Madeira’s Beaches Are for Everyone

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 CDU promoted a new political initiative this morning against the privatisation of the coast, as part of its candidacy for the municipal elections. Ana Paula Almeida, second candidate for the Funchal City Council, warned of the difficulties experienced by the local population in accessing the sea.

Citing recent statements by the Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, Ana Paula Almeida reinforced that “beaches are public and should be accessible to all,” stressing that any attempt to restrict this access “will be identified.”

The CDU criticises the late implementation of the Madeira Coastal Zone Management Plan (POCMAD), approved in 2024, which it considers has contributed to the current disorganised coastline occupation, by excessive hotel construction and environmental degradation. The situation, according to the party, is aggravated by sewage discharges that jeopardise public health and have limited bathing opportunities on at least four occasions between May and July this year.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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