ALCUDIA
THE Balearic Federation of Music Bands held a celebratory concert in Alcudia's auditorium on Sunday to commemorate the 15th anniversary of its founding.

The massed bands, conducted by Javier V. Blanco Garcia, opened proceedings with Rosamunda by Schubert, the very piece which had been the first item on their inaugural concert 15 years ago. Other works included music by Ricardo Dorado; Miquel Marques i Garcia; Carl Orff and Jan de Haan.

Ringing in the new

SANTA MARGALIDA
RESIDENTS in Son Serra de Marina were celebrating at the weekend for more than one reason. Firstly, the municipal nursery school was officially opened, and secondly, the bell for the church of Nuestra Señora de la Paz received its blessing which traditionally precedes its maiden chimes.

Both events symbolised new infrastructure in a growing community which has recently risen to 600 inhabitants. Mayor Antoni del Olmo said that the opening of the nursery school comes 30 years after the closure of the old one.

Sheepdog trials

FELANITX
THIS year's edition of the Son Mesquida sheepdog trials held yesterday in adverse weather conditions, put an end to the championship reign of “Careto”, belonging to Miquel Adrover. The title had been held by this combination three consecutive years.

The winner amongst the new dogs taking part in the competition was “Perla” belonging to Catalan shepherd, Josep Armengol. To the surprise of all concerned, “Careto” didn't even get as far as qualifying for the final.

About 250 people took part in the trials which consisted of shepherds giving instructions to their dogs from a distance, giving commands which empowered the dogs to drive a small flock of sheep into a circle drawn on the ground and then into an enclosure. The obedience, loyalty and skill of the dogs was warmly applauded.

Charity market

CAPDEPERA
RESIDENTS in Capdepera joined forces in the fight against cancer at the weekend by supporting a street market in plaza Orient set up in aid of the Spanish Cancer Research Association. “Everything under the sun” was out on the stands from decorative articles, clothes, shoes and books, to buñuelos (a sort of doughnut) and other sweet pastries produced by local people.

Deterioration

CALVIA
FOLLOWING research, a team of sociologists from Barcelona University have reported the difficulties facing some non-Spanish Europeans who are resident in the area of Calvia. The fall in the quality of their lives is partly due to tight economic circumstances imposed by their pensions being frozen and the absence of a family support network.

One of the team working on the study said that the research had brought to light the fact that it is myth that all Balearic residents coming from countries such as Great Britain and Germany “are millionaires who have a fabulous lifestyle”.

The spokesman added that as expatriots age, they find facilities for the elderly are hard come by in Spain.