Article by Rachael Adams – taken from Issue 364 – June 2025

give me all your honey – and everything else too.

GETTING CLOSE UP TO BEE-KEEPING IN MENORCA

The sky is blue again, with glorious fluffy clouds still lingering after the rain. I shut the crooked gate and power up the track towards the farmhouse on the hill. The ground is moist. Insects flit about the flowers, finally blooming after a dry winter. My book tells me they’re crown daisies, scarlet pimpernel, corn poppy, common catchfly and, somewhat less endearing perhaps, annual bastard-cabbage. I hear humming and notice bees near my feet. How nice, I think: they’ve come to get me.

I meet my friend at the car. She’s donning a huge white overall with an attached hat, elbow-length leather gloves, and stout rubber wellies. She hands me a pile of the same. For some reason, I hadn’t computed that getting up close would actually be part of learning about bees! I’m instructed to first close one zip to shut my neck into the veil, followed by another over it, followed by a Velcro flap over the top just in case. She stuffs a load of pine needles into her “smoker”- like a small metal watering can. Acid smoke fills the back of my throat. We gather up an assortment of primitive-looking tools and set off across the fields to the hives.

After a short while, having traipsed far enough away from the house, we cut through a gap in a stone wall and step over the rusting “warning: bees” sign lying face down in the grass. Apart from all the buzzing insect action, this is a fragrant and secluded part of our planet. There is a group of square, colourful boxes on raised benches in the middle of the field. The bees are out and about, flying as far as three kilometres away from their homes to forage for pollen, nectar and propolis. What they gather will be from a mixture of whatever flowers are here. This will make “multi-flower” honey. If it were to be rosemary honey, for example, the beekeeper would have to make sure only rosemary was present within their home range, and the honey is tested for its provenance in the lab.

All of the bees flying around us are female. If one of them finds a lot of nectar-laden flowers, she zooms home to perform the “waggle dance”. This is a perfectly choreographed ritual consisting of circles, figure-eight and special noises to tell her colleagues where to find them. It can take a bee up to 2000 flower visits to fill her crop with nectar, a sweet-tasting sap full of sugar, vitamins and salts. Plants make it in glands called nectarines to attract pollinators to them. Many animals, like bats, hummingbirds and bees feast on nectar. The latter take some of the surplus home to store in combs in the hive, where it will be converted to honey.

Besides nectar, pollen or sperm dust, from the male anthers of the plant, is also harvested. It’s gathered in the mouth and mushed into a paste before being stored in baskets on the rear legs for the flight home. These baskets are made from tightly-woven leg hairs. It can take a bee 20 return trips (with 2000 visits per trip) to fill one single cell in a honeycomb. The manual advises beekeepers to position their hives on flat ground as flying uphill carrying excess baggage is even more arduous a feat.

Back at base, the foraging bee scrapes her pollen droplets off into a cell with her other legs. A different “house bee” then regurgitates her enzyme-enriched nectar, and mixes it with the pollen. After a drying period, the bees “cap”, or seal the cell with wax secreted from specialised glands in their abdomen. This pap and bee vomit will eventually mature into delectable honey.

Importantly, while the insects suck up the nectar, the male pollen spores in their leg baskets are likely to come into contact with the female organs within the flowers, thus fertilising the plant. Even more importantly, this is the same process that fertilises many of our fruit trees and edible crops such as clover, cucumbers and sunflowers. Thus, honeybees and other pollinators, even the maligned mosquitoes (orchid pollinators), are crucial to our ecosystems. However, bees are in trouble because synthetic insecticides (such as neonicotinoids) poison them, and due to the loss of wildflowers and habitat that often accompany intensive agriculture or urbanisation.

While those concerns are certainly not an issue on this farm, sadly, after such a dry winter there aren’t many flowers out. My friend doubts the creatures will be able to make much honey for themselves, never mind spare any for the humans. What we steal is their larder for when there are no flowers or it’s too wet to fly. She’ll have to put some water out for them soon, she says, as they use it to mix the honey with.

Article by Beverley Ward – Excerpt from our 50th Anniversary Edition – Issue 358 – August 2023

The entrance to the Aeroclub lies snugly between the Guardia Civil buildings and the Hippodrome, mid-way between Mahón and Sant Lluis. The bar is well known to the Choir, dancing clubs, the billiard club and others, providing ample space for weekly meetings or special celebrations and providing easy access and parking; but the actual aerodrome which spreads over 750,000 sqm has an interesting history.

The First Runway
The beginnings go back to 1939, nearly at the end of the Spanish Civil War when the first runway of Menorca was prepared over 850 m and constructed out of compacted earth and thereby suffering the inevitable problems of ‘determined vegetation’. This was a military runway with little activity for several years, but it provided an emergency landing for aircraft of various different nationalities that found themselves in difficulties during WWII. Most of these ended up lying there abandoned for years until finally being removed for scrap.

However, ten years later, in 1949, Aviaco started a regular weekly flight to Barcelona carrying passengers, post and cargo. It’s hard to imagine nowadays the Bristol 170 parked in front of a new terminal of 300 sq m while the two pilots and the hostess would wander over for a coffee between flights, the passengers carried their luggage out to the plane and cargo was dragged over on a wheelbarrow or pulled by a mule. It became obvious that improvements were needed to the runway especially when puddles from heavy rain caused a plane to veer off the runway onto rocks. Some 50 prisoners from La Mola were paid 2 pesetas per day to extend it by another 100 m, later followed by more compulsory purchase of land and by 1961 the runway stretched to a reasonable 1250m.

These were different times for flying. Imagine boarding your plane but then being asked to get off again as one engine wasn’t starting. You waited on the runway while the captain took off on one engine and watched as he managed to start the other while in the air, then returned to the runway still keeping the engines running and you were told to board again. A true story and all landed happily in Barcelona.

Tourism, as is so often the case, was the key to development in Menorca. By 1965 there were one million tourists coming to the Baleares, but a whopping 89% went to Mallorca, 9.4% to Ibiza and Menorca lagged well behind with only 1.3%. A serious lack of infrastructure was largely to blame, the limited facilities of the airport, only 2 hotels on the island, and lack of activities for tourists amongst other factors. The change began in 1969 when Horizon Holidays offered the novel idea of charter flights to Menorca, with hotel and activities included. The Director, Jim Maps did a brilliant job of inventing activities and entertainment to keep the British visitors happy and BEA flew here regularly. This was a key factor in the decision to build a new airport. So, in 1969 the new airport opened and the old aerodrome was offered, together with a small AISA taildragger plane to a group of aviation enthusiasts. The Aeroclub was born.

The Early Days
It was the then mayor, Gabriel Segui who negotiated with the military for the use of the land and runway and he became the first President of the Real Aeroclub of Mahón. But there were no pilots, fairly important, so it was arranged for an instructor to come over regularly from Mallorca to teach a few well-heeled Menorcans how to fly. Of this early group it was Dr Vicente Roca who subsequently went on to become an instructor and trained up (for free) many of the present pilots over the next 30 years or more. At first it seemed like an elitist group, but this changed to a very “normal” group of pilots who just loved to fly and during the first half of the 90’s it was at its peak with a lively social life and plenty of aeronautical activities and excursions such as flying all the planes to Reus or Igualada or Mallorca for a weekend away. It was much more relaxed then, without so many restrictions or controls as nowadays and no need to draw up a flight plan. Any evening or weekend you would find people around the hangar to chat to, and although fuel had to be obtained from the main airport, you could go off flying at the drop of a hat.

Recent Years
In the years that followed we’ve had Formula 1 using the runway for straight line testing and taking advantage of one of the longest runways in Europe for an aeroclub

It’s 1,800m or a nautical mile long, (very useful when you are needing to improve your landing technique!).

We now have nearly 100 members and 4 planes of the Aeroclub plus 7 other privately owned planes in the hangars.

There have been visits from flying clubs that are united with a common plane such as the Cirrus or Diamond. There are clubs formed of ultralight aircraft with up to 40 aircraft flying in together and there have been air races and planes who include Menorca as part of their tour of Spain. We must not forget the visits from the Spanish Patrulla Aguila or the Red Arrows. The latter will once again be visiting in September and the Aeroclub as always will be hosting a reception for them and the local dignitaries. Throughout the summer months we have growing numbers of visiting light aircraft from all over Europe, and it is often a surprise to see so many planes of all shapes and sizes.

The Future
Since its inauguration in 1969 until the present day the Aeroclub has been owned by the Ministry of Defence who allowed us to make use of the facilities in exchange for maintaining them. Over the last few years their intention has been to sell, and following recent negotiations there is now an agreement between the military and the Consell Insular for the purchase of the land and installations. This is currently in the process of being finalized. This heralds a very positive step for the Aeroclub since our future is now more secure than it has been since 1969.

Learning to Fly in Menorca
f you’ve ever dreamt of going up in a light aircraft or maybe even to learn to fly, then you should get in touch with us. An Air Experience flight can be arranged with an experienced local pilot in a four seater Piper Archer and you can choose the duration, but 45 minutes or an hour is recommended.

If you are tempted by the idea of becoming a pilot, you can also ask for a trial flight with one of the english speaking instructors who will be happy to give you more details of the courses available, both practical and theory. We have two instructors who speak excellent English and an examiner, so courses are provided for new pilots to learn to fly for a PPL or LAPL, or also for ultralight aircraft with an instructor from Mallorca. The examinations can nowadays be done in English and all radio communications also, so although having a good level of Spanish is always useful, it’s not obligatory. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for prices or more details.

info@aeroclubmenorca.com or our website www.aeroclubmenorca.com

Excerpt from Issue 369 – Winter 2024

Henry Calthorpe Blofeld, or as his legions of fans know him, ‘Blowers’, is a name synonymous with cricket commentary. He’s the man who brought to life the BBC’s Test Match Special (TMS) with his charming tales, oddball observations, and descriptions of life off the field— whether that meant pigeons, buses, or the art of cake-eating. With his distinctive Old Etonian style, he became a national treasure, retiring from Test Match Special in 2017. But did he take a peaceful step into retirement? Absolutely not. Four months of quiet life in Menorca with his wife, Valeria, left him “bored out of my mind” so, naturally, he returned to the stage, doing 200 shows a year, writing books, and commentating at charity events. When we met, he had just returned from a literary lunch with fellow celebrity authors Bill Wyman and Pam Ayres. Boredom? That’s not in Blowers’ vocabulary.

Can we start with your surname? Is it true that your father knew Ian Fleming, and was the inspiration for his infamous Bond villain, Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
“Well, it’s true they both went to Eton, but my father was five years older than Fleming, and they didn’t cross paths at school. But my father was friends with Ian’s older brother, Peter, who married actress Celia Johnson (Brief Encounter). It was at Peter’s house that Ian and my father met, and that’s how the ‘Blofeld’ name was borrowed for the book. When Thunderball was published in 1961, they exchanged letters, all in good spirits — those letters are now kept in the library at the house in Hoveton. During a visit to Fleming’s Jamaican home, Goldeneye, my father met Noël Coward who became a family friend and we saw him whenever he came to England.”

Your family home is in Hoveton, Norfolk, and so where did the Blofeld name originate?
“The ancestors of our family came over to Norfolk with the Vikings. The name originates in Hamburg in Germany, and then, in the 9th/10th Centuries, there was a big migration from Northern Germany to Scandinavia and some of the Blofelds migrated to Helsinki in Finland and then thumbed a lift with the Vikings to Overstrand in Norfolk. In the 1400s my ancestors moved from Overstrand and acquired land in Hoveton, and in 1680 Thomas Blofeld, Mayor of Norwich, built Hoveton House, where we still have a family estate today, run by my nephew. Valeria and I have our own medieval cottage at Hoveton where we spend our time when we are in the UK.”

How did you first discover Menorca?
“I first came here over 20 years ago when Nigel Bett, Secretary of the Sussex County Cricket Club, invited me to speak at the Menorca Cricket Club’s annual dinner. That’s when I met some wonderful people—like Andrew Manners and David Sheffield, the founders of Menorca MCC—and discovered the delightful cricket club. After I got together with Valeria in 2009, we visited Menorca many times. I get great fun out of watching the matches between the local sides and the visiting teams and I have become particularly close friends with Bill Johnson. Bill played for Durham and I enjoy his company so much as he can really ‘talk cricket’. When Valeria and I decided to leave London, Menorca felt like the obvious choice.”

How did you choose your house in Mahón?
“In February 2018, we arrived with a mission to find a house within five days! Valeria loves walking and beaches, but I rather selfishly wanted to live in the centre of Mahón. After several disappointing viewings we found this house on the last day. Valeria’s wish list was to have a sea view and a large outside patio and although it had neither of these things, it ticked most of our other boxes. With the help of architect Nando Pons and builder Robin Norton we knocked out walls and reorganised the house to suit our needs. We had great luck when we found the original tiles, hidden under 4 layers of flooring. We have a lift but we added a spiral staircase to the bedrooms, which also acts a library ladder.” (No house of Blowers would be complete without books.)

Your latest book is called ‘Sharing my Love of Cricket”. What inspired you to write it?
“Currently cricket is in turmoil and the traditional two-innings test match cricket is under threat from newer, faster versions like T20 and The Hundred, which are offering players big money. My book is divided into two halves, to illustrate the contrast between the cricket I grew up with and the modern era. I love the traditional game, with the fascinating balance between the bat and ball, which I believe is still the Gold Standard. The second half of the book describes the new attacking “Bazball”, introduced by Brendon (‘Baz’) McCullum and Ben Stokes to make test matches more watchable.

“Those at the top should not forget that the International test matches still attract big crowds. In 2023, taking into account all revenue streams, each of the 24 days of the test series between Australia and England brought in over £250 million, which is not small change. Now 49% of The Hundred is being sold and they expect to get up to £1 billion. I heard Mervyn King, now the President of the MCC, in a fascinating interview with Michael Atherton saying it was no good selling off the family silver to finance a losing product, the County Championship. I don’t know what will happen in the future, I do not believe that T20 will sustain interest for more than a few years as the bowler is cannon fodder, and it becomes boring. My worry is that cricket is in danger of going on a downward path and I found it the hardest book to write.”

What’s Next for Blowers?
Henry isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He’s still doing 60-70 shows a year, with upcoming gigs in Dorset, followed by a ‘Sporting Legend’ cruise with other cricketing icons, Graham Gooch and Jonathan Agnew. He does a few charity commentaries each year, and so while he’s officially retired from the BBC’s cricket coverage, Blowers always finds a way to stay in the game. He’s also planning a few more books —“19 written so far, the latest from my sofa in Mahón, and I’m already plotting number 20!”

Henry’s Life Philosophy: Never Look Back
Henry was a promising cricketer himself at Eton, but in his final year at school he was hit by a bus while riding his bicycle and he was in a coma for 28 days. He overcame this serious hurdle and is the epitome of resilience. He’s turned every challenge into an opportunity and, at 85, remains as passionate as ever about life, cricket, and storytelling. His philosophy? Never look back, and never feel sorry for yourself. As he says, “I’ve still got ambitions to fulfill.”

And if you like a good story, just ask him about the time he drove a 1921 Rolls-Royce from England to a test match in India, or read about it in his book. The stories are endless.

“Sharing My Love of Cricket: Playing the Game and Spreading the Word” by Henry Blofeld, published by Hodder & Stoughton, is available in bookshops and online

Left to Right, José María Borrás, Irene Gordillo and James Davies

Article from Issue 371 – May 2025

In Menorca, a new generation of culinary talent is redefining fine dining with innovative flair and deep respect for the island’s rich gastronomic heritage

Three young chefs are at the forefront of this culinary renaissance, transforming local ingredients into an extraordinary tasting menu to captivate both locals and travellers. At the Morvedra Nou and Amagatay Menorca restaurants, these visionary chefs are crafting unforgettable dining experiences that blend traditional Menorcan food with bold creativity, cementing Menorca’s status as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

This summer, award-winning Menorcan chef, José María Borrás, alongside James Davies and Irene Gordillo, is embarking on a new adventure, moving from the Santa Mariana Hotel, where they earned a Michelin Star recommendation, to the prestigious ANNUA Signature Hotels, Morvedra Nou, and Amagatay.

In 2024, José won the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition for the Iberian region with his exquisite Balearic lobster and suckling pig dish. This victory secured him a spot in the 2025 grand final in Milan, where he will compete for the title of Best Young Chef in the World. José is now Executive Chef at Morvedra Nou, alongside Head Chef, James Davies and Pastry Chef Irene Gordillo. Together, they are crafting an ambitious 10-course Gastro Tasting menu, with the dream to win Menorca’s first Michelin Star. Achieving this accolade will be challenging, as the recommendation they earned at Santa Mariana remains with the hotel. The trio will head a team of 40 catering staff across the two hotels. The Tasting Menu, described as “Menorcan cuisine, finely tuned,” will be available at the AQUIARA restaurant Morvedra Nou from May 1st.

José and James, both 25, have known each other since they were 10 years old, attending school together in Menorca. José’s passion for gastronomy was ignited by his grandmother cooking at home. He honed his skills from the age of 18 by working in restaurants with some of the best chefs on the island, including Albert Serra at Binifadet, Dani Mora at Sa Pedrera d’es Pujol, and Patrick at Pan y Vino. He trained at the Hofmann culinary school in Barcelona and has travelled the world seeking out the best restaurants. José’s competitive cooking journey was mentored by Andreu Genestra from Mallorca, and he even hosted his own cooking show on IB3 in November last year.

James’s path to becoming head chef at Morvedra Nou was more circuitous. Born in Menorca to English parents, James has fond memories of peeling carrots for his grandfather, who ran the San Jose restaurant for 15 years (later Ca’n Bernat). After studying tourism in Granada and working in the luxury hotel sector in Sierra Nevada, a knee injury brought him back to Menorca. José suggested he wash dishes at Santa Mariana while recovering, and there his life was transformed. James quickly discovered he had been harbouring something inside of him without knowing.

Over the past four summers, he has progressed from novice to Michelin standard techniques, working alongside his friends, José and Irene. He is loving the journey, although he admits at times they have had to work out between them how to work as colleagues as well as friends. James impresses with his professional demeanour and knowledge of the business, having benefited from his experience in the luxury hotel sector.

At Amagatay, they will focus on using sustainable, 0km products. The restaurant offers two dining experiences: El Olivar, with an a la carte menu featuring countryside sharing plates, such as wild mushroom, or lobster rice, and SUA La Parilla, which prepares local products on the grill. Other experiences include a sunset bar or you can book a private dining experience where you will be taken by buggy to a table set up in your own little piece of the Menorcan countryside. There a chef will prepare your meal on a grill and help you to select salad and vegetable accompaniments from the garden at your feet.

The founding team: Back row from left to right, Paul Marsh, Simon Moore, Miguel Coll, David Dordal, Dan Osterbery, Gary Butcher, Darren Rogers, (unknown), Pedro Pons, Pere Calafet, Francisco Seguí, Ali Ashworth, Andrés. Front row, from left to right, Alex Guess, Ali Preece, Xavi Serrano, Manuel Gomez, Garcia-OChoa, Estoban, (unknown), Alvaro Sevillano, Ayora, Diego, Javier Espín, (Don Teflon), Bonifacio Redondo.

By Peter Martin

Article from Issue 371 – May 2025

Menorca Rugby Club is based in Mahón, Menorca, Islas Baleares, Spain

The club’s concept is built around the values of respect, teamwork, loyalty and discipline, all of which are fundamental to the sport of rugby. These values aim to enrich the lives of players, fostering camaraderie, integrity and personal growth, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more compassionate society.

HOW DID IT ALL START?
It all began with a casual conversation over beers between Dan Osterbery and Paul Marsh at the Reina Isabel in S’Algar around the year 2000. As the night wore on and the beers flowed, their discussion turned to rugby and by the tenth beer an idea was born: to form a rugby club in Menorca. The next week Dan and Paul met up with Gary Butcher and Darren Rogers, two rugby enthusiasts from Sussex, at Bar Jamboree in Arenal d’en Castell. The four men hatched a plan to spread the word about their new venture. They placed an advert in the local paper, Diario, announcing rugby training sessions on Arenal beach on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The response was overwhelming, more than 30 people turned up for the first session, representing a diverse mix of nationalities, including Irish, Scottish, Argentinian, Menorcan, English and Welsh. Encouraged by the turnout, the group organised further beach sessions.

Meanwhile, Dan had been in touch with Paola at the golf club in Son Parc, who kindly offered the use of the club’s driving range for training. This generous offer prompted the group to formalise their club. With the help of Nick Cook,
who assisted with language and notary meetings, Menorca Rugby Club was officially established. Nick’s company, called Fincas Moncloa, became the club’s first sponsor of this fledgling team, along with MeHoCa, also early sponsors, who washed all the club’s rugby kit.

As Menorca rugby continued to grow, the team took a significant step forward by securing a home pitch. After a couple of meetings with the Mahón town hall officials, the club was offered the pitch next to Pallisers. This pitch has
remained the club’s home to this day and is called Estadi Municipal de Mahón.

The first year was an exciting time for the club with a three-way tournament against El Toro and Ponent rugby teams from Mallorca. Menorca lost both matches and gained new friendships in rugby. Menorca Rugby Club then joined the Balearic League, marking a significant milestone in the club’s development. The following season saw the team play six competitive matches, gaining valuable experience and honing its skills.

One of the highlights of the season was hosting its first ever touring side, the Weybridge Vandals. Whilst the result of the match may have faded from memory, the post-game drinks, dinner and a party will be forever etched in the
memory of those who played!

Around 2009, Guillermo Bibiloni Pons (known as ‘Bibi’) a member of Menorca Rugby Club, embarked on a new venture. Alongside like-minded individuals, Bibi decided to establish a new rugby club, Tramontana de Menorca Rugby.
For the next three to four years, Tramontana de Menorca Rugby Club competed in the Balearic League, travelling to Mallorca by plane and boat to participate in matches.

One of the club’s most significant contributions to the Island was promoting the sport of rugby in Menorcan schools. This initiative sparked genuine interest amongst boys and girls, helping to grow the sport on the Island. As the club’s
influence grew, so did the popularity of rugby, paving the way for a brighter future.

MERGING FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Three years after its inception, it became clear that merging Tramontana de Menorca Rugby Club with Menorca Rugby Club would be in the best interests of rugby on the Island. This union aimed to strengthen the sport, combining
resources, expertise, and passion to create a more robust and competitive team.

Menorca Rugby Club has expanded its reach and activities. The club has various teams, including boys and girls seniors, juniors and younger age groups with training sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It also has a strong focus on youth development with programmes for children as young as 5 years old. Currently the club trains at CF Sporting de Mahón and plays matches at Camp Municipal de Ses Canaletes. All this whilst waiting for its w pitch to be ready at Estadi Municipal de Mahón. To support its growth and activities, Menorca Rugby Club relies on sponsors and supporters.

By Jo Eames

Excerpt from Issue 371 – May 2025

LITTLE PARIS – Menorca

Even places that never seem to change do shift by degrees. In Mahón, the area around Plaça Bastió has altered by more than a few in the past three years. The old stalwarts, Can Xavi, La Murada and Perla, tucked under the arches of Carrer d’Alaior, remain. But there is a whole new crowd on the block….
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By Rachael Adams

Excerpt from Issue 371 – May 2025

SPONGE HUNTING IN MENORCA

I was standing in the shade at Cala Blanca dive centre one day last August when a girl ambled in to ask if we could take her diving on a coral reef. I explained that we didn’t have many big reef-building corals in the Med, but that we did have little cup corals that were very beautiful. She wrinkled here nose, “What about the sharks?” We overfished them all. “Turtles?” I found a dead one once. “Humph!” She rolled her eyes and turned tail.
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Excerpt from Issue 371 – May 2025

WEDDING HAT-TRICK IN MENORCA

Paul & Kim Deane, hailing from Leicestershire, first discovered the charm of Menorca 12 years ago when they came to buy a boat. Little did they know, this visit would lead to a deeper connection with the island. Falling in love with Menorca’s unique allure, they bought a house and joined the cricket club, forging lasting friendships.
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BY Vanessa Jeny, MENORCA BLUE

Excerpt from Issue 371 – May 2025

One aspect that makes Menorca unique is the preservation of monuments of a bygone era

Its most distinctive legacy — and the feature that placed the island firmly on the global archaeological map – is the incredible collection of Talayotic sites that span the island. These megalithic treasures earned Menorca UNESCO World Heritage status in late 2023, and continue to attract visitors from around the world …
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