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Official Newsletter of the Madeira Regency Owners' Association

Number 85

Summer 2019

Dear Members,

This edition has much concerned with the changes taking place in the Club and the opening of the new

Savoy Palace. I also have included recent news from other parts of the island.

I was pleased to attend this year’s MROA AGM at Dumbleton Hall in June and will be reporting some of

the highlights.

Editor

Madeira Regency Club AGM Thursday 9th May

2019

The above meeting was held in the Owners Lounge

and was attended by the Management Committee;

Tor Jorgensen, Tim Bulmer and Andrew Jessop.

There were 21 members present and guests included

Philip Broomhead, Club Trustee Representative,

(FNTC), Dra. Isabel Cristina (Savoy Group), and

Debbie Miller, (Minute Secretary).

Many of you will have received the Minutes by e-

mail. Those who do not have e-mail, and would like

a copy, can request one by post from either Trudy

Joshua or myself.

1. Everything is dependant on the refurbishment—

Savoy Palace accommodation or free banking

will continue to be offered to members during

the refurbishment period or three years for those

who already banked in 2018.

2. The MRC Committee enjoy an excellent

working relationship with Dra. Isabel Cristina

and they are confident that she, with the Savoy,

will deliver on the promises made to members.

3. Paula Rodrigues is now employed by the Savoy

group but continues to look after the interests of

the MC.

4. There was a presentation by Dra. Isabel

Cristina, Savoy Group.

5. The MRC closure was due at the end of June for

staff relocation and training. There would be a

soft opening of the Savoy Palace in July and they

hoped to be fully functional in the early autumn.

Newsletter

MRC refurbishment is due to commence in

September for a 9-12 month period of

closure. The estimated costs have increased

and the Savoy is still engaging with

architects. The intention is to accommodate

T2 members in combined T0/T1 with an

interlocking door, (“lock off unit”) The

outline drawings of the exterior upgrade

retain the familiar shape. The Main

restaurant will be formed at the front of the

MRC from the old garage area. Pumps will

be converted into accommodation and an

indoor pool will replace the squash court.

6. Those with weeks in January 2020 onwards

should either bank their weeks or request

preferred alternative accommodation with

Paula Rodrigues or Reception.

7. The next AGM is postponed until the last

quarter of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021 to

allow for closure of MRC. Members will be

notified accordingly. Management fees will

be invoiced as normal for 2020 in November/

December 2019.

Andrew Jessop explained ‘Work is still ongoing

with respect to the Club Constitution Essentially

it is hoped that things will remain much the same ,

with adjustments to reflect the demise of the

founder members. Methods of protecting

members’ occupancy rights are being explored as

they have changed . It may be possible to use the

system used with the Royal Savoy. New

membership certificates will be issued to all

members when refurbishment and new allocations

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have been agreed. However, the main thing is the

resort is operating well and members have no

reason to think their membership at MRC is in

jeopardy. The MC is doing its best to protect the

interests of those who wish to remain members of

MRC in the future.’

Editor

MROA AGM Dumbleton Hall Sunday 2nd June

Our meeting was held

once again in this

beautiful venue, where in

pleasant weather members

enjoyed the lovely

gardens and facilities and

the company of our

‘Madeira friends’

Present—Helena Bell,

(Acting Chair and Editor); Geoff Roberts, (Acting

Treasurer and AGM Organiser); Trudy Joshua,

(Secretary), plus 50 members.

Full minutes can be found on the MROA website

under ‘Minutes’.

1. Colin Grimes was elected as Chair and gave a

short address. He explained that it had been

18 or 19 years since he last served on the

Executive Committee but he willingly offered

his services to ensure that the good work that

the committee had undertaken during the past

year should not go to waste owing to a

shortage of volunteers.

2. Helena Bell gave a report on the Newsletters.

Much of the ‘news’ is gleaned from news

reports within the island press, their web sites

and news reports in the international press.

She explained that, generally, owners’ reports

reflect a sense of happiness and well being

and that through the newsletter we are able to

support members’ interests.

3. We agreed that the AGM will be held again at

Dumbleton Hall in 2020, At the same time it

was agreed that a slight change of date to a

weekend either side of the early June one . No

date was set.

4. There were many questions from the floor.

Some answers are summarised here.

5. With regard to exchange of apartments

member to member through the MROA

website, it was agreed that this was a good

option as ownership of an apartment

represents ‘currency’ that can be used against

the purchase of an apartment rather than just

handing weeks back.

6. The Savoy are hoping to increase

accommodation from 96 to 150 rooms. There

will be apartments within the main building

formed by reshaping larger apartments and

adding interlocking doors. Owners of

premium apartments will be given priority on

room allocation when booking Savoy will be

very flexible.

7. Nothing has changed with regard to passing

on ownership to family.

8. Sea access will be available during the

refurbishment.

9. Our storage boxes will be looked after by the

Savoy. Members who have resigned will be

asked to collect their box or it will be

disposed of.

10. Colin Grimes asked for formal approval for

committee members to receive mileage only

for attendance at the AGM. He also asked

that we continue to pay an honorarium to the

Secretary. Both these payments were Agreed.

11. There had been concerns that members who

transfer to the Palace, and those who have had

to give up their timeshare, but nevertheless

express an ongoing affinity to MROA, might

be lost to us totally. In keeping with the

constitution, an Associate grade of

membership will be introduced, but without

voting rights. They will be able to remain in

membership for the (current) payment of £10

per year. They will receive the newsletter, be

invited to attend the AGM, or any other

activity we undertake . This was Agreed

At the end of the meeting in this lovely venue, we

enjoyed a happy time over tea and coffee before

parting to go our various ways.

One of Dumbleton’s black

swans

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Wheelchair Hire

Costs are 7.50 euros per day or 45.00 euros per

week. There is hotel drop off or pick up at no extra

cost in Funchal or Canico.

E-mail madeiraislandnews@gmail.com with the

subject ‘Wheelchair’.

Praia Formosa to Camara do Lobos access

The pedestrian walkway at Praia Formosa promenade is in place. Recently work was carried out replacing this same board in the pedestrian overpass that connects Câmara de Lobos to Funchal.

This was a delicate operation and involved a professional strategic logistics plan, of the work by the Development Society including the security forces, service providers and the appropriate requests to the owners of private land. They had to allow for all equipment and vehicles and, without this, it would not be possible for the work to be done, explained the Secretary.

This is a process “that the Regional Government has resolved, despite all the setbacks, before the bathing season, as it is well aware, that the promenade that connects Praia Formosa to the bay of Câmara de Lobos is a space of enjoyment widely used throughout the year by locals and tourists, with particular increase of visits in the summer season.

From the Madeira Press

Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas

This popular street in the town has recently been

pedestrianised and the Municipality of Funchal

have begun to put in street furniture. The area of

Largo do Phelps for the sale of fruit is already

vacant. It is the intention of the Municipality that

this should become an area to stop and relax. There

will be lighting to enable the street to be enjoyed

after daylight hours.

Some of the benches will also have charging

supports for electronic devices, be they computers,

Canaries-Madeira-Portimão Ferry

The ferry ‘Volcan de Timanfaya’ arrived in

Madeira on 8th July, from where it left for

Portimão on the Portuguese mainland.

It is planned that this ferry will make a total of 12

trips until September 25th, 2019.

The first trip has 428 passengers on board. It can

carry 140 vehicles, 1000 people and 300 vehicles.

This vessel will ensure travel between Santa Cruz,

in Tenerife, the Canary Islands, Madeira and

Portimão.

The vessel travels to Portimão on Mondays and

towards the Canaries on Wednesdays.

The Tunnel

The tunnel between the Pocas do Gomes, (Doca do

Cavacas) and Praia Formosa is open every day from

8am to 10pm. The tunnel was closed after recent

storms in the winter where damage occurred, and

also this area was a target to rob tourists in the

evening.

The Oriana

On 7th June, the cruise ship ’Oriana’ paid its last

visit to Funchal and will go to the East in August.

There it will operate on behalf of the Chinese

company that acquired it from P & O. Her departure

was marked by water jets from the tugboats, pilot

boat whistles and the flag of the region on the

balcony, as well as a concert by a folk group.

‘Oriana first visited in April 1995, during which

time she brought more than 280 thousand

passengers and more than 128 thousand crew.

If any of our readers travelled on her, please send in

your story.

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Madeira’s First Luxury Whale and Dolphin Experience.

VIP Dolphins have a brand new luxury catamaran which is everything it should be.

A recent passenger reports,

‘You are first welcomed on board with a glass of French Champagne. The yacht holds a maximum of 17 passengers, so its very comfortable. A Marine Biologist on board is a really nice touch explaining all about the Whales and Dolphins and the other marine animals we saw. With such a small group you could hear everything that was being explained and are able to ask questions. We saw dozens of Dolphins, two Sperm Whales, two Turtles, and Flying Fish on our trip, which was fantastic.

Snacks and drinks are all included in the price of this tour, using locally produced products from the island. The cocktails were great!

There is plenty of space around the Yacht to relax and enjoy the views, and see the marine life. Towels are included if you want to take a swim in the crystal clear water- just bring your swim wear.

Whale and Dolphin trips are from 75.00 euros each, for a 3 hour tour, everything included. You can also organise personal tours with a group of friends, up to 17 people, a 3 hour tour is 1250.00 euros with all the food, drinks, cocktails and a magnum of French Champagne included.

The Yacht also has 4 cabins allowing 8 people to sleep, all with their own toilet and shower, so its possible to arrange an all day tour or even a 24 hour tour with a night stay on the boat. All details can be found on the website VipDolphins.com Whale Watching

mobile phones or tablets, also to use as much as

possible of the corners of the street so that anyone

giving a new life to Largo do Phelps can be

accommodated; including the seller of fruit in the

same area.

Best Island Destination

On June 8th, Madeira was once again voted the

Best Island destination in Europe. It is the 6th time

that Madeira has won this award and this year was

special since the prize was delivered in Funchal. at

the Gala World Travel Awards, held at ‘Reid’s’

Funchal.

Madeira beat destinations which included the

Azores, Balearics, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Crete,

the Channel Islands, Sardinia and Sicily.

Pestana Churchill Bay

In June, the new Pousada de Portugal opened in

Câmara de Lobos Bay. Bookings are available

from 168,00 euros for a double room, which

includes breakfast.

It has 57 rooms located in two buildings at sea level

where the typical fishing boats can be seen in the

harbour. This is where in 1950, Winston Churchill

was inspired to write, and to paint the picture which

now appears on the design of wallpaper in every

room.. There is a bronze sculpture depicting

Winston in a wicker chair painting the Bay of

Câmara de Lobos. At his side is another wicker

chair, inviting guests to have a photograph taken

with him. The statue is installed on the terrace of

the Dock Bar which serves snacks with regional

flavours and regional drinks such as poncha.

Taken from Funchal News.

“There are no pleasures in life worth giving up for

two more years in a care home in Weston Super

Mare.” Kingsley Amis, quoted in ‘The times’.

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(Ana) Grammatical stations

Pointless has become almost addictive viewing for

me in recent times and one of the frequent features

has been the unravelling of anagrams of places,

names, books, films, etc.

The following are a few which refer to London

Tube and Rail stations. Just for fun, you might like

to try some of these and check your answers on

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Editor

A log spoke

Absorbency & Neural Android

Birth Kind Eggs

Burst Racoon

Cease Tot

Centenary Chalk

Contend Grave

Count Oaths

Dragonfly & Falcon Hire

Dutch Emu

Egg Revoking

Equal Reasons

Erect Bone

Escargot News

Flesh Studio

Achadas da Cruz Cable Car.

The cable car at

Achadas da

Cruz, (Porto

Moniz) is an

attractive and

modern means

of transport

which makes the

connection be-

tween Achadas

da Cruz and the Fajã da Quebrada Nova by the

beach. Don’t be surprised if you see farmers com-

ing up with their crops. Many locals have their land

down there. Making access was one of the reasons

that led to the installation of this cable car.

Open every day between 8.00—12.00 and 13.00—

18.00.

Think twice if you suffer from vertigo!

Cigarette Butts.

In Portugal 7000 butts are thrown on the ground

every minute a new study has found.

Now a new law is to pass that anyone throwing

cigarette butts to the ground will be fined. This can

be from 200 euros to 4000 euros for individuals,

and a much larger fine, up to 9 thousand euros for

companies. Bars and restaurants will be required to

have ashtrays outside the outlets, and will be

responsible for this kind of litter.

This is also a huge problem in Madeira as well as

in other parts of the world.

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Savoy Palace Hotel Nears Completion

These photographs, submitted by Geoff Wright, an

MROA member, show the progress already made

on the final build of the Savoy Palace Hotel.

I am most grateful for these pictures, which

illustrate just how much is already achieved. and

how much there was still to be done at the start of

the year.

It is particularly gratifying to see so much colour is

still showing—the jacaranda, bougainvillea, other

colourful shrubs...

Also visible are the many workers, cranes and, in

the bottom right picture, what will represent the

front of the building, as was, on the Avenida

Infanta and the curvature of the building. It is

certainly very big! I imagine it might need the

equivalent of a street map to navigate the corridors.

The Regency Club May/June 2019

John Moreton kindly wrote to me after his stay at

the Club.

I have summarised some of the points he makes

regarding what is sadly his final stay.

“The weather was great, with a bit of a wind on a

couple of days, no rain and lots of mid 20’s sun, so

two weeks of doing absolutely nothing——great!.

The staff, as usual helped to make this a really nice

holiday.

After twenty fours years, this was our last visit. The

journey from Norwich is becoming too much for us

both to cope with. Particularly the luggage

carousels at either end and the assisted transport at

Gatwick. (It often takes 30+ minutes to get from

plane to luggage). This sort of difficulty was going

to happen eventually but the situation was made

worse by the Savoy, or ‘Savaloy’ as people have

begun to call it.

Some faces have gone and a few new ones have

arrived. We were welcomed by the new reception

manager but no one told us his name.

Despite being told that the building was 94% full,

the pool area was never busy; some days only half a

dozen people.

Some owners, I hear, have opted to move to the

new building but many have decided to ‘walk’

away. We will go with them.”

John Moreton, Norwich

Please see John’s Sale or Rent entry on the MROA website.

www.mroa.org It is essential that members regularly check

this section of the website for updates and offers.

Not the prettiest, but nevertheless, fascinating little

creatures

Please keep your holiday pictures coming. Send

them to this Newsletter or the MROA web page.

“Coincidences are God’s way of remaining

anonymous.” - Doris Lessing, quoted in The

Sunday Times.

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Quotable Quotes—Politically incorrect

“To say nothing, especially when speaking, is half

the art of diplomacy.” Anon?

A politician is an animal that can sit on a fence and

yet keep both ears to the ground

H L Mencken, quoted in The Economist

“Its useless to hold a person to anything he says

while he’s in love, drunk or running for office”.

Shirley MacLaine—quoted in the LA Times

“If we say politicians cannot have done anything

racy at university, the only politician you would

have left is me” Jacob Rees-Mogg.

“Won can lonely say this is hard felt.” - and

the response

“The man who invented autocorrect should burn

in hello.” Viral tweet from @pegarella, quoted in

the Times.

“I hate Russian dolls, they’re so full of them-selves” Sathnam Sanghera’s favourite joke.

WHAT CONFUCIUS DID NOT SAY...... but maybe would have, if he had thought a bit more!

Man who wants pretty nurse, must be patient.

Lady who goes camping must beware of evil intent.

Man who leaps off cliff jumps to conclusion.

Man who runs in front of car gets tired... Man who runs behind car gets exhausted.

Man who eats many prunes gets good run for money.

War does not determine who is right; it determines who is left.

Man who drives like hell is bound to get there.

Man who stands on toilet is high on pot.

Man who live in glass house should change clothes in basement.

A tuneful

way to pronounce the name of a composer?

Answers to Anagrams

Gospel Oak

Caledonian Road & Barnsbury

Knightsbridge

Barons Court

Eastcote

Hackney Central

Covent Garden

South Acton

Finchley Road & Frognal

Mud Chute

King George V

Sloane Square

Becontree

Newcross Gate

Southfields

Some of the above seem less fun than their

anagram. I challenge you not to want to rename

some of the stations!

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MROA CONTACT DETAILS

All MROA correspondence should be addressed as follows:

General Postal enquiries:

Madeira Regency Owners' Association

C/o 7 Ravenscourt Close, Penylan, CARDIFF CF23 9DJ

Telephone: Trudy Joshua 02920 211671

All e-mail communications:

Trudy Joshua, trudyjoshua@aol.co.uk or Helena Bell, helenabll@yahoo.co.uk

Newsletter contributions to:

Helena Bell ‘Carillon', 15, Barcombe Avenue, SEAFORD, East Sussex BN25 4DT helenabll@yahoo.co.uk Telephone: 01323 898987

Membership website

www.mroa.org

Last Minute News

Where and When

This message from Tim Bulmer explains how to

contact the Club.

“I can confirm the default accommodation during

the MRC refurbishment is the new Savoy Palace

with the option, subject to availability, of other

Savoy products including Calheta.

contact should be via

paula.rodrigues@savoysignature.com +351 291

205 749—(correct at 27/0719 see MROA web)

The Madeira Photography Museum – Atelier Vicente’s reopens on July 29, after five years closure and work worth 1.7 million euros. “This 18th century photographic house has seen four generations of the same family. It tells so much about Madeiran life and daily experiences.

Atelier Vicente’s, now renamed Madeira Photography Museum, was founded in 1863 by Vicente Gomes da Silva and remained operational until 1978, when it was acquired by the Regional Government of Madeira.

In 1866, Vicente Gomes da Silva received the title of photographer of the Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) of Austria and, in 1903, the photographer of the Royal Portuguese House, making it one of the best equipped studios of the 19th century. It opened to the public in 1982 as a museum and in 2014 it closed for renovation and safeguarding of the collection.

“The museum re-opens with a temporary exhibition, until October, titled “Treasures of Portuguese Photography of the 19th Century”, having also a permanent exhibition which includes the collection of practically all large Madeiran houses’ photography of the 19th and 20th centuries. There is a faithful reconstruction of the studio, in terms of furniture, props, laboratory equipment and cameras which makes this museum in Rua da Carreira, Funchal well worth a visit.

We have been assured, and it forms part of the cur-

rent legal agreement, that members will not be sur-

charged for the cost of refurbishment of the resort.

However, it has been agreed that the members will

pay their proportion of the costs of upgrading the

building to meet modern fire and building regula-

tions.

Once the resort has had all the new work carried

out, we should in effect have a like new building

which has been returned to 4* status.

The Management Committee