Bassey Beach

 

Did you know? In Sardinia there is a beach that bears the name of the great soul singer Shirley Bassey.

Near Porto Rotondo, not far from the rocks of Punta di Volpe and from the beach of Sassi, there is the beach of Bassey (or Shirley Bassey). It owes its name to the famous British pop-soul singer who used to spend long days at sea in the early seventies, during her holidays.

This beautiful inlet in the shape of a semicircle, covered with white sand, is small and is set among the Mediterranean scrub.
Shirley Bassey, known to the Anglo-Saxon public since the fifties for her powerful voice and very personal timbre, achieved worldwide fame thanks to the interpretations in the title-tracks of various films of the James Bond series including Goldfinger (1964).

Costa Smeralda
The Costa Smeralda (English: “Emerald Coast”) is a coastal area in northern Sardinia, 55 km long and covering more than 30 km², with enchanting beaches and a system of villages built according to an extremely detailed urban plan. The area is a luxurious tourist destination featuring exquisite white sand beaches, Pervero golf club, private jet access in Olbia, and helicopter service for highly affluent American, European, Russian, and Arabian VIPs visiting from the fields of investment banking, entertainment, politics and industry.

The main towns and villages in the area are Arzachena, Olbia, Porto Cervo, Liscia di Vacca, Capriccioli and Romazzino.

Annually in September the Sardinia Cup sailing regatta is held off the coast, usually featuring famous boats. Polo matches are held seasonally between April and October at Gershan near Arzachena. The Italian film festival is held in Tavolara and a vintage car rally entertains antique car enthusiasts. Cala Di Volpe, Hotel Romazzino, Hotel Pitrizza, and Cervo Hotel form the nucleus of luxury hotel choices within the Starwood Luxury Collection and Sheraton respectively. Guests spent 2,000 – 3,000 USD per night in the peak season for access to la dolce vita in complete privacy. Celebrities flock to this region in season and explore the aquamarine waters with chartered boats, docking at these hotels with marina access and congregate in Porto Cervo for a gala celebrations on a grand scale. June and September and October are not as crowded and offer comfortable climates between 72-84 F degrees.

The development of the area started in 1961, and was financed by a consortium of companies. The president of the consortium and representative figure was Prince Karim Aga Khan.

More Freedom of Cardiff

Dame Shirley Bassey kindly donated her Versace gown to raise funds for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity. The gown was worn on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.  Dame Shirley even had a twirl on the dance floor with host Gethin Jones and she was presented a painting.

DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY COLLECTING THE FREEDOM OF HER HOME CITY OF CARDIFF

A very elegant looking Dame Shirley Bassey collected her award today wearing a patterned midi dress with a silver belt, a black blazer and heels.

Cardiff council Huw Thomas said Dame Shirley is undoubtedly one of Wales greatest exports with a career spanning over seven decades.

Dame Shirley looked thrilled as she was presented with the accolade by the Lord Mayor  of Cardiff during a special ceremony at Cardiff’s City Hall (Neuadd y Ddinas Caerdydd) 

Dame Shirley joins Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II in receiving the honour.

Dame Shirley arrives at City Hall

 

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Dame Shirley, who walked into Cardiff City Hall to the music of “Goldfinger”, told ITV Wales receiving the honour was “up there with getting her Damehood”.

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Dame Shirley Bassey is to be given the freedom of her home city of Cardiff

Dame Shirley Bassey is to be given the freedom of her home city of Cardiff.

The Welsh music legend, 82, will be made an honorary freewoman of the city and county of Cardif’ at a ceremony at City Hall on May 17 (From Wales online).

The ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ singer will receive the award in honour of her career in music which spans seven decades.

Dame Shirley, who was born in Tiger Bay, Butetown, and grew up in Splott, had her first number one single in 1959 and became one of the most popular singers in the world.

She recorded theme songs to three James Bond Films – Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker.

A cultural icon, she has won dozens of awards for her lifetime achievements and has sold around 135million records.

Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “With a remarkable career spanning over seven decades, Dame Shirley is undoubtedly one of Wales’ greatest exports.

“Presenting her with the honour of Freedom of the City, not only recognises her contribution to music but also acknowledges her continued support for the Welsh arts and her committed patronage to local charity, Noah’s Ark.

“Recognised as an international superstar, Dame Shirley has remained proud of her Cardiff roots and Welsh heritage. To name her as an honorary Freewoman of the City, celebrates her links to the city whilst expressing Cardiff’s pride for all that she has achieved.”
The ceremony on Friday will begin at 1pm.

On arrival Dame Shirley will be greeted by 12 year old Mia Lloyd from Ceredigion.

Mia spent almost a year receiving treatment at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales for a rare type of cancer and in November 2017, she underwent an operation to amputate part of her left leg.

Mia is the first ever young ambassador for the Noah’s Ark Charity and has raised thousands of pounds and represented the charity at various events.

Music will be provided by a choir from Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Music Service and a fanfare will be provided by trumpeters from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Noah’s Ark Charity director, Suzanne Mainwaring, said: “A legend in the world of show business, Dame Shirley has proved loyal to her roots and has championed Wales, Cardiff and her charities all over the world. We are deeply honoured to have her patronage and loyal support.

“She is a true member of our Noah’s Ark Family and we are delighted that she has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Cardiff, the highest honour the city can bestow on any individual. We look forward to celebrating with Dame Shirley at the Noah’s Ark Charity Spring Ball on the evening of Friday May 17.”

City Hall will play host to the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Dianne Rees’ S pring Ball, on behalf of the Noah’s Ark Charity later that day.

Dame Shirley Bassey DBE is invited as a special guest at the event which will be hosted by Gethin Jones and feature entertainment from some of Wales’ finest performers, including Only Men Aloud, Catrin Finch and Suzanne Packer.