Another snap of the plant I thought was an Aloe, not so sure now.

Update: This is not an Aloe. It is an Agarve Americalis, a mexican plant. They make Tequelia from one of its cousins. According to our local paper, they flower once only then die. This particular one was planted 30 years ago and this is its swan song. What a swan song! At the moment it is teeming with birds and insects visiting its flowers. Around its base there are lots of smaller versions, which may flower in another 30 years time. It is hard to get an idea of its hight, but according to the article it is now 8.87 meters tall. It towers over the houses around it.