A week in Calvia

I was sitting in a newly named cafe, Aptitude and Attitude, in Santa Ponsa, this week, waiting for Sally from my team and an Irish resident. A young chap came over to me and introduced himself as a London cabbie, who comes back and forth, often, to Majorca. He said that he always reads my column and found it informative and helpful. What a lovely thing to do. It made my day. So if the young man is reading this week, "Hello and thank you". I have quite a bit to tell you readers this time around.

The ongoing saga of the residencia card. You of course, will remember, that the Calviá Government team have been lobbying as far as Brussels for the return of the old style, credit card size I.D. card with a photograph. Recently we received a letter from the E.U. Commission saying that they have received our request, however, there are no plans to change the current system, as it complies with E.U. requirements and law. Back to the drawing board? I really am not sure where we go from here, but giving up is not an option. Many people have shown me the new health card, and yes it does have a photograph and it is very handy, but it doesn’t constitute an official document, that we could use, say, to travel with. Even if it did, not everybody has the health card as you need to be either a pensioner or paying into the Spanish system. What we need is a "one size fits all" that works for us and that is right officially too. Will we ever get there? I’m still fighting our corner !

We bade farewell this week, on a lovely sunny day, to resident Peggy Green, who was almost 92 years old. Her husband Phil paid a beautiful tribute to her at the funeral. As promised here is the poem, which I read out in the church :-

Dear Peggy we will miss you,

but we knew you couldn’t stay.

Your memories will stay with us

and be cherished every day.

Your life was long and happy,

sometimes a social whirl.

A beauty in your youth, Peggy,

you were quite a girl.

You loved to dance and make things,

crochet was your thing.

You met Phil in your 50s,

and soon wore his wedding ring.

Your marriage, though later in life,

was full of happiness and joy.

As Phil was 2 days younger,

you called him your "toy boy".

Your family are heartbroken,

but know they must move on.

And thinking of the happy times,

will help them to be strong.

You became more frail just lately

you needed this release.

So Peggy, love from all of us,

sleep and be at peace.

A

T this months International Association’s meeting we carried out the voting for the E.U. citizen of the year 2014 award. There were 4 nominations in total :-

Salvation Army

Edward Ingram

Izzy Newman

And I’m really chuffed to say that I was nominated too, which was a huge surprise and an honour. To be honest I was walking around all day with my feathers just a little bit fluffed out like a peacock, feeling rather pleased with myself. Then I gave it some serious thought, and please understand that I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I decided that the most "ethical" thing to do was to take myself off the list of nominees. The reason being, I am a Councillor in public service, it is MY JOB to look after the residents. The E.U. citizen award is for members of the public who go over and above the norm, in doing things within the community. Anyway just being nominated made me feel like a winner. So my sincere congratulations go to the TRUE contenders, Izzy, Edward and the Salvation army. After the Associations had cast their vote, the winner of the 2014 E. U. citizen of the year was announced as Edward Ingram. Edward has done so much fundraising over the years. He is a well liked and much respected member of our society, he is a member of the Anglican church, and a good friend to many people. Congratulations Edward, see you on the stage at Europe day on 11 May, where you will be presented with your well deserved award ! Izzy, David and Elizabeth too will be invited on stage to receive their recognition.

T

HE FALLASof El Toro are coming very soon. This very traditional Valencian fiesta take place every year, and it gets better and better. The word FALLA ( pronounced FAIYA ) is the name given to the big models and statues, that they burn at the end of the fiesta. I remember seeing my very first FALLA in Valencia in 1973, and the statues were all of the Jungle Book characters. I was sad to think that they were going to be set fire to and considered it a shame and a waste, but that is tradition and we must respect that.

We have a big Valencian community in El Toro, and many of them return to their homeland to attend the Fallas which is HUGE over there.

On their return to El Toro they bring with them just a littler taste of Valencia. The El Toro version begins on Friday, 28 March and goes on until the Sunday night. They are three rather intense days of partying, but in a lovely way.

The atmosphere on the streets of El Toro is wonderful. There are fairground rides, stalls, bouncy castles, music, village bands, fireworks and an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. The Paella competition is on the Sunday, the people come in their droves, to have a picnic in the open air.

Many of them cook their paellas on open fires and congregate with friends and family. Some just bring their picnics of cheese, wine, olives, salami, crusty bread, and other delicacies. The whole point is that anything goes, the idea is to grab a spot, set up your table, and enjoy. This year the little colour brochure that gives the full programme is also being printed in English.

That’s great progress, meaning that we are a definite part of the community and the festivities. It’s always interesting every year to see what the FALLA is. Let’s wait and see, but I hope you join us. You will love it.

T

OMORROW, Sunday, we have a big charity event going on in Jokers bar, Magalluf. Hoping for great weather so that we can enjoy the huge spacious terrace and cinema style T.V. screens. Lions of Calviá have put together a real extravaganza.

With the help of well known singer Nicky Stixx, who will be our M.C. and hostess.

There will be an array of well known musicians performing for us. As the proceeds from the raffle and 20% of the bar takings will be going to two Spanish children’s charities Natzaret and Indig, we hope for lots of support. What is very wonderful, is that many youths are participating in the show. Alongside well established musicians, we will be able to see two young contestants from Majorca ’s got talent, Albie who came first in the first heat, and Santi who came second.

From the Spanish T.V. show La Voz, (The Voice ) we have Callum, from Santa Ponsa.

The Leona Troy dancers, will be performing for us, and Mr Blobby will be making a special appearance.

Jokers bar will provide a free snack buffet for all customers, even though the kitchen is open all day long for full meals.

Join us tomorrow at Jokers, Magalluf, Avenida Sol y Vera, for a great day out from 2pm until 8pm.

You will be helping a very good cause, and some Association stands will be part of the activities too.

That’s all for now

Angie Guerrero

Councillor for Foreign Affairs