My initial reason was uncomplicated. I wanted to publish a book on-line, thereby by-passing the tedious routine of expensive literary agents and rejected manuscripts. Viva Mallorca was written by my father Eric Arthur Cleugh and published in 1963 after he had been living in Mallorca for a couple of years. This is purely a labour of love; love for my father who died many years ago and love of this island, my home for the past 40 years.

One thing led to another and the project just kept on growing. In its present form it covers six generations from my maternal grandparents to my own grandchildren.

This site is dedicated to my family with all my love. Many are no longer with me and my generation is a bit thin on the ground, but the next generation – and the one after that! – is growing in numbers and it is my hope that across the years our story will not be forgotten.

Credits :

After my father published his autobiography "Without Let or Hindrance" in 1960 my mother soon embarked on her own autobiography "From Mink to Sink". But she was discouraged and tossed it on the fire when the second publisher rejected the manuscript. Several years later I bullied her into trying a re-write and, grumbling, she agreed. Although this second attempt met with no kinder publisher than the first I was at least able to salvage the manuscript by the devious manoeuvre of typing it up for her… and keeping a copy! I knew it would be a great source of information although at the time I wasn’t sure exactly how I was going to use it! I do now!

Much of the information about the Hollender and Harding families is extracted from that manuscript. My mother died 6 years ago but her indomitable spirit, persuasive charm and piquant sense of humour are alive on every page; truly, I could never have done this without her.

My most loving gratitude to my aunt 'Tante' Prunella who has helped me sort out the complex who’s who of my maternal family. To Liz Francis, for convincing my aunt that this was a project close to my heart and for the years of friendship, laughter and caring.

This site has been designed and created by my partner Dennis. His talent, excellent taste and unfailing encouragement have been truly inspirational. Not to mention that this was his idea in the first place! Our company, Talichi International Publishing S.L. provided the technical mumbo-jumbo to make all this work.