Today is the official start of the summer as most of the Uk Tour Operators start their summer flying programme. Despite what some are saying I’m looking forward to a busy summer. April was definitely busier than expected so let’s see what May brings. The Travel Editor at TravelSupermarket recently said: “Spain still holds a firm place in the hearts of Brits when it comes to holiday destinations. This is most likely because of the short journey time from the UK and the sheer choice of affordable flights and holiday packages available for families and couples. The combined allure of Spain’s beautiful sunny beaches and cosmopolitan cities crammed full of culture and character reaches tourists all around the globe, and Britain’s love affair with the country is showing no signs of coming to an end as it it is the UK’s most searched for holiday destination.”
I chatted to Steve Heapy the CEO at Jet2.com and Jet2 Holidays this week as we hosted their season kick-off event at Pirates. Steve is not your conventional CEO and for that I admire him greatly. He calls a spade a spade and is more than happy to have a beer with you to discuss the future rather than being sat in a boardroom. They have more than 125 flights a week into Mallorca this year and where others have taken capacity out of Spain and particularly Mallorca, they have remained loyal and added to it. Think Spain, think Jet2holidays,” he said.
With holidays in mind I was given this list of the top 10 things that Brits take from hotels, curtains really??
1. Towels
2. Full size toiletries
3. Lightbulbs
4. Pillows/Cushions
5. Dressing Gowns
6. Books (Bible/Other)
7. Plants
8. Crockery (Mugs and Glasses)
9. Batteries (from the remote)
10. Curtains
Today also is the opening night of Gringos. In its third year this is a totally unique night out from the makers of Pirates Reloaded. With dabbers at the ready, this is bingo but not as you know it! It is the ultimate night out for adults of all ages. Expect chaos, raves, dance-offs, funny prizes and big prizes!
Don’t confuse this as the traditional style of bingo – think nightclub and party atmosphere with music to suit all – from nostalgic tunes, old school anthems and present day bangers! There’s adult humour from the host and crazy characters to keep the audience entertained all night long. So what is all the fuss about?
The normal rules of bingo still apply, with some great prizes and then some bizarre prizes…but in between each game you’ll be up dancing as confetti fills the room. Even if you don’t win, you’ll get your fair share of laughs and a crazy party night at that. Book online for the best price guarantee at http://www.gringosbingo.com
This time next week I’ll be in the throes of our 36 hour Radiothon. The Radiothon started 4 years ago when we set up the Jacques Sasson Foundation. Jacques the legendary former owner of Pirates who used to love doing charitable things. In the past it’s been a 24hr non-stop Show with me and my fellow presenters helping me throughout the day. This year we thought we’d take it a little further so we’re starting at 08.00 Friday morning and finishing 20.00 Saturday evening. That’s 36 hours non-stop which should be challenging. Since we started we’ve raised just over 80,000€ so our aim is to pass through the 100,000€ mark. Charities that have benefitted since we started are, GOSH, Son Espases Intensive Care Unit, Salvation Army, Shambala Foundation, Bloodwise, Calvia Lions, Help For Heroes, SOS Animal, Fundacion Nazareth, Club Vidalba, Asociacion Ondine and Feliz Animal Andratx.
This year we are raising money for;
Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital, London. A charity that along with Our friends at Pirates we have raised nearly 750,000€ and we have carried on supporting each year.
Son Espases Childrens Intensive Care Unit in Palma. Another that gets our support each year.
Our new charities this year are, Asdica, A dynamic socio-educational project aimed at adolescents and young people with intellectual disabilities and their families in the Municipality of Calvià.
Aspanob Created in 1987 by a group of parents who came together with the aim of improving the quality of life of all children with cancer and their families in the Balearic Islands.
Now we can’t do this without your help so they’ll be plenty of ways you can support us. I’m pleased to announce that all of our 36 hours are now sponsored, so you can come and join me in the studio and pay for a song to be played, challenge us to do something, buy raffle tickets, bid on an auction item, or just make a donation. Remember every euro will make a difference. Our studio is at the Wave House Hotel in Magaluf so if you can pop in at any time it will be great to see you.
A great win away for Real Mallorca last weekend in Malaga which was just their fourth win away this season. This weekend they’re at home to Sporting kicking off on Sunday at 16.00. They lie in fourth place and in the play-off places, just 6 points off 2nd place Granada who they play on June 2nd. Atlético Baleares can win their league this weekend if they beat Badalona. They are currently 7 points clear and they’re pretty much nailed on to reach the first round of play-offs like Mallorca did last year. It will be great for the island if they do get promoted and will be a massive lift to grass roots football too.
It’s the end of the season for Infantil B CD San Francisco where my eldest Jake plays. They are a great bunch of lads who grew as a team throughout the season. It’s a shame a few will be leaving but that’s football. It’s been a great crack with the parents too and I’m still known as the mad Englishman who shouts “Come On!” all the game. They rounded off their season beating Son Servera away by 1-0 last Wednesday. My youngest Jude lost 2-1 away in Ferriolense but they still have 4 games to go. No games for the boys this weekend so Dad Taxi has a weekend off. Or so I thought! Saturday we’re now going to watch Jude’s old team Calvià play and Sunday we’re going to watch Real Mallorca.
Enjoy your weekend!
Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast show Monday to Friday 07.30-11.00am on 93.8fm in Mallorca and 102fm in Calvià, online at www.radioonemallorca.com on mobile through their free App for IPhone & Android, The Tunein Radio App, iTunes, the Spanish TDT TV service and all smart speakers. . If you can’t hear him on the radio then you’ll find him working at Pirates Adventure the islands number one night out and every now and again he may make an understudy appearance!
Feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.
Dad Taxi Mallorca 