Roqueta Oct/Nov 2023 Issue 360 by Roqueta Magazine

ROQUETA

OCTOBER 2023

WELCOME OCTOBER 2023 - ROQUETA MAGAZINE Red Arrows Cancelled at the Final Hour As we go to press, Menorca is reeling with disappointment and shock after the last-minute cancellation of the much-anticipated display of the Red Arrows. The event was set to take place on 26th September over the South coast of Menorca between Cala Torret and Biniancolla. At Roqueta we held back our press date for 2 days to allow for a major feature on the event and commissioned a special front cover. Thousands of hours had been spent organising the complicated logistics and completing the paperwork required to allow such an event to take place. The Display had attracted huge interest with the Majorca Daily Bulletin and the Diari the local daily paper offering special excursions. Many boats had been chartered and parties organised at villas lucky enough to have a grandstand view. There was to be a special service at the Anglican Church on the Isla Del Rey, with an opportunity to meet the pilots as well as an evening reception at the Aerodrome. T-Shirts had been printed, restaurants block-booked and road closures put in place to organise the thousands expected to gather to see the Show. It was not until 11:30pm on the 25th when we received the following email from the British Consul. Unfortunately, we are required to cancel the Red Arrows display planned for tomorrow (26 September) in Menorca. The organisation of international airshows is hugely complex and on this occasion unforeseen circumstances have arisen that mean the airshow cannot take place tomorrow. We are hugely grateful to the Menorcan authorities for their support on the preparations and we sincerely regret the short notice of this cancellation. We hope the Red Arrows can return another time. Lloyd Milen, British Consul General It is still early days to know the full reasons for the cancellation but the consensus in the press is that Menorca became the innocent victim of a political row over Gibraltar. The Red Arrows had arrived from Malta and after the display in Menorca there are reports that another show was planned for Gibraltar. It was this show in Gibraltar which led to a high level ‘disagreement’ and the decision to cancel both shows was taken by the British MOD/politicians. Pablo González the Director of the show put the following posting on the Facebook page of Festival Aereo Menorca. We regret to announce the cancellation of the RAF Red Arrows air demonstration in Menorca. Everything was fully prepared when a communication was received at 8:30pm stating that the Red Arrows would not be able to be there due to an English decision, and not by the Red Arrows, of course; Here we had all the permits in order at the aeronautical, institutional and military level, with everything prepared...

Liz Parr

John Davies

IN THIS ISSUE ISLAND NEWS

FOOD AND DRINK

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

GRAPEVINE

WELLBEING

LOCAL NEWS

WHAT’S ON

READERS CORNER

We regret this decision, we do not know the scope and level of the origin, but it is not as it has been published in any English journalistic medium, by the Spanish Ministry of Defence, or the Spanish Government or any other institution of a national nature. We appreciate the work and institutional support of Menorca, Aena, ENAIRE, Menorca Airport, Air Force, #AESA, security devices of the National Police Corps, CIVIL GUARD, Firefighters, Sant Lluís City Council, Consell Insular de Menorca, Tourism Menorca and all the institutions involved in the effort made to make tomorrow a magnificent day of brotherhood between England and Spain and which has been cancelled, due to unilateral decisions. We also sympathise with the entire Balearic English community who surely feel disappointed by this unfortunate news; thanks to everyone who has worked hard to make this happen. It is a great shame that the British politicians did not take into consideration the long-standing special relationship and friendship between the British community and the people of Menorca. The Red Arrows have performed in Menorca 4 times, the last time in 2018. They have not performed in Gibraltar since 2009. We all hope that another event can be organised here in the future with a better spirit of cooperation by the British in relation to our island and without any last-minute knee-jerk decisions. Publisher: John Davies Editor: Liz Parr Printer: LV Grupo Grafico y de Communication, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat Dep Legal ME: 187/1973 No. Registro: 1037/3.992 The Publisher reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

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

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

Cover Illustration provided by Menorca Illustrada https://www.menorcailustrada.com/ Send your photo to Bobby and he will make you a personal illustration. A great present.

ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

ISLAND NEWS

By Christine Brooker

OVERFLOW AT PUNTA PRIMA There have been complaints recently that when there is heavy rainfall unpleasant smelly water often accumulates in the Punta Prima, Cap d´en Font, Binissafúller areas on the Sant Lluis coast. GOB the ecological society has asked the public to collaborate and this has borne fruit as walkers have discovered hidden pipes and channels on the rocks (some have been cemented in) that come from large villas with huge gardens. These of course are illegal and often affect areas where people swim from the rocks or the beach. In these urbanizations it is law that septic tanks must be emptied correctly, some obviously prefer to contaminate the environment and action needs to be taken.

LAZARETO BIRTHDAY PARTY

RADAR IN MAHÓN So what we all suspected is true, the radar points in Mahón, on the bypass, in front of Lidl and at Sant Climent are working, but the ayuntamiento has decided not to fine anyone. Hector Pons the alcalde says that they are serving their purpose, to improve road safety. However, this winter they are going to start fining people.

We have had a mini scandal in Menorca that has taken up the front pages of the Diari recently. As many of you know we recently had local elections and the Consell (Island Council) has changed colour from being socialist, to conservative (PP). The politicians all appoint experts to advise them. Simón Gornés is in charge of the environment, Biosphere Reserve and Co-operation. One of his directors, Marta Febrer, was in charge of a health and culture programme for young people, which would allow schools to visit Lazareto, the quarantine island in the port of Mahón. She informed her boss that she was undertaking a pilot project on 2nd September. What she failed to mention is that she organised a birthday party for her eight year old daughter, invited 65 people, and used the resources of Lazareto, the boats to get there, the facilities at the bar etc. To be fair to her she took all her own food and drink and explained about potential visits to the parents and teachers present. Someone had created some rather colourful birthday invitations which went out to the guests and someone else leaked a copy to the Diari. The Diari held off until the 15th September, possibly a slack news day (?) in order to break the story. She at first tried to emphasise the work aspect to the trip and immediately reimbursed the cost of the boat and the staff, but by then it was too late and before the opposition could get too vicious the President of the Consell Adolfo Villallonga sacked her. She came from the private sector where things are often done differently... Lazareto was used for years by the Spanish National Health service as a rather pleasant holiday resort for workers from the mainland until the local authorities took over and since then guided tours have been organised, but it is felt that as a public property it should be more available for visits by the local community.

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

ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

GOOD NEWS FOR MENORCAN OLIVE OIL The drought that has affected Andalusia has caused prices of olive oil to increase alarmingly as Spain is the biggest producer of olive oil world wide and in some areas reserves are almost used up. The forecast for this year is equally gloomy because of the lack of rain in April and May. However Menorca is different, most of the groves are small and have drop by drop automatic watering systems and although 2022 produced a smaller volume of oil, producers are optimistic for this year, the storms in late August have helped. Menorca produces virgin olive oil and extra virgin, it is mostly sold in glass bottles in litre and half litre sizes and is not economical if compared to the five litre plastic bottles but naturally the quality is much higher. ES CASTELL FINES 600 CARS Since the beginning of June, the Ayuntamiento in Es Castell has issued fines on 600 cars who have parked without resident’s permits between 18.00 till midnight. This restriction finishes on 30th September. Many people who have second homes in Es Castell have complained that their permits have not arrived; Lluis Camps the alcalde says the Ayuntamiento is snowed under with requests, and that the benefits do not justify the amount of work. This winter the council will decide whether to continue with the scheme next year. He says the main problem is lack of parking. The restaurants have always been alarmed about the scheme as it discourages people visiting the town at night.

VACCINATIONS IN OCTOBER The Balearic Islands will vaccinate children aged between six months and six years in October against Bronchitis and flu. Never before has there been a universal vaccination for children and this will be done over the whole of Spain on the advice of the Interterritorial Council. The vaccination will be given nasally so the children will not have an injection. Edelmir Verges who represents the Balearics in this speciality says that it has always been known that children introduce flu in society and in the Balearics the number of children under five who are taken to hospital is similar to those over 65. Over 54,000 children will be called plus those who are considered at risk and those who are over 65. At the time of going to press there are 44 people in hospital on the islands with the new variety of Covid (EG5.1).

HOTELS FOR SALE In recent years there has been a tremendous “boom” in small hotels, from boutique hotels in the towns, to rural and agricultural hotels in the countryside, this has meant that older properties have been tastefully restored often at great expense, and for those who can afford them they provide luxurious accommodation, often with restaurants open to the public. In recent years many French people participated in this market and now it seems a lot are selling them. Estate agents say this is not because they are not profitable, although some have got tired of endless waits for permissions etc. Not all the properties are small hotels; there is one on sale in Cala en Porter with 26 bedrooms and 300 sq. mts. of land. There are two in Punta Prima, there are boutique hotels in Ciutadella and near to Sant Climent Matxani Gran, one of the first to open, which has 12 suites. This is on the market for 6.5 million Euros. There are still possibilities to build large hotels from scratch, such as a plot of 14.000 sq. mts. in Son Parc for a five star hotel with 180 bedrooms.

12 DRUG KITS FOR MENORCA The Spanish Ministry of Justice has distributed 132 drug detection kits in the Balearics and 12 have come to Menorca. These will be used in cases of sexual aggression where the victim has been drugged and are part of the Ministry’s campaign to stamp out sexual violence against women. The kits have been developed by the Spanish National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Science and include technical advances to improve efficiency.

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ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

MENORCA IS FINALLY A WORLD HERITAGE SITE After years of trying, Menorca Talayótica has been awarded the World Heritage Site status by UNESCO. This has been a long road which was started by the Consell in 2009, and at last came to fruition in 2023 in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. It must be one of the only places in the world that also has another UNESCO title it was made a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. It took five years for the island to be accepted by Spain as a candidate, then UNESCO turned us down in 2017, apparently because of the way the project was presented. The next time Spain chose another candidate in Andalusia, and in 2022 UNESCO was meeting in Russia so this had to be ruled out because of their attack on Ukraine. Now finally Menorca has been accepted and we are number 50. Not all the sites on the island have been presented, there are over 280 of them and they occupy 5% of the island territory, in fact there are more megalithic monuments in Menorca than the whole of Spain put together. Hopefully this achievement will be positive for Menorca and bring in tourists who are interested in the heritage. I wonder how long we will be able to wander around the sites or will they be cordoned off like Stone Henge. Not everybody is au fait with Menorca´s heritage, UNESCO published on its website a photo of Menorca Talayótica showing one of the “barracas” the round tiered buildings used as sheep shelters and built mainly in the XIX century! Also only three of the most important sites in Menorca are publicly owned, Trepucó, Torre d´en Galmés and Son Catlar. Many of the privately owned ones are on farms and are free to visit. This situation may change as 50% more cultural tourists are expected to visit the island now it has WHS status. For full information on the Award see page 34)

MORE FIREWALLS TO BE CREATED The Govern, the Balearic Government, is to create more fire breaks on the islands because of the extremely high temperatures that have occurred this summer. They are taking notice of the wild fires that have raged on the mainland and Tenerife. The ecologists always question the efficiency of these, but Tomeu Llabrés from the Balearic Institute for Nature (IBANAT) who has been an expert on fire fighting for 25 years, says you must section areas off, and the firemen need spaces in which to work, otherwise everything burns. In Menorca there are 80 hectares classified as level 1 where prevention is difficult, including Sa Roca and Cala Pilar. Each year the Biomass is managed in these areas and there are some controlled bonfires, and the vegetation is cut back on the pathways. DRONES USED TO INSPECT FISHING Drones have been used this summer to help combat poaching in the marine reserves on the north and south of the island. Between March and August there were 252 flights which have the advantage of being able to take photos and videos. They may act as a deterrent as only 14 prosecutions have taken place. The drones have also caught professional fisherman exceeding their catch. There have been 77 inspections for underwater fishing. This is only permitted for divers without air tanks who may only use harpoons, one of the most frequent infractions being the use of spear guns.

AFRICAN DEATH’S HEAD HAWKS MOTH A couple in Ciutadella were surprised to find a butterfly in their patio, with unusual markings in the shape of a skull on the thorax. They discovered that it was an African Death´s Head Hawks Moth (Acherontia Atropos). The species is quite common on the island, but it has had a bad reputation for centuries because of its markings. Its Latin name is a combination of the Aqueronte River that people used to cross into Hades, and Atropos the oldest of the three fates, who chose the manner of death for people, all from Greek Mythology. A larger version of the butterfly was used by Edgar Allan Poe in his short story The Sphinx; it was also featured by Buñuel and Dalí in the surrealist film “El Perro Andaluz” (An Andalusian Dog) and The Silence of the Lambs. The poor butterfly has done nothing to deserve its reputation. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

FRIED EGG JELLYFISH

AUTOCARAVANS NEED REGULATION

This September people have been coming across a different type of jellyfish, which from the top strongly resembles a fried egg. The cotylorhiza tuberculata is endemic in the Mediterranean and is a good sign of the biodiversity in the sea. The jellyfish live in shallow and deep waters and are practically inoffensive, so despite their colourful appearance there is no need to worry about them.

There is no clear legislation about parking for auto caravans in the Balearics, and we have mentioned this before. Now the Traffic Police say they will fine those who park by the sea and in resident’s parking spaces. It is still very vague as each year more of these vehicles arrive in the summer.

IMSERSO LOSES HOTELS Imserso, the subsidised holidays that exist for senior citizens in Spain, should be starting again soon. Every year there seem to be arguments or court cases about who should run them. However, in Menorca they will no longer be able to use the Aguamarina Hotels in Arenal d´en Castell, as they refuse to work for the price of 24.7 Euros per day, which includes food and full board per person.

CAMÍ DE CAVALLS Farms on the Camí de Cavalls, the old Bridle Path, will be able to diversify under the new version of the Islands Territorial plan and offer accommodation, provided they do not neglect their agriculture or dairy farming. Two farms have already started this and have found that people are very interested in the running of the farm; others are reluctant as investment is needed and they are not sure if renting the rooms will cover their costs. Some feel it will be too difficult to combine with work on the farm. At the moment it is not possible to build cabins or facilities near to the Camí and the Consell wants to improve the situation as there are no services available on route at the moment. Villafranca, the president, wants to have places where people can be evacuated in case of accident, with access for fire engines, points to recharge mobile phones and possibly areas where travellers can purchase snacks and drinks. Signs also need to be renewed and limits clearly defined. An interesting note from 29th August 1923, in “El Buen Público”, published by the Diari, says that the Alcalde in Mahón informed all owners of land where the “horseshoe” lane, now known as Cami Cavalls, passes by that this must be clear of weeds and branches and the entrances and exits clearly marked with whitewash. They were given eight days to do this so that the armed forces stationed on the island would have no difficulty in walking through. They were reminded to keep it in good condition as it was a public right of way. 100 years later, the Camí has been rerouted in some places where it has been built on or acquired!

FRAUD ON AIR DISCOUNT AVIBA, the association of travel agents in the Balearic Islands has commented on “something that everyone knows but nobody dares interfere with” according to the Diari and that is awarding foreigners who are only temporary residents on the islands the 75% discount for which all Balearic residents qualify. AVIBA says that the abuse means that the discount is in danger and asks the alcaldes to tell their staff to be more rigorous and efficient.

GOODBYE BANANAS A radical change has taken place in the Son Perruquet Avenue in Sant Lluis as the pavement, buildings and the cycle lane were being damaged by the roots from 24 banana trees. These are to be replaced at a budget of 195.000 Euros. There are more banana trees in Sant Lluis, at the entrance to the town by the Moli de Dalt windmill and in the children´s playground at the Cas Rector Square just by the church. The roots here have not affected the surrounding buildings so the trees are being allowed to stay. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

TH E

OCTOBER 2023

A XOPAR

25 CROSS TOP

Christopher Reeve of Serenity Yachting has been the Director of Fairline Menorca since 2004. In 2015 he added a new range of boats to his product range when he became the Spanish dealer for Axopar. He believes that these are the ultimate day boats to explore the many beaches and small harbours. The name Axopar is derived from the three boats previously designed by Yanne Viitala in Finland, namely the Aquador, the XO Boat and the Paragon Yacht. Since Chris took on the dealership he has sold over 100 boats in Menorca, Ibiza and on the mainland, ranging from the Axopar 22 to the Axopar 37. The latest model to arrive in Menorca is the Axopar 25 Cross Top. This is the company’s first foray into the world of cuddy cruisers, offering more space and more all-round capability. Chris says “It is a true crossover between comfortable day boating and extended island-hopping, having the seaworthiness for which all Axopars are renowned. It has a raised ‘cuddy cabin’ sleeping accommodation, and there is a full width cushioned sundeck on top of the cabin roof, with a sloping backrest that follows the rake of the front screen. The wide helm console has more space and room for a step-through entrance to the front cabin, in a style used by other larger Axopar models.” Being modular, you can customize the boat with different aft layouts to suit your needs. As standard, the Axopar 25 Cross Top comes with an aft sofa but it can be also equipped with an optional multi storage compartment, or a u-sofa, with the possibility to be extended to a sun bed. Axopar in Partnership with Evoy Electric outboards At the Dusseldorf Boat Show in January Axopar displayed the Axopar 25 with the World’s first 300 HP electric outboard produced by Evoy. The prototype Storm 300 + outboard motor is powered by 2 x 63 kWh Kreisel batteries. The prototype engine can cover 25 nautical miles at 25 knots with a top speed of 50 knots. The ground-breaking batteries can be charged in about one hour using a fast charger. It is called a 300 + as it can go up to 500 HP for short sprints to get the boat up onto the plane. Evoy fits a display screen as standard with the outboard which shows, speed, power usage, efficiency and the range remaining in both hours and nautical miles. If you are worried about range anxiety, once the power falls to 10% the engines are slowed down automatically to 5kts which allows

you to go a much longer distance and get safely back to port. If you are using a boat as a teaching boat and only pootling around the harbour at 5kts then the engine will run for 10 hours. Evoy can work with any boat builder to ensure that the electric motor and batteries are a simple plug and play option. In the Axopar 25 one battery is located where the fuel tank used to be and the other slides in at the back. The price of the Storm 300+ is around 80.000€ for the engine and batteries. This is a big investment but whereas a combustion engine has 2000 parts an electric outboard only has 4 moving parts and of course there is no noise and no large fuel bills! In 2030 all charter boats in the Balearics will be required to run on electric motors or other green technology such as fuel cells and so there is an enormous amount of interest in electric options for new boats and for converting current boats. In locations such as Mallorca, where there are many marinas, fast charging points will be installed so that boats can charge up over lunch. In Menorca, most day boats only go on short trips to virgin calas and anchorages such as Isla Colom and they will have sufficient range to plug in at the end of the day when they return to the marina. Evoy produces the Breeze 120 + HP outboard and this is already being used in Olso on charter boats. Their engines can be fitted to any kind of boat including boats with foils. They have a partnership with French Iguana yachts for a fully electric amphibious and foiling boat fitted with the Storm 300+ hp electric outboard. The boat will be equipped with retractable foils, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%. In Amsterdam, Switzerland and France internal combustion engines are already restricted and these markets are leading the way in electric inboards. Evoy produces the 400HP Hurricane inboard which runs at 300 KW continuous power and up to 800 peak. There are many commercial applications for tourist and work boats. For more information contact Christopher Reeve, Axopar Menorca - Serenity Yachting SL Moll de Llevant 186, Puerto de Mahon, 07701, Menorca, Spain Telephone: +34 971 355 101 General email: info@axoparmenorca.com Web: www.axoparmenorca.com

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ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

‘LOS BUCANEROS’ THE FAMILY LEGACY AN INTERVIEW WITH JUAN CARLOS MOYSI Since we took over Roqueta, one of the most talked about issues has been the future of ‘Los Bucaneros’ on Binibeca Beach. Throughout 2023, the beach bar has remained closed and as we go to press there is a deadline of October 10 for the Moysi family, who ran the bar from 1968, to return the key to the red door. ‘Los Bucaneros’ became the focal point for thousands of families holidaying in Menorca over the last 60 years and it has a special place in the hearts of many residents and second home owners in San Lluís and its surroundings. I spoke to Juan Carlos Moysi, grandson of the founders and son of one of the current heirs about the complex issues involved. With his brother Joaquín and his cousins, Juan is fighting to keep the bar in the family as his grandparents wanted and included in their will. Can you tell me about the history of the bar and how it started? Originally, my great-great-grandparents and their family lived in a large house on the outskirts of San Lluís. The family also had some land in different corners of the Sant Lluís coast, some of them around Binibeca. The red door hut belonged to my great-grandfather who used the place as a hunting and fishing refuge and later, when the inheritance fell to his son (my grandfather Juan Moysi) it began to emerge as a meeting point, first for family members and friends and then, over the years, for visitors and tourists. The booth with the red door is not only the place inherited by a family or where you can take some nice photographs, it is also included in the ‘Catalogue of Architectural Protection and Ethnological Properties of Sant Lluís’. Thanks to the love and effort of my grandparents (Juan Moysi Crespi and Mercedes Beltrán Rita) along with their son Santiago (“Santi”), it became a tourist and emotional reference in the memory of many people. In the 60’s, tourists and visitors began to arrive at the beach where my grandparents, Juan and Mercedes spent their summers together with friends from Menorca and other countries such as the UK and Holland. They began to share and offer beer, wine and food. Upon seeing how many people gathered in that corner of Binibeca Beach, my grandparents decided to change their lives. Over time and after gaining some permits, they turned that emblematic corner into a beach bar which expanded over the years as it grew and more people arrived. It was a place to enjoy a soft drink, a paella or a simple meeting place for friends and families. “Los Bucaneros” was always more than a business, it was a meeting place. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

When did your family get the legal right to open the bar? Firstly, in 1968 the family had a 100-year Concession and then in 1987 it was reduced to 30 years due to changes in Government and regulations. My grandparents and their son Santiago worked this Concession that was extended for 4 more years, until the summer of 2021. After the death of my grandmother and the passage of storm Gloria, things became very complicated. My family knew that this state concession was ending and that, as the regulations had changed again, they requested it again in 2022 and 2023, presenting all the necessary documentation and projects that the administrative protocols required. Lately, my brother Joaquín Sanchis Moysi, has tried to find out the reasons why the Administration of Mahón and, by extension, the Balearic Islands have not only denied the concession but also failed to reply to communications. Recently the silence ended with the decision to give the Sant Lluis City Council the concession, without any conversation or proposal being made to the family. You mentioned before that after your grandmother Mercedes sadly passed away in 2019 things became complicated; can you explain? Yes.... until 2019 my uncle Santiago Moysi, kept the place alive and active; When his mother, Mercedes (who was the creator of the paellas) died, a family duel began, which was linked to the need to reach new agreements, both in relation to the new heirs, and in the efforts to ensure that the Authorisation to place the umbrellas and stone benches and receive the opening concession were again a fact and a reality. During the family mourning my uncle Santiago, who is in his 70’s, changed his mind and decided not to continue working, leaving management in the hands of Binifadet (Bonita Menorca) even though there were family members who wanted to continue the legacy. Bonita Menorca ran the bar for a year until they had to close due to the problems with the concession. What were the challenges of renewing the concession? The current laws and regulations have changed and we have lost people who supported the families who gave life to the summer tourist activity of Menorca, such as Mr. Emilio Balanzó, a good friend of the family and regular client of “Los Bucaneros”. We feel that we have not had the support of the Sant Lluis City Council or the administrative protocols and we have had to swim against the current in a very complex process that other bars, restaurants and fishermen’s huts around the coast are also suffering. The bar has suffered damage from storms and vandalism, as well as the fire in the bathrooms, is that right? Yes, after Storm Gloria in January 2020 the terrace was damaged and a technical decision was taken to remove the umbrellas and stone benches because they were in a poor condition and could be dangerous for those walking there. Nobody thought about the collateral damage of this decision and nobody is now responsible for the losses and abandonment of the place. The sadness, complaints, and criticism that we have been receiving and experiencing in our family are things that we could never have imagined or wanted to happen. This summer, someone opened the well that is in the facilities and also painted graffiti, with gray paint, on the side of the building. There have been people camping there and other small damage has been caused by those who wander there. Since we do not have permission to use the building, we are afraid to act and all we can do is report these incidents to the police. On the positive side you have received a lot of support Yes, I also want to say that during this summer season we have received a lot of love and positive actions from people who want to support and return the efforts, affection and respect they have for “Los Bucaneros” and our family. For example, someone has kindly repainted the wall white while others have planted and cared for some plants and flowers in the pots inside the “Los Bucaneros” enclosure. We are now in contact with other families who are also suffering for having their properties on state land and the changes that are being made in the regulations. These do not take into consideration the common good and the harmonious image of the fishermen’s huts that are near the sea or the coast both in the Port of Mahón, in Cala San Esteban and in Alcaufar and in many other corners, equally wonderful. and picturesque. The most important thing we would like to publicise is that we have started a petition which people can sign to show their support. These can be found at different locations on the island, by mail and via the Facebook group: << Bucaneros Binibeca >>. The Facebook page has become a place where people are sharing their memories and pictures from the last 60 years. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ISLAND NEWS

THE

OCTOBER 2023

BIG

INTERVIEW LUCY GEMMELL WITH

Lucy Gemmell set up Rhubarb Food Design in 1996, which fast became the society caterer everyone wanted to use. Rhubarb had a very creative approach to how food should be served, combining Lucy’s unwavering commitment to presenting superb food with the concept of being ‘Deliciously Different’ – Rhubarb’s strap line. In her time at the helm of Rhubarb, Lucy’s clients included The Elton John AIDS Foundation, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Music Festivals and 50th Birthday, Royal weddings, Buckingham Palace staff parties, Pierce Brosnan’s wedding, all the James Bond premiere parties and Harry Potter after parties. Lucy has made Menorca her second home, spending any spare time at her house near San Climent. With her love of horses and cricket it was perhaps inevitable that she would feel at home on our small island where she can escape from her whirlwind life in London… although quite often the whirlwind follows in her wake! This summer a last-minute invite to watch the Wimbledon final turned into a party for 80 with a hog roast from Mike at Clementina and huge plates of salads from Denada. Lucy never sits still for long, getting up at 6am to go paddle boarding or cycling and we met her through boating. We are very privileged to have enjoyed some of her special events here in Menorca including her 50th birthday party and epic 4-day long (make that 7) wedding to Dougie last year. As we came out of San Climent church clutching our confetti Lucy surprised us by appearing on the back of a beautiful black fiesta stallion which she rode back to the reception.

When did you first come to Menorca? Cricket brought me to Menorca 24 years ago when I came on a cricket tour organised by James Lamb and Steve Davies. It was my first ‘summer holiday’ as my life had revolved around horses and eventing and then Rhubarb which meant I could never get away. My love of cricket started when I worked for Peter and Virginia May. They had 4 daughters, and one was Junior European Eventing Champion and I went to work with their horses. Peter May was Captain of England and Surrey and Chairman of the MCC. There is a stand named after him at the Oval. Therefore, from a young age horses and cricket became part of my life and now I am lucky enough to be a member of both MCCs, Menorca and Marylebone! After my introduction to the island, I rented villas in Torret and Binixica and my children came to regard Menorca as their summer home. We had friends from West Sussex who had villas in Santo Tomas and Olly my son played Summer Cricket with their children at the Menorca Cricket Club (MCC). Steve Davies and James Lamb set up the Los Bolas Dorados (Golden Balls) cricket team which plays MCC every year on the 7/8/9th September. Now the team is captained by Ben Greig, owner of Bambu. As you will know, these dates coincide with the Mahon Fiesta which led to some poor performances on the first day this year. In 2008, I bought and renovated a country house near San Climent. There was plenty of land and so I was able to install my own cricket nets. When did you first start to Cook? My mother was an excellent cook and she was very frugal, having grown up in the post war years. My mother designed gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show for the Sunday Telegraph. She bought a strawberry farm with some money left from her father and turned it into a very successful plant nursery. She had a lot of good friends in Kent, where I grew up, and I cooked at their local dinner parties in school holidays. At 13 I went to live with Jennie Loriston Clarke who owns Catherston stud in Brockenhurst. Jenny had won a bronze medal in the World Dressage Championships. I went to school in Southampton with her 2 daughters and I got up at 5am to ride the horses. I then went to work full time for Jennie’s sister, Jane Holderness-Roddam who had also won a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico Olympics as well as winning Badminton twice. My passion had always been 3 day eventing as opposed to dressage and so this was a great opportunity to train with Jane. I was lucky enough to represent GB in Eventing twice myself. So really, I began to cook to pay for my training and support myself. I have not had any formal training except for a 3-month French cookery course in London.

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My father had worked in Calcutta at my grandfather’s tea company. I went to ride with his friends there, Anne and Bob Wright, at the Tollygunge Club. They ran a retreat for tigers and other animals called Kipling’s Camp. They had a passion for polo and so, when the English polo team came over to play, I travelled with them to Rajasthan Polo Club in Jaipur. Unfortunately, I had a riding accident in Jaipur when a chestnut mare stopped at the last minute and I landed on ground that was as hard as concrete. My knee blew up at the top of my leather riding boots. I was put into the back of a car lying on the back seat. At the hospital I was transferred onto a stone table but then there was a power surge during the X-ray so I never got to see the results. They dosed me up with opium and I returned to win the dressage at the club. I then went for a second X-Ray and found I had 4 breaks in my lower back and I was very frightened! The England polo team came to visit me in hospital and I was able to fly back home with them to get treatment. Once recovered, my next trip was to Australia to ride with Charlie Moffatt but the horse I was riding reared and I decided to give horses a rest for a while. I drove up the East coast of Australia working in white water rafting as a photographer and cooking for a living. I then moved on to New Zealand before returning to the UK where I bought my own horse. My parents were away holidaying in Spain when we suffered a family tragedy when my dad drowned in the sea due to an undertow. He was only 51 and I was in the UK and my brother was away in Australia which made it very difficult. Shortly afterwards I sold my horse and moved to London to start a new life and to cook. So the move to London was the real start of your catering career. Yes, I got a job with Johnny Roxburgh at his company called the Admirable Crichton. Johnny was known as the ‘Party Architect’ with a Royal Warrant to organise events for the Royal family. At the time I was there the film companies were spending a fortune on Bond parties. I left Johnny after 8 years and went freelance for 18 months before eventually setting up Rhubarb in 1996. I had developed a close relationship with Rob Van Helden, the celebrity florist. He was my biggest inspiration and he introduced me to Elton John, Pierce Brosnan and many others. I had contacts with 5 or 6 big names including Barclays Capital and the Hampton Court Palace Festival. Rhubarb catered for Stella McCartney’s wedding and the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster, events which put us in the limelight. I once had to plan the seating for 1200 people in a garden in York including the Queen. I tried out her seat and realised that she had a head-on view of a huge rearing bronze stallion. I quickly rearranged the seating. Can you tell me about some of your biggest challenges One year Elton John’s Aids Foundation held a Russian themed dinner. The caviar starter was served on individual multi-tiered ice ‘dishes’ which we handmade inside moulds putting dried flowers inside the ice. For the dessert our team, led by pastry chef Peggy Porschen, transformed 600 Easter eggs into gold, pink and blue ‘Faberge’ eggs with crème brûlée served inside in champagne saucers. For Simon Cowell’s birthday party, we had a pasta S lying in the bottom of each bowl of chicken soup. The soup was to be poured at the table from a tea pot onto the pasta. We had to call on Locatelli, a very famous 2 Michelin Star pasta chef who could make the blanched linguine keep its S form so it could be the feature of the fun dish.

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Rhubarb catered for the annual Charity events of the hedge-fund manager and philanthropist Arpad (Arki) Busson who was married to Elle Macpherson. We were responsible for the events for 8 years in a row at venues such as Kensington Palace and Battersea Power Station. One year they raised £25 million in one night for the children’s charity ARK (Absolute Return for Kids). We cooked 1400 blackberry and apple soufflés which needed a bank of 38 turbo ovens (and a field of generators) to produces the soufflés in 12 minutes. Sometimes the simplest of menus can be a big challenge. For example, to serve Wagyu steak and triple fried chips to 1400 people we needed 40 chefs and 25 deep fat fryers. Rhubarb became very well known as a society caterer but you also worked in sporting events. Yes, we worked on various events in Europe, and I consulted on 2 Rugby World Cups and 8 Summer and Winter Olympics from Sydney 2000 to London 2012. We worked with the hotels and caterers in each country designing menus and events that the partners of the games required. When we first met you were working as an independent consultant. Yes, I sold my stake in Rhubarb in 2012 and continued to work as an independent consultant. I worked with the Soho House Group on the event side, and I helped with a kosher catering company for several years. Over 10 years I helped Lawrence Dallaglio on his annual 8Rocks events for his rugby charity - including the one in February 2023 this year. For charity events you have to devise a menu which is impressive and yet relatively low cost, in order to maximise the amount raised. You now describe yourself as a food artist or Menu Creator, can you explain more I love putting the food to the client and the client to the food - there are a plethora of different caterers around, all with different skill sets, and all bring something different to the table. With my previous knowledge of being the caterer, I feel I am now very well equipped to fit the right caterer to the right client. Can you tell us where you like to eat when you are in Menorca? I am very lucky to have Es Moli de Foc on my doorstep in Sant Climent. The food there is always special. My go-to restaurant for the last couple of years is Sa Punta in Es Castell. I love the food there. This week we chose the sliced marinated jamón ibérico, with tahini, almonds and tapenade and the roast lemon chicken, with bulgur wheat and harissa. There are many new boutique restaurants with delicious menus including Christine Bedfor in Mahon. My other favourites are Pan y Vino, Bambu for the ambience and fun zen garden, Augustine, Anna Luisa, Punt 7, and Smoix and Mon in Ciutadella. Last year I organised our wedding in Menorca over 4 days and worked closely with Carlos from S’Algar catering. I was blown away by how efficient he was and I am aiming to bring more clients to enjoy the amazing beauty of this island. I have some very exciting new projects on the go and I am always looking forward to more!

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ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

PROPE RT Y

THE MAGIC OF MENORCA L ARIS SA LE SAG E D E F O NTE N AY TE LLS US H OW S H E C A M E TO BUY A PROPE RT Y I N M E N ORC A

I spent a lot of my childhood living between Brighton and Lagos (Portugal). Winter on the Brighton coast and summer playing in the vast Portuguese dunes and swimming in the freezing Atlantic. Heavenly memories. I always thought I’d settle in my middle-youth in Portugal, find a nice place and give my children the chance to be free all summer, repeating my fairly unique childhood, but as it happens, it is magical Menorca that stole all our hearts. It is here we now have a home that we rush to whenever we can.

other super popular Balearic Island of Mallorca. Each time we pretended we were locals, we researched, we ate, we looked at property, we sought recommendations and stay-overs with friends. It was super fun experimenting and pretending but it wasn’t until on our wedding anniversary sitting in a roof top restaurant overlooking the sea in Port Sóller, Mallorca, whilst the waiter was pouring our first glass of wine, that the word Menorca was whispered.

I’ve travelled quite far and wide, and I really thought I knew what I wanted out of the sanctuary of a home abroad, but it wasn’t until my husband and I seriously started to talk about making our dreams come true that what we thought we wanted wasn’t what we really wanted at all! Him, being an Icelander and used to cold, bleak winters, super mild summers and the unique and breathtaking landscape of his homeland, craved an unspoilt environment, not too dissimilar to Portugal, which he had learnt to love over the years, but with a warmer and more inviting sea and community. He was determined for us to fully explore other parts of Europe to ensure we picked wisely and early enough in our lives to form friendships and a sense of community before the older years crept in. Wise words for an Icelandic sage. He also hinted that we might not want to live out our days in a remote villa with a swimming pool in the Algarve, but maybe, just maybe with our teenage girls a more ‘lock and go’ apartment, with a ‘communal pool’ in a ‘safe place’, and with a ‘fabulous view’ was the way to go. The idea was, let’s take the plunge of buying abroad but maybe smaller, less remote, less fuss and more fun, as a trial.

Learning from the waiter about the allure of Menorca, the natural dramatic habitat, the unspoilt villages and towns, the manageable yet gently growing tourism, our imaginations, helped by the steady flow of wine, went into overdrive.

So off we set visiting recognised areas in Europe. We visited mainland Spain, Javea, another place I spent a lot of summers as a child, Puglia in Italy, Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the south of France and of course the

All our European experimental visits were wonderful and through them we learnt a lot about what we wanted and didn’t want, and ultimately what we would not compromise on. We loved the way Mallorca looked (more in the quieter north than the busy south by Palma) and the seaview not only from our table but from our hotel room, was stunning and calming and that was what we wanted to emulate if we could in our home from home - simple we thought, a couple of rooms, with a view. By the time we’d reached the brandy and coffee stage of our celebratory dinner, it was decided. When my husband took the girls to Iceland for their annual camping and hiking trip to see the family, I, with my sister, would pop over to Menorca for a long weekend to ‘check it out’. I hadn’t even stepped out of the airport in Mahon, when I just knew in my bones this was the island for us. I can’t explain it without sounding a bit ‘woo woo’ but I just felt immediately relaxed, happy, buoyant, safe, excited and comforted all at the same time.

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OCTOBER 2023

The airport was clean, quiet, easy and kind, it was just a pleasurable experience. So far so good. Grabbing the hire car was fuss free and the drive to Ciutadella and Cala’n Bosch, on the island’s main road really gave us a sense of the size of the island whilst allowing us to take in the landscape and beauty we had been told about. My first port of call was checking out the beaches as I had been spoilt with the huge sprawling coastlines of Portugal, and beach life was part of my DNA. Although small and well-hidden, the beaches were spectacular, unspoilt and plentiful; the Mediterranean was crystal clear and warm as opposed to the bracing Atlantic. Access to boating life was also top of the agenda and with the magnitude of Mahon harbour, we expected it to be over-complicated like in France and Italy but as with everything we had witnessed so far in Menorca, we need not have worried as hiring a boat was a breeze and the experience of being out at sea was magnificent and liberating, once you got past the swell at the mouth of the harbour! My sister and I quickly ruled out Ciutadella, favouring Mahon and its villages as a place to investigate a possible property. I was under strict instructions to just ‘check out the island’ but I couldn’t resist as I just felt in my gut, I had to move quickly. As it happened I had done a bit of secret house vetting before jetting out, and on my short list was a gem of a place in Es Canutells, that I was eager to visit. A village mirage built on a cliff, it had everything we needed, two and a half bedrooms, in a perfectly kept complex with communal pool and a spirited and welcoming community that had bonded and grown up together. Not forgetting a sea view to absolutely die for. I am not joking. A uninterrupted view that makes you stop, think, breathe and relax. Untainted by any buildings or human interference just the sea, sky and the bracken land. I was smitten. It was well past its decor date, having been built and unchanged for over 40 years, but it was perfect. I had to act quickly as there was already an offer on the table, so I called my husband, who was up a glacier in Iceland and told him I had literally found our place. He listened intently as I described everything I’d learnt, felt and experienced on the island and then I went in with the killer line, ‘it reminds me a little of Iceland, but an Iceland-by-the-sea, the same unspoilt nature, deep moody blue of the sea, the greenest and most robust landscape - honestly darling, it’s just what we have dreamed of’- he was silent. (continued overleaf)

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It just so happened it was my birthday the following weekend, and Kristo, my husband, did a quick London hop into Menorca with me to see for himself the home of our future. He’d only been on the island for 12 hours, when our offer was presented! He’d fallen in love with the villa and the view so much, he was ready to learn about the island after. We went to El Rais to celebrate my birthday, we got a little over-excited at the potential of Menorca becoming our place, so the wine freeflowed. The next morning, lovely Rupert from Bonnin Sanso called to say our offer had been accepted but to secure our home we’d need to get the deposit over pronto to ensure it was ours. We did then have to have a quick beer to ponder our ‘spontaneous’ yet planned new adventure to double and triple check our next steps. We didn’t ponder long as we sat in Es Castell - our first visit there - with the sea brushing up almost to our table, the boat life whizzing past and the sun making everyone smile, we knew our decision was the right one. Once we started the legal journey, we couldn’t have been more surprised at the efficiency of the process and the speed in which our dreams were coming true. Everything was easy, pretty straight-forward and quick. In a matter of a couple of hours, we’d met and appointed a solicitor, agreed a mortgage with Banca March and were given three reputable builders to help with some minor refurbishment - in fact we’d even popped along to check out some tiles for our new bathroom!

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Of course being British/Icelandic and living in London, nothing is ever that easy, so we questioned everything, but it was like we were being guided by an unknown force and the whole process from start to finish was seamless, a joy, a happy experience. Even the two day legal readings with the notary and the final purchase with the seller, the ceremony of it all felt like a type of mini celebration, nothing we’d ever experience before or since, it was another gift from Menorca. So now, we have a place in a land we’d only visited for a few days. We hadn’t holidayed there before, we hadn’t over investigated the island, like the other places we’d trialled. We’d simply fallen in love with the energy of the island, its untouched, undemanding nature, the relaxed and playful manner of its people and its whispers of keeping all its goodness a secret so only those that respect the island come, live and are welcomed. It did feel a little surreal at first, but after a couple of pinches and a few trips back to Menorca to meet the builders and pick out the basics for our refurbishment, we were on our way to our first holiday in Menorca. Then Covid hit. But by luck, chance or serendipity some of the only people allowed out to work during the iron-clad lockdowns were builders. So our property flourished and by the time it was finished (and yes we started with just the bathroom and kitchen refurbishment but then we got a little carried away and did the whole lot!) the UK opened its flight paths and we were on the first flight out to Menorca to visit our new home for the very first time. I have to be honest, I cried when I first walked into our place in Es Canutells, our private silhouette of a mini village beautifully perched on the cliff top - the place was absolutely stunning, well finished and totally in keeping with the romantic and quaint Menorcan style. Within moments our Italian neighbour was peering over the balcony welcoming us and asking if we needed any food or wi-if access - just so kind. We’ve been best friends ever since. We’ve now been part of the community for over five years, we’ve all made life-long friends who we relish seeing year after year. The safety not only on our village-estate, but on the whole of the island allows our teenage girls to roam free, to feel spontaneous and adventurous, giving them a whole new dimension to their London life. Although Covid changed our world, it has given us the ability to spend whole summers living and working from the Island, so what was meant to be a holiday home, is now so much more to us as a family. It is our second home and we treat it as such, visiting as often as we can and direct flights permitting (that’s a whole other story!).

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We had already made some pretty special connections on the way to our first stay in our new home, from strangers we’d met on the plane, to those we’ve met in restaurants, on diving trips, in stores, on walks, even from the boat hire companies - everyone was kind, helpful, friendly and connected. We felt instantly part of the family and relished all the information and advice being given to us. However, the magic of the island wasn’t done with us yet. Again, as chance would have it, as I was lying on a osteopath’s clinic bed in London being completely cracked and manipulated, whilst trying to hold a polite British conversation, I found out my osteopath’s father also had a place in Menorca in Es Castell - small world! I told our story, our love for Menorca and mentioned in passing how we really wanted to find someone to share a powerboat with, as we’d all just gotten our day skipper licence and wanted more life on the sea. And would you believe it, not only did Laurie’s (the osteopath) father sail, but he also had a mooring in Es Castell and was searching for the same partnership. For the love of god, I couldn’t believe it, so here we are, not only with our dream home, but with a shared powerboat to match. Menorca has an elegance about it. It is rich in every way yet humble. It’s understated glamour entices those who respect and enjoy its many gems. Every season the island has something to offer, such as a walk or bike ride to something crazy like the annual summer patron saint horse festivals. For me, I quite like the fact, that the Menorcans actually like us Brits (and Icelanders), produce bloody good gin and are obsessed with anchovies! We are fairly new to the Island, but already we can see it gently blossoming. Organically designed boutique hotels are opening all over the island, in keeping with the vibe of Menorca’s understated chic. It’s the same with the abundance of new restaurants opening, many with a farm to table etiquette that keeps Menorca alive and well. The clientele seems to be awash with French, Italians, with even a few Germans switching islands and of course the good and constant British. Property is in demand and prices are soaring and you can’t open a British newspaper or Sunday supplement without reading about this ‘new’ Balearic island. We are definitely on the ‘hot list’, I just hope this new and worldwide interest in the island, brings with it the best type of tourism and that the island is able to retain its charm, traditions, caring yet laid back attitude and superior safeguarding of its environment - which I am sure it will. We are completely bewitched by Menorca. Every visit we learn more and more about the people and their island. There is nothing we would change, well maybe just a couple more direct flights during the winter months, other than that, it’s just perfect.

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ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

AN INVITATION INSIDE THE

PALACES OF CIUTADELLA Behind the beautiful facades lie elegant chapters of the town’s history by Vanessa Jeny, Menorca Blue

Ciutadella, the old capital of Menorca is also the custodian and home of many of the island’s most treasured cultural heritage landmarks. Some of the most notable are the many palaces in the historic centre. These palaces tell the story of the history and guardianship of the town, and still hold great cultural significance, most notably in the leadership of the annual Sant Joan fiestas. The head horseman presiding over the fiestas and leading the 2-year tenure of the Fiesta committee comes from the lineage of one of the noble families holding the position of the Caixer Senyor, converting the palace of the same family into the host and headquarters for the fiesta for those two years. This honourable position continues to rotate between the same few noble families of the town, keeping the same tradition alive as it has always been for centuries. In 2024 a new Caixer Senyor will be nominated from one of the palaces. ‘Fer una volta’ as the locals say, as in to take an enjoyable stroll through the historic centre of Ciutadella you can view all the palaces and appreciate their architecture from the outside. Most of the properties are still owned by families as private residences, except for 3 that are managed as cultural spaces by the Town Hall and Bishop of Menorca, and 3 that have only in the last few years been made open to the public for visits. Anyone who has lived on the island for many years and integrated into the local lifestyle can understand the privilege and significance of opening up the palace to invite visitors in. Whilst Spanish and Menorcan culture is very welcoming and amigos soon become familia, an aspect of the local culture remains protective and guarded due to centuries of occupation by different cultures in its history. So high walls and beautiful facades often hide exquisite interiors, and these architectural features are still part of the more modern building projects that honour the traditional Menorcan design. Discovering that a palace is even more beautiful on the inside than the outside is like discovering that life in Menorca is even more beautiful on the inside of the language barrier than the outside. But of course, on both occasions, this is something to experience for yourself. The three palaces that are open to visitors are the three closest to the central plaza in Ciutadella Plaça des Born with the obelisk, Town Hall and Theatre. Two of the palaces are on the opposite side of the Town Hall, and the third is opposite the Cathedral. All three are open during the 6-month summer tourist season and all three are well worth a visit with different unique features in each palace. As October is the last month of the season, I highly recommend that you make a visit to each of them and support the initiative to make these treasures available to the public. Each visit takes less than an hour. 1. PALAU DE OLIVAR OPPOSITE THE CATHEDRAL May to October - Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 2.30pm Price: 5 euros, buy online or at the door https://www.talaiacultura.com/es/casa-olivar.php Cas Olivar sits on the corner opposite the front entrance to the Cathedral and extends back to the neighbouring palace Cas Comte de Torre-Saura on the Plaça des Born. Both of these palaces are managed by the organisation Talaia Cultura, a team of professionals committed to the culture and heritage of Menorca specialising in Archaeology, Ethnography and the History of the island. Specialists contribute their skills to the restoration, photography, museography, design and management of cultural projects including the detailed restoration of these palaces. Entry fees for visitors contribute to these restoration projects and the maintenance of the properties. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

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This palace is one of the oldest in Ciutadella, its history dates back 400 years to 1633. It has been maintained by the family for generations, with an impressive collection of original features, furnishings, clothes, tools and art. A visit to the palace is over 3 floors including the underground floor that hosts the stables and cellar, the ground floor main entrance and chapel, and the first floor where the main rooms are including the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Drawing Room, Dining Room and Study, Music Room and different bedrooms. Unique Highlights of this palace are the underground floor displays with all the traditional farming and horse equipment, the chapel, the paintings on the roof in the main halls, the music room and the stunning displays in the bedrooms. It also neighbours with two other palaces in the side street next to the Cathedral that are worth the short stroll to see. Cal Bisbe (Palau Episcopal) is on the right halfway down the street and the stunning courtyard is open to visitors for free before 2 p.m. At the end of the street, you can see another palace called Palau Squella. Both were built in the 18th Century and are worth a peek to appreciate the architecture. 2. PALAU CAS COMTE DE TORRE-SAURA PLAÇA DES BORN May to October - Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 2.00pm Price: 5 euros, buy online or at the door https://www.talaiacultura.com/es/palau-torre-saura.php

OCTOBER 2023

The information panels also tell the story of the José Maria de Olives y de Ponsich Foundation, the Count of Torre-Saura. The foundation dedicates much of its resources to the restoration of heritage architecture in the Ciutadella region including both the Windmill in the centre of town Molí des Comte and the rural property Ses Truqueries on the road to Cala Blanes currently operating as the restaurant Nonna Bazaar. The foundation has also been working on other projects including the repair of stone animal shelters scattered over the northern lands of Ciutadella. To learn more about the work of the foundation visit: https://www.fundaciontorresaura. com/ 3. PALAU SALORT PLAÇA DES BORN May to October - Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm Price: 6 euros, buy online or at the door https://palaciosalort.com/ Palau Salort is opposite Cas Comte on the other side of Calle Major. Both Palaces are also sitting on the same side of the central Plaça des Born.

The most recent addition to become open to visitors is Cas Comte, the palace with the most impressive long stone balcony on the left-hand side of the Plaça des Born, next to the theatre. The entrance on the main plaza was for carriages, the main entrance to the palace is on the right side of the building with the stone head over the doorway. The visit to the palace is designed as a route through the house, out to the balcony and then down to the central courtyard. Cas Comte has hosted all kinds of dignitaries and royalty over the years including King Juan I and Queen Sophia of Spain on several occasions, Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 and Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones for the fiestas of Sant Joan in 2006 (I witnessed that ‘Royal’ visit). The palace in its current state was reformed in 1839 and is designed in the neoclassical style of that era.

Palau Salort also dates back to 1600 when it was originally called Palau Martorell with the current reformed neoclassical state of the palace existing since the year 1813. It is now also owned by the Count of Torre-Saura. What makes a visit to Palau Salort different to the other palaces is it has converted the ground floor and stunning interior courtyard into a stylish bar and restaurant for lunch and dinner. Moriarty as it’s called has an excellent menu of the day and a list of tapas, and in the evening the whole space converts into a unique place to enjoy a drink with friends.

The tour starts up the elegant central staircase that splits in two and leads you through several grand halls, dining rooms, bedrooms, a nursery, and the study all fitted out with furniture, tableware, books, paintings and enormous wall tapestries. The story of the family’s history unfolds in four different languages through standing panels in each room with photography, family trees, maps and imagery from the Sant Joan fiestas.

It is the only palace that has opened up access to the kitchen, a huge space with a large collection of traditional equipment and vibrant impeccable tiling. Well worth the visit just to see it. Ceilings are also painted in the Great Halls and it is possible to view all the rooms in their traditional decor and furnishings. The tour starts on the ground floor and takes you through the entire place ending in the kitchen and interior courtyards. I highly recommend ending your visit with lunch and a coffee at the palace.

Unique highlights of this palace include the entry staircase, the decoration and wall tapestries in all the rooms, the displays in the smaller living spaces, the study, the incredible stone balcony with panoramic views of the central plaza of town, and the impressive collection of carriages in the passageway of the courtyard.

A visit to any one or all three of these palaces is an absolute delight for anyone looking for a peek inside Menorca’s aristocratical past and a better understanding of how the essence remains a part of Ciutadella’s living culture.

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ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

KEYS TO SPAIN’S NEW

PET LAWS by Caroline Langlois

Last March 29th, Law 7/2023 on the protection of animal rights and welfare, better known as “Ley de bienestar animal” was published in the Government’s Official Journal. At the time of writing, it was supposed to come into effect on September 29th, but there may be further delays to clarify some of the new laws. In this article, I will present the main points of the law and the changes it will bring for pet owners. WHAT IS THE NEW SPANISH ANIMAL WELFARE LAW? The law means to regulate and control the keeping and treatment of pets within the Spanish territory. Its aim, as stated in the Official Journal document, is to protect and guarantee the welfare of domestic animals residing in Spanish territory. It establishes the obligation to treat them in accordance with their status as “sentient beings”, The owners or people responsible for the animals are obliged to treat them in accordance with this status. They will also be liable for any damage, harm or nuisance caused by the animals. One of the key points in the law is the intensification of penalties for mistreatment. Abandonment could cost between 500 and 10,000 € in fines, depending on the circumstances. If it is considered “serious”, the act could be punished with fines up to 50,000 €, and if it is deemed “very serious”, then the penalty would be up to 200,000 €. In addition, any offence involving animal suffering will be punishable by disqualification of ownership for up to 10 years; and in the case of death, imprisonment of between 18 months and 3 years. WHAT IS MEANT BY “PETS”? The first point to be clarified is which animals will be considered pets. According to the definitions given in Article 3, a pet is a “domestic or wild animal in captivity” which is kept by humans “mainly in the home” if it has suitable conditions which “respect its ethnological needs, and is not intended to be bred for consumption, production or industrial use, or to be used for profit. Until now, an exclusion list was followed: a series of animals, mainly those classified as protected or invasive species, could not be kept as pets. The new law, on the other hand, will work by inclusion: there will be a “positive list” of animals that can be kept as pets and it will be illegal to keep those that are not included in this list, which should be published within 4 years of the law’s application. Likewise, the regulations establish the following as pets: • Dogs, cats and ferrets. • Domestic animals included in the list to be drawn up. • Production animals that are registered as pets by decision of their owner. • Aquarium animals not included in the catalogue of invasive alien species or protected wild species. • Animals belonging to wild species that are included in the positive list. The law does not apply to the following: animals used in bullfighting shows, production animals, those used for scientific experimentation, wild animals, animals used in certain activities such as sports, falconry

birds, livestock herding dogs, rescue dogs, animals belonging to the Security Forces and Corps. Finally, after much debate, hunting dogs have also been excluded. In any case, in principle the law will not be applied retroactively and those who have animals not included in the list will be able to keep them. They will just have to declare them to the authorities within 6 months of the list being published. For example, now, we do not know whether small birds such as parakeets, rabbits or rodents will be on this list, but until it is published, they can be kept without declaration by their owners. KEY POINTS OF THE NEW SPANISH ANIMAL WELFARE LAW • Prohibition to leave a pet alone for more than 3 days, or 1 day for dogs The law prohibits leaving your pet alone for more than 3 days or 72 hours. This period is shortened to 24 hours for dogs. In addition, it is also forbidden to keep your pet on terraces, balconies or roof terraces, in storage rooms, basements, courtyards and the like, or in vehicles. The use of any handling equipment that may cause injury to the animal (electric, impulse, punishment or choke collars) is also prohibited. • The sale of dogs, cats and ferrets may only be carried out by authorized breeders The sale of these pets will only be allowed by licensed breeders duly registered in the Register of Pet Breeders. The participation of mediators in the process is prohibited, as well as the sale by private individuals. The new law also establishes a series of criteria aimed at guaranteeing the welfare of the animals selected for breeding, such as limiting the number of litters per year and ensuring that they have adequate space and treatment. A written contract of sale is required, and the sale must be reported to the Pet Register within three working days of the sale. In addition, dogs and cats must be at least two months old. In the case of pet shops, only fishes, rodents and birds may be sold, and these must come from registered breeders. The display of any animal in shop windows shall also be prohibited. Shops selling dogs, cats and ferrets will have 12 months after the entry into force of this law to end this activity. • The classification of potentially dangerous breeds (PPP) is maintained One of the last-minute changes has been the modification of the draft regarding the PPP Law, which was initially going to be replaced by sociability tests and a new denomination of dogs needing special handling.

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ISLAND NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

The following breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileño, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu, continue to be potentially dangerous breeds. Their owners need an administrative licence, special insurance and they must use a short leash, muzzle, and they cannot be allowed to walk off the lead in areas designated for other dogs.

In this way, there will be greater control over cats and ferrets, as is currently the case with dogs.

However, not everything has been agreed, as General Directorate for Animal Rights continues to support the idea of repealing the PPP Law in order to implement a sociability test for dogs classified as potentially dangerous, as well as for large dogs.

All people who want to keep a dog as a pet will have to prove that they have completed a compulsory course for dog ownership. Its aim is to train citizens in the correct ownership and care of their dogs. This training will be compulsory both for new owners and for those who already live with their dog at home.

• Pets’ euthanasia for economic reasons is strictly forbidden Euthanasia of pets may only be carried out for health or medical reasons, never for financial or economic reasons. • Compulsory sterilisation of all cats from 6 months of age onwards To try to reduce uncontrolled breeding and future abandonment, all cats will be obliged to be sterilised, regardless of breed, gender or status of the feline. In the case of sterilisation for dogs, it will only be compulsory when they are placed for adoption by animal protection organisations or public centres. • Mandatory identification of cats and ferrets, like dogs, by microchip The identification of pets shall be carried out by a veterinarian in the name of an authorized registered breeder, animal protection organization or public administration. All pets shall be registered in the Pets Register of each Autonomous Community.

The aim is to reduce abandonment. Birds will be identified by ringing from birth • Compulsory training course for responsible dog ownership

The only thing that is known for certain is that it will be free of charge and that it will have to be taken by all those who wish to own a dog, while those who already have one or more dogs will have two years to take the course. In principle, once it has been passed, it will be valid indefinitely. However, the course contents and the criteria for passing it, have not yet been defined, nor how it will be taught, although in principle it should be online. The two biggest questions are: what will happen if a dog owner doesn’t take the course within the established period, or if he doesn’t pass it? • Civil liability insurance for dogs. Civil liability insurance for dogs is already compulsory throughout the Community of Madrid. The new law will make it compulsory for all dogs in Spanish territory, with the aim of ensuring responsibility for any damage they may cause. The Spanish Animal Welfare Act was due to come into effect at the end of September 2023. However, at the time of writing, several doubts remained, and a number of clarifications had to be made. I will keep readers informed of any new information on this law in the next issues.

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FOOD & DRINK

OCTOBER 2023

EATING PRICE GUIDE: € up to €20 €€ €20-€30 €€€ €30-€40 €€€€ €40-€50 €€€€€ Sky’s the limit!

OUT

By Lorraine and Roqueta’s Team of Tasters

END OF SEASON VISITS

As we get to the end of the season many restaurants in the resorts and in the countryside will start to close. Every year they do their best to stay open until the end of October, but this will depend on the number of clients and often the weather. Due to the high costs of keeping staff on contracts, restaurants in resorts normally start to close from mid-October onwards and it is best to check in advance if they are open and if they have the full menu on offer. Bonita Menorca has told us that Binifadet, Cantina and Tamariscos will be open until 29th October. The American Bar, now owned by Castell would like to remain open but they will be closing for a refit in order to make room for the shoes we promised you in June. Mestizo will be open until December. Despite the closures there are still a good selection of high-quality restaurants that remain open all year round. Some will close for a month in November or February when the owners will take a well-deserved rest, so always check in advance. Matthew Meacham has been in touch to tell us that Sa Punta will be open for lunch and dinner until 5th November. It will then close for one week for essential maintenance before opening again every day for lunch only from 13th November through to Easter. The winter menu will see the return of some old favourites by popular demand. Sa Punta will also be offering a Christmas Day set menu of 5 courses from 2pm, a New Year’s Eve 8 course menu with wine and a special Valentine’s Night menu. There are restaurants that are well known for their excellent value lunchtime Menu del Día and they are busy all year round. Some that spring to mind are Restaurante Cafeteria Biosfera in Malbuger, Ca n’Àngela opposite the Canal Salat in Ciutadella, Restaurant es Molí d’es Racó in Es Mercadel and the restaurant at the Trotting Track, Bar Hipódromo Mahón. Please send in more recommendations for our December issue when we can also provide a full list of Christmas and New year events.

CALA BLANCA Cas Safrá Gastrobar, Passatge Baladre 3, Cala Blanca 07760. Tel: 627 75 21 64 or 971 157463 €€ By Kirstin and Tom What an amazing combination of cooking skills! Alex the chef is from Uruguay and Vigo. ‘Half y Half.’ His talent for fusion cooking is remarkable, but not too crazy. His Uruguayan roots mean there is nothing he doesn’t know about meat and how to prepare and present it perfectly. And his history in Vigo has always filled his kitchen with fantastic fish, producing exciting dishes with contrasting and complementary sauces. Alex had a passion for food from an early age and taught himself, through study and practise, to create this kitchen producing innovative and original dishes, seen all the way through the menu, including some luxurious desserts. His need to keep creating is evident when you see that there are always new ‘Specials’ accompanying the main A La Carte menu. I must say that all the staff in Cas Safra are faultless, courteous, and efficient. Marie from Germany, Alex’s partner, is front of house and is professional and knowledgeable.

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FOOD & DRINK

We have been eating at Cas Safra since the week after they opened in 2018 and are very spoilt as one of Menorca’s best restaurants for quality, variety and price is on our doorstep. During the first Covid lockdown in 2020, once they were permitted to open the kitchen, Alex would create amazing menus for home delivery in the local area. We and many others supported them every week, selfishly as there was no way we wanted this restaurant to disappear. Thankfully, they are still here and thriving. This week we chose to share, between us, their Monkfish & Lobster Carpaccio with Sea Urchin and Seaweed. Gentle taste explosions from the sea. And the ‘Special’ of rare Roast Beef and Tomato Confit with Chimichurri Mayonnaise. Light and delightful Pan con Tomate helped us scoop these juicy morsels into our mouths. The wine list is constantly updated and reviewed by Marie, so she can always offer advice if needed. Cas Safra is famous for its easy-choice Set Menu. There is no need to puzzle over the delicious options shown on the list, as the perfectly attentive staff will begin with bringing you a trio of exquisite starters, each one yummy. All you need to do is to decide if you’d prefer the imaginative meat, fish or vegetarian dish they have on offer, for your main course. And if this wasn’t enough of a treat, a selection of tasty homemade desserts will come along to satisfy any sweet tooth. If you are food lovers, like us, and enjoy sitting back, relaxing with friends, and letting a procession of gorgeous food flow to your table at an easy pace, Cas Safra should be your next call. They will be open throughout October with more limited hours in November. Check the opening hours/days and menus on their Facebook page. Note, in high season they can only serve their full A La Carte Menu - plus ‘Specials’ of course.

OCTOBER 2023

on the menu. Each dish is crafted, honed and truly delicious and the portions are generous so go hungry or with a few friends so you can share and taste more than you could on your own! A few of our delights this year have been the fish bites (which we think replaced the cod balls, which were utterly moreish), fresh, lightly battered and fried with a clean crispy accompaniment; the mussels gratin is so sublime and is presented as a layered flower, delicately sprinkled with a crisp gratin; gently marinated thin slices of tuna are enhanced by a gentle relish; the trio of pork is simply a must (nobody will share this dish!); the suckling lamb with couscous is so juicy and tender it almost dissolves in your mouth; the dark beer beef casserole is tender, rich and so satisfying; the rabbit with figs is incredible and full of delicate aniseed flavour; and of course the rice, we live for the black rice with squid; and the desserts, well you can’t not continue a great meal! Everything is delicious and always changing - just go for it! Just to make this place a little more perfect, the outside garden terrace is magical and the walls of the main restaurant inside are always adorned with original (and very good) artwork by local artists so all your senses are catered for in the most endearing and sophisticated way. This is fine, kind dining and if you have the chance to celebrate or not, Es Moli de Foc is really the place to be seen. Price wise, as you’d expect, but no more. Wines are very reasonable priced and for four adults that did not hold back (three bottles of Chablis and some aperitifs) the bill was around €80-90pp. As you would imagine, you absolutely need to book.

Es Moli de Foc Carrer de Sant Llorenç 65, 07712 Sant Climent. Tel. 971 15 32 22. €€€€ By Larissa le Sage de Fontenay An eminently worthy entry in the Michelin Guide, Es Moli de Foc is in a class of its own. Tucked in the back streets of Sant Climent, the restaurant occupies a 19th century mill and I think this establishment offers the ultimate dining experience in the whole of Menorca. We discovered this historic restaurant completely by accident but all those who know of its legacy tell me fabulous tales of dining there throughout their lives on the island. It seems to be the place that people go when there is something to celebrate but for us, as it is just up the road and open from March-October, we sneak in just to relish the perfection of their dishes and service. Always greeted with a warm smile and now a vague recognition that we’ve eaten here many times before, we are seated and charmed by the owner, Vicent Vila. The menu is pretty consistent, with only a few minor additions every year. Everything is just perfectly cooked and presented with each ingredient respected and combined for the fullest flavour. It’s a traditional but not old-fashioned restaurant and only includes modern twists if necessary to enhance the taste of the dish even further. It is renowned for its seafood and rice dishes, which are “beyond beyond beyond” and not surprising due to Vicent’s Valencian origins, but don’t dismiss the meat dishes or anything else

SANTO TOMAS CAN BERTO, Santo Tomas Urbanisacion H2B. Tel. 971 370326. €€ By Lorraine Ure Living as I do in Es Castell, going to Santo Tomas was an “away match” for many years. Much as I love the beach there, I used to drive in and park by Es Bruc, and venture no further. I had little idea what else lay in store in the very well-kept resort. Yes, there are some largish hotels, but nothing to compare with Mallorca or the Costas! Well, I love Es Bruc and it needs little introduction to readers I am sure. It’s the archetype beach bar and hugely popular not only at lunchtimes but also in the evenings, and one of the best places to observe the sunset. This comes with a downside; in that it may be necessary to join a queue to get a table. I have decided I am now too old to queue... for anything. (Of course, that’s easy to say, I got caught in the UK air traffic control breakdown on August Bank Holiday Monday!) So, if you turn left at the first roundabout and carry on driving further into Santo Tomas, there are a number of alternatives for a nice lunch stop and a lovely sea view, and also the possibility of a swim.

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FOOD & DRINK

I would particularly recommend Can Berto. Berto himself is a great Anglophile and football supporter! The restaurant looks unassuming from the road, as it is on the ground floor of an apartment block, but it has lovely terrace seating overlooking a huge pool, plus plenty of room inside. One of his specialties is “Steak on the Stone”, and his quality of meat is excellent. He has good fresh “fish of the day” plus a wide selection of other starters and mains, such as “Mirror of the sea”. With our steak, we enjoyed a bottle of house rosado at a mere €13. We started with some very fresh “Pirulís fritos” (fried local fish) and the whole bill came to €55 for two. Also recommended in Santo Tomas is RESTAURANT ES PINS, a large beach front establishment right at the end (near the big public car park), and also MALIBU, which has a great location in front of the Hotel Santo Tomas. Good basic beach-cafe food! Interesting Cocktails too! We have twice visited the new “Five Star” Melia hotel VILLA LE BLANC, and twice had identical problems with the service, or should I say the lack of it. They have spent a vast fortune on creating this luxury resort, but it seems that they have forgotten that without well trained staff, that is “money down the drain”! There were plenty of personnel in evidence, but with no idea as to what they should be doing! And on neither occasion were they very busy. 30 minutes’ wait for two glasses of white wine to be served is too long for us although if you are on holiday, you may have time to spare. I wish them well, but they really need to improve the service. ES LLENEGALL, Calas Fonts. tel 971 964847 €€ By Lorraine Ure This is one of the smallest restaurants in Calas Fonts, run entirely by two very talented gentlemen, Isi, the Chef/Owner, and Senai, his “right hand man” in charge of front of house and service. They have no desire to expand as that would change the ballgame. We were lucky to be hosted there recently (as a thank you from one of the Sunday Isla del Rey visitors), and we had a delicious lunch. There is a blackboard menu plus a printed version, but there are always extras on the day. There is an interesting wine list too. Everything is cooked to order, so very fresh and very hot! There are some great sharing plates which are raciones rather than tapas. The menu includes some very different salad combinations, mussels cooked in unusual ways (often with Menorcan gin!), fresh local red prawns, garlic prawns, excellent pan con tomate (always a good test!), Secreto Ibérico with mango chutney, salmon sashimi… the list goes on. As we did not pay on this occasion I cannot quote the price, but it would have been in the region of €40/45 per head! They close end October, until next year.

ALL-YEAR-ROUND RESTAURANTS

OCTOBER 2023

honey, that is crushed and served at the table - the perfect sweet, salty and spicy mix. The ‘two or three bites’ off the menu we’ve tried are the chicken karagee säam, which is similar to a luxury Kentucky fried-chicken; prawn manitou with Thai curry which has a perfect balance of flavours that don’t over power the well cooked prawn and the taco Mexico/Istanbul that just dribbles down your chin - all exceptional and distinct. As a family, we do love a bit of sashimi and tuna seems to be the dish of the island, but Ses Forquilles Mediterranean red tuna sashimi with fresh wasabi is one of the best we’ve tried, there is also another tuna dish on the menu, which we haven’t tried yet but do look across enviously at others who order it - so next time we will try the tuna tataki and report back! The Menorcan beef sirloin tartare with Café de Paris butter and toast is dreamy and creamy with a lovely little kick. Their slow roasted Menorcan suckling pig is another regular at our table and fought over. The menu is divided into cured meat and refined cheeses; on the side; classics; two or three bites; from the orchard, from the poultry farm; from the sea; from the farm and desserts - all with a good selection of dishes under each title and with enough variety to serve any age or palate in one glorious sitting. Ses Forquilles is open all year round and is a firm favourite with the locals. It does suffer a little during the busy summer months, like most good and popular restaurants in Menorca, you would like maybe one or two extra members of serving staff, just to make the experience match the quality of the food. It is on the pricier size - family of four (including two teenage daughters who eat like adults) and a bottle of good wine, comes in around €175-200. Definitely definitely worth a visit, come rain or shine! TAPES CAN AVELINO Sinia des Muret 39, Fort de l’Eau. Tel 972 091104 Closed Mondays € By Lorraine Ure This place received a worthy mention in our July issue, being amongst the “50-year-old” survivors. It has been in the same family for so many years but it has been completely reinvented and adapted to modern tastes and trends. It is amazing value for money and has a very different offering to the usual “run of the mill” tapas. Six of us had a very convivial evening recently, including three bottles of wine and some cocktails to start. It is ideal for everyone to choose one favourite dish, then this can be shared around the table in traditional style. We enjoyed Jamón Ibérico with “crystal bread”, a Tataki of beef, chicken masala curry, carpaccio of swordfish, “secreto” of pork with chutney and the langostinos which appear to be cooked in shredded wheat! (John says if you look up they match the ceiling – Ed) There was more than enough food, and it came to just over €30 per person including a decent tip. Unbeatable. They have many choices plus some specials, so I never tire of this place and its very friendly service. There is outside seating too. It is on a busy road and right by the bus stop, but still popular nonetheless! It is a great place to visit out of season but make sure you book as it is always busy.

Ses Forquilles, San Fernando, 12 - 07702 Maó. Tel 971 353 260 €€€€ By Larissa le Sage de Fontenay It took us a bit of time to make our way to the highly recommended Ses Forquilles, but by goodness I am so pleased we finally went. It is part of the El Rais family but without a stunning view of the harbour or natural landscape to take your eyes off the exquisite food, although it does back onto a very pretty garden/courtyard. Once discovered, you’ll forever revisit this gem of a place because its food is sensational, individual and a little different than most of the Spanish cuisine you’ll find on the island. Some dishes have an Asian influence and some are super Spanish, with the small tapas sharing style of dining you’ll be able to taste a few dishes even if you’re not hungry. We always start with the ‘coca’ flatbread with Binissaida olive oil and vine tomato, with anchovies (we are a family obsessed with tomato bread and anchovies) - it is simply delicious and a decent sized portion. The spicy ‘brava’ potatoes are another favourite, individually served with a fabulous heated sauce alongside the bikini of ‘ensaimada’, sobrassada and Binissaida D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

FOOD & DRINK

OCTOBER 2023

M ASTE R & COM M AN D E R

WINES Master & Commander Wines is named after the brilliant Patrick O’Brien novel that begins with the chance meeting, in April 1800, at the Governor’s Palace in Mahon, of its two central characters, Captain Jack Aubrey, and Stephen Maturin his Irish/ Catalan friend, naval surgeon and gentleman spy for the British government.

THIS MONTH: IAMONTANUM SYRAH AND VIOGNIER After a good summer holiday (more about that later) I am pleased to be back at my desk and to recommend 2 fantastic, limited edition, Menorcan varietal wines, IAMONTANUM Syrah (90% Syrah, 10% Merlot) and IAMONTANUM Viognier (100%). Both wines are made at a tiny 5Ha vineyard, Finca Sa Marjaleta planted in 2006 on hard chalk soils with a thin alluvial topsoil, 6km to the south of Ciudadella (close to Cala en Turqueta). This hard chalk is common to the south of Menorca and there is a clear fault line (the Cami D’En Kane from Mahon to Ciudadella is a good guide to it), where “modern” Miocene hard chalk (20 million years ago) hits “ancient” Devonian alluvial soils (400-million-year-old) and defines what I consider to be north coast and south coast vineyards. It’s the same fault line that produces the unique deep water port of Mahon where the hard Miocene chalk falls suddenly away to the soft Devonian soils and, in the process, produces a 3050m deep water port, without which our Patrick O’Brien hero, Captain Aubrey, from Master & Commander (based on the true life character of Lord Cochrane) would never have had a safe haven to return to. The IAMONTANUM wines take their name from Ciudadella in Latin, (Iamona was a flourishing Roman settlement in 123 AD,) and expresses the International ambition of these wines very well. Syrah and the Viognier are the key grapes of the fine wines of the Rhone valley, Cote Rotie, Cornas (Red) and Condrieu (White) amongst many others. Here in Menorca the IAMONTANUM vines flourish in our classic Mediterranean climate and form part of a cultural and trading high road triangle that links Menorca, the South of France and Rome and we are privileged to have these ambitious projects emerging on our favorite island. The 2010 Iamontanum Syrah was awarded 95 points by the Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) a score normally reserved for wines of over 100€ and is an insider “tip” of the potential of Menorca as a new origin for fine wine. IAMONTANUM Syrah (90% Syrah, 10% Merlot aged for 12 months in 3-year American oak barrels, only 6.000 Bts made), 2021. This really is an impressive wine in the “modern”, fruit forward style. Deep purple red in color, the nose is a potent scent of black cherries, liquorice and a touch of white pepper that follows through on the palate with the same deep dark

fruits’ flavors, ripe tannins, and lively acidity and length. It’s probably at least 5 years too young to drink today, but hey, it’s a decadent and highly enjoyable glass (chill it in the summer months) that will pair well with grilled local beef or lamb, and as a classy aperitif with aged Menorcan cheese. Enjoy now and for the next 20 years. IAMONTANUM Viognier (100%). Aged for 6 months on its “fine lees” (the remnants of the yeasts from fermentation) in stainless steel tanks. Only 9.000 Bts made. This aromatic and fine white wine, pale straw with touches of green in colour, opens with a clean and direct nose of apricots, lime, melon, and a touch of fig leaf. The palate shows elegance and complexity through its superb balance and minerality that comes from the ageing on its fine lees and the natural acidity of the chalk soil of the vineyard. Enjoy today, and for the next 5 years with grilled fish, cheese and salads that have dried fruits and spice. And finally, part of my summer holiday took my wife and I on the fast ferry from Ciudadella to Barcelona, 4 hours by boat, 4 hours by car, dinner in Provence! As we sipped our delicious Rose wine in a region that was the first province of the Roman empire outside Italy, I was struck by the thought that Menorca really is a gateway island from Spain to France and Italy, where first ancient soils met modern ones, Roman soldiers and British naval officers left their mark, and where today ambitious local and foreign winemakers and boutique Hotel owners have opened a door through which we can all travel and experience the very best of a millennium culture and shared experience. In previous articles for Roqueta I chose my Top 2023, wines from Menorca: Muntpalau (Red), Sa Cudia (White) and Torralbenc (Rose) but with some many exceptional new vineyards emerging it could well be that this list will have to be reviewed at least once a year! The 2 amazing IAMONTANUM wines are available at the friendly, well informed, and competitively priced wine shop PEÑALVER, Poima Cap de Cavalleria, 37, in the Mahon “Poligono”, Tel: 971 350 142.

IAMONTANUM SYRAH, 2021: 21,50€/BOT IAMONTANUM VIOGNIER, 2022: 18,95€/BOT

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

FOOD & DRINK

OCTOBER 2023

By Michael Stevenson

SHERRY/JEREZ The English can thank Sir Francis Drake for Sherry. In 1587 he attacked Cadiz KDUERXU VHW ÀUH WR PRVW RI WKH 6SDQLVK ÁHHW DQG PDGH RII ZLWK QHDUO\ barrels of the stuff. London then became awash with “sherris sack”. Twelve years after Drake had singed the King of Spain’s beard, in part two of Henry 9 6KDNHVSHDUH·V )DOVWDII GLVFRXUVHG DW OHQJWK RQ WKH EHQHÀWV DQG TXDOLWLHV of sherris sack.

Sherry is one of the oldest wines produced, purposes Palomino is king. A heavy cropper it makes wines of insipid going back some three thousand years. quality elsewhere in Spain but here the microclimate is perfect for formation of Flor. This is the layer of yeasts that develop naturally 7KH ÀUVW FLW\ WR EH HVWDEOLVKHG LQ 6SDLQ ZDV the and lives on top of the Fino and Manzanilla in a butt five sixths full. Cadiz, which was then known as Gadir, by Flor consumes oxygen and other compounds and so protects the wine WKH 3KRHQLFLDQV DURXQG %& 7KH ÀUVW from oxidation. The wines are then fortified to around 15% before vines were planted in the hinterland beyond going into the Solera system This consists of a three row pyramid of Cadiz in what is now Sherry country. The barrels with the new wine on the top row and the Solera barrels on Denomination de Origen (DO) of Jerez has the bottom. The Solera barrels are topped up from the second row of which are in turn topped up by those above them. The Sherry the longest name in the business - Jerez/ barrels for bottling is drawn from the Solera barrels but only a third of this can Xeres/Sherry y Manzanilla de Sanlucar. Sherry be sold at a time. country covers the “golden triangle” that lies The various styles of Sherry are as follows: in the eastern part of the province of Cadiz, Manzanilla This is a type of Fino, very dry and biologically aged with an incursion northward into the province near the sea at Sanlucar where Flor grows thickly and has a salty tang. of Sevilla. This is delineated by three towns: It is perfect as an aperitif or to accompany any seafood especially Sanlucar de Barrameda on the mouth of the crustaceans. Serve chilled, and like any fine wine it fades when River Guadalquivir , to the northeast of this opened. Jerez de la Frontera and to the southwest of Fino Dry, biologically aged in Jerez or El Puerto, weightier than Manzanilla. Again perfect as an aperitif and with seafood. Serve that El Puerto de Santa Maria. The soil of sherry country comes in three distinct types: sand, clay and chalk, called arenas, barros and albarizas respectively. Grapes used to be grown on all three soil types, but the sand and clay vineyards have mostly been grubbed up, and the vines are now grown on the albarizas which produces the highest grape quality. The best vineyards face the Atlantic Ocean and benefit from the westerly winds and generous rainfall that are particularly important for a wine producing area this far south. Even so the daily heat in the ripening season causes massive evaporation and much of the water would be lost if it were not for the chalk. Its spongy nature soaks up every last drop and holds it underground, where the temperature varies much less. In addition, after rain, the surface of the soil dries in the sun forming a hard crust which also helps to prevent evaporation. The result is healthy grapes in good quantity. The principle grape used to make sherry is the Palomino, also known as Listan or Listan Palomino. Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez (PX) grapes are also grown here. The former is frequently made into a varietal wine whilst the PX is used for sweetening as well as in the production of some rare and expensive varietals of its own. For most

chilled and treat as above.

Amontillado This starts out as Fino but spends much longer in the Solera. At around 15 years old it takes on a dark colour and complexity. Dry and savoury but commercial styles are sweetened, indicated by the “medium” on the label. Drink as an aperitif or to accompany tapas, cheese and nuts. Oloroso Oxidative, not aged under Flor. Naturally ultra dry with power and complexity but may be sweetened with PX. Drink with meat courses, cheese and nuts. Palo Cortado A wine that started as a Fino , developed Flor and then lost it to undergo a vinous sex - change in an effort to become an Oloroso. Drink with meat tapas or cheese. Cream Sherry and other types have been concocted to appeal to individual markets. Moscatel and PX are used to sweeten them. Aged and dated Sherries. VORS (Very Old Rich Sherry) and VOS (Very Old Sherry). These are some of the treasures of the Jerez bodegas and represent exceptional quality at a relatively low price Sherry is a complex wine and as much if not more care goes into the making of this fabulous wine as it does to Champagne, which is four

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FOOD & DRINK

times the price. There are many excellent producers in the Jerez DO and these are my own recommendations: Barbadillo, Emilio Lustau, Gonzalez - Byass, Gutierrez Colosia, Osborne , La Guita, Equipo Navazos, Fernando de Castilla, Sanchez Romate and Williams & Humbert. MY RECOMMENDED SHERRIES AVAILABLE IN MENORCA ARE: MANZANILLA, LA GUITA , PALOMINO NV, 15.5% ABV, ENRIQUE PENALVER, SA BOTIGA DE S’UESTRA AND WIDELY AVAILABLE. AROUND 7€ Pale straw with a very dry rich saline nose. Bone dry with a yeasty salty tang, complex, nutty. Layered with a lovely dry finish. The favourite Sherry at the annual Feria de Sevilla. Wonderful with salted almonds and seafood tapas. MANZANILLA LA GITANA, BODEGAS HIDALGO, NV, PALOMINO, 15.75% ABV, WIDELY AVAILABLE AT AROUND 7.50€ Very palish green, light, fresh and bone dry with a sea breeze saltiness on the nose. Very refreshingly dry with a creamy texture and a hint of apples with walnuts yeastiness and a lovely long finish. Good aperitif and to accompany nuts, olives and tapas like kidneys in sherry.

OCTOBER 2023

FINO LA INA, BODEGAS LUSTAU NV, PALOMINO, 15% ABV, WIDELY AVAILABLE AROUND 7 - 8€ Pale,limpid with intense nose - apples, bread dough and green olives. Bone dry taste similar to the nose with hints of lemon and nuts, a nice refreshing salty finish. Good with olives, nuts, seafood and embotits and as an aperitif. TIO PEPE, GONZALEZ BYASS NV, PALOMINO,15% ABV, WIDELY AVAILABLE AROUND 8€ Clear pale straw with a yeasty, minerally, salty nose. Bone dry, minerally with a slight oiliness. Acidity and a hint of apples. Long very dry finish.Again a good aperitif and with salty tapas, nuts and seafood. LUSTAU, AMONTILLADO, LOS ARCOS, PALOMINO, 17.5% ABV, DE VINS 12€ Clear amber with an intense aromatic nose with hints of sweetness. Very dry and complex palate, plenty of body and structure and a long dry finish, very satisfying.Good as a warming aperitif and with all tapas and cheese. Enjoy your Sherry this autumn!

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OCTOBER 2023

ROQUETA RECIPES

Joan Carles Morena - Revista Oliaigua

ROBERTO SARRIÓ CHEF AT SA PUNTA IN CALES FONTS, ES CASTELL This month, Roberto Sarrio from Sa Punta reveals the recipe to his special Veal Stew with Mushrooms. This is an established favourite and features on every Menorca Cricket Club menu due to popular demand. It is available in Moll de Sa Punta, La Cantina de Calas Fonts situated beneath the main Sa Punta Restaurant and there is a €2 discount for members of MCC. Carrer Moll de Calas Fonts,54 (+34) 690 85 46 71 www.sapuntamenorca.com/moll-de-sa-punta/ Sa Punta will be open for lunch and dinner every day until 5th November. It will then close for one week for essential maintenance before opening again every day for lunch only from 13th November through to Easter.

VEAL STEW WITH MUSHROOMS For the stew:

1000g. Veal for stewing 100g. Pork bacon cut into small cubes 15g. chopped garlic 300g. julienne cut onion 150g. carrots cut in rounds 60g. sliced celery 30g. Tomato puree 150g. Red wine 300g. water 250g. mushrooms Virgen Extra Olive Oil Salt Pepper Thyme Rosemary Bay leaf

Season veal and fry to golden in a little olive oil, in a pre-heated pan. Put aside. In the same pan, fry the bacon, add garlic and vegetables and cook for 10 minutes until soft. Add tomato puree, wine, herbs, water and meat, and cook on low heat until meat is tender. Wash whole mushrooms and fry with a little oil. Add them to stew after 30 minutes. It’s best to let the stew rest in the fridge a few days before serving, if you can resist eating it immediately… For the mashed potatoes, boil in water until they are soft. Mash in blender. Put in a pan and add melted butter, cream and salt. Blend with a spoon until all well mixed together.

For the mashed potato:

500g. of Mona Lisa potatoes 125g. Butter 125g. whipping cream Salt ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

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KAYAKING WITH CAPTAIN PETE By Rachael Adams

“Hurry up Pete get on NOW!” I’m sideways to the waves in the shallows at Son Saura. I’m only in a foot of water but the kayak is rolling heavily. Pete isn’t happy about jumping aboard in the chop. Too late. splash! Urgh- I drag the boat ashore to empty it. I tell Pete he’s a chicken and next time I’ll leave him there. He runs off with a stick- so much for the Spanish Water Dog. In the north of Spain, these dogs were bred to help fishermen retrieve ropes and tackle. When we rescued ‘Guido’ he was about 1 yr old, a scraggy black and white affair with big fluffy eyebrows and a permanent smile. We promptly renamed him Peter. Alas, dogs aren’t allowed on beaches in summer here, and it’s way too hot to run. Yet to keep a water dog out of the sea is like denying air to a human, or flight to a bird. Kayaking seemed like our best bet. In 2019, after several sit on tops and modified surfboards, I got us a real sea kayak. Dog in mind, I made sure to get a wide-based one for increased stability. I installed anti-slip (an old rubber bathmat) on the front and back so ‘Petey-three toes’ wouldn’t slide over the curved deck. Though it doesn’t seem to affect him in any way, the fourth toes on his front paws are tiny. Before we set off around Menorca in earnest, our new vessel needed some sea trials; we loaded the kayak onto the old converted pram I’ve had for at least 20 years, and trundled down to Santandria beach. A five-minute walk. I needed to find out where exactly on the kayak he’d stand – which was, of course, half a foot off the mats. I move them along accordingly. We try capsizing exercises and how to get back in. Knowing the sea can change in an instant, getting back into the kayak needs to be seamless. Thankfully, even with a waterlogged cockpit, the boat can still hold both of us afloat. Next for the more mundane essentials, balancing weight and positioning. Pete’s preferred spot for directing seagoing operations is on the bow of course head to the wind and front paws akimbo. Pulling our craft through the waves with 20 kilos of wet curls on the front makes for a real workout. Having a deadweight on the front does come in useful to help the tracking though. Luckily the boot is at the back, so I can offset his weight to some extent with our provisions. If, on the other hand, things start to gets a bit lively, Pete manoeuvres himself skilfully over my cockpit to his rear bath mat. Like the time it got very rough very quickly at Son Saura. I needed him on the back so I could get the bow up and paddle hard! For all of 2 hours, we battled our way back to Son Xoriguer. However, I did have to call into the Smugglers cave to recover my sunglasses and give Pete a tiny breather. If things get even more rough, he sits on my lap in the cockpit. Though it may sound hair-raising, we do enjoy the action: sometimes we go surfing at the entry to Sa Caleta; Pete sits behind us and tucks his head into my shoulder for added support. His weight at the back helps me pivot the front. Bringing him with me is not an option. His instinct to be in the water is so strong I’m sure he feels it’s his duty to keep D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

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me safe too. Last week we went snorkelling in Son Xoriguer to photograph the stingrays. I tie the boat to my leg and he stands guard from base. Still, I plan our trips so that the weather is calm. I choose routes without high cliffs (for the most part!) so that we can get out quickly if the sea changes. I also make sure there are places I can put Pete ashore for a break: I’m not the only one getting a workout, as his little legs are balancing constantly. I know how he’s doing by his tail and how high or low it goes. I do some training, starting to paddle away. He swims after me. In this way, we both learn that I can pick him up from the water. Spanish water dog trials include this kind of training still. https://www.spanishwaterdogclub.co.uk/water-awards Though he doesn’t dive down to retrieve objects like some of his breed, he does put his head underwater for sticks. We enter a cove near Cala Tirant and I throw canes I’ve been gathering for him en route. He launches himself from the bow ecstatic. Today, having set off from Santandria, I pull the nose into some rocks at Cala’n Blanes beach. Pete jumps off and I eat my nibbles in the boat. The sea is a bit messy and I can’t be bothered to get out. After he’s rested I go back in for him, and he knows the drill. He’s ready at the edge and just when the water rises to meet him he jumps aboard. In and out quickly. Perfect, supadog! It’s easy to get in all around Menorca; in the height of summer we go to Santo Tomas so that we can hide from the heat in the small caves at Binigaus; Ses Salines in Fornells is fabulous for taking underwater videos of seahares. It’s so shallow that the light is perfect. I hold the camera over the side while Pete puzzles over a many-ribbed jellyfish. However, I am very concerned about how the new harbour development will affect this haven. We’ve also been to the Illa dels Porrus, where I’m not sure people are allowed to go but that certainly needs a clean: I remember the noise of plastic bottles cracking under my feet as I walked across the wild garlic. Kayaking unfortunately gives access to places that are out of sight and out of mind. In early March we visited the flamingos in Montgofre from the Port d’Addaia. Not wanting to get too close, we had our snacks on the water. Peter turns and sits facing me while I deliver chunks of watermelon and oranges from our small blue Tupperware. He never drinks while we’re paddling so hopefully this keeps us both hydrated. Cala Carbó to the northeast of La Vall is spectacular. The red cliffs are sublime when seen from the water. We snorkel and play on the stony beach. It’s saltmarshlike and rock samphire and tamarind bushes dot the red earth. I suppose all seafarers say this, but the water is different every single time I’m on it. The colours and the wave patterns are never the same. We time our return to La Vall for sunset. There are a few boats anchored but even they seem still for once. Their lights are just starting to show at the top of their masts. Pete is tired and sitting quietly up front. I like to glide as silently as possible into the bay, hardly breaking the water with the paddle, making sure there are no drips. We share the silence. This is the best part of our trip.

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OCTOBER 2023

MENORCA PRESERVATION “WETLAND BIRD SPECIES COULD BE THE MOST IMPACTED BY THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE” The final data of this year’s campaign of the Study of the Prenuptial Migration of Birds Across the Mediterranean in the Isla del Aire carried out by the Ornithological Society of Menorca (SOM) indicate that 3,484 first captures have been made. These are divided between 3,462 ringings and 22 recoveries of birds captured in previous campaigns, or with foreign rings. Of the latter, one came from Belgium, one from Germany and the other two from Denmark and Switzerland. It should be noted that this research study has been carried out since 1995 on the same dates and with the same working methodology, offering almost 30 years of consistent data. Currently, the total number of first captures is 88,814, distributed among a total of 121 different species catalogued in the study. This year’s campaign consisted of 45 days of work, with the participation of 22 expert ornithologists, including researchers and volunteers. Overall, 2023 was a good year, with captures at 9.8% above average. However, when compared with the historical period, the results continue to show a diminishing trend of the constant migratory flow of the migrant birds under study. Most of the trans-Saharan species, such as the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), the European Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) and the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata/tyrrhenica) have shown positive results, with the most notable being the Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina), with a record 47 captures in a single day. Other species such as the Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), the Greater Whitethroat (Curruca communis) or the European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), continue with negative trends in the study as a whole.

As for the Eurasian Linnet (Linaria cannabina), a resident species on the island, catches have also fallen sharply, below the historical average. Experts believe that this decline could be due to late breeding, the drought and perhaps competition with the rabbit for the shrubby seablite (Suaeda vera). The negative trend in recent years for the Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) and the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) is also striking, with a notable historical drop in catches. Simultaneously, the situation of marsh or wetland species is also of concern, especially for the Common Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and the Common Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia), with results well below average. Ornithologists understand that, as these birds depend on wetlands (habitats that have been hit hard by climate change) to live, spend the winter and to migrate, they are suffering from climate change more severely than other species. However, they also warn that this data should be taken with caution, taking into account the results in other stations of the project, such as the wetlands of Aigüamolls de l’Empordà, where the species is a summer species and catches of the Common Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) have increased during the last fortnight of May.

Regarding the breeding species on the Isla del Aire, ornithologists have verified the reproduction of the Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), whose conservation and breeding on the island is very important due to the problems of predation faced by the colony on the Mola de Maó.

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In addition, it is estimated that there are, among others, some 250-300 breeding pairs of Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis), 100-110 pairs of Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) and 25 pairs of European Storm Petrels (Hydrobates pelagicus), with the Isla del Aire being the only place on Menorca where we can confirm the reproduction of this species. Furthermore, remains of fishing lines and hooks have been found abandoned along the coast, which is a serious problem for these birds. Specifically, an adult Audouin’s Gull(Ichthyaetus audouinii) was found dead entangled in these remains abandoned by a fisherman. Moreover, according to a study carried out by the University of Exeter, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme (PECBMS), the European continent has suffered a serious decline in common birds over the last 35 years, with some 421 million fewer birds. In addition, the latest studies of the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme indicate that this negative trend is continuing across Europe.

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The research study led by SOM also refers to the environmental value of islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, such as the Isla del Aire, which play a fundamental role in the survival of many migrant birds, providing them with a place to shelter, feed and gather strength to continue their route. According to experts, if birds did not find these islands, many of them would not reach the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is for these reasons that the protection of these little islands and guaranteeing good conservation of their habitats is vital to ensure the survival of all migratory species. This research campaign was financed by Menorca Preservation, with the support of the Sant Lluís Town Council, and the collaboration of MERAK Diving and the Club Marítimo de Mahón (Mahón Maritime Club) for transport, as well as the invaluable collaboration of the Autoridad Portuaria de Baleares (Port Authority of the Balearic Islands). 1. Colirrojo real Phoenicurus phoenicurus 2. Zarcero icterino Hippolais icterina 3. Carricero común Acrocephalus scirpaceus 4. Papamoscas cerrojillo Ficedula hypoleuca 5. Ruiseñor Luscinia megarhynchos

6. Alcaudón común Lanius senator 7. Tarabilla norteña Saxicola rubetra 8. Curruca zarcera Curruca communis 9. Tórtola europea Streptopelia turtur 10. Papamoscas gris tirrénico Muscicapa tyrrhenica

Menorca Preservation is a non profit organisation that aims to preserve, protect and restore Menorca’s natural surroundings. Created and established in the island in late 2017, to date we have awarded over 900.000€ to over 85 local environmental projects on the island. We exist thanks to strongly committed businesses, fabulous collaborators, wonderful local entities and individuals, like yourself, with a deep connection to Menorca and who wish to preserve its precious environment. If you feel you can support our work in whichever way, please do reach out to us! www.menorcapreservation.org ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

OCTOBER 2023

TALAYOTIC MENORCA NOW A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

OCTOBER 2023

PHOTO COU RTESY O F X AVI M ARQU ES TRIAY

Talayotic Menorca was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 18th September during the 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee that took place in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The Talayotic monuments and their associated landscapes are now recognized as a legacy of humanity to be preserved for future generations “With this recognition Menorca once again occupies a prominent place worldwide. Menorca’s heritage is now recognised by UNESCO as a representative of universal values, as an example of authenticity and integrity. We are a benchmark for good management and conservation of natural heritage and archaeological. 30 years after the declaration of Menorca as a Biosphere Reserve, the island is, once again, an international protagonist. Few places in the world have this double recognition from UNESCO”, stated the president of the Consell Insular de Menorca, Adolfo Vilafranca. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Talayotic Menorca is considered a unique testimony of a prehistoric island culture, with an exceptional repertoire of monuments that illustrate the different stages of prehistory. The high density of prehistoric sites, their unusual level of conservation and the unique constructions of Menorca - the funerary naves, the circular houses and the taulas (tables), together with the talayots and other structures are considered by UNESCO to be an exceptional example of Cyclopean architecture and of its evolution over fifteen hundred years. It represents an important source of knowledge about the life of the Talayotic people The Award will be an important stimulus to disseminate knowledge of the prehistoric heritage of Menorca, which is not yet sufficiently known internationally. Also, it will help to attract new resources for the conservation and scientific research of the vestiges of the Talayotic culture

THE ROAD TO REACHING WORLD HERITAGE STATUS The first steps of the Talayotic Menorca candidacy were taken in 2009, when the Menorcan Institute of Studies proposed the idea to the Menorca Island Council outlining the procedures needed to achieve UNESCO recognition. In 2010, the Plenary Session of this institution unanimously approved the start of the process, and a year later, in 2011, the file began to be drafted In January 2013, Talayotic Menorca was registered on the Tentative List of the Ministry of Culture, and in 2015 it became Spain’s official candidate before UNESCO. In 2016, a first file was delivered to UNESCO, but ICOMOS

recommended that the document be redrafted and submitted in the next cycle, a criterion that was ratified at the 41st World Heritage Committee, held in Krakow in 2017. From that moment on, the process of reformulating the file began in accordance with the ICOMOS recommendations, the most notable of which referred to the need to introduce landscape aspects and create a specific body for the management of the assets. The new document was delivered to UNESCO in 2021, and the inscription had to be raised at the 2022 World Heritage Committee that was to meet in Kazan (Russia). However, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this meeting was cancelled. Finally, after a period of uncertainty, the 45th Committee was convened in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and it was at this meeting that Talayotic Menorca was inscribed on the World Heritage List. In this way, Talayotic monuments and their associated landscapes are recognized from today as a legacy of humanity that must be preserved for future generations.

MENORCA’S PREHISTORY - CATALOGUED INTO 9 AREAS Talayotic Menorca’s slogan is “A cyclopean island odyssey”. Talayotic Menorca is officially divided into nine territorial areas with 280 sites from the prehistoric age. The Talayotic Menorca timeline starts at around 1600 BC, up until the decline of Talayotic culture and the beginning of the island’s Romanisation in 123 BC. Ciutadella Naveta des Tudons, Torretrencada and Torrellafuda This is a place with an extremely high density of archeological sites with 36 sites recorded in an area of 440 ha. Naveta des Tudons is the most representative and best conserved monument of this type of burial constructions. There are also vestiges of two important settlements: Torrellafuda and Torretrencada. Southwest area Son Catlar, Son Saura This area illustrates settlement patterns and the prehistoric uses given to the land. It is also home to wetlands and coastal cliffs. There are 34 different archeological sites registered in the 546 ha area, including eight talayots.

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One of the most emblematic prehistoric sites is Son Catlar. Known for the spectacular wall that surrounds it, built in the Late Talayotic period, its towers evidence a process of Punic-Talayotic cultural hybridisation. With two entrances, Son Catlar has the largest taula enclosure known in Menorca. Western Migjorn area Son Mercer de Baix and Cova des Pas This area has exceptional interior cliffs and caves, used by its prehistoric inhabitants as burial grounds, spread among the ravines of Trebalúger and Son Fideu. Cova des Pas stands out among the 24 registered sites in this 107 ha area. Multiple material remains have been located here (some of them unique and exclusive to Menorca) which have been associated with collective burial rituals practiced between 1200 and 800 BC. Son Mercer de Baix is one of the best examples, with the Cova d’es Moro, the only registered dwelling naveta that has conserved its stone roof-cover. Central-south area of ravines Sant Agustí, Galliner de Madona and Prat de Son Bou This area extends between the Torrevella and Son Boter ravines, an area with extremely high geographical and biological diversity and examples of the traditional Menorcan agricultural ecosystem. It encompasses 40 burial caves of different typologies and periods. Among them, Cova de Coloms stands out, where excavations conducted at the beginning of the XX century provided large amounts of material from the Talayotic period, including the well-known bronze ox horns. There are 63 registered areas in a space of 667 ha. The main Talayotic settlements found here are Sant Agustí Vell, Torrenova d’en Jordi Marc, Santa Clara and Binicodrell de Baix. The most famous is the talayot de Ses Bigues de Mata of Sant Agustí, that still conserves its original 3.000 year old olive wood beams. Area between the ravines of Torrevella and Cala en Porter Torre d’en Galmés, Na Comerma de Sa Garita, Ses Roques Llises Presided over by the large village of Torre d’en Galmés, this whole area falls within the municipality of Alaior, between the ravine of Torrevella and the ravine of Cala en Porter. With 25 registered in an area of 632 ha, it is rich in archaeological sites, and its landscape has hardly been altered since prehistoric times. Torre d’en Galmés is the best-preserved prehistoric village in Menorca and, there is certainty that it was inhabited from the beginnings of the Naviform period (1600 BC) until medieval times. It is one of the great Talayotic villages with the best circular houses and three spectacular talayots, four hypogea, the best examples of the unique water culture associated with Talayotic culture and an exceptional taula enclosure. The megalithic burial mound of Ses Roques Llises is the best-preserved in the Balearic Islands and is the most important funeral element of this area.

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South-east area - Alaior Calescoves, Torralba d’en Salort, So na Caçana, Rafal Rubí This area unfolds from the mouth of the ravines that converge on Calescoves (Biniedrís and Son Domingo) onto the limestone plain. In this area of 502 ha, 57 archaeological sites have been registered, with four Talayotic villages and the remains of another five smaller settlements. Torralba d’en Salort is the best-preserved and most spectacular taula site on the island, it also boasts two circular talayots, a hypostyle hall, a unique circular cabin and an ensemble of artificial burial caves. The So Na Caçana site is an exceptional settlement. It is the only one known in all of Menorca with two taula enclosures. Calescoves, is the largest necropolis on the island with more than 90 artificial caves. South-east Area – Maó Talatí de Dalt, Torelló, Cornia Nou This is very near to Maó and 13 sites have been catalogued in an area of 104 ha. The largest settlement is Talatí, with its two talayots, a singular taula enclosure, and a unique taula with a toppled pilaster that rests against the lintel of the taula. This has become one of the icons of the island. The diverse circles, exclusive to Menorca, and the best-preserved representation of a paved space make this village unique. Trepucó prehistoric village The small area of less than 5 ha, contains the great Talayotic village of Trepucó in the zone of Maó-Es Castell. Trepucó was one of the most important settlements in Menorca, similar in extension to Torre d’en Galmés. Being almost 5 meters high, the Taula of Trepucó is the tallest and most spectacular in Menorca. The settlement is also intergrated by an interesting group of Talayotic circular houses. During the 19th century it was well known to local and travelling scholars. It was the first site to be excavated scientifically in modern times and opened up prehistoric Menorca to archeology. North-west area of Tamuntana Sa Torreta, Albufera des Grau, Illa d’en Colom This is an extraordinarily interesting place ecologically. There are 28 prehistoric sites registered in this area of 524 ha. Two Talayotic settlements (Sa Torreta de Tramuntana and Morellet) stand out, as well as the prehistoric copper mine of Sa Mitja Lluna in the Illa d’en Colom. Sa Mitja Lluna is currently the only prehistoric mine known in the Balearic Islands, and one of the few that have been conserved, with practically no man-made alterations, in southern Europe. Sa Torreta de Tramuntana is the referential Talayotic settlement in the north of the island. Reference: All information and photos courtesy of Menorca Talayotica https://www. menorcatalayotica.info/ UNESCO and the Consell Insular de Menorca CIME.

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OCTOBER 2023

THE KING’S CUP FOR CLASSIC YACHTS 2023 COPA DEL REY REPSOL DE BARCAS DE ÉPOCA 2023 By Chris Carrington

THE COUNTDOWN The 10 second warning comes over the radio and the skippers position their boats to make sure that they don’t cross the start line too early. The spectator excitement has been building for the past 10 minutes. 3, 2, 1 and the klaxon sounds. They’re off and all the boats in this particular racing class can now FURVV WKH VWDUW OLQH DQG SXVK KDUG IRU WKH ÀUVW marker buoy. The sails snap into place with ORXG FUDFNV DV WKH\ ÀOO ZLWK ZLQG Not all the skippers have followed the same route, however, and for a couple of minutes we have what looks like a game of maritime ‘chicken’, as the boats turn as tightly as possible to place themselves in the best position. Sometimes, only a few centimetres separate some of the competitors from each other and from the Regatta Committee boat, that forms one side of the start line. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

OCTOBER 2023 THE RACE IS ON The 50 entrants are divided into 5 racing classes, dependent on design, size and age. The most exciting racing, of course, is with the classes that have the most entrants, as there seem to be boats all around us, with their crews all taking slightly different strategies to make the most of the wind. As one of the boats turns hard, it heels over and the port side dips so low that it breaks the surface of the water. While most of the crew lean out on the starboard side, which is now up in the air, to counteract the force of the wind across the sails, it is the precarious job for one crew member to slide down the almost vertical, slippery deck, towards the sea, in order to adjust the rigging. There are no railings on these boats, so the only thing preventing him from falling into the sea, is the few centimetres of gunwale. The waves wash over his feet, as the hull cuts through the water and despite the fact that he is effectively standing up, his face is against the deck. These boats may not be as fast as more modern craft but the sights and sounds are no less exciting. The race is A to B, rather than a circuit and the navigator must ensure that all marker buoys are passed on the correct side. No names mentioned, but mistakes were made this year. The camaraderie within the team, however, means that everyone takes a share of the blame, albeit that the navigator has to accept being the butt of more than a few jokes, for the rest of the day! ROMANCE IN THE PORT OF MAHÓN The Kings’s Cup is the top regatta in Spain, for vintage and classic boats, and one of the most prestigious in the Mediterranean. For the second year, the Copa del Rey forms part of the Mediterranean Champions Cup. For the duration of the regatta, the port was buzzing with activity, both on the boats and in many of the local restaurants, which enjoyed an upturn in business at a time that would normally have been fairly quiet. In contrast to this buzz was the truly magnificent spectacle of 50 beautiful historic boats, lined up on the quay and the pontoon. Each race day, the quay would remain filled with the various sails and paraphernalia that had been removed from the boats in order to make deck space and to reduce the weight. What a dramatic juxtaposition we have with the boats from the 52 Super Series of just a few weeks before. For them the focus is on using the most modern materials, such as carbon fibre hulls, to lighten the boats and gain maximum speed. Speed is also clearly important for the classics – as that’s key to winning, after all – but there is so much more involved. As they say, ‘the Copa del Rey is much more than just a regatta’. Each crew member is riding on a piece of history. Many of these boats are over a hundred years old and have their own stories and associations with famous owners and passengers. One example is the cutter-rigged Bermudian yawl, Manitou, which was launched in 1937. During the following years, she enjoyed an impressive racing career and was even used as a surveillance vessel during the Second World War. In 1955, she was donated to the US Coast Guard, to be used as a training vessel, which continued until John F Kennedy, shortly after becoming President of the US, took a shine to Manitou. He had her kitted out with the most modern communication equipment, in order to use her as a floating presidential office. In fact, she was soon nicknamed ‘The Floating White House’. Although Manitou was never actually raced by JFK, she was used as the venue for hosting events for famous Hollywood stars. Rumour has it that the aft cabin bathtub was used by Marilyn Monroe. All the boats in the regatta, however, have their own stories and mysteries and seeing them lined up, one realises how lucky we are, in Menorca, to have the opportunity to get so close to this floating museum of sailing heritage!

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

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

OCTOBER 2023

MAINTAINING MARITIME HISTORY Just one of the many bonuses from having such an event as the Copa del Rey is that it provides a huge incentive to keep these beautiful old boats well-maintained, at considerable expense, so that they can continue to be raced and enjoyed. In fact, Manitou was in a terrible state when she was bought in 1999, by the greatgranddaughter of the original owner. She was then substantially renovated in order to restore her to her former, majestic glory. Three of the boats in the regatta, Mariska (1908), Viola (1908) and Hallowe’en (1926) were all designed by the same man, William Fife III. Fife described Hallowe’en as ‘… the perfect jewel’ and it is arguably one of the most attractive boats in its class. She competed in the 2nd Fastnet Race, in 1926 and finished some 10 hours ahead of the next competitor. Unfortunately, such success was not to be repeated in Menorca, this year, as she finished last in her class in each race. Interesting fact… of the 600 boats that William Fife designed, it is estimated that about a third of them are still sailing today. RACE RESULTS There were 50 boats, from 13 countries, competing across 5 classes. The results were decided after only 3 of the 4 planned race days, as the storms on the final day prevented the boats from going out.

CLASS

BOAT

YEAR

Big Boats Vintage Gaff Sail Vintage Bermudian Classic Spirit of Tradition

Mariska Spartan Comet Argos Lohengrin

1908 1913 1946 1964 1974

CONFESSION This is directed to Team Hallowe’en. It was me that hijacked the Bluetooth connection for your (very loud) speaker on the quayside. In my defence, however, your music was pretty rubbish and my ‘sax house’ seemed a lot more popular with the crew members that were dancing to it! My apologies, though. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

ALL PHOTOS : C HRIS C ARRI N GTON

The prizes were presented at the Club Maritimo de Mahón, although unfortunately, the King was not in attendance this year.

C L ASS I CSAILOR .COM

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

OCTOBER 2023

OUT AND ABOUT WITH JOHN

Keels and Pottery Wheels When I first became interested in sailing, I did what everybody does, I bought lots of magazines and read as many books on the subject as I could. Griff Rhys Jones has always been someone who could make me laugh. I knew he was a keen sailor as I had watched his TV series with Dara Ó Briain and Rory McGrath when they recreated Jerome K Jerome’s classic novel, Three Men in a Boat. It was the sequel Three Men in Another Boat (2010) that grabbed my attention. This followed the three of them sailing on Griff’s classic yacht Undina. What made this interesting for me was that neither Dara or Rory had sailed before and Griff set about teaching them to sail, eventually racing against Undina’s sister yacht. It is well worth a watch if only for the interaction of 3 obviously very intelligent men, 2 of which are well out of their comfort zone. By this time I was an RYA instructor and I was witness to many similar scenarios, where competent, professional people, are thrust into an alien environment where nature is in control. It was around this time that I became aware of an older book Griff had written in 2004, To the Baltic With Bob: An Epic Misadventure. At the time I had to search for it in paperback but now it is available on the Kindle. Griff and his friend ‘Bob’, then profoundly amateur sailors, take the newly acquired Undina to a regatta on the German/Danish border and then on to the Baltic. I thoroughly enjoyed the book described as ‘four long months of applied bickering in a vessel no bigger than a London taxi” As a sailing instructor on 5-day liveaboard courses I could relate to that. Fast forward a few years, and Griff came to Menorca to race his classic yacht Argyll in the Copa del Rey. This year we were able to enjoy the regatta as publishers of Roqueta for the first time. In anticipation and preparation, I started to re-read To the Baltic with Bob, while Liz read Griff’s autobiography Semi-Detached. However, this year there was no Griff to be seen. Racing was cancelled on the last day, and we visited the prize giving on the roof of the Club Maritimo. It looked like some of the crews had taken the opportunity to relax and have a few libations(hic), and doing the splits soon became part of the celebration process. A test that at least one pair of sailing trousers failed in the execution. Prizes were given and photos taken, and the crew of Argyll collected a couple of awards. We headed over to speak to them to find out what they had won. It turned out they didn’t know themselves and had sent a photo to Griff for his opinion. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

OCTOBER 2023

After some chat about their performance in the race and about Griff, and his house on the island, I asked for the name of the crew member who had been so amiable. “Baines” was the reply. “Not Baines from to the Baltic with Bob” came my rather gushing response. “That was a long time ago and a very enjoyable trip, we never stopped laughing” said Baines himself. So, on the very day I had read how Griff had met up with his new crew member 20 years ago, I met up with him myself. How weird is that! I was made up and even more starstruck when Baines sat next to us at the Creperie in Mahon. I turned into a teenager. After rally driving and sailing another pastime involving a wheel I have always wanted to try is ceramics. I have been an avid watcher of Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throwdown. You know the one where the expert Keith starts crying when a contestant throws a particularly perfect pot. Anyway, last winter, the search for a course in Menorca was on. Nothing was to be found in the Mao area to my liking and I was feeling a little low when I saw an advert for a course in Ferreries. We used to live in Calan Blanes, just north of Ciutadella, and I used to drive to Mahon every day, for 5 years. So Ferreries was nothing. After a brief Whatsapp to Marc, the guy running the course, I enrolled and every Wednesday at 7pm I would drive to his studio (25 mins max). The course was very hands on and conducted in Castellano, so it was a double whammy, ceramics and a Spanish course in one. If you have done any pottery you will know how relaxing and satisfying it is. At this point I should mention that at no time did I see (or feel) Patrick Swayze when at the wheel. The bowls I made and decorated now adorn my home, useful for keys, spare change, pens and business cards. I have just enrolled for a second year starting in October and Liz can’t wait! Contact: Marc Marcet Cerámica, Tel: 636 82 70 75 https://marcmarcetceramica.com/ Reading about tigers in the Big Interview this month prompted me to get my own Tiger out of hibernation – more on this in the next issue. Ciao for now!

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

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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OCTOBER 2023

MENORCAN HERB CULTURE OLD AND NEW A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

By Marc Moll

Aromatic herb cultivation has increased on Menorcan farms in recent years. As summers get hotter and longer, herbs are becoming a popular alternative to producing pasture crops such as ryegrass that require a lot of water. Some people plant them around their homes as decoration whilst others use them for food or medicine. ‘Camamil.la de Menorca’ Santolina magonica, ‘cotton lavender’ or ‘lavendercotton’ is known for its anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Thus, it has been used for many years; as a tea to aid digestion and calm the nerves; to treat conjunctivitis, to heal wounds, as an ointment for muscle pain relief, or to make soap and incense. This plant is only found in Menorca and Mallorca and is therefore in high commercial demand. Other herbs, such as ‘siempreviva’ Helichrysum italicum, or the curry plant in English, have long been grown in France, but only recently arrived on our island. This herb is used in cosmetics to repair varicose veins, bruising and scarring, and to soothe acne. However, there are some caveats to growing herbs in Menorca when compared to other countries with up-and-running production. One of these is our lack of practice and unfamiliarity with these new crops.

Local aromatic herbs are naturally adapted to flower in June before the dry season. Then the plant falls dormant to conserve water during the hottest months. By continuing to water throughout the summer we interfere with the plant’s natural cycle of self-preservation. Take, for example, English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia: these species are often grown alongside other plants and are all watered via the drip system. Overwatering them rots the roots, lets in fungal infections and kills the plant. Large numbers die in this way and so this culture is not yet profitable. They also have specific pruning requirements. Thus, learning to manage these foreign species is a long process of experimenting with the best combinations of soil type, microclimate and care. Native Spanish lavender, Lavandula stoechas, doesn’t have this trouble as it grows in the wild here unaided. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Another problem is satisfying all the legal requirements to produce herbs for cosmetic use. For example, to make soaps, essential oils and herbal extracts, farmers must have each plant vetted by agronomists and also work in aseptic clean rooms. While a couple of farmers are nearly there, for the rest, it’s hard to establish the business when production isn’t yet high enough to fund the infrastructure. Despite the setbacks, there is a growing interest in producing herbs for skincare here. Son Rafel in Ferreries has the largest curry plant farm in Menorca. This species grows in Ibiza and Corsica but is new to our island. They make the famous essential oil that is claimed to rejuvenate our skin. It’s known as “everlasting” in English or “immortel” in French. However, due to the legalities mentioned above, the net product is currently exported to Paris to make high-end cosmetic products. It is currently somewhat easier to legalise herbs for teas and spices in foods. Chamomile, lemon verbena, rosemary, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, and mint, to name a few, are used in restaurants as seasoning, in biscuits, sponges, or in drinks. The aforementioned ‘camamil.la de Menorca’ is referred to as ‘Menorcan Gold’. It is the symbolic, cure-all herb that represents our island.

OCTOBER 2023

Marc Moll Marques was born in Ciutadella de Menorca. He is an environmental education guide, ethnobotanist, phytotherapist, floral therapist and forestry specialist. He has been teaching medicinal plant workshops in Menorca for many years and provides advice on gardening with native plants. He also advises on the cultivation of aromatic-medicinal plants native to Menorca for different farms on the island. Marc is the author of two books; “The names and uses of the plants of Menorca” (2005) and “Menorcan popular medicine” (2003). He has also written four folklore notebooks on Menorcan ethnobotany 2010-2012.

Locally plants that grow in the wild and are used in medicine are: chamomile, rosemary, everlasting, French lavender, common myrtle, sea fennel, sea wormwood, fennel, St John’s wort and pennyroyal. Introduced medicinal herbs that thrive in Menorca are: lemon verbena, sage, citronella, lemon balm, English lavender, thyme, oregano, peppermint and the curry plant. It will be a good thing to make health and food products from Menorcan herbs, more so if we choose local, sustainable plants that need little water and are adapted to our soils and climate. One of these is the wild olive, Olea europaea whose leaves when infused as tea are useful as a cleaner and to boost the immune system. This can be ordered from Camomil.la shop in Ciutadella or by contacting me on my Instagram account @plantasmenorca. Sea fennel is another promising plant because it has a lot of vitamin C and minerals. Due to the dedicated care and love required to reap such a good product, many of the farms growing herbs are certified organic - which further guarantees the quality of their product. Let’s hope that in the next few years growers can meet the legal requirements to market the new teas, spices, salts and soaps Menorcan farmers have to offer. Marc Moll Herbalist and ethnobotanist @plantasmenorca ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

GRAPEVINE

OCTOBER 2023

GRAPEVINE

STEPHEN & DIANE CALPIN SA BOTIGA SON VILAR Sausage rolls, cornish pasties, scotch eggs, Victoria sponge and lemon curd tarts… now I’ve got your attention! Until recently the only way we could satisfy our very British cravings was to buy frozen imported pies and pastries at great cost to ourselves and our carbon footprint. Now, thanks to Steve and Di Caplin, we can buy all these mouth-watering treats and more, baked fresh every day, from Sa Botiga in Son Vilar. Di gets up 3am and Steve one hour later, 6 days a week, to ensure that their shop counter is full of these delights by 8am every morning. The shop closes at 3pm and they are back in bed by 8pm. The bakery has been open since March 2021 and it has quickly built up a loyal customer base of all nationalities, including locals, French and Spanish. Located alongside the GALP petrol station (currently closed) on the road to Es Castell, it caters for the guests from the nearby Hotel Son Vilar which does not offer any catering options for breakfast. They also have footfall from the Hotel Del Almirante (Collingwood House) less than 400m away. The Cats In Need charity shop and local pharmacy also bring more visitors but many come especially for the pies and cakes. There are chairs and tables outside which are occupied by local workers most days. Steve and Di are well known in Es Castell as they ran the Delfin Bar from 2014 until 2020. The bar was very successful and open all year round with the busiest months being May/June and September/ October. Steve told me that they noticed the first downturn in customers when the direct Monarch flight from the UK was cancelled. Of course, COVID followed soon after and the bar was forced to close. Steve says “We had rent to pay and no income at all and we did not qualify for any government help. We had one insurance policy for the bar which paid out 3000 Euros. Even when the first lockdown ended, we were only allowed a 30% capacity which meant it was not economically viable to open. Like many people we had to find a new source of income, and quick. We set up a Whatsapp Group for all our customers and friends offering a different menu each week, which we would deliver to their door. Some days we delivered as far away as Binibeca, Calan Porter and Alaior. In winter 2020 we walked past this shop and saw a sign for rent on the shutters. We opened one month later. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

GRAPEVINE

OCTOBER 2023

“In Bar Delfin most of our customers were British but now we have customers of all nationalities and it is helping to improve our language skills. We are introducing Menorcan and Spanish customers to scotch Eggs and bakewell tarts and they are coming back for more. A lady from the pharmacy buys a wide selection of pastries and cakes most weeks, taking them home to create a spread for her family and friends.” Di told me that the best seller is normally the Cornish pasties. However, each day she may bake a different selection of savoury pastries and cakes, depending on her mood. Carrot cake, coffee and chocolate cakes and Victoria sponges can be ordered in advance but she does not ice them or produce speciality birthday cakes. Local restaurants have regular orders and so if you find a carrot cake on the menu in Calas Fonts ask if it is one of Di’s. At Christmas time Di will be making mince pies, small Christmas cakes and Turkey and Stuffing pies. “Last year we were asked to run a stall at the Bar Pons Christmas Fair in Calan Porter. We made as much as we thought would sell between 10am and 1pm. We were completely sold out by 11:15am!!! This year we will have to increase our bake.” Carrying on from his days at the Delfin Bar and then at the Boomerang, Steve runs a popular general knowledge quiz every Tuesday night at 8pm in Es Castell. It is now held at Cafeteria Granja run by Tony and Incana on Carrer Sant Josep, the main road down to Calas Fonts. There are 30 questions, and the prize is a bottle of house wine. My sister called me recently to say she had just heard a Steve from a bakery in Es Castell on BBC Radio 2. It was his birthday and he had chosen 3 of the songs that he remembered playing on the juke box in his local pub 40 years ago. “Yes, I listen to the radio a lot. I have it playing from 4am in the morning until I close the shop. There are not many listeners at 4am and once Nicki Chapman chatted to me for about 5 minutes, asking all about the bakery. I have quite a good musical knowledge but unfortunately you cannot enter the BBC music competitions unless you are a UK resident.” Steve and Di are both from York. Steve says “When we met, we found out that our grandparents had both lived in the same street and they were both lock keepers! We both worked in horticulture in the UK. I worked for different companies including 14 years at Johnson’s of Whixley, a large wholesale nursery supplier between York and Harrogate. Di worked for 16 years for the Ministry of Agriculture at Stockbridge farm in Cawood, where they trialled new varieties of vegetables and fruit. Together we opened a plant nursery in Cawood near York which we ran for 10 years. We had a café at the nursery and that was where our catering experience began.” Steve and Di first came to Menorca on holiday to Calan Forcat with their son in 2003. They hired a car and discovered the Es Castell area and the east end of the island, where they spent many more holidays. It was while on holiday in 2013 that they saw that Bar Delfin was for rent and they decided to sell up in the UK. “We moved to Menorca with our 21-year-old son and my mother” Di told me. “The flights for the four of us were £248 in total but we also had to bring 3 dogs and a cat which cost a further £2500! I asked them if they have a favourite place in Menorca. Di told me “We have always said that if we won the lottery we would buy a house in Sa Farola, a tiny cove with a lighthouse, just north of Ciutadella harbour which we discovered on one of our holidays. Closer to home we love Cala San Esteban as it is so quiet and tranquil. We treat ourselves to one night out on a Saturday and we enjoy sitting in Latitude 40 enjoying a drink and people watching before deciding where to go for dinner.” Steve and Di deserve to win the lottery for all their dedication to bring the pastries we love to Menorca. Sa Botiga, Plaça Horitzó, 6, 07720 Son Vilar, Illes Balears Rel 602 48 89 69 Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 3pm. Order in advance or get there early to secure the pastry of choice!! ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

WELLBEING

OCTOBER 2023

NUTRITION AND FITNESS WITH TOM AND JESS

LESS STRESS, BETTER SLEEP AND IMPROVED MOOD, ALL FROM A FEW BREATHS We’ve all had periods of stress in our lives, and if you’re reading this article, Menorca is likely to be as much of a ‘de-stressing’ remedy for you, as it is for me. Everyone’s different. My unwinding strategy is to enjoy a walk and take in some of the beautiful views this island has to offer, especially now it’s a little fresher. Whether it’s a walk through the pine trees or a coastal walk smelling the salty air, unplugging, and walking, with a flask of breakfast tea and one of Jess’s healthy snacks is my go-to strategy to re-appreciate what I have. For others, a G&T at Cales Fonts may be more up your street, as a way of unwinding. However, anxiety can raise its head occasionally, so it is excellent, and vital, to have a remedy in your back pocket if you ever need it where a walk might not be available time-wise, or when a G&T isn’t the most restorative strategy long-term. Here’s the quickest proven way to reset from anxious to calm. It is also a way to heighten your mood, dating back to the 1930s. I’m about to share two different versions. Version 2 can improve your sleep! It can also increase recovery from exercise/workouts/life, giving an even quicker path to weight loss and improved health. However, version 1 takes just 10 - 30 seconds to do, which starts the calming process. Both versions need no equipment, and they are free to do. Here is how to do them, but don’t under value the simplicity. Beauty is often found in simplicity. Introducing you to a breathing technique called the ‘physiological sigh’. Version 1: Take 1 to 3 breaths. • Can be done anywhere • Inhale slowly into the belly area (preferably through the nose). • Once you feel that your lungs are expanded, inhale again for a second time to maximally fill your lungs (so one large inhale initially and then a second smaller top-up ‘sip’ inhale) • Slowly fully exhale your breath (preferably through the mouth with a sigh). Exhale for a longer count than the inhale. • Repeat this pattern for 1 to 3 breaths. Version 2: Takes 5 Minutes

Tips Ideally, both inhales would be performed through your nose, and the exhale would be conducted via your mouth. However, if you are obstructed for some reason, then do what you can. The exhale can be like a big slow sigh and focus on maintaining good posture while relaxing. If you are in a place where sighing is uncomfortable, the exhale can be through pursed lips, like breathing out through a straw. Remember that it is normal for the second inhale to be briefer than the first, sometimes very brief indeed. For best results, do this daily once or a few times a day. Remember, you breathe anyway, so why not make things more intentional, knowing the benefits you can get. Before sleeping is an excellent time for many. In essence, this technique helps to oxygenate the system and clear carbon dioxide. If you try this consistently for consecutive days, please let me know how you feel aferwards. Enjoy.

• Sit down in a chair, or, if you prefer, lie down, and set a timer for 5 minutes.

Tom

• Look to be away from any distractions for these 5 minutes.

PS If you resonate with this, you’ll find more helpful tips in our FREE weekly newsletter. Join here: https://www. jessntom.com/newsletter

• Inhale slowly into the belly area (preferably through the nose). • Once you feel your lungs are expanded, then inhale again for a second time to maximally fill your lungs (so one large inhale initially and then a second smaller top-up ‘sip’ inhale) • Slowly fully exhale your breath (preferably through the mouth with a sigh). Exhale for a longer count than the inhale.

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• Repeat this pattern of breathing for 5 minutes.

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

WELLBEING

OCTOBER 2023

4 NUTRITIONAL TIPS FOR HAPPIER MENTAL HEALTH The relationship between what we eat and our mood is bidirectional - meaning what we eat affects our mood, and our mood affects what we eat. You only need to watch a child shortly after eating sweets or drinking pure fruit juice to see how strongly nutrition can influence behaviour! Queue, hello, hyper child! When we’re in a positive mental health space, we make our most positive nutrition and lifestyle choices, and when we are overwhelmed, anxious, tired, or experiencing other less uplifting emotions, we gravitate towards immediate pick-me-ups, caffeine, sugar, quick energy, designed to make us feel uplifted in the short-term, but aren’t necessarily designed to nourish our bodies and our minds in the long run. Our bodies are hardwired to go into immediate preservation mode. If we weren’t such emotional beings, we’d all eat in a very different way. We’d fuel our bodies with the building blocks we know make us thrive, and anything else wouldn’t have a place on our plate. But we are emotional beings, and so knowing our bodies and our triggers can be helpful. Our food literally becomes part of us; when we eat protein-containing foods, the amino acids become part of our muscles, neurotransmitters and our immune system. This will not only affect our body composition, how quickly we recover from exercise or how we think, but it will also affect how quickly we will recover from a bout of illness or whether we get ill in the first place. Over time, we have become more disconnected from how we feel and nourish our bodies. Feeling bloated after eating, waking up feeling not refreshed or experiencing a lull in energy in the afternoon has become the norm. Our relationship with food has a strong emotional component. We wind down a stressful day with wine or chocolate and wake up the day with caffeine to keep us going. A nutrition-rich bowl of vegetables or an adrenal-nourishing cup of herbal tea are seldom the go-to choice, instead, if we’re feeling tired and sluggish, sugar and caffeine tend to be the go-to. This approach gives us a needed surge in energy/emotional SOS, but this is short-lived and shortly after, we tend to experience a crash and our mood is impacted. 1. Stabilise blood sugar levels.

• Add spinach and frozen peas to your breakfast smoothie. It doesn’t alter the taste, but it sure will up the greens to an otherwise fruity breakfast. • Finely dice courgette and carrot into your bolognaise sauce. • Cut up cucumber, celery and sugar snap peas and keep them in a tupperware dish in some water for an easy snacking option. 3. Look at your gut. Our gut plays a significant role in our brain and mood. You may have heard of our gut being referred to as our ‘second brain’; this is because our gut has its very own nervous system, called the enteric nervous system, which allows signals to be transmitted between the brain and the gut and vice versa.

When our blood glucose levels are regulated, our mood is much more regulated. When it’s dysregulated, our minds can feel cloudy, our concentration shortlived, and our energy can be all over the place, typically spiking after an influx of processed carbohydrates and crashing shortly afterwards. We can do three things nutritionally to keep our energy balanced, and that is to ensure our meals and snacks include protein, fat and or fibre.

Our gut bacteria can influence the communication between our gut and the brain, and research has shown that certain gut bacteria can produce their own neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that transmit messages in our brain. Many of these are made in the gut, including GABA which is a ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter. For this reason, our gut health directly influences the way we feel.

These nutrients will give the body a slower release of energy, so you’re much more in control of your actions. Complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice, quinoa and sweet potato) vs more refined carbohydrates such as white rice, flour, and cakes and biscuits will also wreak havoc with your blood sugar levels less; plus, they contain more B-vitamins and nutrients, which will help to add to your energy vs utilise energy processing the food.

Essential fats, especially omega 3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and can help to improve cognitive health and prevent depression and anxiety. You can find essential fats in all sorts of foods, from avocados, nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and their oils, but the richest source of brain-supportive EPA and DHA are found in oily fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon. If having oily fish a couple of times a week isn’t feasible, you may like to supplement with a high-quality fish oil capsule or liquid fish oil or an algae oil.

2. Add more veg to your meals. Upping your intake of vegetables, especially non-root vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli, can help you get off the sugar rollercoaster by helping to re-train your taste buds to preferentially enjoy more savoury foods over refined foods and reduce overall sugar cravings. The fibre and B vitamins naturally present in vegetables, particularly of the green kind, can help support steadier energy levels and a healthier gut, so there are so many health benefits to making vegetables a priority. Change how you plate up your meals and build the meal around the veggies rather than the protein or carbohydrate part. If you aim for half of your plate to be filled with vegetables, you will be doing amazingly. If this change is too extreme from your current way of eating, start slow, aim for a quarter at first, and slowly work your way up.

4. Include essential fats.

I hope the above article has given you some clarity and inspiration regarding boosting your mental health and happiness. Even if it’s upping your green veggies one meal a week or ensuring your snacks have protein or essential fats in them, pick the tip that feels most relevant and available to you. Now that our two girls are at nursery/pre-school and I am back into work mode again, I’m going to be running an online group-based nutrition programme before Christmas to help people get on top of their sugar cravings, give them more energy and overall reset their health. If you’d like to find out when we’re running this, sign up to our newsletter, and you’ll be the first to know so you can join in: https://www.jessntom.com/newsletter Have a great month,

Here are some simple veg-boosting tips: • If you’re having a BBQ, grate some carrots, finely slice some cabbage and mix in some natural yoghurt and lemon juice, and you have yourself an easy coleslaw. Season with black pepper and salt, and voila. So simple.

Jess Nutrition Support - Personal Training - Yoga - Island Hikes - Cooking Workshops www.jessntom.com

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LOCAL NEWS

CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS LADIES PROBUS

OCTOBER 2023

NEWS

The September ladies Probus lunch was held at the Green Garden in Punta Prima. The meal was lovely as usual and after shared starters the main course was sea bass,lamb chops, chicken and vegetable paella. There was ice-cream and coffee to finish. A petition for saving Los Bucaneros beach bar in Binibeca was sent round the tables. Also a raffle was organised by Sandra and there were eight lucky winners.The raffle helps to raise funds for the club and charity donations. Susan Johnson organised a quiz which was well received. A good afternoon was enjoyed by all who attended.

ANNI’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BOX APPEAL

Brief History of Probus The Probus movement was established by Rotary Clubs and was formed in 1966 in Caterham. The name is an acronym for Pro(fessional) and Bus(iness). Today there are over 3,000,000 members in over 4,000 Probus Clubs worldwide. In the United Kingdom, there are about 1,000,000 members. The Ladies Probus Club in Menorca was founded in 2002 with an original membership of nine. We are lucky enough to still have some of those original members. The Club has grown over the years, keeping to a maximum of fifty members. Our aims and objectives are to promote friendship and social contact amongst retired and partially retired business and professional English speaking ladies, by meeting on a regular basis and engaging in other activities and functions of interest to the members. If you would like to join, please contact probusmenorca@gmail.com

LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB Our September lunch was held at the Casino in San Climent. It was quite well attended (in view of the heat) and the room was airy. We had a good mixture of starters to share, croquettes, fresh tuna salad and baby squid, there was some confusion about the cod “au gratin” on the second course which was in fact black aioli rather than cheese, but everyone seemed content; we didn’t have a speaker and Jane Wolstenholme our president, started off with jokes and anecdotes and members soon joined in. Some sad news, Gerry Dogget one of our members who used to be in the Met police force in London, has died. RIP Gerry. Contact: ladiesluncheonclubofmenorca@hotmail.com

Hi everyone, my thoughts have now turned to Christmas, one of my favorite times of the year. However I do feel that many families on the Island, are continuing to really struggle in the current financial crisis. The food banks + financial aspects are well covered here, they also have a small toy scheme for the worst affected families provided by kind benefactors. So my idea is to ask you to fill a shoebox/small box/Christmas bag, or two, with goodies. This is something I have organised for the last few years + the response from you kind hearted islanders has been amazing!! Most families have no transport and will have to collect the boxes when they receive their Christmas supplies at the food bank. So fill them with treats for the family, nuts, dates, bon bons, turron, traditional Xmas sweets, biscuits, chocolate, small toys, etc, plus a little something for mum.....cosmetics, perfume, face cream, nice scarf etc, it does not have to be big or expensive. All these items are not available to the low income families, are considered as a luxury and so will bring so much happiness. I am sure there are many of you, who like me, experienced very meager Christmas times as youngsters due to lack of money. Can you imagine, back then, the delight of a stranger handing your family a box full of fabulous things!!! I also find part of the pleasure is actually finding nice things to put in them, and thinking of the happy faces as they are opened. If you wanted to add a little message inside, that would be lovely and boxes with a bit of decoration would be fabulous. Perhaps your children would like to part of it and create some works of art. I also need them to be to be securely tied, with ribbon or string. If you are not in a position to fill a container, then perhaps a donation?? I then use the funds to buy items and create more boxes on your behalf. I hope that you all think this is a worthy cause and will help me make it happen. Let’s share the love It will be of great assistance to me, to know if you wish to participate. I can be contacted nigel.gooch@btinternet.com. As numbers come in I will start to look at collection points etc, but we do have quite a bit of time. Anyone wishing to help me with the logistics, would be very welcome. The boxes will actually be handed out, at the 3 day food bank commencing in December. Thanking you in advance Anni G xx

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LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

CANCER SUPPORT IN MENORCA Late Summer Concert Saturday September 2nd marked the date of our one-night only late summer concert at the Aero Club. All raffle proceeds on the night were donated to the oncology department at Mateu Orfila Hospital and we were delighted to be joined on the night by Dra Pilar Diaz, a senior member of the oncology team. Many of the choir and their families have been affected by cancer, hence the decision to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. A capacity audience very generously helped raise €2000 on the night, a fantastic amount which will be used by the oncology department to purchase a vital piece of equipment. Members of the committee went along to the department to meet Pilar and the team to offer the funds for this purpose, which were warmly accepted. The evening included popular songs from the choir and in the interval we were entertained by individual members of the choir - Lynn and Jan reciting their ditty ‘Cheap Flights’, our President, Peter, and Lynn looking ahead (very much) to their dotage, with a rendition of the Beatles’ song ‘When I’m 64’, amusingly adding on 20 years to ‘When I’m 84’. Tony Almond recited the hilarious soliloquy ‘Albert and the Lion’ a la Stanley Holloway and Paz played a beautiful classical guitar piece. Richard Guyatt sang some popular songs, Amy Swift sang along with Paz and also treated us to a beautiful self-written song, plus Colin Cort who had the whole audience in his hands, joining in with ‘House of the Rising Sun’. A fun evening was had by all. Christmas Concerts Our Christmas concerts will be held on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December and we would love to welcome everyone to a fun-filled evening of Christmas songs and Carols to help you get into the Christmas spirit. Practices are held on Tuesdays at 4pm and Fridays at 10.30am at the Aero Club. Maybe you’d like to join us .. come to our practices, enjoy a drink at the bar, listen to a bunch of like-minded souls who love to sing and entertain you. Concert tickets will be available nearer the date... please ask a member of the choir or pop into the Aero Club. Elaine Martin Secretary Mob: 0044 7855 325894 Email: elaine.martin2265@gmail.com

My Last Wishes None of us want to think of our own demise, but however painful and unnatural death is, sadly it is inevitable. Sometimes we get a chance to prepare for our death, other times it can take us all of a sudden and we can’t even say goodbye to our loved ones. Because of this it is so important to do everything we can to leave our affairs in order so that those having to organise matters know what our wishes are. While there are obviously legal documents such as will and a living will that are vital, these don’t cover every aspect and detail of what needs to be done. For some years now we have had an EOL (End of Life) document available for patients, this was useful to put down in writing their wishes and to ensure that all bases were covered. But this document was not always enough, so for over two years now we have been putting together a book which could be used to leave a record of all the little things, and big things that will help make it easier for those we leave behind. It includes sections such as who we want to be informed of our death, who we would like to be at our funeral or memorial service, log in information for our social media accounts, etc.

Photos courtesy of Chris Carrington

This book was the brainchild of our founder and friend Krista Hyer, she worked alongside Jackie Codd from Age Concern Mallorca to get this project started, it was then taken over by her successor Bronwen and others from the CSG Mallorca team. Members of the Committee handing over the raffle donation to Dra Pilar Diaz and the oncology team at Mateu Orfila

President, Peter Edgar, Shelley our Treasurer, Dra Pilar Diaz and our Choir Leader, Lynn

We are now proud to present to you My Last Wishes. The book is available for free to all Cancer Support patients and available to everyone for a small donation. You will be able to find it on our stalls when we take part in different events or you can contact us to arrange a collection. We hope that this book can help everyone to leave their affairs in order, taking some of the pressure off those who have been left behind. Contact: info@cancersupportmallorca.com

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LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

AGE CONCERN MENORCA DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

when the equipment is returned, and you get your deposit back. You can collect from us or we can deliver anywhere on the island. Loans for up to 3 months.)

CHRISTMAS FAIR: BAR PONS SUNDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 10.00AM UNTIL 1.00PM

Both our weekly ‘drop-in’ sessions are up and running. Every Monday from 11-12.30 at the Jubilado Centre on the Esplanada in Es Castell and every Tuesday from 10.00 – 12.00 at Bar Pons, Cala en Porter. Just come along and make new friends or meet current ones. The Tuesday ‘drop-in’ has been running for many years and is well supported. The Monday club, at Es Castell, is going from strength to strength thanks to Roy and Elaine.

We are holding our joint fair with the Red Cross again this year in Bar Pons, Cala en Porter. We try and organise a huge Tombola Stall for the day. We welcome donations of gifts and bottles, which can be left at the shop or handed in at one of our lunches, please.

SOCIAL EVENTS September saw a welcome return to our Age Concern lunches. There was a tremendous turnout at Bar Pons. As you can see from the photographs, lunch was actively enjoyed.

Keep your eyes open for more news, visit our website or Facebook page, email us for the latest information or just ‘drop-in’ on a Monday or Tuesday. Our membership numbers are very healthy. Membership not only means you are supporting us but also entitles you to discounts at all our social events. Please contact our Membership Secretary, Shelley, if you would like to support our work by donating 12€ a year and becoming a Friend of Age Concern. You can pay at the shop, at our lunches, or by bank transfer via our website Thank you all for your continued support through donations, purchases, membership or as a volunteer. We couldn’t do any of this without you!

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

RETURN OF THE FAMOUS FISH AND CHIPS AT BAR PONS We hold a fish and chip lunch at Bar Pons, Cala en Porter, on the first Thursday of every month. Our second monthly lunch, held on the third Thursday of every month is at Ca´n Avelino 23 in Mahon. Our dates for October are: Bar Pons, Thursday 5th October - 1.00pm for 1.30pm. Telephone Sandy on 650 729 430 Ca’n Avelino 23, Thursday 19th October - 1.00pm for 1.30pm. Telephone Chris on 669 949 370

Advance notice – keep an eye out for further information We are holding our Christmas Lunch at Bar Pons in early December

Membership Lifeline:

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

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

Menorca@Ageconcern.org.es 636 347 286

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT! OTHER NEWS The Shop is still very busy and really well stocked. Thank you for your donations and custom! A very big thank you also to all our volunteers who work so hard at making our shop such a welcoming centre to visit. We are still in need of more volunteers. Even if you are only available one morning a month, or during only a few weeks every year, we’d love to hear from you. We’re really pleased to have gained some excellent new volunteers over the past few months. Watch out for Lee, our Shop Manager, putting his regular Shop Video Tour on Facebook, under Age Concern Menorca 2015 Our Lifeline service, offering confidential help to those in need and consisting of a team of volunteers led by Carol is still very busy supporting individuals in different ways. We help people of all nationalities and often act as a vital bridge between them and the local social services. If anyone you know, needs our help, please get in touch. If you would like to join our Lifeline team, please contact Carol. The medical equipment short-term loan service is also still busy. Please make an appointment with Jan (essential!) if you need a wheelchair, crutches, walking frame etc. (Deposit required. No rental fee but we do ask for a donation D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

MENORCA CRICKET CLUB

OCTOBER 2023

Four touring teams came to play at the Menorca Cricket Club (MCC) in September. First were the Treptower Knockers, a team based in Berlin with a mixture of British and entertaining Australians who kept the banter flowing. MCC triumphed on both days with Julian Hagger hitting 116 on the Saturday. Next up were the Bolas Doradas captained by Ben Greig from Bambu. The team is now a mixture of 2 generations of families that have been holidaying in Menorca for many years (see page….) The youngsters suffered on the first day after a visit to Mahon Fiesta but recovered on the Sunday to win a close match by only 10 runs. Charlie Evans hit 139 runs and W.Johnson took 3-43. Adam Lavin from MCC scored 111 runs but it was not enough for a victory. On 16th September the Glade Wanderers arrived from NE Hampshire. They are a family team with Mike O’Connor and his brother-in-law Chris Holmes acting as joint captains. Mike’s mum has a house in Binisafua. Charlie Morrison is in charge of food and beverages and Matthew Hall logistics. This year Mike’s son George was playing, the first professional to play in the team. Dave Arkell, their star player suffered an injury on Sunday and had to sit it out. Again, it was very close with Glade Wanderers winning by small margins both days. Top scorers over the 2 days were Julian Hagger 58, Markus Dow 53, Mike O’Conner 52 and Alex Morrison 50. Despite good bowling figures by L Kasan and William Johnson the visitors reached 217/10 on Sunday. Alex Morrison took 5 for 28 for the visitors with MCC finishing 196/7 in 35 Overs. When Constantine CC/Trengilly Wartha arrived on 23rd September it was a different story with the team from Falmouth in Cornwall (in Orange), victorious with high scores on both days. Scott Kellow made 112 and Graham Griffiths 95 on the Saturday. Breaking News: the new electronic scoreboard has arrived waiting to be installed. For further details see https://www.menorcacricketclub.com/ and the Facebook Page You can also access the new Play Cricket site containing fixtures, results and statistics by clicking on https://menorca.play-cricket.com/home. Matches can be watched live from the comfort of your own home. FIXTURES OCTOBER / NOV MATCH DAY 12:30PM START 06/10/2023 BINSTEAD VS ARUNDEL 07/10/2023 RAMPSIDE VILLAGE 08/10/2023 RAMPSIDE VILLAGE 09/10/2023 SENIORS TOURNAMENT (GAMES TBC) 10/10/2023 SENIORS TOURNAMENT (GAMES TBC) 11/10/2023 SENIORS TOURNAMENT (GAMES TBC) 12/10/2023 SENIORS TOURNAMENT (GAMES TBC) 13/10/2023 SENIORS TOURNAMENT (GAMES TBC) 14/10/2023 TOURING CAVALIERS 15/10/2023 TOURING CAVALIERS 21/10/2023 ROMANY CC 21/10/2023 ROMANY CC 28/10/2023 ZAMBUCA TIGERS 29/10/2023 ZAMBUCA TIGERS 04/11/2023 BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL 05/11/2023 BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL

MENORCA RUGBY CLUB Menorca Rugby has great anticipation for the start of the season 23/24. Training has commenced with determination among the teams in all categories. Fitness training began with beach rugby sessions during August and September and will progress to the newly cultivated grass Pitch at the Mahon Polígono next week. Training sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays and the club has around 100 players. We invite anyone to come and try! For more information contact Fonso via WhatsApp +34 635 818 080

In April the boys team travelled to France invited by the Association Aviron Bayonnais Rugby and the Aviron Bayonnais Ecole de Rugby, to enjoy three full days of rugby, and enjoy a Top14 match between Aviron Bayonnais and Montpellier Herault Rugby.

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LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 2023 In September, Simon Rees came to speak to the Arts Society on “Carmen in Seville. He started with an introduction to the writing of the words and music and its first performance at the Opéra Comique in Paris. Expecting a comedy, the audience was dismayed by the ending and it was not a success. Bizet died shortly afterwards at the age of 35 thinking he was a failure. After his death the Opera went on to international acclaim and has since been the saviour of many an opera house. Simon then took us on a journey through the streets of Seville to visit the back drops to Bizet’s opera and along the way we listened to music from each Act. We started at The Royal Tobacco Factory (once a government building and royal monopoly and now the University) and saw the fountain where Carmen and her fellow factory workers would have taken their cigarette breaks. We ended at the Bull Ring to discover where the final fight scene might have taken place and Carmen (spoiler) throws herself onto the knife of Don Jose. From 1989 to 2012 Simon Rees was at the Welsh National Opera in Cardiff serving as a Dramaturg: an expert in the study of plays, opera and musicals. It was his job to provide the cast and crew with vital knowledge, research, and interpretation for each theatrical work, including Carmen. He gave us a fascinating insight into his work which included discovering that the soldiers would have worn yellow and that the bunch of flowers Carmen throws was mimosa. As part of his research, he brought himself a set of Tarot cards and told us anecdotes such as how the whole cast were addicted to Gauloises by the end of the show. It is hard to believe we have arrived at our last Arts Society Menorca lecture for the 2023 season. Last, but not least, in October we welcome back Tony Rawlins, on “Mad Men and Artists: How the Advertising Industry Exploited Fine Art”. You may remember that Tony started in the mailroom in 1965 as a mail boy at J. Walter Thompson. By 1985 he had set up his own very successful Advertising Agency. Fine art has provided advertisers and their agencies with a great deal of material to use in their campaigns. Tony describes how some of these have been created, some of the most popular works coming from Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo. On his last visit he played his guitar and sang in order to illustrate how some classical music has become the inspiration for many popular songs. What will he do this time to entertain us? Join us and find out. Thursday 19th October at 8pm (doors open at 7:15) at the Aeroclub San Lluís. Jorge and his family always take care of us with your favourite drinks and tapas for sale. Plus, if you buy a guest ticket you will receive a voucher for a free drink compliments of Santa Margarita Anglican Church Menorca. The newest leaflet with our speaker line up in 2024 will be available as well. It’s very simple to join the Arts Society Menorca: send an email to Malcolm at menorca@theartssociety.org. He will send you information, and an application form. You are also invited to follow us on our FaceBook page and keep up to date on our web page. None of this would be possible without the sponsorship and support of Blevins Franks. The Committee wishes to thank all of our sponsors, and thank you, our members, and invite everyone to attend the evening lecture 19 October. We’d love to welcome you! Your Committee: Victoria Dowie, Malcolm Price, Carles Jiménez, Clive Dowie, and Kate Strudwick.

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LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

HORSE RIDING IN MENORCA

Aiara Dillon In August it might be as hot as 38 degrees outside but during the summer holidays you will always be able to find Aiara Dillon at Equestrian Center Taris just off the main road from Mahon to Alaior. Aiara Dillon, a young AngloMenorquín equestrian enthusiast who has followed closely in her mothers footsteps, has been riding since 2010 when she was only one year old. This year, Aiara, now 13 years old, represented Menorca in the Balearic Islands Championships held in June at Son Pardo in Mallorca. Aiara competed with her horse Columbus DB Z who is 6 years of age. Columbus was imported from Belgium nearly 2 years ago. Aiara was one of 8 participants that traveled with their horses from Menorca to Mallorca to represent the island in this Competition. She obtained a Bronze medal for the island for jumping 1,15m in her age category “Infantil”. Aiara was up against 20 other equestrians from both Ibiza and Mallorca. Aiara has obtained various official prizes in Showjumping competitions locally and has also won the local league numerous times since her first competition at 5 years old in 2014 on her Pony Song. In August Aiara travelled to the Spanish Championships held in Valencia, with Columbus DB Z to try their luck in her age category which for this national competition is 1,25m. Well, what an adventure that was!!! We will tell you all about it in the next issue.

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LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

SPIRITUAL WELLBEING

By Rev Paul Strudwick

for parts of life that seem to have been removed from us as we grow older, but the longer we spend grieving, especially if we are stuck in denial, the less time we have for living. For while life may be different, it is not over yet. Growing old may pose its problems, but as has been said so often that it has become a cliche, there is only one alternative, and many of us are all too familiar with the sadness of lives ended too soon. Anyone who has lived a life completely free of any kind of adversity is either incredibly blessed, or blind and deaf to what goes on around them and within them. Aging is a natural process even if our culture tells us that it is desirable to put it off, as with slogans, such as ‘70 is the new 50.’ I suppose that we can either grow old gracefully or grow old disgracefully.

October in Menorca can be a wonderful month. It’s a time of transition as tourism winds down, the weather becomes less predictable (and less hot and humid!), and we begin to feel as though autumn is really arriving. Of course, autumn in Menorca, where the brown fields and hills turn green, is not quite the same as in Northern Europe, where leaves fall from the trees and the surroundings change from green to brown; a time when things gradually prepare to die, awaiting rebirth in spring. Such thinking might lead us into ‘Irrepressible thoughts of death’, a key phrase with which anyone who has seen the Barbie film (or read one of the many reviews!) will be familiar. I reserved tickets for the film because I did not want to be one of those people who waffle on about something that they have not seen. And I rather enjoyed it. It is, in essence, a story of an existential crisis wrapped up in a very clever package, seasoned with just the right amount of musical theatre and comedy by the director, Greta Gerwig. Actually, to paraphrase an old saying, if Greta Gerwig made a film about the telephone directory, I would go to see it! However, the existential crisis at the heart of Barbie, concerning identity and human frailty, has a serious core and relates to a conversation with some church members recently. How do we deal with aging and mortality? The crisis that we all face at some point in our lives, that is if we are fortunate to live long enough, finds its expression in the cry of sadness and grief that, ‘I am no longer the person I used to be.’ Expanding waistlines, diminishing hair, lines and wrinkles on faces and other places, hearing loss, failing memory, medical challenges, clumsiness: these all contribute to a loss of familiarity with bodies that (in most cases) remain reliable and predictable earlier in life. With aging, this can be a constant process, as we take one step after another in a direction which causes us to realise that the earth may be stable under our feet, but those feet might not be as stable as they used to be, along with other body parts. This can release all kinds of feelings, including anxiety, grief, and fear. I watched an example of this firsthand recently, when my brother had a seizure, and falling face first, caused all kinds of physical wounds, which in good time can and will be healed. The longer lasting impact will be of rebuilding confidence - trust in his own body, really - and that rebuilding will take longer than the healing of the fractures in his body. Anxiety about whether this may happen again is quite understandable. William Shakespeare captured this wonderfully with the speech uttered by Jacques in As You Like It, beginning, ‘All the world’s a stage …’ with the seven ages of man: the infant; the whining school-boy; the lover, sighing like furnace; the soldier, full of strange oaths; the justice, in fair round belly; the lean and slipper’d pantaloon; and, ‘Last scene of all, that ends this strange eventful history, is second childishness and mere oblivion; sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.’ I do not feel that the latter qualifies for the description of ‘golden years!’ Those later ages of man do in fact release another ‘seven:’ the stages of grief, which are shock and denial, pain and guilt, anger and bargaining, depression, an upward turn, reconstruction, acceptance/hope. We cannot help but grieve

So what does spirituality and faith have to say about all of this, apart from the decision about whether to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? What is the most commonly used phrase in the Bible? ‘Fear not, or, ‘Do not be afraid.’ Why? Because life is meant to be about risk management, and less about risk avoidance. The two are often confused, but the approach to life (and death) differs considerably depending upon which we pursue. Fear is a natural defence mechanism that instinctively keeps us safe, but we live in a world in which animal instincts are of decreasing value, and fear can restrict or even paralyse us if we spend our lives trying to avoid risk (which is rather futile in any case). Life seems more valuable or precious when there is less of it ahead of us, which might lead us to be perhaps a little more appreciative of the gift that life is in the first place. I suppose one final point to make would be that we can either embrace mortality and deal with it realistically, or we can try to deny it, as Woody Allen expressed when he said, ‘I know that I will die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.’ I often remind people that it is better to deal with the details of such matters when death seems far off than when it is imminent. And it is an act of kindness to those left behind to leave instructions - in a Will, with a minister, somewhere accessible! Cancer Support have details of their book My Last Wishes in this issue of Roqueta. In a surreal scene at the end of the film, Barbie meets her creator, and she is given a spiritual teaching: ‘Life sucks and then you die,’ says Ruth, the creator, ‘So, go make some meaning in this … world!’ Then she is given a choice (and anyone who has not seen the film and who wants to avoid the plotspoiler should stop reading now) and she chooses human life. Barbie chooses mortality. I would like to think that is what I would have done, too. I am not so sure that I would have embraced mortality quite so readily in my earlier years. Perhaps one way to look at all of this is to think about what October in Menorca means. It might mean slightly more inconvenience because there are fewer facilities available. It means a quietening down. It means an opportunity to enjoy the surroundings with fewer distractions. It means that autumn in Menorca is a wonderful season of transition and preparation, still with plenty to do and enjoy. I wonder whether we might not be able to think about the autumn of life as a wonderful season too, and despite the challenges and difficulties of aging, to seek to find and enjoy the benefits of this autumn time of life.

CHURCH NEWS Worship in the church of Santa Margarita takes place on Sunday mornings at 9am and 11am, as well as at 11am every Wednesday and morning prayer with a focus on healing at 11am on Friday (also on Zoom). Santa Margarita continues to offer worship online, to respect the needs of those unable to worship in person at the church. On 4 October there will be an organ recital in the church at 8pm, with Melanie Plumley, freelance organist from the UK, who says that there will be ‘an hour of music, easy on the ear.’ The church web site will continue to be the place to seek up-to-date news and information about online worship: anglicanchurchmenorca.com.

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

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

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

TREBALUGER EQUINE RESCUE CENTRE A typical day at the rescue centre. We arrive at approx. 08.15 to be greeted by numerous cats outside waiting to be fed. These are the first priority as anyone who has cats will know you can’t do anything else unless they are happy and eating! If the hay trolleys haven’t been prepared the evening before, we start mixing 3 types of hay/ straw ( this is because the supply and the quality varies so much) All of the equines for the night time are in the smaller paddock areas or stables. This is for feeding and some need special care. We give all of them a “starter” amount of hay and start filling water troughs and buckets as we go along. We feed the numerous chickens and ducks so everyone is reasonably relaxed before we start making up the individual buckets of feed. Every animal has an individual diet as all of them are different. This takes time and some have medicines added. We try and use natural medicines when longer term usage is needed, such as an anti-inflammatory. I use Boswellia which is gentle on the stomach and works amazingly. Each equine knows where they stand to eat and enjoys every mouthful. More hay is put around the field areas where they spend the day in their herds and we let them out to join their friends. There is a lot of land for them to roam around and enjoy. After this, all volunteers enjoy a well-earned coffee/ cake break (often made for us by Sa Bodega in Son Vilar ) and we take a breath! Every day, whether there is 1 or 10 volunteers, all stables and paddock areas are cleaned out and then depending on time and people we have guided tours with visitors, walk horses down the lane for exercise, groom, brush, clean hoofs etc. Quite often, repairs to walls, gates etc are also needed. The little shop we have needs cleaning and organising… the list goes on. The donkeys and horses that are separate from the rest are then fed and cared for alongside the 2 pigs we have acquired.These are a little scary if I’m honest but very grateful for food. We head home around 13:30 for a rest (unless horses in distress have been reported, then we will try and track and find them). We also make social media updates and anything else to raise awareness and funds. Back again 17:00 hrs after shopping for food for the animals and supplies for the volunteers J Again cats first… Beds are put down for the night in the stables, with fresh sawdust where necessary. All containers are filled with fresh water and hay trolleys and nets are made up. Buckets of food are made again as in the morning, and chickens and ducks fed, after chopping lots of fresh food up for them. Everyone waits for the gates to open. Aries our Mules, always jumps the fences to be the first to help himself and wander and play with some of the others. When the gates are opened each animal knows where they go for the evening and usually will walk in, sometimes a bit of running and pushing goes on but not often and with 34 you need to be very organised. Again hay and hard food are given and most days I can leave by 20:30 hrs. All of this of course doesn’t account for illnesses, injuries etc. Then the hours can be much longer but that doesn’t matter as long as the animals are cared for and loved. So if anyone fancies helping out, you are very welcome. It’s hard work and you never need to visit a gym but very rewarding and they give back so much love and affection. Contact: Sam at trebalugerequinerescue@gmail.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 2023

GENERAL CAT CARE IN MENORCA Part 2 by ROQUETA’s VET Caroline Langlois

Phone or WhatsApp: +34 685753292 Email: vetmenorca@gmail.com C/Santa Victoria 30, 07701 Mahon Last month we looked at the vaccinations needed for your cat in Menorca. This month we’re going to look at the other preventive care recommended for your beloved cats, to keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

in females). The hormonal changes associated with sterilisation lead to a reduction in your pet’s daily energy requirements. After the operation, it is therefore advisable to feed them with a special food for sterilised cats.

Treatment against parasites

Nutrition

Treatment against parasites can be divided into two groups:

Food plays an important role in your cat’s health. Feeding a good-quality food will keep your pet in good health for as long as possible. To stay in good health, cats need a balanced diet, adapted to their specific needs and given in sufficient quantity. Their intestine is rather short: around 1 metre for the small intestine and 20 to 40 centimeters for the large intestine. This anatomical feature, typical of a small prey hunter, explains why cats need to eat frequently but in small quantities (between 10 and 16 meals a day).

•Internal deworming against intestinal parasites Internal parasites or worms can colonize your pet’s digestive and respiratory tract or even its heart, causing a variety of symptoms. Some parasites can also be transmitted to humans, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children. immunosuppressed or chronically ill persons. •External treatment to prevent flea and tick infestations Fleas can cause skin problems for your pet (their saliva contains allergens that can cause severe itching and skin lesions) and can also transmit diseases and parasites. They can infest homes quickly and easily, and it is very difficult to get rid of them. Preventive treatment is therefore highly recommended, and remember, just because your cat doesn’t go outside doesn’t mean it won’t get fleas, which can enter your home through open doors or windows, on your clothes or on other animals. Cats that go outdoors are also likely to pick up ticks, which can also carry diseases. It is advisable to deworm kittens every month until they are 6 months old, then every 3 months. Treatment for external parasites should be given continuously. There are now spot-on products that can be applied on the neck skin, and which treat all types of parasites simultaneously for 1 to 3 months. Depending on your cat’s age and lifestyle, your vet will be able to advise you on the most suitable product and how often to use it. Sterilisation Sterilisation is a short surgical procedure involving the removal of part of the reproductive organs: the ovaries (ovariectomy) in females and the testicles in males (castration). It reduces the risk of transmitting certain diseases (FIV, FelV), the risk of running away from home, and therefore the risk of accidents on the public road. In females, it significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumours if the operation is carried out before puberty (at around 6 months), and it also avoids unwanted litters and heat episodes (inopportune meowing). For males, having your cat sterilised will prevent certain problems such as running away, fights, and urine marking. Sterilisation is usually carried out just before puberty, i.e. at around 6 months. At this age, the operation has no impact on your cat’s growth and will prevent the appearance of the first sexual behaviours (marking in males and heat

Cats are strict carnivores: the proteins contained in cat food must be the main nutrient. Its body cannot synthesize an amino acid, taurine, which is essential for proper muscle function, and deficiencies can have dramatic repercussions on its state of health (heart failure, blindness, etc.). Poor-quality food can also lead to changes in urinary pH and encourage lower urinary tract disease. Whether industrial or homemade, in the form of dry food or paté (or mixed), the most important thing is that your cat’s diet meets his strict nutritional requirements in terms of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and mineral salts. It should be adapted to suit each individual cat, considering its age, physiological status (sterilised or not) and lifestyle (indoors or outdoors). Of course, you mustn’t forget your cat’s water requirements, which enable it to always maintain an optimal state of hydration and thus contribute to its general well-being. Homemade food from fresh produce must be perfectly balanced to meet the cat’s specific nutritional requirements. It is therefore difficult to balance, and consequently it is more advisable to feed your cat with specially adapted food, such as a mixture of good quality paté and dry food, which will help to maintain weight and urinary health. Once again, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice. As we have just seen, many aspects of your cat’s life can be included in preventive care and will impact its overall health and add years to its life. Services like vaccinations and deworming along with healthy diets work together to help cats live longer, happier lives. For travelling cats, annual rabies vaccination is compulsory from 3 months of age. Prior identification of animals subject to rabies vaccination is compulsory. Your vet is your best ally in supporting and advising you throughout your cat’s life, so don’t hesitate to solicitate him or her!

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

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S

OCTOBER 2023 Every month we try to list events that we know are happening to help you plan ahead. Of course if you hear of anything else yourself that is of interest to the readers, then please let us know info@roquetamagazine.net

OCTOBER 2023

BANK HOLIDAYS Everything closed, although in the summer months, many shops tend to stay open. All shops and businesses remain closed during the respective local fiestas. 12 October: Spain’s National Day 1 November: All Saints’ Day 6 December: Constitution Day 8 December: Day of the Immaculate Conception. 25 December: Christmas Day.

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

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

VISIT THE 18TH CENTURY HOSPITAL ON THE

ISLA DEL REY

CRAFT MARKETS Es Mercadal: October to end May, Thursday mornings, Carrer Nou, 10am to 1pm. Ferreries: Saturdays in Plaça Espanya, 9am to1pm.

Guided tours in English on Sundays at 9:15 Thursdays at 11:15 until 29 October

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Guided tours in Spanish Wed-Sunday (closed Mon/Tues)

Bar Pons Christmas Fair 2023 Cala en Porter 26th November 10:00 to 1pm

Tickets can be obtained online or bought on arrival

10€ per adult Children up to 18 free Catamaran 10€ for adults and 3€ for children from 3 years to 18 years old. Further details can be obtained from: https://menorca.hauserwirth.com/.../hospital-guided-tour-/6

https://www.yellowcatamarans.com/en/kings-island D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T

WHAT’S ON

OCTOBER 2023

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

TEATRE DES BORN https://www.teatredesborn.com/ Tickets can be obtained online or from the ticket office in the theatre (open Tuesdays 11.30am to 1pm and Thursdays 7 to 8.30pm, as well as one hour before the start of the show). 1 October: Drama Reis del Món, 6.30pm. 8 October: Family entertainment Latas, 6.30pm. 14 October: Clown show Ma Solitud, 7pm. 21 October: Gala Show Premi Born, 9pm. 4 November: Circus show Ambulant, 7.30pm. 11 November: Family entertainment Travy, 8.30pm. 17 November: Family entertainment Play, 8pm. 19 November: Music show El Circ dels Musinautes, 6.30pm.

TEATRE PRINCIPAL This is the oldest opera house in Spain, dating from 1829, with a wide programme of shows and concerts. Address: Carrer d’en Deià 40, Mahón See website for full programme. Tickets available online or from the box office. Box office open mornings Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am to 1.30pm. Afternoons: Thursday and Friday 6.30 to 8.30pm. www.teatremao.com 7 October: Festival d’Altres Cinemes, 6pm. 15 October: Comedy show Aiguantulivinamérica 3, with Goyo Jiménez, 7pm. 19 October: Gala show Onda Cero Menorca, 7pm. 22 October: Drama Qüestió d’honor, 7pm. 28 October: The Opera Locos: comedy music show for all the family, 7.30pm. 5 November: Concert performed by the Orquesta Sinfónica de las Islas Baleares with Xabier Anduaga and Susana Markova, 7pm. 11 November: Concert performed by Tomeu Penya, 7pm. 18 November: Musical circus show El circ dels musinautes, 6.30pm. 25 November: Ballet La Finitud, 7.30pm.

FILM AND CINEMA EROTIC FILM FESTIVAL CANCELLED. The 7th International Short Film Festival – Theme Erotica is rescheduling to spring 2024. https://filmmakers.festhome.com/es/festival/laboca-erotica

OCIMAX CINEMA MAHÓN: https://www.aficine.com/cine/ocimaxmahon/ Open Wednesday to Sunday, 4.30 to 9.30pm. Some films shown in the original language - check the website for VSOE versions. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

WHAT’S ON

OCTOBER 2023

SPORTS EVENTS 7 October – San Crispin Popular race for all ages 17:00 Poligon Alaior www.elitechip.net 13-15 October: 17 VOLTA Menorca Mountain bike tour of Menorca. www.menorcabtt.com 20-22 October: 22 Volta Ciclotourista International cycling Bringing Spanish and English Cycling together www.menorcacicloturista.com 21 October – October Trail Menorca 3 routes to Calan Bosch on the Cami de Cavalls. 32km from Son Bou, 19Km from Cala Mitjana 11km from Cala Turqueta www.elitechip.net 21 October – October Bike Menorca BTT 32 Km Son Bou to Hotel Lago Resort, Calan Bosch on the Cami de Cavalls. www.elitechip.net 29 October – Half Marathon Ciutadella Mitja Marato Menorca www.elitechip.net 3-5 November: Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º Trail running and Mountain bike race. There are three events: Trail Run (186 km), Mountain Bike race (187 km) and Experience Trail Run (93 km). epic.camidecavalls360.com

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

WHAT’S ON

OCTOBER 2023

CINEMES MOIX NEGRE CIUTADELLA

LÍTHICA

http://www.cinesmoixnegre.org/ Films shown in the original language occasionally on Wednesdays at 8.30pm. Cineclub films screened every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm.

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

SAVE THE DATE 11 October-10 November: Menorca Doc Fest. Documentary film and photograph event. See website for more details. https://www. menorcadocfest.com/ 20-22 October: Cheese festival to be held in Plaça Esplanada, Mahón.

EXHIBITIONS Ensemble: exhibition by local artists, in Galeria Encant, Carrer Infanta 20, Mahón. Until 26 October. Proyect(Arte) by Roser Agilera, in Sala Xec Coll, (Carrer del Seminari 5, Ciutadella). Open Monday to Friday 10am to 1.30pm and 5 to 8pm, also Saturdays 10am to 1.30pm. Until 4 October. Sklerotergum by Pere Llopart Lluch at Sala Sant Antoni, carrer s’Arraval 32, Mahón. Open Monday to Saturday 6 to 9pm. Also Saturday mornings 11am to 2pm. Until 7 October. Admission free. Photographs, Menorca Doc Fest at Sala Sant Antoni, carrer s’Arraval 32, Mahón. Open Monday to Saturday 6 to 9pm. Also Saturday mornings 11am to 2pm. 13 November to 2 December. Admission free. LÔAC: Contemporary art gallery located at Calle Santiago Pons Quintana 56, Alaior. Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 1.30pm, and 5 to 8pm. Admission 5€.

HAUSER & WIRTH Contemporary art exhibitions on Illa del Rei, open until 29 October. Admission free. Closed Mon/Tue Several activities (tours, concerts, workshops, etc.) are often organised. Please see website for more information. https://menorca.hauserwirth.com/en/home After the Mediterranean, exhibition curated by curator, writer and art researcher Oriol Fontdevila, until 29 October. Contemporary Art Exhibition by Christina Quarles, until 29 October. 1 October: Concert performed by the Drop Collective, 12.30pm. 8 October: Projection Orlando, 12.15pm. 15 October: Concert Flor de Sal, 12.30pm. 22 October: Performance Pink Room, 12.15pm. 29 October: Drawing classes from 10.15am to 1pm. 29 October: Live music in la Cantina restaurant, 1 to 4pm.

GUIDED TOURS Fort Marlborough: Fridays at 10am (in English). Tickets online https://www.menorca.es/en/ Visitas_guiadas_al_Fort_de_ Marlborough/16037 Torre d’en Galmés: Sundays at 10am (in English). Tickets online https://www.menorca.es/es/Visitas_guiadas_al_poblado_de_ Torre_den_Galmes/15447 Cova de s’Aigua, in Cala Blanca: guided tours in English daily at 9am and 3pm. https://www.menorca.es/es/Visitas_guiadas_la_ Cova_de_sAigua/14052 Lazareto Quarantine Island: Guided tours in English on Thursdays at 5pm. Departure from Cales Fonts, Es Castell. Tickets from tourist information offices and from nanventura.es ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

WHAT’S ON

OCTOBER 2023

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

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

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

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

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

READERS CORNER

OCTOBER 2023

PIG TALES

By Rachael Adams

PIGNICS AND HARNESSES

In that split second, a kid on a road bike came past, saw Piggy crossing the road seemingly unaccompanied, and P whipped out his phone to call the police. Dot was squinting w uup at him to say hello. I broke into a run. I told him she was mine and begged him to ring back saying it was a false w aalarm. Too late. Get going pig! The truth is, none of this would have happened if she’d been on a lead. But there’s a good reason she wasn’t. When I first got Dot as a piglet she was going to be the ultimate, mega-fit cross-country pig. Her first harness was pink and if she walked towards us she got a grain of sweetcorn. At this point she was quite tiny and scared of dogs. But she was fast and agile enough for her fitness training in the bushes: I’d get her to go over rocks and up ramps and scrabble through the undergrowth. Alas, as she grew the harnesses started to rub under her armpits. The skin there is the softest thing I’ve ever felt with, unfortunately, no bristles. So, I made her a belly band out of my sister’s belt. Still rubbed. I put sheep fleece around it. No change. I tried talc and baby oil pre-walk. Nothing. “Quick pig run! Run, run run!!” We might just get up the Costa de Santandria into the back lane in time. Dot’s top speed is an animated trundle - not great for fleeing the law. Head down, bum bustling, bless her she’s trying her best. I’m in agony: I know it’s going to be bad if he catches us. I’ve met Wilson the dog-napper before. He tried to take my dog from me when we were taking the rubbish out to the end of the road. I had to get between him and my Russ while he tried to snare him around the neck with his pole! A white van pulls up alongside. Damn. “Whose pig is that!?” He demands, intimidating me. “Well whose pig do you think she is?!” I snap back. “How do I know she’s yours!?”. Oh for God’s sake. “Here’s your choice” he sneers, “you can either have an 800 Euro fine or you can get her microchipped for 140e and send me her paperwork later.” Sigh.

Then I realised that she’d learnt to tuck in beside me for protection. I was her sanctuary, so I knew she’d stay close. She got bigger and slower. I’d take a flask of tea and let her rootle. The good thing was that she was now big and scary. All she had to do was grunt and look at a dog for it to run away. Great. Short-sighted, pigs in groups constantly talk to maintain contact. Now leadless, I do the same while we’re out, so she knows where I am. She approves with intermittent grunts. She lets out a long complaining one when launching her hefty self into a run to catch up. In this way, we often walked along the main road to the Pinaret to visit her ullastre tree where I leave her eating the olives around its trunk while I throw pinecones for the dog. I know she’ll never leave that tree. We have a deep understanding do Dot and me. For some videos of Dot in action see her Instagram account #dottytrotters

Dot’s clever and curious and loves going on walks. The problem is she draws a lot of unwanted attention. Cars reverse back down the road and occupants hang out the windows to take pictures. She also has such soft skin on her armpits that she can’t wear a harness. Pignics and harnesses It was on one such pignic we got chased by Wilson. I had been enjoying a cup of tea with friends at the beach while Dot rummaged about next to us. She finds the fresh green bits amongst the dead seagrass and eats them. The sea was crystal clear and it was a lovely warm morning in January. We only go in winter when it’s quiet. After a while Dot decided to head off and I slowly ambled after her, still chatting to my friend. I knew exactly where she was headed so everything was under control. She’d just gone to sniff the horses up the road so I’d catch her in a sec. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T

READERS CORNER

OCTOBER 2023

57 YEARS IN MENORCA ‘A F E W O F M Y F AV O U R I T E T H I N G S ’ BY JOHNNY WRIGHT I first visited Menorca in 1966 with my mother, staying with my brother and his wife at their new villa in Binisafua Roters. This first visit has been repeated almost every year since. In 1969 my girlfriend of 6 weeks came with me and we got engaged in Poppins, the only night club in Mahon. We have been married for 53 years this July. We later bought our own, yellow-shuttered villa also in Binisafua Roters, which we still own today. These are a few of my favourite things: • the beach and the sea • a host of taulas with at least one fake • Menorca Cricket Club MCC - 5 Overs, 2 Maidens, 2-14 in my last match at 60 • one the very best hospitals, Mateu Orfila, where I have had to spend too much time • the Sant Lluis gym, well-equipped and equally wellstaffed • dangerous but wondrous jaleos everywhere, but particularly drunken at Es Castell (which should still be Villa Carlos). • Nights at the Caves of Xoroi where handbags were lost under the foam These are a few of my favourite special people – • Pepe and Esmeralda who created Sa Botiga de S’ Uestra and Alfonso who now runs it • Paul and Kate Strudwick, the leaders of the Santa Margarita Anglican Church in Es Castell • Norbert and Emi until recently star owners of Son Ganxo but, sadly, now retired • Tim Were and Andrew Manners who used to own Don Cars • Danny and Maria who ran Club Nautico 100m from our villa then moved to Txoko, 800m away • Aaron Balaguero my hairdresser merits a citing- in Fort de L’Eau • Salvador the champion waiter in the world- at Bar Espana but now sadly retired and much missed These are a few of my favourite restaurants • Pan Y Vino owned and run by the lovely Loelia and her chef husband Patrick tops my list • My wife and three daughters vote for Txoko • Anything run by the rugby-loving Uruguayan Alejo • Bar of this year, indeed any year is La Rueda in Sant Lluis. Find Johnny’s Favourite Things in bold in this month’s Word Search. Remember words can be horizontal, vertical, forwards, backwards and diagonal. Send us a list of your favourite things for next month.

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