British links with the island of Menorca were further reinforced on the Illa del Rei on Sunday. A collection of fifty books on naval and seafaring themes were presented to the Friends of Hospital Island Association. The books, along with two limited edition prints of HMS Kelly and HMS Cavalier, both signed by the late Lord Mountbatten, have been donated by British resident Lorraine Ure. Her husband Lt. Commander Alan Ure died in 2009, the books having been in his collection.
Amongst the books, with publication dates from the early 20th century, was a particularly appropriate edition on naval architecture. This is a most significant addition to the Illa del Rei's library, for it contains photos and drawings of the island's military hospital which had not been seen before by the association's librarians.
A group of thirty, including Lorraine Ure, were given an excellent ninety minute guided tour of the Illa del Rei before watching the handover of the naval prints, which were received by Jose Maria Cardona on behalf of the Fundacion.
Next year will see the 300th anniversary of the founding of a military hospital on Illa del Rei. It is hoped that members of both the Spanish and British Royal Families will accept invitations that have been issued to celebrate this occasion on the island.
Auction of donated artwork
The Hospital Foundation has also received a painting by the Ciutadella artist Josep R. Torrent which has been donated by his son, Rafel Torrent, to raise money to help with the restoration of the old military hospital on the Illa del Rei.
The Foundation has decided to organise a dinner at which the painting will be auctioned. News of the proposed event brought the promise of another piece of work by a local painter, prompting the Foundation to see if further donations might be forthcoming from other artists, thus increasing the amount of money that could be raised by the art auction.
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