One man short and a late penalty called against them, it´s no wonder CD Tenerife were relieved to get a 0-0 home draw with inter island arch rivals UD Las Palmas. Summers ten man tidal wave of signings has so far translated to just a trickle of new faces on the pitch and the lack of goals is already a concern. Progress is slow for Tenerife but two of the new players, goalie Adrian Ortola, and midfielder Alex Bermejo led the rallying call for those still in the shadows.

Slovakian left back Robert Mazan had been underlining his name in the starting line up but international duty meant Isma Lopez got a recall. Chief culprit in the previous weeks 4-0 pasting at Ponferradina, Nicola Sipcic was dropped with old reliable Carlos Ruiz taking his centre back role. Curbelo gave the yellow visitors the first chance but missed by some distance after a mazy run. Tenerife swept a shot wide at the other end and a brilliant tackle by Luis Perez stopped Bela from setting up another Las Palmas effort, and set the tone for a nervy battle of two sides down at the wrong end of the table.

The Gran Canarian team have had money problems and trying to enforce wage cuts on players hasn´t made for a happy ship. Earlier in the week, 16 year old Tenerife born Pedri signed for Barcelona in a transfer worth a possible five million euros, and was promptly loaned back to Las Palmas. It´s a heavy burden to carry and the midfielder struggled to show glimpses of his potential. Malbasic held his place up front for Tenerife, he blows hot and cold but was a Saturday night iceberg when he was needed. The old clumsy touch and slow responses were back. Bermejo was starting to make openings from midfield but they needed a responsive striker.

Ortola was the hero when Las Palmas made a quick break after 20 minutes, he tipped a fierce shot up and off the underside of the crossbar to deny a sure goal. Aitor Sanz was no slouch when Lopez made a poor clearance, the midfield veteran kept a cool head and cleared the danger. After Tenerife failed to inflict damage from a Perez earned corner, Aitor was in action again at the other end with a smart header to keep Las Palmas out just before the break. The second half opened with goalie Martinez flattening Malbasic but getting awarded a free kick just outside his area, it looked closer to inside the line and a possible penalty but VAR didn´t want to get invloved. Bermejo darted through a gap down the left and fired at shot that found the keepers waiting arms. Martinez was pushing his luck with the ref, he fell and rolled blaming Malbasic but it was flattering the Serbian striker to suggest he was that dangerous.

Losing Luis Milla was a blow for the home side after 67 minutes, the midfielder went for  a  losse tackle on Pedri, it was the first red card for the 26 year old in his senior career, he will sit out one match. Ramon Mierez took over from Malbasic to add to his brief debut the previous week. The Argentinian forward won a high duel and flicked the ball off to Bermejo, he controlled it before shooting just wide, but it was a promising link up between the pair. Ortola had to make a couple of smart saves as the action switched ends, and Luis Perez, again outstanding, tested Martinez with a high cross. The 18,000 crowd felt the tension rise as Las Palmas had a penalty shout for a foul on their goalie, the waits seem to get longer but VAR squashed the claim. Five minutes of added time turned the screw but a draw was probably the fair result on the night. Two away games in five days will be a fierce test for Tenerife, they will need to blood the three untried new players, including former Spurs and England youth player Samuel Shashoua, once he is fit.

Winning breeds confidence, and confidence breeds success. CD Marino are living proof of that old saying, but they also showed hard work and plenty of skill in a 2-0 home win over CD Santa Ursula that gave them maximum points from the opening three games. It was a tough, bruising encounter as the south hosted the north of Tenerife in Playa de Las Americas, and the blues were lethal to take a two minute lead.

Roy launched a long, deep ball, Juanmi got a touch, and Nami planted his shot wide of keeper Juanje. There was no sitting back on the advantage, Marino surged again with Prince threading a pass through to Nami that was cleared by the visiting defence. Santa Ursula gave goalie David Ruso his first work to do from a weak shot by Chus. After 20 minutes the reds were reduced to 10 players, Guille could have no complaints after his wild lunge took down Prince. It meant more work for their captain Juanue in goal, he had to smother a close attempt from Nami that was inching towards his goal line.

A Juanmi header was cleared but soon followed by Alberto cutting in from the right before blasting a shot over the bar. Nicky was getting in some of his speedy overlaps on the right and chances kept coming. A much needed water break did little to quell the Marino fire, there was a squad wide willingness to take chances in search for another gaol, Saavedra tried his luck and wasn´t that far off target. Santa Ursula had another knock back when Azael landed badly after a tackle and had to be carried off by his team mates, and needed treatment for a knee injury. They could have ended the half further depleted, as tempers frayed, Miguel had a couple of pushes on Roy in full view of the ref but was still able to join his team mates for the half time break.

The second half opened with Marino in an upbeat mood. Prince sped round the back of the reds defence and launched a teasing cross for Nami but Juanje plucked the ball out of the air. Santa Ursula were determined to chase the game, former CD Tenerife midfielder Vitolo was not as sprightly as in his prime but read the game well and dropped in some neat passes. Diego took over from Prince and added new options to the home attacks. Injury replacement Erik, was prompting some raids down the left for Santa Ursula, he sped down the wing and delivered a good cross but there were no red shirts waiting. Miguel got lucky again, this time pushing Diego in the goal mouth with no sanction.

A Nami corner during sustained pressure by Marino, found Diego in front of goal ready to bury the ball in the corner of the net for a 2-0 lead after 76 minutes. Frustration was getting the better of Santa Ursula, Lentini ploughed into Saavedra, again the ref was lenient. There was still some purpose left in the visitors, sub Gabri hit a perfect cross field ball to Joel which brought a top class save from David Ruso. Vitolo crafted another delicate free kick that forced a corner, Erik pressed up and his shot scraped the bar. Marino were good value for their win, there´s a strong belief among the players that showed in their passing and awareness of each other. It will get harder from now on as other teams try to derail them, but the blues have a good look about them.

Alarmist headlines, resignations, and rumours had further stirred the Brexit pot since the last Tenerife presentation from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 11 months ago. On Thursday 12th September 2019, around 130 people packed into the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre to her the latest news and advice from Tim Hemmings, Deputy Head of Mission to Spain.

An opening 15 minute update, included a reinstatement of the “unwavering” intent of Spain and the UK to uphold the citizens rights of both countries, and further assurances in the most recent Spanish Royal Decree. Tim Hemmings underlined the fact that both countries had made plans in the cases of a Deal or No Deal departure, and these would preserve the rights of those legally registered in Spain on the Padron as residents. A show of hands revealed that pretty much the whole audience was legally registered, some fairly recently.
No Deal would still leave a 21 month grace period for people to register and become fully legal, for documents such as driving licences to be changed to non EU status. We were also told that the newer certificate form of residencia would most likely revert to the popular card format with a holders photo. Health cover was another key issue with the aim still being that British and Spanish would continue to be treated if living in the other country, but confirmation is still awaited.
Passports would not undergo any instant changes, but it was stressed that checking the expiry date is a good idea to see yours has between 9 years and 6 months coverage. Deputy Hemmings also insisted there would be no need to cover, alter, or remove the EU heading on a current passport. The format of further replacement passports is still to be confirmed.

UK driving licnces would still need to be changed to Spanish licences but could be changed back in the holder then returned to the UK. The recent announcement that UK state pensions for those resident in Spain would be increased up to 2023, was just a short term admin guide, further increases beyond that date would still be approved for a few years at a time. That dealt with the main big areas of concern so at that point questions were invited from the floor, with British Vice Consulate Helen Diaz de Arcaya Keating, Charmaine Arbouin (British Consul for Andalucia and the Canary Islands) , and the Consul´s Brexit Officer Deepika Harjani adding their points of experience and advice to the answers. It’s worth stressing at this point that many answers and links to online forms needed are on the social media sites that the British Consulate host. I’ve included as many direct links as possible but you can find many others, and more detailed information at the websites.
A recent caller at the Playa de Las Americas police station to sort out residencia was told there are no appointments available for now. The team pointed out that there should be under the 21 months grace period, but there is an online appointment booking service. If this still doesn’t work it’s worth contacting the British Consulate to ensure these channels are working in all municipalities.
Swallows (mainly pension age winter visitors) time limits to stay in Spain were queried. The answer was they can stay for 90 days in each 180 day period and it will remain that way under a No Deal withdrawal.
Also the continuation of the S9 health form for free treatment in Spain was queried. No change on this.
Onward free movement within the EU once a Spanish resident is back in the UK. Another area that has yet to be agreed for when we become “third country nationals” after Brexit.
There seemed to be less queries than at previous consulate road shows, it was pointed out the the Swallows don’t tend to start arriving for another month or so. But hopefully the hour length of the meeting was a sign that the many avenues of information publicised by the British Consulate team are working well. They answered several one on one queries after the main meeting broke up, a big thanks to Tim Hemmings and the British Consulate team.

Here are some useful links for more information. The British Consulate site for Tenerife. includes special Brexit area. You can also stay in touch with updates from the British Consolate at Facebook  Check Passport ,Healthcare .

Music, fun, and dancing were the bait as the fishing community of Los Cristianos set sail for a weekend of celebration and tribute in honour of their patron, the Virgen del Carmen. Tenerife doesn’t need an excuse to party and I could hear the DJ pumping out the music as I approached the compact Plaza de la Alpispa, behind the old beach.

The Saturday afternoon Fiesta del Sombrero (hat party) has become a popular part of the weekends tide of joy, and is always inventive and creative. Tables were set out in informal rows laden with food and drink but not many people were sitting still. The sea and nature in general always inspires the head gear but they´re not immune to modern influences, a home made drone perched on one hat but it was light weight compared to a full sized plant pot sported by one smiling lady.

Beer had clearly gone to some heads, but only in the artistic way, and as Dorada is now the official shirt sponsor of CD Tenerife, it made me proud to see the foaming tributes. Subtlety was just as effective, a neat hat with a floral trimming was enough to catch the eye and maybe even win a prize. The DJ´s table was well laden with trophies for the best efforts, they all looked deserving to me.

Further round by the port, other preparations were taking place for the following days parade of the Virgen´s statue among a flotilla of fishing boats, after the main lady had been carried through the streets of the town. Just along from the hat party, the younger revellers were enjoying the inflatable water slides as various cartoon characters watched from the side lines.

Fireworks will be lighting up the sky as the celebrations come to a close. For the fishing folk the hard work of pitting their wits against the waves continues all year. If you find yourself feeling a little hungry, it´s a much easier task to seek out one of the many local restaurants that serve the best of the catch from the Atlantic waters that lap at the shores of the Canary Islands.

Much improved was the fans reaction to a couple of superb headers in a 3-2 home win for CD Tenerife. Must do better was coach Aritz Lopez Garai´s assesment of the two defensive mistakes that nearly let Numancia back into the game. But a damming verdict of clueless and slow was the judgement of the 10,550 crowd and most players on VAR, once again the party pooper.

The summer signings had created an air of hope and expectancy. Slovakian left back, Robert Mazan made his bow and had a steady game, Serbian Nikola Sipcic resumed his place in the centre of defence thanks to a last minute 50-50 fitness call after his whack on the head at Zaragoza in the opening game. Malbasic was keen from the start and welcomed the visiting goalie to the action with a testing shot. Adrian Ortola got the nod in goal and hardly ruffled his beard with a routine take of a cross from Mistou. The Suso, Luis Perez combination on the right mixes youth and experience well, the captain hangs back when needed to let the young gun hit the pedal, but can still add his own threat. Numancia had to clear a couple of the skippers early half chances.

Just before the break, Milla floated in a deep corner into an open space, Borja Lasso soon filled it with a sneaky run and a lunging header that left the goalie grasping at air. Into the second half and d the party pooper. Malbasic set up Naranjo to score but the unwanted guest, VAR, butted in and after an agonising wait the ref ruled a no goal. A few minutes later there was another embarrassing gap before the ref gave an obvious hand ball penalty for Suso to convert. The lack of communication between the ref, the players, and the crowd was particularly annoying.

Maybe it was the delay, frustration, or just a lapse in concentration but with the defence absent, Ortola raced to the edge of his area as Higino swerved around his wild lunge. Alberto was racing back but could only watch the ball trickle into the net. Dani Lopez got his chance to join the attack as he replaced Naranjo but it was Suso and Malbasic whose link up should have increased the lead but the Serbian´s shot didn´t have the staying power. The slender lead needed fattening up, Borja crowned one of his best games with a slick set up, Malbasic judged it perfectly as he flicked his head to direct the ball into the net.

As if the antics of VAR weren´t enough, the stadium scoreboard went into meltdown and blanked out, at least it ha already shown the message of solidarity with the fire ravaged people of Gran Canaria. With no way of telling if enough time had been added for the lengthy stoppages, it was a nervous ending to the game. Curro was unmarked and saw the empty spaces where the Tenerife defence should have been. Racing through he kept ahead of another fruitless back track by Alberto and reduced the lead to 3-2 just before the final whistle blew. There´s plenty more to do on the training ground but as the rest of the new arrivals get their chance, competition for places should sharpen up and already promising outlook.

Repelled all game by visiting goalie Edwin, CD Marino kept coming back for more and were rewarded with two late goals to overcome a Buzanada first half strike for a 2-1 opening day win of the Tercera season.

Stephane caught the eye on the left wing on his home debut for the blues, his pace and vision translated well from the Belgium second division. Javi Gonzalez was again leading the Marino attack and only a stern block from Ramses halted his early progress. The summer break brought big changes for both Tenerife south squads. Kiko de Diego returned to the ground where he played to take over the home bench and last season´s coach Zeben Hernandez, made a swift return in charge of Buzanada.

Edgar found plenty of space from left back for Buzanada but his high, wild cross was no threat. Ayoze was closer with a long range dipping shot but David Ruso´s gloves weren´t called into action. Marino grew into the game, Roy, a new recruit from mainland side SD Ejea, teed up the ball for Stephane, his shot was straight at the keeper. Buzanada lost Edgar to injury after 20 minutes but his replacement, Pirri, gave his team mates a big target man to aim for. It didn´t take long for Pirri to show his worth, picking up a loose ball in space he unleashed a powerful shot wide of Ruso and into the bottom corner of his net for a 0-1 lead.

Marino had their own enforced change, Stephane went off injured, Niki came on at left back with Nami moving forward. Charni, another Belgium import, added midfield experience gained from spells with Inter Bratislava, Manchester United youth, and even Carlisle United. The new boy shut the door on Ayoze as he looked to break just before half time. Ayoze returned to clip the Marino bar with a long shot, and Alberto found Bamba in space, his effort failed to test the confident Edwin. Javi Gonzalez tried to increase the tempo, he rounded the visitors defence before Edwin smothered his shot. Nikki exposed the Buzanada defence down the right but put the ball wide of the goal.

With barely 20 minutes of the second half gone, Charni got a second booking for a foul on Efren and ended his debut early. Marino regrouped and continued to take the game to Buzanada but found Edwin in top form. His opposite number, Ruso had seen far too little action, even the scorer Pirri hadn´t forced any saves from the goalie. Marino made a change, Prince for Bamba and pushed to get back into the game. It paid off, Javi created havoc in the Buzanada box, and Juanmi finished off a rebound from a half clearance to level with just over 10 minutes left. Ayoze looked odds on to restore the away lead, he made space but hit a soft low shot which Ruso handled easily.

Buzanada were slipping as Marino camped in their final third. Roy fired in a series of corners, Nami skied the ball from one. Another corner in the last minute went beyond the onrushing keeper and a frantic defensive scramble produced a hand ball. Javi slotted the penalty into the net to seal the comeback win and set the new season off on a positive note.

With a thud that could almost be heard back in Tenerife, Real Zaragoza’a Blanco and the visitors Nikola Sipcic met head on as they leapt for a 50-50 high ball. The CD Tenerife Serbian defender crumpled to the floor, and that was the end of his debut game as he went off for treatment. It was typical of a cruel evening that saw Tenerife´s good work undermined by misfortune and a ludicrous VAR decision on the way to an opening 2-0 league defeat.

Coach Aritz Lopez Garai was hampered before the game even started, two other new players, Slovakian full back Robert Mazan, and striker Ramon Mierez missed the big kick off with injury niggles. That didn’t stop their team mates from making the big spending, hotly tipped promotion favourites look very ordinary in the first half. Shinji Kagawa ,nicknamed the Japanese Messi, is Zaragoza’s big coup of a signing but the Tenerife defence and midfield restricted him to an early wide shot after a break down the right. Borja Lasso tested the home defence with a blast from outside the box, and Suso combined well with Luis Perez whose cross was taken off the head of Sipcic.
Right back Perez had been the star of pre season games with his driving runs down the wing, he wriggled free of the home defence but his shot was a little wayward. The Tenerife front line had a familiar look, Malbasic brought a long pass under control and was shaping up for a shot when the Zaragoza goalie came out to deny him. There was even some cheeky stroking around of the ball to frustrate the home players and crowd. By the half hour water break the local fans only had a luke warm impression of their new side. Luis Milla tried his luck but powered the ball over the Zaragoza goal.

In the final five minutes of the half, Zaragoza upped their game. Adrian Ortola, who had wrestled the gloves off seasoned regular Dani Hernandez, made a clean stop to deny Raphael. Zaragoza charged again and caught the Tenerife defence flat footed, Aitor Sanz was too late with a sliding intervention and Suarez fired past Ortola to take the lead. That changed the whole mood of the game, Zaragoza looked more at ease in the second half, Raphael put another effort just the wrong side of the goal post. Suso rushed a shot at the other end and it gave the keeper no problems. Then that clash of heads made matters worse, Sipcic had been influential in defence and supporting the attack. Carlos Ruiz took over his role and Dani Gomez replaced Naranjo up front. When Zaragoza pressed again, Ortola let the ball squirm away from him and was grateful to Ruiz for clearing the threat.

On a sultry night, water seemed to be a prelude to disaster, after the second cooler break Carlos Ruiz brought down an opponent and was sent off for two bookings. More frantic shuffling was accompanied by the arrival of Alex Bermejo for Sanz, but new coach Garai had more setbacks heading his way. With two minutes of regular time left, Bermejo tripped an incoming Zaragoza player just outside the box, both sides were gearing up for a free kick when the ref pointed to the penalty spot under advice from VAR, on the first day of its introduction to the Segunda Division. It came just hours after another shocking call in the Manchester City v Tottenham game and underlined the faults in the system. Ros converted the kick to complete a frustrating match, and after the game Luis Perez needed seven stitches in a face wound and Sipcic was kept in hospital overnight for observation.. Coach Garai was the one with the biggest headache, a bundle of selection problems to juggle before the home opener against Numancia but should draw some encouragement from the first half display.

Barely 20 minutes out of Los Cristianos harbour, pilot whales and dolphins converged on the Travelin Lady boat to show why Tenerife is the perfect place to watch these graceful and enchanting creatures. It’s a labour of love for the three strong crew and up to 80 passengers, and has been since they started trips in 1991.

A hot, clear day was unfolding for the 11 am two hour voyage, the sea was rippling gently and a pleasant breeze wafted through the two deck boat. One of the smallest of the local fleet to unlock the wonders of the Canary Island coast, Travelin Lady had an informal and friendly atmosphere as we headed out to sea. Ferries were rushing away to the neighbouring island of La Gomera but our pace was more leisurely and was rewarded when the crew spotted a mix of pilot whales and dolphins just ahead.

Slowing to a patient amble, our new friends hardly seemed to notice us. That’s partly down to the quieter new engine, one of several voluntary measures to comply with a code of conduct that is officially certified by the yellow flag. A third of all the worlds species of cetaceans either live in or pass through the waters of the Canary Islands, that brings a big responsibility, Travellin Lady has an enclosed propeller for extra protection. It’s good to know that care extends to the passengers, signs in English and Spanish explained safety procedures and pointed out life raft and jacket spots. A small bar ensured that drinks and snacks could be bought to answer the effect of the warm, salty breeze.

With cameras and videos filled with special moments, it was time to cut back nearer the shoreline at the base of the 428 metre high Guaza Mountain, a protected area of natural beauty. The basalt stacks of the cliffs are home to countless seagulls and rarer birds, and the erosion of the ocean has carved a series of inlets and deep caves. The curious sight of the fish farm cages showed a modern side to the fishing industry that has provided for the local people for many generations.

Working back around the coast, we headed past the harbour and out beyond the modern man made Las Vistas beach. The sparkling water and yellow sand were further reminders of the attractions of Tenerife. On the 1 and 3 pm sailing, the boat moors up for passengers to take a cooling swim before returning to the port. It was a very enjoyable trip with a well informed crew, Tenerife has many wonders but a voyage on the sea adds a whole new understanding to the rich harvest of life that call the island home.

Travellin Lady heads out to sea every day at 11am, and 1 and 3pm from the small quayside on the old Los Cristianos beach. The basic adult price is 25 euros, childrens prices depend on age, and ask about the VIP options. For more information, or to book right up to departure time, visit the first kiosk to the right of the beach. You can also visit the website.  Here is the full gallery of my photos from the trip.

You could almost feel sorry for football´s pre season friendly games. Few fans remember them and the results often confound, mislead, and confuse supporters. For CD Tenerife the 2019-2020 build up was even more of a leap into the unknown than usual. Latest coach on the conveyor belt, Aritz Lopez Garai, a sprightly 38 year old, arrived via brief experience at the helm for Reus and Numancia. Then new players started to arrive, and arrive, and arrive.

The opening two games served up 13 goals scored and none conceded. A 0 – 9 triumph over three levels inferior Aguillas, at T3 in La Caleta, and a 0-4 win at CD Marino featured the usual mass changing of players at half time.Top scoring at Top Training went to Luis Perez, Sevilla recruit Alex Bermejo, and B teamer Josue with two apiece.The most pleasing sight though was to see midfielder Aitor Sanz return from a 16 month achilles tendon nightmare.
The goals quartet was crammed into the first 28 minutes at CD Marino. Borja Lasso with a header, Naranjo chipped the home keepers bad clearance over his head, and Malbasic looked sharp with two well taken strikes. The big Sebian and Naranjo tied as top scorers last season with just six league goals each, both were big earners and may well go before the big kick off. Nano, who only struck four times, is back at parent club Eibar. Josue and 20 year old Dani Gomez from Real Madrid B looked willing in the opening games but a little light weight. the wait for new fire power was underway.

The new coach was in the spotlight. Using full backs to overlap and create openings stood out in his first games, three more captures in the run up to the Teide Trophy game, fitted that tactic. American right back Shaq Moore, and Slovakian Robert Mazan (25) got brief run outs but Cultural Leonesa had a fairly comfortable 0-3 victory. The next new signings were also in the 23 to 26 age bracket, we had been promised younger players with fire in their boots. Centre back Alex Munoz (24) from Real Zaragoza can cover left back or midfield. Nikola Sipsic, a 6 foot plus centre back from Serbia was next to make a show at the south airport.

It wasn´t all hard work, fitness and team bonding were helped along by running in the Tenerife hills, and river rafting at a weeks training camp in Portugal. That included a less impressive 4-2 defeat to Sparta Braga B with goals from Bermejo and Malbasic, and a much better 0-1 win v Celta Vigo with a Malbasic finish from a Luis Perez cross. Adrian Ortola from Barcelona via Deportivo started in goal and will fancy his chances of replacing Dani Hernandez for the starting role in the league.

Unlike the UK, Spain´s transfer window closes on 2 September, Argentinian striker Ramon Mierez could be the goal bagger we wanted, the 22 year old Argentinian has netted a fair record at Alaves and did better on loan in Croatia last season. A couple of more new boys may arrive but the worry is fending off admirers of our best stars like Alberto and Luis Milla. Real Madrid Castilla, the final warm up, will see us return to the Heliodoro Stadium in Santa Cruz before a tough league opener at Real Zaragoza on 17 August. Anything can happen this season, and probably will, but being back with the Armada Sur for a weekly football fix is a joyous prospect.

Mutual respect by the two sea faring nations was not diminished by a defeated British Navy attack on the Tenerife capital, Santa Cruz in 1797. Admiral Horatio Nelson lost most of his right arm to musket fire when coming ashore, several of his ships were forced off target by ill judged winds and tides, and the surrender treaty of 25 July confirmed three historic defences of the capital.

Now 222 years later the Amigos de 25 July are staging their annual reconstruction of key battle moments, but there are many places to visit all year round in the Tenerife capital that evoke two entwined histories.
On Friday 19 July 2019, the Castillo Negro, between the modern hook nosed Auditorium and the Parque Maritima outdoor swimming complex, will see the first landing boats met by the defending forces at 9 pm. That began and ended Nelson’s personal action, he was ferried back to a ship under protest, to have most of his arm cut off and the wounds sewn up. He had already lost the sight in the right eye from a previous wound. Not surprisingly, the invading effort had little chance after that.

On Saturday 20 July, small units of troops will be deployed near Plaza de España from noon. Some British troops had landed further north up the coast and tried to battle down through the city as commanded by Admiral Troubridge. From 9 pm skirmishes will be played out near Calle La Noria, just below the barranco bridge. The surrender treaty was signed initially by Admiral Troubridge, at Plaza Isla de Madera, and this will be re-enacted at 9 pm on Sunday 21 July. There will be a procession through the city on Thursday 25 July from 8 pm. Back in 1797, patched up Nelson was invited to dine with the Santa Cruz Governor, Juan Antonio Gutierrez. The British lost 250 men in the failed invasion but Nelson was full of praise for the humanity of Gutierrez, he arranged for injured men and provisions to be returned to their ships and presented barrels of malvasia wine and other gifts to the British. Nelson promised to forbid any future attacks on the Canary Islands, it was a strangely civilised surrender and the Admiral is even commemorated on a couple of street names. This years events are dedicated to Captain Diego Correa of La Laguna, who captured the British Flag from the ship, Emerald. It´s now displayed in a glass cabinet in the Military Museum of Almeyda, a short stroll north of the ferry port. Entry is free, Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 2 pm, and there are two floors of exhibits from many eras plus a range of vehicles in the yard.

All along the coast road of Santa Cruz, and inland, there are plaques describing key points in the Nelson conflict, in English and Spanish. Down on the port, by the small, metal lighthouse, there is the imprint of a canon ball from a British ship, a sculpted tribute to the surrender treaty had pride of place at the port and is expected to be replaced once the major makeover of the port entrance is completed.

For a dip back in time, try the ruins of the old Castillo San Cristobal, unearthed when the Plaza de España lake was updated a decade ago. Entrance is free from Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, you can see part of the old city wall and also the Tigre canon that helped to repel Nelson and his men.