50% SALE
oN All varifocal lENSES
Ask in store for details or visit www.specsavers.es
Santa Ponça
Avda. Rei Jaume I, 117
871 964 331
TALK
OF
Santa Margalida’s XXXIV
Spring Fira, held two weeks
ago was a huge success and
for the first time included the
Almond Fair, which for five
years was celebrated during
the Sant Mateu festivities in
September. Plaza de la Vila
hosted the almond section
of the Fira and visitors could
see the agricultural tools that
are used in the field for the
almond harvest. Beyond this
exhibition, the urban centre
of Santa Margalida became a
showcase of all kinds of artisan
and gastronomic products,
in addition to the traditional
samples of agricultural
machinery and automobiles.
In Puerto Alcudia, the same
weekend, fans of the marine
THE
NORTH
Talk of the
NorthAPRIL
– 50mm2017
x 90mm – MASTHEAD
20TH
world could enjoy the Nautical
and Sepia Fair. According the
council about 50,000 people,
visited the XII edition of the
Fira de la Nàutica and Sípia.
The number of sepia dishes
on offer is increasingly varied.
At this year’s fair, a total of
24 restaurants participated
in the gastronomic tent
offering the best of their
seafood dishes. In addition,
26 nautical companies were
represented in a fair that also
counted on almost 100 stands
displaying craftsmanship and
other products of gastronomy.
During the fair, three
fishermen from the port were
paid homage: Francisco Vera,
Juan Bennasar and Sebastià
Bisbal (posthumously).
FRE
20 April
E!
images courtesy of Jan Dexter, Parasol Property Mallorca
Spring Fair Success
Easter 2017
Easter passed by with the usual routine.
The sombre days of Thursday and Friday
are days of reflection and sorrow, the
processions a sight to behold. But
come Sunday, the mood lifts with the
procession of the Encounter, where
Jesus meets his mother. The scene is
played out in towns across the island.
Then comes mass to celebrate Easter.
Monday is the ‘pancaritats’ day in many
towns, where hundreds of people made
their pilgrimage to a day of fellowship
to consume the last panades and robiols
of Holy Week.
YOUR FREE LOCAL PUBLICATION • NEWS, SPORT, FEATURES AND MUCH MORE
2
T A L K
O F
T H E
3
N O R T H
ESRA’s Easter from Howard Mullen
¡Hola!
Local News
Holiday Let Laws in
Puerto Pollensa
The Vice-President of the
Balearic Government and
Tourism Minister, Biel
Barceló, said last Wednesday
in Puerto Pollensa that the
law concerning tourist rental
will only come into full force
in the tourist season of 2018,
although he warned that
the sanctioning regime will
come into operation before
the zonifications (where the
new licenses are authorized)
will be defined that the
Consell and the local councils
are responsible for each
municipality.
In an event organized by
Més per Pollença, which was
attended by a good number
of rsidents residents and
‘pioneers’ in the tourist rental
business, Barceló and the
consultant of the Conselleria
Antoni Sansó defended
the need to regulate the
business and establish a legal
framework. They explained
the requirements needed to
comply with the new licenses,
which will accommodate
the formula of ‘plaza por
plaza’, meaning that in order
to register a place another
would have to be suspended.
The “bank” is currently made
up of 43,000 units, with a
price that will be fixed by the
new law.
For multi-family dwellings,
or apartment blocks, Barceló
explained that they must be
at least five years old before
they can be rented to tourists
and they must meet other
obligations such as the rules
of the owners’ community.
The public participation
was huge proving how the
theme of holiday rentals
is very sensitive in a town
where many families rely
on this business. Some of
those present criticized the
“hurry” of the Government
to approve this law and others
criticized the executive
who is at the behest of
hoteliers on this issue. Vice
President Barceló responded
by stating that the current
licenses in operation in
Pollensa, about 10,000, will
not have to comply with the
requirements of the new law
as long as the places comply
with current regulations.
Second Phase
Confirmed in Puerto
Pollensa
In a plenary session held last
week, the pedestrianization
and urban improvements of
Passeig Saralegui, Passeig
Londres and Avinguda
Alemanya has finally been
approved. The second
phase of the frontline was
approved by seven votes of
the government fromed by
Junts and the UMP with 9
abstentions. In a few weeks
bidding will be open and
the winning company will
begin work as set in the
specifications, in November
of the 2017.
This second phase will cost
€2.1m, of which €490,000 will
be provided by the Consell de
Mallorca. The work consists
mainly in the paving of the
street from the Enginyer Roca
roundabout to the beginning
of the beach, improving the
bike lane, installing more
garden areas, and placing more
furniture, etc.
Tots per Pollença, headed
by ex-mayor Tomeu Cifre,
demanded an improvement
in drainage, the provision of
services to Carrer de Roure
and that the taxi stand is
not moved, among other
proposals.
Can Conill PAC also
Approved
Also in last week’s plenary
session, the partial
declassification of the carpark
Can Conill was approved.
This change means that the
land can become the site
for the new PAC in the Old
Town.
The council will give
2.030sqm of Can Conill,
after the council voted with
9 votes in favour (Junts,
UMP and Alternativa) and 8
against (Tots, PP and other
unattached councillors).
This site is around 3.400sqm
of which the Ministry of
Health need 2.030 m2 to
build the new health centre.
The site, which meets the
conditions the ministry
deems necessary, will
eventually replace the current
PAC which was built in
1992. Located opposite the
retirement home, the PAC
requires a significant reform.
Mayor and ExMayor in Court over
Gelats Valls
The head judge of the Inca
Court Number 3 reported
last week that the mayor
of Pollensa, Miquel Àngel
March (Junts), and the
ex-mayor Tomeu Cifre
Ochogavía (Tots) as well as all
members of the government
of 5 May 2015 (UMP, PP,
Lliga and CiU) as plaintiffs
for an alleged offense of
administrative prevarication
for allowing the Valls family
to economically exploit
the Port’s ice cream kiosk
without public tender.
The statements show that the
City Council of Pollensa has
not charged the operating
fees of the Pollensa and
Puerto Pollensa kiosks for the
2016 financial year, totalling
approximately €15,000.
Although the City Council
dismantled the Moll kiosk last
February (two days after the
complaint was accepted), the
Gelats Valls kiosk in Pollensa
is still open.
Bartomeu Cifre Ochogavia
and the members of his
government explained to the
judge that on May 5, 2015,
with the first complaints
already on the table, they
granted authorization
for both kiosks with
extraordinary character
because they had the tourist
season ahead, the kiosks were
occupied, and closing them
could mean a decrease in
income for the Council.
No Botellón For
Muro
The number making the
annual pilgrimage to Sant
Vicenç Hermitage in Muro
was significantly less this
week after local police
threatened heightened
security and penalties if
anyone was caught drinking
in the street.
For a few years, the
traditional pilgrimage to
Sant Vicenç has become a
‘macrobotellón’ in the area
near Santa Catalina Tomàs. A
party at the end of town, as
young people returned from
the walk to the hermitage,
was becoming a custom and
the situation had degenerated
in recent years so much
so that by 6pm several
youths were in a comatose
state because of alcohol
consumption.
continued on page 3
It’s hard to choose what to do
and where to go this coming
weekend. Sant Jordi’s day and
all the book-based activity will
keep us busy, it also inspired
the Sant Jordi Book Special
on page 6.
Otherwise there is the Feria de
Abril in Pollensa where you can
brush up on your Flamenco
skills or the Street Food Festival
in Puerto Alcudia. Or just do
all of it. The What’s On has all
the timings so you can get
planning!
Hasta luego!
Joanna
Editor
685 326 094
[email protected]
www.TOTNMallorca.com
www.facebook/
talkofthenorthmallorca
Every year, ESRA holds
its Easter Egg Decorating
Competition, where members
bring along their decorated
eggs to the Thursday Club
where they are displayed
and judged. This year was no
exception.
Brian Lowndes, the Social
Secretary of ESRA North
announced the winners. Paco
While TOTN endeavours to keep
all information and content
relevant and correct at the time
of printing, TOTN cannot be
held liable for any changes or
errors.
when it was made clear that
the judges had been totally
independent and didn’t even
know who the competitors
were. It’s not often we
have controversy at ESRA’s
Thursday Club, but the free
hot cross buns and free Easter
presents for everyone seemed
to make “The Fix” a thing of
the past very quickly!
Musicmakers’ Happy Hour+ from Howard Mullen
A Musicmakers Concert is
always a happy occasion, but
for their spring concerts this
year the group has seriously
declared their intensions by
calling their concert “Happy
Hour +”.
The programmes are packed
with “Feel Good and Happy
Songs”. Ken Greenall, the
Director of Musicmakers, says
that “The audience will not be
able to resist joining in”.
The Musicmakers concerts
take place at two venues.
On Wednesday 26th April
Musicmakers will be at the
Vecinos Rooms in Puerto
Pollensa and on Friday 28th
April at The Casa de Cultura
in Alcudia Town. Both
concerts start at 7.30p.m.
Tickets are available from
Musicmakers and on the
door. Tickets are 5€ and
include a drink. All proceeds
will go to charity.
HAPPY HOUR+
MUSICMAKERS PRESENT
Come and Join Us
Singing Feel Good and
Happy Songs
(You won’t be able to resist joining in)
7:30pm at TWO VENUES
WED 26 APRIL 2017
VECINO ROOMS PTO. POLLENSA
FRI 28 APRIL 2017
CASA DE CULTURA ALCUDIA TOWN
Tickets available from Musicmakers and on the door
Proceeds to Charity Admission €5 Including Drinks
ESRA Vulture Visit
from Howard Mullen
Depósito legal:
PM-00320-2008
Printed by SeriGrafic 4 Colors
Via Argentina 20
07460 Pollensa
Tel: 971 530 004
Neither TOTN nor any of its
associates accepts responsibility
or liability for transactions,
disputes or damages arising
from contacts made through
adverts placed in TOTN.
Armengol received third
prize, while second prize
went to Brian’s wife Brenda.
After some mutterings,
first prize was announced
as Christine Maynard, the
Chair of ESRA North! Then
came more muttering and
whispering which expressed
the view, “It’s a fix!” All good
humoured of course, but all
suspicions were put to rest
continued from page 2
Instead, this year, young
people drank in the bars.
And, while the area of Santa
Catalina Tomas was more
controlled, drinkers moved
to other streets in the town.
Obviously, many neighbours
complained about the mess,
however, by 7pm, there were
no reports of any drunken
comatose youths.
Aside from the party-goers,
the pilgrimage was a smooth
event. participants walked the
6km and attended the mass at
noon. Also at the hermitage a
traditional dance took place
with many residents getting
involved.
ESRA North is
always looking for
different activities.
Usually this means
having to travel
across the island
to take part in
something new,
but last week members of
ESRA North did not have to
travel far as they visited The
Black Vulture Conservation
Foundation near Campanet.
Members were treated to a
presentation by Foundation
guide Francesca, who told
members of the history of
the Black Vulture, the largest
bird of prey in Europe, and
its place in the history of
Majorca. She introduced
a life size model vulture,
but her presentation was
interrupted by ESRA
North Social Secretary,
Brian Lowndes, dressed as
a hunter, who had come
to protect the members of
ESRA North from a vulture
attack! Francesca produced
the model vulture and Brian
was last seen heading in the
direction of Sa Pobla…
After the presentation and a
film of the Black Vulture in
flight, members were invited
to go into a hide to observe
the types of vulture resident
at the Foundation. Nobody
expected to be able to get
so close to the vultures and
observe their behaviour.
The day was followed with
a meal, which also became a
birthday celebration for Newsletter Editor, Bob Maynard.
4
T A L K
What’s on this Feria de Abril
Carabassamba
fortnight?
Street Food Primavera
April
2017
Thursday
20
Pollensa, Guided Visit of Pollensa, duration 3
hours, medium difficulty. Meet at the Pollensa
Tourist Information Office at 10am, book at the
Tourist Office (Pollensa/Puerto Pollensa/Cala
San Vicente) 2 days in advance
Pollensa: Sant Jordi, Dance and Musoc from local
group Ballugall and Caliu, at the Joan March
Gardens from 8pm
Pollensa: Cinema, La Pazza Gioia (Like Crazy), a 2016 Italian
comedy film directed by Paolo Virzì, starring Valeria Bruni
Tedeschi and Micaela Ramazzotti. It tells the story of two
women from different backgrounds who become friends
while being treated at a mental institution. In Italian with
Spanish subtitles, 8.30pm at the Club Pollensa, €5/6
Puerto Alcudia: Street Food Festival, food trucks,
music and kids activities, along the Passeig Maritime,
12pm-1am
April
2017
Friday
21
Pollensa, Theatre, La Sorpresa del Roscon, The actress Assun
Planas in a tragicomic monologue reflecting on her career,
8pm at the Club Pollensa, free entry
Pollensa: Feria de Abril, there will be a parade by
the Troop of Buglers and drummers of Pollensa
at 8.15pm followed by a speech from Pedro
Anaya to opn the Fair. From 9pm there will be
a performance by the dance group Canela Pura
Alcudia and the party continues with Sevillanas and
rumba with Deejaysgrup. All at Can Conill.
Pollensa: Sant Jordi, Live Cinema projected onto
the façade of the Can Llobera Library. 8.3010.30pm
Pollensa, Excursion to Coves Blanques, walking
tour, duration 3 hours, medium difficulty. Meet at
the Cala San Vicente Tourist Information Office
at 10am, book at the Tourist Office (Pollensa/
Puerto Pollensa/Cala San Vicente) 2 days in
advance
Puerto Alcudia: Street Food Festival, food trucks,
music and kids activities, along the Passeig Maritime,
6pm-1am
Muro: Carabassamba Festival: starts at 4pm, see full
programme at facebook.com/carabassambafestival
April
2017
Saturday
22
Puerto Pollensa, Children’s Theatre, The Ugly Duckling,
Anderson’s classic tale adapted to the modern world. 6pm at
the Salo Parroquial, free entry.
Pollensa: Feria de Abril, opens at 12pm with horses
at about 4pm. 8pm there will be a performance
by the dance group Almas del Sur from Son
Servera and at 10pm a performance by Oxalis, all
at Can Conill.
Free Guided Walks
April
2017
Monday
24
April
2017
Sunday
23
April
27
Pollensa: Feria de Abril, Solemn mass at 12pm
with the Rociero sung by the Choir of Mallorca.
From 1.30pm there will be flamenco dance and
a horse parade followed by tapas. At 8pm there
will be the anthem of Andalucia and the fair will
close at 10pm. All at Can Conill.
April
2017
Friday
Alcudia: Sant Jordi, Activities in the library from 10am,
including show from Circ Bover, ‘Biblioteca Mòbil’ at 11.30,
can Torro Library. Book Fair along Passeig Maritim in Puerto
Alcudia from 10am-7pm
Puerto Alcudia: Street Food Festival, food trucks,
music and kids activities, along the Passeig
Maritime, 12pm-10pm
Alcudia: Cinema, Le que de Verdad Importa (Originally called
The Healer), A young man discovers suddenly to have the gift
of healing. Trying to understand it and the new reality that it
offers, a teenage girl with terminal cancer unexpectedly will
show him the way. 7pm at the Auditori d’Alcudia, English film
dubbed in Spanish
Muro: Carabassamba Festival: from 9am-1pm,
Spring Fair along the main streets from 9am,
samba bands in the main plazas throughout the
morning, see full programme at facebook.com/
carabassambafestival
Pollensa: Cinema, Un Hombre Llamado Ove (A Man Called
Ove). Ove (Rolf Lassgård) is the quintessential angry old man
next door. An isolated retiree with strict principles and a short
fuse, who spends his days enforcing block association rules
that only he cares about, and visiting his wife’s grave, Ove
has given up on life. After a boisterous young family moves
in next door and accidentally flattens Ove’s mailbox, an
unlikely friendship forms. 8.30pm at the Club Pollensa, €5/6
Swedish with Spanish Subtitles
Pollensa, Guided Visit of Pollensa, duration 3 hours,
medium difficulty. Meet at the Pollensa Tourist
Information Office at 10am, book at the Tourist
Office (Pollensa/Puerto Pollensa/Cala San Vicente)
2 days in advance
Pollensa: Primavera Musical, Jazz Fingers Little Big Band
Reunion, 8pm at the Club Pollensa, €10, free for socis
Pollensa: Sant Jordi, Book Market and Bookmark
workshop, from 10am-1.30pm, Opening of the
Miquel Bota Rooms at Can Llobera at 11am,
music from the Xeremiers Orats from 11.30am,
Children’s Story-time at 12pm in Can Llobera,
balloons and paper art from 1.15pm and parade of
the Giants de Sant Jordi at 6.30pm, all at Placa Vella
Pollensa, Excursion to Cala Boquer, walking tour,
duration 3 hours, medium difficulty. Meet at the
Puerto Pollensa Tourist Information Office at
10am, book at the Tourist Office (Pollensa/Puerto
Pollensa/Cala San Vicente) 2 days in advance
Election
News
Alcudia: Sant Jordi, Book Fair Plaza Carles V, from
10am-7pm with children’s show from Cucorba at
6pm
2017
Pollensa: Sant Jordi, Children’s workshop at the
Can Llobera Library, 5.30pm
5
N O R T H
Palma Boat Show
Thursday
Muro: Carabassamba Festival: from 10am until late,
day of activities includes performances from various
bands in Plaza Mayor and C/Joan Carles I, see full
programme at facebook.com/carabassambafestival
T H E
Sant Jordi
Alcudia: Sant Jordi, Children’s Workshop – ‘The Rose and the
Dragon’ (La rose i el drac) for children aged between 3-10,
must bring a 6-egg egg box, and register at the library first.
11am-1pm at the Can Torro Library
Pollensa, Dance, Ratataplam, fun for all the family. For
children aged 2+. 11am at the Club Pollensa, free entry
O F
28
Pollensa, Excursion to Coves Blanques, walking tour,
duration 3 hours, medium difficulty. Meet at the Cala
San Vicente Tourist Information Office at 10am, book
at the Tourist Office (Pollensa/Puerto Pollensa/Cala
San Vicente) 2 days in advance
Palma: XXXIV Boat Show Palma, opens at 2pm
April
2017
Pollensa: Cabaret de Primavera, 6pm at the Claustre.
Saturday
29
April
2017
Sunday
30
Palma: XXXIV Boat Show Palma, all day
Alcudia: Dance, the Around the World Show performed by
Urban Dance Can Picafort. The group’s last performance
before travelling to the mainland for the Spanish
Championship. 5pm and 7pm at the Auditori d’Alcudia, €5
Palma: XXXIV Boat Show Palma, all day
May
2017
Monday
1
May
2017
Tuesday
2
Palma: XXXIV Boat Show Palma, all day
Palma: XXXIV Boat Show Palma, closes at 5pm
As news of the Snap Election
broke on Tuesday morning,
The Spain Report issued their
article confirming that longterm expatriates (those who
have lived outside of the UK
for more than 15 years) will
not be able to vote in the June
election.
When asked about the
implications of the election,
The British Embassy in
Madrid told The Spain
Report: “We remain
committed to changing the
law to enfranchise all British
ex-pats, but unfortunately
there is not sufficient time
to implement this for this
general election”.
The report continues noting
that, “After the Brexit
referendum, legislative
measures meant to do
away with the 15-year rule,
known as the ‘vote for life’
initiative, were announced
by Theresa May’s government
last October, but the
parliamentary bills needed
to amend existing legislation
have not been tabled.”
Chris Skidmore, Mrs.
May’s Minister for the
Constitution, said in October
that “British citizens who
move abroad remain a part
of our democracy and it is
important they have the
ability to participate”.
The Guardian reported at the
same time that “It is believed
up to 1 million Britons could
benefit from the change in
the law.”
After any legal changes,
technical adjustments would
have to be made to the
software and systems used
to hold elections. It is no
surprise that the changes will
not come into play before
June. Indeed, before the next
election either.
6
Sant Jordi
Book Special
5
THIS
FORTNIGHT’S
1
Come In Open since 1984, Come In has
always been a resource for those teaching
and learning English. But it has the latest
fiction and bestsellers on offer as well. C/
Sant Miquel, 58, Palma. Facebook.com/
ComeInPalma
2 Fine Books
A bit of a gem, this treasure trove of books
has second hand and collector’s items for sale. Thousands
of books in a glorious chaos where you can lose yourself
for hours. C/d’En Morei, 7, Palma, 971 723 797
3 Universal Bookshop
Children’s fiction and study
books, bestsellers, cookery
and reference. Open 6 days
a week. Knitting and sewing
accessories and lessons an added bonus! Ctra.
Andratx 26 - Local 4, Portals Nous, Facebook.com/
UniversalBookshop
4
El Corte d’Ingles The old department store
favourite, always comes up with the goods. Its selection
of English titles is actually quite vast. And when you’re
done choosing books, ladieswear is on the 1st and 4th
floors. Av. Alexandre Rosello 12-16, Palma.
5
Akzent A team of professional
booksellers who really know there stuff run
this little bookshop that has a wide array
of language learning materials alongside
their range of English and German books.
The Spanish courses are also very appealing
as are their café con leches. C/ Carme, 14,
Palma, Facebook.com/AkzentPalma
O F
T H E
Wanted: Sales Agents &
Admin Manager
Do you speak Spanish/English/German?
Do you have experience in the real estate industry?
Want to earn a fixed income with commission?
(must have own car and phone)
Send your CV to
[email protected]
or call 655 988 712
Five English
Bookshops
It’s a tradition that the
man buys his love a
red rose and in return
the lady gives a book.
So here’s your list of
English Bookshops in
Mallorca so you can
enjoy Sant Jordi’s Day
too.
T A L K
Summer Thrillers
for 2017
Little Deaths by Emma Flint
An evocative debut thriller,
inspired by a true crime story.
Based in Queens, New York
during a heatwave in the
1960s, two little children are
murdered. All eyes look to
the ice-queen mother and an
investigator’s obsession.
The Roanoke Girls by Amy
Engel Described as the most
shocking novel you’ll read
this year, this promises to be
a summer blockbuster. It’s a
provocative thriller about a
15-year-old Lane Roanoke
who moves to live with her
maternal grandparents after
her mother commits suicide.
The Dry by Jane Harper
Amid the worst drought
to ravage Australia in a
century, tensions in a small
town community become
unbearable when three
members of the Hadler
family are brutally murdered.
Policeman Aaron Falk returns
to the town of his youth for
the funeral of his childhood
best friend, and is drawn into
the investigation.
Into the Water by Paula
Hawkins The upcoming novel
from the author of Girl on
the Train, Into the Water
promises to be as gripping:
Nel is dead. They say she
jumped. And Jules has been
dragged back to the one place
she hoped she had escaped for
good, to care for the teenage
girl her sister left behind. But
Jules is afraid. So afraid. Of
her long-buried memories,
of the old Mill House, of
knowing that Nel would
never have jumped. And most
of all she’s afraid of the water,
and the place they call the
Drowning Pool.
The Child by Fiona Barton
Out in June, the accolades
from those who’ve read early
proofs, assure us that this
is going to be every bit as
successful as her previous
novel, The Widow. When
a paragraph in an evening
newspaper reveals a decadesold tragedy, most readers
barely give it a glance. But for
three strangers it’s impossible
to ignore... The Child’s story
will be told.
WE WANT TO SELL
YOUR PROPERTY
CALL US NOW FOR A FREE APPRAISAL ON
+34 619 155 772
C/JUAN XXIII 70 PORT DE POLLENÇA
www.pollensaestates.com
OFFICES IN
INCA • PTO POLLENSA • PALMA
contact: 971 880 125 • 666 540 728
www.tarragolliteras.com
N O R T H
Insurance &
Your Property
Is Insurance Obligatory?
If you’re taking a mortgage,
the insurance your bank
manager is offering is
probably obligatory. Your
mortgage agreement may
depend on you taking the
insurance with the bank, this
is different to being required
by law. In fact, it is not
actually legally compulsory.
Nor is life insurance
compulsory.
You should of course insure
but it is usually cheaper to
go directly to the insurer,
in general you can save at
least 5% on your monthly
payments.
Can I terminate the insurance
once I have the mortgage?
If you have had the insurance
for less than 30 days, yes
you can cancel it. It is also
possible to cancel after one
year with two month’s notice.
You should communicate
directly with the insurer, not
through the bank, it’s a much
more reliable way.
If I cancel the insurance, will
the interest increase?
There may be a clause in the
mortgage agreement that
states any savings or relief are
7
based on insurance policies.
You have to look carefully at
whether it is worth cancelling
and losing the bonus, you
have to look at the numbers.
What types of insurance are
there?
There are a multitude of
policies connected with
buying a home. Insurance for
payment protection mean
the bank fees are paid if
you can’t. However, beware
of time limits and type of
contract – read everything
carefully. Always refer to an
independent advisor, before
signing anything. If a bank
forces you to buy insurance
under conditions that are
not beneficial, be smart and
compare mortgages with
other banks.
You always have the right to
take out insurance policies
with insurers that suit you.
This is a very different thing
to a bank forcing you by not
granting the loan or raising
the interest rate. Talk to your
local insurance company
and look at your options and
how you can make savings in
your home and life insurance
policies.
Vives March, S.L. AXA Agent. • C/ Tito Cittadini , 7, 07460, Pollensa,
971 53 32 14 • [email protected]
Spanish Conversation:
I am training for...
It’s that time of year when the north becomes one big
training camp for triathletes and cycling fans who all come
to the island to enjoy the perfect conditions and join a race
or event such as the Ironman 70.3 that’s coming up in May.
Use your training plans to practice your Spanish!
Helpful Vocabulary: English - Spanish
to run - correr, marcha exercise - ejercicio
personal best - mejor marca personal
to swim - nadar, natación
to enter - participar to cycle - ciclismo
to compete - competir
to train - entrenar
Forming the simple continuous is quite easy when you know how. It
is always formed with the root of the verb with an ending ‘-ando’ or
‘-iendo’ depending on how the verb ends. And it is formed with the
present tense of estar:
estoy
estamos
estás
estáis
está
están
estar + root verb + ‘-ando’ for -ar verbs or ‘-iendo’ -er/ir verbs
for example:
NADar becomes NADando
CORRer becomes CORRiendo
COMPETir becomes COMPITiendo
Useful
Phrases
I am training for... Estoy entrenando para…
Tweet of the Week
8
The Octopus, Kraken at the Sa Bassa Blanca Museum, run
by the Fundación Jakober. This is a figure from Scandinavian
mythology that scared sailors of the Norwegian sea after,
according to the legend, it attacked boats and devoured the
sailors. Thank you @MarjKelly for sharing your tweet!
I am thinking about entering... Estoy pensando en apuntarme a…
Are you thinking of entering a cycling event? Estás pensando en
inscribirte en algún evento?
No, but my brother is thinking about competing in the Ironman. No,
pero mi hermano está pensando en inscribirse en el Ironman.
Now Practice!
Are you training for a race? ___________ (estar + entrenar) para
alguna carrera?
Yes, I am going to run the marathon _____________ (ir + a + correr)
la maraton. [see class in last issue of TOTN!]
I am trying to get a new personal best. ___________ (estar + tratar)
de mejorar mi marca.
Good luck! Pues, buena suerte!
established in 1996
The lessons are compiled by Valeria Van Domselaar who is available for private Spanish and
Catalan Classes. Contact her on 682 622 898 or by email, [email protected].
The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm.
Your online travel guide for everything you need to plan, book & enjoy your holiday
Caving in
Mallorca
Local news is full of the story
about local speleologist – or
cave diver – Xisco Gràcia,
who was trapped in a cave in
Manacor for 60 hours. Telling
press today of his nightmare
he said, “I lost track of time, I
thought it had been five days,
too long, so I thought Guillem
could not get out and they
couldn’t find me.”
Caving or speleology is a
great pastime in Mallorca.
The island’s geology gives it
a unique cave paradise and is
home to over 10,000 of them.
These include some of the
largest in Europe:
In an interview with Ser,
Gràcia recalled that he spent
most of his time in total
darkness. “I was trying to save
the flashlight battery, so I just
turned it on to drink water
from the lake and to pee. But
after so long breathing an
air so charged with CO2 I
sometimes saw some things,
like lights or bubbles, and I
thought they had come to
rescue me, and when they
didn’t I got discouraged.”
• Sa Gleda (a magnificent,
still largely unexplored
underwater cave)
Both Gràcia and the
companion who left him to
get help, Guillem Mascaró,
explained that he was not lost.
“We knew perfectly where we
were…” said Mascaró, “The
problem was getting there,
because the water was so
cloudy, it was like diving in a
bowl of cacao.”
The cave that Gràcia was
trapped in (because of a
malfunction with his oxygen
tank) was the Piqueta Cave,
it is the least-known in the
area and very dangerous.
According to locals there
have been many victims.
The two cavers, Gràcia and
Mascaró were working on
documenting the cave and
were discovering many new
things of interest.
The rescue team came from
the Grupo Nord and local
cavers from Pollensa were
involved in getting Gràcia
out.
The speleologist, one of
the greatest specialists in
submarine caves of Mallorca
who lectured in Buger just
last year, left Son Espases
after spending one night in
observation. He commented
that he is physically fit and
happy to get out exploring
the caves again. “Knowing
underground Malllorca is an
important job. Life goes on
and we have to move on,” he
concluded.
• Cova de Vallgornera (with a
total of 73 km. of underwater,
surface and land cave)
• Coves del Drac (highly
touristic but still amazing
underwater area)
• Sa Campana (with its lowest
hall at a spectacular 340
meters deep and with a hall
so wide that you could fit the
whole of the Cathedral of
Palma inside)
It is possible to go caving in
Mallorca and discover the
fascinating underground
world of limestone, stalactites,
stalagmites, spectacular rock
formations, natural pools,
hidden rooms and tunnels
leading into the unknown
in these ancient caves. But
make sure you go with proper
guides who know what they
are doing.
Contact www.mondaventura.
com for more information.
The
Mallorquinista
continued from back page
For last Sunday’s game at Zaragoza, he made five changes to the
team from the previous week’s insipid game at home to Nastic.
Oriol, Plegezuelo and Vallejo were given starting positions
after long spells of being marginalized. Lekic and Lago Junior
were also recalled in a more adventurous 4–2–3–1 formation.
For 35 minutes they competed well with the hosts without
creating clear cut chances until disaster struck. Mallorca’s
Achilles heel this season has been defending corner kicks and
Angel simply outjumped Campadal at the far post to loop a
header over the badly positioned keeper Santamaria. After
the break the islanders huffed and puffed to little effect and
their first real attempt on goal didn’t materialize until the 70th
minute through Lago Junior.
One player who does show the required passion is veteran
midfielder Juan Culio whose mother recently passed away and
instead of travelling to Argentina for the funeral he elected to
stay in Mallorca to help his team in their struggles.
Congratulations to Brighton and Hove Albion who were
promoted to the Premiership last Saturday in England .
Ironically one of their top scorers is Tomer Hemed who had a
less than inspiring spell as a Mallorca player before moving to
the south coast.
The next game is at home to Cordoba this Sunday the 23rd
April with a 4pm kick off and then away to Sevilla B (officially
known as Sevilla Athletic) on Sunday 30th April.
Real Mallorca 0-0 Nastic
In Sergi’s first game in charge against fellow strugglers
Nastic he sprang a huge surprise with a conservative 4–5–1
formation in what was a must win game. He played with two
wingers and diminutive Brandon Thomas on his own in the
vanguard. Even Sunday league coaches realize that you need
a tall striker (ie Lekic) up front if you have two wide men in
the side. Salamoa in particular regularly beat his full back and
his deliveries were easily dealt with by the visitors central
defenders who towered above Brandon. A point was of little
use to Mallorca although the result could have been even worse
without two brilliant saves from goalkeeper Santamaria in
the space of a minute towards the end of the game. In the first
training session after the game Culio and Oriol were involved
in a scuffle and had to be separated. If only the squad could
show the same spirit on the pitch the future may be different.
Quick Crossword
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Yellow egg parts
7. Dual-carriage express road
8. Drifter
10. Most mischievous
12. Proceeded (from)
14. Pour with rain
16. Expensive
17. Compliant
20. Load to excess
23. Was brave enough
24. Villain
25. Overexcited, ... up
1. Union Army combatant
2. Racist group, Ku Klux ...
3. Chinese city, Hong ...
4. Boxing matches
5. Bribe
6. The Solar ...
9. Tibet’s ... Lama
11. Ambulance officer
13. Recede
15. Moved slowly
16. Aussie stockman
18. Did business
19. Home
21. Lamented
22. Sea-going defence force
© Lovatts Puzzles
WANTED
Mallorcan Donkey, 9 months old,
needs a good home. No charge
but must provide transfer, call
Linda 629427911
I’m looking for a Spanish-English
exchange. Improve your Spanish
and help me improve my English.
606 761 028
Property for Long Term rent. Are
you tired of holiday rentals and
want the convenience of steady
income from your apartment/
villa/townhouse? We have the
clients for you. Call 685 326 094.
Mature, Reliable Lady available
for the following duties.
Cleaning, Dog Walking,
Baby Sitting, Bar Work and
Waitressing.
Can cover the Puerto Pollensa,
Pollensa and Alcudia. Please call
696 109124
PROPERTY
3 bedroom apartment, Puerto
Pollenca, sleeps 6, pool, 2 minutes
walk to beach, short term rental,
email: codone_apartment@
outlook.com
Beautiful townhouse for sale in
the heart of Pollensa Old Town.
Price for private sale €190,000
Further details +44 7879 401 441
Studio apartment for sale in Port
d’Alcudia, Siesta 3, refurbished
new patio doors, retiled
throughtout, new bathroom with
shower, hot/cold A/C, fabulous
seaviews, 10 min walk to beach,
close to all local shops. Must be
seen to be appreciated. Price
€69,000. Phone 622389922 or
+44 (0)7855 100105
BOATS FOR SALE
British built Powles 44ft rebuilt
2013 to owners’ spec. 2 Ford Turbo
180HP Diesel 8KW Genny, 2 cabins.
Full galley. driven by solar panels.
Flybridge seats 6/8 with full bimini.
Cockpit seats 6/8. new cushions.
see-through panels. Lying Alcudia.
Free summer mooring available.
€50,000 ONO. 670 235 369
Boating equipment wet suits
life savers towing doughnut
and 2man banana. 14ft dory
with cabin on a trailer with 35hp
Suzuki engine needs a Cdi unit.
can picafort area 632 759 649
CARS & MOTORBIKES
FOR SALE
Opel Zafira 1.8 petrol. 2001.
150,000 kms. ITV to Aug 17. 1000
euros recently spent on new
tyres, exhaust and cat’. Runs
beautifully. Absolute bargain
at 1995€ + transfer costs. Tel 627186782
3 wheels with tyres in very good
condition for a vw golf for 40€
695 976 931
2006 Kia Picanto XL Automatic
gearbox, selling for my 100 year
old Godfather, less than 35000
KM, in very good condition,, ITV
17, Please call Mick 616324422.
For sale Moto Guzzi Nevada
Club 2000 just over 5000 miles
originally British, now registered
in Spain. great condition. ITV
till June 17 lots of chrome, and 2
tone metallic paint, Offers over
3000.00€ Call Mick 616 32 44 22
FOR SALE
Solid wooden traditional style
Mallorquin dining table, 1.75m
and 6 chairs (2 carvers). All chairs
have wooden frames with leather
studded seating in excellent
condition. €300
Full sized bunk beds, with blue
frame, as new, €75, 1.2m sky dish
with sky box and remote, €50
2 Bronzed and porcelain
chandeliers, each with 5 glass
shades, €25 each. Call Lorraine
+34 633 942 689 if interested
HP 15.6-inch HD Laptop (Turbo
silver) - (Intel Core i5-6200U, 8
GB RAM, 1 TB HDD, Intel HD 520
Graphics Card, Windows 10)
British keyboard - impossible to
find in Mallorca! Unwanted gift in
original packaging. I can provide
further details plus receipt.
Bought for £484 (€570), will sell
for 500€ ONO tel: 625577128
Various kids bikes for little ones
including a police bike for boys
and a pink trike for age 2-4 yrs.
from €40-€50 call 685 326 094
T A L K
Úrsula Perelló
Physiotherapist
676 504 955
Round wooden coffee table,
Mallorcan style €15. Butano gas
fire, hardly used, €30. Unisex
Bicycle, adult size, €45. Grey
easychair with integral leg rest. As
new, cost €450, for sale for €200.
Puerto Alcudia, call 645 139 561
Dark red with floral pattern sofa,
2 seater, in very good condition
bargain at 35 euros Ring 07879
401441
11
N O R T H
Julia Rosende Mustillo
Physiotherapist & Osteopath
625 883 026
C/Viçens Buades 41, 07470 Port de Pollença
971 867 003
summer is Coming!!
Get REady for the Beach
Let us Help You Lose Those
Extra Pounds at
Fat Club!
Every Thursday 6-7pm
New Members 5.30pm
St Andrew’s Church Puerto Pollensa
Call Marilyn: 630 906 428
[email protected]
Facebook: FatClub-PuertoPollensa
carpenter &
handyman
All work considered,
free quotations
Steve Warr : 696 109 124
c/horta, 36
pollensa
656 806 750
[email protected]
www.yogapollensa.com
Knitted Knockers,
Wigs and Heart Pillows
available for free
King size headboard. €50. Buyer
collects. contact 618851275
Mobile Modem, Alcatel One
Touch, Unused, was €69 now €50.
Tel. 627 166 040
T H E
Physiotherapy + Osteopathy
Centre
Contents of garage for
sale near can picafort.
electrical,plumbing,building and
general tools and various items
for sale please phone for details.
Sale starts on Friday 24 march
until sold out. Come and see what
is here Tel 632 775 680 .
2 Wooden Traditional Mallorcan
Single beds. Meireles Electric 4
ring free standing cooker and
oven just over 2 years old. Please
call 648093409
O F
Have you been diagnosed
with cancer?
If you need to talk
call 659 887 455
Look after your
R&R at Tienda
Relaxing:
Sofas, beds and
everything else
you need to relax.
Drop In Centre at Son Espases
Block N Floor -2 Door 216
(in front of reception)
Thursday 10.00 - 13.00
[email protected] • www.cancersupportmallorca.com
C/Medico Llopis, 21
Puerto Pollensa
971 106 457
tiendarelaxing@
gmail.com
Advertise in
TOTN
Reserve this spot for as
little as €10 per issue
[email protected]
685 326 094
House clearance, fires, fans,
China glass. Many small items.
Phone 695052579
Strap on bike rack, almost new
cost me €75 will sell for €25 carrys
two bikes: 695 976 931
Made to Measure Soft Furnishings,
Curtains, Cushions, Awnings,
Bedcovers. Rugs Now Available!
C Mare Perla 4, Local B
Puerto Alcudia
T: 971 547 878, M: 607 623 845
12
Charles Nutter
The Mallorquinista
New Manager, Same Old Mallorca
As predicted in the last edition of TOTN, Javier Olaizola was
sacked by Real Mallorca as head coach (the same position as
manager in UK football) and was replaced by Sergi Barjuan
but nothing has changed on the pitch. If the players had shown
the same passion as Olaizola did for the club then Mallorca
would be looking at a mid table position instead of what is
looking almost certainly at relegation to the third tier of
Spanish football. They are second bottom of the league, six
points from safety with eight games to play. The team have
not won for nine games now and there is little optimism on
the horizon. Known universally as Sergi, the new head coach
was a player in the Barcelona team coached by Jordi Cryuff
and labelled as the Dream Team. His new charges must be
giving him nightmares. Sergi doesn’t have a brilliant record as
a coach. He was part of the youth team staff at Barca and the
had a reasonable spell in charge of Recreativo Huelva for two
years before a short term disastrous spell at Almeria.
continued on page 9
‘‘I’ve retired to Spain. Can I continue to use my UK based
financial adviser?’’
Talk to the people who know.
PWK102b-es
UK advisers do not have the deep understanding of the Spanish regime necessary
to provide the most tax-efficient financial planning solutions, and may not be
authorised to give advice in Spain. Your adviser needs to live here to be up to date
and react fast to changes. Blevins Franks has long-established offices in Spain and
the UK and unique insight into the needs of British expatriates in Spain.
contact us now on
971 719 181 [email protected]
Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, reference number 179731. Where advice is provided outside the UK, via the Insurance Mediation Directive from Malta, the regulatory
system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts and companies. Blevins Franks Tax Limited provides taxation advice; its
advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFFM.
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