Tomorrow July 2014

July 2014 | Now 4500 FREE copies per month

A community newsletter for the western Algarve

Campaign to help Lagos Para-Olympic sailor

By Tom Wilson

solely on the dedication of its volunteers and donations from public and private groups.

“We have the best volunteers - it is people who make the difference,” says João, “It’s just we don’t always have enough people to do as much as we want.”

João is on the far left

‘Tomorrow’ is launching a 30,000 euro campaign to help get a local sailor to the para-Olympics in Brazil in 2016. We are urging our readers to get behind João Pinto over the next two years so he can compete in Rio and make Lagos proud.

Over two-and-a-half years ago the life of João Pinto changed drastically and forever.

Then an electrician and an extreme sports enthusiast, João, lost control whilst riding his motorbike and was catapulted into a rock that broke his back at chest height and left him partially paralysed. João jokes: “Before the accident I could only do sport in my spare time now I can do it every day.”

Now João is on a mission to represent Portugal in Rio at the para-Olympics in 2016 – competing against the best sailors in the world. He is being coached by Luís Brito.

When the two of them aren’t preparing for the sailing challenges that lie ahead for João they spend their time helping other people with both physical and learning difficulties to get into sailing through a local organisation Vela Solidaria which was started by Luís The organisation uses sailing as a way of building people’s self esteem, their tolerance and helps them to improve their communication and social skills. Luís said he thought sailing was an excellent way to improve people’s quality of life by increasing their mobility and making them more independent.

João and Luís met many years before his accident and when Luís heard of Joao plight he contacted him and there has been no looking back. The project runs out of Lagos and Portimão locally but is also connected to a larger world wide community. It relies

João himself is certainly making a difference to the people he works with. He says they have also made a massive difference to him. When talking of his accident João commented: “It’s not so bad once you get used to it - you just have to keep on going and do something.” In this case it’s his dedication to Vela Solidaria and an Olympic bid.

This is a story of a passionate brave enthusiastic man and the fantastic team that supports and provides hope and happiness to those in our local community facing the challenge of disability. João and his team are always on the look-out for volunteers and donations so please offer your time or money if you can. It is estimated that João will need 30,000 euros for the Olympic bid and the ongoing cost of providing the valuable sailing project are just that, ongoing.

So, if can help in anyway, please contact Luís Brito at velasolidaria@gmail.com or make a donation directly to Teia D’Impulsos - Associação Social, Cultural e Desportiva Projecto Vela Solidária BANIF NIB 0038.0000.4041.7581.7719.0 IBAN PT50.0038.0000.4041.7581.7719.0

IDE HS ION C A BE OCAT L

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our July issue

Useful Numbers - Lagos

The sun’s shining and Lagos is filling up with visitors. It looks like it’s going to be a great month.

SEDE: 86, Milborough Crescent, London, UK , SE12 ORW. UK . PERIODICIDADE: MENSAL . TIRAGEN: 4,000 | TIPOGRAFIA: Industrias Gráficas Solprint, S.L . Pol. Industrial La Vega, c/ Archidona B5. 29651 Mijas-Costa. Málaga. CIF : B29.593.357

There’s plenty to read in July’s newsletter which is a bumper 48 pages. We’ve added a new section for the summer which is full of articles giving tourists and locals some ideas of things to do in the western Algarve. You can read about everything from hot air ballooning and gyrocopters to suggestions of things to entertain the children.

Please take a moment to text us on 919 918 733 with your ideas and suggestions for ways to improve the magazine for the future. Alternatively email us at tomorroweditorial@gmail.com.

We promise to ‘listen’ and adopt changes where we can.

Thanks as ever to our contributors, advertisers and our readers.

Best wishes, Tom Henshaw and the rest of the ‘Tomorrow’ team.

Call me on 919 918 733

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In this issue...

P4-18: Community The Sky is the Limit A history of Portuguese aviation Business work together Gustavo’s story Lagos and its History Grand celebrations at NECI Dress Lagos Bombeiros Your Letters

P21-32: What’s-On/ Summer pull-out Our monthly calendar

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS:LUZDOC (LUZ) BRITISH CONSULATE TOURIST SUPPORT TELECOM NAT. INFO LAGOS VET VIP CHAUFFEURS GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN WWW.CREATION-MEDIA.NET Gentle Bee Transfers Irish Embassy

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

NO JOB TOO SMALL:-

Silves Medieval Fair Theatre in the Garden Fun with Kids Scuba diving Hot air ballooning

P38-40: Business

And much more

P40-44: Food and Drink

P34-37: Health

Restaurant offers Meet our secret reviewer And other reviews too

Pets mate Nutrition Pilates Parkinson’s - part 2

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

Fractional Ownership Clean is Healthy Get a Will Lighten Up

P46: Outdoor Gardening with our expert And much more...

GAVIN COX WILL & PEDRO WINDOW CLEANING PORTUGUESE LESSONS €5/HR Chimney sweep 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 Baby sitting Maria €8ph Computer problems - Pedro XELI- FLorist Free delivery Electrician Helio

916 430 132 965 353 301 916 591 423 912 417 994 926 860 123 964 605 213 912 712 077 965 774 176 282 960 960 916 050 114 910 384 382 918 663 352 912 712 077 282 767 102 920 419 690 917 165 238 282 768 129 917 288 966

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Community he explains, “The Câmara accepted our application, we paid a nominal rent for the buildings and had free use of the runway.”

However, they had many hurdles to overcome. As microlight flying was a new sport in Portugal there was no legislation to cover it. This meant that they could only teach foreigners, not Portuguese. “It was difficult. When a Portuguese person walked through the door, I had to tell them ‘sorry I can’t teach you!’ Gerry points out, ”but eventually we started taking on the odd one or two; they began teaching others and the club grew.” Over the years, the club managed to develop into a flourishing centre.

The Sky is the Limit “It is the freedom. Everything in life is controlled but up there you feel you are in charge of your own destiny.” Gerry Breen, the founder of the Algarve Airsports Centre in Lagos, speaks passionately about flying and is proud to have introduced microlights to the region nearly 30 years ago.

Many residents and visitors to Lagos will have heard the unmistakable whirr of the diminutive aircraft and will have seen them soaring above in the clear blue sky, taking advantage of the spectacular scenery along the coastline. It must surely be the optimum way of seeing the area I always think when I hear the sound, although I have some niggling reservations, as it looks somewhat precarious!

But Gerry Breen is at hand to tell me more about the flying experience. Lagos Aerodrome is located 2 km from Lagos

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By Lena Strang

off the EN125. As I approach I can see the 550m asphalt runway, a control tower, extended low-rise white buildings that serve as briefing room, office area and café, together with space that turns out to be purpose built hangars.

We sit in the reception area with walls adorned with posters of microlights and umpteen certificates of flying merit. In the café next door, walls are covered with scrawled messages left by appreciative clients over the years. I get the sense that this has been a real centre of action.

So how did the Airsport Centre come about? It was founded in 1986 by Gerry and his late wife Manuela. After searches in other areas, they came across the abandoned airfield at Lagos. “There was nothing here; just an old hangar without doors and a dilapidated control tower,”

The airfield intriguingly bears the name ‘Aerodromo Brigadeiro Costa Franco’. I learn that the Brigadier, with his long and distinguished career as a pilot in the air force, served as Mayor of Lagos between 1964 and 1972. He was the driving force behind the airfield in Lagos, which officially opened, to great fanfares in front of a crowd of spectators, on the 16th May 1965. It was designed for transporting goods, notably newspapers and in that year, 234 aircraft and 180 passengers were recorded. Not being particularly suitable for commercial flying, it fell into disuse until aviation sports came on the scene. “I met the Brigadier before he died,” Gerry says, “He was very pleased to see the place up and running again.”

Gerry and his late wife Manuela in 1987

Community The municipal aerodrome is managed by the Aeroclube de Lagos and the Microlight Centre shares facilities with other airsports operators. There is close collaboration with the Câmara, assisting with aerial photography whenever required. Open Days are organised twice a year as part of the city’s celebrations when flights are offered free of charge.

Gerry’s own history of aviation is remarkable. He was a member of the Bristol and Gloucester Gliding Club at the age of 13 and at 16 joined the RAF to undertake an engineering apprenticeship. “My father insisted I should get a ‘proper’ job and so I trained as an aircraft engineer.”

While working as junior technician servicing the Belfast heavylift aircraft at RAF Abingdon, his real passion lay with much lighter machines. He was one of the first in the UK to successfully fly a hang glider. The records then came thick and fast. Along with a colleague, he was the first one to hang glide from the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland at 4,406ft, and held the British and European record several times.

Having left the RAF and set up his own hang gliding company, he became one of the pioneers in developing powered hang gliders in the mid 1970s. “The very first ones to try it simply strapped an engine to their backs. They took off and came down – usually with a crash!” he remembers, “We attached the engine onto the keel of the glider which proved to be more successful.”

He didn’t like the word ‘hang glider’ with its poor reputation for safety and coined the word ‘microlight’.

Lagos Aerodrome, courtesy of Fototeca Municipal de Lagos

registered as ‘microlight’ by the Aviation Authorities. Several other ‘firsts’ followed, such as landing in Paris in a 1982 air race and flying over the Tower of London in 1984.

We have all probably marvelled at the daring stunts in James Bond films. The stuntman doing those fantastic aerial acrobatics in a hang glider in ‘Moonraker’ was taught by Gerry! He took part in many film stunts himself but the one experience that has left the greatest impression on him was jumping off the 3000ft high Angel Falls in Venezuela with a hang glider. “It felt unbelievable! When you leap, your stomach comes up and then drops. You realise you are shaking all over and tell yourself to relax. But then comes the difficult bit of landing on a small spot near the river. It was simply fantastic!”

Wasn’t he ever afraid? “Well, when you are young, you just don’t think about it. When He undertook the first ever flight from I look back now at the things I have done, I London to Paris in a British Airways come out in a cold sweat!” he laughs. powered hang glider for their 60th anniversary.

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COMMUNITY

The Sky is the Limit Continued from P 4 & 5 A question I have been waiting to ask Gerry all along is simply: how safe are they? He assures me that they are very safe. “Look what has been achieved in this type of machine to date. It has been flown to Australia at least three times and once around the world. The reliability is there,” Gerry enthuses. He goes on to explain that if there is an engine failure, the microlight has the capacity to glide and can be landed safely in a field.

“Some people do have a fear of flying, but they need to realise that the machines are strong and have excellent safety record.

Clients are likely to return from their flights relaxed, happy and smiling!”

With his vast experience of aviation, it is fortunate for Lagos that Gerry established his business here, becoming one of the key microlight centres in the area. Gerry has now retired from active flying but has still some involvement in the Aeroclube.

From small beginnings, the Lagos Aerodrome now hosts a plethora of activities. Apart from the Microlight Centre with reduced activity this year due to Gerry’s retirement, there is the ‘Gyrocopter Experience’, ‘Algarve Balloons’, Paragliding and Paramotoring run by the Alvor Paramotor School. A number of private pilots also operate from the site. There are currently 25 light aircraft in leased hangars. The aerodrome has a heliport and is the established base for the emergency helicopter (INEM) and rescue aircrafts.

Although the financial crisis has had an adverse effect, Gerry remains optimistic about the future. Plans are also afoot to establish wakeboarding facilities nearby and boat tours along the river to see rare birds. And how about cycle tracks that would be attractive to many visitors and locals alike? He would dearly love to see the valley as a centre for sports in the city. He believes that the Airsports Centre has helped to put Lagos on the map, and with the right ‘can do’ attitude in the region, much more can be achieved.

With the enthusiasm and intrepid spirit of people like Gerry, the sky indeed, is the limit! www.gerrybreen.com Facebook: Aeroclube De Lagos

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The History of Portuguese Aviation 1540 Shoemaker João Torto jumps from a tower in Viseu in a homemade machine but doesn’t manage to take to the skies. First ever reference to aviation.

1709 Bartolomeu de Gusmão manages to lift a small hot air balloon to about 4.5 metres in front of King João V and the Portuguese court.

He opens the door to ballooning and aviation.

1884 Abreu de Oliveira ascends in a hot air balloon. Although the short flight ends up in the river Tagus near Caís do Sodré, he is the first Portuguese to have flown an air balloon.

Late 19th cent. Cipriano Pereira Jardim invents a steerable balloon and the first airship for military purposes is built.

1909 (July) Oscar Blank receives his Pilot’s Licence; the first Portuguese to do so and one of the first worldwide.

1916 The first school of military aviation established in Vila Nova da Rainha.

1922 Sacadura Cabral and Gago Coutinho achieve the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic – a milestone in Portuguese aviation.

Marine sextant adapted for artificial horizon used, which is a highly innovative step.

1927 Saramento de Beires, Jorge Castillo and Manuel Gouveia successfully cross South Atlantic at night, using rudimentary navigational aids. Considered one of the most extraordinary feats of Portuguese aviation.

1909 (October) The first manned flight of a powered aircraft takes place in Portuguese airspace. The French pilot subsequently crashes into a roof of a house.

Late 1930s Start of commercial aviation.

Saving Salgados

inheritance for the future that would bring the country pride rather than shame.

The discovery of the world’s largest colony of a Protected Rare Plant may still save Salgados Wildlife Sanctuary. The Portuguese Government was due to be asked at the end of last month whether it would fulfill its responsibility to protect the recent discovery of the largest colony of one of the rarest plants in the world.

This discovery has been made on land that is controversially scheduled for development.

The recent discovery by the Portuguese Botanical Society at Salgados, an internationally renowned Wildlife Sanctuary, was provoked by the government’s approval for a mega-tourist project on land valued by local residents adjoining the world-renowned lagoon, and was undertaken at the request of “The Friends of Salgados”, a collection of concerned individuals, businesses and NGOs. An on-line petition was started in 2012 that has gathered over 32,000 signatures and is recognized as Portugal’s largest ever environmental protest. Due to the success of the petition the Government requested the would-be developer to undertake an Environmental Impact assessment (EIA).

The EIA it subsequently furnished was widely dismissed by critics as a whitewash and over 700 emails of protest against it were sent to the relevant authorities, a fair proportion of which were studied and balanced requests for the Portuguese Government to think again and leave an

1945 National carrier created, leading to subsequent formation of TAP.

Unfortunately this made no difference and permission was granted for the development of the land into a golf course, 5 star hotels and several tourist villages.

However, the Friends of Salgados had also commissioned its own study into the area and the largest known colony in the world of Linaria algarviana was discovered. This is a rare species that ONLY grows in the Algarve, and it is on the IUCN, (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), Red List.

“Linaria Algarviana is listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive and under Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention). It is legally protected in Portugal. Appropriate site management for this species including traditional grazing activities or control of urban and tourism expansion should be established.”

No mention was made of this plant in the EIA commissioned by the developer, which brings into question the validity of the EIA as a whole, quite apart from Portugal’s responsibility to protect Linaria algarviana itself.

At the time of going to press no response had yet been received from the Portuguese Government. For further details please contact Frank McClintock on 283 933065 or email info@paradiseinportugal.com Thanks to Algarve Daily News for this piece.

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Community

Fire Prevention & Environmental Protection Seminars

Chicca’s progress By Chicca dogs. Occasionally sick or operated dogs need to stay indoors for a week or so to recuperate...maybe they can stay at your house, or in the shed?

If you cannot adopt a dog, think about sponsoring one, with regular small donations monthly, you can help keep a dog in the shelter in good conditions, while it awaits its forever home.

My wonderful animal charity fund is really making a difference! With A LOT of help from our friends.

Construction for the treatment centre at the Cadela Carlota shelter is underway, walls are tiled (with the great pallet of special charity price ‘end of line’ tiles, thanks to Eduardo Santana, boss at Solmate).

The next wildfire prevention and environment protection seminars which are being organised by Safe Communities Algarve will be held in Silves on July 4th from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

This time the seminars will be in a slightly different format; the first half from 5.30pm to 6.30pm being in Portuguese and the second part from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in English. The events are being organized jointly by Safe Communities Algarve and GNR Silves and will include the participation of the Municipal Civil Protection Agency.

The GNR will be represented by the Commander of GNR Silves Captain Antonio Ramos and his presentation will cover the work of the GNR SEPNA concerning forest fire prevention and environmental protection.

If you live in a rural area these are important events at the start of the critical fire period.

The Silves Seminar will be held at the Public Library. Those wishing to attend are requested to register by contacting Safe Communities Algarve at: info@safecommuntiesalgarve.com or on 913045093 www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com

Water has been installed, the sink’s in position, and the whole thing is coming together. It will take a few days yet of hard graft from the builders, Andrade and Hermeneo who agreed to work for a knock down fee, with the boss offering some of his services free of charge no less, to help me with my cause!!

Amazingly, it’s usually the bosses who offer their services for free - a special thanks to vet Lars Rahmquist from Lagos Vet Clinic, another boss.

We continue to raise money through our fund, still selling gift sets in Chicca’s Restaurant, and by receiving people’s kind donations. Newlyweds, Katie and Richard Bannister, raised €160 when one of the children at their wedding party in Luz did magic tricks for guests specifically to raise cash for our doggy fund! Thank you!!

So far we have raised a total of €5045.

Despite being nowhere near finished, both myself, and Lars, managed our regular ‘every two week’ visit to the shelter, where we treated all the dogs that Cadela Carlota volunteer and treasurer, Karen Breen, had ready for us.

We must make more people aware of the needy dogs at the shelter. We are not specifically looking only to re-home dogs, but proposing more people get involved in the care of the dogs, by helping in many ways.

Offering a few hours of your time, by going to the shelter to help to feed, clean out, walk, and generally spending time with the

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A one off donation, anything you can afford every little helps.

You could do a sponsored slim for the summer (I should!). You could make cakes and sell them, do something you’re good at and enjoy, then get your friends to give you money for it, then donate it!!

I’ve been selling my recipes in the restaurant! Come on everyone, if we all help a little bit, IT’S EASY!!

I forgot to mention the boxer in the last episode who successfully brought up, all her puppies, and fostered an orphaned black lab puppy. She is now called Lola and has been removed from the shelter and adopted by me!!

Please contact Cadela Carlota through their website www.cadelacarlotacompanhia.webnode.com.pt Or email cadelacarlota.comp@gmail.com or go to Chicca’s Restaurant in Luz to buy a gift set. For any veterinary care please contact the Lagos Vet Clinic www.lagosvet.com

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A fantastinc tastefully elaborated menu A great place to spend the perfect evening with friends.

Elegant and tasteful suggestions for ceremonies & wedding parties.

Address: Rua Fern達o Vilarinho, lote 18, Meia Praia - 8600 Lagos / 282 043 974

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Community

Businesses in the ‘Heart of Lagos’ work together!

A new campaign has been launched to make sure that businesses in the centre of Lagos are not overlooked by tourists and locals alike.

The Heart of Lagos is a project that has been initiated by Eddy Strayton, the owner and founder of Fools and Horses, one of the oldest bars in the centre of Lagos.

Eddy said: “Many of the bars and restaurants have been overlooked by tourists ever since the main street April 25th was pedestrianised. The effect of this was to open up more bars and restaurants to draw people away from the real centre of the city”.

As part of the project, a tourist map, similar in some respects to many others produced for the tourist community, has been

launched. However, The Heart of Lagos map differs because it focuses only on the centre of Lagos and the many quality bars, shops and restaurants that are overlooked in that area. The initial members are part of an association designed to help each other in this competitive business.

website which benefits businesses and tourists alike. It is also linked to a Facebook page (http://bit.ly/heartlagos) and provides the associated members the chance to regularly post special offers, promotional events and items of general interest to the hundreds of tourists who visit this city.

Also through the website heartoflagos.com the map is downloadable so it is perfect for today’s applications, such as tablets and smartphones, easy to access and seldom left behind as paper maps often are. There are plans in the future for a mobile app for people to download and use whilst they are in Lagos.

The website also offers interested people the chance to join the Friends of Heart of Lagos, a free monthly email newsletter which has interesting news and exclusive offers from the independent businesses in the Heart of Lagos Association.

The biggest bonus that the Heart of Lagos offers is not only the backup of its own

Make a difference

For more information please contact Eddy Strayton Tel: 282 762 970, email heartoflagos@outlook.com or go to the website www.heartoflagos.com

support my seat, and help me stabilize. They supported my back as my core muscles were very weak back then, so I could sit tall and feel the movement of the horse. I felt so excited to be able to sit up high, looking down onto all the people, and seeing all the other horses playing in the fields, it was so wonderful. I felt so proud and big!

It is now over six months that I have been going for the riding lessons at Bensafrim, and Tanja, Sue, and all the helpers, are always there waiting to greet me. I am so very happy to have found a new sport, hobby, activity, and the strength.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me, and a big thank you for the chocolate cake you made for my birthday. Gustavo.”

The local charity, Riding for the Disabled, is appealing for volunteers who can spare some time on Thursdays or Fridays. Here’s one boy’s story about how much the charity has helped him.

“Hello, My name is Gustavo, and I am Portuguese, and live in the town of Lagos. I have just had my 9th birthday. When I was 6-years-old I suffered an accident which left me paralysed from my neck down. After some complicated but successful surgery I regained most of the function of my arms, neck, shoulders and upper body. However, part of my lower body and legs did not recover, so now I am in a wheelchair.

In November, 2013, my parents discovered a local charity called ‘Riding for the Disabled’ (Assoc. de Equitaçâo Adaptada, Barlavento).

They have been helping disabled children and adults for many years. It is basically

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riding horses, but with the help of the right equipment and helpers. I am very fortunate because they have a group of lovely and specially trained volunteers including a fully qualified physiotherapist/hippotherapist and a riding instructor.

So after a morning of assessment with Tanja Rai (the physio/hippotherapist) and Sue Wilson (the riding instructor), and a few training sessions with the volunteers, I was finally ready for my first proper lesson.

I was a little shy, and also did not know what to expect, plus horses are pretty big animals!!!

Anyway, I began my new venture getting closer to my horse, (her name is Penny), and I kept stroking her and letting her get to know me and my wheelchair. THEN – I had to be helped to get on!!!! Tanja and Sue decided to have a special saddle fitted that would

Do you have you a couple of hours spare either on a Thursday or Friday morning – weather and holidays permitting? Riding 4 the Disabled is a very friendly, social group of people, all ages, nationalities and many with NO previous experience with horses.

Regular ongoing training is provided. Please call Frank on 912967870, (English Speaking), Sue on 912351114 (Portuguese speaking), Tanja on 914947313 (German Speaking) or email on rdb-algarve@hotmail.com

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Community

Lagos And Its History Matt D’Arcy Slightly miffed, he sailed down the coast and sacked the fort at Sagres instead!

Photo by: Antonio Sacchetti

But these days the welcome is much, much warmer in this bustling town, which retains its serenity—and sanity!—despite an energetic nightlife and a daily invasion of visitors seeking brief sanctuary from the sunshine in the dozens of restaurants offering quality al fresco breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks.

SOME 97 years before Britain’s first ‘wish you were here’ picture postcard was sent— in 1894—Admiral Lord Nelson’s sailors were writing home (at least, those who could write!) extolling the virtues of the Portuguese seaside town of Lagos.

The nearby beaches are among the Algarve’s best and the rocky headland of Ponta da Piedade is outstandingly beautiful, the colourful fishing boats below now taking tourists through the caves and grottos beneath these soaring cliffs.

Maybe ‘virtues’ is the wrong word.

Over the years the cliffs have eroded into gnarled stone arches and tunnels which separate many tiny coves, all blessed with clean blue waters and some with steps built into the cliffs, such as the lovely beach of Praia Dona Ana.

According to historians the sailors who defeated the Spanish in a battle off Cape St Vincent in 1797 made Lagos a renowned stopover point, as they told their countrymen back home of the wonders of the drinking, and the beautiful local woman, in this lively and bustling little port.

No change there, then!!

Actually, there is a lot more than bars and beaches to this ancient maritime town, which can lay claim to more than 2,000 years of history, at times stormy, at times serene.

These days it is the serenity of Lagos—the name, literally, means ‘Lakes’—which pulls in the visitors and tourists.

It is the enthusiastic praise of academics interested in its history, of gourmets in the excellence of its restaurants (particularly their seafood dishes), of backpackers in its lively nightlife, of golfers in the broad choice of courses around Lagos, and of families in the rich abundance of beaches and entertainment which leap out from the thousands of picture postcards sent back to Britain each year from Lagos.

Now one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Algarve, Lagos was not always so welcoming to its British and Irish visitors.

In 1587, after Portugal fell under Spanish rule, Sir Francis Drake, destroyer of 30 Spanish ships in Cadiz harbour that same year, was forced by the stubborn resistance of the citizens of Lagos to abort his attack on the town.

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For those interested in the maritime attractions of Lagos, the ‘Bom Dia’ offers ‘Jolly Roger’ type ‘booze cruises’ along the coast, there are Dolphin Safaris that can almost guarantee a dazzling display of aquatic acrobatics from these friendly mammals, champagne cruises from the elegant Marina.

Yes, the modern amenities here are legion and the town has a vibrant and youthful feel to it as its 30,000 population doubles, perhaps trebles, in the holiday season.

But the monuments and architecture persuasively seduce us back to the myriad different peoples to settle there and the countless maritime adventures which originated in the town’s impressive natural harbour.

Over the two and a half thousand years of its existence, Lagos has been home to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors, all attracted by the harbour and what it represented in terms of communication, location and therefore power.

The Moors came in the eight century, called the coastal region al-Gharb (hence Algarve) and renamed the town Zawaia (meaning Lago = lake).

The Moors fortified the town and established important trade links. In 1174 the local Wali (leader) gave permission for the construction

of a church of St. John the Baptist outside the town walls—the oldest purpose-built church in the Algarve as opposed to one adapted from a Roman temple.

Today this little church is still outside the main area of the town, by the roundabout on the road north to Lisbon and east to Portimão.

It wasn’t until 1241 that the town was recaptured and the Moors driven out.

In 1415 King João I assembled his fleet in the harbour of Lagos, before setting sail for the siege and conquest of the city of Ceuta in 1415. This was the first move in opening the Arabian world to medieval Europe, and which led to the Age Of Discovery with Portuguese explorers sailing across the whole world.

In fact, historians insist Lagos was at least as important during the Age of Discovery as Cape Canavaral was during the early years of space exploration.

Prince Henry the Navigator, third son of King João I, lived most of the time in Lagos.

From here his caravels, lateen-rigged ships with excellent seafaring capabilities, were built and victualled, and the father of modern global navigation planned and commenced many spectacular expeditions and voyages to the unknown world from his home in Lagos.

It was from here, too, that Vasco de Gama set sail for what was to be his discovery of Brazil.

Europe’s first slave market dating from 1441 and now an art gallery located in Rossio da Trindade, bears witness to a darker chapter in the history of Lagos.

It was to here that the first black slaves to Europe were taken and as the major sponsor of these expeditions, Prince Henry received one fifth of the selling price of the slaves.

For sightseers the ancient city walls are well preserved despite the devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake which destroyed much of the town and caused Lagos to lose its status as capital of the Algarve, in favour of the less affected Faro.

Within these walls, sunset marks the onset of a party atmosphere, with street entertainers and buskers adding colour and sound to the animated atmosphere of a town that knows how to enjoy itself.

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COMMUNITY

Grand celebration at NECI By Bernadete Bishop do Bispo. The Bishop D. Manuel Quintas and Father José Manuel blessed the new facilities and all those working for such a worthy cause.

Lagos Music Academy, accompanied on the piano by Amelia Viegas performed a song created especially for NECI. The lyrics were written by Arcelino Correia, father of one of the clients, keen on poetry; the music was composed by the well know violinist, João Pedro Cunha.

In May the hard work of the NECI team (the local charity which helps people with physical and learning difficulties) culminated in a ceremony for the opening of the new residential home for disabled people. The place was a hive of activities and while everyone was busy with their preparations, I took the opportunity of visiting the new facilities. I wasn’t prepared for the surprise that awaited me; everything was so well done, built to a high standard with care and attention to clients’ needs. There were ample bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen facilities, dining rooms, lounge areas and well equipped medical facilities and the gardens surrounding the building were well groomed.

There was immaculate attention to detail, to the point of having painted tiles signalling each of the rooms and colourful bedcovers specially made by one of the mothers.

The ceremony kicked off with MOTARDS DA PRAIA, a group of local bikers. It was founded 11 years ago, and headed by their president Joaquim Imaginário, always involved in community activities, generating funds for good causes. Their entrance was impressive.

They arrived on their big bikes, each with a client of NECI as pillion passenger, holding a flag of one of the Câmaras involved in helping NECI - Lagos, Vila do Bispo, Aljezur and Luz. After a number of dance performances the plaque of NECI was unveiled by Joaquina Matos, President of Lagos Câmara. Also present were former Lagos president, Júlio Barroso, the President of Aljezur Câmara, José Amarelinho and Adelindo Soares of Vila

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Visitors were impressed by their tour of the residential home and certainly enjoyed the plentiful food and drink made on the premises. A special hit proved to be the three fountains of chocolate, which according to one guest, were both “delicious and fun!”

Fancy a spot of fishing? By Brett Ashmore

Last month saw the VII International ‘Jigging’ Tournament organised by Clube Vela da Lagos.

Jigging is a method of catching fish by means of brightly coloured steel shapes which attract large fish particularly ‘Pargo’ or as we know them ‘Red Snappers’.

Eduarda Santos of NECI thanked the authorities for their support and all the people that work with and for NECI. The director of Faro Social Security Centre, Ofelia Ramos, said that it was ‘a dream come true’ and expressed her appreciation to all involved. The investment had been 650.000 euros and she hoped the facility would open very soon.

The day started at 5am and in all, 17 teams took part with fishermen and women coming from across the Algarve and as far north as Lisbon.

Joaquina Matos echoed these words and reminded everyone present of how the two early pioneers, Eduarda Santos and Prof.

Campos, had worked tirelessly to create what NECI is today. She thanked everyone and made a special mention of the help the foreign community had given NECI over the years.

She felt that the present celebration was an appropriate way to close the commemorations of the 40th anniversary of the 25th of April.

The current record of 22kg is for a female fish, the male of the species is known to be much larger and heavier. We live in hope.

The colourful balloons released into the blue sky by the youngsters of NECI during the ceremony was a moment of joy and hope, sending their wishes and thanks to the world.

Fishing ranges from bottom fishing, shark, snapper, and marlin amongst many.

Costs vary depending on how you fish and who you fish with but usually it’s cheaper to fish for the day than a round of golf and you often get to eat what you catch.

All eyes were on the world record and hopes of beating it still create great conversations amongst the fishing fraternity.

Club Vela, is the sailing club of Lagos and children and adults alike can lean to sail small but fast racing dinghies amongst other things. The fishing club is part of Club Vela and we would welcome any newcomer into the club.

September sees the Marlin or ‘Big Game Tournament’, last year some 150 Marlin were captured and released. Stories have been told of fishermen travelling the world in search of Marlin yet they are here on our doorstep, all be it for a short period.

It’s an amazing buzz to see one of these huge creatures leap from the water.

For more information please go to the Club Vela web page or e-mail lecas_Sport_fishing@hotmail.co.uk.

We are not a professional fishing boat, it’s purely for the love of the sport.

Tight lines to all.

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COMMUNITY

The final push By Pat Allen I have had such a marvellous response to the ‘Dress the Bombeiros’ campaign and there have been some wonderful events to attend during it.

I need to thank the Heathers, Louise and Barbara for the coffee mornings (and some wonderful cakes!) as well as Elvis, Boa Vista CRAFT golfers, Rosie and Laurie with the Boa Vista Walkers, Nigel, Ron, Phil, Elizabeth and the Western Algarve Choir for the great night of Sounds of the 60’s, Maureen for the Table-top sale and some very generous donors who I won’t mention in case they wish to remain anonymous – they know who they are! And of course ‘Tomorrow’ magazine – a jolly good read – for helping to spread the word so well. A massive THANK YOU to you all from me and the Bombeiros.

Now, the final fund-raiser is here and Vivienne has generously donated two original water colours of boats in Weymouth Harbour by the artist Liz McLean. Both are framed and one is 44 x 49cm, the other 39 x 46cm. They are beautifully painted with lots of detail and will bring years of pleasure to the new owners. I will be selling tickets at only €5 each for a raffle to be held on July 12th. However, if someone wants to make me a good offer for one of them, that will also be taken into consideration. You are welcome

Bombeiros By Pedro Oliveira Being the fire chief in Lagos is not for the faint-hearted. We sent our reporter Pedro Oliveira to meet Paulo Jorge Reis to find out more about the challenges he faces.

Paulo Jorge Reis, a councillor at Câmara Municipal de Lagos, was appointed commander of Lagos fire brigade six years ago, after a long career as a fire fighter. The job does not have a salary - in line with the organisation’s voluntary spirit. But it comes with big responsibilities and requires a high level of commitment.

Paulo joined the brigade as a volunteer fire fighter in 1984. He had friends in the service and the thought of providing a service to the community appealed to him.

Three decades on, as fire chief, he says his main challenges are building a strong relationship with the team and persuading more young people to sign up as volunteers.

On top of that, he and the rest of the service have to cope with an ever-changing range of events and situations every day. The fire service and the people who work for it have also changed over time. The fire fighters themselves, for example, are educated to a

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to come and view them before making your offer or to buy your €5 ticket.

I was shocked to hear that the crew needed new flashing lights for 3 ambulances and my contact had ordered those as a necessity and hoped I did not mind. Surely something the government should provide, we may think, but no – each team has to buy their own replacements. She was going to order less clothing to make up for this – but, with all your generosity, I have told her to just add it to my bill and we can cover it.

I will add here that I buy essential items with money raised and do not hand over cash. I feel happier that way where I can see where the money goes instead of it just being in a general pot. And although I deal with Lagos Bombeiros, the task force that this has been raised for, it is not confined to this area – they go to any major incident, mainly in the Algarve, but also throughout Portugal if needed.

So far we have bought gloves, masks and helmets and shirts – they already have trousers and boots – but they now want to order one final article for these brave volunteers – fire shelters.

Should a fire surround the person, they lay flat on the ground and pull this fireproof shelter over themselves and lie there until

much higher level – most of them up to high school and many to university.

Fire brigade facts Every day, 24 hours a day, the fire brigade is ready to: » tackle urban and forest fires » transport sick patients for treatment or therapy » respond to medical emergencies (this is the service that responds to 112 calls) It responds to an average of 350 emergency calls a month.

Lagos Fire Brigade has 30 permanent fireman and 86 volunteers, 12 of them women. The volunteers get 4.5 Euros for 12 hours on duty, on top of a payment to help cover their breakfast.

They commit to 12 hours of service every week.

The payment goes up to 30 Euros if they are involved in fighting a fire at brigade level.

Each volunteer goes through 1 1⁄2 years of training, ending in six months working with a fire fighting team alongside a tutor.

Since June 1, a seven-strong team of fire fighters has been on permanent duty, ready to respond to emergencies with two vehicles - one with a crew of five and their equipment, and the other vehicle with a water tank and

the fire passes over their bodies. What a very scary thing to happen – I cannot imagine the terror of having to rely on this for your life whilst the flames overtake you.

It looks very like a vegetable cloche and it is carried in a backpack. We are hoping for 20 of these but they are around €250 each so I am pooling our money with another group to try and get these too.

Hopefully a wonderful reader of ‘Tomorrow’ magazine will come up with a good donation for one of these well-painted original pictures and that this last raffle will raise enough to enable the 20 fire-shelters to be bought.

Contact me, Pat Allen, to view the pictures or with an outright amount you could pay for one. Or even just to buy a ticket - you might just be the lucky one! This is the final push and where the campaign ends – final date July 12th. And next month you will know how successful we have been in all our tremendous efforts during the last 6 weeks.

Donations can still be added to the account at Credito Agricola, Luz IBAN: PT50 0045 7191 4018 8770 5586 1 in the name of Patricia Mary Allen (Fundo para Bombeiros).

Help me to help them who help you. Tel: 282-697-548 e-mail: patallen@sapo.pt

two fire fighters. From July 1st, a second team of seven men and two vehicles will also be on constant alert.

As soon as a team arrives at the scene of a fire, the leader passes back details to the fire brigade and the Faro CDOS (district centre for emergency operations) allowing them to mobilise whatever services and equipment is needed to cope with the situation. If necessary, there are three helicopters on hand to cover the Algarve.

In the case of forest fires, fire teams from the two other nearest brigades are called in to respond, along with a helicopter. Forest fires, particularly ones in remote areas, can pose some of the brigade’s toughest challenges.

The fire brigade gets it funding from the central national protection government agency and the Municipal Câmara.

That is all complemented by highly appreciated and important donations raised by organisations, friends and events including the concerts over the last 10 years by the Quintessence Band and the fundraising lunches every four months by the “Lunch Bunch Ladies”.

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COMMUNITY

Readers’ Letters...

Last month we ran a front page story about the new kiosks popping up on the Avenida in Lagos which had sparked fury amongst some local residents. Thank you to all those people that got in touch to tell us their reaction to the kiosks.

Here’s a flavour of the correspondence we had.

Apologies that we could not use all of your letters and emails. Please keep them coming – on any subject – by emailing tomorroweditorial@gmail.com

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

People who live on the Algarve and its many visitors have always regarded Lagos as being a bit up market from some of the other resorts along the coast and still retaining some of its Portuguese heritage.

I think the kiosks are very attractive, adding interest and fun for the tourists. Presumably they are only temporary and the protesters need to appreciate the innovative ideas of Lagos Câmara.

I just happened to pick up your magazine, for the first time on Friday morning of last week when I was in Mr Martins’ shop while he was sorting out my TV reception. His is exactly the kind of family run business that are still alive and well in Lagos.

The tourists will spend money which all adds to the commercial viability and as for the kiosks providing shelter, perhaps that will be appreciated when, on the odd occasion, heavy rain lashes down and there is no other shelter. Lagos is a holiday resort and needs to please the tourists.

When I got home to Alcalar and read your piece on the “temporary” kiosks along the corniche beside the river I was a little surprised and rattled on a bit to my wife about the usual “falling standards” etc. The morning after I had to return to Lagos and took much more notice than usual while driving along the corniche.

All in favour, Local resident.

Dear Editor,

Operation Safe Summer The GNR and PSP are now kicking off their annual Safe Summer Operation which will last until September 15th, according to the Safe Communities Algarve Newsletter.

The aim is to ensure a targeted and more effective police coverage and to increase the safety of residents which means extra patrols over the summer period.

This is particularly so at beaches and local resorts where there are more tourists, to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves in a climate of security and tranquillity. The need to maintain and strengthen surveillance at all resorts along the national coastline, as well as control of movement of nationals and foreigners, requires the policing effort is properly structured.

This is a national programme extending from north to south including the Azores and Madeira. The GNR undertake this work using its special units (Intervention Unit, Unit for Security and Honours State and Unit National Traffic).

Lagos Câmara - get real.

I was quite taken aback that the lovely riverside walk had been turned into a street market. Perhaps on a Saturday morning and only then it may be acceptable, but it is difficult to see why when there is so much space for selling pitches along by the bus station.

A daily market with all the accompanying hassle stretching right along the riverside is a great way for the town to make its holiday makers go elsewhere, not a clever move!!

Frank Watson, Alcalar

Floresta Parque club champions Floresta Parque Golf Club held their annual Club Championship on Sunday 15th June.

Our congratulations go to Michael Abbot who won the Men’s competition and our resident health and fitness writer, Ann de Jongh won the Ladies.

Picture from left to right: Michael Abbot, Bob Hart Floresta Parque Golf Club Captain and Ann de Jongh.

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Look after the homeless, care for the poor and disadvantaged, and please teach responsibility to the democratically elected council - that means you.

Then teach the traders to be aware of problems that may arise from doing something on the cheap leading to corruption, irresponsibility and tackiness.

With respect, Elizabeth Shaper.

Over the summer the GNR also gives special attention to the monitoring of forest areas to minimize the occurrence of fires and it also reminds the public to be extra vigilant when it comes to forest fires.

This programme, which started in 2007, also aims to support the population during the summer by providing greater security in homes, through intensive patrolling while owners are away. If you wish to join the programme by registering your property before leaving for a vacation please register using contact points below.

For those who are registered with the GNR Safe Residents Programme simply contact your GNR SRP team.

More details of this programme in English can be found on the SCA website. www. safecommunitiesalgarve.com This service can be requested over the internet using the Ministry of Internal Administration website or through an application with the GNR or PSP in your area.

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

Silves Medieval Fair

Step back in time for the 11th year running at the annual Silves Medieval Fair. It’s an event that is so popular it attracts thousands of visitors from around the world year after year.

You are invited to join in the fun and get into the medieval spirit by renting a costume. You can wander through the streets lined with stalls and places to eat.

There is entertainment ranging from jugglers and veiled dancers to snake charmers and acrobats are on every corner. Parades of noble men and ladies in fine clothes complete the fabulous atmosphere that this festival is renowned for.

The Medieval Fair takes place from August 8th right through until August 17th opening each evening at 6pm.

Theatre in the Garden Silver Mask Theatre Group is to perform again on July 4th at 9 pm.

Jackie O’Grady, the group’s artistic director, and her troupe bring a new play to their loyal fans.

“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell is an elegantly presented crime thriller full of irony and suspense and it absolutely will not disappoint. Macabre set, and dramatic makeup destabilise the audiences’ perception of reality. It’s a one act play that lasts for 30 minutes with live music to follow.

The performance will be staged in the tropical beer garden of O’Gradys 12 Bar near

Silves, encouraging easy access to the event and an informal, friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy the fun.

Entrance is €5 which includes a drink (wine, beer and water) or €12 which includes drink and dinner 7.30 for 8 pm (Tasmanian Seafood Chowder, Chicken/Veggie Curry or Chilli/c Carne). Coffees and puddings can be ordered after the play.

If you give your e-mail to Jackie you will be advised of all drama and music events at the bar in a weekly newsletter. Come along, see the play, meet the cast and make new friends! Diners please reserve! info@ogradys12bar.com Tel. 910232842

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SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE

A straight line to Alvor By Liz Duplock

“Wave goodbye to Lagos!” shouts Pedro, our skipper, as he navigates our boat through a neat circle of joy at the mouth of the harbour, marking the opportunity to pick up some speed. We carve into the turquoise waters of the bay as Pedro continues and as he shouts, “A straight line to Alvor!” we propel forwards.

The ‘DAYS OF ADVENTURE’ ‘taxi’ service to Alvor is at a practical level just that, a quick and easy way to reach a picturesque fishing town which isn’t so easily accessible by road. As an experience though it is so much more, a chance to be right out in the immense bay of Lagos and see a panoramic view with the welcomingly abrupt cooling sea air relieving the intensity of a summer’s day. The passage into Alvor is simply beautiful as our skipper skillfully weaves between sandbank islands that come and go with the tide, through an estuary untouched by tourism and wild with natural flowers.

There are many reasons to go to Alvor, the scenic boardwalks with the estuary on one side and the ocean on the other.

Further activities, kayaking, paddle boarding, or boat trips with Days of Adventure. The beach is a beautiful cliff framed bay. You can arrange a trip to one of the estuary’s transient islands, or simply wander around the quaint fishing town. For us however, it was a sardine fix and I can thoroughly recommend Ze Morgadinho at the harbor’s edge, brightly coloured, honestly priced and bursting with Portuguese atmosphere.

We weren’t ready to leave Alvor at all; luckily neither were our skippers Pedro and Daniel who gave us an extra tour of the estuary, a protected natural area, on our way out. Inevitably though the time came to say ‘Goodbye to Alvor’ with another tightly navigated victory spin, and ‘straight line back to Lagos!’

‘Taxi’ boats to Alvor run from the Lagos Marina six times daily from 9.30am, with six return times, the latest being 17.15.

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A single fare is €10 per person each way.

Book your return though at the same time as your outward journey to be assured of a seat on the boat back. Our boat had a 10-person capacity but larger boats can be used if the demand warrants.

For further information go to www.daysofadventure.com or call (00351) 282 181 282 to enquire. Or alternatively book directly online at their website, or with any agent or hotel. Don’t forget you can of course do the trip in reverse if coming from Alvor to Lagos.

A Thrill in the Air

By Lena Strang

Batman flew one, so did James Bond and Mad Max had several encounters with one. The Gyrocopter has caught the imagination of many authors and filmmakers over the years. Developed in 1923 as a safe light aircraft with a stall-proof rotor, it has an extraordinary history. To the delight of air sports enthusiasts, it is no longer a flight of fancy but is becoming a popular aircraft for recreational flying. And what’s more, it is now possible to fly one in Lagos!

Kevin Robinson, a British flying instructor and examiner, is responsible for bringing the ‘Gyrocopter Experience’ to the Algarve three years ago. Part of a large European chain of independent schools, it operates at the Lagos Aerodrome. Having 30 years of aviation experience in different parts of the world, Kevin makes clear why conditions in the Algarve are ideal.

“The weather is perfect. It is the best aircraft for the conditions here. It is very manoeuvrable and can also withstand turbulence so it’s possible to fly all year round. Its open design allows you to see clearly without any hindrance.”

The two seater tandem gyrocopter is renowned for its stability. This is due to the gyroscopic effect of the rotor blades creating a self-levelling platform. A separate propeller gives forward thrust. It only needs a short take off distance and can land in a very small space.

What is it that makes it so safe? Kevin explains: “If the engines do stop for some

reason, it makes no difference. We will simply descend as the wind is still going through the rotors and we are able to fully manoeuvre the aircraft and decide where to land.”

The gyrocopter has played an interesting role in history. Amelia Earhart, the American aviation pioneer who was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, also broke a record in 1931 in an autogyro, attaining the women’s world altitude record of 5,613 m.

During World War 2, the Germans developed a small gyro glider, towed by U-boats to provide aerial surveillance. The British used an autogyro to calibrate coastal radar stations during and after the Battle of Britain. The Japanese Army was in on the act too, developing it for reconnaissance, artillery spotting and anti-submarine uses.

The person who has inspired Kevin the most, is undoubtedly Wing Commander Kenneth Wallis, a charismatic figure who led an exciting life. As a wartime bomber pilot he flew 28 missions over Germany and later became a key figure in the development of the autogyo, attaining 34 world records. He made his mark in Hollywood by flying “Little Nellie” as Sean Connery’s stunt double in the 1967 James Bond film ‘You Only Live Twice’. “He died last year at the age of 97 and only stopped flying two years before – still holding eight of the world records!” Kevin marvels, “He is the person we all look up to.”

Why haven’t we heard much about gyrocopter flying as a sporting activity?

While it has been used commercially for reconnaissance, aerial surveying and military purposes, it is only in the last ten years that it has become more widely available for sport aviation. “Previously you had to build the machine yourself which was very complicated. Now a factory in Germany produces them. They make ten a week and sell them all over the world,” Kevin says.

The school offers full time training from Monday to Friday. All instruction is in accordance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards, with a minimum of 40 hours of flying required for a Pilot’s Licence. Air Experience Flights from 15 minutes up to an hour are offered for visitors wanting to add that special thrill to their holiday.

And for Kevin, flying the iconic aircraft in the setting of the western Algarve is special. “I have flown in many places around the world, but the Algarve still

Your guide to fun in the sun provides one of the most stunning locations I have experienced. It’s a privilege to be able to fly amongst such wonderful scenery and even better that I can share this experience with everyone.”

Eat your heart out, James Bond – we can all now go for a spin in the air too! www.gyrocopterexperience.com/algarve

Fun for Kids (And Grown-Ups) By mydestination.com/algarve

The Algarve has a great reputation as an excellent family destination. As any parent knows, the secret to a great family holiday is keeping the kids happy so here’s a list of some fun things to do this summer.

Zoomarine Even if you aren’t travelling with children, you should still visit Zoomarine. The Algarve’s biggest attraction, the park has shows, rides, slides and pools galore.

Focused on environmental education and with a well-reputed rehabilitation centre for marine life, at Zoomarine you can enjoy dolphin and sea lion shows, see birds of prey in action, and learn about marine ecosystems as well as having a very good time. At the Dolphin Emotions centre you can participate in the Dolphin Interaction programme - the only one in Europe, which is guaranteed to give you great memories.

guarantee hours of family fun. Look for Slide and Splash, Aqualand and Aquashow.

Fiesa Sand Sculpture Festival This annual festival runs from May to October, with a different theme each year. Using up to 40,000 tonnes of sand and billed as the largest sand sculpture festival in the world, this is an entertaining way to spend a few hours.

Lovely during the day (a bit hot, but ideal to truly appreciate the skill) at night Fiesa is magical, with lovely lighting effects, a bar and snack bar, occasional live music and a very relaxed vibe. The theme this year is music. Entrance fee is around €7.

Beach Day Quite simply, a beach day in the Algarve cannot be beaten! With so many fabulous beaches to choose from, the hardest part of the day is deciding where to go.....Slap on some sunscreen, pack the spades and buckets and off you go. Head for scenic, cove beaches like Praia da Marinha for photo opportunities, search the beach at Salema for dinosaur footprints (honestly) or chill at a chic beach club. Wherever you go, please heed the lifeguards’ indications and always, always keep your eyes on the children while swimming.

Algarve. In Olhão there is an indoor track - the largest in Europe, there is a pretty impressive outdoor track at Almancil, and another fabulous karting track near Portimão, adjacent to the International Race Track, home to world championships and Superbike competitions.

Get Active Across the Algarve there are so many activities available, particularly during the summer months. Check out the local tennis clubs. At the marinas ask about surf schools and sailing schools. Do a bit of horse-riding - there are centres all across the region offering lessons and guided treks through the countryside or on the beach. There is an Adventure Park in Albufeira where adults and kids get to go around a high ropes course. At Praia da Rocha beach, near the marina, each summer there is a full programme of beach activities - volleyball, hydro gymnastics, yoga, surf try outs and even scuba try dives. Best of all, many of these activities are totally free of charge! www.mydestination.com/algarve

Scuba Diving

By Thelma Howes

Children’s Life Sciences Centres Kids love to get involved and that’s exactly what they can do at the Centros de Ciências Vivas in Faro and Lagos. There are plenty of interactive exhibitions and experiments to awaken curiosity. The centres are inspired

by Portugal’s rich seafaring past and give a nod to renewable energy. Very good value for a few hours’ fun. A family ticket (2 adults and 6! children) costs €8.

Boat Trips While they might not want to stay still for too long, most children really enjoy boat trips. The adventure of boarding, hoisting the anchors and riding the waves while trying to spot pirates on the horizon usually goes down very well. Add in a trip through the caves and secret grottoes of the coastline aboard a small boat and a BBQ lunch on a private beach and you should have a very happy tribe at the end of the day.

Country picnics Turn your back on the ocean for a few hours and discover the beauties of inland and rural Algarve. In the West, head uphill to Monchique where you can enjoy some great country walks and find some lovely scenic picnic spots. At the Fontes de Estombar (natural springs) you can follow trails along the River Arade, do a spot of bird-watching and fire up the barbeque for lunch while the children enjoy the playground. To the East, the Pego do Inferno, near Tavira is spectacularly beautiful - a waterfall, rock pools, rich vegetation and picnic areas galore.

Water Parks It’s hard to beat a day slipping and sliding around a water park in the sunshine.

The Algarve has some great parks that

Karting If your kids feel the need, the need for speed, then karting is an option. There are no less than 3 locations for karting in the

Very few visitors to Lagos know that there is a 50 metre outdoor swimming pool at the Blue Ocean Divers base in the grounds of the Motel Ancora.

Elmar and the other trainers use this pool to help you start your first PADI qualification. I cannot praise them highly enough for their care and safety conscious way of teaching their students.

My teenage children both learnt with John and Elmar. My daughter caught the bug and used her training to do diving conservation work on Tioman Island, in Malaysia. A Dive Master card was my son’s ultimate achievement and he has since dived in the Mexican cenotes, the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea and many more places. If you have the feeling that you would like to learn or if you already have a PADI, Advanced Diver etc. then you will enjoy the excursions to dive sites along the coast.

A friendly and informal dive centre with all the right equipment! For more information please go to their website www.blue-ocean-divers.de or email info@blue-ocean-divers.eu or please call 964 665 667.

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24 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

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WHAT’S ON - Weekly calendar Please email for.tomorrow@hotmail.com with details of events you want included in our monthly calendar - IT’s FREE OF CHARGE Weekly Any day-Horse Riding for Beginners | All ages - €15

Tuesdays (Continued...)

10am

Call Gail for times and more info: 917758404

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

Summer Swim - Yvonne | 3x p/Week | 917 953 914 €20 Members €25 non members | Boavista Golf Resort

Life drawing classes with Kasia | Beginners & professional artists | €10 p/session | 916 035 308 Weekly Services: Sundays 8am & 11.30, and Thursday 10am | St. Vincent’s Anglican Church, Praia da Luz

Monthly 11, 14 & 25 July

Chanting Circle Mantras & Songs | 962 962 410

10.30am 12.30pm

Hatha Yoga with Claire | €7 drop in, €6 reg.

Monte Rosa Barao S. Joao | 965292540 Stain Glass Classes with Dianne | €10 | Espiche 919 117 108 | & Thursday 2-4pm | (& Thurs)

10.30am -12pm

Yoga Classes with Ann: 913 202 621 | €8 | Burgau (& Thurs)

12.30am - 2pm

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

6 - 7pm 6.30 - 7.30pm

Circuit Class: Lagos, Shinobi Academy | 916 033 004 Urban Freestyle Dance with Sander | 282764224 Kapa Dois Center, Lagos

7pm

Singing with Brendan | 1st class FREE | 969870371

8.30pm - late

Live music: Luis bar, Lagos | 282 769 147 (& Thur/ Fri)

11 & 25 July: 6.30pm - 8pm, Burgau

Wednesdays

14th July : 11am - 12.30pm, Bombeiros, Aljezur Rios @ No: 2,Praia da Luz - 914 097 006

Fri 11th July Sat 12th July Sun 13th July Sat18th July 28th July 8th August

8.30-12pm - Live Music from Ashleen World Cup Final

Dance Workshop | Move-Ment Dance School, Burgau

Open Door: Open Door...for everyone to pop in International Community Church, Lagos | 282 086 804

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

€9 | Pilates Room Lagos | pilatesroomlagos.com

6 - 8.30pm

Yoga Classes with João | €9 | Casa Sakra, Lagos

6.15pm

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

10am - 12pm

Pilates Classes with Lisa: Call 933 714 178

10am - 12pm

Zumba Class with Linda: Call 918 461 840

6.30 - 8pm 8pm-Late 9.30pm 9.30pm- Late (& Sat)

€6 | Alma Verde | www.almaverde.com

5.30 - 7pm

Swimming Club for over 7’s with Yvonne | €20 p/m Boavista Golf Resort | 917 953 914

7.30 - 9pm 6.30 - 7.30pm

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 Wendy & Adam | The Galley, Luz | 282 769 063 Quiz Night | McCabe’s Irish Bar, Lagos | 915 820 215 Late Karaoke | Luis Bar Lagos | 282 769 147

Thursdays

Football Academy 10-15yrs: Burgau Sports Centre Tel: 282 697 350 | €4

6 - 7pm

Zumba with Monica | €5 | Spa Santo António, Budens | 915038184 Ladies Golf & Coffee Morning with PGA Professional Peter Lester | €25 | Espiche Golf | 282 688 250

Children 4-16yrs | Call Vanessa: 913 832 335

Call: 91 541 0702/ info@casasakra.com

Silent Meditation | Barao S. Miguel | 965 292 540

10am

8.30-12pm - Disco (music from the last 40 years!!)

Mondays

9 - 10.30am

9.30 - 10.30am

9pm- World Cup - 3rd Place Game

www.move-mentdanceschool.com

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

8.45am

Capoeira: Kapa Dois Center, Lagos | 282764224 Teen Jazz: Move-Ment Dance School, Lagos 913832335 | www.move-mentdanceschool.com

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)

9.30- 10.30am 10am

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

11 - 12pm

NIA Dance & Fitness | €7 Alma Verde | 965768891

2pm 3- 5pm (& Tues)

8.30am - 1pm & Thurs

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

9.30 - 12.30am

Art Group | €15 | Barao S. Joao | 912 266 835

9.30- 10.30am

Pilates - Monica | €5 | Spa Santo António | 915038184

26 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

Yoga for Backs | Barao S. Joao | 965292540 Aura Reading | € 60 | InLight, Lagos | 96 843 81 68

3-7pm & Wed

E-Drum Lessons with Wale | Lagos | 282764224

4.30 -6.30pm

Mixed Dance | Dance School, Lagos | 913832335

5.30 - 7pm

Tuesdays 7.30-8.30am & Thurs Zazen Meditation | Nr Barão S. João | 919 718 955

Bodypush with Monica: Parque da Floresta, Budens €5 | Call 915038184

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

6pm

Pilates with Lisa | Burgau Sports Centre | 282 697 350

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

7.30pm

Touch Rugby | Burgau Sports Centre | Call: 933713867

WHAT’S ON

F&C-Tomorrow 12-05-2014_F&C Tomorrow 12/05/14 09:35 Page 1

Fridays 10am (&Tues)

Hatha Yoga with Puck | InLight, Lagos | 965676144

11am - 12pm

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

11am - 12pm

Poweryoga with Lucienne | Hotel Boavista, 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

5:30 - 6:30pm

Modern Jazz Dance | Lagos | 282764224

6 - 7 pm 6.45-7.45pm 6 - 7.30pm 7.30 - 9.15pm

Salsa & Latin moves with Rosita | €5 (trial class) Marina Club Hotel, Lagos | 916718513 Adult 5-A-Side Football | Burgau Sports Centre €3 | 282 697 350 Kirtan (Mantras) Circle | 914 523 636 | Figueira Karaoke | Windies, Praia da Luz | 961736455

9pm

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

(& Sat)

Karaoke | Bar Paris | Lagos | 918 660 457 Live Music | Lighthouse, Marina Lagos | 282 762 115

Saturdays 10 - 11am

Dance Morning | Burgau Sports Centre 913832335 | www.move-mentdanceschool.com

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

10 - 11.30 pm

Yoga with Karuna | InLight, Lagos | 913127421 Live Music | Barroca, Luz | 282 762 799

Sundays 12.30

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Meditation Time | Casa Sakra, Lagos | 915410702

9pm

10pm - 1.30am

INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Jazz Lunch | Fortaleza Da Luz | 912 511 196

8.30pm

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

6th, 13th, 20th & 27th - 3.30pm

Live chilled music, different bands | 925 167 463 Tomik, Burgau

From 9pm

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

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www.fineandcountry.com.pt Facebook: TomorrowAlgarve | 27

WHAT’S ON

The world of dolls!

Super Supper Club

An exhibition of over 300 dolls from around the world is taking place in Lagos. The dolls are from Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Korea and the United States. Some of them date back to the 1930s. The event is taking place on the First flor of the Paços do Concelho, Praça Gil Eanes.. The entrance fee is €2 for adults and one for children. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday – 10am until 8pm and on Saturdays between 5pm to 8pm.

Another successful Supper Club night was held on June 10th. It was the last of the season and what a fun evening it was.

Summer sing-a-longs The choir had a great time performing at the Almadena Hall last month as part of a hugely successful and enjoyable fundraising event for the local bombeiros.

You can see the recordings of our performance on our Youtube site ‘The Western Algarve Choir’.

We are now looking forward to our summer season which will include singing master classes as well as a return to the outdoor rehearsals and mini-performances that we held last summer - look out for us around Luz and Almadena over the next couple of months and please feel free to either sit and enjoy our singing or (even better) join in with us if you fancy a sing-a-long!

The Western Algarve Choir are an allinclusive choir with no auditions or previous singing experience necessary, and a strong emphasis on singing for fun. For more information about joining or bookings, please contact choir leader Elizabeth Roberts on: elizabeth_roberts15@hotmail.com

Open air art Barão de São João once again becomes an open air art gallery this summer with 16 local painters, sculptors and photographers taking part.

The exhibition opened at the end of June and continues throughout the summer. The main exhibits of paintings, sculptures and photographs are near the church although work will be presented along the main streets and in cafes and at other locations for people to discover. There are large parking areas at either end of the village.

28 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

There was a buffet starting with mixed couvert then the main which included a variety of cold salads, pizzas, quiches and hot chicken curry with rice. The pudding choices included chocolate cake, strawberry cheesecake and a mixed cheese board with fruit.

The Supper Club nights are organised by ‘Tomorrow’ to bring together people who maybe alone for whatever reasons. Over the last few months the events have helped people make new friends and brought people together to chat over really great food at a great price. The next Supper Club will be on Tuesday September 9th at 7.30pm at the International Café in Lagos. Make sure you book by calling 913 733 684.

Supper night music review by Ray Gilman:We were marvellously entertained at the Tomorrow Supper party at The International Café by singer/guitarist Pietro. Hailing from Cambridge, with an Italian father, Pietro is a marvellous old-school troubadour, either picking out gentle folk tunes and swinging sweetly or turning up the volume and belting out rock and pop standards from the sixties to the noughties.

Many of us couldn’t help but get up and have a bop!

With something of a speciality in Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel songs (and a lot else besides) Pietro is definitely ‘a poet and a one-man-band’ - and one to look out for as he performs iin Lagos and surrounding areas over the summer.

Dance World Cup The Dance World Cup comes to Portugal this month. This year’s international dance competition is being held in Arade in the Algarve from Sunday June 29th to Saturday July 5th 2014, and will welcome over 3,000 children and young people aged 4 to 25 years of age to take part in the event.

Competitors from 20 different countries, including Australia, England, Germany, Japan, Malaysia and Portugal, will delight audiences with their dances, ranging from ballet to hip hop and Jazz dance, as well as modern, song and dance and national dancing.

The Dance World Cup is organised by a team of dance experts in Jersey. It is thought to be the largest dance competition in the world, for students who attend private dance schools.

The event is open to the public and there will be two gala evening performances featuring the winners of the various classes. The Under 13’s Gala will be on Wednesday July 2nd and the finale will be on July 5th.

For information about buying tickets please go to www.dwcworld.com

Arabian Nights The annual Moorish Fair returns to Faro from July 2nd until July 6th. For five nights the Vila Adentro area of Faro will be transformed into a Moorish village with a giant souk - a traditional Arabian market place where you can enjoy typical food of the Middle East with live belly dance shows, music,

workshops and stalls selling typical produce such as crafts, oils, and spices. Enjoy this opportunity to see at first hand the culture of Arabia, its ancient traditions and customs.

The fair opens each evening at 7pm and closes at midnight.

History buffs A Short History of Portuguese Music is a talk being given by Virgílio Melo on July 15th at 6pm at the Municipal Library in Lagoa. It’s just one of the events that have been organised by the Algarve History Association this month. Peter Kingdon

Booker will be giving a talk entitled ‘The British Presence in the Portuguese Empire’ on July 22nd at 6pm at the Municipal Library in Lagoa and on July 25th at 11am at the Municipal Library in Tavira.

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WHAT’S ON

Laughter and tears An opera night concert is being staged in Lagoa on July 26th at 9.30pm. Ideias do Levante – Associação Cultural de Lagoa (Algarve), in partnership with Municipality of Lagoa (Algarve) is presenting “Opera Night Laughter and Tears”.

Carla Pontes (soprano, www.carlapontes. info), Francisco Brazão (bass-baritone), and Cristiana Silva (pianist) will be taking part in the event. The show is entirely composed of opera scenes which contrast comic and tragic opera through the staging of arias and duets from important operas by Donizetti, Puccini, Bellini, Verdi e Bizet.

The auditorium seats 300 people, and the show will be narrated by Paulo Segurado in Portuguese and in English.

The concert is recommended for adults and children over 12 years old. The ticket price is

Fabulous Fiesa Rock out in sand this summer at the amazing sand sculpture exhibition which is held annually in the Algarve. The theme this year is Music so when you head to the event prepare to see some of your musical idols carved out in sand. 40,000 tonnes of sand is transformed into towering sculptures.

Carved by a group of artists from various parts of the world, the pieces displayed reproduce, in a creative way, people, objects and scenes depicting the music. The exhibition is presented in an area of 15,000 m2, with some sculptures that reach twelve metres.

The musical styles of various countries of the world, the origins of music and musical expression combined with other art forms

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8 euros for the public in general, and there is a special reduced ticket price of 5 euros for Ideias do Levante associates, children and teenagers under 18, over 65s, as well as for the bearers of “Cartão Jovem”, LagoaSocial, and of the “Passaporte Cultural de Lagoa”.

Please buy tickets from the ticket office in Convento de S. José, Lagoa (Tel. 282 380 473), or at Auditório Municipal de Lagoa on the day from 8pm. The ticket office (in Convento de S. José) is open from Tuesday to Friday (except bank holidays), from 9.30 until 12.30 and from 2.00pm until 5.30pm.

More information about this project may be found at www.operanight.info More information about the association may be found atwww.ideiasdolevante.net, or by phone through its secretary (Tel. 282 010 080), who is available from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and the month of August), from 6pm to 8pm.

such as dance, opera, circus, theatre and film, are the themes that inspire the nearly seventy different scenes in sand.

This year FIESA explores new ways of interacting with the public through sand sculpture activities, games depicting the sculptures, outdoors video projections about the construction of FIESA editions and other spectacles.

The festival can be seen by day or by night when the sculptures are illuminated by colourful lights.

FIESA 2014 exhibition is open to the public every day between May 25 and October 25: Between the end of June and September 15 it is open from 10am until midnight. www.fiesa.org

Get golfing

After months and months of hard work and perseverance the new Pro-Putting Garden has opened in Lagos on the top of the underground car park Anel Verde just outside the city walls.

It was definitely worth the wait.

The Pro-Putting Garden has been set up

by Ricky and Vera Gatland and it really is fantastic. It’s located almost next to the Skate Park and the No Stress Café.

It is a great new addition to the local amenities and a real plus for tourists.

Without a doubt, it really is a must visit.

It will be open every day from 10am until 10pm with special prices for senior citizens and groups of 10 or more. It is also available for private functions, team building events and birthday parties etc.

So why not go along and take a look.

You’ll be more than pleasantly surprised.

Call 282 789 342 to make your booking. www.proputtinggarden.com

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WHAT’S ON

Travelling with the Winds By Lena Strang Operators Licence,” she explains, “It’s demanding because you are responsible for the lives of other people.”

She has flown extensively in Portugal, clocking up countless of hours in the skies above the Algarve and the Alentejo and has also crisscrossed the rest of the country.

“Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe to practise this kind of sport,” she enthuses. Helena is also a microlight pilot and there are days when she spends more time up there than down here.

“Live your dream and enjoy the real ballooning adventure in the blue skies of Portugal” is the motto of ‘Algarve Balloons’, based at Lagos Aerodrome. And to judge from the reaction of many who have done just that, it is quite an experience.

“It was pure magic…ethereal and dreamlike. The scenery was gorgeous and Helena and her professional team made the trip comfortable, welcoming and relaxed,” said a recent visitor to Lagos who took to the skies.

Helena Sá, the hot air balloon pilot based at the Aerodrome, offers flights to visitors and residents alike. ‘Algarve Balloons’ is one of only three operators in Portugal. “We are not the biggest in the country but we are the best in the west,” Helena smiles,” We want to give people the ‘real’ ballooning experience and avoid flying big balloons. It’s the more exclusive approach you’ll get here!”

The balloon used in Lagos caters for 3 to 4 people but if there is a request from a bigger group, her counterpart in the Alentejo will help out as they have larger balloons with capacity for up to 21 people. Helena explains that the three operators work well together. “Last year we had a booking for 70 passengers. We all joined together and had to contract balloons and pilots from Spain.”

Wow! I imagine it must be a real feast for the eyes with such a multitude of colourful balloons floating in the sky.

Helena confirms that flying a hot air balloon takes a lot of skill, practice and perseverance. She started flying balloons in her native South Africa in 1991 and ten years later obtained her UK commercial pilot’s licence. To date she has amassed 23 years of aviation experience. “In order to fly hot air balloons you require a licence, as you do for any other aircraft. To fly commercially you need a commercial licence after accumulating a minimum of 100 flight hours, take additional Civil Aviation Exams and apply for an Air

32 | www.tomorrowalgarve.com

So what does a balloon flight involve? Well, for starters you have to be an early bird! The optimum time to fly is at dawn, as balloons don’t fly in thermal conditions which is the case a couple of hours after sunrise.

Before every flight the weather has to be studied carefully and Helena must ascertain that conditions are right for a safe flight.

Passengers are taken to the launch site which is usually at the foothills of the Monchique mountains. The vehicle then follows the flight on the ground and passengers are picked up at the end. “Every flight is unique and is dependent on wind direction. We never know beforehand the exact spot where we will land,” Helena says, “It is mostly on set aside fields or minor roads.”

Before takeoff, passengers are briefed on safety requirements; the balloon is filled with cold air with the help of an inflation fan and then heated by a propane gas burner.

Eager passengers are always on hand to help with the assembly.

With passengers securely ensconced in the suspended wicker basket, the adventure begins. The balloon climbs gently and reaches an altitude of approximately 2000ft.

The vista which unfolds as the sun rises over the sea on the horizon, is breath taking.

“The colours, shadows and light at sunrise is surreal and I always feel that I am in another world. We climb higher and view the Barrocal valleys of the Algarve. It’s remarkably green and has so many lakes.

It feels as if you can touch the Monchique mountains with your finger. You can see Albufeira, Portimão, Alvor, Lagos, Sagres, the southern coastline and the west coast, making it all seem so close by. Surprisingly the valleys are flourishing with wild boar and the hills are scattered with bee hives,” Helena recounts. It does sound as if she cherishes every single flight she makes.

The 360º view is something unique to ballooning, the sturdy basket making an excellent platform for photography and the slow pace allows time to appreciate the colours, sounds and even smells. The balloon flies over places where no man has been before and it is possible to observe nature and the awakening of the world without physically disturbing it.

“It is always great when we approach the busier coastline too,” Helena laughs, “Commuters hoot, wave, stop and take photos while we fly overhead. Surely they will be late for work!”

Properly briefed, passengers assume their landing positions. Nervous anticipation quickly dwindles as the balloon kisses the ground gently. The ground crew led by Rodrigo, expertly appear and start bringing the gentle giant down. In no time at all is the balloon packed and loaded.

The adventure doesn’t quite end here as passengers are treated to a sumptuous picnic with local delicacies and the traditional bubbly celebration, before returning to Lagos – each one probably still feeling as if they are soaring high above the Algarve landscape.

What an experience! It is no wonder that a few marriage proposals have been made in what must be the ultimate romantic setting.

Whatever the reason for flying, passengers are made to feel part of the team and learn about ballooning. And anyone who gets seriously bitten by the balloon bug can take it a step further. Training to become crew with the Algarve Balloons Flight School?

Now that is food for thought! www.algarveballoons.com

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HEALTH

Pets Mate

By Lars Rahmquist

I borrowed this from a colleague on the internet...here’s why: At a recent home euthanasia visit of an old Alsatian named Belker, Shane, the 6-yearold son, seemed so calm, patting the old dog for the last time.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any confusion. We discussed the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane said, “I know why,” and I’ve never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live. He said: “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

» Stretch before rising. » Run, romp, and play daily. » Thrive on attention and let people touch you. » Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. » On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. » On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. » When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body. » Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. » Be loyal. » Never pretend to be something you’re not.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: » When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. » Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. » Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

» If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. » When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY! Happy summer!

Farmers’ market health foods

By Hannah Sharpe da Rosa Watercress is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Gram for gram it has more vitamin C than oranges, more vitamin E than broccoli, more calcium than whole milk and more iron than spinach.

Watercress also has exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A in the body and needed for growth and development, immunity and healthy vision.

Watercress (agrião in Portuguese) contains a wide range of natural plant compounds called phytochemicals, for which there is increasing evidence for beneficial effects on human health.

These include antioxidants such as lutein and quercetin, which may help protect the cells of the body from damage from free radicals.

Numerous scientific studies have proven that watercress has exceptionally good anti-cancer potential due to these plant phytochemicals. Beneficial effects against three key stages of cancer development were observed in a 2006 study observing watercress extract and colon cancer cells.

www.lagosvet.com » Take naps.

Mindset

By Ann de Jongh

When we decide that we are going to either lose weight, eat healthier, start exercising, or make some other change to our lives to affect our health and wellbeing, all too often we forget about one of the most important aspects of that change and that is the mind.

Without the will or desire for the outcome that our change will bring, it will be virtually impossible for it to happen.

Once we have recognised that we need to make a change, we then have to really want to do it, not because we think we should, or someone else tells us to, but we have to truly want to do it for ourselves, and only then we will be successful.

Don’t underestimate the power of the mind and its importance in making a change; it is the most powerful tool we have to make our goals happen. No matter the size of the outcome, whether it is making sure we drink 2 litres of water a day, losing 20kg, or

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completing a triathlon, each one involves the desire to succeed and by creating that desire and determination in the mind, then success will naturally follow.

So if you are thinking that you ought to start to make some changes then think about why, write down your goals and what completing that goal will mean to you. Then use those thoughts and imagine how you will feel when you complete or even start to make the changes, to set you on the path.

Once you have your mindset firmly behind you, believing in what you want to achieve, then anything is possible.

Ann de Jongh is a personal trainer and sports massage therapist.

Please contact Ann by calling +351 913202621 or going to www.fit2lovelife.com or www.eat2lovelife.com

A study published in 2010 revealed that one of these plant compounds may have the ability to suppress breast cancer cell development by ‘turning off’ a signal in the body and thereby starving the growing tumour of essential blood and oxygen.

The enzymes in watercress help us to metabolize and eliminate chemicals and toxins.

We are fortunate to have this special food almost year round in our farmers’ market here in the Algarve so let’s take advantage of it.

The best culinary aspect of watercress is its versatility. It can be used as a nutritious salad green, makes a delicious peppery soup and wilts perfectly into pasta. For the greatest nutritional benefits, eat it raw.

Hannah Sharpe da Rosa is a registered nutritional therapist. www.algarvenutrition.com or call Hannah on 914 950 740

www.florestagolfviews.com

Purchase a share within a property for a fraction of the price but with all the benefits of owning a property abroad.

Seven high specification luxury linked villas located in one of the Algarve's most desirable areas.

+351 915 468 739 info@florestagolfviews.com www.florestagolfviews.com

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HEALTH

Parkinson’s Part 2

Are you have menopausal nightmares?

By Niki Medlock

By Meri Hanlin

Parkinson’s, a chronic, progressive disease, is not considered fatal.

Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 50 – 60.

Hot flushes? Night sweats? Mood swings?

Fear of HRT?

Individuals will experience symptoms differently, with quick or slow progression.

Non-motor symptoms (not involving movement, co-ordination or mobility) may begin years before motor symptoms. For example; loss of sense of smell, sleep and mood disorders, constipation, bladder problems, depression, fear and anxiety.

Primary motor symptoms are: » Resting tremor; approximately 70% of people, in early stages, experience a slight tremor in the hand or foot on one side of the body. Usually appearing when muscles are relaxed or at rest, and ceasing when they are active. Often spreading to the other side of the body as the disease progresses.

How would you like to say goodbye to any or all of these menopausal nightmares simply by taking one simple capsule every day? No negative side effects or dangers associated with HRT therapy. It even protects against osteoporosis, also associated with menopause. I have to order a mountain of this product to keep up with the demand!

Why? Because it WORKS...and FAST! Menobom Plus is a 100% natural supplement that most people report works within several days to completely banish those very frustrating symptoms that we women face at some point in our lives. If you have ever had sleepless nights because of night sweats or experienced the

terror known as hot flushes, your troubles can easily be banished without worry of increased risk of cancer or osteoporosis.

With the addition of 5-HTP, which increases serotonin, Menobom Plus also gives a pleasant calming which reduces irritability, mood swings and insomnia. Come on by and talk with Meri who can explain this product in more detail. She can tell you of the hundreds of women who use this product, she is aware of only one woman for whom it did not work. Pretty good odds that it WILL work for you! There is NO reason to “put up with” this. One simple capsule per day! The vast majority of women report that their hot flushes and night sweats have disappeared within 3-4 days of their starting taking Menobom. It really is that easy!

Harmony Earth is in Luz.

What Is Pilates? By Lisa Longhurst

» Bradykinesia: (“slow movement”) general reduction of spontaneous movement causing difficulty in performing everyday functions and walking with short shuffling steps.

Abnormal stillness with resultant decrease of facial expression and quieter, less distinct speech. » Rigidity: stiffness in muscles that normally stretch and relax during movement, but with this disease do not relax. » Postural instability: unstable when standing as some reflexes needed to maintain an upright posture are lost, making it easy for the patient to fall.

There are many other secondary motor symptoms; freezing (when the sufferer hesitates before moving forward).

Micrographia (handwriting gets smaller and smaller), drooling / excessive saliva resulting from reduced swallowing movements; stooped posture and cramping to name but a few!

Medication is used to treat symptoms, not reverse the effects of the disease. There are many compounds and, as the disease presents differently in each individual, medication has to be at different doses and at different times of the day to keep these symptoms in check.

Niki Medlock is head nurse at www.luzdoc.com

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A question I get asked almost every day – so, here it is in laymen’s terms!

that he designed. Albeit now slightly modernized!

Pilates (puh-LAH-teez) increases flexibility, stability and strengthens muscles through controlled movements done as mat exercises or with equipment to tone and strengthen the body. You will not be able to work for Easyjet after taking these Pilates classes!

So can you do it? The answer is YES! Anybody can do Pilates, from fitness fanatics to seniors, from sports professionals to individuals that need rehabilitating!

Everyday life and the sports or work we do give us imbalances in our body and Pilates works to regain that balance. And it is not just something that you can do in the studio.

The exercises can also be practiced in the comfort of your own home.

In addition, Pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body’s “core” (torso). People who do Pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health.

Joseph H. Pilates founded Pilates. As a child he was frail, living with asthma and other childhood conditions. To grow stronger, he designed exercise methods and equipment for immobilized patients and soldiers. And today we still practice his method with the original equipment

Joseph Pilates stated, “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference and in 20 sessions you will see the difference.”

So why not give it a go and start to feel the difference?

To discuss your personal requirements call +351 926 514 613 or email info@pilatesroomlagos.com.

All the Right Moves

By Daniel Keane, chiropractor

Gardening is a great way to stay active and have fun in the sun. But many people sustain injuries that can be easily prevented with a little know-how.

The right moves Use the right moves to lighten the load on your back. Kneel, don’t bend, to plant. Change your body position often. Take frequent breaks.

Alternate between light and heavy chores. Drink lots of water. And most importantly, loosen-up before you start out.

Warm up Before you begin any physical activity, warming up is a key factor in preventing injury. Take a walk, even on the spot. Ten to 15 minutes should do it. Don’t forget to lift your knees and gently swing your arms.

Stretch before you start To plant and rake without the ache, do each of these stretches five times. Don’t bounce, jerk or strain. Stretches should be gentle and should not cause pain.

Your sides Extend your right arm over your head.

Bend to the left from the waist.

Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Your arms and shoulders Hug yourself snugly.

Slowly rotate at the waist as far as is comfortable to the left, then to the right.

Your back In a seated position, bend forward from the hips, keeping your head down.

Reach for the ground.

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Your hamstrings Stand.

Reach your hands to the sky.

Then bend at the waist and reach toward your toes.

Hold for 15 seconds.

EN

Your thighs Face a wall or tree and support yourself against it with one arm.

Bend your right knee and grasp your ankle or pant leg with your left hand.

Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

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Lagos Marina

L AGO S Santo Antonio Church

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Intermarche Supermarket Skate Park A MEIJEIR A

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To make an appointment with Daniel please call Eugenia on: 282 768 044

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BUSINESS

What Is Fractional Ownership?

Have you ever considered owning a property in Portugal but then worried about the running costs or even the cost of buying the property? Well, there could be a less expensive way of owning your dream holiday home.

Fractional ownership originated in the US, where following a series of bad press regarding time shares, this new hybrid evolved. Instead of just buying time that you could use for only one week a year, Fractional Ownership allowed you to actually own the property along with a series of other owners.

Fractional Ownership, believe it or not, was pioneered in Europe by Parque da Floresta and became a large part of their business over a 10 year period from 2000 to 2010.

Fractional ownership allowed you to own a share in the property and share the usage as well as the running costs. In 2004 the resort changed the ownership scheme into UK limited companies which enabled owners to buy and sell their shares in the property rather than having to change the freehold ownership. In Portugal, especially, this was expensive and time consuming so the ability to change share ownership made the sales process quick and easy.

Following the demise of the Vigia Group, the Fractional Ownership scheme faltered a little, however there are still hundreds of contented owners enjoying their dream homes on some of the leading resorts in the Western Algarve.

Fractional Ownership properties are available on Parque Da Floresta, The View, Quinta de São Roque as well as Boavista and even some of the Oceanico resorts. Fractional Ownership options can be on any type of property from 2 bedroom apartments at Quinta de São Roque to 3 bedroom townhouses at Parque da Floresta or even Luxury Villas on the Parque.

The properties are furnished to the highest specification and usually a sinking fund is set up between the owners. The weeks are then allocated on a rotational system which enables each owner to use all 52 weeks of the year over a set period of time which really is the most efficient way of owning a property.

Instead of owning the property outright and ending up only using it for 10-12 weeks of the year, you could own a quarter share fraction and only pay for the weeks you use…

So, if you have always wanted to own a property in Portugal but worry about the initial cost and then the running costs, perhaps you should consider Fractional Ownership. I have a range of properties across all the resorts mentioned available for sale. The scheme is safe and secure, enabling you to own a property on a luxury resort as well as offering professional management and even letting of your property.

If you would like further details or even just a chat about Fractional Ownership email me on david@bpaproperty.com

Don’t wait – get a will If you own assets in Portugal it is advisable, although not compulsory to make a will. This facilitates the process for your heirs/spouse after you have passed away.

In Portugal the law that applies to a person’s succession is the law of that person’s nationality.

For instance, if you’re a British national, it is the law of England that will apply to your succession in Portugal. As a result, you are able to dispose of your assets as you see fit if a will is made. Portuguese law is different to the English law and there are strict succession rules that mean that assets cannot be freely disposed of. A portion of the estate must be distributed to legitimate heirs.

Wills can be drawn up by solicitors or lawyers and signed before a public notary.

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By David Westmoreland

By Cardine Martins

Two Portuguese understanding witnesses are needed and if you do not understand the Portuguese language, a translator is also required. The will is kept in the Notary Office with a register made in the Central services and you will receive a certified copy of the same that should be kept and made available to your successor.

To make the succession process in Portugal easier, it is advisable that a solicitor/lawyer is engaged to help you throughout the process.

I am available for consultations should you require any information on how to proceed with the making of a will or if you have any questions.

Please contact me on 6692@solicitador.net or +351 967 550 485.

Holiday Rentals

By Carol Spires

Are holiday rentals a return on your investment or a disaster waiting to happen?

Many owners have considered renting their property either to help with the bills or to maximise their investment.

However, before you embark on this route you should be aware of the local and national laws affecting holiday lets.

Over the years the local Câmara have increased their activity with regards to licensing and inspecting properties, and more recently the fiscal authorities have been pro-active in monitoring websites used by owners to advertise their property.

Did you know that if you rent out your property in the Algarve (or anywhere else in this country) then you are required to pay tax in Portugal – regardless of what you may declare in your home country?

When embarking on rentals, take professional advice and make sure that you understand the potential income and costs generated from renting your property. Also, understand the legal implications – with a rumoured 500 more ‘tax inspectors’ heading to the Algarve this summer there will be no hiding place!

We have been successfully renting our own and other owners’ properties for over 10 years and regularly analyse the market and what today’s holiday rentals guests are looking for.

Even after 10 years, we are continually improving our service offering to owners and their guests.

Make sure you enjoy your holiday home and your rental activity contributes to your peace of mind, and doesn’t become a nightmare.

For further information for our Rental Bookings Service please contact Carol or Sean at Destination Algarve Lda info@destintion-algarve.com www.destination-algarve.com

A Fun, Funky, New, Family Owned Bar with a great atmosphere, right in the centre of Praia da Luz.

Beers, Wines & Fantastic Cocktails, Home Made Burgers & Ribs and much more, Children's Menu, Live Music & Disco's & Quiz Nights, Pool Table, Free Wifi Our Food is Home Made and our Ribs are the Talk of the Town....

Take Away Available: Call (00 351) 282 769 912 Directions: Come out of the SPAR Car Park and turn left, we are the white building on the right Find us on Facebook at Rios Luz

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BUSINESS

Floresta Golf Views By Brigitte Urbano to business and lifestyle commitments need a more flexible option to owning a second home. It represents a lifestyle choice, combining sensational high specification villas with access to a comprehensive range of lifestyle services while allowing the time to truly enjoy them.

‘Floresta Golf Views’ is located in the heart of Western Algarve, Budens, near Lagos.

These magnificent newly built high specification three bedroom villas are located in one of the Algarve’s most desirable areas.

Just minutes away from the beautiful Salema beach and overlooking the magnificent Santo Antonio Golf and Spa Resort (formally known as Parque de Floresta Golf & Spa Resort).

The villas offer spacious 3 bedroom living, entered by its own privately gated courtyard, where there is car parking with two spaces per property and with a large pool, jacuzzi, gym area, individual outdoor BBQ areas, beautifully landscaped garden and verandas, offering all day long sun shine and one of the finest golf courses in the Algarve on your doorstep.

Fractional Ownership significantly reduces the amount, in these value-driven times, of the investment purchasers have to make to obtain the dream of having their very own holiday retreat because Fractional Ownership allows you to purchase a holiday home for you and your family at a fraction of the normal cost.

Floresta Golf Views will provide a 52nd share of a luxury property with a deeded interest which can be enjoyed, sold, willed, deeded or placed in a trust like any other real estate purchase. Included with the purchase is a holiday exchange points program through RCI and membership fees for 5 years, are included in the cost. www.florestagolfviews.com

droppings have been medically proven to trigger allergic reactions such as:

By Bernadete Bishop Do your mattress and carpets look clean?

The concern with the quality of indoor air linked to health conditions is growing.

According to Allergy UK at least 12 million Britons suffer from an epidemic of “home fever “, triggered by dust mites, moulds, cleaning products and pets.

Carpets act as an environmental filter, trapping and holding impurities from the air and the impurities have to be cleaned to avoid any kind of health hazard.

Mattresses can host a multitude of horrors, from bacteria to fungal spores and microscopic house dust mites, allergens and bed bugs.

Every night we produce sweat and shed dead skin, in our warm and moist bed, a perfect breeding ground. Dust mites’

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Over the past three years Energy Reducer Ltd has established itself as a supplier of premier lighting products across the Algarve. Amongst the portfolio is London based EcoLED Lighting, nowadays the preferred choice of architects, building developers and homeowners across the Algarve.

With over 20 years of experience in LED lighting design and manufacture, EcoLED is acknowledged as a global company with a reputation for sophistication, reliability and affordability.

Sophisticated Designed for the major markets in London, Berlin, Paris, Milan and New York; EcoLED products are simply exceptional.

Reliable Painstaking development working with lighting designers, electrical contractors, engineers, industry partners and interior designers over many years has evolved into industry acknowledged quality standards.

Most products carry a full 5 year guarantee.

Floresta Golf Views are offering fractional property ownership for those who appreciate the finer things in life... but due

Clean is Healthy

International Award Winning LED Lighting now on the Algarve By David Rowlands

Asthma, sinus problems, bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, itchy eyes, sneezing, scratchy or irritated throat, headaches, poor sleep, fatigue, depression.

Allergies start for most people in childhood and often symptoms are confused with colds and flu. Besides dust mites, researchers have found an alarming number of harmful germs such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, major triggers of sickness and diarrhoea.

The usual cleaning procedures done by careful people merely displace microbes from one part of the mattress to another.

Knowing that our body releases so much organic matter onto our mattress, it makes one wonder why this problem has never been studied and remedied, until now.

Please call Maria Livia Mihis from Clean is Healthy on 920 419 690.

Affordable EcoLED products deliver energy savings of over 80% year on year. With LED operational life of 50,000 hours, for most homeowners that means fit and forget.

Energy Reducer Ltd works with architects, interior designers, lighting designers, building developers and landscape specialists all based on the Algarve.

The quality of EcoLED products attracts exceptional designers to work with you in your project large or small.

Design trends in 2014 are novel, exciting, changing rapidly as technology simplifies the impossible. Find out more by going to our web site at www.energy-reducer.com or ring David Rowlands directly on his mobile 937 084 991 or email: david@energy-reducer.com

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FOOD & Beverage

Pashmina Indian Restaurant in Praia da Luz

By Julie Battersby

I have always been a big fan of Indian food and so I was delighted to visit Pashmina to review the food.

My taste buds were ‘tingling’ ahead of my arrival at their Luz restaurant which is behind the church and very close, with views to the sea.

It has a very relaxed ad friendly approach and we we are greeted by one of Rahman’s lovely staff. We chose to eat on the lovely terrace as it was a very warm evening.

We had starters recommended by the attentive waiter, cheese pakora and Sheekkabab, neither of which we had ever tasted before and both of which we shared. It made me especially aware that I should, in future, be more adventurous.

Then we were recommended Saag Pooner and Chicken Tikka. We had never tried these before but they certainly awakened our tastebuds.

There is a children’s menu which makes very good sense if your family are not used to eating spicy foods. One excellent feature of Pashmina is that not only do they have a take away service, but it is free in the areas of Luz, Lagos, Burgau and Almaverde if you spend €25 or more!

They open for lunch and dinner and whilst I can personally recommend them I can also say that they have a very solid reputation for quality Indian food and service in the Luz and Lagos area.

Take my word for it-you will not be disappointed!

Tel:- 960453376 to book a table or order a take away. www.pashminarestaurant.com

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A night to remember at Cachoa Restaurant By Julie Battersby It is literally off the beaten track but more than worth tracking down. From the Luz roundabout follow the signs to the restaurant which is only a short drive down the lane or even better you can take a taxi.

This really is a great place for a lovely and memorable evening or that special occasion.

Don’t just take it from us - go and sample the superb food, we can promise you will not be disappointed.

Inside, the restaurant has an air of elegant fine dining. There is also a delightful outside dining in the garden area, for these wonderful warm summer evenings with romantic lights all around!

One important note to remember is to bring cash, as they do not take cards.

Quatro Estradas, Sitio da Cashoa, Lagos, 8600 Algarve. Please call 282 782 822 to make a booking.

The food was absolutely delicious – the menu is interesting and varied. Starters include soups, salmon or beef carpacci, stuffed mushrooms and Mozzarella Salad.

There’s a selection of pasta, vegetarian main courses, as well as plenty of meat options too. There are also plenty of daily specials and exotic puddings.

The food portions are good and it all was very well presented.

Oooo Coffee!! By Catheine We have a new undercover reviewer who will be giving you the lowdown on local coffee shops and eateries.

Eavesdropping is a much underrated pastime. “Have you been to Petit France, they have a wonderful chocolate fondant tart?” was overheard a couple of weeks ago.

I do love to try new coffee places, so investigations and visitations turned up the fact that this is a new venture opened in January by a delightful French family and is actually called NANU, although I think “Petit France” will be the name by which it becomes generally known.

My first visit was memorable for a fresh raspberry and delicate custard flan just out of the oven. Delicious, and the pastry was crisp and light. Coffee good and probably the cheapest café com lait (white coffee) in Lagos. I couldn’t possibly have left without the mentioned ‘chocolate fondant’ so a portion was taken home to have with tea later. It was incredibly rich and gooey without any strange back taste which can sometimes happen with chocolate and I think this is down to the fact that all the pastries and quiches are baked on the premises and the ingredients of good quality.

They do a really nice apple turnover with sliced apple not puree, as well. If you are,

however, looking for a genuine French style croissant this is not the place (Serge and Santoshi in Luz, are the place for these). His croissants are of the heavier Portuguese variety and are quite substantial.

My second visit has a cautionary tale.

Although there was a freshly made strawberry tart available, I chose a cherry tart which had been made the day before and it had definitely suffered from its overnight stay. Soggy pastry and droopy fruit. I do highly recommend you going but would advise sticking with the ‘baked that day’ items.

Situated in the centre of Lagos about 100 metres from the main bus terminal, on the pedestrianised area, opposite PDM Travel, they are quite noticeable by their pink and green chairs and black tables.

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FOOD & Beverage

Restaurant offers throughout June Please email for.tomorrow@hotmail.com with restaurant promotions you want included in our monthly list - IT’S FREE OF CHARGE

Change is afoot at the Pigs Head

By Tom Henshaw Rotten and Pat have made lots of good changes to the very well established and successful Pigs Head in Burgau. The winning formula continues with some fabulous additions. They have expanded the outside seating area so there is more seating and they have added wind breaks so that you can really enjoy the atmosphere of this real English pub.

Big screens inside and out, plus four large flat screens with HD makes this a sports bar that it is hard to beat in the western Algarve.

Monthly

Fridays

FREE cocktail with your meal just mention

8am-late - Fish,chips & mushy peas

‘Tomorrow’ | Restaurant Vila Velha, Sagres

€6.95 | ‘TOMIK, Burgau | 282 695 525

(nr. the Pousada) 917 128 402 Special of the day comes with a FREE beer/ wine | Marina Bar, Lagos Marina - 282 789 701 50% off 1st bottle of Wine mention The promo code “Rockefeller’s” + Summer Specials 10€ inc. a free glass of

6pm - Home Made Fish & Chips (+ full menu) | Barroca Bar, Praia Da Luz 282 762 799 9pm - Karaoke & Fish, Chips & Peas €6 | Windies, Praia Da Luz | 961736455

House Wine | Rockefeller’s Bar & Grill, Lagos

Saturdays 12pm - 3pm - Chicken or Vegetarian dish inc.

Naan or Rice | €7 | Algarve Spices

5pm - Steak Night | €10 | The Lighthouse,

282 049 675

Lagos Marina | 282 762 115 / 968 073 449

Mondays

8.30am onwards - Sunday Special

of house wine | €6 | The Star, Lagos

Champ potato topped with fillets of smoked

912770647

haddock, poached eggs & toast €8 | Lazjacks Bar, Lagos Marina

5pm - Curry Night | €6.50 The Lighthouse, Lagos Marina 282 762 115 / 968 073 449

282 761 384 Until 4pm - Sunday Roast | €8.95 Booking Essential | International Cafe, Lagos 966 499 554 10am – Golf Competition | Open to all

Thursdays

Golfe Santo António, Budens 282 690 054

Chilli con carne & rice + a large beer/glass of house wine | €6 | The Star, Lagos

1 - 7.30pm - Sunday Roast | Barroca Bar,

912770647

Praia Da Luz | 282 762 799

5pm - Pizza Night | €5 | The Lighthouse,

Sunday Roast | Pigs Head, Burgau

Lagos Marina | 282 762 115 / 968 073 449

934 295 774

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Please telephone 282 697 315 or 934 295 774.

‘Tomik vibrations’ in Burgau

Sundays

Fijian chicken curry & rice + a large beer/glass

Tuesdays

The restaurant facilities are as good as ever with Pat at the helm providing great food and very filling portions - YOU CAN TAKE MY WORD FOR THAT!!

At ‘Tomik’, chillin’ with the wifi and enjoying their Sunday entertainment Beto Kalulu and Band. There is plenty of enthusiasm and everyone is having a great time and those that are dancing to the Latin music are particularly energetic - and it is only 5pm! The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and full of carnival rhythm. Tasty tapas to order and the cocktails are flowing, some an alarming shade of blue! Hungover, stressed or just looking for an oasis?

Then look no further next Sunday, and wander no wider than Burgau!

‘Tomik will hold live music every Sunday from 3.30pm until the end of August, the theme: chillax!!

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OUTDOOR composed of overlapping petals arranged like the iris of a camera. Flowers last for only a day or two but are borne in profusion usually from late spring through summer and intermittently into autumn and sometimes winter.

It is amazingly tolerant considering its delicate beauty, flourishing in clay, sand or improved soils. Full sun or partial shade makes little difference while watering can be sparse or regular, but cold wet ground will kill it off. After a few years the Blue Hibiscus can become leggy so prune it back to suit.

The fabulous Hibiscus family Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, to give its full name, is a star performer here in the Algarvean garden hardly missing a beat from early spring to late summer and beyond. Potted garden centre specimens can prove disappointing after their first flush however.

For best results choose a large pot, use good compost with slow release fertiliser, allow to almost dry out between watering and make sure drainage is good. Prune after flowering and add sulphate of iron 2-3 times a year.

Treat old plants past their best like roses, pruning them hard almost down to the ground. Ideally, Hibiscus likes some shade as full sun reduces blooming and colour; also humidity helps, so for garden planted specimens try and use irrigation systems that provide misting.

If your Hibiscus regularly produces yellow leaves don’t worry, as this is part of its natural growth cycle. But too many are normally a sign of stress – too much fertiliser, overwatering

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By Clive Goodacre

or a change in its ambient conditions such as cold winds etc. Aphids love hibiscus so keep a close watch on growing tips and buds.

Because Hibiscus belong to the mallow family there are some oddities such as the Scarlet Hibiscus, Hibiscus Coccineus, which has divided palmate shaped leaves resembling those of the marijuana plant making it something of a conversation piece! Its huge flowers open flat with paddle-like petals and although only lasting for a day, are born in profusion on succulent reddish stems easily reaching 2m high or more.

Given plenty of water, full sun and rich soil, the Scarlet Hibiscus does well here grown from seed or root division, dying down in winter and coming back year after year – each time bigger and more outrageous than before.

Alyogyne huegelii, commonly known as the Blue Hibiscus, is a large shrub bearing the most beautiful blue/lilac flowers up to 10cm across

If you want something truly outrageous then there is Hibiscus Mauvelous. Bred in Holland from the more down to earth swamp mallow, this show-off shrub produces massive pink, red or white hibiscus flowers up to 24cm in diameter which flop around like gaudy dusters. It needs full sun, plenty of water and will tolerate clay, sand and chalky soils, but seems to grow best in general-purpose potting compost straight out of the bag. If it starts to look leggy or battered then simply cut it back to a few inches from the ground and it will grow back bigger than before.

REAL ESTATE. AGENCY LAGOS WESTERN ALGARVE

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