Distinguished Gentlemen and Motobikes

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)

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride took place last Saturday in Funchal, bringing together dozens of motorcyclists to raise funds for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The event, so far, has raised 1,845 euros, double the amount raised last year.

The meeting point was Quinta Magnolia, followed by a route for motorcycles and elegant motorcyclists. The parade aroused curiosity and much humour as they passed through the city of Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, totaling 40 kilometers.

This year, the event took place simultaneously in 1,037 cities in 108 countries. In Portugal, it took place in 13 cities: Lisbon, Porto, Guarda, Coimbra, Aveiro, Castelo Branco, Algarve, Braga, Covilhã, São João da Madeira, Angra do Heroísmo, Ponta Delgada, and Funchal.

This was a thematic event, so it was open only to classic motorcycles and modern motorcycles but with a classic design, according to the styles indicated, also requiring the motorcyclist and companion to comply with the “dress code,” of elegance, classic suits or more formal clothing.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

Mobility in Funchal

Distinguished Gentlemen and Motobikes

Public Holidays 2025/26

Orchids in Neves