I was really affected by the sight of so many volunteers giving up their precious spare time to bring about a miracle on a crumbling old building on the Isla del Rey – King’s Island – The man who drives this enthusiasm is General Luis Alejandre Sintos -and the photo above shows the general and me with another guiding light of this project, Beverley Ward.

This is the boat I thought I’d better not catch in case all that ice cream tipped the balance and the volunteers into the drink!

This is just one project you can find on the island – a stylised garden typical of the period in which the old hospital was in full use – the ground is sifted to a depth of eighteen inches by the volunteers before planting – and all by hand – to ensure that any ancient artefacts are preserved

There is also a garden full of medicinal plants as well as gardens created to preserve the local plant life

The history of this island dates back to 1287 and the invasion of Alfons the Third – hence the name, King’s island

There is so much to see, including one of the finest collection of medical instruments found anywhere – a wonderful library of maritime books, and a memorial room created by one of the Italian descendants of a sailor who was lost when a battleship was lost off the coast during the war – and this is just the start. You can see how the sailors were cared for in – what to us might seem harsh conditions, but when you think about the conditions they suffered at sea, they must have thought they were in absolute luxury.

The work goes on and will do for many years thanks to the general and his army of volunteers

Do try to visit if you can – free boat tours leave from Cala Fontanillias (EL Castell) ever Sunday at 9am prompt – returning at 11am (donations for breakfast appreciated!)

If you get your microscope out you can find me just left of centre in the second row –
It was the most fantastic morning in the midst of great spirit and enthusiasm and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Sxx