MY thanks to Bulletin online reader Edmund Hodges from London who has suggested I read a new book on the Spanish armada following my comments yesterday on how different history is portrayed in different countries. He strongly recommends the book The Spanish Armada by Colin Martin and Geoffrey Parker which researches and rehearses in great detail the ships, the strategy, the weaponry and the weather involved. He says that after reading it he thinks that I will agree that the weather did indeed play a major part in the dispersal and destruction of the sadly mismanaged invasion fleet. The Autumn Gales came early and patriotic fervour has taken this as divine help to the English commanders, who, at the time, were surprised by their deliverance from this mighty threat, Mr. Hodges says in his email. Interestingly enough one of the commanders Sir Frances Drake, considered to be one of England's first maritime heroes, is called a pirate in Spain.
It was his raid on the port of Cadiz just before the armada set sail which severely hampered the Spanish fleet.
Staying with the weather
A nd staying with the English weather it is amazing how it crops up in Spanish history. This story has been recounted to me on a number of occasions by Spaniards. It appears that there was a bad storm in the English Channel and ferry crossings had been haulted. Allegedly a British weatherman said that the European continent was isolated. He should have said that the British Isles were isolated. Whether it is true or not I don't know but it caused a stir in Spain.
All is not well
A LL is not well at one of my favourite car boot sales which takes place every Saturday in Magalluf. Last Saturday, I am told, there was a mini-rebellion. After having queued up from the crack of dawn, several oneoffers were turned away due to lack of space. Not daunted, they set up shop outside the designated area and flogged their wares from there. The police evidently turned a blind eye on this occasion. And it is not just Magalluf. Sellers without fixed places are also being turned away from Consell car boot sale which takes place on Sunday. Isn't it a shame that more car boot sales are not set-up on the island. However, I did see that one is now taking place every Saturday at the Jolly Roger bar and restaurant in Puerto Alcudia.
Irish weddings
EVER since a member of the Irish band, the Corrs, got married in Deya, there has been a mini-boom in people wishing to tie the knot in this scenic village. One Deya resident told me that there is an Irish wedding most weekends. Its amazing what publicity can do and how a celebrity event can give the island so much promotion. Interesting to see also, that a large number of hen and stag nights are also taking place on the island. Just lookout for the T-shirts at Palma airport.
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