Saudi Visit Cancelled

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

A reported private visit to Madeira by members of the Saudi royal family has apparently been cancelled following privacy concerns.

The delegation was expected to arrive on Thursday and was reported to include Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud, wife of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, the Crown Prince’s presence was never officially confirmed by either the Saudi authorities or regional officials.

According to Diário de Notícias da Madeira, several local service providers were informed on Wednesday that arrangements made for the delegation had been cancelled. Sources connected with the preparations reportedly said the visitors were unhappy with the publicity surrounding the trip and considered that their privacy had been compromised.

No statement confirming the cancellation appears to have been issued directly by the Saudi royal household.

Questions had already emerged over the reported security arrangements. The Madeira Regional Command of the Public Security Police told Diário that it had no operation underway to receive the delegation and was unaware of any programme for the visit.

The speculation intensified after a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrived at Madeira International Airport on Tuesday. The aircraft conducted several circuits and bumps, reportedly to assess the airport’s suitability for handling the aircraft. It was the first recorded landing of a Boeing 787 at Madeira Airport.

Preparations were also reportedly being made inside the airport’s VIP facilities, while private accommodation, transport and other services were said to have been arranged for a sizeable entourage.

Early reports suggested that Mohammed bin Salman himself might travel to Madeira. Later accounts said the delegation would instead be headed by Princess Sara and include other members of the Saudi royal family. Neither version received official confirmation.

The visit was reportedly part of a private itinerary through Portugal, following stays in Lisbon and Faro.

For the moment, therefore, the only clearly visible evidence connected with the proposed visit is the Saudi government aircraft’s unusual appearance at Madeira Airport. The identities of its intended passengers, the planned itinerary and the precise reason for the reported cancellation remain based largely on information supplied by unnamed sources.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

Photo: JM

Mobility in Funchal

Saudi Visit Cancelled

Public Holidays 2026

Orchids in Neves