Madeira News Blog

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Casa Parsons is situated in Sítio do Salão, within the lower parish of Gaula. The house was designed by a local architect for a resident professional gentleman, in a rustic and "open plan" style and was constructed some 22 years ago. On two levels, the guest accommodation and public areas occupy the ground floor and the owners’ accommodation is privately contained on the upper floor. The Casa enjoys stunning panoramic sea views and is set in a rural location, close to the village amenities of Gaula. The Parish of Gaula, situated on the south coast of Madeira above Santa Cruz, presents a marvellous panorama, mainly maritime, over the coastal fringes, the Deserta Islands and Porto Santo. Dating back to 1509, the Parish is divided between two Patron Saints. Nossa Senhora da Graça of the upper, northern parish and Nossa Senhora da Luz of the lower, southern parish.

Casa Parsons is located close to the Gaulish mother church of Nossa Senhora da Luz and as such we are able to fully enjoy the numerous religious festivals that take place throughout the year. Starting at Easter time and throughout the summer, the streets around the church square are often covered in carpets of flowers (donated by local home owners) and filled with decorations, coloured lights and flags – laurel and eucalyptus branches add to the atmosphere. The traditional music and local folklore group of Gaula (created in 1978) together with local food and drink, bring even more excitement to the colourful streets and also act to preserve the villages history thereby sealing the continued good faith and devotion of the people.

Our Madeira neighbours exhibit the genuine warmth and friendliness that the Island is renowned for, particularly so in Gaula, and virtually unseen anywhere else in the world.

When exploring Gaula on foot you can still see the many watercourses that lead to the public fresh water springs, washing places and water mills. These signs of past and present life portray the availability and importance of water to the village. The old public springs of Sítio dos Furtados and Lages, splendid in their hand carved stone and tiled design are strongly linked with the religious festivals of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz.

The original processional cross from the antique mother church, dating from the 16th century, is now displayed at the "Museu de Arte Sacra do Funchal".

Further local archaeological interest is found just across the small valley from Casa Parsons, at Sítio da Torre with the remains of the "Quinta de Nossa Senhora da Assunção" dating from the first half of the 17th century. The squared stones of the construction give an insight into the elevated social status of its early inhabitants.

Many of the traditional village stone houses have water mills on the ground floor; these were used to grind the corn and maize grown locally. This was then used to make the traditional "bolo do caco" – bread cooked on a stone – and maize cake, unique to Gaula. You will also notice the raised terraces (Poios) of level fertile soil held up by dry stonewalls; these are plentiful and still farmed today in the traditional way. The Maize, corn, bean, potato and sweet potatoes grown are planted amongst the many herbs, flowers, grape vines and laurel covering the area. Dotted amongst the terraces are the "Corals" and little barns (with "A" frame roofs) used to shelter the caprin and bovine livestock, whose meat and milk are still used locally. The abundance of flowers provides a natural habitat for the bee and this natural resource is used to provide honey for locally made cakes and drinks – the drink "Poncha" (made from brandy, local lemon juice and honey) is especially good for colds, The use of natural resources continues with the art of weaving from cosier and cane branches. Heath brooms and basket work are still weaved locally and used today, along with the hand carved wooden spoons and wooden "mexilho" poncha mixers, unique to the parish.

The village has a new "house of the people". The "Casa do Povo" (village hall) combining and encouraging a local market for people to buy and sell their agricultural produce. The Mercado do Agricola is open during the weekends with Bolo do caco and chicken, cooked over wood available in the church square. Many community activities also take place in the Casa do Povo during weekdays and in the evening.

Gaula has its own indigenous Laurissa forest with many endemic plants and birds. These include canaries, European finches, wagtails and the protected Ring Dove species. Kestrels circle overhead the valleys, drifting down to the wild olive covered lower slopes, often seen to be chasing away the unwanted intentions of the larger Buzzard.

In the summer months these birds of prey exploit the rising thermals and drift lazily around the clear skies. Night time brings the little bats out to feed accompanied by the Owls, often heard calling across the valley.

The dawn chorus of the smaller birds heralds morning time and in particular, the melodious call of the blackbird fills the air. Wall lizards, which are endemic to Madeira, dart between rocks and stonewalls, basking in the daytime sun, they are frequently seen and are totally harmless.

To walk around Gaula is undoubtedly the best way to be in contact with nature and to meet the local human and animal population. The local paths and steps (veradas) which criss cross the countryside, together with the justly world famous water courses (levadas, with footpaths alongside) that meander through the valleys, offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the truly special landscapes, flowers, bird life and people found here.

Jon Parsons

Based on a Parish of Gaula council “Touristic Guide” September 2000. Original Text in Portuguese by Élvio Sousa and Helder Spínola. English version, thanks and additional material by J L Parsons. Deposito Legal: 154656/00

See what regular contributors get … free advertising! Thanks a lot Jon, I will be over for my ‘free stay’ very soon, if that’s OK with Debs of course!

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TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Tobi … The cruise ship AIDA Luna

Many thanks also to Tobi for this piece on the Ilhas Desertas : (Source : Essential Magazine).

One of the newest opportunities in nature tourism on Madeira is the chance to spend 1 or 2 nights on the Desertas Islands. The islands which dot the horizon from the south, south east of Madeira trigger much curiosity, and visiting the islands has been allowed for some time now, but staying over night has only just become possible. Madeira Natural Park, that manage the nature reserves on the islands, want to attract a growing number of people, but in controlled numbers to help promote the work they do, and raise awareness of good environmental habits.

Anyone can take advantage of this opportunity, all you have to do is ask the Madeira Natural Park for permission. From there you will need a tent or sleeping bag and anything else you may need to spend your time on land.

The islands are very popular for bird watchers and are a great place to see the  Monk Seals , and don’t forget the Desertas Wolf Spider. Photo : Wardens house on the Desertas

Madeira Natural Park can be contacted on 291 214 360, or diliamenezes.sra@gov-madeira.pt  or WEBSITE

I know we have a few Mandolin Orchestra fans amongst us, so this might be of interest. ‘Fabio Machado was born in Funchal, Portugal and started studying mandolin at the age of 9 years. He joined the Madeira Mandolin Orchestra (Recreio Musical União da Mocidade) and became its Concertmaster for several years, performing in several venues as a soloist’. NEW BOOK IN ENGLISH Anyone know what the differences are between a Bandolim a Ukulele and a Mandolin? I certainly don’t!

"Madeira is a tropical island. The Laurissílva Forest, in the Madeira Natural Park, is the largest evergreen forest in the world – a fact that has earned it classification as a world heritage site". I thought we were sub-tropical, but anyway I didn’t know about the "largest evergreen forest in the world" bit, but that’s what it says HERE. Is it true?

This is an article composed of an interview with a travel journalist, and although it does cover Madeira briefly, it might also be useful or of interest to anyone thinking of travelling to PORTUGAL

Some of today’s main news stories :

Public Libraries celebrate 30 years – Various activities will mark the occasion. An exhibition, a video of the history, a children’s guide and other projects will be announced today. Details on the LIBRARY WEBSITE 

17 thousand people living on benefits – The number of Madeirans who depend on social benefits to survive grows. It is the crisis intensifying the situation in the world of poverty and unemployment. Today’s main news headline. In September there were 8,685 on unemployment benefit, and 8,372 on social integration income (RSI). Over a year the people totally dependent on the state that receive theses two benefits has increased by 4,735. The picture, which is reflected nationally, shows no signs yet of improvement. Loads of unemployed over my way, as what little tourism there was plunged a long time ago, and other Summer seasonal work starts to decline. I think I know as many unemployed as employed people, but generally I don’t need to worry about them too much … all resourceful people, normally with a foot in both camps, if you know what I mean.

Firemen abandon Nogueira – Brutal aggression to a fireman leads to the closure of the fire station. The 43 year old fireman was violently assaulted on Saturday night, with a bottle, leaving him with serious injuries to his face and arm. He was released from hospital after treatment (stitches) early the following morning. Yesterday the fire station was empty, with no flags flying, leaving Camacha now to depend on Santa Cruz central fire station for service. Three men, an ambulance, and a light fire fighting vehicle have now been moved to Santa Cruz. A spokesman for the fire brigade said that "many situations in that location have already occurred, but never as serious as this". On this morning’s TV news it said that the fireman was breaking up a fight between two people outside the fire station when he was attacked.

Cultural centre in London in difficulties – The 27th birthday party just served to expose the financial problems. The president J.M. Sousa is going to put up a fight. 

Health professional may refuse the Gripe A vaccine – The Orders of Doctors and Nurses are recommending that the professionals accept the vaccine. The acceptance of the swine flu vaccine is not obligatory.

Ambulance company insufficient – 24 ambulances and 36 teams of ESB are not enough for nearly 500 transport requests per day. The patients complain of long waits. The company promises to boost resources. The Empresa de Serviço de Bombeiros is equipped to respond to 300 transport requests per day, but the reality is around 430 daily requests to take people to hospital. The current poor level of service is generating many complaints, as patients are left waiting at their front door, miss meals, and miss doctors appointments. Last month generated more complaints than ever before. ESB has bases in Funchal, Machico, Santana, São Vicente, Ribeira Brava and Porto Santo. With it’s 24 ambulances and 36 teams (2 in each), it provides free transport for the users of SESARAM.

Djalma pair in latest victory of Marítimo also gets a big chunk of today’s front page. Marítimo managed a fine 3 – 1 victory over Paços de Ferreira yesterday afternoon, that lifts them to 7th in the premier league. Nacional face Benfica away tonight. Watching the goals on this morning’s news, with three sides of the football pitch closed off due to the €45 million redevelopment project, one might have expected the remaining side to have been full of supporters, but it was far from that.

Yesterday’s top news stories courtesy of Elaine :

Domestic violence complaints continue to increase. Leave the region to escape the aggressor. More bad statistics. The number of complaints about domestic violence have risen, 702 by the end of August against 896 last year. Monthly average of 86 compared to 37 in 2006, 56 in 2007 and 75 last year. The Regional Plan Against Domestic Violence is being finalized, ready for public presentation on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. These figures are no worse than the rest of Europe. Madeira has three shelters for women where they can live for a period of months until they can be reintegrated back into society. Some get new homes and jobs, others return to the abuser. Some are forced to leave the region, often to shelters on the mainland. Women complain after around 35 attacks as they often stay with the abuser for years, and abuse can be learnt by children. Abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, coercion or threat. There is also elderly abuse, often reported by aides to the home. To get help with abuse, a criminal complaint should be filed but there are also three other ways: a social emergency line (phone helpline by Social Services), private institutions, police have specially trained staff and the shelters providing 41 beds. A break-down of regional statistics since 2006. ——No analysis given, e.g. demographic changes

Alexandre Camacho wins the Faial Rally but bids farewell. Due to lack of sponsorship / money. He had an easier win than predicted due to early withdrawal of Miguel Nunes because of engine breakdown.

—–Thought you would enjoy the photo of the cat having a lucky escape.

Commemoration of 99 years of Marítimo. 600 supporters (including Jardim) at a dinner held in the well-decorated club pavilion. Included a large cake as ‘a birthday party without a cake is not a party’. Carlos Pereira, the President of Marítimo criticized the rival club (no mention of name) for using expensive flights when travelling abroad and the hostile media. He thanked Jardim for the construction of the future stadium and Government support. —– Cake for 600!

Region ‘rejects’ promotion in ‘El Corte Ingles’. Madeira under-represented at the fair in the commercial centre in Lisbon for local produce from Portuguese and Spanish islands. There is not enough space for Madeiran products, only showing bolo de mel, cane sugar, poncha and Madeira wine (not many varieties), products which are almost impossible to buy in Portugal.

Port has a ‘full-house’. Saturday had a full-house with four cruisers and three on Sunday. Saturday, the Arcadia arrived at 12.00 but could not berth until 18.00 when another ship left, and stayed overnight. The Diário highlighted that the local commercial areas remain closed on a Sunday and the daily information given on reception advises a visit to the farmer’s market, described in the brochures as ‘unique, beautiful and pleasant’.

Military ready for new security threats. Speech by the Commander of the Military Zone on Army Day on Saturday. The three branches of the armed forces, security forces and civil protection have undergone new training to protect against terrorism, transnational crime and accidents or natural disasters. The ceremonies were also to welcome back the soldiers who have spent a year in Kosovo. In the past 20 years, Portuguese soldiers have been in Africa, East Timor, Bosnia and Kosovo. —– No mention of Iraq or Afghanistan.

1420 staff at 284 polling stations for September 27 elections cost 108,000 Euros. Each person will receive 76.32 Euros but it will take four months to pay them all. Each station required five members – a president, vice-president, secretary and two tellers.

Food Bank Against Hunger in Madeira in 2010. Part of the European venture to avoid food wastage whilst others go hungry. In Portugal, including the Azores, the 17 units cater for 250,000 people. The charity volunteers in Madeira are already being trained. Food is donated from hotels, retailers, individuals, often from excess agricultural production, and supermarket collection campaigns.

17 years in prison for three drug traffickers. All from Câmara de Lobos, including the ‘drug baron’. Two brothers aged 22 and 36 received sentences of five and a half years, and the third of six years. They sold cocaine and heroin to users in their homes for  ‘lucrative’ incomes in 2008. Two denied the accusations and one refused to speak in court. The ‘drug baron’ had individual drug doses hidden inside ‘Kinder’ eggs and these were both in his home and buried in surrounding land belonging to other people, as well as plastic bags containing money. —– Kinder surprise! You know who to take on your next Easter egg hunt.

—– Article in the Daily Telegraph on the 4 June 2009 entitled ‘Postmistress foils Kinder egg cannabis delivery’. A village sub-postmistress in Cambridgeshire foiled a dealer’s attempts to mail drugs hidden in Kinder eggs after she detected suspicious smells from the parcels. He received a 12-month suspended sentence and ordered to complete 220 hours of community work.

Portugal news.

First of 16 lynx arrives on Monday to prevent extinction of the species that only exists in the Iberian Peninsular. They do not know the  population numbers but that they are not stable and they have been threatened for several decades. The female lynx to arrive at the centre in Silves in the Algarve is called Azahar, the Arabic name for orange blossom.

The first luxury hotel to be built on the west coast of the Algarve has the natural park as a selling feature. Leacocks are to build a five-star hotel in Aljezur in part of the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina. Some hotel areas will be below ground so as not to interfere with the surrounding area.

Portuguese Phonographic Association President asks the new Minister of Culture to control "unruly access to music via the internet, which is killing the music industry". Recently in the British Daily Mail, a Columbian singer, Shakira, argued the opposite, supporting illegal downloading as "It is a way to democratize the music and the music is a gift."

In the inauguration of the sixth Portuguese government in 15 years, there was the usual repeated lists of promises and the difficulties facing the country. Antonio Guterres, 15 years ago, highlighted modernization of the economy and increased productivity needed. In that speech, the President, Cavaco Silva fainted and afterwards apologised for the disruption, caused by the death of his father. Then four years later, Guterres highlighted Social Security reform. Barroso in 2002 highlighted public accounts. When Barroso resigned to go to Brussels, Pedro Santana Lopes pledged to maintain strict financial discipline. He gave a confused speech by not sticking to the script. Eight months later, Sócrates said pharmacies would not be exclusively allowed to sell non-prescription drugs. On Wednesday, Sócrates started his second term, with a reduced majority, so might have to seek agreement with the opposition to get his policies passed. Has been talk of a coalition but ridiculed by Jardim, who still calls the Portuguese ‘masochists’ for re-electing socialist governments. Jardim Ramos of the Madeiran Government still hopes for good relationships with Lisbon, especially for funding for the new hospital as a community project.

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