Tomorrow December 2014 edition

December 2014

3000 FREE copies per month

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS 2015 to all would then donate money to light up on tree in the town at a very reasonable cost.

Ms Matos said: “I welcome this initiative and really want to take it forward. It is great to see the involvement of the community.”

Tom Henshaw from the ‘Tomorrow’ Newsletter said: “Lighting up Lagos would really boost business in the town so please get behind this campaign.”

This year the contract for the Christmas lights have been given to one local business who will keep them up until January 6th.

Help us light up Lagos

This year 27 trees are illuminated at Rua Portas de Portugal (near CTT); Entrada e Praça; Rua Garrett; Praça Gil Eanes; Praça Luis de Camões; Rua 25 de Abril; Rua Silva Lopes.

The ‘Tomorrow’ Newsletter with the support of the Câmara and the town’s business association is launching a campaign next year to light up Lagos. In the past Lagos drew crowds from across the area who came to see the town’s fabulous Christmas lights but this year there will be a more modest display as the Câmara grapples with limited finances.

There will also be a huge concert for New Year’s Eve at Praça do Infante with well-known Portuguese singer Aurea and a grand fireworks display which will take place at midnight.

Twelve palm trees lit up down the Avenida and two in the Jardim da Constituição.

The idea is that next year residents and businesses work together to raise funds to get more lights around the town and down the length of the Avenida.

There will also lights at the following roundabouts and buildings: the island by the stadium; island by the Health Centre; Old Camara building; around the old town walls at the Jardim da Constituição and the building “Casa da Dízima”.

The Câmara has made sure it is doing as much as it can and lights have already gone up around the town. It has also organised a string of Christmas events including Father Christmas coming to Avenida dos Descobrimentos and Praça Gil Eanes on December 6th and street entertainment at the Historic Centre between December 17th and 23rd.

The Mayor of Lagos, Joaquina Matos, told us that she was very keen to work with this newsletter and with ACRAL - the business association in Lagos - to raise funds to reinstate the lights on the palm trees along the Avenida.

TGFH Ad - Tomorrow DEC2014.indd 1

The suggestion is to get local businesses or even residents to ‘Sponsor a Tree”. People

Ms Matos said the cost of this year’s lights was €13,800 plus the IVA. If you have any ideas for this campaign please call Tom on 919918733. If you want to contact our editor with your suggestions please email amberhenshaw@gmail.com

19/11/2014 17:45

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our December edition

Useful Numbers - Lagos

Best wishes,

EMERGENCY 112 HOSPITAL 282 770 100 HEALTH CENTRE 282 780 000 FIRE SERVICE 282 770 790 POLICE SERVICE 282 762 930 GNR NATIONAL GUARD 282 770 010 TAXI SERVICE 282 763 587 BUS STATION 282 762 944 TRAIN STATION 282 762 987 AERODROME 282 762 906 CITY COUNCIL 282 780 900 TOURIST OFFICE 282 763 031 TOWN INFO 282 764 111 CULTURAL CENTRE 282 770 450 TAXI-PEDRO COSTA 917 617 675 LACOBRENSE CHEMIST 282 762 901 NEVES CHEMIST 282 769 966 RIBEIRO LOPES CHEMIST 282 762 830 TELLO CHEMIST 282 760 556 SILVA CHEMIST 282 762 859 D Concept Dental Clinic 282 763 496 Farmacia (Odiáxere) 282 798 491 Chriropractor lagos 282 768 044 Dental Clinic - Almádena 918 366 646 Lagos Cinema 282 799 138

Tom and the rest of the ‘Tomorrow’ team.

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS:-

Another year passing by, another Christmas looming. For some it’s marvellous and fun, for others it is another day to ‘get through’.

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I only wish I could persuade more of those people who are on their own and feeling lonely to come along to join in some of our activities.

Maybe some of those are missing companionship would call anonymously and we could try and find something interesting and different that grabs your attention.

There must be many of our retired readers that have skills and time to share their talents with others? We need people with crafts including carpentry, sewing, art, knitting, fishing to contact us and let’s see what we can put together. Any other ideas? Is there anyone willing to start some classes for people to participate and help others to make new friends?

I leave you with that thought.

Thanks again for another year of support from our readers, contributors and advertisers. We couldn’t do it without you.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas time and a thoroughly healthy and prosperous 2015.

You can call me on 919 918 733. For any editorial issues, email amberhenshaw@gmail.com

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NO JOB TOO SMALL:-

In this issue...

P4-18: Community Spotlight on education Shoebox for Lagos’ children Ladies who lunch Lagos bombeiros Bridge update And much more

P21-32: What’s-On Nativity scene

Dance Arts and crafts Get into the groove And much more

P34-37: Health Pets mate Farmers’ market food Are you SAD? Busy elves at Harmony Earth

P36-42: Business The lost generation Need extra help?

Get with Gii New tax laws Christmas wines

P44: Food and Drink Pashmina for New Year And much more

GAVIN COX WILL & PEDRO WINDOW CLEANING PORTUGUESE LESSONS €5/HR Chimney sweep & window cleaner Locksmith - Luis Drain sPECIALIST - John Satellite & TV - Dave PC centre Painter & decorator Mick James Private luxury transport Mobile Hairdressing Alison Plumber 24 hrs John Senior care at home Computer problems - Pedro XELI- FLorist Free delivery Electrician Helio CARPET & RUG CLEANING

282 780 700 808 203 537 808 781 212 118 282 782 282 914 479 300 916 606 226 917 370 294 213 308 200 916 430 132 965 353 301 916 591 423 912 417 994 926 860 123 964 605 213 912 712 077 965 774 176 282 960 960 916 050 114 910 384 382 918 663 352 912 712 077 282 767 102 917 165 238 282 768 129 917 288 966 91 55 32 850

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Community deals with the situation, never raising her voice. The students respond to her warm approach and empathy. In due course all are seated; jackets and caps removed, bags on floor, ready to tackle the work. The exercise provided for both groups is drawing a portrait in pencil on an A4 piece of paper.

Given the excellent resources, including an electronic white board in the room, she has access to useful stimuli.

Challenges for Education By Lena Strang ‘Chaos in schools!’ headlines in Portugal shouted some weeks ago, ‘Students without teachers at the start of the academic year.’

How is that possible, I wonder? Having taught in schools in the UK all my life, I want to know the reality behind the news. How is education organised and what is day-to-day life really like for teachers and students? Do children get a good deal? And of course, I need to know what gave rise to the alarming headlines.

I am invited to observe lessons at Escola Básica Tecnopólis in Lagos. It’s a large Middle School of 860 students covering years 5 to 9 (children aged 10 to 14). It was rehoused in its present new premises three years ago, When I arrive, it’s break time and students are milling about in an orderly fashion inside the fenced perimeter. There is no sign of graffiti anywhere and an absence of litter on the ground.

Although the school is heavily oversubscribed and has a desperate lack of

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teaching space, there are some impressive facilities such as office space for all department areas, a well-equipped library and multimedia room, an auditorium and a student common room.

I am greeted by Catarina Furtado, an arts teacher, who has had a permanent post at the school for 17 years. Although she grew up near Lisbon she made the decision to move to the Algarve. She feels very much at home as this is where both her parents come from. Her father was a fisherman and she remembers that times were hard. “But I always wanted to become a teacher,” she explains, “I love the arts and this inspired me to go into education. It is rewarding to watch a child who genuinely wants to learn new things.”

I meet two of her year 6 art classes (aged 11). The first class is boisterous, having just arrived from their break. I have already been told that most discipline problems occur with the younger age group who often find it difficult to settle and concentrate. However, I note the very calm manner in which Catarina

Students are inquisitive about my presence and have lots of questions to ask. They want to know about my work and travels and are particularly intrigued by the fact that I was born in Finland. At the end of the lesson everyone is able to bid me farewell – in Finnish! I am also presented with a portrait of myself, completed by one of the students in the class. I am touched.

Catarina explains that Visual Education is theoretical and that there is a national curriculum to be followed, along with a lot of paperwork to complete. “I also teach Technical Education which is more practical.

Catarina Furtado

We used to have two teachers to each class but because of the cuts, we now cope on our own.” She admits that when she began teaching she was full of new ideas but “now I work within the limits of the curriculum

Community and timetable but when possible, I try to do something a little different.” I begin to appreciate what she means when I later talk to a senior manager in the school.

Fransisco Neto is the Coordinator of Escola Tecnopólis. With 38 years of educational experience he proves to be an excellent source of information. Despite being busy preparing for a staff meeting, he still finds time to talk to me. He explains that three years ago schools in the country, including the Algarve, were divided into large consortia, so-called ‘agrupamentos’.

The two secondary schools Gil Eanes and Júlio Dantas in Lagos are the lead schools for their respective consortia. Six or seven schools in the district are attached to each group, covering the whole age range, from nursery to secondary education. Tecnopólis is part of the Júlio Dantas Consortium.

And why was this done, I wonder? “It’s all part of reducing costs and rationalising resources. Now we only have one single Director for the whole consortium of nearly 2500 students and a Coordinator such as myself, for each individual partner school,” he tells me. “A good thing?” I persist. “Much more economical,” is the wry answer.

And the economics of the situation extend to the educational provision on the ground.

Although there is a general decrease in student numbers due to reduction in the birthrate and the fact that immigrant families are returning to their countries of origin, subsequent smaller classes are joined together. ‘We have classes of 30 with one teacher,” Fransisco points out. I observe that the timetable varies for every single form group. They start school at different times in the morning and have gaps during the day. The reason as Fransisco points out, is overcrowding: “We haven’t got enough rooms and teachers to timetable lessons more effectively.”

Paula couto, Director of the Gil Eanes Consortium

Along with all schools in the area, Tecnopólis offers a range of support lessons and special provision for students with educational needs. There are also on average 3 to 4 students in each class from other countries. They are well supported and I am told integrate very rapidly. Despite timetable issues, there is flexibility for additional provision too. A class in year 5 receives specialist music education at the Lagos Music Academy as part of their curriculum – perhaps a start for performing arts in schools?

I was alarmed to learn that students who don’t succeed in both Portuguese and Maths are obliged to repeat the whole year. This is the case in most southern countries but I fear, can’t do much for continuity or student motivation.

In order to have an overview of educational provision in Lagos, I later meet with Paula Couto, the Director of the Gil Eanes Consortium – the other large consortium in Lagos. I am immediately taken by her energy, clear vision and wholehearted commitment to her work.

Paula tells me that she owes her humanistic outlook on life to her secondary education at a Lisbon government-funded boarding school for children of military personnel.

Her father died in the war in Africa and Continued on Page 6 »

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COMMUNITY

The education system in Portugal Pre-school education For ages between 3 and 5. Provided by kindergardens (Jardim de Infância) run by state organisations, charitable institutions and private schools.

Optional Basic Education (Ensino Básico) Compulsory from 6 to 18 (since 2012) and free for everyone.

Consists of three cycles: The first cycle (1st to 4th year) Covering ages 6 to 9. Taught by one teacher. Emphasis placed on integrated development of studies and activities. A foreign language may be introduced.

The second cycle (5th to 6th year) Covering ages 10 and 11. Taught Portuguese, Maths, History and Geography of Portugal, English, Natural Sciences, Visual Arts, Technological Education (Crafts), PE, Music, Religion.

The third cycle 7th to 9th year) Covering ages 12 to 14.

Additional subjects taught include a second foreign language (French, Spanish or German), Physics and Chemistry, Computers and IT. Students sit national exams in Maths and Portuguese in the 4th, 6th and 9th year.

Secondary Education (Ensino Secundária) (10th to 12th year) Covering ages 15 -17). Different secondary programmes available; both academic and vocational along with core subjects (General Formation). At the end of the 11th and 12th year students sit national examinations.

Access to Higher Education is made through a national on-line process where students enter college by priority, based on their grades.

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Challenges for Education Continued from P 4 & 5 her mother was left to raise five children.

“Attending the school was the best thing that could have happened to me,” she enthuses, “We had a rich education that allowed us to develop as human beings.

From an early age I was also elected to represent students at different levels.”

Although she qualified as an electronic engineer she realised that education was her vocation. Her long association with Gil Eanes School began in the mid 1980s. Seen as a good leader, she became head teacher in 1992 and it was a natural step for her to become Director of the newly formed Consortium three years ago.

What is it like to manage such a large and diverse group of schools? “Difficult at first,” she says. “I spent the whole of the first year just visiting schools and sharing my vision.

I know it is not a common approach but I delegate responsibility to Coordinators of the schools. They feel they can make decisions and are not dependent on me - and it works”. It certainly seems a good model for other consortia to follow.

‘This is the crux of education in Portugal,” she continues, ”After having worked for so many years trying to develop education on progressive lines, we were beginning to see positive results. However, with the change of government three years ago, laws were changed and schools are again governed centrally with no local autonomy.

It feels as if we have retreated 20 years in one go.” Paula is visibly perturbed but assures me that things will continue to change for the better.

And what about the chaos at the start of the year? It is all connected with central control according to Paula. There are two categories of teachers in Portugal - tenured staff who have permanent posts and teachers with short-term contracts.

Once a year contracted teachers are allocated jobs anywhere in the country where there are vacancies. This year there were huge miscalculations on the part of the Education Ministry and many schools were without teachers at the start of the autumn term. A situation that would not occur, Paula believes, if schools were able to have more control of recruitment.

And then it would be more likely that the right person was appointed for the job each time; crucial for ensuring that high standards are maintained.

Meeting the children and talking to staff at Tecnopólis School was a wonderful experience and I now have a better understanding of how the system works.

Teachers are dedicated and undoubtedly work hard for the benefit of the students but face inherent challenges; many of which are related to the inflexibility of the system itself.

Catarina tells me that she often feels teachers are mere numbers: “Give us the freedom to teach without the restrictions of a narrow curriculum. The priority should always be the learning of the children in our charge and doing the best we can for them,” she emphasizes.

I am encouraged by Paula’s enthusiasm and belief in what education can do. Yes, the recession has hit the country hard but she finds that students are ever more resourceful in putting ideas into practice. Very often a class trip is made possible by students organising events to raise funds. Gil Eanes consortium welcomes visitors from both Portuguese and foreign communities to their schools. And if they want to collaborate in events or share their skills and experience in one-off workshops, so much the better! She would relish increased participation.

There are challenges and setbacks, but with the support of parents and the community much can be achieved, Paula thinks. It is clear that Lagos is in desperate need of another Middle School. Plans were drawn to renovate the old school near the new Câmara building but these were put on hold.

Perhaps with increased local pressure this can be prioritised?

Paula has shared her vision very clearly for improved educational provision. She calls for more autonomy so teachers and schools can exercise their professional judgment. From my recent experiences I am convinced they are more than capable of doing just that. In any developed country education is a priority and trusting your dedicated professionals is surely the way forward.

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Community

Quality makes the difference By Tom Henshaw impression here is of a school finely tuned and excellently managed. For example the science laboratory and the computer rooms are filled with ‘state of the art equipment’.

I met Anja Burkard, a teacher at DSA the German school of the Algarve a couple of months ago and mentioned the TOMORROW newsletter and she kindly invited me to visit. I was thoroughly impressed as soon as I stood outside the imposing entrance.

One of the great things is that the school is licensed by the Portuguese ministry of education and also supervised by the German Ministry of Education’s department for schools abroad. Their partnership with the German school in Lisbon means a student will be able to have the opportunity of applying for university in Germany, any other European country and the USA.

Christa Liebig opened the school in 1996 and she and the deputy headmistress Lucia Canders definitely deserve much praise for the scope of the education offered here, just a few kilometres outside Lagoa.

Everyone here, teachers and parents alike are investing in the development and education of the students and it shows! It is a small school, a maximum of one hundred pupils where individual attention is the maxim.

In two years time DSA celebrates its twentieth anniversary and having seen myself what they have achieved it is nothing but amazing to see what they provide for the pupils, German, Portuguese and English and ranging from five years to A’level.

All of us are welcome to the school Christmas party on Saturday 13th December from 5pm where lots of activities are taking place and students have a bazaar -a great opportunity of booking an appointment to view and find out more about the very reasonable fees.

Meeting staff and pupils alike that are able to converse in all the three languages is very edifying and shames me! The overall

Ladies Lunch

If you would like to learn more please call 282 419 104 or visit www.ds-algarve.org

by a raffle with prizes provided by local businesses.

AEZA Vice-President Kerry Gross declared: “Each year we rescue 120 dogs and about half as many cats, many of which are handed into the shelter or the local veterinary clinic whilst some are collected from the street.

‘Ladies who lunch’ raised €664 towards animal care at a west coast charity for abandoned animals last month.

Sheila Merriott, organiser of the lunch on behalf of AEZA (Associação Ecologista e Zoófila de Aljezur) explained: “The charity does fantastic work rescuing abandoned dogs and cats, some of which are left in a pretty distressed state.

“And we thought this ladies-only lunch would be an ideal way of raising some much-needed funds.”

The lunch, on Vale da Telha, was attended by 44 ladies and the cash raised was boosted

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“So the money so generously raised by the ladies will come in very useful for their care, which includes veterinary care including sterilisations and vaccinations.

“AEZA is a non-profit association formed in 2001, whose main objective is to provide abandoned animals suitable conditions and to give them shelter, food and water, affection and care but most importantly we also aim to find good, new homes for our animals not just here in Aljezur but also through contacts in Germany and the UK.” There is more information on the AEZA website (www.aeza.org/en) and their Facebook page (AEZA Dog and cat adoption).

Give a shoebox for Christmas!

By Lois Herrington During this time of economic stringency, it is easy to become occupied with our own concerns that we forget there are people in our community who are in a far worse position, many of whom view the onset of Christmas with more than a little trepidation.

In Lagos there is a home for orphaned and abandoned children, Lar de Jovens Nossa Senhora de Carmo, which cares for 25 children, aged from 9 to 21, 10 boys and 15 girls.

Many of you have already contributed to fund-raising efforts for the Lar during 2014, including essential roof repairs and other urgent maintenance projects, but how about doing something special for one of the individual children?

Those of you who have brought up children will not have forgotten the looks of joy and anticipation when they were presented with a prettily wrapped gift, something that is especially for them, that they can call their own. You may even have had the pleasure of seeing a similar expression of joy on the face of a grandchild, even a great-grandchild!

You could do that for one of the 25 children at the Lar. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money. Just get an empty shoebox, cover it with pretty paper and fill it with small gifts appropriate for the age and gender of your chosen child - let your imagination run riot! Unlike the Samaritans Purse boxes, there is no restriction on what you can include, so bubble bath, etc and perfume are both OK. You can include toys, dolls, sweets, toiletries, pens, notebooks, puzzles, balls, cosmetics, scarves, gloves, balloons, marbles etc, etc.

If you would like to include a Christmas card, with or without your contact details, please feel free to do so.

To choose a child, contact me on 282098305 or 914381598, email herringtonlois@gmail.com If you have already tried to phone, please try again as I am not good at retrieving phone numbers!

I will collect your box when it its ready and deliver it to the home in the week preceding Christmas. At Christmas we celebrate the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Will you gift a gift to a child in celebration?

Chrystal Flowers Healing Becca Towers Reflexologist - Lagos Area

Treatments for Feet or Hands from €30 Home Visits Gift Cards available for Special Occasions Please Phone me for bookings, or visit my Website to see prices & offers E: becca@chrystalflowershealing.org.uk W: chrystalflowershealing.org.uk T: 918 960 393

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Community

Lazyjacks Golden Years Club

The Lagos Bombeiros By Pat Allen

By Tom Henshaw

I popped in to see how the first week of the Golden Year’s Club was going and it was amazing to find how many people had already used the special seniors offer, some, two or three times already!

The very friendly group of six that I met up with had nothing but praise for the whole deal. Remember, it is €7.70 for two courses, a glass of wine or a pint of Speckled Hen and for another euro a choice of desserts can be added.

Those I spoke to all commented on the great presentation and very good portions which are not over facing.

The people I chatted to had chosen the garlic mushrooms, followed by the chicken Piri Piri and one had the fish and chips and mushy peas. There is a large choice but people do love their favourites!

Remember the Golden Club is from 12pm until 8pm on weekdays so it really does offer good timings for our older community who may prefer not to be driving at night.

Another advantage is that the menu will be varied every month and to encourage us to use the GC more often Jo and Peter have introduced a ‘vantage’ card. So, get down to the Marina soon and start adding points, and at the same time note all the lovely décor changes that have already taken place with more to come.

To help those that would love to come but may be a little nervy of walking in alone Jo will be there especially to meet and greet you, making a genuine offer to help you join others in the same situation.

Having had a very successful campaign this year to help our Lagos Bombeiros, I thought a little bit of background knowledge might be interesting.

As you may know, the bombeiros multitask on both the fire-engines and the ambulances, depending on whichever service has been called out and all forms of public protection. They deal with fires, floods, medical emergencies, animal rescue, accidents and all kinds of emergencies. The special force, for which we helped to buy uniforms, have now been ‘stood down’ until next summer when there is heightened risks of dramatic incidents, mainly the forest fires that can savage the country. The Lagos team is made up of 25 professional (paid) bombeiros and 62 volunteers who do various shifts to fit in with their normal work but at all times, 24 hours a day, there must be four medical professionals on duty.

The wages for the professionals are paid by City Hall and also some of the running costs but not all and this deficit has to be made up using their own initiative. One idea was a swimming pool which the public could use - it was the first of its kind in Lagos - but in recent years a Municipal Pool was built and various hotels and golf clubs also have spas and pools for general use which has forced the closure of this facility at the station as the cost of it keeping it open exceeds the income it raises.

To help offset this, they recently had their second sponsored fun-run or walk round Lagos. The walk was one circuit of the city, the run was 2 and roughly 600 people took part. About €3000 was raised luckily Intermarche paid for the t-shirts to prevent that cost having to come from this money as well.

charge, there are donations from individuals and companies alike, plus of course initiatives like the ‘Dress the Bombeiros’ campaign which you were all so supportive of and which helped to supply uniforms and safety equipment for the team. The excess money will be put to good use by helping out with the cost of new boots for them too – all on-going replacement costs which have to be met.

A very kind (anonymous) donor has asked the AHBV to buy Christmas presents for the children of the Algarvean Bombeiros which the donor will pay for so that is a lovely way to thank them for the hard work they do.

Unfortunately, I am not the philanthropic millionaire that I aspire to be (we can all dream, can’t we?) and I can only help with the purchases if people continue to support me either through special campaigns as before, with one-off donations, or, best of all, you could set up a direct debit for an annual amount to the Bombeiros Fund at Credito Agricola,Luz, account number: IBAN: PT50 0045 7191 4018 8770 5586 1 which keeps a rolling fund going. Currently they are looking for another €4.5k for rain-proof clothing -jackets, trousers, hoods and boots and although I can help in some way, this money has to be found from somewhere.

And some final facts and figures – during the three months of August, September and October, the team attended 58 forest and 13 urban fires, 964 medical emergencies, and 34 accidents. They were called out a total of 4656 times during this three-month period and despite there being three big forest fire incidents this year, luckily not one bombeiro was lost.

Don’t miss out – come and try it.

Please call Jo on 911 568 143

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And long may that continue.

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Community

Shining a ray of light The Ray of Light Trust is a new charity that has been working alongside the ‘Tomorrow’ Newsletter and many others to help the children’s home in Lagos. The people behind the charity aren’t too keen on being in the lime light but we managed to get an interview with one of the trustees who’s called Louise.

Please tell us about the Ray of Light Trust?

The Ray of Light Trust was set up on the 17 March 2014. It is a family run charity that allows us to donate our personal funds to help disadvantaged children. The charity does not donate funds directly to the organisations. Instead it pays for the items or work that the organisations needs. This way we gelt we could be sure where our funds were being spent.

What is the main aim of the organization?

The main aim of the charity is to promote the relief of sickness, disability and poverty for young persons under the age of 18 in South Wales, North East England and the Algarve in Portugal.

Where do you work?

The charity is run out of the UK. There are three trusts, me, my husband and my husband’s daughter. My husband looks after the projects in the North East of England, his daughter looks after the projects in South Wales and I look after the projects in the Algarve.

What kind of projects have you undertaken up until now?

As we are a newly established charity we have only undertaken a few projects so far.

In the North East of England the charity paid for 136 children from The Grafters Club, who are all victims of burns injuries, to go to Flamingoland for the day. In South Wales we are paying for a paediatric deliberator for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital and buying electrical appliances for the Ty Hafan children’s hospice kitchen refurbishment.

Please tell us about your links to Lagos and the projects in the Algarve?

We have owned a property in Lagos since 2001. In the Algarve we are currently in the process of our biggest project yet, refurbishing the children’s day rooms at the Largos orphanage. There are three day rooms, a boys’ room, a girls’ room and a communal room. Each room will be fully redecorated and will have new furniture and TVs. The charity has already bough two new laptops for the orphanage that the children are using to complete their

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homework. We, as a charity, felt that it was important to involve the children in the redecoration of their rooms, so I asked Ana who runs the orphanage to get the children together and to ask them what colours they wanted their day rooms painted. The boys have gone for green, the girls have gone for baby blue and they all want the communal room red, white and black. Work on the orphanage started last month. The painters and builders went in at the end of November to start the long process of making these rooms bright and fresh again so that the children have great rooms in which to enjoy their Christmas break.

How did you select these projects/how did you find them?

With all of the projects we contacted the organisation directly and explained what the Ray of Light Trust does and enquired if there were any projects that they were currently looking for help with.

Does the charity have long term plans for its work in Lagos?

Our longer term plans in the Lagos area are that the Ray of Light Trust has agreed to match the €5,500 that the ‘Tomorrow’ and Espiche golf day raised in Septemberfor the refurbishment of the boys’ bedrooms at the orphanage.

I have agreed with Tom that I will oversee the whole bedroom project starting in January 2015 and hopefully the joint funds of €11,000 will allow us to provide the boys with clean and freshly painted bedrooms with new furniture and curtains (which are kindly being made and donated) as well as freshly painted corridors and new storage facilities.

Where do you see the charity going over the next few years?

The Ray of Light Trust hopes to help many children over the coming years in each of our designated areas. We are already in discussions with the Paediatric Diabetic Unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital in South Wales and hope to help them in the near future. With a new budget being donated to the charity each year we look forward to embarking on new projects and helping as many children as possible.

If anyone would like to contact the Ray of Light Trust about a possible future project or to offer their services for the upcoming bedroom project the trusts contact number is 932 963 498.

Update on D. Maria bridge in Lagos

By Lena Strang

Work on D. Maria bridge by Pingo Doce in Lagos is progressing well. Joaquina Matos, Mayor of Lagos told ‘Tomorrow’: “It is all going to plan and we will see the new bridge open later next year.” The project, based on an open international tender, was awarded to the Spanish company CONSTRUCCIONS Proxetos, SA and the contract was signed in August. Work began in September this year.

A new bridge is being superimposed on the old structure, some of which dates back to Roman times. The old deck is being demolished, pillars are being reinforced and a new deck spanning the bridge is being constructed.

Additionally, wastewater pipelines and telecommunications infrastructures are being repositioned underneath.

The bridge will accommodate motorised traffic with generous space on both sides for pedestrians and bicycles. There will be sufficient space to create an additional lane, if necessary.

Joaquina Matos, Mayor of Lagos added: ”We are pleased we have been able to solve a situation of accessibility; vital for businesses and commerce, schools, the Marina, port and the railway.”

The project costing €870,044 (+VAT) is funded by the EU to the tune of 65% and the rest by the municipality. The bridge will be completed in late June 2015.

Historical information about this bridge can be found in the Municipal Photo Library of Lagos http://fototecalagos.blogspot. pt/2011/11/ponte-dona-maria.html

Green energy systems Wood and pellet stoves Solar, wind and biomass energy systems

HEATING AND COOLING

Lagos: Rua Vasco da Gama 38 Lj A, (by the new city council building) Phone: 916 391 304 Almancil: Rua Vale de Éguas Phone: 910 263 358

Email: visky.lagos@gmail.com www.visky.com.pt

Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 13

COMMUNITY

Our Soup Kitchen By David Chester Claudia can’t buy food or cook as she doesn’t have a kitchen, no electricity.

She lives where she can but because she doesn’t have an address she can’t claim any money to help. Sometimes in summer she has work but in the winter not much at all. She hopes that one day she will have a house and a job.

“I would be dead if I wasn’t for the Soup Kitchen every week,” says 37-year-old Irene.

Think for one moment, how our lives can suddenly change ‘in a twinkling of an eye’! In our life time we often experience highs and lows. The birth of a much loved baby, or the death of a loved one or opening a Christmas gift with real excitement and anticipation, or falling over and breaking a bone.

Some of the people that we have the privilege and pleasure of serving each week have known better times in their lives but have experienced a complete change of circumstances. Some in just one moment either personally or financially, whether by addiction, choosing that first drink or shot or the inevitable downward spiral that drugs always lead to or, for no fault of their own, have been victims of abuse or neglect.

We need to understand that any one or more of these situations can affect anyone of us at any time. That’s why we aim to provide a place where people can walk into a safe, bright, loving place where everyone is valued, respected and we trust, feels special (as each one most certainly is). There are hugs given as well as encouragement to every person that there is hope for the future.

This and more is what is offered, not only at lunchtimes twice a week but at other times too. We desire to be at hand with help, love and support for each man, women and child that comes in for food and friendship as we extend the love of our Lord Jesus Christ without prejudice.

It costs around €10,000 per year. We are all volunteers from the International Community Church body and the local community.

We see a pattern of increased need as seasonal work comes to an end and some families are struggling so much that children and young people don’t even get one hot meal a day.

We need help but what can you do? We need money and we need men who are willing and strong for the collections from a local supermarket on one of the 3 evenings a week.

We hope that in the future that we can provide a night shelter, a work shop so skills can be taught and learnt and then can provide an income. We hope to find another, separate building for this mercy ministry to thrive and for the cycle of drug abuse to be broken!

We would also like to acknowledge and appreciate Lagos Câmara for any help they feel that they can extend to us.

Let me introduce a few of the Soup Kitchen regulars to you: Nichia is a 34-years-old single mother with one son who is 13. She was adopted when she was 6. She has been coming for the past two-and-a-half years. Life has been hard for her – she had a brain tumour, she doesn’t have a job, her son is disabled and his father is in jail. One of her friends told her about the Soup Kitchen and she says it has made a huge difference to her life. Next year she hopes things will get better and she will perhaps get a job in a hotel.

Claudia is 25-years-old. She doesn’t have children but her mum and stepfather live in the Algarve and sees them once a month. Her mother put her out on the streets at 12 and she left school at 14.

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Irene (not her real name) is 37-years-old and says the Soup Kitchen helps her so much. She finds it different and she has no other help. She was on the streets but now has a room at last. David brought her in, that’s how she came to be coming each week. She has no plans for the future as life is too difficult! She needs to work but there is nothing. If it wasn’t for the Soup Kitchen each week, she would be dead by now, she maintains.

Viktor was born in 1979 and he’s divorced.

He has been coming to the Soup Kitchen for three years. He has no work and says it is a blessing. He says it’s a 5 star service and that David is like family to him. Viktor hopes to get a job as a gardener next year.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all people everywhere A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY HAPPY NEW YEAR. David Chester is pastor of the International Community Church is Lagos.

To contact David please call 282 086804 or email: david.chester@netvisao.pt or for further information please email: help@icc-lagos.org

Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 15

COMMUNITY

Chicca’s Charity

By Chicca

At the beginning of last month I held a “dog v cat” charity dinner. I donated unlimited food and sangria all night long and guests chose whether to help either cats or dogs.

In one night we raised €1566.80 for dogs and €515.00 for cats. The cats are being helped by Animais de Rua, an organization that treats street animals, which my very caring friend Carina Soares helps and as my fund raising has gone so well I gave her a cut.(www.animaisderua.org). I must thank Tom and Tania for their amazing donation of €500!!

My Chicca’s Charity total now is just over €13,000 (try not to swear out loud if you are in public!).

The dogs at the shelter have all received their flea, tick and deworming treatments as a result of my fund. The boys have also been castrated too.

We are in the last phase of my mission, all we have to do now, is re-hom the beautiful dogs!! The whole point of treating the dogs medically is to make them easier and more appealing to become a new member of your family.

Please have a look at the waggy tails on offer @Cadela Carlotta Facebook!

News from NECI

It seems an impossibletask to re-home all the dogs, but all impossible tasks are taken a teaspoon at a time, and before you know it, well, just look at what we’ve already achieved!

I truly believe that animals (especially dogs) improve our quality of life, mood, health, social life, think about it....If you have a dog, you always have an excuse to go out and get some fresh air, exercise and inevitably meet people.

Dogs are always available for a hug, they never ask for anything in return, unconditional love, full stop, and what does it cost us? A couple of bags of dog food, a nice walk every day, the odd trip to the vet, (a good excuse to go meet handsome vets Andre and Lars, or the gorgeous nurses, you’ve all seen the Bondi vet on TV, surely?

LVC staff are sooooo much better looking! ).

I can’t give you any more excuses or reasons to try to get you to all adopt a dog from the shelter, this is my best shot, I can’t offer you any more, just the fact that with each day that passes, I think how lucky I am to have my rescued dogs in my life, they truly make me happy. There’s no greater reward to know that by taking a shelter animal into your family, your home and your life, you change that little creature’s feelings and life overnight- as well as yours for the better.

2014 was a year that was characterised by a great accomplishment: the completion of the construction of the Residential Home (a project that began more than 12 years ago) and its opening. However, it is not in use yet as we are awaiting completion of necessary formalities with Social Security.

We already have 37 applications for 24 available spaces.

On July 7, 2014 João Vieira Gonçalves Silva took up the post as Director of NECI. We hope that in 2015 we can achieve our objectives, which includes the Residential Home being fully operational (this will be confirmed at the end of 2014).

“NECI would publicly like to express its appreciation for the donation of €1,850 which was raised at the Palvista Trophy Tournament in June. The amount donated will go towards extending the facilities dedicated to Early Childhood Intervention and the Occupational Activity Centre.

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It is still necessary to acquire additional resources such as kitchen equipment, linen and technical support for people with disabilities, for which we still need to raise funds. NECI intends to offer four places for vacation use as nearby Praia da Luz has ready access to the beach. This is also an opportunity for caregivers to have a break.

Refreshment of transport is also essential

With our sterilisation and microchip campaign we are trying to stop the cycle of unwanted, unplanned dogs. Hopefully, soon we won’t need a shelter, or my charity!

In the meantime though, as it’s nearly Christmas…don’t forget to buy your gift sets - 100% money goes to my charity – by calling 962742033. They are also available at the Lagos Vet Clinic. You can also leave a Christmas donation or buy them a bag of dog food at LVC in my charity’s name, please!!

Here’s a photo of six abandoned puppies rescued in Lagoa desperate for adoption and there’s no space at the shelter. They will be sterilised and vaccinated.

Can you help? If so, please contact Daisy 962 984 530 or Ana 924 408 508 Merry Christmas! Love Chicca xx

because our adapted vehicles have about 600.000kms on the clock as they make daily trips to Odeceixe and Sagres. The cost of maintenance is high and stretches our finances.

NECI has currently 16 people on the waiting list for Occupational Activity Centres. There is a need to build a second Occupational Activity Centre so we can continue to meet the needs of people with disabilities in our area of intervention in the municipalities of Aljezur, Lagos and Vila do Bispo.

The continued provision of quality services to people with disabilities as well as families with social and / or economic needs is only possible with the ongoing support of the community who have helped in so many different ways. Without this we would never be able to achieve what we have done.”

NECI is a local charity that helps and supports people with physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 17

COMMUNITY

A Journey into the Past

By Lena Strang

their history documented in imaginative ways. It is a museum for everyone.

What are the entrance fees?

We charge €5 for adults, €4 for seniors and €3 for children. There are discounts for large groups.

Have you plans for school visits?

Yes, the museum is ideal for school visits, as it will bring history alive for students. We are currently negotiating guided educational tours for schools.

The opening of the Wax Museum Bernadete Bishop, Lena Strang, Mary Ransom Gist, Corinne Ferreira in period costume with Nestor Guereirro, owner of the museum

The first Wax Museum in Portugal dedicated to the period of the Discoveries has opened its doors in Lagos. It is now possible for visitors to have a captivating experience of this period of history that has specific resonance for Lagos.

And how did you go about it?

It wasn’t an easy process. We did initial plans and costings and had a lot of assistance from local businesses. There were many specialists involved throughout, from architects, sculptors and carpenters to dressmakers.

Lena Strang paid a visit and spoke to Nestor Guerreiro, the creator and owner of the museum.

The wax figures were done by a Portuguese sculptor in the UK and the historical scenarios were recreated by a firm in Lagos. As it was the first project of its kind, it gave rise to some problems and issues. But it was a great learning curve!

Why did you decide to open a museum in Lagos?

This was the cradle of the Discoveries and many explorers departed from here in their caravels. It’s the perfect place for a museum of this kind. We hope it will contribute significantly to attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year. The main idea is to help the economy in the region.

Where is the museum?

It is on Lagos Marina. We are very grateful to the invaluable support by the Marina for letting us use the space. This made it possible for us to create the project in the first place.

Did it take a lot of time and effort?

Yes, it took two and a half years from beginning to end, including six months to construct the interior of the building. During this time I dedicated body and soul to the project, as I knew we were going to offer something unique.

Marriage of D.João I to Philippa of Lancaster

18 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

What will visitors experience?

They will enter of a world of images, lights and sounds depicting the times of the discoveries. They will meet key historical characters in the form of twenty-two different wax figures, dressed in period costume. The scenarios will take them from the battle of Aljubarrota, the voyages of Henry the Seafarer, life on board a caravel, piracy on high seas, the conquest of Ceuta, the arrival in India, China and Japan to an encounter with D. Sebastião who departed from Lagos, never to be seen again. These are only some of the many reconstructions. I think it rivals any wax museum in the world.

Any other plans?

In collaboration with other organisations we hope to be able to offer a package for visitors that takes in the wax museum alongside venues such as the Science Centre, Lagos Fort, the Caravel, the Museum at Guadeloupe, dedicated to Henry the Seafarer, Sagres Fort amongst others. It’s a a great cultural package on offer.

In due course we hope to be able to expand the wax museum to incorporate more scenarios from the times of the Discoveries.

Have you any message for readers of ‘Tomorrow’?

Please, do visit us! Come along and feel the magic of the journey. Learn about a time in our history that was so significant for Lagos and for the rest of the world.

There are descriptions of the characters and scenarios in both English and Portuguese.

When was the grand opening?

As we didn’t manage to open in time for the summer season, the museum was opened to the public on 27th October, the Day of the Municipality.

And the reception so far?

A unanimous vote of confidence! Visitors are fascinated by what they see. School children and teachers like the way history has been presented in an accessible way; tourists are interested in learning about this period of time and local residents are proud to have

Henry the Seafarer

Christopher Columbus

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WHAT’S ON Your PULL-OUT guide to events this month in the western Algarve

A Christmas Tale in Lagos

Immaculately carved figures and scenarios made of wood, polystyrene and stone make up an intricate nativity scene with a difference in Lagos. Throughout the years, JosĂŠ Cortes, owner of a clothes shop in Lagos, spent his time designing small-scale nativity scenes for Christmas. Since his retirement in 2011, his passion assumed grander proportions. His first large-scale crib took shape that year and having spent countless hours on his designs, he opened it to the

By Lena Strang

public the following Christmas. It was an immediate success. Each year he has added additional figures, colour and movement to his scenes. This year promises to be another magical journey into the world of Christmas.

The Nativity Scene can be visited between December 13th to January 6th between 15.00 and 19.00 at Rua 5 de Outubro No 18, in the old town of Lagos. Entrance is free and any donation will go to NECI.

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WHAT’S ON

Algarve History Association On December 1st at 6pm there will be a talk about the The History of Ideas about Evolution at the Municipal Library Tavira.

The talk will be by Ludo Broothaers.

There will be a dinner and performance by the Algarve Barbershop Choir on December 13th at 7pm at Bela Romão Country and Croquet Club. Tickets are €25.

Peter Kingdon Booker will be giving a talk on December 16th at 6pm at the Municipal Library Lagoa and on December 19th at 11am at the Municipal Library Tavira. The talk is entitled the Peninsular War Series: The Toulouse Campaign.

For more information contact: lynnebooker@sapo.pt

Lagos arts and crafts expo at Caldas de Monchique

British Legion Christmas Charity Dinner It’s not often a television commercial makes us stop and think.

But this year’s Sainsbury’s Christmas commercial powerfully drives home the message that 100 years ago British servicemen were spending the first Christmas of World War One away from their homes and their loved ones at a time that is traditionally about sharing with families and friends.

The video is inspired by actual events, and the Royal British Legion’s Portugal branch is planning to mark the sacrifice made by those soldiers by holding a Christmas meal on December 13th at the Barroca Bar and Restaurant in Praia da Luz beginning at 7.30pm.

Branch chairman Jacquie Collins said: “Having got through Remembrance Sunday and the wreath laying, always an emotional time and a key point in our year - even more so this year - we are now looking forward to this next Western Algarve event.

“Funds raised will go to benefit past and present servicemen and their families, and we would especially welcome the donations of prizes.”

The Legion’s Western Group organiser James Howe has arranged for a good traditional Christmas dinner, offering a three course meal from 7.30pm at a price of €20 per person and including entertainment provided by the ever popular Jj Johns .

The menu comprises: Homemade Vegetable Soup served with hot roll and butter.

Traditional Roast Turkey with pigs in blankets, stuffing, roast and mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables. (Vegetarian option of Nut Roast available on request, to be pre booked).

Traditional Christmas pudding or Apple Crumble.

Coffee. (Drinks not included in the price).

“To remember a time 100 years ago when the trenches had been dug and the soldiers beginning to realise that they would not be home by Christmas, we want to have a good Christmas to remember, recognising their sacrifice made it possible.

Please contact either James Howe at casahobo@sapo.pt or rblportugalsecretary@gmail.com Tel: 910983129 for more information or to make a booking.

Children’s Cinema

Lagos-based Norman Denkel, Phil Exley, Sandie Croft and Susan Puttick continue with their exhibition between December 1st and 12th along with João Furtado, Trudi Deal and Gill Goode.

This is an ideal opportunity to purchase unique and handmade gifts for Christmas.

Glass, turned wood and puzzles, knitted and fabric dolls, soaps, lotions and creams made from natural ingredients.

Superb jewellery made with semiprecious stones, fresh water pearls, and lampwork glass set with sterling silver.

There will also be a range of original acrylic and watercolour paintings, prints, greeting cards for Christmas and other occasions.

Open daily between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm in the Sala São João, in the square opposite the restaurant. Please contact 961 571 984 for more information.

22 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

Another great initiative for Lagos is the new children’s club which will take place every Sunday from 3pm to 5pm at the Orangery Bar and Grill above the car park on the main Avenida.

underground car park which in the winter is a real bonus.

There is also a bouncy castle free on the complex so what more could you want on a wet Sunday afternoon?

Steve Shirley and Gail Burgess are providing cartoons, various activities and an extensive children’s menu.

We at ‘Tomorrow’ say well done. Let us have your comments.

There is no need to get the family wet as you only have to walk up the stairs from the

If you need to know more call: 282 789 101 .

Get Golfing ‘The Fred Hurley Memorial Golf Day’ in aid of Riding for the Disabled will be taking place at Boavista Golf Club on December 5th. It will be a Pairs Betterball Competition with a shotgun start. There will be prizes and lunch provided. All proceeds will go to ‘Riding for the Disabled’.

The day costs 60 euros per person or 45 euros for Boavista members. There will be a

three-course lunch including wine and if you would just like to have the lunch with taking part in the competition, the price is 22 euros per person.

There will also be a grand raffle and an auction. Please contact Ian Galloway ianmckgalloway@hotmail.co.uk for further details and registration

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with life music 31 Dec.

New Years Eve 45€

with life music Camping Turiscampo Espiche Informations and reservations T. 282 792 217 | 282 789 265

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For menu details visit

Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 23

WHAT’S ON

Get ready for dance

Charity concert

The next show being presented by the Dance Association of Lagos will take place on December 5th and 6th at the Cultural Centre in Lagos. The Dance School of Lagos accepts new members all year around, starting from three-years-old with no upper age limit.

Ferraguda Church is hosting a Christmas Concert for charity on December 21st at 5pm. Donations to SOS Oncológico. For more details go to: www.ideiasdolevante.net or call 282 010 080

The school teaches the Vaganova method of classical ballet, carater dance and contemporary dance styles and their students regularly participate in national and international competitions. As well modern dance, oriental dance, hip-hop, ballroom dance including Kizomba and Salsa, tap, flamenco, Zumba...and more.

New airline news Thanks very much to Kat Alexander who tells us that Norwegian Airlines is now flying from Faro to the UK (www.norwegian.com). Kat says the flights seem cheap, they offer free Wi-Fi on board and children’s seats are cheaper than adults.

Tickets for the next show can be purchased approximately one week before the show from the school office in Rua Gil Vicente 50, Lagos or by emailing ass.danca.lagos@gmail. com or phoning 912376595 / 915812055.

Say hello to 2015 with groovy tunes The Daddy Jack Band brings a new and fresh sound to all the songs it plays, offering different versions to their originals.

The five elements of this band are Marcelo Correia on the drums, Rodrigo Correia playing bass, Fernando Esteves on the guitar, Marcos Rosa playing keyboard and the voice of Bruno Rochate.

The group plays a variety of funk, soul, disco and Motown music so why not come along and let the Daddy Jack Band play the perfect vibes to start off your year.

This groovy and interactive band will make you smile from the first sound you hear at Golf Santo Antonio at Parque da Floresta.

Santo Antonio Villas, Golf and Spa is hosting a New Year’s Eve Celebration with food and fabulous live music from the Daddy Jack Band. There will be a three-course meal with drinks and coffee, puddings and a cheese buffet.

Adults’ tickets cost 90 euros and tickets for children cost 60 euros.If you would like more information or to reserve our tickets please call 282 690 000 or email reservations@saresorts-gsa.com

World’s longest race The Algarve Race track will host the inaugural edition of the Maxi Endurance 32 hour race from December 12th to December 14th.

This unique race will feature a variety of eligible machinery, including GT3, GT4, CN, production sports cars, various cup class cars and more.

24 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

Christmas Concert There will be a Christmas Concert at the Convent of S. José in Lagoa on December 13th at 9pm. Carla Pontes, soprano, Maria José Lourenço, soprano, Sunita Mamtani, violonceto and Cristina Silva, piano.

Tickets at office in the convent or by calling 282380 434.

Vilamoura Atlantic Tour 2015 The best of the Show Jumping world will be at Vilamoura for the 2015 edition of the Vilamoura Atlantic Tour from February 17th to April 5th.

Over a six week period, the elite of the equestrian world will take part in a range of competitions where the total prize money on offer is in the region of €825.000 and there are 21 Longines Ranking Competitions.

Up to five drivers per car will be allowed, with drivers able to take part in two different cars. Additionally, teams will be allowed to enter two cars, with drivers able to move between the entries.

Organized by Alubox, the Vilamoura Tour equestrian events are becoming an integral part of the horse world calendar, and bring hundreds of people of varied nationalities to the Algarve.

For more details please go to: www.autodromodoalgarve.com or call: 282 405 642.

Entrance is free for spectators. For more information please go to http://alubox.pt or call 51218070929.

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WHAT’S ON - Weekly calendar Please advise for.tomorrow@hotmail.com of items and events you may wish to have in our monthly calendar - IT’s FREE OF CHARGE Weekly Any day-Horse Riding for Beginners | All ages - €15 Call Gail for times and more info: 917758404

Computer Classes with Teresa | 918764613 | Lagos Mon, Wed, Thurs & Sat

Half Term Courses with Yvonne | €10 p. lesson ASA qualified | 917 953 914 | Boavista Golf Resort

Weekly Services | Sundays 8am & 11.30, and Thursday 10am St. Vincent’s Anglican Church, Luz 3- 5pm (Mon - Fri)

Aura Reading with Joana Rodrigues | € 60 InLight, Lagos | 96 843 81 68

Mon - Sat

Dance School of Lagos | Different Dance Classes, All Ages | 912376595 / 915812055

Monthly Thursday Nights - Pie and Pud Nights & live Music Quay Lagos, Lagos Marina | 282761128

4th Dec 7th Dec

Spinnakers Movie Night | 8pm | Lagos Marina Spinnakers Xmas Party with ‘The Protons’

Tuesdays 7.30-8.30am & Thurs

Zazen Meditation | Nr Barão S. João | 919 718 955

8.30am - 1pm & Thurs

Equipment Classes with Lisa | Pilates Room, Lagos 1 Hr | Drop-in | 926 514 613

10-11.30am

Hatha Yoga | Monte Rosa, Barao S. Joao | 965292540

10.30am

Computer Users Group & Book Club - Spinnakers Bar

10.30am - 12.30pm

Yoga Classes with Ann: 913 202 621 | €8 | Burgau

12.30am & 6pm

Yoga Classes | €9 | Casa Sakra, Lagos | 915410702

12.30am - 2pm

Yoga Classes with João | €9 | Casa Sakra, Lagos 91 541 0702/ info@casasakra.com

1.30 - 4pm 5pm

Spinnakers Xmas Quiz Night | 8pm | Lagos Marina

12th Dec

Spinnakers Festive Wine Tasting | 12.30-5.30pm

8th & 12th Dec

Chanting Circle Mantras & Songs with Ariane 8th Dec - 11am - 12.30pm - Bombeiros, Aljezur 8th Dec - 6.30pm - 8pm - Burgau | 962 962 410

18th Dec 20 & 21st Dec

SpinnakersXmas Movie Night | 8pm, Lagos Marina Christmas Fair | 10am-4pm | Tomik, Burgau 20% off on all beauty and spa treatments Golf Santo Antonio, Budens | 282 690 086

Mondays

Bridge Club | Spinnnikers Bar | 282 031 498 Sanctury - 20 mins Quiet, Music & Refelction St. Vincent’s Anglican Church, Praia da Luz

6 - 7pm

Circuit Class: Lagos, Shinobi Academy | 916 033 004

7:30 - 9:30pm

Rhythm & Dance/ Contemporary | Kapa Dois Center, Lagos | 282 764 224

8pm-Late 8.30pm - late 10pm

Lagos Marina | 7pm

10th Dec

Stain Glass Classes with Dianne | 919 117 108

10.30am -12pm

Wendy & Adam | The Galley, Luz | 282 769 063 Live music: Luis bar, Lagos | 282 769 147 (& Thur/ Fri) Karaoke | Fools & Horses, Lagos | 282 762 970

Wednesdays 4.30 -5.30pm

Ballet | Move-Ment Dance School Lagos | 913832335

5pm

Tone Zone | €6 | Alma Verde Studio | 926 353 452

6 - 7pm

Swimming Club for Adults with Yvonne | €20 p/m Boavista Golf Resort | 917 953 914

6 - 8.30pm 6.15pm 6.30 - 8pm

K9 Dog training with Luis: Call 964 083 602 Gymnastik | €7 | Hotel Bellavista | 965 211 996 Yoga Classes with Ann | €8 | Burgau | 913 202 621

7.30pm

Ashtanga Yoga | €9 | InLight Lagos | 965 676 144

9pm

Karaoke Night | Pigs Head, Burgau | 934 295 774

9.30pm- Late (& Sat)

Late Karaoke | Luis Bar Lagos | 282 769 147

Thursdays

9 & 10.30am (1hr) (Wed & Fri)

Pilates Classes with Lisa: Call 926 514 613 €9 | Pilates Room Lagos | pilatesroomlagos.com

9.30am

9 - 10.30am

Yoga Classes with João | €9 | Casa Sakra, Lagos Call: 91 541 0702/ info@casasakra.com

9.45 - 11.30 (&Fri)

Riding for the Disabled | Bensafrim | 912967870

10am

Ladies Golf & Coffee Morning with PGA Professional Peter Lester | €25 | Espiche Golf | 282 688 250

10.30am -12pm

Yoga Classes with Ann: 913 202 621 | €8 | Burgau

10 - 11am

Zumba Step! with Lucienne | €6.50 | 968 288 258 Hotel Belavista, Luz

11 - 12pm

NIA Dance & Fitness | €7 Alma Verde | 965768891

10am - 12pm

Tai Ji Quan -Beginners | Barão S. João €8 | 919 718 955

11.30am

Baby Massage Course | 6 Weeks - €58 | Alma Verde 282761745 / 963614499 or elizabeth67no@gmail.com

10 - 11am 11am -1pm 3pm 5.30 - 7pm 6pm - (&Thurs) 6 - 7pm 7.30 - 9pm

Zumba Class with Linda: Call 918 461 840 €6 | Alma Verde | www.almaverde.com Life drawing classes with Kasia | €10 per session Beginners & Professional artists | 916 035 308 Kundalini Yoga | €9 | InLight Lagos | 965 676 144 Football Academy 10-15yrs: Burgau Sports Centre Tel: 282 697 350 | €4 Hatha Yoga | €9 | InLight, Lagos | 965676144 Swimming Club for over 7’s with Yvonne | €20 p/m Boavista Golf Resort | 917 953 914 Capoeira: Kapa Dois Center, Lagos | 282764224

6.30 - 7.30pm

Teen Jazz: Move-Ment Dance School, Lagos, 913832335

7.30-9.15pm

Pub Quiz FREE: Kelly’s Irish Bar, Luz | 282 788 631

9.30pm

Live Music: Lazjacks Bar, Lagos Marina | 282 761 384 (Also Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday)

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Walks with Rosie & Laurie | Meet at Boavista Golf €3 p.p | 914573373

12 - 1pm

Do-In Self Massage | InLight, Lagos | 913127421

3 - 7pm

Rhythm & Drum Classes | Kapa Dois Center, Lagos 282764224

4.30 -6.30pm

Mixed Dance | Dance School, Lagos | 913832335

5.30 - 7pm

Tai Ji Quan | Barão São João | €8 | 919 718 955

6pm

Pilates with Lisa | Burgau Sports Centre | 926 514 613

6.15 - 7.15pm

Circuit Classes - Ann: 913202621 | €8 | Burgau (&Tues)

7 - 8pm

Pilates classes with Indah (& Tues) | €5 Escola E.B. 2, 3 Vila do Bispo | 920178024/911754890

7 - 8pm

Irish Dance classes with Fabiola | €30 per month Burgau Sports Centre | 925 561 640 | & Tuesdays

7.30pm

Touch Rugby | Burgau Sports Centre | Call: 933713867 Malaysian ‘Moan Singh’ curry evenings | Cafe Oasis, Lagos Marina | Tel: 282 031 543

WHAT’S ON Fridays 9am

Yoga with Simona | €9 | Casa Sakra, Lagos 91 541 07 02/ info@casasakra.com

11am - 12pm

Dog Obedience/Agility with Margaret/Albertina €25 x 4 sess. | Odiaxere | Call 968 086 320

11am - 12pm

Poweryoga with Lucienne | Hotel Belavista, Luz €6.50 | 968 288 258

12.45 - 2pm

Yoga classes with Sue | €7 | 915233504 | (& Tues)

4.30 -6.30pm

Tap Dance: Move-Ment Dance School, Lagos 913832335 | www.move-mentdanceschool.com

6.45-7.45pm

Salsa & Latin moves with Rosita | €5 (trial class) Marina Club Hotel, Lagos | 916718513

6 - 7.30pm

Adult 5-A-Side Football | Burgau Sports Centre €3 | 282 697 350

7:30 - 9:30pm

Urban Dance/Freestyle | Kapa Dois Center, Lagos 282 764 224

7.30 - 9.15pm

Healing Circle w/ Marion | 914 523 636 | Figueira

9pm

Pub Quiz FREE: Kelly’s Irish Bar, Luz | 282 788 631

9pm

Quiz Night | Pigs Head, Burgau | 934 295 774

(& Sat)

Live Music | Lighthouse, Marina Lagos | 282 762 115

Saturdays 10 - 11am 10 - 11.30 am 11 - 12pm

Dance Morning | Burgau Sports Centre 913832335 | www.move-mentdanceschool.com Integral Yoga | InLight, Lagos | 913127421 Creative Kids | Kapa Dois Center, Lagos | 282764224

4 - 5pm

K9 Dog Training with Luis: €50 per month Twice a week | Lagos | 964 083 602

4 - 5pm

Dog Obedience/Agility with Margaret/Albertina €25 x 4 sess. | Odiaxere | 968 086 320

5 – 6pm

Oriental dance classes with Célia | Casa Sakra, Lagos | €9 | 91 541 0702/ info@casasakra.com Live Music | Barroca, Luz | 282 762 799 Live Music | Pigs Head, Burgau | 934 295 774

6pm

Live Music | Fools & Horses, Lagos | 282 762 970

Sundays 12.30

Jazz Lunch | Fortaleza Da Luz | 912 511 196

8.30pm

Blues, Jazz Music | Luis Bar Lagos | 282 769 147

From 9pm

Karaoke | Barroca, Luz | 282 762 799 | (&Wed)

Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 27

WHAT’S ON

Winter walks

Tomorrow’s Supper Club at Frescos This has become such a lovely event and it is all thanks to Vanessa and her fabulous, helpful staff.

Dining with friends and making new ones is the aim of all these events.

The food is without doubt mouth watering and great value for €10.

It has become a monthly event, sometimes two during the month and it’s very well attended so booking is essential. It is so popular in fact that the first Christmas Supper on December 11th is already booked!

Embrace the crisp winter days and walk off the Christmas excesses by joining Rosie and Laurie’s weekly rambles. The group is open, friendly and always ready to welcome new walkers.

Chant for charity

All walks are circular and last approximately two half hours.

Thursday December 4th Poco Bareto – Rice Fields & Orchards

A beautiful charity event is coming up on Friday December 12th.

Local Yoga Teacher Diana (on the harmonium) and musician Brendan (with his guitar) are organizing a charity chanting circle where everybody is welcomed to join.

With music and people’s beautiful voices we

The event takes place between 6pm and 8pm on Friday December 12th at the Round Yoga Hall, Monte Velho in Carrapateira. Please bring a pillow because they will be sitting on the floor.

For more information please contact Diana 962492607 or diana@algareyoga.com.

no 3 by Beethoven; Variationen fur klavier op 27 by Webern; Variations Sériuses op 54

by Mendelssohn; Drei intermezzi op 117 by Brahms and Symphonic Études op 13 by R Schumann.

Thursday December 18th Bordeira Village (W. Coast) FRIDAY December 26th Ponta da Piedade – Coastal Walk FRIDAY January 2nd Vale de Coelhos (Pedra Branca)

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will be repeating words (mantras) of good vibration and fill our hearts and the room with happiness.

Concert with commentary

Thursday December 11th Monte Ruivo Odiáxere

Anyone requiring further details or who would like to meet at the start of the walk if that’s more convenient should telephone Rosie or Laurie on: 282 789 358 or 914573373.

Please get your 2015 diaries out and note the dates for Tomorrow’s Supper club future meetings – there will be one on February 12th and March 5th at 7.30pm at Frescos.

Please note that there will not be any Supper Club events in January due to staff holidays.

There is no charge, but if you’d like to contribute a small donation it will all go to the orphanage in Lagos - maybe for a bit of a bigger Christmas dinner or whatever they’d like to spend it on – what’s important though is, that the happiness we create moves on.

No singing experience needed - once the heart is open you’ll be amazed by the beautiful sounds that come out of you.

They usually meets at 9.30am on Thursdays at Boavista Golf Club but over the next few weeks some walks have been moved to Fridays because of the Christmas holidays so please check before you head off. The walkers meet in the large car park adjacent to the children’s play area.

Please wear sensible clothing and shoes and bring water and a stick if you have one. Sorry no dogs allowed. The cost is 3 euros per person. Walkers do need a reasonable level of fitness.

Don’t worry there is another one, you can come along on Sunday December 14th for a lunch club event which is taking place at 1pm. There’ll be plenty of great food and good company. But remember to book please so you’re not disappointed. The cost is €12.95 and there is a vegetarian option.

Please call Vanessa on 913 733 684 .

The Algarve History Association is hosting a concert on December 7th in Tavira.

The concert will be with pianist Lucjan Luc with commentaries by Lynne and Peter Booker. He will perform Sonata no 18 op 31

Lucjan was born in Jaroslaw (Poland). He obtained a first class degree and a diploma with honours in piano and chamber music at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice. At Katowice, he studied with Professor Andrzej Jasinski and the composer and pianist Eugeniusz Kanapik.

Each of these masters has been influential in Lucjan´s development as musician and artist.

The concert is at 5pm at Quintinha da Música, Covas de Prata, Tavira.

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WHAT’S ON

Christmas markets Here’s a round-up of some of the Christmas markets taking place over the next few weeks.

Tomik Christmas Fair Tomik in Burgau is having a festive fair on December 20th and 21st from 10am until 4pm.

This will be a weekend long event with crafts on display - perfect for last minute unique handmade Christmas gifts for family and friends.

There will be a limited number of stalls each day,and as less than warm weather is predicted, all stalls will be inside.

80cm x 80cm tables – 5 euros 125cm x 90cm tables – 7 euros There will be mulled wine, mince pies, festive cheer, local arts and crafts, homemade food as well as elves and reindeers!!! Food and drinks will still be served from 8am until 4pm as usual.

Lagos There will be a Christmas Fair in Lagos at the Sports Complex on December 20th between 2pm and 10pm and on December 21st between 2pm and 9pm. There will be arts, crafts, food and entertainment.

Ferragudo There will be a Christmas Market in Ferragudo from December 6th to December 8th between 10am and 8pm. It will be at Largo Rainha D. Leonor and the surrounding roads. There will be arts and crafts, regional food, wine and liqueurs, regional food, exhibitions and face painting.

The Conrad Christkindl Market The Conrad Christkindl Markets takes place

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on December 7th. Full of festive cheer and twinkling fairy lights, there will be stalls offering fine crafts and artisan products, luxury gift items, delicious food with plenty of fun, laughter and a hearty ho-ho-ho from their very own visiting Santa.

Other activities include games for the children and carol singing. For the adults, there will be gluehwein and roasted sausages to savour together with a fabulous selection of Christmas goodies. And throughout the day, in the Conrad ballroom foyer, there will be a special exhibition and sale of artworks by more than 75 youngsters from the homes that ACCA supports, with prices starting at just €10. Enjoy being a part of something that makes a difference.

This joyous Christmas event is organised in conjunction with Conrad Algarve and Artcatto, with monies raised from the sale of artwork going the ACCA’s worthy causes.

In you are interested in booking a stand at the Conrad Christkindl Market please contact: accaconradchristmasmarket@gmail. com or call Wanda Crawford on 919 617 995, Susi on 969 852 874, Vania Gago at the Conrad on 289 350 700.

Almancil In association with the Freguesia of Almancil and the Loulé Concelho, Almancil International Rotary Club will be holding a Christmas Market on Sunday December 7th from 11:00am to 6:00pm, at the Jardim das Comunidades on Rua do Centro Comunitário in Almancil, opposite the ASCA building.

There will be Christmas carols, music and dancing, stalls with cakes and pastries, mulled wine and artisanal goods, decorations, plants and much more. All proceeds will go to ASCA; an association dedicated to helping disadvantaged people of all ages in the

Almancil area. The association also maintains a residential home for the elderly.

Vale do Lobo Start the festive season with a day of shopping, fun and entertainment at the Vale do Lobo Christmas Market on Saturday, December 6th from 11:00am. Entrance is free.

Combine great Christmas shopping with enjoyment for the entire family without the worry of the weather spoiling the occasion, as the market takes place inside the warmth of the main Vale do Lobo Auditorium. Get into the spirit of the season during the 5th annual Vale do Lobo Charity Christmas Market which goes on until 5pm.

Stay the whole day and enjoy lunch or a snack from the gourmet caterers Fine Dining in Style who will be running a pop-up restaurant and a food-to-go section at the market and take part in a raffle, with proceeds going to the Wolf Valley Charity Fund, which provides support and finance to numerous needy causes in the local area. Look out for plenty of festive fun for the children with a Santa’s Grotto, entertainment from Oficina de Sonhos, face painting, balloon modelling and much more for children of all ages to enjoy.

Already the success of previous editions of the market has led to a large volume of interest from exhibitors, so expect a wide variety of stands offering ideal Christmas gift solutions.

For further information about the Vale do Lobo Christmas Market or to request an exhibitor booking form, please contact the Vale do Lobo Marketing Department on 289 353 261 or by emailing marketing@vdl.pt and you can to to their website www.valedolobo.com Thanks to the Algarve Daily News for some of this information.

NEW SHOWROOM

Upholstery service Rua Infante Sagres 95-97 Loja B Lagos 8600-743 Tel. 919 919 111 info@gii.pt

AFFORDABLE DECOR Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 31

HEALTH

Pets Mate

By Lars Rahmquist

limping in the LF leg. On examination he could not bend his carpus (or wrist) fully.

Here is an advanced arthritis case. With a case like this, the damage is already done. We prescribed pain killers and Cosequin tablets.

Cosequin is the ‘Rolls Royce’ of the ‘Glucosamine/Chondroitin’ group. They act to improve the nature of the joint fluid and decrease inflammation. There are many brands on the market...but take note: The amount of Glucosamine in these varies greatly, the only one we sell has 400mg and is 99% pure. Also the Chondroitin varies greatly. Ours has 100% purity at 300mg (all per 10kgs dose).

Greetings readers. Last month we were discussing the progressive disease, arthritis. I left off promising to unveil my plan for Norm, my dog with his sore hip.

Well I admit: I started and finished the plan already (never reveal a plan too early, eh?!).

Because the arthritis in Norm’s hip is not very advanced I started him on a 4-week course of Cartrophen injections. Cartrophen and Adequan are the only two drugs which actively retard the progression of arthritis.

As arthritis is a progressive disease, the best treatment is to give these medications early in the course of the disease.

Most clients who use the injections for their little limping buddies comment on an improvement in the gait after the third injection. Norm was noticeably better after the first injection and is now jumping in the car ahead of me again. The course of 4-weekly injections can be repeated every 6 months to maintain its protective effect.

Today I saw a lovely Newfoundland who was

If you have one of these supplements at home, I encourage you to pull out the packets, pop on your specks and compare the nature of the ingredients, especially the purity%.

Our supplement also has hyaluronic acid in it. It is this chemical that is responsible for making joint fluid more tenacious (like honey), increasing the shock-absorbing properties of the joint fluid.

The other option for the big old Newfoundland is surgery on his carpus. We shall finish off the fascinating topic that is canine arthritis…next week. How exciting, I know.

For now we are pulling out the tinsel and baubles and ready-ing the clinic up for Christmas.

Jenny will be doing special Christmas dog grooms in the parlour downstairs. Book in early so that your pooch is looking is his fluffy best for yule-tide cheer in your home.

Merry Christmas, see you in the New Year! www.lagosvet.com

Luz Bodywork Studio By Julie Battersby Recently before a long visit back to the UK I decided to treat myself to a facial with Janine at Luz bodywork studio.

On arriving I filled in the statutory form and didn’t have to wait long before I was lying down feeling warm and relaxed.

After a 60 minute facial with Green People Organic Lifestyle products and the cream cleansers that were used, Janine put a mask on my face and I was left to drift off quietly with my thoughts and of course I went to sleep! Later I was given a short head, neck and shoulder massage. At the end my skin felt clean, smooth and looked

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glowing and I left feeling disappointed that the whole experience was over.

The facial massage was wonderful and personalised with a friendly service and at extremely reasonable price at €45.

Now a month later having returned from my busy time in the UK I am definitely ready to make another appointment.

Janine has an offer on until December 24th - if you buy two gift vouchers of the same value you will receive the third free of charge. Go on treat yourself.

Tel: 00351 913 577 847 or 962 686 132

Farmers’ market health foods

By Hannah Sharpe de Rosa

They have a bad reputation but Brussel sprouts (Couve-de-bruxelas) are worth acquiring a taste for. They are a lowglycemic vegetable, with a surprisingly high protein and fibre content, and a useful food for those concerned with blood sugar regulation and weight management. The sprouts are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium and magnesium and contain a host of antioxidants. Even when lightly cooked they contain gram for gram more vitamin C than oranges or strawberries.

Vitamin K is not so well known but it plays an important role in blood clotting, facilitating wound healing and is also vital for bone health.

Brussel sprouts contain significant amounts of cancer-fighting compounds called glucosinolates, which increase the liver’s ability to detoxify carcinogens and may suppress the growth of tumours.

These glucosinolates are behind the bitter taste of sprouts, and with horseradish being an even richer source, make sure that features in your Christmas lunch too.

The windy reputation of Brussel sprouts is partly due to the high levels of galactans they contain, which can be difficult for some people to digest.

Sainsbury’s “Top of the Pops” of windy vegetables saw sprouts take third place behind Jerusalem artichokes and parsnips! So don’t eat them all at once...

Overcooking them kills the nutrients, along with the flavour, and releases nasty sulphur compounds, so they are better lightly steamed than boiled.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Hannah Sharpe da Rosa is a registered nutritional therapist.

Please see www.algarvenutrition.com for more information or call 914 950 740

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/

HEALTH

Forget pH for your skin..

What’s going on inside your body??

By Andrew Garbett Too much acid in the body creates an environment which favours the decomposition of living things, weakening all body systems, allowing disease to develop and thrive.

To maintain a healthy body that can fight off disease and function optimally, we must maintain adequate alkaline reserves to neutralize excess acid accumulation.

The acid/alkaline range is measured on the pH scale, from 0 to 14 respectively.

The body’s pH level is around 7.4pH. To give you an idea of just how serious over acidity is for our health, every onepoint drop on the pH scale increases the body’s acidity 10-fold.

That’s a 100,000 increase in acidity from 7.0 – 2.0, which is about the difference between drinking purified water, and a carbonated energy drink.

Now imagine the benefits of drinking alkalinized water with a pH level of nearly 10!

Are you SAD it’s winter? Part 2 By Niki Medlock It can be hard to differentiate between SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and other types of depression so your doctor should go through a rigorous process of elimination before arriving at this diagnosis including: » Complete physical examination, including blood tests, because some cases of depression may be linked to other health problems. » Psychological evaluation detailing your thoughts, feeling and behaviour patterns and specific questions such as whether you have been depressed during the same season, do you have the same symptoms such as always being hungry, gaining weight and sleeping more than usual or a close relative that has suffered from SAD?

» Include alkaline foods into your diet including lemons, apples, almonds, spinach, olive oil and many more.

There are many things that the sufferer themselves can do to; getting outside as much as possible, making their environment bright, exercising regularly alleviating stress and anxiety. Some people explore the use of alternative remedies or mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, yoga or massage.

Quite a lot that can be done and if you find out what works for you this can control symptoms before they become overwhelming.

» It is thought that light therapy, which is the main treatment for SAD, works by

Niki Medlock is head nurse at www.luzdoc.com

Immune Boosting Tips

By Ann de Jongh

» Avoid tobacco smoke – it impacts the immune system as well as raising the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia. » Reduce the amount of sugar you eat – sugar can actually supress your immune system.

With the change in the weather, and starting to relax after a busy season, now is the time we are all prone to catching colds. So here are my top 10 tips to help to bolster your immune system. » Get more sleep – sleeping less than 7 hours a night increases your likelihood of catching a cold, as well as lack of sleep supressing immune system. » Eat lots of vegetables and fruit – have a wide range of colourful fruit & veggies to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.

» Reducing stress, when the body is stressed it puts the body into an acidic state, put time aside for yourself to relax and breathe deeply.

» Reduce Stress – practice stress management or trying to avoid stressful situations as this can depress your immune system.

To make an appointment with Dr Andrew Garbett DC MChiro BSc please call Eugenia on 282 768 044.

» Drink less alcohol – excessive consumption impairs the immune system and can increase vulnerability to lung infections.

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» Antidepressants can also be prescribed as well as counselling to help the patient manage the symptoms of SAD.

If your doctor does come to this diagnosis there are various treatments which can be prescribed:

To keep the body healthy and to allow it to work optimally, here are a few ideas on how you can increase the alkaline levels: » Drink water at regular intervals so you stay hydrated (filtered is good, alkalinized is better). A drop in only 1-2% body water is enough to impair physical performance, mental focus and slow down metabolism. It also flushes out toxins and keeps bowel movements regular.

resetting the biological clock. There are two types: Bright light treatment when a light box is placed at a certain distance from the sufferer, between 30 minutes and 2 hours a day or a dim light goes on in the morning whilst the sufferer is sleeping.

» Make sure your gut is healthy, take probiotics to bolster gut health and support the immune system. » Get up and move – a moderate amount of exercise can improve immunity, but overtraining can supress the immune system so make sure you take rest and recovery days if training hard. » Vitamin D is essential- in the Algarve we are lucky and can see the sun most days, but if you spend a lot of time indoors consider supplementing with Vitamin D. » Wash your hands – most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact so always wash with soap to reduce risk.

Ann is a trainer, yoga teacher, sports massage therapist and you can call her on 913202621, email ann@fit2lovelife.com or go to: www.fit2lovelife.com

The elves have been busy at Harmony Earth!! By Meri Hanlin The shop is filled with an assortment of wonderful books for adults and children alike. Some of the kids’ books are inspirational while others are downright funny (“What does Santa do on Boxing Day”...one of my favourites!!). I have also brought in a very large selection of Knowledge cards, calendars and beautiful journals. If you are one of the zillion “Bob the cat” fans, he now has a Christmas book out. Talk about one smart kitty!

The Pacifica gift boxes are every woman’s dream. Indian Coconut Nectar.

Hawaiian Ruby Guava. Tuscan Blood Orange. Any gal on your list would be over the moon to receive one of these. There are also three varieties of Dr Organic gift bags (containing shampoo , conditioner , body cream and body wash), as well as several types of gift packages and sets from Faith in Nature. The new Pineapple Grapefruit is dreamy! Dr Organic has just come out with the coolest gel moisturising socks and gloves to pamper your hands and feet. Fantastic!

Yankee candle is always a hit at Christmas and the soya candles from Pacifica are some of the nicest I’ve ever had the good fortune to enjoy. How about one of my new metal incense holders with a package of Maroma incense (more than 30 varieties!)

Pick up a bag or two of the new Quinoa crisps , Vegetable crisps , blue corn or vegetable tortilla chips to have on hand for drop ins.

Treat yourself to a box (or two) of Divine dark chocolate ginger thins or chocolate ginger balls. Heavenly! Everything for your Christmas baking is here too. Even Brandied Mincemeat. Don’t forget the Organic nut loaves for the vegetarians on the big day. Gluten Free Christmas cake slices. Diabetic chocolates and candies. Wonderful cordials for heating and snuggling up with.

Drop by for some mulled apple ginger cider (Brandy optional!).

There will be snacking all month. And don’t forget...you pick the items and we’ll build the perfect gift basket.

Happy Holidays everyone and thank you for your constant support and caring.

Harmony Earth is in Luz.

Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 35

BUSINESS

PEPEX By Cardine Martins On May 30th this year a new law for debt collection was published (Lei n.º 32/2014), which approved the Pre-executive extrajudicial process (“PEPEX”), in vigour from the 1st September 2014.

But what does this mean?

The law allows any creditor that has proof he is owed money from a third party, who may be considering going to court, to seek information about the third party’s assets.

It allows the creditor to establish whether there are assets, moveable or non-moveable that are sale able to account for all or some of the money that the creditor is due.

Knowing this information will avoid starting a lengthy and somewhat expensive court process only to find out that the 3rd party does not have any assets and there is nothing that can be pawned and sold to pay you.

The other aspect of this law is that the process has been simplified and there is

no longer the need to start this process through the courts. It can be started as an extra-judicial process via an “agente de execução” which is the equivalent of an enforcement agent. The creditor, after knowing what assets are available then has the option to switch to an execution process “processo de execução” or if no assets are found:

Pilates Room to open in the evening

i) the debtor is notified to pay the amount; ii) agree a payment schedule, iii) the debtor is requested to indicate assets that can be pawned or iv) oppose the process.

Obviously, for this to be an option for you, there are various requisites that need to be filled. The best thing would be to seek advice from a solicitor or enforcement agent and obtain more information on the pros and cons of this process.

Due to the popularity of daytime classes the Pilates Room Lagos is opening its doors during late afternoons and evenings to allow you hard working folk to enjoy your Pilates!

For more help or information or if you have any questions, please contact solicitor Cardine Martins on 6692@solicitador.net or +351 967 550 485.

For those of you that are not familiar with the Pilates Room it has a fully equipped studio ideal for private and semi private sessions. We also have a dedicated mat work area with equipment to enhance your Pilates experience!

Tanja’s back After three years on a ‘baby break’ Tanja remembered how much she also loved her work as a physiotherapist. For those of us who did not know Tanja before her break, she is a local and well respected physiotherapist with enormous experience working alongside local well-known surgeons and doctors, handling sports injuries, rehabilitation and recovery plans.

really help you to understand fully what your doctor or surgeon actually means and overcome those worrying language barriers that many of us fear, living abroad.

A very important factor for those needing physiotherapy is that Tanja is fluent in English, Portuguese and German and so can

Call Tanja on 914 947 313 or email tanjarai2@gmail.com

Some of you may have read my articles in the past about the benefits of Pilates for back care, arthritis, neuromuscular diseases and helping with imbalances caused by sports such as tennis or golf.

The truth is, Pilates is for everyone younger or older male or female. It is beneficial as it builds strength, stability and flexibility in an ideally aligned position. This helps with imbalances caused through the jobs we do whether that be surfing or sitting at a desk or the sports we do which may tighten particular muscle groups.

#4. Hold your breath while you snap the shutter or press the button. You will be amazed at how much better your pictures come out!

If you feel you need to move your body, gain strength and balance these classes are for you. I hear time and time again people saying they can’t do Pilates because they have a bad back or a bad knee but Pilates can nearly always help and it is worth calling to chat through your injuries.

Her prices are extremely reasonable (from 25 euros per session) and will add to your feeling that you have made an excellent choice to speed up your recovery.

Tops tips By Helen Lynne Schicketanz There are few things more disappointing than logging into Facebook or email to find blurry pictures of far-off friends and family.

Fortunately, that is very easy to avoid if you follow these simple suggestions: #1. Don’t rush; photography is not a race. #2. Hold your camera or phone still; it is impossible to get clear pictures if the camera is moving. #3. If it’s not possible to put your camera or phone on something stationary, lean on something when you take the picture.

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For further information, please contact Helen at: hlssphotography@gmail.com

The new evening timetable will be mat classes at 6pm and 7.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Private classes can be offered before and after these times.

If you want more information or would like to pop into the studio before the New Year then please give me a call on 926 514 613 or email info@ pilatesroomlagos.com.

www.iberianfuneralplans.com mark@iberianfuneralplans.com

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Call us today on: +351 282 419 478 or +351 965 721 094 Iberian Funeral Plans oers prepaid funeral plans for those residing in Spain, Portugal and the UK.

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BUSINESS

The lost generation… By David Westmoreland A few weeks ago I was talking about what the new breed of buyer is looking for. Large family spaces, modern high gloss kitchens and slick bathrooms. This subject has raised a number of questions and queries from clients and I believe the answer is coupled to the increase in popularity for long term rentals.

Why have we seen this change and why has it happened so quickly?

This I believe brings us to the subject of buyer dynamics.

The average age of overseas buyers in Portugal is around 45-55 year old. They have paid off their mortgages, saved enough money over their lifetime and are in a position to make the investment while still “young enough to enjoy it”!

When the recession hit in 2008 we saw areas such as Spain fall off the edge of a cliff while Portugal although hit very hard, still managed to keep moving, albeit very slowly. The effects of the recession hit those of us who were highly leveraged or working to a budget, however the typical overseas buyer wasn’t really in that category. They had the cash, were not over leveraged and had saved enough money but they were

not buying. You can fully understand this.

The world was in turmoil and not many had the confidence to buy a luxury product that was a “want to have” rather than a “need to have” with all the commotion going on in the world.

This suited both the 50+ couple wanting to spend their time away from the cold in France, Sweden, Germany and even the UK but also suited the current property owner in Portugal who was now trying to balance the books on their investment in Portugal.

The recession then went on for around four to five years and we started to see an improvement in 2012. And this is where the dynamics changed.

Resort Rentals Long letting department Lagos Long Lets saw an exponential growth in the number of enquiries and long let placements take place in 2012-2014, to the point where this is now a standalone business within our portfolio.

The 50 year old buyer in 2008 is now 56. Those six years appear to be quite significant in the world of overseas buyer dynamics.

Firstly, some of the buyers re-invested in the home countries. Some decided to hold on to their money; property prices had tumbled everywhere. But a lot of people simply re-evaluated their lives. They were now not prepared to invest a sizeable amount of their wealth into a “want to have” product. However, they still wanted to live the dream and enjoy the 300+ days of sunshine places like Portugal offered.

Therefore we saw the emergence of long term and winter lets.

So this is where we have our lost generation. Six years of buyers have been lost. Of course some are now buying again and some are renting. However some we have lost forever. But it is not doom and gloom! The new 45-55 year olds are back buying. Sales patterns are rivalling 2007 and we now have a new market of long term and winter letters.

Property always sells!

To discuss your personal property requirements either call into the office on the Avenida or email me directly on david@bpaproperty.com

A Little Extra Help By Hibiscus Difficulties with getting upstairs and managing steps is an expected challenge as we get older so installing additional railings and grab handles can help to make things safer, or perhaps consider a stair lift. A small step to help you up into the shower can make a difference too, as well as a plastic stool or chair so you can sit rather than stand when you shower. There are many mobility aids too, to support and steady you in getting around the house that make life easier.

Although we all hope to remain fit and healthy throughout our lives there may be times when we need some extra help with our health care or recuperation. Very often these events are planned and the support of partners, family and friends along with the health care service looks after all our needs.

But sometimes a little extra help is required, perhaps when life events are unexpected or when family and friends need that extra bit of support as well.

Recovery from an operation or an injury means you may need additional nursing care at home or some support with personal

38 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

care until you are back to full health. Many people can be looked after by their partner and family but sometimes extra support is beneficial, or for those living alone professional help is more essential.

We all hope that everyone can love later life and enjoy their retirement doing the things they’ve always planned. But ageing can also be challenging and it brings changes in our own abilities to manage at home and look after ourselves. There are some simple things that can keep us enjoying day to day life and make things easier and safer as we get older. There are many products that can help.

And considering the needs of those who are carers is also important. We sometimes forget the strain and stress that caring for someone can create and the effect this can have. Providing a break for carers (also known as respite care) is important, as well as some personal support as well if desired.

We can help with home health care support and nursing for all of these circumstances.

If you would like to find out more contact us on: 00351 282 782 013 or info@hibiscus-madrugada.com

Are you looking for a Business to Buy? or Do you have a Business for Sale?

Your Business Portugal should be your ďŹ rst port of call!

We have existing businesses ready for you to take over. info@yourbusinessportugal.com

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BUSINESS

You won’t get the Gii blues here By Tom Henshaw Gii: affordable decor.

I have just had the pleasure of visiting the revamped and expanded showrooms in Lagos where there is over 300 sq metres of elegant and yet superb value for money furnishings including sofa and curtain materials plus beautiful gifts to genuinely suit all pockets.

It is our favourite gift shop as the owners do have wonderful ideas. One of their latest ideas and a winner in our opinion is that you can have a courier service direct to the UK for example. So 10kgs including €100 insurance costs only €45 and the size is 60cms x 40cms x 40 cms and for another €20 you can have two boxes and to enhance this great idea you can have other suppliers’ products added in to your box or boxes)!

Get natty nails!

Catherine’s has been established in Lagos for over 12 years. Based just off the second square up the steps to the right of the famous green tiled Obrigado building, you will be greeted with a warm welcome by Catherine and her husband, Tony. Stocking the world-renowned OPI nail brand and the well-known Get Fresh (Bomb) range of handmade soaps, lotions and body care products, you can find the perfect gift or self-indulgence in our friendly shop.

With Christmas just around the corner, why not try the OPI gel colour only available at Catherine’s. The unique LED light cures each layer of your nails in 30 seconds, meaning that you leave the salon with chip free and dry nails. So with a huge choice of colours,

Other great services offered include vinyl wallpapers from Germany, curtain making and re-upholstery, home décor projects, more furniture made in Portugal, handyman services and local free delivery.

To sum up, Paul and his really helpful staff will make sure you have a lovely shopping experience and you will be hard pressed not to find what you want and at a price that suits your pocket - that’s perfect shopping from my point of view!

Parking is free across the road next to city walls and very near the smaller Inova store just off the roundabout.

Ask if you are unsure. Please call 919 919 111 or email info@gii.pt Rua Infante Sagres

make your Christmas and New Year manicure chip and stress free.

We also have special offers available on OPI lacquers - buy 4 colours and receive free top and base coat.

Choose the perfect gift from our beautiful new Christmas bath bombs, creamers and handmade soaps. Lightweight and easy to pack for sending or taking home to friends and family. Look out for the Gingerbread Bath Blasters and the Iced Cranberry Candles.

Gift vouchers are also available.

Call into Catherine’s at Travessa 1 de Maio 11, Lagos or ring 282 761264 for more information and appointments.

The Pigs Head

Choosing Your Christmas Wines

By Clive Rogerson Which wines should we choose to enhance our Christmas dinner experience?

Matching food and wine is not as difficult as many would imagine so long as the basic rules are followed. The overriding principle is that neither the flavours of the dish nor the wine should overpower the other, so judging flavour intensity is key.

The flavour intensity of a dish is affected by both ingredients and cooking methods. Some ingredients, such as foie gras and mature cheeses, are intrinsically high in flavour while low flavour intensity ingredients include white fish and chicken. Cooking methods can make a huge difference. The humble potato when simply boiled is relatively low on flavour intensity but when roasted in goose fat we have something very much at the other end of the flavour scale. Smoked and salted foods (such as Bacalhau) tend to have dramatically higher flavour intensity than the basic raw material.

While the centerpiece of a traditional Christmas lunch is the turkey, it is the trimmings (gammon, sausages wrapped in bacon, stuffing and roast potatoes) that up the flavour and require us to serve a wine of medium to high flavour intensity. Both red and white wines can be found to fit the bill. My personal preference is for Reserva wines from the Alentejo. For the red, the 2009 vintage is drinking particularly well while, for a white, I would go for a 2011 or 2012.

For more information contact Clive Rogerson at email: lagoswinesdirect@gmail.com or call on 917635457.

Clive recommends his Igreja Velha 2009 Reserva, a bargain at €5.45

“Rotten’s had his paintbrush out again at the Pig’s Head in Burgau. He’s all geared up to celebrate Christmas is style.”

40 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

*Close to harbour entrance *Above the underground car park

*Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner *Family entertainment, Bouncy castle

Great meeting point for all the family

Choose fr om

our carefu

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Enjoy a meal with us and receive

Free Car Parking multi storey car park - 2 hours

Winter Hours Tuesday - Sunday 10:30 -late Closed Dec 24/25/26

For full details and menus see our website

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TheOrangeryBar&Grill

Children’s Club - Sunday 3 to 5 PM

Cartoons, various activities and extensive children’s menu

JCT28 Adventure Cruises Lda. NIF 507621077 Avenida dos Descrobrimentos no. 19, 8600-701 Lagos Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 41

Business

New tax laws

By Susan Santos

“Wines for Xmas” By our sommelier, Miguel Martins

After much pressure from the hotel Industry new taxation legislation was finally due to be introduced on November 27th for property owners who let out their private properties for holiday rentals.

The good news is that there are incentives attached to the new scheme which means you will be exempt from paying tax on 85% of your rental income.

By charging only 25% on the remaining 15% rental income, an overall tax of 3.75% (non- deductible expenses) is the carrot being dangled by the tax office.

If you already have a Rental License (Alojamento Local) you will have until December 27th to present your proof of registration at the tax office as a sole trader (Inicio de Actividade) to the Town Hall or your Property Manager, to become fully compliant. Failure to do so may mean a heavy fine, even if you have a valid Rental License.

The upside, apart from the tax breaks, is that your property is then registered with the tourist board which may attract extra bookings and will also stand out on holiday advertising websites as being an authorized property for rentals as the new AL registration number must appear on all advertising.

It will however also makes life easier for ASAE to identify owners who are not playing by the rules and separate the wheat from the chaff of companies offering rental services, this being the main objectives of the introduction of the legislation.

At Luso Living we have been inundated with not only new clients looking for a company who can make their rental business manageable & profitable but from Property Managers who are winding down their rental business due to this added bureaucracy .

If you would like more information visit our website www.lusoliving.com or contact us on 289 398573 or info@the-livinggroup.com.

We are offering 6 months free advertising on Holiday Lettings website for Tomorrow readers when contracting our Property Management services up until 31st January 2015.

42 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

When I think about Xmas I think about the happy moments with the family but also the pressure that everything has to work perfectly that day, especially because one of my passions is cooking and because I work in the restaurant business. The details are important, the food has to be right, the timings, the products have to be fresh, the wines have to be perfect...it is a work that starts a few days before and involves a lot of planning. I know that most of my readers, especially the ladies in the house, know what I am talking about. The compensation??

It’s the look in the eyes, the smiles and the laughter of the ones you love - there is no better reward than that.

And because I want your Xmas to be the best of your lives I want to take away the pressure of choosing the wines according to the different food you have on that day. I must not forget that ‘Tomorrow’ readers are mostly British and knowing that you have different traditions when it comes to food. But the wines I have chosen are for the natives and also the ones who choose to live in this beautiful country.

What better way to start than a nice champagne? I suggest the house of Gosset, one of my favourite producers of champagne, founded in 1584 is a house with tradition, small productions with high quality that normally can only be found in fine dining restaurants. A wide range that combines quality with fantastic prices most of the time cheaper in the different ranges compared with the famous houses of champagne.

As for the white wine I suggest a wine with balance, creamy and complex, a wine to have with the “bacalhau”, in fact this wine is also adaptable for white meats for those who

don’t appreciate the Portuguese traditional “bacalhau”...a wine from the south of Portugal deep and very concentrated.

The red wine will be one of my favourite wines from the Dao region, Quinta de Lemos Jaen, it is indeed one of the nicest surprises I had this year. It is balanced smooth with very round tannins and a beautiful spicy finishing. It’s great with turkey because it will not detract from the delicate texture of the meat and if we consider that this wine is from 2009 we know that the time it’s been in the bottle will make the wine even nicer than it was in the beginning. Another good thing about this wine is that the price is very acceptable so it’s the perfect solution for a big family.

To finish your amazing meal in style there is nothing better than a Port wine. You can have it on its own, with strong cheese, sweets and chocolate, it is the wine for the special moments and again I suggest the best price quality wine I found in the market, Quinta do Crasto Vintage Port 2011, it is the best vintage in the century for an incredible price if we consider the quality.

Just a quick note about Olive Oil. Make sure you use a good one because it makes all the difference to make the food even more special. I favour an Olive Oil from the north called Occidens – it’s the best option.

Come and visit me at the shop in Lagos and bring your ideas for the menu you are preparing and I will be glad to suggest the best options of wines for you, I also have packs especially for the season according to your taste.

Happy Holidays to you all and drink responsible.

Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 43

FOOD & Beverage

Restaurant listings for December To be included, please email for.tomorrow@hotmail.com with restaurant promotions and we wwill do our best to include you in our monthly list - IT’S FREE OF CHARGE

New Year at Pashmina

Pashmina and the ‘Tomorrow’ Newsletter are hosting a New Year’s event to bring 2015 in spicy style. The event starts at 7.30pm and there will be a full Indian buffet with live music. The buffet will include popadums, pickle tray with a range of mixed starters.

Monthly

Fridays

50% off 1st bottle of Wine mention The

Comedy + Curry Night | €5 | Rockefellas

promo code “Rockefeller’s” | Every day

282 798 634

mixed grill platter for 2 only €25 | 8 - 11pm 2 for 1 CocktailsRockefeller’s Bar & Grill, Lagos Special of the day comes with a FREE beer/ wine | Marina Bar, Lagos Marina 282 789 701

Traditional Fish & Chips (Normal Menu) + A La Carte | €9.50 | Barroca | 282 762 799 4pm-late - Fish,chips & mushy peas €6.95 | ‘TOMIK, Burgau | Tel: 282 695 525

There will be a selection of main courses including one lamb dish, one chicken dish and one vegetarian option.

They are all served with boiled or pilau rice and naan bread. There will also be a wide range of puddings.

The cost is 50 euros per person and will include wine, beer, soft drinks, water and coffee.

4 - 7pm | Happy Hour, Discount Meals and Drinks | Fools & Horses, Lagos

Saturdays

5-7pm - Happy Hour, Golf Santo Antonio, Budens | Beer & Wine: 2 for 1 | 282 690 051

Saturday Grill - €12.50

Christmas Day Lunch | €27:50 inc. 1 bottle

(Comp. Jug of Sangria/Pimm’s when booking

of wine p.p | Pigs Head, Burgau | 282 697 315

a table of 2-4+) | Espiche Golf

Booking is essential so please call 960 453 376 to reserve your place. You will need to pay 50 per cent up frot to secure your place. Pashmina Lagos is next to the Repsol Station on the avenida.

282 688 270

Tuesdays

Soup of the day/Fillet Steak/Dessert €14 | Grapevine, Espiche, 282 768 795

Soup of the day/Curry of the day/Dessert €9.50 | Grapevine, Espiche 282 768 795

Saturday Special 3 Course Dinner €15 (+ a la Carte) | Barroca | 282 762 799

Pie Night from 16th Dec: €6 medium, €8 large & sides | Pigs Head, Burgau, 282 697 315

Wednesdays

Sundays 12 -10pm - Sunday Roast Couvert + Soup + Main course | €9.99

Soup of the day/BBQ Spare Ribs/Dessert

Golf Santo Antonio, Budens

€10 | Grapevine, Espiche | 282 768 795

282 690 051

12 -10pm - Wednesday Special | Couvert +

Sunday Brunch - €12,00

Main course + One drink | €12

(Complementary Bellini on arrival when

Golf Santo Antonio, Budens, 282 690 051

booking in advance) Espiche Golf 282 688 270

Thursdays Soup of the day/Chicken Piri Piri/Dessert €9.00 | Grapevine, Espiche | 282 768 795 Pie & Pud Night - Quay Lagos | Homemade pies & scrumptious desserts | 282761128

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Sunday Roast from 14th Dec €4 Medium/ €6 Large | Pigs Head, Burgau Tel: 934 295 774 Sunday Roast (Best in Town) 1pm - 7.30pm | Barroca | 282 762 799

Christmas get together Marina Bar and ‘Tomorrow’ are organising a Christmas ‘get together’ on December 18th at 1.30pm.

There will ‘finger food’ starters, Turkey stroganoff, dessert of the day or ice cream plus one glass of wine or beer.

The cost is 10 euros per person. Please call Derry too book a table on 918 935 085 by December 16th.

Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 45

OUTDOOR

Winter weeds and magic bullets

By Clive Goodacre

‘They know, they just know where to grow, how to dupe you, and how to camouflage themselves among the perfectly respectable plants, they just know, and therefore, I’ve concluded weeds must have brains.’ Dianne Benson, Dirt: The Lowdown on Growing a Garden with Style

a season at least. But only use as a last resort because the dramatic fall in insect population - particularly butterflies and bees is certainly linked to overuse of herbicides and insecticides. Even creatures further up the food chain like bats and reptiles are affected and who knows even us.

Top winter weed in most gardens is Oxalis, a member of the Shamrock family, whose yellow flowers and clover-like leaves run riot across the landscape. Realistically the best option is to only pull up the ones that are choking specimen plants because it disappears once the temperature rises in late spring.

Woodlice have been particularly active recently thanks to prolonged rain and many people mistakenly regard them as pests. If you dislike them scuttling round your terraces gather up any rotting garden debris into a compost heap and leave them to go about their business. Although woodlice do not harm plants, they particularly like to nest in the base of pots where they munch away at peat and leaf based composts leaving roots exposed, allowing water to run straight through.

The best solution is to lift potted plants and top up as necessary rather than use chemical control.

Forget trying to dig out the bulblets on the end of each stem – there are numerous tiny ones you won’t see. Try and leave it alone in wilder areas of the garden, as its fresh foliage and flowers look far more attractive than strimmed or brown dying weeds. Air frost will cut it back while heavy mulching with pine bark or needles definitely slow it down.

Glyphosate is the ultimate weapon and two applications normally clear Oxalis for

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Every gardener needs a magic bullet or two and none comes better at this time of year than sulphate of iron which counters leaf yellowing as well as reducing alkalinity and repelling slugs and

snails as a by-product. A winter granular application does wonders across a wide range of plants including Citrus trees, Hibiscus and Solanum.

Plants growing through groundcover like Lampranthus and Aptenia have to fight for nutrients and particularly benefit from fertilizer and iron treatment.

For a second magic bullet use liquid feeds containing amino acids applied either by spray or watering can. Dosage is not critical – a tablespoon in a bucket of water does the trick. Amino acids work in a broad variety of ways by enhancing cell formation, photosynthesis (plants are greener and more lush), improving soil culture, ability to absorb nutrients, and strengthening a plant’s cellular walls to increase resistance to unfavourable climatic conditions. The latter benefit is particularly applicable here in winter with amino acids giving outstanding results strengthening plants against drought, wind and cold.

REAL ESTATE. AGENCY LAGOS WESTERN ALGARVE

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