Frank Leavers
Frank has been writing a number of different columns for the Bulletin for almost 16 years; in that time he has also worked as a radio and television presenter in Mallorca. He has a background in the press, media, politics and public affairs that goes back to the early 1980’s. Alas, he’s getting grumpier as he gets older!
Frank Confidential
Majorca tourism - the next twenty years and what might change?
For instance, will travel continue to be unrestricted, or could growing nationalism demand that tourists should stay at home as a matter of loyalty?
Frank Talking
Come on - mind your manners and queue properly will you!
And it’s always about the small things in life such as bad manners, queue jumping and that reliable standby - silently cursing people who don’t behave properly.
Frank Confidential
My island love affair - Twenty years on!
It is with this sense of anticipation, that I start my third decade living here in Majorca.
Sunday Essay
The politics of personality - Who says it doesn't matter?
Prime Minister Johnson and opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer are about as far apart in style and content as it is possible for two politicians to be.
Frank Confidential
Whistling to keep our spirits up? Scary scooters and random fiestas
It seemed that every ‘electric scooter’ on the island was out-to-get-me as I was making my way peaceably along The Kings pavements.
Frank Confidential
Any chance of some tourism clarity I wonder? Plus - stroppy seagulls and glorious gardening
Someone murmured that the gulls were ultra aggressive as the lack of tourists had severely limited their usual food intake and they were now desperate for food
Frank Talking
Are you predictably boring - or, boringly predictable?
I have been known to keep up a long and very tedious narrative to anyone unlucky enough to be a passenger of mine.
Frank Confidential
Attracting the attention of that waiter; plus, when is it okay to rain?
Today, with your help, I will be undergoing some research as to what British people do or say...
Frank Confidential
Why not try doing it yourself: Plus - beach nudity... Are you hunk, chunk or drunk?
I don’t know if I’m getting a little censorious in my old age - but, there was an awful lot (and I mean a lot!) of naked flesh on show.
Frank Talking
The Survey Says - Love Is In The Air!
George Clooney is still the older man’s ‘Go To’ inspiration.
Frank Confidential
Trying to get back ot normal and failing!
Clearly, these folk aren’t the only ones affected by what is currently happening, but - because of the nature of what they do and the interface that they have with the public their current fate seems much worse.
Frank Confidential
Never a crossed word during lockdown - I don't believe it!
Have you noticed that couples in a new relationship never bicker?
Frank Talking
Coronavirus: how are you coping?
I barely saw a man under forty years of age wearing a mask or attempting any sort of meaningful social distancing.
Frank Confidential
A travellers tale
“Will those passengers who are not Spanish citizens kindly come to the departure desk please.”
Frank Talking
Shame on the lockdown 'grasses', the Groundhog Day effect and Comedic Coppers
Have you ever seen the film Groundhog Day? Well, for many of us we are living that film...
Frank Confidential
Cancelled flights, aggressive social-distancing and a good book!
It has been nine weeks since we arrived here on a flying visit to the United Kingdom to attend amongst other things - my nephews wedding.
Frank Talking
Who are you calling old?
I think the best thing for a person of a ‘certain’ age to do, is to ignore that fact; that’s it, ignore it and if at all possible, why not lop 5 to 10 years off your age at every opportunity, even if that takes you perilously close to puberty?
Confidential
"Broadsword calling Danny Boy" and other lockdown television pleasures
As for myself, I have to say that the most exciting thing that happens to me during lockdown, is to be able to sit in a different room, in a completely different chair at differing times of the day watching stuff that I want to watch.
Frank Talking
Reasons to be lockdown grumpy (Part one)
It is the celebs who like to convey a certain superiority of purpose who really get to me.
Frank Talking
We are all supposed to want the truth - but what is the truth?
Today, we have those all pervasive social-media warriors commenting on anything and everything.
Frank Leavers 19/06/2020 00:10