End of the gold rush
“For example, those unable to rent to holidaymakers for short periods at lucrative rates, would rather not rent at all.”
Hot on the heels of Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announcing the end of the Golden Visa in the country, Labour has declared that once it takes power - as surely it will – the Non-Doms in the UK will be out on their ear too unless they accept heavy financial penalties.
Currently, non-EU citizens with Golden Visas can live in Spain for up to three years and have full working rights providing they invest a minimum of 500,000€ in property. This deal will now be phased out as Sanchez argues the need for more affordable housing. This all sounds very worthy but I’m still not sure how kicking out uberwealthy foreigners will aid this particular problem.
As we’ve seen so often here in Mallorca, when the going gets tough, the rich get going. For example, those unable to rent to holidaymakers for short periods at lucrative rates, would rather not rent at all. The problems with renting all-year round in Spain involves a number of challenges not least accepting lower income than for short holiday rentals and having few rights should you wish to terminate a rental contract. I have known landlords here who have clients unwilling or unable to pay rent and yet the law is on their side. This isn’t so bad if landlords have lots of dosh but if they don’t and are relying on the rent to pay a mortgage, they’re in trouble. Add to that long term wear and tear. Meanwhile, for local workers on low incomes desperately looking for somewhere to live, this is all rather depressing and bleak. Prices for long-term rentals that do exist are now out of control as a consequence and mostly wealthy foreigners snap the properties up for the asking price.
Back in Blighty, the Non-Dom crowd will vote with their feet and flee Britain for tax-free havens should they be penalised. Currently, they avoid paying tax on money they make overseas while the rest of us paupers, continue to prop them all up. Presumably, they’ll hang on to their luxury pads in Mayfair and elsewhere for investment purposes and will contribute zilch to the economy as they jet set away to fairer climes.
The return of The Night Manager
The last time actor Tom Hiddleston had an outing on the BBC TV show The Night Manager, the world and his iPhone descended on Cala Deya, desperate for a slice of associated fame. In particular, tourists flocked to eat fresh fish and chips at famed Ca’s Patró March, the understated little shack-like restaurant by the beach.
Since then, any of us locals who used to pop by there on a whim for a tasty bite, have given up the ghost. Now it’s the domain of wealthy yachties and Instagrammers who stay up until midnight for weeks on end in the desperate hope of securing a table for a designated two-hour slot provided by the eatery. To be honest, good for Ca’s Patró March. If they can make a handsome living from the show’s fame, why not? All the same, the old spontaneity and wonderful authenticity of Cala Deya has now gone. An electronic sign at the mouth of the long, curvy road that leads to the beach now announces whether you can enter or not. Uniformed guards are there in the summer months banning drivers from even thinking of driving their cars down there unless residents of Deya with permits or if they have a booking with
the restaurant. And they want hard proof too, of course. I guess only tourists would have the tenacity to jump through so many hoops.
So, two more series of The Night Manager beckon. Where will the series go next? Presumably, it’s done with Mallorca and will head off to other sunny shores. Will this mean the end of the restaurant’s popularity and a chance for locals to enjoy it once more? I doubt that very much.
Declining birth rate
There’s been a lot of polemic about declining birth rates in Europe and how to address the problem. It’s not easy. These days, unless a couple is financially very secure or likely to inherit a nice little nest egg, how on earth will they cope? I feel that my generation and those before mine, were so privileged. Although childcare could be a problem, there seemed to be more options at less cost and of
course community and family played a great part. With the current diaspora, families and in particular, grandparents, are often unable to assist with child minding. So many families live in different parts of the world now. Another factor is that grandparents are younger and jauntier and often still working and don’t have the time or will to care for youngsters. This means that state or private childcare is required, mostly at a whopping cost. On top of that, the world is going to hell in a handcart. Understandably, a lot of couples are questioning whether they should be bringing more poor souls into this troubled world. I don’t have the answers but all I do know is that modern day parenting is not for the faint of heart.
Age old secrets
The oldest man in the world, John Alfred Tinniswood, aged 111, has opined that the only reason he’s reached his grand old age is down to luck, and he’s probably right. He’s a fan of fish and chips, though even with his celebrity status I doubt he’d get a table at Ca’s Patró March. He claims not to smoke or consume alcohol and lives in a residential home, awaiting his allotted time in the sky. I’m not sure living to such an age is all it’s cut out to be. I met the world’s oldest man (aged 112 at the time) during my time as a Guinness judge and I felt he was tired of life. One of the world’s oldest women, once a teacher, told me that all her friends, family and even pupils had died before her. What would be fun about that?
“A big step for English residents and tourists alike.”
Historic Palmanova event
What an exciting historic week ahead. Mallorca’s first ever St George’s Day celebrations to be held in Palmanova!
We have enjoyed many fiestas recognising Europe Day, Balearics Day and even the Irish St Patrick’s Day, but this week Calvia Council, in collaboration with the Bulletin and their sponsors are for the first time celebrating the English patron St George. A big step for English residents and tourists alike. The wide variety of special events are well documented within these pages, so I really hope as many of you as possible take advantage of this very special week by supporting the events and taking advantage of the fun. Enjoy restaurant Calvia Beach’s stunning terrace on the beach who will have a DJ from 6pm throughout the week, and Contro Corrente who are offering a special breakfast with a view. Let’s make this such a success that it becomes a fabulous annual event to be proud!
The inspirational lady of Palmanova
Like a magnet, Mallorca has always attracted remarkable and extraordinary people to its shores.
Many with a complex, secret story of survival that has led them here. Like peeling an onion, the layers unfold during moments of conversations making me wonder how such a small island contrives to draw such inspirational characters.
Sadly this week we said goodbye to one such special lady, Maureen Jones. Well known to many as she has whizzed happily around Palmanova in her mobility chair, stylishly clad in a hat and flowing dresses. Indeed, it was not until her daughter’s eulogy that chapters of her incredible life story completed the puzzle.
I well remember the day that the vivacious tennis-loving brunette went into hospital and to everyone’s horror, incredulously came out without one of her legs. Yet her positive attitude and humour as she adapted was absolutely inspirational.
“There are many ways to talk about our Mum, lots of you have known her for 50 years or more, but all of us know that she was a strong, caring, somewhat outspoken intelligent women, who throughout her life faced hardship one way or another, but faced it head on with humour, determination and stubbornness” stated daughter Nikki. Maureen was born in Bolton Lancashire with a huge passion for design and art, which led her to study at Manchester University where she met and married Tony Jones. They continued their studies despite the birth of their daughter Nikki and later their son Saul. “Their life was not always easy, but with their personalities, humour, intelligence,
our house was always full of friends, laughter and parties.”
Maureen’s passion for design saw her meet all the wellknown fashion icons of 60’s, travelling to London for fashion shoots. A coincidental meeting, after missing a flight to Ibiza, saw her chatting to the boss of a holiday company in the bar. He was so impressed by her character, he offered Maureen a job at Manchester Airport. However, after many years of working for Clarksons, she decided to set up her own
company, Manchester Air Couriers. She built up an impressive business, offering young people a chance to work in the travel industry, gaining the name Mrs Manchester Airport. She was also known to carry airline tickets with her at all times, just in case she wanted to nip off for a weekend, while helping hundreds of stranded passengers over the years get away for their long awaited holiday. Her burning ambition reaped rewards.
Recalling her resourcefulness Nikki reminisced “Once Barcelona Football club came to Manchester. My mother had nothing to do with the flight, but rushed to the gate and insisted they sign immigration cards, just so Saul could have all their autographs!”
Following divorce Maureen, eased her heartbreak by moving to Mallorca, building a fulfilling new life, making new friends. Nikki and her daughter Sade followed her. Maureen’s tragic disability may have stopped the life she knew and loved, but she refused to let it diminish her spirit or her determination to carry on. Albeit, unbelievably tough as a single woman. But with the support of family and locals, she enjoyed socialising and fun. Easter Sunday found her as ever in the heart of the dancing. She passed during the night when her heart gave out, at a very youthful 85.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief for our Mum. We have had so many messages from ex-employees and friends from her airport days, and cannot express how loved we feel at how much you thought of our Mother. She appreciated every single thing you did for her. Just stopping to chat, collecting some groceries or calling her.” Proof that here in Mallorca we look after our own.
Larrick’s lifesaving ecmo project
Following Larrick’s successful Art Fantastic event at the Leonardo hotel, he is even closer to his goal to buying a state-of-the-art ECMO life support machine for Son Espases hospital. It was a stylish, elegant exhibition displaying various art genres and fashion by outstanding talents that attracted the island’s art lovers. All happy to
support such a worthy cause while enjoying a social afternoon in the sunshine. Larrick was delighted with the huge attendance and support, thanking everyone from the heart. As ever Larrick was overwhelmed by the generosity of the community and the artists donating their spectacular artworks to help save lives stating: “Thank you to those who share a similar view of contributing to humanity in ways that are inspiring and uplifting.”