Calheta PS beach, Diesel spill, Personal debt, New golf course, Beach theft, etc.
TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Tobi … thought it was about time we had a picture of Ponta do Sol.
Front Page News : source : Diário de Notícias 25/7/2008
Porto Santo Island also has a town called Calheta, but unlike it’s namesake on Madeira, has lacked its yellow beach sand for some 2 years. That has now been fixed, but the mystery is why the changing rooms and toilets have been left locked by the council (Camara). Beachgoers are forced to hide themselves away to get changed, and much to the annoyance of a local restaurant and its customers, some beachgoers are passing between the tables to get to the toilet, and leaving it in a “regrettable” state. THAT WAS YESTERDAY NEWSPAPER – IN TODAY’S PAPER THE FACILITIES ARE REPORTED AS OPEN … the power of the media at work!
A large diesel spill between Doca do Cavacas and Funchal (Lido area) caused some concern, but when a clean up operation was started the diesel had already dispersed. The area is now safe for swimming. The police had taken samples and will open an enquiry.
The Palace of Saint Lourenço is the venue for a ‘multimedia spectacle’that runs on the 15th and 16th of August, and tells the story of the City of Funchal, as part of the 500 anniversary celebrations. The display promises a “big visual impact”. It says the show will be displayed on the wall of the palace, and it may be an outside wall (not very clear in the article). Some of the displays are created by well known illustrators in Portugal, one who has received an international award. It costs nothing to go and see.
The 5 judicial courts on Madeira have over 7,000 household debt cases to deal with. Families involved are unable to pay utility bills, condominium bills, and for their mobile phone usage etc. Numbers have been increasing steadily since the end of 2006, and are worsening with rises in fuel prices and climbing interest rates. Some of the cases involve debt of up to €20,000. As a result of the actions there is a glut of personal property being sold, including countless vehicles, a boat, commercial property, shares, and furniture.
I had heard several times about a proposal for a golf course in Prazeres, but in an article yesterday the talk is of a golf course project to be built in Ponta do Pargo (the most westerly point of Madeira). Perhaps the two are the same thing? Anyway, the 18 hole golf course project will be concluded in 20 months, and has the ‘seal’ of the British golfer Nick Faldo. There are also plans to build a ‘tourist village(?)’ and there is a strong possibility that a 5 star hotel will also be built, and a 9 hole ‘pitch & put’ course. 4 houses will have to be demolished, and the purchase of these from the owners has already been negotiated. There are some artists impressions’ on this link: http://www.dnoticias.pt/Default.aspx?file_id=dn04011006250708
Just to recap on the golf scene on Madeira, this is my understanding. Aside from the two established courses on Madeira, at Palheiro and Santo da Serra, and the one on Porto Santo, two more are definately planned at São Vicente (2011) and Ponta do Pargo (2010). Other rumours I have heard over the last couple of years include another course on Porto Santo, one at Prazeres, and even one at Ponta do Sol. Anyone able to confirm / deny these three, or know of any other plans?
Other News :
Year on year the problem of beach theft is increasing and casuing increasing concern to the police. Mobile phones, watches, sunglasses, towels, and money are the items usually stolen. Targets are normally tourists, people on their own, and sunbathers in more isolated places. But it’s not normally a snatch and grab affair, as the thieves normally watch the movements of their target before making their move. The record theft was a €5,000 Rolex watch. This is all news to me, as thefts don’t normally get mentioned in the newspaper. On the odd visit to the beach, I have always felt fairly happy to leave my stuff on the beach while I take a dip … but there are beaches … and there are beaches. As for the €5k Rolex, I am not sure that if I was the insurance assessor I would be settling up on that claim, but next time maybe I will take my €5 fake Rolex with me to see what happens.
TAP airline says that its passenger occupancy figures for routes from Portugal to Madeira are up 10.3% on the same period last year.
Finances (DRAF), or the tax / inland revenue people, are to take on another 40 tax inspectors to track down tax shortfalls and irregularities. The ‘Technicians of Tax Management’ will reinforce the existing team who in 2007 identified discrepancies of €28 million. Looks like time to dust off your high performance speed boats maybe?
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whoops … forgot to spell check today, hope it's all OK. Have a great weekend, I am just off to the beach myself (without the fake Rolex).
1–Der
Apparently, the original plan was for the golf course at Prazeres. However, for a variety of reasons (including property speculation making prices rise steeply) the venue was moved to Ponto do Pargo, and Nick Faldo was in on the design. Shame really – I like its rugged unspoilt nature. However, the folk there do have to live, and there isn't much to employ them at present. I hope they benefit from it, and the money doesn't all go to Funchal etc.
2–Andrew
that explains it then. I am not sure how much demand there would be over there, as most golf tourists and Funchal people would go for something more easily accessible.
3–Der
I recon Tap Figures will be 90% down when easy jet start in October lol
4–Tobi