It's all about Calvia

HAVING no children of my own, I have never experienced the first day at school, or nursery, nerves, that mums and dads go through when taking their little ones out into the big world of education, for the first time. Little Jack Worthington - Recoque, is my youngest Anglo - French resident, and at 14 months old, has recently stepped out to nursery in El Toro. I was very touched that his mum and dad, Tom and Tilly Worthington - Recoque invited me along to share the experience. The "escoleta" is very cute, and the staff seemed marvellous, this has later been confirmed by Tilly. Jack wasn’t too sure at first, there were teachers around and he looked a little confused, as he clutched mummy’s hand. Meanwhile dad, Tom, was snapping away with the camera, and yet looking just a little bit apprehensive, Tilly was close to tears. I have to be honest, I chickened out and left, I believe it was a private family time for them, and I felt surplus to requirements (plus there was a strong possibility that I would cry too! ).

Several days down the line, and the happy family have confirmed to me that Jack’s "adaptation" period is going swimmingly. They have built up from 10 mins to 2 hours a day, and Jack is loving it. Jack’s parents are delighted with the "escoleta" the teacher - kiddie ratio is low, which means that absolute supervision and personalised attention is guaranteed. All food is cooked fresh on the premises, and our boy is really enjoying lots of fruit and veggies. Next week they will try him with an afternoon nap there. OK so there were a few tears at the beginning but it’s all good now. Just wait until he is going to university !!

THIS week we say goodbye to long time Calviá resident FLORENCE MAIDEN. I remember the first time I met Florence, she was well into her nineties, and yet she was so beautifully turned out, all dressed in green with matching accesories. She was a lady who caused a lasting impression. Over the years I got to know her, and her family, who lived in El Toro. In latters years Florence lived in Calviá care home for the elderly, and she was an absolute character. On her 100th birthday a couple of years ago we had two parties for her. One in the morning, at the care home, and one at the El Toro restaurant all afternoon. Everyone dressed in her favourite pink, and we celebrated in style. Florence was so thrilled with her birthday card from the Queen, and she beamed all day long. She will be fondly remembered and missed. Florence passed away in the UK, our condolences to her family. RIP lovely lady.

MUCH has been said of late about illegal holiday rentals, and a possible change in the law. To be honest it is not a topic that is easy, in fact it is rather complex, to say the least, but I do realise that residential tourism in it’s many forms, is good for the economy. The thousands of people that reside in Calviá, and in Majorca, at some point have visitors to stay with them. That " friends and family" tourism brings a huge amount of revenue to our island. Let’s face it, our guests hire cars, dine out, go to the supermarket, drink in local bars, and a whole long list of other things, so we need to realise the importance of that. Hopefully the holiday rental situation will get sorted out, but I always recommend to people that they should book through a reputable company, and be fully covered in their choice of accomodation. It makes sense.

ALONG similar lines, I was chatting to a good friend of mine the other day. She was telling me that transport services to and from the airport is on the increase. I’m not talking here about taxis, buses, or picking your family and friends up. I am referring to people who charge to take you to and from the airport in their private cars. Taxi drivers, of course are hot on the tail on anyone that they suspect is robbing them of business. Some people it seems are even doing it in UK registered cars, which should have changed to Spanish plates as soon as they became residents here. Risky business really. Private cars are not insured as shuttle buses, and local businesses are on the lookout...be on your guard....just saying!

NEXT Saturday the 14th, we have our very first Beach Football tournament. Futbol Playa, is a new and hopefully to be a regular event on Magalluf beach. Globo Events in conjunction with the Town hall International department are the organisers. I believe it will be an all day long event, with lots going on. I guess the bars down there and the Wave house will be busy with spectators. Anything that helps to keep the resorts buzzing is welcome.

THE Rotary yearly charity event, which entails a sponsored walk, a market and a live music show all day long, has had to change the venue at the 11th hour. Santa Ponsa has been a regular location for the event in past years, so last week Edward Ingram, myself and some colleagues attended a meeting with the Association of retailers. In short, we were flabbergasted to hear that the market would not be allowed, as it brought too much competition to the local shops. Hmmm let’s get our heads around this one. So... the thousands of people that come from other parts of the island are not a bonus? so the boosting of visitor numbers to a resort in what is becoming lower season does not count ?. To me it is a strange logic, but to the guys at Rotary it was the worst news possible. Onwards and upwards Edward said, if the mountain will not go to Mohammed.....The conclusion is that THIS YEAR’S ROTARY EVENT WILL BE ON 28 SEPTEMBER IN PAGUERA. We have a great location at the Plaza Tora. We have a stunning route for the walkers. We have cooperation from the Town Hall and locals. We are going to make it even bigger and even better than in previous years. For that, we need your help. Please put the date in your social calenders, and join us in Paguera. it is going to be a truly wonderful event, which will attract people and business to the area, and raise money for children and people in need during the hard winter months. To the Rotary guys I am sorry! You did not deserve this spanner in the works at the last minute. BUT it says a lot about your attitude, flexibility, and sheer determination, that you have taken it all on board, and are working harder than ever at making PAGUERA a success. I salute you!

LAST Sunday down at the Captains tower at Puerto Portals, we held the yearly Aquathlon races and award ceremony. This is for a sporting event which entails both swimming and running. All age groups took part, and as always it was a great success. It was a hot day, and the location with just a slight breeze, was a perfect backdrop for the prizegiving ceremony. I was honoured to present the " boat shaped" ( very fitting for a port,) trophies, along with Captain Alberto. Thank you to Puerto Portals and congratulations to all of the participants.

Best wishes Angie x