengen Area: The EES will give border officers and law enforcement authorities access to important traveller information, helping them identify security risks and support the fight against serious crime and terrorism.

How EES will affect travelling to the Schengen area The UK government has been working closely with the European Commission, Member States, local authorities, and the travel industry to prepare ports for 14

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 EES. The government is supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is straightforward for people travelling to the Schengen Area.

Travellers who disembark a cruise within the Schengen Area and continue to another destination, including an alternative port, by other means, will need to complete EES checks when leaving the ship. Any travellers boarding a cruise within the Schengen Area will need to complete EES checks at their initial port of entry.

UK government support includes providing Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover with £3.5 million each to spend on registration kiosks and infrastructure.

• Eurostar (London St Pancras International): UK and non-EU travellers will need to use self-service pre-registration kiosks, located in three areas of the station, before going through the ticket gates.

Exemptions to EES Some UK nationals are exempt from EES, including holders of residence permits and long-stay visas. These travellers should not register for EES. Instead, upon arrival at the border, they should present their exemption documentation to a border guard.

• Eurotunnel (Folkestone): UK and non-EU travellers will be directed to a purpose-built pre-registration area to use self-service kiosks before continuing their journey.

The full list of exemptions is available on the EU’s official Travel Europe website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees.

• Port of Dover: UK and non-EU ferry passengers will be registered at kiosks in the purpose-built Western Docks processing area, or through a combination of agents and tablets depending on their vehicle, before being directed to the ferry terminal.

If an EES record is mistakenly created for an exempt traveller, it should be deleted retrospectively. Normally, this can be done at the border by a border guard, or by the relevant authorities within the Schengen Area. In some cases, EES records may be deleted automatically, e.g. if the traveller is granted a residence permit after entering the Schengen Area.

• Other ports and airports: UK and non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area by air or by ferry services (other than Dover) will be registered at the border on arrival in their destination country.

Information sourced from:

In all locations, travellers should follow directions from their travel operator, port, or airport, and make border staff aware if they anticipate any issues completing biometric checks.

UK Government – EU Entry/Exit System EU Travel Europe – EES

An app being developed by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, will allow travellers to register their details before departure, although fingerprints will still need to be taken at EU borders. The app is not expected to be available before the planned EES launch date.

Travelling by Cruise Ship Sailings that start and finish outside the Schengen Area (for example, at a UK port) will generally be exempt from EES checks, including any day trips into the Schengen Area that are part of the itinerary.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

THE

BIG

INTERVIEW WITH

MONIKA LINTON

It was a conversation at the Cricket one Sunday with catering expert Lucy Gemmell that led us to Monika Linton — co-founder of Brindisa, the company that forever changed Britain’s relationship with Spanish food. We went to meet her, excited by what we could learn from someone with such a wealth of experience in buying food from small artisan producers from across Spain. She was the first person to take Mahón cheese from Alaior to London in 1989 and continues to sell it in the UK today.

When Monika launched Brindisa in the late 1980s, the UK’s knowledge of Spanish food stretched little further than paella, sangria, and the occasional Manchego. Fast forward three decades and Brindisa is a household name: a supplier to Britain’s finest restaurants, a fixture at Borough Market, and the brand behind five London tapas restaurants and an outdoor market bar.

Her acclaimed book Brindisa: The True Food of Spain (Spectator Cookbook of the Year, 2016) captures both her passion for authentic Spanish ingredients and the extraordinary journey she’s taken — from studying and teaching in Catalunya to storing Rioja in her parents’ Hampshire garage, and then persuading London chefs to try artisan Spanish cheese for the very first time.

Raising a Glass to Brindisa The name “Brindisa” comes from the Spanish brindar, meaning to raise a toast — a fitting tribute to the warmth and generosity that Spanish food inspires. “It’s about wishing health and happiness to others,” Monika explains.

Can you tell me the story of how you first took Mahón cheese to London?

“My brother lived in Barcelona and, having seen how consumers had opened up to new ideas following the death of Franco, he set up a company to import British foods such as Scottish Salmon and Stilton. I started out by helping him with the piles of paperwork involved in applying for licences as it was before Spain had joined the EU. You would apply for a licence for 200 kilos for example and finally, after much delay, you would get one for 30 kilos - a nightmare system. We then realised we could send Spanish food back to London and we set up a new company together. I started out by selling rioja, but then my brother met one of the first Spanish suppliers of artisan cheeses who had selected some from six different regions, including one made from sheep’s milk from the Basque country and Mahón cheese from Menorca. In 1989, I invested £800 in my first order, which I am proud to say was then the widest range of Spanish cheese ever seen on British soil.”

How did you survive Brexit?

“When Brexit was announced, we were very worried but we hoped that with all our experience we could be one of the survivors. We predicted that it would lead to increased costs of 2025%, which in the end proved correct. We attended a recent conference in San Sebastian called Gastronomika where they reported that exports to the UK had fallen by 5% since Brexit but imports from the UK to Spain had fallen by a staggering 60%. An effect of the EU imposing the Brexit the UK had chosen that politically the UK couldn´t do in one go. (they weren’t our 16

Copyright Times Newspapers Ltd

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

lorries as we don’t export?). Before Brexit, we were able to buy four or five cases of cheese from a small producer on a weekly basis to meet demand. Now, the farmer has to spend so much time on paperwork and also arrange for a vet to come to certify the product for every shipment. In remote farms it may take the vet a day to complete the visit each time and so the producers need to ship larger quantities less often to make it viable. This means we need to store it for longer.”

Brindisa products in Menorca My co-founder brother, Mark Lavery, works from Barcelona selling Reietó olives, pickles and pulses to Menorca and you can find them in supermarket Cas Tix in San Climent amongst other shops. The name is catalan for the local bird, a Goldcrest, nicknamed the king of birds. The word is also used as my little king (rei-ito), which is a term of endearment. When we bought the Peréllo Olive company, we inherited a warehouse in Barcelona full of cans of olives and an international sales team. Peréllo had been our supplier for many years, and it was run by a lovely couple in their 70s/80s with no family members to continue the business, so we took it over. We continue to sell the olives under the Peréllo brand in the UK and outside Europe, but within Europe we sell it under the Reietó brand. It is a family joke that I also do very well selling Spanish crisps in The UK - it was never my aim to sell snacks; my passion is to sell cheese!

How have you adapted to cope?

“Rupert has been heading up our Cheese Project for over 10 years now so this gave us the chance to mitigate issues by caring for cheese in our cheese rooms in London. He has a team researching in depth the best way to store the cheeses for longer but maintain their quality and “freshness”. For example, we have been buying our Mahón cheese from Alaior since 1990 and it takes two weeks to transport it to London. We have learnt from the local producers and suppliers how to rub the cheese with olive oil - this gives it a beautiful golden colour - and store it on open wooden shelves.

Eating out in Menorca When she’s not working, Monika enjoys Menorca’s restaurants with her family.

“Can Bernat is a favourite — it’s close by, we can walk there, with traditional food and such friendly service, and we can sit on the terrace with our dog Leni. In Mahón, she loves Bar Augustin–Candela for its creative dishes, from sardines on coca pastry and ensadilla with prawns & crab to delicious beef dishes in winter. “We think Danni the Chef makes some of the best food on the island, and it is wonderful he stays open all year” she says. “We like to try new restaurants and have been to some recommended in Roqueta in beautiful settings, but it has become very expensive these days with the whole family.

“Two years ago, we walked parts of the Cami de Cavalls. We walked from Mahón to Cala Galdana and we had two nights in Fornells and Ciutadella. We found Casa Curniola 21 in the back streets of Ciutadella to enjoy a traditional meal and loved it.”

Tell me about your cheese afinador, Torralba “The first cheese I exported to the UK was Coinga Mahón and we sold it in Safeways ready for the Olympics. In 1990, I discovered Torralba in a specialist cheese shop in Barcelona. I pretended to be a customer and said I loved the paper in order to procure the phone numbers written on it. Nicolas Cardona from Torralba has become one of our longest-standing collaborators. He is an afinador or “finisher” of cheese in Menorca who buys fresh white cheese from different farmers. He buys from 12 different farmers and matures them to suit the individual tastes of his customers. He knows the history, taste and qualities of each one in great detail, he is a connoisseur of cheese, able to select the perfect cheese for each customer. Nicolas’ grandfather was an agricultural supplier of equipment to the farmers. When they were struggling for cash, they would pay him in cheese and this led to the formation of Quesos Torralba. Nicolas is now one of the last traditional afinadors in Spain, as slowly the farmers are being replaced by dedicated cheesemakers.”

Looking Ahead As we wrap up our conversation at her Menorcan home, Monika is preparing to fly back to London for a week of board meetings. Rupert, meanwhile, is staying behind — eager to taste local goat’s cheese at the Arrels food fair. Despite the demands of running an international company, the couple are hoping to spend more time on the island in future, forging new relationships with local farmers and perhaps even helping them bring their produce to market.

Would you consider new products from Menorca?

“We would love to buy more local products, such as Menorcan salt. However, currently we buy several products from Mallorca, and we can’t double up. We buy Mallorcan salt, sobrasada, and paprika. Menorca has such small quantities that it is difficult but the strength for the local producers is that the environment is so very special and it is a Biosphere reserve. Honey producers, for example, can tell their own seasonal story based around their local flora and microclimate. We buy varietal pimenton from just outside Palma. The pepper varietals are different to those grown in Extremadura and it is not smoked. If someone was to grow peppers in Menorca, for, example, we would be very interested as the climate and soil are special. One day I hope to host a chef trip to Menorca to show them the local products and dishes such as the rices and calderetas.

Until then, you can explore Brindisa’s world via their website, where a quick glance at the homepage — aged balsamic vinegar, smoked Asturian chorizo, marinated Ibérico pork loin, and of course Torralba Mahón cheese — is enough to make anyone hungry. www.brindisa.com 17

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

RESTAURANTS

If you would like to advertise your restaurant in the Eating Out section of Roqueta please contact John Davies by email: roquetajohn@gmail.com or by Whatsapp 609851186

OPEN TIL DECEMBER

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

EATING As I write this, I am still enjoying September, which is possibly my favourite month on the island. The weather is kinder, the crowds are fewer, and most of the restaurants are still open — and still fantastic. After a long, hot summer there’s always a danger of “restaurant fatigue”, and many chefs and owners are quietly looking forward to some calmer months. The demographic changes too: fewer children, and more visitors from the UK seeking a relaxed getaway and a chance to enjoy Menorca’s cuisine at an easier pace.

OUT

OCTOBER 2025

BY LUCY GEMMELL, FOUNDER OF RHUBARB AND ROQUETA’S TEAM OF TASTERS

For me, now is the start of a little rush to visit restaurants before they close for the winter, though reservations are no longer such a problem.

Many restaurants are still unsure if they will stay open for the whole of October and it is essential to check before you go. I’m amazed at how many new places there are to try, and thanks to recommendations from Carlos at S’Algar Catering I still have a long list of spots to visit. The trouble is, there simply aren’t enough days to fit them all in! Having local knowledge is invaluable, especially for discovering some of the more grown-up dining options in Ciutadella. Next stop for me is Aquiara, led by José María Borrás, who we featured in Roqueta and who sounds like a wonderfully exciting new energy on the island.

One of my absolute joys is visiting the fish market on the port. I don’t mind a queue and, last week, after queuing (not for too long, thankfully), I walked away with a three-kilo turbot — the king of the seas — which I baked with lemon oil and capers. The market is an experience in itself: watching the fishermen’s wives clean and prepare the day’s catch, often landed only hours before, is a lesson in patience and respect for food. It feels so real and authentic, filled with Spanish customers who clearly value the quality of what’s on offer.

RESTAURANT SA PUNTA MENORCA Carrer Miranda de Cales Fonts, 2, 07720 Es Castell www.sapuntamenorca.com Tel: 0034 690854671

By Lucy Gemmell

Most of us rarely see the journey our food takes before it reaches us. Here, you gain a deep appreciation for the process — a refreshing contrast to the supermarket shortcut. For me, it’s made fish cooking at home so much more exciting, and I honestly won’t buy fish anywhere else. It also encourages you to be brave: try something new, cook something unfamiliar, and treat it with respect. Razor clams, sardines, sea bream, sea bass — there are so many beautiful choices. And always remember: look at the fish’s eye. If it’s bright and clear, the fish is fresh; if it looks hazy or opaque, it’s past its best.

What a lovely way to spend a glorious September lunch in one of my favourite restaurants. There is no denying this place boasts one of the most charming views and reflects everything we love about Menorca. It has been carefully thought out, with tables both inside and out. You can sit watching the boats sail in and out of the harbour while enjoying the ambience. What’s not to love?

This month we also ventured into beautiful Es Mercadal, an utterly charming town at the base of Monte Toro. I don’t often go there, but now I certainly will more frequently. It’s a delightful place to wander, with plenty of wonderful spots to eat. We had dinner booked through friends at Restaurant Mesón Can Jaume and it turned out to be a lovely evening — a warm, familyrun restaurant with friendly staff, good service, fair prices, and lots of locals. Simple, delicious, and understated with a charming ambience. It is traditional Spanish food and some of the meat dishes are not for the faint hearted.

One of the most special features is that the owner, Matthew, has embraced local suppliers – the wonderful produce from Binissaida Des Barrancs. As a foodie, this is a lovely nod to someone who has chosen to use locally grown, sustainable and regenerative farming methods in Menorca. The farm covers just over 5,000 m² of land and grows a variety of local vegetables and fruits.

The menu clearly delivers, with both local produce and clever combinations that challenge the taste buds – it’s a real journey of flavours. For me, I love the starters and sharing plates as they are creative and delicious: the Parmesan shortbread with smoked sardine and citric mousse is divine; the grilled butter brioche with smoked sobrasada cream and grated Mahón cheese is incredible. And there is so much more…

And finally, we enjoyed a gem in Mahón: El Mezquite, a fabulous Mexican restaurant in the Claustre del Carme. This is a fun, easy place for a quick lunch, serving delicious fresh, clean, and perfectly executed food. The margaritas are fantastic too! It feels authentic, not bad value, and considering how tiny the kitchen is, what they produce is seriously impressive. A must for anyone living here — and a great option if you’re feeling just a little “tapas-ed out.” Next year they will be moving to new premises so we will keep you informed.

Matthew has also invested in local brands Gin iNNat and Glop, which is a fantastic contribution to the island. It’s been a revival for these names, and you can now also enjoy their Pomada granizada made with Glop gin – which proved very popular in hotspots across the island this summer.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 While I enjoy the range of options, the go-to for “the boys” is a perfectly cooked T-bone steak with delicious frites – simple but superb. I adore the hake with sautéed bok choi, fried garlic and basil sauce: it is light, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. I admire Matthew for pushing the culinary level in this restaurant to such a high standard – it may be a treat date, but it never disappoints. Sa Punta does not compromise on any level, and it is so refreshing that the product is valued far more than the margin. That’s rare, and it’s admirable.

I also know that Matthew frequently travels to London, seeking new ideas and concepts to improve his offering and follow new trends – we look forward to new dishes in 2026. In previous years, Sa Punta has opened for 12 months to allow the entire island, including locals, to enjoy this amazing restaurant even during the quieter months. It remains to be seen if this generosity can extend to another winter, given the prohibitive costs of employing staff year-round in Menorca. What I do know is that any feedback is always welcome – having run a catering business myself, I can say with certainty that nothing is ever seen as negative, only constructive.

EATING OUT WITH THE FAMILY John and Liz Many people have remarked that restaurants in Menorca are very expensive this year, especially for parents footing the bill for the whole family. We’ve had our grandson, sisters, and nephews staying this summer, so here are some of the places we went to eat – or, in our grandson’s case, some he chose himself using TripAdvisor!

MARCUS’ CHOICES LORENGO RESTAURANT Passeig Marítim, 7, 07730 Cala en Porter 971947062 Top of Marcus and his girlfriend’s wishlist when they came to stay was a trip to the Caves of Xoroi. We dropped them off in Cala en Porter at 9 pm, and they chose Lorengo based on reviews they’d seen online. Lorengo offers a set menu for €25, with a wide range of choices and some homemade desserts, which makes it very popular. For example, you can have garlic prawns to start, a T-bone steak for your main, and a dessert – with bread and pâté, a drink, and a shot – all for €25. The portions are generous too and they were very happy with their choices and the service.

DELITO BURGERS Carrer Moll de Cales Fonts, 52, 07720 Es Castell Marcus sampled many burgers while he was here, including a smash burger at Tintina and even a McDonald’s. But on a wander around Cales Fonts he made a beeline for Delito Burgers, which I knew had been recommended by Steve from Sa Botiga. Marcus thought the fries, nachos and burgers were all amazing. He especially liked the price-to-quality ratio, pointing out you can add an extra patty for only €2! He highly recommends it, and says you can eat there for under €20 per person. Delito means “crime” or “felony” in Spanish, and their speciality smash burgers are advertised as “delicious and criminal.” Their motto is: Bite without fear. Here, sin is not only permitted, it’s celebrated. Marcus tucked in so fast he forgot to take a photo.

BAMBU MENORCA Passeig Marítim, 38, Binibequer Vell, 07711 Binibèquer. Bambumenorca.com Marcus celebrated his 23rd birthday in Menorca, and we wanted to take him and his girlfriend, Kelsey, somewhere special. We chose Bambú, a favourite with the younger crowd, thanks to its magical atmosphere, beautifully designed zen garden, and unbeatable sunset views. It’s always fully booked in summer, but we managed to get a table on the smaller lower terrace, which has a cosy feel.

We received the usual warm welcome from the staff, led by Giacomo, who we’ve known since his days in the Port of Mahón. He is key to Bambú’s success, along with his partner Niki, but they also have a fantastic team – including Diogo who never forgets a face, from his time working at Mestre in the port.

For starters, we shared Galician-style octopus (something John would never normally eat, but he loves it here and wanted Marcus to try it) and the delicious, light and crispy tempura prawns with ginger and lime mayonnaise and Japanese BBQ dipping sauces. For mains, the youngsters chose grilled ribeye steak with chimichurri sauce, I had grilled pluma ibérica with chicken and ramen sauce, and John ordered the vermella beef on parmentier potatoes. Dessert had to be the chef’s famous homemade Mahón cheesecake, which Marcus declared “perfecto.” With red wine, virgin cocktails, and sparkling water, it was a very special evening at €70 per head. Make sure you book ahead if you are visiting in high summer. Bambu will close on 19th October. 50% of takings on the final night will go to Trebaluger Equine Rescue Centre.

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 beach! L’Avi Bernadet des Grau also has excellent fish and tapas, but we found their hours unpredictable, often opening only for lunch.

RESTAURANT SA NANSA Carrer dels Vivers, 3, 07748 Fornells Tel: 971376741 www.sanansafornells.com One early Monday evening we headed to Fornells for the artisan market. Along the front, many of the high-end fish restaurants with white tablecloths were reserved but empty. Around the corner, at Sa Nansa in the pretty cove of Es Vivers, however, tables were already busy. We managed to get one on the terrace. From there, we had a lovely view of the local bathers and yachts along the harbour, with Monte Toro on the horizon. We watched the sky turn from soft light blue to deep royal blue until the anchor lights on the masts began to twinkle. John tucked into his favourite crunchy chicken salad with mango sauce (€13), while I chose aubergine and meat moussaka (€12). A couple of beers and a coffee later, we were off for a wander around the shops, leaving the table free for the next sitting. Sa Nansa, with over 20 years’ experience, is always popular and is open year-round, serving a good mix of tapas, salads, fish and meat.

RESTAURANT TRÉBOL Carrer Moll de Cales Fonts, 43, BAJO, 07720 Es Castell Tel: 971367097 John and I have lived in Menorca for over 20 years, yet we had never been to Trébol! We always thought it was too expensive and difficult to get a table, plus John isn’t fond of “fishy fish.” But for my nephew Chris’ last night, he asked for a fish restaurant with a view. After giving him some options (and re-reading Christine’s glowing lunch review from earlier this year), he chose Trébol. We booked a table for five on the terrace at 7.45 pm, with the condition we’d be finished by 9.30 pm. In the end, the earlier downpours kept people away, and there was absolutely no rush.

This was our family’s first port of call this year, and one of our favourites in Cales Fonts. Lorraine told me that this part of the harbour has been quiet at lunchtimes this year, but Aigu is doing well, and she always gets a warm welcome, especially when bringing Graham in his wheelchair.

The staff were friendly and welcoming. Prices were not as steep as we’d imagined: dorada and grilled sea bass were €22, fillet steak was €26, and chicken breast €16. Starters included a big plate of pimientos de padrón (€10), tomato salad with tuna, onions and capers (€14), and gambas al ajillo (€20). Lorraine judges restaurants by pan con tomate and we have gambas ajillo everywhere we go.

These were not the biggest or most numerous prawns but there were some lovely warm soft rolls, perfect for dipping in the garlic oil, which had a deep rich flavour and was topped with soft juicy cherry tomatoes,

You can’t get closer to the harbourside, and there’s a great view across to the Lazareto. On this visit, there were seven of us, and we shared the usual starters of chipirones, bravas Sa Cova, and gambas al ajillo. The prawns were perhaps the tastiest we’ve had, with a generous portion size. We also ordered fried aubergine sticks with sobrasada and honey – delicious.

With a few glasses of wine, beers and soft drinks, it came to about €40 per head – a relief, as Chris insisted on paying! This is a good example of a restaurant that now isn’t any more expensive than the others around it, provided you avoid the pricier lobster and fish specials. If you want paella, you need to order it in advance.

AIGU COVA RESTAURANT Carrer Moll de Cales Fonts, 20, 07720 Es Castell. 971367017 aigucovarestaurant.com

For mains, two shared a seafood paella (€23.90), others chose Menorcan-style sea bream and sea bass with Mediterranean sauce, while the meat eaters went for beef tenderloin (€24.50), pluma ibérica (€20.80), and a Menorcan Wagyu burger (€18.80). With rosé wine, beers, a mojito, soft drinks, and some coffees (but no room for desserts), the bill came to €36 per head.

SES GARCES Son Bou Beach S/N, 07730 Alaior +34 613104068 sesgarces.com

CAFÉ BAR ES MOLL Moll des magatzems, 07700 Es Grau baresmoll.com

A swim and an evening meal at Ses Garces chiringuito, watching the sunset at Son Bou, has now become a family tradition. This year, we went simple: chicken skewers, chicken in pepper sauce, burgers and pork chops (all €14–18). However, we ramped up the bill with Mojitos, Pomadas and several Aperol Spritz – you have to have a cocktail to match the sunset! The staff were a delight, laughing at all John’s jokes and cracking a few of their own, making us all feel special and well looked after. Although the sea was choppy and the beach quite narrow, the sunset played ball and was beautiful, giving us perfect light for family photos.

My sister and her family rented a house in Es Grau for four weeks in September, and their standout favourite was Café Bar Es Moll, right on the quayside looking across to Isla Colom. You can pop in for coffee in the morning. They don’t serve breakfast (they’re too busy preparing for their fully booked lunches), but you’re welcome to bring your own pastries from the supermarket.

The first time we went for dinner, we over-ordered, not realising how large the starters were. We had a plate of plump sardines with salad, a very generous portion of juicy chipirones (baby squid), and patatas bravas. For mains, some of us shared the seafood fideuà, while others went for the large, juicy entrecôte with fries. Dessert was a shared Menorquina pistachio cheesecake – now a family favourite.

Ses Garces is open from 9 am to midnight, but only takes dinner reservations.

OTHER FAMILY FAVOURITES

It’s an informal restaurant, serving simple, quality food in generous portions, in a lovely waterside setting. Our first meal for eight people came to €35 per head, including beers and soft drinks. Bar Es Moll is open seven days a week, from 11 am to 11 pm, which means you can always get a drink or a snack. By contrast, Tamarindos beach bar closes at 6 pm – no good if you fancy a beer after the

If you are looking for good quality restaurants open in October and November, CASANOVA is always our go-to restaurant for pizzas and pasta, LA KANA in Sant Lluís has excellent food at good prices, and Graeme’s favourite was SA CALA in Cales Fonts. Good news - TARAMBANA is open until December.

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ROQUETA RECIPES SPANISH DISHES FROM THE BRINDISA TEAM

PANZANELLA SALAD WITH A SPANISH TWIST This Spanish take on an Italian classic comes together in under 15 minutes and uses a mix of fresh ingredients and store cupboard staples. The real magic? The croutons—soaked in tomato, olive oil and vinegar until they’re beautifully soft and full of flavour.

READY IN 15 mins COOKING TIME 5 mins PREP TIME 10 mins SERVES 4 as side dish

INGREDIENTS 2 slices of day-old bread (sourdough or focaccia is best) Perelló Extra Virgin Olive Oil Selection of 10-12 ripe tomatoes (depending on size) 4 Navarrico Whole Marinated Artichokes ½ red onion, thinly sliced 1 tbsp capers 3 tbsp Manzanilla Olives Unico Fino Balsamic Vinegar Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Fresh basil

CIDER-GLAZED CHISTORRA CHORIZO

METHOD: 1. Add a generous glug of the olive oil to a frying pan, then add the bread cut into cubes and sauté over a gentle heat until the bread is golden and toasted. Set aside to cool.

2. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cut the artichokes in half, lengthwise. Slice up the red onion and soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavour.

3. Place the tomatoes, artichokes, drained red onion slices, capers and olives in a serving bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Add 1 tbsp vinegar to 3 tbsp olive oil and gently mix. Sprinkle over fresh basil leaves and serve.

Enhance flavour-packed chorizo by poaching it in cider, a classic Asturian tapa. For a twist, try using chistorra - a long, thin Basque chorizo. Cut into 2cm pieces, fry until the skin colours, then cover the chistorra with cloudy cider and simmer. The longer it cooks, the richer and more glazelike the sauce. Serve with plenty of bread; your guests will want to mop up every drop of the sauce.

READY IN 30 mins COOKING TIME 25 mins PREP TIME 5 mins SERVES 2-3

INGREDIENTS 300 g chistorra, cut into 2cm pieces 1 tsp olive oil 200ml cloudy cider A few sprigs of fresh parsley, finely chopped Plenty of crusty bread, to serve

METHOD: 1. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat.

2. Add the chistorra pieces and fry gently until their colour changes and they begin to release their oil.

3. Pour in the cider, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

4. Cook for around 25 minutes, or until the cider has reduced and thickened to a glossy glaze that coats the sausage.

5. Finish with chopped parsley.

Serve hot, with lots of bread on the side to mop up the sauce.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

AJO BLANCO ALMOND AND GARLIC SOUP This refreshing almond and garlic soup from southern Spain is sometimes referred to as “white gazpacho”.

READY IN 10 mins PREP TIME 10 mins SERVES 4 as a starter

INGREDIENTS 100g stale white bread, crusts cut off 200g almonds 1 clove of garlic 2 teaspoons of Sherry Vinegar 4 tablespoons of Olive Oil Sea salt and black pepper

METHOD: 1. Put the almonds and garlic into a food processor with a little cold water and blend thoroughly.

2. Add the bread and keep the processor running whilst you add the oil and vinegar and keep blending; taste for flavour and texture. Add water if the soup is too thick and season with salt.

3. Store in the fridge and serve chilled with a drizzle of olive oil and some halved green grapes and almonds as a garnish. It’s also delicious with some pieces of ham.

IBÉRICO PORK & VEGETABLE SKEWERS Juicy and full of colour and vitamins, these Ibérico pork and vegetable kebabs are a must for your next BBQ. Enjoy them with a glass of cold Estrella beer! Recipe by @thecornerplot

READY IN 1 hour COOKING TIME 8 mins PREP TIME 30 mins SERVES 4 people

INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil Juice of half a lemon 1 tsp of sweet smoked paprika 4 dashes of smoked hot paprika sauce 1 tsp dried oregano Pinch of saffron, crushed Pinch of sea salt 1 tsp of ground cumin 1 Iberico Solomillo Courgette, cut into 2cm pieces Peppers, deseeded and cut into 3 cm pieces Red onion, peeled, quartered and separated 4 skewers

METHOD: 1. Whisk the marinade ingredients in a non-reactive mixing bowl.

2. Remove any remaining silver skin from the pork fillet, slice it into 2cm rounds, and marinate for 30 min.

3. Skewer the pork fillet and vegetables, leaving a little space between each piece. Heat the barbecue, and cook for 8 minutes, turning once and basting with the remaining marinade.

MOJO ROJO: 4 long guindilla chilli peppers 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 4 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped ½ a red pepper METHOD: 1. Prepare the peppers by soaking them in warm water for 20 minutes.

2. Drain them and scrape out the flesh.

4. Serve on a bed of salad leaves, plenty of mojos, and a wedge of lemon.

3. Grind the cumin seeds using a pestle and mortar and put through a fine sieve.

Little tips: These skewers are delicious served with mojo sauces.

4. Return to the mortar with the rest of the ingredients, except the olive oil, and pound to a paste.

For extra flavour, double the marinade and mix the vegetables before skewering with the pork. Use the remaining marinade for basting.

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5. Add the olive oil slowly and work it in until well combined.

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

BY MICHAEL STEVENSON are out of most peoples reach but it does have some reasonably priced producers such as Protos , Valduero and Vina Mayor but, be warned, Rioja wines are much better priced!

SPAIN’S

Rueda is joined to Ribera del Duero and produces white wines mainly made from the Verdejo grape. Verdejo is Spain’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc. It is widely available in the wine merchants and supermarkets in Menorca. Recommended wine producers are as follows: Marques de Riscal, Martivilli, Jose Poriente, Protos and Beronia.

MOST RELIABLE WINE PRODUCERS It can be very daunting choosing wine in Spain if you are not familiar with Spanish wines or the regions. Luckily, most Spanish wines are now much more reliable than they were even 10 or 20 years ago. The trouble now is we are stuck for choice, and every year produces new wine regions: Denominacions de Origen (or protegida) DOs. It would be impossible for me to list all the wine regions and their producers, so this month I will highlight the major regions and their top producers.

Rias Baixas is an Atlantic DO whose main grape is Albarino. There are a few red vines which produce strikingly fresh crisp wines. The best producers of white wines are: Palacio de Fefinanes, Pazo de Barrantes, Pazo de Senoranes, Terras Gauda, Zarate, Forjas de Salnes, Fulcro, Gerardo Mendoz and Martin Codax.

Priorat is now a very grand DO producing superb wines; some good value and some very expensive. It produces mainly red but some interesting whites as well.. The main red grapes are the traditional Carinena and Garnacha. The key to their success is the Llicorella (slate) soil. The best wines such as Marques de Teran, L’Eranta, Bodegas Cosme Palacio, El Pison and more sell at thousands and hundreds of pounds. More modestly priced producers like the following are more affordable: Scala Dei Prior, Portal de Priorat, Arid, Ferrer Bobet, Tot - U , Alvaro, Mas Martinet and Onix (blanco)

Rioja - We will start with Rioja which produces so much of Spain’s loveliest wine and is still incredibly reasonably priced. It has three subregions : Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Oriental. The three best wineries are Marques de Murrietta, Marques de Riscal and Lopez de Heredia. Other top notch producers are CVNE, Rioja Alta, Roda Remirez de Ganuza, Remelluri and Vina Real. Other reliable Riojas are Lopez de Haro, Campo Viejo, El Coto, Ijalba and many more.

More whites of high quality are being produced and should not be ignored. The Rosados are lovely drinking and very food friendly.

Sherry - The oldest wine region in Spain is the sherry zone, (Jerez in Spanish) and Jerez de la Frontera is the capital. Sherry is still remarkably good value but growing fast in popularity so it can only get more expensive. It may be drunk as an aperitif and is also very food friendly. The lightest wines are Manzanilla and Fino, then progressing to Amontillado, Palo Cortado and Oloroso made from the Palomino grape. All of these are naturally dry; any sweetness occurs when sherries are made from Pedro Ximinez grapes or Moscatel is blended with them. Some of the sherry houses go back centuries like Osborne, Lustau,Valdespino,Bodegas Tradicion, Hildago and Zuleta, all pre 1800. Some of the best producers other than the above are : La Guita (for Manzanilla) , Barbadillo, Gonzales Byas, Sanchez Romate.

Cavas - These are made by the traditional method like Champagne and represent, in the main, very good value for money. They must have a minimum of 9 months barrel age. Traditionally , they are made using Xarel-lo and Macabeo grapes, but now they can now be made using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They are made in Penedes around Barcelona although there are exceptions like the Cava made by Muga in Rioja.

Here are some Cava producers I can recommend: Cordonui I Reventos, Freixenet, Juve y Camps, Raventos i Blanc, Mas Codina, and Sumarocca.

Ribera del Duero was created a DO in 1982 and has never looked back. It produces mainly reds from Tempranillo known as Tinto Fino. The wines used to be quite big and oaky but over time some elegance has been restored. The region’s leading producers include the legendary Vega Sicilia and Pingus, which 24

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 My recommendations for this month are as follows:

RIOJA Lopez de Haro, Rioja Viura Blanco 2022, 12.5% ABV. Enrique Penalver and widely available at around 6 - 7€.

Pale greenish yellow, fresh herbaceous aroma. Clean refreshing white Rioja with a good finish. Good aperitif or with light fish dishes.

Vina Bujanda Crianza 2021.

Tempranillo, 14% ABV, De Vins 7.85€.

Vibrant purple red. Dark fruit nose with hint of tobacco. Fresh fruit flavour, balsamic hints, wellstructured with a long finish. Good with red meat.

SHERRY La Guita, Manzanilla, 15% ABV, Botiga de S’Uestra and widely available around 7.5€.

Pale with a salty sherry nose. Lovely fresh dry taste with crisp palate, great balance and flavour, refreshing and great finish. Good as an aperitif and with fishy tapas.

RIBERA DEL DUERO Entrelobos 2023 Tinto Fino, 14.5 % ABV, De Vins 10.65€.

Intense cherry colour, dark fruit on the nose with a floral hint, quite delicate. Dry but fruity, hint of oak, good balance and finish. Good with meat and stews.

CAVA Mas Codina Reserva 2022, Macabeo, Xarel - lo, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir.

11.9% ABV, De Vins and widely available 6.65€.

Pale with a fine effervescence, citrus notes on the nose. Pleasing complexity and minerality. A great aperitif.

RUEDA Jose Pariente 2024, Verdejo, 13.5% ABV, De Vins 12.50€.

Vibrant golden yellow, good fruity nose. Fresh aromatic fruit and good balance. Elegant and with a long finish. Best with seafood or as an aperitif.

PRIORAT Onix Blanc 2023, Garnacha Blanca and others.13.5% ABV, De Vins 11.80€ and widely available.

Pale but bright, good peachy nose. Lovely fresh fruit, herbaceous and floral. Good body and finish. Good aperitif and with light seafood.

Happy drinking!

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

BY ALISON GURNEY

Noel with his uncles at the Churchill factory

A Little Bit of Stoke-on-Trent in the Sun and by the Sea! THE ART OF ‘PLATE TURNING’

If you visit the Menorca Museum in Mahón or the Isla del Rey, you can discover evidence that the British military officers and medical staff, based here in the 18th century, brought with them ‘home comforts’. Shards of pottery found in excavations around Es Castell and on the Isla del Rey have been identified as coming from the potteries of Stoke-on-Trent.

So, they clearly brought their own plates, cups and saucers with them!

Today, some 300 years later, Stoke-on-Trent pottery is still being used in Menorca, remarkably in about two-thirds of the restaurants on the island. If you see diners around you turning over their plates to read the information printed underneath, they are probably Stokies - or friends that have been introduced to the art of ‘plate turning’.

The name that these plate turners are most likely to find in many of our Menorcan restaurants is Churchill – or their recently acquired brand, Dudson. Churchill pottery was established in 1795 so it is no newcomer to the scene but is now famous as a world-wide supplier of hotelware.

The 2025 catalogue has over 400 pages of different shapes and designs and I gave up counting when I reached 60 colour options.

To deter imitators, new items and variations are introduced four times a year. This was just one of the fascinating facts I discovered when I visited Menaje Menorca on the poligón in Mahón (not far from IKEA). They have had the exclusive sales rights for Churchill for 13 years.

Noel Segui, one of the family that owns the business, had recently visited the Churchill factory in Tunstall (one of the original 6 towns that became the City of Stoke-on-Trent). He was impressed with the investment in the production lines.

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Robotic arms, powered by over 5000 solar panels, fashion white clay into the various shapes and sizes of the different ranges. A far cry from the labour-intensive methods and coal-fired bottle kilns of 1795!

The modern ware is ‘cooked’ in the kilns and then coloured glazes are applied by humans as required.

This flexibility cleverly enables the company to meet demands without stockpiling designs that can go out of fashion. Noel was proud to be able to supply an order within a week.

If you are visiting Calas Fonts in Es Castell, you can become a plate turner and spot Churchill easily. Each restaurant has a different theme. Check out Es Llenegal, Aigu and Caprichosa - their pizza plates are amazing! Pedro and Xisco Pallicer, the cousins who run Nou Sirocco, chose several different shapes and designs in the natural shades that complemented their wooden tables and creamy coloured chairs. At Tarambana, they have a bold blue design. Sa Cala, with their shade provided by branches of foliage, chose green.

For a really special plate experience, you need to visit La Rueda in San Lluís.

When we ‘plate turned’ their new ceramics, humans had not only added colour – a pink to match their corporate burgundy – but also their wheel motif!

After reading this article, I hope you too will be tempted to become a ‘plate turner’. You may even be hailed as a Stokie. Supporting Stoke City or Port Vale remains optional!

Noel Segui at Menaje Menorca

Menaje Menorca, Carrer d’Alemanya, 6, 07714 Mahón, www.menajemenorca.com

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BY BEVERLEY WARD

GEORGE CLEGHORN AND THE ISLA DEL REY During the 300 years that the Hospital of Isla del Rey was in use, there were several doctors and surgeons who spent time here and, to a greater or lesser extent, contributed to the health and wellbeing of the patients who were in their care. Many names have passed through and been forgotten in time, but there are others who have left their mark in the world of medicine. When our visitors to the old hospital are guided through the medical rooms they will pause in the autopsy room to hear about one doctor, who I would like to tell you about in this article: It was in September of 1736 that the Royal Navy ship HMS Defiant entered the harbour of Mahón. Aboard was a young army surgeon, just 20 years old and fresh from the University of Edinburgh, who had studied physics and surgery since the age of 15. He was of slight build and modest demeanor but with a determination to learn and study everything possible of his profession.

His parents had expected him to stay in his home district of Granton, in Edinburgh, and his refusal and determination to continue his career in London, or another important centre of learning, caused them much concern. To try and resolve this conflict, father and son visited a respected local dignitary, Baron de Saint Clair, for advice. This visit was to shape the future of the young doctor; the Baron’s brother was in the 22nd Infantry Regiment and the recommendation was to focus his desire for investigation with the Army.

And so it was that George Cleghorn arrived in Menorca. Coming from cold, rainy Edinburgh—the only place he had ever known—he first had to travel the length of England to reach Portsmouth, where he boarded a ship for a gruelling journey into the unknown: not just the Mediterranean, but a tiny, rocky island. It must have been a cultural and physical shock to experience the heat and humidity in the British garrison amid harsh conditions where disease claimed far more lives than combat duties.

However, in Menorca, he was to build his reputation through 13 years of work among the soldiers and the civilians of the island. He treated them under primitive conditions and gained a reputation for his interest in all social classes, even learning basic Menorquin. He had to deal with fevers, dysentery and other diarrheal diseases, respiratory illnesses (consumption or TB), and scurvy. Autopsies linking pathology to clinical symptoms were rare in the 18th Century but Cleghorn was said to have carried out over 1000 autopsies on the Isla del Rey! 28

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The information and groundbreaking insights gained from this work was to make him famous across Europe and gave Menorca an enduring place in medical history.

He kept meticulous journals and notes on patients and described in great detail their symptoms. With malaria he identified links with local conditions such as marshlands, stagnant pools etc. and the link to the climate and seasons in Menorca. At the time, there was inadequate sanitation and when the harvest failed, resulting in a poor diet, the garrison suffered as they were less adapted to the climate and local food.

He commented on the simple Mediterranean diet of bread, wine, oil, fish and some meat. Cleghorn established a clear link between the quality of the air and the environmental conditions and the health of soldiers and locals alike. But his investigations didn’t end there, he was the first to observe meteorological conditions of Menorca and made an inventory of the flora and fauna not only in English, but also in Latin and in Menorcan.

In 1749, his time on the island ended and the Regiment was sent to Dublin. He then dedicated his life to teaching and rose to be Professor of Anatomy at Trinity College where he was to remain for nearly 40 years.

He became a much-respected teacher and one of the original members of the Royal Irish Academy. Two years after his arrival in Dublin, his book “Observations on the Epidemical Diseases in Minorca” was published.

The book is based on letters that Cleghorn had written to his friend John Fothergill, whom he had met during his studies in Edinburgh. The book, covering pathology and environmental awareness became famous across Europe, and formed part of Menorca’s history. He transformed the island hardships, grief and pain, into knowledge that helped to save lives far beyond our shores.

George Cleghorn had no children but devoted his care and support to the nine children of his deceased brother until his death, in 1789.

This book, with the original version of old English as well as a modern Spanish translation, is available in our shop, (located just up the slope from the arrival jetty). There are many other relevant books, and a wide selection of souvenirs so make sure you find time to call in and look around after the tour.

We are now offering English tours on Thursdays at 11.20 am as well as the usual Sunday tours in various languages on Sunday morning in company with the volunteers on the catamaran at 9 am. The Gallery of Hauser & Wirth remains open from Wednesday to Saturday until 26th October. You can arrange your visit on the following websites: https://www.yellowcatamarans.com/en/home or https://menorca.hauserwirth.com/en/home or https://www.islahospitalmenorca.org/en/home/?v=073cc70932ad

George Cleghorn in Dublin

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XXI COPA DEL REY 2025 DRAMA ON THE FIRST DAY

© Nico Martinez,/ Club Maritimo Mahón

The XXI Copa del Rey Repsol Classic Yacht Regatta, organised by the Club Marítimo de Mahón, will be remembered for the incident on the Thursday, when a sudden storm with heavy UDLQ DQG JXVWV RI NQRWV FDXJKW WKH ÁHHW E\ surprise and knocked out two of the most iconic yachts in the Big Boat division: the Tuiga (1909), was completely dismasted, and the Lady Anne (1912), suffered the breakage of its bowsprit and one spreader. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the LQFLGHQW ZKLFK ZDV ÀOPHG IURP WKH VKRUH Racing on the first day was suspended due to bad weather and so on the second day the fleet were eager to compete despite the heavy grey sky and the unpredicatable forecast. In response, a short course was set to start and finish inside Mahón harbour, and the beautiful yachts left the port under full sail, a scene rarely witnessed in this regatta.

Part of the fleet had already finished the race and were safely back on their moorings, when a squall struck off Punta Prima. Torrential rain and fierce gusts of wind caught the Big Boats which were still out at sea, with no shelter.

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The FI15 Tuiga (1909), flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco, lost her mast and gaff rig, while the Lady Anne (1912), of the same class, broke her bowsprit and starboard spreader.

The Mariska (1908) and Cariad (1896), the other two Big Boats in contention, escaped virtually unscathed, though they too were hit head-on by the storm. Jean-Michel Rouve, chief crew of the Cariad, explained that the team knew they might have to weather it: “We were aware the forecast was complicated because we had the official warning, but the wind force exceeded expectations,” Rouve said. “We went through some very tough moments, which we overcame thanks to a crew that listens and knows how to keep calm.” The next two races on Friday, and Saturday were without incident as there were steady southerly winds. On the final day, the boats sailed along the course to the Isla del Aire lighthouse in winds of 6-12 knots.

49 yachts from 11 countries took part, ranging from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century. The winners of the classes were Spartan (1913), in Gaff Rig; the Amorita (1935), in Bermudan Rig; the Argos (1964), in Classics; the Mariska (1908), in Big Boats; and the Barlovento-Senda Azul (1975), in Spirit of Tradition

TUIGA Tuiga is considered a legend in classic sailing. Built in 1909 by legendary Scottish architect William Fife III, this 15-metre yacht was originally built for the Duke of Medinaceli, a friend and racing rival of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. It was designed to be identical to the King´s yacht “Hispania” so that they could race on equal terms, although Tuiga (perhaps politely) always came in second.

Tuiga was restored in the 1990s by the Fairlie Restorations shipyard in England and she was purchased

by Monaco yacht Club in 1993, becoming the symbol of the Yacht Club and a star in major international regattas.

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In Gaff Rig (yachts built before 1950 with quadrilateral sails), the Spartan (1913) achieved its fifth title at the Copa del Rey Repsol.

Designed by Nathanael Herreshoff , known as the “Wizard of Bristol” (Rhode Island) as part of the NY60 series, it dominated thanks to its greater length and sail area, leaving behind Rowdy (1916) and Chinook (1916), its traditional rivals.

In Bermudan Rig (yachts built before 1950 with triangular sails), victory went to the Amorita (1935), a sloop designed by Nicholas S. Potter and skippered by Claudio Meali. It was its first win at the Copa del Rey Repsol, and an emphatic one, relegating Santana (1930), owned by Wendy Schmidt, to second place. Third overall went to the Baruna (1938), skippered by Tony Morse, who won the last race and climbed from mid-fleet to the podium. We were pleased to see that Argyll, owned by Griff Rhys Jones, who has a house in Mahón, and skippered by Alexis Bordessoule, avoided the storm and came in a respectable 6th, while Patrick de La Chesnais, from Binissaida Barrancons, skippered his own boat Natica, finishing 10th.

In the Classics division (from 1950 to 1975) the Argos (1964), a Holman & Pye owned by New Yorker Bárbara Trilling, triumphed once again, for the 7th time in a row, beating Albacore (1966), of Luis Figueiredo, and Star Shaphire of London (1957), of Jakob Glatz. Argos, now has 10 Copa del Rey victories, and is well on the way to reaching the 14 titles of Calima, the most decorated yacht in the history of the regatta. Bárbara Trilling, owner of Argos, said “It has been a magnificent Copa del Rey…. I can’t believe this is our tenth victory, it’s incredible. We’ll celebrate in style: tonight I’ll close Latitud 40 with my whole crew.”

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

Hartnoll took her back to the PSS Shipyard in Thailand, and enlisted British naval architect Paul Spooner to lead the restoration: the hull was renewed with Thai timber, the interiors rebuilt in teak, all mechanical and electrical systems modernised, and her rig fully replaced.

The Big Boats division was sadly diminished after the withdrawal of Tuiga and Lady Anne. The latter was the big favourite, after last year’s win. The Mariska (1908) was the only remaining yacht in the Formula 1 of classic sailing, as the Cariad (1896) is a much slower yacht with a different configuration. However Cariad, left a great impression on those watching the regatta with its impressive rig and friendly crew. They let their spinaker fly to survive the storm but the visibilty was so bad they had no view of the Tuiga.

Standing on her immaculate deck in Mahón, Hartnoll said he was proud to have returned Cariad “to the place where she belongs”: taking part in great regattas.

The fiercest battle took place in Spirit of Tradition (classic yachts modified with modern materials or newly built with traditional lines), where the BarloventoSenda Azul (1975), owned by Domingo de Torres, joined by local sailor Fernando Rita, sealed victory in the final race. The win was decided by a single point on the last tack. The Flight of Durgan (2007), of Stuart & Grylls, which began the day at the top of the provisional standings, had to settle for second place, followed by the Happy Forever (2008), of Christian Oldendorff. Jorge Haenelt, tactician of Barlovento-Senda Azul, said, “Today … we won the Copa del Rey, a goal we had been chasing for a long time. We are very happy. Tomorrow we set sail for Málaga, but tonight we’ll definitely celebrate properly.”

Many of these classic yachts would have been abandoned if it weren’t for these classic regattas which encourage their owners to preserve them despite the high level of maintenance needed. Some say that the Vela Clásica Menorca is the best classic boat regatta in Spain and one of the most prestigious in the Mediterranean, where most of the world’s fleet is concentrated. It holds the title of King’s Cup, which was awarded in 2003 for the first edition. Many boat owners have declared themselves “in love” with the port of Mahón

&$5,$' 1HZO\ UHVWRUHG DQG LQ 0DKyQ IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH Built in 1896, Cariad, owned by shipping entrepreneur, Tim Hartnoll, is the largest and oldest Gaff Ketch in the world today. She made her debut at the XXI Copa del Rey Repsol after winning last year’s Award for Classic Rebuilt Yachts for its impeccable restoration.

Cariad (a Welsh word meaning “beloved”) was built as a racing yacht in 1896 by Summers & Payne in Southampton for Windham Thomas Wyndham-Quin, 4th Earl of Dunraven. Two years after her launch, she won the Vasco da Gama Cup, a competition covering the passage from Lisbon to Bombay.

During her early decades, the yacht changed hands many times and completed three circumnavigations, including the first (1920–1922), commanded by the Swedish brothers Sune and Sebastian Tamm.

In the 1980s and 1990s she went through refits in Taiwan and Bangkok but was neglected after each one. Between 2006 and 2008 she was practically rebuilt in Thailand, but then the financial crisis forced her sale.

The yacht deteriorated in Singapore for over a decade unti, in 2021, shipping entrepreneur Tim Hartnoll took on the challenge of restoring her to former glory.

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CRISTINA TRUJILLANO PONS CREW OF THE CLASSIC YACHT EILEAN On classic boats you can sense the old materials, fragility and the “absence” of technology. Believe me, it hooks and awakens passions!

BY JOHN DAVIES

Is there a particular story that fascinates you?

Cristina, who we loved working with at Menorca Cruising, is now crewing on the beautiful ketch Eilean. I managed to get this wonderful interview, even though my new microphone made her a bit nervous!

There are many of them…. For example, Manitou was the boat where John F. Kennedy took Marilyn Monroe sailing, Invader, a romantic-looking schooner that has been the scene of the most glamorous Hollywood shows of the early 20th century own by Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickfort, Shamrock was own by Sir Thomas Lipton, who tried to win the American’s Cup many times…, Eilean was the scenery of the video of the song “Rio” (1982) of Duran Duran….

What’s your first memory of being on a boat?

It was a long time ago! I used to go fishing or swimming with my parents and sister on board the family boat. A few years later, my youngest brother would join us on our adventures. I have very fond memories of those days…

Was there a specific person who truly ignited your passion for sailing? Yes, it was definitely Joaquín Comeche, my sailing instructor. I started sailing in an Optimist at Club Marítimo de Mahón (CMM) sailing school with my sister and friends. Those were beautiful times. However, it was crucial to go out on my parents’ boat and be in contact with the sea.

How did you make the jump to becoming an active crew member?

While I was in Menorca, I used the summer months to sail an Optimist, and later a Cadet and a Snipe. This was something sporadic and always with the Club Marítimo de Mahón. I never really got to compete off the island. One day, while entering the harbour on the family boat during the Vela Clásica Menorca regatta, we crossed course with Mariquita, a classic S/Y built in 1911 by the designer William Fife. I was really impressed by her and thought that one day I might sail one of these classic giants. Thanks to an opportunity given to me by a friend, it was from this moment that I began to sail on the Panerai circuit, learning from friends of mine that often sailed on these amazing boats.

What draws you to classic yachts?

Well, they are beautiful and very elegant boats! (Smile). But perhaps, what drew me to sail on classics boats is the magic and the soul that these boats give off.

Most of them have incredible stories behind them and, when you sail, you can feel like you are taking part in the story of these artworks.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 My specific position on board varies depending on the boats I sail, especially runners, mizzen, mizzen staysail, jib, gennaker, among others.

What are the specific challenges in the Copa del Rey The Mahón regatta is one of the most tactical regattas. Menorca is an island that always has a breeze and is exposed to highly variable winds. One of its unique features is the race towards the south of the island where the boats sail between the Isla del Aire and the coast through turquoise waters… another one, is when the boats sail with the genaker into the magnificent entrance of the harbour and concluding on the line in front of the Isla del Rey under the watchful eye of sailors on the Club Marítimo terrace and passersby… It is clear that these are days that leave us with amazing pictures !

Is the primary goal to win, to preserve the boat, to have fun, or a mix of all three?

For sure, it is a mix of all. At sea, we enjoy racing and we are competitive but we have fun and our priority is always preserve the boat and keep the crew saved.

“One hand for the boat first and one hand for yourself !

What’s your favourite sound onboard during a race?

Walk me through the pre-race preparations

It is challenging to choose just one… The sound of the wood, the tension of the ropes… the silence of the sails, the little breeze when we keep the boat going slowly before the last mark… !

These boats are an open-air museum. The goal is not only to achieve good results but also put the focus on enhancing the beauty and elegance of these sea treasures that are admired by all during the days that the regatta takes place. Obviously, this requires a lot of hard work.

Finally, what’s your hope for the future of classic yacht racing?

Do you have a specific role onboard?

I hope that these beauties will continue to sail throughout the years as they have up until now. Let’s raise awareness of the value of these classic boats, restore them, and maintain them... I hope that the enthusiasm will pass on to the next generation, establishing respect and continuity for these lovely classic boats.

As in any other sport, there is a briefing and training before the race. Each crew member is assigned a role and each position is detailed, so the team can be organised to function as a “well-oiled machine”.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

REMEMBERING THE BATTLESHIP ROMA The Italian Navy training ships “San Giusto” and “Palinuro” visited Mahón Harbour to remember and pay tribute to the Italian sailors who died in the sinking of the battleship Roma on September 9, 1943. The ships are training vessels with students from the Livorno Naval Academy, the Francesco Morosini Naval College in Venice, and the NonCommissioned Officers’ School in Taranto. It was good to see the cadets out and about in Mahón enjoying the fiesta. The “San Giusto” is an amphibious assault ship built in 1984.

The sailing ship “Palinuro” was launched in 1934 in Nantes under the name “Commander Louis Richard” . In 1950, it was acquired by the Italian Navy for officer training. It has three masts: a foremast with square sails, a mainmast, and a mizzenmast with trim sails. Both ships were open to the public for visits during their stay.

Here is the story of the Roma. You can find out more at the Hospital on the Isla del Rey where you can see a model of the battleship, which was made by hand and with loving care by Mario Cappa.

THE ROMA AND MENORCA’S UNEXPECTED GUESTS On a warm September morning in 1943, the Italian battleship Roma set out from La Spezia.

The war in Europe was at a turning point. Italy had just signed an armistice with the Allies, and the great ship, with over 1,800 men on board, was bound for Malta to surrender. There must have been confusion and unease among the crew, mixed with the hope that their war might at last be coming to an end. What they could not know was that by mid-afternoon their ship would be gone, and their lives would depend on the kindness of strangers in Menorca.

The Roma was Mussolini’s pride: sleek, modern, and bristling with power. But as the fleet sailed south, the Germans – former allies now turned enemies – launched an attack.

Off Sardinia, a squadron of Dornier bombers dropped a new type of weapon: the Fritz X, a radio-guided bomb. The first struck the ship near the engine room; the second detonated a magazine. A huge explosion ripped the vessel apart. Admiral Carlo Bergamini, commanding the fleet, was killed instantly. Within half an hour the mighty Roma slipped beneath the sea. More than 1,350 men perished. Around 600 survived, left floating on wreckage, blackened with oil and grief.

Currents carried many of the exhausted sailors towards the Balearics. Fishing boats and local vessels pulled them aboard, and soon the Spanish authorities in neutral Menorca were faced with a sudden influx of half-drowned young Italians.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 They were brought to the Isla del Rey, in Mahón harbour with its naval hospital.

Those who remember tell of a scene that touched the whole island. “They arrived black from the fuel oil, some barely able to stand,” recalls one Mahón resident whose father was among the volunteers. “People gave what they had – clothes, bread, a blanket – anything.” Doctors and nurses worked round the clock in the hospital wards. Islanders brought food, linen, even shoes. For the Italian survivors, Menorca was an unexpected refuge, and for many locals, it was a moment of quiet solidarity in a Europe otherwise torn apart.

The sailors stayed only a short time before being repatriated, but their story remained woven into Menorca’s memory. The Isla del Rey – now lovingly restored by volunteers – still carries that chapter in its history.

Each year on 9 September, the anniversary of the sinking is marked on the Isla del Rey. It is a simple ceremony, but one that has great meaning. The Italian and Spanish flags are raised, wreaths are placed, and the names of the lost are remembered. For many years some of the survivors themselves made the journey back to Menorca; now it is often their children and grandchildren who come, standing side by side with Menorcans who recall their parents’ or grandparents’ acts of kindness.

The commemorations are not only about the tragedy at sea but about the warmth that followed. The sinking of the Roma remains a milestone in naval history – the first battleship ever destroyed by a guided bomb – but on Menorca it is remembered less for the weapon that sank it than for the islanders who opened their arms to strangers. Walk today through the restored wards of the old hospital, and it is easy to imagine those young men lying on the cots, the smell of oil still clinging to them, the sound of gentle voices speaking a language they did not know, and the relief of being alive.

It is a story of tragedy, survival, and above all humanity – one that binds Menorca forever to the fate of the Roma and her crew.

Memorial service at Mahón cemetary to celebrate the 80th Anniversary

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50 YEARS OF CASTILLO MENORCA

BY ALISON GURNEY

Back in 1975, Lorenzo and Ursula Casasnovas opened their tourist destination, called by locals their ‘castle in the sky’.

We discovered the Castillo on our first visit to Menorca in the late 1980s. As we left Ferreries, en route to Ciutadella, we were intrigued by the castle we spotted, virtually in the middle of nowhere, and so we stopped to investigate.

We fell in love with the place, and it became a firm fixture of our holiday, on our ‘have to go to’ list for every subsequent visit. Like many families, once we’d found Menorca we came back every year.

40 years on from that first visit, the Castillo is still a place we visit with fondness.

The story of how it came about is amazing! It was a project that grew from Lozenzo’s dream and is alive and flourishing under the leadership, now, of his children, Patricia and Patrick, and still enjoyed by Ursula.

Lorenzo left Menorca to work in Cala Ratjada, Majorca, at the hotel owned by Ursula’s father. In Majorca, tourism was well established by the mid-1960s and, as I talked to Patricia about her father’s early experiences, I remembered our own family holiday to Cala Ratjada in about 1967, and a bus trip to a BBQ night at a castle. We still have the tourist photo of my dad attempting to drink wine from the Porrón - without it touching his lips. And this is what Lorenzo brought back with him on his return to Menorca. There was nothing like it on our island back then!

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 Patricia recalled that her father just kept coming up with ideas to develop his business, often faster than they could be put into practice. Certainly, he was one of the early entrepreneurs to see the potential of tourism for the Menorcan economy. Today they provide employment for about 30 people and have several hundreds of visitors over the summer.

It is now possible to spend a very pleasant day at the Castillo with family members across the generations. There is something for everyone. The shop sells ceramics, clothes, leather coats, handbags, toys, jewellery and souvenirs.

Great for early Christmas shopping with end of season bargains! The café serves freshly made meals and snacks that are reasonably priced and you can dine inside or on the terrace.

For our family, the initial attraction all those years ago (before Splash parks were a thing), was the swimming pool with the slide! Now limited to children, back then everyone could have a go. On our most recent visit, accompanied by the next generation, it was lovely to see them so excited to discover the pool and to splash in the fountains; to have two euros worth of bumper boats and electric motorcycles; to try out the zip line and the trampolines; to play footie between the mini football goalposts and tackle the mini golf.

There is a 10 Euro charge for adults to use the pool, 7 for children. For sunworshippers, there are endless sun beds (free) and plenty of shade for the sensible! Locals and tourists enjoy the Castillo every summer.

It resulted in Lorenzo and Ursula selecting a parcel of land on which their castle was constructed using locally sourced marés sandstone. He organised BBQ nights with flamenco dancing and bull fight demonstrations. He set up artisans to work producing ceramics and leather goods. These were offered for sale to their visitors. The early tourists, mostly German, came on bus trips and they wanted leather jackets. Patricia remembers her father was a skilled leather worker, seemingly able to turn his hand to anything.

Looking to the future, Patricia and Patrick hope to develop the landscaping around the park and will spend their closed season in maintenance and improvements, looking to meet the changing needs of their visitors.

They are very proud of their family legacy.

When visitors asked for Spanish Lladro pottery, Lorenzo approached the factory in Valencia. They were initially reluctant, but when he bought all the ‘seconds’ from their factory shop and sold them easily, not surprisingly, they agreed!

The Castillo became the biggest Lladro shop in Spain, where artists from the pottery visited to demonstrate their skills.

It is definitely worth a visit.

Open from May 1st to the end of October(ish).

More information at www.castillomenorca.com

I used to love visiting the Lladro collection and have memories of marvelling at Cinderella’s pumpkin coach and a model of steam train carriages. Both were huge pieces of intricate detail – and both now sold. The diversity of subjects and styles is incredible and definitely worth a visit. Not one UK pottery has this range – from animals to Eskimos, Greek warriors, astronauts, elephants, polar bears to Japanese gardens.

I love my ballet dancers, purchased over the years from the Castillo, who have now travelled back ‘home’ to Menorca. Patricia chose the figures of two children as her favourite as it reminds her of her children, growing up in Fornells.

On the same plot Lorenzo operated a night club where the Spanish artists of the 1980s came to perform. As the business flourished, the family moved on site.

Now this is the base for the go-cart track, which is a great attraction, exciting and challenging.

Lorenzo also opened shops to sell this extensive range of goods, one was the first shop to open in Fornells and another in the port of Mahón. It is opposite the old ferry terminal and now easily accessed by cruise passengers!

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

HALLOWEEN AND ALL SAINTS MENORCA’S AUTUMN TRADITIONS

ANCIENT ORIGINS Halloween’s roots lie deep in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the beginning of winter. For Celtic peoples, Samhain was the end of the harvest season, a time when fires were lit, disguises worn, and offerings made to keep wandering spirits at bay.

With the spread of Christianity, the Church established All Saints’ Day on 1 November during the 7th and 8th centuries. This feast day was dedicated to honouring all saints, known and unknown. It was followed by All Souls’ Day on 2 November, a day of prayer for the departed. In this way, the Church overlaid Christian meaning onto older seasonal rituals.

The evening of 31 October became All Hallows’ Eve, which over centuries evolved into the Halloween we recognise today, particularly after being exported and reinvented in North America. Now, across Europe and beyond, echoes of both pagan and Christian traditions overlap, creating a rich tapestry.

Each autumn, Menorca finds itself at the crossroads of two very different yet strangely connected celebrations: Halloween, increasingly popular and playful, and All Saints’ Day, a long-established Christian tradition that honours the dead and the saints. They share similar dates — the evening of 31 October for Halloween, 1st of November for the national holiday of All Saints Day in Spain or Tot Sants as it is called in Menorca — but their character could not be more different. One celebrates light-hearted scares, costumes and revelry; the other is a solemn moment of remembrance, reflection and family ritual. Together, they reveal much about the island’s history and its evolving cultural landscape.

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 MENORCA’S OBSERVANCES On Menorca, All Saints’ Day remains the traditional focus. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, bringing fresh flowers, often chrysanthemums, and lighting candles. It is a day for remembrance, a time to reconnect with ancestors and to reflect quietly on the cycle of life and death. Many attend special church services or masses, giving the day a solemn and spiritual tone.

Alongside this, however, Halloween has taken firm root on the island over the last two decades. Its appeal to children and young people has ensured that the AngloAmerican version of the celebration — with costumes, face-painting, pumpkins, and “trick or treat” — has found a place in the Menorcan calendar. Towns often host workshops, fancy dress parades, haunted houses and storytelling events, drawing on the playful side of fear.

Thus, Menorca now lives these two festivals in parallel: the quiet reflection of All Saints, and the colour, fun and theatrics of Halloween.

FOOD, RITUALS AND LOCAL FLAVOURS Food is central to both traditions. For All Saints, the island’s kitchens fill with the comforting aromas of bunyols (small doughnuts made with Boniato, a white sweet potato added to the flour, yeast, egg and sugar mix.), roasted chestnuts, and sometimes panellets — almond-based sweets more common on the Catalan mainland but still known on Menorca. These treats are shared with family and friends, often after visiting the cemetery, and they provide a sense of continuity with older customs.

In the past, one could also find special breads such as pa de morts or panets de ánimas, made as offerings for the souls of the departed. While these have largely disappeared from everyday practice, they remain part of the island’s culinary memory.

Halloween, for its part, brings in imported flavours: pumpkin carving, toffee apples, and brightly coloured sweets gathered during trick-or-treating. Shops and bakeries increasingly offer themed cakes and biscuits, a reflection of the growing influence of the celebration.

TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY Local councils and community groups often embrace both. Calendars of events might include a Mass of All Saints in the morning, followed by a “passatge del terror” or haunted trail in the evening. This blending of the sacred and the playful ensures that the needs of different generations and sensibilities are met.

Both remind us that autumn is also a season of flavour — bunyols dusted with sugar, chestnuts roasted golden, panellets sweet and dense with almonds. Shared across kitchen tables, they root Menorca’s observance of these ancient festivals firmly in the present, while honouring the island’s past.

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MEN IN RCA ART

IMPERFECTO COLECTIVO In September, two design studios from Madrid came together to exhibit at the 10N Gallery on the Es Castell industrial estate.

IMPERFECTO is a project born from the collaboration between Kike Keller and 1masdos.dfab. For this exhibition, they worked alongside Marre Moerel (ceramist), Toni Porto (sculptor), Elena Plaza (photographer), and Camila Crazut (architect and jewellery designer).

Kike has been coming to Menorca since childhood and, in June, he opened his house in Mesquida as an exhibition space during the Sant Joan celebrations. The show in Es Castell was the closing event, designed to present the work in a more formal gallery setting.

Kikekeller is a furniture and interior design studio that develops both its own and commissioned projects, combining character, elegance and, in their own words, “a little bit of madness.” They create distinctive custom furniture pieces and also run a shop and bar, where visitors can enjoy a drink surrounded by quirky designs and curated exhibits.

I spoke to Andreine Giordani, partner of Federico Pojan at 1masdos.dfab design studio. Federico specialises in carpentry, particularly working with Sapele (or Sapelli) wood, which is often used as an alternative to mahogany. Together with Kike, they created a collection of furniture that combines their carpentry with his metalwork.

Andreine and Federico are moving to Menorca, and their dream project is to find a workshop space to open to the public, where they can offer courses such as “design and make your own lamp.”

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10N GALLERY 10N is a gallery showcasing emerging and established artists from across Europe in atypical spaces. Launched in November 2020 by Jérôme Nicod, 10N focuses on programming site-specific exhibitions that allow artists to experiment and forge new connections in their work. The gallery aims to highlight a local scene of talented, eclectic artists while fostering relationships with internationally recognised names.

For more information see https://www.1masdosdfab.com/ and kikekeller.com https://www.10n.gallery/ 1 0N Gallery Avinguda es Castell, 3 Polígono, 07720 Es Castell (ES) +34 692 90 37 36 43

ROQUETA OCTOBER 2025

BY RACHAEL ADAMS

BITS ‘N’ BOBS ABOUT BATS IN MENORCA I’m sitting on a camp chair on a windy hill in the rain.

Full waterproofs, a clipboard, a ski hat. Headtorch and an inside-out umbrella. Earphones in, heterodyne detector set to 45 kilo hertz. I’ve got my eyes glued to the derelict EXLOGLQJ WKDW ZDV LQ &LOOLDQ 0XUSK\·V ]RPELH ULGGHQ ÀOP 28 Days Later. Rain pools in my seat. They’ve told me to ZDWFK WKH ZLQGRZV 0\ H\HV ÁLFNHU IURP OLQWHO WR OLQWHO as I try not to look inside the dark holes beneath; rotten wallpaper hanging off bare brick. I’m hoping the rustling in the twisted bushes behind me, ghoulish strands of wool entangled around their stumps, is just rats. It’s 30 minutes past sunset - so they should start to come out soon.

We slurp away as she tells me about her research last year at Parc Natural de s’Albufera d’Es Grau. There, Gibet placed recorders and cameras around an abandoned building known to house bats and noted their comings and goings for 6 months. Our bats are bug eaters, though, unbelievably, some also catch fish with their feet while skimming over water. Thus, the study location makes sense because there are often more insects to eat near water.

In England, this is how we do emergence surveys for bats. I’m trying to pinpoint exactly where their roost is. Clever things, they can echolocate their way around a single strand of hair in a room—so there’s no chance they’ll get stuck in my tresses. Back in Menorca, I meet Gibet Marquès, a biologist working with the Research Initiative for the Islands’ Biodiversity (IRBI), to learn how she studies hers.

It can, of course, get very confusing as, like birds, bats have many different calls, some overlap, and sound can be affected by humidity and rain, puzzling even the researchers. Off the island, “the latest” technology, according to Gibet, uses subcutaneous microchips to track the bats.

We meet at Meraki - Pastelería Viajera (Travellers) for coffee. Bright and chirpy, Gibet is keen to de-demonise her subjects. In Menorca, we have 15 species, six of which are obligate cave dwellers. They are the only extant furries to have got to the islands under their own steam. Their young are called pups. They can zap 3000 mozzies a night. Their delicate hand bones have developed into a wing so intricate it can twist and turn in flight tighter than any bird. The Americans used bat wings as blueprints for designing “bat bot” drones. They even disconnect their inner ear bones to avoid deafening themselves while they call. What’s not to love?

To navigate, hunt, and socialise, bats make high-pitched calls, within the region of 15 to around 100kHz. Our human upper hearing range is about 20kHz, so sometimes we can hear certain calls, but mostly we need a bat detector to convert their sound to ours. Gibet uses an Echo-meter Touch 2 that plugs into her phone. Later she’ll use software to discern, based on the frequency, shape, and duration of each sound, which species she had recorded, and whether they were foraging, flirting, or simply passing by.

Using a bat detector is still fun though. Foraging, for example, sounds to us like a wet fart, but is really called a “feeding buzz”. This is where the bat homes in on its prey and the echolocating waves bounce back in quicker bursts due to the shorter distance. After a fart comes a slight pause, while prey is ingested.

High-flying noctule bats sound like slapping claps. Pipistrelles sound like volleys of plops. Sometimes bats catch prey directly in their mouths, others, they swat the victim with their wing, then transfer it to the front. Social squeaks sound like haunting singing. Goodness knows what a “drinking buzz” sounds like.

From her study, Gibet found that her European free-tailed bats, her soprano pipistrelles and her Savi’s pipistrelles were more active when the weather was warmer. Kuhl’s pipistrelles and common pipistrelles (affectionately referred to as “pip pips” after their scientific name) and grey long-eared bats were shy of the light and preferred to come out on a new moon. Her Savi’s preferred high humidity, whereas the Myotis species were happier on windier nights.

None of this is surprising because bats have evolved their wing shapes and behaviour to hunt very different prey species. Some pounce on beetles on bushes, others specialise in geometric moths. Some larger species emerge sooner as they’re less vulnerable to predatory owls and cats, some fly higher.

Because of such resource partitioning, many species can live and hunt in the same area.

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 All the bat research in Menorca thus far has concentrated on cave bats; the Lesser and Greater Horseshoe, Long-fingered (critically endangered), Geoffroy’s, Escalera’s Myotis, and Common Bent-wing bat. These only roost in caves, and most are listed as vulnerable. There are over 400 documented caves in Menorca, predominantly in the limestone rocks and ravines of the south coast. To study them, Gibet’s colleagues at IRBI abseil down cliffs and boat into sea caves, using harnesses and helmets. I’m not even remotely jealous in my muddy wellies with sheep poo on the bottom.

As tiny and flying mammals, bats have very high metabolisms, so in winter there simply isn’t enough food around to sustain all that bustle. When night temperatures drop below 10 degrees, many of them lower their heart rates and find a cosy but cool, secluded cave to wait out the cold. To preserve moisture during this time, they chose caves with high humidity. Therefore, the caves have to be just right. And so far, only a handful of ours are. Due to this shortage of habitat, therefore, cave bat numbers are dangerously low, at less than 1000 individuals of each species.

Bats forage and move around different caves throughout the year, using some for breeding (warmer ones), others for hibernating, and a few for stopover naps whilst out and about. Within the same cave, some species of bats choose one area while others will be further in. Smaller species snuggle together in groups of up to 1000 bodies.

Researchers have also found that that if one cave becomes unsuitable, because of a flood or, say, too many kayakers, the bats all move to another.

If we wake them up with our oohs and ahhs and camera flashes in the winter, there won’t be any food around. Furthermore, they’ll waste lots of energy trying to relocate elsewhere. They’ll freeze their little feet off.

In 2018, for example, the whole colony of greater horseshoes deserted their cave. Therefore, the bats are very sensitive to disturbance. Each of these few suitable caves are of critical importance for the survival and breeding success of the species, especially as they only have one pup a pop, making it extra hard to bounce back from habitat loss. This is why, after deterrent signs were repeatedly vandalised, some caves were closed off entirely to the public. And the bats returned.

Researchers check hibernating caves in winter. In this case, to minimise disturbance, they shoot in and out, take a couple of pictures, then count the individuals from the photos. In the summer, they monitor the breeding caves by setting up infrared cameras and ultrasound recorders at the cave entrances just before sunset.

I order another coffee. “Because they’re so delicate, bats are very hard to catch and study” Gibet continues, while assuring me she’s had her rabies jab. “We use nets (harp traps) to catch them, that are made of such fine microfibre the bats can’t echolocate and avoid them. We can take guano, saliva and fur samples for diet and DNA analysis”. To identify them, she looks at ear size and position, the length and shape of the tragus (part of the ear), skin and fur colour, the tail and where the wing membrane attaches to the foot.

USING BATS FOR PEST CONTROL Some bats accept “refuge boxes” as provisional homes. And because they eat insects, we can use them to our advantage; by putting them where we don’t want pests. There are now around 300 refuge boxes dotted about, some near Aleppo pine trees that suffer from pine processionary moth infestations. Awkwardly, many of the bats that love processionary moths (like the common bent-wing, and the European free-tailed) are cave and cliff dwellers and won’t go near the refuge boxes.

Common Pipistrelles (her pip-pips) are her favourites because they’re very calm when handled: “the best bat in the world, super chill” she says. The soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) on the other hand, is quite the wriggler. This one is slightly lighter coloured than its cousin the common pip, but it takes 100s of surveys to be able to tell them apart.

Kuhl’s pipistrelle on the other hand, eats wasps, ants, moths, and beetles near fields and woodland, so are brilliant at keeping crop pests down.

The boxes have pegs allowing the bat to climb up inside, and some have different compartments for different temperature preferences.

Bats have wonderful immune systems. Funnily enough, they carry diseases but thanks to tumour-supressing genes, reduced inflammatory response and good cell regeneration, they don’t get them. They’re being studied for cancer research. The main things that kill bats are, not surprisingly, us: biocides and urban sprawl mean less water bodies, dead trees, and insects about, prolonged heat gives them heatstroke. Most critically, disturbance to their maternity and hibernation roosts reduces their overall survival.

While we patiently wait for old trees to rot, or for new caves to form, bat habitat is limited – so maybe we should build them a box instead of clouting them with tennis rackets!

For how to make your own bat refuge box to attract pips to zap mozzies; https://www.caib.es/sites/sanitatforestal/ca/n/fauna_auxiliar_per_al_ control_de_plagues_forestals_aus_i_quiropters/

Next, Gibet’s keen to look at what exactly they’re eating in farmer’s fields, and also quite how they’re affected by light pollution. Even though we must have talked for nearly three hours, I don’t think I convinced her to take me cliff hanging.

Warning: Bats are heavily protected animals requiring licenses to handle. The serotine bat is a known rabies carrier.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

GRAPEVINE GEORGE FERRARA (1929-2025)

BY REV PAUL STRUDWICK In 1972, George first visited Menorca, returning a year later to settle permanently.

He initially worked in real estate, among the early promoters of Punta Prima, and quickly integrated into island life. His love for Menorca was profound, and he surprised many in 2006 when he delivered a public speech in flawless Catalan.

George’s professional and civic contributions were many. He held a degree in Political Science from the University of Nebraska international relations from Boston University and was an expert in international relations. For years, he contributed articles on global politics to the Menorca Es Diari under the column The World Around. On the island, he served several terms as president of the Rotary Club of Menorca, leading numerous charitable initiatives. In 2019, he stepped down from the presidency for the last time.

As delegate of the American Naval League in Menorca, George organised tributes to Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, the first admiral of the U.S. Navy, whose father hailed from Menorca. In 2019, he was received by King Felipe VI of Spain in recognition of this work, proudly highlighting the Menorcan roots of Farragut as a lasting link between Spain and the United States.

Age did not deter George from continuing to learn and expand his horizons.

For example, at the age of 75 he fulfilled a lifelong fascination with planes by obtaining his pilot’s licence. And at 80 he enrolled in the University of Madrid to obtain a Ph.D. in international law.

George with the Gwent Brass Band

A passionate advocate for culture, solidarity, and human values, George left an enduring mark on all who knew him. Together with his wife, Margaret WatersPrescott, he built a wide circle of friends and admirers on the island that he loved so deeply.

At the end of August, Menorca lost one of its truly remarkable characters with the passing of Ange George Ferrara, who died at the age of 95. Born in Marseille in October 1929, George made Menorca his home for 57 years and became deeply woven into the cultural and civic life of the island.

Menorca will remember him not only as a man of remarkable experiences and international perspective, but as a dedicated friend, neighbour, and citizen who gave generously of himself for the good of the island community. And he will not be forgotten as the man who was still driving his red Ferrari after reaching the age of 90!

George was the son of Giovanni Ferrara and Concetta d’Amico, who raised a family of six children. George was the last to be born; his closest sibling was his sister who was 20 years older than him. His early life was marked by upheaval.

Giovanni was a blacksmith, which in Sicily meant a lot more than putting shoes on horses - he made all sorts of items for the local agricultural community, but being paid in chickens and pigs didn’t really work. He went to Argentina to try to ply his trade, leaving Concetta and his family, including George, in Sicily, but things were not much better there, so he set out to return. The boat stopped in Marseille en route, and a relative suggested that he should just stay there - which he did, moving his family to Marseille to live. There he started a workshop that made suspension systems for the local trams.

George speaking at the Anglo-American Cemetery

The Ferraras lived in a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood, and when the Nazis razed that quarter in 1943, the family was deported to Mauthausen concentration camp. George was only 13. Several months later, he and other detainees who were not Jewish (mostly Italians) were released back to Marseille, although the family returned only to find their neighbourhood destroyed. This was a lonely time for George.

In the aftermath of the war, George joined the Marseille fire brigade at the age of 18. Two years later, he emigrated to Chicago, where he worked as a tailor while studying at night school. His intelligence, linguistic ability, and international background drew the attention of American intelligence services. He was recruited, trained further in California and Nebraska, and embarked on a career that would take him around the world during the Cold War, including service in Ethiopia and a difficult posting in Vietnam. His final assignment was in Germany at the end of the Cold War. 46

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

CHARLOTTE FINDLATER BRINGS HER DESIGN FLAIR TO MENORCA When you meet Charlotte Findlater, it’s hard not to be swept up in her energy and passion for design. She’s one of those people who talks about spaces as if they were living, breathing things — which, in her world, they are. Charlotte is a biophilic designer, which essentially means she’s all about bringing nature and wellbeing into the way we live, work and relax. She is focused on human health and wellness.

After several years running her own design studio in the UK, Charlotte has now taken a big step: she’s opened an office right here in the Port of Mahón. For her, it feels like the perfect fit. “From the moment we arrived, it quickly became clear that Menorca was the place for us. Not only did the island speak our language in terms of values, but we were welcomed with mutual respect into the homes and hearts of the Menorcan community.”

Charlotte discovered Menorca when one of her UK clients asked her to renovate their 70s villa on the island. She managed to complete the project in eight months, finishing two months ago. The transformation made the most of island life: shady terraces, elegant interiors with natural textures, and gardens that blend into the landscape. Since arriving on the island, she has discovered local craftsmen and artists. She went to the Artisan Centre in Es Mercadal and found Magda Triay and also Turid Ljosnes Tarabay, of Bona Soca, who creates unique textiles with natural dyes and plants from Menorca.

Charlotte found a tile from an old convent in a shop and persuaded a local tile painter to come out of retirement to recreate similar tiles, which were all hand fired. Charlotte loves to incorporate antique furniture into her designs as she says the pieces have lost their toxicity with age and create a timeless aesthetic.

Charlotte was an army officer who studied Law and Criminology, but she had an overriding passion for architecture, design and for the transformation of property.

After 16 years of experience as a property developer, she started Charlotte Findlater Limited, in 2021, a luxury architecture and interior design studio based in the Lake District. She built a reputation for creating serene, nature-inspired interiors that felt both sophisticated and soulful. Along the way, her work was recognised at the highest level when she contributed to a book celebrating the ideas of King Charles III. The project, which explored his vision for sustainable design and architecture, was a natural fit for Charlotte’s ethos — blending craftsmanship, ecology and beauty. That experience gave her even more conviction that good design can be both luxurious and environmentally responsible. As part of this ethos the company has become B Corp certified meaning they embed environmental and social goals into the fabric of the business, unsuring it is a force for good and leaves the enviroment better than they find it.

Opening an office in Menorca is the latest chapter in her story, and it’s one she’s clearly excited about. She’s looking forward to collaborating with local artisans and craftspeople, as well as helping international clients transform their holiday homes into places that feel deeply connected to the island itself.

Contact: Charlotte Findlater Design, Moll de Llevant, 173, 07701 Mahón www.charlottefindlater.co.uk

Turid Ljosnes Tarabay, of Bona Soca

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

DONCARS - RENTING CARS SINCE 1965 This year marks 60 years of Doncars, so I went to speak with the owner, Jason Boas. Jason first worked at Doncars between 2004 and 2010, and clearly saw the potential of the business. In 2015, he bought it from Andrew Manners and Tim Were. He suggested I talk to Andrew to find out more about the history of the company, which you can read below.

Today, the company boasts a large fleet, from 9-seater Nissan Primastars to the ever-popular Fiat Pandas and 500s. Doncars has built its reputation on personal service and, as a local company, is proud to display its badge from the Consell.

Synergy Menorca In addition to car rentals, Doncars also offers car storage for villa owners in its large warehouses. They provide a safekeeping service with delivery and collection at the airport, and also take care of periodic inspections, maintenance, and insurance management, ensuring vehicles are always ready for use. This long-standing relationship with villa owners has led to the creation of a new company: Synergy Menorca.

Jason explained that Synergy goes beyond car storage, offering complete home and property maintenance services. Their aim is to provide villa owners with peace of mind, knowing their property is managed with care, competence, and professionalism.

Synergy is run by Jason’s business partner, Noelia, who has unrivalled knowledge of the latest tourist regulations affecting villa rentals. She can act on behalf of owners to ensure all paperwork is correctly submitted and annual accounts are completed efficiently. Jason noted that Noelia’s expertise is so well regarded that other professionals in Menorca use her services. In a sector where regulations often change with the political climate, this knowledge is invaluable in giving villa owners true peace of mind.

“DO IT IN A DONCAR” THE STORY OF MENORCA’S FIRST HIRE CARS TOLD BY ANDREW MANNERS If you’ve lived in Menorca for a while, you’ll know Andrew Manners. Cricket lovers know him as one of the founding members—and later Chairman—of the Menorca Cricket Club. But long before cricket whites and village greens, Andrew was behind the wheel of something very different: one of the island’s first car hire companies, Doncars.

I visited Andrew at his home in Sant Lluís to hear how it all began. Unsurprisingly, he had a treasure trove of tales.

A Russian, a River and £300 In 1966, fresh from England, Andrew and his friend Jonathan had one goal: to settle on a Mediterranean island. After scouting six destinations on a shoestring budget, Menorca—quiet, undeveloped, and brimming with potential—won their hearts.

But paradise came with a problem: after two weeks, their funds had all but vanished.

Sitting glumly in a bar in Cala Corb, they noticed an elegant woman in the corner.

With her unmistakable Russian accent and long cigarette holder she introduced herself as Rene.

“She told us she’d already bought two cars and had the papers to rent them out,” Andrew recalls. “Then she offered us the business—for £1,000.”

Doncars Carrer Bajolí 29A, 07714 Mahón, Islas Baleares +34 619 10 49 20 info@doncars.com

The young adventurers scraped together £300, and to their surprise, Rene agreed.

The company was registered as Doncars SA—named not after a mysterious ‘Don’, but after the Russian river near Rene’s home.

Synergy Menorca synergymenorca.com info@synergymenorca.com +34 609 666 389

Spanish law required a local partner, so Nicolas Pons Seguí, a jeweller, accountant, and insurance man, held 5%. “Later, tourists would arrive saying they ‘knew Don’ and wanted a discount,” Andrew laughs. “It always made us smile.”

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

Tim Were 1975

Menorca in the ’60s and ’70s So what was Menorca like back then?

Right to left: Tim Were, Santi the mechanic, Simon Terry and Debbie behind the wheel

“DO IT IN A DONCAR” Running a car hire business in the 1960s wasn’t exactly smooth driving.

Telephones barely existed—you had to book a time at the local exchange—and visitors were scattered in villas rather than hotels. Usually the flights, villa and car were all booked together back in the UK. Their fleet? Tiny Seat 600s. “We tried to deliver cars straight to the villas, rather than meeting them at the airport” Andrew says. “You couldn’t squeeze four people and luggage into one of those!”

Advertising was simple but cheeky. Their favourite slogan: “Do it in a Doncar— the springs can take it!” A nod to Menorca’s rough, unmade roads at the time.

Taxis were few and far between, too. The main taxi used by visitors had a driver they knew only as “Shadow.” Fluent in English and suspiciously well-connected during the Franco years, everyone suspected he was there to keep an eye on arrivals.

From Two Cars to 120 Growth came through patience. Every summer’s profits bought more cars until they reached 36, all squeezed into a winter garage, a former shoe factory in central Mahón. By the 1970s, demand was booming.

“Completely different,” Andrew says. “It was full of celebrities escaping the limelight, Nicholas Parsons, Richard Branson and his family to name but a few— and nobody bothered them.” A friend who was with Andrew when I interviewed him was John Mahón, who arrived by ferry in 1969, and thought he was in Ibiza!

“We met him in the Andalucia Bar and explained that he would have to return to Barcelona in order to get to Ibiza and so he stayed and came to work for Doncars until 1973.” John said he never stopped laughing for four years.”

Colourful characters were everywhere. Jim Maps represented TWA airlines. TWA did not fly to Menorca but he was here just in case their planes were diverted. He became a valued member of the community with a great interest in the island’s history and he wrote one of the first guide books. Squadron Officer Hilda Crawford was a regular, as was Canadian actor Robert Beatty, star of Where Eagles Dare.

Still Part of the Story Andrew eventually retired, though he remains Chairman Emeritus of the Cricket Club. As we wrapped up, his wife Denise appeared with two grandchildren in tow. The house suddenly filled with energy, leaving me with the sense there were plenty more stories left untold.

There is one, about the infamous 1975 round-the-island speedboat race, which had to wait for “next time.”

And I, for one, can’t wait to hear it.

“Everyone we knew was roped in to clean the cars on a Friday and then we took them all for a lunch at El Grill. Debbie was working for us in the 70s and she still works for the company today. One Friday, I’d overbooked by 50 cars,” Andrew admits. “We hired all the cars we could find from other companies but that was not enough so we had to beg and borrow cars from our friends and families — it was chaos, but brilliant fun.”

By then, Andrew’s friend Jonathan had returned to the UK, replaced by new partner Tim Were, who swapped boat rentals for cars. At their peak, Doncars owned 120 vehicles. Meanwhile, Andrew branched into property development, with PRODINSA, using Los Bucaneros bar in Binibeca as his unofficial office.

“There were three of us involved in the business, Frans Birkman, a Dutch man and Jose Obrigon, a lawyer and architect. Together we developed villas in Sol de Este and the urbanisation in Cala Torret.”

Andrew Manners in his heyday

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

BY REV PAUL STRUDWICK

SPIRITUAL WELLBEING WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN The Hebrew (Jewish) Scriptures, (the Old Testament), similarly integrate different versions of the relationship between humanity and our divine creator.

There are often odd differences - the most glaring being that the flood story of Noah would seem to have been derived from two separate accounts. Those who compiled the book of Genesis simply decided that each one must have had some value to the person who recounted it, so they included both. We have been conditioned by a combination of Greek philosophical analysis and the Enlightenment to expect that there is always a single right answer for any question, and that with enough diligence it will eventually be found. This is not always the case.

There’s a hymn that we sang in church at the end of August, ‘Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart.’ I challenged the congregation to come up with a popular song that had a very similar tune. At the end, as he was leaving, a man came up and said, ‘It was the something people, who wore leather jackets and other strange clothes.’

‘Oh no,’ I said dismissively, ‘I don’t think that’s it.’ Because stuck in my head was ‘Go West,’ by the Pet Shop Boys. However, something nagged at me to check, and lo and behold, there was an earlier version of the same song by … The Village People. Who did indeed wear distinctive clothing. I sent a groveling apology to the man in question, not just because he was almost right, but because I should know by now not to be dismissive about things people say, and because of a very important principle: sometimes there is more than one right answer to a question, or more than one solution to a problem, and both or all may be right.

When I was in Silicon Valley I needed to recruit a secretary. The choice came down to two candidates, each of whom seemed very competent, and I agonised over the selection, beguiling myself into believing that one of them must be better than the other. So I hired the one who seemed to be a little more vivacious. After a couple of months someone else made her a better offer and she left. So, with no little embarrassment, I went back to the alternative candidate, who was still available - which was fortunate for me, because she was probably the best secretary that I had in that career - an efficient assistant, well-liked co-worker, and committed team member. However, she couldn’t resist the temptation to remind me occasionally that she had been my second choice! It served to remind me that sometimes, there is no need to agonise over a decision or a choice because, yes, there just might be two right answers.

At least!

I really ought to have this deeply imbedded in my consciousness, because very early in my education for ministry I learned that this principle applies to study of the Bible. For example, there are four gospels in the New Testament that tell the story of the life and ministry of Jesus. They do not all tell it in the same way. Why are there differences? Well, the best analogy that I came across was to imagine four people each standing at a different corner of an intersection who witness a traffic accident. They will all see the same accident, but each will see it from a different point of view. So their accounts will differ. Those who assembled the Bible in the early days of the church, instead of trying to aggregate the four versions into a single homogenous gospel, simply left the four separate accounts to be read to give an added dimension to the whole account. So the gospel writers give a consistent picture, but with different emphases and details.

How much energy do we expend agonising over decisions or choices when in fact it doesn’t matter, because there are two or more right answers? Probably far more than we would like to admit.

A ceremony of wedding vow renewal went slightly awry when in the process of blessing the rings one fell into the sand and disappeared. This sparked a beach project for an impromptu community of minimally-attired people around, who either observed what happened, or were told, and wanted to help. After some diligent searching (without a metal detector) one of the bikini-clad ladies triumphantly drew the missing ring from the sand, to the relief of all involved!

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 Along with our preoccupation about making the one perfect choice, when quite often there is more than one right answer, is a kind of obsession with looking over our shoulders and wondering what might have been, what might have happened if we made a different decision. There is an obscure, but very pretty song by Elias Kovanko and Julia Andersson called ‘Things That Might Have Been.’ The lyrics include: ‘In painful silence I now weep / About the things that might have been.’ This is seldom productive. In one of the Narnia stories by CS Lewis, at one point Lucy asks the lion, Aslan (who represents Christ), a question along the lines of what might have been, which elicits the answer: ‘No one is ever told what might have been.’

I am very fond of the writing of Søren Kierkegaard, the nineteenth century Danish theologian, philosopher, poet, social critic, and religious author, who highlighted the importance of personal choice and commitment. He has some very quotable sayings, but his work can be complex and challenging to read at times. He is the one who wrote, ‘It is perfectly true, as philosophers say, that life must be understood backwards. But they forget the other proposition, that it must be lived forwards.’ This is rather pertinent when considering the subject of choice and decision-making, because quite often we only discover the result of our decisions with hindsight.

In other words, once we have made a choice, all we can do, in most cases, is to move on. The song by Elias Kovanko and Julia Andersson continues: ‘We live our lives the way we choose, but we can’t replay the games we lose.’ And many times, as Kierkegaard pointed out, we don’t know that we have lost a game, until later - sometimes much later.

One of the greatest gifts we are given, apart from life itself, is the gift of choice, of free will. Admittedly, we do not always exercise our free will in ways that are beneficial to ourselves, never mind the common good. So what do we do about the wrong choices, when there may or may not have been one or more good or ‘right’ choices or decisions, and it seems as though we failed to select any of them? One answer, of course, is that if we have made a mistake, then we can learn from it, and perhaps avoid making the same error twice. We might also do our best to acknowledge the error so that others may be guided by our experience.

However, having guided and maybe even nurtured several young people through adolescence, I have come to realise that it is not easy to prevent the sins of the parents being visited upon the children. They march boldly into territory from which we thought we might have kept them. A not-so-serious example is the time that I tried to ignite a Christmas pudding with brandy from a bottle that had evidently had a little water (or maybe not a little!) added to make the volume stay constant. Oh how our youthful sins come back to haunt us!

Another answer to the question of what we can do about the errors we make is simply to be patient, to see what the longer term consequences may be. For one thing, life sometimes presents us with new alternatives and opportunities.

For another, mistakes sometimes have a beneficial effect: such as mould in Alexander Fleming’s contaminated bacterial culture that turned out to be penicillin.

Søren Kierkegaard wrote that life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced. Keeping that in mind might make the experience less stressful.

Worship in the church of Santa Margarita takes place on Sunday mornings at 9am and 11am, as well as at 11am every Wednesday and Friday. There is a service in the outdoor chapel at Cala’n Bosc at 5pm on the last Sunday of each month (normally). Remembrance Sunday will be on 9 November.

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. Our web site can be found at https://www.anglicanchurchmenorca.net.

The phone number for the chaplain, Paul, is +34 617222382 and his e-mail is chaplain@anglicanchurchmenorca.com.

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CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS

NEWS more connected to this island. Together we enjoy the balance of quiet village life and the vibrant international community that surrounds us.

OCTOBER 2025 We must give a round of applause and a big thank you to our volunteers for bearing with the heat. The commitment and dedication over this last month have been awe-inspiring.

Volunteering with Age Concern Soon after returning, I became a volunteer with Age Concern. It felt like a natural continuation of my teaching career—I was still helping people, but in a new way. My bilingual background is especially useful. Many British people struggle with the language barrier, while others, both Spanish and British, simply need companionship or guidance navigating services. What matters most to me is inclusivity. Age Concern is here for everyone, regardless of nationality. That’s something I feel strongly about. The charity builds a sense of solidarity across cultures. Every small act—helping someone, sharing a conversation, or just being present—adds to a bigger picture of community. I’ve seen how these connections reduce isolation and bring comfort, especially for those who might otherwise feel left out. Volunteering also gives me purpose and allows me to stay active, meet new people, and continue contributing to the island I love so much. This is the legacy I hope to leave: a life lived in service, a life dedicated to connection, and a life that shows the richness of belonging to more than one culture.”

Let’s hear from a Volunteer!

JULIE BLENCOE My Story: Life Between Two Cultures and Communities My name is Julie Blencoe, and at 63 I find myself reflecting on a life that has spanned two countries, two cultures, and many fulfilling chapters. My journey began in Britain, but when I was nine years old my parents decided to emigrate to Mallorca. I stepped into an entirely different world with a new school, and a new language. I had to adapt quickly, and looking back I realise how much those early years shaped me, teaching me resilience, flexibility, and the ability to see life from different perspectives. Learning Spanish as a child gave me a fluency and ease that would later define my career.

Please, feel free to pop by for a chat and grab a form if you fancy joining our Team!

LUNCHES ARE BACK! We normally hold two lunches every month, fish and chips at Bar Pons, Cala en Porter on the first Thursday of the month and a Menu del Dia at Can Avelino 23, Mahón, on the third Thursday of the month.

Bar Pons Please contact Sandra Berresford on 650 729 430 Can Avelino Please contact Christine Crane on 669 949 370 Everyone, visitors, guests, members of all ages are most welcome, but you need to book.

Family Life in Spain As I grew older, Spain became home. I married a Spaniard and together we had two daughters. Our home was a lively mix of cultures: the warmth and togetherness of Spanish family life blended with English traditions that I had carried with me. Balancing those two identities felt natural, and I came to treasure the richness it gave to our family life.

Teaching and Career Professionally, my first steps were in teaching English as a Foreign Language at an academy in Mallorca. For my students, learning English often meant unlocking new opportunities—whether in work, study, or travel. I loved helping them discover the possibilities. In 1995, I decided to return to the UK to strengthen my qualifications. I studied Spanish Philology at university and later earned a PGCE, which allowed me to teach Spanish formally. For the next couple of decades, I taught Spanish in schools across Britain. For me, teaching was about opening a door to another culture. I tried to bring Spanish life into the classroom. By the time I retired in 2021, I felt proud of the many students who had carried forward a genuine enthusiasm for the language.

Returning to the Islands Contact us: Age Concern Centre and Shop: Carrer d’Artrutx 10, Poligono Industrial, Mahón, 07714 menorca@ageconcern.org.es Tel: 971 156 110 For the latest information follow us on Facebook: Age Concern Menorca 2015 or visit our website www.ageconcernmenorca.com

Retirement was the beginning of a new stage in my life and I returned to the Balearic Islands and settled in Binixica, here in Menorca. It felt like coming full circle. Life brought me fresh happiness too. I am now married to Steve Riley, whose family lived on Menorca for more than thirty years, helping me feel even 52

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LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB

BY CHRISTINE BROOKER On a glorious sunny day, we met at the Hotel Agamenón. October will be our last lunch there and we don´t know if we will be back under the new management. Avril announced that in November the lunch will be at Avelino 23 where Joanna from Estudio 3 will be presenting some of her winter collection with the usual models, Twiggy, Claudia Schiffer, or possibly some of the members. She also reminded us that we are still taking numbers for our coach trip to Ciutadella on 15th October. We will pick up in Mahón and Es Mercadal, once there everyone will be set free to shop and lunch as they please. Guests are welcome.

Julie entertained us with stories from when she was renting properties in and around Croydon. One in the centre of town had rather a lot of men visiting, it was later discovered that there was a bed in every room. In another, a Swedish man had given permission for people to see round his flat but when she arrived he was stark naked on all fours and appeared to be in a catatonic state. Julie carefully walked round him with the customers.

Drugs also featured. A chef and a waitress rented a detached property, but when kids broke in they discovered a marijuana factory. Other stories included a murder, a contract killing for 10.000 pounds, plus a stabbing in South Croydon where the perpetrator hid in the loft. Julie also met some famous people including Desmond Dekker, Judi Dench and Peter Andre amongst them. No wonder she buys imaginative raffle prizes...

Until December.

A Lovely Lunch at Asiático on the Port of Mahón Step into the heartwarming world of the Ladies Probus group as they reunited this month for a delightful September lunch at Asiático in the beautiful Port of Mahón. From delectable dishes to fun quizzes and exciting raffle prizes, this gathering was a delightful blend of good food and great company.

LADIES PROBUS

BY DENISE MANNERS

Gathered at the scenic Port of Mahon, the ladies of Probus were welcomed with open arms at Asiático, a familiar spot that treated them exceptionally well.

Amidst the diverse menu choices, the ladies at the table savored every bite, praising the delicious flavours presented to them. Despite a slight lag in serving, the waitress Mei graciously attended to everyone with a warm smile and helpful demeanor, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

From the refreshing Wakame Salad to the piping hot Sizzling Beef Prawn and Chicken with rice, each dish left a lasting impression. My indulgent Deep fried Bananas with a sticky syrup sauce provided the perfect ending to a delicious meal, prompting promises of return visits to Asiático.

The afternoon was filled with laughter and chatter, making it a challenge at times to hear over the lively conversations. Elizabeth’s captivating raffle prizes, including wine glasses filled with chocolates. I am not sure if the recipient was more excited about the glasses or the chocolates!! Jan’s imaginative quiz kept everyone entertained, showcasing the group’s fun and camaraderie.

And the ladies are now looking forward to their next lunch at Brasserie & Bar Dos Pablos in Cala en Porter.

My fun saying this month?

“There are only three things in life that tell the truth, Drunks, Small children and Leggings.”

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

TREBALUGER EQUINE RESCUE CENTRE

BY SAM LAKE

Matilda, the Independent Soul When Matilda, an older donkey, first arrived at our rescue centre, she was a sad sight. She had come from a place where life was not kind to her, overweight, in poor health and untrusting. Her head pulled to the side due to the fat deposits on her neck unable to keep it straight.

Unlike many donkeys who find comfort in company, Matilda was different from the start. She kept to herself, never wanting to join the herd. Instead, would watch quietly from a distance to see if the feeding room door had been left unattended or the main gate not quite locked correctly so she could make her escape to the hay area or the neighbours gardens!

With patience, love, good food, exercise and gentle handling, Matilda’s health has slowly improved. She does have strange lumps on her and is in some discomfort sometimes but we keep her on supplements and pain relief when necessary to give her the best quality of life we can.

She has carved out a special place in our hearts. She isn’t interested in socialising with other animals but does seek the security of Piruleta and Sarda, two of our mares, for the night time. Most days, you’ll find her wandering up and down the lane with us, happy to keep pace as we attend to other animals but not asking for too much fuss, wise eyes following everything that happens, especially when it’s our coffee time and there might be melon or cake available.

Matilda reminds us that every animal has its own personality and way of healing from their past. Some seek out a herd, some seek out people, and some simply need their own space. With us, she has found the freedom to simply be herself – and that is a beautiful thing to observe.

However, from one happy story to a very sad goodbye. Our beloved Brusca passed away suddenly very recently, again a donkey that arrived in very poor health but has spent four very happy years with us, being loved by everyone. We will always miss her as she was another character but she is now at rest with her beloved friend, Lad, who she never stopped mourning for since his death earlier this year. Goodbye sweet Brusca.

Matilda

Everyone is welcome to visit, we are open every day 09.30-12.30 no booking necessary.

Thank you for your continued support. http://www.trebalugerequinerescue.com/ Camí de Ses Cometes (Camí de Trebalúger), 07720 Es Castell, @trebalugerequinerescuecenter fb/trebalugerequinerescue Whatsapp: 689802108 Matilda

Brusca

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

EnFUSION CATS IN NEED

BY JANICE BOCKLING

CHOIR

BY ELAINE MARTIN On the last Saturday in August, EnFusion held its ‘One Night Only’ concert at the Aero Club, Sant Lluis. In total, 140 tickets were sold for what turned out to be an amazing night. The evening kicked off in beautiful sunshine with EnFusion performing six of its favourite songs. There were guest appearances from Toni Pons, accompanied by pianist Mauricio from Palma, Gonzo with his saxophone, beautiful songs from the renowned Maria Camps, joined by her two guitarists, and a gig from our friends The Geckos. There was also an inaugural appearance by Broken Finger, fronted by Richard Guyatt, who played well-known 60’s classics. Richard was also the evening’s compere and master of ceremonies.

There was a raffle with outstanding prizes. Those who kindly donated restaurant vouchers were: Andrea Sanchez at Puig de Sa Roca, Nuria at Biniarroca, the Casino Bar at Alaior, Mike at Clementina, and Jorge at the Aero Club. Further prizes were a bottle of whisky from Iain McKewen, a massage from Thai Menorca and an original Graham Byfield painting from Lynn Swift.

My cat of the month is Pumpkin, an adorable two-year-old female. She is learning to meet and greet visitors on our open mornings. She will sit on laps or backs, as available! At Cats in Need, you will meet many of the cats who have been rescued from the streets of Menorca, due to a life-changing injury or because they are elderly. I love taking in old street cats. They are so grateful and they usually settle in quite easily. In the winter, they are usually to be found in front of one of the two fires in the house on thick comfortable cushions. It is a joy to see them.

The whole event was held in aid of the Carlos Mir Day Centre and the choir was delighted that several representatives came along to enjoy the evening. The choir is proud to be associated with Carlos Mir, and we raised €2,500 for this truly amazing establishment, which helps disabled people of all ages by giving them identity through friendship and crafting workshops. Representatives from the Choir committee joined Carmen Reynes, Vice President and Social Welfare Counselor at the Island Council of Menorca, and her assistant, Melissa, together with staff and attendees at the Day Centre on 12 September in presenting a cheque. The choir was delighted to hear that this donation will be used at the Centre to help fund an animal psychologist, who will introduce relaxation through interaction with different animals.

Now the weather is cooler, we have started catching cats for neutering. Our team look after colonies of cats over half of the island and thus are able to spot when a new one arrives or one is poorly. Son Bou has many elderly cats with high vet bills. We receive no subsidies and rely entirely on donations and the sale of cards and gifts available on our open days.

Many thanks to everyone involved in making the evening a success and a special thank you to Mahón Counsell for the use of its staging, to Jorge and his staff at the Aero Club for looking after us so well during the evening and to all EnFusion’s behind-the-scenes helpers. Mike, Dave and Chris, our teccy guys, we couldn’t do it without you !

Thinking ahead to Christmas, the Cats in Need 2026 calendar is now available for 12 euros. It is A4 size, with plenty of space to write and features more than 35 photos of resident cats and street cats. We post in the Uk for £3 postage and packing.

Lots of people love to buy their Christmas cards from us and we have many with greetings from Menorca on them for local residents. We will be at the Bar Pons Christmas Fair, and this year I will take even more with me as every year we sell out! We have beautiful cards for all occasions and lots of little gifts, mugs, kitchen textiles etc so please come and see us. The profits all go towards our vet and food bills.

Look out for further announcements for our Xmas concerts at the Aero Club on 12/13 December and a performance in Santa Maria Church, along with other choirs and musicians, during Christmas week.

We have some very sad news. In September, the lovely Carrot died. He was so loved and is much missed. He was rescued from the roadside in Binibeca, one of five little orphaned kittens. His mission in life was to be on my lap.He never raised a paw to another cat. Never growled or hissed, even at kittens.

Sleep tight Carrot. You will never be forgotten.

Many of our visitors have been coming to see us for more than 20 years and it is a delight to welcome them again and also new visitors coming for the first time.

We open on Friday and Sunday mornings from 11 until 13.00 at Sinai De’n Riera Es Castell. Keep up to date through our Facebook pages Cats in Need Menorca and Janice Bockling. We have a website catsinneedmenorca.org So many stories to tell and news and information.

Email janicebockling@gmail.com for info should you wish to donate etc. easiest and quickest way to contact me WhatsApp 0034 610012 628.

Carmen Reynes accepting a cheque on behalf of Carlos Mir from choir director, Lynn Swift.

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AUTUMN 2025

WHAT’S

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 - roquetajohn@gmail.com

ON

SPORTS EVENTS 17TH, 18TH, 19TH OCTOBER – 24º VOLTA CICLOTURISTA MENORCA 24TH INTERNATIONAL CYCLING TOUR OF MENORCA This is a fantastic event organised by Arturo Sintes to bring together Spanish and British cyclists. Amateurs and enthusiasts get to ride on closed roads, with mechanical and medical support, food and drink stations, and a lead car blaring out rock tunes. The majority of the participants are from Menorca, however there is a good turnout from the rest of the Balearics and mainland Spain, as well as British participants. Several pro-cyclists are also invited to ride. If you love cycling, sign up for a fun weekend. You get all the thrills of being a pro-cyclist but without the long-term pain. There are categories for electric bikes and mixed couples and you can purchase insurance. https://www.menorcacicloturista.com/

3 OCTOBER Va de Bach Aracaladanza dance company Teatre des Born 4 OCTOBER • ME _ MMIX Festival at Illa del Rey • Night Mini Trekking – by Polaris Menorca • Menorca Doc Festival – Es Mercadal 4/11/25 OCTOBER Graham Pearce’s brewery sensory visit 10 OCTOBER Concert for the 125th anniversary of the local Red Cross at Teatre Principal – Mahon 11/18/25 OCTOBER Astronomical Observation with Telescopes by Polaris Menorca 12 OCTOBER • Velam Quartet at Hauser&Wirth • A Romandre Concert at Thalassa Maritime Heritage 17 OCTOBER Shubert & Mozart by OCIM Teatre Principal 17/18/19 OCTOBER International Cycling Tour of Menorca 18 OCTOBER • The Greatest Opera Aria, Teatre Principal • Quarantine Drawing Workshop Thalassa 19 OCTOBER Schubert and Mozart Teatre des Born 21 OCTOBER Classic Cinema Teatre des Born 25 OCTOBER • The Toy Box – A Children’s Ballet (C. Debussy) at Teatre Principal Mahon • ABBA Mania at Ukalari’s Theatre 26 OCTOBER ES October Trail Menorca 23 NOVEMBER Age Concern Christmas Fair, Bar Pons, Cala en Porter

PROLOGUE STAGE: MAHÓN–MAHÓN (26.6 KM) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 • 15:45: Start from Plaza Constitución, route through Mahón port and road to La Mola Fortress.

• Stop at the Vickers Cannon, then return via Cala Llonga and Camí des Castell.

• 18:00: Bib collection at Plaza Constitución.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 – STAGE 1: MAHÓN–MAHÓN (94.3 KM) • 09:00: Start from Plaza Constitución, route through Me-7, Es Pontarró, Binixems, Camí d’En Kane, Es Mercadal, Migjorn Gran, Ferreries, climb to S’Enclusa (refreshment stop).

• Descent via Es Mercadal, return to Mahón via Me-15 and Me-7.

• 13:40: Expected finish at Plaza Constitución.

• Afternoon free.

• 18:30–20:30: Open house at Fundació Ciclisme de Maó-Menorca, Calle Picafort 4.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 – STAGE 2: MAHÓN–MONTE TORO–MAHÓN (57.5 KM) • 08:30: Shuttle bus for companions to Monte Toro.

• 08:45: Start from Plaza Constitución, passing through Alaior, Es Mercadal, climb to Monte Toro (refreshment stop).

• Descent via Es Mercadal, route through Migjorn Gran, Alaior, and back to Mahón, finishing at Plaza Constitución around 12:00.

• 13:30: Farewell lunch, awards, and trophy presentation at POIMA (Espai Menorca) fairground.

More informations on: https://www.menorcacicloturista.com/ SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER – OCTOBER TRAIL MENORCA The October Trail Menorca will take place on October 25, 2025. It is a race that runs along the southern and southwestern sections of the Camí de Cavalls. The available distances are 32KM, 11KM, and 19KM. The main event starts in the Son Bou (Alaior) residential area, follows the Camí de Cavalls to Calan Bosch beach (Ciutadella), where the finish line and awards ceremony will take place.

32 km – Start: Son Bou 19 km – Start: Cala Mitjana parking 11 km – Start: Cala’n Turqueta All races finish at the entrance of Hotel Lago Resort Menorca, located on Cala’n Bosch beach.

More informations on: https://illadelstrails.com/carrera-october-trail/ 57

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 GUIDED THEATRICAL TOUR OF LA MOLA UP TO 9TH OCTOBER: If you are thinking about organising a group activity with different families or with a group of adults who want to have fun and learn, you can contact La Mola who will adapt to your schedule. The tour mixes games, legend and real history. Collaborate in small missions, decipher military curiosities and contemplate panoramic 360 ° while the guide-actor gives life to the characters that inhabited the Fort for more than 175 years.

An activity for the whole family – for the young and the young at heart – or to enjoy with friends!

Prices: General (17 – 64 years): €15.00 Junior & Senior (12 – 16 years and over 65): €12.50 Children (6 – 11 years): €10.00 Mini (3 – 5 years): €5.00 Menorca Residents: 10% discount on the total price of the tickets – accreditation of at least one member is required.

Language: Catalan / Spanish / English Information: email: info@fortalesalamola.com whatsApp: +34 686 659 400 phone: +34 971 364 040 Ticket purchase: menorca-card.com

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

SARDINA & BOQUERÓN 3RD EDITION ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL

HAUSER&WIRTH SUNDAYS CONCERTS

Parc des Freginal Mahón, Free Entrance. Activities for Children

Enjoy Sunday’s concerts this season, featuring live music at Cantina’s terrace, shaded under the olive trees. Free to attend, these concerts are presented in collaboration with local music producer Es Claustre.

OCTOBER 4TH AT 12:30 PM ME_MMIX FESTIVAL ON ILLA DEL REY As part of Hauser & Wirth Menorca’s collaboration with ME _ MMIX Festival, GEOMETRICAL SARDINE will present their debut album ‘Minialien’ on Illa del Rei on Saturday 4 October.

The album explores a broad spectrum of jazz—from classic standards to progressive jazz—before settling into the trio’s creative space: compositions with fractal patterns and blended, intricate structures.

The ME _ MMIX Festival (Electronic Music _ Mixed Music and Video Projection) is an initiative supported by the Department of Culture Palma de Mallorca City Council and the Palma Espai d’Art Foundation, that showcases contemporary music connected to electronic media.

For booking: https://www.hauserwirth.com/events/me_mmix-festivalon-illa-del-rei/ OCTOBER 12TH AT 12:30 PM VELAM QUARTET No booking needed.

4 OCT: 12h La Maleta, 13.30 & 15:30 Maria Galetta 17h Kayak Clown 13h & 17h DJ KRAZZ y GODIÉ 5 OCT: 12h LA MUNTADORA D’ESTELS 16:30 SA XARANGA DES XUBEC Full details www.sardinayboqueron.com

GRAHAM PEARCE’S BREWERY SENSORY VISIT SUNDAY 4TH, 11ST, 25TH OCTOBER Grahame Pearce enchants from the very first sip with its special magic.

A small brewery offering an incredible selection of beers based on original recipes adapted to the island: authentic Pilsner, Lager, Brown Ale, and the irresistible Stout.

A whole world of flavours and sensations waiting to be discovered on site.

Adults: €18.00 Dates: Saturdays Time: 11:00 AM Visit duration: 1–2 hours https://sacooperativadelcamp.com/es/visitas-guiadas/660045cervezas-artesanas-de-autor.html UP TO 5TH OCTOBER: MOSTRA DE CUINA MENOQUINA A TOUR OF MENORCA, FROM RESTAURANT TO RESTAURANT The new edition of the Mostra de Cuina Menorquina is taking place up to October 5.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of culinary offerings that showcase both traditional and innovative Menorcan cuisine, always based on local and seasonal products.

Restaurants will prepare either a “Mostra Menu” (priced at €28, VAT included, drinks not included) and/or a “Gastronomic Menu” (with free pricing and format).

Advance booking is required. http://www.mostradecuinamenorquina.com/ 4TH OCTOBER – 12TH NOVEMBER: MENORCA DOC FESTIVAL, ES MERCADAL Menorca Doc Fest is an annual cultural event in Menorca that blends documentary film and photography to raise awareness and promote critical thinking about contemporary issues. Its programme features screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and awards, hosted in multiple venues across the island. The festival also partners with local institutions to bring guided tours and educational screenings to schools, connecting culture with the community. https://www.menorcadocfest.com/ 58

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER CONCERT FOR THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOCAL RED CROSS ASSEMBLY (MAHÓN – ES CASTELL) BY KIEV PORTELLA The Local Red Cross Society (Mahón – Es Castell) is celebrating 125 years (since 1899) of social action and community support. To mark the anniversary, they are hosting a charity concert at the Teatre Principal de Mahón featuring Menorcan pianist Kiev Portella (Mahón, 1974). Portella will perform Revolta, a program combining works by Romantic composer F. Chopin with famous film soundtracks such as Amélie, E.T., and The Hours.

FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER SCHUBERT & MOZART PERFORMED BY THE ILLA DE MENORCA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA The Illa de Menorca Chamber Orchestra will transport the audience to 18thcentury Vienna. The program features celebrated works by Viennese and Austrian composers Franz Schubert and W. A. Mozart, as well as AustrianSpanish composer Marianne von Martínez. This year’s concert also includes the participation of young music students from Menorca.

Programme: Franz Schubert (1797–1828) – Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major Marianne von Martínez (1744–1812) – Overture in C major Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) – Symphony No. 40 in G minor Pre-concert Talk: At 7:45 PM in the Main Hall, friends of the OCIM are invited to a discussion with Maestro Francesc Prat about the evening’s program.

SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER THE GREATEST OPERA ARIAS (CHARITY CONCERT)ORCHESTRE DE L’ALLIANCE (FRANCE) The Orchestre de l’Alliance — founded in Paris by Iranian musician and conductor Pejman Memarzadeh — returns to offer a musical evening in support of Cáritas Menorca. The evening’s repertoire will feature works by Satie and Dvořák, as well as excerpts from some of the most iconic European operas of all time (W. A. Mozart, G. Rossini, G. Puccini, G. Bizet), performed by rising stars such as soprano Emy Gazeilles and baritone Olivier Gourdy.

This exceptional programme will also pay tribute to cellist and humanist Pau Casals and will feature the participation of the 2024 Pau Casals International Award winner (Fundació Pau Casals): Gabriel Guigné.

Organised by Can Alberti 1740 Boutique Hotel.

SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER THE TOY BOX – A CHILDREN’S BALLET (C. DEBUSSY) PERFORMED BY BAMBALINA TEATRE PRACTICABLE The Valencian company Bambalina Teatre Practicable comes to Menorca to present their new production: The Toy Box – A Children’s Ballet, an adaptation of Claude Debussy’s (1862–1918) ballet La Boîte à Joujoux – Ballet pour enfants. This contemporary, wordless ballet combines live music and puppetry and is inspired by his daughter Claude-Emma Debussy Chouchou (1906–1919) and her toys and dolls—is delicate, clever, and subtle. The work is filled with references to popular songs and famous classical themes, as well as nods to other compositions by Debussy himself. https://teatremao.com/

THEATRE TEATRE DES BORN

Plaça des Born, Ciutadella 3 October – Va de Bach Aracaladanza dance company explores the inspiration of Johann Sebastian Bach to once again question the limits of the stage in search of its magic. It dives into a creative universe that allows anyone who wishes to open their eyes and tune their ears to imagine.

19 October – Schubert and Mozart – Performed by the Illa de Menorca Chamber Orchestra The Orchestra will transport the audience to 18th-century Vienna. The programme features celebrated works by Viennese and Austrian composers Franz Schubert and W. A. Mozart, and includes the participation of young music students from Menorca.

21 October The Classic Cinema Series organised by Cineclub Ciutadella with a film once a month. This season begins with To Be or Not to Be by Ernst Lubitsch in English. In Warsaw, during the German occupation in World War II, Professor Siletsky, a spy in the service of the Gestapo, is about to deliver a list with the names of the collaborators of the resistance. Joseph Tura, a Polish actor who plays Hamlet will try to resolve this dangerous situation and, with the help of the actors in his company, will pass himself off successively as the cruel Colonel Erhardt and Siletsky to enter the SS headquarters.

Ciutadella’s theatre puts on a full programme of events, listed on the website https://www.teatredesborn.com/ Tickets available online and from the ticket office, which is open Tuesdays 11.30am to 1pm, Thursdays 7 to 8.30pm, also one hour before the start of the performance.

ORFEO MAONES

UKALARI’S THEATRE

SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 25 years of life with ALBA Music Charity gala to benefit GEICAM Moments a cor, Alba Dance Studio, Leonmanso, Maria Camps, Oscar Amieva

Saturday 25th October ABBA Mania Dive into the vibrant world of ABBA with Abbamania, an unforgettable tribute at Teatro Ukalari.

Experience classic hits like never before in a dazzling show celebrating the music and magic of one of the most iconic bands of all time. Seven actors and singers will take you on a nostalgic journey through ABBA’s greatest hits, from Dancing Queen to Mamma Mia, Money, Money, Super Trouper, and Waterloo.

A heartfelt tribute featuring live vocals that will move you to the core. https://www.ukalarimenorcaevents.com/

https://www.orfeomaones.com/es/2024

POLARIS MENORCA Saturday 4th October Night Mini Trekking Saturday 11th, 18th and 25th October Astronomical Observation with Telescopes Polaris Menorca offer a range of activities designed to unveil the fascinating secrets of the night sky. Explore constellations, stars, galaxies, and much more through guided observations and interactive sessions that bring astronomy to life. https://polarismenorca.com/

TEATRE PRINCIPAL MAÓ Carrer d’en Deià 40, Mahón 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.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 (fishing, transport, leisure, competition...) Basic knowledge about the art of sailing. Reproduction of a workshop of a master of aixa, the professionals who build wooden boats. It is an interactive space, where you can learn how to tie nautical knots and appreciate the effort required to build a traditional boat. Also, a walk through the photographic memory of the Menorcan ports. Open Mon, Thurs, Fri 10am til 1pm and 6pm til 9pm. Sat and Sunday 10am -2pm and 6pm to 9pm. Closed Tues and Wed Camí de les Escoles, Es Castell CONCERT A ROMANDRE AT THALASSA Sunday 12th October at 11:00 Free entrance QUARANTINE AT THALASSA DRAWING WORKSHOP OPEN TO EVERYONE. Saturday October 18 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Free event Limited spots (40) Recommended for ages 16+ Register at: qvarantine.events@gmail.com

ART GALLERIES CA N’OLIVER C/ ANUNCIVAY, 2 - MAHÓN

CINEMA

Art Gallery with many collections including BRITISH MINORCA If there is a historical period that individualizes Menorca and gives it a special personality, it is, without a doubt, the 18th century. More than seventy years of British presence have left their mark on the island and its inhabitants which can be seen in this collection WINTER EXHIBITION: “Werner Bernard. Ceràmica” October 10th - January 4th, 2026 Opening: Friday, October 10th, at 7:00 p.m.

Exhibition at Ca N’Oliver dedicated to Swiss ceramicist Werner Bernard (1939), who has lived in Biniparrell since 1972. His ceramics are considered among the finest in contemporary decorative arts in Menorca, with significant international recognition Organised by the Maó City Council Open May to Oct: Gen Admission 5 Euros Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 to 13:30 and 18:00 to 20:00 Sunday: 10:00 to 13:30 Free Entry Monday, closed More information https://canoliver.menorca.es/

OCIMAX CINEMA MAHÓN: https://www.aficine.com/cine/ocimaxmahon/ Cineclub films shown in the original language on Thursdays.

CINEMES MOIX NEGRE CIUTADELLA Cinema a la Fresca (open air cinema) http://www.cinesmoixnegre.org/ Films shown in the original language most Thursdays.

Cineclub films screened every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm.

MUSEUMS MUSEU DE MENORCA:

CA N’ÁNGEL ART AND CULTURE CENTER ES MERCADAL

Pla des Monestir, 9, 07701 Mahón Open Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am to 19 pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10 am to 14 pm History of Menorca Permanent Exhibition Until February 2026 Exhibition This is how Menorca sounds presents a journey that contextualizes music within society, economy, and culture over the last 400 years. Also including paintings, musical instruments, and scores, along with various visual and sound resources. The museum’s cloister, is transformed for the occasion into an Emotions Walk linked to different Menorcan songs. For the first time, Vue de la salle du théâtre de Minorque and Vue de la scène du théâtre de Minorque, two oil paintings from 1760 that depict views inspired by an 18th-century theatre in Maó, will be exhibited.

These works have been brought especially from the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris. www.museudemenorca.com

FROM 2 TO 30 OCTOBER: MENORCA DOC FEST. The exhibitions will open with the following general hours, 16 September to 11 October, from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm. https://agenda.menorca.es/

LÔAC: CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY Contemporary art gallery located at Calle Santiago Pons Quintana 56, Alaior.

Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10.30am to 2pm, and 5.30 to 9pm. Admission 5€. https://www.visitalaior.com/en/what-to-do/alaior-art-contemporani

FUNDACIÓ NUMA

CAN SAURA

Numa’s gardens, courtyards and exhibition spaces invite contemplation, inner dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

Ciutadella Museum contains a comprehensive selection of ethnological objects as well as a significant archaeological collection that includes important finds discovered in the caves Cova des Mussol and Cova des Càrritx.

Ground floor exhibition ‘May the earth not weigh you down. A history of death rituals in Menorca’ including the remains of the old Moorish necropolis discovered beneath the building Tuesday to Saturday: Morning: 10.30am to 1.30pm Afternoon: from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday and Monday C/ Santíssim, 2, Ciutadella Tel 971 38 10 50 General Admission 5€ Over 65 free

THALASSA MARITIME HERITAGE A display of the different types of traditional Menorcan boats and their uses 60

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

HIROSHI KITAMURA

MENORCA CRICKET CLUB

Summer exhibition May to October

MATCH DATES 12.30PM START 03 Oct BINSTEAD VS ARUNDEL 04/05 Oct ROWLEDGE CASUALS 11/12 Oct CROWHURST PARK 18/19 OCT MOTLEY CREW CC 20/21/22 OCT MENORCA CRICKET FESTIVAL WEEK https://www.menorcacricketclub.com

Explore the connection between art and nature. A journey through sculptures and paintings that reveal the transformation of matter, the memory of materials and the ephemeral beauty of the impermanent.

Plaça Quintana de Mar, 07760 Ciutadella https://www.numamenorca.com/

HAUSER & WIRTH GALLERY– ISLA DEL REY

ENJOY CIUTADELLA

NOW TO 11 OCTOBER Writing and Movement Workshop, by Ana Haro and Silvia Mar.

Three guided tours of Ciutadella which can be booked in advance – Craft route, Coastal Heritage Route, Night Route to observe the sky Ajciutadella-org Available in English, Spanish, Catalan and French

Writer Ana Haro and multidisciplinary artist Silvia Mar will lead a free workshop inspired by Cindy Sherman’s work. Participants will explore the connection between body, space, and art through guided writing and movement exercises — transforming the experience of viewing art into an embodied, creative response.

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. 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.

Torres also operate the line from Mahón town centre to the airport. 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.

The workshop will be conducted in Spanish, with materials available in Catalan, English, French, and Italian. Advance registration is required.

Note: Photographs will be taken for Hauser & Wirth’s website, social media, and marketing materials.

NOW TO 26 OCTOBER Mika Rottenberg’s first solo exhibition in Spain will feature celebrated video installations -‘Cosmic Generator’ and ‘Spaghetti Blockchain’-alongside her latest ‘Lampshares.’

NOW TO 26 OCTOBER Exhibition Cindy Sherman - The Women For her first solo exhibition in Spain in over two decades, ‘Cindy Sherman. The Women’ will feature a selection of the artist’s most iconic bodies of work, dating from the 1970s to 2010s

BANK HOLIDAYS

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

12 October: Spain’s National Day 1 November: All Saints’ Day 6 December: Spanish Constitution Day 8 December: Day of the Immaculate Conception.

25 December: Christmas Day 26 December Sant Esteve

ATICA GALLERY Moll de Ponent, 36 The Menorcan artist Paul Marabán has opened the Atica space in the port of Mahón. Atica is emerging as a signature gallery focused on contemporary and local art with different exhibitions.

Photographer Oriol Miñarro will present Ínsula an exhibition included and managed under the Menorca Doc Fest programme (https://www. menorcadocfest.com/aula-doc). Opening October 4th at 11am, with a presentation by the artist. Open until October 25th, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-1pm and from 6pm-9pm.

Instagram @atica _ art _ gallery

FOOD MARKETS Alaior Saturday Plaza Ramal 9.30am to 2pm Ciutadella: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am to 1.30pm 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.

Ferreries: Artisan Food market Saturdays, 9am to 1pm in Plaça Espana.

GUIDED TOURS NAVAL HOSPITAL ISLA DEL REY Visit the 18th-century former British naval hospital and Port Mahon Interpretation Centre and discover the rich history of Isla del Rey and the harbour.

STREET MARKETS

Thursdays - guided tours of the hospital at 11.15am in English

Mahón: Tuesday and Saturday 9am to 2pm in the Plaça Esplanada.

Mahón: Daily, Pla de Baixamar, 10am to 8pm.

Ciutadella: Monday and Friday 9.30am to 13:30 in the Plaza Borne.

Alaior: Plaza Ramal 9 to 2pm Fornells: Thursday, 9am to 2pm. in Carrer de la Mar. Sant Lluis: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8am to 2pm in Pla de sa Creu.

Es Castell: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm in Plaza Esplanada.

Es Mercadal C/ Nou 8.30 to 1pm Es Migjorn Gran Wednesday 8am to 12pm Ferreries Plaza Espanya 9am to 2pm

Wednesdays – guided tours in French. Spanish tours every day Sundays - visits in Spanish, English or French, leave on the 9am Hauser &Wirth Yellow Catamaran from Mahon harbour with the volunteers. Bookings or enquiries can be made on the website: www.islahospitalmenorca.org or: www.yellowcatamarans.com/en/kings-island

LITHICA PEDRERES DE S´HOSTAL Open May to October 9am to Sunset and Sunday 9am to 2pm Tickets must be purchased in advance for visits to guarantee access 5 Euros for one visit or you can buy an annual pass for 20 Euros https://lithica.es/en/visit/

ANTIQUES / SECOND HAND MARKET

Guided Tour in English on Mondays at 19:30 12 Euros and on Tuesdays in Spanish/Catalan.

Gangaria Flea Market in Parc des Freginal, Mahon Sundays 8am to 1pm 61

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

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, CIUTADELLA Canal Salat but some are open on Saturdays.

C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, s/n Shop Opening Hours 09.00 – 13.30 07760 Ciutadella and 16.30/17.00 – 20.30 Tel: 971 480 112 Larger supermarkets Monday to PRIVATE CLINICS Saturday 09.00 – 21.00 Sunday CLINICA JUANEDA mornings in summer Banks Monday to Friday 08.15 – 14.00 Avenida Vives Llull, 6 07703 Mahón If hiring a car, you are required to Tel. 971 351 115 keep with you: Hire documents, info.menorca@juaneda.es driving licence and a photocopy of CLINICA JUANEDA your passport. NB: Seat belts are Jose Delfin Serra, 10, 07760 compulsory, and children must be in Ciutadella the back of the vehicle Tel. 971 480 505 For a comprehensive list of all bus info.menorca@juaneda.es times on the Island, please visit POLICLINICA VIRGEN DE www.tmsa.es GRACIA Internal flights in Spain from Av Vives Llull 6, 07003, Mahon Menorca: Iberia – www.vueling.com, Tel: 971351115 www.iberia.com RED CROSS POST OFFICES CREU ROJA MAÓ Carrer de Ciutadella, 76, 07701 Maó C/ Josep Anselm Clavé, 162 ·07703 Plaça des Born, 9, 07760 Ciutadella Tel.: 971 36 11 80 de Menorca Creu Roja Ciutadella Carrer Llevant, 5-7, 07720 Es Castell c/ de la Creu, 2 07760 Carrer Lepanto, 43, 07740 Es Mercadal Tel.: 971 38 19 93 Carrer de sa Lluna, 13 (antes, Carrer CREU ROJA FERRERIES de Sant Esteve, 14), Av. Jaume Mascaró, 66, 07750 07710 Sant Lluís Tel.: 971 37 31 39 HOSPITALS WITH 24 HR Creu Roja Es Mercadal EMERGENCIES C/ Veterinaris Gomila, 12, 07740 Tel.: 971 37 53 00 MAHON Hospital Mateo Orfila CREU ROJA ALAIOR Rda. de Malbúger, 1, 07703 Mahón, C/ Orient, 39 · 07703 Phone: 971 48 70 00 Tel.: 971 37 12 38 62

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 SANTA MARGARITA ANGLICAN CHURCH +34 617222382 e-mail chaplain@anglicanchurchmenorca.com

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

NUTRITION AND FITNESS WITH JESS AND TOM Sidenote: The word dementia is a big trigger for me (Tom). My journey into the health world began when I saw one of my grandfather’s develop and live out his last years with Alzheimer’s disease. It was really hard on him and on our close family. It inspired me to be proactive with my own health but also add value to other people’s health to help prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

CREATINE: THE BEST THING YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD OF?

Naturally, the thought that I may be predisposed to this particular disease is always in the back of my mind as there is a hereditary component, but if there is anything that I can safely do to help reduce the chances then I am 100% open to it.

WHAT IS CREATINE? • Creatine is a natural compound, made in the body from amino acids, and it’s also found in foods (meat, fish).

• It’s stored mostly in muscles, but also in the brain.

• Its role is to help regenerate ATP - the “battery” molecules that provide energy for everything from muscle contraction to thinking.

• Old school use: athletes and bodybuilders. Usual doses for physical performance might include a loading phase (higher dose for a short time) then maintenance. I have personally taken it for years to help maintain muscle.

HOW THE USE HAS SHIFTED - NEW AREAS OF BENEFIT Decades of research have gone into creatine, it’s deemed as one of the most effective and safest supplements in healthy users with no pre-existing health issues with zero adverse effects (Kreider et al., 2017).

Here are some of the areas where creatine-use is proving promising: 1. Stronger Muscles, Faster Recovery In terms of increasing muscle strength, power and lean mass, creatine is one of the most studied and effective supplements for these benefits. It works by saturating muscles with phosphocreatine which rapidly regenerates ATP - the immediate fuel your muscle cells need for contractions. This allows you to train harder, recover faster and adapt better to exercise. If you’ve experienced accelerated muscle loss recently either due to the hormonal shifts, inactivity and/or nutrient depletion of pregnancy or being postpartum, or you’ve been inactive for an extended period of time, replenishing phosphocreatine stores can help you build or maintain lean muscles, reducing fatigue and helping you to recover from physical stress more effectively.

Research shows: • Creatine enhances muscle recovery between high-effort bouts, improving training quality and reducing soreness.

In this month’s article, Tom and I have teamed up to share the health and physical benefits of a supplement called ‘creatine’. Tom with his personal training experience and me with my Nutritionist hat on. Tom has used it for physical benefits for many years (muscle and strength gains), but over the past few years, more research has exposed additional benefits, and it’s piqued both of our interests, so we wanted to do a creatine deep-dive for you this month.

• Creatine and resistance training produces significantly greater lean mass gains and greater strength than training alone, especially in women.

2. Mood, Mental Health & Memory Creatine is emerging as a neuroprotective nutrient because of its critical role in brain energy metabolism. The brain is one of the highest energy-demanding organs in the body, and low cellular energy is a known factor in anxiety, depression and cognitive decline, including memory loss. When the brain is under stress and energy demands in the brain rise (e.g. sleep loss, fatigue, ageing, illness), we know from personal experience as well as research that our short-term memory isn’t as sharp, and our rational thinking and our mental clarity decline, this is where creatine seems to buffer the decline.

What started as a supplement for gym-goers, weight lifters and body builders is now being used as a tool to help with energy, brain health, injury recovery, bone health, hormonal transitions (menopause and postpartum), mood and overall brain health including dementiaprevention, and ageing well, with solid research in all these areas that are too good to ignore in our opinion.

Research shows:

Think faster recovery after workouts (or chasing kids), steady energy when you’re running on broken sleep, sharper focus and even long-term bone support.

• People with mood disorders often have reduced brain phosphocreatine and ATP levels, suggesting impaired energy metabolism.

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 Beyond physical performance, creatine has been proven to support: • Neuroenergetics - the brain relies heavily on creatine to sustain cognitive function and protect neurons during energy crises.

• Stable cellular energy - maintaining ATP levels during metabolic stress, such as hormones shifts, sleep deprivation or illness.

The above biochemical shifts means more resilient energy systems to meet daily demands Creatine supports sustainable energy for workouts, broken nights sleeps from little ones waking up, mums on night feeds, shift workers or perimenopausal or menopausal shifts.

4. Bone density The reason bone density matters is because a reduction in bone density dramatically increases the risk of bone fracture, and alarmingly and a stat worth noting (and being proactive about), a hip fracture doubles the risk of mortality within one year).

Creatine is scientifically shown to preserve bone structure and strength when combined with resistance training. It works by increasing muscle strength (which reduces falls) and by directly enhancing osteoblast activity - the cells that build new bone).

Meta-analyses show that creatine consistency improves functional performance and muscle mass in older adults, indirectly protecting bone health by reducing fall risk.

For humans at any stage, protecting bone health isn’t just about ageing well, it’s about staying mobile, strong and independent for decades to come.

5. Menopause Oestrogen protects bones and muscles by supporting protein synthesis and slowing bone resorption. When oestrogen declines, women can lose up to 10% of muscle mass within the first 5 years and up to 20% of bone mass within the first 5-7 years.

Creatine provides a powerful counterbalance. It increases muscle phosphocreatine stores, enhancing strength and muscle protein synthesis, while also indirectly protecting bone health by improving functional strength and reducing fall risk.

• Creatine crosses the blood-brain barrier and directly elevates brain phosphocreatine stores, enhancing neuronal energy availability.

Randomised controlled trials show that postmenopausal women taking creatine while resistance training experience greater gains in muscle strength, lean mass, and daily function compared with placebo. Meta-analyses confirm creatine consistently improves muscular performance and functional capacity in older women.

• In a double-blind trial, women with major depressive disorder who took 5g/ day creatine with SSRI’s had significantly faster and stronger improvements in mood than medication alone (Lyoo et al., Am J Psychiatry, 2012).

• Pilot studies in adolescents and adults also show creatine reduces depressive symptoms and improves emotional resilience, even without antidepressants (Kondo et al., J Affect Disord, 2011).

By supporting both muscle and bone, creatine can help women remain strong, active, resilient, and independent long into later life.

6. Pregnancy and Postpartum

• In older adults, creatine supplementation has been associated with better performance in certain cognitive tasks, especially when there is some impairment already.

Pregnancy itself temporarily reduces maternal bone mineral density, and while much is regained postpartum, repeated pregnancies and breastfeeding can compound long-term bone loss (PMID: 30566667). After birth, many women lose muscle tone, feel weaker, face disrupted sleep and have low energy.

Creatine helps restore phosphocreatine, improving strength, recovery and even mood regulation. Research suggests only tiny amounts of creatine pass into breast milk, and preclinical studies suggest this may actually be protective for infants, improving energy metabolism and brain.

• Some studies suggest mood (anxiety, depression) and recovery from brain injury (concussions, traumatic brain injury) may benefit. If I had known about creatine when I had my stroke, back in 2017, I would have undoubtedly used Creatine to help with my brain recovery.

Alzheimer’s Disease / Dementia

HOW SAFE IS IT?

• A very recent pilot trial (2025) called CABA (“Creatine to Augment Bioenergetics in Alzheimer’s”) gave people with Alzheimer’s 20 grams of creatine monohydrate per day for 8 weeks. Result: Creatine levels in the brain increased (511%) and there were improvements in working memory and executive function.

One of the questions people naturally ask: “Is this safe long-term, especially as we age?” The recent research gives good news: • Creatine has been studied for decades. The data shows it’s very well tolerated in healthy people.

• It’s early days - small numbers of participants, preliminary design - but the fact that brain chemistry changed and cognition showed measurable uptick is very promising.

• Typical rare side effects are mild: stomach upset, bloating and maybe slight water retention. These can be resolved or minimised by using smaller doses or spreading doses over the day.

In summary, by improving energy metabolism in brain cells, creatine can help to support mood regulation, stress resilience, mental clarity, and cognitive function.

• Concerns about kidney damage have been examined extensively. In people with normal kidney function, there’s no consistent evidence creatine causes harm. However, for those with existing kidney disease, or those using medications that affect kidney function, medical advice is needed.

3. Energy Creatine is the body’s primary energy buffer, maintaining the fast regeneration of APT - the body’s universal energy currency of cells. It works through the phosphocreatine system, which donates high-energy phosphate groups to regenerate ATP. This system fuels every tissue: heart, brain, skeletal muscle and reproductive organs.

WHAT RECENT RESEARCH MEANS FOR YOU - IF YOU DIDN’T JUST WANT BIGGER BICEPS For someone in their 40s, 50s or older, especially living an active life (maybe outdoor, mountain biking, family-life, etc.), the new findings mean: 64

ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025 • Taking creatine might help preserve mental sharpness: better memory, ability to focus and resist mental fatigue.

• Taking creatine could contribute towards slowing or delaying the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other cognitive decline (though it’s not a cure, and further large trials are needed).

• Creatine may help when the energetic demands on our body rise e.g. in times of poor sleep, stress, illness - times when the brain’s energy systems are under pressure. This is a huge one for us! On days when we get broken sleep (thanks to our 2- and 5-year-old daughters), we find that taking creatine helps us with our energy and mental acuteness.

• If you already use it for physical performance, it may bring extra “brain-side” benefits now supported by data. This has been a great bonus personally too.

• Jet Lag - there is some interesting research showing creatine can buffer the effects of Jet Lag. This is connected to the previous point regarding periods when life becomes busy.

DOSAGE: WHAT STUDIES ARE USING Here are what recent trials tend to use, though this doesn’t replace talking to a doctor: • The form ‘Creatine monohydrate’ delivers superior bioavailability for maximum performance and absorption.

• Maintenance doses: ~3-5 grams per day of creatine monohydrate is what the research supports. More isn’t better.

• Alzheimer’s pilot: 20 grams per day for 8 weeks. That’s quite a high dose.

It worked in that context, but it’s more than most people usually take daily.

If using higher doses, people must watch for side effects and ensure good hydration.

BOTTOM LINE: WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU • Creatine is cheap, simple, and has stood the test of many studies for safety in healthy people. You can find it in Decathlon in Mahón in the supplements area. We have no affiliation to Decathlon, but we find everything really well priced there and great quality. We’ve yet to leave the store when we go with our daughter Olive without a pair of swimming goggles purchased or something that goes onto Olive’s wish list (a unicorn bike or a pink pair of trainers!)

• It’s not just for bodybuilders anymore. If you care about aging well - physically and mentally - it may be one of the better “low-risk, reasonable-potentialbenefit” supplements out there.

• If you take it already, the new studies suggest you might be getting more than just muscle strength or recovery. If you don’t take it, it might be worth considering - always after checking with a healthcare professional.

CAVEATS & WHAT STILL NEEDS PROOF • Many studies so far are small, short duration, sometimes without placebo/ control groups.

• We don’t yet know long-term effects specifically for cognition/dementia (510+ years usage) in broad populations.

• Individual differences: genetics, diet, baseline brain health, age, sex may affect how well creatine works. Some people may respond more than others.

FINAL THOUGHTS Creatine has come a long way: from being the go-to supplement for strength, to being studied as a support for brain energy, cognition, and possibly delaying or mitigating dementia. For readers of Roqueta - people who value vitality, being mentally sharp, looking after their family, enjoying life outdoors - creatine offers something exciting: low-cost, low-hassle, with growing evidence of benefit. If you’ve been using it already, you weren’t “only” chasing muscle. If you haven’t, maybe it’s worth thinking about.

Tom and Jess Dyer Tom: Personal Trainer - Qi Gong Teacher - Health Coach tom@jessntom.com Jess: Nutritional Therapist - Personal Trainer - Yoga Teacher PS My website has had an upgrade from Jess :-) Go and take a look - >

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ROQUETA AUTUMN 2025

BY RACHAEL ADAMS

PIG TALES

GET YA SNITCH OUT ME ALMONDS! A POSTHUMOUS PIG TALE ON AGROFORESTRY. believe how quick, effortless, and effective her system is I can’t c compared to mine. Pain-free too. Then she wades back in for co another. Lips one out with the utmost care. Well I never. an Dot often shows me how clever she is. A few months earlier she D sstood in the doorway and grunted at me. “Hiya Dot”. She grunts aagain and raises her trotter. Then she grunts again and raises the oother. “Eh?”. Pigs aren’t very flexible at the neck; she’s not exactly ssinewy, not like a worm. Nor a giraffe. Or even a centipede.

She’s more like a brick enveloped in fat. A tank on trotters. Still, S with barely perceptible flicks of her massive head, she seems w to be hinting that I follow her. ”Hmm.” I go to investigate and she promptly turns tail and bustles off across the garden, still grunting. “Oh, now I seeee piggle”, wow — she’s leading me to her nispero tree (Japanese loquat). She marches me right to the trunk. Then she stops and looks up expectantly. “Grunt” = go on then! A fresh batch of nisperos rain down around us obligingly. She wastes no time getting stuck in.

The little bugger, I think to myself. While she also eats the fallen fruit, I often drop her fresh nisperos from the tree. Dot’s smallish for a pig, low to the ground ground, as well as short-sighted. So I hadn’t realised she’d been able to put two and two together. Trunk. Tree. Result. “You’re welcome,” – I observe, flabbergasted. Though the sound of her munching and squelching her way through her treats is more than thanks enough.

I’M BACK! It’s now over a year since the August flash flood drowned my pot-bellied wonder pig. She was almost 12 years old. 12 years of stories. A friend recently showed us her new bell tent in the garden. I know someone who would have looooved that tent. The fabric would have been filthy and the centre pole most likely knocked flat. She’d have commandeered the whole thing as her own. I saw a lolly in a shop called a “piggelin” – Pig. She’d have made short work of that too.

The green-bottomed horticulturalist It’s not just eating fruit and nuts that Dot’s good at. She also grows her own, particularly cherry tomatoes. She starts off (we gather) by eating some, then visiting her latrine. She ambles into the undergrowth beneath the pear tree and squats. She strains audibly and looks me up and down. “Don’t you think I don’t know what I’m doing?” she says. “Oh, I know exactly what you’re doing - because your tail’s sticking up like an upturned bottlebrush.” Up for number twos. Down for number one’s.

This story is about pigs and trees – agroforestry I suppose, very fashionable nowadays. As I learn new ways that farmers are working with pigs to breathe life back into exhausted soils, I realise that Dot’s been doing it all along.

The almond snitching snitch Ow! Bugger! My thumb’s just taken a direct hit. I’m shelling almonds with a mallet on a tree stump, despite the obvious risks; it seemed less faffy than using a nutcracker. Quicker too, as I have a whole laundry bowl full from all of our trees.

Hunkered down around the back of the house, I have another, smaller bowl for the freed nuts, and a messy pile of broken shells gathering all around. Whack, next. Whack, ow! Whack, ow, and next, and so on. The mallet head is bigger than the almond, and I often can’t get my fingers out of the way quickly enough. Thus preoccupied, it takes me some time to realise I have a secret helper.

And here’s where it all falls into place. Dot’s ecological masterplan. She’s planting her seeds, readily fertilised, in the shade of the pear tree. She’s found a sheltered, cool spot that will protect her young saplings from sunburn, where the soil is also cooler and damp. It may be that the roots of one of her plants, via fungal webs, establish beneficial relationships with the roots of the one nearby. The surplus fertiliser will help the pear. If I don’t clean her loo, she’ll soon move to another tree and, with her instinctive plant-a-poo technology, sow some more cherry T’s there. It follows that by doing this, she’s creating her own future larder as well as pollen for the bees and habitat for all kinds of wildlife. As her garden grows, it’s keeping the ground covered to retain moisture and help with fire prevention.

Dot goes about her piggy life talking a continuous garble of friendly chit-chat— so there should have been a tell-tale grunt when she approached.

But this time there wasn’t. Did she really sneak up behind me? Or did the mallet rudely overpower her greeting? Either way, when I reach my pummelled digits around for a fistful of almonds, I find a soft black snout on the end of two short trotters, straining to reach over the brim of the bowl. The little tike!

Interestingly, she’s not keen to plant nisperos; she’d rather mash the marzipan seeds up and eat them, the lazy fat pig. Dispersing these seeds is a job for the birds, and I’m sure if we dig deeper, we’d find a good reason why they need to get further than the boundaries of my garden.

This is all very unusual. As a general rule, Dot troughs her food like something possessed. She’s like an elephant, putting everything into her mouth at once: the important part is to get as much as she can in, pronto! — lest someone steal it off her. She’ll manage ingestion later. In a clatter of trotters, she careers into the kitchen, dives headfirst into the dog’s bowl and pins it to the floor with such a force I can’t wrestle it out from under her.

International examples of pig agroforestry abound. In Sweden, Dot’s brethren, the wild boar, rut the barren blanket moss open while foraging, giving tree seeds a rare opening to establish themselves. In the Pyrenees, boar create similar ruts that gather rainwater, providing vital waterholes for other animals to drink from.

Across the world, Australians report that the raised tufts of rutted earth form life rafts for waterlogged earthworms on flooded ground.

Yet today, she’s being surprisingly delicate. Despite being caught in the act, she continues to ease her great jowls over the rim of the bowl, nonchalantly selecting her nut of choice on her tip-trotters, then carefully returning to land to dispatch it.

By the size of her spoil heap, and her fluid technique, I see she’s been at it quite some time.

Pigs are also bioturbators. Back in my Spanish garden, when Dot munches up my stolen almonds and spits the shells out, she’s helping break down organic matter and speeding up nutrient recycling. Well at least she thinks she is. I foil her plan by moving her annoyingly neat piles to the compost heap (it’s still nutrient recycling, ex-situ notwithstanding). If she didn’t have plenty of nice grass to eat, she’d rut the ground up too, further incorporating her waste.

I watch, humbly enraptured, as she positions her almond in the right side of her mouth and delivers one sharp crunch. Then she rapidly rolls the split shell on her long, thin tongue so that the broken fragments fall out of the left side of her mouth into a single neat pile. Crunch sort gulp. Woooooow my piiiiiig. Supadot.

Agroforestry is quite simply wonderful – and I’ll venture it’s far, far more so, when taught by your very own supapig.

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